The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on removing barriers to homeownership for veterans. VFW National Legislative Associate Director Emily DeVito testified on the need for VA to combat misconceptions about VA-guaranteed home loans that make them less competitive with other loans. “For sellers, accepting an offer with a VA-guaranteed loan may be seen as burdensome as sellers fear not meeting VA appraisal standards or the hassle of an extended timeline,” said DeVito. She also stressed the need to educate buyers on all the benefits VA-guaranteed loans offer, such as the opportunity to obtain an Energy Efficient Mortgage.
National Wreaths Across America
National Wreaths Across America will be held Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Every December, wreath-laying ceremonies organized by the nonprofit Wreaths Across America are held to remember and honor our fallen veterans. The ceremonies take place at more than 2,500 locations across the United States, at sea, and abroad.
Volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed at the Erie Soldiers and Sailors Home to help put wreaths on the graves of veterans at The Veterans Memorial Cemetery. They will start putting the wreaths on graves Saturday, Dec. 18 starting at 8 a.m. until noon. To schedule a time, call Ken Vybrial at (814) 878-4961. The home is located at 560 3rd St. in Erie.
Defeating the Holiday Blues
For many veterans, the holiday season intensifies feelings of stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Creating a community and building connections are ways to combat the holiday blues and provide a sense of purpose. For those unable to meet in person with family and friends, you can schedule video calls, online game nights, or virtual dinners, workouts, and watch parties. You can also volunteer with local VFW posts and veteran support organizations in your area.
POW/MIA Update
Army Pfc. Anthony F. Mendonca, 28, of Waipahu, Hawaii, was assigned to Company A, 106th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. He was reported killed in action on June 28, 1944, when American forces participated in the battle for Saipan. Mendonca will be buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu on Dec. 16, 2021.
Army Pfc. Morris E. Swackhammer, 20, of Binghamton, New York, was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division. His unit landed on the southern coast of France as part of Operation Dragoon on Nov. 22, 1944. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. The date has yet to be determined.
Army Cpl. Benjamin R. Bazzell, 18, of Seymour, Connecticut, was assigned to Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported killed in action on Nov. 30, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir. Bazzell will be buried in Kent, Washington. The date has yet to be determined.
Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Anel B. Shay, Jr., 26, of Seattle, was assigned to 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force group. Shay will be buried in his hometown. The date has yet to be determined.
– Charles Castelluccio
