Veterans Conservation Corps

09/03/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) - Available resources and SPAM Toolkit from Washington Department of Veterans Affairs

Last year, 212 Veterans in Washington State were lost to su***de. The hopelessness, pain, and suffering experienced by those left behind is immeasurable and highlights the need to support SMVF in our communities and reduce deaths by su***de together.

September is ***dePreventionAwarenessMonth or . Your Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs invites you to join our efforts to inspire care and hope among service members, Veterans, and their families.

We acknowledge the lives lost to su***de and all impacted by losing loved ones and recognize we still have work to do to prevent tragedy by instilling hope! Our theme this year, “Speak Up, Save Lives”, encourages us to come together and support those who may be struggling. By talking about su***de, we shine a light on the need to dismantle barriers to wellness such as stigma, fear, and judgment.

Last year, 212 Veterans in Washington State were lost to su***de. The hopelessness, pain, and suffering experienced by those left behind is immeasurable and highlights the need to support SMVF in our communities and reduce deaths by su***de together.

Su***de is a public health crisis and can be prevented. The Veterans Crisis Line is free and confidential and is available by calling 988, then pressing 1. Individuals supporting a Veteran in crisis may also call 988 to receive assistance from crisis counselors.

Our Su***de Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) Toolkit offers individuals, families, friends, and the community resources to connect SMVF in need of help to the services and supports individuals having difficulties with behavioral health concerns.

You do not have to be an expert to help someone who may need a listening ear or support. WDVA’s Su***de Prevention Team offers no-cost su***de prevention trainings, virtually or in person, to the community, so check out what we have to offer to better educate and equip each other with the tools on how to LEARN: Look for Signs, Empathize, Ask, Reduce the Dangers, and Next Steps.

If you are unfamiliar with how to work with SMVF in your community and would like to learn more, we also offer Preventing Veteran Su***de by Combating Stigma: Building Awareness and Support at no cost.

Supporting SMVF in the community is a partnership and takes everyone to work towards the same goal! That is why WDVA works together with local community agencies and government partners as part of Washington State’s Governor’s Challenge to end su***de among SMVF.

Read more: https://www.dva.wa.gov/news/2025/september-su***de-prevention-awareness-month-spam-available-resources-and-spam-toolkit-washington

08/04/2025

⚓ Happy 235th Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! ⚓
Today we honor the brave men and women who serve with courage, commitment, and compassion—protecting our shores and saving lives every day. From all of us at the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs:

Thank you for your service and Semper Paratus!

07/25/2025

Celebrating the Legacy of the Orting Veterans Farm

As we bid farewell to the Orting Veterans Farm, which ceased operations on July 1 due to completion of funding from a VA Rural Farms Grant, we reflect on the immense impact it has had on the community, the land, and the many Veterans who found purpose and healing through its soil. This farm was more than just acres of land, it was a space for growth, resilience, and connection.

Over the years, the Orting Veterans Farm accomplished incredible milestones, becoming a model of sustainability, education, and service.

Veteran Empowerment

Hosted 16 Veteran farm interns, providing hands-on agricultural training.
Licensed farm plots for 26 beginning Veteran farmers, fostering self-sufficiency.
Sustainability Initiatives

Diverted over 105,000 pounds of food waste through a composting program.
Maintained orchards and demonstration gardens to promote sustainable practices.
Collaborated on solar energy feasibility studies to explore renewable energy options.
Agricultural Workshops

Provided training in beekeeping, organic farming, sustainable irrigation, composting, companion planting, orchard pruning, and fruit tree grafting.

Hosted women Veteran farmer learning circles in collaboration with American Farmland Trust’s Women for the Land program.

Holistic Veteran Well-Being

Organized Veterans Peer Support sessions to strengthen camaraderie.
Led workshops focused on mental health and well-being.
Promoted su***de prevention and awareness efforts.
Conducted military/Veterans cultural competency training to enhance understanding.

Community Support & Engagement

12,740 pounds of fresh produce donated to the Orting Senior Center and Orting Food Bank.
Hosted an annual free farmers market for Veterans and their families.
Organized seasonal farm potlucks to foster community connections.
Offered wreath-building workshops to celebrate tradition and creativity.

Read More: https://www.dva.wa.gov/news/2025/celebrating-legacy-orting-veterans-farm

07/23/2025

Join us for the livestream of our Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee Town Hall in Okanogan County, beginning at 10 a.m.

Join Zoom Meeting (Click on the link or scan the QR code)
https://wdva.zoom.us/j/86726984101?pwd=MZgOxufC5D2MZxsE8UKSns4JS5lSsf.1

Meeting ID: 867 2698 4101
Passcode: 763537

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Meeting ID: 867 2698 4101

Find your local number: https://wdva.zoom.us/u/kdldeoveat

07/19/2025

Are you interested in learning about native plants, grazing techniques, and conservation programs
while assisting with the monitoring and restoration of rare prairie habitat in the Chehalis watershed?

07/11/2025

The Veterans Conservation Corps internship is open with placements in Thurston and Lewis counties. Interns will work at the Early Blue conservation site in Tenino and the Southwest Washington Food Hub in Centralia.

The internships are coordinated through a program by the Veterans Conservation Corps in partnership with WSU Extension, the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and EcoStudies Institute.

The program offers $3,200 per month for habitat restoration and food system work, as announced by the Washington State University Extension on Tuesday, July 8.

Full-time paid internships for military veterans are available in Thurston and Lewis counties. The internships are coordinated through a program by the ...

06/24/2025

Meet Wayne Dodson—our inspiring intern from the Veterans Conservation Corps program at Thurston County Conservation District! Dive into his remarkable journey from veteran to conservation leader as he shares how service and dedication can transform communities and protect our natural heritage.

His passion and resilience remind us that every story of commitment makes our world a better place. Watch the full spotlight video and get inspired to serve and conserve in your own way!

Watch here: https://youtu.be/8nYR1tcpxTM

06/14/2025

To Honor and Celebrate – U.S. Army marks their 250th Birthday – Message from WDVA Director David Puente Jr.

Two‐and‐a‐half centuries ago—14 June 1775—the Continental Congress voted to “raise and support an Army” to defend a nation that existed only as an idea. 250 years later, that idea has grown into the world’s most enduring experiment in democracy, safeguarded every day by the men and women of the United States Army.

Today we celebrate more than a date on the calendar. We honor generations of Veterans—to include Active-Duty, Guard, and Reserve members—who stood watch at Lexington and Concord, stormed the beaches of Normandy, patrolled the jungles of Vietnam, navigated the deserts of the Middle East, and now deter aggression in every domain, from the Indo-Pacific to cyberspace. We also remember the families who packed footlockers, prayed over late-night phone calls, kept homes running, and welcomed their Soldiers back with open arms.

To our Soldiers past and present: you have earned the gratitude of a nation and the admiration of history. Your selfless service reminds us that America’s strength has never been found only in her weapons, but in the character of those who wield them.

Read More: https://www.dva.wa.gov/news/2025/honor-and-celebrate-united-states-army-marks-their-250th-birthday-message-wdva-director-david-puente

06/13/2025

WDVA Legislative Wrap Up: Budget
The 2025 Legislative Session ended on April 27, 2025. You can find a summary of the Veteran related bills that were passed on our Legislative Updates page.

Like all agencies, WDVA did receive reductions to our operating budget because of the state’s budget shortfall. Director David Puente Jr. shared early with WDVA team members that we are committed to our mission of Serving Those Who Served. Throughout the budget process, we worked hard to minimize the impacts of budget cuts on staff members, programs, and our partners.

I also want to share that while programs may be discontinued for now, that doesn’t negate the incredible work that was accomplished or milestones that were achieved. We do plan to look for funding opportunities to reinvigorate many of these programs when the time is right.

The final legislative budget took the following reductions:
-$3.2 million in administrative efficiencies over the two fiscal year period which includes:

-6% reduction in the five nonprofit Veterans Service Organization contracts to assist veterans in filing claims to the federal VA.

-50% reduction in Veterans Conservation Corps internships.

-Holding 17 positions vacant and abolishing several filled positions. (This means that existing staff members duties and priorities may shift to ensure we are meeting our statutorily mandated requirements. We will do our best to ensure there are not delays in service or response times.)

-Reductions in goods and services, contracts, equipment, and similar areas where efficiencies exist.

-Elimination of funding for the Military Transition and Readiness Council staff member. We recognize the significant role the MTRC has played uniting Senior Leaders of public, private, and community-based organizations to support Washington’s Military and Veteran communities. While funding for the position managing MRTC’s MTRC work has ended, the executive order establishing the framework remains and we are evaluating options to ensure the significant achievements and relationships the Council has fostered are not lost.

-Reduction of $861,000 in Veterans Services/Counseling & Wellness budget in both Fiscal Year 25 and Fiscal Year 26. (This is in addition to the administrative efficiencies noted in the first bullet.)

-8% increase in private pay rates for State Veterans Homes Private Pay Residents.

Programs that are being discontinued as a result of either state or federal cuts include:
-In House NAC Academy (partnerships with local colleges will continue)
-Veterans Farm at Orting
-Vet Corps (AmeriCorps program through ServeWA)
-To***co Cessation Program (grant funding through Department of Health)
-Funding for lethal means lock boxes previously received from Department of Commerce.

As reductions take place at both the national and state levels, we know our partnerships are more important now than ever before. Your WDVA Team is working hard to ensure Washington’s Veterans and families are connected to the benefits they earned, and we know this is only possible because of our work together. Our thanks go to our state’s amazing Veterans Community as we work together to navigate these changes.

Read More:

June 13, 2025 - 12:00pm Legislative Wrap Up: Budget The 2025 Legislative Session ended on April 27, 2025.  You can find a summary of the Veteran related bills that were passed on our Legislative Updates page.  Like all agencies, WDVA did receive reductions to our operating budget because of the st...

06/12/2025

June 12 - Honoring

Honoring the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, June 12 is Women Veterans Day—a day to recognize their invaluable contributions and the barriers they’ve shattered along the way.

This year’s celebration highlights the 77th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, the landmark legislation that gave women a permanent place in the military. As we reflect on their service, we uplift their stories, celebrate their achievements, and inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps.

Join us in honoring the 3 million women veterans who have served our nation with strength and resilience. Share your gratitude, listen to their stories, and support organizations that empower women veterans.



Check out photos and video from the proclamation signing, events taking place across the state and more: https://www.dva.wa.gov/news/2025/2025-women-veterans-day-media-kit-videos-photos-and-proclamation

06/06/2025

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, changing the course of history. Their courage serves as a reminder of the price of freedom. Let us never forget their heroism and sacrifice.
Learn more: https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/Remembering-D-Day/

06/03/2025

🌱🌼 A day of growth, connection, and care! 🌼🌱

At Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard, our memory care residents came together for a special Pea Patch Planting Activity, cultivating more than just plants—cultivating joy, memories, and community. 🏡💚

Watch as hands meet the soil, smiles bloom, and the simple act of planting brings warmth to hearts. 🌿💖