Phone Scams
Over the last couple of weeks, there have been reports of phone scams. You get a phone call and they ask if this is you, by your name. Do not say “yes.” Usually, it is a long-distant number, but it could be local. When you answer “yes,” that it is you on the phone, they have been taping the conversation when you say yes. Your voice is recorded.
Veterans Appointment Request (VAR) App
VA’s new Veterans Appointment Request App helps veterans schedule appointments with the VA care team from the convenience of a mobile phone, computer, tablet or any device with an internet connection. You can directly schedule primary care appointments, see details for all pending, confirm upcoming appointments and send up to two messages to a VA scheduler about requested and booked appointments. To use VAR, you must be a VA patient and have a DS login level 2 Premium account. There is no cost to register. Visit mobile.va.gov/dslogon to learn more . If you are having trouble, you can call the help desk at (877) 470-5947 weekdays from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Vets Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing
On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a confirmation hearing to vet Dr. David Shulkin, President Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Veterans Affairs. Shulkin has served as VA’s under secretary for health for the past 18 months and has overseen the implementation of the Choice Program. Shulkin was grilled on what still needs to be done to improve access, what tools he needs to achieve accountability within the agency and what steps need to be taken to improve the claims process – specifically appeals. The committee will likely vote next week to approve his nomination, which will send the nomination to the Senate floor for a final vote.
DOD Increases Discharge and Records Review Outreach
The Department of Defense is renewing its efforts to make more veterans aware of military discharge and records review opportunities. In a press release, DOD said it is reviewing and consolidating all related policies to reinforce its commitment to ensuring fair and equitable review of separations for all veterans. Whether the discharge or other correction is the result of PTSD, sexual orientation, sexual assault, or some other consideration, the department is committed to rectifying errors or injustices and treating all veterans with dignity and respect. Veterans who desire a correction to their service record or who believe their discharge was unjust, erroneous or warrants an upgrade, are encouraged to apply for the review.
Veterans Day Poster Contest
The 2017 Veterans Day Poster Contest is now open for submissions from all artists. The selected poster will be distributed to all VA facilities and military installations, as well as serve as the cover of the official Veterans Day program at Arlington National Cemetery. The submission deadline is April 15. Questions should be directed to the Veterans Day coordinator at vetsday@va.gov.
POW/MIA Up Date
Army Cpl. Melvin R. Hill, 19, of Pomona, California, was buried Feb. 4 in Alex, Oklahoma. In late November 1950, Hill’s unit was assembled with South Korean soldiers in the 31st Regimental Combat Team on the east side of the Chosin River, North Korea, when his unit was attacked by Chinese forces. Hill was among those declared missing on Dec. 6, 1950. Army Master Sgt. Ira V. Miss, Jr., 23, of Frederick, Maryland, will be buried Feb. 8 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. Miss was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, operating in the area known as the Central Corridor in South Korea. Miss was reported missing in action on Feb. 13, 1951, after Chinese forces overran the roadblock he was manning.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
