The president signed the VFW-championed Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 into law last Tuesday evening. It now restores VA benefits to thousands of Vietnam veterans who had their disability eligibility taken away in 2002 after arbitrary regulatory changes. For Korean DMZ veterans, it provides an earlier start date to encompass the time frame when various defoliants were tested — from April 1, 1968, to Sept. 1, 1967. The new law expands benefits to children born with spina bifida due to a parent’s exposure in Thailand, coverage that already exists for the children of Vietnam and Korean DMZ veterans. It requires the VA to report on research being conducted on a broad range of conditions possibly related to service in Southwest Asia. “The VFW is proud to have helped lead the charge to return benefits to these deserving veterans and to expand existing benefits to dependent children,” said VFW National Commander B.J. Lawrence. The VA has yet to update its web pages to reflect the new law, but veterans and their families can still learn more about VA benefits associated with Agent Orange exposure and about spina bifida birth defects related to exposure. For assistance in filing claims, be sure to use a credited Service Officer.
Senate Passes the NDAA for FY 2020
Last week, the Senate passed S.1790, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA) by an 86-8 vote. The bill provides $750 billion in total spending, a 3.1 percent pay raise for our 2.15 million uniformed service members, and reforms to the Military Housing Privatization Initiative to improve quality of life for military families. Ninety-three bipartisan amendments were also adopted which included an amendment allowing the families of the 1983 Marine Barracks bombing victims to access $1.68 billion in Iranian funds currently held by Clearstream. Unfortunately, Sen. Doug Jones’ (D-Ala.) amendment to end the Widow’s Tax was blocked by Senate leadership yesterday morning.
Update Your Information on the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
Service members and veterans who have already signed up for the registry should make sure that their contact information, phone number, address, and email are up-to-date. If you have not already signed up for the registry and you have served in one of the eligible areas, you are encouraged to get registered.
Important Dates in July
July 4 – Independence Day: Independence Day, or more commonly called The Forth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain and were now united, free and independent states. During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain in 1776 actually occurred on July 2, when the Second Continental Congress voted and approved a resolution of Independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, declaring the United States independent from Great Britain’s rule. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it two days later on July 4th.
July 27 – Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 1953
July 29 – Anniversary of The Army Chaplains Corp
POW/MIA Update
Army Sgt. Vernon R. Judd was a member of Company D, 89th Medium Tank Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 28, 1950, when he was captured by enemy forces in the vicinity of Ipsok, North Korea. Interment services are pending.
Army Air Forces Sgt. Howard F. Gotts was a radio operator assigned to the 66th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
