The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in conjunction with the Department of Defense, announced this week that it will begin a formal review of water contamination on military bases in the coming months and is expected to continue through 2020. This initial study will specifically look at the levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 10 affected locations. PFAS are chemicals that were used in firefighting foam on bases and are also present in many household products. PFAS have been linked to various cancers and developmental delays for babies and children. This study comes in the wake of a Pentagon report released last year that found dozens of DOD installations and surrounding communities had PFAS contaminated groundwater and well water. Sites being reviewed during the study include: Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Shepherd Field Air National Guard Base, Peterson Air Force Base, Eielson Air Force Base, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Reese Technology Center, Stewart Air National Guard Base, New Castle Air National Guard Base, and Fairchild Air Force Base.
Coast Guard to Build New Heavy Icebreakers
Congress has restored funding for the Coast Guard to begin building its first new heavy icebreaker in 40 years. The funding was part of the $333 billion spending bill the president signed last week, according to an article in Stars and Stripes. The Coast Guard will receive $655 million to begin building an icebreaker to replace the aging Polar Star — its only working heavy icebreaker — and $20 million more to begin buying materials for a second such vessel. “With the support of the administration and Congress, we plan to build a new fleet of six polar icebreakers — at least three of which must be heavy icebreakers – and we need the first new Polar Security Cutter immediately to meet America’s needs in the Arctic,” the Coast Guard said in a statement to USNI News. The Coast Guard has one operational heavy icebreaker and one that is inoperable. The service also has a medium icebreaker and a research vessel with light ice-breaking ability. This fleet is minuscule compared to Russia’s 40 icebreakers. Even China, which aims to create an Arctic trade route known as the “polar silk road,” has two heavy icebreakers and plans to acquire more.
New Appeals Process Launched
Starting last week, all veterans who disagree with their VA rating decision will have three new options to resolve their benefit disputes: request a higher-level review from a more experienced person; submit a supplemental claim with additional evidence; or appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. The goal of the new process is to offer veterans greater flexibility and transparency to resolve benefit disputes in a timely manner, instead of waiting years for VA to adjudicate their appeals. The VFW will monitor the implementation and work with VA to resolve any issues that come up.
Important March Dates
March 3: Navy Reserve Birthday
March 5: Navy Sea Bees Birthday
March 10: Daylight Savings Time
March 13: K-9 Veterans Day
March 25: Medal Of Honor Day
March 29: Vietnam Veterans Day
POW/MIA Update
Army Capt. Rufus J. Hyman, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for on Feb. 20, 2019. Hyman was a infantry officer with Company A, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment.
Army Cpl. James C. Rix, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for on Feb. 8, 2019. Rix was a member of Company E, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Calvary Division.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
