Newsbytes May 30, 2024

In this issue:
Memorial Day Observance 
The Veterans Benefits Banking Program 
Medal of Honor Upgrade Bill for Vietnam-Era Recon Marine 
VA and DoD Collaborate to Overhaul TAP 

Memorial Day Observance 
On Memorial Day 2025, the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) paid tribute to the nation’s fallen service members through wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. These solemn events underscored the FRA’s steadfast commitment to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. 

At Arlington National Cemetery, FRA National President Maria Behm and Past National Chaplain Robert Behm laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn act recognizing the sacrifices of countless service members. Later, at the Navy Memorial, National Executive Director (NED) Phillip Reid laid a wreath to honor sailors who died in service, with the memorial’s “Lone Sailor” statue serving as a poignant backdrop. 

The ceremonies were accompanied by remarks from key figures. In his Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery on May 26, 2025, President Donald Trump honored the fallen, stating, “No greater love exists than that of our brave men and women who laid down their lives for our freedom. We stand on their shoulders, and we will never forget their sacrifice.” Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also delivered speeches, each emphasizing the nation’s gratitude and the enduring legacy of those who served. Their remarks reinforced the importance of unity and remembrance on this solemn day. 

The FRA’s observances concluded at Branch 4, where National President Maria Behm and her team joined members for an afternoon of food, dance, and togetherness. This gathering fostered a sense of community, allowing veterans, FRA members, and their families to reflect on the day’s tributes while celebrating the bonds forged through service. 

The Veterans Benefits Banking Program 
Veterans and their families deserve reliable, safe, and efficient access to their earned benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) in 2019 to support unbanked Veterans and beneficiaries by helping them establish bank accounts, avoid fraud, and manage their finances with confidence. Since its inception, VBBP has assisted over 530,000 Veterans and beneficiaries in enrolling in direct deposit for their VA benefit payments, ensuring timely and secure access to funds. 

Direct deposit offers a safer and more reliable way to receive VA benefit payments compared to paper checks, which are vulnerable to fraud, loss, or delays. By enrolling in direct deposit through VBBP, Veterans can ensure their payments arrive on time, every time, without the risks associated with physical checks. This is especially critical for unbanked Veterans who may face unique financial challenges, including scams targeting military members or disruptions caused by natural disasters. 

In partnership with the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA), the VA has recruited 130 banks and credit unions to participate in VBBP. These financial institutions are committed to offering free or low-cost banking services tailored to the needs of Veterans, beneficiaries, caregivers, and survivors. Each participating bank or credit union understands the specific financial challenges faced by military and Veteran communities, making them uniquely equipped to provide effective support. 

Mike Frueh, acting under secretary for Benefits, emphasized the importance of the program: “Unbanked Veterans face challenges from a variety of sources. Scams often target military members and Veterans, and recent natural disasters have highlighted the efficiency of delivering benefits electronically. It is critical that Veterans and beneficiaries have access to regulated, safe, and reliable financial services offered by VBBP-participating banks and credit unions.” 

VBBP goes beyond direct deposit to provide a range of financial tools and resources designed to empower Veterans and their families: 

Free Financial and Credit Counseling: Veterans and beneficiaries can work with certified credit or financial counselors to address financial challenges, improve credit, and regain control over their finances. 

VetCents: This financial education program is tailored specifically for Veterans and their families, offering resources to build knowledge, skills, and confidence to achieve financial goals. 

Veteran Saves: An initiative focused on helping Veterans build financial resilience, ensuring they are better prepared for unexpected expenses or emergencies. 

Veterans, beneficiaries, caregivers, and survivors can visit the VBBP website to learn more about the program, explore participating banks and credit unions, and access additional financial resources. By enrolling in VBBP, Veterans can take a significant step toward securing their financial future while protecting themselves from fraud and delays. 

Medal of Honor Upgrade Bill for Vietnam-Era Recon Marine 
A bill introduced in Congress on May 13, 2025, seeks to upgrade the Silver Star Medal awarded to retired Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr. to the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Vietnam. In late March 1967, then-2nd Lt. Capers led a nine-Marine patrol from 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company near Phú Lộc, South Vietnam, to observe a North Vietnamese Army regiment. Despite severe injuries from enemy claymore mines and heavy fire, Capers continued to lead his team, earning the Silver Star in 2010. Supporters argue his valor merits the nation’s highest military honor. 

House Resolution 3377, sponsored by Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), is under review by the House Armed Services Committee. A letter signed by six U.S. senators and 41 representatives, sent to President Donald Trump in February, details Capers’ bravery and requests a review for the Medal of Honor upgrade. His actions included directing a counterattack while wounded, coordinating supporting fire, and ensuring his team’s evacuation before his own, despite two broken legs and heavy bleeding. 

Capers’ heroism extended to twice exiting an evacuation helicopter to prioritize his wounded Marines, only boarding after ensuring their safety. The helicopter he eventually boarded crashed, causing further injuries to others. His story has been compared to that of 2nd Lt. Terrence Graves, another 3rd Force Recon Marine who received the Medal of Honor for similar valor in 1968, highlighting the case for Capers’ recognition. 

The bill’s advocates, including retired Marine Lt. Col. David “Bull” Gurfein, emphasize the need to honor Capers, the first Black Marine to command a Reconnaissance company, for his extraordinary leadership. Currently under consideration, the legislation calls for a formal review of Capers’ actions. Supporters are urged to follow the bill’s progress and contact representatives to back this effort to recognize a true American hero. 

Contact your representative to support this effort: https://www.votervoice.net/FRA/Campaigns/127364/Respond 

VA and DoD Collaborate to Overhaul TAP 
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new initiative to reform post-military transition programs, aiming to bridge long-standing gaps between the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In a pre-recorded video, the cabinet secretaries outlined their commitment to improving the transition process for service members moving into civilian life, emphasizing increased collaboration between their departments. 

The memorandum of understanding, signed last week, marks the latest effort to address persistent challenges in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The program mandates classes on civilian job expectations and veterans’ benefits for separating service members. However, a Veterans Affairs Inspector General report highlighted that many troops either abbreviate or skip these sessions, leaving them underprepared for civilian life. The new review will examine where reforms and overhauls are needed to ensure service members receive comprehensive support. 

Hegseth underscored the DoD’s role in preparing warfighters, stating, “We train them, we equip them, we prepare them, we turn them into warfighters.” He emphasized that the transition to civilian life must be handled “properly, carefully, thoughtfully” to honor the commitment made to service members. Collins echoed this sentiment, focusing on ensuring a seamless handoff from military service to VA support systems. 

A significant focus of the initiative is improving the transition from military medical systems to the VA health care network. Despite decades of efforts, differences in electronic health record systems have hindered progress. Collins recently announced plans to accelerate the adoption of compatible software across VA hospitals, aligning with DoD systems, though full implementation remains years away. 

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) welcomes the initiative, recognizing its potential to deliver meaningful benefits for transitioning service members. The FRA highlighted that a smoother transition process ensures veterans can access critical resources, such as health care, employment support, and educational opportunities, more effectively. By addressing gaps in TAP and improving interdepartmental collaboration, the memorandum promises to reduce the stress and uncertainty many veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life. 

This memorandum is part of a broader push by both departments to enhance support for service members and veterans. Recent DoD policy changes include updates to permanent change of station moves and increased resources for military families who homeschool. Meanwhile, Collins has been reviewing VA contracts and staffing, aiming for significant operational efficiencies. 

The collaboration between Collins and Hegseth signals a renewed commitment to addressing longstanding congressional concerns about transition programs. By fostering better data sharing and coordination, the initiative aims to ensure that no service member falls through the cracks during their transition to civilian life. 

While specific reforms remain under review, the commitment from Collins and Hegseth offers hope for a more integrated and effective transition process. The FRA will continue to monitor implementation and policy changes affecting the transitioning program.