Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Three Army reservist soldiers were killed in a drone strike by an Iranian-backed militia.

• Despite VA processors completing more claims than ever, they are still falling behind due to a record high in number of claims filed.

• The House Armed Services Committee is holding a public hearing on military quality of life and is expected to recommend pay boosts and other benefits.

• The VA is providing information to help safeguard the identity of veterans and their loved ones in observance of Identity Theft Awareness Week.

• The most recent Medal of Honor recipient has passed away; learn about his legacy.

• And more…

Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

Drone Strike Tragedy

Three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from the 718 Engineer Company were killed in a drone attack on their living quarters in Jordan. The attack, conducted by an Iranian-backed militia, marked the first American service members killed in the recent wave of violence in the region. In addition to the three deaths, over 40 service members were injured. The drone strike targeted an outpost called Tower 22, located in the demilitarized zone between Jordan and Syria. 

The Pentagon is investigating whether the drone that carried out the attack was confused with a returning U.S. drone. Hawkish Republicans are urging a more robust military response, while some Democrats emphasize the need for a deliberate and proportionate reaction. The situation has led to debates on potential military actions against Iran and concerns about the ongoing attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East (link).

New Claim Backlog Exceeds 400,000

Despite VA benefits processors making progress by completing nearly 2 million veteran and survivor claims in fiscal 2023, a record high and up 16% from the previous year, the backlog of first-time benefits claims exceeding four months has surpassed 400,000, the highest since June 2014. VA Undersecretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs revealed that the workforce has expanded by roughly 20%, with a hiring goal of 4,000 more employees in the current fiscal year. 

The increased workload is attributed to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a surge in cases following the passage of the PACT Act 2022. Jacobs expects the backlog to stabilize in the coming months and return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025. However, the backlog remains a concern for veterans awaiting claims resolution
(link).

📜 Policy Updates

The House Armed Services Committee's special panel on military quality of life issues will hold a public hearing, one of their final events, to discuss complaints and preview potential policy items addressing military families' challenges. The bipartisan panel, wrapping up nearly a year of work, is expected to offer recommendations on proposals including new pay boosts, child care assistance, and housing oversight. The hearing will feature Sgt. Maj. Troy Black and senior enlisted leaders from each service provided insights into recent complaints. 

The panel aims to influence the upcoming defense authorization bill debate. Additionally, various other hearings are scheduled, covering topics such as veterans' data privacy, Red Sea shipping threats, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' impeachment resolution, military family support, artificial intelligence, fiscal responsibility, health and human services, Taliban reprisals, NATO plans, and mental health resources for troops and veterans (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

In observance of Identity Theft Awareness Week (Jan. 29 – Feb. 2, 2024), the VA provides information to help safeguard the identity of veterans and their loved ones, ensuring the protection of VA benefits. Veterans are cautioned about the increased risk of identity theft in the digital age and the sensitivity of their personal information. Various common online scams, such as direct deposit/payment redirection, phishing, email scams, phone scams, spoofing, wired fraud, forgery, and malware, are highlighted as potential threats.

To protect against identity theft, the VA recommends several prevention tips for veterans that are noted in the article. The VA encourages veterans to report identity theft and fraud to the FTC at [email protected]. Veterans can contact the VA Identity Theft Helpline at 1-855-578-5492 if concerns about VA services are affected. Additionally, the VA has over 400 Privacy Officers nationwide who handle privacy-related matters, and veterans can learn more about fraud prevention by visiting the Protecting Veterans from Fraud webpage (link).

Benefits of The Week

• The Fisher House Foundation: This non-profit organization provides a network of comfort homes where the families of military members and veterans can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving medical treatment. The foundation aims to support families during times of medical crisis by allowing them to stay near their loved ones as they undergo medical treatment.

  Fisher Houses, as they are called, are located at many major military and VA medical centers across both the US and Europe. It also operates the Hero Miles program, which uses donated frequent flyer miles to help family members make the trip.

• Gary Sinise Foundation: The Gary Sinise Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by actor Gary Sinise. It was created in 2011 to support and honor US military members, veterans, first responders, and their families by providing various programs and services to address these communities' unique ongoing needs.

  Some of its services include home building, education, and mental health services. Its RISE program builds specially adapted smart homes for wounded veterans to enhance their mobility and independence. It also hosts the Snowball Express, an annual event for the children of fallen heroes that provides a therapeutic retreat. 

• Under Armour - 40% Off for Military: Under Armour is an American sports and apparel brand that makes performance-oriented clothing, footwear, and accessories. It provides athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and casual goers with innovative, high-quality gear that enhances both performance and comfort during activities.

  It also sells the Freedom Collection, which gives back to the veteran community by partnering with organizations such as Team Rubicon, DOD Warrior Games, and the Travis Manion Foundation. Military members and first responders can enjoy 40% off sitewide at Under Armour, including the Freedom Collection.

The Best of The Week

• GRIZZLY Cookware: GRIZZLY Cookware, co-founded by U.S. Army veteran Kyle Caniglia, is dedicated to revitalizing the tradition of American-made cast iron cookware. Born out of concern for the decline of this industry due to alternative materials and imports, GRIZZLY produces high-quality, versatile cast iron cookware entirely in North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Georgia. 

  The company collaborated with experts to create a well-received 12-inch skillet. Known as the toughest cast iron made in America, GRIZZLY Cookware is designed to handle demanding environments, from professional kitchens to outdoor settings. GRIZZLY is a veteran-owned company committed to supporting veteran communities and upholding the "Made in America" ethos.

• A Combat Veteran: Drew Hernandez is a YouTuber and comedian who hosts the “A Combat Veteran” channel, where he turns his past experiences into entertaining tales to bring joy to veterans while supporting future soldiers' potential enlistment. 

  If you can’t catch him in person at one of his many stand-up shows, you can find comedic and thoughtful skits and interviews on his YouTube channel and TikTok.

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Capt. Larry L. Taylor

Capt. Larry Taylor, a native of Chattanooga, TN, grew up in a neighborhood just north of the Georgia border. Despite enjoying a relatively typical Southern upbringing, he graduated from college with what he perceived as a "failed attempt" due to what he considered to be "mediocre" grades.

Military service ran in his family as his grandfather fought in the Civil War, his great uncle in World War I, and his father and uncles in World War II. This, coupled with his “failure,” drove him to enlist in the military and sign a commission as an armor officer. However, shortly after arriving at Armor School at Fort Knox, he realized that aviation was his true calling.

He then decided to pursue a career as a helicopter pilot, attending both Ranger and Airborne School in the process. Despite acquiring a fixed-wing pilot license during his time as a civilian, the challenges of learning to fly a helicopter were distinct. Undeterred, Capt. Taylor displayed resilience and determination, successfully completing helicopter training at Fort Wolters and Fort Rucker. His perseverance paid off as he discovered immense joy in piloting helicopters, culminating in his graduation as an Army aviator on June 30, 1967.

When he was eventually deployed to Vietnam in Aug. of 1967 as a part of D Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, part of the 1st Infantry Division, he was stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base. At the base, nine brand new Cobra attack helicopters awaited the arrival of their new pilots, with Capt. Taylor counted among them.

Capt. Taylor routinely served as aerial support for the 1st Infantry Division’s Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrols (LRRPs). The cutting-edge technology, such as the electromagnetic indicators on the Cobra attack helicopters, would allow them to see and trace the direction of the LRRP team and provide cover or support fire when needed. 

On the night of June 18, 1968, Capt. Taylor received a radio call from a small LRRP  group comprised of four soldiers that had been surrounded by Vietcong forces while out on patrol. They were stuck in a rice paddy about the size of a football field, coming under intense fire from reinforced North Vietnamese forces that prevented their retreat.

They made multiple runs around the paddy, providing covering fire for the LRRP team as it positioned for extraction via another team of Huey helicopters, all while receiving returned fire from enemy small arms. However, as the fighting continued, it became clear that despite running low on fuel and ammunition, Capt. Taylor’s team would not be relieved by reinforcement helicopters, and the extraction would not be possible. 

That’s when Capt. Taylor devised a then-unprecedented plan. Although his Cobra attack helicopter had no room for passengers, only a cockpit for a pilot and co-pilot did have landing skids. 

Capt. Taylor decided to land near the LRRP team amid heavy enemy fire and ordered the men to hold onto the skids and use the rocket pods for support. The maneuver exposed the Cobra to significant danger and would only allow seconds for success, but that was all it took.

Then soldiers grabbed on, held tight, and were flown to safety. 

In recognition of his courageous actions in the line of duty on that day, Capt. Larry Taylor was honored with the Silver Star. However, many believed this decoration needed to reflect the true extent of Taylor's heroism adequately. In 2017, a petition was initiated to advocate for upgrading his award to the Medal of Honor, acknowledging the exceptional valor he displayed.

On September 5, 2023, President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to Capt. Larry Taylor. President Biden expressed that Capt. Taylor's heroic actions on that day had a profound and lasting impact, stating that they "rewrote the fate of four families for generations to come."

Capt. Larry Taylor passed away recently at his home on Jan. 28, 2024 after a lengthy battle with cancer at 81. He is survived by his wife, sister, two sons, and five grandchildren. Those who visited him after being awarded the Medal of Honor would note that the award may have added a few months to his life and that it was amazing to see him acknowledged in such a way while he was still alive.

Capt. Taylor's legacy is indelible in the U.S. military, symbolizing unparalleled courage and unwavering dedication. His extraordinary actions, recognized with the Medal of Honor, resonate within the military and nationwide. Capt. Taylor's selflessness is an enduring inspiration to his fellow soldiers, embodying the timeless values of the U.S. military and forging lasting bonds among his brothers in arms.

Thank You For Your Service!

Not every servicemember 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 chosen to defend these liberties, symbolizing a collective commitment to the nation's well-being.

Whether you fought on the front lines or provided crucial support from behind the scenes, thank you!

Top Resources For Veterans

1. 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: VFW

2. K9s for Warriors

   • Overview: This organization is committed to supplying highly-trained service dogs, primarily rescues, to military veterans dealing with PTSD, TBIs, or other service-related traumas, effectively saving two lives in the process.

   • Website: K9s for Warriors

3. Hire Heroes USA

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

   • Website: Hire Heroes USA

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Until Next Time!

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

Cheers,

The Veteran's Newsletter