Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

Before we get into the final edition of 2023, gear up for the new year by exploring these veteran-owned brands. If you've received funds or gift cards over the holidays, consider supporting these unique brands in your shopping ventures!

1. Battle Brothers Shaving Co.: This grooming company, founded by a US Army veteran, offers a plethora of products such as oils, balms, and razors to help keep your facial hair looking extra sharp, and a percentage of proceeds from every sale goes to the USO. 

2. Old Line Spirits: Founded by two ex-Navy aviators, Old Line Spirits offers a selection of bold, artisanal rum, whiskey, and vodka while supporting many veteran causes such as K9s for Warriors.

3. Brass & Unity: This jewelry and eyewear company, founded by Kelsi Sheren after serving in Afghanistan, offers stylish accessories and donates 20% of its net profits towards helping soldiers and first responders with PTSD.

4. Oscar Mike: This clothing company was founded by wounded veterans for wounded veterans. A percentage of the proceeds from its selection of patriotic t-shirts, hoodies, and more go towards veterans clinics and outdoor experiences for disabled veterans. 

In today's edition:

• The VA has initiated a scientific review for potential links between burn pit exposures and three specific conditions.

• A former US marine perished in Ukraine during his last stand, but not before he successfully repelled 12 Russian soldiers. 

• A new bill was signed into law to improve military barracks' building standards and living conditions. Additional reforms are expected.

• The VA's National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) is partnering with Salesforce to tackle military spouses' employment challenges.

• And more...

Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

On July 25, the VA initiated a scientific review for potential links between military burn pit exposure and three conditions: acute leukemias, chronic leukemias, and multiple myeloma (excluding the head and neck). This aligns with White House efforts to expand benefits for toxic-exposed veterans, potentially making these conditions presumptive and streamlining benefit claims for eligible veterans (link).

In last week's edition, we shared an article detailing the tragic death of a former US Marine who lost his life in Ukraine while bravely defending against a Russian attack. Recent reports reveal that in his final stand, he not only played a crucial role in repelling the assault but also engaged in combat with 12 Russian soldiers just 11 days before he was scheduled to return home. Explore the expanded account for more details (link).

📜 Policy Updates

A new Defense Department bill was signed into law that requires the Pentagon to set military-wide standards for habitable barracks, responding to documented poor living conditions. The legislation covers the minimum standards for condition, habitability, health, safety, and security, with waivers allowed only by a service secretary. The legislation also addresses cost considerations, maintenance work orders, and design standards and introduces a pilot program for faster replacement of substandard barracks. Further reforms are anticipated through recommendations from the House Armed Services Committee's quality-of-life panel for the next defense bill. The services have 30 days to issue their guidance (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

The VA's National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) collaborates with Salesforce to address employment challenges for military spouses. The partnership offers free training, certifications, and high-paying tech job opportunities. Becka Miller, a military spouse, shares her success story after gaining certification through Salesforce. (link).

Benefits of The Week

• On Jan. 17, The VA’s “First Steps to Financial Freedom” virtual class will help veterans and their spouses transition to the civilian world with strategies financial security and wealth-building.

• 15% off and up to 2% cash back at Carhartt.

• USA Cares provides emergency financial assistance for post-9/11 military veterans, service members, and their families to help them through short-term hardships and facilitate long-term financial stability. Eligibility varies by state. 

The Best of The Week

• Before I Forget: Launched by two combat infantrymen from the US Army, this podcast delves into their perspectives on life before and after the events of 9/11, covering their experiences in Germany, the initial phases of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the challenges of post-war life.

• Military Arms Channel: This popular YouTube channel explores the history, present, and future of small arms by bringing viewers to the shooting range for immersive reviews, demonstrations, and discussions covering handguns, rifles, and related accessories. 

• Bottle Breacher: Founded by a former Navy SEAL, Bottle Breacher crafts high-quality bottle openers from demilitarized ammunition. Each piece carries a unique story, and the mission of Bottle Breacher is to offer distinctive and visually striking bottle openers to veterans, service members, and their families.

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith

Born on September 24, 1969, in El Paso, TX, Paul Ray Smith later moved to Tampa, FL, at the age of nine. While there, he attended public school and developed a passion for playing football and other activities, such as skateboarding. He was a playful youth who enjoyed playing pranks on his friends and younger sister.

In 1989, fresh out of high school, Smith enlisted in the US Army, undergoing basic training at Ft Leonard Wood, MO. His journey led him to Germany, where he became a vital member of the 9th Engineer Battalion. Smith's military service included deployments during the Gulf War and later in Kosovo, where he conducted daily patrols in Gnjilane, a city near the Serbian border.

Transitioning to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Smith, now a part of the 11th Engineer Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division, faced a defining moment on April 4, 2003. After capturing Iraqi insurgents, Smith and his squad decided to construct a makeshift POW enclosure to house the captured insurgents. During this process, they discovered a significant number of Iraqi fighters positioned in trenches around their location, preparing for an imminent attack.

In response, Smith swiftly called for reinforcements, including a Bradley fighting vehicle and three M113 APCs. Unfortunately, one of the M113s was hit by a mortar, resulting in severe injuries to its three crewmembers.

The Bradley also came under heavy fire, was severely damaged, and retreated to reload after running through its munitions. During a lull in combat, SFC Smith and his squad began organizing the evacuation of the injured M113 crewmen but were notified that the military aid station was crowded with wounded and vulnerable to enemy advancement. 

SFC Smith decided to take a proactive position instead of withdrawing with the wounded to prevent the aid station from being overrun by Iraqi fighters. He manned one of the remaining M113’s machine guns and ordered the driver to position the vehicle to give them a positional advantage over the Iraqi fighters in the trenches and fire upon them.

Throughout the battle, SFC Smith engaged the enemy with exceptional marksmanship. However, after the battle, SFC Smith was unfortunately found in his turret hatch, downed by enemy fire. 

His sacrifice prevented the aid station from being overrun by enemy forces, safeguarding countless lives and thwarting the recapture of prisoners.

SFC Smith's extraordinary courage and unwavering dedication to his comrades earned him the Medal of Honor on April 4, 2005, commemorating the second anniversary of his heroic actions.

Before his deployment to Iraq, SFC Smith wrote a letter to his parents with the poignant words, "There are two ways to come home, stepping off the plane and being carried off the plane. It doesn't matter how I come home because I am prepared to give all that I am to ensure that all my boys make it home."

SFC Smith went beyond the call of duty that day, and his story is a testament to the bravery and dedication of heroes who serve our country. His sacrifice not only echoes the sentiment expressed in the letter to his parents but also embodies the essence of a soldier willing to give everything for the safety and well-being of his fellow service members.

Thank You For Your Service!

Not every servicemember may receive the Medal of Honor or garner widespread recognition, but that doesn't diminish the invaluable contributions each one has made to the sanctity and security of our great nation. 

The saying "freedom isn't free" holds profound truth – it resonates because every individual in the United States relies on the dedication of its military to safeguard the freedoms they enjoy. Each veteran has consciously chosen to defend these liberties, symbolizing a collective commitment to the nation's well-being.

Whether you fought on the front lines or provided crucial support from behind the scenes, thank you!

Top Resources For Veterans

1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

   • Overview: The VA provides a wide range of services for veterans, including health care, benefits, and memorial services.

   • Website: VA

2. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

   • Overview: An organization that offers various services to veterans, including assistance with benefits claims, scholarships, and community service opportunities.

   • Website: VFW

3. Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

   • Overview: DAV provides various services for disabled veterans, including transportation, employment resources, and benefits assistance.

   • Website: DAV

4. K9s for Warriors

   • Overview: This organization is committed to supplying highly-trained service dogs, primarily rescues, to military veterans dealing with PTSD, TBIs, or other service-related traumas, effectively saving two lives in the process.

   • Website: K9s for Warriors

5. Hire Heroes USA

   • Overview: An organization dedicated to helping veterans find employment through personalized job search training and assistance.

   • Website: Hire Heroes USA

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Until Next Time, Happy New Year!

Stay tuned for next week's edition, where we'll discuss more top stories and the latest policy updates! We appreciate your continued support, and we eagerly anticipate delivering exceptional veterans-related content throughout the new year.

Thank you for being with us!

Happy New Year,

The Veteran's Newsletter