Blinded Veterans Association
65th National Convention

Commemorating 65 years of Blinded Veterans helping Blinded Veterans
August 24–28, 2010
Washington, DC

Blinded veterans attending BVA's historic 65th National Convention in Arlington, Virginia, August 24-28 were reminded of their fallen comrades at various events throughout the week. Pictured with their guide dogs at the renowned Vietnam Veterans Memorial are, left to right, Jerry Hogan of BVA's South Texas Regional Group and Junior Farley of the Tennessee Regional Group.

Honoring both the founders of their beloved BVA and World War II veterans universally, blinded veterans attending the organization’s 65th National Convention in Washington, DC presented a ceremonial wreath at the World War II Memorial on August 26. Left to right, National Chaplain Neftali Sanchez, World War II veteran Paul Guzman, National Treasurer Steven Beres, and World War II veteran Ted Noddin.

BVA National President Dr. Roy Kekahuna and his wife, Laurel, have greeted dozens of Association members, guests, and presenters during the first two days of its historic 65th National Convention in Arlington, Virginia. The gathering, which runs through August 28, features a host of formal events and informal opportunities to renew old friendships and offer assistance to veterans who have recently experienced vision loss.

BVA kicked off its historic 65th National Convention August 24 with an Exhibit Hall filled with more than 45 displays of the latest in technology and other aids for the blind and visually impaired. Jim Lystlund, left, and Doug Sprei of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) described their organization’s services to dozens of blinded veterans and their families.

The renowned Korean War Veterans Memorial is one of dozens of potential historic sites of interest at the disposal of blinded veterans and their families who will attend the historic BVA 65th National Convention in the Nation’s Capital August 24-28, 2010. The Memorial was authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1986 and dedicated on July 27, 1995, the 42nd anniversary of the Armistice that suspended open hostilities of the conflict. Photo courtesy of Ana Fitzpatrick.

Hotel:
Marriott Crystal Gateway
1700 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA 22202

Exhibitor Information: Please send an email to Christina Hitchcock, chitchcock@bva.org. This year the Exhibit Hall will be open August 24-25.

Both the convention and hotel pre-registration deadlines are July 14.

Individuals who make their hotel reservation and submit their convention registration to BVA by June 14 will be automatically entered in a drawing to receive five complimentary hotel nights during the official convention dates. The drawing will be held during the Saturday evening Awards Banquet. Potential winners must be present at the banquet.

Final convention and hotel registration deadlines are July 14. Due to the anticipated popularity of this year’s convention, BVA encourages early registration. Space is limited and registrations will be accepted only if openings are available.   

Refund Policy: A $35 administrative fee will be charged to all refund requests.
Cancellations: A full refund minus the administrative fee will be honored if a request is received by August 2. No refund will be honored after that date.

For hotel reservations, call 800-266-9432. Convention official dates are August 24-28. The adjoining VA Blind Rehabilitation Service conference dates are August 24-26. Please add a 10.25 percent room tax to the following room rates:

$149 standard room single/double occupancy room
$169 triple occupancy
$189 quadruple occupancy

The Washington, DC, area airport closest to the Crystal Gateway Hotel is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Other area airports are Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Northern Virginia and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI).

Reagan National Airport
• Hotel direction: 1 mile northwest
• Courtesy phone available
• Alternate transportation: Metrorail (subway), fee $1.35 one way (non-rush hour)
• Airport shuttle service on request, complimentary
• Estimated taxi fare: $7.00 one way

Dulles International Airport
• Hotel direction: 28 miles southwest
• No shuttle service to hotel
• Alternate transportation: Washington Flyer, fee $45.00 one way, reservation required
• Estimated taxi fare: $55 one way

BWI
• Hotel direction: 55 miles northeast
• Alternate transportation: Super Shuttle, fee $61.00, reservation required
• Estimated taxi fare: $65.00 one way

In addition to the aforementioned under each airport listed, other ground transportation options include Greyhound (station is approximately five miles from the hotel) and Amtrak (Union Station is approximately four miles from the hotel). Both stations are Metrorail accessible. The Crystal Gateway is connected to the Crystal City Metrorail station.

Hotel Parking:
• Onsite parking fee: $10 hourly, $21 daily
• Valet parking fee: $27 daily