Don't Cut Military Benefits

I am extremely concerned about serious attempts in our government to significantly reduce benefits to military personnel and veterans—including active duty personnel, retirees and those who have service-connected disabilities as a painful consequence of their service.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently recommended consideration of increasing TRICARE (insurance) fees, deductibles and co-pays, which would significantly increase out-of-pocket medical expenses. TRICARE for Life users would have to pay a greater share of costs not covered by Medicare.  In addition, the CBO recommended capping military pay raises and tightening VA compensation for a number of serious medical problems, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Crohn’s disease. 

Active Duty military personnel and those who have served honorably in the past have all paid a significant price for their service. They shouldn’t be the bill-payers for irresponsible spending at the Federal level. The Pentagon is full of bureaucrats who contribute nothing to building our capabilities at the “point of the spear.” Many receive huge salaries and demand expensive mahogany desks and leather furniture in their offices—something that most Americans could only hope to afford for their offices and homes. Eliminate the superfluous bureaucrats and their attendant costs. Focus on paying for expenses that support military capabilities at the “point of the spear.” Fulfill the promises made over many years to those who have served. Don’t reduce medical benefits to the military while simultaneously trying to provide “affordable” health care for the general public. It doesn’t make sense. And it’s an unfair attack on those who have served and suffered with honor and without complaint for this country.