Story courtesy: Jerry Vogler, The McLean County VA
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“Right now we are falling 40% below recruiting goals,” said Jerry Vogler. “There’s shortfalls in key spots.”
Vogler said this is of huge concern.
Vogler said today there’s a lot of internal issues that may be contributing to the low recruiting.
Did you know?
So far, this fiscal year, the Army has only hit about 40% of its recruiting goals. The other military branches are experiencing similar recruiting shortfalls! The Army stated on June 23, 2022, that it would drop the requirement for completing high school under the condition that enlistees quickly ship out to boot camp, setting a deadline of Oct. 1, 2022 to begin training.
However, the move was met with some mockery online and accusations of it being a desperate measure, lowering standards to fill in the ranks wherever the Army could. A lack of education plays a relatively small role in disqualifying potential recruits. Most issues are related to minor criminal infractions and past minor medical and mental health issues. The major problem is that only about one-fourth of young Americans are even eligible to serve, with the top problem being obesity. In a sign of the need for capable recruits, the service offers up to $50,000 enlistment bonuses, its highest ever, and allowing recruits to pick their first duty station with some limitations.
“Oh, for the good old days when my first pay in the Army was $96.40 per month and an apartment near Post was only $88.00 per month,” said Jerry Vogler.
Service member and Illinois congressional candidate (R) Esther Joy King interviews with Cat Petersen about a lack of recruits and how the military women feel about not having access to on-demand abortion.
CAMP LEJEUNE CONTAMINATED WATER UPDATE
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act has been passed by Congress.
If you served or lived at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987, you are going to want to check eligibility for funds under the Act as soon as possible.
An estimated 900,000+ people were exposed and assumedly affected by the toxic water resulting in cancer, organ failure, reproductive issues and more. The Act permits affected people the opportunity to seek reparations for illness, injury and death from exposure to the contaminated water.
Additionally, those military Veterans may file for service- connected compensation beyond the funds available under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. As a result of this Act affected military Veterans, their family members, and civilians now have access to the court systems. The legislation covers individuals not already compensated who must prove and win their case on its merits. This Act is adjudicated in the courts and paid out through U.S. Treasury Department called the Treasury Judgment Fund. There are time limits in the Act during which claims must be filed.
Additionally, you may have already seen on TV several organizations are filing class actions to access the funds under this Act.
If you or a family member may be eligible for litigation or are interested in learning more about the
legislation and the judicial process, please click here.
NEW VETERANS’ CRISIS LINE PHONE NUMBER
Effective July 16, 2022 , Veterans have the option to Dial 988 then Press 1 to connect with a caring, qualified responder for 24/7 crisis support.
VA operates the Veterans Crisis Line through the 988 Lifeline’s national network and thus collaborated to accomplish the successful transition to the new system.
VA has added hundreds of crisis line employees and responder staff, with still more hiring underway, and has strengthened call center infrastructure. The Veterans Crisis Line is a critical component of the nation’s largest integrated suicide prevention network. The line links to more than 500 suicide prevention coordinators across the VA health care system, ensuring coordination into follow-up services as part of a full continuum of care.
VA LAUNCHES IMPROVED ACCESS TO CARE WEBSITE
Effective July 19, 2022, Veterans and the public will be able to see Veteran experience information for care delivered through VA facilities and will have a clearer view of average wait times, with more detailed information on available health care services and specialties.
The new Access to Care website, offers a simplified, user-friendly experience to make it easier for Veterans to make informed decisions as they plan their health care appointments.
For more information click here.
Q: My husband was an honorably discharged Veteran. He is buried in the family plot and has a civilian upright grave marker. There is no indication of his Veteran status on the marker, so his grave often has no American Flag placed on it on Memorial Day by the local Veterans Organizations. Is there anything available from the VA to provide a marker in such circumstances?
A: If you husband passed away on or after November 1, 1990 he may be eligible for a grave marker medallion for placement in a private cemetery.
The medallions come in two inch, three and three-quarter inch and six- and one-half-inch sizes. The medallion will be sent directly to the requester with an epoxy set to attach it to the upright grave marker already there.
For more information browse VA form 40-1330M.
