Agencies and Boards
Department of Veterans Services
The Department of Veterans Services serves Virginia’s veterans and their beneficiaries by ensuring they receive the benefits, support, quality care, and recognition they have earned through service and sacrifice. The Department operates 20 benefit services offices where representatives assist veterans and their family members in filing claims for VA and state benefits. The agency operates two cemeteries for veterans and a long-term care facility offering nursing and domiciliary care for veterans. The Department also certifies that post-secondary educational institutions meet G.I. Bill funding and eligibility requirements, enabling veterans and family members to pursue educational opportunities. Dept. of Veterans Services website
Virginia War Memorial
Walk inside the Virginia War Memorial and you enter hallowed ground. For here on its soaring glass and marble walls are the names of more than 11,600 Virginia heroes who gave their lives to keep our country free. Its reason for being and its effect on those who view its hallowed walls and artifacts. Located overlooking historic Richmond business district and the James River, the War Memorial was created by the Virginia General Assembly to honor Virginia's war dead. Virginia War Memorial website
Virginia Military Advisory Council
The Virginia Military Advisory Council (VMAC) was established to maintain a cooperative and constructive relationship between the Commonwealth and the leadership of the Armed Forces of the United States. VMAC's mission also extends to the military commanders stationed in the Commonwealth, where they work together to encourage regular communication on continued military facility viability, the exploration of privatization opportunities and issues affecting preparedness, public safety and security. VMAC website
Secure Commonwealth Panel
The Secure Commonwealth Panel is established as an advisory board in the executive branch of state government. The panel monitors and assesses the implementation of statewide prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives. Where necessary, the panel also reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations relating to the emergency preparedness of government at all levels in the Commonwealth. SCP website
Virginia Commission on Military Installation and Defense Activities
Governor Bob McDonnell issued Executive Order #60 on March 1, 2013 establishing the Commission on Military Installation and Defense Activities. This Commission was formed in response to the necessity to address the impact that indiscriminant defense budget cuts as a result of the sequestration will have on the economic well-being of the citizens and businesses of Virginia. The Commission consists of the Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, Finance, Public Safety and four (4) citizen members who are retired flag and general officers. The Commission is directed to be proactive in identifying the appropriate strategies to retain the military and federal facilities located in the Commonwealth, to identify other operations and facilities that can be located within Virginia, and to address the best response to the anticipated mandated federal budget reductions contained in the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2013. VCMIDA
State Interoperability Executive Committee
The State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) serves as the steering group for the effort and provides guidance and recommendations to the Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator's Office (CICO) for the Commonwealth Preparedness Working Group (CPWG) and Governor’s Office. At least quarterly, the SIEC reviews the overall progress of the effort and approves goals and priorities. Interoperability website
Board of Veterans Services
The Board is responsible for formulating policies, developing procedures, reviewing agency budget submissions, and making recommendations for the efficient and effective delivery of veterans’ services. It also studies topics affecting the welfare of Virginia’s veterans. BVS website
Joint Leadership Council
The Council consists of representatives of the majority of veterans service organizations in the Commonwealth. It advises the Department of Veteran Services on matters of concern to veterans and their families. The Council is active in identifying veterans’ needs and advocating in support of veterans issues that may be remedied through appropriate legislation or by other means. JLC website
Veterans Services Foundation
The Foundation Board of Trustees is responsible for oversight and administration of the Veterans Services Fund, distribution of funds to veterans services and programs, and seeking additional sources of revenue and other resources to support the viability of the Fund. Government resources alone cannot fully meet the needs of Virginia’s veterans, and the Commonwealth anticipates that Virginia citizens will want to help our veterans.
The Foundation is available to receive contributions to support veterans services. It is an independent state agency that supports the Department of Veterans Services. The Foundation is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations under Internal Revenue Service Section 170 (c) and Code of Virginia Section 2.2-2719. Contributions are placed in the Veterans Services Fund and cannot revert to the Commonwealth’s General Fund. VSF website
Fort Monroe Authority
The Fort Monroe Authority is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, created to preserve, protect and manage Fort Monroe, Old Point Comfort, on the Chesapeake Bay. The Authority will be governed by an 11 member Board of Trustees with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security serving as an ex officio nonvoting member. Fort Monroe Authority website
