On Monday, VFW Associate Director Pat Murray testified before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on the largest addition to the GI Bill in almost 10 years. The changes will improve the benefit for hundreds of thousands of veterans now and in the future. “This bi-partisan effort is exactly how things in Washington should get done,” said Pat Murray. “We commend the Committee for continuing to show leadership and commitment toward veterans’ issues.” The main issues the VFW supports in this new legislation include giving full GI Bill eligibility to Purple Heart recipients, allowing access to the Yellow Ribbon Program for survivors and dependents of fallen service members; restoring benefits to reservists activated without them; and restoration of lost GI Bill eligibility for students affected by school closures.
Veterans Legislation Roundup
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veterans’ Affairs met on July 19 to pass 11 pieces of legislation out of the committee, including the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, otherwise known as the “Forever G.I. Bill.” Also approved during the session was H.R. 95, the Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act, making the VA’s pilot program for child care a permanent program at VA for veterans who are receiving regular mental health services and other intensive health care services from VA. H.R. 918, the Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Health Care Act, was also approved. The act requires the VA to provide an initial mental health assessment, as well as follow up care, to former service members who received an OTH discharge, but only if they are combat veterans or victims of military sexual trauma and have applied for a character of service determination. Also approved is H.R. 1690, the Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus Transparency Act, which would require the VA to submit an annual report to the pertinent congressional committees regarding performance awards provided to regional office directors, medical center directors, service network directors and senior executive staff. The VA would also be required to provide the amount of each bonus awarded, the job title of each recipient and the location of employment. These bill are expected to be considered for a full vote by the U.S. House as early as next week.
POW/MIA Update
Air Force Capt. Robert E. Holton, 27, of Butte, Mont., was buried July 22 in his hometown. Holton was subsequently declared missing in action.
Army Pfc. Charles C. Follese, 20, of Minn., will be buried July 25 in his hometown. Follese could not be accounted for after the ambush and was declared killed in action on Nov. 30, 1950.
Marine Reserve Cpl. Raymond C. Snapp was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. Interment services are pending.
Marine Cpl. Anthony G. Guerriero was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division. Guerriero was killed Nov. 21, 1943. Interment services are pending.
Air Force Maj. James B. White was assigned to the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron. White was subsequently declared missing in action. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
