We Must Honor Our Commitment to Veterans by John J. Politi (NAPSA)—George Washington once wrote “the willingnessof future generationsto serve in our military will be directly dependent upon how we have treated those who have served in the past.” Today, however, antiquated laws and under-funded budgets are preventing formerservice membersfrom receiving benefits and entitlements due them as a result of their service in our nation’s armedforces. a aa Disabled veter- ans, for example, are rr required to forfeit Politi one dollar of retired pay for every dollar of disability pay they receive due to a law dating back to 1890. In 2002, Congress authorized a special pay that will help a limited numberof these retirees. Hundreds of thousands, however, still await “con- current receipt” of these two distinct benefits. Veterans also face challenges in the Departmentof Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. Severe funding shortfalls have led to extreme wait-times for appointments andhealth care rationing. Inequities can also be found in the Survivor Benefit Plan. Today, retirees cover 75 percent of the costs of the program through their premium payments, 15 percent more than the government envisioned. Some have paid these premiumsfor more than 30 years. To add insult to injury, the annuity awarded to surviving spouses drops from 55 to 35 percent of retired pay at age 62. The opportunity to honor these commitments is fading fast, as more than 1,000 veterans are dying each day. America’s “Greatest Generation” will not be with us muchlonger. The contributions of former service members to the liberties and freedom we cherish today cannot be overstated. Many paid the ultimate price in defense of country and they should never be forgotten. But for those who remain—who also sacrificed so much—we can do much better. Action must be taken now to correct the inequities affecting those who have served the United States with patriotism, pride and dignity. John J. Politi is the Chairman of the Board of the Air Force Association. For more information, visit the Air Force Association’s Website at www.afa.org or write to The Air Force Association, attn: Policy and Communications, 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209-1198.
