Updated Bulletin from the National Chair
After ten years of continuous lobbying, regardless of many hurdles, we nonetheless remained focused on our objective to foster the creation of an office solely dedicated to handle the needs of veterans’ survivors. And in the end, thanks to Senator Mary Landrieu’s legislative support, we finally succeeded on August 8, 2008. Today, under the VA’s tutelage, the office is now fully staffed and ready to operate. I will provide all pertinent information as soon as I receive from the National Director.
Far from sitting on our laurels, VWIN at once drafted plans for a visit to Capitol Hill in September 2009. Appointments were made with members of the U.S. Congress with whom we wished to discuss veterans’ survivors’ benefits. A handful of VWIN’s Council members, who paid their own way to D.C., participated in the trip.
Our visit turned out to be an extraordinary journey, and very much worthwhile. We spent three days navigating from one office to the next, traveling the walkways which criss-cross Capitol Hill connecting the House and Senate buildings. Our agenda included the presentation of the following veterans’ survivors’ issues we believe should be reviewed and amended:
SBP/DIC Offset
10 years waiting period
the new (2001) $100K death gratuity for OEF/OIF casualties
the DIC increase
overseas Space-A benefits for veterans’ survivors
a national Day of Recognition (every June 28) for all veterans’ survivors
and relocation and upgrading of the “In Memory Plaque” on Memorial Wall.
VWIN was proud of our accomplishments in 2008 and we had even more reasons to celebrate in 2009. Although some veterans’ survivors’ benefits we presented will have to wait before receiving consideration while the economy rebounds, our issues have all been submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs for review. However, the DIC increase, a Day of Recognition for veterans' survivors, the relocation and upgrade of the “In Memory Plaque” have grabbed the interest of some U.S. congressmen with whom we met. I will keep you apprised of any new developments.
VWIN is hoping that, after reading this message, you might support our efforts. If you decide to become a member, you can download our membership application.
With my best wishes to each and every one of you,
Edmée J. Hills – National Chairman
Just in:
If you have not heard, on Saturday, November 21, members of Congress voted on Bill HR 3961 [For: 243; Against 183] to avert a 21 percent cut next year in Medicare payments to doctors and permanently change the payment formula to the benefit of doctors.
We'd Like to Hear From You
If any of you have questions regarding benefits you think you qualify for, you can submit them via our “We would like to hear from you” feature. Don’t forget to add a phone number where we can reach you, in case we need to ask you some information about the deceased veteran’s active duty service.
Special Request
In order for VWIN to continue to be available to those who need help and guidance, donations are needed. We survive on our membership dues and all our Council members are volunteers, so we must be thrifty.
Consider making a donation in honor of a loved one or in memory of a veteran. This information will appear in our quarterly newsletter.
VWIN is a 501-c3 designated organization, so contributions are fully deductible. In order to make a donation you can mail it to VWIN, PO Box 441-1043, Aurora, CO 80044-1043. You can also donate online with a credit card. Please click the "Donate" button.
PO Box 441043, Aurora, Colorado 80044-1043 Veterans' Widows/ers International Network 303.693.4745