Veteran Coalition International

We salute the Dept of Veterans Affairs, “our VA,” a unique institution unmatched by any other country. We also appreciate enduring strong bipartisan support and a public who often tells us “thank you for your service.” During the annual Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) event honoring the survivors of fallen service members, VA Secretary Doug Collins reiterated to me the unwavering commitment of both himself and our VA to the well-being of veterans and their families. Over the past 8 years, the VA's budget has doubled from ~$186B to ~$369B, with an increase in staff from ~375,000 to ~480,000.?This significant growth reflects consistent support across Administrations for those who have served, with a VA budget now comparable to the combined 2024 defense budgets of China and Russia.?In business, such?growth would be scrutinized to ensure corresponding returns and efficient use of resources. As a steward of taxpayer money, it is proper for our VA to conduct such a review, while keeping focused on its primary mission. Secretary Collins has pledged exactly that. No doubt, we will all be tracking his progress, but we should also track how well each of us are doing to take care of ourselves, to support each other, to assist non-profit groups nationwide, and to include allied veterans who stood with us (including our allies is a particular focus of VCI: Veteran Coalition Intl). Thank you TAPS for another exceptional salute to the fallen and their survivors. TAPS sets the example as a leading organization operating globally with love and a never-ending connection to those in need. Support and donate to TAPS ! To the team at our VA, from the leadership to the healthcare professionals who embrace us with world-class care and empathy, thank you for your service. ?? Steve Williams Chairman? Veteran Coalition Intl (501c3 Charity) vetcoa.org Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Lynda Davis, Ph.D. Bonnie Carroll Veteran Coalition International Ernest (E.J.) Herold #veterans #veteransaffairs

A beautiful weekend in Liverpool. This is the third opportunity we’ve had to honor and celebrate the life and service of fallen loved ones from the US and the UK with LFC Foundation along side Home Base and SSAFA the Armed Forces charity ???????????? In addition to attending the match, the training session, and having the opportunity to meet some of the great legends of Liverpool and Chelsea, we honored our loved ones by laying a wreath at the Cenatoph in Liverpool and visiting some of the beautiful sights of the city. We are incredibly grateful that Liverpool FC Foundation provides these opportunities for us to shine a light on the bereaved military families impacted by suicide. Tremendous thanks to them for the opportunity and to Home Base and SSAFA for standing shoulder to shoulder with us as we all provide comfort, care, and community to those grieving the death of a loved one in the military, regardless of the cause of death. You’ll Never Walk Alone. Michael Allard Karianne Kraus Jason Winer Ellen Chard The amazing LFC Foundation team, Gemma Smith Forbes Duff Matt Parish Katie Ellis Carrigg Andy Fulstow Steve Hollis And Stuart Steel of the Royal British Legion, your time and care meant so much to all of us. Thank you…. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

Joining forces to help Ukrainian defenders return to active life ?? We are excited to thank the Headway EdTech company for a generous donation of UAH 1,000,000 for the prosthetic and rehabilitation program implemented by the Future for Ukraine Foundation.? Your support is making a real impact, helping Ukrainian defenders on their path to recovery after the serious injuries sustained during the war.? We sincerely appreciate your kindness and commitment! Together, we make changes ???? Elena Nikolaienko Anna Kovalova Headway EdTech

HRH Brigadier General Prince Joachim and HRH Princess Marie of Denmark joined a distinguished gathering of defence and security leaders?hosted by the Ambassador of Denmark Jesper M?ller S?rensen. It was the first major event organised by?our Defence Attaché, Rear Admiral?Jakob D. Rous?e?in his?new prestigious?capacity as Dean of Defence Attachés and Chairman of the Defence Attaché Association to the US. The?evening brought together international defence attachés, senior U.S. military leaders, and key stakeholders in the security community. This reception underscored the strong and enduring partnerships that connect allies and defence representatives in Washington, fostering collaboration and dialogue on shared security priorities.

February 24, 2025 – Three Years Since the Invasion of Ukraine History has shown us the consequences of naivety. When we turned a blind eye in 1938, 1939 followed. Believing that aggression can be met with dialogue alone is a fallacy; reality teaches us otherwise. Today marks three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Three years of war. Three years where Ukraine has fought not only for its own survival but for the security of all Europe. Three years during which the hybrid war against us has been ongoing—misinformation, cyberattacks, political pressure, and destabilization. The next escalation is foreseeable. If Ukraine falls, the next step could be a war against a NATO country. I have traveled extensively in Ukraine. I have witnessed the consequences of this war firsthand. I have met Ukrainian soldiers who have lost limbs but not hope. Through Veteranskytterne - Danish Wounded Warriors we have welcomed wounded Ukrainian soldiers to Denmark. Via our American foundation, Veteran Coalition International (VCI), led by Steve Williams, we have established collaborations with rehabilitation facilities in the USA. We have raised funds and donated through П?сля Служби (“After Service”) Veteran NGO Ukraine, and we continue to support. I work for Weibel Scientific, a company that not only sells to Ukraine but invests in creating jobs, building industry, and giving back through donations. Today, we mark the third anniversary at an event in the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), where Weibel is donating to Bevar Ukraine and U+. But it is not enough. At events like today, it is insufficient to meet merely for networking and creating opportunities for ourselves. We must actively demonstrate our unity. Those who have the means and capabilities also bear the responsibility. Denmark has made efforts far beyond what can be expected of a small country. But we need the larger nations in the EU to step up. Ukraine needs more support. Now. If they lose this war, we cannot afford the consequences. We must not only look back at history. We must learn from it. And act. #StandWithUkraine #SupportUkraine #WeibelScientific #Veteranskytterne #VeteranCoalitionInternational #AfterServiceUkraine #BevarUkraine #UPlus #DI #UnityForUkraine #ActNow

Grateful to experience the last days of the Invictus Games and the closing ceremony at Vancouver. It is magic to see and feel the determination, solidarity and positive spirit of the participants of 23 countries. The Dutch team celebrated two medals, congratulations Lien (RNLAF, Indoor rowing) and Ingrid (RNLN, skeleton).

Tempted by appeasement? An easy way out? “Peace for our time,” British PM Chamberlain boasted in 1938, after signing the Munich Agreement with Nazi Germany’s dictator set on conquering neighbors. In diplomatic, social, business, or political engagements, avoid appeasing a bully like Putin and falling prey to their lies. Choose the ‘harder right’ and stand your ground, together with friends and allies. From the West Point prayer, “Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong and never to be content with a half truth when the whole truth can be won.” Learn from history or be condemned to repeat it. Appease not. ??