VFW Action Corps Weekly

VFW Testifies at House Subcommittee Hearing: VFW National Legislative Associate Director Joy Craig testified at an oversight hearing before the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. The focus was how best to improve the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to ensure a smoother transition from military to civilian life. Craig emphasized that since its launch in January 2024, VA’s TAP 6.0 program has allowed VFW accredited representatives to reach 13,000 more service members than in 2023 –– a 54% increase in engagement. To build on this progress, the VFW is urging Congress to pass H.R. 1845, TAP Promotion Act, and legislation to establish an Under Secretary of Defense for Transition to oversee and modernize these programs. Read the testimonyor watch the hearing, which begins at the 18:47 mark.

VFW Claims Assistance for K2 Troops: Veterans with prior service in Uzbekistan at the Karshi Khanabad Air Base, known as K2, who need assistance with their VA disability claims should contact a VFW Service Officer. The VFW is ready to assist K2 veterans who currently have health conditions they believe were caused by toxic exposures during their service. This includes veterans who have had VA claims denied, have claims in appeal, or who have never applied. Contact the VFW at vfw@vfw.org or find a VFW Service Officer in your area.

VA Trauma Coordinators: Military sexual trauma (MST) is sexual assault or harassment that occurs during military service. MST survivors can receive assistance from MST Coordinators at VA health facilities to connect with care at no cost. Community-based Vet Centers provide MST-related outpatient counseling and referral services in nonmedical settings.

MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced one burial update and 13 identifications for service members who have been missing and unaccounted for from World War II and the Korean War.

Update:

-- World War II Army Air Forces Cpl. Glenn H. Hodak, Pennsylvania

Identifications:

-- World War II Army Pvt. Blanchard E. Pruitt

-- World War II Army Capt. Ralph L. Rowland

-- World War II Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. John A. Pagliuso

-- World War II Army Capt. Paul E. Pearson

-- World War II Army 2nd Lt. Charles Arnao

-- World War II Navy Reserve Ensign Eugene E. Mandeberg

-- World War II Navy Reserve  S2c Jerome M. Mullaney

-- Korean War Army Cpt. Charles G. Gibson Jr.

-- Korean War Army Cpl. Joshua Corruth

-- Korean War Army Master Sgt. George C. Manring

-- Korean War Army Pfc. Roland L. Bowser

-- Korean War Army Cpl. Delmer R. Grissom

-- Korean War Army 1st Lt. William H. Hott

The VFW is not responsible for third-party content material that may be misleading, incomplete, erroneous, offensive, indecent or otherwise objectionable.

Click here to sign up new veterans’ advocates.

Click here to view VFW-supported bills in the 119th Congress. 

As always, we want to hear your advocacy stories. To share your stories or photos with us, simply email them directly to vfwac@vfw.org.

View current and archived editions of the Action Corps Weekly.