VFW Advocacy

1. 'Small But Mighty'

   As VFW prepares to kick off its 125th year of service, VFW magazine is launching in this issue a "Destination Post Series." The series will feature 125 VFW Posts located in sought-after tourist destinations around the globe.

   Featured VFW Posts are those that make a real difference in the communities in which the Posts are located. Not surprisingly, most of the VFW Posts mentioned throughout the series are All-American Posts.

   The first destination VFW Post in this series is in "America's Sailing Capital" - Annapolis, Maryland. Located one hour from Washington, D.C., and 35 minutes from Baltimore, Annapolis, the nation's capital from 1783-84, is a top tourist destination.

   VFW Post 304 members are out and about in Annapolis, which is how Post Commander Kurt Surber came to join VFW in 2007. A retired Army warrant officer, Surber was at the Anne Arundel County Fair where he visited the VFW Post 304 booth.

   Then-Post Commander Ken Smith mentored Surber and took him to District meetings and Department of Maryland Council of Administration meetings.

   In 2010, Surber, who served in Bosnia and Iraq, became Post commander and has held that position ever since. He also is in his sixth year as District commander.

   Unlike many VFW Posts, VFW Post 304 does not have a bar or restaurant. It does not have regular hours. Members meet the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. to discuss how to best serve their community. If a member cannot get to the Post home at 1838 Generals Highway, the meetings are also accessible via Zoom.

   "We are a no-stress, no-drama Post," Surber said. "We are focused on the community and legislative activities."

   During the Anne Arundel County Fair each year, the Post is present for the five-day event. Members distribute VFW's Buddy Poppies, VFW's national flower, and veterans' benefits information. And just as Surber signed up for membership in 2007 at the fair, the Post recruits veterans for its roster.

   Octoberfest is another popular festivity in Annapolis, which means the Post members are present. Members regularly distribute Buddy Poppies at the Navy Exchange.

   Surber said the Post is working to make a tighter connection with the United States Naval Academy, also located in Annapolis. Last fall, Post members had the opportunity to set up a booth in the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at the Academy before the season-opener football game. This was the first time Post 304 members had the opportunity to do this. VFW Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore also helped out at the booth.

   Another key part of the Post's community involvement is its honor guard service. On a recent Friday, Surber said that four veterans were buried, and the VFW Post 304 Honor Guard performed the appropriate ceremony.

   The Post is involved in VFW-sanctioned activities, too.

   

   "We do all the youth programs," Surber said. "We have a good tie-in with one of the private schools in town which employs a lot of veterans and Reserve members."

   Surber said that the Post's nearly 200 members easily fill the positions because "everyone shares the load." He especially credits members such as Mike Blackwell for the success of VFW Post 304.

   "I'm still working full-time, and he is retired," Surber said. "By working together, we can cover more territory and take care of more things."

   Blackwell said that among the many things that make VFW Post 304 vital is the work its members do on behalf of active-duty troops.

   "We interact with Maryland state legislators as advocates for laws benefiting uniformed services and their families," Blackwell said.

   Member Michael O'Neill concurs, calling VFW Post 304 a "powerhouse of activity." A major in the Army Reserve, O'Neill said Post members are always on the lookout for ways to support the Annapolis community.

   "Like the '80s TV show 'Cheers,' sometimes you just want to go where everybody knows your name," O'Neill said. "VFW Post 304 is the crossroads of camaraderie, and its members are always glad you came. You can continue to expect big things from our small Post."

   Member Peter Speier said he appreciates the way VFW Post 304 members take care of their fellow vets. He noted that they all look after a nearly blind veteran.

   Speier added that the Post also recognizes individuals at all levels for their service in the community, which includes police officers, firemen and teachers.

   "We are small but mighty," Surber said. "We are banded together with a purpose. We want to do good things in the community and good things for veterans."

   The Destination Post series was initially featured in the 2024 April issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Janie Dyhouse, senior editor for VFW magazine.

2. VA Distributes $174 Million for Suicide Prevention Grants

   VA in January announced the start of a new program that could provide community-based suicide prevention resources needed for veterans and their families across the country.

   The VFW-backed Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) is a part of VA's ongoing effort to address veterans suicide. The plan for the grants program is to issue awards totaling $174 million over three years.

   According to VA, the grants will support community-based suicide prevention efforts for veterans and their families.

   The grant program will provide resources to community organizations. Grants will be awarded to organizations that provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for those at risk of suicide. Those services consist of:

   • Outreach to identify those at risk of suicide.
   • Baseline mental health screening for risk.
   • Education on suicide risk and prevention to families and communities.
   • Provision of clinical services for emergency treatment.
   • Case management services.
   • Peer support services.
   • VA benefits assistance for eligible individuals and their families.
   • Assistance with obtaining and coordinating other benefits provided by the federal, state or local governments, as well as other eligible entities.
   • Assistance with emergent needs relating to health care services, daily living services, personal financial planning and counseling, transportation services, temporary income support services, fiduciary and representative payee services, legal services to assist the eligible individual with issues that may contribute to the risk of suicide, and child care.
   • Nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices, as determined appropriate by VA.
   • Other services necessary for improving mental health status and well-being and reducing the suicide risk of eligible individuals and their families as VA determines appropriate.

   The SSG Fox SPGP was enacted as a part of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (P.L. 116-171). The suicide prevention program is named in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Parker Gordon Fox, who was a sniper instructor at Georgia's U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning. Fox, who joined the military in 2015, died by suicide on July 21, 2020, at the age of 25.

   Members of VFW Post 4933 in Kingsport, Tenn., rendered honors during Fox's memorial service in Kingsport, according to Fox's obituary.

   For more information about the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, visit https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants.

3. VFW Auxiliary Member Advocates for Military Survivors

   A VFW Auxiliary member in January testified at a congressional hearing and highlighted the challenges she and others have faced as members of military and veteran families.

   Gabriella Kubinyi testified on issues specifically affecting military families and urged Washington, D.C.'s policymakers to act. Kubinyi testified before a House VA committee hearing titled "The One Percent: Supporting America's Surviving Military Family Community."

   Kubinyi emphasized at the meeting the need for increased support and expanded services for those who have lost loved ones in service to the country. She also said that effective communication
   and outreach from VA is critical. Kubinyi cited challenges faced by survivors in accessing benefits and navigating the claims process.

   "Year after year, the VFW and advocates like me ask Congress to improve on a variety of survivor issues, and legislation is drafted but never receives the needed attention or votes to enact significant changes," Kubinyi said. "I strongly urge this committee to find pathways necessary to make sure survivor benefits are taken seriously and not pushed off again for the next Congress."

   In Kubinyi's testimony, she spoke about the need for VA to improve education and awareness among survivors regarding their entitlements and benefits. Additionally, Kubinyi said outreach efforts are needed to connect survivors with accredited claims representatives for assistance.

   "My husband was only 31 years old, and imagining life without him was something I was not prepared to do," Kubinyi said. "Navigating life as a survivor is challenging. I quickly discovered the negative impact of unaddressed gaps in the communication process between VA and its outreach to survivors concerning their eligibility for benefits and services made available by their fallen loved ones."

   Kubinyi's husband, Navy Engineman 2nd Class Jeffrey Ferren, died on April 2, 2012, due to an undiagnosed heart condition while serving on active duty. Farren served aboard the USS Elron (FFG-550) and USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) during his military career.

   Kubinyi's testimony also addressed shortcomings in the claims process, particularly the need to increase Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments. She also called for legislative action to update the definition of "surviving spouse" to reflect modern legal and social realities.

   "The last time the definition was updated was in 1962, and much has changed in the past 60 years," Kubinyi said. "The current definition is outdated with its reference to marriage being between people of the opposite sex and to the undefined 'holding oneself out to be married' clause. The VFW supports updating this language to ensure the definition of 'survivor' is fair and in alignment with marriage requirements of the current era."

   This Washington Wire - Capitol Hill Briefs article is featured in the 2024 April issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Dave Spiva, associate editor for VFW magazine.

4. Levin Receives VFW Congressional Award

   WASHINGTON -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) presented its 2024 Congressional Award to Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) for his steadfast support to veterans, service members, their families and survivors.

   "I am honored to present this award to such a staunch advocate for our military and veteran communities," said VFW Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento. "Rep. Levin exemplifies the values of service and advocacy that we at the VFW strive to live every day. His propensity for and track record of working across the aisle to deliver results is remarkable."

   Presented annually since 1964, the VFW Congressional Award is given to one member of the House or Senate for significant legislative contributions on behalf of veterans and military service personnel. Past recipients include strong national security and veterans' advocates, such as Sen. Bob Dole (R-KS), Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery (D-MS), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI), and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), among many others. Last year's award went to Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) who serves, among other roles, as the ranking member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.

   Levin, who represents Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and is the grandson of a World War II veteran, has been a member of Congress since 2019. During his time, he has focused on veterans' issues and enacted more than two dozen bipartisan laws to help our nation's heroes. As ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Rep. Levin authored legislation to help veterans ease back into civilian life, access affordable housing, receive workforce training to land good-paying jobs, and more. He introduced the bipartisan Veteran Hunger Coordination Act to combat veteran food insecurity; secured the passage of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act to aid organizations that house homeless veterans and improve HUD-VASH case management; and strongly supported the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, the most significant expansion of VA health care benefits in over 30 years. As the representative of California's 49th Congressional District, Rep. Levin has also secured considerable federal funds to improve the quality of life for the military there, including more than $250 million to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for infrastructure projects.

   In addition to his leadership role on the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Rep. Levin also serves as a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources.

   "Rep. Levin's commitment to the well-being of military personnel and veterans is clear," said Sarmiento. "His leadership among peers in this arena makes him the most deserving of this award."

5. VFW Calls on Congress to 'Meet the Challenge' for Veterans

   WASHINGTON - With a sea of member caps behind him, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento delivered the VFW's legislative priorities during testimony before the 118th Congress during a special joint hearing of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs held today.

   Sarmiento began by thanking legislators for all their work in passing the Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022, or the PACT Act, the most comprehensive toxic exposure legislation in American history. In a demonstration of impact, Sarmiento started by asking each group of veterans affected by the signing of the PACT Act in 2022 to stand. As VFW members from the Vietnam War, Gulf War and post-911 era stood, they were met with applause from those assembled in the Dirksen Senate Office Building chamber where the hearing took place.

   "This is who the VFW is and who your work is helping today," said Sarmiento.

   Along with highlighting the much-needed help the PACT Act is providing veterans, Sarmiento shed light on the problem with predatory claims consulting protectives. Unlike VA-accredited VFW Service Officers who provide VA claims assistance free to veterans, service members and serving families, "Claim Sharks" are unaccredited consultants who use contracts that include a commitment by the veteran to pay hefty fees or a significant portion of their increased benefits. Sarmiento stated the VFW strongly supports the GUARD VA Benefits Act, which would reinstate penalties for charging veterans unauthorized fees for submitting VA claims. Sarmiento explained Claim Sharks are spending millions of dollars to lobby against the GUARD Act in D.C., stalling a federal fix.

   "It's distasteful that these Claim Sharks take money from veterans. But it's disgusting that they take money from survivors," Sarmiento said.

   To assist veterans before they leave service, the VFW's Benefits Delivery at Discharge, or BDD, program is one of the main efforts in providing free VA claims help to service members in their transition.

   Sarmiento explained how every year, VFW accredited representatives assist approximately 20,000 service members with BDD claims before they leave the military, meaning they can receive benefits almost immediately upon separation. However, access to accredited representatives for BDD is inconsistent.

   "That's why the VFW highly recommends passage of the TAP Promotion Act, which will ensure all service members have direct access to accredited representatives during TAP classes," said Sarmiento. "The VFW commends VA for starting down this path in January, but this only reinforces the need to make this the law."

   Continuing with the topic, Sarmiento bridged to veterans in crisis. He discussed how those transitioning out of the military, particularly junior enlisted service members, are at a higher risk of unemployment, homelessness and suicide. He then urged Congress to pass the Not Just a Number Act, directing VA to report on all its programs and veterans in crisis to identify the root causes that lead to veterans being in dire circumstances.

   "After the Navy, I spent 20 years as a police officer. If you've got the gun in your mouth, it's too late," said Sarmiento. "We need to understand what happens before a veteran gets to that point."

   Sarmiento addressed a long-standing VFW legislative priority - ending the practice of offsetting DOD retirement and VA disability pay for those forced to medically retire due to combat-related injuries. Introduced in the House of Representatives last year, the Major Richard Star Act, gained overwhelming bipartisan and bicameral support from the 117th Congress, but failed to move forward.

   "We must pass the Richard Star Act, so veterans receive the full benefits they have earned through their blood and sweat in their service to our country," said Sarmiento.

   The bill is named after U.S. Army Maj. Richard Star who was forced to medically retire after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and died in 2021.

   One area close to Sarmiento that he urged Congress to address is reforming the VA's Foreign Medical Program.

   "I'm a Filipino Italian American Navy veteran and I still have many friends and family who live overseas," said Sarmiento. "Many are veterans who have earned care and benefits through their service. We know there will never be the same level of care outside the U.S, but what many overseas veterans face is indifference and apathy."

   Sarmiento explained how many veterans living overseas see their medical care reduced. Compounded by challenges with direct deposit, postal services and access to military bases, veterans find themselves cut off from the VA care and benefits they earned through their service.

   "The current Foreign Medical Program is a riddle wrapped in a puzzle because experiences vary wildly depending on where you are and who you know," said Sarmiento. "We have to provide consistent access to care and support to veterans overseas."

   Sarmiento's final segment of his remarks started by reminding congress of its obligations to the fallen and those still in uniform.

   "Former President Calvin Coolidge once stated, 'The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten,'" quoted Sarmiento.

   Sarmiento talked about the need to support U.S. service members still defending American interests abroad. He referenced visits he's made within the past year, from observing firsthand the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency mission in Southeast Asia, to honoring American cemeteries overseas, to his factfinding mission in Europe learning about the challenges the Department of Defense and its allies and partners face in the Eastern Hemisphere.

   "I've heard firsthand about the needs of today's force, which is why those who are fighting terrorism in the Middle East or deterring aggression on the Eastern flank of NATO deserve proper recognition for their service on behalf of a grateful nation," said Sarmiento.

   Sarmiento finished his remarks by thanking both veterans' affairs committees and says he's looking forward to the future.

   "The VFW thanks you for all of your hard work and the work yet to come. Thank you for the opportunity to share the VFW's priorities as we enter our next 125 years in service to our veterans," said Sarmiento.

   Video of today's testimony is available to watch and share here.

   Read Commander Sarmiento's full testimony here.