Support Our Vets

🇺🇸 Should VA doctors be allowed to recommend medical ma*****na to veterans?

One side says veterans should have access to every possible treatment option, especially for PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, and combat-related trauma. They argue many veterans already use medical ma*****na instead of opioids or heavy prescription medications, and preventing VA doctors from discussing or recommending it only limits honest healthcare. Supporters believe veterans who served the country deserve the freedom to explore legal alternatives that may improve their quality of life.

Others disagree and argue the VA should be cautious about endorsing ma*****na because long-term effects and dosing standards are still debated. Critics worry cannabis could worsen certain mental health conditions, create dependency issues, or conflict with federal law since ma*****na remains illegal at the federal level. They also argue more scientific research is needed before VA doctors begin recommending it as a treatment option.

Should VA doctors be allowed to recommend medical ma*****na to veterans, or should the VA stay out of it until more research and federal changes happen?

Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Daniel “Dan” Sessions is encouraging fellow disabled veterans to stay active and avoid isolation after struggling with severe injuries and mental health challenges following his military service.

Sessions served in the Army from 2005 to 2012, deploying multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan. During his final deployment in Afghanistan in 2011, he was critically injured by an improvised explosive device (IED), suffering extensive damage to his legs and other injuries that permanently changed his life.

After leaving the military, Sessions faced years of recovery, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. He said many disabled veterans fall into a difficult cycle of isolation and inactivity, which can worsen both physical and emotional struggles. Determined not to remain trapped in that mindset, he began focusing on physical activity and adaptive sports as part of his recovery journey.

Sessions eventually became involved in events like the Department of Defense Warrior Games, where wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans compete in adaptive athletic events. He credits staying physically active and connecting with others through sports and community programs for helping him regain purpose, confidence, and mental strength.

Now, Sessions uses his story to motivate other veterans, encouraging them to “get out of your headspace” by staying engaged, active, and connected rather than withdrawing from the world after injury or trauma.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers — including Republican Rep. Tom Barrett and several Democratic veterans — introduced two new bills aimed at limiting U.S. involvement in the ongoing war with Iran as the conflict enters its third month.

Barrett’s proposal would temporarily authorize military operations against Iran through July 30 but place major restrictions on the mission. The bill would ban the use of ground troops except for rescue and intelligence operations, prohibit occupying Iranian territory or nation-building efforts, and require troop withdrawal afterward. Barrett, an Army veteran, said the goal is to avoid another “endless war” while ensuring Congress fulfills its constitutional role in authorizing military action.

A separate Democratic-backed bill, supported by 16 veterans in Congress and top national security Democrats, would block additional funding for the war unless Congress formally authorizes it or declares war. Democrats argue President Trump is continuing an unconstitutional conflict without congressional approval and want to use Congress’ control over federal spending to limit the campaign.

The debate intensified after Trump argued the War Powers Resolution’s 60-day limit did not apply because an April ceasefire had paused hostilities, despite ongoing naval blockades and recent exchanges of fire. The Pentagon estimates the war has already cost at least $25 billion, while future costs could reportedly reach $200 billion.

Some Republicans have also begun expressing concern as the conflict continues, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who plans to introduce her own measure requiring the administration to clearly define U.S. objectives and strategy in Iran. *Story inspired by article from Stars & Stripes.

The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia, recently hosted a Veteran Claims Clinic to help veterans better understand and access the benefits they may qualify for.

The event brought together VA staff, benefits specialists, and representatives from veteran service organizations to provide one-on-one assistance with disability claims, appeals, healthcare enrollment, and other VA-related questions. Veterans were able to receive guidance on filing new claims, checking the status of existing claims, and learning about resources available to them and their families.

Organizers said the clinic was designed to make the claims process less confusing and more accessible, especially for veterans who may struggle navigating the system on their own. Officials also emphasized the importance of ensuring veterans receive the benefits and support they earned through their service.

The clinic reflects ongoing outreach efforts by the VA to connect directly with local veterans and help reduce barriers to care and compensation services. *Story from 12WBOY.

U.S. Rep. William Timmons recently presented long-overdue military medals to the family of a late World War II veteran during a ceremony in South Carolina.

The medals honored the veteran’s service and sacrifice during WWII and were accepted by surviving family members decades after his time in uniform. The ceremony served as both a recognition of his contributions and a moment of remembrance for the family, who gathered to receive the awards on his behalf.

Photos from the event show Timmons presenting the medals and speaking with relatives about the veteran’s legacy. The ceremony highlighted the importance of ensuring veterans and their families receive the recognition they earned, even many years later. Story from Greenville News. 💜

A Tennessee veteran accused of killing his wife has been added to the state’s “Most Wanted” list as authorities continue searching for him.

Investigators say the man is wanted in connection with the death of his wife, whose killing prompted a multi-agency manhunt. Law enforcement officials believe he may be armed and dangerous and are urging the public not to approach him if spotted.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation added him to its Top 10 Most Wanted list in hopes of generating new leads and increasing public awareness. Authorities released photos and identifying details while asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the allegations and the ongoing effort to locate the suspect. *Story from ABC.

San Antonio officials approved new protections for veterans who use housing vouchers, aiming to reduce housing discrimination and improve access to stable housing. The measure prevents landlords from rejecting tenants solely because they use veterans’ housing assistance vouchers.

Supporters praised the change as an important step for veterans struggling to find affordable housing, especially as rising rent prices and limited availability continue to create challenges. Advocates said many veterans with vouchers still face repeated denials from landlords despite having guaranteed assistance.

However, supporters also said the decision falls short of a complete victory because the protections do not cover all types of housing assistance programs and still leave loopholes that could allow some forms of discrimination to continue. They argue broader protections are still needed to fully address housing barriers faced by veterans and low-income renters.

The ordinance reflects growing efforts in cities across the country to expand tenant protections and ensure veterans can successfully use the benefits intended to help them secure housing. Story from KSAT.

A project in Asheville is transforming a former hotel into a “Veterans Village,” creating housing and support services for veterans in need. Led by a local nonprofit, the initiative aims to provide stable, affordable living spaces along with access to resources for issues like PTSD, job placement, and overall well-being.

Organizers say the goal is to give veterans a path forward by combining housing with supportive services, helping them regain stability and independence. The project reflects a broader effort to address veteran homelessness and ensure those who served have access to the care and support they need.