Veteran Benefits: Washington State

Sometimes the amount of resources is so vast that we do not know which direction to go first. That's why VeTSDC thought this site would be beneficial. It highlights benefits for veterans, and some even help their family members, just specifically for Washington state all in one place.

Their website covers the Homeless Veterans Program, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, State Veteran Homes, Veterans Estate Management Program, Property Tax Exemption, PTSD Counseling Programs, Cemeteries & Burial Services, Military Community License Plates, as well as discounts in the state of Washington.

To read a more in-depth description of each program, how to apply, and more follow the link.

2016 Retiree Appreciation Day in Oak Harbor WA–TODAY!

Looking for something to do today?

Military Retirees in the Pacific Northwest, clear your calendar today for the Navy Region Northwest Retiree Appreciation Day on 9 Jul 16 at Bakerview Restaurant and Chiefs' Club Ballroom, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, located at 1080 W. Ault Field Rd, Oak Harbor WA 98278.

The Navy Region Northwest Retiree Appreciation Day will start promptly at 0900 and end at 1200pm.  All military retirees and spouses are invited to attend.

Point of Contact Information:

Centralized Scheduling Office

Phone Number: 1-866-854-0638

–4th of July Parade–

We had so much fun walking in the parade with fellow veterans and their families! We want to thank those who came out and walked with VeTSDC this year! Here are a few photos from the parade! We hope that you and yours had a Happy 4th of July. Also, we want to thank those who serve and protect our freedom everyday!

Our Founder Jendayi Stafford and Co-Founder Gary Strong with some more VeTSDC volunteers!

A group shot of everyone who walked in the parade!

Feeling the 4th of July Spirit!

Veteran Suicide: It's Real and it Affects 22 Veterans Every Day...

VeTSDC knows all too well how veteran suicide can affect not only those who currently serve but also our past active duty vets. The things that our service members see along with time spent in hostile environments can cause multiple issues. If you, or someone you know, seems suicidal please contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

"The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veteran Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals available."–Veterans Crisis Line

Click Here for More Info!

–4th of July Parade–

Come walk with us in the 4th of July Parade!

If you want to walk with VeTSDC in the parade just let us know you'll be participating in our "4th of July Parade" Event on Facebook! Everyone is welcome just wear red, blue, or your VeTSDC t-shirts. We will be passing out candy and beads too, so bring your throwing arm!

If you have any questions feel free to contact april.pomeroy@vetsdc.org!

–Day of Caring: Volunteer Opportunity–

VeTSDC is volunteering with United Way on their Day of Caring. 

It is "The biggest volunteer event in the state is calling your name. With 10,000 volunteers, Day of Caring is THE day to give your time and energy to our area's nonprofits" is how United Way describes the event that it sponsors around the country. We have adopted Oak Harbor Christian School. Some of the projects will include sanding and refinishing the front bench, putting down reflecting striping around outside steps, and general grounds maintenance. If you want to give back or obtain some volunteer hours please stop by and lend us a hand! 


Please be sure to arrive by no later than 8:15am at suite 101 refreshments and snacks will be served.

–Homegrown Grassroots–

Anita Smith and her group of volunteer quilters opened up their quilting circle to us last Wednesday. They were very gracious and patient in teaching our local vets children how to make quilts for our local veterans. 

Anita Smith says, "We have all been working diligently to get quilts finished to be able to present them to our local island Veterans. What is special about these quilts is how many people are involved in making them. We counted recently and there are 8 to 14 different hands that have touched these quilts. The hands have been from children and adults, some who are experienced and some who aren't. Hands have bought and donated the fabric, cut it, sewn it, pressed it, and sewn it some more to create an amazing design. From there, someone machine quilted the pieced fabric, batting, and backing together, sewed on the binding, washed the quilts when finished, made labels for each one and even created custom labels for the bags. We then find a veteran to present this handmade quilt to and they receive this amazing gift that was made with so much love and care. All these hands want that Veteran to know, that someone on the island cares that they served this country and that they want to honor them now that they are home. We are not funded by any organization to make these quilts. All the fabric, batting, and supplies have been donated. The Deer Lagoon Grange has donated the space for us to use to sew. Without these donations we could not do what we are doing right now. This is what is so amazing. this is the 'grass roots' of true Whidbey Island hearts, giving to our Veterans."

If you are interested in joining VeTSDC on our next trip to Langley, or would like to see this group come up to Oak Harbor, feel free to send us a message on Facebook, or send email requests to: Jendayi.Stafford@vetsdc.org

Anita Smith and her group are willing to come up to Oak Harbor and work with veteran kids and their families in making quilts for our local vets. The children who partook last Wednesday in Langley absolutely loved participating in this activity and VeTSDC hopes to bring this experience to more children here in Oak Harbor!