VFW Action Corps Weekly

Veteran Story Bank Initiative Progresses: Earlier this year, the VFW Voices of Service – Stories in Action initiative launched, a new national effort to collect information to inform and strengthen the VFW’s legislative advocacy. The VFW is gathering stories about challenges in the veteran and military community, including concurrent receipt and the Major Richard Star Act; mental health and suicide prevention; education, employment and transition; VA disability claims and benefits; VA health care access; toxic exposures; food insecurity and caregiver and survivor benefits. As stories help create more cohesive pictures, submissions are being reviewed to identify patterns, gaps and real-world impacts to shape legislative priorities, congressional engagement, testimony, education and grassroots advocacy throughout the year. The VFW encourages individuals to share a story and help turn personal experiences into advocacy action.

VFW Encourages Voter Involvement, Spotlights “CIVILIAN” Film in Latest Podcast: In the most recent episode, Rob and Brittany are joined by key Washington Office staff for a broad discussion on legislative updates, voters’ role in shaping veteran policies, shipboard service members’ quality of life, the VFW’s engagement with state veterans affairs agencies, and the VFW’s continued partnership with Student Veterans of America to shape the next generation of veteran advocates. Also featured was part of the team behind the upcoming film “CIVILIAN,” which depicts the challenges and silent struggles new veterans can experience once they receive their DD-214s. Listen to episode 71, "It’s All About Choices,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on YouTube.

VFW Asks Advocates to Keep Pressure on Congress: While Congress remains in recess, the supporters pushing for Take Care of America’s Veterans Act’s (TCAVA) passage are not. Congress returns to Capitol Hill on Sept. 14, and TCAVA is expected to be reconsidered on the House floor. The VFW strongly opposes Section 108 of this bill and urges Congress to remove it before calling for another vote. Advocates who stand with the VFW and other opposing organizations are asked to continue contacting their Representatives by email, phone and in-person visits where practical to voice their concerns and remind them of their obligation to Honor the Contract for all veterans, present and future. Take action.

Fraud Alert on “Veterans Savings Program” Postcard Scam: A new scam is targeting veterans with official-looking postcards promoting a fake “Veterans Savings Program.” These postcards falsely claim that veterans and their spouses may qualify for up to $185 per month in additional VA benefits, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE and dental coverage, regardless of disability rating. Scammers imply an association with VA and pressure recipients to call within five days, while attempting to obtain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth. VA has received reports from several states and urges veterans not to share personal or financial information with unverified contacts, respond to unsolicited urgent requests, or click links or call numbers provided in suspicious messages. When in doubt, veterans should contact VA directly at 1-800-MyVA411 (698-2411). Read more.

MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced no identifications or burial updates this week.

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As always, we want to hear your advocacy stories. To share your stories or photos with us, simply email them directly to vfwac@vfw.org.

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