VFW Action Corps Weekly

Congress Sends Dole Act to President’s Desk: After a final round of minor technical corrections, the Senate approved by unanimous consent, S. 141, Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Subsequently, the House voted in favor of the bill for a second time and now it heads to the president for signature. The VFW thanks all the advocates from around the country who responded to our Action Alert urging their representatives and senators to support this historic legislation! This is a significant VFW legislative victory that will fund a range of enhancements vital to critical health care services for veterans and caregivers who need help now. Read more. 

House Subcommittee Hearing on Pending Legislation: VFW National Legislative Director Pat Murray testified at a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health hearing on pending legislation. Murray stated, “A recent health survey by the VFW that was closed just last week reveals that our veterans prefer utilizing Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities for their health care needs. A total of 2,500 veterans responded to this survey and they indicated overwhelming support for VA to remain the primary deliverer of care for veterans.” Read the testimony or watch the hearing, which begins at the 11:00 mark.

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. Get the details.

VFW National Home: The National Home was founded in 1925 as a place where the families left behind by war could remain together. Today’s families face different challenges, and the National Home has evolved over decades to meet those needs. The community is open to the families of active-duty military personnel, veterans, and relatives of VFW and VFW Auxiliary members. Families may consist of one or both parents with one or more children. If your family needs help, please contact the helpline by calling 1.800.313.4200.

Critical Need for Blood Donations: The American Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. The dangerously low blood supply levels have forced some hospitals to postpone major surgeries, including organ transplants. Your donation is desperately needed this holiday season. Please schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

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.

MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced one identification and one burial update for service members who have been missing and unaccounted for from World War II.

 

Identification:

-- World War II Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. John H. Danneker

 

Update:

-- World War II Army Air Force Sgt. Homer C. Nyberg, Virginia

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As always, we want to hear your advocacy stories. To share your stories or photos with us, simply email them directly to vfwac@vfw.org.

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