FRA Branch 273

08/07/2025

North Dakota Highway 18 from Highway 5 to the Canadian border is now designated PFC Henry Gurke Memorial Highway.

07/26/2025

The "summer break" is a great time to contact our Congress and DEMAND support for this.

Bipartisan Push for Major Richard Star Act in NDAA

Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) have introduced the Major Richard Star Act as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bipartisan measure aims to ensure combat-injured veterans receive their full Department of Defense (DOD) retirement pay and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation without offset.

Currently, over 50,000 combat-injured military retirees with less than 50 percent disability ratings or fewer than 20 years of service face a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their benefits. The Major Richard Star Act seeks to eliminate this unfair policy, delivering full earned benefits to these veterans. Named after Major Richard A. Star, a decorated veteran who medically retired due to combat injuries and passed away from cancer in 2021, the amendment has garnered support from over 31 cosponsors.

“The Major Richard Star Act would correct one of the deepest injustices in our present veterans’ disability system." said Senator Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

"The support for this correction is clear. Though the namesake of our legislation is no longer with us, we must pass this fix on behalf of the more than 50,000 veterans, including hundreds in Idaho, who stand to benefit.” Senator Crapo emphasized the broad support, noting its impact on veterans nationwide, including hundreds in Idaho. Senator Warren added, “Including this bill in the NDAA will ensure the federal government keeps its promise to our veterans.”

If passed, the amendment would provide critical financial relief to combat-injured retirees, honoring their service and sacrifice.

Click the link below to urge your legislators to include the Major Richard Star Act in the FY26 NDAA:
https://www.votervoice.net/FRA/campaigns/100773/respond

07/20/2025

Great Success!

Senate Passes The VA Home Loan Program Reform Act

The Senate’s passage of H.R. 1815, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, marks a significant legislative victory for veterans, driven by the steadfast advocacy of Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) members and the bipartisan leadership of House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees. The bill, now headed to President Trump’s desk for signature, establishes a partial claim program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Program to help veterans facing financial hardship and enhances funding for the VA’s Grant and Per Diem program to combat veteran homelessness.

The legislation modernizes the VA Home Loan Program by providing veterans behind on mortgage payments with federal assistance similar to that offered by other housing agencies. Since its creation in 1944, the VA Home Loan program has helped veterans build home equity; this reform ensures at-risk veterans have a final lifeline to avoid foreclosure. The bill also secures vital funding to expand transitional housing and support services for homeless veterans through the Grant and Per Diem program, strengthening the VA’s efforts to promote housing stability.

This achievement is a direct result of the tireless grassroots work of FRA members who mobilized through the action center to urge Congress to act. Their advocacy emphasized the urgency of creating the partial claim option and expanding homelessness prevention efforts.

The passage of H.R. 1815 is a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy and bipartisan leadership. FRA members played a pivotal role in pushing this measure across the finish line. Their commitment to protecting veteran homeowners and addressing homelessness has left a lasting impact. As this legislation becomes law, it will provide essential protections and support for those who have served—ensuring they are not left behind.

07/14/2025

Grand Forks area Shipmates:

Sharing:
Grand Forks

07/05/2025

Fargo Moorhead area Shipmates. If you know someone let's get them set up.

07/03/2025

This is sad. If you're available please provide support!

05/23/2025

Shipmates, Nominations are open.

Please reach out to us and let’s find a veteran and their family who can use a home. Nominate a veteran by contacting us or please visit the link below.

05/22/2025

Shipmates,
Memorial Day events in the F/M area.

Thanks, Dave!
Sharing: Memorial Day events

05/12/2025

Brainerd MN area shipmates, check this out...

🌾 Veteran Valor Farm Open House 🌾
You're Invited!

📅 Date: Friday, May 24th
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: 19206 County Rd 132, Brainerd MN 56401
Come celebrate community, connection, and country life with us at Veteran Valor Farm, we are nonprofit the houses and gets work for homeless veterans!

What’s Happening:
🍔 Free Cheeseburger Lunch – Hot off the grill!
🎟️ 50/50 Raffle – Win cash and support a great cause
🔨 Silent Auction – Bid on great items and experiences
🚜 Farm Tours – Meet our sheep, lambs, goats, and chickens!

Bring your family, friends, and a big appetite.
All proceeds support our mission to house and empower homeless veterans through farm-based healing and work.