VFW Priority Goals
This month marks the beginning of the 117th Congress. The 2021 VFW Priority Goals Focus on Budget; Health Care; Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs; Education, Employment, and Transition Assistance; Military Quality of Life; and National Security, Foreign Affairs and POW/MIA. The VFW looks forward to working with the new and returning members of Congress to improve care and benefits for veterans, service members and their families.
General Lloyd Austin (Ret.) Confirmed As Secretary Of Defense
The Senate recently voted to confirm General Lloyd Austin (Retired) as the new Defense secretary by a vote of 93-2. Austin retired from the military in 2016, as a Four Star Army General, after more than 40 years of service. Senate Armed Services committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-R.I.) called Austin’s confirmation “an extraordinary, historic moment.”
Joining Forces Coming Back To White House
The Joining Forces initiative, first launched in 2011 by then-first Lady Michelle Obama and second Lady Dr. Jill Biden. When initially launched, the goal was to encourage members of the public and private sector to work together to support service members, veterans, families, caregivers and survivors. The work focused on employment, wellness and education. Stay tuned for updates.
VA Adaptive Sports And Therapeutic Art Programs
The mission of the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events (NVSPSE) is to improve veteran’s independence, well-being and quality of life through adaptive sports and therapeutic arts engagement with the VA and the community. Veterans eligible for VA health care can participate in national rehabilitation programs and events coordinated by NVSPSE such as National Veterans Wheelchair Games, National Veterans Golden Age Games, Valor Games, National Veterans Summer/Winter Sports Clinic and National Veterans Creative Arts Competition and Festival.
MilTax And IRS Free File Available Now
MilTax, a Department of Defense program which offers free preparation and e-filing software for all military members and some veterans, with no income limits, is now open. IRS Free File online is also currently available for Americans whose income for 2020 was $72,000 and below.
Complete the Airborne Hazards And Open Burn Pit Registry
All veterans who served in eligible locations should include their information in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pits Registry. Exposure to burn pits may be associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
