Advocacy/Outreach News
Sign Up Online for a Veterans ID Card: Here’s How.
Monday, October 29, 2018 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - International
VAntage Point, a Department of Veterans Affairs blog, published the following guidance on how veterans can apply for their ID card.
”Veterans with honorable service can apply for the Veterans Identification Card (VIC) to use as proof of military service.
"The new Veterans Identification Card provides a safer and more convenient and efficient way for most Veterans to show proof of service," said VA secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin when the card was launched. "With the card, Veterans with honorable service to our nation will no longer need to carry around their paper DD-214s to obtain Veteran discounts and other services."
If you already have a photo ID issued by the Department of Defense or a Veterans Health ID, you don't need the new card. To request a VIC, Veterans must visit vets.gov, click on "Sign In" in the top right hand corner and establish an ID.me account. Once the Veteran verifies their identity they may request to "Apply for the Veteran ID Card." Watch the video below for more information.”
Fact Sheet: VA Community Care Network (CCN)
Friday, October 26, 2018 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
This Department of Veterans Affairs fact sheet provides an overview of the Community Care Network (CCN) established under the VA Mission Act 2018. The Community Care Network, a government initiative to streamline VA’s community care programs, is subdivided into regions depicted on the U.S. map included in this fact sheet. Contracted program administrators will be tasked “to develop and administer regional networks of high-performing licensed health care providers and practitioners to provide medical, dental and pharmacy services to eligible Veterans who are unable to receive care at local VA medical centers.”
Military Women’s Organizations Unite to Form National Coalition
Friday, September 7, 2018 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
On September 7, 2018, an Advisory Group comprised of leading national and regional military women’s organizations began the formation of “a coalition of like-minded groups to battle the continued marginalization women face within the military and after their service. The unprecedented national gathering of military women’s groups will form a coalition with the goal of elevating the voices of the 2.2 million current service women and women veterans to bring about policy and culture change within the military and the veteran communities.“
Nationwide Baby Shower for Veterans May 7-11, 2018
Friday, April 27, 2018 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hosting the first-ever “Nationwide Baby Shower for Veterans” in May, 2018. The VA Center for Women Veterans posted the following:
‘This week-long event will take place at 60 VA Medical across the country from May 7-11, 2018, the week leading up to Mother’s Day on May 13. So far, over 2,400 new Veteran parents and new Veteran parents-to-be have signed up to participate! Here’s where we need your help. In order to provide a uniform experience to our new Veteran parents, we developed a sweet and sensible new baby package containing a variety of useful baby products: a diaper bag, new baby toiletries, hair brush and comb set, bib, layette, blanket, and hat. Just $50 will purchase a new baby kit full of terrific items to be delivered to the Veteran at their local Baby Shower. There are three ways you can help!‘
Visit the VA Center for Women Veterans web page for more details including how you can help and the dates and locations of the baby showers.
White House VA Hotline Now Fully Staffed and Operational Around the Clock to Serve Nation’s Veterans (1-855-948-2311)
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
Hotline Phone Number: 1-855-948-2311
The White House hotline “is VA’s first non-clinical, non-emergency around-the-clock call center. It provides Veterans a supplemental option to report issues if they are not being addressed through VA’s normal customer service channel.” It is staffed by veterans and veteran family members 365 days a year, 24 hours a Day.
IAVA Launches First Veterans Month Effort
Saturday, November 4, 2017 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
IAVA is launching their first "Veterans Month," an organized schedule of events offered in four phases: Educate, Activate, Advocate, and Facilitate. Their actual and recommended activities calendar is posted on this site.
I Am a Veteran: VA Health and Other Benefits
Saturday, November 4, 2017 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers eligible veterans health, education, employment, and a host of other services and programs. This link is a good starting point to gain insight to what is available and application processes.
Be your own best advocate! Always apply for health care services by submitting the VA Form 10-10EZ and other compensation benefits by completing the VA Form 21-526EZ...allow the VA the opportunity to assess your eligibility. Steer clear of "barracks counseling." Every single veteran's service experience is different, requiring an individualized review.
2017 National Women Veterans Summit: Links to All Presentations & Events
Friday, August 25, 2017 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
Visit this page for all links to the 2017 National Women Veterans Summit webinars, presentations, plenary and breakout sessions, documents and other summit events. The summit was held in Houston, Texas and unfortunately, was curtailed due to Hurricane Harvey.
2017 National Women Veterans Summit in Houston, TX August 25, 2017 Only (August 26th Cancelled Due to Hurricane)
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hosting a national women veterans summit in Houston, Texas on August 25, 2017. The summit intends to provide a venue for women veterans, caregivers, private industry, nonprofit organizations, government, innovators, and researchers to identify challenges, opportunities, and best practices to inform future health and benefits for women with military service. Training, information, and guidance about navigating VA and community resources will also be offered.
Women veterans share many of the same challenges as male veterans along with some differing experiences. Today 10% of veterans are women and expected to increase to 15% by 2030. They are younger and more ethnically diverse than their male peers.
The VA's most recent women veterans summit was hosted in Washington D.C. in 2011.
IAVA "She Who Borne the Battle Campaign"
Monday, March 20, 2017 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America veteran service organization launched their "She who Borne the Battle" campaign on March 20, 2017 to recognize and improve services for women with military service. Their effort is a 4-phased initiative that includes securing sponsors for the Deborah Sampson Act (S. 681).