To Our Virginia Military Spouses, 

Thank YOU for your service and support to our military/veteran community. We all know that it’s the military spouse who’s consistently “holding down the fort,” double checking the various PCS checklists to have a smooth move, becoming the default parent, putting careers on hold, caring for the service member/veteran with their visible and invisible wounds, and rebuilding after tragedy. If it was not for you, there would be no mission readiness for those currently serving our country or a support system for those that have transitioned out of the military.  

For our surviving spouses (regardless of type of death), we are first and foremost sorry for your loss, and we want to make sure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. We will continue to advocate and push for equality, but it will take time. Please be assured we are not giving up and we will not stop listening to your concerns. 

As a military spouse myself, I understand firsthand how we tend to put ourselves on the back burner and be the constant glue for the family and service member/veteran. The Virginia Military Spouse Liaison Team hopes our advocacy efforts and being your connector to resources/services show our dedication and appreciation to you. We are striving to make Virginia the most military spouse friendly state through updating our legislations/policies, initiatives, and partnerships that will positively affect our military/veteran spouse community. 

Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day to all the spouses here in Virginia regardless of your sponsor’s status! 

Sincerely, 

Kayla LaFond 

Virginia Military Spouse Liaison 

P.S. On April 18,1984, President Ronald Reagan established Military Spouse Appreciation Day, with Proclamation 5184, to recognize the countless sacrifices and contributions of the military spouse.

Established in 2017, May is National Military Family Caregivers Month. There are an estimated 5 million military caregivers in the United States.

Caregivers can be spouses (husbands or wives), children, parents, siblings, or other relatives who often don’t think of themselves in that way because caring for their veteran is just part of family service.

Most don’t have any prior medical training or experience, and often must continue to work to support their family. Being a caregiver can be stressful, isolating, and challenging.

If you know a caregiver, there are ways you can provide support as a family member, friend or neighbor. Something as simple as offering to run an errand, take care of a chore around the house, or a gift card for meal delivery are small gestures that remind caregivers they are seen, appreciated, and valued.

If you are a military caregiver, there are resources available to you:

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services Benefits team can help you file for your federal VA benefits. You request an appointment to meet with one of our specialists on our website.

Visit the Veterans Affairs Caregiver site for additional resources or call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.

Additional support can be found through partner organizations like the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes and Hidden Helpers. 

*August is Virginia's Hidden Heroes Month and we will have a special edition newsletter with caregiver specific roundtables across the state. Stay tuned to our social media for more information!

Memorial Day is a time of reflection, remembrance, and appreciation for the service members who paid the ultimate price in service to our country.

Many communities around the state host observances and local activities recognizing and honoring service members killed in the line of duty. Check your local events calendar for information.

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services has various events happening at our three Veteran Cemeteries and at the Virginia War Memorial. Click the button below to find more information of those events.

If you are grieving the loss of a service member, support is available through Virginia Veterans and Family Support, and the nonprofit organization, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

May 10 - Ft. Belvoir (in-person and online)

May 11 - NOVA Virtual

May 11 - Ft. Eustis

June 15 - Naval Station Norfolk

July 13 - Naval Air Station Oceana

July 20 - Fort Eustis

August 17 - Naval Station Norfolk