Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• The VA confirmed that veterans' benefits and key programs will continue without disruption despite a federal funding review.

• A Tennessee bill proposes hiring veterans and retired officers as School Resource Officers to address shortages and enhance school safety.

• In 2025, My HealtheVet and DS Logon will be phased out, requiring Login.gov or ID.me for VA sign-ins.

• The VA offers PTSD treatments like Prolonged Exposure, CPT, and EMDR, with telehealth and mobile app support.

• The story of a WW1 hero.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

VA Confirms Benefits and Services Unaffected by Federal Funding Freeze

The VA confirmed that veterans' benefits and support services will continue uninterrupted despite a federal funding freeze aimed at reviewing financial assistance programs. A swift review verified that 44 VA programs, including education benefits, suicide prevention, and homeless assistance grants, comply with federal guidelines and will not be impacted.

The White House directive, issued late Monday, paused financial aid programs for review but excluded direct individual payments, such as VA disability benefits. However, concerns remained over funding for organizations supporting veterans. By Tuesday evening, a federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze, and even if reinstated, VA programs will remain exempt.

Lawmakers welcomed the confirmation, ensuring veterans, families, and service organizations will continue receiving essential support. The VA will provide updates as needed to maintain clarity and prevent disruptions.

Tennessee Bill Proposes Veterans and Retired Officers as School Resource Officers

A Tennessee lawmaker has reintroduced a bill addressing the shortage of School Resource Officers (SROs) by allowing honorably discharged veterans and retired law enforcement officers to be hired for the role. The bill, previously passed by the House but stalled in the Senate, will be reconsidered in the 2025 legislative session.

Applicants must complete 40 hours of school policy training, pass a psychiatric evaluation, undergo an FBI background check, and receive authorization to carry a firearm on school grounds. Supporters believe this measure could increase security in rural schools while providing veterans with a renewed sense of purpose.

Advocates, including Navy veteran Mickey McCamish, emphasize that veterans already possess the discipline and skills needed for these roles and could serve as strong role models for students. While not a complete solution to the SRO shortage, the bill would give schools more hiring flexibility to enhance student safety.

📜 VBA Updates

Upcoming Changes to VA Sign-In: What Veterans Need to Know

Starting in 2025, the VA will update its sign-in process to enhance security and simplify access to online services. After Jan. 31, 2025, My HealtheVet user IDs and passwords will no longer work for VA.gov, VA apps, or other online VA services. After Sep. 30, 2025, DS Logon credentials will also be phased out. Veterans must sign in using Login.gov or ID.me, which provides a more secure and streamlined experience. 

These changes address Veterans' requests for fewer login options while meeting federal security standards to protect against identity theft and fraud. Login.gov and ID.me offer multifactor authentication for extra protection, ensuring only authorized users can access their accounts. 

Veterans using DS Logon or My HealtheVet credentials are encouraged to switch to Login.gov or ID.me as soon as possible to avoid disruptions. For guidance on setting up an account, visit Creating an A

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

PTSD Treatment: Finding Support and Taking Back Control

PTSD can make daily life challenging, but effective treatment is available to help Veterans regain control. The VA’s National Center for PTSD offers resources and evidence-based therapies, such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These treatments help Veterans process trauma, manage symptoms, and improve their overall well-being.

Veterans can access PTSD care in person, through secure telehealth, or at VA medical centers and Vet Centers nationwide. Tools like the PTSD Coach app provide additional support for symptom management. 

Seeking treatment is a powerful step toward healing, strengthening relationships, and improving mental and physical health. If you or a Veteran you know needs immediate support, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1, chatting at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or texting 838255.

Veteran App of the Week

JEFIT

Jefit is a fitness-tracking app designed to help users plan and monitor strength training workouts. It features an extensive exercise database, customizable workout plans, progress tracking, and performance analytics. The app also offers a community platform where users can share workouts and stay motivated.

Jefit provides structured workout logging and goal-setting tools to support consistency and progression in fitness routines. Its data-driven approach and user-friendly interface make it a practical resource for individuals looking to track their workouts, analyze progress, and improve strength training efficiency.

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: Ekster

• 15% Off: Away

• 10% Off First Order: Fender

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Henry Johnson

Henry Johnson was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1892 and later moved to Albany, New York, where he worked as a porter at a train station. Seeking to serve his country during World War I, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1917 and was assigned to the 369th Infantry Regiment, an all-Black unit known as the Harlem Hellfighters. Due to racial segregation in the U.S. military, Johnson and his fellow soldiers were placed under French command and equipped with French rifles and helmets. Despite these challenges, Johnson would display extraordinary bravery in combat.

His most famous act of heroism occurred on the night of May 15, 1918, while he was stationed in the Argonne Forest in France. Johnson and fellow soldier Needham Roberts were on sentry duty when they were ambushed by a German raiding party of at least 12 soldiers. The enemy launched a surprise attack, throwing grenades and attempting to overrun their position. Johnson was wounded early in the fight, but he refused to retreat.

Johnson took on the enemy alone, and Roberts was injured and unable to fight. He fired his French Lebel rifle until he ran out of ammunition, then used it as a club, knocking down German soldiers. When his rifle was no longer usable, he threw grenades to keep the attackers at bay. As the Germans attempted to capture the wounded Roberts, Johnson drew his bolo knife and launched a ferocious counterattack, slashing, stabbing, and forcing the Germans to retreat. By the end of the battle, Johnson had killed or wounded multiple German soldiers and successfully prevented Roberts from being taken prisoner.

Despite sustaining at least 21 wounds, Johnson held his ground until reinforcements arrived, preventing the enemy from overrunning his position. His fearless stand saved his fellow soldiers and disrupted the German raid, forcing the attackers to retreat. 

His extraordinary bravery earned him immediate recognition from the French Army, making him the first American to receive the French Croix de Guerre with a Gold Palm, one of France’s highest military honors.

However, despite his heroic actions, Johnson received no official recognition from the U.S. military during his lifetime. He returned home in 1919 as a war hero, participating in victory parades, but soon faced severe injuries, lack of medical support, and racial discrimination. Unable to work due to his wounds, he struggled financially and passed away in 1929 at the age of 36.

Decades later, efforts to honor Johnson’s legacy gained momentum. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in 1996, the Distinguished Service Cross in 2002, and finally, on June 2, 2015, then-President Barack Obama awarded him the Medal of Honor. His extraordinary bravery, resilience, and dedication to his fellow soldiers made him one of the greatest American heroes of World War I, ensuring that his story of courage and sacrifice continues to inspire generations.

Businesses That Support Veterans

SoldierStrong

SoldierStrong is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of injured veterans by providing cutting-edge medical technology and rehabilitation resources. The organization focuses on donating advanced mobility devices, such as exoskeletons, to paralyzed veterans and offering virtual reality therapy for PTSD treatment.

Founded to bridge the gap between military and civilian healthcare, SoldierStrong partners with leading medical institutions to ensure veterans have access to the latest innovations in physical recovery and mental health care. Their initiatives empower veterans to regain mobility, rebuild confidence, and improve their well-being.

By integrating technology with rehabilitation, SoldierStrong enhances veterans' independence and quality of life, helping them overcome physical and psychological challenges in their post-service journey.

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