* Next VMF Meeting: September 14, 2024 at 7:00 AM on Webex.*

What have Democrats been up to?

Democratic National Committee Press Release: DNC Announces Innovative Six-Figure Investment in Democrats Abroad To Ensure Engagement of Key Voters Living Outside U.S.

Noticias: El Comité Nacional Demócrata anuncia una inversión innovadora de seis cifras en los demócratas en el extranjero para garantizar la participación de estos votantes clave que viven fuera de EE. UU.

Democrats Abroad Social Media Posts on Facebook and X (Twitter): Recognizing the 2-Year Anniversary of the Signing of the PACT Act

U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Press Release: Ranking Member Takano's Statement on PACT Act 2nd Anniversary

U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs Press Release: Tester Marks Two-Year Anniversary of the PACT Act

DNC VMFC Press Release on Kamala Harris Choosing Tim Walz As Vice President Pick

Press Release: Gov. Healey (D-MA) signs the most comprehensive piece of veterans’ legislation in Massachusetts history.

Press Release: Gov. Pritzker (D-IL) Signs Veteran's Consumer Fraud Bill

Press Release: Gov. Moore (D-MD) Pledges Support for 150,000 Maryland Military and Veteran Caregivers Through Hidden Heroes Campaign

Press Release: Sen. Wielechowski's (D-AK) Legislation Supporting Veteran and Servicemember Employment Becomes Law Without Governor's Signature

News: New Pennsylvania State Law – Excluding All Veterans’ Benefits from the Need Assessment in the Educational Gratuity Program – Now in Effect​​​

Article: The DJ Behind the Dems’ Roll Call Dance Party

Did you miss the 2024 Democratic National Convention? Catch all the action here:

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You may have recently heard unfounded accusations about how Governor Tim Walz “avoided” deploying to Iraq by retiring from the military. Make no mistake, this is yet another M.A.G.A. lie. Our Vice Presidential candidate put in his retirement paperwork well before his Minnesota National Guard unit even received word that it was possible those troops may be called to action in Iraq. Walz served honorably over 24 years, and the Dems Abroad VMF Caucus strongly supports his character and service in uniform.

Photos courtesy of the Harris-Walz campaign.

Need additional preparation for those right-wing, FOX News-watching in-laws coming over for dinner? Need some Harris-Walz talking points to write a letter to the editor of your hometown newspaper? VMF’s got you covered.

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Get Out The Vote (GOTV)!

Check out this special announcement from a legendary actor on voting using VoteFromAbroad.org.

Do you need 1-on-1 assistance with requesting your ballot? Whether you're military-connected or an overseas civilian, we've got you covered. Request your session here.

Are you (or someone you know) a service member, mil-spouse, or other military-connected voter? If so, please take a moment to fill out this survey from the nonpartisan organization Secure Families Initiative. They need your help in understanding your experiences with contacting your military installation’s Voting Assistance Officer.

Upcoming Nonpartisan Event Hosted by the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt (9/15/24): Virtual Voting From Abroad Information Session – learn more here.

Notice: Veterans May Drop Off Election Ballots At VA's Regional Office in Manila (Philippines).

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Are you enrolled in VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP) and frustrated because it still mails out paper checks overseas for your medical reimbursements? We are too! Please see below to see VA’s current status on enabling an electronic funds transfer (EFT) for FMP to electronically reimburse service-connected veterans living abroad:

• The projected release date for Phase I – EFT payments to Veteran’s Domestic Bank Accounts is the end of 2nd Quarter, FY25 (January-March 2025).
• The projected release date for Phase II – EFT payments to Veteran’s Foreign Bank Accounts is 2nd Quarter, FY26 (January-March 2026).

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Upcoming Events

Sept. 9: DoD/Military Health - Upcoming Hybrid Event: "Revolutionizing Health Care: Pioneering Innovations and Future Horizons"

Sept. 10: Harris-Trump Presidential Candidate Debate. Viewable on various streaming platforms.

Sept. 11: Upcoming Online Event: “Prevalence and Outcomes of TBI with Tinnitus among Veterans: Epidemiologic Data, Patient Experiences, and Clinical Perspectives”

Sept. 12: Upcoming Online Event: “Department of Veterans Affairs Virtual Veteran Townhall and Claims Clinic” (for veterans living abroad)

Sept. 14: Dems Abroad VMF Caucus Meeting; Webex link here

Sept. 26: Online Event: Learn about Agent Orange and PACT Act Eligibility

Oct. 1: Walz-Vance Vice Presidential Candidates Debate. Viewable on various streaming platforms

Oct 12: VMF Caucus meeting on Webex  

Oct. 29: Online VA event: Updates on the state of LGBTQ+ Veteran data and research

Dec. 3: Online VA event: How many chiropractic visits does it take to help Veterans with chronic low back pain? Part 1: Characteristics of VERDICT

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VMF Volunteer of the Month

This month we’re proud to highlight Andrew Anderson, a DA VMF Caucus member and a proud U.S. Navy veteran. Andrew is a Virginia voter and currently resides in Valencia, Spain. He’s also a dedicated volunteer who’s been making a huge difference this election season.

With his help, Democrats Abroad (DA) Spain has been able to connect with the Voting Assistance Officer (VAO) at U.S. Naval Station Rota to discuss nonpartisan volunteer assistance in support of Rota’s get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts. In July, Andrew and other volunteers were welcomed on this U.S. military installation and provided voter registration and GOTV assistance of service members and their families. Rota’s VAO was very pleased and thankful for the support received, and volunteers have been asked to attend their next GOTV effort in late September. In addition, DA Spain recently purchased voting from abroad advertisements around other military installations with U.S. personnel and potential UOCAVA voters. DA Spain has a very pro-active VMF contingent that includes regular meetings and an active veterans’ Facebook page.

If you or someone you know is interested in helping with GOTV efforts at Rota Naval Station or other military locations within Spain, please reach out to [email protected] to be put in touch with Andrew.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Anderson.

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What Have Americans Been Voicing Lately?

Opinion: Trump proved himself unfit to be commander in chief

Opinion: To Save Conservatism From Itself, I Am Voting for Harris

Opinion: This is what makes JD Vance’s attempt to ‘Swift-boat’ Tim Walz’s military service so pathetic

Opinion: Military service, partisan smears and the parody of patriotism

Opinion: Project 2025 would slash veterans’ hard-earned benefits

Opinion: Dishonoring our military veterans is never OK

Opinion: Veterans deserve respect

Opinion: Belton reader calls out Trump for his treatment of military, veterans

Opinion: Fulfilling the American promise for veterans’ families (regarding Chapter 35 benefits)

Opinion: 3 Ways To Realize The PACT Act's Promise And Fulfill My Husband's Dying Wish

Opinion: Republican Project 2025 Takes Dead Aim at Veterans' Health and Disability Benefits

Opinion: Project 2025 Would Be a Disaster for Veterans

Opinion: PACT Act shows Biden’s leadership on veterans’ issues

Opinion: Veterans need to pay attention to Trump’s words

Opinion: Veterans Should Reject Trump

Opinion: Veterans and Democracy

Opinion: Stefanik said no to this historic veteran benefit

Opinion: Republicans don’t have a monopoly on patriotism

Opinion: Second Trump administration would cut support for vets

Opinion: PACT Act purpose is making its mark, by Sen. Boozman (R-AR)

Opinion: Trump disrespects our veterans

Opinion: Trump’s shameful belittling of the U.S. military

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Other Recent News of VMF Interest

Article: Kamala Harris taps Tim Walz, National Guard veteran, as running mate

Article: Tim Walz's military record: What to know about potential VP's National Guard service

Article: Tim Walz, Who Spent Decades as an Enlisted Soldier, Brings Years of Work on Vets Issues to Dem Ticket

Article: Disabled veterans living overseas say they pay thousands of dollars for health care to cover delayed VA claim payments

Article: Vets’ PACT Act claims continue to rise, two years after law’s passage

Article: Service Members and their Families Returning to the U.S. from Overseas Duty Assignments Must Comply with Updated Dog Importation Requirements Effective Aug. 1, 2024

Article: VA Secretary Tells Employees He'll Stay on the Job Until the End of His Term in January

Press Release: VA launches updated Burn Pit Registry, paving way for improved research into health of Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving

Press Release: VA has now granted benefits to 1.1 million Veterans and their survivors in fiscal year 2024, surpassing all-time record

Fact Check: J.D. Vance attacked Tim Walz on military record. His statement ignores the timeline.

Interview: Library of Congress' Veterans History Project - Tim Walz

Podcast: Are you a military family thinking about adopting or fostering a child? If so, this episode is for you:

Press Release: National Postal Museum To Open Voting by Mail Exhibition

Press Release: Changes to Support Digital Transformation and Improved Access; Three NARA Facilities to Close and Two Offices to be Relocated

Article: Georgia soldier accounted for from WWII at Manila American Cemetery

Article: DOD Making Progress in Eliminating Bottlenecks to Spouse Employment Through State-Level Advocacy

Article: White House, VA launch new website to protect veterans from fraud (VSAFE.gov)

Article: Documentary wins awards for story of veteran caregivers

Article: US Civil War Soldier Receives Long Overdue Honors At London Cemetery

Article: A little-known law has forced over 120,000 veterans to return the money they got to leave the military, new data shows

​News Video: Veterans playing a vital role in 2024 elections

​Article: ​Military families finally have a database for housing complaints

​Article: Marines and Sailors Ordered to Brush Up on Appropriate Political Activity Amid Heated Election

Article: Getting Telemedicine Care Overseas With TRICARE

Article: TRICARE becomes part of fight over pharmacy benefit managers

Letter: 1,000+ veterans, veteran families, military families, caregivers, and survivors write to express unwavering support for the Harris-Walz ticket

Article: What does Project 2025 mean for military veterans?

Press Release: The American Legion’s National Commander Seehafer issues statement on Trump’s Medal of Honor comment

Press Release: VFW Admonishes Former President for Medal of Honor Remarks

Article: Tammy Duckworth slams Trump’s “despicable” comments about military veterans

Press Release: VoteVets Says Trump “Hates Veterans,” as He Continues to Belittle Their Sacrifice

Article: A Forensic Archaeologist Solved the 100-Year-Old Mystery of a Missing WWI Soldier

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"If people know that someone cared enough even just to talk about the issues of disabled veterans living abroad, that's the reason I want to be with VMF. That's why I want to be part of VMF because I know you guys care. Regardless of what the outcome is."

-- Isa Kocher, DA VMF Caucus member in Turkey

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Are you following us on social media?

Be sure to check out VMF’s Virtual Museum, our podcast and movie recommendations, and more!

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Questions/Comments/Suggestions?

For matters concerning the VMF newsletter: [email protected]

For reaching the VMF Caucus chair: [email protected]

For all other matters: [email protected]

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Which bills does VMF support? See our steering committee-approved advocacy bills here.

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