VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW Commends Iran Aircrew Rescue Operation: Over Easter weekend, the United States successfully recovered aircrews whose aircraft went down in hostile territory as part of Operation Epic Fury. VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore praised the operation as a testament to the training and professionalism of America’s military men and women, and a reinforcement of the ethos to leave no one behind on the battlefield. Read the statement.
VFW Delegation Engages DPAA, Embassies, Southeast Asia Relationships: VFW Senior Vice Commander Cory Geisler and Public Affairs and Strategic Outreach Director Rob Couture recently engaged in relationship-building and fact-finding missions across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Their efforts included a stop at Hawaii’s Daniel K. Inouye Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Center of Excellence, followed by visits to multiple countries in Southeast Asia, where they met with leadership at U.S. embassies, DPAA recovery Detachments 2 and 3, and host nations’ agencies and groups dedicated to recovering those still missing from the Vietnam War. The fact-finding mission in Southeast Asia concluded at a DPAA Joint Field Activities recovery site in Vietnam, where Senior Vice Commander Geisler witnessed firsthand the delicate yet urgent work of recovering missing U.S. service members and the critical need for a fully funded DPAA.
President’s Budget Highlights Readiness Needs: The U.S. government budget for fiscal year 2027 proposes a significant increase in defense spending, including a pay raise for service members, while offering limited detail on broader quality-of-life initiatives that support force readiness. Congress now has the opportunity to address and fund challenges such as housing affordability, child care access, spouse employment and food security that continue to influence retention and overall readiness across the all-volunteer force. A comprehensive approach includes both military capability and the well-being of service members and their families. Read the budget.
Protect Yourself Against Veteran Benefit Scams: Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) scams continue to target veterans seeking disability compensation. While DBQs allow submission of private medical evidence, some companies charge high fees and falsely promise favorable outcomes. Free compensation and pension exams are provided when needed through VA or contracted providers. To avoid fraud, veterans should verify exam requests directly with VA and avoid paying for questionable services. Trusted, accredited representatives can help navigate the claims process safely. The VFW offers free, accredited assistance to file and manage claims. Click here to find a VFW accredited representative. Read more. Dental Care and Improved Cirrhosis Outcomes: Richmond VA researchers have found that regular dental care may help to reduce risk of serious complications from cirrhosis. In a study of nearly 48,000 veterans, those who received preventive dental care at least once a year during the two years before and after diagnosis had 15-27% lower odds of liver cancer, hepatic encephalopathy, fluid buildup and liver-related or general hospitalizations. The findings indicate that maintaining good oral health may help reduce disease severity and improve multiple adverse outcomes. Read more.