Dear Sgt. Shaft,

I've always thought that the rating the VA assigns to one's disability is used to apply to your retirement pay as tax-free income. So if I had a 60 percent rating, 60 percent of my retirement pay is tax-free income. Am I mistaken?

Thanks
John M, USAF (ret.)

Dear John:

My sources tell me that retired pay is taxable; VA Disability Compensation is tax exempt.

If a retiree is awarded a disability retirement from their service, that disability retirement pay can also be tax exempt. The criteria for tax exemption is similar to that used for CRSC determination. Disability retired pay has been taxed, except as cited above, since 1976.

Shaft notes

Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.

"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs James B. Peake. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."

The new provision improves upon a little-known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official headgear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. James M. Inhofe, Oklahoma Republican and an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed Oct. 14.

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) is sponsoring an online survey to identify the challenges associated with finding and maintaining employment for military spouses. The survey is available on the FRA's OnWatch newsletter page: www.fra.org/onwatch.

A transient lifestyle, frequent deployments and other facets of military life often make it difficult for military spouses to find suitable work, particularly in the current economic climate. This survey is focused on spouses of active duty and reserve personnel, and will also help determine spouses' awareness and use of the employment resources available to assist in meeting those challenges.

"FRA believes spouse employment is an important component of the quality of life for military families and has a direct impact on military readiness and retention," said Joe Barnes, FRA's national executive director.

The association will use the survey results to shape its legislative advocacy efforts in 2009. FRA will also discuss the survey results with the senior enlisted leaders and feature their comments on spouse employment in the next edition of OnWatch.

As we approach our joyous holidays it is incumbent upon all of us to remember our hospitalized veterans and those military men and women defending the freedoms we dearly cherish.
The following moving poem was written years ago by a Marine in Okinawa. His only request was that people read it.

'Twas the night before Christmas,

he lived all alone,

in a one bedroom house made of

plaster and stone.

I had come down the chim ney

with presents to give,

and to see just who

in this home did live.
a strange sight I did see,

no tinsel, no presents,

not even a tree.

No stocking by mantel

just boots filled with sand;

on the wall hung pictures

of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,

awards of all kinds,

a sober thought
came through my mind.

For this house was different,

it was dark and dreary;

I found the home of a soldier,

once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,

silent, alone,

curled up on the floor

in this one-bedroom home.

The face was so gentle,

the room in such disorder,

not how I pictured

a United States soldier.

Was this the hero

of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho,

the floor for a bed?

I realized the families

that I saw this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers

who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world

the children would play

and grown-ups would celebrate

a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom

each month of the year,

because of the soldiers,

like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder

how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve

in a land far from home.

The very thought

brought a tear to my eye;

I dropped to my knees

and started to cry.

The soldier awakened

and I heard a rough voice,

"Santa don't cry,

this life is my choice.

I fight for freedom,

I don't ask for more,

my life is: my God,

my country, my corps."

The soldier rolled over

and drifted to sleep.

I couldn't control it;

I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,

so silent and still

and we both shivered

from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave

on that cold, dark, night,

this guardian of honor

so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,

with a voice soft and pure,

whispered, "Carry on Santa,

it's Christmas day, all is secure."

One look at my watch,

and I knew he was right.

"Merry Christmas my friend,

and to all a good night."