DVA News

The 2016 Regular and Special Session has come to a close and several important pieces of legislation will be enacted in June.

Below is a recap, but visit http://www.dva.wa.gov/about-wdva/legislative-updates for a more in-depth review.

ESHB 1213 County veterans assistance fund:

Modifies the definitions of "veteran" and "… read more

Washington Veterans Home Retsil has been selected to receive the WSRA 2016 Institution Recycler of the Year Award.

Our committee of recycling professionals from around the state reviewed many impressive nominations, and we are delighted to count you among those who will be highlighted at our annual Awards Banquet and Plenary Session at the WSRA Annual Conference, May 15-18, 2016 at The… read more

Join us April 28, 2016

10am - Noon

Shelton Memorial Hall

210 W. Franklin Street

Shelton, WA 

We want to hear from you about Veterans Issues important to you and your family!

Meet area leaders and providers to learn about local veterans services and benefits, and hear about veterans issues being debated in the Washington State Legislature.

WHAT’S… read more

The State of Washington 
Proclamation

WHEREAS, Americans have defended freedom throughout its history, and thousands have been captured in their efforts to protect our democratic way of life; and 
WHEREAS, many American prisoners endured great pain and suffering at the hands of their 
captors, including more than 100,000 during World War II; and 
WHEREAS, April… read more

National Vietnam Veterans Day

On March 29, 1973, the last of our troops left Vietnam. Three million Americans served in the conflict and thousands upon thousands returned home with physical and emotional wounds. More than 58,000 others never returned home, laying down their lives in service to our nation.

Our Vietnam War Veterans, whether in country or not, were scorned and… read more

And the Winner Is: Washington Soldiers Home.

Orting is the winner in the energy savings program for 2015. Our Facilities Department has done an OUTSTANDING job in reducing energy by using boiler time based on needs not just run time, more preventative maintenance on systems in the buildings, etc.

The 2015 Battle of the Buildings final report has been submitted. Our weather… read more

WDVA Receives Combined Fund Drive’s (CFD) Highest Participation Percentage

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs was recognized by the Secretary of State's Combined Fund Drive Office for 2015's Highest Participation Percentage from a Large Agency at 46.82%. WDVA staff contributed $15,285.65 to charities in their communities. Of that $3,918.75 was raised to provide support… read more

Vet Pod Inmate Continues to Go Above-and-Beyond

As we enter the building we can observe a mix of Veterans seated in a well lite comfortable waiting area, a common sight occurring daily in clinics and service centers across our country. But, this scene offers a unique twist, this Veterans service clinic, launched through a collaboration with the WestCare Foundation, Washington State… read more

Behind the scenes with a Retsil Volunteer:

The staff and residents at Washington Veterans Home, Retsil would like to share with you the contributions of one volunteer you might never see around but is doing great things to improve the quality of life for our Veterans.

David M. Giffin, served in the US Coast Guard during Vietnam on the Coast Guard Cutter Androscoggin (WHEC-68).… read more

Highlighting Spokane Veterans Home Volunteer: Jose Cepeda

Jose Cepeda has been a volunteer at the Spokane Veterans Home since 2004.  He was born and raised in Guam in a happy family of nine children.  On Dec 8, 1941, Japanese forces bombed Guam.  Two days later, Japanese captured Guam when Jose was only 9 years old.  During this period Jose and his family moved to his uncle’ ranch. … read more