Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• The last survivor of the sinking of the USS Arizona has passed away at 102

• Court OKs case against the VA regarding discrimination in disability claims

• In a historic milestone, 400,000 veterans enrolled in VA healthcare over the last year

• VA tips for applying for travel reimbursement

• Make the Connection provides support for veterans and family members struggling with mental health challenges

• The tale of a selfless Iraq War hero

• And more…

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Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

Last Survivor of the USS Arizona Sinking in the 1941 Attack on Pearl Harbor Dies at 102 

Lou Conter, the last living survivor of the USS Arizona, which sank during the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, has passed away at the age of 102. Historic Pacific Parks announced his death. Conter was one of 335 survivors out of 1,512 crew members on the Arizona. His passing leaves fewer than two dozen veterans of the Pearl Harbor attack alive. Conter, who served as a spokesman for survivors, emphasized the impact of the attack on the lives of those involved.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1939 and was on watch when the Arizona was bombed. After escaping on a lifeboat, he participated in recovery efforts and later served in combat during World War II and the Korean War. Conter's legacy includes his contribution to the Navy's SERE program. Marine Corps Capt. Ray Daniel Hower, Conter's nephew, highlighted the sacrifices and heroism of Conter and his fellow veterans (link).

Lawsuit Claims Racial Discrimination by VA in Disability Claims 

A federal court has allowed a lawsuit against Veterans Affairs officials for alleged racial discrimination in disability benefits processing, rejecting a government request for dismissal. The lawsuit, filed in November 2022 by advocates on behalf of Vietnam War veteran Conley Monk Jr., alleges systemic discrimination against Black veterans in benefits decisions. VA records show higher rejection rates for Black veterans' disability claims compared to white veterans over the past two decades. 

The lawsuit seeks redress for these disparities and highlights the need for the VA to address racial discrimination in benefits administration. While the VA has announced plans to improve outreach efforts and reduce inequities, advocates argue that systemic issues persist for decades. The court's decision has been hailed as a step forward in addressing long-standing concerns about racial bias in VA benefits processing (link).

📜 Policy Updates

400,000 Veterans Enrolled in VA Healthcare Over the Past Year, Marking 30% Increase Over Last Year 

The VA announced a historic milestone, enrolling 401,006 Veterans in VA health care over the past year, marking a 30% increase from the previous year and nearly a 50% increase from 2020 pandemic levels. This surge in enrollment, occurring across all 50 states, is attributed to the bipartisan PACT Act signed by President Biden, which expanded VA health care and benefits. Aggressive outreach efforts, including over 2,600 events, a $16+ million advertising campaign, and text message reminders, have contributed to this achievement. 

The VA emphasizes that enrolled Veterans receive better health outcomes and more affordable care than non-enrolled Veterans. VA Secretary Denis McDonough and Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal underscore enrolling in VA health care, highlighting improved access and lower copays under the PACT Act. Since the law's passage, the VA has upgraded the healthcare priority groups for over 693,962 Veterans, totaling over 746,500 upgrades (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

VA Tips for Applying for Travel Reimbursement 

The VA aims to provide accessible healthcare for veterans by offering various options, including VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, virtual care, and telehealth appointments. Veterans may be eligible to reimburse travel expenses incurred for VA-approved care, including transportation, lodging, and meals. Eligibility criteria include having a disability rating, receiving a VA pension, or meeting income guidelines. 

Caregivers may also be reimbursed for travel expenses under certain conditions. To file a claim, veterans must keep receipts, set up direct deposit, and submit their claim within 30 days of the appointment. Claims can be filed online, via mail, fax, email, or in person at the VA facility. Additional assistance is available through local Beneficiary Travel points of contact. For more information, veterans can visit the VA travel pay reimbursement website (link).

Benefits of The Week

• Make the Connection: Make the Connection is a service provided by the VA. It is an online resource that offers support and information for veterans, service members, and their families dealing with mental health challenges.

  The site features videos, articles, and personal stories to reduce the stigma around mental health and connect individuals with resources and support services. Covering topics like PTSD, depression, and substance abuse, it provides information on treatment options, coping strategies, and support networks. 

• Pelican - 15% Off: Pelican is a brand that produces high-quality, heavy-duty coolers, cases, and other accessories for outdoor use, such as camping, hunting, fishing, and other rugged activities. 

  Renowned for their durability and reliability, Pelican’s products are designed to withstand extreme conditions and are trusted by the military, law enforcement, and outdoor recreation professionals. 

The Best of The Week

• Doc Spartan: Doc Spartan is a skincare product company founded by military veterans Dale Kingue and Renee Wallace. The company gained attention for its flagship product, the Combat Ready Ointment, an all-natural, multipurpose skin ointment designed to treat various skin issues such as cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes, and more.

  The company also produces high-quality hygiene products such as deodorants, soaps and scrubs, beard ointments, candles, and pet care products. Doc Spartan is also committed to using all-natural ingredients and giving back to the veteran community.

• Warrior Expeditions: This non-profit organization, founded by former Marine Sean Gobin, provides outdoor expeditions such as hiking, biking, and paddling trips to veterans as a means of supporting their transition to the civilian world after retiring from military service. 

  Warrior Expeditions aims to create therapeutic experiences to help veterans decompress from military service, connect with nature, and help them integrate into supportive networks with other veterans. Applicants can embark on outdoor adventures in locations such as the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail and will often cover costs associated with the expeditions. 

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins

Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins was born in Great Falls, MT, on Dec. 9, 1975. From an early age, he was enthralled with the outdoors and loved to hunt, fish, snowmobile, and camp. He relocated to Bozeman, MT, in 1981, where he worked for concrete and painting contractors after graduating high school. 

After feeling dissatisfied with these jobs, Atkins sought to serve his country and enlisted in the US Army in November 2000. He underwent basic and infantry training at Fort Benning, GA. He was subsequently assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, KY.

As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Atkins was deployed to Kuwait in March 2003, where he led an infantry fireteam. Following this tour, he temporarily left the military and retired in Dec. of the same year upon his return.

During this break, Atkins pursued higher education at the University of Montana in Missoula while working again in paint and concrete contracting. However, his break from military service was short-lived, and he felt called to return to duty two years later, rejoining the Army as a part of the 10th Mountain Division, where he felt truly at home. 

His mother, Elaine Atkins, would not say, “He loved the Army, and he loved being with his troops.”

During his second tour of duty in Iraq, Atkins and his squad were conducting a routine security patrol in Abu Samak when they observed two suspicious individuals crossing their monitored route. The men responded erratically upon being challenged to identify themselves, prompting heightened suspicion.

Atkins took decisive action, positioning his vehicle to confront the men and initiate a search. However, one of the individuals resisted and engaged in physical combat with Atkins. Amidst the struggle, Atkins discerned the presence of a suicide vest concealed beneath the assailant's clothing. Recognizing the imminent danger, Atkins attempted to disarm the detonator from the insurgent.

Atkins directed his fellow soldiers to back away before wrapping himself around the insurgent and throwing him to the ground, placing himself between the threat and his comrades mere feet away. 

The insurgent was able to detonate the bomb. However, Atkins was on top of the suicide bomber, and his body took the brunt of the explosion, shielding his fellow soldiers from the blast.

Regrettably, Atkins did not survive the encounter. However, his brave and selfless actions in the spur of the moment saved the lives of the three other soldiers who were there with him, ensuring that they lived to fight another day. 

Atkins was initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on that fateful day. However, his award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor on March 19, 2019, by then-President Donald J. Trump. 

The three soldiers whose lives he saved that day attended the ceremony, and the award was accepted by his son, Trevor. Then-President Trump said of Atkins, “He did not run. He didn’t know what it was to run. He acted in the tradition of the 10th Mountain Division in his ‘climb to glory.’ Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins will be etched alongside the names of America’s bravest warriors and written forever into America’s heart.”

Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins' actions on that day embody the highest ideals of honor, bravery, and service to others, leaving an indelible legacy of courage and devotion that will forever be remembered and honored by his comrades in arms and a grateful nation.

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!

The Veteran's Newsletter