What good is our "Voice" in DC when all our Benefits are shrinking and Military Downsizing?

TSgt Mark Vaughn — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:41:54 -0400

We have groups in DC who are supposed to Lobby for us, for example the NCOA. What good are they doing because it seems we lose more every year and our once Powerful military is shrinking to an all time low.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 8 at 2015 1:44 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:44:25 -0400

Personally I rather see these groups at least trying like they are than not be there. Sure we are seeing reductions in a lot of areas but think how bad it would be if these organizations weren't there at all.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jul 8 at 2015 2:07 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 14:07:53 -0400

TSgt Mark Vaughn - I have always been a supporter of such groups (Association of the US Army, Military Officers Association, Retired Officers Association, etc.), as they are the closest thing to a "union" we have in the military and they do an admirable job in speaking up for military members.
Having said that, what they can actually accomplish is limited. It is far better for military members to engage with their individual Congressmen and Senators to get their support for issues important to the military.

Note -- While I am firmly opposed to unionization of the military (within the military), I support organizations that speak for the military as a whole in a lobbying manner.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 8 at 2015 2:35 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 14:35:08 -0400

TSgt Mark Vaughn Here is one of the more promenant associations fighting for veterans and retirees in Washington DC.

The Hill, an influential newspaper that covers Capitol Hill, has named the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) as one of the top lobbying organizations in Washington, D.C., for the fifth consecutive year. MOAA is the only military or veteran-related association on the newspaper’s recognition list.
The Hill article lists “the most effective advocates in Washington” and particularly cited retired Navy VAdm. Norb Ryan, Jr., MOAA’s President. “The retired vice admiral will be a bridge between uniformed officers and lawmakers as Congress inches closer to reforming military pay, healthcare and benefits,” The Hill stated.
“We are very proud and humbled to be recognized by The Hill,” Ryan said. “We appreciate the recognition very much for our work on behalf of the military and veterans community. It is the entire MOAA Team - our board of directors, our entire staff, our strong chapter system, our partners and our terrific members that give us One Powerful Voice! We will need that entire Team more than ever in the challenging months ahead.”

Here is link to there website: http://www.moaa.org

Here is a list of their legislative gains for 2014:
December 16, 2014
Active / Reserve Force Issues
Repealed COLA reductions established by 2013 Bipartisan Budget Act for retirees and survivors
Prevented a proposed $1 billion reduction in federal subsidy to Defense Commissary Agency
Lowered proposed reduction of Basic Allowance for Housing for service members
Extended retirement COLA protection to service members entering service through January 1, 2016
Won “roll over” Guard and Reserve retirement credit over two fiscal years
Health Care Issues
Blocked the consolidation of TRICARE health plans into a single plan providing less choice
Prevented a 24% cut in Medicare and TRICARE payments to doctors
Lessened TRICARE pharmacy copay increase
Blocked the means testing TRICARE Prime and TRICARE for Life fees enrollment fees
Avoided implementation of strict caps on Medicare payments for physical and speech therapy
Secured passage of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act to reduce vet waiting times
Convinced the VA to expand primary care via nationwide Community Care (PC3) contracts
Expanded counseling services for victims of military sexual trauma
Protected US Family Health Plan (USFHP) from elimination or consolidation
Military Family / Veterans / Other Issues
Secured 50th state (NY) ratification of Interstate Compact on Education for Military Children
Pushed for upgrades to VA claims processing resulting in a 39% drop in the backlog
Secured in-state tuition rates for vets and authorized Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to surviving spouses
Won $30 billion in supplemental aid to school districts serving large military communities
Authorized SBP annuities to be paid to Special Needs Trusts for permanently disabled children
Secured VA advanced appropriations to protect disability, pension, survivor, and GI Bill programs

Selected Legislative Goals for 2015:
December 16, 2014
Active / Reserve Force/Family Issues
Ensure active duty, Guard and Reserve force sizes meet mission requirements
Sustain military pay comparability with private sector pay as required by law
Protect currently serving and retiree benefits from severe, arbitrary sequestration cuts
Credit all Post-9/11 active duty service toward Guard and Reserve early retirement
Create new incentives for employers to hire and retain drilling Guard and Reserve members
Restore tax deductions for reservists’ out-of-pocket expenses for travel of 50 miles or more
Create new incentives for employers/government/contractors to hire military spouses
Protect funding for commissaries, exchanges, dependent schools and family support programs
Ensure service sexual assault and suicide prevention measures provide positive outcomes
Improve professional licensure transferability for service members and spouses
Require better education on the financial disadvantages of the REDUX retirement option
Health Care Issues
Avert a 24% Medicare/TRICARE payment cut and fix the statutory formula to improve care access
Oppose means testing of TRICARE Prime and TRICARE for Life enrollment fees
Block the consolidation of TRICARE health plans into a single plan providing less choice
Improve seamless transition and protect Defense and VA health budgets/programs and benefits
Authorize the option to retain operational reservists’ civilian family health insurance upon call-up
Increase orthodontia payment cap under active duty plan
Authorize TRICARE coverage for Applied Behavioral Analysis for active and retired members
Retirement/Survivor Issues
Evaluate Military Compensation & Retirement Modernization Commission recommendations; February 2015
Oppose military benefit changes that are inconsistent with service career sacrifices
Preserve full-inflation cost of living adjustments (COLAs)
End the deduction of VA disability compensation from military retired pay
End deduction of VA Dependency & Indemnification Compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan annuities
Implement a more equitable military disability retirement system
Restore VA Dependency & Indemnification Compensation for spouses who remarry after age 55
Reform the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) calculation for reservists who die performing Inactive Duty Training
Authorize survivors to retain a deceased retiree’s full final month retired pay
Reform the Uniform Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA)
Veterans / Other Issues
Eliminate VA claims backlog and improve quality, efficiency and transparency of claims processing
Improve VA healthcare services and access for women veterans
Extend caregiver services and support to qualifying disabled veterans of all conflicts
Authorize pre-tax payment of health, dental, and long-term health care premiums
Prevent disproportional Social Security and Medicare penalties for any population segment

An evening of networking and professional development designed to provide those who have served and their families the opportunity to meet industry professionals, hiring managers, executives, and resource specialists. ...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 2:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 14:45:10 -0400

We have a voice in DC?

Response by MSgt John Grollimund made Jul 8 at 2015 5:01 PM

MSgt John Grollimund — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 17:01:20 -0400

I have actually emailed and called my congress persons here. I get the "well, thank you for serving and I will take that under advisement" blow off.. I am now on their spam email list...