Action Corps Weekly Hero 2021

VFW Action Corps Weekly

Washington, D.C. VA hospital sign

VA on Track for Total Staff Reductions: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is on track to reduce its staff by nearly 30,000 by the end of the current fiscal year, Sept. 30, 2025. The reduction will be achieved through attrition, early retirements, deferred resignations, and the federal hiring freeze. These options have been effective leading to nearly 17,000 fewer staff so far this year, eliminating the need for a large-scale reduction in force. An additional 12,000 employees are expected to leave by the end of September. VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt responded to the announcement by saying he applauds VA Secretary Collins for taking a “scalpel approach" to these reductions. Read more.

VFW Issues an Action Alert

Urge Your Senators to Act Now to Keep Veterans in Their Homes: VA ended its temporary Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program in May with no replacement in place, leaving thousands of veterans at greater risk of foreclosure. The House has passed H.R. 1815, VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, introduced by VFW member and House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Derrick Van Orden, to allow VA to cover delinquent payments and work with lenders to prevent unnecessary foreclosures. The VFW is now calling on the Senate to immediately pass this legislation. Tell your senators to keep veterans in their homes!

Paul R. Lawrence with Mike Figlioli and Ryan Gallucci

VFW Meets with VA Deputy Secretary: VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci and National Veterans Service Director Mike Figlioli met with VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., at the VFW Memorial Building to discuss their shared priorities including the modernization of the Electronic Health Record system, the VA benefits process, and timely access to care for all veterans. This was the deputy secretary’s first visit to the VFW Washington Office since his confirmation in March.

Don't Feed the Sharks

Rhode Island Enacts Law to Shield Veterans from Predatory Claims Agents: Before adjourning in June, the State of Rhode Island General Assembly became the latest state legislature to pass a law aimed at protecting veterans from predatory, unaccredited claims agents, often referred to as Claim Sharks. These entities charge steep fees to “coach” veterans through the VA disability compensation claims process, despite lacking VA accreditation, training, or oversight. Rhode Island’s new law prohibits anyone from advising or assisting a veteran with a VA disability claim, unless authorized under federal law, and empowers the state to enforce penalties under its deceptive trade practices statute. Read the bill.

United States Department of Defense Seal

DOD Assessing Budget Reduction for Discretionary Service Relocations: The Department of Defense (DOD) services are currently reviewing their budgets for discretionary permanent change of station (PCS) moves with a 50% reduction goal by fiscal year 2030. A recent survey of military spouses cited PCS moves as the main reason for dissatisfaction with military life as these relocations can be extremely disruptive to family members’ employment and education. Only approximately 20% of PCS moves are considered mandatory. The services have been directed to look at limiting non-essential relocations and extending assignment tour lengths where appropriate. The intended result is to improve stability and quality of life for service members and their families, while maintaining mission readiness at all times. The services have a deadline of September 22 to submit their proposed plans. Read more.

The POW/MIA flag flying in the breeze

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

 

Identifications:

-- World War II Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Morton Sher

-- Korean War Army Cpl. Howard A. Troup

 

Updates:

-- World War II Army Air Forces Pfc. Norman R. Thomas, Alabama

-- Korean War Army Pfc. Jack M. Cash, California

-- Korean War Army Cpl. Paul E. Hoots, Illinois

-- World War II  Army Pvt. 1st Class Leon R. Karwacki, Wisconsin

-- World War II Army Air Forces Pfc. Lee I. Clendenning, Wisconsin

-- World War II Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Nathaniel L. Hightower Jr., Alabama

-- World War II Army Pvt. Erwin H. Schopp, Nebraska

-- World War II Army Tech. Sgt. Joseph R. Moore, Virginia

-- Korean War Army Sgt. Elwyn D. Nordyke, Washington

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