VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW Calls on Action Corps to take Advocacy to Next Level: Congress is back in session following the holiday recess, and VFW is now calling on all Action Corps subscribers and supporters to ramp up their advocacy efforts. For those who have already sent an email through the latest VFW Action Alert telling Congress to oppose veterans’ benefit cuts, VFW urges all to take the next step by clicking the "Call" tab in the VFW’s Action Center. The system will provide the Washington, D.C., office phone numbers for each advocate’s respective legislators along with a sample script to help each caller make their voice heard. Callers should urge their congressional members to remove the disability compensation offset provisions from the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. Click here to visit the VFW’s Action Center.
VFW Podcast Rebuts Congressman’s Political Violence Accusation Stemming from Cartoon: Congress’ recent holiday recess afforded VFW Washington Office staff an opportunity to unpack critical developments in the VFW’s fight against the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, which includes a provision that would reduce future veterans’ earned benefits for tinnitus and sleep apnea in order to defray the cost of the bill. Co-hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray were joined by Chief of Staff Mike Figlioli and National Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan and Deputy Director Gabby Kubinyi to not only provide an update on the bill’s status, but also dissect and rebut House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost’s assertion that VFW’s newest rendition of its decades-old satirical firing squad cartoon incites political violence. Listen to episode 68, "The Looniest of Times,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on YouTube.
VFW Leaders Conduct Fact-Finding Mission Across U.S. European Command: VFW National Junior Vice Commander Glenn Umberger Jr. and VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci traveled throughout the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility to engage military leaders, servicemembers and VFW members on issues affecting readiness, quality of life and veterans' care. Meetings with leaders from EUCOM, U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Air Force in Europe – Air Forces Africa, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency and other key commands highlighted shared concerns, including behavioral health, staffing shortages, Reserve Component readiness, spouse employment, housing and overseas support services. The delegation also discussed the growing impact of drone warfare on battlefield medicine and long-term veteran care while identifying opportunities for the VFW to strengthen advocacy, benefits assistance and community support for servicemembers, veterans and military families serving throughout Europe. View photo album on Facebook.
VA Opening Wrongly Closed Appeals: Veterans who receive a notice from VA about a previously closed disability appeal should not ignore it, even if the appeal is decades old. A proposed class action settlement involving appeals that were mistakenly closed because of a VA computer error is scheduled for a fairness hearing in August. In the meantime, VA is notifying tens of thousands of potentially affected veterans, while it reviews eligible legacy appeals. If you receive a letter from VA, it is legitimate and may affect your benefits. Respond promptly and contact your VA accredited representative, attorney or advocate should you need assistance. Learn more. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced no identifications or burial updates this week.