Last year, the VFW launched the Honor the Contract campaign in response to the Economist article and the Congressional Budget Office’s reckless proposals to cut veterans’ benefits. That campaign reminded America of a fundamental truth — VA disability compensation is not a handout; it’s an earned benefit paid for through service and sacrifice.
Now, the Washington Post has revived that same false and harmful narrative, claiming that veterans are "exploiting” the VA disability system. This is not only wrong, it’s an attack on the integrity of those who served and on the moral contract between our nation and its veterans.
The VFW will not allow that narrative to go unanswered. We will not let veterans be scapegoated for the costs of war. It’s time to stand united, lead from the front, and remind America what it truly means to Honor the Contract.
📎 Included Materials (attached or linked):
- National Commander’s Official Rebuttal (PDF): "Veterans’ Disability Benefits Are Not Loopholes to Exploit” — the VFW’s direct response to the Washington Post article.
- Social Media Plan: Honor the Contract – A step-by-step posting guide for you and your amplifiers.
- Sample Social Media Post: An example to kick off your creativity.
- Graphics Pack: Official "Honor the Contract” visuals sized for Facebook, Instagram, and X.
- Myth vs. Fact Video: A short, shareable reel highlighting common misconceptions and the truth about VA disability benefits.
- Myth vs. Fact Sheet (PDF): Talking points for online posts or conversations with your networks.
- Response Themes (by Ryan Gallucci): Context and background on the principles behind this fight.
- QR Code – VFW Action Corps Signup: Recruit new advocates now so they’re ready when future alerts go live.
- 2024 VFW National Commander Op-Ed: The original piece that launched Honor the Contract. https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/2024/12/20/america-must-honor-the-contract-on-veterans-benefits/
- VFW "Honor the Contract” Launch Video: The campaign’s introduction and call to action. https://youtu.be/eizhjvkauEc?si=5Zcm2YiKjugW5k_J
- Official "Honor the Contract” Logo Files: For use in Department and Post-level graphics, newsletters, or flyers
🔹 Your Role as the National Legislative Committee
As National Legislative Committee members, you are the front line of the VFW’s national advocacy mission. You set the example for every Department, Post, and veteran who follows your lead.
We need every member of this committee to take action:
- Lead from the front: Post, share, and speak publicly about what Honor the Contract means.
- Be the truth-tellers: Use the talking points, video, and myth vs. fact materials to correct misinformation.
- Recruit new advocates: Share the QR code and get more veterans, families, and supporters signed up for the Action Corps.
- Amplify the message: Encourage your Department Legislative Chairs, Commanders, and Auxiliaries to share the graphics and video.
- Represent the VFW and the nation: Your leadership in this moment shows the American people what it means to continue serving after service.
🔹 Core Message
Veterans kept their promise.
Now America must keep hers.
This isn’t charity — it’s a contract.
Hashtags:
#HonorTheContract #VFWAdvocacy #VFW #Veterans #KeepThePromise
We’ve seen this before — in 1933, 1956, and again in 2024. Each time, veterans stood together and prevailed. Now it’s our turn.
Thank you for standing shoulder to shoulder once again, not just as members of a committee, but as leaders in your Posts, your Departments, and your country. When we stand united, we don’t just change the narrative — we defend the promise.
As always, let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Gabby
Gabriella Kubinyi
Associate Director, Grassroots Advocacy
National Legislative Service
VFW Washington Office
200 Maryland Ave., N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002
202-819-6368
