Action Corps Weekly Hero 2021

VFW Action Corps Weekly

VFW's Nancy Springer testifies

VFW Joins Domestic Military Toxic Exposures Roundtable: House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) convened a roundtable with more than a dozen veteran organizations and advocacy groups to discuss toxic exposures on and around domestic military bases. VFW National Legislative Associate Director Nancy Springer shared insights on military firefighter exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which stem from the use of aqueous film forming foam to extinguish fuel fires. She also stressed the need for Congress to carefully monitor the VA Presumption Decision Process that systematically evaluates presumptive conditions of service connection. Watch the roundtable.

House Veteran Affairs Committee

VFW Testimony for House Subcommittee Hearing: VFW National Legislative Associate Director Nancy Springer provided a statement for the record for a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on VA’s efforts to decrease delays in processing claims. Springer explained that not fully evaluating a claimant’s record and requiring unnecessary examinations or medical reviews causes delays. VA highlighted how its improved automated tools and enhanced training programs are accelerating the claims process. Read the testimony or watch the hearing.

US House of Representatives

House Passes Six Veteran Bills: The House passed six bipartisan bills for veterans and their families. The VFW recently testified in support of H.R. 1039, Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act, that would simplify VA notice letters to make them more understandable to recipients; and H.R. 1228, Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act, that would move the Office of Survivors Assistance to the Office of the Secretary to ensure prioritization of all survivor benefits. The VFW has supported the other bills in the previous Congress, and we will continue to monitor their progress. Read more.

US Department of Veterans Affairs and VA logo

VetServe 2025: VA will join in celebrating National Volunteer Week that takes place this year from April 20–26. As part of its VetServe 2025 campaign, VA’s National Day of Service on April 23 will focus on strengthening the capacity of volunteers and highlighting their positive impact. Volunteers have made tremendous contributions to our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families. This day is an opportunity across all 50 states to make a difference in the lives of those who have served.

The POW/MIA flag flying in the breeze

MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced four identifications for service members who have been missing and unaccounted for from World War II and the Korean War.

 

Identifications:

-- World War II Army Cpl. Delmont Johnston

-- World War II Marine Corps Pfc. John H. Newstrom

-- Korean War Army Sgt. Elwyn Dean Nordyke

-- Korean War Army Cpl. Robert Lee Brewster

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