VFW National Commander Duane Sarmiento's Complete Testimony and Q&A

VFW National Commander Duane Sarmiento testified before a special joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees on March 6, 2024. With a sea of member caps behind him, Sarmiento highlighted the much-needed help the PACT Act is providing veterans, while also shedding light on the problem with predatory claims consulting protectives, dubbed "Claim Sharks." He also touched on the importance of passing the TAP Promotion Act, how we can better help transitioning veterans and those in crisis, the importance of passing the Richard Star Act, and the need to reform the VA’s Foreign Medical Program, and so much more.

[@filipinoamericanfamily2497]

VFW leadership thank you for calling upon the Mayor Richard Star Act letting our congressman know we veterans want this passed as well I very supportive of all these issues brought up as well.

[@casm1969]

Thank you

[@beverlysoi1620]

I am not a member but can join the auxiliary. But I've been going to VFW in Acworth, Ga for over 15 years and VFW 5408. A biker club that are veterans are updating our post . They have done a excellent job but they are not putting up things that our the veterans that made this post. This is only canteen I go to and I've worked there and held fundraisers there. I'm a poppy distributor. I've worked there but was asked to leave today but I questioned them the old veterans and seems like they are turning it to a bikers bar

[@beverlysoi1620]

The guy that answered my message his wife is bar manager and her son is assistant manager and his wife is bartending there. I think all this is against the bylaws of VFW

[@beverlysoi1620]

I would like to know how they can do this

[@JeremiahMendozaMastersgt.]

Amen

So I am one of the clients in the 3M earplug settlement. Does anybody know if the 25% includes that settlement and not just the camp Lejeune settlement

[@Joe-pc3hs]

How about reversing the Obama directive that kept Veterans from COLA increases?

[@desdenova1]

Obama vetoed that directive and passed the Sanders legislation allowing COLA adjustments for veterans, what are you actually talking about?

[@Joe-pc3hs]

@@desdenova1
What are YOU talking about!? Obama took advantage of 1009(e), Title 37 of the U.S. Code to cap COLA increases that affected Vets AND SSI recipients in 2014/15 and 16. Even NPR, of all outlets, reported on it.

[@JediKidLA]

As long as WEIRDO vance is a member of the VFW I will denounce my membership and will never step foot in a VFW again. The disrespect to our heroes won't go unnoticed!