October 27, this Monday, is the original Navy Day, the day that was established in celebration of the United States Navy. Although the observance was officially replaced by Armed Forces Day in 1949, the celebrations of Navy Day continue, especially among the members of the Naval Forces themselves. Research undertaken in the 1970s revealed that the true birthday of the U.S. Navy is October 13, and the birth date of this branch of the Armed

Longtime BVA friend Gale Roberson Watson, always a staunch advocate for blinded veterans and who constantly championed the work done on their behalf, passed away on October 13 from causes incident to Alzheimer’s Disease. Gale retired as National Director for Blind Rehabilitation Services at VA in 2018 after a long and distinguished career of service to those with blindness and low vision through clinical care, education, research, and international consulting. In addition to several recognitions

Since 2012, October 26 has been recognized by all 50 states as the National Day of the Deployed, a day dedicated to honoring those past and present who have been deployed throughout the world in U.S. military service. The day also acknowledges the sacrifices that military spouses and families make during deployment. The first-ever Day of the Deployed was observed in 2006 when North Dakota announced a proclamation for the day, thanks to the efforts

BVA only recently learned that the American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma (ASOT) presented BVA Past National President Dr. Tom Zampieri with its first ever “Advocacy Award” for legislation and policy achievements during his tenure at BVA, both as a staff member (Director of Government Relations) and as a Board Member (National Vice President, National President, and Past National President). The award was presented to Tom by Grant Justin, M.D., President of Walter Reed National Military