Category: News
2025 Idaho Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Hunt Application Now Available
The Application window for the 2025 Veterans Elk Hunt is approaching!
Applications must be submitted between January 2 and January 31, 2025.
Idaho Fish and Game makes five tags available each year to disabled veterans. Tags are eligible for any hunt for deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, black bear, or mountain lion (except controlled hunts with less than 5 tags are not eligible). If chosen, participants are exempt from licensing requirements and the tag is free. The tag is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Each year, the Idaho Division of Veterans Services will screen all applicants and provide a list of screened applicants to Idaho Department of Fish and Game in priority order of issuance. The top two candidates sponsored by Idaho Divisions of Veterans Services will receive a tag and Fish and Game will issue the three remaining tags to candidates sponsored by other qualified organizations. The application below is for the two Idaho Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Hunt tags sponsored by the Idaho Division of Veteran Services.
To be sponsored for a Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Hunt tag by the Idaho Division of Veteran Services you must be a resident of Idaho and have a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you are not a resident of Idaho you will need to find another qualified organization to sponsor you. You can apply for one of the other 3 available tags allocated by Idaho Fish and Game using the application located at https://idfg.idaho.gov/licenses/dav-programs.
Please fill out the below application and either mail it to Idaho Division of Veterans Services, Attn: Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Hunt, 351 Collins Road, Boise, Idaho 83702; fax it to 208-780-1301 or email it to idvs@veterans.idaho.gov.
A committee consisting of past hunt participants, a representative from the Idaho Veterans Affairs Commission, veteran service organization representatives and personnel from the Idaho Division of Veterans Services will make the final selections. The selected veterans will be notified by IDVS. All personal information submitted will be confidential and used only by the selection committee. Please note that the committee may reach out to you to interview you if more information is required to make their selection.
If you have any questions about this program or the application process please contact Kevin Wallior, 208-780-1308 or kevin.wallior@veterans.idaho.gov.
2024 Idaho State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony (Blackfoot)
Please join us at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Blackfoot on Monday, May 27 at 9:00 a.m. for a Memorial Day Ceremony honoring our Veterans.
2024 Idaho State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony – Boise, ID
Memorial Day 2024 Public Event
Idaho Division of Veterans Services invites all visitors to attend the 2024 Memorial Day Ceremony to honor and remember all those that died while serving in defense to our Nation.
Boise, Idaho – The Idaho Division of Veterans Services invites the public to attend this year’s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 27th starting at 10:00 AM at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. The ceremony is held to honor and remember all those who died serving in defense to our Nation as well those who served and are still serving in our Armed Forces.
This year’s ceremony will include a wreath presentation by multiple Veteran and Civic Organizations, Aircraft Flyover performed by the 124th Fighter Wing, support and participation by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Air Force. Keynote speaker will be former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne.
Please note an important update regarding the location and logistics of this year’s ceremony compared to years past. The ceremony itself will now take place on the lower level of the cemetery. Additionally, we kindly request that all attendees come prepared for an outdoor setting, as the ceremony will be held on the grass. Please dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.
Public parking for this event will still be at Optimist Park located at the intersection of Hill and Horseshoe Bend Roads. Transportation will be provided by buses donated by the Brown Bus Company. Buses will begin running at 8:30 a.m. and the last bus will depart the Cemetery after the ceremony at 11:45 a.m.
The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery is located at 10100 Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise, Idaho 83714 and is co-located with Dry Creek Cemetery. Please arrive early for transportation to the ceremony site as the event will begin promptly at 10:00 AM and conclude by 11:00 AM.
The cemetery will be decorated with a single U.S. Flag placed with dignity and respect at each gravesite by the Boy Scouts of America, Trail Life Boys, and the American Heritage Girls on the morning of Saturday, May 25th. These flags will complement the cemetery’s Avenue of Flags.
For more information, please contact the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery at (208) 780-1340 or visit our webpage at: http://www.veterans.idaho.gov/cemetery
Jake Faulkner
Bureau Chief
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery
Memorial Day Flyer 2024
Parking Map
Memorial Day Program 2024
Notice of Rulemaking – Adoption of Temporary Rule
IDAPA 21 – DIVISION OF VETERANS SERVICES
21.01.04 – RULES GOVERNING IDAHO STATE VETERANS CEMETERIES
DOCKET NO. 21-0104-2401
NOTICE OF RULEMAKING – ADOPTION OF TEMPORARY RULE
EFFECTIVE DATE: The effective date of the temporary rule is April 10, 2024.
AUTHORITY: In compliance with Sections 67-5226, Idaho Code, notice is hereby given this agency has adopted a temporary rule. The action is authorized pursuant to Section(s) 65-108 and 65-202, Idaho Code.
DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY: The following is the required finding and concise statement of its supporting reasons for adopting a temporary rule: This Temporary Rule will expand eligibility for interment at Idaho State Veterans Cemeteries to non-retiree Guard and Reservists who completed an enlistment of service honorably but are otherwise ineligible because they were never activated federally or did not complete enough service time to retire out of the Guard or Reserves.
TEMPORARY RULE JUSTIFICATION: Pursuant to Section(s) 67-5226(1)(c), Idaho Code, the Governor has found that temporary adoption of the rule is appropriate for the following reasons: The rule complies with a new federal law, PUBLIC LAW 117-103 THE CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 (Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act) which expands eligibility for State Veterans Cemeteries to non-military retiree Guard and Reservists without risking eligibility for VA Construction Grants for State Veterans Cemeteries.
FEE SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 67-5226(2), the Governor has found that the fee or charge being imposed or increased is justified and necessary to avoid immediate danger and the fee is described herein: This law expands eligibility for burial National Guard and Reservists but does not expand eligibility for VA burial benefits. These newly eligible individuals who wish to be buried in the State Veterans Cemetery will have to cover the cost (equivalent to the VA reimbursement/plot allowance benefit) themselves.
ASSISTANCE ON TECHNICAL QUESTIONS: For assistance on technical questions concerning the temporary rule, contact Kevin Wallior, 208-780-1308.
Kevin R. Wallior
Management Assistant
Idaho Division of Veterans Services
351 N. Collins Road
Boise, ID 83702
Ph: 208-780-1308; fax: 208-780-1301
Email: kevin.wallior@veterans.idaho.gov
Idaho Administrative Bulletin May 1, 2024 – Vol 24-5 (Full Bulletin)
Docket No 21-0104-2401 Excerpt from Idaho Administrative Bulletin May 1, 2024 – Vol 24-5 (Excerpt from the May Idaho Administrative Bulletin. Includes the Notice of Adoption of Temporary Rule and the text of the changes to IDAPA 21.01.04.
April 2024 Quarterly IVAC Meeting Scheduled
The Idaho Veterans Affairs Commission Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2024 at 8:30 AM MT. It will be conducted at the Idaho Division of Veterans Services Central Support Office and via Microsoft Teams.
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony – Boise, ID
Memorial Day 2023 Public Event
Idaho Division of Veterans Services invites all visitors to attend the 2023 Memorial Day Ceremony to honor and remember all those that died while serving in defense to our Nation.
Boise, Idaho – The Idaho Division of Veterans Services invites the public to attend this year’s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 29th starting at 10:00 AM at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. The ceremony is held to honor and remember all those who died serving in defense to our Nation as well those who served and are still serving in our Armed Forces.
This year’s ceremony will include a wreath presentation by multiple Veteran and Civic Organizations, Aircraft Flyover performed by the 124th Fighter Wing, support and participation by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Air Force. Keynote speaker will the Idaho National Guard’s Senior Enlisted, Command Sergeant Major Alice Mapes.
Public parking for this event will be at Optimist Park located at the intersection of Hill and Horseshoe Bend Roads. Transportation will be provided by buses donated by the Brown Bus Company and SHIP. Buses will begin running at 8:30 a.m. and the last bus will depart the Cemetery after the ceremony at 11:45 a.m.
The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery is located at 10100 Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise, Idaho 83714 and is co-located with Dry Creek Cemetery. Please arrive early for transportation to the ceremony site as the event will begin promptly at 10:00 AM and conclude by 11:00 AM.
The cemetery will be decorated with a single U.S. Flag placed with dignity and respect at each gravesite by the Captain Art Jackson Young Marines, Boy Scouts, and the Heritage Girls on the morning of Saturday, May 27th. These flags will complement the cemetery’s Avenue of Flags raised with respect and honor by members from Veterans & Patriots Association.
As part of the Memorial holiday weekend, also on Monday, May 29th volunteers from Bugles Across America will render TAPS and the Boise Highlanders will play Amazing Grace on the bagpipes at 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, and 6:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery at (208) 780-1340 or visit our webpage at: http://www.veterans.idaho.gov/cemetery
Jake Faulkner
Bureau Chief
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery
New Digital Resource Guide Available To Idaho Veterans
A partnership of public and private organizations and individuals including Idaho Veterans Network, Joining Forces, Idaho Division of Veterans Services, and Find Help would like to announce the launch of the IdahoVeteransGuide.org.
The Idaho Veterans Guide is an amazing new online resource for veterans and their families in need of assistance. With this free and open network, veterans can now access a variety of resources from anywhere in the United States. All programs listed are provided at low or no cost and users can search anonymously on a platform compliant with HIPPA, FERPA and HITrust.
Organizations can also list their programs for free to support their local veterans. In doing so, they will also have access to valuable tools to support those programs such as intake forms and scheduling. Quarterly analytic updates will help these program providers focus their efforts on the areas they are needed the most, as well as the state as a whole.
With no advertisements or sponsors, the Idaho Veterans Guide is a one-stop-shop for veterans and their families to find the assistance and support they need with dignity and ease.
For more information, visit: HTTPS://IDAHOVETERANSGUIDE.ORG
Questions? Call 208-780-1376 or email support@idahoveteransguide.org
IVG Press Release (.pdf format)
Idaho Veterans Guide Info Card (.pdf format)
Idaho Veterans Guide Info Card (.jpg format)
Quarterly IVAC Meeting Scheduled
The Idaho Veterans Affairs Commission Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2023 at 8:30 AM MT. It will be conducted at the Idaho Division of Veterans Services Central Support Office and via Microsoft Teams.
Idaho Division of Veterans Services Announces Dedication Ceremony & Open House of the Idaho State Veterans Home in Post Falls
Post Falls, ID – The newest Idaho State Veterans Home located at 590 S. Pleasant View Road, Post Falls, Idaho 83854, will hold a Dedication Ceremony on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. The ceremony was scheduled to take place outside, but due to the current weather conditions will be moved indoors. There will be LIMITED CAPACITY for the Ceremony (maximum 170). Admittance will begin at 1:40 p.m. and is on a first come basis. Street parking is available or a parking lot behind the facility can be accessed from 1180 Clearwater Loop.
Due to limited capacity for the Ceremony, the public is encouraged to attend the facility Open House afterwards from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
For the Ceremony, Governor Brad Little will be in attendance and will read a Veterans Day Proclamation. The keynote speaker will be Post Falls resident Len Crosby, who is a Vietnam Veteran, Silver Star and Double Purple Heart recipient. Special guests will include former Idaho Governor Butch Otter, Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson, Idaho Veteran Affairs Commission members, along with other local dignitaries and business professionals.
Idaho Division of Veterans Services broke ground and began site work on the Veterans Home in late 2020. Full time construction commenced in April 2021, and a publicly attended “topping out” ceremony was held in August 2021 when the final steel beam of the frame was hoisted into place.
The Post Falls Veterans Home is a 64-bed skilled nursing facility which has a centralized community center, chapel, therapy room, dining room, sports bar with big screen televisions, multiple common areas, and a canteen. The facility also includes a common food preparation area, a laundry facility, maintenance supply areas, a covered pickup and drop-off area, and parking for 90 vehicles.
Two State Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) from the Office of Veterans Advocacy will have offices in the building. Their job is to help all area veterans, their family members and survivors pursue federal and state benefits they have earned through their military service. These State VSOs are currently located at the Kootenai County Veteran Services Office. State VSO’s will move but the County VSO will remain at the 120 Railroad Ave location in Post Falls.
To submit a pre-admission application to the Post Falls Veterans Home or the other Homes in Boise, Lewiston, or Pocatello please go to: https://veterans.idaho.gov/pressrelease/idaho-state-veterans-home-admissions-application/
If you would like to work at this new facility and offer quality care to our U.S. Military Veterans please check out open positions at: Job Opportunities | Locations: post falls | Departments: Division of Veterans Services | Sorted by Posting Date descending | State of Idaho (governmentjobs.com). There are open positions for Social Workers, Nursing Staff, and Kitchen/Dietary Staff.
Post Falls Dedication Flyer (.pdf)
Idaho State Veterans Home – Post Falls Now Accepting Pre-Admission Applications.
The Idaho State Veterans Home – Post Falls is now accepting pre-admission applications. Interested Veterans and spouses can submit an application for residency at the newest Idaho State Veterans Home and be added to the wait list.