Sens. King (I-ME), Cramer (R-ND), Shaheen (D-NH), and Rounds (R-SD) have introduced S. 2888, TAP Promotion Act, to authorize accredited claims representatives to be present in DOD Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classrooms. This legislation is the companion bill to H.R. 3933 introduced by Rep. Van Orden (WI-3). The goal of these bills is to help mitigate gaps in care for transitioning service members who use the VA Benefits Delivery at Discharge program, which provides an expedited VA disability claims pathway for benefits and services. The VFW has been a long-standing supporter of this initiative as a means to reduce suicide risk among recently transitioned veterans.
Report on Military Barracks Released
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on its review of military barracks. The study, which was required as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, found mold and raw sewage among other health, safety, and wellbeing concerns. GAO also found that DOD lacks reliable mechanisms to track barracks conditions and the funding spent on improvements. This report bolsters the need to pass VFW-supported H.R. 3165, Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act.
National Cemetery Administration Survey
VA has released a survey to determine awareness of burial options and end-of-life benefits. If you are a veteran, family member, survivor, caregiver, or friend, please talk with your health care provider for more information.
POW/MIA Update
Army Sgt. 1st Class James L. Dorrance, 20, of Omaha, Nebraska, was a member of B Battery, 82nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery–Automatic Weapons Battalion, Division Artillery. His death was reported on March 17, 1951. He will be buried in his hometown on a date to be determined.
Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Max E. Dailey, 21, of Cherokee, Iowa, served with the 409th Bombardment Squadron, 9th Air Force. He went missing in action on Aug. 1, 1943. He will be buried in Charles City, Iowa, on a date to be determined.
Army Cpl. Lewis W. Hill, 18, of Detroit, Michigan, was a member of L Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. He went missing in action on July 20, 1950. He will be buried in Imlay City, Michigan, on a date to be determined.
Army Staff Sgt. Max W. Thurston, 19, of Flint, Michigan, was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion. He was reported killed in action on Nov. 6, 1944. He will be buried in Holly, Michigan, on a date to be determined.
Army Tech Sgt. Leonard J. Dettloff, 26, of Detroit, Michigan, was assigned to Company M, 3rd Battalion. He was killed in action on Nov. 10, 1944. He will be buried in Holly, Michigan, on a date to be determined.
Army Cpl. James A. Hurt, 25, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was a member of the 24th Pursuit Group, Army Air Forces. He was reported captured on April 9, 1942. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
