News and Resources
Memorial Day Art Show
American Legion Post 139 will host its first annual Veterans Art Exhibit Memorial Day weekend, May 23–26, 2025. This free public event invites the community to experience powerful, deeply personal works of art created by local veteran artisans.
This unique exhibition highlights the creative talents of veterans and family members who have transformed their military experiences into meaningful works of art. The exhibit will feature a wide range of media, including hand-drawn illustrations, oil paintings, handcrafted pottery, sculpture, and handmade paper crafted from repurposed military uniforms. Many works also incorporate authentic service artifacts—boots, gear, and supplies—serving as both medium and message. Through these creations, veterans explore themes of service, conflict, healing, and duty.
Visitors will not only have the opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind artworks, but also to speak directly with the artists about their military service and creative journeys.
Event Schedule:
- Private Opening Reception (Invitation Only):
Friday, May 23, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM - Public Gallery Hours:
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday – May 24–26, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Artist Talk & Awards Ceremony:
Monday, May 26, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
This event underscores the American Legion’s ongoing mission to support veterans and their families, advocate for patriotism, and promote wellness through community connection. By providing a space for veteran artists to express their lived experiences and creative talents, the exhibit helps to destigmatize mental health challenges and encourages healing through art.
For more information or to schedule interviews with participating artists, please contact Patrick Sargent at (571) 232-8590.
Academy Day 2025
Saturday, April 26
Senator Mark R. Warner invites high school and middle school students, their parents or guardians, and school counselors to Academy Day 2025
Date and time:
Saturday, April 26 · 9:30am – 1:30pm EDT
Location:
University of Mary Washington
1301 College Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Register here: Academy Day 2025
For more information about the academy nomination process, please visit our website
Academy Day 2025 will include a seated program that will provide a comprehensive overview of the United States service academies and their admission processes. Information will also be shared regarding application procedures for congressional nominations, medical requirements for the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB), and other military-related options that exist at higher education institutions in Virginia.
Following the program, attendees will be able to meet with officials from all five academies as well as representatives from DoDMERB, Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Richmond, ROTC programs at the University of Virginia, the United States Marine Corps, the Virginia Military Institute, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin University, and the University of Mary Washington at their resource tables. Staff from Virginia congressional offices will also be available to answer questions.
As the event concludes, the University of Mary Washington will be offering campus tours. To participate, please meet at their resource table at 1:30pm.
Agenda
9AM: Doors Open
9:30AM: Program in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium, including a keynote address by Congressman Eugene Vindman
11:30AM: Resource Fair in the University Center’s Chandler Ballroom
1:30PM: University of Mary Washington Tours
American Legion Post 139 has a new pool table
American Legion post member William (Bill) Burke and his siblings graciously donated a refurbished pool table to the Post in honor and remembrance of the family patriarch, William F. Burke, also a member of Post 139.
Arlington American Legion Post 139 Hosts First Open House.
American Legion post with a bar, a conference room, electronic gaming machines and an outdoor grill hosted an open house on Saturday, April 27th.
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) connects Virginia’s veterans and their families to federal and state benefits, support, quality care, and recognition they have earned. The Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is organized into seven service delivery sections: benefits; veteran and family support; veterans education; transition and employment; care centers; veterans cemeteries; and the Virginia War Memorial.
GMU LEGAL SERVICES
M-VETS opened a new office co-located in the newly redeveloped Post 139 Headquarters to provide free legal advice and referral services to the military community. The office will provide in-person legal advice to veterans on various legal issues and offer referral services to ensure those veterans are connected with the appropriate legal resources.
TERWILLIGER PLACE
Terwilliger place offers the first veteran preference housing program in Arlington, VA. We are honored and proud to provide a veteran preference for 50% of our brand-new affordable apartment homes. On top of the veteran preference which will help provide critical housing and resources to support the needs of veterans in the community, Terwilliger Place will offer veteran-focused programming in its private counseling spaces, community activity rooms and computer lab.
