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!
ADVOCACY
VA closes gap in survivor benefits for LGBTQ+ Veterans and survivors October 13, 2022
What you need to know about VA benefits in the aftermath of Hurricanes Fiona and Ian
White House releases blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights
Warrior Call Day Sunday After Veterans Day
Online medical debt relief application now available
Free legal services for Veterans, service members
White Ribbon VA Pledge with VA Secretary Denis McDonough
Veterans can get tools, resources at Military OneSource
Veterans receive free access to online small business library
VA librarians working to get Veteran information to community libraries
How the PACT Act is Already Helping Veterans
NOVEMBER is
National Veteran & Military Families Month
National Family Caregivers Month
Warrior Care Month
November 1-5 National Veterans Small Business Week
November 3 Interview Prep Workshop USO MVP Zoom 1600 CET
November 4 Mindfulness Meditation - 11a.m. to noon ET
November 6 Daylight Savings Time ends
November 8 ELECTION DAY
November 8 Federal Resumé Workshop USO MVP 1700 CET
November 9 VMF Caucus Meeting 0700 EST WebEx link
November 9 World Freedom Day
November 9 Milspouse Resumé Workshop USO MVP Zoom 1700 CET
November 10 US Marine Corps 246th Birthday
November 11 - Veterans Day Annual remembrance National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C. in person or online at 10:30am Eastern LIVE STREAM YouTube.Com/c/TheDoughboyFoundation Bells of Peace is observed at the 11th hour (local time) of the 11th day of the 11th month.
November 13 - National Warrior Call Day
November 15 SkillBridge Info Session USO MVP Zoom 1700 CET
Traveling in the U.S. in November?
Veterans Day 2022 free meals, discounts and offers
Veterans Day 2022 Parades, Events and More
Thank you for your service! The National Park Service and Operation Live Well thank military personnel and their families for their service and invite them to enjoy their national parks.
Upcoming DA Activities
Voting issue or question?
Contact [email protected].
“Those who wish well to the State ought to choose to places of trust men of inward principle, justified by exemplary conversation. . . .And the people in general ought to have regard to the moral character of those whom they invest with authority either in the legislative, executive, or judicial branches.” John Witherspoon, 1815
November 2022
November 8: General Election
November 8: Special General Election–California U.S. Senate, Oklahoma U.S. Senate
November 8: Louisiana Open Primary Election
December 2022
December 6: Arkansas General Runoff, Georgia General Runoff
December 10: Louisiana General Election
WHAT’S CONGRESS UP TO?
H.R. 5918 To amend title 38, United States Code to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs repays members of the Armed Forces for certain contributions made by such members towards Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes passed by the House of Representatives September 28, 2022; September 29, 2022-Received in the Senate, read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
H.R. 7589 REMOVE Copays Act - September 28 passed by House of Representatives
H.R. 8510 Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act
Passed by House Sept. 29, 2022 after being edited and passed by Senate Sep. 19, 2022. Latest Action: Senate - October 11, 2022- Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Democratic lawmakers, veterans groups urge the VA do more to provide abortion services
A letter, dated October 7, 2022, from several House Democrats (including all Dem HVAC members) to OPM regarding VA's regulation rule on abortion services.
US military policy changes to protect abortion access, defend providers against legal trouble
Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care Memorandum from the Secretary of Defense
Biden urges voters to elect Democrats to protect abortion rights
Who are the 195 veterans running for Congress in 2022?
What's in the so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill that could impact the whole country
What to know now that Biden's student debt relief is temporarily blocked (October 22, 2022)
Help Reshape VA’s Mission Statement
Take the Student Veterans of America (SVA) survey
“Democrats believe America must continue to have the strongest military in the world…Our country has a sacred, moral responsibility to keep faith with all our veterans and wounded warriors. We must take care of those who have put their lives on the line to defend us.” DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM
VETERANS’ ISSUES
Health
VA extends delay of electronic health record launch to June 2023
VA's burn pit registry ineffective in helping veterans seek care, new report finds
Women Veterans health care: Reasons to consider VA
Health care coverage options for military veterans
Online Health Library Available for Veterans
New feature expands Veterans’ ability to customize VA profile
Smartphone check-in now at most VA health facilities
Simulation leads to improved care for Veterans
Genetic research sheds new light on Veteran suicide risk
Smartphone check-in now at most VA health facilities
VA accelerates effort to get new employees at their jobs to keep up with health care demands
Mindfulness Meditation - Join VA’s free, phone-based class Designed for Veterans of all eras, this class will help you manage the challenges and stressors of everyday life. Each class covers a topic related to mindfulness with a guided meditation practice. Classes are available from 11a.m. to noon ET on these upcoming days: November 4, December 2, January 6, and February 3. Join any or all classes.
Education
How Biden’s loan forgiveness could impact Army student loan incentives
Military Families Resources for Young Children | Sesame Street
The WWI Memorial "Virtual Explorer” for use at home or in school
The USO's Military Virtual Programming Series
DoD Schools Ranked Best in the United States on Nation's Report Card
Veteran Recognition
107-year-old World War II veteran receives Silver Star
How a 12-year-old tricked the Navy into letting him fight in WWII
Employing homeless Veterans: We all have a job to do
Click here for our Spotlight Interviews with Veterans by Wiesbaden HS Students
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.
Here is the WebEx link for Wednesday November 9 at 0700 EST (Rotation 1).
SUGGESTION BOX
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Have you verified that your ballot arrived? 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) |
