VFW Press Releases

1. VFW Honors National Vietnam War Veterans Day

   KANSAS CITY - National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a solemn and significant occasion for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and our nation. Established through the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, March 29 is a time to honor the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of the millions of American men and women who served during the Vietnam War.

   From February 1961 to May 1975, more than 3.4 million Americans were deployed in support of U.S military operations in Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia, with more than 58,000 paying the ultimate sacrifice. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, nearly 1,600 remain unaccounted for.

   "Vietnam veterans answered their nation's call during a complex and deeply challenging conflict, yet far too many were met with silence or indifference upon returning home," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "Their fight didn't end overseas, and the VFW reaffirms our commitment to ensuring they receive the benefits they have earned, along with the high-quality care related to toxic exposure that still impacts their lives today."

   On this day of remembrance, the VFW calls on all Americans to take time to not only reflect on the sacrifices made by our Vietnam veterans and their families, but to thank them and to listen to their stories. To all who served, we offer our deepest gratitude and renew our enduring promise: We will never forget your service, we will never stop advocating on your behalf and we will always honor your legacy.

2. VFW Debuts New Tool to Streamline VA Benefits Assistance

   WASHINGTON -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) announced today the launch of a new online tool designed to simplify and accelerate the process for veterans seeking help filing for their earned U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.

   The new system allows veterans, service members within 180 days of separation and survivors to complete a brief online form that instantly generates a case record in the assigned VFW Accredited Service Officer's system, enabling an efficient review of qualifying information, and expediting the initial intake and follow up period.

   "For more than a century, the VFW has helped veterans navigate and access the benefits they earned through their service - last year we recovered $16.2 billion from the VA on their behalf," said Mike Figlioli, VFW Director of National Veterans Service. "This new tool removes unnecessary barriers and connects veterans with expert help faster than ever before."

   VFW representatives are professionally trained and accredited to represent veterans before the VA. They provide free assistance with filing disability claims, appealing decisions, and accessing a wide range of benefits and services. Furthermore, they provide a lifelong continuum of support, helping veterans navigate their benefits from their first claim through every stage that follows.

   By automating the initial intake process, the new tool ensures that veterans are connected to the right representative quickly and efficiently.

   The new system is designed to reduce paperwork, eliminate confusion and streamline communication between veterans and their VFW representative. With just a few simple questions, veterans can begin the process of receiving personalized assistance while ensuring their information is securely transmitted and immediately available to the representative assigned to their case.

   "This is about meeting veterans where they are," added Figlioli. "Whether they're just beginning the claims process or need help with an appeal, this tool helps ensure they are connected with a trained advocate who will stand with them every step of the way."

   The VFW encourages veterans and survivors to use the new online tool as the first step in accessing the benefits they earned through their military service.

   To learn more or begin the process, visit claims.vfw.org.

3. Rep. Pfluger Named 2026 VFW Congressional Award Recipient

   WASHINGTON -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly presented its 2026 Congressional Award to Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, tonight at the conclusion of its annual Washington Conference, recognizing him for his leadership in the 119th Congress and his career-long advocacy on behalf of veterans and service members.

   "Representative Pfluger uses his personal experience as a combat fighter pilot to identify and fix gaps and shortcomings in our system, ensuring veterans have a passionate and determined advocate in the halls of Congress," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "His commitment and resolve for action over words on many VFW priorities is evident, and we are eager to continue working alongside him to better care for America's service members, veterans and their families."

   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 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-Hawaii, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC, and Sen. Jon Tester, D-MT, among many others. Last year's award went to Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI, who currently serves on the House Committees on Veterans' Affairs, Armed Services and Agriculture.

   Rep. Pfluger's work in Congress led him to introduce the House version of the Aviation Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act, a long-standing VFW priority enacted as Public Law 119-32, which directed VA to study cancer rates among military fixed-wing aircrew and advance accountability and life-saving care. He has also cosponsored key VFW priorities, including the Major Richard Star Act, the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025, the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025, and the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, safeguarding earned benefits, expanding access to care, and strengthening support for National Guard and Reserve, and medically retired service members.

   Before joining Congress, Rep. Pfluger graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2000. A former squadron commander, he has logged more than 2,000 flight hours, including 300 in combat over Syria and Northern Iraq. He is currently a colonel in the Air Force Reserve.
   
   "Rep. Pfluger's military experience and tenacity make him a leading voice in Washington on veterans issues and national security, and the more than 1.3 million VFW and VFW Auxiliary members are proud to bestow upon him this year's Congressional Award."

4. VFW Appalled Major Richard Star Act Vote Blocked for Second Time

   WASHINGTON -Today, Ranking Member Blumenthal asked for unanimous consent for passage of S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act, on the floor of the U.S. Senate. This is the first time the motion was made since it failed to pass in October, held up then by Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi. I regret to announce that it was turned down again, this time by Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. I am appalled by the resistance by certain members of Congress to care for veterans who have sacrificed so much for this nation.

   As I testified earlier today before a special joint hearing of the United States Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs, the Major Richard Star Act will fix the unjust offset affecting more than 50,000 medically retired combat veterans. This is not double-dipping. This is double sacrifice. Veterans have fulfilled their obligation. Now, the country must Honor the Contract. Not partially, not eventually, not someday, but today, fully and faithfully. Stop the procedural games, have a real hearing, and get this done. Pass the Major Richard Star Act now!

5. VFW First Woman Commander Makes History Delivering Legislative Priorities to Congress

   WASHINGTON -In a standing-room-only chamber at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Commander Carol Whitmore delivered forceful testimony Tuesday before a special joint hearing of the United States Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs.

   The chamber was filled wall-to-wall with VFW and VFW Auxiliary members proudly wearing their caps, a visible show of unity behind their commander-in-chief, the first woman veteran to lead the VFW in its 126-year history. An overflow room for watching the hearing was also filled to capacity with VFW and Auxiliary members who traveled from across the country and around the world from all 52 departments of the organization.

   VFW national staff and members who joined Whitmore on the dais were Assistant Adjutant General and Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci, National Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan, National Veterans Service Director Michael Figlioli, and National Legislative Committee Chairman Jason Johns.

   During the opening remarks, Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal announced that he was going to the Senate floor at 12 p.m. EST to ask for unanimous consent for passage or a vote on S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act, which was met with rousing applause.

   Fellow Iowan, VFW member, and close personal friend, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst introduced Whitmore to the members of the joint committee in attendance.

   Before addressing policy, Whitmore paused to recognize service members currently deployed.

   "Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge Operation Epic Fury also and give our thoughts and prayers to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice," Whitmore said. "And those who are in harm's way, like the VFW Claims Representative Rosa Valdez currently serving in Kuwait."

   She thanked Chairmen Jerry Moran and Mike Bost, Ranking Members Richard Blumenthal and Mark Takano, and members of both committees for the opportunity to testify on behalf of nearly 1.3 million VFW and Auxiliary members.

   Whitmore's message to Congress was clear and unwavering: Honor the Contract. She framed her testimony around a single principle.

   "When Americans raise their right hand and volunteer to serve, this nation makes a solemn promise: if they are wounded, become ill or die in service, America will care for them and their families," Whitmore said. "That promise is not charity. It is the binding contract between service members and the country they defend."

   As applause filled the chamber, she addressed concerns about cost directly.

   "When some suggest that veterans' benefits are too expensive, let us be clear... this is the cost of war," Whitmore said.

   A former Army nurse, Whitmore emphasized her personal connection.

   "Caring for service members and veterans is not an abstract policy issue for me... it is personal," Whitmore said.

   Whitmore praised the passage of the PACT Act but warned that implementation must match intent.

   "Passage alone does not fulfill the promise," Whitmore said.

   She urged Congress to ensure the VA aggressively applies its authorities to address unrecognized toxic exposures, including Vietnam-era burn pits, K2 veterans, submariners and others exposed in hazardous conditions.

   With PACT Act claims surging, Whitmore stressed that VA direct care and community care must function as one system.

   "Veterans experience health care in moments of need," Whitmore said. "In those moments, what matters most is reliable, timely, high-quality care delivered with dignity and respect."

   She called for clear benchmarks on wait times and travel standards and urged passage of the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025.

   "Veterans should never have to fight their way through red tape just to receive the care they earned," Whitmore said.

   Whitmore highlighted systemic shortcomings in the Foreign Medical Program, sharing the story of retired Army veteran Blane Gish in Berlin, who paid more than 5,000 euros up front for hearing aids and waited six months for reimbursement, only to receive a check that failed to account for exchange rates.

   "Veterans overseas deserve equal treatment," Whitmore said.

   She also called for the modernization of CHAMP-VA, citing slow claims processing and limited access that strain military families.

   In one of the most powerful moments of the hearing, Whitmore asked veterans and families affected by suicide to stand. Dozens rose throughout the chamber.

   "Members of the committee... this is the scope of the challenge before us," Whitmore said.

   She called for written, informed consent for VA-prescribed psychiatric medications and urged passage of the Veteran Suicide Prevention Act.

   "We cannot improve what we do not examine," Whitmore said.

   Whitmore emphasized the need for cutting-edge treatment for traumatic brain injury and PTSD, sharing the story of Afghanistan veteran Joshua Starks, who found healing outside the VA only after a devastating personal loss.

   "Veterans should not have to leave the VA to find healing," Whitmore said.

   She urged Congress to pass the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act to ensure that treatment is driven by science and urgency.

   With nearly 200,000 service members leaving active duty annually, Whitmore raised concerns about inadequate Transition Assistance Program implementation - particularly for troops separating overseas.

   "When service members separate without proper guidance, they risk delays in receiving the benefits they earned," Whitmore said.

   She called for the passage of the TAP Promotion Act to ensure seamless continuity of care and compensation.

   Though outside the committees' primary jurisdiction, Whitmore urged full funding for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

   "Service members are taught to leave no one behind. That commitment never ends," Whitmore said.

   She condemned proposed cuts despite record Pentagon budgets.

   "Fully fund DPAA so that our missing can receive their final salute on American soil," Whitmore said.

   Whitmore closed with a passionate call to end the unjust offset affecting more than 50,000 medically retired combat veterans.

   "This is not double-dipping. This is double sacrifice," Whitmore said. "Pass the Major Richard Star Act now!"

   The chamber erupted into sustained applause and a standing ovation from members in their VFW caps.

   Whitmore concluded by reminding lawmakers that the All-Volunteer Force depends on trust.

   "Veterans have fulfilled their obligation. Now the country must Honor the Contract," Whitmore said. "Not partially, not eventually, not someday, but today, fully and faithfully."

   She thanked the committee leadership and expressed readiness to answer questions, leaving behind a clear message echoed by the hundreds in attendance: Honor the Contract.

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

   Read Commander Whitmore's full testimony here.

   The presentation of S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act, to the Senate for unanimous consent can be viewed live on C-SPAN and at senate.gov.