VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW Speaks at Transition Rights Forum: VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joy Craig participated in a forum hosted by United for Human Rights during the 2026 conference of the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights in Washington, D.C. The event brought together more than 150 advocates and policy leaders at the U.S. Capitol to discuss human rights issues, including the well-being of veterans. Craig highlighted the connection between military-to-civilian transition and human dignity, noting that a successful transition is not simply an employment milestone but honors the nation’s commitment to those who served. She also underscored VFW support for strengthening the Transition Assistance Program, improving Department of Defense oversight, and expanding access to accredited assistance for service members filing VA claims before separation. Read more.
VFW Challenges VA Rules Denying Full GI Bill Benefits: The VFW has filed a legal brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit challenging Department of Veterans Affairs rules that deny veterans the full education benefits they earned through service. The case centers on the 2024 Supreme Court decision in Rudisill v. McDonough, which affirmed that veterans eligible for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill may receive up to 48 months of combined education benefits. The VFW argues that VA’s current rules impose restrictions Congress never intended, including requiring a break in service before accessing the full benefit. By taking this fight to court, the VFW seeks to ensure the law and the Supreme Court’s ruling are fully honored. Read the brief.
VFW Hosts Inaugural Bonus Army Memorial March: Members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, VFW staff and supporters took part in the first Bonus Army Memorial March on the National Mall during the VFW’s Washington Conference. The purpose of the march was to honor the World War I veterans who marched on Washington in 1932 seeking early payment of promised service bonuses. Participants of the memorial march walked a course around part of the National Mall, beginning at the Lincoln Memorial and stopping at each war memorial in remembrance of the service and sacrifices made on behalf of the nation. The march served as a powerful tribute to the legacy of the Bonus Army while reinforcing the organization’s continued advocacy for veterans on Capitol Hill.
House Oversight Hearing on Dole Act Implementation: The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on the implementation of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Public Law 118-210) in the first year since its enactment. Witnesses from the VA and the U.S. Government Accountability Office testified. To date, only one-third of the law’s sections have been completed, leaving veterans and their families at a disadvantage in accessing services and benefits intended to improve their quality of life. Watch the hearing, which begins at the 53:17 mark. VFW-SVA Legislative Fellows Advocate on Capitol Hill: The 2025-2026 VFW–SVA Legislative Fellows traveled to Washington, D.C., for the VFW Washington Conference to engage directly in the legislative process. They joined delegations from California, Washington, Nebraska, Florida and Massachusetts for congressional meetings to advocate for H.R.1965, Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, which would adjust the Post-9/11 GI Bill book and supplies stipend to account for inflation. The experience gave the fellows firsthand insight into how veterans’ voices and student veteran leadership help shape policy, laws and advocacy on Capitol Hill. To urge Congress’ support for this issue, respond to the VFW’s Action Alert here.
Working Together to Save Lives: Face the Fight’s second annual coalition convened March 3-4 in Louisville, Kentucky, bringing together organizations and leaders from across the country to share ideas and strengthen mental health support for our military communities. The VFW was proud to join the conversation on suicide prevention and awareness alongside notable leaders in the military and veteran service space. Speakers included Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force (Ret.) JoAnne Bass, former U.S. Representative and 32nd Under Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy, and celebrity chef Robert Irvine who is helping to modernize Army dining facilities. Discussions focused on supporting high-risk and underserved populations, improving lethal means safety, addressing financial stress and its impact on mental health, and exploring how AI is enhancing real-world clinical support. Every day, VFW accredited representatives stand ready to help service members, veterans and their families navigate mental health challenges by providing expert claims guidance, assistance with VA benefits, and support accessing vital care and resources. Learn more.