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BVA Blog

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With the arrival of spring and the enjoyment of longer days, warmer weather, and the budding of leaves and flowers, it seems fitting to reflect on the many religious, spiritual, and cultural holidays that are part of this season—and their importance to BVA members and their families.    Understanding the traditions and values that others deem sacred is vital to the peace and harmony in all organizations and societies and in all settings — from workplaces
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

Veterans of the U.S. Military nationwide have begun asking about economic impact payments as a result of the recent stimulus package passed by Congress and signed by the President. The Blinded Veterans Association has recently joined forces with lawmakers and other advocates of veterans to request clarification regarding these COVID-19 economic payments for those who receive compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs but who do not normally file tax returns or receive payments from Social Security. A series of news releases offers clarification about such payments as well as for Social Security recipients.

Headquarters Statement Regarding COVID-19

The Blinded Veterans Association has been closely monitoring developments related to the COVID-19 virus from its Alexandria headquarters. We are especially mindful of our BVA membership and their families, located throughout the United States, during this most challenging time. Their health and welfare are our highest priority and the National Board of Directors continues to explore means by which our veterans with vision loss may be assisted in areas such as transportation, shopping, and filling prescriptions.

 

We are also concerned about the continued health and safety of our employees and their families. After much thoughtful consideration and deliberation among our national leaders and headquarters staff, BVA has determined to move all but a few of its employees to a virtual work environment until further notice. We will likely have a limited number of staff members still in our office, for the time being, but the specific days and hours may be reduced and/or shortened.

 

BVA staff will continue to take calls and read emails during this time. When calling BVA’s direct number, 202-371-8880, or the toll-free number, 800-669-7079, please use the recorded menu to contact a staff member directly or his/her department. Normally those two numbers reach a live receptionist. If this does not occur, a caller can still leave a voicemail with the receptionist, a department, or another individual. The time necessary to return a call may be extended somewhat at this time but we will make every effort possible to contact as soon as possible those who attempt to reach us. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concern.

 

We wish our entire BVA family health, safety, and the best of spirits possible during this difficulty period throughout the world. We are confident that we can all get through this together.

 

Dr. Tom Zampieri, BVA National President

Joe Bogart, BVA Executive Director