Newsbytes January 17, 2025 

In this Issue: 
Inauguration of President Donald Trump 
Confirmation Hearing SecDef 
2025 VA Federal Benefits Guidebook 

Upcoming Inauguration of President Donald Trump 
The inauguration of President Donald Trump for his second term is set to take place on January 20, 2025, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day that honors the civil rights leader’s legacy. This unique timing adds a significant layer of meaning to the event, as the nation reflects on Dr. King’s impact on American society while also celebrating the democratic transition of power. The day’s festivities will feature traditional ceremonies, a grand parade, and a series of performances, marking the official start of President Trump’s second term. 

The day will begin with a morning church service at St. John’s Church, followed by a tea at the White House with invited guests, including key congressional leaders. At 12:00 p.m. EST, President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance will take their oaths of office on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol. This historic moment will be followed by the President’s inaugural address, which will outline his vision for the next four years. After the ceremony, a celebratory luncheon will be held at the Capitol for the President, Vice President, and invited officials. 

A key highlight of the day will be the inaugural parade, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EST. The parade will proceed along Pennsylvania Avenue, featuring the following: 

United States Army   
Butler County First Responders - Butler, Pennsylvania  
NYPD Emerald Society Pipes & Drums - New York, New York  
New York Military Academy - Cornwall on Hudson, New York  
Florida Firefighters Pipes and Drums - Boca Raton, Florida  
America’s Patriotic Tractor - West Des Moines, Iowa  
Stewarts Creek High School Band - Smyrna, Tennessee  
Loadmaster Corporation - Norway, Michigan  
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - National Organization  
U.S. Marines  
Middletown High School Marching Band & Cheerleaders - Middletown, Ohio  
Palm Beach Police & Fire Honor Guard Unit - Palm Beach, Florida  
Albertville High School Aggie Band - Albertville, Alabama  
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) - Arlington, Virginia   
Liberty University “Spirit of the Mountain” Marching Band - Lynchburg, Virginia  
Navajos 4 Trump - Show Low, Arizona  
Scripps Miramar Ranch - San Diego, California   
U.S. Navy  
Fork Union Military Academy - Fork Union, Virginia  
Ross Volunteer Company of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets - College Station, Texas  
Lowndes High School “Georgia Bridgemen” Marching Band - Valdosta, Georgia  
Culver Academies Black Horse Troop & Equestriennes - Culver, Indiana   
Premiere Transportation - Brentwood, Tennessee  
Texas High School Tiger Band - Texarkana, Texas  
Montana State University Rodeo Team - Belgrade, Montana  
U.S. Air Force  
Pipes & Drums of the Blue & Gold - Holly, New Jersey  
Mobile Azalea Trail Maids - Mobile, Alabama  
The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes, & Summerall Guards - Charleston, South Carolina  
Merced County Sheriff's Posse - Hilmar, California   
Missouri State University Pride Marching Band - Springfield, Missouri  
Lunar Outpost - Arvada, Colorado  
Sherwood Groves Belgian 6-Horse Hitch - Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania   
U.S. Coast Guard   
Mississippi Valley State University - Itta Bena, Mississippi  
Richard Petty’s 1970 Superbird - Randleman, North Carolina   
Benedictine College Preparatory - Richmond, Virginia  
American Tap Company - North Andover, Massachusetts  
1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment - Fort Cavazos, Texas  
U.S. Merchant Marines Academy  
Diamond D Cowgirls - Covington, Georgia  
Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak - Plano, Texas  
Las Vegas Police Protective Association - Las Vegas, Nevada  
Virginia Military Institute - Lexington, Virginia    

The parade will culminate in front of the White House, where the President will review the procession. 

Prominent figures, including former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, are expected to attend, alongside tech industry leaders such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. 

The inauguration falling on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, provides an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy while celebrating the peaceful transfer of power in the U.S. The event will be broadcast across major networks, including ABC, CNN, Fox News, and NBC, allowing millions of Americans to partake in this historic moment.  

Confirmation Hearing of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense 
Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense on January 14, 2025, began with intense scrutiny of past allegations. Hegseth denied the allegations, calling them baseless, and emphasized his qualifications and commitment to the military. Despite the contentious start, Hegseth addressed critical issues and outlined his vision for the Department of Defense. 

Hegseth detailed several commitments to addressing challenges faced by service members: 

Vaccine Mandate Reinstatement: He proposed reinstating service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, pledging to restore their ranks, provide back pay, and issue formal apologies. 

Warrior Culture: He emphasized restoring a "warrior culture" in the military, focusing on warfighting, readiness, and merit-based advancement. 

Women in Combat Roles: Hegseth walked back previous comments questioning the effectiveness of women in combat, acknowledging that his earlier statements may have been overly broad. He clarified his position, emphasizing that combat roles should be based on maintaining uniform and rigorous standards for all service members to ensure operational effectiveness. 

Merit-Based Promotion: He advocated for a system where promotions are determined by performance and skills, ensuring fairness and removing external factors. 

Improved Living Conditions: Hegseth committed to improving living conditions, particularly for those in remote or challenging stations, to enhance morale and retention. 

Mental Health Support: He pledged to expand mental health resources, particularly for PTSD and suicide prevention, highlighting the importance of accessible care for service members and their families. 

Resource Allocation: Hegseth underscored the importance of allocating resources to training, equipment, and readiness to ensure military effectiveness. 

Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who was previously uncertain about supporting Hegseth, emerged as a crucial vote. Ernst’s announcement of her support is expected to create a clear pathway to the 50 votes needed for confirmation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) also expressed confidence in Hegseth, stating, “He comported himself extremely well and made a strong argument for why he ought to be the next Secretary of Defense.” Thune further emphasized that he would “work quickly” to see Hegseth confirmed. 

While the hearing began with scrutiny over allegations, Hegseth shifted the focus to presenting a vision centered on personnel policies, readiness, and ensuring fairness and well-being for service members. 

Regardless of who is ultimately confirmed as the next Secretary of Defense, the Fleet Reserve Association remains committed to ensuring the best and most dignified treatment of every service member while advocating for policies that strengthen the military and support those who serve. 

Click to Watch The Full Hearing

2025 VA Federal Benefits Guidebook 
The “2025 VA Federal Benefits Guide for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers” is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed information on a wide range of VA programs and services. It includes eligibility requirements for benefits and outlines resources available to veterans and their families. Key areas covered in the guide include: 

Compensation 

Life insurance 

Pension and fiduciary services 

Education benefits 

Economic development and employment 

Home loan guaranty programs and housing assistance 

Mental health resources 

The guide is available in both print and digital formats. Veterans and family members can access it online through VA’s website or at local facilities like medical centers, Vet Centers, and regional offices. For the most current information, visit www.va.gov or call 800-827-1000. The information in the guide is valid as of October 10, 2024, and is subject to change. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GUIDEBOOK