Mailing Packages Overseas
It’s hard to believe it, but it’s that time of year already. Time to mail your packages to the men and women serving all over the world. The deadline for delivery by Dec. 25, 2016, by the USPS Retail Ground service has passed, it was Nov. 7. Other delivery deadlines are: Space Available Mail (SAM), Nov. 25; Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL), Dec. 2; Priority Mail Service, Dec. 9; First Class Mail Service, Dec. 9; and Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS), Dec. 16. As always, when in doubt check with your local Post Office. There are restrictions on some items.
Caution To Scams
It has been reported in the past months of homes getting phone calls from people saying they are agents from the VA, IRS, Court Systems, Banks, Insurance Agents and Back Taxes Not Paid. They asking for personnel banking information. When in doubt, hang up immediately. Then, call your local agencies or, if it is possible, talk to them face to face. And call the local authorities.
My VA Transformation Process
Last week, the VA released a major update on the MyVA transformation – Sec. McDonald’s effort to transform VA into the top customer service agency in the federal government. This third edition of the program’s semi-annual report details progress VA has made to improve trust, expedite health care appointments and disability claims, reduce veteran homelessness and other progress to provide veterans more services in better time. To read the full report, visit www.va.gov/myva.
Gulf War Veterans Take Notice
VA announced that it will extend to Dec. 31, 2021, the date by which Gulf War veterans are able to apply for presumptive disability compensation for Gulf War Illness and other conditions associated with service in the 1991 Gulf War, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders. The presumptive period for these illnesses was set to expire on Dec. 31, 2016. For information on research regarding the causes and effective treatments for Gulf War Illness, go to cdmrp.army.mil.
VA and Social Security Partner for Faster Service
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) launched a new Health IT initiative that enables VA to share medical records electronically with Social Security Disability processors. This secure process will save time and money, resulting in better service for veterans and dependents who apply for Social Security Disability Benefits. For decades, SSA obtained medical records through a manual process. This new national initiative puts in place an automated process to obtain veterans’ medical records entirely electronically. “This SSA-VA partnership is another example of VA’s leadership in interoperability efforts among federal partners,” said VA Secretary Robert McDonald. “Increasing federal partnerships to improve operation and resource coordination across agencies is among VA’s 12 Breakthrough Priorities for 2016.” To learn more about VA health care, go to www.va.gov/health.
America has Voted
Last Tuesday, Americans went to the polls to cast ballots for president, 34 seats in the Senate and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives. The VFW is committed to working with those who were elected to ensure that laws and regulations favor our military, veterans and their families. We encourage you to meet your members of Congress and to take the 2017 VFW Priority Goals with you to inform them of our position on issues. To view a printable version the 2017 VFW Priority Goals brochure, go to
www.vfw.org.
POW/MIA Update
* Marine Pfc. Ben H. Gore, 20, will be buried Nov. 14 in his hometown of Hopkinsville, Ky. Gore was assigned to Special Weapons Group, 2nd Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force. Gore died of his wounds Nov. 25, 1943. * Army Pfc. Daniel Hunt is scheduled to be interred Dec. 2 in Phoenix. Hunt was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Hill 1030, conducting operations in an area referred to as Heartbreak Ridge. He would be reported killed in action, body not recovered, Sept. 28, 1951.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
