VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
May 4, 2012
In This Issue:
1. Defense Bill Update
2. Camp LejeuneExposure
3. Seeking Desert Shield/StormVeterans
4. Promote Veteran RetrainingAssistance Program
5. Nine Thousand Marines toMove
6. Bataan, CorregidorSurvivors
7. WWII MIA Identified
1. Defense Bill Update: The House Armed Services Committee is set tohold a full-committee markup next week on the fiscal year 2013 National DefenseAuthorization Act. The bill being considered would set the base defense budgetat about $554 billion, or about $4 billion above the president's request and $8billion above the caps set by the Budget Control Act. It is expected that thebill will eliminate the controversial TRICARE fee hikes proposed by theadministration, as well slow the pace of the planned 100,000 active duty troopreduction that will primarily impact the Army and Marine Corps. The bill wouldalso allocate money for an environmental impact study of potential locationsalong the East Coast for weapons capable of shooting down ballistic missiles.VFW Resolution 405 calls a ballistic missile defense system a national securitypriority.
2. Camp LejeuneExposure: The House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees joined forces torequest that the Administration provide immediate VA healthcare to Camp Lejeuneveterans and their families who were exposed to contaminated water over a30-year period. After receiving correspondence from VA Secretary Eric Shinsekithat it was "premature" to provide healthcare to these veterans,House Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) and Ranking Member Bob Filner (D-Calif.),and Senate Chairman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Richard Burr(R-N.C.) sent a letter to President Obama to plead their case. The VFW willcontinue to monitor developments. If you or someone you know was stationed at Camp Lejeuneduring the time of exposure (1957-1987), please contact the VFW at: vfwac@vfw.org. To learn more about the exposureof Camp Lejeune veterans at http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2012/04/military-veterans-affairs-should-care-for-camp-lejeune-vets-lawmakers-say-042312w/.
3. Seeking Desert Shield/Storm Veterans: The VA's War Related Injury andStudy Center in East Orange, N.J., is asking all Desert Shield/Storm veteransto complete an anonymous online survey to help the VA better understand theproblems and needs of first Gulf War veterans. The survey asks for demographicinformation, deployment experience, physical and mental health problems, andtreatments or wellness practices that veterans may or may not be currentlyusing. To complete the survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WRIISC_PGW.To learn more about the VA's War Related Injury and Study Centers,go to http://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/.
4. Promote Veteran Retraining Assistance Program: Over the next coupleof months, the VFW will continue to raise awareness of a new VA employmenttraining assistance program called the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program(VRAP), authorized by last year's VOW to Hire Heroes Act. VRAP offers 12 monthsof training assistance to veterans age 35 to 60. Eligible participants willreceive up to 12 months of training assistance at the full-time payment rateunder the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month).The Department of Labor will also offer employment assistance to every veteranwho participates or applies to the VRAP program. Learn more about VRAP at http://benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm.To learn more about each of the new programs authorized under VOW, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/04/va-introduces-vow-to-hire-heroes-act.html.
5. Nine Thousand Marines to Move: U.S.and Japanese officials agreed to move 9,000 U.S. Marines off Okinawato other locations in the Pacific. About 5,000 Marines will head to Guam, withthe rest to Hawaii, Australiaand possibly California.About 10,000 Marines will remain on Okinawawhen the relocation is complete. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=116105.
6. Bataan, Corregidor Survivors: The VFW Washington Office joined fiveBataan and Corregidor survivors last week tocommemorate the 70th anniversary of the infamous Bataan Death March. The veterans included past nationalcommanders of the now-disbanded American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor,who traveled to Japanin 2010 and 2011 to receive an official apology from the Japanese governmentfor their maltreatment, and to visit their former POW camps. The five veterans,who represent only about 200 remaining Bataan and Corregidorsurvivors, are:
- Dr. Lester Tenney, 92, from San Diego, formerly assigned to Company B, 192nd Tank Battalion, Illinois Army National Guard;
- Mr. Joseph Alexander, 85, San Antonio, 440th Ordnance Aviation Bombardment Squadron, Army Air Corps;
- Mr. Donald Versaw, 91, Lakewood, Calif., E Company, 2nd Battalion 4th Marines (China Marines);
- Mr. Ben Steele, 94, Billings, Mont., 7th Material Squadron, 19th Bomb Group, Army Air Corps;
- Mr. Roland Towery, 89, Austin, Texas, Battery C, 60th Army Coast Artillery.
7. WWII MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel announced theidentification of remains belonging to Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Charles R.Moritz, 21, of Effingham, Ill. On June 7, 1944, Moritz, of the 555thFighter Squadron, was piloting a P-51C Mustang when it collided with another U.S. aircraft while on a training flight over Lincolnshire, England. A witness reported thecrash, but officials were not able to recover his remains at the time. Readmore at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/2012/release_moritz.pdf
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
April 27, 2012
In This Issue:
1. VFW Salutes New GI BillProtections
2. House Advances VETS Billand Other Legislation
3. VA Failing Veterans onMental Health Access
4. VA Exempt from Budget Cuts
5. FY 2013 NDAA Update
6. Clark Veterans Cemetery Update
7. Three MIAs Return Hom
1. VFW Salutes New GI Bill Protections: The VFW saluted the Presidentfor signing an executive order today to better protect the military andveterans' communities from the predatory recruiting and financial loanpractices of some colleges who fail to deliver on their educational promises.The VFW has been a leading voice on improving student-veteran consumereducation and played an integral role in drafting some of the provisions in theexecutive order. To learn more, click here:http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/VFW-SALUTES-NEW-GI-BILL-PROTECTIONS/.Early next week we will bring you a comprehensive breakdown of the executiveorder and how it will help prepare student-veterans to best utilize theirearned benefits. Check back on Monday with www.vfwonthehill.org for updates.
2. House Advances VETS Billand Other Legislation: Earliertoday, the House VA Committee voted to move the Department of Labor Veterans'Employment and Training Service, or VETS, under the jurisdiction of VA. Thebill, H.R. 4072, would transfer all veterans' job training, counseling andrehabilitation as well as homeless reintegration programs under VA. Otherprovisions amended into the bill include authorizing a pilot program in fivestates that allows veterans and their spouses' access to key components of theTAP program and adjusting the cost of living increase -- beginning in FY 2014 -for veterans to the same percentage as social security thus eliminating theneed for annual legislation. Other VFW-supported legislation that cleared thecommittee included:
- H.R. 4114 would provide a cost-of-living adjustment for veterans' benefits in FY 2013.
- H.R. 3670, legislation that closes a long overdue loophole in rehiring compliance within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
H.R. 4482 which improves VA's home loan guaranty programs regarding adjustable rate mortgages and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages. - H.R. 4201, The Servicemember Family Protection Act, which would protect deployed servicemembers in child custody suits
The VFW was one of the leading voices on Capitol Hill advocating to moveVETS under VA. To learn more about VFW's support to this bill and to read ourtestimony on it, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/03/watch-live-testimony-on-veterans-jobs.html.
3. VA Failing Veterans onMental Health Care: This week, theVA Inspector General released a critical report that details flaws in the wayVA calculates wait times for mental health appointments. This reportcontradicts VA's claims that 95% of new patients wanting mental health servicesreceived full evaluations for care within the required 14 day period. The IGreported that just 49% were seen in that time frame, and that the average waittime was 50 days. The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee who had requested thereport earlier this year, held a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the hugedisparity between what VA reported as wait times for veterans and what actuallywas found at facilities across the country. Senate VA Chairman Parry Murray(D-0WA) called the report deeply disturbing and demanded VA take action torevamp its scheduling system and get serious about hiring mental healthprofessionals. To read our blog posting on this issue click here:http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/04/watch-live-senate-hosts-hearing-on-vets.html
4. VA Exempt from Budget Cuts: After months of inquiries from the VFW,VSO's and Congress, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) finally releaseda letter stating that VA health care programs would be exempt from mandatorybudget cuts should sequestration occur at the end of this year. VFWCommander-in-Chief Richard L. DeNoyer praised the outcome, "Today'sdecision means the healthcare plans and programs the VA currently provides tomillions of disabled veterans will continue unabated, as will claims processingand veterans' burial benefits." He said. Mandatory budget cuts were put inplace after Congress failed to reach an agreement on spending cuts and deficitreduction. To read our press release and the official OMB letter click here:http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/VA-EXEMPT-FROM-SEQUESTRATION/.To read about the justification behind the VA exemption, click here:http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/04/why-va-programs-will-be-exempt-from.html.
5. FY 2013 NDAA Update: This week, The House Armed ServicesSubcommittee on Personnel approved its portion of the FY 2013 NDAA, and theSenate Armed Services Committee held another hearing to discuss matters relatedto personnel. The House subcommittee voted against increasing fees in theTricare system and cleared a 1.7 percent across-the-board pay raise for servicemembers. The House proposal also included a VFW-supported provision that wouldrequire DOD to provide Congress with frequent briefings on allegations ofsexual assault and harassment in the military. The VFW will continue to monitorboth Committees' as they move the bill through the process.
6. ClarkVeterans CemeteryUpdate: The VFW is supportinglegislation introduced by Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) to direct the AmericanBattle Monuments Commission to assume responsibility of the veterans cemeteryat the former Clark Air Base in the Philippines. The U.S. abandoned the cemetery and air base in 1991when Mt. Pinatubo erupted. Beginning in 1994,local VFW Post 2485 took on the mission to keep the Clarkcemetery up to standards using their own resources. Ayotte's bill, S. 2320,would ensure the responsibility is formally transferred to ABMC. Approximately8,600 American veterans dating back to the Spanish-American War and PhilippineInsurrection, along with dependents, and U.S. Government-authorized civiliansand Philippine Scouts are interred there. The companion bill in the House isH.R. 4168, introduced by Rep. Frank Guinta (R-N.H.). Learn more athttp://www.cvcra.org/.
7. Three MIAs Return Home: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Officeannounced the identification of remains belonging to three soldiers previouslymissing in action from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Returned home are:
- Army Sgt. 1st Class Edris A. Viers, 32, of Swan, Iowa. In August 1950, Viers and Battery A, 555th Field Artillery Battalion, would be listed as missing in action fighting against North Koreans in a battle known as the "Bloody Gulch," near Pongam-ni, South Korea.
- Army Pfc. Nelson E. Young, 19, of Suffolk, Mass. In late November 1950, Young and elements of the 31st Regimental Combat Team, known as "Task Force Faith," were attacked advancing along the eastern banks of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. It was learned after the war that Young had been captured by the Chinese, but died several months later as the result of malnutrition.
- Army Capt. Charles R. Barnes, 27, of Philadelphia. On March 16, 1969, Barnes and four other service members departed Qui Nhon Airfield in a U-21A Ute aircraft. As they approached Da Nang, they encountered low clouds and poor visibility. Communications with the aircraft were lost. Immediate search efforts found nothing of the aircraft or crew.
Read more about their individual stories at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
April 20, 2012
In This Issue
1. Soldier to ReceivePosthumous MoH
2. VFW Testifies on DisabilityClaims Process
3. VFW Testifies on VeteranIs'Health Bills
4. House Subcommittee ClearsVets' Bills
5. VOW Act Website Launched
6. Two Korean War MIAsIdentified
1. Soldier to Receive Posthumous MoH: Army Spc. 4 Leslie H. Sabo Jr., arifleman with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, willposthumously receive the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony next month.Sabo is credited with saving the lives of several of his comrades in Company B,3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry, when his platoon was ambushed near the Se SanRiver in eastern Cambodiaon May 10, 1970. Sabo shielded a comrade from an enemy grenade and silenced amachine-gun bunker before he was killed. Sabo's unit nominated him for theMedal of Honor, but the paperwork was lost until a fellow veteran and writerfor the Screaming Eagle Association magazine came across a thick file on Sabowhile on a research trip to the National Archives military repository in College Park, Md.Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67965.
2. VFW Testifies on DisabilityClaims Process: This week, the VFWtestified as part of a panel of experts on the role of veterans'representatives throughout the VA disability claims process. Speaking beforethe House Veterans' Affairs Committee, our remarks centered on the importanceof having a claim representative help veterans obtain benefits from VA.Currently, VFW has 1,300 accredited individuals providing assistance toveterans and survivors.
We also spoke about our VA accredited training program and the criticalneed for a thorough understanding of the complexities of the disability claimsprocess and rating system.
Other panelists included DAV, the American Legion, VA and a local law firm thatdoes litigation on behalf of veterans. To learn more about the hearing and toview the archived webcast, click here:http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/04/watch-live-vfw-to-testify-on-va-claims.html.
3. VFW Testifies on Veterans'Health Bills: On Monday, VFWtestified before the House Subcommittee on Health on an array of veteranshealth care related bills. The Committee appeared most interested in H.R. 3279,legislation which clarifies a serious illness as being eligible for caregiverbenefits and H.R. 1460, which would direct VA to automatically enroll servicemembers returning from Iraqand Afghanistaninto the VA health care system. The VFW also testified on H.R. 3016, whichrequires VA and DOD to operate a joint Federal Recovery Coordination Program,H.R. 3337, which establishes a burn pit registry for Iraqand Afghanistanveterans who may have been exposed to toxins overseas and others. For ourcomplete testimony and listing of all the bills, or to view the recordedwebcast visit: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/04/icymi-vfw-testifies-on-veterans-health.html.
4. House Subcommittee ClearsVets' Bills: The House VASubcommittee on Disability and Memorial Affairs cleared several VFW- supportedbills out of committee. They now move to the full committee for a vote. Theyincluded:
- H.R. 4142, which would automatically adjust the cost-of-living increase for veterans to the same percentage as social security COLA, thereby eliminating the need for legislation every year.
- H.R. 2051, which provides burials for unclaimed veteran remains identified by the Missing in America project.
For a listing of all of the bills, visit the House VA Committee website at: http://veterans.house.gov/markup/markup-of-hr-4114-ans-to-hr-4142-ans-to-hr-2377
5. VOW Act Website Launched: On April 17, VA launched the VOW to HireHeroes Act website. VFW played a critical role in getting this criticalemployment legislation passed into law. The site provides comprehensiveinformation on all aspects of the VOW Act to include details about the VeteransRetraining Assistance Program (VRAP), tax credits for employers, vocationalrehabilitation services, the transition assistance program, and Department ofLabor resources for veterans. Qualified veterans will be able to apply for theVRAP program which offers 12 months of retraining assistance directly from thesite starting on May 15, 2012. VFW highlighted the new website on our blog,which you can read about here:http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/04/va-introduces-vow-to-hire-heroes-act.html.For more information on the new programs and benefits, click here: http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW/
6. Two Korean War MIAsIdentified: The Defense POW/MissingPersonnel Office announced the identifications of remains belonging to twosoldiers who had been missing in action since the Korean War. Returned homeare:
- Army Pfc. Richard E. Clapp, 19, of Seattle, Wash. On Sept. 2, 1950, Clapp and C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, came under fire near Yulchon, South Korea. Clapp was killed in action, but the Army was unable to identify his remains at the time, and he was buried as "Unknown" in a military cemetery on the Korean Peninsula, then reinterred in "The "Punchbowl" National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.
- Army Cpl. James N. Larkin, 34, of Kirkwood, Mo. On Feb. 11, 1951, Larkin and his unit, known as "Support Force 21" from the 2nd Infantry Division, were attacked by Chinese forces near Changbong-ni, South Korea. Following the battle, Larkin was listed as missing in action. It was later learned he had died in April 1951 from battle wounds and malnutrition while held captive in the Chinese operated POW camp known as "Bean Camp" located in North Korea.
Read more at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
April 13, 2012
In This Issue
1. Two Crosses Awarded
2. Sunday RegistrationDeadline for Montford Point Marines
3. Congress Returns to BusySchedule
4. Nevada VFW Town Hall FieldReport
5. Roth TSP Phase-In
6. Three Korean War MIAsIdentified
1. Two Crosses Awarded: The Air Force and Army on Thursday awarded theirhighest service medals for bravery to two Operation Enduring Freedom veterans.
- Army Sgt. Felipe Pereira became the first 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagle" to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross since Vietnam. During a Nov. 1, 2010, dismounted patrol in Kandahar, Afghanistan, an improvised explosive device detonated, killing two soldiers in Pereira's squad. With an enemy ambush underway, and despite sustaining shrapnel wounds and a collapsed lung himself, Pereira drove a vehicle into enemy fire to help evacuate wounded soldiers, and then went back again to help others. Pereira is credited with saving the lives of two of his fellow soldiers, while risking his own on multiple occasions. Only after all of the wounded had been evacuated and were receiving medical care did he accept treatment himself. Read more at http://www.army.mil/article/77726/Screaming_Eagle_Soldier_receives_Distinguished_Service_Cross/
- Air Force Capt. Barry F. Crawford Jr. was awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller to brave enemy fire while controlling over 33 aircraft and more than 40 airstrikes during a May 4, 2010, ambush in Laghman Province, Afghanistan, that allowed his special operations team to get out of the kill zone and ultimately saved the lives of his American special forces and Afghan commando teammates. The team of approximately 100 personnel had to run a gauntlet of enemy fire no matter where they were in the valley. Acting without hesitation, Crawford bounded across open terrain to guide in a medevac helicopter and engaged enemy positions with his assault rifle while calling in AH-64 Apache attacks to defeat the ambush. Read more at http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123297774
2. Sunday Registration Deadline for Montford Point Marines: Sunday,April 15, is the final day for Montford Point Marines to register to attend theCongressional Gold Medal ceremony that will soon take place in Washington, D.C.Invitations to the ceremony are limited to properly documented living MontfordPoint Marines; one lineal descendent of a Montford Point Marine killed inaction during World War II; or one lineal descendent of a Montford Point Marinewho was alive when President Obama signed the bill to award the CongressionalGold Medal into law last November. For more information or to register, contactJoe Geeter at geeterj@yahoo.com or (610) 495-3619, or go tohttp://www.dvidshub.net/news/86351/montford-point-marine-congressional-gold-medal-registration-deadline-announced.
3. Congress Returns to Busy Schedule: Congress returns next week to abusy schedule of hearings and budget negotiations. VFW will be testifying attwo House VA Committee hearings. On Monday, VFW will be testifying on an arrayof healthcare related bills before the Health Subcommittee, and on Wednesday,to discuss the VA disability claims process in front of the full committee. Thehearing, entitled "From the Inside Out: A look at Claims Representatives'Role in the Disability Claims Process," intends to look at the entireprocess from the VSO representatives perspective. Be sure to check our blog atwww.vfwonthehill.org for more information on both hearings. To view the livewebcast of either hearing, visit the House VA Committee website athttp://veterans.house.gov/.
4. Nevada VFW Town Hall FieldReport: Members and advocates fromthe VFW Department of Nevada joined a Congressional veterans' town hall meetingwith Rep. Mark Amodei (R) in Elko, Nevada, on April 3. Learn moreabout the town hall at http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/04/field-report-nevada-vfw-joins-veterans.html.Members of Congress are still in recess over the weekend, which makes for aperfect opportunity for all VFW advocates to meet and discuss our prioritygoals with them. To submit an advocacy Field Report of your own for publicationon the VFW Capitol Hill blog, simply fill out our online form athttp://www.vfw.org/Forms/Capitol-Hill-Blog-Submissions/, or send your stories,photos or videos directly to vfwac@vfw.org.
5. Roth TSP Phase-In: The Defense Finance and Accounting Servicewill begin processing Roth Thrift Savings Plan elections for Defense Departmentcivilian employees and military customers using a phased approach beginning inJune and continuing through October 2012. The retirement investment choice willgive civilian employees and military service members the option to contributeafter-tax wages into TSP for the first time. Implementation will begin with theMarine Corps in June, DOD civilians in July, and Army, Navy and Air Forcemembers in October. Read more athttp://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67933.
6. Three Korean War MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/Missing PersonnelOffice recently announced the identification of remains belonging to threesoldiers who had been missing in action since the Korean War. Recovered are:
- Army Cpl. Patrick R. Glennon, 18, of Rochester, N.Y. On Nov. 1, 1950, Glennon and G Company, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, were holding a defensive position along the Nammyon River near Unsan, North Korea, when they were attacked by Chinese forces. Glennon was listed as missing in action following the heavy fighting.
- Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard L. Harris, 23, of Spokane, Wash. In late November 1950, Harris and elements of the 2nd Infantry Division, were in a defensive line north of Kujang, North Korea, when they were attacked by Chinese forces in what became known as the Battle of the Chongchon. It would be learned that Harris had been captured, but died of malnutrition in a North Korean POW camp on Jan. 22, 1951.
- Army Pfc. Frank P. Jennings, 20, of Parsons, Tenn. In late April 1951, Jennings and E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, were battling Chinese Communist Forces near Jeon-Gog, South Korea. Jennings was reported as missing in action; his status was later changed to killed in action.
Read their individual stories at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
April 5, 2012
In This Issue
1. VA Claims Update
2. VFW Attends LaborDepartment TAP Briefing
3. VFW Marine Completes Walkto Arlington
4. Congress on Recess; ShareYour District Stories
5. Two MIA's Identified
1. VA Claims Update: The Department of Veterans Affairs is moving a stepcloser to fixing a disability claims system that for years has taken in moreclaims than are processed. The department is about to rollout nationally a newautomated Veterans Benefit Management System to make claims determinationsfaster and more accurate. In 2009, VA produced 900,000 claims decisions, buttook in 1 million new claims. VA increased its claims decisions to 1 million inboth 2010 and 2011, but then took in 1.2 million and 1.3 million new claims,respectively. The new automated system will be launched in 16 of the VA's 56regional offices this fall to complement ongoing manual efforts, with the restof the ROs brought onboard by 2014. VA's intent is to have no claim older than125 days, and for every rating decision to be 98 percent accurate. Read more athttp://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67793.
2. VFW Attends Labor Department TAP Briefing: Last week the VFW had theopportunity to sit in on the Department of Labor's latest iteration of theredesigned transition assistance program, or TAP. DOL Veterans Employment andTraining Service, or VETS, is in the process of reworking the curriculum forits two-and-a-half day employment workshop in an effort to ensure thattransitioning service members have all the resources necessary to pursue ameaningful civilian career after military service, and has welcomed input fromveterans' advocates like the VFW. To learn more about VFW's work to helpimprove TAP resources, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/04/vfw-joins-labor-to-observe-redesigned.html
3. VFW Marine Completes Walk to Arlington:On Monday afternoon, VFW member and Marine Corps veteran Justin Kuhel arrivedat Arlington NationalCemetery, completing a 17-day,400-mile walk from his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, to help raise the nation'sawareness of wounded veterans. VFW Washington, D.C., staff were on hand at Arlington to greet Kuheland accompany him on a visit to fallen comrades laid to rest in Section 60. Tolearn more about Kuhel's journey, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/04/vfw-marine-completes-walk-to-arlington.html
4. Congress on Recess; Share Your District Stories: Members of Congresswill be in their home states and districts for the second week -- returning to Washington on April16th. Now is a great time to set up an appointment to discuss the VFW LegislativePriority Goals and urge them to support a budget that takes care of veteransand our active duty military, guard and reserve members and their families. Ifyou have advocacy stories you would like to share for publication on the VFWCapitol Hill blog, simply fill out the online form available here:http://www.vfw.org/Forms/Capitol-Hill-Blog-Submissions/, or send details andphotos directly to vfwac@vfw.org.
5. Two MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Officeannounced the identifications of remains belonging to a Korean War soldier andVietnam War airman. Identified are:
· ArmyCpl. Henry F. Johnson, 20, of Conway, Ark. Johnson, of L Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th InfantryRegiment, was deployed in a defensive line that ran east-west across the centerof North Koreawhen Chinese forces attacked on Nov. 25, 1950. It was later learned he wastaken captive but died in the spring of 1951 as a result of malnutrition.
· Air ForceTech. Sgt. Allen J. Avery, 29, of Arlington, Mass. Forty years ago on April 6,1972, six airmen were flying a combat search and rescue mission in their HH-53CSuper Jolly Green Giant when it was hit by enemy ground fire and crashed inQuang Tri Province in South Vietnam.
Read more about their individual stories at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
March 30, 2012
In This Issue
1. House VACommittee Hearings
2. VFW Testifies on PendingLegislation
3. Senate Committee DiscussesMilitary Personnel and TRICARE
4. Senate Kicks Off "IHire Veterans" Campaign
5. Congress on Spring Recess
6. Korean War MIA Identified
1. House VA Committee Hearings: The House Veterans'Affairs Committee had a busy week of hearings. On Wednesday the committee heardtestimony regarding the status of four major construction projects and variousmedical facility leases across the country. Committee Chairman Jeff Miller(R-FL) and several other members from Floridadistricts spent most of the hearing questioning witnesses about seriousproblems at the Orlando VA Medical center site. According to representativesfrom the construction company under contract, ongoing problems with the design,procurement of medical equipment, and numerous change orders has delayed theproject and increased costs. The medical facility is now expected to open inthe fall of 2013 instead of summer 2012. Other projects discussed included Las Vegas, Denver and New Orleans withestimated costs to complete at around $3 billion dollars.
On Wednesday, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity (EO) also held ahearing to reevaluate the transition process for service members. The focus ofthe hearing was on the implementation of the Integrated Disability EvaluationSystem (IDES), a joint VA/DOD examination and records integration and theFederal Recovery Coordinator (FRC) program. The joint evaluation system was putin place in 2007 to better assist recovering service members and their familiestransition from active-duty to VA. Former commission members, DOD and VAofficials and several VSO representatives testified on the programs. The VSOexperts agreed that more transparency and consistency is need to eliminate confusionfor service members and to clarify the process between the two departments.
Later on Wednesday, the EO Subcommittee also cleared several VFW-supportedbills. The bills included, H.R. 3670, legislation that VFW was instrumental ingetting introduced which closes a long overdue loophole in rehiring compliancewithin the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and H.R. 4051, the TAPModernization Act of 2012, which will authorize a pilot program to offeroff-base TAP to communities where veterans have been hit hard by the economy.To read about VFW's testimony in support of the bills, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/03/watch-live-testimony-on-veterans-jobs.htmlFor more information on any of the hearings or to view the recordedwebcasts, visit the House VA Committee website at: http://veterans.house.gov/
2. VFW Testifies on Pending Legislation: On Thursday, the VFW testifiedon a series of bills before the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance andMemorial Affairs. One bill, the American Heroes COLA Act would permanently tiethe annual cost-of-living increase for veterans and their survivors receivingdisability compensation from VA to social security. Currently Congress mustpass legislation annually authorizing the increase to enable veterans toreceive the same percentages provided to social security recipients. OtherVFW-supported bills included H.R. 4168, legislation that gives the authority toproperly care and maintain Clark Cemetery in the Philippinesback to the U.S.government, and H.R. 2051 which directs VA to work with the Missing in AmericaProject and other organizations in locating remains of veterans eligible forburial in a national cemetery. To learn more about the hearing and to watch alive webcast, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/03/watch-live-vfw-to-testify-on-pending.html.To read VFW's testimony click here: http://www.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/Congressional-Testimony/DAMA-Bill-Hearing/
3. Senate Committee Discusses Military Personnel and TRICARE: OnWednesday, the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel held a hearingto discuss issues the DoD budget as part of their work to craft this year'sNational Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Jo Ann Rooney, the actingundersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, outlined four areas theDoD is working to reduce the "unsustainable" cost growth in theMilitary Health System. They include a focus on prevention and overall health,garnering internal efficiencies, reform of the contracts with providers in theTRICARE networks, and increasing costs to beneficiaries. The VFW believes thatthe proposals from DoD amount to an unacceptable shift in costs that would onlyincrease over time due to several factors, including proposed indexing offuture cost increases to civilian medical inflation. We ask you to reach out toyour members in the House and Senate to remind them of the many options thatexist to reduce overall cost, and stress that those who serve in the militaryare not a revenue stream for DoD. To read our alert on the Defense Budget andTricare, click here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=61005316
4. Senate Kicks Off "I Hire Veterans" Campaign: VFW attendedthe Senate Veterans' Job Caucus kick-off of the "I Hire Veterans"campaign. The initiative encourages members of the Senate and public to displaya simple logo (download here: http://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/files/serve?File_id=ab02847c-4d6b-4003-9996-39ffcdf23456) in their offices and businesses to show their commitment to hiring veterans.Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) along with 29 others has joined the caucus topromote putting service members back to work. The caucus, which launched inFebruary, brings leaders together in an effort to fight the high unemploymentamong veterans. Secretary of Labor, Hilda L. Solis expressed her support forthe initiative and reminded business leaders that veterans bring unique skills,leadership and experience to the table.
5. Congress on Spring Recess: Members of Congress will be in their homestates/districts next week. Now is a great time to set up an appointment todiscuss the VFW Legislative Priority Goals and urge them to support a budgetthat takes care of veterans and our active duty military, guard and reservemembers and their families. VFW has been in the forefront of the Tricare andMilitary Retirement issue and asks you to join with us in defeating anyproposals that may be harmful to veterans and our military. For talking pointson our "Join the Fight" campaign and a complete listing of all ourLegislative Priority Goals use the attached links. Remember, you have influencewith your elected officials, use it. We cannot win the fight without your helpand advocacy!
http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/JOIN-THE-FIGHT!/http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/VFW_in_DC/2012%20Priority%20Goals%20Brochure.PDF
6. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Officeannounced the identification of remains belonging to Army Sgt. William E.Brashear, 24, of Owensboro, Ky. In November 1950, Brashear ofCompany B, 70th Tank Battalion, along with almost 600 other 8th CavalryRegiment soldiers, were killed in action during a battle south of Unsan, North Korea. Their bodies were not recoverable atthe time and were later buried by enemy forces. Read more at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
March 23, 2012
In This Issue
1. Army Chief Questioned onPTSD Diagnoses During Budget Hearing
2. VA Funding Update
3. VFW Action Sparks Legislation to HelpStudent-Veterans
4. Stop Loss Pay Extended
5. North Korean MIA OperationsSuspended
6. Field Report: VFW Helps Colorado Veterans' ForumDevelop Solutions
1. Army Chief Questioned on PTSD Diagnoses During Budget Hearing: Duringa routine Defense Appropriations hearing this week, Senate VA CommitteeChairman Patty Murray (D-WA) questioned Army Secretary John McHugh on thehandling of PTSD cases by the forensic psychiatry unit at MadiganArmy MedicalCenter on Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Murray's home state. Murray asked why morethan 40 percent of the service members who walked in the door with a PTSDdiagnosis at Madigan had their diagnosis either changed or overturned entirely.The forensic psychiatry unit at Madigan is currently under investigation forfailure to properly diagnose and treat the invisible wounds of war. Informationdated back to 2007 has shown that hundreds of cases are under investigation forchanging mental health diagnoses based on the cost of providing care andbenefits to service members. The Army is currently reevaluating nearly 300service members and veterans who have had their PTSD diagnoses changed by thatunit since 2007. To read Stars & Stripes coverage of the hearing, clickhere: http://www.stripes.com/news/senator-diverts-hearing-to-get-answers-on-ptsd-care-1.172285.
2. VA Funding Update: The House Appropriations' Subcommittee on MilitaryConstruction and VA discussed the FY 2013 VA budget. The legislation is stillin draft form but committee members discussed funding for medical care,compensation and pension and weighed in on education, vocational rehabilitationand employment assistance for veterans. Committee members also raised concernsabout the disability claims backlog and the amount of time it takes to processa claim and high unemployment rates among young veterans. Secretary Shinsekiprovided testimony for VA. To view the recorded webcast of the hearing clickhere: http://appropriations.house.gov/Subcommittees/Subcommittee/?IssueID=35986
3. VFW Action Sparks Legislation to Help Student-Veterans: This weekSen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced the "GI Education Equity Act of2012," a bipartisan bill to help ensure student-veterans have access toquality educational counseling before tapping into their G.I. Bill benefits,and a clear method of recourse should student-veterans feel they have becomevictims of fraud, waste or abuse. The bill reflects the two main tenets of aletter VFW sent to House, Senate and Obama Administration leadership, callingfor improved consumer education and recourse mechanisms for student-veterans,and signed by a diverse coalition of veterans' education stakeholders. To learnmore about the bill click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/03/vfw-action-sparks-legislation-to-better.html.
4. Stop Loss Pay Extended: Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) hasbeen extended to Oct. 21, 2012. The Office of Enlisted Personnel Managementbelieves many qualified individuals have not applied for the pay and hopes thatthe extension will allow those eligible more time to apply under the program guidelines.RSLSP was established to compensate for the hardships military membersencountered when their service was involuntarily extended under Stop Lossauthority between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. Eligible members or theirbeneficiaries may submit a claim to their respective military service in orderto receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a StopLoss status. To apply for the pay, or for more information on RSLSP, includingsubmission requirements and service-specific links, go to http://www.defense.gov/stoploss
5. North Korean MIA Operations Suspended: The U.S. has suspended effortsto find remains of U.S. service members lost during the Korean War due to NorthKorean threats to launch a ballistic missile. The announcement came less thantwo months after it was announced MIA recovery operations would resume after aseven-year absence. An estimated 5,300 of almost 8,000 American MIAs from theKorean War are missing in North Korea. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67639.
6. Field Report: VFW Helps Colorado Veterans' Forum Develop Solutions:Last year Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) put together a state veterans' forum,comprised of veterans' advocates and leaders across the state in an effort tobetter serve Colorado'sveterans. In January, a forum subcommittee, chaired by VFW Post 1 CommanderIzzy Abbass came together to address a series of veterans' issues under thetitle "Better Serving Those Who Have Served." To learn more about thesubcommittee and its priorities for serving Colorado's veterans, click here:http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/03/field-report-vfw-helps-colorado.html.
To submit your Field Reports for consideration on the VFW's Capitol Hill blog,simply fill out our online form here, or send photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
March 16, 2012
In This Issue
1. Senate VACommittee Discusses Homelessness Goals
2. Field Report: New Mexico CongressionalTown Hall
3. Field Report Form NowAvailable
4. Tricare Lawsuit
5. DOD Budget Impact in Review
1. Senate VA Committee Discusses Homelessness Goals:This week, the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee held a hearing to discusshomelessness and VA's goal to end it by 2015. Much of the hearing centered onprograms and services available to women veterans -- a growing number among thehomeless veteran population. Several female veterans told their stories ofbeing homeless and looking to VA and community based organizations for help.Committee Chairman, Patty Murray referenced a recent GAO report that found manyfacilities not providing gender specific privacy, safety or security within thehousing units. Other items discussed included oversight on the grant and perdiem programs and its providers, matching grants with successfulcommunity-based programs and providing funding for services that meet the uniqueneeds of women veterans.
2. Field Report: New MexicoCongressional Town Hall: Members of Congress are home in their districtsthis week, and VFW advocates have taken the opportunity to meet directly withtheir leaders on veterans' issues. On Tuesday, VFW Post 7686 in Alamogordo,N.M., hosted a veterans' town hall forum where post members and area veteranshad an opportunity to meet with Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., and State Rep.Yvette Herrell, R-Alamogordo, to candidly discuss a variety of veterans' issueslike VA benefits-delivery and health care. To learn more about the town hall,click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/03/field-report-new-mexico-vfw-hosts.html
3. Field Report Form Now Available: The VFW Capitol Hill blog,www.vfwonthehill.org, wants to tell the stories of our advocates from coast tocoast through our "Field Report" features, like this week's storyfrom New Mexico.In an effort to simplify the process, we introduced an easy-to-use "FieldReport" form this week, hosted on the VFW national website. To submit yourstories of advocacy for consideration on the VFW Capitol Hill blog, click here:http://www.vfw.org/Forms/Capitol-Hill-Blog-Submissions/, or simply continuesending your photos and stories to the VFW Action Corps inbox, vfwac@vfw.org.
4. Tricare Lawsuit: Unencrypted backup data tapes were stolen from thecar of a government contractor last September that contained personalinformation on almost 4.9 million Tricare patients, which is more than half ofall authorized users. Tricare Management Activity officials said the risk ofcompromise was low due to the sophistication of the software, but soonafterwards, some alleged victims discovered unauthorized bank transactions andbogus credit card charges. Eight class action lawsuits have now been filedcharging the government and contractor SAIC with negligence in the care of sensitivepersonal and health information. A motion to consolidate all eight cases wasmade March 9. Concerned patients cancall the SAIC Incident Response Call Center toll-free at855-366-0140; international callers can call collect to 952-556-8312.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
March 9, 2012
In This Issue:
1. VFW National CommanderTestifies
2. VFW Discusses Issues withPresident
3. VFW Storms the Hill
4. TSGLI Benefit forHospitalized Troops, Veterans
5. Housing Settlement BenefitsTroops, Veterans
6. House VA CommitteeHearings
7. Three MIAs Return Home:
1. VFW National Commander Testifies: VFW National Commander RichardDeNoyer testified Wednesday before a joint hearing of the House and SenateVeterans Affairs Committees to urge Congress to protect the VA budget shouldmandatory sequestration occur, and to stop negative Defense Departmentproposals that would make military dependents and retirees pay exponentiallymore for their Tricare health programs. His testimony was the final event ofthe VFW's spring legislative conference that saw hundreds of VFW leaders fromevery department visiting with their congressional representatives to urgetheir support of VFW's priority goals. To read DeNoyer's testimony or watch therecorded hearing, go to http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/Don't-Balance-Budget-on-Backs-of-Disabled-Veterans-and-Military/.For a list of VFW 2012 Legislative Priority Goals, go to http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/VFW_in_DC/2012%20Priority%20Goals%20Brochure.PDF
2. VFW Discusses Issues with President: VFW National Commander DeNoyeralso met with President Obama on Thursday to discuss issues important toveterans, service members and their families. Topping the agenda was protectingthe VA budget and voicing VFW opposition to DOD plans to increase Tricare feesand to civilianize the retirement system. The president has been consistent inword and action on protecting and increasing the VA budget, and he pledged tocontinue to do so even in these tough budget times. "We gratefullyappreciate that commitment." said the Chief. The president also fullyagreed that there is no mission more sacred than to recover our fallen from thebattlefield and return them home to their families. Read more at http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/VFW-DISCUSSES-ISSUES-WITH-PRESIDENT/
3. VFW Storms the Hill: As part of the spring legislative conference,hundreds of VFW members stormed Capitol Hill this week to urge theirlegislators to fund veterans' health care, enhance military transition issues,improve employment, education and job creation for veterans, and to protectmilitary healthcare and retirement benefits. Check out photos and postings at www.vfwonthehill.org, which includeseparate postings by the VFW Departments of Connecticutand Vermont.
4. TSGLI Benefit for Hospitalized Troops, Veterans: Service members whowere hospitalized for at least 15 consecutive days due to a traumatic injuryincurred on or after Oct. 7, 2001, may be eligible for a $25,000 payment underthe Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)Program. Service members can apply for the hospitalization benefit even if theyhave been discharged or received TSGLI benefits for other losses. All active,Guard and Reserve members covered by SGLI as of December 1, 2005, areautomatically covered by TSGLI, which is a 24/7 benefit both on and off duty.The VFW-supported Veterans Benefit Improvement Act of 2010 expanded TSGLI tocover service members who incurred qualifying losses out of theater betweenOctober 7, 2001, and November 30, 2005. For more information about the newTSGLI benefit or to apply, go to http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSITE/TSGLI/outreach.htm.
5. Housing Settlement Benefits Troops, Veterans: Thousands of servicemembers and veterans whose mortgages were wrongfully foreclosed on since 2006,or who were improperly denied lower mortgage interest rates in the nationalhousing crisis, will be eligible for significant relief. Under the $26 billionsettlement, the nation's five largest mortgage lenders -- Bank of America,JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Ally Financial [formerly GMAC] --agreed to:
· Reviewthe records of every service member whose home was foreclosed upon since 2006,and provide any who were wrongly foreclosed upon with compensation equal to aminimum of lost equity, plus interest, and at least $116,785;
· Refundto service members money lost because they were wrongfully denied theopportunity to reduce their mortgage payments through lower interest rates;
· Providerelief for service members who are forced to sell their homes for less than theamount they owed on their mortgage due to permanent change in station orders;
· Pay $10million into a VA fund that guarantees loans on favorable terms for veterans;and
· Extendcertain foreclosure protections afforded under the Servicemember Civil ReliefAct to those serving in harm's way.
6. House VA Committee Hearings: On Thursday, the VFW testified at two House VAsubcommittee hearings on an array employment and reemployment bills, and on arecent internal audit of the VA's National Cemetery Administration.
· TheSubcommittee on Economic Opportunity took up bills to overhaul how veterans'workforce development programs should be implemented, to protect veterans fromworkplace discrimination and retribution, and to improve consumer education forstudent-veterans who use their GI Bill benefits. VFW Deputy LegislativeDirector Ryan Gallucci expressed support for most of the subcommittee'sefforts, highlighting the need to ensure service-disabled veterans could not bediscriminated against in the workplace for seeking treatment for theirservice-connected conditions and improving VA's educational counseling andcomplaint tracking for student-veterans using the G.I. Bill. Read VFW testimonyat http://www.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/Congressional-Testimony/HVAC-EO-Bill-Hearing/.View the recorded webcast at http://veteransaffairs.edgeboss.net/wmedia/veteransaffairs/2012/120308a.wvx.
7. Three MIAs Return Home: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Officerecently announced the identification of remains belonging to soldiers from theKorean War and one pilot from World War II. Returned home are:
· MasterSgt. Elwood Green, U.S. Army, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment,1st Cavalry Division, was captured on Nov. 28, 1950, and died in 1951 in a POWCamp in North Korea.He was accounted for on March 1,2012.
· Sgt. 1stClass Richard L. Harris, U.S. Army, L Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th InfantryRegiment, 2nd Infantry Division, was captured on Nov. 30, 1950, and died inJanuary 1951 in a POW Camp in North Korea. He was accounted for on Feb. 29,2012.
· 2nd Lt.Charles R. Moritz, U.S. Army Air Forces, of the 496th Fighter Training Group,was lost on June 7, 1944, when his P-51C Mustang crashed near Goxhill airfield,England.He was accounted for on Feb. 26, 2012.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
March 2, 2012
In This Issue
1. VFW Members to StormCapitol Hill
2. Join the Fight Messages
3. Senate Committee DiscussesVA Budget
4. Stolen Valor Hearing
5. Iraq War MIA Recovered
6. More VFW Advocates DiscussComing to Washington
7. VFW Blog Sets MonthlyTraffic Record
1. VFW Members to Storm Capitol Hill: Almost 300 VFW leaders arrive intown this weekend to let lawmakers know their top legislative priorities.Foremost this year is to protect the VA budget from mandatory cuts ifsequestration occurs, and to defeat the Defense Department's negative qualityof life proposals that would restrict military pay, substantially increaseTricare costs on military dependents and retirees, and to civilianize themilitary retirement system. Other high-interest topics range from militarytransition and employment assistance programs to education, the proper care andtreatment of wounded warriors, women veterans, the 1.7 million VA claimsworkload, and combating veteran suicides and homelessness, among others.Recognized with awards will be House Armed Services Committee Chairman"Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.) with the 2012 VFW Congressional Award, theMarine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment with the VFW Gold Medal & Citation,and the winners of the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen competition.The week began with VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer and his wife,Theresa, attending a White House dinner Wednesday evening to help salute Iraqveterans, and it will conclude next Wednesday, March7, when he testifies before a joint session of the House and Senate VeteransAffairs Committees. The VFW will stream live video of the Voice of DemocracyParade of Winners beginning at 6 p.m. (EST), Sunday, and post video Wednesdayafternoon of the VFW national commander's testimony. More details at www.vfw.org .
2. Join the Fight: Last week, more than 18,000 messages were sent toCongress in response to the VFW's campaign asking the entire military andveterans' community to "Join the Fight" to defeat any proposals thatnegatively impact our troops. We still need your help! With budget hearingscoming up, we ask you to continue to contact both House and Senate members andurge them to defeat the proposals that the Defense Department has recommendedto restrain future military pay raises, increase healthcare costs for militarydependents and retirees, and to civilianize the military retirement system. Addyour voice and help us save our all-volunteer force by not allowing thegovernment to break faith with those who have already given so much. Takeaction today by going to http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=61030611\.Read the VFW press release at http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/JOIN-THE-FIGHT!/.
3. Senate Committee Discusses VA Budget: The VFW testifiedWednesday before the Senate VA Committee as part of an Independent Budget (IB)panel on the FY 2013 VA budget. Similar to testimony presented earlier in theHouse, the VFW spoke about concerns regarding the woefully underfundedconstruction accounts, noting that Congress projected some $2.8 billion forprojects, while the Administration only asked for $725 million, more than $2billion short of what is needed. Committee Chairman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) andRanking Member Richard Burr (R-N.C.) agreed with our concerns that for the pasttwo years VA has requested only a fraction of the amount it needs to bringtheir facilities up to date. Other areas of concern brought up by committeemembers included mental health care funding and the growing backlog ofdisability claims. Read VFW's testimony at http://www.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/Congressional-Testimony/VA'S-BUDGET-REQUEST-FOR-FISCAL-YEAR-2013/. View a recorded webcast of the hearing at http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/watch-live-vfw-to-testify-before-house.html.
4. Stolen Valor Hearing: The VFW also testified this week before theHouse Oversight Subcommittee on National Security about what the government cando to better track the awards it presents. Government witnesses werenoncommittal as to whether a government-run, searchable military decorationsdatabase should be created, whereas the VFW insisted that it was absolutelynecessary for the military services to take better ownership of militaryrecords, which will help deter Stolen Valor imposters as well as make it easierfor veterans to correct errors and omissions in their own service records. Viewthe recorded hearing and read submitted testimony at http://oversight.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1595%3A2-16-12-qpreventing-stolen-valor-challenges-and-solutionsq&catid=17&Itemid=25.
5. Iraq War MIARecovered: The Department of Defense announced last weekend theidentification of remains belonging to Army Staff Sgt. Ahmed K. Altaie of Ann Arbor, Mich.At the time of his disappearance on Oct. 23, 2006, Altaie was assigned as anArab linguist to the Provincial Reconstruction Team, Special Troops Battalion,the 4th Infantry Division. His recovery and identification closes a chapter onthe Operation Iraqi Freedom (and subsequent Operation New Dawn) mission.
7. VFW Blog Sets Monthly Traffic Record: In February, the shortest monthof the year, the VFW's Capitol Hill blog shattered its monthly traffic recordwith more than 11,000 visitors reading stories and posting comments. We want tothank you for supporting our efforts to bring you timely, accurate informationfrom your VFW Washington Office, and we encourage you to submit your ownveterans' advocacy stories and photos to vfwac@vfw.org.Keep on reading at www.vfwonthehill.org.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
February 24, 2012
In This Issue:
1. Join the Fight to Save All-Volunteer Military
2. Supreme Court Hears Stolen Valor Case
3. VFW Supports Closing GI Bill Payment Loophole
4. Physician Reimbursement Cuts Avoided
5. VFW Advocates Discuss Coming to DC
1. Join the Fight to SaveAll-Volunteer Military: VFWNational Commander Richard DeNoyer isurging the entire military andveterans’ community to “Join the Fight” to stop the Defense Department frompenny-pinching service members to the point of dismantling the all-volunteerforce. Along with plans to reduce the size of the active force by 100,000 overthe next five years are scant military pay raises between 0.5 and 1.7 percentproposed for the next four years, plans to push more healthcare costs onto thebacks of military families and retirees, and support to change the currentmilitary retirement system into a more corporate, contributory program. “Thereis no military personnel issue more sacrosanct than pay and benefits,” saidDeNoyer, who now asks everyone to join the fight and send a united voice toCongress to defeat these negative Quality of Life proposals. “A secure America needs astrong military,” he said, “and whether one serves honorably for four years or40, messing with military pay and benefits is a clear signal to the troops andtheir families that the budget is more important than people. That is going toseriously hurt recruiting and retention, and potentially end the all-volunteerforce.” Read more about what you can do to “Join the Fight” at http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/JOIN-THE-FIGHT!/.
2. Supreme Court Hears StolenValor Case: The U.S. Supreme Courtheard oral arguments Wednesday on U.S. v. Xavier Alvarez, in which theVFW is lead co-signer of an amicus curiae brief to uphold the Stolen Valor Actof 2005. The principal issue is whether First Amendment free speech protectionsextend to lying. Xavier Alvarez was a local water board member in Pomona, Calif.,who falsely claimed at a public meeting that he was a retired Marine and Medalof Honor recipient. He had never served in the military. The 9thCircuit Court of Appeals overturned his guilty verdict by a 2-1 vote, whereasin a different Stolen Valor case, the 10th Circuit Court of Appealsupheld the lower court’s guilty verdict by a 2-1 vote. The VFW is scheduled totestify before the House Oversight Subcommittee on National Defense next weekon what the government can do to better track the awards it presents. Atranscript of Wednesday’s Supreme Court hearing is at http://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/11-210.pdf.
3. VFW Supports Closing GIBill Payment Loophole: The VFW senta letter of support this week to Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), whose bill,the Veterans Educational Equity Act of 2011 (H.R. 3483), would help studentveterans who do not meet in-state residency requirements. As a result of recentpolicy changes, many student veterans who do not qualify for in-state tuitionsface significant out-of-pocket costs to attend public schools of their choice,unlike their counterparts whose education at a private school may nearly befully financed by the Post 9/11-GI Bill. By supporting the bill, the VFW hopesto ensure that student veterans have an equal opportunity to use theireducation benefits as intended. To learn more about the bill and to read theVFW’s letter, go to http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/vfw-supports-closing-gi-bill-payment.html.
4. Physician ReimbursementCuts Avoided: On Wednesday, thepresident signed H.R. 3630 into law to extend current physician payment ratesunder Medicare and Tricare through the end of the year. In 1997 Congressinstituted a plan known as the Sustainable Growth Rate to keep Medicare andTricare reimbursement rates in line with inflation; however, the cutsenvisioned have never been instituted. The bill signing averted an“all-at-once” cut of 27.4 percent in the amount reimbursed to doctors, whichcould have prompted more physicians to opt out of accepting Medicare andTricare patients.
5. VFW Advocates DiscussComing to DC: On Saturday, March 3, VFW leaders from around the country andworld will begin converging on the Nation’s Capitol to meet with every congressionaloffice prior to the VFW national commander’s March7 testimony before a special joint session of the House and Senate VeteransAffairs Committees. In advance of the 2012 VFW Legislative Conference, we askedsome of our advocates to explain why the annual Capitol Hill visits areimportant and why they chose to become involved in veterans’ advocacy. Thefirst two entries are posted on the VFW blog, with more to come next week. Toread what the Department of Arizona’s Jim Ellars had to say, go to http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/vfw-takes-hill-advocates-point-of-view.html.To read the entry from Department of Connecticut’s Bob Hunter, go to http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/vfw-takes-hill-advocates-point-of-view_24.html.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
February 17, 2012
In This Issue
1. VA Budget Released
2. VFW Testifies on VA Budget
3. DOD Budget Breaks Faith With Troops
4. VFW Discusses G.I. Bill with State Approving Agencies
5. Pay & Benefits Top Troop Concerns
6. VA Adds Texting Feature to Crisis Line
7. New EffortAids Military Spouse Employment
8. Korean War MIA Identified
1. VA Budget Released: The President on Monday released his $140.3billion FY 2013 budget proposal for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Thetotal amount includes mandatory funding for programs such as disabilitycompensation and pension, as well as discretionary funding for VA medical care,to include advanced appropriations. The amount represents a 4.5-percentincrease over FY 2012 funding, but falls more than $4 billion short of what isrecommended by The Independent Budget, which the VFW co-authors withAMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America. The VAbudget request includes:
- $6.2 billion to expand inpatient, residential and outpatient mental health programs.
- $3.3 billion for returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans’ programs.
- $2.1 billion to improve the benefits claims process.
- $1.3 billion for veterans’ homelessness programs.
- $403 million for women veteran programs.
- $258 million for national cemeteries.
2. VFW Testifies on VA Budget: On Wednesday, VFW testified before the HouseVA Committee as part of an Independent Budget (IB) panel on theFY 2013 VA budget. The IB, now in its 26th year, captures the full picture ofwhat VA needs to care for veterans. VFW is responsible for the constructionportion of the IB, and our testimony centered on major and minor constructionproject funding. We voiced our concerns about the woefully underfundedconstruction accounts, noting that Congress projected some $2.8 billion forprojects, while the Administration this year only asked for $725 million, whichis well over $2 billion short of what is needed. Safety and accessibility areconcerns when construction accounts remain unfunded or underfunded for years.VFW asked Congress to increase funding so VA can complete numerous projects underway, as well as those being planned. To read VFW testimony, go to http://www.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/Congressional-Testimony/.To learn more about the hearing and to view a recorded webcast, visit http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/watch-live-vfw-shinseki-to-testify-on.html.Read the Independent Budget at http://www.independentbudget.org/.
3. DOD Budget Breaks FaithWith Troops: Also released Mondaywas the requested FY 2013 budget for the Department of Defense, which the VFWbelieves contains negative military pay and benefits proposals that will become“deal breakers” with the troops. One proposal recommends 1.7-percent militarypay increases for 2013 and 2014, and a mere half percent in 2015. Tied to paychanges is DOD’s concurrence to create a Military Retirement ModernizationCommission, which some in Congress already said should also examine thenon-taxed status of military allowances, such as separate rations, housing andcombat pay. The second proposal would force military dependents and retirees topay more for their Tricare health programs. DOD recommended a three-tieredannual enrollment fee for Tricare Prime—based on the amount of retirement payreceived—which over the next five years would quadruple existing fees for someworking age military retirees. DOD also proposed instituting a one-tier annualenrollment fee and increased deductibles for Tricare Standard and Extraprograms, a three-tiered fee for Tricare for Life coverage, and newpharmaceutical copays for everyone except uniformed service members. “Defeatingthese negative Quality of Life proposals are top VFW legislative priorities,”said VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer. Read more about VFW’s position at http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/DEFENSE-BUDGET-BREAKS-FAITH-WITH-TROOPS/.Help VFW defeat these negative proposals by writing your members of Congresshere: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=61005316.To learn more, visit http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/pentagon-unveiled-its-budget-proposal.html.
4. VFW Discusses G.I. Billwith State Approving Agencies: Thisweek the VFW joined the National Association of State Approving Agencies, orNASAA, for the organization's annual conference in Arlington, Va. StateApproving Agencies serve as the "boots on the ground" for certifyingG.I. Bill-eligible programs across the country, which is why VFW was honored tojoin a distinguished panel of veterans' advocates to discuss challenges andopportunities for student-veterans who seek to use their Post-9/11 G.I. Billbenefits. To learn more about the panel and the VFW’s ongoing efforts to ensurestudent-veteran success visit: www.vfwonthehill.org.
5. Pay & Benefits TopTroop Concerns: In testimony thisweek before the House Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on militaryconstruction and veterans affairs, the senior enlisted advisors of the fourmilitary services also said pay and benefits were the top concerns of theirtroops. “The last thing we want to have is for some soldier, sailor, airman orMarine deployed in harm's way, being concerned about whether or not they aregoing to be paid. That's something we don't need these young people to beconcerned about,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler. Service membersalso are concerned about their retirements, even though the senior enlistedadvisors said retirement is not something that should be on the minds of ayoung people in uniform. "That is the No. 1 thing I hear from airmen andfrom families, said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy. “It is adistractor. I need young airmen focused on mission.” Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67234.
6. VA Adds Texting Feature toCrisis Line: Since its launch in2007, the VA’s Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 500,000 confidentialcalls, and trained responders have made more than 18,000 rescues. In 2009, ananonymous online chat service was added, which has already helped more than28,000 people. Now VA has added a third option for veterans, service membersand family members who would rather text than call or go online: a free textmessaging service at 838255. The confidential Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255,Press 1), online chat (www.VeteransCrisisLine.net),and text messaging service (838255) are monitored 24/7 by trained crisisresponders. Learn more about VA’s overall crisis prevention program at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention.
7. New Effort Aids Military Spouse Employment: Moving is toughenough on military families, but it’s even tougher on the one-third of workingspouses who are in professions that require licenses or certifications.Twenty-four states are currently making an effort to ease the portability oflicenses and certifications without lowering any standards. First Lady MichelleObama and Dr. Jill Biden are now working to get this initiative out of theother 26 governors’ inboxes. "Weunderstand the unique challenges that you face, and we are going to doeverything that we can to make sure that you can pursue your careers andprovide for your families,” said Mrs. Obama at the Pentagon on Wednesday.
Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67211.
8. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Officerecently announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Cpl. WilliamR. Sluss, 21, of Nickelsville, Va. In late November 1950, Slussand elements of the U.S. 2ndInfantry Division were attacked by Chinese forces near Kunu-ri, North Korea.On Nov. 30, 1950, Sluss was listed as missing in action as a result of thatheavy fighting. In 1953, returning Americans who had been held as prisoners ofwar reported that Sluss had been captured by the Chinese and died in the springof 1951 as a result of malnutrition. Read more at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/2012/release_sluss.pdf.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
February 10, 2012
In This Issue
1. FY 2013 Budget Announcement
2. Legislation Introduced to Protect VA Healthcare
3. VA Fiduciary Program Examined
4. DOD to Ease Women in Combat Assignments
5. Stolen Valor Case Upheld
6. USMC Seeks Montford Point Marines
1. FY 2013 Budget Announcement: The Administration is poised to release itsFY 2013 budget request early next week. VFW will be closely monitoring allaspects of the budgets submitted for the Departments of Veterans Affairs andDefense, especially where it concerns the proper care and treatment of wounded,ill and injured veterans, medical research, women veterans, employment, mentalhealth and homelessness issues, and military personnel programs and funding. Asa reminder, the budget proposal serves as blueprint for congressionalcommittees, and final funding levels are often not approved until the newfiscal year begins on Oct. 1. We ask VFW advocates to keep their eye out forupdates in the Washington Weekly and on our Blog at http://www.vfwonthehill.org/.
2. Legislation Introduced toProtect VA Healthcare: The VFW andour three other Independent Budget coauthors praised House VA CommitteeChairman Jeff Miller’s (R-FL) bill to protect VA healthcare accounts frompotential budget cuts. H.R. 3895, the Protect VA Healthcare Act of 2012, wouldexempt veterans’ health care programs from mandatory cuts that may occur earlynext year. The cuts were called for as a part of the Budget Control Act, whichrequires $1.2 trillion in across-the-board cuts due to Congress’ failure topass a deficit reduction package in 2011. Current law protects veterans’benefits from automatic cuts, but VFW remains committed to monitoring anychanges that may be detrimental to veterans.
3. VA Fiduciary ProgramExamined: This week the House VASubcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hosted a hearing on the VA’sfiduciary system, which has come under scrutiny in recent years over concernsfor severely disabled veterans’ financial interests. VA assigns fiduciaries tooversee VA benefits paid to severely disabled and incapacitated veterans whoare not capable of managing their funds. A 2010 reportfrom the VA’s Office of the Inspector General indicated that programloopholes keep VA from properly auditing fiduciary accounts, and prohibits VAfrom balancing delinquent accounts. VA witnesses testified that more employeeshave been hired to provide better oversight into potential misuse of funds, andthat progress is being made in adopting a new electronic case managementsystem. Committee members questioned the effectiveness of training and askedpanelists for ways the program could be improved. VA currently overseesapproximately 95,000 fiduciaries, who help more than 121,000 beneficiaries. Tolearn more and to view the archived webcast of the hearing, go to http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/watch-live-house-subcommittee-discusses.html.
4. DOD to Ease Women in CombatAssignments: The Defense Departmentnotified Congress this week that it will abolish the restriction on assigningwomen to locations where ground combat troops operate, and to selectively liftthe policy barring women from assignments to ground combat units below thebrigade level. Those changes will result in more than 14,000 new jobs orassignment opportunities for military women. Women in the Army and Marine Corpsface the most job restrictions, with each prohibiting them from serving inabout a third of its positions (principally in infantry and special warfare,but also in logistics, signal and intelligence). In contrast, the Air Forceexcludes women from 1 percent of its positions (pararescue and Tactical AirControl Party, for example), and the Navy about 12 percent, a percentage thatwill reduce now that women can serve aboard submarines (but not in specialwarfare units like the SEALs). Policy changes will take effect later thisspring after 30 days of continuous session of Congress, as the law requires.Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67131.
5. Stolen Valor Case Upheld: By a 2-1 decision, the 10th U.S. CircuitCourt of Appeals in Denverrecently reversed a lower court’s decision that the Stolen Valor Act of 2005violates First Amendment free speech protections. Courts in California,Georgia and Missouri have consideredsimilar cases. In the Colorado case, defendantRick Strandlof had founded a veterans group in Colorado Springs, and said he had receivedthe Purple Heart and Silver Star, although the military had no record that heever served. The California case, U.S. v.Xavier Alvarez, is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, primarilybecause the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco overruled by 2-1 a lower courtverdict against Alvarez, a member of the local water district board, whoclaimed at a public meeting that he was a retired Marine and Medal of Honorrecipient. Alvarez, too, had never served in the military. The VFW is the leadcosigner of an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court to uphold the StolenValor Act.
6. USMC Seeks Montford PointMarines: The Marine Corps isassisting in the search for original Montford Point Marines so they can berecognized when the Montford Point Marines are awarded the Congressional GoldMedal in an awards ceremony tentatively planned for this spring. In order to becounted as an “original” Montford Point Marine, documentation of theindividual’s DD214 or discharge paperwork verifying completion of training atthe Montford Point Camp, N.C., between 1942 and 1949, must be submitted to theMontford Point Marine Association. Read more at http://www.marines.mil/unit/hqmc/Pages/MARINESASSISTINTHESEARCHFORORIGINALMONTFORDPOINTMARINES.aspx#.TyL-vcUqSSo.
7. VFW Denounces SurveyMilitary Benefits: Early last week,Stars& Stripes reported that a defense think tank, the Center for Strategicand Budgetary Assessments, was conducting a survey of current and formerservice members to gather data on priority benefits for those who serve. The surveycomes in the wake of announcements from Department of Defense officials thatpersonnel benefits and programs could face potential cuts in the coming years –cuts the VFW has vowed to fight. After reading through the survey, VFW leadersbalked at the tone of the questions, which asked participants to rate certainmilitary benefits over others, and then determine the kinds of benefit packagesthat would be preferable to service members in the future. The VFW discouragesmembers from participating in the survey, since the data will likely be used asan endorsement of certain benefit cuts by service members, themselves. TheVFW’s reaction caught the attention of Military Times, which discussed thesurvey in this week’s print edition. To read more about the survey and to readVFW’s full reaction, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/01/vfw-denounces-survey-on-military.html.
8. VFW Builds Coalition toSupport Student-Veteran Success:VFW staff in Washingtonhave been working over the last month to build a coalition, pushing forstudent-veteran success in higher education. The coalition, comprised of 10organizations vested in supporting student-veterans, recently sent a series ofletters to leaders in Congress and the White House, calling for improvedconsumer education for potential student-veterans and a streamlined method ofrecourse for veterans who feel they were victims of fraud, waste or abuse whileusing their benefits. Recent reports indicate that some of today’s neweststudent-veterans may lose their benefits by enrolling in schools that fail toconfer relevant educational credentials. While some continue to point fingersat certain sectors of higher education, the VFW has chosen to look at the rootcauses of the problem, making concrete recommendations on how to improve thesystem. The VFW believes that by ensuring veterans understand their benefitsand can take action when a school breaks the rules, student-veterans will beable to use their G.I. Bill effectively, molding the next generation ofAmerican leaders, as we intended. To read the letter and to learn more aboutVFW’s recommendations, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/vfw-builds-coalition-to-support-student.html
VFW WashingtonWeekly
February 3, 2012
In This Issue:
1. White House Announces VetsJob Corps
2. Retirement Changes ThreatenAll-Volunteer Force
3. VA Adds 47 Ships to AgentOrange List
4. Physical Disability BoardReview Update
5. Family Caregiver SupportCould Expand
6. House VACommittee Hearings
7. VA Acquisitions InternshipAvailable
8. Overseas Absentee VotingImproves
9. MIA Recoveries to Resume inNorth Korea
1. White House Announces Vets Job Corps: VFW was front and center whenthe President announced a Veterans Job Corps initiative aimed at helpingveterans find pathways to employment. Some of the initiatives include grants tocommunities that recruit and hire veterans to serve as police, firefighters andother first responders. The program also includes additional support forveterans' entrepreneurship and intensive reemployment services for Post 9/11veterans. Said VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer, "There is noinitiative too bold when it comes to helping veterans get jobs, especially withthe new generation of post-9/11 warriors now reentering society in numbers notseen since the Vietnam War. Our nation and her public and private employerpartners must do everything possible to not only ensure their smoothtransition, but to enlist their extraordinary talents to help serve and protectour nation and communities, and to help restore our economy to greatness. Wethank President Obama for continuing to move the issue of veterans' employmentforward, and for his strong commitment to those who have worn the uniform andto their families." Read more on the White House website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/02/03/president-obama-s-plan-put-veterans-back-work,and on the VFW blog at http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/vfw-applauds-presidential-jobs.html
2. Retirement Changes Threaten All-Volunteer Force: In an opinioneditorial just posted on the Stars & Stripes website, VFW NationalCommander Richard DeNoyer is very concerned that negative qualify-of-lifechanges on a military still at war will destroy the all-volunteer force. Hesaid constantly comparing civilian programs with military pay, retirement andhealth care plans --- while calling the military programs "toogenerous" --- is insulting, and so is any proposal that requires those whosacrifice the most for our nation to sacrifice even more. He said the VFWopposes all plans to change the military retirement system, and "we rejectany proposal that would require military retirees to pay more for their earnedhealthcare programs." Read his OpEd at http://www.stripes.com/vfw-retirement-changes-could-hurt-recruitment-1.167633.
3. VA Adds 47 Ships to Agent Orange List: The VA has added 47 vessels toits list of Navy and Coast Guard ships whose crews may have been exposed to thedefoliant Agent Orange. Former service members who served aboard these"blue water" ships as well as the more than 200 others listed in VA'sdatabase from 1962 to 1975 may be eligible for disability compensation.According to The Military Times, vessels recently added to the roster includethe hospital ship Repose, which operated in close coastal waters from 1966 to1970, and the transport ship General R.M. Blatchford, which landed elements ofthe 1st Infantry Division at Vung Tau in October 1965. Read more at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/shiplist/index.asp.
4. Physical Disability Board Review Update: Congress established aPhysical Disability Board Review (PDBR) in 2008 to review disabilitydeterminations of veterans discharged between September 11, 2001, and December31, 2009. Those with a combined disability rating of 20 percent or less who didnot retire can apply for a review. Since the programs creation, only 5 percentof those eligible have applied to have their status reviewed. DOD is partneringwith VA to reach out to others to notify them about the PDBR by sending lettersto veterans this year. While the collaboration will help ensure that veteranshave access to their benefits, eligible veterans can also directly contact thePDBR immediately through their website. We also ask you share this informationwith everyone you know. For more, go to http://www.health.mil/About_MHS/Organizations/MHS_Offices_and_Programs/PDBR/pdbr-faqs.aspx.
5. Family Caregiver Support Could Expand: First Lady Michelle Obamaannounced this week a series of measures intended to increase the nation'ssupport for the caregivers of wounded, ill and injured service members byexpanding military family leave protections under the Family and Medical LeaveAct. The proposals will, in part:
- Extend the 26-week unpaid leave entitlement to family members caring for recent veterans with a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty, including conditions that may arise up to five years after leaving the military;
- Allow family members to take time off from work before, during or after a spouse, child or parent's deployment to tend to service-related matters, such as military briefings or making financial and legal arrangements; and
- Increase the amount of time an employee may take to spend with a loved one who is on rest or recuperation leave from five days to up to 15 days.
Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=66983.
6. House VA CommitteeHearings: The House VeteransAffairs Committee held two hearings this week to focus on VA pharmacy contractsand another on employment for Guard and Reservists.
- On Wednesday, the full committee discussed VA pharmaceutical contracting practices after a VA Inspector General report revealed that the VA did not follow their own standard purchasing practices. Committee members asked heated questioned about the procedures and policies in purchasing drugs and who is being held accountable. They also discussed what fixes are being made and how will it affect the care provided to veterans. VA Representatives openly admitted that violations took place, but that changes have been implemented to fix the deficiencies. Subpoenas have been requested for all documents and communications from VA related to the issue by the committee. Committee Chairman, Jeff Miller (R-FL) said the committee plans to continue strict oversight on the issue and intends to hold senior officials accountable. Read more at http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/house-committee-questions-va-on.html.
- On Thursday, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Lowering the Unemployment Rate for National Guard." Witnesses representing various State National Guard programs, the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training, VetJobs, as well as the Manufacturing Institute, all discussed ways to combat the troubling unemployment numbers. Initiatives and policies like mandatory Transition Assistance Programs for all Guard and Reservists and changes to USERRA were mentioned to maximize employment opportunities. Read more at http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/watch-live-house-to-address.html.
7. VA Acquisitions Internship Available: The VA last week launched anacquisition internship to prepare newly-returned veterans to become federalcontracting specialists. Called "Warriors to Workforce," theinternship is a three-year program where participants will earn the 24 educationalcredits in business required to become contracting professionals. The programincludes courses in leadership, technical acquisition training and on-the-jobexperience. Graduates will have taken the required coursework to earn a FederalAcquisitions Certification in Contracting, which is recognized throughout thefederal sector as evidence of solid education in the career field. Successfulgraduates will be eligible for contract specialist positions at the GS-11level. Read more about VA's Acquisitions Academy at www.acquisitionacademy.va.gov.
8. Overseas Absentee Voting Improves: Last year, 18 states werenoncompliant with the 2009 Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act.The number now is four, according to a new Pew Centeron the States report. The four states in noncompliance are Alaska,California, New Yorkand West Virginia.The primary reason is they have not changed state laws to adhere to the 45-daywindow for mailing and receiving absentee ballots from overseas-assignedmilitary and other U.S.citizens stationed or residing in foreign countries. Getting those four statesto adhere to the provisions of the MOVE Act would fulfill VFW Resolution #416,which was passed at last year's 112th VFW National Convention in San Antonio. Read the Pewreport at http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/uploadedFiles/Pew_Democracy_From_Afar.pdf.
9. MIA Recoveries to Resume in North Korea:After a seven-absence due to security concerns, Joint POW/MIA ActionAccounting Command teams will be heading back into North Korea this spring to searchfor the remains of missing Americans from the Korean War. The teams are scheduledto work in two areas: Unsan County, about 60 miles north of Pyongyang; and near the Chosin/JangjinReservoir, where more than 2,000 soldiers and Marines are believed to bemissing. Of approximately 83,000 Americans missing since World War II, almost8,000 are from the Korean War---with about 5,500 of them believed to be in North Korea.The resumption of recovery operations in North Korea fulfills VFW Resolution #423, which was passed atlast year's 112th VFW National Convention in San Antonio. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=66958.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
January 27, 2012
In This Issue:
1. DOD Unveils Budget Priorities
2. House VA Discusses VA Rating Schedule
3. Combat Brother Visit
4. Korean War MIA Identified:
1. DOD Unveils BudgetPriorities: Defense Secretary LeonPanetta unveiled at a Pentagon press conference yesterday what his department’spriorities and choices will be as they are forced to reduce their overallbudget by $487 billion over the next 10 years. The Defense Department isexpected to request $525 billion as a baseline budget for FY 2013, with anadditional $88.4 billion for overseas contingencies, which is $6 billion and$27 billion less, respectively, than FY 2012. Five key strategies are to drivethe future military force, which will be smaller and leaner; repositioned withmore emphasis on Asia-Pacific and the Middle East;stronger through better alliances and partnerships; extremely agile and deadly;and second-to-none in technology and capability. Some key priorities andchoices in the budget proposal included a comprehensive review of the militaryretirement system and possible increases in health care fees for retirees. To learnmore about the Pentagon’s announcement and to read the VFW’s reaction, clickhere: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/01/vfw-reacts-to-pentagon-budget.html
2. House VA Discusses VARating Schedule: This week theHouse Veterans Affairs’ Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Affairsdiscussed VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The Subcommitteemembers questioned witnesses on the differences between DOD and VA ratings systems,ratings they feel are often in direct conflict with each other, causingconfusion for the veteran. VSO representatives highlighted equitablecompensation for like injuries and that the VASRD has not been reviewed orupdated to ensure that disability categories, rating percentages andcompensation levels remain accurate. Other areas discussed by all includedpossible restructuring of the Individual Unemployability (IU) benefit, accuracyof claims and measuring quality of life payments. To view the recorded webcastor for more information from the hearing visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/
3. Combat Brother Visit: The VFW Washington Office hosted a six-memberinternational Combat Brotherhood delegation this week from Russia, the Ukraine,Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. TheCombat Brotherhood consists primarily of Afghanistanand Chechnyaveterans who banded together to urge their respective governments to care fortheir wounded, ill and injured veterans. Their visit to Washingtonincluded all-day visits and briefings at the Department of Veterans Affairscentral office, VA Medical Center, Pentagon and Naval Academy.The VFW also hosted a conference with seven other veteran and POW/MIA familyorganizations, so that the Combat Brotherhood could better understand theimpact of veteran advocates on the legislative process. The Combat Brotherhoodis an invaluable partner toward achieving VFW's goal toward the fullestpossible accounting of missing American servicemen who, from World War IIforward, disappeared inside the former Soviet Unionor one of its satellite states. Also present was VFW Senior Vice Commander JohnHamilton, Adjutant General Allen F. "Gunner" Kent, and the Americanco-chairman of the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW-MIAs, retired Air ForceGen. Robert "Doc" Foglesong.
4. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Officeannounced the identification of remains belonging to Army Pfc. George A.Porter, 21, of Philadelphia.On Feb. 11, 1950, Porter and Battery B, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, weresupporting South Korean forces when Chinese forces attacked in what becameknown as the “Hoengsong Massacre.” Porter and more than 100 men were taken asprisoners. Read more at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
January 20, 2012
In This Issue:
1. VFW Joins VA to Help Vets FindJobs
2. VFW Hosts Libyan Delegation
3. Reading of Names at TheWall
4. Vietnam Education Center NeedsPhotos
5. Korean War MIA Identified
1. VFW Joins VA to Help Vets Find Jobs: The VFW this week participatedin a veterans' career fair hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs at theWalter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Thousands ofveterans of all eras, services and ranks converged on the convention center toapply and interview for more than 6,500 jobs across private industry andgovernment as part of the White House's "Joining Forces" campaign.The VFW was on hand to help inform veterans about their VA benefits, and tohelp them navigate the complicated VA claims process. To learn more about theevent that VFW advocates called "dynamic and instructive," clickhere: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/01/vfw-joins-va-to-help-veterans-find-jobs.html
2. VFW Hosts Libyan Delegation: The VFW Washington Office hosted asix-member delegation this week from the transitional government of Libya, whospecifically sought out the advice of the VFW because of our advocacy work onbehalf of veterans, service members and their families. They came to learn howthe United Statescares for her veterans, with hopes of replicating something similar to ourDepartment of Veterans Affairs in their own country. VFW Executive Director BobWallace said he was encouraged by the steps Libya's interim government hastaken to quickly address the needs of their war wounded. The delegation saidtheir first action should be to care for those who fought and were wounded inthe fight to liberate the country from Muammar Gaddafi.
3. Reading of Names at The Wall: Veterans,military, their families and concerned citizens are encouraged to sign up earlyfor the reading of names at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.,which will occur over the four-day period prior to Veterans Day 2012, notMemorial Day, as was reported in last week's Washington Weekly. The VietnamVeterans Memorial Fund is organizing volunteers to participate in the readingof all 58,272 names to commemorate The Wall's 30th anniversary. Due to thelarge number of expected participants and planning for other events, VVMF willonly accept volunteers through its website at http://vvmf.org/ROTN. Groups can also be accommodated.
4. Vietnam Education Center Needs Photos: The Vietnam Veterans MemorialFund is still seeking photos of all 58,000 men and women whose names areinscribed on The Wall in Washington, D.C. The collection will be used tohighlight their service and sacrifice inside the new VFW-supported Vietnam Memorial Education Center, which is scheduledto break ground hopefully by Veterans Day 2012. More than 30,000 photos havealready been submitted by families and fellow comrades-in-arms, but more arestill needed. Please submit photos to Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Veterans MemorialFund, 2600 Virginia Ave., NW, Suite 104, Washington, DC 20037.Include the deceased's name and location, unit, and approximate month/year thephoto was taken. Digitized photos can be e-mailed directly to jscruggs@vvmf.org .
5. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Officeannounced the identification of remains belonging to Army Sgt. Willie D. Hill,20, of Catawba, N.C. In late November 1950, the U.S. Army's IX Corps wasadvancing north to the Yalu River when Chinese forcesattacked elements of three U.S. Infantry Divisions. On Nov. 26, Hill andmembers of G Company 24th Infantry Regiment were encircled and suffered heavylosses. On Nov. 27, Hill was reported as missing in action near Anju, North Korea. Read more at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
January 13, 2012
In This Issue:
1. VFW Releases 2012 PriorityGoals
2. VA Extends Emergency CarePolicy
3. VGLI Insurance Increases to$400K
4. AER Adds New AssistanceCategories
5. Reading of Names at The Wall:
6. Three MIAs Return Home
7. Foreign Service PhotosNeeded
1. VFW Releases 2012 Priority Goals: The VFW's 2012 legislative prioritygoals are now available for download on the VFW website. The brochure listscritical areas that VFW believes must be addressed by Congress and theDepartments of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Homeland Security. The prioritygoals include creating, improving or protecting services and programs providedto America'sveterans, service members and their families, as well as advocating for secureborders and shorelines. Also included is the "10 for 10" plan, whichare 10 services and benefits that VFW believes may be eliminated or reduced tohelp pay for 10 years of war. Download your copy of the VFW's 2012 prioritygoals today at
http://stage.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/VFW_in_DC/2012%20Priority%20Goals%20Brochure.PDF.
2. VA Extends Emergency Care Policy: A change in regulations this weekextends VA's authority to pay for emergency care provided to eligible veteransin non-VA facilities. More than 100,000 veterans are estimated to benefit bythe new rule. "This provision helps ensure eligible veterans continue toget the emergency care they need when VA facilities are not available,"said VA Secretary Eric Shinseki. VA currently operates 121 emergencydepartments across the country that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,plus 46 urgent care units, which provide care for patients without scheduledappointments. For more information, go to
www.nonvacare.va.gov.
3. VGLI Insurance Increases to $400K: Some veterans covered under theVeterans Group Life Insurance program now have the opportunity to increasetheir coverage to $400,000, which matches the current maximum coverageavailable to military members under their Servicemembers' Group Life Insuranceprogram. To be eligible for the additional coverage, veterans must:
- Have active VGLI coverage;
- Have less than the current legislated maximum coverage of $400,000;
- Request the additional coverage during the 120-day period prior to each five-year anniversary date; and
- Be less than 60 years of age on the five-year anniversary date of his or her coverage.
4. AER Adds New AssistanceCategories: Army Emergency Relief recently added four new loan eligibilitycategories. They are:
- Family member dental care: Family dental care is not available for families located in the U.S., which can put a significant financial burden on soldiers. Assistance is up to $4,000.
- Basic furniture needs: To assist soldiers and families moving into unfurnished quarters, as well as those who lost their furniture as a result of a natural disaster. Assistance is up to $4,000.
- Rental vehicles: To help soldiers on emergency leave or who are waiting repairs on their primary vehicles. The rental period would normally be seven to 10 days.
- Replacement vehicles: To help soldiers when the cost to repair their current vehicle is greater than the vehicle's value. Assistance is up to $4,000.
The VFW's Unmet Needs grant program complements AER programs in that Unmet Needs eligibility extends to up to 36 months after an honorable discharge, whereas a separating soldier must have enough "time in service" remaining to repay a AER loan. Read more about VFW's Unmet Needs program at http://www.vfw.org/Assistance/National-Military-Services/.
5. Readingof Names at The Wall: Veterans, military, their families and concernedcitizens are encouraged to sign up early for the reading of names at theVietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. As it did five years ago onthe 25th anniversary of The Wall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is organizingvolunteers to participate in the reading of all 58,272 names on The Wall. Thereading will take place over a four-day period prior to Memorial Day 2012. Dueto the large number of expected participants and planning for other MemorialDay events, VVMF will only accept volunteers through its website at
http://vvmf.org/ROTN. Groups can also beaccommodated.
6. Three MIAs Return Home: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Officerecently announced the identification of remains of three servicemen who hadbeen missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returned home are:
- Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Hilding R. Johnson, 20, of Sacramento, Calif. On Dec. 25, 1944, Johnson was flying a bombing mission near St. Vith, Belgium, when his P-47D Thunderbolt aircraft crashed after being struck by German anti-aircraft fire. No parachute was seen.
- Cpl. Robert J. Tucker, 27, of Princeton, Ind. On Nov. 25, 1950, Tucker and the 2nd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division, were deployed in a defensive line across the center of North Korea when they were attacked by Chinese forces. After the war, surviving POWs said Tucker had died of a gunshot wound two days after the attack.
- Army Sgt. 1st Class Charles A. Roy, 42, of Henderson, Ky. On Nov. 5, 1950, Roy was reported missing in action after his unit, Battery A, 61st Field Artillery Battalion, was overrun by Chinese forces near Pakchon, North Korea. After the war, surviving POWs said Roy had been captured but died in April 1951 from malnutrition and lack of medical care. Read more about their recovery and return at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
7. Foreign Service PhotosNeeded: The State Department is inviting current and former military andcivil service foreign service officers to submit photographs from their serviceabroad (since the year 2000) for consideration in its Art in Embassies program.The deadline for submissions is Feb. 20, after which up to 1,000 photographswill be chosen by a jury and displayed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, among othernational and international locations.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
January 6, 2012
In This Issue
1. Pentagon Unveils NewStrategic Guidance
2. TSA to Ease MilitaryScreening
3. VA Expands Mobile VetCenters
4. Korean War MIA Identified
1. Pentagon Unveils New Strategic Guidance: President Obama, DefenseSecretary Leon Panetta and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey unveilednew strategic guidance at the Pentagon yesterday for a U.S. military of thefuture that will be smaller and leaner, but still agile, flexible, ready, andtechnologically advanced to respond to global threats. Initial plan detailswon't be known until the FY 2013 budget request is unveiled in a few weeks, butthe president did say the defense budget will continue to grow over the next 10years, albeit at a slower pace, now that today's wars are ending. Eightprinciples will help set funding levels and priorities as DOD must reduce itsoverall budget by $487 billion over the next decade. The eight principles are:
- Maintain a broad portfolio of military capabilities to counter terrorism and irregular warfare; deter and defeat aggression; project power; counter weapons of mass destruction; operate in space and cyberspace; maintain a secure and effective nuclear deterrent; defend the homeland and support civil authorities; provide a stabilizing presence abroad; conduct stability and counterinsurgency operations; and conduct humanitarian and disaster relief assistance.
- Differentiate between those budget investments that should be made today and those that can be deferred to tomorrow.
- Maintain a ready and capable force, even as we reduce overall capacity.
- Reduce the cost of doing business, to include reductions in the growth of compensation and healthcare costs, while still keeping faith with those who serve, and especially to the 46,000 wounded and families of the 6,200 who lost their lives.
- Examine how this strategy will influence existing campaign and operational contingency plans.
- Examine the proper mix of Active Duty and Reserve Component forces to best suit the new strategy.
- Retain and build upon key advancements in networked warfare, which over the past decade has produced a truly interdependent and interoperable joint force.
- Maintain an adequate industrial base and investment in science and technology.
To read a PDF copy of the Defense Strategic Guidance, go to: http://www.defense.gov/news/Defense_Strategic_Guidance.pdf.
2. TSA to Ease Military Screening: President Obama signed into law thisweek the Risk-based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act,which gives the Transportation Security Administration six months to developand implement a plan to expedite the airport screening of service memberstraveling on orders and in uniform. TSA also seeks to accommodate familymembers who would like to accompany a deploying service member to the boardinggate or greet them upon their return. Family members should contact airlinerepresentative at the airport about local procedures to receive passes intoenter the secure area. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=66674.
3. VA Adds 20 Mobile Vet Centers: The VA announced an additional 20Mobile Vet Centers will be on the road to help increase counseling serviceaccess to veterans and their families residing in rural or underservedcommunities. Almost 200,000 veterans and their families made more than 1.3million visits to a VA Vet Center in FY 2011. For more information or to find aVet Center near you, go to www.vetcenter.va.gov.
4. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Officeannounced the identification of remains belonging to Army Sgt. Joseph A. Bowen,19, of Augusta, Ga. On Nov. 30, 1950, Bowen was assigned tothe 31st Regimental Combat Team when it was attacked by Chinese forces on theeast side of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. Bowen was one of morethan 1,000 soldiers reportedly killed, missing or captured during the battle.Read more at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
WASHINGTON WEEKLY
December 30, 2011
In This Issue:
1. Post-9/11 Military Disability Ratings Could Increase
2. Rules Ease for Undiagnosed Gulf War Illnesses
3. TRICARE Loses Walgreens
4. VFW Legislative Review
1. Post-9/11 MilitaryDisability Ratings Could Increase: Veteransdischarged between Sept. 11, 2001, and Dec. 31, 2009, with disability ratingsof 20% or lower, are being urged to apply for a review of their militarymedical disability rating. In January, the VA and Defense Department’s PhysicalDisability Board of Review, or PDBR, hope to begin sending letters to thousandsof Post-9/11 veterans to urge them to apply for the review. Congress createdthe PDBR to address inconsistent disability ratings between the four services,and to determine if some veterans are eligible for increased ratings.Currently, only 3,000 out of 77,000 eligible veterans have applied for thereview, with half receiving upgrades to 30% or more, which would make themeligible for a military medical retirement, retiree pay, access to militaryhealthcare and other benefits. The hard part, according to officials, isfinding these new veterans, which is where VFW members can help. If you know aPost-9/11 veteran who was separated with a low disability rating, tell him orher to go online to www.health.mil, clickthe “About MHS” link atop the page, and then click the “Physical DisabilityBoard of Review” link. They'll thank you for it later.
2. Rules Ease for Undiagnosed Gulf War Illnesses: Veterans of the Persian Gulf War withundiagnosed illnesses now have an additional five years to qualify for VAbenefits. A recent change in VA regulations affects veterans of the conflict inSouthwest Asia. Many have attributed a rangeof undiagnosed or poorly understood medical problems to their militaryservices, with chemical weapons, environmental hazards and vaccinations amongthe possible causes. At issue is the eligibility to claim VA disabilitycompensation based upon those undiagnosed illnesses, and the ability ofsurvivors to qualify for VA’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. Underlong-standing VA rules, any undiagnosed illnesses used to establish eligibilityfor VA benefits must become apparent by Dec. 31 (tomorrow). The new changepushes the date back to Dec. 31, 2016. Read more at http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2239.
3. TRICARE Loses Walgreens: It appears there will be no last-minutecontract agreement between Walgreens and Defense Department contractor ExpressScripts, which means beginning Jan. 1, military TRICARE beneficiaries will nolonger be able to fill their prescriptions at a Walgreens pharmacy.Beneficiaries who need help finding an alternate pharmacy or to switch theirmedications to home delivery can contact Express Scripts at 1-877-885-6313.Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=66626.
4. VFW Legislative Review: As the year ends and the first session of the112th Congress comes to a close, the VFW would like to thank all ofour advocates who helped us fight to create, protect and enhance the servicesand benefits provided to America's service members, veterans and theirfamilies. It is because of you that we were able to get four critical billspassed into law:
- P.L. 112-56, VOW to Hire Heroes Act – a comprehensive jobs bill that improves reemployment rights for Guard and Reservist, expands education and training programs, requires mandatory Transitional Assistance Program attendance, and offers employer tax credits for hiring veterans.
- P.L. 112-53, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011, increases the rates of VA disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children by 3.6%, which matches the COLA increase military retirees and Social Security recipients will receive.
- P.L. 112-37, Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011, legislation that authorizes major medical projects and leases within VA, and expands mental health treatments, rehabilitation and comprehensive homeless veteran housing programs.
- P.L. 112-26, Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011,provides a fix in reimbursement rates under the Post-9/11 GI Bill for students already enrolled at private schools.
There are other bills passed by the House that still await Senate action.They include mortgage protections for service members, harsher penalties formisrepresenting a business as owned or controlled by service-disabled veterans,sexual assault prevention measures within VA, and improvements to thedisability claims and appeals process. For a list of VFW-supported legislation,go to http://stage.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/Action-Corps/.For more about the public laws, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
December 23, 2011
In This Issue:
1. Tuition Assistance Policy Change on Hold
2. Military Healthcare Access Expands
3. VA Completes Newborn Care Regulations
4. Google for Veterans
5. Two Korean War MIAs Identified
1. Tuition Assistance Policy Change on Hold: On Jan. 1, 2012,the Department of Defense was scheduled to implement a new Memorandum ofUnderstanding for schools to accept Tuition Assistance program dollars onbehalf of enrolled service members. The VFW heard from several of the nation'smost reputable academic institutions that they stood to lose their TAeligibility should the new MOU take effect, which is why VFW advocates calledon Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to delay the MOU's implementation, pendingfurther review. The Pentagon once again listened to the VFW by extending thesigning deadline to March 12, 2012.To learn more, and to read VFW's letter to Secretary Panetta about potentialissues with the new MOU, click here:
http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2011/12/vfw-action-sparks-pentagon-to-delay.html.
2. Military Healthcare Access Expands: The final FY 2012National Defense Authorization Act included a VFW-supported provision that willenhance military and retiree access to mental and behavioral health careproviders and services. The Servicemembers' Telemedicine and E-HealthPortability (STEP) Act will provide flexibility in state licensing and credentialingby enabling qualified DOD healthcare professionals to use telemedicine ande-health services to treat service members. Current law only allows health careprofessionals to treat those in the state where they are licensed. VFW praisedthe passage of the provision in the NDAA as it provides National Guard, Reserveand military retirees, especially those residing in rural areas, more access tothe care they need and deserve.
3. VA Completes Newborn Care Regulations: VA finalizedregulations for providing care to newborn children of women veterans, asrequired in the Caregivers and Veteran Omnibus Health Services Act (P.L.111-163). The provision, sponsored by Senate VA Committee Chairman Patty Murray(D-WA), will provide services for newborns up to seven days after birth if thechild of the mother delivers in a VA facility or another facility contracted byVA for maternity care. For more information on VA services for women, clickhere:
http://www.va.gov/.
4. Google for Veterans: The VFW, actor Gary Sinise, and CBSaffiliates nationwide have joined Google in a 30-second public serviceannouncement to launch Google for Veterans, which will enable militarypersonnel, veterans and families to better connect, share and document theirstories and lessons learned from deploying and redeploying to transitioning andjob seeking. There is also a resume builder and a free video chat feature. Theinitiative is the result of military veterans and family members who work for Google,who understand the challenges of serving, coming home and transitioning tocivilian life. Click here to view the PSA:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Cg8Ay5VucyY.
5. Two Korean War MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/MissingPersonnel Office recently announced the identification of remains of twosoldiers missing in action since the Korean War. Returned home are:
- Army Cpl. Agustin Alvarez, 22, of Los Angeles. In November 1950, Alvarez and soldiers from the Heavy Mortar Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, were forced to withdraw during a battle on the eastern side of the Chosin Reservoir, near Kaljon-ri, North Korea. Alvarez was captured but would die from his wounds and lack of medical care in December 1950.
- Army Pfc. Maximo A. Troche, 24, of New York. On Feb. 4, 1951, Troche and soldiers from the I Company, 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, fought against Communist forces near Yangpyeong, Kyonggi Province, South Korea. After the battle, Troche was listed as missing in action. It was later learned that he was captured but died from dysentery in April 1951.
Read more here: http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
December 16, 2011
In This Issue:
1. IraqWar Ends
2. NDAA Conference Update
3. House Subcommittee Discusses VOW Act
4. Compensated Work Therapy Program Reviewed
5. VFW Helps Close USERRA Loophole
6. VFW Joins CBS, Googleto Film Holiday Troops Messages
1. Iraq War Ends: The Iraq Warended yesterday, though about 4,000 troops are still left to redeploy beforethe end of the year. More than 1.5 million American servicemen and women haveserved in-theater since March 2003,many of whom will carry visible and invisible scars of war for a lifetime.Theend of the Iraq War fulfills a campaign promise by President Obama, but withalmost 100,000 troops still stationed in Afghanistan, the war on terrorism isfar from finished, which means the VFW's veterans' service, legislative andgrassroots troop support programs are even more important. Read more at
http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/VFW-WELCOMES-HOME-IRAQI-VETS/.
2. NDAA Conference Update:House and Senate conferees agreed this week to provisions in the NationalDefense Authorization Act of 2012, or NDAA. The bill will provide $530 billion for the Defense Department and $115.5billion for the war in Afghanistanand end of operations in Iraq.The VFW has been staunchly against any TRICARE fee increase, and wasinstrumental in defeating a Senate proposal to tie increases to the percentageof medical inflation, but the NDAA does include a provision to link futureincreases to future cost-of-living allowances. One controversial measure theVFW was happy to see dropped from the bill was the requirement to evaluate changingthe current military retirement system. Other key provisions in the final billinclude:
·A 1.6 percent across the board increase in pay, and an average 2 percentincrease in housing allowances.
·Increases in incentive and imminent danger pays.
·Changes in DOD requirements for retaining Military Sexual Traumarecords.
·Mental health assessments for Reserve Components during training.
·Elevating the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to a permanent memberof the Joint Chiefs of Staff (which accomplishes VFW Resolution #435).
·Requiring DOD to report to Congress on health risks associated withfuture usage of open-air burn pits.
3. House SubcommitteeDiscusses VOW Act: The House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity heldan oversight hearing on the implementation of the recently passed VOW toHire Heroes Act. VFW was a strong supporter and instrumental in getting thecomprehensive jobs bill passed last month. Committee members remarked on thecomplexity of the bill and that many of the provisions will have to becollaborated between VA and the Department of Labor Veterans Employment andTraining Services. Subcommittee Chairman Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) told VA andDOL representatives that he will hold more hearings to examine the progressbeing made.The VFW will continue to closely monitor the law and how eachdepartment moves ahead in administering the benefits to veterans so they canfind employment and the right career path for their skills.
4. Compensated Work TherapyProgram Review: This week, the House VA Subcommittee on Oversight andInvestigations reviewed VA’s Compensated Work Therapy Program, or CWT. CWT ispart of the Vocational Rehabilitation service and is designed to provideveterans with PTSD, TBI, and other head injuries with skills training, jobdevelopment, placement services, and employment support. Dr. Anthony Campinell,the director of the Therapeutic and Supported Employment Programs for VHA,stressed that CWT serves as a complement to other employment services availablewithin VBA, the Department of Labor, and/or state employment agencies. Morethan 41,000 veterans received CWT services at 187 locations in FY2011. For moreinformation on hearings for the week or the recorded webcast, visit the HouseVA committee website at
http://veterans.house.gov/.
5. VFW HelpsClose USERRA Loophole:
With the help andsupport of VFW's legislative advocates, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) introduceda bill this week to close a loophole that exempts Transportation SecurityAdministration officials from granting USERRA protections to their Guard andReserve employees. When TSA was created after 9/11, Congress exempted TSAadministrators from a series of labor protections, including USERRA, in aneffort to quickly deploy the new homeland security force. More than 10 yearsafter the creation of TSA, the VFW believes it is time to close this loopholeto protect service members and veterans that may choose to work for TSA. Tolearn more about the bill, go to http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2011/12/vfw-helps-close-userra-loophole.html.
6.VFW Joins CBS, Google to Film Holiday Troop Messages: This week, VFW’s Washington office joined CBS and Google tohelp film shout-outs to the troops from members of Congress in time forChristmas and the holiday season. This project is part of a larger partnershipbetween CBS, Google and the VFW. To see who stopped by the VFW WashingtonOffice and to view their greetings, go to http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2011/12/vfw-joins-cbs-and-google-to-film.html.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
December 9, 2011
In This Issue:
1. More Remains Disposed inLandfill
2. Young Vets Still Strugglingto Find Jobs
3. Veterans Heritage FirearmsAct
4. VFW Washington OfficeRemembers Pearl Harbor
1. More Remains Disposed in Landfill: A front page Washington Postarticle Thursday revealed that the Air Force disposed of the incineratedpartial remains of at least 274 American troops in a landfill in King GeorgeCounty, Va. According to the article, 976 fragments from 274 military personnelwere incinerated and taken to the landfill between 2004 and 2008. An additionalgroup of 1,762 unidentifiable remains were collected from the battlefield anddisposed of in the same manner. Those fragments, according to the Air Force,were too badly burned or damaged from explosions to undergo DNA testing. VFWNational Commander Richard DeNoyer said in a press statement last month thatthis "exceeds on many levels the nationwide anger that resulted fromreports of mistreated wounded at the former WalterReed ArmyMedical Centerin 2007 and reports of lost or misplaced graves at Arlington National Cemetery in 2009. Youonly get one chance to return our fallen warriors to their families with allthe dignity and respect they deserve from a grateful nation," he said,"and that mortuary affairs unit failed" at Dover AFB, Del.
To read The Washington Post article, click here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/air-force-dumped-ashes-of-more-troops-in-va-landfill-than-acknowledged/2011/12/07/gIQAT8ybdO_print.html
2. Young Vets Still Struggling to Find Jobs: Last week the U.S. Bureauof Labor Statistics published its monthly employment situation, which showed adrop in unemployment among veterans of all conflicts, including veterans Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, thereport demonstrated disturbing trends for young veterans, whose unemploymentfigures rose to more than 37 percent in the last month, and women veterans,whose figures rose to more than 18 percent. To the VFW, these trends indicatethat overall jobs market seems to be improving, but that veterans of thecurrent conflicts -- particularly young veterans who still have militaryobligations -- continue to face significant disadvantages in finding work oncethey return from overseas. To learn more about these trends and to learn whatVFW wants to do to address them, click here. http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2011/12/disturbing-trends-for-young-vets-in.html
3. Veterans Heritage Firearms Act: The VFW is supporting the VeteransHeritage Firearms Act (S. 798), which was introduced by Sen. Jon Tester(D-Mont.) to allow veterans to register firearms they legally brought home fromwar many years ago, or bequeathed to their decedents as family heirlooms. Thebipartisan measure would open a 90-day window for owners to register weaponsthat were acquired outside the continental U.S. between June 26, 1934, andOct. 31, 1968. Said VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer, "We thankSenator Tester and all his bill supporters for helping to preserve the Americanright of gun ownership, and for ending a registration dilemma many families mayhave faced. Now they can proudly and legally keep their family heirlooms in thefamily."
4. VFW Washington Office Remembers Pearl Harbor: On Wednesday, Dec. 7, VFWWashington Office staff joined Congressional leaders and Pearl Harbor survivorsat the Rayburn HouseOffice Buildingto reflect on the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The event was organized by students from American Universityand brought together survivors to share their experiences and discuss thesignificance of remembering the attack Pearl Harbor,and the men and women who gave their lives in defense of the Pacific Fleet. Tolearn more about the Capitol Hill event and the significance of this year'sPearl Harbor Day, click here. http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2011/12/vfw-washington-office-remembers-pearl.html
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
December 2, 2011
In This Issue
1. NDAA Update
2. TRICARE Data Breach
3. TSGLI Now Covers Genitourinary Injuries
4. Veteran/Military Bills Passed
5. Senate VA Committee Discusses Mental HealthPrograms
6. House Discusses Veteran Contracting Shortfalls
7. TRICARE Young Adult Enrollment
8. Five MIAs Return Home
1. NDAA Update: Late Thursday night, the Senate passed theirversion of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012. A keydevelopment included Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) withdrawing an amendment to allowTRICARE to increase annual rates by the rate of medical inflation -- a drasticchange in current policy that would have encouraged disproportionatecost-shifting to beneficiaries. The Senate-passed bill must now be reconciledwith the House version before it can be sent to the President for hissignature. VFW will continue to advocate for military personnel and retirees asthe House/Senate Conference makes its final decisions. For more on the NDAA andour views on its passage visit the VFW blog at:
http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2011/12/vfw-protects-tricare-recipients-as.html2. TRICARE Data Breach: Pentagon contractor SAIC lost backupdata tapes that contained personal information on almost 4.9 million TRICAREpatients who were treated at San Antonio military facilities going back to 1992.TRICARE officials said the tapes included Social Security numbers, addresses,birth dates and some health information, but no credit card or bank accountnumbers. TRICARE believes the risk of compromise to be low due to thesophistication of the software, but as a precaution, SAIC will provide one yearof credit monitoring and restoration services to patients who express concern abouttheir credit. Concerned patients can call the SAIC Incident Response Call Centertoll-free at 855-366-0140, or international callers can call collect to952-556-8312. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6p.m. (Eastern). Read more at
http://www.tricare.mil/mediacenter/news.aspx?fid=738.
3. TSGLI Now Covers Genitourinary Injuries: Service memberswho suffer severe injuries to the genitourinary organs are now eligible forServicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection, or TSGLI.TSGLI provides a one-time payment of up to $100,000 to service members whosustain certain severe traumatic injuries resulting in a range of losses,including amputations; limb salvage; paralysis; burns; loss of sight, and othertraumatic losses. Genitourinary injuries were added because military doctorsreported seeing an increase in these types of injuries due to the proliferationof improvised explosive devices. The first payments for genitourinary lossesare being made today, and the eligibility is retroactive to injuries incurredon or after Oct. 7, 2001. The VFW was the lone veterans' service organizationto back TSGLI legislation back in 2005, when it went from bill to law in 28days. For more information, go to
http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm.
4. Veteran/Military Bills Passed: Several VFW-supported billscleared the House and Senate this week. They include:
- S. 1025 would allow the National Guard Bureau Chief to serve as a full voting member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The bill passed as standalone legislation and was inserted into the Senate NDAA. Its passage would accomplish VFW Resolution #435.
- H.R. 2192 would extend bankruptcy exemptions for members of the National Guard and Reserve.
- H.R. 1801 would require the Transportation Security Administration to develop expedited screening procedures for military members traveling in uniform or on special orders. It would also allow family members to obtain passes to accompany their loved ones all the way to their departure gate, or to meet them upon their arrival.
- For more on any of the bills type the bill number in the search box at: http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php
5. Senate VACommittee Discusses Mental Health Programs: The Senate VeteransAffairs Committee held a hearing this week on VA mental health programs. Witnesseswere asked to comment on data collected from a survey of mental healthproviders that showed wide discrepancies in wait times for care at VAfacilities across the country. The survey reported that 70 percent of providerssaid they did not have adequate staff or space to meet the mental health careneeds of veterans. Committee Chairman Patty Murray (D-WA) questioned top VAmental health officials on causes and efforts to address this problem. Fortestimony or the recorded webcast of the hearing, visit the Senate VA Committeewebsite at:
http://veterans.senate.gov/.
6. House Discusses Veteran Contracting Shortfalls: The VFW wason hand this week as the House VA Subcommittees on Oversight &Investigations and Economic Opportunity held a joint hearing to review VA'sService-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, or SDVOSB, certificationprocess. During the hearing, GAO representatives testified about investigatingcompanies for fraudulently posing as SDVOSBs to attain government contracts.Many at the hearing expressed views that VA is falling short in their effortsto ensure veteran business owners receive the opportunities to which they areentitled. VFW will continue to work with the House VA subcommittee on ways toensure veteran entrepreneurs receive those opportunities. For more about thehearing, go to www.veterans.house.gov. For the GAO Report, go to
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-205T.
7. TRICARE Young Adult Enrollment: Eligible dependents can nowenroll in TRICARE Young Adult (TYA), with coverage beginning Jan. 1. TYA willprovide beneficiaries TRICARE Prime coverage for a monthly premium of $201 perdependent under age 26, who is unmarried and not eligible for anyemployer-sponsored health care coverage. For more information about TYA or theother nine TRICARE programs, go to:
http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/LearnAboutPlansAndCosts/TRICAREYoungAdult.
8. Five MIAs Return Home: The Defense POW/Missing PersonnelOffice announced the identification of remains belonging to four airmen and onesoldier who had been missing in action from World War II,Korea and Vietnam.Returned are:
- Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. John J. Bono, 28, of Denver. On Sept. 13, 1944, Bono and eight other crewmembers were on a B-17G Flying Fortress that crashed near Neustaedt-on-the-Werra, Germany. Only one crewman successfully parachuted out of the aircraft before it crashed.
- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Stephen L. Pascal, 20, of Hollywood, Calif. On April 7, 1945, Pascal was flying a photo reconnaissance mission between Gottingen and Alfeld, Germany, when his P-38 Lightning aircraft went missing.
- Army Cpl. Theodore A. Reynolds, 19, of Syracuse, N.Y. In November 1950, Reynolds, who was serving in the Company B, 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion attached to the 8th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division, went missing during a battle near Unsan, North Korea.
- Army Lt. Col. Glenn McElroy, 35, of Sidney, Ill., and Capt. John M. Nash, 28, of Tipton, Ind. On March 15, 1966, the men were flying an OV-1A Mohawk aircraft that failed to return from a reconnaissance mission over southern Laos in Savannakhet Province.
- Read more on the DPMO website at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.