VFW WASHINGTON
WEEKLY
December 14, 2012
In This Issue:
1. Time Running Out for Congress and Sequestration
2. Number of Homeless Veterans Drops
3. Bernie Sanders Named Senate VA Chairman
4. Senate VA Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing
5. VA Adds Illnesses for TBI claims
6. Vietnam War MIA Identified
1.Time Running Out for Congress and Sequestration: With only five work
days left in the congressional schedule, Congress is running out of time to avoid
the serious across-the-board cuts in Defense spending set to take place under
the Budget Control Act passed last year. If you have not contacted your
legislators, telling them to stop sequestration, we urge you to do so today.
Use the attached Alert to send a message or call their district or DC offices
today. Tell them that we expect them to reach an agreement before January 1,
2013 that protects our service members, their families and our national
security.
2. Number of Homeless Veterans Drops: A 2012 Annual Homeless Assessment
Report (AHAR) prepared by HUD and presented to Congress shows a 7.2 percent
decline since 2011 in the number of veterans who are homeless with a combined
total of 17.2 percent since January of 2009. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki said
the decrease is largely attributable to the HUD- Veterans Affairs Supportive
Housing or HUD -VASH program. More than 37,000 veterans have been housed using
HUD Section 8 vouchers along with VA's supportive case managers also known as
Supportive Services for Veterans and Families (SSVF). VA has also increased its
SSVF grant money for 2012/13 to $300 million for organizations around the
country combating homelessness. VFW has included ending homelessness as a top
priority for 2013.
3. Bernie Sanders Named Senate VA Chairman: This week, Senator Bernie
Sanders (I-VT) was named Chairman of Veterans' Affairs Committee for the 113th
Congress. Sanders has served on the VA Committee for six years. He replaces
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA.), who was appointed the new chair of the Senate
Budget Committee. An original co-sponsor of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Sanders has
been a leader in helping veterans transition from active duty to civilian life.
He has also been a strong advocated for veterans suffering from PTSD, TBI and
other undiagnosed health issues, helping to secure funding for the National
Center for PTSD in White River Junction, Vermont. The VFW looks forward to
working with Senator Sanders to continue to improve the care and benefits for
veterans and service members in the 113th Congress. To read Sanders' official
announcement, click here: http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/news/?id=ff1c26ac-e686-4728-a065-7546fdec8c49
4. Senate VA Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing: This week, the Senate
Veterans' Affairs Committee held a hearing for two nominees to serve as
Assistant Director for the Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training
(VETS) and as a judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Keith
Kelly, the nominee for Assistant Director for VETS currently serves as
commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and Chairman of
the Veterans Affairs Committee for the National Association of State Workforce
Agencies. A Vietnam Veteran, Kelly laid out five key goals he would accomplish
if confirmed to lead VETS. William Greenberg, the nominee for judge for the
U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals served 27 years in the Army and is a partner at
the New Jersey law firm McCarter and English. The VA Committee now has to vote
to confirm the two nominees and then move it forward to the full Senate for
consideration. To learn more about each nominee and to view a webcast of the
hearing visit our blog at: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/12/senate-va-committee-hosts-confirmation.html
5. VA Adds Illnesses for TBI Claims: VA published a proposed regulation
in the Federal Register which would allow service connection for five (5)
disabilities if a veteran is service connected for TBI. These disabilities are
considered secondary to TBI. Illnesses under consideration include unprovoked
seizures, symptoms of Parkinson's disease, certain types of dementia including
Alzheimer's disease, depression, and hormone deficiencies caused by changes of
the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. The list, published on Monday (12/10/12)
in the Federal Register, would make it easier for afflicted veterans to receive
benefits and health care from VA. The public will have 60 days to comment on
the proposed rule before it is finalized.
6. Vietnam War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office
announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Capt. James M.
Johnstone, 28, of Baton Rouge, La. On Nov. 19, 1966, Johnstone was piloting an
OV-1A Mohawk that crashed while on a daytime reconnaissance mission over Attapu
Province, Laos. Other Americans aircrews reported seeing no parachute, and a
heavy enemy presence prevented recovery efforts. Read more at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
VFW WASHINGTON
WEEKLY
December 7, 2012
In This Issue:
1. VFW Remembers Pearl Harbor
2. Senate Passes NDAA
3. Tricare Fees Not Included in Senate NDAA
4. Congressman Michaud Appointed Ranking Member on VA
5. Hearing Discusses VA and DOD Claims
6. Two MIAs Recovered
1. VFW Remembers Pearl Harbor: VFW National Commander John Hamilton and
Ladies Auxiliary National President Leanne Lemley are in Hawaii to lay a wreath
at the USS Arizona memorial to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the attack
on Pearl Harbor. They also discussed veteran and military healthcare with Dr.
James Hastings, director of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, and Army
Brig. Gen. Dennis Doyle, commander of Tripler Army Medical Center. They were
also scheduled to discuss VFW's full support of MIA recovery efforts with the
commander of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, Air Force Maj. Gen. Kelly
McKeague, and military troop and family issues with Army Maj. Gen. Kurt Fuller,
commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks.
Accompanied by Hawaii Department Commander Ben Acohido and Ladies Auxiliary
President Anita Acohido, they also laid a wreath at the National Cemetery of
the Pacific to commemorate the opening of a new Vietnam War mural. For photos
and highlights from Commander Hamilton's visit, check back with the Capitol
Hill blog, www.thevfw.blogspot.com
, next week. Also check out the VFW's Pearl Harbor Day message by clicking
here: http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/2012-Pearl-Harbor-Remembrance-Day-Message/
2. Senate Passes NDAA: This week, the Senate passed their version of the
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 98-0. The bill does not contain any
TRICARE fee or pharmacy co-payment increases which were a part of the
House-passed version. The House and Senate now meet in conference to iron out
differences in the bills. Some of the items VFW is advocating remain in the final
bill include:
- Requiring DOD to report on changes to TRICARE
Prime coverage areas.
- TRICARE beneficiary coverage for certain
autism treatment disorders.
- Revised Stolen Valor Act -- making it a
federal crime to falsify military decorations for personal gain.
- A comprehensive mental health and
suicide prevention program within DOD.
- Improvements in the transition process
for active duty.
- CRSC payments to combat--disabled
retirees forced into medical retirement
3. Tricare Fees Not Included in Senate NDAA: Absent from the
Senate-passed NDAA bill were any increases to TRICARE premiums and pharmacy
copayments, which the VFW vehemently opposed. However, the issue of TRICARE fee
increases is not quite over yet. The House-passed NDAA included a provision
calling for increases in pharmacy co-pay fees and the Pentagon has claimed that
health care costs are unnecessarily burdening the defense budget. VFW disagrees
with this premise, and has been one of the few veterans' organizations in
Washington fighting to prevent any increases in military health care premiums,
encouraging other cost-cutting measures that will not burden military families
or break faith with military retirees. Now we want to know your opinion. Visit
our blog for more information and to add your voice and vote on what is the
most responsible way to handle the situation. To learn more and to find our
online poll, click here: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/12/defense-authorization-passes-senate.html
4. Congressman Michaud Appointed Ranking Member on VA: Congressman
Michael Michaud of Maine was named the Ranking Member on the House Veterans'
Affairs Committee this week. Michaud takes the gavel from retired member and
new Mayor of San Diego Bob Filner (D-CA). Michaud has been on the committee
over ten years and most recently was the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on
Health. Michaud has consistently served as a vocal advocate for rural and
remote-located veterans who face significant barrier to receiving the care to
which they are entitled. The VFW looks forward to working with him to improve
the care and benefits of all veterans in the 113th Congress. To read Michaud's
press announcement regarding his new appointment, click here: http://michaud.house.gov/press-release/michaud-named-new-ranking-member-house-veterans%E2%80%99-affairs-committee
4. House Committee Discusses VA/DOD Claims: Earlier this week, the House
VA Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held an oversight
hearing entitled, "Wading through Warehouses of Paper: The Challenges of
Transitioning Veterans Records to Paperless Technology." The Subcommittee
has had many hearings on the subject of joint claims and had asked witnesses to
discuss innovative ways to move the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) into
the 21st century. During the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Jon Runyan (R-NJ)
expressed the need for better collaboration between the VA and DOD to aid
veterans who are transitioning out of the service. VFW will continue monitoring
the process as we move into the 113th Congress. To view the recorded webcast or
to read witnesses testimony click here: http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/wading-through-warehouses-of-paper-the-challenges-of-transitioning-veterans-records-to
5. Two MIAs Recovered: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office recently
announced the identification of remains belonging to two soldiers who had been
missing in action from their wars in Korea and Vietnam. Identified are:- Army Sgt. Bobby R. King, 19, of Seymour,
Texas. In August 1950, King and his unit, Battery A, 90th Field Artillery
Battalion, were fighting against North Korean forces in a battle known as
the "Bloody Gulch," near Pongam-ni, South Korea. King was listed
as missing in action after the battle.
- Army Sgt. John R. Jones, 22, of
Louisville, Ky. On June 4, 1971, Jones was working with indigenous
commandos to defend a radio-relay base, known as Hickory Hill, in Quang
Tri Province, South Vietnam. When enemy forces attacked the site, Jones
and another serviceman took up a defensive position in a nearby bunker.
The following morning, Jones was reportedly killed by enemy fire and the
other soldier was captured and held as a POW until 1973.
VFW WASHINGTON
WEEKLY
November 30, 2012
In This Issue:
1. President Signs COLA
2. NDAA Update
3. VFW Discusses Best
Practices for Student-Vets
4. PSA Encourages Women Vets
to Use VA
5. House Committee Discusses
VA Conference Expenses
1. President Signs COLA: This week, the President signed into law the
cost-of-living adjustment bill for disabled veterans and surviving spouses. The
bill, H.R. 4114, increases compensation for veterans' beneficiaries at the same
percentage given Social Security and military retiree pay recipients. The
1.7-percent increase is tied to the consumer price index, or CPI, and is
scheduled to go into effect on Dec. 1. To read our blog posting regarding COLA
click here: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/11/breaking-president-signs-veterans-cola.html
2. NDAA Update: This week, the Senate began debating their version (S.
3254) of the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill, S.
3254 contains hundreds of amendments to include caps on TRICARE Pharmacy
copays, increased access to mental health providers in VA and DOD, a
comprehensive suicide prevention program, and standardizing service training to
provide consistent educational credit for service members. The Senate plans to
work through the weekend to complete work on their bill by Monday. The bill
will then have to be reconciled with the House version before final passage.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Washington Weekly, and check the blog next
week for progress. http://thevfw.blogspot.com.
3. VFW Discusses Best Practices for Student-Vets: This week the VFW
joined leaders from several private sector colleges, as well as other leading
veterans' advocates at the National World War I Memorial in Kansas City to
discuss best practices for service student-veterans in higher education as part
of a Blue Ribbon Taskforce on Veterans Education, commissioned by the
Association for Private Sector Colleges and Universities, or APSCU. Private
sector colleges, commonly referred to as "for-profit" schools, have
been under the microscope over the last two years because of allegations of bad
practices by some schools within the sector related to veterans. Unfortunately,
that scrutiny has led to whispers on Congress to scale back GI Bill benefits.
The VFW has worked to bring leaders in higher education together to protect the
GI Bill, and the taskforce is one of the latest steps to do just that. To learn
more about the taskforce and this week's meeting, click here: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/11/vfw-joins-private-sector-schools-to.html
4. PSA Encourages Women Vets to Use VA: The Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) has developed a nationwide PSA to let women veterans know that
they have come to "The Right Place" when seeking health care at VA.
The PSA is available on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5FGlZ2uYiU
and at the VA website at www.womenshelath.va.gov
The number of women using VA health care has doubled in the past ten years and
is expected to double again in the next 5 years. The 30-second video was
produced by the VA Women's Health Services office and addresses key issues
addressed by Secretary Shinseki.
5. House Committee Discusses VA Conference Expenses: This week, VFW
attended a House Veterans Affairs' Committee hearing regarding VA's conference
budget and expenses. The hearing was a follow-up to questions submitted to VA
by Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) and Ranking Member Bob Filner (D-CA)
asking for clarification of VA's total conference spending for this year and
prior years, as well as a breakdown of all individual conferences. To watch the
recorded webcast of the hearing click here: http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/va-conference-spending-accountability.
VFW WASHINGTON
WEEKLY
November 21, 2012
In This Issue:
1. Contact Congress on
Sequestration Today
2. Senate to Take Up Defense
Bill
3. Afghan/Iraq KIA Photos
Needed
4. New Army Employment
Campaign
5. Take the Military Family
Survey
6. VFW Supports Working
Wounded Games
1. Contact Congress on Sequestration Today: Join us in urging Congress
to reach an agreement on sequestration before the January 2013 deadline.
Automatic cuts will take affect if they do not work together and find common
ground in a little over a month. The VFW has sent letters to all members of
Congress urging them to take immediate, bipartisan action to undo the triggers
and consequences of sequestration. The impact these automatic cuts will have on
the Department of Defense puts our service members, their families, and our
national security at risk. Contact your legislators today and tell them to do
what's right for our country. Click here to take action today: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=62171626.
Click here to read our letter to Congress: http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/VFW_in_DC/Sequestration%20Letter-House%2011.13.12.pdf.
2. Senate to Take Up Defense Bill: The Senate is expected to take up the
FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act (S.3254) next week. Several key
amendments may be brought up that that would make important improvements to
TRICARE, concurrent receipt, and the Survivor Benefits Plan. Contact your
Senate offices and urge them to support the following amendments made by:
- Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), to
acknowledge premium value of career service/sacrifice.
- Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), to end the SBP-DIC
offset for military widows.
- Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), to cap TRICARE
pharmacy copay fees.
- Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), to ease concurrent
receipt penalties for disabled retirees.
3. Afghan/Iraq KIA Photos Needed: Photos and personal stories of service
members killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan are needed for next week's
groundbreaking ceremony for the new Education Center at The Wall. The
VFW-supported Education Center will bring to life the stories of more than
58,000 American service members who died during the Vietnam War. It will also
tell the stories of the 6,400 fallen in Afghanistan and Iraq until they receive
their own national honor, said Jan Scruggs, founder and president of the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 10
a.m., Nov. 28, in the open field across from The Wall along Henry Bacon Drive.
All VFW members are welcome to attend. Please mail personal stories and 8x10
photos of fallen Afghan and Iraq service members to the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial Fund, 2600 Virginia Ave, NW, Suite 104, Washington, DC 20037. Read
more at http://www.buildthecenter.vvmf.org/.
4. New Army Employment Campaign: The Army's Warrior Transition Command
launched a new employment campaign this week to educate and inform civilian
employers on the value of hiring veterans, and to debunk myths associated with
hiring wounded, ill and injured service members. Help us help wounded, ill and
injured service members by sharing the employment campaign material with your
local employers, reporters and social media. The campaign includes a 10 minute
educational video providing solutions to the three obstacles, a two-minute
trailer video, radio spot, and online employer toolkit. View the materials at www.WTC.army.mil.
5. Take the Military Family Survey: The 2013 Military Family Lifestyle
Survey is now available online for veterans, service members and their
families. The survey is open through December 3, and should take approximately
20-25 minutes to complete, depending on your responses. Go to the Blue Star
Families website to participate at http://www.bluestarfam.org/Policy/Surveys/Survey_2013.
6. VFW Supports Working Wounded Games: VFW staff attended a
CrossFit-style competition last week for wounded warriors. The
first-of-its-kind competition was organized in cooperation with CrossFit Walter
Reed to help promote recovery and empowerment for veterans working to overcome
life-changing injuries. VFW member Patrick Murray competed in the games
alongside 18 other wounded warriors and others who competed remotely. More than
200 spectators were on hand to cheer on the competitors, to include several
midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy. For the entire story and photos from
the event, visit our Capitol Hill blog at http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/11/highlights-from-inaugural-working.html.
VFW WASHINGTON
WEEKLY
November 16, 2012
In This Issue:
1. COLA Passes Senate
2. House Committee Discusses
Employment Initiatives
3. Commander Hamilton's
Veterans Day in DC
4. New Military Family Survey
Begins
5. Two Korean War MIAs
Identified
1. COLA Passes Senate: Returning to work this week, the Senate quickly
passed a cost-of-living adjustment or COLA for VA. The 1.7 percent increase
affects VA compensation for disabled veterans and surviving spouses. The COLA
bill ties the rate for veterans' COLA to the increase in Social Security
compensation which is determined each year by the consumer price index (CPI).
The House passed their version in July. The President is expected to sign the
bill soon. The increase in benefits for 3.9 million veterans and their families
will take effect December 1, 2012. Since benefits are paid retroactively, the
first check to reflect the increase is due on or about January 1, 2013. For
more on the COLA bill visit out Capitol Hill blog at: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/11/senate-passes-cola-increase-for-vets.html
2. House Committee Discusses Employment Initiatives: The House Veterans
Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing to discuss ongoing
veterans' employment initiatives. The committee members asked representatives
from VA and the Department of Labor to evaluate their programs. Most of the
hearing focused on persistent high unemployment among Iraq and Afghanistan-era
veterans, the VA's implementation of the new Veterans Retraining Assistance
Program (VRAP) and the Department of Labor's goal to refine the roles of
Disabled Veteran Outreach Program specialists and Local Veterans Employment
Representatives. VFW will continue to monitor and advocate for comprehensive
veterans' employment solutions and hold agencies accountable for the programs
they have implemented to serve our nation's heroes. For complete coverage of
the hearing click here: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/11/watch-house-discusses-veterans.html
3. Commander Hamilton's Veterans Day in DC: This weekend, VFW
Commander-in-Chief John Hamilton and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief John Stroud
were in Washington, D.C., for national Veterans Day observances and the 237th
Marine Corps birthday. To see highlights from Commander Hamilton's visit,
including the White House Veterans Day breakfast and ceremonies at Arlington
National Cemetery, click here: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/11/highlights-from-commander-hamiltons.html
4. New Military Family Survey Begins: The 2013 Military Family Lifestyle
Survey is now available online for veterans, service members and their
families. The survey is open through December 3, and should take approximately
20-25 minutes to complete, depending on your responses. Go to the Blue Star
Families website to participate at http://www.bluestarfam.org/Policy/Surveys/Survey_2013.
5. Two Korean War MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel
Office recently announced the identifications of remains belonging to two
Korean War soldiers. Returned home are:
- Army Sgt. Stanley W. Bear, 19, of
Greenup, Ky. On Sept. 4, 1950, Bear would be reported as missing after
battling enemy forces near Haman, South Korea. He was assigned to F
Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
Unidentifiable remains would eventually be recovered and interred as an
"unknown" in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in
Honolulu.
- Army Cpl. Elmer C. Kidd, 22, of Seneca
Falls, N.Y. In late November 1950, Kidd and his unit, the 31st Regimental
Combat Team, were advancing along the eastern banks of the Chosin
Reservoir, in North Korea, when they were attacked by a massive enemy
force. Kidd would be reported missing after a fighting withdrawal to
positions south of the reservoir.
VFW WASHINGTON
WEEKLY
November 9, 2012
In This Issue:
1. Veterans Day Weekend in
Washington
2. Congress Returns Next Week
3. VFW Supports Working
Wounded Games
4. VFW Becomes First
Commemorative Partner
5. Support Overseas Access for
Disabled Veterans
6. Veterans Day Freebies and
Discounts
1. Veterans Day Weekend in Washington: VFW National Commander John
Hamilton is in Washington to commemorate the 237th birthday of the U.S. Marine
Corps on Saturday, then on Sunday will attend a White House breakfast with the
President, then join him for national Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington
National Cemetery. The Chief will lay a VFW wreath first at the Tomb of the
Unknowns, then again following afternoon ceremonies at the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial. Also, the VFW at midnight tonight begins a 96-hour LED display of
some 15,000 rotating photos of service members killed in action from WWII
through Iraq and Afghanistan. The big screen will be at the intersection of
23rd Street and Constitution Avenue, just across the street from The Wall. This
will be the third time the VFW has sponsored the display to ensure those who
made the ultimate sacrifice are always remembered.
Other important veterans' bills that await passage include- a
comprehensive Veterans Jobs Bill, COLA, enhanced mental health care for
veterans, GI Bill protections and improved care for women veterans. It is very
important that all members and supporters make contact with their legislators
in the weeks ahead and voice their concerns regarding sequestration and other
issues important to veterans and our active duty serve members. Time is short
and the 112th Congress is quickly coming to a close, which is why we're asking
for Congress to "Finish Strong For Veterans." We urge you to contact
your members and remind them of their commitment to veterans, our active duty,
guard and reserve and their families. For more information on our specific
legislative agenda for the end of the 112th Congress, check out our
"Finish Strong For Veterans" brochure by clicking here: http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/VFW_in_DC/2012OutstandingIssues.pdf.
As always, we want to share your advocacy stories on the VFW Capitol Hill
blog. To share your stories, either fill out our online form by clicking here,
http://www.vfw.org/Forms/Capitol-Hill-Blog-Submissions/, or simply email photos
and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org.
3. VFW Supports Working Wounded Games: More than 20 wounded warriors
will converge on CrossFit Rubicon in Vienna, Va., this Saturday, November 10 at
8 a.m., for the first-ever Working Wounded Games. Hosted in conjunction
CrossFit Walter Reed and volunteers from other metro area CrossFit affiliates,
the Working Wounded Games will allow veterans with combat-related disabilities
to compete in an open-style competition that will benefit two new wounded
warrior charities. The VFW is proud to serve as an inaugural sponsor for the
event, which coincides with the 237th birthday of the Marine Corps and Veterans
Day. If you will be in the Washington Metro Area this weekend, stop by the
Working Wounded Games to show your support for this one-of-a-kind event. To
learn more about the Working Wounded Games and CrossFit in general, click here:
http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/JOIN-VFW-IN-SUPPORTING-INAUGURAL-WORKING-WOUNDED-GAMES/
4. VFW Becomes First Commemorative Partner: The VFW was recognized this
morning as the first veterans' organization to be recognized as a commemorative
partner of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration. The
Commemorative Partner Program is designed for federal, state and local
communities, veterans' organizations and other nongovernmental organizations to
assist a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam veterans and
their families. Commemorative Partners are encouraged to participate in the
Commemoration of the Vietnam War by planning and conducting events and
activities that will recognize the Vietnam Veterans and their families'
service, valor, and sacrifice. Individual VFW Departments, Districts and Posts
can also become Commemorative Partners. Logon to their site for more
information at http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/commemorative_partners/.
5. Support Overseas Access for Disabled Veterans: Help us to support
access for disabled veterans overseas by contacting your Senators today and
asking them to support the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability
(CRPD). Before the Congressional recess the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
passed CRPD out of committee. The Senate is set to take the bill up in the lame
duck session, now is time to contact your Senators to ask for their support.
Tell them that the veterans' community supports passage because the bill would
help to provide equality, independence and rights for those with disabilities
living overseas. To take Action Now, click here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=61692521
6. Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts: America is saying "Thank
You!" to military service members and veterans this weekend with free
admissions, meals and discounts. All that's needed is a valid VA or military ID
card, or a DD-214 as proof of eligibility. This includes free admission to such
places as the Newseum, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and every National Park,
plus discounted admissions at numerous other locations. Check local newspapers
for offers in your area, or go here for a good list of offers from nationwide
chains: http://hamptonroads.com/2012/11/2012-veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts
VFW WASHINGTON
WEEKLY
November 2, 2012
In This Issue:
1. Protecting Our House from
Military Quality-of-Life Cuts
2. Election Just Days Away
3. VFW Fires Back Against
False Drop-Out Report on Student-Veterans
4. VA Facilities Closed from
Aftermath of Sandy
5. VFW Co-Hosts Wounded
Warrior Dinner
6. New Military Family Survey
Begins
7. JPAC Welcomes New Commander
8. Two MIAs Identified
1. Protecting Our House from Military Quality-of-Life Cuts: This week,
the progressive think tank, the Center for American Progress, published a
report once again recommending cuts to military pay increases and retiree
health care as a way to save money after mortgaging more than a decade of war.
The VFW will continue to advocate against these kinds of proposals and
adamantly opposes any cuts to military quality-of-life benefits; particularly
while our military men and women continue to serve in harm's way. Last year,
the VFW was the first major veterans' organization to call attention to drastic
proposed cuts to military quality-of-life programs through our "10 for
10" campaign. We have also addressed military budget cuts in our talking
paper on budget sequestration. We recognize that our nation must make difficult
budget decisions in the coming months, but balancing the budget on the backs of
disabled veterans, those in uniform, their families, and military retirees is
not a solution. Please join us in letting those in Washington know that the VFW
will not tolerate any plan that requires those who serve and sacrifice the most
to do even more.
To read the report and VFW's full analysis on our Capitol Hill blog,
click here:
2. Election Just Days Away: The 2012 Election is just days away. VFW
encourages all members and veterans' advocates to get out and vote. Help your
members who may need transportation to the polls by arranging car pools and
local pick-ups in your area. Remember to check our website to see how your
members voted on critical veterans issues when they reached the floor of the
House and Senate. Before heading to the voting booth, take a look at what your
members have done to improve the lives of veterans, our active duty and their
families. To view our vote analysis, visit the VFW website at http://www.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/ and use
the Connect to Congress box on bottom right.
As always, if you have a unique program that helps veterans get out to vote
this election day, please share your stories with us for the Capitol Hill blog,
www.thevfw.blogspot.com. To share your stories, either fill out our online form
by clicking here, http://www.vfw.org/Forms/Capitol-Hill-Blog-Submissions/,
or simply email photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org.
3. VFW Fires Back Against False Drop-Out Report on Student-Veterans:
Last week the Huffington Post reported that nearly 88 percent of veterans going
to school on the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill drop out. After reading the story, the
veterans' community balked at the baseless allegation and started firing back.
To the VFW, this latest story of abysmal student-veteran performance is a
disservice to the nearly 850,000 veterans currently enrolled in school through
the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, especially since nobody in higher education or VA currently
tracks student-veteran drop-outs or completions. The VFW believes that we have
an obligation to today's veterans to ensure they have access to the quality
education we promised them, and has been working diligently over the last four
years to improve and protect the benefit. To read the VFW's full response to
the erroneous story and to learn about ways the VFW is working to maintain the
integrity of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, click here: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/11/protecting-gi-bill-perception-is-reality.html
4. VA Facilities Closed from Aftermath of Sandy: The Department of
Veterans' Affairs announced several facilities closed due to the effects of
Sandy in the Northeast and parts of West Virginia. Facilities with closures
include:
·
VISN 2:
Bath, NY (Mansfield CBOC)
·
VISN 3:
Hudson Valley (Monticello & New City)
·
VISN 3: New
Jersey (Outpt at Lyons and Newark; Hackensack, Hamilton, Jersey City, Morristown,
Tinton Falls; East Orange plastic surgery)
·
VISN 3:
New York Harbor (all open except Manhattan)
·
VISN 3:
Northport (all clinics closed thru Friday, no DAV transportation)
·
VISN 4: Clarksburg
(Tucker County CBOC)
·
VISN 4:
Coatesville (No MRI Wed/Thurs)
·
VISN 4:
Philadelphia (Ft. Dix closed; Gloucester limited phones)
5. VFW Co-Hosts Wounded Warrior Dinner: The VFW is joining the Aleethia
Foundation to co-host a Wounded Warrior Dinner this evening at the National
Press Club in Washington. What makes this dinner extra special is it will bring
military personnel recuperating from their wounds at nearby Walter Reed
National Military Medical Center together with 30 Marines who have moved on
from their injuries to complete a USMC Wounded Warrior Cycling Camp at MCB
Quantico. The VFW has been a strong supporter of these weekly wounded warrior
dinners ever since they were created in October 2003 by fellow VFW member Hal
Koster, who received the VFW Citizenship Award in 2007.
6. New Military Family Survey Begins: The 2013 Military Family Lifestyle
Survey is now available online for veterans, service members and their
families. The survey is open through December 3, and should take approximately
20-25 minutes to complete, depending on your responses. Go to the Blue Star
Families website to participate at http://www.bluestarfam.org/Policy/Surveys/Survey_2013.
8. Two MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office
announced the identification of remains belonging to two soldiers who had been
missing-in-action from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Identified are:
·
Army
Pfc. James C. Mullins, 20, of Dunham, Ky. On July 22, 1950, Mullins and his
unit, H Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, were fighting enemy
forces near Yugong-ni, South Korea. Mullins was declared missing after the
battle.
·
Army
Maj. James L. Whited, 42, of Norman, Okla. On Nov. 19, 1966, Whited was the
co-pilot of an OV-1A Mohawk that crashed while conducting a daytime reconnaissance
mission over Attapu Province, Laos. No parachutes were seen exiting the
aircraft, and heavy enemy presence in the area prevented recovery efforts.
VFW WASHINGTON
WEEKLY
October 26, 2012
In This Issue:
1. Impact of Sequestration
2. VFW Joins Panel for
Documentary
3. New Arlington App
4. Three MIAs Identified
1. Impact of Sequestration: The VFW released a Talking Paper this week
on the impact mandatory sequestration could have on defense and VA programs. It
is very important that all members and supporters are aware of what
sequestration is, its impact, and how you can help by addressing our concerns
with your elected leaders at every opportunity. Current budget realities are
forcing very hard choices in Congress and in agencies and departments across
the executive branch, but the we also recognize that balancing the budget on
the backs of disabled veterans, those in uniform, their families, and military
retirees is not a solution, and could potentially jeopardize the continued
success and viability of the all-volunteer force. After the election, the VFW
will contact every member of Congress and tell them to put their petty issues
aside and do what's right for the country. Read the Talking Paper at : http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/VFW-TALKING-PAPER-ON-SEQUESTRATION/
2. VFW Joins Panel for Documentary: This week, VFW joined Congressman
Jared Polis, (D-CO) for an advance screening of "High Ground," a new
documentary that chronicles the experiences of wounded warriors who climbed Mt.
Lobouche in Nepal. After the screening, VFW joined film producer Don Hahn and
one of the climbers from the film, retired Marine Cody Miranda, for a
question-and-answer session hosted by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, founder and
president of Give An Hour. The discussion centered around what happens when
wounded heroes return home in and are challenged by their struggles with
life-changing experiences and injuries from their time at war. The film, which
opens for a limited engagement on Friday, November 2, shares the stories of one
Gold Star mother and 11 veterans representing all branches of the military who
returned from deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and suffer from injuries
ranging from invisible wounds, like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic
Brain Injury, to the visible, like loss of limbs. For the complete story visit
our Capitol Hill blog at http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/10/vfw-joins-panel-to-discuss-high-ground.html
3. New Arlington App: Arlington National Cemetery released an
application that enables family members and the public to find gravesites and
explore Arlington's rich history. ANC Explorer allows users to use a smart
phone or common web browser to locate gravesites, events or other points of
interest throughout the cemetery; generate front-and-back photos of a headstone
or monument; and receive directions to these locations. The free app is now
available on Arlington's website, the iTunes store, and Google Play, and is
loaded on new kiosks in Arlington National Cemetery's Visitors Center. For
additional information and the link to the ANC Explorer app, go to http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Map/ANCExplorer.aspx
4. Three MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/Personnel Office announced the
identification of remains belonging to three servicemen who had been missing
since post-World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. They are:
- Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. William S.
Cassell, of Mt. Airy, N.C. On Nov. 1, 1946, Cassell and seven other crew
members were aboard a B-17G Flying Fortress that went missing after
departing Naples, Italy. Search and rescue attempts proved unsuccessful
and the remains of the crewmen were declared non-recoverable.
- Army Cpl. Joseph W. Fontenot, 20, of
Maurepas, La. In February 1951, Fontenot was assigned to the 2nd Infantry
Division when he was captured by enemy forces near Saemal, South Korea. He
reportedly died in June 1951 in a North Korean POW Camp.
- Air Force Airman 1st Class Jerry M.
Wall, 24, of Jacksonville, Texas. On May 18, 1966, Wall and four other
crew members were aboard a C-123B Provider that crashed while carrying out
a nighttime flare-drop mission over Binh Dinh, South Vietnam. Heavy enemy
presence in the area prevented immediate search and rescue efforts. The
remains of three of the five crew members were later recovered.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
October 19, 2012
In This Issue:
1. VFW Hosts Labor
Officials for Employment Discussion
2. VFW Joins Department of
Transportation Veterans’ Forum
3. Field Report: Georgia
VFW Honors Sheriff
4. Overseas Initiative
Helps POW/MIA Mission
5. Stop Loss Special Pay
to End
6. Reserve TRICARE Program
Payments to Change
7. TRICARE Mail-order
Prescriptions to End in Germany
8. VA eBenefits Fact Sheet
9. Two Vietnam MIA’s
Identified
1.
VFW Hosts Labor Officials for Employment Discussion: On Wednesday the VFW hosted officials from the
Department of Labor (DOL) and 10 leading veterans’ organizations to discuss
veterans’ career services available through DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and
Training Service (VETS). Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for VETS
John Moran wanted to bring together veterans’ advocates to outline how VETS
intends to better utilize current resources to serve the needs of veterans once
they leave the military, such as improved outreach to separating service
members and better ways to monitor veteran success in the workforce. To learn
more about the meeting and VETS’ goal to better serve veterans, click here: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/10/vfw-hosts-labor-officials-for-veterans.html.
2.
VFW Joins Department of Transportation Veterans’ Forum: Yesterday the Department of Transportation brought
together leaders from the transportation industry, the military, Department of
Labor, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, trade unions, and veterans service
organizations like the VFW for a forum on veterans’ career opportunities in
transportation. The forum featured panelists discussing how private industry
and the federal government can improve outreach and recruitment of veterans.
Then, participants broke into working groups to address specific questions
about how to connect veterans with careers in the transportation industry. To
learn more about the forum, click here: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/10/vfw-joins-department-of-transportation.html.
3. Field Report: Georgia VFW
Honors Sheriff: Last week the VFW
Department of Georgia honored John Darr, sheriff of Muscogee County, for his
work helping incarcerated veterans.
Darr created a dormitory within the Muscogee County Jail exclusively for
incarcerated veterans, offering extensive counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder,
substance abuse, and assistance in applying for veterans’ benefits. The VFW has
long supported the concept of veterans’ treatment courts around the country,
offering unique rehabilitation and intervention services for veterans who get
into trouble with the law. In 2012, the VFW once again passed a national
resolution in support of veterans’ treatment courts. For more on the story
visit our blog at: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/10/field-report-georgia-vfw-honors-sheriff.html
4.
Overseas Initiative Helps POW/MIA Mission: VFW National Commander John Hamilton returned last week from traveling
to Moscow to continue our mission to gain more access for American researchers
into Russia’s central military archives and to potential eyewitnesses. It was a
very productive trip that included meetings with the U.S. Ambassador to Russia,
two of Russia’s largest veterans’ organization, senior members of the Russian
Federation Council and State Duma, and the Russian co-chairman of the US-Russia
Joint Commission on POW/MIAs. From Russia, the Chief attended the VFW Eastern
Conference meeting in Germany, then laid a VFW wreath at the American Cemetery
in Normandy to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the D-Day landing. He also
met with 173rd Airborne Brigade troops in Vicenza, Italy, to discuss how the
VFW can better serve them and their families. On POW/MIA and other high-interest
issues, Hamilton said he was proud to say “no one does more for veterans than
the VFW." Read more at https://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/VFW-Overseas-Initiative-Helps-POW/MIA-Mission/.
5.
Stop Loss Special Pay to End: The
deadline to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay is October 21. Service
members and veterans whose active military service was involuntarily extended
under the “Stop Loss” program between the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Sept. 30,
2009, are eligible for special retroactive pay, but you have to apply. Eligible
members or their beneficiaries must submit a claim to their respective military
service to receive $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss
status. Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military,
many eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries are not aware
of the benefit. Please forward this information to all VFW members, Posts and
friends. To apply or for more information, go to http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/.
6.
Reserve TRICARE Program Payments to Change: Beneficiaries who pay monthly premiums by check for TRICARE Reserve
Select or TRICARE Retired Reserve need to switch to an electronic form of
payment before the end of the year. Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, TRICARE will only
accept monthly premium payments using recurring automatic payments by credit or
debit card, or by a recurring electronic funds transfer from a linked bank
account. This is mandatory, and failure to pay premiums by the due date will
result in the termination of coverage. Read more at http://www.tricare.mil/mediacenter/news.aspx?fid=751.
7.
TRICARE Mail-order Prescriptions to End in Germany: Military family members and retirees in Germany who
receive TRICARE mail order prescriptions by APO or FPO in Germany will have to
fill their medications locally by the end of the year. This is because
host-nation law prohibits the importation of medications through the mail.
Officials are urging beneficiaries to switch their prescriptions to a U.S.
military treatment facility or use their TRICARE pharmacy benefit at a local
German pharmacy. Both the Tricare Prime Overseas and Tricare Prime Remote
Overseas programs will reimburse affected beneficiaries for 100 percent of
their out-of-pocket costs if they have authorization. Read more at http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/Prescriptions/FillingPrescriptions/OutsideUS.
8.
VA eBenefits Fact Sheet: VA is
reaching out to more veterans and service members to remind them about their eBenefits
program. eBenefits is a joint VA/DoD web portal that provides
resources and self-service capabilities to veterans, service members, and their
families enabling them to access and manage their VA, military benefits and
personal information online. It also gives lists of
links to other sites that provides information about military and Veteran
benefits. It is an essential way for Veterans, Service members, and their
families to receive access to and service from VA and DoD.
Veterans
and service members wishing to use the site must be listed in the Defense
Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and obtain a DS login. You can
register for an account online using the eBenefits Logon Account
Registration Wizard.
9.
Two Vietnam MIAs Identified: The
Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of remains
belonging to Air Force Col. Wendell Keller, 34, of Fargo, N.D., and Capt.
Virgil K. Meroney III, 25, of Fayetteville, Ark. On March 1, 1969, Keller and
Meroney were flying an F-4D Phantom II aircraft that crashed while on a
nighttime strike mission in Khammouan Province, Laos. Other aircrews reported
seeing the aircraft hit by enemy fire, but no parachutes were seen, and heavy
enemy presence in the area prevented recovery efforts. Read their story at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
October 12, 2012
In This Issue:
1. Independent Budget
Releases Critical Issues
2. COLA Watch
3. VFW Joins CJCS at
National Press Club
4. Health Net Launches
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
5. Stop Loss Special Pay
to End
1. Independent Budget
Releases Critical Issues: The four Independent Budget (IB)
partners have released their critical issues for FY 2014. The IB, which VFW
co-authors with AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of
America, provides the Administration and Congress a veterans' view of the most
important issues as it pertains to VA healthcare, benefits and infrastructure, as
well as issues facing service members as they transition from uniform to
veteran status. The IB is in its 27th year of publication and has been praised
by Congress as an honest and accurate view of what VA needs to take care of all
veterans. The full IB will be released in conjunction with the President's
proposed budget earlier next year. For more about the IB critical issues, visit
our blog at http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/10/independent-budget-critical-issues-now.html.
2. COLA Watch:
The Veterans Cost-of-Living Adjustment bill was cleared by the House in July
and is now pending in the Senate. The COLA, which provides an annual increase
in disability compensation, pension, and dependency and indemnity compensation
for survivors, is based on the Social Security and CPI index. The amount of the
increase has not been calculated but the Congressional Budget Office estimates
it to be about 1.3 percent. It would be the same for military retirees and
Social Security recipients. The increase is designed to offset inflation and
other factors that lead to the rising cost of living. Congress is expected to
return the week of November 13 to finish pending issues to include the COLA and
several other critical veterans benefit bills.
3. VFW Joins CJCS at
National Press Club: The VFW joined the chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff at a luncheon at the National Press Club on Wednesday to hear
his views on a variety of issues ranging from foreign policy and Afghanistan to
sequestration, suicides, and the need to take care of the troops when they
transition to civilian status. As the 18th JCS chairman, Army Gen. Martin
Dempsey serves as the principal military adviser to the President, the
Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council. The general cited
suicide as a top priority, and spoke about the upcoming budget crisis. He also
spoke about education, jobs and the value veterans bring to the workplace and
the nation. For more about the briefing visit our blog at:
http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/10/chairman-of-joint-chiefs-addresses.html?m=1
4. Health Net Launches
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Health Net Federal Services
announced its month-long breast cancer awareness campaign focused on the
military community and the network of physicians who serve military families in
the TRICARE North Region. During October, Health Net will recognize women in
the military community for their contributions and sacrifice to the country,
their communities and their families. They will also introduce a special
camouflage/pink ribbon pin and publish information regarding TRICARE's breast
cancer screening benefit. TRICARE covers one screening mammogram for all women
beginning at age 40 from a network provider at no annual cost. Women who are at
high risk may be eligible for screening at age 30. According to the American
Cancer Society, more than 200,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each
year and screening saves lives. Health Net Federal Services is spreading the
word at www.hnfs.com/go/camopinkpin.
5. Stop Loss Special Pay
to End: The deadline to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special
Pay will end October 21. Service members and veterans whose military service
was involuntarily extended under the "Stop Loss" program between the
9/11 terrorist attacks and Sept. 30, 2009, are eligible for special retroactive
pay, but you have to apply. The special pay is compensation for the hardships
the involuntary extensions caused, officials said. Eligible members or their
beneficiaries may submit a claim to their respective military service to receive
$500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status. Because the
majority of those eligible had separated from the military, many eligible
service members, veterans and their beneficiaries are not aware of the benefit.
Please forward this information to all VFW members, Posts and friends. To apply
or for more information, go to http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
October 5, 2012
In This Issue:
1. Time Remains for
Absentee Voting
2. Military Coalition
Honors Legislators and Hill Staff
3. Campaign Season in
Full Swing
4. New TRICARE Prime
Rates Begin
5. Stop Loss Special Pay
to End
6. New Web Address for
VFW Capitol Hill Blog
7. Ten MIAs Identified
1. Time Remains for
Absentee Voting: If you don't register, you can't vote. That's
the message Federal Voting Assistance Program officials are spreading
throughout the military, regardless of where they are stationed. Most but not
all 50 states and the District of Columbia have complied with the four key
reforms identified by the VFW-supported Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment
(MOVE) Act of 2009, which requires a minimum 45-day transmittal period for
absentee paper ballots, the e-transmission of blank absentee ballots, removes
the notary or witness requirement from absentee ballots, and expands the use of
Federal Write-in Absentee Ballots for state and local elections. All service
members, spouses and voting-age family members who haven't already done so need
to visit the FVAP website at http://www.fvap.gov
to register, to double-check home state requirements and deadlines, and to
request an absentee ballot.
2. Military Coalition
Honors Legislators and Hill Staff: This week the VFW was on
hand at the headquarters of the Reserve Officers Association, as The Military
Coalition (TMC) honored two legislators and two Capitol Hill professional staff
members for their efforts to better serve our military, veterans and their
families over the past year. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Patty
Murray (D-WA) and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA)
were honored with TMC's award for legislators. Senate Health Education Labor
and Pensions Committee staff member Carrie Wofford and House Armed Services
Committee staff member Jeanette James were honored with TMC's award for
professional staff. To learn about how each recipient worked to serve our
nation's heroes and to see photos from the award ceremony, click here: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-military-coalition-honors.html.
3. Campaign Season in
Full Swing: Members of Congress have left Washington and will
be working and campaigning in their district and state offices until after the
election. We encourage all of you to set up appointments, attend town hall
meetings and other campaign stops and ask the tough questions. For our guide to
Hosting Town Hall Meetings or Get Out the Vote activities click here: http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/Veterans%20Vote%20Brochure.pdf
To view our current legislative priority goals:
4. New TRICARE Prime
Rates Begin: On Oct. 1, some military retirees saw their
TRICARE Prime enrollment fees increase to $269.28 for singles and $538.56 for
families to reflect the 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment retirees received in
2012, when applied to the FY 2012 enrollment fee of $260 (single) and $520
(family). Most retirees enrolled in TRICARE Prime prior to Oct. 1, 2011,
however, saw a more significant increase because their enrollment fees were
held at previous levels of $230 and $460, respectively. Survivors of active
duty deceased sponsors and medically retired members and their dependents are exempt
from annual fee increases as long as there is no break in their TRICARE Prime
enrollment. Active duty service members and their families have no enrollment
fee. Read more at http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/ProfileFilter.do;jsessionid=QnpcCTbK12djYRRNGGBwTBJ6TYw2zHpx7sL0TgW8j0rcMywP7Grk!-1532728259?puri=%2Fhome%2FCosts%2FHealthPlanCosts%2FTRICAREPrimeOptions%2FEnrollmentFees.
5. Stop Loss Special Pay
to End: The deadline to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special
Pay will end October 21. Service members and veterans whose military service
was involuntarily extended under the "Stop Loss" program between the
9/11 terrorist attacks and Sept. 30, 2009, are eligible for special retroactive
pay, but you have to apply. The special pay is compensation for the hardships
the involuntary extensions caused, officials said. Eligible members or their
beneficiaries may submit a claim to their respective military service to
receive $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status.
Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military, many
eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries are not aware of the
benefit. Please forward this information to all VFW members, Posts and friends.
To apply or for more information, go to http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/.
6. New Web Address for
VFW Capitol Hill Blog: Last month, the VFW's Capitol Hill blog
experienced technical difficulties, during which time our registration for the
name "vfwonthehill.org" expired, only to be scooped up by a
cybersquatting company. The technical issues have been resolved, and the blog
can be found at this address: http://thevfw.blogspot.com.
7. Ten MIAs Identified:
The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office recently announced the identification
of remains belonging to eight Marines and two soldiers who have been missing in
action since World War II, Korea, and the final battle of the war in Southeast
Asia. Identified are:- Marine Corps 1st
Lt. Laverne A. Lallathin, 22, of Raymond, Wash.; 2nd Lt. Dwight D. Ekstam,
21, of Moline, Ill.; 2nd Lt. Walter B. Vincent, Jr., 21, of Tulsa, Okla.;
Tech. Sgt. James A. Sisney, 19, of Redwood City, Calif.; Cpl. Wayne R. Erickson,
19, of Minneapolis; Cpl. John D. Yeager, 23, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Pfc.
John A. Donovan, 20, of Plymouth, Mich. On April 22, 1944, the Marines
were aboard a PBJ-1 aircraft that failed to return from a night training
mission over the island of Espiritu Santo, in what is known today as
Vanuatu.
- Army Capt.
Turnace H. Brown, 28, of Lawton, Okla., and Pfc. Arthur W. Hopfensperger,
18, of Outagamie, Wis. In late November 1950, Brown, Hopfensperger and
elements of the 31st Regimental Combat Team were advancing along the
eastern banks of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea when they were
attacked and forced into a fighting withdrawal to positions south of the
reservoir. Both would go missing during the withdrawal.
- Marine Corps
Pfc. James J. Jacques, 18, of Denver. On May 15, 1975, Jacques was a
member of the ill-fated rescue attempt of the American container ship S.S.
Mayaguez, which had been hijacked along with her crew three days earlier
by Khmer Rouge forces. During their assault on Koh Tang island, one of the
Air Force rescue helicopters was shot down and crashed into the surf with
26 men on board. Half were rescued at sea, leaving Jacques and 12 others
unaccounted-for.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
September 28, 2012
In This Issue:
1. Congress Clears CR
2. House Discusses New Transition
Programs
3. Absentee Voting Begins
4. New Web Address for VFW Capitol Hill
Blog
5. Field Report: North Carolina
Advocates Storm the Hill
6. Send Us Your Campaign Season
Stories
7. Two MIAs Identified
1. Congress Clears CR:
The Senate worked into the early hours last Saturday to clear a six-month
continuing resolution. The measure, cleared by the House earlier this month,
extends funding through March 27, 2013, with a 0.6 percent increase for most
programs and agencies. With the beginning of the fiscal year looming (October
1) and all 11 appropriations bills still awaiting passage, the must-pass
funding bill was the last item on the agenda for those congressional members
hoping to get back to the campaign trail. The President is expected to sign the
bill soon.
2. House Discusses New
Transition Programs: Last week the House VA Subcommittee on
Economic Opportunity hosted a hearing to discuss the implementation of the
military's new Transition Assistance Program. Your VFW, which has been highly
critical of TAP over the years, was on hand to hear from the departments
responsible for the new program's implementation, including Department of
Defense, Department of Labor, and VA. To learn more about the hearing and to
read VFW's reaction, go to http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/09/house-hears-updates-on-new-transition.html.
3. Absentee Voting
Begins: The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) encourages
service members, spouses, voting-age dependents and overseas civilians who want
to vote to visit FVAP.gov to register and request their absentee ballots. If
voters do not receive their ballot by October 6, FVAP recommends they complete
and mail the back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) to their local
election office. If, after submitting the FWAB, they receive their State
absentee ballot, they should also vote and return it. If both ballots are
received by the deadline, only the State ballot will be counted. It is also
very important that election officials have your correct current address. Of
the 67,000 ballots received at overseas APO/FPOs for the 2010 election, 20,000
were redirected to another address and 13,000 were returned to sender.
4. New Web Address for
VFW Capitol Hill Blog: Last month, the VFW's Capitol Hill blog
experienced technical difficulties, during which time our registration for the
name "vfwonthehill.org" expired, only to be scooped up by a
cybersquatting company. The technical issues have been resolved, but VFW's blog
is now back at its old address at http://thevfw.blogspot.com.
5. Field Report: North
Carolina Advocates Storm the Hill: VFW National Legislative
Committee members Elree Smith and Jonathan Schoolcraft of North Carolina met
with many of their representatives and senators as part of VFW's Fall
Conference on Capitol Hill, telling the 112th Congress to "Finish Strong
For Veterans." Smith and Schoolcraft spent their days highlighting the
VFW's priorities and outstanding issues to members of the North Carolina congressional
delegation, soliciting support for pending legislation and oversight issues,
like looming defense budget cuts, mental health care, and veterans'
benefits-delivery. To learn more about their visit, visit the VFW Capitol Hill
blog at: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/09/finish-strong-highlights-from-north.html.
6. Send Us Your Campaign
Season Stories: Campaign season is in full swing, and hosting
or attending Town Hall meetings or visiting with your members in their district
offices is strong grassroots advocacy in action. This is why the VFW wants to
highlight your advocacy work on our Capitol Hill blog, http://thevfw.blogspot.com. It is the
work you do in the community that has helped stop bad legislation and advanced
good bills to improve programs and services for service members, veterans and
their families. The VFW's sustained voice in Washington, however, is only as
strong as the voice of VFW members and our advocates around the country. With
your support, the VFW helped bring about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, traumatic
injury insurance, hiring preferences, advance health care appropriations, and
family caregiver benefits, among many other accomplishments. Help us publicize
your local success stories. Go to http://www.vfw.org/Forms/Capitol-Hill-Blog-Submissions/
or simply email photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org.
7. Two MIAs Identified:
The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of two
servicemen who were missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returned
home are:
- Army Air Forces
2nd Lt. Samuel E. Lunday, 20, of Marianna, Fla. On April 24, 1943, Lunday
and four other U.S. servicemen were flying a C-87 Liberator Express
aircraft from China over the Himalayan mountains to their home base in
India. Radio communications were lost following take-off and the crew was
never heard from again. Eleven aerial search missions were unable to
locate the aircraft or crew.
- Marine Pfc.
Richard S. Gzik, 19, of Toledo, Ohio. On Dec. 2, 1950, Gzik and the other
Marines of M Battery, 11th Artillery Regiment, 1st Marine Division, came
under attack on the west side of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. Gzik
was killed in action and buried. The fighting withdrawal of U.N. forces
later that month prevented the recovery of his remains.
Tomorrow ... happy 113th birthday to the VFW!
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
September 21, 2012
National POW/MIA
Recognition Day
In This Issue:
1. POW/MIA Recognition Day
2. VFW Urges Senate to Pass Vets Jobs
Bill
3. House Passes Veterans Bills
4. Defense Budget Issues
5. Military Absentee Voting
6. Field Report: VFW Leaders Meet with
Connecticut Congressional Delegation
7. House VA Committee Hearings
1.POW/MIA Recognition
Day: The VFW Washington Office joined Deputy Defense Secretary
Dr. Ashton Carter, Vice Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. James Winnefield, and guest
speaker and former U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel from Nebraska for National POW/MIA
Recognition Day. Today is the day to remember the 140,000 former POWs who
served and suffered, and to reinforce America's commitment to the fullest
possible accounting of 83,000 missing servicemen and civilians who have yet to
return home from their wars: 73,000 from World War II, 8,000 from Korea, 1,660
from the Vietnam War, 125 from the Cold War, two Navy pilots from the first
Gulf War, three civilians from Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Army Sgt. Bowe
Bergdahl in Afghanistan. Also joining the deputy secretary were representatives
from the MIA family organizations who continue to burn the candle of hope that
one day their loved ones will finally return home from their wars. Learn more
about America's Full Accounting Mission at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/
and http://www.jpac.pacom.mil/.
2. VFW Urges Senate to
Pass Vets Jobs Bill: This week, the Senate failed to pass the
Veterans Job Corps bill due to budgetary rules on a procedural point of order
vote (58-40). With unemployment for veterans at record high levels, the VFW is
asking its advocates to contact their Senators to urge them to put together a
quality veterans' job bill before the end of the year. For more about the
Veterans Jobs Corps Bill and to take action, click on our Capitol Hill blog at:
http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2012/09/why-veterans-jobs-bill-stalled-in.html
3. House Passes Veterans
Bills: Late Wednesday, the House passed several veterans bills
designed to protect fiduciaries from fraud, extend funding for medical facility
construction, increase housing options and streamline state requirements for
veterans with emergency medical training. The bills passed include:
- H.R.6375 The VA
Major Construction Authorization and Expiring Authorities Extension Act
provides funding for medical facility construction and leasing authorities
within VA -- several of the projects were set to expire at the end of the
month.
- H.R. 5948, The
Veterans Fiduciary Reform and Honoring Noble Service Act, puts protections
in place for veterans under VA's fiduciary program.
- H.R. 4124, The
Veterans Emergency Medical Technician Support Ac, provides grants to
states to streamline requirements and procedures for veterans with
emergency medical training to become civilian EMT's.
- H.R. 6361
excludes VA aid and attendance compensation from being considered as
income for HUD programs under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937.
4. Defense Budget
Issues: The VFW Washington Office joined members of industry
and the press at a panel discussion yesterday at the Newseum. Featured
panelists were Deputy Defense Secretary Dr. Ashton Carter, Senate Armed Forces
Committee member Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), House Budget Committee Ranking Member
Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), plus senior fellows from the American Enterprise
Institute and Brookings Institution. The centerpiece of all conversation was
the potential impact sequestration would have on military readiness, personnel
programs, the defense industry, and America's leadership role around the world.
Sequestration refers to a mechanism in last year's law that raised the debt
ceiling that would trigger an additional $500 billion across-the-board defense
spending cut over the next decade, in addition to $487 billion in defense cuts already
programmed, unless Congress identifies equivalent savings by January. Carter
said he'd be open to Congress enacting a delay in the January deadline to allow
more time for a solution.
5. Military Absentee
Voting: The Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act
of 2009 removed many obstacles to voting by mandating all absentee paper
ballots be mailed at least 45 days in advance, making electronic ballots
available for downloading, eliminating the notarized or witnessed ballot
requirement, and expanding the acceptance of Federal Write-In Absentee Ballots.
However, 22 states still fail to comply with all four requirements of the MOVE
Act. Tomorrow, Sept. 22, is the 45-day deadline for absentee paper ballots to
be mailed and returned in time to be counted. If you know of military or
American civilians stationed overseas, please urge them register to vote
immediately with their respective state voting offices.
6. Field Report: VFW
Leaders Meet with Connecticut Congressional Delegation: VFW
National Legislative Committee members Bob Hunter from Connecticut and
Christian Kulikoski from Massachusetts met with several Representatives and
Senators as part of VFW's Fall Conference on Capitol Hill, telling the 112th
Congress to "Finish Strong For Veterans." Hunter and Kulikoski spent
the day highlighting the VFW's priorities and outstanding issues to members of
the Connecticut congressional delegation. . Both committee members discussed
the alarming 18-percent rise in veteran suicides over the past year, and all
members of the Connecticut delegation agreed more effort must be directed to
curbing the losses of our comrades when they return home.
7. House VA Committee
Hearings: The House Veterans' Affairs Committee had a busy week
of hearings beginning with a full committee hearing to discuss VA's Performance
and Accountability Report. W. Scott Gould, Deputy Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, was the Committee's only witness. Mr. Gould discussed VA's progress
regarding their mental health program including the status of new hires,
backlog of claims, the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program and ending
homelessness by 2015. Committee members praised VA on the success of the VRAP
program and drop in number of homeless veterans but challenged them on
increases in disability claims and vacancies in mental health. Chairman Jeff
Miller (R-FL) asked why the Committee had not received a response from VA about
several lavish conferences held earlier this summer. Several other committee
members took issue with VA's lack of transparency and accountability during today's
tough economic environment.
On Thursday,
the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on the recent re-design
of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). TAP is designed to help prepare
separating service members for transition from military to civilian employment.
The committee has made TAP a primary focus this year in its efforts to lower
the veteran unemployment rate and after the Vow to Hire Heroes Act made it a
mandatory program for all transitioning service members. Witnesses included representatives
from VA, Department of Labor VETS, DoD, Small Business Administration and all
five branches of the military services. Most of the hearing centered on the new
2.0 TAP model and whether it should be one size fits all or tailored to the
individual service member's post-discharge goals.
On Friday,
the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing
to examine a reinstated pilot program within the Texas Veterans Commission.
Several Representatives from Texas, including Eliseo "Al" Cantu,
former VFW Council Member and current Chairman of the Texas Veterans Commission
were on hand to discuss the "Strike Force Team" and "Claims
Processing Assistance Teams." Both were put in place to help reduce the
backlog of veterans disability claims. The goal of the program, with funding
provided by the State for one year, is to reduce the current backlog of claims
in Texas by 17,000 claims. Committee members acknowledged that although the
project is in its early stages it has had success and could be a model for
pilots around the country. Representative Bill Flores (R-TX) a guest of the
committee who made opening remarks, reminded everyone that "behind every
claim number is the face of a veteran." He also commented that Texas has
become recognized for aggressively leading the way on veterans issues through
the Texas Veterans Commission programs.
VFW Washington Weekly
September 14, 2012
1. VFW Legislative
Leaders Talk to Congress
2. VFW Chair Officers in Washington
3. Stolen Valor Act Update
4. Sequestration Update
5. Senate Committee Clears Veterans'
Legislation
6. Veterans' Education Bill Passes
House
7. VFW Testifies on VA Fee Care
Programs
8. VFW Joins in Republican and
Democratic Roundtables
9. NGB Gets New Chief
10. Two MIA's Identified
1. VFW Legislative
Leaders Talk to Congress: VFW legislative leaders headed to all
535 Congressional offices to ask their legislators to Finish Strong for
Veterans. Building on critical issues remaining, they discussed several bills
still in play calling on Congress to act before the end of the current term.
Some of VFW outstanding issues included protections for VA and Dodd from
across-the-board cuts, education and job creation for veterans, improved care
for women veterans and stopping any changes to military healthcare and
retirement benefits. For highlights from the fall conference and VFW's
outstanding legislative issues, visit: http://vfwtemporaryblog.blogspot.com/search?q=finish+strong
2. VFW Chair Officers in
Washington: VFW Commander-in-Chief John Hamilton, Senior Vice
Bill Thien and Junior Vice John Stroud were in the nation's capital this week
for a host of meetings and briefings with senior administration and Defense
Department officials, as well as to thank 70 VFW Legislative Committee members
for their effort to get the 112th Congress to finish strong for veterans before
they recess till after the elections. Meetings were held with Student Veterans
of America leadership, the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment, senior
officials in the Defense POW/MIA Office, Army Reserve Affairs and the Employer
Support of the Guard and Reserve, and with the U.S. State Department regarding
NATO, Afghanistan, and the turmoil in the Middle East and north Africa.
3. Stolen Valor Act
Update: The Stolen Valor Act of 2012 overwhelmingly passed the
House on Thursday by a vote of 410-3. The legislation closes a specific
loophole that the U.S. Supreme Court identified when it overturned the
VFW-supported Stolen Valor Act of 2005 in June due to First Amendment freedom
of speech protections. The new version would make it illegal for a person to
benefit from lying about being awarded military medals, awards and badges, to
include the military's top valor awards, as well as the Purple Heart, and
combat badges, medals and ribbons. Punishments could include up to one year in
prison and a $10,000 fine. Sponsored by Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nev.), a Navy veteran,
the House-passed bill is similar to a measure introduced by Sen. Scott Brown
(R-Mass.), a colonel in the Army National Guard. Another bill in the Senate,
sponsored by Navy Cross recipient Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), would also make it a
federal crime to benefit from the lie.
4. Sequestration Update:
The Office of Management and Budget released its long-awaited report today on
the pending effects of sequestration on government programs, as required by the
Sequestration Transparency Act. The VFW is thankful to see that veterans'
programs would not be affected by sequestration, since there had been
conflicting information about whether VA administrative accounts might be cut.
Personnel accounts related to pay and retirement in the Department of Defense
are also untouched. The VFW, however, remains very concerned that 9.4% funding
reductions to Quality of Life accounts---like $3.2 billion less for the Defense
Health Program and $121 million less for Military Family Housing Operations and
Maintenance---would be very detrimental to the morale of a military that is
still at war.
5. Senate Committee
Clears Veterans' Legislation: This week, the Senate Veterans'
Affairs Committee cleared an array of veterans' bills. Provisions from several
bills were rolled into a larger bill mental health care package (S. 3340)
sponsored by Committee Chairman Patty Murray (D-WA). The Senate is expected to
vote on the bills next week.
Some of the VFW-supported provisions within S. 3340 include:
- Extend mental
health services to families of deployed service members
- Direct VA to
carry out an outreach programs to recruit more mental health professionals
- Require DOD to
develop a comprehensive suicide prevention program
- Increase
outreach to women veterans regarding VA health care and benefits
- Provide
immunizations to veterans as recommended on the Schedule established by
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
- Allow continuation
of homeless programs to include VA drop-in centers and emergency shelters.
- Direct those
given grants for transitional housing for homeless veterans to meet gender
specific privacy, safety and security needs.
Other bills cleared included
- S. 2241, GI Bill
Consumer Awareness Act which provides protections and information for
those using GI Bill benefits and requires institutions to maintain and
report academic data to VA. S. 2259, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living
Adjustment Act increases rates of compensation for service-connected
veterans and DIC compensation for survivors of certain veterans effective
December 1, 2012.
- S. 3313, Women
Veterans and Other Health Care Improvement Act of 2012 directs VA to
expand research by collaborating with DoD and HHS on long-term
reproductive and gender-specific health including urinary tract trauma in
the battlefields. It also requires VA to provide fertility counseling and
treatment to veterans who have service-connected injuries that caused
infertility.
- S. 3322, the
Servicemembers' Protection Act of 2012 extends additional Servicemembers
Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and USERRA protections to military families,
veterans, and families of the fallen, including additional protections
against foreclosure, allowing service members to terminate leases if
on-base housing becomes available, increasing penalties for SCRA
violations, making USERRA arbitration agreements unenforceable, and
treating the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security
Administration as federal agencies for the purposes of USERRA redress.
6. Veterans' Education
Bill Passes House: Late Tuesday the House passed VFW-supported
legislation designed to improve protections for student veterans using Post
9/11 GI Bill benefits. H.R. 4057 was also amended to include several other
provisions including safe housing for homeless veterans, an Open Air Burn Pit
exposure registry within VA and a change to ensure that States consider
military training for professional licenses in several technical fields.
7. VFW Testifies on VA
Fee Care Programs: Earlier today, VFW testified before the
House VA Subcommittee on Health regarding VA's Fee Basis programs. Fee Basis
Care was created to ensure that a civilian doctor is meeting the needs of
veterans when VA is unable to meet the demand. VA is pursuing a two pronged
approach to fix the problems: Non-VA Coordinated Care (NVCC) to fix the broken
business practices in VA's Chief Business Office related to Fee Basis Care, and
Patient Centered Community Care (PCCC or PC3) to set up contracted networks of
private care across the country. Similar to Project HERO, this program will be
permanent and nationwide. VFW believes that the internal processes within VA
must be improved to eliminate the waste, fraud and abuse while eliminating the
overpayments and duplicative services common in Fee-Basis Care. VFW also
believes that any follow-on to Project HERO must measure quality of care and
ensure that no veteran using Project HERO gets cut out of the program before
PC3 is fully up and running.
8. VFW Joins in
Republican and Democratic Roundtables: This week the VFW joined
House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) on Tuesday for a
roundtable discussion of veterans' issues with Republican leaders from the
committee. On Thursday, the VFW then joined House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi
for a roundtable discussion with Democratic leaders from the House. Though
Republicans and Democrats may have different visions for how to best meet the
needs of our veterans, both discussions centered on similar issues like mental
health, employment and looming budget cuts.
9. NGB Gets New Chief:
Army Gen. Frank Grass was sworn in Sept. 7 as the new National Guard Bureau
chief, replacing Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, who is retiring after nearly
40 years of service. McKinley became NGB Chief in 2008 after serving for two
years as the chief of the Air National Guard. He became the first chief to be
promoted to four stars, and in January 2012, became the first chief to become a
full member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Grass had served since 2010
as deputy commander of the U.S. Northern Command, and as vice commander of the
North American Aerospace Defense Command. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=117783.
10. Two MIAs Identified:
The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of two
officers who had been missing in action since the war in Southeast Asia.
Returned home are:
- Air Force Lt.
Col. Clarence F. Blanton, 46, of El Reno, Okla. In 1968, Blanton and 18
other men were assigned to Lima Site 85, a tactical air navigation radar
site on a remote, 5,600-foot mountain peak known as Phou Pha Thi in
northeastern Laos. In the early morning of March 11, the site was overrun
by Vietnamese commandos. Eight of the men would be rescued, but Blanton,
who was the site commander, and 10 others were killed in action and unable
to be recovered.
- Navy Lt. Cmdr.
Edward J. Broms, Jr., 25, of Meadville, Penn. On Aug. 1, 1968, Broms was
the pilot of an A-4C Skyhawk aircraft that crashed while attacking enemy
targets in Ha Tinh Province, North Vietnam. Three other U.S. pilots in the
flight did not witness the crash, and search-and-rescue teams found no
sign of the aircraft or Broms.
VFW Washington Weekly
September 7, 2012
In
This Issue:
1. Fall Legislative Conference to
Convene
2. VFW Attends Democratic Convention
3. Stop Loss Retroactive Pay Deadline
is Oct. 21
4. Registry to Provide Japan Response
Radiation Info
5. Proof of Payment Required for
Overseas TRICARE Claims
6. National Suicide Prevention Month
7. Three Korean War MIAs Identified
1. Fall Legislative
Conference to Convene: VFW leaders from all 50 states and the
District of Columbia will be in town next week to urge their elected members to
Congress to Finish Strong for Veterans. Building on several critical issues
remaining in the 112th Congress, VFW members will ask them to protect VA and
DoD from across-the-board sequestration cuts, enhance military transition
issues, improve veteran employment, education and job creation opportunities,
and to protect military healthcare and retirement benefits. As a part of the
conference, VFW Legislative Committee members will also discuss and vote on
VFW's priority goals for the upcoming year. Also in town will be VFW
Commander-in-Chief John Hamilton, Senior Vice Bill Thien and Junior Vice John
Stroud, who will meet with student veterans and wounded warriors, as well as
with senior officials in the Defense POW/MIA Office, Reserve Affairs, and
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Check with our blog, www.vfwonthehill.org, next week for
coverage.
2. VFW Attends
Democratic Convention: The VFW legislative staff was on hand at
the Democratic National Convention this week to speak with delegates, listen to
keynote speakers, and sit in on a Veterans and Military Families Council meetings
as part of a three-day event that culminated with an arena-wide "thank
you" to the troops. As the convention season comes to a close, we will
continue to focus our attention on how both parties plan to address critical
issues like veterans' employment, suicide, military downsizing and the VA
claims backlog. We want to ensure the voice of veterans, service members and
their families remains a key priority during Campaign 2012. To read all our
blog postings from both the RNC and DNC, click here: www.vfwonthehill.org/.
3. Stop Loss Retroactive
Pay Deadline is Oct. 21: The deadline to apply for Retroactive
Stop Loss Special Pay has been re-instated and extended to October 21, 2012.
Service members and veterans whose military service was involuntarily extended
under the "Stop Loss" program between the 9/11 terrorist attacks and
Sept. 30, 2009, are eligible for special retroactive pay for the hardships the
involuntary extensions caused. Eligible members or their beneficiaries may
submit a claim to their respective military service to receive $500 for each
full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status. Because the majority of
those eligible had separated from the military, many eligible service members,
veterans and their beneficiaries are not aware of the benefit. For more
information, go to http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/.
4. Registry to Provide
Japan Response Radiation Info: They say no U.S. Defense
Department personnel or families were exposed to radiation following last
year's violent earthquake and subsequent tsunami off the coast of Japan that
caused extensive damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant. But erring on the
side of safety, DOD is now building an Operation Tomodachi registry for the
70,000 U.S. service members, family members, DOD civilians and DOD contractors
who were in Japan from March 12 to May 11, 2011, as well as some 4,000 U.S.
disaster responders. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=117745.
5. Proof of Payment
Required for Overseas TRICARE Claims: After Sept. 1, 2012,
TRICARE beneficiaries must now send proof of payment with all overseas medical
claims, including claims for care received when traveling overseas. Read more
at http://www.tricare.mil/mediacenter/news.aspx?fid=749.
6. National Suicide
Prevention Month: September is National Suicide Prevention
Month and VA is highlighting their Veterans Crisis Line as an important
reminder that you can make a difference in the life of a veteran. VA is asking
organizations and individuals across the country to educate their communities
to raise awareness about the confidential support available on their Veterans
Crisis Line. Since its launch in 2007, the crisis line has answered more than
640,000 calls and made more than 23,000 life-saving rescues. To learn more
about suicide risk and the toll-free crisis line, visit www.VeteransCrisisLine.net.
7. Three Korean War MIAs
Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office recently
announced the identification of remains of three soldiers who had been missing
in action since the Korean War. Identified are:
- Army Pfc.
Casimir F. Walczak, 18, of Harvey, Ill. On Aug. 17, 1950, Walczak and B
Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, came
under attack as they took a hill near the town of Waegwan, South Korea.
Walczak was reported missing in action after the battle.
- Army Master Sgt.
Clifford L. Ryan, 27, of Muscatine, Iowa. On Nov. 1, 1950, Ryan's unit,
the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, were forced to make a
fighting withdrawal after Chinese attacked their defensive positions along
the Kuryong River in North Korea. Almost 600 men, including Ryan, were
reported missing or killed in action following the battle.
- Army Cpl.
Francis J. Reimer, 19, of St. Cloud, Minn. In late November 1950, Reimer
and elements of the 31st Regimental Combat Team, known as "Task Force
Faith," were advancing along the eastern banks of the Chosin
Reservoir in North Korea when they came under attack. Reimer was declared
missing during a fighting withdrawal.
VFW Washington Weekly
August 31, 2012
In this issue:
1. VFW Applauds White
House Effort to Combat Suicide
2. VFW Active at Republican Convention
3. VA Increases Vets Retraining
Assistance Program
4. Combating Veterans' Homelessness
5. VFW Hears from Marine Corps
Commandant
6. Army and NFL Discuss TBI
7. Five MIAs Return Home
1. VFW Applauds White
House Effort to Combat Suicide: Today, the President signed an
executive order designed to curb military and veteran suicide and improve the
delivery of mental health resources to our nation's heroes. The executive
order, "Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans, Service
Members and Military Families," which President Obama is scheduled to
announce during a visit to Fort Bliss in Texas, includes nearly a dozen specific
initiatives designed to improve mental health resources and intervention tools.
National Commander John E. Hamilton, noted the VFW support for the president's
vision to prevent military suicides and improve mental health care delivery,
but also expressed concerns about potential funding shortfalls to accomplish
the president's goals. Click here for the VFW's Press release: http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2012-Articles/VFW-Applauds-White-House-Efforts-to-Stop-Military-Suicide/
2. VFW Active at
Republican Convention: VFW Representatives attending the
Republican National Convention (RNC) listened to key note speakers and spoke
with delegates on critical issues like veterans mental and behavioral health,
accurate claims processing and helping service members secure educational,
employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The VFW will also be represented
at next week's Democratic National Convention in Charlotte to ensure the voice
of veterans, service members and their families remains a key priority during
Campaign 2012. Leading both delegations will be VFW Legislative Director Ray
Kelley. Stay informed throughout by reading blog postings at: www.vfwonthehill.org/
3. VA Increases Vets
Retraining Assistance Program: This week, VA announced that
have filled 36,000 of the 45,000 job training openings available under the
Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) passed as a part of the VOW to
Heroes Act. An additional 55,000 openings will be available October 1, 2012.
VRAP provides up to $1,473 a month in GI Bill benefits for those taking
full-time courses to learn the skills necessary to land a job. VFW was
instrumental in getting the provision passed as a part of the comprehensive
jobs bill and encourages veterans eligible to apply online. Click here for more
information: http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW/
4. Combating Veterans'
Homelessness: Veterans' homelessness is a national problem that
is best solved at the local level. As such, the VA recently launched a new
online ordering portal for communities and national partners to order free
informational material and promotional items ranging from brochures and posters
to wallet cards, drawstring bags and hygiene kits, among other items. Share the
portal link with your VFW members and Posts and with others in your community
to help spread the word. For more information or to place an order, go to http://www.va.gov/homeless/materials_center.asp.
5. VFW Hears from Marine
Corps Commandant: This week, VFW attended a Press Club event
where Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos spoke on a number of issues
important to the Corps. Leading the list was the continuing success of combat
operations in Afghanistan and the transfer of responsibilities over to Afghan
national security forces. Following his remarks, Amos fielded questions from
the audience on a variety of military quality-of-life and force readiness
issues ranging from fiscal responsibility and budget constraints on the Marines
Corps, to women serving in combat, suicide, and sexual assault. When asked
about potential across-the-board cuts to the Defense budget, Amos said he
believed the Marine Corps would be hit disproportionately hard, considering the
size of the force and the value it delivers to the U.S. military. Amos also
said that the greatest challenge for the Corps moving forward would be ensuring
the force remains balanced through a period of fiscal austerity. To learn more
about Amos' remarks and to view C-SPAN's full coverage of the event, click
here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/08/vfw-hears-from-marine-commandant.html?m=1
6. Army and NFL Discuss
TBI: Earlier this week, Army representatives hosted NFL leaders
at West Point to discuss how they can affect positive change surrounding
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and concussions. The military, alongside the NFL
have continued conversations regarding the Soldier-Athlete commitment to
education and awareness of these serious injuries. To watch the discussion,
click here: http://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/2578#.UD5iiqCoz1l.
7. Five MIAs Return
Home: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office recently announced
the identification of remains belonging to one airmen and four soldiers who had
been missing in action since World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Returned home
are:
- Army Air Forces
1st Lt. Harry W. Eck, of Minot Ward, N.D. On Sept. 13, 1944, Eck and eight
other crewmembers were aboard a B-17G Flying Fortress that crashed near
Neustaedt-on-the-Werra, Germany. Only one of the nine crewmen is known to
have successfully parachuted out of the aircraft before in crashed.
- Army Cpl.
Kenneth R. Block, 22, of Ann Arbor, Mich. In late November 1950, Block and
elements of the 31st Regimental Combat Team, known as "Task Force
Faith," were advancing along the eastern banks of the Chosin
Reservoir in North Korea when they came under attack. On Dec. 3, Block and
many other Americans would be listed as missing in action as a result of
the heavy fighting.
- Army Sgt. 1st
Class William T. Brown, 24, of La Habra, Calif.; Sgt. 1st Class Donald M.
Shue, 20, of Kannapolis, N.C.; and Sgt. 1st Class Gunther H. Wald, 25, of
Palisades Park, N.J. On Nov. 3, 1969, the men and six Vietnamese soldiers
were part of a Special Forces reconnaissance patrol that was ambushed
while operating in Quang Tri Province near the Vietnam-Laos border.
VFW Washington
Weekly
August 24, 2012
In this issue:
1. VFW to Attend Both
Conventions
2. President Signs USERRA Bill
3. New TRICARE Prime Rates
Announced
4. VFW Speaks at Joint DoD /
VA Airborne Hazards Symposium
5. VFW Joins Roundtable
Discussion on Education
6. National POW/MIA Day is
September 21
7. WWII Airman Recovered
1. VFW to Attend Both Conventions: The VFW will be represented at the
upcoming Republican National Convention in Tampa next week and the Democratic
National Convention in Charlotte in early September to ensure the voice of
veterans, service members and their families is not lost during Campaign 2012.
Leading both delegations will be VFW Legislative Director Ray Kelley. Stay
informed throughout by reading their blog postings at:
www.vfwonthehill.org/
2. President Signs USERRA Bill: Recently, the President signed
VFW-supported legislation (H.R.3670) which requires the Transportation Security
Administration to comply with the Uniformed Servicemembers Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act, or USERRA. The VFW was instrumental in getting the
bill introduced and offered our testimony in support of the legislation before
the House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity in March. VFW legislative
associate Daniel Elkins, who currently serves in the National Guard,
spearheaded efforts to find cosponsors for the bill, which helped to push the
legislation through Congress. For more details about the bill, visit our
Capitol Hill Blog at:
http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/08/president-signs-userra-protections-for.html
3. New TRICARE Prime Rates Announced: On Oct. 1, military retirees will
see their TRICARE Prime enrollment fees increase to $269.28 for singles and
$538.56 for families. The increase reflects the 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment
retirees received in 2012, when applied to the FY 2012 enrollment fee of $260
(single) and $520 (family). Retirees enrolled in TRICARE Prime prior to Oct. 1,
2011, will see a more significant increase because their enrollment fees were
held at previous levels of $230 and $460, respectively. Survivors of active
duty deceased sponsors and medically retired members and their dependents are
exempt from annual fee increases as long as there is no break in their TRICARE
Prime enrollment. Active duty service members and their families have no
enrollment fee. Read more at
http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/Costs/HealthPlanCosts/TRICAREPrimeOptions/EnrollmentFees.
4. VFW Speaks at Joint DoD / VA Airborne Hazards Symposium: Tuesday
marked the opening of the first-of-its-kind gathering of DoD and VA officials
to discuss airborne hazards. The closed-door conference will evaluate available
data related to exposures to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and debate
how we should move forward to improve our diagnosis and treatment of these
conditions. VFW was on hand for the opening session of the invitation-only
event to discuss the available scientific data released by an Institute of
Medicine report last year, and the impact these conditions have on veterans.
Without this and other efforts to tackle this issue, veterans with serious
unseen respiratory health conditions will go unresolved. The VFW will continue
to advocate on behalf of affected veterans and provide more information on an
ongoing basis.
5. VFW Joins Roundtable Discussion on Education: The VFW joined
education industry experts, congressional staffers and veterans' advocates from
Student Veterans of America for a roundtable discussion on veterans' education
as part of the American Legion's national convention in Indianapolis this week.
VFW Deputy Legislative Director Ryan Gallucci was invited to participate in the
roundtable discussion, which sought to identify issues faced by
student-veterans pursuing an education with the Post-9/11 GI Bill in an effort
to build consensus on how to improve educational decision-making for today's
veterans. To learn about the roundtable and VFW's continued work helping to protect
student-veterans, click here:
http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/08/vfw-joins-roundtable-discussion-on.html
6. National POW/MIA Day is Sept. 21: National POW/MIA Recognition Day
observances are held nationwide the third Friday of every September on military
installations, ships at sea, state capitals, schools, VA facilities and VFW
Posts. The observance is one of only six days --- the others are Armed Forces,
Memorial, Flag, Independence and Veterans Days --- that the flying of the
National League of Families' POW/MIA flag is required on all federal buildings
and installations, though many government agencies voluntarily fly the POW/MIA
Flag 24/7. Hundreds of copies of the 2012 National POW/MIA Recognition Day
poster were distributed at the 113th VFW National Convention last month. That
poster is now only available for download at
http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/pow_day/.
7. WWII Airman Recovered: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office
announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Air Forces Staff Sgt.
John E. Hogan, 20, of West Plains, Mo. On Sept. 13, 1944, Hogan and eight other
crewmembers were aboard a B-17G Flying Fortress that crashed near
Neustaedt-on-the-Werra, Germany. Only one was able to successfully parachute
out of the aircraft. Read more about his recovery at
http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/2012/release_hogan.pdf.
VFW Washington
Weekly
August 17, 2012
In this issue:
1. Combating Suicides
2. Support for CRPD
3. Field Report: VFW Leaders
on Hand for Hearing to Discuss Orlando VA Hospital
4. U.S. Family Health Plan
Enrollment Changes
5. Two Korean War MIAs
Identified
1. Combating Suicides: An estimated 18 veterans commit suicide every
day, which in just one year exceeds total casualties from almost 11 years of
war in Afghanistan and Iraq. The VA estimate doesn't reflect military suicides,
which continues to frustrate senior leadership despite increased mental health
services and a tremendous push to remove the stigma associated with seeking
help. More must still be done, especially after Army announced this week that
38 active-duty and Reserve Component soldiers took their own lives in July, up
from 24 in June, and on pace to exceed last year's total of 283. If you know a
veteran or service member who might need a little extra help, please refer them
to the VA's Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, their online chat at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat,
or text to 838255, for free, confidential support. VFW Posts can also help
spread the word by ordering free informational material from http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/Resources/SpreadTheWord.aspx
2. Support for CRPD: As the Senate returns from their August recess, one
item of importance to disabled veterans is the ratification of the Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities or CRPD. As of July 2012, 115
countries have ratified this non-binding document, which spells out the vision
that disabled persons everywhere should have reasonable accommodations in
public places, and should not be discriminated against. It will also give the
United States more influence in providing guidance to nations seeking
assistance in improving the conditions for disabled persons, and paves the way
for disabled veterans to work, travel, and study in nations where their
disability currently makes such decisions more difficult. For our Action Alert
on the issue click here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=61692521
For more information about the CRPD, visit the US International Council on
Disabilities at: http://www.usicd.org/index.cfm/crpdupdates
3. Field Report: VFW Leaders on Hand for Hearing to Discuss Orlando VA
Hospital: This week the House Veterans Affairs' Committee hosted a field
hearing at the University of Central Florida to discuss the lack of progress on
a new VA Medical Center in Orlando. VFW Past Department Commander David Harris
was on hand to hear witnesses testify on persistent delays in the project.
Construction on the new facility started in October 2008 and was scheduled for
delivery this October; however, numerous change orders to the contract, design
issues, and other delays have pushed the opening to late 2013 or possibly into
2014. Local VFW officials will continue to monitor progress on the new VA
medical center, holding public officials accountable for its completion.
For more details about the hearing, visit out Capitol Hill Blog at: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/08/field-report-vfw-leaders-on-hand-for.html
4. U.S. Family Health Plan Enrollment Changes: The VFW just learned that
eligibility requirements for new U.S. Family Health Plan enrollments change on
Monday. New USFHP enrollees must submit their application before Aug. 20 to be
enrolled when the requirements take effect Oct. 1. TRICARE beneficiaries who
enroll after Aug. 20 will lose their eligibility for the program when they turn
65 and be transitioned into TRICARE for Life. Beneficiaries 65 and older will
also not be able to enroll in USFHP after Aug. 20. All current USFHP members,
including those who enroll over the weekend, can remain in USFHP, regardless of
age, until they no longer qualify. All eligible TRICARE beneficiaries who
reside within one of six designated USFHP locations may enroll, except for
active duty service members or activated National Guard/Reserve members. Read
more at http://www.tricare.mil/mediacenter/news.aspx?fid=747.
5. Two Korean War MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel
Office announced the identification of remains belonging to two Americans who
had been missing-in-action since the Korean War. They are:
- Army Sgt. William T. Barker, 21, of
Rockwall, Texas. In late November 1950, Barker and elements of the 2nd Infantry
Division were attacked by Chinese forces near Kunu-ri, North Korea. Baker
would be reported as missing as a result of the heavy fighting. In 1953,
released American POWs said Barker had been captured but later died as a
result of malnutrition.
- Marine Cpl. Clarence H. Huff, Jr., 20,
of Brunswick, Ohio. In late November 1950, Huff and members of I Company,
3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, were attacked as
they withdrew from the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea to Hagaru-ri, South
Korea. Huff would be reported as missing a few days after the attack.
VFW Washington
Weekly
August 10, 2012
In this issue:
1. President Signs Veterans Benefit Package
2. Post Reports Pentagon Fudged TRICARE Numbers
3. VRAP Scam Alert
4. Host a Town Hall Meeting
5. Share Your Stories
6. Two Vietnam MIAs Identified
1. President Signs Veterans
Benefit Package: The President
signed into law this week H.R. 1627, the "Honoring America's Veterans and
Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act." The comprehensive legislation
contains more than 54 provisions designed to enhance VA benefits and transform
how VA does business in the 21st century. It also extends VA healthcare
benefits to veterans and military families exposed to toxic water at Camp
Lejeune between Jan. 1, 1957, and Dec. 31, 1987. VFW worked with members and
staff to get the legislation passed so that it would have immediately impact
the lives of veterans, their families, and survivors. Read more about H.R. 1627
and the VFW's work to advance the bill at http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/08/president-signs-veterans-benefits-and.html.
2. Post Reports Pentagon
Fudged TRICARE Numbers: The
Washington Post reported
this week that the Department of Defense requested nearly $3 billion over the
past three years be moved from funds dedicated to TRICARE into weapons programs
and other accounts unrelated to healthcare, despite assurances from Pentagon
officials that healthcare costs were "eating the U.S. military
alive." This reprogramming has been happening at a time that the VFW has
worked tirelessly to prevent the Pentagon from arbitrarily raising healthcare
fees. The VFW has called on the Pentagon to stop its “bait-and-switch” tactics
on Congress, and to improve its budget controls, instead of putting the burden
on service members and retirees. To read the full report on reprogramming and
to find out how you can make your voice heard on this issue, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/08/wapo-reports-that-pentagon-fudged.html.
3. VRAP Scam Alert: VFW was notified by VA of a potential scam
targeting veterans who have either signed up or have been approved for the
Veterans Retraining Assistance Program, or
VRAP. According to the VA, a veteran reported receiving a call from someone
named “James” who congratulated him on his VRAP approval. He was advised that
the exact amount of $8,500 would be deposited directly into his account if he
would first provide “James” his bank account and routing numbers, plus a $205
service charge. This person is not affiliated with the VA, and the VA will
never charge you to access your benefits or ask you to provide private
information over the phone. Should you receive such a call, or any
telemarketing call that you suspect may not be legit, please contact the Federal
Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/phonefraud/index.shtml.
4. Host a Town Hall Meeting: With the 2012 election fast approaching and
members of Congress working in their state and district offices for the rest of
August, now is a great time to host a Town Hall Meeting or Candidate Forum to
discuss critical veterans’ issues. Consider organizing a “Get Out the Vote”
Drive to ensure VFW and Auxiliary members, families, friends, and supporters’
turnout to vote in a visible manner. Coordinate election events with local
Posts and Auxiliaries and other civic organizations in your state. Provide them
with the tools they need to ask the tough questions of the candidates. Let the
candidates know that you are a voting constituent and are concerned about
veterans and Quality of Life issues. For more information, click on our
Veterans Vote brochure at http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/Veterans%20Vote%20Brochure.pdf.
5. Share Your Stories: Hosting or attending Town Hall meetings or
visiting with your members in their district office is strong grassroots
advocacy in action, and the VFW wants to highlight your Town Hall forum or
congressional meeting and post it on our Capitol Hill blog, www.vfwonthehill.org. It is the work
you do in the community that has helped stop bad legislation while advancing
good bills that improve programs and benefits for service members, veterans and
their families. The VFW’s sustained voice in Washington, however, is only as
strong as the voice of VFW members and our advocates around the country. With
your support, the VFW helped bring about the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, hiring
preferences, advance health care appropriations, and family caregiver benefits,
among many other accomplishments. Help us publicize your local success stories.
Go to http://www.vfw.org/Forms/Capitol-Hill-Blog-Submissions/
or simply email photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org.
6. Two Vietnam MIAs
Identified: The Defense POW/Missing
Personnel Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Air Force
Lt. Col. Charles M. Walling, 27, of Phoenix, and Maj. Aado Kommendant, 25, of
Lakewood, N.J. On Aug. 8, 1966, Walling and Kommendant were flying an F-4C
Phantom II that crashed while on a close-air-support mission over Song Be
Province, Vietnam. Other Americans in the area reported seeing the aircraft
crash but no parachutes. Search and rescue efforts were not successful in the
days following the crash. Read more about their recovery story at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.
VFW Washington
Weekly
August 3, 2012
In this issue:
1. Veterans Benefit Package
Sent to President
2. Senate Passes USERRA
Protections for TSA
3. House VA
Committee Discusses Prosthetic Care
4. House Discusses Veteran
Contracting in VA
5. Congress Agrees on
Continuing Resolution
6. Congress on August Recess
7. Military Medal Website a
First Step
8. Korean War MIA Identified
1. Veterans Benefit Package Sent to President: Early this week, the
House passed H.R. 1627, the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp
Lejeune Families Act of 2012- a comprehensive benefits package containing
several VFW- supported bills. The bill, cleared by the Senate last week, will
provide VA healthcare to Camp
Lejeune veterans and
their families who have been diagnosed with a disease related to the water
contamination that occurred at the base between 1957 and 1987. It also
streamlines the disability claims process, ensures transparency in VA funding,
protects veterans from sexual assault, and transforms how VA does business in
the 21st century. VFW worked with members and staff to ensure that the
legislation agreed upon and passed will have immediate impact in the lives of
veterans, their families, and survivors. The President is expected to sign the
bill during the August recess. For complete coverage and more about the bill,
visit our blog site at http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/08/veterans-benefits-bill-passes-house.html
2. Senate Passes USERRA Protections for TSA: This week the Senate passed
the final version of VFW-supported legislation, H.R. 3670 which will force the
Transportation Security Administration, to comply with the Uniformed
Servicemembers Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, or USERRA. The VFW
played a lead role in mustering support for the common sense legislation in
both the House and Senate, and applauded its final passage. The bill now awaits
the president's signature. The VFW will continue to keep tabs on H.R. 3670 as
it moves closer to becoming law. Check back regularly for updates. For complete
coverage of the bill, visit out Capitol Hill blog at http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/08/senate-passes-userra-protections-for.html
3. House VA Committee Discusses Prosthetic Care:
The House VA Subcommittee on Health held a follow-up hearing on the status of
VA's prosthetic contracts. VA used the opportunity to inform the committee on
their ongoing work to improve the oversight of prosthetic purchasing through
reorganization. Specifically, VA intends to link prosthetics and rehabilitation
services in order to ensure greater collaboration and coordination between
clinical services at VA hospitals. During the previous hearing in May, the
committee heard from veterans and veteran service organizations, many of whom
voiced strong opposition to the changes VA has proposed for the prosthetic care
program. For more on the hearing or to view the recorded webcast click here: http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/optimizing-care-for-veterans-with-prosthetics-an-update
4. House Discusses Veteran Contracting in VA: This week the House VA
subcommittees on Economic Opportunity and Oversight & Investigations held a
joint hearing on VA's contracting procedures with veteran-owned small
businesses. The subcommittees sought to address concerns raised in a recent
Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on potential ongoing fraud within
the approval process for contractors and inconsistencies in standards for VA's
Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE), when approving veteran entrepreneurs to
do business with the government. CVE is the office within VA responsible for
vetting veteran-owned small businesses, or VOSBs, and service-disabled
veteran-owned small businesses, or SDVOSBs, who wish to secure VA contracts.
Once approved by CVE, businesses can then bid on projects set aside for
veterans. VFW has also consistently advocated to improve CVE businesses
processes in an effort to strike the balance between detecting fraud and
offering veterans timely access to government set-aside contracts. For more on
the hearing click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/08/house-discusses-veteran-contracting-in.html
5. Congress Agrees on Continuing Resolution: House and Senate leaders
reached an agreement to keep the federal government funded from October 1, 2012
to March 2103. The six-month continuing
resolution or CR provides funding for government agencies when
budget/appropriations bills have not been passed into law. VA funding remains
at the current Fiscal Year 2013 levels. With the agreement, Congress avoids a
possible government shut down but tables many issues including the debt
ceiling, deficit reduction and impending across-the-board spending cuts until
after the election.
6. Congress on August Recess: Members of Congress left Washington for
the August recess today and will be working and campaigning in their district
and state offices until after Labor Day. We encourage all of you to set up
appointments, attend town hall meetings and other campaign stops and ask the
tough questions. View our current legislative priority goals here: http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/VFW_in_DC/2012%20Priority%20Goals%20Brochure.PDF.Read and discuss our talking points on critical issues like mental and
behavior health, employment rights, education benefits and the VA claims
process. We also track how your members vote on those issues when they reach
the floor of the House and Senate. As we begin to wind down the 112th Congress,
now is the time to take a look at what your members have done and ask them how
they plan to improve the lives of veterans, our active duty and their families.
To view our vote analysis, visit the VFW website at http://www.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/ and use
the Connect to Congress box on bottom right.
7. Military Medal Website a First Step: The Defense Department last week
launched a new post-9/11 medals website that lists the recipients of the top
two valor medals that have been awarded since 2001---10 Medals of Honor and 68
service crosses---with plans to add the names of Silver Star recipients. To the
VFW, it's a first step. What DOD needs to do now is to enhance and expand on
what's currently posted by:
- Adding
hyperlinks to medal citations so that readers can learn the heroism behind
the award.
- Indicate by
asterisk if the medal was presented posthumously.
- Include all
valor awards, to include the Purple Heart and any medal that can have a
combat "V" device attached, as well as specialty badges, such as
the Combat Infantryman Badge, that can only be earned under hostile fire.
- And to begin
adding those who were so recognized from previous wars and conflicts.
The VFW was the only veterans' organization invited to testify before
Congress earlier this year regarding the need for the Pentagon to create
one searchable, online database to track the medals it awards. DOD for
years was against creating such a site, but yielded after the Supreme
Court overturned the Stolen Valor Act in late June. Visit the new website
at http://valor.defense.gov/.
8. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office
announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Sgt. Thomas J.
Barksdale, 21, of Macon, Ga. In late November 1950, Barksdale was
reported as missing in action after he and elements of the 2nd Infantry
Division were attacked by Chinese forces north of Kujang, North Korea.
In 2000, a joint U.S./North Korean recovery team found isolated human remains
while excavating former fighting positions on a hilltop in Kujang County.
Read his recovery story and those of others at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/
.