Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• What a good Thanksgiving meal means to servicemembers who are unable to spend the holiday with family

• The American Legion publicly denounces the PLUS Act

• The VA is pushing back announced changes to ambulance rates

• How veterans can help give loving homes to shelter animals 

• Some fun and engaging podcasts and social media pages for veterans 

• And more...

Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

For many service members who cannot visit their families for Thanksgiving, traditional Thanksgiving meals with their brothers and sisters in arms provide a comforting sense of home. The Defense Logistics Agency played a crucial role this holiday in ensuring the delivery of over 360,000 pounds of food to make this happen (link).

The American Legion has publicly denounced the PLUS Act. National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer explained in a release that the American Legion believes that the PLUS Act is a threat to veterans as it would transition the safety nets for veterans to an unregulated, profit-driven industry (link)​.

📜 Policy Updates

The VA is delaying a recently proposed change to its ambulance reimbursement rates. The proposal was intended to go into effect in February. However, there are concerns that the rate cuts could harm operations in rural areas (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

Founded in 2000, VetFriends is an online platform for veterans and military personnel to connect and reunite. It offers a registry where members can create profiles with comprehensive military information and use a search function to find and reconnect with old friends and colleagues. The platform serves as a virtual space for reminiscing and maintaining bonds forged during military service. (link).

Pets for Vets is another non-profit organization that seeks to help veterans enjoy the benefits of companionship by adopting shelter animals. The program recognizes the positive impact of the bond between a veteran and a pet on their mental health and helps find loving homes for shelter animals (link).

The Best of The Week

• Jocko Podcast: This podcast, hosted by former Navy Seal Jocko Willink and his friend, Echo Charles, covers many topics with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach. Whether they’re discussing military history, personal development, or the experiences of Willink or his military guests, you can expect to hear lessons learned from service and practical advice on applying military principles to everyday life. Jocko Podcast.

• Veteran With a Sign: Veteran with a Sign is an Instagram account run by retired Marine Zachary Bell that typically has him or other veterans holding signs with messages designed to connect veterans and others through humor and relatable content written on cardboard signs. Veteran With a Sign.

• Task & Purpose: This news website was founded in 2014 by military veterans and journalists to cover various military topics, such as national security, veterans’ issues, policy, culture, and the experiences of service members. Stars and Stripes.

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe

Corporal Rodolfo “Rudy” P. Hernández was a member of the U.S. Army who left an indelible mark during the Korean War. Born in Colton, CA, in 1931, he was one of eight children born to a farmworker. When Hernández was young, his family relocated to Fowler, CA, where he received his primary education.

At 17, fueled by a spirit of adventure and commitment to serve, he enlisted in the U.S. Army with his parent's consent. During his training, he set his sights on becoming a paratrooper and volunteered to attend Airborne training. Upon completion, he was stationed in Germany, where he dedicated himself to his duties until the outbreak of the Korean War.

On August 27, 1950, a significant restructuring unfolded as the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment transformed, reorganized, and re-designated as the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. Shortly after that, this newly configured unit was deployed to Korea. The 187th Airborne performed many operations in the Munsan-ni Valley and engaged in harrowing battles in both Inje and Wonton-ni.

During this deployment, Hernández found his place within the ranks and was assigned to Company G of the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. On May 31, 1951, his platoon was defensive at the strategically vital Hill 420 near Wonton-ni. On this day, they became the target of an enemy counterattack, where they were drastically outnumbered.

As the enemy troops surged up the hill, close-quarters combat erupted, and his platoon faced many casualties. While Hernández was seriously wounded in the attack, he was able to return fire on the circling enemy troops. When his rifle was destroyed during combat, he charged at enemies with his bayonet and was able to help his comrades regroup and take back the hill.

During the ensuing combat, Hernández was hit by the blast from a grenade that left him unconscious. The explosion left him with significant brain damage and left him in a coma for a month. Upon awakening, he had lost the use of his arms and legs and was unable to talk.

However, his enduring spirit would not let him relinquish completely. He committed to physical therapy and underwent many surgeries over a five-year period that allowed him to regain limited use of his right arm and learn to write with his left hand.

For his bravery on that fateful day, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award. After retiring from military service, he relocated to Fayetteville, NC, where he worked for the VA.

Hernández passed away on December 21, 2013, after a battle with cancer and “other ailments” and was given a hero's burial. He now rests in Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, NC, commemorating a life marked by sacrifice, resilience, and an enduring commitment to his brothers in arms.

Hernández’s journey from humble beginnings to his heroic actions during the Korean War is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who serve their country.

Top Resources For Veterans

1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

   • Overview: The VA provides a wide range of services for veterans, including health care, benefits, and memorial services.

   • Website: https://www.va.gov/

2. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

   • Overview: An organization that offers various services to veterans, including assistance with benefits claims, scholarships, and community service opportunities.

   • Website: https://www.vfw.org/

3. Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

   • Overview: DAV provides various services for disabled veterans, including transportation, employment resources, and benefits assistance.

   • Website: https://www.dav.org/

4. Wounded Warrior Project

   • Overview: This nonprofit organization offers programs, services, and events for wounded veterans post 9/11. They focus on mental health, physical health, and wellness.

   • Website: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

5. Hire Heroes USA

   • Overview: An organization dedicated to helping veterans find employment through personalized job search training and assistance.

   • Website: https://www.hireheroesusa.org/

Until Next Time

Stay tuned for next week's edition, where we'll discuss more top stories and the latest policy updates!

Cheers,

Chad Hill

Founder,

The Veteran's Newsletter