R&R for Vets 2025 March News brings you the latest updates on our mission to support local veterans and surviving spouses. This month, we highlight upcoming events, community initiatives, and ways you can get involved. We’re committed to making a difference, from home repair projects to disaster preparedness resources. Stay informed and connected as we continue our work to provide safe, dry homes and essential support.
Summary for R&R for Vets 2025 March News – Preparing for Disasters Pages
At R&R for Vets, we are expanding our Preparing for Disasters pages to provide veterans and surviving spouses with essential resources for crisis readiness. This month, we’re focusing on practical guides, emergency food planning, and off-grid survival tips to help individuals and communities stay prepared. Our latest updates include step-by-step preparedness checklists, water storage insights, and cooking methods without power. Sharing real-life strategies and expert advice empowers veterans to build resilience and navigate unexpected challenges. Stay informed and explore our growing resource hub to ensure you and your loved ones are ready for emergencies.👍GO TO EDUCATION AND RESOURCES AT THE TOP OF YOUR SCREEN.
If you shop with the Kroger Family (Smiths), sign up to donate to rrforvets.org. It costs you nothing but the cost of your groceries! We love to get our quarterly checks from Kroger!
The Kroger Family of Companies is committed to community engagement, positive social impact, and charitable giving at the national and local levels. Every community is unique, but our common goal is to partner with the neighborhoods we serve and help people live healthier lives.
One of how we do this is through our Smith’s Inspiring Donations. This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your Card to an organization, you must shop at Smith’s and swipe your Shopper’s Card. Here’s how it works:
1. Create a digital account.
To participate in Smith’s Inspiring Donations, you need a digital account. If you already have one, link your Shopper’s Card to it so that all transactions apply to your chosen organization.
2. Link your Card to an organization.
Selecting the organization you wish to support is as simple as updating the Smith’s Inspiring Donations selection on your digital account.
- Sign in to your digital account.
- Search for your organization here.
- Enter the name or NPO number of the organization you wish to support.
- Select the appropriate organization from the list and click “Save.”
Your selected organization will also be displayed in the Smith’s Inspiring Donations section of your account. If you need to review or revisit your organization, you can always do so under your Account details.
3. Your organization earns.
Any future transactions using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program at no additional cost. Smith’s Inspiring Donations will donate 0.5% of all eligible spending to organizations that customers have linked to their Rewards Card.
Whether you’re a customer or an organization, get started today!
Note: If you are a customer, make sure you have a preferred store selected to view participating organizations. If you are applying on behalf of an organization, please select a store in the same area as your organization.
R&R for Vets 2025 March News: Prepare For VA’s Secure Sign-In Changes _ Veterans Affairs.
In 2025, we’re moving to a simpler, more modern sign-in experience with two secure sign-in account options (Login.gov and ID.me).
Here’s what will change for veterans and beneficiaries like you:
- After March 4, 2025, you won’t be able to sign in to VA.gov, VA mobile apps, or other VA online services with a My HealtheVet user ID and password. After September 30, 2025, you won’t be able to sign in with a DS Logon username and password.
- You’ll have 2 sign-in account options that meet modern security standards: a Login.gov or ID.me account. You can use your account to sign in to VA.gov, VA mobile apps, and any other VA online service to manage your VA benefits and care.
- As part of Login.gov and ID.me’s requirements, you’ll need to use a unique email address and set up multifactor authentication for your account.
Don’t worry. Your My HealtheVet health portal isn’t going away. You need to sign in to it with a Login.gov or ID.me account.
R&R for Vets 2025 March News – February 24, 2025, VA Secretary: ‘The best day for a veteran is lying ahead of us
By Andy Proffet
Washington Conference
News
Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins speaks during the Commander’s Call at the 2025 American Legion Washington Conference in the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., on Monday, February 24. Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen/The American Legion
New VA Secretary Doug Collins optimistic about department’s renewed focus on the veteran.
The new Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, took a cue from The American Legion’s primary mission as he addressed the Legion Family at the commander’s call Monday at the 65th Washington Conference.
“Letting people know that it’s OK not to be OK. … We’ve got to be a people that embrace those that have found the time because of struggles (to ask for help),” Collins said. “We’ve got to Be The Ones to do that and pull forward.”
Less than three weeks since his confirmation as VA Secretary, Collins spoke the day before Legionnaires, Sons and Auxiliary members head to Capitol Hill to meet with their senators and congressmen.
A former congressman himself, Collins — a member of American Legion Post 7 in Gainesville, Ga. — encouraged the Legion Family to assert their priorities to their elected officials.
He also emphasized the VA’s first priority: “serve the veteran.”
“That’s our only job, that’s our only mission,” Collins said. “The veteran is back to being the only constituent of the VA. The VA itself only exists for the veteran.”
Collins said 60 percent of constituent calls to legislators are related to VA issues. That’s too high, he said.
“My goal, if I had one of those overarching goals, is that anytime a servicemember, a veteran, has to call a senator or a congressman to get the benefits that you have earned, the VA has failed,” Collins said.
Collins also talked about conversations he’s had with Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and how the two departments are tied together.
“I believe that DoD and VA are basically brothers, sisters, however you want to call us; we’re twins. We just catch each other at different times in our careers,” Collins said. “And if we’re doing it right in the VA, then that helps DoD because DoD then knows that VA is OK, and DoD can then go out and recruit and we can bring our best and brightest. And we don’t have men and women who served that tell their children, ‘Don’t join,’ because they had a problem in DoD or they had a problem in VA.”
On Feb. 13, the VA implemented a new flag policy at its facilities, limiting displays to the U.S. flag and POW/MIA flags only. Collins said Monday that it’s an effort to unify the department.
“We’re going to make sure everybody’s welcome to get the benefits they deserve,” he said. “We’re going to be welcoming at the VA, but we’re also going to be unified at the VA.”
Among other topics, Collins addressed concerns about potential benefit reductions as federal agencies seek to reduce expenses.
There are no “cuts to benefits and healthcare for the veteran. Period. It’s not happening,” Collins promised, while also expressing his optimism for the future.
“I still believe deeply in this country,” Collins said. “I believe that our best days are ahead of us; I believe that the things we’ve got to do is break out of this mire that we can’t fix things, because we can fix things. With your help and my help, when we work together, there is no stopping, and the best day for a veteran is lying ahead of us.”
2025 Military MARCH Remembrances
In March 2025, we recognize the service and sacrifice of those who bravely defended our nation. Their commitment to protecting freedoms and ensuring safety deserves deep gratitude and respect. This month, we reflect on the courage of past and present service members and acknowledge the sacrifices made by their families. Additionally, this time helps educate future generations about their contributions and enduring values. Together, we honor these heroes and ensure their legacy is remembered.
March 3, 2025: Navy Reserve Birthday
On March 3, we celebrate the founding of the United States Navy Reserve in 1915. For over a century, the Navy Reserve has supported the Navy’s mission with trained, ready personnel. Reservists play a vital role in national security, demonstrating flexibility and dedication.
March 4, 2025: Hug a GI Day
Hug a GI Day encourages appreciation for men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. A hug or simple gesture expresses gratitude for their sacrifices. This day reminds civilians to acknowledge their dedication to protecting the nation. Visit for details on Hug a GI Day and ways to participate.
March 13, 2025: K-9 Veterans Day
K-9 Veterans Day honors military working dogs and their service. March 13 marks the founding of the U.S. Army K-9 Corps in 1942. These skilled dogs assist handlers in detection, patrol, and search and rescue missions. Their contributions help ensure the success of military operations. Visit HERE to learn about military working dogs’ history and achievements.
Futhermore Events: Military MARCH Remembrances
March 15, 2025: American Legion Birthday
The American Legion, founded on March 15, 1919, celebrates its anniversary. This patriotic veterans’ organization advocates for veterans’ rights and promotes national security. It also fosters youth programs and supports communities. Visit the American Legion’s website to learn more about its history and initiatives.
March 23–30, 2025: Military World Games
The Military World Games, held in Switzerland from March 23 to 30, 2025, will unite military athletes worldwide. This event highlights service members’ discipline and physical skills and fosters camaraderie, solidarity, and mutual respect among participating nations. Visit the International Military Sports Council website for event details.
March 25, 2025: Medal of Honor Day
Medal of Honor Day, observed on March 25, honors the United States’ highest military decoration recipients. This day commemorates extraordinary valor in the face of danger and reminds us to reflect on their bravery and sacrifices.
March 29, 2025: National Vietnam War Veterans Day
National Vietnam War Veterans Day honors those who served during the Vietnam War. On March 29, we recognize their courage and sacrifices. This day also acknowledges the challenges they faced during and after the conflict. Visit the Vietnam War Commemoration website for details on related events.
As we observe these important dates, we unite in honoring military personnel and their families. Their dedication upholds the values our nation stands upon. Their service continues to inspire and deserves our gratitude.