The Vietnam
Moving Wall: A Retrospective – November 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5wO_ph_cXI
VA History
Office: Halfway through 100 Objects virtual exhibit
https://news.va.gov/115615/va-history-office-100-objects-virtual-exhibit/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Army Veteran Omar Bradley
https://news.va.gov/115025/veteranoftheday-army-omar-bradley/
Protecting Your
PACT Act benefits
https://news.va.gov/115611/protecting-your-pact-act-benefits/
The PACT Act and
your VA benefits: The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and
benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic
substances. Remember to file
your claim before August 10, 2023 so that the effective date will be
retroactive to August 10, 2022.
https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
VBA hosting job
fairs focused on positions to process PACT Act claims
https://news.va.gov/115714/vba-hosting-job-fairs-process-pact-act-claims/
Live Whole Health
#157: The gift of your body
https://news.va.gov/115618/live-whole-health-157-the-gift-of-your-body/
Legacy of Navy’s
first Black deep sea diver is lesson in determination: ‘It is not a sin to get
knocked down’
https://www.pilotonline.com/military/vp-nw-navy-carl-brashear-20230207-yvfovaspefaqpexs3xmdragx6e-story.html
Veteran who died
of COVID-19 to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-02-07/veteran-covid19-interred-arlington-national-cemetery-9067404.html
VFW National
Commander Visits Troops in Poland: The visit is part of the VFW’s ongoing show
of support for forward-deployed service members in Eastern Europe
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/2/vfw-national-commander-visits-troops-in-poland
VFW Urges POTUS
to Support Repeal of Concurrent Receipt Policy: VFW National Commander Tim
Borland writes letter to the White House asking for leadership on the issue
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/1/vfw-urges-potus-to-support-repeal-of-concurrent-receipt-policy
VFW Commemorates
National Black History Month: The VFW takes the opportunity to celebrate
African American contributions to the nation as Black history is American
history
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/1/vfw-commemorates-national-black-history-month
Exposed to
Toxins? The VFW is Here to Help! – Feb 3, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1TfPGvoi2M
How To Donate Any
Amount Of Your Tax Return To Support Pennsylvania’s Military, Veterans, And
Their Families Facing Difficult Times
https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Military-and-Veteran-Affairs-Details.aspx?newsid=607
Military Family
Relief Assistance Program
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Benefits/Pages/MilitaryFamilyReliefAssistanceProgram.aspx
State Tax Refund
Gifts Encouraged To Assist Veterans
https://sanatogapost.com/2023/02/06/tax-refund-supports-pa-veterans/
AARP, others offer
free tax prep help to Veterans, military and families
https://news.va.gov/85428/aarp-others-offer-free-tax-prep-help-veterans-military-families/
VA offers $30M in
grant funding to assist formerly homeless Veterans
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5855
BLACK AMERICANS IN
THE U.S. ARMY: LOYALTY, HONOR, PATRIOTISM
https://www.army.mil/blackamericans/
National Guard
grapples with suicide rate
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2023/02/06/national-guard-grapples-with-suicide-rate/
State Correctional Institution Camp Hill To Hold Onsite
Hiring Event: The State Correctional Institution Camp Hill is looking to fill a
variety of open positions across multiple fields. This two-day event is
designed to fit individuals who need flexible schedules.
https://www.employment.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
DMVA Events
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Documents/VC_Events.ASPX
One of the First Black Marines, 101, Honored for His
Service
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/07/one-of-first-black-marines-101-honored-his-service.html
Court Says South
Korea Responsible for Vietnam War Massacre
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/07/court-says-south-korea-responsible-vietnam-war-massacre.html
DMVA Digest: A
publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,
February 8, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230202C/1yxiu5gg9r37.vib?a0=9659
Vets group head
on what’s next in 2023 – Feb 10, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bkxKRwQwiY
9 Black Veterans
Who Blazed a Path in Hollywood
https://www.military.com/off-duty/movies/2023/02/09/9-black-veterans-who-blazed-path-hollywood.html
TOP GUN 2
Maverick BEHIND THE SCENES 10 Minutes Footage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5GTOWDlfWo
Financial
Efficiency Inspection of the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5246
With legislative
victory comes responsibility
https://www.legion.org/commander/258117/legislative-victory-comes-responsibility
State of the
Union: ‘We’ve got to do more’ to stem veteran suicide
https://www.legion.org/commander/258116/state-union-%E2%80%98we%E2%80%99ve-got-do-more%E2%80%99-stem-veteran-suicide
VVA Bids Farewell
to the National League of Families, Stands With the Families of the Missing
https://vva.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PressReleaseNo23-1.pdf
AGENT ORANGE
& OTHER TOXIC EXPOSURES
https://vva.org/what-we-do/outreach-programs/agent-orange/
Testimonies from
Veterans on AO
https://www.bwnvva.org/testimonies-from-veterans-on-ao.html
HEALTH EFFECTS OF
THE VIETNAM WAR-- THE AFTERMATH
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-111hhrg57019/html/CHRG-111hhrg57019.htm
A Review of the
VE-HEROeS Report, By John Rossie, Blue Water Navy Advocate
https://vva.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Review-of-VE-HEROeS.pdf
‘Thousands of Men
Have Come Home Because of Him’: Johnie Webb has spent nearly half a century
spearheading the search for those missing in action from America’s wars. Now,
he’s finally getting his own homecoming.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/01/27/johnie-webbs-last-detail-00079039
The Veterans
Initiative Needs Your Help: Objects taken from the battlefields of Vietnam are
more than souvenirs or “war trophies.” Maps, stories, after-action reports,
pictures, military items may have a story that could result in finding the
location of missing war dead. Can you help?
Contact the
Veterans Initiative at:
Veterans
Initiative
Vietnam Veterans
Of America
8719 Colesville
Rd., Suite 100
Silver Spring,
Maryland 20910
vi@vva.org
The VA is
‘fighting like hell’ to get toxic exposure benefits to veterans, McDonough says
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-02-09/veterans-affairs-burn-pits-benefits-9090965.html
Oracle exec: VA
health records overhaul is only real option for vets
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/02/06/oracle-exec-va-health-records-overhaul-is-only-real-option-for-vets/
VA is Working to
Add New Features to its Health and Benefits App
https://www.nextgov.com/cxo-briefing/2023/01/va-working-add-new-features-its-health-and-benefits-app/382350/
VVA Web Weekly -
February 10, 2023
http://secure.campaigner.com/csb/Public/show/gi98-5sbv2--3ck8zw-6qytwa8
#VeteranOfTheDay
Army Veteran James Rowe
https://news.va.gov/115215/veteranoftheday-army-james-rowe/
Army Veteran
inspires others with MOVE! weight-loss journey: Army Veteran has lost more than
120 pounds
https://news.va.gov/115356/veteran-inspires-move-weight-loss-journey/
VA combats
COVID-19 while providing care for Veterans: Addendum to report describes VA’s
efforts to combat COVID-19
https://news.va.gov/115530/va-combats-covid-19-providing-care-veterans/
On the streets of
Hollywood, a recently retired NFL player is saved from scandal by a homeless
veteran. With their "glory days" behind them, the two men bond in
search of purpose and identity.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13701404/
MVP - Trailer
[Ultimate Film Trailers] - 4 months ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHAUQNlD7XI
#VeteranOfTheDay
Navy Veteran Generald Wilson
https://news.va.gov/115836/veteranoftheday-navy-veteran-generald-wilson/
Northwest
Arkansas VA offers Mamava Pod for breast-feeding Veterans: Mamava Pod, a
private, free-standing room with smart features.
https://news.va.gov/115437/northwest-arkansas-mamava-pod-breast-feeding/
Black Vietnam
Veterans on VBC Happy Hour – Feb 13, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oWUX8X1vxI
PA Legislation - SB
189 - Reintroduction of PA State Senate Bill 150 - Increasing the Blind
Veterans Pension Program and the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20230&cosponId=38966
“Senator
Pennycuick said that as a veteran herself, ‘our military should not have to
fear being assaulted while serving their country and we must do everything in
our power to prevent this from happening.’
She will be
co-introducing the resolution I [James Ulinski] mentioned in my email [see
below] recognizing ‘Military Sexual Trauma Survivor Week’ in Pennsylvania with
Senators Muth and Senator L. Williams.”
H.R.41 - VA
Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023. 01/09/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 03/21/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. 03/29/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held. 04/18/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and
Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/41
H.R. 232, Real
Justice for Our Veterans Act of 2023. 01/10/2023
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/232
H.R.234 -
Gerald’s Law Act. This bill requires the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide a burial and funeral allowance
for a veteran who dies from a non-service-connected disability in a home or
other setting at which the veteran was receiving VA hospice care (if such care
was directly preceded by VA hospital or nursing home care). 01/10/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 02/08/2023 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
03/29/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.
04/19/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/234
H.R.236 - To
direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate a week as "Battle
Buddy Check Week" for the purpose of outreach and education concerning
peer wellness checks for veterans, and for other purposes. 01/10/2023 - Introduced in House. 01/10/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 02/08/2023 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/236
H.R.291 - Vaccine Discharge Parity Act. This
bill ensures that members of the Armed Forces who were granted a general
discharge under honorable conditions (on the sole basis that the members failed
to obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19) are eligible for
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance under the Montgomery
GI Bill-Active Duty and Post-9/11 GI Bill programs. The bill also extends certain loan fee rates
through March 1, 2031, under the VA's home loan program.
01/11/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans'
Affairs. 02/08/2023 - Referred to the
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 03/30/2023
- Subcommittee Hearings Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/291
H.R.366 - Korean American VALOR Act. 01/13/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 02/08/2023 - Referred
to the Subcommittee on Health.
03/29/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.
04/18/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/366
H.R.497 - Freedom for Health Care Workers Act. 01/25/2023 - Referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means. 01/31/2023 - On passage Passed by recorded
vote: 227 – 203. 02/01/2023 - Received
in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/497
H.R.502 - To
amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs repays members of the Armed Forces for certain contributions made by
such members towards Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other
purposes. 01/25/2023 - Referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget,
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
committee concerned. 02/08/2023 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 03/07/2023 - On motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1124). 03/08/2023 - Received in the Senate. 03/16/2023 - Read the first time. Placed on
Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time. 03/21/2023 - Read the second time. Placed on
Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 29.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/502
H.R.542 -
Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023. 01/26/2023
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/23/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Health. 03/29/2023 - Subcommittee
Hearings Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/542
H.R.562 -
Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2023. 01/26/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 02/16/2023 - Referred
to the Subcommittee on Health.
03/29/2023 - Subcommittee
Hearings Held. 04/18/2023 - Subcommittee
Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/562
H.R.645 - Healthy
Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act. 01/31/2023
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 02/22/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Economic Opportunity. 03/30/2023 - Subcommittee
Hearings Held. 04/18/2023 Subcommittee Consideration and
Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/645
H.R. 693 - H.R.693
- VACANT Act. 01/31/2023 - Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
03/13/2023 - Referred
to the Subcommittee on Health. 03/29/2023
- Subcommittee Hearings Held.
04/18/2023 - Subcommittee
Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/693
H.R.728 - To
direct the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training
to carry out a pilot program on short-term fellowship programs for
veterans. 02/01/2023 - Referred to the
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
02/24/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 03/30/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/728
H.R.746 -
Streamlining Aviation for Eligible Veterans Act. 02/02/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 03/13/2023 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 03/30/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.
04/18/2023
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/746
HR 753 - VA Cost
Savings Enhancement Act. This bill
requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to install and operate an
on-site regulated medical waste treatment system at each VA facility that would
benefit from such a system's cost savings. In order to identify which VA
facilities would benefit, the VA must develop a uniform regulated medical waste
cost analysis model to determine the cost savings associated with the use of an
on-site regulated medical waste treatment system. 02/02/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 02/28/2023 - Referred
to the Subcommittee on Health. 03/08/2023
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the
Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 426 - 0 (Roll no. 137). 03/09/2023 - Received in the Senate and Read
twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/753
H.R.754 -
Modernizing Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Act. 02/02/2023
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/01/2023
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. 03/29/2023
- Subcommittee Hearings Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/754
H.R.815 -
Removing Extraneous Loopholes Insuring Every Veteran Emergency Act or the
RELIEVE Act.
This bill expands
eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimbursement of emergency
treatment for veterans who are treated in a non-VA facility. Specifically, the
bill waives the requirement that a veteran must have received VA care within
the 24-month period preceding the furnishing of emergency treatment if the
veteran receives such emergency treatment within the 60-day period following
their enrollment in the VA health care system.
Additionally, the bill extends through December 28, 2031, higher rates
for certain loan fees under the VA home loan program.
02/02/2023 -
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/01/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Health. 03/07/2023 - On motion to
suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text:
CR H1126). 03/08/2023 - Received in the
Senate. 03/16/2023 - Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar
under Read the First Time. 03/21/2023 -
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General
Orders. Calendar No. 30.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/815
H.R.854 - Captain
James C. Edge Gold Star Spouse Equity Act.
2/06/2023 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition
to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
03/06/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs. 03/29/2023 -
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/854
H.R.939 - To modify the restriction in section 3326 of
title 5, United States Code, relating to the appointment of retired members of
the Armed Forces to positions in the Department of Defense to apply to
positions at or above the GS-14 level. 02/09/2023
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/939
H.R.984 -
Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act.
02/10/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/13/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
03/29/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/984
H.R.1003 - To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
carry out a study and clinical trials on the effects of cannabis on certain
health outcomes of veterans with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress
disorder, and for other purposes. 02/14/2023
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1003
H.R.1045 - To amend title 10, United States Code, to
improve dependent coverage under the TRICARE Young
Adult Program. 02/14/2023 - Referred to
the House Committee on Armed Services.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1045
H.R.1083 - Caring for Survivors Act of 2023. This bill would “amend title 38, United
States Code, to improve and to expand eligibility for dependency and indemnity
compensation paid to certain survivors of certain veterans, and for other
purposes.” It would also look to change
the “10 Year Rule” to a graduated 5-10 years with 50% for death after 5 years,
60% for death after 6 years, etc. 02/17/2023
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/20/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1083
H.R.1089 - VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act. 02/17/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 03/20/2023 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
03/29/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.
04/18/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1089
H.R.1139 - Governing
Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding VA Benefits Act or the GUARD VA
Benefits Act. This bill imposes fines on
individuals for soliciting, contracting for, charging, or receiving any
unauthorized fee or compensation with respect to the preparation, presentation,
or prosecution of any claim for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. The
attempted commission of such offenses is also punishable by fine. 02/21/2023 - Referred to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. 03/20/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
03/29/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1139
H.R.1169 - VA E-Notification Enhancement Act. This bill requires the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) to provide eligibility and award documents related to specified VA
educational assistance programs (e.g., the Post-9/11 GI Bill) in an electronic
format. Specifically, the VA must electronically provide (1) a certificate of
eligibility for an individual's entitlement to assistance, and (2) an award
letter regarding the authorization to receive assistance. An individual may elect to receive documents
by mail and may revoke such an election at any time. 02/24/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 03/20/2023 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 03/30/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held. 04/18/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and
Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1169
H.R.1226 -
Wounded Warrior Access Act. Related to
online ways to submit claims-related records requests. 02/28/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 03/07/2023 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the
bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 422 - 0 (Roll
no. 132). 03/08/2023 - Received in the
Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1226
H.R.1256 - Veterans
Health Administration Leadership Transformation Act. 02/28/2023 - Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/23/2023 - Referred to the
Subcommittee on Health.
03/29/2023 - Subcommittee
Hearings Held. 04/18/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session
Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1256
H.R.1277 -
Military Spouse Hiring Act. 03/01/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Ways and Means.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1277
H.R.1278 - DRIVE
Act. Driver Reimbursement Increase for
Veteran Equity (DRIVE) Act to increase the mileage reimbursement rate for
veterans receiving health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. 03/01/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 03/23/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1278
H.R.1282 – Major Richard Star Act. To amend title 10, United States Code, to
expand eligibility to certain military retirees for concurrent receipt of
veterans' disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special
compensation, and for other purposes. 03/01/2023 - Referred to the Committee on
Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
committee concerned. 03/23/2023 - Referred
to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1282
H.R.1329 - To
amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the maximum
number of judges who may be appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for
Veterans Claims. This bill increases the
maximum possible number of judges presiding over the U.S. Court of Appeals for
Veterans Claims to nine judges.
03/01/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/23/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
03/29/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held. 04/19/2023
- Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1329
H.R.1378 -
Veterans’ Appeals Backlog Improvement Act.
03/07/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
03/28/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial
Affairs. 03/29/2023 - Subcommittee
Hearings Held. 04/19/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and
Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1378
H.R.1413 - Expanding America’s National Cemetery Act of
2023. 03/07/2023 - Referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed
Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each
case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of
the committee concerned. 03/30/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1413
H.R. 1529,
Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023. 03/10/2023 -
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/28/2023 - Referred to
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. 03/29/2023 -
Subcommittee Hearings Held. 04/19/2023
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1529
H.R. 1530,
Veterans Benefits Improvement Act; 03/10/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 03/28/2023 -
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. 03/29/2023 – Subcommittee Hearing. 04/19/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and
Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1530
H.R.1606 -
Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023.
This bill provides statutory authority for the Boots to Business
Program, which provides entrepreneurship training to individuals including
veterans and active members of the Armed Forces, to be administered by the
Small Business Administration. 03/14/2023
- Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1606
H.R.1635 - To
amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of survivors' and
dependents' educational assistance provided to an eligible individual pursuing
a program of education at an institution in the Republic of the Philippines.
03/17/2023
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/31/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Economic Opportunity. 04/18/2023 - Subcommittee
Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1635
H.R.1669 -
VET–TEC (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses) Authorization
Act of 2023. 03/21/2023 - Referred to
the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 04/11/2023
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 04/18/2023
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1669
H.R.1767 - To
amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that educational assistance paid
under Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs to an
individual who pursued a program or course of education that was suspended or
terminated for certain reasons shall not be charged against the entitlement of
the individual, and for other purposes. 03/23/2023
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 04/06/2023
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 04/18/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and
Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1767
H.R.1786 - GROW
Act (Get Rewarding Outdoor Work for our Veterans Act). 03/24/2023 - Referred to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned. 04/08/2023 - Referred
to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 04/14/2023
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. 04/18/2023
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1786
H.R.1799 - EMPLOY
VETS Act (Ensure Military
Personnel Learn Opportunities Yielding Vocations that Employ Transitioning
Servicemembers Act). 03/24/2023 - Referred
to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
04/07/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 04/18/2023
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1799
H.R.1815 - Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care
Act. This bill requires the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to assess the
effectiveness of providing assisted living services to eligible veterans,
including by assessing the satisfaction of veterans participating in the pilot
program. Eligible veterans are those who (1) are eligible for assisted living
services as determined by the VA; and (2) are already receiving nursing home
level care paid for by the VA, are eligible for such care from the VA, or
exceed the requirements for domiciliary care paid for by the VA but do not meet
the requirements for nursing home level care paid for by the VA. The Inspector General of the VA must report
to Congress on the pilot program, and the VA must submit a follow-up plan to
address any deficiencies that are identified in the report. 03/27/2023 - Referred to the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs. 04/14/2023 - Referred
to the Subcommittee on Health.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1815
H.R.2414 - CHAMPVA Children’s Care Protection Act of 2023. This bill provides that a child shall be
eligible for medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the
Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) until the child's 26th birthday,
regardless of the child's marital status.
03/30/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 04/14/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on
Health.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2414
H.R.2809 - To
authorize an electronic health record modernization program of the Department
of Veterans Affairs and increase oversight and accountability of the program to
better serve veterans, medical professionals of the Department, and taxpayers,
and for other purposes. 04/24/2023 - Referred
to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on
Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction
of the committee concerned.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2809
H.R.2811 - Limit,
Save, Grow Act of 2023. 04/25/2023 - Referred
to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on the
Budget, Appropriations, Oversight and Accountability, Education and the
Workforce, Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, the Judiciary, Rules,
Transportation and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. 04/26/2023
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation. Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Referred to the Subcommittee on
Highways and Transit. Referred
to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. Referred to the Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment. 04/26/2023 - On
passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 – 215.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2811
H.R.3232 - To
amend title 10, United States Code, to direct the forgiveness or offset of an
overpayment of retired pay paid to a joint account for a period after the death
of the retired member of the Armed Forces.
05/11/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3232
S.10 - The VA
Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion and Retention Support
(CAREERS) Act of 2023. 01/23/2023 - Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 02/16/2023
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in
the nature of a substitute favorably.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/10
S.30 - Fiscal
Year 2023 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act. 01/24/2023
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 03/21/2023
- Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. 03/22/2023 - Received in the House.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/30
S. 106 - Commitment
to Veteran Support and Outreach Act (Resolution Nos. 014 and 059). 01/26/2023 - Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 02/16/2023 - Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute
favorably.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/106
S.112 - A bill to
amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of
Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. 01/26/2023
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 02/16/2023
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment
favorably.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/112
S.132 - Daniel J.
Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce
Veteran Suicide Act. 01/30/2023 - Read
twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 02/16/2023
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in
the nature of a substitute favorably.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/132
S.141 - Elizabeth
Dole Home Care Act. 01/30/2023 - Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 02/16/2023 - Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute
favorably.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/141
S.185 - Native
American Direct Loan Improvement Act of 2023.
01/31/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs. 02/16/2023 - Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/185
S.216 - RESPECT
Act of 2023. 02/01/2023 - Read twice and
referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
02/16/2023 - Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported
without amendment favorably.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/216
S.302 - Captain
Rafael Barbosa Enhanced Colorectal Cancer Screening Standard for Toxic Exposed
Members of the Uniformed Services (Barbosa) Act. 02/07/2023 - Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Armed Services.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/302
S.326 - VA The
Veterans Programs Improvement Act (formerly the Medicinal Cannabis Research Act)
of 2023. A bill to direct the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs to carry out a study and clinical trials on the effects of
cannabis on certain health outcomes of veterans with chronic pain and
post-traumatic stress disorder, and for other purposes. 02/09/2023
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 02/16/2023
- Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/326
S.334 - A bill to
modify the restriction in section 3326 of title 5, United States Code, relating
to the appointment of retired members of the Armed Forces to positions in the
Department of Defense to apply to positions at or above the GS-14 level.
02/09/2023
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/334
S.344 - Major
Richard Star Act. A bill to amend title
10, United States Code, to provide for concurrent receipt of veterans'
disability compensation and retired pay for disability retirees with fewer than
20 years of service and a combat-related disability, and for other purposes.
02/09/2023
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/344
S.414 - Caring for Survivors Act of 2023. 02/14/2023 - Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/414
S.495 - Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care
Act. This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a
three-year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing assisted
living services to eligible veterans, including by assessing the satisfaction
of veterans participating in the pilot program. Eligible veterans are those who
(1) are eligible for assisted living services as determined by the VA; and (2)
are already receiving nursing home level care paid for by the VA, are eligible
for such care from the VA, or exceed the requirements for domiciliary care paid
for by the VA but do not meet the requirements for nursing home level care paid
for by the VA. The Inspector General of
the VA must report to Congress on the pilot program, and the VA must submit a
follow-up plan to address any deficiencies that are identified in the report. 02/16/2023 - Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/495
S.592 - Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity
(DRIVE) Act to increase the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans receiving
health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. 03/01/2023 - Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/592
S.596 - Military Spouse Hiring Act. 03/01/2023 - Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Finance. This bill expands the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
to include the hiring of a qualified military spouse. (The WOTC permits
employers who hire individuals who are members of a targeted group such as
qualified veterans, ex-felons, or long-term unemployment recipients to claim a
tax credit equal to a portion of the wages paid to those individuals.) A qualified military spouse is any individual
who is certified by the designated local agency as being (as of the hiring
date) a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/596
S.686 - Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk
Information and Communications Technology Act or the RESTRICT Act. This bill requires federal actions to
identify and mitigate foreign threats to information and communications
technology (ICT) products and services. It also establishes civil and criminal
penalties for violations under the bill.
Specifically, the Department of Commerce must identify, deter, disrupt,
prevent, prohibit, investigate, and mitigate transactions involving ICT
products and services (1) in which any foreign adversary has any interest, and
(2) that pose an undue or unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the
safety of U.S. persons. Additionally,
Commerce must identify and refer to the President any covered holding (e.g.,
stock or security) that poses an undue or unacceptable risk to U.S. national
security or the security and safety of U.S. persons. If the President
determines that the holding poses such a risk, the President may compel
divestment of or otherwise mitigate the risk associated with the holding. Commerce may (1) designate any foreign
government or regime as a foreign adversary upon a determination that the
foreign government or regime is engaged in a long-term pattern or serious
instances of conduct significantly adverse to U.S. national security or the security
and safety of U.S. persons, and (2) remove such a designation. Commerce must
notify Congress before making or removing a designation; these actions are
subject to congressional disapproval. The
bill outlines (1) enforcement mechanisms, including actions by the Department
of Justice; and (2) civil and criminal penalties for violations. 03/07/2023 - Read twice and
referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/686
S.1119 - CHAMPVA Children's
Care Protection Act of 2023. This bill
provides that a child shall be eligible for medical care under the Civilian
Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)
until the child's 26th birthday, regardless of the child's marital status. 03/30/2023 - Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1119
S.1125 - EHR
Program RESET Act of 2023. The bill includes the following provisions: Establishes
a Program Management Office within VHA and reorganizes management to include
the reporting structure for the functional champion and Deputy CIO. Restricts monetization or selling of
veterans’ data by any internal or external entity conducting work for, with, or
on behalf of the VA.
Creates a
requirement that VA must return the current 5 sites to a level that meets or
exceeds performance baselines based on metrics before any new sites go-live. If VA and Oracle Cerner are not able to meet
the requirement for the 5 sites 180 days after enactment of the legislation,
directs VA to consider terminating or cancelling the current contract and
requires VA to provide an alternative plan for a solution. 03/30/2023
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1125
S.1436 - A bill
to expand and extend benefits available to veterans in response to the COVID-19
pandemic, and for other purposes. 05/03/2023
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1436
S.1588 - A bill
to amend title 10, United States Code, to direct the forgiveness or offset of
an overpayment of retired pay paid to a joint account for a period after the
death of the retired member of the Armed Forces.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1588
I’m Good. But are
you ready to listen? – 6 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPFo9EvUUvA
#BeThere: Help
save a life
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10153983266168178&extid=0WTgwhI3NAUlM82j
How to Help
Homeless Veterans – 3 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ngor_HOn5A
Get ready to make
a difference: Win $50,000 for planning and managing a Veterans’ event!
https://news.va.gov/115927/win-50000-planning-managing-veterans-event/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Thomas and Elaine Joyce
https://news.va.gov/115070/veteranoftheday-thomas-elaine-joyce/
National Salute
to Veteran Patients Week: Paying tribute to the men and women we proudly care
for and serve.
https://news.va.gov/115593/national-salute-to-veteran-patients-week-2/
Veterans needing
business start-up help can turn to Warrior Rising
https://news.va.gov/115820/veterans-business-start-up-help-warrior-rising/
LiveWholeHealth
#158: Scale back the back pain with self-care acupressure
https://news.va.gov/116002/livewholehealth-158-back-pain-self-acupressure/
February 2023 Veteran News
I apologize for not having an email for January, but was waiting
for some additional information I wanted to include. I hope the New Year brings
you and your family good health and a banner year!
I am pleased to announce the list of veterans, family members of
veterans, and friends of veterans who receive this email continues to grow. We
are now over 800 people in 4 states. I also want to thank those of you who
share this information with others. We become better advocates when we
share information with others. It is true, there is strength in numbers!
I am also pleased to announce the Marine Corps League of PA has
invited me to be their speaker on March 18th, for a training
session. We will be discussing my November email about preparations we should
take to help our spouse if we die before her/him. This topic actually can
benefit anyone, not just veterans.
In addition, I was very impressed by the attention to detail and
procedure the State MCL followed in my first state meeting. I
do not often see this type of orderly meeting when I have attended other
service organizations. All military organizations should look at how effective
they are at following “rules of order”!
As always, please feel free to send me suggestions for info that
should be shared with our veterans and their families and feedback on my
emails.
One of the things I like about sharing information via email,
while not representing any specific veteran group I belong to, is that I can
share information regarding politics affecting veterans and their families
without the limits placed on us by our organizations. I will never name
parties---since both are often shameless.
Sadly, many of our politicians at the state and national levels
are basically useless! Watched a discussion at the National level where
discussion revolved around a proposed resolution to have a reciting of
the Pledge of Allegiance for the introduction of a meeting and
it became a political fight between Democrats and Republicans. Nothing gets
done and we as taxpayers get screwed from the stupid, childish fights.
At the state level (PA), Tony Gemma, Lee Horowitz, and I went to
Harrisburg in January to address issues affecting veterans and how the fights
between parties affect the miniscule amount of legislation that gets
passed. Example---there have been attempts to get an MST
Awareness Week approved for the past 4 years (2 attempts) and both
never got done because of fighting between parties. Seriously------this major
issue was not serious enough for our Senators and House members (PA) to get a
resolution passed??? Pathetic. Fiscal Year 2021 saw in a survey, 8.4%
of women and 1.5% of men in the services (across all services) said they
experienced unwanted sexual contact according to the reports of the DoD.
The fighting between Republicans and Democrats hurts not only
veterans, but all of us as citizens of PA. We are trying again this new year to
get it done! We always need veterans who want to help fight at the
state/national level to advance and protect legislation which can help veterans
and their families and to keep legislation that passed in the past from being
stolen. Currently, Lee Horowitz, Tony Gemma, Don Logeman, and I have done most
of the fighting. We need help!
We have earned our benefits on the backs of those brave veterans
who fought for us, now we need to “pay it forward” for those
serving, are current veterans, and our future veterans and their families.
In case you don’t believe what we have earned can’t be taken
away---YOU ARE DEAD WRONG!! Almost every year Congress
tries to secretly take away benefits as a way to reduce the budget. The CBO
(Congressional Budget office) has once again introduced (as they do most years)
ways to cut the budget. They have submitted several suggestions to reduce or
eliminate the IU (Individual Unemployability) at 67 (full retirement age for
social security), narrow eligibility for VA’s disability compensation by
excluding veterans with low disability (would require a rating of 30% or more),
use a different measure for inflation to index Social Security, and
finally---to include disability payments from the Department of Veterans
Affairs into taxable income. Yup-----if we are not vigilant and not proactive,
we could lose all we have gained!! https://www.hadit.com/hey-congress-dont-cut-my-va-disability-benefits/?noamp=available#gsc.tab=0
Veterans who have retired, are on disability, go to
school, and our families are affected when Congress attempts to use us to
balance a budget they have let explode! The percentage of us who have
served our nation in the military was 0.727% in 2020. January 2,2023,
written by Everett Bledsoe and fact checked by Brain Bartell “What percentage
of Americans have Served in the Military”.
Suggest (once again), those of you who have not googled VetTix, should
really check it out. I have been a member for several years now and it can be
rewarding if you like sporting events, musical events of all kinds, theatre,
etc. The only cost for many great events is the covering of the processing
(under $20). Some of these events would cost you a couple hundred dollars.
Events are happening daily in the states closest to you. Easy to get started!
Any veteran who qualifies for use of the Commissary or
PX at McGuire AFB in New Jersey and does not---should really check it out. My
wife and I use it from time to time and it saves us a couple/few hundred
dollars + no fee is charged for you to charge items and pay over time. Some of
the best meat products my wife and I have ever tasted.
The PACT Act established new disabilities for
veterans based on exposures to toxins. “Veterans do not need to prove that a
claimed disability for specific illnesses is related to service, if they served
in a recognized location that exposed the veteran to toxins.” Semper Fi. Vol. 79 Winter, 2023,
P11.
In addition, “veterans who currently receive compensation for a
service-connected condition(s) will not have their previously awarded claims
re-adjudicated simply because they file for new benefits under the PACT
Act.” Semper Fi. Vol. 79 Winter, 2023, P11.
“A veteran can request to have their previously rated disability
reevaluated. If that request is made, and the disability exam actually
demonstrates improvement, VA is required to provide the veteran notice of
proposed changes to their disability rating. If the veteran
disagrees with the reevaluation, they will have time and opportunity to submit
medical evidence to show the disability has not actually improved.” Semper
Fi. Vol. 79 Winter, 2023, P11. I suggest you always contact a good VSO
(Veteran Service Organization) before deciding to have the VA reevaluate your
previous disability!
The VA started processing and deciding claims based on the PACT
Act on January 1, 2023.
FYI-----Just as there were other locations where Agent Orange
(AO) was used during Vietnam, so too are there other locations not currently
listed by the VA where toxins were stored/used. Some veterans and organizations
are closely looking at this issue.
“Several committees and departments in the VVA are working on
the PACT Act. Their job is to investigate, educate, encourage, and communicate
with veterans and their families.” “One subgroup is working on the
implementation of the Children of Veterans Toxic Exposure Research Act. The
last response from the VA was that it could not be done because the science is
not sufficiently advanced and there is no national birth defects
registry.” The VVA Veteran, January/February 2023. P8.
As I have mentioned in past issues of my emails, this is yet
another reason why we all should be involved with the Million Veteran
Program where taking a sample of our blood and some statistical
information may help our children, grandchildren and their children----because
as many of us feel, the VA often “denies and delays”.
For more information, visit www.va.gov/PACT
VA Coatesville publishes “The Eagle”, which is a great little
newsletter. Suggest those of you who use the VA at Coatesville,
contact them to subscribe to this free info. If you use other VA sites, check
with them to see if they publish free newsletters.
DAV has just released their 2023 Critical Policy Goals and they
include; Correcting inequities and provide parity in compensation
benefits for veterans and survivors, implementing the PACT Act and address gaps
in toxic-exposure benefits (still too many veterans who were exposed to toxins
and environmental exposures are excluded), ensure equity in VA care, services
and benefits for women, LGBT+ and minority veterans, provide a full spectrum of
long-term care options for service-disabled and aging veterans, bolstering
mental health resources to ensure continuing progress in reducing veteran suicides
( we are at about 17 veteran suicides per day, which is down, but one is too
many), expand the VA’s capacity to deliver timely, high-quality care to
veterans.
“President Biden signed into law in October, 2022, the Solid
Start Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-205), which permanently
authorizes and expands the VA Solid Start (VASS) program. The Bill requires the
VA to coordinate with the Department of Defense to call veterans three (3)
times a year (zero to 90, 91 to 180, and 181 to 365 days) after release from
active duty. It is to provide transitioning veterans with the support for
successful transition into civilian life (tools and resources)”. DAV
Magazine, January/February, 2023, P5. A major help for our transitioning
veterans if used properly and followed by all!! Time will tell, but there is
still a lot of work to be done!
Kirk Fernitz, the Director, Community & Congressional
Affairs at VA Medical Center, Coatesville, stated that “he
was excited to announce the Coatesville VA Medical Center will be offering
veterans access to a newly renovated Outpatient mental Health Clinic, located
on campus.”
“Building 4 will soon serve as the new home for Outpatient
Mental Health services, which includes Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary
Program (BHIP), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/Clinical Team (PTSD/PCT),
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) clinic, Neuropsychology, and Social Work
services.” Expected opening of 2/21/23. Thank you, Kirk!
The Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) has made the prevention of suicide among veterans one of its
highest priorities and developed data models to continually monitor, improve
and tailor suicide prevention strategies and initiatives for veterans.
Recently, VA simplified the Veterans Crisis Line number of 988, launched the
S.A.V.E. Suicide prevention training video, and began offering emergency care
and treatment at VA and non-VA facilities for veterans in acute suicidal
crisis.
H.R. 236 would require the VA to
designate one week per year as “Battle Buddy Check Week” for the purposes of
organizing outreach events and educating veterans on how to conduct mental
health wellness checks.
DAV strongly supports H.R. 236,
legislation consistent with DAV Resolution No. 059, which calls for mental
health program improvements and outreach to transitioning service members to
reduce veteran suicides.
We call on DAV members and
supporters to use the prepared email to contact their representatives and urge
them to co-sponsor and support H.R. 236. I would go one (1) step further and
say, all veteran organization members should do a “Buddy Check” periodically! I
do this, though not as often as I did during COVID. 17 suicides, as I stated
earlier, is 17 too many!
As always, positive or negative feedback, or recommendations for
future information are welcome.
Stay safe!
Jim Ulinski
2023 American
Legion Washington Conference Know Before You Go Session – Feb 15, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHjBq6qzEMU
Make Your Vision
a Year-Round Priority
https://newsroom.tricare.mil/Articles/Article/3299345/make-your-vision-a-year-round-priority
#VeteranOfTheDay
Army Veteran Leo Martin Schlocker
https://news.va.gov/115578/veteranoftheday-army-leo-martin-schlocker/
New heart, new
life for Air Force Veteran: Houston VA completes first heart transplant
https://news.va.gov/115658/new-heart-new-life-for-air-force-veteran/
Mission Daybreak
announces 10 winners in suicide prevention grand challenge: The $20 million
grand challenge aims to reduce Veteran suicides
https://news.va.gov/116015/mission-daybreak-announces-10-winners-challenge/
VHA COVID-19
Equity Response February 2023
https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USVHAHE/2023/02/16/file_attachments/2411419/VHA_OHE_COVID-19_Equity_Response_Final_508_February_2023.pdf
How to apply for
VA health care: Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran
or service member.
https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/
Good news for
Veterans and caregivers: VA extending eligibility and benefits for Legacy
Participants and Legacy Applicants
https://news.va.gov/115526/good-news-for-veterans-and-caregivers/
VA combats
COVID-19 while providing care for Veterans: Addendum to report describes VA’s
efforts to combat COVID-19
https://news.va.gov/115530/va-combats-covid-19-providing-care-veterans/
Ukraine fights on
https://www.legion.org/commander/258152/ukraine-fights
Comprehensive Healthcare
Inspection of the Memphis VA Medical Center in Tennessee
https://www.oversight.gov/report/VA/Comprehensive-Healthcare-Inspection-Memphis-VA-Medical-Center-Tennessee
Spacelabs
Healthcare, LLC Agrees to Pay $2.5 Million to Settle Allegations it Overcharged
Federal Agencies for Patient Monitoring Equipment
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/spacelabs-healthcare-llc-agrees-pay-25-million-settle-allegations-it-overcharged-federal-0
Disabled Veterans
National Foundation Charity Navigator Rating
https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/261446183?schemaorg
DMVA Digest: A
publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,
February 15, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230209D/dc3z470eixa4.vib?a0=14929
#VeteranOfTheDay
U.S. Army Veteran Tomas Avey
https://news.va.gov/115438/veteranoftheday-u-s-army-tomas-avey/
Ultrasound
workshop advances anesthesia delivery skills: Ultrasound guided peripheral
nerve block reduces reliance on narcotics after surgery
https://news.va.gov/115652/ultrasound-workshop-advances-anesthesia-delivery-skills/
Comprehensive
transition guide offers valuable career tips for Veterans, service members
https://news.va.gov/115859/transition-guide-valuable-career-tips/
You can do that
at VA? Five unique jobs with Veterans’ preference: Veterans are always welcome
to work at VA
https://news.va.gov/115319/va-five-unique-jobs-veterans-preference/
Winners revealed
in VA’s $20M Mission Daybreak Grand Challenge to reduce Veteran suicides
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5857
Top Picks at
ShopVCS, Bonus 10% Off | Free Business Startup Training | Free
Military-to-Civilian Career Guide. U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 02/15/2023 09:01 PM EST
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/bulletins/341d0cf
VA Would Have to
Research Medical Marijuana Under Bill Advanced by Senate Panel
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/16/va-would-have-research-medical-marijuana-under-bill-advanced-senate-panel.html?ESRC=eb_230217.nl
Man Who Lied
About Being a Navy SEAL to Start Lexington Horse Business Sentenced to Prison
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/16/man-who-lied-about-being-navy-seal-start-lexington-horse-business-sentenced-prison.html?ESRC=eb_230217.nl
A Vietnam-Era
Marine Received a Silver Star After 43 Years. Now Supporters Want an Upgrade.
https://www.military.com/history/vietnam-era-marine-received-silver-star-after-43-years-now-supporters-want-upgrade.html?ESRC=eb_230217.nl
Reading the Room:
10 Tips for Veterans Who Need to Understand What Isn't Said
https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/reading-room-10-tips-veterans-who-need-understand-what-isnt-said.html?ESRC=eb_230217.nl
Leah Kilpatrick:
Mindset shift can be hardest part of transition
https://www.militarytimes.com/education-transition/2023/02/16/leah-kilpatrick-mindset-shift-can-be-hardest-part-of-transition/
Wreckage of
long-lost US submarine from World War II found off Japanese coast
https://www.stripes.com/history/2023-02-16/wwii-submarine-wreckage-japan-albacore-9163796.html
‘Toxic bird
pits’: Public’s ignorance of burn pit dangers exposed
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/02/10/toxic-bird-pits-talk-shows-continued-ignorance-of-burn-pit-dangers/
Veterans home is
safe enough for admissions again, N.J. says
https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2023/02/veterans-home-is-safe-enough-for-admissions-again-nj-says.html
VA Docs Are One
Step Closer to Earning More than $400K Annually: A Senate committee advanced a
sweeping compensation overhaul for VA health care workers that would create a
more market-based pay system.
https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2023/02/senate-panel-advances-sweeping-overhaul-va-compensation/383061/
Black Special
Forces Officer to Receive Medal of Honor After Decades of Delays
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/14/black-special-forces-officer-receive-medal-of-honor-after-decades-of-delays.html
A 56-year promise
broken: Vietnam War widow finds the wrong man buried in her JBLM cemetery plot
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-02-13/vietnam-war-widow-cemetery-plot-9128022.html
A national forest
site is now named after a Black paratrooper from the Main Line who died in a
secret mission: A ridge in Umpqua National Forest will become "Malvin L.
Brown Ridge" in honor of the Philadelphia-area Black paratrooper who died
during a jump to fight a forest fire in Oregon.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/malvin-brown-ridge-paratroopers-oregon-forest-fires-20230218.html
A Coast Guard Veteran’s
story for Black History Month: “Acceptance was kind of rare and there were a
lot of barriers.”
https://news.va.gov/115935/a-coast-guard-veterans-story-for-black-history-month/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Army Veteran David Barkley
https://news.va.gov/115707/veteranoftheday-army-david-barkley/
Oklahoma City VA
housed over 250 homeless Veterans in 2022: “We are excited about our Homeless
Primary Care Team expansion.”
https://news.va.gov/115573/oklahoma-city-housed-250-homeless-2022/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Navy Veteran Carl Clark
https://news.va.gov/115735/veteranoftheday-navy-carl-clark/
Virtual-world
treatments create improvements in patient care: Health care innovations advance
health professions education
https://news.va.gov/115825/virtual-treatments-create-improvements-care/
Delicious healthy
breakfast ideas for Veterans: Why hot breakfasts seem more satisfying than cold
food
https://news.va.gov/115673/delicious-healthy-breakfast-ideas-for-veterans/
Mississippi Man
and Woman Charged with Wire Fraud
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/mississippi-man-and-woman-charged-wire-fraud
VA’s National
Cemetery Administration leads all public and private organizations in 2022
customer satisfaction ratings. Based on
surveys with Veterans and their families, NCA receives highest score ever in
American Customer Satisfaction Index
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5858
Louisiana Doctor
Sentenced to Four Years in Prison, Ordered to Pay More Than $800,000 to Victims
in Workers’ Comp Fraud Conspiracy
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdar/pr/louisiana-doctor-sentenced-four-years-prison-ordered-pay-more-800000-victims-workers
Killeen Career
School, Director to Pay $9 Million for Defrauding Post-9/11 GI Bill Program
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/killeen-career-school-director-pay-9-million-defrauding-post-911-gi-bill-program
200 remote jobs
from Veteran-friendly employers: Remote work offers Veterans, family members
job flexibility
https://news.va.gov/116171/200-remote-jobs-from-veteran-friendly-employers/
Supreme Court
Rejects Case Tied to Families Being Removed from VA Caregiver Program
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/21/supreme-court-rejects-case-tied-families-being-removed-va-caregiver-program.html?ESRC=eb_230222.nl
VA’s National
Cemetery Administration leads all public and private organizations in 2022
customer satisfaction ratings. Based on
surveys with Veterans and their families, NCA receives highest score ever
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5858
Little Rock VA’s
Stress Less Program improves patient experience: How Whole Health can help you
stress less
https://news.va.gov/116120/little-rock-vas-stress-less-program-experience/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Army Veteran Shane Adcock
https://news.va.gov/115744/veteranoftheday-army-veteran-shane-adcock/
“Freedom Quilts”
honor legacy of WWII Veterans: After senior Veterans help VA employee cope with
loss…
https://news.va.gov/115990/freedom-quilts-honor-legacy-of-wwii-veterans/
Security and
Incident Preparedness at VA Medical Facilities
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5248
Check your VA
claim or appeal status: Find out how to check the status of a VA claim or
appeal online. This service
became available to Veterans on VA.gov on Jan. 17. Since launching, nearly
280,000 decision notice letters have been downloaded.
https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status/
Veterans can now
access their disability benefit decisions online
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5859&geo=us&p2=%5EEQ%5Ech00us%5Enag&locale=en_us&ueid=c0dc2d94-1eb7-4658-a009-b84e46dbc81a&doi=2018-08-07&o=APN12175
Veterans can now
access their disability benefit decisions online
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5859
Personnel
Suitability Process Concerns at the Beckley VA Medical Center in West Virginia
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5250
Trading on
Patriotism: How Extremist Groups Target and Radicalize Veterans
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/22/trading-patriotism-how-extremist-groups-target-and-radicalize-veterans.html?ESRC=eb_230223.nl
Veterans
Frustrated After Vet Center Memorial Vandalized, Dog Tags Stolen
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/22/veterans-frustrated-after-vet-center-memorial-vandalized-dog-tags-stolen.html?ESRC=eb_230223.nl
Push to End
Offset for Combat-Injured Veterans Off to Strong Start in Senate
https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2023-news-articles/advocacy/push-to-end-offset-for-combat-injured-veterans-off-to-strong-start-in-senate/
Vietnam Veterans
of America White Paper on Aging Veterans
https://vva.org/category/press-releases/
VA benefits
nominee promises more free help for veterans filing claims
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/02/17/va-benefits-nominee-promises-more-free-help-for-veterans-filing-claims/
VA Warns Against
PACT Act Fraud Targeting Veterans
https://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/va-warns-against-pact-act-fraud-targeting-veterans.html
VA Police
Shortages Leave Medical Center Patients, Staff Vulnerable, Watchdog Finds
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/23/va-police-shortages-leave-medical-center-patients-staff-vulnerable-watchdog-finds.html
Vets building,
county government campus eyed for managed homeless camps to clear trail
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-02-21/vets-building-eyed-managed-homeless-camps-trail-9209516.html
What’s a Veteran
Health ID Card (VHIC) and how do I get one?
https://www.va.gov/resources/whats-a-veteran-health-id-card-vhic-and-how-do-i-get-one/
VA to award $16
million in grants to help Veterans and service members with disabilities
participate in adaptive sports
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5860
Special message
from Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Matt Quinn
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVANCA/bulletins/34af8ae
How an All-Black
Female WWII Unit Saved Morale on the Battlefield: Glory goes to the Six Triple
Eight, who overcame discrimination from fellow service members and are finally
getting the recognition they earned
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-all-black-female-WWII-unit-saved-morale-battlefield-180981540/
A conversation
with Leon D. Mickens III, United States Marine Corps and Gulf War Veteran. –
Feb 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKaPHOJ6n7w
Aiming for the
Moon(shot): Health Equity for Black Veterans Drives Progress in Cancer Care –
Feb 27, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGhd_DWM2fI
Joint House and
Senate VSO Hearing: Legislative Presentation of Disabled American Veterans Feb
28, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJng8YngoOQ
IAVA names female
vet as top leader for the first time
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/02/27/iava-names-female-vet-as-top-leader-for-the-first-time/
Making chronic pain management care more accessible:
Veterans are at higher risk for high-impact pain
https://news.va.gov/116051/chronic-pain-management-more-accessible/
#Live Whole
Health #159: Taking time to look. “If
you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
https://news.va.gov/116204/live-whole-health-159-taking-time-look/
Benefits Denied:
Older Black Veterans Battle for GI Education and Housing Compensation,
Disability Payments. Black veterans of
wars in the last century say they failed to receive benefits they were owed due
to systemic racism, lack of outreach and other availability issues.
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/national-international/benefits-denied-older-black-veterans-battle-for-gi-education-and-housing-assistance-disability-payments/2983688/
The COVID-19
pandemic is ‘over’ — and the GI Bill needs to adapt
https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2023/02/28/the-covid-19-pandemic-is-over-and-the-gi-bill-needs-to-adapt/
VA to award $16
million in grants to help Veterans and service members with disabilities
participate in adaptive sports
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5860
Full Committee
Oversight Hearing: "Building an Accountable VA: Applying Lessons Learned
to Drive Future Success" Tuesday,
February 28, 2023 | 2:00 PM. Location: 390 CHOB
https://veterans.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=6110
Statement of
Inspector General Michael J. Missal - Hearing on "How the OIG Enhances
Accountability at VA" February 28, 2023
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/statements.asp
Full Committee Oversight Hearing: Building an Accountable VA – Feb 28,
2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMPKFAMoO_U&t=2861s
Legislative Presentation
of The American Legion & Multi VSOs: PVA, SVA, IAVA, NASDVA, BVEC, VVA,
FRA, NCAI, NGAUS
https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2023/3/legislative-presentation-of-the-american-legion-multi-vsos-pva-sva-iava-nasdva-bvec-vva-fra-ncai-ngaus
Deficiencies in
the Patient Safety Program and Oversight Provided by Facility and VISN Leaders
at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center in Alabama
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5251
Joint House and
Senate VSO Hearing: Legislative Presentation of The American Legion & Multi
VSOs – Mar 1, 2023 10 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGWAN7vqjuU
Be The One
resources and media
https://www.legion.org/betheone/resources
How meditation
can reduce depression
https://www.legion.org/magazine/258242/how-meditation-can-reduce-depression
Military women’s
registry, an Idaho prison post and more in March magazine
https://www.legion.org/magazine/258243/military-women%E2%80%99s-registry-idaho-prison-post-and-more-march-magazine
A Q&A with
Military Women’s Memorial President Phyllis Wilson
https://www.legion.org/magazine/258272/qa-military-women%E2%80%99s-memorial-president-phyllis-wilson
Legion partner
helping Legionnaires get benefits earned under Camp Lejeune Justice Act
https://www.legion.org/washingtonconference/258267/legion-partner-helping-legionnaires-get-benefits-earned-under-camp
Legion-supported
legislation capping fees for lawyers representing Camp Lejeune Marines
introduced
https://www.legion.org/legislative/257593/legion-supported-legislation-capping-fees-lawyers-representing-camp-lejeune
A conversation
with Leon D. Mickens III, United States Marine Corps and Gulf War Veteran. –
Feb 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKaPHOJ6n7w
Five Things to
Know, Feb. 27, 2023
https://www.legion.org/news/258241/five-things-know-feb-27-2023
VFW Action Corps
Weekly February 27, 2023
https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/grassroots-efforts/vfw-action-corps-weekly
Joint House and
Senate VSO Hearing: Legislative Presentation of Disabled American Veterans Feb
28, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJng8YngoOQ
Full Committee
Oversight Hearing: Building an Accountable VA – Feb 28, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMPKFAMoO_U&t=2861s
Joint House and
Senate VSO Hearing: Legislative Presentation of The American Legion & Multi
VSOs – Mar 1, 2023 10 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGWAN7vqjuU
DMVA Digest: A
publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, March
1, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230223B/1o8zyzc1dp9o.vib?a0=14602
Purchasing An
Honoring Our Women Veterans License Plate Recognizes Women Who Served, Supports
Veterans, Service Members
https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Military-and-Veteran-Affairs-Details.aspx?newsid=612
Fighting every
step of the way: Striving to
regain what he had lost, a determined Veteran and small business owner, who was
fighting to keep everything, realized it was time to return to the Coatesville
VA Medical Center once again.
https://www.va.gov/coatesville-health-care/stories/fighting-every-step-of-the-way/
Veterans wait
months for records needed for benefits. What's the holdup at National Archives? The military records backlog may come up
Tuesday during the confirmation of Colleen Shogan, President Joe Biden's
nominee to lead the National Archives.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/02/27/veterans-records-dd-214-national-archives/11321460002/
Families Can Spot
Signs of Veterans’ Mental Health Concerns
https://www.maketheconnection.net/read-stories/families-can-spot-signs-of-veterans-mental-health-concerns/
Here’s How
Veterans Can Access Their VA Claims Decision Letter Online
https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2023-news-articles/health-care-and-earned-benefits/heres-how-veterans-can-access-their-va-claims-decision-letter-online/
Special advisor
shares White House plan to address veteran suicides
https://www.legion.org/betheone/258278/special-advisor-shares-white-house-plan-address-veteran-suicides
VA increases
maximum life insurance coverage for Veterans and service members by $100,000
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5861
100 years of
advancing health care for women Veterans: Milestones and achievements for women
Veterans
https://news.va.gov/116323/100-years-of-advancing-health-care-for-women-veterans/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Army Veteran Mary Clarke
https://news.va.gov/115200/veteranoftheday-army-mary-clarke/
Multiple
Sclerosis: “I plan to complete a marathon”.
“Getting diagnosed with MS did not stop me.”
https://news.va.gov/115678/multiple-sclerosis-stumbling-across-the-finish-line/
Travis Mills
Foundation seeks to help injured Veterans “recalibrate”: Program supports
Veterans through sports and activities retreat in Maine
https://news.va.gov/116403/travis-mills-helps-veterans-recalibrate/
Home /
#VetResources, Vets Experience, Women Veterans / Veterans to Farmers determined
to expand farming opportunities for women Veterans
https://news.va.gov/116482/veterans-farmers-opportunities-women-veterans/
Home /
#VetResources, Mental Health, Vets Experience / Volunteers of America offers
online program to help Veterans experiencing moral injury
https://news.va.gov/116332/volunteers-america-online-program-moral-injury/
VA to award $52.5
million in grants to local organizations working to prevent Veteran suicide
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5863
Amata Co-Leads
Bipartisan Bill with Reps. Pappas, Fitzpatrick, and Van Drew, to Protect
Veterans from Predatory Claim Sharks
https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-co-leads-bipartisan-bill-reps-pappas-fitzpatrick-and-van-drew
VFW Legislative
Conference App Now Available: Stay up-to-date when you download the VFW Events
app on your iOS or Android device
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/2/vfw-legislative-conference-app-now-available
The Defense
POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced -- Navy Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class
Cecil E. Barncord, 24, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma,
which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by
Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo
hits causing it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the
deaths of 429 crewmen, including Barncord. Interment services are
pending. Read about Barncord.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3300795/uss-oklahoma-sailor-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-barncord-c/
VA Secretary press conference, Thursday,
March 2, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnkNl2whPoQ
#VeteranOfTheDay
Air Force Veteran Tom Skerritt
https://news.va.gov/115984/veteranoftheday-air-force-veteran-tom-skerritt/
Army Veteran
finds hearts of gold with Dublin VA team: “Without them, I don’t know what I
would have done.”
https://news.va.gov/115789/veteran-finds-hearts-gold-dublin-va/
US Cyber
Challenge offers online competitions in information security
https://news.va.gov/116342/us-cyber-challenge-online-information-security/
Albuquerque VA
chapel renamed in honor of four heroic chaplains: Ceremony held 80 years to the
day when the Dorchester sank
https://news.va.gov/115775/albuquerque-va-chapel-renamed-four-chaplains/
Identifying
Military Personnel: Decoding Serial Numbers
https://blog.fold3.com/identifying-military-personnel-decoding-serial-numbers/
Meeting of DAV
Naomi Chapter 15 on Monday, February 27, 2023
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGrcrmcXtBQmrmppBQNNxsjvVrN?projector=1
#VeteranOfTheDay
Marine Veteran James Capers
https://news.va.gov/116383/veteranoftheday-marine-james-capers/
President Biden
Awards the Medal of Honor to Ret. U.S. Army Colonel Paris Davis – Mar 3, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lH3FoQxQEw
‘He likes the title of soldier’: Retired Army Col. Paris
Davis to receive Medal of Honor on Friday
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-03-02/army-medal-honor-davis-vietnam-9325326.html
Special Forces
soldier who ‘never’ quit to receive Medal of Honor nearly 60 years after
grueling firefight
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/special-forces-soldier-who-never-quit-to-receive-medal-of-honor-nearly-60-years-after-grueling-firefight/ar-AA18bemj
VA relaxes
masking requirements at medical facilities
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5864
Therapy staff
arranges concert ticket for stroke victim: “I will never forget this night.”
https://news.va.gov/116465/therapy-staff-concert-ticket-stroke-victim/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Marine Veteran Nicholas O’Brien
https://news.va.gov/116047/veteranoftheday-marine-veteran-nicholas-obrien/
VA releases
dashboard to measure the PACT Act’s impact on Veterans and survivors
https://news.va.gov/116652/va-releases-dashboard-measure-pact-act/
Emergence
delirium: Potentially dangerous condition when a patient awakens from a
procedure: Pittsburgh VA team’s intervention to reduce occurrence of emergence
delirium
https://news.va.gov/116138/emergence-delirium-dangerous-patient-awakens/
The Piestewa
Challenge: Celebrating women in military service: 177-mile virtual event honors
the service and sacrifice of our nation’s women Veterans
https://news.va.gov/116658/piestewa-challenge-celebrating-women-military/
Saratoga Springs
Woman Pleads Guilty to Misappropriating Funds as the Fiduciary to a Veteran
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/saratoga-springs-woman-pleads-guilty-misappropriating-funds-fiduciary-veteran
Correcting
benefits for medically retired vets a ‘top priority’ for Senate VA Committee,
Tester vows
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-02-28/veterans-benefits-retirement-disability-military-9287471.html
VA Deputy
Secretary to Step Down After Nearly 2 Years
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/01/va-deputy-secretary-step-down-after-nearly-2-years.html
100 years of
advancing health care for women Veterans: Milestones and achievements for women
Veterans
https://news.va.gov/116323/100-years-of-advancing-health-care-for-women-veterans/
Number of
imprisoned veterans concerns former defense chiefs
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/03/02/number-of-imprisoned-veterans-concerns-former-defense-chiefs/
VA to Look at
Racial Disparities in Claims Decisions
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/02/va-look-racial-disparities-claims-decisions.html
VA launches equity task force to address disparity in
benefits decisions based on race
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/veterans-affairs/2023/03/va-launches-equity-task-force-to-address-disparity-in-benefits-decisions-based-on-race/?mc_cid=8629ef3a37&mc_eid=5fbd657cc7
Families Sue over
Deaths of Loved Ones at Veterans Home
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/01/families-sue-over-deaths-of-loved-ones-veterans-home.html
Medal of Honor
recipient tells his story to encourage others to do what you have to, ‘nothing
less’
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-02-28/medal-honor-recipient-melvin-morris-vietnam-vet-students-9287095.html
Marine veteran
who served in WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars, celebrates 100th birthday
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-03-02/marine-veteran-celebrates-100th-birthday-9321598.html
Veterans'
Emergency Room Bills Could Get Repaid by VA Thanks to Change
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/01/veterans-emergency-room-bills-could-get-repaid-va-thanks-change.html
Veterans’
Emergency Room Bills Could Get Repaid by VA Thanks to Change
https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2023-news-articles/health-care-and-earned-benefits/veterans-emergency-room-bills-could-get-repaid-by-va-thanks-to-change/
Why Combat
Veterans Are Turning to Oxygen Therapy for PTSD: The unapproved and, to some,
unproven treatment is attracting many PTSD patients for whom other treatments
have failed.
https://undark.org/2023/02/27/why-combat-veterans-are-turning-to-oxygen-therapy/
Nashville
Acupuncture Clinic Agrees To Pay $300,000 To Resolve False Claims Act
Allegations
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdtn/pr/nashville-acupuncture-clinic-agrees-pay-300000-resolve-false-claims-act-allegations
D.C. Woman
Sentenced to 32 Months in Prison For Stealing Government Benefit Funds:
Defendant Took Vulnerable Adults' Money for Her Own Benefit
https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/dc-woman-sentenced-32-months-prison-stealing-government-benefit-funds
James L.
Luketich, M.D., University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and University of
Pittsburgh Physicians Agree to Pay $8.5 Million and Implement Monitoring
Actions to Resolve False Claims Allegations
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/james-l-luketich-md-university-pittsburgh-medical-center-and-university-pittsburgh
Million Veteran
Program
https://www.mvp.va.gov/pwa/about/?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CWV_030123&utm_id=cwv_mar
US DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR ANNOUNCES $25M FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TO HELP DELIVER EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS TO
VETERANS TO REDUCE HOMELESSNESS
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/vets/vets20230301
LABOR DEPARTMENT
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS’ JOB TRAINING AND
ASSISTANCE. The Department of Labor
(DOL) recently announced a $25 million funding opportunity to help
organizations and agencies provide training and employment services to help
veterans combat homelessness.
https://www.usich.gov/news/labor-department-now-accepting-applications-for-homeless-veterans-job-training-and-assistance
Legislative
Presentation of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States & Multi VSOs:
JWV, WWP, TAPS, MOAA, AMVETS, GSW, MOPH, BVA, NACVSO
https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2023/3/legislative-presentation-of-veterans-of-foreign-wars-of-the-united-states-multi-vsos-jwv-wwp-taps-moaa-amvets-gsw-moph-bva-nacvso
How Many Veterans
Are in the 118th Congress?
https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2022-news-articles/advocacy/veterans-in-the-118th-congress,-by-the-numbers/
As PACT Act
Benefits Take Shape, Risk of Fraud Rises
https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2022-news-articles/as-pact-act-benefits-take-shape,-risk-of-fraud-rises/
‘I will not
falter’ flight nurse is honored for role in risky evacuation
https://www.qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=783584&article_id=4518550&view=articleBrowser
Serving up a
boost to morale
https://www.qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=783584&article_id=4518566&view=articleBrowser
Independent
Review of VA’s Special Disabilities Capacity Report for Fiscal Year 2021
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5252
The Independent
Budget Veterans Agenda for the 118th Congress: Budget for FY 2024-2025 and
Critical Issues
https://www.independentbudget.org/118-congress/
Center for
Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP). Resources & Webinar Recordings
https://www.va.gov/CFBNP/resourcesandwebinarrecordings.asp
Former Louisiana
Woman Pled Guilty To Preparing Over 110 Fraudulent PPP Loans Totaling Over $1.1
Million Dollars
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/former-louisiana-woman-pled-guilty-preparing-over-110-fraudulent-ppp-loans-totaling
Couple Sentenced
For Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, And Major Fraud Against The United States
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtn/pr/couple-sentenced-conspiracy-wire-fraud-and-major-fraud-against-united-states-0
Joint House and
Senate VSO Hearing: VFW & Multi VSOs – March 8, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BDEmqVA8aY
Opioid Safety at
the VA Northern California Health Care System in Mather
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5254
FACT SHEET:
President Biden’s Budget Honors Our Nation’s Sacred Commitment to Veterans and
Military Families
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/09/fact-sheet-president-bidens-budget-honors-our-nations-sacred-commitment-to-veterans-and-military-families/
DMVA Digest: A
publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,
March 8, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230302C/8z6u9k2ia3mw.vib?a0=14074
MOAA Testifies
Before Congress on Top Priorities for Veterans
https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2022-news-articles/advocacy/moaa-testimony-2022/
2 US Army Veterans Deported to Mexico Win US Citizenship
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/02/09/2-us-army-veterans-deported-mexico-win-us-citizenship.html
Deported veteran finally receives overdue citizenship
https://www.legion.org/citizenship/258342/deported-veteran-finally-receives-overdue-citizenship
VBA Did Not
Ensure Complex Appeals Were Decided by Appropriate Staff
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5253
Deficiencies in
the Implementation and Leadership Oversight of Ketamine at the Eastern Oklahoma
VA Health Care System in Muskogee
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5256
President Biden
fiscal year 2024 budget proposes historic investments in Veterans, their
families, caregivers and survivors
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5865
House Committee
on Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Hearing – Mar 9, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq_Rx2LA1u0
The 77th Annual
VA Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee Meeting and Conference is in
Denver, Colorado, April 26-28, 2023.
https://s6.goeshow.com/vavs/annual/2023/home.cfm
Accessing new
toxic exposure health care and benefits: The PACT Act expands VA health care
and benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances.
https://news.va.gov/116593/accessing-toxic-exposure-health-care-benefits/
Advance
directives ensure Veterans’ future care reflects their current wishes
https://news.va.gov/116142/advance-directives-ensure-future-care-wishes/
White House plan
calls for small boost in VA program budget
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/03/09/white-house-plan-calls-for-small-boost-in-va-program-budget/
Lawmakers furious
over misspelt names on Korean war memorial
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/03/06/lawmakers-furious-over-misspelt-names-on-korean-war-memorial/
Caregivers allege
‘harassment and retaliation’ at Hastings veterans home in Minnesota
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-03-05/caregivers-harassment-hastings-veterans-home-9364703.html
Official: VA’s
Legacy EHR Must Be Maintained, But Not a Long-Term Solution
https://www.nextgov.com/it-modernization/2023/03/official-vas-legacy-ehr-must-be-maintained-not-long-term-solution/383753/
Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Vietnam Veterans - 7 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUI_q4pBwhQ
Hines Fisher
House: 13 years helping Veterans and families
https://news.va.gov/116761/hines-fisher-house-13-years-veterans-families/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Army Veteran Leland Chandler
https://news.va.gov/116454/veteranoftheday-army-leland-chandler/
VA homeless
programs evolving to support aging Veterans
https://news.va.gov/116743/va-homeless-programs-support-aging-veterans/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Marine Veteran Carol Mutter
https://news.va.gov/116387/veteranoftheday-marine-carol-mutter/
VA is expanding
contraception access for male Veterans
https://news.va.gov/116624/expanding-contraception-access-male-veterans/
Modernizing VA
benefits delivery
https://news.va.gov/116673/modernizing-va-benefits-delivery/
VA continues
aggressive nationwide outreach to assist Veterans impacted by toxic exposures
https://news.va.gov/116857/va-aggressive-nationwide-outreach-exposures/
Cori Bush utterly
HUMILIATES Lauren Boebert to her face during hearing – Mar 11, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-rpv3nMhns
Century-old
secret: How a WWI veteran escaped a Florida city after nearly being lynched for
killing Klansmen
https://www.stripes.com/history/2023-03-09/wwi-veteran-escape-killing-klansmen-9438793.html
The Last WWII
Veteran on Active Duty Served for Nearly 55 Years After the War
https://www.military.com/history/last-wwii-veteran-active-duty-served-nearly-55-years-after-war.html
S Korea appeals
ruling to compensate Vietnam War massacre victim: A court in Seoul had ruled
that Nguyen Thi Thanh be compensated for injuries sustained during a mass
killing of Vietnamese civilians in 1968.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/9/s-korea-appeals-order-to-compensate-vietnam-war-massacre-victim
Stronger Controls
Help Ensure People Barred from Paid Federal Healthcare Jobs Do Not Work for VHA
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5255
Each month, the
Office of Inspector General (OIG) publishes highlights of our investigative
work, congressional testimony, and oversight reports. Each month's highlights
are meant to provide a brief overview of the most significant OIG work
conducted in that period.
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/monthly-highlights.asp
Who Is Eligible for Space-A Flights?
https://www.military.com/travel/space-available-flight-eligibility.html?ESRC=navy_230314.nl
Military Veteran
Convicted of Obstruction in Capitol Riot
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/07/military-veteran-convicted-of-obstruction-capitol-riot.html?ESRC=navy_230314.nl
VA Asks for
Historic $4.1 Billion for Construction as Agency Weighs Closing Some Aging
Medical Facilities
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/13/va-asks-historic-41-billion-construction-agency-weighs-closing-some-aging-medical-facilities.html?ESRC=navy_230314.nl
Riverside Veteran
Employer Profile
https://www.military.com/veteran-employers/riverside
A Black WWII
Soldier Made a Heroic Stand in Germany. It Took 50 Years for Him to Receive the
Medal of Honor
https://www.military.com/off-duty/books/2023/03/14/black-wwii-soldier-made-heroic-stand-germany-it-took-50-years-him-receive-medal-of-honor.html?ESRC=eb_230315.nl
VA to Cover New
Drug for Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/14/va-cover-new-drug-early-stage-alzheimers-disease.html?ESRC=eb_230315.nl
Seabee News
letter
https://mailchi.mp/d4b7251f7b03/httpsmcusercontentcomd25e2712d074426dfc955e5e6files2df8b40f-9a20-2bae-2372-55edd8d8211cseabee_news_q1_spring_2023_final_low_respdf?e=decd2b3df4
VA announces goal
to house 38,000+ Veterans experiencing homelessness in 2023
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5866
Comprehensive
Healthcare Inspection of the Amarillo VA Health Care System in Texas
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5257
VA announces goal
to house 38,000+ Veterans experiencing homelessness in 2023
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5866
Veterans Are
Still Being Required to Attend Unwarranted Medical Reexaminations for
Disability Benefits
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5258
VA to Change
Motto, Switching to Gender-Neutral Language that Recognizes All Who Have Served
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/16/va-change-motto-switching-gender-neutral-language-recognizes-all-who-have-served.html?ESRC=eb_230317.nl
VA will change
male-focused motto to recognize all veterans, caregivers and families
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-03-16/veterans-affairs-motto-gender-women-9513508.html
New VA Mission
Statement recognizes sacred commitment to all Veterans, their families,
caregivers and survivors
https://news.va.gov/117260/new-mission-statement-commitment-all-veterans/
GOP senator
blocks Biden nominee to force answers from VA
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/03/15/gop-senator-blocks-biden-nominee-to-force-answers-from-va/
Vets employment
improves as national jobless rate worsens
https://www.militarytimes.com/education-transition/2023/03/10/vets-employment-improves-as-national-jobless-rate-worsens/
VA aims to help
38,000+ homeless veterans again this year
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/03/15/va-aims-to-help-38000-homeless-veterans-again-this-year/
VA plans to
deploy new health records to more sites in June
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/03/15/va-plans-to-deploy-new-health-records-to-more-sites-in-june/
Join us on 29
March, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, as Americans unite to thank and honor
Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/about/national_vietnam_war_veterans_day/
VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY 2023 EVENTS
https://vva.org/vietnam-war-veterans-day-2023-events/
The VA will pay
for some to get new Alzheimer's drug
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-03-14/veterans-affairs-health-administration-alzheimers-drug-9491550.html
They returned
with honor… Now help us honor them.
https://www.hanoihiltonexhibit.org/
VVA 2023 NATIONAL
CONVENTION OVERVIEW
https://conference.vva.org/
Resources for
Victims of Domestic Violence
https://www.benefits.gov/news/article/472?utm_source=enewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Editors%20Picks%20Selection%20Issue
Veteran welder
donates art to VA medical center: Sculpture is Veteran’s way of giving back
https://news.va.gov/116811/veteran-welder-donates-art-to-va-medical-center/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Marines Veteran Nathan Elrod
https://news.va.gov/116605/veteranoftheday-marines-veteran-nathan-elrod/
The diverse,
far-reaching VA social worker profession: Professional social workers are
embedded within most VA departments
https://news.va.gov/116804/diverse-far-reaching-social-worker-profession/
Black veterans
were more often denied VA benefits for PTSD than white counterparts, newly
surfaced study shows. “Ever since I came
back from Vietnam, I knew that I had a problem, but I didn’t know what it
was," said one Black veteran.
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/mental-health/black-veterans-denied-va-benefits-ptsd-more-often-whites-rcna75334
South Texas
community celebrates new VA outpatient clinic: New Braunfels clinic will serve
5,000 Veterans
https://news.va.gov/116819/texas-community-celebrates-new-clinic/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Marine Veteran John McGinty III
https://news.va.gov/116608/veteranoftheday-marine-john-mcginty-iii/
Vietnam Veteran
headed to creative arts competition: Army Veteran captain thankful for VA’s
therapeutic arts program
https://news.va.gov/116831/vietnam-vet-headed-creative-arts-competition/
Pay down your
student loans by serving at a rural VA: These VA programs can reduce or eliminate
your school debt
https://news.va.gov/116936/pay-down-student-loans-serving-rural-va/
Community Veteran
groups from 10 states gather to share best practices: Community Veteran
Engagement Boards solve local challenges for Veterans and their families
https://news.va.gov/117090/community-veteran-groups-share-best-practices/
VA launches Close
to Me Novel Infusion Care Delivery service: Treatment program designed to
improve access to infusion treatments
https://news.va.gov/116758/va-launches-close-to-me-novel-infusion-care-delivery-service/
VeteranOfTheDay
Army Veteran Kyle Gilbert
https://news.va.gov/116474/veteranoftheday-army-kyle-gilbert/
Fresh Focus
episodes #67-70: Celebrating National Nutrition Month®: Celebrate a World of
Flavors
https://news.va.gov/116861/fresh-focus-67-70-national-nutrition-month/
VA continues
aggressive nationwide outreach to assist Veterans impacted by toxic exposures
https://news.va.gov/116857/va-aggressive-nationwide-outreach-exposures/
Congressional
Statement of VFW National Commander Timothy M. Borland
https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-legislative-service/congressional-testimony/2023/3/congressional-statement-of-vfw-national-commander-timothy-m-borland
Boozman Receives VFW Congressional
Award: The senior senator from Arkansas has a proven record of strong
leadership on behalf of veterans
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/3/boozman-receives-vfw-congressional-award
Youth
Scholarships: The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our
future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested
in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student
interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.
https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for
burial with full military honors is: --Army Sgt. Thaddeus S. Matuszak, 31, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was
assigned to Company K, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division. In
September 1944, Matuszak’s unit was part of a larger force that was holding its
position against fierce German opposition at the Moselle River near Dornot.
After suffering heavy loses, most of the unit was able to retreat across the
river on Sept. 11, but Matuszak was among the soldiers reported missing that
night. He will be buried in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on a date yet to be
determined. Read about Matuszak.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3166027/soldier-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-matuszak-t/
The Defense
POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full
military honors is: --Army Pfc. William L. Simon, 20, of Middleton, Wisconsin,
was assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th
Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces near
Hürtgen, Germany, in the Hürtgen Forest, when he was reported killed in action
on Nov. 5, 1944. His remains could not be recovered during the battle. He will
be buried in Middleton, Wisconsin, on a date yet to be determined. Read about
Simon.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3243586/soldier-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-simon-w/
The Defense
POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full
military honors is: --Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. Frank C. Ferrel, 31, of Roby,
Texas, was assigned to the 328th Bombardment Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group, 9th
Air Force. On Aug. 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator bomber on which Ferrel was an
engineer was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed during Operation Tidal
Wave north of Bucharest, Romania. His remains were not identified immediately
following the war. He will be buried in Sylvester, Texas, on a date yet to be
determined. Read about Ferrel.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3322140/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-ferrel-f/
The Defense
POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full
military honors is: -- Army Cpl. Clark E. Worline, 20, of Dupont, Ohio, was a
member of C Company, 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion, 8th Army. He was reported
missing in action on Nov. 26, 1950, after fighting against the Chinese People’s
Volunteer Forces near Sinjang, North Korea. He will be buried in Dupont, Ohio,
on a date yet to be determined Read about Worline.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3164466/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-worline-c/
DMVA Digest: A
publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, March
15, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230309B/dr7arhgk3t1b.vib?a0=14902
Solomon appointed
to chair of Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee: Says he’s
ready to get to work for veterans in PA
https://www.pahouse.com/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=127940
Houma Man
Indicted for Mail Fraud and Making False Statements to Federal Agents
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/houma-man-indicted-mail-fraud-and-making-false-statements-federal-agents
Email from James Ulinski received on March 11, 2023, at 2:56 PM:
March 2023 Veteran
News
As we get close to spring, I want to wish all of you
and your families a healthy and great spring season!
FYI---according to Military.com, January 25, 2023,
the Department of Veteran Affairs is “raising awareness of little-used benefits
for veterans: burial at a VA, state or tribal veteran’s cemetery, and
headstones or markers.” According to
VA officials, just 20% of eligible veterans who died last year were buried in a
VA managed or supported cemetery.” This, despite the fact this benefit comes at
no cost to the veteran’s family! “Fewer than half who qualified for a burial
allowance or headstone used the opportunity,” according to Under Secretary for
Memorial Affairs Matt Quinn.
In fiscal year 2020, over 80,000 veterans were
interred in the VA’s national cemeteries, representing only 14% of veterans who
died during the same period. According to census data and other government
estimates
I mentioned the above information, because I had
sent an email in November of 2022 addressing
“What happens if we die as it pertains to our spouse/family.” Sadly, I’ve heard
from 2 families asking me for information on veteran burial benefits for now
deceased veterans who were on my mailing list. Information does no good
if not read and actually used!
The VA has just made some changes “regarding fasting
for most routine VA blood testing at VA Medical Centers and Outpatient
Clinics.” “Please be sure to eat a healthy meal and take
your regularly prescribed medications prior to coming to the VA for blood
testing.”
The VA is making these changes for a few different
reasons:
1. “Most routine blood tests,
including those for managing high cholesterol and diabetes, no longer require
overnight fasting for the results to be accurate.”
2. “Medical evidence has shown that
overnight fasting for bold testing, especially in diabetic patients, can lead
to accidents and harmful events related to low blood sugar episodes.”
3. “Medical evidence has also shown
that some patients may have difficulty deciding on important health matters
following an overnight fast for blood testing.”
4. “Most
patients who fast overnight for blood testing want an early appointment the
following day.” “This high demand for morning appointments leads to
inefficiencies and overcrowding of VA parking lots and waiting rooms during
these peak busy times.” Overcrowding is not just inconvenient, it’s also an
infection control concern.”
“On rare occasions, overnight fasting for certain
non-routine, specialized blood tests may still be necessary.” “Fasting may also
occasionally be needed to make or confirm a new diagnosis of Diabetes
Mellitus.” “On rare occasions, it may also be necessary to withhold one or more
of your prescribed medications before blood testing.” “Lastly, you may be asked
to fast overnight or withhold certain medications if you have a specific medical
procedure on the same day as your blood testing.” “Your clinical team will
alert you if there is a need for you to fast prior to a procedure or test.”
If you have questions or unsure----check with your
medical team about your specific case! Kudos to
George Brown for sending this information to me. FYI-----George puts
out quite a few emails about veterans too. If you are interested in getting on
his contact list, his email is gande3@verizon.net. We all become more
educated veterans by sharing information. There is power in knowledge!
The VVA launched a campaign addressing Aging
Veterans’ Healthcare via a Press Release on February 21, 2023.
“As of 2022, more than 5 million additional veterans
may be eligible to enter the Veteran Health Administration (VHA) healthcare
system because of the PACT Act, undoubtedly putting stress on an already
overtaxed system.” “The 6.4 million Vietnam-era veterans (median age of 71),
make up the largest cohort of veterans in the U.S.” “As they age, their
healthcare needs expand and become more complex,” Vietnam Veterans of America
National President Jack McManus commented.
“A lack of personal savings for long-term care and a
sometimes-fragmented VHA pose significant risk to the health and wellness of
these aging veterans.” To meet this growing issue for our members, VVA
is launching a coordinated campaign addressing aging veterans’ healthcare,” McManus
announced.
McManus continued: “We know that effective care for
all these aging veterans requires VHA implementing dependable, evidence-based
care today.” “Evidence- based programs allow veterans to age-in-place, avoid or
delay nursing home placement, and choose the care environment that aligns most
with their care needs, preferences, and goals.” Veterans using these programs
have fewer hospitalizations and emergency departments visits, reduced hospital
and nursing home days, and fewer nursing home readmissions and inpatient
complications.”
For our disabled veterans who use computers and are
eligible for VA travel reimbursement, you
can now create your profile to use the VA’s preferred (can still use the
Mileage Reimbursement forms if you wish) travel claim reimbursements. Visit
AccessVA and select the Veteran Travel Claim Entry icon to get started. https://access.va.gov
Thank you to Kirk Fernitz, Director, Community & Congressional Affairs, VA Medical
Center, Coatesville (610) 380-4348 for the following information from
Fiscal Year to Outpatient information.
Fiscal Year 2022
Annual Report and EAGLE Newsletters
The attached PDF is
our FY22 Annual Report ... or ... Visit our Coatesville VA Medical Center
website www.coatesville.va.gov to find our Annual Reports and “EAGLE” newsletters.
We just uploaded the 2022 annual report.
1. Home Page of our
webpage, to the left of the VA Coatesville health care image, scroll down to
“About VA Coatesville”
2. Click “About us”
3. Scroll down to
“Annual reports and newsletters. By the way, scroll below our newsletters
to view VISN 4 reports
Do you know the
difference between the PACT-Act & COMPACT Act?
- PACT-Act: The
Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) Act expands VA health care &
benefits for Veterans exposed to environmental toxic substances, such as
Agent Orange, Burn Pits, Asbestos, Camp Lejeune Water Contamination,
Sandstorm Dust, Radiation, Fuels/Solvents, etc.
- COMPACT Act:
Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA
facility for emergency suicide health care and treatment at no cost - this
includes ambulance transportation costs, in-patient or crisis residential
care for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for no more than 90
days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use
this benefit.
Home Based Primary
Care: HBPC is a health care service provided to
Veterans who are home-bound and who have a chronic and disabling medical
condition. An interdisciplinary team provides comprehensive primary care
to the Veteran in his/her home. HBPC can be used in combination with other Home
and Community Based Services.
If interested
contact your primary care provider or social worker for more information and to
determine your eligibility. You can also reach out to HBPC by calling (610
384-7711, ext. 3373
New VA Life
Insurance: “VALife” is guaranteed acceptance, whole life
insurance coverage that provides life insurance to Veterans with
service-connected disabilities. Who is Eligible? Veterans age 80 and
under with any level of service-connected disability rating (0-100%) from VA
are eligible to apply. There are no medical requirements for
enrollment. Veterans age 81 or older may apply for VALife within two
years of receiving notification of a new service-connected disability rating.
Thank you, Vietnam
Veterans, for your service and sacrifice!
March 29 is
designated as Vietnam War Commemoration Day. In recognition of thanking
and honoring our Veterans who served in Vietnam, including Veterans who served
on active duty from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of service
location, we would like to present the “Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin” to eligible
Veterans who desire to receive one. The pin has not changed in design and
many Veterans already received a pin from previous years, but I realize that we
do have some Veterans who do like to have a second or third pin for keepsake.
I would be honored
to present a pin to our Veterans when you stop by my office at the medical
center. Our VA outpatient clinics will have pins available for
presentation as well during the week of March 27th.
Outpatient Mental
Health Clinic at Coatesville VA Medical Center is in Bldg. 4:
The Outpatient
Mental Health Clinic moved from bldg. 57 (now closed) to Bldg. 4. Building
4, has been newly renovated and serving our Veterans since February 21.
Outpatient Mental
Health services includes: Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program,
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, Neuropsychology, and
Social Work services.
In the American Legion National Legislative Division
Weekly (March 10, 2023), the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees
“concluded their annual series of hearings with a wide range of veterans’
services organizations (VSOs).” “Both lawmakers and VSO representatives
highlighted the need to pass the Major Richard Star Act, one of the top
priorities for the American Legion.” “This bill would stop the government from
offsetting military retirement pay against VA disability pay for combat-injured
veterans.” “There is also support for legislation that would substantially
raise the level of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments for
veterans’ survivors to meet the levels paid out by other federal agencies.”
On Wednesday, the House passed four veterans-related
bills:
HR 502, concerning VA
reimbursement of educational expenses
HH 815, removing the
requirement that a veteran must receive care from the VA in the previous 24
months to have emergency care covered if the veteran is within the first 60
days of enrolling in the VA health care system.
HR 753, the VA Cost
Savings Enhancement Act, requiring each medical facility to have an on-site
medical waste system.
HR 1226, the Wounded
Warrior Access Act, related to online ways to submit claims-related records
requests.
All bills passed either by unanimous roll call votes
or by a voice vote.
I am very excited to report, Senator Pennycuick (R), Senator Muth (D), and Senator L.
Williams (D) have united to fight for an MST Survivor Week Resolution,
after 2 failed attempts in the past. I believe that with both parties
represented in this resolution, it will hopefully make a speedy journey and get
passed soon. If passed, the week of October 15th through the 21st would
become Military Sexual Trauma Survivor Week in Pennsylvania. When the
resolution is formally started, I will send a brief email asking that you and
others you know contact your senators to request they get this passed
ASAP! Kudos to Senator Pennycuick, Senator Muth, and Senator L.
Williams.
I have also contacted Congresswoman Houlihan’s
office to request she draft a bill making the
perpetrators of sexual misconduct of any kind far more accountable for their
actions against our brave women and men. In addition, establishing stronger
protections for women and men in the military who report such grievous
misconduct. My educated guess is that those who have reported these heinous
actions are just a small percentage of the actual figures and that our 17
veteran deaths a day include victims who could not deal with the trauma---MST!
As always, please feel free to provide feedback,
suggestions for information, and please share with others. Information
is a powerful tool!
James
Ulinski
The VFW Action
Corps Weekly is an e-newsletter published nearly every Monday to help keep
patriotic Americans, who care about the military and veterans’ communities,
well informed of important changes and updates to care and benefits for service
members, veterans, and their families. The
Action Corps Weekly issues are archived, organized by calendar year. To view
any previous issue, simply click on the year, then issue.
https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/grassroots-efforts/action-corps-weekly-archive
Tuskegee pharmacist shares 80 years of serving Veterans with his
father: Mission to serve Veterans instilled by his father
https://news.va.gov/116919/tuskegee-pharmacist-80-years-serving-veterans/
#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Dale Dye
https://news.va.gov/116614/veteranoftheday-marine-dale-dye/
National Nutrition Month: Fuel for the Future. March 2023: National Nutrition Month
https://news.va.gov/117053/national-nutrition-month-fuel-for-the-future/
Five Things to Know, March 20, 2023
https://www.legion.org/news/258405/five-things-know-march-20-2023
Senate advances legislation to repeal Iraq AUMFs
https://www.legion.org/legislative/258394/senate-advances-legislation-repeal-iraq-aumfs
On 20th anniversary, US veterans and Iraqis grapple with war’s
legacy
https://www.legion.org/news/258406/20th-anniversary-us-veterans-and-iraqis-grapple-war%E2%80%99s-legacy
Legionnaire launches podcast to share stories of veterans
https://www.legion.org/dispatch/258385/legionnaire-launches-podcast-share-stories-veterans
Legionnaire shares tools to promote Be the One
https://www.legion.org/betheone/258392/legionnaire-shares-tools-promote-be-one
Let’s keep surpassing our SAL membership goals
https://www.legion.org/sons/258404/let%E2%80%99s-keep-surpassing-our-sal-membership-goals
Boozman Leads Bipartisan Effort to Safeguard Veterans Filing
Benefit Claims
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4AAFEBAA-943E-48BE-8EC9-C9A69BC5F955
President’s Budget Request – Fiscal Year 2024: The U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is requesting a total of $325.1 billion in
fiscal year (FY) 2024, a 5.4 percent increase above FY 2023 enacted levels. The
FY 2024 budget provides robust funding for the Secretary’s top priorities. It
includes 142.8 billion, an increase of $3.0 billion or 2.1 percent, in
discretionary funding and resources for health care, benefits and national
cemeteries. Additionally, there is $182.3 billion in mandatory funding, an
increase of $13.6 billion or 8.1 percent, above 2024 for benefit programs,
inclusive of Compensation and Pensions, Readjustment Benefits, Housing and
Insurance, and continued funding for the Toxic Exposures Fund.
https://department.va.gov/administrations-and-offices/management/budget/
Examining the Future Path of VA’s Electronic Health Record
Modernization Program
https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2023/3/examining-the-future-path-of-va-s-electronic-health-record-modernization-program
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: -- Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. John
F. Minogue, 24, of Richfield, California, was assigned to the 328th Bombardment
Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. On Aug. 1, 1943, the B-24
Liberator bomber on which Minogue was the co-pilot was hit by enemy
anti-aircraft fire and crashed during Operation Tidal Wave north of Bucharest,
Romania. His remains were not immediately identified following the war. He will
be buried on April 20, 2023, in Fullerton, California. Read about Minogue.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3145428/pilot-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-minogue-j/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: -- Navy Chief Machinist’s Mate
Ralph A. Derrington, 42, of Columbus, Ohio, was assigned to the battleship USS
Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was
attacked by Japanese aircraft on December 7, 1941. The USS Oklahoma sustained
multiple torpedo hits causing it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship
resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Derrington. He will be buried
on June 20, 2023, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)
in Honolulu. Read about Derrington.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/2663703/uss-oklahoma-sailor-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-derrington-r/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: -- Army Air Forces 1st Lt.
William B. Montgomery, 24, of Ford City, Pennsylvania, was assigned to the
844th Bombardment Squadron, 489th Bombardment Group, Eighth Air Force. On June
22, 1944, Montgomery was piloting a B-24H Liberator that was struck by
anti-aircraft after a bombing raid on a German airfield in Saint-Cyr-l’École,
near Versailles, France. He was able to pilot the damaged aircraft over the
English coast, but then crashed in West Sussex, England. His remains were not
immediately found, and he was declared non-recoverable on May 10, 1950. He will
be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on a date yet
to be determined. Read about Montgomery.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3326915/pilot-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-montgomery-w/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: -- Army Tech Sgt. Matthew L.
McKeon, 25, of Euclid, California, was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion,
12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle
with German forces near Hürtgen, Germany, in the Hürtgen Forest, when he was
reported killed in action on Nov. 9, 1944. He will be buried in San Diego,
California, on date yet to be determined. Read about McKeon.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3331046/soldier-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-mckeon-m/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: -- Army Pfc. Harry J. Hartmann
Jr., 19, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, was a member of E Company, 2nd Battalion,
8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Calvary Division, when he was reported missing in action
on Nov. 2, 1950, during fighting near Unsan, North Korea. Subsequent reports
indicated he had been captured and held as a prisoner of war, and died on or
around March 31, 1951. He will be buried in Mays Landing, New Jersey, on a date
yet to be determined. Read about Hartmann.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3113867/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-hartmann-h/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: -- Navy Aviation Ordnanceman
First Class Anthony Di Petta 24, of Nutley, New Jersey, was assigned to the
Navy Torpedo Squadron 20, USS Enterprise. On Sept. 10, 1944, Di Petta and two
other crew members took off on a mission to conduct air strikes against enemy
targets in Malakal Naval District, Palau Islands. Their aircraft was struck by
enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed into water near Malakal. His remains were
not immediately recovered. A burial date and location are pending. Read about
Di Petta.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3260747/sailor-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-di-petta-a/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: -- Navy Aviation Radioman First
Class Wilbur A. Mitts, 24, was the Aviation Radioman assigned to the Navy
Torpedo Squadron 20, USS Enterprise. On Sept. 10, 1944, Mitts and two other
crew members took off on a mission to conduct air strikes against enemy targets
in Malakal Naval District, Palau Islands. Their aircraft was struck by enemy
anti-aircraft fire and crashed into water near Malakal. His remains were not
immediately recovered. Read about Mitts.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3327175/sailor-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-mitts-w/
Purple Heart
Women Warriors on VBC Happy Hour – Mar 20, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjMwGw91TPo
Higher cancer
rates found in military pilots, ground crews
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2023/03/19/higher-cancer-rates-found-in-military-pilots-ground-crews/?mc_cid=f8baf3bbfb&mc_eid=5fbd657cc7
Higher Cancer
Rates Found in Military Pilots, Ground Crews
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/19/higher-cancer-rates-found-military-pilots-ground-crews.html?ESRC=navy_230321.nl
How the War in
Iraq Changed the Military for Women
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/19/how-war-iraq-changed-military-women.html?mc_cid=f8baf3bbfb&mc_eid=5fbd657cc7
Stansbury touts
new health benefits at Veterans event: PACT act promises care for service
members exposed to toxic chemicals
https://www.koat.com/article/stansbury-touts-new-health-benefits-at-veterans-event/43355763
Center for Faith-Based
and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP). Resources
& Webinar Recordings
https://www.va.gov/CFBNP/resourcesandwebinarrecordings.asp
Full Committee
Business Meeting and Oversight Hearing – Mar 23, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KShUvFx7uPE
VA Secretary
press conference, Thursday, March 23, at 2:00 p.m.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kx1yQGAuYM
VA’s Compliance with the VA Transparency & Trust Act of 2021
Semiannual Report: March 2023
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5260
VA Hospital Employee Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison for
Accepting Thousands of Dollars in Kickbacks
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/15/va-hospital-employee-sentenced-6-months-prison-accepting-thousands-of-dollars-kickbacks.html?ESRC=navy_230321.nl
VA helps train next generation of Chicago health care providers:
70 percent of all U.S. physicians have studied at VA medical centers
https://news.va.gov/117242/va-trains-chicago-health-providers/
#VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Roberta Pike-Oates
https://news.va.gov/115948/veteranoftheday-air-force-roberta-pike-oates/
VA has support for Veterans thinking of suicide: A few ways families
and friends can support a Veteran in crisis
https://news.va.gov/116925/support-for-veterans-thinking-of-suicide/
Survivors: You may be eligible for VA benefits thanks to
historic legislation
https://news.va.gov/117331/survivors-eligible-new-benefits-legislation/
Health care simulation Leads to Smarter Hospitals and Better
Care
https://news.va.gov/117087/health-care-simulation-simdesign/
Live Whole Health #163: Finding what you’re looking for
https://news.va.gov/117274/live-whole-health-161-finding-looking-for/
DMVA Digest Special Edition: A publication of the Pennsylvania
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, March 24, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230323B/c2la6pxanlou.vib?a0=14871
#VeteranOfTheDay Army Air Corps and Air Force Veteran Kenneth
Chilstrom
https://news.va.gov/117036/veteranoftheday-army-air-corps-kenneth-chilstrom/
Eleven nurses pregnant in one VA hospital: “I’m having a baby!”
“Me too!”
https://news.va.gov/116867/eleven-nurses-pregnant-in-one-va-hospital/
National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic: More than 400
Veterans to attend Winter Sports Clinic
https://news.va.gov/117188/disabled-veterans-winter-sports-clinic-2/
Find your VA career faster with an enhanced experience at
VAcareers.VA.gov : Start your journey to a VA career here
https://news.va.gov/116960/find-career-faster-vacareersvagov/
A RENEWED NAME &
THE WAY AHEAD February 28, 2023
https://www.pow-miafamilies.org/uploads/9/1/5/0/91501560/message_to_all_potential_members_2-28-23.pdf
Mission: POW-MIA. Mission Driven. Family Focused.
https://missionpowmia.org/
Dept. of Veterans Affairs, union spar over staffing
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/03/21/dept-of-veterans-affairs-union-spar-over-staffing/
VA change will lower home loan rates for some Native American
vets
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/03/22/va-change-will-lower-home-loan-rates-for-some-native-american-vets/
Native American Direct Loan: If you’re a Veteran, and either you
or your spouse is Native American, our Native American Direct Loan (NADL)
program may help you get a loan to buy, build, or improve a home on federal
trust land. You may also get a loan to refinance an existing NADL and reduce
your interest rate.
https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/native-american-direct-loan/
Survivors of Vets Who Died from PACT Act Illnesses Can Reapply
for Benefits
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/21/survivors-of-vets-who-died-pact-act-illnesses-can-soon-reapply-benefits.html
VA PACT Act Performance Dashboard - VA News
https://news.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/VA_PACT_Act_Dashboard_For_Release_Issue2_3.17.2023_508.pdf
In Pennsylvania, people gathered to honor a Vietnam Marine
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-03-19/pennsylvania-vietnam-war-soldier-david-ortals-9539898.html
Women Veterans bravely served during Vietnam War
https://news.va.gov/86001/women-veterans-bravely-served-vietnam-war/
VA Secretary Swats Down Idea to Cut VA Disability Pay for
Wealthier Vets
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/23/va-secretary-swats-down-idea-cut-va-disability-pay-wealthier-vets.html?ESRC=eb_230324.nl
VA not making full use of workforce incentives granted under
PACT Act, AFGE warns
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/veterans-affairs/2023/03/va-not-making-full-use-of-workforce-incentives-granted-under-pact-act-afge-warns/
Watch "VA OIG: VA Forcing Unwarranted Reexaminations of
Disabled Veterans" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/JG4jvHIrTN8
DMVA Digest: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs: March 22, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230316C/awwm7m8weclx.vib?a0=14023
El Paso Veterans Affairs Medical Center gets all-clear after
bomb threat
https://kvia.com/top-stories/2023/03/24/el-paso-veterans-affairs-medical-center-gets-all-clear-after-bomb-threat/
VA Will No Longer Use Its Marquee Civil Service Reform Law to
Punish Employees: The Biden administration unwinds a key Trump legislative
victory, citing a series of setbacks the law has endured.
https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2023/03/va-will-no-longer-use-its-marquee-civil-service-reform-law-punish-employees/384419/
March 25, 2023, is Medal of Honor Day. Established
by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861, the Medal of Honor is our nation’s
highest recognition of valor in combat, and every year, Medal of Honor Day
commemorates the recipients of this prestigious distinction — including Coast
Guard Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro.
https://nationaltoday.com/national-medal-honor-day/
National Medal of Honor Day
https://veteran.com/medal-of-honor-day/
Dennis McCarthy: Pam Murphy, widow of actor Audie Murphy, was
veterans’ friend and advocate
https://www.dailynews.com/2010/04/14/dennis-mccarthy-pam-murphy-widow-of-actor-audie-murphy-was-veterans-friend-and-advocate/
Pamela Murphy (Wife Of Audie Murphy)
https://www.fishingstage.com/t-40557-1.html
Jackson VA Community Living Center’s Commitment to Excellence: Community
Living Center achieves five-star rating
https://news.va.gov/116944/jackson-community-living-center-commitment/
#VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran James Ramsey
https://news.va.gov/117051/veteranoftheday-air-force-james-ramsey/
Ukrainian doctors learn about treating Veterans at Iowa VA: Heard
presentations by VA medical professionals
https://news.va.gov/117146/ukrainian-doctors-learn-about-treating-veterans/
Primary care physicians enjoy unparalleled prospects at VA: Serve
those who have served
https://news.va.gov/116951/primary-care-physicians-unparalleled-prospects/
The Animals We Gotta Get Out Of This Place - Vietnam War footage
– 1 year ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRMfi8T53Rs
Paint it Black | Vietnam War Bombing [Real Footage] - 2 years
ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds6mvK4olQ4
Dripping Springs woman handed 46 month prison sentence for
defrauding VA: She has also been fined over $500,000.
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/dripping-springs-defraud-va-17858192.php
VFW Action Corps Weekly March 27, 2023
https://www.vfw.org/actioncorpsweekly
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting
Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army
Air Forces Tech. Sgt. John Holoka Jr., 25, of Cresson, Pennsylvania, was
assigned to the 844th Bombardment Squadron, 489th Bombardment Group, Eighth Air
Force. On June 22, 1944, he was an engineer on a B-24H Liberator that was
struck by anti-aircraft after a bombing raid on a German airfield in
Saint-Cyr-l’École, near Versailles, France. The pilot was able to fly the
damaged aircraft over the English coast, but then crashed in West Sussex,
England. Holoka will be buried in Portage, Pennsylvania, on May 1, 2023. Read
about Holoka.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3337499/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-holoka-j/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Francis
V. Montemurro, 25, of New York City, New York, was assigned to the 345th
Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. On Aug. 1, 1943,
the B-24 Liberator bomber on which Montemurro was the navigator was hit by
enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed during Operation Tidal Wave north of
Bucharest, Romania. His remains were not identified following the war. He will
be buried in San Diego, California, on June 2, 2023. Read about Montemurro.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3162962/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-montemurro-f/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: -- Army Pvt. Myron E. Williams,
29, of Dixon, Illinois, was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle with German
forces near Hürtgen, Germany, in the Hürtgen Forest, when he was reported
missing in action on Nov. 16, 1944. His body was unable to be recovered, and he
was never reported as a prisoner of war. The War Department issued a presumptive
finding of death on Nov. 17, 1945. He will be buried in Killeen, Texas, on a
date yet to be determined. Read about Williams.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3115202/soldier-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-williams-m/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: -- Army Sgt. Lawrence J.
Robidoux, 22, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, was a member of B Company, 1st
Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was reported
missing in action on Nov. 27, 1950, after his unit’s withdrawal from Ipsok in
North Korea. Subsequent reports indicated he had been a prisoner of war and
died in May 1951 at Prisoner of War Camp #5. He will be buried in Arlington
National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on a date yet to be determined. Read
about Robidoux.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3335582/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-robidoux-l/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Cpl. Delbert L. White, 20,
of Ottumwa, Iowa, was a member of D Company, 2nd Engineer (Combat) Battalion,
2nd Infantry Division. On Dec. 1, 1950, White and many other soldiers were
captured by the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces as they attempted to block
the enemy advances and allow the rest of 2nd Infantry Division to escape
south. Following subsequent conflicting
reports, the Army declared his date of death was March 18,1951. He will be buried
in his hometown on date yet to be determined. Read about White.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3178854/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-white-d/
Female Navy pilot makes historic debut with the Blue Angels
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/03/26/female-navy-pilot-makes-historic-debut-with-the-blue-angels/
Soldier killed during support mission in Vietnam War identified
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/03/24/soldier-killed-during-support-mission-in-vietnam-war-identified/
VVA
Government Affairs Newsletter (3/24/2023) – Received via email.
Halls of Congress
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Vietnam
Veterans of America
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VVA
Legislative Priorities for the 118th Congress
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VVA National President Jack Mcmanus testifies
before the House/Senate Veterans Affairs Committees.
Good afternoon, Chairmen Tester and Bost, Ranking Members Takano and Moran,
and distinguished members of your respective committees. I am pleased to
appear before you today to present highlights of our legislative agenda and
policy initiatives for the 118th Congress to transform support for veterans
to real programs, initiatives, and benefits. Legislative Priorities & Policy Initiatives for the 118th
Congress | Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org)
A new year gives us an opportunity for a fresh start and to make
positive changes in the lives of our servicemembers, veterans, caregivers,
and survivors through advocacy, education, and outreach. Below are Vietnam
Veterans of America’s legislative priorities for the 118th Congress. VVA
Legislative priorities for the 118th Congress
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House
Committee on Veterans Affairs
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News
from the HVAC
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Washington, DC -
Today,Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), the Chairman of the
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, delivered the following opening
remarks, as prepared, at the start of the Committee’s oversight hearing to
assess the Biden administration’s FY 2024 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Budget and FY 2025 Advance Appropriations Request: Chairman Bost Sets the Record Straight at FY 2024 VA Budget
Request Hearing | House Committee on Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC- On Thursday, March 23, 2023, the Full Committee held a
hearing entitled, "U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget
Request for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025,". The live stream can
be found at Full Committee Oversight Hearing | House Committee on Veterans
Affairs, VA Secretary Testimony HHRG-118-VR00-Wstate-McDonoughD-20230323.pdf (house.gov)
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), the Chairman of the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement after the
House passed four veterans’ bills this week: “House Republicans work has only
just begun to create a better Department of Veterans Affairs… ICYMI: House VA Committee Reauthorizes Bipartisan
Washington, DC - Today,
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), released
the following statement after the Biden administration released their fiscal
year (FY) 2024 budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):
“The Biden administration’s VA budget request for FY 2024 relies on
complicated accounting gimmicks that would create fast lanes and slow lanes
for… Chairman Bost Statement on Biden’s VA Budget Request | House
Committee on Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC – Today,
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Calif.)
delivered opening remarks at the Full Committee Business Meeting to Authorize
the Women Veterans Task Force. Click here to watch
Ranking Member Takano’s Remarks Ranking Member Takano’s Remarks as prepared:
Today, I am incredibly pleased that we are once again recognizing the
important role women veterans have played in service to our country
… Ranking Member Takano: "They fought for OUR freedom, and
they deserve that same freedom" | The House Committee on Veterans'
Affairs
Washington, DC - Today, House
Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Calif.)
delivered opening remarks at the Full Committee Oversight Hearing examining
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Years 2024
and 2025. Click here to watch Ranking Member Takano's Remarks Ranking Member
Takano's Remarks as prepared: Mr. Secretary, welcome. Thank you for appearing
before us today. I believe that budgets reflect our priorities and values,
and I … Ranking Member Takano Calls on House Republicans To Guarantee
No Budget Cuts For Veterans | The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC- Today, House
Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Calif.) and
Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Ranking Member Sheila
Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) issued a statement about the recent introduction
of two bills, H.R. 1659, the Department of Veterans Affairs IT Modernization
Improvement Act of 2023, and H.R. 1658, the Manage VA Act, to improve
management and acquisitions practices at VA. "While I am encouraged by
President Biden's and Secretary … Veterans Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano, Subcommittee
Ranking Member Cherfilus-McCormick, Introduce Bills to Improve VA Management
and Acquisition | The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC - Ranking
Member Takano Applauds Updated VA Mission Statement to Honor All Who Served
and Their Families, Caregivers, and Survivors WASHINGTON, D.C. - The
Department of Veterans Affairs announced an updated version of its 1959
mission statement today. The new mission statement is: "To fulfill
President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's
military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." This
announcement follows a years-long effort championed by … Ranking Member Takano Applauds Updated VA Mission Statement to
Honor All Who Served and Their Families, Caregivers, and Survivors | The
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC – Today,
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Calif.)
issued the following statement after President Biden’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024
budget request was released. This year’s request provides for $137.9 billion
in discretionary funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) —a $3
billion increase over the enacted 2023 funding. “With today’s release of
the Fiscal Year 2024 budget request, … Ranking Member Takano Statement on President Biden's FY 2024
Request | The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC – This
week, the House of Representatives passed four bills to support veterans,
including bills to ensure veterans using the Montgomery GI bill are repaid
unused contributions, improve veterans’ eligibility to receive reimbursement
for emergency treatment, direct VA to initiate a pilot to identify potential
cost savings from on-site medical waste treatment, and require VA to create
an online portal to make it easier for veterans to request records …House Passes Four Bills to Support Veterans | The House
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, D.C. – Today,
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Calif.)
delivered opening remarks at the Joint House and Senate Committees on
Veterans' Affairs hearing featuring the legislative presentations of The
American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Student Veterans of America,
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, National Association of State Directors
of Veterans Affairs, Black Veterans Empowerment Council, Vietnam Veterans of
… Ranking Member Takano: "My priorities for this Congress
center on making VA more accessible and responsive to all" | The House
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
HVAC COMMITTEE HEARINGS
Wednesday March 29, 2023
SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL
AFFAIRS LEGISLATIVE HEARING - “Legislative Hearing
on H.R. 234, Gerald’s Law Act; H.R. 854, Captain James C. Edge Gold Star
Spouse Equity Act; H.R. 984, Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act;
H.R. 1139, GUARD VA Benefits Act; H.R. 1329, to amend title 38, United States
Code, to provide for an increase in the maximum number of judges who may be
appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; H.R.
1378,Veterans’ Appeals Backlog Improvement Act; H.R. 1529, Veterans’
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023; and H.R. 1530, Veterans Benefits
Improvement Act”
10:00 AM ET; 390 Cannon House Office Building - Meeting details
can be found here.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH LEGISLATIVE HEARING - “Legislative
Hearing on: H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023; H.R. 562, Improving
Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2023; H.R. 808, Veterans
Patient Advocacy Act; H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility
Act; H.R. 693, Veterans Affairs Medical Center Absence and Notification
Timeline (VACANT) Act; H.R. 1089, VA Medical Center Facility Transparency
Act; H.R. 366, Korean American VALOR Act; H.R. 542, Elizabeth Dole Home-and
Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023; and H.R.
1256, Veterans Health Administration Leadership Transformation Act”
1:30 PM ET; 2253 Rayburn House Office Building - Meeting details
can be found here.
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2023
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY LEGISLATIVE
HEARING - “Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 291, Vaccine Discharge
Parity Act; H.R. 645, Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act; H.R.
728, To direct the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and
Training to carry out a pilot program on short-term programs for veterans;
H.R. 746, Streamlining Aviation for Eligible Veterans Act; H.R. 1169, VA
E-Notification Enhancement Act; H.R. XXXX, Protect Military Dependents Act;
H.R. XXXX, the Filipino Education Fairness Act; H.R. XXXX, Get Rewarding
Outdoor Work for our Veterans Act; H.R. XXXX, Ensure Military Personnel Learn
Opportunities Yielding Vocations that Employ Transitioning Servicemembers
Act; H.R. XXXX, VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023 and H.R. XXXX, To amend
title 38, United States Code, to provide that educational assistance paid
under Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs to an
individual who pursued a program or course of education that was suspended or
terminated by reason of a determination of fraud shall not be charged against
the entitlement of the individual, and for other purposes”
9:30 AM ET; 390 Cannon House Office Building - Meeting details
can be found here.
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Department
of Veterans Affairs
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News
from the VA
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VA Secretary March 23, 2023, Press Conference VA Secretary press conference, Thursday, March 23, at 2:00
p.m. - YouTube
Washington, DC — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that
it has lowered the interest rate VA Native American Direct Loans from 6% to 2.5%, making access to housing loans more
affordable for Native American Veterans. VA lowers interest rates, makes housing more affordable for
Native American Veterans
Washington, DC — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced an
updated version of its 1959 mission statement. The new mission statement is: “To
fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in
our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and
survivors.” New VA mission statement recognizes sacred commitment to all
Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors
Washington, DC— Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced its
2023 goals for preventing and ending Veteran homelessness. Specifically, in
2023, VA will: VA announces goal to house 38,000+ Veterans experiencing
homelessness in 2023
Washington, DC — Today, the Biden-Harris administration released the
president’s budget for fiscal year 2024. This budget proposes critical
resources to help VA serve all Veterans, their families, caregivers, and
survivors as well as veterans who have served their country. President Biden fiscal year 2024 budget proposes historic
investments in Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors (va.gov)
Washington, DC — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it
has relaxed the masking requirement at VA medical facilities. This update
ensures the safety of Veterans while accommodating individual masking
preferences and aligning with CDC guidelines.VA relaxes masking requirements at medical facilities
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Veterans
In Congress
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118th
Congress Military Veterans
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MILITARY VETERANS IN THE US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
118TH CONGRESS - Veterans in Congress | House Committee on Veterans Affairs
MILITARY VETERANS IN THE US SENATE 118TH
CONGRESS
Senate AZ Mark
Kelly Dem
Yes Male Navy
1980s–2010s None
Senate CT Richard
Blumenthal Dem
Yes Male
USMC 1970s None
Senate DE Tom
Carper Dem
Yes Male Navy
1960s-1990s Vietnam
Senate IL Tammy
Duckworth Dem
Yes Female Army
1990s-2010s OIF
Senate MA Ed
Markey Dem
Yes Male Army
1960s-1970s None
Senate MI Gary
Peters Dem
Yes Male Navy
1990s-2000s None
Senate RI Jack Reed
Dem Yes
Male Army 1970s None
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Federal
Regulations
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Proposed
VA Rules
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AR81-PROPOSED
RULE-NAMES FOR NATIONAL CEMETERIES AND FEATURES The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to
remove its regulation concerning the naming of cemeteries and features. VA is
proposing this action because, after reviewing internal policy and processes,
VA determined this regulation is obsolete and unnecessary. When VA
promulgated this regulation, VA's cemetery naming activities were supported
by statute and served a purely administrative function that did not change
existing law or policy and did not affect individual rights or obligations…Regulations.gov
AR76-PROPOSED
RULE-REEVALUATION OF CLAIMS FOR DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION The Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its adjudication regulations concerning
certain awards of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Under the
proposed amendment, relevant claimants will be eligible to elect to have
certain previously denied DIC claims reevaluated pursuant to changes that
establish or modify a presumption of service connection. Regulations.gov
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Robley Rex VA launches monthly PACT meetings: Largest expansion
of VA benefits since the Post-9/11 GI Bill in 2008
https://news.va.gov/116966/robley-rex-va-launches-monthly-pact-meetings/
#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran George Leighton
https://news.va.gov/117279/veteranoftheday-army-george-leighton/
VA dietitian recommends farmers markets: Farmers markets -
Savings for your wallet and the environment
https://news.va.gov/117071/va-dietitian-recommends-farmers-markets/
VA reaches $1 Billion in grants awarded to states, territories,
and Tribes for Veteran cemeteries
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5869
Houston VA uses non-invasive device to treat blood clot: Army
Veteran has pulmonary embolism removed
https://news.va.gov/117080/houston-va-non-invasive-treat-blood-clot/
#VeteranOfTheDay Army and Marine Veteran William McLeroy
https://news.va.gov/117547/veteranoftheday-army-marine-william-mcleroy/
Bay Pines VA social workers break barriers to support Veterans: 200
social workers at Bay Pines VA assist Veterans
https://news.va.gov/117059/bay-pines-social-workers-break-barriers/
Five things you need to know about VA Women’s Health
Reengagement Training (heaRT): VA Women’s Health Reengagement Training educates
women Veterans on VA health care and benefits
https://news.va.gov/117561/five-things-about-va-womens-health-training/
VGLI and VALife: What’s the difference?
https://news.va.gov/117333/vgli-and-valife-whats-the-difference/
Veterans invited to discuss the human impact of military service
at The 2023 War Horse Symposium, April 6: Veterans and their families are
invited to join journalists, VA Secretary Denis McDonough, Jon Stewart and
others at the day-long convening
https://news.va.gov/117554/war-horse-symposium-april-6-chicago/
Live Whole Health #164: Acupressure self-care for neck pain
https://news.va.gov/117566/live-whole-health-164-self-care-neck-pain/
Improvements Needed in Integrated Financial and Acquisition
Management System Deployment to Help Ensure Program Objectives Can Be Met
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5261
Texas Woman Sentenced for Defrauding VA and the Social Security
Administration of More than $500,000
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/press-releases.asp
Fifty years ago on Feb 22, 1973, “the entire crew of Baron 52
was declared KIA by the crews commanding officer, Col Thomas A Humphreys,
though he was kept unaware of the “air pirate” intercept for “security
reasons.” This change violated Air Force
Manual 30-4 requirements. Those
requirements stated that all deaths must be positively confirmed when the
aircraft is multi-crew, downed behind enemy lines and the bodies not recovered…
There was no new evidence to support a change in status, yet it was made. One week after the switch, an unusual State
Dept. message to the U.S. Embassy in Ventiane, Laos, directed that the crew
names be withheld from the list of MIAs given to the Pathet Lao.”
The digital edition of Feb 2023 VFW magazine is now available
with Ralph Wetterhahn's full article
http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?m=3914&i=773598&p=30&ver=html5&fbclid=IwAR2ilswD-s_hYlZlJnihDltNq94Xm82UZ7Z0TjbSVh8jRxFULgxEctG47lA
The most enduring physical legacy of West Point’s first Black
graduate is still in use at Fort Sill
https://kfor.com/news/great-state/the-most-enduring-physical-legacy-of-west-points-first-black-graduate-is-still-in-use-at-fort-sill/
The Black Buffalo Soldiers Who Biked Across the American West: In
1897, the 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps embarked on a 1,900-mile journey
from Montana to Missouri
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-black-buffalo-soldiers-who-biked-across-the-american-west-180980246/
Army’s 1st Black Ranger instructor remembered for fighting crime
in Columbus, Georgia
https://www.armytimes.com/military-honor/black-military-history/2021/02/14/armys-1st-black-ranger-instructor-remembered-for-fighting-crime-in-columbus-georgia/
STUDY: BLACK VETERANS ENJOY BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE
https://www.ausa.org/news/study-black-veterans-enjoy-better-quality-life
More than 50 years may have passed since the most protested
conflict in U.S. history: The Vietnam War; but to Bill Strusinski, 73, of
Scandia, Minn., the memories of what happened there are as fresh on his mind as
if they had happened just yesterday.
https://www.pioneer.org/specials/bill-strusinski-care-under-fire/
An Enlisted Man's Point of View: Lessons Learned in the 199th,
1966-1967
https://books.google.com/books/about/An_Enlisted_Man_s_Point_of_View.html?id=_L2_zQEACAAJ
REVIEW: An Unexpected Coddiwomple by Loretto Thompson
https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/review-an-unexpected-coddiwomple-by-loretto-m-thompson/
Marine Veteran Doug Chamberlain on his Book, “Bury Him: A Memoir
of the Vietnam War”
https://americasveteransstories.com/vietnam/marine-veteran-doug-chamberlain-on-his-book-bury-him-a-memoir-of-the-vietnam-war/
Nearly 2M veterans screened for toxins as part of benefit
expansion. The
VA is finding that around 40% of veterans screened are saying they had been
exposed to toxins at some time in their military service.
https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/top-va-physician-hails-2-million-pact-act-screenings-nationwide/JJWRMCS6DZBRTELVEHZRUZR6AA/
VFW Names First Post-9/11 Veteran to Lead Washington Office: The
Iraq War veteran said he is optimistic about the VFW’s future
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/3/vfw-names-first-post-9-11-veteran-to-lead-washington-office
Mike Figlioli, deputy director of VFW National Veterans Service
(NVS), has been promoted to director of the VFW’s premiere program for
veterans. The 104-year-old NVS offers free service claims assistance to
veterans, service members and their families. In fiscal year 2022 alone, the
NVS recovered more than $11.2 billion for veterans, spouses and survivors.
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/3/longtime-veterans-advocate-to-lead-vfw-national-veterans-service
VFW National Commander Visits Troops in Poland: The visit is
part of the VFW’s ongoing show of support for forward-deployed service members
in Eastern Europe
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/2/vfw-national-commander-visits-troops-in-poland
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
Legislative Hearing – House Committee On Veterans' Affairs – Mar 29, 2023.
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 234, Gerald’s Law Act; H.R. 854,
Captain James C. Edge Gold Star Spouse Equity Act; H.R. 984, Commitment to
Veteran Support and Outreach Act; H.R. 1139, GUARD VA Benefits Act; H.R. 1329,
to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the
maximum number of judges who may be appointed to the United States Court of
Appeals for Veterans Claims; H.R. 1378,Veterans’ Appeals Backlog Improvement
Act; H.R. 1529, Veterans’ Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023; and H.R. 1530,
Veterans Benefits Improvement Act
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuqRyRgjUUw
Expanded presumptive disability benefits for Vietnam Veterans
https://news.va.gov/117663/expanded-presumptive-disability-vietnam/
VA Benefits for Vietnam Veterans
https://benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-vietnam.asp
Subcommittee on Technology Modernization EHR Oversight Hearing
#1 - House Committee On Veterans' Affairs - 3 weeks
ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffHMHQ69xvI
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Legislative Hearing - House
Committee On Veterans' Affairs – Mar 30, 2023.
Legislative Hearing on: H.R. 291, Vaccine Discharge Parity Act; H.R.
645, Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act; H.R. 728, To direct the
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training to carry out
a pilot program on short-term programs for veterans; H.R. 746, Streamlining
Aviation for Eligible Veterans Act; H.R. 1169, VA E-Notification Enhancement
Act; H.R. XXXX, Protect Military Dependents Act; H.R. XXXX, the Filipino
Education Fairness Act; H.R. XXXX, Get Rewarding Outdoor Work for our Veterans
Act; H.R. XXXX, Ensure Military Personnel Learn Opportunities Yielding
Vocations that Employ Transitioning Servicemembers Act; H.R. XXXX, VET-TEC
Authorization Act of 2023 and H.R. XXXX, To amend title 38, United States Code,
to provide that educational assistance paid under Department of Veterans
Affairs educational assistance programs to an individual who pursued a program
or course of education that was suspended or terminated by reason of a
determination of fraud shall not be charged against the entitlement of the
individual, and for other purposes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm2yCQgua08
Ending VA disability for DISABLED VETERANS - Mar 24, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj0oX97i1vo
VA WORKING TO FULLY IMPLEMENT PACT ACT
https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2023/va-working-to-fully-implement-pact-act/
veterans' priorities for congress the independent budget
provides guidance
https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2023/the-independent-budget-2023/
Vietnam Veterans Day 50th Anniversary Event – Mar 29, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckkd6uvKiPY
Ceremony honors Utah veterans
of Vietnam War – Mar 30, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe53SAsWu08
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the VA Texas Valley
Coastal Bend Health Care System in Harlingen
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5263
Veterans invited to discuss the human impact of military service
at The 2023 War Horse Symposium, April 6.
Veterans and their families are invited to join journalists, VA
Secretary Denis McDonough, Jon Stewart and others at the day-long convening
https://news.va.gov/117554/war-horse-symposium-april-6-chicago/
Inadequate Coordination of Care for a Patient at the West Palm
Beach VA Healthcare System in Florida
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5262
VVA Web Weekly - March 31, 2023
http://secure.campaigner.com/csb/Public/show/gi98-623b4--3cnoi5-6qytwa4
Departing VA deputy sees progress, success in department changes
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/03/31/departing-va-deputy-sees-progress-success-in-department-changes/
Vet Agency hopes for more state-run cemeteries for burial
options
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/03/28/vet-agency-hopes-for-more-state-run-cemeteries-for-burial-options/
Alarming Cancer Rates for Pilots and Ground Crews Draw Lawmaker
Scrutiny: 'Let's Get Our Arms Around This'
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/28/alarming-cancer-rates-pilots-and-ground-crews-draw-lawmaker-scrutiny-lets-get-our-arms-around.html
Trends in DoD’s and VA’s Budgets for Military Compensation
https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59013
He Served In Nam by Bill Edwards: Thanks to songwriter Bill Edwards
for sharing his tribute song in honor of Vietnam Veterans Day. It is his
tribute to all those who served there and didn't get a proper thank you upon
returning home.
https://www.reverbnation.com/billedwardsmusic/song/33186032-he-served-in-nam?fbclid=IwAR3OWH17lzlZcdkiltO1-Xqydn9oLyiXQ9MyLrLxdjCCeOdQ_mj3jqoOtpQ
National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum is One of A Kind
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/entertainment/television/first-coast-living/national-powmia-memorial-museum-is-one-of-a-kind/77-b0b8c8df-f734-4a5b-b365-a0e6157f7f7a
Heroism, Celebrities, Values, and Truth: Reflections on Clint
Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers. Flags
of Our Fathers not only depicts much of the fighting, but also the U.S.
war-bond tour of three veterans of that battle and the confusion over the flag
raisings
https://hollywoodprogressive.com/film/flags-of-our-fathers
Veterans group DESTROYS Fox ‘News’ with POWERFUL new ad – Apr 2,
2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7k4EJ0kwrQ
OCS of South Jersey (Camden, Burlington & Gloucester County)
2023 High School Enlistee Recognition Ceremony.
May 09, 2023 05:30 pm at The Mansion on Main Street, Voorhees, NJ
https://community.ocsusa.org/south-jersey/
WILLIAM CLARK OBITUARY
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/inquirer/name/william-clark-obituary?id=51536777
SecVA Live Veterans Town Hall – Portland, April 4, 2023
https://site-94690541.bcvp0rtal.com/
Trump gets utterly DESTROYED by first openly gay Navy SEAL |
Burn the Boats – Apr 4, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XFGX_Z-lFg
The War Horse Symposium, April 6, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGJBK39ie40
DMVA Digest: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs – April 5, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230330G/8c3g65kcm9i8.vib?a0=14414
Monthly ceremony honors veterans who would otherwise be buried
alone
https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/southeastern-pa/monthly-ceremony-honors-veterans-who-would-otherwise-be-buried-alone/article_2c36618e-cf44-11ed-aa98-6f95ae3b1945.html
VA Healthcare-VISN 4 Fact Sheet
https://www.visn4.va.gov/VISN4/news/fact-sheet.asp
TRAVIS MILLS " WHAT HAPPENED TO ME? " - 3 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgQkh1_cACE
Nonprofit owner charged with misappropriating funds as the
fiduciary to a veteran
https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/nonprofit-owner-charged-misappropriating-funds-fiduciary-veteran
Veteran benefits from Home Based
Primary Care: “My team of angels”
https://news.va.gov/117481/veteran-benefits-from-home-based-primary-care/
#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran
Robert Ballard
https://news.va.gov/117702/veteranoftheday-navy-robert-ballard/
DataX: Leveraging data to drive
Veteran health care: DataX unites data leaders across VA
https://news.va.gov/117247/datax-leveraging-data-for-veteran-health-care/
Bringing awareness to sexual
harassment and assault at VA
https://news.va.gov/117854/bringing-awareness-sexual-harassment-assault-va/
Caregiver Support Program: caring
for caregivers. Support for caregivers:
Making sure you’re informed
https://news.va.gov/117598/caregiver-support-program-caring-for-caregivers/
White
House pledges caregiver support, but VA program’s future unclear
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/04/20/white-house-pledges-caregiver-support-but-va-programs-future-unclear/
Copayment exemption for American
Indian and Alaska Native Veterans: New rule waives copayments for health care
and all urgent care visits
https://news.va.gov/117840/copayment-exemption-indian-alaska-native/
Woman donates kidney to Army
Veteran at Houston VA: She was driven by faith and love for her late brother
https://news.va.gov/117198/woman-donates-kidney-army-veteran-houston-va/
Live Whole Health Episode #165:
Take 12
https://news.va.gov/117847/live-whole-health-episode-165-take-12/
Famous Veterans: Dennis Franz
https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/famous-veterans-dennis-franz.html
Join the VetServe 2023 campaign
this April in your community: VetServe 2023 celebrates National Volunteer Week
April 16-22 and the National Day of Service on April 21
https://news.va.gov/117907/vetserve-2023-volunteer-opportunities/
#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Gene
Harper
https://news.va.gov/117868/veteranoftheday-navy-gene-harper/
Continuing the pandemic fight,
three years later: South Texas VA looks back at COVID-19
https://news.va.gov/117611/continuing-the-pandemic-fight-three-years-later/
Secure your PACT Act benefits with
VBBP
https://news.va.gov/117851/secure-your-pact-act-benefits-with-vbbp/
VA and AFGE reach tentative
agreement to better serve Veterans and support VA employees
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5871
Surgical smoke: Improving Veteran
safety in the operating room: Eliminating smoke caused by the use of devices
during surgery
https://news.va.gov/117963/surgical-smoke-improving-safety-in-or/
#VeteranOfTheDay U.S. Navy Veteran
Marty Robbins
https://news.va.gov/117762/veteranoftheday-navy-marty-robbins/
Care for Veterans just like you as
an intermediate care technician at VA: Put your military medical skills to work
https://news.va.gov/117541/care-veterans-intermediate-care-technician-va/
"Rock and War" with Music Legend and Vietnam Veteran
Billy Terrell on VBC Happy Hour – Apr 10, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CULDVEIO4Yc
MAJOR GENERAL ORDE WINGATE 1903 – 1944
https://war-experience.org/lives/major-general-orde-wingate-1903-1944/
The 1,113th Monument Terrace Troop Rally marked Lynchburg’s
Vietnam Veterans’ Homecoming celebration
https://vva.org/news/the-1113th-monument-terrace-troop-rally/
VA secretary worries mistrust, awareness holding back benefits
claims
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/04/06/va-secretary-worries-mistrust-ignorance-holding-back-benefits-claims/
VA delays rollout of health records system to next scheduled
sites
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/04/06/va-delays-rollout-of-health-records-system-to-next-scheduled-sites/
Veterans Groups Sue for Info on Toxic Exposures at Uzbek Air
Base Blamed for Causing Cancer
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/04/04/veterans-groups-sue-info-toxic-exposures-uzbek-air-base-blamed-causing-cancer.html
State, Tribal Veterans Cemeteries Help VA Close In on Burial
Site Goals
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/04/04/state-tribal-veterans-cemeteries-help-va-close-burial-site-goals.html
Moving the Body
https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/moving-body.asp
David Harker: Coming Home as a POW - 3 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR0OH4Vg5Z0
David Harker: Life as a POW
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=314208713210934
Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Missed Opportunities
to Distribute Excess Ventilators during the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5265
What’s next for Vet Centers
https://www.legion.org/podcast/258578/what%E2%80%99s-next-vet-centers
The War Horse
https://mailchi.mp/thewarhorse/its-why-i-left-the-military?e=be364708fa
DMVA Digest: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs, April 12, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230405C/oc1b5gy9d71a.vib?a0=14975
PACT Act Performance Dashboard
https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/healthcare/pactact
Social Determinants of Health
https://www.va.gov/HEALTHEQUITY/Social_Determinants_of_Health.asp
National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics
https://www.va.gov/vetdata/
Veterans Geography of Opportunity Tool
https://www.va.gov/HEALTHEQUITY/Data.asp?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=
Captured on Camera: Exposing War Crimes and Human Rights Abuses. Monday, April 17, 2023, 12:00PM - 1:00PM ET. Perry World House
https://global.upenn.edu/perryworldhouse/event/captured-camera-exposing-war-crimes-and-human-rights-abuses
Long-simmering tensions with Mexico had come to a boil by 1846,
a time when America was led by President James K. Polk, a radical expansionist
guided by the concept of Manifest Destiny, which he believed was a mandate from
God that the United States should stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific
oceans, Stacker.com reported.
https://www.silive.com/news/2022/08/7-historic-american-battlefields-worth-visiting-a-guide-for-tourists.html
Airman Accounted For From Vietnam War (Hall, F.)
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3355818/airman-accounted-for-from-vietnam-war-hall-f/
Pilot Accounted For From Vietnam War (De Soto, E.)
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3355750/pilot-accounted-for-from-vietnam-war-de-soto-e/
Lawmakers demand VA fire substandard staff faster
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/04/13/lawmakers-demand-va-fire-substandard-staff-faster/
County seeks cash for land to expand Arlington National Cemetery
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/04/10/county-seeks-cash-for-land-to-expand-arlington-national-cemetery/
Marine thought dead on Vietnam battlefield gets back dog tag
lost in the fight to save him
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-04-12/vietnam-veteran-marine-dog-tag-9784447.html
Medal of Honor Tribute - PFC. Oscar P. Austin
https://vimeo.com/794970899
WELCOME HOME! ~ A Nation
Honors our Vietnam Veterans and their Families ~ May 11-13, 2023
The National Mall, Washington, D.C.
https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/welcomehome/
'The book from the enemy': A lifetime after Vietnam, U.S.
veteran delivers a diary to its home
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/03/28/us-veteran-finds-vietnamese-soldiers-diary-delivers-home/11529802002/
New Program Helps Veterans With High-Cholesterol-Related
Cardiovascular Disease: Condition affects over 2 million former service
members
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2023/va-heart-disease-program.html
VVA LEGISLATIVE AGENDA & POLICY INITIATIVES
https://vva.org/what-we-do/veterans-advocacy/government-affairs/
I Never Came Home - Saigon Slick & the Boston Bard – 2 years
ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alxHdXWiJn0
Former Navy
Commander's strong message for Florida on what a book ban means
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXr9YcMU_WU
Watch the 2023 Blessing of the Fleet:
https://www.navymemorial.org/2023bof
Suicide Prevention
http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?i=784200&p=44&view=issueViewer
Brewer Woman Faces Up to 30 Years for Wire Fraud, Making False
Statements to a Lending Business & Making Straw Purchase
https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/brewer-woman-faces-30-years-wire-fraud-making-false-statements-lending-business-making
Covington Man Charged with Wire Fraud
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/covington-man-charged-wire-fraud
Latino Health Week and Veteran Claims Support: U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 04/14/2023 03:51 PM EDT
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/bulletins/354e462
There Was Only One Woman Who Has Ever Received The Medal of
Honor, And This Is Her Incredible Story
https://www.chipchick.com/2023/04/there-was-only-one-woman-who-has-ever-received-the-medal-of-honor-and-this-is-her-incredible-story.html
Subcommittee on Health Oversight Hearing – Apr 18, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_XGYr68TUI
Nine Defendants Sentenced in $126M Compounding Fraud Scheme
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/nine-defendants-sentenced-126m-compounding-fraud-scheme
Podiatrist and Patient Recruiter Convicted for $8.5M Compounding
Fraud Scheme
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/podiatrist-and-patient-recruiter-convicted-85m-compounding-fraud-scheme
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation Legislative Hearing
– Apr 19, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOjD6Mb8FcA
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
Markup on Pending Legislation – Apr 19, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GhOF1nq34E
Permission to Heal, in “Thank You for Your Service”. In this short film, a veteran’s service dog
changes her perspective on closeness.
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-documentary/permission-to-heal-in-thank-you-for-your-service
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of Veterans Integrated
Service Network 9: VA MidSouth Healthcare Network in Nashville, Tennessee
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5267
Burn Pit PACT Act Problems: The VA is unprepared for a flood of
claims from veterans disabled by toxic exposure.
https://www.laprogressive.com/veterans/burn-pit
Challenges of respiratory health of deployed Veterans: VA
clinicians and researchers on the respiratory health of deployed Veterans
https://news.va.gov/118121/challenges-respiratory-deployed-veterans/
#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran James “Mike” Swink
https://news.va.gov/118192/veteranoftheday-navy-james-mike-swink/
Veteran liver transplant recipient remains sober and
symptom-free. Near-death experience
leads Veteran to live best life
https://news.va.gov/118285/liver-transplant-recipient-sober-symptom-free/
DEAN is meeting Veterans where they are through health care
innovation
https://news.va.gov/118385/dean-is-health-care-innovation/
Southern living: Find plenty of job opportunities in the South
with VA: Wherever you want to work, VA is there
https://news.va.gov/117628/southern-living-job-opportunities-south-va/
The Medical Disability Examination Office Needs to Better
Monitor Mileage Requirements for Contract Exams
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5268
DMVA Digest: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs, April 19, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230413D/3sswz7j1ygk4.vib?a0=14696
|
Email
from James Ulinski received on April 21, 2023 at 1:31 PM:
|
|
|
|
April 2023 Veteran
News
I was honored to present at the Department of PA
Marine Corps League on Saturday, 3/18/23. The topic was “Preparations
for Our Death”. The Marines were, as usual, ready to learn, engage,
and share! I am hoping our State Marine Corps League can fit in a
presentation. I've changed the title to “What If” in September or October this
year on Commandant’s Corner. Kudos to Jr. Vice Commandant McCoy and Sr. Vice
Commandant Henry for allowing me to present.
*I am asking all my
family, friends, and veterans to please contact your PA Senator
regarding Senate Resolution 83, designating the week of October 15 through 21,
2023 as "Military Sexual Trauma Survivor Week." This Resolution
(needs only the Senate to pass) as opposed to a bill, which would need approval
by the Senate and House. Make the calls please!
Sadly, similar
attempts to get this Resolution passed, failed twice in the past years. There
is no cost, and it is very important that we help make more people aware of
some of the difficulties our brave women and men serving in the military are
subjected to.
This year we were
able to see Democrats and Republicans unite to introduce this Resolution. Now,
WE need to help deliver this!
Service members
sexual assault reports increased by 13% in 2021, compared to 2020.
Sexual assault not
only affects women (females reported 63% of the assaults all though they only
make up 20% of our Armed Forces), but also affect males (more than 100,000)
have been sexually assaulted in recent decades.
The psychological
damage and trauma often lead to tremendous difficulty adjusting to civilian
life and I would bet my house that some of the 17 suicides each day include
women and men who could no longer deal with their struggles.
This is not going
away ladies and gentlemen and we need to show our support! In addition to this
email, I have placed a post on LinkedIn and on my Facebook page asking my
family, friends, veterans, etc. to share and make the calls!
*We need to get
Resolution 83 passed!!
I am also trying to
get Congresswoman Houlihan to meet with me regarding even stricter punishment
for perpetrators of sexual assault and more protections for whistle
blowers. The victims only report a small percentage of the
actual numbers we think are there due to shame, stigma, fear, etc. The tip of
the iceberg!
It would also help
to contact Congresswoman Houlihan's office and ask her what she is doing this
year to help our military victims of sexual assault!!
We also have another
resolution which will be voted in Committee this week (Wednesday, 4/26/23). It
is entitled S.R. 82 and would designate Philly and Delaware River as the site
of the main celebration of the 250th birthday for the Navy and
Marines in October and November, 2025. If you were in
the Navy or Marines, or otherwise support this major activity, please call your
State Senator by Tuesday of this week at the latest.
For all of our I.U. (Individual Unemployability)
veterans and spouses, we once again have a Bill to help us/them. It is H.R.
1083 (Caring for Survivors Act of 2023) which was introduced in the House
(Washington) on 02/17/2023. This bill would “amend title 38, United
States Code, to improve and to expand eligibility for dependency and indemnity
compensation paid to certain survivors of certain veterans, and for other
purposes.”
It would also look to change the “10 Year Rule” to a
graduated 5-10 years with 50% for death after 5 years, 60% for death after 6
years, etc.
I do not expect this bill to go anywhere (for the
umpteenth time), because we do not share information nearly enough and too many
veterans have no idea this bill is even there and many don’t care. We need to
talk and share info we gain from others with our families and friends across
the country to make a difference nationally.
Thought at least some of you may be interested in
something I had wondered about mileage reimbursement (I do my own calculations)
and lo and behold----
As of 2022, the VA will reimburse round-trip mileage
at 41.5 cents per mile if the travel is related to approved
healthcare expenses.
What is the VA Travel Reimbursement Monthly Deductible?
Did you know---The VA requires a small deductible
before reimbursing you for travel-related expenses.
The current (2022) deductible is $3 one-way or $6
round-trip, up to $18 per month. If you surpass the $18 deductible, the VA
will pay the full cost of your travel for the remainder of the month.
Kudos to Kirk Fernitz, Coatesville, VA for
responding to my inquiry to validate this information.
For those of us who have lots of appointments, you
could be losing as much as $216 a year if at least 3 trips per month times 12.
Again, this will most likely go nowhere, because of apathy by so many of our
veterans!
H.R. 542, the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act---The
DAV and DAV Auxiliary sent out a message to members that “over the next two
decades, the aging veteran population, including a growing number of
service-disabled veterans with specialized care needs, will require long-term
care.”
“The VA must focus on addressing staffing and
infrastructure gaps in order to maintain excellence in skilled nursing care.
The VA also needs to expand access
nationwide to innovative and cost-effective home-and community-based services,
such as the veteran-directed care program and medical foster home care.”
Please contact your Representative in Washington to
support this legislation!
FYI----A very few of us---Kudos to my
friends/veterans Lee Horowitz and Don Logeman for pursuing aging and a
lottery system to pay for care---among many other issues at the state level!
On April 17, 2023, the “VA and NIH (National
Institutes of Health) began a joint, five-year study that aims to explain the
chronic symptoms of Gulf War Illness. This
study may lead to more definitive diagnostic criteria for Gulf War Illness,
development of new diagnostic testing, and potential treatments.” Let’s hope
they move quickly on this, because as we older veterans of other wars
know----this often drags on while veterans suffer!
Did you know? Of the 16.3 million Americans who are estimated to have served
in WWII, more than 400,000 were killed in action. Today, only 167,284 American
veterans who returned home are still alive.
An average of 180 veterans of the conflict dies each
day in the United States.
PA ranks third in numbers of WWII veterans still
alive with about 9, 675. California is first and Florida is second! New York is
fourth.
I am hoping that Kirk Fernitz and I will be able to
conduct a session on “What If” (at Coatesville VA) helping veterans plan for
after they die, by organizing records, etc. to help their spouse/significant
other/family deal with the pain of their loss and navigating through the myriad
of information to make the veteran’s death a little less traumatic for
survivors!
For veterans using VA Coatesville:
Coatesville VA
Medical Center Update on Masking:
Case numbers and
percentage of COVID cases continue to decline in counties of Chester, Delaware
and Montgomery. Effective April 18,
Veterans will be given the option to wear masks in all outpatient areas with
the exception of Urgent Care where masks remain mandatory. The outpatient
areas where masks are optional include building 1, 2, 3, 4, & 69. Face
Masks are required in the nursing home/Community Living Center. Key
Notes:
• In all areas
designated Masking Optional, Veterans and staff are welcome to wear masks
• Masks will
remain available in all areas
• If requested
by Veteran, employees must put on a facemask
• These changes are
only effective when in MEDIUM or LOW Health Protection Levels
• HIGH
Protection Level requires universal masking
Respectfully, Kirk
/s/ Kirk Fernitz, Director,
Community & Congressional Affairs, VA Medical Center, Coatesville
(610) 380 4348
Any veterans using
other VA Hospitals/Centers check to see what their requirements are!
As always, I hope the information I share with you
helps in some way and that you share this info with other veterans, friends,
and families.
Until May, 2023, have a great month and stay safe!
James
Ulinski
Budget
Cut Proposals Would Hurt Veterans
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5874
New
members appointed to VA’s Advisory Committee on Women Veterans
https://news.va.gov/118596/new-members-advisory-committee-women-veterans/
Ken
Potts, one of last 2 USS Arizona survivors, dies at 102
https://apnews.com/article/uss-arizona-survivor-dies-ken-potts-0e7356f931c397c8e94f7cc80d44d4c6
The
VA would face major budget cuts under the GOP’s debt ceiling plan: The VA would
take a hit under a Republican proposal to raise the debt ceiling.
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/veterans-affairs-budget-cuts-debt-ceiling/
Medal
of Honor recipient’s remains identified 73 years after he was killed in the
Korean War
Cpl.
Luther H. Story’s body was identified more than 70 years after he was killed in
action.
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-korean-war-luther-story-medal-of-honor/
DMVA
Digest: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs, April 26, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230420G/7nvjd6zb8pro.vib?a0=14110
State
Brigadier General visits veterans court, speaks on resources
https://www.sungazette.com/news/top-news/2023/04/state-brigadier-general-visits-veterans-court-speaks-on-resources/
Four
Unclaimed Veterans To Be Laid To Rest At Washington Crossing: The wife of a
veteran will also be remembered during the April Unattended Ceremony in Upper
Makefield.
https://patch.com/pennsylvania/newtown-pa/four-unclaimed-veterans-be-laid-rest-washington-crossing
$1.25M
Gift To Villanova's Veterans And Military Service Office: Brian F. Prince,
president and CEO of Hegemon Capital, Inc., gave the gift to support the
university's service to veterans.
https://patch.com/pennsylvania/radnor/1-25-million-gift-villanovas-veterans-military-service-office
Burnout:
The toll of work helping the homeless. VA
addressing burnout among social worker staff
https://news.va.gov/118135/burnout-the-toll-of-work-helping-the-homeless/
Processing
the Pain after Military Sexual Trauma
https://www.maketheconnection.net/read-stories/processing-the-pain-after-military-sexual-trauma/
Veterans
Health Administration’s Strategy to Promote Aging in Place for Veterans
https://rtiorg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rhc40prGTs61M3emlxwJfw#/registration
Toxic
Exposure and The Future of VA Healthcare | War Horse Symposium – Apr 27, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wbjvYZuIi4
Veterans
sound alarm on McCarthy budget cuts
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/3976425-veterans-sound-alarm-on-mccarthy-budget-cuts/
Comprehensive
Healthcare Inspection of the VA Long Beach Healthcare System in California
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5269
Ada,
Oklahoma Podiatrist Agrees To Pay $7,000,000.00 To Resolve False Claims Act
Allegations
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edok/pr/ada-oklahoma-podiatrist-agrees-pay-700000000-resolve-false-claims-act-allegations
Veterans
Affairs Medical Center Employee Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Offenses
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/veterans-affairs-medical-center-employee-pleads-guilty-child-pornography-offenses
Former
Physician to Pay More than $1.1 Million to Resolve Allegations He Performed
Medically Unnecessary Procedures
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwa/pr/former-physician-pay-more-11-million-resolve-allegations-he-performed-medically
Full
Committee Markup on Pending Legislation – Apr 28, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrjqpJEmtkU
VA
gets new benefits chief after two years of waiting
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/04/26/va-gets-new-benefits-chief-after-two-years-of-waiting/
Bootloaders
get Veterans to the top of the slopes: The hardest working team in snow
business
https://news.va.gov/118725/bootloaders-get-veterans-to-top-of-the-slopes/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Air Force Veteran Rick DeMorgan
https://news.va.gov/118719/veteranoftheday-air-force-rick-demorgan/
April
is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month
https://news.va.gov/119045/april-limb-loss-limb-difference-awareness-month/
Same
mission, new I-DEA: VA supports inclusion, diversity, equity, and access: Diverse
Veterans deserve diverse caregivers
https://news.va.gov/118609/same-mission-va-supports-inclusion-diversity/
Veteran’s
benefits take center stage in partisan budget showdown
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/04/27/veterans-benefits-take-center-stage-in-partisan-budget-showdown/
VA,
Dems decry spending cuts in Republican debt ceiling bill as House narrowly
approves the controversial legislation
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-04-26/veterans-debt-ceiling-spending-cuts-9930863.html
US
Vietnam War Commemoration hosting May ‘welcome home’ event in DC
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2023/04/25/us-vietnam-war-commemoration-hosting-may-welcome-home-event-in-dc/
Don’t
miss these upcoming Caregiver and Family Resource Fairs: Caregiver and Family
Resource Fairs at every VA facility
https://news.va.gov/118557/dont-miss-these-upcoming-caregiver-and-family-resource-fairs/
Live
Whole Health #168: Sleep is an essential for our bodies
https://news.va.gov/118841/live-whole-health-168-sleep-essential-bodies/
Increasing
Veteran access to colon cancer screenings: Mailed test kits increase colon
cancer screening access
https://news.va.gov/118729/increasing-access-to-colon-cancer-screenings/
#Veteranoftheday
Air Force Veteran Keigan Baker
https://news.va.gov/118396/veteranoftheday-air-force-veteran-keigan-baker/
Somatic:
Innovative approach to healing Veterans with trauma: Orlando VA’s somatic
treatment program
https://news.va.gov/118658/somatic-approach-healing-veterans-with-trauma/
Your
guide to better cyber hygiene
https://news.va.gov/118804/your-guide-to-better-cyber-hygiene/
Vietnam:
A 50 Year Retrospective – Apr 29. 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBSPGWsseaw&t=19s
Newsmax host
completely LOSES IT when veteran criticizes Trump LIVE on air – Apr 30, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhcnOv1uT2s
End-of-life
planning with VA
https://news.va.gov/118845/end-of-life-planning-with-va/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Army Veteran George Marshall
https://news.va.gov/118216/veteranoftheday-army-veteran-george-marshall/
Robotic
leg helps Veteran ‘feel’ amputated foot: Innovative research may allow amputee
Veterans to control prosthetic with brain
https://news.va.gov/118316/robotic-leg-helps-veteran-feel-amputated-foot/
Talk
data to me: Know your privacy rights and keep your personal info safe
https://news.va.gov/118810/keep-your-personal-data-safe/
Rising
veteran disability claims could burn out VA staff
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/04/28/rising-veteran-disability-claims-could-burn-out-va-staff/
VA
Marijuana Research Bill, Other Vets Measures 'May All Be Dead' After Failed
Senate Vote, Chairman Says
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/04/28/va-marijuana-research-bill-other-vets-measures-may-all-be-dead-after-failed-senate-vote-chairman.html
Another
Outage Hits Troubled Records System at VA, DoD Health Facilities
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/04/28/another-outage-hits-troubled-records-system-va-dod-health-facilities.html
2023
VA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP) Virtual Summit
on May 17th & May 18th
https://www.va.gov/CFBNP/calendarCFBNP.asp
Delaware
Valley Veterans Consortium
https://dvvc.org/what-we-do/
George
Washington Memorial Statue Foundry Pour, Washington Crossing National Cemetery. The unveiling of the George Washington
Memorial Statue will take place Saturday May 20, 2023 at 11:00am at the
Washington Crossing National Cemetery. All are welcome. Please consider making
a donation to this project since no Government Funds will be used for this
project, Here is the secure link to make safe donation and be a part of
history.
https://guardiansofthenationalcemetery.org/2023/03/08/george-washington-memorial-statue-foundry-pour-washington-crossing-national-cemetery/
Center
for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP) Resources & Webinar
Recordings
https://www.va.gov/CFBNP/resourcesandwebinarrecordings.asp
Failure
of Leaders to Respond to Reports of Sexual Harassment at the VA Black Hills Health
Care System in Fort Meade and Hot Springs, South Dakota
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5271
Issues
Related to an Administrative Investigation Board at the VA Black Hills Health
Care System in Fort Meade and Hot Springs, South Dakota
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5273
PTSD
VA Ratings: What You Need to Know
https://www.military.com/benefits/ptsd-va-rating.html?ESRC=navy_230502.nl
STRONG
Veterans Act of 2022: Expanding VA mental health services
https://news.va.gov/118864/the-strong-veterans-act/
#VeteranOfTheDay
Marine Veteran Stephen Kupryk
https://news.va.gov/118912/veteranoftheday-marine-stephen-kupryk/
Veterans’
lives improved with mental health support
https://news.va.gov/118574/veterans-lives-improved-mental-health-support/
How
VA Women’s heaRT training helped me navigate VA health care
https://news.va.gov/118982/womens-heart-training-helped-me-navigate-care/
#Live
Whole Health #169: Relax, refresh, recharge
https://news.va.gov/119117/live-whole-health-169-relax-refresh-recharge/
House Republican
Threatens to Cut VA Budget over Agency's Warnings About Budget Cuts
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/05/02/house-republican-threatens-cut-va-budget-over-agencys-warnings-about-budget-cuts.html
Biden
ends COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal employees, contractors
https://www.federaltimes.com/breaking-news/2023/05/01/biden-ends-covid-19-vaccine-mandate-for-federal-employees-contractors/
Mental
Health Emergency Response Documentation Inaccuracy, and Policy and Practice
Inconsistencies at the VA San Diego Healthcare System in California
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5272
Supervisor Charged With Aggravated Sexual Abuse Of Subordinate
At Palo Alto VA Hospital
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/supervisor-charged-aggravated-sexual-abuse-subordinate-palo-alto-va-hospital
Citrus County Man Arrested For Receiving Stolen Benefit Payments
From The Department Of Veterans Affairs
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/citrus-county-man-arrested-receiving-stolen-benefit-payments-department-veterans
Vietnam Veterans honored at Texas event: South Texas VA
celebrated Patient Experience Week for Del Rio Veterans
https://news.va.gov/118935/vietnam-veterans-honored-at-texas-event/
#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Serbennia Davis
https://news.va.gov/118957/veteranoftheday-army-serbennia-davis/
MVP: Hawaii Veteran finds a way to make a difference: Veteran
George Smith helps VA better understand, prevent and treat diseases
https://news.va.gov/118735/mvp-veteran-finds-a-way-to-make-a-difference/
Celebrate Public Service Recognition Week, May 7-13
https://news.va.gov/119008/celebrate-public-service-recognition-week/
How women Veterans can learn about VA health care services
https://news.va.gov/119159/women-veterans-learn-about-va-health-care/
Find our recruiters—and a VA career—at these upcoming events: Learn
about the ways you can get your start at VA
https://news.va.gov/118936/find-recruiters-va-career-upcoming-events/
DMVA Digest: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs, May 3, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230427D/48ao1rhqeniv.vib?a0=14390
Pa. Senate confirms another of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Cabinet
nominees
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2023/04/pa-senate-confirms-another-of-gov-josh-shapiros-cabinet-nominees.html
Shapiro Administration Breaks Ground on New Hollidaysburg
Veterans’ Home Long-Term Care Building
The new $97 million, 200-bed facility will replace 70-year-old
buildings and provide state-of-the-art care to Pennsylvania veterans
https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/shapiro-administration-breaks-ground-on-new-hollidaysburg-veterans-home-long-term-care-building/
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Field Hearing – May 4, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5lQlBiHHzU
WELCOME HOME! ~ A Nation
Honors our Vietnam Veterans and their Families ~ May 11-13, 2023
The National Mall, Washington, D.C., JFK Hockey Fields, West
Potomac Park
https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/welcomehome/?mc_cid=a998f0af3b&mc_eid=5fbd657cc7
Veterans Health Administration (VA) vs. Non-VA Healthcare
Quality: A Systematic Review. Studies show VA health care is better than or
equal to non-VA health care
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-023-08207-2?mc_cid=a998f0af3b&mc_eid=5fbd657cc7
Majority of VA Whistleblowers Report Retaliation After Calling
Out Agency Wrongdoing
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/05/04/majority-of-va-whistleblowers-report-retaliation-after-calling-out-agency-wrongdoing.html?mc_cid=a998f0af3b&mc_eid=5fbd657cc7
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Central Texas
Veterans Health Care System in Temple
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5276
Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Oversight Hearing – May
9, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Buvqd39RPW0
DMVA Digest A publication of
the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs May 10, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230504A/7fk66l7hb3k9.vib?a0=14168
Deficient Care of a Patient Who Died by Suicide and Facility
Leaders’ Response at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5277
Golden Rule peace boat arrives in Philly: Sailing
to challenge nuclear arms
https://www.inquirer.com/photo/golden-rule-peace-boat-nuclear-test-ban-20230510.html
Welcome to Survivors Benefits for Veterans Survivors
https://veteranfacilitator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/E-Book-Survivors-Benefits-1.pdf
Find a VA location or in-network community care provider. For
same-day care for minor illnesses or injuries, select Urgent care for facility
type.
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?address=19149&bounds%5B%5D%5B%5D=-75.814448&bounds%5B%5D%5B%5D=39.282566&bounds%5B%5D%5B%5D=-74.314448&bounds%5B%5D%5B%5D=40.782566&context=Philadelphia%2C%20Pennsylvania%2019149%2C%20United%20States&facilityType=health&latitude=40.032566&longitude=-75.064448&page=1&radius=10&serviceType&bounds%5B%5D=-75.814448&bounds%5B%5D=39.282566&bounds%5B%5D=-74.314448&bounds%5B%5D=40.782566
Fraud Indicators Toolkit and Crime Alerts
https://www.va.gov/oig/fraud/default.asp
#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Katherine Gregory
https://news.va.gov/119137/veteranoftheday-navy-katherine-gregory/
VA services for pregnant Veterans: Services for Veterans through
pregnancy, delivery, postpartum
https://news.va.gov/118867/va-services-for-pregnant-veterans/
How could genes affect your mental health? Learn about research findings related to
PTSD, anxiety and more
https://news.va.gov/119183/how-could-genes-affect-your-mental-health/
#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Jonathan Sorrenti
https://news.va.gov/119145/veteranoftheday-army-jonathan-sorrenti/
Suicide prevention: How to bring up the tough questions: Having
a meaningful conversation about suicide with Veterans
https://news.va.gov/119084/suicide-prevention-bring-up-tough-questions/
Accessing Veterans’ records from the National Archives or
National Personnel Records Center: Everything you need to know about accessing
Veterans’ records from the National Archives or NPRC
https://news.va.gov/119456/accessing-records-national-archives-center/
Live Whole Health #170: Chair yoga for the heart
https://news.va.gov/119507/live-whole-health-170-chair-yoga-for-the-heart/
VHA Can Improve Controls Over Its Use of Supplemental Funds
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5275
Texas Mall Shooter Booted from Army After 3 Months, Service Says
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/05/08/texas-mall-shooter-booted-army-after-3-months-service-says.html?ESRC=eb_230509.nl
Judge Sentences Former Sailor Inspired by Hitler and US
Terrorists for Storming the Capitol
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/05/08/judge-sentences-former-sailor-inspired-hitler-and-us-terrorists-storming-capitol.html?ESRC=eb_230509.nl
‘Be the One’ has, and is, saving lives
https://www.legion.org/commander/258952/%E2%80%98be-one%E2%80%99-has-and-saving-lives
#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Justin Ramirez
https://news.va.gov/119151/veteranoftheday-marine-justin-ramirez/
VA helps homeless Army Veteran find a home: “I had to just put
myself out there, ask questions and reach out.”
https://news.va.gov/118984/va-helps-homeless-army-veteran-find-a-home/
The VFW worked tirelessly to champion the PACT Act and secure
this life-changing legislation FOR VETERANS! Now, we’re ready to make sure
every veteran receives the care and benefits they’ve been promised by our
country. VFW Accredited Service Officers are ready and waiting to help you
avoid PACT Act scams and file your VA claim today absolutely free of charge.
https://pactactinfo.org/
The NRD (National Resource Directory) is a database of validated
resources that supports recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration for service
members, veterans, family members, and caregivers.
https://nrd.gov/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning
home for burial with full military honors is: Army Cpl. George T. Grimes, 19,
of Quinlan, Texas, was a member of A Company, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry
Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He went missing in action on July 20, 1950,
and the Army issued a presumptive finding of death on December 31, 1953. He
will be buried in Jacksonville, Florida, on a date yet to be determined. Read about
Grimes.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3129926/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-grimes-g/
The Little Girl of Hanoi (1975 Vietnam war movie) [Eng sub]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ-JhHnqUF4
Helping Veterans Navigate the Homefront
https://www.populist.com/29.09.Conway.html
One Scientist Has Spent 30 Years Trying to Understand and Treat
Gulf War Illness
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/05/12/one-scientist-has-spent-30-years-trying-understand-and-treat-gulf-war-illness.html
What the end of the Public Health Emergency means for VA: How
the end of the Public Health Emergency impacts VA care and services
https://news.va.gov/119668/what-end-public-health-emergency-means-va/
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
Oversight Hearing – May 16, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVzHMvo5a5c
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
Oversight Hearing: Reviewing VA’s Implementation of the PACT Act
https://veterans.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=6173
Subcommittees on Health and Oversight and Investigations Joint
Oversight Hearing – May 17, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x520-BVHFlU
A Vietnam Seabee's Vow: Part 3 - Vietnam to Post 68 – May 19,
2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb7bvLWqUys&t=306s
What Would a Debt Default Mean for Servicemembers, Retirees, and
Veterans?
https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2023-news-articles/advocacy/what-would-a-debt-default-mean-for-servicemembers,-retirees,-and-veterans/
Vietnam Veterans Honored at Emotional ‘Welcome Home’ Event in
Washington
https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2023-news-articles/recommended-reads/vietnam-veterans-honored-at-emotional-welcome-home-event-in-washington/
Return to Hanoi: 50 Years of Freedom – May 11, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je2RYOdgSmk&t=714s
VA Renegotiates EHR Contract to Increase Oracle Cerner
Accountability: VA officials said the modified Oracle Cerner EHR contract aims
to minimize recurrent system outages and address end-user problems more
quickly.
https://ehrintelligence.com/news/va-renegotiates-10b-ehr-contract-to-increase-oracle-cerner-accountability
VA renews Oracle Cerner EHR modernization contract, with
renegotiated terms: The modified deal now includes much bigger monetary credits
to VA if the company doesn’t meet key performance accountability metrics, and
resets the partnership to five one-year terms.
https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/va-renews-oracle-cerner-ehr-modernization-contract-renegotiated-terms
Review of the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget and 2025 Advance
Appropriations Requests for the Department of Veterans Affair
https://news.va.gov/press-room/review-of-the-fiscal-year-2024-budget-and-2025-advance-appropriations-requests-for-the-department-of-veterans-affairs/
Review of the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget and 2025 Advance
Appropriations Requests for the Department of Veterans Affairs. May 17, 2023
https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2023/5/review-of-the-fiscal-year-2024-budget-and-2025-advance-appropriations-requests-for-the-department-of-veterans-affairs
DMVA Digest: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs, May 17, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230511E/2maaiffe5eqj.vib?a0=14266
Veterans Temporary Assistance
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Benefits/Pages/VeteransTemporaryAssistance.aspx
Suicide prevention: How to bring up the tough questions: Having
a meaningful conversation about suicide with Veterans
https://news.va.gov/119084/suicide-prevention-bring-up-tough-questions/
May is Mental Health Month
https://www.maketheconnection.net/mental-health-month/
We Honor Them Together: National Veterans Memorial and Museum
hosts Memorial Day weekend events
https://news.va.gov/119553/national-veterans-memorial-museum-hosts-events/
#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Charity Earley
https://news.va.gov/119591/veteranoftheday-army-charity-earley/
Support for Veterans with kidney disease: VA currently cares for
600,000 Veterans with kidney disease
https://news.va.gov/119226/support-for-veterans-with-kidney-disease/
Securely accessing your VA account online: Veterans have several
no-cost options to choose from when logging in or creating an online account
for VA.gov
https://news.va.gov/119761/securely-accessing-your-va-account-online/
Women Veterans: In-person training tour near you: Join other
women Veterans to learn about VA Women's Health
https://news.va.gov/119792/women-veterans-in-person-training-tour-near-you/
Borne the Battle #283: How 800-MYVA411 simplifies VA access
https://news.va.gov/119912/borne-the-battle-283-myva411-simplifies-access/
Find opportunities for advancement with a career as a VA nurse: Explore
the opportunities
https://news.va.gov/119719/find-opportunities-career-va-nurse/
VFP Be The Change Book Club.
Multimedia Resources Recommended by Book Club Members
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BgZM7cZUIW_KyMvPpbR5eBupBHR5c49PDrtvx0rZNUE/edit#heading=h.uxm7djg7r5y
VA announces goal to house 38,000+ Veterans experiencing
homelessness in 2023
https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-announces-goal-to-house-38000-veterans-experiencing-homelessness-in-2023/
Medal of Honor recipient missing 73 years to be buried Memorial
Day
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/medal-of-honor-recipient-missing-73-years-to-be-buried-memorial-day/ar-AA1bqdpR?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=62b61b7ba8cf4e51a0fda23213e239f8&ei=7
VA adds 300,000 Veterans and service members from 27 military
cemeteries to Veterans Legacy Memorial
https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-adds-300000-veterans-and-service-members-from-27-military-cemeteries-to-veterans-legacy-memorial/
Make a Difference This Memorial Day: Help Identify Unknown
Sailors from the USS Arizona
https://blog.fold3.com/make-a-difference-this-memorial-day-help-identify-unknown-sailors-from-the-uss-arizona/
The Transition Assistance Program: Steps to Ensure Success for
Servicemembers as they Enter Civilian Life
https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-legislative-service/congressional-testimony/2023/5/the-transition-assistance-program-steps-to-ensure-success-for-servicemembers
For those who gave all, WE REMEMBER. On Memorial Day, the red poppy is a symbol of
remembrance for those who died defending our freedom. Behind each poppy is also the story of a life
that was lived.
Parents and children. Spouses and partners. Siblings and
friends. United in service and sacrifice
for something greater.
https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/memorial-day?vurl=VURL_poppyinmemory&from=poppyinmemory.com&akredirect=true
The Defense
POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full
military honors is: Army Cpl. Joe A.
Vinyard, 23, of
Loudon County, Tennessee, was assigned to Company A, 774th Tank Battalion,
as a crewmember on an M4 Sherman tank. He went missing in December 1944 after
his unit was engaged in battle with German forces. The War Department issued a presumptive finding of death in
April 1946. He will be buried in Maryville,
Tennessee, on a date yet to be determined. Read about Vinyard
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3164114/tanker-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-vinyard-j/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that
returning home for burial with full military honors is: Army Air
Forces Staff Sgt. Robert C. Elliott, 24, of Plains, Kansas, was
assigned to the 343rd Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group,
9th Air Force. On Aug. 1, 1943, the aircraft on which Elliot worked as an
assistant engineer was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed during
Operation Tidal Wave. He will be buried in his hometown on Aug. 1, 2023. Read about Elliott.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3399156/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-elliott-r/
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial
with full military honors is: Army Pfc. Willard H. Brinks, 24, of Grand
Rapids, Michigan, was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 126th Infantry
Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division. Brinks was reported as killed in action on
Nov. 22, 1942. He will be buried in his hometown on May 19, 2023. Read about
Brinks.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3115218/soldier-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-brinks-w/
Email from James Ulinski received on May
21, 2023 at 2:37 PM:
May 2023 Veteran News
As
I send the May’s Veteran News, I hope this reaches you and your families in
good health.
I
am requesting all of you receiving this news email (in PA), PLEASE call
Senator Joe Pittman’s office in Harrisburg, 717-787-3110 and ask him/leave a
message with your name about S.R. 83, asap. As I have mentioned previously,
S.R. 83 is simply a resolution, not a bill (needs only approval by Senate or
House (whomever wrote it). Pathetically, this did not pass twice before.
The
resolution is for Military Sexual Trauma Survivor Awareness to be given a week
in October this year. I would bet my house that of the 17 veterans committing
suicide each day (that’s 6,205 of our brothers and sisters) at least some of
them suffered from MST---and it is not getting better, as recent statistics
show. PLEASE take the time to call, the veterans you may help,
could be your children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren!
News
for DAV members—National Adjutant and CEO, Marc Burgess, is retiring on June 1,
2023. He will be replaced by Barry Jesinoski.
We
are hoping to present my “What If?” presentation at a DAV Chapter 25 meeting in
August and hopefully open it to spouses and others. Kirk Fernitz and I hope to
also do one at the VA Coatesville in September.
Thank
you goes out again to Kirk Fernitz at VA Coatesville, who is always willing to share info for
our veterans. The info below on Optometry and S.A.V.E. are his
contributions. My side note-----we only have one set of eyes and we
need to take care of them the best way we can.
Optometry
Clinic
Don’t
put yourself at risk of an avoidable sight loss because you failed to have regular
sight tests. Our Optometry Clinic has three Optometrists assigned to
diagnose and treat visual problems, manage eye diseases, injuries/emergencies,
and other disorders of the eyes. Our clinic is well equipped to treat glaucoma,
neurological eye diseases, corneal diseases, and corneal abrasions.
What
are some of the age specific eye issues Veterans should be screened for?
•
Ages 18-44: the need for prescription glasses, Veterans deployed to desert
environments who have been exposed to intense glare/ultraviolet light may
experience Photophobia, Dry Eye issues, and even early onset of Cataracts
•
Ages 45-59: Development of Cataracts, Floaters, Glaucoma, and potential need
for Bifocals
•
Ages 61-79: Cataracts, and Retina disease screening
•
Ages 80+: Macular Degeneration, Double Vision
Cataracts:
are associated with cloudy/blurry vision. Cataracts develop as we mature and
depending on the severity, surgery may be recommended.
Dry
Eyes: inflamed eye glands, which gets worse with age. Coatesville VAMC is the only
VA medical center nationwide to have the “Intense Post Light or IPL” equipment
to treat this condition. The IPL quells the inflammation and boosts the oil
production of the glands to mitigate Dry Eye.
Floaters:
are typical for the aging eye and although they can be irritating, they are
usually not a problem. Nevertheless, floaters can be related to a Retinal
detachment and should be checked. A Retinal detachment can lead to blindness.
Glaucoma:
a silent and more common eye disease, which leads to blindness if untreated.
Coatesville VAMC has a Glaucoma Clinic and the ability to provide full
treatment for this disease.
Photophobia:
a symptom caused by intense sunlight and can generate intense migraines and/or
nausea.
Red
Eyes: are viral infections or eye allergies. Treatment usually consists of
taking an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications.
Surgeries
are not performed at the Coatesville VAMC. Surgeries for Cataracts, Glaucoma
and/or Retinal detachment are referred to either Lebanon, Philadelphia or
Wilmington VAMC’s. Veterans who are screened for low vision are referred to the
Low Vision Center at the Lebanon to Philadelphia, for low vision optical treat.
Prescription
Glasses: Glasses are free (allowed one pair a year). Veterans can pick from a
variety of designer plastic or metal frames. We also provide transitional
lenses, progressive level (all tints), and straight-line bifocals.
Clinic
Availability:
Enrolled
Veterans can schedule an appointment with the optometry clinic directly, no
referral needed.
To
schedule call an appointment call 610-384-7711, ext. 5966 or the Call Center at
610-383-0239
•
Coatesville VAMC: Mon-Fri, one Saturday a month is available (call for the
Saturday schedule)
•
Delaware County Clinic: Wednesdays
•
West Norriton: Mondays
Free
S.A.V.E. (Signs, Ask, Validate, Encourage) Training:
S.A.V.E.
is a skills training provided by VA suicide prevention coordinators to veterans
and those who serve veterans. It provides information and steps that anyone can
take when a Veteran may be at risk for suicide. We all play an important role
in suicide prevention and it is important to have the tools needed to save a
life. S.A.V.E. provides simple steps that anyone can take when talking with Veterans
at risk for suicide.
To
schedule training contact Suicide Prevention Coordinators: Melissa McElwaine,
LCSW 610-384-7711, extension 5759 or Karen Chang, LCSW at extension 5074
Free
Naloxone for Eligible Patients Without a Prescription
See
if you are eligible to receive a naloxone kit today!
Coatesville
VA pharmacists are now able to dispense naloxone nasal spray from the
outpatient pharmacy without a prescription from your provider.
What
is Naloxone? Naloxone is a life-saving medication to temporarily reverse an
opioid overdose.
Even
prescribed opioid medications can slow or even stop breathing, causing an
overdose.
Who
is eligible (list not all-inclusive)?
•
Veterans with an active or previous opioid pain medication
•
Veterans with medications that slow down nervous system
•
Veterans with a previous overdose event
•
Veterans at high risk of overdose
Tala
LaManna, the Strategic Planner and Outreach Coordinator for VA Coatesville sent
me the following information. Thank you, Tala. There will be a
PACT Act and VA Health Care Enrollment Event on Tuesday, May, 23 from 5-7 p.m.
at the West Norriton VA Clinic, 2495 General Armistead Ave., Norristown, PA
19403.
You
can meet with representatives from the Veterans Benefits Administration, the
Montgomery County Director of Veterans Affairs office and the VA Coatesville VA
Medical Center staff to learn more about the PACT Act and enroll for your VA
health care benefits.
To
enroll, please bring a copy of your DD214 and 2022 total household income and
out of pocket medical expenses. Applications for VA health care can be found
at www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez/
Veterans
who enroll for their VA health care benefits at the event will receive a free
ticket to a Reading Fightin Phils Tuesday game of your choice (6/6, 6/13, 8/15,
8/29, or 9/5.
Our
VVA Chapter 349, had a song performed by author Don Yost at
our most recent meeting. Don was an infantryman and Combat Correspondent in the
area around Mai Lai from 1968-1969. The song was “Kids from Judge and
Edison and Dougherty High School” He is the Chairman of “Operation History
Book” an ongoing project in which Vietnam Veterans meet with college and high
school students to discuss the “Vietnam Experience.”
You
can find his song on You Tube: Kids From Judge and Edison and Dougherty High
School. A really touching song about the high schools that suffered the highest
number of casualties in the Vietnam War.
I
love the fact he is teaching our young women and men about Vietnam, so
“hopefully history never repeats itself.”
Wishing
all of you and your families a healthy and prosperous rest of May.
They were kids from Judge and Edison and Dougherty High School,
by Dr Jim Yost
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHlc-MQpzcg
Full Committee Oversight Hearing House Committee On Veterans'
Affairs May 23, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgJhYvTadeI
Former Department of Veterans Affairs Procurement Supervisor
Guilty of Pocketing Kickbacks
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/former-department-veterans-affairs-procurement-supervisor-guilty-pocketing-kickbacks
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Northern Arizona VA
Health Care System in Prescott
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5284
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the VA Loma Linda
Healthcare System in California
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5283
DMVA Digest: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs, May 24, 2023
https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230518E/6fdjtoezv5fs.vib?a0=14996
Department Of Military And Veterans Affairs Reminds
Pennsylvanians They Can Pay Tribute To The Fallen By Donating To The
Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial Trust Fund
https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Military-and-Veteran-Affairs-Details.aspx?newsid=628
Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Oversight Hearing, House
Committee On Veterans' Affairs, May 24, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHYGwYdSHdQ
How service-connected disabilities are calculated using va math
| when 30+20+10 don't equal 60%
396 views Jun 14, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDnnWA_tA54
About VA Form 20-10206. Form
name:Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA) Request
https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-20-10206/
VA burial benefits and memorial items
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/#:~:text=VA%20burial%20benefits%20can%20help,the%20service%20of%20a%20Veteran
The Journey Home Preview - 2 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f80kqS22fqg
DAV Magazine, May/June 2023
http://digital.dav.org/publication/?i=790209&_gl=1*17j3aqd*_ga*MTgzMzk3NDk4MC4xNjg0MzQ3OTA2*_ga_1NLNFTWZTF*MTY4NTI4MTAwNS4zLjAuMTY4NTI4MTAwNS42MC4wLjA.
Army Veteran Meta Monteleon passes away at 108: World War
II Army nurse lived through 2 pandemics
https://news.va.gov/119596/army-veteran-meta-monteleon-passes-away-at-108/
#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Raymond Marx, May 20, 2023
https://news.va.gov/117310/veteranoftheday-navy-raymond-marx/
New program developed to address mental health needs of military
caregivers: Virtual program to pilot mental health services for caregivers
https://news.va.gov/120066/program-to-address-mental-needs-of-caregivers/
You’re eating too fast! Slow down! Your mother was right … chew your food!
https://news.va.gov/119816/youre-eating-too-fast-slow-down/
#VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Cole Condiff
https://news.va.gov/119608/veteranoftheday-air-force-cole-condiff/
Hoax alert: tale of homeless vets booted because of immigrants
false
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/05/19/hoax-alert-tale-of-homeless-vets-booted-because-of-immigrants-false/
Vietnam-era Medal of Honor recipient receives Special Forces
honor
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2023/05/19/vietnam-era-medal-of-honor-recipient-receives-special-forces-honor/
VA’s Public Health Model for Suicide Prevention
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/docs/Public_health_model_for_suicide_prevention.pdf
VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/docs/Office-of-Mental-Health-and-Suicide-Prevention-National-Strategy-for-Preventing-Veterans-Suicide.pdf
Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive plan to reduce
military and Veteran suicide
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Military-and-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Strategy.pdf
At VA, women’s health care is a top priority: Important work VA
is doing to reduce health disparities among women Veterans
https://news.va.gov/119740/at-va-womens-health-care-is-a-top-priority/
#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Dale Throneberry
https://news.va.gov/119615/veteranoftheday-army-dale-throneberry/
Jesse Brown VA in Chicago holds Veterans Information Week: Event
provided Veterans with resources and information about the PACT Act
https://news.va.gov/119731/jesse-brown-va-holds-veterans-information-week/
Employee wellness provides around-the-clock whole health
services: “Important we take care of ourselves in order to take care of
Veterans.”
https://news.va.gov/119526/wellness-provides-whole-health-services/
10 Military Movies to Watch on Memorial Day Weekend 2023
https://www.military.com/off-duty/movies/2022/05/23/10-military-movies-watch-memorial-day-weekend.html?ESRC=mr_230522.nl
How to apply for VA health care
https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/
Volunteer drivers needed for Veteran patients: Getting Veterans
without transportation to their appointments
https://news.va.gov/119342/volunteer-drivers-needed-for-veteran-patients/
Support for Veterans with kidney disease: VA currently cares for
600,000 Veterans with kidney disease
https://news.va.gov/119226/support-for-veterans-with-kidney-disease/
Memorial Day Events Around the Country
https://vva.org/memorial-day-2023/
PBS’ NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT
https://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/
SHARE YOUR MEMORIES ON OUR WALL OF REMEMBRANCE
https://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/remembrances/wall-of-remembrance/
Memorial Day at The Wall, Monday, May 29, 2023 @ 1:00 PM
https://www.vvmf.org/
Memorial Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery
https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit
This Memorial Day Weekend, we will conduct a massive motorcycle
demonstration ride, starting in the Pentagon’s parking lot, through Washington,
D.C., to raise awareness of the mental health crisis stealing thousands of
veterans’ lives a year and demand full accounting for America’s Missing in
Action and Prisoners of War.
https://www.rollingtoremember.com/
The National Memorial Day Parade presented by Boeing returns
LIVE to Constitution Avenue this Memorial Day, May 29, at 2:00 PM!
https://www.americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/parade/
wear blue’s mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of the
American military through active remembrance.
Our vision is a healthy, ready, and resilient military family. We
enhance and exemplify community, wellness, respect, grit, and excellence in everything
we do.
https://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/
Taps Across America: Honor. Reflect. Remember
https://www.tapsacrossamerica.org/
On Memorial Day, the red poppy is a symbol of remembrance for
those who died defending our freedom. Behind
each poppy is also the story of a life that was lived. Parents and children. Spouses and partners.
Siblings and friends. United in service
and sacrifice for something greater.
https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/memorial-day?akredirect=true
The future of medicine is in your genes
https://www.mvp.va.gov/pwa/
VVA 2023 NATIONAL CONVENTION OVERVIEW
https://conference.vva.org/
VFW Checkpoint – May 2023
https://webimages.vfw.org/VFWCheckpoint_PDF/2023_05_22_May_2023_Checkpoint.pdf
Uphold military principles by taking care of yourself: Millions
of Veterans have reached out for support. There’s no shame in asking for help.
https://news.va.gov/119784/military-principles-by-taking-care-of-yourself/
#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Corps Veteran Benjamin Palmer
https://news.va.gov/120080/veteranoftheday-marine-corps-benjamin-palmer/
Connecticut VA advances care with My VA Images: Web app lets
Veterans send photos and videos to their VA provider
https://news.va.gov/119847/connecticut-va-advances-care-with-my-va-images/
Veterans needing business start-up help can turn to Warrior
Rising: Organization offers free online course for Veteran entrepreneurs
https://news.va.gov/120022/veterans-business-start-up-help-warrior-rising-2/
How VA served Veterans during the pandemic
https://news.va.gov/120232/how-va-served-veterans-during-the-pandemic/
NCA expands Veterans Legacy Memorial for Memorial Day weekend
https://news.va.gov/119828/nca-expands-veterans-legacy-memorial/
More than 200 free Memorial Day observances and events across
the country
https://news.va.gov/120170/more-than-200-free-memorial-day-observances-and-events-across-the-country/
National Memorial Day Concert to honor Gold Star Families,
Vietnam War POWs
https://news.va.gov/120111/national-memorial-day-concert-honor/
Live Whole Health #172: Posture, breath and mind
https://news.va.gov/120182/live-whole-health-172-posture-breath-and-mind/
VA Inspector General HVAC Testimony May 23, 2023 – May 28, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfmBSiRsfuA
Statement of Inspector General Michael J. Missal - Hearing on
"COVID-19 Supplemental Funding: Did it Protect and Improve Veteran
Care?" May 23, 2023
https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/statements.asp
Memories of war: Autryville Army veteran served during three
wars
https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/military/2023/05/23/95-year-old-army-veteran-remembers-world-war-ii-korean-and-vietnam-wars/70101193007/
MEMORIAL DAY WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY
https://navymemorial.swoogo.com/memday-23
Former Department of Veterans Affairs Procurement Supervisor
Guilty of Pocketing Kickbacks
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/former-department-veterans-affairs-procurement-supervisor-guilty-pocketing-kickbacks
Pittsburgh Resident Indicted on Violating Embezzlement and Fraud
Laws
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pittsburgh-resident-indicted-violating-embezzlement-and-fraud-laws
Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America Memorial
Day Message
https://mailchi.mp/jwv/memorial-day-5242023?e=5fbd657cc7
Reducing loneliness may reduce the likelihood of suicide: Loneliness
among the strongest predictors of suicidal behavior
https://news.va.gov/119959/reducing-loneliness-may-reduce-suicide/
#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Gregory Rund
https://news.va.gov/118449/veteranoftheday-marine-gregory-rund/5
From the front lines to nurse at Bay Pines: “Something told me I
wanted to be the guy who helped me.”
https://news.va.gov/119530/from-the-front-lines-to-nurse-at-bay-pines/
For Memorial Day, Submit the Name of a Fallen Hero to
#TheHonorProject
https://news.va.gov/120073/memorial-day-submit-name-fallen-thehonorproject/
Medical technologists can enjoy a rewarding career at VA: Your
skills make you a perfect match for our team
https://news.va.gov/119866/medical-technologists-at-va/
