News for the military veteran. We cover V.A. health care,veteran benefits, issues such as agent orange, and more
Article Excerpt: "...“To deliver at speed and scale, I’ve directed the acquisition of a new frigate class based on [the design by Huntington Ingalls Industries],” Phelan said, “a proven, American-built ship that has been protecting U.S. interests at home and abroad. President Trump and the secretary of war have signed off on this as part of the Golden Fleet.” ..."
Reference Source: www.navytimes.com
Article Excerpt: "...According to jail records, the suspect was identified as 22-year-old Taylor Marques Lomax, a member of the U.S. Navy from Birmingham, Alabama. ...shot at them about 30 times. "
Reference Source: www.news4jax.com
Article Excerpt: "...Nose art was very popular during World War II. Morale booster and more, each group developed their own. Typically the crew and often including the crew chief decided what to name a plane. Some squadrons had some very talented artists that created the artwork. ..."
Reference Source: www.armyaircorpsmuseum.org
Article Excerpt: "...President Donald Trump announced Dec. 17 that nearly 1.5 million U.S. military servicemembers would receive a $1,776 "warrior dividend" check this Christmas season.
"Military service members will receive a special we call 'warrior dividend' before Christmas, a warrior dividend in honor of our nation's founding in 1776..."
Reference Source: www.aol.com
Article Excerpt: "...Police are searching for the vandals who took down American flags honoring veterans in South Boston. The flags were torn up and thrown on the ground. ..."
Reference Source: www.cbsnews.com
Article Excerpt: "...Those who serve in the military put themselves in harm’s way to protect the country in its time of need, and benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs are in place to return that protection when they need it. Unfortunately, an increasing number of veterans are finding their claims being denied.
The VA claims process is rife with misinformation..."
Reference Source: lasvegassun.com
Article Excerpt: "Administration allies falsely allege that many former soldiers are cheating the system... The hearing had an innocuous title, “Putting Veterans First,” and SVAC members invited a panel of witnesses to discuss the question “Is the Current VA Disability System Keeping Its Promise?”
Instead, Aldrich discovered, it was a Republican response to a four-part series in The Washington Post, which accused veterans of bilking the taxpayer out of billions of dollars. Little of the ensuing discussion focused on any needed improvements in the VA disability system, as opposed to just echoing the sensational claims of the Post—that there is an epidemic of veterans defrauding the disability system. ..."
Reference Source: prospect.org
Added Note: Mr Trump: It is great active military will be honored by you for serving our country, but to dismiss the proud service and sacrifice of disabled veterans, military retirees and veterans in general divides and minimizes their service. Especially when you instead attack disabled veterans in particular.
Article Excerpt: "...Trump proudly revealed that his administration is doling out Independence Day-themed $1,776 “warrior dividend” checks to service members before Christmas.
“Military service members will receive a special … warrior dividend before Christmas,” Trump announced during his address to the nation on Wednesday night. “A warrior dividend in honor of our nation’s founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier $1,776.”
“And the checks are already on the way.” ..."
Reference Source: nypost.com
Article Excerpt: "...exemption is larger for veterans who were disabled due to their service, and does not apply to veterans already receiving certain exemptions. ...To learn more about property tax and rent exemptions for New York City veterans, click here. ..."
Reference Source: pix11.com
Article Excerpt: "Discover valuable UAV programs for former service members, from Part 107 training to business support. ...Since becoming a commercial drone pilot in 2017, I have had the opportunity to participate in numerous drone-related programs for veterans. I know a lot of former service members who are also drone pilots, and I am surprised that so many aren’t aware of the numerous programs available to help them out.
In this article, I’ll share some of the programs worth checking out. ...The Part 107 is the FAA’s license that allows you to fly drones for profit. The test for the license costs $175 and covers a wide range of topics. Unless you are already familiar with the rules related to drones, reading aeronautical charts, and understanding METAR/TAF reports, you will probably need to take a course to learn the material."
Reference Source: www.flyingmag.com
Article Excerpt: "...HAMPTON, Va. — The Veterans Health Administration, the health care branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs, announced Monday that it would reorganize its management structure, potentially impacting the way veterans receive health care across the country. ..."Back in March, when I sounded the alarm about staffing levels at the new VA facility in Chesapeake, VA Secretary Doug Collins called me a liar. While I don’t expect an apology, America’s veterans — who will be forced to wait longer to see fewer doctors because of Collins’ plans to axe 35,000 VA health care workers — deserve one," Kaine said.
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) also criticized the move, citing the Washington Post's reporting.
"There are reports that the new Chesapeake Battlefield VA outpatient clinic in my congressional district is still woefully understaffed, and the Hampton VA continues to face staffing shortages"...
Reference Source: www.13newsnow.com
Article Excerpt: "Investigation reveals systemic problems at Milledgeville facility...Dennis Mize, 70, was due to retire at the end of the year following a dozen years at the facility, but people familiar with the situation said that the company that runs the home for the state asked him to step aside earlier.
The development came after an investigation by The Current GA revealed a series of systemic problems at the facility that seven current and former staff members working directly in patient care said affect many of the facility’s approximately 150 residents. ...residents in hospice care were not receiving prescribed and necessary medication due to problems with STGi’s charting and electronic recordkeeping."
Reference Source: thecurrentga.org
Article Excerpt: "...Authorities in Germany have launched a criminal probe into apparent laser attacks on U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-16 pilots approaching a NATO base in the west of the country earlier this month.
On three occasions, fighter jet pilots were approaching Spangdahlem Air Base "when unknown persons targeted the aircraft with a blue laser beam," German police said in a statement. ..."
Reference Source: www.newsweek.com
Article Excerpt: "Head referee Tim Rich thanked Trump for his “leadership and… continued support of our servicemembers and our veterans,” adding, “It’s an honor to have you here today.”
Trump responded that it was a “great honor” to attend.
The Army called tails and won the toss with the president’s flip...The Army has won 6 of the last 10 matchups, though Navy holds the all-time record, 62-55, since 1890. ..."
Reference Source: www.breitbart.com
Article Excerpt: "...U.S. Army Sergeant Alvin Cullum York, born December 13, 1887, in Pall Mall, Tennessee, is one of the most significant American Soldiers of World War I and remains one of the most decorated service members in American military history.
During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918, York led a small patrol that had been pinned down by German machine-gun fire, single-handedly silenced multiple enemy positions, and compelled the surrender of 132 German soldiers. For this extraordinary act of courage and leadership, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, recognizing valor above and beyond the call of duty.
York’s legacy extends far beyond the battlefield. ..."
Reference Source: www.va.gov
Article Excerpt: "...If you’re a veteran with a 100 percent VA rating, you’ll learn about the Top 100% VA Disability Benefits available to you and your dependents. ..."
Reference Source: vaclaimsinsider.com
Article Excerpt: "The roughly 300,000 veterans who turn 65 each year may share his confusion. With Medicare Part B premiums jumping to $202.90 per month in 2026, understanding what you actually need matters. ...Should You Enroll?
Yes, even if you have VA coverage. The VA itself encourages veterans to sign up for Medicare when they turn 65.
Here's what each part costs in 2026:...The Prescription Drug Decision
You cannot use both VA and Medicare Part D for the same prescription but must pick one each time you fill.
If you're 100% service-connected disabled and the VA covers everything, skip Part D. If you see civilian doctors who prescribe medications that the VA doesn't stock, Part D makes sense."
Reference Source: www.military.com
Article Excerpt: "...VA has announced an amendment to the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Family SGLI (FSGLI), and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Accelerated Benefit Option (ABO) regulation.
This update allows an alternate applicant to apply for an ABO on a member’s behalf, such as when a member is medically incapacitated. With accelerated benefits, you can get up to 50%..."
Reference Source: va.gov
Article Excerpt: "The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act Wednesday, punting the yearly legislation that governs Pentagon spending to the Senate. ...Speaker Mike Johnson is touting provisions that offer enlisted troops a 4% pay raise, eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), crack down on antisemitism, eliminate $20 billion in spending on "obsolete programs" and "Pentagon bureaucracy" and policies that crack down on China. ..."
Reference Source: www.msn.com
Article Excerpt: "...The following story comes from my Dad’s unpublished book, “The Very First” by Colonel Richard “Butch” Sheffield, SR-71 Blackbird Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO).
‘Sometime, early in the program, in January 1967, I believe, we aborted and landed at Buckley Air National Guard (ANG) Base near Denver. The base was home to an F-101 squadron. The F-101 was an interceptor assigned to defend the US in case of war. The fighter community considered it a “hot” aircraft. ..."
Reference Source: The Aviation Geek Club
Article Excerpt: "...This year, the nonprofit paid roughly $10,000 in shipping costs, the outlet reported.
When USPS rejected the mountain of packages, they cited “incomplete forms,” a USPS spokesperson told the local station.
Most of the returned boxes had the word “toiletries” circled on their labels — apparently, that description is too vague.
“More detailed descriptions are now required for all international packages, so it’s important not to use generic terms. It is important for customers to know that incorrect or incomplete data can prevent the Postal Service from detecting potential violations of federal export laws,” the spokesperson said. ...The 255 packages that weren’t returned to the nonprofit were safely delivered to their intended destination. ..."
Reference Source: nypost.com
Article Excerpt: "...On December 7, 1941, a peaceful Sunday morning on the Hawaiian island of Oahu was shattered by an unprovoked attack by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan on the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and the aircraft and hangars at Kaneohe, Ford Island, Barbers Point, and Hickam Field. The surprise offensive claimed the lives of 2,403 American service members and civilians and propelled our Nation into the Second World War.
The Japanese mission was designed to cripple our military assets and obliterate the American spirit, but instead, the fatal attacks rallied our shattered citizenry and fueled our resolve. Young men from every corner of our country put their lives and futures on hold and were thrust into bloody and brutal battles of historic consequence that would forever change the world. Although untested in battle, these patriots, still reeling from horror and disbelief, united in a singular mission: to defeat tyranny. The exceptional courage and immeasurable sacrifices of the Greatest Generation secured our way of life and the blessings of freedom for future generations.
In the decades since the “date which will live in infamy,” the aggressor has become our loyal ally and trusted friend. Japan is one of our closest security partnerships, and our military forces work together every day to defend our common interests. We are united by commerce, history, culture, and mutual respect. Our strong alliance is a testament to the transformational power of peace, diplomacy, and democracy. ..."
Reference Source: www.whitehouse.gov
Article Excerpt: "...A VA spokesperson confirmed to the Guardian that the department would share some of the data it is now gathering with other federal agencies, including for immigration enforcement purposes. “VA will share any adverse findings with the appropriate agencies to ensure anyone who is not authorized to be in the US is dealt with accordingly,” the spokesperson said, when asked if the VA would share the data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agency added: “No one who is not an illegal immigrant has anything to worry about.”...Top department officials, including the veterans affairs secretary, Doug Collins, are requiring VA offices across the country to turn over data on non-citizen “full-time and part-time employees, contractors, health professional trainees” and volunteers with the VA, according to the memo. "
Reference Source: www.theguardian.com
Article Excerpt: "...National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, an annual commemoration of the 1941 attack, will be observed Sunday, Dec. 7.
Postal Service facilities are required to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff this day.
To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day.
The USPS Administrative Support Manual has additional guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance. ..."
Reference Source: news.usps.com
Article Title: VA Insurance and the Accelerated Benefit Option Article Excerpt: "...VA has announced an amendment to the Servicememb...
