What Events Are Coming Up of VMF Interest?

Oct. 29: VA online event: Virtual Coffee Social Hour for Women Veterans (see above)

Oct. 29: VA online event: “Unstuck” Your FOIA Request

Oct. 30: VMF “Office Hours” at 4:00 AM ET: Get all your VMF questions answered on this brief Zoom call. RSVP here

Nov. 4: VA online event: An Introduction to Commonly Used VA Databases

Nov. 6: online CDP event: Exploring the Importance of Military Culture in Clinical Settings

Nov. 6: VA online event: "Reclaiming Native Truth" with Gregorio Kishketon during Native American Heritage Month

Nov. 7: In-person event at Camp Humphreys (S. Korea): Baby Expo 2024 - Open to all DOD ID holders who are new or expectant parents of children 12 months and younger

Nov. 7: Webinar: An Orientation to Legal Research Webinar: Federal Legislative History

Nov. 8: Webinar: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) - Online training to help prevent suicide

Nov. 9: Dems Abroad Global VMF Caucus meeting, 7:00 a.m. ET (Webex link to join at the top of the VMF Newsletter for November 2024)

Nov. 11: Veterans’ Day: “Bells of Peace” event. All VMF members are encouraged to take a “selfie” photo with or next to a bell at 11:11 on November 11, and share with us afterwards (via [email protected]). The Bells of Peace campaign is an annual event organized by the Doughboy Foundation to honor the service and sacrifice of WWI service members and to promote a world of peace among humankind.

Nov. 12: Dems Abroad Germany VMF Caucus virtual event: The Ghost Army with Rick Beyer - "Rick Beyer, who made the PBS documentary, ‘The Ghost Army’ and co-authored the book, ‘The Ghost Army of World War II’ will recount how the Ghost Army pulled off their mind-blowing deceptions, and the ways in which the story continues to resonate 80 years later." Please RSVP beforehand.

Nov. 20: Online event: Hiring Our Heroes: Military Spouse Fellowships Information Session

Nov. 27: VMF “Office Hours” at 3:00 PM ET: Get all your VMF questions answered on this brief Zoom call. RSVP here

Dec. 3: Online VA event: How many chiropractic visits does it take to help Veterans with chronic low back pain? Part 1: Characteristics of VERDICT

Dec. 14: Dems Abroad VMF Caucus meeting, 2:00 p.m. ET

★★★

What Have Americans Been Voicing Lately?

Opinion: Fact Check: Trump’s Misleading Warning About Overseas Voters

Opinion (GA): Trump’s latest lies are an insult to military families everywhere

Opinion (PA): Vance’s ‘stories’ have unhappy endings

Opinion (MT): No response from [GOP candidate] Sheehy

Opinion: (Op-Ed): Donald Trump turns on a firehose of lies as the election nears. It matters

Opinion (PA): Republicans' nonsense

Opinion (Op-Ed): Our military deserves to vote. Trump's trying to suppress their right to do so.

Opinion (OR): Trump shows no respect for military

Opinion (PA): Veterans are deeply disturbed at Republican attempts to block the votes of those serving overseas

Opinion (AZ/Op-Ed): Por la familia, todo: Ruben Gallego on Running to be Arizona’s First Latino Senator

Opinion (AZ/Op-Ed): Por la familia, todo: Ruben Gallego sobre su candidatura para ser el primer senador latino de Arizona

Opinion (WI): Conservative veteran will not follow blind party devotion in presidential election

Opinion (SC/Editorial): Vote to send Moore to Congress

Opinion (VA): Hold Trump accountable at ballot box

Opinion (NH): Veterans fought for our vote and still do

Opinion (Op-Ed): In an unpredictable election, one thing is certain – Trump will lie about it

Opinion (OK): Veterans want to be seen as partners in strengthening communities

Opinion (NM/Op-Ed): I am committed to ensuring our veterans have the support and care they need to thrive

Opinion (UK): Outside of America, trying to make sense of Trump voters

Opinion (Op-Ed): Veterans health records need progress, not congressional sabotage

Opinion (MT): This vet says vote for Democrats for the sake of democracy

Opinion (Op-Ed): Donald Trump Is Losing Veterans' Votes. Here's Why

Opinion (OR): Trump has lost the confidence of veterans

Opinion (Op-Ed): Trump can vote despite his felony conviction. Millions of other Americans can't.

Opinion (WA): Veterans have earned the services they receive. Electing Trump would endanger them

Opinion (Op-Ed): Justice for veterans sickened at Camp Lejeune can’t wait any longer. Congress must act now.

Opinion (MO): Veteran voting Democrat, shares views

Opinion (Editorial/FL): Elect Democrat Alexcia Cox for State Attorney

Opinion (NY): Democrats offer best hope for keeping strong democratic republic, rather than authoritative state

Opinion (Editorial/TX): Boot the absentee congressman. Here’s our pick for Texas District 38.

Opinion (OH): I can’t vote for anyone who refers to our veterans as ‘suckers’

Opinion (WA): Trump's character flaws are numerous and obvious. Tri-Citians should reject him

Opinion (Editorial/TX): Texas House Rep. Philip Cortez (D) should continue representing District 117

Opinion (PA/Op-Ed): After a decade of crisis, veterans still need better health care.

Opinion (MN): Don't put political signs in veteran cemeteries

Opinion (Editorial/MN): Minnesota should reelect bipartisan-minded, hard-working Sen. Klobuchar

Opinion (WI): No support for veterans from Trump

Opinion (PA): Bob Casey stands shoulder to shoulder with veterans

Opinion (Op-Ed): Project 2025’s War on Veterans

Opinion (OR): Disheartened to see vets vote for Trump

Opinion (Europe): An American veteran and his wife just want to live a normal life abroad

Opinion (S.Africa): US expats, step up and make your vote count

Opinion (Op-Ed): Overseas US voters get ignored by political campaigns − but could be crucial supporters

Opinion (Op-Ed): From Combat to Courtroom: How Criminal Justice Fails Our Veterans

Opinion (MO): Veterans deserve our gratitude, not scorn from Trump

Opinion (Editorial): The Only Patriotic Choice for President

Opinion (Op-Ed): Support Our National Security By Supporting Military Families

Opinion (CA): Candidates: veterans need better health care

Opinion (Op-Ed): Trump lost the respect of veterans – including me. He's a risk to our democracy.

Opinion (NM): Reader implores that Herrell does not support veterans

Opinion (Editorial): The Post endorses Eugene Vindman for House in Virginia’s 7th District

Opinion (Op-Ed): The Ships for America Act would be good for the Navy as well

Opinion (CO): [Commissioner] Matt Salka (D) supports veterans and community

Opinion (Op-Ed): U.S. citizens aren’t guaranteed the right to vote. Just ask the people of Guam.

Opinion (ME): Supporting Stephan Bunker (D) for state representative

Opinion (IL): Because of Trump, this not just another election

Opinion (Canada): Donald Trump’s attack on overseas voters is erroneous and dangerous

Opinion (PA): Can't vote for someone who disrespects military

Opinion (Editorial/CA): The Bee Editorial Board endorses a veteran prosecutor for the California Assembly

Opinion (PA): Military generals' endorsement of Harris is telling

★★★

Other Recent News of VMF Interest

Dems Abroad Statement: Dems Abroad dismisses Trump rant on overseas voting

Dems Abroad Statement: Republican Desperation in Full View as they Careen From Threatening Americans Abroad to Pandering

Dems Abroad Statement: Reproductive Rights Initiatives in 10 States

DCCC Press Release: York Dispatch: U.S. Rep. Scott Perry [R-PA-10], a veteran, voted absentee while serving abroad. Now, he’s challenging military voting

Press Release: Leader Jeffries: "Extreme MAGA Republicans and Donald Trump can run from Project 2025, but we will never let them hide"

Article: American expat votes in Canada could ‘change everything’: election expert

TX Dems’ Press Release: “I Asked Ted Cruz to Help Free My Son [and veteran] Trevor Reed. He Did Nothing”

Article: Irish voters could swing US election - and they are much more likely to vote for one candidate

DSCC Press Release: DSCC Launches New Radio Ad Against Tim Sheehy: “Veterans”

Article: How is the Harris Campaign Seeking to Attract American Voters Abroad?

Article: How voters in Ireland experiencing 'political awakening' could swing the US election

Article: US citizens abroad, if the thought of Donald Trump as the next president of U.S. scares you, vote now!

DAGA Press Release: Dan Bishop shamelessly continues to support Mark Robinson

DCCC Press Release: DISGRACEFUL: [U.S. Rep.] Scott Perry [R-PA-10] Attempts To Disenfranchise Overseas Military Personnel

Article: March to the majority? Mass. Rep. Moulton marshals vets to run, win

Article: 'Scots people should care who US president is' says American in Scotland

DNC Press Release: Vance Doubles Down on Election Denial Lies as Trump Threatens to Use Military Against “Enemy Within”

Article: Democrats, Republicans Court Voters Across the Border From Swing States

Article: In campaign swing, Baldwin and Duckworth call for improved veterans benefits

SC Dems’ Press Release: South Carolina Democrats Cheer Governor Tim Walz’s Decisive Win on the Debate Stage

Article: Republicans challenge legitimacy of overseas votes, including military

IL Dems’ Press Release: DPI Reacts to the Vice Presidential Debate Where JD Vance Wouldn’t Admit to the 2020 Election Results

Article: With razor-thin margins, postal votes from Ireland could decide who wins US presidential election

WI Dems’ Press Release: [GOP Senate Candidate] Eric Hovde Unveils Hovde Plan: Cuts to Social Security, Medicare & Veterans’ Benefits

Article: US citizens from across Malaga province unite for Democrats Abroad meeting

DAGA Press Release: Washington Dem AG candidate Nick Brown endorsed by The Columbian

Article: Time for US citizens to vote

Article: How a Harris win in US election could depend on Democrats in London

IA Dems’ Press Release: Lanon Baccam Puts Iowans First As He Delivers Winning Debate

Article: Democrats Abroad spending up to entice American citizens overseas to back Kamala Harris as next US president

DAGA Press Release: Charlotte Observer ed board endorses Jeff Jackson for North Carolina AG

Article: Calling US Voters in Costa Rica and Beyond

VMF Tip 1: Living abroad and thinking about filing a VA claim? You don’t ever have to pay a cent to receive trained and professional help – reach out to a free, VA-accredited, veterans’ service officer here. That individual should have a PIV card and access to VBMS. (1. What is a VA-accredited veterans’ service officer? 2. What is a PIV card? 3. What is VBMS?)

VMF Tip 2: If a veteran living abroad has passed away and you need to notify the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA), please contact VA’s Regional Office in Pittsburgh (this office handles overseas issues) at (412) 395-6272 from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, and they can take your report of the veteran’s passing and discuss any and all burial and survivor benefits available. 

VMF Tip 3: Don’t forget! All male U.S. citizens at least 18 years old – including those living abroad – must register with the U.S. Selective Service System. If you know of someone who fits these criteria, please let them know that registration is a requirement per U.S. law.

VMF Messaging Reminder: One of Donald “Nobody Loves The Troops More Than Me” Trump’s consistent messages on the campaign trail is how “no service member died” under his watch. If you hear this argument, remind them that Trump’s first actions as president was to order a military raid in Yemen which resulted in multiple deaths including a Navy S.E.A.L. and a U.S. citizen child—despite President Obama’s recommendation that Trump not proceed with that botched mission.

Teaching Resource for Veterans’ Day 2024: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Day National Committee are pleased to provide you with this Teachers Resource Guide

For veterans and potential VA beneficiaries: Please note that in order to receive a VHA ID card or pursue other VA services, you’ll have to prove your identify and living abroad situation by getting approved through ID.me. You can start the process here.

With recent hurricanes, wildfires, floods and more, do you know a veteran stateside in need of disaster assistance?

Resources are available for veterans, dependents, survivors and caregivers who have experienced a natural disaster. Whether you are receiving VA disability, a VA pension, education benefits, a VA home loan or insurance, VA is here to help you and protect your benefits. Access disaster assistance and resources here.

Asistencia en circunstancias de catástrofes para los veteranos

Para cualquier emergencia, llame al 911. Se espera que el huracán Milton alcance Florida en las últimas horas del martes o en las primeras horas del miércoles, y actualmente se clasifica como una tormenta de categoría 5. Puede seguirlo a través de Milton resources| Oficina Nacional de Administración Oceánica y Atmosférica (noaa.gov). Se anticipa que el huracán provocará daños significativos y las instalaciones de VA estarán cerradas o se verán afectadas. Haga clic aquí.

Article: These Americans voted from the ends of the Earth—and beyond

Article: VP Harris backs plan to provide medical care for military PFAS victims

Article: Veterans Supreme Court hears arguments on veterans benefits appeals rules

Article: Rep. Clay Higgins’ (R-LA-3) Extremely Racist Tweet Is Only the Tip of the Iceberg

Article: SoS Benson [D-MI] statement on successful effort to uphold the voting rights of Michigan's military and overseas citizens

Article: Families of veterans face growing emotional and financial toll in providing care

Article: He saved 200 lives on D-Day, and was finally honored for his heroism

Article: Can I vote for the president online?

Article: Law enforcement officials prepare for possible post-election violence in D.C.

Article: Facts and Myths About the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act

Handbook: The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has published an updated version of the Wounded, Ill, and/or Injured Compensation and Benefits Handbook for Service Members of the Armed Forces. This handbook provides service members and their support network with a reference guide to answer some of the most pressing questions that arise for wounded, ill, and/or injured service members. This update replaces all previous versions.

Press Release: DOD Announces Health Care Supplement Program Pilot for DOD Civilian Employees in Japan

Article: Trump calls 6 January 'day of love' when asked about Capitol riot

Blog Post: American Overseas the Door Is Closing for Voting

Article: VA employees improperly accessed medical files of Vance and Walz

Article: House measure would end rule that limits time DOD civilians can keep overseas jobs

Article: Here Is the 2025 Pay Raise for Disabled Veterans and Military Retirees

Article: Americans in both parties are concerned over the impact of AI on the 2024 presidential campaign

Article: Trump overcharged Secret Service agents to stay at his D.C. hotel, new Democratic report says

Article: VA is updating its AI suicide risk model to reach more women

Article: Beyond the call: Understanding the Veterans Crisis Line

Article: Election group says 1 in 5 voters with disabilities encounter barriers when voting in person

Article: Full List of House Republicans at Risk of Losing Their Seats

Article: U.S. and Philippines Hold Naval Drills with Allies in the South China Sea

Article: Advocates for overseas military families, ex-pats push back against GOP suits over absentee votes

Article: A conspiracy theory about overseas voting spread from an election denial website to Trump — and now to the MAGA media infrastructure

Article: Q&A: How will AI impact elections? We asked Minnesota's top election official

Article: Can someone find out who you voted for? No. Here is what you should know

Article: Fact check: 12 election lies Trump is using to set the stage to dispute a potential 2024 defeat

Press Release: Navy & Marine Corps Exceeded FY24 Recruiting Goals

Article: Arizona native and Wonder Woman actress, Lynda Carter, endorses sister's opponents | 2024 Election

Article: Trump pledges to revert Fort Liberty to Confederate general name

Article: What to Expect After a Medical Retirement from the Military

Press Release: Celebrate U.S. Veterans this Holiday Season by Collecting Their Stories

Article: Global Careers: Expanding Employment for Spouses Abroad

Article: Smaller But More Diverse Group of Veterans Running for Congress This Year

Article: Get the Facts About Mental Health and Security Clearances

Veteran’s Social Media Post: Living as a service-connected veteran in the Dominican Republic

Article: Republicans face backlash for lawsuits targeting overseas and military voting

Article: Veterans vent frustrations, support resolution seeking VA regional office on Guam

Article: Overseas Americans could swing the election

Article: Voters with disabilities are feeling ignored by presidential candidates

Article: New Bill Shines Light on Legacy: Expanding VA Burial Benefits for Military Families

Article: House unanimously passes Strickland military life insurance bill

Press Release: Ranking Member Takano and Democratic members call for VA action on treating and compensating veterans exposed to blast overpressure

Press Release: Tester, Takano, Blumenthal Call on VA to Ensure Toxic-Exposed K-2 Veterans Receive Earned Benefits

Press Release: Strickland (D-WA-10), Moore (R-UT-1) introduce bipartisan legislation to address military housing affordability

Press Release: Governor Moore (D-MD) Announces $2.2 Million to Support Small, Minority, and Veteran-Owned Business Growth

Press Release: Governor Newsom (D-CA) signs legislation to support California’s veterans

Press Release: Cassidy (R-LA), Hirono (D-HI) introduce bill to improve health care for veterans

Press Release: Duckworth (D-IL) joins Tillis (R-NC) and Blumenthal (D-CT) in introducing bipartisan legislation to help eliminate barrier to justice for Camp Lejeune victims

Article: Newest DoDEA school brings the future of education to children overseas

Article: New liberty rules ban Japan-based troops from off-base drinking establishments after 1 a.m.

Article: The next vice president will be a veteran. Could this help end the suicide epidemic?

Press Release: Getting Telemedicine Care Overseas With TRICARE

Article: Worst DJ Ever: How Donald Trump Threw the Most Disastrous Dance Party in American Political History

Article: Why overseas voters are getting so much attention in the 2024 US election

Article: Governor Pritzker approves Kifowit-sponsored bill creating veterans' benefits posters for workplace break rooms

Article: Kaiserslautern Teacher Recognized as 2025 DoDEA Teacher of the Year

Article/Audio: As fears about election security grow, military veterans are filling as poll workers

Article: Veterans, troops targeted in Iran-backed disinformation campaign ahead of US election

Article: Republican lawsuits target rules for overseas voters, but those ballots are already sent

Article: Trump Is Running a Disinformation Campaign, Not a Political Campaign

Article: Remembrance Down Under: Australia remembers America’s World War II dead as well as its own.

Article: ‘The kindest person’: Camp Humphreys schools lose beloved speech teacher to cancer

Attention military voters (i.e. servicemembers, military spouses) – our friends at the nonpartisan organization Secure Families Initiative are currently collecting important data on your experience with the Voting Assistance Officer assigned to your duty station. If you can spare a few minutes, please take their survey here.

Article: Military Families Stand Guard for Democracy: New Survey Reveals 'State of Democracy and Corruption' as Top Issue

Article: The SEAL vs. the Chairman: Why Veterans Issues Matter in the Montana Senate Race

Article: Trump describes traumatic brain injuries sustained by U.S. troops in Iraq as a ‘headache’

Article: Space Force blasts first guardian into space

Article: Former GOP senator endorses Harris

Article: Why Harris’ support from retired U.S. military leaders matters

Podcast: Kai on the military and climate change

Article: Americans in Thailand to cast 2024 ballots outside US Embassy

Recent Study: A Tension: Fortifying Usability While Safeguarding Voter Independence in Military Voting Solutions

Article: Military Made: Three Veteran Astronauts Going to Space

Press Release: WWII fallen’s son visits Sicily-Rome American Cemetery alongside WWII veterans

Article: R.I.P. Kris Kristofferson: Actor, Singer and U.S. Army veteran

Article: Illinois' Eugene Baltes, oldest living American WWII veteran, celebrates 110th birthday

White Paper: Gaining the Advantage: Resolving Staffing Issues by Actively Recruiting Military Veterans

Article: Pro-Trump Ad Touting American Workers Uses Photos of Workers Overseas

Press Release: Gov. Whitmer (D-MI) Honors Native American Veterans Day

Article: Intelligence Officials Say US Adversaries Are Targeting Congressional Races with Disinformation

Article: Michigan judge rebuffs GOP bid to block ballots of some overseas, military family voters

IA Dems’ Press Release: Miller-Meeks Refuses to Move to Her Own District, Rents Apartment from Major Campaign Donor

Master’s Thesis: Moral injury in military corrections

Article: Here are all the veterans running for Congress in 2024

Press Release: Soldier Accounted for from WWII (Zarifian, J.)

Press Release: Soldier Accounted for from WWII (Andrews, R.)

Press Release: Marine Accounted for from Vietnam (Forrester, R.)

Article: She sought to prove her grandfather was poisoned at Camp Lejeune. Records she found could help thousands.

Article: Veterans Issues Explained: What Americans Need to Know

OF NOTE: On September 25, Congress passed H.R. 9747, a "continuing resolution" (legislation to prevent a government shutdown) which includes extending authorization to VA's Regional Office in Manila, the Philippines, to 9/30/2025 (see Section 333 of the bill). On September 26, President Biden signed it into law.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed it 341 - 82. How did your Representative vote? Check here.

The U.S. Senate passed it 78 - 18. How did your Senators vote? Check here.