Latest News

Army Proposes Limiting Retiree Burials in Arlington National Cemetery

As reported September 16 by Jim Absher for Military.com, the Army is proposing limiting the number of burials in Arlington National Cemetery, and retirees may be the first to be affected. A proposed rule published in the Federal Register seeks public comment on limiting interments, both burials and inurnments, in Arlington National Cemetery to only those who are retired, saw combat, received certain military awards, served as president or vice president, or were family members of otherwise qualified individuals.

Jon Stewart Leads Renewed Fight on Benefits for Burn Pit Victims

In a September 15 story for Military Times, Leo Shane III reports that veterans advocates on Tuesday launched a new campaign for additional recognition and aid for troops exposed to toxic burn pit fumes during overseas deployments at the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, saying time is running out to provide real help to the victims. “This is not about science, this is about money,” said comedian Jon Stewart in an emotional press conference on Capitol Hill featuring numerous families of dead and dying veterans whose rare illnesses aren’t officially recognized by federal officials as stemming from burn pit exposure.

Veteran News

BREAKING: Takano, Roe, Tester, Moran Statement on House Passage of Groundbreaking Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Bill, Congressional Veterans’ Affairs leaders’ top legislative priority—connecting veterans with life-saving mental health care—heads to President’s desk
https://veterans.house.gov/news/press-releases/breaking-takano-roe-tester-moran-statement-on-house-passage-of-groundbreaking-commander-john-scott-hannon-veterans-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-bill

Tester Spearheads Senate Call to Ensure his Landmark Agent Orange Exposure Bill is Included in Final Annual Defense Bill
https://www.veterans.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-news/tester-spearheads-senate-call-to-ensure-his-landmark-agent-orange-exposure-bill-is-included-in-final-annual-defense-bill-

TAKE ACTION: Please ask your member of Congress to support Tester/Harder amendment in the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act
https://vva.org/what-we-do/veterans-advocacy/legislative-action-center/

Senate VA Committee Advances Two Bills to Expand Veteran Benefits
https://www.veterans.senate.gov/newsroom/news/senate-va-committee-advances-two-bills-to-expand-veteran-benefits

Lawmakers question VA approach on burn pits, advance bill to help military toxic exposure victims
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/09/23/lawmakers-question-va-approach-on-burn-pits-advance-bill-to-help-military-toxic-exposure-victims/

VA notifies Veterans of compromised personal information https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5519

Vietnam Veterans of America is A Not-For-Profit Veterans Service Organization Chartered by the United States Congress

Unveiling of President Dwight D Eisenhower Memorial

As reported September 9 by Nikki Wentling for Stars and Stripes, the long-awaited presidential memorial honoring Dwight D. Eisenhower will be dedicated and unveiled in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 17 – more than 20 years after Congress commissioned it. The memorial – dedicated to the life, military service, and presidency of Eisenhower – sits on four acres along Independence Avenue, just off the National Mall. It was designed by architect Frank Gehry, now 91, and went through various stages of redesign because of criticism from Eisenhower’s family.

A Message From VVA Montana State Council President

Montana State Council August 18, 2020

In these trying times there have been several changes caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, not only in our own state and our local communities but also at the VVA national level. On Saturday, July 18th, I took part in a conference call that consisted of the National Officers, the Board of Directors and the State Council Presidents. I will try and share with you what most of these changes are.

The main source of revenue for VVA National comes from the Household Goods Program. This program fell victim to the Covid 19 pandemic thus eliminating this revenue. The program is attempting to slowly reopen in some states but there are several obstacles the program has to overcome.
The loss of this revenue has forced VVA National to reevaluate the daily operation in the office. One of the consequences of this was the layoffs of 14 employees and thus having the remaining employees to do the work of themselves and another desk. National is hopeful of having a complete reorganization in place by September. So until that takes place you are asked to try and refrain from calling National because you may not be able to have your questions answered in a timely manner.
The State Council Presidents meeting in Silver Spring in April was cancelled due to the pandemic. Additionally the Leadership Training Scheduled for July in Dayton Ohio was also cancelled. The State Council Presidents meeting in October 2020 and January 2021 have been cancelled. The meetings scheduled for April 2021 and the National Convention schedules for next summer are in limbo at this time. There is no re-imburseable expenses until further notice.
The Life Membership Dues for each chapter and state council have been paid in the amount of 1/3 of what each chapter would have received. As things settle down National plans on paying the remaining 2/3’s over September and October.
In another cost cutting endeavor the VVA Veteran magazine is now going to be totally electronic. National has asked that each member go to www.vva.org/publications and sign up to receive the VVA Veteran on line. This change was necessitated by the revenue crisis National is faced with.

If you have questions regarding National or just need further explanations on the information I have shared with you feel free to reach out to me and I will answer them or get an answer. My contact information is 406-600-4442 or email cdrinmt@gmail.com.

I don’t anticipate an in person State Council meeting in October. More information will be forthcoming. Be careful and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Chuck Renevier Montana State Council President