Recent Articles
- APSU Volleyball: Lady Govs ousted in first match of OVC tournament
- Lylewood Inn to hold Christmas Open House
- The Tennessee Art League announces December exhibitions
- The Monocle, the 2008-09 APSU yearbook is now on sale
- Classism: How We Talk about Earnings
- Do you want Foreign Nuclear Waste in TN?
- Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate expands to Tennessee and Kentucky
- Govs set for third annual Glenn Wilkes Classic
- Tanner: Senate Action Is Step Toward Fort Campbell, Montgomery Co. VA Investments
- Humdrum Season Paves the Way
- Gifts Teachers Really Want for the Holidays
- Radio Talk Show Hosts vs. Common Sense: The Lost Article “Left vs. Right”
- Clarksville Foxes holding sign-ups on November 21st
- 9th Branch Now Open for Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union
- APSU Volleyball: Champine named OVC “Player of the Year,” three receive All-OVC recognition
Official Sites
- City of Clarksville, TN
- Clarksville Department of Electricity
- Clarksville Gas and Water Department
- Clarksville Montgomery County School System
- Clarksville Police Department
- Clarksville, Montgomery County Economic Development Council
- Clarksville, TN Ordinances
- Fort Campbell, Ky
- Montgomery County, Tennessee
- Montgomery County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office
- Parks after Dark
MOAA lobbies for military veterans
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is a dynamic lobbyist for all military retirees. Members include veterans — retired Marines, sailors, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel.MOAA is a non-profit , veteran’s association dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and to preserving the earned entitlements of members of the uniformed services and their families. It is vigilant in safeguarding and extending the benefits of all veterans. When MOAA speaks to Congress, they listen, and take immediate action.
Today, with a new administration, MOAA is busy developing and implementing strategies for legislation that benefits veterans ,their families and survivors, in recognition of the sacrifices made.
MOAA’s goal in 2009 is to be an effective organizational voice shaping relevant government policy and promoting earned benefits. Under their guardianship, there will be no retreat or reduction of retired veterans benefits.
To effectively assist veterans, the MOAA has established the following goals for 2009:
- Sustain defense budget to meet personnel and weapons needs
- Sustain military manpower increase
- Gain additional “wounded warrior” fixes
- Resist shifting health costs to beneficiaries
- Reverse Medicare-TriCare payment cuts
- Repeal SBP/DIC offset
- Work for full concurrent receipt
- Restore military pay comparability
- Secure Guard and Reserve retirement and health upgrades
- Improve military family support
Later in their publication, another goal is added. It’s one that captured my attention and will improve survivor benefits in a small but important way in a time of grief. The MOAA is legislating for final retired pay for survivors. They are suggesting that Congress enact legislation that:
“…authorizing payment of a full month of retired pay for a service member’s death. Under current law, a prorated portion is summarily recouped from the survivor. MOAA believes it’s wrong to impose such unexpected and insensitive financial penalties on survivors at what is already the most traumatic time of their lives.”
As the policy stands, if I die on say, July 10, my survivors would receive only a ten day pro-rated portion of my pension. Under the new plan, my survivors would receive the pension for the whole month.
Just a reminder: in the military systems, pensions are suspended upon the demise of the retired veteran.
Go to bed tonight grateful for the MOAA’s vigilance.
About Rev. Charles Moreland 
Rev. Charles Moreland, retired, has lived in Clarksville for seven years and holds great pride in his adopted city and its people. His one objection in Tennessee is the Hall law of taxes on dividends and savings. Charles served in the U.S. Army Chaplaincy from 1966-1986, retiring to serve as a United Methodist pastor near Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He serves on the Boards of Directors for the ARP, Roxy Theater and MCDP. Though retired, he is a regular speaker at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. His five grandchildren, ages two to thirteen years, live in Evansville, Indiana. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in Germany and Korea while on active duty.
Web Site: http://
Email:
MLPmoreland@aol.com
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.