VFW Chief Reminds Congress to ‘Honor the Contract’

As the first woman to don the role of VFW Commander-in-Chief, Carol Whitmore testified before a joint hearing of the House and Senate VA committees at the Dirksen Senate Office Building chamber during the 2026 VFW Washington Conference on March 3.

Whitmore opened her testimony by taking a moment to acknowledge Operation Epic Fury and those in harm's way, then thanked the committee members for the opportunity to testify on behalf of the nearly 1.3 million VFW members and their Auxiliary.

Like her predecessor, Whitmore began with VFW's simple but resolute message to lawmakers: Honor the Contract.

"When Americans raise their right hand and volunteer to serve, this nation makes a solemn promise: If they are wounded, become ill or die in service, America will care for them and their families," Whitmore said. "That promise is not charity. It is the binding contract between service members and the country they defend. When some suggest that veterans' benefits are too expensive, let us be clear: This is the cost of war."

Whitmore praised the passage of the PACT Act, but warned its implementation must match intent. She urged Congress to ensure that VA addresses unrecognized toxic exposures such as Vietnam-era burn pits, K2 veterans, submariners and others.

With the surge in PACT Act claims, Whitmore also stressed the need for an expanded VA health system to accommodate this growth, as well as for VA's direct care and community care to function as one system.

"We must build a truly veteran-centric system," Whitmore said. "Veterans experience health care in moments of need. In those moments, what matters most is reliable, timely, high-quality care delivered
with dignity and respect."

To further strengthen this system, Whitmore called for clear benchmarks on wait times and travel standards and urged passage of the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025.

"Veterans should never have to fight their way through red tape just to receive the care they earned," Whitmore said.

Whitmore highlighted systemic shortcomings in the Foreign Medical Program, sharing the story of retired Army veteran Blane Gish in Berlin, who paid more than 5,000 euros (about $5,800) up front for hearing aids and waited six months for reimbursement, only to receive a check that did not account for exchange rates.

"Veterans overseas deserve equal treatment," Whitmore said. "We urge Congress to modernize this program and provide veterans abroad, many of whom are still supporting the U.S. mission, with the care that they deserve."

The Chief also called for modernizing CHAMP-VA, the Civilian Health and Medical Program for eligible family members of veterans. Whitmore cited slow claims processing and limited access as strains on military families, both emotionally and financially.

"These gaps delay care for families who have already sacrificed enough," Whitmore noted.

The VFW Chief then asked veterans and families affected by suicide to stand, and several dozen rose throughout the chamber.

"Members of the Committee," she said, "this is the scope of the challenge before us." Whitmore then called for written, informed consent for VA-prescribed psychiatric medications, as well as urging the passage of the Veteran Suicide Prevention Act.

"Many veterans seeking mental health care are often prescribed psychiatric medications, including some that carry the strongest FDA warnings, for risks such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors," Whitmore said. "Veterans must be fully informed and actively engaged in their treatment decisions. We cannot improve what we do not examine."

Whitmore emphasized the need for cutting-edge treatment for traumatic brain injury and PTSD, sharing the story of Afghanistan veteran Joshua Starks, who found healing outside the VA only after a devastating personal loss.

"Veterans should not have to leave the VA to fi nd healing," Whitmore said.

She urged Congress to pass the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act to ensure that treatment is driven by science and urgency.

With nearly 200,000 service members leaving active duty annually, Whitmore raised concerns about the inadequate use of the Transition Assistance Program - particularly for troops separating overseas. She urged Congress to pass legislation such as the TAP Promotion Act.

"When service members separate without proper guidance, they risk delays in receiving the benefits they earned through their service," Whitmore said. "Ensuring seamless continuity of care and compensation is how we honor the contract in real time."

Whitmore concluded her testimony by returning to a passionate call to end the unjust off set affecting more than 50,000 medically retired combat veterans. She reminded lawmakers that America's all-volunteer force depends on trust.

"Veterans have fulfilled their obligation. Now the country must Honor the Contract," Whitmore said. "Not partially,not eventually, not someday, but today, fully and faithfully."

This article is featured in the 2026 May/June issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Ismael Rodriguez Jr., associate editor for VFW magazine.