Jersey City, New Jersey Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Dr. Jaimy Patel, MD is the Co-Founder of AvedaMed and an experienced Internal Medicine physician based in New Jersey. She is known for her comprehensive approach to adult healthcare and her dedication to patient well-being. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Patel has established a strong practice focused on preventive care, chronic disease management, and holistic patient evaluation. She is affiliated with regional hospitals, delivering evidence-based care to a diverse patient population. Dr. Patels medical journey began with her graduation in 2010, when she earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree with honors. Since then, she has established a robust career in Internal Medicine, specializing in adult health across a wide range of conditions. Her training and ongoing commitment to medical excellence enable her to diagnose and manage complex health issues while also emphasizing long-term wellness and preventive strategies tailored to each patient. Throughout her career, Dr. Patel has maintained affiliations with major healthcare institutions, allowing her to provide coordinated care that integrates outpatient management with hospital-based care when needed, ensuring continuity and depth in patient treatment plans. She has held voluntary teaching appointments at the esteemed Harvard Medical School. She also has multiple healthcare certifications from Harvard Medical School. She enjoys clinical research and has published multiple publications. Patients under Dr. Patels care benefit from her thoughtful and patient-focused style. She strives to foster open communication, listening carefully to concerns and explaining medical conditions and treatments in understandable terms. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Patel is committed to staying current with advances in medical practice and upholding high standards of patient care. Her practice reflects a dedication to compassionate service and a deep understanding of the complexities of adult medicine. Dr. Patel continues to welcome new patients to the practice in New Jersey, supporting her communitys health with expertise and empathy. Learn More about Dr. Jaimy Patel:Through his findatopdoc profile, https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/85022452-Jaimy-Patel-Internist About FindaTopDoc.com FindaTopDoc is a digital health information company that helps connect patients with local physicians and specialists who accept your insurance. Our goal is to help guide you on your journey towards optimal health by providing you with the know-how to make informed decisions for you and your family.Media ContactYour Health Contact*****@yourhealthcontact.com Source :Dr. Jaimy PatelThis article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
Phoenix, Arizona Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Courtney Chettle, DBH, MA, LPC, is an accomplished Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, licensed in both Arizona and Michigan, with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals in healing from trauma, navigating addiction recovery, and rediscovering peace and purpose. With a deep commitment to a human-centered approach, Dr. Chettle provides a warm, judgment-free space where clients can process pain, build resilience, and make meaningful life changes. As the Founder of Renew & Transcend Wellness in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Chettle provides both in-person and virtual therapy sessions designed to empower clients toward emotional wellness and self-discovery. Her integrative approach blends evidence-based modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, enabling her to develop personalized treatment plans that guide clients through their emotional journeys and help them achieve meaningful therapeutic outcomes. Dr. Chettle shares, Well work together to identify patterns that no longer serve you, explore your values, and strengthen your internal sense of safety and self-trust. Whether youre processing trauma, exploring your identity, managing substance use, or healing from burnout, our work will be tailored to what you need in the moment, while always keeping your long-term goals in mind. With a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata University and a Doctor of Behavioral Health from Arizona State University, Dr. Chettle is committed to the highest standards of care. As a Clinical Supervisor licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, she also mentors emerging mental health professionals, cultivating a new generation of ethical and empathetic clinicians. At Renew & Transcend Wellness, clients can expect a supportive environment to explore their challenges and triumphs. Dr. Chettle emphasizes practical tools for daily life, helping clients manage triggers, set boundaries, and regain control over their emotions. This is your space. Your healing. Your timeline. Im here to walk beside you as you build a life that feels safe, steady, and truly yours, she says, inviting individuals to begin a transformative journey toward wellness and self-discovery. Learn more about Dr. Courtney Chettle: Through her Americas Best in Medicine profile, https://americasbestinmedicine.com/connect/courtney-chettle, or through her website, https://www.renewandtranscend.com/ Americas Best in Medicine Americas Best in Medicine is a specialist online platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of leading healthcare professionals across the United States. They bring together top healthcare providers from all specialties and cities to share expert-driven articles, research, commentary, and clinical insight. Their core purposes are to showcase excellence in healthcare, build trust between providers and the public, and ensure that expert voices are elevated and heard in shaping medicine. Through their platform, users can access a community of leaders, opportunities for providers to share expertise, and trusted guidance for patients and peers alike.Media ContactAmerica's Best in Medicine*****@americasbestinmedicine.com1-877-346-0175https://americasbestinmedicine.com Source :Dr. Courtney ChettleThis article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
Buffalo, New York Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Shannon Baldo, MHA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ, a seasoned nursing professional with over twenty-six years of experience, is making significant strides in healthcare quality and patient safety as the Director of Nursing Quality at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York. Her leadership has been pivotal in enhancing patient outcomes, implementing effective prevention strategies, and fostering educational initiatives that prioritize safety and quality in nursing care. At Roswell Park, Shannon oversees critical nursing quality metrics and manages complex quality improvement projects, collaborating closely with frontline nurses to ensure they possess the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to provide exceptional care. Under her leadership of Nursing Quality, Roswell Park proudly achieved Magnet® designation, a prestigious honor that signifies the organizations unwavering commitment to nursing excellence and the culture of continuous improvement that Shannon has championed. Her nursing career began at a community college, where she earned her RN before advancing her education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Daemen University. Shannnon furthered her expertise with a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix. Her credentials include national certifications as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and Nurse Executive, Board Certified (NE-BC). Her early experience in critical care, specifically in open-heart and cardiovascular nursing, laid the foundation for her dedication to evidence-based practice and clinical excellence. Shannons journey into quality and outcomes management was inspired by her collaboration with a cardiologist early in her career, prompting her to leverage her clinical insights to enhance performance metrics and improve patient safety within cardiac programs. She has also taken her passion for womens health and nursing leadership to the community through local speaking engagements, emphasizing the importance of quality care and inspiring fellow nurses to pursue leadership roles. Currently, Shannon is spearheading an ambitious initiative to reduce patient falls at Roswell Park. Through a proactive, multidisciplinary approach, she has successfully achieved a more than 50 percent reduction in falls with injury. Understanding that falls often result from medication effects and reduced mobility, she advocates for thorough patient assessments, comprehensive education, and vigilant supervision. Her ultimate goal is to reach zero patient fall injuries, and she plans to disseminate her findings through publications and presentations at national healthcare conferences. In addition to her leadership at Roswell Park, Shannon has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications aimed at advancing outcomes for patients undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Her contributions to research include providing data for significant articles such as Valvuloarterial Impedance Predicts Heart Failure Readmissions in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, published in Structural Heart: The Journal of the Heart Team (May 2017), and Predictors of Poor Quality of Life After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, featured in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (March 2017). Through her unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and mentorship, Shannon Baldo continues to elevate nursing practices and inspire excellence across the healthcare community. Her exemplary contributions reflect not only her dedication to nursing but also her passion for improving patient care and outcomes. Learn more about Shannon Baldo: Through her Americas Best in Medicine profile, https://americasbestinmedicine.com/connect/shannon-baldo or through her profile on Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Centers website, https://www.roswellpark.org/shannon-l-baldo Americas Best in Medicine Americas Best in Medicine is a specialist online platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of leading healthcare professionals across the United States. They bring together top healthcare providers from all specialties and cities to share expert-driven articles, research, commentary, and clinical insight. Their core purposes are to showcase excellence in healthcare, build trust between providers and the public, and ensure that expert voices are elevated and heard in shaping medicine. Through their platform, users can access a community of leaders, opportunities for providers to share expertise, and trusted guidance for patients and peers alike.Media ContactAmerica's Best in Medicine*****@americasbestinmedicine.com1-877-346-0175https://americasbestinmedicine.com Source :Shannon BaldoThis article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
Muskogee, Oklahoma Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Muskogee, Oklahoma Shayla K. Bratcher, MSN, BSN, RN, is a dedicated Nursing Manager at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, where she leads with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to veterans care. Guided by Abraham Lincolns enduring promise to care for him who shall have borne the battle, Shayla reflects on her remarkable journey, a testament to resilience and hard work. Shaylas path to nursing is rooted in personal struggle. Before embarking on her nursing career, she faced significant challenges as a drug addict. In a dark place, Shayla found the strength to get clean and pursue her nursing education, a journey met with doubt from many around her. However, her tenacity and dedication proved them wrong, allowing her to show not only her potential but also her commitment to helping others. Today, Shayla takes immense pride in ensuring that veterans receive the care they deserve, feeling a profound connection to this noble mission. Since joining the VA, Shayla has developed a deep passion for caring for veterans, viewing her work not merely as a job but as a calling. Her leadership style emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and empathy, fostering an environment where both patients and staff feel valued and supported. Caring for Veterans, leading a great team caring for our Veterans at the bedside, empowering my nursing team for excellence in caring for their patientsthis is what drives me, Shayla states. As a leader, I strive to ensure that high standards of care are consistently met and exceeded, not only with myself but with my team members. Shaylas educational background is impressive. She holds an Associate of Applied Science from Eastern Oklahoma College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bacone College, and a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management from Western Governors University. This educational foundation allows her to combine advanced clinical expertise with strategic insight to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes. Her experience spans hands-on patient care and nursing administration, providing her with a holistic understanding of healthcare delivery. In her managerial role, Shayla prioritizes continuous growth and education for her team members, ensuring that high standards of care are not only met but consistently exceeded. Her commitment to professional development is evident through her active memberships in numerous organizations, including the American Nurses Association (ANA), the Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA), the International Nurses Society (INS), the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), and the National Honor Society. These affiliations keep her engaged with evolving best practices and healthcare leadership initiatives. Shaylas honors and awards include the Daisy Award (2019), Facility Pathway to Excellence Project Winner for Bedside Rounding (2020), VA Secretary Award for Nursing Excellence Expanded Role (2022), Military Award of the Purple Heart for Nursing Excellence (2022), Oklahoma Great 100 Nurse Award (2023), and completion of the Oklahoma VA Leadership Program (2025). These accolades reflect her unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and leadership in nursing. Devoted to community service, Shayla participates in various volunteer efforts such as the Clean Up Muskogee Crew and precepting local BSN and MSN students. Her involvement in events like Night to Shine and the Reach Foundation Halloween Hayride for Seminole House showcases her commitment to uplifting her community. Driven by a personal passion for lifelong learning and service, Shayla approaches every challenge with determination and a belief in meaningful leadership rooted in listening, empathy, and action. As she looks to the future, her vision is clear: to continue growing within the VA system and strengthening programs that honor veterans through quality care, innovation, and respect. This is not just a job, but a journey, Shayla affirms, embodying the spirit of dedication and service that defines her career. Learn more about Shayla K. Bratcher: Through her Americas Best in Medicine profile, https://americasbestinmedicine.com/connect/shayla-bratcher Americas Best in Medicine Americas Best in Medicine is a specialist online platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of leading healthcare professionals across the United States. They bring together top healthcare providers from all specialties and cities to share expert-driven articles, research, commentary, and clinical insight. Their core purposes are to showcase excellence in healthcare, build trust between providers and the public, and ensure that expert voices are elevated and heard in shaping medicine. Through their platform, users can access a community of leaders, opportunities for providers to share expertise, and trusted guidance for patients and peers alike.Media ContactAmerica's Best in Medicine*****@americasbestinmedicine.com1-877-346-0175https://americasbestinmedicine.com Source :Shayla K. BratcherThis article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
New York City, New York Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Hays CPA LLC is proud to announce that its Founder and CEO, Orumé Hays, CPA, CGMA, MST, has been recognized by CPA Practice Advisor as one of the "2025 Most Powerful Women in Accounting." This marks the fourth consecutive year that Ms. Hays has received this prestigious national honor, cementing her status as a leading voice and influencer within the accounting profession. The "Most Powerful Women in Accounting" award recognizes female leaders who are driving innovation, excellence, and inclusion in the accounting field. Honorees are selected by a panel of independent judges based on their leadership impact, their contributions to the profession, and their role in mentoring the next generation of accountants. "I am deeply honored to be recognized alongside such an incredible group of women for the fourth year in a row," said Orumé Hays. "This award is never just about one person; it reflects the dedication of my incredible colleagues in the profession, the guidance of mentors and peers who challenge me to grow every day, the trust of our clients, and the dedication of our entire team at Hays CPA LLC to providing exceptional service and forward-thinking advisory to our clients. As the profession evolves, I remain committed to championing diversity and leveraging emerging technologies like Generative AI to empower our clients and colleagues." This latest accolade caps off a banner year for Ms. Hays. In 2025, she was also named a Forbes Best-in-State CPA for New York and began her term as Chair of the New York State Society of CPAs (NYCPA) Audit Committee for the 2025-2026 term. Her leadership extends across the industry, having concluded her tenure as Chair of the AICPAs Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) Executive Committee in May 2025. Furthermore, she continues to serve as a Director-at-Large for the NYCPA and as the Eastern Region 3rd Vice President for NABA, Inc., where she actively contributes to bridging the opportunity gap for Black and minority business leaders. In addition to her firm leadership and advocacy, Ms. Hays is a dedicated educator, serving as an adjunct lecturer at the Lucille and Jay Chazanoff School of Business at the College of Staten Island (CUNY) and a graduate advisor at Hunter College (CUNY). She is a frequent speaker and writer on topics ranging from tax strategy and financial resilience to AI implementation in accounting firms. About Hays CPA LLC Hays CPA LLC is a boutique client advisory and accounting services firm based in New York. The firm specializes in outsourced CFO services, strategic tax planning, and business advisory for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Led by Orumé Hays, the firm is dedicated to helping clients navigate complex financial landscapes with integrity, expertise, and a focus on long-term growth. For more information, visit www.hays.cpa.Media ContactHays CPA LLC*****@hotmail.com Source :Hays CPA LLCThis article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
Coral Springs, Florida Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Small businesses are once again re-evaluating how they access capital. Rising operating costs, uneven cash flow, and tighter bank requirements have made traditional financing harder to rely on. In response, merchant funding is increasingly being viewed as a practical and timely alternative for businesses that need fast access to working capital. This shift is not about rejecting banks altogether. It is about reality. Businesses often need funds when the opportunity, or the problem, is immediatenot weeks later. Why Traditional Financing Often Falls Short Conventional loans are built around predictability. Fixed terms. Fixed payments. Long review cycles. For many small businesses, that structure simply does not match how money actually moves. Restaurants experience seasonal spikes and dips. Medical offices wait on insurance reimbursements. Retailers face sudden inventory demands. In these situations, delays can cause more damage than higher financing costs. Merchant funding steps into this gap by focusing on revenue rather than perfection on paper. How Merchant Funding Aligns With Real Cash Flow Merchant Funding is commonly structured as revenue-based financing. Businesses receive a lump sum upfront and repay it gradually through a percentage of their ongoing sales. When revenue is strong, repayment accelerates. During slower periods, it naturally slows down. This approach resonates with owners who think in daily transactions, not monthly projections. Instead of worrying about fixed payments during a slow week, businesses can focus on operations and recovery. It is not flawless. But it is flexible. And flexibility is often what small businesses value mostparticularly when securing funding for restaurant needs such as equipment replacement, staffing, or inventory. Speed as a Strategic Advantage One of the most cited reasons businesses explore merchant funding is speed. Traditional lending timelines can stretch for weeks or even months. Merchant funding solutions are typically designed for faster decision-making. Approvals may occur within days. Funding can follow shortly after. That speed can be decisive. A broken refrigerator in a restaurant cannot wait. A medical practice planning service expansion cannot pause indefinitely. A retailer preparing for peak season needs inventory before demand arrives. Merchant funding makes action possible when timing matters most. Accessibility for a Wider Range of Businesses Merchant funding does not rely solely on credit scores or long financial histories. Instead, it evaluates current sales and revenue patterns. This makes it accessible to businesses that may have been turned away by banks. Newer businesses, growing companies, or those recovering from temporary setbacks often find merchant funding more aligned with their situation. It does not label a business as unqualified simply because it does not fit a narrow financial mold. As a representative associated with MerchantFunding.com explained, access to capital is often less about risk and more about timing. When funding arrives too late, opportunity disappears. Understanding the Trade-Offs Clearly Merchant funding is not meant to replace traditional loans in every scenario. The total repayment amount is generally higher than bank financing. That fact should be acknowledged openly. However, many business owners evaluate funding based on outcome rather than rate comparisons. If the capital helps stabilize operations, increase revenue, or prevent disruption, the cost can be justified. The key is intentional use. Merchant funding works best when applied to revenue-generating needsnot long-term structural issues. A Shift in How Business Owners Think About Capital There is a noticeable change in mindset. Business owners are less focused on labels like loan or advance and more focused on usability. Does the funding match cash flow? Is it transparent? Can it be accessed quickly? Merchant funding answers those questions for a growing segment of the market. It is not a last resort anymore. It is a strategic choice. Looking Ahead As economic conditions remain fluid, agility will continue to define successful businesses. Merchant funding supports that agility by offering speed, flexibility, and alignment with real-world operations. For many small businesses, access to timely capital is not just helpful. It is essential. Merchant funding is stepping into that reality. About MerchantFunding MerchantFunding.com is a business funding platform that provides merchant funding and revenue-based financing solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. By focusing on business performance and cash flow rather than traditional credit metrics alone, MerchantFunding.com helps entrepreneurs access working capital built for how businesses actually operate.Media ContactMerchant [email protected]+1 888-867-3087Elixir Funding, LLC, 5571 N University Dr, Suite 103, Coral Springs, Florida, 33067https://www.merchantfunding.com/ Source :Merchant FundingThis article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
Columbia, South Carolina Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Combat-injured, medically retired veterans in South Carolina are losing an estimated $1.77 million every month due to a federal retirement offset that remains unresolved in the United States Senate, according to data released by veteran advocates. The loss affects 1,472 South Carolina veterans whose military careers were cut short by combat-related injuries. Under current law, many veterans medically retired under Chapter 61 must waive their Department of Defense retired pay dollar-for-dollar in order to receive VA disability compensation. For these veterans, disability compensation replacesrather than supplementsthe retirement pay they earned through service. At an average loss of approximately $1,200 per month per veteran, the offset removes nearly $21.3 million annually from South Carolina households and local economies. This is not theoretical, said Senior Chief Shane Junkert, USN (Ret.), founder of 54KVeterans.org. For 1,472 South Carolina families, this is real money every month that was earned through service and sacrifice, but never paid. Legislative Background The Major Richard Star Act is named for an Army combat engineer who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait and later died from lung cancer linked to burn pit exposure. The legislation applies narrowly to combat-injured veterans who were medically retired before reaching 20 years of service. The bill would end the retirement offset for this specific group, allowing eligible veterans to receive both their earned military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. It does not create a new benefit, expand eligibility, or change VA disability ratings. Veterans who complete 20 years of service already receive both benefits under existing law. In 2021, Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi cosponsored earlier versions of the legislation and described the proposal as a commonsense fix to an unfair retirement offset. On October 8, 2025, however, Senator Wicker objected to advancing the bill by unanimous consent, preventing a recorded vote in the Senate. Publicly supporting a bill and later stopping it are two very different actions, Junkert said. The record shows the bill had broad bipartisan backing, yet a single objection halted progress for tens of thousands of combat-injured retirees. A recent Mississippi television news report examined the objection and highlighted a billboard campaign funded by veterans to draw attention to the stalled legislation. A New Path Forward: S.Amdt. 4056 On December 16, 2025, Senator Richard Blumenthal filed S.Amdt. 4056, which would attach the Major Richard Star Act to must-pass defense funding legislation. Supporters say the amendment creates an opportunity for an on-the-record Senate decision. Advocates are urging South Carolina Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott to publicly support S.Amdt. 4056 as a mechanism to resolve the issue. This amendment turns a quiet procedural block into a transparent decision, Junkert said. It gives every senator the chance to stand either with combat-injured retirees or with a process that has delayed relief for years. About 54KVeterans.org 54KVeterans.org is a grassroots coalition of combat-injured veterans advocating for passage of the Major Richard Star Act. The organization is led by Senior Chief Shane Junkert, USN (Ret.), a decorated combat veteran who completed six combat deployments during 18.5 years of service before being medically retired due to combat-related injuries. The coalition represents approximately 54,000 veterans nationwide affected by the Chapter 61 retirement offset.Media Contact54k [email protected] BOX 24130http://54KVeterans.org Source :54KVeterans.orgThis article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
Tupelo, Mississippi Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - As Congress continues to approve large foreign aid and defense spending packages, advocates for combat-injured veterans are questioning what they describe as a stark contradiction: roughly 54,000 wounded, medically retired veterans are told that restoring their earned military retirement pay is too costly to fund. Supporters of the Major Richard Star Act say the issue is not fiscal capacity, but congressional priorities. They are urging lawmakers to support S.Amdt. 4056, which would advance the long-stalled legislation and restore retirement pay to eligible combat-injured veterans. Combat-injured veterans are asking a simple question, said Senior Chief Shane Junkert, USN (Ret.), a decorated combat veteran and founder of 54KVeterans.org. If Congress can approve massive spending packages year after year, why is the retirement pay we earned through combat service treated as unaffordable? Spending Priorities Under ScrutinySince 2021, Congress has approved tens of billions of dollars tied to Afghanistan-related efforts, passed a roughly $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Indo-Pacific partners, and advanced a fiscal year 2026 defense authorization approaching $925 billion. During the same period, advocates note, the Major Richard Star Acta narrowly targeted bill addressing a specific retirement offset for combat-injured veteranshas repeatedly stalled, most recently after an objection during U.S. Senate floor consideration. The estimated cost of the legislation is approximately $9.75 billion over ten years, or about $975 million annually. This isnt about whether Congress can spend money, Junkert said. Congress demonstrates every year that it can. This is about what Congress chooses to spend money on, and who is left behind when those choices are made. What the Major Star Act FixesThe Major Richard Star Act applies to a limited group of veterans: those medically retired under Chapter 61 due to combat-related injuries before completing 20 years of service. Under current law, many of these veterans must waive their Department of Defense retired pay dollar-for-dollar when receiving VA disability compensation. For approximately 54,000 combat-injured retirees, VA compensation replacesrather than supplementstheir military retirement, often reducing earned retired pay to zero. The legislation would end this offset for that group only. It would not create a new entitlement, expand eligibility, or alter VA disability ratings. Instead, it would allow eligible veterans to receive both the retired pay earned through service and the disability compensation awarded for their injuries. Retired pay and disability compensation come from different statutes and serve different purposes, Junkert said. One recognizes service. The other recognizes injury. Calling that a double benefit is not how the law treats anyone else. Spending Choices, Not MathSupporters emphasize that the bills cost represents a small fraction of annual defense spending. As chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi plays a key role in shaping major defense spending priorities, Junkert said. When Washington wants programs or hardware, it finds the money. Veterans are asking why the same urgency doesnt apply to those injured in combat. Advocates also caution that citing the bills ten-year cost without context can distort public perception. When you remove the timeframe, the number sounds much larger than it is, Junkert said. That framing matters when lawmakers are trying to justify inaction. Veterans Funding Advocacy EffortsFollowing the stalled Senate action, combat-injured veterans and their families began paying out of pocket to keep the issue visible through grassroots outreach and public awareness campaigns. Veterans are also building pressure through a growing national petition calling on Congress to pass the Major Star Act and end the retirement offset. These arent political action committees or wealthy donors, Junkert said. Theyre veterans paying to ask why the country can afford almost everything except them. Next Legislative Step: S.Amdt. 4056On December 16, 2025, Senator Richard Blumenthal filed S.Amdt. 4056 to H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026. The amendment would attach the full Major Richard Star Act to a must-pass defense funding bill, requiring senators to take an on-the-record position. This is no longer about quiet procedural objections, Junkert said. If the Star Act moves with defense appropriations, senators will have to publicly decide whether less than one billion dollars a year for combat-injured retirees is truly unaffordable. About 54KVeterans.org54KVeterans.org is a grassroots coalition of combat-injured veterans advocating for passage of the Major Richard Star Act. The organization is led by Senior Chief Shane Junkert, USN (Ret.), a decorated combat veteran who completed six deployments during 18.5 years of service before being medically retired due to combat-related injuries. The coalition represents approximately 54,000 veterans nationwide affected by the Chapter 61 retirement offset.Media Contact54k Veterans*****@54Kveterans.org817-771-3577PO BOX 24130http://54KVeterans.org Source :54K VeteransThis article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
