The House and Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (NDAA). This includes a 2.7 percent pay raise for service members; updates to the Uniform Code of Military Justice regarding sexual assault; and authorization to locate a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall. Other important VFW-supported provisions include: preservation and update of the Chaplains Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, the Troops to Teachers Program, the VET Rent Act, an ILER Study improvement, and the establishment of the U.S. Naval Community College. The NDAA now goes to the President’s desk for signature.
Student Veteran Bill Passes Congress
Congress passed H.R. 5545, the REMOTE Act, which would extend the COVID-19 protections for students using VA education benefits. These protections, which were scheduled to expire on Dec. 21, 2021, include allowing students to continue to receive resident Monthly Housing Allowance even if their courses have temporarily shifted online during the pandemic. Additionally, this legislation would allow students to “round out” during their final term and take additional courses using their VA education benefits to maintain full-time status. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
Senate Committee Advances VA Nominee and 25 Veterans Bills
The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs voted to confirm Kurt D. DelBene for the position of VA Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology. The committee also passed numerous VFW-supported bills to the Senate floor. These legislative proposals address the VA claims process, health care, education, and burial benefits.
POW/MIA Update
Army Pfc. Jimmy Rowland, 19, of Baldwyn, Mississippi, was assigned to Heavy Mortar Company, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on July 16, 1950, while fighting North Korean forces. Rowland will be buried in his hometown on Jan. 15, 2022.
Army Cpl. Marvin D. Actkinson, 18, of Sudan, Texas, was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Actkinson will be buried in Colorado City, Texas. The date has yet to be determined.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Hugh R. Alexander, 43, of Potters Mills, Pennsylvania, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. The date has yet to be determined.
Navy Fire Controlman 1st Class Hubert P. Clement, 30, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seaman 2nd Class Tceollyar Simmons, 18, was assigned to the battleship USS California, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Edward L. Conway, 29, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Wilbur F. Newton, 29, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
To all, have a merry Christmas and remember what Christmas is all about!
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
