The House passed a budget resolution to reduce the amount of federal spending for the next fiscal year (FY). The resolution sets overall spending at 2022 levels, but does not specify that veteran care and benefits would not be reduced. VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci sent a letter to Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy urging him to ensure protections for veterans are addressed. Gallucci wrote, “Plainly stated, the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 did not exist when funding levels were set for FY 2022.” The PACT Act was not passed into law until after budget levels had been established, so the VFW wants to ensure the monumental advances secured through that legislation are protected.
Veteran Benefits Bill Hearing
The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a pending legislation hearing to discuss 14 bills on veteran and survivor benefits. VFW National Legislative Deputy Director Kristina Keenan provided a statement for the record in support of these proposals. In particular, she conveyed the VFW’s strong support of the GUARD VA Benefits Act of 2023, which would reinstate criminal and financial penalties for unaccredited representatives who prey on veterans.
VA Online Financial Literacy Seminars
The VA Office of Outreach, Transition and Economic Development has partnered with Prudential to host free monthly online financial literacy seminars for veterans, transitioning service members, spouses, family members, and caregivers. Income management topics include budgeting, saving, investing, taxes, life insurance, and preparing for retirement.
District Meeting
The Pa. VFW 28th District meeting will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at Billy Simpson Post 470, 1808 W. 26th St, Erie. The Post and Auxiliary meeting will start at 2 p.m. There will be nomination and elections of District Officers. All members in good standing are encouraged to attend.
Important Dates in May
The month of May has many important days, here are just a few:
May is National Military Appreciation Month
May 1 – Loyalty Day
May 4 – National Day Of Prayer
May 8 – VE Day (Victory in Europe)
May 13-20 – Armed Forces Week
May 13 – Children of Fallen Patriots Day
May 14 – Mothers Day
May 15 – Peace Officers Memorial Day
May 20 – Armed Forces Day
May 29 – Memorial Day
POW/MIA Update
Army Cpl. Luther H. Story, 19, of Americus, Georgia, was a member of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was reported killed in action on Sept. 1, 1950, and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He will be buried in Andersonville, Georgia, on May 29, 2023.
Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Ralph D. Kolb, 19, of McGehee, Arkansas, was assigned to the 343rd Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. On Aug. 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator bomber on which he was the assistant radio operator was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed during Operation TIDAL WAVE in Ploiesti, north of Bucharest, Romania. He will be buried in his hometown on June 14, 2023.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
