Dear Sgt. Shaft:

The Fleet Reserve Association salutes Rep. Jason Altmire, Pennsylvania Democrat, for introducing the "Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007" (H.R. 3793), which has garnered 43 co-sponsors.

This act requires the Department of Defense to pay re-enlistment bonuses if the service member cannot complete the length of enlistment due to a combat injury. Currently, DoD pays the re-enlistment bonuses in installments that are terminated if the service member cannot continue his/her military service. As a result, if someone is hurt in combat after re-enlisting, he/she would receive the initial down payment, which is usually half of the entire bonus, but may not receive the annual installments if combat wounds make it impossible to continue service.

We ask all members of Congress to support this important legislation as it moves to the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

In loyalty, protection and service,

Joe Barnes

Dear Joe:

I join you in commending Rep. Altmire for introducing this warrior fairness legislation.

Shaft kudos

The Sarge also applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for recently passing a package of bills that honor our nation's veterans. The House also passed H.R. 513 — the National Heroes Credit Protection Act: To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to enhance the protection of credit ratings of active-duty military personnel who are activated for military service

An attaboy also to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Bob Filner, California Democrat, for approval of H.R. 3882, the Fair Benefits for Guard and Reserve Act. This bill assists our nation's Guard and Reserve forces in obtaining active-duty education benefits for their extended service in Iraq.

H.R. 3882 would change the length of service on active duty required for receiving certain education benefits. The bill seeks to correct a problem that was recognized as a result of the mobilization of the Minnesota National Guard. Currently, to qualify for Active Duty Chapter 30 benefits, a member must be obligated for a two-year term and serve 20 continuous months.

Shaft notes

The Sarge will be joining family and friends in saying a sad so long to buddy and fellow combat Marine Corps veteran Charles E. "Butch" Joeckel Jr. at 9 a.m., Dec. 5 at Arlington National Cemetery. Butch, who passed peacefully at his home in Naples, Fla., on Oct. 17 was a lifelong resident of the D.C. area, raised in Colmar Manor, Md. He graduated from Bladensburg High School, class of 1965.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966 and served his country in Vietnam. In 1968 during the Tet Offensive, Cpl. Joeckel was wounded in combat, which resulted in the loss of both legs above his knees. He returned from Vietnam a highly decorated veteran, receiving the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Valor and numerous meritorious citations, medals and honors.

Realizing the immediate need for improved health care for America's veterans; Butch joined the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) professional staff as a National Service Officer. He served in various capacities until 1988 when he became DAV National Adjutant. He resigned from DAV in 1993.

Throughout his illustrious career, he was devoted to improving the quality of life and care of our nation's veterans. Butch worked passionately and tirelessly within various organizations. He served on the Board of Directors of Help Disabled War Veterans. He was a member of the President's Task Force to Improve Access to Health Care for our Nation's Veterans and was an accredited veterans' representative for the National Veterans Legal Services Program.

Butch was appointed as a commissioner to the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission on March 23, 2004. He, along with 12 distinguished fellow comrades, deliberated continuously on a full range of veterans' benefit programs, including compensation and assistance for veterans and their families. Although he worked as a champion for veterans, Butch's devotion and love for his family was his priority. He is survived by his wife, Dianne; his father, Charles Sr.; his three children, Chuck, Tammy and Scott; his sister and brother-in-law; three sisters-in-law; 11 nieces and nephews; and seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Combat Disabled Veterans, reference the Butch Joeckel Project, 175 Brightwater Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401.

• Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax 301/622-3330; call 202/257-5446; or e-mail sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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