Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• A proposed bill calls for a 10-year study on brain injuries in veterans, focusing on repetitive low-level blast exposure and its long-term effects.

• The VA is working to reinstate job offers for Veterans Crisis Line hires after an administrative error led to unexpected rescissions.

• Starting July 1, veterans covered by Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) will see an average premium reduction of 11%.

• The FBI warns that veterans are prime targets for online romance scams, with fraudsters impersonating military personnel to exploit victims financially.

• A VA peer support group helped Air Force veteran Jaime Hailey navigate breast cancer, emphasizing the power of community during treatment.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Proposed Study Aims to Improve Brain Injury Treatment for Veterans

A new legislative effort seeks to advance research on the impact of brain injuries on veterans' mental health. A bill reintroduced this week calls for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collaborate with the National Academies of Sciences on a 10-year study examining the effects of repetitive low-level blast injuries.

Supporters of the bill emphasize the importance of understanding how these injuries contribute to long-term health issues, particularly in veterans who have been exposed to blast waves during military service. The study would assess treatments currently yielding positive outcomes within the VA healthcare system while identifying military roles and units with higher exposure to such injuries. Research would explore improvements in diagnosis and care, including the potential benefits of growth hormone replacement therapy for cognitive function and overall brain health.

Recent reports have linked traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to increased suicide risk among veterans, reinforcing the urgency of addressing the issue. In response, efforts have expanded to improve prevention and treatment, with the VA and the Department of Defense implementing new strategies to reduce blast exposure and enhance brain health research.

The proposed legislation would also establish a data-sharing agreement between the VA and the Pentagon while allocating $5 million annually to support the study. Several veterans' organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Wounded Warrior Project, have endorsed the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve care for those who have sustained brain injuries in service.

VA Works to Restore Job Offers for Veterans Crisis Line Hires

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reversing an administrative error that led to the withdrawal of job offers for prospective hires at the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). Earlier this week, candidates who had gone through months of the hiring process were informed their offers were rescinded due to uncertainty over remote work policies and office space availability. However, a VA spokesperson confirmed that these positions are exempt from the federal hiring freeze and layoffs, and the agency is actively reissuing offers to impacted applicants.

The confusion arose as the VA worked to transition more employees back to in-person work while still determining accommodations for new VCL hires. Some positions were initially advertised as remote, but the VA later required employees to be within 50 miles of designated hubs in Atlanta, Topeka, Canandaigua, Waco, and Hot Springs. This shift created uncertainty for applicants who had planned to work remotely.

In response to hiring delays, the VA collaborates with the Office of Personnel Management to streamline processes for critical roles. However, current VCL employees report that staffing shortages persist, leading to higher call volumes and increased workloads for responders. The situation has raised concerns about ensuring adequate staffing for the crisis line, vital in supporting distressed veterans.

Despite ongoing adjustments to workforce policies, the VA maintains that no VCL responders have been laid off and that mission-critical positions remain a priority. Employees and applicants affected by the recent hiring disruptions await further guidance as the department resolves logistical challenges while maintaining uninterrupted support for veterans seeking assistance.

Veterans to See Lower Life Insurance Premiums Starting July 1

Beginning July 1, veterans covered by Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) will see reduced premiums, with rates decreasing by an average of 11%, depending on age. For veterans under 30, the monthly cost for the maximum $500,000 coverage will drop to $30, a $5 reduction. Those between 40 and 44 will see a $10 decrease, bringing their premium to $70. Even older veterans will benefit, with premiums for those 80 and older decreasing from $2,250 to $2,200 monthly.

For those still serving, Service Members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) rates will also drop, with monthly premiums decreasing from 6 cents to 5 cents per $1,000 of coverage. A service member with a maximum of $500,000 in coverage will now pay $26 per month, down from $31. These reductions are automatic, requiring no action from service members or veterans.

The Department of Veterans Affairs attributes the lower costs to the strong financial position of its insurance programs. However, unlike SGLI, VGLI does not automatically carry over after military separation. Veterans must opt in within a set timeframe. While VGLI offers guaranteed acceptance without a health exam if enrolled within 240 days of leaving service, it tends to be more expensive than other life insurance options. Experts advise veterans to compare policies to find the best fit for their long-term needs.

📜 VBA Updates

Protecting Veterans from Online Romance Scams

In 2024, romance scams affected 53% of men and 47% of women in online dating spaces. Veterans are particularly at risk, as scammers often pose as fellow service members, active-duty military personnel, or individuals with shared experiences to build trust before exploiting them financially.

According to the FBI, fraudsters may impersonate deployed military members or even celebrities, carefully gaining the trust of their targets before making financial requests. Some scammers plan in-person meetings or propose marriage, only for the connection to abruptly end once the deception is exposed.

Staying vigilant is the best defense against these scams. If an online relationship escalates too quickly, skepticism is essential, especially if the other person requests money or personal information. Protecting financial and personal details is crucial, as scammers often fabricate emergencies to manipulate their victims into sending funds. If something feels off, trusting one’s instincts and seeking advice from friends or family can help avoid emotional and financial loss.

Reporting suspicious activity is essential in preventing further fraud. Veterans who suspect they have been targeted should notify the platform where the interaction took place and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For suspected VA benefits fraud, the best course of action is to contact the VA benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000.

With over 64,000 romance scams reported in 2023, totaling $1.14 billion in losses, awareness and caution are key to protecting Veterans from financial and emotional harm.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

Finding Strength in Support: How a VA Peer Group Helped Air Force Veteran Jaime Hailey Face Cancer

A cancer diagnosis affects more than just the body—it takes a toll on the mind as well. Air Force Veteran Jaime Hailey learned this firsthand when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2024. Facing a whirlwind of treatments and surgeries, she found unexpected comfort in VA’s Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence virtual peer support group.

Through this community, Hailey realized she wasn’t alone. The group’s consistency gave her a sense of understanding and belonging while also allowing her to support others. Peer support has proven invaluable for Veterans navigating cancer treatment, offering a space to share experiences, discuss concerns, and exchange practical advice.

Hailey encourages fellow Veterans to explore peer support, emphasizing its mutual benefits. To learn more about VA cancer care and available resources, visit My HealtheVet or speak with your healthcare team.

Veteran App of the Week

Headspace

The Headspace app provides guided meditation and mindfulness exercises to help users reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall mental well-being.

By offering structured meditation programs, sleep aids, and stress-relief techniques, the app supports users in managing anxiety, building resilience, and developing healthier daily habits. Through personalized recommendations and expert-led sessions, Headspace empowers individuals to cultivate mindfulness and achieve greater mental clarity in their everyday lives.

Veteran Community Highlight

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 668

Established in Birmingham, Alabama, VFW Post 668, known as Kelly Ingram Post, is a dedicated veterans' organization committed to supporting those who have served in the U.S. military. Since its founding in 1928, the post has provided a strong camaraderie and a platform for advocacy, outreach, and community service.

VFW Post 668 actively addresses critical veteran issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), veteran suicide prevention, and assistance with benefits. The post brings together veterans, community leaders, and supporters to provide essential resources, encourage peer support, and advocate for the well-being of military families. Additionally, they host regular monthly meetings to coordinate initiatives and enhance outreach.

Through its commitment to service, VFW Post 668 continues to make a lasting impact in the Birmingham community, ensuring veterans receive the recognition, support, and assistance they deserve.

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.

• Free Unlimited Mobile Line for 24 Months: Xfinity

• 30% Off: Mystery Ranch

• 5% Off: Discount Tire

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Lena Derriecott Bell King

Born on Jan. 27, 1923, in Washington, GA, Lena Derriecott Bell King grew up in Philadelphia, PA. From an early age, she displayed strong determination and a commitment to service. In 1943, during the height of World War II, she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), determined to support the war effort despite the racial and gender barriers of the time.

Initially, King trained as a nurse and later worked as a fuel officer, but in 1945, she volunteered for overseas duty. She was assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—also known as the “Six Triple Eight”—the only all-Black, all-female battalion deployed overseas during the war. This unit was tasked with a crucial yet often overlooked mission: clearing the immense backlog of undelivered mail piled up in warehouses across Europe, delaying vital communication between soldiers and their loved ones.

While King was not a hero of the frontlines, she was a hero in her own way. Her tireless efforts ensured that soldiers in the thick of battle received letters and packages that kept them grounded and reminded them of what they were fighting for. Behind-the-scenes work like hers was just as critical to the war effort, reinforcing morale and strengthening the resilience of those risking their lives on the front.

When King and her battalion arrived in Birmingham, England, they were met with warehouses filled to the ceiling with millions of undelivered letters and packages, some years old. The volume was so overwhelming that the U.S. Army estimated it would take at least six months to clear the backlog. Working in freezing, often rat-infested buildings, King and her fellow soldiers operated in three shifts, 24 hours a day, meticulously sorting and redirecting mail. Under their relentless efforts, they accomplished the impossible—clearing the entire backlog in just three months, half the projected time.

Their work was vital to maintaining morale among the troops. Letters from home carried words of encouragement, hope, and love—fueling soldiers’ spirits on the front lines. Despite enduring racism and sexism, both from within the military and local communities, King and her unit pressed forward, embodying the motto they lived by: “No Mail, Low Morale.”

After completing their mission in England, the battalion was deployed to Rouen, France, to tackle yet another overwhelming stockpile of undelivered mail. Once again, they worked with unmatched dedication, ensuring that every soldier received their long-awaited letters and packages.

King and her fellow soldiers of the 6888th returned home without the parade or recognition they deserved. For decades, their contributions remained largely overlooked. However, their legacy endured, and in 2022, the unit was finally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their extraordinary service. King, one of the last surviving members, continued to share her story, ensuring that the sacrifices and resilience of the Six Triple Eight were never forgotten.

Lena Derriecott Bell King passed away on Jan. 18, 2024, just days before her 101st birthday. Her heroism, perseverance, and unbreakable spirit stand as a testament to the essential role of African American women in World War II and the unwavering determination to serve despite systemic discrimination.

Lena Derriecott Bell King’s service exemplifies the courage and resilience of the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, whose efforts ensured that millions of soldiers on the front lines felt connected to the home they were fighting for.

Businesses That Support Veterans

The Average Gentleman

The Average Gentleman is a men's clothing line founded by Lionel Garcia. It aims to help men look sharp, feel confident, and easily present their best selves. The line offers stylish accessories and premium grooming essentials, blending quality and timeless style to make dressing well effortless.

Beyond fashion, The Average Gentleman is committed to giving back; they donate 10% of proceeds to Mission 22, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating veteran mental health issues and suicide. 

This partnership supports veterans by raising awareness and contributing to mental health resources for those who have served. Looking good is essential, but making a difference is what truly defines a gentleman.

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