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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Big changes announced from VA

(Dec 6, 2024)

Many veterans are unaware of some big changes that were announced by the Department of Veterans Affairs back in 2022.

The VA is doing a major overhaul of its disability ratings criteria and how they evaluate mental health,  and other conditions, for veterans.

VA officials stated that the changes are being made to help ensure that compensation is in line with veterans’ medical conditions.

Here’s more via Military.com: 

The VA plans to update its Schedule for Rating Disabilities — its guide for determining how it evaluates and provides benefits for service-connected disabilities — for mental health conditions, to include their impact on veterans’ lives, and abolish the “0%” disability rating for any service-connected mental health diagnosis in favor of a 10% minimum, according to a notice published Tuesday in the Federal Register.
For tinnitus, the department will get rid of its stand-alone rating and consider the condition a symptom of whatever underlying disease is its cause.
As for sleep apnea, ratings will be assessed based on the effectiveness of treatment and the condition’s impact on “earning impairment,” according to the notice.

The VA hopes that by changing how they assess conditions they will be able to ensure veterans are compensated appropriately.

Ultimately with the changes going into effect, veterans with mental health conditions will likely see higher disability ratings.  But fewer will likely be able to receive compensation for other conditions, such as tinnitus and sleep apnea.

If you are a veteran and are already receiving compensation for these conditions, the department said you will not see your ratings downgraded when the changes kick in.

It is widely known that the current VA disability rating system does a poor job compensating vets who lose earnings if they can’t work due to a service-related mental health condition.

Hopefully the VA’s overhaul will vastly improve this issue.

Veterans who think their ratings should be upgraded based on the new criteria should file a claim with the VA.

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Supreme Court Hands Veterans Big Victory, Ruled States Can Be Sued for Discriminating Against Vets

Last Updated: July 28, 2024  

In case you missed it, the United States Supreme Court delivered veterans a major victory in a 5-4 ruling that you should be aware about.

The ruling will give better work protections to thousands of state-employed veterans going back to work after their service in the National Guard or Reserves.

The case was centered around a veteran and former Texas state trooper, Le Roy Torres.  Torres claimed that he was forced out of his job when he returned from Army service in Iraq.

Torres says he was exposed to open burn pits on his base in Iraq, and subsequently suffered lung damage.  He spent one year in Iraq and was discharged as a captain after almost 19 years in the U.S. Army Reserve.

When he returned to Texas, he was unable to resume his job as a state trooper because of the damage to his lungs.  He sought another comparable job to accommodate his service-related disability but was denied.  That’s when he filed a lawsuit, which he initially lost in state courts.  Torres then filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, which just ruled in his favor.

More via Federal Times:

The justices ruled for Army veteran Le Roy Torres under a federal law that was enacted in 1994 in the wake of the Persian Gulf war to strengthen job protections for returning service members.

By a 5-4 vote, the high court rejected Texas’ claim that it is shielded from such lawsuits. “Text, history, and precedent show that the States, in coming together to form a Union, agreed to sacrifice their sovereign immunity for the good of the common defense,” Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for the court.

Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by three other conservative justices, dissented, arguing that “when the States ratified the Constitution, they did not implicitly consent to private damages actions filed in their own courts—whether authorized by Congress’ war powers or any other Article I power.” Article I refers to the part of the Constitution that spells out Congress’ power.

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VA is now providing more care and benefits to women Veterans than ever before in our nation’s history!!

12 June 2024

WASHINGTON — Today, on Women Veterans Recognition Day, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced that more than 53,000 women Veterans enrolled in VA health care between May 2023 and May 2024, marking a 20% increase over the previous year and the largest enrollment year for women Veterans on record.

Health care enrollment of women Veterans increased across all 50 states, with the greatest number of enrollments in: Texas (6,507), Florida (4,666), California (4,318), Virginia (3,806), Georgia (2,937) and North Carolina (2,776). Women Veterans are currently VA’s fastest growing patient population. This historic enrollment of women Veterans into VA health care and benefits is driven in large part by the PACT Act, which President Biden signed into law in August 2022, empowering VA to deliver record health care and benefits to millions of Veterans exposed to toxins while serving in the military.

Expanding access to benefits and services for women Veterans is a key priority for VA and the entire Biden-Harris administration. This is critical because Veterans who come to VA are proven to do better. VA health care has consistently outperformed non-VA care in Veteran trust, patient satisfaction scores, overall quality ratings, and affordability.

“On this day in 1948, women were granted a formal place in our country’s military. Today, the more than 2 million women Veterans living in the U.S. make up our fastest growing Veteran population,” said VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher. “It’s important to all of us here at VA that every woman Veteran knows she belongs at VA.”

“It’s our goal for every woman Veteran to receive all the benefits she has earned, and that includes world-class health care,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “We want women Veterans to know that VA has invested in more services for women Veterans than ever before. VA can now offer women the best and most accessible options for all their care needs, and we want them to apply for the health care they deserve today.”

VA is leading the way in specialized health care for women Veterans. VHA’s Office of Women’s Health oversees these dedicated health care services. Today, there is a women’s health program led by a Women Veterans Program Manager at every VA health care system across the nation. Additional specialized women’s health staff include: Women’s Health Medical Directors, Women’s Health Primary Care Providers, Women’s Health Patient Aligned Care Teams, Maternity Care Coordinators, Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Coordinators, and Women’s Mental Health Champions. Women’s health teams are also supported by LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators, Intimate Partner Violence Coordinators, and Military Sexual Trauma Coordinators.

Over the past two years, VA has dramatically expanded health care services dedicated to women Veterans. This includes expanded breast cancer screenings and mammograms for Veterans with potential toxic exposures, increased access to reproductive health services, and expanded maternity care coordination for Veterans from pregnancy through 12 months post-partum. All of this work contributes to VA’s equity action plan and broader efforts to ensure that every Veteran gets the care and benefits they deserve.

VA is also delivering disability compensation benefits to an all-time record number of women Veterans, with 717,141 women Veterans receiving disability compensation benefits today. Over the past five years, an additional 197,667 women Veterans have begun receiving benefits, representing a 28% increase. More than 89% of women Veterans who have applied have received disability benefits from VA for at least one condition, on average receiving $27,109 in earned disability compensation benefits per year.

VA’s dedicated Women Veterans Call Center is here to support women Veterans in navigating all the services they may need, including health care and benefits. Call or text 855-VA-WOMEN (855-829-6636) or use the online chat feature. For more information specifically on how the PACT Act is helping Veterans and their survivors and to apply for care or benefits today, visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 (800-698-2411). 

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“We want you to come to us for the health care you deserve.”

by Hans Petersen - Air Force Veteran and VHA Digital Media Editor

In one of the largest-ever expansions of Veteran health care, all Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service—at home or abroad—are now eligible for VA health care.

At the direction of President Biden, VA is expanding health care eligibility to millions of Veterans, including all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan or any other combat zone after 9/11, years earlier than called for by the PACT Act. These Veterans will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.

Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.

This expansion of VA health care eliminates the phased-in approach called for by the PACT Act, meaning that millions of Veterans are becoming eligible for VA health care up to eight years earlier than written into law.

VA encourages all eligible Veterans to visit the Pact Act website or VA.gov/PACT, or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more and apply for VA health care, beginning March 5. Since President Biden signed the PACT Act into law on Aug. 10, 2022, more than 500,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care.

“Once you’re in, you have access for life.”

“If you’re a Veteran who may have been exposed to toxins or hazards while serving our country, at home or abroad, we want you to come to us for the health care you deserve,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “VA is proven to be the best, most affordable health care in America for Veterans. And once you’re in, you have access for life. So don’t wait, enroll today.”

“Beginning today, we’re making millions of Veterans eligible for VA health care years earlier than called for by the PACT Act,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “With this expansion, VA can care for all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror or any other combat zone after 9/11. We can also care for Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty here at home while working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays and more. We want to bring all of these Veterans to VA for the care they’ve earned and deserve.”

Enroll directly in VA care without applying for VA benefits

In addition to expanding access to VA care, this decision makes it quicker and easier for millions of Veterans to enroll. Many Veterans believe they must apply to receive VA disability compensation benefits to become eligible for VA health care, but this isn’t correct.

With this expansion and other authorities, millions of eligible Veterans can enroll directly in VA care without any need to first apply for VA benefits.

This is a critical step forward because Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in overall quality ratings and patient satisfaction ratings.

And VA health care is often more affordable than non-VA health care for Veterans.

How to apply for VA health care

Veterans can apply for VA health care:

• Online at      https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction
• By calling our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387,                                                              Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• By mailing their completed Application for Heath Care Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) to:       

.                                                      Health Eligibility Center
.                                                2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200
.                                                          Atlanta, GA 30329

• In person by visiting their nearest      VA medical center or outreach clinic.

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Did you know that the Veterans Health Administration is the largest health care system in the US? With that in mind, it’s hard to believe how often veterans health care falls short. 

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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.

​​

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.