Military Commissaries to Lose Funding?

Via MOAA:

Among the bills approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee this week was the “Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act of 2011” (S. 277), sponsored by Sen. Burr (R-NC), the senior Republican on the Committee. The bill would authorize VA health care for former military family members and veterans and certain family members stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987, when the water at the base is acknowledged to have been contaminated with carcinogens.

MOAA indicated its support for the bill and other pending measures in a letter to Committee Chair Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Sen. Burr.

But that was before the committee voted unanimously, without notice or hearing, to fund the care by eliminating the federal subsidy for military commissaries and directing consolidation of all DoD commissaries and exchanges.

Emphasis mine.

They do go on to say the VA has no authority to do anything of the sort, but it just goes to show you what they think of us.
. Continue Reading

Here's to us!

Happy Armed Forces Day!

. Continue Reading

Veteran's Day

I spotted this by one of my Facebook friends:

I am a Veteran. I appreciate your words of thanks for my service, but I did not serve for thank yous. I served and was and am willing to lay down my life becasue I believe. I believe in my country and it's principles and all that it stands for and all that it is. Instead of thanks I only ask that you believe in those same things and honor that for which we served. Thank you

After reading Robb's take on this fine day,where he says:

God bless America, and God bless each and every one of you for giving me something worth fighting for.

The bottom line is, it's not about us, it's about you.


. Continue Reading

A Message to Veterans

This comes via Heli Gunner Tom, a Vietnam vet and blogger:

"Today, people think they are being trendy and paying for coffee or something for the next guy in line. They call it "PAYING IT FORWARD." Well, the TRUE inventors of paying it forward are ........VETERANS!

....

So the next time someone [a vet] says he doesn't want any freebies or handouts, remind him or her. If you served, you already paid for it in advance.

God bless you
Nick

You'd be surprised how prevalent that feeling is among veterans. I know a lot of bloggers and readers are veterans, I have to ask: how many have registered with the VA? Like Tom says:

Get, study, learn and research to get ALL OF YOUR LEGAL BENEFITS, and now! Your spouse can benefit too, with the 'hidden' CHAMPVA provisions that the VA does NOT want you all to know about. Please, do your homework, now!

In the interest of full disclosure, I am not yet registered with the VA. I figured, being retired military meant I didn't have to. But, after a conversation with my uncle (retired Navy), I'm going to go ahead and register.

I won't be taking anything away from someone else. Besides, I've already paid for it.

.

Continue Reading

Memorial Day 2010

On fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents to spread,
And glory guards, with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead.

Read the whole poem here.

Continue Reading

Veterans Airlift Command

Their home page says it all:

Imagine returning home from combat facing devastating injuries and long term hospitalization - in a facility hundreds of miles away from your family.

Imagine somebody brings you together.

I love this country.

Thanks to Instapundit for the pointer.

. Continue Reading

Vietnam Veterans Day

Via email:

Today is Vietnam Veterans Day in Tennessee. If you know a Vietnam veteran, please give him or her a big "Thank You and Welcome Home". Yes, women served in Vietnam too. If you are not sure if someone is a Veteran or if they have served in the US Military, just ask them. If they have served, then please thank them for their service to our country.

And, if you're a veteran from a newer era, remember - it was their poor treatment upon returning that paved the way for the veteran services you have now. While far from perfect, it's much better than they had it.

. Continue Reading

Health Reform as it Pertains to Tricare

Tricare is the health insurance the vast majority of military retirees have. I got this email from MOAA today, thought I'd pass it on. I made some improvements to formatting, and any emphasis is mine.

Dear Sergeant First Class (me),

In recent days, we’ve seen a barrage of information (and misinformation, in many cases) about how national health reform legislation might affect currently serving and retired service members and their families.

Now that President Obama has signed the initial legislation into law, I want to lay out for you what we know.

The biggest question on our members’ minds has been: “How will passage of national health reform legislation affect me?” For members under age 65, based on what we know so far, the answer appears to be, “Not much, if at all.”

There are some changes to Medicare, but it remains to be seen what the real impact of those may be over time. The most significant of them is likely to be some reduction of availability of Medicare Advantage HMOs.

In the meantime, MOAA has prepared answers to the most-frequently asked questions that we hope you’ll find useful.

Unfortunately, there already are messages flying around the internet to the effect that “I heard this will end TRICARE” or “This will force military people to buy other coverage.” That’s simply not true. If you get such messages, please help educate the senders with MOAA’s answers.

As MOAA has said from the beginning, everyone we’ve talked to in the Administration or the House or the Senate, of either political party, supports protecting military and VA beneficiaries from adverse effects associated with national health reform.

Just to be sure, MOAA and loyal members like you generated more than 100,000 messages to Congress urging protection of the unique military and VA health benefits and protection against any taxation of those benefits. And your voices were heard.

In as clear an indication of that as anyone could ask for, the House unanimously passed separate legislation explicitly citing TRICARE as “qualifying health coverage” for purposes of the new law. The Senate is working now to pass the same legislation. VA care and TRICARE For Life already were explicitly designated in law. That means eligible beneficiaries of those programs won’t be subject to financial penalties that can be imposed on people who don’t have qualifying insurance.

That said, let’s be clear on another key issue.

Can anyone guarantee that there will never be any unfavorable changes to military and VA programs? No.

Do we know for sure how all the details will play out? No.

There’s always a potential for unintended consequences, and there’s always the potential for new initiatives to arise (see below).

But if you were worried that national health reform legislation is somehow aimed at whacking military beneficiaries’ health coverage, that’s just not so.

Frankly, we think the much more significant issue for Medicare – and for the military community and the rest of America -- is what proposed changes will be recommended by the new National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform that’s supposed to report by Dec. 1 on options to reduce the national debt.

You have my personal pledge that MOAA will continue to be vigilant as implementation of national health reform proceeds – and as the new debt commission proposals become known – and your association will continue to do everything in our power to protect your interests and your service-earned health benefits.

All the best,

VADM Norb Ryan Jr., USN (Ret)
President

When I was on active duty, I viewed Veterans Service Organizations (American Legion, VFW, etc.) as a bunch of old guys reliving their glory days.

Now that I'm of no further use to the military, I see exactly what these organizations are all about.

They fight to preserve what was promised to us all those years ago. They deserve your support.

. Continue Reading

Pearl Harbor

Or Operation Z, as it was referred to by the attackers, took place 68 years ago today. Remember their sacrifice, and, if you happen to know anyone who survived that day, tell them "thank you".

They won't be around much longer.

. Continue Reading

VA to Survey Veteran Households

Good:

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a national survey of Veterans, active duty service members, activated National Guard and reserve members, and family members and survivors to learn if they are aware of VA services.

You'd be surprised how many people don't know about VA programs.

. Continue Reading

Happy Veterans Day!

Thanks to all Veterans, those still with us and those that have moved on.

I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you.

. Continue Reading

Veterans Day Discounts

Via email, here's a list of businesses giving discounts to Veterans on Veterans Day:

Many stores, restaurants and other businesses offer discounts to military members, retirees, and other veterans. Below are the ones I am asked the most about. Proof of service is often required such as a military or retiree ID card, DD Form 214, VA card, or other proof of service, so be prepared if you are asked. I recommend you call ahead, because some locations may not participate. If you would like to have a VA card, simply register at your local VA Medical Center (with your DD-Form 214), and you can receive a photo ID card.

Applebees: Free select entree at participating stores
during business hours on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 with
active/reserve/retired ID card. http://www.applebees.com/vetsday/

Golden Corral: The 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday
dinner is scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2009, from 5 to 9 pm in all Golden Corral restaurants nationwide (note that it is NOT on the actual Veterans Day). http://www.goldencorral.com/military/

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants: To the Veterans who have served in war and peace, we honor you Sunday, November 8th with a complimentary entree from a special menu (note that it is NOT on the actual Veterans Day). http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotion/Veterans-Appreciation-Day.aspx

Lowes: Starting Summer 2009, Lowe's Companies now offers a year-round 10 percent discount for all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel, and their immediate family members. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $5,000. Some exclusions apply.

Home Depot: The Home Depot is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran's Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000. Some exclusions apply. The promotion usually lasts for one week prior to Veterans Day, so call ahead to verify the days.

Hey, I have an idea, Take a Vet to Lunch there! You can honor the vet, and not have to spend a lot of money!

Cheapskate? Moi?

. Continue Reading

Take a Vet to Lunch

Take a Vet to Lunch

If you register on this site, I will try to send an email reminder so that you can carry out your own “Take a Vet to Lunch” program this year. My plan is to post ready-to-print fliers and promotional materials here for people to use at their own place of work.

Like Unc says, a damn fine idea.

I can be had for cheap. Chilis or Ruby Tuesday is fine with me. Hooters, too.

. Continue Reading

Memorial Day

. Continue Reading

Another Medal of Honor Recipient has Passed

Russell E. Dunham

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

At about 1430 hours on 8 January 1945, during an attack on Hill 616, near Kayserberg, France, T/Sgt. Dunham single-handedly assaulted 3 enemy machine guns. Wearing a white robe made of a mattress cover, carrying 12 carbine magazines and with a dozen hand grenades snagged in his belt, suspenders, and buttonholes, T/Sgt. Dunham advanced in the attack up a snow-covered hill under fire from 2 machine guns and supporting riflemen.

His platoon 35 yards behind him, T/Sgt. Dunham crawled 75 yards under heavy direct fire toward the timbered emplacement shielding the left machine gun. As he jumped to his feet 10 yards from the gun and charged forward, machine gun fire tore through his camouflage robe and a rifle bullet seared a 10-inch gash across his back sending him spinning 15 yards down hill into the snow.

When the indomitable sergeant sprang to his feet to renew his 1-man assault, a German egg grenade landed beside him. He kicked it aside, and as it exploded 5 yards away, shot and killed the German machine gunner and assistant gunner. His carbine empty, he jumped into the emplacement and hauled out the third member of the gun crew by the collar. Although his back wound was causing him excruciating pain and blood was seeping through his white coat, T/Sgt. Dunham proceeded 50 yards through a storm of automatic and rifle fire to attack the second machine gun.

Twenty-five yards from the emplacement he hurled 2 grenades, destroying the gun and its crew; then fired down into the supporting foxholes with his carbine dispatching and dispersing the enemy riflemen. Although his coat was so thoroughly blood-soaked that he was a conspicuous target against the white landscape, T/Sgt. Dunham again advanced ahead of his platoon in an assault on enemy positions farther up the hill. Coming under machinegun fire from 65 yards to his front, while rifle grenades exploded 10 yards from his position, he hit the ground and crawled forward. At 15 yards range, he jumped to his feet, staggered a few paces toward the timbered machinegun emplacement and killed the crew with hand grenades. An enemy rifleman fired at pointblank range, but missed him.

After killing the rifleman, T/Sgt. Dunham drove others from their foxholes with grenades and carbine fire. Killing 9 Germans--wounding 7 and capturing 2--firing about 175 rounds of carbine ammunition, and expending 11 grenades, T/Sgt. Dunham, despite a painful wound, spearheaded a spectacular and successful diversionary attack

And that's just the first part, here he teaches us the meaning of the Code of Conduct, Articles 2 and 3:

Dunham returned to the front before his wounds healed. On January 22 his battalion was surrounded by tanks, forcing most of the men to surrender. The following morning, two German soldiers discovered Dunham hiding in a sauerkraut barrel outside a barn. When their search of his pockets turned up a pack of cigarettes, they fought over it, overlooking his pistol in a shoulder holster.

Later that day as he was being transported toward German lines, the driver stopped in a bar, giving Dunham the opportunity to shoot his other captor in the head and set off toward the American lines. Dunham suffered severe frostbite completing his escape.

Yep, we lost a good one there.

.

Continue Reading

New Link

I've put a link on the sidebar (under "links", strangely enough) to Battle of the Bilge, a site dedicated to clarifying bullshit emails concerning military and veteran related matters.

Kinda like Snopes, but without the liberal bias.

. Continue Reading

Oath Keepers

Shamalama has been spotlighting Oath Keepers.

Who are the Oath Keepers?

Oath Keepers is a non-partisan association of currently serving military, reserves, National Guard, peace officers, and veterans who swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic … and meant it.

Our oath is to the Constitution, not to the politicians, and that oath will be kept. We won’t “just follow orders.”

Recognizing that we each swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and affirming that we are guardians of the Republic, of the principles in our Declaration of Independence, and of the rights of our people, we affirm and declare the following:

Click here or here to read more.

I have to say, I don't recall ever being told I was no longer bound by the oath I first took back in 1980.

Interesting.

.

Continue Reading

This Administration

Is getting up to the top of my shit list anyway, but if this happens, they* will individually top John Kerry as the Most Despicable Asswipe in the country. (emphasis mine)

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki confirmed Tuesday that the Obama administration is considering a controversial plan to make veterans pay for treatment of service-related injuries with private insurance. …

I'm beyond words, but if they ever do come out, Emperor Misha would be embarrassed by what he would read here.

* meaning whoever approves this. Continue Reading

Metal and Wood

I love this:

Many of our friends died far from home. Ask us about the feeling of "American soil" upon returning to the land we loved. Ask those returning soldiers about America.

Remember the old, faintly humorous band of American Legionnaires, wearing out-dated military uniforms straining at the buttons. But, God how proudly they marched. Grinning, waving to friends and families, and always, always "The Flag!" Ask them if the flag is mere cloth, I dare you.

See the elderly lady sitting in a lawn chair watching the fourth of July parade. Three flags carefully folded some forty years ago into triangles now rest in her lap - one for each lost son. Ask her if those flags are mere cloth, I dare you.

Look at the old man quietly crying, leaning against the Iwo Jiima Memorial at Arlington Cemetery. As he turns to you, smiles with some embarrassment, and says in a choked whisper, "I was there." Ask him, "Is it just metal and clay?" Ask him. I dare you.

The Wall. My God, the Wall. See the young man lightly tracing the name of his father there inscribed. Ask him if its just rock. Ask him. I dare you.

My guns? They’re of little real value compared to my family and my home. They are toys, or tools, or both. But what those guns represent to me is greater than all of us, greater than myself, my family, indeed greater than our entire generation. What could be of such value?

Go read the rest to find out.

Thanks, Firehand, for the pointer. An excellent refutation of the old "it's just a piece of cloth" line I hear from time to time.

.

Continue Reading

Military/Veteran Stuff

I got this in an email from MOAA. There's some good news in the President's budget:

Budget to Expand Concurrent Receipt

The blueprint released this week for President Obama's FY2010 budget is making headlines across the country for its $3.6 trillion size and sweeping health care and tax initiatives.

But let's talk about the budget provisions affecting members of the military and veterans community that you may not find in your local newspaper or TV coverage.

Concurrent Receipt. For the first time in history, the FY2010 budget includes an initiative to help ease the disability offset to military retired pay. According to the president's budget release, it would expand coverage to currently ineligible medically retired members who are highly disabled. No specifics are available yet, but that could mean authorizing concurrent receipt for medical retirees with less than 20 years and at least a 50% VA rating. We'll need the details to be sure, but any expansion is terrific news for the disabled retiree community.

Military Manpower Levels. The budget proposes a 15,000 increase for the Army and 8,000 for the Marine Corps. MOAA strongly supports these increases. We're concerned that some in Congress have talked about rolling them back in order to free more funding for weapons programs. These force increases are the only real way to ease deployment stresses on troops and families, and MOAA will ardently oppose any effort to backtrack on them.

Military Pay Raise. The budget proposes a 2.9% raise for active duty, Guard and Reserve troops. That's the same raise as the average American's, as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Cost Index (ECI). MOAA is pushing for a 3.4% raise, to continue Congress's 9-year effort to restore full military pay comparability. Throughout the 1980s and '90s, military raises were capped below private sector pay growth, causing a 13.5% pay gap and significant retention problems by 1998-99. Every year since then, Congress has plussed up military raises by at least .5% per year above the ECI to progressively reduce the gap, which now stands at 2.9%. Full pay comparability is a fundamental underpinning of the all-volunteer force, and MOAA believes we shouldn't stop working to get back to it, especially given the terrible wartime stresses our military families have endured for most of this decade.

TRICARE Fees. The budget information made public so far is silent on this issue, and we take that as a positive sign. There's no healthcare-related budget reduction indicated for the defense budget in either the discretionary or mandatory spending categories, as there was in the last several budgets of the Bush Administration. We'll await the final budget details in April to be sure, but what we've seen so far leaves us cautiously optimistic.

VA Budget. The budget includes $55.9 billion for "discretionary" VA programs (mostly health care) - almost an 11% increase from FY2009. Including "mandatory" spending programs like VA disability compensation, survivor benefits, and the GI Bill, the total is about $113 billion. It includes funds for a gradual expansion of the number of "priority group 8" vets (nondisabled vets with incomes above certain locality-based thresholds) in the VA health system. The plan is to open care to about 500,000 more category 8 vets over the next four years. Among other things, the added funds would expand mental health care, promote electronic health records, and cover implementation of the new GI Bill benefits.

All in all, that's pretty good news.

. Continue Reading