VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
October 25, 2013
In This Issue:
1. VFW Pushes Congress to Pass Budget
2. VA Publishes Education Complaint System Notice
3. VFW to Testify on National Cemeteries
4. VA to Pilot Dental Insurance Program
5. World War II MIA Identified
1. VFW Pushes Congress to Pass Budget: After the recent government shutdown, your VFW is working to ensure veterans' benefits won't be on the chopping block again in January. Last week VFW issued an Action Alert, calling on Congress to pass a budget, end sequestration and pass full VA advance appropriations by the next budget deadline on Jan. 15. Write to your legislators today and tell them to protect our veterans by clicking here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=62970431
2. VA Publishes Education Complaint System Notice: Last year your VFW worked diligently to improve consumer resources for college-bound veterans, ensuring veterans can be financially and academically prepared to go to college, but can also take action if they feel they are victims of fraud, waste or abuse. One of these critical resources was the establishment of a formal, centralized complaint system for student veterans. This week, VA published its complaint system in the federal register for public comment, moving it one step closer to implementation. All comments on the complaint system must be received no later than Nov. 25, 2013. To read the federal register entry and learn how to submit comments, click here: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-10-25/html/2013-25141.htm
3. VFW to Testify on National Cemeteries: Next week your VFW is scheduled to testify before the House VA Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. VFW National Legislative Director Ray Kelley plans to discuss VA's eligibility criteria for authorizing headstones and veteran medallions; VA's decision-making processes on determining who can be interred or honored in national cemeteries; options for burial in areas remote from existing national cemeteries; and the state of various cemeteries with regard to upkeep and potential improvements. The public hearing commences at 10 a.m. Eastern in room 334 of the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill. For details, click here: http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/%E2%80%9Cfocused-issues-on-dignified-burials-a-national-cemetery-update.
4. VA to Pilot Dental Insurance Program: A new VA program will soon allow all enrolled veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries to purchase private dental insurance at a reduced cost. Created by the Caregivers and Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, this three year pilot program known as the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) will offer a wide array of affordable plans to veterans and eligible dependents through Delta Dental and MetLife. Monthly premiums will range from $8.65 to $52.90, depending on level of coverage selected. Participation in this program is entirely optional and dental service connection is not required. Enrollment begins on Nov. 15, 2013, with coverage beginning on Jan. 1, 2014. For more information, visit: http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip/
5. World War II MIA Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Technician Fifth Grade Oneal Rush, 24, of Galivants Ferry, S.C. He will be buried Oct. 26, in his hometown. In August 1944, Rush, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers soldier, and six other service members were aboard an C-47A Skytrain aircraft that departed from Shingbwiyang, Burma to Myitkyina, Burma, on an air supply mission. Rush and the six service members were reported missing in action when the airplane failed to reached its destination.
Congratulations to the following Departments who signed up more than 100 new advocates to join our team in the last 30 days: Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, Washington, Illinois, New York, Virginia, and Arizona. Many others are not far behind, so keep up the good work!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.