The Veteran's Newsletter (3/27)

Author

Hagen McMenemy
March 27, 2025

Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

  • The National Medal of Honor Museum opens in Arlington, TX, honoring 3,528 heroes, including two UTA alumni who received the nation’s highest military award.

  • Senate lawmakers to hold unofficial hearings on proposed VA staffing cuts, with over 80,000 positions potentially on the chopping block.

  • The VA’s contributions to medicine include PTSD treatments, the nicotine patch, CT scans, pacemakers, and the first liver transplant.

  • ACP’s veteran mentorship program helps women Veterans overcome transition challenges, with over 36,000 participants since 2010.

  • A new VA telerehabilitation study aims to improve mobility and wellness for older Veterans through virtual physical therapy and coaching.

  • And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

The National Medal of Honor Museum officially opened on March 25 in Arlington, Texas, commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of 3,528 Medal of Honor recipients. Among those honored are two alumni of the University of Texas at Arlington—Col. Neel Ernest Kearby and Gen. Richard Cavazos—who received the Medal of Honor for acts of extraordinary valor in World War II and the Korean War, respectively.

The museum's opening ceremony featured a presentation of colors by the UTA Army ROTC Color Guard, highlighting the university's ongoing commitment to military tradition. Both Kearby and Cavazos began their military journeys at UTA’s predecessor, North Texas Agricultural College, and went on to distinguished service careers. Their stories are now part of the museum’s interactive exhibits, which aim to preserve and share the legacy of America’s most decorated service members.

Senate Democrats plan to hold a series of unofficial “shadow hearings” beginning April 2 to discuss recent staffing changes and policy reforms at the Department of Veterans Affairs. These sessions aim to hear directly from VA employees and veterans who may be affected by proposed workforce reductions and departmental shifts.

The VA has undergone a number of staffing adjustments in recent months, including a large probationary employee dismissal that was later partially reversed. Current proposals include returning VA staffing levels to those of 2019, potentially eliminating over 80,000 positions. 

While formal committee hearings on these changes have not yet taken place, the upcoming shadow hearings are intended to gather public testimony and highlight the potential impact of these decisions. VA Secretary Doug Collins has been invited to participate in the discussions.

The VA has contributed significantly to global medical advancements, though its achievements often go unnoticed. From pioneering mental health treatments to developing life-saving technologies, VA researchers and doctors have consistently pushed the boundaries of modern medicine. 

Notable breakthroughs include the development of gold-standard PTSD therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, and Prolonged Exposure. The VA also created the first nicotine patch, implanted the first long-term pacemaker, and played a key role in the early development of CT scans and MRIs.

Other major contributions include performing the first successful liver transplant, advancing coronary bypass surgery, and developing radioimmunoassay—a method for detecting trace substances in blood that transformed hormone and disease testing. These innovations, many of which originated in VA medical centers, not only improved care for Veterans but also changed the course of medical treatment worldwide.

📜 VBA Updates

After facing a tough transition from military to college life, Army Veteran Victoria Thompson found life-changing support through another woman Veteran—sparking a passion for helping others. Now, through American Corporate Partners (ACP), Thompson connects fellow women Veterans with mentors who offer personalized career guidance and encouragement.

Since 2010, ACP has helped over 36,000 Veterans and military spouses find meaningful careers, with an average starting salary of over $90,000. The program matches post-9/11 Veterans with mentors based on their career goals, offering tailored support and resources, including those specifically for women Veterans.

The initiative addresses real challenges—like underemployment and lack of recognition—and provides lasting support through mentorship, operational guidance, and community-driven resources.

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

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

The VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center is recruiting 126 Veterans nationwide by October 2026 for a new Multicomponent Telerehabilitation Program. This 12-week telehealth-based physical therapy study is designed to improve strength, mobility, and social engagement in Veterans aged 60 and older who need physical therapy. 

Participants will attend virtual sessions thrice weekly, receive follow-up coaching, and use Fitbit to track progress. The program compares outcomes between the telerehabilitation group and an education control group to measure long-term improvements in physical function. 

The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System and the University of Colorado School of Medicine determine final eligibility.

Veteran App of the Week

BetterSleep is a wellness app designed to support veterans in improving sleep quality, reducing stress, and promoting emotional balance through science-based techniques.

The app offers veterans a range of accessible tools—including sleep stories, soundscapes, breathing exercises, and guided meditations—crafted to ease insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness often linked to PTSD or life transitions. With personalized sleep plans and soothing audio experiences, BetterSleep makes it easier for veterans to unwind and reset night after night.

By promoting consistent, restful sleep, BetterSleep helps veterans strengthen mental resilience, boost daily focus, and improve overall well-being—all through a flexible, user-friendly platform that fits into any routine.

Veteran Community Highlight

Founded by veterans for veterans, Chicago Veterans is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering military veterans and their families as they transition to civilian life. Based in Chicago, the organization provides a substantial peer-to-peer network that fosters community, support, and connection across all service branches.

Chicago Veterans offers various programs focused on mental health, employment support, education, and social engagement. The organization hosts wellness events, leadership development workshops, and volunteer opportunities encouraging veterans to find purpose and build resilience after service. Their "Ruck March to Remember" event, which raises awareness about veteran suicide, has become a powerful annual tradition in the city.

Through partnerships with local businesses, universities, and mental health providers, Chicago Veterans ensures comprehensive support for those navigating life after the military. By building a strong veteran-led community, they continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans and their families throughout the Chicago area.

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.

  • deal 1 & link

  • deal 2 & link

  • deal 3 & link

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers

Born on October 31, 1918, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers grew up in a nation still deeply divided by racial segregation. Despite systemic racism, Rivers committed himself to serving his country, enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II. He became part of the renowned 761st Tank Battalion—nicknamed the "Black Panthers"—one of the first predominantly Black armored units to see combat.

In November 1944, the battalion entered fierce fighting in northeastern France, pushing back German forces. On November 8, Rivers' tank hit a mine, severely wounding his leg and rendering the tank inoperable. Refusing evacuation, Rivers insisted on continuing to lead his unit, displaying remarkable courage and resilience.

Days later, on November 19, during intense combat near Bourgaltroff, France, Rivers recognized a critical threat posed by enemy anti-tank positions. Realizing these positions endangered his fellow soldiers, he decided to attack directly, sacrificing his safety to protect his unit. Despite sustaining heavy fire, Rivers relentlessly advanced until his tank was struck, killing him instantly. His fearless actions allowed his comrades valuable time to withdraw safely, saving countless lives.

Initially overlooked due to racial prejudice, Rivers' extraordinary heroism went officially unrecognized for decades. Finally, in 1997, following a comprehensive review to address historical racial disparities in medal awards, Rivers was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor—America's highest military decoration for valor.

Although Ruben Rivers did not return home from war, his legacy profoundly impacted the nation. His bravery challenged prejudices and demonstrated the courage and determination of Black soldiers who fought valiantly despite facing discrimination at home and abroad. Rivers' story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by African American troops in World War II and the importance of honoring their contributions and heroism.

Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers exemplifies the courage, selflessness, and perseverance of the Black soldiers of the 761st Tank Battalion. Their sacrifices helped achieve victory in World War II and paved the way toward racial equality in America's armed forces.

Businesses That Support Veterans

Student Veterans of America (SVA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans in higher education. The organization empowers student veterans by advocating for their academic success, professional development, and leadership growth on college campuses across the country.​

Through campus chapters, leadership programs, scholarships, and partnerships with universities and employers, SVA helps veterans navigate the transition from military service to academic life. By investing in education and community, SVA ensures veterans are equipped to lead in the classroom and beyond, strengthening both individual futures and society as a whole.

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