Military Officer - October 2008 - (Page 12) fromthepresident Working for All MOAA focuses on equality and fairness as it fights to protect military servicemembers’ earned entitlements from shortsighted legislators and administrators. O ccasionally a loyal and selfless member will write to me suggesting MOAA should stop fighting for stronger benefits for active duty and retired servicemembers, because they already have enough money and benefits. One member said serving was an honor, not a sacrifice “that the rest of America must forever pay for.” For 80 years, MOAA has supported a strong national defense. Your association has sought big-picture items, like sufficient end strength to reduce our nation’s risk, and personnel programs that a) make military service attractive and b) care for servicemembers and their families after they have served. MOAA’s advocacy focuses on equality and fairness, not on “getting more.” We have fought for TRICARE For Life, concurrent receipt, and ending the SBP “widow’s tax” — because servicemembers weren’t being treated fairly and weren’t receiving what they had earned. Military benefits will remain under fire. For example, the recent report of DoD’s 10th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation recommended drastic changes to the military retirement and health care systems. Nothing is static in the benefits world, and it’s easy to lose earned entitlements if we don’t stay alert and fight for them. All too often, elected and politically appointed officials focus on the short term, because that’s how money is allocated. MOAA, on the other hand, urges congres12 MILITARY OFFICER OCTOBER 2008 sional leaders to focus on the long term and on programs that will help ensure a strong military force. MOAA’s advocacy on issues like pay raises and the improved GI Bill often affects everyone in uniform — officer and enlisted alike — and their families. And MOAA does many other things besides lobbying. We seek improved support for wounded warriors and offer professionalism programs, products and services, The Officer Placement Service, a robust scholarship program, and more. Ours is a powerful voice — and we use it to remind everyone that promises made to military personnel and their families ought to be promises kept. That means MOAA sometimes must oppose DoD and the administration — and you should know both Republicans and Democrats have opposed programs vital to you. A strong national defense is not cheap; America must be willing to underwrite programs to attract, retain, and care for topquality personnel. MOAA stands watch to ensure our people get the support required in today’s dangerous world. Anything less would be foolish and unacceptable. — Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., USN-Ret. PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.