VMF April 2023 Newsletter
April 2023 |
Newsletter |
VOL. 3, NO. 4 |
To view in PDF, click here
“Social Security and Medicare are a lifeline for millions of seniors. Americans have been paying into them with every single paycheck since they started working. So tonight, let's all agree to stand up for seniors. Stand up and show them we will not cut Social Security. We will not cut Medicare.”
-President Joe Biden
Editor’s Message —
Greetings! We are facing an aging crisis and what is being done? The retirement age continues to increase as does the age for Social Security eligibility. In the U.S. military, after 20 years of service, with no specific age, members can retire with a full pension. This could be something to consider for the rest of the U.S. population. France increased the retirement age from 62 to 64 (by 2030). This was passed March 17th. Massive strikes across the country continue. In France, there is a 35 hour work week and very generous vacations with a minimum annual leave of 5 weeks although many get 6 to 10 weeks, besides paid public holidays and an end of year bonus equal to a 13th month of pay! (Similar benefits exist in many European countries.) The average U.S. vacation time is two weeks! N.B. Congressman Takano has reintroduced the 32 Hour Workweek Act. Time to contact your U.S. Representatives to support this bill.
Life expectancy in France is currently 82 while in the U.S., it has decreased to 77. Why? The Social Security Fact Sheet lists outdated information on U.S. life expectancy: It has 81 for men and 84 for women. Life expectancy is a huge concern in the U.S. Working conditions and health care need to improve to benefit American quality of life.
Terese Sarno
Editor
Please join our caucus to show your support for the U.S. military!
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VMF March 2023 Newsletter
March 2023 |
Newsletter |
VOL. 3, NO. 3 |
To view in PDF, click here
The Inflation Reduction Act is a historic legislative achievement that lowers costs for families, combats the climate crisis, reduces the deficit, and finally makes the largest corporations pay their fair share. For the first time, Medicare is able to negotiate the price of certain high-cost drugs, a month’s supply of insulin for seniors is capped at $35, Medicare beneficiaries pay $0 out of pocket for recommended adult vaccines, and seniors’ out of pocket expenses at the pharmacy will be capped at $2,000 a year. And thanks to the President’s actions, including a historic release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, gas prices are down more than $1.60 from their summer 2022 peak.
“We are the only country that has emerged from every crisis stronger than when we entered it…That is what we are doing again.”
-President Joe Biden
President Biden's State of the Union Address
Editor’s Message —
Greetings! President Biden’s State of the Union message highlighted the incredible advances that our country has made even under adverse conditions. We are however still battling pressure on curriculum choices including library books. The First Amendment guarantees access to information and ideas in schools. The bans and legislative action being taken in some states are infringing on those constitutional rights.
NEA: DeSantis blocking AP African American Studies hurts all students
DeSantis pushes ban on diversity programs in state colleges
“Preparing students with more knowledge, not less, is essential for an America that prides itself in having a free marketplace of ideas. This is why it is outrageous to see DeSantis and some other elected officials working to substitute their personal political ideology for well-developed, educator-led curricula. Gov. DeSantis is neither an educator nor a historian…A full and honest curriculum facilitates the core goals of public education: promoting democracy by preparing children for citizenship and cultivating a workforce that can compete in the global marketplace.”
–Becky Pringle, National Education Association President
“Of the books removed from Duval County, Florida, more than 30 were by Latino authors and illustrators or centered Latino characters and narratives. Among these were ‘Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa’ by Veronica Chambers and Julie Maren, ‘Sonia Sotomayor (Women Who Broke the Rules Series)’ by Kathleen Krull and Angela Dominguez, and Winter's Clemente book.”
What can we do? Contact our legislators. Protect our First Amendment rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Charter schools have long been a problem in our country and they drain the funds that should be used for public schools. Taxpayer money should not fund what are essentially private schools nor should they be used to fund religious schools.
Urgent: Tell Your Legislators to Stop Funding the Charter School Programs (CSP). Charter school enrollment during 2021-2022 decreased by over 5,000 students yet the charter lobby is requesting up to a half billion dollars yearly.
What can we do? Contact our representatives today. It is time to defund the federal Charter School Programs and to support increased funding for our true public schools.
Let’s “finish the job”!
Terese Sarno
Editor
Please join our caucus to show your support for the U.S. military!
Read moreDAVMF Continuing To Shine Spotlight On Deported Veterans Issue
Too often, law enforcement will charge a veteran with a non-violent crime such as marijuana possession, a traffic incident or other minor legal violation, which then triggers the deportation process. Once deported, veterans often do not speak the local language of the country they are sent to, have no home nor established support network, and are quite simply ripped apart from their U.S. families. Unsurprisingly, the majority of deported veterans are those persons of color.
If you're not familiar with this issue, have a listen to this podcast episode and please share it! DA members (and indeed all voting-aged U.S. citizens living abroad) have the ability to register to vote from abroad and cast their ballot in support of candidates who support pro-veteran initiatives.
VMF February 2023 Newsletter
February 2023 |
Newsletter |
VOL. 3, NO. 2 |
To view in PDF, click here
“He (McCarthy) led the Republican Conference in voting against veterans’ health care, voting rights, pandemic relief, gun reform, infrastructure investments, and many other opportunities to address the needs of the American people. Now, as we turn the page to a new Congress, House Republicans are doubling down on their commitment to extremism, proposing an agenda that slashes reproductive freedom, undermines our planet, and strips health care from millions of Americans. As Members of Congress, we take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, including coming together to find common ground where we can. We are resolute in that commitment and are ready to work with Members across the aisle if they can find their way back to the American people.” – Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5)
Please join our caucus to show your support for the U.S. military!
Editor’s Message —
Greetings! The recent election of the new Speaker of the House, on the 15th ballot, made it clear how dysfunctional the new slim majority party in the House is. It also gave U.S. Representative Katharine Clark, Democrat, Massachusetts (5th District), the opportunity to highlight how the Democrats have supported the American people and how the other party has refused to support them. When Kevin McCarthy finally had enough votes to be speaker, Clark stated how troubling this was. After all, “no" votes from Republicans included equal pay, child care, paid family leave, the fundamental right to vote for every American, and supporting veteran access to healthcare.
Watch Clark’s House floor nominating speech for Hakeem Jeffries in which she enumerates how the other party does not support the needs of the American people.
“…When small businesses needed to reopen, and the American people wanted vaccines, they said no…When we capped insulin costs for seniors, at $35 a month, they said no. When we lowered health care costs and premiums for working families, they said no. When we defended the civil rights of LGBTQ+ Americans, they said no. When we protected lives from senseless gun violence, especially in the wake of the horrors of Buffalo and Uvalde, they said no. When we stood up for women and reproductive freedom, they said no. When we brought manufacturing back to America, they said no. When we answered the urgent call to protect our planet and invest in clean energy, and create tens of millions of good-paying jobs, they said no…”
Then watch Hakeem Jeffries’ Alphabet Speech and his historic first speech on the House floor, so that you have no doubt that Democrats are moving forward with a united front to do what is best for the American people.
What can we do? Immediately request our absentee ballots for all 2023 elections at www.VoteFromAbroad.org and start working to secure victory in all upcoming elections! If you vote in Ohio, recent election law changes shorten the amount of time for the receipt of overseas absentee ballots, so please get involved in overturning this!
Terese Sarno
Editor
“We believe – that in America our diversity is a strength; it is not a weakness – an economic strength, a competitive strength, a cultural strength. Our diversity is a strength; it is not a weakness. We are a gorgeous mosaic of people from throughout the world. As John Lewis would sometimes remind us on this floor: we may have come over on different ships, but we're all in the same boat now.” –Hakeem Jeffries
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VMF January 2023 Newsletter
January 2023 |
Newsletter |
VOL. 3, NO. 1 |
To view in PDF, click here
“Just as I began my career fighting for LGBTQ communities, I am overjoyed that one of the final bills I will sign as Speaker will be the Respect for Marriage Act: ensuring the federal government will never again stand in the way of marrying the person you love.” –Nancy Pelosi
Photo courtesy Barbara Kinney Photography
WATCH: Portrait of Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled at the Capitol
Editor’s Message —
Greetings. There are many things to reflect on as we begin 2023.
December 13th, President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law. Let us continue to appreciate the incredible accomplishments of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. We are forever indebted to her perseverance, leadership, and contributions to breaking the marble ceiling! Be sure to watch Pelosi in the House a documentary Candid Inside Look at Nancy Pelosi's Most Career-Defining Moments by filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi on HBO Max. Transcript of Pelosi Interview on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 December 15, 2022. Schumer, Pelosi joint CNN interview
The Georgia runoff is over and with newly elected Raphael Warnock, son of an Army Veteran, the Democratic majority in the Senate has a little cushion.
As Dr. Fauci prepares to exit, he reflects on his legacy and COVID decisions he would change. His years of service to our country and our health have made a huge difference in the quality of life for all U.S. citizens.
An amazing contribution towards The Trans-European Transport Network is that Denmark is building a record-breaking tunnel to Germany.
Full B1M story gives all the details of this phenomenal project.
January 6 panel released final report during week of December 19, 2022
Introductory Material to the Final Report of the Select Committee,
Committee raises prospect Trump could possibly be charged with seditious conspiracy
May the New Year 2023 amaze us as we contribute to the successes of the Democratic Party. Let us not forget that every single vote does count! It is already time to register and request absentee ballots for 2023. All overseas U.S. citizens must do this each year. Go to www.VoteFromAbroad.org today! The possibilities of permanently destroying democracy are always just around the corner! Continue to mobilize!
With wishes for health, happiness, civility, and peace,
Terese Sarno
Editor
Please join our caucus to show your support for the U.S. military!
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VMF December 2022 Newsletter
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!
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A Proclamation on National Veterans And Military Families Month, 2022
From The White House
A Proclamation on National Veterans And Military Families Month, 2022
This month, our Nation honors the strength and sacrifices of the families, caregivers, and survivors of our veterans and our current service members. They may not wear uniforms, but their service is essential to our national security and the character of our Nation. We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay.
Constant tours, deployments, and rotations are difficult for our military families. Jill and I have personally experienced the anxious pride that parents feel seeing their child in uniform. We have marveled at the devotion of military families and their resilience to uproot their lives every few years and move to new communities. We honor the stalwart courage and resolve of veteran families caring for their loved ones when their service in uniform concludes. We grieve alongside families of the fallen who have lost a piece of their soul. That is why I take so seriously the sacred obligation to prepare and equip our service members when we send them into harm’s way and to care for them and their families when they return home.
Since coming to office, I have signed into law important expansions of services and benefits to support our veterans and their families, improved VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances through the PACT Act, and made historic reforms to the military justice system that will enhance safety and protections for service members and their families impacted by sexual assault and domestic violence. The First Lady’s Joining Forces initiative is helping military spouses find jobs, connecting military children with better education, and helping to ensure that military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors have what they need to thrive. My Administration has also released a comprehensive public health strategy to reduce military and veteran suicides, which will guide our efforts to stand with families and protect the lives of our Nation’s heroes.
To be a veteran or a service member is to have endured and survived challenges most Americans will never know. To be the family of one of those proud patriots is to sacrifice more for our country than most Americans will ever give. During National Veterans and Military Families Month, we pay homage to the unrelenting bravery and dedication of all who wear the uniform and to the unwavering love and support of all who serve alongside them. Families who put their lives on hold so our military can hold the line represent the best of America, and we will always remember what they do for our Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2022 as National Veterans and Military Families Month. I call upon the people of the United States to honor veterans and military families with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
Original statement on the White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/10/31/a-proclamation-on-national-veterans-and-military-families-month-2022/
VMF November 2022 Newsletter
November 2022 |
Newsletter |
Vol. 2, No. 8 |
To view in PDF, click here
The 2022 Veterans Day Poster Contest Winner
"For generations, millions of Americans have answered the call to serve -- taking the sacred oath to defend and preserve our Nation's ideals of liberty and democracy. These patriots represent the best of us. On Veterans Day, we honor their service, dedication, and valor and are forever grateful for their sacrifice.” — President Joe Biden
The Ultimate Veteran's Day Quiz!
Editor’s Message —
Greetings. November 11th Veterans Day is a time we set aside to honor our Veterans. In these volatile times, Veterans' contributions to our American Way of Life are even more evident. The VMF Caucus this year is participating in the National Bells of Peace remembrance (see details below) sponsored by The Doughboys Foundation and we invite every one of our DA members as well as all your acquaintances to participate! Knowing it is often difficult to participate in an event, we are bringing the celebration to you, no matter where you are! You do not need to visit a national cemetery or attend an official program ( but if you have these possibilities, please do!). Everyone, wherever you are on 11/11 at 11 am local time can participate by ringing a bell and if you do not have a bell, you can download the Bells of Peace App and have it ring automatically from your smart device! You can do this alone or with some friends! Take photos of your commemoration and send them to us, so we can document this wonderful event! You can also share your participation on social media using the hashtag #bellsofpeace.
Can we count on you? How incredible it would be to have 100% participation!
Terese Sarno
Editor
ABOUT #BELLS OF PEACE 2022
Toll “Bells of Peace” on 11/11 at 11am local time, and honor all those who served and sacrificed in WWI. Bells of Peace is a U.S. national "bell tolling" remembrance created in collaboration with the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the World War I Armistice, November 11, 2018. The Doughboy Foundation has since promoted it as an annual remembrance of those who served in WWI and of the moment when the guns fell silent, and bells tolled on the Western Front… on the 11th day of the 11th month, at the 11th hour in 1918, after four years of brutal combat.
"No Bells? No Problem!" A great solution is the free Bells of Peace Participation APP that can be used right off your smartphone, with a group of phones or from your phone using a public address system. The App is available for iOS and Android smartphones. Go to the Bells of Peace Participation App page to learn more.
Please join our caucus to show your support for the U.S. military!
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VMF October 2022 Newsletter
October 2022 |
Newsletter |
Vol. 2, No. 7 |
To view in PDF, click here
"MAGA forces are determined to take this country backwards…
Backwards to an America where there is no right to choose, no right to privacy.
No right to contraception, no right to marry who you love.”
— President Joe Biden
Editor’s Message —
Greetings. With the proliferation of false claims regarding election integrity, many states instituted new voting restrictions that have effectively hindered the right to vote for many U.S. citizens. In Florida, for example, voters are faced with very serious barriers when requesting absentee ballots. Congress has yet to pass new voting rights legislation so some states passed their own legislation to ensure voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots.
When signing the John. R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed "At a time when the very foundation of our democracy is under threat, New York is leading the nation with new laws protecting the fundamental right to vote...we honor the work of the late Congressman John Lewis and activists like Medgar Evers as we make meaningful changes to our laws that enfranchise voters and ensure the voices of the people are heard in our democracy. Where the federal government fails to act, New York will continue to step up and lead the way: we did it with abortion protections, we did it with gun safety reforms, and I'm so proud to say we are doing it again with voting rights."
Voting rights are important and Congress needs to pass new nationwide legislation. Citizens need to be encouraged to vote by making Election Day a national holiday and making voting much easier. Standing in long lines for hours after traveling many miles by public buses to a voting location or extreme requirements for submitting absentee ballots make exercising our right to vote very onerous. Don't you cringe when you think of the Georgia law that prohibits people from giving water to voters standing in long lines under the hot sun waiting to vote? What can you do about this?
Vote for candidates who will protect our rights!
Terese Sarno
Editor
"People make their voices heard with their vote. We hold an inauguration to ensure a peaceful transition of power, and those of us lucky enough to serve work as hard as we can for as long as we can, as long as the people choose to keep us here. And once our time is up, we move on…
As much as some folks might want us to believe that story has lost some of its shine — that division and discrimination and everything else might've dimmed its light — I still know, deep in my heart, that what we share, as my husband continues to say, is so much bigger than what we don't. Our democracy is so much stronger than our differences."
–Michelle Obama, 7 September 2022, The White House
Please join our caucus to show your support of the U.S. military!
Read more9/11 Remembrance Memorial, A Powerful Reminder of Unity
Several slides were displayed which offered various ways for persons to become involved in annual 9/11 memorials, including VMF-provided slides on resources available for veterans, military families, first responders, and other Americans wishing to communicate thoughts over 9/11 and possible concerns over depression.
Kee Evans, Chair of both Democrats Abroad Guatemala and the Global VMF Caucus, offered her response to the online get-together. "Knowing that everyone is busy with getting out the vote of Americans abroad and other daily responsibilities, I was pleased so many people took time out of their busy lives to join us on this day of remembrance. I hope next year there's an even larger turnout for Patriot Day as we stick to our promise to 'never forget' September 11th and what it means."
The memorial event included a moment of silence to honor the innocent victims of 9/11, the first responders, the survivors and those affected by family and loved ones lost to the events. It also included a poem by a VMF member, listening to a beautiful rendition of 'America, the Beautiful,' and an open conversation for DA members to share their experiences and reflections from that fateful day in American history. A significant point shared by one member was the importance of staying unified during times of crises, and how Americans strive to work together when it comes to defeating terrorism, prioritizing national security, and lifting the spirits of our families and loved ones.
A sample of the slides presented and photos taken from the event can be seen below.
