VFW Action Corps Weekly
Top VFW Leaders Speak at Military Conference: VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore and Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci took to the stage at the Military Impact Summit during MCON 2025 in Las Vegas, Nev., for fireside chats on key topics within the veteran community. Commander Whitmore’s session titled, “Leading from the Front – Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges,” centered on the vital role the VFW plays in advocacy and veteran service programs worldwide while Gallucci’s session titled, “Advancing Veterans’ Rights: Federal and State Advocacy Strategies & Lessons Learned,” underscored the veteran community’s power to lead change from within and beyond.
VFW Joins Major Richard Star Campaign: The VFW participated in a Capitol Hill event organized with partners Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled American Veterans to raise awareness for H.R.2102/S.1032, Major Richard Star Act. The organizations conducted a poster and pin campaign to highlight the bill’s importance for combat-disabled retirees. The event underscored strong support to end the unjust offset blocking these veterans from receiving both their disability compensation and retirement pay.
VFW Participates in Consumer Protection Roundtable: VFW Washington Office staff participated in a roundtable with veteran organizations and advocacy groups convened by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to address concerns related to the bureau and the ongoing government shutdown. CFPB staff clarified that it remains operational during the shutdown because it is funded by quarterly transfers from the Federal Reserve, not congressional appropriations. National Legislative Associate Director Joy Craig urged CFPB to remain focused on monitoring consumer complaints by service members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. National Legislative Associate Director Joe Grassi inquired about CFPB investigations regarding unaccredited claims consultants, which the VFW refers to as Claims Sharks, and called for a comprehensive report on veteran complaints about these predatory actors. Learn more about how to submit a financial product or service complaint.
VA Computer Glitch Delays Chapter 35 Benefits Delivery: Computer problems are delaying monthly checks for college tuition and housing allowances paid to the dependents of fully disabled veterans and the survivors of service members who died in the line of duty. According to VA, these Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance benefits, also known as Chapter 35, are behind schedule due to problems with a new claims management system. Until the problem is fixed, which might take until late November or early December, claims are being processed manually.
MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced no identifications or burial updates this week.