Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Veterans fight to clear their name for crimes they didn’t commit.

• The top 8 threats to national security in 2024.

• A new budget deal that gives a small increase to VA funding.

• A handy PACT Act 2024 eligibility toolkit for veterans.

• A veteran-owned clothing brand with an entertaining YouTube channel.

• The story of a humble Afghanistan war hero.

📰 Veteran Stories

Veterans Fight to Clear Their Names for Military Crimes They Did Not Commit

Retired Sgt. Major Eriq Brown, after 28 years of service, discovered an erroneous criminal record during a disability benefits screening. Despite being investigated but never charged for assault, his record falsely lists an arrest. The issue stems from a Defense Department policy mandating the FBI be notified based on initial reports, leading to unjust entries in the National Crime Information Center database.

Thousands of service members face similar challenges due to this policy, causing career setbacks and personal distress. Despite recent legislative efforts to facilitate record expungement, success rates remain low. Brown and others struggle with the lifelong impacts, with careers derailed and opportunities denied, exemplifying the urgent need for reform in military justice procedures (link).

Top 8 threats to National Security in 2024

The Council on Foreign Relations annually compiles the "Preventative Priorities Survey" to identify major threats to the United States. The survey categorizes potential conflicts based on their likelihood and impact on U.S. interests. 

The top eight threats for 2024 include domestic political polarization leading to violence, conflicts in the Middle East involving Hamas and Israel, Central American and Mexican violence driving migration, tensions with Russia over Ukraine, Chinese pressure on Taiwan, Iranian aggression and nuclear development, cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, and North Korea's nuclear ambitions. The report reflects expert opinions and aims to aid policymakers in prioritizing conflict prevention efforts (link).

📜 Policy Updates

New Budget Deal Includes Small VA Funding Hike and Firearm Ownership Protections

The fiscal 2024 budget plan for Veterans Affairs programs was revealed by congressional negotiators, showing a modest increase in funding. The overall department spending is expected to rise by about 8% compared to the previous year. The proposed budget totals more than $328 billion in appropriations for the VA, reflecting a significant increase over the past two decades. 

The plan includes provisions prohibiting VA officials from submitting veterans' names to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System without a judge's consent. It also allocates funds for mental health programs, homelessness prevention, and women veterans' health programs. Additionally, the budget sets aside $20.3 billion for VA's Toxic Exposures Fund to cover costs associated with benefits expansion under the 2022 PACT Act (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

PACT Act 2024 Expended Eligibility Toolkit

Beginning March 5, 2024, the VA is expanding healthcare eligibility for veterans exposed to toxins during service. This expansion allows veterans from various conflicts, including Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones after 9/11, to enroll directly in VA health care without applying for benefits first. 

The VA has prepared this PACT Act stakeholder toolkit for veterans to use and share information about the VA’s expansion of healthcare eligibility (link).

Benefits of The Week

• Project Healing Waters: Project Healing Waters is a nonprofit organization dedicated to physically and emotionally rehabilitating disabled active military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and other outdoor activities. 

  The program offers fly fishing classes, outings, and therapeutic activities tailored to participants' needs, helping them find healing, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose. Project Healing Waters aims to improve the quality of life for veterans and provide them with opportunities for relaxation, social interaction, and skill-building in a supportive environment.

• Backcountry - 20% Off and Up to 4% Cash Back: Backcountry is a popular outdoor clothing brand that focuses on providing high-quality, durable gear designed for rugged outdoor activities. Veterans, often drawn to adventure and exploration, may appreciate Backcountry's wide range of products tailored to withstand the challenges of nature. 

  The brand's commitment to functionality and reliability aligns with the values instilled during military service, fostering a sense of trust and reliability among veteran customers. Additionally, Backcountry's emphasis on outdoor pursuits as a means of personal fulfillment and self-discovery resonates with veterans seeking meaningful experiences beyond their military service. 

The Best of The Week

• Ranger Up: Ranger Up is a veteran-owned clothing brand known for its patriotic and military-themed apparel. Founded in 2006 by Nick Palmisciano and Tim Kennedy, it offers t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more, featuring bold designs and humorous slogans. Ranger Up's online presence includes a popular YouTube channel featuring content related to military culture, humor, and veteran experiences. This platform serves to engage with their audience, share entertaining content, and promote their brand to veterans, active-duty personnel, and patriotic Americans.

• The Smoke Pit Podcast: The Smoke Pit Podcast is a military-themed podcast that provides discussions on various topics related to military life, experiences, and culture.

  Hosted by military veterans, the podcast features conversations, interviews, and commentary on subjects ranging from personal stories to current events within the military community. It offers a platform for veterans and active-duty personnel to share their perspectives, insights, and humor, creating a sense of camaraderie and connection among listeners.

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta

Salvatore Augustine Giunta was born to an Italian-American family in Clinton, IA, on Jan. 21, 1985. He grew up in nearby Cedar Rapids with his parents, Steven and Rosemary, a medical equipment technician and preschool teacher, respectively. 

His family was close-knit, and he developed a strong sense of service and duty early on. After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 2003, he enlisted in the US Army, driven to serve his country. He became the first in his immediate family to serve in the armed forces since his family came to the US from Italy.

He attended basic training and infantry school at Fort Benning, GA, where his peers admired him for his determination and resolve. In 2005, as a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, he was deployed to Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom until 2006 and deployed again in 2007. 

He served at Firebase Vegas in the Korengal Valley near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border during his deployment. This area earned the ominous nickname "the Valley of Death" among soldiers, as it was notorious for being one of the most perilous regions for US forces during Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Characterized by rugged terrain, dense forests, and isolated villages, the valley offered significant cover for Taliban insurgents, presenting formidable challenges for American troops attempting to gain control of the area.

In late October of that year, his company launched a sox-day mission called Operation Rock Avalanche. During the same month, Taliban fighters killed multiple US soldiers when their position was overrun. In response, his company commander sent forces to meet with local village elders to recover US equipment that the Taliban had captured.

Giunta’s platoon was asked to provide protective fire from potential Taliban forces from a nearby ridge during this exchange. Shortly after nightfall on Oct. 25, Giunta led a team of seven riflemen and had just finished a day-long overwatch of the platoons below. 

They were then ambushed by a dozen Taliban insurgents heavily armed with AK-47s and RPGs as well as PKM machine guns. Sergeant Joshua Brennan, one of Giunta’s closest friends, was struck by eight rounds, while another member was hit by four. RPG fire prevented the unit from advancing to better cover. 

Giunta was also struck multiple times but was protected by the ceramic plates in his body armor. He recalled from his infantry training that advancing on the enemy is the only choice during an ambush. He ordered members of the platoon to pull back several steps to prevent being flanked by the Taliban and began firing M249 machine guns.

After taking on multiple casualties, they were informed that it would be some time before they received support as the conditions prevented air support, and ground forces would have to cross a river to reach them. 

Giunta noticed that the Taliban forces were carrying away an injured Brennan. With complete disregard for his own safety, he pursued the insurgents while firing his M4 carbine, killing one and wounding another. They then dropped Brennan and fled. 

After reaching Brennan, he pulled him back to cover and comforted him while trying to apply field aid to his wounds. The group was eventually evacuated, having successfully repelled the ambush. 

The next day, Brennan unfortunately passed while in surgery. 

Despite sustaining multiple injuries in the initial onslaught, Giunta's training and unwavering determination spurred him into action. Drawing from his infantry training, he swiftly assessed the situation and made a series of critical decisions that would ultimately save the lives of his comrades. Realizing the imminent danger posed by the ambush, Giunta ordered his fellow soldiers to fall back, preventing the unit from being surrounded and allowing them to regroup and mount a defense.

Despite losing his friend in the ambush, Giunta's bravery and quick thinking prevented further casualties among his fellow soldiers. Recognized for his selfless actions, he received the Medal of Honor on November 16, 2010, with all surviving squad members present.

However, Giunta felt uneasy about being singled out for his courage, believing every squad member displayed bravery and contributed to saving lives that day.

During a ceremony for the Medal of Honor Walkway in Italy on July 5, 2017, Giunta decided to pass on his Medal of Honor to the entire 173rd brigade, stating, "I want this to stay here in Vicenza, Italy with the 173rd, for the men and women who earn it every single day through their selflessness and sacrifice."

Instead of choosing to re-enlist in 2011, Giunta and his wife moved to Colorado, where he would study at Colorado State University. He would also publish an autobiography titled Living with Honor.

Giunta's unwavering bravery and humble nature epitomize the essence of a true hero. Despite receiving individual recognition for his courageous deeds, he believes every squad member deserves acknowledgment for their bravery and sacrifice. 

By selflessly passing on his Medal of Honor to his fellow soldiers, Giunta embodies the spirit of camaraderie and selflessness characteristic of the military brotherhood. His actions are a powerful reminder of the significance of humility and solidarity in times of adversity.

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