Military & Veterans News
Military & Veterans News
This Week in Operation Warp Speed - Dec. 4, 2020
Below is a compilation of initiatives, actions and accomplishments across Operation Warp Speed (OWS)’s primary efforts in the past week. To learn more about OWS, visit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website and Department of Defense (DOD) website. 
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VA recognized for impact on lives of Blue Water Navy Veterans
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals has awarded the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Blue Water Navy (BWN) communications and outreach campaign with a 2020 MarCom Platinum Award.
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VA program helping more Veterans connect with bank, credit union account choices
WASHINGTON — The U.S.
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VA releases 2020 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released today the 2020 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which found no significant increases in the Veteran suicide rate from 2017-2018, average suicide deaths per day or total count of Veteran suicides — however, there were positive trends related to VA health care and suicide prevention efforts overall.
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VA, American Kidney Fund join efforts to help Veterans diagnosed with kidney disease
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it is partnering with the nonprofit The American Kidney Fund (AKF) to help Veterans diagnosed with kidney disease live healthier lives.
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VA honors caregivers of Veterans throughout November
WASHINGTON — During National Family Caregivers Month this November, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will honor the caregivers of Veterans for their invaluable health care, acknowledging the critical role they play in caring for Veterans every day — and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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VA partnership helps secure permanent housing for more than 4,000 formerly homeless Veterans
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today their partnership with Veterans Matter has helped more than 4,000 Veterans exit homelessness and move into permanent housing since 2012.
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VA launches White Ribbon VA campaign to promote healthy relationships during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today launched White Ribbon VA, a month-long national call to action to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence in observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
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VA’s digital COVID-19 screening for Veterans, employees, aids in low infection rate
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the use of digital screening at VA health care facilities and increased telehealth has enabled the department to dramatically increase the rate of COVID-19 testing for Veterans and employees.
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VA rolls out new patient-appointment tool, as part of electronic health record modernization transformation
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched a new appointment scheduling tool Aug. 21 at the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System to make medical visits more efficient for care providers and Veterans.
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DOD Offers Diversity and Inclusion Counseling Resources
The Department of Defense responded to interest from service personnel by providing its members with diversity and inclusion resources for those who experienced racism, bias and discrimination in either their personal or professional lives.
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VA, America’s Adopt A Soldier partner to help Veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness stay connected
WASHINGTON — The U.S.
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VA publishes final regulation for its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today published its final regulation to improve and expand the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) with the final regulation going into effect on Oct. 1.
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VA hiring jumps 37 percent in fight against COVID-19
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has significantly increased hiring in the two weeks ending mid-April — a surge that will continue in the coming weeks as VA works to protect patients from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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VA’s telehealth system grows as Veterans have access to unlimited data while using VA Video Connect
Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) announced, Veterans using VA Video Connect on their TracFone mobile phones through the T-Mobile network, will no longer pay for data while using video telehealth technology to connect and meet with their VA health care teams.
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Additional Guidance on Military Pay and Personnel Benefits: COVID-19
The department recently provided additional guidance to commanders for the administration of personnel policies and pay and benefits in the context of the effects created by the spread of COVID-19.
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CARES Act helping VA boost protections for Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun implementing the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act or CARES Act, signed into law March 27, to protect America’s Veterans.
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VA extends financial, benefits and claims relief to Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced, April 3, a number of actions to provide Veterans with financial, benefits and claims help amid VA's COVID-19 response.
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VA expands virtual services to support Veterans amid regional office closures due to COVID-19 pandemic
Veterans continue to receive benefits and services after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) temporarily closed its 56 regional offices to the public, March 19, in response to COVID-19.
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VA makes progress on resolution of legacy appeals
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Appeals Management Office (AMO) significantly reduced disability compensation legacy appeals inventory during the last nine months as part of the department’s long-term legacy resolution plan.
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Joint Statement on 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the U.S. and Japan
The text of the following statement was released by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper for the Government of the United States of America and by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Taro Kono for the Government of Japan on the occasion of 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States of America and Japan.
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VA announces proposed rule regarding equal treatment of faith-based organizations in VA-supported social service programs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed a rule, Jan. 16, that would implement President Trump’s, May 3, 2018, Executive Order (EO) establishing a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative, to remove regulatory barriers allowing religious and non-religious organizations equal treatment in VA-supported social service programs.
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Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act claims now being determined
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will begin deciding claims for the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 at 12:01 a.m., Philippine Standard Time, Jan. 1, 2020. The Philippines is the farthest east VA regional benefits office.
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Department of Defense Establishes U.S. Space Force
Today the President signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act and with it, directed the establishment of the U.S. Space Force as the sixth branch of the armed forces.