November 11, 2022 Dear friend, In 1938, an act declared November 11th a legal holiday to mark Armistice Day and honor veterans of World War I. But in the wake of World War I, World War II and the Korean War, the act was amended in 1954 and November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Understanding San Diego today means understanding this history and the contributions of millions of veterans throughout the years. During my career in Congress, I've been fortunate enough to meet many veterans, listen to their stories, and hear about their successes as well as their challenges. It's an honor to represent a district that so many veterans call home. On this special occasion, I am providing an update on some of the work my staff and I have done this past year to support our veterans and their families.
Recent Casework Successes for Veterans Brian of Poway contacted my office in November 2020 for assistance with a medical waiver needed to continue pilot training with the U.S. Air Force. He was serving in the California Air National Guard when he was selected to participate in the USAF flight training program. After entering the final stage of advanced pilot training, Brian was diagnosed with a USAF policy disqualifying disease. He was told he did not qualify for a medical waiver under the new syllabus. After my staff submitted an appeal on Brian's behalf to the CA Air National Guard in July 2021, the appeal was approved. This appeal was necessary to have the waiver approved as well. Throughout this year, my staff asked for several updates from the CA Air National Guard on the waiver after a second review from the State Surgeon General. Last month, Brian was notified that his flying waiver was approved, and he is now able to return to Air Force pilot training. Harold of San Diego contacted my office in February 2022. During his service in Vietnam as a Navy Corpsman, he was exposed to Agent Orange. Harold's medical injuries are covered under the PACT Act and he submitted several VA claims but did not receive any updates. My staff followed up on this the claim until August and informed the VA about Harold's declining health. In September, Harold received his final rating decision of 100% and received retroactive pay in the amount of $36,281.36.
Notable Legislation in 2022 to Help Veterans Peer Specialist ActSeveral provisions from a bill I introduced last year, the Veteran Peer Specialist Act, were included in a larger bill that passed the House earlier this year. The STRONG Veterans Act passed in June and supports veterans' mental health and wellbeing. The Veteran Peer Specialist Act expands the highly successful peer specialist support program to all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers over the next five years. These specialists support fellow veterans and encourage recovery by helping them access health services and navigate the VA health care system, while teaching coping and positive health-affirming behaviors. Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2022In June, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and I introduced the Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2022. This legislation would add 'source of income' and 'veteran status' to the current list of protected classes under the Fair Housing Act, which provides protection from discrimination when people rent or buy a home, get a mortgage, seek housing assistance, or engage in other housing-related activities. Veterans Claims Education Act of 2022In September, I introduced the Veterans Claims Education Act of 2022. This bipartisan bill would provide educational resources for veterans filing an electronic claim and steer them to work with Department of Veterans Affairs-accredited entities. This would keep veterans from falling victim to predatory companies that unfairly profit off veterans trying to access their hard-earned benefits. Resolution to Designate the month of June 2022 "National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month"To honor the invisible of wounds that many veterans carry after their service, I reintroduced a resolution this year to designate June 2022 as ''National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month'' and June 27, 2022, as ''National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day'."
Working for Veterans in CA-52 Valentines for VeteransIn February, I enjoyed spending Valentine's Day with a group of veterans in a Downtown San Diego housing complex. After speaking with them, I delivered handwritten notes made by my constituents for our Valentines for Vets initiative. Memorial Day Celebrations This Memorial Day, I met with local veterans and their families throughout the 52nd district. I attended the Rancho Bernardo Pancake Breakfast and visited the Mt. Soledad National Veteran Memorial for the 2022 Memorial Day ceremony. We honored U.S. Marine Corps Major Megan McClung who was the first female Marine officer to be killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as the first female graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy to be killed in action since the school was founded. I also attended a special event to celebrate the Secretary of the Navy's decision to name a ship after Telesforo Trinidad, a Filipino sailor who received the Medal of Honor 107 years ago. A future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer will be named after this historic sailor. Celebrating STEP's Contributions to San Diego's Veteran PopulationIn late October, I delivered a keynote speech for the Support the Enlisted Project's (STEP) Fall Social Event celebrating the organization's 10-year anniversary. This organization supports junior active-duty enlisted members and recently discharged enlisted veterans and their families with counseling, education, and grants. |
Celebrating Veterans at Mt. Soledad Last week, I attended the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. This year's ceremony honored the Navajo Code Talkers whose courage and knowledge was essential to Allied victory in World War II as they participated in every major battle in the Pacific Theater.
It's an honor to serve CA-52's veterans and their families in Congress. Happy Veterans Day! |