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The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) Empire State Chapter 120 NY— March/April 2007
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We are TREA: United We Stand. Representing Military Members and Family |
Resolutions
2006-2007 RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 1 -- COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENTS FOR MILITARY RETIRED MEMBERS RESOLUTION NO. 2 -- PROTECTION OF THE UNITED STATES FLAG RESOLUTION NO. 3 -- SOCIAL SECURITY NOTCH RESOLUTION NO. 4 -- ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICA'S PRISONERS OF WAR AND MISSING IN ACTION RESOLUTION NO. 5 -- CONCURRENT RECEIPT OF RETIRED PAY AND DISABILITY COMPENSATION RESOLUTION NO. 6 -- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BENEFIT PROGRAMS RESOLUTION NO. 7 -- HEALTH CARE PROPOSAL FOR RETIRED MEMBERS AND FAMILIES RESOLUTION NO. 8 -- MEDICAL SERVICES FOR RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR DEPENDENTS RESOLUTION NO. 9 -- DENTAL SERVICES FOR MILITARY RETIREES AND THEIR DEPENDENTS RESOLUTION NO. 11 -- FORMER SPOUSES PROTECTION ACT RESOLUTION NO. 12 -- SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN (SBP) RESOLUTION NO. 13 -- RESTRUCTURING VETERANS' BENEFITS RESOLUTION NO. 14 -- CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL VETERANS TRAINING INSTITUTE RESOLUTION NO. 16 -- POLICY ON NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO) EXPANSION RESOLUTION NO. 17 -- MILITARY RETIREMENT SYSTEM RESOLUTION NO. 18 -- SUPPORT OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES RESOLUTION NO. 19 -- TRANSITION PERIOD FOR EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS RESOLUTION NO. 20 -- ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY RESOLUTION NO. 21 -- NEW VETERANS CEMETERIES RESOLUTION NO. 22 -- RETIREMENT PAY FOR HEROISM RESOLUTION NO. 23 -- FEMALE VETERANS' PROGRAMS IN VETERANS AFFAIRS RESOLUTION NO. 24 -- VETERANS AFFAIRS SHARE OF COST FOR VETERANS IN STATE VETERANS HOMES RESOLUTION NO. 25 -- MILITARY RETIREMENT PROTECTION RESOLUTION RESOLUTION NO. 26 -- EQUITY IN ACCRUAL OF ANNUAL LEAVE FOR FEDERALLY EMPLOYED VETERANS RESOLUTION NO. 27 -- SUPPORT OF THE CLASS ACT GROUP (CAG) HEALTH CARE LAWSUIT RESOLUTION NO. 28 -- POW/MIA MEMORIAL FLAG ACT OF 2001 RESOLUTION NO. 29 -- SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AS BASIS FOR CREDIT RESOLUTION NO. 30 -- DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION RESOLUTION NO. 32 -- PAID UP SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN (SBP) PROVISION RESOLUTION NO. 33 -- DISCRIMINATION AGAINST REGULAR MILITARY RETIREES IN STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM RESOLUTION NO. 34 -- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS USER FEES RESOLUTION NO. 35 -- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENTS RESOLUTION NO. 36 -- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOME LOAN FUNDING FEE RESOLUTION NO. 37 -- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE RESOLUTION NO. 38 -- MEDICARE SUBVENTION TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RESOLUTION NO. 39 -- CO-PAYMENT OF FEE FOR USING A MTF RESOLUTION NO. 40 -- ENROLLMENT OF FEHBP RESOLUTION NO. 41 -- LEGISLATION TO CHANGE TITLE 10 SUBSECTION 1074 RESOLUTION NO. 42 -- WAIVER FOR ENROLLMENT IN MEDICARE PART B RESOLUTION NO. 43 -- TRICARE PRIME PROGRAM RESOLUTION NO. 44 -- CAP ON USE OF MONTGOMERY GI BILL RESOLUTION NO. 45 -- BURIAL OF RETIRED RESERVE & GUARD AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY RESOLUTION NO. 47 -- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ENROLLMENT PRIORITY CATEGORIES RESOLUTION NO. 48 -- CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW VA HOSPITAL IN PUERTO RICO RESOLUTION NO. 50 -- SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO MAKE VA HEALTH CARE FULLY FUNDED RESOLUTION NO. 58 -- IMPROVE NON PAY RETIREMENT BENEFITS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE
RESOLUTION NO. 1 -- COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENTS FOR MILITARY RETIRED MEMBERS WHEREAS, the continued effort to erode the value of military retired pay is of grave concern to the retired members of the Armed Forces and their families and; WHEREAS, the military retirement system is a major factor in the retention of adequate and capable men and women in our active and reserve force, and; WHEREAS, the cost of living adjustment (COLA) to military retired pay is annually subjected to congressional and administration attempts to curtail full COLAs, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports the continued annual receipt of full retired pay COLAs as currently prescribed by law and the statutory provision in the annual Defense Authorization Act. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association does not support any Consumer Price Index (CPI) offset.
RESOLUTION NO. 2 -- PROTECTION OF THE UNITED STATES FLAG WHEREAS, the Flag of the United States symbolizes freedom and liberty under the law, human dignity and equal opportunity for all, and embodies this nation's honor and appreciation to hundreds of thousands of brave men and women who have died, were wounded, were prisoners of war, or suffered handicaps as a result of their service to their country, and; WHEREAS, the Flag represents a living country and is, itself, considered a living thing giving strength to all who have served or are now serving this great nation, and; WHEREAS, more than one half of the nation's states have adopted resolutions memorializing Congress to submit for ratification, a Constitutional amendment outlawing Flag desecration; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association denounces all who desecrate or maim, in any way, this cherished symbol of our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, our personal liberty and freedom, and our national unity, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Association supports a Constitutional amendment outlawing the desecration of the U.S. Flag.
RESOLUTION NO. 3 -- SOCIAL SECURITY NOTCH WHEREAS, the "notch" occurred in 1977 when Congress reduced the Social Security benefit levels for all eligible persons born after Jan. 1, 1917 and before Jan, 1 1927 and; WHEREAS, "notch babies" have been receiving an average of 20 percent less in Social Security payments than people born before 1917, and; WHEREAS, this is an issue that affects military retirees born after Jan 1, 1917 and before Jan 1, 1927 if eligible for Social Security benefits, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports notch reform legislation leading to a final resolution of this contentious issue. BE FURTHER RESOLVED, the Retired Enlisted Association supports the simple and fair proposal for a one-time lump sum settlement of $5,000 for Notch Victims.
RESOLUTION NO. 4 -- ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICA'S PRISONERS OF WAR AND MISSING IN ACTION WHEREAS, thousands of Americans are unaccounted for as a result of recent wars, and; WHEREAS, the United States, as a nation, has anguished over the plight of American Prisoners of War, both known and missing, and; WHEREAS, the families of America's POW/MIA continue to suffer untold grief and uncertainty due to lack of answers concerning the fate of these missing veterans, and; WHEREAS, on the record, the United States government has professed to give these concerns "the highest national priority", while off the record, this priority seems to sometimes vanish, and; WHEREAS, The Retired Enlisted Association has consistently supported the United States government's policy of highest national priority to resolve the fate of these Americans; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association calls upon the DOD special office for POW/MIA matters to proceed posthaste to resolve this issue to the satisfaction of all concerned, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Retired Enlisted Association supports recent agreements between the United States and other world nations to further expand POW/MIA cooperation to resolve this issue and calls on all governments to fulfill their respective commitments to this end, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Retired Enlisted Association stands firmly behind a United States policy of highest national priority to resolve the POW/MIA issue and rejects irresponsible public or private efforts that jeopardize and interfere with the government-to-government process. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Association supports economic and diplomatic sanctions imposed upon former adversaries until such time as POW/MIA accountability has been resolved to the satisfaction of all organizations and US government agencies concerned.
RESOLUTION NO. 5 -- CONCURRENT RECEIPT OF RETIRED PAY AND DISABILITY COMPENSATION WHEREAS, men and women retired from military service are required by law to waive from their longevity retired pay amounts equal to the compensation for service connected disability paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and; WHEREAS, the military retiree is the only class of American citizen required to waive their earned retired pay, dollar-for-dollar, to receive VA Compensation for service connected disabilities, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association strongly advocates passage of legislation to permit the concurrent receipt of full longevity military retired pay and Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation without deductions from either, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association strongly advocates that, if the funding is not included in the FY2003 budget, passage of legislation to permit the concurrent receipt of full longevity military retired pay and department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation without deductions from either, should be initiated, NOW; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports the same treatment of equality for all military retirees as U.S. citizens with service-connected disabilities receive.
RESOLUTION NO. 6 --DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE BUDGET WHEREAS, Congress, on July 21, 1930, established the Veterans Administration, now the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), health care system and progressively increased its responsibilities to administer veterans' benefits, and; WHEREAS, the DVA has undergone budgetary restraints in recent years that have severely reduced both health care and benefits. These reductions have denied health care to previously eligible veterans; eliminated or reduced construction and maintenance of hospitals, domiciles, and nursing home units; and reduced medical staffing and the upgrade of essential medical care equipment, and; WHEREAS, with the demographic increase of our aging veteran population, plus younger veterans, the quality of comprehensive health care in our DVA facilities is unparalleled and is more cost effective than other federal and private health care programs, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) supports increases to the VA Health Care Budget that, at a minimum, would allow for a level of continuing care.
RESOLUTION NO. 7 -- HEALTH CARE FOR RETIRED MEMBERS AND DEPENDENTS AT MTFS WHEREAS, Military retirees who entered service before June 7,1956 earned free health care upon retirement from the armed services for themselves and their dependents, and; WHEREAS, reduction in care at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) force retired military personnel and their dependents under age 65 to rely on TRICARE which causes a considerable expense to user, and; WHEREAS, retired military personnel and their dependents continue to see access to military treatment facilities (MTFs) hampered by base closures, funding cuts, and medical personnel shortages, and; WHEREAS, the cost of medical care continues to escalate well above the annual inflation rate, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) believes that withdrawal or reduction of medical service in MTFs is a shameful betrayal to those who, years ago, made decisive career choices based on reasonable expectation of the continuation of their post career medical support.
RESOLUTION NO. 8 -- MEDICAL SERVICES FOR RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR DEPENDENTS WHEREAS, retired military personnel and their dependents continue to see access to military treatment facilities (MTFs) hampered by base closures, funding cuts, and medical personnel shortages, and; WHEREAS, reductions in care at MTFs force retired military personnel and their dependents to rely on TRICARE which causes a considerable expense to the user, and; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) adopts the following position on medical support for military retirees and survivors: 1. TREA believes that withdrawal or reduction of medical service in MTFs would be a shameful betrayal to those who, years ago, made decisive career choices based on reasonable expectation of the continuation of their post career medical support. 2. TREA opposes any attempt to establish a co-payment of fee for using the MTF. 3. TREA strongly supports a DoD managed Care Program be established in the appropriate catchment areas prior to the closing of any MTF.
RESOLUTION NO. 9 -- DENTAL SERVICES FOR MILITARY RETIREES AND THEIR DEPENDENTS WHEREAS, the Department of Defense has basically eliminated all dental care for military retirees and their dependents, and; WHEREAS, this proposal is deemed to be a breach of faith and further reduction and/or elimination of the benefits promised to military personnel who completed twenty (20) or more years of service to their country, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports legislation that would expand the current retiree dental program to include all dental services (i.e. crowns, bridges, and dentures). Return to the Top of the Page.
RESOLUTION NO. 10 -- DISABLED VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAM (DVOP) REPRESENTATIVES IN JOB SERVICE CENTERS WHEREAS, DVOPs play a primary role in assisting military retirees, disabled and recently separated veterans in their transition from military service into civilian life, and; WHEREAS, DVOPs provide direct service to military retirees, disabled and recently separated veterans in the form of Counseling, Training, and Job Placement service, and; WHEREAS, Title 38, United States Code, subsection 4103A, requires the Secretary of Labor to annually make available for use in each state sufficient funds to support the appointment of one DVOP for each 7,400 veterans who are between the ages of 20 – 64 residing in the state, and; WHEREAS, a reduction in funding and reduction in staff (DVOP) would be a drastic reduction in the necessary services needed to maximize the employment and training opportunities for veterans which is mandated by Congress, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association urges Congress to provide necessary funding to the Department of Labor so that staffing is maintained at one DVOP for each 7,400Veterans residing in such states.
RESOLUTION NO. 11 -- FORMER SPOUSES PROTECTION ACT WHEREAS, the Uniform Services Spouse Protection Act, (Public Law 97-252, 10 USC 1408) was effective February 1, 1983 as a compensation measure for former spouses of retired military personnel who had made a significant contribution to the retired member’s household during the member’s military career, and; WHEREAS, the Act is now viewed as an "open door" for the individual states to divide military retired pay without regard for the original intent of the law, and; WHEREAS, the adverse consequences of the Act have imposed severe financial hardships on military retired members and their second families, and; WHEREAS, the adverse consequences include: reopening of divorce cases that were settled prior to the enactment of the Act, the retroactive partitioning of retired pay; continuation of payments after the former spouse remarries; absence of a grandfather clause to protect retired pay earned prior to the 1983 effective date; allowing the former spouse to receive a pay benefit that was earned by the military member after the divorce was final (e.g., subsequent promotions); inclusion of disability compensation; and payments to former spouses being required prior to the military member's actual retirement, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports the principle that spouses of military personnel have a right to adequate support, but within the context of the Supreme Court decision of McCarty vs. McCarty (military pension is not marital property) and Mansell vs. Mansell (VA disability is not included in disposable income), and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Association fully supports legislation that will correct the inequities in the current Act that lead to the adverse consequences herein described.
RESOLUTION NO. 12 -- SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN (SBP) WHEREAS, the undesirable provisions of the SBP that pertain to automatic benefit reduction or Social Security offset for survivors have still not been favorably considered by the Congress, and; WHEREAS, the SBP benefit at age 62 is automatically reduced from 55% to 35% of the base amount or a Social Security offset of 40% is incurred depending on which measure provides the survivor the greatest benefit based on Public Law 99-145 effective September 1, 1986, and; WHEREAS, Public Law 99-145 requires this reduction or offset even though the survivor may not be drawing Social Security benefits from the deceased members account, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports legislation to eliminate the age 62 benefit reduction or offset and that survivor benefits not be reduced if the survivor is eligible to draw Social Security benefits based on the survivor's own work record.
RESOLUTION NO. 13 -- RESTRUCTURING VETERANS' BENEFITS WHEREAS, the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is studying veterans benefit reforms in order to eliminate inequities and inconsistencies in eligibility criteria, and; WHEREAS, the reform is not an attempt to cut any benefits currently being provided to veterans, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) objects to any change in service connected benefits criteria. Injuries incurred whether or not combat related. If a line of duty determination finds the injury is not due to individual misconduct, compensation should be paid based on the level of disability, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) opposes any benefit reform that will cause a veteran currently receiving a benefit to receive less as a result of the reform.
RESOLUTION NO. 14 -- CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL VETERANS TRAINING INSTITUTE WHEREAS, The National Veterans Training Institute (NVTI) provides essential training to local Veteran Employment Representatives and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and others who provide required information/service to military retirees, disabled, and recently separated service men and women, in the form of counseling, training, resume preparation, job seeking skills workshops, job placement assistance, veterans benefits, veterans re-employment rights information, and marketing the veterans and Job Service Center services, and; WHEREAS, Congress has affirmed that NVTI should be an integral part of the resources available to train both Federal and State employees, managers, and others involved in the delivery of services to veterans as outlined in Public Law Title 38 subsection 4109(a), and; WHEREAS, the NVTI has provided the training with outstanding results and has significantly increased the supportive services provided, and more importantly, significantly increased the number of veterans entering the labor force, placed in jobs in the private sector and in Federal agencies, and; WHEREAS, veterans employment and training of the staff who deliver services to veterans should be a national priority, and; WHEREAS, the NVTI is charged with training key Departments of Defense and Labor staff who provide congressionally mandated resources and instruction to service men and women transitioning from the military to their civilian careers, and; WHEREAS, the elimination of the funding for this training facility would greatly decrease the ability of DVOPs nation wide to provide the quality and quantity of services needed by our military retirees, disabled and recently separating veterans, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association urges Congress to provide adequate funding for the continuance of the National Veterans Training Institute.
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -- UNLIMITED ACCESS TO MILITARY COMMISSARY FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE (Active and Retired) WHEREAS, members of the National Guard and Reserve are being called upon to provide more of our national defense; WHEREAS, these personnel are restricted to 24 visits per year to the Commissary; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports legislation to allow members of the National Guard and Reserve unlimited visits to the Commissary.
RESOLUTION NO. 16 -- POLICY ON NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO) EXPANSION WHEREAS, The Retired Enlisted Association recognizes that European security and preservation of the NATO alliance are critical to America's vital national security interests; and WHEREAS, The NATO treaty of 1949 anticipated the addition of member states which has included Greece and Turkey in 1952, the Federal Republic of Germany in 1955 and Spain in 1982; and WHEREAS, The Retired Enlisted Association believes that expanding NATO will make a stronger alliance, protect against another European war, defend against old European ethnic and border disputes, and help to build an undivided Europe; and WHEREAS, At the Madrid NATO summit meeting in July 1997, the members of NATO extended invitations to Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic to join the Alliance and formal accession talks are now underway with those states; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association urges the President to continue to consult fully with the Congress throughout the process of NATO expansion; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association urges the Senate to conduct full and thorough hearings on the proposals to expand NATO with the entry of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic and at a later time other invited nations; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, That following this public debate, The Retired Enlisted Association urges the United States Senate to provide its advice and consent to the addition of these states to the NATO Alliance in a prompt and timely matter.
RESOLUTION NO. 17 -- MILITARY RETIREMENT SYSTEM WHEREAS, the military retirement system is a major factor in the retention of adequate and capable men and women in our active and reserve force, and; WHEREAS, there are three retirement plans in affect; Final basic pay for those who entered prior to September 8, 1980; High-3 for those who entered between September 8, 1980 and July 31, 1986; and the Military Retirement Reform Act (MRRA) for those who entered after July 31, 1986, and; WHEREAS, the MRRA provides less than 50 percent retirement pay for 20 years of service, and; WHEREAS, the MRRA provides a COLA on CPI minus one percentage point until age 62, and; WHEREAS, active and reserve forces now affected by HIGH-3 or MRRA have not completed 20 years of service, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports legislation to restore the Final Pay retirement system.
RESOLUTION NO. 18 -- SUPPORT OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES WHEREAS, the Armed Forces of the United States, and its allies, are involved in combat and humanitarian operations in various countries of the world, and; WHEREAS, when the President of the United States has determined this operation to be of vital interest to the national security of the United States, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States, and its allies, who participate in combat or humanitarian operations.
RESOLUTION NO. 19 -- TRANSITION PERIOD FOR EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS WHEREAS, members of the Armed Forces and honorably discharged veterans are entitled to educational benefits, and; WHEREAS, these benefits aid in transition to civilian life, and; WHEREAS, education is a life-long pursuit, and; WHEREAS, a quality education will help improve a veterans quality of life, NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) believes that in order to guarantee education remains a quality benefit, honorably discharged veterans should have a six month transition period where they maintain access to the local military facility’s education office, such access shall include all benefits afforded to total force personnel.
RESOLUTION NO. 20 -- ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY WHEREAS, Arlington National Cemetery has been a final resting place for America's military heroes for over a century, and; WHEREAS, burial space at Arlington National Cemetery is limited, and; WHEREAS, restrictions have been placed on those eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery to the point where some veterans can only be interred in the Columbium, and; WHEREAS, members of the Reserve/Guard components currently awaiting retired pay, commonly referred to as "gray area" retirees, are ineligible for burial, and; WHEREAS, prominent non-veterans have been buried in Arlington National Cemetery removing space for military heroes and placing this hallowed ground into political controversy, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association believes that Congress should pass, and the President should sign, legislation which eliminates all waivers for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, all retired members of the Reserve/Guard components of the United States should be eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery so long as they are eligible to receive retirement pay at age 60, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Arlington National Cemetery should remain a place of honor for military heroes solely into the 21st Century.
RESOLUTION NO. 21 -- NEW VETERANS CEMETERIES WHEREAS, there are nearly 26 million veterans living in the United States, and; WHEREAS, veterans from the World War II era are dying at a rate of nearly 1,000 a day, and; WHEREAS, burial space at existing national cemeteries is limited, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association believes that Congress should pass, and the President should sign, legislation which will create new national cemeteries throughout the United State, particularly areas with large veteran populations.
RESOLUTION NO. 22 -- RETIREMENT PAY FOR HEROISM WHEREAS, the Armed Forces of the United States are a total force comprised of active, guard and reserve members, and; WHEREAS, enlisted members decorated for heroism can, with approval of their respective Service Secretary, have their active duty retired pay increased by 10%, not to exceed the maximum of 75% provided in law, and; WHEREAS, retirement eligible reserve component enlisted members who are decorated for heroism while in an active status or on active duty, met the highest standards and traditions of military service, and, WHEREAS, the recognition of heroic service for one category of military retiree and the failure to recognize heroic service for another category ofmilitary retiree is discriminatory and wrong, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association believes that Congress should pass, and the President should sign, legislation which provides the members of the reserve component with this increased retirement pay.
RESOLUTION NO. 23 -- FEMALE VETERANS' PROGRAMS IN VETERANS AFFAIRS WHEREAS, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently developed information programs and subsequently enrolled additional women veterans into its health care system and; WHEREAS, the VA health care system still lacks proper facilities and sufficient educational programs to encourage women veterans to enter the VA health care system, and; WHEREAS, the VA should enlarge and improve the medical information program to encompass each female veteran, and; WHEREAS, the availability of mental health care and domiciliary care and other related care for women veterans are sadly in need of expansion and or initiation, and; WHEREAS, the personnel working with veterans at the local level are not generally conversant with female veterans needs, and; WHEREAS, federal funding for women veterans health programs is not a high priority among VA programs and the probable loss of recent gains in female programs is imminent, and; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports continued financial backing of women veterans educational and medical care programs. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association does not support proposed budget reductions as they relate to women veterans VA health care.
RESOLUTION NO. 24 -- VETERANS AFFAIRS SHARE OF COSTS FOR VETERANS IN STATE VETERANS HOMES WHEREAS, State Veterans Homes were founded for Civil War veterans in the late 1800s and have served veterans for over 100 years; and WHEREAS, under the provision of Title 38, United States Code, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is authorized to make aid payments to states maintaining State Veterans Homes subject to the provisions of 38 CFR 18.13, Part 3, Section 51.40 (1); and WHEREAS, there are 97 State Veterans Homes in 44 states throughout the United States, with more being added annually; and WHEREAS, the VA State Veterans Home Program has proven to be a cost-effective provider of quality care services to the nation’s veterans who require domiciliary, nursing home, and hospital care; and WHEREAS, VA promotes the care and treatment of veterans in State Veterans Homes as one means to attain the goal of developing and maintaining the highest possible quality of patient care for eligible veterans; and WHEREAS, VA has made a commitment to increase its share of State Home per diem to 33 1/3 percent of the national average cost of providing care in a State Veterans Home; and WHEREAS, Title 38, United States Code, authorizes the State Home Construction Grant Program which is funded by VA at 65 percent of total costs for construction of new State Veterans Homes and renovation of existing facilities; and WHEREAS, VA has not kept pace with states’ grant applications for construction of new State Veterans Homes and renovation projects; and WHEREAS, Title 38, United States Code, authorizes VA to make per diem payments for veterans residing in State Veterans Homes, and the State Veterans Home Program is recognized as the lowest cost alternative among all nursing care alternatives available to VA; and WHEREAS, recognizing the growing long term health care needs of older veterans, the State Veterans Home Program will continue to be a vital health care provider and the lowest cost alternative for veterans needing long term nursing care; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Retired Enlisted Association fully supports the legislative objectives of the National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH) to receive from VA a per diem payment that equals 33 1/3 percent of the national average cost of providing care in a State Veterans Home; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Retired Enlisted Association urges the Congress of the United States to fully fund State Veterans Home Construction Grant priority one projects for fiscal year 2002; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Retired Enlisted Association urges the President and Congress to pledge their full support to the State Veterans Home Program as it is the most cost-effective nursing care alternative available to VA. Return to the Top of the Page.
RESOLUTION NO. 25 -- MILITARY RETIREMENT PROTECTION RESOLUTION WHEREAS, hundred of thousands of men and women have spent their careers serving our country in the Armed Forces, and; WHEREAS, the Department of Defense in currently building up funds in the Military Retirement Trust Fund, and; WHEREAS, this fund is open to borrowing by Congress for other uses, and; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that The Retired Enlisted Association supports legislation that will oppose any effort to spend Military Retirement Trust Funds to finance spending increases, tax cuts, or for any other purpose, other than paying military benefits. Return to the Top of the Page.
RESOLUTION NO. 26 -- EQUITY IN ACCRUAL OF ANNUAL LEAVE FOR FEDERALLY EMPLOYED VETERANS WHEREAS, Title 5 of the U.S. Code entitles other than retired military veterans entering federal employment to credit all military service to the accrual of annual leave, and; WHEREAS, Title 5 of the U.S. Code entitles military veterans entering federal employment to credit only certain "qualifying periods" of military service to the accrual of annual leave, and; WHEREAS, Title 5, of the U.S. Code entitles those veterans, "retired for disability" to credit all military service to accrual of annual leave only if such disability is incurred as a direct result of armed conflict, or is caused by an instrumentality of war, and while in the line of duty during a qualifying period, and; WHEREAS, retired veterans, by their lifetime dedication to military service, deserve treatment at least equal to that of non-veterans, and; WHEREAS, current law, emanating from the Dual Compensation Act of 1964 and written into Title 5, is discriminatory to retired veterans, and; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that The Retired Enlisted Association fully supports and will therefore pursue legislation to amend Title 5 of the U.S. Code to allow federally-employed retired veterans to credit all military service toward the accrual of annual leave on the same basis as is currently allowed for non-retired veterans. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The Retired Enlisted Association fully supports and will pursue legislation to amend Title 5 of the U.S Code to remove retired for disability restrictions with respect to armed conflict, an instrumentality of war, and line of duty status of disabled retirees as pertains to the accrual of annual leave. Return to the Top of the Page.
RESOLUTION NO. 27 -- SUPPORT OF THE CLASS ACT GROUP (CAG) HEALTH CARE LAWSUIT WHEREAS, military retirees, who entered service before June 7, 1956 earned a no premium, employer provided "health care" benefit upon retirement from the uniformed services for themselves and their families, and; WHEREAS, the Military Health Services System has disenfranchised Medicare eligible military beneficiaries, and; WHEREAS, many military retirees were not encouraged to enroll in Medicare Part B due to the availability of "space available" health care and they are now being penalized by the federal requirement to pay additional sums for Part B for not enrolling when they initially applied for Medicare, and; WHEREAS, the cost of medical care continues to escalate well above the annual inflation rate, and; WHEREAS, a health crisis is being experienced by many military retirees due to base closures and limited space available at Military Treatment Facilities, and; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports legislation to provide a no premium , employer provided "health care" to all military retirees, their families and survivors as promised; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The Retired Enlisted Association supports the action of the CAG and its lead attorney, Medal of Honor recipient, retired Air Force Colonel Bud Day in suing the United States Government for breach of an in-fact contract with military retirees, who entered active military service prior to June 7, 1956, their families and survivors. Return to the Top of the Page.
RESOLUTION NO. 28 -- POW/MIA MEMORIAL FLAG ACT OF 2001 WHEREAS, legislation has been introduced by the Senators from Colorado which requires the flying of the POW/MIA flag in our Nation’s Capital at the World War II Memorial, the |
