Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• The DOD is getting ready to explore the use of psychedelic drugs to treat PTSD and other mental conditions in active-duty troops

• Ukraine and Russia are both struggling with supply issues. Ukraine is struggling to secure funding for ammunition and weapons, and the war’s outcome depends on sustained Western support.

• The VA has announced an initiative to tackle veteran homelessness after a 7.4% increase in veteran homelessness in 2023.

• The AP reported potential health hazards at many ICBM facilities and Launch Control Centers in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota.

• VetNet is a service designed to help military veterans in their transition to civilian life and employment.

• Save big at YETI with your military discount

• Fun YouTube channels and social media services for veterans

• And more...

Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

The Department of Defense is set to explore the potential use of psychedelic drugs to treat PTSD and other issues among active-duty troops. President Biden signed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a provision known as the Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act. This provision directs the Defense Department to grant studies on psychedelic treatments for active-duty service members, ensuring controlled environments with professional therapists. 

The bill, authored by Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL, was named after Navy SEAL Douglas "Mike" Day, who died by suicide. The study includes substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and other plant-based alternatives. The VA has been conducting similar research for veterans. Despite this new legislation, the military has previously attempted to curb psychedelic use outside controlled research, with instances of personnel getting disciplined for unauthorized drug use (link).

Ukraine and Russia are both struggling to supply their forces. Russia faces difficulties in parts of Ukraine, particularly the south. Closing key supply lines, especially the Kerch Bridge, could lead to a Russian collapse. 

However, Ukraine's challenge lies in securing enough ammunition and weapons, with political gridlock hindering Western support. Russia, facing economic strain, may count on political changes in 2025. Ukraine's secure supply lines within the country are offset by a lack of industrial capacity due to constant Russian strikes. The war's outcome depends on sustained Western backing and Russia's ability to endure economic strain. If Western support wanes, Putin's victory and the risk of future aggression against Europe loom large (link).

📜 Policy Updates

The VA has announced grants to tackle veteran homelessness, including Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Grants and Legal Services Grants, totaling over $26 million. The SSVF Grants aim to rapidly rehouse veterans and prevent homelessness, while the Legal Services Grants provide legal assistance to homeless and at-risk veterans. 

The grants come in response to a 7.4% uptick in veteran homelessness in 2023. The VA's comprehensive efforts to combat veteran homelessness included permanently housing 38,847 veterans in 2023, expanding healthcare and legal access, and providing over $1 billion in grant funding. Grounded in the Housing First approach, the initiative prioritizes placing veterans into housing and offering wraparound support. President Biden has urged Congress to triple housing vouchers for veterans as part of broader anti-homelessness measures in 2024 (link).

The Associated Press reports potential health hazards at U.S. ground-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) facilities, specifically Launch Control Centers (LCCs) in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. Documents reveal asbestos reports from 1992 and leaks of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 1987, causing health issues. Air Force reviews in 2001 and 2005 deemed the areas safe despite known exposure incidents. 

LCCs, manned continuously and located underground, pose a risk to crews, with several former personnel reporting cancer. Air Force Global Strike Command detected elevated PCB levels, prompting cleanup orders at Minot and Malmstrom. An expanded survey aims to assess cancer cases among missile personnel. PCBs, banned in the 1970s, have potential health effects. The military plans to replace Minutemen III ICBMs with Sentinel ICBMs, intending major base overhauls, including LCC replacement, while acknowledging the current LCCs' toxic history (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

VetNet is a VA program designed to assist military veterans in their journey toward civilian employment. This collaborative effort between the VA, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and additional partners offers a comprehensive support system.

The program delivers a range of online resources and tools to empower veterans in navigating career options, acquiring fresh skills, and establishing connections with potential employers. VetNet features diverse resources, such as workshops dedicated to enhancing resumes, insightful job search tips, and webinars covering an array of career-related subjects. It strives to equip veterans with the necessary tools and knowledge to successfully transition to civilian employment (link).

Benefits of The Week

• 30% Off at YETI: YETI is an outdoor brand known for its high-quality, rugged coolers, drinkware, and outdoor gear, takes pride in recognizing the dedicated individuals who go above and beyond in their roles and deserve gear that matches their commitment. Through the ID.me program, military members, veterans, first responders, nurses, and government employees can now access exclusive pricing on selected YETI gear. 

  By completing a one-time verification, you can securely use your personal information and verified IDs at various integrated partners within the extensive ID.me network, including YETI.com.

• Veterans Saves: Veterans Saves is a program designed with the Consumer Federation of America to help veterans and their families enjoy greater financial stability. 

  The program urges the veteran community to embrace the Veteran Saves pledge while encouraging organizations to champion yearly savings. Veteran Saves is committed to empowering veterans and their families to enhance their financial well-being and realize their enduring financial objectives by offering education, resources, and unwavering support.

The Best of The Week

• The Dodo: Although not solely focused on military themes, The Dodo presents heartwarming tales of pet owners and their diverse companions—whether furry, feathered, or scaly. These narratives delve deep into the bonds forged, recounting the stories of how these individuals and their animal counterparts crossed paths and exploring their relationships. 

  Occasionally, the channel features narratives centered around military personnel and the special connections they share with their animal companions.

• WarLeaks: This widely-followed YouTube channel showcases unfiltered, firsthand perspectives of military operations through raw combat footage, military exercises, and global armed conflict news. The content offers an intense look into the realities of war, frequently featuring footage from combat zones. 

  It's important to exercise viewer discretion as the videos may contain graphic scenes and intense situations.

• RallyPoint: RallyPoint is a social networking platform specifically designed for members of the military community, such as active duty personnel and veterans. It helps connect current and former service members and provides professional networking with personnel who share interests and career paths.

  It also allows for community support via its discussion forums where users often discuss military life, career advice, and branch-specific questions. With RallyPoint, the process of reconnecting with old military friends is streamlined, making it more convenient than ever before.

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Corporal Jason Dunham

CPL Jason Lee Dunham was born on Nov. 10, 1981, in Scio, NY. Information about his upbringing is limited, but it is known that he lived a comfortable life with his parents and three siblings. He was also passionate about team sports, specifically basketball. In 2000, he graduated high school and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was assigned as a security force sentry at Naval Submarine Base in Kings Bay, GA, where he served until 2003.

He eventually transitioned to an infantryman role and was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Twentypines Palms, CA. In 2004 he was deployed with this unit to Iraq and served as a squad leader with 4th Platoon in the Al-Karābilah subdistrict.

On April 14, 2004, an ambush targeted the battalion commander's convoy, subjecting it to intense enemy fire near Husaybah. In a rapid response, he efficiently rallied his platoon to offer assistance. As they approached the combat zone, enemy forces detected the presence of CPL Dunham and his platoon, prompting an exchange of gunfire. Quick-thinking CPL Dunham directed his platoon to dismount from their vehicles and advance on foot, mitigating the ongoing threat of enemy fire.

While on foot, CPL Dunham and his platoon intercepted several Iraqi vehicles that were attempting to depart the area, heading away from the fighting. They searched these vehicles for weapons to eliminate the possibility that enemy combatants were escaping. 

One of these vehicles, a white Toyota Land Cruiser, contained severely AK-47 rifles. Upon being discovered, the driver leapt from the vehicle and began attacking CPL Dunham and his platoon while attempting to flee.

CPL Dunham began engaging the combatant in close-quarters combat in an attempt to subdue him. During the scuffle, the combatant was able to deploy and drop a hand grenade. As CPL Dunham noticed this imminent threat and immediately threw himself onto the grenade while attempting to use his helmet to shield himself and his comrades from the explosion. 

CPL Dunham, the Iraqi combatant, and two nearby Marines were wounded. Although CPL Dunham survived the blast, he was left with severe brain damage. After being evacuated back to the United States and while in a coma, it was deemed that his brain damage was, unfortunately, far too severe for him to recover. 

On April 22, 2004, surrounded by his family, CPL Dunham was taken off life support, marking the end of his heroic journey at the young age of 22.

Though he was a young man, CPL Dunham, like many before him, selflessly gave his life to ensure the safety of his brothers in arms. His sacrifice helped secure a future for the comrades under his leadership. 

He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest distinction in the US Military, for his heroic actions. Though CPL Dunham has left a mortal coil, his memory symbolizes a soldier’s dedication to his brothers and country. 

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!

Stay tuned for next week's edition, where we'll discuss more top stories and the latest policy updates!

Cheers,

Chad Hill

Founder,

The Veteran's Newsletter