Believe it or not, the VFW Auxiliary, in conjunction with the VFW has actually been responsible for some much-needed changes wrought on Capitol Hill. Steps are being taken all the time by these informed groups who continuously work to improve the lives of veterans, service members and their families.

A landmark bill signed into law covering the Deborah Sampson Act was for women veterans. They now comprise approximately 10 percent of the veteran population and are the fastest-growing cohort within a veteran community. While the VA has made progress in gender-specific health care, there is still much more to be done for the sake of female veterans.

One aspect of the new law is for changing cultural barriers which impact women veterans. It is requiring the VA to address privacy concerns along with improving access, expanding the time for new mothers to find health care coverage for newborns and increasing staff cultural competency. It is also to help stop harassment and assaults and make any other much needed improvements to women veteran’s health care.

The voices rose together in getting the some causes of illnesses that were the result of exposure to Agent Orange. These diseases, such as bladder cancers, hypothyroidism and parkinsonism have been added to the list of conditions presumed to be associated with Agent Orange. Previously, the VA had refused to include these diseases which meant legislation for this had to come from Congress which was done by them in Fiscal year 2021.

Armed with much knowledge and concerns, the Auxiliary supports the VFW Legislative Program and its VFW Priority Goals which are core objectives and each one is issued every year. Post 4174 joins with all the other posts, not just in our district 13, but nationwide in working toward the goals of caring for our veterans. While we are pleased with the progress which has been made, there is still so much work to be done.

We are proud of our efforts, our Post and our Auxiliary. We invite the public to stop in and learn more about who we are and what we do. You will be glad you did!