VFW Post 6660 Newsletter

Randle Tolliver, Quartermaster / Adjutant

post6660@movfw.org  / www.facebook.com/VFW Post-6660

For veterans in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line’s number – 988 then press “1” or 1-800-273-8255 and press “1”.

For homebound veterans requiring assistance, please contact Jay Parks at (573) 689-1477, Randy Tolliver at (573) 924-2382, or Scott Rosen at (573) 466-9188.

We are roughly a week from Election Day and the VFW strongly encourages each citizen to VOTE!  Why vote?  Not voting is giving up your voice. Elections have consequences and every vote matters.  It is your money, keep a say in how it is spent.  If you do not like what is happening, make your voice heard. Whatever your political position, voting is your right and your duty as a citizen

On Election Day from noon – 9:00 PM, the VFW auxiliary will have the Donald L. Cook / Billy J. Swyres Memorial Veterans Center in Centerville open to provide a warm place to await local elections results. Food and beverage will also be for sale. 

On Friday 11 November at 4 PM, VFW Post 6660 and Auxiliary 6660 will hold a Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial located at the Reynolds County Courthouse in Centerville. Parking is available and everyone is invited.

VFW Auxiliary will meet at 1 PM on 19 November at the Donald L. Cook / Billy J. Swyres Memorial Veterans Center in Centerville.

The next post meeting will be 2 PM on 20 November at the same location.

Our Teacher of the Year, Patriot’s Pen, and Voice of Democracy programs concluded on 31 October.  The winners will be announced after Veterans Day.   

VFW strongly supports voters to approve Missouri Ballot Amendment 5, which will remove the Missouri National Guard from the Department of Public Safety and create a stand-alone Missouri National Guard Department.  Why do we, the VFW support this? It provides a simplified chain of command with no change to the Guard’s mission. In national or state crises, such as natural disasters, direct communication between the Governor and the Guard is more efficient, reduces confusion and saves time. Will it cost more? State governmental entities estimate no additional costs or savings. For more information, please see https://www.mongaonline.com/page/2022Amendment5 .

We still urge Congress to act on three issues. First to include the “Major Richard Star Act” in the FY23 Nation Defense Authorization Act.  Second, approval of the “The Afghan Adjustment Act (H.R. 8685/S.4787).” Third, to strengthen the special protections for service members provided by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and the Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA), to protect veterans from forced arbitration. 

Please call and/or write: Senator Josh Hawley, 115 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington D.C. 20510/(202) 224-6154, Senator Roy Blunt, 260 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510/(202) 224-5721, or Congressman Jason Smith, P.O. Box 4707 Poplar Bluff, MO 63902 / (573) 609-2996.

The VFW recommends veterans not to join a Camp LeJeune Water Lawsuit until the VA clarifies how the settlements will affect service-connected benefits and care.  For more information, please contact Jim Juergens at the Poplar Bluff VAMC at James.Juergens@va.gov, or (573) 778-4614.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the history of the Veterans Day holiday. This week I would like to discuss veterans in today’s society.  Historically, the majority of families had at least one member of their family with military service. Today, it is common to encounter families that have no living relatives who have ever served. A 2019 American Community Survey, the most recent available, estimated only 6.8 % of the adult population were veterans and in the 18-34 year old age range only 3.17%. According to the VA, between 2000 and 2018, the overall veteran population declined by a third, from 26.4 million to 18.0 million. Gulf War-era veterans now account for the largest share of all U.S. veterans, having surpassed Vietnam-era veterans in 2016. In 2021, the VA estimated 5.9 million Vietnam era and 7.8 million Gulf War era (1990 – 2022) veterans.  As the remaining 240,000 World War II and 933,000 Korean veteran’s age out, the veteran population will decline at an annual rate of 1.8 % to an estimated population of 12.0 million by 2045.  Bottom line, veterans make up less than 7%  of the population, and this continues to decrease.  Today, 50% of Americans have no family member who has served, and far less for those younger than 38.  Another result is that fewer members of Congress (~17%) have military experience than just a few decades ago. Although military families often feel as though civilians do not understand or appreciate the demands of military life, the majority of Americans do support funding veterans’ services. In a March 2019 survey, 72% supported spending for veterans’ benefits and services.

Now for a few reminders:

Veterans in the VA health care system can receive free flu vaccinations through the Community Care Network in-network retail pharmacies and urgent care partners. Just present a valid, government-issued ID.  To confirm your eligibility call the VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, at (573) 686-4151 or call 844-MyVA311 (844-698-2311), select 1 and then select 1 again.  For locations, see https://www.va.gov/communitycare/flushot.asp .

For more for information concerning local VA health care call the Poplar Bluff VAMC at (573) 686-4151 or https://www.poplarbluff.va.gov/services/index.asp

The VA one-stop telephone number is 1-800-698-2411 and press “0” to reach a live agent for immediate assistance. The VA one stop website is VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs .

The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) one-stop Benefits and Resource Portal is www.veteranbenefits.mo.gov or call (573) 522-4061.

To order military service documents such as a DD 214/Separation Document or Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), contact the National Archives, National Personnel Records Center at https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records, or call (866) 272-6272.

For more information, contact Jay Parks, Randy Tolliver, or Heather King at (573) 330-1020, email post6660@movfw.org , or go to https://movfw.org.

“Here to Serve”