Veterans Newsletter - Week of November 13th

Author

Hagen McMenemy
November 13, 2023

Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

  • A new clinic designed to help Veterans use virtual care tools

  • The White House bestows a prestigious award to 12 senior VA leaders

  • Resources to help veterans enter the workforce 

  • And more...

đź“° Veteran Stories

VHSO's Virtual Health Resource Clinic is a new clinic that offers training on various virtual care tools for Veterans. They assist with using telehealth, VA apps, and enrollment, making healthcare more accessible (link).

The White House has awarded 12 VA leaders the prestigious 2023 Presidential Rank Award for exceptional service to Veterans and their families (link)​.

đź“ś Policy Updates

The Department of Defense will begin upgrading discharges from the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. (link).

đź’ˇ Resources & Tips

The VA has many answers to common questions about benefits and services and gives clear instructions on using VA.gov tools. It also has a multitude of helpful articles about things like appeals and how to continue your education (link).

This massive list of free resources for recently separated veterans can help you snag a job (link).

The Best of The Week

  • Duffel Blog: Often referred to as the military's version of "The Onion," the Duffel Blog offers satirical articles on military life and events that many veterans find humorous. Duffel Blog

  • Military Memes: Countless military-themed memes playfully poke fun at various aspects of service life, from MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) to PT (Physical Training). You can find these on dedicated military meme pages on Instagram, Reddit, or Facebook.

  • Terminal Boots: This YouTube channel created by two Marines produces humorous sketches and videos about military life. Their content often resonates with veterans from all branches. Terminal Boots Channel

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Sergeant Major Jon Robert Cavaiani

Sergeant Major Jon Robert Cavaiani’s journey from a childhood split between England and the United States to becoming a pivotal figure in the Vietnam War is a testament to resilience and courage. In his early life, he was shaped by a family move to California, where he worked on his family’s farm until later, working at a fertilizer company and gaining extensive agricultural knowledge and skills. 

His entry into the armed forces wasn’t conventional, as he had to navigate various obstacles that initially prevented him from joining due to health concerns, such as a severe allergy to bee stings. However, his determination led him to find a way to enlist at age 26, where he also quickly volunteered to become part of the Special Forces. Assigned initially as an agricultural advisor due to his background, he eventually took on a reconnaissance role before becoming a platoon leader. 

While in Vietnam in 1971, Sergeant Major Cavaiani and a small group of men valiantly defended an operating base called Hickory Hill from overwhelming enemy forces. While this selfless action secured the escape of the majority of his unit, he was captured and endured many hardships as a Prisoner of War, enduring severe injuries and the uncertainty of survival. 

When he was released, he returned to the U.S., where his actions were acknowledged with the Medal of Honor. He continued his military service and eventually joined Delta Force, where he served in Berlin working in counterterrorism before finally retiring with honors in 1990. Despite receiving the military’s highest honor, he was reluctant to be in the spotlight and instead focused on contributing as an educator and advocate for veterans.

Nearly four decades after his capture, he returned to the site of Hickory Hill, seeking closure for the lives of his comrades that were lost that day. This highlighted Sergeant Mahor Cavaiani’s dedication to his fellow soldiers and country. 

Despite his passing in 2014, Sergeant Major Cavaiani received a hero's burial. He now rests in Arlington National Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy embodying bravery, sacrifice, and humility.

Top Resources For Veterans

  1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

    • Overview: The VA provides a wide range of services for veterans, including health care, benefits, and memorial services.

    • Website: https://www.va.gov/

  2. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

    • Overview: An organization that offers various services to veterans, including assistance with benefits claims, scholarships, and community service opportunities.

    • Website: https://www.vfw.org/

  3. Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

  4. Wounded Warrior Project

    • Overview: This nonprofit organization offers programs, services, and events for wounded veterans post 9/11. They focus on mental health, physical health, and wellness.

    • Website: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

  5. Hire Heroes USA

    • Overview: An organization dedicated to helping veterans find employment through personalized job search training and assistance.

    • Website: https://www.hireheroesusa.org/

Disability Attorneys

For the past 30 years, we have handled over 30,000 Veterans Claims and Social Security Disability, recovering over $300,000,000 for our clients.

Let us focus on your claim; you focus on your health.

“I had given up hope with the VA but got it back with Hill and Ponton. The staff was responsive and got results the whole way. Hill and Ponton made the difference, and I felt human again. Not just a stat.”
– Ronald Barnes Sr.

Learn more here (link)

Until Next Time

Stay tuned for next week's edition, where we'll discuss more top stories and the latest policy updates!

Cheers,

Chad Hill

Founder,

The Veteran's Newsletter