Veterans’ Deadline for Backdated PACT Act Toxic Exposure Claims is Aug. 9, 2023

August 2, 2023 In August 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the bipartisan Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The Act expanded VA health care and benefits coverage to the many veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits and other hazardous substances, such as Agent Orange. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA)…

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USPS: Post Offices must keep burial flags on hand

USPS wants Post Offices to ensure they have an adequate supply of burial flags on hand for customers who request them. Through the organization’s Burial Flag Program, all retail Post Offices serve as a burial flag repository. Employees must use the eBuyPlus system to order U.S. flags for the program. Flags will be shipped from…

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APWU: New Resources Available for Veterans

June 10, 2021 On June 7, the APWU posted three new resources compiled for APWU members who are Veterans of the Armed Services. The first is the APWU Guide to Veterans Rights and Benefits, produced by the Industrial Relations Department. The others are the Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Guidebook…

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USPS: Caring Letters Program curbs veteran suicides

Mail call has always been a morale-boosting military tradition, but it turns out that mail can do more than improve a service member’s disposition — it can also save their life. Last summer, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched the Caring Letters Program, which mails recurring messages to veterans enrolled in VA health…

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USPS: Burial Flag Program procedural change reminder

The Postal Service is reminding employees about a procedural change for the replenishment of flags distributed through the organization’s Burial Flag Program. Through the program, all retail Post Offices serve as a burial flag repository in accordance with Retail Operations Handbook PO-209 and Administrative Support Manual 474. Under the procedural change, which took effect in…

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USPS: Change announced for burial flag program

USPS and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have made a procedural change for replenishment of flags distributed through the Postal Service Burial Flag Program. One of the most powerful symbols recognizing military service, and an enduring memento treasured by many deceased veterans’ families, U.S. flags in the program will now be ordered through…

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