The Supreme Court sided with James Rudisill in the case Rudisill v. McDonough by a 7-2 ruling. This decision could impact up to 1.7 million veterans, allowing those who accrue benefits under both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill to use both benefits. Previously, a veteran could earn a maximum of only 36 months of education benefits, and had to either use the Montgomery GI Bill or transfer the entitlement to the newer and more expansive Post-9/11 GI Bill. The court found that Rudisill, who served in the U.S. Army during three separate time periods, accrued 48 months of benefits under the two different programs. VA is currently reviewing the decision. The VFW will provide updateson impact of this ruling.
VFW Claims Assistance for K2 Troops
Veterans with prior service in Uzbekistan at the Karshi Khanabad Air Base, known as K2, who need assistance with their VA disability claims should contact a VFW Service Officer. The VFW is ready to assist K2 veterans who currently have health conditions they believe were caused by toxic exposures during their service in Uzbekistan. This includes veterans who have had VA claims denied, have claims in appeal, or who have never applied. Contact a Credited Service Officer.
POW/MIA Update
Seaman First Class James W. Holzhauer, 23, of Abingdon, Virginia, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. He will be buried on May 20, 2024, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), Honolulu, Hawaii.
Army Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kenneth J. McKeeman, 23, of Brooklyn, New York, was assigned to the 724th Bombardment Squadron, 451st Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force. He was killed in action on March 11, 1944. He will be buried in Middletown, Connecticut, on June 7, 2024.
Army Private 1st Class Harry Jerele, 26, of Berkeley, Illinois, was a member of the 192nd Tank Battalion. He was among those captured in the surrender of the Bataan peninsula on April 9, 1942. He died while a prisoner of war on Dec. 28 that same year. He will be buried in Elwood, Illinois, on Oct. 6, 2024.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
