The VFW hosted Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Jerry Moran, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Coons, along with other veteran organization partners at the VFW Washington Office for a press conference addressing the need to help Afghans who assisted U.S. troops. The participants called on all lawmakers to support our wartime Afghan allies by voting in favor of an amendment to the legislation.
VFW Updates County Service Officers on Claim Sharks
VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci joined the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) conference to discuss the scourge of predatory claim sharks, and ways the VFW and NACVSO’s network of accredited representatives can work more closely to provide quality claims representation for veterans. The VFW accredits thousands of county service officers around the country to help reach communities so veterans can easily access their earned benefits. NAVCSO leaders have worked with the VFW on the claim sharks issue and asked for an update before advocating on Capitol Hill.
Senate Hearing on Vet Centers Supporting Mental Health
The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held an oversight hearing on how Vet Centers support the mental health needs of service members, veterans and their families. The witness panel consisted of two representatives from VA and one from the Government Accountability Office. “Due to recent efforts by this committee, more veterans are eligible for services at Vet Centers than ever before. That’s why it’s critically important the Vet Center program is delivering high-quality services to the veterans who utilize it,” said Chairman Jon Tester.
Attention All Veterans, Police, Fire, EMS
You are invited to a formal dedication at noon Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. The Richard Mellon Foundation will formally “Present And Raise The Colors” dedicating the Veterans Activity Center to our veterans at 16 W. Division St. in North East. Food, refreshments and music will be provided following the ceremony.
POW/MIA Update
Navy Fireman First Class Walter F. Schleiter, 22, of Massillon, Ohio, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island. He will be buried on April 11, 2024, in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.
Navy Seaman 2nd Class Joseph M. Robertson, 18, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. He will be buried on July 9, 2024, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Army Air Force Pvt. 1st Class Robert L. Colter, 23, of Lakeland, Florida, was a member of 91st Bombardment Squadron, 27th Bombardment Group. He died while a prisoner of war on July 28, 1942. Interment services are pending.
Army Pfc. Richard G. Pitsor, 18, of Ft. Bayard, New Mexico, was a member of G Company of the 200th Coast Artillery Regiment. He died while a prisoner of war on Aug. 28, 1942. He will be buried in his hometown on a date to be determined.
Army Air Forces 1st Lt. James A. Deeds, 23, of Oakland, California, was assigned to the 9th Air Force. He was killed in action on Aug. 1, 1943. He will be buried in San Diego, California, on a date to be determined.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
