Curious about what WDVA is working on this legislative session? Stay up-to-date with the status of Veteran-related legislative bills—sign up for our legislative updates email distribution list on our website dva.wa.gov & visit app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo for more detailed bill info.
Thank you to United Indians of All Nations for hosting the Joint American Indian Veterans Advisory Council (JAIVAC) Meeting on May 6, 2026. Your Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs' team (Steve Gill, Terry Westoff, Tucker Flood, and Nicole Vreeland) joined tribal leaders and and federal, state, and community partners convened to provide updates on services and supports available to our Native Veterans and their families across the state and beyond.
The JAIVAC consists of tribal Veteran representatives who collaborate to strengthen support services for tribal Veterans. Their work includes expanding access to employment assistance, helping individuals navigate unemployment claims, creating more job opportunities for Native American/Alaska Native Veterans, and assisting members with enrollment in Federal Veterans Affairs Healthcare programs and benefits.
We are grateful to serve our state's 6,000 Native Veterans and families across our state (and bordering states too!), and remain committed to honoring and serving those who served.
Happy Armed Forces Day! 🇺🇸
Your WDVA was proud to support our active duty military and Veterans at the Armed Forces Day parade in Bremerton, WA this morning with Deputy Director Solomon Gilbert riding in the parade and WDVA outreach staff at the festival providing information about transitional housing services and Veterans benefits. Bremerton is home to the third largest US Naval base with nearly 16,000 active duty personnel.
Thank you to our servicemen and women for your service to our state and nation. 🫡
#armedforcesday #servingthosewhoserved #military #veterans #usnavy
Join us for a free Intro to CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) workshop on May 22!
This training is designed to build practical skills you can use to support Veterans and their families.
Register here: dva.wa.gov/counseling#training-registration
Feeling on edge? Having trouble sleeping? Drinking more than you want? Feeling disconnected from your family and friends?
You are not alone.
This Mental Health Month, hear other Veterans describe symptoms that made them realize they could benefit from mental health care.
/MHM/
#MTCoutreach
Excited to collaborate with Veteran Owned Business @f7mediagroup on our Definition of a Veteran campaign! Recent law changes now expand the definition to include Veterans who were less than honorably discharged due to their LGBTQ+ status, and we hope their inspiring videos encourage more Veterans to apply for their earned benefits.
Today, the F7 team spoke with Robin Lang, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs LGBTQ+ Program Manager, about what it means to be an LGBTQ+ Veteran and how important it is to connect them to vital services while restoring their dignity.
Stay tuned for the campaign in the coming months!
Your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and the SSG Fox Program were proud to join our community partners at the Kitsap Spring Stand Down. Together, we connected with 213 veterans and family members, supported by 34 service organizations, 54 vendors, and 56 volunteers. E
vents like this strengthen our shared mission to reach veterans experiencing poverty, homelessness, and crisis with dignity and support. Grateful to KAVA and all who showed up for our community. The event was tabled by the above William Brown (Veteran Benefits Specialist, THS WVH Team A) and Richard LaFrazier (SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Regional Service Coordinator).
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Governor Ferguson has directed that the U.S. and Washington state flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Washington State Supreme Court justices.
Today is a moment to pause and reflect on the public servants who have carried the responsibility of fairness, integrity, and justice for the people of Washington.
We invite government entities, individuals, and businesses to join in this recognition.
Happy Nurses Day and Nurses Week to our Veterans homes nurses!
This week, we recognize and thank the dedicated nurses across the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs who serve Veterans with skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
WDVA nurses are at the heart of the care our Veterans receive, providing support, comfort, and clinical expertise every day in our Veterans Homes and beyond. Your work strengthens not only health outcomes, but quality of life for the Veterans and families you serve.
Thank you for your professionalism, resilience, and the care you bring to every interaction.
Join us for the next Forward2Gether Veteran Brain Injury Peer Group, a supportive space for Veterans and families impacted by brain injury.
Theme: Mental Health Matters: Supporting Veterans and Families Through Brain Injury
Date: May 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. PST
Format: Hybrid (Virtual and In-Person)
In-person location:
Port Orchard Transitional Housing Program
1141 Beach Drive East, Bldg. 10
Port Orchard, WA 98366
To attend virtually, please register using the link or QR code on the flyer. A Microsoft Teams link will be emailed the day of the peer group.
Questions: [email protected]
The public is invited to join us for a Memorial Day ceremony at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery at Medical Lake, as we gather in remembrance and gratitude to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.
Event details: /share/1GxA3HG44B/
Date: Monday, May 25
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: State Veterans Cemetery
21702 W. Espanola Rd
Medical Lake, WA 99022
Please note that on-site parking is limited, with overflow parking available on Ritchey Road. Carpooling is encouraged. Pets and the use of tobacco products on the grounds are prohibited.
Gravesite flags will be placed by members of the military on Friday, May 22. Media are welcome to cover the flag placement. Contact the cemetery for the specific time.
For additional information, contact (509) 299-6280 or [email protected]
As Public Service Recognition Week comes to and end, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our WDVA outreach staff.
You’ll see our outreach team members all across the state of Washington — showing up everyday and in every corner to help Veterans get connected to their benefits, support systems, and wellness programs. We so appreciate your commitment and dedication to Serving Those Who Served. 🇺🇸 ❤️
