Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• House Veterans Committee Chair requests DOJ review of former VA leadership over FY2024 budget discrepancies.

• Veterans and advocates raise alarm over VA workforce cuts and future of veteran health services.

• Vietnam veterans gather in D.C. to mark 50 years since the fall of Saigon and honor those who served.

• New VA resource guide outlines special needs support programs for veteran families and dependents.

• Veterans with Parkinson’s find renewed purpose through LEGO therapy at Central Virginia VA.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

House Veterans Committee Chair Requests DOJ Review of VA Budget Oversight

House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Bost has requested that the Department of Justice review the handling of the fiscal year 2024 budget by former VA Secretary Denis McDonough and other senior leaders. The request concerns whether Congress received accurate information when the VA asked for an additional $15 billion to address projected budget shortfalls.

Bost’s letter cited concerns over discrepancies in budget estimates, delays in communication, and whether any information may have been intentionally withheld. The VA later revised its estimates, indicating a lower funding need than initially stated and unused funds remaining at year-end. A memo from the VA clarified that having funds on hand was necessary to prevent payment disruptions for veterans.

An investigation by the VA Office of Inspector General found that outdated data and accounting issues contributed to the inaccuracies, but did not identify intentional misconduct. The Justice Department has acknowledged receipt of the request but offered no further comment.

The committee's ranking member, Rep. Mark Takano, criticized the request, stating that a prior DOJ review found no criminal activity and defending the agency's performance under McDonough’s leadership.

Veterans, Advocates Raise Concerns Over VA Workforce Cuts and Future of Care

After the passing of a trusted Colorado Springs mental health counselor in 2024, veterans expressed anxiety about returning to the VA system. Yet some, like Army veteran Stacey DeMoss, were surprised by timely and effective care through the VA’s Community Care Network. While her experience has been positive, looming federal workforce reductions have raised concerns about the future of that progress.

VA Secretary Doug Collins recently proposed a 15% workforce reduction to increase efficiency without cutting services. Critics, including veterans groups and employees, worry the cuts, alongside a hiring freeze, could disrupt mental health services, delay research projects, and threaten care in rural areas. Others warn that staff reductions may compromise the VA’s capacity to serve the influx of veterans added under the PACT Act.

Advocates also caution that expanding reliance on community-based care may transform the VA into more of an insurer than a direct care provider. While such care is covered when access to VA facilities is limited, some fear it could erode specialized, veteran-focused treatment developed over decades, particularly for PTSD and suicide prevention.

Although the VA has extended some research appointments and stated it has no plans to close nursing homes, uncertainty remains high, and many fear the system's hard-earned improvements could be reversed.

Vietnam Veterans Mark 50 Years Since the Fall of Saigon

Dozens of Vietnam veterans and their supporters gathered Thursday at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, marking the end of the Vietnam War.

The ceremony featured a presentation of colors by the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard, the National Anthem, and remarks from veterans and leaders of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Speakers emphasized remembrance, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of service.

Medal of Honor recipient Paris Davis delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the war and the legacy of those who served. The ceremony concluded with the laying of three memorial wreaths and the playing of taps before the wall.

📜 VBA Updates

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

Caring for a loved one with special needs can be both rewarding and challenging. Fortunately, various resources—through the VA and external organizations—are available to support Veterans and their families.

VA Programs include benefits for dependents with congenital disabilities linked to military service (such as spina bifida or conditions related to Camp Lejeune exposure), CHAMPVA health coverage, and support for children of women Vietnam veterans. These programs may provide compensation, health care, and job training.

Federal and Military Programs offer additional support through initiatives like the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), TRICARE, Dependent Care FSAs, and ABLE savings accounts. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may also be available for individuals with disabilities.

Community Organizations such as Easterseals, Shriners Hospitals, Parent to Parent USA, and the Military Child Education Coalition provide services ranging from health care and education support to peer mentorship and advocacy.

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it serves as a starting point for families navigating the landscape of special needs support. Veterans and caregivers are encouraged to consult their VA care teams or state-level Veterans Services Departments for tailored guidance.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

VA Parkinson’s Patients Find Community and Therapy Through LEGO Builds

Veterans with Parkinson’s disease at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System find renewed purpose and support through a unique therapy: building LEGO sets. The idea began when a nurse asked patients what hobbies they missed, and many cited hands-on work like fixing cars or woodworking tasks, now difficult due to symptoms affecting dexterity and coordination.

LEGO building offers a safe, creative outlet that promotes fine motor skills, focus, and social interaction. Veterans say the activity provides a sense of challenge, joy, and accomplishment, helping counter the emotional toll of the disease. The group meets virtually and is now preparing to display a collaborative park-themed LEGO scene at an upcoming Brick Fair in Richmond, Virginia.

VA currently serves over 110,000 Veterans with Parkinson’s, a condition that may be service-connected for those exposed to Agent Orange or other toxic substances. Veterans and caregivers can contact their VA teams for specialized support, treatment, and research resources.

Veteran App of the Week

Couples Coach 

Couples Coach is a free mobile app developed by the VA’s National Center for PTSD to support Veterans and their partners in building healthier relationships. Designed as a self-guided toolkit, the app offers interactive communication exercises, relationship “missions,” and resources specifically tailored for couples managing PTSD-related challenges.

Available on iOS and Android, Couples Coach helps partners strengthen trust, resolve conflicts, and improve emotional connection. It also includes a locator for professional counseling services. While not a replacement for therapy, it provides evidence-informed tools to encourage growth and connection between partners.

Note: Couples Coach is a VA product developed by the National Center for PTSD. Veterans are encouraged to speak with their care team for additional support options.

Veteran Community Highlight

DeKalb County VFW Post 3128 – Fort Payne, AL

DeKalb County VFW Post 3128, Fort Payne, AL, is a cornerstone of the region's veteran support and community engagement. With a strong membership base, the post is dedicated to honoring service and fostering camaraderie among veterans.​

The post's facilities include a welcoming canteen adorned with military memorabilia, serving as a gathering place for members and their families. The spacious hall is available for weddings, anniversaries, and community gatherings. Situated on expansive grounds, the post features a covered pavilion, horseshoe pits, and a Veterans Memorial that honors all military branches and pays tribute to those who have served and sacrificed.​

Beyond its facilities, VFW Post 3128 is deeply committed to community service. It organizes the annual DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair, a significant event that brings together the community for various activities and showcases local talents. The post also engages in numerous programs supporting veterans, including outreach initiatives and youth education programs like Voice of Democracy and Patriots' Pen.​

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 3128 continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of veterans and the Fort Payne 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.

• 60% Off Lenses: Glasses.com

• 20 Off%: Tula Skincare

• 10% Off: Academy Sports

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Donald P. Sloat

Specialist Four Donald Paul Sloat was born on Feb. 6, 1949, in Coweta, OK. Quiet, hardworking, and dedicated, Sloat grew up in a close-knit family as the youngest of four boys. After briefly attending Oklahoma State University, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969, fully aware that it could mean deployment to Vietnam.

Assigned as a machine gunner in Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Sloat was part of the Americal Division during the height of the Vietnam War. On the morning of Jan. 17, 1970, while conducting a patrol near Hiep Duc in Quảng Nam Province, his squad was ambushed by enemy forces. As they maneuvered through the dense jungle, an enemy soldier rolled a grenade down the trail toward Sloat and his team.

Reacting immediately, Sloat reached for the grenade to throw it back. It slipped from his hand, and with only seconds to act, he threw himself on the device, absorbing the full impact of the explosion. His body shielded at least three of his fellow soldiers from the blast, saving their lives at the cost of his own. He was just 20 years old.

Sloat’s extraordinary act of valor went largely unrecognized for over four decades. But his fellow soldiers never forgot what he had done. After years of advocacy by family members, veterans, and lawmakers, Sloat was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in a 2014 White House ceremony. His brother, Dr. Bill Sloat, accepted the award in his memory.

Though his service was brief, Specialist Donald P. Sloat's actions reflect the highest ideals of courage, self-sacrifice, and devotion to one’s fellow soldiers. He died not in pursuit of glory but in an instinctive effort to protect others—an act that speaks louder than words of what kind of soldier and man he was.

Specialist Sloat is buried in his hometown of Coweta, Oklahoma. His name is now etched into the annals of American military history as a symbol of quiet heroism, a young man who faced death with selfless resolve and gave everything so others might live.

Businesses That Support Veterans

Military Veterans in Journalism

Military Veterans in Journalism (MVJ) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 to support veterans transitioning into media careers. Based nationally, MVJ helps bridge the gap between military service and journalism by offering career resources, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

The organization’s mission includes providing fellowships, networking events, and an online career center to connect veterans with journalism jobs. MVJ also advocates for improved coverage of veterans’ issues and greater newsroom diversity through targeted initiatives.

Through partnerships with major news outlets and foundations, MVJ fosters meaningful career paths for veterans while strengthening the media’s ability to tell accurate, informed stories about military and veteran communities.

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