The 118th Congress is now in its second session and there is still work to be done. The VFW 2024 Priority Goals include many issues concerning benefits and services for veterans, service members and their families. The VFW will continue to advocate diligently to ensure members of Congress and the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Labor provide the resources and care our nation’s veterans have earned and deserve.
FY 2024 NDAA Signed into Law
On Dec. 22, 2023, President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 into law. This legislation focuses on DOD priorities and expenditures. It also authorizes appropriations but does not provide budget authority, which is provided by appropriations legislation.
Camp Lejeune Justice Act Informational Update
Veterans and family members seeking to file lawsuits because of water contamination at Camp Lejeune have only months left to do so. The VFW has partnered with trusted law firms to help those seeking to file suit against the government. BMBF Law and Bergman & Moore are here to help affected individuals. Section 804 of the PACT Act (P.L. 117-168), the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, allows that individuals may qualify if they resided, worked or were otherwise exposed (including in utero) to the ground water at Camp Lejeune for not less than 30 days during the period from Aug. 1, 1953, to Dec. 31, 1987; and have been diagnosed with a cancer, serious illness or numerous other health conditions including neurological, kidney and liver diseases, miscarriages, infertility and birth defects/cognitive disabilities in children. Your condition does not have to be on the VA presumptive list or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to file a claim. Surviving family members may pursue claims on behalf of deceased loved ones.
POW/MIA Update
Army Pvt. Homer J. Mitchell, 20, of Portales, New Mexico, was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. He was killed in action on Dec. 10, 1944. He will be buried in his hometown on April 26, 2024.
Army Pvt. Robert L. A. Hurst, 21, of Wabasso, Florida, was a member of the 429th Signal Maintenance Company. He died while a prisoner of war on July 27, 1942. He will be buried in Vero Beach, Florida, on a date to be determined.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
