Forms – Florida Sons of Amvets

When we count the cost of war, we often talk in terms of defense dollars spent or combat injuries and deaths. The Global War on Terror, specifically efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, has racked up high numbers in each of those categories: $6.4 trillion spent, more than 7,000 servicemembers killed, and tens of thousands more... […]

John Byrnes: The war in Afghanistan has gone on so long, it’s outlasted my 22-year military career August 11, 2020

By John Byrnes, CVA Director of Education On September 11, 2001, I was called to duty. I still remember clearly, hearing the news that the first plane had hit one of the twin towers, as I sat in a Manhattan classroom. I was only one year into my enlistment, having done a previous four-year stint... […]

Why do some in Congress want to keep sending troops to Afghanistan? July 17, 2020

The United States has been locked into the conflict in Afghanistan since 2001, imposing a tremendous toll on our nation – in both lives and resources. The president and the Department of Defense have evaluated our national interest and put forward a strategy to withdraw U.S. forces by early 2021. Why are some in Congress... […]

Appointment wait times dramatically increase as vets stand by for answers on community care July 13, 2020

Three months ago, the Department of Veterans Affairs issued guidance that limited veterans’ access to medical appointments through the Community Care Program. Today, that guidance has yet to be rescinded or even clarified as wait times for appointments continue to skyrocket. The latest data from the VA shows a dramatic increase in appointments taking longer... […]

NDAA provides opportunity to spend smarter while protecting American interests June 29, 2020

Title: NDAA provides opportunity to spend smarter while protecting American interests Both the Senate and House of Representatives will begin consideration and markup of the National Defense Authorization Act this week. As the process moves forward, there is an opportunity to refocus America’s defense spending and efforts in the annual NDAA. Concerned Veterans for America... […]

The VA MISSION Act made life better for this North Carolina veteran. But restrictions to access mean not all vets will be so fortunate. June 15, 2020

Bob Phipps comes from a military family. His father was a gunner’s mate in the Navy during World War II. His siblings answered the call to serve, too, with his sister choosing the Army and his brother serving as a Navy SEAL in Vietnam. Bob added a different branch of service to the family legacy,... […]

Pentagon might speed up withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan June 4, 2020

The New York Times reported last week that the Department of Defense is putting together plans for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. According to sources, one such plan would speed up the timeline to withdraw troops before early November. Additional plans favor a lengthier timeline, including removing troops by mid-2021 as stated in a deal reached... […]

Veterans and their families are questioning the foreign policy status quo June 1, 2020

After nearly 20 years bearing the weight of constant war, veterans and their families are becoming increasingly disenchanted with our nation’s foreign policy. A survey commissioned by Concerned Veterans for America found a growing number of veterans and military family members support less military engagement around the world. In a recent op-ed, CVA Executive Director... […]

Q&A: CVA Senior Advisor Darin Selnick on what limiting community care means for vets May 26, 2020

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, veterans are still looking for answers about their access to the health care they need. In late March, the Department of Veterans Affairs proposed limiting veterans’ ability to seek care in their communities through the VA MISSION Act. This proposal raised many questions: How should veterans move forward with getting... […]

CVA executive director Nate Anderson to White House: Direct the VA to reverse its decision on pausing the VA MISSION Act May 12, 2020

We’ve seen historic reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs over the last few years, including increased health care choice for veterans and more accountability at the VA. But in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the VA has backtracked on much of its progress, shutting down most access to community health care, leaving many... […]