NASDVA hosting 2022 midwinter conference in Alexandria Feb 21-23

The National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) is hosting its annual midwinter training conference in Alexandria, VA, from February 21-23. NASDVA members represent all fifty states and six territories, and the conference brings them together to share best practices, be briefed by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials, and coordinate efforts on tackling veterans’ issues across the United States.

“Our midwinter conference is so important because it brings us to Virginia to hear the latest and greatest from our partners at the federal VA and gives us a chance to ask questions and problem solve in real time,” said Texas Veterans Commission Executive Director and NASDVA President Thomas Palladino. “The midwinter conference is a great source for new ideas, best practice, and innovative programs to take back to the states and territories were serve.”

Senior VA officials will be participating in the conference to brief NASDVA members on various programs and initiatives ranging from suicide prevention to health innovation to employment and training. Members will receive updates from the Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration, Board of Veterans Appeals, Veterans Experience Office, and others.

VA Secretary Denis McDonough will be giving an update on VA priorities and presenting the Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Awards. The Pillar of Excellence recognizes state veterans programs focused on improving customer experience, eliminating veteran homelessness, reducing claims and appeals backlog, preventing veteran suicides, and creating innovative state programs. Each year seven states are honored with this VA award.

The conference is made possible by sponsorships from organizations that support the association’s mission of serving America’s veterans. The midwinter conference’s underwriting sponsors are Weber Health Logistics and WellHive.

NASDVA was established in 1947 and is the second largest provider of benefits behind the VA. Membership is made up of senior leadership from the veterans affairs departments or administrations of all fifty states and six territories. More information on the association is available at nasdva.us.