Leaders of the VFW, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) have written an op-ed calling for comprehensive toxic exposure legislation. There are currently multiple bills that address the issue of toxic exposure, and the VFW’s recommendation is to combine all these bills into a large comprehensive package. “The time to pass toxic exposure legislation is now,” said Hal Roesch, VFW national commander. “Veterans have waited long enough for our elected officials to act on their behalf. If Congress waits until the next conflict to address this issue, they are already too late.”
VFW Joins Forces with Team RWB
The VFW announced on Thursday that it has joined forces with Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB). Focused on increasing veterans’ access to a combined health and wellness network, Team RWB offers camaraderie and support from fellow service members, veterans, and their families. The organization is comprised of nearly 200 chapters and communities, made up of over 217,000 members, called Eagles, the majority of whom are post-9/11 veterans. “Camaraderie, commitment and service are core values to both our organizations, and together, we’ll be unstoppable in our quest to ensure a better quality of life for every American veteran,” said Hal Roesch, VFW national commander.
Need Help with Your VA Claim?
The claims process can be confusing and one that you should not try to navigate alone. The VFW’s National Veterans Service is a nationwide network of VA-accredited service officers and pre-discharge representatives who are experts in dealing with VA and are the key to your success. As skilled professionals, they assist in filing for disability compensation, rehabilitation and education programs, pension and death benefits, and employment and training programs. This is a service the VFW is proud to offer free of charge to anyone seeking assistance with the claims process. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many VFW service offices are operating via telework, and the VFW’s network of service officers has the capability to assist veterans virtually. The VFW service representative for North West Pa. is Julie Hutchison. She can be reached at (814) 835-8494.
Important Dates in May
The entire month of May is Military Caregiver and National Military Appreciation Month.
May 1 – Silver Star Service Banner Day and Loyalty Day
First Thursday in May – National Day of Prayer
May 7 – Military Spouses Appreciation Day
May 8 – VE Day
May 8-16 – Armed Forces Week
May 9 – Mother’s Day
May 13 – Children of Fallen Patriots Day
May 15 – Armed Forces Day
May 15 – Peace Officers Memorial Day
May 31 – Memorial Day
POW/MIA Update
Navy Radioman 3rd Class Theodore Q. Jensen, 22, of Delta, Utah, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. He will be buried on June 2, 2021, in his hometown.
Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. William H. Melville, 20, of Minneapolis, was a pilot assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group. On Oct. 28, 1943, he was on a combat mission over the island of New Guinea, Australia. Melville will be buried July 16, 2021, in his hometown.
Army Pfc. Philip T. Hoogacker, 23, was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment. He was reported missing in action on July 27, 1950, after his unit was attacked near Anui, South Korea. He died as a prisoner of war. Interment services are pending.
Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Ernest N. Vienneau, 25, was a pilot assigned to the 340th Bombardment Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force, based out of Amendola, Italy. On Nov. 6, 1944, the bomber on which he was serving as co-pilot came under heavy anti-aircraft fire while on a mission over Maribor, Yugoslavia. Interment services are pending.
Navy Water Tender 1st Class Charles E. Hudson, 39, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Walter C. Stein, 20, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Fireman 1st Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg, 23, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
