The Veteran's Newsletter (2/6)

Author

Hagen McMenemy
February 06, 2025

Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

  • Doug Collins outlines plans to modernize VA healthcare and expand access to care.

  • A new documentary explores the human impact of the Vietnam War on Apple TV+.

  • VA Secretary nominee Doug Collins’ confirmation hearing postponed for FBI review.

  • VA launches initiatives to support military spouses with career opportunities.

  • Clinical Resource Hubs improve healthcare access for Veterans nationwide.

  • And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

During his Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing, Doug Collins, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs nominee, emphasized his dedication to enhancing the VA's workforce and operations. He stressed the need for evolving healthcare delivery to meet the needs of modern veterans, advocating for expanded access to care both within and outside the VA system. Collins noted that providing timely and effective care for all eligible veterans is his top priority.

Addressing concerns over community care, which currently accounts for 40% of VA health care appointments, Collins expressed support for legislative efforts to expand eligibility for private-sector care, particularly for veterans facing travel or wait-time challenges. He also committed to resolving the stalled $16 billion electronic health records overhaul, aiming to determine whether the project can be restarted or requires reevaluation.

Collins highlighted the importance of accountability and efficiency within the VA and pledged to improve outreach for vulnerable veterans, particularly those at risk of homelessness or suicide. He also affirmed his commitment to enforcing existing policies, including those related to reproductive health services at VA facilities, while ensuring compliance with federal law.

The Senate committee is expected to vote on Collins’ nomination soon, with a full Senate confirmation potentially enabling him to assume office before February.

This year marks significant anniversaries in Vietnam War history, including the U.S.'s initial involvement in 1955, the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965, and the fall of Saigon in 1975. Apple TV+ is releasing a six-part documentary series, Vietnam: The War That Changed America, to commemorate these milestones on Jan. 31, 2025.

The series offers a deeply human perspective, sharing first-person testimonies from soldiers, civilians, and Vietnamese participants. It explores the war’s visceral experiences, its cultural impact in the U.S., and the counterculture movements it fueled. Producer Caroline Marsden emphasizes the emotional and personal stories behind key events, like the Tet Offensive, avoiding traditional historical narration in favor of immersive archival footage and vivid storytelling.

By incorporating diverse viewpoints, including those of Viet Cong fighters and American veterans, the series provides a nuanced look at the conflict’s legacy, aiming to resonate with new generations while illuminating the complex realities of the Vietnam War.

📜 VBA Updates

Military spouses bring a unique understanding of Veterans' needs, making them highly qualified to support families with shared experiences. The VA became the first federal agency to sign the 4+1 Commitment to enhance career opportunities for military spouses, emphasizing progressive employment policies. 

With tailored programs like the Veteran and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program (VMSTEP), the VA offers resources and guidance, leveraging special hiring authorities and retention strategies to help military spouses find meaningful roles and build lasting careers.

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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

Dr. Samara Martinez, a 13-year VA employee, and primary care physician, exemplifies the impact of Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH) in improving health care access for Veterans. Based in Texas, she provides virtual and occasional in-person care to facilities across VISN 8, covering Florida, South Georgia, and the Caribbean. These hubs address staffing shortages and ensure Veterans receive timely, high-quality care through advanced technology like VA Video Connect and Clinical Video Telehealth.

The CRH model enhances accessibility, particularly for Veterans in rural areas. Patients and caregivers like Lori Simmons recognize the program’s transformative effect on health outcomes and overall well-being. Local clinic staff also highlight the program’s role in maintaining continuity of care, offering convenience and peace of mind to Veterans unable to travel.

As part of VA’s broader telehealth strategy, CRHs operate nationwide and are tailored to meet diverse patient needs, ensuring no Veteran is left without care.

Veteran App of the Week

VetsApp is a comprehensive tool designed to help veterans navigate their benefits, healthcare, and community resources. By offering a centralized platform, VetsApp simplifies access to VA services, appointment scheduling, and health records while connecting veterans with mental health support and peer communities. The app also provides reminders, educational resources, and tools to help manage claims and track benefits, empowering users to take control of their well-being.

For veterans, VetsApp is a valuable resource in managing the complexities of post-service life. Its focus on accessibility, tailored resources, and user-friendly features aligns with veterans' unique challenges, helping them stay informed, supported, and connected in their journey toward a healthier and more fulfilling civilian life.

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: Gary B. Beikirch

Gary B. Beikirch was born in Rochester, NY on Aug. 29, 1947. Growing up in a close-knit community, Beikirch developed a strong sense of duty and compassion that would later define his life. 

After graduating from high school, he pursued a brief stint in college but felt a calling to serve his country during a conflict. In 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained to become a Green Beret, a path that demanded extraordinary physical and mental fortitude.

Beikirch’s military career took him to Vietnam, where he served as a Special Forces combat medic with Detachment B-24, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group. His mission required medical expertise and the ability to endure the harsh realities of war while providing lifesaving care to his comrades. 

Beikirch quickly earned a reputation for his courage under fire and his unwavering commitment to his team and the civilians they sought to protect.

His heroism was most evident during an enemy assault on Camp Dak Seang in April 1970. The camp was home to Montagnard civilians and Special Forces troops, and it came under heavy attack by a North Vietnamese Army battalion. Despite sustaining severe injuries early in the battle, Beikirch repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to treat the wounded and evacuate them to safety. 

He used Montagnard tribe members as stretcher-bearers, inspiring them with his determination and selflessness. At one point, though gravely injured himself, Beikirch carried a wounded American officer to safety while continuing to administer critical medical aid.

In one harrowing moment, Beikirch collapsed from his wounds but refused to be evacuated until all others had been treated. His actions that day saved numerous lives and demonstrated extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.

For his actions at Camp Dak Seang, Gary B. Beikirch was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon on Oct. 15, 1973. His citation highlighted his indomitable spirit, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to his comrades and the mission. Despite the accolades, Beikirch remained humble, often emphasizing the teamwork and sacrifices of those who served alongside him.

After leaving the military, Beikirch dedicated his life to serving others, working as a school counselor, and ministering to veterans and troubled youth. His experiences in Vietnam shaped his deep faith and commitment to helping those in need, a mission he pursued until his passing on Dec. 26, 2021.

Gary B. Beikirch’s legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and service. His heroism at Camp Dak Seang and lifelong dedication to helping others embody the highest ideals of the U.S. Army and the Special Forces. His story continues to inspire, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have through courage and selflessness.

Businesses That Support Veterans

Semper K9 Assistance Dogs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of wounded veterans by providing custom-trained service dogs at no cost. These dogs assist veterans with physical and mental health challenges, including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and mobility issues, enhancing their independence and quality of life.

Founded in 2014 by Marine Corps veteran Christopher Baity, Semper K9 focuses on rescuing and training shelter dogs to become service animals, creating a second chance for both veterans and dogs. The organization provides tailored training to meet veterans' needs, fostering a strong bond between them and their service dogs.

By addressing veterans' practical and emotional challenges, Semper K9 empowers them to regain confidence, improve their well-being, and thrive in their post-service lives.

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