1188 WORDS | 9.1 MINUTE READ 

Hi John,

As a Gold Star Son who lost my birth father, Artie, in the Vietnam War, my gratitude to our veterans and their families is immeasurable. I thought of him and all those who have sacrificed so much for our remarkable nation on Veterans Day, and every day. They gave their lives so that we may be free, so let’s honor their memories by healing our divisions, recognizing our shared interests, and reuniting in a spirit worthy of their sacrifices. 

This past spring, I travelled to Vietnam to pay tribute to my father by visiting Dragon Mountain – the site of the helicopter crash that killed him and seven other soldiers 54 years ago.

Our service members deserve the utmost respect for the sacrifices they have made for our country. I remain committed to working on their behalf to ensure our men and women in uniform and their families get the support they are owed during and after their service.  Read on to learn more about how I am honoring and advocating for our veterans and their families in our community and in Congress:

Honoring Vietnam Era Veterans 

I have met a lot of Vietnam-era veterans who have complicated perspectives about their service and their experience returning home. For that reason, I've been on a mission to honor the sacrifice millions of Americans in uniform have made to keep our nation safe and free. That’s why I've partnered with the Vietnam War Commemoration Program to recognize and celebrate Vietnam-era veterans and their families at pinning ceremonies throughout our community. So far, my office has held eight commemoration ceremonies and has recognized 80 Vietnam-era veterans and families.

Visit phillips.house.gov/Vietnam to nominate the veteran in your life for an official commemoration.

Hearing veterans’ personal stories has been an honor and serves as a constant reminder of the heavy burden carried by those sent off to fight for our country. If you want to recognize the Vietnam-era veteran or surviving family member in your life, I invite you to nominate them for an official commemoration at phillips.house.gov/Vietnam.

Supporting Veterans through Legislation

Since coming to Congress, one of my priorities has been introducing and cosponsoring legislation that will help our veterans and their families. Click here to see the progress that was made in the 117th Congress and keep reading to learn more about what I've been working on in the 118th Congress:

• Introduced, the Love Lives On Act, a bipartisan bill that will allow spouses of deceased servicemembers to retain survivor benefits upon remarriage, including surviving spouses of active-duty, veteran, and retired military personnel.
• Co-led H.R. 3668, the TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act, a bipartisan bill that permits Retired Reserve personnel who are not yet 60, but are receiving retirement pay, to purchase lower-cost TRICARE health coverage specifically designed for retired military personnel.
• So far, in the 118th Congress, I've cosponsored sixteen pieces of legislation aimed at providing the highest-quality care for our men and women in uniform and their families both during and after their service.

Here to Help 

Our nation has always found the resources to go to war, and I believe we must also find the resources to provide the support our veterans deserve when they come home. That’s why one of my foremost priorities is ensuring veterans and their families receive the benefits and services they have earned. Read more below about the organizations and the resources they provide, and help spread the word to the veterans in your life:

My team has helped countless of veterans like John get the benefits they deserve. Watch his story here.

• The PACT Act: The PACT Act was signed into law, and as a result, the VA now recognizes more than 20 presumptive conditions related to toxic exposures—including Agent Orange, burn pits, and more. Click here for more information on the PACT Act and what it means for your VA benefits. For assistance over the phone call 800-698-2411. Veterans are encouraged to contact their CVSOs to get more information on all PACT Act related benefits as they are the best resources apart from the VA. Veterans can find their CVSO by visiting here. Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) that are officially sanctioned by the Department of Veterans Affairs can also provide assistance with veterans claims. 
• Post 9/11 Veteran Service Bonus: This program, facilitated by The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), includes funding for a service bonus payable to veterans who served between 9/11/01 and 8/30/21. Click here to see if you are eligible for a Post 9/11 Service Bonus and start your application today. Applications for this program are open NOW through July 30, 2024, or until funds have been exhausted. The bonuses will be at least $600 but could grow to up to $2,000 based on the final number of eligible applicants. For additional questions contact your local CVSO at MACVSO.org or call LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.
• Hennepin County Veterans Service Office: For Hennepin County residents, the Hennepin County Veterans Service Office has a nationally accredited staff that helps service members, veterans, survivors, and family members navigate the VA benefits system. Visit their website for more information. 
• Anoka Vets Center: The Anoka Vets Center provides professional, caring and quality readjustment counseling services to servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Individual, group, marriage, and family counseling is offered in addition to referrals and connections to other VA or community benefits and services. Visit their website for more information. 
• Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a comprehensive network that connects service members and their families with community resources and creates awareness for employers that are committed to hiring veterans in Minnesota. Visit their website for more information. 
• Every Third Saturday: Every Third Saturday is non-profit organization that focuses on giving veterans renewed purposed after the military through pursuing personal growth. Visit their website for more information. 
• Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans: The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans provides housing, employment, and legal aid for veterans with a mission to end veteran homelessness in Minnesota. Visit their website for more information. 
• MN Department of Employment and Economic Development: MN DEED supports career development for veterans through jobs fairs, education benefits, and other employment resources. Visit their website for more information. 
• Veterans Healthcare: To learn about your eligibility for free VA health care or apply for coverage call 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). If you’re a veteran in crisis, or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at  VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

I know that many active servicemembers, veterans, and their families struggle to navigate both the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in order to obtain their benefits. Bureaucracy should never be a barrier to care, and my office is here to help. If you or someone you know is struggling to get benefits, please call us at (952) 656-5176 or visit Phillips.house.gov/help to get us the information we need to get started.  

Keep the faith and keep in touch,

Dean Phillips
Member of Congress

• Order FREE COVID-19 tests: Keep yourself, and those around you, safe by getting tested if you’re feeling sick or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Order four FREE at-home tests for your family from USPS here. 
• Energy Savings Hub: The U.S. Department of Energy has launched a one-stop shop for American families and consumers to access tools to cut energy costs through rebates and energy efficient upgrades. Click here for a list of green tax credits and other rebates.
• Look before you book: Do you have international travel plans on the horizon? Make sure you are prepared before you book! Visit https://travel.state.gov/ to check your passport expiration date, apply for a passport, and much more.

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