Resources, News, and Events for Veterans in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties
30 Jun 2025
Orting Veterans Farm closesFrom the WDVA website: “As we bid farewell to the Orting Veterans Farm, which ceased operations on July 1 due to completion of funding from a VA Rural Farms Grant, we reflect on the immense impact it has had on the community, the land, and the many Veterans who found purpose and healing through its soil. This farm was more than just acres of land, it was a space for growth, resilience, and connection. Over the years, the Orting Veterans ...
27 Jun 2025
Nominations open for Purple Heart 2025 Hall of HonorChelan County officials are seeking Purple Heart recipient nominations for the 2025 Hall of Honor. Known as the oldest U.S. decoration for military merit, a Purple Heart is awarded to veterans who have been killed or wounded serving their country. In 2024, the local community came together to honor and recognize Purple Heart recipients (as reported last August). The initiative served as the region’s way of recognizing those who have earned this prestigious award. Now, the community annually identifies local ...
24 Jun 2025
Flagpole gets a fresh coat of PrideThe Manson American Legion Post 108 extends a heartfelt “Thank You!” to Fire Chief Arnold Baker and firefighters Micah Petersen and Raynor Baker for repainting the flagpole at American Legion Park in downtown Manson. With help from Tower 51, Micah and Raynor were safely lifted to the top, where they applied two coats of bright white paint, restoring the pole to its former glory. American Legion member Craig Pittson, who has spearheaded this project for more than a ...
10 Jun 2025
Emergency Action Needed to Prevent Further Veteran-Related TragediesAs received from Heather Hill, Central WA Veterans Counseling: Mr. Bucholtz and Vet Center Leadership – Central Washington is facing a deadly crisis—one born not of sudden catastrophe, but of a long-standing failure to adequately support the mental health needs of our veteran community. The tragic loss of three young girls at the hands of their father, Army veteran Travis Decker, is not an isolated event. It is the most recent and devastating example of what happens when veteran-specific ...
30 May 2025
Wenatchee includes ceremony to honor those lost at sea on Memorial DayAs part of the Wenatchee Valley’s series of events on Memorial Day, there has always been a small ceremony to recognize and honor those who were lost at sea. In years passed, this took place on the black pedestrian bridge crossing the Columbia River with a ceremonial wreath being tossed out onto the water. Due to construction on said pedestrian bridge this year, the Patriotic Council (who organizes the Memorial Day events each year) decided a new location was needed. ...
06 May 2025
Honor Flight Fundraiser hosted by American Legion Post 28Art Semro Unit & Post 28 are raising money to benefit Inland Northwest Honor Flight, an organization that takes veterans to visit the Washington DC Memorials built in their honor. Eligible veterans include those who served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and now Desert Storm Veterans. The fundraiser includes a Taco/Nacho Feed (all you can eat for a minimum donation of $15) and an auction. COME, HAVE FUN, MAYBE WIN A PRIZE!! Saturday, May 17, 2025. Doors open at 5pm. Opening ...
30 Apr 2025
WDVA signs MOA with Confederated Tribes of the Coleville ReservationOLYMPIA – On April 28, 2025, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) formalized a partnership aimed at enhancing services for Native American Veterans and their families. This collaboration is made possible by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which allows WDVA to provide in-kind support and resources to the CTCR’s Tribal Veteran Service Officers. This MOA underscores the WDVA’s commitment to its mission of “Serving Those Who Served” and focuses on strengthening ...
02 Apr 2025
Wenatchee Valley honors Vietnam VeteransOn March 29th at Wenatchee Valley College, veteran organizations from around the valley joined together to mark the 50th Anniversary of the end of hostilities in Vietnam. The afternoon’s program paid tribute to all who served in Vietnam and recognized those Chelan and Douglas County military members that were killed during the conflict. The event was held in the WVC Student Rec Center with nearly 400 people attending. The Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra and Wenatchee Apollo Club Men’s Choir provided patriotic ...
19 Mar 2025
Jim Taylor honored with a Quilt of ValorJim Taylor, a United States Navy veteran and esteemed member of the Manson American Legion Post 108, was recently honored with a Quilt of Valor during a ceremony held at the Lake Chelan Winery on March 8, 2025. The quilt, a symbol of gratitude for his service, was presented by Doug Marsh, a fellow American Legion member, and Jean Horner, representing the Quilts of Valor Foundation, Chelan Group. Doug Marsh, a retired United States Navy 1st Class Aviation Structural Mechanic ...
11 Mar 2025
Columbia Basin Veterans Hub (FOB Columbia) now open!Introducing a new local resource center focused on providing our veterans with the tools they need to better navigate life after service. At FOB Columbia, we are dedicated to empowering veterans and their families by providing comprehensive social services programs tailored to meet their unique needs. Our mission is to bridge the gap between veterans and essential resources, ensuring they have access to the support necessary for successful reintegration into civilian life. We focus on advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement ...
29 Dec 2024
Equine Therapy provides veterans healing and growthHave you heard about this emerging option, equine therapy? It is specifically geared toward veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, or other issues adjusting to civilian life. Equine-assisted therapy has been around for nearly 60 years has been shown to have a significant positive impact on various types of psychotherapy patients (reference). There are different variations, but in most cases, no riding is involved. Rather the veteran is spending time with the horse, connecting with the animal and ...
21 Dec 2024
You may still be eligible for PACT Act benefits!Even though the deadline to receive retroactive benefits from the Honoring Our PACT Act has passed, veterans and survivors are still eligible to submit a VA disability claim related to the landmark legislation. Visit this official VFW site for more information and to determine eligibility. The PACT Act is estimated to affect about 500,000 Vietnam War veterans with hypertension related to Agent Orange exposure, as well as thousands of additional veterans in more recent operations including Operation Desert Storm, Operation ...