Newsbytes June 20, 2024 

In this issue: 
In Memoriam:JrPNP John Handzuk 
FRA Legislative Staff Meeting With SVAC
Veterans Services Impact Survey 
Toxic Exposure Screening
VA Life Insurance Premium Cuts 
DoD Budget Hearing

In Memoriam:JrPNP John Handzuk
Shipmates of the Fleet Reserve Association,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Shipmate JrPNP Command Master Chief John Handzuk, USN(Ret) to the Supreme Commander, on Sunday, 15 June 2025.

John was a dedicated leader, a steadfast friend, and a pillar of our organization.  His commitment to our organization and his unwavering camaraderie will never be forgotten. 

I ask that each of you keep his beloved wife, Ava, and family in your thoughts and prayers in whatever way feels right to you. May they find strength and comfort in the love and support that surrounds them. 

John, you will be truly missed. 

“Fare winds and following seas “.

R.I.P., Shipmate—we now have your watch.

Please drape your charter for 30 days in honor of JrPNP John Handzuk.

Maria Behm,
National President.

FRA Legislative Staff Meeting With SVAC
The FRA legislative staff and other Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) met with the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee (SVAC) majority staff to discuss critical updates concerning the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce and operational strategies. The discussion covered several key areas, including the implications of a forthcoming Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruling that would affect the VA’s Reduction in Force (RIF) plans, the reorganization of human resources (HR) functions at the Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), and the slow-moving Senate nomination process for VA leadership positions. These updates are pivotal for aligning the VA’s operational efficiency and ensuring the department can effectively serve veterans. 

The SCOTUS ruling is anticipated to significantly impact the VA’s RIF plans, which initially projected that approximately 80,000 employees could be subject to workforce reductions. However, the number of employees affected is expected to be far lower, partly due to the VA’s deferred resignation program. In the first round, 5,200 applicants were accepted, while the second round will bring a total of 17,000 accepted offers. Additionally, a growing list of approximately 350,000 positions has been designated as exempt from cuts, ensuring stability for a significant portion of the VA workforce. These measures aim to mitigate the impact of the RIF while maintaining critical services. 

The reorganization of HR functions at the VISN level was another focal point of the meeting. The VA is working to streamline HR processes to improve efficiency and alignment across its networks. Concurrently, a pilot program for a call center was discussed, though specifics remain under development. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance service delivery and communication within the VA. The meeting also highlighted the need to align VA IT systems, which are currently fragmented and lack a comprehensive view of the workforce. Efforts are underway to integrate these systems to support a long-term, holistic workforce strategy that ensures operational resilience and better resource management. 

The Senate nomination process for VA leadership positions emerged as a significant concern. Out of 100 nominees, only four have been voted out and are ready to proceed, with none receiving unanimous consent, leading to prolonged delays. The SVAC staff emphasized the critical role of VSOs in advocating for Senate action to expedite approvals, as these leadership roles are essential for the VA’s effective functioning. The slow pace of confirmations hampers the department’s ability to implement strategic initiatives, including those discussed in the meeting, such as workforce restructuring and IT alignment. 

The proposed call center pilot program reflects ongoing efforts to improve veteran services. However, the bottleneck in the Senate nomination process remains a critical hurdle. VSOs were urged to intensify advocacy efforts to ensure timely approvals, enabling the VA to execute its strategic vision effectively and continue delivering vital services to veterans. FRA legislative staff will continue to engage with lawmakers to address concerns facing veterans and their families as these issues progress through the halls of congress.

Veterans Services Impact Survey 
This survey is designed to understand how recent staff reductions at the Veterans Affairs (VA) have affected the quality of care, claims processing, and overall services provided to veterans. Your feedback is valuable to assess the impact of these changes. Please answer the following questions based on your recent experiences with the VA. 

Click Here to take the survey: bit.ly/40eL1qT

Toxic Exposure Screening
Veterans enrolled in VA health care are encouraged to participate in the new Toxic Exposure Screening program, a quick and essential initiative to support long-term health. This brief 5–10-minute screening helps identify and document any potential toxin exposures experienced during military service, ensuring personalized care plans. Available at VA medical centers, clinics, and through virtual encounters, the program is designed to be accessible to all eligible veterans at least once every five years. 

The screening plays a crucial role in providing exposure-informed care, connecting veterans with necessary follow-up resources, and supporting long-term health planning. By addressing potential health risks early, the VA aims to enhance the well-being of veterans and their families. Members are urged to ask about the screening at their next VA appointment to take advantage of this proactive health measure. 

For those without an upcoming appointment or needing earlier screening, contacting your local VA facility to connect with the Toxic Exposure Screening Navigator is recommended. This service ensures no veteran is overlooked, offering a direct line to schedule and receive support. The FRA continues to advocate for veterans’ health needs, working with Congress to secure resources for programs like this. 

This initiative reflects the VA’s commitment to addressing the hidden impacts of military service. Stay informed and take action by discussing this screening with your healthcare provider. Your health is our priority, and this program is a key step forward. 

VA Life Insurance Premium Cuts 
Starting July 1, 2025, service members, their spouses, and veterans enrolled in VA life insurance programs will benefit from reduced monthly premiums—a move that underscores the VA’s dedication to affordable financial protection. This change affects Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI), and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), offering significant savings. 

For SGLI, active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members will see their premium drop from $0.06 to $0.05 per $1,000 of coverage, reducing the cost for the maximum $500,000 policy to $25, plus $1 for Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI). Eligibility is automatic, with no action required, as deductions adjust seamlessly from pay. FSGLI offers free coverage for dependent children and optional spousal coverage up to $100,000, with premium discounts ranging from 11% to 22% (averaging 13%) based on age—also applied automatically. Review elections via the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) on milConnect. 

Veterans with VGLI will enjoy premium reductions of 2% to 17% (averaging 11%) across all age groups, ensuring continued coverage post-service. The Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) will notify insured veterans via mail, email, online accounts, and bills. No action is needed, though payment adjustments may be required depending on your method. This discount helps veterans maintain coverage longer, enhancing financial security for their families. 

These lower premiums support critical needs like funeral costs, mortgage payments, education expenses, and lost income, making life insurance a vital safety net. As life changes, regularly updating coverage and beneficiary details is essential. The savings allow families to plan with greater confidence, reflecting the VA’s commitment to those who serve. 

For more details, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/spring2025discount.asp. This initiative, effective in just over a week, reinforces the VA’s ongoing support for service members and veterans, ensuring their long-term financial well-being. 

DoD Budget Hearing
The recent DoD budget hearing spotlighted critical personnel challenges under Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Kaine. A proposed 8% workforce reduction, equating to 75,000 employees, sparked concerns about operational readiness, especially with unfilled senior leadership roles like Chief of Naval Operations and Cyber Command. 

Recruitment and retention have seen a dramatic turnaround exceeding expectations since November 2024. A 10% pay raise for junior enlisted members (E1–E4) and investments in barracks, housing, and healthcare reflect efforts to improve quality of life. However, internal turmoil—marked by unexplained firings of accomplished generals like General Hawk and high turnover among senior aides—risks creating a culture of fear, deterring open communication. 

Training disruptions, with 33,000 troops redeployed to the southern border and Los Angeles, have canceled rotations, potentially undermining readiness against global threats from China, Russia, and Iran. A hiring freeze affecting 30,000 cyber positions and the Cyber Service Academy pipeline threatens to lose critical talent, while counter-UAS defense gaps expose vulnerabilities. 

Personnel morale faces additional strain from domestic deployments, including 4,700 troops in Los Angeles. Hegseth clarified that these troops support ICE deportations, with detention only in self-defense, not citizen arrests, though senators worry about an apolitical military’s image. 

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) will continue to engage with enlisted personnel to gauge quality of life and provide feedback to Congress and the DoD, as part of the association’s pledge to take care of the sea services and their families. Service members should monitor these developments, as personnel cuts, leadership vacancies, and redeployments could impact training, career progression, and morale—especially amid a $961.6 billion budget aiming to equip the force but grappling with these unresolved concerns.