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President Joseph R. Biden’s State of the Union Address  February 8, 2024-Excerpts  “I know it may not look like it, but I've been around a while. When you get to be my age certain things become clearer than ever…My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy future based on core values that have defined America: honesty, decency, dignity, equality. To respect everyone, to give everyone a fair shot, to give hate no safe harbor."  

“In its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade the Supreme Court majority wrote ‘Women are not without electoral or political power.’ No kidding. Clearly those bragging about overturning Roe v. Wade have no clue about the power of women in America. But they found out when reproductive freedom was on the ballot and won in 2022, 2023, and they will find out again in 2024. If Americans send me a Congress that supports the right to choose I promise you: I will restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again.”

“I came to office determined to get us through one of the toughest periods in our nation’s history. And we have. It doesn’t make the news, but in thousands of cities and towns the American people are writing the greatest comeback story never told. So let’s tell that story here and now. America’s comeback is building a future of American possibilities, building an economy from the middle out and the bottom up – not the top down, investing in all of America – in all Americans – to make sure everyone has a fair shot and we leave no one behind.”

“I see a future where we save the planet from the climate crisis and our country from gun violence.  Above all, I see a future for all Americans. I see a country for all Americans. And I will always be President for all Americans because I believe in America. I believe in you, the American people. You’re the reason we’ve never been more optimistic about our future than I am now.  So, let’s build the future together. Let’s remember who we are.  We are the United States of America. And there is nothing — nothing beyond our capacity when we act together. God bless you all. And may God protect our troops.”

State of the Union 2024 | The White House
Biden's State of the Union was fiery – and took Republicans to task

NARA & DVIDS DC National Guard Photo	Official White House Photo Pete Souza

Behind the Lens: Selma, 50 Years Later | whitehouse.gov
Bloody Sunday Anniversary Photos: Selma Behind The Scenes
‘Bloody Sunday’: Commemorating The Selma To Montgomery Marches From 59 Years Ago #Selma50: Historic Photos From The Selma to Montgomery March

Vice President Kamala Harris
Remarks Commemorating the 59th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Selma, AL

“Freedom is fundamental to the promise of America.  Freedom is not to be given.  It is not to be bestowed.  It is ours by right.  

And the power behind the promise of freedom has always been in the faith of her people and our willingness to fight for freedom, be it on the fields of Gettysburg, in the schools of Little Rock, on the streets of Ferguson, and on this bridge right here in Selma.

And today, we know our fight for freedom is not over because, in this moment, we are witnessing a full-on attack on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms, starting with the freedom that unlocks all others: the freedom to vote.  The sacred freedom to vote.

Today, in states across our nation, extremists pass laws to ban drop boxes, limit early voting, and restrict absentee ballots.  In Georgia, extremists passed a law to even make it illegal to give people food and water for standing in line to exercise their civic duty and right to vote.

I ask the friends here: Rev, whatever happened to “love thy neighbor”? The hypocrisy abounds. 

And do notice: The governor of Georgia signed that law on the 56th anniversary of this very march. 

Across our nation, extremists attack the integrity of free and fair elections, causing a rise of threats and violence against poll workers. 

In the face of these assaults on the freedom to vote and in honor of all those who crossed this bridge, President Biden and I will continue to demand that the United States Congress pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.  The fight for freedom. 

Today, in states across our nation, extremists propose and pass laws that attack the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body — laws that would make no exception even for rape and incest. 

Here in Alabama, they attack the freedom to use IVF treatment.  Women and couples denied the ability to fulfill their dream of having a child. 

And consider the irony.  On the one hand, these extremists tell women they do not have the freedom to end an unwanted pregnancy.  And on the other hand, these extremists tell women they do not have the freedom to start a family. 

Let us agree: One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do with her body.  

The fight for freedom — that every person in our nation has a right to be free from the horror of gun violence.  And yet, today, these extremists stand by and refuse to pass reasonable gun safety laws to keep our children and places of worship safe. 

Freedom — that every person in our nation has a right to be free to love who they love openly and with pride. And yet, just this past year, extremists have passed or proposed hundreds of laws targeting LGBTQ people. 

Freedom — that every person in our nation has the freedom to learn and acknowledge our country’s true and full history.  And yet, today, extremists pass book bans — book bans, in this year of our Lord 2024 — while they also try to erase, overlook, and rewrite the ugly parts of our past. 

Fundamental freedoms under assault.  The freedom to vote.  The freedom from fear, violence, and harm.  The freedom to learn.  The freedom to control one’s own body.  And the freedom to just simply be...It is their lived experience that extremist leaders have intentionally closed polling places near college campuses and restricted the use of student IDs to vote, that it is Black voters and student voters who are most targeted by anti-voter laws.  

A lived experience that during the height of their reproductive years, the highest court in our land — the court of Thurgood and RBG — took a constitutional right that had been recognized from the people of America, from the women of America so that, now, this generation has fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers…So, Selma, the challenges we currently face are not unlike the challenges faced by those 600 brave souls 59 years ago.  And in this moment, we too, then, are confronted with a fundamental question: What kind of country do we want to live in?
Do we want to live in a country of freedom, liberty, and justice — or a country of injustice, hate, and fear?
We each have the power to answer that question with our voice, with our feet, and with our vote…”

Editor’s Message 

Greetings!  📢 Calling Caucus Members 📢

Ready to lead and shape our future? We're seeking a dedicated individual to take on the crucial role of Chair of our caucus.  We believe that leadership should reflect the diversity and dynamism of our caucus. That's why we're opening up applications for the Chair position to all caucus members. We value fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and we want to ensure that every member has the opportunity to contribute to our collective vision. Apply now and help us continue to build a stronger, more inclusive community together!

Interested in joining us in Normandy June 6th for the 80th Anniversary Ceremony of D-Day? Use this link to request your free invitation by March 29. If you are interested in purchasing round-trip bus transportation from Paris to Normandy, go to this link.

Did you vote in the Global Presidential Primary?  DA had 95 Voting Centers in 44 countries. Joseph R. Biden, with 6910 votes (80.14%), won all 13 elected delegates. Check out the results! If you voted in your U.S. voting office by mail, did you have  problems with ballot return? Shoot us an email with the details: [email protected]. 

Don't forget to take action!  For the ERA Discharge Petition #6 to advance from the House Judiciary Committee, 118 Representatives need to sign. With 108 already onboard, if the remaining five Democrats sign, only 3 or 4 Republicans are required to push the ERA forward to the House floor. Reach out to Congress this week and push for the Equal Rights Amendment to be recognized as the 28th Constitutional Amendment. Let your Senators and Representatives know that you support the ERA. Spread the word on social media. Keep at it! Persistence pays off!                                                                                     

Be part of our VMF Voter Registration/Absentee Ballot Team!  All you have to do is sign up for the Voter Assistance Training to be ready. Let's make a difference together!

Terese Sarno

Editor-in-Chief

Come on board! Join our caucus. Make your voice heard. Let’s rally behind our troops!

Get ready for a super fun weekend on August 2-4, 2024, all for a good cause – getting out the vote! Join the Global LGBTQ+ Caucus and Democrats Abroad Netherlands on August 2nd for our awesome Amsterdam Canal Pride Fundraiser aboard the DA  boat. Don't miss out on the fun! Reach out to Tre' Shawn and Bob at [email protected] to get involved!

Message from the Vice Chair Andrew Anderson:

Fellow VMF Caucus member and reader. As Vice Chair, I would like to thank you for your support, and for taking the time to read the Newsletter. Democrats Abroad and all our Caucus are kicking off the Get Out The Vote initiative in order to prepare for the 2024 election. If you have not done so, take the time to go to VoteFromAbroad.org and register to vote in your State.  If you need help, please feel free to reach out to this Caucus and we will help you connect with a member who can help. In addition, this Caucus could use your help and we are looking for volunteers to help drive the message to other Americans in whatever part of the World you are in to register to vote. We honor your past service and we know each of you are willing to serve again. Feel free to contact me or any other Caucus Steering Committee member to sign up. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.

ADVOCACY

Registration for 2024 National Veterans Wheelchair Games is now open (April 5 deadline)
Protect yourself this tax season: Tips for Veterans to avoid scams
VMF legislative action advocacy slides  here, here and here
How Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision Affects Some Federal Retirees

VOTER ASSISTANCE TRAININGS

PHONEBANKING TRAINING    

ONE-TO ONE VOTER HELP

We need your help to increase voter registration and voting in our overseas military communities. With your help, we can do it! Sign up for the Voter Assistance Trainings, get your FVAP certificate and join our Voter Registration Team.
Contact us at [email protected]

Some highlights of military voting in 2020, nearly 35 years after UOCAVA passed:

Excerpt from FVAP 2022 Election Report to Congress
In 2022, an estimated 10.6% requested ballots, with 84% of those returning their ballots. FVAP calculates an (abysmal) turnout rate of about 3.4% of eligible overseas voters. (Germany had the highest turnout rate of 9.8%.) 

Of those overseas voters who didn't vote, 72% said it was because they couldn't figure the process, with a huge 94% of 18-34 year olds citing this reason. (The remaining voters said they didn't want to vote.)

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

At the direction of President Biden, VA is expanding health care eligibility to millions of Veterans including all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and any other combat zone after 9/11 – years earlier than called for by the PACT Act. In one of the largest-ever expansions of Veteran health care, all Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service – at home or abroad – are now eligible for VA health care.

Investing In America | The White House

WWII Ghost Army gets Congressional Gold Medal for fooling Nazis and saving lives

2 Florida schools bilked VA through yearslong GI Bill scheme, lawsuit says

Appeals court supports disabled veterans’ rights to appeal VA decisions …

The Republican National Committee sues Michigan over the state's voter rolls

Biden taps former cabinet secretary for USPS board 

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution.
“We are sending the message to all women: Your body belongs to you and no one has the right to control it in your stead. ”     –French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal

VA secretary orders famous WWII kiss photo to stay at agency facilities despite memo

CALENDAR & EVENTS

APRIL Month of the Military Child   “Military Children: Brave, Fearless, Resilient!"

Military Saves Month 2024, Financial Literacy Month

April 3, 10, 17 - 12pm-1 pm (ET) Zoom  Financial Wellness Series–3 part series

April 5 - Mindfulness Meditation 11:00 am to 12 noon ET   

April 5 – Gold Star Spouses Day

April 5 - Online Registration deadline for 43rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games    

April 9 – National Former POW Recognition Day

April 14 – Air Force Reserve Birthday

April 15 – Purple Up Day

April 18 - In Germany: 3rd Annual Retiree Survivor Workshop in person event from 1300-1500 at the LRMC Heaton Auditorium  (Landstuhl). Personally sit down with Legal, VA, Tricare, Casualty Manager & Post-Retirement Services Officer, members of the US Army Regional Mortuary Europe/Africa, KMC Retiree Council and many more!

April 20 - Deadline for a single bank account for all VA benefit payments

April 21-27 - National Volunteer Week-VA National Volunteer Week #VetServ 2024

April 22 – Earth Day “Planet vs. Plastics” Global Theme 2024

April 23 – Army Reserve Birthday

April 30 – National Military Brats Day                                                         

June 6 – Plan ahead: 80th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy–Are you joining us?

Upcoming DA Activities

DEMOCRATS ABROAD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Costa Rica   May 31-June 2, 2024

DEMOCRATS ABROAD DELEGATE SELECTION PLAN 2024 

Democrats Abroad will send 21 delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Interested in being a delegate? Read the Delegate Candidate Briefing. Submit a   written application to the International Chair by April 19, 2024.

WHAT’S CONGRESS UP TO?

Improve access to air travel for persons with disabilities-Accessible Air Travel for People with Disabilities. Contact Members of Congress.

Tester Joins Military and Veterans Service Organizations to Urge Swift Legislative Action on his Major Richard Star Act

Millions of Toxic-Exposed Veterans Eligible for Expanded VA Health Care,..

President Biden’s 2025 Budget: Prioritizes Veterans… 

Senator Ed Markey Ghost Army Tribute

H.R.4366 - 118th Congress: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024  signed by  President Biden March 9 2024 that became Public Law No: 118-42 includes funding for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

VETERANS’ ISSUES

3rd Annual Retiree Survivor Workshop  in-person in Germany
18 Apr 24 from 1300-1500 at the LRMC Heaton Auditorium  (Landstuhl)

This is your chance to personally sit down with Legal, VA, Tricare, Casualty Manager & Post-Retirement Services Officer, members of the US Army Regional Mortuary Europe/Africa, KMC Retiree Council and many more!

Health:

VA health coverage will expand to all veterans exposed to toxins from Vietnam War through post-9/11 conflicts

The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits “Don’t wait. Apply for the care you deserve. Even if you don’t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. It’s quick and easy to apply. And once you’re in, you have access for life.”

War Related Illness and Injury Study Center 

VA Foreign Medical Program – Information Briefing 12 February 2024

Foreign Medical Program Health Care Benefits Guide 5 April 2023

VA Advisory Committee on Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States Meeting Minutes December 12, 2023--Pages 6-11 for Director Andrew Szymczak FMP briefing overview, questions and answers

Education:

World War II veteran and Tuskegee Airman celebrates 100th birthday

Women in Military Health

Click here for our Spotlight  Voting Rights Milestones in America: A Timeline
Click here for our Podcast & Social Media Recommendations
Click here for our Poetry Corner
Click here for our Film and Book Recommendations
Click here for our Brain-Zone Quiz
Click here for our Educational Resources 
Click here for our Virtual Museum

GLOBAL VMF CAUCUS MEETINGS

The Global VMF Caucus Steering Committee meets once a month. 

All Democrats Abroad members are welcome to attend.

SUGGESTION BOX

Want to help fellow  Americans abroad get their absentee ballots for the 2024 vote? Got any cool event ideas or suggestions for special programs? Let's make it happen! Share your thoughts! [email protected]

Connect with us on      

Please join our caucus to show your support for the U.S. military!

“My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy. A future based on the core values that have defined America: honesty, decency, dignity, equality. To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbor. Now some other people my age see a different story: an American story of resentment, revenge, and retribution. That’s not me.”   –President Joseph R. Biden, State of the Union 2024