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Sgt. Harold O. Young VFW Auxiliary to Post 2394

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Sgt. Harold O. Young VFW Auxiliary to Post 2394

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The VFW Auxiliary supports the VFW, serves veterans, active-duty military and their families, and spreads patriotism nationwide.

The Programs Of The VFW Auxiliary

Veterans and Family Support
Assist veterans, active duty military, and homeless through programs such as:
★ Operation Uplink – a free calling card program for active duty military and hospitalized veterans
★ Unmet Needs, Military Assistance Program, and Buddy Poppy drives – financial assistance for active duty military and veterans
★ Sports Clips ‘Help A Hero’ Scholarship – a $5,000 scholarship to continue education
★ The VFW National Home for Children – provide housing for spouse and children of active duty military and veterans who would otherwise go homeless

Americanism
★ Flag etiquette, promote patriotism and observance of patriotic holidays, American flag and POW/MIA flag presentations, POW/MIA recognition ceremonies, National Citizenship Education Teacher Award, awareness of struggles effecting the military and their families

Hospital and VAVS
★ Volunteer at hospitals, VAs, nursing homes, non-VA medical centers and clinics

Youth Activities
★ Sponsor or work with youth groups and Youth Groups Supporting Our Veterans

Legislative
★ Contact congressmen about VFW Priority Goals and pending legislation on veteran related issues and promote ‘Get Out The Vote’

Scholarships
★ Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest - grades 9-12. First place prize is $30,000
★ Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest - grades 6-8. First place prize is $10,000
★ Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest - grades 9-12. First place prize is $10,000
★ Continuing Education Scholarship – for member, spouse or child of member. $1,000 Scholarship

State President’s Special Project
★ Each year, our State President chooses a fundraising project. This year’s donations will go to Hero Stars of Cape Cod.

10/26/2026

VFW Action Corps Weekly
October 26, 2026

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Washington DC Capitol Building
Opposition to Benefit Cuts Continues: The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA), H.R.9237 / S.4744, contains numerous provisions that would expand benefits for veterans, survivors and families, but Section 108 remains part of this legislation. The provision would reduce disability compensation for certain future veterans to help offset the cost of those expansions. With Section 108 still included, the VFW continues to oppose TCAVA and is asking advocates to contact their representatives and senators and tell them to vote NO on this bill. Take action.

Major Richard Star Act
Passage of the Clean Version of the Major Richard Star Act Remains Critical: The Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102) reached a significant milestone last month when the discharge petition from Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., secured the required 218 signatures, clearing a path for the House to vote on the legislation. The final signature came from Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., just hours after she met with VFW and VFW Auxiliary members who advocated for the bill. With more than 400 bipartisan cosponsors, the legislation has overwhelming support to end the unjust offset of military retirement pay for combat-injured veterans. However, the VFW remains concerned about efforts to advance a watered-down version of the legislation through the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA), which includes benefit caps and would use reductions in future veterans' disability compensation to offset costs. The VFW strongly supports passage of the clean Major Richard Star Act as a standalone bill and opposes TCAVA as currently written. Congress must fulfill its obligation to combat-injured veterans without reducing benefits for future generations. There is still time while Congress is in recess to find a local town hall and ask your representative if they plan to vote YES on the Major Richard Star Act WITHOUT reducing veterans' compensation to pay for it.

VFW NVS helped recover 17.92 billion in FY 2026
VFW Marks New Waypoint in its Ongoing Mission Assisting VA Claimants: The VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) program secured $17.92 billion in cumulative VA disability compensation for veterans and their families in fiscal year 2026. VA reported that the VFW’s nationwide network of 2,310 VA-accredited service officers processed approximately 165,000 new claims and represented more than 620,000 claimants, providing free assistance to veterans, transitioning service members, survivors and their families. VFW National Commander Cory Geisler praised the service officers for ensuring veterans receive the benefits they earned, while acting NVS Director Michael Figlioli highlighted their dedication and life-changing impact. Read the announcement.

Share Your Story
Share Your Personal Stories to Help Make a Difference: Behind every veterans’ issue is a personal story that helps explain how policies affect veterans, service members, military families, caregivers and survivors. The VFW Story Bank collects these experiences so lawmakers can better understand the real-world impacts of their decisions. Whether you have faced challenges accessing benefits, receiving care or navigating VA or Department of Defense programs, your story can highlight problems and support the VFW’s advocacy efforts. Share your story and help ensure the voices of those affected are part of the conversation.
The POW/MIA flag flying in the breeze
MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced no identifications or burial updates this week.

10/19/2026

VFW Action Corps Weekly
October 19, 2026

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United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Senate Holds Roundtable on VA Toxic Exposure Process: Staff from the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a roundtable with veteran groups and officials from VA on its process for establishing presumptive conditions related to military toxic exposures. VFW National Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan called for greater transparency from VA as the VFW continues to receive numerous inquiries from members about the process and their specific conditions. Keenan specifically mentioned the need for the establishment of a VA Office of Toxic Exposure dedicated to targeted outreach on research and process updates. She also called for a stakeholder advisory committee so veterans service organizations like the VFW could participate in regular and substantive discussions on toxic exposures, share veteran insights and report on trends that our accredited representatives observe to assist with guiding VA’s efforts. If you are a veteran who needs help with a VA claim related to toxic exposures, contact the VFW for free assistance.

VFW Podcast Episode 75
Podcast Spotlights VFW Training Conferences, Conflict Casualty Recovery: VFW Washington Office Chief of Staff Michael Figlioli and National Legislative Service Deputy Director Gabby Kubinyi sat down with cohosts Rob and Brittany for a recap on the VFW’s recent VFW NVS Accredited Representative Skill Level and Basic, and Junior Vice Commander training conferences, detailing how each respective conference helps the VFW achieve its overarching mission of serving veterans. Then, as a nod to the VFW’s enduring commitment to leave no service member behind on the battlefield, Rob and Brittany spoke with regional delegation leaders from the International Committee of the Red Cross to learn about their role in humanitarian recovery in conflict zones across the world, and how their work compliments that of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Listen to episode 75, “We the People,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on YouTube.

Pentagon
Pentagon Announces Increases to Hostile Fire and Imminent Danger Pays: The Department of Defense has increased rates for Hostile Fire Pay (HFP) and Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) effective Oct. 1, 2026, which is the first major adjustment to these special duty pays that have been at a flat monthly rate of $225 since 2002. Now HFP is $450 per month for service members exposed to hostile fire, and IDP is $275 per month for those serving in imminent danger areas. HFP is paid at the full monthly rate when a qualifying hostile fire event occurs, while IDP is prorated based on the number of days spent in a designated area. Service members cannot receive both payments for the same period of service. These increases are intended to better reflect the varying levels of risk faced by service members during military operations. Read more.

US Department of Veterans Affairs and VA logo
Veterans’ Opportunity to Voice Concerns About Los Angeles VA Campus: Veterans concerned about the future of the West Los Angeles VA campus have an opportunity to make their voices heard during a virtual public meeting on October 21. The VA Veterans and Community Oversight and Engagement Board will discuss the campus master plan and other concerns affecting veterans in the Los Angeles area. The meeting will run from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. PDT. While the meeting is open to the public, advance registration is required to provide a public comment. Learn more.

The POW/MIA flag flying in the breeze
MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced one burial update for a service member who has been missing and unaccounted for from the Korean War.

Update:

-- Korean War Army Pvt. Joseph E. Boyd, Maryland

10/11/2026

VFW Auxiliary-National Organization
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The VFW Auxiliary is pleased to share with you the details of the Continuing Education Scholarship! This is an opportunity to assist members and their immediate family members who wish to further their education by pursing a college degree or career direction at a vocational/technical school.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
• Applicant must be 21 years of age or older.
• Applicant must be an Auxiliary member (for at least 1 year) OR the child or spouse of an Auxiliary member.
What is the Scholarship Amount?
• Four $2,250 scholarships are awarded each year, one in each of the four VFW Auxiliary Conferences.
What are the Scholarship Submission Requirements?
Each applicant must:
• Answer all questions on the Continuing Education Scholarship application
• Write a brief essay (no more than 300 words) describing their commitment to their goals and how this scholarship will help them attain these goals.
What is the Application Deadline?
• February 15, 2027
Where Can I Learn More & Apply?
On our website: www.vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships/continuing-education‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ See less

10/05/2026

VFW Action Corps Weekly
October 5, 2026

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VFW Issues an Action Alert
Advocates Urged to Keep Pressure on Congress to Remove Section 108: The fight over H.R. 9237, Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, is not over. The VFW supports expanding benefits for veterans, survivors and families, but not by reducing disability compensation for future veterans. Section 108 would change how certain tinnitus and sleep apnea claims are evaluated and use the resulting savings to help pay for other provisions in the bill. The organization stands firm on its position that veterans should not be asked to fund veterans’ benefits and, with the VFW Action Alert still live, advocates are encouraged to continue telling Congress to remove Section 108 and find another way to pay for this legislative package. Take action.

TAP Act
VFW Urges Senate Committee to Prioritize Military-to-Civilian Transition: Military and veteran organizations met with the Senate Committee on Armed Services to discuss priorities for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. The VFW placed military-to-civilian transition at the forefront, urging Congress to retain provisions that would establish a senior DOD official responsible for transition policy and accountability, and codify the language of the TAP Promotion Act, which would ensure accredited representatives’ access to Transition Assistance Program classes to educate transitioning service members on VA benefits and pre-discharge VA claims. The VFW also spoke in support of efforts to standardize transition performance and outcome metrics across the military departments, strengthening DOD leadership, accountability and coordination to better prepare service members for civilian life.

prescription, medicine bottle on its side with pills spilling out
VA Strengthens Informed Consent Transparency: VA has announced new informed consent requirements for psychotropic medications to increase transparency and help veterans make informed treatment decisions. Beginning in 2027, VA will require patient education and signed consent for concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions and for antidepressants prescribed to veterans under age 30. It will also be standardizing education and documenting discussions on medication risks, benefits, alternatives, side effects and safe discontinuation. While these are important changes, they are narrower than what is included in H.R.4837 / S.3314, Written Informed Consent Act. This legislation would not simply codify VA’s new policy. It would expand written informed consent requirements to veterans prescribed antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics and narcotics, without limiting those protections to veterans under age 30 or to specific medication combinations. There is also a significant distinction between federal law and administrative policy. Enacting this legislation would establish these broader protections in law, rather than relying on an administrative policy that could later be changed. For these reasons, the VFW views VA’s enhanced informed consent requirements as progress toward the objective, not a substitute for legislation, and continues to strongly advocate for passage of the Written Informed Consent Act before Congress adjourns this year. Read more.

VFW Podcast Episode 74
VFW Podcast Goes to Maryland: In a significant shift away from custom, host Rob Couture and co-host Brittany Murray filmed the latest podcast in front of a live audience in Frederick, Maryland, at John R. Webb VFW Post 3285. A brand new Post built with intention and the spirit of community, VFW Department of Maryland Commander Todd Walter, Post 3285 Commander Darryl Warren, Adjutant Patrick Pierson and Benefits Advisor Danny Rodriguez joined Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci as guests for a wide- ranging discussion on topics including their advocacy efforts to fund their $3.5 million facility and how their members work tirelessly to be a Post for all generations of veterans, present and future. Listen to episode 74, "Sort of Live: Post 3285,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on YouTube.
The POW/MIA flag flying in the breeze
MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced no identifications or burial updates this week.

10/03/2026

VFW Auxiliary-National Organization
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The Veterans of Foreign Wars' Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen audio essay entries are due October 31. This is less than ONE MONTH AWAY.
This year’s shared theme is “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”
The VFW Voice of Democracy National first-place winner will receive a $35,000 scholarship; this contest is for students in grades 9-12. The VFW Patriot’s Pen National first-place winner will receive $5,000; this contest is for students in grades 6-8.
Learn more at https://www.vfw.org/.../youth-and.../youth-scholarships and share with the tweens and teens in your town today! See less

10/01/2026

VFW Auxiliary-National Organization
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Are you familiar with VFW Auxiliary Cancer Grants?
The VFW Auxiliary offers cancer grants to members who are battling cancer.
Eligibility requirements:
• Applicant must be a member of the VFW Auxiliary for one (1) full year.
• Current dues must be paid before applying for a cancer grant.
• After twelve (12) months have passed from date of diagnosis or last treatment, application will not be accepted.
• A member is allowed two (2) grants during lifetime. Twelve (12) months must elapse between new diagnosis and/or treatment from date of first grant for a second application to be considered. Continuous treatment which lasts beyond the twelve (12) month period will qualify for a second grant.
• Application will be rejected if member has been deceased for longer than 30 days.
The grant amount is currently $550.00 and funds are paid directly to the member. Funds are dispersed 2-4 weeks following the acceptance and approval of the completed and signed application. Please read the instructions carefully before submitting an application. The most common reason an application is denied is due to missing information from either the member or physician.
To access the application, log into your MALTA account.
Questions? Contact National Headquarters at 816.561.8655 See less

09/28/2026

VFW Action Corps Weekly
September 28, 2026

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US Capital Building at sunset
VFW Calls on Advocates to Stay Engaged: Veterans and supporters have spent months making clear to Congress that expanding benefits should not come at the expense of future veterans’ earned disability compensation. Emails, phone calls, meetings with lawmakers and advocacy on Capitol Hill have helped keep opposition to Section 108 of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act at the forefront of legislative priorities. The House may have pulled its planned vote, but the legislation remains active, and the fight is not over. The VFW is asking advocates to continue contacting their representatives and senators to tell them to reject Section 108 and find another way to fund veterans’ priorities. Take action.

Hands typing on a keyboard
Virginia VFW Leader Takes TCAVA Fight to Local Level: VFW Department of Virginia Past State Commander Eric L. Mallett took the fight against Section 108 of H.R. 9237, Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA), directly to Hampton Roads through an op-ed letter published in The Virginian-Pilot. Mallett, who is a 22-year Navy veteran, pushed back on claims that current veterans are protected by the proposal, pointing out that the service members who could receive reduced compensation under future rating criteria are serving today at Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and other commands across the region. He called on fellow Navy veteran Rep. Jennifer Kiggans, R-Va., to support removing Section 108. The letter is another example of VFW members keeping pressure on lawmakers at home while Congress considers the future of the legislation. Read the letter.

VFW hearing 2026 September
Senate Committee Holds Hearing to Consider Appeals Nominees: The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs held a hearing to consider the nomination of the Honorable Maria Lopez as chair of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and Robert Fleck, David Jones, Daniel Rendleman and James Quinn as judges of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The nominees presented testimony on their qualifications and interests in these roles, which are vital to VA rendering lawful and fair decisions regarding veterans’ and survivors’ benefits. Committee Chairman Jerry Moran, R-Kan., noted the increased number of VA claims being submitted in recent years and how this resource provides accountability and due process. He stated that the nominees each have extensive records of public service, including in the military, justice system, executive branch and the United States Senate, and he was interested in hearing how, if confirmed, they plan to continue their service in these roles and what they plan to achieve on behalf of veterans and their families. Watch the hearing, which begins at the 15:09 mark.

US Department of Veterans Affairs and VA logo
VA Holding Gulf War Illness Veteran Engagement Session: The VA Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Subcommittee on Veteran Engagement will hold a Veteran Engagement Session on Oct. 23, 2026. Open to the public, the session will provide Gulf War veterans an opportunity to share their experiences with Gulf War Illness, including health and quality of life concerns. The discussion will also address the importance of veteran participation in research and how VA research can inform veteran healthcare and policy. Information gathered will be provided to the full committee to help guide recommendations regarding Gulf War-related research. The session will take place at the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, located at 2401 M Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20037, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT. Gulf War veterans are welcome to stay for informal conversations until 8:00 p.m. Read the notice.
The POW/MIA flag flying in the breeze
MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced two burial updates for service members who have been missing and unaccounted for from World War II.

Updates:

-- World War II Army Pfc. Owen M. Norris, Maryland

-- World War II Army Air Forces Pfc. Weber S. Underwood, Virginia

09/25/2026

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Don't forget - Illustrating America has a NEW DEADLINE this year!
Grade K-8 student entries are due to sponsoring/participating Auxiliaries no later than December 15, 2026.
(Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest entries and 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest entries are still due on March 31, 2027.)
Learn more on our website: https://vfwauxiliary.org/what-we-do/youth-activities. See less

09/23/2026

VFW Auxiliary-National Organization
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Looking for the Membership QR code that will take you to our digital “Recruiting Toolkit?” Find it in MALTA Member Resources under Membership.
Just copy, past and share everywhere you can! See less

09/22/2026

VFW Auxiliary-National Organization
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The VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" provides service members and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt. Scholarships are awarded to qualified applicants. It’s just another way to say “thank you” to those who fought for our freedoms.
Click here to view full scholarship details and to access the scholarship application: https://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support See less

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