VFW National Legislative Deputy Director Kristina Keenan spoke on a legislative panel at the midwinter meeting of the National Association of State Approving Agencies. These agencies have the responsibility to review, approve and monitor all programs and schools to ensure quality education for those using VA benefits. such as the GI Bill. Keenan presented the VFW’s concern that overregulation has caused too many schools to stop participating in the GI Bill program due to increasingly burdensome requirements. She also stressed the need for student veterans who take some or all college courses online to receive a more realistic monthly housing allowance, currently set at half the national average. The VFW supports increasing this amount to ensure that veterans do not experience housing insecurity while pursuing an education.
VA Focus on Pacific Areas
The VFW National Veterans Service, in partnership with the Department of the Pacific Areas, hosted a virtual benefit forum for veterans living overseas. Andrew Szymczak, VA’s program management officer, presented helpful information for how veterans can best navigate the VA Foreign Medical Program, and fielded numerous questions from the audience. Should you have questions on this topic, reach out to a VFW accredited representative.
Veteran Hearings in the House
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held four hearings on various issues facing veterans and one on VA itself. The full committee held an oversight hearing on reports of sexual harassment at VA. Subcommittee hearings included a deep dive into the VA Home Loans program, use of artificial intelligence, the Electronic Health Record upgrade and VA’s spending in compensation and pension programs.
POW/MIA Update
Marine Corps Sgt. Harold Hammett, 24, of Avery, Mississippi, was a member of L Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. He died on Nov. 20, 1943. He was buried in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on Feb. 16, 2024.
Army Tech. 4th Grade Elmo F. Hartwick, 38, of Onaga, Kansas, was assigned to Company C, 149th Engineer Combat Battalion. He was killed in action enroute to Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. He will be buried in his hometown on a date to be determined.
Army Air Force Staff Sgt. Jack W. Coy, 20, of Toledo, Ohio, was assigned to the 703rd Bombardment Squadron. He was killed in action on Feb. 24, 1944. He will be buried in Oregon, Ohio, on a date to be determined.
Army Cpl. Charles R. Patten, 24, of Lebanon, Missouri, was a member of Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 34th Infantry. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 31, 1953. He will be buried in Lawson, Missouri, on a date to be determined.
Army Air Force Tech Sgt. William L. Leukering, 28, of Metropolis, Illinois, was assigned to the 816th Bomber Squadron. He was reported killed in action during the summer of 1944. He will be buried in Round Knob, Illinois, on a date to be determined.
Army Air Force Tech Sgt. Harold L. Seifreid, 31, of Philadelphia, was a member of the 436 Bombardment Squadron. He was reported killed in action on Dec 1. 1943. He will be buried in Marana, Arizona, on a date to be determined.
Army Air Force 1st Lt. Dan W. Corson, 27, of Middletown , Ohio, was assigned to the 401st Bombardment Squadron. He was killed in action on Dec 20. 1942. He will be buried in his hometown on a date to be determined.
Army Cpl. Adin C. Norris, 21, of Kansas City, Missouri, was a member of K Company Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment. He will be buried in the national Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on a date to be determined.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
