NEXTGOV.COM
VA, NARA Complete Digitization Effort to Help Speed Up Disability Claims for Some Veterans
NEXTGOV.COM
VA Officials Hope to Wrap Training, Testing Before October Go-Live of EHR Program
STRIPES.COM
Dozens of military families have had to repay VA for GI Bill benefits
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Report: Vet counseling fixes needed to fight counselor burnout
MILITARYTIMES.COM
VA’s community care programs lack wait-time standards and proof of success, critics charge
CONNECTINGVETS.RADIO.COM
Military caregiver respite program is expanding
NEWS.BLOOMBERGLAW.COM
Full Federal Circuit Grapples With Right to Review VA Manual
A Mighty Girl
October 5 at 10:18 PM ·
Happy 61st birthday to acclaimed American architect and artist Maya Lin! As a 21-year-old undergraduate at Yale in 1981, Maya Lin's design was selected for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, beating out 1,441 other competition submissions. Her famous memorial features a black cut-stone masonry wall with the names of 58,300 fallen soldiers etched into its face. The American Institute of Architects has ranked it as number 10 on their list of America's Favorite Architecture. Lin, who continues to work today as an architectural designer and artist, also designed the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama among many other works.
To share her story with children, Maya Lin is the subject of the inspiring picture book, "Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines," for ages 5 to 9 (https://www.amightygirl.com/maya-lin-light-and-lines) and the photo-filled "Maya Lin: Thinking With Her Hands" for ages 10 and up (https://www.amightygirl.com/thinking-with-her-hands)
She is also featured in two compilation books for children: "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to my Daughters" for ages 5 to 9 (https://www.amightygirl.com/of-thee-i-sing) and “Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed The World” for ages 7 to 12 (https://www.amightygirl.com/amelia-to-zora)
For adults who would like to learn more about this pioneering architect, we recommend her visually stunning book "Boundaries" at http://amzn.to/1WHhLAo
To learn about about heroic women who served during the Vietnam War, we also recommend "Courageous Women of the Vietnam War" for teens and adults, ages 13 and up, at https://www.amightygirl.com/courageous-women-of-the-vietnam-war
And, for fun ways to inspire the architects and builders of tomorrow, we've showcased our favorite girl-empowering building toys in our blog post: “Building Her Dreams: Top 60 Building and Engineering Toys for Mighty Girls," at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=10430
STRIPES.COM
Trump signs veteran suicide prevention measures into law
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Seeking the Military Suicide Solution Podcast, Episode 39: Mental health historians Jeffrey Allen Smith and Michael Doidge
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Delay in release of annual veterans suicide report raises concerns
CONNECTINGVETS.RADIO.COM
Fauci tells veteran caregivers US could face 'very difficult fall and winter' during pandemic
HEALIO.COM
Payment reforms reduce dialysis costs for veterans and improve access to care
MILITARY.COM
Retirees: Start Paying for Tricare Select Now or Lose Coverage in January
THEHILL.COM
House Republicans push VA for details on recent data breach
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Seeking the Military Suicide Solution Podcast, Episode 40: David Bachmann — Peer Support in Suicide Prevention
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Fees at national parks waived for veterans, Gold Star families starting next month
CONNECTINGVETS.RADIO.COM
After investigation found foreign actors targeting vets online, VVA and Homeland Security join forces
FEDSCOOP.COM
After months of delays, VA launches modernized Cerner EHR at first medical center - FedScoop
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Here’s what military retirees who are affected by new Tricare Select fees should do now
STRIPES.COM
Sen. Tester urges Pentagon to halt new Tricare fees that are set to rise soon for many military families
FEDERALNEWSNETWORK.COM
VA touts successful first EHR go-live: ‘A lot of things worked’ | Federal News Network
MILITARY.COM
VA's High-Tech Training Program Runs Out of Money After One Month
BLOGS.VA.GOV
Collections debt relief and statement information updates - VAntage Point
FEDERALNEWSNETWORK.COM
VHA cuts FOIA backlog in half, thanks to telework infrastructure | Federal News Network
MILITARY.COM
Tax Breaks Coming to Some Vets, Surviving Spouses in These 3 States
FEDERALTIMES.COM
OPM proposes rule to fix the burden of vets’ miscalculated pensions
NEXTGOV.COM
VA Plans for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
CONNECTINGVETS.RADIO.COM
Lawmakers make final push to expand care for thousands more veterans sick from Agent Orange
CONNECTINGVETS.RADIO.COM
Senators introduce key bill to help protect veterans who experience VA medical malpractice
CONNECTINGVETS.RADIO.COM
Navy faces lawsuit for allegedly falsely denying retirement disability claims
CONNECTINGVETS.RADIO.COM
'VA needs to fix this:' K2 veterans sick from toxic exposure need help now, lawmakers say
MILITARY.COM
Shake-Ups Coming for Some Military Congressional Committees After the Election
STRIPES.COM
An eviction ‘tsunami’ in Virginia could be coming after the new year, advocates warn
Crystal Mai Purdy-Newland
10 hrs ·
Remembering Pearl Harbor. 🇺🇸
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
20 hrs ·
Your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard would like to thank and celebrate one of our Covid-19 silent behind the scene heroes, Vicki Behrens, from Sequim.
Back in March, she started sending 10-15 greeting cards to our veterans each week since the stay-at-home-order started.
It has been such a blessing for our veterans to receive a handwritten card of encouragement every week.
Vicki has sent over 300 cards since this all began and this is evidence that one person can make a difference in the hearts of many!
#TheseAreOurHeroes #WeLoveOurCommunity
Your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard would like to thank and celebrate one of our Covid-19 silent behind the scene heroes, Vicki Behrens, from Sequim.
Back in March, she started sending 10-15 greeting cards to our veterans each week since the stay-at-home-order started.
It has been such a blessing for our veterans to receive a handwritten card of encouragement every week.
Vicki has sent over 300 cards since this all began and this is evidence that one person can make a difference in the hearts of many!
#TheseAreOurHeroes #WeLoveOurCommunity
RADIO.COM
VA again delays Agent Orange care expansion, blames pandemic for stalled studies
WASHINGTONPOST.COM
VA may distribute coronavirus vaccines within a couple of weeks, Wilkie tells veterans groups
STRIPES.COM
COVID-19 vaccine to start arriving in states Monday, US officials say
The Veterans Law Office of Katrina J. Eagle
December 11 at 1:56 PM ·
Great News! Bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism are finally getting added to the Agent Orange presumptive list (pending the President's signature). Hopefully hypertension will be added as well in the near future.
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
December 10 at 10:25 AM ·
The Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard recently received two Facebook Portal stations donated by the Fisher House Foundation.
These Facebook Portals allow residents to place video calls over Facebook messenger with more ease and a quicker process overall for staff and residents. Each has a 32-inch screen and comes with its own cart.
Here is the first resident using a portal. He just said, “Hey Portal, call …..” and the call was placed to his family!
This will have an amazing impact on residents and provides a wonderful opportunity for veterans and families to connect on their own throughout the day.
We would like to say THANK YOU to the Fisher House Foundation for this generous donation! #WeLoveOurCommunity
More background:
https://fisherhouse.org/news-media/articles/national-fisher-house-foundation-donates-facebook-portals/
THEHILL.COM
Inspector general told prosecutors VA Secretary Wilkie may have engaged in criminal conduct: report
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Legal victory and false hope?
MILITARY.COM
The VA Will Cover Late Mortgage Payments Under This Plan
USNEWS.COM
Biggest Vets Groups Step up Pressure on Trump to Fire Wilkie
FEDSCOOP.COM
VA finishes IT overhaul for GI Bill education benefits - FedScoop
STRIPES.COM
VA releases order of veterans, staff to be vaccinated
MILITARYTIMES.COM
$1 million initiative aims to address racial inequities to improve lives of military families
MILITARY.COM
'Steep Learning Curve:' Muted Response to VA Secretary Nominee from Veterans Groups
STRIPES.COM
VA to restart debt collections after a nine-month pause
STRIPES.COM
Legislation to give burial benefits to cremated veterans clears Congress
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Toxic chemical exposure can increase risk for COVID-19 complications — and adverse reactions to vaccine
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Here are 128 new VA sites for veterans, staff to get coronavirus vaccine
USNEWS.COM
Fix Promising Better Dementia Care for Veterans Approved
MILITARY.COM
You May Be One of the Many Veterans Getting a Big Bill from the VA Next Month
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Insurance changes could help disabled veterans, troops in the new year
STRIPES.COM
Conn. town to rename bridge in honor of sailor killed in 2017 USS John S. McCain collision
STRIPES.COM
Afghanistan: Remembering the fallen of 2020
STRIPES.COM
Death of Merrill’s Marauder veteran leaves only seven survivors of the famed WWII unit
JDNEWS.COM
World War II veteran reflects on life dedicated to the Marine Corps
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
17 hrs ·
The Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard is the first of Washington’s State Veterans Homes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The other Homes will receive theirs on:
Dec. 31 at the Walla Walla Veterans Home
Jan. 7at the Spokane Veterans Home
Jan. 7 at the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting.
The WDVA Veterans Homes Program registered for the Operation Warp Speed Pharmacy Partnership Program with Walgreens as our pharmacy.
OREGONLIVE.COM
Oregon man, 99, survived Pearl Harbor, then COVID-19
https://patch.com/washington/seattle/coronavirus-vaccine-eligibility-tool-launch-wa-week
PATCH.COM
Coronavirus Vaccine Eligibility Tool To Launch In WA This Week
Barrett Bonin
December 26, 2020 at 4:00 PM ·
US Army SFC Robert “Bob” Howard (1939-2009) served with the 101st Airborne Division and the elite Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces and deployed to South Vietnam in 1967. During his 54 months in-country, spanning five tours, he was wounded fourteen times. He was recommended for the Medal of Honor on three separate occasions, during a thirteen-month period.Two were declined due to the covert nature of his missions in Cambodia. As a result of his distinguished service, he received a battlefield commission from master sergeant to first lieutenant. While on a mission to locate a missing soldier in enemy held territory his platoon was attacked by approximately 250 North Vietnamese soldiers. During the initial attack he was wounded and his rifle destroyed by a grenade. The Green Beret returned fire with a .45 caliber pistol handed to him by a sergeant. As he was administering first aid, an enemy round struck one of the ammunition pouches on his belt, detonating several rounds. He then began dragging the casualties towards the platoon area. He retrieved his wounded platoon leader and administered first aid, then crawled from soldier to soldier to provide first aid and to direct fire towards the encircling enemy. For 3 ½ hours his platoon was able to defend their position, ultimately enabling extraction helicopters to land. He supervised the loading of his soldiers onto UH-1 helicopters and did not leave the landing zone until all were safely aboard. For his actions he was awarded the Medal of Honor. During his military career he was also the recipient of a Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, four Legions of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, four Bronze Stars with “V” device and three oak leaf clusters, eight Purple Hearts and several other battlefield commendations too numerous to list. He was the most highly decorated recipient of the Medal of Honor. During his career he received two master’s degrees. He retired after 36 years of service with the rank of colonel. While Lt. Audie Murphy received "a lot" of medals, Col. Robert Howard was the recipient of a few more medals, than Murphy.
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
December 31, 2020 at 1:22 PM ·
All smiles today as our Walla Walla Veterans Homes received the COVID-19 vaccine.
The WDVA Veterans Homes Program registered for the Operation Warp Speed Pharmacy Partnership Program with Walgreens as our pharmacy.
The Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard received their vaccine yesterday, December 30, and our Spokane Veterans Home and Washington Soldiers Home in Orting will receive the vaccine on January 7th.
STRIPES.COM
Conn. town to rename bridge in honor of sailor killed in 2017 USS John S. McCain collision
STRIPES.COM
Afghanistan: Remembering the fallen of 2020
STRIPES.COM
Death of Merrill’s Marauder veteran leaves only seven survivors of the famed WWII unit
MILITARYTIMES.COM
New law expands VA loan eligibility for Guard, COVID-19 vets
BLOGS.VA.GOV
VA grows locations for C&P contract exams for Veterans and service members - VAntage Point
FEDERALNEWSNETWORK.COM
VA restarts collection notices for benefits overpayments after COVID put them on hold | Federal News Network
MILITARYTIMES.COM
After a years-long fight, veterans will see new medical malpractice protections
NEWS10.COM
Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange qualify for more benefits from 2021 NDAA
DEFENSENEWS.COM
Congress overrides Trump veto of defense bill
NYTIMES.COM
Opinion | Disabled Americans Are Losing a Lifeline
https://www.wsj.com/articles/older-vets-cant-get-benefits-because-of-covid-19-bottleneck-11610112128?reflink=desktopwebshare_twitter
WSJ.COM
Covid-19 Bottleneck Delays Benefits for Older Veterans
RADIO.COM
Operation Warp Speed denied Veterans Affairs more vaccine doses, internal memo says
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Veterans unemployment shows improvement amid negative reports on U.S. job market
BUSINESSINSIDER.COM
There will be more US troops in DC for Biden's inauguration than in Iraq and Afghanistan combined, a stark reminder of the danger of homegrown extremism
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Nearly 175,000 military retirees, family members may soon have no Tricare Select coverage
TWITTER.COM
Sharon Chischilly on Twitter
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Biden names temporary VA leadership as his secretary nominee awaits Senate debate
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
January 17 at 12:06 PM ·
Today marks 30 years since the start of Operation #DesertStorm. We honor the more than 650,000 #Veterans who served our country. Thank you for your service.
To learn more about benefits available to Gulf War Veterans: https://benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-gulfwar.asp
NYTIMES.COM
Opinion | Disabled Americans Are Losing a Lifeline
https://www.wsj.com/articles/older-vets-cant-get-benefits-because-of-covid-19-bottleneck-11610112128?reflink=desktopwebshare_twitter
WSJ.COM
Covid-19 Bottleneck Delays Benefits for Older Veterans
RADIO.COM
Operation Warp Speed denied Veterans Affairs more vaccine doses, internal memo says
POLITICO.COM
Black Veterans' group calls for representation at VA
BLOGS.VA.GOV
Study of post-mortem brain tissue yields new insights on PTSD - VAntage Point
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Will the Guard’s Capitol Hill deployment count towards GI Bill benefits?
STRIPES.COM
Tester takes lead of Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee
MILITARY.COM
Biden Signs Executive Order Delaying VA Debt Collections
MILITARY.COM
Agent Orange Exposure Doubles Risk of Developing Dementia, Study Finds
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Family of Air Force vet who died in VA care after being bitten by fire ants sues US, Orkin
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Veterans employment discrimination guidance updated
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Senators want to extend grace period for reinstating tens of thousands of retirees’ lost Tricare Select coverage
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Lawmakers introduce plan to eliminate Tricare premiums for adult children under 26
STRIPES.COM
Debt collection goes on while VA ‘exploring options’ to reinstate pause
MILITARYTIMES.COM
National Guard troops will get credit towards GI Bill benefits for Capitol Hill security mission
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Senate confirms McDonough as next Veterans Affairs Secretary
WASHINGTONPOST.COM
Opinion | I denied my combat trauma for years. Survivors of the Capitol attack must not do the same.
COINWORLD.COM
Tuskegee Airmen quarters begin entering circulation
WASHINGTONPOST.COM
Guard deployment to secure DC will cost nearly $500 million
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Veterans employment discrimination guidance updated
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Senators want to extend grace period for reinstating tens of thousands of retirees’ lost Tricare Select coverage
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Senate confirms McDonough as next Veterans Affairs Secretary
WASHINGTONPOST.COM
Opinion | I denied my combat trauma for years. Survivors of the Capitol attack must not do the same.
COINWORLD.COM
Tuskegee Airmen quarters begin entering circulation
WASHINGTONPOST.COM
Guard deployment to secure DC will cost nearly $500 million
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Veterans employment discrimination guidance updated
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Senators want to extend grace period for reinstating tens of thousands of retirees’ lost Tricare Select coverage
MILITARY.COM
Experiencing Sexual Assault Doubles Odds That Troops Will Leave Military, Report Finds
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Watchdog suggests VA halt medical records overhaul until lingering issues are resolved
FEDERALNEWSNETWORK.COM
GAO finds flaw in VA’s community care contracts | Federal News Network
RADIO.COM
Veterans, spouses report more challenges than retirees, survey finds
STRIPES.COM
VA extends its ban on evictions and foreclosures to June 30
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Coronavirus relief plan includes billions in new funds for veterans programs
BLOGS.VA.GOV
Getting Veterans COVID-19 vaccinations high priority, says SecVA - VAntage Point
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Seeking the Military Suicide Solution Podcast, Episode 50: Reflections with Duane and Shauna
#FoxBusiness
FOXBUSINESS.COM
Veterans to receive new banking, financial service options from Department of Veteran's Affairs
MILITARY.COM
Tricare Waives Referrals for Prime Enrollees Seeking COVID-19 Vaccine
MILITARY.COM
GAO Calls for Stop to VA's Electronic Medical Record Rollout Until Early Problems Get Fixed
MILITARYTIMES.COM
About 1 in 3 colleges have cut funding for veteran-support programs, survey says
https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/
VA.GOV
Pre-discharge claim | Veterans Affairs
Sexual assault is a pervasive problem in the U.S. military. According to the Defense Department’s most recent report, an estimated 20,500 service members were sexually assaulted or raped in 2018, and nearly 25 percent of all active-duty women experienced some form of sexual harassment. Crucially, those who experienced sexual harassment were at three times greater risk for sexual assault than those who did not. Of all sexual assaults experienced by service members in 2018, at least 62 percent were perpetrated by fellow service members.
Importantly, military sexual assault affects people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Sexual minority service members — especially male service members identifying as gay or bisexual — experience sexual harassment and assault at disproportionately high rates.
WASHINGTONPOST.COM
Opinion | How the Supreme Court can help sexual assault survivors in the military
MILITARY.COM
This Veteran Was Forced to Resign from a State Job Over a Sickness Caused by Burn Pits. Now the Supreme Court May Take Up His Case
RADIO.COM
Bill to help veterans get service dogs gets tail-wagging support from lawmakers, K9s For Warriors
MILITARYTIMES.COM
VA’s next medical challenge: catching up on millions of missed veterans’ appointments
STRIPES.COM
Bomb blast exposure may raise risk of Alzheimer’s, Army-funded research finds
https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/
VA.GOV
Pre-discharge claim | Veterans Affairs
Sexual assault is a pervasive problem in the U.S. military. According to the Defense Department’s most recent report, an estimated 20,500 service members were sexually assaulted or raped in 2018, and nearly 25 percent of all active-duty women experienced some form of sexual harassment. Crucially, those who experienced sexual harassment were at three times greater risk for sexual assault than those who did not. Of all sexual assaults experienced by service members in 2018, at least 62 percent were perpetrated by fellow service members.
Importantly, military sexual assault affects people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Sexual minority service members — especially male service members identifying as gay or bisexual — experience sexual harassment and assault at disproportionately high rates.
WASHINGTONPOST.COM
Opinion | How the Supreme Court can help sexual assault survivors in the military
MILITARY.COM
This Veteran Was Forced to Resign from a State Job Over a Sickness Caused by Burn Pits. Now the Supreme Court May Take Up His Case
RADIO.COM
Bill to help veterans get service dogs gets tail-wagging support from lawmakers, K9s For Warriors
MILITARYTIMES.COM
VA’s next medical challenge: catching up on millions of missed veterans’ appointments
STRIPES.COM
Bomb blast exposure may raise risk of Alzheimer’s, Army-funded research finds
Renee PoenieTRAVELING BACK TO THE OLD DAYS 40s -- 80s
March 12 at 2:32 PM ·
https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/
VA.GOV
Pre-discharge claim | Veterans Affairs
Sexual assault is a pervasive problem in the U.S. military. According to the Defense Department’s most recent report, an estimated 20,500 service members were sexually assaulted or raped in 2018, and nearly 25 percent of all active-duty women experienced some form of sexual harassment. Crucially, those who experienced sexual harassment were at three times greater risk for sexual assault than those who did not. Of all sexual assaults experienced by service members in 2018, at least 62 percent were perpetrated by fellow service members.
Importantly, military sexual assault affects people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Sexual minority service members — especially male service members identifying as gay or bisexual — experience sexual harassment and assault at disproportionately high rates.
WASHINGTONPOST.COM
Opinion | How the Supreme Court can help sexual assault survivors in the military
MILITARY.COM
This Veteran Was Forced to Resign from a State Job Over a Sickness Caused by Burn Pits. Now the Supreme Court May Take Up His Case
RADIO.COM
Bill to help veterans get service dogs gets tail-wagging support from lawmakers, K9s For Warriors
MILITARYTIMES.COM
VA’s next medical challenge: catching up on millions of missed veterans’ appointments
NYTIMES.COM
The Victims of Agent Orange the U.S. Has Never Acknowledged
STRIPES.COM
VA's whole health program for veterans shows drop in opioid use
MILITARY.COM
119,000 Retired Military Beneficiaries Still Haven't Set Up Payment Plans for Tricare Select
STRIPES.COM
Majority of wounded female veterans feel isolated, believe their service isn’t respected, WWP poll finds
MILITARY.COM
VA's Maternal Health Services Would Improve Under Proposed Legislation
STRIPES.COM
Senate passes bill allowing VA to vaccinate all veterans, spouses
https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/86248/veterans-poor-sleep-can-lead-mental-health-nightmares/?fbclid=IwAR1O8nmp_nvyO7n4A0Ys5v6x82C_zMBcCZp9wyjKSpjHDc9dVRaO6HFsJ44
BLOGS.VA.GOV
Veterans’ poor sleep can lead to mental health nightmares - VAntage Point
MILITARYTIMES.COM
VA to launch full review of electronic medical records overhaul amid concerns over project’s progress
STRIPES.COM
Veterans, civilian advocates bring expertise to Pentagon’s commission on military sexual assault
MILITARYTIMES.COM
VA to begin pilot programs to get COVID vaccines to all vets, spouses, caregivers
MILITARY.COM
The VA Just Got $17 Billion in COVID Relief Money. Here’s How They Plan to Spend It
MILITARYTIMES.COM
Skepticism surrounds VA promise to draw down backlog of compensation and pension exams