Senator Questions System Allowing 'Triple Dipping' Veterans

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 19:35:09 -0400

It's all legal, and if this is something about the nations budget crisis, you would think a US senator would find something else to try and argue....We fight for this country, and of all the dangerous professions, look at the pay! its not that great, why try and question the system?

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/11/01/senator-questions-system-allowing-triple-dipping-veterans.html?comp= [login to see] 843&rank=4

Nearly 60,000 veterans were triple dippers last year, drawing a total of $3.5 billion in military retirement pay plus veterans and Social Security disability benefits at the same time, congressional auditors report.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 9:55 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 21:55:01 -0400

I agree, SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member. And Senator Coburn is a Republican. Those men and women -- the veterans -- earned every penny of the money they're receiving. Especially the disabled vets. "Going after" those folks gets a big thumbs-down in my book.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 10:17 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 22:17:42 -0400

I always get annoyed when these people suggest this. Everyone double dips. What is different than a civilian who went to work for a company like GM and gets a big pension after they retire and still get to get Social Security, etc. Plus out of all the public servants who can double dip the most are police and fire. You can be a cop for 20 years in one department and retire get a pension while joining another department. In fact the former police chief in my town is getting almost a 200K pension, but was hired on as consultant adviser for another 10k a month salary. No one ever suggest they should have to take a cut, because they have their union reps.

It doesn't surprise me though. It seems as time goes on we no longer have friends on either side of the aisle.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 10:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 22:18:53 -0400

Commitments made to veterans are considered to be ‘on the table’ when difficult budget times come around. It's hard to think of anything more dishonorable than that. A part of me knows full-well the size of the ‘ick’ factor that can be associated with military service. I also know this; If you have no ‘ick’ on you, you ought to go get some on you before you talk about putting commitments made to veterans on the table when your budget gets tight.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 10:34 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 22:34:18 -0400

Glad he is leaving. Too bad he is getting such a hefty paycheck for being a traitor.

Response by SSG Jimmy Hubbard made Nov 1 at 2014 10:33 PM

SSG Jimmy Hubbard — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 22:33:51 -0400

Lets see how Congress feels when we examine their pay and see who maybe double or triple dipping. I'm sure if we cut their pay we could save more on the budget than what a Senator thinks he could see how much to save be looking at Veterans

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Nov 1 at 2014 10:49 PM

SrA Marc Haynes — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 22:49:04 -0400

This really burns my biscuits!
Congress needs to quit pointing their fingers at everyone else. They should cut their pay, minimum wage or better yet paid a certain amount per pieces of legislation passed, no more 1st class flight, pay for their own healthare (Obamacare), no free food, drive themselves to work & official functions, etc., etc., etc.

Did he ever serve?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 10:54 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 22:54:59 -0400

Oh and finally, SPC, everyone has issues great and small throughout their lives. I have a NCO friend who is dying right now with Leukemia and last year lost a friend SMSgt who died from complications of ALS. See a lot kid. Been around for awhile now.

Response by SSG Jim Foreman made Nov 1 at 2014 11:02 PM

SSG Jim Foreman — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 23:02:03 -0400

1. It is legal. 2. They earned it. 3. It is such a small percentage of veterans. 4. Who cares. 5. Mr. Senator glad your retiring. Enjoy your pension.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 1 at 2014 11:42 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 23:42:49 -0400

The annual salary of each senator, as of 2013, is $174,000 a year. They can seriously talk about something else besides cutting our benefits.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Nov 2 at 2014 12:06 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:06:47 -0400

Considering the men and women who question our salary, benefits, and retirement amounts vote in their own pay and benefits raises I think we should propose a compromise. Let us vote for and decide their compensation and benefits rates without their input.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 12:23 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:23:03 -0400

Let's see those in congress have their own retirement not SSI. Their own medical not the ACA. All separate from what they have burdened the general public with. And yet choose to attack the military's retired folks. Boy that's the pot calling the kettle black.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 2 at 2014 7:24 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 07:24:25 -0500

As opposed to what these guys make for life in one dipping. F--king politicians, can't police themselves so they try to screw everyone else!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 2 at 2014 10:38 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 10:38:39 -0500

I'm a triple dipper. I get a piddly retirement from the Army because the VA pays me at 100% disability. I get social security because I worked my tush off since the day I graduated high school and paid my taxes and worked here legally. If they think the "millions" I make is worth the pain and scars and surgeries, I will gladly pass my fortune on to them.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Nov 2 at 2014 11:13 AM

SGT Richard H. — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 11:13:42 -0500

The thing is, for most retirees, the retirement isn't enough to live on so they continue to work after retirement.
If a retiree is disabled to the point that they are unable to work, why shouldn't they be able to receive disability on top of retirement?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 12:22 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:22:38 -0500

The fact that it's coming from Coburn, really pisses me off.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Nov 2 at 2014 12:36 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:36:56 -0500

What I want to know is who is the guy making $208k on triple dipping disability? While I don't mind someone being taken care of because of wounds and injuries suffered in the service of our nation, and I don't believe that any amount of monetary compensation is adequate for some of the wounds that have been suffered, Seriously, $208k a year would get a lot of guys off the street. And out of curiosity, how much of this is actually being collected by a living veteran?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 1:49 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 13:49:58 -0500

Glad somebody posted this article. I read it a few days ago and was very annoyed by it.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 3:54 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 15:54:53 -0500

I personally don't even give a crap about some a-hole senator who can work for one term and then get a lifetime of benefits when that same job he has used to be, and should be again, a voluntary position. If they served their country for a career, still chose to work their ass off once they retired and then once of age collected SS, they have earned it. Whereas, some d-bag who got elected by lying his butt off campaigning and then subsequently didn't following through on a single solitary promise has the audacity to stand at a podium and tell the nation what freeloaders the les than 1% of the nation is? Well he can kiss my injured ass.
I will go a step further and say, HOW DARE YOU, SENATOR!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 4:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:45:50 -0500

Meanwhile a Senator can draw a pension at age 62 after just five years of holding that office.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 10:38 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 22:38:36 -0500

Blah, blah, blah!!!! Maybe he can give me some of his fat salary when I retire!!!!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 3:42 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 15:42:18 -0500

Triple dipping implies that the pay and benefits you are receiving were not properly earned. We pay into Social Security, we receive a retirement that requires at least 20 years of service to earn it, and disability benefits are also earned through service. Also, you can't receive VA disability and retirement at the same time unless you have a 50% rating or above.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Nov 3 at 2014 3:44 PM

MAJ Dallas D. — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 15:44:21 -0500

I am sure this angers everyone here and the simple solution is we all have a chance to vote tomorrow. Make your vote heard. I don't care if you are a (R) or a (D) or a (I) or a (L) Just VOTE!!!!!!

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Nov 3 at 2014 4:48 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 16:48:48 -0500

Military Retirement for serving 20 plus years, this money was earned. VA disability from service-related ilness/injuries, earned through voluntary service and sacrifice. Social Security benefits, a U.S. citizen entitlement based on eligibility. If they have an issue with it ask them to serve instead,

Response by SCPO Loyd Weber made Nov 3 at 2014 8:59 PM

SCPO Loyd Weber — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 20:59:21 -0500

Lets see we pay social security taxes from Our military pay on active duty. My 10% VA Disability is deducted from Retirement just tax free. I retired after 22 years. Then Turned up a tumor behind right eye that I was told not military related because was not found When I retired. But the Va doctors say I have had it over 20 years. I retired in 2000. tumor found in 2009. I still have been employed after retirement . Pay taxes . Way I see it currently I pay my own retirement for 3 months of a year. Until I'm 67 1/2.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 4 at 2014 12:34 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 12:34:30 -0500

As we are no longer a nation at war, you will start to see less and less talk about veterans and funding for those services that used to be key 'talking points' during re-election campaigning.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 2:55 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:55:36 -0500

What all the politicians need to be forced to do by the American public - is to be paid what the enlisted personnel get paid - using the same type of scale we go by. They should only be allowed two terms maximum with no retirement - they are able bodied and can get jobs a lot easier then a majority of our members can due to issues caused by military service and/or the stigma placed on us by the media hype. Those of us that are actually able to get twenty years or more in before retirement (or forced retirement) only receive a small portion of our previous income - we loose BAH, BAS and our medical costs increase as well (dental and vision benefits are lost - you pay for those yourself). Those that have unfortunately earned the disability pay - should not have to worry about it being lowered or going away. This country would be nothing if it wasn't for all of our veterans (both living and deceased). My best hope is that more of our military members will try to get into some of these offices through elections and flush out the bad seeds we currently have to put up with. Only when we have a majority of former military personnel in those elected positions - will we see a change in the mentality towards our military and veteran community.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 4:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 16:31:58 -0500

I am so sick of these idiots ranting on about veterans benefits. How about cutting the pet projects they lobby for? How about cutting THEIR "pension" they get after serving in congress? They don't even have to serve for 20 years to get a pension and full benefits. How about cutting all the fat contracts these people keep dishing out to their buddies for a small kick back? Halliburton ring a bell??? Leave the damn veterans alone. THEY EARNED IT. YOU DIDN'T.

Response by PO1 Autumn Sandeen made Nov 4 at 2014 4:58 PM

PO1 Autumn Sandeen — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 16:58:32 -0500

I'm also one of the triple dippers. I retired after 20-years with a 60% VA disability rating, service connected. Within 4-years I was reevaluated at 100%, and have been unable to work a job since. My disabilities are all invisible -- I would rather not have experienced documented sexual trauma or have a mental illness that's slowly causing me to become less and less functional over time.

When I originally was rated at 100%, and then qualified for Social Security disabiliy, I told my friends I felt like a government sponge. Every single one told me I deserved what I was receiving.

I would rather be able to hold down a job and give back to society than take from society. I'm one of Romney's 47%, and I'm quire aware of that -- I feel no small amount of guilt for being one of the 60K folk who triple dip. I know I experience an amount of privilege because I'm a triple-dipper.

What I try to do now is give back to community as much as I'm able hell, I have a Wikipedia page now. As a friend once told me, the only ethical thing to do with privilege when you know you have it is to give what you can of your privilege away to others. It's the standard I try to live up to.

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Nov 5 at 2014 9:51 AM

PO1 Ron Clark — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 09:51:16 -0500

Let this Senator swap pay, benefits, job and location with any Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Airman, Coast Guard or National Guard for that matter stationed in a combat theatre for a twenty career and then come back and talk about how double dipping is a problem for him!

Response by SGT Scott Curtice made Nov 5 at 2014 12:58 PM

SGT Scott Curtice — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:58:03 -0500

first order of business, and I know it will never happen, all Congressional representatives pay and benefits, including retirement needs to be in line with U S Military personnel.

As for tripping dipping, I don't understand the issue, so you aren't allowed to have social security, disability, and military retirement pay at the same time? As low as a ll three are, and since we all, that work, pay into social security, and anyone that has military retirement and/or medical disability has earned that, so we don't get we earn?

I'll say it again, GOP is not about helping military personnel/veterans, they are about the military industrial complex, not that DEMs are much better. We need politicians that focus on military personnel and veterans, not just weapons systems for civilian contracts

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 7 at 2015 7:34 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 19:34:40 -0500

The Senator speaks as though veterans were receiving "entitlements".

No, Senator.

Veterans retirement pay was earned through service for the country, far above and beyond the kind of service that you provide.

Disabled veterans earned disability pay. They sacrificed their health and well-being in defense of the nation.

Social Security "benefits" were earned through contributions to a mandatory system, one over which wage earners have no choice (and one from which members of Congress excuse themselves because they realize that it is a raw deal).

Now, Senator, go look at how much is paid in unearned entitlements (welfare). That's the money that y'all in Congress spend to "buy" votes.

Why don't you try cutting back there?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 7:52 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 19:52:48 -0500

What a horrible thing to question... Most senators make $174k a year and serving one term nets them full retirement and they are worried about if I can triple dip lol. What a load of crap, if the senator would focus his attention on Wall St which cost the American people a cool $700 Billion dollars a few years ago also the too big to fail banks and updating the tax codes to properly close the loop holes that allow those who make the most of us (corporations) get away with paying less. Also how about he question all the needless defense contracts that go to Halliburton, how about he question why each year welfare keeps going up?? Honestly how about he just be quiet, leave the military and our retirement alone and worry about the other 99%.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Feb 7 at 2015 8:00 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:00:04 -0500

The Army takes my VA disability OUT of my retirement pay and I do not get SSD. So how am I double dipping? That Senator needs to look at his FAT paycheck before pointing fingers. Try supporting 5 on my retirement Senator.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 8:12 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:12:36 -0500

My high school English teacher had a saying: People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Congress, look at yourself first, before you come after anyone in the military to save money, and kiss my ass in the meantime.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 9:23 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 21:23:54 -0500

And they question triple dipping? I'm sure that triple dipping doesn't compare to this:

The accrual rate for each year of congressional service covered by CSRS is 2.5%. Therefore, the CSRS pension equals
High-3 x Years of x .025 = CSRS
Salary Service
Pension
For example, after 30 years of congressional service and a high-3 average salary of $174,000, the initial annual CSRS pension for a Member who retired in December 2012 at the end of the 112th Congress at the age of 60 or later would be22
$174,000 × 30 × .025 = $130,500
Federal law limits the maximum CSRS pension that may be paid at the start of retirement to 80% of the Member’s final annual salary. (See 5 U.S.C. §8339(f).) To receive an initial pension equal to 80% of final salary, a Member must complete 32 years of congressional service covered by CSRS (32 × .025 = .80). The smallest starting pension under CSRS is 12.5% of high-3 salary for a Member with five years of service. (Pensions based on less than 10 years of service cannot begin before the age of 62.)
Most Members who entered Congress before 1984 and who chose to stay in the CSRS elected the “CSRS offset” plan. When a Member who has retired under the offset plan is aged 62 or older, the CSRS pension is reduced by the amount of Social Security benefits that he or she is entitled to as a result of congressional service. In the example above, the offset would be approximately $18,345 annually.23
Pension Benefits Under FERS
For Members of Congress covered by FERS prior to December 31, 2012, the accrual rate for congressional service covered by FERS is 1.7% for the first 20 years and 1.0% for each year beyond the 20th. The basic retirement annuity under FERS for Members first elected prior to 2012 is equal to
[ High-3 Years of ] Salary x .017 x Service +
through 20
[ High-3 Salary
x .01 x
Years of ] Annual Service = Pension
over 20
22 Base pay for Representatives and Senators was $174,000 in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Pay for House and Senate leadership positions is higher.
23 This estimate, calculated for illustrative purposes, is based on the assumption that a Member of Congress who had been in office on December 31, 1983, and who retired at the end of 2012 would have had 29 years of Social Security participation as a Member of Congress. According to the Social Security Administration, the monthly benefit for a career-long high-wage earner retiring at age 62 in 2012 (i.e., all 35 years of earnings in the calculation of Social Security benefits were at the taxable maximum) would be $1,845. This would be $22,140 on an annual basis. This amount was then multiplied by the ratio of 29/35, which is the proportion of Social Security participation as a Member, to produce an estimated offset of $18,345.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Feb 7 at 2015 9:46 PM

PO3 John Jeter — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 21:46:01 -0500

Tell you what Senator, offer to exchange benefits with any retired veteran out there and see what happens. Not just the money mind you, I'm talking about the medical insurance and the whole bundle. If you wish to discuss unfair, how about you relinquish your eligibility for a pension after a single term in office? I served one term in the Navy and I risked a hell of a lot worse than a paper cut, but I received no benefits at all.......not even the ones I was entitled to thanks to your paper pushing buddies at the VA! You have a lot of huevos to stand there in a suit that costs more than most of us make in a month and complain about how much we cost........

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Feb 8 at 2015 12:28 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 00:28:31 -0500

I am also one of those reviled "triple dippers". What that ÷¥=€_ Coburn forgets is that we paid for all those benefits with our bodies, our efforts, our time, our families, our lives. He doesn't have the slightest clue about military service. ...

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Feb 8 at 2015 2:47 AM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:47:42 -0500

You can call me a triple dipper too - I am 40% disabled - so i get 60% of my Retirement which is taxed, then tri-care is take out of that, then 40% VA disability (non taxed) plus I am a GS Fed Employee as well.

Mr Senator - look at your salary compared to service members and all the perks you receive and what about your nice little retirement package (less than 20 years of service) plus medical. Take away from yourselves before messing with us. You want to talk about a waste of money all of you politicians should not even receive a pay check

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 9:19 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 09:19:42 -0500

What's the problem. These Triple dipping Veterans have worked for and earned every dime. When an Active Duty Military Member retires lets say at 20-25 yrs or service, he/she will need to continue to work in order to live comfortably in order to maintain the life-style WE have EARNED and not be an added burden to this country's daily growing numbers of handout recipiants. .So they go to work in the Federal System as a Fed. employee. They continue to servee their country only in a different uniform and after another 20 yrs or so, they become eligible to retire once again, as well as be close to drawing their "earned" Social Security benefits...WHICH IS NOTHING MORE THEN THE GOV'T RETURNING the "TRIPLE DIPPERS" THEIR OWN MONEY BACK BY MONTLY ALLOTMENT.

The term "Triple Dippers" is a mis-nomer anyway. Social Security is not a handout from the Government. The Government is the "Banker" in which we were forced to put so much of our "personal earnings" into, and to be returned to us after we reach the mandated federal retirement age determined (and soon to be moved again) established by our Congress and the sitting President.

Congress seems to feel it's fine to bundle DOD civilian employees and DOD uniform members into the same pot all to often. In this present era, our more liberal Congress/governement has been willing to hit this group with things like sequestration, changes to retirement programs and wanting to cut into our health programs. All this on the backs of those who have given their adult lives to "SERVING" this country....and then want to spend more money on handout programs like unemployment (increasing to 99 weeks and wanting to go higher); free-cell phones; cash for clunkers; etc. also the completly mismanged program of Food stamps. These have become freeloading handouts for many. (LET ME BE CLEAR..THERE IS A DIFFERENCE FROM WELFARE PROGRAMS FOR THE POOR THAT ARE TRULY NEEDED....AND HANDOUT PROGRAMS, i.e. unemployment extensons to 99 weeks, free cell-phones, cash for clunkers, and the un-managed Food Stamp Program, etc)

In several years I will become one of the so called "TRIPLE DIPPERS". I've served this Country both in and out of uniform since I was 18 yrs old. I (WE) have earned every penny and am entitled to MY money. I (WE) Am proud of it, many of US would do it all over again if I (we) could. Let me add, that none of us are going live long enough for us to get all of our Social Security deposited money returned to us. Therefore, thru SS, the gov't freeloads off of us after we die by stealing our money the same as it does with the re-instituted Inheritance Tax.

Gov't Solutions have always been to give more money to problem programs that need to be revamped and re-structured in order to correct the oversights, over payments, rather than actually fixing them (determining accountability).

Every Administration and Congress want to hold all accountable, except themselves, and freeloading recipients of their provided "free money", and now lets add to that the millions of illegal border crossers that now also receiving more and more federal handouts.

Why our "elected freeloaders" (note I didn't say leaders) will not view the problems of the many european nations who have already gone down this path and face the fact that the path they are trying to take us down will not work, is beyond me...other than the fact that as in the past, it creates two society groups while wiping out the third. The middle class gets wiped out and the two remaining groups are the "Haves" (the already rich, and the elected freeloading rich) become one group and then "the have-nots", which includes the rest of us by eventually grouping the middle-class and the poor into the other group and wind up serving, and paying for everything while receiving less in return.

So to the Senator or anyone else questioning those who "TRIPLE DIP", I will say this the first SOB, be it someone who never served a day; an elected official, or whoever that ever complains/boasts in my presense that my triple dipping as is freeloading off the government and a burden to the Governemnt.....regardless of how old or able I am....somehow or another I will get on my two feet and punch them in their GD Throat!

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Feb 8 at 2015 9:50 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 09:50:58 -0500

So working twenty years in a dangerous profession and sacrificing our minds and bodies to "triple dip" is not ok, but serving six years in a job where most become millionaires for as few as two years to get a more impressive retirement for life is ok?

Yeah, ok. Lead from the front on this Senator, then let's talk.

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Feb 18 at 2015 5:07 PM

SrA Marc Haynes — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 17:07:03 -0500

Now correct me if I'm wrong but isn't this one of those people that flies 1st free, works 90 (?) days of the year, gets better health care than most normal legal U.S. citizens, gets partial retirement benefits if they only serve 4 years, etc.,etc.,etc.
Now who's the problem really?

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Feb 18 at 2015 5:20 PM

SrA Marc Haynes — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 17:20:52 -0500

Please remember that a majority (95-98%) of our federal officials suffer from a disabilitating disorder known as cranial-rectal syndrome. So please give generously to the cranial-rectal syndrome research foundation, every dollar you give can save a congressman, president, etc. from fecal aspiration and intestinal asphyxiation.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Feb 28 at 2015 7:59 AM

TSgt David Holman — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 07:59:15 -0500

Just another way that congress is trying to use the military... first we defend the nation, then they decide that we are a drain on the system, and start looking to cut our benefits. If someone has earned something (i.e. a military retirement), payed into something (i.e. Social Security), or had the misfortune to be disabled (i.e. VA payments) then let them be, if they have done 20 years they have done a hell of a lot more for their country than any 2/4 year congressman ever could hope to do.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Mar 4 at 2015 6:18 PM

Cpl Mark McMiller — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 18:18:43 -0500

This is BS. A congressman or senator gets a pension of around $250K per year for life; even more if they are in a leadership position. If they serve in both the house of representatives and the senate, they get to double dip. I think it might be time for all service members and veterans to send a message to Congress that until they correct their corrupt pension plan; they better not lay a stinkin' finger on veterans' pay if they want any of our votes.

Response by SPC Keelan Southerland made Jul 16 at 2015 7:16 AM

SPC Keelan Southerland — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 07:16:22 -0400

I would love to go work a regular job and be fully retired. However, that is not the case and I am a double dipper. I would gladly trade paychecks with this joker along with any gratuities, kickbacks, medical care, retirement package and or bribes he gets for my awesome pay each year. I bet he would shut his fricken mouth if we traded paychecks for two years and he can have the aches and pains that come with 100% service connected combat disabilities.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 26 at 2015 12:26 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:26:43 -0400

OK we hit 20 years, the retirement is earned. Some of us are injured or have PTSD and the VA "tries" to make us whole. We paid into Social Security so what is the big deal? The veterans earned those funds.

He has never served 20 years in the military, he does not have PTSD or other ailments, he is not unemployable. What gives him the qualifications to take away benefits that have been earned?

Response by SSG Ricardo Marcial made Aug 26 at 2015 12:50 PM

SSG Ricardo Marcial — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:50:35 -0400

A study brought to you by the same Senator that blocked the Clay Hunt SAV Act. This guy along with his sidekick Senator Tom Cotton need to go. But they are Tea Party favorites so we need to continue to deal with them.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 26 at 2015 9:41 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 21:41:39 -0400

Maybe they are triple dipping because they will never be "normal" again?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 12:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 12:09:46 -0400

This from a senator who gets a significantly higher pension for life...after one term....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 12:41 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 12:41:59 -0400

so this senator who will retire after what 4, 8, 12 years and will be set for life because he sat in a chair in an air conditioned room, our so called leaders get way more than we do, i worked my ass off since 14, paid taxes, still doing the same, spent 31 yrs millitary, went to combat 50% for that , and this SOB has the balls to stand up, how about we take his retirement away and see were he sits

Response by SFC Stephan Patterson made Apr 4 at 2016 1:45 AM

SFC Stephan Patterson — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 01:45:29 -0400

These are the people we need to keep an eye on, we serve our country and a lot of us find ourselves with a disability, we served and should be eligible for anything that is out there. I am not sure why this senator has decided to try to limit compensation for veterans but maybe he needs to try to limit his own compensation.

Response by MSG William Wold made Apr 21 at 2016 3:34 PM

MSG William Wold — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 15:34:02 -0400

Ok, so say I work for 30 years in the private sector, receive a retirement from them, then get SSI. Ok by the definition I am double dipping. But wait, I mow my yard, I get paid by the satisfaction that my yard looks good. So my neighbor offers to pay me to mow his and so does the person across the street. I earned the pay I get from them, yet I am "mowing". Same thing, different yard. Two different pots of money. I qualified for each separately. So don't tell me I can't get paid by both, and can only accept one payment. And no, not the triple satisfaction of having a nice yard in 3 different places.
But in real life I had already 40 quarters SS in the private sector before I worked in the Civil Service, a job for the Army Reserves as a civilian CSRS employee. . However it has a condition of employment of being in the Reserves. Two pots of money, similar work, different clothing for each. I would have loved to not been in the "military" Reserves, but it was a condition of keeping the "civilian" job. SO now I get hit with this "Civil Service Windfall Elimination Provision" at the time to draw Social Security, because I receive a pension I EARNED from CSRS. All along I got letters from SS telling me I would get $1250 a month from SS, it based my time to retirement. Now I'm only allowed to draw $342, loosing over $900 a month.
So if I worked part time at McDonalds, and part time at Burger King, and retired from both, is it double dipping to receive a pension from each because it is of course the same type food industry.
If I earn something I should be entitled to receive it. But I guess they have to steal money from the ones who earn it to give it free to the ones that don't.
Right now I draw my military retirement and 60% VA disability. My ex spouse because of a liberal judge, gets 50% of my military pay, and 40% of my CSRS. So I get to live on $2200 a month including my $342 from SS. If they took away that VA, I'd be under a bridge before you can say WTF?

Response by LTC Sebert Wilson made Sep 5 at 2018 2:24 PM

LTC Sebert Wilson — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 14:24:12 -0400

But hey a senator or congressman can serve a few years and get full benefits get another government job get those benefits and that’s ok

Response by SCPO Kenneth Richards made Sep 6 at 2018 9:40 PM

SCPO Kenneth Richards — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 21:40:28 -0400

This from a group who gets retired pay, healthcare, and paid speaking gigs for years, after serving one term in Congress, or who spends their whole life in politics.

Response by MAJ Richard Jackson made Sep 8 at 2018 11:30 PM

MAJ Richard Jackson — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 23:30:53 -0400

I question your benefits as a senator. Everything you get is exclusive to congress and the senate. The best of the best health insurance. A great retirement, and I'm sure you have an outside retirement and under table perks. . If you worried about the budget and the retirees receiving their SSI benefits. Guess what it was our money not yours. If it was kept out of general fund it would have been selfsuficient. What an insult you give illegals SSI benefits and anybody else that didn't contribute. I think the retiress need to file a class action suit against the government for grand theft. That money came from the workers and their employers. The government contributed nothing to the fund just misappropriated money from the SSI account. They just considered it a slush fund to pay off they're illegitimate sexuall encounters and other government programs. It needs to be put back and all the money moved to a private account. It's not the governments money. It belongs to the people.

Response by LTC Charles "Pappy" Patchin made Sep 9 at 2018 10:33 PM

LTC Charles "Pappy" Patchin — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 22:33:22 -0400

The senator is a jackass. We give illegals and terrs or their supporters more $$$ they never earned. Now some WIMP whines about veterans! Foxtrot him and all his ilk.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Nov 16 at 2018 11:19 AM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 11:19:28 -0500

I am a retired federal law enforcement officer and will happily confess that I am a true believer in Sam Clemens’ remark “Congress is America’s only true native criminal class.” With all that feel good ethics laws the congressional critters passed and which they creatively evade, the old pre Watergate days of bulging envelopes is gone. Now the Congressional critters have to be more creative. They have lifetime pensions and medical insurance plans paid by your tax dollars. They cannot convert their campaign funds to personal use anymore so they set up political action committees to buy more influence. To supplement their meager incomes they share their “wisdom” with anyone willing to pay for it. Then share their experience and wisdom in self-published books such as the famous and inspiring “A Gourmet’s Guide to Rape and Murder in Politics on your Dime”. A guide to public service where the writer confesses that he or she screwed the taxpayers (THAT IS YOU!) Got investment information from “friends” got richer taking advantage of it without fear of criminal sanctions because of self-created exemptions. Where can you buy the book? You cannot because for some strange reason they all seem to be bought by lobbyists!!

Response by SGT Arthur Tompkins made Dec 4 at 2018 8:34 PM

SGT Arthur Tompkins — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 20:34:52 -0500

I think they need to change their retirement over to a 401 K program. We should not be penalized for retirement.

Response by LTC Pete Moore made Dec 19 at 2018 9:26 AM

LTC Pete Moore — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 09:26:35 -0500

The real question is why a one term Senator would be entitled to lifetime medical and retirement pay. Not certain but I bet it’s 50% of base pay.... let’s be honest Congress targets the military EVERY YEAR & Both parties do it. Time for congress to eat the same costs as retirees do every year! Lead from the front senator. I bet Max Cleland would disagree with you!

Response by SSG Dean Baker made Dec 28 at 2018 10:31 PM

SSG Dean Baker — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 22:31:34 -0500

I’m so fucking tired of these politicians screwing the people out of their benifits while they scam millions for them selves

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 11 at 2019 11:22 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Sat, 11 May 2019 11:22:01 -0400

This senator is a jerk. The financial crisis is you and your cronies fault. What about retired general officers who get on these boards of defense contractors after a one year cooling off period. They behind the scenes are advising on contract awards before they are officially hired. I was in the defense contracting business. Professional logistician. I personally now 20 retired general officers who are logisticians retired.

Response by PO1 Robert Chalmers made Sep 2 at 2019 4:57 AM

PO1 Robert Chalmers — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 04:57:17 -0400

And that senator will collect a full pension for being a member of Congress, for the rest of his life, even if he only serves ONE six-year term. So he can kiss my A$$ !!

Response by SSgt Catherine Cullen made Jan 9 at 2020 10:13 AM

SSgt Catherine Cullen — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 10:13:15 -0500

How many of them are serving in Congress and collecting social security

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Nov 5 at 2020 6:43 PM

1SG Ernest Stull — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 18:43:59 -0500

He obviously never served his country. The day he was elected he began to quad dip. 1 only works About 243 day's gets paid for 365 days. Gets stock information that is against the law for the rest of us. Receives a expense account. Free medical and it's first class. Gets retirement after just one term in office. So where is the equality in that benefit.

Response by TSgt Eddie Andujar made Apr 17 at 2021 3:01 PM

TSgt Eddie Andujar — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 15:01:03 -0400

Senator stop looking at how much disable military people are making and make sure that corporations/ companies like, Amazon, Microsoft, Disney, Universal, Apple and all the rest pay their taxes like we do. Stop giving corporations that make billions of dollars tax breaks.