Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• New studies on the Gulf War Illness

• Bipartisan bill extends VA services and programs

• Job transitioning tips for military personnel

• And more...

Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

A joint study by the VA and NIH is delving into the intricacies of Gulf War Illness, aiming to better understand and address the health concerns of veterans affected by it (link).

Nearly 100 Vietnam and Korean war veterans from Michigan visited the National War Monuments in Washington, D.C., facilitated by Honor Flights, a non-profit dedicated to veterans (link)​.

📜 Policy Updates

A bipartisan bill spearheaded by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester was signed into law, extending crucial VA services and programs for veterans and their families (link).

The VA started processing PACT Act benefit claims for all veterans and their survivors, marking a significant policy update (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

The IRS has provided a variety of resources to assist military members and veterans in navigating their unique tax situations during the filing season (link).

The Mother Of All Transition Guides from G.I. Jobs offers extensive tips for military personnel transitioning to private sector careers (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: There are countless military-themed memes that 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 platforms like Instagram, Reddit, or Facebook

• Terminal Boots: This is a YouTube channel created by two Marines, which 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

In the throes of World War II, when the world was engulfed in chaos and the fabric of humanity seemed to tear at its very seams, a young American named Desmond Doss enlisted as an Army medic. However, Desmond wasn't like other soldiers. A devout Seventh-day Adventist, he firmly believed in the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." He insisted on serving his country not with a rifle, but with faith, compassion, and unwavering determination.

Doss's decision to serve as a combat medic without bearing arms was met with skepticism and ridicule. His fellow soldiers questioned his bravery, labeling him a coward. They couldn't fathom how a man, amidst the thunder of gunfire and the rain of shrapnel, could face the enemy unarmed. But Desmond was undeterred. He believed he had a mission - to save lives, not take them.

In April 1945, the U.S. troops were tasked with capturing the Maeda Escarpment, an imposing cliff in Okinawa, Japan. This mission was infamously known as the Battle of Hacksaw Ridge. While the soldiers climbed the jagged edge of the escarpment, they were met with a hailstorm of bullets, grenades, and artillery fire. The top of that ridge was a vision of hell, with the ground soaked in blood and littered with the bodies of fallen soldiers.

Amidst this chaos, Doss moved with purpose and courage. Without a weapon to protect him, he darted across the battlefield, tending to the wounded, offering words of comfort, and dragging the injured to safety. Every time he saved a man, he whispered a simple prayer, "Lord, please help me get one more."

As night fell, most of the unit retreated, but Doss remained. For hours, under the cover of darkness, he continued his solitary mission, lowering injured men down the escarpment using a makeshift rope litter. By dawn, Doss had single-handedly rescued 75 wounded soldiers.

When Doss was later presented with the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman, he remained humble, attributing his actions to his faith and the will of God. His story became a testament to the power of conviction, demonstrating that one can be a hero without ever firing a shot.

Desmond Doss's legacy serves as a beacon of hope and an embodiment of true courage. In a world that often celebrates aggression and might, Doss showed that strength could also be found in compassion, faith, and an unwavering commitment to one's principles.

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)

   • Overview: DAV provides a range of services for veterans with disabilities, including transportation, employment resources, and benefits assistance.

   • Website: https://www.dav.org/

4. Wounded Warrior Project

   • Overview: This nonprofit organization offers various 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.

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Until Next Time

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

Cheers,

Chad Hill

Founder,

The Veteran's Newsletter