VFW Action Corps Weekly - July 19, 2021
 

VFW Action Corps Weekly - July 19, 2021
Re: https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/grassro...n-corps-weekly

(Note: On the site there are additional links for more information about the below postings.)

1. VFW Testifies Before House:

On Wednesday, VFW:

National Legislative Service Deputy Director Tammy Barlet testified before the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health regarding several pieces of pending legislation. Barlet spoke about the Green Alert system, expanded eligibility for student veterans at VA Vet Centers, clarification and improvement of the caregiver program, and increased flexibility for VA’s leasing process. “Phase II veterans and their caregivers have been patiently waiting their turn for far too long,” Barlet said on the importance of holding VA accountable to open the Caregiver Program Phase II application process.

2. House Hearing on VA Appeals:

This week, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held an oversight hearing on the VA Appeals Program and the state of
modernization efforts. Issues discussed included the Board of Veterans Appeals’ increase in virtual hearings, efforts to reduce the appeals backlog, and IT improvements. The Government Accountability Office recommended that VA take measures to monitor timeliness, quality, and accuracy of appeals decisions, as well as take into consideration veteran satisfaction. Learn more about VA’s modernized appeals process or check your appeal status. If you filed an appeal before Feb. 19, 2019

3. House Hearing on VA Police:

This week, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing to discuss VA police and potential reforms. Subcommittee Chairman Chris Pappas (D-NH) began his opening remarks identifying changes and reforms that were
recommended years ago but have still not been implemented. VA police are often the first individuals veterans see when arriving at VA facilities. They protect and serve the veterans and their health care professionals. The VFW is grateful for the VA police force and the services they provide to everyone within the VA system.

4. MIA Update:

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced three burial updates for service
members who have been missing and unaccounted for from World War II and Korea:

01. Army Pfc. Louis N. Crosby, 18, of Orangeburg, South Carolina, was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.
Crosby will be buried Aug. 18, 2021, in his hometown. On site read more about Crosby.

02. Army Pvt. Warren G.H. DeVault, 24, of Rhea, Tennessee, was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces near Hürtgen, Germany, when he was reportedly killed in action on Nov. 20, 1944. DeVault could not be recovered because of the ongoing fighting, and his remains were not recovered or identified. DeVault will be buried Aug. 14, 2021, in Dayton, Tennessee. Read about DeVault. (Read more from onsite links).

03. Navy Metalsmith 1st Class Leonard F. Smith, 29, of Albany, New York, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Smith. He will be cremated on Sept. 1, 2021. The
family has elected to not hold a funeral service. On site read about Smith from onsite links.

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Personal note: Welcome Home Men - may you now Rest In Peace on American soil and to all your Families we send our Respects for your loss.
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Boats