Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs

This strategic plan outlines the guidance and direction for the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs, focusing on enriching the lives of veterans, service members, and their families, and enhancing the military presence in Utah. Guided by the values of RESPECT, the plan establishes nine key goals: maintaining Utah's reputation for supporting veterans, connecting with military members statewide, providing responsive and effective benefits, honoring those served, positioning Utah as a preferred location for military missions, fostering engagement with partners, seeking new opportunities, operating the department efficiently, and cultivating a valued and respected culture for department members. The overarching vision is to establish Utah as the premier location for military missions and for veterans, service members, and their families to live, work, and play.

The Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs (UDVMA) outlines its mission to serve veterans, active service members, and their families by facilitating access to benefits, education, and employment, and by advocating for military installations and the defense sector within Utah. Key strategic initiatives encompass enhancing communications and technology, supporting state economic development priorities, developing and maintaining essential veteran facilities like homes and cemeteries, extending rural outreach, bolstering military and veteran family programs, ensuring military installation resiliency, providing transition support, and spearheading suicide prevention efforts. The plan leverages various partnerships and programs to deliver comprehensive support, aiming to improve the overall well-being and economic contribution of the military community.

The Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs focuses on serving Veterans, current service members, and their families by facilitating access to benefits, education, and employment, and by advocating for military installations and the defense sector. The strategic efforts include enhancing communication and technology, supporting the Governor's priorities, undertaking significant facility projects like the Salt Lake Veterans Home Replacement and Northern Utah Veterans Cemetery, and extending rural outreach. Additional key areas involve supporting military and veteran family programs, ensuring military installation resiliency, promoting Utah as a military mission-friendly state, fostering transition excellence, and implementing comprehensive suicide prevention initiatives. These efforts are supported through extensive programs and partnerships across healthcare, economic development, and higher education, aiming to improve the overall well-being and opportunities for the veteran and military community.

Key discussions included the Resident Council update, noting the election of a new president and summarizing recent activities, including seventy cars at the Car Show and the passing of thirteen residents in the previous quarter. The Administrator reported on the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home's current two-star CMS rating, attributed to a complaint survey, despite a census of 116 and an interest list of 119. The State Officer reported on the completion of the barbershop remodel and the near-completion of the Detention Pond project, with future work planned for HVAC controls and boiler replacement. The Executive Director reported on sending two centenarian residents to a celebration and attending the NACVSO conference, while noting that the Salt Lake veterans' home replacement remains on hold pending federal funding. In New Business, Bryan Moore was accepted as a new board member, and Tressa was elected as the new Vice Chair.

The meeting included updates from the VA Medical Center, including positive metrics, Thanksgiving donations, the upcoming opening of the new Elko clinic, and town halls. The Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs congratulated the Nursing Homes for their inspection report, and provided information on the UVMA Commission meeting and the new attack submarine, the USS Utah. There was a summary of the status of the four Utah Veteran Nursing Homes and the National Cemetery inspection. Updates were provided on the Governor's Suicide Prevention Program and upcoming events. Community partnerships with Veterans in Utah County were discussed, with a request for State Dept. Commanders to attend local Veteran/Community Council meetings.