The following items are quoted from the Fleet Reserve Association’s “NewsBytes” post from Feb. 15, 2025.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Issues New Policy on Military Service Eligibility
On Feb. 7, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a directive pausing the enlistment of individuals with a history of gender dysphoria in the U.S. military.
Effective immediately, the policy halts new accessions for transgender individuals, revisiting a previous approach that was in place during the Trump administration. The memo states that the decision is aimed at ensuring “readiness and lethality within the armed forces.”
My own opinion: Individuals who have undergone hormone treatments and gender-reassignment surgery have made themselves ineligible for military service. In many cases, the treatments result in chronic medical conditions with excessive medical expenses and liabilities.
VA Dismisses Over 1,000 Employees Amid Efficiency Efforts
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the dismissal of more than 1,000 employees as part of a broader federal initiative to streamline government operations and improve efficiency. The VA stated that this decision was made to ensure resources are effectively allocated to better serve Veterans.
The affected positions span various roles within the department. While the VA has assured that these dismissals were carefully considered to maintain the quality of services, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Veterans’ care and benefits. Some worry that reducing the workforce could lead to delays in processing claims, longer wait times for medical care, and increased pressure on remaining staff.
“I’m the Secretary of VA, and I’m telling you right now, that’s not happening…the reality is, veterans’ benefits aren’t getting cut,” Doug Collins stated. “In fact, we are actually giving and improving services.”
Collins emphasized that the Veterans Benefits Administration is processing cases faster than ever and reaffirmed the VA’s focus on its mission to serve Veterans effectively.
He also responded to questions regarding the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its role at the VA. He clarified that DOGE representatives are reviewing contracts to ensure efficient operations and that resources remain directed toward services for Veterans.
“I’m happy to partner with them to find things we need to get rid of so we can put the money where it belongs…back with our Veterans,” Collins said.
Veterans! Remember to mark your calendars for Armed Forces Appreciation Day on 17 May 2025! The location is Intercounty Electric’s Auditorium in Licking, open at 0930-1400. Our Post will begin contacting sponsors soon.
Texas County area veterans organizations:
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 473 meets on the last Thursday of each month at 1800 at their Post Meeting Hall on Highway 63 north of Cabool.
- American Legion Post 559 meets at 1800 on the second Tuesday of each month at the VFW Post 6337 meeting hall in Licking.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6337 meets each third Monday of the month at 1730 in Licking at their Meeting Hall on Main Street just south of Highway 32.
- Fleet Reserve Association Branch 364 meets at 1430 every fourth Sunday of each month at the American Legion Post 41 meeting hall in Houston. The FRA exists to serve all veterans and active-duty members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard.
- American Legion Post 41 meets at 1800 on the second Thursday of each month at their meeting hall on the west end of Chilton Oil Company in Houston (just north of Pizza Hut). Changes to membership eligibility now allow U.S. veterans of all branches and periods of service to join the American Legion.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7222 meets at 1800 on the first Thursday of each month at their meeting hall just east of Summersville.
Houston resident Robert E. Simpson is a retired U.S. Navy chief electronics technician who served from 1969 to 1990. Email gfjjkaa@gmail.com.
DOGE is hacking away without considering the consequences which is why they have to rehire the same people and remember, a twenty-something kid fired key nuclear weapons people. We have know-nothing kids firing people and cutting money for our veterans despite the false promise not to cut veteran’s benefits. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY.