Veterans Training Support Center

Veterans Training Support Center VTSC provides continuing educational opportunities and professional development to those who provide

VTSC provides continuing educational opportunities and professional development to those who provide direct service to veterans and their family members.

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

09/02/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month. 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.

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.

Learn more at www.dva.wa.gov/spam

Standing Together: Honoring Veterans on International Overdose Awareness DayOn August 31, the Washington Department of V...
08/31/2025

Standing Together: Honoring Veterans on International Overdose Awareness Day

On August 31, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs joins the global community in observing International Overdose Awareness Day—a day to remember those we’ve lost to overdose, support those still fighting, and take action to protect our Veteran community from further harm.

The Overdose Crisis Among Veterans

For many Veterans, the battle doesn’t end when they return home. The invisible wounds of war—trauma, chronic pain, and mental health challenges—can lead to substance use and, tragically, overdose. The crisis affects not just individuals, but entire families, units, and communities.

It ripples through VA hospitals, support groups, and the neighborhoods where our Veterans live and work.

This day reminds us that no Veteran should be left behind.

Read more and access resources: https://www.dva.wa.gov/news/2025/standing-together-honoring-veterans-international-overdose-awareness-day

2025 VA Community Mental Health Summit - Sept. 19, 2025We aim to "promote comprehensive wellness: Mind, Body, Spirit.Reg...
08/28/2025

2025 VA Community Mental Health Summit - Sept. 19, 2025
We aim to "promote comprehensive wellness: Mind, Body, Spirit.
Register Now: https://www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?id=29303

This event draws in partners, clients, and Individuals looking to learn about available resources, learning about prevention, postvention, outcomes, and evidence-based care. This group of Individuals brings that to life in this one-day summit with you, your veteran, and our military community in mind.

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity as we again join forces to make positive change in our joint service mission for those who served and their families.

For more information contact: Lesley.Babb@va.gov

📸 Day One Highlights – Serving Those Who Served Conference 🇺🇸 Yakima Convention Center | August 20, 2025What an incredib...
08/20/2025

📸 Day One Highlights – Serving Those Who Served Conference 🇺🇸 Yakima Convention Center | August 20, 2025

What an incredible kickoff to the Serving Those Who Served Conference! Day One was filled with powerful conversations, heartfelt connections, and a shared commitment to honoring our Veterans and service members. From inspiring keynote speakers to breakout sessions packed with insight, the energy in the room was nothing short of electric.

🎤 Thought-provoking panels 🤝 Networking with purpose 🎖️ Professional Headshots 📚 Resources, breakout session, and community-building

Swipe through some of our favorite moments from today—and don’t miss the full photo album to relive every handshake, smile, and story shared.

👉 View the full album here: 98326753@N03/albums/72177720328196519/" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://flickr.com/photos/98326753@N03/albums/72177720328196519/

Thank you to everyone who made Day One unforgettable. We’re just getting started—see you tomorrow for more inspiration and impact!

Washington Employment Security Department Washington State Arts Commission

Veteran Employment Resource Group (VERG) Networking Event -Join for an in-person event designed to connect Veterans. Whe...
08/13/2025

Veteran Employment Resource Group (VERG) Networking Event -
Join for an in-person event designed to connect Veterans. Whether you're seeking new career paths, mentorship, or simply meaningful conversation with fellow Vets, this is your space to build bridges and spark opportunities.

Goals of the VERG
-Recruit Veterans to state service through outreach and educational activities.
-Retain Veterans by providing a support structure, education, and career progression assistance.
-Recognize Veterans by planning activities that honor their military and state service.

RSVP has been extended:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=F-LQEU4mCkCLoFfcwSfXLUAI_WreA7pNpFD7RBDxi2pUNjhQNks1SkMwOE9NV0UwUlUzTkcxMEVBSyQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

Join us for our exciting session TODAY - Forward2Gether Brain Injury Peer Group on August 12 - Theme/Topic: What Does Re...
08/12/2025

Join us for our exciting session TODAY - Forward2Gether Brain Injury Peer Group on August 12 - Theme/Topic: What Does Recovery Mean?

We’re thrilled to highlight our Resource Spotlight: UW Medicine - Department of Rehabilitation Medicine: TBI
Erica Easmund & David Sheppard
Isaac Peterson - Part 1 Visualization Introduction Part 1.

Everyone is welcome in Elk, WA - Forward2Gether Brain Injury Peer Group on August 12 - Theme/Topic: Scars Beneath the Surface: A Peer Conversation on TBI & Resilience.
We look forward to seeing you there! Resource Spotlight: Hunting Vets (Drew Berg).

Join us for a Su***de Prevention Workshop for veterans, their loved ones, and all who care about those who served! 🗓 Dat...
08/11/2025

Join us for a Su***de Prevention Workshop for veterans, their loved ones, and all who care about those who served!
🗓 Date: Thursday, August 14th
🕙 Time: 10 AM - 3 PM
📍 Location: Skagit County Public Health

This workshop aims to provide support, resources, and strategies to help individuals recognize the signs of su***de and promote mental wellness within our community. Let's come together to ensure no one feels alone in their struggle.

💙 Your presence makes a difference! Spread the word and help us reach those who need it most.

PROCLAMATION - Purple Heart Recipient Recognition DayWHEREAS, our nation and its principles have been defended throughou...
08/07/2025

PROCLAMATION - Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day

WHEREAS, our nation and its principles have been defended throughout history by brave and patriotic people who willingly sacrificed their own well-being for the cause of freedom and democracy; and

WHEREAS, our veterans have earned profound and eternal gratitude from Washingtonians for their willingness to risk life and limb for the sake of this nation, its people and our cherished freedoms; and

WHEREAS, President George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit to honor brave military personnel; and

WHEREAS, in 1932, on the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth, the Badge of Military Merit was renamed the Order of the Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, today the Purple Heart is awarded to honor the combat wounded veterans of this country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home; and

WHEREAS, local governments and veteran organizations across Washington state are expanding recognition efforts, including community ceremonies, veteran outreach programs and public education initiatives to deepen awareness of the Purple Heart's legacy; and

WHEREAS, the Purple Heart Trail, which now includes major Washington roadways such as Interstate 5, serves as a visible tribute to those who have paid a high price for our freedom; and

WHEREAS, the entire month of August is known as Purple Heart Recognition Month; and

WHEREAS, the 1991 Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5718 recognizing the seventh day of August as a day to pay tribute to those who hold the distinction of having been awarded the Purple Heart;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Ferguson, governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim August 7, 2025, as

Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day

in Washington, and I urge all people in our state to join me join me in acknowledging and honoring this state's veterans who have been wounded in battle while defending the principles of democracy, individual freedom, and human rights.
Signed this 4th day of August, 2025
Governor Bob Ferguson

💜 Honoring Heroes on Purple Heart Day – August 7 💜 Today, we recognize Purple Heart Day, a time to honor the brave U.S. ...
08/07/2025

💜 Honoring Heroes on Purple Heart Day – August 7 💜 Today, we recognize Purple Heart Day, a time to honor the brave U.S. service members who were wounded in combat or made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation. The Purple Heart medal is awarded to those who have shown extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of danger — a symbol of their unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms.

As we reflect on their sacrifice, let us also remember the families who carry the legacy of these heroes. Their strength and support are an enduring part of the story of service and patriotism.

Whether through a moment of silence, a message of thanks, or learning more about their stories — take time today to honor those who have given so much for our country.

Address

Washington State Department Of Veterans Affairs
Olympia, WA
98504

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm

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