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HomeMy WebLinkAbout101425 - Lowering of the Washington State and United States FlagsALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. In memory of Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, Sgt. Donavon Scott, and Sgt. Jadalyn Good <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2Findex.asp/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/b4xJrCB8Cjs8W3VlaXOt17ZgvYMBxZ_bKK M-sR1JJq4=427> NewsFlash Flags to fly at half-staff in Washington state in honor of JBLM helicopter crash victims <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stripes.com%2Fbranches%2Farmy%2F2025-10-14%2Fjblm-helicop ter-crash-flags-half-staff-19424968.html/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/Cc5wXFdyY9Zl4YIffBs5EiXRs1ICvAR5toZd4IvNHos=427> In memory of Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, Sgt. Donavon Scott, and Sgt. Jadalyn Good, Washington state has issued a Directive by the Governor to lower flags to half-staff <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgovernor.wa.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdirective%2FFlag%2520Lowering%2520-%2520October%252017%252C%252 02025%2520%2528Aviation%2520Mishap%2529_0.pdf/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/PksAyD3nol_h7tQ-14D2TC-aFwPdxksDB3kL4mW-0yo=427> on Friday, October 17, 2025. <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2025/05/11606369/6486927/ussronaldreaganflagathalfstaffhonoringfirstladynanc_crop.png> <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2025/08/12129896/6360028/nwmireccsmall_crop.png> ➤ NewsFlash <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2Findex.asp/2/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/HFWmlV6mgyQGVfMQacmY3Kxm ay56Pc5xhSf7b4u89pA=427> ➤ Adaptive Sports <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FAdaptiveSports.asp/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/JGG-7Xpdk WGILwNC6S1fKWWUSmiINz6CXRs122sINCM=427> ➤ Financial Readiness <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FFinancialReadiness.asp/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/z y4cw49O1ki8GLfqdTRt7s2Y1S0qqjC4qh9UVlsEO3w=427> ➤ Resources <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2Fresources.asp/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/Wp8rRpXViqYZp5X-x53l 4BkdF_SSA9AiiMVFBPUnR9c=427> ➤ Service Dogs <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FServiceDogs.asp/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/Tt8qgY9YR4CP1lY fjS0fRtqizPEZn77VcMZxJcIEBEM=427> ➤ Transition Assistance <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FTransitionAssistance.asp/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-0000 00/qU1pAgYk-5N8EspdmYebW6do6IKtUKxWCnXSbWGBQmU=427> ➤ Warrior Care <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FWarriorCare.asp/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/M482SH_CL8DtaOI 3gxtwyBwNxWuwzsUzpxP_3g9iC08=427> FORWARD MARCH: In the early days of our country, no regulations existed for flying the flag at half-staff and, as a result, there were many conflicting policies. But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FUS-Flag.asp/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72f d-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/k2sVUSQFtqUkDwqYkUAaLC8yOSz-6VXAj70B-6WE85M=427> . “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm the loss of four courageous Night Stalkers from the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) <https://links-1.govdeliver y.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.army.mil%2Farticle%2F288634%2Fusasoc_identifies_soldiers_who_perished_in_aviation_mishap/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/m_wI6sF_b-JGnRifs_xbS 7ZIUB4e_yK0UiS8nokBp-w=427> , who tragically lost their lives on Sept. 17th during a training mission.,” said Col. Stephen Smith, commander. “These exceptional warriors — Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, Sgt. Donavon Scott, and Sgt. Jadalyn Good — embodied the unwavering dedication, selflessness, and excellence that define the very spirit of the Army and Army Special Operations. Their sacrifice in service to our nation will forever be etched in our hearts and in the legacy of the Night Stalkers. These heroes were not only elite professionals but also cherished teammates, friends, and family members whose absence leaves an immeasurable void.” The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgo160thsoar.com%2F160th-soar-night-stalkers-service%2F/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe -ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/57sGDCfeARvNzwI_ESKd0Xs-HI9LGhVGeJ1x9GgOn74=427> , also known as Night Stalkers, is the Nation’s premier aviation unit providing highly specialized aviation capabilities and support in the most challenging environments around the globe for elite special operations forces engaged in no-fail missions. 4th Battalion is located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Tacoma, WA <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fhome.army.mil%2Flewis-mcchord%2F/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/M9yuuJA7ewW0VI5MUviqTO1U68- D4LT_LPqK_F5VeYw=427> and is equipped with MH-47 Chinook heavy assault helicopters and MH-60 Black Hawk medium assault helicopters. I serve with the memory and pride of those who have gone before me for they loved to fight, fought to win and would rather die than quit. Night Stalkers Don’t Quit! <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/C L0/https:%2F%2Fgo160thsoar.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2FCreed_Short.mp4/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/ffre_o8Izrglk5AF1jev36ydkCI8Hhk-3chkOVMxBZI=427> Half-Staff <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2024/05/9492164/6486928/usflaghalfstaff_crop.png> Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Friday, October 17, 2025. Other government entities, individuals, and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition. An easy way to remember when to fly the United States flag at half-staff is to consider when the whole nation is in mourning. These periods of mourning are proclaimed either by the president of the United States, for national remembrance, or the governor of a state or territory, for local remembrance, in the event of a death of a member or former member of the federal, state or territorial government or judiciary. The heads of departments and agencies of the federal government may also order that the flag be flown at half staff on buildings, grounds and naval vessels under their jurisdiction. For more information on Half-Staff/Flag Etiquette and Education, visit the U.S. Flag and Holidays section of VISN 20 MIRECC NewsFlash <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.go v%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FUS-Flag.asp/2/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/61VCaBPI-VXEs7UZyVdW3GDxsCfZAOSXK3Pl_d4JVUk=427> . About VISN 20 and NW MIRECC <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2025/06/11811670/6339890/usflag_crop.jpg> VA's NW MIRECC serves to improve the mental health and well-being of Veterans through research and dissemination of information to providers both within VA and the general public. VHA continually evolves and cultivates ongoing cutting-edge medical research and innovation <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FAbout_NWMIRECC%2Fnwmirecc-histor y.asp/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/ej1_ltSoc236JxIlIfI9Ak3F8eVOSbYnPIUaOOGcBgw=427> to improve the lives of America’s patriots. VA's Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20 serves Alaska, Washington, Oregon, most of Idaho, and one county each in Montana and California. Operating across three time zones over 817,417 square miles, VISN 20 is home to 273 federally recognized American Indian and Alaskan Native tribes. Spanning 23% of US land mass, VISN 20 is the largest geographic region of VA. NW MIRECC brings together complementary research, education, and clinical programs from VA Puget Sound (VAPSHCS) and the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS). The collaborative approach to mental health research, education and treatment has had a profound impact on the lives of Veterans. <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2025/02/11115950/6360050/puget-sound-washington-va-medical-center_crop.jpg> VAPSHCS and VAPORHCS were commissioned by Congress and the VA as one of the first three MIRECCs in the United States <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outloo k.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%252Fvisn20%252FAbout_NWMIRECC%252Fnwmirecc-history.asp%26data=05%257C02%257C%257Cb62e861b39334593693308dc2d828a49%257Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251a b3bf%257C0%257C0%257C638435285899560228%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata=VdwUqaI%252B7itapmlk9pptEN7U1n1fg 6%252FyJXHVAEHVr%252F4%253D%26reserved=0/1/01000194b0cb14ca-ac446921-8aa6-4ef1-b529-d0324b9dc2cb-000000/XKWGNaSEeA4Qr0A-fszk2d30V6QGn1vhm65dwQ8wbm0=390> . The mission of NW MIRECC is to improve the quality of life and function of Veterans by developing, evaluating, and promoting the implementation of effective treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its complex comorbidities. PTSD comorbidities include the behavioral consequences of repetitive blast mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), Substance Use Disorder (SUD), chronic pain (in particular, post-concussive headaches), cognitive impairment, and increased risk for neurodegenerative disorders (chronic traumatic encephalopathy [CTE] and Alzheimer’s disease [AD]). VA MIRECC's provide for the improvement of the provision of health-care services and related counseling services to eligible veterans suffering from mental illness (especially mental illness related to service-related conditions) through— <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2025/02/11017678/woundedwarrior-mtrainier_original.png> * the conduct of research (including research on improving mental health service facilities of the Department and on improving the delivery of mental health services by the Department); * the education and training of health care personnel of the Department; and * the development of improved models and systems for the furnishing of mental health services by the Department. As part of the VISN 20 NW MIRECC mission to enhance access to mental health expertise, the NW MIRECC collaborates and consults with other MIRECCs and Centers of Excellence, as well as with other VA, Department of Defense (DoD), Federal, State departments of Veterans Affairs, community agencies, and experts. The close geographic proximity (40 miles) of DoD Joint Base Lewis-McChord/Madigan Army Medical Center to VAPSHCS has provided an exciting opportunity to develop innovative and productive research, education, and clinical care collaborations with DoD personnel that address PTSD and its associated conditions in their early stages in active-duty Servicemembers. VA ranks as one of the nation's leaders in health research. Every year, thousands of research studies are conducted at VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. For example, the VA has: <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2024/02/8943042/6360051/us-dept-of-veterans-affairs-medical-center-portland_crop.jpg> * Developed artificial limbs that allow amputees to have more independence and better quality of life * Invented the cardiac pacemaker * Performed the first successful liver transplantation * Developed the nicotine patch to help people stop smoking * Played a major role in the development of the CT/CAT scan to view the inside of the body * Tested new drugs and treatments for diseases such as AIDS, Diabetes, Alzheimer's and Osteoporosis NW MIRECC research studies significantly contribute to advancements in our understanding of medical problems that lead to health improvements for Veterans and civilians alike. Research studies at NW MIRECC are currently enrolling Military Veterans, First Responders, Health Care workers, and Civilians in Seattle, Washington <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.saf elinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%25252Fvisn20%25252Fresearch%25252Fptsd-tbi-research.asp%252F1% 252F01000194b0cb14ca-ac446921-8aa6-4ef1-b529-d0324b9dc2cb-000000%252F61ZqhBU8mNfLUahonm_JkBBUKvC65z7PGuBwsvNcMd8%253D390%26data=05%257C02%257C%257C8f0c3bb6a4bc45de764f08dd402ff634%257Ce95f1b23abaf45e e821db7ab251ab3bf%257C0%257C0%257C638737296918060739%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C% 26sdata=L6VHetJD9QCgTyX4RdNWo27PpxnDG7mRtmHCtfHSK6A%253D%26reserved=0/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/0B_qGnwTRGA9AADemJOXaDUWwTuEW6zZmaIVo8j1np4=427> . <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2022/05/5917280/white-va-signature_original.png> VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) Mail Stop: P3MIRECC 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, OR 97239 Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.vetcenter.va.gov%2F/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/OS3eTmtWikUC Pp4cI0ck1C01uDWCEao-unynILQ7XLg=427> that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Vet Center Call Center 1-877-927-8387 (1-877-WAR-VETS) <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.vetcenter.va.gov%2FVETCENTER%2Fmedia%2FCall-Center-PSA.asp/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/TEF0zK OEgIBuVczzm7hhYBgwqkJqmGVN_Vd636QEFXY=427> is an around the clock confidential call center where Veterans, service members and their families can talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in transitioning after military service or trauma and get connected to their nearest Vet Center. Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans may dial 988 and press 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may reach the Veterans Crisis Line through chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.veteranscrisisline.net%2Fget-help-now%2Fchat%2F/1/01000199e4884bd1-c 01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/zHgJjtDhijYZ7L5OQHkLpt6cKP_06t5hx1gOP_dFkMc=427> ). Use of these Materials and Finding VA Health Care: Please note that the health care information provided in these materials is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the role of a medical practitioner for advice on care and treatment. If you are looking for professional medical care, find your nearest VA medical center by using the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) map <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2FHEALTH%2Fvisns.asp/1/01000199e4884bd1-c01e72fd-743a-4efe-ab53-97fc68cffb18-000000/YiNykoIKy8WlaPJSHzi34E-i3De TsC6g8XbSQLl_ahQ=427> . 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