Latest news with #militaryfamilies
The Independent
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Cut-price train travel for families planned in armed forces reforms
Families of military veterans could soon benefit from their own cut-price train fares, as ministers consider extending the popular Veterans Railcard to provide travel discounts. Under current rules, the railcard offers a third off most train tickets, but spouses of veterans can only access concessions when travelling alongside the cardholder, not independently. The proposed change would allow family members to use the benefits on their own. This potential expansion forms part of wider government efforts to strengthen the UK's military covenant. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed plans for a "legal duty" on all government departments, compelling them to consider the needs of military personnel and their families when formulating policy. Number 10 indicated that more details of this measure would be set out in due course, but suggested it could include initiatives such as extending travel benefits to the families of veterans and the bereaved. While the extension of the Veterans Railcard to family members is understood to be one proposal under consideration, officials stress that no final decisions have yet been made. Sir Keir earlier met trainee pilots and their families as he visited RAF Valley on Anglesey in North Wales, to mark Armed Forces Day. He said: 'Across the country and around the world, our service personnel and their families make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe and protect our freedom and our way of life. 'When I became Prime Minister, I made a promise to serve those who have served us. 'Through the new Armed Forces Covenant, we are delivering on that promise, ensuring our service personnel, veterans and their families are treated with the respect they deserve, that is our duty. 'Our Armed Forces Covenant will put our armed forces community at the very heart of government decision-making. 'Their courage, duty, and sacrifice are the foundation of our national values, and they deserve nothing less.' Labour pledged in its manifesto to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant, which supports the military community through a range of initiatives and grants. Under the new legislation all areas of Government will for the first time have to have 'due regard' in decision-making for the unique circumstances and position of the armed forces community, Downing Street said. Currently, this is only legally required in areas of housing, healthcare and education at local level, meaning it does not apply to central Government. The extension will cover policy areas including employment, immigration, welfare, transport, pensions, childcare and criminal justice. The Government aims to make the changes in the next Armed Forces Bill, one of which is required every five years. The last Bill was passed in 2021. It comes ahead more than 200 events expected to take place across the UK to mark Armed Forces Day. The town of Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire will host this year's annual national event, and is expected to welcome 200,000 visitors. It will feature a military parade with personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army and the RAF's Red Arrows, including music from the British Army Band Catterick and the Band of the Coldstream Guards. A flypast by Chinook helicopters and historic aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will take place above the town's beaches, as well as a fireworks display and a concert by military musicians. Defence Secretary John Healey, who will attend the celebrations, said: 'On Armed Forces Day the nation unites to thank our armed forces: our service personnel, our reservists, our veterans and our cadets. 'This is the day we celebrate all they do, in ordinary and extraordinary ways, to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad. 'We're matching our words with actions, committing an extra £1.5 billion to fix forces' family housing this parliament, the largest pay rise in over 20 years for personnel, and bringing the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law. 'Our government's plan for change is renewing the nation's contract with those who serve.' The Ministry of Defence has also announced that the bidding process for next year's Armed Forces Day national event will open next week on Tuesday. Show less
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Armed Forces Bank Earns "Outstanding" Rating for its Community Reinvestment Act Performance
Armed Forces Bank recognized as a leader in providing community development loans designed to help low and moderate-income communities and military families Fewer than 10% of banks receive a CRA's top rating LEAVENWORTH, Kan., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Armed Forces Bank – a full-service military bank committed to serving those who serve since 1907 – received an overall rating of "Outstanding," the highest possible rating, on its most recent Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) performance evaluation from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This elite rating reflects Armed Forces Bank's longstanding commitment to the military communities it serves throughout the United States. Over the past 10 years, fewer than 10 percent of banks nationwide received a CRA rating of Outstanding. "Receiving an Outstanding rating from the OCC affirms our long-standing commitment to serving military families and the communities where they live and work. At Armed Forces Bank, community reinvestment is not just a regulatory requirement, it's a core part of who we are," Tom McLean, SVP/Military Regional Executive, Armed Forces Bank. "We are proud that our efforts to expand access to capital, support local development, and partner with community organizations are making a measurable difference. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and strengthens our resolve to build stronger, more resilient communities every day." Enacted in 1977, the CRA requires banks to help meet the credit needs of their local communities – especially low- and moderate-income individuals, neighborhoods, and small businesses. The OCC evaluates banks based on how effectively they fulfill these obligations. Armed Forces Bank Performance Highlights from the CRA Evaluation The OCC commended Armed Forces Bank for demonstrating "excellent responsiveness" to community development needs. Notable outcomes during the evaluation period included: $15.7 million in community development loans, supporting housing and services for elderly and disabled residents, revitalization efforts in moderate-income areas, and protective programs for low-income seniors in nursing homes. $17.1 million in investments directed toward affordable housing through community impact bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and Small Business Investment Company funds. $94,600 in donations to organizations supporting free legal services for veterans pursuing disability compensation claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs, homeless outreach, and aging-in-place programs for seniors. 2,313 volunteer hours provided by Armed Forces Bank associates across 17 organizations – including financial literacy education at Newcomer Briefings for incoming soldiers. Steadfast Commitment to Military CommunitiesArmed Forces Bank maintains a steadfast commitment to meeting the unique needs of military service members and their families. That dedication has earned national recognition, including being named "Distinguished Bank of the Year" by the U.S. Military for its extraordinary contributions to financial well-being of military families and veterans. In addition, Armed Forces Bank was the only bank this year to earn the Veterans Saves "Community Impact Award," as well as one of only four banks nationally to be awarded the "Designation of Savings Excellence" – an honor Armed Forces Bank has received 10 times in the past 12 years. These two honors from the Consumer Federation of America are the nation's only awards focused on helping veterans improve financial stability. Most recently, Armed Forces Bank was named one of Kansas City's top five strongest banks. Introducing Heroes Roundup to Serve Homeless VeteransIn May 2025, Armed Forces Bank launched Heroes Round Up, a powerful new giving program that empowers anyone – military or civilian – to roundup their debit card purchases to support the Veterans Community Project – a nonprofit working to end veteran homelessness nationwide through innovative housing and support services. "Everything we do is about making life easier and better for service members, veterans and their families, no matter where they are stationed," adds McLean. "We believe we are uniquely qualified to do that, because 75% of our staff are military-affiliated, meaning they or someone they love has served." About Armed Forces BankArmed Forces Bank, founded and headquartered in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is a full-service military bank committed to serving those who serve since 1907. Armed Forces Bank provides affordable, personal and convenient banking and financial services to both active and retired military, as well as civilian clients in all 50 states and around the world. Approximately 75% of Armed Forces Bank associates have some type of military affiliation either by spouse, retired themselves or their children. Armed Forces Bank has $1.4 billion in assets and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corporation, a $4.3 billion bank holding company headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Armed Forces Bank's sister bank, Academy Bank, is a full-service community bank with over 70 branch locations in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Member FDIC. 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South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Americans must speak up against Trump's Iran strike
As a former US Army sergeant who served in Iraq, I've seen first-hand what happens when the United States enters a war without strategy, purpose or public consent. US President Donald Trump's recent strike on Iran's nuclear facilities is yet another example of reckless military action – one that puts American lives at risk, destabilises the region and abandons the values we claim to defend. There was no clear or imminent threat to US national security. No congressional vote. No public debate. Bombing a sovereign nation should never be this easy – and it is wrong. We've condemned Russia for violating Ukraine's sovereignty. Yet now, we've done the very thing we claim to oppose. This strike does not represent the will of the American people. Trump ran on a promise to end endless wars. Many Americans supported him for that reason. This decision contradicts that commitment – and it's the American public, military families and civilians abroad who will bear the cost. We've heard the promises before – that military action would bring peace. But I was in Iraq. I saw what really happened. The invasion didn't bring order – it shattered it. It destabilised the region, empowered extremists, cost trillions of dollars, and left hundreds of thousands dead. We didn't bring peace – we left behind broken institutions and lasting resentment. Afghanistan dragged on for 20 years and ended in chaos . Libya descended into disorder. Time and again, we were told war was necessary. Time and again, it made things worse. Trump's strike on Iran has already set off consequences. Iran is a nation of more than 90 million people – students, workers, families – who will bear the burden. The attack has damaged infrastructure, emboldened hardliners and increased instability. American personnel across the region now face greater danger. This wasn't a defensive measure – it was a calculated escalation against a country with real military capabilities and powerful allies.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Marine Corps veteran's wife, who is still breastfeeding their 3-month-old, arrested by ICE
ICE is threatening to deport the wife of a Marine Corps veteran who was still breastfeeding their youngest child, according to reports. Paola Clouatre, 25, of Baton Rouge in Louisiana, was brought to the U.S. from Mexico by her mother to seek asylum while she was still a child, her husband Adrian Clouatre told the Associated Press. But when Paola attended a green card appointment with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on May 27, she was detained by ICE over a seven-year-old deportation order that Adrian claims she had only recently found out about. "I'm all for 'get the criminals out of the country,' right? But the people that are here working hard, especially the ones married to Americans — I mean, that's always been a way to secure a green card," Adrian told the AP. Now Adrian is left trying to explain to the couple's two-year-old son Noah why his mother is gone, while feeding their three-month-old daughter Lyn with bottles of baby formula. The case shows how U.S. immigration authorities are abandoning the leeway once given to families of military veterans as they reportedly scramble to meet a new quota of 3,000 arrests per day. "It's just a hell of a way to treat a veteran," said Carey Holliday, a former immigration judge who is now the couple's lawyer. "You take their wives and send them back to Mexico?" Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told the AP that Paola Clouatre is "is in the country illegally" and that her department "is not going to ignore the rule of law." In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), which appeared to describe Clouatre's case without naming her, the USCIS said: "Ignoring an immigration judge's order to leave the U.S. is a bad idea. When an illegal alien from Mexico was apprehended and ordered removed by a judge in 2018, she chose to defy the order and stay in the U.S. "Seven years later, she had another bad idea and applied for a Green Card. ICE took her into custody at our New Orleans office. DHS has a long memory and no tolerance for defiance when it comes to making America safe again. "Don't be caught in this situation. Do the right thing and use the CBP Home App to self-deport now." Paola and Adrian Clouatre met at a nightclub in southern California in 2022, during the the final months of Adrian's five-year military service. They quickly fell in love, and got married in 2024. Yet while applying for a green card, Paola found out that ICE had issued an a deportation order against her in California back in 2018, after her mother failed to appear at an immigration hearing. That was news to Paola, Adrian said, because she had been estranged from her mother since she was young and had spent much of her teenage years homeless and living in shelters. The couple have applied to a California immigration judge asking to reopen Paola's old deportation case, but have not yet heard back, Adrian said. Immigration experts said the USCIS had previously allowed a lot of latitude to military spouses, but had ended that policy earlier this year. The AP also found Marine Corps recruiters still claiming on social media that enlisting in the service could protect recruits' family members from deportation. A Marine Corps spokesperson said it had told recruiters they were "not the proper authority" to imply that the Corps could "secure immigration relief" for them or their families.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
ICE detains Marine Corps veteran's wife who was still breastfeeding their baby
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Marine Corps veteran Adrian Clouatre doesn't know how to tell his children where their mother went after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained her last month. When his nearly 2-year-old son Noah asks for his mother before bed, Clouatre just tells him, 'Mama will be back soon.' When his 3-month-old, breastfeeding daughter Lyn is hungry, he gives her a bottle of baby formula instead. He's worried how his newborn will bond with her mother absent skin-to-skin contact. His wife, Paola, is one of tens of thousands of people in custody and facing deportation as the Trump administration pushes for immigration officers to arrest 3,000 people a day. Even as Marine Corps recruiters promote enlistment as protection for families lacking legal status, directives for strict immigrant enforcement have cast away practices of deference previously afforded to military families, immigration law experts say. The federal agency tasked with helping military family members gain legal status now refers them for deportation, government memos show. To visit his wife, Adrian Clouatre has to make an eight-hour round trip from their home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to a rural ICE detention center in Monroe. Clouatre, who qualifies as a service-disabled veteran, goes every chance he can get. Paola Clouatre, a 25-year-old Mexican national whose mother brought her into the country seeking asylum more than a decade ago, met Adrian Clouatre, 26, at a southern California nightclub during the final months of his five years of military service in 2022. Within a year, they had tattooed each other's names on their arms. After they married in 2024, Paola Clouatre sought a green card to legally live and work in the U.S. Adrian Clouatre said he is 'not a very political person' but believes his wife deserved to live legally in the U.S. 'I'm all for 'get the criminals out of the country,' right?' he said. 'But the people that are here working hard, especially the ones married to Americans — I mean, that's always been a way to secure a green card.' Detained at a green card meeting The process to apply for Paola Clouatre's green card went smoothly at first, but eventually she learned ICE had issued an order for her deportation in 2018 after her mother failed to appear at an immigration hearing. Clouatre and her mother had been estranged for years — Clouatre cycled out of homeless shelters as a teenager — and up until a couple of months ago, Clouatre had 'no idea' about her mother's missed hearing or the deportation order, her husband said. Adrian Clouatre recalled that a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services staffer asked about the deportation order during a May 27 appointment as part of her green card application. After Paola Clouatre explained that she was trying to reopen her case, the staffer asked her and her husband to wait in the lobby for paperwork regarding a follow-up appointment, which her husband said he believed was a 'ploy.' Soon, officers arrived and handcuffed Paola Clouatre, who handed her wedding ring to her husband for safekeeping. Adrian Clouatre, eyes welling with tears, said he and his wife had tried to 'do the right thing' and that he felt ICE officers should have more discretion over arrests, though he understood they were trying to do their jobs. 'It's just a hell of a way to treat a veteran,' said Carey Holliday, a former immigration judge who is now representing the couple. 'You take their wives and send them back to Mexico?' The Clouatres filed a motion for a California-based immigration judge to reopen the case on Paola's deportation order and are waiting to hear back, Holliday said. Less discretion for military families Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in an emailed statement that Paola Clouatre 'is in the country illegally' and that the administration is 'not going to ignore the rule of law.' 'Ignoring an Immigration Judge's order to leave the U.S. is a bad idea,' U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said in a June 9 post on X which appeared to refer to Clouatre's case. The agency added that the government 'has a long memory and no tolerance for defiance when it comes to making America safe again.' Adrian Clouatre said the agency's X post does not accurately reflect his wife's situation because she entered the country as a minor with her mother, seeking asylum. 'She was not aware of the removal order, so she was not knowingly defying it,' he said. 'If she had been arrested, she would have been deported long ago, and we would never have met.' Prior to the Trump administration's push to drive up deportations, USCIS provided much more discretion for veterans seeking legal status for a family member, said Holliday and Margaret Stock, a military immigration law expert. In a Feb. 28 memo, the agency said it 'will no longer exempt' from deportation people in groups that had received more grace in the past. This includes the families of military personnel or veterans, Stock said. As of June 12, the agency said it has referred upward of 26,000 cases to ICE for deportation. USCIS still offers a program allowing family members of military personnel who illegally entered the U.S. to remain in the country as they apply for a green card. But there no longer appears to be room for leeway, such as giving a veteran's spouse like Paola Clouatre the opportunity to halt her active deportation order without facing arrest, Stock said. But numerous Marine Corps recruiters have continued to post ads on social media, geared toward Latinos, promoting enlistment as a way to gain 'protection from deportation' for family members. 'I think it's bad for them to be advertising that people are going to get immigration benefits when it appears that the administration is no longer offering these immigration benefits,' Stock said. 'It sends the wrong message to the recruits.' Marine Corps spokesperson Master Sgt. Tyler Hlavac told The Associated Press that recruiters have now been informed they are 'not the proper authority' to 'imply that the Marine Corps can secure immigration relief for applicants or their families.' ___ This story has been updated to correct that Paola Clouatre initially entered the U.S. seeking asylum, not that she illegally entered the country.
