Military Retiree's...
I was recently passed an article, which really alarmed me regarding the cost of funding military retirements and healthcare. The author, a retired Major General officer and former executive for a large private contracting company is basically claiming our current system is “outdated” and questions the DoD’s decision to pay a retiree, “…for 60 years of service to serve for 20…”
Granted his view is primarily from a macro-business sense and not from the view of the “lowly” enlisted corps. In 2003, a Major General earned over $10,000 a month in base pay alone! This is the same year that the Major General retired. I am sure that he is enjoying the fruits of 20 plus years in the military and I would bet that he would not forego his earned military retirement benefits.
The article continues by quoting that the Pentagon, “…spends $46 billion a year on retiree pay, not including health care…” Is this a lot of money? Of course it is. However, those of us who serve in the military as uniform wearing combat and support-focused warriors represent less than 1% of the legal population of the United States. The other 99% are enjoying the freedoms that my uniformed wearing brothers and sisters in arms pay for in blood, sweat, tears, missed holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, children’s sporting and school events...and too often than not, with their lives.
Is there a reform needed in some fashion? Absolutely! Is the answer penalizing our retired warriors who gave so much for 20, 25, and 30 years of dedicated, committed and professional military service the answer? Inherently not!
Pentagon officials are driven to cut costs and their vector is on our military veterans. Their goal, according to the article, is to somehow, “…free up $100 billion over the next five years…” Warrior’s the writing is on the wall, Washington leaders have their vector set on us….It is time we collectively stand tall, rally together and voice our concerns! Now more than ever it is imperative that we voice our concerns to our elected officials…that we join and encourage others to join Professional Military Service Organizations such as AFSA to demonstrate our solidarity and our unwavering commitment to the protection of the American military retiree! For if, we do not stand up and be noticed, we will ultimately be pushed aside in shame.
I encourage you to read the full article in its entirety at: http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4771647&c=AME&s=TOP
Have an “AFSAlutely Great day!
V/r
Matthew R. Becker
Member, AFSA International Membership ADHOC Committee
Treasurer, AFSA Division 89
President, AFSA Chapter 984
Member #760325
Offutt AFB, Nebraska
http://www.afsadiv89.org/index.php/blog/2010/
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