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Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS)
Fall 2020 eNews, Volume 1
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Commissioner’s Corner

Hello to all. I hope you have enjoyed the end of your summer and are remaining healthy.
 
September is National Suicide Prevention Month.  With the COVID-19 pandemic dominating our lives over the past few months, it is important to not forget another serious health issue that has stricken our veterans – the high incidence of veteran suicides.
 
Approximately 17 veterans take their own lives every day.  In fact, veteran suicides make up 13.5% of all deaths by suicide among American adults even though veterans are less than 8% of the total adult population.  Tragically, the numbers are even worse for female veterans – their suicide rate is more than twice the rate of non-veteran women.
 
In January 2019, Governor Northam committed Virginia to be one of the first seven states to implement the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.  The Governor’s Challenge is a call to action for state and local communities to implement the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ten-year strategy to prevent suicide using a comprehensive public health approach.
 
In the Commonwealth, the Governor’s Challenge team is co-led by Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Carlos Hopkins and Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Daniel Carey.  The Virginia Governor’s Challenge team has drawn the best from state, federal, and local governments; from community groups and non-profits; and from the private sector.  Just a few of these include the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS), the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the Virginia National Guard, the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Department of Social Services, VA medical centers across the Commonwealth and in neighboring states that serve Virginia veterans, hospitals and other healthcare systems, local community service boards and health departments, private clinics, and more.
 
The key priorities of Virginia’s Governor’s Challenge are:
  • Identify Service Members, Veterans and Family Members and screen them for suicide risk;
  • Promote connectedness and improve care transitions; and
  • Increase lethal means safety and safety planning.  

The theme of Virginia’s Governor’s Challenge are what we call “the 3Cs”
  1. Care: Providing accessible and culturally competent behavioral health services;
  2. Connect: Bringing active military, veteran and family member specific community services together to form partnerships; and
  3.Communicate: Educating active military, veterans and their families in Virginia about resources and behavioral health providers on military culture and suicide prevention best practices.
 
A special pilot program called VISR was put together to specifically target suicide prevention among service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF).  VISR stands for Virginia’s Identify SMVF, Screen for Suicide Risk, and Refer for Services.

From February through April this year, VISR pilot agencies identified 2,048 service members, veterans and family members when they visited a healthcare facility or government office.  64% of these individuals were screened for suicide risk and of these, 23% were considered at risk.  All of those at risk were referred to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a Military Treatment Facility, or to VDVS’ Veterans and Family Support (VVFS) program.

In addition to the screenings, we at VDVS initiated other activities to help cast a wide net and improve the ability to identify at-risk service members, veterans, and families:
   • Trained over 500 community service providers at Regional Military Cultural Competency and Suicide Prevention Summits. We then transitioned the training to a virtual platform and have trained an additional 700 community services providers and state agency human resource personnel to date.
    • Launched the Together with Veterans initiative in Southwest Virginia to bolster grassroots, veteran-led suicide prevention outreach in rural communities.
  • Collaborated with the Virginia Army National Guard to revise the Suicide Prevention Training in a Warrior Task format that promotes core resiliency skills.
 
Just as we are all doing our part to get through the COVID-19 pandemic by wearing facemasks, washing hands and socially distancing, collectively we have to help end suicide among service members, veterans, and their families. If we suspect a fellow veteran, service member, or family member is suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, it is up to us to convince him or her to seek help. If you are personally suffering, please know that suicide is never the answer and there is hope and trained professionals on call twenty-four hours a day to assist you.
 
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255
 
For more information on preventing veteran suicide or to call for assistance, I urge you to visit our website (https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/virginia-veteran-and-family-support) or call one of our Resource Specialists in the Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program toll-free at 1-877-285-1299.
 
Thank you for your interest in VDVS. We remain committed to supporting service members, veterans, and their families and to making Virginia the most veteran-friendly state in the Nation. Please contact any of our staff members or me if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions on how we can better serve you and all Virginia veterans.
 
Sincerely,



John Maxwell, Commissioner
Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Upcoming Livestream Events offered by the Virginia War Memorial, events are free of charge, registration is required. Click on the links below to learn more.

Salute to Service: U.S. Air Force
Friday, September 18, 10:30  – 11:30 a.m.
 

Never Forgotten: The Mission to Bring our MIAs Home
Friday, September 18, 1:00  – 2:00 p.m.


September 25, 2020 2:30 – 3:30 pm


September 29, 2020 10:30 am – 11:30 am
 










Christopher D. Knaggs
U.S. Navy
 
Please give an overview of your military service.
I began my career as an enlisted sailor on an LST. Got selected for NROTC and then commissioned. Afloat I had tours on five submarine related ships making patrols on missile and attack submarines. Ashore assignments were much different.  Because of a background in math, I was thrown into locations not normally associated with the Navy. Three years in Albuquerque New Mexico at the Defense Nuclear Agency then another three years at U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska.  Also spent considerable time at Los Alamos and Livermore National Laboratories. Had Command in Hawaii and served as a senior officer at Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet. Did a couple logistic tours – one of which was at Defense General Supply Center (known as Bellwood) here in Richmond. I met my wife Dee at Bellwood which eventually led to us retiring here. I’m over-educated. Can’t make a decision about anything without dithering about all outcomes.  The Navy sent me for one bachelor’s degree, three master’s degree and a Ph.D. Two kids – Patrick and Brianna. VCU and Virginia Tech grads respectively. Thank you Virginia for your 529 savings program! 

What was or were your most rewarding assignment or assignments while serving?
This will sound strange. Command was interesting, satisfying and rewarding. Working with the some of the nation’s greatest scientists was awe inspiring. However, my most rewarding tour was toward career end when I was on the staff of Submarine Forces Pacific in Hawaii. I was required to spend at least a week underway every month observing a submarine’s operations prior to that boat’s deployment to the Western Pacific or Middle East. This allowed me to play on the toys (submarines), work with the finest sailors in the Navy, and pretend I was still young.  The best part - I could leave and go home after that week and not make patrols that were 6 to 8 months long with periods of up to 80 days submerged. I was immersed in the comradery and mission, but avoided the real pain. I rode every submarine in the Pacific fleet in my two years at SUBPAC. The submarine pay was pretty nice also. 

What are you doing now?
I work for a company that provides educational services to Universities. In short, I’m in the “rent the professor” business.  Most of that work is conducted overseas. That work is spotty so I write and volunteer. Virginia is now my adopted home and I love it. I think Richmond is a jewel of a city. As such, my wife and I volunteer all over.  I am a docent at the Virginia War Memorial. We do adoption events, dog walking and laundry at the SPCA. When the Red Cross calls I come. I’m an officer in the submarine veterans of America and our church’s staff committee.  We live in Chesterfield, but spend at least 5 to 7 days a week up in the city.  Of course, that was before the Virus. If the Governor says stay inside or wear a mask we do it.  After coming back from Egypt and Jordan in March, we’ve seriously hunkered down.

What advice would you give to a transitioning service member? 
Keep expectations in check both from a personal and business perspective. You get a lot leadership, managerial and technical expertise from your service, but you are still an unknown quantity. Expecting a private sector employer to just fall over backwards when they read your resume is unrealistic. You might start at a little lower pay level than your ego demands. Remember it is always easier to find a job when you have a job.  On the personal side, military members often complain about moving, time away from family and even dangerous assignments. 

We look forward to having a regular life. Sometimes, though. that regular life can be a little tame and boring. It’s disorienting to not have a mission. Spouses, while they may have missed you, often cherished the time when they were the sole decision maker for the family. A final note; if retiring make sure you understand what that retirement pay will be. There is a lot of specialty pays given by the military to incentivize behavior and choices.  Things like flight and submarine pay, sea pay, family separation allowance, allowance for quarters, danger pay etc. These do not go into your retirement base. I retired as a Navy Captain so I can’t claim poverty, but even I was surprised by how much of my military paycheck consisted of specialty pays. Also there’s a few new costs there. You need to think about a survivor benefit plan and you will pay more for health care even with Tricare. Use the Virginia Department of Veteran Services. They have all the info.
 ;


Interview with Michael Stoltzfus, President and CEO, 
Dynamic Aviation, Bridgewater

 
Please tell us about your business. 
At Dynamic Aviation, we solve unique challenges for our customers with innovative aviation solutions. Our focus is on operations that serve, protect, and enhance the lives of families and communities worldwide. Whether modifying aircraft to help protect our service members overseas, performing geographical mapping for scientific research, or working to suppress large wild fires on the West Coast, we serve with integrity and excellence. Guided by our values, our talented team of more than 750 aviation professionals provide the foundation of our success. At Dynamic Aviation, everyone has the opportunity to make an impact and enrich the lives of others. 

Dynamic Aviation offers exciting opportunities for aviation professionals. Whether it’s a position on our campus in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, or an assignment on a mission across the country or around the world, we offer a stimulating and rewarding work environment. At Dynamic Aviation, you get a chance to work on projects that are vital to national defense, scientific development, and public health and safety. 

Why is your business committed to hiring veterans?
Not only do we honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s military veterans, but we have also found that the unique skills and experience gained while serving are invaluable. Your dedication to teamwork, your mission-oriented approach, and your commitment to excellence are an ideal fit at Dynamic Aviation. Additionally, much of the work we do at Dynamic Aviation is aligned with the military’s mission of serving and protecting our nation.

What advantages has your company experienced in hiring veterans?
Whether you are just transitioning from a military career or have been a civilian for years, we offer:
  • The opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including those serving the U.S. military.
  • A corporate culture that blends well with your military background.
  • Challenging assignments just like the ones you tackled in the military.
  • Opportunities to work at our headquarters or in small teams around the world.
  • A company that recognizes the value of diversity, teamwork, and meeting organizational goals.
  • A chance to use your leadership skills, as well as take advantage of development and training opportunities.
Veterans bring unique insights and a wealth of professional experience, in addition to their inherent values that mesh well with our culture.

Can you tell us about the process of becoming a V3 Certified Partner? When did you become a V3 partner?
Dynamic Aviation became a V3 Certified Partner in 2013. The process was seamless, and the V3 training was very informative and helpful in influencing our Veteran outreach. Since then, we’ve implemented several events and programs celebrating the many Veterans at Dynamic Aviation and in our community, actively recruiting more qualified talent.

What advice would you give to other employers seeking to hire and retain veterans?
Make a plan to actively engage in recruiting, training and retaining Veterans and get a group together who is passionate about it. Connect with Veterans and military spouses already working for you to learn their perspective. Build relationships and remain committed to the diversity of experience, strong values, and skills Veterans can bring to the team.
VDVS and VVFS Partner with Virginia Chamber to Host 2020 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Virtual Conference

(Upper left) Chris Doss, CapitalOne, (Upper right) Adam Lee, Dominion Energy, (Lower left) Lt. Col. Keith Wilson, US Army Soldier for Life, (Lower right) Moderator Mike Melo, ITA International.  


The 2020 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Conference was presented as a virtual event on August 19 due to continued COVID-19 guidelines.
 
The conference was hosted by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Virginia Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) and the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VVFS).  The purpose of the annual conference is to emphasize the importance of military veterans and their families to the economic vitality of Virginia.
 
Virginia Chamber CEO Barry DuVal kicked off the conference and served as the master of ceremonies. He introduced VDVS Commissioner John Maxwell who welcomed participants and spoke of the important partnership between the Chamber and its members and VDVS in helping veterans, transitioning service members and spouses find civilian employment when they leave active duty.
 
Keynote speaker was Representative Abigail Spanberger of Virginia’s 7th district who noted the importance of veterans to Virginia and how she and her congressional colleagues are committed to assuring that these veterans and their family members receive the benefits they earned from their military service. She was followed with brief remarks by Mark Elliot, Head of Military and Veterans Affairs at JPMorgan Chase, on his firm’s major commitment to hiring veterans in Virginia.
 
Mike Melo, President and CEO of ITA International and Chair of the Chamber’s Blueprint Virginia Military and Veterans Executive Committee, moderated a panel discussion on the topic: Strengthening Virginia For Our Military And Veteran Community.  Panelists were Chris Doss, Senior Director of Operations, CapitalOne; Adam Lee, Chief Security Officer, Dominion Energy; and Lt. Col. Keith Wilson, Regional Director for the U.S. Army Soldier for Life Program.
 
ITA International, CapitalOne, and Dominion Energy are V3 Certified Employers. The U.S. Army Soldier for Life Program is a key partner with V3 and Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP) at VDVS. The 2020 Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Awards presentation followed the panel discussion.
Eleven Employers Honored with 2020 Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Awards

 

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services honored eleven Virginia employers for their exceptional commitment to recruiting and hiring military veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses with 2020 V3 Awards. The awards were presented during a special one-hour virtual program during the 2020 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Conference on August 19.
 
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Carlos Hopkins, State Senator Bryce Reeves, Delegate David Reid, and leaders from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) presented awards to eleven V3 partner employers in eight categories. 
 
Four employers received V3 Governor’s Awards, which honor those V3 Certified Employers that  “went above and beyond” in recruiting and hiring Virginia veterans during calendar year 2019.
 
“Veterans have highly valuable skills that companies are looking for,” Governor Northam said. “The V3 program encourages employers to support and hire these qualified veterans, and the partnership between employers and the program has been a tremendous success, with more than 64,000 veterans hired as a result of the program. I congratulate all of the employers honored today, and thank them for their commitment to our veterans.”  

Others participating in the 2020 V3 Awards Ceremony included Kathleen Jabs, Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs; John Maxwell, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS);  VDVS Deputy Commissioner Annie Walker; and VDVS V3 directors and staff members.
 
Awards were presented to the following V3 Certified Employers:
 
2020 V3 Governor’s Awards
  • (Small Company - 1-51 employees)
Intelliware Systems – Fredericksburg (35 hires)
  • (Medium Company -51-300 employees)
G4S Secure Systems – Richmond (133 hires)
  • (Large Company - 301-1,000 or more employees)
Top Guard Security – Richmond, Hampton & Norfolk (279 hires)
  • (Enterprise Company -More than 1,000 employees)
Booz Allen Hamilton – McLean (2,093 hires)
Presented to V3 Certified Employers that “went above and beyond” in recruiting and hiring Virginia veterans during calendar year 2019.
 
2020 V3 Secretary’s Award
Virginia Community College System (VCCS) – Richmond
Presented by Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs in recognition of a V3 Certified Government Agency or Public Entity for demonstrated innovative support for Virginia veterans and promoting veteran employment.
 
2020 V3 Hire VETS Now Fellowship Award
Hampton Roads Veteran Employment Center – Norfolk
Presented in recognition for establishing a fellowship program for transitioning service members in partnership with the Virginia Chamber Foundation and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
 
2020 V3 Breakthrough Award
Gryphon Technologies – Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Washington, D.C.
Presented in recognition of the V3 Certified Employer with the most innovative veteran recruiting and hiring process.
 
2020 V3 Military Spouse Award
Amazon – Arlington
(167 military spouses hired)
Presented in recognition of the V3 Certified Employer who has excelled in the hiring of military spouses during 2019.
 
2020 V3 Readiness Award
Carilion Clinic - Roanoke
Presented to a V3 Certified Employer for their efforts toward improving workforce readiness, streamlining career development and fostering a strong military readiness workplace culture and environment.
 
2020 V3 Trailblazer Award
Leidos - Reston
Presented to a V3 Certified Employer in recognition of their strong partnership in many aspects of the V3 program from recruiting, hiring, training and retaining Virginia veterans and spouses to workforce development, marketing and community impact.
 
2020 V3 Locality Award
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department – Fairfax
Presented to a V3 Certified Locality for demonstrated innovative methods and overall support for Virginia veterans and for leadership in a creative and military-friendly community.
 
A replay of the 2020 V3 Awards virtual program is available online here. 
 
More than 2,100 businesses, state and local government agencies, and educational institutions are part of the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program. These employers have hired more than 64,000 veterans since the program’s inception in 2012. The unique V3 Program is a public-private partnership that helps employers develop and implement long-term strategies and nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans. For more information, please visit www.dvsV3.com.
 
Congratulations to these employers who continue to prove that Hiring Virginia Veterans Makes Good Business Sense.
VDVS Announces New Online Appointment Tool

 


VDVS is pleased to announce the launch of a new online appointment request tool. The tool affords veterans the opportunity to request virtual and in person appointments and take advantage of the opportunity to receive one-on-one personal consultations regarding a variety of services and programs offered by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Tina Parlett-Calhoun, VDVS Communications Director offered “the Commonwealth and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services consistently seeks opportunities to reach and connect with veterans and their families in a variety of innovative ways, from virtual events to social media to apps,  this tool adds one more element to our growing portfolio of outreach mechanisms.” Veterans and family members are encouraged to visit www.dvs.virginia.gov review the programs and resources available and make an appointment to determine how VDVS may potentially serve them.
Virginia War Memorial Partners with American Legion and Local Funeral Homes to Properly Dispose of  American Flags

 


Virginia War Memorial Director Dr. Clay Mountcastle and Lacyn Barton, President of Woody Funeral Homes and Nelsen Funeral Homes, hold one of the more than 1,400 worn American flags to be properly retired and disposed of by the American Legion.
 
The flags were delivered to the Memorial where a brief ceremony was held on September 9.
 
For the past four years, the funeral homes have offered a new American flag free of charge in exchange to anyone who brings an old or tattered American flag to one of their locations. The flags are collected and brought to the Memorial annually for delivery to American Legion posts where proper disposal can be facilitated. To view a video clip of the flag event, click here.

Michael Henshaw Named VDVS Director of Cemetery Services

 

Michael Henshaw has been named the Director of Cemetery Services at VDVS.  He joined the agency on August 10 and is directing the operations of the three VDVS state veterans cemeteries: the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, and the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk.
 
Henshaw previously served in a number of Director-level roles in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration including as Director of national veteran cemeteries in Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee and California from 2013-2017.
 
He retired from the U.S. Army with twenty-five years’ service in 2009. His duties included serving as the Operations Officer for the Joint Mortuary Affairs Center at Fort Lee, Va. where he served as a mortuary affairs non-commissioned officer in charge of search and recovery teams responsible for locating, recovering and repatriating the remains of U.S. service members missing in action overseas from World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. He also served in both the Operation Iraqi Freedom and Desert Storm campaigns earning two Bronze Stars and other military honors.
 
Most recently, Henshaw lived in Thailand for three years where he assisted American families and the U.S. government in investigating the fate of prisoners-of-war and service members missing-in-action in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
 
“We welcome Mike Henshaw to the VDVS leadership team,” said Commissioner John Maxwell. “With his extensive background in cemetery management with the VA and U.S. Army service in mortuary affairs, he will play a tremendous role in our service to veterans and families."

 
Click here to learn more about the mission of the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation from foundation Chairman John Lesinski.
 

 
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.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

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