VFW Action Corps Weekly
House Committee Roundtable on Scams Targeting Veterans: VFW National Veterans Service Director Michael Figlioli participated in a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs roundtable on preventing scams against service members, veterans and their families. The discussion highlighted how fraudsters deliberately target veterans of all ages, often exploiting the perceived reliability of VA disability compensation and the trust inherent in military culture. Panelists shared firsthand accounts of fraudulent schemes and emphasized the need for a coordinated prevention approach to include strengthening education and outreach, rigorously enforcing existing laws, and advancing legislation to hold bad actors accountable. Watch the roundtable, which starts at the 15:38 mark.
House Subcommittee Pending Legislation Hearing: VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joe Grassi provided a statement for the record on pending legislation to the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. The VFW expressed support for several proposals that would strengthen education, military-to-civilian transition and employment outcomes for veterans. Regarding H.R. 982, Warriors to Workforce Act, that would increase the housing allowance for apprenticeships, Grassi wrote, “In terms of this housing allowance, an increase from 80 percent to 100 percent would realistically help veterans complete these important education programs that provide direct job training while ensuring their basic housing needs are covered.” Read the testimony or watch the hearing, which begins at the 26:33 mark.
VFW Launches New Targeted Action Alert on Major Richard Star Act: The VFW has launched a new action alert urging Congress to advance the Major Richard Star Act. This legislation would correct a long-standing injustice affecting combat-disabled veterans whose earned retirement pay is currently offset by VA disability compensation. Unlike traditional alerts, this one uses a dynamic, targeted approach, delivering a tailored message to each member of Congress based on their role and position in the legislative process. This “living” alert will evolve as the bill moves forward, ensuring lawmakers continue to hear directly from those who are affected. Veterans and supporters are encouraged totake action and make their voices heard at this critical moment.
VFW Meets With Troops on NATO’s Eastern Flank: VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore and Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci recently traveled to Poland to meet with U.S. service members at Camp Kościuszko, home of U.S. Army V Corps Headquarters (Forward) and U.S. Army Garrison Poland, which oversees 12 installations and supports operations along NATO’s eastern flank. Discussions focused on VFW advocacy priorities, earned benefits, transition assistance and the unique challenges of serving overseas. The visit underscored the importance of honoring commitments to those stationed on NATO’s front line and reaffirmed the VFW’s dedication to supporting troops wherever they serve. A previous visit led the VFW to champion proper recognition for eastern flank service—a resolution the VFW continues to renew and advocate for today.