Vietnam War veterans to be honored at The Wall That Heals exhibit in San Luis Obispo in March. (Photo: manhai via Bettman Archive)
California veterans news for the second week of 2023. Readers can submit veterans news stories to southards.calegion@gmail.com.
All California Veterans News
- As reported by Medical Xpress, “more than one-third of TRICARE military beneficiaries live in communities with inadequate access to psychiatrists.” Veterans living in rural areas are among those most affected, even in California where access is more widely available compared to other states. The study ran from Jan. 1, 2016 through Sept. 30, 2020. It is unclear if shortages have improved since the study’s conclusion.
- As of Jan. 1, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is processing toxic exposure claims for all veterans. Veterans are encouraged to file claims promptly as long waits are expected at most VA Medical Centers for the foreseeable future.
- The VA has proposed a new policy that would waive the first three copayments for Native American veterans visiting urgent care visits as well as copayments for follow-up care at VA-authorized primary care providers. The VA will accept public comments for 30 days before finalizing the rule.
Bakersfield Veterans News
- The remains of 2nd lt. George Marritt Wisham Jr., who was killed in action during the Vietnam War, have been returned to his surviving family 55 years after his death.
San Luis Obispo Veterans News
- Families of the deceased can submit the names of fallen Vietnam War veterans to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to be honored during the exhibition of The Wall That Heals Vietnam War memorial, which will be hosted in San Luis Obispo March 16–19. Submissions will be accepted through Feb. 16.
Recent Veterans News Posts & Videos
- Medal of Honor Mission – SFC Jorge Otero Barreto (RET)
- CalVet Update (Jan. 4, 2023)
- Rick Monday saves American flag from protesters in 1976
- Building America’s largest Veteran supportive housing community
- VSOs to Congress: fund the VA or PACT Act benefits may not reach veterans in 2023
Important Veterans & Military Holidays in January
Author: Christian Southards
Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.