MIL News Weekly

The conversation focused on major military and veteran news from June 21–27, 2026. U.S. forces surged into Venezuela for earthquake disaster relief, while RIMPAC 2026 launched in Hawaii with 30 nations participating. The Pentagon reinstated mandatory flu shots for recruits after an outbreak, and a $17 million settlement was reached for civilians affected by Navy fuel contamination, while service members received nothing under the Ferris Doctrine. General Donahue resigned as Army Europe/Africa commander. A key theme that emerged was legislative action: The True Shutdown Fairness Act (S.3039) was discussed as a lifeline for service members and veterans, ensuring uninterrupted pay during government shutdowns. The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA) and the Love Lives On Act aimed to expand benefits and survivor protections, but the TCAVA House vote was canceled over controversial funding offsets that would reduce future disability compensation. Veterans groups fiercely opposed these offsets. The discussion explored VA administrative reforms, including the centralization of the VA police force and efforts to modernize career tracks. Several points were raised, including ongoing legislative debates and critical updates affecting military members, retirees, and veterans.