January 2022 Veterans' Resources Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

Happy New Year! It's hard to believe 2022 has arrived and is already off to a roaring start. As the second session of the 118th Congress gets underway, my team and I remain committed to serving you. Take a look at the latest news below and give us a shout if we can help with anything.

As always, we welcome your feedback about what you read here, and if there are any events or announcements you'd like to see featured, reach out to us by clicking here. You can also check our website for new updates on our Veterans' Services tab. And as always, if you're a veteran in FL-03 in need of assistance with any veterans-related issues, please call our Gainesville office at 352-505-0838.

With all that's happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

In Liberty,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Proudly Serving Florida's Third Congressional District
 

"Man Of Steel" Duane Dewey 2021 Veteran Of The Year

Just before Christmas, we announced 2021's Veteran of the Year as Corporal Duane Dewey, a Medal of Honor recipient who was well known and loved in our North Central Florida community. 

Corporal Dewey was a fixture in the North Central Florida community, where he spent several months out of the year when not in his home state of Michigan. He was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association in Gainesville and known for his friendship, bravery, and support of his fellow veterans, often bashful about his service record. I know many of us will miss him dearly and thank him for his service to this great nation. 

Later this month, I will honor Corporal Dewey with a speech on the House Floor and enter his name into the Congressional Record. You can learn more here. 

Increase In VA Disability Rates

Inflation has caused living prices to soar, increasing VA disability rates by the largest margin since 1983. Starting last month, veterans saw a 5.9 percent increase in their VA disability rates, including special monthly compensation rates. You can learn more at the button below. 

Updates On Beneficiary Travel Pay

The newly upgraded Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) makes it easier than ever before to file a travel claim. No long lines or paper copies are necessary and claims may be submitted through a new portal at the link below. 

To get help filing the first claim using BTSSS, eligible veterans and caregivers can get help from a travel clerk or refer to the user guide linked here. A help-desk phone number is also available at 1-855-574-7292.

Operation Outdoor Freedom Upcoming Events

Operation Outdoor Freedom is a program run under Florida DACS that provides outdoor adventures to wounded veterans. The events are provided free of charge to Florida veterans with 30 percent VA disability or higher or Purple Heart recipients. Interested applicants can learn more and apply to the events on the registration page here.