Center for Minority Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Honoring the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion

On June 6, 1944, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion became the only unit to storm the beaches of Normandy composed entirely of African American soldiers, providing critical protection to ships and troops below from enemy aircraft. 

Among them was Cpl. Waverly B. Woodson Jr. Wounded when his landing craft hit a sea mine, he continued working for 30 hours straight, performing an amputation, setting limbs, removing bullets, and reviving three men. His efforts are believed to have saved 200 soldiers.  He was recommended for the Medal of Honor but never received it. In 2024, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. 

Their story is a powerful reminder of the contributions and sacrifices of African American soldiers who served with patriotism and perseverance.

Have a question for the Center for Minority Veterans? Reach us through the right channel — securely.

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Did you know you can handle most of your Social Security business online — anytime, anywhere?

Whether you're transitioning out of the military, working a civilian career, or already retired, your personal "my Social Security" account moves with you.-- Available 24/7!

Read the full article and get started today:

Go digital: Discover all you can do online with Social Security - VA News Plan ahead with your personal "my Social Security" account! Securely manage benefits and key documents online anytime, anywhere.

See you all in San Antonio, TX!

Women Veterans, the VA is coming to you!

Have you registered for the Women Veterans Enrollment Initiative, "Boots on the Ground, for Boots on the Ground," Southwest Regional Summit at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, in San Antonio, TX, on July 24–25, 2026?

If not, register and learn more here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/bIpBmx5GL4oTJcmYk45h/

The Center for Women Veterans (CWV) in partnership with the Office of Women’s Health (OWH) is making it easier than ever for women Veterans to enroll in your earned VA benefits and services, get all of the resources you need to succeed and build a community.

Register and and bring a Battle Buddy with you!

🚨Attention Veterans in the Virgin Islands- please support!

You Served. Now Let Us Honor You.

The Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs invites Women Veterans from across the Virgin Islands to join us for a special celebration recognizing their service, sacrifice, leadership, and legacy.

📅 June 12, 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m.
📍 Government House, St. Croix

Please RSVP by June 9 to email address [email protected] using
Subject: Women Veterans Recognition Day RSVP or calling (340) 773-8387

Because your story deserves to be celebrated. ❤️

New job opportunities are here for Veterans! From healthcare and engineering to remote roles and VA careers. This week’s listings have something for everyone. Check out what’s available now.

Hiring Veterans: Jobs of the week for June 1, 2026 - VA News This jobs of the week post includes listings for the week of June 1, 2026. We will continue to post relevant listings as we receive them.

✨ From Uniform to Unforgettable | AANHPI Heritage Month | ✨
Remigio Cabacar 🇺🇸🇵🇭

At 17, Ray Cabacar walked 32 miles through the Philippines just to enlist in the U.S. Navy. What followed was 25 years of service that took him from the mineswept harbors of the Korean War to the detonation of a hydrogen bomb — witnessed firsthand, just 32 miles from ground zero. ☢️
Now 98 years old, Ray is still showing up. Still serving. Still inspiring.
His story — including the Congressional Gold Medal, a second career serving the FBI, and a lifetime of community — is one you don’t want to miss.

Read the full feature on VA News- link in the comments.

Thank you, Ray Cabacar. It has been an honor. 🙏🇵🇭

(Video: Courtesy of Vilma Megorden, daughter of Ray Cabacar)
Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW

VA Research just dropped some important findings!

New VA studies show that a virtual reality exercise program is helping Veterans with spinal cord injuries stay active, brain lesions in Parkinson’s patients may serve as an early warning biomarker for cognitive decline, and Veterans receive equal or better care at VA hospitals vs. non-VA facilities.

What you should know:

Research using VA patient data has helped identify gaps that can affect long-term health. Every Veteran deserves access to the latest advances coming out of this research.

Know your options. Ask questions. Advocate for yourself and your fellow Veterans. 💙🇺🇸

🔗 Latest research:

VA Research Wrap Up: New findings on spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease - VA News VA Research recently published three News Briefs highlighting findings on spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease and VA hospital care quality.

Veterans are simplifying their VA experience with the VA: Health and Benefits app. Thousands are using it to refill prescriptions, track claims, and securely message their VA care teams, all in one place. https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-health-and-benefits