VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW Hosts Veterans Justice Commission: The VFW Washington, D.C., office hosted the Veterans Justice Commission to discuss the work it does to examine the extent and nature of veteran involvement in the criminal justice system, and to develop recommendations for evidence-based policy changes that can enhance safety, health, and judicial fairness. VFW National Legislative Director Pat Murray moderated a panel presentation with former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Commission Director Jim Seward during which they presented both state and federal policy proposals. Learn more about the Veterans Justice Commission.
VFW Meets with Congressional Hispanic Caucus: VFW Post 7420 Commander Livier “Livy” Lizaro from San Diego addressed the House Congressional Hispanic Caucus during a roundtable focused on the challenges faced by Hispanic veterans and their families. The event brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the issues affecting Hispanic service members and veterans nationwide. Lizaro highlighted the VFW's support for deported and repatriated veterans who were unable to naturalize during their service and emphasized the need for Congress to pass the TAP Promotion Act, ensuring all transitioning service members have access to accredited representatives for VA claims assistance before discharge.
VFW Responds to The Economist: VFW National Legislative Director Pat Murray publicly posted a vehement response to a poorly written and unattributed article titled, “American Veterans Now Receive Absurdly Generous Benefits,” published by The Economist. Murray said, “I’d challenge the anonymous cowards at The Economist to illuminate us on which parts of veterans’ healthcare and benefits are inappropriate, illogical, or wildly unreasonable?” Read Murray’s response.
VFW Health Care Survey Closing Soon: The VFW Health Care survey will be closing at midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Please share your health care experiences with us. Your feedback is vital to our next report and ongoing advocacy efforts on this important topic. Help the VFW hold VA and Congress accountable by taking this quick survey, no matter where you receive care. Please take the survey.
Reminder for VA Secure Sign In: VA has issued changes for signing into your VA.gov or My HealtheVet accounts. Currently, there are four ways to sign in to your VA accounts: LOGIN.GOV, ID.ME, My HealtheVet, and DS Logon. Both My HealtheVet and DS Logon will be discontinued for accessing VA accounts. My HealtheVet sign in will be available until Jan. 31, 2025. Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors with VA accounts are encouraged to transition how they sign in to access these accounts prior to that date. Read more.
Christmas Joy Through Toys for Tots: Since 1947, Marine Toys for Tots has been bringing the joy of Christmas to America’s less-fortunate children and fostering community engagement. Every holiday season, new unwrapped toys are distributed to children in need. Donated items may be dropped off at designated locations, or you may make a virtual donation. Learn more.
Defeating the Holiday Blues: For many veterans, the holiday season intensifies feelings of stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Creating a community and building connections are ways to combat the holiday blues and provide a sense of purpose. For those unable to meet in person with family and friends, you can schedule video calls, online game nights, or virtual dinners, workouts, and watch parties. You can also volunteer with local VFW Posts and veteran support organizations in your area. Read more.