It’s that time of the year to do your taxes. It is also the same time that scammers are out trying to get your hard earned money. Many in the area are getting those false phone calls, even with local area codes on your caller ID. Do not say “yes” to anything. When in doubt hang up. If it is from a utility company, go to your bill and look up their phone number. Also, the VA will never ask for credit card information.
Health Fair At The Erie VA
The Erie VA will be sponsoring a health fair at the Erie VA on Tuesday, Feb. 27, in the 2nd floor conference room. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All veterans and their families are invited to attend the annual health fair, to learn about VA programs and services. VA health experts will be on site to help you connect to the right resources. Invite a friend who has never been enrolled. Veterans who have not been enrolled can simply bring their DD 214 (discharged papers) and speak with an eligibility representative to see if they are eligible.
VFW Praises Two-Year Sequestration Alleviating Budget Deal
The VFW praises a bipartisan deal passed early last Friday morning. Congress voted to increase sequestration spending caps for fiscal years (FY) 2018 and 2019, keep the government open, and ease the impact of sequestration on our service members, veterans and their families. The VFW has long called for an end to sequestration which has caused dangerous budget cuts harmful to the military and VA. The VFW is glad Congress recognizes that arbitrary caps set in 2011 no longer reflect the reality of today’s demands on our military and VA’s obligation to provide care to those who have served. This action by Congress raises those caps by nearly $300 billion for both defense and non-defense spending over FY18 and FY19. The VFW applauds the actions of Congress, but continues our call for the permanent repeal of sequestration, which has only been delayed for two more years.
VFW Endorses Veterans Financial Protection Legislation
Last week, the VFW formally endorsed H.R. 506, the Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2018. This legislation is the latest effort to close an existing loophole that allows individuals and businesses to target veterans seeking to file disability compensation, pension, and aid and attendance claims, and charge them exorbitant fees for little to no actual assistance. As this practice is illegal, the legislation would close the current loopholes.
POW/MIA Update
Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles R. Ogle, 20, of Mountain View, Mo., whose identification was previously announced, will be buried Feb. 12 in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Alfred G. Bensinger, Jr., of Oklahoma City, whose identification was previously announced, will be buried Feb. 16 in the Fort Sill National Cemetery, Fort Sill, Okla.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Leon Arickx was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Eugene W. Wicker was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
