Past BVA National President Dr. Thomas Zampieri is the subject of a July 11 feature story by Maya Jordan, Public Affairs Specialist for the VA Houston Health Care System. Click the button below to read more. The article outlines Tom’s personal history as a U.S. Army Medic, a Physician’s Assistant at the Houston VA Medical Center, the diagnosis of a genetic degenerative eye disease, and his experiences as an inpatient trainee at the Southwestern Blind […]

Each year, both the United States and South Korea observe National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27. The observance began as a way of commemorating and recognizing the peace treaty that triggered a cease-fire in a longstanding war. The Korean War is a significant chapter in American history in which approximately 50,000 American troops died. More than 100,000 were wounded, among them thousands of eye casualties. Thousands more were held captive as prisoners […]

Convention attendees recognized the legacy of BVA’s first National Chaplain (1946-1971) and blind rehabilitation pioneer Thomas J. Carroll while receiving inspired direction from BVA member and guest speaker Matthew R. Bradford, USMC (Ret). Matthew invited BVA members to “love being blind” and to share that passion with others. Reader’s Digest Grant Program Manager Dianna Kelly-Naghizadeh also described a recent grant awarded to BVA’s Ambassador Program. Annual award winners announced at the luncheon are listed below. […]

During this Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month (June), Dr. Debra Atkisson, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services at Connections Wellness Group, discusses how trauma has no boundaries. She also names several treatment offerings available to those affected by trauma. Trauma knows no boundaries, but you’re not alone in your fight for healing By Dr. Debra Atkisson June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase public understanding about a mental health condition […]

BVA is one of a handful (roughly a hundred) of organizations that have been granted a “federal” or “Congressional” charter. This concept is somewhat puzzling to the public and sometimes even mystifies government officials. BVA Executive Director Don Overton has compiled a few clarifications to common misconceptions about Congressional charters. Who came up with the idea of a “federal charter?” The federal charter as it exists in the United States appears to be a direct […]

BVA National Headquarters extends best wishes to all for an enjoyable Independence Day. Military.com reports that if there is a group of people who know how to do patriotic holidays with flair and style, it is military and veteran families. The site has a top ten list of what is most fitting for service members and veterans to do on Independence Day. To access the list and read more about the importance of Independence Day, […]

For veterans seeking a final resting place that reflects their deep connection to the ocean, the U.S. Navy offers the distinguished service of Burial at Sea. This ceremonial tradition allows eligible veterans, active-duty members, and certain family members to be committed to the sea with full military honors.  The process begins with a request from the veteran’s family, who must provide essential documents, including a copy of the death certificate, discharge papers, and a completed […]

The pre-convention Virtual Rules and Credentials Town Hall via Zoom will be held next Thursday, June 27, at 2:00pm Eastern Time. The meeting will constitute the final business Town Hall session before the in-person convention meetings in Jacksonville.  Although all BVA members are invited to attend next week’s Town Hall, moderators will be present to help ensure that only the designated participants who represent seated regional groups will be able to unmute their microphones. For […]

Next Wednesday, June 12, has been designated Women Veterans Recognition Day in several areas of the United States. The date was chosen to mark the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, signed into law by President Truman on June 12, 1948. The legislation enabled women to serve in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and the recently formed Air Force. Except for nurses, women had previously served only in times of war.  Although the […]