Committee Votes On Major Defense Policy Bill Expected In May  

Congress enters May with hopes of finalizing committee work on the annual defense authorization bills before June 1 and getting full chamber votes on the respective packages in early summer. To read more, please click here.

Rising Veteran Disability Claims Could Burn Out VA Staff 

The good news is that veterans are making more claims than ever before, as they learn of new eligibility under burn pit legislation and more. The bad news is that there’s not enough staff to handle the deluge in claims, even as the Veterans Affairs has added more employees. And that’s a recipe for burnout. To read more, please click here.

Military Exchange Products May Contain 'Forever Chemicals' Despite Ban 

The Defense Department is following restrictions on buying products for government use that contain a family of hazardous chemicals, but items containing the substances -- collectively known as PFAS -- may still be available at military exchanges, according to a government watchdog. To read more, please click here.

IMPORTANT TO REITERATE: Veterans And Survivors Have Filed More Than 500,000 Toxic Exposure-Related Benefits Claims Under The PACT Act

By: VA Office of Public Affairs | VA.Gov

Yesterday,  April 26, VA announced that Veterans and their survivors have filed more than 500,000 claims for toxic exposure-related benefits under the PACT Act since President Biden signed it into law Aug. 10, 2022. To date, VA has awarded more than $1 billion in earned benefits to Veterans and survivors who filed PACT Act-related claims. 

VA also announced that more than 3 million Veterans have received VA’s new toxic exposure screenings since President Biden signed the PACT Act into law, with approximately 42% reporting a concern of exposure. More than 215,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care during that timeframe, a 15% increase from the same timeframe the year before.

In April, VA also processed its millionth disability compensation and pension claim during fiscal year 2023, putting VA on pace to process a record number of Veteran claims for the third year in a row. Thanks to aggressive hiring and modernization efforts, VA processed a record number of Veteran claims in 2021, exceeded that in 2022, and is on track to exceed it again in 2023. In total, VA has delivered more than $65 billion in earned compensation benefits to Veterans during FY2023.

The PACT Act is the biggest expansion of Veteran health care and benefits in generations. VA encourages all eligible Veterans and survivors to file a claim — or submit their intent to file a claim — for PACT Act-related benefits now. Most Veterans who do so before August 10 will have their benefits, if granted, backdated to Aug. 10, 2022, the day that President Biden signed the bill into law.  

“Thanks to President Biden, the millions of Veterans who fought our wars for the past 30 years — who breathed in debris from sandstorms, fumes from burning trash, and more while overseas — are now taken care of for the conditions that followed them home from war,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “We’re proud that 500,000+ Veterans and survivors have applied for their hard-earned benefits to date, but we won’t rest until every Veteran and every survivor gets the VA health care and benefits they deserve.”

VA is delivering health care and benefits at record rates partly due to a dramatic increase in hiring. The Veterans Health Administration welcomed 27,181 new hires in the first six months of the fiscal year, the highest hiring level in the history of VA for that timeframe. The Veterans Benefits Administration’s total workforce grew by 2,040 employees in the first six months of the fiscal year — the highest growth rate in the past 15 years.

For more information on VA’s implementation of the PACT Act, visit the PACT Act Dashboard. VA is publishing this dashboard every other Friday to document the implementation of this legislation and showcase its impact on Veterans and survivors. The next dashboard, which will reflect the 500,000 PACT Act claim milestone and the 3 million toxic exposure screenings milestone, will be published April 28.  

Veterans and survivors can apply or learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT or by calling 1-800-MYVA411.

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
• 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

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.

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.

In sum, the authorization bill, which has been enacted into law for more than 60 years and contains hundreds of defense spending and programming provisions, will be marked up by the committee during the last week of May, according to a report this week by Bloomberg News. Mike Rogers, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and a Republican from Alabama, set this goal. It is usually the sole bill advanced by the committee that is passed into law.

A similar schedule is anticipated for the Senate Armed Services Committee, though no specifics have been made public yet. Despite having three budget posture hearings scheduled for this week, senators on the panel have already started developing authorization bill priorities behind the scenes.

In addition, because of worries that an excessive number of unresolved cases could damage public confidence in the VA's system by making recipients wait for payments for months or even years, the department and members of Congress have focused heavily on the backlog of benefits claims for years.

About 1.7 million veteran claims were processed by the Veterans Benefits Administration last year, which was a record high. The increase in benefits under the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (commonly known as the PACT Act), which was passed into law last summer, according to Jacobs, is a major reason why they anticipate breaking a new record this year.

In accordance with the PACT Act, 500,000 people have already applied for compensation for ailments linked to burn pit exposure in Iraq and Afghanistan, Agent Orange conditions from service in Vietnam, and radiation exposure problems at various military installations in the 1970s and 1980s.

And lastly, according to a study by the Government Accountability Office, the department has "taken some steps" to put the legal prohibition on the purchase of goods containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds into effect. According to the update that was released on Wednesday, however, the DoD has not complied with its promise to keep PFAS-containing products off the shelves of military exchanges.

The DoD updated its legal advice for contracting officers and cardholders of government-issued credit and debit cards. However, the GAO recommends that the DoD take action to enforce the ban on the exchanges.

And that's the way it is for Tuesday, May 2, 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!