VFW Washington Office Executive Director Bob Wallace and VFW National Legislative Deputy Director Tammy Barlet were in attendance at the White House as President Biden signed into law three VFW-supported bills. The Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act will expand eligibility for VA mammography screenings to veterans who served in certain areas during specific time periods. The Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act will address provisions for mammograms and breast cancer treatment within VA. Lastly, Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2021 gives the VA Office of Inspector General the authority to subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses as needed.
Caregiver Program Reassessments Suspended
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) annual reassessments have been suspended by VA. Stipends will not be discharged or reduced during the suspension period. The PCAFC program continues to review its requirements and procedures to ensure the program benefits veterans and caregivers. All other application processes, assessments, appeals, and reviews will continue while the procedures are under evaluation.
VA Implements COVID-19 Protection Levels
To ensure patient safety, VA has introduced COVID-19 Health Protection Levels to provide clear and accommodating guidelines regarding community spread. Low, medium, and high levels based on the local CDC’s community transmission rate are monitored and updated weekly. Notifications will be placed at all facility entrances and on the local facility website and social media channels.
Beware of Predatory Loans
Interest rates as high as 189% are impacting military-connected consumers and families using certain loans to pay for auto repairs and even pets. In some cases, loan terms appear to violate or sidestep existing laws like the Military Lending Act (MLA), which caps many consumer loan interest rates at 36% for those serving on active duty. All consumers are reminded to exercise caution when making financial choices.
POW/MIA Update
Navy Seaman 1st Class William Brooks, 19, of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. He will be buried in Glen Burnie, Maryland, on July 16, 2022.
Navy Fireman 3rd Class Clarence Blaylock, 20, of Fort Worth, Texas, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. He will be buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Honolulu on Nov. 9, 2022.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Houston Temples, 24, of Varnado, Louisiana, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. He will be buried in Bogalusa, Louisiana, on Dec. 7, 2022.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
