Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Colombian men face charges in 2021 car bomb targeting US soldiers

• Biden admin to boost funding for a multinational force in Haiti

• VA’s 2025 budget increases disability payments but cuts staff

• DOD and VA Lifts IVF Restrictions

• VA Tips for Avoiding Scams During Tax Season

• And more…

Attention all Veterans! Are you looking for the most up-to-date and reliable information on disability benefits? Look no further!

Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

VA’s $369 Billion Budget for 2025 Sees Increased Disability Payments but Reductions in VA Healthcare Staff

Ciro Alfonso Gutierrez Ballesteros, a 32-year-old Colombian man, faces charges in a Miami federal court for allegedly attempting to murder U.S. troops at a Colombian base with a car bomb. He was extradited from Colombia to face these charges and appeared in court on March 7. Prosecutors claim that Gutierrez Ballesteros, along with accomplice Andres Fernando Medina Rodriguez, planned the bombing attack on U.S. Army soldiers between April and June 2021. 

Medina Rodriguez, using his status as a medically discharged Colombian Army officer, conducted surveillance at the base and purchased a vehicle that was outfitted with explosives in Venezuela. On June 15, 2021, the bomb-laden SUV was parked in front of the base, resulting in injuries to three U.S. Army soldiers and a total of 36 people. Gutierrez Ballesteros and Medina Rodriguez, allegedly associated with the 33rd FARC front, were arrested along with six others in Colombia. Medina Rodriguez was extradited and pleaded not guilty, while Gutierrez Ballesteros was indicted and recently extradited to face charges in the United States (link).

Biden Administration Boosts Funding for Multinational Force in Haiti Amid Escalating Security Threats

The Biden administration is increasing its defense spending for a multinational force in Haiti amid escalating threats from gangs. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the doubling of support, totaling $300 million, to expedite the Multinational Security Support mission's deployment. The mission initially involves 400 Kenyan police officers, with plans to escalate further.

 Blinken emphasized the importance of the mission in addressing Haiti's security crisis during a meeting organized by CARICOM. Diplomats discussed establishing a nine-member presidential panel for a political transition in Haiti. Concerns arose over delays in funding from Republican lawmakers, potentially hindering international support for the mission. The UN Security Council reiterated its backing for the mission's deployment, emphasizing the urgency of addressing Haiti's multidimensional crisis (link).

📜 Policy Updates

VA’s $369 Billion Budget for 2025 Aims to Increase Disability Payments but Trim Staff

The Department of Veterans Affairs has proposed a $369.3 billion spending plan for fiscal 2025, with a notable increase in funding, including nearly $25 billion for a toxic exposures fund. This fund compensates veterans affected by burn pits, radiation, and other hazards. The budget prioritizes health care, disability compensation, and facility upkeep, although it anticipates reduced staff. The plan includes significant allocations for updating VA facilities, addressing homelessness among veterans, and enhancing mental health care and suicide prevention efforts. Mandatory funding, including disability compensation and pensions, is expected to increase substantially (link).

The DOD and VA to allow IVF for Unmarried People, Same-Sex Couples, and More

The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have finalized changes to provide in vitro fertilization (IVF) services to all eligible beneficiaries, irrespective of marital status or sexual orientation. Previously, only married, heterosexual couples using their gametes were eligible. The reforms, prompted by a lawsuit, now allow anyone with service-connected infertility to access IVF and use donor eggs or sperm.

DOD and VA unveiled new policies lifting restrictions and expanding access to reproductive healthcare for service members and veterans. While significant progress has been made, the lawsuit seeks to remove all barriers to IVF for troops and veterans using federal health benefits. (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

VA Tips for Veterans to Avoid Scams During Tax Season

Tax season brings financial management and the threat of scams, especially targeting vulnerable groups like Veterans. The IRS warns of various schemes, including impersonation and fake communications. Veterans should know their benefits, like tax-free VA benefits, and utilize tools like Identity Protection PINs (IP PINs) for added security. 

IP PINs help prevent identity theft, but it's crucial to stay alert for scams, knowing the IRS won't contact IP PINs via email, text, or phone. Reporting any suspicious activity is essential for combatting tax-related fraud (link).

Benefits of The Week

• American Veterans (AMVETS): AMVETS is a nonprofit organization supporting and advocating for veterans and their families. It was founded in 1944 and is one of the largest and most inclusive veterans service organizations in the United States. 

  AMVETS provides various services and programs to improve veterans' lives, including advocating for veterans' rights, accessing benefits and services, supporting veterans' mental health and well-being, and offering community outreach and support. Additionally, AMVETS engages in legislative advocacy to address issues affecting veterans and works to raise awareness about the sacrifices and contributions of veterans to the nation.

• Mechanix Wear- 15% Off: Mechanix Wear produces high-quality work gloves and protective gear. Primarily designed for mechanics, construction workers, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts, their products are known for durability, functionality, and ergonomic design.
  
  They suit various tasks and environments and are an excellent fit for veterans seeking reliable and versatile protection in demanding environments.

The Best of The Week

• Bottle Breacher: Bottle Breacher, founded by former Navy SEAL Eli Crane and his wife, Jen Crane, in 2012, creates handcrafted bottle openers from .50 caliber ammunition casings. 

  After a successful appearance on Shark Tank in 2014, the company expanded its product line to include various sizes and styles of bottle openers and personalized gifts with a military-inspired theme. Bottle Breacher is committed to supporting veterans, donating a portion of its proceeds to veteran-related charities, symbolizing patriotism and philanthropy within the veteran community.

• American Spartan Apparel: American Spartan Apparel is a veteran-owned clothing brand that produces apparel inspired by military, law enforcement, and patriotic themes. U.S. Army veteran Andrew Bobo founded the company with the intention of creating high-quality clothing that reflects the values of strength, resilience, and patriotism. 

  American Spartan Apparel offers a range of products, including t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and accessories, often featuring designs and slogans that celebrate American pride and honor the sacrifices of military and first responder communities. The brand has gained popularity among veterans, active-duty service members, and patriotic Americans who resonate with its message and designs.

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia

David G. Bellavia was born into a working-class family in Buffalo, NY, on November 10, 1975. Growing up alongside his four brothers, he attended Lyndonville Central High School and later Houghton Academy. Bellavia's father maintained a successful dental practice throughout his upbringing, providing stability for the family. In their close-knit household, Bellavia and his siblings shared a bond that shaped their formative years.

His grandfather, Joseph Brunacini, had served in the Army during World War II, instilling a sense of duty and patriotism in Bellavia from a young age. 

After graduating high school in 1994, he attended Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH, before transferring to the University of Buffalo, where he studied Biology. Once he completed his academic studies, he decided to turn to the military and enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman in 1999. After completing basic combat training and infantry school, he was assigned to the Syracuse Recruiting Battalion.

In 2001, Bellavia faced a crucial decision: whether to change military occupations, seek a hardship discharge, or embark on a 36-month tour of duty in Germany, necessitating separation from his family. However, following 9/11, he felt a profound sense of duty to remain an infantryman, believing that his country required his service in the ongoing fight.

Subsequently, in 2003, Bellavia deployed with his unit to Kosovo for a nine-month assignment before being redeployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. On November 10, 2004, while serving as a squad leader in Fallujah, Bellavia and his squad encountered a perilous situation. While clearing buildings, they suddenly came under intense enemy fire from a fortified position, leading to their entrapment in a room.

Observing that the source of the fire originated from beneath the stairs leading to the second floor of the building, Bellavia took decisive action. He bravely charged towards the insurgents, swiftly neutralizing their threat. Bellavia first fatally shot an insurgent in the midst of loading a rocket-propelled grenade, then proceeded to wound another who was returning fire.

Entering one of the bedrooms, Bellavia found himself pursued by the wounded insurgent. In the ensuing confrontation, Bellavia was forced to fatally shoot his assailant. As another insurgent emerged from upstairs, Bellavia engaged in a deadly exchange of gunfire, ultimately eliminating the threat.

Suddenly, a fourth insurgent emerged from a closet within the bedroom, firing his weapon as he leaped over a bed. Despite his aggressive approach, the insurgent stumbled, allowing Bellavia to wound him with a well-placed round. The injured insurgent fled, prompting Bellavia to pursue him upstairs, tracking the trail of blood.

Upon locating the insurgent's hiding place, Bellavia threw a fragmentation grenade to clear the room. Upon entry, he discovered the room filled with propane tanks and plastic explosives that miraculously remained undetonated. Despite the danger, Bellavia pressed forward.

In a desperate final confrontation, the wounded insurgent attacked Bellavia, initiating hand-to-hand combat. Through sheer determination, Bellavia overpowered his adversary, ultimately delivering a fatal blow by stabbing him in the collarbone, thus ending the harrowing ordeal.

Bellavia faced yet another assailant when a fifth insurgent leaped from the third-floor roof onto the second-floor roof, just outside the window of the room where Bellavia was positioned. Undeterred, Bellavia engaged the insurgent through the window, managing to wound him in the back and legs, causing him to plummet from the roof.

Demonstrating unparalleled courage and determination, Bellavia proceeded to single-handedly clear the entire enemy-infested house, eliminating five enemy insurgents and effectively neutralizing the threat they posed to his platoon.

Despite his remarkable bravery, Bellavia initially received the Silver Star for his actions. However, the award was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor by then-President Donald Trump on June 7, 2019. The ceremony, attended by former members of his platoon, underscored the profound impact of Bellavia's actions in preserving their lives. 

An Australian journalist working for Time and CNN documented Bellavia's Medal of Honor actions, capturing much of the action from a nearby doorway, making him the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor to have his award-winning actions recorded.

Following his military service, Bellavia chose not to reenlist in 2005, prioritizing his desire to reunite with his family. However, he continued to serve his fellow veterans by co-founding Vets for Freedom and advocating for veterans' rights. In 2007, he published his memoir, "House to House: An Epic Memoir of War," which garnered widespread acclaim. Subsequently, Bellavia ventured into politics, running for New York's 27th congressional district.

Bellavia's heroic actions on that day and his unwavering dedication to supporting veterans after retiring from the military exemplify his profound commitment to his country and fellow service members. He stands as a true American hero in every sense of the word.

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