Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• A federal judge has ordered the VA to expedite housing for homeless veterans in LA.

• An investigation by a political group has found that the VA paid $130 million in back pay to terminated employees.

• The VA is expanding its burial receptacle benefits for vets.

• A new project by the Tennessee Valley VA is using fly fishing for therapy and is finding its use improving quality of life significantly.

• The story of a Gulf War hero.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Judge Orders VA to Expedite Housing for Homeless Veterans in Los Angeles

A federal judge in California, David O. Carter, has mandated the VA to rapidly construct housing on the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center campus to address the homelessness crisis among veterans in the area. Carter's ruling stems from a class-action lawsuit filed by homeless veterans, aiming to use the 388-acre campus to provide shelter for the nearly 3,000 homeless veterans in Los Angeles.

In his October ruling, Carter ordered the immediate construction of 750 temporary housing units and 1,800 permanent units by 2030, in addition to the 1,200 units the VA had already promised but failed to complete since 2015. The ruling also voided several leases on the campus, including those for UCLA's baseball stadium and oil facilities, citing that the land must benefit veterans per the original 1888 donation agreement.

This decision represents a significant step toward ending veteran homelessness in Los Angeles. The VA has yet to announce whether it will appeal the ruling. However, the VA remains committed to reviewing the court’s decision and continuing efforts to address veteran homelessness nationwide.

Investigation Reveals VA Paid $130 Million in Back Pay to Terminated Employees

A recent investigation by the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) found that the VA has paid over $130 million in back pay to 1,700 employees terminated under a 2017 law to increase accountability. Based on Freedom of Information Act filings, the investigation also revealed that more than 100 employees who were fired for issues such as negligence or sleeping on the job have been reinstated.

The 2017 Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act was designed to streamline the firing of federal employees for misconduct or poor performance. However, after its passage, the VA was ordered to attend arbitration for failing to negotiate with its public employee union. This led to a settlement in 2023, in which 106 employees were reinstated while others received financial compensation.

The VA stated that no reinstated employees were involved in serious offenses, such as patient abuse, and emphasized that those reinstated would be held accountable. The VA also highlighted its efforts to improve care for veterans and maintain high standards of employee performance.

AFPI's investigation revealed that out of over 4,000 employees terminated, more than 1,700 received compensation. Total back pay could reach $300 million if extended to all terminated employees. Despite differing opinions on the reinstatements, the VA maintains that it is committed to holding employees accountable and improving services for veterans.

📜 VBA Updates

Expansion of VA Burial Receptacle Benefits for Veterans' Cemeteries

The VA is implementing a new authority to provide outer burial receptacles (OBRs) in VA grant-funded cemeteries, effective Jan. 5, 2023. OBRs, which prevent grave sinking and maintain surface contours, will now be covered in these cemeteries, reducing costs and improving cemetery maintenance and aesthetics. 

Starting Nov. 9, 2024, individuals who purchased OBRs for private burials or state and tribal organizations providing them can apply for a monetary allowance from the VA. This expansion, made possible by Public Law 116-315, extends benefits previously available only in VA national cemeteries to VA grant-funded cemeteries, supporting Veterans, their families, and state and tribal partners.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

Project Healing Waters: Fly Fishing as Therapy for Veterans

Tennessee Valley VA’s recreational therapy program offers Veterans the opportunity to improve their mental and physical health through activities like Project Healing Waters, which focuses on fly fishing. Veterans like Joshua Green, a Marine Corps veteran initially hesitant to join, found camaraderie and stress relief through this program. Project Healing Waters, founded in Chattanooga by veteran Ross Schweinforth, helps veterans heal by teaching skills like fly tying and casting while fostering community.

Veterans from various service eras participate, and the healing extends beyond fishing, with activities promoting physical and mental well-being. The program offers other recreational therapies, such as adaptive sports, aquatic therapy, and equine therapy, to support veterans in regaining independence and improving their quality of life.

Veteran App of the Week

STAIR Coach

The STAIR Coach app is designed to support individuals undergoing Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) therapy, evidence-based psychotherapy aimed at helping people manage emotions and improve interpersonal relationships. The app is beneficial for individuals dealing with trauma-related challenges, such as mood changes, anxiety, and difficulties in social interactions, which are common in conditions like PTSD.

Key features of the app include:

• Tools for emotion and behavior management.

• A mood journal to track emotions and patterns.

• Readings and educational materials about trauma.

• Customizable reminders and self-care suggestions.

While the app can be used alone, it works best when combined with in-person therapy. It allows users to work through exercises assigned by their therapist, track their progress, and develop skills to cope with the emotional aftermath of trauma.

The STAIR Coach app was developed by the VA’s National Center for PTSD, aiming to enhance the therapy experience for veterans and anyone struggling with emotional regulation following trauma​.

Military Deals of the Week

*We do not explicitly endorse any of these companies as we have not personally purchased from many of them. We are simply sharing online deals that we have found for your convenience.

• 20% Off: Merrel

• 15% Off: Jackery

• 15% Off: Tommy Hilfiger

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Randy Shughart

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Randall D. Shughart was born on August 13, 1958, in Lincoln, NE. Shughart grew up in a military family with a deep sense of duty and discipline. His father was an Air Force officer, which instilled in him a strong respect for the military from an early age. Shughart spent much of his childhood on military bases, and this environment, combined with his admiration for his father's service, greatly influenced his decision to join the military.

After graduating high school, Shughart enlisted in the U.S. Army and eventually became a member of the Army’s elite Delta Force, a highly secretive special operations unit. Shughart chose to join the military for several reasons, including a desire to serve his country and to be part of something greater than himself. 

He sought the challenge and honor of being in the Army, and his drive to push himself to the limits of what he could achieve led him to pursue one of the most rigorous paths in the U.S. military.

While Shughart's actions during the Gulf War were commendable, his heroism during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993 cemented his legacy. This battle occurred during a mission to capture key leaders of a Somali warlord, and the situation quickly escalated when Somali militia forces shot down two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters. 

Shughart, serving as a sniper in Delta Force, was providing overwatch support from a helicopter when one of the Black Hawks, piloted by Chief Warrant Officer Michael Durant, was hit and crashed.

Recognizing that the downed helicopter was under heavy fire and that the crew was in immediate danger, Shughart and his fellow Delta Force sniper, Master Sergeant Gary Gordon, requested to be inserted at the crash site to defend the surviving crew members. 

Their request was denied twice, but they persisted, and on the third request, permission was granted. Shughart and Gordon were dropped near the crash site, knowing full well that Somali fighters vastly outnumbered them.

Once on the ground, Shughart and Gordon fought bravely to hold off the advancing militia, providing cover fire and retrieving weapons from the wreckage to strengthen their defensive position. Despite their efforts, the situation became increasingly dire as waves of Somali fighters closed in on their position. 

Shughart continued to fight bravely, eventually running out of ammunition. His courage and determination, however, gave the surviving crew, including pilot Michael Durant, a fighting chance.

Shughart and Gordon’s actions bought critical time for the arrival of reinforcements, although both men were eventually overwhelmed and killed by the militia. Their sacrifice saved the life of Durant, who was captured by the Somali militia but survived his captivity and was later rescued. 

Shughart and Gordon were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, for their extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the face of overwhelming odds.

Shughart’s actions had a profound impact not only on those who served with him but also on the broader military community and the American public. His heroism exemplified the Army's core values of duty, selfless service, and personal courage. Shughart’s story has inspired countless soldiers and civilians alike, serving as a testament to the incredible sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military in the service of others.

In his honor, the U.S. Navy named a ship, the USS Shughart, for his bravery. His legacy continues in the military ethos, reminding future generations of soldiers what it means to serve truly. Shughart’s willingness to lay down his life for his fellow soldiers represents the highest ideals of heroism, ensuring that his story will never be forgotten.

Businesses That Support Veterans

Farmer Veteran Coalition

The Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans transition into careers in agriculture. It educates veterans on sustainable farming practices, business management, and other critical aspects of agriculture, empowering them to start and maintain successful farms. 

Through its Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund, FVC offers grants to assist veterans in purchasing essential equipment and supplies, ensuring they have the resources necessary to grow their businesses. 

The organization also runs the Homegrown By Heroes program, which allows veterans to label their products as veteran-grown. This helps them stand out and connect with consumers who want to support veteran-owned businesses.

Beyond financial support, FVC plays a crucial role in fostering a community for veteran farmers, offering networking opportunities and peer support to address the challenges of farming. 

By connecting veterans with others in the agricultural industry, FVC helps them thrive in their new careers and find renewed purpose after their military service. This comprehensive approach enables veterans to contribute to America's food supply while building meaningful, independent livelihoods in the agricultural sector.

Thank You For Your Service!

Not every service member 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 defended these liberties, symbolizing a collective commitment to the nation's well-being. 

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

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Until Next Time!

Stay tuned for next week’s edition, where we’ll cover more stories and policy updates and find tools & deals for the veteran community.

Thanks,

The Veterans Newsletter