The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System staff is working to provide care and resources for more than 3,000 Maui veterans impacted by the recent Hawaii wildfires. VA is also accepting online donations to assist these veterans. If you are in need of assistance, please call the VA Honolulu Medical Center at (800) 214-1306, or visit the resources page.
Make Your Voices Heard on Capitol Hill and in Your Communities
In keeping with the VFW’s commitment to student veteran success, every year the VFW partners with Student Veterans of America (SVA) to host the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program, providing exemplary VFW members who are student veterans the opportunity to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill and in their communities. Submit your 2023-2024 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship applications before the Sept. 6 deadline. Apply today.
VA Education Benefits Fraud Alert
As student veterans prepare for the 2023-2024 academic year, the VA Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) is warning about education benefits fraud. Some VA-approved schools engage in fraudulent activity that involves disparities in tuition rates and billing practices for veterans versus civilian students for the same courses. The VA OIG asks that you report any such cases.
Pre-Need Eligibility for VA Cemetery Burial
VA Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs Matthew T. Quinn spoke about pre-need eligibility for burial benefits during a presentation at the 124th VFW National Convention. Over the last five decades, VA has expanded the number of national cemeteries, creating more access for urban veterans and jumpstarting an initiative for those in rural areas. However, Quinn revealed that only 16% of veterans will choose a VA national cemetery for their final resting place.
Important Dates in September
The month of September has many important days. Here are just a few:
The entire month is National Suicide Prevention Month and National Service Dog Month.
Sept. 2 – V-J Day (Victory In Japan)
Sept. 4 – Labor Day
Sept. 11 – Patriot Day
Sept. 15 – National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Sept. 18 – Air Force birthday and Air National Guard birthday
Sept. 24 – Gold Star Mothers Day
Sept. 29 – VFW Day
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
