VFW Action Corps Weekly

VFW Provides Statement for House Subcommittee Hearing: VFW National Legislative Deputy Director Kristina Keenan provided a statement for the record for a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity hearing that examined the effectiveness of the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. Keenan commented, “Veterans have described VR&E as a life-changing opportunity that put them on a path for success. However, many informed the VFW that they did not receive sufficient guidance to navigate this process.” Read the testimony.

Committee Leaders Press VA on Delayed Law Implementation: House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Jerry Moran sent a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough questioning VA’s delayed implementation of the MST Claims Coordination Act (P.L.117-303). Under this law, the Veterans Benefits Administration will automatically notify the Veterans Health Administration when a military sexual trauma (MST) survivor, who is also a VA health care recipient, files an MST-related disability claim. Though June 27, 2024, was the effective date, VA is now indicating a further delay until January 2025. Read the letter.

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Space Force Celebrates Fifth Anniversary: The United States Space Force (USSF) was established on Dec. 20, 2019, as the sixth branch of the armed forces, marking the first new service in 72 years. Created to address growing importance and threats in the space domain, it focuses on building a specialized force by integrating expertise from various military sectors, including space operations, cyber, intelligence, and engineering. U.S. space capabilities are crucial for national security and influence critical capabilities such as GPS and communications. Read more.

MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced five burial updates for service members who have been missing and unaccounted for from World War II and the Vietnam War.

Updates:

-- World War II Navy Seaman 2nd Class John C. Auld, New Mexico
-- World War II Army Pvt. 1st Class Arthur W. Crossland Jr., South Carolina
-- World War II Army Air Forces Sgt. Edward S. Kovaleski, Virginia
-- World War II Army Air Forces Sgt. Homer C. Nyberg, Virginia
-- Vietnam War Army Warrant Officer Albert R. Trudeau, Virginia

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