Welcome to the Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• VA secretary faces mounting resignation calls over scandal.

• VA initiatives support mental health care and suicide prevention for older veterans.

• VA updates policy to help veterans in a competitive real estate market following NAR settlement.

• VA announces new mental health copay options.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

VA Secretary McDonough Faces Mounting Resignation Calls Over Executive Bonus Scandal

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., a former Navy SEAL, called for Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough to resign during a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing. This demand follows revelations that senior VA executives received $10.8 million in bonuses under the PACT Act, intended to retain staff in critically understaffed roles. Despite concerns about human resources and financial staff, Inspector General Michael Missal's report indicated that these bonuses were authorized without McDonough's knowledge.

McDonough has taken responsibility and outlined corrective measures, noting that $9.1 million of the erroneous bonuses have been recouped. The VA has also paid $340 million in incentives for high-need positions, achieving record retention rates. However, the scandal has led Republican senators to call for the dismissal of crucial VA officials. Lawmakers criticized the bonus distribution as a deliberate plan rather than a policy mistake, increasing pressure on McDonough, who expressed appreciation for the candid conversation despite his dejected demeanor.

VA Initiatives Support Older Veterans' Mental Health and Prevent Suicide

George McCune, a 77-year-old veteran, regularly trains with his team for the Golden Age Games at the Veterans Affairs campus in North Hills, despite his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and reclusiveness. Although he prefers silent meditation, McCune enjoys socializing and training with fellow veterans. 

This engagement in physical activity and community is part of the VA's broader effort to improve the lives of older veterans and potentially prevent suicides, as older men in the U.S. are at growing risk, particularly those past their 75th birthdays.

Suicide rates for older men have been rising, with men over 75 dying by suicide at more than twice the rate of younger men. Factors contributing to this include loneliness, physical frailty, and access to firearms. 

The VA has implemented measures such as integrating mental health professionals into day-to-day care and encouraging safe firearm storage. Programs like the Golden Age Games and virtual exercise groups offer older veterans physical benefits and social connections, which are crucial for mental health. These initiatives aim to give veterans a sense of meaning and purpose, significantly reducing the likelihood of suicide.

📜 Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA) Updates

VA Updates Policy to Help Veterans Stay Competitive in Real Estate Market Following NAR Settlement

In March, the National Association of REALTORS® settled a class-action lawsuit, requiring changes to brokerage fee rules that may affect the real estate market. In response, the VA has updated its policy to ensure Veterans using VA home loans remain competitive buyers by allowing them to pay specific real estate buyer-broker fees.

Impact of the Settlement:

• The settlement's full impact is unclear, but buyers may be expected to pay their buyer-broker fees.

• Previously, sellers commonly paid these fees for Veterans.

What This Means for Veterans:

• Veterans could not previously pay buyer-broker fees with a VA home loan, potentially disadvantaging them.

• Veterans using VA home loans can now negotiate and pay for buyer-broker fees with certain safeguards.

• Veterans are encouraged to use professionals familiar with VA home loan specifics for better negotiation and understanding.

Negotiating Fees:

• Veterans should negotiate buyer-broker fees with their real estate professionals.

• Veterans can still request sellers to cover these fees.

• Fees must be reasonable and customary in local markets.

The settlement's impact is still evolving; these measures are a temporary response. The VA will closely monitor the situation and make further updates to ensure veterans are not disadvantaged. Additionally, the VA aims to reduce costs, enhance competition, and expand homeownership opportunities for veterans.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

VA Announces New Mental Health Copayment Options

The Cleland-Dole Act's Section 193A improves access to mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) care by canceling and refunding the first three copays for VA outpatient mental health and SUD visits each year from June 27, 2023, to Dec. 29, 2027.

Eligibility:

• Must be enrolled in VA health care.

• Owe copayments for VA outpatient mental health and SUD visits.

• Visits must be made by a qualified provider at a VA facility or through the VA’s Community Care Network within the specified dates.

What to do:

• Attend your appointments; the VA will handle the rest.

• VA will review and refund eligible copays received on or after June 27, 2023, by direct deposit or check.

Coverage:

The copay exemption covers the first three outpatient mental health and SUD visits each year within the specified dates. Other copays, like for medication, still apply.

Veteran App of the Week

MOVE! Coach

The MOVE! Coach app by the VA is a weight management tool designed to support veterans, service members, and others in achieving health goals. It features a 16-week program with self-management modules, goal-setting tools, educational resources, and progress tracking. Users can monitor their progress through weight diary entries and graphical reports, and the app also includes stress management tools and social media sharing for support.

This app is part of the VA's MOVE! Weight Management Program aims to improve health and reduce chronic condition risks through meaningful weight loss. Available on iOS and Android, it can be used independently or with VA MOVE! team support​.

Military Deals of the Week

*We do not explicitly endorse any of these companies as we have not personally purchased from many of them. We are simply sharing online deals that we have found for your convenience.

• $300 Cash Back: Navy Federal

• 10% Off: GameStop

• 15% Off: KitchenAid

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Richard A. Pittman

Richard A. Pittman's life began on May 26, 1945, in Stockton, California. His early years were marked by the typical experiences of growing up in a small town, where he attended local schools and graduated from Franklin High School in June 1964. Despite being legally blind in one eye, Pittman was determined to serve his country, inspired by President John F. Kennedy's call to service. 

Initially turned down by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, he was eventually accepted by the Marine Corps Reserve in Sep. 1965. His persistence and dedication soon saw him transfer to active duty.

After completing recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and individual combat training at Camp Pendleton, Pittman was deployed to Vietnam in 1966 with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. His unit participated in several primary operations, including Operation Hastings, which would be the defining moment of his military career.

On July 24, 1966, during Operation Hastings in Quang Tri Province, Pittman's platoon was ambushed by a prominent North Vietnamese force. Hearing his comrades' calls for help, he grabbed a machine gun and rushed forward through intense enemy fire. 

Despite being heavily outnumbered and under intense enemy fire, Pittman demonstrated remarkable bravery by silencing multiple enemy positions. His actions provided essential cover for his wounded comrades, and he single-handedly repelled a frontal assault by 30 to 40 enemy soldiers. 

Pittman's fearless conduct, which included exhausting all his ammunition and resorting to throwing a grenade as a last measure, significantly disrupted the enemy attack and saved the lives of many fellow Marines. His extraordinary courage and selflessness were pivotal in the survival of his unit.

For his extraordinary bravery, Richard Pittman was awarded the Medal of Honor on May 14, 1968, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The citation highlighted his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Following his heroic service, Pittman returned to the United States and continued to serve in various capacities, including as a postal clerk at Camp Pendleton. He re-enlisted in 1970 and ultimately retired as a Master Sergeant in 1988, concluding a distinguished 21-year military career.

In his post-military life, Pittman settled back in Stockton, California, where he worked for the United States Postal Service and remained an active community member. He was married three times and had four daughters. 

Pittman passed away on Oct. 13, 2016, at 71. His legacy lives on through numerous memorials, including the Richard A. Pittman VA Clinic, and other dedications in his hometown.

His story is a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to duty, reflecting the highest ideals of the US Military. 

Veteran Business of the Week

Flags of Valor

Flags of Valor is a veteran-owned and operated company that makes handcrafted wooden American flags and other patriotic items. Founded in 2015 by Joe Shamess and Brian Steorts, both veterans, the company is based in Virginia and emphasizes employing combat veterans. They aim to create high-quality, American-made products while supporting the veteran community by raising funds for veteran and first responder charities.

The products range from traditional American flags to custom designs honoring military and first responders. All are crafted with American-sourced materials and hand-painted by veterans. They also offer other items like coasters, cutting boards, and coin holders, all reflecting American patriotism and craftsmanship.

Flags of Valor provides meaningful employment for veterans and fosters a sense of community and support. Their goal is to honor and empower veterans, aiding their transition to civilian life.

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 and policy updates and find tools & deals for the veteran community.

Thanks,

The Veterans Newsletter