DVA News

Governor Ferguson is deeply saddened by the death of former Vice President Richard “Dick” Cheney, 84, and has his family in his thoughts in this difficult time. He hereby directs that Washington state and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in his memory immediately.

… read more

Your Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to serving as a resource for veterans and their families as well as the actively serving military community in our state.

With the federal government shutdown, we know there are significant impacts to Veteran and military families in our state. Military families (… read more

WDVA Manager Melissa Weitzel Honored with Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award  

Olympia - “Melissa Weitzel’s work has changed lives across Washington,” said WDVA Director David Puente Jr. “Her vision and steady leadership turned a program into a pathway home for hundreds of Veterans, blending innovation with compassion and a relentless… read more

Flag Lowering - October 17, 2025 (Aviation Mishap)

I am deeply saddened by the deaths of four Washington-based soldiers whose lives were lost on September 17, 2025, while serving on active duty in the United States Army: Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, from Sparta,… read more

Changes to Washington state Disabled Veteran Parking Rules Effective as of Oct. 1, 2025

Veterans with a qualifying discharge, a 70% or higher disability rating, and a federally defined service animal are now eligible for special disabled veteran parking benefits — valid for five years. Apply to receive blue… read more

Governor Ferguson is deeply saddened by the death of Eastern State Hospital Security Guard Colleen Bass, 57, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on Saturday, September 27, 2025. He hereby directs that Washington state and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in her memory on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. A… read more

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) recently recognized Spokane County for purchasing 200 suicide prevention license plate emblems to raise awareness and fund community-based suicide… read more

Your WDVA is not immediately impacted by the federal government shutdown.  Our State Veterans Homes, State Veterans Cemetery, Transitional Housing Program, Counseling Program, and all other WDVA programs remain open and ready to serve Veterans and Families.  

In-person appointments are not available at our Seattle Office after Thursday October 2^nd, due… read more

Washington State POW/MIA Recognition Event

Date: September 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: POW/MIA… read more