The VFW, along with co-authors Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America, released their 30th edition of the Independent Budget, which is a recommended budget guideline prepared by veterans for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The collaborative report was released Feb. 7 with the support of 27 other veteran, military, family and professional health organizations. Topping the list of six critical issues for the new 115th Congress to address is the need to strengthen, reform and sustain the VA health care system. VFW National Commander Brian Duffy said the Choice Act funding expires this year, so it is imperative that Congress and the administration incorporate what works into the VA’s standard operating procedures as we move forward. Through contracted care, the Choice Act enabled the VA to serve more veterans in more areas than ever before, but it also highlighted weaknesses, such as chronic employee shortages, especially in clerical staffing, which forces doctors and nurses to file paperwork instead of seeing more patients. The Choice Act also proved that contracted care can complement but never replace the continuity and continuum of care that the VA provides to America’s veterans.
Military Struggling With Budget Instability
Ending sequestration has been a top VFW legislative priority ever since it was created by the Budget Control Act of 2011. Yet, six years later, America’s military is still at war in Afghanistan and Iraq, but now with the added threats posed by Russia, ISIS, China, Iran and North Korea. These points were hammered home Feb. 7 when the vice chiefs of the four military services testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Pentagon RIF Meetings
Last week, the VFW expressed concern to the Department of Defense that its new reduction in force (RIF) policy – which lowered veteran preference from second to fourth in importance – demonstrated a lessening of Pentagon support to retain qualified veterans. As a result, DOD held a meeting with the VFW and other veteran organizations to discuss a potential RIF’s impact on veterans in DOD’s civilian workforce. DOD was required by the 2016 defense bill to create a new RIF policy that moved job performance to the primary retention measurement factor. The VFW awaits answers to questions on the full impact the new measure would have on veterans in the event of a RIF.
VA Nominee Gets Closer to Confirmation
On Feb. 7, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted unanimously to advance the nomination of Dr. David J. Shulkin as Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the full Senate. While other nominees have faced a grueling nomination process, Dr. Shulkin’s nomination is not expected to face opposition. The VFW sent Senate leadership a letter on Wednesday supporting Dr. Shulkin’s nomination and urging a swift confirmation process. The Senate is expected to consider Dr. Shulkin’s nomination today, Feb. 13.
Women’s History Month Art Exhibits
The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans has announced 10 VA Medical Centers that will display female veteran artists’ work throughout the month of March to celebrate Women’s History Month.
POW/MIA Update
Navy Storekeeper 2nd Class Glenn G. Cyriack was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending. Fireman 1st Class Michael Galajdik was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending. Navy Seaman 2nd Class George T. George was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. George was one of 429 crewmen to be killed in the attack. Interment services are pending. Navy Fireman 1st Class William H. Kennedy was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending. Navy Musician 1st Class Elliot D. Larsen was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending. Navy Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Arthur C. Neuenschwander was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending. Fireman 3rd Class Robert N. Walkowiak was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when Japanese aircraft attacked his ship on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending. Army Sgt. Donald D. Noehren was a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Service Company, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. While conducting a delaying action against Chinese forces south from the Ch’ongch’on River to Kunu-ri, North Korea, his unit encountered heavy fire and continuous enemy mortars. Noehren was captured during the withdrawal and was declared missing in action as of Nov. 30, 1950. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
