Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Trump signs executive order proposing new VA facilities, faster care access, and tougher staff accountability.

• Lawmakers criticize VA for $5 billion in disability overpayments causing hardship for unaware veterans.

• Texas House passes bill expanding medical marijuana access for veterans and chronic pain patients.

• Military OneSource now offers a full year of free transition support for newly separated veterans and their families.

• VA expands migraine care with holistic treatments and targeted support through the Women Veterans Call Center.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Trump Executive Order Proposes New VA Facilities, Faster Care, and Tougher Accountability Measures

Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order outlining broad reforms for the VA, including creating two major new facilities, initiatives to shorten wait times for care, and a renewed focus on firing underperforming employees. While conservative groups and VA officials praised the order, it lacks detailed implementation plans and cost estimates.

Key proposals include:

• The National Center for Warrior Independence in West Los Angeles aims to house and rehabilitate up to 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028.

• Expanded Manchester VA Medical Center in New Hampshire to make it a full-service hospital, addressing long-standing infrastructure issues.

• Reduced wait times for medical care through expanded hours, weekend appointments, and relaxed rules for community care.

• Renewed use of the 2017 VA Accountability Act to investigate and dismiss underperforming employees, reversing Biden-era cutbacks on enforcement.

• Additional use of HUD-VASH housing vouchers for homeless veterans, with claims that funds will be redirected from programs supporting undocumented immigrants, though specifics were not provided.

The order also aligns with broader goals from current VA Secretary Doug Collins to cut up to 80,000 administrative roles while preserving clinical staff. Many initiatives—especially regarding staffing, construction, and enforcement—will depend on future Congressional hearings and budget allocations.

Lawmakers Slam VA Over $5 Billion in Disability Overpayments: "We're Losing Ground"

The VA is claimed to have overpaid veterans by more than $5 billion in disability and pension benefits from fiscal years 2021 to 2024, prompting bipartisan criticism during a House oversight hearing. Lawmakers warned that the recurring issue is worsening, with veterans often unaware they owe money until facing devastating repayment demands. In FY 2024 alone, overpayments totaled nearly $1.4 billion, and only a portion has been recovered, resulting in a $677 million taxpayer loss.

VA officials cited administrative mistakes and outdated beneficiary information as causes. They noted efforts to reduce errors, including a recent fix to a system glitch affecting 15,000 veterans. Still, lawmakers emphasized the emotional and financial toll on affected veterans and called for urgent reforms. “That’s our fault,” said Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX). “We have to fix that problem.” No definitive solution was presented during the hearing.

Texas House Advances Major Expansion of Medical Marijuana Access for Veterans and Chronic Pain Patients

The Texas House overwhelmingly approved House Bill 46, a significant expansion of the state’s limited medical marijuana program, with a 118–16 vote. The bill would give military veterans broad access to low-dose THC treatments—even for conditions not on the state’s approved list—and nearly double the qualifying conditions for non-veterans. It also increases the number of dispensaries from 3 to 11 and permits off-site inventory storage to improve access statewide.4

New qualifying conditions include chronic pain (especially as an alternative to opioids), Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, TBI, spinal neuropathy, and degenerative disc disease. The bill allows new delivery methods like vaporizers and suppositories, but not smokable flower.

While widely praised as a step toward safer alternatives to opioids, the bill faced some opposition. Rep. David Lowe, an Army veteran, voted no, citing personal advice from VA doctors that marijuana use masks PTSD symptoms rather than treating them. The bill now heads to conference committee negotiations with the Senate, which passed a more limited version.

📜 VBA Updates

Military OneSource: 365 Days of Free Support for Newly Retired Veterans and Families

Military OneSource offers veterans and their families free, comprehensive support for one full year after retirement, discharge, or end of service. This trusted resource helps ease the transition to civilian life with employment, education, goal setting, financial planning, and more guidance.

Key services include:

• Transitioning Veterans Specialty Consultations to help set goals and navigate benefits.

• Confidential non-medical counseling for stress, relationships, and change.

• Peer-to-peer counseling from trained professionals with military backgrounds.

• Education and financial consultations tailored to you or your family’s needs.

• Spouse relocation and transition support to ease the whole family’s journey.

Available 24/7, Military OneSource is free to use within 365 days of separation and includes access for spouses, children, and legal guardians. Call 1-800-342-9647 or start a live chat to get started.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

VA Offers Relief and Support for Veterans Struggling with Migraines

Migraines are more than just headaches—they’re debilitating episodes often triggered by stress, light, noise, hormonal changes, and even past military experiences. Women, especially those of childbearing age, are more prone to frequent and intense migraines, with symptoms like throbbing pain, nausea, light sensitivity, and cognitive fog.

Sure warning signs—sudden onset, severe intensity, or neurological symptoms—require immediate emergency care. Tracking your migraine patterns and triggers is key to building an effective treatment plan.

The VA provides comprehensive migraine support, including medication, acupuncture, injections, and non-drug therapies like physical therapy, massage, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The VA also helps manage contributing factors like stress, sleep, nutrition, and exercise through its Whole Health approach.

Veterans can contact the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN for help enrolling, booking appointments, and accessing trusted care.

Veteran App of the Week

Concussion Coach

Concussion Coach is a free mobile app developed by the VA to help Veterans manage symptoms and recovery following a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Designed for use alongside a health care provider or independently, the app offers tools for tracking symptoms, learning about concussions, and building personalized coping strategies.

Available on iOS and Android, Concussion Coach includes educational resources, self-assessments, and guided exercises for managing common effects of concussion, such as headaches, memory issues, irritability, and sleep disruption. Users can log symptoms over time, set reminders, and access relaxation techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.

While not a substitute for medical treatment, Concussion Coach provides Veterans with a secure, private, and practical tool to better understand and manage their recovery.

Note: Concussion Coach is a VA product developed in collaboration with Veterans and medical experts. Veterans are encouraged to consult their care team for personalized care and guidance.

Veteran Community Highlight

New Hampshire Veterans Association (NHVA)

The NHVA is a distinguished and historic veterans organization based in Laconia, New Hampshire. Established in 1875 and officially chartered in 1881, it is recognized as the oldest organization in the United States. Initially formed to provide a summer retreat for Civil War veterans, the NHVA has since evolved to welcome all honorably discharged veterans and currently enlisted individuals residing in the state.

The association's headquarters are located at Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, a historically significant site hosting annual reunions and encampments for veterans. These gatherings foster camaraderie and offer a space for reflection and community among those who have served.

In addition to its historical significance, the NHVA actively engages in preserving artifacts and records related to New Hampshire's military history. The organization continues to play a vital

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.

• 25% Off: Crocs

• 20% Off: Oofos 

• 15%: Sun Day Red

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Harold D. “Doc” Martin

Harold D. Martin was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he broke barriers from an early age. In 1916, he became the first African American cadet in the history of Norwich University, where he excelled as a student-athlete, lettering in football, baseball, ice hockey, and track.

Motivated by a passion for education and leadership, Martin went on to earn a master’s degree from New York University and began teaching at Miner Teachers College. His commitment to uplifting future generations led him to key roles in collegiate athletics, serving as athletic director at Virginia Union University in 1921 and later at Shaw University in 1924, where he shaped programs that gave Black students greater access to organized sports and leadership development.

In 1942, Martin was called into active duty as a major in the United States Army during World War II. His greatest legacy came in 1943, when he was appointed director of the Ground School for the Tuskegee Airmen. Under his direction, cadets received the rigorous academic and technical training necessary to become one of the most elite and respected units in American military history.

Though he never returned home from the war—tragically killed in an aircraft crash on March 23, 1945—Martin’s influence endures. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a testament to the service and sacrifice that defined his life.

Harold D. Martin broke through racial barriers with quiet resolve, shaped institutions with visionary leadership, and helped train heroes who would redefine American history. His life stands as a testament to the power of education, discipline, and duty, carried out with humility and honor.

Businesses That Support Veterans

Let’s Chow

Let's Chow is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans and military spouses by providing them with culinary business education and practical experience in the food service industry. Navy officer Jordan Foley founded the organization and offers a comprehensive "food truck MBA" program encompassing education, hands-on training, and business support.

Participants in the program receive stipends, marketing assistance, legal and accounting support, and access to resources necessary to launch and operate their food trucks. The program is designed to be self-paced and hands-on, allowing veterans to apply their military discipline and work ethic to succeed in the culinary world.

Since its inception in January 2020, Let's Chow has assisted over 57 individuals in establishing more than 20 businesses and launching five food trucks. The organization's mission is to provide a structured pathway for veterans to transition into civilian life by leveraging their skills and passion for food.

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