Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• The House has passed a supplementary bill to address budget shortfall for VA benefits.

• Senate bill proposes a large pension increase for living MoH recipients.

• HUD-VASH program provides a lifeline for homeless vets.

• Support for vets experiencing fraud or other monetary challenges.

• How the VA’s million veteran program supports and expands research.

• The tale of a World War II hero.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

House Passes Bill to Address $3 Billion Budget Shortfall for VA Benefits

On Tuesday, the House passed an emergency bill to address a $3 billion budget shortfall at the VA, with bipartisan support. The bill now moves to the Senate and provides approximately $2.9 billion in additional funding. Of this, $2.3 billion will go to the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions, and $597 million will support readjustment benefits.

The shortfall stems from increased enrollment and benefit applications due to the PACT Act, which expanded VA services. The VA warned that withs' benefits, including compensation and pensions, could be delayed in the coming weeks to complete additional funding.

The bill also mandates oversight measures, requiring the VA to improve its budget forecasting and for the VA inspector general to investigate the causes of the shortfall. Senators aim for quick approval to avoid delays, especially as Congress faces a government shutdown deadline on Sep. 30. 

VA officials have stressed the urgency of receiving funds by Sep. 20 to avoid veteran payment disruptions.

Senate Bill Proposes Significant Pension Increase for Medal of Honor Recipients

A newly introduced Senate bill, the Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends (MEDAL) Act, proposes a substantial increase in monthly pensions for living Medal of Honor recipients. The pension would rise from $1,406.73 per month to $8,333.33, equating to an annual increase from about $16,880 to $100,000. 

The bill, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz, aims to honor the courage of these heroes by providing more significant financial support.

The pension for Medal of Honor recipients, independent of other benefits, has been periodically increased since it was first approved in 1916. This legislation would mark the first significant pension increase since 2002. 60 living Medal of Honor recipients would be eligible for this benefit.

The MEDAL Act also proposes changes to the pension for surviving spouses. They would receive $1,489.73 monthly with annual cost-of-living adjustments rather than the proposed $8,333.33 for living recipients.

HUD-VASH Program Provides Lifeline for Homeless Veterans in Chicago and Nationwide

Chris Murray, a former homeless veteran, found stable housing through the HUD-VASH program, which provides rental aid to veterans in need. The program, a collaboration between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA), allows veterans to allocate 30% of their income toward rent, with the federal government covering the remainder. Since its inception in 2008, the program has helped reduce veteran homelessness by roughly 50% nationwide.

Challenges such as rising housing costs and high turnover rates among voucher recipients have complicated efforts to combat veteran homelessness, but improvements in voucher usage are underway. Chicago and Cook County housing authorities have seen increased voucher utilization, with more efforts directed at helping veterans access mental health and substance-use services alongside housing.

Recent policy changes aim to expand access to the HUD-VASH program. These include raising income eligibility and excluding service-connected disability benefits from income calculations. HUD also allocated an additional $20 million to support landlord recruitment and mediation services.

For veterans like Murray, the program has been life-changing, providing stability and a path to rebuilding their lives. HUD and VA remain committed to addressing veteran homelessness and improving the program’s reach.

📜 VBA Updates

Support for Veterans Experiencing Fraud or Other Monetary Challenges

Financial challenges like debt, unexpected expenses, and job loss can lead to stress and vulnerability, making Veterans and their families prime targets for scams. Fraudsters often exploit Veterans by posing as legitimate entities to steal pension benefits, disability compensation, or other financial support. Common scams include pension poaching, identity theft, and phishing.

The effects of these frauds can be severe, leading to financial instability, debt, and emotional distress, potentially causing anxiety, embarrassment, and even suicidal thoughts. The VA offers protective measures such as not sharing personal information, verifying identities, and practicing healthy cyber habits to combat this.

The VA also provides resources for Veterans dealing with financial stress or those who have been victims of fraud. Veterans experiencing crisis or financial fraud should contact the Veterans Crisis Line or report suspicious activity to the VA and Federal Trade Commission.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

Advancing Suicide Prevention: How VA's Million Veteran Program Supports Research

The VA’s Million Veteran Program (MVP), the world’s most extensive genetic research program within a healthcare system, is dedicated to improving healthcare for Veterans by researching conditions like suicide prevention. 

Dr. Nathan Kimbrel, a scientist at Durham VA, highlights how MVP’s diverse dataset of over 1,000,000 participants provides crucial insights into the interaction between genetics and environmental stressors, potentially leading to new treatments. His team's 2023 study identified genetic markers associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, with hopes of reducing suicide rates among Veterans.

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, Veterans are encouraged to check in on their mental health and others. Resources include the VA’s Buddy Check Week and the Veterans Crisis Line. Additionally, Veterans are invited to join MVP, contributing to groundbreaking research on health and wellness.

Veteran App of the Week

Beyond MST

The Beyond MST app is a free, secure mobile application developed by the VA to support survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), which refers to sexual assault or harassment during military service. 

Designed for self-help, the app offers over 30 specialized tools to assist users in coping with challenges, managing symptoms, and improving their quality of life. Features include educational resources, coping strategies, assessments, and goal-setting functionalities. User privacy is prioritized; no account is required, and personal information entered is not shared with anyone, including the VA.

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.

• 25% Off: Fanatics

• 20% Off: Skechers

• $200 Off: Sun Home Saunas

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Matt Urban

Matt Louis Urban was born to Polish immigrant parents in Buffalo, NY, on Aug. 25, 1919. He attended Cornell University, where he studied history and government, and upon graduation in 1941, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry Reserve. Urban’s decision to join the military stemmed from a deep sense of duty during the global conflict as the U.S. entered World War II.

Urban’s military career was defined by extraordinary bravery across several campaigns, including North Africa, Sicily, and mainland Europe. His most renowned actions occurred during the Normandy Campaign in 1944 after landing on Utah Beach. On June 14, Urban’s company faced heavy tank and small-arms fire near Renouf, France. Despite the intense enemy fire, Urban seized a bazooka from a wounded soldier and, exposing himself to danger, destroyed two German tanks. His actions inspired his unit to press forward and defeat the enemy.

Just days later, Urban was severely wounded by shrapnel from a tank shell but refused evacuation. He continued to lead his company in attacks, sustaining additional wounds that eventually forced his evacuation to England. While recovering, Urban learned his unit was taking heavy losses. 

Determined to return to combat, he left the hospital without permission and returned to his unit during the breakout from Normandy. Despite his leg wound, he commanded a tank, directing fire at enemy positions under heavy fire, inspiring his men to advance.

Urban’s leadership and heroism continued throughout the summer, including a dramatic battle in Belgium, where he was shot in the neck, resulting in a life-threatening injury. Though unable to speak, Urban refused evacuation until his unit secured the battlefield.

After the war, Matt Urban transitioned to civilian life, but his contributions continued to have a lasting impact. He served in various roles, including as a director of youth programs and a community leader. Urban was instrumental in helping veterans reintegrate into society, often advocating for better care and recognition of their sacrifices.

Matt Urban passed away on March 4, 1995, leaving a legacy of extraordinary courage and leadership. His many medals, including the Medal of Honor, Purple Hearts, and the Silver Star, make him one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. history. His story inspires future generations, exemplifying the highest ideals of service and sacrifice in the U.S. military.

Urban’s bravery earned him the nickname "The Ghost," as he continually returned to the battlefield despite severe injuries.

Businesses That Support Veterans

Hope for the Warriors

Hope For The Warriors is a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 to support post-9/11 service members, veterans, and their families as they transition back to civilian life. 

The organization offers clinical health and wellness services, career transition assistance, adaptive sports, and family support. Hope For The Warriors aims to address both the emotional and physical challenges veterans face by providing mental health care, career counseling, financial aid, and recreational programs. 

Their approach is holistic. They support veterans, their caregivers, and their families to help restore their sense of purpose and well-being after service.

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!

Weekly Satisfaction Poll

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