The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) has released the October edition of our Veterans Advocacy & Benefits Report, highlighting important policy, legislative, benefits, and service developments affecting veterans and military families.

Three developments to know this month:

• Major Richard Star Act advances in Congress. A House discharge petition reached the required 218 signatures, clearing an important procedural hurdle for legislation that would allow certain combat-injured, medically retired veterans to receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. The legislation has not yet become law.

• VA releases new veteran suicide prevention data and funding. VA’s latest annual report identifies 6,488 veteran suicides in 2024. The department also awarded nearly $112 million to community organizations supporting veteran suicide prevention efforts nationwide.

• 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment announced. A 3.6% increase has been announced for Social Security benefits in 2027. Legislation addressing corresponding increases in VA disability compensation and survivor benefits remains under consideration.

The October report also covers other federal and state legislation, VA benefits updates, employment and education opportunities, and important developments to watch in the coming weeks.

[READ THE OCTOBER 2026 REPORT]

ALVA publishes this monthly report to help veterans, military families, advocates, and partners stay informed about policies, programs, and opportunities that may affect them.

Please share it with others who may benefit from this information.

Stay informed. Stay engaged.

American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA)
Defending America, Always
Valor • Honor • Vital

alvavets.org | @alvavets

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

This November, veterans, military leaders, community leaders and allies will come together in Washington, DC for Latino Veterans 250: A Legacy of American Military Service — two days of conversation, recognition and celebration honoring the extraordinary contributions Latinos have made to our nation’s defense for more than 250 years.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

ALVA PANEL SERIES | 12:30–4:15 PM
T-Mobile Corporate Office
601 Pennsylvania Ave NW #500, Washington, DC

Latino Veteran Leadership: Perspectives for Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Join the American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) for three important conversations:

Latino Military Experience – A Legacy of Heritage and Service
Explore the leadership, courage and sacrifice of Latino service members from the American Revolution through modern conflicts.

Leading with Purpose – Challenges, Growth, and Impact in Today’s Military
Hear perspectives on leadership, cultural identity, challenges and opportunities in today’s military, and empowering the next generation.

Life After the Uniform – Serving Community and Country
Hear how Latino veterans are finding purpose, creating meaningful change and continuing to serve beyond the uniform.

FREE — Registration Required

[REGISTER FOR THE ALVA PANELS]

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LATINO VETERANS 250 JOINT AWARDS RECEPTION

6:30–10:00 PM
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Washington, DC

Friday evening, join us at the Smithsonian for a special celebration recognizing more than 250 years of Latino military service.

The evening will include a cocktail reception, keynote remarks and awards recognizing outstanding achievement in Military Service, Community Service, Business and Government Service.

Tickets: $150 per person — Separate Registration Required

[PURCHASE AWARDS RECEPTION TICKETS]

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

VETERANOS REMEMBRANCE FESTIVAL | 11:00 AM–4:30 PM
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Washington, DC

The commemoration continues Saturday with programming featuring panels and exhibits exploring the Latino military experience and how we preserve and share that history for future generations.

Conversations will explore untold stories of Latino military service, resilience and continued service after the military, and how we remember veterans and their contributions through memorials and monuments.

Make a weekend of it.

Join us November 6–7 in Washington, DC as we honor the past, examine the present and celebrate the enduring legacy of Latino military service.

Latino Veterans 250 is presented by the American GI Forum, American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA), Hispanic Veterans Leadership Alliance (HVLA), and LULAC, in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino.

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

Herndon, VA — The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) today announced the launch of its new Veterans Benefits Guides, a customized collection of free, bilingual resources designed to help veterans and their families better understand and navigate the benefits and services available to them.

Rather than simply directing veterans to existing benefits information, ALVA developed the guides to organize essential information into practical, easy-to-follow roadmaps. Each guide walks veterans through the process in a logical sequence—from understanding potential eligibility and what a benefit provides to preparing necessary information, taking the appropriate action, and knowing what to expect next.

“Veterans earned these benefits through their service, but understanding what is available and figuring out where to begin can sometimes be a challenge,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman and CEO of ALVA. “We created these customized guides to make that process easier. Our goal is simple: help veterans understand what benefits they should be exploring and give them a clear path for taking the next step.”

Available in both English and Spanish, the initial ALVA Veterans Benefits Guides cover:

• Getting Started With Your VA Benefits
• VA Disability Compensation
• VA Health Care
• Education & Training Benefits
• VA Home Loan Benefits
• Family & Survivor Benefits
• Burial & Memorial Benefits
• VA Decision Reviews

The Getting Started guide serves as an overview for veterans who may not know which benefits they should be exploring, while the individual guides provide step-by-step roadmaps for navigating specific benefits.

The guides also connect veterans directly to official government resources, applications and forms, as well as state veterans agencies that can provide additional assistance with federal and state benefits.

The Veterans Benefits Guides are part of ALVA’s broader commitment to helping veterans thrive and supporting their well-being after military service. ALVA plans to continue expanding the collection with additional practical resources addressing the needs of veterans and their families.

Explore the ALVA Veterans Benefits Guides: CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE PAGE

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) has released the September edition of our Veterans Advocacy & Benefits Report, highlighting the most important policy, legislative, benefits, and service developments affecting veterans and military families.

Three developments to know this month:

• Faster access to military records, benefits and employment resources. A new Executive Order directs improved sharing of military personnel and medical records with VA and calls for new digital tools designed to help streamline access to benefits and employment resources for transitioning servicemembers and veterans.

• The Major Richard Star Act is approaching a critical point in Congress. The bipartisan legislation would allow certain combat-injured, medically retired veterans to receive both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. A House discharge petition was reported just one signature short of the threshold needed to force further House action.

• VA announced $1.17 billion to combat veteran homelessness. The funding will support 680 organizations nationwide providing homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, and specialized services for veterans and their families, with awards beginning October 1.

The September report also covers other federal legislation, state-level veterans initiatives, upcoming education-benefit rate changes, VA health care enrollment, VET TEC 2.0 high-tech career training opportunities, and key developments to watch in the weeks ahead.

[READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 REPORT]

Through this monthly report, ALVA is working to make complex policy and benefits information easier to understand—and to help veterans, families, advocates, and partners stay informed about developments that can directly affect them.

Please feel free to share this report with veterans, servicemembers, military families, and others in your network who may benefit from it.

Stay informed. Stay engaged.

American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA)
Defending America, Always
Valor • Honor • Vital

alvavets.org | @alvavets

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

Herndon, VA — On the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) released a special video honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the generations of Americans who answered the call to serve in the years that followed.

The video, “We Remember. We Honor. We Serve.”, reflects on the events of September 11, the extraordinary courage demonstrated that day, and the sense of unity that brought Americans together in its aftermath. It also recognizes the millions of U.S. service members who served during more than two decades of the Global War on Terror, including the Latino men and women who have long been an integral part of America’s Armed Forces.

“Twenty-five years later, September 11 is no longer a living memory for millions of Americans. That makes our responsibility to remember even greater,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman and CEO of ALVA. “We remember those we lost, honor those who ran toward danger, and pay tribute to all who answered our nation’s call to serve.”

Watch the video: CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

ALVA encourages Americans to commemorate September 11 through remembrance, service, and acts that strengthen their communities.

We remember. We honor. We serve.

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

Herndon, VA — The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) today announced the launch of the ALVA Veterans Advocacy & Benefits Report, a new monthly publication designed to help veterans, servicemembers and military families stay informed about important policy developments, benefits, services and opportunities.

Each edition will track significant federal legislation, White House actions, state-level veterans policy, Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and services, and employment, education and entrepreneurship opportunities. The report will also identify issues requiring attention or action and provide direct links to primary government sources.

“Veterans shouldn’t have to navigate dozens of government websites or decipher complicated legislation to understand decisions that could affect them and their families,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman and CEO of ALVA. “Our goal is to identify what matters, explain why it matters, and give veterans practical information they can use.”

The inaugural August 2026 edition includes congressional legislation affecting veterans’ benefits and services; ALVA’s support for H.R. 9595, the Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto Medal of Honor Act; the new President’s Military Spouse Commission; significant veterans legislation in several states; and new VA programs and benefit information.

The new publication expands ALVA’s ongoing advocacy and benefits work as part of its mission to help Latino veterans thrive and recognize their indispensable contributions.

Read the August 2026 ALVA Veterans Advocacy & Benefits Report: CLICK HERE

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

Herndon, VA — The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) today released the latest episode of its Latino Valor video series, The Hidden Front: Hispanic Contributions to American Intelligence, recognizing the often-overlooked service of Hispanic men and women who have helped protect the United States through diplomacy, espionage, military intelligence, signals intelligence, intelligence analysis, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism operations.
Unlike previous episodes that highlighted individual acts of battlefield heroism, this installment broadens the Latino Valor series by recognizing an entire community of veterans and service members whose contributions have largely remained out of the public eye.

“For every story of courage on the battlefield, there are countless others whose service occurred behind the scenes,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman and CEO of the American Latino Veterans Association. “Intelligence professionals rarely receive public recognition, yet their work has informed military commanders, protected American lives, and strengthened our national security for generations. This episode is about honoring those whose contributions are often unseen but no less essential.”

Spanning more than 250 years of American history, the episode highlights figures such as Juan de Miralles (American Revolution), Loreta Janeta Velázquez (Civil War), and José Rodríguez (Cold War and Global War on Terrorism) while honoring the thousands of Hispanic Americans who have served in military intelligence, signals intelligence, counterintelligence, geospatial intelligence, cryptologic operations, and other intelligence specialties—often in roles that remain largely unseen by the public.

“The history of military service is about much more than combat,” Vargas added. “Every successful mission depends on a team—intelligence professionals, logisticians, medics, communicators, transportation specialists, and countless others whose work makes mission success possible. We hope this episode reminds veterans from every military occupational specialty that their service mattered and that every role contributes to the success of the mission.”

The Latino Valor series is part of ALVA’s ongoing effort to preserve and share the stories of Latino military service while inspiring future generations to appreciate the indispensable contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our nation’s defense. Previous episodes have featured heroes such as Roy Benavidez, Guy Gabaldon, the Borinqueneers, Jennifer Moreno, and Jorge Otero Barreto. With The Hidden Front, ALVA expands the series to recognize not only extraordinary acts of valor, but also the many professions and specialties that make military success possible.

The episode is now available on ALVA’s YouTube channel and across ALVA’s social media platforms. Please see the following link: – CLICK HERE

About Latino Valor
Latino Valor is a storytelling video series dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of Latino Americans in the United States Armed Forces, preserving their legacy for future generations and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

ALVA Membership is free to all veterans (including guard and reserves), active-duty personnel, and their families, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. We recognize that military service is not an individual exercise, but rather a family endeavor. Visit the website to join and become a member of ALVA today.

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

Herndon, VA — The latest episode of the Latino Valor video series honors Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto, one of the most highly decorated soldiers of the Vietnam War and a proud son of Puerto Rico whose courage under fire became legendary.

Born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Otero Barreto joined the United States Army in 1959 and went on to serve five tours in Vietnam. Over the course of more than 200 combat missions, he repeatedly placed himself in harm’s way to protect his fellow soldiers, earning a reputation for extraordinary bravery and selfless leadership.

During his military career, Otero Barreto earned 38 military decorations, including multiple Silver Stars, Bronze Stars for Valor, Purple Hearts, and Air Medals. Wounded five times in combat, he continued to return to duty, embodying the Army’s highest ideals of service and sacrifice.

The newest Latino Valor episode tells the story of a soldier whose actions saved countless lives and whose humility never matched the magnitude of his accomplishments. Beyond his battlefield heroics, the video highlights his lifelong commitment to veterans and his enduring legacy as one of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated military heroes.

The episode also acknowledges the ongoing efforts by veterans organizations, civic leaders, and supporters who have advocated for a review of Otero Barreto’s record for possible consideration of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration for valor.

“Jorge Otero Barreto’s story is one of extraordinary courage, unwavering devotion to his fellow soldiers, and a lifetime of service,” said Danny Vargas, ALVA Chairman/CEO. “His legacy reminds us of the profound contributions that Latino Americans have made in defense of our nation.”

The Latino Valor series is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Latino service members whose courage, sacrifice, and leadership have helped shape American military history.

The episode honoring Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto is now available for viewing at the following link: – CLICK HERE

About Latino Valor
Latino Valor is a storytelling video series dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of Latino Americans in the United States Armed Forces, preserving their legacy for future generations and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

ALVA Membership is free to all veterans (including guard and reserves), active-duty personnel, and their families, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. We recognize that military service is not an individual exercise, but rather a family endeavor. Visit the website to join and become a member of ALVA today.

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

Herndon, VA — In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Latino Valor video series has released a new episode honoring Captain Jennifer Moreno, a United States Army nurse and Ranger-qualified officer whose courage and sacrifice during the war in Afghanistan continue to inspire service members across the nation.

Captain Moreno, a proud Mexican-American from San Diego, California, dedicated her life to caring for others. After earning her nursing degree, she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and volunteered to deploy with elite Special Operations forces as a flight nurse with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the “Night Stalkers.”

Moreno distinguished herself through relentless training and extraordinary commitment to the soldiers she served beside. She even completed the demanding Army Ranger course, becoming one of the few women of her time to earn the coveted Ranger tab.

In October 2013, while responding to a mission to assist wounded Rangers in Afghanistan, Captain Moreno moved forward to treat injured soldiers in a hazardous area filled with improvised explosive devices. While carrying out her duty as a combat nurse, she was killed in action.

For her heroism and sacrifice, Captain Moreno was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, among other honors.

Releasing this episode during Women’s History Month highlights the growing role of women in the United States Armed Forces and honors the many Latina service members whose dedication and courage have helped shape our nation’s military history.

The video is now available for public viewing – CLICK HERE

About Latino Valor
Latino Valor is a storytelling video series dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of Latino Americans in the United States Armed Forces, preserving their legacy for future generations and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

ALVA Membership is free to all veterans (including guard and reserves), active-duty personnel, and their families, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. We recognize that military service is not an individual exercise, but rather a family endeavor. Visit the website to join and become a member of ALVA today.

About American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA):
The American Latino Veterans Association (ALVA) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that exists to help American Latino veterans thrive after their military service, access the benefits they have earned, and enhance recognition of Latino contributions to our nation’s defense throughout its history. ALVA membership is free to all veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and family members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability status. For more information on ALVA visit https://www.alvavets.org or follow us on our social media channels @alvavets.

Herndon, VA — In recognition of Presidents Day, the latest episode of the Latino Valor video series has been released, honoring Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez, one of the most courageous soldiers in United States military history.

The episode tells the extraordinary true story of the Mexican-American Green Beret who, on May 2, 1968, voluntarily entered a deadly firefight in Vietnam to rescue a surrounded Special Forces team. Over the course of six harrowing hours, Benavidez saved the lives of multiple soldiers while sustaining more than forty wounds from bullets, shrapnel, and bayonets.

More than a decade later, in a historic White House ceremony, President Ronald Reagan awarded Benavidez the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration for valor. During the ceremony, President Reagan famously remarked that if Benavidez’s heroism were written as a movie script, it would be difficult to believe—yet every word was true.

This newest Latino Valor episode brings renewed attention to Benavidez’s life of service, resilience, and devotion to his fellow soldiers, while also highlighting the enduring importance of recognizing courage and sacrifice at the highest levels of national leadership.

“Presidents Day is a time to reflect not only on those who have led our nation, but also on the heroes whose valor they have honored,” said Danny Vargas, ALVA CEO. “Roy Benavidez’s story is a timeless reminder of duty, brotherhood, and the extraordinary courage found in ordinary Americans.”

The video is now available for public viewing – CLICK HERE

About Latino Valor
Latino Valor is a storytelling video series dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of Latino Americans in the United States Armed Forces, preserving their legacy for future generations and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.