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

All Virginia Veterans Deserve Our Assistance & We’re Here to Help
 
I hope that you are staying healthy and navigating the current challenges as best as possible. As we continue to watch the COVID-19 pandemic unfold, I think we can all accept that this virus will be with us for an extended period of time. Here at the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, we see this as an opportunity to seek innovative ways to safely and effectively serve Virginia’s veterans and their families. Please be assured that we will keep giving you our very best effort! 
 
From time to time, I will use this column to highlight programs within the Virginia Department of Veterans Services portfolio. Many of you are aware that our Virginia Veterans and Family Support team (VVFS) supports veterans and their families as they address the challenges of military service, transition, deployments, PTSD, TBIs, and other behavioral health challenges. One of the lesser-known programs inside of VVFS is our Justice Involved Services. While this program doesn’t include the vast majority of Virginia’s veterans, it is, nonetheless, an important element of our service lines.    

A justice-involved veteran (JIV) is a term used to describe a U.S. military veteran who is detained by or under the supervision of the criminal justice system.  This includes those veterans under arrest, in diversion programs, incarcerated, and on probation and/or parole supervision. JIVs often have extensive medical and behavioral health needs.  They also experience substantial barriers to housing, employment, and treatment due to their criminal history.
 
Three years ago, VVFS established Justice Involved Services (JIS) to meet the unique needs of the thousands of justice-involved veterans throughout the Commonwealth by connecting them to supportive services. The mission of the JIS program is to provide service connections, care coordination, and one-on-one support to Virginia’s veterans currently in the criminal justice system. To meet this mission, our JIS team uses their wide breadth of knowledge to weave through the complexities of our legal and veterans benefits systems.
 
The VVFS JIS program offers assistance to those veterans and active service members involved in veteran and/or problem solving treatment dockets, local jails, and state prisons, or who are on probation or under parole supervision in Virginia.  There are four designated Veteran Justice Specialists within VVFS.  Their focus is to provide support and resources to JIVs wherever they may be in the system – from diversion to incarceration to reentry. These specialists work under the supervision of DVS Criminal Justice Director Donna Harrison, who joined our agency after years working at the Virginia Department of Corrections and in other roles in the criminal justice system. Because of this team, Virginia’s Justice Involved Veterans can be assured that our Veteran Justice Specialists will assist them with obtaining the benefits they earned during their military service.
 
If you would like to learn more about the VVFS Justice Involved Services program, visit www.dvs.virginia.gov and click on the “Virginia Veteran and Family Support” tab.  You can also contact Director Donna Harrison by email at donna.harrison@dvs.virginia.gov or by phone at (804) 225-4724.
 
The bottom line is we are here to help all veterans - whatever the circumstances in which they may find themselves.  While our offices may be temporarily closed to the public to protect the health and safety of our veterans and our staff members, we continue to provide all of our services by email or telephone connection. 
 
We value your ideas, comments and suggestions. For contact information and updates in service during the  COVID-19 state of emergency, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov or call (804) 786-0286. 

Best wishes to all.

 


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 May. All are free and open to the public, though registration is required. 

Commonwealth's Memorial Day Ceremony
Virtual ceremony - Streamed live from the Virginia War Memorial
May 25, 2020

2020 Virginia Women Veterans Summit
Join us online
June 17-19, 2020
DVS Continues to Serve Throughout COVID-19 Crises

 
All divisions of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services have implemented measures to help “flatten the curve” to reduce the spread of Covid-19. To learn more about these measures and how these measures may affect the way we serve you, click here. Each service area of DVS continues to serve veterans and their families. Veterans are encouraged to reach out via email and telephone. DVS team members across the commonwealth stand ready to assist.
Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony Will Be Livestreamed Event on May 25 at 10 a.m.

DVS will not host public Memorial Day ceremonies at Virginia War Memorial, State Veterans Cemeteries in 2020


 

Because of the restrictions on large public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services will not host public Memorial Day ceremonies at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond or at the state veterans cemeteries in Amelia, Dublin, and Suffolk in 2020, as was done in past years.

Instead, the 2020 Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony will be presented as a “virtual” event.  The half-hour ceremony will be livestreamed from the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory beginning at 10 a.m. E.D.T. on Monday, May 25.  

The public is invited to view this tribute to Virginia’s fallen heroes on social media and select broadcast television stations.

All of us at DVS deeply regret that we cannot hold public ceremonies this year to honor the thousands of heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. This decision was made reluctantly and to conform to state emergency orders to protect the health and well-being of veterans, families, citizens, participants, and staff members who normally attend these events.

The Virginia War Memorial is the Commonwealth’s tribute to those who served and most especially, to those who died defending our freedoms.  Every day is truly Memorial Day at the Virginia War Memorial.

While there will not be a public ceremony this year, the Shrine of Memory and the grounds of the Virginia War Memorial continue to be open to visitors during daylight hours subject to the current COVID-19 social distance rules and guidelines.  We look forward to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions so we can resume full operations at the Memorial. In the meantime, please stay connected to the Virginia War Memorial and DVS through Facebook and our website. 

For the latest information on the virtual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day ceremony please visit the DVS website at www.dvs.virginia.gov.
 










Joe Gibaldi
U.S. Navy
 
Please give an overview of your military service.
I served active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1981 to 1992 after receiving my commission through the NROTC program at Tulane University. I subsequently completed jet pilot training earning my wings as a Naval Aviator. I was selected to serve as an instructor pilot, flying the T-2 Buckeye in Training Squadron 10 in Pensacola. I then went to Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach to fly the A-6 Intruder with VA-35, deploying on the aircraft carriers USS Nimitz and USS Theodore Roosevelt. Upon completing my fleet tour, I remained at Oceana to serve as an instructor pilot with VA-42.  I transitioned to the Navy Reserve, serving with several reserve commands including NAS Keflavik and Naval Air Systems Command. I retired out of the Reserves in 2006 as a Commander.  

What was or were your most rewarding assignment or assignments while serving?
I was fortunate to have several rewarding assignments during my active duty career. I was privileged to fly the A-6 Intruder in support of our nation during the Cold War. It was an awesome aircraft that always got me back home to the carrier or to base. I visited several countries in Europe, Africa, and South America during multiple deployments to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic. I was also proud to serve as a Landing Signal Officer to facilitate the safe and expeditious recovery of aircraft aboard the carrier during my fleet tour and subsequent instructor tour. 

What are you doing now?
I entered the financial services industry after my active duty service and since accumulated over 27 years of experience in the mortgage banking sector. I’m currently a vice president and mortgage retail business development consultant for military/veteran programs at Wells Fargo. I help lead the firm’s Military and Veteran homeownership initiatives working with our sales, marketing, fulfillment, and government lending teams. I’ve held leadership roles in business analysis, compensation, sales and business development with several companies including Chase and Citigroup. Outside the office, I’m an active high school basketball official. My wife Cathy and I moved to Hampton Roads in 2018 and reside on the Peninsula.  We’ve been settling into the area and enjoying time with our families that live in the area.

What piece of advice would you give to a transitioning service member?
I would suggest a few things to consider well prior (it is never too early) to departing the service.

  • Get familiar with both the internet and the local resources that may be available to you. The resources available to current transitioning service members are exponentially greater than at the time I transitioned.
  • Think about how your job skills can translate to a civilian or corporate position. Consider both transferrable skills such as leadership, work ethic and teamwork, as well as the technical skills that you have acquired. Start building your resume and narrative to include both.
  • Research behavioral interviewing and prepare for it. Many companies use this as part of their hiring process.
  • Most importantly, network, network and network some more. Reach out to colleagues, friends and family that are currently working outside the military to gather information about non-military company organizations, functions, job titles, etc. They are the people that can help convey that relevant knowledge to you. I think you’ll find that the vast majority will be happy to speak with you to share information and help you network.
 ;

 

Interview with Alexander Verhulst, Talent Acquisition Military Program Manager, Leidos, Reston

 

Please tell us about your business. 
Leidos is a Fortune 500® information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company’s 36,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2020.
 
For more information on Leidos and our military program – Operation MVP – click here. 

Why is your business committed to hiring veterans?
Veterans bring training, experience, and often times certifications which are requirements for many of our positions.  They are familiar with the fast paced environment and mission oriented culture of our organization, and have the best mindset and work ethic for putting mission execution and success first.

What advantages has your company experienced in hiring veterans?
Skills developed in the service - from intelligence to logistics to engineering - are all easily transferable to what we do and allow veterans to continue to have a vital role in our customers' ongoing missions. We offer a corporate culture of respect, accountability, close teamwork, and the highest ethical conduct which we have found allows veterans the ability to quickly assimilate.

Can you tell us about the process of become a V3 Certified Partner? When did you become a V3 partner?
Leidos become a V3 Certified Partner in November 2012 when we were still known as SAIC. We would rebrand and become Leidos in October 2013. We attended a certification overview meeting in August 2012 and met the necessary criteria and formally submitted a request. We have pledged veteran hires in Virginia every subsequent year and maintained the necessary training and records for ongoing recertification.

What advice would you give to other employers seeking to hire and retain veterans?
Obtain and push for buy-in and support from the top of the organization. This top cover is helpful as you look to expand a military program or focus hiring efforts on the military veteran population. Additionally start small and have a committed and consistent approach from all those involved so you can best build your brand and reputation within the veteran community.
DVS Announces New Online Portal for Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program 


 

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) announces that the new online portal for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is now live.
 
The new VMSDEP portal is accessible at www.myvmsdep.dvs.virginia.gov.  

VMSDEP provides educational benefits to the spouses and children of service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner or rated at least 90% disabled due to military service by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Military service is defined to include active or reserve duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Virginia National Guard. Benefits are available for up to eight semesters - the equivalent of up to four academic years.
 
This new portal allows for faster processing of new applications, a real time view of education benefits available for applicants, and better communication with VMSDEP staff members. All new and existing clients will need accounts on the new portal.  Existing clients have been notified by email with instructions how to access their account. New clients must go to the online portal and set up their accounts.
 
Those with questions about the new VMSDEP portal or any program may contact VMSDEP online at vmsdep@dvs.virginia.gov or by phone at (804) 225-2083. Those wishing to keep abreast of VMSDEP program announcements can sign up for online updates by texting “VMSDEP” to 42828 or by clicking here. 
 
“The VMSDEP program was amended effective July 1, 2019 to allow greater access to the program by removing the combat disability requirement,” said Martina Murray, DVS Director of Education Program. “This resulted in a surge of applications. This is why DVS has established this new system and online portal and hired additional VMSDEP staff members to handle the projected growth of the program for years to come.”
“Brave Women Veterans” Program Highlights Role of Women in Global War on Terrorism

“Brave Women Veterans” panel members (left to right) Beverly VanTull; Dr. Vaneada Harvey (LTC, USA, Ret.); LTC Juanita Rohler, USA and VaARNG; and MAJ Marie Hoffman, US Army.
 

To commemorate March as Women’s History Month and to kick-off Women Veterans Week in Virginia, the Virginia War Memorial presented “Brave Women Warriors” on Saturday, March 7.
 
The program included the showing of the 2017 film, “Megan Leavey,” the true story of a female Marine and her K-9 partner “Rex” during their two tours of duty during the war in Iraq. It was followed by a panel discussion with women veterans of the Global War on Terrorism.
 
DVS Women’s Veteran Program Manager and Army veteran Beverly VanTull hosted the program and served as moderator for the panel.
99-Year-Old World War II Veteran Honored By Virginia Senate

99-year-old WWII Army veteran Domenick D’Adamo proudly displays a copy of Senate Joint Resolution 189, presented to him by the Virginia General Assembly for his legacy of service to the Commonwealth and the nation.

99-year-old Domenick D’Adamo was recently honored with a Special Resolution honoring him for his service during World War II.  D’Adamo, a resident of Richmond, served in the United States Army Air Forces as a bombardier on B-24 and B-17 bombers. He completed twenty-two missions over North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Germany.  Last year, he served on a panel of WWII veterans who discussed their wartime experiences at the Virginia War Memorial.
 
Special appreciation goes to State Senator Ghazala Hashmi who patroned the Special Resolution in the 2020 General Assembly to honor one of her constituents.
Remains of Virginia Sailor Killed at Pearl Harbor Returned After 79 Years for Burial at Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia

Members of the American Legion and a U.S. Navy Honor Guard lined the road into the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia during the service to intern the remains of WWII sailor Andrew Schmitz.
 

U.S. Navy Fireman 1st Class Andrew James Schmitz was one of the first Virginians killed in action during World War II.  The 26-year-old from Richmond was serving on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 during the surprise Japanese attack. He and his fellow 428 crewmembers died when the ship was torpedoed and capsized.
 
On March 7, 2020 – 79 years later- his remains were finally returned to his native state as he was interred with full military honors at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia.
 
Schmitz was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. His name was among the first of those inscribed on the walls of the Shrine of Memory when the Virginia War Memorial was dedicated in 1956.
 
As with so many others who died at Pearl Harbor, Schmitz’s remains could not be identified for decades and were buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii.

Through the continuing efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) utilizing DNA technology, his remains were finally identified last year. The DPAA then contacted Schmitz’s only surviving relatives, several nieces and nephews, still living in the Greater Richmond area.
 
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services worked with a Richmond funeral home, his relatives and the Navy to arrange for his service and burial at the Amelia cemetery.  When this story was publicized in the media, hundreds who never knew Andrew Schmitz turned out to attend his funeral. The crowd included veterans from the American Legion, a Navy Honor Guard, an American Legion bagpiper, and students from Amelia schools who lined the entrance to the cemetery and waved American flags as the hearse arrived.  Virginia’s Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Kathleen Jabs, DVS Commissioner John Maxwell and Deputy Commissioner Thomas Herthel were among those attending.
 
Schmitz’ niece Dale McClure noted that her Uncle Andrew had joined the Navy in 1934. He and his five brothers all served in World War II. He was the only one who did not return home. “I think it is just marvelous the people today want to honor those killed in Pearl Harbor,” she said.
Virginia War Memorial Seeks Entries for Armed Forces Day Student Art Contest

 
 
Saturday, May 16 is Armed Forces Day across America and the Virginia War Memorial is seeking submissions for its Armed Forces Day Student Art Contest.  The contest is open to all Virginia public, private or homeschooled students from kindergarten to 12th grade (K-12).  Winners will be chosen in four different grade categories.
 
As the Virginia War Memorial is currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 emergency and students across the state are sheltering in place at home, it is hoped this contest will encourage children and their families to use their creative talents to honor Virginia’s service members. This is a digital contest. All entries will be posted on the War Memorial website and the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites in each category.
 
The theme for the submitted artwork is home.  Artwork should reflect what home means to the student artist and to those who serve in our Armed Forces today or served in the past.  For example, “What does or did home mean to them and why was it worth protecting?”
 
Entries for the Virginia War Memorial Armed Forces Day Student Artwork Contest may be two or three-dimensional and should be submitted as a clear photograph.  There are no size requirements or limitations. Submissions should be in JPG, PNG or PDF format.  Each student is limited to submitting one entry.  Complete details are posted at vawarmemorial.org/learn/artgallery.
 
Entries must be received by Friday, May 15, 2020 to be eligible for consideration. Appropriate submissions as determined by the Virginia War Memorial staff will be placed in the online digital gallery on the Memorial website beginning Saturday, May 16.  The public can vote for their favorites May 16-May 25 with the artwork in each category receiving the highest number of votes announced on Memorial Day, May 26. In addition to the online gallery, submitted art may be printed and displayed at the Virginia War Memorial when it reopens after COVID-19 emergency restrictions are ended.
 
For additional information regarding the Armed Forces Day Student Artwork Contest, contact Morgan Guyer at morgan.guyer@dvs.virginia.gov.
GI Bill Payments Continue for Online Instruction During COVID-19 Emergency
  

The sudden closing of on-campus instruction at colleges and technical schools due to COVID-19 have been difficult for all students and most especially, veterans and family members using their GIBill® benefits to pay for their education. 
 
“We have received many telephone calls and emails at DVS from school officials concerned about their students losing their benefits,” said Martina Murray, Director of Education Programs. “However, we have been reassuring them that student benefits will continue as most courses have now been switched to online instruction.”
 
If a student does have to withdraw from a class due to COVID-19, the VA will still make payments for the spring term. While many rules and regulations have not changed, VA is being lenient on the creation of student debt, and the VA Debt Management Center is suspending all action on Veteran debts for 60 days.  
 
“SCHEV (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia) have given temporary blanket approval for schools not previously approved to provide online programs in Virginia to switch to online instruction,” Murray said. “Thanks to swift action by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other stakeholders in notifying Congress about this situation, legislation was passed within the last two weeks to allow GI Bill payments to continue at the residential rate to those students who must switch from in person to online instruction.”
 
Murray explained that the Post 9/11 GI Bill pays tuition and fees upfront for qualified educational and technical instruction. Participants also receive a housing allowance (BHA) which is based on where the veteran or family member is attending school.  Under the terms of the previous guidelines, those taking online courses only received half the housing allowance of those attending a brick-and-mortar institution.  The new legislation continues to pay the full BHA amount if the participant was forced to switch to online instruction due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
 
All post-secondary schools must be approved for GI Bill benefits by the State Approving Agency (SAA) at DVS.  SAA staff members review the curriculum and other factors at each institution. Reviews are completed whenever a school adds new programs or has changes in policies. The SAA must also review all new catalogs and other publications for each approved school, Murray noted. SAA staff provides training to schools to instruct them on the criteria that must be met to be approved for the GI Bill program.
 
“Some technical training such as barber and cosmetology courses have not been eligible for online instruction in the past, and while they can provide online instruction under these new temporary guidelines which are in place through December 2020, some parts of these courses cannot be taught in an online modality,” Murray added. “The bottom line is this Coronavirus emergency is unlike any situation we have ever experienced. In the past, weather emergencies such as hurricanes have temporary caused disruptions and these usually only for a particular geographic region of the state.  This emergency affects every part of Virginia and how long it will last is unknown.”
 
“Whatever happens, our staff is working every day and is available to answer any questions a veteran or family member may have regarding GI Bill eligibility and payments,” Murray said. “I suggest checking the DVS website for the latest information and updates. Our staff can also be reached by email at saa@dvs.virginia.gov or by calling 804-225-2298.”
The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation: Helping Even More During COVID-19 Emergency

Standing behind a banner showing the funds raised for Virginia nonprofits by the Dominion Energy Charity Classic since 2016 are (left to right) Alison Foster and Irene Roberts of Dominion Energy, VVSF Executive Director Karla Boughey, VVSF Board Chair Frank Finelli, and Matt Adams of Dominion Energy.
   

We are living in difficult times. Many of us are now into our second month of social distancing and working from home.  What lies ahead is unknown.

What we do know, however, is that many of Virginia's veterans and their families are facing unprecedented challenges. In these difficult times, it is critically important that we continue to provide necessary services to those who have served our nation and our Commonwealth.

The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation is working to ensure the Commonwealth's veterans and their families continue to receive the assistance they need. But the Foundation cannot do it without the generous help of organizations such as Dominion Energy who recently presented the Foundation with a substantial donation raised by its Charity Classic PGA Tour event. These funds will go far in helping to meet those needs and the Foundation Board of Trustees are tremendously grateful for the continuing support of the Dominion Energy team.

The Foundation still needs your help as it is preparing for an anticipated increased demand for services and programs offered through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.  For example, suicide rates for veterans and service members are tragically around 20 per day across the country.  There is real concern regarding vulnerable veterans now facing higher levels of stress and anxiety that the COVID-19 emergency is placing on them as they struggle to provide for themselves and their families.

The nearly 715,000 men and women who have served this nation and now call Virginia home were there when we needed them. Help the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation ensure that the Commonwealth is there for them. Donations can be made at www.vsf.org. Please note that 100% of your donation will go directly to supporting Virginia veterans.  Thank you in advance for your support of Virginia’s Veterans and their families.
 
 Helping Veterans Remotely During the COVID-19 Crisis
 
DVS is proud of all team members who continue to serve veterans and families remotely through the COVID-19 Crisis. Below is one recent example shared by a member of our Virginia Veteran and Family Support team.

"As a veteran myself, I consider it an honor to serve those who have served. I would want the same in return.  The needs of our veterans continue during this COVID-19 pandemic and we are working with our community partners to meet their needs.  One of our East Region veterans needed help with his rent and utilities. We found community resources to alleviate his financial needs and a local faith-based partner to provide food and household goods.
 
 I also helped the veteran register to vote and to apply for Medicaid and food stamps.  He did not have a computer and so he was not able to complete the online application with the Dept. of Social Services. I helped guide him through the process while we talked on the telephone. He said he was overwhelmed with appreciation and actually began to cry.  I simply told him it was my pleasure to assist him".
 
Stephanie Daniels
East Region Veteran Peer Specialist
Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program (VVFS)
Click here to download the DVS 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 DVS 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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