VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci testified at a joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services on military to civilian transition. He explained the need to pass VFW-supported H.R. 3933/S. 2888, TAP Promotion Act, in addition to amending laws and policies that govern the DOD Transition Assistance Program (TAP), commonly referred to as TAP class. Gallucci stated, “A solid transition can set up veterans for success after service. Conversely, a failed transition could lead to devastating consequences like unemployment, homelessness, even suicide. The perception of veterans after service directly correlates to the next generation’s propensity to serve. Failed transitions hurt military recruiting, making this a national security priority.” This hearing follows a December 2022 Government Accountability Office report on TAP that indicated 70 percent of transitioning service members did not begin the class at least 365 days before separation or retirement as mandated by law.
Shortened Survivor Benefit Plan Deadline
Military retirees interested in enrolling in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) must now submit their letter of intent (LOI) to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) by Nov. 1, 2023. Authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, the SBP Open Season began in December 2022 and ends on Jan. 1, 2024. The initial step in the enrollment process is to file a non-binding LOI with DFAS. Once processed, individuals will be provided personalized buy-in amounts, premiums, and estimated benefits, which can then be used to make informed decisions.
POW/MIA Update
Army Staff Sgt. Woodrow F. Gerdes, 31, of St. Louis, Missouri, was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 9, 1944. He will be buried in his hometown on a date to be determined.
Till next week, praying for all veterans.
– Charles Castelluccio
