Todd W. Barnes

The council held elections for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair. Members reviewed nine proposed legislative initiatives and selected five to advance, including studies on the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program and the health impact of menopause on women veterans. Other selected initiatives focused on allowing veteran service organizations to retain generated revenue, expanding eligibility for benefits to additional uniformed services, and launching a state transportation and care coordination grant pilot program. The council also formally welcomed two new representative members.

The meeting featured an update from the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs regarding strategic planning and the recent legislative session, followed by an operational update from the Department of Veterans Services. Reports were delivered by the Board of Veterans Services and the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation. New business included an after-action review of 2026 legislative initiatives, an initial discussion on potential 2027 initiatives, the introduction of a plan for upcoming elections, and an announcement of new committee appointments. Additionally, the Council discussed state honor guards and associated legislation.

A statewide strategic plan, to be developed by the Virginia Department of Health in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Services, aims to improve the identification, education, treatment, and long-term health outcomes of women veterans in midlife, with a specific focus on perimenopause, menopause, and associated chronic health conditions. The plan will encompass evaluating healthcare gaps, identifying prevalence and risk factors, establishing key performance indicators, and developing evidence-based recommendations for community education, provider training, and healthcare integration. It also involves proposing data collection frameworks, assessing pilot program feasibility, and analyzing the economic impact of untreated conditions to inform legislative and budgetary recommendations.

The council discussed various legislative initiatives, including the stabilization of the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, tax exclusions for military and federal service retirees, measures to ban predatory claim practices, revenue protection for veteran-focused gaming, healthcare access for women veterans, and the reduction of transportation barriers for medical appointments. Further initiatives addressed the transferability of professional licenses for military spouses and long-term goal setting for the council's advocacy efforts in coordination with the Department of Veterans Services.

The Board of Veterans Services meeting included an update from the Department of Veterans Services Commissioner regarding programs, services, and priorities. The board conducted a tour of the Jones and Cabacoy Veterans Care Center and reviewed the progress of four active working groups focusing on VMSDEP, women veterans, strategic planning, and outreach. Additionally, the Board officially welcomed two new members and outlined plans for the upcoming year to strengthen support for veterans and their families.