“blue falcon (plural blue falcons) (US military, euphemistic) A supposed comrade whose actions harm his friends, often but not always, for his own benefit." – Wiktionary
Attention to orders. There is a bill advancing through Congress that every veteran must monitor with unrelenting focus. The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (H.R. 9237), is a massive legislative package that bundles more than 60 bipartisan bills addressing healthcare, benefits, survivor programs, and caregiver support. It has sparked intense debate and driven a deep wedge between major veterans’ organizations.
This measure does include long-sought victories the veteran community has fought hard to achieve. Foremost is the Major Richard Star Act, which would finally permit medically retired, combat-injured veterans to receive both their full Department of Defense retirement pay and VA disability compensation. It also expands critical mental health and overdose treatment programs, both within VA facilities and the community. However, these provisions come with a heavy and controversial price.
The bill is offset by reducing future veterans’ benefits by an estimated $57 billion over 10 years. It accomplishes this by altering the VA’s disability ratings schedule, specifically lowering compensation for future claims involving conditions such as sleep apnea and tinnitus. This funding approach has fractured the veteran community.
Supporters, including the American Legion and its aging and shrinking membership base, contend the package represents a necessary compromise to break years of congressional paralysis and deliver stalled reforms. Yet formidable opponents like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans stand firmly opposed. They argue that the bill dishonorably balances the ledger on the backs of future disabled veterans and are actively battling to remove the damaging offset. This is not abstract policy. It is a direct assault on the earned benefits of those who will bear the scars of future conflicts.
Veterans across the nation are asking a legitimate and pointed question: Why does Congress consistently choose to tighten the belt on those who have worn the uniform while spending freely on other priorities?
Alabama veterans know this betrayal all too well. Last year, the governor’s office engineered Senate Bill 67, a measure that politicized the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and silenced the independent voice of veteran service organizations.
That bill passed by the narrowest of margins, with only 53.8% of House members in support. Some legislators who backed it now privately express regret. Alabama lawmakers who voted for that measure deserve to be remembered for their actions.
The control tactic is clear and recurring. Elected officials exploit division to maintain control. But veterans are not political pawns. The organizations that claim to speak for us must stop falling into these traps. We must stand shoulder to shoulder, united as one force, and reject any scheme that exploits those who have already sacrificed for this nation.
The Blue Falcons have been identified. The veteran community will no longer tolerate betrayal from within or without.
Troy Carico is a former infantry enlisted soldier (11B) and infantry officer with branch qualifications including counterintelligence (35E) and military intelligence (35D). He served with distinction in the U.S. Army for more than 22 years and is highly decorated and service-connected disabled. He also has prior service as a civilian intelligence officer for the Defense Intelligence Agency Great Skills Program and has served in numerous clandestine assignments throughout the world. You can find him on X @CaricoTroy, LinkedIn @Troy Carico, and Substack.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
