News
How VA and Tricare Users Can Get Tested for Coronavirus
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 | Category: Health Care - International
Some of your questions regarding who can be tested, where testing might be available, fees for testing, if any, and additional information is included in this article written by Dorothy Mills-Gregg.
ALS News Today (Higher Rates of ALS Amongst Military Servicemembers & Veterans)
Thursday, July 4, 2019 | Category: Health Care - National
This site offers past and current Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALS) news, inclusive of military veteran-specific news.
Research indicates that there is a higher rate of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALS) amongst individuals who served in the military. In 2008, laws passed making ALS a presumptive compensable illness. Through the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans are rated at a minimum of 100% with access to other supportive benefits to assist them and their families/caregivers with the veteran’s daily care. Veteran families should expect ALS claims to be processed expeditiously. Families can benefit from assistance from veteran service organizations, particularly the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) who have extensive training in working claims for complicated illnesses.
Veterans in the 116th Congress, By the Numbers
Thursday, July 4, 2019 | Category: Legislation - National
When the 2015-2017 114th Congress opened, 101 members (4 women/97 men) had military experience, a steady decline since 2005. The 2018 elections (116th Congress) halted this decline with more than 150 veterans running for the U.S. House of Representatives, more than 75 elected,16 serving their first terms 3 of whom are women joining the House. The 116th congress will include 95 total veterans (6 women),18 in the Senate (2 women) and 77 (4 women) in the House. In 2012 and 2014, 12 and in 2016 14 veteran first-termers were elected. Read this article for more details.
New Congressional Caucus to Focus on Servicewomen, Female Vets
Thursday, July 4, 2019 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
A new Congressional initiative, the House Servicewomen and Women Veterans Congressional Caucus, was launched on Capitol Hill to address long-standing issues impacting the fastest growing military cohort. They plan to focus on “growing issues facing female servicemembers and veterans today, from concerns of reports of increased sexual assaults in the ranks to more women serving in combat to health care.”
The caucus is chaired and co-chaired by women veterans.
Memorial/Decoration Day Remembrance
Monday, May 27, 2019 | Category: History/Heritage - International
Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.
33 Fallen Service Members June 2018-May 2019
Monday, May 27, 2019 | Category: History/Heritage - National
Thirty-three volunteer service members lost their lives in overseas conflicts June 2018-May 2019. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) invite all to join them in a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. local time every Memorial Day. The IAVA “#GoSilent” campaign began in 2011.
22nd Annual Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues & Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
The “22nd Annual Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony” will be hosted at “the Women’s Memorial,” Arlington Cemetery, Washington D.C.
As information becomes available, it will be posted on this site.
Conference Sparks Dialogue on Preventing Sexual Violence at Service Academies, Colleges
Thursday, April 4, 2019 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - National
Military service secretaries and service academy superintendents along with other higher education academic leaders and experts met at the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland this week. The intent of the conference was “to find ways to prevent sexual violence and to share initiatives that have shown promise.” This “National Discussion on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at America’s Colleges, Universities, and Service Academies” is the first-ever national meeting addressing this subject. Over 300 attended, about 10 percent of the 1200 invited universities were represented.
In January 2019, the results of a survey showed a 50 percent rise in claims of sexual assault and harassment at the military service academies.
Examining the Role of the Commander in Sexual Assault
Tuesday, April 2, 2019 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - National
On April 2, 2019, the House Armed Services Committee hosted two panels composed of military justice reform advocates, military sexual assault survivors and military Judge Advocates. Congresswoman Jackie Spier made opening remarks, noting that the number of reported sexual assaults in the military continues to rise significantly while prosecutions and convictions have decreased. The American Bar Association along with Protect Our Defenders reinforced their position that until the decision to prosecute is made by independent attorneys and not military commanders with convening authority, there will not be an impartial military justice system free of retaliation and wrongful discharges for military personnel.
Women’s History Month 2019
Friday, March 1, 2019 | Category: History/Heritage - National
The month of March is national “Women’s History Month,” a time dedicated to learn more about women and recognize their innumerable lifetime contributions. Women with military service are a vibrant part of this memorable journey.