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Members of the 115th Congress of the United States were sworn into office Jan. 3 and immediately went to work, passing two pieces of legislation related to veterans health care. Matthew Shuman, the newly named director of The American Legion’s Legislative Division, believes that’s only the start for this session of Congress. Shuman, a U.S. Army veteran, shared insight on what he thinks are some of the key issues coming up in the 115th Congress. The American Legion Media Division: What do you feel are two or three of the key issues relating to veterans that will come up during the 115th Congress? Matthew Shuman: There’s a couple that instantly come to mind. One is continuing on the march of modernizing the (Department of Veterans Affairs) appeals process. We had a really large push at the end of the last session. That should relatively be an easy win for the new administration to do some good work over at the VA. That’s going to be something that’s definitely on our radar very early. Another very hot topic for this year in particular is going to be (VA’s Choice Program): whether to let it die, or whether to extend it or whether to make it bigger – as some people … want to do. The Legion’s going to be battling that, of course. And then there’s the reclassification of cannabis for medical research. (read the Legion’s resolution here) Q: Any other issues that might be of interest to the Legion’s membership? A: Concurrent receipt is a huge thing. That’s something we’re really going to hit hard this year. Concurrent receipt has been an issue for a long time, and I think this is the Congress that we’re going to be able to push it through. Q: Veterans issues came up during the presidential campaign. Between that and some of the problems still facing VA, do you feel that there is a lot of attention on veterans issues and is this a good opportunity to bring a lot of these issues to the forefront? A: Jan. 3 was the first day of Congress, and the first bills they voted on were veterans bills. That was great. I think this is going to be a very interesting year for veterans policy. Any opportunity to bring up veteran policy in the mainstream is wonderful. Q: How can the confirmation process for cabinet-level nominations affect the pace at which legislation is passed? A: It will take some attention away (from the legislative process). Fortunately the two committees we do most of our work with are the Veterans Affairs and Armed Services (committees). And the majority of our work is done with Veterans Affairs, and they don’t have much to do (with the confirmation process). Of course there’s the secretary of the VA (confirmation). It’s hard to say right now, without knowing who the VA secretary appointee is, how long it will take. There will be people … who will be confirmed on Day 1. So we could have someone appointed for secretary of the VA who is that easy, or we may get somebody like, for example, (former VA Secretary Eric) Shinseki, who took several days. That could sort of stifle the legislative flow, but I’m not expecting too much (of a delay). Q: How critical is the work of Legion members at the local level to our lobbying efforts? A: One hundred percent of our influence comes from our members, without question. We are a non-profit organization. We don’t give (lawmakers) money. All we have are votes. We’re the largest (veterans organization). These (members) have wives and kids and husbands and dads and moms, so the population of our people grows exponentially. We need our members to call frequently. That’s the No. 1 threat on Capitol Hill. I can say, “Hey, if you don’t help us out, I’m going to have 10,000 veterans call and email your office in the next 24 hours." I don’t want that to happen … but that’s where our influence comes from.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- The Latest on the effort to end homelessness among veterans (all times local): 4:20 p.m. Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald says he expects homelessness among veterans to be solved "within a couple of years." He made the comments Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press in which he called on his agency and its partners to house as many veterans as possible in 30 days. He describes President Barack Obama's pledge to end veteran homelessness as an "audacious goal" that has galvanized people. He says it hasn't been met yet because there were more homeless vets than anyone thought. McDonald says that as outreach and data collection improved, officials realized estimates of homeless veterans were low. Federal officials say veteran homelessness has been effectively ended in Virginia, Connecticut and Delaware. About two dozen nonprofits, government officials and homeless veterans in 17 states spoke with the AP about the effectiveness of the effort and challenges they faced. --- 3:30 p.m. Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald is calling on his agency and its partners to house as many veterans as possible in 30 days. McDonald told The Associated Press in an interview Thursday that homelessness typically increases after the holidays and that winter is a tough time for the homeless. He describes President Barack Obama's pledge to end veteran homelessness as an "audacious goal" that has galvanized people. He says it hasn't been met yet because there were more homeless vets than anyone thought. McDonald says that as outreach and data collection improved, officials realized estimates of homeless veterans were low. Federal officials say veteran homelessness has been effectively ended in Virginia, Connecticut and Delaware. About two dozen nonprofits, government officials and homeless veterans in 17 states spoke with The Associated Press about the effectiveness of the effort and challenges they faced. --- 10:30 a.m. Pledges by President Barack Obama and a national nonprofit organization to end homelessness among veterans did not meet their goal. Federal officials say homelessness among veterans has been effectively ended in Virginia and Connecticut. But many veterans still sleep on the streets elsewhere in the country. Nonprofits helping the homeless say the lack of available affordable housing is the reason why. But as Obama's term ends, advocates call the push a success because many homeless veterans did get homes, and the ambitious goal created urgency. About two dozen nonprofits, government officials and homeless veterans in 17 states spoke with The Associated Press about the effectiveness of the effort and the challenges they faced.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) recently gave veterans an opportunity to give back for the holiday season. The group of warriors and their families joined Move America Forward to create care packages for service members deployed overseas. Inside the boxes, volunteers packed candy, socks, coffee, cookies, and lip balm, along with journals, bracelets, T-shirts, and other items from WWP. These things make the time away from home just a little easier for troops stationed in far-off destinations. "I know how it feels to receive a package from home – how thankful you are that people you have never met took the time, energy, and money to show support," said National Guard veteran Christina Eggros. Assisting others through program events like this empowers wounded veterans to embody the WWP logo of one warrior carrying another during his or her time of need. "I have been deployed during the holidays and know how important it is that there are people back home taking time to package these things and sending them," said Marine Corps veteran Eric Hogue. "It also lets those deployed know people are thinking about them. For me, doing this is a way to not only pay it forward but also to pay back." The gathering helped bring families together for a cause. "The best feeling for me, as a U.S. Navy veteran participating in this, was to watch my daughter enjoy working on a team project that will have a positive outcome," said Navy veteran Andrea Varner. "I was proud she felt a sense of accomplishment along with being part of a team. This is something our service men and women share with one another during critical missions, and it helps strengthen the bonds between one another when they are away from loved ones." Warriors also had the chance to socialize with other veterans. Isolation is one of the most significant struggles wounded warriors deal with after serving their country. It can be difficult knowing how to overcome that challenge and rekindle bonds similar to those formed in the military. In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.7 percent) talked with fellow Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn veterans to address their mental health issues. The only resource used more frequently was VA Medical Centers (69.1 percent). "WWP events are a way to connect to other warriors and the services available to us," Christina said. "When we transition out of the military, our uniforms never really come off. It is imprinted on our hearts," Andrea said. "The values we obtained from our service never leave. They are our identity, and WWP is a way for us to serve outside of uniform." "WWP helps empower me to work through challenges and live a 'normal' life even with my wounds," Eric said. "It is hard living up to civilian standards while suffering from invisible injuries. No amount of medicine can help with that like WWP does." WWP offers a variety of programs and services that assist injured veterans with mental health, physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, and connecting with other warriors and their communities. Generous donors make it possible for wounded warriors to take part in outreach activities and benefit from program resources at no cost to them.

ESTES PARK, Colo., /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  Since the cold weather has set in, Rocky Mountain National Park has transformed into a winter wonderland. A group of veterans took advantage of the white scenery during a recent Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) snowshoe hike. As injured veterans and family members braved the elements, they experienced firsthand what is possible at connection events that get them out of the house and socializing with fellow service members. For most of the participants, strapping on snowshoes to make their way through the mountains was a brand new experience. The event focused on physical activity, perseverance, and connection – a chance for warriors to come together and bond over shared experiences. "Being part of Wounded Warrior Project gives me the opportunity to connect with other veterans like me and create the same types of friendships I had while serving on active duty," said Army veteran Christopher Rasmussen. "That was the thing I missed the most when I exited the Army. The camaraderie that comes with belonging to this organization has filled the missing piece in my life during my transition from soldier to civilian – because we are all one and the same." Activities like going on a hike and socializing with other veterans can help injured warriors cope with stress and emotional concerns. In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.7 percent) talked with fellow Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn veterans to address their mental health issues, and 29.6 percent expressed physical activity helps. "Not only am I connecting with other warriors, but it gives me a sense of accomplishment after completing each hike," Christopher said. WWP staff members interacted with attendees throughout the day, advising them of additional programs and services to assist in their recovery processes. The programs help injured veterans with mental health, physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, and connecting with other warriors and their communities. Through the generosity of donors, these programs are available to warriors and their families at no cost to them. "Wounded Warrior Project even helped me buy books for college one semester because I had not yet received my financial aid," Christopher said. "It is just another way they are empowering me to be my best in my new civilian life."

FLORENCE, ALA. Josh and Melissa Miles had debated on an unusual New Year's Day approach this year toward raising awareness about the emotional plights of war veterans. Ultimately, they decided to take the plunge. The Lauderdale County couple is organizing the 2017 Polar Bear Plunge, which will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at McFarland Park beach in Florence. They hope to make this an annual event that will serve to raise awareness on suicide prevention for veterans and honor one of Josh Miles' "brothers." Chris Apger, who served in Afghanistan with fellow Marine Josh Miles, lost his life to suicide four years ago. In a sad irony, Apger had started that year by taking a Polar Bear Plunge in North Carolina, where he lived at the time. Struggling emotionally since returnign from oversees, Apger had taken the plunge in hopes of directing himself away from suicide. According to statistics from the Veterans Administration, an average of 22 veterans commit suicide each day. "Chris was trying to start fresh and did it that year in North Carolina," Melissa Miles said. "That was his fresh start on life. That's how he was going to look at the year, and he ended up not winning that battle." The following year, Josh Miles and fellow Marine Jerry Graham took a similar plunge at McFarland Park in Apger's memory. Since then, the Mileses toyed with the idea of creating an annual plunge at the park. Melissa Miles said she would love to see a large crowd at the beach for the event. She said everyone is encouraged to join the plunge into the Tennessee River, but there is no pressure to do so. Just showing up is a good sign of support. Those who wish to remain on the shore can cheer and urge on the plungers, she said. Everyone is encouraged to wear green in honor of military soldiers and veterans. She said they would like to collect a donation that either would benefit the Wounded Warriors project or local suicide-prevention programs. "The Wounded Warriors really does great things for people," Melissa Miles said. "Josh and I had a whole week at a marriage counseling gathering in Georgia and our marriage really gained from it, and the program paid for it all." If Sunday's plunge draws interest, the couple will try to take it a step further by finding a sponsor for next year. "Some people have asked about T-shirts," Melissa Miles said. "We're not going to do it this time because we want to see if people show up. If they do, we'd love to have T-shirts for next year." She said they plan to have hot chocolate available this year to help warm the plungers. BY BERNIE DELINSKI TimesDaily

Brian Nibbelink, 30, of Rock Valley, Iowa, was a sniper in the Army and served a year in Iraq. After five years on active duty and two and a half in the Reserves, Nibbelink worked as a security contractor in Iraq for three years.“The military helped me mature in many aspects of my life,” said Nibbelink. “I’m more driven and ambitious because of my time in the Army.” Now that Nibbelink is once again a civilian, he’s using that drive to pursue a career in medicine. A VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” helped him graduate from the University of Denver with a major in biology and minors in psychology and chemistry. “I was actually considering quitting school because of my financial troubles,” said Nibbelink. “I am married with two daughters and when my GI Bill benefits ran out, I had no idea how I was going to pay for school and raise a family.” Now that Nibbelink has his degree, he’s busy applying for pharmacy and medical school. “I am hoping to either be a pharmacist or doctor one day,” said Nibbelink. “If I get accepted to medical school, I hope to become a psychiatrist. I saw a lot of mental issues in the people I deployed with, and there was nothing I could do about it—I felt helpless. Now I will have the training to help these people.” Nibbelink is grateful for the scholarship that kept his education on track.“You kept my dreams alive,” said Nibbelink. “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Photo courtesy of Brian Nibbelink.

Looking for a new job this new year? Here are some upcoming job fairs and networking events for servicemembers, veterans and military spouses. Jan. 6: NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo Hiring Fair, 8:30 a.m. employment workshop, 10 a.m. hiring fair, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C. Jan. 19: Cleveland Hiring Expo with the Cleveland Cavaliers, 9:30 a.m. employment workshop, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. hiring fair, Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland. Jan. 24: Lexington Park Job Fair, 3 p.m.-7 p.m., Bay District Vol. Fire Department Social Hall, Lexington Park, Md. Jan. 25: Austin Hiring Fair, 8 a.m. employment workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. hiring fair, Omni Hotel at Southpark, Austin, Tex. Jan. 26: Joint Base Andrews Job Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Club at Andrews, Maryland. Jan. 26: Tampa/St. Petersburg Hiring Fair, 8:30 a.m. employment workshop, 9 a.m. employer brunch & learn, 10:30 a.m. hiring fair, University of South Florida-St. Petersburg University Student Center, St. Petersburg, Fla. Jan. 31: Dallas Hiring Expo with the Dallas Stars, 9:30 a.m. employment workshop, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. hiring fair, American Airlines Center, Dallas. Follow the links for full details and keep tabs on upcoming career fairs at http://www.legion.org/careers/jobfairs.

A Georgia man who served among the first black U.S. Marines during World War II died Tuesday just a few years after Congress honored him and fellow Montford Point Marines for their pioneering role in a segregated military. Angus Hardie Jamerson, known as Jay to his family and friends, died peacefully in his sleep at age 89, said his daughter, Wendy Jamerson. He lived in Villa Rica, 35 miles west of Atlanta, and would have celebrated his 90th birthday later this month. Jamerson was a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta when he was drafted in 1945 and sent to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. That's where Montford Point, a segregated training facility, had been established in 1942 after President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the Marine Corps to begin accepting black recruits. Jamerson would recall stepping off a bus into a mosquito-infested camp where trainees lived in crude wooden huts and were often subjected to cruder behavior, his wife, Doris Jamerson, said. On their first day, she said, Jamerson and fellow black recruits were slapped across the face by a white instructor. Throughout their service, the black Marines were barred from setting foot onto neighboring Camp Lejeune without a white escort. Jamerson's service lasted about 18 months, most of it spent performing postal duties. After leaving the Marines in 1946, he graduated from Morehouse and later earned a law degree while living in California. He returned to the Atlanta area in 1979 after starting a cosmetics company. "He started out wanting to serve and ended up making a historical difference," his wife said. "But he had no idea of the significance of it at all." Neither did most Americans. Unlike the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II and the Army's Buffalo Soldiers formed after the Civil War, blacks who served in the Montford Point Marines received scant recognition for decades. It's estimated 20,000 of them trained from 1942 until 1949, when the Marine Corps was ordered to desegregate. Fred Codes said he had served in the Marines for a decade before he first heard of Montford Point in the 1980s. Now Codes serves as Southern regional vice president for the National Montford Point Marine Association. "They actually fought for the right to fight," said Codes, who counted Jamerson among the members of the group's Atlanta chapter. "The history was really, really buried." That changed somewhat in 2011 when U.S. lawmakers voted to award the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor given by Congress, to the surviving Montford Point Marines. Codes said his group estimates only about 300 of them are still living, and their numbers are rapidly declining. Jamerson was among 15 Montford Point veterans in the association's Atlanta chapter to accept the medal at a banquet four years ago, Codes said. After Jamerson's death, only nine remain. Wendy Jamerson said her father didn't know about the congressional award until he read about it in the newspaper. She said he appeared nonchalant, telling her: "Well, you know, they're going to give me a medal." But Jamerson's pride was unmistakable. "He did sleep with it for a couple of nights," his wife said. "We couldn't get it off him."   BY RUSS BYNUMASSOCIATED PRESS

Twenty feet from end to end, and 240 square feet total. That is the size of each house under construction in Veterans Village – a project started by the Veterans Community Project in Kansas City, Missouri. "These are my brothers and sisters out there on the streets,” Kevin Jamison, a Marine Corps veteran and founder of the organization, told WDAF. “We didn't want to see any veteran suffering." "We want to give them something they can stay in, call it their own and then socialize and re-integrate at their own pace," he added. An empty plot of land in the city will hold 50 of the so-called “tiny homes."  Veterans groups Team Rubicon and the Wounded Warrior Project joined others to help clear the land. The project organizers hope to have the homes done by winter 2017, with the first 10 up by October 2016, accord to the Kansas City Star. “We do this on weekends, holidays, evenings, whenever we can,” said Chris Lawrence, who provided lumber for the homes through the organization she and her husband founded in Quincy, Illinois, called 2x4s For Hope. “We’re just trying to help make a difference. Little by little, one board at a time.” The boards donated by the group have handwritten messages from supporters signed onto them.     by Charles Roberts “We’re going to see how we can work into the interior design a way the veterans can see some of these messages” on the studs, said Jamison. “Like maybe in a closet? That would be cool.”

    COLORADO SPRINGS - The Wounded Warrior Project recently offered veterans a chance to learn about the services available to them. A crew with the organization educated veterans and helped them get into the holiday spirit. Veterans got to take part in an ugly sweater contest and enjoy crafts and food at the event. They also got the opportunity to network with other non-profit organizations "With the wounded warrior project our mission is to honor and empower warriors and their families we do that through programs and different services we connect serve and empower,” said Melissa Shipley. “There are several non-profits that have the same mission; we are all trying to help veterans. So we shouldn't be separated, we should all be together. Yeah, our missions might be a little bit different when it gets right down to it, but we are all trying to do the same thing," said Chase Cowan with Warrior, The Mission Continues.   By: KRDO.com Staff