Action Corps Weekly Hero 2021

VFW Action Corps Weekly

One Message to Congress

VFW Advocates Mobilizing Nationwide: On Nov. 9-10, VFW members and supporters from across the country are coming together to protect veterans' earned benefits. Advocates are gathering in Washington, D.C., to visit congressional offices and urge lawmakers to oppose the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA), because of proposed cuts to future veterans' disability compensation, and to pass the standalone CLEAN Major Richard Star Act. Veterans and Americans nationwide can help reinforce their message directly from home by signing the VFW’s Honor the Contract petition (see passage below), sending messages to Congress and participating in the National Call-in. Through the VFW Action Center, advocates can send messages to their lawmakers and find their Washington office phone numbers and a sample script for the National Call-in. Together, these efforts demonstrate the widespread opposition to cutting veterans' benefits and reinforce the message being delivered directly to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Take action and join the National Call-in.

Petition Form with pen

Add Your Name to the Honor the Contract Petition: As VFW advocates meet with congressional offices on Nov. 9-10, they are carrying a message supported by Americans across the country: Congress must honor its commitment to veterans. The VFW's Honor the Contract petition gives every American an opportunity to stand behind that message by calling on Congress to vote NO on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA) because of Section 108's proposed disability compensation cuts and YES on the standalone CLEAN Major Richard Star Act. Every signature adds to the nationwide show of support that VFW advocates are bringing to Capitol Hill. Help us reach 100,000 signatures by adding your name and sharing the petition with friends, family and coworkers. Sign the petition.

TRICARE logo

TRICARE Open Season Now Open: TRICARE Open Season runs from Nov. 9 through Dec. 8, allowing eligible beneficiaries to enroll in or change their TRICARE health plans for 2027. Active duty service members, TRICARE for Life beneficiaries and those enrolled in certain premium-based plans are not affected. Open Season applies to beneficiaries eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, including eligible family members and military retirees. Changes made during this period will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Beneficiaries satisfied with their current coverage do not need to take action provided they remain eligible, and are encouraged to review their coverage options, costs and provider networks before making changes. Learn more.

Dentist with a patient
Federal Employee Dental and Vision Open Season Begins: The 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season runs from Nov. 9 through Dec. 14, allowing eligible beneficiaries to enroll in, change or cancel dental and vision coverage for 2027 through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). Eligible participants include military retirees and certain family members and survivors, although eligibility requirements differ for dental and vision coverage. Changes will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Beneficiaries satisfied with their current coverage do not need to take action since existing enrollments automatically continue. FEDVIP Open Season is separate from TRICARE Open Season, which ends on Dec. 8. Learn more.
The POW/MIA flag flying in the breeze

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

 

Identifications:

-- World War II Army Technician Fifth Grade James Torka

-- World War II Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Dell P. Hudson

 

Updates:

-- World War II Army Pfc. William A. Gervais, Jr., Massachusetts

-- World War II Army Pvt. Joseph A. Gala, Massachusetts

The VFW is not responsible for third-party content material that may be misleading, incomplete, erroneous, offensive, indecent or otherwise objectionable.

Click here to sign up new veterans’ advocates.

Click here to view VFW-supported bills in the 119th Congress. 

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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