Last Wednesday, Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced a VFW-championed bill, S.3393, which would expand concurrent receipt eligibility to combat-wounded veterans who were medically discharged. The bill would provide total offset relief for certain veterans. “The VFW would like to thank Sens. Tester and Crapo for their leadership on this issue and their continued commitment to America’s military and veterans,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Kyle Kalman. S. 3393 is the Senate version of H.R. 5995.
Legislation Introduced to Recognize Early Vietnam Veterans
Last Wednesday, Rep. T.J. Cox (D-CA) introduced VFW-supported H.R. 6082, the Forgotten Vietnam Veterans Act. This important legislation would allow veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam from Nov. 1, 1955, to Feb. 27, 1961, to receive wartime benefits. “More than 3,000 veterans served in Vietnam from Nov. 1, 1955, to Feb. 27, 1961, ten of whom were killed in action,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Matthew Doyle. “However, veterans who served in Vietnam prior to Feb. 28, 1961, are not considered wartime veterans and likewise are ineligible for certain VA benefits. The VFW is proud to support this legislation, which would change the statutory definition of a Vietnam veteran to include those who served in the Republic of Vietnam beginning on Nov. 1, 1955.
Legislation Introduced to Modernize Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance
Last Friday, Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) and Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY) introduced VFW-supported H.R. 6013, the Veteran Families Financial Support Act. This important legislation would increase the maximum payment under the Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) program from $10,000 to $40,000 and extend eligibility beyond the current two-year period after a veteran receives notification of a new service-connected disability. “The current payment amount of $10,000 under the Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance program does not cover the rising cost of end-of-life expenses,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Matthew Doyle. “The VFW is proud to support this legislation, which would increase the coverage amount of Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance and expand eligibility beyond the current two-year window after a veteran receives notification of a new service-connected disability.
National K9 Veterans Day is March 13
National K9 Veterans Day is a day that is set aside to honor and commemorate the service and sacrifice of American military working dogs throughout history. It was on March 13, 1942, that the United States Army began training its new War Dog Program, also known as “K-9 Corps.” According to American Humane, marking the first time that dogs were officially a part of the U.S. Armed Forces. Today’s military dogs are valued as important members of their military units and even have their own retirement ceremonies, awards and medals and memorial services.
POW/MIA Update
Army Pvt. James J. Cansler, 21, of Bolivar, Missouri, was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces near Vossenack, Germany, in the Hürtgen Forest, when he was reported as missing in action on Dec. 19, 1944. He will be buried on April 15, 2020, in Springfield, Missouri.
Navy Fireman 1st Class Dan E. Reagan, 20, of Haslet, Texas, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. He will be buried on April 14, 2020, in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Navy Fireman 1st Class Leo T. Keninger, 20, of Ackley, Iowa, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Fireman 1st Class Andrew J. Schmitz, 26, of Richmond, Virginia, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. He will be buried on March 6, 2020, in Amelia Court House, Virginia.
Till next week praying for all Service members.
