Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists

09/11/2026

WAVES is proud to be featured by HigherEdMilitary!

We’re grateful to HigherEdMilitary for sharing the WAVES story and recognizing the community that has shaped Veterans' education over the past 30 years.

As we celebrate our legacy, we’re even more excited for what’s ahead. Next stop: New Orleans 2027! ⚜️

Read the full article:

https://www.higheredmilitary.com/news/articleDisplay.cfm?ID=4829

WAVES celebrates its 30th Annual Conference, highlighting three decades of leadership, collaboration, and advocacy for veterans, mi

08/05/2026

07/30/2026

As another outstanding WAVES Conference comes to a close, it's hard not to appreciate the value of bringing together State Approving Agencies, the VA, School Certifying Officials, and education partners with one common goal, better serving our nation's veterans.

Thank you to VA Executive Director Kenneth Smith, Kathy Snyder, Everette Jackson, Rebecca Ryan, and all of the presenters for providing exceptional training and valuable insight. The opportunity to learn from one another and share best practices is invaluable.

Congratulations to all the recipients especially NM Director, Kathy Snyder and RI Director, Rebecca Ryan on your well-deserved recognition. It was also an honor to witness the presentation of the first John Murray Education Award, a fitting tribute to a friend, colleague, and passionate advocate for veterans.

Congratulations to the WAVES Board on 30 years of excellence. Thank you for continuing to invest in the education, collaboration, and partnerships that help us better serve those who have served our country.

07/28/2026

🌊As the curtain closes on WAVES 2026, our hearts are full of gratitude.

Nearly 500 Veteran Education Professionals from across the nation—including Puerto Rico and American Samoa—came together in Hollywood, California, united by a shared commitment to serving our nation's Veterans and military-affiliated learners.

This year's theme, "A Legacy of Leadership: 30 Years of Impact in Veterans Education," celebrated three decades of collaboration, innovation, and service. Together, we honored the leaders who paved the way while investing in the future of Veteran education through meaningful training, partnerships, and professional development.

To every attendee, presenter, exhibitor, volunteer, government partner, and board member—thank you. Your passion, expertise, and dedication made this milestone conference an unforgettable success and strengthened our collective commitment to those who have served.

As we celebrate the past 30 years, we are even more excited about what lies ahead.

🎉 We're proud to announce that WAVES 2027 will be held in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana! We can't wait to continue building on this legacy with you.

Until next year... thank you for being part of the WAVES family and we'll see you in New Orleans! 💙

Loews Hollywood Hotel Visit New Orleans NASAA - Vets Education

07/20/2026

Excited for a week of learning, collaboration, and networking Loews Hollywood Hotel.

07/19/2026

Get ready! WAVES 2026 - A legacy of leadership.

Www.uswaves.org

07/17/2026

WAVES kicks off in 3 days. There is still time to join in the Legacy! Register at www.uswaves.org/registration

We serve as Western Association veteran specialists, supporting school certifying officials in promoting VA education standards. Join us.