Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Three VA nominees face Senate scrutiny as lawmakers question plans to cut 80,000 positions, citing risks to veteran services and transparency issues.

• Sen. Ruben Gallego and others place a hold on VA and DoD nominees, demanding clarity on workforce reductions and canceled contracts.

• Unofficial “shadow hearings” organized by Senate Democrats aim to rally public attention and challenge the administration’s VA reform strategy.

• VA officials maintain that frontline services will be protected and reforms will enhance efficiency, despite concerns about veteran job losses.

• Senate vote on nominees delayed amid ongoing investigations into staffing cuts, budgeting issues, and influence of external advisory groups.

• The story of a Korean War hero.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Senate Scrutinizes VA Nominees Amid Concerns Over Workforce Reductions

Three nominees for top roles at the Department of Veterans Affairs—Sam Brown (burial benefits), James Baehr (general counsel), and Richard Topping (chief financial officer)—faced Senate confirmation hearings that were overshadowed by concerns over proposed staffing cuts and recent contract cancellations.

Lawmakers questioned the department’s plan to reduce its workforce by approximately 17%, potentially affecting services across the VA, including at major facilities like the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Additional concerns were raised over the dismissal of 2,400 probationary employees and budget mismanagement, leading to an unneeded $3 billion emergency fund allocation.

Senators, including Ruben Gallego and Richard Blumenthal, have expressed frustration over the VA's leadership's lack of transparency and have held the confirmation process until more detailed information is provided.

Despite these concerns, the nominees shared their qualifications and reaffirmed their commitment to serving veterans. Brown, a combat-wounded Army veteran, emphasized his dedication to honoring veterans through burial and memorial services. Baehr, a Marine Corps Reserve judge and former federal prosecutor, fielded legal questions regarding policy access and representation for veterans in legal disputes. Topping, a retired Army attorney and healthcare executive, pledged to prioritize financial accountability and ensure veteran-centered budgeting.

While the nominees are not involved in the current restructuring efforts, their potential roles are vital to improving services and accountability at the VA. A committee vote is expected soon, though any Senate approval will be delayed pending the resolution of ongoing concerns about staffing and transparency.

Lawmakers Push Back on VA Workforce Cuts Amid Transparency Concerns

Amid plans to cut 80,000 positions from the Department of Veterans Affairs, several congressional Democrats are responding with procedural delays, nominee holds, and unofficial hearings. Their goal is to demand transparency and raise public awareness about how the proposed changes could affect veterans and VA employees—many of whom are veterans themselves.

At a recent "shadow hearing" organized by Senate Democrats, concerns were raised about the impact of workforce reductions, canceled contracts, and the lack of detailed communication from department leadership. Lawmakers also questioned the influence of external entities like the Department of Government Oversight, associated with Elon Musk, in guiding VA reforms.

Roughly one-third of federal employees are veterans. While VA Secretary Doug Collins has stated that care providers and benefits processors will be protected, critics argue the overall strategy lacks clarity and risks weakening essential services. So far, more than 5,000 veterans have reportedly been affected by the initial dismissals.

Sen. Ruben Gallego and others have placed holds on VA and some Defense Department nominees until more information is provided. Additional unofficial hearings are planned throughout the spring to keep attention on the issue. Lawmakers are also exploring procedural tactics to slow Senate floor activity in protest.

In response, the VA reiterated its commitment to reform, stating the goal is to improve efficiency and patient outcomes—not reduce care. The department cited longstanding oversight concerns from the Government Accountability Office and emphasized that planned reforms aim to address systemic challenges.

Secretary Collins is expected to testify before congressional committees later this spring, though dates have not been confirmed.

Lawmakers and Medical Tech Leaders Urge Modernization of VA Healthcare Technology

At a recent House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, leaders from major medical technology companies highlighted persistent challenges the Department of Veterans Affairs faces in adopting modern medical devices—challenges tied to budget unpredictability, staffing shortages, and procurement delays.

Will Gray of Boston Scientific and Jeff DiLullo of Philips North America testified about cutting-edge technologies already widespread in commercial hospitals—such as non-thermal atrial fibrillation treatments and AI-driven early infection detection systems—but still limited or unavailable at VA facilities. According to Gray, while over 60% of AFib procedures in civilian hospitals use advanced pulsed field ablation, only about 10% of VA hospitals currently have access to the technology.

Both industry leaders cited inconsistent capital allocation and a fragmented purchasing process as major obstacles preventing timely upgrades. Gray recommended the VA develop a fast-track adoption pathway for high-impact technologies. At the same time, DiLullo emphasized the value of centralized radiology operations and data-sharing platforms that could unify VA services and improve care delivery.

Lawmakers, including Rep. Jack Bergman, stressed the need for closer collaboration between the VA and the Department of Defense to advance the adoption of these innovations. O. Others, like Reps. Mark Takano and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick criticized the VA officials' absence at the hearing, arguing it hindered a complete understanding of the department’s internal barriers.

Philips also discussed its RATE technology (Rapid Analysis of Threat Exposure), which uses wearable devices and AI to monitor over 150 biomarkers, detecting infections before symptoms occur. Initially piloted with the Defense Department, the technology is promising to enhance military readiness and patient outcomes in VA settings.

Overall, the hearing underscored a bipartisan interest in streamlining VA procurement, securing more predictable funding, and modernizing medical infrastructure to ensure Veterans have access to the same life-saving advancements available in the private sector.

📜 VBA Updates

Scholarships for Veterans Through Scholarship America

Veterans pursuing higher education have access to specialized scholarships through Scholarship America, a leading nonprofit that has awarded over $5.7 billion to more than 3 million students since 1958. The organization offers financial support for those attending vocational schools, two-year colleges, and four-year universities, helping reduce debt and close funding gaps.

Several scholarships specifically support Veterans and their families:

• Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship Program: Offers $5,000 awards to honorably discharged Veterans, spouses, and widowed spouses of disabled Veterans pursuing full-time undergraduate or graduate degrees. The application deadline is April 10, 2025. Emergency grants are also available for short-term financial challenges.

• DLA Piper BRAVO Scholarship: This scholarship provides $6,000 to honorably discharged Veterans enrolling in ABA-accredited law schools. Applications open in Fall 2025, and a notification option is available.

Veterans interested in these opportunities are encouraged to visit Scholarship America’s website for details. Always verify eligibility and application requirements with the offering organization.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

Empowering Veterans with Vision Loss Through TeleRehabilitation

For Veterans experiencing vision loss, everyday activities such as cooking, self-care, or smartphone use can become challenging. The VA’s Blind TeleRehabilitation program offers personalized support to help Veterans adapt and regain confidence in daily tasks—virtually and from home.

This program provides virtual assessments, training in areas like fall prevention and accessibility technology, and access to themed support groups. It’s open to all Veterans enrolled in VA health care, regardless of whether their vision loss is service-related or due to conditions like stroke, macular degeneration, or glaucoma.

Veterans begin with a personalized assessment and work with specialists to set goals and overcome specific challenges. Tools such as head-mounted readers and smartphone accessibility features are also available through the program.

Blind TeleRehabilitation complements a broader nationwide network of VA services, including inpatient and outpatient clinics, home visits, and dedicated technology hubs. The program is designed as a long-term support system that evolves with each Veteran’s needs.

Veterans can contact their VA care team or Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) coordinator for more information.

Veteran App of the Week

Ompractice

Ompractice is an online wellness platform that offers live, interactive classes—including yoga, meditation, tai chi, and fitness—designed to support mental and physical well-being. Veterans and VA employees can access free classes in select regions through localized partnerships with Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.

The platform provides over 100 weekly live-streamed sessions with real-time instructor feedback and an on-demand video library for flexible access. Specialized offerings like iRest Yoga Nidra are designed with Veterans in mind and address stress, trauma, and emotional balance.

While Ompractice does not currently feature its VA partnership on its main website, a dedicated VA membership page allows eligible users to enroll. Programs have already been rolled out at VA facilities such as the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, where Veterans, caregivers, and staff benefit from free access to virtual classes.

By bridging wellness and accessibility, Ompractice helps Veterans improve their overall quality of life from the comfort of home—one breath and one class at a time. Veterans should check with their local VA Medical Center to see if this program is available.

Veteran Community Highlight

Hollywood Post 43

Established in 1919 by World War I veterans in the motion picture industry, Hollywood Post 43 is a distinguished chapter of The American Legion dedicated to serving military veterans and their families during the transition to civilian life. The post in Los Angeles offers a robust peer-to-peer network that fosters community, support, and connection across all service branches. ​

Hollywood Post 43 provides 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. 

Notably, the post features a historic clubhouse completed in 1929. It includes a 6,000-square-foot theater that has become a popular venue for events and film screenings. ​

Through partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and mental health providers, Hollywood Post 43 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 Los Angeles 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.

• 50% Off: TaxSlayer

• 30% Off: Samsung

• 20% Off: Yeti

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Sergeant First Class William S. Sitman

Born on August 9, 1923, in Bellwood, PA, Sergeant First Class William S. Sitman dedicated his life to serving his country. A veteran of World War II, Sitman re-enlisted for the Korean War, bringing years of battlefield experience and a deep sense of duty. By 1951, he served as a machine gun section leader with Company M, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division—an elite unit tasked with holding critical ground in one of the war’s most pivotal battles.

On February 14, 1951, near Chipyong-ni, Korea, Sitman and his men were under siege by a superior enemy force. The North Korean and Chinese forces launched a coordinated, multi-directional night assault with intense mortar fire, automatic weapons, and grenades, threatening to break through the U.S. and French lines.

 Sitman’s section was assigned to cover a vital sector of the defensive perimeter, where failure would have opened a dangerous gap in the line.

As the firefight escalated, a grenade suddenly landed in the center of his gun team’s position. In a split-second decision that reflected his extraordinary leadership and character, Sitman threw himself on the grenade, shielding his comrades from the blast. 

Unfortunately, he was killed instantly, but his sacrifice saved the lives of five fellow soldiers—allowing them to continue operating the machine gun, holding their position, and helping repel the enemy assault.

Sitman’s decisive and selfless action not only protected his men but directly contributed to the survival of the broader defense at Chipyong-ni. This battle would later be hailed as a turning point in the war. His courage under fire exemplified the warrior ethos: placing mission and comrades above self.

Sergeant First Class William S. Sitman was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary valor. His legacy is a powerful example of heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to duty—an inspiration to all who serve.

Businesses That Support Veterans

ThriveLA

Founded to support unhoused and at-risk veterans, ThriveLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans by creating farm-based communities where they can live, work, and reconnect with a sense of purpose. Based in Los Angeles, ThriveLA provides a unique peer-supported environment centered on sustainability and dignity.

The organization combines housing with employment, allowing veterans to earn income through agricultural work that covers their living costs. ThriveLA’s model promotes self-reliance, stability, and healing by offering more than just a roof—it builds a pathway to meaningful reintegration into civilian life.

ThriveLA also partners with local volunteers, civic groups, and veteran service organizations to provide wraparound support, including mental health resources and skills training. By fostering connection through shared goals and daily purpose, ThriveLA is redefining what veteran housing and recovery can look like.

Through its innovative model, ThriveLA continues transforming veterans' lives across Los Angeles, turning farmland into futures.

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