Idaho Division of Veterans Services

Thank you Vietnam Veterans for your service to our Country at a young age. Some of you volunteered, many of you were drafted, but TODAY we acknowledge your service and sacrifice during Vietnam. Many of you continue to serve our community today and many of you are still dealing everyday with the sacrifice of going to War.

National Medal of Honor Day is observed every year on March 25 and is dedicated to Medal of Honor Recipients. Each branch of the U.S. military awards the Medal of Honor to those who have distinguished themselves “conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity” above and beyond the call of duty.

We salute the 3555 recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor whose heroic actions have been recognized since 1863.

Forty-eight of those men were born or lived in Idaho.

Nineteen men have received the medal twice. One woman has received the medal.

Sixty-four recipients are still living (1 from Korea, 46 from Vietnam, 14 from Afghanistan, and 3 from Iraq). Two are still on active duty in the U.S. Military.

To learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor and each recipient visit: www.cmohs.org.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society | Official Website The Society’s membership is comprised of those who wear the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military award for valor. Through the Society's Outreach, Education and History initiatives, the Medal of Honor Recipients continue their service across the nation.

🚨 You’re Invited! 🇺🇸

Join us for the 3rd Annual Joining Forces Idaho Conference in beautiful Coeur d’Alene!

📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026 (Registration Closes March 31)
⏰ 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 The Salvation Army Kroc Center

This one-of-a-kind conference brings together veterans, active duty, first responders, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and community partners—all focused on strengthening collaboration and connecting those who serve with the resources they need.

💡 Why attend?
✔ Build powerful connections across Idaho
✔ Learn about valuable resources for veterans & families
✔ Share your organization’s impact
✔ Be part of a statewide network making a difference

🎒 Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your organization and support our mission of serving those who served.

👉 Register today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-joining-forces-idaho-conference-registration-1979347644086

Let’s continue building stronger communities—together.

WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS! 🇺🇸

Join us at the Warhawk Air Museum on Saturday, March 28 from Noon–4 PM as we honor and celebrate our Vietnam Veterans.

Vietnam Veterans and their families receive FREE admission, plus FREE food and opportunities to connect with valuable community resources.

Come spend the afternoon with us in gratitude, remembrance, and community.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Effective immediately, VA is halting enforcement of the interim final rule, Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication.

Great news from the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery - Boise! Not only can you easily find the graves of loved ones but the map provides information about other sites at our beautiful cemetery!

We’re excited to announce that our new grave locator is now live! We partnered with the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services to create a new, user-friendly interactive map to help you easily locate loved ones, friends, and others.

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/d10dd262a4f34b149665373f1081c6f7/page/Map =true

Today marks the 83rd anniversary of the sinking of the United States Army Transport Dorchester and the selfless acts of four Army chaplains aboard. The Dorchester tragically sunk on Feb. 3, 1943, while crossing the North Atlantic, transporting troops to an American base in Greenland. A German U-boat fired a torpedo that struck the Dorchester, killing 672 of the 902 officers and enlisted men, merchant seamen and civilian workers aboard. Many of those survivors owe their lives to the courage and leadership exhibited by four chaplains of different faiths, who, in sacrificing their lives, created a unique legacy of brotherhood.

As soldiers rushed to lifeboats, Reverend George Fox (Methodist), Jewish Rabbi Alexander Goode, Reverend Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed) and Father John Washington (Roman Catholic) comforted the wounded and directed others to safety. One survivor watched the chaplains distribute life jackets, and when they ran out, they removed theirs and gave them to four young men.

As the Dorchester sank, the chaplains were seen linked arm in arm, praying.
You can learn more at www.fourchaplains.org.