Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• VA Secretary Doug Collins will testify on May 7 on the VA’s 2026 budget, planned reforms, and care priorities.

• VA launched a task force to review internal concerns about religious discrimination from staff.

• Hard Head Veterans expands U.S. helmet production, with 40% of its workforce now veterans.

• New VA guide outlines state tax benefits for veterans filing late or preparing for next year.

• VA telehealth hits 7.7M visits in 2025, with over 91% veteran satisfaction.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

VA Secretary Scheduled to Testify Before Senate on Fiscal 2026 Priorities

VA Secretary Doug Collins is set to appear before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on May 7 to outline the department’s proposed priorities and budget needs for fiscal year 2026. The hearing is part of the Senate’s broader appropriations process. It allows committee members to question the secretary about recent and upcoming changes at the VA.

Committee Chairman Jerry Moran stated the testimony will focus on improving care and benefits for Veterans and their families, and provide a look at the department’s long-term goals following Collins’ recent bipartisan confirmation.

Since that confirmation in February, several proposed restructuring efforts—such as planned workforce reductions, adjustments to support contracts, and the scaling back of diversity and inclusion initiatives—have drawn both support and criticism from lawmakers. Collins has publicly defended the proposed changes, arguing they are necessary to improve efficiency and accountability within the VA.

This appearance follows a delayed House Appropriations Committee hearing earlier this month. It is part of the typical spring cycle of Cabinet-level testimony as Congress works toward finalizing the federal budget.

VA Launches Task Force to Review Religious Discrimination Claims

The VA has formed an internal task force to examine whether religious discrimination, specifically toward Christian employees, has occurred within the agency. This effort follows a broader federal initiative directing agencies to review religious freedom concerns and gather employee feedback.

VA employees have been invited to report instances where they may have faced adverse treatment based on their religious beliefs, such as denial of exemptions from medical procedures, vaccine mandates, or discipline related to moral objections. The task force will also look into potential retaliation by chaplains or staff expressing religious viewpoints.

The investigation is part of a larger government-wide review into religious accommodations and protections, to ensure that all federal employees, regardless of faith, can work in an environment free from bias or discrimination. Officials note that the VA continues to operate under established civil rights frameworks, including existing offices that handle equal employment and discrimination complaints.

While some have expressed concerns about the task force's focus and implications, others have emphasized the importance of upholding religious liberty for all employees. The VA has not provided further comment beyond the internal communication that announced the task force.

Hard Head Veterans Brings Affordable, American-Made Ballistic Helmets to the Front Lines

Founded by Special Operations veterans in 2014, Hard Head Veterans (HHV) set out to bridge the affordability gap for high-cut ballistic helmets—gear known for comfort, weight savings, and better integration with communications equipment. While top-tier helmets like the Ops-Core FAST SF and Team Wendy Exfil are popular among elite units, their high price tags can place them out of reach for most service members.

HHV initially produced its ATE (Above The Ear) helmets overseas to meet this need using high-quality materials like DuPont Kevlar. In 2020, the company began building domestic manufacturing in Sweetwater, Texas, led by Marine Corps veteran Carlton “Dub” Robertson. Since then, HHV has expanded U.S.-based production to include the ATE Gen 3, ATE Lite, ATE Rifle, and its latest innovation—the Kevy Hard Hat.

HHV’s approach to product development emphasizes field testing, ballistic certification, and hands-on quality control. The company’s mission remains focused on combining performance, comfort, and affordability while supporting the veteran community. As of early 2025, 40% of HHV’s workforce comprises veterans, reflecting the brand’s commitment to service both on and off the battlefield.

📜 VBA Updates

Summary of State-Level Tax Benefits for Veterans in the U.S. and Territories

While this guide is being published after the federal income tax filing deadline, it still contains valuable information for Veterans, family members, and survivors who may be filing late or planning for next tax season. 

Most U.S. states and territories offer a range of tax benefits, including income, property, vehicle, and business tax exemptions that can significantly reduce financial strain. Whether you’re a transitioning service member, a surviving spouse, or a longtime Veteran, this alphabetical guide helps you quickly understand the tax relief available in your state or territory.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

Veteran Trust and Satisfaction in VA Telehealth Continues to Rise 

VA Telehealth is transforming how Veterans access care, making it more convenient, personalized, and accessible. With tools like VA Video Connect, Veterans can meet with providers from anywhere, reducing barriers like transportation and improving continuity of care.

For Veterans like Victoria Backus, telehealth has been a game-changer. Instead of navigating multiple buses to a VA facility, she now connects with her care team from home, helping her stay on top of her health needs.

In fiscal year 2025 alone, over 2.1 million Veterans participated in more than 7.7 million telehealth visits—a 12% increase from the previous year. Satisfaction remains high, with more than 91% of Veterans reporting a positive experience and over 89% expressing trust in VA’s telehealth services.

Telehealth is now vital to VA’s broader care model, offering reliable access to primary care, mental health support, cancer care, and more. Veterans are encouraged to talk with their providers to see how telehealth can support their care plan—meeting them where they are, both physically and personally.

Veteran App of the Week

Innerworld

Innerworld is a free virtual mental wellness app offering anonymous, peer-based support for Veterans and their families. Designed as a social support community, Innerworld lets users create avatars and join live events focused on topics like depression, anxiety, trauma, and transitioning to civilian life.

Available on mobile, tablet, and Meta Quest VR, the platform hosts over 100 weekly sessions, including special Veteran-only support groups. These range from educational workshops to casual social gatherings, creating a safe, stigma-free space for connection and growth.

While not a substitute for professional mental health therapy, Innerworld provides evidence-informed tools and peer-led guidance. For a limited time, veterans and their family members can unlock a free lifetime membership. Veterans can also apply to become trained group facilitators within the app’s supportive ecosystem.

Note: Innerworld is not a VA product; its inclusion does not imply VA endorsement. Veterans should verify details with Innerworld directly.

Veteran App of the Week

VFW Post 3345 – Strongsville, Ohio

VFW Post 3345, located in Strongsville, OH, is the largest post in District 7 and one of the most active in the state. With over 600 veteran members and an additional 700 auxiliary and social members, the post fosters a close-knit community dedicated to honoring service and supporting fellow veterans.​

The post offers a welcoming canteen adorned with military artifacts and memorabilia, serving as a gathering place for members and their families. The facility has a spacious hall for events such as weddings, anniversaries, and community gatherings. Situated on over two acres, the grounds feature a covered pavilion, horseshoe pits, and a Veterans Memorial—constructed by members in 2010—that honors all military branches and pays tribute to those who have served and sacrificed.​

Beyond its facilities, VFW Post 3345 is deeply committed to community service. It has donated substantial funds to veterans in need and local organizations and dedicated thousands of volunteer hours. The post embodies the VFW's motto: "No One Does More for Veterans."​

Membership is open to eligible veterans who have served in overseas conflicts, and the post actively encourages participation in its programs and events. Through camaraderie, service, and remembrance, VFW Post 3345 continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of veterans and the Strongsville 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.

• 20% Off: Skullcandy

• 15%: Angara

• 5% Off: EcoFlow

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Captain Jennifer Moreno

Captain Jennifer Moreno was born in San Diego, CA, on June 25, 1987. She would go on to become a pioneering Army nurse who gave her life in one of the most dangerous roles available to women in combat. A graduate of the University of San Francisco’s ROTC program and a registered nurse, Moreno volunteered for the Army’s elite Cultural Support Team—an all-female program created to work alongside Special Operations forces during missions in Afghanistan.

Assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment during Operation Enduring Freedom, Captain Moreno deployed to Kandahar Province, where she accompanied Rangers on high-risk missions to provide support and build trust with Afghan civilians.

On the night of Oct. 6, 2013, during a raid targeting a Taliban leader, an improvised explosive device detonated, killing a Ranger and wounding several others. Without hesitation, Moreno moved forward to assist, but tragically entered an area rigged with additional explosives. She was killed instantly, along with three fellow service members.

She was just 25 years old.

Captain Moreno was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Action Badge, and the Purple Heart in recognition of her bravery, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to her team. Her sacrifice marked her as one of the few women to fall in direct combat in Afghanistan, and her service remains a profound testament to the courage and dedication of those who volunteer for the most dangerous duties.

The Army named a training center at Fort Sam Houston in her honor. Captain Jennifer Moreno’s legacy endures as a trailblazer, a healer, and a soldier who gave everything in service to others. Her life and sacrifice continue to inspire all who follow in her footsteps.

Businesses That Support Veterans

No Veteran Left Behind

No Veteran Left Behind is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 that supports returning military veterans in southeastern Michigan. Based in Lincoln Park, the organization addresses the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life.​

The organization's mission encompasses assisting with housing, employment, and mental health services. By offering these resources, No Veteran Left Behind aims to ensure that veterans receive the support they need to reintegrate successfully into their communities.​

Through community outreach and partnerships, No Veteran Left Behind raises awareness about veterans' issues and mobilizes resources to meet their needs. The organization encourages community involvement and collaboration to create a supportive environment for veterans and their families.

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!

Weekly Satisfaction Poll

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