Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 12/13/2004

Dear Sgt. Shaft,
The FY2005 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provided many significant improvements for active duty, reserve and retired members of the military and their families. In the coming year, those serving on active duty will see increases in their basic pay and several allowances. Our reserve forces can expect enhanced access to the military's TRICARE healthcare program. Severely disabled retirees will soon be eligible to receive both their military retired pay and their VA disability compensation, without enduring a lengthy phase-in process. The NDAA also contains language that will gradually eliminate the reduction in benefits that is currently endured by survivors of military retirees when they reach age 62.

Along with other members of The Military Coalition, FRA worked closely with Congress to secure these enhancements. Significant grassroots lobbying also contributed to the successful inclusion of these provisions in the defense bill and all can rightfully claim victory on these fronts.

There are several other noteworthy provisions that may have gone unnoticed, but are equally significant for active duty and reserve personnel:

PCS Reform: The House sought to delay implementation of the Families First program, an initiative to enhance the way service members' household goods are transported. FRA opposed the delay and sought prompt implementation of the program which will provide full-replacement-value coverage for property that is lost or damaged during permanent change of station (PCS) moves. Through the efforts of FRA and other organizations, the program will not be delayed.

Reenlistment Bonuses for Service Members Through their 17th Year: House lawmakers sought to give reservists the authority to accept reenlistment bonuses through their 17th year. (Existing policy ended reenlistment bonuses for active duty and reserve personnel at their 14th year of service.) In letters to key conferees, FRA supported the expanded bonus window, but noted that the provision failed to support equity between the active and reserve components. As a result of this initiative, the NDAA includes language that allows both active duty and reserve personnel to accept re-up bonuses through their 16th year.

Hazardous Duty Pay for Military Firefighters: FRA also recognizes the dangerous work associated with firefighting and played a key role in obtaining Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP) for enlisted military firefighters.

These quality-of-life enhancements are the result of proactive advocacy provided on behalf of our members. I encourage active duty and reserve personnel to learn more about what FRA and other TMC organizations are accomplishing on their behalf.

With best wishes, I remain in Loyalty, Protection and Service,
Joseph L. Barnes
National Executive Secretary
Fleet Reserve Association

Dear Joe,
Our active duty military, reserve and retired members and their families deserve nothing less.

Shaft Notes

George Skypeck has generously donated hundreds of his “Assured Victory” prints to the Blinded American Veterans Foundation (BAVF). A copy can be obtained for a $100 tax-deductible contribution to BAVF. These donations will go to helping the wounded and their families at Bethesda Naval and Walter Reed Army Medical Centers. Contact me for additional information. The original painting, “Assured Victory is now on public display loan to Arlington National Cemetery’s Visitor’s Center. It depicts the terrorists attacks and events of “September 11,2001,” in New York City (World Trade Center) and Washington, D.C. (the Pentagon). It depicts the heroic sacrifice of the brave police, firefighters, and Pentagon employees as well as showing the resolve of America’s gallant military forces to bring the “War on Terrorism” as President George Bush termed it, to the terrorists no matter their haven, location or support base worldwide. To that end, the painting depicts the first units to respond: the US Air Force’s B-1,B-2, and B-52 bombers and AC-130 gun ships; the U.S. Army Special Forces, Rangers, the Marines with both an MEU and attack F-18 aircraft from US Navy aircraft carriers; the U.S. Coast Guard and seaport and inland waterway security; the Army and Air National Guard forces, the FBI and CIA; the Department of Homeland Security and the many unseen faces of America’s reserve forces and agencies. terrorists are shown.

The main centerpieces are the famous “Statue of Liberty” in New York City’s harbor, and the “Statue of Armed Freedom” which rests atop the U.S.Capitol building dome of Congress in Washington, D.C. and overlooks the Pentagon. To me, both symbols define the American sense of spirit, duty and compassion-we welcome all peoples as friends, and oppose all enemies with the entire might of our people. They also represent the “Twin Sisters of Victory”. Below them is a purple and black mourning ribbon blending into the purple and white ribbon of the Purple Heart Medal linking the Pentagon to the World Trade Center casualties, and the two symbols of American sacrifice, which probably will continue as the war progresses: the military’s “Purple Heart Medal”(for deaths and wounds in combat), and the new government civilian “Defense of Freedom Medal,” as well as the new “Global War on Terrorism Service Medal” and the “Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal” The entire background of the painting is the American flag...”The Stars & Stripes” which still flies at “Ground Zero” in NYC and at the Pentagon....and now briskly in the hearts of Americans everywhere.

A special thanks to the Pitney Bowes Corporation for agreeing mail the prints to the generous donors

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-462-4430 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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