The Veteran's Newsletter (1/16)

Author

Hagen McMenemy
January 16, 2025

Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

  • Veterans evacuated from the West LA VA campus amid wildfires.

  • Veteran homelessness reaches record low.

  • VA Secretary confirmation hearing for Doug Collins postponed.

  • Empowering veteran entrepreneurs through IVMF’s free programs.

  • MoPOC brings specialized prosthetic and orthotic care to rural veterans.

  • The story of a WW2 hero.

  • Help make our newsletter better!

  • And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Over 100 veterans, many living in temporary shelters at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), were evacuated due to worsening air quality and encroaching wildfires. The evacuation included residents of "tiny homes" in the Care Treatment and Rehabilitation Services (CTRS) program, elderly nursing home patients, and those in transitional housing.

While the process was chaotic, veterans like Jack Clark expressed gratitude for their efforts to ensure their safety. Temporary shelters were established at locations like Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, coordinated with Los Angeles County and the American Red Cross.

VA services, including hospital operations and clinics, remain active in the region, and support is available through dedicated VA hotlines for veterans in need of disaster-related assistance. The wildfires have also disrupted data collection efforts on homeless veterans, with the annual "Point-in-Time" count postponed indefinitely for safety concerns.

For disaster assistance, veterans can contact the VAGLAHS resource line at 877-251-7295 or the VISN 22 Clinical Contact Center at 1-800-952-4852.

The 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count by HUD revealed a historic low in Veteran homelessness, with 32,882 Veterans experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024—a 7.5% drop from 2023 and a 55.6% reduction since 2010. This milestone results from the VA's aggressive efforts to combat homelessness through comprehensive housing programs, outreach initiatives, and community partnerships.

Key 2023 achievements include:

  • 46,552 Veterans housed, exceeding goals by 22.5%.

  • 95.9% of housed Veterans remained stable in permanent housing.

  • 40,203 unsheltered Veterans engaged, surpassing targets by 43%.

VA programs like HUD-VASH and Supportive Services for Veteran Families provide permanent housing, rental assistance, and critical support. Outreach services and tailored healthcare programs ensure Veterans facing homelessness or barriers to housing get the help they need.

Looking ahead, the VA remains committed to its mission, building on progress to establish FY25 goals and expanding services to ensure every Veteran has access to safe, stable housing. The fight continues until no Veteran is left without a home.

If you or a Veteran you know is at risk of homelessness, call 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or explore VA Homeless Programs online.

The Senate confirmation hearing for Doug Collins, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, has been postponed to Jan. 21 due to delays in the FBI's background check. Senate Veterans Affairs Chair Jerry Moran emphasized the importance of reviewing the FBI file before proceeding, which aligns with long-standing practices.

Collins, a former congressman and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, is expected to face questions about the VA's budget shortfall and complex policy issues during his hearing. Despite delays, Senator Richard Blumenthal, ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, indicated openness to bipartisan support contingent on Collins’ responses at the hearing.

This marks the second delay in confirmation hearings for a Trump nominee on the same day, following Doug Burgum’s Interior Department hearing postponement. The confirmation process highlights ongoing challenges with background review timelines for multiple nominees.

📜 VBA Updates

Veteran entrepreneurship has declined significantly since World War II, with modern Veterans facing barriers like limited access to capital, professional networks, and challenges in leveraging military skills for business success. To address these issues, Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) has empowered Veterans and military spouses to pursue entrepreneurial dreams.

Through programs like the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV), IVMF offers free, high-quality training tailored to every stage of the entrepreneurial journey—from the initial idea to growing a thriving business. EBV combines online instruction and an intensive residency at partner universities, covering all expenses, to provide Veterans with essential skills, resources, and a strong business network. Impressively, 83% of EBV graduates who launched businesses still operate today.

Whether you're starting with a fresh idea or scaling a successful venture, IVMF’s suite of over a dozen programs ensures every Veteran has the tools, support, and community to succeed. Veterans can connect with Enrollment Services to find the perfect program and build their entrepreneurial legacy today.

Sponsored by Hill & Ponton, Veteran Benefits Attorneys

Get the help you need—without wasting time or money.

Stop struggling through the VA disability claims process on your own. The Road to VA Compensation Benefits gives you everything you need in one place, from expert advice to step-by-step instructions. Written by experienced attorneys with decades of helping veterans, this free guide will save you time and get you on the right path.

No cost, no hassle—just request your FREE copy now, and we’ll ship it straight to your door.

Sponsored by Hill & Ponton, Veteran Benefits Attorneys

In service of our nation, you gave everything you had. You sacrificed your comfort, your peace, and sometimes even your well-being. If the VA denied your rightful benefits, give the team at Hill & Ponton a call today to see how they can help you on your benefits journey.

Use the VA Disability Calculator on the Hill & Ponton website today to calculate your monthly compensation.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

The Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Care (MoPOC) program is revolutionizing access to care for Veterans with amputations and mobility impairments, especially in rural areas. Launched in 2021 by Daniel Abrahamson and Eli Kaufman from the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, MoPOC delivers state-of-the-art prosthetic and orthotic (O&P) services closer to Veterans’ homes, reducing the need for travel to larger VA medical centers.

Equipped with mobile units staffed by certified prosthetists/orthotics (CPOs), MoPOC offers on-site customization and device fitting at VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics or even at Veterans' homes. The program, funded by VHA’s Office of Rural Health, has grown to 18 sites, conducted over 12,000 visits, and served more than 8,000 Veterans, with nearly 6,000 living in rural communities.

MoPOC is cost-efficient for the VA and reduces travel expenses for Veterans, making care more accessible. High satisfaction rates (98%) reflect the program’s impact, with Veterans reporting improved mobility, reduced pain, and greater ease in daily activities. MoPOC’s innovative and Veteran-centered approach aims to expand to 60 sites by 2029, ensuring more Veterans receive the care they need where they need it.

Explore VA’s groundbreaking innovations and learn more about MoPOC by visiting the VA’s Diffusion Marketplace or reading the 2024 VHA State of Innovation report.

Veteran App of the Week

The Noom app is a health and wellness tool designed to help users achieve their weight loss and lifestyle goals through behavior change. Combining psychology, nutrition, and personalized coaching, Noom focuses on creating sustainable habits rather than quick fixes. The app offers daily lessons, meal tracking, and progress monitoring, empowering users with the knowledge and tools to make healthier choices.

For veterans, Noom can be a powerful resource in managing weight, improving overall health, and establishing long-term routines. Its emphasis on mindset and tailored support aligns well with veterans’ needs, helping them adapt to civilian life, prioritize wellness, and achieve their health goals in a manageable way.

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.

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Major Richard Bong

Richard Ira Bong was born on Sep. 24, 1920, in Superior, WI, and grew up in a modest farming family. From a young age, Bong was fascinated with aviation, often building model airplanes and dreaming of flying. His determination and mechanical aptitude set him apart, and after graduating high school, he pursued his passion for flight at the University of Wisconsin. In 1941, Bong enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program, where he quickly proved himself as a natural pilot with exceptional skill and precision.

Bong’s military career took off when he was assigned to the Pacific Theater during World War II as part of the 49th Fighter Group. Flying the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, he became known for his remarkable combat skills and fearless determination. Bong quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces, demonstrating exceptional situational awareness and an unrelenting drive to succeed.

His heroism was evident during his aerial combat missions in New Guinea and the Philippines. Bong's exceptional marksmanship and strategic maneuvers enabled him to take down enemy aircraft in high-stakes dogfights. 

In one notable engagement, Bong single-handedly destroyed a group of Japanese bombers attempting to attack Allied forces. His daring actions saved countless lives and bolstered the morale of his fellow pilots and ground troops.

By the end of 1944, Bong had achieved 40 confirmed aerial victories, making him America’s highest-scoring ace of World War II—an unbeaten record. His incredible achievements earned him widespread recognition, and General Douglas MacArthur awarded him the Medal of Honor in December 1944. The citation highlighted his exceptional courage, extraordinary piloting skills, and unwavering dedication to the mission.

Despite his fame, Bong remained humble and focused on serving his country. In early 1945, he transitioned to a role as a test pilot, working on the newly developed P-80 Shooting Star jet fighter. Tragically, on Aug. 6, 1945, Bong lost his life in a crash while testing the P-80, just as the war was coming to an end.

Major Richard Bong’s legacy is a testament to unparalleled skill, bravery, and sacrifice. His contributions to the Allied victory in the Pacific were invaluable, and his story continues to inspire generations of aviators and military personnel. Today, his life and achievements are honored at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, Wisconsin, ensuring his heroic legacy endures.

Businesses That Support Veterans

The Boulder Crest Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans, first responders, and their families heal from trauma and achieve post-traumatic growth. Through programs like Warrior PATHH, the foundation offers intensive retreats, resilience training, and holistic support to empower participants to overcome challenges like PTSD and emotional distress.

Founded in 2013, Boulder Crest focuses on addressing the mental and emotional health of those who have served, using evidence-based methods to foster growth and recovery. The organization also provides family support and wellness programs to strengthen relationships and enhance well-being. Boulder Crest Foundation empowers veterans and first responders to reclaim their lives, build resilience, and find purpose in their post-service journey by promoting a shift from surviving to thriving.

Brand New DD214?

Military Times published a great guide to transitioning from the military to civilian life. It’s a good primer for those who are starting the transition, even if it was sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union. It’s still decent in our book.

Hill & Ponton’s resource for applying for VA benefits. This page walks you through the basic steps of applying, what forms you need to fill out, and what the process looks like.

If you read through the guide from Hill & Ponton and decide that you need assistance with filing a claim, the VA has a search tool to find a Veteran Service Organization in your area.

HireHeroesUSA is one of the many veteran job boards we found online. It seems to offer a good mix of job types available around the country.

Corporate Gray helps military veterans transition to civilian careers by organizing job fairs, providing a job board for veterans and employers, and offering career resources such as resume writing and interview preparation guides. They also publish "The Military-to-Civilian Transition Guide" and support employers in hiring veterans.

You might be sweating slightly if you’re looking to buy a house in this market. Luckily, the VA has a resource that can help you understand the VA home loan program and give you an advantage when putting in that offer.

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