2026 Updates on Combat Veteran Benefits and Stories

Combat Veteran News: 2026 Updates on Benefits, Healthcare, and Veteran Stories

Combat veteran news in 2026 covers critical developments affecting those who served in combat zones. Key stories include the Major Richard Star Act’s inclusion in a $78 billion omnibus veterans bill, a Trump administration initiative recruiting veterans for trucking careers, a Vietnam veteran finally receiving his Purple Heart after 57 years, and personal stories of combat veterans finding healing from PTSD through retreats and VA care . These stories highlight the ongoing fight for benefits, innovative employment programs, and the resilience of the combat veteran community.

Quick Facts

Major Richard Star Act: The Fight for Combat-Injured Veterans

What Is the Major Richard Star Act?

The Major Richard Star Act is legislation that seeks to end a decades-old offset that forces many combat-injured medically retired veterans to forfeit a portion of their retirement pay for every dollar they receive in VA disability compensation . Supporters have long argued the policy amounts to penalizing service members for injuries sustained in combat, calling it a “Wounded Veteran Tax” .

The legislation is named in honor of Major Richard Star, a decorated Army officer who was medically retired following combat-related injuries sustained during his service in Afghanistan. Major Star became a leading advocate for ending the unfair offset before passing away in 2021 .

Who Qualifies for the Major Richard Star Act?

The bill targets combat-injured Chapter 61 military retirees with fewer than 20 years of service who are currently forced to forfeit retirement pay to receive VA disability compensation. The original version was understood to help approximately 54,000 combat-injured retirees .

Why It Matters: The Cost Debate

For years, the Major Richard Star Act appeared to have overwhelming bipartisan support from nearly 80 senators, more than 330 members of the House, and major veterans service organizations. Its estimated cost was roughly $10 billion over a decade .

Then Congress introduced a revised version in March 2025. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) evaluated H.R. 2102 and projected the bill would increase direct spending to **$78.1 billion over 10 years**, roughly $68 billion more than the 2023 estimate .

The Disconnect: Intent vs. Interpretation

What changed? According to CBO, two provisions were added:

1. Making Chapter 61 military retirees with fewer than 20 years of service eligible for Concurrent Retired and Disability Pay (CRDP)—estimated at approximately $63 billion

2. Removing an existing cap on CRDP payments for Chapter 61 retirees with at least 20 years of service—an additional $2 billion 

The disconnect lies in the interpretation. Congressional staffers involved in drafting the revisions intended to address a narrow gap affecting approximately 1,124 combat-injured retirees who remained excluded under previous versions. Under that understanding, the affected population would increase from roughly 54,000 to about 56,000 veterans <span class=””>.

CBO reached a different conclusion. Its estimate states that approximately 255,000 Chapter 61 retirees with fewer than 20 years of service would become newly eligible under H.R. 2102 .

What Veterans Should Do Next

• Monitor the progress of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA), which includes the Major Richard Star Act 

• Contact your congressional representatives to express support for the bill

• Stay in touch with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) like MOAA, American Legion, and Wounded Warrior Project for updates 

• Ensure your VA disability rating and retirement records are accurate and current

White House “Freedom Haulers” Campaign: Veterans in Trucking

What Is the Freedom Haulers Campaign?

On July 24, 2026, the Trump administration launched the “Freedom Haulers” campaign to recruit military veterans into the commercial trucking industry . The initiative aims to help replace tens of thousands of immigrant drivers who lost their licenses in a federal crackdown on English language requirements and improperly issued commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) .

Background: The CDL Crackdown

The Transportation Department began enforcing existing English language requirements for truckers in summer 2025. Concerns intensified after an August 2025 crash in Florida where a truck driver from India performed an illegal U-turn that killed three people. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that driver “should never have been licensed” .

Key Statistics:

• 26,000 drivers pulled off the road for failing to demonstrate English proficiency

• 30,000 commercial licenses canceled for being issued illegally

• Non-domiciled CDLs representing immigrants account for about 5% of all CDLs (approximately 200,000 drivers) 

What Veterans Need to Know About the Program

Eligibility:

• Veterans who recently drove military vehicles over 2.5 tons can skip the skills test for a CDL—more than 40,000 veterans have already used this program 

• Active-duty soldiers can attend commercial driving school during their last six months of service

• Veterans who served at least three years can use the GI Bill to pay for 100% of CDL training, plus potentially qualify for a housing allowance 

Requirements:

• Veterans still must study the rules and pass the written CDL test 

• The program is part of a broader interagency effort with the Pentagon, VA, and Department of Labor 

Average Salary:
Truck drivers currently make an average of $70,000 per year .

Industry Support:
Derek Leathers, chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises, stated: “Veterans make up 15% of our workforce and bring the highest levels of leadership, discipline and technical skills that are essential to our success” .

How to Apply

1. Contact your state DMV about the military CDL skills test waiver program

2. Obtain your GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA

3. Enroll in an approved CDL training program (GI Bill covers costs)

4. Pass the written CDL test

5. Apply for your commercial driver’s license

Combat Veteran Personal Stories

A Purple Heart After 57 Years: Spc. 4 Raymond Williams

On December 31, 1968, 19-year-old Spc. 4 Raymond Williams was being loaded onto a helicopter and medevac’d out of the Vietnamese jungle with wounds that would take more than half a century to heal . An enemy AK-47 round tore through his right arm, fracturing the bone in two places and lacerating the nerve leading to his forearm and thumb .

On August 25, 1969, permanently disabled from his combat wounds, Williams was medically retired .

The Long Wait: Williams rarely spoke of the war and battled depression and PTSD. In 2025, at age 77, he told his daughter Kelly he wanted to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall—and finally receive the Purple Heart he earned, but never received .

The Ceremony: On July 1, 2026, Army Reserve Ambassador Phillip Churn Sr., a retired Major General, presented the Purple Heart to Williams at the Pentagon. His 8-year-old grandson Fynn spoke: “There are some things in life that should never be lost. Especially honor, sacrifice, and courage. Years ago, you earned this through your service and sacrifice for our country” .

Closure: Williams had one word: “Closure.” He said, “It never goes away. But this is probably good closure now. I feel like it’s all out in the open. I feel good now, I feel good today. This is good” .

Finding Healing Through Adventure: Casey Elliott’s Story

Casey Elliott, a combat veteran who hunted roadside bombs in Iraq as a mobilized reservist and later was rocketed in Afghanistan, found healing through veteran retreats—not medication .

“Combat is a slippery word. One man stands 200 meters from the blast and tells the story at the bar. Another stands 20 meters away, pulls his friend’s helmet from the wreckage and never speaks of it again. Same explosion, different wars inside their heads” .

The Turning Point:<span class=””> After being declared “unemployable” by the VA in 2019, Elliott “had no idea how I was supposed to take care of my family.” His wife found an application for an Outward Bound retreat he’d been considering and filled it out herself .

What He Learned: From sea kayaking with fellow veterans to climbing and rappelling, Elliott discovered:

• “Self-forgiveness wasn’t surrender”

• “Surrounded by fellow warriors, I felt safe. They felt safe”

• “Presence wasn’t some hippie buzzword. It was the only place the war couldn’t follow me”

• “Stay in the now, or the past will keep detonating the present” 

His Message to Veterans:<span class=””> “If you are a veteran staring at the ceiling at 0300, know that eight strangers in kayaks taught me the world is still wide and worth seeing” .

Kyle Blake: Finding Purpose Through VA Care

Army Veteran Kyle Blake deployed twice—once to Iraq as a light infantryman and once to Afghanistan as a sniper. When he returned, his life was “fractured” by intrusive memories and alcohol .

The Trigger: While washing dishes, his two dogs clashed and a puppy was bleeding. The room vanished; he was back on mission under a sun that pressed against his helmet. “I just stood there bawling my eyes out. I was reliving something I didn’t want to relive” .

Suicidal Thoughts: “I’m not saying he would ever act on it, but there were a lot of suicidal thoughts,” his wife Lorri said. “I just had to keep talking him off that ledge. Letting him know he is loved; he is supported; he does have people here who will not let him go” .

VA Treatment: Blake eventually sought help at Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System. Dr. Jennifer Sigler suggested prolonged exposure therapy, a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people slowly confront memories connected to trauma. A whole-health approach—including physical therapy for his eyes (damaged by a blast)—worked best .

A New Purpose: Blake now hosts video game events for fellow veterans. “It gave me a purpose again. I have a community full of Veterans that I’ll do charities, fundraisers or gatherings with” .

His message to others: “With hard work, determination, a few hiccups and giving yourself a little grace, you can be successful” .

VA News: Healthcare and Benefits Updates

VA Claims Backlog Reduced

Under the leadership of President Trump and VA Secretary Doug Collins, the backlog of veterans waiting for VA compensation and pension benefits has decreased by more than 57% since January 20, 2025 .

Homeless Veterans Housed

In Fiscal Year 2025, the VA permanently housed 51,936 homeless Veterans across the country—the highest total in seven years .

2026 VA Medical Care Funding

The 2026 Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill was signed into law by President Trump, increasing funding to over $115 billion specifically for veterans’ medical care, which includes :

Infrastructure Investment

In July 2026, the VA announced an additional $800 million to be invested in infrastructure improvements to ensure facilities provide safe, effective patient care <span class=””>.

Combat Sports and Veterans

Buhurt: Medieval Combat Sport Attracts Defense Members

More than 150 competitors gathered for the Australian Medieval Combat Federation Winterfest buhurt tournament, with a growing number of Defence members and veterans participating .

Buhurt is a combat sport based on medieval tournament fighting, using historically based armour and weapons. Fighters wear between 30kg and 45kg (66-99 lbs) of armour and compete in five-versus-five team battles .

Why It Appeals to Veterans:<span class=””> “There’s a lot of crossover with Defence culture and the sport—discipline, respect, excellence and the teamwork aspect,” said Major Max Convey, from the Canberra Burly Griffins .

Impact: Air Force Sergeant Guy Vincent described the sport’s intensity: “Once I got hit by a two-handed axe and it felt like getting hit with a taser—my whole body lit up and I just dropped” .

Common Questions

1. What is the Major Richard Star Act?

The Major Richard Star Act is legislation that would end the offset forcing combat-injured medically retired veterans to forfeit retirement pay when receiving VA disability compensation. It has been included in the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA) omnibus bill .

2. What is the “Freedom Haulers” campaign?

Launched July 24, 2026, the Freedom Haulers campaign recruits veterans into the trucking industry, allowing those with military vehicle experience to skip the CDL skills test and use the GI Bill for 100% of training costs .

3. How many immigrant truckers lost their licenses?

About 26,000 drivers were pulled off the road for failing to demonstrate English proficiency, and 30,000 commercial licenses were canceled for being issued illegally .

4. Can veterans use the GI Bill for CDL training?

Yes. Veterans who served at least three years can use the GI Bill to pay for 100% of CDL training, with a possible housing allowance while in school .

5. What is the status of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act?

The omnibus bill, including the Major Richard Star Act, was brought to the House floor on July 16, 2026, but a planned vote was postponed. Advocacy continues .

6. Are combat veterans eligible for VA disability?

Yes. Combat veterans can receive VA disability compensation for conditions incurred or aggravated during service, including PTSD, physical injuries, and conditions from toxic exposure .

7. How do veteran retreats help with PTSD?

Retreats offer outdoor activities, peer support, and therapy in a safe environment. Veterans report finding forgiveness, renewed purpose, and a sense of community. One veteran noted: “I was not just feeling better, I was surrounding myself with better people” .

8. What mental health services does the VA provide?

The VA provides prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, whole-health approaches, and substance use disorder treatment. In FY2026, $18.9 billion was allocated for mental health services .

9. Is there funding for homeless veterans?

Yes. The 2026 VA budget includes $3.5 billion for veterans’ homelessness programs. In FY2025, 51,936 homeless veterans were permanently housed—a seven-year high .

10. How can I find veteran retreats?

Contact your VA healthcare provider, local Veterans Service Organization (VSO), or search online for organizations offering veteran outdoor programs. One veteran created a spreadsheet of every retreat in America after finding success with Outward Bound .

Key Takeaways

• The Major Richard Star Act is included in the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA), a $78 billion omnibus bill seeking to end the “Wounded Veteran Tax” for combat-injured retirees .

• The “Freedom Haulers” campaign recruits veterans into trucking, allowing military vehicle experience to substitute for the CDL skills test while the GI Bill covers 100% of training costs .

• Vietnam Veteran Spc. 4 Raymond Williams received his Purple Heart 57 years after being wounded, providing closure after decades of struggle .

• Combat veterans are finding healing through retreats, peer support, and VA care—including one veteran who found that “stay in the now, or the past will keep detonating the present” .

• VA claims backlog decreased 57% since January 2025, with 51,936 homeless veterans housed in FY2025—a seven-year high .

• **The 2026 VA budget includes $115 billion** for medical care, with $18.9 billion dedicated to mental health services .

• Veterans in crisis can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (then press 1) .

Official Resources

• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1

• VA Benefits: VA.gov

• VA Disability Claims: VA.gov/disability

• GI Bill Benefits: VA.gov/education

• Find a Veterans Service Organization (VSO): VA.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation

• FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver: FMCSA.dot.gov