Bianca Freeman

The meeting was held to review unfinished and new business, including the compilation of a speaker list, legislative updates regarding Virginia Women Veterans license plates, strategic outreach, and planning for the Virginia Women Veterans Recognition Ceremony. New business discussion items included Care Center pinning ceremonies, analysis of a "How Can We Help?" survey, planning for Virginia Women Veterans Day, and setting recurring meeting dates and future priorities. No official business was conducted as a quorum was not established.

The board received an operational update from the Department of Veterans Services. New business included the presentation and approval of the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program working group findings, an update on board working groups, and a unanimous vote to support six legislative initiatives for 2026. Additionally, the board discussed plans for the 2026 Day on the Hill and reviewed feedback regarding improvements to board coordination and participation.

The meeting was convened to review unfinished and new business regarding the Women Veterans Program; however, no official business could be conducted due to a lack of quorum. Informal discussion took place concerning the status and operational updates of the Women Veterans Recognition Ceremony.

The working group discussed updates regarding the Women Veterans Recognition Ceremony and Luncheon, Care Center Pinning Ceremonies, and a new survey with an associated raffle incentive. Additional topics included the planning for Virginia Women Veterans Day, reviewing the meeting frequency, and establishing future goals and new priorities for the program. The group also addressed concerns regarding outreach visibility and the potential for directing license plate proceeds to the program through future legislative changes.

The council received operational updates from the Department of Veterans Services and heard reports from the Board of Veterans Services and the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation. Key agenda items included a review of veteran-related proposals within the Governor's introduced budget and the formal prioritization of an initiative regarding the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program. Additionally, the council discussed organizational plans for the upcoming legislative advocacy event, confirmed new committee appointments, approved the 2026-2027 work plan, and considered public comments regarding the eligibility of stepchildren for education programs.