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News

Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master – Stathi Patseas joins VCF as Manager of Communications and External Affairs

December 4, 2023

Stathi Patseas has joined the VCF as the Manager of Communications and External Affairs.

Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master on the 22nd Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks

September 11, 2023
Dear Friends, It has been 22 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. In thinking about my message on this day of commemoration, that number seemed particularly important. Out of curiosity, I checked. And while I am by no means an advocate of numerology, I found it interesting that the number 22 is thought to represent a sense of diplomacy and cooperation, combined with stability, hard work, and practicality.
Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master May 16, 2023

May 16, 2023
Dear Friends, The two months since I started as the new permanent Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF”) have flown by and have been both intense and rewarding. I have benefitted greatly from the training and guidance provided by the VCF’s excellent leadership team, and I am deeply moved by the commitment of the entire VCF team and their dedication in serving the 9/11 community.
Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master – Allison Lee Turkel named Special Master

March 10, 2023

Dear Friends,

Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master – Auggie

March 10, 2023

It has been a true honor to serve as interim Special Master for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF”).  This is an important mission and an incredible team that works hard every day to serve those who are suffering illnesses stemming from the terrorist attacks perpetrated over 20 years ago.  It has been my goal to ensure continuity during the search and hiring of a permanent Special Master so that the good work of this team continued without delay, and I hope I have met that goal. 

Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master – Eleventh Annual Status Report

February 6, 2023

The VCF completed its 11th year of operation in 2022, a year that brought with it measurable progress, continued challenges, and notable transitions – the most significant of which was the departure of Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya in April 2022, after nearly six years of dedicated and extraordinary service at the VCF, and 27 years with the Department of Justice. Rupa’s far-reaching contributions will continue to benefit the 9/11 community for years to come, and she has my deepest gratitude for her service to this community.

Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master on the 19th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks

September 11, 2020
Dear Friends: This year, as we commemorate the 19th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we do so with even heavier hearts as we see the added struggle of those with 9/11-related health conditions, and the particularly severe impact of COVID-19 in New York. We realize that in the months ahead, we are likely to see claims on behalf of those who have a 9/11-related condition and have suffered or died as a result of COVID-19. I want to take this opportunity to assure the 9/11 community that, as with all claims, we will review each case on its own facts in view of the laws governing the VCF. We have posted to our website a specific FAQ that explains how the VCF will evaluate claims where COVID-19 may have been a factor in an individual’s death, and we will be updating this information as needed.
Messages from the Special Master

Special Master’s Message—Clarification on VCF Registration and Claim Filing Deadlines

August 6, 2020

Dear Friends:  I wanted to reach out directly and clarify some confusion that has arisen in recent days about September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF”) deadlines.   

There are two deadlines in the VCF’s claim filing process:  a Claim Filing Deadline and a Registration Deadline.  It is important to distinguish between the two and be aware of which applies to your individual circumstances.   

Messages from the Special Master

Special Master’s Message on the Anniversary of the Signing of the VCF Permanent Authorization Act

July 29, 2020
Today we mark the first anniversary of President Trump’s signing of H.R. 1327, the “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act.”
Messages from the Special Master

Message from the Special Master - Anthony Gardner joins VCF as Director of Communications and External Affairs.

February 24, 2020
Anthony Gardner has joined the VCF as the Director of Communications and External Affairs, a new position created following the passage of the VCF Permanent Authorization Act.
Messages from the Special Master

A Message from the Special Master - Eighth Annual Status Report

February 19, 2020

This has been a year of many challenges, and significant changes for the VCF, greatest among them the July passage of the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act (“VCF Permanent Authorization Act”), which secured the VCF’s funding for claims and amendments filed through 2090 (see page 5).  This year also saw the departure of Deputy Special Master Jordy Feldman, who left the VCF after more than 10 years of superb and dedicated service.