April 20, 2023 Share this on: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
  Breaking News  
   
 

Caregivers For Severely Disabled Vets Getting Expanded Mental Health Services As Part Of Biden's Order

An executive order signed Tuesday by President Joe Biden will expand mental health services via telehealth for some caregivers of disabled veterans and suggests that the Department of Veterans Affairs broaden veterans' access to its family caregiver program as well as home health services.

To read more, please click here.


 

Air Force Wants To Launch Programs Without Having To Wait For Congress

Weary of the annual tradition of waiting for Congress to approve a budget before kick-starting new programs, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall is proposing a workaround.

To read more, please click here.


 

Senators Press Fort Hood Leaders On Investigation Into Soldier's Death 

A bipartisan group of senators is demanding a “complete, thorough and impartial investigation” into the death of a young female soldier at Fort Hood last month, expressing concerns about ongoing harassment problems at the Army post.

To read more, please click here.


 
  AFSA on the Hill  
   
 

IMPORTANT TO REITERATE: VA Secretary Worries Mistrust, Awareness Holding Back Benefits Claims

By: Leo Shane III | MilitaryTimes.com

Veterans’ mistrust or misunderstanding of federal assistance programs may be cheating them out of tens of millions of dollars in benefits, Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough warned on Thursday.

In remarks during the War Horse Symposium on military and veteran reporting issues, McDonough said only a small fraction — about 10% — of individuals potentially eligible for new benefits under toxic exposure legislation approved last year have filed claims.

He said he hopes to see that number increase significantly in coming months, but knows there are obstacles in the way.

“There’s just a general lack of trust issue in VA,” he said. “It’s not everybody, and the trust numbers are getting better. … But we have to get through the trust issue.”

McDonough and other top VA officials have repeatedly advocated for veterans to screen for potential military toxic exposure injuries and inquire about potential financial benefits in response to last summer’s passage of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, better known as the PACT Act.

The legislation provides for presumptive benefit status for 12 types of cancer and 12 other respiratory illnesses linked to burn pit exposure in the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan and the War in Iraq; hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for veterans who served in Vietnam; and radiation-related illnesses for veterans who served in several new locations in the 1960s and early 1970s.More than 400,000 individuals have applied for disability benefits through the legislation in recent months. But VA officials said as many as 5 million individuals may eligible under the legislation.

McDonough said that discrepancy points to the need for even more outreach and advocacy by his department.

“There are still a lot of vets who are unaware, and that means we have to get out there more aggressively,” he said.

“There are 19 million vets in the country. We want to reach all of them.”

Information on PACT Act benefits is available through the VA web site. In addition, veterans who visit VA health care facilities are being screened for potential toxic exposure issues during routine health care visits and can receive information from local staff on how to apply for benefits.


AFSA's Summit Registration 

Greetings AFSA Members,

We are incredibly excited to let you know that Registration is now OPEN for The SUMMIT23: AFSA International Convention and Professional Education & Development Conferences. We are anticipating a full house with AFSA members, families, and guests, along with other Active Duty, Retired and Veteran military personnel.

 

DATES: You have TWO CHOICES when registering for the AFSA-International Conference (AFSA-IC):

  1. AFSA-IC Only: Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6. (Arrive Fri., Aug 4, Depart Mon., Aug 7) Cost $275. Includes all AFSA special event meal functions.

 

  1. AFSA-IC PLUS the PEDS and the Air & Space Force Honors Banquet:  Friday, August 4 to Wednesday, August 9. (Arrive Fri., Aug 4, Depart Thurs., Aug 10) Cost: $325 Includes all AFSA special event meal functions, plus the Air & Space Honors Banquet.

 

REGISTER ONLINE

Important: Your confirmation/receipt will be sent to the email that you use here to register today.

  • Go online to: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/AFSAInternationalConvention
  • Review the page, scroll down to learn about your 2 choices, events, schedules and more.
  • Click on the “REGISTER NOW” Button
  • Enter Promotional Code: AFSAEarly to SAVE $25 now! (Expires April 15)
  • Choose the AFSA International Convention (AFSA-IC) 2-Day Only –OR -- the AFSA-IC plus PEDS/Air & Space Honors Banquet Registration.
  • Select the quantities (-/+) to register with spouses, family, etc.
  • Hit “CONTINUE”
  • Complete the registration form (Name, Email, Mobile, Rank, AFSA Member ID, Division, Chapter, Seating request, etc.)
  • Hit “CONTINUE”
  • Complete payment info (credit card number, Exp date, CVV code
  • Hit “PAY”
  • You can print a copy/screen shot for your records if preferred.
  • Watch your email for the Confirmation/Receipt from ZOHO Checkout/AFSA Summit

 

HOTEL/ROOM Reservations are open for your stay at the beautiful Hilton Anatole in Dallas at our special $154 a night rate. Make your reservations here now: https://book.passkey.com/event/50377324/owner/863/home

 

PLAY GOLF AND SUPPORT MILITARY SPOUSE/S SCHOLARSHIPS

Join us at the Uniformed Services Foundation (AFSA’s 501©3 organization) Charity Golf Scramble, Friday, August 4 at the Irving Golf Club in Irving, Texas. $125 per golfer/$500 Team of 4. Note, you’ll need to arrive a day early as the shotgun start beginning at 9:00 am! Play or sponsor here at: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/USFGolfOuting#/?lang=en

 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you own a business or know of a business that supports military families, we have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities during the AFSA-IC & SUMMIT23. Our goal is to help businesses share, recruit and network with their targeted market. To view and share our Sponsorship levels visit:

https://www.thesummitafsa.org/InfoExpoExhibitors#/sponsors?lang=en

 

Info/EXPO EXHIBITORS

Do you own a business that supports military families, or know of an organization that does? The SUMMIT Info/EXPO is the perfect place to be! Learn about our exhibit booth opportunities by visiting: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/InfoExpoExhibitors

 

MAIN WEBSITES

The Master SUMMIT Page has information for ALL planned events including the AFSA International Convention (AFSA-IC), the AFSA-IC Plus PEDS registration, the Enlisted Leaders Conferences (ELCs – by invitation only), the PEDS, and the USF Golf Scramble. The Master SUMMIT page is located at: https://www.hqafsa.org/summit23.html

 

Enlisted Leadership Conferences (ELCs): As of today, we are planning to host 11 ELCs. ELCs are by invitation only, and they require an ACCESS CODE (provided by your ELC/POC) to register and attend. You may learn more about them here https://www.thesummitafsa.org/EnlistedLeadersConferences

 

PEDS: We are also hosting the PEDS Conferences for active duty NOT invited to the ELCs. Learn more here: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/AFSAProfessionalEducationDevelopmentConference


 
  Legislative Action Center  
   
 

Below are the campaigns that are currently located on our Action Center. Please take no more than 5-10 minutes to scan through each of the campaigns and click on the custom links provided below. 

 

Support the Military Spouse Hiring Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103707/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • The Military Spouse Hiring Act would encourage companies to employ military spouses, who frequently face disproportionate impediments in the job market, by extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include them. 
  • Intends to help military spouses find better work opportunities. 

 

Support the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/93860/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • Authorizes veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 50% to concurrently receive both retired pay and disability compensation. 
  • Makes qualified disability retirees with less than 20 years of retirement-creditable service eligible for concurrent receipt, subject to specified reductions in retired pay.

 

Support the Major Richard Star Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/93862/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • Qualify approximately 42,000 military retirees with combat-related injuries to concurrently receive both military retired pay and Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation. 
  • Provide total offset relief to veterans who suffered combat injuries or illnesses who were medically retired with less than twenty years of service.

 

Support the Retired Pay Restoration Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/92798/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability.
  • Extends full concurrent receipt eligibility to individuals who were retired or separated after at least 20 years of military service due to a service-connected disability.

 

Support the Military Family Nutrition Access Act of 2023!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103672/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • The Military Family Nutrition Access Act was created to aid military families with active duty members who are facing food insecurity. 
  • By eliminating Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from the income calculations used to establish eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the bipartisan bill will combat food insecurity. 
  • Military personnel risk their life to protect our nation; they shouldn't have to worry about providing for their families. 

 

Support the Not Just a Number Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103681/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • The Not Just a Number Act would oblige the VA to look into how veterans use their benefits in their yearly report on suicide prevention in order to assess the connection between VA benefits and suicide outcomes. 
  • In its fight against veteran suicides, the VA evaluates which VA benefits have the best impact on preventing suicide and requires the Department to submit recommendations for an increase in such benefits.

 

If you have any questions, please reach out to AFSA's Military and Government Relations team at milgov3@hqafsa.org.


 
  AFSA Membership Information  
   
 

READY-SET-GO! The AFSASUMMIT23

AFSA International Convention and PEDS is LIVE! Register to attend now. Book your Hilton Anatole Resort rooms, play in the USF Golf Scramble, and reserve your Info/EXPO Booth now! Visit: https://www.hqafsa.org/summit23.html


Have You Read The Latest AFSA Magazine?

This edition features Port Mortuary and America’s Missing Heroes, Living with Bipolar Disorder in the Military, Fly-By Wire Defense and AFSA’s American Award Recipient – Don Ward. Read, download, print and share: https://www.hqafsa.org/fallmagazine.html


 


Greetings AFSA Division and Chapter Leadership,

We are pleased to share the AFSA Set-It-Forever/Auto Pay procedures and marketing materials to help share the process with our members, your membership and potential new recruits.

The Set-It-Forever/Auto Pay program creates an opportunity to JOIN AFSA or RENEW a membership by making a $36 once-a-year/every-year auto payment, or a $4-each-month/every- month auto payment. The $36 once-a-year option is set at $36, and the $4-a-month option includes a bank processing fee of $1 each month.

Review the two ways to enroll, the benefits to using the auto-pay option, and the marketing materials to help share the details of this program and ensure its success.

For more information, please click here.

For questions, please contact AFSAHQ Member & Field team at 800-638-0594 x 288.


Please Update Your Contact Information Today!

Dear Air Force Sergeants Association Member,

In order for the AFSA to effectively communicate with our members, it is essential to ensure we have your current and / or valid e-mail address. 
 
We are in the process of updating our records and need your help! Please take a moment to ensure that we have your most current mail and email address (no .mil's); and accurate membership listing information.

We've made it easy, as you can update your information in either one of three ways: 

  1. Call Member & Field Relations team directly at 800-638-0594 x 288 (Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
  2. Email to: msvcs@hqafsa.org
  3. Visit www.hqafsa.org and select the UPDATE button on the right

We thank you in advance for your support and prompt updates.


 
  And that's the way it is...  
   
 

In sum, for caregivers who are participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, also known as the Family Caregiver Program, the VA is required in order to create a new pilot program delivering telehealth psychotherapy, or therapy delivered over the phone.

According to Biden, this mandate, along with others in the executive order, aims to lessen the mental and physical stress of caregiving. The new program is one of several White House programs targeted at enhancing childcare options around the country and assisting individuals who look after Americans who are disabled or old.

The instruction also suggests that some current home health programs at the department be expanded, acknowledging the potential for existing VA programs to assist home-bound disabled veterans. However, it fell short of requiring the reforms, instead adopting words like "shall consider" and "encouraged to" to spare agencies from being burdened with underfunded demands.

 

In addition, at the Space Foundation's Space Symposium on April 19 in Colorado Springs, Colo., Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall informed reporters that the service has submitted a legislative proposal that would grant the Air Force and Space Force the authority to start programs or advance ongoing efforts without official approval from legislators.

The Air Force issued its proposed budget for fiscal 2024 last month. It includes funding for the Space Force and includes 12 new initiatives that service leaders recognize as critical to achieving their goals. One of these is the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which consists of a fleet of up to 1,000 drones that can carry out a variety of tasks, including strike, surveillance, and electronic warfare.

The Air Force must now wait for Congress to approve its proposal; this process will probably last until the end of this year and into the following.

 

And lastly, On March 13, Pvt. Ana Basaldua Ruiz, 20, was discovered deceased at the Texas base. Although they have publicly acknowledged that Ruiz had complained about sexual harassment by classmates and a senior officer before her death, Army officials have stated that there was no evidence of foul play when her body was discovered.

Officials from Fort Hood confirmed that a thorough investigation is being done into the incident.

The group of legislators urged that investigators examine Ruiz' murder as well as the ongoing issues among soldiers stationed there in a letter to the post commander, Lt. Gen. Sean Bernabe, in which they denounced the "permissive environment" of sexual harassment at the facility.

According to senators, Fort Hood officials have once again "failed the young women who stood up to serve our country and entrust themselves to the Army's care" in light of the most recent incident.

Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts are among the group of lawmakers. The letter was co-signed by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the top senator on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
 

 

And that's the way it is for Thursday, April 20, 2023.

Stay tuned for our next M&G-B, where we will continue to keep you in the loop on all things pertinent to the coronavirus, veterans, active-duty members, guards and reservists, and military family members. Stay happy, and stay healthy!