VFW Advocacy

1. VFW Commends White House Executive Order Advancing Research, Access to Emerging Treatments

   WASHINGTON -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) applauds President Trump for signing an executive order on Saturday aimed at accelerating alternative treatments for serious mental illness, a move the organization says could be transformative for veterans struggling with mental health challenges.

   The executive order, titled Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness, directs federal agencies, particularly the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA), Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration, to speed up research, approval pathways and clinical access to emerging treatments for serious mental illness. A central focus is expanding study and potential medical use of psychedelic-assisted therapies (e.g., psilocybin, MDMA), including issuing clearer guidance for clinical trials and reducing regulatory barriers.

   "For years, our members have prioritized research and clinical trials of alternative mental health treatments of all kinds," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "The VFW applauds President Trump for signing this important executive order, which seeks to cut through bureaucracy and deliver innovative treatments to veterans who need them."

   This marks a notable shift in federal policy from a cautious, tightly restricted approach to these substances toward a more proactive, innovation-driven model. While it does not immediately legalize new treatments, it accelerates the pipeline from research to patient access, signaling federal support for unconventional therapies, especially for conditions like PTSD, depression and other severe mental illnesses where existing treatments prove inadequate.

   "This executive order has been a long time coming and reflects years of advocacy from the veterans' community, especially from our partners at the Grunt Style Foundation," said Whitmore. "They have advocated that cocktails of pills alone are not enough to treat veterans' mental illnesses. That is why the stroke of the president's pen over the weekend has the potential to save lives today and into the future."

   Among those attending Saturday's executive order signing were former U.S. Navy SEALs and veteran advocates Rob O'Neill, Marcus Luttrell and Rep. Morgan Luttrell, a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.

   "Innovative therapies have shown life-changing results in treating combat-related mental health injuries, especially where conventional treatments, like opioids, have fallen short," said Rep. Luttrell, who is also a Life member of the VFW. "If there's a chance to give our veterans their lives back, we have a responsibility to explore it. As a proud member of VFW Post 4709 in Conroe, TX, I appreciate the support of my hometown brothers and sisters and look forward to sharing these new therapies with them."

   "We were proud to see congressional champion for veterans' rights and fellow comrade Rep. Luttrell for this momentous occasion," said Whitmore. "He is a leader who truly listens to veterans and acts to get things done on their behalf."

   In March of this year, Whitmore spoke about on the topic during the VFW's annual legislative presentation to Congress, demonstrating the scope of the crisis as nearly every VFW and VFW Auxiliary member in attendance stood during the hearing before the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees to show just how many veterans have been affected by suicide.

   This latest executive order is the latest win for congressional supporters and veteran advocates of emerging treatments, such as the Grunt Style Foundation who have led the effort to bring change to the VA policy on alternate modalities. Last year, President Trump signed an executive order recognizing legitimate medical uses and expanding research into medical marijuana and cannabidiol, a decision applauded by the VFW.

   The VFW remains committed to advancing innovative solutions that improve the health and well-being of America's veterans.

   "The VFW looks forward to working with the VA to ensure veterans can access the care they deserve," said Whitmore.

2. VFW Commends Bravery and Expertise of Operation Epic Fury Aircrew and Rescue Personnel

   WASHINGTON -Yesterday, the second of the two airmen flying the downed F-15E fighter jet over Iran was recovered from enemy territory by U.S. military rescue personnel, displaying tremendous resolve and commitment to our ethos of never leaving fellow service members behind. This recovery came on the heels of the initial rescue on Friday of the aircraft's pilot and separate recovery of an A-10 pilot whose aircraft was hit by enemy fire near the Strait of Hormuz on a similar timeline.

   On behalf of the more than 1.3 million VFW and Auxiliary members across the globe, I commend, celebrate and extend my deepest gratitude to all involved in the search and rescue operations that brought each of the airmen to safety. American military aircrews and special operations personnel endure grueling training for moments like these as displayed by the F-15E weapons officer's successful evasion from Iranian forces for two long days. While we all hope those skills are never called upon, our service members and their families rest easier knowing that their training has prepared them, and that their battle buddies, fellow Marines, sailors, airmen, Guardians and Coast Guardsmen will come for them.

   As families around the country gathered for the Easter holiday, brave American service members were in hostile territory, doing everything in their power to leave no one behind. The VFW stands by each and every one of them. Know that we are here for you now and when you return home to ensure you get the care and benefits you have courageously, honorably and dutifully earned.

3. 'The VFW Is There to Represent the Veteran'

   VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) and its network of 2,278 officers worldwide reached a new milestone last year: $16.2 billion in awards for the more than 608,000 veterans it represents.

   Considered one of VFW's foundational pillars since its inception 124 years ago, NVS continues to help veterans and their families file VA disability claims and secure earned benefits at no cost, a standard praised across the organization.

   "Nothing makes me prouder than the work VFW's service officers do day in and day out for veterans, transitioning service members and surviving dependents," VFW Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore said. "It is astonishing that this profound amount of $16.2 billion was recovered by the men and women who do this service officer work free for veterans."

   For NVS Director Michael Figlioli, the steady year-over-year growth in benefits recovered on behalf of veterans, including a $1.6 billion leap last year from its previous figure of $14.62 billion in 2024, is a microcosm of the network's commitment to excellent customer service.

   At VFW, each service officer is accredited by the VA to provide free claims assistance to transitioning service members, veterans and their families.

   In 2025 alone, NVS processed nearly 164,000 new claims, with about 14,000 of those filed through VFW's Pre-Discharge Claims Program, which helps service members prepare to transition out of the military.

   "Every day, our VFW-accredited service officers show the tenacity, dedication and genuine care that veterans deserve," Figlioli said. "They stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those who wore the uniform, guiding them through the VA claims process and making sure they receive the benefits they have earned. I am truly humbled by their commitment, integrity and the life-changing impact they make for veterans and their families."

   Figlioli also noted that a VFW service officer's commitment to veterans goes beyond filing a claim.

   "If there's any after-action work to be done, such as an appeal, the VFW is there to represent the veteran, family member or survivor all the way through to the end," Figlioli said. "It has been proven that those who seek assistance from an accredited representative will likely receive a better rating than those who pretend to know what they're doing."

   Today, VFW operates 26 pre-discharge claims sites across the U.S. and abroad, with locations in Europe, Guantanamo Bay and Korea covered remotely by service officers based stateside.

   'YOUR EFFORTS DELIVER OUTCOMES THAT ARE LIFE-CHANGING'
   At Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Raymond Loo devotes himself each day to turning the most complicated part of his job as a VFW Department of Hawaii Service Officer into small miracles with lasting effects.

   As one of 2,278 VA-accredited men and women who embody the VFW's network of service officers, Loo's favorite part is helping veterans and surviving spouses who are either frustrated with repeated VA denials or devastated by the sudden loss of a loved one.

   "These initial conversations can be the hardest because claimants do not understand the VA claim process and are often emotional when trying to lay out a plan while setting the right expectations," said Loo, a Life member of VFW Post 10276 in Honolulu.

   Like all VFW service officers, Loo is equipped with copious hours of training in navigating the pitfalls and bureaucratic language. He says he is committed to providing exemplary customer service to each and every veteran and their family.

   Loo adds that he handles each claim as if it were his own, often managing every facet of the process, from the initial claim to appeals, in order to alleviate any undue burdens on the claimant.

   "I often call them and share the news of the VA's decision," Loo said. "When the decision is favorable, the veteran or surviving spouse is often overwhelmed with emotion because they know their lives and future have changed for the better. This is especially true with surviving spouses, who are often in a financial bind due to the loss of the veteran and his or her disability benefit, and will often come to tears knowing their financial future has turned around."

   Last year, an Army veteran with more than 25 years of active-duty airborne service came to see Loo about his VA service-connected rating being at 10 percent.

   "During our initial meeting, he described the multiple musculoskeletal conditions he was suffering from, and he shared the parachuting injury events over the course of his career," Loo said. "After researching his service-treatment records and obtaining additional evidence from the veteran, we submitted multiple new claims and supplemental claims."

   This article is featured in the 2026 March/April issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Ismael Rodriguez Jr., associate editor for VFW magazine.

4. Rep. Pfluger Named 2026 VFW Congressional Award Recipient

   WASHINGTON -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly presented its 2026 Congressional Award to Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, tonight at the conclusion of its annual Washington Conference, recognizing him for his leadership in the 119th Congress and his career-long advocacy on behalf of veterans and service members.

   "Representative Pfluger uses his personal experience as a combat fighter pilot to identify and fix gaps and shortcomings in our system, ensuring veterans have a passionate and determined advocate in the halls of Congress," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "His commitment and resolve for action over words on many VFW priorities is evident, and we are eager to continue working alongside him to better care for America's service members, veterans and their families."

   Presented annually since 1964, the VFW Congressional Award is given to one member of the House or Senate for significant legislative contributions on behalf of veterans and military personnel. Past recipients include strong national security and veterans' advocates, such as Sen. Bob Dole, R-KS, Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, D-MS, Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC, and Sen. Jon Tester, D-MT, among many others. Last year's award went to Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI, who currently serves on the House Committees on Veterans' Affairs, Armed Services and Agriculture.

   Rep. Pfluger's work in Congress led him to introduce the House version of the Aviation Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act, a long-standing VFW priority enacted as Public Law 119-32, which directed VA to study cancer rates among military fixed-wing aircrew and advance accountability and life-saving care. He has also cosponsored key VFW priorities, including the Major Richard Star Act, the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025, the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025, and the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, safeguarding earned benefits, expanding access to care, and strengthening support for National Guard and Reserve, and medically retired service members.

   Before joining Congress, Rep. Pfluger graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2000. A former squadron commander, he has logged more than 2,000 flight hours, including 300 in combat over Syria and Northern Iraq. He is currently a colonel in the Air Force Reserve.
   
   "Rep. Pfluger's military experience and tenacity make him a leading voice in Washington on veterans issues and national security, and the more than 1.3 million VFW and VFW Auxiliary members are proud to bestow upon him this year's Congressional Award."

5. VFW Appalled Major Richard Star Act Vote Blocked for Second Time

   WASHINGTON -Today, Ranking Member Blumenthal asked for unanimous consent for passage of S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act, on the floor of the U.S. Senate. This is the first time the motion was made since it failed to pass in October, held up then by Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi. I regret to announce that it was turned down again, this time by Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. I am appalled by the resistance by certain members of Congress to care for veterans who have sacrificed so much for this nation.

   As I testified earlier today before a special joint hearing of the United States Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs, the Major Richard Star Act will fix the unjust offset affecting more than 50,000 medically retired combat veterans. This is not double-dipping. This is double sacrifice. Veterans have fulfilled their obligation. Now, the country must Honor the Contract. Not partially, not eventually, not someday, but today, fully and faithfully. Stop the procedural games, have a real hearing, and get this done. Pass the Major Richard Star Act now!