TMCnet News
America's Wounded Warrior Veterans March on the CongressSPRINGFIELD, Va. --(Business Wire)-- The Military Order of the Purple Heart is stepping up to the call from Congress for input on how best to resolve the issues most important to the nation's veterans. America's wounded warriors from across the country will converge on Washington, D.C. during 8-12 February, 2010 to meet with their state's Senators and Representatives to educate them on these important issues Coming by twos and threes from almost every State and Territory, Capitol Hill will be awash in a sea of color as some 100 members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart travel the halls of Congress, their distinctive blue blazers adorned with America's oldest military decoration, the Purple Heart Medal, established by General George Washington in 1782 in Newburgh, New York. This medal symbolizes the dedicated and selfless service and sacrifice made by military servicemen and women who were wounded in combat against the enemies of the United States of America. This annual "March on the Hill" by MOPH produces real results for the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Veterans it serves. In 2009, in reaction to a major campaign by all the VSO's, Congress passed legislation that allows advance funding to ensure that the VA will be able to provide all the health care, hire new medical personnel, and fully operate the clinics and hospitals needed for our Veterans. According to Hershel Gober, National Legislative Director for the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), "It is important that Members of Congress hear directly from their own MOPH constituents about issues of importance to Veterans in their respective states and nationally." This year, MOPH National Commander Jim Sims has asked the Order's Members to address five top priority issues with their Representatives in the Congress. 1) Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) claims system. 2) Concurrent receipt of military retired pay and va disability compensation. 3) Traumatic brain injury/post traumatic stress disorder (TBI/PTSD). 4) Elimination of the survivor benefit program (SBP) and the dependent indemnity compensation (DIC) offset. 5) Purple Heart forever stamp. In addition to personal meetings on Capitol Hill, MOPH Members not able to travel to Washington, DC will call or write their Representatives in their District offices to press their case for Veterans' issues. The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes. |
