Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• The recent FBI gate crashing incident was sparked by a veteran mental health crisis.

• A widow receives a settlement after a veteran’s lung cancer misdiagnosis.

• American hero, Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr., has passed away at 97.

• The VA has updated its disability ratings for digestive issues.

• The VA is inviting veterans to apply for its specially adapted housing assistive technology grant.

• The VA offers updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2023-2024 season.

• Learn the details of Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr.’s life and heroic actions.

Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

Veteran's Mental Health Crisis Leads to Federal Charges in FBI Gate Crashing Incident

Ervin Lee Bolling, a 48-year-old decorated U.S. Navy veteran, faced a federal magistrate judge in Atlanta after attempting to breach the gate at the FBI’s headquarters. Despite assertions from his attorney about his lack of criminal history and the mental health crisis he's experiencing, Bolling remains in custody for evaluation. He rammed the gate with his car and tried to follow an agent's vehicle, prompting his apprehension. 

Bolling's mental state, which he attributes to suicidal ideation, prompts concern from the judge and prosecutors. While his nieces offer him a place to stay and he's shown some improvement with medication, the judge orders continued detention until April 23 for further assessment. Bolling faces federal and state charges for damaging government property, with potential repair costs exceeding $35,000 (link).

Widow Receives Settlement After Veteran's Lung Cancer Misdiagnosis

Anna Whitaker, widow of Army veteran William Whitaker, has been awarded an $880,000 settlement by a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital following a lawsuit regarding the misdiagnosis of William's lung cancer. The lawsuit stated that a chest scan in June 2020 revealed suspicious findings that were overlooked by his physician at the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center in Columbia.

Despite being described as a heavy smoker and having various health issues, including diabetes and COPD, William's death could have been preventable with timely diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Alexis Lewis Stroman, his pulmonologist, ordered the scan but failed to provide follow-up or medical intervention. Subsequent visits also lacked proper examination or scheduling of necessary scans. William was ultimately diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer and passed away in March 2022. The settlement, agreed upon without admission of guilt by the hospital, marks a resolution to the legal dispute surrounding Anna Whitaker's claims (link).

Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr. Has Passed Away

Retired Col. Ralph Puckett Jr., a highly decorated Army Ranger who received the Medal of Honor in 2021 for his bravery during the Korean War, passed away on April 8, 2021, at his home in Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 97 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. 

Puckett's remarkable military career was marked by his heroic actions during the Battle of Chongchon River in 1950, where he led his soldiers in capturing and holding Hill 205 despite being outnumbered 10 to 1 by Chinese forces. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Puckett's leadership and courage inspired his men to repel successive enemy attacks (link).

Colonel Puckett Jr. is also the hero of the week. Read more about his story below.

📜 Policy Updates

VA Updates Disability Ratings for Digestive Conditions: What Veterans Need to Know

The VA has announced updates to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), particularly focusing on digestive conditions. These changes, effective May 19, introduce new rating criteria for celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hemorrhoids, aimed at providing more accurate compensation for affected veterans. Celiac disease will now have its own specific rating criteria, potentially granting evaluations ranging from zero to 80 percent. Similarly, IBS evaluations will now offer compensable ratings based on symptom frequency, ranging from 10 to 30 percent. Hemorrhoid evaluations have also been adjusted, ensuring mild or moderate cases qualify for a 10 percent evaluation. 

Under Secretary for Benefits, Josh Jacobs emphasized that these updates align with the purpose of the rating schedule, aiming to reflect each veteran's average impairment of earning capacity. Importantly, current ratings won't change solely due to these updates, but veterans can apply for increased compensation. Claims pending on May 19 will be considered under both old and new criteria, with the more favorable outcome applied. The VA encourages veterans to visit the Federal Register webpage for a full list of impacted conditions and to access more information on benefits or application procedures (link).

Call for Applicants: VA's 2024 Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant

The VA is inviting applicants for the 2024 Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology (SAHAT) grant. Since 2016, these grants have supported individuals, researchers, and organizations in developing innovative technologies to enhance the independence of severely disabled Veterans and service members. Proposals for the SAHAT grant must be submitted by April 28, 11:59 p.m. EST. VA staff with expertise in housing adaptations evaluates applications, and the selected grantees are determined by the VA Loan Guaranty Service's executive director. 

Authorized under the Veterans’ Benefits Act of 2010, the SAHAT grant program aims to expand home adaptation options for eligible Veterans. Grants of up to $200,000 are awarded annually to SAHAT innovators. Previous grants have led to impactful developments, including thought-based control of assistive technology, smart home mobility modifications, and interfaces for voice-controlled actions. Further details, including past awardees and innovations, are available on VA's website (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

VA Offers Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for 2023-2024 Season

The VA is providing updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2023-2024 season, including an additional dose for individuals aged 65 and older. These updated vaccines target more recent COVID-19 strains, emphasizing the importance of staying current with vaccination. VA healthcare employees and Veterans receiving care at VA facilities can access the updated vaccines free of charge. Eligibility for the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 shot includes those who have not yet received it, as well as individuals with immunocompromising conditions who may require additional doses.

For adults aged 65 and older, the CDC recommends one additional dose if it has been at least four months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose. Those under 65 are considered current after receiving a single dose of the most recent vaccine formula. Veterans can receive their updated shots at VA or external vaccine sites, with the option to share vaccine information with their VA healthcare team through My HealtheVet (link).

Benefits of The Week

• Veterans Writing Project & Veterans Fellowship: The Writers Guild Foundation offers various programs to support veterans interested in pursuing careers in writing for film and television. The Veteran’s Writers project is a retreat that helps veterans involved in screenwriting with the process of writing a script. Applications for the 2024-2025 retreat are closed, but future applicants can sign up for the newsletter to stay updated on future retreats and programs.

  Additionally, the Writers Guild Foundation also offers the Veterans Fellowship, an 8-week course where veterans will gain hands-on experience in a simulated writers’ room, participate in several networking opportunities with industry professionals, and develop polished samples that are ready to pitch.

• Callaway Golf- 15% Off: Callaway Golf is a brand renowned for crafting top-tier golf equipment, accessories, and apparel. Their products are synonymous with quality and performance, from cutting-edge clubs to premium balls and bags. In addition to its dedication to excellence in golfing gear, Callaway Golf has demonstrated its support for veterans through donations to organizations and initiatives aimed at veteran welfare.

  For veterans, golfing is an exceptional recreational activity that offers numerous benefits. Beyond being a form of physical exercise, golf fosters socialization and provides valuable therapeutic and mental health benefits. Veterans can enjoy a solid 15% discount at Callaway Golf, allowing veterans to access top-notch gear at a more accessible price point.

The Best of The Week

• Team House Podcast: The Team House Podcast is a show hosted by Jack Murphy and David Parke. Both are military veterans, with Jack serving as a Green Beret and David venturing into contracting. Now reunited, they bring their unique experiences together. The episodes often feature interviews with members of elite military units, spies, and private military contractors, diving deep into their stories and experiences. While the early episodes might have been a bit rough around the edges in terms of production quality, the podcast has evolved and improved over time. 

  Jack and David continually reinvest any earnings from the podcast into making it better. If you're interested in insightful analysis and interviews with intriguing personalities, "The Team House Podcast" is definitely worth checking out.

• Zero Blog Thirty: Zero Blog Thirty is a popular podcast hosted by Barstool Sports that focuses on military and veteran-related topics. The hosts, including former Marine Corps infantryman Connor "Chaps" O'Brien, discuss current events, military history, and stories from their own experiences in the military. 

  The podcast covers a wide range of subjects, from serious discussions about military policy and global conflicts to lighter topics such as pop culture references and humorous anecdotes. Zero Blog Thirty aims to provide entertaining and informative content for military members, veterans, and anyone interested in military-related topics.

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr.

Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr. was born on Dec. 8, 1928, in the tight-knit town of Tifton, GA, during the heart of the Great Depression. Growing up in Tifton, he witnessed the community's resilience and unity during challenging economic times, which left a lasting impression on him.

After attending Tifton High School, Puckett transferred to Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN, a military academy at the time. After graduating, he enrolled at Georgia Tech University in 1943 before heeding the call of duty and enlisting in the US Army during World War II. He served in the reserves until 1945 before eventually graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1949.

During his time at the academy, Puckett's determination and dedication led him to become a commissioned officer and attain the rank of second lieutenant. He eagerly volunteered for the Army Rangers, even accepting an enlisted position several grades lower than his current rank when no lieutenant positions were available in his Ranger Company.

Puckett's exceptional leadership and willingness to make sacrifices did not go unnoticed. His superior officers recognized his potential and promoted him to company commander.

In Oct. 1950, Puckett's company, the 8th Army Ranger Company, was deployed to the Korean War, where they conducted daring raids on enemy forces. On Nov. 25 of that year, during the Battle of Hill 205, Puckett and his company faced overwhelming odds as they defended their strategic position against relentless attacks from Chinese forces.

Despite being outnumbered ten to one, Puckett displayed extraordinary courage and leadership as he led his troops in repelling wave after wave of enemy assaults. Despite sustaining multiple wounds from enemy fire, including grenade fragments and mortar explosions, Puckett refused to abandon his men and continued to inspire them to hold their ground.

As the battle raged on and their situation became increasingly dire, Puckett made the difficult decision to call in artillery fire dangerously close to their own position to repel the enemy. Despite the risk, it was necessary to prevent being overrun by Chinese fighters.

Even after being wounded multiple times and barely conscious, Puckett remained steadfast in his resolve to lead his troops. When it seemed that further artillery support was unavailable and the situation became untenable, Puckett selflessly ordered his men to leave him behind and withdraw to safety. However, two of his soldiers disregarded his orders and carried him to safety despite small arms fire, saving his life.

Puckett and his remaining troops were medically evacuated from the hill, and Puckett would be hospitalized for over a year due to the severe wounds he suffered. For their actions that day, Puckett and the soldiers who carried him back were awarded the Silver Star. 

Following his heroic actions at Hill 205, Puckett served in the Army with distinction, commanding various units and divisions, including the US Army Ranger School Department as commander of the Mountain Ranger Division, two teams in the 10th Special Forces Group, and the 502d Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division.

After retiring from 22 years of active duty in 1971, Puckett served as the national programs coordinator of Outward Bound, Inc. He later established the leadership and teamwork development program Discovery, Inc. in Herndon, Virginia, before relocating to Atlanta to start the Discovery Program at The Westminster Schools. In 1984, he became the executive vice president of MicroBilt, Inc., a computer company. 

Puckett was honored as an inaugural inductee into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 1992 and served as the Honorary Colonel for the 75th Ranger Regiment from 1996 to 2006. He received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Distinguished Civilian Service Award and induction into the Order of St. Maurice and the USAF Gathering of Eagles. Additionally, he authored "Words for Warriors: A Professional Soldier's Notebook" and contributed to various media articles.

In 2021, 71 years after his valiant combat actions in the Korean War, President Joe Biden awarded a retired Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr. the Medal of Honor. 

“Rangers lead the way!” is the motto of the US Army Rangers that reflects their ethos and spirit, emphasizing their roles as leaders and trailblazers in combat situations. Few can say that they embody this ethos the way Puckett did, as his actions during the battle at Hill 205 and his military career encapsulate the Rangers’ commitment to excellence, bravery, and determination.

President Biden praised these qualities at his Medal of Honor ceremony: "He leads from the front, by example, and with heart. He embodies the Ranger ethos, demonstrating how Rangers lead and how true leadership is defined."

Puckett passed away from complications from Parkinson’s disease at his home in Columbus, GA, on April 8th of this year, leaving behind a legacy that epitomizes true heroism.

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 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!

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,

Chad Hill

Founder,

The Veteran's Newsletter