VA backlog blamed for delayed retirement pay

Dear Sgt. Shaft:

I retired from the Army in January 2004 after more than 21 years of active service. I was initially awarded 80 percent service-connected disability but was paid 60 percent compensation for service-connected disabilities. After I appealed the Department of Veterans Affairs decision, I was awarded 100 percent compensation for service-connected disabilities. The award was made retroactive and effective February 2004. I just received my compensation check from VA to make up the difference back to February 2004. Am I not supposed to receive compensation for my retired pay that was reduced from February 2004 to November 2007?

Thanks,

William W.

Via the internet

Dear William:

According to my sources, the answer to your question is yes, you should receive back pay, but it will take awhile because of the department's backlog.

Shaft notes:

Good-to-know good friend Keni Thomas is continuing to help his fellow vets with his heart as well as his voice.

He, along with Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston and a constellation of entertainers, will soon travel by land, air and sea to bring the celebrated "2007 Hope and Freedom USO Tour" to service members in the Persian Gulf.

The 14-day tour will span three countries and include performances by country rocker Keni Thomas, funnyman Vince Morris, sports commentator Leeann Tweeden, comedian Sheryl Underwood, country music singer Darryl Worley, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own."

Entertaining troops for the sixth consecutive year, the "2007 Hope and Freedom USO Tour" will comprise a series of staged events, ranging from comedy skits and musical performances to audience sing-a-longs and autograph signings. Designed to boost troop morale, the tour will bring laughter and a break from day-to-day activities to thousands of soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors, guardsmen and reservists stationed throughout region. In addition to the variety show performances, the entertainers will also chat with troops, pose for pictures and express heartfelt gratitude.

"This is my third consecutive time touring on the Hope and Freedom USO Tour," Mr. Thomas said. "And there's nothing like it. Giving thanks, bringing smiles and performing songs for those who sacrifice their lives is an indescribable feeling and one of the highlights of my career."

Sworn in as the 13th sergeant major of the Army in 2004, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Preston serves as the Army chief of staff's personal adviser on all enlisted-related matters. Dedicated to thanking service members and letting them know that military leaders are behind them, Sgt. Maj. Preston has spearheaded the "Hope and Freedom USO Tour" for four years.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Morris speaks from the heart, giving him the most unique voice in comedy today. Armed with a slew of thought-provoking, dangerously funny and controversial comedic material, Mr. Morris challenges audiences to change the negative images and stereotypes they accept daily. A familiar face to sports enthusiasts across the country, Miss Tweeden is a former host of the extreme sports show "54321".

A former member of the U.S. armed forces, Miss Underwood was the host of BET's "Comic View" and "Holla," a talk show that she created and produced based loosely on Bill Maher's "Politically Incorrect." The winner of such comedy competitions as "Funniest Woman at the Improv" and "Old English Comedy Crunch," she is a favorite on HBO's "All-Star Def Comedy Jam

Transformed by his 2002 USO visit to entertain troops in the Persian Gulf, country music singer/songwriter Mr. Worley wrote and recorded "Have You Forgotten," one of today's most inspirational records.

Best known for their dance routines, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are regarded as "America's Sweethearts." Having toured with the USO and entertained troops since 1979, the "2007 Hope and Freedom Tour" will mark the group's 64th USO tour, the most number of tours by any other entertainment group in USO history.

USO celebrity entertainment tours are essential to fulfilling the USO's mission of boosting troop morale, by bringing them a small piece of home.

- 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.