The Veterans Newsletter (5/30)

American Vets Form Group to Support Ukraine, VA Approves Millionth PACT Act Claim

Author

Hagen McMenemy
May 30, 2024

The Veterans Newsletter 5/30

Welcome to the Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

  • Veterans form a new group to help support Ukraine among the ongoing Russian invasion.

  • The Poppy Wall honored the fallen at the National Mall over Memorial Day Weekend.

  • The VA has approved its millionth claim under the PACT Act, signaling a major milestone.

  • The VA has launched a new innovative digital health hub.

  • The tale of a Korean War hero.

  • And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Katherine Semenyuk gave birth to her fifth child in a bomb shelter in Lutsk, Ukraine, on the day Russia began its invasion in February 2022. Amid missile attacks, Semenyuk went into labor and delivered her baby in freezing conditions, later expressing gratitude that her child survived.

In response to such hardships, American veterans have launched a new non-partisan, non-profit organization, American Veterans for Ukraine (AVU), to support Kyiv in its war efforts. The group, founded by Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff and others, aims to bolster public support and secure continued U.S. government investment in Ukraine’s defense.

Rieckhoff emphasized the importance of providing Ukraine with the necessary weapons and support to protect civilians. AVU's priority is to expedite funding from Congress to supply Ukraine with ammunition. The organization plans to facilitate discussions between American lawmakers and Ukrainian leaders by making trips to Ukraine.

Some Americans have volunteered to fight in Ukraine, with nearly 40 U.S. veterans losing their lives. AVU's founders, experienced in veterans' advocacy, intend to leverage their Washington connections to achieve their goals.

Bonnie Carroll, an Air Force Reserve veteran and founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), expressed her commitment to the AVU mission, confidently stating, "We will win this."

Over Memorial Day weekend, more than 600,000 red poppies lined the National Mall as part of USAA’s Poppy Wall of Honor. Each flower represented a United States service member who sacrificed their life defending the country since World War I.

Joel Vargas, a senior military affairs representative with USAA, explained that the display featured the history of wars since World War I and the lives lost in combat. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on and honoring the true meaning of Memorial Day, encouraging people to take a moment to respect those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The interactive display, located next to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, opened to the public on Friday morning. Visitors found the experience emotional, with some expressing the deep impact of seeing so many lives memorialized.

📜 VBA Updates

The VA has approved its millionth disability claim under the PACT Act, which expands healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. It is increasing outreach efforts to ensure more veterans complete their claims. Veterans and their survivors had until August 14, 2023, to file claims or intents to file (ITFs) to have their benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) received about 840,000 ITFs between June and mid-August last year but has formal claims for only 450,000. The VBA plans to follow up with the remaining 300,000 veterans through calls, texts, and emails, collaborating with veterans' service organizations.

The PACT Act marks the largest expansion of VA services in over 30 years, with nearly $6 billion already paid out. To handle the increased demand, the VBA has expanded its workforce by 20% and plans further growth. The VBA processed 1.98 million disability claims last year, issuing $163 billion in benefits, and expects another record-breaking year. Automation tools are being rolled out to streamline the process and ensure timely, accurate decisions.

Sponsored by Hill & Ponton, Veteran Benefits Attorneys

In service of our nation, you gave everything you had. You sacrificed your comfort, your peace, and sometimes even your well-being. If the VA denied your rightful benefits, give the team at Hill & Ponton a call today to see how they can help you on your benefits journey.

Use the VA Disability Calculator on the Hill & Ponton website today to calculate your monthly compensation.

⚕️ VHA Updates

The VA has launched the VHA Digital and Remote Health Center for Innovation (DRHCI) at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center with support from Veterans Integrated Service Network 10 (VISN 10) and in collaboration with the Office of Connected Care. This center aims to improve veteran care by reducing travel time for rural veterans, enhancing clinical outcomes through remote early diagnosis and treatment, and providing more affordable options than in-person appointments. 

DRHCI is part of the VHA Innovation Ecosystem’s National Center for Innovation to Impact (NCi2I) initiative, focusing on evaluating digital health and remote patient monitoring solutions. It will promote cooperation between VA, academia, and business to address urgent healthcare issues and provide scalable, high-quality healthcare solutions for veterans.

Veteran App of the Week

The Breathe2Relax app is a mobile application designed to help users manage stress through guided breathing exercises. Developed by the National Center for Telehealth & Technology, Breathe2Relax offers various features to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Here are some key aspects of the app:

  • Guided Breathing Exercises: The app provides detailed instructions and visuals to guide users through diaphragmatic breathing exercises, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

  • Customizable Settings: Users can adjust the breathing exercises' length and intensity to suit their preferences and needs.

  • Educational Resources: Breathe2Relax includes information about the benefits of deep breathing and the physiological impact of stress on the body.

  • Progress Tracking: Users can track their progress over time, which can help them stay motivated and see the benefits of regular practice.

  • User-Friendly Interface: The app is designed to be easy to use, making it accessible for people of all ages and technological proficiency levels.

Healthcare professionals often recommend Breathe2Relax to manage stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. It is available for iOS and Android devices.

Military Deals of the Week

*We are not strictly endorsing any of these companies because we have not purchased from many ourselves. We are simply finding deals online and sharing them here.

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura

Hiroshi H. Miyamura, or "Hershey" as he was affectionately called, was born in Gallup, NM, on Oct. 6, 1925. Growing up during the Great Depression, he faced many challenges, including the sting of racial prejudice. Despite these hardships, Hershey developed a strong sense of duty and a deep commitment to his country.

During World War II, Miyamura enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1945, joining the famed 442nd Infantry Regiment, a unit known for being composed almost entirely of Japanese Americans, as a machine gunner. After the war, he was discharged from active duty but stayed in the Army Reserve, ready to serve his country again. When the Korean War erupted in 1950, Hershey was called back to active duty.

In April 1951, near Taejon-ni, Korea, Miyamura's unit came under heavy attack. Displaying extraordinary bravery, he defended his comrades fiercely, killing over 50 enemy soldiers in close combat even after being wounded. His actions allowed his unit to retreat safely. Following this, Miyamura was captured and spent over two grueling years as a prisoner of war.

Miyamura's heroism earned him the Medal of Honor, but the award was initially kept classified to protect him from potential retaliation while he was a prisoner. Upon his release in 1953, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower personally presented him with the Medal of Honor, highlighting his "indomitable fighting spirit and dauntless courage".

After the war, Hershey returned to Gallup, where he lived a quiet life with his family. He worked as an automobile mechanic and eventually opened his own gas station. Even after his military service, he continued to serve his community and fellow veterans, helping them transition back to civilian life.

Hiroshi H. Miyamura's story is a powerful tale of bravery and resilience. His actions during the Korean War exemplify the highest military service and personal sacrifice standards. While not as widely known as some war heroes, his legacy is a testament to the contributions and sacrifices of Japanese-American soldiers. Hershey passed away peacefully on Nov. 29, 2022, but his story continues to inspire and remind us of the values of courage, honor, and dedication.​

He was buried with military honors and currently rests at Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.

Veteran Business of the Week

The Sox Box is a veteran-owned business that offers unique, high-quality socks made in the USA. It was founded by Athena and Vince Suich, a 12-year military service veteran. The company is known for its vibrant and creatively designed socks for men, women, and children.

The Sox Box is also committed to giving back. The company donates 5% of its profits to the Independence Fund, a non-profit organization that supports wounded, ill, and injured service members.

The Sox Box focuses on quality and philanthropy, making it a popular choice for those looking to support veteran-owned businesses while contributing to a good cause.

Brand New DD214?

Military Times published a great guide to transitioning from the military to civilian life. It’s a good primer for those who are starting the transition, even if it was sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union. Still decent in our book.

Hill & Ponton’s resource for applying for VA benefits. This page walks you through the basic steps of applying, what forms you need to fill out, and what the process looks like.

If you read through the guide from Hill & Ponton and decide that you need assistance with filing a claim, the VA has a search tool to find a Veteran Service Organization in your area.

HireHeroesUSA is one of the many veteran job boards we found online. It seems to offer a good mix of job types available around the country.

Corporate Gray helps military veterans transition to civilian careers by organizing job fairs, providing a job board for veterans and employers, and offering career resources such as resume writing and interview preparation guides. They also publish "The Military-to-Civilian Transition Guide" and support employers in hiring veterans.

You might be sweating slightly if you’re looking to buy a house in this market. Luckily, the VA has a resource that can help you understand the VA home loan program and give you an advantage when putting in that offer.

Thank You For Your Service!

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!

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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,

The Veterans Newsletter