Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• VA exempted many frontline roles from a hiring freeze, but Veterans Crisis Line and healthcare services still face onboarding setbacks.

• Over 1,000 probationary employees were dismissed, with some terminations now under review for reinstatement.

• Veterans Crisis Line staff face uncertainty as the government pushes for a return to in-person work.

• Doug Collins reassures veterans that benefits are not being reduced, emphasizing efficiency and service expansion.

• Warrior Rising offers a four-week entrepreneur course to help service-disabled veterans launch their own businesses.

• Specialized training, assistive devices, and mobility strategies help veterans maintain independence.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

VA Hiring Challenges Impact Essential Services Amid Federal Hiring Freeze

The VA exempted many frontline positions from a federal hiring freeze, yet critical services—including healthcare and the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL)—continue to experience hiring delays. VA employees report issues with onboarding due to system limitations, despite exemptions, with some job offers stalled due to inaccessible hiring forms.

The VA also mistakenly terminated some probationary employees and is now working to reinstate those let go in error. Meanwhile, VCL staff note that hiring freezes for support roles, such as trainers and quality assurance personnel, are straining resources. The VA previously sought to expand VCL staffing after the launch of the 988 suicide hotline but has yet to fill hundreds of necessary positions.

Additionally, a governmentwide return-to-office mandate raises concerns for remote VCL employees, many of whom have no designated office space. Union representatives warn that enforcing in-person work could significantly reduce staffing levels. The VA states it aims to balance office returns with service continuity.

The hiring freeze also temporarily impacted the onboarding of VA volunteers, though that restriction has since been lifted.

VA Announces Dismissal of Over 1,000 Probationary Employees

The VA dismissed over 1,000 probationary employees as part of a federal workforce reduction initiative. According to VA Secretary Doug Collins, the move is expected to save approximately $98 million annually, which will be redirected toward Veterans’ care and benefits.

VA officials stated that most probationary employees were exempt from dismissal due to holding mission-critical positions or union protections. Supervisors had an opportunity to request exemptions for affected staff, though the timeframe for appeals was limited. The Veterans Crisis Line was among the areas impacted, with at least one probationary employee dismissed.

The dismissals followed a federal buyout offer that provided severance pay for voluntary resignations, which approximately 75,000 federal employees accepted. Union representatives and lawmakers have raised concerns about the impact of these workforce reductions, arguing they could affect recruitment and operational efficiency.

VA leaders emphasized that these workforce changes will not negatively impact health care, benefits, or services and that upcoming plans will outline how the redirected resources will support Veterans and their families.

VA Secretary Reaffirms Commitment to Veterans’ Benefits and Services

VA Secretary Doug Collins addressed concerns about potential cuts to Veterans' benefits, stating unequivocally that no such reductions are happening. Instead, he emphasized that the VA enhances and expands services while the Veterans Benefits Administration processes claims acceleratedly.

Collins also clarified the role of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in reviewing contracts to improve resource allocation and ensure that funds are directed toward Veteran services. He reaffirmed VA’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and mission fulfillment under President Trump’s leadership.

📜 VBA Updates

Free Entrepreneur Training for Service-Disabled Veterans with Warrior Rising

Warrior Rising, a non-profit organization run by Veterans for Veterans, offers a free entrepreneurship program to help service-disabled Veterans launch and grow their businesses. Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurs (SDVET) course provides four weeks of virtual training covering business planning, financing, legal structuring, and government contracting.

The next session begins February 27, 2025, with weekly live, one-hour Zoom classes. Participants gain access to additional support programs, including Warrior Academy, Warrior University, coaching, and master classes. The program is available to verified service-disabled Veterans and qualifying spouses, requiring a DD-214 and a VA-issued disability letter for enrollment.

Warrior Rising also offers other training programs for Veterans without a service-disability requirement. Interested applicants should ensure their email information is correct to receive course links. More details are available on the Warrior Rising website.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

VA Offers Vision Rehabilitation Support for Veterans with Low Vision

With 4.2 million Americans aged 40 and older experiencing visual impairment—a number expected to rise to 7.2 million by 2030—many Veterans will face challenges due to low vision. Common causes include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, neurologic vision loss, and glaucoma.

VA Blind and Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Services provide inpatient, outpatient, and virtual vision rehabilitation programs to help Veterans maintain independence and quality of life. These services include training with adaptive devices, assistive technology, mobility strategies, and support for daily activities like reading, cooking, and navigating public spaces.

Veterans experiencing increased falls, difficulty recognizing faces, or trouble driving may benefit from a referral to VA vision rehabilitation. While these services cannot restore lost sight, they can help maximize remaining vision and support independent living.

February is Low Vision Awareness Month—learn more about available VA vision rehabilitation services and locations today.

Veteran App of the Week

Calm

Calm is a mindfulness and meditation app designed to reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being through guided meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. Focusing on mental health, Calm offers tools to manage anxiety, build resilience, and develop healthy sleep habits.

For veterans, Calm can be a valuable resource in addressing stress, PTSD symptoms, and sleep disturbances. Its guided programs on relaxation and focus provide a structured way to manage mental health challenges, while its sleep stories and breathing exercises can support better rest and recovery. Calm helps veterans build coping strategies for a more balanced and resilient life by promoting mindfulness and emotional regulation.

Veteran Community Highlight

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1

Established in 1899 in Denver, Colorado, VFW Post 1 is the first and oldest VFW post. Founded by members of the First Colorado Volunteers returning from the Philippines during the Spanish-American War, the post was initially known as the Society of the Army of the Philippines, John S. Stewart Camp No. 1. The inaugural meeting took place in the Colorado State Capitol on December 1, 1899.

Located at 841 Santa Fe Drive in Denver's Art District on Santa Fe, VFW Post 1 serves as a vibrant community hub for veterans and the public. The facility houses the Veterans Arts Council gallery, which showcases artwork from both veterans and civilians. It is open to the public during the popular First Friday art walks.

In addition to its art initiatives, Post 1 offers a range of programs to support veterans' well-being, including free yoga classes and non-narcotic therapy sessions. The post seeks to engage a diverse membership, welcoming veterans of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and conflicts.

By fostering a sense of community and providing essential services, VFW Post 1 continues its long-standing tradition of serving veterans and their families, adapting to meet the evolving needs of the veteran community.

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.

• $500 Off New Purchase or Lease: Suburu

• 15% Off: UFC Store

• 10% Off: Mud Hole

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: William H. Carney

William Harvey Carney was born into slavery on Feb. 29, 1840, in Norfolk, Virginia, a world where his future was not his own. But Carney’s story wasn’t one of submission but of resilience. His father escaped to freedom and later worked to buy his family’s release from bondage. Once free, the Carneys settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a community that believed in independence and equality. Carney had dreams of becoming a minister, but when the Civil War broke out, he realized there was another way to serve a higher calling: by fighting for the freedom of his people.

In 1863, Carney joined the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first Black units in the U.S. Army. The men of the 54th knew they weren’t just soldiers; they were symbols of a cause greater than themselves. They were fighting for those still in chains, for the right to be seen as equals, for a country that had not yet fully embraced them. Carney took his duty seriously, proving himself a disciplined and courageous soldier.

That courage was tested on July 18, 1863, during the assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina. The 54th led the charge against the heavily fortified Confederate stronghold, pushing forward under relentless fire. As the regiment advanced, the color bearer—who carried the American flag, the ultimate symbol of their struggle—was struck down. At that moment, Carney did not hesitate. He seized the flag before it could hit the ground and pressed forward.

The battle was brutal. Carney was shot multiple times, but he refused to let go of the flag. Wounded and bleeding, he fought through the pain, using sheer willpower to keep moving, determined that the flag—their flag—would never fall. As the regiment was forced to retreat, Carney struggled back to Union lines, still gripping the banner. His body may have been battered, but his spirit was unbroken. He reportedly declared, "The old flag never touched the ground."

On May 23, 1900, Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery, making him the first Black American to receive the nation’s highest military distinction. He never sought recognition—he saw himself as just one man in a much larger fight—but his heroism set a precedent for future generations of Black soldiers.

After the war, Carney returned to Massachusetts, working as a mail carrier for over 30 years, quietly continuing to serve his community. He never stopped telling the story of the 54th Massachusetts, ensuring that the sacrifices of Black soldiers were not forgotten.

William H. Carney passed away in 1908, but his legacy endures. His story is not just one of battlefield valor—it’s a testament to what it means to hold onto something greater than yourself. He carried that flag through fire and pain, knowing that if he dropped it, so much more than fabric would be lost. He showed the world that Black soldiers were more than capable and courageous—they were essential to the fight for America’s soul.

Carney’s legacy isn’t just in history books. It lives in every Black service member who has ever worn the uniform, in every person who has fought for dignity and recognition. His story is a reminder that true strength isn’t just about endurance—it’s about carrying something forward, even when the weight of the world is pressing down on you.

Businesses That Support Veterans

GallantFew

GallantFew is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans transition successfully into civilian life through mentorship, fitness programs, and mental health support. The organization focuses on reducing veteran unemployment, homelessness, and suicide by fostering strong personal connections and providing essential resources.

Founded by Army Ranger veteran Karl Monger, GallantFew emphasizes peer-to-peer mentorship, pairing veterans with those who have successfully navigated the transition process. Their programs include career counseling, leadership development, and wellness initiatives that address physical and emotional well-being.

By equipping veterans with the necessary tools and support, GallantFew empowers them to build fulfilling post-service lives, strengthening their sense of purpose, resilience, and connection to their communities.

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