A recent example of legislation the VFW advocated for nationally is the PACT Act, which expanded Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances, according to the VA website.

“The challenge is how do we continue to expand at a time when membership is down,” Velis told the Post 185 leaders during a visit there. “I do not have the answer to that, but it is something we must spend a lot of time thinking about.”

The Children of Camp Lejeune Toxic Water group says it plans to host an informational rally on Sept. 24th at the Sunset Inn on Western Blvd. in Jacksonville. The group says five lawyers will be on hand to provide information for veterans seeking to file lawsuits.

"I’m proud that we’ve taken concrete steps in Congress to improve care for our veterans with the passage of the Honoring Our PACT Act and I am committed to working with Republicans and Democrats to build on this progress," Kuster said.

The VFW’s site notes that the VA is reviewing the comprehensive legislation and will likely publish regulations in the coming months. The Veterans Administration has said in a statement that it will not penalize anyone, cut services or deny pending disability claims for filing a lawsuit.

“It’s our job to provide those vets and their survivors with benefits and care for those conditions and if passed, the PACT Act will finally do that,” McDonough said. “This is a monumental moment for veterans and a monumental moment for our partnership as well.”