Military & Veterans News
Scott's View: U.S. Military Assisting Earthquake Victims in Turkey & Syria
I am proud to see our U.S. military once again assisting in the face of tragedy. With the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and tens of thousands already counted as dead, the U.S. military is routing substantial aid from United States European Command to the region.
Scott's View: Remembering our Korean War Veterans
For decades, our military efforts in Korea 70 years ago were called the “forgotten war,” and many times mistakenly called “a conflict.” Well next week, July 27, is a time for all of us to remember the remarkable sacrifice our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines put forth during the Korean War.
Cover Story: History of Flag Day
“Since adoption of the Stars and Stripes, Americans — and people around the world — have continuously looked to our flag as a symbol of unity and liberty,” wrote President Biden last year on Flag Day. Like every year since 1916, the United States will celebrate the nation’s flag on June 14. Though Flag Day is not a federal holiday, it’s a day of observance and patriotism and coincides with the Army’s birthday.
Cover Story: "Chaos" by Gen. Raymond Bell
The principal duty assignment described in my efficiency report dated 3 August 1969 read in part, “Operations Staff Officer, ACofS, J3. Member, special planning group tasked to prepare long range plans for United States force reductions in Vietnam, residual force concepts and operations.” The description frames my perspective of --- chaos.
Cover Story: Military Olympians bound for Tokyo
The Tokyo Summer Olympics are finally happening this month, after being delayed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite barring spectators for safety reasons, the Games will continue as planned. And, in keeping with tradition, our U.S. military will be represented: three coaches and 17 of the 614 American athletes competing this time are military members.
Scott’s Corner: Heroes Meet Heroes 2020 Memories with Veterans & Olympians
For the past nine years, Veterans Advantage has hosted U.S. active duty military, veterans and their families to celebrate their service to our country on Veterans Day.
Scott’s View: Cyber Monday Discounts with Veterans Advantage
We hope you had a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend. Lin and I dedicated most of our weekend to Zoom calls with our family and friends. We have so much to be grateful for!
Scott’s View: Black Friday & Cyber Monday Savings with Veterans Advantage
Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be more popular than ever since nearly all of America is planning on shopping from home this year.
Scott’s View: Show Your VetRewards Card on Veterans Day
The VetRewards Card delivers tremendous value for subscribers. For starters, it qualifies you to take advantage of dozens of exclusive savings in our Military Discounts Marketplace. Secondly, you can show your card at over 100,000 physical locations nationwide - such as car rental counters, pharmacies, Ford car dealerships and AT&T stores, among others - for additional VetRewards Exclusive savings.
Cover Story: U.S. Army’s "Green to Gold” Program Offers Incentives and Motivations to Climb the Ranks
For those looking for a great reason to enter the military, here's an inspirational story that will have you, or someone you know, enlisting today!
VA’s Transition Assistance Program Participant Guide honored by marketing association
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today its Transition Assistance Program (TAP) was recently recognized by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals during the 2020 Hermes Creative Awards, for the VA Benefits and Services Participant Guide — a publication that makes it easy for transitioning service members and Veterans to understand their benefits.
VA, Blue Star Families to support Veterans impacted by COVID-19
WASHINGTON — To better support Veterans impacted by COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it is partnering with Blue Star Families (BSF) for the COVID-19 Military Support Initiative (CMSI).
VA resumes in-person benefits services halted by the COVID-19 response
WASHINGTON — The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the reestablishment of in-person benefits services in select locations throughout the country.
VA has housed more than 38,000 homeless Veterans in 2023, surpassing goal two months early
Ending Veteran homelessness is a top priority for VA and President Biden, who has made supporting Veterans a key pillar of Unity Agenda for the nation
VA and the Global Liver Institute collaborate to enhance quality of life for Veterans with liver diseases
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a new partnership with the Global Liver Institute (GLI) to improve the lives of Veterans with liver diseases.
VA releases National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report
Today the Department of Veterans Affairs released the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, the largest national analysis of Veteran suicides through 2021 (the latest year for which we have data). The report shows that 6,392 Veterans died by suicide in 2021, which is 114 more than in 2020. The number of non-Veteran suicides also increased to 40,020 deaths in 2021, which is 2,000 more than in 2020.
Veterans Day Commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery
Duane Sarmiento, thank you very much for that introduction, for your leadership of the VFW, and special thanks to your team for partnering with VA in hosting today’s ceremony.
VA announces new graduate medical education program to help expand health care access to Veterans in underserved communities
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the creation of a new pilot program for graduate medical education designed to help expand health care access for Veterans in rural, tribal, and underserved areas across the country.
VA launches advertising campaign to encourage new Veterans to sign up for health care and benefits
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched a groundbreaking national advertising campaign to encourage Veterans to sign up for the VA health care and benefits they’ve earned.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks Announces Publication of Data, Analytics, and AI Adoption Strategy
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks announced the release of the 2023 DOD Data, Analytics, and AI Adoption Strategy. The document was developed by the Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO) and unifies previous strategic guidance to scale advanced capabilities across the enterprise. The announcement was made today during a press event hosted by Deputy Secretary Hicks on 'The State of AI in the Department of Defense.'
VA adds nearly 5 million Veterans and service members from private cemeteries to the Veterans Legacy Memorial
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that nearly 5 million Veterans and service members have been added to the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) — the nation’s first digital platform dedicated to the memory of Veterans and service members.
VA launches $1 million AI tech competition to reduce health care worker burnout
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched an Artificial Intelligence Tech Sprint encouraging innovators across America to create AI-enabled tools to reduce burnout among health care workers. The winning solutions will help clinicians take notes during medical appointments and/or integrate patients’ medical records, with the winning teams receiving $1 million in total prizes.
VA encourages all Veterans and their families to participate in first inaugural National Buddy Check Week
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the first annual National Buddy Check Week. During the week — which will take place between Oct.16 and Oct. 20 — VA will be encouraging Veterans to talk to 10 of their fellow Veterans and check in with them.
VA reduces premium rates for Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance
This month, the Department of Veterans Affairs reduced premiums for most Veterans and Service members insured under the Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance program.