News

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

March 28 Recognizes BVA Pioneers Past and Present

At just 20 years old, Corporal Matthew Bradford was fighting for his life, battling depression and guilt after sustaining life-threatening injuries. It was January 18, 2007, when a bomb planted by an insurgent in Haditha, Iraq, exploded inside a culvert directly underneath his feet. The injuries resulted, among other long-term consequences, in immediate blindness and loss of both legs. Throughout most of his youth, Matthew had a strong impression that it was his mission in […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Women Veterans Group to Gather for Session on Blinded Veterans Day

The BVA Women Veterans Group (WVG) will meet via Zoom next Thursday, March 28, at 6:00pm Eastern Time. The discussion will center on Women Veterans Month, Blinded Veterans Day, and how women veterans can openly advocate for the needed services and benefits they have earned as a result of their service.  The Blinded Veterans Association is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: BVA Women Veterans Group General Membership Meeting Time: Thursday, March 28, […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Second of Convention Virtual Town Halls to Take VetTech’s Usual Time Slot: Preparing for Upcoming 79th National Gathering in Jacksonville, Florida

Attention BVA Members! Please join us on Wednesday, March 27, at 2:00pm Eastern Time for the second of a series of National Convention Town Hall sessions. The March 27 meeting will provide you with the latest news and information to assist you in your planning processes. Specifically, attendees will gain the following: An overview of the 79th National Convention, including all the important details about dates, events, and registration.  An opportunity to ask questions of BVA […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Golden Age Games Begins Registration for Visually Impaired Division

Registration opened March 12 for the Visually Impaired and Wheelchair Divisions of the 2024 National Veterans Golden Age Games August 24-29 in Salt Lake City. Although online registration for the regular divisions is now closed, veterans who meet the criteria for the two additional divisions may register by calling 1-833-560-1069 and select option 2. A backup number for technical assistance during registration is 1-833-560-1069. BVA members who have participated in Golden Age Games of the […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Kent Steals Still Another Medal at the LA Marathon

Kent, a brown dog with floppy ears, looking at the camera with puppy dog eyes and he is wearing a four leave clover medal. I have mentioned in previous BVA Happenings articles my affinity for stealing medals. Well, I did it again! My dad, Rob, and I participated in the 39th running of the Los Angeles Marathon on March 17. We set out on our course starting at Dodger Stadium and finishing on the Avenue […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Registration Now Open for 79th National Convention

BVA members and their families may now register for the 79th National Convention in Jacksonville, Florida. The registration includes all of the BVA-specific activities and meetings that will occur July 7-10, 2024. To begin the registration process, visit the National Convention page here and then locate the Register Now button. Read more. Please note that all offsite trips and activities associated with the convention are being coordinated by the American Council of the Blind and […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Cherry Blossoms and a Blueberry Facial! Future Ambassadog ShadowRelishes Time at BVA HQ

Left to right with guide dog Shadow following a relaxing facial, Yasmin Vosburg of Aussie Pet Mobile, Meredith Buono-DaGrossa, and Kathy Ferro As Washington, DC, cherry blossoms sprouted, future Ambassadog Shadow (Paul Mimms) reached the area for a week of strenuous work in getting Dad, Paul Mimms, in and out of cars, vans, buildings, restaurants, and a large hotel. Little did Shadow know upon arrival on Monday that he would be the beneficiary of a […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

BVA National Board Descends on Nation’s Capital for Mid-Winter Meetings

Left to right during meetings at VA Central Office: Paul Mimms, Joe Bogart, and National Director of VA Blind Rehabilitation Service Niki Sandlan. The BVA national leadership joined together this week at both the National Headquarters and via the technology of Microsoft Teams for three days of business meetings and headquarters staff dialogue on a variety of subjects affecting the Association. The March 19-21 activities for the in-person attendees—National President Paul Mimms, Vice President Wade […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

BVA, All Americans Unite to Recognize and Salute Vietnam Veterans

Next Friday, March 29, is the seventh anniversary of the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, signed into law by President Donald Trump. The recent legislation designates each March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. To our BVA members who served during the Vietnam War era, the National Board of Directors and National Headquarters express sincere gratitude for your willingness to serve and the sacrifice that service has entailed. As the timeless salute […]

red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

Dog Handler Enthusiasts to Gather on Tuesday via Zoom

An informal meet and greet followed by an open forum, the monthly dog trivia, and a focused medical issues briefing will all comprise the monthly BVA Dog Handlers Group meeting next Tuesday, March 19, at 4:00pm, Eastern Time.  The aforementioned briefing will include the sharing of information from a letter recently received by Group Chair Michaun Harrison from Dr. Devon Smith, Senior Veterinarian at Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc. regarding behavior-modifying medications for dogs, the recent […]