VFW CA District 12

"This is My VFW" Membership Recruitment Video

Posted at 01:33 PM on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by dist12

Membership recruitment video shot at the 112th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars August 27-September 1, 2011.  Our thanks to all who participated in the production.  Please share this video with all of your friends and veterans on your social networks.  And of course, if you have not yet joined the VFW, click here to join today!

VA News Highlights

Posted at 08:03 AM on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by dist12

Several headlines from the Department of Veterans Affairs in recent days.  Click the links to read the full stories.

Statement from Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki on the American Jobs Act - Shinseki comments on the proposed Act which includes support for veteran jobs.

VA Announces Expansion of Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will expand its pilot for the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER), which enables sharing of Veterans’ health records.

VA Streamlines Online Applications for Health Benefits Renewal - Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has automated its online Health Benefits Renewal (10-10EZR) form as part of its ongoing effort to streamline access to benefits.

VA Posts Online List of Ships Associated with Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure - Veterans who served aboard U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships operating on the waters of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, may be eligible to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation for 14 medical conditions associated with presumptive exposure to Agent Orange.

The American Veteran - July 2011

Posted at 11:27 PM on Monday, July 25, 2011 by dist12

(via The Pentagon Channel)

Veterans Crisis Line

Posted at 12:19 PM on Saturday, May 14, 2011 by dist12

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is unique because all of our members have served overseas in a combat zone. Our nation is in debt to all of those who served, and we understand that returning home and reintegrating into society can cause stress in many aspects of life. Because of this, VFW is participating in a campaign with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to increase awareness of the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1). 

The campaign revolves around the confidential Veterans Crisis Line (formerly the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline), establishing a unique identity designed to lower the threshold for Veterans and their families to make that critical call for help. 

The line, available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, has answered more than 390,000 calls and has made more than 13,000 life-saving rescues since its launch. 

The campaign is a national outreach effort to increase awareness and use of the confidential Veterans Crisis Line and online chat service, support and promote broader VA suicide prevention efforts, and promote help-seeking behaviors among Veterans.

Read more

Budget Proposal a Starting Point for VA

Posted at 12:52 PM on Thursday, February 17, 2011 by dist12

WASHINGTON D.C., Feb. 15, 2011 — The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is appreciative of the funding increase President Obama proposed Monday for the Department of Veterans Affairs, but he has some serious concerns about proposed reductions in programs ranging from construction and infrastructure to medical and prosthetic research. 

"The VFW appreciates the proposed increase because it recognizes that the proper care and treatment of wounded and disabled veterans are ongoing costs of war," said Richard L. Eubank, who leads the 2.1 million-member VFW and its Auxiliaries.  "Our concern, however, is that the total discretionary request of almost $62 billion is just not enough for VA to improve all the programs and services on their watch." 

The proposed VA budget for fiscal year 2012 is $132.2 billion, of which $70.3 billion is for mandatory benefits such as disability compensation and pension.  The remaining $61.9 billion is discretionary funding, primarily for the Veterans Health Administration, which represents about a 10-percent increase over FY 2010 funding, but just 3 percent more than the proposed but never passed FY 2011 budget.   

In contrast, the Independent Budget recommends $65.3 billion, or 14.4 percent above 2010 levels and 8 percent about 2011.  The VFW coauthors the Independent Budget—now in its 25th year—with AMVETs, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America.  

Continue Reading

VFW Will Defeat Bachmann Plan

Posted at 08:25 AM on Monday, January 31, 2011 by dist12

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 28, 2011 — America's oldest and largest major combat veterans' organization announced it will do everything within its power to defeat a plan introduced by Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) to cut $4.5 billion from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"No way, no how, will we let this proposal get any traction in Congress," said Richard L. Eubank, the national commander of the 2.1 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries.

On her website, the three-term congresswoman lists more than $400 billion in suggestions to cut federal spending.  The VA suggestion would cap increases to VA healthcare spending, and reduce disability compensation to account for Social Security Disability Insurance payments — in other words, an offset.  She says her plan is intended to generate discussion.

"The only discussion the VFW wants is to tell the congresswoman that her plan is totally out of step with America's commitment to our veterans," said Eubank, a retired Marine and Vietnam combat veteran from Eugene, Ore.

Read more

VFW National Home Children Thank Veterans on Veterans Day

Posted at 10:09 AM on Thursday, November 11, 2010 by dist12

Children from the VFW National Home for Children extend their thanks to our nation's veterans on this Veterans Day 2010.

The VFW WebCOM Network team would also like to extend a heartfelt Thank You as we honor all veterans, past and present, today.

VFW Day 2010

Posted at 11:04 AM on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 by dist12

Each year on September 29th VFW Day is celebrated at Posts and in communities around the world. It's a day devoted to the organization and its dedicated members who are so deeply committed to serving those who bravely serve this nation.

This year marks the 111th year since the VFW was established. On this date in 1899, a small group of Spanish-America war veterans joined together to form what would become the nation's largest and most dedicated group of combat veterans.

For 111 years the VFW has been unwavering in its devotion "to honor the dead by helping the living." VFW and its Auxiliary members carry out this mission by promoting good will, patriotism and youth scholarship. Their commitment is demonstrated through national veterans and legislative services, military assistance and community service programs, youth activities and scholarship programs, as well as millions of volunteer hours in their local communities each year.

Show your support by honoring all members and veterans in your community. Today everyone is invited to celebrate the tradition of continuous service and steadfast devotion that defines the VFW.  (VFW.org)


Click here for a complete video history of the VFW

Richard L. Eubank is new VFW National Commander

Posted at 04:37 PM on Thursday, August 26, 2010 by dist12

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 26, 2010 – America’s largest organization of combat veterans has elected a Vietnam War veteran to head the 1.5 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Richard L. Eubank, now a resident of Eugene, Ore., was elected VFW National Commander on Aug. 26, 2010, during the VFW’s National Convention held Aug. 20-25, in Indianapolis, Ind.

During his acceptance speech Eubank, who served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967-1987, pledged his support to help the organization’s state and local leaders in fighting for our troops and veterans. “Just let me know how I can use the influence of this position to help you at the local level…any combat unit worth its salt will take their objective and accomplish their mission. I want warriors who are willing to go into battle with me. For those that do not wish to wage war for our veterans, please stand aside and let us pass through,” he stated.

When emphasizing the need for new members, Eubank asked the mostly Vietnam-era audience to compare their roles within the organization to rifles and bullets. “Everyone at this convention is a rifle, and so are the thousands of others back in your home states and [VFW] Departments, Districts and Posts. You are the leaders…but every rifle needs bullets, and that’s our membership – and from one grunt to the many warriors in this room-you can never have too many bullets…every program and service we provide takes rifles to do the legwork and bullets to provide the support.”

During the Vietnam War Eubank served as a field radio operator with the 1st and 3rd Marine Division. His military decorations include the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V device, Good Conduct Medal with 5 Stars, Vietnam Service Medal with 5 stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Medal among others.

Eubank joined the VFW in 1988 at Post 10165 in Cameron Park, Calif., and is currently a Life Member of Post 4084 in Ridgecrest, Calif. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department (state) including Department Commander in 1999 – 2000. He earned distinction by achieving the Triple Crown; All American Commander honors at the Post, District and Department levels. He has served on numerous national committees.

During his yearlong term, Eubank will log thousands of miles across the globe to promote the VFW, veterans' issues and quality of life initiatives for active-duty, Reserve and Guard members. By the time the commander's term ends, he will have visited every state and numerous overseas areas.

Also elected were Richard L. DeNoyer, senior vice commander-in-chief, of Middleton, Mass., and John E. Hamilton, junior vice commander-in-chief, of Jacksonville, Fla.

Watch video here: http://www.livestream.com/vfw_us/video?clipId=pla_bb956bfa-490f-48d3-a1c9-c0a564b5fab7

Thanks a Million Campaign

Posted at 11:53 AM on Monday, August 9, 2010 by dist12

Have you thanked a Veteran today? Here's your chance. We are looking for a million ways to thank our Veterans and our Troops for their service to our Country. Thank a hero, past, present, future. You can share your story, idea or inspiration here.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thanks-a-Million/143909055638425

Retroactive Stop Loss Pay Deadline Approaching

Posted at 01:53 PM on Monday, July 26, 2010 by dist12

Those eligible must submit a claim by Oct. 21, 2010.

The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act established Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP), providing $500 for each month/partial month served in stop loss status. Service members, veterans, and beneficiaries of servicemembers whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009 are eligible for RSLSP.

To receive this benefit, those who served under stop loss must submit a claim for the special pay. Throughout the year, the services have been reaching out to servicemembers, veterans and their families through direct mail, veteran service organizations, and the media. But there is still money left to be claimed, and the deadline is approaching. The average benefit is $3,700.

Get more information

Meaning of Memorial Day

Posted at 07:09 AM on Monday, May 31, 2010 by dist12

A message from VFW National Commander Tradewell...

It's a sacred day to all war veterans: None need to be reminded of the reason that Memorial Day must be commemorated. But what about the general public, and more important, future generations? Do most non-veterans really recognize the importance of the day honoring their fellow Americans killed in war?

Judging from what Memorial Day has become-simply another day off from work-the answer is a resounding no. Perhaps a reminder is due, then. And it is the duty of each and every veteran to relay the message.

Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America's collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime.

Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Those freedoms were paid for with the lives of others few of us actually knew. That's why they are all collectively remembered on one special day.

This should be regarded as a civic obligation. For this is a national debt that can only be truly repaid by individual Americans. By honoring the nation's war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice in the memories of future generations.

They came from all walks of life and regions of the country. But they all had one thing in common—love of and loyalty to country. This bond cemented ties between them in times of trials, allowing a diverse lot of Americans to achieve monumental ends.

We remember the loss of loved ones, a sense of loss that takes group form. In essence, America is commemorating those who made the greatest sacrifice possible—giving one's own life on behalf of others.

Means of paying tribute vary. Pausing for a few moments of personal silence is available to everyone.

Attending commemorative ceremonies is the most visible way of demonstrating remembrance: Placing flags at gravesites, marching in parades, sponsoring patriotic programs, dedicating memorials and wearing Buddy Poppies are examples.

Whether done individually or collectively, it is the thought that counts. Personal as well as public acts of remembering are the ideal. Public displays of patriotism are essential if the notion of remembering war dead is to be instilled in youth.

As America's older war veterans fast disappear from society's landscape, there are fewer and fewer standard-bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance. Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed.

Now, more than in past years, the enduring relevance of Memorial Day should be clearly evident. With two wars under way, the public has no excuse not to remember.

This much is owed to the more than 5,400 Americans who have died thus far in Afghanistan and Iraq.

VFW Outraged at Court Decision, Calls for Assistance

Posted at 03:43 PM on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by dist12

KANSAS CITY, March 31, 2010 - The national commander of the nation's largest organization of combat veterans is furious about the recent Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit Court decision ordering Albert Snyder, the father of a slain Marine to pay legal costs to the Westboro Baptist Church.

Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., led by Fred Phelps, has for years been taunting grieving mourners at military funerals nationwide. During the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder's funeral in 2006, the anti-gay group praised the loss of the young Marine as well as other of the nation's young servicemen and women, calling their deaths a by-product of a nation that tolerates homosexuality.

"This is a travesty at best and borders on the obscene, said VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., of Sussex, Wis. "The irony in this whole situation is that the blood and sacrifice of our nation's heroes have enabled this group to spread their message of hate. Yet, they celebrate when one of America's best pays the ultimate sacrifice preserving that right of free speech," the Vietnam veteran said.

"Mr. Snyder has already confronted the difficulties of burying his Marine son and then bringing a lawsuit against this group of hate-mongers. It is absolutely wrong for the court to order him to shoulder a financial burden on top of everything else. That is why VFW national headquarters will be making a donation to the fund that has been established to assist in paying the legal costs. Additionally, I am asking that each of the more than 1.5 million members of the VFW do what they can to assist Mr. Snyder, even taking the time to offer a him note of support and encouragement."

A fund has been set up to help Mr. Snyder pay the court costs. None of the money will be for attorneys, who are graciously representing him pro bono. To contribute, go to www.matthewsnyder.org, or send a check payable to "Al Snyder Fund" to:

Barley Snyder LLC.
100 East Market Street
York, PA 17401.

Pepsi Competition Delayed

Posted at 03:32 PM on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by dist12

Following yesterday's request by Commander-in-Chief Tommy Tradewell, the VFW wishes to notify members and supporters that voting on the Pepsi Refresh competition will not begin until May 1, 2010.

More details will be passed along as that date nears.

Commander-in-Chief Requests Help

Posted at 02:53 PM on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 by dist12

Dear Comrades and Supporters:
 
A few days ago I sent you a message informing you that the VFW Foundation was applying for a $250,000 "Pepsi Refresh" grant to support VFW's "Return the Favor" campaign at the highest grant amount ($250,000) in the next open period (April 1, 2010).
 
As I explained previously, we have launched this campaign so that we can continue providing the resources to support the unmet needs of our service members and their families and programs designed to boost the morale of active duty troops and their families.
 
Since 2004, the VFW and its Foundation has provided over $3,400,000 in direct grants to military families for unmet needs such as rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, medical expenses and food/basic aid. In many instances, our intervention has stopped evictions and foreclosures on homes owned by troops and their families. We also hold numerous "welcome home" or "sendoff" events for our troops so that they know that America truly cares and is thankful for their service.
 
Here is how you can help:
 
Starting on April 1 (at 12:01 a.m.) you can go online to www.refresheverything.com and vote for VFW's "Return the Favor" project.  Click on the "Food and Shelter" Category and then the "$250,000" grant level.  You will find VFW's "Return the Favor" idea, pictures and a YouTube Video about the VFW, its programs and a description of our proposal which begins with, "Return the Favor to troops and their families for urgent unmet needs"
 
Remember, the projects that receive the most votes will be awarded grants from the Pepsi Corporation.  Please vote and vote often for our project.  You can vote once every day for our project during the month of April.  You can help the effort even more by telling your friends, family and colleagues about our proposal and encouraging them to cast a vote our way.   Please send out an email blast to family, friends, colleagues, post a message on Facebook, Tweet about it, or put up a flyer to encourage others to vote as well.
 
With your assistance, we'll be able to continue working on behalf of our military service members and their families.

Thank you for your support
 
Click on link to vote: http://www.refresheverything.com/ReturnTheFavor
 
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Tradewell Sr.

"Making Virutual Friends" VFW Blogger Interviews of D.Peirce & IJK

Posted at 08:54 PM on Sunday, March 7, 2010 by dist12

Donald Peirce	Iris Joe Kelley

D. Peirce, a  senior blogger on the VFW Network  says making virtual friends is " better than buying drinks in a canteen."   "It's like a living history." says IJK, one of the first VFW Post bloggers online with VFW WebCOM.* 

Donald Peirce and "IJK," Iris Joe Kelley have been blogging for their VFWs for years.  Recently they responded to email Interviews with MyVFW.  Here's what they had to say:   MORE>

Up to the Minute

Posted at 04:03 PM on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 by dist12

Now you can stay on top of all the latest information no matter where you are in the My VFW Network. 


Just look at the bottom of each page in the network.  You'll see a new toolbar which will make navigating around the network much easier.  On the toolbar you can:

• Search the My VFW Network
• Join a chatroom with other network users.
• See how many other users are on the network
• Click on "Network News" and see all the latest news stories from anywhere in the network.
• Keep track of the latest conversations in the VFW Forum.
• Join our My VFW social network.
• See the latest story posted by a random VFW Post.
• Zoom back to the top of the page you are viewing.
• Subscribe to RSS feeds
• Share pages via email, Facebook, Twitter and more.
• Become a fan and join our Facebook community
• and even post to your Twitter account right from the toolbar.

Keeping up to date with the My VFW Network has never been so easy!

VFW to Stream Video from Legislative Conference

Posted at 09:31 AM on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 by dist12

Merry Christmas

Posted at 08:16 AM on Thursday, December 24, 2009 by dist12

Home Depot offering Post Improvement Grants

Posted at 09:32 AM on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by dist12

Holiday Mailing Deadlines for Military Delivery

Posted at 08:47 AM on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by dist12

Recommended Mailing Dates to APO/FPO Addresses

WASHINGTON — For military service members stationed around the globe, holiday gifts are a big morale boost. To help the families and friends of U.S. military personnel, the Postal Service offers a discount on its largest Priority Mail Flat Rate box.

The recommended mailing date for the most economical postage to overseas military installations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, is Nov. 13.

Mail sent to overseas military addresses is charged only domestic mail prices. The domestic mail price for the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box is $13.95, but for packages to APO/FPO addresses overseas the price is reduced to $11.95. Additional discounts are available for customers printing their Priority Mail postage labels online at Click-N-Ship.

Flat-Rate boxes are free at any Post Office, or can be ordered online at shop.usps.com. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship.

The Postal Service continues to show support to those serving in the armed forces by offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by phone by calling 1-800-610-8734 and asking for the Care Kit. Each kit includes two “America Supports You” large Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, four medium-sized Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, six Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and six customs forms with envelopes.

For online ordering of the Large Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate boxes featuring the “America Supports You” logo and APO/FPO addressing block, Click here. More information about mailing letters and packages to military destinations is available online at Supporting Our Troops.

“Mailing holiday gifts to service members early will help insure that a piece of home arrives in plenty of time to make the celebration complete," said Pranab Shah, vice president and managing director, Global Business.

To ensure delivery of holiday cards and packages by Dec. 25 to military APO/FPO addresses overseas, the Postal Service recommends that mail for service members be entered no later than the mailing dates listed below. Mail addressed to military post offices overseas is subject to certain conditions or restrictions regarding content, preparation and handling. APO/FPO addresses generally require customs forms. To see an online table of updated APO and FPO addresses and mailing restrictions by individual APO/FPO ZIP Codes, Click here, select “Pull-Out Information” and click on “Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail.”

MILITARY MAILING DEADLINES

Military Mail Addressed To	Express Mail® Military Service (EMMS)1/	First-Class Mail® Letters and Cards	Priority Mail®	Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) 2/	Space Available Mail (SAM)3/	Parcel Post®
APO/FPO AE ZIPs 090-092	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13
APO/FPO AE ZIP 093	N/A	Dec-4	Dec-4	Dec-1	Nov-21	Nov-13
APO/FPO AE ZIPs 094-098	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13
APO/FPO AA ZIP 340	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13
APO/FPO AP ZIPs 962-966	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13

VFW Washington Weekly - September 25, 2009

Posted at 07:12 PM on Saturday, September 26, 2009 by dist12

In This Issue:

1. Health Care Victory for Veterans

2. VFW Testifies on Bills

3. House VA Subcommittee Hearings

 

1. Health Care Victory for Veterans: Key House leaders have agreed to offer an amendment that will put to rest any concerns that VA health care will change under the nation health care reform debate.  VFW has been in talks with House VA Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) and Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-IN) on this important issue.  The amendment being offered will ensure that veterans enrolled in VA are automatically deemed as having qualified health care coverage, and also allow veterans using VA health care to purchase other types of insurance through the health insurance exchanges.  VFW will continue to monitor health care reform legislation in the House and Senate.

Read more Washington Weekly

September-October Checkpoint

Posted at 08:58 AM on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 by dist12

VFW Washington Weekly - August 7, 2009

Posted at 09:51 AM on Monday, August 10, 2009 by dist12

In This Issue:

1. VFW Protects Health Care Programs

2. Vet Bills Update

3. New GI Bill Benefit Begins

4. Senate Hearing on Disability Compensation

5. Congress on Recess

 

1. VFW Protects Health Care Programs: VFW is working closely with House leadership to ensure national health care reform legislation does not change the way veterans, military retirees and their families receive their health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs or the military's TRICARE program.  Key VFW-supported amendments adopted by the House include:

• Exclude TRICARE from all reform movements;
• Exclude VA health care from all reform movement, and maintain the VA secretary's current authority to operate the organization as he deems appropriate.
• Give veterans using VA health care the option of purchasing additional insurance under the new national health care plan. This would expand, not restrict, health care coverage available to them and their families;

VFW will continue to work closely with Congress to ensure that neither VA nor TRICARE are adversely affected under the national health care reform proposal.  We have also received assurances from the President that veterans and servicemembers will be safeguarded under any bill passed by Congress.

Continue reading Washington Weekly

VFW: New GI Bill Will Change Lives

Posted at 10:32 AM on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 by dist12

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2009 - The national commander of the 2.1 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries called this week's implementation of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill a significant milestone for military servicemembers, their families and the entire country.

"The original World War II GI Bill opened higher education to the masses and produced U.S. presidents, scientists, scholars, and captains of industry who were directly responsible for America's tremendous era of growth and prosperity in the second half of the 20th century," said Glen M. Gardner Jr., a Vietnam veteran from Round Rock, Texas.

"The new 21st century GI Bill will provide today's warrior with that same access to a first class education, and it's all due to the leadership and determination of Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.)," he said.

"The VFW is proud to have been an early supporter of his landmark legislation through the advocacy work of our Washington Office on Capitol Hill and the grassroots efforts of our members in every congressional district. Education changes lives, which in turn strengthens families and our communities and nation. We are proud to have helped this bill become reality."

Read more

VA News - Week of June 29, 2009

Posted at 02:10 PM on Friday, July 3, 2009 by dist12

VFW Washington Weekly - June 5, 2009

Posted at 09:15 PM on Sunday, June 7, 2009 by dist12

In This Issue:

1. House Committee Marks up Vet Bills

2. Healthcare Bill for Women Veterans Cleared

3. House VA Committee Hearings

4. Japan Apologizes to American POWs

5. McHugh Tapped for Army Secretary

 

1. House Committee Marks up Vet Bills: Several VFW-supported bills cleared their respective subcommittees this week.  All of the bills now move to the full committee for consideration.

HR 952 would expand the meaning of combat with the enemy to mean active duty service in a combat theater during a time of war not just during actual combat. The bill aims to shorten the claims process for many veterans suffering from psychological injuries. 

HR 2270 would establish a compensation fund for certain WWII veterans who were not eligible for readjustment benefits.  Those eligible would receive a monthly payment of $1000

HR 1037 would authorize $10 million annually to implement a five-year pilot program to expand work-study activities for veterans on campuses.

HR 1098, The Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009 would increase educational assistance for veterans pursuing internships or on-the-job training. It also increased the monthly training assistance for eligible veterans and their dependents under the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance program.

HR 2180 would waive housing loan fees for veterans with service-connected disabilities called to active duty.

HR 1821, The Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009 would extend VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program to 15 years following discharge or release from active duty. It also authorizes single parents participating in the program up to $2000 a month for child care services.

 For more information on any of the bills cleared visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/

OR type the bill # into the box at http://thomas.loc.gov/

Read more Washington Weekly

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