Mission and Goals  The mission of the District of Columbia Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) is to effectively advocate on behalf of District of Columbia veterans and their families to assist them in obtaining their earned veteran services and benefits. Additionally, OVA recognizes the military service and sacrifice of District of Columbia veterans at veteran commemorative events. OVA will continue its mission to achieve the following: Assist veterans and their families in obtaining federal and local veteran benefit entitlements and services Serve as a clearinghouse for providing information and assistance, on veterans’ benefits and services Maintain partnerships with county, state, national veteran service organizations, and federal agencies, in providing information and assistance to veterans Solicit services from other governmental agencies that will assist veterans, their dependents, survivors and military service members to obtain veterans benefit entitlements