December 2022 |
Newsletter |
VOL. 2, NO. 9 |
To view in PDF, click here
Official White House photo by Pete Souza
“The American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On ‘We the People’ who seek a more perfect Union.” —President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Inaugural Address, January 20, 2021
Editor’s Message —
Greetings! Hope you encouraged all your Georgia acquaintances to get those ballots in for the run off election! EVERY VOTE DOES COUNT!
It is time to reflect on a tumultuous year and the possibilities that lie ahead for us to contribute to a More Perfect Union even in the face of adversity. What will we do to bring back civility and make sure that Veterans are not forgotten? There were quite a few impressive Veteran bills in the 117th Congress but most of them just seemed to sit in a committee waiting for Godot! Time to mobilize and frequently contact your Representatives and Senators whose main goal as U.S. government employees is supposed to be to serve the American people.
Since Democrats will soon not be in charge of the House, by only the slightest of margins, the iconic Nancy Pelosi decided to pass on the leadership torch, so that the Party can renew its efforts to serve the American people. Another huge change will be the departure of Dr. Fauci who will be stepping down from his government positions in December.
Fauci gives final briefing after 50 years in government
We are inching along with climate change initiatives!
Did the world make progress on climate change? Here's what was decided at global talks
There are efforts everyone can make because each of us has something to contribute to our wonderful country. Why not start with the National Endowment for the Humanities Tapestry initiative and then A More Perfect Union? It is time to plan ahead to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026!
Applications are open for Creative Forces Community Engagement Grants. Grants support community-based Arts Programming for Military-Connected Individuals Nationwide. Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network Applications are now open. The deadline to apply is Thursday, January 19, 2023.
Check the American Tapestry initiative that contains newly launched National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant programs that explore the three themes of “Strengthening Our Democracy,” “Advancing Equity for All,” and “Addressing Our Changing Climate”:
*Dangers & Opportunities of Technology: Perspectives from the Humanities (Application deadline: February 2, 2023.)
*Cultural and Community Resilience Program A new NEH grant program that supports efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change and health crises on communities while safeguarding their cultural resources, as outlined in the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 initiative. (Application deadline: January 12, 2023)
*Climate Smart: Humanities Organizations (Application deadline: January 17, 2023)
*Public Impact Projects at Smaller Organizations (Funding opportunity to launch in 2023.)
American Tapestry also incorporates NEH’s A More Perfect Union initiative which supports the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 by funding projects to help everyone understand the beginnings of our country.
A More Perfect Union builds on NEH’s efforts over the past six decades to promote American history and will emphasize the critical role the humanities play in our nation.
Organize your groups and decide on Veteran related themes, so all those who have served and continue to serve are represented! Application deadlines are approaching quickly!
In the spirit of the season, a reminder that members of the Military, Veterans, and Gold-Star families and senior citizens are eligible for FREE park passes that provide access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas including the national parks. Take advantage of these programs. Free Lifetime Passes to U.S. National Parks for Veterans and Gold Star Families.
Give yourself a holiday gift at the behest of Dr. Fauci!
"My message -- and my final message, maybe the final message I give you from this podium -- is that please for your own safety, for that of your family, get your updated COVID-19 shot as soon as you're eligible to protect yourself, your family and your community" –Dr. Anthony Fauci
We thank everyone who has supported the mission of the VMF Caucus and those that have collaborated with us to spread the word. We look forward to continued collaboration since the DNC believes in a strong military!
Have a healthy, happy, Democratic New Year. Keep hope alive!
Terese Sarno
Editor
Please join our caucus to show your support for the U.S. military!
Speaker Pelosi Announces Her Future Plans
Pelosi Statement on the 2022 Election
Nov 16, 2022
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the House was called for Republicans in the 2022 election:
“This year, House Democrats defied expectations with an excellent performance: running their races with courage, optimism and determination. In the next Congress, House Democrats will continue to play a leading role in supporting President Biden’s agenda — with strong leverage over a scant Republican majority.
“House Democrats are thrilled to have so many terrific new and returning Members to the House, who will reinvigorate our Caucus with their energy, diversity and patriotism. We salute our departing Members for their magnificent leadership, achieving landmark progress on health care, climate action, infrastructure, gun violence, veterans and more that can never be diminished.
“At least three critical states are still counting ballots. We are endlessly grateful to those who continue their patriotic work to ensure each vote is counted as cast.”
ADVOCACY
November 29 - Register: The Health of U.S. Military Veterans 3:00 p.m. ET
Watch Live: wapo.st/veteranshealthnov2022
Veterans often face new battles at home from physical and mental injuries to feelings of displacement and isolation. On Tuesday, November 29 at 3:00 p.m. ET, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks and Burn Pits 360 co-founder Rosie Torres join Washington Post Live to discuss new investments the government is making to support the approximately 18 million women and men who have worn their country’s uniform in combat.
Post-9/11 Veterans can find a new team with Southeast Conservation Veteran Fire Corps
The Stars and Stripes Transition Guide
VA supports easing transition from active duty
Your VA claim exam questions answered
YOUR VA CLAIM EXAM: KNOW WHAT’S NEXT
Veterans sue VA - demand land be used for homes, not rented to a college and private school
DECEMBER is
UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH
December 1 - IRS Webinar–Thursday, 7:00pm to 9:00pm CET (1:00pm to 3:00pm EST)
Are you an American citizen with questions about your U.S. taxes?
The DA Veterans and Military Families Caucus invites you to attend a free webinar, organized by the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt, in which Internal Revenue Service (IRS) representatives will share tax information relevant to Americans living overseas and answer your questions. Register
December 1 - VA Secretary press conference, 2000 to 2200 CET (1400 to 1500 EST)
December 6 - Careers in Cybersecurity USO MVP Zoom 1700 CET (1100 EST)
December 7 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
December 8 - FBI Jobs USO MVP Zoom 1900 CET
December 10 - VMF Caucus Meeting 1600 EST WebEx link
December 10 - Human Rights Day
December 15 - Bill of Rights Day
December 15 - Wright Brothers Day
December 17 – National Wreaths Across America Day
December 31 – Universal Hour of Peace
Upcoming DA Activities
Wreaths Across America
Election Wrap Up
Although there are still some ballots to be counted as well as the Georgia Senate run off election, the final election results are almost in. It is useful to know that a Wisconsin lawmaker tried to sequester military absentee ballots. Fortunately this did not become a reality but it shows this is an area that needs our constant attention. Read this! Wisconsin judge won’t order sequestering of absentee military ballots (updated November 7th).
This item in Ted Kennedy’s diary is worth reading: Ted Kennedy's Diary Shows Alito Lied About Maintaining Precedent in "Roe"
Overwhelming support for Pro-Choice ballot initiatives confirms that voters want to protect the rights that we have gained over the years. So while the Democrats still control both houses of Congress, there is a huge effort to get as many bills passed as possible. On November 16th, the Respect for Marriage Act that provides statutory authority for same-sex and interracial marriages advanced in the Senate with bipartisan support.
WHAT’S CONGRESS UP TO?
Year End Wrap-Up
Federal Government:
*President Biden signed the PACT Act, the largest expansion of health benefits in VA history.
*President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act.
*The House of Representatives - with VMF's strong support- passed H.R. 7375, a bill to correct the electronic payment processing system for GI Bill users residing overseas. Last Action: Senate - 05/18/2022 Received in the Senate, read twice, referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Contact your Senators to encourage passage of HR 7375.
President Biden’s Student Loan Relief for Borrowers Who Need It Most
Accomplishments of the Biden Administration
*DA VMF's resolution urging for Veterans and military family members to be part of DA's 2024 Delegate Diversity Selection Plan was resubmitted to the DA Resolutions Committee.
*DA VMF participated in many events including speaking to the Chair of the DNC's VMF Council, posted a podcast with an overseas veteran whose education has been negatively affected by the current GI Bill program, shared reflections in a safe space about 9/11, participated in candidate forums - Maryland, Katie Porter, Elizabeth Slotkin, NC, collaborated with the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt on programs beneficial to Veterans, and participated in the Doughboy Foundation’s National Veterans Day Bells of Peace World War I Remembrance, extending the reach of #bellsofpeace around the world.
Veteran related bills – 117th Congress 2021-2022
H.R. 6411 - STRONG Veterans Act of 2022
Most recent action: 06/23/2022 Passed/agreed to in House
Your help is needed: Contact your U.S. Senators to encourage passage of H.R. 6411.
VETERANS’ ISSUES
Health
Women Veterans and chronic pain
Veterans Benefits Administration Home
Agent Orange Newsletter - 2022
Military Exposures and Your Health - 2022 - Issue 7
VA received nearly 113,000 claims under PACT Act, urges veterans to submit claims quickly
VA to prioritize claims under PACT Act for veterans suffering from cancer
Closing the gap: Resource hubs approach to rural Veteran care
How to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or service member
Add these virtual tools to your emergency plan
The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits
Hearing on the VA implementation of the PACT Act
The Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7, confidential mental health support for Veterans and their family members. Dial 988 and press 1, chat online, or text 838255 for support.
Education
Ramstein Air Base program first overseas to offer commercial aviation mechanics’ certification
Federal Student Loan Relief Application Form Now Accessible for Americans Abroad!
How to Create a VA.gov Account Using ID.me
Looking to start your education benefits application? Sign into VA.gov with your ID.me account here: https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/.
Have a question for VA? Sign into VA.gov and submit your questions with Ask VA (AVA): https://ask.va.gov/.
Follow VA on social media:
Develop Career Skills with the VET TEC Program
Veteran Recognition
Secretary Denis McDonough's remarks at National Press Club Nov. 7, 2022
There Is Now a Face for Every Name on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall
Meet five inspiring women Veterans
Click here for our Spotlight Congress and The Capitol
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.
WebEx link for December 10 at 16:00 EST (Rotation 2).
SUGGESTION BOX
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Do you have a suggestion, comment, webinar Let us know: [email protected]
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Connect with us on Please join our caucus to show your support for the U.S. military! |
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Editor: Terese Sarno (Germany) |
Veterans and Military Families Caucus Chair: Kee Adams Evans (Guatemala) |
We have to help decision makers realize that women's reproductive health rights are civil rights and that women need to be free to make the same decisions that men are free to make with regard to health care and whether and when to have a family. It's going to be increasingly important for women to speak up not only about being able to make our own decisions, but also about the importance of being trusted to make our own decisions. — Maggie Hassan, U.S. Senator New Hampshire