So what is everyone's opinion on congress cutting retirement for veterans?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 11:56:49 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 12:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 12:08:59 -0500

Personally I think it stinks. I think they should cut their own pay and leave retirees, both civilian and military, alone. Why is it that in order to save the budget congress thinks it's a cool idea to vote to cut retiree benefits and deny military pay raises and retiree COLA raises but vote to give themselves a pay raise? Why don't they vote to cut their retirement pay to 50% instead of 100%? Why don't they vote to lower their pay? Why don't they understand that cutting the pay of a bunch of multi-millionares would be a much better plan, not to mention ensure they stay in office, versus cutting the pay and benefits of millions of military members and retirees sending those millions to the poor house. If I were king for a day, I'd send them all packing and put some folks with brains into their jobs. Done with my rant.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made Dec 18 at 2013 12:27 PM

SFC Rich Carey — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 12:27:31 -0500

My question is, How much will I lose or be taken away? Part of the the amounts everyone is talking about includes increases to the COLA. Some years we don't get any increases. What I would like to know is What is the average age of death are they using to compute the loss? What is the average of COLA increase are they using and for how long? I have been looking for the formula they are using? What was my original retirement amount without the COLA? Everyone keeps quoting $83,000 and I was told to reverse engineer that amount and I would know, which equals $314 a month (that doesn't work) The question is, if today they implement what is the actual monthly loss? (Don't think this doesn't bother me, I am trying to plan my budget now and be ready when they do this)

That is the problem with Washington today, they like using double language. We have cut $200 million from the budget, meaning that department is still getting $400 million in increases and not the $600 million they wanted, which really they still have an increase and haven't cut anything.

Another question, how will this affect the recruiting and retention rates?

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Dec 18 at 2013 12:29 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 12:29:37 -0500

That is just simply a slap to the face. We all joined, while making a promise to America, because of the promise that was also made to us. I think it is time to rattle the cages and make some changes all the way around in Congress.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 1:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:05:44 -0500

I feel personally that even a majority of politicians on the hill have never actually been overseas or even served in the military; they should not be afforded a vote on issues that affect the future retirees or current ones.... I would like to revoke 27th ammendment..Congressional Compensation Amendment of 1789; reason being it was designed to ensure leaders were during their jobs and being paid even in times of financial crisis. They voted and chipped away at benefits recently like chipping away at an iceberg instead of trying to chip away at their own salaries or cut social programs that are just not workng (OBAMACARE) anyone....hey what is interesting to date no one has finalized investigations on topics including but not limited to ::::: Benghazi 9/11; Gen. Petraeus; the other Generals caught E.O. and Sharp violators; Misaaprpriation of funds....; and what is the deal with VA Hospitals are we ever going to fix these organizations....? Should Senior Officers regardless of record if violators of UCMJ receive full compensation and benefits??? That costs money .... It is really a kick in the gut for those who have served more than 4 deployments and although it was staggered in a means of 9-12 month breaks the deployments took their tolls on the Soldiers and leaders that now serve. Is Congress really sending a message that it was all for nothing and the incentive of a 20yr career after 10yrs of war so far is going to be compensated in terms of the movie "SPEED" crappy pention and a cheap gold watch..??? Will Washington political leaders have the courage to dissolve this ammendment and develop a plan that works? Stop cutting at the knees all the country is doing is sending a message that any incentive to serve longer than an initial contract is not worth it. this will domino effect over a couple of decades and spill into military disfunction and chaos... the development of crappy future leaders will ensue becaus ethose will be the only ones wanting to stay in for pennines when the others can learn a trade and get out and make dollars.

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Dec 18 at 2013 1:34 PM

SPC Christopher Morehouse — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:34:53 -0500

I think a lot of people in Washington deserve a good hard slap across the face for this. With a brick. of 556.

Response by Cpl Gerard Babin made Dec 18 at 2013 7:33 PM

Cpl Gerard Babin — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 19:33:50 -0500

Contacted our congressmen a few hours ago and reminded them who elected them and that this was a blatant act of treason. (As we are currently at war there should be no salary hikes for anyone. Remind yours the same, treason can be charged by any citizen.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 8:08 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 20:08:13 -0500

I think it's atrocious. It's Congress' pensions that should be cut.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Dec 18 at 2013 9:22 PM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:22:56 -0500

I will support a reduction on our benefit package as soon as congress enacts a similar and proportional reduction in their benefit package.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 9:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:33:21 -0500

It makes me ask why did I love my country enough to sacrifice 26. Years of my life...deployed and fought in armed combat when my nation called....I could go on...but I'll some it up....I am not surprised that they are breaking faith by taking the easy wrong over the hard right. It smacks of as enlisted men we really don't matter as much as all those politicians who make those holiday spots on AFN...it just sounds good on TV

Response by MSG Curtis Lange made Dec 18 at 2013 11:18 PM

MSG Curtis Lange — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 23:18:18 -0500

If you read the actual bill the reduction cannot reduce what you already get paid. The plan is Consumer Price Index(CPI) - 1 unless the -1 goes below 1, then the raise is zero.

The pain is in the compounding of the reductions. I have seen charts with the projection spreads that get wider in the out years.

This is the first time in recent history that they have changed retirement for those already serving or already retired.

On the plus side it is not scheduled to be implemented immediately, this gives them time to see the error of their ways and fix the problem. Retirees will not be a silent minority on this issue. It will also be a retention issue because of broken promises.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 6:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 06:33:22 -0500

In my opinion, I do not agree with it. What is to be the reward of a hard-charging Veteran who has served his/her country dutifully and without question.......slashed benefits? A reduced salary? It's always been my viewpoint that those in Congress do not have the slightest idea what is going on at our level, yet they're the ones making the decision that will ultimately affect US, not THEM.

We volunteer our time, our hard work, discipline and above all our lives to fight for this country, a country that is willing to put us out in the heat of Summer and the cold of Winter if it means they will save some money which could end up fattening their pockets and bank accounts. They are trying to get rid of things that do not pertain to them....their salaries are secured for life, protected by the Constitution and it's sad that after 20 or 20+ years of commitment we could end up with NOTHING!!!

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Dec 19 at 2013 7:41 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 07:41:58 -0500

The cut is a bait-and-switch, and nothing more. It's a clear after-the-fact breach of contract. We did our part by sacrificing our youth in service to our country. Now that we've done our part of the contract, our elected officials (both Democrats and Republicans) have broken their end of the contract simply to save a little money.

The worst part is that the savings from us will flow directly to the defense contractors to offset the sequestration cuts. So, the little guy gets screwed to help big business. Every past and current service member should be contacting their elected officials about this change. Those who don't will become a part of the problem.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 2:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:19:01 -0500

Military Members and Vets,

Simply put this is just another kick in the butt. You, me, all of us have just been handed what??? The crap-sandwich of a lifetime. I dont support the decision made by our elected officials. However we do work for them and regardless of our prsonal feelings and opinions we have a force to train and instill values in even if the civilian leaders above of us have no honor, integrity, selfless-service, or morale courage. Lets train and facilitate to those who voluntarily joined and show them we are above this and work with the military we are given not the one we want. I am extremely upset and again feel before cutting the kneecaps cuts could be made elsewhere but we elected leaders to cut our pay and if you didnt vote; then you voted for the guy who just cut your pay think about it...think practically next fall for mid-term elections and vote for someone who places your needs above their own not on a backburner

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 2:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:25:10 -0500

If this does not get ammended you may as well have the smallest force in history of the U.S. maneuver like the Canadian military... No pt tests, no mental or physical demands... Just TIM HORTONS and a few good men...lol

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 2:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:32:49 -0500

Military Members and Vets,

Events such as this transgress to something more volatile down the road....previously known as the BOSTON TEA PARTY...we could be looking at a military coup on Washington in the future...it has happened to several foreign nations... What would happen if the nation made its call on its military and we didnt budge didnt secure a hill or protect the richies precious oil or even engage in combat on our own soil without a substantially realistic and confirmed constitutional ammendment much like the 27th stating we wont work for scraps and the guarantee to preserve benefits sought by 20yr plus service vets. That would be an interesting scenario even if we were an attacking force overseas. To just drop everything and quit like the Congress has quit and unprotected us. THINK THINK THINK...that is the best advice my boss gave me think before foot enters mouth....and who your saying it too. YOUR SAYNING IT TO YOUR PROTECTION...essentially your nations BODYGUARDS>>>>If this does not get ammended you may as well have the smallest force in history of the U.S. maneuver like the Canadian military... No pt tests, no mental or physical demands... Just TIM HORTONS and a few good men...lol

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 2:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:35:39 -0500

In short it is a smack in the face and shows that the individuals we swore to protect dont appreciate the sacrifices that we have all made for them in one form or another. Military/Veterans benefits should never be on the chopping block especially after we have spent over a decade at war. The members of congress act worse than middle school children and should have their unnecessary pensions cut. At this rate I should join congress serve one term and draw a pension for the rest of my life at least I know its guranteed because congress will cut everything else before they pull anything from their pocket.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 9:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 21:57:20 -0500

I have been doing a lot of thinking the past few days on how this would have effected my decision on joining the Army 10 years ago if I could have foreseen this coming. Or would I have got in learned a skill and got out and be working a job I know I was not getting retirement in till 62.

I came to this conclusion that I would have still joined and still staying for 20+ more years if they let me. No matter how bad our government F's me and my brothers and sisters in arms over, I will still fight and defend the constitution and most importantly the people of the United States. Just because are government couldn't find there way out of a paper bag doesn't mean I'm giving up on the people. Also who knows maybe the next president will come in a fix this mess and make everything right (it's like being in a bad dream).

Response by PO1 David Seamans made Dec 19 at 2013 10:27 PM

PO1 David Seamans — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 22:27:52 -0500

Let me say one thing to do this would be political suicide for any politician. We have over 1 million retired and disabled veterans just think how they would feel if we all stormed Washington, DC. Our leaders make excuses like oh this would help out in assuring other defense monies are disbursed to the proper areas. What is this crap its a lot of hog wash (bull shit); its not really the true answer. Its like asking a politician a yes or no question well you know what you get "the round about answer" never the direct response. I did however speak today with a former political leader from our state and he stated that this will pass over because of the upcoming election year ahead for again it would be political suicide on both parts. During the 1950 through early 1970's we had 75 - 80% of our political leaders were former veterans and today we are luck to have 30% if that. People who have never served a day in our armed forces are making decisions on our military benefits; this is why I encourage any veteran to take the lead and run for office especially Congress or the Senate. Our young veterans of today need to get involved; join the VFW, American Legion or Fleet Reserves and help our National Post Commander in Washington send a strong message. May God continue to bless America.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Dec 20 at 2013 9:10 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 09:10:45 -0500

Congress is so quick to take away from the ones who have worked so long and so hard. They say they work long hours and deserve the benefits they get. I have not seen nor heard of what congress has given up? What have they given up? Nothing. I am so sick and tired of this congress sitting there not doing a thing that is to better the people of this country. We all need to wake up and get rid of each and everyone of them but voting them out next go around. I know this won't stop everything but hopefully this will get the message out that will no longer sit by and watch them do nothing to fix the problem they created. If they worked for me and this is how they performed I would have canned everyone of them.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 9:59 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 09:59:41 -0500

I think it was a dirty way to get it passed. Yet again nobody knows about it until it is on the floor going up for a vote.

Now let me play devil's advocate -

1) It only takes 1% away up to the age of 62. After 62 it goes back to regular COLA. The majority of retired military members will get another career after they retire. At that point the military retirement pension is icing on the cake. Most will get a job that pays the same if not more than what they made in the military. I doubt the 1% will hurt anyone too much (don't flame me yet - keep reading).

2) The bill doesn't take effect until Jan 2016. If you read the news the backlash from this had made a lot of elected officials to backpedal and reverse their position on the amendment. There is plenty of time to fix the issue.

Now that I am done playing devils advocate I will say it is wrong and I do not agree with it. However if my country asks for 1% to make things work I am fine with that. I don't agree with it but I guess I could then say I actually helped solve the issue. I honestly believe there are better ways to reduce costs and money but you need to realize that this ALWAY happens. The military always bears the brunt of reductions.

I believe that a bill should be passed that does not take the 1% from any medically retired individuals. The majority of them can't work another job and this robs them and hurts them in a bad way!

Now how do we fix this?

We fix it by being vocal and letting others know you won't stand for it. There are 2 million military retirees right now (http://actuary.defense.gov/Portals/15/Documents/statbook12.pdf - page 18). Add to that the 2 million in service now. 4 million americans that have a voice. Now let me ask everyone here - who has written to their elected official? Complaining about it on social media does nothing. Let our officials know that we are mad and we won't put up with it. I bet once the complaints start to roll in and our officials understand they won't get reelected they will change their tune and fix the problem.

However most will sit around and grumble about it and tell everyone except for the ones that need to hear it. I encourage everyone here to jump to action and send a short letter or e-mail to your elected officials.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 20 at 2013 10:02 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 10:02:49 -0500

I think you'll be hard pressed to find any supporters of the measure in this forum...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 10:09 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 10:09:35 -0500

I had this talk with some Australian SF guys who I had the pleasure of serving with a few years ago. I love the idea of 20 year cliff vesting because personally I believe a 10 year 401K will encourage people to get out when you should be encouraging them to stay in a that vital period.

The Aussies switched over to the 401K style several years ago and the personnel I talked to seem to like it better than the old vesting like we currently have. The only difference, and I only worked with two units, was the amount of stuff they are asked to do. They generally came in about 0900ish in the morning and were gone at 1600....not saying the day ended at 1600 but still being there at 1900 like most of the units I have been in. They still do deployments and field time but the working people to death idea has changed.

If you want to turn the Army into a 30 or 40 year job rather than 20 you will need to change the mentality we currently because most people can't take the physical and mental abuse for 40 years. I know many people, myself included, who have said if you are going to give me a civilian retirement I will go get a civilian job and not have to deal with all of this "stuff". We are paid better because there is nothing in the civilian market that compares to what we do every single day.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 10:20 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 10:20:57 -0500

I doubt that cutting retirement benefits for veterans will get
us out of this financial debacle. Having
said this, we definitely need to seriously consider cutting somewhere. Why not transforming the legislative branch
into a “Civilian Legislative Branch” where members are paid a fraction of what
they currently make and they receive not marginal benefit paid by the people because
they will still have the option of maintaining a private practice. Some states are actually doing this successfully. They do not get the outrageous benefits our
congressmen have.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 1:32 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 13:32:26 -0500

I would love to respond to this question but I promised myself when I registered on this site that I would keep everyone of my posts 'family friendly'. I don't know if I have the self control to do that on this subject. :)

Response by MSG David Kalb made Dec 20 at 2013 4:50 PM

MSG David Kalb — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 16:50:31 -0500

It just shows that our elected people don't care or understand us.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Dec 20 at 2013 5:46 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 17:46:45 -0500

Take all 535 plus the CINC, put them in uniform and send them to Afghanistan or maybe to Sudan or maybe even Korea and run combat patrols there for 3 months. Apparently those 535 plus 1, think the military is an easy life to live!!!!!

Response by LCDR Doug Nordman made Dec 20 at 2013 6:03 PM

LCDR Doug Nordman — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 18:03:32 -0500

Here are the links to the original House amendment and a summary of the legislation, as well as an analysis of how much the lost COLA will add up. It turns out that MOAA is pretty close to the actual numbers:

http://the-military-guide.com/2013/12/19/congress-cuts-military-pensions/

Congress cuts military pensions

. Let's talk about contingency financial planning. I don't mean life insurance or a medical crisis-- I mean how you'll maintain your financial independence when a leg of your retirement stool is ki...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 7:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 19:28:12 -0500

complete B-S.

Response by CPO Eric Liskey made Dec 20 at 2013 7:38 PM

CPO Eric Liskey — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 19:38:49 -0500

This is going to be lengthy, so I apologize in advance, and when I say "We" in this, I mean the U.S. as a whole.

As with most things on "Mount Olympus" these days, nothing surprises me anymore. I was never really loud when it came to politics when I was active. Maybe it was because of a fear of reprisal (UCMJ), or that I was too busy overseas on our carriers, but nonetheless, nothing these snakes are doing surprises me. I do have to wholeheartedly agree with whoever said that they all need to go. However, I do have to say this: EVERYTHING that has transpired over the last five years, and even further back, has been by design. Do the math: a country divided in race, culture, and religion is weak. A country in fiscal crisis is weak, a country whose citizens cannot trust their leaders is weak. Bottom line is this: We are at our weakest right here, right now. How long do you think after "Amnesty" is passed, and it more than likely will be, before "immigrants" from a foreign power(China, Iran, Taliban, Pick one) will walk across the border (like they haven't already) and take over. True patriots that will stand up and fight (THIS GUY) will be slaughtered first, so it will be easy for them, since we as a country can't seem to keep our eyes on the ball. Miley Circus seems to be more important, handouts seem to be more important, political correctness seems to be more important, caving to foreign sensibilities seems to be more important. The foundations of AMERICAN culture (Christianity, English, Family, Equality, Justice, Truth, etc)....... not so much.

We have been lied to by past presidents before, but never in such a bold way . Pick a scandal (sorry "Phony scandals", as we look on four dead bodies from Benghazi), but at the end of the day, getting rid of the figurehead (potus) will solve nothing. Getting rid of all 500+ of them from the top down would be a start. The parties don't matter, 99% of them are out for themselves and their piece of the pie when the United States is decimated/ invaded, leaving them the pre-approved rulers with BHO as Annointed King of the former United States. I admit there are good ones there in DC, but how can we possibly trust any of them now? Many of them talk big and do what they can but I for one question their motives. Why else do you think that impeachment proceedings haven't started yet. Clinton was impeached (not convicted) over a BJ.... So tell me again what the holdup is? Oh yeah, that's right, they ALL are stalling.

Again, I am sorry this was so lengthy, and if it is a bit intense for whoever reads it, maybe that is a good thing, because everything going on right now adds up to everything I just said.

Still Proud to Serve!!!

ABHC(AW/SW) Eric Liskey

USN Retired

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Dec 20 at 2013 8:31 PM

PFC Stephen Eric Serati — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 20:31:29 -0500

We have a window of opportunity coming up in 2014 and then 2016.Become more engaged.Your voices and your vote are your weapons in this Arena.

Response by SSG John Arp made Dec 21 at 2013 3:38 AM

SSG John Arp — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 03:38:58 -0500

just another chance to get screwed by our government, when I was out from surgeries and went on disability, they told me I had to take and pay for Medicare Part B, which sucks by the way, or they would take my Tricare for life retirement benefit away from me. Then in 2009, our current administration actually wanted to take away our medical benefits and make us all use the ACA or just find our own coverage, but that was met with so much resistance it died out quickly. Then they cut or cut back on GI Bill benefits. Then they increased my Tricare payments and Co-pays. Then they added the NDAA to cut down the CRSC benefits. Then they said they are going to due away with PTSD as a percentage claim starting next year for vets to reduce the amount of 100% disabled vets in the VA system. Now I ask, how can congress say they are making these cuts (six billion) to save money, reducing the money to disabled veterans, including paralyzed disabled vets, but then increasing the education benefits to children of illegal immigrants by four billion...????

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 10:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 10:07:09 -0500

My questions is where is their leadership? The Army Values teach us to put the welfare of the country, the unit and our subordinates above our own. Isn't that's what good leaders do? Are we their subordinates? Where's there leadership?

Response by SCPO Max Sanchez made Dec 21 at 2013 10:47 AM

SCPO Max Sanchez — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 10:47:35 -0500

Our leadership, and I use the term loosely, have decided that the military in lieu of the entitlists (welfare recipients), would be the likely sacrificial goat. And so they in true political fashion managed to fashion their own noose if all servicemen/women, active, former and retired and their families stand to accountability in 2014 and vote all the deadwoods out of office and put them in the unemployment line. I have started talking with family members and so should you.................

Response by SPC Ben Cedeno made Dec 22 at 2013 7:08 PM

SPC Ben Cedeno — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 19:08:39 -0500

I totally agree with CW2

Response by PO2 Pete Haga made Dec 24 at 2013 12:20 AM

PO2 Pete Haga — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 00:20:49 -0500

Our current leaders in Washington would love nothing more than for all the VA benefits to go away health care retirement benefits and anything that has to do with the personnel that served this country with Honor and Pride. We could not quit on them but they feel they can quit on us because we need to balance a budget that none of them in Washington can even agree on! it is a sad time in this country when the leaders in power are striping vets of there pride and dignity. in the name of savings!

Response by SGT Nathan Huff made Jan 13 at 2014 1:02 PM

SGT Nathan Huff — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 13:02:17 -0500

Every member of congress needs to be voted out. they need there pay checks cut to 50K a year and there retirement cut, lastly they pay for there own vacations. Let them earn there money and let them know they report to us not the rich corporations who pad there pockets.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 1:12 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 01:12:04 -0500

I think most politicians (who have never served) look at our monthly paycheck as a welfare check.

I can only imagine how they feel about us being able to retire after *only* 20 years.

I think LTC Broom's comment of "It's a clear after-the-fact breach of contract. We did our part by sacrificing our youth in service to our country" is pretty profound.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Army and wouldn't change much. However, I am mindful to the fact that there were many life events that were missed due to service based obligations.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 7:02 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 19:02:06 -0500

unacceptable to me. After all us military brothers and sisters have been through and sacrificed for our country, our family and our neighbors, this should not even be a topic of conversation?

Response by PO1 David Seamans made Feb 26 at 2014 5:22 PM

PO1 David Seamans — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 17:22:12 -0500

Believe me they will not touch the retirement pay for current retirees and they will grandfather those already in service; however when they do decide to change benefits it will start at some effective date and begin with a new set of enlistees. I do encourage all our veterans to join one of the following veterans organizations: VFW, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America or Fleet Reserve. With more members these groups have a strong political voice in Washington. Most veterans who do not re-enlist or even retire just leave service and they don't bother joining one of these groups because they believe they are a Cheyenne Social Club; well you don't have to go into the club if you don't want; just pay your dues because these dues help us fight the Washington strongholds who's mission is to destroy our way of life. All veterans consider these benefits as earned not entitlements, but the Washington bureaucrats look at them as entitlements; these select few have never served and don't care. So remember in many states this year are holding Congressional Elections and in 2016 they will be holding many more - VOTE THEM OLD DIE HARD'S OUT OF OFFICE and convince many former veterans to run for that office and help them get ELECTED. That's how you protect your current and future benefits.

Response by SFC Gary (Bigsarge) Portier USARMY RET. made Mar 9 at 2014 9:04 PM

SFC Gary (Bigsarge) Portier USARMY RET. — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 21:04:33 -0400

SAD

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2014 9:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 21:29:39 -0400

I believe lack of retirement benefits will affect the amount of civilians looking to become a Soldier. If that happens, it will likely create more work, and more stress, for Recruiters.