Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
Subject: VFW Action Corps Weekly, May 29, 2015
From: amarkel@vfw.org
Date: Fri, 29 May 2015 15:57:01 -0400
May 29, 2015
In This Issue:
1. VFW National Commander Meets VA Secretary
2. Denver Construction Continues
3. Almost 78,000 Service Members to Share $60 Million
4. VA Launches Summer of Service Campaign
5. Library of Congress Provides New Service
6. Two Korean War MIAs Identified
1. VFW National Commander Meets VA Secretary: VFW National Commander John Stroud met with VA Secretary Bob McDonald on Wednesday to discuss the way ahead for the Department of Veterans to overcome its nationwide crisis in care and confidence. Also discussed was the need to build the new VA medical center in Denver, as well as the VA's new Summer of Service volunteer initiative that the VFW fully supports. Read more about the volunteer initiative at: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2706.
2. Denver Construction Continues: Last Friday we reported that construction of the Denver VA Medical Center was days from shutting down for a second time due to funding issues. Later that night, the Senate cleared a House passed bill to prevent a shutdown and authorize VA to continue construction for about three more weeks. This three week extension buys VA and Congress little time to find a long-term solution so the project can be funded through completion without further work stoppages. The VFW will continue to work with VA, Congress and other stakeholders to ensure this project is completed.
3. Almost 78,000 Service Members to Share $60 Million: Starting in June, 77,795 service members will begin sharing $60 million for having been charged excess interest on their student loans by Navient Corp., the student loan servicer formerly part of Sallie Mae. The payments are required by a Justice Department settlement for violating the rights of service members eligible for benefits and protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The checks, which are scheduled to be mailed on June 12, will range from $10 to over $100,000, but with an average of about $771. Check amounts will depend on how long the Navient interest rate exceeded the SCRA-mandated 6-percent interest cap, by how much, and on the types of military documentation the service member provided. Beginning June 12, service members with questions about their eligibility can call (855) 382-6421. More information is provided on the Justice Department press release at: http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/nearly-78000-service-members-begin-begin-receiving-60-million-under-department-justice.
4. VA Launches Summer of Service Campaign: On Tuesday, Secretary Bob McDonald kicked off the VA Summer of Service campaign to expand VA's existing partnerships and to encourage individuals and organizations to volunteer at VA facilities throughout the country. VA aims to have 100,000 volunteers by the end of August, a nearly 30 percent increase from last year. VA encourages individuals and organizations to look for VA at community events and engage VA employees and partners. Reach out to your local medical facility or National Cemetery to find out what can be done to help and check out #VASummerOfService on Vantage Point, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit: www.volunteer.va.gov/.
5. Library of Congress Provides New Service: The Library of Congress has launched a new campaign that allows greater library access to those with vision and physical impairments. "That All May Read" is a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to enrolled patrons. People may be eligible for the program if they are blind, have a visual disability that prevents them from reading regular print, or have a physical disability that keeps them from being able to hold a book. For more information, visit: www.loc.gov/ThatAllMayRead.
6. Two Korean War MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that the remains of two missing Americans from the Korean War have been identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors. Returned home are:
To sign up new veterans' advocates, click here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup.htm.
As always, we want to share your advocacy stories on the VFW Capitol Hill blog. To share your stories, either fill out our online form by clicking here: http://www.vfw.org/Forms/Capitol-Hill-Blog-Submissions/, or simply email photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org.
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