As a veteran, you’re likely wondering about the future of your benefits. You’ve earned these veterans benefits, and it’s important to understand how potential changes might impact your healthcare, disability compensation, and other support. This post discusses Trump’s 2025 plan for Veteran benefits, potential impacts, and various perspectives to help veterans make sense of it all. With Trump elected in 2024, accurate information is crucial.

Understanding the Context of Trump’s 2025 Plan

Trump’s 2025 approach to veteran benefits builds upon his first presidency. This includes initiatives like the MISSION Act, expanding access to community-based outpatient clinics, and VA accountability measures. Analyzing these past actions provides insight into his vision.

These proposals fall under Project 2025, a conservative agenda from former Trump administration officials. While Trump claims no knowledge of Project 2025, its potential policy influence deserves attention.

Analyzing Key Proposals in Trump’s 2025 Plan For Veteran Benefits

VA Healthcare

Trump’s 2025 plan emphasizes healthcare choices for veterans. This involves expanding options through community care. Some believe this offers faster, more convenient access, especially in rural areas with limited VA facilities.

Others raise concerns about healthcare costs and whether increased community care spending would take away from current VA medical services.

VA Disability Ratings

VA disability ratings are a hot topic among veterans. Some worry about increased automation in claims processing. While potentially increasing efficiency, it may hinder fair evaluations for veterans.

Concerns exist that automated systems may not fully grasp the complexities of service-connected medical conditions.

Addressing Veteran Suicide

Veteran suicide rates remain alarmingly high. While both parties aim to reduce veteran suicide, they propose different approaches. This creates political division where veterans’ mental health is at stake.

Bipartisan efforts are crucial to effectively address this critical issue and support veterans’ well-being.

Project 2025 and its Potential Influence on Trump’s 2025 Plan For Veteran Benefits

Project 2025 proposes significant changes to the Veterans Administration. Restructuring and potentially shrinking the VA is a key proposal. This raises concerns about job security for VA employees, many of whom are veterans themselves.

Project 2025 also suggests changes to service-connected disability qualifications. Stricter review periods raise fears among veterans. There are also concerns regarding potential reduced benefits for veterans with disabilities.

Another contentious area involves reproductive healthcare. Project 2025 promotes stricter stances on abortion services. This raises concerns about access to crucial health services for women veterans.

Additional Considerations

Beyond healthcare and disability, Trump’s potential plans include additional aspects. Veteran employment in government jobs is a crucial area to consider.

Veteran Employment in Government Jobs

Job security is a primary focus for veterans in federal government jobs. About 30% of federal workers are veterans. Proposals to shrink government agencies raise concerns about decreased job opportunities. Many veterans rely on steady federal employment.

These government jobs offer veterans stability and fulfill an agreement of secure employment after military service. Decreasing agency size often translates to unfilled vacancies.

Navigating the Information Landscape Surrounding Veteran Benefits

It’s crucial for veterans to discern factual information about benefits. There are many eye-catching headlines that may be untrue or misleading.

Conclusion

Trump’s 2025 plan for Veteran benefits has substantial implications. This information clarifies the proposals. Veterans need to understand potential changes to VA benefits, healthcare, and services.

Understanding the possible changes affecting Washington DC veterans’ service, healthcare access, and benefits administration is vital. Veterans who have served on active duty and now have a disability status should consider the potential effects on their lives and seek information to remain well-informed about changes under Trump’s plan. By understanding the nuances of this plan, veterans can actively participate in shaping the future of the services and support they deserve.

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Veterans File Class Action Lawsuit Against the DoD: Here’s What to Know

(Updated: February 2, 2025  )

A group of U.S.  Veterans have busted a huge hole in the wall of neglect, fighting for acknowledgement and fair pay for illnesses spawned by toxic burn pits during their time in the military.  Following toxic exposure, service members are coming forward to demand better medical care and benefits, citing the government’s failure to acknowledge the extent of their suffering. 

Burn pits, those haphazard improvised landfills found in the war-torn environment, carry a deadly legacy. Flared-off plastics, chemicals, and other pollutants choked the air, setting the stage for severe respiratory problems and chronic diseases in soldiers and civilians – aftermaths of crude convenience gone horribly wrong. Veterans exposed to these conditions have long argued that their medical needs and disability claims are not being sufficiently addressed.

At the crux of the lawsuit lies this core disagreement. 

A staggering oversight in the military’s evaluation process is uncovered by a recent lawsuit, which finds veterans shortchanged after exposure to toxic burn pits. While some veterans have been diagnosed with illnesses like cancer, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory issues, many claim they were denied medical retirements, which would have ensured them lifelong benefits and healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

At the heart of these denials, claim the plaintiffs, is a broken system that shortsightedly dismisses the lasting scars of toxic encounters. Many veterans who fought for their country now feel brushed aside in their darkest hour.

Policy reforms taking shape, regulations rewritten, and a system in transformation – that’s legislative progress in motion.

As policymakers take aim at toxic exposure among service members, a slew of new laws have sparked a potent reaction – this lawsuit being the latest rallying cry. The Holding true to our commitment, we proudly stand by the PACT Act. By making it official in 2022, lawmakers took a major stride in the right direction. VA healthcare and benefits became more attainable for veterans dealing with burn pit-related conditions, as the need for direct causation was removed from the equation.

However, critics argue that while the PACT Act has opened doors, it has not retroactively corrected issues for veterans whose medical retirements were previously denied. A thorough examination of the evaluation process is what this lawsuit is after, with the goal of reshaping it from the ground up.

As minds awaken, a shared sense of responsibility takes hold, cultivating a culture of awareness.

Organizations like Burn Pits 360, a nonprofit advocating for affected veterans, have been instrumental in raising public awareness. Pushing for real accountability, they reveal the heart-wrenching aftermath of burn pit exposure, sounding the alarm for someone, anyone, to take responsibility.

A recent report by the VA indicates that over 3.5 million veterans may have been exposed to burn pits during service. Significant ground has been covered, but experts insist that the work is far from finished when it comes to recognizing and treating these conditions.

Consider this: what starts as a single ripple becomes a tidal wave of circumstances.

What’s at stake in this lawsuit is a total makeover of the military and VA’s approach to handling toxic exposure claims – a major win could lead to sweeping reforms. What’s at stake is more than just clearing a backlog of claims – it’s about recognizing the sacrifices made by our veterans and giving them the helping hand they need.

No veteran should be left in the dark – every service member deserves to be counted and cared for.

As we regroup and recharge, our collective energy revives, we confront fresh hurdles, and channel that momentum into purposeful action.

For many veterans, the road to justice is long and arduous, as the lawsuit vividly illustrates; they face stubborn resistance in getting the medical care they need for service-related health issues. Legal battles are rarely walks in the park, but this one’s different – it’s a call to arms for fair treatment and acknowledgment of those who’ve put their country above all.

The projected pay raise for 2025 is 4.5% for most service members. This is just a projection. The final military pay increase hinges on political factors and legislative processes.

The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) directly affects military pay. COLA is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of inflation. A 2.5% COLA increase has already been decided. However, lawmakers are currently attempting to increase this, potentially to a military pay raise percentage between 4-5%. This would offset the higher costs for armed services.

The 4.5% baseline has general support. However, proposals for higher raises, especially for junior enlisted personnel, are being considered.

Recruiting challenges are the main driver. The House Armed Services Committee (HCAS) suggests that a pay increase may address recruitment and retention concerns. The HCAS cited an average yearly base pay rate near $24,000 as the concern, however it remains unclear if it will include a pay raise to basic allowance.

Non-taxable allowances, such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), are not factored into base pay. The proposed changes may increase a service member’s budget by about $500 each month. Reports of food insecurity amongst some junior enlisted spouses have intensified the Congressional debate.

Despite the proposed plan increase, the military compensation package remains unfinalized.

 Arguments Against Targeted Raises

Opponents raise concerns about pay compression. This occurs when pay gaps between junior and senior enlisted narrow. Those with specialized skills may feel unfairly compensated compared to lower-skilled troops with smaller pay increases. They suggest postponing the decision for further review.

The 2025 pay changes will affect military retirees and veterans receiving disability payments, including survivor benefit plan payments. These increases are partially dependent upon COLA adjustments, according to an article on Military.com .

Disabled veterans will also see payment changes. The exact change will depend on the veteran’s specific COLA bracket, potentially starting as low as 2.5%. The final amount will vary according to an individual’s disability compensation rate.

 Adjustments for Survivor Benefit Plan Recipients

Those receiving survivor benefits will also see adjustments. The COLA changes for retirees or survivor benefit recipients depend on when the veteran left service.

Increases primarily rely on COLA, tied to the CPI. Outside factors, such as civilian sector increases, can also be considered by House committee recommendations. These could create a higher military pay raise percentage than COLA percentages suggest.

I can’t offer financial advice or predictions. I can discuss potential overall effects. Paycheck and monthly earnings for enlisted members depend on military pay grade, service time, and allowances such as BAH and BAS.

Determine how the COLA and military pay increase will impact your pay grade. Then, factor in existing earnings, taxes, and deductions. This gives your actual monthly income.

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‘Complete the Mission Act’ Veteran Bill Introduced: Transforming Veteran Healthcare

Last Updated: December 20, 2024 [published on Military.net] 

The Complete the Mission Act signifies progress in veterans’ healthcare access. The bill was introduced in December, 2024, and is an extension to the Mission Act legislation that was signed into law in June 2018. The act addresses issues within the VA healthcare system. It gives veterans more healthcare choices.

In 2014, long wait times for VA appointments highlighted the need for reform. The Complete the Mission Act emerged to put veterans’ needs first. With broad support, it passed Congress with bipartisan approval. This Act strives to provide care veterans while improving access to care.

The 2024 Complete the Mission Act introduces vital changes and expands on the 2018 Mission Act. It impacts various aspects of veteran healthcare.

Expanded Access to Community Care

The act expands the Veterans Community Care Program. This lets eligible veterans receive care from community providers when the VA cannot timely provide it. This gives Veterans Community Care access to providers outside of the VA.

Veterans can now seek outside care if:

• The VA      doesn’t offer the service.
• The      veteran lives in an area without a full-service VA medical facility.
• The      veteran qualifies under the “grandfather” provision.
• The VA      can’t provide care within designated access standards. These access      standards aim to improve care access and reduce wait times.

These options reduce wait times and improve care quality. Veterans have flexibility in choosing their healthcare providers.

New Urgent Care Benefit

The Complete the Mission Act introduces an urgent care benefit. Eligible veterans can access walk-in care for non-emergencies. This helps veterans get care for minor issues. This is particularly helpful to those with substance abuse or other urgent medical conditions, where access to care can be essential.

Caregiver Support Expansion

The act expands the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. This includes eligible veterans from all eras. This change acknowledges caregivers’ importance in veteran health. This acknowledges that family caregiver support can aid a veteran’s health, regardless of when the veteran served.

Impact on Veterans’ Healthcare Experience

The act directly impacts veterans’ lives. It strives to provide care and access to treatment where needed most. This is another example of how the Act protects veterans’ healthcare access.

Reduced Wait Times

Community care reduces wait times. Veterans needing timely care for health conditions benefit. Quicker access to necessary healthcare can improve veterans’ quality of life. The Complete the Mission Act codifies some standards from the original Mission Act, including publishing expected wait times at VA medical centers.

“My bill would rightfully make permanent the current access standards, would require VA to publish their wait times for all VA medical centers, and would establish a defined screening process for veterans in need of substance abuse treatment without the hassle and wait. Every veteran has earned timely options for quality healthcare to meet their needs – no bureaucrat is allowed to stand in the way of that.”

– House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost

Improved Access for Rural Veterans

Rural veterans face healthcare access challenges. Expanded community care offers solutions for receiving care. This also makes care easier to obtain if transportation is difficult for the veteran. This is part of the VA mission to ensure care access regardless of location.

Enhanced Quality of Care

The act prioritizes care quality and access. Standards for community providers and new metrics are implemented. The VA works to deliver good care inside and outside VA facilities. Quality-based community care options are a significant development in improving care. 

Challenges and Considerations

The Complete the Mission Act faces challenges. Maintaining internal systems and optimizing internal systems, including ensuring VA staff is appropriately utilized, requires ongoing efforts.

Implementation Complexities

The program’s scale creates implementation difficulties. The VA is working through these complexities efficiently. Smooth implementation of all facets of the act remains a challenge. Internal systems must be flexible enough to manage access standards across various types of care options.

Balancing VA and Community Care

Balancing VA and community care is debated. The appropriate balance between maintaining internal systems and leveraging external care must be maintained. Over-reliance on community care might weaken the VA system. Internal systems need to be kept robust to deliver care efficiently to veterans.

Funding Concerns

Funding VA and community care remains crucial. The drive time for veterans must be carefully considered, with designated access standards for community care to balance cost and veteran accessibility. Securing funds supports the Veterans Community Care Program and existing Veterans Affairs care.

The Road Ahead

The act’s success depends on continuous refinement. Collaboration among the VA, Congress, and advocacy groups is essential. Working together can fulfill the promise to veterans. These efforts should consider veterans health, substance abuse treatment options, and abuse treatment access. Constant dialogue is required for how to best meet veterans needs with care providers, as access standards evolve.

Veterans should know their rights under the act. The VA offers resources like the VA Facility Locator. Veterans’ health and healthcare access should be a priority, from health care to substance abuse to mental health.

Concerned Veterans for America advocates for veterans. They offer education about the Complete the Mission Act. They help keep veterans informed about their veterans health care choices.

Important Links and Data

The VA provides resources for veterans and providers to maintain compliance with updated care services regulations. Here are some valuable tools for locating VA health providers:

• VA      Facility Locator: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
• VA      Substance Use Disorder Program Locator: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/SUD.asp

Here is a resource for veteran advocacy and education about the Complete the Mission Act:

• Concerned      Veterans for America: https://cv4a.org/

FAQs about Complete the Mission Act

What did the Mission Act do?

The Mission Act expanded veterans’ healthcare options. It lets them use non-VA care in specific situations. It added urgent care benefits and more caregiver support. The Act works to provide care while meeting veterans where they are at. This allows veterans to access the health care options they need without navigating the VA bureaucracy.

What is the Act’s mission?

The VA MISSION Act aims to improve healthcare access. It wants to shorten wait times and give veterans choices. The VA Mission Act also ensures eligible veterans can receive care. The Act works to meet veterans’ various care needs. Eligibility criteria are applied so veterans who qualify can obtain community care as outlined in the Choice Program. Maintaining internal systems while expanding veterans’ access to outside care providers allows veterans living anywhere in the country to access appropriate levels of care.

What is the VA mission act 2024?

The VA MISSION Act is from 2018. It is not a new 2024 act. It refers to ongoing implementation and refinements to the existing Act. These are efforts to ensure veterans have adequate care choices.

How does the VA determine drive time?

The VA uses geomapping to calculate drive times. If a veteran’s drive time is too long, they may qualify for community care. The veteran qualifies based on certain criteria in the Choice program.

Conclusion

The Complete the Mission Act is a milestone for veterans’ healthcare. Expanding community care, new benefits, and quality focus are important features. It aims to fix problems within the VA healthcare system and ensure adequate care services.

Implementation challenges persist, but the act can transform veteran healthcare. Ongoing monitoring, addressing issues, and prioritizing veteran needs remain vital. This ensures that the care services the Act strives to provide truly protect veterans’ health, offering flexibility in care options. Holding VA accountable to veterans is critical to improving care options for mental health care, health care, and substance abuse.

Veterans served our country. The Complete the Mission Act helps repay them. It aims to deliver the timely, quality healthcare they deserve. It works toward improved care access and healthcare options.

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Another important issue addressed by legislation is the expansion of cancer care. According to a 2021 study, female veterans were 3 times more likely to develop breast cancer. What’s more, breast cancer cases have tripled within the VA Department.

To address these issues, the latest bill seeks to improve screening and treatment. It hopes to expand access to mammogram scans. It will also upgrade all the VA’s mammogram services to 3D imaging.

Further, it will help expand access to clinical trials for suffering veterans..

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Cancer is a very debilitating and devastating disease. The good news is that most types of cancer are responsive to treatment in the early stages. If you can identify your symptoms early, then you’ll have a better chance of recovering.

Here are a few things to watch for:

• Extreme and debilitating fatigue
• Explainable weight loss or gain
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Eating problems
• Unexplained pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• Headaches
• Vision problems
• Unexplained general changes to your body

If you’ve noticed some of these signs, then it might be wise to consult with your doctor. Take advantage of the recent VA bills to get screened for common types of cancers.

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Knowing that this recent legislation could improve your health care as a veteran is step one. If you want to take advantage of these benefits, then you’ll have to go to a VA medical center.

You can opt to call or walk into a center during clinic hours. An agent will help you understand your rights, potential benefits, and coverage.

If you decide to apply, then you’ll fill out a VA Form 10-10EZ, which is a basic application. Feel free to go online or visit a nearby VA facility in person. You should receive correspondence regarding your application in following weeks.

Once you get approved, you’ll be able to seek the care you deserve.

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                                                        An Experience To Recall

(This 1967 true story is of an experience of a young 12-year-old lad in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. It is about the vivid memory of a privately rebuilt P-51 Mustang from WWII and its famous owner/pilot.)

In the morning sun, I could not believe my eyes. There, in our little airport, sat a majestic P-51.
They said it had flown in during the night from some U.S. Airport, on its way to an air show. The pilot had been tired, so he just happened to choose Kingston for his stop over. It was to take to the air very soon.

I marveled at the size of the plane, dwarfing the Pipers and Canucks tied down by her. It was much larger than in the movies. She glistened in the sun like a bulwark of security from days gone by.

The pilot arrived by cab, paid the driver, and then stepped into the pilot's lounge. He was an older man; his wavy hair was gray and tossed. It looked like it might have been combed, say, around the turn of the century. His flight jacket was checked, creased and worn - it smelled old and genuine. Old Glory was prominently sewn to its shoulders. He projected a quiet air of proficiency and pride devoid of arrogance. He filed a quick flight plan to Montreal ("Expo-67 Air Show") then walked across the tarmac. 

After taking several minutes to perform his walk-around check, the tall, lanky man returned to the flight lounge to ask if anyone would be available to stand by with fire extinguishers while he "flashed the old bird up, just to be safe." Though only 12 at the time I was allowed to stand by with an extinguisher after brief instruction on its use --   "If you see a fire, point, then pull this lever!", he said. (I later became a firefighter, but that's another story.) The air around the exhaust manifolds shimmered like a mirror from fuel fumes as the huge prop started to rotate. One manifold, then another, and yet another barked -- I stepped back with the others. In moments the Packard -built Merlin engine came to life with a thunderous roar. Blue flames knifed from her manifolds with an arrogant snarl. 

I looked at the others' faces; there was no concern. I lowered the bell of my extinguisher. One of the guys signaled to walk back to the lounge. We did. Several minutes later we could hear the pilot doing his pre-flight run-up. He'd taxied to the end of runway 19, out of sight. All went quiet for several seconds. We ran to the second story deck to see if we could catch a glimpse of the P-51 as she started down the runway. We could not. There we stood, eyes fixed to a spot half way down 19. Then a roar ripped across the field, much louder than before. Like a furious hell spawn set loose -- something mighty this way was coming. "Listen to that thing!" said the controller. 

In seconds the Mustang burst into our line of sight. It's tail was already off the runway and it was moving faster than anything I'd ever seen by that point on 19. Two-thirds the way down 19 the Mustang was airborne with her gear going up. The prop tips were supersonic. We clasped our ears as the Mustang climbed hellishly fast into the circuit to be eaten up by the dog-day haze. We stood for a few moments, in stunned silence, trying to digest what we'd just seen. 

The radio controller rushed by me to the radio. "Kingston tower calling Mustang?" He looked back to us as he waited for an acknowledgment. The radio crackled, "Go ahead, Kingston." "Roger, Mustang. Kingston tower would like to advise the circuit is clear for a low level pass." I stood in shock because the controller had just, more or less, asked the pilot to return for an impromptu air show! The controller looked at us. "Well, What?" He asked. "I can't let that guy go without asking. I couldn't forgive myself!" The radio crackled once again, "Kingston, do I have permission for a low level pass, east to west, across the field?" "Roger, Mustang, the circuit is clear for an east to west pass." "Roger, Kingston, I'm coming out of 3,000 feet, stand by."

We rushed back onto the second-story deck, eyes fixed toward the eastern haze. The sound was subtle at first, a high-pitched whine, a muffled screech, a distant scream. Moments later the P-51 burst through the haze. Her airframe straining against positive G's and gravity. Her wing tips spilling contrails of condensed air, prop-tips again supersonic. The burnished bird blasted across the eastern margin of the field shredding and tearing the air. At about 500 mph and 150 yards from where we stood she passed with the old American pilot saluting. Imagine. A salute! I felt like laughing; I felt like crying; she glistened; she screamed; the building shook; my heart pounded. Then the old pilot pulled her up and rolled, and rolled, and rolled out of sight into the broken clouds and indelible into my memory. 

I've never wanted to be an American more than on that day!  It was a time when many nations in the world looked to America as their big brother. A steady and even-handed beacon of security who navigated difficult political water with grace and style; not unlike the old American pilot who'd just flown into my memory. He was proud, not arrogant, humble, not a braggart, old and honest, projecting an aura of America at its best.

That America will return one day! I know it will ... but until that time, I'll just send off this story. Call it a loving reciprocal salute to a Country, and especially to that old American pilot:   1the late JIMMY STEWART (1908-1997), a great actor, real WWII Hero; a Commander of a US Army Air Force Bomber Wing, in England, a USAF Reserve Brigadier General, and a man who wove a wonderfully fantastic memory for a young Canadian boy.

In 1967, Stewart was 59 years old. He died thirty-years later (1997), at 89.

Special Forces Association Chapter IX: An Experience To Recall
Another site of interest:   Jimmy Stewart Archives - This Day in Aviation 

Veterans from WWII and Korea are dying off every day. Veterans of Vietnam and Deseret Storm, etc. may be getting kind of 'long-in-the-tooth', fate, experience and a little age (just 'time') may have slowed some more than when they were younger, but one thing remains true with them.....that "fire in the belly"! It angers them to see how our country is being mistreated by our liberals and by our own government.  We swore once to protect this country from all enemies both foreign and domestic, and that oath still is relevant and just as binding now as it was when we raised out hand and took that oath!.

No one has been released from that oath we took at our induction,  so ... YES, we still can and will protect this country, at all costs, even to the death;  We will protect this great country along with its accomplishments and failures ... Freedoms that most of mankind has never experienced, but only dreamed about cannot be destroyed! NOT ON OUR WATCH !

We rejoice in our great accomplishments, and we hang our heads when we fall short.  We can and do make mistakes, yet we work towards correcting those mistakes. We enjoy the freedoms while we protect them for our children, our families and everyone else..

One of our most fundamental rights is that of Free Speech.  If I say something that one does not agree with, allow me to finish my statement before offering a different viewpoint. And I will do the same for you! That said, no one can prevent me from expressing my views on public property, so long as I don't advocate violence and do so 'peacefully'  ("peacefully assemble"... but that is another right, isn't it.).  

Should free speech - or any God-given right -  not be allowed on public colleges and universities, as we have already seen; then all federal grants, student loans or any other taxpayer monies they have been receiving should be discontinued, until such time that this attack on the First Amendment fully ceases.

I would like to see a national movement of "Veterans Lives Matter."  Whether one is the most successful veteran in America or one is homeless, we all matter, no matter what their race or origin. .  And, if the citizens of America won't help, then we have to put our shoulders to the wheel and do it ourselves.

“The land of the free, and the home of the brave.” These words mean more to a veteran than just what is contained in a song. It stands for commitment, dedication and duty. Without almost 250 years of American veterans, this country would not be able to exist in its current form. 

All citizens owe our veterans a great vote of thanks.  The Independent American Party has a National Veterans Committee. The purpose of this committee is to be a voice of the veterans nationally, with Congress and the Veterans Administration as well as in each state. 

Currently, we are the only political party that is pursuing proper treatment of our veterans by the Veterans Administration.  We have retired federal employees of the Veterans Administration as well as a service-connected VFW Service Officers and veterans in our ranks. The mission is to let all veterans tell their story, either good or bad, about their care at the VA - good, bad, or ugly!  

Email us at our 'Contact page' address which is provided for you to tell your story. Please give your name, physical address and phone number when emailing us. It is important so we know who your Congressioinal Representative is, who your VFW Service Officer or closest IAP Representative might be and get you connected. Together, along with the DAV, VFW and the American Legion, we will take the fight on your behalf for the care at the vets by the VA and government.

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Could you use some help to guide you through the complicated system of Veterans Benefits? Contact either:  1) a 'Veterans Helper', or 2) a VFW Service Officer, or 3) a VA Outreach Clinic or Office, ... or even another Veteran ... or contact us at the IAP!    We all want to help our brothers in arms!  We have your six, bro!

Those who live in the United States of America celebrate the fact one of the wonderful legacies citizens have is living in a land we proudly call the ‘HOME OF THE FREE.’ Yet, sometimes we pay less attention to this reality: the extensive freedoms we enjoy did not come without a price;--in other words, Freedom isn’t Free. This concept was memorably expressed in the lyrics of a song…“Freedom isn’t free. Freedom isn’t free. You’ve got to pay the price, you’ve got to sacrifice, for your liberty!” 

The Revolutionary War occurred because many individuals desired freedom so much they were willing to put their lives on the line—and sometimes die--in order to earn the right to be FREE from another country’s domination. So, the phrase coined by some to describe America as: THE HOME OF THE FREE…BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE is an important one which we should not forget. 

In doing so, it’s also important to remember that it was not only the ragtag group of ‘makeshift soldiers’ who demonstrated their bravery on the field of battle. It also required real courage and much bravery for patriotic men and women to boldly stand up to England, insisting that those living in this choice land had the god-given right to govern themselves rather than to be ruled by another nation. Some individuals took an active role in forthrightly proclaiming verbally &/or in writing the conviction that freedomshould be the right of all individuals, and this at a time when there had been very little precedent for such, (as the vast majority of individuals prior to this time had their lives largely governed by kings, emperors or other rulers). These persons exhibited their bravery by such actions as refusing to submit to the demands of ‘taxation without representation,’ demonstrating their defiance by dumping tea into Boston harbor, etc. (It’s important to recognize that throughout the history of the world, America is certainly not the only place where residents have fought bravely in the effort to achieve some measure of freedom through their courage and bravery. All who do so--regardless of where they live--should be encouraged and applauded. . .) 

Once gained, however, freedom, should not be taken for granted. In fact, living free is a rather fragile condition and can be seriously jeopardized unless those blessed with this are vigilant in their efforts to retain their freedoms. Freedomcan be eroded gradually over time or lost in short order by way of hugely consequential actions. During recent years, freedoms are being threatened at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, the demise of freedomoften occurs at the hands of those in positions of power, who wield whatever power they might possess as a means to obtain 

ever more power. Therefore, any who wish to retain their freedom must sometimes take bold steps in order to protect this precious condition. In order to accomplish this often requires that such persons be courageous and even brave. 

Here are a few examples of ways that people can be brave in order to maintain or secure freedom. (Note: These particular examples relate to different aspects of being free that I personally feel are important. Obviously, other individuals might have different views about what they consider to be vital freedoms. . .) 

• Many schools/school districts have implemented policies exposing very young children to philosophies and practices which lots of parents find highly offensive and inappropriate, (such as requiring even first graders to read clearly pornographic materials &/or aggressively promoting a ‘transgender’ agenda onto young kids), with with the expectation that parents ‘simply accept such.’ Parents who consider that they, not educators, have the right and freedom to maintain primary responsibility for directing this area of young children’s lives often face much pressure and criticism if they voice opinions contrary to those expressed by certain teachers / or implemented as school-wide policies. So doing so requires real bravery…

• Anyone convinced that local, state or federal officials are implementing policies diminishing their prized freedoms as citizens must sometimes bravelytake the initiative to—(in writing &/or in person)--boldly oppose such. 

• College students who believe in real freedomof speech who learn that their university is about to prohibit a certain person with views that some might find ‘objectionable’ from making a speech might need to boldly insist that the university administration not allow such a clear violation of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. To do so might require a high level of braveryas it will likely elicit tremendous criticism and pressure on the student. 

In essence, individuals today can themselves defend freedom in ways requiring personal boldness, courage & bravery on their part. One need not be a soldier to bravely obtain and preserve freedomsthey cherish. 

Consider This: Discuss with friends or family your gratitude for those who have won great freedoms in the past through so-much personal bravery. Think about freedoms you wish to defend now which will require you to be personally brave, then take steps to do so. 

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© 2023 William C Tanner III aka: Dr Tres Tanner PhD Permission granted to distribute and/or copy freely so long as no compensation is involved. For more information, FamilyResourceSystems.com.