News / Business
Military Order of the Purple Heart Salutes Signing of VA Advance Funding Act
On the occasion of President Obama’s signing of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act into law today, the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) would like to commend the U.S. Congress, and especially the Veteran Affairs Committees, for this historical event.
According to National Commander Jim Sims, “this issue has been at the forefront of MOPH legislative priorities for the past three years. Many of our members and, indeed millions of veterans, depend on the VHA for their health care. In the last 22 years, the VA has received its appropriation by October first only 3 times. When the VA does not receive its' appropriations on time, it is not able to care for the veterans who depend on it for their health care. Because of the importance of this issue, the MOPH helped found the Partnership for Veterans Health Care Reform which brought together 11 of the largest Veteran Service Organizations in a common goal. After years of uncertainty about funding levels and priorities, this act will guarantee a timely and predictable flow of funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care. By making this legislation possible, the Chairmen and Members of the House and Senate Veteran Affairs Committees who co-sponsored the bill, will make it possible for the VA to know one what its funding levels will be one year in advance, thus allowing it to develop its plans and programs accordingly.”
The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.
For information contact:
National Public Relations Director, John Bircher, 352-753-5535
