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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 Storming of the Hill in 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 Chairmen 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
As we move into the second session of the 117th Congress, MOAA’s legislative priorities for 2022 are now promulgated, listed below. Detailed review of the priorities may be viewed at: MOAA' s Legislative Priorities 2022.
- 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.
The Major Richard Star Act
MOAA will continue advocacy for the Richard Star Act. The Star Act will authorize concurrent receipt of DoD retired pay and VA disability for those injured in a combat zone and forced to medically retire under Chapter 61.
MOAA Director, Currently Serving and Retired Affairs LtCol Mark Belinsky's article regarding the Star Act, dated 22 September 2021, may viewed at: Concurrent Receipt Update: Senate Support Remains Strong After House Setback 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 Director, Currently Serving and Retired Affairs LtCol Mark Belinsky's article regarding the Star Act, dated 22 September 2021, may viewed at: Concurrent Receipt Update: Senate Support Remains Strong After House Setback 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
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 completed listed below.
1. 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).
2. 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).
3. 19 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).
4. 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).
5. 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).
6. 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.
7. 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).
8. 27 May 2021: Office of Congressman Bob Good (VA 05). Central Virginia Chapter Team: Col Dan Moy, USA (Ret), LtCol John Down, USAF (Ret).
9. 1 June 2021: Representative Morgan Griffith (VA 09). Southwest Virginia Chapter Team: CDR Lee Ensley, USNR (Ret), LTCOL Bob Habermann, USA (Ret).
10. 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):
1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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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Governor Northrup reappoints two VCOC Members to the Joint Leadership Council (JLC)
On October 29, 2021, Governor Ralph Northrup has reappointed two VCOC members to the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations (JLC): COL Jack Hilgers, USMC (Ret) and COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret).
COL Hilgers serves as the State Level Legislative Affairs Representative for the Hampton Roads Chapter. COL Zimmerman is the Legislative Affairs Representative for the Northern Virginia Chapter, also serving as the VCOC Secretary and State Level Legislative Affairs Representative. The appointments are three years in length.
The JLC is composed of one representative from each qualifying veterans service organization (VSO), to be appointed by the Governor, also the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services and the Chairmen of the Board of Veterans Services and the Veterans Services Foundation or their designees, who shall serve as nonvoting ex officio members.
VCOC remains a long standing qualifying member of the JLC. Qualifying veterans service organizations for the JLC meet three essential requirements. First, the organization shall be composed principally of and controlled by veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Second, the organization is a registered nonprofit organization in good standing, incorporated for the purpose of promoting programs designed to assist veterans of the armed forces of the United States and their eligible spouses, orphans, and dependents. Finally, the organization is active and in good standing with its parent national organization.
COL Hilgers serves as the State Level Legislative Affairs Representative for the Hampton Roads Chapter. COL Zimmerman is the Legislative Affairs Representative for the Northern Virginia Chapter, also serving as the VCOC Secretary and State Level Legislative Affairs Representative. The appointments are three years in length.
The JLC is composed of one representative from each qualifying veterans service organization (VSO), to be appointed by the Governor, also the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services and the Chairmen of the Board of Veterans Services and the Veterans Services Foundation or their designees, who shall serve as nonvoting ex officio members.
VCOC remains a long standing qualifying member of the JLC. Qualifying veterans service organizations for the JLC meet three essential requirements. First, the organization shall be composed principally of and controlled by veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Second, the organization is a registered nonprofit organization in good standing, incorporated for the purpose of promoting programs designed to assist veterans of the armed forces of the United States and their eligible spouses, orphans, and dependents. Finally, the organization is active and in good standing with its parent national organization.
MOAA Advocacy in Action 2022
Our Virginia Council of Chapters advocacy for both MOAA’s legislative priorities 2022 and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services Joint Leadership Council Initiatives 2022 is underway. View articles below spotlighting VCOC Advocacy 2022, Federal and State Levels.
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.
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.
Richmond Area Chapter Holds Fourteenth Annual Legislative Affairs Forum
CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret)
The 14th Annual RACMOAA Legislative Forum was held on Tuesday, December 14th, virtually in two Zoom sessions scheduled for 0730 and 1500. MAJ Mariah White, Co-Chair Legislative Affairs, moderated both sessions. MOAA members presented the following seven 2022 Joint Leadership Council (JLC) Policy Initiatives for the upcoming General Assembly, as follows:
LTC Ken Ruppar – JLC 2022-01 - Suicide Prevention among SMVF COL Monti Zimmerman - JLC 2022-02 - Expand Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses of Military Service Members to also include “Died in the Line-of-Duty” LCDR Wayne Sine – JLC 2022-03 - VSO Color and Honor Guards CAPT Mary Lou Wassel - JLC 2022-04 - Increase GF Support for State Veterans Cemeteries; Eliminate Spouse Burial Fees LTC Owen Waltman - JLC 2022-05 - Promote Hiring of National Guard and Reserve Members MAJ Mariah White - JLC 2022-06 - Virginia National Guard State Park AdmissionCOL Mark Rich - JLC 2022-07 - Virginia National Guard Income Tax Exemption
The Forum provides a unique opportunity for discussion and meaningful dialog with our elected legislators and is indispensable as we prepare to advocate for our military and veteran community in the months ahead. For more information, each policy paper can be accessed at: Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Pictured below are the state legislators, their aides, key representatives from the Department of Veteran Services, and MOAA members from Virginia Chapters who participated in the forum available at the conclusion of the two sessions.
VCOC Briefs MOAA Surviving Spouse Chapter
VCOC Legislative Affairs Committee Chair COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret) briefed the MOAA Virtual Surviving Spouse Chapter Zoom Virtual meeting, 18 January 2022. VCOC Surviving Spouse Representative MAJ Sherry Ferki, USA (Ret) joined COL Zimmerman on the Zoom Virtual meeting, viewed in below screenshot of the meeting. COL Zimmerman's presentation focused on two Joint Leadership Council (JLC) initiatives, each relating to spouses and surviving spouses.
The JLC Objectives briefed were as follows:
JLC 2022-02
Expand Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses of Military Service Members to also include “Died in the Line-of-Duty” 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.
JLC 2022-04
Increase GF Support for State Veterans Cemeteries; Eliminate Spouse Burial Fees
That the Governor and General Assembly appropriate an additional $300,000 (GF) to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services so that the spouse burial charge may be eliminated at Virginia State Veterans Cemeteries, and that Virginia work with Congress to secure the funding (in the VA budget) to extend the VA plot allowance to spouses at all state veterans cemeteries nationwide.
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VCOC Previews MOAA’s Legislative Priorities 2022 With Office of Senator Tim Kaine (D VA)
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VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) previewed the MOAA Legislative Priorities 2022 with the Office of Senator Tim Kaine (D VA), 21 January 2022. Present at the Zoom Virtual meeting was Regional Director Diane Kaufman, Military Outreach Coordinator Janet Lomax and National Security Legislative Correspondent Ausan Al-Eryani (pictured above).
With question and answer dialogue following, 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 advocating with our Virginia Delegation during MOAA Advocacy in Action 2022.
In Memoriam
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.”