Veterans' News From The Farmingdale VFW

Army VSO/MSO Roundtable: The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) participated in a veteran and military service organization roundtable with Undersecretary of the Army Patrick Murphy, who was joined by senior officials from Manpower Force Development, Army Review Board, Army Wounded Warrior Program and Soldier for Life. Discussions focused on the "Meet Your Army" campaign, discharge review boards, "Soldier 2020" gender integration, the future of the force and transition topics.

Facebook Town Hall: Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James held a Facebook Town Hall to discuss concerns expressed during the October Air Force Spouse and Family Forum. Topics included the hiring of additional family support coordinators; an increase in respite care hours allowed under the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP); quarterly EFMP-related webcast starting Jan. 12; an increase in months leave without pay available to spouses during moves; the expansion of parental leave per 2017 National Defense Authorization Act; and additional steps being taken to address other childcare and spouse employment challengers.

WWI Centennial Commission: The World War I Centennial Commission was created by Congress to commemorate America's significant role during the "War to End All Wars," as well as the subsequent rebuilding of war-torn Europe afterwards. Approximately 4.7 million American men and women served during WWI, with 2 million deploying "over there." Sadly, 116,515 paid the ultimate price. The commission is engaging with communities across the nation, partnering with History Channel and the Smithsonian museums and designing a new National World War I Memorial in Washington D.C. The VFW is fully supportive of the commission initiatives, which include naming Quartermaster General Debora Anderson as a commissioner, identifying those posts that are named after fallen WWI soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, publicizing America's contributions in the VFW magazine and supporting the 100 Cities/100 Memorials matching grant challenge.

VA Cemeteries Offering Pre-Enrollment: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it now provides eligibility determinations for burial or memorialization for interment in a VA national cemetery prior to the time of need. Through the Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald said, "This new program reaffirms our commitment to providing a lifetime of benefits and services for veterans and their families. Now, veterans and their families can plan for their burial needs, which will alleviate some of the burden later."