Categories: Mental Health

The Power of 1: Your actions could save a life

One small act can make a difference in the life of a Veteran in crisis.

This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reached a historic milestone in its efforts to improve
the delivery of benefits and services to America’s Veterans, their families, and Survivors. The backlog of
disability claims (claims pending more than 125 days) is now below 100,000 – an 84-percent reduction
from its peak of 611,000 claims in March 2013 and the lowest ever in our history since we started
measuring the backlog in 2007. This dramatic reduction was achieved through the dedicated efforts of

Categories: Transportation

The N.D. Veterans Affairs Commissioner Lonnie Wangen worked an agreement between ND Dept. of Veterans Affairs and the Bottineau County Veterans, Inc. on the disposition of a sub-receipt of the van under the transportation of Highly Rural Areas Grant Program.  The 2015 Dodge Handicap Van built by the Braun Corporation (Conversation).

Two female soldiers will graduate from the Army’s grueling Ranger School on Friday, becoming the first women to ever complete one of the U.S. military’s premier courses to develop elite fighters and leaders, Army officials said Monday night.

Categories: Education

School is right around the corner which means it's time to get school supplies. The Family Assistance Centers will hold FREE school supply distribution events beginning August 17th until the supplies run out or school starts. The supplies will be available during the open hours of operation at the various locations.

All current and former service members are eligible to receive supplies.

Please contact your local Family Assistance Center for directions and hours.

Categories: VA

WASHINGTON – Today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it has revised its regulation regarding the presence of animals on VA property. The updated regulation will ensure VA practices remain consistent with applicable federal law. It will also assist individuals entering VA facilities in developing a clear and consistent understanding of the criteria governing facility access for service animals.

Categories: GI Bill

A bill to allow post-9/11 vets to use their G.I. Bill benefits as collateral for business startups passed an important milestone in the Senate Wednesday with growing bipartisan support in Congress and the backing of major veteran organizations.

Life's a lot easier when you have a reliable mode of transportation.

Categories: Employment

VA today launched two new no-cost training programs, Accelerated Learning Programs (ALPs) and VA Learning Hubs, to help transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans from all eras learn skills, earn credentials and advance in civilian careers following separation from service.

Categories: Appreciation

Most people have never heard of Purple Heart Day, which takes place annually on August 7th to commemorate the medals origins and the more than 1.7 million combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients.