The Yakima Convention Center hosted the 8th annual Serving Those Who Served (STWS) Conference on August 20–21, bringing together more than 300 attendees from 30 Washington counties and beyond. The conference saw numerous tribal representatives and more than 100 federal, state, county and nonprofit organizations present with a shared theme of putting 'Veterans First: Focusing on our Mission of Serving Those Who Served'.
Conference Purpose
The STWS Conference unites Veteran resource providers to foster collaboration, strengthen connections, and share expertise that enhances the lives of Veterans and their families. Through industry leader insights and peer engagement, the event supports the ongoing development of inclusive, impactful care systems.
Keynote Speakers
- Derek Sheffield, Washington State Poet Laureate, opened Day 1 with reflections on poetry’s role in healing and community building.
- Shannon Huffman Polson, Veteran author and former Apache helicopter pilot, delivered the conference's keynote, sharing her journey of resilience from combat zones to corporate leadership.
Highlights
- 20 breakout sessions on trauma-informed care, arts-based healing, employment pathways, and more.
- On-site professional headshots for attendees to enhance resumes and profiles.
- Exhibitor hall featuring 25+ state and federal agencies, nonprofits, and education partners offering resources and programs.
- Yakama Warriors Association presentation of colors and playing of the Armed Forces Medley to help kick off the conference.
Photos & Videos
- Check out photos from the event here: 2025 Serving Those Who Served Conference Photos | Flickr
- Video recordings from our breakout sessions can be found here: 2025 Serving Those Who Served Breakout Sessions, Testimonials and Program Overviews - YouTube
- Serving Those Who Served Recap Video: 2025 Serving Those Who Served (STWS) Recap Testimonials Video
Voices from the Floor
- “Seeing all the resources that convene at this place and the celebration of service is really special,” said Michael Wallenfels, ArtsWA Communications Manager.
- “It’s so meaningful for our community to have this conference right here, right now,” noted Otto Cruz, Veteran and Employment Security Department employee.
- “Coming to this conference is always just a really great revival for me to get together with all of those who serve those who serve. It really is important work because the veterans are the core of our country here,” said Candace (US Army Veteran, Lewis County Veterans Advisory Board)
- “It was an opportunity to come together to support our veteran and military community and just connect and spend time being together and supporting one another," said Lesley Babb, Local Recovery Coordinator, VA Puget Sound Health Care System
Partner Appreciation
Thank you to our sponsors: Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, Employment Security Department, Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA)
Looking Ahead
To request information about next year’s STWS Conference, apply for sponsorship, or submit a breakout proposal, please contact: vtsc@dva.wa.gov