The Blinded Veterans Association joined Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and the Wounded Warrior Project this week in support of a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would require the VA Secretary to establish a comprehensive standard for timing between medical referrals and appointment times for care at VA facilities, and to submit a report outlining VA compliance with that standard.  S. 3598, Scheduling for Community Health and Easy Data to Understand for Legislators […]

Chelsea White, Outreach Specialist for The Seeing Eye, Inc., of Morristown, New Jersey, will address The Seeing Eye’s admissions process during next Tuesday’s (January 16) Dog Handlers Group meeting.  All past, present, and prospective dog handlers among BVA’s blind and low vision veterans are encouraged to join the session via Zoom at 4:00pm Eastern Time. The session’s agenda also includes a visit from BVA Director of Development Meredith Buono-DaGrossa. She will introduce attendees to the […]

Donald, a golden lab, looking straight at the camera. He is wearing his harness and has a little US flag-printed bow tie around his neck. New to BVA Happenings in 2024, the Ambassadog Scoop Series features guide dogs that have become significant in the lives of Association members and their families. The series offers news, tips, and guidance for dog handlers and others who spend time in the company of guide dogs.  Donald was introduced […]

BVA Executive Director and Army veteran Don Overton, Tennessee Regional Group Secretary/Treasurer and Navy veteran Calvin Poole, and Mid-Atlantic Regional Group President and Army veteran Michaun Harrison appeared on last Sunday’s Operation Confidence “America’s Invisible Heroes” Talk Show, available now as a podcast on YouTube. The three together used the balance of the program to promote BVA’s mission, programs, and current initiatives. They also discussed the BVA Auxiliary (BVAA) and other opportunities to volunteer and […]

Dive into the opportunities offered by BVA’s Kathern F. Gruber Scholarships – a chance like no other for spouses, dependent children, and grandchildren of blind and low vision veterans seeking support for their higher education tuition. Five awards valued at $2,000 each are available for the 2024-25 academic year. The scholarships are a valuable resource for your family’s educational aspirations.  The application process is straightforward with applicants evaluated on merit by a select committee. Although […]

This weekend and on into next Monday’s federal holiday, the leadership, staff, and membership of the Blinded Veterans Association will pause to reflect on the humanitarian service and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on what would be his 95th birthday.  As the country honors the memory of this renowned civil rights leader, we recognize one of Dr. King’s oft quoted statements that “anyone can be great, because anyone can serve … and all […]

BVA’s regional group chaplains, either elected or appointed, are invited to attend an hour-long multi-faith group meeting via Zoom on Thursday, January 11, at 11:00am Eastern Time under the direction of National Chaplain Kennith Harvey.  Those present in the virtual meeting will discuss how BVA members can reach out to their fellow veterans. They will also draw on previous discussions regarding spiritual outreach and the means for supporting and maintaining religion as a visible component […]

New to BVA Happenings in 2024 starting today, the Ambassadog Scoop Series features guide dogs that have become significant in the lives of Association members and their families. The series offers news, tips, and guidance for dog handlers and others who spend time in the company of guide dogs. First up in the series is Donald of Fort Myers, Florida, serving BVA Director of Member Relations Teresa Galgano or, in his case, “My Veteran” or simply Mom. […]