I would like to let veterans know how much the VFW works for their benefits. While members of Congress are home for the August recess, their staff remain in Washington, D.C., tracking what constituents are saying and preparing for the work ahead. Now is the time to speak up.
Two critical VFW priorities must stay in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA):
Major Richard Star Act (Senate amendment)
Ends the unjust offset that prevents combat-injured, medically retired veterans from receiving both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. Veterans who earned both deserve both.
TAP Promotion Act (part of the House base text)
Improves the Transition Assistance Program by giving service members direct access to accredited VA claims assistance to receive their benefits at the earliest possible moment.
When Congress returns in September, negotiations will begin on the NDAA. These VFW priorities will not make it without strong support, and that starts with you.
Send a message to your senators and representative urging them to support the Major Richard Star Act amendment in the Senate NDAA and fight to keep both the Major Richard Star Act and the TAP Promotion Act in the final version of the NDAA. It is important that veterans help veterans.
We have great news to share! H.R. 1815, VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, has been signed into law. This victory is a direct result of your powerful advocacy. You raised your voices, and Congress listened.
Please take a moment to thank your representative and senators for supporting this vital legislation, as it passed both chambers unanimously. Your message of gratitude reinforces the importance of standing with veterans and reminds lawmakers how much these efforts matter to our community.
This new law will: Establish a permanent partial claim program at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assist veterans using the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program who are facing foreclosure by covering missed mortgage payments and helping them remain in their homes.
Strengthen VA’s homelessness prevention efforts by funding the Grant and Per Diem Program, which supports community organizations that provide transitional housing and services for veterans experiencing homelessness.
On May 7, 1970 Kenneth J. David at Fire Support Base Maureen, Thua Thein Province, Vietnam was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. His citation reads: Private First Class Kenneth J. David distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on May 7, 1970, while serving as a radio-telephone operator with Company D, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, near Fire Support Base Maureen, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam.
On this date, Private First Class David's company came under an intense attack from a large hostile force. The enemy’s ferocious initial assault mortally wounded the company’s Platoon Leader and resulted in numerous other friendly casualties. Upon the initial assault and without hesitation, Private First Class David handed his radio to his Platoon Sergeant and moved forward to the defensive perimeter, unleashing a barrage of automatic weapons fire on the enemy. From this location, Private First Class David bitterly resisted all enemy efforts to overrun his position. Realizing the impact of the enemy assault on the wounded who were being brought to the center of the perimeter, Private First Class David, without regard for his own life, moved to a position outside of the perimeter while continuing to engage the enemy.
Each time the enemy attempted to concentrate its fire on the wounded inside the perimeter, Private First Class David would jump from his position and yell to draw the enemy fire away from his injured comrades and back to himself. Refusing to withdraw in the face of the concentrated enemy fire now directed toward him, he continued to engage the enemy.
Although wounded by an exploding satchel charge and running perilously low on ammunition, he tossed hand grenades toward the attackers to effectively counter their fire. The unit’s medic, realizing that Private First Class David had been injured, moved to his position to provide aid, but Private First Class David assured him that he was okay and continued to fight on.
Private First Class David’s courageous and selfless actions continued to draw the enemy fire away from the incoming medevac helicopters, allowing the wounded to be safely evacuated. After allied reinforcements fought their way to his company’s position, Private First Class David carried a wounded comrade to a sheltered position. He then returned to the contact area and continued to engage the enemy and provide covering fire for the wounded until the enemy broke contact and fled, at which point he too was medically evacuated.
Private First-Class David’s conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
I would like to announce that our flash board is now operational for Bingo. This makes playing much easier for everyone. Also, a big thank you to The Main Street Market, (5344 State Route 23, Windham, NY) for sponsoring Bingo night with delicious Chicken Marsala and Penne pasta.
Chris, the owner, is the relative of a Marine veteran of Iwo Jima and this is his way of honoring that service and helping our post. The Main Street Community Center sends their thank you also. Another way our community helps each other. We salute you, Chris.
Keep all of our Veterans and still serving in the military in your thoughts and prayers. God bless America.
Marc Farmilette, PDC – Commander Post 1545
Remember to Subscribe!
0 comments:
Post a Comment