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VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY

February 10, 2012

In This Issue

1. FY 2013 Budget Announcement

2. Legislation Introduced to Protect VA Healthcare

3. VA Fiduciary Program Examined

4. DOD to Ease Women in Combat Assignments

5. Stolen Valor Case Upheld

6. USMC Seeks Montford Point Marines

7. VFW Denounces Survey Military Benefits

8. VFW Builds Coalition to Support Student-Veteran Success

1. FY 2013 Budget Announcement: The Administration is poised to release its FY 2013 budget request early next week. VFW will be closely monitoring all aspects of the budgets submitted for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, especially where it concerns the proper care and treatment of wounded, ill and injured veterans, medical research, women veterans, employment, mental health and homelessness issues, and military personnel programs and funding. As a reminder, the budget proposal serves as blueprint for congressional committees, and final funding levels are often not approved until the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. We ask VFW advocates to keep their eye out for updates in the Washington Weekly and on our Blog at http://www.vfwonthehill.org/.

2. Legislation Introduced to Protect VA Healthcare: The VFW and our three other Independent Budget coauthors praised House VA Committee Chairman Jeff Miller's (R-FL) bill to protect VA healthcare accounts from potential budget cuts. H.R. 3895, the Protect VA Healthcare Act of 2012, would exempt veterans' health care programs from mandatory cuts that may occur early next year. The cuts were called for as a part of the Budget Control Act, which requires $1.2 trillion in across-the-board cuts due to Congress' failure to pass a deficit reduction package in 2011. Current law protects veterans' benefits from automatic cuts, but VFW remains committed to monitoring any changes that may be detrimental to veterans.

Read our letter here: http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/IB%20Letter%20to%20Miller%20Sequestration%202.7.2012.pdf

To read Miller's proposal, type the bill number into the search box at http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php.

3. VA Fiduciary Program Examined: This week the House VA Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hosted a hearing on the VA's fiduciary system, which has come under scrutiny in recent years over concerns for severely disabled veterans' financial interests. VA assigns fiduciaries to oversee VA benefits paid to severely disabled and incapacitated veterans who are not capable of managing their funds. A 2010 report from the VA's Office of the Inspector General indicated that program loopholes keep VA from properly auditing fiduciary accounts, and prohibits VA from balancing delinquent accounts. VA witnesses testified that more employees have been hired to provide better oversight into potential misuse of funds, and that progress is being made in adopting a new electronic case management system. Committee members questioned the effectiveness of training and asked panelists for ways the program could be improved. VA currently oversees approximately 95,000 fiduciaries, who help more than 121,000 beneficiaries. To learn more and to view the archived webcast of the hearing, go to http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/02/watch-live-house-subcommittee-discusses.html.

4. DOD to Ease Women in Combat Assignments: The Defense Department notified Congress this week that it will abolish the restriction on assigning women to locations where ground combat troops operate, and to selectively lift the policy barring women from assignments to ground combat units below the brigade level. Those changes will result in more than 14,000 new jobs or assignment opportunities for military women. Women in the Army and Marine Corps face the most job restrictions, with each prohibiting them from serving in about a third of its positions (principally in infantry and special warfare, but also in logistics, signal and intelligence). In contrast, the Air Force excludes women from 1 percent of its positions (pararescue and Tactical Air Control Party, for example), and the Navy about 12 percent, a percentage that will reduce now that women can serve aboard submarines (but not in special warfare units like the SEALs). Policy changes will take effect later this spring after 30 days of continuous session of Congress, as the law requires. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67131.

5. Stolen Valor Case Upheld: By a 2-1 decision, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver recently reversed a lower court's decision that the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 violates First Amendment free speech protections. Courts in California, Georgia and Missouri have considered similar cases. In the Colorado case, defendant Rick Strandlof had founded a veterans group in Colorado Springs, and said he had received the Purple Heart and Silver Star, although the military had no record that he ever served. The California case, U.S. v. Xavier Alvarez, is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, primarily because the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco overruled by 2-1 a lower court verdict against Alvarez, a member of the local water district board, who claimed at a public meeting that he was a retired Marine and Medal of Honor recipient. Alvarez, too, had never served in the military. The VFW is the lead cosigner of an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court to uphold the Stolen Valor Act.

6. USMC Seeks Montford Point Marines: The Marine Corps is assisting in the search for original Montford Point Marines so they can be recognized when the Montford Point Marines are awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in an awards ceremony tentatively planned for this spring. In order to be counted as an "original" Montford Point Marine, documentation of the individual's DD214 or discharge paperwork verifying completion of training at the Montford Point Camp, N.C., between 1942 and 1949, must be submitted to the Montford Point Marine Association. Read more at http://www.marines.mil/unit/hqmc/Pages/MARINESASSISTINTHESEARCHFORORIGINALMONTFORDPOINTMARINES.aspx#.TyL-vcUqSSo.

7. VFW Denounces Survey Military Benefits: Early last week, Stars & Stripes reported that a defense think tank, the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, was conducting a survey of current and former service members to gather data on priority benefits for those who serve. The survey comes in the wake of announcements from Department of Defense officials that personnel benefits and programs could face potential cuts in the coming years - cuts the VFW has vowed to fight. After reading through the survey, VFW leaders balked at the tone of the questions, which asked participants to rate certain military benefits over others, and then determine the kinds of benefit packages that would be preferable to service members in the future. The VFW discourages members from participating in the survey, since the data will likely be used as an endorsement of certain benefit cuts by service members, themselves. The VFW's reaction caught the attention of Military Times, which discussed the survey in this week's print edition. To read more about the survey and to read VFW's full reaction, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/01/vfw-denounces-survey-on-military.html.

January 27, 2012

In This Issue:

1. DOD Unveils Budget Priorities

2. House VA Discusses VA Rating Schedule

3. Combat Brother Visit

4. Korean War MIA Identified:

1. DOD Unveils Budget Priorities: Defense Secretary Leon Panetta unveiled at a Pentagon press conference yesterday what his department’s priorities and choices will be as they are forced to reduce their overall budget by $487 billion over the next 10 years. The Defense Department is expected to request $525 billion as a baseline budget for FY 2013, with an additional $88.4 billion for overseas contingencies, which is $6 billion and $27 billion less, respectively, than FY 2012. Five key strategies are to drive the future military force, which will be smaller and leaner; repositioned with more emphasis on Asia-Pacific and the Middle East; stronger through better alliances and partnerships; extremely agile and deadly; and second-to-none in technology and capability. Some key priorities and choices in the budget proposal included a comprehensive review of the military retirement system and possible increases in health care fees for retirees. To learn more about the Pentagon’s announcement and to read the VFW’s reaction, click here: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/01/vfw-reacts-to-pentagon-budget.html

2. House VA Discusses VA Rating Schedule: This week the House Veterans Affairs’Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Affairs discussed VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The Subcommittee members questioned witnesses on the differences between DOD and VA ratings systems, ratings they feel are often in direct conflict with each other, causing confusion for the veteran. VSO representatives highlighted equitable compensation for like injuries and that the VASRD has not been reviewed or updated to ensure that disability categories, rating percentages and compensation levels remain accurate. Other areas discussed by all included possible restructuring of the Individual Unemployability (IU) benefit, accuracy of claims and measuring quality of life payments. To view the recorded webcast or for more information from the hearing visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/

3. Combat Brother Visit: The VFW Washington Office hosted a six-member international Combat Brotherhood delegation this week from Russia, the Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. The Combat Brotherhood consists primarily of Afghanistan and Chechnya veterans who banded together to urge their respective governments to care for their wounded, ill and injured veterans. Their visit to Washington included all-day visits and briefings at the Department of Veterans Affairs central office, VA Medical Center, Pentagon and Naval Academy. The VFW also hosted a conference with seven other veteran and POW/MIA family organizations, so that the Combat Brotherhood could better understand the impact of veteran advocates on the legislative process. The Combat Brotherhood is an invaluable partner toward achieving VFW's goal toward the fullest possible accounting of missing American servicemen who, from World War II forward, disappeared inside the former Soviet Union or one of its satellite states. Also present was VFW Senior Vice Commander John Hamilton, Adjutant General Allen F. "Gunner" Kent, and the American co-chairman of the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW-MIAs, retired Air Force Gen. Robert "Doc" Foglesong.

4. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Pfc. George A. Porter, 21, of Philadelphia. On Feb. 11, 1950, Porter and Battery B, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, were supporting South Korean forces when Chinese forces attacked in what became known as the “Hoengsong Massacre.” Porter and more than 100 men were taken as prisoners. Read more at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
January 13, 2012

In This Issue:
1. VFW Releases 2012 Priority Goals
2. VA Extends Emergency Care Policy
3. VGLI Insurance Increases to $400K
4. AER Adds New Assistance Categories
5. Reading of Names at The Wall:
6. Three MIAs Return Home
7. Foreign Service Photos Needed

1. VFW Releases 2012 Priority Goals: The VFW's 2012 legislative priority goals are now available for download on the VFW website. The brochure lists critical areas that VFW believes must be addressed by Congress and the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Homeland Security. The priority goals include creating, improving or protecting services and programs provided to America's veterans, service members and their families, as well as advocating for secure borders and shorelines. Also included is the "10 for 10" plan, which are 10 services and benefits that VFW believes may be eliminated or reduced to help pay for 10 years of war. Download your copy of the VFW's 2012 priority goals today athttp://stage.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/VFW_in_DC/2012%20Priority%20Goals%20Brochure.PDF.

2. VA Extends Emergency Care Policy: A change in regulations this week extends VA's authority to pay for emergency care provided to eligible veterans in non-VA facilities. More than 100,000 veterans are estimated to benefit by the new rule. "This provision helps ensure eligible veterans continue to get the emergency care they need when VA facilities are not available," said VA Secretary Eric Shinseki. VA currently operates 121 emergency departments across the country that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, plus 46 urgent care units, which provide care for patients without scheduled appointments. For more information, go to www.nonvacare.va.gov.

3. VGLI Insurance Increases to $400K: Some veterans covered under the Veterans Group Life Insurance program now have the opportunity to increase their coverage to $400,000, which matches the current maximum coverage available to military members under their Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program. To be eligible for the additional coverage, veterans must:
* Have active VGLI coverage;
* Have less than the current legislated maximum coverage of $400,000;
* Request the additional coverage during the 120-day period prior to each five-year anniversary date; and
* Be less than 60 years of age on the five-year anniversary date of his or her coverage.
Read more at http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2244.

4. AER Adds New Assistance Categories: Army Emergency Relief recently added four new loan eligibility categories. They are:
* Family member dental care: Family dental care is not available for families located in the U.S., which can put a significant financial burden on soldiers. Assistance is up to $4,000.
* Basic furniture needs: To assist soldiers and families moving into unfurnished quarters, as well as those who lost their furniture as a result of a natural disaster. Assistance is up to $4,000.
* Rental vehicles: To help soldiers on emergency leave or who are waiting repairs on their primary vehicles. The rental period would normally be seven to 10 days.
* Replacement vehicles: To help soldiers when the cost to repair their current vehicle is greater than the vehicle's value. Assistance is up to $4,000.
The VFW's Unmet Needs grant program complements AER programs in that Unmet Needs eligibility extends to up to 36 months after an honorable discharge, whereas a separating soldier must have enough "time in service" remaining to repay a AER loan. Read more about VFW's Unmet Needs program athttp://www.vfw.org/Assistance/National-Military-Services/. More information about AER's four new categories is athttp://www.aerhq.org/dnn563/News/ArmyEmergencyReliefAnnouncesAdditionalCategor.aspx.

5. Reading of Names at The Wall: Veterans, military, their families and concerned citizens are encouraged to sign up early for the reading of names at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. As it did five years ago on the 25th anniversary of The Wall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is organizing volunteers to participate in the reading of all 58,272 names on The Wall. The reading will take place over a four-day period prior to Memorial Day 2012. Due to the large number of expected participants and planning for other Memorial Day events, VVMF will only accept volunteers through its website at http://vvmf.org/ROTN. Groups can also be accommodated.

6. Three MIAs Return Home: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office recently announced the identification of remains of three servicemen who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Returned home are:
* Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Hilding R. Johnson, 20, of Sacramento, Calif. On Dec. 25, 1944, Johnson was flying a bombing mission near St. Vith, Belgium, when his P-47D Thunderbolt aircraft crashed after being struck by German anti-aircraft fire. No parachute was seen.
* Cpl. Robert J. Tucker, 27, of Princeton, Ind. On Nov. 25, 1950, Tucker and the 2nd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division, were deployed in a defensive line across the center of North Korea when they were attacked by Chinese forces. After the war, surviving POWs said Tucker had died of a gunshot wound two days after the attack.
* Army Sgt. 1st Class Charles A. Roy, 42, of Henderson, Ky. On Nov. 5, 1950, Roy was reported missing in action after his unit, Battery A, 61st Field Artillery Battalion, was overrun by Chinese forces near Pakchon, North Korea. After the war, surviving POWs said Roy had been captured but died in April 1951 from malnutrition and lack of medical care.
Read more about their recovery and return at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.

7. Foreign Service Photos Needed: The State Department is inviting current and former military and civil service foreign service officers to submit photographs from their service abroad (since the year 2000) for consideration in its Art in Embassies program. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 20, after which up to 1,000 photographs will be chosen by a jury and displayed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, among other national and international locations. More information

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
August 5, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Veterans' Job Initiative
2. Debt Ceiling Bill and Veterans
3. New Pentagon Leadership
4. MoH Recipients "Speak Out" Against PTS
5. Help Veterans "Make the Connection
6. Vietnam MIA Identified

1. Veterans' Job Initiative: The VFW joined President Obama when he announced a White House initiative to create more jobs for veterans. The new four-tiered initiative is the latest in a series of federal programs designed to help veterans re-enter the job market after military service. The initiative will be on providing the tools to both employers and veterans seeking jobs in the private sector, addressing key concerns that the VFW has consistently urged the administration to focus on as unemployment for young veterans soared above 13 percent this summer. The VFW has been pushing for improved veterans' employment outreach programs since passing a resolution in 2009 acknowledging the national crisis facing unemployed veterans, particularly young veterans who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
To read our Press release click: http://stage.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/VFW-APPLAUDS-PRESIDENTIAL-INITIATIVE-ON-VETERANS-JOBS/

2. Debt Ceiling Bill and Veterans: Earlier this week, the President signed legislation to raise the federal debt limit and reduce government spending. The deal calls for sharp cuts in agency spending - about $917 billion over the next decade - starting with a $25 billion reduction in fiscal year 2012, which begins Oct. 1, with a second set of reductions coming later this year via a special committee charged with wringing at least $1.2 trillion more over the next decade. The question now is how all of this will impact veterans, service members, their families and survivors. Many DOD and VA programs and services could be negatively impacted, which would counteract everything the VFW has worked hard to create over the past 112 years. The VFW and our supporters cannot let this happen. On the VFW website at www.vfw.org is a list of 10 services and programs we believe are most vulnerable to being cut or curtailed in order to help pay for 10 years of war. The "10 for 10" list will form the basis of VFW's legislative efforts and calls to action to its membership and grassroots supporters. Now is the time to re-engage with your members of Congress to ensure proposed fiscal reforms do not negatively affect troops, veterans or their families.
Join the effort and make your voice heard by calling, writing, or e-mailing your members of Congress. To learn how, visit VFW's Capwiz page at http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/.

3. New Pentagon Leadership: The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Army Gen. Martin Dempsey to become the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. James Winnefeld Jr. as JCS Vice Chairman, Gen. Raymond Odierno as Army Chief of Staff, and Adm. Jonathan Greenert as the new Chief of Naval Operations. Dempsey, who has been the ArmyChief of Staff since April, will succeed Adm. Mike Mullen who is retiring in the fall. Pentagon acquisition chief Ashton Carter has also been nominated by the president to become the next deputy defense secretary, replacing William Lynn, who is stepping down this fall.

4. MoH Recipients "Speak Out" Against PTS: A large group of Medal of Honor recipients have made public service announcements in hope to help erase the stigma and help stop the anger, drinking and impatience that are the hallmarks of post-traumatic stress, according to MoH recipient Paul W. Bucha. "It's our mission to emphasize that seeking help takes courage, and that it's the right thing to do for you, for your family, and for your country," he said. To view the downloadable videos, click http://medalofhonorspeakout.org/

5. Help Veterans "Make the Connection": If you are headed to the 112th VFW National Convention and have a story about overcoming a mental health issue, the VA wants to hear from you. Stories of hope and recovery are at the heart of the VA's new nationwide "Make the Connection"campaign, which encourages veterans to make the connection with other people, with resources, with symptoms of mental health issues, and with treatment and support. If you sought treatment-from any source-and are in a better place today because of it, the VA wants to hear from you. Don't let the stigma of seeking mental healthcare prevent you or others from living more fulfilling lives. Have your story videotaped at the National Convention for use on the "Make the Connection" website. To share your story or to learn more, contact the VA's outreach contractor, Reingold, at SupportVets@reingold.com.

6. Vietnam MIA Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Chief Warrant Officer George A. Howes, of Knox, Ind. On Jan. 10, 1970, Howes and three crewmembers were returning to their base at Chu Lai aboard a UH-1C Huey, but their helicopter went down due to weather. A search was initiated for the crew, but no sign of the helicopter or crew was spotted.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
July 29, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Veterans and Balancing the Budget
2. VFW Testifies on Vet Healthcare Bills
3. House VA Committee Hearings
4. Walter Reed Closes
5. Twelve WWII MIAs Identified

1. Veterans and Balancing the Budget: During the ongoing debate on the debt crisis and balancing the budget, the VFW has reiterated our position adamantly opposing any Administration or Congressional proposal to deny or limit any health care program or benefit to eligible veterans or to increase fees on any program for veterans, service members, their families or survivors. During the crisis, a list of earned benefits has been discussed as a possible way to save money. This "10 for 10" plan - to cut 10 specific benefits to pay for 10 years of war - is a breach of faith with America's military and veteran families. In the coming days, the VFW will explain the details and repercussions of each proposed "10 for 10" cut on the VFW website, as well as continue to put pressure on Congress to ensure proposed fiscal reforms do not negatively affect troops, veterans or their families. Join the effort and make your voice heard by calling, writing, or e-mailing your members of Congress. To learn how, visit VFW's Capwiz page at http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/. To read our press release go here: http://stage.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/STOP-CONGRESS-FROM-PASSING-AMERICA-S-DEBT-ONTO-VETERANS/

2. VFW Testifies on Vet Health Bills: Monday afternoon, the VFW testified before the House Veterans Affairs' Subcommittee on Health on seven pending bills addressing issues such as removing hurdles to care for veterans, improving services for those suffering from the invisible wounds of war, and ensuring that VA land is used to serve the mission of VA. To listen to the recorded webcast, visit the House VA Committee's website at veterans.house.gov.

3. House VA Committee Clears Bills: The House VA subcommittees had a busy week of mark-ups, clearing several VFW-supported bills. To include:

H.R. 1154, the Veterans Equal Treatment for Service Dogs Act which clarifies VA's regulation on service dogs and when they can be brought into a VA facility.
H.R. 1855, the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Service Act would allow better TBI treatment by focusing on an injured veteran's independence and quality of life, while also maintaining improvements achieved while receiving treatment for physical, behavioral and mental health functioning.
H.R. 2074, the Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention Act would require VA to develop a comprehensive policy on reporting and tracking alleged sexual assault incidents at all VA facilities.
H.R.2530 provides for increased flexibility on rates for reimbursement of state veterans' homes by the VA for nursing home care provided to veterans.

Also on Thursday, The House VA Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations discussed contracting opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses. Recently, the O&I Subcommittee partnered with the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Government Accountability Office, the VA Office of Inspector General and others in conducting an investigation into the certification process for service disabled veteran-owned small businesses, or SDVOSBs. OIG representative Belinda J. Finn commented on several investigations by both OIG and GAO that have identified fraud among not just companies but also individuals. VFW has testified on the process and believes that accountability and oversight by VA, as well as stricter, harsher penalties are what is needed to ensure true SDVOSBs have the opportunities to which they are entitled by law.
For more about the hearings or a list of the bills cleared, visit the House VA Committee website at: http://veterans.house.gov/

4. Walter Reed Closes: Walter Reed Army Medical Center hosting its closing ceremonies Wednesday, casing the hospital colors and ending a storied 102-year history of outstanding medical service that couldn't escape the knife of a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendation. The hospital officially closes its doors for the final time in September when a new Walter Reed National Medical Center will stand up on the site of the current National Naval Medical Center in nearby Bethesda, Md., and a new Army facility will also be opened in nearby Fort Belvoir, Md. Walter Reed's fate was sealed by growth limitations. The aging facility could not expand outwards because it is surrounded entirely by neighborhoods in the District of Columbia, and it could not build upwards because of the District's building height restrictions. Both the Bethesda campus and Fort Belvoir offered sufficient room to expand to accommodate modern hospital needs. To read more about closing ceremonies click here: http://www.army.mil/article/62517/McHugh__Walter_Reed_s_legacy_will_endure

5. Twelve WWII MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to 12 Army Air Forces airmen, who had been missing-in-action since World War II. They are 1st Lt. Jack E. Volz from Indiana; 2nd Lts. Regis E. Dietz from Pennsylvania, Edward J. Lake from New York, Martin P. Murray from Massachusetts, and William J. Shryock from Indiana; Tech. Sgts. Robert S. Wren from Washington and Hollis R. Smith from Arkansas; and Staff Sgts. Berthold A. Chastain from Georgia, Clyde L. Green from Pennsylvania, Frederick E. Harris from Massachusetts, Claude A. Ray from Kansas and Claude G. Tyler from Maryland. On Oct. 27, 1943, the 12 crewmen took off in a B-24D Liberator from an airfield near Port Moresby, New Guinea, on a reconnaissance mission of shipping lanes in the Bismarck Sea. The aircraft failed to return to base

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
July 22, 2011

In This Issue:
1. VFW Advocates Help Defeat Anti-Veteran Amendment
2. Marine to Receive Medal of Honor
3. POW/MIA Update
4. VA Launches Childcare Pilot
5. Senate Passes VA Funding Bill
6. House VA Committee Hearings
7. Senate Passes GI Bill Protections
8. Three WWII Soldiers Identified

1. VFW Advocates Help Defeat Anti-Veteran Amendment: The VFW was instrumental in defeating an amendment Wednesday evening that would have required veterans to prove a positive connection---instead of just a positive association---between Agent Orange exposure and one or more of the 15 presumptive illnesses that the VA currently recognizes. Thanks to VFW membership and our grassroots advocates, we were able to get the word to many senators who voted 69-30 in favor of veterans. To see how your senators voted, go to http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&session=1&vote=00114. To read a VFW statement, go to http://stage.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/VFW-Advocates-Help-Defeat-Anti-Veteran-Amendment/

2. Marine to Receive Medal of Honor: President Obama will award the Medal of Honor to former Marine Cpl. Dakota Meyer, who in September 2009 braved intense enemy gunfire in Afghanistan to recover the bodies of four fallen comrades after being ambushed. The battle would claim the lives of five Marines and nine Afghan allies. He will be the first living Marine to receive the medal in 41 years. A presentation date is expected in the fall. Read more in a Stars & Stripes article at http://www.stripes.com/news/former-marine-to-receive-medal-of-honor-for-controversial-2009-battle-1.149651.

3. POW/MIA Update: The VFW attended the 42nd annual meeting of the National League of POW/MIA Families over the past two days to hear if senior Pentagon officials will reinstate funding and personnel to the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs, and if the planned relook of previously approved funding for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) could result in a smaller budget. Other than to say the overall accounting mission will continue to do the most with what it has, their responses did not answer our questions or shed any new light into the direction DOD may be taking. This is unacceptable to the VFW, which was reflected in a joint opinion editorial released last week to call upon President Obama to direct DOD to restore funding and personnel to the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission, and to protect JPAC's proposed budgets. The VFW will continue to stay on top of this issue. Read the OpEd at http://finance.boston.com/boston/news/read?GUID=18968560.

4. VA Launches Childcare Pilot: The VA last week announced a free, drop-in childcare service center at three VA medical centers as part of an ongoing pilot program to better serve veterans, especially women veterans. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki made the announcement to more than 700 participants attending the Fifth National Summit on Women Veterans' Issues, which the VFW and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary helped to cosponsor on Capitol Hill. The three sites and childcare details are:
* Northport, N.Y.: 30 child capacity, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., ages 6 weeks to 12 years
* Tacoma, Wash.: Varying capacity, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., ages 6 weeks to 10 years
* Buffalo, N.Y.: 6 to 10 child capacity, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., ages 6 weeks to 12 years
The three childcare center pilot programs will be operated onsite by licensed childcare providers. Drop-in services are offered free to veterans who are eligible for VA care and who are visiting the facility for an appointment. Read more at http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2134.

5. Senate Passes VA Funding Bill: The Senate was able to clear some controversial amendments this week and pass the FY 2012 Military Construction/VA Funding bill. The Senate bill is virtually identical to what was passed by the House in June. Both provide $69.5 billion for veterans benefit programs and $52.5 billion in advanced appropriations for FY 2013. The two bills have a few differences which will be ironed out by a conference committee before the end of the current fiscal year (Sept. 30). More information is available on the Senate Appropriations Committee website at http://appropriations.senate.gov/news.cfm?method=news.view&id=952f6b79-1409-45a6-9923-7c5bc0ba88d3. To see how your senators voted, go to http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&session=1&vote=00115.

6. House VA Committee Hearings: The House VA Committee had a busy week of hearings and mark-ups. The VFW testified before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on several bills designed to address VA's "duty to assist" requirement for disability claims, stricter auditing rules for how federal contractors employ veterans, and ongoing efforts between the DOD and VA to establish a joint electronic health and service record. The committee also marked up several VFW-supported bills that we had testified on at previous hearings. The bills include enhancements to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, mortgage protections for veterans, a more streamlined education benefit process, and legislation that would honor certain Reserve Component veterans by recognizing them as veterans under the law. VFW also made several suggestions to the committee on changes that would improve several bills that were adopted as amendments during the mark-up session. Read the VFW press release at http://stage.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/VFW-TESTIFIES-THAT-VETERANS--NEEDS-MUST-COME-FIRST/. For more information about the hearings, visit the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.

7. Senate Passes GI Bill Protections: On Thursday, the Senate passed the Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act by unanimous consent, adopting language from a bill introduced by House VA Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) to preserve reimbursement rates under the Post-9/11 GI Bill for students already enrolled at private schools. Changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill set to take effect this Aug. 1 would cap reimbursement for students at non-public institutions at $17,500, which would have brought financial hardships to those student-veterans already enrolled in private schools. The Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act will also ensure that students who are already using their Chapter 33 benefits will be able to complete their degree programs without unnecessary financial constraints. The bill is now one step closer to becoming law. Read VFW's testimony in support of the House version at http://www.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/Congressional-Testimony/Draft-Legislation-and-various-other-priority-issues/.

8. Three WWII Soldiers Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to three soldiers who have been missing in action since World War II. Identified are Army Pfc. Lawrence N. Harris, of Elkins, W.V., Cpl. Judge C. Hellums, of Paris, Miss., and Pvt. Donald D. Owens, from Cleveland. In late September 1944, their unit, the 773rd Tank Battalion, was fighting its way to France's eastern border. On Oct. 9, 1944, in the final battle for control of the region, Hellums, Harris, Owens and two other soldiers were attacked by enemy fire in their M-10 Tank Destroyer. Two men survived with serious injuries but Harris, Hellums and Owens were reported to have been killed. Evidence at the time indicated the remains of the men had been destroyed in the attack and were neither recovered nor buried near the location. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14665.

VFW

WASHINGTON WEEKLY
July 15, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Urge President to Restore POW/MIA Mission Funding
2. Army Ranger Receives Medal of Honor
3. VFW Co-sponsors Women's Veterans Summit
4. VFW Supports Veterans Employment Bills
5. Senate Discusses Mental Health Care Gaps
6. VA Adds Additional Disorders to Undiagnosed Illness
7. Afghan Troop Withdrawals Begin
8. Airports Still Vulnerable
9. Vietnam Education Center Needs Photos
10. Two MIAs Identified

1. Urge President to Restore POW/MIA Mission Funding: The VFW is absolutely against a Defense Department plan to pare back POW/MIA mission funding and personnel, which also goes against White House recommendations, too. Please add your voice to ours by writing President Obama today to urge him to direct DOD to restore funding and personnel to the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs, and to protect the proposed budgets of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. Click here to read a joint Opinion Editorial released Wednesday by the VFW and seven other veterans' and POW/MIA family organizations.

2. Army Ranger Receives Medal of Honor: On Tuesday, the president awarded the country's highest military honor to Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry, an Army Ranger who was shot in both legs and had his hand blown off while saving his fellow soldiers during a firefight in Afghanistan. Petry became only the second living veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to receive the Medal of Honor. Read more here.

3. VFW Co-sponsors Women's Veterans Summit: The VFW and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary are major co-sponsors of the 2011 National Training Summit on Women Veterans, which begins tomorrow on Capitol Hill. More than 700 women are signed up for the two-day program, which will focus on VA and DOD women initiatives, health care, outreach to OEF/OIF veterans, mental health, Military Sexual Trauma, caregiver support, and linking Guard and Reserve women veterans to VA care. Representing the VFW on a veterans' service organization panel will be Dawn Jirak, assistant director for veterans' health policy in the Washington Office. Also attending the summit from the VFW are Mary Baker, chairwoman of the VFW National Women Veterans Committee, and three of her vice chairwomen --- Precilla Wilkewitz, Lynn Patterson and Joy Mikyska; VFW Human Resources director Debra Anderson from the National Headquarters; Vera Moore, assistance department service officer from Illinois; and Darlene Stiff, National Veterans Service appeals consultant, and G Cano, executive assistant to the Washington Office executive director. Click here for more women veterans health care programs and initiatives.

4. VFW Supports Veterans Employment Bills: The VFW provided testimony before the House VA Committee today on critical legislation to enhance and expand employment and transition programs for veterans. Of particular interest is H.R. 1941, the companion bill to S. 951, Hiring Heroes Act of 2011, and H.R. 2433, Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011, to help unemployed veterans receive job skills to remain competitive, and include new auditing and reporting requirements for ongoing programs to help ensure their success. The VFW supports both bills and asks that you contact your House members and urge them to support both bills. To read our testimony go to the VFW website http://www.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/Congressional-Testimony/.

5. Senate Discusses Mental Health Care Gaps: The Senate VA Committee held a hearing this week to examine VA mental health programs. Citing a recent court case by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in California, committee members questioned delays and gaps in care, as well as performance measurements for mental health access across the entire VA system. A key witness, Andrea Sawyer, spouse of Army Sgt. Loyd Sawyer, provided details about her husband's experience in seeking treatment for severe PTSD, and the need for major changes within VA mental health programs. Visit the Senate VA Committee website to watch the recorded hearing or to read submitted testimony.

6. VA Adds Additional Disorders to Undiagnosed Illness: VA finalized a rule today to add additional disabilities to the list of undiagnosed illnesses subject to presumptive service connection for certain veterans with service in Southwest Asia. Specifically, it added "functional gastrointestinal disorders" to 38 CFR 3.317, effective Aug. 15, 2011. Click on the Federal Register for more information.

7. Afghan Troop Withdrawals Begin: The first troops to leave Afghanistan as part of the U.S. drawdown handed over their slice of battlefield Wednesday to a unit less than half their size and started packing for home. The 650 members of the Iowa National Guard's 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, arrived in Afghanistan last November as part of buildup of 33,000 extra troops that commanders said would turn the tide against the Taliban. Nine months later, it's still unclear if that push has succeeded, according to an Associated Press article, but the pullback has begun. Read more here.

8. Airports Still Vulnerable: U.S. airports are still vulnerable to terrorist attacks, despite billions of dollars invested in security enhancements since 9/11, according to Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), who led an inquiry on Wednesday into what he described as Transportation Security Administration security deficiencies. He cited government statistics of more than 25,000 security breaches since November 2001 --- or slightly more than five year at each of the nation's 457 commercial airports. TSA said that the number is misleading and represents a small fraction of 1 percent of the 5.5. billion people screened since the 2001 terror attacks. Read more here.

9. Vietnam Education Center Needs Photos: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is seeking photos of all 58,000 men and women whose names are inscribed on The Wall in Washington, D.C. The collection will be used to highlight their service and sacrifice inside the new Vietnam Memorial Education Center, which is scheduled to break ground next year. So far, 18,000 photos have been submitted by families and fellow comrades-in-arms. Please submit photos to Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 2600 Virginia Ave., NW, Suite 104, Washington, DC 20037. Include the deceased's name, location, unit and approximate month/year the photo was taken. Digitized photos can be e-mailed to jscruggs@vvmf.org.

10. Two MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to a Navy pilot missing since the Vietnam War, and an Army soldier missing since World War II.
* On April 29, 1966, Navy Lt. Cmdr. William P. Egan, 35, of Denton, Texas, was killed after his A-1H Skyraider crashed as a result of enemy ground fire during an attack on targets in Khammouan Province, Laos. His wingman observed the crash and immediately flew over the area but saw no sign of Egan. Site excavations in the 1990s did find crew-related equipment and aircraft wreckage that correlated to his aircraft, but no human remains, until a Laotian farmer turned over bone fragments recovered from his field approximately 10 meters from an excavation site.
* On Nov. 20, 1944, Army Pfc. Edward L. O'Toole, 23, of San Francisco, as part of the 333rd Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, went missing near Suggerath during an offensive in Western Germany. After an extensive search, his remains were determined unrecoverable in 1953 by U.S. Army Graves Registration personnel. In 2009, a German citizen digging in a wooded area near Suggerath discovered a grave with remains from two individuals, military-related equipment, and identification tags belonging to O'Toole.
Read more about both recovery and identification efforts here.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
July 8, 2011

In This Issue:
1. VFW Call to Action Against S. 277
2. New VA Outreach to Women Veterans
3. House Passes FY 2012 Defense Appropriations
4. VFW Supports 11 of 14 House Bills
5. Fort Hood Shooter Referred to Court-Martial
6. Three MIAs Identified

1. VFW Call to Action Against S. 277: The Marine Corps family stationed at North Carolina's Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 is aware of some severe health issues that may have resulted from using contaminated well water that contained carcinogens. Until this week, the VFW was a strong advocate of the "Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act of 2011 (S. 277)," which the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee passed recently to provide VA healthcare to assigned Marines, their families and veterans. Now we have learned that SVAC changed the bill - without public notice or hearing - to fund the care it would provide through the elimination of federal subsidies for military commissaries, and by directing the military exchange system to consolidate with the Defense Commissary Agency. The VFW can no longer support S. 277 because the new proposal threatens the existence of the commissary and exchange systems. We ask that you urge your senators to reject S. 277. If additional funding is needed, then SVAC should request it through the traditional legislative process, and not attempt to obtain funding from a federal department over which it has no jurisdiction. Contact your senators today at http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/.

2. New VA Outreach to Women Veterans: In June, representatives from VA's Health Resource Center began calling to ask women veterans nationwide to share their experiences with VA, and to suggest potential improvements to the care it provides them. HRC also wants to know why some women veterans who are enrolled in the VA have not yet used their services. According to the VA, women veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the veteran population. They comprise nearly 8 percent of the total veteran population and 6 percent of VA healthcare patrons, percentages that the VA expects to rise by the year 2020 to 10 and 9.5 percent, respectively. Read more at http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2129.

3. House Passes FY 2012 Defense Appropriations: The House today passed H.R. 2219, the $649 billion Defense Appropriations bill for FY 2012, which includes several amendments that the VFW was instrumental in getting passed. Two amendments will provide additional funding for military suicide prevention programs, two shift funding to increase Traumatic Brain Injury research, and one adds funding to Gulf War Illness research. Also included is a measure that will help protect servicemembers who are traveling on active duty orders from being charged any baggage fees. The VFW will continue to monitor these provisions as the bill goes to the Senate for their approval. Read the committee's press release here.

4. VFW Supports 11 of 14 House Bills: The VFW testified twice Thursday before the House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on pending legislation to add protections to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and processing improvements for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and before the House VA Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs to discuss accountability in VA claims processing, and fraudulent claims processing charges. The VFW supports 11 of the 14 proposed bills. For more on the hearings and to read VFW testimony, go to the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.

5. Fort Hood Shooter Referred to Court-Martial: Army Maj. Nidal M. Hasan has been referred to a general court-martial on charges of 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder in the November 2009 attack at Fort Hood, Texas. A general court-martial is authorized to consider the death penalty as punishment. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=64566.

6. Three MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to a soldier from the Korean War and two airmen from the Vietnam War.
·         Army Capt. Melvin R. Stai, of Spokane, Wash., died in captivity after being captured in January 1951 and marched north to a POW camp in Suan County, North Korea.
·         On April 29, 1966, Air Force Col. Leo S. Boston, of Canon City, Colo., disappeared while flying a search-and-rescue mission in North Vietnam in an A-1E Skyraider.
·         And on March 26, 1970, Air Force Maj. Richard G. Elzinga, of Shedd, Ore., and his co-pilot went missing when their O-1G Birddog failed to return to base from a mission over Laos.
Read more about search, recovery and identification efforts at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
June 24, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal
2. Senate Defense Bill Includes Tricare Increases
3. More Eligible for TSGLI Payments
4. U.S-Russia Joint Commission Update
5. WWII Airman Identified
6. Five WWII Crewmembers Identified

1. Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal: President Obama announced Wednesday evening his plan to withdraw 10,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2011, and 23,000 more by the end of summer 2012.    The majority of the remaining 68,000 troops --- more than double the number when he took office--- could also be home by 2014 depending on conditions on the ground, which is the key factor the VFW will look for the president to follow as he moves forward with withdrawal plans.    Afghanistan is America's longest war and has resulted in 1,500 combat deaths and billions of dollars to fight, primarily because it's a landlocked country where the Pentagon says even the cost to transport fuel averages $400 per gallon. Pundits on both sides of the issue agree that any progress made in Afghanistan is fragile at best, that al Qaeda has been mostly defeated, and that America cannot continue to help the country forever. As the president said, "It is time to focus on nation building here at home."    Read his announcement at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/06/22/remarks-president-way-forward-afghanistan.

2. Senate Defense Bill Includes Tricare Increases: The Senate Armed Services Committee-passed version of the National Defense Authorization bill would provide $530 billion to the Defense Department to fight the ongoing wars, as well as for force modernization, equipment replacement, and for personnel programs that would include a 1.6-percent across-the-board military pay raise, educational funding, and improved research and treatment of traumatic brain injury and psychological health conditions. To the VFW's great disappointment, the Senate committee agreed to the House-passed proposal to increase Tricare premiums for working age retirees by 13 percent this year, and link future increases to annual cost-of-living adjustments. VFW opposes any increases in TRICARE fees and will continue to urge senators to drop the provision from their package when it comes up for a full Senate vote in the coming weeks. To contact your senators, go to http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=50425506. For full committee coverage, go to http://armed-services.senate.gov/.

3. More Eligible for TSGLI Payments: Servicemembers who suffered traumatic injuries between Oct. 7, 2001, and Nov. 30, 2005, could be eligible for as much as $100,000 under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) program, according to the VA. Previously, servicemembers had to have served in Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom between these dates to have been eligible---those who suffered qualifying injuries from Dec. 1, 2005, forward were already eligible. Now all troops, regardless of where the injury occurred, could qualify for TSGLI if they suffered a qualifying injury, such as loss of limb or sight, brain injury or burns.    Payments for the newly eligibility group will not begin until Oct. 1, but eligible individuals may file for the benefit immediately. The traumatic insurance supplement was a tremendous VFW legislative victory back in April 2005, when the proposal went from bill to law in 27 days. For more information on eligibility or to apply, go to www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm.

4. U.S-Russia Joint Commission Update: The VFW was extremely pleased to learn that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had appointed Yekaterina Priezzheva as the new cochairman of the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs. The June 17 decision came less than three weeks after the VFW led an effort to ask for his personal support of the Joint Commission, which was created in 1992 by Presidents George H.W. Bush and Boris Yeltsin to help determine the fates of missing American and Russian soldiers, but was effectively shut down in 2004. "As we wrote to President Medvedev, recovering our fallen is a humanitarian gesture that honors a soldier's promise on the battlefield," said VFW National Commander Richard Eubank, who last fall became the seventh consecutive VFW national commander to travel to Russia to meet with their veterans, politicians and government officials to urge their support of the Joint Commission. "I am extremely proud of the VFW for the leadership role we played to help bring the Russians back to the table," he said. Read the VFW press release at http://stage.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/Medvedev-Appoints-Russian-Cochairman-to-Joint-POW/MIA-Commission/.

5. WWII Airman Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Marvin J. Steinford, of Keystone, Iowa. On March 24, 1945, Steinford was one of 10 crewmembers to bail out of a crippled B-17G Flying Fortress over Hungary. He and another crewmember were struck by small arms fire while parachuting into a firefight between Soviet and German forces. The remains of the other crewmember were found where he was buried by villagers.    The other eight crewmembers were captured by the Germans and released at the end of the war. No details on the whereabouts of Steinford would be known until 2003, when a member of the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs met with Hungarian officials about missing Americans in former Soviet bloc countries. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14590.

6. Five WWII Crewmembers Identified: DPMO also announced the identification of remains belonging to five Army Air Forces airmen, who had previously been buried as unknowns. They are Capt. Leonard E. Orcutt, of Alameda, Calif.; Tech. Sgt. Louis H. Miller, from Philadelphia; Staff Sgt. George L. Winkler, from Huntington, W.Va.; 2nd Lt. Harry L. Bedard, from Minneapolis; and 2nd Lt. Robert S. Emerson, of Norway, Maine. On April 3, 1945, Orcutt and his crew took off in their B-25J Mitchell bomber from Palawan Field, Philippines. The pilot of another aircraft reported seeing Orcutt's plane stall out and crash in a swampy area. There were no survivors. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14595.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
May 20, 2011

In This Issue:
1. SVAC Criticizes Seamless Transition Initiative
2. Support Needed for Vet Employment Bill
3. Purple Heart Eligibility Revised

1. SVAC Criticizes Seamless Transition Initiative: On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee criticized the VA and DOD for a new system that is supposed to help wounded troops get disability compensation more efficiently. Instead, the Integrated Disability Evaluation System keeps personnel in the military longer than intended, which prevents some from taking job offers or even starting college on time. The new program's goal is to get wounded and disabled troops through the system in about 270 days, but March statistics reflect that goal was met only 15% of the time for active-duty troops. Officials said the new program is still better than the old system, which took on average 540 days to complete. Right now DOD envisions another year before the average processing time is reduced to 300 days. Visit the Senate VA Committee website for more details at http://veterans.senate.gov/hearings.cfm.

2. Support Needed for Vet Employment Bill: We need your support for S. 951, the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011, introduced by Senate VA Committee Chairman Patty Murray (D-WA). This VFW-supported legislation would aggressively combat the unemployment rates for veterans that run as high as 27 percent for those in the 20-24 age group. The bill would require VA, DOD and Labor to identify the gaps between military training skills and civilian licensure and credentialing. It would also extend VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Education program, plus authorize government agencies to direct hire, and make the Transition Assistance Program mandatory for all servicemembers. Contact your senators today at http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/ and urge them to support S. 951. Read more about the bill at http://veterans.senate.gov/press-releases.cfm?action=release.display&release_id=1fc27742-327f-437d-9544-04058da51d3d.

3. Purple Heart Eligibility Revised: Both the Army and the Marine Corps will allow more battlefield concussions to be eligible for the Purple Heart. The decision to expand the definition for concussions means thousands of Purple Heart medals could be going to soldiers and Marines who may have been denied in the past. The new eligibility still requires all injuries to be the result of direct or indirect enemy action. The change is retroactive to Sept. 11, 2001.

Soldiers should reapply through their chain of command; Army veterans can call 888-276-9472 or send an e-mail to hrc.tagd.awards@conus.army.mil. Read more at https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/index.asp.
Marines should consult the Commandant's coordinating instructions at http://www.marines.mil/news/messages/Pages/MARADMIN245-11.aspx/. Read more at http://www.marines.mil/unit/hqmc/Pages/Marineswithconcussion,mildbraininjuryqualifyforPurpleHeart.aspx.
The Departments of the Air Force and Navy are still considering regulation changes.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
May 13, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Defense Bill Includes TRICARE Increases
2. New Vet Employment-Transition Bill
3. House Hearings
4. Korean War MIA Identified

1. Defense Bill Includes TRICARE Increases: The House Armed Services Committee approved its version of the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act this week. The $533 billion defense bill (H.R. 1540) provides a 1.6-percent military pay increase, reduces the SBP-DIC offset for survivors, and would increase TRICARE fees for working-age military retirees. Beginning with FY 2013, the committee voted to link future TRICARE increases to annual cost-of-living-adjustments, or COLAs, which has been zero for military retirees for the past two years. The committee did not vote to prohibit a fee increase for FY 2012, which now opens the door for DOD to raise TRICARE fees by 13 percent this fall. The VFW will continue to oppose all TRICARE fee increases. Military retirees paid for their healthcare through long and faithful service; for their children being uprooted repeatedly from school; for their spouses not being able to have full careers; for their homes accumulating no equity; and for some, for not being fully marketable because they served so many years in uniform. The House, then the Senate, have to agree on the bill before it goes to the president for his signature. The VFW urges you to redouble your efforts and get your representatives to reject the TRICARE increase when the bill comes up for a floor vote, and to contact your senators to reject the proposal if it makes it through the House. To take action against the proposed TRICARE increase, go to http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=46437541.

2. New Vet Employment/Transition Bill: Senate VA Committee Chairman Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced VFW-supported legislation to aggressively improve the unemployment rate among veterans. S.951, the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011, would require the Departments of Defense, VA and Labor to work together to improve the Transition Assistance Program and to identify barriers in translating military jobs into civilian employment. The bill hopes to offer unique job skills training, create new direct federal hiring authority, and improve veteran mentorship programs in the private sector. According to Labor Department statistics, about 27 percent of veterans ages 20-24 are currently unemployed. Read the committee press release at http://veterans.senate.gov/press-releases.cfm?action=release.display&release_id=1fc27742-327f-437d-9544-04058da51d3d.

3. House Hearings: The House VA Committee cleared several VFW-supported bills, which now move to the House floor for a vote. They include:

HR 1383, Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011, to grandfather veterans attending private schools who were adversely affected by the changes made in the GI Bill last Congress. It also increases the cap to $27,000 from $17,500 for students already enrolled in private schools under Chapter 33.
HR 1657, legislation that would improve VA's enforcement of service-disabled, veteran-owned small business contracting.
HR 1441, a bill to ban reserving burial and interment locations at Arlington National Cemetery, and clears the way for a memorial on Chaplains Hill to honor Jewish chaplains who died defending our country.
HR 1407, The Veterans Cost of Living Adjustment Act of 2011, would provide a cost-of-living increase to veterans' disability compensation rates and other benefits. It would also provide a five-year extension to VA adaptive grants program for severely wounded veterans residing in a family member's home.

For more information visit the committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.

4. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced identification of remains belonging to Army Cpl. Primo C. Carnabuci, of Old Saybrook, Conn. On Nov. 1, 1950, Carnabuci's unit, the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, was forced to conduct a fighting withdrawal from their position along the Kuryong River, near Unsan, North Korea. He was among almost 600 men to be reported missing from the battle. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14484.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
May 6, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Osama Bin Laden Dead
2. Two Korean War Medals of Honor Awarded
3. Caregiver Applications Begin Monday
4. Subcommittee Votes Against TRICARE Increases
5. House VA Committee Hearings
6. WWII MIA Identified
7. Purple Heart Forever Stamp

1. Osama Bin Laden Dead: The death of al Qaeda's leader on Sunday helped to make a dangerous world a little bit safer. In a press statement, VFW National Commander Richard Eubank said "the military and CIA are to be congratulated for their persistence, precision and performance. Osama bin Laden was responsible for killing thousands of innocent people. He was a threat to world peace who had to be brought to justice. His death at the hands of the world's best trained and motivated military and intelligence agency is justice served."

2. Two Korean War Medals of Honor Awarded: On Monday, the president presented the Medal of Honor posthumously to the families of Army Pfcs. Anthony T. Kaho'ohanohano, from Hawaii, and Henry Svehla, of New Jersey. The two soldiers were assigned to the 7th Infantry Division. Both were killed in action and had previously received the Distinguished Service Cross for their actions, but Svehla's body was never recovered. He continues to be among the 8,000 MIAs from the Korean War. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63785.

3. Caregiver Applications Begin Monday: The VA this week published their Interim Final Rule for implementing the family caregiver program, which mirrors the intent of the legislation Congress passed as part of the Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010. Beginning Monday, May 9, veterans can download a copy of the program application to designate a primary family caregiver or secondary family caregiver, as needed. The caregiver would be eligible for a living stipend, mental health services, and access to health insurance, among other services. For more information, go to http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2088.

4. Subcommittee Votes Against TRICARE Increases: The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel voted this week against a proposal to increase TRICARE fees for working age military retirees, but the proposal still isn't dead. The full committee will take it up when they meet May 11 on the FY 2012 National Defense Bill. The VFW is against raising TRICARE fees, and in a letter to HASC Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA), wrote "TRICARE is the cornerstone of a military retirement package that the armed forces must provide in order to entice someone to voluntarily give up 20 or more years of their youth to serve their nation." The VFW is now asking everyone to contact their representatives and urge them to vote against raising TRICARE fees. To read our letter and to contact your members of Congress, go to http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/House-Subcommittee-Holds-the-Line-on-TRICARE-Fees/.

5. House VA Committee Hearings: The House Veterans Affairs Committee held a hearing Tuesday on VA patient safety failures at several VA medical facilities that resulted in thousands of veterans being notified of potential exposure to infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis. The VFW also testified before the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in support of:

HR 1383, Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011, which would grandfather veterans attending private schools who were adversely affected by the changes made in the GI Bill that became law at the end of last Congress.
HR 1657, legislation that would improve VA's enforcement of service-disabled, veteran-owned small business contracting.
HR 1441, a bill to ban reserving burial and interment locations at Arlington National Cemetery.
HR 1407, The Veterans Cost of Living Adjustment Act of 2011, which would provide a cost-of-living increase to veterans' disability compensation rates and other benefits.

To read our testimony: http://stage.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/Congressional-Testimony/. For more information or to view recorded webcasts of the hearings, go to committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.

6. WWII MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Pfc. Robert B. Bayne, of Dundalk, Md. On March 28, 1945, while patrolling the Rhine River in an inflatable raft, Bayne and three others were forced into the river after being attacked near Schwegenheim, Germany. One was rescued, and the remains of two would eventually be identified. Bayne would be buried as an "unknown" in an American cemetery in France until 2010, when new case leads and forensic tools would lead to his exhumation and identification. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14474.

7. Purple Heart Forever Stamp: Deputy Postmaster General of the U.S. Postal Service Ron Stroman unveiled the "Purple Heart with Ribbon" forever stamp in a ceremony yesterday aboard the USS Midway in San Diego harbor. It now joins the Liberty Bell as the nation's only two forever stamps. For more information, to include how to obtain first-day issue stamps, go to http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2011/pr11_045.htm.
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VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
April 29, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Congress Returns to Budget Battle
2. Senior Official Nominations
3. TRICARE Young Adult Enrollment Begins May 1
4. WWII MIA Identified

1. Congress Returns to Budget Battle: Congress returns next week from their two-week recess. Among the items on the agenda is the FY 2012 Budget. Senate leadership plans to debate and possibly vote on a proposed budget written by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), which was passed by the House prior to the recess. The plan, H Con Res 34, has been the talk of many town hall meetings during the district work period. VFW will be monitoring any and all provisions that may affect veterans and our active duty guard and reserve members. The proposal is a blueprint for Congressional spending, but is not a law, and therefore can be changed and/or amended at any time during the budget/appropriations process. If passed by the Senate, depending on whether or not there are changes, it may need to go through a conference committee, and then back to both houses for a vote.

2. Senior Official Nominations: The president announced yesterday his intention to nominate CIA Director Leon Panetta to replace retiring Defense Secretary Robert Gates; Army Gen. David Petraeus to replace Panetta at CIA; to bring former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker out of retirement to become the new U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan; and to have Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John Allen, currently the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, replace the retiring Petraeus as commander of all U.S. and International Security Forces in Afghanistan. The moves are just four of several to be announced this spring and summer. The nominations require Senate confirmation.
For the WH Press statement: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63742

3. TRICARE Young Adult Enrollment Begins May 1: Unmarried uniformed service dependents under 26, and not eligible for their own employer-sponsored health care coverage, may be qualified to purchase TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) insurance beginning May 1. TYA will offer TRICARE Standard coverage for monthly premiums of $186; a premium-based TRICARE Prime benefit will be available later this year. The signing of the National Defense Authorization Act in January 2011 brought TRICARE in line with the provisions of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. For more information or to enroll, go to http://www.tricare.mil/mediacenter/news.aspx?fid=706.

4. WWII MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Air Forces Pfc. Mervyn E. Sims, 23, of Petaluma, CA. On April 24, 1943, Sims and four crewmembers aboard a C-87 Liberator Express departed China on a six-hour "Hump" mission over the Himalayas to India. The aircraft never arrived at its destination. No evidence of the aircraft was found until 2003, when an American citizen found aircraft wreckage in the mountains east of Chabua. India. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14433.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY

April 15, 2011

In This Issue:

1. VFW Supports New White House Initiative

2. VFW Supports Stronger Funeral Protest Restrictions

3. Senate Talks Jobs

4. Congress on Recess

5. New SMMC Selected

6. Korean War MIA Identified

7. WWII MIA Identified

1. VFW Supports New White House Initiative: VFW National Commander Richard Eubank is calling on VFW and Auxiliary membership to redouble their outreach efforts in response to the "Joining Forces" initiative announced by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. "Our military and their families have been fighting for almost a decade in a war that has had virtually zero impact on the rest of country," said Eubank. "What the first and second ladies are asking is for America to do more to support the troops and their families by getting actively involved through employment, education and wellness. This is an initiative the VFW can fully embrace because it aligns with our motto to 'Honor the dead by helping the living.'" Read more at http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/VFW-TO--JOIN-FORCES--WITH-WHITE-HOUSE-INITIATIVE/.

2. VFW Supports Stronger Funeral Protest Restrictions: The VFW endorsed a bill by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) to help ensure that the right to free speech does not trump a family's right to mourn in private. S. 815, the Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans (SERVE) Act, would strengthen and extend existing protections to civilian cemeteries, double the "No Protesting" window to two hours before and after funerals, increase distances between cemetery boundaries and the residences of immediate family members, toughen penalties to two years in jail and/or a $250,000 fine, and would permit grieving family members and the U.S. Attorney General to sue violators for monetary damages. Read more at http://snowe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0395ea38-ee86-4f30-8e19-14436463818f.

3. Senate Talks Jobs: On Wednesday, the Senate VA Committee met to discuss the high unemployment rate among recently separated veterans. March statics reflect a 27% unemployment rate for veterans age 20-24. The committee discussed the Transition Assistance Program and the need to update and deliver it in a way that is relevant to today’s veterans. Panelists discussed the need to educate employers on the valuable skill sets veterans possess. Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA) noted that many states need to streamline certification processes, and that the federal government needs to close gaps within veterans’ preference guidelines. For more, visit the Senate VA Committee website at http://veterans.senate.gov/.

4. Congress on Recess: Congress begins their two-week spring recess today. Now is the time to visit them in their district offices and let them know about issues important to you and the VFW. Tell them you expect them to pass a budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2012 that takes care of all of America’s veterans, as well as our service personnel and their families. For a list of VFW priority goals, go to http://stage.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/National-Legislative-Service/. To locate their district offices, go to http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/.

5. New SMMC Selected: Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett has been selected to become the 17th sergeant major of the Marine Corps. He is scheduled to succeed the retireeing Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent, who has served in the position since April 2007. Barrett recently returned from Afghanistan where he served as the sergeant major of Regional Command Southwest and I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). He currently serves as the sergeant major of 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. Read his bio at http://www.i-mef.usmc.mil/external/1stmardiv/command/biographies/sgtmaj/micheal.barrett.jsp.

6. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Cpl. John W. Lutz, 21, of Kearny, NJ. From May 16-20, 1951, Lutz was captured when hid 1st Ranger Infantry Company was attempting to infiltrate enemy lines near Chaun-ni, South Korea. Lutz would later die from malnutrition in a North Korean POW camp. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14403.

7. WWII MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office also announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Martin P. Murray, 21, of Lowell, MA. On Oct. 27, 1943, Murray, along with 11 other crew members, took off in their B-24D Liberator on a reconnaissance mission of shipping lanes in the Bismarck Sea. The aircraft failed to return to base. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14407.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
April 8, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Budget Update
2. VA Construction Hearing
3. CHAMPVA Dependent Equity
4. Military Retiree Withholding Tax
5. Marines Create E-Newsletter

1. Budget Update: As of this morning, Congress and the Administration have not reached an agreement to fund the Federal Government for the remainder of FY 2011. If no federal budget or temporary funding agreement is reached, the Federal Government will be forced to curtail nonessential services beginning tonight at 12:01 a.m., April 9. The following is what we have been told will occur should the government shut down:
* Department of Veterans Affairs:
-- All VA medical centers and clinics will remain open. This is in large part due to the VFW-supported advanced appropriations legislation that became law on Oct. 22, 2009.
-- VFW service officers will be able to enter their offices inside VA facilities and have access to the VA computer system.
-- Disability compensation and pension, survivor and/or education benefits will be paid; however, new claims for disability compensation and pension, survivor and/or education benefits will be accepted but not processed.
-- Previously scheduled Appeals hearings will be held.
-- The National Cemetery Administration will remain open for burials, but there may be some delays.
-- Additional information is available at Veterans Field Guide.
* Department of Defense:
-- DOD will retain the ability and authority to continue to protect vital U.S. interests at home and abroad.
-- Military hospitals and clinics will remain open; however, some elective procedures could be postponed.
-- Military retiree and survivor benefits will be paid; however, new applications for retiree and survivor benefits will be accepted but not processed.
-- Military pay is still being discussed.
The VFW encourages everyone to monitor their local news for additional developments as they occur. In addition, should you wish to make your voice heard directly to Congress, go to http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/.

2. VA Construction Hearing: The VFW testified Tuesday before the House Veterans Affairs Committee on VA Capitol Construction plans. The VFW views the VA's Strategic Capitol Investment Planning prioritization process favorably, but believes the current funding request of $590 million is well below the need. The Independent Budget, which VFW coauthors with AMVETS, DAV and PVA, recommends $1.85 billion in FY 2012. Committee members agreed that funding does not match the aggressive 10-year plan that SCIP envisions. Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) discussed having an independent third party review VA's ongoing and future construction projects. For more information on the hearing, to include VFW's testimony, go to the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.

3. CHAMPVA Dependent Equity: House VA Committee Ranking Member Bob Filner (D-CA) introduced H.R. 115 to change the maximum age for dependent children to receive CHAMPVA benefits from age 23 to 26. This legislation, if approved, would increase the age eligibility limit to what is currently provided to civilian dependents under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and to military dependents under the Tricare Affirmation Act. Please contact your legislators and urge them to pass H.R. 115. To contact your member of Congress, go to http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/.

4. Military Retiree Withholding Tax: Military retirees saw a slight reduction in 2011 paychecks due to the return to pre-2009 Federal Income Tax Withholding rates. According to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 temporarily boosted retiree pay in 2009 and 2010 by reducing FITW rates. The credit was only intended to apply to wage earners, but military retirees received it because federal law classifies military retired pay as a wage, not a pension. The Making Work Pay tax credit expired Dec. 31, 2010, and FITW tax tables reverted back to previous levels, therefore the tax increase. For more information, go to http://www.dfas.mil/rapay/retirementpay/taxwithholdingchange.html.

5. Marines Create E-Newsletter: The Marine Corps Connection (MCC) is a weekly e-newsletter to keep readers current on the latest headlines and events involving the entire Marine Corps family. To sign-up, go to http://marines.mil/community/Pages/MarineCorpsConnectionNewsletter.aspx.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
April 1, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Budget Update
2. Hearing on VA's VR&E Programs
3. Veterans Crisis Line
4. Retroactive Stop-Loss Payments Extended Again

1. Budget Update: With just over a week left before the current Continuing Resolution (CR) expires, both House and Senate remain locked in negotiations to avoid a government shut-down on April 8th. A CR is a stop-gap measure used to fund government agencies at last year's levels if a formal appropriations bill has not been signed into law by the end of the fiscal year. Fortunately, VA medical care accounts -- under Advanced Appropriations -- have funding for FY 2011, but other portions of the VA budget and critical programs under DOD are operating at FY 2010 levels.
Congress has a week to resolve budget differences before taking a two week break during the Easter recess. We urge you to call your members and ask them to finish their work on the FY 2011 budget. It is imperative that they resolved funding for this year so that vital programs under VA and DOD are not left underfunded or worse -- stopped all together. For congressional office phone numbers, use the link provided and type in your zip code. http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/

2. Hearing on VA's VR&E Programs: The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) budget for FY 2012. The VR&E program assists veterans with service-connected disabilities in preparing for, finding and keeping jobs suitable to their skill sets and provides those with severe disabilities services to help them live independently. The number of individuals applying for benefits under this program has increased as military personnel, guardsmen, and reservists return from conflicts and transition to veteran status. The Independent Budget (IB) has called for additional funding for these critical services. The FY 2012 IB recommendations include 100 new staff counselors and 50 additional FTE for management and oversight of contract counselors and rehabilitation and employment service providers. Members of the Subcommittee voiced concerns about the large caseload carried by VR&E counselors and have asked for increased funding to provide better management of the program. For more information about the hearing or to view the recorded webcast visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/

3. Veterans Crisis Line: Eighteen veterans commit suicide on average in America every day. That's 6,570 a year or quite possibly 65,700 over the past decade. To help combat this nationwide crisis, the VA created a confidential 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line just for veterans and their families to call, but VA still needs our help to distribute and display outreach materials in VFW Posts, newsletters, websites and workplaces. A choice of products is available for download athttp://reingoldweb.com/crisisline_ads_public/index.html. Please help someone in need by displaying these products everywhere. Trained VA professionals are available at all hours --- at 1-800-273-8255, Press 1 ---to assist veterans and their family members. You do not have to be enrolled in VA to call the free, confidential service.

4. Retroactive Stop-Loss Payments Extended Again: The deadline to apply for retroactive Stop-Loss payments has been extended again, this time to April 8. Everyone on active duty between 9-11 and Sept. 30, 2009, is eligible for $500 for every month they were involuntarily extended beyond their normal date of separation. Payouts have been averaging almost $4,000 per person, but you must apply to get paid. The VFW asks that you forward this information to everyone you know. To apply, go to http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY

March 25, 2011

In This Issue:

1. Update on Physical Disability Board Review
2. VA Updates Veterans Crisis Line
3. Retroactive Stop-Loss Payments Extended Again
4. Military Family Scholarships Available
5. WWII Airman Identified

1. Update on Physical Disability Board Review: Mike LoGrande, President of the DOD Disability Board of Review offered a startling overview of the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) findings. He revealed that 56 percent of the cases reviewed under the congressionally mandated program were recommended for an upgrade to disability retirement. Further, 85 percent of those cases involving medically separated veterans with a history of combat were upgraded. There was some evidence that Physical Evaluation Boards (PEB), charged with assigning disability evaluations to service members awaiting medical separation, were using a modified set of rules and not the VA rating schedule, to suppress evaluations. Veterans who were medically discharged from September 11, 2001 through December 31, 2009, should consider applying for a review of their evaluation. Under PDRB rules, evaluations are either confirmed or increased, never reduced, so veterans have nothing to lose by seeking a review. More information can be found at:http://www.health.mil/About_MHS/Organizations/MHS_Offices_and_Programs/pdbr.aspx

2. VA Updates Veterans Crisis Line: VA is rebranding its suicide hotline as the Veterans Crisis Line to encourage more use of the service and promote broader VA suicide prevention efforts. VA hopes to emphasize its efforts toward providing critical first call help for veterans and their families. The number (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7 and provides confidential counseling and referrals to veterans and their families. Since its launch, the prevention hotline has answered more than 390,000 calls and made more than 13,000 life-saving rescues. For more information visit the VA website at: www.va.gov. And again the number for help is 1-800-273-8255.

3. Retroactive Stop-Loss Payments Extended Again: The deadline to apply for retroactive Stop-Loss payments has been extended again, this time to April 8. Everyone on active duty between 9-11 and Sept. 30, 2009, is eligible for $500 for every month they were involuntarily extended beyond their normal date of separation. Payouts have been averaging almost $4,000 per person, but you must apply to get paid. The VFW asks that you forward this information to everyone you know. To apply, go to http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/.

4. Military Family Scholarships Available: Applications will accepted from April 1 through May 15 for the ThanksUSA military family scholarship program that is open to the dependent children and spouses of active, Guard and Reserve families, as well as the families of those killed or wounded-in-action. To apply or for more information, go to www.ThanksUSA.org.

5. WWII Airman Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Air Forces Technical Sgt. Robert S. Wren, of Seattle. On Oct. 27, 1943, Wren and 11 other crewmembers took off from New Guinea in a B-24D Liberator on a reconnaissance mission of shipping lanes in the Bismarck Sea. They failed to return to base. Read about the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command's search and recovery efforts athttp://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY

March 18, 2011

In This Issue:

1. Retroactive Stop-Loss Payments End Today

2. Military Tricare Hearing

3. VBA Budget Hearing

4. Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

1. Retroactive Stop-Loss Payments End Today: Today is the final day veterans involuntarily extended under Stop Loss can register for retroactive payments. Everyone on active duty between 9-11 and Sept. 30, 2009, is eligible for $500 for every month they were involuntarily extended beyond their normal date of separation. Payouts have been averaging almost $4,000 per person, but you must apply to get paid. The VFW asks that you forward this information to everyone you know. To apply, go to http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/.

2. Military Tricare Hearing: The House Armed Services Committee held a series of hearings this week to discuss the military health system for active duty and retirees. Committee Chairman Joe Wilson (R-SC) asked witnesses their views on where changes can be made to mitigate the increasing costs of military health care. Among those testifying was leadership from all military branches, senior Defense Department civilians, and several military and veterans' service organizations. Much of the discussion centered on proposed Tricare fee increases. The VFW strongly opposes any Tricare fee increase, and believes DOD needs to first reduce Tricare Management Activity infrastructure costs before shifting the burden to beneficiaries. We have asked Congress to support legislation to prevent such increases. You, too, can help say no to Tricare fee increases by sending a message to your legislator athttp://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=36153521. For complete coverage of the hearing, visit the committee's website at http://armedservices.house.gov/.

3. VBA Budget Hearing: The House VA Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held its hearing on the FY 2012 budget for Veterans Benefits Administration and National Cemetery Administration. The most critical issue discussed was the disability claims backlog crisis. With over a million claims still waiting a final rating decision, witnesses asked Congress to provide adequate funding levels so VA can invest in solutions. Subcommittee Chairman Jon Runyan (R-NJ) and Ranking Member Jerry McNerney (D-CA) both agreed that while some progress is being made, more needs to be done. The President’s budget request for FY 2012 includes a 6% increase over last year’s funding. For more information, go to House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.

4. Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans: The U.S. Senate declared March 30 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,” agreeing unanimously to a resolution introduced by Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. On March 30, 1973, U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. The Senate is encouraging everyone this March 30 to recognize Vietnam veterans for their service and sacrifice. For the senator’s remarks, go to http://www.veterans.senate.gov/rankingmember/ranking-press-releases.cfm?action=release.display&release_id=5406b369-9d62-4ce8-9b33-217abc5ed373.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY

March 11, 2011

In This Issue:
1. VFW Legislative Conference Wrap-up
2. Caregiver Hearing
3. GITMO Trials to Resume
4. VFW Invited to Buckles Funeral
5. Five WWII MIAs Identified

1. VFW Legislative Conference Wrap-up: More than 600 VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members attended the annual VFW Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. Highlights ranged from the selection of Kelsey Woo from California as the 2011 Voice of Democracy winner to presentations from VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Gen. James Cartwright, USMC, as well as VFW members meeting with their U.S. representatives and senators. VFW National Commander Richard Eubank hosted 100 wounded warriors and their families to dinner, and met with the Coast Guard Commandant and Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, and with the Marine Corps Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, before testifying Tuesday before a joint hearing of the House and Senate VA Committees. He met with President Obama on Wednesday to discuss issues important to America's veterans, servicemembers and families. For more information, to include video, go to www.vfw.org.

2. Caregiver Hearing: The House VA Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on VA's implementation of the caregiver law, which should have begun providing benefits at the end of January. Committee members asked VA and other witnesses to identify the gaps in the law, and what efforts are being made to meet the needs of caregivers. Public Law 111-163 created a comprehensive program of assistance for family caregivers who provide 24/7 care for severely disabled veterans. Congressional leaders sent a letter to the President this week to express their frustration. In his meeting Wednesday with President Obama, VFW National Commander Richard Eubank said his organization isn't advocating speed over quality, but does insist that the VA use clinical evaluations to implement the program fairly to seriously disabled veterans of all generations. For more, go to the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.

3. GITMO Trials to Resume: The United States will resume military tribunals at the U.S. military detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The decision fulfills VFW National Resolutions 433-435, which were passed at last year's National Convention to keep the facility open to try accused terrorists in military courts. There are currently 172 detainees at Guantanamo, down from 242 when President Obama took office. About 500 detainees were released by the Bush administration.

4. VFW Invited to Buckles Funeral: The funeral for fellow VFW member and last American World War I veteran Frank Buckles will be held Tuesday, March 15, at Arlington National Cemetery. Despite news accounts of it being a closed ceremony, the family has invited all VFW members to attend, plus you are strongly encouraged to wear your VFW caps as a sign of unity. Please arrive at the cemetery's administration building by 3:30 p.m. President Obama has ordered U.S. Flags to be flown at half-staff that day to recognize the passing of a generation.

5. Five WWII MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced that the remains of four U.S. Army Air Forces airmen and an American Red Cross civilian have been identified. They are Capt. Lewis J. Geerlings of Freemont, MI; 1st Lt. Ray F. Fletcher of Westboro, MA; Staff Sgt. Edwin Elliott of Mattoon, IL; Cpl. Richard H. Loring from New York; and civilian Carolyn Chapin. On May 10, 1944, the five were aboard a B-25C Mitchell that took off from Corsica on a routine courier mission. The aircraft failed to reach its destination. Read about search and recovery efforts at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
March 4, 2011

In This Issue:
1. VFW Legislative Conference Begins
2. High Court Rules for Funeral Protestors
3. Last WWI Veteran Dies
4. Retroactive Stop-Loss Payments Extended Again
5. Senate VA Committee Update
6. House VA Committee Update

1. VFW Legislation Conference Begins: The annual VFW Legislation Conference begins this weekend with a host of events and awards presentations. The annual Voice of Democracy winner will be announced Sunday evening, and U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) will receive the 2011 Congressional Award on Monday during the general session. Also speaking will be VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. VFW National Commander Richard Eubank will testify Tuesday before a joint hearing of the House and Senate VA Committees. Check the VFW website at www.vfw.org for more presentations and information, to include live streaming video of the events.

2. High Court Rules for Funeral Protestors: Hopes for a 3-for-3 week of veterans' victories in the Supreme Court were dashed Wednesday when they voted 8-1 to uphold the free speech rights of Reverend Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church. The case, Snyder v. Phelps, drew nationwide attention after Westboro was sued for protesting the funeral of 20-year-old Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder. VFW National Commander Richard Eubank said "The church may think they have won, but the VFW will continue to support community efforts to ensure no one hears their voice, because the right to free speech does not trump a family's right to mourn in private." In the two earlier victories, the Supreme Court on Monday relaxed a filing deadline that had served to deny benefits to disabled veterans, and made it easier for military personnel to sue private employers for discriminating against them based on hostility to their service. Read all three court decisions at http://www.supremecourt.gov/. Read the VFW national commander's opinion editorial in USA Today at http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2011-03-03-editorial03_ST1_N.htm.

3. Last Surviving WWI Vet Dies: Frank Buckles, a fellow VFW comrade and the last surviving veteran of World War I, passed away Sunday at age 110 in his home in Charles Town, WV. President Obama has ordered U.S. Flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of his interment at Arlington National Cemetery as a salute to the passing of a generation. Read more at http://stage.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/Last-Surviving-WWI-Veteran-Has-Passed/.

4. Retroactive Stop-Loss Payments Extended Again: The military has been trying to locate tens of thousands of veterans who may be eligible for $500 for every month they were involuntarily extended beyond their normal dates of separation. The average payment has been almost $4,000, and the deadline to submit has already been extended several times. Right now the new deadline is March 18. Most servicemembers, veterans, and beneficiaries of servicemembers whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between 9-11 and Sept. 30, 2009, are eligible. The VFW asks that you forward this information to everyone you know. To apply, go to http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/.

5. Senate VA Committee Update: The Senate VA Committee held a hearing Wednesday to discuss the FY 2012 VA Budget. VFW testified alongside our four Independent Budget partners on major and minor construction needs. We asked Congress to provide funding to complete numerous projects currently under construction and those being planned. VA Secretary Shinseki discussed VA's proposed budget of $132.2 billion for both mandatory and discretionary accounts. Committee members had many questions about the implementation of the caregiver program, the claims backlog, and other programs under VA's purview. For more on the hearing or to view the recorded webcast, go to the Senate VA Committee website at http://veterans.senate.gov/. For the complete Independent Budget, go to http://www.independentbudget.org/.

6. House VA Committee Update: VFW testified on the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service program (VETS). The House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity asked for comments on the FY 2012 budget for VETS and the State Grants programs. With unemployment among some veterans at record highs, VFW testified that getting veterans back to work is one of our top priorities. We issued a challenge to DOL that the VETS programs provide viable and effective employment and training, and that those involved in providing those services be held accountable. We also identified several areas where duplicative efforts are causing a lack of efficiency and effectiveness within the programs. For our complete testimony, or to view the recorded webcast, go to the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.

VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
February 25, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Pentagon Picks Boeing
2. New Army Leadership
3. Seamless Transition Update

1. Pentagon Picks Boeing: The Defense Department awarded Boeing a $35 billion multiyear contract to provide 179 new KC-46A tanker aircraft to the Air Force. A new aerial refueling tanker is one of the Air Force's top priorities, but contract award was delayed for years because of disputes between aircraft manufacturers Boeing and European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS). The new KC-46A is scheduled to begin delivery in 2017, and will eventually replace the current fleet of almost 500 tanker aircraft, mostly KC-135 Stratotankers, which average almost 50 years old.

2. New Army Leadership:

Gen. Martin E. Dempsey has been nominated to be the next Army Chief of Staff. He is a veteran of the first Gulf War, and commanded the 1st Armored Division in Iraq in 2003, and the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq in 2005. Prior to his current assignment as commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, he was the deputy commander and then acting commander of U.S. Central Command. He awaits Senate confirmation. Read General Dempsey's bio at http://www.tradoc.army.mil/bio.htm.
Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond F. Chandler III has been selected to be the next Sergeant Major of the Army. He is currently the commandant of the U.S. Sergeants Major Academy. He is an Iraq veteran and Combat Action Badge recipient, and is expected to assume his new duties on March 1, when current SMA Kenneth O. Preston retires after seven years in the Army' top enlisted position. Read CSM Chandler's bio at https://usasma.bliss.army.mil/site/page.asp?c=leadership/bioChandler.html&r=leadership/contactChandler.html&t=Commandant,%20Raymond%20F.%20Chandler.

3. Seamless Transition Update: The Department of Veterans Affairs announced progress on its decade-long initiative with the Defense Department to create a single electronic health record. VA Chief Information Officer Roger Baker told House VA Committee members that he expects the two departments to reach an agreement within two months. The first stage of the project is development of an open source system, which will be contracted to a vendor that can provide IT services to update VA\u2019s existing VistA code base. Consultants on the VistA project believe that the open source system will have a positive impact for VA and the national health care community.