WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–February 28, 2014 – A disappointed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) pledged yesterday to continue to fight for improved benefits for veterans after Senate Republicans blocked a vote on comprehensive legislation to expand health care, education, job-training and other programs.  Republicans derailed the bill by raising a budget point of order[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 27, 2014.  Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after Senate Republicans killed a bill that would improve health care, education and job-training benefits for veterans.  “Supporting our veterans should not be a partisan issue. Our men and women in uniform have stood up for us, and[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—February 24, 2014. Remarks As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Pentagon Press Briefing Room: First, let me acknowledge and thank Chairman Dempsey, Vice Chairman Winnefeld, our chiefs, our secretaries, who are here, as well as our Comptroller and our Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Christine Fox for[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—February 21, 2014. On March 18th, 2014, President Barack Obama will award 24 Army veterans the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. These veterans will receive the Medal of Honor in recognition of their valor during major combat operations in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)–February 20, 2014 REAR ADMIRAL JOHN KIRBY:  Afternoon, everybody.  Just a couple of quick comments to start.  As a veteran himself, the secretary has an especially personal commitment to ensuring we account for and bring home as many of our missing and fallen service personnel as possible.   Today,[Read More…]

The Average Wait Time for Veterans Disability Claims in Illinois is 353 Days; Senator’s 10-Point Plan Addresses Nationwide Processing Delays DANVILLE, ILL.–(ENEWSPF)–February 20, 2014.  U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today visited with veterans and Veterans Affairs (VA) officials at the Illiana Health Care System to tour the system’s living facilities[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—February 18, 2014. The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  Master Sgt. Aaron C. Torian, 36, of Paducah, Ky., died Feb. 15, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion,[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—February 14, 2014. REAR ADMIRAL JOHN KIRBY:  Sorry I’m a little bit late.  Let me start with a couple of quick updates.   First, Secretary Hagel signed directive memos for both the internal and independent nuclear enterprise reviews this week, copies of which we’re making available to you and[Read More…]

CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–February 14, 2014. Desert Storm veteran Michelle Smith received dental implants. Tyron Hampton, a U.S. marine and Gulf War veteran, got braces. One of their compatriots, veteran Michael Spears (pictured at right with Dr. Robin Gay and her staff at Manus Health Systems) was fitted for dentures.  Another, U.S. Army[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—February 14, 2014. The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Feb. 12, in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when they were struck by enemy small arms fire.  Killed were: Spc. John A. Pelham, 22, of Portland,[Read More…]