The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on pending legislation. Witnesses from VA answered questions on its policies and procedures for improving rates of payment for beneficiary travel, establishing a zero suicide pilot program, and providing assisted living services to eligible veterans. VFW National Legislative Associate Director Meggan Thomas submitted a statement for the record. Regarding H.R. 1815, Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act, Thomas commented that the assisted living pilot program for long-term care has great potential for veterans to still have some independence while being cared for at facilities that are authorized and inspected by VA, which is why the VFW supports this proposal.
Senate Committee Hearing
The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing examining the effectiveness of VA’s Office of Integrated Veteran Care. VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal and staff answered questions on the current status of its policies and procedures for integrated care. Chairman Tester indicated he is committed to veterans receiving excellent care whether it is at VA facilities or through community care. However, staff shortages and access to service providers continue to be challenges, especially in rural areas.
VA Sexual Assault and Harassment Report Hotline
Veterans can now call (800) MYVA411 (1-800-698-2411, option 9) to report sexual assault or sexual harassment at VA facilities. The call center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors are also encouraged to report any incident of sexual harassment or sexual assault as soon as it occurs while still at the VA facility. These incidents can be reported directly to VA police, VA staff, local law enforcement, or by calling the hotline.
Important Dates in July
The month of July has many important days. Here are just a few:
July 4 – Independence Day
July 25 – National Hire A Veteran Day
July 27 – National Korean War Armistice Day
July 28 – National Buffalo Soldiers Day
July 29 – Army Chaplain Corp anniversary
POW/MIA Update
Army Pfc. Clinton P. Koloski, 21, of City Point, Wisconsin, was assigned to Company A, 36th Engineer Combat Regiment. He was killed in action on Jan. 14, 1945. He will be buried on June 30, 2023, in Beloit, Wisconsin.
Army Sgt. Howard G. Malcolm, 23, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, was a member of Headquarters Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950. It was later reported he died as a prisoner of war in August 1951. He will be buried in his hometown on July 11, 2023.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
