VFW Action Corps Weekly

House Committee Pending Legislation Hearing: VFW National Legislative Service Acting Director Nancy Springer submitted a statement for the record for a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing on pending legislation. The VFW stated support for proposals to reauthorize and strengthen key VA programs; to improve benefits related to toxic exposure, health care and housing; and to enhance workforce recruiting and retention within the appellate system. This legislation reflects long-standing VFW priorities, including stronger safeguards against unaccredited claims representatives and the creation of a fourth VA administration. Watch the hearing, which begins at the 7:11 mark.

Legal Experts Join VFW Podcast: VFW General Counsel John Muckelbauer and VFW National Legislative Committee Chairman and lawyer Jason Johns made their debuts on the latest podcast to delve into top tier issues for the VFW including ongoing federal and state litigation efforts around veterans’ concurrent eligibility for the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills and Claim Sharks, respectively. Joined by VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci, host Rob Couture and co-host Brittany Dymond Murray also wove in discussion of VA plans to screen claim files, legislation targeted at unaccredited claims consulting firms, and the VFW’s recent Washington Conference. Listen to episode 61, "Shark of Record,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on the VFW’s YouTube channel.

Commission Seeking Input from Afghanistan War Veterans: The Afghanistan War Commission is a bipartisan entity established by Congress in 2021 with the mandate to examine the strategic, diplomatic and operational decisions made during the war in Afghanistan. The commission is seeking input from veterans who served there between June 2001 and August 2021. The information and views you share will be considered in recommendations to Congress and policymakers for shaping future decisions regarding national security. Read more or submit your comments.

MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced 11 identifications for service members who have been missing and unaccounted for from World War II and the Korean War.

Identifications:

-- World War II Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Rae G. DeMatteis

-- World War II Army Air Forces Technician 4th Grade William P. Butler

-- World War II Army Pvt. Elmer F. Blonien

-- World War II Army Pvt. Marvin N. Everts

-- World War II Army Staff Sgt. Carl F. Abbott

-- World War II Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Andrew J. Litz

-- World War II Army Pfc. Richard A. Meech

-- World War II Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Edward T. Mossman, Jr.

-- World War II Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. James A. Reinhart, Jr.

-- World War II Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Charles C. Palmer, Jr.

-- Korean War Army Sgt. Henry L. Huber

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