Democrats urge Trump to halt freezes on VA hires and federal funds for veterans community services

Democrats also condemned a separate plan by the Trump administration to freeze federal grants and loans. Direct aid to individuals is not supposed to be affected, but some programs that assist veterans could lose federal funds because the dollars are funneled through the states and passed on to community nonprofits, critics say.

VA blamed for creating barriers to veterans seeking private health care

A lack of consistent policies and protocols by the Department of Veterans Affairs for administering private-sector health care for veterans is leading to medical records not being transferred, denials for appointments and a lack of understanding about reimbursements for clinicians who are not part of the VA system.

Army veteran scores tickets to Super Bowl LIX from surprise visit by Patriots quarterback

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye traveled to American Legion Post 17 in Portland, Maine, and surprised Sgt. Matt Jabaut — who is a longtime fan of the Patriots — with tickets to Super Bowl LIX.

Trump fires VA’s top watchdog in purge of federal inspectors general

Michael Missal, inspector general at the Department of Veterans Affairs since 2016, was one of more than a dozen inspectors general fired by President Donald Trump.

Trump ends DEI activities at the Department of Veterans Affairs

Up to 60 VA employees whose sole job was to advance initiatives known as DEI are on paid administrative leave, the VA said Monday. The employees’ combined annual earnings total more than $8 million. The average salary of these workers is $136,000 per year.

As Hegseth takes charge at the Pentagon, here are what changes could be in store

When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth starts his first official day on Monday morning, he will face a daunting array of issues to tackle — from global conflicts and border security to administrative tasks.

US military personnel in Germany conclude support role in Afghan SIV program

The last Afghan special immigrant visa applicants housed at Rhine Ordnance Barracks have departed, according to an American advocate.

Ukrainian winemaker, US vets team up on a mission: showing the best of Ukraine, one glass at a time

A group of former American military officers and diplomats who served in Kyiv are teaming up with a Ukrainian winery owner to bring a taste of the Black Sea coast to a U.S. audience.

300,000 VA jobs protected from Trump hiring freeze

The Department of Veterans Affairs can continue to fill thousands of vacancies in its health care workforce despite a federal hiring freeze ordered by President Donald Trump, the VA said Thursday. There were roughly 40,000 vacancies at the VA at the end of 2024.

Bipartisan group of legislators seeks to lower military aviation cancer rates

If passed, the bipartisan Aviator Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act would direct the Secretary of the VA to study cancer incidences and mortality rates among aviators and aircrew who served in the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.