More than 65,000 surviving military spouses and dependents are unjustly penalized because their loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The message these aptly termed “Widow’s Tax” and “Kiddie Tax” sends to service members, veterans, and their families is that our government salutes their service while in uniform, but they cost too much if they die on active duty or from service-connected conditions. The VFW has joined forces with veteran organizations, survivor organizations, and surviving family members to urge Congress to #AxeWidowsTax. Take action now, contact your member of Congress.
VFW Testifies on Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act
On Wednesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to discuss H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, which would expand care and benefits to veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange in the offshore waters of Vietnam, the Korean DMZ, and in Thailand. Members of the Committee expressed their strong support for Blue Water Navy veterans, despite VA not providing comments on the bill. VA also did not comment on how it plans to implement the Procopio v. Wilkie decision because the Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested an additional 30 days to decide whether to oppose the decision. The previous deadline was April 30, 2019. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie has recommended that DOJ not appeal the decision. VFW National Legislative Service Director Carlos Fuentes testified in strong support of H.R. 299 and other legislation that was discussed, such as COLA increases for VA disability compensation, authorizing surviving spouses to continue to receive the Medal of Honor pension, among others.
VFW Testifies on Medicinal Cannabis Research
On Tuesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to discuss medicinal cannabis and suicide prevention legislation. Committee members urged VA to work with Congress to research and expand access to complementary and integrative alternatives to opioids when treating veterans with chronic pain and other comorbid conditions. VFW National Legislative Service Director Carlos Fuentes testified in support of legislation to commission a VA study of veteran patients on the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis for treating chronic pain. The VFW also supported other bills to reduce over-medication and improve suicide prevention efforts.
Tragic Trends: Suicide Prevention Among Veterans
Last Monday, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs held a hearing to discuss how to prevent suicides among veterans. The VFW submitted a statement highlighting the efforts of VFW Posts around the world who have participated in A Day to Change Directions, which trains veterans and their families to identify the five signs of emotional suffering. The VFW also urged Congress and VA to train VA staff to identify and assist veterans in crisis; ensure sufficient resources are available and used for effective VA suicide prevention efforts; exempt those who have worn our nation’s uniform, and receive urgent or emergent mental health care under VA’s humanitarian care authority, from having to pay the full cost of such care; expand peer support programs; and conduct research on veterans who die by suicide without contact with the VA health care system.
DOD Releases 2018 Sexual Assault Data
On Thursday, DOD released its 2018 report on sexual assault in the military. The report estimated that 20,500 service members — 13,000 women and 7,500 men — across the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and the National Guard experienced “contact or penetrative sexual assault” while serving in the military in 2018. These results are a sharp increase from the 14,900 service members who reported similar experiences in the 2016 report. Additionally, the report revealed that roughly one in five women who experienced sexual harassment while serving also experienced sexual assault, even when controlling for pay, service and deployment status.
Victory in Europe – VE Day
On Tuesday, May 8, 1945, is marked as the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces. It marked the end of World War II in Europe. Japan was still at war and did not surrender until Aug. 15, 1945 and formally signed on Sept. 2, 1945.
POW/MIA Update
Army Pfc. Herschel M. Riggs was a member of Headquarters Company, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, involved in combat actions against North Korean forces near Taejon, South Korea. Interment services are pending.
Army Cpl. Ralph L. Bennett was a member of Headquarters Company, 209th Engineer Combat Battalion, as an engineer in the China-Burma-India Theater. On June 13, 1944, Bennett’s battalion fought in the siege of Myitkyina, Burma. Interment services are pending.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Elden C. Justus was a member of Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, which was a part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT). Interment services are pending.
Army Pfc. Sterling Geary, Jr., was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, which was engaged in battle with the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces in North Korea. He was declared missing in action on Nov. 27, 1951. Interment services are pending.
Navy Fireman 3rd Class Jasper L. Pue was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which capsized after sustaining multiple torpedo hits as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Interment services are pending.
Praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
