Author: ateeter

Service Officer Update (May 2024)

By Joseph Mesa

In 2023, several critical issues concerning veterans have come to the forefront. Some of the key areas:

Disability and Retirement Pay:
1. Last year, Congress passed a significant benefits expansion for veterans affected by toxic exposure injuries during their service.
2. However, the focus this year is on ensuring that veterans who suffered injuries while on duty receive all the compensation they deserve.
3. The issue revolves around concurrent receipt and the Major Richard Star Act.
4. Currently, veterans with a disability rating of at least 50% receive both their full military retirement pay and disability benefits. But those with a disability rating below 50% face dollar-for-dollar offsets, resulting in reduced payments.
5. The Major Richard Star Act aims to allow combat-wounded veterans medically discharged before serving 20 years to receive both retirement and disability pay, without any offsets.

Mental Health Crisis:
1. Veterans experience high rates of mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, and substance use.
2. Suicides among veterans increased significantly from 2006 to 2020.
3. Innovative treatment strategies are urgently needed, and addressing mental and metabolic health simultaneously may lead to better outcomes.

VA Workforce Challenges:
1. The Department of Veterans Affairs faces a flood of new cases due to the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act(PACT Act).
2. Claims processors are strained, leading to workforce challenges and impacting veterans’ access to services.

Finally, all veterans, including those exposed to toxins and hazards during military service, are now eligible for VA health care. Veterans who are exposed to toxins or hazards during training or active duty in the United States are also eligible. Eligible Veterans can enroll directly in VA health care without needing to apply for VA benefits.

Commander’s Corner (April 2024)

At our post’s “Welcome Home” Vietnam Veterans Recognition Social on March 21, we witnessed an evening of heartfelt connection and healing. We saw firsthand the power of giving our Vietnam veterans the recognition they’ve long deserved. The event was a reminder of their sacrifices and the importance of honoring all who serve, no matter the conflict.

Some shared emotional stories, revealing the deep scars left by their service and the harsh reception they faced upon returning home. These moments underscored our duty to separate the warrior from the war, affirming our commitment to respect and support ALL veterans.

I’m grateful for everyone who contributed to making the evening memorable, especially our Vietnam veterans, and Colt, owner of neighboring Luna’s Landing Dog Care, whose catering added warmth to our gathering.

To all who served: We stand with you, yesterday, today, and always.

In comradeship,
Aly Teeter, Commander

Students interview with Vietnam veterans

On March 18 our post comrades and Vietnam Veterans Joseph Mesa and Russ Seelig interviewed with students at Bellevue Big Picture School, a grades 6-12 choice school in the Bellevue Public School District. Students were interested in learning about veteran experiences in Vietnam… how they became involved, what moments stick with them still, and how their experiences they had there shaped the years since.

The school was very appreciative of the time Russ and Joseph spent with them. They each sat for two interviews with students, and then paired up for a final unscheduled session with two other students. According to the school, “This was a powerful afternoon for all. We are so grateful for you sharing your experiences and reflections… Thank you all for your help with this, for your service, and for your honesty and candor.”