VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
12 May 2017
In This Issue:
1. VFW Supports New VA Accountability, Whistleblower Protection Act
2. Caregivers Program Review Extended
3. Senate Appropriations Hearing on Choice
4. Senate Confirms New Air Force Secretary
5. MIA Update
1. VFW Supports New VA Accountability, Whistleblower Protection Act: The VFW yesterday saluted Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and the leadership of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees for reaching a bipartisan deal to better protect whistleblowers and hold employees accountable for their conduct or performance. The need for action follows a federal appellate court decision this week that rendered unconstitutional the process used to fire the former director of the Phoenix VA Health Care System. VFW National Commander Brian Duffy said VA Secretary David Shulkin needs to have the authority to manage his people in a manner expected of all senior executives, public or private. “The VFW wants the secretary to weed out the nonperformers and those whose personal conduct brings doubt and dishonor upon thousands of dedicated employees, because maintaining the status quo doesn’t work for those who have borne the battle,” he said. Help the VFW get the bill passed by urging your respective members of Congress to support and quickly pass S. 1094, the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.
2. Caregivers Program Review Extended: VA will continue to halt revocations from the Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Program for an additional six weeks because of concerns regarding inconsistent applications of eligibility requirements for the program throughout its medical centers. The VFW has worked with VA since the first halt of revocations on April 17, 2017, to identify issues with the program that must be fixed before VA resumes revocations. Specifically, the VFW has asked VA to review previous revocations to make certain veterans who need assistance from a caregiver were not discharged from the program. The VFW has also urged VA to improve the clinical appeals process to ensure veterans who are denied eligibility have an opportunity to seek a second opinion. Contact the VFW at vfwac@vfw.org if you have been wrongly denied eligibility for the VA caregivers program.
3. Senate Appropriations Hearing on Choice: On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing to discuss VA community care. The main focus was reducing the burden of obtaining health care, while increasing access. Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran questioned the issues of consolidating community care under one account and future plans of VA Secretary David Shulkin. The secretary agreed VA needs a different approach to community care for programs such as Choice to be successful. He highlighted key elements necessary for improvement, which include changing criteria requirements for patients to use community care, increasing access to urgent care, maintaining an integrated network of providers, assisting patients in coordination and applying industry standards for metrics. Watch the hearing or read the testimony.
4. Senate Confirms New Air Force Secretary: The Senate on Monday approved the nomination of former congresswoman Heather Wilson to become the new secretary of the Air Force. Wilson, who represented New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District from 1998 to 2009, was the first woman veteran to serve out a full term in Congress. She served seven years as an Air Force officer after being a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy’s Class of 1982. She is expected to be sworn into office soon.
5. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of six Americans who had been missing in action from WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class William H. Kennedy, 24, of Titonka, Iowa, will be buried May 12 in his hometown. Kennedy was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Kennedy was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read about Kennedy.
-- Army Cpl. Louis A. Damewood, 21, of Carroll County, Md., will be buried May 12 in Suffolk, Va. Damewood was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, operating near Hoengsong, South Korea. He was declared missing after his unit attacked an opposition road block on Feb. 13, 1951. Read about Damewood.
-- Army Cpl. George A. Perreault, 20, of Burlington, Vt., will be buried May 13 in his hometown. Perreault was part of Support Force 21, assigned to Headquarters Battery, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, near the Central Corridor in South Korea. While supporting Korean-led attacks on Chinese forces, they were caught in a massive Chinese counterattack on Feb. 11, 1951. Perreault was declared missing on Feb. 13, 1951. Read about Perreault.
-- Air Force Col. William E. Campbell, 37, of McAllen, Texas, will be buried May 18 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. Campbell was assigned to the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Campbell was reported missing in action on Jan. 29, 1969, when his F-4D disappeared while on an armed reconnaissance mission over southern Laos. Read about Campbell.
-- Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Harry H. Gaver Jr., was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Gaver was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read about Gaver.
-- Army Pfc. Lonnie B.C. Eichelberger was assigned to Company I, 371st Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division — the only African-American division to fight in Europe. As part of Operation Fourth Term, Eichelberger's regiment fought in the hills near the town of Strettoia, Italy. His regiment suffered heavy losses while attacking German defenses. Following the battle, Eichelberger could not be accounted for and was declared missing in action on Feb. 10, 1945. Interment services are pending. Read about Eichelberger.
1. VFW Supports New VA Accountability, Whistleblower Protection Act
2. Caregivers Program Review Extended
3. Senate Appropriations Hearing on Choice
4. Senate Confirms New Air Force Secretary
5. MIA Update
1. VFW Supports New VA Accountability, Whistleblower Protection Act: The VFW yesterday saluted Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and the leadership of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees for reaching a bipartisan deal to better protect whistleblowers and hold employees accountable for their conduct or performance. The need for action follows a federal appellate court decision this week that rendered unconstitutional the process used to fire the former director of the Phoenix VA Health Care System. VFW National Commander Brian Duffy said VA Secretary David Shulkin needs to have the authority to manage his people in a manner expected of all senior executives, public or private. “The VFW wants the secretary to weed out the nonperformers and those whose personal conduct brings doubt and dishonor upon thousands of dedicated employees, because maintaining the status quo doesn’t work for those who have borne the battle,” he said. Help the VFW get the bill passed by urging your respective members of Congress to support and quickly pass S. 1094, the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.
2. Caregivers Program Review Extended: VA will continue to halt revocations from the Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Program for an additional six weeks because of concerns regarding inconsistent applications of eligibility requirements for the program throughout its medical centers. The VFW has worked with VA since the first halt of revocations on April 17, 2017, to identify issues with the program that must be fixed before VA resumes revocations. Specifically, the VFW has asked VA to review previous revocations to make certain veterans who need assistance from a caregiver were not discharged from the program. The VFW has also urged VA to improve the clinical appeals process to ensure veterans who are denied eligibility have an opportunity to seek a second opinion. Contact the VFW at vfwac@vfw.org if you have been wrongly denied eligibility for the VA caregivers program.
3. Senate Appropriations Hearing on Choice: On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing to discuss VA community care. The main focus was reducing the burden of obtaining health care, while increasing access. Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran questioned the issues of consolidating community care under one account and future plans of VA Secretary David Shulkin. The secretary agreed VA needs a different approach to community care for programs such as Choice to be successful. He highlighted key elements necessary for improvement, which include changing criteria requirements for patients to use community care, increasing access to urgent care, maintaining an integrated network of providers, assisting patients in coordination and applying industry standards for metrics. Watch the hearing or read the testimony.
4. Senate Confirms New Air Force Secretary: The Senate on Monday approved the nomination of former congresswoman Heather Wilson to become the new secretary of the Air Force. Wilson, who represented New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District from 1998 to 2009, was the first woman veteran to serve out a full term in Congress. She served seven years as an Air Force officer after being a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy’s Class of 1982. She is expected to be sworn into office soon.
5. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of six Americans who had been missing in action from WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class William H. Kennedy, 24, of Titonka, Iowa, will be buried May 12 in his hometown. Kennedy was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Kennedy was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read about Kennedy.
-- Army Cpl. Louis A. Damewood, 21, of Carroll County, Md., will be buried May 12 in Suffolk, Va. Damewood was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, operating near Hoengsong, South Korea. He was declared missing after his unit attacked an opposition road block on Feb. 13, 1951. Read about Damewood.
-- Army Cpl. George A. Perreault, 20, of Burlington, Vt., will be buried May 13 in his hometown. Perreault was part of Support Force 21, assigned to Headquarters Battery, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, near the Central Corridor in South Korea. While supporting Korean-led attacks on Chinese forces, they were caught in a massive Chinese counterattack on Feb. 11, 1951. Perreault was declared missing on Feb. 13, 1951. Read about Perreault.
-- Air Force Col. William E. Campbell, 37, of McAllen, Texas, will be buried May 18 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. Campbell was assigned to the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Campbell was reported missing in action on Jan. 29, 1969, when his F-4D disappeared while on an armed reconnaissance mission over southern Laos. Read about Campbell.
-- Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Harry H. Gaver Jr., was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Gaver was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read about Gaver.
-- Army Pfc. Lonnie B.C. Eichelberger was assigned to Company I, 371st Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division — the only African-American division to fight in Europe. As part of Operation Fourth Term, Eichelberger's regiment fought in the hills near the town of Strettoia, Italy. His regiment suffered heavy losses while attacking German defenses. Following the battle, Eichelberger could not be accounted for and was declared missing in action on Feb. 10, 1945. Interment services are pending. Read about Eichelberger.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
28 April 2017
April 28, 2017
In This Issue:
1. VFW Supports VA Accountability First Act
2. EO Improves VA Accountability, Whistleblower Protections
3. VFW Attends Roundtable on VA Caregiver Program
4. Retired Soldier Council Panel
5. Defense Health Agency Working Group
6. Senate Holds Veteran Suicide Prevention Hearing
7. VA Partners to Increase Medical Providers
8. New Construction Guidelines for State Veteran Nursing Homes
9. V-E Day
10. MIA Update
1. VFW Supports VA Accountability First Act: This month marks the third anniversary of a nationwide crisis in access to care that branded the Department of Veterans Affairs as an inept and corrupt government bureaucracy that was failing in its primary mission to care for those who had borne the battle. In the aftermath, Congress quickly crafted a new law to improve the VA secretary’s authority to remove senior VA executives for performance or misconduct, but the new authority did not last long, as it would be later deemed unconstitutional — over alleged due process rights violations — and the disciplinary actions against the VA executives were reversed. In an opinion editorial, VFW National Commander Brian Duffy called the VA Accountability First Act of 2017 — sponsored by House VA Committee Chairman Dr. Phil Roe and Sen. Marco Rubio — the right vehicle to finally enable VA leadership to fire inept, irresponsible and crime-committing employees, because “maintaining the status quo doesn’t work for those who have borne the battle,” he wrote. Read the VFW Commander's editorial.
2. EO Improves VA Accountability, Whistleblower Protections: The president signed an executive order yesterday that will improve VA employee accountability and better protect whistleblowers. The EO creates a VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection to identify statutory barriers that currently prevent VA from properly disciplining or terminating employees, as well as hinders the department’s ability to recruit, reward and retain high-performing employees. The new office will report directly to VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin, and work closely with existing VA offices to ensure all incidents of wrongdoing are properly investigated and corrected, as well as protect those employees who disclose the wrongdoing from retaliation. “The VA was created for one purpose: to care for our nation’s wounded, ill and injured veterans,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “The VFW applauds this action, which we hope will soon be bolstered by the passage of the VA Accountability First Act of 2017, because Secretary Shulkin must have the authority to manage his people in a manner expected of all senior executives, public or private.” Read the executive order.
3. VFW Attends Roundtable on VA Caregiver Program: On Thursday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health held a roundtable to discuss VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Subcommittee members asked VA questions regarding recent reports of veterans being removed from the program. VA detailed several initiatives it is taking to standardize the program so veterans aren’t removed from the program when they move from one VA medical facility to another, including a national directive which will provide more guidance to local VA medical facilities. VFW Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes urged VA and Congress to review all recent revocations to determine whether they were accurate and to improve off-ramp processes for veterans being removed from the program to ensure they have an opportunity to adjust to losing the comprehensive support they receive. Fuentes also called on Congress to expand this important program to pre-9/11 veterans. Visit VA Caregiver's website for information on the program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers or Hidden Heroes to find resources for veteran and military caregivers.
4. Retired Soldier Council Panel: On Tuesday, the VFW participated in a panel discussion during the annual meeting of the Chief of Staff, Army Retired Soldier Council. The VFW and other VSOs answered questions on TRICARE benefits, DOD’s 180-day post-retirement hiring limitation for retirees, cost-of-living concerns, Reserve retirement age provisions and other issues of concern to retirees. Created in 1971, the Retired Soldier Council’s mission is to provide advice and recommendations to the Chief of Staff of the Army on issues and policies impacting retirees, surviving spouses and their families, and strengthen communication between the active and reserve components and the retired community. Read more about the Retired Soldier Council.
5. Defense Health Agency Working Group: The VFW participated in a veterans and military service organization working group on Wednesday with Acting Deputy Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) RADM Colin Chinn. Discussions focused on implementation of National Defense Authorization Act TRICARE changes, the May 1 transition of the TRICARE dental program from MetLife to United Concordia, upcoming changes in treatment for mental health and substance use disorder, DHA’s “Empower the Patient” cybersecurity campaign, and improvements to the TRICARE Online Patient Portal.
6. Senate Holds Veteran Suicide Prevention Hearing: On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing titled “Preventing Veteran Suicide.” The panel included the Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General, and individuals from the Veterans Health Administration, Military Veteran Project and RAND Corporation. Chairman Jerry Moran and subcommittee members inquired about resources and support VA needs to lower the number of veteran suicides. Also discussed was the impact of access issues in rural areas, properly managing chronic pain and VA’s delay in addressing inspector general recommendations. Read the testimony or view the hearing.
7. VA Partners to Increase Medical Providers: On Thursday, the Department of Veterans Affairs entered into a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services. This partnership will allow medical professionals from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps to provide care to veterans at VA medical facilities. Effective immediately, the partnership agreement allows up to 20 medical professionals from the Commissioned Corps to provide treatment in VA facilities deemed to be in the most need of staffing support. An additional 10 officers from the Commissioned Corps are able to assist in support coordination for veterans receiving VA community care.
8. New Construction Guidelines for State Veteran Nursing Homes: On Thursday, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin announced new guidelines for construction of State Veteran Nursing Homes. The new regulations will streamline the construction process for State Veteran Nursing Homes by eliminating red tape. Previously, to qualify for VA State Veterans Home grants, governors and state officials had to follow federal construction design guidelines. With the new regulations, that is no longer the case. Governors are authorized to follow their own state guidelines in the construction design of these facilities, while still qualifying for the same level of federal grant funding as before. This announcement is a great improvement which enables states to expand long term care for veterans. The VFW applauds Secretary Shulkin for his forward thinking attitude with this announcement, as it will have an immediate and positive impact on veterans.
9. V-E Day May 8: Visitors to Washington, D.C., are invited to help commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Victory in Europe Day at the National World War II Memorial at 11 a.m., May 8. The WWII Memorial has very few disability parking spaces, and street parking could be limited since it’s the tourist season and it’s a workday. Taxis are plentiful and recommended. The two closest Metro stations, Federal Triangle and Smithsonian, are both about a half-mile away. Learn about this and other events.
10. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of four Americans who had been missing in action from WWII and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Fireman 3rd Class Robert N. Walkowiak, 20, of Oshkosh, Wis., will be buried April 28 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Walkowiak was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Walkowiak was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read about Walkowiak.
-- Army Cpl. Freddie L. Henson, 19, of Klamath Falls, Ore., will be buried May 4 in Houston. Henson served with Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. The RCT was attacked by an overwhelming number of Chinese forces in late November 1950. Henson was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory. He was reported missing as of Dec. 6, 1950. Read about Henson.
-- Marine Corps 2nd Lt. George S. Bussa was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. On Nov. 20, 1943, Bussa's unit landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll against stiff Japanese resistance. Bussa was killed on the first day of the battle, one of approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors killed in the intense fighting. Interment services are pending. Read about Bussa.
-- Army Pvt. Walter F. Piper was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Piper was reported missing in action on Feb. 13, 1951, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Piper.
In This Issue:
1. VFW Supports VA Accountability First Act
2. EO Improves VA Accountability, Whistleblower Protections
3. VFW Attends Roundtable on VA Caregiver Program
4. Retired Soldier Council Panel
5. Defense Health Agency Working Group
6. Senate Holds Veteran Suicide Prevention Hearing
7. VA Partners to Increase Medical Providers
8. New Construction Guidelines for State Veteran Nursing Homes
9. V-E Day
10. MIA Update
1. VFW Supports VA Accountability First Act: This month marks the third anniversary of a nationwide crisis in access to care that branded the Department of Veterans Affairs as an inept and corrupt government bureaucracy that was failing in its primary mission to care for those who had borne the battle. In the aftermath, Congress quickly crafted a new law to improve the VA secretary’s authority to remove senior VA executives for performance or misconduct, but the new authority did not last long, as it would be later deemed unconstitutional — over alleged due process rights violations — and the disciplinary actions against the VA executives were reversed. In an opinion editorial, VFW National Commander Brian Duffy called the VA Accountability First Act of 2017 — sponsored by House VA Committee Chairman Dr. Phil Roe and Sen. Marco Rubio — the right vehicle to finally enable VA leadership to fire inept, irresponsible and crime-committing employees, because “maintaining the status quo doesn’t work for those who have borne the battle,” he wrote. Read the VFW Commander's editorial.
2. EO Improves VA Accountability, Whistleblower Protections: The president signed an executive order yesterday that will improve VA employee accountability and better protect whistleblowers. The EO creates a VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection to identify statutory barriers that currently prevent VA from properly disciplining or terminating employees, as well as hinders the department’s ability to recruit, reward and retain high-performing employees. The new office will report directly to VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin, and work closely with existing VA offices to ensure all incidents of wrongdoing are properly investigated and corrected, as well as protect those employees who disclose the wrongdoing from retaliation. “The VA was created for one purpose: to care for our nation’s wounded, ill and injured veterans,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “The VFW applauds this action, which we hope will soon be bolstered by the passage of the VA Accountability First Act of 2017, because Secretary Shulkin must have the authority to manage his people in a manner expected of all senior executives, public or private.” Read the executive order.
3. VFW Attends Roundtable on VA Caregiver Program: On Thursday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health held a roundtable to discuss VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Subcommittee members asked VA questions regarding recent reports of veterans being removed from the program. VA detailed several initiatives it is taking to standardize the program so veterans aren’t removed from the program when they move from one VA medical facility to another, including a national directive which will provide more guidance to local VA medical facilities. VFW Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes urged VA and Congress to review all recent revocations to determine whether they were accurate and to improve off-ramp processes for veterans being removed from the program to ensure they have an opportunity to adjust to losing the comprehensive support they receive. Fuentes also called on Congress to expand this important program to pre-9/11 veterans. Visit VA Caregiver's website for information on the program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers or Hidden Heroes to find resources for veteran and military caregivers.
4. Retired Soldier Council Panel: On Tuesday, the VFW participated in a panel discussion during the annual meeting of the Chief of Staff, Army Retired Soldier Council. The VFW and other VSOs answered questions on TRICARE benefits, DOD’s 180-day post-retirement hiring limitation for retirees, cost-of-living concerns, Reserve retirement age provisions and other issues of concern to retirees. Created in 1971, the Retired Soldier Council’s mission is to provide advice and recommendations to the Chief of Staff of the Army on issues and policies impacting retirees, surviving spouses and their families, and strengthen communication between the active and reserve components and the retired community. Read more about the Retired Soldier Council.
5. Defense Health Agency Working Group: The VFW participated in a veterans and military service organization working group on Wednesday with Acting Deputy Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) RADM Colin Chinn. Discussions focused on implementation of National Defense Authorization Act TRICARE changes, the May 1 transition of the TRICARE dental program from MetLife to United Concordia, upcoming changes in treatment for mental health and substance use disorder, DHA’s “Empower the Patient” cybersecurity campaign, and improvements to the TRICARE Online Patient Portal.
6. Senate Holds Veteran Suicide Prevention Hearing: On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing titled “Preventing Veteran Suicide.” The panel included the Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General, and individuals from the Veterans Health Administration, Military Veteran Project and RAND Corporation. Chairman Jerry Moran and subcommittee members inquired about resources and support VA needs to lower the number of veteran suicides. Also discussed was the impact of access issues in rural areas, properly managing chronic pain and VA’s delay in addressing inspector general recommendations. Read the testimony or view the hearing.
7. VA Partners to Increase Medical Providers: On Thursday, the Department of Veterans Affairs entered into a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services. This partnership will allow medical professionals from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps to provide care to veterans at VA medical facilities. Effective immediately, the partnership agreement allows up to 20 medical professionals from the Commissioned Corps to provide treatment in VA facilities deemed to be in the most need of staffing support. An additional 10 officers from the Commissioned Corps are able to assist in support coordination for veterans receiving VA community care.
8. New Construction Guidelines for State Veteran Nursing Homes: On Thursday, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin announced new guidelines for construction of State Veteran Nursing Homes. The new regulations will streamline the construction process for State Veteran Nursing Homes by eliminating red tape. Previously, to qualify for VA State Veterans Home grants, governors and state officials had to follow federal construction design guidelines. With the new regulations, that is no longer the case. Governors are authorized to follow their own state guidelines in the construction design of these facilities, while still qualifying for the same level of federal grant funding as before. This announcement is a great improvement which enables states to expand long term care for veterans. The VFW applauds Secretary Shulkin for his forward thinking attitude with this announcement, as it will have an immediate and positive impact on veterans.
9. V-E Day May 8: Visitors to Washington, D.C., are invited to help commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Victory in Europe Day at the National World War II Memorial at 11 a.m., May 8. The WWII Memorial has very few disability parking spaces, and street parking could be limited since it’s the tourist season and it’s a workday. Taxis are plentiful and recommended. The two closest Metro stations, Federal Triangle and Smithsonian, are both about a half-mile away. Learn about this and other events.
10. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of four Americans who had been missing in action from WWII and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Fireman 3rd Class Robert N. Walkowiak, 20, of Oshkosh, Wis., will be buried April 28 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Walkowiak was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Walkowiak was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read about Walkowiak.
-- Army Cpl. Freddie L. Henson, 19, of Klamath Falls, Ore., will be buried May 4 in Houston. Henson served with Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. The RCT was attacked by an overwhelming number of Chinese forces in late November 1950. Henson was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory. He was reported missing as of Dec. 6, 1950. Read about Henson.
-- Marine Corps 2nd Lt. George S. Bussa was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. On Nov. 20, 1943, Bussa's unit landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll against stiff Japanese resistance. Bussa was killed on the first day of the battle, one of approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors killed in the intense fighting. Interment services are pending. Read about Bussa.
-- Army Pvt. Walter F. Piper was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Piper was reported missing in action on Feb. 13, 1951, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Piper.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
21 April 2017
April 21, 2017
1. Join the VFW in Opposing GI Bill Tax on Troops
2. President Signs VFW-Supported Bill
3. VFW Base Visit
4. VA to Review Caregivers Program
5. First of Five VA Public-Private Construction Projects Announced
6. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. Join the VFW in Opposing GI Bill Tax on Troops: The VFW adamantly opposes a proposed tax on military service members to pay for the GI Bill. “We are still a nation at war. We have troops actively engaged in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and now in Syria,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “The war on terrorism is not over! Congress’ focus should be on defeating our enemies and ending the war, not cutting the benefits of those who are fighting it.” With impending changes to TRICARE and retirement benefits, this proposed tax on troops would force the brave men and women who join the military to choose between health care, retirement and education benefits. As Congress looks to tax junior military service members to pay for their post-military educational benefits, the VFW needs every member and supporter to get involved and help protect the GI Bill. Join the discussion by using the hashtag #NoTaxOnTroops on your Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Use the talking points for the proposed tax on troops and contact your members of Congress. If you have questions on how to get involved, please email vfwac@vfw.org.
2. President Signs VFW-Supported Bill: On Wednesday, VFW Adjutant General Robert E. Wallace was at the White House to join President Trump as he signed a VFW-supported bill to expand and improve the Choice Program into law. S. 544 will authorize VA to continue the Choice Program for an additional eight months. It would also improve the Choice Program by ensuring veterans are not billed for Choice Program care and streamlining medical record sharing to expedite the Choice Program scheduling process –– two issues the VFW had identified and asked Congress to fix. Learn more about the VFW's concerns about the Choice Program and other VA community care programs.
3. VFW Base Visit: VFW Director of National Security and Foreign Affairs Sarah Maples and Assistant Director for Field Operations Gregg Orto visited our partners at Fort Campbell, Ky., this week. In addition to observing the Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims process, they also toured the installation’s new Army Community Service’s building and met with the Transition Service Manager, VA Benefits Advisors, the DOD/VA Liaison, Wounded Warrior Battalion Coordinators, the Chief, Medical Boards, and VA Military Services Coordinator from the Integrated Disability Evaluation System process. The VFW provides claims assistance to transitioning service members at Fort Campbell, and VFW leaders routinely conduct site visits to see firsthand how the military is working to successfully transition service members back to civilian life.
4. VA to Review Caregivers Program: On Monday, VA announced that VA medical centers around the country will not discontinue or graduate veterans from the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for the next three weeks. Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin announced that VA will take the three weeks to evaluate the “consistency of revocations in the program and standardize communication with Veterans and caregivers nationwide.” Resources and information for veteran and military caregivers can be found at Hidden Heroes.
5. First of Five VA Public-Private Construction Projects Announced: This week, VA established partnership with an Omaha, Neb., based non-profit group which would enable VA to save taxpayer money by combining federal funds and $30 million for the Veterans Ambulatory Center Development Corporation to fund a new $86 million VA clinic. The Omaha initiative is the first of five approved by Congress using public and private monies. “This trailblazing project represents another example of the bold changes happening at VA,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin said in a statement. The VFW has long supported the idea of public-private partnerships between VA and community groups to spread-load the cost of new facilities and expedite how long it takes for VA to build new facilities. This is a major step forward and a great template for improving how VA expands services to our nation’s veterans.
6. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of ten Americans who had been missing in action from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Pfc. Kenneth R. Miller, 23, of East Cleveland, Ohio, will be buried April 21 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Miller was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. On April 23, 1951, his unit was forced to withdraw from their position while fighting Chinese forces. Miller was reported missing following the withdrawal. Read more about Miller.
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class Michael Galajdik, 25, of Joliet, Ill., will be buried April 22 in Elwood, Ill. Galajdik was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Galajdik was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read more about Galajdik.
-- Navy Ensign Verdi D. Sederstrom, 25, of Montevideo, Minn., will be buried April 26, in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Sederstrom was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Sederstrom was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read more about Sederstrom.
-- Seaman 1st Class Milton R. Surratt was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Surratt was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read about Surratt.
-- Army Air Forces Pvt. Harold S. Hirschi was assigned to Headquarters Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group. Hirschi died Nov. 19, 1942, in the Philippines. Interment services are pending. Read about Hirschi.
-- Army Cpl. Leslie R. Sutton was assigned to Battery C, 99th Field Artillery Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Sutton was reported missing in action on Nov. 2, 1950, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Sutton.
-- Army Pfc. Richard A. Lucas was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Lucas was reported missing in action on Nov. 26, 1950, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Lucas.
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard G. Cushman was assigned to Company A, 72nd Medium Tank Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. Cushman was reported missing in action Dec. 5, 1950, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Cushman.
-- Army Pvt. Walter F. Piper was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Piper was reported missing in action on Feb. 13, 1951, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Piper.
-- Air Force Col. William E. Campbell was assigned to the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Campbell was reported missing in action on Jan. 29, 1969, while operating in Laos. Interment services are pending. Read about Campbell.
1. Join the VFW in Opposing GI Bill Tax on Troops
2. President Signs VFW-Supported Bill
3. VFW Base Visit
4. VA to Review Caregivers Program
5. First of Five VA Public-Private Construction Projects Announced
6. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. Join the VFW in Opposing GI Bill Tax on Troops: The VFW adamantly opposes a proposed tax on military service members to pay for the GI Bill. “We are still a nation at war. We have troops actively engaged in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and now in Syria,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “The war on terrorism is not over! Congress’ focus should be on defeating our enemies and ending the war, not cutting the benefits of those who are fighting it.” With impending changes to TRICARE and retirement benefits, this proposed tax on troops would force the brave men and women who join the military to choose between health care, retirement and education benefits. As Congress looks to tax junior military service members to pay for their post-military educational benefits, the VFW needs every member and supporter to get involved and help protect the GI Bill. Join the discussion by using the hashtag #NoTaxOnTroops on your Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Use the talking points for the proposed tax on troops and contact your members of Congress. If you have questions on how to get involved, please email vfwac@vfw.org.
2. President Signs VFW-Supported Bill: On Wednesday, VFW Adjutant General Robert E. Wallace was at the White House to join President Trump as he signed a VFW-supported bill to expand and improve the Choice Program into law. S. 544 will authorize VA to continue the Choice Program for an additional eight months. It would also improve the Choice Program by ensuring veterans are not billed for Choice Program care and streamlining medical record sharing to expedite the Choice Program scheduling process –– two issues the VFW had identified and asked Congress to fix. Learn more about the VFW's concerns about the Choice Program and other VA community care programs.
3. VFW Base Visit: VFW Director of National Security and Foreign Affairs Sarah Maples and Assistant Director for Field Operations Gregg Orto visited our partners at Fort Campbell, Ky., this week. In addition to observing the Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims process, they also toured the installation’s new Army Community Service’s building and met with the Transition Service Manager, VA Benefits Advisors, the DOD/VA Liaison, Wounded Warrior Battalion Coordinators, the Chief, Medical Boards, and VA Military Services Coordinator from the Integrated Disability Evaluation System process. The VFW provides claims assistance to transitioning service members at Fort Campbell, and VFW leaders routinely conduct site visits to see firsthand how the military is working to successfully transition service members back to civilian life.
4. VA to Review Caregivers Program: On Monday, VA announced that VA medical centers around the country will not discontinue or graduate veterans from the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for the next three weeks. Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin announced that VA will take the three weeks to evaluate the “consistency of revocations in the program and standardize communication with Veterans and caregivers nationwide.” Resources and information for veteran and military caregivers can be found at Hidden Heroes.
5. First of Five VA Public-Private Construction Projects Announced: This week, VA established partnership with an Omaha, Neb., based non-profit group which would enable VA to save taxpayer money by combining federal funds and $30 million for the Veterans Ambulatory Center Development Corporation to fund a new $86 million VA clinic. The Omaha initiative is the first of five approved by Congress using public and private monies. “This trailblazing project represents another example of the bold changes happening at VA,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin said in a statement. The VFW has long supported the idea of public-private partnerships between VA and community groups to spread-load the cost of new facilities and expedite how long it takes for VA to build new facilities. This is a major step forward and a great template for improving how VA expands services to our nation’s veterans.
6. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of ten Americans who had been missing in action from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Pfc. Kenneth R. Miller, 23, of East Cleveland, Ohio, will be buried April 21 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Miller was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. On April 23, 1951, his unit was forced to withdraw from their position while fighting Chinese forces. Miller was reported missing following the withdrawal. Read more about Miller.
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class Michael Galajdik, 25, of Joliet, Ill., will be buried April 22 in Elwood, Ill. Galajdik was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Galajdik was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read more about Galajdik.
-- Navy Ensign Verdi D. Sederstrom, 25, of Montevideo, Minn., will be buried April 26, in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Sederstrom was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Sederstrom was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read more about Sederstrom.
-- Seaman 1st Class Milton R. Surratt was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Surratt was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read about Surratt.
-- Army Air Forces Pvt. Harold S. Hirschi was assigned to Headquarters Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group. Hirschi died Nov. 19, 1942, in the Philippines. Interment services are pending. Read about Hirschi.
-- Army Cpl. Leslie R. Sutton was assigned to Battery C, 99th Field Artillery Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Sutton was reported missing in action on Nov. 2, 1950, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Sutton.
-- Army Pfc. Richard A. Lucas was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Lucas was reported missing in action on Nov. 26, 1950, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Lucas.
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard G. Cushman was assigned to Company A, 72nd Medium Tank Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. Cushman was reported missing in action Dec. 5, 1950, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Cushman.
-- Army Pvt. Walter F. Piper was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Piper was reported missing in action on Feb. 13, 1951, while fighting in Korea. Interment services are pending. Read about Piper.
-- Air Force Col. William E. Campbell was assigned to the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Campbell was reported missing in action on Jan. 29, 1969, while operating in Laos. Interment services are pending. Read about Campbell.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
13 April 2017
April 13, 2017
In This Issue:
1. VFW Offers Emergency Assistance Grants to Westech Veterans
2. VA Launches New Wait Time Transparency Site
3. Thousands Pre-Enroll for VA National Cemetery Interment
4. Help Build DS Memorial on National Mall
5. Pentagon VSO/MSO Roundtable
6. Army Secretary Nominee a VFW Life Member
7. VA Seeks Under Secretary for Health
8. VFW Supports Second Division Memorial Modification Act
9. VFW National Home for Children
10. VFW Posts Host Congressional Town Halls
11. Doolittle Raid 75th Anniversary Commemoration
12. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. VFW Offers Emergency Assistance Grants to Westech Veterans: The VFW is offering up to $5,000 in emergency assistance grants to each of the nearly three dozen student veterans who once attended Westech College, a now defunct for-profit vocational school in southern California. “The affected student veterans were receiving a monthly stipend to go to school, but with Westech’s sudden closure, they are now left without a school and without an income, yet the bills keep coming,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “These student veterans are in a financial crisis through no fault of their own, which is exactly why the VFW Unmet Needs program was created — to help veterans and military families through temporary emergency situations.” Since its inception in 2004, the VFW Unmet Needs program has distributed $6.75 million in emergency grants to more than 4,300 families, to include nine student veterans when ITT Tech suddenly shut down last summer. The program is funded by the generous donations of patrons and 62 Burger King franchise owners in 36 states. “The VFW is working with Congress to restore their lost GI Bill benefits, but the needs of these student veterans are too immediate to wait for Congress to act,” said Duffy. “I encourage them to contact VFW Director of Programs Lynn Rolf at 1-800-VFW-1899, or to logon to VFW’s Unmet Needs program to learn more and to apply.”
2. VA Launches New Wait Time Transparency Site: The Department of Veterans Affairs rolled out a new website this week that will enable veterans to track which VA facility has the shortest appointment wait times, as well as to compare the quality of care between different VA facilities and private-sector providers. Veterans who reside in urban areas will benefit more from the new online comparison tool than veterans in rural areas simply because they have more VA facilities from which to choose, provided they are willing to travel the extra distance. VA also responded to questions regarding data accuracy, since everything listed is compiled from information received from the field, and no veteran nor the department wants a repeat of the secret waiting lists debacle from three years ago. VA gave assurances that there is only one tracking system now, which is constantly measured. The new VA site is expected to be improved over the coming weeks.
3. Thousands Pre-Enroll for VA National Cemetery Interment: Since first announced last December, more than 10,000 eligible veterans have taken advantage of a new VA benefit that allows them to pre-enroll for interment in a VA national cemetery, which means less paperwork that survivors will have to complete following their loved one’s death. Interested veterans can submit VA Form 40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery, and supporting documentation, such as a DD Form 214, if readily available, to the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office by toll-free fax at 1-855-840-8299; email to Eligibility.PreNeed@va.gov; or by regular mail to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office, PO Box 510543, St. Louis, MO 63151. Learn more about eligibility determinations.
4. Help Build DS Memorial on National Mall: The Desert Storm Memorial has been approved to be built in Washington, D.C. Now the question is where, since the use of public space in Washington is always subject to intense scrutiny. The memorial foundation is seeking the VFW’s help to convince the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission that the best placement would be in the vacant corner section of Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street, NW, which would be adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam War Memorial, and within easy walking distance of the District of Columbia’s World War I Memorial, the National WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the yet-to-be-built Vietnam War Educational Center. VFW support of the Desert Storm Memorial is through the passage of Resolution 305 at the 115th National Convention in St. Louis. To date, the VFW is also the only national veterans organization to contribute money toward its construction, a pledged $500,000. Help get the Desert Storm Memorial built in the corner of Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street, NW, by writing: Mr. Peter May, NCMAC Chairman, 1100 Ohio Drive, SW, Room 220, Washington, D.C. 20242.
5. Pentagon VSO/MSO Roundtable: On Wednesday, the VFW participated in the first quarterly veteran and military service organization roundtable hosted by Secretary of Defense (SecDef) James Mattis. He was joined by Deputy Secretary Robert Work, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Tony Kurta, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Paul Selva, as well as senior officials from the Resources and Acquisition and Public Affairs directorates. In addition to hearing about the potential impact of a year-long continuing resolution on force readiness and modernization and the SecDef’s priorities, the VFW had the opportunity to personally present the key concerns of our membership to Secretary Mattis.
6. Army Secretary Nominee a VFW Life Member: The president last week nominated Dr. Mark E. Green to be the next secretary of the Army. Dr. Green, a Life member of VFW Post 11160 in Clarksville, Tenn., is the CEO of Align MD, an emergency staffing company for 47 hospitals in nine states. He is also the Tennessee State Senator for District 22. He graduated from West Point in 1986 as an infantry officer, and would serve as a rifle platoon leader, scout platoon leader, and airborne rifle company commander with the 82nd Airborne Division. As an Army physician, he served in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and made three combat tours to the Middle East. A Senate confirmation hearing date has yet to be set.
7. VA Seeks Under Secretary for Health: On Monday, VA announced that there will be a commission to identify the best candidate for the position of under secretary for Health from a pool of applicants. The under secretary is responsible for the nation’s largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,200 sites of care and more than 9 million enrolled beneficiaries. The commission, with yet-to-be-appointed members, is expected to make a recommendation by May 22. The recommendation goes to the president for consideration and any candidate would then have to be confirmed by the Senate.
8. VFW Supports Second Division Memorial Modification Act: On Wednesday, the VFW announced its support for S. 907, the Second Division Memorial Modification Act. The Second Division Memorial was originally constructed to memorialize the United States Army Second Division's dead from World War I. Introduced by Senator Murkowski of Alaska, S. 907 would authorize the modification of the existing Second Division Memorial by adding three new benches to honor the three areas of conflict the Second Division has fought in since its last upgrade –– the Korea DMZ, the war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan.
9. VFW National Home for Children: The VFW National Home for Children was created to help veteran families in your community. Active duty military families, veteran families, and the families of VFW and Auxiliary members may qualify for the program. If there is a struggling veteran family in your area, please refer them to the VFW National Home or tell them to call toll free at 1-800-313-4200 to learn more about this life changing opportunity.
10. VFW Posts Host Congressional Town Halls: As spring arrives, VFW Posts across the country are opening their doors to members of Congress for town hall events. Often focusing on the needs of veterans and the military, these are awesome opportunities for our elected officials to hear exactly what the VFW's positions are on these issues. Posts are encouraged to host these events and the VFW Action Corps can help you prepare. Ensure you inform your state headquarters when events are scheduled at your Posts and email us at vfwac@vfw.org with any questions.
11. Doolittle Raid 75th Anniversary Commemoration: Visitors to Washington, D.C., next Tuesday are invited to attend the 75th commemoration of the Doolittle Raid. The event will be held at noon, April 18, at the Air Force Memorial, which overlooks the Pentagon. The wreath-laying ceremony will feature two wreaths –– one for the 80 airmen who flew the historic mission, and one for the estimated 200,000 Chinese civilians who were executed for helping the Raiders after they landed on the east coast of China. The ceremony will also feature a 20-foot Doolittle Raiders Wall of Honor with photos of the airmen, of whom only one remains, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Richard “Dick” Cole, now 101. No reservations are necessary to attend the commemoration.
12. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of seven Americans who had been missing in action from WWII and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Marvin B. Rothman, 21, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, will be buried April 19 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. Rothman, a P-47D Thunderbolt pilot, was assigned to the 311th Fighter Squadron, 58th Fighter Group. On April 11, 1944, Rothman flew on a bombing escort mission with 15 other Thunderbolts to Wewak, Territory of New Guinea. Rothman was attacked by enemy fighter aircraft and failed to return from the mission. He was officially declared deceased as of Feb. 6, 1946. Interment services are pending. Read about Rothman.
-- Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Don O. Neher was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Neher was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read about Neher.
-- Navy Reserve Ensign William M. Thompson was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Thompson was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read about Thompson.
-- Army Technician 4th Grade John Kovach, Jr. was assigned to Company C, 192nd Tank Battalion. He died Nov. 19, 1942, while stationed in the Philippines. Interment services are pending. Read about Kovach.
-- Marine Corps Capt. John A. House, II, was assigned to HHM-265 Marine Aircraft Group 16. On June 30, 1967, House’s CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter crashed after being hit by enemy fire while attempting to insert a Marine reconnaissance team into hostile territory in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Vietnam. While most of the reconnaissance team survived, House and four others were killed. Interment services are pending. Read about House.
-- Lance Cpl. John D. Killen, III, was assigned to Company A, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. On June 30, 1967, Killen was onboard a CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter attempting to insert his Marine reconnaissance team into hostile territory in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Vietnam, when it was struck by enemy fire and crashed. While most of the reconnaissance team survived, Killen and four others were killed. Interment services are pending. Read about Killen.
-- Cpl. Glyn L. Runnels, Jr. was assigned to Company A, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. On June 30, 1967, Runnels was onboard a CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter attempting to insert his Marine reconnaissance team into hostile territory in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Vietnam, when it was struck by enemy fire and crashed. While most of the reconnaissance team survived, Runnels and four others were killed. Interment services are pending. Read about Runnels.
In This Issue:
1. VFW Offers Emergency Assistance Grants to Westech Veterans
2. VA Launches New Wait Time Transparency Site
3. Thousands Pre-Enroll for VA National Cemetery Interment
4. Help Build DS Memorial on National Mall
5. Pentagon VSO/MSO Roundtable
6. Army Secretary Nominee a VFW Life Member
7. VA Seeks Under Secretary for Health
8. VFW Supports Second Division Memorial Modification Act
9. VFW National Home for Children
10. VFW Posts Host Congressional Town Halls
11. Doolittle Raid 75th Anniversary Commemoration
12. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. VFW Offers Emergency Assistance Grants to Westech Veterans: The VFW is offering up to $5,000 in emergency assistance grants to each of the nearly three dozen student veterans who once attended Westech College, a now defunct for-profit vocational school in southern California. “The affected student veterans were receiving a monthly stipend to go to school, but with Westech’s sudden closure, they are now left without a school and without an income, yet the bills keep coming,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “These student veterans are in a financial crisis through no fault of their own, which is exactly why the VFW Unmet Needs program was created — to help veterans and military families through temporary emergency situations.” Since its inception in 2004, the VFW Unmet Needs program has distributed $6.75 million in emergency grants to more than 4,300 families, to include nine student veterans when ITT Tech suddenly shut down last summer. The program is funded by the generous donations of patrons and 62 Burger King franchise owners in 36 states. “The VFW is working with Congress to restore their lost GI Bill benefits, but the needs of these student veterans are too immediate to wait for Congress to act,” said Duffy. “I encourage them to contact VFW Director of Programs Lynn Rolf at 1-800-VFW-1899, or to logon to VFW’s Unmet Needs program to learn more and to apply.”
2. VA Launches New Wait Time Transparency Site: The Department of Veterans Affairs rolled out a new website this week that will enable veterans to track which VA facility has the shortest appointment wait times, as well as to compare the quality of care between different VA facilities and private-sector providers. Veterans who reside in urban areas will benefit more from the new online comparison tool than veterans in rural areas simply because they have more VA facilities from which to choose, provided they are willing to travel the extra distance. VA also responded to questions regarding data accuracy, since everything listed is compiled from information received from the field, and no veteran nor the department wants a repeat of the secret waiting lists debacle from three years ago. VA gave assurances that there is only one tracking system now, which is constantly measured. The new VA site is expected to be improved over the coming weeks.
3. Thousands Pre-Enroll for VA National Cemetery Interment: Since first announced last December, more than 10,000 eligible veterans have taken advantage of a new VA benefit that allows them to pre-enroll for interment in a VA national cemetery, which means less paperwork that survivors will have to complete following their loved one’s death. Interested veterans can submit VA Form 40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery, and supporting documentation, such as a DD Form 214, if readily available, to the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office by toll-free fax at 1-855-840-8299; email to Eligibility.PreNeed@va.gov; or by regular mail to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office, PO Box 510543, St. Louis, MO 63151. Learn more about eligibility determinations.
4. Help Build DS Memorial on National Mall: The Desert Storm Memorial has been approved to be built in Washington, D.C. Now the question is where, since the use of public space in Washington is always subject to intense scrutiny. The memorial foundation is seeking the VFW’s help to convince the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission that the best placement would be in the vacant corner section of Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street, NW, which would be adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam War Memorial, and within easy walking distance of the District of Columbia’s World War I Memorial, the National WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the yet-to-be-built Vietnam War Educational Center. VFW support of the Desert Storm Memorial is through the passage of Resolution 305 at the 115th National Convention in St. Louis. To date, the VFW is also the only national veterans organization to contribute money toward its construction, a pledged $500,000. Help get the Desert Storm Memorial built in the corner of Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street, NW, by writing: Mr. Peter May, NCMAC Chairman, 1100 Ohio Drive, SW, Room 220, Washington, D.C. 20242.
5. Pentagon VSO/MSO Roundtable: On Wednesday, the VFW participated in the first quarterly veteran and military service organization roundtable hosted by Secretary of Defense (SecDef) James Mattis. He was joined by Deputy Secretary Robert Work, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Tony Kurta, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Paul Selva, as well as senior officials from the Resources and Acquisition and Public Affairs directorates. In addition to hearing about the potential impact of a year-long continuing resolution on force readiness and modernization and the SecDef’s priorities, the VFW had the opportunity to personally present the key concerns of our membership to Secretary Mattis.
6. Army Secretary Nominee a VFW Life Member: The president last week nominated Dr. Mark E. Green to be the next secretary of the Army. Dr. Green, a Life member of VFW Post 11160 in Clarksville, Tenn., is the CEO of Align MD, an emergency staffing company for 47 hospitals in nine states. He is also the Tennessee State Senator for District 22. He graduated from West Point in 1986 as an infantry officer, and would serve as a rifle platoon leader, scout platoon leader, and airborne rifle company commander with the 82nd Airborne Division. As an Army physician, he served in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and made three combat tours to the Middle East. A Senate confirmation hearing date has yet to be set.
7. VA Seeks Under Secretary for Health: On Monday, VA announced that there will be a commission to identify the best candidate for the position of under secretary for Health from a pool of applicants. The under secretary is responsible for the nation’s largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,200 sites of care and more than 9 million enrolled beneficiaries. The commission, with yet-to-be-appointed members, is expected to make a recommendation by May 22. The recommendation goes to the president for consideration and any candidate would then have to be confirmed by the Senate.
8. VFW Supports Second Division Memorial Modification Act: On Wednesday, the VFW announced its support for S. 907, the Second Division Memorial Modification Act. The Second Division Memorial was originally constructed to memorialize the United States Army Second Division's dead from World War I. Introduced by Senator Murkowski of Alaska, S. 907 would authorize the modification of the existing Second Division Memorial by adding three new benches to honor the three areas of conflict the Second Division has fought in since its last upgrade –– the Korea DMZ, the war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan.
9. VFW National Home for Children: The VFW National Home for Children was created to help veteran families in your community. Active duty military families, veteran families, and the families of VFW and Auxiliary members may qualify for the program. If there is a struggling veteran family in your area, please refer them to the VFW National Home or tell them to call toll free at 1-800-313-4200 to learn more about this life changing opportunity.
10. VFW Posts Host Congressional Town Halls: As spring arrives, VFW Posts across the country are opening their doors to members of Congress for town hall events. Often focusing on the needs of veterans and the military, these are awesome opportunities for our elected officials to hear exactly what the VFW's positions are on these issues. Posts are encouraged to host these events and the VFW Action Corps can help you prepare. Ensure you inform your state headquarters when events are scheduled at your Posts and email us at vfwac@vfw.org with any questions.
11. Doolittle Raid 75th Anniversary Commemoration: Visitors to Washington, D.C., next Tuesday are invited to attend the 75th commemoration of the Doolittle Raid. The event will be held at noon, April 18, at the Air Force Memorial, which overlooks the Pentagon. The wreath-laying ceremony will feature two wreaths –– one for the 80 airmen who flew the historic mission, and one for the estimated 200,000 Chinese civilians who were executed for helping the Raiders after they landed on the east coast of China. The ceremony will also feature a 20-foot Doolittle Raiders Wall of Honor with photos of the airmen, of whom only one remains, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Richard “Dick” Cole, now 101. No reservations are necessary to attend the commemoration.
12. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of seven Americans who had been missing in action from WWII and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Marvin B. Rothman, 21, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, will be buried April 19 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. Rothman, a P-47D Thunderbolt pilot, was assigned to the 311th Fighter Squadron, 58th Fighter Group. On April 11, 1944, Rothman flew on a bombing escort mission with 15 other Thunderbolts to Wewak, Territory of New Guinea. Rothman was attacked by enemy fighter aircraft and failed to return from the mission. He was officially declared deceased as of Feb. 6, 1946. Interment services are pending. Read about Rothman.
-- Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Don O. Neher was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Neher was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read about Neher.
-- Navy Reserve Ensign William M. Thompson was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Thompson was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read about Thompson.
-- Army Technician 4th Grade John Kovach, Jr. was assigned to Company C, 192nd Tank Battalion. He died Nov. 19, 1942, while stationed in the Philippines. Interment services are pending. Read about Kovach.
-- Marine Corps Capt. John A. House, II, was assigned to HHM-265 Marine Aircraft Group 16. On June 30, 1967, House’s CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter crashed after being hit by enemy fire while attempting to insert a Marine reconnaissance team into hostile territory in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Vietnam. While most of the reconnaissance team survived, House and four others were killed. Interment services are pending. Read about House.
-- Lance Cpl. John D. Killen, III, was assigned to Company A, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. On June 30, 1967, Killen was onboard a CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter attempting to insert his Marine reconnaissance team into hostile territory in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Vietnam, when it was struck by enemy fire and crashed. While most of the reconnaissance team survived, Killen and four others were killed. Interment services are pending. Read about Killen.
-- Cpl. Glyn L. Runnels, Jr. was assigned to Company A, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. On June 30, 1967, Runnels was onboard a CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter attempting to insert his Marine reconnaissance team into hostile territory in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Vietnam, when it was struck by enemy fire and crashed. While most of the reconnaissance team survived, Runnels and four others were killed. Interment services are pending. Read about Runnels.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
7 April 2017
April 7, 2017
In This Issue:
1. VFW Applauds Choice Program Extension and Improvement
2. VFW and PatientsLikeMe Join for Mental Health Awareness
3. VFW Testifies on Veterans Crisis Line
4. VFW Testifies on Veterans Legislation
5. Hearing on VA Home Loan Appraisers
6. Continuing Resolution Spells Disaster for DOD
7. New SGLI Management Website
8. VA Urges Female Participation in Million Veteran Program
9. President Authorizes Gulf War Memorial Location
10. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. VFW Applauds Choice Program Extension and Improvement: On Wednesday, Congress passed S. 544, which would authorize VA to use the $10 billion Congress intended to go toward providing veterans care in their communities when they are not able to receive timely access to care at VA health care facilities. S. 544 would also improve the Choice Program by addressing two issues the VFW has identified and asked Congress to fix. “While this bill is an important step, Congress still has a long way to go,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “Congress must still act on a permanent replacement for the Choice Program, one that consolidates VA’s community care authorities, as well as integrates the best aspects of the VA system with available health care capabilities in the community, both public and private. Congress must also act on legislation to improve VA’s ability to construct and lease facilities; hire, retain and discipline employees; and improve its health processes and systems to ensure veterans have timely access to high quality care,” he explained. Learn more about the VFW's concerns about the Choice Program and other VA community care programs.
2. VFW and PatientsLikeMe Join for Mental Health Awareness: The VFW is proud to have teamed up with PatientsLikeMe to raise awareness, improve research and provide intervention for veterans, service members and their loved ones who may be suffering from mental health injuries. VFW National Commander Brian Duffy calls on VFW members and supporters to join the mental wellness fight and harness the synergy of our combined voices by sharing experiences and contributing to research that makes a difference in the lives of those suffering from mental health injuries. Join PatientsLikeMe and view VFW National Commander Brian Duffy's announcement.
3. VFW Testifies on Veterans Crisis Line: On Tuesday, the VFW testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs about the recent Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s report on the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). The panel discussed how VA is working to address the issues with the VCL. VFW Legislative Associate Kayda Keleher called on VA to focus on the quality of service the VCL provides veterans. Watch the hearing or read the testimony.
4. VFW Testifies on Veterans Legislation: On Wednesday, VFW Associate Director Patrick Murray testified before the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on seven bills being considered by the subcommittee. The VFW supported all seven bills discussed, in particular the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act which would expand Agent Orange related presumptive conditions to Blue Water Navy veterans; the American Heroes COLA Act, which would add an automatic trigger for annual COLA increases; and the Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act, which would require VA to accept private medical evidence when veterans submit disability compensation claims. Watch the hearing or read the testimony.
5. Hearing on VA Home Loan Appraisers: On Tuesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on ways to improve the VA’s Home Loan Appraisers Program for the 21st century. The VA home loan program is a widely touted benefit that has helped countless veterans since its inception. VA home appraisers work tirelessly to help safeguard our veterans in making sure the homes they purchase are valued at the correct market price. When asked how to improve the program, especially in isolated and rural areas, VA and independent home loan appraisers said to hire more home appraisers or contract out to local agents. Watch the hearing or read the testimony.
6. Continuing Resolution Spells Disaster for DOD: Chief of Staff of the Army General Mark Milley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force David Goldfein, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps General Robert Neller testified before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday regarding the impact a year-long continuing resolution would have on the armed services. The military leadership was outspoken about the negative impact a year-long continuing resolution would have on personnel, maintenance, readiness, modernization, recruitment and retention. Watch the hearing or read the testimony.
7. New SGLI Management Website: Several federal agencies involved with the management of the insurance program used by the military, known as Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), have announced their new website for online enrollment and management of services. The Navy will be the first branch of the military to have access to this website and other branches will be given access during the remainder of the year. Read more information on SGLI.
8. VA Urges Female Participation in Million Veteran Program: The Million Veteran Program is a voluntary research program led by the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a better understanding of how genetics affect overall health. Veterans who use VA facilities are welcome to participate in the study. This data is stored anonymously and is used for research in areas such as cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study is currently lacking female veteran participants, and VA is urging more women to participate. Read more about the program.
9. President Authorizes Gulf War Memorial Location: President Trump signed into law the resolution for the location of a national memorial dedicated to those who served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. The memorial will be in Washington, D.C., in the area commonly known as the National Mall and will be within walking distance of many other memorials that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It will be built with private donations before being turned over to the U.S. Park Service and the VFW has committed to donating $500,000 in support of the construction of this memorial. Read more about the memorial.
10. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of nine Americans who had been missing in action from WWII and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Marine Corps Pfc. James O. Whitehurst, 20, of Ashford, Ala., will be buried April 12, in Cowarts, Ala. Whitehurst was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. On Nov. 20, 1943, Whitehurst's unit landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll against stiff Japanese resistance. Whitehurst was killed on the first day of the battle, one of approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors killed in the intense fighting. Read more about Whitehurst.
-- Army Master Sgt. Joseph Durakovich, 30, of Gary, Ind., will be buried in April in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Durakovich was a member of Company G, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. His unit was attacked by Chinese forces while establishing a defensive position in Pongmyong-ni east of Kuni-ri, North Korea, on Nov. 28, 1950. After the battle, Durakovich could not be accounted for and was reported missing in action. Read more about Durakovich.
-- Navy Seaman 1st Class George A. Coke was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Coke was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Coke.
-- Machinist's Mate 1st Class Fred M. Jones was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Jones was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Jones.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Ewart T. Sconiers served as a bombardier on the B-17F Flying Fortress with the 414th Bombardment Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group. On Oct. 21, 1942, his plane was severely damaged during a mission to bomb the German U-boat pens at Lorient, France. The crew parachuted safely and were rescued from the water, only to be turned over to German forces as prisoners of war. Sconiers was transferred to Stalag Luft II in present-day Zagan, Poland, where he remained until 1944. He was reported deceased on Jan. 24, 1944. Interment services are pending. Read more about Sconiers.
-- Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Jack J. Fox was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division. On Nov. 20, 1943, Fox's unit landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll against stiff Japanese resistance. Fox was killed on Nov. 22, 1943, one of approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors killed in the intense fighting. Interment services are pending. Interment services are pending. Read more about Fox.
-- Army Pfc. Reece Gass served with Company E, 33rd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division. On Jan. 14, 1945, tanks from Gass’ unit began a three-pronged advance against enemy forces moving toward Cherain, Belgium. Gass was declared deceased after his tank was hit by enemy fire. Interment services are pending. Read more about Gass.
-- Army Cpl. Daniel F. Kelly was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. In late November 1950 his unit was ordered to advance as part of an offensive push to drive the North Koreans to the Yalu River. They were attacked by Chinese forces and Kelly was declared missing on Nov. 26, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more about Kelly.
-- Army Cpl. Freddie L. Henson served with Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. The RCT was attacked by an overwhelming number of Chinese forces in late November 1950. Henson was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory. He was reported missing as of Dec. 6, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more about Henson.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
31 March 2017
March 31, 2017
In This Issue:
1. Veterans Want VA Fixed, Not Dismantled
2. VFW Testifies on VA Health Care
3. VFW Testifies on Veterans Affairs Budget
4. Veterans Appeals Roundtable
5. VFW to Testify In Support of Blue Water Sailors
6. National Vietnam War Veterans Day
7. VFW Supports GWOT Memorial Bill
8. VFW Meets Russian POW/MIA Delegation
9. VA Now Lists Burial Times Online
10. Arlington Faces Future Burial Issues
11. Continuing Resolution Spells Disaster for DOD
12. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. Veterans Want VA Fixed, Not Dismantled: President Trump announced Monday the creation of a White House Office of American Innovation to “bring together the best ideas from government, the private sector, and other thought leaders to ensure that America is ready to solve today's most intractable problems.” One of the new office’s targets is to fix an old problem — the Department of Veterans Affairs — and the VFW wants to be part of the solution. “The VFW prides itself in evaluating what works at the VA and in identifying what needs to be fixed,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “Veterans turn to VA for the high-quality, individualized care they provide, but there is always room for improvement, especially in the areas of information technology, scheduling, data analysis, and access to quality care out in the communities.” The VFW recently released the results of its sixth nationwide survey of veterans, a copy of which was delivered to every congressional office earlier this month during the VFW’s National Legislative Conference, and the results of which were personally discussed with the president on March 17. The purpose of OUR CARE 2017: A Report Evaluating Veterans Health Care, is to continue to evaluate the impact of the Veterans Choice Program, which was enacted in 2014 in response to the VA’s crisis in access to care. “The most important takeaway is the overwhelming majority of respondents said they want to fix, not dismantle the VA health care system,” said Duffy, who believes the VA is on the right track, but that much work remains, such as the need to hire more doctors, hold wrongdoers accountable, improve customer service, and to make VA’s programs and systems more user-friendly.
2. VFW Testifies on VA Health Care: On Wednesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to discuss 10 bills pending before the subcommittee. VFW Legislative Associate Kayda Keleher expressed the VFW’s strong support for mental health retreat programs for recently discharged female veterans, expanding child care services to veterans accessing health appointments, as well as homeless veterans utilizing employment services, extending coverage for newborn children, and authorizing VA to provide adult day care services at State Veterans Homes. Subcommittee members discussed health care eligibly for veterans who received administrative discharges for a minor infraction but do not have access to needed VA health care. The subcommittee also considered a bill to ban smoking in and around VA medical facilities, which has been a VA legislative proposal for several years. Click here for more information or to watch the hearing.
3. VFW Testifies on Veterans Affairs Budget: On Wednesday, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs held a hearing to discuss VA’s budget for fiscal year 2018 and advance appropriations for fiscal year 2019. VFW National Legislative Service Director Carlos Fuentes urged the subcommittee to join the VFW’s campaign to end sequestration which has limited our nation’s ability to provide service members, veterans and their families the care and services they have earned. Fuentes also discussed the need for increased funding for VA’s capitol infrastructure needs so VA can build and expand its facilities and expand access to care for veterans. The VFW’s Independent Budget co-authors Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) also testified and discussed the Independent Budget’s recommendations to properly fund VA health care and benefits. Click here to listen to the hearing or read the testimony.
4. Veterans Appeals Roundtable: The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hosted a roundtable discussion about modernizing the appeal process for veterans’ disability benefits. The VFW along with other Veteran Service Organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Government Accountability Office, and members of the subcommittee, discussed pending legislation that would streamline process. Key features of the legislation include a one-step appeals process to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, a faster “no additional evidence” lane at the Board, improved notice letters for veterans claims, and effective date protections for veterans regardless of which appeal option they choose. Continue to follow the VFW Action Corps Weekly for more updates on this legislation.
5. VFW to Testify In Support of Blue Water Sailors: On April 5, 2017, the VFW will testify in front of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. While the testimony will concern a total of six bills, this is the first testimony in the 115th Congress on H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017. Those veterans who served in the U.S. Navy during the war in Vietnam are impacted by an arbitrary and capricious decision by VA to not be included under presumptive coverage unless they were operating on land or inland water ways. This decision prevents veterans who suffer from the same conditions as other Vietnam veterans from receiving care for these conditions and ending this exclusion is a major priority for the VFW. You can watch the testimony, which will start at 10:30 a.m. EDT, by clicking here.
6. National Vietnam War Veterans Day: The president signed into law this week a VFW-supported bill that officially designates March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., to recognize the service and sacrifice of a generation of American patriots. March 29 marks the anniversary of when combat forces departed South Vietnam in 1973, even though some troops remained until their final departure in 1975. According to Department of Veterans Affairs, there were 8.7 million Vietnam Era veterans, with 3.4 million deployed downrange. There were 47,434 combat deaths, 10,786 in-theater deaths, and 153,303 non-mortal woundings, which also include casualties from the ill-fated SS Mayaguez rescue attempt in 1975. The number of unaccounted-for Americans from the war is 1,614, of whom 1,260 are MIA in Vietnam, 298 in Laos, 49 in Cambodia, and seven in China.
7. VFW Supports GWOT Memorial Bill: The VFW Washington Office hosted a press conference Tuesday to announce the introduction of H.R. 873, the Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act, which is a necessary first step toward the building and placement of a GWOT Memorial in Washington, D.C. The VFW-supported bipartisan bill was sponsored by Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., and Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass. Gallagher is a Life member of VFW Post 2037 in Green Bay, Wisc., and Moulton is a member of VFW Post 2005 in Marblehead, Mass. GWOT Memorial Founder and Executive Director Andrew Brennan is a Life member of VFW Post 3945 in Pittsburgh, Pa. VFW supports the creation of a GWOT Memorial by the passage of Resolution 302 at the 117th VFW National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.
8. VFW Meets Russian POW/MIA Delegation: The VFW met twice this week with a Russian delegation from the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIA Affairs, and their Ministry of Defense. The commission’s purpose is to help break down bureaucratic barriers in order to help determine the fates of American and Russian MIAs from World War II through the end of the Cold War. It was formed in 1992 by then Presidents George H.W. Bush and Boris Yeltsin to help thaw superpower relations around a humanitarian issue. The delegation’s agenda included research at the National Archives as well as working group meetings with Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency officials. They also visited the U.S. Naval Academy and laid a wreath at the grave of Capt. John Paul Jones, who post-American Revolution would be made a rear admiral by Empress Catherine II of Russia.
9. VA Now Lists Burial Times Online: VA announced this week that there will be an online listing of burial times for all VA cemeteries. The move, which will cover the 168 facilities operated by VA directly, will allow those who wish to attend the funerals a more centralized location for information related to the funeral. Attendees will be able to search by either the location of the funeral or by the name of the veteran being buried, and updates will be provided hourly. To visit the website, click here.
10. Arlington Faces Future Burial Issues: On Wednesday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs held a hearing to discuss current operations and concerns with shrinking space for future burials at the Arlington National Cemetery. Currently, Arlington is estimated to reach capacity around the year 2040 unless more space is added or eligibility is changed. This means a veteran from the 1991 Gulf War who lives to normal life expectancy would not have the option of being buried at Arlington. The Army and subcommittee members are looking for ways to keep Arlington open for new burials beyond 2040. Options discussed include: costly expansions, some of which would be annexes not physically connected to Arlington; changes of eligibility for burial in Arlington, which range from restricting eligibility for military retirees to reducing the amount of eligible veterans to those who have earned certain valor awards such as the Medal of Honor and service members who were killed in action. The VFW is working closely with Congress to find the best solutions that keep the integrity of ANC intact and honors the lives those who have worn our nation’s uniform. Click here for audio of the hearing.
11. Continuing Resolution Spells Disaster for DOD: The Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Air Force, Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps are set to testify next week to the House Armed Services Committee on the impacts a year-long continuing resolution would have on the Armed Services. In advance of the hearing, the Navy and Air Force released documents outlining the potential damage, including grounding of air wings, an extended civilian hiring freeze, elimination of permanent change of station moves in the continental U.S. for the remainder of the fiscal year, cancellation of 4th quarter Reserve drills, and munition shortfalls. Tune in Wednesday, April 5, at 10 a.m. EDT to watch the hearing live by clicking here.
12. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of 11 Americans who had been missing in action from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Mr. Peter Atkinson, 25, of Berkley Springs, West Virginia, will be buried April 8 in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Atkinson, a former U.S. Army Air Corps Reservist, was among a small group of American pilots training with the Flying Tigers at Kyedaw Airfield, outside of Toungoo, Burma, in 1941. In preparation for battling Japanese forces invading China, the pilots engaged their Curtiss P-40 single-seat aircraft in aggressive training and mock battles. On Oct. 25, 1941, Atkinson’s plane disintegrated while participating in one of these training flights. Interment services are pending. Read more here.
-- Navy Seaman 1st Class Murry R. Cargile, 21, of Robersonville, North Carolina, will be buried April 7 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Cargile was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Cargile was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Read more here.
-- Navy Seaman 2nd Class Vernon N. Grow, 25, of Redding, California, will be buried April 7 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Grow was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Grow was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Read more here.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Robert E. Moessner, 24, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, will be buried April 5 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. On April 18, 1944, Moessner was serving as a bombardier on a B-24 departed Kwelin, China, on a sea sweep. After making two passes over a Japanese merchant ship and escorting destroyer, Moessner’s plane came under heavy fire and was then shot down over Hong Kong harbor by Japanese fighters. Survivors reported that Moessner went down with the aircraft. Read more here.
-- Army Sgt. Homer R. Abney, 24, of Dallas, will be buried April 7 in his hometown. Abney was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when his unit was engaged in heavy fighting with Chinese forces on the road from Kunu-ri to Sunch’on, North Korea — later named “The Gauntlet.” After several days of fighting, his regiment declared Abney missing on Nov. 30, 1950. Read more here.
-- Army Cpl. James T. Mainhart, 19, of Butler, Pennsylvania, will be buried April 8 in his hometown. Mainhart served with Company I, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. The RCT was attacked by an overwhelming number of Chinese forces in late November 1950. Mainhart was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory. He was reported missing as of Nov. 30, 1950. Read more here.
-- Army Sgt. Donald D. Noehren, 23, of Harlan, Iowa, will be buried April 3 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. Noehren was a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Service Company, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. While conducting a delaying action against Chinese forces south from the Ch’ongch’on River to Kunu-ri, North Korea, his unit encountered heavy fire and continuous enemy mortars. Noehren was captured during the withdrawal and was declared missing in action as of Nov. 30, 1950. Read more here.
-- Air Force Capt. Robert R. Barnett, 32, of Gladewater, Texas, will be buried April 7 in Austin, Texas. Barnett was a B-57B pilot with the 8th Bomb Squadron. While on a strike mission over Laos, Barnett’s aircraft reportedly crashed with no parachutes seen. The hostile threat in the area prevented a search and rescue mission and Barnett was declared killed in action on April 7, 1966. Read more here.
-- Navy Seaman 1st Class Monroe Temple was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Temple was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Read more here.
-- Marine Corps Reserve Capt. James W. Boyden was a member of the Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 233, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force. On Feb. 14, 1944, Boyden piloted his Grumann torpedo bomber on an experimental mission to destroy enemy shipping in Simpson Harbor, New Britain. As part of the last wave of bombers, Boyden’s aircraft encountered intense anti-aircraft fire and was one of six bombers to fail to return from the mission. Read more here.
-- Army Cpl. William R. Sadewasser served with Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, as part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. The RCT was attacked by an overwhelming number of Chinese forces in late November 1950. Sadewasser was among the more than 1,000 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory. He was reported missing as of Nov. 28, 1950. Read more here.
In This Issue:
1. Veterans Want VA Fixed, Not Dismantled
2. VFW Testifies on VA Health Care
3. VFW Testifies on Veterans Affairs Budget
4. Veterans Appeals Roundtable
5. VFW to Testify In Support of Blue Water Sailors
6. National Vietnam War Veterans Day
7. VFW Supports GWOT Memorial Bill
8. VFW Meets Russian POW/MIA Delegation
9. VA Now Lists Burial Times Online
10. Arlington Faces Future Burial Issues
11. Continuing Resolution Spells Disaster for DOD
12. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. Veterans Want VA Fixed, Not Dismantled: President Trump announced Monday the creation of a White House Office of American Innovation to “bring together the best ideas from government, the private sector, and other thought leaders to ensure that America is ready to solve today's most intractable problems.” One of the new office’s targets is to fix an old problem — the Department of Veterans Affairs — and the VFW wants to be part of the solution. “The VFW prides itself in evaluating what works at the VA and in identifying what needs to be fixed,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “Veterans turn to VA for the high-quality, individualized care they provide, but there is always room for improvement, especially in the areas of information technology, scheduling, data analysis, and access to quality care out in the communities.” The VFW recently released the results of its sixth nationwide survey of veterans, a copy of which was delivered to every congressional office earlier this month during the VFW’s National Legislative Conference, and the results of which were personally discussed with the president on March 17. The purpose of OUR CARE 2017: A Report Evaluating Veterans Health Care, is to continue to evaluate the impact of the Veterans Choice Program, which was enacted in 2014 in response to the VA’s crisis in access to care. “The most important takeaway is the overwhelming majority of respondents said they want to fix, not dismantle the VA health care system,” said Duffy, who believes the VA is on the right track, but that much work remains, such as the need to hire more doctors, hold wrongdoers accountable, improve customer service, and to make VA’s programs and systems more user-friendly.
2. VFW Testifies on VA Health Care: On Wednesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to discuss 10 bills pending before the subcommittee. VFW Legislative Associate Kayda Keleher expressed the VFW’s strong support for mental health retreat programs for recently discharged female veterans, expanding child care services to veterans accessing health appointments, as well as homeless veterans utilizing employment services, extending coverage for newborn children, and authorizing VA to provide adult day care services at State Veterans Homes. Subcommittee members discussed health care eligibly for veterans who received administrative discharges for a minor infraction but do not have access to needed VA health care. The subcommittee also considered a bill to ban smoking in and around VA medical facilities, which has been a VA legislative proposal for several years. Click here for more information or to watch the hearing.
3. VFW Testifies on Veterans Affairs Budget: On Wednesday, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs held a hearing to discuss VA’s budget for fiscal year 2018 and advance appropriations for fiscal year 2019. VFW National Legislative Service Director Carlos Fuentes urged the subcommittee to join the VFW’s campaign to end sequestration which has limited our nation’s ability to provide service members, veterans and their families the care and services they have earned. Fuentes also discussed the need for increased funding for VA’s capitol infrastructure needs so VA can build and expand its facilities and expand access to care for veterans. The VFW’s Independent Budget co-authors Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) also testified and discussed the Independent Budget’s recommendations to properly fund VA health care and benefits. Click here to listen to the hearing or read the testimony.
4. Veterans Appeals Roundtable: The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hosted a roundtable discussion about modernizing the appeal process for veterans’ disability benefits. The VFW along with other Veteran Service Organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Government Accountability Office, and members of the subcommittee, discussed pending legislation that would streamline process. Key features of the legislation include a one-step appeals process to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, a faster “no additional evidence” lane at the Board, improved notice letters for veterans claims, and effective date protections for veterans regardless of which appeal option they choose. Continue to follow the VFW Action Corps Weekly for more updates on this legislation.
5. VFW to Testify In Support of Blue Water Sailors: On April 5, 2017, the VFW will testify in front of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. While the testimony will concern a total of six bills, this is the first testimony in the 115th Congress on H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017. Those veterans who served in the U.S. Navy during the war in Vietnam are impacted by an arbitrary and capricious decision by VA to not be included under presumptive coverage unless they were operating on land or inland water ways. This decision prevents veterans who suffer from the same conditions as other Vietnam veterans from receiving care for these conditions and ending this exclusion is a major priority for the VFW. You can watch the testimony, which will start at 10:30 a.m. EDT, by clicking here.
6. National Vietnam War Veterans Day: The president signed into law this week a VFW-supported bill that officially designates March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., to recognize the service and sacrifice of a generation of American patriots. March 29 marks the anniversary of when combat forces departed South Vietnam in 1973, even though some troops remained until their final departure in 1975. According to Department of Veterans Affairs, there were 8.7 million Vietnam Era veterans, with 3.4 million deployed downrange. There were 47,434 combat deaths, 10,786 in-theater deaths, and 153,303 non-mortal woundings, which also include casualties from the ill-fated SS Mayaguez rescue attempt in 1975. The number of unaccounted-for Americans from the war is 1,614, of whom 1,260 are MIA in Vietnam, 298 in Laos, 49 in Cambodia, and seven in China.
7. VFW Supports GWOT Memorial Bill: The VFW Washington Office hosted a press conference Tuesday to announce the introduction of H.R. 873, the Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act, which is a necessary first step toward the building and placement of a GWOT Memorial in Washington, D.C. The VFW-supported bipartisan bill was sponsored by Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., and Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass. Gallagher is a Life member of VFW Post 2037 in Green Bay, Wisc., and Moulton is a member of VFW Post 2005 in Marblehead, Mass. GWOT Memorial Founder and Executive Director Andrew Brennan is a Life member of VFW Post 3945 in Pittsburgh, Pa. VFW supports the creation of a GWOT Memorial by the passage of Resolution 302 at the 117th VFW National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.
8. VFW Meets Russian POW/MIA Delegation: The VFW met twice this week with a Russian delegation from the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIA Affairs, and their Ministry of Defense. The commission’s purpose is to help break down bureaucratic barriers in order to help determine the fates of American and Russian MIAs from World War II through the end of the Cold War. It was formed in 1992 by then Presidents George H.W. Bush and Boris Yeltsin to help thaw superpower relations around a humanitarian issue. The delegation’s agenda included research at the National Archives as well as working group meetings with Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency officials. They also visited the U.S. Naval Academy and laid a wreath at the grave of Capt. John Paul Jones, who post-American Revolution would be made a rear admiral by Empress Catherine II of Russia.
9. VA Now Lists Burial Times Online: VA announced this week that there will be an online listing of burial times for all VA cemeteries. The move, which will cover the 168 facilities operated by VA directly, will allow those who wish to attend the funerals a more centralized location for information related to the funeral. Attendees will be able to search by either the location of the funeral or by the name of the veteran being buried, and updates will be provided hourly. To visit the website, click here.
10. Arlington Faces Future Burial Issues: On Wednesday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs held a hearing to discuss current operations and concerns with shrinking space for future burials at the Arlington National Cemetery. Currently, Arlington is estimated to reach capacity around the year 2040 unless more space is added or eligibility is changed. This means a veteran from the 1991 Gulf War who lives to normal life expectancy would not have the option of being buried at Arlington. The Army and subcommittee members are looking for ways to keep Arlington open for new burials beyond 2040. Options discussed include: costly expansions, some of which would be annexes not physically connected to Arlington; changes of eligibility for burial in Arlington, which range from restricting eligibility for military retirees to reducing the amount of eligible veterans to those who have earned certain valor awards such as the Medal of Honor and service members who were killed in action. The VFW is working closely with Congress to find the best solutions that keep the integrity of ANC intact and honors the lives those who have worn our nation’s uniform. Click here for audio of the hearing.
11. Continuing Resolution Spells Disaster for DOD: The Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Air Force, Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps are set to testify next week to the House Armed Services Committee on the impacts a year-long continuing resolution would have on the Armed Services. In advance of the hearing, the Navy and Air Force released documents outlining the potential damage, including grounding of air wings, an extended civilian hiring freeze, elimination of permanent change of station moves in the continental U.S. for the remainder of the fiscal year, cancellation of 4th quarter Reserve drills, and munition shortfalls. Tune in Wednesday, April 5, at 10 a.m. EDT to watch the hearing live by clicking here.
12. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of 11 Americans who had been missing in action from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Mr. Peter Atkinson, 25, of Berkley Springs, West Virginia, will be buried April 8 in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Atkinson, a former U.S. Army Air Corps Reservist, was among a small group of American pilots training with the Flying Tigers at Kyedaw Airfield, outside of Toungoo, Burma, in 1941. In preparation for battling Japanese forces invading China, the pilots engaged their Curtiss P-40 single-seat aircraft in aggressive training and mock battles. On Oct. 25, 1941, Atkinson’s plane disintegrated while participating in one of these training flights. Interment services are pending. Read more here.
-- Navy Seaman 1st Class Murry R. Cargile, 21, of Robersonville, North Carolina, will be buried April 7 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Cargile was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Cargile was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Read more here.
-- Navy Seaman 2nd Class Vernon N. Grow, 25, of Redding, California, will be buried April 7 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Grow was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Grow was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Read more here.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Robert E. Moessner, 24, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, will be buried April 5 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. On April 18, 1944, Moessner was serving as a bombardier on a B-24 departed Kwelin, China, on a sea sweep. After making two passes over a Japanese merchant ship and escorting destroyer, Moessner’s plane came under heavy fire and was then shot down over Hong Kong harbor by Japanese fighters. Survivors reported that Moessner went down with the aircraft. Read more here.
-- Army Sgt. Homer R. Abney, 24, of Dallas, will be buried April 7 in his hometown. Abney was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when his unit was engaged in heavy fighting with Chinese forces on the road from Kunu-ri to Sunch’on, North Korea — later named “The Gauntlet.” After several days of fighting, his regiment declared Abney missing on Nov. 30, 1950. Read more here.
-- Army Cpl. James T. Mainhart, 19, of Butler, Pennsylvania, will be buried April 8 in his hometown. Mainhart served with Company I, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. The RCT was attacked by an overwhelming number of Chinese forces in late November 1950. Mainhart was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory. He was reported missing as of Nov. 30, 1950. Read more here.
-- Army Sgt. Donald D. Noehren, 23, of Harlan, Iowa, will be buried April 3 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. Noehren was a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Service Company, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. While conducting a delaying action against Chinese forces south from the Ch’ongch’on River to Kunu-ri, North Korea, his unit encountered heavy fire and continuous enemy mortars. Noehren was captured during the withdrawal and was declared missing in action as of Nov. 30, 1950. Read more here.
-- Air Force Capt. Robert R. Barnett, 32, of Gladewater, Texas, will be buried April 7 in Austin, Texas. Barnett was a B-57B pilot with the 8th Bomb Squadron. While on a strike mission over Laos, Barnett’s aircraft reportedly crashed with no parachutes seen. The hostile threat in the area prevented a search and rescue mission and Barnett was declared killed in action on April 7, 1966. Read more here.
-- Navy Seaman 1st Class Monroe Temple was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Temple was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Read more here.
-- Marine Corps Reserve Capt. James W. Boyden was a member of the Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 233, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force. On Feb. 14, 1944, Boyden piloted his Grumann torpedo bomber on an experimental mission to destroy enemy shipping in Simpson Harbor, New Britain. As part of the last wave of bombers, Boyden’s aircraft encountered intense anti-aircraft fire and was one of six bombers to fail to return from the mission. Read more here.
-- Army Cpl. William R. Sadewasser served with Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, as part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. The RCT was attacked by an overwhelming number of Chinese forces in late November 1950. Sadewasser was among the more than 1,000 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory. He was reported missing as of Nov. 28, 1950. Read more here.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
17 March 2017
March 17, 2017
In This Issue:
1. VFW Shares Concerns with President
2. Camp Lejeune Exposure Update
3. TRICARE Contract Start Date Delayed
4. Legislation Impacting Veterans Clears the House
5. HASC Sequestration Hearings
6. SASC Hearing on Marine Scandal
7. DOD Releases Service Academy Report
8. VA Seeks Under Secretary for Benefits
9. MIA Update
1. VFW Shares Concerns with President: VFW National Veterans Service Director Ryan M. Gallucci met with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and senior administration staff at the White House today to share the concerns of America’s largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Gallucci discussed what the VFW sees as the future for veterans’ health care, to include consolidation of VA’s community care programs. Gallucci focused on the VFW’s recent “Our Care 2017” report, which shows that many veterans choose to utilize their earned VA health care benefits even when they have other options in the community. However, Gallucci recognized that today VA has far too many purchased care programs, which are confusing to veterans, only exacerbating health care access issues. The VFW is calling for a single, easily-understandable community care program so that veterans can access their earned health care benefits where and when they need them, serving as a complement to the VA health care system. Gallucci also echoed VFW Commander-in-Chief Brian Duffy’s support for the president’s proposal to reverse the impact of sequestration on the Department of Defense in the FY 2018 budget – one of the VFW’s top legislative priorities since the arbitrary budget policy took effect in 2011. Gallucci also expressed the need to expedite claim decisions and to ensure veterans who suffer from toxic wounds receive the care and benefits they deserve. The VFW views this as the start of a positive dialogue to ensure that the Trump administration lives up to its promises to provide for our service members, veterans, and their families.
2. Camp Lejeune Exposure Update: For years the VFW has worked with Congress and VA to establish a streamlined disability compensation process for veterans who suffer from health conditions associated with exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. This week, VA began to implement a rule which established a presumptive service-connection for veterans, reservists and guardsmen exposed to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune from Aug. 1, 1953, through Dec. 31, 1987, who later developed one of the following eight diseases: adult leukemia; aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes; bladder cancer; kidney cancer; liver cancer; multiple myeloma; non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; and Parkinson’s disease. If you are an affected veteran and would like assistance with a VA claim, please contact the VFW. Find a VFW Service Officer near you.
3. TRICARE Contract Start Date Delayed: Yesterday at a Military Health System MSO/VSO Executive Council meeting, the Defense Health Agency announced that they will delay the transition of the TRICARE contract from Oct. 1, 2017, to Jan. 1, 2018. The new contract reduces TRICARE from three regions –– North, South and West –– down to East and West, with Humana managing TRICARE Region East and Health Net managing TRICARE Region West. This delay aligns the rollout of the new regions and contractors with the transition to TRICARE Select, which will replace TRICARE Extra and TRICARE Standard, in order to reduce disruption for TRICARE beneficiaries. Other topics discussed during the meeting included the initial rollout of the Department of Defense’s new Electronic Health Record at Fairchild AFB, Wash.; an update on the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences which now has the authority to grant undergraduate credit and degrees; and an update on the National Capital Region Academic Health and Readiness System.
4. Legislation Impacting Veterans Clears the House: Three bills impacting veterans were passed by the House of Representatives this week. H.R. 1181, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, would prevent veterans who need help only to manage their finances, and are not a threat to themselves or others, from being banned from owning firearms. Under current federal laws and regulations, needing even a minor amount of assistance that would require appointing a fiduciary forces veterans to be placed on the federal list of people banned from owning a firearm. The bill would require determination from a judge or magistrate stating the veteran is a threat before the veteran could be put on the list. H.R. 1259, the VA Accountability First Act of 2017, would strengthen the authority granted to the secretary of Veterans Affairs to discipline and fire employees at VA while still protecting the rights of those workers. It would also strengthen protections granted to whistleblowers. Lastly, H.R. 1367 would improve the authority of the secretary of Veterans Affairs to hire and retain physicians and other employees. Section three of this bill was a direct collaboration between congressional staff and one of this year’s VFW-SVA Legislative Fellows. All of this legislation is actively supported by the VFW and will now go to the Senate for consideration. Continue to follow the VFW’s Action Corps Weekly for updates.
5. HASC Sequestration Hearings: The House Armed Services Subcommittees held several hearings this week on the impact sequestration and continuing resolutions have had on the military services. The Army, Marine Corps and Navy all testified on the impact budget cuts and budget instability have had on modernization and readiness. Across the board, the services testified that instability caused by continuing resolutions and budget caps are forcing the services to choose between current readiness and future modernization efforts, causing shortfalls in maintenance and other key areas, and inhibiting their ability to effectively plan to meet current and future threats which results in increased risk for service members and our nation. The Air Force is set to testify on Thursday next week.
6. SASC Hearing on Marine Scandal: On Tuesday, the Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the Marine Corps’ ongoing investigation into the “Marines United” website scandal. Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean J. Stackley, Commandant of the Marine Corps General Robert B. Neller, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green testified on steps the Marine Corps is taking to identify and punish Marines who participated on the site, which shared nude photos of female Marines and included comments that advocated the denigration, harassment and, in some cases, sexual assault of these women. General Neller also testified that the Marine Corps was reviewing their recruit and officer candidate training to determine how they can address this as a Marine-culture topic from the beginning of a Marine’s career. The open hearing was followed by a closed session to discuss more details of the ongoing investigation. View the hearing webcast.
7. DOD Releases Service Academy Report: On Wednesday, the Department of Defense (DOD) released its Annual Report on Sexual Violence and Harassment at the Military Service Academies for the academic program year 2015-2016. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 required the department to produce an annual report on the effectiveness of policies, training, and procedures at each of the three Military Service Academies (MSAs). The report analyzes MSA performance in the areas of sexual assault prevention, response, retaliation, and sexual harassment. This year’s report shows that, while MSA cadets and midshipmen experience unwanted sexual contact at a rate lower than their civilian college student counterparts, the numbers have increased. 12.2% of women and 1.7% of men experienced unwanted sexual contact in the last year, which is a significant increase compared to the previous academic year’s percentages of 8.2% for women and 1.1% for men. The report also shows that cadets experience sexual harassment at a rate higher than their active duty counterparts. Going forward, DOD will focus on increased prevention efforts. Read the full report.
8. VA Seeks Under-Secretary for Benefits: On Wednesday, VA announced that there will be a commission to identify the best candidate for the position of under-secretary of benefits from a pool of applicants. The under-secretary is responsible for nearly 22,000 employees located at 56 regional offices. More than 4 million veterans and 500,000 dependents receive benefits administered by this part of VA. Benefits that the under-secretary would be responsible for include education, home loans, life insurance and disability compensation. The commission, with yet-to-be-appointed members, is expected to make a recommendation by late April. The recommendation goes to the president for consideration and any candidate would then have to be confirmed by the Senate.
9. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of five Americans who had been missing in action from WWII and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Mr. Maax C. Hammer, Jr., 25, of Cairo, Ill., will be buried March 21 in Carbondale, Ill. Hammer, formerly in the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserve, was among a small group of American pilots training with the Flying Tigers to battle Japanese forces invading China in 1941. Hammer was killed during a training mission on Sep. 22, 1941, when his plane crashed near Toungoo, Burma, after a heavy rainstorm. Read about Hammer.
-- Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. John D. Mumford, 22, of St. Petersburg, Fl., will be buried March 23, in his hometown. Mumford was a P-51C “Mustang” pilot assigned to the 318th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, 15th Air Force. On June 6, 1944, Mumford flew escort for B-17 “Flying Fortress” bombers on their mission to bomb and destroy a German occupied airfield at Galati, Romania. Following the bombing, the formation was attacked by German fighters. Mumford pursued two German fighters before crashing near present day Novi Troyany, Ukraine. Read about Mumford.
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles R. Casto was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Casto was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read about Casto.
-- Army Cpl. Billie J. Jimerson was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. In late November 1950, his unit engaged with enemy forces near Anju, North Korea. Jimerson could not be accounted for after the battle and was declared missing in action as of Nov. 28, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read about Jimerson.
-- Army Pfc. Robert E. Mitchell was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On Sept 6, 1950, North Korean forces penetrated the Naktong Bulg portion of the Pusan Perimeter near Am-sin, South Korea, and engaged with Mitchell’s unit. Mitchell could not be accounted for after the battle and was declared missing in action. Interment services are pending. Read about Mitchell.
In This Issue:
1. VFW Shares Concerns with President
2. Camp Lejeune Exposure Update
3. TRICARE Contract Start Date Delayed
4. Legislation Impacting Veterans Clears the House
5. HASC Sequestration Hearings
6. SASC Hearing on Marine Scandal
7. DOD Releases Service Academy Report
8. VA Seeks Under Secretary for Benefits
9. MIA Update
1. VFW Shares Concerns with President: VFW National Veterans Service Director Ryan M. Gallucci met with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and senior administration staff at the White House today to share the concerns of America’s largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Gallucci discussed what the VFW sees as the future for veterans’ health care, to include consolidation of VA’s community care programs. Gallucci focused on the VFW’s recent “Our Care 2017” report, which shows that many veterans choose to utilize their earned VA health care benefits even when they have other options in the community. However, Gallucci recognized that today VA has far too many purchased care programs, which are confusing to veterans, only exacerbating health care access issues. The VFW is calling for a single, easily-understandable community care program so that veterans can access their earned health care benefits where and when they need them, serving as a complement to the VA health care system. Gallucci also echoed VFW Commander-in-Chief Brian Duffy’s support for the president’s proposal to reverse the impact of sequestration on the Department of Defense in the FY 2018 budget – one of the VFW’s top legislative priorities since the arbitrary budget policy took effect in 2011. Gallucci also expressed the need to expedite claim decisions and to ensure veterans who suffer from toxic wounds receive the care and benefits they deserve. The VFW views this as the start of a positive dialogue to ensure that the Trump administration lives up to its promises to provide for our service members, veterans, and their families.
2. Camp Lejeune Exposure Update: For years the VFW has worked with Congress and VA to establish a streamlined disability compensation process for veterans who suffer from health conditions associated with exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. This week, VA began to implement a rule which established a presumptive service-connection for veterans, reservists and guardsmen exposed to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune from Aug. 1, 1953, through Dec. 31, 1987, who later developed one of the following eight diseases: adult leukemia; aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes; bladder cancer; kidney cancer; liver cancer; multiple myeloma; non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; and Parkinson’s disease. If you are an affected veteran and would like assistance with a VA claim, please contact the VFW. Find a VFW Service Officer near you.
3. TRICARE Contract Start Date Delayed: Yesterday at a Military Health System MSO/VSO Executive Council meeting, the Defense Health Agency announced that they will delay the transition of the TRICARE contract from Oct. 1, 2017, to Jan. 1, 2018. The new contract reduces TRICARE from three regions –– North, South and West –– down to East and West, with Humana managing TRICARE Region East and Health Net managing TRICARE Region West. This delay aligns the rollout of the new regions and contractors with the transition to TRICARE Select, which will replace TRICARE Extra and TRICARE Standard, in order to reduce disruption for TRICARE beneficiaries. Other topics discussed during the meeting included the initial rollout of the Department of Defense’s new Electronic Health Record at Fairchild AFB, Wash.; an update on the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences which now has the authority to grant undergraduate credit and degrees; and an update on the National Capital Region Academic Health and Readiness System.
4. Legislation Impacting Veterans Clears the House: Three bills impacting veterans were passed by the House of Representatives this week. H.R. 1181, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, would prevent veterans who need help only to manage their finances, and are not a threat to themselves or others, from being banned from owning firearms. Under current federal laws and regulations, needing even a minor amount of assistance that would require appointing a fiduciary forces veterans to be placed on the federal list of people banned from owning a firearm. The bill would require determination from a judge or magistrate stating the veteran is a threat before the veteran could be put on the list. H.R. 1259, the VA Accountability First Act of 2017, would strengthen the authority granted to the secretary of Veterans Affairs to discipline and fire employees at VA while still protecting the rights of those workers. It would also strengthen protections granted to whistleblowers. Lastly, H.R. 1367 would improve the authority of the secretary of Veterans Affairs to hire and retain physicians and other employees. Section three of this bill was a direct collaboration between congressional staff and one of this year’s VFW-SVA Legislative Fellows. All of this legislation is actively supported by the VFW and will now go to the Senate for consideration. Continue to follow the VFW’s Action Corps Weekly for updates.
5. HASC Sequestration Hearings: The House Armed Services Subcommittees held several hearings this week on the impact sequestration and continuing resolutions have had on the military services. The Army, Marine Corps and Navy all testified on the impact budget cuts and budget instability have had on modernization and readiness. Across the board, the services testified that instability caused by continuing resolutions and budget caps are forcing the services to choose between current readiness and future modernization efforts, causing shortfalls in maintenance and other key areas, and inhibiting their ability to effectively plan to meet current and future threats which results in increased risk for service members and our nation. The Air Force is set to testify on Thursday next week.
6. SASC Hearing on Marine Scandal: On Tuesday, the Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the Marine Corps’ ongoing investigation into the “Marines United” website scandal. Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean J. Stackley, Commandant of the Marine Corps General Robert B. Neller, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green testified on steps the Marine Corps is taking to identify and punish Marines who participated on the site, which shared nude photos of female Marines and included comments that advocated the denigration, harassment and, in some cases, sexual assault of these women. General Neller also testified that the Marine Corps was reviewing their recruit and officer candidate training to determine how they can address this as a Marine-culture topic from the beginning of a Marine’s career. The open hearing was followed by a closed session to discuss more details of the ongoing investigation. View the hearing webcast.
7. DOD Releases Service Academy Report: On Wednesday, the Department of Defense (DOD) released its Annual Report on Sexual Violence and Harassment at the Military Service Academies for the academic program year 2015-2016. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 required the department to produce an annual report on the effectiveness of policies, training, and procedures at each of the three Military Service Academies (MSAs). The report analyzes MSA performance in the areas of sexual assault prevention, response, retaliation, and sexual harassment. This year’s report shows that, while MSA cadets and midshipmen experience unwanted sexual contact at a rate lower than their civilian college student counterparts, the numbers have increased. 12.2% of women and 1.7% of men experienced unwanted sexual contact in the last year, which is a significant increase compared to the previous academic year’s percentages of 8.2% for women and 1.1% for men. The report also shows that cadets experience sexual harassment at a rate higher than their active duty counterparts. Going forward, DOD will focus on increased prevention efforts. Read the full report.
8. VA Seeks Under-Secretary for Benefits: On Wednesday, VA announced that there will be a commission to identify the best candidate for the position of under-secretary of benefits from a pool of applicants. The under-secretary is responsible for nearly 22,000 employees located at 56 regional offices. More than 4 million veterans and 500,000 dependents receive benefits administered by this part of VA. Benefits that the under-secretary would be responsible for include education, home loans, life insurance and disability compensation. The commission, with yet-to-be-appointed members, is expected to make a recommendation by late April. The recommendation goes to the president for consideration and any candidate would then have to be confirmed by the Senate.
9. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of five Americans who had been missing in action from WWII and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Mr. Maax C. Hammer, Jr., 25, of Cairo, Ill., will be buried March 21 in Carbondale, Ill. Hammer, formerly in the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserve, was among a small group of American pilots training with the Flying Tigers to battle Japanese forces invading China in 1941. Hammer was killed during a training mission on Sep. 22, 1941, when his plane crashed near Toungoo, Burma, after a heavy rainstorm. Read about Hammer.
-- Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. John D. Mumford, 22, of St. Petersburg, Fl., will be buried March 23, in his hometown. Mumford was a P-51C “Mustang” pilot assigned to the 318th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, 15th Air Force. On June 6, 1944, Mumford flew escort for B-17 “Flying Fortress” bombers on their mission to bomb and destroy a German occupied airfield at Galati, Romania. Following the bombing, the formation was attacked by German fighters. Mumford pursued two German fighters before crashing near present day Novi Troyany, Ukraine. Read about Mumford.
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles R. Casto was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Casto was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read about Casto.
-- Army Cpl. Billie J. Jimerson was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. In late November 1950, his unit engaged with enemy forces near Anju, North Korea. Jimerson could not be accounted for after the battle and was declared missing in action as of Nov. 28, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read about Jimerson.
-- Army Pfc. Robert E. Mitchell was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On Sept 6, 1950, North Korean forces penetrated the Naktong Bulg portion of the Pusan Perimeter near Am-sin, South Korea, and engaged with Mitchell’s unit. Mitchell could not be accounted for after the battle and was declared missing in action. Interment services are pending. Read about Mitchell.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
10 March 2017
In This Issue:
1. Veterans Education Roundtable
2. Caregiver Benefits Legislation Introduced
3. HVAC Hearing on Future of Choice Program
4. Location for Gulf War National Memorial Approved
5. VA Mental Health Care for Vets with OTH Discharges
6. VA Offers Free Services for MST
7. HVAC Advances Five Important Veterans Bills
8. Military Quality of Life Hearing
9. FY2017 Defense Funding Bill Passes House
10. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. Veterans Education Roundtable: The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity hosted a roundtable discussion about modernizing veterans’ education benefits. The VFW along with other Veteran Service Organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Association of State Approving Agencies, and various universities and technology companies such as Microsoft, discussed ways to assist transitioning veterans to find high-demand employment opportunities. Schools in attendance addressed concerns with learning modules for non-traditional students, such as providing hybrid courses. The VFW and other VSOs talked about opportunities, concerns and the proper route that courses, such as computer coding, are required to undergo for accreditation and federal funding. Overall, the consensus was that employment training and higher education are evolving.
2. Caregiver Benefits Legislation Introduced: Legislation was introduced this week in both chambers of Congress that would expand caregiver benefits to veterans who served before September 11, 2001. The Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act has received bipartisan support in the Senate from sponsors Senators Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Patty Murray, D-Wash., both of whom have received the VFW’s Congressional Award. The bill has already received 25 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House. Additionally, Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin expressed support this week for the expansion of the program. This legislation is a major priority for the VFW and its Auxiliary. We will continue to monitor this legislation closely. Follow the Action Corps Weekly for more updates.
3. HVAC Hearing on Future of Choice Program: On Tuesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to discuss the status of the Choice Program and how to improve the way VA provides private sector care to veterans. Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin testified that VA is making improvements to the Choice Program, which would streamline veterans’ experience when receiving care from private sector doctors. Committee members discussed a number of ways to improve and expand VA’s use of private sector doctors to care for veterans. VFW Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes submitted testimony urging that Congress ensure VA continues to serve as the coordinator of care for veterans and to make certain private sector doctors understand their unique health care needs. Secretary Shulkin echoed the VFW’s views by saying his goal is to ensure private sector doctors are trained on how to care for veterans. Read the testimony or view the webcast.
4. Location for Gulf War National Memorial Approved: The Senate passed a joint resolution on Wednesday which would authorize a national memorial dedicated to those who served in the campaign that liberated Kuwait from an Iraqi invasion to be built on the National Mall. The House passed its version of the language in January and the VFW has committed $500,000 to support the construction. Read the Senate's joint resolution.
5. VA Mental Health Care for Vets with OTH Discharges: During a hearing before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on Tuesday, Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin announced that VA will no longer turn away veterans seeking urgent mental health care simply because they received other-than-honorable discharges. VA plans to implement the new rule later this year. Read more on the initiative.
6. VA Offers Free Services for MST: The Department of Veterans Affairs provides free physical and mental health care services for survivors of sexual trauma regardless of service-connected disability. VA is providing outreach to men and women who may be experiencing difficulty coping to let them know that VA and Vet Centers are options for help. According to Kayla Williams, director for VA’s Center for Women Veterans, “VA provides all care for mental and physical health conditions related to MST free of charge, and veterans do not need to have reported their experiences of MST at the time or have other documentation that they occurred in order to receive free MST-related health care…” Read more here.
7. HVAC Advances Five Important Veterans Bills: On Wednesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a markup to consider five bills, all of which the VFW supports. The committee deliberated and advanced a bill to give the Secretary of Veterans Affairs increased authority to hold VA employees accountable for wrongdoing and poor performance. The committee also voted to protect veterans’ second amendment rights and destigmatize mental health care by ensuring veterans who seek VA mental health care and require the assistance of others to manage finances are not reported to the no-sell list without proper due process. Also advanced is a bill to remove the secondary payer requirements under the Choice Program, so veterans no longer receive bills from Choice providers simply because they are covered by private health insurance. The bill would also prolong the program by authorizing VA to use funds that are due to expire in August 2017. The committee also moved a bill that would provide full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to veterans who have earned the Purple Heart, but were unable to complete 36 months of active duty. All five bills await consideration by the full House, which is scheduled to consider the accountability bill and other veterans’ bills next week. View a webcast of the markup.
8. Military Quality of Life Hearing: On Wednesday, the senior enlisted members for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs about military quality of life. The services highlighted new and expanded programs designed to support service members and their families, while also mentioning key challenges. Significant topics all included sequestration’s impact on infrastructure maintenance and modernization, as well as compensation instability and uncertainty –– specifically the possible change to a single-salary pay system and the implementation of the new blended retirement system. Additional discussion focused on the ongoing investigation into a Facebook group dedicated to exploiting and harassing female service members. Read testimony and view the hearing.
9. FY2017 Defense Funding Bill Passes House: On Wednesday, the House passed the Defense Appropriations Bill, which would fund the Department of Defense for the remainder of fiscal year 2017. DOD is currently operating under a continuing resolution which has significantly impacted its ability to operate because it limits its ability to implement new programs and properly plan deployment cycles. The House-passed bill would provide DOD with $577.9 billion, which is an increase of $5.2 billion over the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $1.6 billion more than the Obama administration’s request. The bill now heads to the Senate. The current continuing resolution is set to expire on April 28, 2017.
10. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of seven Americans who had been missing in action from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Cpl. Gerald I. Shepler, 20, of Liberty, Ind., will be buried March 11 in Liberty. Shepler was the lead scout on a reconnaissance patrol for Company K, 3rd Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, near Hajoyang-ni, North Korea, when his patrol was ambushed by enemy forces. Shepler was unaccounted for after the mission, and the U.S. Army declared him deceased on Nov. 29, 1950. Read more about Shepler.
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class Elmer T. Kerestes was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Kerestes was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Kerestes.
-- Army Air Forces Pvt. William D. Gruber was assigned to the Philippine Department, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands on Dec. 8, 1941. Gruber and his unit tended to the wounded until the U.S. fortress of Corregidor fell on May 6, 1942. Gruber was among the thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members taken captive and forced to endure the Bataan Death March en route to prisoner of war camps. Gruber was eventually moved to Cabanatuan POW camp on the island of Luzon, where more than 2,500 POWs would perish. Interment services are pending. Read more about Gruber.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Robert E. Oxford was a member of the 425th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomb Group, 14th Air Force. On Jan. 25, 1944, Oxford’s B-24J Liberator disappeared in bad weather while flying a supply mission from Kunming, China to Chabua, India. Without a way to determine the loss location, no search efforts were conducted and all aboard were declared deceased the following day. Interment services are pending. Read more about Oxford.
-- Army Pfc. Manuel M. Quintana was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment. In late July 1950, the regiment unexpectedly encountered enemy forces while moving toward Hadong, in present day South Korea. Following the battle, Quintana could not be accounted for and was declared missing in action as of July 27, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more about Quintana.
-- Army Sgt. Willie Rowe was a member of L Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On Nov. 25, 1950, his unit was attacked by Chinese forces while advancing north toward the Ch'ongch'on River region of North Korea. Following the battle, Rowe was unaccounted for and was declared missing. Interment services are pending. Read more about Rowe.
-- Air Force Reserve Capt. Daniel W. Thomas was an OV-10A pilot. On July 6, 1971, Thomas and his fellow crewmember were flying over Laos in support of an eight-man Special Forces reconnaissance team when they crashed due to bad weather. Interment services are pending. Read more about Thomas.
1. Veterans Education Roundtable
2. Caregiver Benefits Legislation Introduced
3. HVAC Hearing on Future of Choice Program
4. Location for Gulf War National Memorial Approved
5. VA Mental Health Care for Vets with OTH Discharges
6. VA Offers Free Services for MST
7. HVAC Advances Five Important Veterans Bills
8. Military Quality of Life Hearing
9. FY2017 Defense Funding Bill Passes House
10. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. Veterans Education Roundtable: The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity hosted a roundtable discussion about modernizing veterans’ education benefits. The VFW along with other Veteran Service Organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Association of State Approving Agencies, and various universities and technology companies such as Microsoft, discussed ways to assist transitioning veterans to find high-demand employment opportunities. Schools in attendance addressed concerns with learning modules for non-traditional students, such as providing hybrid courses. The VFW and other VSOs talked about opportunities, concerns and the proper route that courses, such as computer coding, are required to undergo for accreditation and federal funding. Overall, the consensus was that employment training and higher education are evolving.
2. Caregiver Benefits Legislation Introduced: Legislation was introduced this week in both chambers of Congress that would expand caregiver benefits to veterans who served before September 11, 2001. The Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act has received bipartisan support in the Senate from sponsors Senators Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Patty Murray, D-Wash., both of whom have received the VFW’s Congressional Award. The bill has already received 25 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House. Additionally, Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin expressed support this week for the expansion of the program. This legislation is a major priority for the VFW and its Auxiliary. We will continue to monitor this legislation closely. Follow the Action Corps Weekly for more updates.
3. HVAC Hearing on Future of Choice Program: On Tuesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to discuss the status of the Choice Program and how to improve the way VA provides private sector care to veterans. Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin testified that VA is making improvements to the Choice Program, which would streamline veterans’ experience when receiving care from private sector doctors. Committee members discussed a number of ways to improve and expand VA’s use of private sector doctors to care for veterans. VFW Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes submitted testimony urging that Congress ensure VA continues to serve as the coordinator of care for veterans and to make certain private sector doctors understand their unique health care needs. Secretary Shulkin echoed the VFW’s views by saying his goal is to ensure private sector doctors are trained on how to care for veterans. Read the testimony or view the webcast.
4. Location for Gulf War National Memorial Approved: The Senate passed a joint resolution on Wednesday which would authorize a national memorial dedicated to those who served in the campaign that liberated Kuwait from an Iraqi invasion to be built on the National Mall. The House passed its version of the language in January and the VFW has committed $500,000 to support the construction. Read the Senate's joint resolution.
5. VA Mental Health Care for Vets with OTH Discharges: During a hearing before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on Tuesday, Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin announced that VA will no longer turn away veterans seeking urgent mental health care simply because they received other-than-honorable discharges. VA plans to implement the new rule later this year. Read more on the initiative.
6. VA Offers Free Services for MST: The Department of Veterans Affairs provides free physical and mental health care services for survivors of sexual trauma regardless of service-connected disability. VA is providing outreach to men and women who may be experiencing difficulty coping to let them know that VA and Vet Centers are options for help. According to Kayla Williams, director for VA’s Center for Women Veterans, “VA provides all care for mental and physical health conditions related to MST free of charge, and veterans do not need to have reported their experiences of MST at the time or have other documentation that they occurred in order to receive free MST-related health care…” Read more here.
7. HVAC Advances Five Important Veterans Bills: On Wednesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a markup to consider five bills, all of which the VFW supports. The committee deliberated and advanced a bill to give the Secretary of Veterans Affairs increased authority to hold VA employees accountable for wrongdoing and poor performance. The committee also voted to protect veterans’ second amendment rights and destigmatize mental health care by ensuring veterans who seek VA mental health care and require the assistance of others to manage finances are not reported to the no-sell list without proper due process. Also advanced is a bill to remove the secondary payer requirements under the Choice Program, so veterans no longer receive bills from Choice providers simply because they are covered by private health insurance. The bill would also prolong the program by authorizing VA to use funds that are due to expire in August 2017. The committee also moved a bill that would provide full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to veterans who have earned the Purple Heart, but were unable to complete 36 months of active duty. All five bills await consideration by the full House, which is scheduled to consider the accountability bill and other veterans’ bills next week. View a webcast of the markup.
8. Military Quality of Life Hearing: On Wednesday, the senior enlisted members for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs about military quality of life. The services highlighted new and expanded programs designed to support service members and their families, while also mentioning key challenges. Significant topics all included sequestration’s impact on infrastructure maintenance and modernization, as well as compensation instability and uncertainty –– specifically the possible change to a single-salary pay system and the implementation of the new blended retirement system. Additional discussion focused on the ongoing investigation into a Facebook group dedicated to exploiting and harassing female service members. Read testimony and view the hearing.
9. FY2017 Defense Funding Bill Passes House: On Wednesday, the House passed the Defense Appropriations Bill, which would fund the Department of Defense for the remainder of fiscal year 2017. DOD is currently operating under a continuing resolution which has significantly impacted its ability to operate because it limits its ability to implement new programs and properly plan deployment cycles. The House-passed bill would provide DOD with $577.9 billion, which is an increase of $5.2 billion over the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $1.6 billion more than the Obama administration’s request. The bill now heads to the Senate. The current continuing resolution is set to expire on April 28, 2017.
10. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of seven Americans who had been missing in action from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Cpl. Gerald I. Shepler, 20, of Liberty, Ind., will be buried March 11 in Liberty. Shepler was the lead scout on a reconnaissance patrol for Company K, 3rd Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, near Hajoyang-ni, North Korea, when his patrol was ambushed by enemy forces. Shepler was unaccounted for after the mission, and the U.S. Army declared him deceased on Nov. 29, 1950. Read more about Shepler.
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class Elmer T. Kerestes was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Kerestes was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Kerestes.
-- Army Air Forces Pvt. William D. Gruber was assigned to the Philippine Department, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands on Dec. 8, 1941. Gruber and his unit tended to the wounded until the U.S. fortress of Corregidor fell on May 6, 1942. Gruber was among the thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members taken captive and forced to endure the Bataan Death March en route to prisoner of war camps. Gruber was eventually moved to Cabanatuan POW camp on the island of Luzon, where more than 2,500 POWs would perish. Interment services are pending. Read more about Gruber.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Robert E. Oxford was a member of the 425th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomb Group, 14th Air Force. On Jan. 25, 1944, Oxford’s B-24J Liberator disappeared in bad weather while flying a supply mission from Kunming, China to Chabua, India. Without a way to determine the loss location, no search efforts were conducted and all aboard were declared deceased the following day. Interment services are pending. Read more about Oxford.
-- Army Pfc. Manuel M. Quintana was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment. In late July 1950, the regiment unexpectedly encountered enemy forces while moving toward Hadong, in present day South Korea. Following the battle, Quintana could not be accounted for and was declared missing in action as of July 27, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more about Quintana.
-- Army Sgt. Willie Rowe was a member of L Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On Nov. 25, 1950, his unit was attacked by Chinese forces while advancing north toward the Ch'ongch'on River region of North Korea. Following the battle, Rowe was unaccounted for and was declared missing. Interment services are pending. Read more about Rowe.
-- Air Force Reserve Capt. Daniel W. Thomas was an OV-10A pilot. On July 6, 1971, Thomas and his fellow crewmember were flying over Laos in support of an eight-man Special Forces reconnaissance team when they crashed due to bad weather. Interment services are pending. Read more about Thomas.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
3 March 2017
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
24 February 2017
In This Issue:
1. VFW Legislative Conference to Begin
2. Military Health System Working Group
3. Meeting the Needs of Female Veterans
4. General Dunford Talks Security
5. VA to Host Summit for Women Veterans
6. Women’s History Month Art Exhibits
7. MIA Update
1. VFW Legislative Conference to Begin: More than 500 VFW members are converging in the nation’s capital this weekend to urge their members of Congress to continue transforming the Department of Veterans Affairs, so that it can more efficiently and effectively serve America’s veterans. Said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy, “The VFW is fully committed to working with Congress and the VA to change the way the department delivers health care, to include finding the best way to leverage what the VA provides with what public or private practitioners out in the community can offer, with the end goal being the delivery of the highest quality integrated care so that no veterans are ever stranded in line again.” The Chief will present the VFW’s legislative positions at 2 p.m., Wednesday, in testimony before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees in room G-50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Along with fixing VA, Duffy will also demand that this Congress—the 115th Congress—finally eliminates sequestration. “When the 112th Congress created sequestration in 2011, Russia was not in the Ukraine, China was not building islands out of rocks, Iran and North Korea were not as emboldened as they are today, and the Islamic State did not exist,” he explained. “Yet here we are six years later, American forces are still in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and now in Syria, and our brave men and women in uniform must still operate under a budget ax called sequestration that is still the law of the land. Once again, the VFW demands that this Congress eliminate sequestration!” Read more here.
2. Military Health System Working Group: The VFW participated in a veterans and military service organization working group on Tuesday with Acting Deputy Director of the Defense Health Agency RADM Colin Chinn, who was joined by representatives of three service Surgeons General. Discussions focused on health care for military children, specifically hospice care and programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; implementation of National Defense Authorization Act TRICARE changes; and the May 1 transition of the TRICARE dental program from MetLife to United Concordia. Read more about the dental transition.
3. Meeting the Needs of Female Veterans: On Tuesday, the VFW, alongside the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans and Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL) met with Forward Assist, a veterans group from the United Kingdom. The focus of the meeting was to discuss the successes in gender specific health care, transition from military to civilian life and other needs of female veterans in the United States. Since there is still more work that must be done for female veterans, leadership at Forward Assist traveled to research and discuss ways to begin addressing the needs of female veterans in the U.K. Learn more about Forward Assist and what the VFW is doing for women veterans.
4. General Dunford Talks Security: The VFW attended a Brookings Institute event yesterday to hear Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joe Dunford talk security, threats, challenges and opportunities. He said as a nation that thinks and acts globally, our military must also be balanced and fully capable of winning in all spectrums of warfare in a transregional environment. He discussed the Big 5 threats—Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and ISIS—and added a sixth, solvency, which he said extends beyond just budget stability, because it is the economic strength of a nation that allows for a strong military. Regarding a military plus-up, he said it’s important to get the strategy in place before resizing the force begins. Watch the hour-long program.
5. VA to Host Summit for Women Veterans: The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans is slated to host the Summit for Women Veterans in Dallas from April 19-20, with original dates pushed back for the intent of catering to as many people interested as possible. The summit will be the first national-level event for women veterans since 2011. Topics will include training, information and guidance particular to female veterans, regardless of VA enrollment. There will be lectures, panel discussions, exhibits and open forums promoting forward-thinking dialogue, collaboration with industry best practices and research. The target audience includes women veterans, public sector partners, academics and community partners. “Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from VA leadership, and participate in breakout sessions focused on employment, mental health, entrepreneurship, military sexual trauma, reproductive health, culture change and more. Additionally, plenary sessions will focus on VA care and benefits, partner organizations, and a special “Voice of the Veteran” panel,” said Kayla Williams, the director of VA’s Center for Women Veterans. Learn more about the summit.
6. Women’s History Month Art Exhibits: The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans has announced 10 VA Medical Centers that will display female veteran artists’ work throughout the month of March to celebrate Women’s History Month. The Center for Women Veterans partnered with Veteran Artist Program to select the 10 artists who will be featured. Find the location nearest to you and read more about the exhibits.
7. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of two Americans who had been missing in action from WWII and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles W. Thompson was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Thompson was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Thompson.
-- Air Force Capt. Robert R. Barnett was a B-57B pilot with the 8th Bomb Squadron. While on a strike mission over Laos, Barnett’s aircraft reportedly crashed with no parachutes seen. The hostile threat in the area prevented a search and rescue mission and Barnett was declared killed in action on April 7, 1966. Read more about Barnett.
1. VFW Legislative Conference to Begin
2. Military Health System Working Group
3. Meeting the Needs of Female Veterans
4. General Dunford Talks Security
5. VA to Host Summit for Women Veterans
6. Women’s History Month Art Exhibits
7. MIA Update
1. VFW Legislative Conference to Begin: More than 500 VFW members are converging in the nation’s capital this weekend to urge their members of Congress to continue transforming the Department of Veterans Affairs, so that it can more efficiently and effectively serve America’s veterans. Said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy, “The VFW is fully committed to working with Congress and the VA to change the way the department delivers health care, to include finding the best way to leverage what the VA provides with what public or private practitioners out in the community can offer, with the end goal being the delivery of the highest quality integrated care so that no veterans are ever stranded in line again.” The Chief will present the VFW’s legislative positions at 2 p.m., Wednesday, in testimony before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees in room G-50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Along with fixing VA, Duffy will also demand that this Congress—the 115th Congress—finally eliminates sequestration. “When the 112th Congress created sequestration in 2011, Russia was not in the Ukraine, China was not building islands out of rocks, Iran and North Korea were not as emboldened as they are today, and the Islamic State did not exist,” he explained. “Yet here we are six years later, American forces are still in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and now in Syria, and our brave men and women in uniform must still operate under a budget ax called sequestration that is still the law of the land. Once again, the VFW demands that this Congress eliminate sequestration!” Read more here.
2. Military Health System Working Group: The VFW participated in a veterans and military service organization working group on Tuesday with Acting Deputy Director of the Defense Health Agency RADM Colin Chinn, who was joined by representatives of three service Surgeons General. Discussions focused on health care for military children, specifically hospice care and programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; implementation of National Defense Authorization Act TRICARE changes; and the May 1 transition of the TRICARE dental program from MetLife to United Concordia. Read more about the dental transition.
3. Meeting the Needs of Female Veterans: On Tuesday, the VFW, alongside the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans and Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL) met with Forward Assist, a veterans group from the United Kingdom. The focus of the meeting was to discuss the successes in gender specific health care, transition from military to civilian life and other needs of female veterans in the United States. Since there is still more work that must be done for female veterans, leadership at Forward Assist traveled to research and discuss ways to begin addressing the needs of female veterans in the U.K. Learn more about Forward Assist and what the VFW is doing for women veterans.
4. General Dunford Talks Security: The VFW attended a Brookings Institute event yesterday to hear Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joe Dunford talk security, threats, challenges and opportunities. He said as a nation that thinks and acts globally, our military must also be balanced and fully capable of winning in all spectrums of warfare in a transregional environment. He discussed the Big 5 threats—Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and ISIS—and added a sixth, solvency, which he said extends beyond just budget stability, because it is the economic strength of a nation that allows for a strong military. Regarding a military plus-up, he said it’s important to get the strategy in place before resizing the force begins. Watch the hour-long program.
5. VA to Host Summit for Women Veterans: The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans is slated to host the Summit for Women Veterans in Dallas from April 19-20, with original dates pushed back for the intent of catering to as many people interested as possible. The summit will be the first national-level event for women veterans since 2011. Topics will include training, information and guidance particular to female veterans, regardless of VA enrollment. There will be lectures, panel discussions, exhibits and open forums promoting forward-thinking dialogue, collaboration with industry best practices and research. The target audience includes women veterans, public sector partners, academics and community partners. “Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from VA leadership, and participate in breakout sessions focused on employment, mental health, entrepreneurship, military sexual trauma, reproductive health, culture change and more. Additionally, plenary sessions will focus on VA care and benefits, partner organizations, and a special “Voice of the Veteran” panel,” said Kayla Williams, the director of VA’s Center for Women Veterans. Learn more about the summit.
6. Women’s History Month Art Exhibits: The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans has announced 10 VA Medical Centers that will display female veteran artists’ work throughout the month of March to celebrate Women’s History Month. The Center for Women Veterans partnered with Veteran Artist Program to select the 10 artists who will be featured. Find the location nearest to you and read more about the exhibits.
7. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of two Americans who had been missing in action from WWII and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles W. Thompson was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Thompson was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Thompson.
-- Air Force Capt. Robert R. Barnett was a B-57B pilot with the 8th Bomb Squadron. While on a strike mission over Laos, Barnett’s aircraft reportedly crashed with no parachutes seen. The hostile threat in the area prevented a search and rescue mission and Barnett was declared killed in action on April 7, 1966. Read more about Barnett.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
17 February 2017
February 17, 2017
1. Senate Confirms Shulkin
2. Hearing on VA Disability Claims Process
3. Army VSO/MSO Roundtable
4. DOD Military Family Readiness Council
5. GI Bill Panel at NASAA Conference
6. Online Exchange Shopping to Open to Veterans
7. Legislation Clears the House
8. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. Senate Confirms Shulkin: By a vote of 100-0, the Senate Monday evening confirmed Dr. David Shulkin as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “Veterans are very fortunate to have Dr. Shulkin voluntarily stay in what has evolved into the most scrutinized and criticized position in the country — and it should be,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. "What he brings to the job is a love for veterans, for doing what's right, and for knowing what needs to be done to fix what's broken, to hold employees accountable, and to restore the faith of veterans in their VA. The VFW looks forward to working with him and his staff."
2. Hearing on VA Disability Claims Process: On Tuesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to discuss how new processes and IT systems, specifically the National Query System, are impacting VA’s ability to process timely decisions for disability claims. VA reported the system is helping to alleviate backlog issues, but it is still a work in progress. VFW National Veterans Service Deputy Director Ryan Gallucci informed the committee about several issues with the new claims system, including one which severely limits the ability of VFW Service Officers to serve their clients. The VFW recommended some logistical fixes, many of which the committee members agreed with and will look to implement changes as soon as possible. View the hearing webcast.
3. Army VSO/MSO Roundtable: The VFW participated in a veteran and military service organization roundtable last Friday with Chief of Staff of the Army General Mark A. Milley, who was joined by senior officials from the Budget, Operations, and Legislative Liaison Directorates. Discussions focused on the impacts of budget instability, force disposition, and the Army’s FY18 congressional objectives.
4. DOD Military Family Readiness Council: The VFW participated in the latest meeting of the Military Family Readiness Council, which was established to assess and make recommendations to the secretary of defense on the policy, plans, and programs impacting military family readiness. This meeting focused on: aspects of the Exceptional Family Member Program, including for transitioning service members and their families; Top Ten Initiatives of the Defense Liaison Office; and Pediatric Focused Activities of the Military Health System. The next meeting, which is open to the public, will be held April 27. Topics to be discussed are Community Partnerships, Education Benefits Transfer, and Military OneSource. Read more about the MFRC.
5. GI Bill Panel at NASAA Conference: The VFW, alongside the American Legion, Student Veterans of America and the Department of Veterans Affairs, partook in a panel discussion with the National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA) to talk about veterans using their GI Bill benefits and the role of state approving agencies. The most frequent topic of discussion focused on SAA’s being on the forefront of approving schools for accreditation, and the standards necessary for accreditation for institutions of higher learning to be eligible for GI Bill funding, as well as how to assure student veterans are informed consumers about the institutions they choose to attend. Learn more about NASSA.
6. Online Exchange Shopping to Open to Veterans: All honorably discharged veterans will soon be able to shop online on the websites offered by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the Navy Exchange, the Marine Corps Exchange and the Coast Guard Exchange. The VFW has backed this proposal since it was first proposed in 2014, because it is a huge win for honorably discharged veterans and the MWR programs the exchange services support. According to an article published this week in Military Times, the new online shopping privilege will exclude from sale, however, all uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products. The exchanges will use existing Defense Department data to determine eligibility. Veterans whose records are incomplete or do not appear in the VA’s database will need to register through VA, according to a letter provided to congressional oversight committees. Read the Military Times article.
7. Legislation Clears the House: This week the House of Representatives passed H.R. 512, legislation which will grant congressional offices greater access to records held by VA when a veteran asks their member of Congress for help. The House also passed H.R. 974, which the VFW supports, and would allow the VA secretary to grant preference to companies who employ veterans in full-time positions. Both of these bills now go to the Senate for consideration. Continue to follow the Action Corps Weekly for more updates.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of one American who had been missing in action from World War II. Returning home for burial with full military honors is:
-- Navy Fire Controlman 3rd Class Robert L. Pribble was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Pribble was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Pribble.
1. Senate Confirms Shulkin
2. Hearing on VA Disability Claims Process
3. Army VSO/MSO Roundtable
4. DOD Military Family Readiness Council
5. GI Bill Panel at NASAA Conference
6. Online Exchange Shopping to Open to Veterans
7. Legislation Clears the House
8. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. Senate Confirms Shulkin: By a vote of 100-0, the Senate Monday evening confirmed Dr. David Shulkin as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “Veterans are very fortunate to have Dr. Shulkin voluntarily stay in what has evolved into the most scrutinized and criticized position in the country — and it should be,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. "What he brings to the job is a love for veterans, for doing what's right, and for knowing what needs to be done to fix what's broken, to hold employees accountable, and to restore the faith of veterans in their VA. The VFW looks forward to working with him and his staff."
2. Hearing on VA Disability Claims Process: On Tuesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to discuss how new processes and IT systems, specifically the National Query System, are impacting VA’s ability to process timely decisions for disability claims. VA reported the system is helping to alleviate backlog issues, but it is still a work in progress. VFW National Veterans Service Deputy Director Ryan Gallucci informed the committee about several issues with the new claims system, including one which severely limits the ability of VFW Service Officers to serve their clients. The VFW recommended some logistical fixes, many of which the committee members agreed with and will look to implement changes as soon as possible. View the hearing webcast.
3. Army VSO/MSO Roundtable: The VFW participated in a veteran and military service organization roundtable last Friday with Chief of Staff of the Army General Mark A. Milley, who was joined by senior officials from the Budget, Operations, and Legislative Liaison Directorates. Discussions focused on the impacts of budget instability, force disposition, and the Army’s FY18 congressional objectives.
4. DOD Military Family Readiness Council: The VFW participated in the latest meeting of the Military Family Readiness Council, which was established to assess and make recommendations to the secretary of defense on the policy, plans, and programs impacting military family readiness. This meeting focused on: aspects of the Exceptional Family Member Program, including for transitioning service members and their families; Top Ten Initiatives of the Defense Liaison Office; and Pediatric Focused Activities of the Military Health System. The next meeting, which is open to the public, will be held April 27. Topics to be discussed are Community Partnerships, Education Benefits Transfer, and Military OneSource. Read more about the MFRC.
5. GI Bill Panel at NASAA Conference: The VFW, alongside the American Legion, Student Veterans of America and the Department of Veterans Affairs, partook in a panel discussion with the National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA) to talk about veterans using their GI Bill benefits and the role of state approving agencies. The most frequent topic of discussion focused on SAA’s being on the forefront of approving schools for accreditation, and the standards necessary for accreditation for institutions of higher learning to be eligible for GI Bill funding, as well as how to assure student veterans are informed consumers about the institutions they choose to attend. Learn more about NASSA.
6. Online Exchange Shopping to Open to Veterans: All honorably discharged veterans will soon be able to shop online on the websites offered by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the Navy Exchange, the Marine Corps Exchange and the Coast Guard Exchange. The VFW has backed this proposal since it was first proposed in 2014, because it is a huge win for honorably discharged veterans and the MWR programs the exchange services support. According to an article published this week in Military Times, the new online shopping privilege will exclude from sale, however, all uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products. The exchanges will use existing Defense Department data to determine eligibility. Veterans whose records are incomplete or do not appear in the VA’s database will need to register through VA, according to a letter provided to congressional oversight committees. Read the Military Times article.
7. Legislation Clears the House: This week the House of Representatives passed H.R. 512, legislation which will grant congressional offices greater access to records held by VA when a veteran asks their member of Congress for help. The House also passed H.R. 974, which the VFW supports, and would allow the VA secretary to grant preference to companies who employ veterans in full-time positions. Both of these bills now go to the Senate for consideration. Continue to follow the Action Corps Weekly for more updates.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of one American who had been missing in action from World War II. Returning home for burial with full military honors is:
-- Navy Fire Controlman 3rd Class Robert L. Pribble was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Pribble was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Pribble.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
10 February 2017
February 10, 2017
In This Issue:
1. Assessing the VA IT Landscape
2. House Veterans Affairs Roundtable
3. VSOs Release Independent Budget
4. Military Struggling With Budget Instability
5. Pentagon RIF Meeting
6. VA Nominee Gets Closer to Confirmation
7. Women’s History Month Art Exhibits
8. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. Assessing the VA IT Landscape: On Tuesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held its first oversight hearing to discuss challenges VA faces with its IT infrastructure. VA highlighted recent changes to its process to expedite delivery of IT projects and improve the veteran’s experience, such as interoperability of electronic health records between VA and DOD through the Joint Legacy Viewer –– a new scheduling system to get veterans their appointments faster –– and improvements to the system VA uses to process disability claims to ensure veterans get faster decisions. VFW National Veterans Service Deputy Director Ryan Gallucci submitted testimony detailing steps VA must take to improve its claims processing system to ensure VFW Service Officers can track claims and better assist veterans and their families. Committee members and the VFW urged VA to purchase a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic health care record system to replace its aging electronic health care record, VistA. VA’s Acting Chief Information Officer Rob Thomas agreed purchasing a COTS health care record system is the best approach and will propose VA do so. View a video of the hearing or read the testimony.
2. House Veterans Affairs Roundtable: The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity hosted a roundtable discussion with committee members and veterans service organizations to review a study conducted on student veterans using their GI Bill benefits. The study, conducted by Student Veterans of America, was a joint research project with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Student Clearinghouse. Their objective was to find a more in-depth understanding of how veterans perform in institutions of higher education while using the GI Bill in comparison to non-veteran students. The study report is set to be published next week. During the roundtable discussion, some data was presented to Subcommittee Chairman Jodey Arrington and Ranking Member Beto O’Rourke on how to preserve and enhance GI Bill benefits. Since 2009, student veterans have earned 453,000 degrees and certificates using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and an expected 1.4 million more degrees will be earned in 10 years. These degrees are primarily in business, management, marketing, health professions and STEM –– all of which are areas in high demand for employment. Learn more about the study.
3. VSOs Release Independent Budget: The VFW, along with coauthors Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America, released their 30th edition of the Independent Budget, which is a recommended budget guideline prepared by veterans for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The collaborative report was released Tuesday with the support of 27 other veteran, military, family and professional health organizations. Topping the list of six critical issues for the new 115th Congress to address is the need to strengthen, reform and sustain the VA health care system. Said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy, “Choice Act funding expires this year, so it is imperative that Congress and the administration incorporate what works into the VA’s standard operating procedures as we move forward. Through contracted care, the Choice Act enabled the VA to serve more veterans in more areas than ever before, but it also highlighted weaknesses, such as chronic employee shortages, especially in clerical staffing, which forces doctors and nurses to file paperwork instead of seeing more patients. The Choice Act also proved that contracted care can complement but never replace the continuity and continuum of care that the VA provides to America’s veterans.” Read other comments and download this year’s Independent Budget.
4. Military Struggling With Budget Instability: Ending sequestration has been a top VFW legislative priority ever since it was created by the Budget Control Act of 2011; yet six years later, America’s military is still at war in Afghanistan and Iraq, but now with the added threats posed by Russia, ISIS, China, Iran and North Korea. These points were hammered home Tuesday when the vice chiefs of the four military services testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Readiness has suffered from years of budget instability, statutory budget caps, temporary workarounds, personnel end-strength cuts and Congress passing nine consecutive continuing resolutions. Only one-third of Army brigade combat teams and one-fourth of combat aviation brigades are ready today. Eighty percent of Marine aviation units lack the minimum number of ready basic aircraft. The Navy can only satisfy 40 percent of regional combatant commander demand. Air Force pilots today are flying less than half the 15 sorties and 20 hours a month their predecessors flew in the 1970s, the decade the Air Force uses to define “hollow force.” There is hope the new administration and new Congress can begin making repairs. They have until April 28, when the current stopgap continuing resolution expires. Read testimony and watch the Senate hearing.
5. Pentagon RIF Meeting: Last week, the VFW expressed concern to the Department of Defense that its new reduction in force (RIF) policy –– which lowered veteran preference from second to fourth in importance –– demonstrated a lessening of Pentagon support to retain qualified veterans. As a result, DOD held a meeting with the VFW and other veteran organizations to discuss a potential RIF’s impact on veterans in DOD’s civilian workforce. DOD was required by the 2016 defense bill to create a new RIF policy that moved job performance to the primary retention measurement factor. The VFW awaits answers to questions on the full impact the new measure would have on veterans in the event of a RIF.
6. VA Nominee Gets Closer to Confirmation: On Tuesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted unanimously to advance the nomination of Dr. David J. Shulkin as Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the full Senate. While other nominees have faced a grueling nomination process, Dr. Shulkin’s nomination is not expected to face opposition. The VFW sent Senate leadership a letter on Wednesday supporting Dr. Shulkin’s nomination and urging a swift confirmation process. The Senate is expected to consider Dr. Shulkin’s nomination on Monday, February 13, 2017.
7. Women’s History Month Art Exhibits: The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans has announced 10 VA Medical Centers that will display female veteran artists’ work throughout the month of March to celebrate Women’s History Month. The Center for Women Veterans partnered with Veteran Artist Program to select the 10 artists who will be featured. Find the location nearest to you and read more about the exhibits.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of eight Americans who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Storekeeper 2nd Class Glenn G. Cyriack was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Cyriack was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Cyriack.
-- Fireman 1st Class Michael Galajdik was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Galajdik was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Galajdik.
-- Navy Seaman 2nd Class George T. George was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. George was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about George.
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class William H. Kennedy was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Kennedy was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Kennedy.
-- Navy Musician 1st Class Elliot D. Larsen was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Larsen was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Larsen.
-- Navy Gunner's Mate 1st Class Arthur C. Neuenschwander was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Neuenschwander was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Neuenschwander.
-- Fireman 3rd Class Robert N. Walkowiak was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Walkowiak was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Walkowiak.
-- Army Sgt. Donald D. Noehren was a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Service Company, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. While conducting a delaying action against Chinese forces south from the Ch’ongch’on River to Kunu-ri, North Korea, his unit encountered heavy fire and continuous enemy mortars. Noehren was captured during the withdrawal and was declared missing in action as of Nov. 30, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more about Noehren.
In This Issue:
1. Assessing the VA IT Landscape
2. House Veterans Affairs Roundtable
3. VSOs Release Independent Budget
4. Military Struggling With Budget Instability
5. Pentagon RIF Meeting
6. VA Nominee Gets Closer to Confirmation
7. Women’s History Month Art Exhibits
8. MIA Update
Download a PDF version of this week's Action Corps Weekly.
1. Assessing the VA IT Landscape: On Tuesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held its first oversight hearing to discuss challenges VA faces with its IT infrastructure. VA highlighted recent changes to its process to expedite delivery of IT projects and improve the veteran’s experience, such as interoperability of electronic health records between VA and DOD through the Joint Legacy Viewer –– a new scheduling system to get veterans their appointments faster –– and improvements to the system VA uses to process disability claims to ensure veterans get faster decisions. VFW National Veterans Service Deputy Director Ryan Gallucci submitted testimony detailing steps VA must take to improve its claims processing system to ensure VFW Service Officers can track claims and better assist veterans and their families. Committee members and the VFW urged VA to purchase a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic health care record system to replace its aging electronic health care record, VistA. VA’s Acting Chief Information Officer Rob Thomas agreed purchasing a COTS health care record system is the best approach and will propose VA do so. View a video of the hearing or read the testimony.
2. House Veterans Affairs Roundtable: The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity hosted a roundtable discussion with committee members and veterans service organizations to review a study conducted on student veterans using their GI Bill benefits. The study, conducted by Student Veterans of America, was a joint research project with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Student Clearinghouse. Their objective was to find a more in-depth understanding of how veterans perform in institutions of higher education while using the GI Bill in comparison to non-veteran students. The study report is set to be published next week. During the roundtable discussion, some data was presented to Subcommittee Chairman Jodey Arrington and Ranking Member Beto O’Rourke on how to preserve and enhance GI Bill benefits. Since 2009, student veterans have earned 453,000 degrees and certificates using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and an expected 1.4 million more degrees will be earned in 10 years. These degrees are primarily in business, management, marketing, health professions and STEM –– all of which are areas in high demand for employment. Learn more about the study.
3. VSOs Release Independent Budget: The VFW, along with coauthors Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America, released their 30th edition of the Independent Budget, which is a recommended budget guideline prepared by veterans for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The collaborative report was released Tuesday with the support of 27 other veteran, military, family and professional health organizations. Topping the list of six critical issues for the new 115th Congress to address is the need to strengthen, reform and sustain the VA health care system. Said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy, “Choice Act funding expires this year, so it is imperative that Congress and the administration incorporate what works into the VA’s standard operating procedures as we move forward. Through contracted care, the Choice Act enabled the VA to serve more veterans in more areas than ever before, but it also highlighted weaknesses, such as chronic employee shortages, especially in clerical staffing, which forces doctors and nurses to file paperwork instead of seeing more patients. The Choice Act also proved that contracted care can complement but never replace the continuity and continuum of care that the VA provides to America’s veterans.” Read other comments and download this year’s Independent Budget.
4. Military Struggling With Budget Instability: Ending sequestration has been a top VFW legislative priority ever since it was created by the Budget Control Act of 2011; yet six years later, America’s military is still at war in Afghanistan and Iraq, but now with the added threats posed by Russia, ISIS, China, Iran and North Korea. These points were hammered home Tuesday when the vice chiefs of the four military services testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Readiness has suffered from years of budget instability, statutory budget caps, temporary workarounds, personnel end-strength cuts and Congress passing nine consecutive continuing resolutions. Only one-third of Army brigade combat teams and one-fourth of combat aviation brigades are ready today. Eighty percent of Marine aviation units lack the minimum number of ready basic aircraft. The Navy can only satisfy 40 percent of regional combatant commander demand. Air Force pilots today are flying less than half the 15 sorties and 20 hours a month their predecessors flew in the 1970s, the decade the Air Force uses to define “hollow force.” There is hope the new administration and new Congress can begin making repairs. They have until April 28, when the current stopgap continuing resolution expires. Read testimony and watch the Senate hearing.
5. Pentagon RIF Meeting: Last week, the VFW expressed concern to the Department of Defense that its new reduction in force (RIF) policy –– which lowered veteran preference from second to fourth in importance –– demonstrated a lessening of Pentagon support to retain qualified veterans. As a result, DOD held a meeting with the VFW and other veteran organizations to discuss a potential RIF’s impact on veterans in DOD’s civilian workforce. DOD was required by the 2016 defense bill to create a new RIF policy that moved job performance to the primary retention measurement factor. The VFW awaits answers to questions on the full impact the new measure would have on veterans in the event of a RIF.
6. VA Nominee Gets Closer to Confirmation: On Tuesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted unanimously to advance the nomination of Dr. David J. Shulkin as Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the full Senate. While other nominees have faced a grueling nomination process, Dr. Shulkin’s nomination is not expected to face opposition. The VFW sent Senate leadership a letter on Wednesday supporting Dr. Shulkin’s nomination and urging a swift confirmation process. The Senate is expected to consider Dr. Shulkin’s nomination on Monday, February 13, 2017.
7. Women’s History Month Art Exhibits: The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans has announced 10 VA Medical Centers that will display female veteran artists’ work throughout the month of March to celebrate Women’s History Month. The Center for Women Veterans partnered with Veteran Artist Program to select the 10 artists who will be featured. Find the location nearest to you and read more about the exhibits.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of eight Americans who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Storekeeper 2nd Class Glenn G. Cyriack was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Cyriack was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Cyriack.
-- Fireman 1st Class Michael Galajdik was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Galajdik was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Galajdik.
-- Navy Seaman 2nd Class George T. George was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. George was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about George.
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class William H. Kennedy was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Kennedy was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Kennedy.
-- Navy Musician 1st Class Elliot D. Larsen was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Larsen was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Larsen.
-- Navy Gunner's Mate 1st Class Arthur C. Neuenschwander was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Neuenschwander was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Neuenschwander.
-- Fireman 3rd Class Robert N. Walkowiak was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Walkowiak was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more about Walkowiak.
-- Army Sgt. Donald D. Noehren was a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Service Company, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. While conducting a delaying action against Chinese forces south from the Ch’ongch’on River to Kunu-ri, North Korea, his unit encountered heavy fire and continuous enemy mortars. Noehren was captured during the withdrawal and was declared missing in action as of Nov. 30, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more about Noehren.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
3 February 2017
February 3, 2017
In This Issue:
1. Vets Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing
2. Army Reserve VSO/MSO Roundtable
3. New Blended Retirement Training
4. DOD Increases Discharge and Records Review Outreach
5. Iraqi Translators Now Welcome
6. Veterans Day Poster Contest
7. DeCA Announces Private Labels
8. MIA Update
1. Vets Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing: On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a confirmation hearing to vet Dr. David Shulkin, President Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Veterans Affairs. Shulkin has served as VA’s under secretary for health for the past 18 months and has overseen the implementation of the Choice Program. Shulkin was grilled on what still needs to be done to improve access, what tools he needs to achieve accountability within the agency, and what steps need to be taken to improve the claims process –– specifically appeals. The hearing was cordial and Dr. Shulkin acquitted himself well. The committee will likely vote next week to approve his nomination, which will send the nomination to the Senate floor for a final vote. Watch the confirmation hearing.
2. Army Reserve VSO/MSO Roundtable: The VFW participated in a veteran and military service organization roundtable on Thursday with Chief of Army Reserve Lieutenant General Charles D. Luckey, who was joined by Assistant Chief of Army Reserve Mr. Stephen Austin, Deputy Chief of Army Reserve Major General Michael Smith, as well as senior officials from the directorates of legislative affairs, private-public partnerships, communications, and the WWI commemoration. Discussions focused on readiness, finding balance between military and civilian employment demands and the future of the force.
3. New Blended Retirement Training: On Tuesday, the Department of Defense released training on the new Blended Retirement System, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2018. The new system combines a 20-year cliff vested defined benefit, similar to the legacy high-3 system, with a defined contribution and government matching benefit. Service members on or entering active duty before Dec. 31, 2017, will be required to complete the training before deciding whether to opt-in to the new system or remain in the legacy system. Access training and additional details on the BRS.
4. DOD Increases Discharge and Records Review Outreach: The Department of Defense is renewing its efforts to make more veterans aware of military discharge and records review opportunities. In a press release, DOD said it is reviewing and consolidating all related policies to reinforce its commitment to ensuring fair and equitable review of separations for all veterans. Whether the discharge or other correction is the result of PTSD, sexual orientation, sexual assault, or some other consideration, the department is committed to rectifying errors or injustices and treating all veterans with dignity and respect. Veterans who desire a correction to their service record or who believe their discharge was unjust, erroneous, or warrants an upgrade, are encouraged to apply for the review. Learn more about the DOD’s outreach efforts.
5. Iraqi Translators Now Welcome: Defense officials this week are welcoming an administration decision to allow Iraqi translators and interpreters with special documentation to come to the United States. The move was in response to a presidential executive order to temporarily halt the flow of immigrants from seven countries until a better individual vetting process could be created. DOD said embassies and consulates overseas will continue to process and issue special immigrant visas to qualified applicants, including Iraqis who often put themselves at great personal risk by supporting U.S. forces. Read more about the decision.
6. Veterans Day Poster Contest: The 2017 Veterans Day Poster Contest is now open for submissions from all artists. The selected poster will be distributed to all VA facilities and military installations, as well as serve as the cover of the official Veterans Day program at Arlington National Cemetery. The submission deadline is April 15. Get additional submission details and submit your entry today.
7. DeCA Announces Private Labels: The Defense Commissary Agency has chosen the names “Freedom’s Choice™” for its private label –– or store brand –– food products and “HomeBase™” for its private label non-food products. Items will begin appearing on commissary shelves in May, with the number and types of items available expected to grow over the coming years. Read the full press release.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of two Americans who had been missing in action from Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Cpl. Melvin R. Hill, 19, of Pomona, California, will be buried Feb. 4 in Alex, Oklahoma. In late November 1950, Hill’s unit was assembled with South Korean soldiers in the 31st Regimental Combat Team on the east side of the Chosin River, North Korea, when his unit was attacked by Chinese forces. After several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,300 members of the RCT were killed or captured in enemy territory. Hill was among those declared missing on Dec. 6, 1950. Read more about Cpl. Hill.
-- Army Master Sgt. Ira V. Miss, Jr., 23, of Frederick, Maryland, will be buried Feb. 8 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. Miss was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, operating in the area known as the Central Corridor in South Korea. Miss was reported missing in action on Feb. 13, 1951, after Chinese forces overran the roadblock he was manning. Read more about Master Sgt. Miss.
In This Issue:
1. Vets Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing
2. Army Reserve VSO/MSO Roundtable
3. New Blended Retirement Training
4. DOD Increases Discharge and Records Review Outreach
5. Iraqi Translators Now Welcome
6. Veterans Day Poster Contest
7. DeCA Announces Private Labels
8. MIA Update
1. Vets Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing: On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a confirmation hearing to vet Dr. David Shulkin, President Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Veterans Affairs. Shulkin has served as VA’s under secretary for health for the past 18 months and has overseen the implementation of the Choice Program. Shulkin was grilled on what still needs to be done to improve access, what tools he needs to achieve accountability within the agency, and what steps need to be taken to improve the claims process –– specifically appeals. The hearing was cordial and Dr. Shulkin acquitted himself well. The committee will likely vote next week to approve his nomination, which will send the nomination to the Senate floor for a final vote. Watch the confirmation hearing.
2. Army Reserve VSO/MSO Roundtable: The VFW participated in a veteran and military service organization roundtable on Thursday with Chief of Army Reserve Lieutenant General Charles D. Luckey, who was joined by Assistant Chief of Army Reserve Mr. Stephen Austin, Deputy Chief of Army Reserve Major General Michael Smith, as well as senior officials from the directorates of legislative affairs, private-public partnerships, communications, and the WWI commemoration. Discussions focused on readiness, finding balance between military and civilian employment demands and the future of the force.
3. New Blended Retirement Training: On Tuesday, the Department of Defense released training on the new Blended Retirement System, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2018. The new system combines a 20-year cliff vested defined benefit, similar to the legacy high-3 system, with a defined contribution and government matching benefit. Service members on or entering active duty before Dec. 31, 2017, will be required to complete the training before deciding whether to opt-in to the new system or remain in the legacy system. Access training and additional details on the BRS.
4. DOD Increases Discharge and Records Review Outreach: The Department of Defense is renewing its efforts to make more veterans aware of military discharge and records review opportunities. In a press release, DOD said it is reviewing and consolidating all related policies to reinforce its commitment to ensuring fair and equitable review of separations for all veterans. Whether the discharge or other correction is the result of PTSD, sexual orientation, sexual assault, or some other consideration, the department is committed to rectifying errors or injustices and treating all veterans with dignity and respect. Veterans who desire a correction to their service record or who believe their discharge was unjust, erroneous, or warrants an upgrade, are encouraged to apply for the review. Learn more about the DOD’s outreach efforts.
5. Iraqi Translators Now Welcome: Defense officials this week are welcoming an administration decision to allow Iraqi translators and interpreters with special documentation to come to the United States. The move was in response to a presidential executive order to temporarily halt the flow of immigrants from seven countries until a better individual vetting process could be created. DOD said embassies and consulates overseas will continue to process and issue special immigrant visas to qualified applicants, including Iraqis who often put themselves at great personal risk by supporting U.S. forces. Read more about the decision.
6. Veterans Day Poster Contest: The 2017 Veterans Day Poster Contest is now open for submissions from all artists. The selected poster will be distributed to all VA facilities and military installations, as well as serve as the cover of the official Veterans Day program at Arlington National Cemetery. The submission deadline is April 15. Get additional submission details and submit your entry today.
7. DeCA Announces Private Labels: The Defense Commissary Agency has chosen the names “Freedom’s Choice™” for its private label –– or store brand –– food products and “HomeBase™” for its private label non-food products. Items will begin appearing on commissary shelves in May, with the number and types of items available expected to grow over the coming years. Read the full press release.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of two Americans who had been missing in action from Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Cpl. Melvin R. Hill, 19, of Pomona, California, will be buried Feb. 4 in Alex, Oklahoma. In late November 1950, Hill’s unit was assembled with South Korean soldiers in the 31st Regimental Combat Team on the east side of the Chosin River, North Korea, when his unit was attacked by Chinese forces. After several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,300 members of the RCT were killed or captured in enemy territory. Hill was among those declared missing on Dec. 6, 1950. Read more about Cpl. Hill.
-- Army Master Sgt. Ira V. Miss, Jr., 23, of Frederick, Maryland, will be buried Feb. 8 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. Miss was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, operating in the area known as the Central Corridor in South Korea. Miss was reported missing in action on Feb. 13, 1951, after Chinese forces overran the roadblock he was manning. Read more about Master Sgt. Miss.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
27 January 2017
January 27, 2017
In This Issue:
1. Federal Hiring Freeze Update
2. Three Veterans Tapped for Service Secretaries
3. VA to Begin Fertility Counseling and Treatment
4. Pentagon Changes RIF Evaluations
1. Federal Hiring Freeze Update: On Monday, President Trump initiated a 90-day federal hiring freeze until the Office of Management and Budget can develop a long-term plan to reduce the size of the federal government's workforce through attrition. The executive memorandum does allow the head of any executive department or agency to exempt any position that is deemed necessary to meet national security or public safety responsibilities. Military service members are specifically exempt from the temporary freeze, but the Defense Department’s 750,000 federal civilians are not; nor are the 350,000 employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Acting VA Secretary Robert Snyder said he would continue to hire medical staff and other front line personnel, and the VFW fully expects Trump’s VA nominee, Dr. David Shulkin, and DOD to do likewise. Long time federal civilian personnel experts have called the temporary freeze a prudent step that many new administrations exercise in order to assess what they have before moving forward. Read the full memo here.
2. Three Veterans Tapped for Service Secretaries: President Trump nominated businessman Philip Bilden this week to become the new Secretary of the Navy. Bilden served from 1986 to 1996 in the Army Reserve as a military intelligence officer, including a stint at the Defense Intelligence Agency. He is the son of a career naval officer, and his mother also grew up in a Navy family. His eldest son graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2015, and his youngest is in the Class of 2018. Bilden now joins former Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.), the new Air Force Secretary nominee, and Vincent Viola, who was picked for Army Secretary. Wilson graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1982 and served until 1989, when she left to join the National Security Council as its director for European defense policy and arms control. Viola graduated from West Point in 1977, and served in the 101st Airborne Division. Their Senate confirmation hearings have yet to be announced.
3. VA to Begin Fertility Counseling and Treatment: Thanks to the advocacy of VFW members, VA is now authorized to provide fertility counseling and treatment using assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), to veterans with service-connected disabilities that resulted in the inability to procreate without the use of such treatments. Last week, VA announced that it will begin providing IVF treatments for eligible veterans and their spouses. Veterans with service-related infertility who wish to explore IVF options should schedule an appointment with their local VA health care facility for eligibility determinations, clinical evaluation and consultation. The law also authorizes VA to reimburse veterans for the cost of adoption, but VA has not announced when it will begin adoption reimbursements.
4. Pentagon Changes RIF Evaluations: The Defense Department announced this week a change in the way it would evaluate its civilians if there were to be a reduction in force (RIF). The procedural change was required by the 2016 defense budget and is not an indicator of an impending RIF. The change required DOD to make employee performance the top retention factor –– it currently ranks fourth in importance elsewhere in government. However, in the reshuffling of evaluation factors, the Pentagon dropped veterans’ preference to fourth in importance, where previously it was second. The VFW sees this move as a lessening of Pentagon support to retain qualified veterans and is voicing our disagreement with new Defense Secretary James Mattis. Read the new policy.
Do you know someone who wants to help us fight for veterans? Sign up new veterans' advocates today.
In This Issue:
1. Federal Hiring Freeze Update
2. Three Veterans Tapped for Service Secretaries
3. VA to Begin Fertility Counseling and Treatment
4. Pentagon Changes RIF Evaluations
1. Federal Hiring Freeze Update: On Monday, President Trump initiated a 90-day federal hiring freeze until the Office of Management and Budget can develop a long-term plan to reduce the size of the federal government's workforce through attrition. The executive memorandum does allow the head of any executive department or agency to exempt any position that is deemed necessary to meet national security or public safety responsibilities. Military service members are specifically exempt from the temporary freeze, but the Defense Department’s 750,000 federal civilians are not; nor are the 350,000 employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Acting VA Secretary Robert Snyder said he would continue to hire medical staff and other front line personnel, and the VFW fully expects Trump’s VA nominee, Dr. David Shulkin, and DOD to do likewise. Long time federal civilian personnel experts have called the temporary freeze a prudent step that many new administrations exercise in order to assess what they have before moving forward. Read the full memo here.
2. Three Veterans Tapped for Service Secretaries: President Trump nominated businessman Philip Bilden this week to become the new Secretary of the Navy. Bilden served from 1986 to 1996 in the Army Reserve as a military intelligence officer, including a stint at the Defense Intelligence Agency. He is the son of a career naval officer, and his mother also grew up in a Navy family. His eldest son graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2015, and his youngest is in the Class of 2018. Bilden now joins former Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.), the new Air Force Secretary nominee, and Vincent Viola, who was picked for Army Secretary. Wilson graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1982 and served until 1989, when she left to join the National Security Council as its director for European defense policy and arms control. Viola graduated from West Point in 1977, and served in the 101st Airborne Division. Their Senate confirmation hearings have yet to be announced.
3. VA to Begin Fertility Counseling and Treatment: Thanks to the advocacy of VFW members, VA is now authorized to provide fertility counseling and treatment using assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), to veterans with service-connected disabilities that resulted in the inability to procreate without the use of such treatments. Last week, VA announced that it will begin providing IVF treatments for eligible veterans and their spouses. Veterans with service-related infertility who wish to explore IVF options should schedule an appointment with their local VA health care facility for eligibility determinations, clinical evaluation and consultation. The law also authorizes VA to reimburse veterans for the cost of adoption, but VA has not announced when it will begin adoption reimbursements.
4. Pentagon Changes RIF Evaluations: The Defense Department announced this week a change in the way it would evaluate its civilians if there were to be a reduction in force (RIF). The procedural change was required by the 2016 defense budget and is not an indicator of an impending RIF. The change required DOD to make employee performance the top retention factor –– it currently ranks fourth in importance elsewhere in government. However, in the reshuffling of evaluation factors, the Pentagon dropped veterans’ preference to fourth in importance, where previously it was second. The VFW sees this move as a lessening of Pentagon support to retain qualified veterans and is voicing our disagreement with new Defense Secretary James Mattis. Read the new policy.
Do you know someone who wants to help us fight for veterans? Sign up new veterans' advocates today.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
19 January 2017
January 19, 2017
This week’s issue is being sent today in observance of Inauguration Day.
In This Issue:
1. President Upends Military Justice System
2. SASC Clears Defense Nominee
3. Medal of Honor Reception
4. VA to Host Summit for Women Veterans
5. MIA Update
1. President Upends Military Justice System: President Obama this week upended the entire military justice system by commuting the sentences of two military prisoners and pardoning a retired general officer. Being released from prison is former Army Pvt. Bradley Manning, who was sentenced to serve 35 years for releasing three-quarters of a million classified and sensitive military and diplomatic communiques. Former Army Pfc. Dwight Loving, a double murderer, had his death sentence commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole, and retired Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright, the former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was pardoned for lying to the FBI and releasing sensitive intelligence information to reporters. VFW National Commander Brian Duffy called Manning’s release offensive, Loving’s commutation a reflection of more concern for a convicted murderer than the families of the two dead taxicab drivers he killed, and Cartwright’s pardon proof that rank does have its privileges. Read more at:http://www.vfw.org/news-and-publications/press-room/archives/2017/1/vfw-critical-of-presidents-military-commutations-pardon.
2. SASC Clears Defense Nominee: Confirmation of retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis as defense secretary could occur this week following a vote in favor of his nomination Wednesday by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The committee voted 26-1 to send Mattis’ nomination to the full Senate, which has the final say on approving cabinet appointments. That vote could come immediately after President-elect Trump is sworn into office on Friday and officially nominates the general, who received the VFW Dwight D. Eisenhower Award at the 116th VFW National Convention in Pittsburgh. Read more at:
https://www.stripes.com/news/us/senate-armed-services-committee-approves-mattis-1.449520?utm_source=Stars+and+Stripes+Emails&utm_campaign=Daily+Headlines&utm_medium=email.
3. Medal of Honor Reception: VFW National Commander Brian Duffy hosted a reception Wednesday evening for nearly three dozen Medal of Honor recipients who are in town for the inauguration. Also in attendance was the nominee to become the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. David Shulkin, as well as Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Girodano, the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell, among many others.
4. VA to Host Summit for Women Veterans: The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans is slated to host the Summit for Women Veterans in Dallas from March 17-18. The summit will be the first national-level event for women veterans since 2011. Topics will include training, information and guidance particular to female veterans, regardless of VA enrollment. There will be lectures, panel discussions, exhibits and open forums promoting forward-thinking dialogue, collaboration with industry best practices and research. The target audience includes women veterans, public sector partners, academics and community partners. “Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from VA leadership, and participate in breakout sessions focused on employment, mental health, entrepreneurship, military sexual trauma, reproductive health, culture change and more. Additionally, plenary sessions will focus on VA care and benefits, partner organizations, and a special “Voice of the Veteran” panel,” said Kayla Williams, the director of VA’s Center for Women Veterans. To learn more about the summit and how to register, visit: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/34336/.
5. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of one American who had been missing in action from World War II. Returning home for burial with full military honors is:
-- Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. John D. Mumford was a P-51C “Mustang” pilot assigned to the 318th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, 15th Air Force. On June 6, 1944, Mumford flew escort for B-17 “Flying Fortress” bombers on their mission to bomb and destroy a German occupied airfield at Galati, Romania. Following the bombing, the formation was attacked by German fighters. Mumford pursued two German fighters before crashing near present day Novi Troyany, Ukraine. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1052053/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-mumford/.
This week’s issue is being sent today in observance of Inauguration Day.
In This Issue:
1. President Upends Military Justice System
2. SASC Clears Defense Nominee
3. Medal of Honor Reception
4. VA to Host Summit for Women Veterans
5. MIA Update
1. President Upends Military Justice System: President Obama this week upended the entire military justice system by commuting the sentences of two military prisoners and pardoning a retired general officer. Being released from prison is former Army Pvt. Bradley Manning, who was sentenced to serve 35 years for releasing three-quarters of a million classified and sensitive military and diplomatic communiques. Former Army Pfc. Dwight Loving, a double murderer, had his death sentence commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole, and retired Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright, the former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was pardoned for lying to the FBI and releasing sensitive intelligence information to reporters. VFW National Commander Brian Duffy called Manning’s release offensive, Loving’s commutation a reflection of more concern for a convicted murderer than the families of the two dead taxicab drivers he killed, and Cartwright’s pardon proof that rank does have its privileges. Read more at:http://www.vfw.org/news-and-publications/press-room/archives/2017/1/vfw-critical-of-presidents-military-commutations-pardon.
2. SASC Clears Defense Nominee: Confirmation of retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis as defense secretary could occur this week following a vote in favor of his nomination Wednesday by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The committee voted 26-1 to send Mattis’ nomination to the full Senate, which has the final say on approving cabinet appointments. That vote could come immediately after President-elect Trump is sworn into office on Friday and officially nominates the general, who received the VFW Dwight D. Eisenhower Award at the 116th VFW National Convention in Pittsburgh. Read more at:
https://www.stripes.com/news/us/senate-armed-services-committee-approves-mattis-1.449520?utm_source=Stars+and+Stripes+Emails&utm_campaign=Daily+Headlines&utm_medium=email.
3. Medal of Honor Reception: VFW National Commander Brian Duffy hosted a reception Wednesday evening for nearly three dozen Medal of Honor recipients who are in town for the inauguration. Also in attendance was the nominee to become the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. David Shulkin, as well as Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Girodano, the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell, among many others.
4. VA to Host Summit for Women Veterans: The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans is slated to host the Summit for Women Veterans in Dallas from March 17-18. The summit will be the first national-level event for women veterans since 2011. Topics will include training, information and guidance particular to female veterans, regardless of VA enrollment. There will be lectures, panel discussions, exhibits and open forums promoting forward-thinking dialogue, collaboration with industry best practices and research. The target audience includes women veterans, public sector partners, academics and community partners. “Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from VA leadership, and participate in breakout sessions focused on employment, mental health, entrepreneurship, military sexual trauma, reproductive health, culture change and more. Additionally, plenary sessions will focus on VA care and benefits, partner organizations, and a special “Voice of the Veteran” panel,” said Kayla Williams, the director of VA’s Center for Women Veterans. To learn more about the summit and how to register, visit: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/34336/.
5. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of one American who had been missing in action from World War II. Returning home for burial with full military honors is:
-- Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. John D. Mumford was a P-51C “Mustang” pilot assigned to the 318th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, 15th Air Force. On June 6, 1944, Mumford flew escort for B-17 “Flying Fortress” bombers on their mission to bomb and destroy a German occupied airfield at Galati, Romania. Following the bombing, the formation was attacked by German fighters. Mumford pursued two German fighters before crashing near present day Novi Troyany, Ukraine. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1052053/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-mumford/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
13 January 2017
In This Issue:
1. VA Secretary Nominated
2. Veterans Committees Leadership Changes
3. Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Vets Get Relief
4. DOD Authorizes Online Shopping for Vets
5. VFW-SVA 2017 Student Veterans Fellowship Class
6. MIA Update
1. VA Secretary Nominated: On Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump announced that
Dr. David Shulkin, VA’s current under secretary for health, has been nominated to be the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Shulkin has served as under secretary for 18 months and has been a leading force in VA’s health care reform. He will bring continuity to VA as it continues to improve its delivery of health care. After the announcement on Wednesday, VFW Commander-in-Chief Brian Duffy had this to say regarding the selection, “The VFW is proud to support the nomination of Dr. David Shulkin as the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and we are most appreciative of his willingness to continue serving veterans and making the VA better.”
2. Veterans Committees Leadership Changes: At the start of the 115th Congress, the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs have changed three of their four top leadership positions. On the Senate committee, Senator Johnny Isakson retains his position as Chairman, and Senator Jon Tester has been elected as the committee’s Ranking Member. On the House side, both leadership positions have changed hands. Congressman Phil Roe, M.D,. has been elected as Chairman and Congressman Tim Walz has been elected the Ranking Member. All four are long-term members of their respective committees as well as friends of the VFW. To learn more about the Senate and House committees, visit their websites at:http://www.veterans.senate.gov/; and https://veterans.house.gov/.
3. Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Vets Get Relief: The Obama administration has agreed to pay more than $2.2 billion over the next five years to the nearly 900,000 Marine Corps veterans and their families who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 and who suffer with one of the following medical conditions: Adult leukemia, aplastic anemia, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Parkinson’s disease. We will provide an update as we learn more about this decision.
4. DOD Authorizes Online Shopping for Vets: Today the Department of Defense announced that beginning November 11, 2017, all honorably discharged veterans will be granted online shopping privileges though the online military exchange. Veterans will now have access to all merchandise except for uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products. To read more about the program click here: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases.
5. VFW-SVA 2017 Student Veterans Fellowship Class: The VFW and Student Veterans of America announced the names of 10 student veterans who will comprise the third legislative fellowship class. The announcement was made during the SVA's 9th National Conference and continues efforts by both organizations to train grassroots advocates. The semester-long program includes policy research and five days in Washington, D.C., for the VFW's Legislative Conference. To learn more, click here: http://www.vfw.org/news-and-publications/press-room/archives/2017/1/vfw-and-sva-announce-2017-student-veteran-fellowship-class.
6. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of nine Americans who had been missing in action from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Sidney A. Cook was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. Cook's unit was one of those tasked with securing the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll. Encountering fierce resistance by the Japanese, almost 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and another 1,000 were wounded in the battle. Cook was killed on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043288/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-cook/.
-- Marine Corps Cpl. Walter G. Critchley was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. On Nov. 20, 1943, Critchley's unit landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll against fierce Japanese resistance. Critchley was killed on Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043296/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-critchley/.
-- Marine Corps Reserve 2nd Lt. Ernest Matthews was assigned to Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, Division Special Troops, 2nd Marine Division. On Nov. 20, 1943, Matthews' unit landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll. Matthews was among approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors killed in the intense fighting. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043278/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-matthews/.
-- Marine Corps Pfc. James O. Whitehurst was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. On Nov. 20, 1943, Whitehurst's unit landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll against stiff Japanese resistance. Whitehurst was killed on the first day of the battle, one of approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors killed in the intense fighting. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043282/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-whitehurst/.
-- Marine Corps Pfc. Larry R. Roberts was assigned to Special Weapons Group, 2nd Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force. Roberts' unit landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll on Nov. 20, 1943. After five days of intense battle against the Japanese, Roberts was declared killed in action on Nov. 25, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043285/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-roberts/.
-- Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Charles E. Carlson was a P-47 pilot with the 62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force. Carlson was shot down south of Bonn, Germany, during an air battle between American and German pilots on Dec. 23, 1944. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1046038/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-carlson/.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. William J. Gray was a member of the 391st Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Group. In April 1945, Gray flew his single seat P-47D aircraft on a dive-bombing mission in the vicinity of Lindau, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany. After strafing a truck, Gray's aircraft clipped a tree and crashed. Gray was declared killed in action on April 16, 1945. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043300/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-gray/.
-- Army Sgt. James W. Sharp was a member of Battery B, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division. In late November 1950, his unit was assembled with South Korean soldiers in the 31st Regimental Combat Team on the east side of the Chosin River, North Korea, when his unit was attacked by Chinese forces. Sharp was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory and was declared missing on Dec. 6, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1047133/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-sharp/.
-- Marine Corps Reserve 1st Lt. William C. Ryan was an F-4B radar intercept officer with the Marine Fighter Attack Force 115, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force Pacific. While pulling out of a bombing pass over Savannakhet Province, Laos, Ryan's aircraft was hit by enemy fire. Ryan failed to eject and was declared deceased as of May 11, 1969. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043272/marine-missing-from-vietnam-war-identified-ryan/.
1. VA Secretary Nominated
2. Veterans Committees Leadership Changes
3. Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Vets Get Relief
4. DOD Authorizes Online Shopping for Vets
5. VFW-SVA 2017 Student Veterans Fellowship Class
6. MIA Update
1. VA Secretary Nominated: On Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump announced that
Dr. David Shulkin, VA’s current under secretary for health, has been nominated to be the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Shulkin has served as under secretary for 18 months and has been a leading force in VA’s health care reform. He will bring continuity to VA as it continues to improve its delivery of health care. After the announcement on Wednesday, VFW Commander-in-Chief Brian Duffy had this to say regarding the selection, “The VFW is proud to support the nomination of Dr. David Shulkin as the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and we are most appreciative of his willingness to continue serving veterans and making the VA better.”
2. Veterans Committees Leadership Changes: At the start of the 115th Congress, the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs have changed three of their four top leadership positions. On the Senate committee, Senator Johnny Isakson retains his position as Chairman, and Senator Jon Tester has been elected as the committee’s Ranking Member. On the House side, both leadership positions have changed hands. Congressman Phil Roe, M.D,. has been elected as Chairman and Congressman Tim Walz has been elected the Ranking Member. All four are long-term members of their respective committees as well as friends of the VFW. To learn more about the Senate and House committees, visit their websites at:http://www.veterans.senate.gov/; and https://veterans.house.gov/.
3. Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Vets Get Relief: The Obama administration has agreed to pay more than $2.2 billion over the next five years to the nearly 900,000 Marine Corps veterans and their families who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 and who suffer with one of the following medical conditions: Adult leukemia, aplastic anemia, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Parkinson’s disease. We will provide an update as we learn more about this decision.
4. DOD Authorizes Online Shopping for Vets: Today the Department of Defense announced that beginning November 11, 2017, all honorably discharged veterans will be granted online shopping privileges though the online military exchange. Veterans will now have access to all merchandise except for uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products. To read more about the program click here: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases.
5. VFW-SVA 2017 Student Veterans Fellowship Class: The VFW and Student Veterans of America announced the names of 10 student veterans who will comprise the third legislative fellowship class. The announcement was made during the SVA's 9th National Conference and continues efforts by both organizations to train grassroots advocates. The semester-long program includes policy research and five days in Washington, D.C., for the VFW's Legislative Conference. To learn more, click here: http://www.vfw.org/news-and-publications/press-room/archives/2017/1/vfw-and-sva-announce-2017-student-veteran-fellowship-class.
6. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of nine Americans who had been missing in action from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Sidney A. Cook was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. Cook's unit was one of those tasked with securing the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll. Encountering fierce resistance by the Japanese, almost 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and another 1,000 were wounded in the battle. Cook was killed on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043288/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-cook/.
-- Marine Corps Cpl. Walter G. Critchley was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. On Nov. 20, 1943, Critchley's unit landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll against fierce Japanese resistance. Critchley was killed on Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043296/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-critchley/.
-- Marine Corps Reserve 2nd Lt. Ernest Matthews was assigned to Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, Division Special Troops, 2nd Marine Division. On Nov. 20, 1943, Matthews' unit landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll. Matthews was among approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors killed in the intense fighting. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043278/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-matthews/.
-- Marine Corps Pfc. James O. Whitehurst was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. On Nov. 20, 1943, Whitehurst's unit landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll against stiff Japanese resistance. Whitehurst was killed on the first day of the battle, one of approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors killed in the intense fighting. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043282/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-whitehurst/.
-- Marine Corps Pfc. Larry R. Roberts was assigned to Special Weapons Group, 2nd Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force. Roberts' unit landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll on Nov. 20, 1943. After five days of intense battle against the Japanese, Roberts was declared killed in action on Nov. 25, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043285/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-roberts/.
-- Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Charles E. Carlson was a P-47 pilot with the 62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force. Carlson was shot down south of Bonn, Germany, during an air battle between American and German pilots on Dec. 23, 1944. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1046038/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-carlson/.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. William J. Gray was a member of the 391st Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Group. In April 1945, Gray flew his single seat P-47D aircraft on a dive-bombing mission in the vicinity of Lindau, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany. After strafing a truck, Gray's aircraft clipped a tree and crashed. Gray was declared killed in action on April 16, 1945. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043300/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-gray/.
-- Army Sgt. James W. Sharp was a member of Battery B, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division. In late November 1950, his unit was assembled with South Korean soldiers in the 31st Regimental Combat Team on the east side of the Chosin River, North Korea, when his unit was attacked by Chinese forces. Sharp was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory and was declared missing on Dec. 6, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1047133/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-sharp/.
-- Marine Corps Reserve 1st Lt. William C. Ryan was an F-4B radar intercept officer with the Marine Fighter Attack Force 115, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force Pacific. While pulling out of a bombing pass over Savannakhet Province, Laos, Ryan's aircraft was hit by enemy fire. Ryan failed to eject and was declared deceased as of May 11, 1969. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1043272/marine-missing-from-vietnam-war-identified-ryan/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
6 January 2017
In This Issue:
1. New Congress Starts by Passing Vets Bills
2. CA National Guard to Pay Back Bonuses
3. VFW National Home Helps Military and Veteran Families
4. MIA Update
1. New Congress Starts by Passing Vets Bills: On Tuesday, shortly after the opening of the 115th Congress, the House of Representatives passed its first two pieces of legislation, H.R. 27 and H.R. 28 –– both veterans bills. H.R. 27, the Ensuring VA Employee Accountability Act will require that a copy of reprimands or admonishments are retained in a VA employee’s permanent record. H.R. 28, the Biological Implant Tracking and Veteran Safety Act of 2017, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adopt and implement a standard identification protocol for use in the tracking and procurement of biological implants. Both bills will need to pass the Senate before becoming law. On Wednesday, the House passed H.J. Res. 3, which approves the selection of a location for a memorial to commemorate and honor the members of the Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield. H.J. Res. 3 moves the VFW closer to fulfilling VFW Resolution 305, which was passed at our 115th National Convention. The Senate must also pass this resolution before final approval by the president.
2. CA National Guard to Pay Back Bonuses: After years of trying to collect reenlistment bonuses from California National Guard members and mounting pressure from the VFW, Congress and other VSOs, the Department of Defense (DOD) suspended its collection efforts in October of 2016. VFW National Commander Brian Duffy said at the time that he “welcomes the defense secretary’s decision to suspend the collections efforts, but that the decision doesn't go deep enough. A comprehensive program needs to be immediately created to help make these Guard members whole again. They signed and fulfilled a contract, and whether they were authorized to receive a bonus is the fault of a system, not of any recipient. Aside from stopping collection, the government should also restore those monies already collected.” Earlier this week, DOD Secretary Ash Carter ordered the repayment of those bonuses that had been collected. DOD is also tasked with exploring ways to assist those veterans who may have gone into debt or lost their homes because of the recoupment of their bonuses.
3. VFW National Home Helps Military and Veteran Families: For more than 92 years, the VFW National Home for Children has offered families the chance to heal and grow. A family may live in the National Home’s community for up to four years, during which time they are provided a full system of support and services. The National Home is open to families of active-duty military personnel, veterans and descendants of members of the VFW and the Auxiliary. For more information, contact the Military & Veteran Family Helpline at 800-313-4200 or visit the National Home’s website at: http://www.vfwnationalhome.org/.
4. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of 21 Americans who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Water Tender 1st Class Walter H. Sollie, 37, of Myrtlewood, Ala., will be buried Jan. 6, 2017, in Pensacola, Fla. Sollie was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Sollie was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/1039884/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-sollie/.
-- Army Maj. Jack D. Griffiths, 31, of San Diego, will be buried Jan. 11, 2017, in San Diego. On Nov. 30, 1950, Griffiths was a member of Headquarters, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, when he was reported missing in action in the vicinity of Somin-dong, North Korea. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/1041265/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-griffiths/.
-- Mr. John D. Armstrong, a former U.S. Navy Reservist, was training with the Flying Tigers at Kyedaw Airfield, a British Royal Air Force airfield outside of Toungoo, Burma, in 1941.Armstrong was killed in a midair collision during a training flight on Sept. 8, 1941. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1042317/american-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-armstrong/.
-- Mr. Maxx C. Hammer, Jr., was among a small group of American pilots training with the Flying Tigers to battle Japanese forces invading China in 1941. Hammer was killed during a training mission on Sep. 22, 1941, when his plane crashed near Toungoo, Burma, after a heavy rainstorm. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1042267/american-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-hammer/.
-- Mr. Peter Atkinson, a former U.S. Army Air Corps Reservist, was among a small group of American pilots training with the Flying Tigers at Kyedaw Airfield, outside of Toungoo, Burma, in 1941. In preparation for battling Japanese forces invading China, the pilots engaged their Curtiss P-40 single-seat aircraft in aggressive training and mock battles. On Oct. 25, 1941, Atkinson’s plane disintegrated while participating in one of these training flights. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1042263/american-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-atkinson/.
-- Navy Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Cecil E. Barncord, of Kansas, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Barncord was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034117/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-barncord/.
-- Navy Radioman 3rd Class Howard W. Bean, of Massachusetts, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Bean was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034111/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-bean/.
-- Navy Mess Attendant 1st Class Ralph M. Boudreaux, of Louisiana, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Boudreaux was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1041290/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-boudreaux/.
-- Navy Fireman 3rd Class Glaydon I.C. Iverson, of Minnesota, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Iverson was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1040481/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-iverson/.
-- Navy Coxswain Verne F. Knipp, of Colorado, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Knipp was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1040487/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-knipp/.
-- Navy Fire Controlman 2nd Class Donald R. McCloud, of West Virginia, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. McCloud was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034103/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-mccloud/.
-- Navy Seaman 1st Class Camillus M. O'Grady, of Kansas, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. O’Grady was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034122/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-ogrady/.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Francis J. Pitonyak, of Pennsylvania, disappeared while leading a four-ship of fighter aircraft on an armed patrol mission. Enroute to Nadzab, Territory of Papua, the pilots encountered inclement weather, causing one pilot to return to base, where he reported his fellow pilots, including Pitonyak, missing. After an unsuccessful aerial search the following day, Pitonyak was declared deceased on Oct. 28, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1035684/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-pitonyak/.
-- Army Pvt. Gene J. Appleby, of Ohio, was a member of Company A, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. On Sep. 17, 1944, Appleby parachuted onto a drop zone north of Groesbeek, the Netherlands, as part of Operation Market-Garden. As the soldiers rallied, Appleby was reportedly struck by enemy fire and, following the attack, was listed as missing in action.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1040739/soldier-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-appleby/.
-- Army Cpl. Luis P. Torres, of Waushura, Wis., was stationed with Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division along the east bank of the Naktong River, near Changyong, South Korea. On Sept. 1, 1950, his battalion’s position was overrun by enemy forces. Torres was reported missing after the battle. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034730/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-torres/ .
-- Army Pfc. Thomas C. Stagg, of Jefferson, Ala., was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. On Nov. 29, 1950, Stagg was on a reconnaissance patrol near Hajoyang-ni, North Korea, when it was ambushed. Following the battle, Stagg could not be accounted for and he was declared killed in action. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1032312/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-stagg/.
-- Army Pfc. Charles C. Follese, of Koochiching, Minn., was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. On Nov. 30, 1950, Follese was part of a patrol sent to recover casualties near Hajoyang-ni, North Korea, when his patrol was ambushed. Follese could not be accounted for after the ambush and was declared killed in action. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034151/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-follese/.
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class Eugene J. Colley, of New Hanover, N.C., was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. In late November 1950, his unit was assembled with South Korean soldiers into the 31st Regimental Combat Team on the east side of the Chosin River, North Korea, when his unit was attacked by Chinese forces. Colley was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory and was declared missing on Dec. 2, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1041786/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-colley/.
-- Army Sgt. Thomas E. Zimmer, of Milwaukee, Wis., was stationed with Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, on the east side of the Chosin River, North Korea, when his unit was attacked by Chinese Forces . After heavy fighting his unit was forced to withdraw to Hagaru-ri. Zimmer was unaccounted for after the battle and was reported missing as of Dec. 6, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034358/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-zimmer/.
-- Army Sgt. Edward Saunders, of Baltimore City, Md., was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On the night of Feb. 11, 1951, Saunders’ company was supporting a planned offensive with the Republic of Korea’s 16th Regiment when they were attacked by Chinese forces. After heavy fighting, the unit was forced to withdraw to Hoensong, South Korea. Saunders could not be accounted for after the battle.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1041784/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-saunders/.
-- Army Cpl. Joseph N. Pelletier, of Coos County, N.H., was assigned to Headquarters Battery,15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, near the Central Corridor in South Korea. While supporting Korean-led attacks on Chinese forces, they were caught in a massive Chinese counterattack on Feb. 11, 1951. Pelletier was declared missing on Feb. 13, 1951. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1036475/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-pelletier/.
1. New Congress Starts by Passing Vets Bills
2. CA National Guard to Pay Back Bonuses
3. VFW National Home Helps Military and Veteran Families
4. MIA Update
1. New Congress Starts by Passing Vets Bills: On Tuesday, shortly after the opening of the 115th Congress, the House of Representatives passed its first two pieces of legislation, H.R. 27 and H.R. 28 –– both veterans bills. H.R. 27, the Ensuring VA Employee Accountability Act will require that a copy of reprimands or admonishments are retained in a VA employee’s permanent record. H.R. 28, the Biological Implant Tracking and Veteran Safety Act of 2017, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adopt and implement a standard identification protocol for use in the tracking and procurement of biological implants. Both bills will need to pass the Senate before becoming law. On Wednesday, the House passed H.J. Res. 3, which approves the selection of a location for a memorial to commemorate and honor the members of the Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield. H.J. Res. 3 moves the VFW closer to fulfilling VFW Resolution 305, which was passed at our 115th National Convention. The Senate must also pass this resolution before final approval by the president.
2. CA National Guard to Pay Back Bonuses: After years of trying to collect reenlistment bonuses from California National Guard members and mounting pressure from the VFW, Congress and other VSOs, the Department of Defense (DOD) suspended its collection efforts in October of 2016. VFW National Commander Brian Duffy said at the time that he “welcomes the defense secretary’s decision to suspend the collections efforts, but that the decision doesn't go deep enough. A comprehensive program needs to be immediately created to help make these Guard members whole again. They signed and fulfilled a contract, and whether they were authorized to receive a bonus is the fault of a system, not of any recipient. Aside from stopping collection, the government should also restore those monies already collected.” Earlier this week, DOD Secretary Ash Carter ordered the repayment of those bonuses that had been collected. DOD is also tasked with exploring ways to assist those veterans who may have gone into debt or lost their homes because of the recoupment of their bonuses.
3. VFW National Home Helps Military and Veteran Families: For more than 92 years, the VFW National Home for Children has offered families the chance to heal and grow. A family may live in the National Home’s community for up to four years, during which time they are provided a full system of support and services. The National Home is open to families of active-duty military personnel, veterans and descendants of members of the VFW and the Auxiliary. For more information, contact the Military & Veteran Family Helpline at 800-313-4200 or visit the National Home’s website at: http://www.vfwnationalhome.org/.
4. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of 21 Americans who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Water Tender 1st Class Walter H. Sollie, 37, of Myrtlewood, Ala., will be buried Jan. 6, 2017, in Pensacola, Fla. Sollie was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Sollie was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/1039884/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-sollie/.
-- Army Maj. Jack D. Griffiths, 31, of San Diego, will be buried Jan. 11, 2017, in San Diego. On Nov. 30, 1950, Griffiths was a member of Headquarters, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, when he was reported missing in action in the vicinity of Somin-dong, North Korea. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/1041265/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-griffiths/.
-- Mr. John D. Armstrong, a former U.S. Navy Reservist, was training with the Flying Tigers at Kyedaw Airfield, a British Royal Air Force airfield outside of Toungoo, Burma, in 1941.Armstrong was killed in a midair collision during a training flight on Sept. 8, 1941. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1042317/american-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-armstrong/.
-- Mr. Maxx C. Hammer, Jr., was among a small group of American pilots training with the Flying Tigers to battle Japanese forces invading China in 1941. Hammer was killed during a training mission on Sep. 22, 1941, when his plane crashed near Toungoo, Burma, after a heavy rainstorm. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1042267/american-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-hammer/.
-- Mr. Peter Atkinson, a former U.S. Army Air Corps Reservist, was among a small group of American pilots training with the Flying Tigers at Kyedaw Airfield, outside of Toungoo, Burma, in 1941. In preparation for battling Japanese forces invading China, the pilots engaged their Curtiss P-40 single-seat aircraft in aggressive training and mock battles. On Oct. 25, 1941, Atkinson’s plane disintegrated while participating in one of these training flights. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1042263/american-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-atkinson/.
-- Navy Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Cecil E. Barncord, of Kansas, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Barncord was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034117/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-barncord/.
-- Navy Radioman 3rd Class Howard W. Bean, of Massachusetts, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Bean was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034111/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-bean/.
-- Navy Mess Attendant 1st Class Ralph M. Boudreaux, of Louisiana, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Boudreaux was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1041290/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-boudreaux/.
-- Navy Fireman 3rd Class Glaydon I.C. Iverson, of Minnesota, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Iverson was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1040481/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-iverson/.
-- Navy Coxswain Verne F. Knipp, of Colorado, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Knipp was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1040487/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-knipp/.
-- Navy Fire Controlman 2nd Class Donald R. McCloud, of West Virginia, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. McCloud was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034103/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-mccloud/.
-- Navy Seaman 1st Class Camillus M. O'Grady, of Kansas, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. O’Grady was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034122/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-ogrady/.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Francis J. Pitonyak, of Pennsylvania, disappeared while leading a four-ship of fighter aircraft on an armed patrol mission. Enroute to Nadzab, Territory of Papua, the pilots encountered inclement weather, causing one pilot to return to base, where he reported his fellow pilots, including Pitonyak, missing. After an unsuccessful aerial search the following day, Pitonyak was declared deceased on Oct. 28, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1035684/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-pitonyak/.
-- Army Pvt. Gene J. Appleby, of Ohio, was a member of Company A, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. On Sep. 17, 1944, Appleby parachuted onto a drop zone north of Groesbeek, the Netherlands, as part of Operation Market-Garden. As the soldiers rallied, Appleby was reportedly struck by enemy fire and, following the attack, was listed as missing in action.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1040739/soldier-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-appleby/.
-- Army Cpl. Luis P. Torres, of Waushura, Wis., was stationed with Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division along the east bank of the Naktong River, near Changyong, South Korea. On Sept. 1, 1950, his battalion’s position was overrun by enemy forces. Torres was reported missing after the battle. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034730/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-torres/ .
-- Army Pfc. Thomas C. Stagg, of Jefferson, Ala., was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. On Nov. 29, 1950, Stagg was on a reconnaissance patrol near Hajoyang-ni, North Korea, when it was ambushed. Following the battle, Stagg could not be accounted for and he was declared killed in action. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1032312/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-stagg/.
-- Army Pfc. Charles C. Follese, of Koochiching, Minn., was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. On Nov. 30, 1950, Follese was part of a patrol sent to recover casualties near Hajoyang-ni, North Korea, when his patrol was ambushed. Follese could not be accounted for after the ambush and was declared killed in action. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034151/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-follese/.
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class Eugene J. Colley, of New Hanover, N.C., was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. In late November 1950, his unit was assembled with South Korean soldiers into the 31st Regimental Combat Team on the east side of the Chosin River, North Korea, when his unit was attacked by Chinese forces. Colley was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory and was declared missing on Dec. 2, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1041786/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-colley/.
-- Army Sgt. Thomas E. Zimmer, of Milwaukee, Wis., was stationed with Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, on the east side of the Chosin River, North Korea, when his unit was attacked by Chinese Forces . After heavy fighting his unit was forced to withdraw to Hagaru-ri. Zimmer was unaccounted for after the battle and was reported missing as of Dec. 6, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1034358/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-zimmer/.
-- Army Sgt. Edward Saunders, of Baltimore City, Md., was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On the night of Feb. 11, 1951, Saunders’ company was supporting a planned offensive with the Republic of Korea’s 16th Regiment when they were attacked by Chinese forces. After heavy fighting, the unit was forced to withdraw to Hoensong, South Korea. Saunders could not be accounted for after the battle.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1041784/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-saunders/.
-- Army Cpl. Joseph N. Pelletier, of Coos County, N.H., was assigned to Headquarters Battery,15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, near the Central Corridor in South Korea. While supporting Korean-led attacks on Chinese forces, they were caught in a massive Chinese counterattack on Feb. 11, 1951. Pelletier was declared missing on Feb. 13, 1951. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1036475/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-pelletier/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
16 December 2016
This is the last issue of the year. The next Action Corps Weekly will be on January 6, 2017.
In This Issue:
1. Congress Passes Major Veterans Bill
2. National Defense Authorization Act Clears Congress
3. Military BAH Rates Set To Increase
4. Army VSO/MSO Roundtable
5. SECAF Holds Facebook Town Hall
6. WWI Centennial Commission
7. MIA Update
1. Congress Passes Major Veterans Bill: This week Congress sent major veterans legislation to the president for his signature. H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, included numerous provisions related to several VFW resolutions. The bill expands eligibility for grave marker medallions to be issued by VA to include those veterans who died before November 1990. Another section of the bill provides for researching how the health of children of veterans exposed to toxic substances is impacted. Changes that make uniform the definition of homelessness were also included in the bill. These important provisions were 2016 Priority Goals for the VFW and their enactment into law would fully accomplish VFW Resolution 620, and partially accomplish Resolutions 619 and 621 which were approved at the 117th VFW National Convention. Additional legislation to require VA to pilot a self-scheduling program, to authorize VA to partner with non-governmental agencies to finance VA facilities, and to pay back money withheld from veterans discharged after January 17, 1991 who received severance pay also cleared Congress and awaits the president’s signature. This concludes the 114th Congress. The VFW looks forward to working with the 115th Congress to ensure the VFW’s 2017 Priority Goals are accomplished. To view the VFW’s2017 Priority Goals, visit: www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-legislative-service.
2. National Defense Authorization Act Clears Congress: Legislation providing $618.7 billion and a 2.1 percent pay raise for the military cleared Congress and was sent to the White House this week. The bill also includes a number the VFW’s 2016 Priority Goals, such as requiring DOD to formulate a process by which veterans who received Less-Than-Honorable discharges due to misconduct resulting from the effects of Post-traumatic stress disorder, Military sexual trauma (MST) and Traumatic brain injury are given a fair shake when appealing for discharge upgrade; calculating the military retirement owed to a former spouse based on the rank at time of divorce instead of at time of retirement; and improved reporting and treatment of service members who are victims of MST. The passage of this important bill also fully accomplishes VFW Resolutions 416 and 418 and partially accomplishes Resolution 410, which were approved at the 117thVFW National Convention.
3. Military BAH Rates Set To Increase: This week, the Pentagon announced that there will be a 2.4 percent increase to the Basic Allowance for Housing it pays service members. The average increase will be $41 per month, which is also dependent on the rank of the service member and whether they have dependents. While not all regions will see an increase, there will be no decrease for those living in a region that does not get an increase. Further, this marks the third of a five-year plan that will increase the amount of burden that the service member would be responsible for when paying for housing. In an attempt to reduce personnel costs –– something directly caused by sequestration –– the average service members will have to pay three percent of housing costs out-of-pocket in a design which will increase to 5 percent by fiscal year 2019. The VFW continues to be strongly opposed to this plan as part of our larger opposition to sequestration. For more information on the BAH rate increase, go to: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/news.cfm?ID=73.
4. Army VSO/MSO Roundtable: The VFW participated in a veteran and military service organization roundtable on Wednesday with Under Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy, who was joined by senior officials from Manpower, Force Development, Army Review Board, Army Wounded Warrior Program and Soldier for Life. Discussions focused on the “Meet Your Army” campaign, discharge review boards, “Soldier 2020” gender integration, the future of the force and transition topics.
5. SECAF Holds Facebook Town Hall: Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James held a Facebook town hall on Dec. 12 to discuss concerns expressed during the October Air Force Spouse and Family Forum. Topics included the hiring of additional family support coordinators; an increase in respite care hours allowed under the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP); quarterly EFMP-related webcasts starting Jan 12; an increase in months of leave without pay available to spouses during moves; the expansion of parental leave per the 2017National Defense Authorization Act; and additional steps being taken to address other childcare and spouse employment challenges. Read more at:http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/1027513/secaf-shares-developments-with-spouse-and-family-programs-at-townhall.aspx
6. WWI Centennial Commission: The World War I Centennial Commission was created by Congress to commemorate America’s significant role during the “war to end all wars,” as well as the subsequent rebuilding of war-torn Europe afterwards. Approximately 4.7 million American men and women served during World War I, with 2 million deploying “over there.” Sadly, 116,516 paid the ultimate price. The commission is engaging with communities across the nation, partnering with the History Channel and the Smithsonian museums, and designing a new National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. The VFW is fully supportive of commission initiatives, which include naming Quartermaster General Debra Anderson as a commissioner, identifying those Posts that are named after fallen WWI soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, publicizing America’s contributions in the VFW magazine, and supporting the 100 Cities/100 Memorials matching grant challenge. Learn more at:http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php.
7. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of 12 Americans who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Seaman 2nd Class Floyd F. Clifford was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Clifford was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1030547/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-clifford/.
-- Navy Fireman 3rd Class Kenneth L. Holm was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Holm was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1030832/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-holm/.
-- Navy Seaman 1st Class Harold W. Roesch was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Roesch was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1030550/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-roesch/.
-- Navy Yeoman 3rd Class Edmund T. Ryan was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Ryan was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1026982/sailor-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-ryan/.
-- Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Byron H. Nelson was a nose gunner aboard an American B-24G Liberator bomber with the 721st Bomb Squadron, 450th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force. During a bombing run near Varese, Italy, on April 25, 1944, Nelson’s aircraft and two others were separated from the formation due to dense clouds and later attacked by German fighters. Of the 10 crewmen, six parachuted from the aircraft and escaped capture, two parachuted and were captured by German forces, and two perished in the crash. Nelson was reported to be one of the two who perished. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1027977/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-nelson/.
-- Army Air Forces Capt. Albert L. Schlegel, of Cleveland, Ohio, disappeared Aug. 28, 1944, while piloting his P-51D Mustang on a ground strafing mission near Strasbourg, France. In his final communication, the fighter “ace” radioed he’d been hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire and would need to bail out. Interment services are pending. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1027011/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-schlegel/.
-- Army Cpl. Gerald I. Shepler was the lead scout on a reconnaissance patrol for Company K, 3rd Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, near Hajoyang-ni, North Korea, when his patrol was ambushed by enemy forces. Shepler was unaccounted for after the mission, and the U.S. Army declared him deceased on Nov. 29, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1027031/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-shepler/.
-- Army Sgt. Homer R. Abney was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when his unit was engaged in heavy fighting with Chinese forces on the road from Kunu-ri to Sunch’on, North Korea — later named “The Gauntlet.” After several days of fighting, his regiment declared Abney missing on Nov. 30, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1027019/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-abney/.
-- Army Cpl. James T. Mainhart served with Company I, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. The RCT was attacked by an overwhelming number of Chinese forces in late November, 1950. Mainhart was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory. He was reported missing as of Nov. 30, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1027973/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-mainhart/.
-- Army Cpl. Edward Pool was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, while serving with31st Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. His unit was part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. Pool could not be accounted for after several days of intense fighting. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1027047/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-pool/.
-- Army Cpl. Jules Hauterman was a medic with the Medical Platoon, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, attached to the 31st Regimental Combat Team deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. The RCT was attacked by an overwhelming number of Chinese forces in late November, 1950. Mainhart was among 1,300 members of the RCT killed or captured in enemy territory. He was reported missing as of Dec 2, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1030834/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-hauterman/.
-- Army Cpl. George A. Perreault was part of Support Force 21, assigned to Headquarters Battery, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, near the Central Corridor in South Korea. While supporting Korean-led attacks on Chinese forces, they were caught in a massive Chinese counterattack on Feb. 11, 1951. Perreault was declared missing on Feb. 13, 1951.Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1029293/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-perreault/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
9 December 2016
In This Issue:
1. Pearl Harbor Day
2. Veterans Legislation Passes
3. VA Cemeteries Offering Pre-Enrollment for Eligible Veterans
4. MIA Update
1. Pearl Harbor Day: On Wednesday, VFW Posts across the country commemorated the 75th anniversary of the surprise attack that brought the United States into World War II. In Hawaii, dozens of attack survivors were present, to include four of the five remaining USS Arizona survivors. Also present were VFW National Commander Brian Duffy and VFW Auxiliary National President Colette Bishop, who attended commemoration ceremonies and presented a VFW wreath aboard the Arizona Memorial. The Chief would also meet with the senior leadership of U.S. Pacific Command, Pacific Air Forces, and U.S. Army-Pacific, and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to express our support of their missions, as well as to discuss the many troop and family support programs the VFW provides to military communities everywhere.
2. Veterans Legislation Passes: This week the House of Representatives passed nine bills, two of which have previously passed the Senate. The two that have passed both chambers of Congress and await the president’s signature are S. 3076, a bill to ensure that veterans with no next-of-kin or who lack the financial resources are provided with a casket or urn; and S. 3492,which will name a VA outpatient clinic in Michigan after Colonel Demas T. Craw.
The remaining bills await Senate action. They are: H.R. 6435 will allow independent investigations at VA medical centers; H.R. 5099 allows VA to enter into five public-private partnerships to offset the cost of building VA medical centers; H.R. 4298 directs the Secretary of the Army to place a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery honoring Vietnam era helicopter pilots and crews; H.R. 5399 will improve accountability of VA doctors; H.R. 4150 will allow VA to better schedule VA doctors’ work hours; H.R. 4352 calls for a pilot program to allow veterans to self-schedule their appointments; and H.R. 6416, a veterans omnibus package that will, among other provisions, allow for toxic exposure research, restore certain educational benefits for National Guard and Reservists and expand homeless veterans’ benefits.
Action Corps will provide you an update on the status of these and other bills that may pass in next week’s Action Corps Weekly.
3. VA Cemeteries Offering Pre-Enrollment for Eligible Veterans: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) this week announced it now provides eligibility determinations for interment in a VA national cemetery prior to the time of need. Through the Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald said, “This new program reaffirms our commitment to providing a lifetime of benefits and services for veterans and their families.” Now veterans and their families can plan for their burial needs which will alleviate some of the burden later.
Interested individuals may submit VA Form 40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery, and supporting documentation, such as a DD Form 214, if readily available, to the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office by toll-free fax at 1-855-840-8299; email to Eligibility.PreNeed@va.gov; or mail to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office, P.O. Box 510543, St. Louis, MO 63151.
4. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of two Americans who had been missing in action from Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Cpl. David T. Nordin, Jr., 23, of Los Angeles, will be buried in Kent, Washington, on Dec. 16. Nordin was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was declared missing Nov. 28, 1950, after his unit was attacked by Chinese forces while establishing a position near Unsan, North Korea, as part of a United Nations Command offensive. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/1024527/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-nordin/.
-- Army Sgt. Stafford L. Morris was a member of Battery A, 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. His unit was operating just north of Kujang-dong, North Korea, when it was attacked by overwhelming Chinese forces and was forced to withdraw through an area referred to as “The Gauntlet.” Morris was declared missing on Dec. 1, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1024636/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-morris/.
1. Pearl Harbor Day
2. Veterans Legislation Passes
3. VA Cemeteries Offering Pre-Enrollment for Eligible Veterans
4. MIA Update
1. Pearl Harbor Day: On Wednesday, VFW Posts across the country commemorated the 75th anniversary of the surprise attack that brought the United States into World War II. In Hawaii, dozens of attack survivors were present, to include four of the five remaining USS Arizona survivors. Also present were VFW National Commander Brian Duffy and VFW Auxiliary National President Colette Bishop, who attended commemoration ceremonies and presented a VFW wreath aboard the Arizona Memorial. The Chief would also meet with the senior leadership of U.S. Pacific Command, Pacific Air Forces, and U.S. Army-Pacific, and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to express our support of their missions, as well as to discuss the many troop and family support programs the VFW provides to military communities everywhere.
2. Veterans Legislation Passes: This week the House of Representatives passed nine bills, two of which have previously passed the Senate. The two that have passed both chambers of Congress and await the president’s signature are S. 3076, a bill to ensure that veterans with no next-of-kin or who lack the financial resources are provided with a casket or urn; and S. 3492,which will name a VA outpatient clinic in Michigan after Colonel Demas T. Craw.
The remaining bills await Senate action. They are: H.R. 6435 will allow independent investigations at VA medical centers; H.R. 5099 allows VA to enter into five public-private partnerships to offset the cost of building VA medical centers; H.R. 4298 directs the Secretary of the Army to place a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery honoring Vietnam era helicopter pilots and crews; H.R. 5399 will improve accountability of VA doctors; H.R. 4150 will allow VA to better schedule VA doctors’ work hours; H.R. 4352 calls for a pilot program to allow veterans to self-schedule their appointments; and H.R. 6416, a veterans omnibus package that will, among other provisions, allow for toxic exposure research, restore certain educational benefits for National Guard and Reservists and expand homeless veterans’ benefits.
Action Corps will provide you an update on the status of these and other bills that may pass in next week’s Action Corps Weekly.
3. VA Cemeteries Offering Pre-Enrollment for Eligible Veterans: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) this week announced it now provides eligibility determinations for interment in a VA national cemetery prior to the time of need. Through the Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald said, “This new program reaffirms our commitment to providing a lifetime of benefits and services for veterans and their families.” Now veterans and their families can plan for their burial needs which will alleviate some of the burden later.
Interested individuals may submit VA Form 40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery, and supporting documentation, such as a DD Form 214, if readily available, to the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office by toll-free fax at 1-855-840-8299; email to Eligibility.PreNeed@va.gov; or mail to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office, P.O. Box 510543, St. Louis, MO 63151.
4. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of two Americans who had been missing in action from Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Cpl. David T. Nordin, Jr., 23, of Los Angeles, will be buried in Kent, Washington, on Dec. 16. Nordin was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was declared missing Nov. 28, 1950, after his unit was attacked by Chinese forces while establishing a position near Unsan, North Korea, as part of a United Nations Command offensive. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/1024527/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-nordin/.
-- Army Sgt. Stafford L. Morris was a member of Battery A, 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. His unit was operating just north of Kujang-dong, North Korea, when it was attacked by overwhelming Chinese forces and was forced to withdraw through an area referred to as “The Gauntlet.” Morris was declared missing on Dec. 1, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1024636/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-morris/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
2 December 2016
December 2, 2016
In This Issue:
1. Mattis Picked as New Defense Secretary
2. Pentagon VSO/MSO Roundtable
3. Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act Roundtable
4. Defense Bill Update
5. Congress Advances Veterans Bills
6. House Passes Gold Medal Bill for Filipino WWII Veterans
7. CVS Out, Walgreens In
8. Remembering Pearl Harbor
9. MIA Update
1. Mattis Picked as New Defense Secretary: In a speech in Ohio last night, President-elect Donald Trump said he will nominate retired Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis to lead the Department of Defense. The general, who received the VFW's top Dwight D. Eisenhower Award in 2015, served more than four decades before retiring in 2013 as the commander of U.S. Central Command. Of his selection, VFW National Commander Brian Duffy said "Our nation has been at war for more than 15 years with no end in sight. It makes perfect sense to put a warfighter in charge of the war fighting. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States looks forward to working with General Mattis."
2. Pentagon VSO/MSO Roundtable: The VFW participated in a veteran and military service organization roundtable on Wednesday with Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, who was joined by Deputy Secretary Robert O. Work, Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller Mike McCord, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Peter Levine, as well as senior officials from the Operations and Force Structure directorates. Discussions focused on the potential impact of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act on force readiness and modernization, the need for budget stabilization, and ensuring a smooth transition into the new administration.
3. Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act Roundtable: On Wednesday, VFW Deputy Director Carlos Fuentes joined the family of Jason Simcakoski, Senator Tammy Baldwin, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, VA and other stakeholders to discuss VA’s progress in reducing the overmedication of veterans who suffer from chronic pain, which cost Marine combat veteran Jason Simcakoski his life. Fuentes urged VA not to overcorrect by abruptly taking veterans off medications they need and have received for years. He suggested that VA work with veterans to create personalized pain management plans to wean veterans off high dose medications and toward equally or more effective pain management treatment options. To view a video of the roundtable discussion, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F30-fu9RvLk.
4. Defense Bill Update: House and Senate conferees negotiated a $618.7 billion defense policy bill this week that would increase military pay raises from the administration’s proposed 1.6 percent to 2.1 percent, which would equal the anticipated rise in the Employment Cost Index (ECI), and mark the first time in four years that military pay kept pace with the ECI. Other significant provisions would halt planned reductions in active duty Army and Marine Corps forces, keeping end strengths instead at 476,000 and 185,000, respectively; flag officer ranks would be cut by about 12 percent, the majority of them in joint billets; and stripped from the bill are plans to require women, age 18 to 26, to register for the draft. A review of the Selective Service System’s continued viability will instead be initiated. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act is expected to go to floor votes in the House today and in the Senate early next week.
5. Congress Advances Veterans Bills: This week, the Senate passed several veterans bills to honor veterans who were injured or became ill while in service and fund construction projects for VA facilities in Nevada and California. These bills will now go to the House for further consideration. The House also advanced several bills to require the Department of Labor to better recognize efforts made by employers to recruit and retain veterans. The house also passed bills to require VA to provide headstones, markers, or medallions for Medal of Honor recipients who are buried in private cemeteries and send a Presidential Memorial Certificate to the families of deceased veterans; authorize congressional staffers greater access to the records of veterans who ask for help from their member of Congress; and a bill to rename the VA Medical Center in Long Beach, California after Medal of Honor recipient Tibor Rubin. These bills await Senate consideration. Another bill passed by the House to improve VA’s Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program now heads to the president’s desk for his signature. Stay tuned to the Action Corps Weekly for updates on these and other important veterans bills being considered by Congress.
6. House Passes Gold Medal Bill for Filipino WWII Veterans: This week, the House approved a bill that would honor Filipino and Filipino-American veterans of World War II. The VFW adopted Resolution 305 at the 116th National Convention in 2015 supporting the Filipino veterans who served and fought to help defeat the Japanese and liberate the Philippines. Of the estimated 300,000 Filipino veterans of World War II, more than 57,000 would be killed in action during the four year battle to defend, then free, their homeland which was then sovereign U.S. territory. Filipino veterans were also present at the Bataan Death March which resulted in the loss of between 6,000 to 10,000 Filipino’s alongside 700 members of the United States Armed Forces during the 70 mile march. The bill previously passed the Senate in July and now heads to the president’s desk for his signature.
7. CVS Out, Walgreens In: As of yesterday, CVS and CVS pharmacies in Target stores are no longer part of the TRICARE pharmacy network; but Walgreens now is, so beneficiaries need to transfer all prescription fills or refills from CVS pharmacy to another TRICARE pharmacy to avoid paying the full retail prices. Read more here: https://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/news/walgreens.shtml.
8. Remembering Pearl Harbor: VFW National Commander Brian Duffy and Auxiliary National President Colette Bishop will be among thousands of patriots in Hawaii on Wednesday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack. Visitors to Washington can join in the commemoration in a “Reading of the Names Candlelight Vigil” at the National World War II Memorial beginning at 5 p.m. EST, Tuesday, followed by a 75th Anniversary Commemoration at 12:53 p.m., Wednesday. For more information, click here: http://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/.
9. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of three Americans who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class Jim H. Johnston, 23, will be buried in his hometown of Wesson, Miss., on Dec. 7. Johnston was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Johnston was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1010134/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-moessner/.
-- Army Master Sgt. Joseph Durakovich was a member of Company G, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. His unit was attacked by the Chinese forces while establishing a defensive position in Pongmyong-ni east of Kuni-ri, North Korea, on Nov. 28, 1950. After the battle, Durakovich could not be accounted for and was reported missing in action. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1011976/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-durakovich/.
-- Army Cpl. Louis A. Damewood was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, operating near Hoengsong, South Korea. He was declared missing after his unit attacked an opposition road block on Feb. 13, 1951. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1011982/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-damewood/.
In This Issue:
1. Mattis Picked as New Defense Secretary
2. Pentagon VSO/MSO Roundtable
3. Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act Roundtable
4. Defense Bill Update
5. Congress Advances Veterans Bills
6. House Passes Gold Medal Bill for Filipino WWII Veterans
7. CVS Out, Walgreens In
8. Remembering Pearl Harbor
9. MIA Update
1. Mattis Picked as New Defense Secretary: In a speech in Ohio last night, President-elect Donald Trump said he will nominate retired Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis to lead the Department of Defense. The general, who received the VFW's top Dwight D. Eisenhower Award in 2015, served more than four decades before retiring in 2013 as the commander of U.S. Central Command. Of his selection, VFW National Commander Brian Duffy said "Our nation has been at war for more than 15 years with no end in sight. It makes perfect sense to put a warfighter in charge of the war fighting. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States looks forward to working with General Mattis."
2. Pentagon VSO/MSO Roundtable: The VFW participated in a veteran and military service organization roundtable on Wednesday with Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, who was joined by Deputy Secretary Robert O. Work, Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller Mike McCord, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Peter Levine, as well as senior officials from the Operations and Force Structure directorates. Discussions focused on the potential impact of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act on force readiness and modernization, the need for budget stabilization, and ensuring a smooth transition into the new administration.
3. Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act Roundtable: On Wednesday, VFW Deputy Director Carlos Fuentes joined the family of Jason Simcakoski, Senator Tammy Baldwin, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, VA and other stakeholders to discuss VA’s progress in reducing the overmedication of veterans who suffer from chronic pain, which cost Marine combat veteran Jason Simcakoski his life. Fuentes urged VA not to overcorrect by abruptly taking veterans off medications they need and have received for years. He suggested that VA work with veterans to create personalized pain management plans to wean veterans off high dose medications and toward equally or more effective pain management treatment options. To view a video of the roundtable discussion, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F30-fu9RvLk.
4. Defense Bill Update: House and Senate conferees negotiated a $618.7 billion defense policy bill this week that would increase military pay raises from the administration’s proposed 1.6 percent to 2.1 percent, which would equal the anticipated rise in the Employment Cost Index (ECI), and mark the first time in four years that military pay kept pace with the ECI. Other significant provisions would halt planned reductions in active duty Army and Marine Corps forces, keeping end strengths instead at 476,000 and 185,000, respectively; flag officer ranks would be cut by about 12 percent, the majority of them in joint billets; and stripped from the bill are plans to require women, age 18 to 26, to register for the draft. A review of the Selective Service System’s continued viability will instead be initiated. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act is expected to go to floor votes in the House today and in the Senate early next week.
5. Congress Advances Veterans Bills: This week, the Senate passed several veterans bills to honor veterans who were injured or became ill while in service and fund construction projects for VA facilities in Nevada and California. These bills will now go to the House for further consideration. The House also advanced several bills to require the Department of Labor to better recognize efforts made by employers to recruit and retain veterans. The house also passed bills to require VA to provide headstones, markers, or medallions for Medal of Honor recipients who are buried in private cemeteries and send a Presidential Memorial Certificate to the families of deceased veterans; authorize congressional staffers greater access to the records of veterans who ask for help from their member of Congress; and a bill to rename the VA Medical Center in Long Beach, California after Medal of Honor recipient Tibor Rubin. These bills await Senate consideration. Another bill passed by the House to improve VA’s Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program now heads to the president’s desk for his signature. Stay tuned to the Action Corps Weekly for updates on these and other important veterans bills being considered by Congress.
6. House Passes Gold Medal Bill for Filipino WWII Veterans: This week, the House approved a bill that would honor Filipino and Filipino-American veterans of World War II. The VFW adopted Resolution 305 at the 116th National Convention in 2015 supporting the Filipino veterans who served and fought to help defeat the Japanese and liberate the Philippines. Of the estimated 300,000 Filipino veterans of World War II, more than 57,000 would be killed in action during the four year battle to defend, then free, their homeland which was then sovereign U.S. territory. Filipino veterans were also present at the Bataan Death March which resulted in the loss of between 6,000 to 10,000 Filipino’s alongside 700 members of the United States Armed Forces during the 70 mile march. The bill previously passed the Senate in July and now heads to the president’s desk for his signature.
7. CVS Out, Walgreens In: As of yesterday, CVS and CVS pharmacies in Target stores are no longer part of the TRICARE pharmacy network; but Walgreens now is, so beneficiaries need to transfer all prescription fills or refills from CVS pharmacy to another TRICARE pharmacy to avoid paying the full retail prices. Read more here: https://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/news/walgreens.shtml.
8. Remembering Pearl Harbor: VFW National Commander Brian Duffy and Auxiliary National President Colette Bishop will be among thousands of patriots in Hawaii on Wednesday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack. Visitors to Washington can join in the commemoration in a “Reading of the Names Candlelight Vigil” at the National World War II Memorial beginning at 5 p.m. EST, Tuesday, followed by a 75th Anniversary Commemoration at 12:53 p.m., Wednesday. For more information, click here: http://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/.
9. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of three Americans who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Fireman 1st Class Jim H. Johnston, 23, will be buried in his hometown of Wesson, Miss., on Dec. 7. Johnston was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Johnston was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1010134/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-moessner/.
-- Army Master Sgt. Joseph Durakovich was a member of Company G, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. His unit was attacked by the Chinese forces while establishing a defensive position in Pongmyong-ni east of Kuni-ri, North Korea, on Nov. 28, 1950. After the battle, Durakovich could not be accounted for and was reported missing in action. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1011976/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-durakovich/.
-- Army Cpl. Louis A. Damewood was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, operating near Hoengsong, South Korea. He was declared missing after his unit attacked an opposition road block on Feb. 13, 1951. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1011982/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-damewood/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
23 November 2016
November 23, 2016
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Action Corps Weekly is being sent today.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
In This Issue:
1. VFW Joins Give an Hour on SiriusXM Radio
2. Air Force Announces New Top Enlisted Advisor
3. Overseas Military Shipping Deadlines Near
4. MyVA311
5. MIA Update
1. VFW Joins Give an Hour on SiriusXM Radio: On Monday, VFW National Commander Brian Duffy joined with Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, and Give An Hour President Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, to discuss the campaign to change how our nation perceives mental health care challenges faced by veterans, service members, and the nation as a whole. SiriusXM Radio hosted the event, entitled “Changing the Culture of Mental Health: It’s Time.” The hour-long discussion will air on Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. EST on SiriusXM channel 126. To hear an excerpt of the Chief’s comments, go to https://soundcloud.com/siriusxm-news-issues/brian-duffy-vfw-1.
2. Air Force Announces New Top Enlisted Advisor: Chief Master Sgt. Kaleth Wright has been selected to become the next chief master sergeant of the Air Force. He will succeed current CMSAF James Cody, who is retiring in February. Chief Wright is currently the senior enlisted advisor to U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa. The 27-year Desert Storm veteran previously served as the command chief of the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan, and the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Read more athttps://www.airforcetimes.com/articles/meet-the-next-chief-master-sergeant-of-the-air-force?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mil%20EBB%2011.17.16&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Military%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief.
3. Overseas Military Shipping Deadlines Near: The Military Postal Service Agency is alerting everyone that holiday shipping deadlines to overseas areas are rapidly approaching. Check mailing deadlines on its website at http://hqdainet.army.mil/mpsa/index.htm.
4. MyVA311: Last week, VA launched 1-844-MyVA311 (1-844-698-2311) as a 24/7 one-stop information service platform for all VA services. Veterans, families and caregivers who call MyVA311 can be connected to disability, pension, health care eligibility, enrollment, and burial benefits, the veterans crisis line, the homeless veterans helpline and to a self-service locator to find the nearest VA facility. This is an effort to ensure veterans no longer have to know what number to call for specific programs and services, instead, veterans can call MyVA311 and be connected to the correct call center. If you know what number you’re calling – keep calling it. None of the existing VA numbers will go away.
5. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of four Americans who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Pfc. Daniel Hunt, 18, of Columbiaville, Mich., will be buried Dec. 2 in Phoenix, Ariz. On Sept. 28, 1951, Hunt was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, fighting in Korean border area often referred to as Heartbreak Ridge. Hunt was reported missing in action after a series of battles. Read more at http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/1011148/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-hunt/.
-- Army Cpl. Vernon D. Presswood, 19, will be buried Dec. 3 in his hometown of Pinckneyville, Ill. In late November 1950, Hendrickson was a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, which was assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team and deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when it was engaged by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. Presswood was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1950. Read more at http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/1011150/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-presswood/.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Robert E. Moessner. On April 18, 1944, Moessner was the bombardier of a B-24 aircraft out of Kwelin, China, when it was shot down near Hong Kong. Of the 12 crewmembers aboard, only two would survive the crash landing in shallow water. Interment services are pending. Read more at http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1010134/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-moessner/.
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class Harold P. Haugland, of Gallatin, Mont. In late November 1950, Haugland was a member of Company D, 15th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, which was assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team and deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when it was engaged by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. Haugland was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1008321/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-haugland/.
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Action Corps Weekly is being sent today.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
In This Issue:
1. VFW Joins Give an Hour on SiriusXM Radio
2. Air Force Announces New Top Enlisted Advisor
3. Overseas Military Shipping Deadlines Near
4. MyVA311
5. MIA Update
1. VFW Joins Give an Hour on SiriusXM Radio: On Monday, VFW National Commander Brian Duffy joined with Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, and Give An Hour President Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, to discuss the campaign to change how our nation perceives mental health care challenges faced by veterans, service members, and the nation as a whole. SiriusXM Radio hosted the event, entitled “Changing the Culture of Mental Health: It’s Time.” The hour-long discussion will air on Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. EST on SiriusXM channel 126. To hear an excerpt of the Chief’s comments, go to https://soundcloud.com/siriusxm-news-issues/brian-duffy-vfw-1.
2. Air Force Announces New Top Enlisted Advisor: Chief Master Sgt. Kaleth Wright has been selected to become the next chief master sergeant of the Air Force. He will succeed current CMSAF James Cody, who is retiring in February. Chief Wright is currently the senior enlisted advisor to U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa. The 27-year Desert Storm veteran previously served as the command chief of the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan, and the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Read more athttps://www.airforcetimes.com/articles/meet-the-next-chief-master-sergeant-of-the-air-force?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mil%20EBB%2011.17.16&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Military%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief.
3. Overseas Military Shipping Deadlines Near: The Military Postal Service Agency is alerting everyone that holiday shipping deadlines to overseas areas are rapidly approaching. Check mailing deadlines on its website at http://hqdainet.army.mil/mpsa/index.htm.
4. MyVA311: Last week, VA launched 1-844-MyVA311 (1-844-698-2311) as a 24/7 one-stop information service platform for all VA services. Veterans, families and caregivers who call MyVA311 can be connected to disability, pension, health care eligibility, enrollment, and burial benefits, the veterans crisis line, the homeless veterans helpline and to a self-service locator to find the nearest VA facility. This is an effort to ensure veterans no longer have to know what number to call for specific programs and services, instead, veterans can call MyVA311 and be connected to the correct call center. If you know what number you’re calling – keep calling it. None of the existing VA numbers will go away.
5. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of four Americans who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Pfc. Daniel Hunt, 18, of Columbiaville, Mich., will be buried Dec. 2 in Phoenix, Ariz. On Sept. 28, 1951, Hunt was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, fighting in Korean border area often referred to as Heartbreak Ridge. Hunt was reported missing in action after a series of battles. Read more at http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/1011148/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-hunt/.
-- Army Cpl. Vernon D. Presswood, 19, will be buried Dec. 3 in his hometown of Pinckneyville, Ill. In late November 1950, Hendrickson was a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, which was assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team and deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when it was engaged by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. Presswood was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1950. Read more at http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/1011150/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-presswood/.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Robert E. Moessner. On April 18, 1944, Moessner was the bombardier of a B-24 aircraft out of Kwelin, China, when it was shot down near Hong Kong. Of the 12 crewmembers aboard, only two would survive the crash landing in shallow water. Interment services are pending. Read more at http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1010134/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-identified-moessner/.
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class Harold P. Haugland, of Gallatin, Mont. In late November 1950, Haugland was a member of Company D, 15th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, which was assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team and deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when it was engaged by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. Haugland was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/1008321/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-haugland/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
10 November 2016
November 10, 2016
Happy 241st Birthday, Marine Corps!
In observance of Veterans Day, this week’s issue is being sent today.
In This Issue:
1. National Commander Duffy Lays out Expectations
2. Veterans Day in Washington
3. VFW on the Mall
4. MyVA Transformation Process
5. Extension of Presumptive Period for Gulf War Illness
6. VA and Social Security Partner for Faster Service
7. America Voted
8. MIA Update
1. National Commander Duffy Lays out Expectations: Today, at the National Press Club in Washington, VFW's National Commander Brian Duffy laid out VFW’s expectations for the next president and Congress. First and foremost, Duffy stated, “the VFW expects effective leadership, management, and accountability from everyone who is charged with caring for veterans, service members and their families.” Quality delivery of health care and benefits hinges on VA’s ability to quickly and effectively hire quality employees and when necessary, fire bad employees. Ending sequestration and raising the budget caps so Congress can move forward with expanding and improving benefits and services has been and will continue to be a top priority. Duffy continued to explain the harmful effects that sequestration has on our military readiness and quality of life for our all-volunteer force. Duffy ended his opening statement by stating the next president and Congress must bring “action, patience and clarity” to their jobs so veterans, service members, and their families are cared for in the manner in which our nation expects. To read his full statement, click here: http://www.vfw.org/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Advocacy/CIC-Statement-111016.pdf.
2. Veterans Day in Washington: VFW Posts everywhere will be recognizing Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11. Visitors to Washington can join in the national salute starting at the World War II Memorial at 9 a.m., at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m., and at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 1 p.m. Representing the VFW at a White House breakfast will be National Commander Brian Duffy and his wife, Jean. The Chief will also lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Wall accompanied by VFW Auxiliary National President Colette Bishop and her husband, Dave. More information on the ceremonies can be found at: WWII Memorial, http://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/news-and-events/news-events; Arlington, http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil; and The Wall,http://www.vvmf.org/news/article=Free-Family-Tours-of-the-Vietnam-Veterans-Memorial-Set-for-Veterans-Day-Weekend.
3. VFW on the Mall: Tomorrow on Veterans Day, staff members from VFW National Veterans Service will be on the National Mall to provide information and answer questions. As part of VFW National Commander Brian Duffy’s Mental Wellness Campaign, VFW partners Give anHour and PatientsLikeMe will also be on hand at the VFW booth to discuss mental wellness and share resources for veterans.
4. MyVA Transformation Process: This week, VA released a major update on the MyVA transformation –– Secretary McDonald’s effort to transform VA into the top customer service agency in the federal government. This third edition of the program’s semi-annual report details progress VA has made to improve trust, expedite health care appointments and disability claims, reduce veteran homelessness and other progress to provide veterans more services in better time. To read the full report, visit: http://www.va.gov/myva/docs/MyVA-3-0-v9-digital-11816.pdf.
5. Extension of Presumptive Period for Gulf War Illness: VA announced that it will extend to December 31, 2021, the date by which Gulf War veterans are able to apply for presumptive disability compensation for Gulf War Illness and other conditions associated with service in the 1991 Gulf War, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders. The presumptive period for these illnesses was set to expire on December 31, 2016. For information on research regarding the causes and effective treatments for Gulf War Illness, visit: http://cdmrp.army.mil/GWIRP.
6. VA and Social Security Partner for Faster Service: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) launched a new Health IT initiative that enables VA to share medical records electronically with Social Security Disability processors. This secure process will save time and money, resulting in better service for veterans and dependents who apply for Social Security Disability Benefits. For decades, SSA obtained medical records through a manual process. This new national initiative puts in place an automated process to obtain veterans’ medical records entirely electronically. “This SSA-VA partnership is another example of VA’s leadership in interoperability efforts among federal partners,” said VA Secretary, Robert McDonald. “Increasing federal partnerships to improve operation and resource coordination across agencies is among VA’s 12 Breakthrough Priorities for 2016.” To learn more about VA health care, visit: www.va.gov/health.
7. America Voted: On Tuesday, Americans went to the polls to cast ballots for president, 34 seats in the Senate, and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives. The VFW is committed to working with those who were elected to ensure that laws and regulations favor our military, veterans and their families. We encourage you to meet your members of Congress and to take the 2017 VFW Priority Goals with you to inform them of our position on issues. To view a printable version the 2017 VFW Priority Goals brochure, click here:
http://www.vfw.org/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Advocacy/PriorityGoalsBrochure.pdf.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of remains and burial updates for two Americans who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Being returned home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Marine Pfc. Ben H. Gore, 20, will be buried Nov. 14 in his hometown of Hopkinsville, Ky. Gore was assigned to Special Weapons Group, 2nd Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Gore died of his wounds on Nov. 25, 1943. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/997584/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-gore/.
-- Army Pfc. Daniel Hunt is scheduled to be interred on Dec. 2 in Phoenix. Hunt was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Hill 1030, conducting operations in an area referred to as Heartbreak Ridge. He would be reported killed in action, body not recovered on Sept. 28, 1951. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/997596/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-hunt/.
Happy 241st Birthday, Marine Corps!
In observance of Veterans Day, this week’s issue is being sent today.
In This Issue:
1. National Commander Duffy Lays out Expectations
2. Veterans Day in Washington
3. VFW on the Mall
4. MyVA Transformation Process
5. Extension of Presumptive Period for Gulf War Illness
6. VA and Social Security Partner for Faster Service
7. America Voted
8. MIA Update
1. National Commander Duffy Lays out Expectations: Today, at the National Press Club in Washington, VFW's National Commander Brian Duffy laid out VFW’s expectations for the next president and Congress. First and foremost, Duffy stated, “the VFW expects effective leadership, management, and accountability from everyone who is charged with caring for veterans, service members and their families.” Quality delivery of health care and benefits hinges on VA’s ability to quickly and effectively hire quality employees and when necessary, fire bad employees. Ending sequestration and raising the budget caps so Congress can move forward with expanding and improving benefits and services has been and will continue to be a top priority. Duffy continued to explain the harmful effects that sequestration has on our military readiness and quality of life for our all-volunteer force. Duffy ended his opening statement by stating the next president and Congress must bring “action, patience and clarity” to their jobs so veterans, service members, and their families are cared for in the manner in which our nation expects. To read his full statement, click here: http://www.vfw.org/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Advocacy/CIC-Statement-111016.pdf.
2. Veterans Day in Washington: VFW Posts everywhere will be recognizing Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11. Visitors to Washington can join in the national salute starting at the World War II Memorial at 9 a.m., at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m., and at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 1 p.m. Representing the VFW at a White House breakfast will be National Commander Brian Duffy and his wife, Jean. The Chief will also lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Wall accompanied by VFW Auxiliary National President Colette Bishop and her husband, Dave. More information on the ceremonies can be found at: WWII Memorial, http://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/news-and-events/news-events; Arlington, http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil; and The Wall,http://www.vvmf.org/news/article=Free-Family-Tours-of-the-Vietnam-Veterans-Memorial-Set-for-Veterans-Day-Weekend.
3. VFW on the Mall: Tomorrow on Veterans Day, staff members from VFW National Veterans Service will be on the National Mall to provide information and answer questions. As part of VFW National Commander Brian Duffy’s Mental Wellness Campaign, VFW partners Give anHour and PatientsLikeMe will also be on hand at the VFW booth to discuss mental wellness and share resources for veterans.
4. MyVA Transformation Process: This week, VA released a major update on the MyVA transformation –– Secretary McDonald’s effort to transform VA into the top customer service agency in the federal government. This third edition of the program’s semi-annual report details progress VA has made to improve trust, expedite health care appointments and disability claims, reduce veteran homelessness and other progress to provide veterans more services in better time. To read the full report, visit: http://www.va.gov/myva/docs/MyVA-3-0-v9-digital-11816.pdf.
5. Extension of Presumptive Period for Gulf War Illness: VA announced that it will extend to December 31, 2021, the date by which Gulf War veterans are able to apply for presumptive disability compensation for Gulf War Illness and other conditions associated with service in the 1991 Gulf War, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders. The presumptive period for these illnesses was set to expire on December 31, 2016. For information on research regarding the causes and effective treatments for Gulf War Illness, visit: http://cdmrp.army.mil/GWIRP.
6. VA and Social Security Partner for Faster Service: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) launched a new Health IT initiative that enables VA to share medical records electronically with Social Security Disability processors. This secure process will save time and money, resulting in better service for veterans and dependents who apply for Social Security Disability Benefits. For decades, SSA obtained medical records through a manual process. This new national initiative puts in place an automated process to obtain veterans’ medical records entirely electronically. “This SSA-VA partnership is another example of VA’s leadership in interoperability efforts among federal partners,” said VA Secretary, Robert McDonald. “Increasing federal partnerships to improve operation and resource coordination across agencies is among VA’s 12 Breakthrough Priorities for 2016.” To learn more about VA health care, visit: www.va.gov/health.
7. America Voted: On Tuesday, Americans went to the polls to cast ballots for president, 34 seats in the Senate, and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives. The VFW is committed to working with those who were elected to ensure that laws and regulations favor our military, veterans and their families. We encourage you to meet your members of Congress and to take the 2017 VFW Priority Goals with you to inform them of our position on issues. To view a printable version the 2017 VFW Priority Goals brochure, click here:
http://www.vfw.org/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Advocacy/PriorityGoalsBrochure.pdf.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of remains and burial updates for two Americans who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Being returned home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Marine Pfc. Ben H. Gore, 20, will be buried Nov. 14 in his hometown of Hopkinsville, Ky. Gore was assigned to Special Weapons Group, 2nd Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Gore died of his wounds on Nov. 25, 1943. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/997584/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-gore/.
-- Army Pfc. Daniel Hunt is scheduled to be interred on Dec. 2 in Phoenix. Hunt was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Hill 1030, conducting operations in an area referred to as Heartbreak Ridge. He would be reported killed in action, body not recovered on Sept. 28, 1951. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/997596/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-hunt/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
4 November 2016
November 4, 2016
In This Issue:
1. Still Time to Vote Absentee in General Election
2. Veterans Day in Washington
3. Vietnam Era Health Study
4. National Family Caregivers Month
5. VA Center for Women Veterans Meeting
6. Nominate a Hero
7. Shop Amazon, Support the VFW Foundation
8. MIA Update
1. Still Time to Vote Absentee in General Election: The general election is next Tuesday, November 8, and federal election officials are telling military voters there is still time to register to vote absentee, but they have to act quickly. Many states allow you to accomplish some or all of the process electronically. Many states also count ballots postmarked Nov. 8 even if they arrive after Election Day. Find details on your state and more voting information on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at: https://www.fvap.gov/military-voter. If you requested an absentee ballot that still hasn’t arrived, use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot or get one from your unit’s voting assistance officer or the installation voting assistance office. Learn more at:FVAP.gov.
2. Veterans Day in Washington: VFW Posts everywhere will be recognizing Veterans Day on Nov. 11. Visitors to Washington can join in the national salute starting at the World War II Memorial at 9 a.m., at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m., and at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 1 p.m. More updates will be posted on the respectivewebsites: WWII Memorial, http://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/news-and-events/news-events; Arlington, http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil; and The Wall,http://www.vvmf.org/news/article=Free-Family-Tours-of-the-Vietnam-Veterans-Memorial-Set-for-Veterans-Day-Weekend.
3. Vietnam Era Health Study: This week VA announced a nationwide study –– the Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study (VE-HEROeS) –– that will assess the current health and well-being of Vietnam veterans, Blue Water Navy veterans, and veterans who served elsewhere during the Vietnam Era (1961–1975). Approximately 43,000 veterans will be invited to participate in this important study and the VFW encourages them to do so. To learn more about VE-HEROeS, visit: www.publichealth.va.gov/epidemiology/studies/heroes/.
4. National Family Caregivers Month: Throughout the month of November, Caregiver Support Coordinators located at every VA medical center will be holding special events for caregivers of veterans to thank them for all they do to ensure their veteran loved ones are cared for andsupported. Caregivers interested in participating in events should contact their local Caregiver Support Coordinators. The VA Caregiver Support Line toll free number, 1-855-260-3274, is also available for caregivers who would like to speak to a licensed social worker for support, education and referrals. The Caregiver Support Program website www.caregiver.va.gov provides additional caregiving information, as well as links to VA caregiving resources and services.
5. VA Center for Women Veterans Meeting: The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans (CWV) held a breakfast on Wednesday. The director for CWV, Kayla Williams, hosted the event which was attended by Department of Labor, the VFW, other veterans service organizations, and nearly half a dozen female veteran-specific nonprofits. The intent of the now monthly breakfasts is for key players in women veterans advocacy to come together to discuss their areas of focus. Main topics highlighted on Wednesday included reproductive health, military sexual trauma, women veterans employment, homelessness, outreach and MyVA goals for health equity and gender-specific needs. The next breakfast is slated for Dec. 5. To learn more about CWC, visit: http://www.va.gov/WOMENVET/index.asp.
6. Nominate a Hero: Do you know a fellow citizen who has performed a singular act of extraordinary heroism or a continued commitment to putting others first? Nominate them for the 2017 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Citizen Honors. Four U.S. citizens and one organization are selected each year to receive Citizen Honors awards. To be considered, nominees age 18 and older must have made a difference in the lives of others through a singular act of extraordinary heroism, or through exceptional selfless service to others. Young Americans age 8-17 can be nominated for their leadership, courage and service. Community organizations can be nominated for their exceptional impact in support of our nation’s service members and families. Award recipients will be recognized in Washington on National Medal of Honor Day, March 25, 2017. Applications are available through Nov. 30 at: www.themedalofhonor.com.
7. Shop Amazon, Support the VFW Foundation: With the holidays quickly approaching, online shoppers have the opportunity to assist America’s veterans, service members and their families by shopping AmazonSmile at https://smile.amazon.com/ and selecting the VFW Foundation as their charity of choice. Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the total purchase price to the Foundation upon checkout. Purchase items eligible for donations are indicated on the products’ pages. Donations to the VFW Foundation support many vital troop support programs, such as financial grants to help military families during emergencies, veterans’ scholarships, assistance with filing VA claims, and more. You can even select the VFW Foundation as your AmazonSmile charity of choice after the holidays are over. Call the Foundation at (816) 968-2720 if you have any questions.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced burial updates of three Americans who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Marine Pfc. Nicholas J. Cancilla, 18, will be buried Nov. 7 in his hometown of Altoona, Pa. Cancilla was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Cancilla died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/990641/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-cancilla/.
-- Army Pfc. William V. Giovanniello, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be buried Nov. 10 in Port Jervis, N.Y. Giovanniello was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, when his unit was forced into a fighting withdrawal from Chorwon, South Korea. He was declared missing in action on April 25, 1951. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/995006/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-giovanniello/.
-- Army Cpl. Wayne Minard, 19, of Furley, Kan., will be buried Nov. 12 in nearby Wichita. Minard was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, fighting a delaying action south to Kunu-ri, North Korea. He would be reported missing in action on Nov. 26, 1950. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/996115/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-minard/.
In This Issue:
1. Still Time to Vote Absentee in General Election
2. Veterans Day in Washington
3. Vietnam Era Health Study
4. National Family Caregivers Month
5. VA Center for Women Veterans Meeting
6. Nominate a Hero
7. Shop Amazon, Support the VFW Foundation
8. MIA Update
1. Still Time to Vote Absentee in General Election: The general election is next Tuesday, November 8, and federal election officials are telling military voters there is still time to register to vote absentee, but they have to act quickly. Many states allow you to accomplish some or all of the process electronically. Many states also count ballots postmarked Nov. 8 even if they arrive after Election Day. Find details on your state and more voting information on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at: https://www.fvap.gov/military-voter. If you requested an absentee ballot that still hasn’t arrived, use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot or get one from your unit’s voting assistance officer or the installation voting assistance office. Learn more at:FVAP.gov.
2. Veterans Day in Washington: VFW Posts everywhere will be recognizing Veterans Day on Nov. 11. Visitors to Washington can join in the national salute starting at the World War II Memorial at 9 a.m., at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m., and at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 1 p.m. More updates will be posted on the respectivewebsites: WWII Memorial, http://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/news-and-events/news-events; Arlington, http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil; and The Wall,http://www.vvmf.org/news/article=Free-Family-Tours-of-the-Vietnam-Veterans-Memorial-Set-for-Veterans-Day-Weekend.
3. Vietnam Era Health Study: This week VA announced a nationwide study –– the Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study (VE-HEROeS) –– that will assess the current health and well-being of Vietnam veterans, Blue Water Navy veterans, and veterans who served elsewhere during the Vietnam Era (1961–1975). Approximately 43,000 veterans will be invited to participate in this important study and the VFW encourages them to do so. To learn more about VE-HEROeS, visit: www.publichealth.va.gov/epidemiology/studies/heroes/.
4. National Family Caregivers Month: Throughout the month of November, Caregiver Support Coordinators located at every VA medical center will be holding special events for caregivers of veterans to thank them for all they do to ensure their veteran loved ones are cared for andsupported. Caregivers interested in participating in events should contact their local Caregiver Support Coordinators. The VA Caregiver Support Line toll free number, 1-855-260-3274, is also available for caregivers who would like to speak to a licensed social worker for support, education and referrals. The Caregiver Support Program website www.caregiver.va.gov provides additional caregiving information, as well as links to VA caregiving resources and services.
5. VA Center for Women Veterans Meeting: The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans (CWV) held a breakfast on Wednesday. The director for CWV, Kayla Williams, hosted the event which was attended by Department of Labor, the VFW, other veterans service organizations, and nearly half a dozen female veteran-specific nonprofits. The intent of the now monthly breakfasts is for key players in women veterans advocacy to come together to discuss their areas of focus. Main topics highlighted on Wednesday included reproductive health, military sexual trauma, women veterans employment, homelessness, outreach and MyVA goals for health equity and gender-specific needs. The next breakfast is slated for Dec. 5. To learn more about CWC, visit: http://www.va.gov/WOMENVET/index.asp.
6. Nominate a Hero: Do you know a fellow citizen who has performed a singular act of extraordinary heroism or a continued commitment to putting others first? Nominate them for the 2017 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Citizen Honors. Four U.S. citizens and one organization are selected each year to receive Citizen Honors awards. To be considered, nominees age 18 and older must have made a difference in the lives of others through a singular act of extraordinary heroism, or through exceptional selfless service to others. Young Americans age 8-17 can be nominated for their leadership, courage and service. Community organizations can be nominated for their exceptional impact in support of our nation’s service members and families. Award recipients will be recognized in Washington on National Medal of Honor Day, March 25, 2017. Applications are available through Nov. 30 at: www.themedalofhonor.com.
7. Shop Amazon, Support the VFW Foundation: With the holidays quickly approaching, online shoppers have the opportunity to assist America’s veterans, service members and their families by shopping AmazonSmile at https://smile.amazon.com/ and selecting the VFW Foundation as their charity of choice. Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the total purchase price to the Foundation upon checkout. Purchase items eligible for donations are indicated on the products’ pages. Donations to the VFW Foundation support many vital troop support programs, such as financial grants to help military families during emergencies, veterans’ scholarships, assistance with filing VA claims, and more. You can even select the VFW Foundation as your AmazonSmile charity of choice after the holidays are over. Call the Foundation at (816) 968-2720 if you have any questions.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced burial updates of three Americans who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Marine Pfc. Nicholas J. Cancilla, 18, will be buried Nov. 7 in his hometown of Altoona, Pa. Cancilla was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Cancilla died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/990641/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-cancilla/.
-- Army Pfc. William V. Giovanniello, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be buried Nov. 10 in Port Jervis, N.Y. Giovanniello was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, when his unit was forced into a fighting withdrawal from Chorwon, South Korea. He was declared missing in action on April 25, 1951. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/995006/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-giovanniello/.
-- Army Cpl. Wayne Minard, 19, of Furley, Kan., will be buried Nov. 12 in nearby Wichita. Minard was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, fighting a delaying action south to Kunu-ri, North Korea. He would be reported missing in action on Nov. 26, 1950. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/996115/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-minard/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
28 October 2016
1. VFW Wants POTUS Involvement in Bonus Payback Crisis
2. TRICARE Removes Cost Barriers for Preventive and Mental Health
3. MyHealtheVet Update
4. Help A Hero Scholarship Campaign
5. MIA Update
1. VFW Wants POTUS Involvement in Bonus Payback Crisis: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter this week ordered the Defense Finance and Accounting Services to suspend all efforts to collect reimbursements from affected California National Guard members, but VFW National Commander Brian Duffy said the suspension decision doesn’t go deep enough, and is now calling on President Obama to issue an executive order to eliminate the collection process altogether, to repay those monies already collected plus interest, and to restore any damaged credit ratings that resulted from a horrendous abuse of power and lack of oversight within the California Army National Guard. “The president must get personally involved and not leave it to a weak system of checks and balances that created a financial crisis that is tremendously impacting the lives of thousands of current and former Guard members,” exclaimed the Chief. “The president often touts that he has a phone and a pen and is not afraid to use either. This would be a good time to use both.” Read more at: http://www.vfw.org/news-and-publications/press-room/archives/2016/10/vfw-calls-on-potus-to-end-bonus-payback-issue-now.
2. TRICARE Removes Cost Barriers for Preventive and Mental Health: The Department of Defense (DOD) is improving the number of services and cost requirements for TRICARE’s preventive and mental health benefits. These changes, expected to be fully implemented by spring 2017, are being implemented to expand access and reduce financial barriers for beneficiaries. Effective Oct. 3 this year, DOD removed TRICARE limitations on mental health care and made out-of-pocket costs the same as other medical care. These changes improve care such as inpatient mental health and substance abuse admissions, group outpatient mental health visits, outpatient treatment for substance abuse, substance abuse detoxification, treatment of gender dysphoria, family counseling and much more. Beginning January 1, 2017, the expansion of preventive services will go into complete effect. Some of the no-cost services will be expanded to include free genetic counseling for patients who are high-risk for breast cancer, colon cancer screenings/stool DNA testing and laboratory services considered preventive for certain cancers. To learn more about the mental health and substance abuse benefit changes, click here: http://www.tricare.mil/About/News/Archives/09_29_16_MHSUD.
For more information on the preventive health expansion, click here:http://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/BenefitUpdates/Archives/10_18_16_PreventiveServices.
3. MyHealtheVet Update: This week, VA launched an updated version of its MyHealtheVet website to make it more user and mobile friendly. My HealtheVet is designed to help veterans track and manage their VA prescriptions, appointments and health care records. The VFW would like your views on the new design. Please visit www.myhealth.va.gov and tell us what you think by emailing us at vfwac@vfw.org.
4. Help A Hero Scholarship Campaign: Since 2013, the VFW and Sport Clips have helped nearly 600 service members and veterans achieve their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt through the “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.” Now through Veterans Day, you can help further their post-military education goals by making a donation when you get a haircut at one of the more than 1,500 Sport Clips Haircuts locations across the country. Sport Clips will also hold “The Biggest Haircut Day of the Year” on Veterans Day, when participating stores will offer free haircuts to service members and veterans. For more information on the “Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship,” visit: www.vfw.org/scholarship.
5. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of remains of six Americans who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Seaman 1st Class William E. Welch, 18, will be buried Oct. 29 in his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. On Dec. 7, 1941, Welch was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Welch. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/981456/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-welch/.
-- Army Cpl. Joseph Trepasso, 20, will be buried Nov. 5 in his hometown of Fulton, N.Y. In late November 1950, Trepasso was a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, which was deployed on the east side of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. He would be declared missing in action on Dec. 12, 1950. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/989134/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-trepasso/.
-- Army Pfc. Lavern C. Ullmer, of Montgomery, Ohio, will be buried Nov. 11 in Dayton. Ullmer was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when he was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, North Korea. It would be later learned he had been captured but died in a POW camp on Jan. 21, 1951. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/988569/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-ullmer/.
-- Army Sgt. James E. Martin, 22, will be buried Nov. 17 in Anacoco, La. In late November 1950, Martin was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, which was deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. He would be declared missing in action on Dec. 3, 1950. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/985470/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-martin/.
-- Army Cpl. Donald E. Matney, 18, will be buried Nov. 19 in his hometown of Seymour, Mo. On July 20, 1950, Matney was a member of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, when his unit attempted to delay the enemy from capturing a town near Taejon, South Korea. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/985474/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-matney/.
-- Army Maj. Jack D. Griffiths, of Comanche County, Okla., was a member of Headquarters, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, when he was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, in the vicinity of Somin-dong, North Korea. It would be later learned he had been captured but died in a POW camp. Interment services are pending. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/988573/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-griffiths/.
2. TRICARE Removes Cost Barriers for Preventive and Mental Health
3. MyHealtheVet Update
4. Help A Hero Scholarship Campaign
5. MIA Update
1. VFW Wants POTUS Involvement in Bonus Payback Crisis: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter this week ordered the Defense Finance and Accounting Services to suspend all efforts to collect reimbursements from affected California National Guard members, but VFW National Commander Brian Duffy said the suspension decision doesn’t go deep enough, and is now calling on President Obama to issue an executive order to eliminate the collection process altogether, to repay those monies already collected plus interest, and to restore any damaged credit ratings that resulted from a horrendous abuse of power and lack of oversight within the California Army National Guard. “The president must get personally involved and not leave it to a weak system of checks and balances that created a financial crisis that is tremendously impacting the lives of thousands of current and former Guard members,” exclaimed the Chief. “The president often touts that he has a phone and a pen and is not afraid to use either. This would be a good time to use both.” Read more at: http://www.vfw.org/news-and-publications/press-room/archives/2016/10/vfw-calls-on-potus-to-end-bonus-payback-issue-now.
2. TRICARE Removes Cost Barriers for Preventive and Mental Health: The Department of Defense (DOD) is improving the number of services and cost requirements for TRICARE’s preventive and mental health benefits. These changes, expected to be fully implemented by spring 2017, are being implemented to expand access and reduce financial barriers for beneficiaries. Effective Oct. 3 this year, DOD removed TRICARE limitations on mental health care and made out-of-pocket costs the same as other medical care. These changes improve care such as inpatient mental health and substance abuse admissions, group outpatient mental health visits, outpatient treatment for substance abuse, substance abuse detoxification, treatment of gender dysphoria, family counseling and much more. Beginning January 1, 2017, the expansion of preventive services will go into complete effect. Some of the no-cost services will be expanded to include free genetic counseling for patients who are high-risk for breast cancer, colon cancer screenings/stool DNA testing and laboratory services considered preventive for certain cancers. To learn more about the mental health and substance abuse benefit changes, click here: http://www.tricare.mil/About/News/Archives/09_29_16_MHSUD.
For more information on the preventive health expansion, click here:http://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/BenefitUpdates/Archives/10_18_16_PreventiveServices.
3. MyHealtheVet Update: This week, VA launched an updated version of its MyHealtheVet website to make it more user and mobile friendly. My HealtheVet is designed to help veterans track and manage their VA prescriptions, appointments and health care records. The VFW would like your views on the new design. Please visit www.myhealth.va.gov and tell us what you think by emailing us at vfwac@vfw.org.
4. Help A Hero Scholarship Campaign: Since 2013, the VFW and Sport Clips have helped nearly 600 service members and veterans achieve their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt through the “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.” Now through Veterans Day, you can help further their post-military education goals by making a donation when you get a haircut at one of the more than 1,500 Sport Clips Haircuts locations across the country. Sport Clips will also hold “The Biggest Haircut Day of the Year” on Veterans Day, when participating stores will offer free haircuts to service members and veterans. For more information on the “Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship,” visit: www.vfw.org/scholarship.
5. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of remains of six Americans who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Seaman 1st Class William E. Welch, 18, will be buried Oct. 29 in his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. On Dec. 7, 1941, Welch was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Welch. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/981456/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-welch/.
-- Army Cpl. Joseph Trepasso, 20, will be buried Nov. 5 in his hometown of Fulton, N.Y. In late November 1950, Trepasso was a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, which was deployed on the east side of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. He would be declared missing in action on Dec. 12, 1950. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/989134/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-trepasso/.
-- Army Pfc. Lavern C. Ullmer, of Montgomery, Ohio, will be buried Nov. 11 in Dayton. Ullmer was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when he was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, North Korea. It would be later learned he had been captured but died in a POW camp on Jan. 21, 1951. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/988569/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-ullmer/.
-- Army Sgt. James E. Martin, 22, will be buried Nov. 17 in Anacoco, La. In late November 1950, Martin was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, which was deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. He would be declared missing in action on Dec. 3, 1950. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/985470/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-martin/.
-- Army Cpl. Donald E. Matney, 18, will be buried Nov. 19 in his hometown of Seymour, Mo. On July 20, 1950, Matney was a member of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, when his unit attempted to delay the enemy from capturing a town near Taejon, South Korea. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/985474/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-matney/.
-- Army Maj. Jack D. Griffiths, of Comanche County, Okla., was a member of Headquarters, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, when he was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, in the vicinity of Somin-dong, North Korea. It would be later learned he had been captured but died in a POW camp. Interment services are pending. Read more at:http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/988573/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-griffiths/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
21October 2016
1. New COLA Stays Stagnant
2. VFW-SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program
3. MIA Families Sought
4. MIA Update
1. New COLA Stays Stagnant: Military retirees, veterans receiving VA compensation, and some 70 million Americans on Social Security will see a 0.3 percent cost-of-living increase at the end of the year. Veterans’ benefits are not automatically tied to the Social Security increase, but Congress in July passed legislation to link them in 2017. The slight increase matches the 2016 raise, and marks the third consecutive year COLA has been less than a half percentage point.
2. VFW-SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program: The application deadline for the 2017 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship has been extended to October 28, 2016. First held in 2015, the program mentors 10 student veterans as they research policy areas affecting veterans and the military. Once their research is completed, the fellows will advocate for legislative and regulatory fixes related to their selected issues. Part of that advocacy includes attending the VFW’s National Legislative Conference in March where fellows will join more than 500 VFW members in promoting the VFW’s legislative agenda by meeting with members of Congress. Last year, fellows also briefed staffers from the White House and both the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees. The program, with all travel expenses covered, is for VFW members who attend a college or university with a Student Veterans of America chapter. For more information, including the topics for research and the application link, click here:
http://www.vfw.org/community/student-veterans-of-america/student-fellowship.
3. MIA Families Sought: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is seeking families of missing American service members to attend informational update meetings and to collect DNA samples if one is not already on file. Learn more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/Families/Family-Events/.
4. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of remains of three Americans who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Cpl. Milton T. Bullis, 19, of Detroit, will be buried Oct. 21 in Holly, Mich. Bullis was a member of Medical Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, fighting a delaying action south from the Ch’ongch’on River to Kunu-ri, North Korea. He was declared missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950, but it would be later learned he died in captivity in early 1951. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/973514/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-bullis/.
-- Navy Fireman 3rd Class John H. Lindsley, 22, born in the Philippines and raised in Waukegan, Ill., will be buried Oct. 25, in Arlington National Cemetery. On Dec. 7, 1941, Lindsley was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/977243/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-lindsley/.
-- Army Cpl. Melvin R. Hill was one of 2,500 U.S. and 700 Republic of Korea soldiers assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team on the east side of the Chosin River, when they were attacked and forced into a fighting withdrawal in late November 1950. By Dec. 6, 1950, approximately 1,500 wounded soldiers were evacuated, and the remaining had been either captured or killed. Hill was reported missing in action as a result of the battles. Interment services are pending. Read more at http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/973957/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-hill/.
2. VFW-SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program
3. MIA Families Sought
4. MIA Update
1. New COLA Stays Stagnant: Military retirees, veterans receiving VA compensation, and some 70 million Americans on Social Security will see a 0.3 percent cost-of-living increase at the end of the year. Veterans’ benefits are not automatically tied to the Social Security increase, but Congress in July passed legislation to link them in 2017. The slight increase matches the 2016 raise, and marks the third consecutive year COLA has been less than a half percentage point.
2. VFW-SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program: The application deadline for the 2017 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship has been extended to October 28, 2016. First held in 2015, the program mentors 10 student veterans as they research policy areas affecting veterans and the military. Once their research is completed, the fellows will advocate for legislative and regulatory fixes related to their selected issues. Part of that advocacy includes attending the VFW’s National Legislative Conference in March where fellows will join more than 500 VFW members in promoting the VFW’s legislative agenda by meeting with members of Congress. Last year, fellows also briefed staffers from the White House and both the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees. The program, with all travel expenses covered, is for VFW members who attend a college or university with a Student Veterans of America chapter. For more information, including the topics for research and the application link, click here:
http://www.vfw.org/community/student-veterans-of-america/student-fellowship.
3. MIA Families Sought: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is seeking families of missing American service members to attend informational update meetings and to collect DNA samples if one is not already on file. Learn more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/Families/Family-Events/.
4. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of remains of three Americans who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Cpl. Milton T. Bullis, 19, of Detroit, will be buried Oct. 21 in Holly, Mich. Bullis was a member of Medical Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, fighting a delaying action south from the Ch’ongch’on River to Kunu-ri, North Korea. He was declared missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950, but it would be later learned he died in captivity in early 1951. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/973514/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-bullis/.
-- Navy Fireman 3rd Class John H. Lindsley, 22, born in the Philippines and raised in Waukegan, Ill., will be buried Oct. 25, in Arlington National Cemetery. On Dec. 7, 1941, Lindsley was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/977243/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-lindsley/.
-- Army Cpl. Melvin R. Hill was one of 2,500 U.S. and 700 Republic of Korea soldiers assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team on the east side of the Chosin River, when they were attacked and forced into a fighting withdrawal in late November 1950. By Dec. 6, 1950, approximately 1,500 wounded soldiers were evacuated, and the remaining had been either captured or killed. Hill was reported missing in action as a result of the battles. Interment services are pending. Read more at http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/973957/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-hill/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
14 October 2016
In This Issue:
1. VFW-SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program
2. Women Veterans Campaign
3. Quarterly PTSD Research Report Released
4. Delay in DOD’s New Electronic Health Care Record
5. Veterans Online Self-Help Resources
6. MIA Update
1. VFW-SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program: The application deadline for the 2017 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship has been extended to October 28, 2016. First held in 2015, the program mentors 10 student veterans as they research policy areas affecting veterans and the military. Once their research is completed, the fellows will advocate for legislative and regulatory fixes related to their selected issues. Part of that advocacy includes attending the VFW’s National Legislative Conference in March where fellows will join more than 500 VFW members in promoting the VFW’s legislative agenda by meeting with members of Congress. Last year, fellows also briefed staffers from the White House and both the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees. The program, with all travel expenses covered, is for VFW members who attend a college or university with a Student Veterans of America chapter. For more information, including the topics for research and the application link, click here:
http://www.vfw.org/community/student-veterans-of-america/student-fellowship.
2. Women Veterans Campaign: The Department of Veterans Affairs partnered with Lean In Women Veterans to launch the campaign “I Serve” in efforts to highlight women veterans who have answered the call to duty. The campaign aspires to promote the diversity of women veterans and celebrate the many accomplishments they have had in our military. To participate, female veterans are asked to record a 15-second video on their phones reading a specific script–– “I am (name), and this is what a veteran looks like…” (Pause) “I serve/served!” To learn more about the campaign, visit: https://likeawomanblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/13/womens-i-servedserve-campaign/.
3. Quarterly PTSD Research Report Released: The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder released their quarterly report on Tuesday. The publication focused on accelerated aging associated with PTSD that has been researched by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Boston University School of Medicine. This is believed to be mostly due to factors of stress and external environmental factors increased by PTSD that lead to poor physical health. Researchers also believe that mental health directly impacts the physiology of individuals just as much as their external environment. To read the full report, visit: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/newsletters/research-quarterly/V27N3.pdf.
4. Delay in DOD’s New Electronic Health Care Record: This week, the Department of Defense announced it would modify its initial rollout of its new electronic health care record, Military Health System (MHS) GENESIS. Instead of piloting MHS GENESIS in four military installations before the end of the calendar year, DOD will begin the new health care record at Fairchild Air Force Base this calendar year and expand to other inpatient facilities in the Pacific Northwest by June 2017. DOD is still on track for full implementation by 2022. To learn more about MHS GENESIS, visit: http://www.health.mil/News/Articles/2016/10/13/MHS-GENESIS-to-launch-in-February-2017.
5. Veterans Online Self-Help Resources: The Department of Veterans Affairs has created free, online and confidential training for service members and veterans to learn skills and tools to manage stress and to overcome life’s challenges such as parenting, financial difficulties and adjustment issues. To learn more, visit: http://www.veterantraining.va.gov/.
6. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of three Americans who had been missing in action since World War II. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Seaman 2nd Class James N. Phipps, 24, of Rainier, Ore., will be buried Oct. 17 in Portland, Ore. On Dec. 7, 1941, Phipps was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack on the battleship resulted in 429 casualties. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/969384/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-phipps/.
-- Pfc. James S. Smith, 19, will be buried Oct. 17 in his hometown of Liberty, Miss. In November 1943, Smith was assigned to Company C, 2nd Amphibious Tractor Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Smith died sometime on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/969389/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-smith-james/.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Donald L. Beals, 22, of Brookings, S.D., will be buried Oct. 17 in Arlington National Cemetery. On April 17, 1945, Beals was piloting a P-47D Thunderbolt on an armed reconnaissance mission when he was shot down by antiaircraft fire near Dresden, Germany. He was assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/969380/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-beals/.
1. VFW-SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program
2. Women Veterans Campaign
3. Quarterly PTSD Research Report Released
4. Delay in DOD’s New Electronic Health Care Record
5. Veterans Online Self-Help Resources
6. MIA Update
1. VFW-SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program: The application deadline for the 2017 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship has been extended to October 28, 2016. First held in 2015, the program mentors 10 student veterans as they research policy areas affecting veterans and the military. Once their research is completed, the fellows will advocate for legislative and regulatory fixes related to their selected issues. Part of that advocacy includes attending the VFW’s National Legislative Conference in March where fellows will join more than 500 VFW members in promoting the VFW’s legislative agenda by meeting with members of Congress. Last year, fellows also briefed staffers from the White House and both the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees. The program, with all travel expenses covered, is for VFW members who attend a college or university with a Student Veterans of America chapter. For more information, including the topics for research and the application link, click here:
http://www.vfw.org/community/student-veterans-of-america/student-fellowship.
2. Women Veterans Campaign: The Department of Veterans Affairs partnered with Lean In Women Veterans to launch the campaign “I Serve” in efforts to highlight women veterans who have answered the call to duty. The campaign aspires to promote the diversity of women veterans and celebrate the many accomplishments they have had in our military. To participate, female veterans are asked to record a 15-second video on their phones reading a specific script–– “I am (name), and this is what a veteran looks like…” (Pause) “I serve/served!” To learn more about the campaign, visit: https://likeawomanblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/13/womens-i-servedserve-campaign/.
3. Quarterly PTSD Research Report Released: The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder released their quarterly report on Tuesday. The publication focused on accelerated aging associated with PTSD that has been researched by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Boston University School of Medicine. This is believed to be mostly due to factors of stress and external environmental factors increased by PTSD that lead to poor physical health. Researchers also believe that mental health directly impacts the physiology of individuals just as much as their external environment. To read the full report, visit: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/newsletters/research-quarterly/V27N3.pdf.
4. Delay in DOD’s New Electronic Health Care Record: This week, the Department of Defense announced it would modify its initial rollout of its new electronic health care record, Military Health System (MHS) GENESIS. Instead of piloting MHS GENESIS in four military installations before the end of the calendar year, DOD will begin the new health care record at Fairchild Air Force Base this calendar year and expand to other inpatient facilities in the Pacific Northwest by June 2017. DOD is still on track for full implementation by 2022. To learn more about MHS GENESIS, visit: http://www.health.mil/News/Articles/2016/10/13/MHS-GENESIS-to-launch-in-February-2017.
5. Veterans Online Self-Help Resources: The Department of Veterans Affairs has created free, online and confidential training for service members and veterans to learn skills and tools to manage stress and to overcome life’s challenges such as parenting, financial difficulties and adjustment issues. To learn more, visit: http://www.veterantraining.va.gov/.
6. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of three Americans who had been missing in action since World War II. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Seaman 2nd Class James N. Phipps, 24, of Rainier, Ore., will be buried Oct. 17 in Portland, Ore. On Dec. 7, 1941, Phipps was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack on the battleship resulted in 429 casualties. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/969384/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-phipps/.
-- Pfc. James S. Smith, 19, will be buried Oct. 17 in his hometown of Liberty, Miss. In November 1943, Smith was assigned to Company C, 2nd Amphibious Tractor Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Smith died sometime on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/969389/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-smith-james/.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Donald L. Beals, 22, of Brookings, S.D., will be buried Oct. 17 in Arlington National Cemetery. On April 17, 1945, Beals was piloting a P-47D Thunderbolt on an armed reconnaissance mission when he was shot down by antiaircraft fire near Dresden, Germany. He was assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/969380/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-beals/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
7 October 2016
October 7, 2016
In This Issue:
1. MyVA Transformation
2. VFW Women Veterans Visit Capitol Hill
3. Veterans Preference Restriction Opposed
4. Mobile Apps for Veterans
5. TRICARE Sets Hurricane Emergency Pharmacy Rules
6. VFW and SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program
7. World War One 100 Cities/100 Memorials Initiative
8. MIA Update
1. MyVA Transformation: This week, the MyVA Advisory Committee met in Pittsburgh, Pa., to discuss progress the Department of Veterans Affairs has made in the past two years to improve veterans programs and services. VFW Deputy Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes informed VA leaders that many veterans have noticed an improvement in their experiences, but much work remains in order to restore veterans’ trust in VA. For a summary of the meeting and more information on the MyVA transformation, visit: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/31698/success-of-myva-advisory-committee-members-meet-in-pittsburgh/.
2. VFW Women Veterans Visit Capitol Hill: This week, four VFW past Department commanders who are women veterans traveled to Washington, D.C. During their visit they worked on legislative issues pertaining to female veterans, primarily focusing on preventive medicine within the Department of Veterans Affairs, military sexual trauma and homelessness. Meetings were held with leadership from Congress, the Department of Labor’s Veteran Employment and Training Service and Department of Defense’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office. The focus of these meetings came as the result of a survey of women veterans the committee put together and analyzed in January 2015. With over 1,900 respondents, they were able to categorize where legislation is most needed for the female veteran community –– health care, outreach, recognition and homelessness. For more information on what the VFW is doing for female veterans, please visit: http://www.vfw.org/women-veterans.
3. Veterans Preference Restriction Opposed: Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain is now saying he will oppose a controversial proposal that would restrict veterans preference to a one-time use when applying for work within the federal government. The restriction, which the VFW has opposed since its introduction, is buried deep inside the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017. The VFW wants the current veterans preference program kept intact. The misperception by veterans and misinterpretation by federal hiring authorities is that veterans preference is a job guarantee, wherein fact the only “guarantee” is the veteran applicant gets to advance to the interview stage where he or she must still distinguish themselves as the best qualified candidate. Congress will revisit this issue when it reconvenes after the November elections.
4. Mobile Apps for Veterans: VA has launched a number of mobile apps aimed at improving the lives of veterans and making VA more accessible. Currently, VA has 16 apps available through the Apple store and 6 apps available on Android’s Google Play. These apps help veterans manage their PTSD, pressure ulcers, preconception care and other aspects of their health care. Many of the applications are also available for download on desktops and laptops. VA is currently field testing 11 more applications that will be released soon, including a self-scheduling application, an app to help veterans track their health care by receiving notifications from their health care team, and sending health information, such as blood pressure and other vital signs back to their health care team. For more information, visit: https://mobile.va.gov/appstore.
5. TRICARE Sets Hurricane Emergency Pharmacy Rules: Due to the impact of Hurricane Matthew, TRICARE has established emergency rules for those needing to refill their prescriptions. The rules will last through November 2, 2016. For more information, click here: http://www.tricare.mil/Resources/DisasterInfo/DisasterAlerts/10_04_16_HurricaneMatthew.
6. VFW and SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program: The application process for the 2017 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship is open and will close on October 21, 2016. First held in 2015, the program mentors 10 student veterans as they research policy areas affecting veterans and the military. Once their research is completed, the fellows will advocate for legislative and regulatory fixes related to their selected issues. Part of that advocacy includes attending the VFW’s National Legislative Conference in March where fellows will join more than 500 VFW members in promoting the VFW’s legislative agenda by meeting with members of Congress. Last year, fellows also briefed staffers from the White House and both the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees. The program, with all travel expenses covered, is for VFW members who attend a college or university with a Student Veterans of America chapter. For more information, including the topics for research and the application link, click here: http://www.vfw.org/studentfellowship/.
7. World War One 100 Cities/100 Memorials Initiative: In observance of the upcoming centennial of World War I, 100 matching grants of up to $2,000 apiece will be awarded for the restoration of 100 World War I memorials across the United States. Any municipal government, individual or organization may apply. Likewise, any individual, organization or company can become a sponsor of the effort. Learn more here: https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/2016-07-06-00-52-42.html.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Office has announced the identification of remains belonging to six Americans who had been missing and unaccounted for since World War II and Korea. Being returned home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Seaman 2nd Class Rudolph V. Piskuran, 19, will be buried Oct. 14 in his hometown of Elyria, Ohio. On Dec. 7, 1941, Piskuran was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/967866/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-piskuran/.
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class James P. Shunney, 19, of Woonsocket, R.I., will be buried Oct. 14 in Blackstone, Mass. In early November 1950, Shunney was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, when his unit was forced into a fighting withdrawal from their position near Unsan, North Korea. Shunney was declared missing in action on Nov. 2, 1950.
-- Navy Fireman 3rd Class Edwin C. Hopkins, 19, will be buried Oct. 15 in his hometown of Keene, N.H. On Dec. 7, 1941, Hopkins was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/967875/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-hopkins/.
-- Army Cpl. Milton T. Bullis, 21, is scheduled to be buried Oct. 21 in Holly, Mich. In late November 1950, Bullis was a member of Medical Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division that was fighting a delaying action against Chinese forces near Kunu-ri, North Korea. He would be declared missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/961704/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-bullis/.
-- Army Pfc. William W. Cowan was a member of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when he was reported missing in action on Feb. 12, 1951, after his unit attacked an enemy road block near Hoengsong, South Korea. It would be later learned he had been captured but died in captivity in a POW camp in North Korea. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/956305/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-cowan/.
-- Marine Field Music 1st Class Warren G. Nelson was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff enemy resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded; the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Nelson died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/965980/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-nelson/.
In This Issue:
1. MyVA Transformation
2. VFW Women Veterans Visit Capitol Hill
3. Veterans Preference Restriction Opposed
4. Mobile Apps for Veterans
5. TRICARE Sets Hurricane Emergency Pharmacy Rules
6. VFW and SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program
7. World War One 100 Cities/100 Memorials Initiative
8. MIA Update
1. MyVA Transformation: This week, the MyVA Advisory Committee met in Pittsburgh, Pa., to discuss progress the Department of Veterans Affairs has made in the past two years to improve veterans programs and services. VFW Deputy Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes informed VA leaders that many veterans have noticed an improvement in their experiences, but much work remains in order to restore veterans’ trust in VA. For a summary of the meeting and more information on the MyVA transformation, visit: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/31698/success-of-myva-advisory-committee-members-meet-in-pittsburgh/.
2. VFW Women Veterans Visit Capitol Hill: This week, four VFW past Department commanders who are women veterans traveled to Washington, D.C. During their visit they worked on legislative issues pertaining to female veterans, primarily focusing on preventive medicine within the Department of Veterans Affairs, military sexual trauma and homelessness. Meetings were held with leadership from Congress, the Department of Labor’s Veteran Employment and Training Service and Department of Defense’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office. The focus of these meetings came as the result of a survey of women veterans the committee put together and analyzed in January 2015. With over 1,900 respondents, they were able to categorize where legislation is most needed for the female veteran community –– health care, outreach, recognition and homelessness. For more information on what the VFW is doing for female veterans, please visit: http://www.vfw.org/women-veterans.
3. Veterans Preference Restriction Opposed: Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain is now saying he will oppose a controversial proposal that would restrict veterans preference to a one-time use when applying for work within the federal government. The restriction, which the VFW has opposed since its introduction, is buried deep inside the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017. The VFW wants the current veterans preference program kept intact. The misperception by veterans and misinterpretation by federal hiring authorities is that veterans preference is a job guarantee, wherein fact the only “guarantee” is the veteran applicant gets to advance to the interview stage where he or she must still distinguish themselves as the best qualified candidate. Congress will revisit this issue when it reconvenes after the November elections.
4. Mobile Apps for Veterans: VA has launched a number of mobile apps aimed at improving the lives of veterans and making VA more accessible. Currently, VA has 16 apps available through the Apple store and 6 apps available on Android’s Google Play. These apps help veterans manage their PTSD, pressure ulcers, preconception care and other aspects of their health care. Many of the applications are also available for download on desktops and laptops. VA is currently field testing 11 more applications that will be released soon, including a self-scheduling application, an app to help veterans track their health care by receiving notifications from their health care team, and sending health information, such as blood pressure and other vital signs back to their health care team. For more information, visit: https://mobile.va.gov/appstore.
5. TRICARE Sets Hurricane Emergency Pharmacy Rules: Due to the impact of Hurricane Matthew, TRICARE has established emergency rules for those needing to refill their prescriptions. The rules will last through November 2, 2016. For more information, click here: http://www.tricare.mil/Resources/DisasterInfo/DisasterAlerts/10_04_16_HurricaneMatthew.
6. VFW and SVA 2017 Legislative Fellowship Program: The application process for the 2017 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship is open and will close on October 21, 2016. First held in 2015, the program mentors 10 student veterans as they research policy areas affecting veterans and the military. Once their research is completed, the fellows will advocate for legislative and regulatory fixes related to their selected issues. Part of that advocacy includes attending the VFW’s National Legislative Conference in March where fellows will join more than 500 VFW members in promoting the VFW’s legislative agenda by meeting with members of Congress. Last year, fellows also briefed staffers from the White House and both the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees. The program, with all travel expenses covered, is for VFW members who attend a college or university with a Student Veterans of America chapter. For more information, including the topics for research and the application link, click here: http://www.vfw.org/studentfellowship/.
7. World War One 100 Cities/100 Memorials Initiative: In observance of the upcoming centennial of World War I, 100 matching grants of up to $2,000 apiece will be awarded for the restoration of 100 World War I memorials across the United States. Any municipal government, individual or organization may apply. Likewise, any individual, organization or company can become a sponsor of the effort. Learn more here: https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/2016-07-06-00-52-42.html.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Office has announced the identification of remains belonging to six Americans who had been missing and unaccounted for since World War II and Korea. Being returned home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Seaman 2nd Class Rudolph V. Piskuran, 19, will be buried Oct. 14 in his hometown of Elyria, Ohio. On Dec. 7, 1941, Piskuran was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/967866/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-piskuran/.
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class James P. Shunney, 19, of Woonsocket, R.I., will be buried Oct. 14 in Blackstone, Mass. In early November 1950, Shunney was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, when his unit was forced into a fighting withdrawal from their position near Unsan, North Korea. Shunney was declared missing in action on Nov. 2, 1950.
-- Navy Fireman 3rd Class Edwin C. Hopkins, 19, will be buried Oct. 15 in his hometown of Keene, N.H. On Dec. 7, 1941, Hopkins was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/967875/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-hopkins/.
-- Army Cpl. Milton T. Bullis, 21, is scheduled to be buried Oct. 21 in Holly, Mich. In late November 1950, Bullis was a member of Medical Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division that was fighting a delaying action against Chinese forces near Kunu-ri, North Korea. He would be declared missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/961704/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-bullis/.
-- Army Pfc. William W. Cowan was a member of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when he was reported missing in action on Feb. 12, 1951, after his unit attacked an enemy road block near Hoengsong, South Korea. It would be later learned he had been captured but died in captivity in a POW camp in North Korea. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/956305/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-cowan/.
-- Marine Field Music 1st Class Warren G. Nelson was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff enemy resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded; the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Nelson died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/965980/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-nelson/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
30 September 2016
In This Issue:
1. VA Receives Full-Year Funding
2. President Signs Bill Helping 37,000 GI Bill Users
3. Sequestration Still Law of the Land
4. Army Priorities
5. White House Hosts Suicide Prevention Panel
6. House Subcommittee Hearing Held
7. Assistance for Veterans with Service-Connected Infertility
8. VA West Los Angeles Leases Approved
9. CVS Dropped from TRICARE Pharmacy Network
10. Campaign to Support Military Caregivers
11. Federal Voting Assistance Program
12. GWOT Memorial Internship Opportunities
13. MIA Update
1. VA Receives Full-Year Funding: A government shutdown was averted Wednesday night when Congress passed a continuing resolution to temporarily fund the federal government for 10 weeks into fiscal year 2017, which begins Saturday. Congress also approved full-year funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which was a significant VFW victory. The VA/military construction budget that the president is expected to sign will provide $74.4 billion in discretionary spending to VA next year, as well as $7.72 billion for military construction. Included in the new funding package are a number of VFW-supported initiatives and programs, such as authorizing VA to provide In Vitro Fertilization and covering the cost of adoptions, eliminating copayments for medications that counter potential opioid overdoses, expanding VA childcare pilot programs and whistleblower protections, and increasing the transparency of VA Office of Inspector General reports. “Stop-gap budget measures harm veterans” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy, “which is why we are glad that Congress agreed and acted on full-year appropriations for the VA, which will allow it to properly plan and execute its numerous programs to better serve wounded, ill and injured veterans, as well as their families and survivors.” Read more at: https://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2016-Articles/VFW-Salutes-Full-Funding-for-VA/.
2. President Signs Bill Helping 37,000 GI Bill Users: After working closely with Congress to ensure legislation was introduced and passed, the VFW applauds President Barack Obama for signing the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016, which extends various forms of funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs. One of the timeliest of those extensions pertains to benefits for nearly 37,000 veterans using their GI Bill to attend one of the institutions which recently lost its accreditation through the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). After an extended investigation, the Department of Education terminated the organization’s accreditation for numerous cases of fraud and skewing data of student success, amongst other reasons. The bill now provides Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald the authority to extend funding of the GI Bill for student veterans attending these schools for up to 18-months. The VFW plans to continue pushing Congress to pass the Veterans First Act, which would provide assistance for veterans who were attending schools that shut down, such as ITT Technical Institute. Under current legislation, there are no benefits assisting veterans who used their GI Bill benefits to attend schools which closed. For VA resources being provided to ITT and ACICS students, please visit: http://benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
For more understanding of ACICS and what this means for its students, please visit: http://studentveterans.org/aboutus/government-affairs/acics. Veterans who have been negatively impacted financially due to school closings can request assistance here: https://www.vfw.org/UnmetNeeds
3. Sequestration Still Law of the Land: Although Congress averted a government shutdown and provided full-year funding for veterans programs, it still has a lot of work to do when it reconvenes after the Nov. 8 elections, to include passing a number of important bills that have already been introduced, and to finally eliminate sequestration, which has been the VFW’s top legislative priority ever since Congress created it with the Budget Control Act of 2011. “Five years ago the Islamic State didn’t exist, Russia wasn’t in the Ukraine, China wasn’t building islands out of rocks, and Iran and North Korea weren’t as emboldened as they are now,” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “Yet here’s this budget axe that was written in a different time that continues to force the Department of Defense to operate with less funding in a worldwide environment of ever-evolving threats. Sequestration also forces the Army, which is already on a glideslope down to 450,000 active-duty soldiers, to drop to 420,000,” he stressed. “A continued sequester weakens America, worries our allies, and threatens lives — American lives,” he said. “Our brave men and women in uniform will continue to perform and excel at every mission, but overtasking with inadequate resourcing is an impending disaster the VFW will not allow. Sequestration must end!”
4. Army Priorities: The VFW met with Army Secretary Eric Fanning at the Army’s quarterly veterans and military service organization conference inside the Pentagon on Wednesday. The detailed briefing included Army Discharge Review Board updates, installation access, soldier support, and an operational overview. Primary takeaway is the Army is stretched thin from less manning but increased requirements. Meanwhile, Iraq and Afghanistan still continue, as do other requirements in Africa and Asia. The Army currently has almost 190,000 soldiers assigned to 140 worldwide locations. All headquarters staffing has reduced 25 percent, but the stress this puts on field leadership and combat-coded units has resulted in dwell times of 1:1 at division level and 1:2 for Brigade Combat Teams, which means units are either just home, getting ready to deploy or already deployed. The continued sequester exacerbates the manpower issue, in that the active Army would reduce from the current 490,000 to 420,000, Army National Guard from 350,000 to 315,000, and the Army Reserve from 202,000 to 185,000. Eliminating sequestration has been the VFW’s top legislative priority ever since Congress created it with the Budget Control Act of 2011.
5. White House Hosts Suicide Prevention Panel: On Thursday, the White House hosted its fourth panel in the “Making Health Care Better” series which included leaders in suicide prevention research, and prevention and intervention from both the government sector as well as the private and non-profit sectors. In attendance was VA Undersecretary for Health, Dr. David Shulkin, who discussed how VA has been working to partner with more outside sources such as the National Institute of Mental Health to address veteran suicide. VA makes roughly 1.8 million mental health care appointments a year and Dr. Shulkin assured they are doing their best to reduce 20 veteran suicides a day to zero. Some new ways VA has been working on innovations to address veteran suicide has been through implementing suicide specialists within every VA Medical Center by the end of 2016, focusing on meta data for veterans who may be overlooked for high risk of suicide, and adding the option to press the number seven on the Veterans Crisis Line to immediately speak to somebody. To watch the panel discussion, click here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2016/09/29/making-health-care-better-series-suicide-prevention.
6. House Subcommittee Hearing Held: On Tuesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to determine why incarcerated veterans were improperly paid millions in VA benefits. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) reported over $100 million was paid out to incarcerated veterans from 2008-2015. The OIG recommended that VA try to recoup its money as quickly as possible, and to reprioritize its personnel workload so oversights like this do not happen again. VA responded that it will renew its contract with the Department of Prisons to identify the names of individuals whose benefits need to be suspended, and will work to make sure incidents like this are not repeated. To read testimony, or watch video of the hearing, click here: https://veterans.house.gov/hearings/investigating-how-va-improperly-paid-millions-incarcerated-veterans
7. Assistance for Veterans with Service-Connected Infertility: Yesterday, the president signed a bill that will authorize VA to provide assisted reproductive technology treatments or cover the cost of adoption for veterans who have lost their ability to conceive due to a service-connected condition. Ensuring veterans with service-connected infertility are afforded the opportunity to start a family has been a VFW policy goal for the past two years. Stay tuned to the Action Corps Weekly for updates on how and when VA implements this much needed benefit.
8. VA West Los Angeles Leases Approved: Yesterday, the president signed a law to authorize VA to use its West Los Angeles campus for veterans’ programs including veteran homelessness reintegration services, ending a lengthy struggle over how such property is used. For more information on VA’s plans, visit: http://www.losangeles.va.gov/masterplan/ .
9. CVS Dropped from TRICARE Pharmacy Network: Today, Express Scripts, the contractor who manages the TRICARE Pharmacy Network, announced that starting December 1, 2016, service members, retirees and their families will no longer be able to have their prescriptions filled at CVS pharmacy stores. To find a network pharmacy, visit: http://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Pharmacy/FillPrescriptions/Network.
10. Campaign to Support Military Caregivers: This week the VFW joined the Elizabeth Dole foundation in their launch of the Hidden Heroes Campaign to support military caregivers who provide invaluable assistance to severely injured and ill veterans and service members. If you are a caregiver or want to join the VFW and the Elizabeth Dole foundation in supporting caregivers, please visit: https://hiddenheroes.org/.
11. Federal Voting Assistance Program: The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is a Department of Defense organization that works to ensure military service members, their eligible family members, and overseas U.S. citizens are aware of their right to vote, and have the tools and resources to successfully do so from anywhere in the world. With the federal election less than six weeks away, FVAP officials are reminding all absentee voters to vote as soon as they receive their absentee state ballots. Military and overseas voters who need to register or request a ballot can do so by filling out a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) at FVAP.gov — by hand or using the online assistant — and sending it to their election office. For additional information, visit FVAP.gov, email vote@fvap.gov or call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683).
12. GWOT Memorial Internship Opportunities: The Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation is launching a nationwide Internship Program consisting of eight Intern Leaders who will manage teams of 20 volunteer Team Member Interns to help reach fundraising goals. Intern Leaders will begin this Dec. 15 through May 15, 2017, and will receive a $500-a-month stipend. Team Member Interns will start on Jan. 15 and finish on April 15. Primary intern goals are to grow valuable program management, people management, sales, marketing, fundraising, and leadership skills in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial startup environment, as well as offer valuable job skills and resume worthy experiences for veterans, spouses and children of veterans looking to grow job skills while attending college. The application deadline is Nov. 15 for Intern Leaders and Dec. 1 for Team Member Interns. To learn more about the internship, click here: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/internships/. To apply for Intern Team Leader, click here: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/intern-team-leader-form/. To apply for Team Member Intern, click here: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/intern-team-member-form/.
13. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of remains of seven Americans who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Marine Sgt. Fae V. Moore, 23, will be buried Oct. 6 in his hometown of Chadron, Neb. In November 1943, Moore was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded; the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Moore died sometime on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/958957/marine-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-moore/.
-- Army Cpl. William H. Smith, 18, of Hornell, N.Y., will be buried Oct. 7 in Elmira, N.Y. In late November 1950, Smith was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, when his unit was forced into a fighting withdrawal from their positions near Unsan, South Korea. Smith was reported missing in action as of Nov. 28, 1950. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/958994/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-smith-william/.
-- Marine Pfc. Ronald W. Vosmer, 22, will be buried Oct. 8 in his hometown of Denver, Colo. Vosmer was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, when it landed Nov. 20, 1943, against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded; Japanese forces were virtually annihilated. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/959003/marine-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-vosmer/.
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class Louis M. Baxter, 22, will be buried Oct. 8 is his hometown of Massena, N.Y. Baxter was a member of Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, on the east side of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea, when his unit was forced into a fighting withdrawal southward. He would be declared missing in action on Dec. 6, 1950. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/959026/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-baxter/.
-- Navy Seaman 2nd Class Lewis L. Wagoner, 20, of Douglas County, Mo., will be buried Oct. 8 in Whitewater, Kan. On Dec. 7, 1941, Schmitt was stationed aboard the battleship USS Oklahoma when it capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack on the ship resulted in 429 casualties, second most only to the USS Arizona that day. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/959091/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-wagoner/.
-- Navy Lt. j.g. Aloysius H. Schmitt, 32, of St. Lucas, Iowa, will be buried Oct. 9 in Dubuque, Iowa. On Dec. 7, 1941, Schmitt was stationed aboard the battleship USS Oklahoma when it capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack on the ship resulted in 429 casualties, second most only to the USS Arizona that day. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/959115/uss-oklahoma-sailor-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-schmitt/.
-- Army W. Pfc. William Cowan was a member of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when he was reported missing in action after his unit attacked an enemy roadblock near Hoengsong, South Korea, on Feb. 12, 1951. It would be later learned he died in captivity in North Korea. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/956305/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-cowan/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
23 September 2016
In This Issue:
1. A Day to Change Direction
2. Subcommittee Hearing on VA Procurement
3. Congress Advances Veterans Legislation
4. House Committee Advances Several Veterans Bills
5. Opioid and Heroin Awareness Week Discussion
6. Male Military Sexual Assault Prevention
7. Nominate a Military Child of the Year
8. MIA Update
1. A Day to Change Direction: The VFW Mental Wellness Campaign, sponsored by National Commander Brian Duffy and Auxiliary National President Colette Bishop, is continuing to move forward. On Saturday, Oct. 8, VFW Posts and Auxiliaries everywhere have been asked to participate in community service projects, as well as to host discussions on mental wellness and mental health to help reduce the stigma of seeking care for veterans and non-veterans alike. VFW is partnering with Give an Hour (www.giveanhour.org) to host “A Day to Change Direction.” As such, the VFW National Headquarters wants to know all of the great things happening at VFW Posts and Auxiliaries that day. In addition to sharing “A Day to Change Direction” photos on social media using #changementalhealth and #VFWPostPride, please e-mail photos and contact information to Janie Dyhouse at jdyhouse@vfw.org. We look forward to publicizing the great work of our VFW Posts and Auxiliaries!
2. Subcommittee Hearing on VA Procurement: On Tuesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing to identify some of the issues plaguing VA and its ability to obtain resources for its health care providers. Currently, VA has multiple suppliers from which it obtains medical resources and medications. Witnesses testified that a single source provider of resources would greatly improve the care and efficiency VA offers its patients. Subcommittee Chairman Mike Coffman (R-CO), tasked VA with providing a plan moving forward that will allow for a single provider of supplies and a more efficient way of tracking them by 2017. To view the hearing, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lQl9c8gF1g.
3. Congress Advances Veterans Legislation: This week the Senate advanced four veterans bills that were recently passed by the House. The bills include H.R. 5936, the Veterans Care Agreement and West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016, to authorize VA to enter into needed leases in West Los Angeles; H.R. 1475, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act to authorize the construction of a wall of remembrance at the Korean War Veterans Memorial; H.R. 5985, the VA Expiring Authorities Act of 2016 to extend a number of important veterans programs set to expire this year and provide relief for veterans impacted by the closure of ITT campuses around the country; and H.R. 5937 to authorize the American Battle Monuments Commission to acquire, operate and maintain the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial in Marnes-la-Coquette, France. H.R. 1475 was amended by the Senate and must be reconsidered by the House before being sent to the president. The other three bills now await the president’s signature.
4. House Committee Advances Several Veterans Bills: On Wednesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a markup of 11 bills, which would authorize VA employees to work flexible hours and expand operating hours of VA medical facilities; authorize headstone medallions for Medal of Honor recipients buried in private cemeteries; authorize the spouses of veterans to retain their residency for tax purposes; and require VA to provide veterans information on the transferability of credits for educational programs authorized under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill program. To learn about all the bills advanced by the committee, visit: https://veterans.house.gov/legislation/markups/pending-legislation-3.
5. Opioid and Heroin Awareness Week Discussion: The Department of Justice hosted a discussion panel on Tuesday for Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. The discussion was veteran specific and focused on exploring the intersections of substance use, mental health, homelessness, suicide and how veteran treatment courts are positively affecting those in need. Among those in attendance were Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert A. McDonald, Principle Deputy Associate Attorney General William J. Baer and Michael Botticelli, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. The panel discussions focused on tackling the difficulties stemming from opioid and heroin use in a holistic manner and on exploring how opioid and heroin use actually affects and causes difficulties such as incarceration and homelessness. For more information visit: https://www.justice.gov/opa/blog/opioid-abuse-awareness-veterans-treatment-courts-focus-roundtable-discussion.
6. Male Military Sexual Assault Prevention: The Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus held a briefing on Wednesday to discuss male sexual trauma victims. Co-chaired by Representatives Mike Turner (R-OH) and Niki Tsongas (D-MA), the two aimed at better informing Congress of sexual assaults on members of the military who are male. While female service members suffer from Military Sexual Trauma (MST) in alarmingly higher numbers than their male counterparts, male service members suffer from MST at a higher ratio and men who are assaulted are much less likely to come forward. This results in possible untreated mental health conditions which many are worried can lead to suicide. To read more about the briefing, please visit: https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/turner-and-tsongas-host-briefing-on-male-military-sexual-assault-to-give.
7. Nominate a Military Child of the Year: The military family-oriented nonprofit Operation Homefront is now accepting Military Child of the Year nominations through Dec. 5, 2016. The annual awards program, now in its 9th year, will recognize six outstanding young people ages eight to 18 with $10,000 each, new laptops, and will be flown with a parent or guardian to attend an awards gala April 6 in Washington, D.C. Nominations are also being accepted for a Military Child of the Year Award for Innovation, for youth age 13-18. The winner of this category will receive $5,000, mentorship by award sponsor Booz Allen Hamilton, as well as be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington for the gala. Operation Homefront received 502 nominations last year, with the winners ranging in age from nine to 18. For more information, go to: http://www.militarychildoftheyear.org/.
8. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of remains of two pilots and five soldiers who have been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Robert W. Ward, 22, will be buried Oct. 1 in his hometown of Pontiac, Mich. On Dec. 23, 1944, Ward was co-piloting a B-26C Marauder with eight other crew members when it was shot down by enemy fire while on a bombing mission near Philippsweiler, Germany. Ward and one other were reported killed in action. He was assigned to the 559th Bombardment Squadron, 387th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/906008/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-ward/.
-- Army Cpl. William H. Smith will be buried Oct. 7 in Elmira, N.Y. In late November 1950, Smith was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, which was forced into a fighting withdrawal from Unsan, North Korea. He would be reported missing in action on Nov. 28, 1950. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/949853/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-smith-william/.
-- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Ben B. Barnes will be buried Oct. 15 in Miller, S.D. On Dec. 5, 1944, Barnes was piloting a P-51D Mustang on a bomber escort mission to Germany when he was shot down by enemy fighters northeast of Berlin. He was a member of the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/952187/airman-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-barnes/.
-- Army Cpl. Donald R. Hendrickson will be buried Oct. 15 in Janesville, Wis. In late November 1950, Hendrickson was a member of Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, when it was forced into a fighting withdrawal from east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. He would be reported missing in action on Dec. 6, 1950. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/939146/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-hendrickson/.
-- Army Pfc. William V. Giovanniello was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, when on April 25, 1951, he would be declared missing in action after his unit was forced into a fighting withdrawal from Chorwon, South Korea. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/949412/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-giovanniello/.
-- Army Pfc. Everett E. Johnson was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, when on Sept. 3, 1950, he was killed by enemy fire as his company was forced into a fighting withdrawal from Taegu, South Korea. Interment services are pending.
-- Army Cpl. Roy C. Fink, 20, from New York, was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when his unit was forced into a fighting withdrawal. Fink would be reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/953602/soldier-killed-in-korean-war-accounted-for-fink/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
16 September 2016
In This Issue:
1. VFW Launches Mental Wellness Campaign
2. VFW Legislative Conference Concludes
3. VFW Supports GWOT Memorial Legislation
4. Senate Reviews Commission on Care Report
5. VA’s Misuse of Employee Settlement Agreements
6. House Advances Veterans Legislation
7. VFW Hosts Former Marine Corps Commandant/National Security Advisor
8. National POW/MIA Recognition Day
9. MIA Updates
1. VFW Launches Mental Wellness Campaign: On Tuesday, the VFW, VFW Auxiliary and three partnering organizations launched the new VFW Mental Wellness Campaign at a press event inside the National Press Club in Washington. Joined by leadership from Give an Hour, One Mind and PatientsLikeMe, VFW National Commander Brian Duffy said the overall campaign goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health –– for veterans and non-veterans alike –– and to raise awareness, foster community engagement, improve research and provide intervention for those affected by invisible injuries and emotional stress. Also addressed was the partnership with Give an Hour for “A Day to Change Direction” on Oct. 8 – a day in which VFW Posts can host training sessions or perform community service. A key component of the campaign is to make communities aware of the five signs of emotional suffering: personality change, agitation, withdrawal, poor self-care and hopelessness. Learn more at: https://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2016-Articles/VFW-Introduces-Partners-in-Fight-Against-Mental-Health-Stigma/.
2. VFW Legislative Conference Concludes: More than 70 members of the VFW’s National Legislative Committee met with their members of Congress this week to urge them to eliminate sequestration and to pass a new budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs, so that a nation that creates veterans can properly take care of them when they return home. Congress, however, would rather complain about the problems instead of fund the necessary reforms to bring permanent change to the VA, said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy. “I cannot tell you how disappointed I am in the 114th Congress,” he said. “Both the VA and the VFW have pointblank told Congress what the department needs to better serve veterans, yet it appears every funding bill is going to be tabled until after the November elections, which means another continuing resolution to temporarily fund the government that does little to strengthen national security or bolster the VA’s programs and services for veterans.” The VFW wants Congress to fix the issues that surfaced after the Veterans Choice Program was implemented two years ago, to expand family caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras, pass meaningful accountability and workforce reform legislation, consolidate and improve the VA’s community care programs, reduce the appeals backlog, and pass the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2016. “None of this can happen if Congress is in recess,” said Duffy, who said Congress must also remove the forced sequester provision of the Budget Control Act to ensure that the Department of Defense, the VA, and other agencies have the resources needed to defend our nation and to care for those who do the defending. “Federal election year or not, the near 1.7 million members of the VFW and the VFW Auxiliary fully expect those who are elected to represent us do their jobs,” he said.
3. VFW Supports GWOT Memorial Legislation: Earlier this week, Montana Congressman and former Navy Seal, Ryan Zinke, introduced legislation to authorize the building of a Global War on Terrorism Memorial in Washington, D.C. The VFW passed Resolution 302 in July of this year at our annual convention in Charlotte, N.C. Congressman Zinke and the VFW agree that due to the nature of the War on Terrorism, waiting for 10 years after the conclusion of the war is too long to wait to honor those who gave their lives to defend our freedoms and way of life.
4. Senate Reviews Commission on Care Report: On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to discuss the Commission on Care’s recommendations for improving how VA provides health care to veterans. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald discussed how the Commission on Care’s recommendations are closely aligned with a proposal VA has sent Congress and that VA is ready to enact reforms, but congressional inaction is preventing it from moving forward. VFW Deputy Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes testified in support of most of the commission’s recommendations and suggested alternatives to ones the VFW opposes. To view a webcast, visit: http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/commission-on-care-report09142016.
5. VA’s Misuse of Employee Settlement Agreements: On Wednesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to discuss VA’s use of employment settlement agreements. Committee members discussed their concerns with VA’s recurring practice of settlement agreements, 72 percent of which include monetary compensation, to resolve disciplinary actions against wrongdoers. VA testified that it weighs the strength of the evidence against an employee, financial implications, plus disruption and divisiveness that litigation will likely create for VA’s workforce when determining whether to settle a case. The Office of Special Counsel testified that settlements help it manage its workload and reach favorable outcomes for whistleblowers who have experienced retaliation. To view the webcast, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1woZ47CTCTM.
6. House Advances Veterans Legislation: The House passed three veterans bills this week, which include the Veterans Care Agreement and West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016, to authorize VA to enter into needed leases in West Los Angeles and improve leasing practices for VA; the Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2016 to improve the standards and quality of vehicles modified with VA adaptive equipment grants; and H.R. 5937 to authorize the American Battle Monuments Commission to acquire, operate and maintain the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial in Marnes-la-Coquette, France. These bills now head to the Senate, which has been unable to act on the Veterans First Act that would also authorize VA to move forward with leases in West Los Angeles. Please stay tuned to the Action Corps Weekly for updates on these important bills.
7. VFW Hosts Former Marine Corps Commandant/National Security Advisor: On Thursday, the VFW hosted a group of VSOs and the former Commandant of the Marine Corps and National Security Advisor, General James L. Jones (USMC, ret.), to discuss the role trade has on our national security. The idea is, if the United States does not develop and maintain strong international trade agreements, countries like Russia and China will fill the void, negatively impacting both our nations’ economy and security. His hope is Congress can find agreement on and pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) before the end of the year.
8. National POW/MIA Recognition Day: Today, the VFW nationwide commemorates National POW/MIA Recognition Day in honor and recognition of the service and sacrifice of almost 140,000 former American prisoners of war and the 83,000 Americans who continue to be listed as missing and unaccounted for from World War II forward. To read the official presidential proclamation for today, click here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/09/15/proclamation-national-powmia-recognition-day-2016. To view the ceremony at the Pentagon, click here: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/483375/pow-mia-national-recognition-day-ceremony.
9. MIA Updates: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced burial updates and the identification and remains belonging to one Marine and six soldiers who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Marine Pvt. Emmett L. Kines, 24, will be buried Sept. 19 in his hometown of Grafton, W. Va. In November 1943, Kines was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. After several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Kines died sometime during the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/939067/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-kines/.
-- Army Cpl. Wayne Minard, of Sedgwick, Kan., was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, fighting a delaying action south to Kunu-ri, North Korea. He would be reported missing in action on Nov. 26, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/942631/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-minard/.
-- Army Cpl. David T. Nordin Jr., of Los Angeles, was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, moving northward toward Unsan, North Korea, when forced to withdraw. Nordin was reported missing in action on Nov. 28, 1950. It would be later learned he had been captured but died in a North Korean POW camp. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/940647/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-nordin/.
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class Louis M. Baxter was a member of Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, on the east side of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea, when his unit was forced into a fighting withdrawal southward. He would be declare missing in action on Dec. 6, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/942626/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-baxter/.
-- Army Cpl. Joseph Trepasso, 20, of Fulton, N.Y., was a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, on the east side of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea, when his unit was forced into a fighting withdrawal southward. He would be declared missing in action on Dec. 12, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/942633/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-trepasso/.
-- Army Pfc. Kenneth Miller was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, when his unit was forced to withdraw from their position on April 23, 1951. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/942623/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-miller/.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
9 September 2016
In This Issue:
1. Remembering 9/11
2. VFW Mental Wellness Campaign Kickoff
3. VFW Calls on Members to Take Action
4. House Hearing on Commission on Care and Subpoenas
5. Senate Holds Hearing on VA Best Practices
6. ITT Technical Institute Closes Doors
7. Presumptive Disability Compensation for Camp Lejeune Veterans
8. Direct Scheduling for Audiology and Optometry Appointments
9. Join #ExploreVA Facebook Chat: Suicide Prevention for #WomenVets
10. DOD, VA Launch Suicide Prevention Campaign
11. VA Finds Higher Rate of Mental Health Conditions in Male MST Victims
12. MIA Update
1. Remembering 9/11: As the 15th anniversary of the worst attack on American soil approaches, VFW National Commander Brian Duffy wants everyone to remember that America is still at war against those responsible for killing nearly 3,000 innocents in New York City, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania, as well as against radical Islamic terrorists who slaughter without mercy. “Just as generations before me remembered the Alamo, the Maine and Pearl Harbor, I will never forget Sept. 11, 2001,” he said, while commending the one percent who secure every freedom for every other American, who choose a harder path while others don’t, and who are still in the fight in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other hotspots around the world. The Chief said the nonstop conflict has produced a lot of hindsight, but perhaps none more reassuring than to know that America’s military was capable of fighting a two-front war for 15 years with just an All-Volunteer Force. “That they have, and continue to do so magnificently, is testament to the high-caliber of today’s military, to our youth, and to their leadership,” he said. “America was built on the service and sacrifice of many Americans, but our continued safety, security and freedoms fall squarely on the shoulders of those who wear the uniform — be they military or first responder — and on behalf of nearly 1.7 million VFW and VFW Auxiliary members, I salute all who have and continue to serve and sacrifice for our great nation, and their families, too.”
2. VFW Mental Wellness Campaign Kickoff: VFW National Commander Brian Duffy will be at the National Press Club in Washington on Tuesday to launch a new nationwide campaign that focuses on mental wellness within the military and veterans’ communities. The VFW Mental Wellness Campaign will leverage the power, influence and reach of nearly 1.7 million VFW and Auxiliary members in more than 6,600 VFW Posts around the world with the nation’s leaders in mental health care, research, and peer-to-peer support. The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness, foster community engagement, improve research, and provide intervention for veterans, service members, and their loved ones who may be suffering from invisible injuries or emotional stress. The Chief will be joined at the press event by three high-profile national partners –– Give an Hour, One Mind and PatientsLikeMe. Read more at: https://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2016-Articles/VFW-Announces-New-Mental-Wellness-Campaign/.
3. VFW Calls on Members to Take Action: Congress has failed to pass a bill that would properly fund veterans’ health care and benefits. If Congress does not pass this important bill before September 30, 2016, veterans will be denied the care and benefits they have earned and deserve. Take action –– tell Congress to prioritize veterans and properly fund VA programs: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=73858626&queueid=11299959531.
4. House Hearing on Commission on Care and Subpoenas: On Wednesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to subpoena VA on the Denver VA health care system construction project and art expenditures. The committee also discussed a report by the Commission on Care, with included 18 recommendations on how to improve the VA health care system. Commission Chairperson Nancy Schlichting and Vice Chairperson Delos (Toby) M. Cosgrove M.D., testified that the commission believes VA and Congress must reform the way VA provides health care, because veterans deserve a better organized, high-performing health care system. VFW Deputy Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes offered the VFW’s support for most of the commission’s recommendations and proposed alternatives to those the VFW opposes. To view a webcast of the hearing, visit: https://veterans.house.gov/hearings/tumult-transformation-commission-care-and-future-va-healthcare-system.
5. Senate Holds Hearing on VA Best Practices: On Thursday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing to discuss best practices that improve how VA delivers health care to veterans. Dr. Carolyn Clancy, VA deputy undersecretary for health for organizational excellence, informed the committee about VA’s initiative to identify clinical and administrative best practices, disseminate such practices to other health care facilities, and encourage standardization of practices that improve health care for veterans. Committee Chairman Isakson discussed the importance of discussing the success stories that occur throughout VA to ensure VA is recognized for the good things it does, rather than the tragedies that took place in Arizona and Denver and in other places. To watch the hearing, visit: http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/vha-best-practices-exploring-the-diffusion-of-excellence-initiative.
6. ITT Technical Institute Closes Doors: After weeks of speculation, ITT Technical Institute will not offer its September semester classes and has permanently discontinued all of its academic programs. This decision leaves thousands of veterans in jeopardy of losing both academic credit accrued through ITT and their GI Bill living stipend. Veterans do have options to transfer to a qualifying college or university, but they must act fast to preserve their stipend. Veterans can explore their options by visiting the Department of Veterans Affairs’ “GI Bill College Comparison Tool” at: https://www.vets.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool. Veterans who need more assistance can call VA’s education call center at 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551) between
7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday.
The VFW also operates the 1 Student Veteran program. This program offers direct assistance to student veterans who have questions or are experiencing problems accessing their VA benefits. To make an inquiry through VFW, click here: http://www.vfw.org/1StudentVeteran/.
7. Presumptive Disability Compensation for Camp Lejeune Veterans: Today, VA issued a proposed final rule to establish presumptive disability compensation eligibility for veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during the period beginning August 1, 1953, and ending on December 31, 1987. To be eligible, veterans must have served in Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 cumulative days during the specified dates and have a diagnosis of kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, adult leukemia, liver cancer, bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, Parkinson's disease, or aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes.
This proposed rule would apply to claims received by VA on or after the date of publication, pending review of the comments received and publication of the final rule in the Federal Register. The rule would not apply retroactively. A veteran whose claim was denied before the final rule is published must file a new claim to obtain a new determination of entitlement under the final regulation.
8. Direct Scheduling for Audiology and Optometry Appointments: On Thursday, VA announced it would eliminate a primary care referral requirement for veterans seeking appointments with audiologists or optometrists. The Audiology and Optometry Direct Scheduling Initiative is being piloted throughout the country and is expected to be fully operational within all VA Medical Centers by the end of 2016.
9. Join #ExploreVA Facebook Chat: Suicide Prevention for #WomenVets: VA and American Women Veterans will host an #ExploreVA Facebook chat on Sept. 16 centered on suicide prevention for #WomenVets. Representatives from VA will discuss how women veterans, service members and their families can use VA benefits and services to manage stress, treat conditions and access resources dedicated to suicide prevention. During the chat, participants will learn how to spot warning signs of suicide and what you can do to help; where to find VA mental health and suicide prevention resources, services and treatment options; and how to determine VA eligibility and apply for VA health care benefits. This event is part of the #ExploreVA From Service to Success online event series showcasing how veterans and their families are using VA benefits to earn degrees, start careers, buy homes, stay healthy, and do much more in life after the military. You will need a Facebook account to participate. Register here: http://explore.va.gov/events?utm_source=September%20Event%20Registration&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ExploreVA.
10. DOD, VA Launch Suicide Prevention Campaign: September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and DOD and VA have teamed together to launch a campaign. The two agencies began the #BeThere campaign to raise awareness for the importance of being there for yourself and others. Throughout the month, both agencies will be hosting events, webinars and ceremonies highlighting the importance of continuing suicide prevention throughout the entire year. To learn more about the DOD campaign visit: http://www.dspo.mil/Campaign/. For more on the VA campaign visit: http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2016/September/Be_There_for_a_Veteran_in_Crisis.asp.
11. VA Finds Higher Rate of Mental Health Conditions in Male MST Victims: After conducting the “National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans” survey of 20,563 Post-9/11 veterans, VA found a higher prevalence of mental health conditions in male victims of sexual trauma. The survey researched self-reported data from veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as non-deployed veterans. VA researchers believe the difference in mental health conditions between the genders may be because women are more likely to seek treatment. For more information, click here: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/oef-oif-ond/post-9-11-vet-fall-2016/mst.asp.
12. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of nine Americans who had been missing in action from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Marine Pvt. Frank F. Penna, 24, will be buried Sept. 17 in his hometown of Canastota, N.Y. Penna was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Penna died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/937886/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-penna/.
-- Army Cpl. Larry M. Dunn, 18, will be buried Sept. 17 in his hometown of Cullman, Alabama. On Dec. 1, 1950, Dunn was a member of Company B, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, when his unit was fighting through a roadblock that was heavily defended by enemy forces near Sonchu, North Korea. He was declared missing after the battle. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/937905/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-dunn/.
-- Air Force Maj. Dean A. Klenda, 25, of Marion, Kan., will be buried Sept. 17 in Pilsen, Kan., exactly 51 years after he went missing. On Sept. 17, 1965, Klenda was piloting an F-105D Thunderchief when it was shot down by enemy fire while on an attack mission west of Hanoi in Son La Province, Vietnam. He reportedly was able to eject from the aircraft, but failed to separate himself from the ejection seat. He was assigned to the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 6234th Tactical Fighter Wing. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/937910/airman-missing-from-vietnam-war-accounted-for-klenda/.
-- Marine Pfc. Nicholas J. Cancilla, of Blair, Pa., was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Cancilla died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/937392/marine-killed-in-world-war-ii-accounted-for-cancilla/.
-- Marine Pfc. James S. Smith, of Amite, Miss., was assigned to Company C, 2nd Amphibious Tractor Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Smith died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/937401/marine-killed-in-world-war-ii-accounted-for-smith/.
-- Army Cpl. Vernon D. Presswood, 20, of Perry, Ill., was a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, as one of approximately 2,500 American and 700 South Korean soldiers assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team, which was attacked by an overwhelming Chinese force east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. Presswood would be reported missing on Dec. 2, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/937359/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-presswood/.
-- Marine Pfc. John W. MacDonald, from Boston, was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. MacDonald died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending.
-- Marine Sgt. James J. Hubert, of Duluth, Minn., was assigned to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Hubert died on the second day of battle, Nov. 21, 1943. Interment services are pending.
-- Marine Pfc. Ben H. Gore, 20, of Hopkinsville, Ky., was assigned to Special Weapons Group, 2nd Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Gore died of his wounds on Nov. 25, 1943. Interment services are pending.
1. Remembering 9/11
2. VFW Mental Wellness Campaign Kickoff
3. VFW Calls on Members to Take Action
4. House Hearing on Commission on Care and Subpoenas
5. Senate Holds Hearing on VA Best Practices
6. ITT Technical Institute Closes Doors
7. Presumptive Disability Compensation for Camp Lejeune Veterans
8. Direct Scheduling for Audiology and Optometry Appointments
9. Join #ExploreVA Facebook Chat: Suicide Prevention for #WomenVets
10. DOD, VA Launch Suicide Prevention Campaign
11. VA Finds Higher Rate of Mental Health Conditions in Male MST Victims
12. MIA Update
1. Remembering 9/11: As the 15th anniversary of the worst attack on American soil approaches, VFW National Commander Brian Duffy wants everyone to remember that America is still at war against those responsible for killing nearly 3,000 innocents in New York City, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania, as well as against radical Islamic terrorists who slaughter without mercy. “Just as generations before me remembered the Alamo, the Maine and Pearl Harbor, I will never forget Sept. 11, 2001,” he said, while commending the one percent who secure every freedom for every other American, who choose a harder path while others don’t, and who are still in the fight in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other hotspots around the world. The Chief said the nonstop conflict has produced a lot of hindsight, but perhaps none more reassuring than to know that America’s military was capable of fighting a two-front war for 15 years with just an All-Volunteer Force. “That they have, and continue to do so magnificently, is testament to the high-caliber of today’s military, to our youth, and to their leadership,” he said. “America was built on the service and sacrifice of many Americans, but our continued safety, security and freedoms fall squarely on the shoulders of those who wear the uniform — be they military or first responder — and on behalf of nearly 1.7 million VFW and VFW Auxiliary members, I salute all who have and continue to serve and sacrifice for our great nation, and their families, too.”
2. VFW Mental Wellness Campaign Kickoff: VFW National Commander Brian Duffy will be at the National Press Club in Washington on Tuesday to launch a new nationwide campaign that focuses on mental wellness within the military and veterans’ communities. The VFW Mental Wellness Campaign will leverage the power, influence and reach of nearly 1.7 million VFW and Auxiliary members in more than 6,600 VFW Posts around the world with the nation’s leaders in mental health care, research, and peer-to-peer support. The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness, foster community engagement, improve research, and provide intervention for veterans, service members, and their loved ones who may be suffering from invisible injuries or emotional stress. The Chief will be joined at the press event by three high-profile national partners –– Give an Hour, One Mind and PatientsLikeMe. Read more at: https://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2016-Articles/VFW-Announces-New-Mental-Wellness-Campaign/.
3. VFW Calls on Members to Take Action: Congress has failed to pass a bill that would properly fund veterans’ health care and benefits. If Congress does not pass this important bill before September 30, 2016, veterans will be denied the care and benefits they have earned and deserve. Take action –– tell Congress to prioritize veterans and properly fund VA programs: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=73858626&queueid=11299959531.
4. House Hearing on Commission on Care and Subpoenas: On Wednesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to subpoena VA on the Denver VA health care system construction project and art expenditures. The committee also discussed a report by the Commission on Care, with included 18 recommendations on how to improve the VA health care system. Commission Chairperson Nancy Schlichting and Vice Chairperson Delos (Toby) M. Cosgrove M.D., testified that the commission believes VA and Congress must reform the way VA provides health care, because veterans deserve a better organized, high-performing health care system. VFW Deputy Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes offered the VFW’s support for most of the commission’s recommendations and proposed alternatives to those the VFW opposes. To view a webcast of the hearing, visit: https://veterans.house.gov/hearings/tumult-transformation-commission-care-and-future-va-healthcare-system.
5. Senate Holds Hearing on VA Best Practices: On Thursday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing to discuss best practices that improve how VA delivers health care to veterans. Dr. Carolyn Clancy, VA deputy undersecretary for health for organizational excellence, informed the committee about VA’s initiative to identify clinical and administrative best practices, disseminate such practices to other health care facilities, and encourage standardization of practices that improve health care for veterans. Committee Chairman Isakson discussed the importance of discussing the success stories that occur throughout VA to ensure VA is recognized for the good things it does, rather than the tragedies that took place in Arizona and Denver and in other places. To watch the hearing, visit: http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/vha-best-practices-exploring-the-diffusion-of-excellence-initiative.
6. ITT Technical Institute Closes Doors: After weeks of speculation, ITT Technical Institute will not offer its September semester classes and has permanently discontinued all of its academic programs. This decision leaves thousands of veterans in jeopardy of losing both academic credit accrued through ITT and their GI Bill living stipend. Veterans do have options to transfer to a qualifying college or university, but they must act fast to preserve their stipend. Veterans can explore their options by visiting the Department of Veterans Affairs’ “GI Bill College Comparison Tool” at: https://www.vets.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool. Veterans who need more assistance can call VA’s education call center at 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551) between
7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday.
The VFW also operates the 1 Student Veteran program. This program offers direct assistance to student veterans who have questions or are experiencing problems accessing their VA benefits. To make an inquiry through VFW, click here: http://www.vfw.org/1StudentVeteran/.
7. Presumptive Disability Compensation for Camp Lejeune Veterans: Today, VA issued a proposed final rule to establish presumptive disability compensation eligibility for veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during the period beginning August 1, 1953, and ending on December 31, 1987. To be eligible, veterans must have served in Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 cumulative days during the specified dates and have a diagnosis of kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, adult leukemia, liver cancer, bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, Parkinson's disease, or aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes.
This proposed rule would apply to claims received by VA on or after the date of publication, pending review of the comments received and publication of the final rule in the Federal Register. The rule would not apply retroactively. A veteran whose claim was denied before the final rule is published must file a new claim to obtain a new determination of entitlement under the final regulation.
8. Direct Scheduling for Audiology and Optometry Appointments: On Thursday, VA announced it would eliminate a primary care referral requirement for veterans seeking appointments with audiologists or optometrists. The Audiology and Optometry Direct Scheduling Initiative is being piloted throughout the country and is expected to be fully operational within all VA Medical Centers by the end of 2016.
9. Join #ExploreVA Facebook Chat: Suicide Prevention for #WomenVets: VA and American Women Veterans will host an #ExploreVA Facebook chat on Sept. 16 centered on suicide prevention for #WomenVets. Representatives from VA will discuss how women veterans, service members and their families can use VA benefits and services to manage stress, treat conditions and access resources dedicated to suicide prevention. During the chat, participants will learn how to spot warning signs of suicide and what you can do to help; where to find VA mental health and suicide prevention resources, services and treatment options; and how to determine VA eligibility and apply for VA health care benefits. This event is part of the #ExploreVA From Service to Success online event series showcasing how veterans and their families are using VA benefits to earn degrees, start careers, buy homes, stay healthy, and do much more in life after the military. You will need a Facebook account to participate. Register here: http://explore.va.gov/events?utm_source=September%20Event%20Registration&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ExploreVA.
10. DOD, VA Launch Suicide Prevention Campaign: September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and DOD and VA have teamed together to launch a campaign. The two agencies began the #BeThere campaign to raise awareness for the importance of being there for yourself and others. Throughout the month, both agencies will be hosting events, webinars and ceremonies highlighting the importance of continuing suicide prevention throughout the entire year. To learn more about the DOD campaign visit: http://www.dspo.mil/Campaign/. For more on the VA campaign visit: http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2016/September/Be_There_for_a_Veteran_in_Crisis.asp.
11. VA Finds Higher Rate of Mental Health Conditions in Male MST Victims: After conducting the “National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans” survey of 20,563 Post-9/11 veterans, VA found a higher prevalence of mental health conditions in male victims of sexual trauma. The survey researched self-reported data from veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as non-deployed veterans. VA researchers believe the difference in mental health conditions between the genders may be because women are more likely to seek treatment. For more information, click here: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/oef-oif-ond/post-9-11-vet-fall-2016/mst.asp.
12. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of nine Americans who had been missing in action from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Marine Pvt. Frank F. Penna, 24, will be buried Sept. 17 in his hometown of Canastota, N.Y. Penna was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Penna died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/937886/marine-missing-from-world-war-ii-accounted-for-penna/.
-- Army Cpl. Larry M. Dunn, 18, will be buried Sept. 17 in his hometown of Cullman, Alabama. On Dec. 1, 1950, Dunn was a member of Company B, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, when his unit was fighting through a roadblock that was heavily defended by enemy forces near Sonchu, North Korea. He was declared missing after the battle. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/937905/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-dunn/.
-- Air Force Maj. Dean A. Klenda, 25, of Marion, Kan., will be buried Sept. 17 in Pilsen, Kan., exactly 51 years after he went missing. On Sept. 17, 1965, Klenda was piloting an F-105D Thunderchief when it was shot down by enemy fire while on an attack mission west of Hanoi in Son La Province, Vietnam. He reportedly was able to eject from the aircraft, but failed to separate himself from the ejection seat. He was assigned to the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 6234th Tactical Fighter Wing. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/937910/airman-missing-from-vietnam-war-accounted-for-klenda/.
-- Marine Pfc. Nicholas J. Cancilla, of Blair, Pa., was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Cancilla died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/937392/marine-killed-in-world-war-ii-accounted-for-cancilla/.
-- Marine Pfc. James S. Smith, of Amite, Miss., was assigned to Company C, 2nd Amphibious Tractor Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Smith died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/937401/marine-killed-in-world-war-ii-accounted-for-smith/.
-- Army Cpl. Vernon D. Presswood, 20, of Perry, Ill., was a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, as one of approximately 2,500 American and 700 South Korean soldiers assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team, which was attacked by an overwhelming Chinese force east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. Presswood would be reported missing on Dec. 2, 1950. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/937359/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-presswood/.
-- Marine Pfc. John W. MacDonald, from Boston, was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. MacDonald died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending.
-- Marine Sgt. James J. Hubert, of Duluth, Minn., was assigned to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Hubert died on the second day of battle, Nov. 21, 1943. Interment services are pending.
-- Marine Pfc. Ben H. Gore, 20, of Hopkinsville, Ky., was assigned to Special Weapons Group, 2nd Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded in securing the island; the enemy force of 4,700 was virtually annihilated. Gore died of his wounds on Nov. 25, 1943. Interment services are pending.
VFW Washington News
Action Corps Weekly
2 September 2016
In This Issue:
1. Potential 1.6% Military Pay Raise in 2017
2. Veteran Homelessness Nearly Halved
3. VA Awards $300 Million More in Grants to End Veteran Homelessness
4. Study Finds Potential Biomarkers for Gulf War Illness
5. Women Veterans Social Media Campaign
6. MIA Update
1. Potential 1.6% Military Pay Raise in 2017: The president announced plans this week to cap military pay raises at 1.6 percent next year. In a letter to Congress, Obama used his executive powers to set the increase a half-percent below the expected increase in private sector wages, as measured by the Employment Cost Index (ECI). Unless changed by Congress — the House wants a 2.1 percent increase — the amount would mark the fourth consecutive year military pay failed to keep pace with their civilian peers. VFW National Resolution 408 calls on Congress to maintain military base pay comparability by matching annual ECI increases. Congress erased the double-digit pay gap of the 1990s by directing military pay raises from fiscal years 2000-2006 to be a half-percent above private sector wage increases, and raises from FY 2007-forward to match the ECI, although more could be authorized. However, the Department of Defense, in its continuing campaign to slow the growth of military compensation due to budget constraints and the sequester, keeps recommending that future pay increases be limited, despite knowing it could lead to another pay gap similar to the past. The last time a military pay raise matched the ECI was a 1.7 percent increase in FY 2013. Congress reconvenes after Labor Day to take up this issue, as well as all the federal government’s major funding bills.
2. Veteran Homelessness Nearly Halved: The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, along with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, announced last month that the number of veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States has been cut nearly in half since 2010. While the government did not meet its goal to end veterans’ homelessness by the end of 2015, all agencies can be credited with dropping the total number of homeless veterans down from 76,000 to around 40,000 on any given night nationwide. The achievement is largely attributed to more government attention and better public-private partnerships at the local level. Learn more at: http://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/881729/veteran-homelessness-drops-nearly-50-percent-since-2010/source/GovDelivery.
3. VA Awards $300 Million More in Grants to End Veteran Homelessness: On Aug. 30, VA awarded another $300 million in grants to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program to assist extremely low-income veteran families who are in need of permanent housing. SSVF funding supports outreach, case management and other assistance to prevent veteran homelessness or to re-house veterans who do become homeless. For more information, click here: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2812. To better understand SSVF, please visit: http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.asp.
4. Study Finds Potential Biomarkers for Gulf War Illness: Researchers with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Minneapolis performed a study on 85 Gulf War veterans that resulted in the development of a tentative panel of blood biomarkers that could possibly verify a diagnosis of Gulf War Illness with 90 percent accuracy. The study will go on to a larger population of participants for validation of the methods used. For more information, click here: http://www.research.va.gov/currents/0716-1.cfm.
5. Women Veterans Social Media Campaign: In an effort to raise awareness of women veterans’ contributions to the military and society, VA has partnered with Women Veterans Interactive for a new social media campaign. The campaign launched Sept. 1 and will continue through Veterans Day weekend. To learn more about the campaign, visit: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2814.
6. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of one sailor and a soldier who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Water Tender 1st Class Walter H. Sollie, of Alabama, died on Dec. 7, 1941, while stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after receiving multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The battleship suffered 429 casualties that day, second only to the losses aboard the USS Arizona. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/927315/sailor-killed-in-world-war-ii-accounted-for-sollie/.
-- Army Cpl. Curtis J. Wells, 19, of Ubly, Mich., will be buried Sept. 10 in nearby Harbor Beach. In late November 1950, Wells was assigned to Company C, 65th Engineer Combat Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, when his company joined with Task Force Wilson to fight in the vicinity of Unsan, North Korea. The task force was overwhelmed and by Nov. 27, 1950, began to extricate themselves south. Wells would be reported missing after his unit regrouped. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/932875/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-wells/.
To sign up new veterans’ advocates, click here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup.htm.
As always, we want to hear your advocacy stories. To share your stories or photos with us, simply email them directly to vfwac@vfw.org.
1. Potential 1.6% Military Pay Raise in 2017
2. Veteran Homelessness Nearly Halved
3. VA Awards $300 Million More in Grants to End Veteran Homelessness
4. Study Finds Potential Biomarkers for Gulf War Illness
5. Women Veterans Social Media Campaign
6. MIA Update
1. Potential 1.6% Military Pay Raise in 2017: The president announced plans this week to cap military pay raises at 1.6 percent next year. In a letter to Congress, Obama used his executive powers to set the increase a half-percent below the expected increase in private sector wages, as measured by the Employment Cost Index (ECI). Unless changed by Congress — the House wants a 2.1 percent increase — the amount would mark the fourth consecutive year military pay failed to keep pace with their civilian peers. VFW National Resolution 408 calls on Congress to maintain military base pay comparability by matching annual ECI increases. Congress erased the double-digit pay gap of the 1990s by directing military pay raises from fiscal years 2000-2006 to be a half-percent above private sector wage increases, and raises from FY 2007-forward to match the ECI, although more could be authorized. However, the Department of Defense, in its continuing campaign to slow the growth of military compensation due to budget constraints and the sequester, keeps recommending that future pay increases be limited, despite knowing it could lead to another pay gap similar to the past. The last time a military pay raise matched the ECI was a 1.7 percent increase in FY 2013. Congress reconvenes after Labor Day to take up this issue, as well as all the federal government’s major funding bills.
2. Veteran Homelessness Nearly Halved: The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, along with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, announced last month that the number of veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States has been cut nearly in half since 2010. While the government did not meet its goal to end veterans’ homelessness by the end of 2015, all agencies can be credited with dropping the total number of homeless veterans down from 76,000 to around 40,000 on any given night nationwide. The achievement is largely attributed to more government attention and better public-private partnerships at the local level. Learn more at: http://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/881729/veteran-homelessness-drops-nearly-50-percent-since-2010/source/GovDelivery.
3. VA Awards $300 Million More in Grants to End Veteran Homelessness: On Aug. 30, VA awarded another $300 million in grants to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program to assist extremely low-income veteran families who are in need of permanent housing. SSVF funding supports outreach, case management and other assistance to prevent veteran homelessness or to re-house veterans who do become homeless. For more information, click here: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2812. To better understand SSVF, please visit: http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.asp.
4. Study Finds Potential Biomarkers for Gulf War Illness: Researchers with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Minneapolis performed a study on 85 Gulf War veterans that resulted in the development of a tentative panel of blood biomarkers that could possibly verify a diagnosis of Gulf War Illness with 90 percent accuracy. The study will go on to a larger population of participants for validation of the methods used. For more information, click here: http://www.research.va.gov/currents/0716-1.cfm.
5. Women Veterans Social Media Campaign: In an effort to raise awareness of women veterans’ contributions to the military and society, VA has partnered with Women Veterans Interactive for a new social media campaign. The campaign launched Sept. 1 and will continue through Veterans Day weekend. To learn more about the campaign, visit: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2814.
6. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of one sailor and a soldier who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
-- Navy Water Tender 1st Class Walter H. Sollie, of Alabama, died on Dec. 7, 1941, while stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which capsized after receiving multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The battleship suffered 429 casualties that day, second only to the losses aboard the USS Arizona. Interment services are pending. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/927315/sailor-killed-in-world-war-ii-accounted-for-sollie/.
-- Army Cpl. Curtis J. Wells, 19, of Ubly, Mich., will be buried Sept. 10 in nearby Harbor Beach. In late November 1950, Wells was assigned to Company C, 65th Engineer Combat Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, when his company joined with Task Force Wilson to fight in the vicinity of Unsan, North Korea. The task force was overwhelmed and by Nov. 27, 1950, began to extricate themselves south. Wells would be reported missing after his unit regrouped. Read more at: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/Article/932875/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-accounted-for-wells/.
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As always, we want to hear your advocacy stories. To share your stories or photos with us, simply email them directly to vfwac@vfw.org.
