Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• The VA is acknowledging missteps in its budgeting and promises to improve.

• New rules set to simplify military base access for veterans.

• Senators push for a quarterly VA budget oversight following mismanagement of funds.

• A new report highlights VA cybersecurity deficiencies and urges action.

• The VA has surpassed its 2024 goals to combat veteran homelessness.

• The House has approved a comprehensive bill designed to support veterans’ care and services.

• The story of a Vietnam War hero.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

VA Acknowledges Budget Missteps, Promises Improved Forecasting

VA officials admitted errors in forecasting budget needs during a House Appropriations Committee hearing, attributing miscalculations to surging workloads rather than financial misconduct. VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal acknowledged that projections “could have been more accurate” and pledged to deliver improved budget estimates in the future.

The acknowledgment follows Congress’s approval of $3 billion in emergency VA funding in September after warnings that benefit payments might be disrupted. However, the VA later revealed it carried over $5 billion in unspent funds, leaving $2 billion in cash reserves even without the emergency funding. This revelation drew sharp criticism from lawmakers, particularly over the fears raised regarding potential benefit delays.

VA officials defended their warnings, citing record-high demand for health care and benefits in fiscal 2024, including 127.5 million health care appointments and a 37% increase in new enrollees over the last two years. They argued that a $1 shortfall could have disrupted disability compensation, pensions, and education payments for 7 million veterans and survivors.

In response to budget concerns, the VA slowed hiring plans but assured lawmakers that immediate access to services had not been impacted. Officials admitted their earlier $12 billion shortfall projection for fiscal 2025 was overstated and promised to deliver a revised estimate and an independent assessment of the budgeting errors.

While expressing frustration, lawmakers committed to closely monitoring the VA’s financial management. The federal government faces a Dec. 20 deadline to finalize the fiscal budget, with $300 billion already approved for VA operations this year through advance appropriations.

New Rules Simplify Military Base Access for Eligible Veterans and Caregivers

The Department of Defense and the VA have introduced new rules to streamline access to military installations for over 4 million eligible veterans and their caregivers. These updates allow recurring enrollment, enabling veterans to use their VA-issued Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) or REAL ID to gain easier access. Caregivers and veterans without a VHIC can use a REAL ID-compliant license to enroll at installation visitor centers.

Eligibility includes veterans with service-connected disabilities rated from 0% to 90%, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and primary family caregivers under the VA Comprehensive Assistance Program. Veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings and Medal of Honor recipients already had access. Additional documentation may still be required at commissaries, exchanges, or MWR facilities.

Effective Nov. 1, the new process aims to improve convenience while maintaining security. Enrollment is valid for one to three years or one year after the last installation visit and involves presenting ID, undergoing a background check, and verifying eligibility. The changes reflect ongoing efforts by the VA and DoD to enhance access to benefits and services for veterans and their caregivers.

Senators Push for Quarterly VA Budget Oversight Following Funding Mismanagement

Sixteen Republican senators call for swift passage of the Protecting Regular Order for Veterans Act. This bill would mandate quarterly budget briefings from the VA for the next three years. The push comes after the VA secured emergency funding from Congress by warning of a $3 billion shortfall in fiscal 2024, which later revealed a $5.1 billion surplus.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, aims to increase the VA's financial accountability and transparency. It would require regular updates on the agency’s finances and impose restrictions, such as withholding bonuses for senior VA leaders in cases of budget shortfalls.

The senators, including Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, wrote to Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., criticizing the VA for alarming veterans with inaccurate financial warnings. Many veterans rely on timely compensation for essential expenses, making the VA’s claims particularly troubling.

Sullivan has pushed for the bill or similar accountability measures to be included in year-end veterans legislation, though the bill has yet to receive a hearing. Lawmakers emphasized the need for direct communication from VA leadership and called for reforms to prevent similar mismanagement in the future.

Report Highlights VA Cybersecurity Deficiencies and Urges Action

A new report from the VA’s Office of Inspector General has identified significant weaknesses in the cybersecurity measures used to protect the personal information of millions of veterans. The report cites weak passwords, outdated systems, and excessive user permissions, which could allow unauthorized access to sensitive data, including health and financial records.

During a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Committee’s subpanel on technology modernization, officials noted that the VA has been slow to address long-standing deficiencies despite incremental improvements. Challenges include outdated cybersecurity policies, insufficient system updates, and difficulties recruiting skilled cybersecurity professionals due to competitive industry demand.

The VA has requested a significant increase in its cybersecurity budget, from $110 million in fiscal 2024 to $707 million in fiscal 2025, to address these gaps. The funding would support hiring qualified personnel and implementing more robust security measures, including multi-factor authentication, as part of a shift to a zero-trust security model.

Experts and lawmakers emphasized the need for immediate improvements, such as applying software patches, managing user access, and enhancing medical device security. They also urged the VA to adopt measurable goals for its cybersecurity enhancements and better coordinate security efforts across its vast network of facilities.

Lawmakers called on the VA to prioritize cybersecurity to protect veterans’ sensitive data and address vulnerabilities proactively, ensuring the department’s systems remain resilient against growing threats.

📜 VBA Updates

VA Surpasses 2024 Goals to Combat Veteran Homelessness

The VA continues its commitment to ending Veteran homelessness, achieving and exceeding its 2024 goals. By the end of the fiscal year, the VA and its community partners permanently housed 47,925 Veterans, surpassing their target of 41,000 by 116.9%. Of those housed, 96% remained in stable housing. Additionally, the VA engaged with 42,064 unsheltered Veterans, connecting them to vital housing and health services.

The VA supports Veterans through various programs, including outreach services like the Health Care for Homeless Veterans, transitional housing through Grant and Per Diem programs, and permanent housing assistance via HUD-VASH. These resources address housing barriers while offering wrap-around services such as case management and employment assistance.

Since 2010, Veteran homelessness has been reduced by more than 52%, with 85 communities and three states achieving an effective end to Veteran homelessness, including Dallas, Texas, and Hennepin County, Minnesota, in 2024. Despite this progress, the VA remains committed to ensuring every Veteran has access to safe and stable housing, emphasizing that even one homeless Veteran is one too many.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

House Approves Comprehensive Bill to Support Veterans' Care and Services

The House passed Senator Elizabeth Dole's 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act in a 389-9 vote to improve caregiving programs, expand support for homeless veterans, and modernize VA services. Key measures include increasing VA coverage for home nursing care from 65% to 100%, raising funding for transitional housing, and reinstating the VA's authority to provide essentials like bedding, food, and transportation for homeless veterans. 

Additional provisions include grants for mental health care, expanded caregiver support, and the extension of job training initiatives for veterans through 2027. After months of delays due to legislative negotiations, the bill must move to the Senate for approval before becoming law. Advocates are pushing for swift Senate action to implement these critical reforms.

Veteran App of the Week

AIMS for Anger Management

The Insight Timer app is a meditation and mindfulness tool that offers a vast library of free resources to support mental well-being. It features guided meditations, music for relaxation, and courses on topics like stress relief and better sleep. 

The app includes a timer for independent meditation, and users can join live events and community groups to enhance their practice. On iOS and Android, Insight Timer provides an accessible way to improve mindfulness and mental health, with a premium option offering additional content and offline access.

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.

• 25% Off: AWAY

• 30% Off: Under Armour

• 20% Off: Aldo

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Michael J. Novosel

Michael J. Novosel Sr. was born on Sep.r 3, 1922, in Etna, PN, a steel mill town near Pittsburgh. Growing up during the Great Depression, he learned the value of resilience and hard work early. His father worked in the steel industry while his mother managed their household, instilling in him a sense of discipline and responsibility. 

Novosel’s fascination with aviation emerged during his youth, as he often spent time at local airfields watching planes take off and land. Determined to pursue his passion, he dedicated himself to becoming a pilot, setting the stage for a remarkable life of service.

In 1941, Novosel enlisted in the Army Air Corps just before the United States entered World War II. He trained as a B-29 bomber pilot and flew critical missions in the Pacific Theater. His bravery and precision during bombing missions earned him distinction, and after the war, he continued his aviation career in the Air Force. 

During the Korean War, he was an instructor, sharing his expertise with the next generation of pilots. By the 1960s, Novosel had transitioned to the Air Force Reserves and stepped back from active duty. However, his sense of duty returned him to service when the Vietnam War escalated. Despite being in his 40s and already a decorated veteran, Novosel volunteered to become a helicopter pilot in the Army, joining the 82nd Medical Detachment to fly medevac missions.

On Oct. 2, 1969, Novosel demonstrated extraordinary courage during a mission in Kien Tuong Province, Vietnam. Responding to an urgent call, he flew his unarmed UH-1 Huey helicopter into a fierce battle to rescue critically wounded South Vietnamese soldiers. The area was heavily fortified by enemy forces, with relentless gunfire and artillery posing extreme danger. Despite the overwhelming risks, Novosel piloted his helicopter into the combat zone and hovered just long enough for medics to load the wounded aboard. 

This daring act was repeated 15 times over 15 hours as he continually returned to the battlefield, braving intense enemy fire to save lives. His helicopter was repeatedly hit, and during one trip, he was struck by enemy fire in the leg. Despite his injury, Novosel pressed on, refusing to abandon the soldiers in need. By the end of the mission, he had rescued 29 men, many of whom would not have survived without his actions. The damage to his helicopter was so severe it was deemed unfit to fly further, a testament to the dangers he faced.

After retiring from the Army in 1985 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, Novosel continued to inspire others through his story and advocacy. He became a vocal supporter of veterans and medevac pilots, using his experiences to highlight the critical role of rescue missions in combat. 

Novosel also co-authored his autobiography, Dustoff: The Memoir of an Army Aviator, which detailed his remarkable career and the importance of helicopter pilots in saving lives during the war. His family carried on his legacy of service; his son, Michael J. Novosel Jr., also flew medevac missions in Vietnam, making them the only father-son duo to serve in combat in the same war.

Michael J. Novosel Sr. passed away on April 2, 2006, at 83, leaving a legacy of selflessness and courage. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary actions in Vietnam, a recognition of his unmatched bravery and dedication. His legacy endures as a symbol of the heroism displayed by medevac pilots, inspiring service members and civilians alike with his unwavering commitment to saving lives in the face of overwhelming danger.

Businesses That Support Veterans

Warfighter Foundation

Warfighter Made is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for ill, injured, and combat-wounded service members and veterans. Its mission is to empower these individuals through various programs and services.

The organization offers vehicle customization and adaptation services, tailoring vehicles to meet the specific needs of wounded veterans, thereby promoting independence and mobility. Additionally, Warfighter Made provides recreational therapy trips, facilitating camaraderie and adventure among veterans. They also collaborate with like-minded nonprofits to extend support and resources to the veteran community.

Warfighter Made

By delivering these comprehensive services, Warfighter Made aims to restore veterans' sense of independence and well-being and help them reintegrate into civilian life with confidence and support.

Thank You For Your Service, and Happy Thanksgiving!

To every veteran reading this—on this Thanksgiving, we pause to reflect on your service, dedication, and sacrifices for this nation. While the spotlight may not always shine on you, our gratitude for your commitment to protecting our freedoms is immense and heartfelt. You’ve shouldered responsibilities that few can truly comprehend, allowing our communities to enjoy the peace and security we often take for granted.

From those who stood on the battlefield to those who supported our troops from home, you have been the foundation of our nation’s strength and values. This Thanksgiving, we honor your service and the resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication you have shown through the years.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. Whether you led from the front lines or provided essential support behind the scenes, your contributions are deeply valued and will never be forgotten. Today, as families gather to give thanks, we are profoundly grateful for you and all you have done to make this country a better place. Happy Thanksgiving!

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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