On Tuesday, April 19, at 1 p.m., the VFW held a press event with a coalition of veteran organizations and veteran advocate Jon Stewart to call on the Senate to pass the comprehensive toxic exposure legislation, H.R. 3967, Honoring our PACT Act of 2021. VFW National Commander Matthew “Fritz” Mihelcic and Stewart spoke at the event which was held at the VFW National Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. Veterans and supporters from Missouri and Kansas were encouraged to attend in person.
VFW National Home For Children
The National Home was founded in 1925 as a place where the families left behind by war could remain together. Today’s families face different challenges, and the National Home has evolved over decades to meet those needs. The community is open to the families of active-duty military personnel, veterans, and relatives of VFW and VFW Auxiliary members. Families can be one or both parents with one or more children.
Alcohol Misuse Awareness
Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. VA research indicates that veterans with PTSD who are over the age of 65 and have a drinking problem or depression are at a higher risk of suicide. Substance use disorder, commonly known as addiction, is a disease with which an individual cannot control the use of alcohol and/or drugs. VA offers a variety of both inpatient and outpatient care treatment options.
Parkinson’s Disease Awareness
According to VA, it provides health care for approximately 400,000 veterans with Parkinson’s disease. Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease are: male, 60 years or older, familial connection to the disease, and exposure to herbicides or pesticides. Symptoms include but are not limited to tremors, rigid or still muscles, balance issues, change in speech, and reduction of automatic movements like blinking or smiling.
POW/MIA Update
Army Air Force Lt. Col Addison Baker, 36, was commander of the 328th Bombardment Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. On Aug. 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator aircraft on which Baker was piloting crashed as a result of anti-aircraft fire during Operation Tidal Wave. Following the war, his remains could not be identified. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
