Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs

14/09/2026

Someone in your community is making a difference for Washington's Veterans every day. Now it's time to recognize them.

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards, honoring individuals and teams who go above and beyond in service to Veterans and their families. Whether they assist with benefits, support Veterans in their communities, volunteer their time, or advocate for those who served, their dedication deserves recognition.

Award categories include:
• Superior Award
• Distinguished Service Award
• Team Award

Nominations are open through September 30.

Learn more and submit a nomination: https://loom.ly/w9qU4dU

Help us celebrate those who continue to serve those who served.

September 02, 2026 Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards - Now Accepting Nominations OLYMPIA, WA - You know who they are volunteers, service officers, community members, Tribal Veterans programs and advocates, National Guard members or others who day in and day out go above and beyond the call of ...

13/09/2026

You served our country. You showed up for others. And when you need support, you deserve to have people show up for you.

This Su***de Prevention Month, we want every Veteran to know that help is available, hope is possible, and you never have to face a difficult moment alone.

You deserve support. You deserve connection. You deserve to be here.

If you’re struggling, call 988 and press 1 or text 838255 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line.

Learn more about resources available to Washington Veterans: dva.wa.gov/sp

***dePreventionMonth

12/09/2026

WDVA recently welcomed our VA partners for a multi-site tour of our Transitional Housing Programs in Orting and Port Orchard.

Throughout the day, teams toured our facilities, learned more about the services available to Veterans and had thoughtful conversations about how we can continue strengthening our partnerships and better serve Veterans together.

A big thank you to our Transitional Housing teams, Washington Soldiers Home and Washington Veterans Home staff, WDVA leadership and our VA partners for making the day so meaningful.

When we connect, collaborate and share ideas, we strengthen the network of support available to Veterans across Washington.

11/09/2026

Today, we remember the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of the first responders, Service Members and everyday Americans who answered a call to serve in the days and years that followed.

For many Veterans and military families, the events of 9/11 shaped a generation of service and sacrifice.

Twenty-five years later, we remember those we lost, honor those who served, and stand with the families who carry their memory forward.

We will never forget.

11/09/2026

On World Su***de Prevention Day, WDVA Director David Puente Jr. shares a simple message with Washington's Veterans, Service Members and their Families: You matter.

Su***de prevention starts with connection. Check in. Ask the question. Listen. Be there. A simple conversation can make a difference.

If you or a Veteran you know is struggling, call 988 and press 1 or text 838255 for confidential support, 24/7.

Learn more about WDVA su***de prevention resources: dva.wa.gov/sp

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention

10/09/2026

Thank you, Your Washington, for highlighting the power of partnership at Serving Those Who Served!

It takes a community to bring together the services and support our Veterans and their families deserve. More than 460 attendees joined us in Wenatchee, building connections across organizations and communities to help ensure Veterans can access the resources they need to thrive in life after service.

We’re grateful to every partner who helps make this work possible. Watch the video to see that collaboration in action!

10/09/2026

September 10 is World Su***de Prevention Day. Every Veteran matters. Check in, listen, and connect Veterans with support. If you or a Veteran is struggling, call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net. You are not alone. ***dePrevention

10/09/2026

A $10,000 grant is helping create more opportunities for Veterans working toward stable housing and long-term independence.

The Gig Harbor Elks 2560 has awarded the grant to WDVA’s Building 10 Transitional Housing Program in Port Orchard, supporting activities, transportation, move-out essentials and other resources that help Veterans build connection, confidence and stability.

This partnership is a great example of what happens when communities come together to support Veterans as they take their next steps.

Learn more about the grant and the impact it will have: https://loom.ly/q9PHksU

10/09/2026

A national honor for a program changing lives, one dog at a time. 🐾

WDVA is proud to that our Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard - Retsil received the 2026 Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award for the Foster Dog Program!

Through this resident-led partnership with Kitsap Humane Society, Veterans care for senior shelter dogs while helping them find permanent homes. Since the program began, five senior dogs have been adopted, while participating Veterans have found new opportunities for purpose, connection and engagement.

This marks WDVA’s ninth Pillars of Excellence Award since 2014 and recognizes the compassion and continued service of our Veterans.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/39GGR28