Friday, March 1st - Dart Tournament

Thursday, March 9th - House Committee Meeting - 5:30 PM

Sunday, March 12th - Daylight Saving Time begins.  Set clocks forward one hour

Thursday, March 16th - VFW meeting 6:30 PM

                                          Auxiliary meeting 5:00 PM

                                          Pack troop boxes 4:15 PM

Friday, March 17th - St. Patrick's Day - wear green

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.

 

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As always, we want to hear your advocacy stories. Email the VFW to share your stories or photos with us.

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. 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.

 

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As always, we want to hear your advocacy stories. Email the VFW to share your stories or photos with us. 

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.

 

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Saturday, January 28th - Shrimp Boil, corn, beans, cornbread.  Starting at 3:00 PM - $10.00 per plate.  Will serve until it runs out.

Friday, February 3, - Dart tournament.

Saturday February 4th - VFW and Auxiliary Mid-Winter Council of Administration - Albuquerque Sheraton Uptown.

Sunday, February 5th - Super Bowl - Pot Luck - Raffle for Keurig Coffee Maker - Drawing at half time.

                                   January 13, 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/. 

 

 

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                               January 6, 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/.

 

 

 

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