The Veterans Newsletter 6/6

Welcome to the Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• The White House is threatening to veto a VA funding bill over GOP riders.

• As the remaining vets from D-Day age, organizers are going all out for what may be the last anniversary with living veterans.

• A new program aims to help veteran avoid foreclosures on their homes.

• Durham, NC VA is initiating a new pilot program using VR to help develop sleep solutions for veterans

• The tale of a Vietnam war hero.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

White House Threatens Veto Over GOP Riders in VA Funding Bill

The White House has threatened to veto the annual Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction funding bill due to GOP-backed provisions that would reverse VA policies on LGBTQ+ veterans and abortion. The bill, authored by House Republicans, includes partisan policies that the White House claims would harm reproductive health care access, LGBTQ+ safety, marriage equality, climate change initiatives, and diversity efforts.

The bill proposes $129 billion in discretionary funding for the VA in fiscal 2025, including $113 billion for medical care and $18 billion for Pentagon construction projects. While the administration supports the funding levels, the White House opposes the bill due to its policy provisions.

Key issues include reversing the VA's policy on abortions in cases of rape, incest, or health risks to the mother, banning gender-affirming care for transgender veterans, and prohibiting the VA from flying the LGBTQ+ pride flag. The bill also seeks to nullify a payment processing agreement between the VA and ICE, which the White House argues would hinder the VA's emergency health services responsibilities.

The House Appropriations Committee Chairman, Tom Cole, argues the bill supports American values and focuses on core responsibilities. However, negotiations are expected to be difficult with the Democratic-controlled Senate unlikely to accept the controversial provisions and upcoming election-year politics. A similar situation occurred with the fiscal 2024 bill, which was signed into law after extensive negotiations removed most controversial riders.

Organizers Go All Out for D-Day’s 80th Anniversary, Potentially the Last with Living Members

At 99 years old, Jack Foy is one of the youngest among his WWII veteran friends. Despite their advanced age, these veterans are making the journey to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, recognizing it may be their last chance to honor fallen comrades.

On June 6, Foy and his fellow veterans will join dignitaries to commemorate the 160,000 Allied troops who carried out the largest seaborne invasion in history. Foy, a Battle of the Bulge survivor, has attended several memorials in France, each visit growing more poignant.

This year's event, possibly the last major commemoration with living veterans, coincides with renewed fears of large-scale war in Europe due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Organizers are preparing extensive ceremonies, accommodating approximately 150 American veterans, 15 Canadian veterans, and 40 British veterans, with many leaders and royals in attendance.

Given the veterans' age, meticulous planning ensures their comfort and safety. The presence of numerous world leaders, including President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, necessitates significant security measures.

As WWII veterans age, their firsthand stories become invaluable. With fewer than 100,000 American WWII veterans expected to be alive by year-end, the importance of preserving their memories and the history of D-Day becomes ever more pressing.

📜 VBA Updates

VASP Program Assists Veterans With Home Retention 

The VA is dedicated to assisting Veterans and their families in avoiding foreclosure. To that end, it has implemented measures such as pausing foreclosures on certain VA-guaranteed home loans until December 31, 2024. This targeted moratorium aims to extend the timeframe for Veterans to explore various home retention options. 

The Home Retention Waterfall offers alternatives to foreclosure, including forbearance agreements for short-term financial difficulties, repayment plans for missed loan payments, and loan modifications to make payments more manageable. In extreme circumstances, the new VASP program can be considered, where the VA purchases the modified loan from the servicer and offers it as a more affordable direct loan. 

To qualify for VASP, mortgage servicers will evaluate eligibility and submit a request on behalf of the Veteran after exhausting other options. Those experiencing financial hardship should contact their servicer and then contact the VA for additional support. VA is committed to helping veterans and has assisted over 145,000 families in avoiding foreclosure in 2023 alone.

⚕️ VHA Updates

Durham VA Launching Pilot Program to Help Develop Sleep Solutions for Veterans

In Durham, NC, the VA is launching a Virtual Reality (VR) Sleep Quality Improvement pilot in collaboration with FireflyVR, VA’s Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning (OHIL), and VHA’s Strategic Initiatives Lab. Dr. Allison Siebern, an expert in sleep disorders, contributed her knowledge to the initiative to improve veterans' sleep health. The program utilizes VR headsets to provide therapeutic visuals that promote relaxation. 

The pilot's outcomes will inform the integration of VR into standard care for insomnia, nightmare disorder, and positive airway acclimation. Siebern, a sleep medicine psychologist, focuses on non-pharmacological treatments and brings her personal connection to Veteran care through her family's military service. 

The initiative aligns with the VA’s mission to reduce Veteran suicide, as sleep is an essential component of mental health. By addressing conditions like insomnia, nightmares, and sleep apnea, the program aims to proactively tackle mental health distress among Veterans. The collaboration between medical professionals and VR technology advances exemplifies the VA’s commitment to care innovation and the well-being of Veterans

Veteran App of the Week

AIMS for Anger Management

The AIMS (Anger and Irritability Management Skills) app is a tool designed to help individuals manage their anger and irritability. Developed by the VA, this app provides various resources and tools to help users understand and control their anger.

Key features of the AIMS app include:

1. Education: Provides information about anger, its effects, and how it can be managed.

2. Self-Assessment: Offers tools to assess the user's anger levels and identify triggers.

3. Coping Skills: Teaches coping strategies and skills to manage anger effectively.

4. Tracking: Allows users to track their anger levels and progress over time.

5. Resources: Includes access to additional resources for further support.

The app is intended for veterans and service members but can be useful for anyone seeking help with anger management, such as family and loved ones.

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. sharing them here.

• 20-40% Off Eligible Gear: YETI

• 10% Off: Cummins

• 60% Off First Box, First Box Ships Free, and 15% Off x 51 Weeks: Hello Fresh

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: James C. McCloughan

James C. McCloughan's life began on a farm in South Haven, Michigan, on April 30, 1946. A world away from the battlefields he'd later face, his early years were defined by routine. Chores filled his days, nature provided solace, and a passion for teamwork blossomed into his love of team sports, playing four as a varsity athlete in high school.

This dedication to teamwork continued at Olivet College, where he balanced academics with playing football, baseball, and wrestling. By 1968, graduation with a Sociology degree set him on a path to teaching, ready to share his knowledge and passion with young minds. However, fate had a different plan. Just three months into his new role coaching football at South Haven High School, he was drafted into the Army in August 1968.  

In September 1968, he began basic training at Fort Knox, KY. Because his athletic background gave him a knack for sports medicine, he was sent to Fort Sam Houston to train as a medical specialist. In 1969, he was deployed to Vietnam as a combat medic. 

On May 13 of that year, McCloughan and his company were airlifted to a landing zone near Tam Kỳ and Nui Yon Hill. As they touched down, they were ambushed by North Vietnamese forces fiercely defending their position. The intensity of the enemy fire was so great that two of their helicopters were obliterated.

With rescue helicopters unable to land due to the relentless enemy fire, a ground unit was dispatched to aid the beleaguered soldiers. Among them was McCloughan, who spotted a severely wounded comrade near one of the crash sites. With disregard for his own safety, he sprinted 100 meters across an open field, evading a hail of bullets from both enemy and friendly fire.

Upon reaching the injured soldier, McCloughan hoisted him onto his shoulder and dashed back to his company. His swift action and bravery resulted in the soldier’s life being saved as his wounds were promptly treated.

Later that afternoon, another platoon from the company fell into an ambush by a large Northern Vietnamese unit while conducting reconnaissance near Nui Yon Hill. They suffered heavy casualties. Amidst the chaos, McCloughan spotted two unarmed American soldiers caught in the crossfire. Despite being hit by shrapnel from an RPG explosion, he leaped from cover, sprinted toward the soldiers, and pulled them back to safety.

Even as he bled profusely, McCloughan continued to brave the kill zone, rescuing soldiers four more times during the assault.

The following day, another platoon was ambushed on Nui Yon Hill. Their medic was killed in action, leaving McCloughan as the sole medic in the company. While treating wounded soldiers in an open rice paddy, he was struck by small arms fire and more RPG shrapnel. Despite his serious injuries, he continued to brave enemy fire, pulling wounded soldiers to cover and tending to their wounds.

Later that night, amidst ongoing combat, he volunteered to hold a blinking light in an exposed position to mark a location for a night resupply, as the company’s supplies were dwindling.

The next morning, still engaged in combat with Northern Vietnamese forces, McCloughan disabled an enemy RPG position with a grenade. He continued to fight enemy forces while treating multiple casualties. That night, he kept two critically wounded soldiers alive before organizing the evacuation of the dead and wounded.

In recognition of his heroism, McCloughan is credited with saving at least ten soldiers from his company during the intense battle that raged from May 13-15. He was awarded two Purple Hearts for his wounds and was recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross, which was later downgraded to the Bronze Star Medal, awarded on Feb. 10, 1970.

After his discharge from the Army later that year, McCloughan returned to civilian life. He resumed his role as a teacher and coach at South Haven High School while also pursuing his Master’s in psychology from Western Michigan University. 

He taught psychology at South Haven until his retirement in 2008 and had a distinguished coaching career in wrestling, football, and baseball. His contributions to sports were recognized with his induction into the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Game in 2003 and the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

In 2009, his former platoon leader revived the campaign for McCloughan to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The campaign eventually reached then-President Donald Trump, who was advised to upgrade the award to the Medal of Honor.

On July 31, 2017, then-President Donald Trump awarded McCloughan the Medal of Honor, making him the first recipient of the award during the Trump administration. 

His story is a testament to the courage, selflessness, and dedication of those who serve their country and is the embodiment of a true American hero.

Veteran Business of the Week

GORUCK

GORUCK is an American sporting equipment company based in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Founded in 2008, the company specializes in making rucksacks and backpacks designed for rucking. Rucking is a form of exercise that involves carrying a weighted backpack over long distances and durations.

GORUCK is not just about producing high-quality rucking gear, but it also hosts social fitness events and GORUCK Clubs. These initiatives aim to empower real-world communities in service to something greater than themselves. The company’s rucksacks have gained a cult following due to their ability to comfortably carry a lot of weight, keep the weight stable when you’re moving, and their durability.

In addition to their commitment to quality and community, GORUCK also shows its support for those who serve. As an American business with Special Forces roots, GORUCK donates 1% of its annual top-line revenue to various non-profit partners who support those who serve–this includes the military, Veterans, First Responders, teachers, social workers, and communities such as military spouses.

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