Relationships, partnerships, and friendships are vital to the success of our statewide network, who every day are out there meeting the needs of Veterans and their Families. That is why we take time to get to know and understand the goals of newly elected Commanders of Veterans Service Organizations with who we contract.
This year as the new leaders took office, our Deputy Director David Puente and I, along with key staff members like Mary Forbes, Assistant Director for Veterans Services and Counseling and Wellness, and Steve Gill, Veterans Services Administrator, spent time visiting with the new VSO Commanders. These meetings help us understand the mission and vision of the new leaders, and also discuss how the VSOs goals align with WDVA’s mission of Serving Those Who Served. They also allow us to talk about how we, as partners, use our strengths to make a difference and close gaps in services.
Your WDVA has contracts with the African American PTSD Association, American Legion, American Veterans, National Association for Black Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America. These performance-based contracts enhance the claims preparation services provided by the VSO and spread the availability of trained, accredited service officers far and wide into Washington State.
Major changes such as the PACT Act give us the opportunity to ensure we are smart and strategic in deploying our resources and anticipating where a need may be. We know our work is cut out for us so now more than ever, we have to be in step with each other to maximize our capacity. Our Veterans and their Families deserve no less.
If you need a service officer especially if you feel you meet the criteria established by the PACT Act, do not hesitate to contact a service officer. If you are a surviving spouse and you feel that your former spouse meets the criteria established by VA, you may also qualify for benefits.
Your WDVA and our partner organizations stand at the ready to connect you to your earned benefits. To find the nearest VSO near you, click Here.
Alfie