On Monday, the VFW announced that the 121st VFW National Convention scheduled to be held in July in Reno, Nevada, has been officially canceled. The decision comes as public health concerns and social-distancing mandates are expected to span into the summer months. This year will mark the first in the organization’s storied 121-year history when a national convention will not be held. The VFW Auxiliary has also canceled its convention. “We explored every effort to move forward with the convention in its current form, and the decision was not made lightly,” explained VFW National Commander William “Doc” Schmitz. “But, the fact is the health and well-being of our members, partners and supporters remains our priority, and we will not put them at risk.” It has also been announced that the State of Pennsylvania VFW has also cancelled the state convention. The Pennsylvania VFW 28th District meeting to be held in May is also cancelled.
VA Committee Urges VA To Postpone Elimination of 48 Hour Rule
On Monday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) sent a bipartisan letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie regarding VA’s decision to repeal the 48-hour review policy. On April 24, VA intends to rescind a decades-long policy that allows accredited veteran service officers to review claims for accuracy prior to a veteran being notified of a ratings decision. In the letter, Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA) and Ranking Member David Roe (R-TN) requested information from Wilkie regarding any alternatives to the 48-hour review policy VA has considered and whether service officers would be provided with access to draft decisions before they are finalized. The VFW thanks Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Roe for their support in preventing this dangerous change.
Important Dates in May
May is the Month Of The Military Caregiver and National Military Appreciation Month.
May 1: Silver Star Service Banner Day
May 1: Loyalty Day
May 7: National Day of Prayer
May 8: Victory in Europe (VE DAY)
May 8: Military Spouse Appreciation Day
May 9-17: Armed Forces Week
May 10: Mothers Day
May 13: Children of Fallen Patriots Day
May 15: Peace Officers Memorial Week
May 16: Armed Forces Day
May 25: Memorial Day
POW/MIA Update
Army Sgt. Lloyd A. Alumbaugh, 21, was a member of Ambulance Company, 7th Medical Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 28, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.
Army Cpl. Charles E. Hiltibran, 19, was a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.
Army Pfc. Louis N. Crosby, 18, was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.
Army Pfc. Bill F. Hobbs, 20, was a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was killed in action on Nov. 30, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.
Army Cpl. Ralph S. Boughman, 21, was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
