| March 2025 |
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★★ Next VMF Meeting: April 12, 2025, at 7:00 AM ET on WebEx ★★
*VMF meetings are open to all DA members, and all VMF members are encouraged to attend.*
Message from the Chair
Dear Democrats—
This is a CODE RED moment. The new administration is doing its utmost to disenfranchise military and overseas voters, dismantle key government agencies, and cut important VA and other jobs occupied by many veterans. The Veterans and Military Families Caucus is mobilized and actively resisting, and we need your help.
We’re encouraging everyone to contact their Member of Congress to ask them to VOTE NO on House Republicans’ completely misguided “S.A.V.E. Act.” We’re also working to ensure the passage of H.R. 439, the Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act. Learn more about both of these pieces of legislation and the work we must do below.
Ultimately, the best way to make your voice heard in this dark period of American history is to make sure you’re registered to vote, and request and cast your ballot – in every single election you’re eligible to vote in. There are several special state and local elections in 2025, and it’s critical that we’re making our voices heard. While the other side spreads lies and misinformation, we’re armed with ballots to make the necessary changes to regain control of our country. Go to vote from abroad.org today to make sure you’re ready to vote.
We’re working on a short survey designed to help us better understand our current membership and how we can serve. Keep an eye out for that. And if you’re ready to commit to volunteering, we’re ready to put you to work on meaningful tasks. Email us today at [email protected].
Legislative Advocacy
VMF has been focused on two particular bills in Congress lately. The first, we must defeat. The second is something we’ve been eagerly anticipating as it would help 100% service-connected-rated veterans to receive comprehensive health care coverage while OCONUS.
The first bill is H.R. 22, the so-called “S.A.V.E.” Act. This bill is a direct threat to our democracy and would rip away all the progress we’ve made on voting rights over the past several decades. You can learn more about it HERE, including how to contact your representatives to tell them to VOTE NO on H.R. 22 Please make this call TODAY!
The second bill, which has our full support, is H.R. 439, the Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act. The bipartisan legislation expands health coverage for 100% permanent and total service-connected veterans abroad by allowing for medical care and services to address non-service-connected conditions. Please tell your U.S. representative to cosponsor and VOTE YES on H.R. 439. (What is VA’s Foreign Medical Program? See here and here to learn more. How does one file an FMP claim? See here.)
Additional Message from VMF Steering Committee Member and U.S. Navy Veteran Jordan Barrett-Choy
“The far-right extremist forces that have warped the Republican Party into an anti-American cult are destroying our Republic in real time. As Servicemembers and Veterans, we should be enraged that everything we have vowed to serve and defend is crumbling under the assault of Trump and his fascist enablers. American freedom, livelihoods, and safety are facing a severe and existential threat from the current government of lawlessness. It's time for everyone who cares about our nation's freedom, democracy, and Constitution to ask themselves where they stand. If you're reading this, ask yourself what your red lines are and what you are willing to do if they are crossed.
I swore an oath to support and defend our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Our domestic enemies have gathered and made their intentions clear. We must be ready to defend and keep our Republic and restore the rule of law. It’s clear now is the time we must rise and fight like never before to protect our democracy. My oath to defend the Constitution still stands. Where do you stand? How far will you go? What will you do? Ask yourself these questions and stand fast, vigilant, and ready.”
Message from Democrats Abroad’s Get Out The Vote and Voting Assistance Coordinator:
New! Voter Assistance Zoom Rooms scheduled in March for WI & FL voters
Wisconsin and Florida have elections coming up on April 1. To help these voters -- and any voters in other states that need help -- we've scheduled Voter Assistance Zoom Rooms on:
- Tue Mar 11, at 3am & 12pm ET
Voters can go www.votefromabroad.org/voter-support to get on one of the Zoom calls. Or, if they can't make the scheduled times, they can request an appointment for live voting help over zoom.
Filing a VA claim? Make sure to reach out to a VA-accredited, veteran service officer for free expert assistance
Podcast: 5 Tips for Finding a Good Veteran Service Officer
Video: 3 TIPS for Finding a Good Veteran Service Officer
Video: When to Get a Veteran Service Officer or Attorney
Recent News and Opinions
For more recent news pertaining to the VMF community, please see here.
| Former Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA) was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs by a vote of 77 to 23. How did your senators vote? See here. |
VMF Member Opinion: Combat Veteran in Thailand
Opinion: Can veterans help de-escalate political tensions? Yes, they have the right skills and temperament.
Opinion: A veteran's struggle at Naval Hospital
Opinion: We Military Spouses Don't Want Special Treatment. We Just Want to Work.
Opinion: The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense ignore veterans and their dependents sickened by Agent Orange
Opinion: The VA shouldn't be downsized
Opinion: How we treat our veterans
Opinion: I’m a transgender veteran: Trump’s policies endanger military families, including mine
Opinion: Trump administration’s unprecedented cuts will cause widespread harm
Opinion: Trump’s Project 2025 agenda a threat to health of veterans
VMF Member Opinion: Trump’s Misguided Decision to Fire National Security Experts, Veterans, and Federal Workers
Upcoming Holidays and Events
Event (3/10/2025): Moral Injury and Recovery: What Can We Do?
Webinar (3/25/2025): For Caregivers and Family Members of Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis, 1:00PM ET
Special General Election: Florida’s 1st Congressional District and 6th Congressional District -- Service members, eligible family members, and overseas citizens can use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to request a ballot and update any contact information. FL-1 and FL-6 voters must return their voted absentee ballot by April 1st either by mail or fax to their local election office.
VMF Meeting (4/12/2025 at 7AM ET): Dems Abroad Global VMF Caucus meeting (message us at [email protected] if you would like to attend)
Event (5/31/2025): Women Veterans Engage Conference 2025 ($25)
Democrats Abroad Global Meeting (June 6-8, 2-25) in Washington, DC and online
Make sure to check us out on the Democrats Abroad website
Also, be sure to check out VMF’s podcast and movie recommendations, including these specially recommended for Black History Month! And if you haven’t checked it out already, swing by our Virtual Museum (QR Code shown below). Simply click on each “display” and swipe through each one to view additional pages.
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]
★★★
Are you following the Democrats Abroad Global Veterans & Military Families (VMF) Caucus on social media?
- CONUS: Call 988 and Press 1 or go to https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- In Europe: +1 844-702-5495 or DSN 988
- In the Pacific: +1 844-702-5493 or DSN 988
- In Southwest Asia: +1 855-422-7719 or DSN 988
- Chat: Text with a crisis line responder. Send a text to 838255 or through https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/chat
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