VFW Testifies on Veterans Preference: National Legislative Deputy Director Aleks Morosky presented the VFW’s views on veterans’ preferences in federal hiring. Over the past several years, veterans in the federal work force has grown to 30 percent, with 25 percent being preference eligible. While veterans are finding their way into federal employment, there are opportunities for improvement. To read Morosky’s testimony and to view the hearing visit http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/a-review-of-veterans-preference-in-federal-government-hiring.
Hearing on PTSD, TBI: The Senate Armed Service Subcommittee on Personnel held a hearing regarding the research, diagnosis and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). During, the hearing concerns for MST, suicide and other comorbidities of psychological health were discussed. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) raised gender-specific questions asking, “I’d like to know if PTSD presents itself differently in male survivors versus female survivors and how treatment for PTSD meets the unique needs of male survivors of sexual assault.” Doctors from VA agreed research is heading in the right direction for PTSD and TBI, but with nearly 25 percent of veterans transitioning from DOD to VA receiving mental health care during their last year of service, there is still much work that needs to be done. In the future VA foresees research innovations for diagnosis and treatment progressing with more neuroimaging and the finding of biomarkers.
Brain Trust Conference: The VA hosted a groundbreaking two-day summit in Washington, D.C., focused on brain health. “Brain Trust: Pathways to Inno- VAtion,” is a public-private partnership that brings together a number of VA brain researches with some of the most influential voices in the field of brain health to help identify and advance solutions for mild TBI and PTSD. A number of representatives from the sports community were also present, since issues related to brain health and head trauma impact all Americans. In attendance for the VFW was Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Brian Duffy, who is championing mental health issues and the VFW’s role to help others recognize and seek effective treatment.
Higher Pay Raise Proposed: Draft legislation released this week by the House Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee call for a 2.1 percent military pay raise in 2017—a half percent higher than what the Administration requested. If enacted, it would be the largest percentage increase since 2010 (which was then 3.4 percent). Military pay increases are supposed to match increases in private sector wages, as measured by the Employment Cost Index (ECI) but the Administration can request more or less than the ECI, with Congress having final approval. Congress erased a double-digit pay gap of the 1990s by directing military pay raises from 2000-2006 to be a half percent above private sector wage increases, and raises from 2007 forward to match the ECI, although more could be authorized. The 1.7 percent increase in FY 2013 was the last time military pay matched the ECI. The draft legislation is just a first step in a very long process before the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act is signed into law.
V-E Day Commemoration: A public ceremony to commemorate the 71st anniversary of Victory in Europe Day will be held at the National World War II Memorial in Washington on Mother’s Day, May 8, at 11 a.m. All WWII veterans are invited to attend and be recognized for their service and sacrifice.
