Boots in Action

08/08/2024

"VA expands burn pit registry to include all Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans

By MATTHEW M. BURKE STARS AND STRIPES • August 2, 2024

The revamped Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry contains the names of approximately 4.7 million current and former service members from campaigns as far back as 1990, the Defense Department said in a statement Thursday."

Learn more at : https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2024-08-02/va-expands-burn-pit-registry-14706540.html

Source - Stars and Stripes

The registry of people exposed to toxic fumes while serving in the U.S. military is now automatically including those who deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan or any of the Middle Eastern, African and Asian nations on a newly expanded list.

08/07/2024

"Homeless veterans lawsuit against the VA goes to trial in Los Angeles

By LINDA F. HERSEY STARS AND STRIPES • August 6, 2024

“For countless veterans, military service has rendered them unable to fully resume their civilian lives, sustain their family relationships, maintain employment, continue their education or even maintain a permanent residence,” according to the lawsuit, which is being heard in U.S. District Court in the Central District of California."

To learn more follow the link below: https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2024-08-06/homeless-veterans-los-angeles-lawsuit-housing-14765754.html
Source - Stars and Stripes

A trial started Tuesday in federal court in Los Angeles in a class-action lawsuit that seeks to force the Department of Veterans Affairs to build 4,000 units of subsidized housing and 1,000 shelter beds for homeless veterans.

09/18/2023

"Today, we're celebrating the U.S. Air Force's birthday! Did you know that the Air Force was created because the Army and Navy were fighting over who gets to control the skies? So, the Air Force was like, 'Fine, we'll just make our own branch with drones and fighter jets!' J/K is not a true story. Happy Birthday, Air Force!

08/28/2023

"Your next visit to VA medical center may be in cyberspace By Leo Shane III

The future of Veterans Affairs health care may not be in brick-and-mortar federal hospitals or private-sector clinics. A growing number of patients are headed into cyberspace instead."

To learn more follow the link below:

The technology is already in use at 120 VA sites across all 50 states.

07/21/2023

"VA lays groundwork for first major survey of moral injury in veterans By Hope Hodge Seck

The most familiar moral and ethical dilemmas in warfare have to do with inflicting harm: deciding whether to fire on a person who represents an uncertain threat, for example, or living with the knowledge of civilian collateral damage of battle."

To learn more, follow the link below:

The VA is undertaking the first-ever large-scale population study of moral injury to be conducted among veterans of the post-9/11 wars.

07/19/2023

"Bill to protect veterans’ gun rights prompts heated debate in House By Leo Shane III

Republican lawmakers on Tuesday accused Veterans Affairs leaders of depriving some veterans of their right to own fi****ms and promised changes in coming weeks, but Democratic critics say those proposed moves could end up leading to more suicides and self-harm among vulnerable veterans."

To learn more, follow the link below:

Republicans say reforms are needed to restore faith in VA systems. Democrats say the changes could cost lives.

07/09/2023

As Veteran Disability Claims Soar, Unaccredited Coaches Profit Off Frustration with VA System by Jasper Craven

"Jim Peckey was a young Navy petty officer stationed in Bahrain when the 9/11 attacks happened. As the nation went on a war footing, he suddenly shifted from administrative and IT duties to lugging water and equipment 12 hours a day, seven days a week -- work that left him with chronic neck and back pain. He retired in 2002 but he put off applying for benefits because, like millions of veterans, he felt overwhelmed by the paperwork required."

To learn more, follow the link below:

Jim Peckey retired from the Navy in 2002 but put off applying for benefits because of the paperwork involved. That changed in 2020, when he watched a fellow veteran promise in a YouTube video to help veterans navigate the maze.

07/07/2023

Congress Weighs Giving Military Spouses More Options to Work Remotely for Government, by Rebecca Kheel

"Military spouses could have more opportunities to work remotely for the federal government under legislation advancing through Congress, giving spouses more options for stable employment as they move from duty station to duty station with their partners in uniform."

To learn more, follow the link below:

The unemployment rate for military spouses has remained stubbornly high despite years of efforts by the federal government to incentivize employers.

07/04/2023

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July, America! Let freedom ring and fireworks light up the sky! 🎆🎇

06/23/2023

"House committee OKs bill that boosts disability pay for many medically retired veterans By Corey Dickstein

Some 50,000 medically retired veterans would receive increased service-related payments under a bill advanced Wednesday for a House vote by the chamber’s Armed Services Committee."

To learn more, follow the link below:

The Major Richard Star Act would allow veterans medically retired from the military for combat-related injuries before serving 20 years to receive full retirement pay and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

06/17/2023

"Accessing Veterans’ records from the National Archives or National Personnel Records Center

Everything you need to know about accessing Veterans’ records from the National Archives or NPRC

By Theresa Fitzgerald

National Personnel Records Center"

To learn more, follow the link below:

Learn how to access your military records from the National Archives or the National Personnel Records Center.

06/17/2023

"How to support your spouse during your shift to civilian life. By Blake Stillwell

Guess what, your spouse and family are transitioning to new lives just like you are. Gone are the days where Uncle Sam dropped a bag of money on your homes on the 1st and 15th of every month. With this in mind, your husband or wife will likely need the same separation help you’re trying to get, except they aren’t forced to take a TAP class as part of their separation outprocessing checklist – but that doesn’t mean the options aren’t available. It just means you haven’t looked for them."

To learn more, follow the link below:

The bottom line is your spouse needs all the same information you do.