Message from the WDVA Director - Military Spouse Initiative Recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Military Spouse Initiative Recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Working together to combat issues faced by military spouses is a top priority for your WDVA.  Over the past few years, we have been able to hear directly from our state’s military spouses and work with the legislature to create a Military Spouse Initiative to make sure their voices are heard.

WDVA is known for identifying innovative approaches to the issues that affect our veteran and military families and the Military Spouse Initiative is no different, bringing together partners to address issues such as military spouse employment, professional licensure, childcare, and basic needs security.

These collaborations are key to successfully serving the military family community in Washington and serving military families sets them up for success as they become a veteran family.  That is why the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awarded our Military Spouse Initiative an Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award. The Pillars of Excellence Award recognizes outstanding state programs that support veterans within their states and this is WDVA’s seventh award since 2014.

This award is a direct result of the work of our Military Spouse Liaison, Olivia Burley, and the incredible partnerships she has forged in such a short time including with the Washington State Military Transition & Readiness Council, our partner state and federal agencies, and most importantly, through the military families that stand courageous in making sure their voices are heard.

To learn more about this award, please visit: NEWS RELEASE - WDVA Receives 2023 Federal VA Pillars of Excellence Award for Military Spouse Initiative | WDVA