The Veterans Newsletter 5/23

Welcome to the Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Documents reveal that the VA pays millions in bonuses to HR specialists under the PACT Act

• President Biden to highlight the positive impacts of the PACT Act for veterans

• The VA and salesforce are partnering to tackle veteran and spouse employment issues

• Virtual Reality Could Have Positive Effects on Veteran Health

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

VA Pays $43.5 Million in Bonuses to HR Specialists Under PACT Act

The VA awarded $43.5 million in bonuses to over 6,500 human resources specialists last year, averaging $6,598 each. These bonuses, known as critical skills incentives (CSIs), were provided under the PACT Act, which expands health care and benefits to veterans exposed to environmental toxins. Documents obtained by Military.com revealed the substantial payouts, which raised concerns among some VA employees in Washington, D.C., particularly after large bonuses were given to VA executives.

The PACT Act allowed the VA to issue CSIs for six months, followed by a 15% pay increase for many HR specialists starting in January. Despite high patient turnover and hospital logistics challenges, VR therapy has shown positive results, leading to further expansion plans pending grant approval. The VA has also faced scrutiny for awarding senior executives $10.8 million in improper bonuses last year. Despite these issues, VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized the importance of these incentives in attracting the necessary HR specialists to support the influx of new veterans eligible for benefits under the PACT Act.

President Biden Highlights Impact of PACT Act for Veterans

President Joe Biden will visit New Hampshire to discuss the PACT Act, a law aiding veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. Since its signing in August 2022, over 1 million claims have been approved, benefiting approximately 888,000 veterans and survivors across all 50 states, totaling about $5.7 billion in benefits.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized that too many veterans had to fight for their care. The PACT Act, personally significant to Biden due to his son Beau’s death from brain cancer linked to burn pits, now presumes certain illnesses are related to toxic exposure, simplifying the claims process.

📜 VBA Updates

VA and Salesforce Partner to Tackle Veteran and Military Spouse Employment Issues

Veterans face up to 38% higher underemployment rates than the general population, and military spouse unemployment has surged from 22% to 38%, mainly due to frequent relocations. In response, the VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) is partnering with organizations to improve job prospects for Veterans and their families.

A notable collaboration with Salesforce provides transitioning service members, Veterans, and their spouses with resources and training via Trailhead, Salesforce’s free learning platform. The partnership includes a fellowship program offering paid, hands-on experience, helping participants secure full-time positions. Shannon Allena, a military spouse, transitioned to a full-time role at Salesforce through this program, underscoring its success. This initiative exemplifies effective community partnerships in addressing employment challenges for the military community.

⚕️ VHA Updates

VR's Promising Impact on Veteran Health

Virtual reality (VR) is transforming care at the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA in Jackson, Mississippi, offering new ways to reduce pain and anxiety among Veterans. Sierra Barnes, an occupational therapy student, implemented a VR protocol for acute care with the guidance of Dr. Kendrick Bankhead. This protocol helps improve patient experiences and alleviate pain, anxiety, and insomnia and is backed by solid evidence and practical application.

Veterans interested in VR therapy undergo thorough screenings and monitoring throughout their sessions. The therapy includes virtual tours and guided relaxation exercises, ensuring safety and comfort. Many Veterans have reported significant benefits and improved vital signs post-treatment. Despite logistical challenges, the project has shown promising results, leading to an application for the VISN 16 Innovation Grant to expand the program further. The potential for broader application remains high, pending grant approval.

Veteran App of the Week

MyVetBENEFITS

The MyVetBENEFITS app is a mobile application designed to help veterans and their families access information about the benefits they are entitled to through the VA. The app aims to simplify finding and applying for various benefits by providing a user-friendly platform with comprehensive resources.

Key features of the MyVetBENEFITS app include:

• Benefits Information: Detailed descriptions of available VA benefits, including healthcare, disability compensation, education, and employment services.

• Eligibility Guidance: Information to help users determine their eligibility for different benefits.

• Application Assistance: Step-by-step guides and tools to assist in applying for benefits.

• Resource Locator: A feature that allows you to find nearby VA facilities and other support services.

• Notifications and Updates: Alerts about important updates, deadlines, and new benefit programs.

• User Support: Access to customer support for assistance navigating the app and understanding benefits.

The app is intended to make it easier for veterans to access the benefits they have earned and ensure they receive the support they need.

Military Deals of the Week

• 30% Off: 1-800-FLOWERS

• 25% Off: Targus

• 20% Off: BN3TH

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Brian R. Chontosh

Brian R. Chontish was born in Rochester, NY, on Sep. 6, 1973. He was raised in a supportive, patriotic, and disciplined family environment that instilled in him the values of teamwork, hard work, and dedication. 

As a young adult, he enlisted in the US Marines and graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1995. His time at the academy was marked by rigorous training and education that would prepare him for his career as a Marine officer. 

After graduating from the Naval Academy, he was commissioned as a United States Marine Corps second lieutenant. His early years of service were marked by various assignments that molded him into a reliable and compassionate leader. He gained valuable experience in different roles but built his reputation on his knack for tactical proficiency and indelible dedication.

In 2003, Captain Brian Chontosh was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During an advance on Baghdad, his platoon came under intense enemy fire from a well-fortified trench system. 

The enemy was heavily armed with machine guns, RPGs, and mortars, which they used to bombard Chontosh’s platoon. Realizing the immediate danger, Chontosh boldly ordered his driver to charge directly into the enemy trench, using their Humvee as a shield. 

This maneuver allowed them to quickly close the distance, knowing they wouldn't survive under the barrage of explosives if they remained at a distance. He then led the assault into the enemy positions, using his m16 and 9mm pistol to engage the enemy at close range.

He soon ran out of ammunition and began using enemy weapons, such as AK-47s and RPGs, to continue the assault. Moving systematically through the trench, he neutralized enemy combatants and cleared each position. His fearless and aggressive actions disrupted the enemy's defense and reduced their capacity to fight back.

During the counterassault, Chontosh eliminated at least 20 enemy combatants, significantly diminishing the threat to his platoon. Throughout the encounter, he displayed exceptional leadership by directing his men, maintaining control during the chaos, and leading by example, putting himself at the same risk as his platoon. His actions were crucial to the successful outcome of the operation.

For his heroism, he was awarded the Navy Cross, the second-highest decoration of valor awarded by the US Navy and Marine Corps. While it recognizes his extraordinary bravery and courage, there has been discussion about whether Chontosh’s award should be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. 

Regardless, Chontosh continued to serve and served another tour of Iraq in 2004, where he took part in the second assault on Fallujah. He retired from the US Marine Corps in 2011 after a distinguished career and now focuses on veteran advocacy and public speaking.

In 2020, he founded the Big Fish Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving veterans' lives. The foundation reconnects veterans with the core service principles, fostering greater accountability to each other and a shared purpose. This approach aims to improve psychological wellness, combat PTSD, and prevent suicide.

Chontosh is a true American hero, not only for his actions during his service but also for his dedication during his retirement. He advocates for and improves the lives of fellow veterans, showcasing his compassion and commitment to his comrades and his country.

Veteran Owned Business of the Week

Freedom Fatigues

Freedom Fatigues is an American lifestyle apparel brand that produces patriotic clothing and accessories. The company is veteran-owned and operated and emphasizes American manufacturing by ensuring all its products are made in the USA. 

Freedom Fatigues offers a range of products, including t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other gear, aimed at veterans, military personnel, first responders, and patriotic Americans. Their mission is to provide high-quality, American-made apparel while giving back and raising awareness for issues affecting veterans and first responders, such as PTSD and suicide prevention.

Thank You For Your Service, and Happy Memorial Day!

Not every service member 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!

On this Memorial Day, we express our deepest gratitude to all service members for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice.

Weekly Satisfaction Poll

Until Next Time!

Stay tuned for next week’s edition, where we’ll cover more stories, policy updates, and find tools & deals for the veteran community.

Thanks,

Eric

Manager, The Veterans Newsletter