The Department Of Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars held their 104th Convention in Harrisburg. The Pa. Auxiliary also held their convention. The Memorial Service was held Wednesday evening. On the Post side, it was reported that 2,506 members passed a way for the year. The Auxiliary had 625 members pass away. The Pa. 28th District that covers Crawford, Erie And Mercer Counties had the most Post members that passed away, 189. The 28th Auxiliary was second with 67.
VFW/Auxiliary Awards
At the VFW/Auxiliary Joint Opening Session, awards were given out to Post and Auxiliary members. Then there was Post Business Session, followed by Nomination, election and Installing of Post officers for year 2023-2024. The results are: Commander David Gyger, Sr. Vice Commander Barbra Lonchar, Jr. Vice Commander William Roland, Reelected Quartermaster John Getz, Surgeon Bill Stellfox, Reelected Chaplain Peter Hook, Reelected Judge Advocate Frank McGovern.
VFW Testifies Before House Subcommittee
VFW National Legislative Director Pat Murray testified at a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity hearing to discuss pending legislation. Murray stated that currently there is a lack of equitable access for service members to utilize pre-separation benefit services depending on which base they are stationed. This unequal access leads to fewer service members being connected to their benefits upon separation.
Cost of Living Bill Signed into Law
President Biden signed S. 777, Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023, into law. The bipartisan, bicameral bill was led by Sens. Tester (D-MT) and Moran (R-KS) and Reps. Luttrell (TX-8) and Pappas (NH-1). This legislation will increase certain VA benefits including disability compensation, clothing allowances, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and children to reflect increases in the cost of living. It will directly benefit millions of disabled veterans and military survivors nationwide. The VFW applauds our supporters in Congress for making this adjustment a priority.
Senate Hearing on Substance Use Disorder
The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing on improving access to substance use disorder (SUD) care for veterans, especially those living in rural America. Chairman Tester pressed witnesses from VA on its policies and procedures to ensure veterans receive timely and quality SUD care.
POW/MIA Update
Army Cpl. Leo J. Barlosky, 24, of Audenried, Pennsylvania, was a member of the 7th Chemical Company, Aviation, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December 1941. Barlosky died in captivity on July 27, 1942. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia, on a date to be determined.
Army Pvt. David S. Whipple, 23, of Plymouth, Indiana, was a member of the 27th Materiel Squadron, 20th Air Base Group, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December 1941. Whipple died in captivity on July 26, 1942. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia, on a date to be determined.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
