Veterans Advantage Participates at NASDVA State Department of Veterans Affairs Conference

Veterans Advantage has taken to the road once again, just last month presenting at the recent 65th Annual Conference of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) in Lincoln City, Oregon.

Through our sponsorship of the event, Veterans Advantage hosted a breakfast, and briefed state representatives about the Veterans Advantage benefits program. The guest speaker was Veterans Advantage Advisory Board member Paul W. Bucha, Army Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, who spoke about the importance of supporting all who serve, particularly through hiring Military Veterans.

The State of Oregon hosted the event, thanks in large part to Jim Willis, the Director of Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, and NASDVA President Dr. Linda Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz has served as Commissioner of The Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs since 2003.

In briefings distributed to the representatives, NASDVA hails its 65th year as a positive one of the organization, meeting with Secretary Shinseki at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, while presenting at the National Training Summit on Women Veterans and the National Small Business Conference and Expo.

“We have also made a strong case that State Directors are the ‘boots on the ground’ and in essence ‘scouts’ in assessing needs of veterans, effectiveness and approaches and innovations for the delivery of programs and services,” Schwartz said. “The momentum for this message is in NASDVA’s favor.”

Speakers ranged from a host of groups, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, state veterans’ affairs leadership, health care leaders, charitable organizations, and wounded veterans’ initiatives. Subjects ranged from health care, including taking care of our wounded veterans, hiring and re-integration programs, legislation, and women’s issues.

MORE ABOUT NASDVA
According to its constitution and bylaws, NASDVA’s objective is to foster the “effective representation of persons claiming entitlements” related to its honorable service in the U.S. military, and providing related services to their state constituents. It is an organization with a history dating back to 1946 when, in the aftermath of World War II, many veterans earned State and Federal benefits which required coordinated efforts to assure that veterans received these entitlements. NASDVA also notes that collectively state governments commit more than $4 billion annually of their own resources to support our nation’s veterans and their families.

“Although each state is unique, with its own traditions, programs, and resources, we are united by our common goal to make a difference in the lives of our veterans,” according to the NASDVA website, where you can find more information: www.nasdva.net.

“Everyone at NASDVA is doing a terrific job, and we encourage all Veterans to keep in touch with their state Veterans Affairs representatives. The better you keep informed, the better life will be for all Veterans,” said Veterans Advantage founder and CEO H. Scott Higgins, a Vietnam Veteran.

Photo Credit: http://www.nasdva.us/About.aspx