Veterans Hour (3-02-26)

Here are the structured Show Notes for today’s episode. This format is designed for you to copy-paste into your podcast description or share as a PDF for your listeners.Episode Notes: Veterans Today – March 2, 2026The Big Shift: Restoring Rights, Automating Benefits, and the 2026 COLA Update.Episode OverviewIn today’s episode, we break down a historic month for Veterans. From the VA reversing a 30-year policy on Second Amendment rights to the automation of GI Bill benefits following the Rudisill and Perkins rulings, there is a lot of movement in D.C. that affects your wallet and your rights.[00:00] – Intro: Honoring the FallenMemorial Moment: Reflections on the recent loss of three American service members (Operation Epic Fury, March 1st).Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes. For specific case updates, use the VA.gov "Ask VA" portal.[05:20] – VA Policy: 2nd Amendment Rights RestoredThe News: As of Feb 17, 2026, the VA has officially ceased reporting Veterans to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) solely because they use a fiduciary.Why it matters: This corrects a decades-old practice that stripped thousands of Vets of their right to own a firearm without due process.Action Step: The VA is currently working with the FBI to retroactively remove names from the NICS list. If you were previously flagged, monitor your status.[12:45] – Education: GI Bill Automation (Rudisill & Perkins)The Update: The VA has launched an automated review system for 1.04 million Veterans potentially eligible for expanded education benefits.Key Change: You no longer need to manually "opt-in" or request a review. The VA is prioritizing those currently enrolled in school or those who were enrolled in the last 6 months.The 48-Month Rule: Reminder that combined MGIB and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are still capped at 48 months total.[20:15] – D.C. Legislation WatchH.R. 980 & H.R. 1458: Passed the House in February. These bills focus on modernizing the GI Bill for hybrid and technical training.The Sharri Briley & Eric Edmundson Act (H.R. 6047): A major push to increase Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for catastrophically disabled Vets and survivors by roughly $10,000/year.H.R. 3123: The "Ernest Peltz Act" ensures accrued benefits are paid to the estate/family if a Veteran passes away before their claim is finalized.[32:10] – Money & Resources: The 2026 COLA2.8% Increase: Now in full effect. Ensure your March check reflects the new rate.State Highlights: Discussion on California’s recent $20,000 tax cut for military retirees and the nationwide crackdown on "claim sharks."[40:00] – Upcoming Events2026 Golden Age Games: Hosted in Tampa, FL (June 27 – July 2). Registration is now open for Veterans 55+.Key Resources MentionedVA Fiduciary Program Update: va.gov/fiduciaryGI Bill Status Check: va.gov/educationGolden Age Games Registration: veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov