VETERANS INNOVATIONS PROGRAM
| Helping Washington's Veterans |
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The Veterans Innovations Program (VIP) was created during the 2006 Legislative Session to serve the emergency needs of veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle. This new law authorizes WDVA to accept donations, gifts and grants into a designated VIP Fund. The VIP is divided into two programs; the Defender’s Fund which offers one-time emergency grants of up to $1000 to National Guard or Reservist veterans, and the Competitive Grant Program which can provide additional resources aimed at removing barriers to employment or sustained economic stability. 100% of your donation goes towards helping veterans. Make checks or money orders to: Veterans Innovations Program Mail your donations to: Thank you for joining us in "Serving Those Who Served" If you’d like more information, please call 1-800-562-0132 and speak with one of our public relations staff members. |
(Left to Right) Charles Earl, executive director, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. Earl, a three year U.S. Air Force veteran, served as a Lieutenant on bases within the United States. The State Community and Technical Colleges provide tuition waivers to veterans, the dependents of disabled veterans or veterans killed in the line of duty and also provide veterans assistance with GI Bill benefits.
Colonel Mary J. Forbes, director, Human Resources Division and J1, Joint Forces Command, Washington National Guard. Forbes is a key leader in the statewide partnership for assisting Guard and Reserve personnel transitioning from combat to civilian life.
John E. Lee, director, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Lee is a Vietnam War veteran and retired Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army. He has worked for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs for the past fifteen years and is responsible for developing the state’s Memorandum of Understanding to serve Washington’s National Guard and Reserve soldiers when they return home from deployments.
Karen Lee, commissioner, Employment Security Department. A West Point graduate, Lee served in the U.S. Army for five years before attending the University of Washington School of Law and obtaining her law degree. Lee has initiated a statewide ‘HireVetsFirst’ campaign to encourage businesses to hire veterans following their military service.
Michael D. Hudson, executive director, Institute for Workforce Development and Economic Sustainability, a (not-for-profit) affiliate of the Association of Washington Business. Hudson, founder of the institute, is a sixteen-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Washington National Guard.
. Julie Wilkerson, Director, Community Trade and Economic Development. Ms. Wilkerson works with stakeholders and serves on several advisory boards and committees to expand business and community opportunities both here and abroad. Wilkerson also accompanies the Governor on trade missions to foreign markets to promote Washington products and services. Ms. Wilkerson holds law degree and is a member of the Washington Bar Association.