qm_winter_2015

8 / 36

Virginia C apitol C onnections, Winter 2015
8
Since its establishment in 2003, the
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
has maintained a proud history of dedicated
support to our Virginia veterans, National
Guard members and reservists. Starting
in its infancy with two foundational
services—our Benefits offices and our
Amelia veterans cemetery—we have
grown to provide what is arguably the
most comprehensive menu of veteran-
friendly services in the country, including
our Wounded Warrior Program, a 400-bed long term care service
line, a robust veterans education and employment service and the
best state-run war memorial in the nation.
But we’re not stopping there. Governor Terry McAuliffe has
challenged us to lean forward and prepare for the evolving needs
of the Commonwealth’s growing and diverse veteran population.
And we are doing just that. From assisting service members’
transition to civilian life by facilitating employment and education,
to increasing veteran access to health care and housing, and more,
we will ensure that Virginia remains the best state for veterans
and soon- to- be vets. Here are just a few ways the Department is
moving out on the Governor’s charge.
Putting Veterans on a Path to Employability
Our Virginia Values Veterans Program’s (V3) mission is unique
in that it seeks to educate employers throughout the Commonwealth
on why and how to hire, train and retain veterans. In Governor
McAuliffe’s first year in office, the number of veteran jobs pledged
by our V3 companies has jumped by 75%, and the number of
veterans hired by V3 companies has soared by 118%. Currently,
233 companies participate in this program and have pledged to
hire 9,055 veterans; 6,777 have already been placed in to full time
quality jobs. Concurrently, we are working with our partners in
Virginia’s community college system and four-year institutions to
expand the award of academic credit for military training. This
will shorten the time it takes for transitioning service persons and
veterans to get the certificate or degree necessary to enter desired
career fields, thus speeding them along their path to employability.
Increasing Access to
Healthcare for Virginia’s Veterans
Over the next five years, nearly 1 million service members
across the world will transition to civilian life. As the state with the
7th largest veteran population in the nation and home to numerous
key military facilities, the Commonwealth stands to have a large
portion of these persons calling Virginia home. Under Governor
McAuliffe’s leadership, we are taking steps to ensure that our
current and future veteran population has access to the healthcare
they have earned and need. This past November the Governor
convened a Health Summit on Veterans Healthcare Access,
connecting Virginia’s three federal Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical Center directors with state and private partners to create
new points of access for primary health and mental health care.
The goal: to ensure that a veteran seeking such care will be served
as quickly as possible. And here at the Department, we are excited
for this year’s opening of a new 40 bed addition to our Richmond-
based Sitter & Barfoot long term veteran nursing care center. This
expansion from 160 to 200 beds, complemented by our 240 bed
facility at our Roanoke Virginia Veterans Care Center, will give
greater access to both long and short term rehabilitative care for
our veterans.
Combating Veteran Homelessness
It is entirely unacceptable that more than 617 veterans who
call Virginia home actually do not have a home. Last September
the Governor attacked this problem head on when he announced
the launch of the statewide 100 Day Challenge to end veterans
homelessness in Virginia. Leading the charge on the Challenge,
the Department hosted members of local, state, and federal
governments, as well as nonprofits, charities, and faith-based
organizations, in creating and executing strategies to eliminate
veterans homeless in the Commonwealth. As a result of this effort,
the communities of Roanoke, Richmond and Hampton Roads have
housed or is in the process of housing 395 homeless veterans,
putting us squarely on the path to reduce veterans homelessness to
a functional zero by the end of this year.
Honoring Those Who Served
Since its dedication in 1956, the Virginia War Memorial has
evolved to become the nation’s leading state war memorial. Serving
a record 68,142 visitors in 2014, the Virginia War Memorial’s
unique educational and programmatic offerings preserve and pass
on the stories of sacrifice of all Virginia veterans. Groundbreaking
on an expansion to the War Memorial will occur in the spring
of 2015, with completion expected in 2016 or early 2017. This
expansion will allow us to continue to honor all Virginians who
have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.
Greater Outreach
Our knowing that we are the most veteran friendly state means
nothing, unless our veterans and citizenry know about the myriad
services that the Commonwealth provides. Our agency balances
the use of technology with personal service to efficiently reach our
customers. Our newly redesigned web site offers a more functional,
user friendly experience, and provides links to a multitude of local,
state and federal veteran resources. In addition, we have rolled
out a new mobile app to provide ready access on smart phone and
tablet devices via iTunes and Google Play. We will continue to
provide new and innovative ways to connect Virginia’s veterans to
the benefits they have earned.
The Department of Veterans Services is committed to ensuring
that Virginia remains the state of choice for our nation’s heroes. We
look forward to continuing to serve you.
John L. Newby II is the Commissioner of Virginia Department of
Veterans Services,
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Answers Governor McAuliffe’s Charge
to Keep Virginia the “Most Vet Friendly”
State in the Nation
By John L. Newby II
V