NABVETS Creed
- We are yesterday, We are tomorrow, We are Earth,
- We are Sky, We are all things, But Most of all,
- We are proud Men and Women Today.
NABVETS Creed
- We are yesterday, We are tomorrow, We are Earth,
- We are Sky, We are all things, But Most of all,
- We are proud Men and Women Today.
Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, “Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:33-40, NKJV
The History Of NABVETS
NABVETS, inc. Initially the “Interested Veterans of the Central City (IVOCC),” was established and Incorporated by seven Vietnam Combat Veterans in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1969). In 1973, it was reorganized to become a membership service organization with the charge to address issues concerning black and other minority veterans.
On April 2, 1998, National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. (NABVETS) was certified as a National Veterans Service Organization (VSO) by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
National Cemetery Burial Eligibility in the 21st Century
On September 1, 1973, VA became steward of the 112-year-old National Cemetery System, the forerunner of the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). Today, NCA (www.cem.va.gov) manages 155 national cemeteries in the United States and provides grant-funding to 122 state, territory and tribal Veterans cemeteries. Over 4.1 million Veterans of every conflict—from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—are honored by burial in these cemeteries.
NCA has assisted millions of Veterans and their families in scheduling and arranging for burial at national cemeteries for themselves and their spouses. In 2016, NCA developed a Pre-Need Eligibility application to assist families with burial planning. No longer do Veterans or spouses need to wait until the time of death to find out if they are eligible for burial in a national cemetery or for memorial benefits such as a headstone, flat marker, or bronze medallion for use in private cemeteries.
In FY 2023, 55,374 Pre-Need applications were approved. There were 139,360 interments in national cemeteries and 33,556 headstones and markers provided for burial in private cemeteries. Pre-Need applications require the Veteran’s social security number, date/place of birth, military status and service history such as service dates, discharge character, and rank—information commonly found on the DD214 or other separation documents. If you do not have discharge documents, NCA staff will help obtain the information needed to determine eligibility. Applicants can apply: online at www.va.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility/, via mail or fax using this form www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-40-10007/, or simply search for “NCA Pre Need” on the internet.
If you have questions about future burial needs for yourself or a living dependent of a Veteran, or you need assistance with the submitting an application, please call 800-535-1117 and press 4. NCA’s Scheduling Office is open Monday through Friday 8:00am to 7:30pm EST and Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm EST except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Telecommunications Relay Services or TTY available at 711.
Veterans Services
NABVETS is deeply committed to serving all of its members at the highest level
of professionalism. The State Command represents a State with at least three Chapters and has the leadership to support the development of
Chapters. State Commanders Manage State Commands.
Here on Donate to NABVETS Today!
NABVETS has supported Military Veterans and their families by creating a positive lifestyle for them. This effort will be
sustained through your generous donation. Consider donating today!
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Military Assistance Join Our Team
NABVETS supports retired and active duty members to get the full benefits they deserve. However, we need your support as well! Join NABVETS to make a difference in a soldier’s life. They have served to protect us now let’s protect them by serving.
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Learn More About NABVETS
NABVETS is an organization of retired military and volunteers making a difference for those that have served our country. If you would like to make a difference or find out how you can support and help our veterans, please fill out the information below.
A Message From The State Commander
The National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. recognizes and honors Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. for his unwavering commitment to social justice through peaceful nonviolence means. This message would resonate not only in the United States but abroad as well. Dr. King made mention that the lack of adequate health care and poverty are issues that true Americans can not be silent about. He stressed that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” ROBERT L. WATSON
Mission
On an ongoing basis, the National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. will provide strategic advocacy on behalf of its membership with Congress, the Federal Administration, State Administrations, and other agencies and organizations. NABVETS will provide personal advocacy on behalf of veterans seeking claims against the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, advocacy for youth in all matters required for successful passage into adulthood, advocacy on behalf of families; with community involvement, provide advocacy in creating positive lifestyles for veterans, and to generate and preserve the historical record.
If you have any questions or are in need of advocacy, please contact NABVETS at 1-800-NABVETS.
Whole Health Roadshow at Everett VA Outpatient Clinic on June 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Complementary chiropractic and guided imagery demos, whole health challenges, free food, free swag, resource fair and more! Join us in person or on Facebook at facebook.com/vapugetsound.
Veteran’s Tele Town Hall on June 17, 2023, from 12 to 1 p.m. We will send out a separate email with the details. We’ll be covering topics to include care at night, on weekends and holidays, Community Care, Facilities updates and more.
Congressional and VSO Briefing on June 27, 2023, from 1 to 2 p.m. at our Seattle Campus, 1660 South Columbian Way, Building 1 (by the south entrance), room 524. Please RSVP to publicaffairspugetsound@va.gov or (206) 764-1711 by noon on June 20, 2023.
The line-up:
- VA Puget Sound Deputy Director Susan Perez – Overview and Facilities (Buildings 18 – Seattle; Building 61 in American Lake, guest WiFi)
- VA Puget Sound Emergency Medicine Director Dr. Mary Claire Murphy Rose – Tele Emergency Care
- VA Puget Sound Patient Experience Officer Rick Royse – Care at night, on weekends and holidays
- VA Puget Sound Medical Foster Home Program Manager Kari-Mae Miles – Overview of the program
- VA Puget Sound LGBTQ+ Coordinator Bridget Reposa – Programs/services
- Community Care Director Ryan Moore – Community Care process requirements
- WDVA Director David Puente Jr. – WDVA Update
- VBA Seattle Regional Office Executive Director John Lombardo – PACT Act Claims update