VFW DISPATCH – September 2016
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and this is an issue the VFW and VFW National Commander Brian Duffy take very seriously.
A staggering average of 20 veterans commit suicide every day.
Long and multiple deployments have taken an immeasurable toll on our newest generation of veterans. And we know veterans of other generations experience post-war challenges as well. In fact, about 65 percent of all veterans who died by suicide were age 50 or older. Too many veterans, young or old, simply do not seek help.
These are the facts, and we have an obligation to ensure every veteran receives the help he or she needs.
The VFW will continue working to ensure Congress properly funds VA and DOD awareness programs and suicide prevention initiatives, and we urge you to help us remove the stigma associated with seeking help.
Respectfully,
Your VFW Membership Team
VFW 2016 Federal Elections SurveyTime is running out to make your voice heard! |
There are 2.2 million service members and 21 million veterans. Including spouses, surviving parents and voting age children, the estimated military/veteran voting bloc exceeds 100 million. However, America’s military/veteran population is politically and ideologically even, according to a CNN/Gallup/USA Today poll taken in 2004, which was the last time two veterans ran for president. With another federal election year upon us, the VFW believes it is important to survey our members to better understand how our community thinks. The 16-question survey runs through Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, so take it today! |
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Get Involved in ‘A Day to Change Direction’We’re seeking all VFW Posts to participate in a community service project. |
What’s your VFW Post going to do to raise awareness? On October 8, 2016, the VFW, the Campaign to Change Direction, and Give an Hour will team up for A Day to Change Direction, a national day of service and action to change the dialogue on mental health for America’s veterans and American communities. Get your Post involved and find out more information today. |
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VA Awards $300 Million More in Grants to End HomelessnessOngoing initiative targets homeless and at-risk veterans and families. |
After announcing last month that the number of veterans experiencing homelessness in the U.S. has been cut nearly in half since 2010, VA recently 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. Get more information on the SSVF here. |
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VA, Walgreens Provide Veterans Flu Shot OptionsBe prepared for the flu season this year. |
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Walgreens have partnered to make it easier than ever for veterans to protect themselves against the influenza virus. If you’re currently enrolled in the VA health care system, visit your local Walgreens or Duane Reade location to receive a free flu shot. Click here to download the registration form and get more information. |
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New VFW Tribute Rifles from Henry Repeating ArmsBuy direct at special pricing. |
There are two highly-embellished models to choose from- the VFW Tribute Edition and the VFW Post Tribute Edition. The latter can be engraved with your Post Number, City, and State. This is a limited time offer to buy direct from the factory at special pricing to increase fundraising profits and build a personal collection. See more photos here. |
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Study Yields Potential Blood Biomarkers for Gulf War IllnessDevelopment could possibly verify Gulf War Illness diagnosis. |
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. Get more information on the study and what it means for Gulf War veterans. |
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THIS EDITION’S VIDEO FEATURE:
Get involved in A Day to Change Direction
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THIS MONTH’S STORE FEATURE:Training Our Children
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MEMBER BENEFIT SPOTLIGHTSave on Your Insurance Plan As a VFW member you can get more from your coverage by choosing to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Insurance Plan. Many plans include fitness and wellness benefits, as well as doctor’s visits, annual routine physical exams and hospital stays. Click here for more information or contact our exclusive provider, Humana, at 1-877-713-6177. |
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