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VETERANS SERVICE AGENCY REPORT
February 6, 2025 - 12:00 PM
Director's Report
* Local Activities
o From December 4th - 6th, VSOs Joseph Putnam, Zackary Jones, and I attended the NACVSO Advance Appeals Training, virtually, which was presented by Eagle Law. Topics included, strategies to overturn flawed decisions from the Regional Office, which was presented by Cheryl Mason, Chief Justice of the BVA.
o On December 9th, I attended the annual AMVETS dinner with Legislator Alverez and 21 local vets. We discussed resolutions for upcoming Legislative agenda for VFW, American Legion, DAV and AMVETS.
o On December 14th, I attended the Wreathes Across America event at the Hortonville Firehouse. This event was well attended by many local veterans and family members, which gave me the opportunity to discuss VA Policy and Procedure, and address their concerns.
o In December, I delivered holiday meals and Christmas trees, and conducted wellness checks for elderly veterans and those suffering from food insecurity within the community.
o On six separate dates in December 2024 and January 2025, our Clerk Sheldon Dillon assisted Sharon Ferber at the Community Assistance Center to distribute pallets of food.
o On January 18th, I attended the Veteran and Youth Pheasant Hunt at the Aden Hunting Club, where I made contact with more veterans in the community.
o On January 22nd, I attended the Liberty Elks Lodge 1545 meeting and discussed annual programs for veterans to include the Honor Flight and the Camp Bristol retreat.
* VA & PACT Act Updates
o The incoming Administration has appointed former US Representative Doug Collins (R-GA) as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). So far, the hearings look positive but many of his plans to implement previously attempted VA projects do not contain realistic timeframes.
o The Administration also has expressed the desire to streamline VA processes and services, which may lead to the privatization of VA medical...
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