VFW Action Corps Weekly - 02-14-22

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VFW Action Corps Weekly - 02-14-22
Re: https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/m...220214T141155Z

1. Independent Budget Released:

Leading veterans service organizations (VSOs) –– the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), DAV (Disabled American Veterans), and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
–– have released The Independent Budget (IB) Recommendations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for FY 2023 and FY 2024. This report serves as a roadmap to ensure VA is fully funded and capable of carrying out its mission to serve veterans and their families, both now and in the future. “For over 30 years, the IBVSOs have co-authored the IB, offering substantive solutions and policy recommendations to ensure the timely delivery of specialized health care, as well as appropriate earned benefits for the men and women who served,” said Bob Wallace, executive director of VFW Washington Office. “While this year’s report is now complete, it is now imperative Congress and VA work together, along with veterans service organizations and other veterans stakeholders to put veterans interests on the top of their list.”

2. House Holds Hearing on Survivor Benefits and Services:

The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held an oversight hearing on the effectiveness of VA services for dependents and survivors. VFW National Legislative Associate Director Kristina Keenan submitted a statement for the record explaining how VA needs to improve outreach to military and veteran families and better explain the benefits available to survivors. “Pre-planning is key. Veterans and their families need to receive clear and continuous communications informing them of future benefits and the documentation needed to ensure that survivors are supported in the event of the veteran’s passing,” stated Keenan. She stressed that
surviving family members are often unaware that the benefits they may be entitled to receive are significantly less than what veterans receive in disability compensation, resulting in unanticipated financial hardship. Read the statement or watch the hearing.

3. Complete the VFW 2022 Health Survey:

The VFW has developed a survey to evaluate your health care experiences, how your health care may have changed in the last six months, and your perceptions of your overall physical and mental health over the past 30 days. Your feedback is vital to our advocacy efforts and to compile a report on this important topic. Help the VFW hold VA and Congress accountable by taking this short survey regarding your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Onsite there is a link to - take the a survey.

4. Take Your Health to Heart:

February is American Heart Month and VA is raising awareness regarding heart health by encouraging veterans to take a proactive approach with healthy living options. According to the National Institutes of Health, veterans are at a higher risk of heart attack or heart
diseases than their civilian counterparts. Additionally, the American Heart Association reports that individuals with PTSD or TBI are significantly at a higher risk of heart attack even at a young age. What can you do to protect yourself and lower your risk of heart disease? Stay compliant with your physician’s direction regarding your medication regimen, smoking cessation, exercise, heart-healthy diet, stress reduction, and rest. A Read more link onsite only.

5. MIA Update:

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced two burial updates and one new
identification for service members who have been missing and unaccounted-for from World War II. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:

01. Navy Storekeeper 1st Class Harry E. Walker, 36, of San Diego, 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 Walker. He will be buried on March 15, 2022, in Verdes, California. (On site there are additional links for more information about Walker.

02. -- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Richard W. Horrigan, 24, of Chester, West Virginia, was assigned to 22nd Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force. On April 19, 1945, the P-47D Thunderbolt fighter on which Horrigan was piloting was part of a reconnaissance mission to the Alt Lönnewitz Airfield and likely crashed as a result of anti-aircraft fire. Following the war, his remains could not be identified. He will be buried in his hometown. The date has yet to be determined. Also on site a link is available on site To read more about Horrigan.

03. -- Navy Fireman 1st Class George F. Price, 23, 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 Price. Interment services are pending. Once more about Price on site only.
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Welcome Home Men and thank you all for your service and sacrafice.
May you and your family now have closure.
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