BVA’s District 1 will host a “District One Weekend” in Hampton Roads, Virginia, from 12:00pm (noon) on Friday, April 17, until 12:00pm on Sunday, April 19, Director of District 1 John O’Connell has announced. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to attend with their veterans.

Although this announcement will be the only one visible to at-large members who reside within District 1, all at-large members who do not belong to a regional group are encouraged to attend and get involved. There is no registration fee for the event, with the major expense being transportation and lodging. Members are responsible for their own transportation to and from Hampton Roads. The area is served by Amtrak train service and air travel. A District 1 Town Hall regarding “District One Weekend” is scheduled for January 26 at 5:00pm. Links are available on the BVA calendar.

John O’Connell has secured a block of rooms for $129 per night plus tax beginning on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Embassy Suites Hampton Convention Center. This room block will be held until February 28, 2026, only. Members can contact the hotel directly using (757) 827-8200 to reserve a room. Tell them you are with the Blinded Veterans Association to receive the arranged rate.

Additional instructions on how to register for the event via BVA.org will be provided in upcoming editions of BVA Happenings. The registration will not require payment of any kind and will be important only in informing John and helping him prepare activities and materials for the appropriate numbers of veterans, family members, and caregivers who are planning to attend.