American Legion Post 642 (Stevens Creek) Cupertino, California

Jun 26

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#VetResources is a weekly newsletter for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Connect with Secretary Collins on X

REDUCED WAIT TIMES FOR PROSTHETIC LIMBS

Veterans waiting on a prosthetic limb aren’t waiting on a piece of equipment, they’re waiting to get back to living their lives. That’s why VA is reducing red tape and getting Veterans the prosthetics they need faster.

Did you know VA has a clothing allowance for Veterans that have a prosthetic or orthopedic device, or skin medication that affects your clothing? Learn who qualifies for this $1000+ annual tax-free benefit.  Applications must be submitted by August 1.

PTSD TREATMENT WORKS

Many Veterans carry the invisible wounds of PTSD. And seeking help takes courage. This month we’re encouraging Veterans, their families, and caregivers to learn the signs, start the conversation, and connect with resources that can make a difference.

WORKING AT VA

Interested in a career with VA but don't know where to start? Each week, VA hosts "Talk About It Tuesday" on LinkedIn. Hear from VA employees about their experiences and what it means to serve Veterans. Find our more!

VA RESOURCES

• For any questions or requests,1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) is always the right number.
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 and press 1 , Chat, or Text 838255
• Vet Centers: 1-877-927-8387
• Homeless Veteran Resources: 1-877-424-3838 or Chat
• Ask VA
• Schedule a 1-on-1 Appointment with a VA Benefits Expert
• Find a VA facility near you

For non-urgent questions, you can reach VA using the VA Health & Benefits App or MyHealtheVet secure messaging to schedule an appointment, refill prescriptions, and access your medical records.

BEWARE: POSTCARD SCAM

Veterans and spouses are being targeted with a new postcard scam that promises up to $185 per month and free dental care. Learn what to watch out for, what to do if you receive this postcard, and how to protect your personal information.

EXPLORE BUSINESS OWNERSHIP

Warrior Rising, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, is offering SDVET LaunchPoint—a free, 4-hour virtual course designed specifically to help service-disabled Veterans explore the path to business ownership.

LEGAL NOTICE FOR VETERANS

A fairness hearing has been scheduled in the Freund v. Collins lawsuit. For more information, see here.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS FOR VETERANS

Veterans save 15% on clothing, EDC gear, equipment, and packs with Triple Aught Design “Made in the USA”. Whether on your toughest excursions or everyday adventures, Triple Aught Design knows that exceptional quality and functionality will help you succeed. 

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 988, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.

Please remember the only secure way to ask personal questions is at VA.gov/contact-us/.

WORKING TO END VETERAN HOMELESSNESS

Last year, more than 50,000 Veterans were moved to permanent housing. VA Secretary Collins shares how VA is not looking to address Veteran homelessness for a moment, but looking to fix it for a lifetime. No Veteran should be homeless in the country they fought to defend. 

Learn what VA is doing at the West L.A. campus.

Learn more about VA homeless programs.

MODERNIZING VA FACILIITIES

Veterans deserve better than 70-year old facilities. VA Secretary Collins shares how VA is modernizing facilities with upgraded operating rooms, more patient capacity, and safer, more reliable infrastructure to improve the Veteran experience.

EASIER PATHWAY TO CDL

If you’re a Veteran interested in commercial driving, VA is making it easier to use G.I. Bill benefits for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training, helping to shorten the path into one of the country’s most in-demand fields. Learn how the Dole Act streamlined CDL program approval process.

VA HOME LOANS AFTER HARDSHIP

Did you know that bankruptcy or foreclosure does not automatically end your ability to use a VA Home Loan? Learn more about your options, protections, and how to use your VA loan again.

CALLING WOMEN VETERANS

The Center for Women Veterans is traveling across the United States bringing women Veterans together to connect, enroll in VA, share resources, and strengthen the women Veterans community. They are aiming to enroll 1 million women Veterans and will host five regional summits.  Join them at their first stop in the Southwest from July 24 – 25, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 

Find more women Veteran health care events across the nation.

Onto our top Veterans news beats this past week, starting with… California SB 694 may soon benefit from companion legislation at the federal level after the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act garnered early bipartisan support in the House. Both bills––the former now law in California––make it illegal for unaccredited organizations and individuals from filing VA benefits claims on behalf of Veterans. More details in the article link below.

More Articles This Week 

• A Pentagon order to ban Transgender Service Members from the Military was declared illegal by a federal appellate court earlier this week. For the time being, only the Service Members who brought the suit are to be protected from separation—however, a ban preventing new transgender enlistment will remain in effect unless struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, possibly later this year.

• ICYMI: Last week we spotlighted San Bernardino Post 710’s ongoing renovations, with before-and-after photos and a quick interview with Post Commander Felicia Ponder and Community Support Coordinator Cynthia James. 

Is your post also going through significant renovations? Let us know! We’d love to spotlight improvements. 

West Los Angeles VA Campus Update

Previously, we reported that the VA is planning to build around 220 units on its long-controversial West Los Angeles campus. 

Per a now-substantiated report from the Los Angeles Times, the VA is actually planning to build 260 units, each with kitchenettes and bathrooms on its campus this year. That figure is down from a promised 800 “tiny home” units that would have shared communal spaces instead. 

It is unclear at what point the change in plans was made, but the trade-off appears to be geared toward providing better quality spaces for Veterans in need. 

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