On Dec. 14, VA sent veterans an email promising they would receive claim decisions in 30 days by working with organizations like the VFW through the Decision Ready Claims (DRC) process. To set the record straight, VFW National Veterans Service Director Ryan Gallucci has been explaining why the 30-day promise is misleading. This is why veterans need to have a candid conversation with their accredited VFW Service Officer about whether or not DRC is right for them.
Army Guard Selects New Senior Enlisted
Command Sgt. Maj. John Sampa has been selected to become the new senior enlisted advisor to the Army National Guard. Sampa is an Iraq veteran and member of VFW Post 3903 in Rosenberg, Texas. He is currently the command sergeant major of 14,000 soldiers assigned to the Texas Guard’s 36th Infantry Division. He will replace CSM Christopher Kepner, who has held the position since May 2016.
POW/MIA Update
Army Sgt. Kermit J. Lejeune, 23, of Church Point, La., whose identification was previously announced, was Dec. 14 in his hometown.
Army Pfc. Albert E. Atkins, 20, of Belvidere, N.J., whose identification was previously announced,was buried Dec. 15 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Atkins was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team.
Navy Seaman 2nd Class George J. Wilcox, Jr., 19, of Byram, Miss., whose identification was previously announced, was buried Dec. 16 in Evansville, Ind. Wilcox was assigned to the USS Oklahoma. Wilcox was one of 429 crewmen killed in the attack.
Navy Mess Attendant 2nd Class Archie Callahan, Jr., was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Storekeeper 1st Class John W. Craig was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seaman 1st Class James C. Solomon was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Robert R. Keown was a P-38 pilot assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group. Interment services are pending.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Milton M. Beed was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members. To all, have a Merry Christmas.
– Charles Castelluccio
