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Legislative Affairs
federal and State
Overview
Each year, VCOC actively advocates legislatively. At the State Level, VCOC participates in the annual Joint Leadership Council Day in Richmond, and is a member of the Virginia Joint Leadership Council (JLC). At the Federal Level, VCOC particpates in the annual MOAA National Advocacy in Action, Washington, D.C.
State
From the Virginia Department of Veterans Service Website: "The mission of the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations (the JLC) is to provide advice and assistance to the Governor, General Assembly and the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) on matters of concern to the veterans community and provides a conduit of information to and from the veterans service organizations on policy and legislation, pending and enacted, as well as information on existing services."
The JLC is composed of one representative from each qualifying veterans service organization (VSO), to be appointed by the Governor, and the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services and the Chairman of the Board of Veterans Services and the Veterans Services Foundation or their designees, who shall serve as nonvoting ex officio members. COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret) is the VCOC representative to JLC.
Virginia Joint Leadership Council Legislative Policy Initiatives 2022.
There are are seven Virginia Joint Leadership Council Legislative Policy Initiatives for 2022, view here: Virginia Joint Leadership Council Legislative Policy Initiatives 2022.
Col Monti Zimmerman USA (Ret). MOAA-2 submitted JLC legislative initiative number two, now accepted by the JLC. Click below to view.
Military Officers Association of America 2 (MOAA-2) Expand Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses of Military Services Members “Killed in Action” to also include “Died on Active Duty”
Federal
MOAA Advoccay in Action Campaign Topics 2022
1. Military Pay Raise at 4.6% per the Employment Cost Index (ECI)MOAA supports the full pay raise for all and will guard against any reductions to fund pay-table overhauls.
2. The Richard Star ActThis bill would end an unjust offset faced by tens of thousands of combat-injured retirees who were unable to complete 20 years of service due to their combat injuries. Retired pay is for completed years of service paid by DoD, while disability compensation is for lifelong injury paid by the VA. Two different payments for two different purposes. To reduce retired pay because of a disability is an injustice.
3. The Stop Copay Overpay ActThis bill would reduce mental health copays that were more than doubled through military health system reforms. Mental health is increasingly important and getting attention on the Hill due to pandemic impacts and the effects of social media on children’s well-being. This issue impacts currently serving families on TRICARE Select, working age retirees and their families.
To view MOAA fact sheets for the MOAA top three topics 2022, click on redbox hot links below.
In Reminder
In reminder, MOAA is exempt from federal taxation under Sec. 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, MOAA and its affiliates must avoid engaging in partisan political activities. View guidance here: MOAA Guidance on Partisan Political Activities
Feedback and questions regarding VCOC Federal Legislative Affairs may be directed to CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) at mvng288@aol.com.
MOAA Take Action Center
View the MOAA Take Action Center here: MOAA Take Action Center
MOAA Fact Sheets, Top Three Topics, Advocacy in Action 2022
Col. Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), MOAA's Vice President of Government Relations, outlines the legislative priorities for the 2022 Advocacy in Action campaign for members of the Virginia Council of Chapters.
A WORLD OF FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
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State and Federal Legislators
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State Legislators Federal Legislators
Click below for U.S. Senators listing:
Senators
Click below for Representatives listing:
Representatives
MOAA Advocacy in Action 2021
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VCOC Chapters actively participated in MOAA Advocacy in Action 2021. With the ongoing pandemic, advocacy for 2021 was once again virtual. The top three issues for 2021 were Comprehensive Toxic Exposure Reform, TRICARE Young Adult Parity and Basic Needs Allowance. In addition, the Maj Richard Star Act was advocated.
VCOC MOAA Advocacy in Action 2021 virtual appointments listed below:
22 April 2021: Representatives Elaine Luria, (VA 02) and Michael Waltz (FL 06). Press Conference in support of H.R. 475 the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2021. VCOC attendee: VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret).
12 May 2021: Office of Senator Tim Kaine (D Va). VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) and VCOC President Col Boyd Nix, USAF (Ret).
9 May 2021: Office of Senator Mark Warner (D Va). VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) and VCOC President Col Boyd Nix, USAF (Ret).
20 May 2021: Offices of Representatives Jennifer Wexton (VA 10), Don Beyer (VA 08), Gerry Connolly (VA 11). Mt. Vernon Chapter: CDR John Prevar, USN (Ret).
25 May 2021: Office of Congressman Bobby Scott (VA 03). Portsmouth Chapter Team: COL Hal Hostetler, USA (Ret), COL Bill Smith, USA (Ret),
MAJ Sherry Ferki, USA (Ret), CWO3 Karl Wilson, USA (Ret).25 May 2021: Representative Elaine Luria, (VA 02). VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), Col Boyd Nix, USAF (Ret), MOAA Vice President, Government Relations Col Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), Ms. Nyssa Thompson, MOAA Chapter and Council Support.
27 May 2021: Office of Congressman Rob Wittman (VA 01). Richmond Area Chapter Team: CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret), COL Mark Rich, USA (Ret), LTC Craig Pinsker, USA (Ret), COL Vince Cammarata. USA (Ret).
27 May 2021: Office of Congressman Bob Good (VA 05). Central Virginia Chapter Team: Col Dan Moy, USA (Ret), LtCol John Down, USAF (Ret).
1 June 2021: Representative Morgan Griffith (VA 09). Southwest Virginia Chapter Team: CDR Lee Ensley, USNR (Ret), LTCOL Bob Habermann, USA (Ret).
4 June 2021: Representatives Abigail Spanberger (VA 07) and Don McEachin (VA 04). Richmond Area Chapter Team: CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret).
MOAA VCOC Advocacy in Action 2021 featured screenshots and pictures (below):
25 May 2021: Representative Elaine Luria, (VA 02). VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), Col Boyd Nix, USAF (Ret), MOAA Vice President, Government Relations Col Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), Ms. Nyssa Thompson, MOAA Chapter and Council Support.
27 May 2021: Congressman Rob Wittman (VA 01), Richmond Area Chapter Team: CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret), joined by COL Mark Rich, USA (Ret), LTC Craig Pinsker, USA (Ret) and COL Vince Cammarata, USA (Ret).
1 June 2021: Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA 09). Southwest Virginia Chapter Team: CDR Lee Ensley, USNR (Ret), LTCOL Bob Habermann, USA (Ret).
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VCOC State and National Legislative Advocacy in Action 2022
Our Virginia Council of Chapters advocacy for both the Virginia Department of Veterans Services Joint Leadership Council (JLC) Initiatives 2022 and MOAA’s legislative priorities 2022 is underway. View articles below spotlighting VCOC Advocacy 2022, State and Federal Levels.
VCOC State Legislative Advocacy 2022
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MOAA conveys support for Virginia House Bill 1128, Income tax, state; military benefits subtraction.
MOAA is supporting Virginia House Bill 1128, which is income tax, state; military benefits subtraction. This bill establishes an income tax subtraction for up to $20,000 of military benefits in taxable year 2021, up to $30,000 in taxable year 2022, and up to $40,000 in taxable year 2023 and each year thereafter. The legislation defines military benefits to include military retirement income and benefits paid to the surviving spouse of a veteran.
View Virginia House Finance Sub Committee testimony, 7 February 2022, by VCOC Legislative Committee Chair and Joint Leadership Council Representative COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret), which incorporates MOAA support for HB 1128, below.
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VCOC Members Advocate Joint Leadership Council Initiative 2022-02 with Delegate Kathy Tran (D 42nd)
The VCOC Legislative Affairs team conducted a Zoom virtual session in advocacy of Joint Leadership Council (JLC) Initiative 2022-02 with Virginia Delegate Kathy Tran (D 42nd) on 30 November 2021. JLC 2022-02 is Expand Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses of Military Service Members, to also include “Died in the Line-of-Duty. ” Meeting attendees included representatives from Hampton Roads, Mt. Vernon, Northern Virginia, Portsmouth, Richmond and Virginia Peninsula Chapters and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
Authored by VCOC State Legislative Affairs Chair Col. Monti Zimmerman USA (Ret), JLC 2022-02 asks, "That the Governor and General Assembly approve legislation that extends the real estate tax exemption for the surviving spouses of military service members who die while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of America to include those whose deaths were found to be “within the line of duty,” as determined by the Department of Defense."
During the meeting, military widow and MOAA surviving spouse Ms. Edie Smith provided testimony essential to the passage of JLC 2022-02. As part of her advocacy, Ms. Smith has mobilized some 30 military widows to assist in reaching passage of JLC 2022-02. Delegate Tran further detailed bill writing essential to passage of JLC 2022-02, also agreeing to be the bill patron of the JLC initiative.
Col. Zimmerman says, "Further advocacy will be required for JLC 2022-02 at both the County and City Commissioner level in Virginia, as those levels are where budget decisions are made which are affected by a tax exemption."
View screen shot of the JLC 2022-02 initiative Zoom advocacy session below.
House Bill 957 Passes Virginia House Finance Subcommittee
Introduced by Delegate Kathy Tran (D 42nd), House Bill 957 (JLC 2022-02) passed the House Virginia House Finance Subcommittee unanimously on 4 February 2022, by a vote of 8-0, with Subcommittee recommending reporting with substitute - see below screenshot.
As introduced, summary of HB 957:
Classification of real property owned by certain surviving spouses for tax purposes. Provides that beginning with taxable year 2022, any locality may declare real property owned by a surviving spouse of a member of the armed forces of the United States who died in the line of duty with a line of duty determination from the U.S. Department of Defense, where the spouse occupies the real property as his principal place of residence and does not remarry, a separate class of property for local taxation of real property that may be taxed at a different rate than that imposed on the general class of real property, provided that the rate of tax is greater than zero and does not exceed the rate of tax on the general class of real property.
With JLC 2022-02 authored by VCOC State Legislative Affairs Chair Col. Monti Zimmerman USA (Ret), the passage of HB 957 in the Virgina House is a significant milestone in the effort to expand Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses of Military Service Members in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As introduced by Delegate Tran, HB 957, Real property; classification, property owned by certain surviving spouses for tax purposes, passed the Virginia General Assembly 2022. On April 7, 2022, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed HB 957 into law.
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Virginia General Assembly 2022 Concludes
COL Jack Hilgers, USMC (Ret)
HRCMOAA Legislative Affairs
14 March 2022
The 2022 General Assembly Session is over. The Constitution requires that the session end 60 days, unless agreed to by 2/3 of both the House and Senate. The session was not extended to complete the budget. The House budget which has substantially higher tax cuts and rebates is about $3 billion different from the Senate budget. The budget negotiators will continue their work and the Governor will call a Special Session to pass the budget and deal with the budget related bills.
On April 27, there will be a one-day reconvene session to consider the Governor’s amendments to bills and vetoes. However, the Special Session may be called prior to that for the budget and any bill that was tied to the budget, such as the legislation that allows for a state income tax subtraction of military retired pay. There are about 40 bills like this that will be addressed in the Special Session.
Veterans’ legislation that passed covered: transfer of disabled veteran’s license plate to the surviving spouse; providing special hunting and fishing licenses to disabled veterans; waving permit fees to establish a veteran-owned small business; helping qualified veterans get a commercial driver’s license; allowing honor guards to be under arms; real property tax clarification for surviving spouses; providing the Department of Veterans Services with a suicide prevention coordinator; and expanding the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program definition of "qualified survivors and dependents" to include that a child who is a stepchild of a deceased military service member.
The major veterans’ legislation still pending the resolution of the budget is the military benefits income tax subtraction that is a priority for Governor Youngkin. As currently agreed to by the House and Senate Conference Committee, it will provide for taxable years: 2022, up to $10,000 of military benefits; 2023, up to $20,000 of military benefits; 2024, up to $30,000 of military benefits; and for 2025, up to $40,000 of military benefits. Military benefits means any military retirement income received for service in the U.S. Armed Forces and military benefits paid to the surviving spouse of a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. The subtraction only is allowed for military benefits received at age 55 or older.
Delegate Kathy Tran (D 42nd) letter to Mt. Vernon Chapter President Col Douglas"Smash" Yurovich, USMC (Ret) in appreciation for advocacy of Virginia House Bills 1128 and 957
Virginia General Assembly budget compromise includes increased tax exemption on military retirement income to $40,000, phased in over four years.
VCOC Legislative Affairs Commitee Chair Col. Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret)
The Virginia General Assembly reached a compromise on the state's budget on 27 May 2022, which includes increased tax exemption on military retirement income. There are three critical laws that are a part of this new budget, as follows:
1) HB 1128 & SB 528 as a compromise bill passed and should have been signed or will be signed shortly by the governor. The benefit will begin with tax year 2022. This means that when we file our taxes next year, the benefit will begin. It will reduce the taxable military retired pay by $10,000 the first year and progress to a maximum of $40,000 in the fourth year (2025). The law requires a military retiree to be age 55 or older to receive the benefit.2) Simultaneously, the standard income tax deduction is raised for individual taxpayers from $4,500 to $8,000 and from $9,000 to $16,000 for families.
3) A tax rebate of $250 for individuals and $500 for families was added.
As I estimate the the value of the deduction, on an annual income of $64,170 it will reduce the taxable state income tax by $575 the first year, $1150 for 2023, $1725 in 2024, and $2300 in 2025 for the military retired income tax portion.
I have created the table below to show my calculations:
As I estimate the the value of the deduction, on an annual income of $64,170 it will reduce the taxable state income tax by $575 the first year, $1150 for 2023, $1725 in 2024, and $2300 in 2025 for the military retired income tax portion.
I have created the table below to show my calculations:
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MOAA Newsletter Article, Tony Lombardo ,1 June 2022, click on below link: State Tax Update: Latest on Grassroots Work to Exempt Military Retirement
VCOC MOAA Advocacy in Action 2022
Legislative Affairs Advocacy Meeting with District and Capitol Hill Offices of Representative Elaine Luria (VA 02)
On 1 December 2021, VCOC and HRCMOAA Legislative Affairs Chair CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) met with Dr. Charles Stuppard, District Director, Representative Elaine Luria (VA 02). In a follow on meeting on 16 December 2021, CDR Smith met with John Brodtke, Legislative Director for Representative Luria.
The purpose of both meetings was to review MOAA Legislative Affairs topics. The District Office meeting also included time with Mr. Drew Lumpkin, District Director, Senator Mark Warner (D VA) and Gene Garland, Military Outreach Coordinator, Senator Warner.
Left photo below, left to right: Dr. Stuppard, Mr. Lumpkin, CDR Smith, Mr. Garland. Right photo below, Mr. Brodtke, CDR Smith.
The purpose of both meetings was to review MOAA Legislative Affairs topics. The District Office meeting also included time with Mr. Drew Lumpkin, District Director, Senator Mark Warner (D VA) and Gene Garland, Military Outreach Coordinator, Senator Warner.
Left photo below, left to right: Dr. Stuppard, Mr. Lumpkin, CDR Smith, Mr. Garland. Right photo below, Mr. Brodtke, CDR Smith.
VCOC Previews MOAA’s Legislative Priorities 2022 With Offices of Senator Tim Kaine (D VA) and Mark Warner (D VA)
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VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) previewed the MOAA Legislative Priorities 2022 with the Offices of Senator Tim Kaine (D VA), 21 January 2022 and Senator Mark Warner (D VA), 24 January 2022. Present at the Zoom Virtual meeting with the Office of Senator Kaine was Regional Director Diane Kaufman, Military Outreach Coordinator Janet Lomax and National Security Legislative Correspondent Ausan Al-Eryani (pictured above, bottom). Present at the Zoom Virtual meeting with the Office of Senator Warner was Military Outreach Coordinator Gene Garland (pictured above top) .
With interactive question and answer dialogue during both meetings, the MOAA Legislative Priorities for 2022 previewed follow:
-Sustain pay raises and adequate BAH for the troops and COLA raises for retirees.-Ensure the Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health Service continue to receive pay during a government shutdown.-Protect the value of the military health care benefit.-Protect the Military Health System pharmacy benefit, and achieve flexibility in TRICARE pharmacy copays.-Address barriers to accessing care within the MHS, including TRICARE coverage gaps and mental health care access challenges.-Protect family support programs, and ensure military-provided services (housing, PCS, child care, youth programs, financial counseling) are readily available and meet standards for quality and costs.-Achieve equity of benefits, protections, and administrative support for Guard/Reserve members consistent with their active-duty counterparts.-Sustain Veterans Health Administration (VHA) foundational missions and services.-Reform the presumptive process to support veterans claiming service-connected disabilities for toxic exposures.-Achieve concurrent receipt of service-earned retirement pay and VA disability pay.-Protect full military honors and burial at Arlington National Cemetery for those currently eligible.Improve survivors’ benefits.-Support a quality transition experience from active duty to veteran status for all servicemembers.-Recognize the pandemic continues to affect the lives of our servicemembers.
With the second session of the 117th Congress, our VCOC Legislative Affairs team will continue support of the momentum gained during 2021. With all co-sponsors on Federal level legislation carrying over, the VCOC looks forward to further advocating with our Virginia Delegation during MOAA Advocacy in Action 2022.
VCOC MOAA Advocacy in Action 2022 appointments, virtual unless noted otherwise, listed below.
21 January 2022, 24 January 2022: Offices of Senator Tim Kaine (D VA), and Senator Mark Warner (D VA). VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) previewed the MOAA Legislative Priorities 2022. 11 April 2022: Office of Senator Tim Kaine (D Va). VCOC President Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), MOAA Member Services Representative Ms. Libby Michael. 12 April 2022: Office of Representative Don McEachin (VA 04). Richmond Area Chapter Team: CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret), COL Mark Rich, USA (Ret), LTC Craig Pinsker, USA (Ret).18 April 2022: Office of Senator Mark Warner (D Va). VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), VCOC Secretary LtCol John Down, USAF (Ret), HRCMOAA Member CAPT Bookie Boland, USN (Ret), MOAA Member Services Representatives Ms. Libby Michael and Ms. Kristian Spraggins.21 April 2022: Office of Representative Abigail Spanberger (VA 07). Richmond Area Chapter Team: CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret), COL Mark Rich, USA (Ret), LTC Craig Pinsker, USA (Ret).21 April 2022: Office of Representative Gerry Connolly (VA 11). Mt. Vernon Chapter Team: CDR John Prevar, USN (Ret), MOAA Member Services Representatives Ms. Libby Michael and Ms. Kristian Spraggins.21 April 2022: Office of Representative Don Beyer (VA 08). Mt. Vernon Chapter Team: CDR John Prevar, USN (Ret), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), MOAA Member Services Representatives Ms. Libby Michael and Ms. Kristian Spraggins.22 April 2022: Office of Representative Jennifer Wexton (VA 10). Phonecon, Mt. Vernon Chapter Team: CDR John Prevar, USN (Ret).
23 April 2022: Office of Representative Rob Wittman (VA 01). RACMOAA Team: In person meeting, Veterans of Foreign War, Mechanicsville, Va, CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret), CAPT Hardy Josephson, USN, LCDR Wayne Sine, USN (Ret). 25 April 2022: Office of Representative Elaine Luria (VA 02), VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret). 5 May 2022: Office of Representative Bobby Scott (VA 03). PACMOAA Team: Chapter President COL Bill Smith, USA (Ret), MAJ Sherry Ferki, USA (Ret), COL Hal Hostetler, USA (Ret). 12 May 2022: Office of Representative Ben Cline (VA 06). Heritage Chapter Team: Maj. Angela McConnell, USA/USAFR (Ret). 19 May 2022: Office of Representative Bob Good (VA 05). Central Virginia Chapter Team: LtCol John Down, USAF (Ret).
8 July 2022: Office of Representative Morgan Griffith (VA 09). Southwest Virginia Chapter Team: CAPT Matt Haag, USN (Ret), LTC Dan Karnes, USA (Ret), LTC USA (Ret) Bob Haberman, USA (Ret), COL John Miller, USA (Ret).
4 August 2022: Representative Ben Cline (VA 06), Southwest Virginia Chapter, LTC Dan Karnes, USA (Ret), LTC Steve Jamison, USA (Ret), CAPT Gary Powers, USN (Ret).
MOAA VCOC Advocacy in Action 2022 featured screenshots and pictures, top to bottom, below:
21 April 2022: Mr. Andrew Stern, Office of Representative Gail Spanberger (VA 07), Richmond Area Chapter Team: CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret), COL Mark Rich, USA (Ret), LTC Craig Pinsker, USA (Ret), Mr. Wayne Sine. 21 April 2022: Mr. Matt McLaughlin, Office of Representatives Don Beyer (VA 08), Mt. Vernon Chapter Team: CDR John Prevar, USN (Ret), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), MOAA Member Services Representatives Ms. Libby Michael and Ms. Krtistian Spraggins.18 April 2022: Mr. Gene Garland, Office of Senator Mark Warner (D Va), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), VCOC Secretary LtCol John Down, USAF (Ret), HRCMOAA Member CAPT Bookie Boland, USN (Ret), MOAA Member Services Representatives Ms. Libby Michael and Ms. Krtistian Spraggins.
25 April 2022: Mr. Caleb Smith, Office of Representative Elaine Luria (VA 02), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret).
4 August 2022: Representative Ben Cline (VA 06), Southwest Virginia Chapter, LTC Dan Karnes, USA (Ret), LTC Steve Jamison, USA (Ret), CAPT Gary Powers, USN (Ret).
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South West Virginia Chapter Meets with Congressman Morgan Griffith
On Friday July 8, 2022 representatives from the Military Officers Association of America, SouthWest Virginia Chapter (MOAA SWVA)met with Congressman Morgan Griffith and a member of his staff to discuss MOAA legislative priorities. The SWVA delegation members were Matthew Haag, President, Dan Karnes, Vice President, Robert Habermann, Legislative Affairs, and John Miller, Director. MOAA priorities discussed were the Maj. Richard Star Act which is moving forward as HR 1282 and also amendment 98 to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Honoring our PACT Act, and while not a MOAA priority at this time ensuring military medical benefits are not being reduced.
Congressman Griffith was ready for us and after brief introductions we moved to a conference room and got down to business. We let him know that while the SWVA Chapter has 128 members split between his district and Representative Cline's district, and that many of our members are also members of the American Legion, VFW, AUSA, DAV etc. and that his support would get out to more Veterans than just our group.
Congressman Griffith was not aware of what was contained in the Star Act so the delegation informed him this legislation would allow all military retirees to be able to attain concurrent receipt of retired pay and VA benefits if they met the disability requirements. Currently only those members who are retired and served twenty years or more are eligible for concurrent receipt. Congressman Griffith supported this legislation in concept and promised to take a hard look at it. His concerns are the cost, how it will be paid for and what other riders may be attached to the legislation but did agree that concurrent receipt should also be given to those retired for medical or other conditions that resulted in less than twenty years of military service. He did inform the delegation that if it went forward as an amendment to the NDAA he would not vote for it as he has never voted for the NDAA due to language in a specific portion that he strongly disagrees with and has not been able to get taken out of the NDAA.
The delegation also asked him about his Nay vote on the PACT act legislation. The PACT Act, which passed, addressed health care and presumption of service connection for Veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service. This legislation covers issues like burn pit exposure, deployment for specific contingency operations and those who served in specific locations on specific dates. He immediately responded that while he supported the concept of the legislation that it was to expensive and felt that the way the current bill was worded that it would extend this coverage not only to those directly involved (he supported that portion of bill) but also anyone attached to the unit (i.e. support or headquarters staffs that may not even be in country) which he believed was not right and would drive up costs. This was also the view of Representative Scott Perry (R PA) and retired Brigadier General.
Lastly the delegation asked him for his support to keep our military health care benefits. As we explained, even today if you go to a recruiter's office they will tell you one of the benefits of a military career is you can retire after twenty years at 50% and get health care benefits immediately. He agreed that the Nation has made this promise and we need to keep it.
The delegation thanked him for his time to allow us to bring our concerns to him directly. Pictured below: Southwest Virginia Chapter Team with Representative Morgan Griffith (VA 09):
Congressman Griffith was ready for us and after brief introductions we moved to a conference room and got down to business. We let him know that while the SWVA Chapter has 128 members split between his district and Representative Cline's district, and that many of our members are also members of the American Legion, VFW, AUSA, DAV etc. and that his support would get out to more Veterans than just our group.
Congressman Griffith was not aware of what was contained in the Star Act so the delegation informed him this legislation would allow all military retirees to be able to attain concurrent receipt of retired pay and VA benefits if they met the disability requirements. Currently only those members who are retired and served twenty years or more are eligible for concurrent receipt. Congressman Griffith supported this legislation in concept and promised to take a hard look at it. His concerns are the cost, how it will be paid for and what other riders may be attached to the legislation but did agree that concurrent receipt should also be given to those retired for medical or other conditions that resulted in less than twenty years of military service. He did inform the delegation that if it went forward as an amendment to the NDAA he would not vote for it as he has never voted for the NDAA due to language in a specific portion that he strongly disagrees with and has not been able to get taken out of the NDAA.
The delegation also asked him about his Nay vote on the PACT act legislation. The PACT Act, which passed, addressed health care and presumption of service connection for Veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service. This legislation covers issues like burn pit exposure, deployment for specific contingency operations and those who served in specific locations on specific dates. He immediately responded that while he supported the concept of the legislation that it was to expensive and felt that the way the current bill was worded that it would extend this coverage not only to those directly involved (he supported that portion of bill) but also anyone attached to the unit (i.e. support or headquarters staffs that may not even be in country) which he believed was not right and would drive up costs. This was also the view of Representative Scott Perry (R PA) and retired Brigadier General.
Lastly the delegation asked him for his support to keep our military health care benefits. As we explained, even today if you go to a recruiter's office they will tell you one of the benefits of a military career is you can retire after twenty years at 50% and get health care benefits immediately. He agreed that the Nation has made this promise and we need to keep it.
The delegation thanked him for his time to allow us to bring our concerns to him directly. Pictured below: Southwest Virginia Chapter Team with Representative Morgan Griffith (VA 09):
From the Virginia Delegation
Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant
From Mr. Drew Lumpkin, Regional Director, U.S. Senator Mark Warner:
I wanted to make you aware of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program which would help eligible entities provide suicide prevention services to veterans and their families. Senator Warner was instrumental in the creation of this grant program, so we wanted to ensure Virginian veteran’s organizations were aware of this opportunity.
Purpose of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant is as follows:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the opportunity of funds for suicide prevention services grants under the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). The SSG Fox SPGP enables the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (OMHSP) within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to provide financial assistance through a 3-year community-based grant program to eligible entities to provide, or coordinate the provision of, suicide prevention services to eligible Veterans and their families. Funding offered under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) responds to the mounting need to reach Veterans at risk for suicide in their communities. This Notice contains information concerning the SSG Fox SPGP, the application process and the amount of funding available. Awards made for suicide prevention services grants will fund operations beginning on or around September 1, 2022.
Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) may be viewed at: Funding Opportunity: Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant
A Conversation With Congressman Rob Wittman (VA 01)
With this conversation, VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) interviews Congressman Rob Wittman (VA 01). Congressman Wittman discusses his career in Congress, following with spotlight on his work on Veterans Legislation in 2022, also the value of VCOC grass roots legislative advcocacy. Click below to listen.
Former United States Senator John Warner (R VA) Passes
Former United States Senator John Warner (R VA) , Republican U.S. Senator from Virginia from 1979 to 2009, passed on 25 May 2021. Senator Warner enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 in 1945, serving during the final months of World War II. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1950, serving in the Korean War. He was named U.S. Secretary of the Navy in 1972, serving until 1974. He served for four terms in the U.S. Senate in from 1978 to 2008. During his tenure, the Senator Warner chaired the Senate Rules Committee and Senate Armed Forces Committee.
In April of 2007, our Virginia Council of Chapters awarded Senator Warner Legislator of the Year at the Twenty Second Annual VCOC Congressional Appreciation Luncheon. Held in the Cannon Caucus Room in the Cannon House Office Building, Senator Warner was presented VCOC’s Legislative Award in appreciation for his lifetime support of the uniformed services.
Shown below in April 2007, left to right, is COL Bill Flanagan, USA (Ret) and VCOC President, Senator John Warner and LTC Pat Green, USA (Ret) and VCOC Vice President. Senator Warner is holding the VCOC Legislative award, a plaque of postage stamps representing milestones during the Senator’s 60 years of service. To his steadfast support of the uniformed services over a lifetime, fair winds and following seas to United States Senator John Warner.
Shown below in April 2007, left to right, is COL Bill Flanagan, USA (Ret) and VCOC President, Senator John Warner and LTC Pat Green, USA (Ret) and VCOC Vice President. Senator Warner is holding the VCOC Legislative award, a plaque of postage stamps representing milestones during the Senator’s 60 years of service. To his steadfast support of the uniformed services over a lifetime, fair winds and following seas to United States Senator John Warner.
Colonel Donald B. Kaiserman, USA (Ret) Passes
Former Virginia Council of Chapters President Colonel Donald B. Kaiserman passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021.
Graduating from the Pingry School, New Jersey, then Bucknell University in 1955, he joined the Army flying choppers with the 80th Transportation Company and 334th United States Army Flight Detachment at Ft. Riley in Kansas and Ft. Richardson in Alaska. He retired as a Colonel from the United States Army Reserves and National Guard. He served with the Richmond Area Chapter of Military Officers Association of America , Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Veteran Services and Commonwealth of Virginia Joint Leadership Council of Veterans and Virginia War Memorial Foundation.
Col Kaiserman was VCOC President from 2012-2013. He also served as VCOC Vice Chair, Legislative Committee, MOAA Liaison to the Virginia Joint Leadership Council.
An interment service was held at 3 p.m. on Monday, September 20, at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia. In lieu of flowers, the Kaiserman family asks donations be made to MOAA Foundation, MOAA Scholarship Fund or Parkinson's Foundation.
Virginia House Joint Resolution Number 42, commending Colonel Kaiserman, follows: Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 29, 2016Agreed to by the Senate, February 11, 2016
WHEREAS, Colonel Donald B. Kaiserman, USA, Ret., a respected former military leader, has dedicated his life to the service of his fellow veterans and strives to maintain the Commonwealth’s reputation as one of the best states for members of the military, veterans, and their families to live; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Kaiserman has supported veterans as chair of the Virginia Board of Veterans Services and the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations, which facilitates cooperation between organizations and the Department of Veterans Services; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Kaiserman served as president of the Richmond Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization advocating for military families, and president of the Virginia Council of Chapters of MOAA, where he led and coordinated the Commonwealth’s 18 chapters; and
WHEREAS, at the local level, Colonel Kaiserman volunteered his time with the Fort Lee Retiree Council and currently honors the legacies of the Commonwealth’s veterans on the Board of Trustees of the Virginia War Memorial; and
WHEREAS, over the course of his career, Colonel Kaiserman has achieved success in many initiatives to support military families, and he has earned the respect of numerous members of Virginia state government and the United States Congress, including members of the Senate and House Committees on Armed Services; and
WHEREAS, with his team-based leadership style, Colonel Kaiserman has inspired countless others to support members of the military and veterans in the Commonwealth and throughout the United States; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Colonel Donald B. Kaiserman, USA, Ret., a respected veteran and a stalwart advocate for the military community in the Commonwealth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Colonel Donald B. Kaiserman, USA, Ret., as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his tireless work to honor the service and sacrifices of members of the military and veterans.
WHEREAS, Colonel Donald B. Kaiserman, USA, Ret., a respected former military leader, has dedicated his life to the service of his fellow veterans and strives to maintain the Commonwealth’s reputation as one of the best states for members of the military, veterans, and their families to live; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Kaiserman has supported veterans as chair of the Virginia Board of Veterans Services and the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations, which facilitates cooperation between organizations and the Department of Veterans Services; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Kaiserman served as president of the Richmond Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization advocating for military families, and president of the Virginia Council of Chapters of MOAA, where he led and coordinated the Commonwealth’s 18 chapters; and
WHEREAS, at the local level, Colonel Kaiserman volunteered his time with the Fort Lee Retiree Council and currently honors the legacies of the Commonwealth’s veterans on the Board of Trustees of the Virginia War Memorial; and
WHEREAS, over the course of his career, Colonel Kaiserman has achieved success in many initiatives to support military families, and he has earned the respect of numerous members of Virginia state government and the United States Congress, including members of the Senate and House Committees on Armed Services; and
WHEREAS, with his team-based leadership style, Colonel Kaiserman has inspired countless others to support members of the military and veterans in the Commonwealth and throughout the United States; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Colonel Donald B. Kaiserman, USA, Ret., a respected veteran and a stalwart advocate for the military community in the Commonwealth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Colonel Donald B. Kaiserman, USA, Ret., as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his tireless work to honor the service and sacrifices of members of the military and veterans.
Former United States Senator Bob Dole (R KS) Passes
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United States Senator Bob Dole, World War II veteran, Republican presidential nominee and public servant of over four decades, passed on 5 december 2021 at age 98. Less than one year ago, Senator Dole announced his being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
Senator Dole served six years as an officer in the United States Army, serving as a second lieutenant in the 10th Mountain Division. During a firefight against the Germans in Bologna, Italy, in April 1945, Dole aws seriously injured by gunshot wounds from a German machine gun. Capt. Dole received two Purple Hearts along with a Bronze Star with “V” Device for his assisting a downed radioman. He served over three decades in the United States Congress from 1960 to 1996, in both the House and Senate. Throughout his political career, Dole was legendary at forging bipartisan alliances in order to enact legislation. In example, he was a major supporter of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which became law in 1990. He was a driving force to create the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. In March 2019, Congress unanimously passed a bill to promote Dole from captain to a colonel, with President Trump signing the bill into law the following month. Dole chaired the World War II Memorial Campaign, raising funds for the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Senator Dole’s service continued through his wife, Elizabeth, who established the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to empower and support military caregivers and family members in 2012. The Dole foundation formed a partnership with MOAA, producing a caregiver guide designed on the multigenerational legal and financial needs of caregivers. The Memorial Service for Senator Dole was held at Washington National Cathedral on 10 December 2021, 11:00am. MOAA Vice President Council/Chapter Affairs CAPT Jim Carman, USN (Ret), usher at the service, was joined in attendance by VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret).
Senator Dole served six years as an officer in the United States Army, serving as a second lieutenant in the 10th Mountain Division. During a firefight against the Germans in Bologna, Italy, in April 1945, Dole aws seriously injured by gunshot wounds from a German machine gun. Capt. Dole received two Purple Hearts along with a Bronze Star with “V” Device for his assisting a downed radioman. He served over three decades in the United States Congress from 1960 to 1996, in both the House and Senate. Throughout his political career, Dole was legendary at forging bipartisan alliances in order to enact legislation. In example, he was a major supporter of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which became law in 1990. He was a driving force to create the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. In March 2019, Congress unanimously passed a bill to promote Dole from captain to a colonel, with President Trump signing the bill into law the following month. Dole chaired the World War II Memorial Campaign, raising funds for the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Senator Dole’s service continued through his wife, Elizabeth, who established the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to empower and support military caregivers and family members in 2012. The Dole foundation formed a partnership with MOAA, producing a caregiver guide designed on the multigenerational legal and financial needs of caregivers. The Memorial Service for Senator Dole was held at Washington National Cathedral on 10 December 2021, 11:00am. MOAA Vice President Council/Chapter Affairs CAPT Jim Carman, USN (Ret), usher at the service, was joined in attendance by VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret).
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Pictured at left, CDR Smith and CAPT Carman, immediately subsequent to the service for Senator Dole at Washington National Cathedral.
View President Joesph Biden's Eulogy for Senator Dole at the service here: President Biden Eulogy, Senator Robert Dole
MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins said, "Senator Dole supported U.S. servicemembers and veterans during his political career, but also made it a mission later in life. His regular appearances at the World War II Memorial, to greet his fellow comrades, were an inspiration. Senator Dole never stopped serving.”