The VFW Washington Office hosted members of the Afghan Female Tactical Platoon, lawmakers, and fellow veterans groups to discuss the critical need for the passage of the Afghan Adjustment Act. This legislation would ensure a path to lawful permanent residence for those who assisted decades-long U.S. operations in Afghanistan, which aligns with the VFW resolution on this issue that was overwhelmingly passed by our membership at convention. VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Brittany Dymond spoke at the event about the importance of honoring our allies. She stated, “The Veterans of Foreign Wars is an organization comprised of veterans who were deployed overseas to different countries. In order to accomplish our missions, we often had to rely on our allies who stood shoulder to shoulder with us in harm’s way.”
VFW Brings Claims Services to Korea
VFW National Veterans Service (NVS) provided critical information to major commands and transitioning service members alike. NVS Director Mike Figlioli, Deputy Director Gregg Orto, and Field Operations Assistant Director Cindy Noel paid visits to U.S. Forces Korea, Eighth U.S. Army at Camp Humphreys, and Seventh Air Force and 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base. At each location, they met with the local command groups and gave briefings to service members about the VA claims process and free benefits claims assistance services. Following Korea, the NVS team headed to military commands in Hawaii.
VA Expands Maternity Care Coordination
As of Oct. 1, 2023, veterans will have access to maternity care coordinators from the beginning of pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. This is an expansion from the previous end date of eight weeks postpartum. These coordinators help veterans navigate health care inside and outside of VA, connect them with care after delivery, and ensure access to follow-up screenings.
POW/MIA Update
Army Pvt. 1st Class Charles A. Dickman, 17, of Cashton, Wisconsin, was a member of Mike Company, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 13, 1953. He will be buried in his hometown on Oct. 21, 2023.
Navy Seaman 2nd Class Stanley C. Galaszewski, 29, of Steubenville, Ohio, was assigned to the battleship USS California, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. He will be buried in his hometown on Nov. 3, 2023.
Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Gilbert H. Myers, 27, of Pittsburgh, was assigned to the 381st Bombardment Squadron, 310th Bombardment Group. He went missing in action on July 10, 1943. He will be buried in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Nov. 10, 2023.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
