Commandant Dennis Tobin writes:

Marines, I have been trying to put together a video or a live feed to explain what has transpired over the last couple months regarding our convention, no luck so far with the video idea. I will keep trying. First I want to apologize for everyone for receiving word from the hotel before me. We were obligated to notify the hotel officially first, which we did yesterday morning, we did not expect them to hit the refund button right away. We expected some conversation before hand. Second, let me try to explain the process, we, the Board of Trustees tried to hold out as long as possible before decided Go/No Go. We held numerous video conferences and telecoms to review current conditions, restrictions and regulations. Yesterday we made the No Go decision and cancelled the 2020 Convention. The number 1 reason for the decision was the health and well being of all our members, especially those seasoned members 65 and over. We could not put members at risk, there are still too many unknowns, restrictions and regulations in place. We had to get our attorneys involved because there were financial issues involved. If not done properly the league could stand to lose a great deal of money. The integrity of the league is also at risk and the integrity of the Dept. of Florida and their convention people. So there has been a great deal to consider and its the National Boards responsibility to make sure all of these issues are addressed and dealt with properly. Had we failed in any area it falls directly on me as your National Commandant. So we moved slow and steady to accomplish our mission, the mission you the membership elected us to do. This is only the second time in our 100 years that a National Convention has been cancelled. The last time it happened was in 1932. Not bad. These have been some crazy and trying times for us all and this was the hardest decision this Board has had to make. So again I apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused. Enjoy the rest of you summer and please stay safe. Semper Fidelis,

Implementation of Phases

The timeline for moving through the 3-Phase process will be dependent upon the ability to minimize and control exposure and infection levels and to maintain a constant decrease over time. NCA will meet all criteria and parameters in Department guidance, along with specific criteria outlined in this document.

Phase 1

Public Facing Operations that Support Veterans

•              • National cemeteries remain open for visitation.

•              • Cemeteries conduct direct interments of casketed and cremated remains.

•              • Direct interments may be witnessed by immediate family upon request (limited to 10 or fewer witnesses).

•              • Virtual memorialization options are made available for families.

•              • Committal services and military honors remain suspended.

•              • Ceremonies and other broadly attended events remain postponed.

Activities to Protect the Workforce

•              • Allow employees in high risk populations and vulnerable individuals as defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to continue telework.

•              • Continue use of telework and consideration for rotations of a recommended percentage of staffing cohorts (e.g., 25%) for NCA Central Office (NCACO) based employees.

•              • Cemetery team members will continue working at national cemetery sites, using team rotations as supported by workload and staggering shift schedules to support distancing in common areas (locker rooms, break rooms, etc.) and minimize equipment sharing.

•              • Close common areas, to include Public Information Centers, Administrative Buildings.

•              • Enforce strict physical distancing protocols at all facilities.

Phase 2

Public Facing Operations that Support Veterans

•              • National cemeteries remain open for visitation.

•              • Resume committal services and military honors with attendance limitations/at-risk population disposition in accordance with CDC-recommended guidelines.

•              • Allow ceremonies and events where projected attendance/at risk populations disposition is within CDC-recommended guidelines

•              • Schedule and conduct memorial services (in lieu of committal services) for all direct interments conducted as of 3/23/2020.

•              • Schedule and conduct interments postponed by families due to COVID restrictions.

Activities to Protect the Workforce

•              • Continue use of telework and consideration for rotations

•              • Cemetery team members will continue working at national cemetery sites, using team rotations as supported by workload and staggering shift schedules to support distancing in common areas (locker rooms, break rooms, etc.) and minimize equipment sharing.

•              • Open common areas, to include Public Information Centers, Administrative Buildings, with access restrictions ((e.g., limiting number of individuals entering at any one time) if they adhere to standard sanitation protocols. with attendance limitations/at-risk population disposition in accordance with CDC-recommended guidelines.

•              • Enforce moderate physical distancing protocols at all facilities.

Phase 3

Public Facing Operations that Support Veterans

•              • National cemeteries remain open for visitation.

•              • Conduct committal services, military honors, and public ceremonies and events normally and consistent with best practices in social distancing.

•              • Schedule and conduct memorial services (in lieu of committal services) for all direct interments conducted as of 3/23/2020.

•              • Schedule and conduct interments postponed by families due to COVID restrictions.

Activities to Protect the Workforce

•               • All employees will return to work sites in accordance with re-entry plans and resume normal schedules.

•               • Reopen common areas provided they adhere to standard sanitation protocols.

•               • Enforce limited physical distancing protocols at all facilities.

Leathernecks:

Please see the Tahoma National Cemetery message below.  Second Saturday ceremonies scheduled for March and April, and the March 29th Vietnam Veterans event, are postponed.

Burials, which include military honors, which we perform at the committal service will continue under normal scheduling. Second Saturday ceremonies will resume on May 9th, which we have the assigned duty day.

Again, while events and ceremonies are being postponed, this has no impact on the Leatherneck Honor Guard scheduled duty days for March, April and May.

Bill Smiley, Tahoma Coordinator, will make his usual and customary phone notification on Monday, March 16th with the Third Tuesday, March 17th Duty Day schedule.

My prayers are with you and your families that you remain healthy and happy.

Larry Alcantara, Commander

------------------------------------------------------------

ALL,

The Coronavirus continues to impact more communities around the country and the world.  Public health officials are warning the public, especially those that are sick or vulnerable based on age and/or a pre-existing health condition, to practice social distancing and avoid large group activities. To that end, we are postponing all events and ceremonies (excluding burial services) that are scheduled to occur at Tahoma between now and April 15, 2020.  For Tahoma National Cemetery, this will include our 2d Saturday Honors Service for both March and April, as well as our planned Vietnam Veterans Ceremony on March 29^th. At this time, we do not have a re-schedule date for the Vietnam Veterans Ceremony. We are hopeful that we can resume the 2d Saturday Honors Service in May on May 9^th.

We truly appreciate all of your continued service to Tahoma National Cemetery and our Veteran community. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions.

v/r,  JD

Jennifer Dehorty

Assistant Director

Tahoma National Cemetery

Fort Lawton Post Cemetery

WDVA Legislative Updates

Welcome to the Legislative Updates Email List!  

The 2020 Legislative Session began on January 13, 2020 and adjourned Sine Die on March 12, 2020.

Message from the Governor's website March 11, 2020: Due to the extraordinary circumstances to protect the public’s health, the Governor’s Office will not hold public bill signings for any remaining bills from the 2020 legislative session.  Members of the public can view the bill signings on TVW.  Click here for the new rules for bill signings. For updated information visit: www.governor.wa.gov/office-governor/official-actions/bill-action

Bill Tracking as of March 13, 2020

This list is maintained for bill tracking purposes and is not an indication that WDVA supports or opposes any of these measures. If you have any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Prevention & Treatment

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

Welcome to the Legislative Updates Email List!  The first day of the Regular 2020 Legislative Session was January  13, 2019 and the session will last 60 days. 

You can find more information on each of these bills by visiting www.leg.wa.gov . 

Check the WDVA Legislative Updates page for updated information throughout the week.

Opposite House Policy Committee cut-off is February 28.  Opposite House Fiscal Committee cut-off is March 2.   Bills that do not pass by these dates will be removed from this tracking list.

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https://media.defense.gov/2020/Feb/25/2002254968/-1/-1/1/MILITARY_HOUSING_PRIVATIZATION_INITIATIVE_TENANT_BILL_OF_RIGHTS.PDF