Aug/Sept 2023

Welcome to Virginia

Settle in and build community!

For families who have recently moved to the Commonwealth on orders or transitioning families who made the decision to make this great state your permanent home, the Virginia Military Spouse Liaison team welcomes you.

A sense of belonging is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for military and Veteran-connected families who often face the uncertainty of moving and relocating to a new place.

As military spouses, we know firsthand the extraordinary grit and resilience required for military families to manage either the PCS process or transitioning out of the service. It takes great courage and strength to integrate into a new community. From house hunting to finding schools, and hunting for a military spouse-friendly job, there’s a lot to take in!

Do not hesitate to contact us at milspouse@dvs.virginia.gov. We are here to support you.

Make sure to scroll to our newsletter's Upcoming Events section to find employment and community belonging focused events!

August is Hidden Heroes Month

Hidden Heroes are often unseen members of our community - family, friends, neighbors, co-workers - who accomplish extraordinary tasks with little to no public commendation.

Every August, we celebrate and recognize the military caregiver Hidden Heroes in our community.

There are over 5.5 million caregivers in the United States. The exact number is unknown because many do not identify as caregivers. They see the services they provide to their veteran as an act of love or extension of their veteran's service.

Every caregiver's situation is unique, but it's a challenging role. The Virginia Military Spouse Liaison Team thanks our caregivers and pledges to continue to advocate and stand with our Virginia Hidden Heroes.

Governor Youngkin has signed a proclamation for Hidden Heroes Month to honor all Hidden Heroes in Virginia. Click the buttons below to read the full Proclamation and caregiver resources offered by Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes.

Read the Proclamation

Virginia Veteran and Family Support Website

Hidden Heroes Website

Mark Your Calendar!

In recognition of August being Hidden Heroes Month, Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) will host a resource table in the Veranda area of the Churchland Branch Library to provide information on programs and services as it relates to veteran and/or caregiving needs.

August 9, 2023

10 am to 4 pm

Churchland Branch Library

4934 High St.

Portsmouth, VA

Upcoming Events

EMPLOYMENT

Hire Vets / Milspouses Now Networking Events

August 17 - Naval Station Norfolk

September 14 - Ft. Gregg-Adams

September 19 - Ft. Belvoir

September 21 - Ft. Eustis

September 28 - Naval Air Station Oceana

HVN Registration

Hiring Our Heroes - Amplify

Hampton Roads

Register today to attend a free two-day career event for military spouses taking place in Virginia Beach on September 20-21 at The HIVE. Attendees will receive career preparation, professional development and networking opportunities.

Amplify Registration

COMMUNITY BELONGING

Blue Star Families Welcome Week is coming up!

Check back with this link in September to find events happening near you as events are currently being finalized!

Have your heard of Twelve Million Plus?

Twelve Million Plus is the first and only verified community, exclusively for military spouses. Spouses are verified through ID.me, so if you're also a veteran, you will need to make a separate military spouse account.

All demographics of military, veteran, and surviving spouses are welcome to participate.

Click here to visit the site and make sure to join the Virginia group to see events and resources!