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Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS)
Summer 2020 eNews, Volume 2
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Commissioner’s Corner

This month I want to take the opportunity to shine a light on the important work done by the Virginia Department of Veterans Service (VDVS) team members who operate our Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program. One of seven service areas in VDVS, this program includes specialists in peer support, resource identification, housing services, and justice involvement. These specialists, many of whom are veterans or military spouses, serve as advocates and make it their mission to work one-on-one with veterans and their family members across the Commonwealth to connect them to a variety of resources.
 
Using a network of providers, VDVS employees help veterans facing medical or behavioral health issues. They connect veterans that may find themselves in financial stress to local resources; additionally they work diligently with community partners to assist veterans facing homelessness, including helping some with financial support from the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation’s (VVSF) Veteran Homeless Fund. The VVFS program can also be of help to spouses of Guard and Reserve members when complex issues arise due to frequent deployments, and it exists to assist justice involved veterans with a smooth transition back in to the community.
 
Through the VVFS program, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services remains at the forefront of efforts to stop the epidemic of veterans taking their own lives; this includes an integral role in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families in Virginia.
 
At the center of its mission is one-on-one communication with veterans and families.  Whether conducted in-person or virtually, the VDVS team prides itself on the relationships that are built between veterans and members of our team.
 
COVID-19 restrictions have not hindered our efforts to serve.  Within the past few weeks we have helped a veteran and his dog – his sole companion – move from homelessness to a permanent home; in another part of the Commonwealth we coordinated with the local Veterans Affairs Medical Center to help an elderly veteran find in-home medical care. There are hundreds more stories just like this. In fact, we assisted 1,865 veterans and families through the VVFS program alone during the past year. 
 
Our ability to serve veterans also depends on volunteer and appointed leaders willing to serve on the boards and organizations that provide essential input for our programs and services. There are very few who have given near as much of their time and expertise as Frank G. Wickersham III, who announced his well-earned retirement as the Chair of the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Services Organizations (JLC).  A retired Marine Colonel and later a defense industry executive, Frank served a combined 16 years on the JLC and the VVSF Board of Trustees.
 
Frank represented the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) on the JLC from 2003-2007 and 2016-2020, which included two stints as JLC Chair.  In between his tours on the JLC, Frank served as a trustee of the Veterans Services Foundation from 2007-2015 and as its Chair from 2007-2009.  No doubt, we will greatly miss his smile and kind demeanor, unwavering advocacy for Virginia’s veterans and family members, and his steady leadership of two citizen boards. We wish him the best and hope to continue to count on his advice and counsel.
 
We welcome another long serving veteran as the new JLC chair:  William “Bill” Ashton (USN, Ret.).  Bill represents the Fleet Reserve Association and previously served as JLC Vice Chair. Welcome aboard, Bill.
 
As always, all of us at VDVS appreciate your interest in our agency and our mission to serve Virginia’s veterans, transitioning service members and their families.  We welcome your comments, ideas, and suggestions and hope you’ll reach out to any of us. Together, we can continue to assure that the Commonwealth of Virginia serves veterans and families in a way that befits their sacrifices for our Nation.
 
Thank you and may you and your family stay well.



John Maxwell, Commissioner
Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Livestreams - Learning from the Homefront
Click the link above to learn more about the Virginia War Memorial’s livestream opportunities offered in August. All are free and open to the public, though registration is required. 

Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Conference
August 19, 2020
Virtual Event

Patriot Day Ceremony
Presented by the Virginia War Memorial
September 11, 2020
Virtual Event
 










Roger Hirsh
U.S. Navy
 
Please give an overview of your military service.
Enlisted:  Recruit Training/Boot Camp Great Lakes IL 1971, followed by Hospital Corps School, also at Great Lakes. First duty station was Naval Hospital Portsmouth, VA, assigned to Pharmacy, completed training for Pharmacy Technician NEC. Discharged August 1975, served an additional year in reserves as Corpsman for Harbor Clearance Unit Two.
 
Graduated Old Dominion University BS (Microbiology) 1976, then Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University BS in Pharmacy, 1979. Also completed MBA from Golden Gate Univ of San Francisco and MS in Pharmacy Administration from Purdue University.
 
Commissioned:  LTjg Medical Service Corps as Pharmacy Officer 1980.  Assigned to NH San Diego, duty included implementing Navy’s first pharmacy computer systems, which became a career specialty. Duty stations included NH San Diego, NAS Miramar, NAS Oceana, NRMC Portsmouth, Naval School of Health Sciences Portsmouth, NAS Jacksonville, NH Great Lakes, NMC San Diego, and NMC Portsmouth VA. Retired as CAPT in 2006 after 30 years active duty.
 
Civil Service: After retiring from active duty, worked an additional ten years as a civilian Pharmacist for NMC Portsmouth VA.  Retired from Civil Service in 2018.
 
Military awards included Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and several other unit and service medals.  

What was or were your most rewarding assignment or assignments while serving?
Serving as Pharmacy Director for NMC San Diego and NMC Portsmouth were both professionally challenging as a Pharmacy Officer.  Most rewarding was deploying as the Deputy Commander of U.S. Military Hospital Kuwait 2004-2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was a unique privilege to lead such a dedicated team on such a critical mission. 

What are you doing now?
In 2017, I started an effort to get a U.S. Navy license plate established for Virginia, which currently only has Army, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. As the DMV State Sponsor, I set the plate up as a revenue share to benefit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.  DMV requires 450 paid preorders to present the plate to the General Assembly, of which we currently have just over 200. Our legislative sponsor is Senator Jen Kiggans of Virginia Beach.  Along the way, the project has been in a variety of media, including TV, radio, newspaper, and magazines. I was inexperienced in social media, but have since set up a Facebook page at @Navy.Plate.Virginia and last year, set up a website at www.NavyPlateVirginia.com.

What advice would you give to a transitioning service member? Be proud of the fact that you served your country, regardless of pay grade, awards, or assignments. The experience is much more valuable than many college degrees. Employers look for veterans because of their training, self-discipline, and work ethic, not because they were a Chief or Commander. Take advantage of earned education benefits, and network through your veteran’s organizations, such as the Fleet Reserve Association.
 ;

Interview with Ryland Potter, Director of Business Development, WDM USA, Richmond

 

Please tell us about your business. 
WDM USA is a leading provider of road surveying equipment, survey services, and asset management solutions. We are part of a 60-year tradition of helping Departments of Transportation proactively reduce the risk of fatal and serious injury crashes. We provide high-quality road survey data that pinpoints where, how, and when to fix the roads. 

Why is your business committed to hiring veterans?
Our business depends on delivering high-quality, repeatable road survey data. Our employees need to be dedicated, reliable, and able to problem-solve while on a remote location. We also have a unique need for individuals with a mix of mechanical, electrical, and IT skills (or the aptitude to be trained) and focus while delivering work. We find that the technical and personal skills veterans bring to the table allow us to perform at our best.

What advantages has your company experienced in hiring veterans?
We are in growth mode and have opportunities for individuals that believe in the work we’re doing and who want to grow with us. We have found many of our veteran employees have embraced the opportunity to translate skills and training into expanded roles that touch multiple aspects of the business. That commitment allows us to grow with confidence.

Can you tell us about the process of becoming a V3 Certified Partner? When did you become a V3 partner?
Becoming certified was a straightforward process and we’ve continued to stay connected through the VTAP weekly newsletter and assistance from the V3 office. We’ve been a partner since 2019 and are glad to continue that partnership.

What advice would you give to other employers seeking to hire and retain veterans?
Highlight where the job (or growth opportunities) intersect with the employee’s skills and
seek feedback from your employees on what will make it a meaningful employment experience for them.
New Legislation Eases Occupational Licensure Process for Military Spouses in Virginia

Governor Ralph Northam proudly shows the signed legislation (House Bill 967 and Senate Bill 981) aimed at expediting the occupational and profession licensure process for military spouses seeking jobs in the Commonwealth.  

Governor Ralph Northam has signed legislation that will help expedite the occupational and professional licensure process for military spouses seeking jobs in Virginia.
 
The new law requires state licensing boards to determine if a military spouse’s out-of-state license is equivalent within twenty days and issue an automatic one-year temporary license that affords the spouse the opportunity to find employment immediately when they move to and settle in a new community in the Commonwealth.
 
The Governor signed the bill during the quarterly meeting of the Virginia Military Advisory Committee on July 16 at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.  Joining the Governor at the event were Blue Star Families CEO and Board President Kathy Roth-Douquet, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Carlos Hopkins, Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Kathleen Jabs, and the sponsors of the legislation, State Senator David Sutterlein, Delegate Carrie Coyner and Delegate Rodney Willet.
 
VDVS staff members and military spouses Nicole Anderson and Tramaine Carrol-Payne participated in the ceremony.
 
“As an Army veteran and as a Virginian, I am committed to ensuring the Commonwealth continues to provide an environment where our veterans and military families can thrive,” said Governor Northam. “Complex rules about license equivalence and the portability of certifications too often result in the unemployment or underemployment of military spouses. This legislation will enable the spouses of the men and women who serve our country to maintain their professional licenses and continue their careers in Virginia with a streamlined and simple process.”
 
“This enhanced process will help our military spouses find employment opportunities quicker and without the stress of worrying if their credentials will carry over to Virginia,” said Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Carlos L. Hopkins. “Implementing innovative ways to support our military families is one of the reasons Virginia continually ranks as one of the best states for service members, veterans, and their families.”
 
According to the United States Department of Labor, more than 34 percent of all military spouses in the labor force require an occupational or professional license. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and the Department of Health Professions administer the process of granting professional licenses for all professions regulated under Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia. Additional information about the licensure process for military personnel and their spouses is available here.
VDVS Employee and Disabled Veteran Preston Curry Recognized for Archery Expertise

 


Preston Curry, an administrative assistant in the VDVS Education, Transition and Employment directorate, was recently profiled on Richmond TV station WTVR CBS6 for his expertise with a bow and arrow.
 
Curry, an Army veteran, suffered a spinal cord injury twenty-five years ago due to an automobile accident. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Curry was determined to still be athletically active and participate in sports and discovered competitive archery three years ago. He also enjoys trap shooting and other gun sports.
 
“My injury is the reason I participate in so many sports,” Curry explained to CBS6 sports director Lane Casadonte. “Staying active is number one for me.”
 
In addition to his job at VDVS, Curry represents the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) on Virginia’s Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations (JLC).
Veteran Service Representative Susan Spence Honored by Local American Legion Post

 


Congratulations to Susan Spence, Veterans Services Representative at the VDVS Benefits Office in Emporia.
 
On August 5, American Legion Post 264 in Jarratt presented her with their God and Country pin and certificate for her service to area veterans. The certificate reads:
 
“For your caring, compassionate and hard work on behalf of all of our veterans. Your dedication and presence in our community is very much needed and appreciated.”
Virginia War Memorial Hosts First Military History Trivia Quiz Livestream Event

 


The Virginia War Memorial hosted its first Military History Trivia livestream event on July 7 at 7 p.m.  Over 65 persons from around Virginia and even out-of-state participated in an online quiz to test their knowledge of American military history.  Memorial Director and military historian Dr. Clay Mountcastle was the Master of Ceremonies and “quizmaster” who fired off the questions.
 
The quiz included sixty questions and was divided into five rounds with each round dedicated to a fallen Virginian service member who is honored at the Virginia War Memorial. At the end of the hour-long livestream, the winning team was announced and will receive prizes from the Memorial’s gift shop.
 
"We wanted to provide a fun, educational event," Dr. Mountcastle said. "This was a blast and it was great to see so many history and trivia fans log on to join us." 
 
Mountcastle noted that the Memorial is planning a second Military History Trivia night in early October and he hopes that participation will grow even larger.  “This will be one of the rare cases when the sequel should be even better than the original,” Dr. Mountcastle added.
 
For more information on the Virginia War Memorial’s livestream events and schedules, please check out Facebook.com/virginiawarmemorial or visit www.vawarmemorial.org.
Former Governor Wilder Reflects on His Korean War Experiences During Virginia War Memorial Eyewitness to History Livestream

Dr. Mountcastle showing Governor Wilder the Medal of Honor Gallery.
 

Former Virginia Governor and Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder spoke about his experiences as an Army Sergeant during the Korean War during a Virginia War Memorial livestream telecast from 11 a.m. – noon, July 27 as part of the Memorial’s Eyewitness to History series.
 
July 27 marked the anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice in 1953.
 
Governor Wilder sat down with the Memorial’s Director of Education Jim Triesler for an hour discussion in the Memorial’s Distance Learning Center.  The program was livestreamed on the Memorial and VDVS Facebook pages.
 
“I was so pleased that Governor Wilder agreed to be interviewed for our Eyewitness to History livestream,” Triesler said. “As well-known as he is, most of the public doesn’t know about his combat service in Korea and that he was awarded the Bronze Star.  I found his recollections about his military service and how it affected his decision to earn a law degree and eventually enter politics when he returned home enlightening as I hope those did who watched the livestream.”
 
Virginia War Memorial Director Dr. Clay Mountcastle gave the Governor a tour of the new C. Kenneth Wright Pavilion including the Medal of Honor Gallery and the Shrine of Memory - Global War on Terrorism and Beyond during his visit.
 
The livestream interview with Governor Wilder is now archived and available to view at no charge on the Virginia War Memorial website at www.vawarmemorial.org/learn/livestreams as are all of the previously produced livestream programs.
Virginia War Memorial Seeks Entries for 2020 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest
 
 

The Virginia War Memorial is now calling for entries for the 2020 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest. The contest is open to all middle and high school age public, private and homeschooled students in Virginia. One winner will be selected from among all middle school entries (grades 6-8) and one from high school (grades 9-12) entries.
 
The topic for the 2020 Virginia War Memorial Veterans Day Student Essay Contest is “An American Who Served in The Military During World War II Who Inspires Me.” Students can consider a member of their family, of their community, or a famous man or woman who served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces as their subject. Essays should be 500-750 words in length and utilize interviews and primary sources whenever possible.
 
The two students who write the winning essays will each receive a $200 gift card and each of their teachers will earn receive a $100 gift card to purchase classroom supplies. The student winners will also be invited to read aloud their essays and participate in the Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.
 
The deadline for entries for the Virginia War Memorial 2020 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest is 11:59 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2020. Complete information regarding, the essay theme, rules, guidelines and how to enter is available here or by calling Virginia War Memorial Assistant Education Director Morgan Guyer at (804) 786-2060.
Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission to Host Livestreamed Ceremony Marking 75th Anniversary of End of WWII
 

Seeks World War II veterans who were on the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945 to be part of special ceremony


 
 

The Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission will host a livestreamed ceremony on September 2, 2020 at 9 a.m.  The ceremony, titled A Better World Shall Emerge: 75th Anniversary of the End of WWII, will be livestreamed from the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, Virginia.  All Virginians are invited to be part of this unique livestreamed event.
 
The ceremony is the culminating event in Virginia’s statewide commemoration of the 75th anniversary of World War II.  To meet social distancing guidelines, the ceremony will be livestreamed with no audience on site. 
 
The ceremony, emceed by Greg McQuade of WTVR CBS 6, will feature a reading from General Douglas A. MacArthur’s September 2, 1945 speech and reenactment of the original signing of the surrender documents that ended World War II at 9:08 a.m. A keynote from Chris Kolakowski, director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and former director of the MacArthur Memorial, and remote remarks from significant World War II sites around Virginia will follow. Additional information on the ceremony, including information on how to view the livestream, will be posted on the Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission’s website in the coming weeks.
 
The Commission is seeking any World War II veteran who was on the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945 to be part of this special ceremony.  For more information, please contact Mr. Rick Oertel, Legislative Aide for Veteran Affairs for Delegate Kirk Cox, the Commission Chairman, at 804-526-5135 or rick@kirkcox.com, or Ms. Lily Jones, Virginia WWI & WWII Commemoration Commission, at 804-698-1888 or ljones@dls.virginia.gov.
 
The Japanese document of surrender to the Allied Powers was signed on September 2, 1945, at 9:08 a.m. aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay (BB-63, Iowa class battleship), and was presided over by General Douglas A. MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers.
 
On that Sunday morning 75 years ago, more than 250 Allied warships lay at anchor in Tokyo Bay, as the flags of the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and China flew above the deck of the Missouri.  Following signatures from Japanese officials, Supreme Commander MacArthur signed on behalf of the United Nations, declaring, “It is my earnest hope and indeed the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past.”
 
The USS Wisconsin (BB-64, Iowa class battleship), docked in Norfolk at the Nauticus Museum, is a sister ship of the same class as the Missouri, and provides an accurate and powerful location at which to mark the end of the war.  Moreover, the MacArthur Memorial has a number of original artifacts from the day, such as the signing pen, MacArthur's copy of the document of surrender, and MacArthur's flag.  Virginia’s commemoration of the signing of the surrender documents and official end of WWII will draw national attention.
 
We hope you will join us for the livestreamed ceremony at 9 a.m. on September 2, 2020.

Virginia Veterans Services Foundation Looks to Continue Mission to Help Veterans in New Fiscal Year



 
 

Happy New Year!
 
July 1, 2020 is the beginning of the new fiscal year (FY21) for the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VVSF).  This date marks the annual start for the organization and to look forward to setting new goals, facing new challenges and achieving new accomplishments.  This date also brings new leadership to the Foundation Board of Trustees as we welcome John Lesinski as Chair, Nicole Carry as 1st Vice Chair, and Jack Lanier as 2nd Vice Chair.
 
With final numbers for FY20 now calculated, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown meant that the Foundation encountered unprecedented challenges and was forced to regroup and maneuver through uncharted waters.  Even with these challenges, the Foundation raised over $637,000 this past fiscal year.
 
This support came from 615 individuals and other donors from throughout the Commonwealth in gift amounts from $5 to $100,000.  While these gift amounts may have differed dramatically, each donor shared the same special reason for supporting the Foundation – to offer direct support to our Virginia veterans and their families.
 
In FY20, this generosity allowed the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation to provide supplemental funding to a variety of important Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) programs.  Here a few examples:
  • The Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program assisted 1,883 veterans and family members who received over 2,852 services.
  • Financial support was provided to 195 veterans facing homelessness through the Foundation’s Homeless Fund administered by VVFS.
  • Eighteen veterans received financial assistance for training programs and received various certifications to help them find civilian employment.
  • The Foundation was a major partner and supporter of the 2020 Virginia Women Veterans Virtual Summit and proudly participated in its virtual career and networking fair.
  • Funds were allocated to the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond to upgrade a new community room and to the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke to assist with various special activities for residents throughout the year.
Our goal this year is keep up this momentum. The current pandemic and economic situation will continue to bring often unforeseen challenges to Virginia’s veteran community.  Dealing with these unknown factors is and will continue to cause great stress.  The Foundation must be prepared to reassure veterans families that resources and assistance are available before they face crisis situations.

VDVS already has many successful assistance programs and resources in place to meet the needs of veterans wherever they live in Virginia. The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation is determined to work to build our donor base and increase funding to reach as many veterans and their families as possible.

We need more individuals, organizations and businesses who share this passion to help Virginia veterans.  The Foundation is always looking for new friends and outreach opportunities. Please share our message. Together, we can continue the mission and accomplish so much more in FY21. Our veterans served us. Now, it’s our turn to serve them.

Learn more about the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation at www.vvsf.org.
Click here to download the VDVS Virginia Veterans Resource Guide
Click here to download the Virginia OAG Military & Veteran Legal Resource Guide
Click here to read the Re-entry Roadmap for Veterans Incarcerated in Virginia. 
Click here to download the VDVS Agency brochure
Click here to evaluate your military experience for college credits and see how they apply to Virginia Community College System programs that support your career goals
Click here to learn how to obtain a veteran indicator on your Virginia license.
Click here to learn about the Veteran Employment Grant for V3 companies
Click here to learn about DMV 2 Go Mobile Military and Veteran Site Visits.
Click here to download a Virginia Resident Disabled Veteran’s Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License Application (DGIF)
Click here for a free service that can help you find the local resources you need. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

www.dvs.virginia.gov
Governor of Virginia
Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs 
Virginia General Assembly
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