Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Congress fails to address the $3 billion VA budget shortfall before recess. 

• Tim Walz joins JD Vance as a veteran vice-presidential candidate after Kamala Harris selects him as her running mate. 

• The VA hosted a social connections workshop to combat veteran loneliness as part of a promising initiative. 

• The VA has updated and expanded its burn pit registry.

• The story of an Afghanistan War hero.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Congressional Inaction Leaves VA Budget Shortfall, Veteran Benefits at Risk

Congress left for a monthlong recess without addressing the VA's $3 billion budget shortfall, risking millions of veterans' benefits. Despite efforts, the Senate could not pass legislation to fix the shortfall before the Sep. 20 deadline amid Republican concerns about VA mismanagement.

Sen. Jerry Moran expressed frustration at the late discovery of the shortfall after budget advances for military and VA funding. The shortfall is attributed to the PACT Act, which increased VA healthcare enrollments and claims. The White House noted over 4 million claims since August 2022, far exceeding expectations.

Senators introduced a bill to address the shortfall, proposing $2.8 billion in additional funding for fiscal 2024 and $12 billion for 2025. The bill also calls for a Government Accountability Office review of the shortfall causes and preventive measures.

Without additional funding by Sep. 20, veterans’ compensation and benefits could be delayed. Some senators demand more information on the VA's spending before passing the legislation, questioning funds management. A group of Republicans called for an immediate hearing with VA Secretary Denis McDonough to address the issue.

Rep. Mike Bost also demanded answers from the VA, describing the shortfall as the largest under any administration and blaming the Biden-Harris administration. The VA confirmed it has responded to Bost's inquiries and is working with Congress and the Office of Management and Budget to address the funding needs and prevent adverse impacts on veterans.

Veteran and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Announced as Vice Presidential Candidate

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a retired Army National Guard noncommissioned officer and former top Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee has been announced as the running mate for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. This decision placed an enlisted veteran on both major presidential tickets, as Republican nominee former President Donald Trump chose Marine veteran Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate.

Walz, a former field artilleryman with tinnitus diagnosed by the VA, has a long history of military service and advocacy for veterans. He enlisted in 1981 and retired in 2005 as the top enlisted soldier for the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment in the Minnesota National Guard. His military career included responding to natural disasters and deploying to Italy to support U.S. operations in Afghanistan. Walz has received numerous awards, including the Army Commendation Medal and two Army Achievement Medals.

Walz's political career began in 2006 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. He served on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, becoming its ranking member. His tenure included significant advocacy for veterans, such as pushing for investigations into the VA and supporting bills for veterans' benefits and accountability.

As governor, Walz's role as commander in chief of the Minnesota National Guard has been highlighted multiple times, including during the George Floyd protests and the Jan. 2021 Capitol riot fears. His selection has garnered praise from Democratic veterans, emphasizing his ability to connect with veterans and military families.

Similarly, JD Vance, a Marine veteran and Ohio senator, brings his military experience to the Republican ticket. His notable service in Iraq as a combat correspondent adds a unique perspective to his political career, and he has also been a strong advocate for veterans' issues, working to improve their access to benefits and support services. 

The presence of veterans on both major presidential tickets underscores the importance of military experience and veteran advocacy in the upcoming election.

📜 VBA Updates

VA Hosts Social Connections Workshop Series to Combat Veteran Isolation

In June, VA experts and external partners gathered for the Social Connections Workshop Series, a set of four virtual meetings addressing veterans' social isolation. Led by Lori Murphy, a social worker at Central Ohio VA and 2024 VHA Innovation Ecosystem Fellow, the series focused on celebrating contributions and fostering collaboration to tackle loneliness in the veteran community.

Social isolation and loneliness significantly affect veterans' health, prompting the workshops to find collaborative solutions to mitigate these effects. Murphy, who also leads the VA’s Compassionate Contact Corps (CCC), designed and led the series. The CCC operates in 105 VA facilities, with over 1,000 volunteers providing 55,000 hours of support to veterans.

Participants included recreational therapists, psychologists, social workers, policymakers, and representatives from organizations such as the Red Cross, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Centers for Disease Control. Discussions focused on enhancing existing social connection programs, identifying new opportunities, and generating innovative ideas to improve veteran well-being.

Key speakers, including VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal and author Julia Hotz, highlighted the importance of addressing loneliness and the benefits of social prescribing in healthcare. Dr. Carolyn Clancy shared that 37-50% of veterans from recent conflicts have been diagnosed with mental illness, emphasizing the importance of community connection for overall health and safety.

The series concluded with a commitment to building upon established connections and advancing social connection initiatives. Lori Murphy aims to leverage the workshop's momentum to enhance VA services, reduce loneliness, and foster greater community connections for veterans, ultimately helping them thrive and find renewed joy in their lives.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

VA Launches Redesigned Burn Pit Registry to Enhance Veteran Health Research

The VA has unveiled a redesigned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to enhance research and treatment for health issues faced by veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits. This significant update automatically includes approximately 4.7 million veterans and service members based on DOD records, with a straightforward opt-out option.

• Purpose: The registry helps the VA identify and research health challenges linked to airborne hazards and burn pits, enabling advancements in treatment, policy formation, and proactive care.

• Automatic Enrollment: Veterans and service members who meet the eligibility criteria will be automatically included. Those previously enrolled will be transitioned into the new registry.

• Simplified Participation: Feedback-driven redesign reduces participation burdens and expands eligibility criteria, making it easier for veterans to contribute.

• No Impact on Benefits: Participation in the registry does not affect VA health care or benefits. It is solely for research purposes.

• Data Collection: The registry includes deployment locations, military personnel information, and demographics. No medical information is stored.

• Research Use: Data will be accessed by select VA epidemiologists and approved researchers to conduct medical and public health research, informing future health care and policy decisions.

By participating in the Burn Pit Registry, veterans contribute to vital research that can improve care and benefit future generations. The insights gained will help the VA develop precise predictive medicine and deliver targeted, preventative care.

Veterans can visit the Burn Pit Registry webpage for more information or to opt-out. Participation is encouraged to help the VA better understand and address the health challenges faced by the veteran community.

Veteran App of the Week

VetCalc

VetCalc is an application designed to help veterans accurately calculate their VA disability percentages and monthly benefit payments. It simplifies the complex "VA Math" used by the Department of Veterans Affairs, addressing common errors such as the omission of the Bilateral Factor. 

The app is easy to use and ensures veterans receive the correct disability ratings and benefits. Unlike many free online calculators, VetCalc has comprehensive tools and features to prevent inaccuracies. VetCalc is free on iOS devices but does not collect personal data, ensuring user privacy.

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.

• 20% Off: First Aid Beauty

• Discount: NFL Sunday Ticket for $199

• 10% Off: Jared

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Florent Groberg

Florent Ahmed Groberg was born in Poissy, France, on May 8, 1983, to an American father and an Algerian mother. Raised by his mother, Klara, and his adoptive stepfather, Larry Groberg, Florent lived in various countries due to Larry's business career. The family moved to the United States, where Florent became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2001. 

He attended the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. In 2017, he earned a Master of Science in Management specializing in Intelligence Management from the University of Maryland University College.

Groberg joined the U.S. Army in July 2008, renouncing his French citizenship. After completing Officer Candidate School, he was commissioned as an infantry officer in December 2008. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado after advanced training. In November 2009, Groberg deployed to Afghanistan as part of Task Force Lethal, responsible for the Pech River Valley. 

He returned in June 2010 and continued serving as a platoon leader before becoming an infantry company executive officer and later the brigade Personal Security Detachment (PSD) commander for the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

On Aug. 8, 2012, Captain Florent Groberg served as Task Force Mountain Warrior's Personal Security Detachment commander in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. His mission that day was to provide security for 28 coalition and Afghan National Army personnel, including senior leaders such as two brigade commanders, three battalion commanders, and the brigade command sergeant major, among others. The team moved from Forward Operating Base Fiaz to the provincial governor's compound in Asadabad for a weekly security meeting.

As the patrol approached a narrow choke point—a small bridge spanning a canal feeding into the Kunar River—Groberg noticed two motorcycles approaching the patrol from the opposite direction. The motorcyclists stopped on the bridge, dismounted, and retreated, raising suspicions among the patrol members. 

At the same time, Groberg spotted a lone individual walking backward towards the formation. The individual's behavior and sudden turn towards the formation, revealing an abnormal bulge under his clothing, alerted Groberg to the imminent threat.

Recognizing the individual was wearing a suicide vest, Groberg immediately reacted to protect his team. He sprinted towards the bomber, shoving him away from the formation and causing the suicide vest to detonate prematurely. The explosion sent Groberg flying and resulted in severe injuries to his left leg, a blown eardrum, and a mild traumatic brain injury. 

During this chaos, a second suicide bomber, who had remained hidden behind a small structure, detonated his device prematurely, further minimizing the damage to the patrol but tragically resulting in the deaths of Command Sergeant Major Kevin J. Griffin, Major Thomas E. Kennedy, Major Walter D. Gray, and Ragaei Abdelfattah.

Groberg's immediate actions, along with the help of Sergeant Andrew Mahoney, who assisted in tackling the bomber, were crucial in preventing the bombers from reaching their intended targets and causing even greater casualties. Despite the severe injuries and loss of life, Groberg's bravery saved numerous lives that day.

For his heroism, Groberg sustained severe injuries, including significant muscle loss in his left calf, a blown eardrum, and a mild traumatic brain injury. He spent nearly three years recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and was medically retired in July 2015. On Nov. 12, 2015, then-President Barack Obama awarded Groberg the Medal of Honor, making him the 19th recipient since the Vietnam War and the first foreign-born recipient since then.

After retiring from the military, Groberg transitioned to a role at Boeing and became an advocate for veteran mental health. He used his story to inspire and support fellow veterans. In 2018, he married Carsen Alexa Zarin, and despite being a lifelong Republican, he endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and spoke at the Democratic National Convention.

Florent Groberg's legacy is one of extraordinary heroism and selflessness. His actions on Aug. 8, 2012, highlight the profound impact of individual courage in the face of danger. His ongoing advocacy work inspires efforts to support veterans, ensuring they receive the recognition and care they deserve.

Veteran Business of the Week

Grill Your Ass Off

Grill Your Ass Off is a veteran-owned and operated company that specializes in high-quality BBQ rubs, seasonings, and sauces. Founded by Jason Murff, a former U.S. Army infantryman, the company combines Murff's passion for grilling with his desire to support fellow veterans.

The company offers a wide range of products, including unique and humorously named seasonings like Gunpowder Steak & Brisket Seasoning and Ma Deuce Steak Seasoning. Each product aims to bring a bit of military-inspired humor to the grilling experience, connecting veterans and their stories to the culinary world.

Grill Your Ass Off also emphasizes a mission of giving back. A portion of each purchase supports non-profit organizations dedicated to veterans, first responders, and their families. This mission reflects Murff's commitment to helping those who have served their country.

The company's products are available online and are known for their quality and flavor, making them a popular choice for grilling enthusiasts looking to enhance their BBQ experience with a touch of patriotism and purpose​.

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