Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Jon Stewart pressures Biden and the VA to help K2 vets exposed to uranium.

• Watch the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for free.

• The VA is launching a grant to help veterans and spouses transition to civilian employment.

• VA Health Chat is now more widely available.

• The story of a WWII hero.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Jon Stewart Pressures Biden Administration and VA to Help K2 Vets Exposed to Uranium

Comedian Jon Stewart is urging the Biden administration to address a loophole in the PACT Act that excludes coverage for veterans exposed to radiation at Karshi-Khanabad (K2) in Uzbekistan. Deployed shortly after the 9/11 attacks, K2 veterans were exposed to hazardous materials, including uranium, at a former Soviet base.

Despite detecting significant uranium contamination, the military continued to use the base, affecting over 15,000 troops from 2001 to 2005. Many K2 veterans have since reported severe health issues, including cancers and neurological conditions.

The PACT Act, signed in 2022, addresses many veteran health issues but not radiation exposure at K2. Stewart and veterans like former Army Staff Sgt. Mark Jackson are pressing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expedite coverage for these conditions.

Stewart, known for advocating for 9/11 responders and veterans exposed to battlefield toxins, emphasizes the urgency as many K2 veterans struggle with severe illnesses and an adversarial system. The VA is currently researching evidence of radiation exposure, but many veterans feel time is running out.

Free, Comprehensive Coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games for Veterans

The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will be the most comprehensively covered Olympics ever, with extensive broadcasting by NBC and streaming on Peacock. NBCUniversal networks will provide nine hours of daily coverage, culminating in three hours of primetime competition, while Peacock will stream nearly every moment of the Games.

Service members, retirees, family members, honorably discharged veterans, and anyone authorized to shop at the AAFES Exchange online can watch all Olympic events for free via ShopMyExchange.com. The Paris Games will run from July 26 to Aug. 11, and eligible viewers can access NBC’s coverage on desktop and mobile devices through the Exchange's website.

Military-connected viewers can log into the NBC Olympics website or the NBC Sports app, select the Exchange as their service provider, and enter their ShopMyExchange login information to access the coverage. Overseas viewers will need to use a U.S. military site with AAFES-authorized internet service.

Additionally, NBC will introduce the Gold Zone channel on Peacock, providing dynamic coverage from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, similar to NFL’s RedZone. However, this is not included with the free AAFES access.

Be sure to cheer on the ten military members from Team USA, all from the U.S. Army, who are competing in the Olympic Games and Paralympics, along with two coaching team members.

📜 VBA Updates

VA Launches $4 Million Grant Program to Aid Veterans and Spouses in Employment Transition

The VA is offering approximately $4 million in grants through its Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program in 2024. Eligible organizations can receive up to $500,000, matched by the grantee, to provide employment-based resources to recently separated Armed Forces members and their spouses.

Applicants offering multiple services or operating in states with high Veteran unemployment rates, high unemployment benefits usage, or economies impacted by public health emergencies will receive priority. Key services may include resume assistance, interview training, job recruitment, employment placement, and referrals.

This initiative supports the transition of over 200,000 military members to civilian life annually, enhancing career stability and economic opportunities. It aligns with President Biden’s Unity Agenda and the Joining Forces initiative led by First Lady Jill Biden.

This program aims to empower veterans and their spouses by improving access to job training and placement services. It will help them achieve employment goals and build successful civilian lives.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

VA Health Chat: Now Available in All 18 VISNs

VA Health Chat is now available to veterans across all 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), offering an easy way to connect with VA staff for health-related questions. Army Veteran Letitia Dupree finds the app transformative, using it to schedule appointments without the hassle of phone calls quickly.

VA Health Chat allows veterans to message VA staff from anywhere via smartphone, tablet, or computer. The app provides medical advice, appointment scheduling, prescription refills, and more. Dupree appreciates managing her care from any location, while Army Veteran Josef Mendez Lopez values the app's privacy features.

Veterans can choose from various channels based on their needs, such as Clinical Triage, Pharmacy Support, Scheduling, Virtual Clinic Visit, Whole Health, and Women’s Health. Available services vary by location, with staff generally accessible Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time, and some locations offering 24/7 support. The app can be downloaded from the VA App Store, Apple App Store, and Google Play.

Veteran App of the Week

MyVetBENEFITS

MyVetBENEFITS is a mobile app designed to help veterans, military members, and their families quickly access the benefits and services they've earned. Users receive a personalized list of benefits by completing a brief profile, including those from the VA, state, local, and non-profit organizations.

The app features a comprehensive database of over 2,400 benefits, allowing users to compare state benefits and make informed decisions about relocation. With a user-friendly interface, MyVetBENEFITS ensures veterans can easily find and utilize their benefits.

Developed by a team of veterans and military spouses, the app is free to use and available for download on both iOS and Android platforms, providing a tailored and efficient tool for accessing veteran benefits.

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.

• Save 5¢/gal on Gas via App Verification: 7-Eleven

• 10% Off: Bonefish Grill

• 25% Off: GelPro Floor Mats

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Jack LeMaster Treadwell

Jack LeMaster Treadwell was born in Ashland, AL, on March 31, 1919. Growing up in modest circumstances, his early life was shaped by the values of hard work and responsibility, particularly after his family moved to Snyder, OK. Raised during the Great Depression, Treadwell developed a strong work ethic and resilience that would serve him well in his military career.

In Snyder, he attended Snyder High School, graduating in 1937. His formative years in Oklahoma were characterized by a rural lifestyle and a close-knit profoundly influencing his sense of duty and patriotism. The challenging economic conditions of the time meant that Treadwell had to take on various jobs to support his family, further strengthening his determination and resolve.

After high school, Treadwell briefly attended Southwestern State College in Weatherford, OK. However, driven by a calling to serve his country, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on Jan. 29, 1941, as the U.S. was on the brink of entering World War II. His enlistment was fueled by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to contribute to the war effort. Treadwell’s early experiences and inherent leadership qualities prepared him for the significant challenges he would face in the military.

Treadwell's military training began at Fort Sill, OK, where he quickly distinguished himself as a capable and dedicated soldier. His early life and upbringing provided a solid foundation for his later acts of heroism and leadership during World War II. Serving with the 180th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division, he deployed to North Africa in June 1943 and participated in major campaigns, including Sicily, Salerno, Southern France, Alsace, and Rhineland.

Treadwell's most notable act of heroism occurred on March 18, 1945, near Nieder-Wurzbach, Germany. As a first lieutenant commanding Company F, Treadwell led his men against heavily fortified German positions in the Siegfried Line. The enemy's interlocking trenches and concrete pillboxes had pinned down his company with murderous automatic and rifle fire, coupled with intermittent artillery bombardments. Eight men sent to attack a single point became casualties on the bare slope.

Armed with a submachine gun and hand grenades, Treadwell decided to act alone to clear the way for his stalled company. Under a hail of enemy fire, he advanced over terrain devoid of cover, firing at the apertures of the nearest pillbox and throwing grenades. 

Upon reaching the pillbox, he thrust his gun through the port and drove out four German soldiers with their hands in the air, while a fifth was found dead inside. He then signaled these prisoners back to the American lines and continued his assault.

Despite the intense fire, Treadwell moved on to the next pillbox, repeating his daring tactics and capturing more enemy soldiers, including the commander of the hill defenses. His relentless assault on the remaining pillboxes caused confusion and havoc among the German troops, allowing him to take control of the enemy positions one by one.

Inspired by his electrifying performance, the men of Company F stormed after him, overwhelming the remaining resistance and driving a wedge into the Siegfried Line. This courageous one-man offensive enabled his battalion to secure its objective.

Then-president Harry S. Truman awarded Treadwell the Medal of Honor on Aug. 23, 1945, for his extraordinary courage and leadership. Treadwell's actions on that day exemplified the highest standards of bravery and dedication, significantly impacting the battle's outcome.

Treadwell continued to serve with distinction after World War II, participating in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He held various important positions, including Chief of Staff of the Americal Division and commander of the 11th Infantry Brigade in Vietnam. 

His extensive military career, spanning over three decades, earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier's Medal, and multiple Purple Hearts.

After retiring from the Army in 1974, Treadwell settled in Oklahoma with his wife, Maxine Johnson, an Army nurse he met while recuperating in France. They planned to raise horses and enjoy a peaceful post-military life. Unfortunately, Treadwell passed away on Dec. 12, 1977, following heart surgery and was buried with full military honors at Fort Sill Post Cemetery in Lawton, OK.

Colonel Jack L. Treadwell's legacy is a testament to his bravery, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his country. His story continues to inspire and remind us of the extraordinary acts of heroism that define America's armed forces.

Veteran Business of the Week

Glass Beach Mugs

Glass Beach Mugs is a company founded by military veterans Paul Balassa and Turk McCleskey that is dedicated to preserving the historical significance of U.S. Marine Corps memorabilia. The company offers a unique product, the 1917 Centennial Watch Mug™, a replica of the World War I-era handleless coffee mugs used in Marine Corps mess halls.

Glass Beach Mugs' mission is to honor and preserve the Marine Corps' heritage through authentic replicas that reflect the durability and simplicity of the original mugs.

Their flagship product is designed to meet the needs of those who appreciate military history and robust, functional design.

Glass Beach Mugs emphasizes historical accuracy and quality, ensuring that each mug is built to last. Committed to supporting the Marine Corps community, the company donates a portion of proceeds to the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

It holds a license from the U.S. Marine Corps Trademark Licensing Office. This dedication to preserving military history and supporting service members has earned Glass Beach Mugs a respected reputation.

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