Readers of Tom Philpott’s Military Update column sound off.

Compensation Disparities ‘Unfairly’ Divide Veterans

A recent Military Update explained that the House has voted to expand eligibility for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) to medically-retired veterans if they served at least 15 years and have combat-related disabilities rated 60 percent or higher. It also noted the Senate version, still being debated, would expand CRSC to all retirees forced by disabilities to retiree short of 20 years again if their conditions are due to combat injuries.

This business of setting compensation based on combat injuries alone is just plain wrong and unfair. Sacrifices made by all military members should not be belittled this way. Not everyone can be in combat, or should be, and yet if injured they should not be punished with a lesser benefit.

This approach particularly discriminates against women who are less likely by assignment to sustain a combat injury.

I sustained a life-threatening injury while on duty. It has put my life on hold forever. But it was not sustained in combat and I am a woman.

I imagine those individuals, mostly male, who would receive a benefit based on unfair differentiation of injury, though pleased to receive it, would also say individuals injured in non-combat situations deserve the same.

It is disgusting how this administration's propensity to play politics, setting one group against another, is filtering down into military compensation. It is sad, it is shameful.

KIT CARSON
USMC/USA-Ret
Via e-mail

I am glad Congress finally is doing something about the “concurrent receipt” of VA disability compensation plus some retirement for those who are disabled from combat. But the measure only would be those who are 50 percent or more disabled. What about the rest of us?

I have a 30 percent disability. Does that mean I’ll continue to have my meager retirement pay robbed?

What about justice for us folks who were disabled because of the military. Or don’t we matter?

JOHN BULLARD
Major, USAF-Ret.
Via e-mail

MORE ON ‘PRIORITY 8’ VETS

The vote by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to open VA healthcare again to Priority Group 8 enrollees is outstanding. We are all veterans regardless of what war. We can always be fair to one another by abiding by the Golden Rule. We should never deny any veteran their benefit or leave our comrades behind. We carry all warriors along at the same pace.

BOBBY PARKER
U.S. Army
Leesburg, Fla.

I served in the Army from 1963 to 1966. I have no injuries or service-connected disabilities, which puts me in the Priority Group 8. I will turn 65 later this year and would love to be able to use the VA for my drug plan.

I cannot -- and it really upsets me. First, because when enlisted I was told that VA health benefits would be available, if needed. Second, VA provides veterans with such a better deal on drugs.

JOHN Y. JACKSON
New Bern, N.C.

I dropped out of high school in ‘69 to join the service on my 17th birthday. I hold two honorable discharges, from both the Army and Marines. Now I'm just a dried up old has-been who doesn't qualify for medical help if needed?

Meanwhile, let's keep letting in all these illegals and giving them free medical and supplemental security income.

Wake up, America.

STEVE BARRUS
Via e-mail

A CASE FOR THE RAISE

Military members next January should receive the larger, 3.5 percent pay raise.

I'm a Vietnam veteran. I knew I had to serve one year there. I was even given a magazine the day I left for Vietnam titled "Tour 365."

Soldiers today don't have a clue until near the end of their tour whether they will be extended. Even if they aren't extended, they can expect a quick turnaround back to Iraq or Afghanistan. It just isn't right to have them separated from their families for more time than they spend with them.

The president should have learned from his father who stopped the first Iraq war short of conquering the entire country. He never should have invaded in the first place.

At Fort Huachucha, 20 minutes from my home, I shop and see my doctor when needed. I chat with these young soldiers at least a couple of times a week. I'm very proud of these young men and women, kids actually, who serve this country. Almost all of them have a unit patch on their right shoulder. That indicates they have served at least one tour in a combat zone and probably more. They deserve the larger pay raise.

CHARLES SCHWARTZ
USA-Ret.
Hereford, Ariz.

LOST SHARE

I was a military wife for 23 years. My husband had numerous affairs and upon our divorce I received half of his retirement in place of alimony.

However, after 10 years of retirement, he went back into active service. While he is on active duty, I do not get anything.

Many of our soldiers are leaving family members in such situations. Family members are counting on this money for living expenses and now face significant hardships.

MARIBETH L.
Via e-mail

Letters may be edited for clarity or length.  Write to Military Forum, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA  20120-1111, send e-mail to militaryforum@aol.com or visit www.militaryupdate.com

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