Message to My Readers 122523

 

Well, it turns out that the May 28, 2023, update was not the last, after all.  Since then, a lot has happened.

 

I had ampullary cancer.  I underwent a 7-hour Whipple surgical procedure, performed by Dr. Sanjay Reddy at Fox Chase Cancer Center.  Seven of the twenty-three lymph nodes that were removed from me were found to have cancer.  The head of the pancreas that was removed from me was found to have cancer.  The cancer cells resembled a signet ring.  The surgery was done on June 23^rd; thus, I am now 6 months post-op.  I have completed 8 of 12 scheduled chemo-therapy treatments, overseen by Medical Oncologist Dr. Efrat Dotan at Fox Chase Cancer Center, which should be completed by mid-February.  The treatments cause some side-effects, which are uncomfortable but tolerable.  None of the quarterly CT scans have shown any cancer in me.  So, I am optimistic about the outcome, at least as optimistic as a person of my age can be.

 

Meanwhile, back to the other business of concern.  It has been about 7 months since my last blog update.  Here is another update of this blog.

 

This time it is 396 pages of links to the news covering the last 7 months.  They appear in the categories listed below, including Veterans; Criminal Justice and Racism and Ageism and other discrimination; Economics and Coronavirus; Economics and Corruption and Healthcare and Education; Ecology and Pollution and Climate Change; Politics and Coronavirus; Politics; Terrorism; Military; and General and Miscellaneous (includes spirituality, music, etc.).   Don’t forget to click on the items in the column on the right to open the pages for those categories.  Then, click on the link to each article for details pertaining to that headline.

 

Regarding the coronavirus pandemic, it seems to have been relegated to the “old news” category.  As a nation, we seem to have put it into the rear-view mirror.  However, new strains are emerging and all are encouraged to get vaccinated.  For more info on Covid-19 in Pennsylvania, see: 

https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx      

 

Most of the coverage of coronavirus can be found in “Economics and Coronavirus” and/or “Politics and Coronavirus” related links in this update.

 

The war of resistance by Ukraine against the Russian invasion about 22 months ago continues.  Ukraine, with financial and material assistance from various other nations, including the U.S., has so far been able to repel many Russian initiatives; however, this is slowing due to the slow-down of U.S. support, being delayed by our own Congress.  Most of the coverage of the Russian war against Ukraine can be found in “Terrorism” related links in this update.  Millions of refugees have resulted from the war.

 

The world is in a great struggle to determine if the dominant form of government will be authoritarianism or democracy.  Even here in the United States, long known as the world’s beacon of democracy, there is a question about whether democracy can survive without another civil war.  It must be noted that democracy is not a spectator sport; rather, one must participate in the democratic process by supporting your preferred candidates and legislative initiatives and voting in every election.     

 

We must continue to resist tyranny, fascism, authoritarianism, racism, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, etc.  The three impurities of life are avarice, anger, and ignorance.  What others need from us is respect, kindness, and love.  The more respect, kindness, and love that we give to others, the more respect, kindness, and love we get in our lives and the better we feel about ourselves.  The 8 billion human beings on planet earth need to cooperate more with each other and compete less with each other.  We all need to learn how to equitably and sustainably share the resources of the earth with each other and with all other species on planet earth.

 

Peace and love to all.  Feedback is welcome.  My contact information is:

Email: ldholman40@gmail.com   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larry.holman.52   

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LarryHolman2

Veterans related links 122523

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.303 - Retired Pay Restoration Act.  01/11/2023 - 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.  02/08/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/303

 

H.R.333 - Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act.  01/12/2023 - 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.  02/08/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/333

 

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.  05/22/2023 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.  05/30/2023 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 10/19/2023 - Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. 10/23/2023 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.

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.522 – Deliver for Veterans Act.  This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay the total shipping price for the delivery of an automobile or other conveyance to certain disabled veterans or members of the Armed Forces. Currently, the VA may pay the lesser of (1) $24,115 (adjusted annually for inflation), or (2) the full purchase price associated with providing an automobile or other conveyance to such individuals (not including delivery costs).  01/25/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  a03/23/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.  11/02/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  11/15/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.  12/05/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/522

 

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. 07/26/2023 - Subcommittee on Health Discharged. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

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.705 - Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act.  02/01/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  07/19/2023 -     Committee Hearings Held.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/705

 

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. 04/19/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.  07/26/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.

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.1182 - Veterans Serving Veterans Act of 2023.  This bill updates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) current recruiting database by requiring the VA to maintain a single searchable database to be known as the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs Recruitment Database.  With respect to vacant positions for critical jobs or mental health professionals, the database must list (1) the military occupational specialty or skill that corresponds to the position, and (2) each qualified member of the Armed Forces who may be recruited to fill the position before such qualified member has been discharged and released from active duty. Qualified members of the Armed Forces are those service members who (1) are being separated or recently separated from active duty, (2) elect to be listed in the database, and (3) have been determined by the VA to have a military occupational specialty.  The database must list the following for each qualified member of the Armed Forces: name, contact information, expected discharge date, and military occupational specialty.  The VA must implement direct hiring and appointment procedures for vacant database positions and may authorize relocation bonuses.  The bill also requires the VA to train and certify veterans who served as basic health care technicians in the Armed Forces to work as VA intermediate care technicians.02/24/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1182

 

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.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.  06/21/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held  AND Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.  07/18/2023 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Armed Services. Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged.  Placed on the Union Calendar. 

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.1369 - Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1369

 

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.1432 - VETT Act.  03/07/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.  1/30/2023 -Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 0.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1432

 

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.  04/28/2023 - Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

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.1639 - VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2023.  03/17/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  04/11/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1639

 

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.  05/24/2023 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 409 – 9.  05/30/2023 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1669

 

H.R.1753 - To ensure that certain members of the Armed Forces who served in female cultural support teams receive proper credit for such service.  03/23/2023 - 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.  04/14/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. 11/29/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.  12/05/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1753

 

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.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.  07/26/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1767

 

H.R.1774 - VA Emergency Transportation Act.  03/24/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  04/14/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. 06/21/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  07/18/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1774

 

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.  06/21/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  07/18/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1815

 

H.R.2023 - To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Education, Innovation and Improvement for fiscal year 2024.  H.R.2023 - To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Education, Innovation and Improvement for fiscal year 2024.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2023

 

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.2441 - Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2023.  03/30/2023 - 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. 04/14/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health BY Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2441

 

H.R.2537 - BAH Restoration Act.  This bill increases the monthly amount of the basic housing allowance for members of the uniformed services inside the United States. Specifically, the monthly amount of allowance for a member must be the amount of the monthly cost of adequate housing in the area, as determined by the Department of Defense, for members of the uniformed services serving in the same pay grade and same dependency status as the member.  04/06/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2537

 

H.R.2683 - VA Flood Preparedness Act.  This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make contributions to local authorities to mitigate the risk of flooding on local property adjacent to VA medical facilities.  04/18/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  04/28/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2683

 

H.R.2768 - PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act.  04/20/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  04/28/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2768

 

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.2818 - Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act.  This bill increases the maximum amount authorized under the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant program to $10,000 for veterans with a service-connected disability and $5,000 for those with disabilities that are not service-connected. The HISA grant program provides medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to veterans' (or service members') primary residence for specified purposes (e.g., allowing for entrance to their home).  The bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase the dollar amount of the grant in accordance with inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index.  04/25/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  05/05/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. 06/21/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  07/18/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2818

 

H.R.2929 - Fleet Reserve Association 100th Anniversary Act.  04/27/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2929

 

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

 

H.R.3489 - Restore Veterans’ Compensation Act of 2023.  05/18/2023 - 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. 06/12/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3489

 

H.R.3520 - Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023.  05/18/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  06/09/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3520

 

H.R. 3581 - Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act.  05/22/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  06/19/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. 06/21/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  07/18/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.  07/26/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3581

 

H.R.3718 - Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act of 2023.  05/25/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 06/12/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3718

 

H.R.3722 - Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act.  This bill requires the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to jointly carry out a five-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing certain services and a module comprised of specified elements as part of the pre-separation transition process for members of the Armed Forces for the purpose of reducing the incidence of suicide among veterans.  05/25/2023 - 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.  07/17/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.  11/02/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

11/15/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.  12/05/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3722

 

H.R.3738 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. 05/25/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 07/10/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 11/02/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held. 11/15/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.  12/05/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3738

 

H.R.3746 - Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.  This act increases the federal debt limit, establishes new discretionary spending limits, rescinds unobligated funds, expands work requirements for federal programs, and modifies other requirements related to the federal budget process. 

05/29/2023 - Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on the Budget, Appropriations, Veterans' Affairs, Rules, Transportation and Infrastructure, the Judiciary, Education and the Workforce, Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Natural Resources, Small Business, and Homeland Security, 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.

05/30/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, and the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.  05/31/2023 – Passed in the House by recorded vote: 314 - 117.  Received in the Senate.  06/01/2023 - Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate.  Passed Senate, under the order of 6/1/2023, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 63 - 36.  06/03/2023 - Signed by President.  Became Public Law No: 118-5.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3746

 

H.R.3790 - Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2023 - 06/01/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 07/12/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. 11/29/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.  12/05/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote. 

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3790

 

H.R.3848 - Housing our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2023.  06/06/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  06/13/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 06/14/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  07/19/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  07/26/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3848

 

H.R.3874 - Veterans Education Assistance Improvement Act.  06/06/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  06/13/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.  06/14/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  07/19/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.  07/26/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3874

 

H.R.3888 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes.   06/07/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  07/19/2023 - Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.  

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3888

 

H.R.3933 - TAP Promotion Act.  H.R. 3933 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to review and approve presentations by veterans service organizations (e.g., American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans) that promote VA benefits and include information on how such organizations can assist veterans in filing claims for benefits. The bill also would require VA to submit annual reports to the Congress regarding those presentations.  06/07/2023 - 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.  06/13/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.  06/14/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  07/19/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.  07/26/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3933

 

H.R.3943 - Servicemember Employment Protection Act of 2023.  06/09/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  06/13/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.  06/14/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  07/19/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.  07/26/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3943

 

H.R.3981 - Veterans Education Oversight Expansion Act.  06/09/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 06/13/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. 06/14/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held. 07/19/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote. 07/26/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3981

 

H.R.4016 - Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act.  06/12/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  07/17/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. 11/29/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.  12/05/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4016

 

H.R.4150 - Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act.  06/15/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  07/10/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4150

 

H.R.4157 - Not Just a Number Act.  To require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take a more comprehensive look at the factors that best prevent veteran suicide.  06/15/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 07/25/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4157

 

H.R.4190 - Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act.  06/15/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 07/25/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. 11/29/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.  12/05/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4190

 

H.R.4249 - VET PFAS Act.  06/21/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 08/08/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4249

 

H.R.4278 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify personnel action procedures with respect to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  06/22/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  07/10/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.  07/12/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  07/19/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  07/26/2023                - HVAC Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  07/26/2023 - Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 14 - 11.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4278

 

H.R.4306 - Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act.  06/22/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 08/11/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4306

 

H.R.4366 - Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024.  06/27/2023 - The House Committee on Appropriations reported an original measure. 07/27/2023 - On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 219 – 211.  09/05/2023 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.  10/25/2023 - S.Amdt.1354 Amendment SA 1354 proposed by Senator Kennedy to Amendment SA 1092. (consideration: CR S5168-5169) To prohibit the availability of funds for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report certain information to the Department of Justice for use by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. 10/25/2023 - S.Amdt.1354 Amendment SA 1354 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 45.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4366

S.Amdt.1354 to S.Amdt.1092 – Amends H.R.4366

https://www.congress.gov/amendment/118th-congress/senate-amendment/1354/text

 

H.R.4461 - To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make certain improvements relating to the transmission of disability benefits questionnaire data to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  07/03/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  07/10/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.  07/12/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  07/19/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.  07/26/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4461

 

H.R. 4562 - Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act.  The number of this bill in the 117th Congress was H.R. 7050. 07/11/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 07/19/2023 - Committee Hearings Held.

https://stefanik.house.gov/2023/7/stefanik-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-enhance-veterans-access-to-va-benefits

 

H.R.4566 - Providing Radiation Exposed Servicemembers Undisputed Medical Eligibility Act.  07/11/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  11/08/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4566

 

H.R.4569 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2023.  07/12/2023 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs, and 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/4569

 

H.R.4627 - Afghan Adjustment Act.  07/13/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4627

 

H.R.5559 - Protecting Veterans Claim Options Act.  09/19/2023    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  09/28/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5559

 

H.R.5641 - Pay Our Troops Act.  09/21/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations. 09/28/2023 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5641

 

H.R.5785 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the requirements of the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.  09/28/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  10/16/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.  11/02/202 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  11/15/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.  12/05/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5785

 

H.R.5870 - Veteran Appeals Transparency Act of 2023.  10/02/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 10/16/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5870

 

H.R.5890 - Review Every Veterans Claim Act of 2023.  10/25/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 11/06/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. 11/29/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote. 12/05/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5890

 

H.R.5891 - Veteran Appeals Decision Clarity Act.  10/25/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5891

 

H.R.5914 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the processes to approve programs of education for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 10/25/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  11/01/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.  11/02/2023 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.  11/15/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.  12/05/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5914

 

H.R.5938 - Veterans Exam Expansion Act of 2023.  10/25/2023 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 11/09/2023 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.  11/29/2023 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.  12/05/2023 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.  Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5938

 

 

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. 06/14/2023 - Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Tester without amendment.  07/13/2023 - Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration). 07/18/2023 - Received in the House. 09/19/2023 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 422 – 0.  10/04/2023 - Presented to President. 10/06/2023 - Signed by President and Became Public Law No: 118-18.

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.135 - Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2023.  01/30/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/135

 

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. 03/23/2023 - Reported by Senator Tester without amendment. Without written report. 03/23/2023 - Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.  04/20/2023 - Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate.  4/26/2023 - Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 57 – 42.  04/26/2023 - Motion by Senator Schumer to reconsider the vote by which cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 326 was not invoked (Record Vote No. 97) entered in Senate.

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. 04/26/2023 - Hearings held.

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.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.740 - GUARD VA Benefits Act of 2023.  03/09/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  04/26/2023 - Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/740

 

S.777 - Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023.  03/14/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  03/30/2023 - Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.  03/30/2023 - Received in the House.  05/22/2023 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.  06/14/2023 – Signed by the President and became Public Law No: 118-6

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/777

 

S.928 - Not Just a Number Act.  To require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take a more comprehensive look at the factors that best prevent veteran suicide. 03/22/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  07/12/2023 - Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/928

 

S.1028 - Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2023.  03/29/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1028

 

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.1315 - Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023.  04/26/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 07/12/2023 - Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.  [Note: this bill is opposed by VFP.]

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1315

 

S.1360 - Child Care for Working Families Act. This bill provides funds and otherwise revises certain child care and early learning programs for low- to moderate-income families.  Specifically, the bill provides funds for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program and reestablishes it as a child care and development assistance program. The bill also allocates program funds for states to provide services and supports to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities.  Further, the bill revises the program to require each state to create a tiered and transparent system for measuring the quality of child care providers, which must include evidence-based standards and payment rates that are based on a certain cost estimation model; ensure that copayments are based on a sliding scale and that no family receiving assistance pays more than 7% of its household income on child care; and use quality child care amounts for certain activities, such as increasing the supply of child care providers.  The bill also provides funds and establishes grants for states to create preschool programs for low- to moderate-income children between the ages of three and five years.  The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must make grants to Head Start agencies to provide children with access to full-school-year and full-school-day services, provide access to additional service hours for migrant and seasonal agencies, or enhance the quality of existing services.  Finally, the bill requires, and provides funds for, HHS to assist Head Start agencies with ensuring their teachers and staff are paid a living wage.  04/22/2021 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1360

 

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.1469 - Stop Stolen Valor for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contractors.  05/04/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1469

 

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

 

S.1635 - Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act of 2023.  05/17/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1635

 

S.1954 - Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act.  06/13/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  07/12/2023 - Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1954

 

S.1975 - Discharge Review Board Accountability Act of 2023.  06/14/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1975

 

S.2294 - A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to furnish hospital care and medical services to veterans and dependents who were stationed at military installations at which those veterans and dependents were exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid or other perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, to provide for a presumption of service connection for certain veterans who were stationed at military installations at which those veterans were exposed to such substances, and for other purposes.  07/13/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2294

 

S.2327 - Afghan Adjustment Act.  07/13/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2327

 

S.2649 - Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act of 2023.  07/27/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  [VFP wants this bill to be strengthened.]

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2649

 

S.2795 - A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and modify certain authorities and requirements relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  09/13/2023  - Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote.  09/18/2023 - Received in the House.  09/26/2023 - On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.  10/04/2023 - Presented to President.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2795

 

S.2835 - Pay Our Military Act of 2023.  09/18/2023 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2835

 

IAVA Supported Legislation

https://iava.org/iava-supported-legislation/

 

 

 

 

BEWARE OF PACT ACT SCAMS. GET HELP FROM THE VFW>>

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/

 

GI Bill® Comparison Tool: Learn about and compare your GI Bill benefits at approved schools, employers, and VET TEC providers.

https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/

 

Review of the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget and 2025 Advance Appropriations Requests for the Department of Veterans Affairs

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

Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Oversight Hearing.  The Transition Assistance Program: Steps to Ensure Success for Servicemembers as they Enter Civilian Life.

https://veterans.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=6175

 

Memorial Day with Senator Bernie Sanders May 29, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bR2KEkvH1o&t=10s

 

House Passes 3 Key Veterans’ Bills in Advance of Memorial Day

https://veterans.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6185

 

Memorial Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony 2023

https://www.navymemorial.org/virtual-wreath-laying-ceremonies/2023/5/29/memorial-day-wreath-laying-ceremony-2023

 

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the VA San Diego Healthcare System in California

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5288

 

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/

 

VA program focuses on mental health needs of caregivers: Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 05/30/2023 05:30 PM EDT

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHA/bulletins/35d3dfe

 

The Marine Corps legend who tried to stop the Vietnam War: "Militarism in America is in full bloom and promises a future of vigorous self-pollination."

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/medal-of-honor-hero-david-shoup-vietnam/

 

As part of the PACT Act, VA has expanded health care eligibility for certain veterans who were discharged after Sept. 11, 2001, and before Oct. 1, 2013. A one-year open enrollment period began on Oct. 1, 2022, and will end on Sept. 30, 2023.

https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/

 

The inTransition program is a free, confidential program that offers specialized coaching and assistance for active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans and retirees who need access to mental health care

https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Centers-of-Excellence/Psychological-Health-Center-of-Excellence/inTransition#:~:text=The%20inTransition%20program%20is%20a,Returning%20from%20deployment

 

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 Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is--Army Pvt. Robert R. Gruwell, 20, of Los Angeles, California, was assigned to Company G, 3rd Battalion, 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team. On Aug. 15, 1944, he went missing during Operation Dragoon, and was later declared killed in action on May 15, 1945. He will be buried in Riverside, California, on June 8, 2023. Read about Gruwell.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3162889/soldier-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-gruwell-r/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Pfc. Billy A. DeBord, 18, of Miamisburg, Ohio, was a member of F Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Eighth U.S. Army. He was reported missing in action on July 25, 1950. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 31, 1953. He will be buried in his hometown on Nov. 11, 2023. Read about DeBord.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3411126/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-debord-b/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Pfc. Leonard E. Adams, 25, of Dana, Indiana, was assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. He was killed on Jan. 20, 1945, near Reipertswiller, France, and was later declared non-recoverable on May 4, 1951. He will be buried in Radcliff, Kentucky, on a date yet to be determined. Read about Adams.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3409805/soldier-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-adams-l/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. James M. Howie, 24, of Chester, Illinois, was assigned to the 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. On Aug. 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator on which he was radio operator was hit by enemy antiaircraft fire and crashed during Operation Tidal Wave. He will be buried in his hometown on June 3, 2023. Read about Howie.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3163000/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-howie-j/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Marine Corps Cpl. Raymond J. Tuhey, 24, of Chicago, Illinois, was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. He died during battle on Nov. 23, 1943. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on June 5, 2023. Read about Tuhey.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/2165685/marine-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-tuhey-r/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Naval Reserve Ensign Stanley W. Allen, 25, of Brunswick, Maine, 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. He was among the 429 crewmen killed that day. He will be buried in Augusta, Maine, on July 18, 2023. Read about Allen.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3352024/uss-oklahoma-sailor-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-allen-s/

 

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, of Seaside, California, was assigned to the Navy Torpedo Squadron 20, USS Enterprise. On Sept. 10, 1944, he was a crew member on board a TBM-1C Avenger bomber that was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He will be buried in his hometown on Sept. 11, 2023. Read about Mitts. 

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3327175/sailor-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-mitts-w/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. James Litherland, 25, of South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was assigned to the 359th Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group. On Feb. 28, 1944, the B-17F Flying Fortress he was copiloting was struck by anti-aircraft fire. Litherland was declared non-recoverable on Dec. 26, 1950. He will be buried in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on a date yet to be determined. Read about Litherland.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3402624/pilot-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-litherland-j/

 

2012 UNITED STATES PEACE INDEX

https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/United-States-Peace-Index-Report-2012.pdf

 

George H. Senderling Jr. - obituary

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/george-senderling-obituary?id=52148335

 

Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs & Technology Modernization Joint Oversight Hearing – June 6, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYBYG0WkuXw

 

HCVA Subcommittee on Health Oversight Hearing – June 13, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_4uJNP9yho

 

Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Legislative Hearing – June 14, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNsXdFDEVBY

 

Nationwide patient survey shows VA hospitals outperform non-VA hospitals

https://news.va.gov/press-room/nationwide-patient-survey-shows-va-hospitals-outperform-non-va-hospitals/

 

Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Oversight Hearing – June 20, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzP07CQHByY

 

Subcommittee on Health Legislative Hearing – June 21, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW-6mxRGvPs

 

118th Congress Member Day Hearing – June 22, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF5hFzGeolQ

 

Department of Veterans Affairs Jobs

https://www.careerboutique.com/lpm?kw=DVA&creative=522742903590&matchtype=&network=d&mobile=&placement=&aceid=&pos=&utm_source=discovery

 

VA Secretary press conference, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0WIZHyp9BY

 

South Carolina Woman Sentenced for Tax Fraud and VA Benefits Theft

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/myrtle-beach-woman-sentenced-federal-prison-tax-fraud-and-theft-veterans-affairs

 

CEO of Education Company Sentenced for Causing Nearly $105M in Losses to Department of Veterans Affairs

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ceo-education-company-sentenced-causing-nearly-105m-losses-department-veterans-affairs

 

Winchester Man and Former Medical Device Sales Rep Arrested for Defrauding Boston Hospital and Lying to Federal Authorities

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/winchester-man-and-former-medical-device-sales-rep-arrested-defrauding-boston-hospital

 

National Enforcement Action Results in 78 Individuals Charged for $2.5B in Health Care Fraud

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/national-enforcement-action-results-78-individuals-charged-25b-health-care-fraud

 

For Immediate Release: Alleged Financial Exploitation of 84-Year-Old Veteran Leads to Charging of Social Service Agency Worker

https://miamisao.com/for-immediate-release-alleged-financial-exploitation-of-84-year-old-veteran-leads-to-charging-of-social-service-agency-worker/

 

Richard J. Micucci – obituary.  ( June 07, 1946 - July 04, 2023 )

https://www.burnsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/print?o_id=8595129

 

As Veteran Disability Claims Soar, Unaccredited Coaches Profit Off Frustration with VA System

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/07/05/veteran-disability-claims-soar-unaccredited-coaches-profit-off-frustration-va-system.html

 

Veteran who says George Santos stole money from his sick dog gets a new pup

https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-07-04/veteran-george-santos-dog-10637594.html

 

VA to cover Leqembi for veterans with early Alzheimer’s

https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/va-leqembi-alzheimers-cover-eisai-biogen/644938/

 

Self-Help Guide to Service-Connected Disability Compensation For Exposure To Agent Orange for Veterans and Their Families

https://vva.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AgentOrangeGuide2023_2.pdf

 

American POWs in Vietnam

https://americanhistory.si.edu/price-of-freedom/vietnam/american-pows-vietnam

 

Veterans Initiative in Vietnam May 15- June 5, 2023

https://vva.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/VI-in-Vietnam-23-Brochure-2.pdf

 

2023 VVA NATIONAL CONVENTION

(Washington, D.C) – Vietnam Veterans of America will hold its 21st biennial National Convention August 812, 2023, at the Rosen Centre Hotel, located at 9840 International Drive.  “We’re excited to be in Orlando for what promises to be one of our most important Conventions ever, as we work to ensure the legacy of our organization,” said VVA National President Jack McManus. More than 700 delegates from VVA chapters across the nation are expected to join hundreds of other Vietnam War veterans and guests in Orlando, along with members of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, which will be holding its National Convention in conjunction with the VVA event.  The delegates will set the organization’s course for the next two years, hear from an array of speakers, attend information sessions, and take part in special events. That includes the Awards Banquet, which honors Vietnam veterans and others in the arts and sciences, on Saturday evening, August 12. Homer Hickam, a U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division Vietnam War veteran and best-selling author who is best known for his acclaimed memoir Rocket Boys, will deliver the Keynote Speech at the August 9 Opening Ceremonies. On Thursday, August 10, prior to the morning Convention session, singer-songwriter John Flynn will perform his song, “Deeper Family,” which he sang at on Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29 at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Harvey Pratt, the renowned artist and sculptor best known for creating the National Native American Veterans Memorial at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., will receive the VVA Excellence in the Arts award at the Awards Banquet. Jan Scruggs, who conceived of the idea that became the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and founded and led the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, will receive the VVA Lifetime Achievement Award at the banquet; and Laurel Lea SchaeferBozoukoff, Miss America 1972, will be honored with the President’s Award for Supporting the Troops in Vietnam.

https://vva.org/events/2023-vva-national-convention/

 

VVA Announces Appointment of Managing Director A. Phillip Waite   (Washington, D.C) – “Vietnam Veterans of America is very pleased to announce that Col. A. Phillip Waite, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), has joined our team as the new Managing Director of VVA,” said Jack McManus, VVA National President. As Managing Director, Col. Waite will be responsible for managing day-to-day oversight of VVA directors and staff. “We are fortunate to have Phil's past leadership and military experiences, which allow him a unique perspective and sensitivity for the VVA spirit and for carrying our values forward to future generations,” McManus commented.  In his previous positions with The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration (VWC), Col. Waite led the development and implementation of dynamic strategies ensuring its success. He also led all analytics efforts related to the 27 thousand events hosted by VWC’s 13 thousand partner organizations. These in-depth analyses revealed that 3.7 million Vietnam veterans and their families were thanked and honored during these watermark events.   Col. Waite began his career directing choirs at high schools and universities. Throughout his distinguished 25year Air Force career, he conceived and conducted 1,240 productions before U.S. presidents and 217 million global viewers, and shaped law and policy governing Department of Defense outreach to Americans. He directed the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, and commanded and conducted Air Force bands in Japan, Illinois, Nebraska, and The U.S. Air Force Band in Washington, D.C. His concert highlights include featured appearances at the White House before multiple presidents of the United States; a re-creation of the Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Orchestra in 21 cities and Carnegie Hall; and a July 4th extravaganza on Boston’s Esplanade before 500,000. 

https://vva.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PressReleaseNo23-4.pdf

 

US Now Aiding Vietnam in Finding the Country's Missing in Action from Past Conflict Between the Two

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/07/07/overcoming-our-legacies-of-war-us-now-aiding-vietnam-finding-countrys-missing-action.html

 

Families seek answers 50 years after fire destroyed veterans’ records

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/07/11/families-seek-answers-50-years-after-fire-destroyed-veterans-records/

 

Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Legislative Hearing - House Committee On Veterans' Affairs – July 12. 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F4QoTiVJEg

 

VA plans new cancer research center with Stanford medical experts

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/06/30/va-plans-new-cancer-research-center-with-stanford-medical-experts/

 

The National Personnel Records Center Fire: A Study in Disaster

https://vva.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The_1973_NPRC_Fire-A_Study_in_Disaster.pdf

 

Agent Orange - Pancreatic Cancer Research Study

http://www.agentorange-pancreaticcancer.org/

 

The evidence of record shows that chronic lipomas are related to his military service.

https://www.va.gov/vetapp08/files2/0817385.txt

 

Entitlement to service connection for cancer of the ampulla of Vater, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure.

https://www.va.gov/vetapp11/files4/1135092.txt

 

Full Committee Legislative Hearing - House Committee On Veterans' Affairs – July 18, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6EjCfhC1dg

 

Subcommittee on Health Markup - House Committee On Veterans' Affairs – July 18, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyAq0piahk0

 

Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Markup – House Committee on Veterans Affairs - July 19, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4I1LUkbR2g

 

Subcommittees on Oversight and Investigations and Technology Modernization Joint Oversight Hearing – House Committee on Veterans Affairs – July 20, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3WWZG8jk6o

 

HIGHLY SENSITIVE TEST CAN DETECT DIOXIN YEARS AFTER EXPOSURE

https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/14/science/highly-sensitive-test-can-detect-dioxin-years-after-exposure.html

 

Tester Leads Committee Vote to Advance VA’s #2 Official: Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee sends nominee Tanya Bradsher to full Senate for consideration

https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2023/7/tester-leads-committee-vote-to-advance-va-s-2-official

 

TESTER STATEMENT ON CONFIRMATION OF TANYA BRADSHER TO BE VA DEPUTY SECRETARY.  BRADSHER IS THE FIRST WOMAN CONFIRMED TO SERVE AS VA’S #2 OFFICIAL

https://www.tester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tester-statement-on-confirmation-of-tanya-bradsher-to-be-va-deputy-secretary/

 

Executive Order on Advancing Economic Security for Military and Veteran Spouses, Military Caregivers, and Survivors

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/06/09/executive-order-on-advancing-economic-security-for-military-and-veteran-spouses-military-caregivers-and-survivors/

 

Adipose Tissue as a Site of Toxin Accumulation – 89 pages

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6101675/

 

Toxicology Lab Equipment

https://www.onepointesolutions.com/blog/toxicology-lab-equipment/

 

Different types of Immunoassays: Immunoassays are tests that detect the presence of a specific molecule in a sample using antibody-antigen binding reactions.

https://www.sepmag.eu/blog/different-types-of-immunoassays

 

Senate passes bill helping kids of veterans affected by Agent Orange

https://www.wcax.com/2023/07/20/senate-passes-bill-helping-kids-veterans-affected-by-agent-orange/

 

Email from James Ulinski ( ulinski705@gmail.com ) on Sunday, July 23, 2023

July 2023 Veteran News

“I hope this email reaches you and your families in good health and enjoying the summer weather!

On June 14, 2023, our president signed into law S. 777, the Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act of 2023. “This bill authorizes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for veterans receiving VA disability compensation, clothing allowance, and survivors receiving dependency indemnity compensation (DIC) payments.” “Later this year, the Social security Administration (SSA) will announce the exact percentage of increase.”

I attended the signing of a partnership between Penn Medicine and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at Coatesville VA. “It was the first formal signing in the nation, and it will ensure continued excellent veteran healthcare in Chester County.” Ceremonies took place at VA Philadelphia and VA Coatesville. “This ensures comprehensive medical services for veterans will remain in Chester County.” This signing was the first in the country to be signed through the federal PACT Act!

While at this signing, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with VA Deputy Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Operations, Alfred A. Montoya Jr. and Commissioner Marian Moskowitz (Chester County). I spoke to Asst. Under Secretary, Montoya about the need to do something/more to help the spouses/significant other/family when our military members come home from deployments (especially multiple). I stated that there is often no transition time between deployments to realistically allow the family to unite and spouses/significant others/family have no idea what to expect from PTSD/MST affected service women and men returning home. I did only one tour (denied a 6-month extension in Nam because of my security clearance) and saw the impact on my family. Cannot imagine doing 4-6 tours. Any wonder we have high veteran suicide rates, abuse, divorce, drug use, etc.??

When speaking to Commissioner Moskowitz, I mentioned efforts to have an MST (Military Sexual Trauma) Awareness Week in October and how efforts to do this failed twice in the past. I also explained how S.R. 83 is not moving forward at this point and we needed to seriously chastise most of our Senate members involved in this, no cost resolution. She suggested we talk, because she wanted to do something with this effort to address MST in Chester County. As of this email, I will be meeting with Director Veterans Affairs, Susan Price, referred to me by Commissioner Moskowitz sometime in the next week or so about MST. Kudos to Commissioner Moskowitz and Susan Price for taking a sincere interest in this problem for our military women and men and our veterans. Unlike many of our state senators (there are some who fight and care, ostensibly, most don’t) who are so wrapped up in political gamesmanship, they forgot what they were elected for.

As of this email, S.R. 83 has not gone anywhere. It sickens me to see a largely apathetic Senate let this resolution (S.R. 83) sit and perhaps die---while more and more of our military women and men are subjected to sexual harassment/sexual trauma/violence and veterans leaving the service are gravely affected! I sadly believe that at least some of the 17 veteran suicides each day by veterans, are MST related!

My first Bah Humbug goes to Senator Pittman and his office. When I talked with Senator Joe Pittman’s office legislative person about S.R. 83, she responded with “there are lots of resolutions each year, and this is just one of them.” I responded by stating—how many can help save lives?” I told her that reported MST is just the tip of the iceberg, I am sure there are many, many more that go unreported because of fear of reprisal from staff/officers above them!  I ended by saying that more public awareness could very possibly help MST victims and by doing so, safe lives! My conversation and despite numerous emails/calls from many, many of my friends and family---nothing happening! WHY is S.R. 83 in the Rules Committee??

I am angered by the fact many senators (true in the House as well), could care less about anyone other than their voting “constituents”. This despite the fact that what they often do or don’t do affects many, or all of us in Pennsylvania!!

I plan to go to Harrisburg on September 20^th with at least a couple of my friends (volunteers??) to hand out 1 single sheet (double sided) highlighting how ineffective many of our senators are and the wreckage they create playing party games. while also addressing S.R. 83. I have submitted my request to the Capitol. Hopefully, I will be able to get a news reporter to also be there. Any help here??

[LDH note: Pennsylvania Senate Resolution 83.  Bill Title: Designating the week of October 15 through 21, 2023, as "Military Sexual Trauma Survivor Week" in Pennsylvania.

https://legiscan.com/PA/text/SR83/2023 ]

From the DAV Magazine, July/August 2023 issue---P5, Legislative Spotlight---There was “Legislation in the House (H.R. 1003) and Senate (S. 326) pushing the VA to investigate marijuana’s effect on chronic pain, PTSD and more.”

However, “it did not get the required 60 votes to begin debate on the chamber floor, despite being voted on unanimously out of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee early this year.” Republicans and Democrats in our state of Pennsylvania and those who “serve us” in Washington are too often engaged in “party wars” to even resolve simplistic tasks!

This is where I remind all of you to stay aware of legislation in our/your state and what happens in Washington. You can actually witness these “circus acts” on television.

I want to give an acknowledgement to the Lancaster Vets Breakfast Club. They do a great job of having short presentations for veterans and spouses, along with a great breakfast! Their next Breakfast Meeting is August 19 at Bird-In-Hand-Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord, 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-In-Hand, PA 17505. For more info and to make a reservation to attend, lancybclub@gmail.com. YES, my wife and I attended one of the meetings and breakfast and it was great! Kudos to Bird-In-Hand-Restaurant & Smorgasbord as well!

Please remember your veteran friends and their spouse/significant other/family. I’ve been saddened, especially in recent years, to lose veteran friends, or to see them suffer from serious disease/illness. Also, to see several spouses of my friends who have died or are undergoing major health issues. During COVID, I made it a point to call many of my veteran friends, but let this lapse to a great extent. I am now trying to “touch base” again with some of them to let them know I care. A simple phone call can work wonders!

If you notify the VA of your intent to file BEFORE August 10^th, 2023, you may be eligible for retroactive payments to August 10^th, 2022---yup—1 year of back $$$. August 10, 2022 is when the PACT Act became law!

[If you file your PACT Act claim or submit your intent to file by Aug. 9, 2023, you may receive benefits retroactive back to Aug. 10, 2022 – the date President Biden signed the bill into law. Veterans are of course able to submit their claims at any time, but to have benefits retroactive back to the date of signing, you must submit it by August 9. – FRA NewsBytes, August 4, 2023]

On September 23rd, 2023 from 10am-2pm, Senator Muth will be hosting the 4th Annual Veterans Expo at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. She would like to extend an invitation for you and your organization to participate as one of the Expo vendors. “The Veteran’s Expo is our way of providing resources through state agencies, local organizations, and businesses for veterans and their families.”

If participating in the expo interests your organization, please use this link for additional details on how to register: Senator Muth’s 2023 Veterans Expo.

We hope you can join our community in honoring those who have risked their lives to serve our country. 

Kudos to Senator Muth and her staff for her tireless efforts on behalf of veterans and their families. Shout out to Nikki Whitlock for her valuable insights!

P.23 of the same DAV magazine is entitled “Remembering the Draft”. “Currently, our all-volunteer military fulfills our country’s missions.” However, the burden of service is tremendous on those called to multiple combat tours.” Yup----goes back to my beliefs on some of the causes for PTSD, MST, suicide, drug use, divorces, abuse, etc. FYI----"Selective Service registrations make the agency ready to hold a draft if the president and Congress deem it necessary.”

In my VVA “Veteran Magazine” July/August 2023; p.36 and continued on p. 36 is a great article on the ROK (Republic of Korea) units who fought alongside many of us in Vietnam (1964-1973). I am proud to say that my VVA Chapter 349 and my very good friend John Paulding (was in a different chapter in Delaware at the time) helped get a resolution to help get ROK’s who have lived in our country for many years, the VA health care they deserve. John presented the resolution at the VVA National Conference! A third bill. H.R. 366 passed the House on May 22 and is now before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Hopefully, our friends will get the health care they deserve for fighting alongside us in that war!

I continue to address the issue of “good old boys” and “good old gals” They exist in many, many organizations and are destructive to them and the women and men in those organizations. Had a story shared with me by a younger veteran who stated he joined a veteran organization and within a very short time, he was made to feel like he did not belong. He left. How many veterans do we lose because of people in leadership positions who either can’t or won’t properly lead? So many people are stuck with their heads in mud!!

As always, enjoy your summer and stay safe, send suggestions, feedback, and comments to me. Please pass this info on to friends. There is strength in numbers and in knowledge, so if you know of someone who might benefit from these emails, please ask them to send me their name and email address. Thank you!’

 

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day – July 27, 2023

https://nationaltoday.com/national-korean-war-veterans-armistice-day/

 

Full Committee Markup on Pending Legislation - House Committee On Veterans' Affairs – July 26, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUZNSuHfi4

 

Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Oversight Hearing - House Committee On Veterans' Affairs – July 27, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd9msPPB0fA

 

Full Committee on Veterans Affairs Legislative Hearing on: “H.R. 705, Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act; and, Discussion Draft: Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act.”

https://veterans.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=6230

 

VFW Calls on SECDEF to Recognize Operation Atlantic Resolve Service with Medal: National Commander says new designation deserves proper recognition for the troops

https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/7/vfw-calls-on-secdef-to-recognize-operation-atlantic-resolve-service-with-medal

 

124th VFW National Convention

https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/124th-vfw-national-convention

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. James M. Triplett, 36, of Spokane, Washington, was assigned to the 700th Bombardment Squadron, 445th Bombardment Group, 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force. He went missing in action on Sept. 27, 1944. The War Department issued a finding of death on Sept. 28, 1945. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on Oct. 31, 2023. Read about Triplett.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3205218/airman-accounted-for-from-wwii-triplett-j/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Howard L. Dickson, 30, of Dayton, Ohio, was assigned to the 328th Bombardment Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. He went missing in action on Aug. 1, 1943. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on a date yet to be determined. Read about Dickson.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3145391/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-dickson-h/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Navy Seaman 1st Class James R. Ward, 20, of Springfield, 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 Dec. 7, 1941. He was among 429 crewmen killed that day. Ward was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on a date yet to be determined. Read about Ward.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/2942178/medal-of-honor-sailor-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-ward-j/

 

VA Claims & Separation Benefits

https://www.vfw.org/assistance/va-claims-separation-benefits

 

Implementing the PACT Act: One Year Later

https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2023/7/implementing-the-pact-act-one-year-later

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Noel E. Shoup, 25, of Dublin, Texas, was assigned to the 359th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group. He went missing in action on Feb. 28, 1944. The War Department issued a finding of death on July 14, 1945. He will be buried in his hometown on Sept. 11, 2023. Read about Shoup.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3466744/pilot-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-shoup-n/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Sgt. 1st Class James L. Wilkinson, 19, of Bowden, Georgia, was a member of G Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Sept. 8, 1950. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 31, 1953. He will be buried on Sept. 16, 2023, in Barrow County, Georgia. Read about Wilkinson.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3471112/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-wilkinson-j/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Sergeant John W. Radanovich, 23, of Mount Olive, Illinois, was assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 1, 1944. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death in December 1945. He will be buried in his hometown on a date yet to be determined. Read about Radanovich.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3467949/soldier-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-radanovich-j/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced returning home for burial with full military honors is: -- Army Air Forces Sgt. Donal C. Aiken, 22, of Everett, Washington, was assigned to the 678th Bombardment Squadron, 444th Bombardment Group, 58th Bombardment Wing, Twentieth Bomber Command. He went missing in action on June 26, 1944, and was declared non-recoverable on Jan. 2, 1948. His status was changed to recoverable in 2018. He will be buried in Madison, Tennessee, on a date yet to be determined. Read about Aiken.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3469683/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-aiken-d/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Cpl. Gordon D. McCarthy, 20, of Palmer, Michigan, was a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on a date yet to be determined. Read about McCarthy.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3471224/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-mccarthy-g/

 

VA funding plan passes House with more controversial provisions

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/07/27/va-funding-plan-passes-house-with-more-controversial-provisions/

 

House Republicans Vote to Block VA from Changing Motto to Include Female Veterans

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/07/27/house-republicans-vote-block-va-changing-motto-include-female-veterans.html

 

Scammers who target veterans could face extra prison time

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/07/26/scammers-who-target-veterans-could-face-extra-prison-time/

 

A flag carried by a WWII Japanese soldier is returning to his family

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2023/07/21/a-flag-carried-by-a-wwii-japanese-soldier-is-returning-to-his-family/

 

#ToxicExposure Chat: Newly Expanded Benefits Eligibility for Veterans Exposed to Toxins

https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/59341/

 

VA Hospitals Rate Higher Than Civilian Facilities in New Federal Survey

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/07/27/va-hospitals-rate-higher-civilian-facilities-new-federal-survey.html

 

The VVA Veteran Online Video Series.  Episode 19 of our “Dispatches” video series, a lively interview by Arts Editor Marc Leepson with Henry Threadgill, the acclaimed jazz composer, saxophonist and flutist who served a tour of duty with the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division in the Vietnam War.

https://www.vvaveteran.org/videos/index.html

 

Top technology-related Veteran questions

https://news.va.gov/121996/top-technology-related-veteran-questions/

 

The VVA Veteran online

https://www.vvaveteran.org/index.html

 

Chicago Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade - Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlOlHExChT8&list=PLE171087A52AC5C9A

 

Honoring National Buffalo Soldiers Day

https://www.army.mil/article/248832/honoring_national_buffalo_soldiers_day

 

VHPI Opposes Passage of the HEALTH Act

https://www.veteranspolicy.org/post/vhpi-opposes-passage-of-the-health-act

 

Worrying New Bills + A New VA Claims Investigation.  On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to consider a series of pending bills — the most critical of which were two that focus on provision of private services through the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). VHPI joined with nine other organizations —VA physicians, dentists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, optometrists, physician assistants and nurse anesthetists, the American Psychological Association and the Military and Veterans Committee of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry – in submitting a statement for the record opposing these proposals. It warns that, if passed, the bills under consideration could quickly lead to the dismantling of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

https://mailchi.mp/cccc68f082c3/worrying-new-bills-a-new-va-claims-investigation?e=147f6347fb&emci=9288778e-ee2a-ee11-b8f0-00224832eb73&emdi=6afdc0b8-662d-ee11-b8f0-00224832eb73&ceid=10512646

 

Gunning for More VA Privatization: Veterans just dodged a GOP bullet to their health system, but now they face bipartisan fire once again.

https://prospect.org/health/2023-07-11-gunning-for-more-va-privatization/?emci=9288778e-ee2a-ee11-b8f0-00224832eb73&emdi=6afdc0b8-662d-ee11-b8f0-00224832eb73&ceid=10512646

 

2 Lawmakers Trying to Expand Access to Outside Doctors for Vets Despite VA Push to Rein in Costs

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/04/27/2-lawmakers-trying-expand-access-outside-doctors-vets-despite-va-push-rein-costs.html

 

The HEALTH Act Jeopardizes the Best Care Anywhere: Analysis of S. 1315 - The Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S4EmkspLu8WEp6tPqF4LrfKjYmxRilcv/view?emci=9288778e-ee2a-ee11-b8f0-00224832eb73&emdi=6afdc0b8-662d-ee11-b8f0-00224832eb73&ceid=10512646&pli=1

 

Lee’s Summit Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing $340,000

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/lees-summit-man-pleads-guilty-stealing-340000

 

Dermatologist Agrees To Pay $6.6 Million To Settle Allegations Of Fraudulent Billing Practices

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtn/pr/dermatologist-agrees-pay-66-million-settle-allegations-fraudulent-billing-practices

 

Veterans Affairs Medical Center Employee Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Child Pornography Offenses

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/veterans-affairs-medical-center-employee-sentenced-eight-years-prison-child-pornography

 

St. Louis County Man Admits Stealing Veterans Administration Disability Benefits

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/st-louis-county-man-admits-stealing-veterans-administration-disability-benefits

 

Two Lawrence Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bedford

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/two-lawrence-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-distribute-fentanyl-veterans-affairs-medical

 

The acclaimed author of ‘The Things They Carried’ tells us what he carried in Vietnam and carries with him still: An M16, letters to a girl, fear, pride, love. He's left some burdens behind in exchange for others.

https://taskandpurpose.com/military-life/tim-obrien-the-things-they-carried-vietnam-war/

 

America Marks 70th Anniversary of End of Korean War

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3418679/america-marks-70th-anniversary-of-end-of-korean-war/

 

A OIG Director Testified on VBA’s Contract Medical Exam Program – July 27, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYoXDS2Iio8

 

Facility Leaders’ Failures in Communications, Construction Oversight, Emergency Preparedness, and Response to an Oxygen Disruption at the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5310

 

Rural WAVE expands Veteran reintegration: Making connections and renewing a sense of purpose

https://news.va.gov/121711/rural-wave-expands-veteran-reintegration/

 

VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Lupe Higareda

https://news.va.gov/122363/veteranoftheday-navy-lupe-higareda/

 

MVP – Lifestyle changes for improved health: Learn about findings related to nutrition, heart disease, stroke and more

https://news.va.gov/121916/mvp-lifestyle-changes-for-improved-health/

 

 

Each Veteran Oversight Now Podcast episode features interviews with key stakeholders, discussions on high-impact reports, and highlights of recent oversight work. Inside Oversight examines in detail some of our more nuanced oversight reporting. To understand the complexities of the topics, we talk with the report authors to gain insight into how the team conducted its work, what it found, and the impact on veterans and the public.

https://www.va.gov/oig/podcasts/default.asp

 

Meet the very good boy who brought smokes to soldiers in the trenches of WWI: A soldier's best friend.

https://taskandpurpose.com/history/military-working-dogs-world-war-i/

 

FISCAL YEAR 2024 MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL

https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/republicans.appropriations.house.gov/files/documents/FY24%20Military%20Construction%20Veterans%20Affairs%20and%20Related%20Agencies%20-%20Bill%20Summary%20Updated%206.13.23.pdf

 

The Independent Budget is formulated by DAV, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States in order to provide budget recommendations to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

https://www.dav.org/about-dav/legislation/independent-budget/

 

The Independent Budget Veterans Agenda for the 118th Congress: Budget for FY 2024-2025 and Critical Issues.   Click to Download Full Report.   (added February 13, 2023)

https://www.independentbudget.org/118-congress/

 

Task Force Movement for Trucking and for Cybersecurity

https://taskforcemovement.org/

 

PACT Act Problems: The VA is unprepared for a flood of claims from veterans disabled by toxic exposure.

https://progressive.org/magazine/pact-act-problems-early-gordon/

 

Confronting the Grim Truths of War: A new collection highlights the anti-Vietnam War writings of historian Staughton Lynd, who was essentially blacklisted for his peace activism.

https://progressive.org/magazine/book-review-confronting-the-grim-truths-of-war-gunn/

 

Nursing home Veterans enjoy butterfly garden: Bay Pines VA and community partners cultivate an environment of comfort

https://news.va.gov/122086/nursing-home-veterans-enjoy-butterfly-garden/

 

Care for the growing population of older Veterans as a geriatrics physician: Serve those who have served

https://news.va.gov/122175/care-older-veterans-geriatrics-physician/

 

#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Frank Clifford Green Jr.

https://news.va.gov/122364/veteranoftheday-navy-frank-clifford-green-jr/

 

#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran William E. Van Kerrebroeck

https://news.va.gov/122399/veteranoftheday-army-william-e-van-kerrebroeck/

 

Newsletter of the Seabee Historical Foundation

https://mcusercontent.com/d25e2712d074426dfc955e5e6/files/29cb2412-bb9c-c104-72a8-b6867926528b/Bee_News_2023_07.pdf

 

Vision for Excellence, Issue 33

https://www.visn4.va.gov/VISN4/docs/Newsletter/VISN4Excellence-Issue33.pdf

 

VA launches mobile medical units to increase access to health care for homeless Veterans

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-mobile-medical-units-to-increase-access-to-health-care-for-homeless-veterans/

 

IT workers at VA get 17% pay boost to narrow gap with private sector

https://www.federaltimes.com/management/pay-benefits/2023/08/03/it-workers-at-va-get-17-pay-boost-to-narrow-gap-with-private-sector/

 

Congress Weighs Competing Proposals to Tackle Companies Charging Veterans to File Claims

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/08/03/congress-weighs-competing-proposals-tackle-companies-charging-veterans-file-claims.html

 

PACT Act Performance Dashboard

https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/healthcare/pactact

 

#VeteranOfTheDay Army and Air Force Veteran Richenda A. Hoffman

https://news.va.gov/122734/veteranoftheday-army-air-force-richenda-hoffman/

 

Should you go to the emergency room or urgent care?  Picking the correct type of care can get you the care you need

https://news.va.gov/122380/should-you-go-emergency-room-or-urgent-care/

 

Student Fellowship: In keeping with the VFW's commitment to student veterans' success, every year the VFW teams up with Student Veterans of America (SVA) to host the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program, providing exemplary VFW members who are student veterans the opportunity to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill and in their community.

https://www.vfw.org/community/student-veterans-of-america/student-fellowship

 

VA to review possible connections between toxic exposures and acute leukemia, chronic leukemia, and multiple myeloma

https://news.va.gov/press-room/connections-between-toxic-exposurescancer/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Cpl. Donald “Donny” L. DuPont, 22, of Alma Center, Wisconsin, was a member of B Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950. He will be buried in Fairchild, Wisconsin, on Aug. 23, 2023. Read about DuPont.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3285898/soldier-accounted-for-from-korea-dupont-d/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. Elton L. Gomillion, 22, of Iola, Texas, was assigned to the 409th Bombardment Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. He went missing in action on Aug. 1, 1943. He will be buried in his hometown on Sept. 12, 2023. Read about Gomillion.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3477058/airman-accounted-for-from-wwii-gomillion-e/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: -- Army Pfc. Albert A. Gosnell, 18, of Greenville, South Carolina, was a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on July 16, 1950. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 31, 1953. He will be buried in Anderson, South Carolina, on a date to be determined. Read about Gosnell.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3473299/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-gosnell-a/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Pfc. James L. Miller, 21, of Detroit, Michigan, was a member of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was reported killed in action on July 30, 1950. He will be buried in Holly, Michigan, on a date to be determined. Read about Miller.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3243599/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-miller-j/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Wesley L. Jones, 22, of Wichita, Kansas, was assigned to the 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. He went missing in action on Aug. 1, 1943. He will be buried in his hometown on a date to be determined. Read about Jones.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3478494/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-jones-w/

 

VFW Action Corps Weekly, August 7, 2023

https://www.vfw.org/actioncorpsweekly

 

#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Thomas Daniel Saunders

https://news.va.gov/122887/veteranoftheday-army-thomas-daniel-saunders/

 

VHA-Uber Health Connect expands Veterans’ access to transportation: Program aims to eliminate transportation as a barrier to Veteran health care

https://news.va.gov/122430/vha-uber-health-connect-veterans-transportation/

 

#Live Whole Health #181: Your body, just as it is

https://news.va.gov/122790/live-whole-health-181-your-body-just-as-it-is/

 

Inside the Pentagon’s shameful effort to draft mentally disabled men to fight in Vietnam: Some soldiers referred to them as "McNamara's Morons."

https://taskandpurpose.com/history/project-100000-vietnam/?utm_term=Task%26Purpose_Today_08.07.23&utm_campaign=Task%20%26%20Purpose_TPToday_Actives_Dynamic&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email

 

Deficiencies in Communication for a Patient with a Spinal Cord Injury at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5315

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Butler VA Health Care System in Pennsylvania

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5317

 

AGENT ORANGE AWARENESS DAY – August 10

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/agent-orange-awareness-day-august-10/

 

124th VFW National Convention

https://www.vfw.org/convention

 

VFW Elects Duane Sarmiento as New National Commander: The New Jersey native is the first Filipino American elected to lead the 124-year-old organization

https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/7/vfw-elects-duane-sarmiento-as-new-national-commander

 

Special PACT Act Enrollment Period for Veterans Ends in September

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/06/20/special-pact-act-enrollment-period-veterans-ends-september.html

 

The PACT Act and your VA benefits & PACT Act backdated benefits deadline extended!

https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

 

Advocating for Veterans in leadership positions

https://news.va.gov/123037/advocating-for-veterans-in-leadership-positions/

 

#VeteranOfTheDay Coast Guard Veteran Edgar York

https://news.va.gov/122950/veteranoftheday-coast-guard-veteran-edgar-york/

 

Bay Pines VA peer specialist competing for national honor: “Working with a lot with Veterans and I forgot all about competing.”

https://news.va.gov/122626/va-peer-specialist-competing-for-national-honor/

 

Building a safety net to protect our veterans from suicide

https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/2023/08/14/building-a-safety-net-to-protect-our-veterans-from-suicide/

 

Email from James Ulinski ( ulinski705@gmail.com ) on Tuesday, August 15, 2023

August 2023 Veteran News

On Wednesday, September 20^th, 2023, at least a handful of veterans will be going to the Capitol in Harrisburg to hopefully address the media with a press conference at 10am. WGAL 8, ABC 27, and a few other media sources have or will be contacted. ABC 27 expressed a keen interest in our trip and the agenda. We plan to address 2 issues: 1. MST (Military Sexual Trauma Awareness) S.R. 83 and 2. Our Senate’s inability to often work together to either pass or reject resolutions or bills affecting not only veterans, but people other than a particular senator’s constituents! Most resolutions/bills affect all of us who live in Pennsylvania.

Senators Muth and Pennycuick have both placed this date and time on their schedules, depending on their committee responsibilities.

If anyone is interested or can help (know someone in the media) or attend our trip on that day, please contact me at ulinski705@gmail.com. We plan to be there at 8 am in the East Wing Rotunda to distribute a two-sided, one sheet briefly addressing both issues mentioned in my first paragraph. One of our group is a brave woman veteran who encountered sexual misconduct personally during her service to our country, which often causes MST for both females and males. At 10 am, we hope to have the media there so I can address the media, followed by our woman veteran to share her story! I will be wearing my MST Awareness shirt to further serve notice of how serious this issue is.

Kudos to Susan Price, Director of Chester County Veteran Affairs and Commissioner Marian Moskowitz for actively pursuing an MST Awareness Week this year for Chester County, after learning about our MST work!

Do you know where your DD214 is---and does your spouse/significant other, family know? “This important document is key to accessing your benefits and is necessary for federal/state employment, social security, VA home loans, burial benefits, GI bill/education, homeless veteran services, and enrollment for VA medical services.”

Make sure you make/have copies and they are safeguarded! Share the location with person/s you trust. “If lost, you can request your military records by contacting either: National Personnel Records (NPRC), state or county Veterans office.” Kudos to Kirk Fernitz for this info!

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that Veterans under 40 who may have been exposed to burn pits and other toxins during their service are now eligible for breast cancer risk assessments and mammograms (as clinically appropriate) at VA.

Veterans are eligible for these screenings regardless of age, symptoms, family history, and whether they are enrolled in VA health care. Generally, VA follows American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer screenings, meaning that — aside from those covered by this new policy — most Veterans become eligible for screenings and mammograms at age 40. This potentially life-saving expansion advances President Biden’s Unity Agenda and drives progress toward the goals of the Biden Cancer Moonshot.

VA is expanding eligibility for breast cancer risk assessments and clinically appropriate mammograms as a part of implementing the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act. Dr. Hendricks Thomas was a Marine Corps Veteran who deployed to Iraq in 2005, where she was exposed to burn pits. In 2018, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She tragically passed away April 5, 2022, at the age of 42. 

“We at VA are expanding breast cancer screenings for toxic-exposed Veterans because early detection saves lives,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “This is an important step toward making sure that breast cancer is diagnosed early, treated early, and — hopefully — sent into remission early.”

These services are available to Veterans who served in the following places and timeframes:

·  Iraq between Aug. 2, 1990, and Feb. 28, 1991, and from March 19, 2003, until the VA determines burn pits are no longer used in Iraq.

·  The Southwest Asia theater of operations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar (but not including Iraq), from Aug. 2, 1990, until VA determines burn pits are no longer used in such locations.

·  Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Yemen from Sept. 11, 2001, until VA determines burn pits are no longer used in such locations.

·  Other locations and time periods as determined by the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.

The risk assessment is a series of questions about a patient’s toxic exposure(s), family medical history, and other risk factors to determine whether they should have a mammogram. Getting screened for breast cancer is an important part of maintaining overall health, and mammograms are the best way to find and treat breast cancer early, when there is a 99% survival rate. That’s why early detection is a central pillar of the Biden Cancer Moonshot, which is mobilizing efforts toward achieving two clear goals: to prevent more than 4 million cancer deaths by 2047, and to transform the experience of people who are touched by cancer.

Breast cancer is also a presumptive condition under the PACT Act, the largest expansion of Veterans care and benefits in generations. Since President Biden signed the PACT Act into law Aug. 10, 2022, VA has delivered more than $1.6 billion in PACT Act-related benefits to Veterans and their survivors, and more than 4 million Veterans have received VA’s new toxic exposure screening. VA encourages all toxic-exposed Veterans and their survivors to apply for their PACT Act-related benefits today at VA.gov/PACT.

Veterans who are interested in the breast cancer risk assessment screenings can contact their VA primary care provider or reach out to their local VA medical center. Veterans can enroll in VA health care here.

I owe an apology to one of the veterans who receives these emails. I promised I would include his information about a Black Vietnam War Medal of Honor book that was available. Sadly, due to some problems with my computer, I misplaced it. If the person reads this and resends the email, I will get it in my September issue.

If you have not registered for Senator Muth’s Veterans Expo on Saturday, September 23^rd from 10-2pm, please do. An excellent way to get your organization helping veterans and their families news out!

I asked Kirk Fernitz about “artificial intelligence biofeedback therapy” and he is looking into this topic for us. When I hear back, I will post in my next email. Thank you as always Kirk!

The following article from the VA Center for Women Veterans was sent to me by Billy Worrell. Thank you Billy!

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.  Dear Veteran/Supporter, The Center for Women Veterans (CWV) is sharing information about recently published research related to women Veterans on a monthly basis.  You can access additional women Veteran research information on the CWV Research webpage.  PubMed.gov is a resource that comprises more than 26 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books.  Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher websites.  Please contact your local library to obtain the full-text of any of these references. Thank you for your service and support, VA Center for Women Veterans Women Veterans NOT using your earned VA Benefits & Services, we would love to hear from you. Please take our survey, it takes 5 minutes and is anonymous. https://survey.voice.va.gov/?cwv-women-veterans

The following Act is one I wholeheartedly support. For any of us who served in Vietnam and had the support of the ROK’s (Republic of Korea) soldiers, they should be included in the ability to get help through the VA for their injuries/illnesses. They had our backs then and should be equally respected and treated with medical care now. FYI---my VVA Chapter 349 has had the privilege of having several ROK veterans attend our chapter meetings!

Vietnam Veterans of America fully supports the passage of the Korean American VALOR Act S. 2648 There are approximately 3,000 Korean American Vietnam War Veterans who are naturalized citizens. Unlike our allies in World War, I and II, these veterans were not afforded access to VA healthcare. As a result, they are falling ill from the diseases caused by exposure to Agent Orange and other toxins and are not receiving adequate care. During the course of the Vietnam War, the government of South Korea sent approximately 350,000 military personnel – a military presence second in size only to U.S. forces during the conflict.  Nearly 11,000 Korean service members were injured. Senator Mike Braun, (R-IN) has introduced The Korean American VALOR Act S.2648, companion bill to H.R. 366, that passed the house on May 22, 2023, which amends Title 38 of the U.S. Code, to treat certain individuals who served in the Vietnam War as members of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea in the Armed Forces of the United States for purposes of the provision of health care by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bipartisan legislation, when enacted into law, will provide veterans who served between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and became U.S. citizens during or after such service, access to hospital and domiciliary care and medical services through the VA.  This is especially significant for Korean American veterans, many of whom suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, disability, and toxic exposure. VVA fully supports the passage of the Korean American VALOR Act S. 2648. Take Action Now, please contact your Senator and request that they join their lawmakers and endorse S.2648, The Korean American VALOR Act. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is the only national Vietnam Veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era Veterans and their families. www.vva.org/

A final Kudos to my veteran friends who continually fight the good fights for veterans--Lee Horowitz and Don Logeman. Very few veterans fight for the benefits you receive and legislation at the state level. It takes energy, perseverance, and tenacity!   Thank you to everyone who has kindly responded to my emails with feedback and/or told other veterans, politicians, family members about my monthly emails. We get stronger when we share knowledge! Until September, have a wonderful and safe month.

 

Supercarriers and a new Navy SEAL sub | Defense News Weekly Full Episode for 8.12.23

An inside look at the U.S.’s largest aircraft carrier, the SEALs get a new mini-sub, and the pure insanity of a North Korean military parade. [A photo of yours truly appears between 19 and 20 minutes]

https://www.militarytimes.com/video/2023/08/14/supercarriers-and-a-new-navy-seal-sub-defense-news-weekly-full-episode-for-81223/

 

The VFW is focusing on recruiting women, who may be missing out on their benefits

https://www.npr.org/2023/07/27/1190603591/the-vfw-is-focusing-on-recruiting-women-may-be-missing-out-on-their-benefits

 

VFW tries to engage women veterans at national convention in Phoenix

https://kjzz.org/content/1853235/vfw-tries-engage-women-veterans-national-convention-phoenix#:~:text=At%20this%20year's%20convention%2C%20the,female%20commander%2Din%2Dchief

 

Are you a family member of a USS Arizona Crew Member? What is needed by the family members? How can you help?  The short answer is a DNA sample from a bloodline descendant to match to the DNA of the unknown service members.

https://ussarizona.navy/family-members/

 

USS Arizona Casualties

https://www.nps.gov/perl/learn/historyculture/ussarizonacasualties.htm

Carla Martinez - National President - VFW Auxiliary National Organization

https://vfwauxiliary.org/about-us/national-officers/national-president/#:~:text=Carla%20Martinez%20of%20Layton%2C%20Utah,National%20Convention%20in%20Phoenix%2C%20Arizona 

 

The 11 Best Books for PTSD of 2023, According to an Expert.  Get the help you need from authors you can trust.

https://www.verywellmind.com/best-books-for-ptsd-5114244

 

PTSD: A Theological Approach by Dr. Scott Jiménez

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ptsd-drscott-jim-nez/1142866696

 

VFW Delegation Returns to Southeast Asia: This is VFW national leadership’s first mission to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam in four years

https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/3/vfw-delegation-returns-to-southeast-asia

 

As part of the PACT Act, VA has expanded health care eligibility for certain veterans who were discharged after Sept. 11, 2001, and before Oct. 1, 2013. A one-year open enrollment period began on Oct. 1, 2022, and will end on Sept. 30, 2023, for this group of veterans depending on their dates and locations of service, regardless of disability claim status. Once the open enrollment period has closed, veterans from this group will be eligible for VA health care as part of a phase-in process based on discharge date. Don't wait until Sept. 30.  How to apply for VA health care

https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/

 

Review of the Department of Veterans Affairs Presumption Decision Process

https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/27166/A02164--HLs_VA_Decision_Process.pdf

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Pfc. Lex L. Lillard, 20, of Tucson, Arizona, was a member of the Medical Department of Manila and Subic Bays. He died while a prisoner of war on July 19, 1942. He will be buried in Jay, Oklahoma, on Sept. 23, 2023. Read about Lillard.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3492053/soldier-accounted-for-from-wwii-lillard-l/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Sgt. Richard M. Sharrow, 22, of Marienville, Pennsylvania, was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Eighth U.S. Army. He was reported missing in action on July 25, 1950. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 31, 1953. He will be buried in his hometown on Sept. 25, 2023. Read about Sharrow.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3492275/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-sharrow-r/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Pvt. Alvin D. Thurman, 21, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, was a member of 1st Platoon, A Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He was reported killed in action on Nov. 6, 1951. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on Nov. 28, 1951. He will be buried in his hometown on Oct. 21, 2023. Read about Thurman.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3493454/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-thurman-a/

 

OIG Determination of Veterans Health Administration’s Severe Occupational Staffing Shortages

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5323

 

Bronx Man Sentenced for Offering Bribe to Government Official

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/bronx-man-sentenced-offering-bribe-government-official

 

Covington Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/covington-man-pleads-guilty-wire-fraud

 

Mandeville Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/mandeville-man-pleads-guilty-wire-fraud

 

Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Violence at Tulsa VA

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/tulsa-man-pleads-guilty-threatening-violence-tulsa-va

 

Pharmacy Owner Convicted of Payment of Illegal Kickbacks and Money Laundering

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/pharmacy-owner-convicted-payment-illegal-kickbacks-and-money-laundering

 

Return to Vietnam

https://www.moaa.org/micro/vietnam-unchronicled/vietnam-pow/

 

Biden approves Medal of Honor for Army helicopter pilot who rescued soldiers in a Vietnam firefight

https://apnews.com/article/biden-medal-army-helicopter-pilot-vietnam-war-e73e7a47f736045670a874b9f6d46fd6

 

Hugh C. Thompson awarded the Soldier's Medal

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/113312

 

Army Veteran Hugh Thompson Jr. Distinguished Flying Cross and Soldiers Medal

https://news.va.gov/111176/america250-army-veteran-hugh-thompson-jr/

 

Former Marine arrested, accused of stealing $344K in VA benefit payments

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4184341-former-marine-arrested-accused-of-stealing-344k-in-va-benefit-payments/

 

President Biden Awards the Medal of Honor to Captain Larry L. Taylor, for Conspicuous Gallantry – September 5, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ7L8kLUxZM

 

David Frederick Willis Obituary, Member of VFW Post 2

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/david-willis-obituary?id=53046513

 

HANCOCK FUNERAL HOME LTD

8018 Roosevelt Blvd

Philadelphia, PA 19152

Email: HancockFuneralHomeLTD@gmail.com

Telephone: (215) 332-1099

https://www.hancockfuneralhome.net/obituaries/

 

Vietnam Chases Secret Russian Arms Deal, Even as It Deepens U.S. Ties.  Defying U.S. sanctions, a Vietnamese government document lays out a plan to buy Russian weapons, which officials see as a way to upgrade its military as a hedge against China.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/09/world/asia/vietnam-russia-arms-deal.html

 

Vietnam's Hidden History Unveiled: Rare Photos Revealed

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/article/vietnam-s-hidden-history-unveiled-rare-photos-revealed/ss-AA1gqGyr

 

Sailing the Seas of Conscience: The resilient voyage of the ‘Golden Rule.’

https://progressive.org/magazine/sailing-the-seas-of-conscience-bradley/

 

DMVA Digest: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, September 13, 2023

https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/230906L/4271abnbzr9j.vib?a0=15011

 

Henrietta D. Mikutis, April 16, 1942 - September 11, 2023, Obituary

https://www.marktilghmanfuneralhome.com/obituary/henrietta-mikutis

 

Iraq Combat Veteran Tanya Bradsher confirmed as VA’s deputy secretary

https://news.va.gov/press-room/bradsher-first-woman-deputy-secretary-va/

 

The Hidden Trauma of Moral Injury

https://www.psychotherapynetworker.org/article/hidden-trauma-moral-injury

 

Manufacturers Failed to Make Some Drugs Available to Government Agencies at a Discount as Required

https://www.oversight.gov/report/VA/Manufacturers-Failed-Make-Some-Drugs-Available-Government-Agencies-Discount-Required

 

38 facts about the Vietnam War you might not know

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/38-facts-about-the-vietnam-war-you-might-not-know/ss-AA1gZzHl

 

Hear what Trump reportedly said about injured veteran after this hug – September 22, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjko-FuU79Q

 

VA to award $52.5 million in grants to local organizations working to prevent Veteran suicide

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-to-award-52-5-million-in-grants-to-local-organizations-working-to-prevent-veteran-suicide/

 

3M Lawsuit Ends in Victory for Veterans: Significant funds will be awarded to hundreds of thousands of veterans

https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/9/3m-lawsuit-ends-in-victory-for-veterans

 

A Nested Case–Control Study of Serum Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors among U.S. Air Force Servicemen

https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/EHP12603

 

VA’s Compliance with the VA Transparency & Trust Act of 2021 Semiannual Report: September 2023

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5349

 

Attorney General Bonta Announces Sentencing of Los Angeles Man for Defrauding Military Families, UC and CSU Systems

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-sentencing-los-angeles-man-defrauding-military

 

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5350

 

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program Summary Report: Evaluation of Medication Management in Veterans Health Administration Facilities

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5347

 

Total of overdue VA disability claims balloons to almost 300,000

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/09/21/total-of-overdue-va-disability-claims-balloons-to-almost-300000/

 

1 in 3 PACT Act Claims Have Received a 0% Disability Rating, Prompting a VA Review

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/09/21/va-reviews-ratings-schedule-after-high-number-of-0-disability-awards-under-pact-act.html

 

VA Failed to Process 56,000 Requests to Update Veterans' Dependents Dating as Far Back as 2011

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/09/05/va-failed-process-56000-requests-update-veterans-dependents-dating-far-back-2011.html

 

A hero comes home

https://smokymountainnews.com/news/item/36416-america-reckons-with-its-legacy-in-vietnam-one-soldier-at-a-time

 

VA urging veterans, staff to get latest COVID-19 vaccine booster

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/09/18/va-urging-veterans-staff-to-get-latest-covid-19-vaccine-booster/

 

Psychedelic drug MDMA eases PTSD symptoms in a study that paves the way for possible US approval

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-09-14/mdma-psychedelics-ptsd-symptoms-11380954.html

 

Connie Evans Speaks at the Women Veterans Luncheon - September

20 views  1 day ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx7Pswq55rU

 

THE MEDAL OF HONOR: IS THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS RECOGNITION BESTOWED UPON A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

https://mohmuseum.org/

 

Vietnam and the United States: A Transformed Relationship.  The Vietnamese population wants to move on from the war. Biden offered to help find Vietnamese remains KIA, an important gesture on the road to reconciliation.

https://www.laprogressive.com/asia/vietnam-and-the-united-states

 

My Addiction: A Playlist in Three Acts

https://www.scottritterextra.com/p/my-addiction-a-playlist-in-three

 

Veterans Health Administration (VA) vs. Non-VA Healthcare Quality: A Systematic Review

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37076605/

 

And the 2023 Teachers of the Year are ...

https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/teacher-of-the-year

 

Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Oversight Hearing

https://veterans.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=6258

 

National Cemetery Administration: NCA marks 50 years (1973-2023)

https://www.cem.va.gov/NCA-50-years/

 

Public Disability Benefits Questionnaire Fraud Schemes

https://www.daviecountync.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1420

 

Public Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) Fraud Schemes

https://www.va.gov/oig/fraud/September_2023_Fraud_Alert.pdf

 

At Hearing, Tester Presses VA Officials to “do better” and Connect More Veterans with Critical Mental Health Services.  Chairman also took VA to task on damning Veterans Crisis Line oversight report

https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2023/9/at-hearing-tester-presses-va-officials-to-do-better-and-connect-more-veterans-with-critical-mental-health-services

 

Invisible Wounds of War: Improving Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Measures for our Nation’s Veterans

https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2023/9/invisible-wounds-of-war-improving-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-measures-for-our-nation-s-veterans

 

Senator Murray Presses VA Officials About Mental Health Care Wait Times, Outreach to Veterans Experiencing Homelessness at Veterans Committee Hearing on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-presses-va-officials-about-mental-health-care-wait-times-outreach-to-veterans-experiencing-homelessness-at-veterans-committee-hearing-on-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is:--Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Turner Y. Johnston, 21, of Loraine, Texas, was assigned to the 415th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. He was killed in action on Aug. 1, 1943. He will be buried in Belton, Texas, on Oct. 21, 2023. Read about Johnston.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3525379/airman-accounted-for-from-wwii-johnston-t/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Albert W. Stahl, 22, of Buffalo, New York, was assigned to the 329th Bombardment Squadron, 93d Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. He was killed in action on Aug. 1, 1943. He will be buried in Kenmore, New York, in the Spring of 2024. Read about Stahl.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3525486/airman-accounted-for-from-wwii-stahl-a/

 

National Officers - VFW

https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/national-officers

 

Hummelstown man becomes PA VFW leader | fox43.com

https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/dauphin-county/pennsylvania-vfw-state-commander-election-david-gyger/521-c3986509-59c0-468e-bf5e-ff0d247759ad

 

TAKING CARE OF THE ONES WHO TOOK CARE OF US.  Welcome to the Best Defense Foundation. We are a nonprofit organization focused on helping our military veterans and their families.

https://bestdefensefoundation.org/

 

The VA’s Inspector General Must Do More: The Department of Veterans Affairs watchdog does an excellent job scrutinizing the VA’s own care, but it needs to do better inspecting the private providers funded by the cabinet agency.

https://washingtonmonthly.com/2023/09/19/the-vas-inspector-general-must-do-more/

 

New Study on the “Hidden Work” Associated with VA Outsourcing

https://mailchi.mp/f56be4087237/new-analysis-upcoming-forum-11524823?e=35fde4cb65

 

You can make a difference when you volunteer at or donate to the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center.

https://www.va.gov/philadelphia-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/

 

Thousands of workers leave the VA amid a flood of new cases and quota demands: Claims processors with the Department of Veterans Affairs say a rigid quota system pits their livelihoods against the veterans they signed up to help.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/thousands-workers-leave-va-flood-new-cases-quota-demands-rcna103013

 

Election integrity, the cybersecurity employment gap and more in October magazine

https://www.legion.org/magazine/260231/election-integrity-cybersecurity-employment-gap-and-more-october-magazine#:~:text=In%20%E2%80%9CA%20Vote%20of%20No,election%20will%20be%20counted%20accurately

 

30th Anniversary Event Veterans Day November 11th, 2023

https://vietnamwomensmemorial.org/

 

Jewish War Veterans Leadership

https://www.jwv.org/who_we_are/board-national-commander/#:~:text=Barry%20Lischinsky&text=We%20must%20tell%20our%20story,to%20help%20achieve%20our%20goals

 

The Jewish Veteran

https://www.jwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/The-Jewish-Veteran-Volume77-Issue3-web.pdf

 

VA National Cemetery Administration Burial Benefits Awareness Survey. VA produced the attached survey and is asking veterans, family members, friends, survivors, and caregivers to complete it.

https://survey.voice.va.gov/?6rqqpY-NCA-Benefits

 

Community care: Who is eligible and how you can access it: When care isn’t available through VA, nearby or in a timely manner, community care may be an option.

https://news.va.gov/124302/community-care-who-eligible-how-can-access-it/

 

#VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Malcolm A. Champagne

https://news.va.gov/124602/veteranoftheday-air-force-malcolm-a-champagne/

 

Five programs to increase your access to telehealth care: Five ways VA helps you connect with technologies needed for telehealth

https://news.va.gov/124072/programs-increase-your-access-telehealth-care/

 

Veterans’ organizations support VA’s Buddy Check Week

https://news.va.gov/124570/veterans-organizations-support-buddy-check-week/

 

Breast cancer care for deployed Veterans and The SERVICE Act: Check the locations and dates in this story to determine your eligibility

https://news.va.gov/124068/breast-cancer-care-for-deployed-veterans/

 

King, Cramer, Shaheen, Rounds Introduce Bill to Help Servicemembers Access Benefits

https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cramer-shaheen-rounds-introduce-bill-to-help-servicemembers-access-benefits

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Sgt. 1st Class James L. Dorrance, 20, of Omaha, Nebraska, was a member of B Battery, 82nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery–Automatic Weapons Battalion, Division Artillery, 2nd Infantry Division, Eighth Army. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 1,1950, and to have died on March 17, 1951. He will be buried in his hometown on a date to be determined. Read about Dorrance.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3533519/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-dorrance-j/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Max E. Dailey, 21, of Cherokee, Iowa, served with the 409th Bombardment Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. He went missing in action on Aug. 1, 1943. He will be buried in Charles City, Iowa, on a date to be determined. Read about Dailey.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3533629/airman-accounted-for-from-wwii-dailey-m/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Cpl. Lewis W. Hill, 18, of Detroit, Michigan, was a member of L Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He went missing in action on July 20, 1950. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 31, 1953. He will be buried in Imlay City, Michigan, on a date to be determined. Read about Hill.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3533699/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-hill-l/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Staff Sgt. Max W. Thurston, 19, of Flint, Michigan, was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. He was reported killed in action on Nov. 6, 1944. He will be buried in Holly, Michigan, on a date to be determined. Read about Thurston.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3536449/soldier-accounted-for-from-wwii-thurston-m/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Tech Sgt. Leonard J. Dettloff, 26, of Detroit, Michigan, was assigned to Company M, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. He was killed in action on Nov. 10, 1944. He will be buried in Holly, Michigan, on a date to be determined. Read about Dettloff.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3536540/soldier-accounted-for-from-wwii-dettloff-l/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Cpl. James A. Hurt, 25, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was a member of the 17th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, Army Air Forces. He was reported captured on April 9, 1942. Interment services are pending. Read about Hurt.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3533477/airman-accounted-for-from-wwii-hurt-j/

 

Substance Abuse Screening (ASSIST) - Instructions

https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/substance-abuse-screening

 

I've been able to grow in a positive direction: Hear Veterans who have experienced depression talk about the various sources of support that help them live more fulfilling lives.

https://www.maketheconnection.net/stories/819/

 

World Mental Health Day is October 10 and a great time to check out all the ways that VA can support Veterans facing mental health challenges.

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/index.asp

 

VA provides a range of mental health programs and resources for Veterans of all ages, backgrounds, and service eras. Here are just a few programs that focus on the needs of older Veterans.

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/older-veterans/resources.asp

 

VA expands maternity care coordination for Veterans

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-expands-maternity-care-coordination-for-veterans/

 

VHA Should Continue to Improve Water Safety and Oversight of Prevention Practices to Minimize the Effects of Legionella

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5364

 

Massachusetts Woman Pleaded Guilty to Stealing Government Benefits

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/norwood-woman-pleads-guilty-stealing-government-benefits

 

Veterans Affairs Police Officer Indicted on Federal Civil Rights and Assault Charges for Beating Man Approximately 45 Times with Baton

https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/veterans-affairs-police-officer-indicted-federal-civil-rights-and-assault-charges

 

VA awards more than $51 million in grants to state Veterans cemeteries

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-awards-more-than-63-million-in-grants-to-state-veterans-cemeteries/

 

Health professions trainee introduces military health history to medical students: Had no idea he would present his research more than 140 doctors

https://news.va.gov/124393/health-professions-trainee-history-students/

 

#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran David Smith

https://news.va.gov/124643/veteranoftheday-army-david-smith/

 

My HealtheVet is moving to VA.gov: What to know: You’ll continue to have access to the same trusted health tools and information

https://news.va.gov/124314/my-healthevet-is-moving-to-va-gov-what-to-know/

 

Fixing seasonal bugs one update at a time

https://news.va.gov/124622/fixing-seasonal-bugs-one-update-at-a-time/

 

Live Whole Health #189: Give it a break!

https://news.va.gov/124582/live-whole-health-189-give-it-a-break/

 

VA's Automated Benefits System Made Errors in 27% of High Blood Pressure Claims, Watchdog Report Says

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/09/26/vas-automated-benefits-system-made-errors-27-of-high-blood-pressure-claims-watchdog-report-says.html

 

Top VA Executives Were Mistakenly Paid $9.7M in Bonuses. Now the Agency Faces Increased Oversight.

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/09/28/va-mistakenly-paid-top-executives-97m-bonuses-prompting-call-more-oversight.html

 

Deficiencies in Facility Leaders’ Response to Critical Surgical Events at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5365

 

Please help us Remember, Honor, and Teach on Saturday, December 16, 2023 by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering, or inviting friends to help.  Wreath Placement at 8:30 AM, Ceremony at 11:30 AM.

https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/17127/Overview

 

DMVA Digest: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, October 4, 2023

https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/231002A/1mf96oa3mvds.vib?a0=15477

 

Pennsylvanians combat veteran homelessness by understanding their culture

https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2023-09-27/pennsylvanians-combat-veteran-homelessness-by-understanding-their-culture

 

Pennsylvania Courts Announce Establishment of Regional Veterans Court to Serve Eight Counties

https://gantnews.com/2023/09/29/pennsylvania-courts-announce-establishment-of-regional-veterans-court-to-serve-eight-counties/

 

Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) Hispanic Heritage Month

https://www.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/

 

VA Home Loans

https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/index.asp

 

Protect your G.I. Bill benefits from scams!

https://news.va.gov/123918/protect-your-g-i-bill-benefits-from-scams/

 

The ‘entire workforce’ walked out when Covid hit veterans homes where hundreds died, SCI says

https://www.nj.com/politics/2023/10/the-entire-workforce-walked-out-when-covid-hit-veterans-homes-where-hundreds-died-sci-says.html

 

A Caregiver's Story: The Struggle to Link Dementia to Military Service.  Navigating the maze of VA benefits is a challenge many veterans and their families face

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2023/caregivers-struggle-va-dementia-benefits.html

 

Protecting Veterans from fraud: Providing you with information about Veteran targeted fraud

https://www.va.gov/initiatives/protecting-veterans-from-fraud/

 

10/14: Military Collectibles Flea Market (American Legion Post 452 141 N. Main St. Mullica Hill, NJ)

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/eve/d/mullica-hill-military-collectibles-flea/7660795789.html

 

What Is The Future of Veterans For Peace? – October 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=992NL-m6Wtw

 

Philadelphia Pennsylvania October 9-15, 2023, Navy Week Information

https://www.outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Philadelphia-2023/fbclid/IwAR1DFBPI1X1-5TdsC5o90zIzjZUdgw3tiVWv0WjX3ldI0hV-gOJljFOuxr8/

 

Email from James Ulinski ( ulinski705@gmail.com ) on Sunday, October 9, 2023

October 2023 Veteran News

As always, I hope this edition of veteran news reaches you and your families in good health!

I continue to be saddened with the loss or severe illnesses of veteran friends and/or their spouses/significant others. Please forget about just checking on friends in certain months and do this when you can. I try to make calls to those I know or suspect are ill or having some other type of problem and have been pleased when I hear from my friends checking up on me. You can make a difference with just a phone call!

I mention this because one of my veteran friends got COVID last week. We talked Saturday and he died Sunday. He had other contributing illnesses. I have my COVID booster and flu vaccine for the year and I am starting to wear a mask again at events. Please be careful!

I’ve attached the DMVA social media information for those who might be interested. Often, some very interesting information.

I want to thank Frank DiSimone, Paul Friel Sr., John and Tom Stafford, Victoria McCoy and Lee Horowitz for the great job trying to get S.B. 924 passed during our Press Conference in Harrisburg this past Tuesday, 10/03/23. While the Senate once again “tabled a bill”, we were successful working with a few senators and members of the House airing our need for action on this legislation (MST Awareness). FYI---the House passed a Resolution for a week in October for MST Awareness. Now it goes to full House.

I was very pleased to be asked by Representative Carol Kazeem to be a keynote speaker on Veterans Day. The title for her events is “Restoring Honor”. The day begins with a full breakfast at Upper Chichester Municipal Building and includes Restoration Unveiling and Buffalo Soldier Re-enactment at the Green Lawn Cemetery, “Women of Color in the U.S. Military” at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, and a Hometown Hero Banner Unveiling (Tentative). Kudos to Representative Carol Kazeem and Nicole Cogdell, Constituent Services Advisor The Honorable Carol Kazeem | State Representative Pennsylvania 159th Legislative District.

**Many of our veteran organizations prohibit talking about politics. Having said that, I send these emails and do my fighting in the Senate and House as a veteran, not a member of any specific veteran organization (I belong to several). You cannot get legislation that is favorable passed or unfavorable legislation killed without being political in action. I do not care about party affiliation, just results that help our veterans and their families.

I have added information about genomics and once again the Million Veteran Program because I firmly believe these studies will benefit our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I joined the Million Veteran Program about 4 years ago. Check it out (click on MVP Insider on P3) Heredity is transmitted from your parents through DNA. A gene is a region of DNA that contains instructions to make RNA molecules that code for other proteins. When genes are transmitted through the process of reproduction, they govern inheritance of genetic traits like hair color or blood type.

The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international research effort to sequence and map all human genes, which are together known as the genome. The HGP's completion in 2003 gave scientists the ability, for the first time, to read nature's complete genetic blueprint for the human organism.

HGP has estimated that every human has between 20,000 and 25,000 genes, and as we know more, these numbers continue to change. Genomic medicine is the application of our rapidly expanding knowledge of the human genome to medical practice. VA uses genomic medical research to find new health care solutions and move those into Veterans' care.

New knowledge about the role of genes in health and disease holds the promise of developing safer, more effective, personalized treatments for many conditions. The completion of the genome map has created the emerging field of "precision medicine" (also known as "personalized medicine"), which allows health care providers to better optimize therapies for each individual patient. One major area that precision medicine has had a major effect on is in the treatment of certain cancers, especially those found in the lung, colon, and blood.

VA is well-equipped to study genomics. The department has a large and diverse patient population; an integrated network of basic research and clinical programs; and an electronic medical record system that offers a rich source of health and clinical data.

One of the areas in which VA already uses a genomics-based approach to provide care for Veterans is testing to confirm hemochromatosis, a hereditary condition in which iron builds up in the body. VA physicians also use genomic medicine to predict Veterans' responses to cholesterol-lowering statin drugs and to help diagnose and treat breast, colon, lung, and other cancers. VA researchers hope to eventually use genetic information to determine the right type and dosage of antidepressant medication and other drugs for individual patients.

 

 H.R. 4150/S. 1954—The Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act

This legislation would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide dental care services to enrolled veterans diagnosed with diabetes and heart disease.

These chronic conditions are closely linked with poor dental health and lack of dental care exacerbates these conditions, worsening their progression and increasing medical costs. However, only 15% of veterans are eligible for dental care through the VA health care system. Many of the remaining 85% of veterans who are not eligible for dental care struggle with access to affordable, quality dental care that meets their physical and oral health needs.

Dental advocates argue that veterans cannot maintain their overall health without good oral health and project that VHA could save an estimated $3.4 billion dollars in medical costs—almost 1.5 times the annual VHA budget for dental care—by expanding access to dental care for veterans with heart disease and diabetes.

DAV supports this legislation in accordance with DAV Resolution No. 013, which recognizes the need for routine dental care to be afforded to all enrolled service-connected disabled veterans to ensure their whole health needs are met.

We call on all DAV members and supporters to contact their representatives and senators and urge them to co-sponsor and support the Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act.

 

Million Veteran Program.  FYI---I joined years ago to perhaps help my sons and grand adults.

MVP was conceived and implemented to foster genomic discoveries and to bring precision medicine to the forefront of VA health care.

 

MVP's aim is to build one of the world's largest databases of genetic, military exposure, lifestyle, and health information. Through MVP, VA researchers are partnering with Veterans to study how genes affect health.

MVP is well more than halfway past its enrollment goal of 1 million Veterans, whose DNA samples and health information will provide an unprecedented resource for researchers. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a heritable material present in nearly all living organisms. It is the carrier of genetic information.

Veterans who volunteer to be part of the program are asked to fill out surveys about their health and health-related behaviors, and to complete an optional health assessment. They are also asked permission to allow VA researchers to confidentially access information from their medical records, and to allow VA researchers to contact them in the future.

 

The program has extensive safeguards in place to ensure that information security and participant confidentiality are top priorities. As of August 2018, more than 690,000 Veterans have enrolled in MVP, and the program is on target to reach its goal of 1 million enrolled Veterans by 2021. The program is expected to reach its goal of having information about participants' DNA (or genes) and environment and health data from 1 million Veterans in the next few years. (To receive the program's quarterly newsletter, MVP Insider, click here.)

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHA/subscriber/new?topic_id=USVHA_1001

 

My HealtheVet is getting a new home - Posted 09/15/2023

My HealtheVet and My VA Health are moving to a new home on VA.gov called My HealtheVet on VA.gov. You’ll be able to manage your health care, benefits, and services in one place. My HealtheVet on VA.gov will have new features and an improved experience based on your feedback.

My HealtheVet features will move to My HealtheVet on VA.gov in a series of phases through October 2024. You can use the My HealtheVet patient portal you are using now until the transition is complete.

 

Verify the accuracy of your VA.gov profile.  Posted 09/15/2023

Review your VA.gov profile to make sure your address, phone number, or email address are correct. Update the information as needed.

https://www.va.gov/resources/managing-your-vagov-profile/

 

VA dental care

If you qualify for VA dental care benefits, you may be able to get some or all of your dental care through VA. Find out how to get VA dental care or how to buy dental insurance if you don’t qualify.

https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/

How do I apply for VA dental care benefits?

You can apply online by filling out the 10-10EZ health care application.

https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction

Where do I go for VA dental care?

We provide dental care to qualified Veterans at over 200 dental clinics across the country, including Alaska and Puerto Rico.
Find a VA dental clinic near you

https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

If I can’t get VA dental care benefits, can I get help buying dental insurance?

You may be able to buy dental insurance at a reduced cost through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below.

• You Are signed up for VA health care, apply at:

https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/
or

• You Are signed up for our Civilian Health and Medical Program (also called CHAMPVA, a health insurance program for dependents of Veterans).  Find out if you can sign up:

https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/dependents/champva/index.asp

Learn more about VADIP

https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/dental-insurance/

 

Kudos to DMVA (Department of Military and Veteran Affairs) for good resources and the 2 articles following this.

 

On Behalf Of A Grateful Nation - VA Burial And Memorial Benefits:

If you are a veteran or family member interested in learning more about VA Burial and Memorial benefits, visit VA.gov and select “Burials and Memorials.” Through a “pre-need eligibility assessment,” you can help ease the burial planning process for you and your loved ones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNis1mSf8aI

 

Improving Veteran Access to Eyeglasses with Automated Ordering:

VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Services is committed to providing all eligible veterans with eyeglasses and, in 2023, provided nearly two million pairs of eyeglasses to veterans.

https://news.va.gov/123828/improving-access-eyeglasses-automated-ordering/

 

The Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act (H.R. 4150/S. 1954), would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide dental care services to enrolled veterans diagnosed with diabetes and heart disease.

 

I am very pleased to announce that due to my talking with veterans wherever I go and you sharing my emails with other veterans, politicians, families and friends of veterans my email list continues to grow. The great thing about this is that by sharing news we not only become better informed, but we also help others as well. A big THANK YOU for all of you who spread the word!

I have much more info, but will keep that for another month!

I am always open to suggestions for information to share and also open to feedback!

November’s Veteran News will be the last one until January. There will be no email in December!

Stay safe and enjoy the cooler weather!

 

VA encourages all Veterans and their families to participate in first inaugural National Buddy Check Week

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-encourages-all-veterans-and-their-families-to-participate-in-first-inaugural-national-buddy-check-week/

 

National Buddy Check Week – Take the Training

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b67_zyjsUW0

 

‘We never leave anybody behind:’ Vietnam veteran’s remains returned to Waynesville

https://smokymountainnews.com/news/item/36518-we-never-leave-anybody-behind-vietnam-veteran-s-remains-returned-to-waynesville

 

Pentagon leader selected as new Veterans Affairs chief of staff

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/10/10/pentagon-leader-selected-as-new-veterans-affairs-chief-of-staff/

 

Here's the 2024 Pay Raise for Vets and Military Retirees

https://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/allowances/cola-for-retired-pay.html

 

VA Caregiver Support: Providing Legal and Financial Planning Services to Veteran Caregivers

https://www.caregiverfinanciallegal.va.gov/

 

Women of the Vietnam Era.  Please join us November 10, 2023, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., — Military Women’s Memorial, Memorial Avenue and Schley Dr. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22202

https://vva.org/women-of-the-vietnam-era/

 

How to Find Your Old Military Buddies After You Get Out

https://www.military.com/off-duty/how-find-your-old-military-buddies-after-you-get-out.html

 

The Ghostly Legacies of America’s War in Vietnam: The United States tried to use Vietnamese beliefs to terrify enemy soldiers.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/09/16/vietnam-war-psyops-ghosts/

 

Agent Orange Song - Country Joe Mcdonald (with lyrics) - 12 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk8umoqfz14

 

Joseph Jennings is a VVA Service Officer located in Cleveland, Ohio helping veterans from all eras of war receive the benefits they deserve. VVA has over 600 Service Officers nationwide.

https://vva.org/service-officers/joseph-jennings/

 

Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove

https://mailchi.mp/a0b66364ca83/the-wall-that-heals?e=ca570fec48

 

VBA Generally Helped Veterans Obtain Damaged or Destroyed Records

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5366

 

Fayetteville Man Sentenced for Lying to FAA

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/fayetteville-man-sentenced-lying-faa

 

Slidell Woman Sentenced to 18 Months for Misappropriating Veteran’s Funds

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/slidell-woman-sentenced-18-months-misappropriating-veterans-funds

 

Cardiac imaging company and founder to pay historic $85M settlement

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/cardiac-imaging-company-and-founder-pay-historic-85m-settlement

 

United States Files Civil Complaint Against Local School and Owner Alleging VA Education Assistance Benefits Fraud

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/united-states-files-civil-complaint-against-local-school-and-owner-alleging-va

 

Mingo County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Military Death Benefits

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/mingo-county-woman-sentenced-prison-theft-military-death-benefits

 

DMVA Digest: A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs - October 18, 2023

https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/231012H/57xg8oqxxm68.vib?a0=15381

 

VA health care news you can use – October 19, 2023

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHA/bulletins/376a183

 

Army Chapter 11: 5 Things You Need To Know

https://www.operationmilitarykids.org/army-chapter-11/

 

Delaware Valley Veterans Consortium

https://dvvc.org/what-we-do/

 

Recent Trends in Housing Cost Burden Among U.S. Military Veterans

https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1363-3.html

 

Habitat for Humanity Application:

https://www.habitat.org/housing-help

 

Does Habitat ReStore pick up furniture donations?

https://www.habitat.org/stories/does-habitat-offer-furniture-donation-pickup

 

Former Sailor Sentenced for $2 Million Insurance Fraud Scheme

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/press-releases.asp

 

Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. • Membership/Patron Application

https://www.jwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/JWV-Membership-Patron-Application-5-19-21.pdf

 

Military to Civilian Transition: Ensuring Success After Service

https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-legislative-service/congressional-testimony/2023/10/military-to-civilian-transition-ensuring-success-after-service

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: --Army Staff Sgt. Woodrow F. Gerdes, 31, of St. Louis, Missouri, was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 9, 1944. He will be buried in his hometown on a date to be determined. Read about Gerdes.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3558108/soldier-accounted-for-from-wwii-gerdes-w/

 

VFW Checkpoint – October 2023

https://webimages.vfw.org/VFWCheckpoint_PDF/2023_10_23_Oct_2023_Checkpoint.pdf

 

2023 Veterans Day retail discounts, free meals and other offers.  Hundreds of Veterans Day discounts and freebies.

https://news.va.gov/125193/2023-veterans-day-discounts-free-meals/

 

Veteran finds second chance as a VA carpenter.  “At the end of the day, I am so grateful to VA.”

https://news.va.gov/124954/veteran-finds-second-chance-as-a-va-carpenter/

 

California Dreamin - Vietnam War - 9 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEdvyBkYQx0

 

VA Secretary Press Conference, Wednesday, 25 October, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muY8qoZM_RY

 

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Arkansas

https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5368

 

Bill Giving Veterans Deemed 'Mentally Incompetent' Easier Access to Guns Gains Steam with Senate Approval

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/26/measure-restore-gun-rights-mentally-incompetent-veterans-passes-senate-bolstering-its-chances-of.html

 

Welcome Home, Capt. Hall (MIA for Over 50 years)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmirhwE8pf0

 

Lawmakers push for burn pit benefits related to Kosovo deployments

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/10/26/lawmakers-push-for-burn-pit-benefits-related-to-kosovo-deployments/

 

Veterans Will Soon Be Able to Get VA Health Care at 3 Military Bases in Kentucky, Oklahoma

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/26/veterans-will-soon-be-able-get-va-health-care-3-military-bases-kentucky-oklahoma.html

 

You can assist transitioning Veterans through peer sponsorship.  For military-to-civilian transition

https://news.va.gov/124957/assist-transitioning-veterans-peer-sponsorship/

 

Community care: Who is eligible and how you can access it.  When care isn’t available through VA, nearby or in a timely manner, community care may be an option.

https://news.va.gov/124302/community-care-who-eligible-how-can-access-it/

 

U.S. Congress gives U.S. Allies access to U.S. VA Healthcare System

https://vva.org/programs/minority-affairs/u-s-congress-gives-u-s-allies-access-to-u-s-va-healthcare-system/

 

VA physician assistant’s goal is to provide the highest quality of treatment.  “I feel really lucky to be able to serve them.”

https://news.va.gov/124965/physician-assistants-provide-quality-treatment/

 

Help prevent Veteran suicide all year round.  Addressing suicide prevention throughout the year

https://news.va.gov/125125/help-prevent-veteran-suicide-all-year-round/

 

How to use cool features in VA’s official mobile app

https://news.va.gov/125408/how-to-use-cool-features-in-vas-official-mobile-app/

 

Obituary for Glenn Elmer Marshall Jr..  Glenn was born on November 17th, 1956 and passed away on August 27th, 2023 at the age of 66.  He had been a member of JWV Post 215

https://tjfluehr.com/obituaries/glenn-marshall

 

Historic Public-Private partnership between the VA and University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS)

https://www.va.gov/philadelphia-health-care/stories/historic-public-private-partnership-between-the-va-and-university-of-pennsylvania-health-system-uphs/

 

VA Accountability and Transparency: A Cornerstone of Quality Care and Benefits for Veterans

https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2023/10/va-accountability-and-transparency-a-cornerstone-of-quality-care-and-benefits-for-veterans/5eb61a2f-acf5-4ed1-8277-ab42bcc7f247

 

Latest Cost-Of-Living Adjustment

https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/latestCOLA.html#:~:text=Because%20this%20average%20exceeds%20291.901,291.901%20x%20100%20%3D%203.2%20percent

 

Veterans' Data in Focus.  A collection of infographics focused on veterans’ social, economic, and physical well-being.

https://www.rand.org/education-and-labor/centers/veterans-policy-research/research/projects/veterans-data-in-focus.html

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced Returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Pvt. 1st Class Henry C. Wade, 24, of Decatur, Kentucky, was assigned to Company K, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. He was killed in action in November 1944. He will be buried on Nov. 29, 2023, in Russell Springs, Kentucky. Read about Wade.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3565365/soldier-accounted-for-from-wwii-wade-h/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced Returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Staff Sgt. Robert G. Rudd, 34, of Gatesville, Texas, was assigned to Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2D Infantry Division. He was killed in action on Jan. 30, 1945. The War Department issued a Report of Death on Feb. 20, 1945. He will be buried in Belton, Texas, on a date to be determined. Read about Rudd.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3565327/soldier-accounted-for-from-wwii-rudd-r/

 

Healing and health through regenerative agriculture.  USDA helps Veterans find a place in agriculture

https://news.va.gov/125134/healing-health-through-regenerative-agriculture/

 

Celebrate National Internet Day with VA messaging tools.  Internet messaging has grown a lot, including at VA

https://news.va.gov/125505/celebrate-national-internet-day-messaging-tools/

 

Bay Pines VA breaks ground on new Sebring clinic: “Our efforts to modernize our clinics for Veterans remains a priority.”

https://news.va.gov/125130/bay-pines-va-breaks-ground-on-sebring-clinic/

 

Veterans Who Are Food Insecure Are Less Likely to Seek Help Than Civilians

https://thewarhorse.org/food-insecure-veterans-less-likely-to-use-food-stamps/

 

Man Convicted of $55M Fraud Scheme

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/man-convicted-55m-fraud-scheme

 

Philadelphia Veterans Parade Participant Information

https://www.phillyveteransparade.org/parade-participant-info/

 

The Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival returns November 5, 2023.

https://www.phillyveteransparade.org/

 

Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Legislative Hearing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YT83q0oQhM

 

Fifty Years After Their Release, Former Vietnam POWs Journey Back to Hanoi | History | Smithsonian Magazine

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/fifty-years-finding-freedom-vietnam-vets-healing-journey-hanoi-180983052/

 

Combatants for Peace

https://cfpeace.org/

 

The 10 Deadliest Battles in World History

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-10-deadliest-battles-in-world-history/ss-AA1ju2bk

 

Veterans Day: a celebration of service

https://www.legion.org/commander/260446/veterans-day-celebration-service

 

Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Legislative Hearing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVhNQxj1C6g

 

VFW National Legislative Associate Director Quandrea Patterson testified before the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs regarding pending legislation related to fiduciary fraud and VA Board of Appeals processes.

https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-legislative-service/congressional-testimony/2023/11/pending-legislation-dama

 

SECVA Veteran Town Hall Broadcast, 08 November 2023, 1:00pm EST – November 8, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EEebaqwS34

 

2023 Veterans Day discounts

https://www.legion.org/veteransday/260431/2023-veterans-day-discounts

 

2023 Veterans Day retail discounts, free meals and other offers.  Hundreds of Veterans Day discounts and freebies

https://news.va.gov/125193/2023-veterans-day-discounts-free-meals/

 

Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals and Discounts for Veterans Day 2023

https://www.restaurantnews.com/restaurant-chains-offering-free-meals-and-discounts-for-veterans-day-2023/

 

Food pantry nourishes souls, improves lives.  “It's not just a job. It's my mission.”

https://news.va.gov/125390/food-pantry-nourishes-souls-improves-lives/

 

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System in Honolulu, Hawaii

https://live-va.oversight.gov/reports/comprehensive-healthcare-inspection-program/comprehensive-healthcare-inspection-va-11

 

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of Veterans Integrated Service Network 4: VA Healthcare in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/comprehensive-healthcare-inspection-program/comprehensive-healthcare-inspection-veterans-18

 

Schenectady County Man Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals from VA Dental Clinic

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/schenectady-county-man-sentenced-stealing-precious-metals-va-dental-clinic

 

Owner of Indian Marketing Company Admits Role in $11.5 Million Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/owner-indian-marketing-company-admits-role-115-million-health-care-fraud-and-kickback

 

Ramsey Solutions offers Financial Peace University for free to Veterans.  Nine-week course is free to up to 10,000 Veterans, now through Nov. 13, 2023

https://news.va.gov/125865/ramsey-solutions-financial-peace-university-free/

 

Telehealth helps Veterans’ treatment for opioid use disorder.  “Telehealth helped a very complex patient population stay on lifesaving treatment.”

https://news.va.gov/125556/telehealth-helps-treatment-opioid-use-disorder/

 

VR&E Breaking the Walls Down at Virtual Career Event

https://news.va.gov/125856/vre-breaking-the-walls-down-at-virtual-career-event/

 

Live Whole Health #194: It’s a practice

https://news.va.gov/125846/live-whole-health-194-its-a-practice/

 

The Patriotic Tribute from RFD-TV's The American Rodeo "Why I Stand"

https://www.youtube.com/embed/2eBxVxO0nh4

 

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration is Supporting America’s Veterans and Their Families, Caregivers, and Survivors

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/11/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-is-supporting-americas-veterans-and-their-families-caregivers-and-survivors/

 

As World War II was ending, a Jewish teen became the final American combat death

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/11/asia/armistice-veterans-day-final-us-combat-death-ww2-intl-hnk-ml/index.html

 

Veteran loses 140 pounds with VA TeleMOVE! Program.  Remote aspect of program a big factor for him to join

https://news.va.gov/125620/veteran-loses-140-pounds-with-va-telemove/

 

Recognizing bravery above and beyond the call of duty

https://news.va.gov/126052/recognizing-bravery-above-and-beyond-the-call-of-duty/

 

My HealtheVet celebrates 20 years of connecting Veterans to care.  Veterans used My HealtheVet to send 255 million VA prescription refill requests

https://news.va.gov/125624/my-healthevet-celebrates-20-years-veterans-care/

 

All national parks have free entrance on Veterans Day

https://news.va.gov/126031/all-national-parks-have-free-entrance-on-veterans-day/

 

DMVA Veterans Day 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVcIVKmt7dM

 

Republicans hate our veterans — and no one hates them more than Donald Trump

watch what they do, not what they say

https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/republicans-hate-our-veterans-and

 

The history of Veterans Day.  President Eisenhower proclaimed Nov. 11 Veterans Day in 1954

https://news.va.gov/125629/the-history-of-veterans-day/

 

Donna-Mae Smith, the first woman bugler in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps

https://news.va.gov/126051/donna-mae-smith-the-first-woman-bugler-in-the-womens-army-auxiliary-corps/

 

Veterans’ preference offers military personnel an edge when applying at VA.  Start your application off right

https://news.va.gov/125930/veterans-preference-an-edge-when-applying-at-va/

 

A Proclamation on Veterans Day, 2023

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/11/07/a-proclamation-on-veterans-day-2023/

 

Veterans Day

https://steady.substack.com/p/veterans-day-56f

 

Head of Aurora VA’s prosthetics department canceled veterans’ orders to eliminate backlog, ex-employees allege

https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-11-12/aurora-va-prosthetics-department-12024802.html

 

Lawrence Men Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bedford

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/lawrence-men-sentenced-distributing-fentanyl-veterans-affairs-medical-center-bedford

 

The VFW has issued a Claim Shark factsheet for you to share with fellow veterans and social media communities. A Claim Shark is an individual or company that charges hefty fees to “assist” or “consult” veterans with filing their VA benefit claims. This practice is illegal!

https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/PACT-Act/Dont-Feed-the-Sharks-One-Pager.pdf

 

Eight Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) members and Student Veterans of America (SVA) leaders have been selected for the 2023/2024 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship.

https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2023/11/vfw-sva-name-2023-2024-student-veterans-for-legislative-fellowship

 

VFW Department of Illinois District 15 Commander Chris Maynor testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs about the issues facing veteran- owned businesses.

https://veterans.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=6285

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is:--Army Cpl. R. V. Leo Short, 19, of Seminole, Oklahoma, was a member of George Company, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Eighth U.S. Army. He died while a prisoner of war in March 1951. He will be buried in his hometown on Dec. 9, 2023. Read about Short.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3582845/soldier-accounted-for-from-wwii-short-l/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is: -- Army Air Force Sergeant White S. Goings Jr., 22, of Auburn, Nebraska, was a member of the 93rd Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group. He died while a prisoner of war on July 19, 1942. He will be buried in his hometown in June 2024. Read about Goings.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3582650/airman-accounted-for-from-wwii-goings-jr-w/

 

Parkinson’s disease now covered under Camp Lejeune Family Member Program.  Eligible family members with Parkinson’s disease can now apply for assistance

https://news.va.gov/125968/parkinsons-disease-covered-camp-lejeune-program/

 

Served in World War II? New law says you’re eligible for VA health care.  WWII Veterans should apply now for VA health care

https://news.va.gov/125927/served-in-world-war-ii-law-eligible-health-care/

 

NCA doubles number of Veteran pages in VLM

https://news.va.gov/126080/nca-doubles-number-of-veteran-pages-in-vlm/

 

White Ribbon Pledge to end harassment. One in three women and one in 50 men report military sexual trauma

https://news.va.gov/125635/white-ribbon-pledge-to-end-harassment/

 

Nearly 450,000 staff and growing — just how large will VA get?

https://www.federaltimes.com/management/leadership/2023/11/08/nearly-450000-staff-and-growing-just-how-large-will-va-get/

 

Subcommittee on Health Oversight Hearing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWmvs7IL8VM

 

Completing the Mission: Supporting Veterans & Military Families – November 15, 2023

https://thehill.com/events/4266570-supporting-veterans/

 

Protecting Veterans from fraud.  Providing you with information about Veteran targeted fraud

https://www.va.gov/initiatives/protecting-veterans-from-fraud/

 

Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Oversight Hearing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Hp0f5VljRc

 

Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Markup

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_FyBknj_VQ

 

Delayed Receipt of Patients’ Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests at the Phoenix VA Health Care System in Arizona

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/hotline-healthcare-inspection/delayed-receipt-patients-colorectal-cancer-screening-tests

 

Financial Efficiency Inspection of the VA Augusta Health Care System in Georgia

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/financial-inspection/financial-efficiency-inspection-va-augusta-health-care-system-georgia

 

Veteran Suicides Ticked Upward in 2021 Following 2 Years of Decline, Latest VA Statistics Show

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/11/16/veteran-suicides-ticked-upward-2021-following-2-years-of-decline-latest-va-statistics-show.html

 

VA halts foreclosures for thousands of veterans about to needlessly lose their homes

https://www.npr.org/2023/11/17/1213930706/va-halts-foreclosures-veterans

 

Camp Lejeune Family Member Program

https://www.clfamilymembers.fsc.va.gov/

 

VA Disability Benefits: Actions Needed to Address Challenges Reserve Component Members Face Accessing Compensation

https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-105400

 

Delivering hope to children at Christmastime and beyond!  Through the gift of a new toy or book, Marine Toys for Tots programs bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s disadvantaged children. To date, we’ve distributed 652 million toys to 291 million deserving children.

https://www.toysfortots.org/

 

2023 Holiday Shipping Dates for Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States).  Recommended shipping deadlines for expected delivery before Dec. 25.1

https://about.usps.com/holidaynews/mail-by-dates/#tables

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Pfc. Clinton E. Smith Jr., 19, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. He was killed in action on January 14, 1945. He will be buried in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 27, 2023. Read about Smith.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3585476/soldier-accounted-for-from-wwii-smith-c/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Air Force Pfc. Henry J. McConnell, 28, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was assigned to the 2nd Observation Squadron. He died while a prisoner of war on July 26, 1942. He will be buried in his hometown on Nov. 30, 2023. Read about McConnell.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3583988/airman-accounted-for-from-wwii-mcconnell-h/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that returning home for burial with full military honors is --Army Cpl. William J. Herrington, 19, of Alliance, Ohio, was a member of Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 31, 1953. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia, in July 2024. Read about Herrington.

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3585212/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-herrington-w/

 

VFW Action Corps Weekly November 20, 2023

https://www.vfw.org/actioncorpsweekly

 

Joan Baez - Brothers in Arms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjxNZH0qIe0

 

Brothers In Arms - The Dire Straits - Lyrics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dBRQvXe91g

 

VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wUZxbtqEzM

 

When Elvis Got Drafted - Veterans Breakfast Club

https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/when-elvis-got-drafted/

 

Growing Up on the Edge of War - Daria Sommers - Veterans Breakfast Club

https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/growing-up-on-the-edge-of-war/

 

How Lioness: the Origin Story Podcast Came to Be - Veterans Breakfast Club

https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/how-lioness-the-origin-story-podcast-came-to-be/

 

Vietnam MACV-SOG Veterans Fight for Care and Recognition

https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/fallen-through-the-cracks/

 

Music composed at Auschwitz to be played for first time after being restored

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/24/style/music-auschwitz-premier-gbr-scli-intl/index.html

 

VA Plans Outreach to Screen 3 Million More Veterans for Toxic Exposures

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/11/24/va-plans-outreach-screen-3-million-more-veterans-toxic-exposures.html

 

Suicide prevention: Staying in touch with friends, family and myself.  During the holidays, make sure you check in with yourself as you would with your loved ones

https://news.va.gov/126296/suicide-prevention-touch-friends-family-myself/

 

Oklahoma Native American Veterans go from homeless to housed.  How VA is addressing barriers for Native American Veteranshttps://news.va.gov/126141/native-american-veterans-go-homeless-to-housed/

 

Take the Vet Center awareness survey before Nov. 30.  A few minutes of your time could help save a life

https://news.va.gov/126441/take-vet-center-awareness-survey-before-nov-30/

 

Dallas nurse spends half a century in scrubs.  I love what I do. Why would I retire?”

https://news.va.gov/126387/dallas-nurse-spends-half-a-century-in-scrubs/

 

Texas Vet Center hosts open house.  Menu included cheeses, pasta and of course, baby back ribs.

https://news.va.gov/126277/texas-vet-center-hosts-open-house/

 

GivingTuesday: A day that encourages people to do good.  Annual movement inspiring millions to give and celebrate generosity

https://news.va.gov/125825/givingtuesday-encourages-people-to-do-good/

 

New innovation fellows working to improve Veteran health care.  VA announces Innovation Ecosystem fellows

https://news.va.gov/126166/new-innovation-fellows-improve-veteran-care/

 

Mobile medical unit to meet Veterans where they live.  Bay Pines VA unit to support Veterans in Florida’s Pinellas County

https://news.va.gov/126154/mobile-medical-unit-to-meet-veterans-where-live/

 

Col. Erwin A. Burtnick, Longtime Advocate for Veterans, Dies at 80

https://jmoreliving.com/2023/11/27/col-erwin-a-burtnick-longtime-advocate-for-veterans-dies-at-80/

 

COL Erwin Burtnick Obituary, Jewish Uniformed Service Association of Maryland Founding Member Has Died – eternal honoring

https://eternalhonoring.com/col-erwin-burtnick-obituary-jewish-uniformed-service-association-of-maryland-founding-member-has-died/

 

Erwin Burtnick Obituary (2023) - Pikesville, MD - Baltimore Sun

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/baltimoresun/name/erwin-burtnick-obituary?id=53686816

 

Department of Maryland Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.

https://www.jwvmaryland.org/

 

Two Guys to a Bag, One Bag at a Time. We Each Became Experts in a Macabre Parade.

https://thewarhorse.org/vietnam-veteran-recalls-solemn-detail-carrying-the-fallen/

 

He Spent Years Learning Other People’s Secret Pains. I Spent Years Hiding Mine.

https://thewarhorse.org/veteran-kept-military-sexual-trauma-secret-for-years/

 

Care in the Community Summary Report for Fiscal Year 2022

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/national-healthcare-review/care-community-summary-report-fiscal-year-2022

 

Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Oversight Hearing – November 29, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oRjGev07r8

 

VA Secretary Press Conference, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0CUsPUhovo

 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 11/29/2023 05:30 PM EST

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/bulletins/37d725e

 

A former Philly VA supervisor faces probation for accepting more than $28,000 in kickbacks

Garry Salter, a former supervisor at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, accepted money to make purchases from an unnamed company on behalf of the center.

https://www.inquirer.com/crime/philadelphia-veterans-affairs-hospital-supervisor-sentenced-20231127.html

 

Oklahoma City VA’s Health Chat app.  Helps Veterans “chat” directly to health care professionals

https://news.va.gov/126356/oklahoma-city-vas-health-chat-app/

 

Transitioning Veteran found VA career with DoD Skillbridge program.  Sailor checked Skillbridge website for companies offering internships

https://news.va.gov/126402/transitioning-veteran-found-career-skillbridge/

 

VA program helps Native American Veterans buy, build or refinance homes on trust land

https://news.va.gov/126582/va-program-native-american-veterans-trust-land/

 

Live Whole Health #197: You can be grateful for your struggles, too!

https://news.va.gov/126503/live-whole-health-197-you-can-be-grateful-for-your-struggles-too/

 

Faith-based event held to combat Veteran suicide.  It takes a village to end Veteran suicide

https://news.va.gov/126407/faith-based-event-held-combat-veteran-suicide/

 

VA’s new program for Medal of Honor recipients

https://news.va.gov/126467/vas-new-program-for-medal-of-honor-recipients/

 

Discover meaning in your career as a nurse at VA.  Embrace a career serving Veterans

https://news.va.gov/126470/discover-meaning-your-career-nurse-at-va/

 

DMVA Digest.  A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs - November 29, 2023

https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/231027H/eywkjcft3aiq.vib?a0=15490

 

One Million Strong: VA’s Million Veteran Program makes history.  VA’s largest research program committed to improving health care for all Veterans

https://news.va.gov/126177/one-million-vas-million-veteran-program-history/

 

NCA Pre-Eligibility and VA Burial Benefits 11.28.2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7pcmqXQOI8

 

VA workers face more mandatory overtime amid record claims processing

https://www.federaltimes.com/management/pay-benefits/2023/11/30/va-workers-face-more-mandatory-overtime-amid-record-claims-processing/

 

West Virginia Woman Pleaded Guilty to Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

https://www.vaoig.gov/investigative-updates

 

VA calls on mortgage servicers to pause foreclosures of VA-guaranteed loans through May 31, 2024

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-calls-on-mortgage-servicers-to-pause-foreclosures-of-va-guaranteed-loans-through-may-31-2024/

 

Opening of enhanced My HealtheVet space.  My HealtheVet has revolutionized how Veterans interact with VA care

https://news.va.gov/126348/opening-of-enhanced-my-healthevet-space/

 

Veterans needing business start-up or growth help can turn to Warrior Rising.  Free Warrior Rising online course for Veteran entrepreneurs. Apply by Nov. 27

https://news.va.gov/126323/veterans-needing-business-start-up/

 

VA and ETS-SP partnership enhances transition experience.  Many service members experience high levels of stress during transition

https://news.va.gov/126138/va-ets-sp-partnership-transition-experience/

 

Her service, our mission: National Veterans Experience Action Center dedicated to women Veterans

https://news.va.gov/126268/women-veterans-experience-action-center/

 

Celebrate Thanksgiving with VA and serve our Veterans a side of caring.  Share with those who have served

https://news.va.gov/126363/celebrate-thanksgiving-va-serve-side-of-caring/

 

Police encounter with Veteran has positive results.  Benefits of First Responders’ Veteran focused effort

https://news.va.gov/126395/police-encounter-with-veteran-positive-results/

 

How writing, art and community can help military caregivers overcome loneliness

https://news.va.gov/126372/writing-art-community-help-caregivers-loneliness/

 

Southwest San Antonio community receives new VA clinic.  South Texas one of fastest growing health care systems in U.S.

https://news.va.gov/126351/southwest-san-antonio-receives-new-va-clinic/

 

Live Whole Health #196: Happy, healthy, safe and peaceful

https://news.va.gov/126330/live-whole-health-196-happy-healthy-peaceful/

 

Embracing virtual reality: Kari Shulman’s success story.  “It’s a lifesaver.” The profound impact it has on her life

https://news.va.gov/126135/embracing-virtual-reality-kari-shulmans-story/

 

Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Oversight Hearing – December 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOyOmytI3ao

 

Full Committee Markup on Pending Legislation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RLhbBIzATY

 

HCVA Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Oversight Hearing – December 6, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdFpTUhxyUo

 

Black tears of Pearl Harbor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU4H4UVbQX4

 

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Wreath Laying Ceremony

https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmusn/news-and-events/events/pearl-harbor.html

 

​Pennsylvania State Veterans Commission

https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Commissionsandcouncils/Pages/StateVeteransCommission.aspx

 

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony LIVENOT YET RATED This event ended at 1:45 PM on December 7, 2022

https://vimeo.com/772606319

 

Marine Accounted for from Vietnam (Forrester, R.)

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3610893/marine-accounted-for-from-vietnam-forrester-r/

 

Total number of VA claims lost in online systems tops 120,000

https://www.federaltimes.com/veterans/2023/12/04/total-number-of-va-claims-lost-in-online-systems-tops-120000/

 

VA outlines fixes to VA.gov errors impacting benefits for more than 120,000 veterans

https://federalnewsnetwork.com/it-modernization/2023/12/va-outlines-fixes-to-va-gov-errors-impacting-benefits-claims-for-more-than-120000-veterans/

 

Army veteran files lawsuit alleging VA computer system delayed cancer diagnosis

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/dec/04/army-veteran-files-lawsuit-alleging-va-computer-sy/

 

VA hired nearly 2,000 health care workers with felony drug convictions after ‘deficient’ background checks

https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2023-12-07/veterans-affairs-drugs-background-checks-health-care-12289063.html

 

Protect your benefits from scammers during the holiday season

https://news.va.gov/126720/protect-benefits-from-scammers-holiday-season/

 

Specially Adapted Housing Program

https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/specially-adapted-housing-program.html

 

Legislative & Regulatory Updates Newsletter November 2023

https://vva.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Regulatory-Updates-Newsletter-November-2023.pdf

 

A Reintroduction to The National League of POW/MIA Families

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv6sT8gkcC0

 

DR. NORMAN R. GOODMAN Obituary

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/inquirer/name/norman-goodman-obituary?id=53643892

Veterans Benefits Administration Holiday Fraud Prevention

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zz1oM4rk6Y

 

5 question only a veteran would ask Medal of Honor recipient Michael Thornton - Task & Purpose

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/medal-of-honor-vet-interview/

 

Japanese pilot who led Pearl Harbor attack learned lessons of love, faith and forgiveness after the war

'He got called to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ,' says 'Wounded Tiger' author

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/japanese-pilot-led-pearl-harbor-attack-learned-lessons-love-faith-forgiveness-war

 

Healing hooves: Equine therapy raises spirits of Veterans.  Ranger and Dare provide therapy … when not eating grass

https://news.va.gov/126535/equine-therapy-raises-spirits-of-veterans/

 

Find out why a job at a rural VA facility is right for you.  Small towns, big benefits

https://news.va.gov/126958/find-out-job-rural-va-facility-right-for-you/

 

Subcommittee on Health Oversight Hearing, House Committee on Veterans Affairs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uJ4n-LILzU

 

Five Things to Know, Dec. 11, 2023

https://www.legion.org/news/260733/five-things-know-dec-11-2023

 

New Jersey Legionnaire sharing Be the One mission with co-workers

https://www.legion.org/betheone/260735/new-jersey-legionnaire-sharing-be-one-mission-co-workers

 

Veterans Health Care.  Services and advocacy for veterans who earned and deserve timely, high-quality care.

https://www.legion.org/veteranshealthcare

 

Task Force Movement building pillars

https://www.legion.org/careers/260645/task-force-movement-building-pillars

 

VA has screened 5 million Veterans for toxic exposures, paving the way for early detection and treatment of health conditions

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-screens-5-million-veterans-toxic-exposures/

 

Pennsylvania Resident Pleaded Guilty to Violating Federal Fraud Laws – December 12, 2023

https://www.vaoig.gov/investigative-updates

 

Veterans Are Not Immune to Health Disparities - November 27, 2023

https://health.gov/news/202311/veterans-are-not-immune-health-disparities

 

Eliminating Algorithmic Racial Bias in Clinical Decision Support Algorithms: Use Cases from the Veterans Health Administration

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/heq.2023.0037

 

South Texas Medical-Surgical Unit Awarded the AMSN PRISM Award®

https://www.va.gov/south-texas-health-care/stories/south-texas-medical-surgical-unit-awarded-the-amsn-prism-awardr/

 

VA/DOD CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND ACUTE STRESS DISORDER 

https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/MH/ptsd/VADoDPTSDCPGFinal.pdf

 

Civil War Capt. Jonathan Taylor's Sword Returns to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – December 14, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HycZ0JKmSqY

 

RoundUp vs. Agent Orange: More Similar than You Think!

https://www.hillandponton.com/weeds-not-worth-killing-with-roundup/

 

VA announces hundreds of millions in grant funding to help homeless Veterans after new data shows an uptick in homelessness

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-announces-hundreds-of-millions-in-grant-funding-to-help-homeless-veterans-after-new-data-shows-an-uptick-in-homelessness/

 

Guy Stern, who fled Nazis for US and served as WWII intel operative, dies at 101.  German Jewish refugee was among last surviving ‘Ritchie Boys,’ who gathered most of Washington’s usable intelligence in war; later became renowned Holocaust scholar

https://www.timesofisrael.com/guy-stern-who-fled-nazis-for-us-and-served-as-wwii-intel-operative-dies-at-101/

 

Seeking support for all Agent Orange victimsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ebCFy66-ByE

 

Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove.  This past week an additional three trees have been taken down and since we already have a number of branch piles to be chipped, we have scheduled to have Josh Lord out at the Grove to chip on the morning of Friday December 22, 2023 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. We could use some abled body assistants to help out in picking up the branches and feeding them into the chipper.

https://mailchi.mp/ec8f05c1635f/cleanup-day-fri-dec-22nd?e=ca570fec48

 

Latest updates from VISN 4.  Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin on 12/18/2023

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHA/bulletins/3803a87

 

Welcome Home, Capt. Hall (MIA for Over 50 years)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmirhwE8pf0&t=122s

 

Substance use can be a slippery slope, especially for those facing other challenges, including mental health concerns or life stressors. For instance, when people are stressed, anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed, they may be more likely to have trouble controlling alcohol and drug use. Despite the temporary relief a substance may seem to provide, increased substance use can lead to harmful consequences.

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use/index.asp

 

2 Convicted in Largest Post-9/11 GI Bill Fraud Scheme Ever Prosecuted

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/09/19/2-convicted-largest-post-9-11-gi-bill-fraud-scheme-ever-prosecuted.html#:~:text=Over%20a%20span%20of%2010%20years%2C%20Michael%20and,regulators%20called%20to%20verify%20information%20about%20the%20program

 

Man Sentenced for Role in $105M Veterans Affairs Fraud Scheme

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/man-sentenced-role-105m-veterans-affairs-fraud-scheme

 

Fraudulent Nursing Diploma Scheme Leads to Federal Convictions

https://www.vaoig.gov/articles/investigative-update/fraudulent-nursing-diploma-scheme-leads-federal-convictions

 

Pennsylvania Plumbing and Heating Company Settles Allegations It Failed to Properly Subcontract with Disabled Veteran Owned Companies

https://www.vaoig.gov/articles/investigative-update/pennsylvania-plumbing-and-heating-company-settles-allegations-it

 

Pennsylvania Resident Pleaded Guilty to Violating Federal Fraud Laws

https://www.vaoig.gov/articles/investigative-update/pennsylvania-resident-pleaded-guilty-violating-federal-fraud-laws

 

Massachusetts Dermatology Owner and Operator Sentenced for Stealing Government Benefits

https://www.vaoig.gov/articles/investigative-update/massachusetts-dermatology-owner-and-operator-sentenced-stealing

 

DMVA Digest, December 20, 2023, A publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

https://maestro.pa.gov/list/k3hdw2n4/231214B/14k3tktu6p8w.vib?a0=15281

 

Op-Ed: More Veterans courts needed in PA

https://www.huntingdondailynews.com/daily_herald/news/op-ed-more-veterans-courts-needed-in-pa/article_d2e95338-dd3c-54cf-981c-5897a763265a.html

 

Telehealth care is easier, faster and better for Veterans with limb loss.  “It’s more efficient. It’s more simplified.”

https://news.va.gov/126865/telehealth-easier-faster-for-veterans-limb-loss/

 

VA partners with PGA’s Helping Our Patriots Everywhere (HOPE).  Swinging past obstacles

https://news.va.gov/126791/va-partners-with-pgas-helping-our-patriots-hope/

 

The VHA is At a Financial Tipping Point

https://www.veteranspolicy.org/post/the-vha-is-at-a-financial-tipping-point

 

Opinion: Veterans are dying because Congress and the VA refuse to impose quality standards for community care.  Double standards harm veterans.

https://taskandpurpose.com/opinion/congress-va-quality-standards-community-care/

 

Parallel Fights Against Privatization

https://againstthecurrent.org/atc227/parallel-fights-against-privatization/

 

Salve Lucrum: The Existential Threat of Greed in US Health Care

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2801097

 

Medicare Advantage is giving away billions to corporate insurers. It’s time we put a stop to it.

https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/4315313-medicare-advantage-is-giving-away-billions-to-corporate-insurers-its-time-we-put-a-stop-to-it/

 

Live Whole Health #200: Under pressure? Find relief for low back pain

https://news.va.gov/127174/live-whole-health-200-under-pressure-find-relief-for-low-back-pain/

 

VA’s remote temperature monitoring prevents diabetic limb loss.  Late-detected diabetic foot ulcers could lead to limb amputation

https://news.va.gov/126712/vas-temperature-monitoring-prevents-limb-loss/

 

Check in with the Veterans who seem to have it all together.  You might have to dig deep to see if they need your support

https://news.va.gov/126925/check-in-with-veterans-who-have-it-all-together/

 

Video: CPR training for caregivers.   About 75% to 80% of cardiac arrests happen at home

https://news.va.gov/126527/video-cpr-training-for-caregivers/

 

Four Co-Conspirators Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Wire Fraud

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/four-co-conspirators-sentenced-after-pleading-guilty-wire-fraud

 

BioTelemetry and LifeWatch to Pay More than $14.7 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations that LifeWatch Billed More Expensive Services than Physicians Intended to Order

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/biotelemetry-and-lifewatch-pay-more-147-million-resolve-alse-claims-act-allegations

 

Check in with the Veterans who seem to have it all together.  You might have to dig deep to see if they need your support

https://news.va.gov/126925/check-in-with-veterans-who-have-it-all-together/

 

2023: End-of-year Veteran benefits update

https://news.va.gov/127378/2023-end-of-year-veteran-benefits-update/

 

Health professions trainees learn from working with Veterans.  “I really liked seeing how much time is given to each patient.”

https://news.va.gov/126813/health-professions-trainees-working-veterans/

 

How Veterans can reinvent themselves with NPower to break into tech with top companies

https://news.va.gov/127200/how-veterans-reinvent-themselves-tech-companies/

 

Watch for VA Careers at the annual First Responder Bowl.  See what a VA career can offer

https://news.va.gov/126976/watch-va-careers-annual-first-responder-bowl/

 

Different faces but all suffering intimate partner violence.  “I learned not to judge myself by what someone else did to me.”

https://news.va.gov/126929/different-suffering-intimate-partner-violence/

 

VA proposes fee process changes that would allow Veterans, their attorneys, claims representatives to receive fees or benefits faster

https://news.va.gov/127407/va-proposes-fee-process-changes-that-would-allow-veterans-their-attorneys-claims-representatives-to-receive-fees-or-benefits-faster/

 

American Legion hosts Christmas Caravan.  Christmas Caravan a Birmingham VA tradition

https://news.va.gov/127256/american-legion-hosts-christmas-caravan/