Reps. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (AS), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) have introduced the VFW-supported Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding VA Benefits Act, known as the GUARD VA Benefits Act. Reintroduced in the new Congress with sixty-nine cosponsors, this bipartisan legislation would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees for helping veterans file claims for VA disability compensation benefits. These companies are incentivized to operate outside of the law due to the lack of penalties. Cracking down on claim sharks is one of the VFW’s top legislative priorities for the 118th Congress.
Important Dates in March
March is Women’s History Month
March 3 – Navy Reserve birthday
March 4 – Hug a GI Day
March 5 – Seabee 81st birthday
March 12 – Daylight Savings Time begins (spring forward)
March 13 – K-9 Veterans Day
March 15 – American Legion 104th birthday
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
March 21 – Rosie The Riveter Day
March 25 – Medal Of Honor Day
March 29 – National Vietnam War Veterans Day
POW/MIA Update
Navy Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Cecil E. Barncord, 24, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits causing it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Barncord. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
