NewsFlash | Homepage

NewsFlash

Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families

Starting in 2026, you will be able to get digital versions of the America the Beautiful Passes, as required by Congress (2025 EXPLORE Act). The Annual Pass is available digitally as of November 20, 2025; all other America the Beautiful Passes will be available digitally beginning in January 2026. America the Beautiful Passes cover entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fees to thousands of recreation areas managed by six federal agencies: U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Military Annual Pass

Who Is Eligible for a Military Annual Pass

Current members of the US Armed Forces and their dependents are eligible for a Military Annual Pass.

How to Get a Military Annual Pass

In Person

You can pick up a Military Annual Pass for free at many national parks and federal recreation sites. You’ll need to bring one of three valid forms of identification:

• Unexpired Common Access Card (CAC)
• Unexpired DD Form 1173
• Unexpired Next Generation Dependent ID (Replacement of DD Form 1173)

Find a place to get a Military Annual Pass in person

USGS Store

To receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Store for a $10 processing fee. Passes ordered from the USGS Store are not digital passes and may take weeks to ship.

Order a Military Annual Pass from the USGS Store

Military Lifetime Pass

Who Is Eligible for a Military Lifetime Pass

Veterans of the US Armed Forces and members of Gold Star Families are eligible for a Military Lifetime Pass.

For purposes of this program, a veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the US Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves.

Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the US Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the US Armed Forces. Eligibility requirements are in section 3.2 of Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36.

How to Get a Military Lifetime Pass

In Person

You can pick up a Military Lifetime Pass for free at many national parks and federal recreation sites.

Find a place to get a Military Lifetime Pass in person

If you are a veteran, you will need to bring one of four valid forms of identification:

• Department of Defense Identification Card (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Generation USID replacement)
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Veteran ID Card (The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) only provides a digital version)
• Veteran designation on a state-issued US driver’s license or identification card

If you are a member of a Gold Star Family, you will need to bring a Gold Star Voucher to present to park staff.

Print a Gold Star Voucher

USGS Store

To receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Store for a $10 processing fee. Passes ordered from the USGS Store are not digital passes and may take weeks to ship.

Order a Military Lifetime Pass from the USGS Store

Patriotic fee-free days for 2026:

• President’s Day (February 16, 2026)
• Memorial Day (May 25, 2026)
• Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday (June 14, 2026)
• Independence Day weekend (July 3–5, 2026)
• 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25, 2026)
• Constitution Day (Sept. 17, 2026)
• Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (Oct. 27, 2026)
• Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2026)

Recreation.gov is the federal government’s centralized travel planning and reservation platform.

• Camping & Lodging
• Permits
• Day Use/Venues
• Tickets and Tours
• Hunting and Fishing

Pension for Medal of Honor recipients to increase fourfold

By SVETLANA SHKOLNIKOVA // STARS AND STRIPES //
December 3, 2025

WASHINGTON — Recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration bestowed in the United States, will see their pensions increase nearly fourfold under legislation signed by President Donald Trump this week. The bill, which passed the House in February and was unanimously approved in the Senate last month, increases the base rate for the pension from $1,489.73 to $5,625 per month. Pensions for surviving spouses will see the same increase. Annually, the pension for Medal of Honor recipients will grow from nearly $18,000 to $67,500 — a sum that legislators said better compensates recipients who are often not retired from the U.S. military and spend much of their time traveling the country and sharing their stories. ... Congress entitled Medal of Honor recipients to special pensions in 1916, at first granting them $10 per month for life. The monthly pension was raised to $100 in 1961 and $1,000 per month in 2002, the last time lawmakers acted to increase the payment. The pension is paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the amount is adjusted to keep up with inflation. The Medal of Honor has been awarded more than 3,500 times since it was established by Congress during the Civil War to recognize service members who distinguish themselves through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.”

President Theodore Roosevelt is the only president to be awarded the Medal of Honor. On July 1, 1898, in San Juan Hill, Cuba, Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt was serving with the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (Rough Riders); "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt distinguished himself by acts of bravery on 1 July 1898, near Santiago de Cuba, Republic of Cuba, while leading a daring charge up San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, in total disregard for his personal safety, and accompanied by only four or five men, led a desperate and gallant charge up San Juan Hill, encouraging his troops to continue the assault through withering enemy fire over open countryside. Facing the enemy's heavy fire, he displayed extraordinary bravery throughout the charge, and was the first to reach the enemy trenches, where he quickly killed one of the enemy with his pistol, allowing his men to continue the assault. His leadership and valor turned the tide in the battle for San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army".

Researcher narrows path to finding root cause of Gulf War illness

ROSE L. THAYER // STARS AND STRIPES - November 20, 2025

A new medical study found that the wide-ranging symptoms of Gulf War illness appear to be caused by a failure of cells to produce adequate energy, bringing experts a step closer to finding the root cause and a treatment. The study, released Thursday in the peer-reviewed journal “Scientific Reports,” builds on 30 years’ worth of research from project lead, Dr. Robert Haley, an epidemiologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Following the Gulf War, which ended in 1991, returning veterans began reporting a wide range of chronic symptoms, including fatigue, fever, night sweats, memory and concentration problems, difficulty finding words, diarrhea, sexual dysfunction and body pain. The illness affects more than 25% of the 700,000 military personnel involved in the war, according to the research report. Since then, academic researchers and the Department of Veterans Affairs have been looking for the cause among the many toxic exposures that veterans faced, such as burning oil wells, pesticides, nerve gas and anti-nerve gas medication, and depleted uranium.

Decadelong low basal ganglia NAA/tCr from elevated tCr supports ATP depletion from mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation in Gulf War illness
Sergey Cheshkov, Lisa C. Krishnamurthy, Audrey Chang, Hyeon-Man Baek, Sandeep Ganji, Evelyn Babcock, Jeffrey S. Spence, Richard W. Briggs & Robert W. Haley

Veterans Affairs prioritizing community care in Eastern Oregon

Boise VA Hospital Director David Wood stops in John Day to explain shift

JOHN DAY — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is prioritizing community care for those with difficulty getting into a VA care facility. David Wood, the director of the Boise VA hospital, spoke Nov. 12 at the John Day Elks Lodge to around 35 Grant County veterans about the changes during veteran’s morning coffee. The Boise VA hospital covers all of Eastern Oregon and serves around 100,000 veterans, Wood said. Community care is health care for veteran when the VA cannot provide the care. It is available to all veterans who meet certain conditions and eligibility requirements. The VA must first authorize community care before a veteran seeks care from a local provider. “If you cannot get an appointment, community care is VA care,” Wood said. Veterans Affairs then covers the cost of the care. Wood said the recent government shutdown did not significantly affect the VA due to the agency having a two-year appropriation cycle. Wood said the shift to an emphasis on community care will make health care more accessible for veterans, offer them more choices and better fit their needs. Read more at: https://bluemountaineagle.com/2025/11/15/veterans-affairs-prioritizing-community-care-in-eastern-oregon/

Planning Ahead for a Joyful and Financially Stress-Free Holiday Season

This November, Veteran Saves is focusing on helping individuals and families prepare for the holiday season with intention. From holiday spending and purposeful giving to avoiding debt and staying on track with savings, thoughtful planning can make the season both joyful and financially manageable.

For many Veterans and military families, the words “military discount” show up everywhere—on flights, electronics, restaurants, and even online shopping. They can be helpful, but they can also create a false sense of saving. Just because something is labeled a military discount doesn’t mean it’s the lowest price available. Some businesses offer a small percentage off while raising the base price. Others exclude sale items or tack on extra fees that cancel out any real savings.

Trump EO reinstates GI Bill benefits to Veterans discharged for refusing COVID vaccine

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that potentially thousands of Veterans who were discharged from service by the Biden Administration for refusing the COVID vaccine may regain eligibility for GI Bill education benefits. In January, President Trump issued Executive Order 14184, Reinstating Service Members Discharged Under the Military’s COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate. Following that, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed the military departments to facilitate, among other things, discharge upgrades for individuals involuntarily separated solely for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine and whose service was characterized as less than fully honorable. The Biden Administration separated more than 8,000 service members from the military because they had refused to comply with the Department of Defense (now Department of War) COVID vaccine mandate. More than half of these warriors received a discharge that was characterized as less than fully honorable, which may have made them ineligible for GI Bill education benefits. Following Department of War reviews, 899 of these Veterans are now eligible for GI Bill education benefits, and thousands more could also regain GI Bill eligibility thanks to the executive order.

December Deadline for Veterans Life Insurance

Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) is guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance. This means that if you meet the eligibility requirements for VALife, we’ll automatically approve your application. You won’t need to prove you’re in good health. And you can keep your coverage for the rest of your life. Life insurance provides essential financial protection covering:

• Funeral costs.
• Mortgage payments.
• Education expenses.
• Lost income.
• VA Home Loans

Eligible Veterans must apply for VALife by December 31, 2025, to keep S-DVI during the 2-year waiting period for VALife benefits. S-DVI (including policies with premium waivers) will end when full VALife coverage starts. Veterans must pay premiums for both policies during the 2-year waiting period.

Benefits you can get with VALife // You can get these benefits:

• Up to $40,000 in whole life insurance coverage (in $10,000 increments), and
• Cash value that starts to add up 2 years after we approve your application

RecruitMilitary and Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

DAV’s employment program connects transitioning active duty, Guard and Reserve members, veterans and their spouses with employers. Partnering with RecruitMilitary, DAV sponsors job fairs including virtual events, to connect Veterans and spouses with employers nationwide who are committed to hiring them. RecruitMilitary Job Fair are events where job seekers with military experience can meet with recruiters from local and national companies.

• Western Region Virtual Career Fair Online // Tuesday, January 27th
• San Diego Veterans Job Fair, San Diego, CA // Wednesday, March 11th
• Job Fair at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA  // Thursday, April 23rd
• National Virtual Career Fair Online // Tuesday, May 19th
• Western Region Virtual Career Fair Online // Tuesday, July 14th
• Job Fair at Camp Pendleton, Camp Pendleton, CA // Thursday, July 16th
• Job Fair at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA // Thursday, August 13th
• National Virtual Career Fair Online // Tuesday, August 25th
• San Diego Veterans Job Fair, Escondido, CA // Thursday, October 1st
• Job Fair at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA // Thursday, October 22nd
• Western Region Virtual Career Fair Online // Tuesday, October 27th
• National Virtual Career Fair Online // Tuesday, November 24th

These events are free for U.S. Veterans, military spouses, transitioning military, and members of the Guard and Reserve. RecruitMilitary, a leading recruitment firm dedicated to the military community, is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious "Patriot Employer" distinction by DAV. Regional and National Virtual Career Fairs for Veterans are held online at https://my.recruitmilitary.com/.

Special Veterans Day Announcement from the Home Depot Foundation // WKXL (FM-101, Audio) // The National Defense Radio Show (08NOV2024 Portland, OR)

The National Defense Radio show recently hosted Erica Headlee, Manager of Programs from the Home Depot Foundation, to talk about the continuing work that the Home Depot Foundation is doing to support U.S. Veterans. The “Celebration of Service” initiative is running from Patriots Day to Veterans Day to update and repair veteran homes across the country with their network of V.S.O.s. With programs assisting with housing, job training, and employment, Home Depot is putting MILLIONS of dollars where their mouth is in supporting those who have served our country.

Veterans Day 2025 Stars and Stripes: Save and celebrate with these special offers

Stars and Stripes recently published that businesses offering special discounts and promotions to honor those who serve — past and present — on Veterans Day on Tuesday. Before you dive in, keep a few things in mind: most of these offers require showing a valid military ID or proof of service, and if a business chain is offering a promotion, check your local location to ensure it is participating. Even if you don’t see your top spot on the list, it’s worth checking. More places want to show their appreciation than you might think. Enjoy!

Emergency Funding to Support Military Families

Wounded Warrior Project provides $2 million in grants:

OPERATION HOMEFRONT: To provide $500 grocery gift cards to 720 post-9/11 veteran and active-duty military families to meet essential needs.

ELIZABETH DOLE FOUNDATION: To help approximately 750 caregivers of post-9/11 veteran and active-duty military families with navigating resources and receiving emergency financial assistance.

MILITARY FAMILY ADVISORY NETWORK (MFAN): To provide a week's worth of groceries and a commissary gift card to 1,250 active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve families ($200 per family), expanding MFAN's ability to support more families across the nation.

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS: To provide 950 clients with case management and financial assistance, and to support 4,500 military households through strategic food distribution events near military bases nationwide.

STRONGHOLD FOOD PANTRY: To provide more than 52,000 meals and reduce food insecurity to 2,500 military families across 40 locations.

ARMED SERVICES YMCA: To support two months of additional surge distribution across 12 branches in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, providing over 187,000 pounds of food to more than 5,300 military families.

No Interest - No Payment for 3 Months

Eligible patrons now can use their MILITARY STAR card through Nov. 30 to make interest-free commissary purchases with no payments for three months. The MILITARY STAR card is offered through the Department of War (DoW) credit program, exclusively for military personnel and their families, DoW civilians, retirees, Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans, and veterans who received an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge. DeCA has no authority to determine whether a person is authorized to shop in the commissary. If you believe you may be entitled to commissary privileges, visit your local installation Pass and ID office for information about military benefits and to obtain an ID card consistent with your entitlements. Commissary Store Locations in VISN 20 are located in Alaska, Idaho and Washington.

Warrior Care Month 2025

Recovery Coordination Program was established by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181, Section 1600 “Wounded Warrior Act”) to improve the care and management of recovering Service members. That same year, the United States began honoring Warrior Care Month each November, to reaffirm VA's commitment that there is no higher priority than caring for the wounded, ill, and injured Service members who have sacrificed so much.

Mission: To support wounded, ill, and injured Service members in their recovery and reintegration or transition to civilian life.
Vision: To ensure the nation’s wounded, ill, and injured Service members, their families, and caregivers are not forgotten.
Guiding Principle: There is no higher priority than taking care of Service members who have become wounded, ill or injured while in service to our nation.

"They made a promise to us when they joined, whatever Service they joined, and then they made another promise to us when they came in as Special Operations and we're making a promise to them, that we're going to be with them for the rest of their lives if anything happens to them and we're going to help take care of their families as well."-Quote from the USSOCOM Commander at Care Coalition founding in 2005.

Wounded Warrior Programs: Each military service has a Wounded Warrior Program to specifically address the needs of wounded, ill, and injured service members, as well their families and caregivers.

Cost of Living Adjustments for Service-Connected Benefits and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) VA Compensation Calculator

Periodically, VA makes cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to VA compensation and pension benefits to ensure that the purchasing power of VA benefits is not eroded by inflation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an agency of the United States Department of Labor (DOL), is the principal fact-finding agency in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. BLS calculates and reports cost of living each month through Consumer Price Index (CPI) reports. CPI is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Annual COLA is calculated through monthly Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) reports of the current fiscal year (July, August, September) to the average for the same months of the previous fiscal year.

Annual COLA is calculated through monthly Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) reports of the current fiscal year (July, August, September) to the average for the same months of the previous fiscal year. In September, the CPI-W increased 2.9 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 318.139 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index increased 0.3 percent prior to seasonal adjustment. The calculated average CPI-W for the last three months of FY25 is 317.265. The 2026 COLA of 2.8% is derived from subtracting the FY25 calculated average from FY24 and then dividing from the FY24 baseline (317.265-308.729)/308.729 = 2.76%. Veterans, families and dependents eligible for VA benefits see the new amount reflected in their monthly checks effective Jan. 1. 2026.

Annual COLA increases affect VA service-connected disability compensation. VA service-connected disability compensation provides payments to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military. The monthly tax-free disability compensation includes Veterans whose service made an existing medical condition worse. Special benefit allowances, including automobile allowance, clothing allowance and Medal of Honor pension, are also provided a boost in benefit payments. MOAA publishes monthly updates and inflation figures (COLA Watch) used to set COLA for payments received by military retirees, disabled Veterans, Social Security beneficiaries, and many others receiving federal compensation. COLA affects certain VA benefits, including, but not limited to: disability compensation, clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for spouses and children. COLA allowances are also applied to the payments provided to surviving spouse, child or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness. These VA survivor benefits are tax exempt. This means you won’t have to pay any taxes on your compensation payments. These adjustments help to make sure that the purchasing power of Veterans benefits keeps up with inflation. Learn more about VA disability ratings with the VA compensation calculator online at dav.org/disability-calculator. Please note that this calculator is to be used as an estimated evaluation and for informational purposes only. Many factors are considered with VA calculations, ratings, and monetary amounts. Contact an accredited Service Officer for additional questions or assistance with VA Benefits.

Burger King Donations Fund VFW Service Officers // Customers donated nearly $350,000 in May to fund the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) free VA claims assistance //

VFW recently reported that 24 participating franchisees and 880 restaurants provided $348,559 for the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) through the annual fundraiser. Each year, the fundraising campaign invites guests to donate $1 or more with their purchased meals. Many veterans are unaware they are owed money and benefits. Those who know often struggle with how to get them. The NVS’s professionals help veterans cut through red tape to find and get the money and benefits they earned. Funds help provide free VA claims assistance through NVS for military and veteran families, ensuring they receive the benefits they have earned. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces. Since 2007, Burger King franchisees have raised more than $7.8 million in support of VFW programs. Last year, VFW’s National Veterans Service helped more than 590,500 veterans receive $14.62 billion of VA disability benefits, including back pay. VFW’s network of VA-accredited service officers has been helping veterans receive their earned pay.

VFW understands the challenges that our active-duty service members (to include activated Guard/Reserve members) and their families can face, and we believe that experiencing financial difficulties should not be one of them. That's the premise behind VFW’s Financial Assistance for Service Members program. The Financial Assistance for Service Members program is here to help America's active-duty service members (to include activated Guard/Reserve members) and their families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties because of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. The program provides financial assistance up to $2,500 to assist with daily necessities in the form of a grant – not a loan – so no repayment is required. To further ease the burden, VFW pays the creditor(s) directly. If you or your family are experiencing financial hardship due to your military service please review the eligibility criteria to see if you qualify for a grant. The goal is to offer the assistance you veterans need it most.

VFW Pre-Discharge Locations and Contacts in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20 

Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Jason Scott, National Pre-Discharge Claims Representative
Waller Hall – VFW Room 700
2140 Ligget Ave
JB Lewis - McChord, WA 98433
Phone: 253.966.1279
Cell Phone: 253.569.2790
Email: jscott@vfw.org

National Pre-Discharge Claims Representatives
Overseas and stateside locations without a VFW Accredited Representative
Phone: 202.543.2239
Email: bdd@vfw.org

Lowering of the Washington State and United States Flags // Flags to fly at half-staff in Washington state in honor of JBLM helicopter crash victims //

In memory of Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, Sgt. Donavon Scott, and Sgt. Jadalyn Good, Washington state has issued a Directive by the Governor to lower flags to half-staff on Friday, October 17, 2025. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm the loss of four courageous Night Stalkers from the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), who tragically lost their lives on Sept. 17th during a training mission.,” said Col. Stephen Smith, commander. “These exceptional warriors — Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, Sgt. Donavon Scott, and Sgt. Jadalyn Good — embodied the unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence that define the very spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations. Their sacrifice in service to our nation will forever be etched in our hearts and in the legacy of the Night Stalkers. These heroes were not only elite professionals but also cherished teammates, friends, and family members whose absence leaves an immeasurable void.”

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), also known as Night Stalkers, is the Nation’s premier aviation unit providing highly specialized aviation capabilities and support in the most challenging environments around the globe for elite special operations forces engaged in no-fail missions. 4th Battalion is located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Tacoma, WA and is equipped with MH-47 Chinook heavy assault helicopters and MH-60 Black Hawk medium assault helicopters. Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Friday, October 17, 2025. Other government entities, individuals, and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition. 

An easy way to remember when to fly the United States flag at half-staff is to consider when the whole nation is in mourning. These periods of mourning are proclaimed either by the president of the United States, for national remembrance, or the governor of a state or territory, for local remembrance, in the event of a death of a member or former member of the federal, state or territorial government or judiciary. The heads of departments and agencies of the federal government may also order that the flag be flown at half staff on buildings, grounds and naval vessels under their jurisdiction. Flag etiquette is an important part of the American tradition that ensures the Stars and Stripes is treated with the dignity it deserves. Established by Congress in 1942, the official U.S. Flag Code created guidelines for the care and display of the flag. For more information on Half-Staff/Flag Etiquette and Education, visit the U.S. Flag and Holidays section of VISN 20 MIRECC NewsFlash.

Veterans Day Poster 2025 

The winner of the 2025 Veterans Day Poster Contest is Jeremy D. Carpenter, whose creation “Unified by Service” reflects the 2025 Veterans Day theme “Service to Our Nation” by visually uniting all uniformed services under one flag and one purpose. The Veterans Day poster will be displayed in VA facilities, military installations and municipal buildings across America. It will also serve as the cover of the official program for the Veterans Day commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11. “Unified by Service” is “formal, structured and patriotic. It pays tribute to all Veterans regardless of when or where they served, and it emphasizes that service to the nation is not confined to one uniform, one battlefield or one generation. The eagle, flag, and seals work together to portray unity, honor and a continued commitment to freedom.” The Veterans Day poster will be displayed in VA facilities, military installations and municipal buildings across America. It will also serve as the cover of the official program for the Veterans Day commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11. Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The Veterans Day National Ceremony, like most ceremonies around the nation, is held on Veterans Day itself. However, when Veterans Day falls on a weekday, many communities choose to hold Veterans Day parades or other celebrations on the weekend before or after November 11 so that more people can participate. VA has created an 11” x 17” poster that is compatible with most office printers. Please make sure to load 11” x 17” paper into the target printer. We recommend selecting the “Fit to page” option under the Page Setup menu. This will slightly reduce the poster size to fit the printer without cropping the image. There are also downloads available for local reproduction for Wide Format Printers and Commercial.

November marks National Veteran and Military Families Month, highlighted by Veterans Day. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans Day National Committee are pleased to provide a Teachers Resource Guide. This resource guide, along with another group of America’s finest — our teachers — will allow your students to learn more about the price our brave Veterans have paid to defend our nation. Veterans Day Regional Ceremonies recognized by VA provide military ceremonial support from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and a certificate from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for inclusion in the official program. Each year, the Veterans Day National Committee publishes a commemorative Veterans Day poster. The poster is selected from artwork submitted by artists nationwide distributed to schools, state governments, Veterans Day Regional Sites, the military services, and Veterans Service Organizations. Poster requests are fulfilled until the inventory is exhausted. Download and print your own poster from the Veterans Day Poster Gallery

VA Puget Sound opens new community clinic in collaboration with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor

VA Puget Sound Health Care System is proud to announce the official opening of its new VA Puget Sound Clinic in Oak Harbor, developed in collaboration with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor. VA services include comprehensive primary care, social work, behavioral health, nutrition and clinical pharmacy specialists. While provider requested laboratory work or radiology procedures such as x-rays can be done at any VA Puget Sound health care facility with those services (such as our Everett or Mount Vernon clinics) or through the Community Care Network, the hope is to eventually offer those services in-house. The VA also hopes to make the Oak Harbor Clinic a tele hub which will expand Veterans’ access to specialty care services from tele retinal to tele dermatology. Veterans hoping to get their care at VA Puget Sound Clinic in Oak Harbor (3475 N Saratoga St., Building 993 Oak Harbor, WA 98278-8800) should discuss with their current primary care team. For those who are not enrolled, please contact VA Puget Sound’s Enrollment and Eligibility Office at 1-800-329-8387 ext 76542.

The Department of Defense/Veterans Affairs Program Office is the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) for all DOD/VA health care related policies, programs, and activities. DVPO is responsible for enhancing medical resource sharing across the Military Health System which includes military hospitals and clinics around the world that support more than 9.5 million service members, retirees and their families. Collaborating with VA, DVPO is committed to identifying opportunities and creating partnerships to address them. This partnership, a first-of-its-kind for the VA and DoD in Washington State, marks a significant milestone in enhancing health care access for Veterans in one of western Washington’s most geographically challenging island communities. The Navy, Marine Corps, and Revenue Marine (forerunner of the U.S. Coast Guard), explored, charted, and protected the area during the mid-nineteenth century. Ships and cutters worked to keep the peace between natives and settlers, and helped negotiate boundary disputes over the San Juan Islands. When the U.S. purchased Alaska in 1867, the sea services began patrols to regulate fishing and sealing, assist mariners in distress, and establish forward presence in the Last Frontier. Bases and a shipyard were operating in Puget Sound by the 1890s. Situated in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, the area offers a unique setting with a variety of activities and opportunities for service members and their families. Navy Region Northwest is the third largest fleet concentration area in the continental United States. Navy Region Northwest's mission is to support the fleet, fighter and family in order to provide ready Naval forces able to execute our nation's defense. If you have concerns or questions about the Pacific Northwest, contact the Fleet and Family Support Program at 1-866-854-0638 for additional information and all your referral needs.

President Trump signs VA Home Loan Program Reform Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take certain actions in cases of default on home loans under the VA home loan program and establishes a partial claim program. First, the bill authorizes the VA to pay the holder of a loan guaranteed by the VA an amount necessary to avoid the foreclosure of the loan, provided that the holder of the loan and the Veteran obligated on the loan execute documents to ensure the VA obtains a secured interest in the property covered by the loan. The VA must prescribe loss mitigation procedures to help prevent the foreclosure of such a home loan. The VA may not take specified administrative actions (e.g., consent to the modification of loan terms) until the sequence of mitigation options has been completed.

Next, the bill establishes a five-year Partial Claim Program under which the VA may make a partial claim (purchase a portion of the indebtedness) on VA loans for primary residences that are in default or at imminent risk of default. Individuals who default on loans for which the VA has made a partial claim under this program must be liable to the VA for any loss resulting from the default.Finally, the VA must report to Congress on its strategy to ensure that Veterans who purchase homes under the VA home loan program are not at a disadvantage when attempting to secure representation by a real estate agent or broker.

As a member of the FDIC Money Smart Alliance, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20 NW MIRECC helps promote financial capability to strengthen the financial education efforts of Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families. Financial Readiness, an important topic for all Veterans, remains of particular importance for VISN 20 as four (4) of the six (6) states served by VISN 20 provide home loan benefits for military Veterans. State Department of Veterans Affairs of Alaska, California, Montana, and Oregon provide military Veterans with home loan benefits. All states in VISN 20 provide homeownership resources for eligible military Veterans.

Alaska – Current maximum loan amount is $1,330,725 for a single-family home. (Effective 01JAN2025)
https://www.ahfc.us/buy/resources/loan-limits

California – Current maximum loan amount varies across each county, loan program, property type, and varying loan features.
https://www.calvet.ca.gov/calvet-programs/home-loans

Montana – Current maximum loan amount is $517,020 for a single-family home. (Effective 13MAY2025)
https://commerce.mt.gov/Housing/Lenders-Realtors/Veterans-Home-Loan-Program

Oregon – Current maximum loan amount is $806,500 (Effective 01JAN2025)
https://www.oregon.gov/odva/Home-Loans/Pages/default.aspx 

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Launches Exclusive Gaming League for Veterans

The VFW, America’s largest organization of combat Veterans has teamed up with Crew Social Club to offer our nation’s Veterans a seamless and innovative way to connect – Combat Tested Gaming (CTG) leagues! Get ready to take the field, Veterans and currently serving military! VFW CTG is proud to announce the launch of its first official Madden League, kicking off this fall and running in sync with the NFL season. Participants will compete in weekly matchups, division playoffs, and a Super Bowl-style championship. Prizes include jerseys, swag and a custom gaming Personal Computer (PC) for the top analytics performer. Registration opened July 30 and closes August 30! Learn more or sign up at vfw.org/Gaming.

VA is transitioning to a new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system 

The Federal EHR is VA’s new EHR system that is being rolled out to all VA medical facilities as soon as 2031. In 2026, go-live dates are planning launch in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Alaska. Federal EHR at VA began with Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20 at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington with launch on October 24, 2020. In addition to the launch at the Mann-Grandstaff VAMC and its four community-based outpatient clinics located in Wenatchee, Washington; Libby, Montana; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and Sandpoint, Idaho. VA also began using the new system at the West Consolidated Patient Account Center, the VA business operations facility in Las Vegas that supports billing for the Pacific Northwest.

Access to non-VA care no longer requires secondary approval

In Part 1 of VA's Glad You Asked series focusing on VA's Community Care, Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., answers two key questions: What is VA Community Care, and who qualifies for it? VA's Glad You Asked started in May and is available online at https://www.youtube.com/@DeptVetAffairs. Since May, topics covered include:

Deputy Secretary Lawrence was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 27, 2025, and sworn in the following day by Secretary Doug Collins. Since 2009, the official YouTube channel for VA has broadcast over 65 million views to over 436,000 subscribers. The VA Community Care Network (CCN) is VA’s direct link with community providers to ensure Veterans receive timely, high-quality care. CCN uses industry-standard approaches and guidelines to administer services, pay for services promptly, and manage the network to its full potential.

Provider Resources

• Fact Sheet: How to Become a VA Community Provider
• Fact Sheet: How to become a VA CCN Dental Community Provider
• Fact Sheet: Community Care Network
• Fact Sheet: Community Care Network–Regions 1-5
• Fact Sheet: Billing and Payments

Since 2019, the MISSION Act has enabled VA-enrolled Veterans to access health care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense when it is in their best medical interest. These decisions have been made jointly by Veterans and their referring clinicians but were not considered final until they were reviewed by a second VA doctor.

The Honor Foundation (THF)

Founded in 2015 from the Navy SEAL Foundation, THF serves Special Operations service members who hold themselves to a high standard of core values, guiding principles, and work ethic. THF recruits on a rolling basis those military professionals who are, ideally, 12-15 months out from their separation or retirement. There are no formal educational prerequisites, however, the educational experience is approximately 3 months/120 hours of intense executive style education, professional development, one-on-one career coaching, and has a strict attendance policy. THF currently provides transition courses at nine campuses across the country:

• Camp Lejeune – nCino, The Offices at Mayfaire IV, Wilmington, NC
• Eglin – The Place on Beal, Fort Walton Beach, FL
• Fort Bragg | Pinehurst – Sandhills Community College, Pinehurst, NC
• Fort Bragg | Fayetteville – Fayetteville Technical Community College
• JBLM - Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, Lakewood, WA
• San Diego – THF Headquarters, 11055 Roselle St., Suite 120
• Tampa – Baldwin Risk Partners, Corporate Center II, Tampa, FL
• TN/Campbell - Clarksville Regional Airport, Clarksville, TN
• Virginia Beach – Neptune Shield, Virginia Beach, VA

THF also provides Veterans access to Transition Assistance through Vector Accelator. Vector is redefining the military-to-civilian experience by introducing an important first step in the transition process: intentional introspection. The virtual, on-demand program guides participants through modules designed to help them gain clarity on their identity, motivations, strengths, and priorities so that they can pursue their next mission in life with confidence and conviction. After completing successful alpha and beta testing, Vector Accelerator launched a pilot program in 2024, inviting all active-duty or separated members of the military to participate.

Recently featured on the Military Money (MILMO) Show, THF's Kelly McGraw shared, Why Identity Work Is the Missing Step in Military Transition. In addition, Kelly shares how to navigate the emotional and mental side of transition with tools that go beyond resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Discussion on the MILMO Podcast further illuminates how the Honor Foundation is assisting service members through both its elite program and the new Vector Accelerator, enabling veterans to reclaim their sense of identity, purpose, and community as they transition into civilian life. The VA portion of TAP is a one-day, in-person course called VA Benefits and Services. Led by VA Benefits Advisors, the course helps transitioning service members understand how to navigate VA and the benefits and services earned through military service. The course offers interactive exercises, real examples, and covers topics important to you like family support, disability compensation, education, and health care benefits.

• VA Benefits and Services
• VA Benefits 101
• VA Education Benefits
• Community Integration Resources
• Mental Health for Families
• Vet Centers
• VA Education and Training Benefits for Spouses and Dependent Children
• Reserve Component Dual Payments Resource Guide
• Social and Emotional Health Resources
• VA Life Insurance Benefits
• Disability Compensation
• VA Home Loan Guaranty Program
• Survivor and Casualty Assistance Resources
• Other Than Honorable

National Defense Radio Show Home Depot’s eCommerce Vice President, Reilly Upton, recently shared that over 2 million products have been added to the Home Depot’s Military Exchange Program and now available to the Army, Navy, and Air Force Exchanges websites.

The discussion provides details, as well as the reasoning behind why Home Depot continues to offer items Tax Free, and in some cases with a 10% discount. Thanks to the Home Depot Foundation for the unwavering support for our military and veteran communities. To qualify for participation in the Veterans online shopping benefit, you must be a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces with a discharge status of "honorable" or "general under honorable conditions." Examples of acceptable paperwork include (but are not limited to): DD214 (Member Copies 2-8), DD215 (with corrected discharge status), NGB-22 or DD256/257. Paperwork cannot be redacted in any way, including but not limited to: crossing sections out, covering them with liquid eraser or filling them with dark ink; overlapping and/or folding copies where the full page is not visible or readable; and/or removing sections, whether by cutting them out or otherwise removing them from the document. If you meet these requirements, please go to your favorite online exchange (AAFES, NEXCOM, MCX, CGX) and try to register for an account. You will be redirected to VetVerify if more information needed.

WASHINGTON – VA makes it easier for Veterans to use community care // Access to non-VA care no longer requires secondary approval //

The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced changes that will make it easier for VA-enrolled Veterans to access health care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense. Effective immediately, VA will implement language in the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that removes this extra review step. The change will give eligible Veterans faster access to community care. The new, streamlined process for determining best medical interest will be backed by training for Veterans Health Administration employees to ensure compliance with the Elizabeth Dole Act. 

A new benefit for VA employees: Discounted ticket and travel deals

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is thrilled to announce a new benefit for VA employees: discounted ticket and travel deals. Through an exclusive partnership with MemberDeals, VCS now offers hundreds of discounts on entertainment and travel. Visit MemberDeals to access deals on preferred seating and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, hotels, rental cars and more. MemberDeals provides VA Employees exclusive offers to the world’s greatest entertainment and travel brands, including: Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, Cirque du Soleil® and SeaWorld® Parks and Entertainment. VCS Member Deals Customer Service is available toll-free at 1-877-579-1201 and online at https://www.memberdeals.com/vacanteen/contact.php. PatriotStoreDirect brings high-quality, name-brand products at discounted pricing exclusively to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and VA employees. VCS is proud to offer Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, their families and VA employees exclusive shopping benefits online at https://shopvcs.va.gov/. VCS sponsors five of VA’s National Rehabilitation Events: Golden Age Games, Wheelchair Games, Golf Clinic, Summer Sports Clinic, and Creative Arts Festival. These programs allow disabled Veterans of all ages and abilities to participate in adaptive sports programs and special events. VCS provides monetary donations, sends a support team to each event, and gives away gift bags to Veteran participants. VCS proudly supports these events as they promote wellness, rehabilitation, and camaraderie among the Veteran athletes. The revenues generated by VCS also support various Veteran programs such as Fisher House, Suicide Prevention, disaster relief initiatives, Substance Abuse Cessation, Women Veterans initiatives, Homeless Veterans programs, community stand downs, Welcome Home Celebrations, and more. VCS provides VA Fisher Houses nationwide an offering of coupons to first-time visiting families and serving as their purchasing source for supplies and necessities.

VA announces $42M in grants to fight Veteran homelessness

The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the availability of $42 million in grants to eligible organizations to assist homeless Veterans and those at risk of homelessness with various legal services. The funds are being made available through VA’s Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program and are designed to help Veterans in several ways. Grant applications are due by 4 p.m. ET, July 7. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $500,000, which will fund operations for a two-year period beginning Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2027. Many legal service providers offer free legal clinics in VA facilities. The VA Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist at the closest VA Medical Center may be another source of information about available legal clinics and other community legal assistance resources. Several organizations are currently funded in VISN 20 to provide these services. If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance. 

Pacific Northwest Section of the Professional Golfers Associaiton (PGA)

PGA HOPE is a program that introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, taught by PGA Professionals that are trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded and supported by PGA REACH National and PGA REACH Pacific Northwest to provide this program free to all Veterans. Participants of PGA HOPE programs include military Veterans living with physical and cognitive challenges such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and amputees, among other challenges. PGA HOPE programming is fully funded by PGA REACH and offered at NO COST for Military Veterans. For many injured Veterans, adaptive sports provide their first exposure to physical activity after injury. PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with VA enabling Recreational Therapists to refer Veterans to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy.

WASHINGTON – A health and benefits app reaches 3M downloads 

The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that its Health and Benefits mobile app has achieved more than 3 million downloads since its launch in 2021. The VA app, which has 1.4 million active users, provides Veterans access to a variety of VA health care and benefits information directly from their mobile phones. Major categories of the VA App store include:

• Care at VA
• Physical Wellness and Self Care
• Mental Wellness and Self Care

VA offers sixty (60) apps for Veterans from the VA App Store. Several apps are managed by 3rd parties. Apps are also available to Families, Caregivers, and VA staff. Visit digital.va.gov to read about the mission of the Office of Information and Technology (OIT) regarding collaboration with VA business partners to create the best experience for all Veterans. With the official VA: Health & Benefits app, you can manage your VA health care, benefits, and payments from your mobile phone or tablet.

Connected We Stand - Addressing Veteran Loneliness

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Podcast sheds light on important topics and challenges facing America’s Veterans while also sharing the stories of Veterans whom have been impacted by DAV through its mission of keeping our promise to America’s Veterans. This podcast episode features Elizabeth Stetler interviewing Karen Owoc, a clinical exercise physiologist at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center and a specialist in preventative cardiology and functional longevity. The conversation centers around the critical issue of Veteran loneliness and isolation. Karen draws on her experience working with Veterans, particularly through a remote cardiology program, to shed light on the unique challenges they face upon transitioning to civilian life, including the loss of camaraderie, the impact of trauma and PTSD (especially among Vietnam and post-9/11 Veterans), and the difficulties in adjusting to a lack of structure and community. Earlier in the year, Rob Lewis conducted a crucial discussion with Dr. Alan Teo, a psychiatrist at VA Portland Medical Center, to delve into the pervasive issue of loneliness and its profound impact on mental health, particularly within the Veteran community. The April podcast edition titled Loneliness and Veterans - Understanding the Connection, provided a clinical definition of loneliness, distinguishing it from mere solitude, and highlights the unique challenges faced by Veterans due to factors like medical comorbidities and mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression. The conversation extends to exploring the complex relationship between social media and genuine connection, as well as the often-overlooked struggles of caregivers.

United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs (SECVA) update for County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO) address to National Association of Counties (NACo)

In December of 2024, Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) celebrated the milestone passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act by the U.S. Congress. The Dole Act authorized $10 million annually for two years for competitive grants to states to expand the work of County Veterans Service Officers or comparable entities, providing new federal resources to county governments to expand CVSO staff and services to meet rising caseloads. Upon passage, the National Association of Counties highlighted federal resources for CVSOs through the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act. Recently, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins spoke at the 2025 NACo Conference. 

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) celebrates the milestone passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act by the U.S. Congress. For almost 2 years, EDF worked with a coalition of organizations advancing this bi-partisan package of legislation that will have life-changing outcomes for those who served and their families, survivors, and caregivers. The EDF Caregiver Mental Wellness Framework is a tool created to identify and validate the unique elements of military and veteran caregivers’ mental health and wellness and provide pathways to support.

Are you REAL ID ready?

The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards. Beginning May 7, 2025, Veterans are required to have a Real ID, U.S. Passport, military identification (ID), or some other form of federally accepted ID to access a federal building, national laboratory, military base, or board a flight. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibit federal agencies from accepting for certain official purposes noncompliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, both physical and digital (also known as Mobile Driver’s Licenses, or “mDLs”). Check with your state for REAL ID updates, guidance, and information.

• Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
• California Dept of Motor Vehicles
• Idaho Transportation Department
  
• Montana Motor Vehicle Division
• Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Service
• Washington State Department of Licensing

There are many types of identification cards you can use to show you’re a Veteran.

• Veteran’s designation on a state-issued driver’s license or ID
• Veteran ID Card
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Department of Defense Identification Card

A Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is a photo ID card you’ll use to check in at your VA health care appointments. But more importantly, it is your DoD-approved credential to provide your identity and purpose to access military installations for your medical appointment for joint facilities and referrals. Veterans must be enrolled in the VA health care system to receive a VHIC. Issuance of a VHIC requires the following:

• State-issued driver’s license, or
• U.S. passport, or
• Federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID showing your name, address, and date of birth

The National Health Eligibility Center (HEC) is in the process of notifying 1.5 million Veterans nationwide that their VHIC has or will expire soon. The renewal process includes presenting a valid photo ID and taking a photo for your VHIC renewal.

2025 National Salute to Veteran Patients Week

The National Salute to Veteran Patients is observed annually during the week of Valentine’s Day, a day of caring and sharing, which underscores the Salute’s expression of honor and appreciation. The week of February 14 each year is your opportunity to say thank you to a special group of men and women, the more than 9 million Veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for in VA Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes. Contact your nearest VA Medical Center and ask for Voluntary Service to discover the wonderful things you, your group or organization can do to salute America’s Heroes. Locate the facility nearest you.

Secretary Collins’ message to Veterans and VA employees

It is my life’s honor to serve America’s Veterans as secretary of Veterans Affairs, and I thank President Donald J. Trump as well as the U.S. Senate for their confidence in me. America is the greatest nation on Earth precisely because of the Veterans willing to step forward and defend our freedom. I’ve witnessed this firsthand throughout my two decades in the military, as I’ve served with some of the finest men and women our nation has to offer. Read full message to Veterans and VA employees // Veterans get more time to transition to new online login system // VA recently announced it will provide Veterans additional time to transition to a new online login system for access to information about their VA health care and benefits. My HealtheVet provides Veterans management of all VA health care needs in one place—right alongside your other VA benefits and services. In July, VA announced a phase out of My HealtheVet and DS Logon sign-in options, in favor of two new options, Login.gov and ID.me, which will help the department offer stronger protections for Veterans, families and caregivers. In the announcement, VA extended the final deadline by which veterans and beneficiaries can log in to VA.gov, VA mobile applications and other VA online services using their My HealtheVet username and password from Jan. 31, 2025, to March 4, 2025. The deadline to switch from DS Logon to ID.me or Login.gov remains Sept. 30, 2025.

VA expands access to Veterans Legacy Memorial, allowing Veterans to chronicle their life story

Veterans Affairs expanded the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) — the nation’s largest digital platform dedicated to the memory of Veterans and service members — to allow Veterans to tell their own story before they pass away. The new “Your Story, Your Legacy” feature will allow Veterans who have been approved for VA’s pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery to log in to a secure website where they can privately submit images, autobiographies, military and life milestones, and historical documents.

Veterans Housing and Physical Damage Loans from SBA

Section 604 of the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008, Public Law 110-387, authorized VA to develop the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. Supportive services grants have been awarded to selected private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that will assist very low-income Veteran families residing in or transitioning to permanent housing. Grantees will provide a range of supportive services to eligible Veteran families that are designed to promote housing stability. Recently VA announced a combination of steps to provide outreach to Veterans experiencing homelessness. If you live in a declared disaster area and have experienced damage to your home or personal property, you may be eligible for financial assistance from United States Small Business Administration (SBA) — even if you do not own a business.

VA lowers life insurance premiums for more than 3 million Veterans, service members, and spouses

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that more than 3 million Veterans, Service members, and spouses who receive life insurance from VA’s programs will receive a discount on premiums starting in the spring of 2025. These decreased premiums apply to those insured under Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) — and to those who enroll in those programs in the future. If you have Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI), you have 2 options:

• You can apply now for VALife, or
• You can keep your S-DVI. You don’t have to do anything to keep your coverage.

VA Life Insurance Support Phone Numbers

• VALife, S-DVI, and VMLI: 800-669-8477
• WWI, WWII, and Korean War era programs: 800-669-8477
• VGLI program, SGLI claims, and FSGLI claims: 800-419-1473
• MyVA411 main information line: 800-698-2411
• Telecommunications Relay Services (using TTY) TTY: 711

Weight Management Program for Veterans (MOVE!)

Supported by VA's National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NCP). We are proud to make this program available to Veterans. Now in its second decade, MOVE! includes the most up-to-date approaches for weight management. Please explore our website to learn more about MOVE! What is MOVE!? VA’s MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans can help you adopt a healthy lifestyle, meet your health goals, and manage your weight. MOVE! is about much more than weight. It is about increasing your ability and confidence to achieve your health goals. MOVE!’s basic ideas—helping you learn tools and approaches for healthy eating and physical activity—are easy to follow and based on the latest research.

2025 Department of Veterans Affairs National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic

Veteran registration will be open early December 2024 until March 1, 2025. Participation in the 2025 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is open to Veterans whose current rehabilitation goals would benefit from the value of adaptive summer sports and is open to Veterans eligible for care and actively engaged in VA healthcare including physical rehabilitation, mental health, blind rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, etc. VA's rehabilitative and educational hands-on sporting event for military Veterans from across the country. Qualifying disabilities include: Amputations, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Poly Trauma, Visual Impairments, Multiple Sclerosis, CVA with Residual, Burns, and Spinal Cord Injuries. Biking through national parks is a great way to see beautiful scenery and discover new places. Cyclists can travel by roads (which are sometimes car-free!) and, in some parks, on select trails. There are many places in parks that cars cannot go, but you can cover more ground and visit new places on a bike. Some national parks offer bike rentals, and others provide guided biking activities. Find out more about biking in national parks.

VISN 20 Medical Center News Stories

VA Puget Sound, Washington - https://www.va.gov/puget-sound-health-care/news-releases/

VA Walla Walla, Washington - Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA - https://www.va.gov/walla-walla-health-care/stories/

VA Spokane, Washington - Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center - https://www.va.gov/spokane-health-care/news-releases/

VA Portland, Oregon - https://www.va.gov/portland-health-care/news-releases/

VA White City, Oregon - https://www.va.gov/southern-oregon-health-care/news-releases/

VA Roseburg, Oregon - https://www.va.gov/roseburg-health-care/news-releases/

VA Anchorage, Alaska - https://www.va.gov/alaska-health-care/stories/

VA Boise, Idaho - https://www.va.gov/boise-health-care/news-releases/

VA News - https://news.va.gov/

NW MIRECC disseminates mission-relevant knowledge through publications and continuing health care education programs across VISN 20 and nationally. Sign up for email updates or access your subscriber preferences: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHAVISN20/subscriber/new.

Use of these Materials and Finding VA Health Care

Please note that the health care information provided in these materials is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the role of a medical practitioner for advice on care and treatment. If you are looking for professional medical care, find your local VA healthcare center by using the VA Facilities Locator & Directory. This page may contain links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.

VA Web Disclaimers
Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
Disclaimer of Hyperlinks: The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department and the VA website. Please let us know about existing external links which you believe are inappropriate and about specific additional external links which you believe ought to be included.
Disclaimer of Liability: With respect to documents available from this server, neither the United States Government nor any of its employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights.
Reference from this web page or from any of the information services sponsored by the VA to any non-governmental entity, product, service or information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the VA or any of its employees. We are not responsible for the content of any "off-site" web pages referenced from this server.
Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA.

VA Regional Offices

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) helps service members transition out of military service, and assists with Veterans with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. Service members, Veterans, their families, and Survivors are invited to request information on VA Benefits including disability compensation, pension, fiduciary, education, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Home Loans, and Insurance. In addition to information on VA Benefits Veterans may initiate an intent to file and request assistance with filing compensation and pension claims. Visit regional office websites to learn about the services the regional office provides, directions to the facility, hours of operation, and the leadership team that serves the regional office.

Find out if you can get VA health care as a Veteran

The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll but are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources:

1. Veterans with a service-connected (SC) disability rated at 50% or more.
2. Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA has not yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.
3. Veterans seeking care for a SC disability only or under a special treatment authority.
4. Veterans seeking health registry examinations. VA’s health registry evaluation is a free, voluntary medical assessment for Veterans who may have been exposed to certain environmental hazards during military service. The evaluations alert Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to exposure to specific environmental hazards during their military service. VA has established several health registries to track and monitor the health of specific groups of Veterans. You may be eligible to participate in one or more of these health registries: Agent Orange Registry, Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, Gulf War Registry (includes Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn), Ionizing Radiation Registry, Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program, and Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center. Use the chart below to help determine your eligibility.

Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or service member. For other mental health services, contact a VA medical center for information on eligibility and treatment options.

Community Care (Mission Act)

The MISSION Act became law in 2018, bringing the VA’s previous Veterans Choice Program to an end and establishing the Community Care Program. VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA. Community care is also available to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs and circumstances. VA offers urgent care services to eligible Veterans at in-network urgent care clinics to treat minor injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening, such as colds, strep throat, sprained muscles, and skin and ear infections. Community care must be first authorized by VA before a Veteran can receive care from a community provider.

Vet Centers in VISN 20

Vet Centers in VISN 20 are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. 1-877-927-8387 is an around the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is comprised of combat Veterans from several eras as well as families members of combat Veterans. This benefit is prepaid through the Veteran’s military service.

Alaska

Idaho

Oregon

Washington

Plan your trip to VA

In 1946, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was established by law to provide comfort and well-being to America’s Veterans. With our many retail stores, cafés and coffee shops across the country, we serve those who have served our country. VCS is proud to offer Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, their families and VA employees exclusive shopping benefits online through Patriot Store Direct. Product categories range from Military Caps and apparel, Outdoors, Electronics, Automotive tires (Goodyear, Bridgestone, Firestone, and Fuzion), Tickets and Travel, Vision (Glasses and Contact Lenses), Home and Kitchen, Floral, Toys, Gifts, Watches, and more. We are honored to give back to the VA community through many programs established for the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes. Revenues generated from VCS are used to support a variety of programs, such as VA’s Rehabilitation Games, Fisher Houses, Poly-Trauma Centers for OEF/OIF/OND Veterans, disaster relief efforts, Substance Abuse Cessation, VA’s Homelessness initiatives, Women Veterans, Veteran Suicide Prevention and other activities.

Hospital Service Directory

To find out whether there is a van near you, use the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC. The vans are driven by volunteers, and the rides coordinated by more than 133 Hospital Service Coordinators around the country. Our nation’s heroes travel around the globe to protect our freedoms—it’s only right that we return their dedication. Volunteering to drive a Vet ensures that even those living remotely from VA hospitals can make their appointments and never go without the treatment they need. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community. Learn more about the DAV transportation network through the VISN 20 NewsFlash Resources section.

Today's VHA - the largest of the three administrations that comprise the VA - continues to meet Veterans' changing medical, surgical, and quality-of-life needs. There are 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) in VHA operating as regional systems of care to better meet local health care needs and provides greater access to care. In the Pacific Northwest, VISN 20 serves Veterans in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, most of Idaho, and one county each in California and Montana. Spanning 23% of the US land mass, VISN 20 is the largest geographic region of VA. Operating across three time zones over 817,417 square miles, VISN 20 is home to 273 federally recognized American Indian and Alaskan Native tribes. According to DoD, American Indians and Alaska Natives have one of the highest representations in the United States Armed Forces. VA consults with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments to develop partnerships that enhance access to services and benefits by Veterans and their families. VA is committed to ensuring that Native American Veterans and their families are able to utilize all benefits and services they are entitled to receive. As of the end of FY2024, 39% of VISN 20 enrollees resided in rural or highly rural areas.

• VISN 1: VA New England Healthcare System
• VISN 2: New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network
• VISN 4: VA Healthcare - VISN 4
• VISN 5: VA Capitol Health Care Network
• VISN 6: VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network
• VISN 7: VA Southeast Network
• VISN 8: VA Sunshine Healthcare Network
• VISN 9: VA MidSouth Healthcare Network
• VISN 10: VA Healthcare System
• VISN 12: VA Great Lakes Health Care System
• VISN 15: VA Heartland Network
• VISN 16: South Central VA Health Care Network
• VISN 17: VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network
• VISN 19: Rocky Mountain Network
• VISN 20: Northwest Network
• VISN 21: Sierra Pacific Network
• VISN 22: Desert Pacific Healthcare Network
• VISN 23: VA Midwest Health Care Network