FEBRUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER
"Over the course of a lifetime, we face only a few moments where the decisions we make and the actions we take will shape our history for years to come. This is one of them. If we give our freedoms away after 250 years, we might never get them back. It is up to all of us who believe in the promise of American democracy to stand up, speak out, and show that our nation still belongs to We the People.” –President Bill Clinton
“The people who risk their lives in defense of the Constitution have earned the right to the press freedoms of the First Amendment. We will not compromise on serving them with accurate and balanced coverage, holding military officials to account when called for.”
–Erik Slavin, Editor-in-Chief, Stars and Stripes
Greetings! The New Year has brought violence against our fellow citizens, who are being attacked by ICE agents, especially in Minnesota, whose illegal actions are being defended by U.S. government officials. Under the guise of finding illegal aliens, U.S. citizens and non-citizens who are legally seeking residency in the U.S. are being swept off the streets and taken from their homes along with their young children and transported to other states to be held in detention. (The ICE agents have a quota that they must meet so everyone is fair prey for them.) A curious solution proposed by the Attorney General is that the ICE agents will be called off if Minnesota gives the AG access to the Voting Rolls as well as all their welfare program information. Eyewitness videos clearly document the illegal ICE activity yet U.S. officials continue to lie to us. The U.S. officials who misrepresent the facts should be immediately terminated.
As we mourn for Alex Pretti and Renée Cook and stand with Minnesota, Martha McDevitt-Pugh, DA International Chair, is urging all of us to contact Congress to act now! She has stated Democrats Abroad denounces the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal immigration agents in Minneapolis who executed ICU nurse Alex Prett. Carrying a phone in one hand and helping someone stand up with the other, he was pepper sprayed and then shot multiple times by ICE agents.
Congress must act to defend the American people against the reign of terror that ICE has unleashed across our nation. A lawless agency of masked, armed men, ICE is intent on cruelty and oppression. It does not follow the rule of law, it does not provide security and safety for the communities it has invaded. Instead, ICE intimidates, acting as the weapon of an administration intent on dismantling its own citizens' rights.
We - all of us - can help. Join our call to action and contact your senator’s office about ICE Funding, or share your story for the congressional record. Please also share what is happening in Minnesota with your friends and family both in the U.S. and abroad.
We stand in solidarity with the leaders of Minneapolis and Minnesota, their local police and the thousands of Minnesotans who, like Renée Good and Alex Pretti, are courageously facing danger and brutality to protect the rights of us all.
We-all of us-can help. Send your message to the Senate: Abolish ICE!
We also need to request our absentee ballots because it is through fair elections that we can return our country to a government by the people and for the people. We must focus on helping every U.S. citizen in Germany and throughout the world to request their absentee ballot! Have you requested your UOCAVA absentee ballot? Be ready for every election–federal and local! We need your assistance to help U.S. citizens request their absentee ballots. Take the free Voter Assistance Training - Democrats Abroad. Complete the training and let us know! Please join our DAG VMF Voter Outreach Team. Contact us: [email protected]
Are you a U.S. citizen, perhaps a dual national, who has Never Resided in the U.S.? In some U.S. states, you have the right to vote! Are you a dual national who has never voted in a U.S. election? We are here to help you exercise your right to vote! Let us know how we can help you!
Military spouses: Did you know that the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act now allows you to use the same residence that your Service member has established as your voter residence –even if you’ve never lived there.
Unexpected news: Pentagon says it will ‘refocus’ Stars and Stripes content . “Stars and Stripes, which is dedicated to serving U.S. government personnel overseas, seeks to emulate the best practices of commercial news organizations in the United States. It is governed by Department of Defense Directive 5122.11. The directive states, among other key provisions, that ‘there shall be a free flow of news and information to its readership without news management or censorship.’ Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin, in a note to Stars and Stripes’ editorial staff across the globe Thursday, said the military deserves independent news.”
An example of S&S Award winning journalism: ‘Proving your innocence’: Veterans fight to clear their names for military crimes they did not commit
There are 79 Military Veterans in the U.S. House of Representatives. 46 of them will not run for reelection. Citing ‘dysfunction’ and ‘nastiness,’ several military veterans opt not to run again … As of Jan. 20, 2026, 48 incumbent members of the U.S. House of Representatives — 21 Democrats and 27 Republicans — have announced that they will not seek re-election in the 2026 election cycle.
Nine military Veterans in the U.S. Senate will not run again. As of Jan. 7, 2026, nine incumbent members of the U.S. Senate—four Democrats and five Republicans—have announced that they will not seek re-election in 2026. U.S. Senate incumbents who are not seeking re-election
Why is a Postmark important? USPS says mail-in ballots might not get postmark on same day they’re dropped off. Some election officials look to postmarks to ensure ballots were mailed on time.
Volunteer with the DA State Teams to help ensure votes from abroad are the margin of victory in elections up and down the ballot!
The Global VMF Caucus still needs a secretary. Is there anyone with experience in this area looking for a fulfilling volunteer position? Let us know!
Resist with Democrats Abroad! Phonebanking volunteers needed!
In Unity,
Robert Scott and Terese Sarno
DAG VMF Caucus Co-Chairs DA Germany
What would you like to organize? Contact us at [email protected]
Ready to join our caucus? Be part of the conversation and make your voice heard!
Congress considers the consequences for ICE after Renee Good's killing
The Rutherford Institute Citizen's Toolbox: What You Can Do to Save America
THE CONSTITUTION
Article I, Section 9, Clause 8:
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
Article II, Section 1, Clause 7:
The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.
YouTube Video: The Emolument Clause Explained
5 U.S. Code § 7342 - Receipt and disposition of foreign gifts and decorations
10 Fundamental Freedoms Every American Should Know About
Freedom is at the heart of what it means to be American.
It’s woven into the fabric of everyday life and shapes the opportunities we cherish. Knowing the core freedoms that form the foundation of our rights is more than just important—it’s empowering.
The President’s Executive Order on Elections
The illegal order risks preventing millions of eligible American citizens from voting.
2026 ELECTIONS–ARE YOU READY?!
“We’re going to do everything we can to protect the ability of election administrators to carry out free and fair elections, to make sure that every citizen has an opportunity to vote without fear or intimidation and that those votes are properly counted.”
--Heather K. Gerken, Ford Foundation president
Getting ready for the 2026 Elections: it should be anticipated that ballots sent by regular mail will need a lot of time to arrive at their destination. For this reason, be sure to request that your absentee ballot be sent to you by email or online and return it the same way if your state allows electronic return of ballots. If your state requires that yoy return your ballot by the postal mail service, then fill out your ballot as soon as you receive it and return the completed ballot immediately making sure that you request a manual postmark at your local post office. Manual postmarks are free of charge. “The Postal Service has now clarified that the Postmark will reflect the date that an envelope is first processed at an automated sorting facility, unless a manual postmark is requested at a USPS retail location.
Your ballot could be disqualified if it does not have a postmark that shows it was mailed before or on Election Day! ALWAYS request a manual postmark if you are required to return your ballot by postal mail.
When a postmark no longer tracks mailing - Save the Post Office.
On December 24, 2025, a quiet change took effect in the Postal Service’s Domestic Mail Manual. The new section (DMM 608.11) now clarifies that a postmark will no longer indicate the date a piece of mail was deposited with U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The Postal Service notes this misalignment “has and will become more common” as it continues consolidating its processing network and standardizing transportation schedules under the Delivering for America (DFA) plan.
Although the rule is technical, its implications reach well beyond postal operations. For more than 70 years, legal and administrative systems have treated a postmark as reliable evidence of when an individual met a deadline: when a ballot was mailed, when a tax return was filed, when a court document was submitted, or when an application was received. This reliance made sense in a network where most mail entered processing close to where it was deposited, keeping the postmark closely aligned with the date of mailing.
HELP US HELP OVERSEAS VOTERS!
Democrats Abroad provides support to U.S. overseas voters around the globe.
Our goal: help overseas voters get their ballots and VOTE!
Voter Assistance Training - Democrats Abroad
Questions about helping voters? Please contact: [email protected]
Military, Government, and U.S. Citizens Residing Outside the U.S.
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) of 1986 protects the voting rights of members of the Uniformed Services (on active duty), members of the Merchant Marine and their eligible dependents, Commissioner Corps of the Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. citizens residing outside the U.S.
UOCAVA requires states and territories to allow these citizens to register and vote in elections for federal office using absentee procedures. For more information, view the links below:
Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) FVAP Voter Registration Verification
U.S. Air Force Voting Resources U.S. Army Voting Assistance Program
U.S. Coast Guard Voting Assistance Program U.S. Marine Corps Voting Resources
U.S. Navy Voting Assistance Program U.S. Department of Defense
UPCOMING ELECTIONS!
February 3rd–Virginia Caroline County*
February 5th Primary ballot request –New Jersey Congressional District 11*
By Email or Fax: Received by February 1, 2026
April 16–General Election*
March 3rd–Primaries:
Absentee ballot request deadline is 5 p.m. ET the day before Election Day–
Complete the FPCA online via the NC Military/Overseas Voter Services Portal or via www.VoteFromAbroad.org
Texas
Texas’ 2026 midterms will shape the U.S. House, Senate and more.
March 10th–Georgia 14th congressional district *
March 10th–Mississippi
*Remember for all 2026 elections, overseas U.S. citizens must request an absentee ballot during the 2026 calendar year. Go to www.VoteFromAbroad.org.
TAKE ACTION UPDATE
TAKE ACTION! Call your Senators! Demand that they block DHS funding unless ICE is fully defunded. Join in our call to action or share your story for the congressional record. Call the Capitol Switchboard: +1 (202) 224-3121. Congress must act to defend the American people against the reign of terror that ICE has unleashed across our nation.
TAKE ACTION! Urge the Senate to Pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, S. 2837. Tell the Senate to support collective bargaining for federal workers, including DoDEA educators, by passing the Protect America’s Workforce Act, S. 2837. Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at +1 (202) 224-3121.
FEBRUARY EVENTS
National Salute to Veteran Patients
February 1 – New Jersey D11 Ballot Request Deadline by Email and fax
February 3 – Four Chaplains Day
February 4 – Philippine-American War Memorial Day
February 4 – USO Birthday
February 6-8 – DA Germany 2026 Annual General Meeting Berlin
Contact: DAG AGM Committee [email protected]
February 5 – Primary–New Jersey District 11
Ballots must be Postmarked by Feb. 5 and be received by the 6th day after the election.
February 8-14– National Salute to Veteran Patients
February 12 – Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
February 16 – Presidents Day President’s Day, Presidents’ Day, or Presidents Day?
February 18– Wellness Wednesday | Managing Employment Change
February 19 – Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
February 20 – World Day of Social Justice
February 22 – George Washington’s Birthday
Upcoming DA Activities
Upcoming: June 28 - July 4, 2024 Overseas Citizens Voters Week
Plan Voter Outreach activities–Celebrate Independence Day this year by requesting an absentee ballot. How many U.S. citizens can you help request their absentee ballots?
August 3-10: Military Spouse Voters Week
September 28-October 4: Absentee Voters Week
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Everything you need to know about monthly enrollment verification for VA Education benefits required starting January 2026:Veterans Benefits Newsletter, January
Installation Voter Assistance Office Contact information
FMP Updates for 2026
In July 2026, FMP will move to a new claims processing system that requires direct deposit payments to providers, also known as Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). All FMP providers must now obtain a foreign tax identification number (FTIN) and submit it to the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) Please note, if your provider does not complete this step, you will need to pay for covered medical costs up front and request reimbursement from FMP. If you or your provider has any questions or needs assistance completing the necessary requirements for EFT, email [email protected]
Foreign Medical Claims and Registrations can be faxed to 303-331-7803? You can also submit your registration online.
DFAS Defense Finance and Accounting Service
DFAS-2026 military members entitlements, pay tables
RETIRED AND ANNUITANT PAY HELPFUL HINTS
DFAS Retired & Annuitant Pay Mailing Addresses
Retired Pay: Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Retired Pay, 8899 E 56th Street, Indianapolis IN 46249-1200
Annuitant Pay: Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Annuitant Pay, 8899 E 56th Street, Indianapolis IN 46249-1300
DFAS Retired & Annuitant Pay Phone and Fax Numbers
Retired Pay Fax:800-469-6559
Annuitant/Survivor Pay Fax: 800-982-8459
myPay https://mypay.dfas.mil Phone: 888-332-7411
VA awards disability benefits using criteria from 80 years ago, federal watchdog finds
U.S. ARMY RESERVE RETIREMENT PLANNING GUIDE 2026
Current Veterans Disability Compensation Rates
PLAN YOUR VACATIONS AROUND DA FUNDRAISING EVENTS!
Looking to escape from all the snow and ice and also help Get Out The Vote? Carnaval in Nice runs from February 11th to March 1st and DA Riviera is again organizing Best of the Riviera – Carnaval de Nice and Fête du Citron in Menton! Valentine's Weekend - February 13th and 14th–with proceeds benefiting GOTV efforts. Then there’s the Canal Parade August 1st during WorldPride in Amsterdam where DA traditionally has its own boat–and DA Germany’s OKTOBERFEST weekend in Munich (exact dates TBA)--All great ways to support GOTV as you enjoy the cultural highlights of Europe!
SUPPORT DA GERMANY’s GOTV EFFORTS!
Your monetary donations to Democrats Abroad Germany are used to organize and get out the vote among Americans in Germany.
Request your absentee ballot for 2026.