Special Mother’s Day Gift for Those Who Served

Building 9 Open House

The Building 9 for Veterans Transitional Housing Program, or B-9 as it's often called by staff members, invited members of the community to an Open House on April 1. The facility opened in November of 2007, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the B-9 staff and a number of community partners.  

B-9 is a transitional housing program that offers a way for homeless veterans to get back on their feet and break the cycle of homelessness, forever.  Currently, B-9 is the temporary home to twenty-one veterans, including one woman veteran, who are working through personalized care plans.  Veterans in the program attend classes and counseling, work on life skills and receive job or skills training all with the focus on their transition back into the community. 

Port Orchard Outreach

April 3 was our first Community Outreach Event.  The day included a community luncheon where about fifty community leaders, volunteers and service providers gathered to learn how they could help veterans and families in Port Orchard and Kitsap County.  Colonel Ron Kapral, Commander of the 81st Brigade, provided a powerful message to the attendees about the importance of supporting the families of our National Guard members throughout the upcoming deployment and encouraged employers to continue supporting these citizen soldiers when they return.
Following the lunch was a Veterans/ National Guard / Reserve Information and Assistance Fair which connected veterans, National Guard Members and their families with benefits and services. 
The day concluded with a Town Hall where First Gentleman Mike Gregoire, Senator Derek Kilmer, Representative Larry Seaquist, Representative Pat Lantz, County Commissioner Jan Angel and Puget Sound VA Health Care System CEO Stan Johnson answered questions from community members about veterans issues. 
During the day,John Lee was also able to meet with Mayor Coppola, the Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, members of the County Veterans Assistance Fund Board, Prosecutor Hauge, Sheriff Boyer, Police Chief Townsend, and other city and county officials to discuss veterans services. 
Thank You Kitsap County and the City of Port Orchard for the work you do to serve veterans and their families!

Korean War Veterans Luncheon

Korean War Veterans were honored by Mr. Seok-Keum Yoon, Chairman of the Woongin Group at a luncheon held at the SeaTac Hilton on March 29.  Mr. Yoon traveled from Korean to host the lunch in the Veterans' honor as a way to thank them for their service.  Also in attendance were Lt Governor Brad Owen, Mr. Tae-Sik Lee, Ambassador of South Korea to the United States, Former Governor Daniel Evans, Former Governor John Spellman and State Senator Paull Shin.  I was honored to act as the Master of Ceremonies for the event where nearly 300 veterans of the Korean War gathered to listen to several speakers and watch a performance of the Morning Star Cultural Center.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day Observance Ceremonies Sept. 21

A public ceremony will be held in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day on Friday, Sept. 21, at the POW/MIA Memorial on the Capitol Campus in Olympia, beginning at 10:00 am.
            The event, sponsored annually by the Washington State POW/MIA Concerned Citizens Association, is held to honor the commitment and the sacrifices made by this nation's Prisoners of War and those who are still Missing in Action, as well as their families. 
            This year’s special guest will be the daughter of Sgt. 1st Class James D. Williamson of Olympia, Nicole Ross.  Williamson, an Army helicopter gunner listed as MIA in Vietnam since 1968, was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Aug. 14, 2007.
            In addition, the POW/MIA Living Memorial and Bracelet Repository at the Washington Memorial Cemetery in SeaTac will observe the day with a public ceremony at 3:00 pm, at which time the Repository will be opened to place POW/MIA bracelets of someone accounted for, or bracelets that are broken.  The Repository will then be sealed again until next year. The POW/MIA bracelets originated in 1969 as a way to bring attention to the American military prisoners and those listed as missing in Vietnam. For a history on the origin of the POW/MIA bracelet visit http://thewall-usa.com/bracelet.asp
            National POW/MIA Recognition Day – the third Friday in September – is one of six days specified by Congress requiring the display of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag at locations required in Title 36 of the US Code, Section 902.
            Washington State passed legislation in 2002 requiring all state agencies, institutions of higher education and every county, city and town to display the National League of Families POW/MIA flag, along with the state and national flags, on the same specified days.     POW/MIA flag protocol is posted on the WDVA website at http://www.dva.wa.gov/POW-MIA%20flag.html
            For additional information concerning either of the ceremonies, contact Darrell Pilat at 425-430-7610.

10:00 am, Friday, September 21
POW/MIA Memorial
Capitol Campus
Olympia, WA
http://www1.leg.wa.gov/OutsideTheLegislature/WashingtonStateInfo/Memorials

3:00 pm, Friday, September 21
Washington Memorial Cemetery POW/MIA Living Memorial and
Bracelet Repository
16445 International Blvd.
SeaTac, WA
http://www.bonneywatson.com/_mgxroot/page_10952.php

Remember Washington's Fallen Heroes

Governor Gregoire reminds Washingtonians that September 29 and 30 mark the statewide “2007 Time of Remembrance.”  A tribute will be held in the cities of Richland and West Richland to honor the families and comrades of Washington’s fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“During this time of war, it’s important to remember the sacrifice that so many of our service members and their families are making,” said Governor Gregoire.  “Join us as we honor the memories of the courageous men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty and pray for the comfort of their friends and family.”

For more information, please visit the Time of Remembrance web site at:  www.timeofremembrance.org

VA’s Suicide Hot Line Begins Operations
WASHINGTON – To ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of a national suicide prevention hot line for veterans.

“Veterans need to know these VA professionals are literally a phone call away,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson said. “All service members who experience the stresses of combat can have wounds on their minds as well as their bodies. Veterans should see mental health services as another benefit they have earned, which the men and women of VA are honored to provide.”

The toll-free hot line number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). VA’s hot line will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. They will take toll-free calls from across the country and work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers.

To operate the national hot line, VA is partnering with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“The hot line will put veterans in touch – any time of the day or night, any day of the week, from anywhere in the country – with trained, caring professionals who can help,” added Nicholson. “This is another example of the VA’s commitment to provide world-class health care for our nation’s veterans, especially combat veterans newly returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.”

The suicide hot line is among several enhancements to mental health care that Nicholson has announced this year. In mid July, the Department’s top mental health professionals convened in the Washington, D.C., area to review the services provided to veterans of the Global War on Terror.

VA is the largest provider of mental health care in the nation. This year, the Department will spent about $3 billion for mental health. More than 9,000 mental health professionals, backed up by primary care physicians and other health professionals in every VA medical center and outpatient clinic, provide mental health care to about 1 million veterans each year.

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7/29/07 John Lee audio interview with Don Riggs on KMPS Radio, 94.1.
Click here to listen

7/31/07 NOTICE SEEKING CONTRACTOR TO SERVE HOMELESS VETERANS. Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs is looking for a contractor interested in working with Veterans.  The Contractor will be responsible for the identification of services eligible veterans and their family members who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness and are not currently utilizing available benefits and entitlements, or other services that could provide life-stability and economic self-sufficiency.  Contract period – September 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 with the possibility of renewal.  Compensation - $3,500 per month includes mileage.  Please provide resumes to Garry Hodgson at: garryh@dva.wa.gov. August 20, 2007 will be the closing date for this contract.
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7/26/07 VA Researchers Develop New Prosthetic Ankle
WASHINGTON – Veterans with lower-leg amputations can look forward to having a prosthetic ankle-foot that matches their natural ease of motion, thanks to research funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and conducted by researchers from the Department and two of the nation’s top universities.

“Veterans are entitled to the best this nation has to offer, and at VA, we’re constantly redefining the meaning of best,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “This new ankle-foot prosthetic is another example of VA’s medical innovations for veterans that will benefit all Americans.”

Researchers say the new ankle-foot prosthetic is the first in a new family of artificial limbs. It will replicate natural motion by propelling people forward using tendon-like springs powered by an electric motor.

Through VA-funded research, the Center for Restorative and Regenerative Medicine, a partnership between the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island, Brown University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, developed the new prosthesis. The center’s goal is to restore natural function to amputees.

VA expects to spend more than $1.2 billion this year on prosthetics and sensory aids, which includes glasses and hearing aids. The Department operates about 60 orthotic-prosthetic labs across the country that fabricate, fit and repair artificial limbs or oversee limbs provided by commercial vendors.
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7/19/07 Governor’s Veterans Committee to meet July 26 in Walla Walla

Walla Walla – The Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) will hold its bimonthly meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2007, at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center Auditorium, 77 Wainwright Dr. in Walla Walla.

The VAAC – under the leadership of Chairman Bill Schrier– is composed of 17 members and advises the Governor and the director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) on issues and programs concerning veterans.
The meeting is open to the public and provides an opportunity for community members to share information with the committee that will assist in providing services to the more than 670,000 Washington veterans and their families.

Visit the WDVA website at www.dva.wa.gov for driving directions, agenda, minutes from previous VAAC meetings, contact information for VAAC committee members or call 360-725-2167 for additional information.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center
Auditorium
77 Wainwright Drive
Walla Walla, WA 99362
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7/19/07 Wreathlaying Ceremony to Honor Korean War Veterans
Washington residents are invited to pay tribute to veterans of the Korean War on Saturday, July 28, as veterans groups gather in Olympia to remember the 54th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.
A special wreathlaying ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the East Capitol Campus.
All organizations and individuals are welcome to bring flowers and/or wreaths to place during the ceremony. This event marks the14th anniversary of the dedication of the Washington State Korean War Veterans Memorial.
For information and directions to the memorial, visit http://www.ga.wa.gov/Visitor/korean/koreanwar.htm
or call 1-800-562-0132 option 1.
The Korean War lasted three years, from June 25, 1950, until a cease-fire was signed on July 27, 1953. More than 500 Washington residents lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during this conflict.
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7/17/07 VA Secretary Announces ResignationRecent VA News Releases

Nicholson to leave VA and Return to the Private Sector Under his Leadership, VA Makes Strides in Health Care and IT Modernization WASHINGTON (July 17, 2007) -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Jim Nicholson announced today he has tendered his resignation to President George W. Bush, effective no later than October 1, 2007.

Under Nicholson's leadership, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continued its evolution as a leader in health care innovations, medical research, education services, home loan and other benefits to veterans.
He transformed the VA health care system to meet the unique medical requirements of the returning combatants from Iraq and Afghanistan.

In his letter of resignation, Nicholson praised and thanked the President for the honor of serving him and our Nation's veterans in this key post at such a "critical time in our nation's global war on terror."

"The VA is a dynamic organization dedicated to serving our nation's finest citizens - our veterans," Nicholson said. "It has been an honor and privilege to lead the VA during this historic time for our men and women who have worn the uniform. We have accomplished so much and the VA is always striving to improve our services to veterans."

Nicholson said he wants to return to the private sector. "This coming February, I turn 70 years old, and I feel it is time for me to get back into business, while I still can." He said he has no definite plans at this time.

He also addressed an assembled group of Washington VA employees and those watching around the country on VA's closed-circuit television. In his message to employees, Nicholson told them how privileged he felt to have worked with them in fulfilling our nation's promises and obligations to its veterans.

"VA has come a long way in meeting the growing needs and expectations of our veterans and you deserve the credit", Nicholson said.

Nicholson, a Vietnam Veteran, was sworn in as Secretary of Veterans Affairs on February 1, 2005.

During Secretary Nicholson's tenure at the Department of Veterans
Affairs:

* Directed each of our veterans of the global war on terror who come to the VA for any kind of care to be carefully screened for brain damage
(TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

* Hired 100 new Outreach Coordinators to provide services to returning OIF/OEF veterans. The new coordinators are located in Vet Centers throughout the country especially near our military processing stations.

* Created a new Advisory Committee on OIF/OEF Veterans and their families to advise him on ways to improve programs serving OIF/OEF veterans.

* Directed the Veterans Benefits Administration to give priority to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans in its compensation and pension claim system.

* Launched a major information technology transformation in the VA with the way it uses and safeguards personal and health information of veterans.

* Created a new Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness to deal with emergency planning and security.
Initiated the overhaul of the VA's vast contracting and acquisitions systems.

* Created a blue ribbon Genomic Research Advisory Committee to use the VA's expansive medical data holdings to advance the science of predictive medicine.

* Commenced a major campaign to reduce the high rate of diabetes in veterans.

* Launched a national effort in the Veterans Health Administration to eradicate staph infections in VA hospitals.

* Approved 82 new Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) to bring VA top notch care closer to the veterans who have earned it.

* Created a new multi-campus Nursing Academy through partnership with the nursing schools throughout the country to help address a shortage of nurses within the VA and nationwide.

* Directed the hiring of suicide prevention counselors at each of VA's 153 facilities to strengthen one of the nation's largest mental health programs. He also established a 24-hour national suicide prevention hotline that will be operational by the end of July 2007.

* Hired 100 new Patient Care Advocates to help severely injured veterans and their families manage VA's system for health care and financial benefits.

* Led the President's recent Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes to improve the delivery of federal services and benefits to Global War on Terror service members and veterans.

"This is a very big Government agency that, among many other things, sees over 1 million patients a week in its health care system, and is doing a world class job," Nicholson said. "The American people can feel proud about the way we are treating our veterans. The President and the Congress have been very supportive and for that I am grateful as well."

Nicholson thanked the President, "he has given me terrific opportunities to serve my country and under his strong and supportive leadership, it has been a real privilege."

Nicholson left the private business world over 10 years, where he ran a successful residential development and construction company. He was elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee in January 1997.
Immediately prior to becoming Secretary, he served as the U.S.
Ambassador to the Holy See.

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Richland – The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is pleased to announce the addition of licensed mental health counselor Roberto Valdez to their Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) contract counseling program, covering the Tri-Cities area.

Valdez, a native of the lower Yakima Valley, received his degree in Social Work from the University of Washington, Masters in Counseling from Heritage University and his PHD in Family Psychology from Cappella University. He can be reached at 509-543-7253, 1-877-323-0313 or rgvaldez@yahoo.com .

WDVA maintains a unique outpatient counseling program designed to provide confidential counseling services to all honorably discharged men and women, wartime veterans and family members, becoming the first state to pass a law establishing a PTSD and War Trauma Treatment Program in 1991.

“We attempt to augment the services of the federal VA Medical Centers and the Readjustment Counseling Service Vet Centers,” said program director Tom Schumacher. “Often times, we can offer services that are closer to the veteran’s home, to his or her family members, and to do this in a more informal setting.”

WDVA’s PTSD program has nearly three dozen contracted counselors throughout the state, offering a wide range of specialized treatment services, as well as linkage to a variety of other services.

To find out more about Washington’s PTSD programs, contact Tom Schumacher at 360-725-2226 or 1-800-562-2308, e-mail tom@dva.wa.gov or visit www.dva.wa.gov and click on War Trauma Counseling.

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6/14/07 Father's Day – Honor a Veteran with an Armed Forces License Plate
Olympia – It’s not too late to honor a veteran on Father’s Day with a Washington State Armed Forces license plate.

“Father’s Day is only a few days away,” said Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs director John Lee. “Instead of running out and buying a tie, think about the impact an Armed Forces License Plate could have on the Veteran in your family.”

These specialty plates became available in January 2006, for Washington citizens who served – or are now serving – their country in the U.S. Military, National Guard or Reserves.

Six separate designs, each containing a symbol representing a different branch of the armed forces to include Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and WA National Guard, are available at all Washington Department of Licensing offices.

The special license plates may be used in place of regular or personalized license plates for motor vehicles required to display one and two motor vehicle license plates.

Because these plates require an eligible veteran to make the purchase for the vehicle registered in their name, a Gift Certificate and application can be downloaded from the WDVA website at http://www.dva.wa.gov <http://www.dva.wa.gov> .

“I can’t think of a more heartfelt way to thank a person for their love of family and country than by honoring them for both with an Armed Forces license plate,” said Lee.

In addition to other state and county registration charges, the plates will cost $40 plus any applicable licensing fees for the initial purchase and $30 for each yearly renewal. $28 from the purchase and renewal of each plate will be directed to the Veterans Stewardship Account and is tax deductible.

The Veterans Stewardship Account will be used for activities that benefit veterans, such as maintaining the future state veteran’s cemetery in eastern Washington; providing programs and services for homeless veterans; and establishing memorials honoring veterans.

For additional information visit the Washington’s Armed Forces license plate page or call 1-800-562-0132 and press 1.

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6/14/07 Returning OIF/OEF/ONE Veterans Wanted for
Environmental Certificate Training Program
Beginning in September 2007

There are only a few slots open for the Environmental Certificate Training Program beginning in Sept., so please pass this information on to any returning OIF/OEF/ONE veterans you know who might benefit from this program.

Also, please note that the program will be located at Green River Community College only. Arrangements for screening and enrollment can be made by contacting Mark Fischer or Mark Seery at 360-725-2224 or markf@dva.wa.gov or marks@dva.wa.gov

Olympia – Returning military veterans can pursue a career in environmental restoration/conservation, receive a monthly stipend of $1,000, and use other education benefits such as their GI bill and Washington’s veteran tuition waivers, as part of a new program being co-sponsored by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.
The ten-month program will be located at Renton Technical College and Green River Community College as part of the Veterans Conservation Corps, with classes beginning in September 2007.
“The program will be a mix of classroom work and on the job training on projects in King County,” said VCC program manager Mark Fischer.
The requirements for enrollment in the program include:
A returning veteran from Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Noble Eagle.
An interest in learning skills towards environmental restoration/conservation
Erosion and sediment control techniques
stream restoration
GPS/GIS/Surveying
Heavy equipment operation around environmentally sensitive areas
Permitting, project management, small business contracting with natural resource agencies, storm-water mitigation, etc.
3. A willingness to work and learn intensely for 10 months/40 hours a week.
4. An ability to get to school every day at Renton. (Funding may be available to assist qualified veterans with relocation expenses.)
5. An interest in transitioning from a military mission to a personal mission of working to protect the environment and the future of our region.

Assistance may be available for veterans with housing transitions, when necessary, and the program will also provide other support services to ensure that the veteran is getting help in all areas of their life. The VCC also plans to assist with job placement during and after the program is completed.
“It is important to note that the veterans will be working and learning with each other most of the time, rather than mixed in the general college community,” said Fischer.
Arrangements for screening and enrollment can be made by contacting Mark Fischer or Mark Seery at 360-725-2224 or markf@dva.wa.gov or marks@dva.wa.gov
For more information on veterans programs, visit www.dva.wa.gov

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6-4-07
New Superintendent appointed at Retsil

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Shreder as Superintendent of the Washington Veterans Home. Governor Gregoire approved the appointment on May 31 and Richard is already on-site at Retsil. 

Please take the time to meet Richard and welcome him to the WDVA team.

Richard Neal Shreder

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Richard is a native of Chicago, Illinois.  He used his GI Bill to attend the University of Chicago after being honorably discharged, where he earned a Master of Social Work degree.

While visiting Seattle on vacation, he fell in love with the area and immediately decided to make it his home. For the past 30 years, Richard has been involved in Skilled Nursing and Assisted living facilities, holding positions of Administrator, Operations Director, Marketing, Social Services, and Activities.

In an introduction letter from Richard, he said:

“I am very excited to have been selected as the Superintendent of the Veterans Home.  I am so glad to know our Veterans have such a wonderful place to live and I look forward to serving our residents in any way I can.

“It was made clear to me during my interviews and tour that the staff cares a great deal about the work they do.  I could see and feel that in so many ways, and I am happy to be joining you.”

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June 4, 2007
VA To Establish Nursing Academy
Secretary Nicholson: “Holds Great Promise for the Future”

WASHINGTON – To address a shortage of nurses across the nation and ensure that veterans continue to receive personalized, world-class care in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, VA has announced creation of a new multi-campus Nursing Academy.
“Our new, pilot VA Nursing Academy holds great promise for the future of our health care professionals and, most importantly, our patients,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “It will expand our teaching faculty, improve recruitment and retention, and create new educational and research opportunities.”
VA has one of the largest nursing staffs of any health care system in the world, with about 61,000 registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, vocational nurses and nursing assistants at the Department’s 153 medical centers and nearly 900 clinics.
A five-year, $40 million pilot program will establish partnerships with 12 nursing schools across the country during the next three years, beginning with four for the 2007-2008 academic year. The VA nursing academy is a virtual organization with central administration in Washington and teaching at competitively selected nursing schools across the country who partner with VA.
VA currently provides clinical education to nearly 100,000 health professional trainees annually, including students from more than 600 schools of nursing.
Despite a nationwide shortage of nurses, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has reported that more than 42,000 qualified applicants were turned away from nursing schools in 2006 because of insufficient numbers of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space and clinical mentors.
“The new partnerships will reinvigorate VA’s nursing academic affiliations and ensure continued quality in clinical education,” said Dr. Michael J. Kussman, VA’s Acting Under Secretary for Health.
Further information about the pilot program can be obtained from VA’s Office of Academic Affiliations Web site at www.va.gov/oaa.

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You are cordially invited to attend the dedication of

The Healing Pole
at the
Washington Veterans Home in Retsil
on
Thursday, June 14, 2007
at
9:30 a.m.

Donated by the Lummi Veterans and the House of Tears Carvers, this specially designed and crafted work of art acknowledges the service and sacrifice of Native Veterans who served alongside their non-Indian comrades-in-arms.

We look forward to your attendance.

To RSVP, or for additional information, please contact Heidi Audette at 360-725-2154 or heidia@dva.wa.gov

Directions to the WA Veterans Home

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May 15, 2007
CONTACT: Heidi Audette, Communications Director (360) 725-2154
NEWS ADVISORY: New laws expand benefits to families of fallen military personnel and veterans

Olympia – Four bills were approved by Governor Chris Gregoire on May 14, 2007, to reinforce Washington’s commitment to military families and veterans.

The new laws provide full tuition waivers to widows and children of military personnel killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty, expand opportunities for veterans suffering from war trauma to enter the conservation field, and update existing veterans statutes.

“During this time of war, it’s important to remember the sacrifice that so many of our service members and their families are making right now,” said Governor Gregoire. “These measures help to fulfill our obligation to our service members, veterans and their families.”

The bills signed into law today include:

Senate Bill 5002
Children and surviving spouses of veterans or National Guard members – who died, are permanently and totally disabled, are missing in action, or are prisoners of war – are eligible for full tuition waivers at state higher education institutions.
A child is eligible is he or she is a Washington resident between the age of 17 and 26.
A surviving spouse is eligible if he or she is a Washington resident, has not remarried, and uses the tuition waiver within 10 years of the loss.

Senate Bill 5164
Expands the Veterans Conservation Corps to include volunteer projects as well as training, education, certification, and placement programs.
Allows the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs to collaborate with other state agencies that administer the Washington Conservation Corps to identify stewardship and maintenance projects on agency-managed lands that are suitable for the Veterans Conservation Corps Program.
Requires the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs to seek partnerships with federal agencies managing lands in Washington for the employment of Veterans Conservation Corps enrollees in environmental restoration projects.

House Bill 1065
The Veterans Scoring Criteria adjustment for eligible veterans must be applied to civil service exams whether the state hires a private company to administer the exams, or administers the exams itself.
For veterans returning to employment with the state after active military service for one or more years, five percentage points will be added to the score of every promotional examination until the veteran's first promotion, instead of to the score of one promotional examination only.

House Bill 1064
RCW 73.08.060, containing restrictions on sending veterans or their families to
almshouses, is repealed.

“I would like to personally thank the Veterans Legislative Coalition and representatives from our State’s Veterans Service Organizations including the Gold Star Wives and Gold Star Mothers,” said John Lee, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. “Their tireless work, on behalf of the 670,000 veterans who call Washington State home, has resulted in one of Washington’s most successful legislative sessions for veterans in Washington History.”

For more information on these and the other veteran-related bills that passed during the 2007 Legislative Session, visit: www.dva.wa.gov .

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May 4, 2007 CONTACT: April Harris, Executive Assistant (360) 725-2167

NEWS ADVISORY: Governor’s Veterans Committee to meet May 24 in Spokane

Spokane – The Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) will hold its bimonthly meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Red Lion Inn at the Park, 303 W. North River Dr., in Spokane.
The VAAC – under the leadership of Chairman Bill Schrier– is composed of 17 members and advises the Governor and the director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) on issues and programs concerning veterans.
The meeting is open to the public and provides an opportunity for community members to share information with the committee that will assist in providing services to the more than 670,000 Washington veterans and their families.
Updates on the Eastern Washington Cemetery and a partnership with Fort Lewis for transitioning soldiers will be provided.
Visit the WDVA events page for driving directions, proposed agenda, minutes from previous VAAC meetings, contact information for VAAC committee members or call 360-725-2167 for additional information.

Thursday, May 24, 2007
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Red Lion Inn at the Park
303 W North River Dr.
Spokane, WA.

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Special Mother’s Day Gift for Those Who Served

Olympia - This Mother’s Day, the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs is offering the perfect idea for honoring mothers, grandmothers, aunts, or daughters – Armed Forces License Plates.

These specialty plates became available in January 2006, for Washington citizens who served – or are now serving – their country in the U.S. Military, National Guard or Reserves.

Six separate designs, each containing a symbol representing a different branch of the armed forces to include Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard, are available at all Washington Department of Licensing offices.

The special license plates may be used in place of regular or personalized license plates for motor vehicles required to display one and two motor vehicle license plates.

“Because these plates require an eligible veteran to make the purchase for the vehicle registered in their name, a Gift Certificate and application can be downloaded from our website at http://www.dva.wa.gov ,” said WDVA director John Lee.

“I can’t think of a more heartfelt way to thank a person for their love of family and country than by honoring them for both with an Armed Forces license plate,” said Lee.

In addition to other state and county registration charges, the plates will cost $40 plus any applicable licensing fees for the initial purchase and $30 for each yearly renewal. $28 from the purchase and renewal of each plate will be directed to the Veterans Stewardship Account and is tax deductible.

The Veterans Stewardship Account will be used for activities that benefit veterans, such as maintaining the future state veteran’s cemetery in eastern Washington; providing programs and services for homeless veterans; and establishing memorials honoring veterans.

For additional information on Washington’s Armed Forces license plates, visit http://www.dva.wa.gov or call 1-800-562-0132 and press 1.

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