| This is a web page that was designed to assist the military retiree grass roots movement in their effort to regain the medical care that was promised after their retirement. Some of the medical care that was promised was restored when the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 was signed into law on 30 Oct 2000. This web page will remain on the Internet as a reminder of THE WAY IT WAS. The American people and the United States Congress must never forget that which is owed to its military retirees, military veterans, active duty military, and their eligible dependents. |
LETTERS TO THE AMERICAN
PEOPLE
via
THE NEWS MEDIA - PROJECT DEFINITION
Project Letters To The American People via The News Media was a voluntary letter writing campaign, by Military Retirees, designed to educate, inform, and gain support of the American people. This campagin started 1 May 1998.
The military retirees were being denied the medical care which was promised to them as a result of spending 20 or more years in the military. This is wrong. The U.S. Congress was well aware of this problem. Some legislative action was in progress but was moving too slow to help the oldest of the retirees, who needed help now. The military retirees believed that the American people should hear our side of this medical care broken promise issue.
Letters/comments concerning our story were developed here on this web page for all to see. These letters/comments were to be used by individual military retiree letter writers to assist them in the writing of their personal letter to the American people.
The plan was to tell our story via the News Media. Military retirees were encouraged to advertise this project, across the Nation via e-mail.
We needed to write letters to Human Editorial Writers first, letters to the editor of our Local Newspaper second, and News Organization third.
Their letters/comments were posted below. Each letter/comment was followed by a reference number (example 0001) and an e-mail link back to the person sending the letters/comments. If they wished to change their letter/comments later, then they indicate the reference number in their e-mail to me. The e-mail link back to them was optional. When they submitted their letter/comments they indicated clearly that they give me permission to use their e-mail address as a link back to them, otherwise their e-mail address was not be posted.
Participants were to limit their letters/comments to no more than 300 words. Most newspapers that accept letters to the editor limit the size of the letter to 300 words. Participants clicked here to display a series of letter which were approximately 300 words long.
If participants disagreed with a letter or comments they e-mailed the person that sent the letter/comments. This web page was not intended as platform for a debate. Participant were instructed to debate in one of the newsgroups, such as alt.military.retired, soc.veteran, etc..
The military retirees needed help to make this project a success.
Participants
clicked here to display the letter I
sent to the News Media.
Participants
clicked here to display News Media
Addresses.
LETTERS/COMMENTS
FROM RETIRED AMERICAN MILITARY VETERANS.
Note: This is what we wanted to tell
the American people.
Webmaster Note: My sincere thanks to Ken Tucker for being #0001.
Not so many years ago when a young man or woman joined the service, he or she was promised that if they made a career of the service they would be entitled to free Medical Care for the rest of their lives. Promises were made to be broken and what was construed as a promise by our Government upon entry into the service of our country is no longer considered an obligation.
Military retirees under the age of 65 have an entitlement to CHAMPUS by virtue of their service. CHAMPUS has always been the last payee of medical costs incurred by an individual. As such, unless the retiree accrues substantial medical bills, CHAMPUS payments are virtually nil. The fact is many physicians do not want to anything to do with CHAMPUS and will take on a Welfare Medicaid patient before they will a military retiree who tells the physician the only insurance they have is CHAMPUS.
We now have Tri-Care Standard and Tri-Care Prime which the average retiree has little conception of other than it appears to imitate an HMO and what used to be free is now carries a healthy premium. Many of our politicians are pushing for Military Retirees to be included in a program offered Federal Employees. This would cost a Retiree approximately $460.00 a year for a family plan and is a very thinly disguised HMO. Access to medical care at a VA Facility is not a viable alternative as the vast majority of retirees live some distance and it does not provide care for dependents.
What is disturbing to me is that many of our organizations who advocate for retirees are requesting retirees contact their congressmen and state they do not mind paying for Health Care. Has it been so long that our Congress forgotten the promises made to our military personnel who put their lives on the line for freedom?
Promises, entitlements, and benefits are now
just words which hold little meaning to those in
Government who wish to drain what little income we
derived from our services. I foresee these attempts by
Congress as the proverbial hole in the dike which will
only get bigger unless retirees demand their rights now.
Apathy will be our downfall unless we act.
E-Mail
- (0002) - Edward J. Dean, SFC, USA
RET
The Survivor Benefit Plan was established on 21 September 1972 replacing the cost prohibitive Retired Servicemans Family Protection Plan (RSFPP).
In the early years of the plan 1972-1976, active duty personnel who were retiring signed up primarily because the plan gave their spouse a percentage of their retired pay and acceptance without regard to physical status was guaranteed. Coupled with the fact that premiums were deducted prior to taxable pay it appeared the SBP was a great success.
Around 1978 Congress enacted a number of changes to the SBP and continued to do so over the years which now total well over 35 modifications. These changes invariably were followed by Open Enrollment periods to encourage retirees who had elected not to participate to now enjoy the benefits of the Plan. Retirees have never understood the Social Security Offset but because the average individual retiring was 40-45, the offset was not of paramount importance. In fact the Social Security Offset only affects the survivors so the full impact is not felt by the retiree.
If you were to ask any retiree who has had the SBP for the last 20 years to name 3 of the many changes that have been enacted, very few could. This most likely can be attributed to the fact that few retirees actually are interested in the changesbecause they are of the opinion that there is nothing they can do about it and second, they have been programmed over the years that any change made by Congress must be for the better. As long as the change does not negatively affect the individual who is already in the plan, it is soon forgotten.
Public Law 105-85 (18Nov97) provides a one year opportunity to discontinue participation in the SBP. Of course this opportunity has some restrictions and not every participant would have the option to discontinue the plan.
Those retirees who are in the plan of course
must decide if they should forfeit the premiums they paid
over the years or not. I strongly suspect the younger
retiree will opt out of the plan and the older retiree
will continue. The downsizing of the Military means less
retirees and if the SBP can not be cost effective then it
will die by attrition. All retirees who have access to
the Internet should go to the following
site.http://www.odcsper.army.mil/retire/sbp/hist.htm.
E-Mail
- (0003) - Edward J. Dean, SFC, USA
RET
The 1997 budget agreement included over $100 Billion for social/welfare improvements and tax reductions, including $11 Billion for non-citizen health care, 24 billion to improve childrens health care and over 12 billion on education. But there is not enough money to provide the promised health care for the retired military and veterans. What exactly was it that these non-citizens did to keep this country free?
President Clinton has unveiled a program which
provides $21.7 Billion for child care and food stamps for
immigrants. But still there is no money for the retired
military health care. I forget now what the contribution
of these immigrant was but appearently it was far greater
that of the military.
E-Mail
- (0004) - James Laukhart
While on active duty in the Military, prior to 1956, the United States Government promised me and millions like me, that if we served 20 and retired, we would receive free medical care for ourselves and our dependants for our lifetime.
The promises were made to encourage qualified personnel to remain in the service. It was imperative that we maintain a strong military force. Thus the making of the promise, even thought it would be broken later was judged to be justifiable.
Now in the process of downsizing, a large number of bases and medical treatment facilities are being closed. As a result. medical care that was promised is being denied. This is WRONG.
This issue seems to be of little concern to anyone except the retired veterans affected. Congress debates the issue but little is done. They say that in two to five year we may be abe to enroll in the same program that all retired federal employees (except the military) now enjoy.
If Social Security and Medicare go broke in the future are you willing to just sit back and say just another broken promise, no big deal?
All retired military should write their
Senators and Representative and to the Letters to the
editor of this paper and make your feelings known.
E-Mail
- (0005) - James Laukhart
Officials of
our own government, from the President on down, realize
the obligations and promises made to the retired military
of this country but still they fail to do anything about
restoring the free lifetime medical care that we have
earned. They insist that they must do demonstration
projects and cost analysis to see if we can afford
it.They estimate that the medical care would cost about
$4 billion and don't know where the money would come
from. At the same time they are willing to give over $30
billion dollars to provide medical care, child care and
food stamps
to migrants and non-citizens. No demonstration project
here to see if we can afford
it. We have a budget surplus now so we can just give it
away. We don't need those
veterans any more and they won't do anything about it
anyway, will they?
The retired military of this area need to stand up and
fight for what is theirs. Write
your Representative and Senators today and make your
feeling known. No one else will do it for you.
E-Mail
- (0006) - James Laukhart
The elected
leaders of the United States are in the process of
reneging on a solemn promise made to me and thousands of
people like me. I was promised that if I enlisted in the
military and each time I re-enlisted, I would have free
medical care for myself as long as I lived and for
eligible family members as long as they lived. I do not
have that promise in the form of a contract. However,
thousands of retired military will attest to the fact
that they were also made the same promise. The free
medical care was a cruel hoax for the career military.
What will the retired military veteran lose next? Maybe
their retirement pay? You think it can't happen? Why not?
The military retirement pay is just a promise--like free
medical care.It's time for all retired military veterans
to stand up and be counted. Contact your elected
representatives and let them know that this is a wrong
that must be righted. Maybe free medical care for life is
unrealistic now but at least give us the same medical
coverage of all other federal retirees. Don't sit on the
sidelines and hope that someone else will do it for you.
Write or call your congressmen today.
E-Mail
- (0007) - James Laukhart
I do not understand why the retired military personnel in this area are willing to sit back and allow their promised health care benefits to erode. You were promised lifetime medical benefits for serving 20 or more years in the military, but when you reach 65, that is taken away and you are forced to go into medicare. When you realize how little is covered by medicare and become aware how expensive prescription drugs are it may well be too late to do anything about it.You paid for this benefit and you should not allow them to take it away from you.
The time to let congress know that you want them to keep their word and restore your benefits is now. There are several bills before congress concerning your health care benefits. How will congress know how to vote unless you tell them. Write a letter today to your Representative and two senators.
GOD AND THE SOLDIER, WE LOVE AND ADORE.
IN TIME OF DANGER , NOT BEFORE.
WHEN DANGER HAS PAST AND ALL THINGS RIGHTED
GOD IS FORGOTTEN, THE SOLDIER SLIGHTED
E-Mail
- (0008) - Frank Cook
E-Mail - (0009) - James Laukhart
Officials of
our own government, from the President on down, realize
the obligations and promises made to the retired military
of this country but still they fail to do anything about
restoring the free lifetime medical care that we have
earned. They insist that they must do demonstration
projects and cost analysis to see if we can afford
it.They estimate that the medical care would cost about
$4 billion and don't know where the money would come
from. At the same time they are willing to give over $30
billion dollars to provide medical care, child care and
food stamps to migrants and non- citizens. No
demonstration project here to see if we can afford it. We
have a budget surplus now so we can just give it away. We
don't need those veterans any more and they won't do
anything about it anyway, will they? The retired military
of this area need to stand up and fight for what is
theirs. Write your Representative and Senators today and
make your feeling known. No one else will do it for you.
E-Mail
- (0010) - James Laukhart
This letter is currently being sent to the American people via the News Media.
The retired military of this great nation are being robbed of their promised benefits. We were told that if we served our country, in the military, for 20 years or more that we would have free lifetime medical care for ourselves and our dependants. The government has broken that promise and retirees under the age of 65 are placed on Champus/Tricare which covers only 75%. Then at age 65 the are forced onto Medicare. This is wrong.
We, the retired military of the United States would appreciate your help in getting this message out to the people and to the Congress so that this injustice can be righted. Could you please publish this information in your letters to the editor or in an editorial and help get the word out?
Our government says that there is not enough money to provide the promised lifetime health care for retired military personnel and veterans. Apparently, there is enough to provide health care for all other retired federal employees. Why not the military retirees?
The 1997 budget agreement included over $100 Billion for social/welfare improvements and tax reductions, including $11 Billion for non-citizen health care, 24 billion to improve childrens health care and over 12 billion on education. But there is not enough money to provide the promised health care for the retired military and veterans. What exactly was it that these non-citizens did to keep this country free?
President Clinton has unveiled a program which
provides $21.7 Billion for child care and food stamps for
immigrants. But still there is no money for the retired
military health care. I forget now what the contribution
of these immigrant was but appearently it was far greater
that of the military.
E-Mail
- (0011) - James Laukhart
JUST A SIMPLE SOLDIER
He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.
Of the wars he had fought in
And the deeds he had done.
In exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, everyone.
And 'tho sometimes, to his neighbors,
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened,
For they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer,
For a soldier died today.
He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family,
Quietly going on his way;
And the world won't note his passing;
'tho a Soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories,
From the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier,
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution,
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise,
And cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow,
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country
And offers up his life?
The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are sometimes disproportionate,
To the service he gives.
While the ordinary soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.
It's so easy to forget them,
For it is so long ago,
That our Bob's and Jim's and Johnny's,
Went to battle, but we know.
It was not the politicians,
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom,
That our Country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Soldier,
Who has sworn to defend,
His home, his kin, and Country,
And would fight until the end?
He was just a common Soldier
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us,
We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
Then we find the Soldier's part,
Is to clean up all the troubles,
That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor,
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage,
At the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline,
in the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
FOR A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."
Author Unknown
E-Mail
- (0012) - Lee R. Keyser
Benefits
The retired military of this great nation and being robbed of their promised benefits. We were told that if we served our country, in the military, for 20 or more years that we would receive free lifetime medical care for ourselves and our dependants.The government has broken that promise.
Our government says that there is not enough money to provide the promised lifetime medical care for retired military personnel. Apparently there is enough to provide health care for all other retired federal employees. Why not the retired military?
The 1997 budget agreement included over $100 billion for social/welfare improvements and tax reductions, including $11 billion for non-citized health care, $24 billion to improve childrens health care and over $12 billion on education. But there isn't enough money to provide the promised health care for retired military personnel. What exactly was it that these non citizens did to keep this country free?
President Clinton has unveiled a program which provides $21.7 billion for child care and food stamps for immigrants. But still there is not enough money for the retired military health care. I forget now what these immigrants did to keep this country free but apparently it was far greater that that of the military.
James Laukhart
Traverse City, Mi. E-Mail
- (0013) - James Laukhart
Wednesday, May 06, 1998
Speak Out
Cadillac Evening News
130 N. Mitchell Street
Cadillac, MI 49601-0640
Dear Editor, I am a 24-1/2 year military retired person. I believed and trusted in everything the recruiters and during my career the career counselors told me. I was promised free health care for life. I was promised a military retired pension if I served at least twenty years of honorable service. The United States Congress has reneged on its promises made to me and many hundreds of thousand other military retirees. Through legislation passed like Concurrent Receipt, USFSPA and TRICARE, our government condoned by the Department of Defense has managed to defile its military retired community to an unbelievable level. For my 24 plus years I receive nothing for it! My entire military retired pay was taken away because I am a 100% service connected veteran and can only receive VA compensation. The military retirees are the only federal retired group that is singled out and subject to this law. Your federal, civil service and Congressional retirees are not subject to this law. Since the base and hospital closures that have taken place due to the military draw down during the Clinton Administration, there are not enough health care providers for the active and retired force. TRICARE was enacted to correct the problem. What resulted are new high out of pocket expense for active duty and retirees paying deductibles, premium payments and co-payments. Many health care providers nationwide refuse to accept payment from TRICARE because of low payment schedules for services. It has been compared as worse than the MEDICAID payment schedules and has been categorized as charity by providers. USFSPA has made thousands of retirees homeless. This law allows courts to dispense military retired pay to spouses as property rights even under no fault decree states. There are disabled retirees who lose everything. For more details visit my web site at http://users.northlink.net/jimdev/default.html
Sincerely, James Devereaux
E-Mail
- (0014) - James Devereaux
Subject: thanks
Date: Tue, 05 May 1998 23:21:02 -0500
From: Frank Friel
To: fsears@bellsouth.net
Dear Sir,
I would like to extend my appreciation to you concerning your service to our country. As I can assume from your years in the military, you have been through both the Korean and Vietnamese conflicts. Both of these actions were grossly misunderstood by many citizens who did not participate or who were not old enough to remember and were grossly misrepresented by our government. I believe that the soldiers who bravely fought in these conflicts with honor and duty to their country deserve a better place in history. By this I mean, the veterans who were so ridiculed upon returning to their country, after fighting in the bloodiest and most frustrating conflicts in the history of the U.S. were greatly mistreated.
It is my heartfelt honor to tell the men and women who served during these turbulent years my respect and admiration. May it never be repeated that the people who fight the wars become the scapegoats and fallguys for politicians and military leaders trying to dodge blame for their actions. It is dishonorable and downright villainous for this to have happened. Soldiers risking their lives in service to their country deserve respect and admiration. Again, I extend thanks to you and your fellow servicemen.
Frank Friel
E-Mail
- (0015) - Frank Friel
The Honorable Joe Barton
303 West Knox, Suite 201
Ennis, TX 75119-3942
7 May 1998
Dear Mr. Barton,
I am irate, I am sickened, I feel used, lied to, denigrated, and all of the other manifestations that most military retirees (both officer and enlisted) give credence to. We survived 20 or more years, and earned 1/4 of what we could make in civilian life. We lived through the family separations, the inherent dangers of a military career, the moving just when we had bought a new house, the feeling of rootlessness, and all of the other "negatives" of existing in a military environment for 20 years. We believed Uncle Sam would keep his word and in order to help this nation remain sovereign and if we survived, to provide for our "old age" with retired pay, and FREE medical care for us and our spouses FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES!!! We endured and kept OUR word as evidenced by the fact that we are still a sovereign nation.
What a crock! In hindsight, we should have known that politicians never keep their promises unlessthere is something in it for themselves. My personal reprisal is to do everything in my power todiscourage every young person with whom I come into contact from joining the military (I discouraged 2 of my grandsons from enlisting), and I tell them why: If Congress wouldn't keep it's promises to us, why should they think it will keep it's promises to the young people (the future retirees)? Somehow the word must be getting around as from what I read, all services are having trouble retaining people and pilots are getting out in droves, do you think they are beginning to see how the government lied and reneged on promises to us and they don't want any part of it??
I had thought that you were a different politician (now that's an oxymoron, if I ever saw one!!!) from our past interaction until I received your last letter, dated April 7, 1998 with the typical, generic, non-committal, political "cop out", statement; "I will keep your sentiments and positions in mind if and when the Congress takes actions on these issues." With statements like that, you sound more like a Senator than a Representative.
Mr. Barton, FYI, the Congress IS trying to take actions on these issues now, not the action we were promised, but movement has at least started.
Sincerely,
Ollie F. Cook
E-Mail
- (0016) - Frank Cook
Dave Robinson, Commander Pete Peters, Adj / QM
May 8, 1998
For Immediate Release:
The Meaning of Memorial Day
by John E. Moon,
VFW, Commander-In-Chief
Has this special day of remembrance been lost on the American people? Many veterans believe so.
It's a sacred day to all veterans: None need to be reminded of the reason why Memorial Day must be commemorated. But what about the general public, and more importantly, future generations? Do most non-veterans really recognize the importance of May 30?
Changing the date merely to create three-day-weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day.
Judging from what Memorial Day has become -- simply another day off from work -- the answer is a resounding no. Perhaps a reminder is due then. And it is the duty of each and every veteran to relay the message.
Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America's collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime.
Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all enjoy. Those freedoms were paid for with the lives of others few of us actually new. That `s why they are all collectively remembered on one special day.
This should be regarded as a civic obligation. For this is a national debt that can only be truly repaid by individual Americans. By honoring the nations war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice in the memories of future generations.
They came from all walks of life and regions of the country. But they all had one thing in common -- love of and loyalty to country. This bond cemented ties between them in times of trials, allowing a diverse lot of Americans to achieve monumental ends.
We remember the loss of loved ones, a sense of loss that takes group form. In essence, America is commemorating those who made the greatest sacrifice possible --the giving of one's own life.
Means of paying tribute vary. Pausing for a few moments of personal silence is available to everyone. Attending commemorative ceremonies is the most visible way of demonstrating remembrance: placing flags at grave sites, marching in parades, sponsoring patriotic programs, dedicating memorials and wearing Buddie Poppies are examples.
Whether done individually or collectively, it is the thought that counts. Personal as well as public acts of remembering are the ideal. Public displays of patriotism are essential if the notion of remembering war dead is to be instilled in the young.
As America's 12 million war veterans fast disappear from society's landscape, there are fewer and fewer standard bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance. Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed.
For further information contact:
P. C. Peters, Adjutant/Quartermaster
Veterans Of Foreign Wars Of The U.S.
Farwell-Roosevelt Post No. 2713
* Seattle, Washington
E-Mail
- (0017) - P. C. Peters
Traverse City, Michigan
May 13, 1998
The Traverse City Record Eagle 120 West Front
Street
Traverse City, Mi. 49684
Dear Editor:
The retired military of this great nation are in a fight to regain some of the benefits that have been taken away from them.We are trying to make the American people aware of the injustices that have been done to us. we are the only retired federal employees that lose their health care at age 65. While all of the other retirees are covered by the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) th retired military are forced into Medicare where, as you probably know. there is limited coverage and no prescription coverage.
When we entered the military we were told that if we served 20 or more years and retired from the military we would have free lifetime medical care for ourselves and our dependants. In 1956 Congress changed one word in the law and instead of it reading shall be entitled to it now reads may be entitled to. After serving 20 or more years were were forced into CHAMPUS which only covers 75% after a $400. a year co-pay for a family. Also, there is no coverage for dental as promised.
We are asking many of the nations newspapers to carry our letters to the editor and to write editorials in support of our cause. I am enclosing a copy of one such editorial in hope that it would be a model for something that you might publish.
Sincerely
James R. Laukhart
711 S. Division Street
Traverse City, Mi. 49684
--------------------------------------------
AN EDITORIAL BY:
The Sun Herald
A Knight Ridder Newspaper
Serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1884
Roland Weeks Jr., President and Publisher
Michael Tonos, Executive Editor
B. Marie Harris, Editorial Director
Tony Biffle, Associate Editor
Dorthy Wilson,Managing Editor
1 March, 1998
Webmaster's Note: We, the retired American military veterans along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, are very proud to have a newspaper and an editorial staff in our community that is willing to stand up and be counted as Americans supporting the military and its veterans. AN EDITORIAL BY:
The Sun Herald
A Knight Ridder Newspaper
Serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1884
A Nation Is Only As Good As Its Word
The matter of medical care for retired veterans has been much debated in recent years, and courts have been called upon to determine the governments liability. Regardless of court rulings, this is true: Countless thousands of military officers and non-coms have promised, in the name of the government they represented, lifetime medical care to those who served the number of years to earn this retirement benefit.
That promise may not appear in any law passed by congress, but it was indeed made, thousands of times, over and over again, in all branches of the service. And those promises were buttressed by the reality that for years and years and years, until only recently, the government kept that promise.
Only in the recent past has the government begun to tell veterans that space is no longer available. Heretofore, the service saw to it that there was sufficient space and there were sufficient health-care providers.
Squeezing veterans out of medical care by limiting space available and providers is a disgraceful tactic. It dishonors the men and women who performed their military service in full expectation that their own government would fulfill its part of the retirement bargain.
If there needs to be a law to force the government to do what it and its representatives promised so many times to do, let that law be written and adopted.
Not even balancing the budget, which this newspaper has so often advocated, is important enough to justify taking away the medical care our military men and women have earned through their service to this country.
It's the right thing to do. It is the only
right thing to do.
E-Mail
- (0018) - James Laukhart
Traverse City, Michigan
April 17, 1998
The Traverse City Record Eagle
120 West Front Street
Traverse City, Mi. 49684
Attn: Mr. Zeke Fleet
Mr. Fleet:
I am sure that you are aware of the large large number of retired military personnel in this area as well as active duty Coast Guard personnel. I am very concerned about the fact that the government has taken away some of the promised benefits that we earned by serving our country 20 or more years and I am sure that others share my concern. Retired military personnel across the country are mounting a campaign to make the american people aware of this injustice. We are writting letters to the editors of our local papers as well as some in other cities. We are writing and emailing our Senators and Representatives trying to get some legislation passed that would somewhat relieve this situation. It will take the efforts of many people to have our voice heard and the help of The Record Eagle would be a great help.
There is a syndicated column, written by Tom Philpott, published in 47 daily newspapers across the country. I am sure that it would be of interest to not only the retired and active duty personnel in the area but the general public as well. The column is called "Military Update" and it would certainly be a boost to the cause of the retired military if you could possibly carry this column. I have enclosed a copy of his email to me which has his address and a couple of references.
Sincerely:
James R. Laukhart
711 S. Division Street
Traverse City, Mi. 49684-3153
E-Mail
- (0019) - James Laukhart
The Honorable Newt Gingrich
Speaker of the House
Dear Mr Speaker,
I am writing to ask you to lend your support to insure H.R. 1766 is given a chance to allow Medicare-eligible uniformed services beneficiaries to enroll in Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP-65). This legislation is essential to ensure the government keeps its promise of lifetime health care for the men and women who dedicated themselves to careers in the service of their country.
I is really sad that, despite their many sacrafices, retired service members lose their military health insurance at age 65. In contrast, large corporations like GM, Ford, IBM and Exxon offer their retirees heavily subsidized Medicare supplement plans, most including dental and drug coverage. The government subsidizes lifetime FEHBP coverage for every other federal retiree-- including members of Congress and their staffers-- often with as little as 5 YEARS OF FEDERAL SERVICE! Those who served decades in uniform deserve no less.
FEHBP-65 is affordable. the government is able to find $3 billion a year to provide FEHBP for Medicare-eligible federal civilian retirees. FEHBP-65 for service retirees wil only cost one-tenth of that amount, and a test will prove it.
Correction of this gross inequity is long overdue. Please Mr Speaker push this legislation through to return a retired servicemembers faith back in the government they served so long and well. I look forward to your reply I remain,
Bernhard E. Bruhnke, CMSgt, USAF Retired
E-Mail
- (0020) - Bernhard E. Bruhnke
It is a sad day when the Congress of this country has to rob the very people who fought to make it free. The money you took from the VA for highway projects could have gone a long way to improve the operation of the VA and provide health care for the retirees and other veterans. It is certainly a shame that more members of congress didn't have the courage to defend their country rather than pillage it. James R. Laukhart 711 S. Division Street Traverse City, Mi. 49684-3153 E-Mail - (0021) - James Laukhart
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Provided by.... The Retired Military Advocate