tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42992815410841799432012-02-01T17:12:57.370-05:00A blog for Citizen Warriors written by the leadership and national staff of the Reserve Officers Association educating and advocating for a strong national security policy for the United StatesReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.comBlogger2421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-62558944405191196072012-02-01T17:12:00.000-05:002012-02-01T17:12:57.381-05:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-27406916617567947022012-02-01T17:01:00.000-05:002012-02-01T17:01:42.351-05:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-67225759317124563512012-01-31T15:59:00.000-05:002012-01-31T15:59:44.257-05:00

The Chairman of the Reserve Forces Policy Board, Arnold Punaro, kicked off a panel discussion with the chiefs of the Reserve Components on Tuesday. During the discussion, Punaro noted Reserve contributions and emphasized the need to “think smarter, not richer” as the Reserve Components move into the future.  The discussion was part of the ROA 2012 National Security Symposium, in progress at the

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-19926746706905011162012-01-30T13:12:00.003-05:002012-01-30T13:16:17.464-05:00

WASHINGTON—In what was likely her last public speech before stepping down as under secretary of defense for policy, Michèle Flournoy on Monday emphasized current budget challenges, future threats, and the principles behind the new defense strategy President Barack Obama unveiled at the Pentagon on Jan. 5. Her remarks came at the 2012 ROA National Security Symposium, in progress at the Washington

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-17359946458160055032012-01-30T10:22:00.000-05:002012-01-30T10:22:10.293-05:00

David Petraeus, retired commanding general and current director of the Central Intelligence Agency, noted the skill and valor of those answering the country’s call and emphasized the role and relevance of the Reserve Component when he spoke at the ROA 2012 National Security Symposium held in Washington, DC, on Jan. 30.  “Our Reserve Components have played an absolutely essential role, of course

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-35612876052763306552011-12-21T16:34:00.000-05:002011-12-21T16:34:49.082-05:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-70768536270740993482011-12-21T16:17:00.000-05:002011-12-21T16:17:00.348-05:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-79350725912141093912011-12-14T16:10:00.003-05:002011-12-15T08:50:47.749-05:00

Last week, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference convened between members of Congress and the Senate to review and debate provisions for the policy-setting legislation which authorizes the budget authority of the Department of Defense and the national security programs for the Department of Energy. On Thursday, December 8, 2011, the Reserve Officers Association submitted a

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-81534513392201593512011-11-30T15:54:00.002-05:002011-11-30T16:00:03.971-05:00

On Monday, November 28, 2011, the Senate approved an amendment to the annual Defense Authorization Bill that would give the National Guard its first seat on the nation’s highest military council, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The amendment, which was introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC)[1] and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and has 71 cosponsors, will make the Chief of the National Guard Bureau

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-45341632101168070212011-11-23T10:59:00.000-05:002011-11-23T10:59:53.304-05:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-78954620931926325672011-11-16T14:29:00.000-05:002011-11-16T14:29:47.247-05:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-16708307239243000422011-11-15T12:09:00.000-05:002011-11-15T12:09:23.769-05:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-9732553106290487702011-11-09T09:35:00.001-05:002011-11-09T15:54:41.711-05:00

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has urged the Super Committee, which has been tasked to make $1.2 trillion in cuts from the federal budget, to consider recommendations by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) that would not only bar retirees under 65 from using TRICARE Prime, but would add Draconian fees to the existing military health care system.  The CBO proposal would  impose a huge new enrollment

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-1146320843061107912011-11-04T10:25:00.003-04:002011-11-07T10:13:18.071-05:00

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and 12 Democratic members of Congress hosted a roundtable discussion with leaders of Veterans’ and Military Service Organizations in the Capitol on November 2.  Topics included jobs, veteran ownership of business, veterans health, and the super committee and defense.  The Reserve Officers Association had a seat front and centered.   Two members of the super

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-17918485551198712282011-10-26T15:47:00.002-04:002011-10-31T08:31:35.432-04:00

Last week, the Washington Post published an article headlining “Veterans unemployment outpaces civilian rate.” The article highlighted the latest employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that concluded veterans who left military service in the past decade have an unemployment rate of 11.7 percent, well above the overall jobless rate of 9.1 percent.   The elevated unemployment rate for

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-92137711136879739412011-10-26T15:13:00.004-04:002011-10-26T15:36:21.352-04:00

The House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing Tuesday afternoon before a number of representatives of The Military Coalition (TMC), including the Reserve Officers Association (ROA), on Military Retirement Reform.  Since the Defense Business Board (DBB) released recommendations for a military retirement overhaul this past July, this issue has prompted

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-87212614344588516562011-10-19T10:12:00.001-04:002011-10-19T10:13:29.646-04:00

On November 1, Major General Andrew B. Davis, USMC (Ret.) will take the reins as ROA's next executive director. Maj. Gen. Davis' leadership comes at a unique time for the Reserve Officers Association. Amidst a shifting defense landscape and nearly unprecedented austerity, General Davis outlines how ROA will meet these challenges head on, undaunted in its commitment to serving those who serve. In

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-88322654992071039482011-10-12T14:12:00.000-04:002011-10-12T14:12:47.378-04:00

Service Members Law Center Director, Captain Samuel F. Wright, JAGC, USN (Ret.) discusses the difficulties military personnel face during presidential primaries. The process of selecting delegates to the Democratic and Republican Party nominating conventions starts earlier each cycle.  New Hampshire (with the first primary) and Iowa (with the first caucus) insist on being first.  They like the

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-39729974793575006702011-10-12T13:32:00.001-04:002011-10-12T14:31:12.824-04:00

This week’s news has raised again the issue of the application of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to professional sports teams.  USERRA applies to such teams as employers.  The latest case involves Eric Kettani, who was a member of the practice squad of the New England Patriots until he was cut a few days ago, when the Navy ordered him to report to USS

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-24152536146138613712011-10-11T15:53:00.000-04:002011-10-11T15:53:36.486-04:00

Congressman Jon Runyan headed a House Veterans Affairs subcommittee to report on the progress made in the Arlington National Cemetery since the 2010 scandal regarding poor management. According to the invited panelists, the majority of the problems associated with the 2010 findings have been rectified. One of the major issues regarding Arlington’s procedures was the lack of digital infrastructure

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-86716030309668391482011-10-11T14:42:00.001-04:002011-10-12T08:15:33.484-04:00

Service Members Law Center Director, Captain Samuel F. Wright, JAGC, USN (Ret.) discusses the recent lawsuit that claims companies defrauded veterans and taxpayers. Two mortgage broker “whistleblowers” filed suit against several major financial institutions (including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, J.P. Morgan Chase, and GMAC Mortgage) in the United States District Court for the Northern District

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-61197383562516907612011-10-07T10:32:00.003-04:002011-10-10T19:14:58.837-04:00

On Thursday, October 6, ROA submitted testimony to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs’ Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, which held a hearing  on “Arlington National Cemetery:  An Update on Reform and Progress.”  ROA voiced its concerns about burial eligibility for National Guard and Reservists members having burial benefit parity to Active Duty at the National

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-7185922970065123192011-10-05T11:51:00.004-04:002011-10-06T10:55:00.572-04:00

Service Member's Law Center Director, Captain Samuel F. Wright, JAGC, USN (Ret.) discusses recent developments in Staub v. Proctor Hospital, the first USERRA case ever heard by the Supreme Court:In Law Review 1122, I discussed in detail the case of Staub v. Proctor Hospital, decided by the United States Supreme Court on March 1, 2011. The Supreme Court decision is great, and it establishes a

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-24369266372880622732011-10-05T11:03:00.003-04:002011-10-05T19:19:33.495-04:00

On October 3, ROA attended a briefing presented by The Tax Protection Alliance. Panelists Dr. Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute, David Williams from the Tax Payers Union, and Mattie Corrao from Americans for Tax Reform discussed options for cutting defense spending wisely. The general discussion focused on what panelists asserted were systemic issues plaguing defense spending. Panelists

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-7654093995259203892011-10-05T09:19:00.015-04:002011-10-05T19:22:10.761-04:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-67770829016534824662011-09-28T12:06:00.009-04:002011-09-29T12:21:56.535-04:00

Recently ROA attended two events on Capitol Hill regarding education benefits for veterans and service members who attend for profit colleges. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Jim Webb (D-VA), and Tom Carper (D-DE) held a press conference in the morning to unveil new data tracking which colleges are taking in the most post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits. Following the announcement, Senator Carper chaired a

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-90598038918978792092011-09-21T13:39:00.005-04:002011-09-21T14:12:05.517-04:00

On September 19, President Obama unveiled his plan for economic growth and deficit reduction. Part of the President’s plan, which the White House asserts will fully fund the Americans Job Act, were several suggested changes to the cost and structure of military retirement benefits. The President's plan calls for the following: 1) Introducing “modest” annual fees for TRICARE For Life,

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-59603763736558264592011-09-20T14:44:00.006-04:002011-09-20T15:29:20.708-04:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-18558659882419018602011-09-14T15:25:00.002-04:002011-09-14T15:29:35.755-04:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-9834074577552148952011-09-06T10:04:00.005-04:002011-09-06T13:03:22.741-04:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-88215863179595301512011-08-29T08:37:00.004-04:002011-08-30T10:34:39.222-04:00

Recently, the Air Force rejected a proposal for merging the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. The proposal is the latest in what has become a periodic debate: is there merit to considering a merger of National Guard and Reserve elements on the RC? The argument for a unified USAF Air Reserve Component comes from a a group of five retired major generals with more than considerable RC

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-28525033289752259562011-08-09T08:31:00.000-04:002011-08-09T08:32:50.357-04:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-76360241607244124512011-08-09T08:27:00.001-04:002011-08-09T08:28:48.862-04:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-15067695691473624572011-08-03T14:21:00.006-04:002011-08-03T15:57:26.831-04:00

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ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-1024284349273993282011-08-02T08:37:00.005-04:002011-08-02T11:13:30.494-04:00

Last week, leadership from the Department of Defense, Health Affairs (HA) presented an executive briefing to provide updates on current programs and future initiatives. This quarterly meeting was hosted by Rear Admiral Christine Hunter, Deputy Director TRICARE Management Activity (TMA). ROA was represented by legislative director, CAPT Marshall Hanson, USNR (Ret.). Below is a review of major

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-40226264443617336532011-07-26T15:35:00.001-04:002011-07-26T15:36:40.066-04:00

Last week, at a State Department roundtable hosted by Tom Nides, deputy secretary of state for management and resources, interested groups met to discuss how to pass the Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST). Despite the treaty’s endorsements by the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, ROA has taken an independent position as stated in its resolution 10-04: Non-ratification of

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-88912948981584130312011-07-25T11:00:00.006-04:002011-07-25T12:00:34.785-04:00

On 20 July, representatives from ROA attended a briefing given by the Department of Veterans Affairs. ROA was one of a small group of veteran and military service organizations who received updates from officials such as John Gingrich, Chief of Staff of Veteran Affairs, and John Sepulveda, Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration. Below are detailed highlights from the VA's

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-29788504481041016572011-07-20T09:42:00.012-04:002011-07-22T11:46:42.358-04:00

This week the director of the nation's leading military assistance voting program expressed his support for web-delivery as a long term solution to military absentee voting issues. Robert Cary, Director of the Federal Voting Assistance Program expressed confidence in use of the internet as a expedient form of ballot delivery. Cary stopped short of embracing a full transition to online voting,

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-27557300389506663862011-07-19T15:19:00.005-04:002011-07-19T15:49:34.643-04:00

AH-64D Longbow Apache in IraqThe story, from USA Today (7/15/11): Reservists allege mistreatment by ArmyReservists with a Kentucky-based attack helicopter battalion have signed a complaint accusing the Army of mistreatment and discrimination during the four-month training period before their deployment to Iraq.The soldiers (including company commanders) say they experienced virtual "lockdown"

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-91199820746004389542011-07-13T11:41:00.002-04:002011-07-13T11:41:45.736-04:00

Bob Feidler, Director, Defense Education Forum At a recent program cosponsored by the Defense Education Forum and American Bar Association Committee on Law and National Security, legal scholars and staff from key Congressional committees reviewed the role of Congress in approving discrete, limited use of force today, either against state actors like Libya or diffuse terrorist groups like

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-44186013874072529812011-07-06T12:21:00.002-04:002011-07-07T09:42:39.338-04:00

The AP reports that "the Defense Department is grooming a new type of commander to coordinate the military response to domestic disasters, hoping to save lives by avoiding some of the chaos that plagued the Hurricane Katrina rescue effort." Read the full article A National Guard Soldier from the 148th Medical Company helps a stranded man to the roof of a New Orleans school building Sept. 6,

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-72664377419552955842011-06-29T10:43:00.002-04:002011-06-29T11:05:44.473-04:00

The following information was presented at a recent ICF International Event on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) attended by ROA legislative intern Courtney Whiteman. Definition: TBI is defined by DoD as a “traumatically induced structural injury or physiological disruption of brain function as a result of an external force.” Usually, TBI is caused by a foreign object striking or penetrating one’s

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-15544420473975171932011-06-27T11:26:00.014-04:002011-06-29T10:41:47.499-04:00

One year ago today, Congress passed Senate Resolution 541 establishing June 27 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day. Three years prior, the inspiration for this day came from the tragic death of Staff Sgt. Joe Biel. A North Dakota National Guardsman with the 164th Engineer Combat Battalion, Biel took his own life on April 26, 2007 following the completion of his second

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-79094932856757454672011-06-08T10:57:00.003-04:002011-06-29T10:42:43.187-04:00

The question below on active duty retirement was recently posed by an ROA member; please see the answer for ROA's response. Q: Is there any hope of successfully changing the ridiculous active duty retirement benefits in order to reduce the budget strain of expanding personnel costs and gain some parity in military retirement plans at the same time? I hope ROA supports what is obviously going to

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-88073862432349730722011-05-31T10:31:00.004-04:002011-05-31T10:38:49.019-04:00

ROA was briefed on the Veteran Crisis Line and the Department of Veterans Affairs’s (VA) Suicide Prevention Outreach Campaign led by Reingold, a communications and marketing firm. The Crisis Line, formerly known as the Veterans Suicide Hotline, was established in 2007. The name was changed to “Crisis Line” to encourage wider utilization. The Crisis Line is open 24/7/365, providing confidential

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-45878578909220001852011-05-25T12:56:00.002-04:002011-05-25T15:41:46.652-04:00

ROA was invited to a roundtable on Veterans Affairs issues hosted by Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Jeff Miller (R-Fla.). ROA Executive Director MG David Bockel represented ROA at the meeting, addressing issues on veteran unemployment.ROA - Outline of Specific Employment Issues DiscussedAttending groups were divided into seven tables with each

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-14254851796707632152011-05-25T12:33:00.002-04:002011-05-25T12:34:46.639-04:00

ROA participated in a conference call with First Lady Michelle Obama and Joshua DuBois, executive director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, on the "Joining Forces" initiative recently launched by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden.The purpose of the call was to share how faith-based groups and churches can assist in the initiative. According to Mrs. Obama,

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-39493091739218585272011-05-25T11:58:00.000-04:002011-05-25T11:59:35.938-04:00

ROA was briefed about the recently published report Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans and Agent Orange Exposure which concluded that “There is no consistent evidence to suggest that Blue Water Navy veterans were at higher or lower risk for cancer or other long-term health outcomes resulting from TCDD exposure associated with Agent Orange than Brown Water Navy veterans or ground troops.”The

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-41656427224404639672011-05-18T16:05:00.001-04:002011-05-18T16:08:28.405-04:00

In the early morning hours of May 12, the House Armed Services Committee completed the mark-up of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Next week this bill is scheduled for a vote by the entire House Chamber.It was a marathon session that lasted from 10 am on Wednesday to past 3 am the next morning. Despite a number of amendments and some intense debate, the final version of the bill

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-32674943995085373092011-05-18T12:22:00.002-04:002011-05-18T15:25:53.914-04:00

The Comprehensive Review of the Future Role of the Reserve Component prepared by the Office of the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs has been published. The review follows the 2010 QDR which called for the Reserve and National Guard to be "...vibrant...seamlessly integrated...trained, mobilized, and equipped for

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-85575110363579453762011-05-17T15:43:00.001-04:002011-05-17T15:43:49.656-04:00

As a volunteer, ROA’s legislative assistant (this writer) had the opportunity to participate in the GI Film Festival last week and attended the world premiere of The War Inside, an interactive film designed for service members to educate on behavioral health and post traumatic stress issues. The movie provided insight into the psychological challenges of returning home after deployment with

ReserveOfficerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809752122642052021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-61326449027454805122011-04-20T10:38:00.002-04:002011-04-20T10:44:11.791-04:00

Last week, prior to leaving on a two week spring break, Congress passed a continuing resolution that funds the federal government for the balance of the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. Defense was funded at a rate of $513 billion for FY-2011, bringing an end to a funding crisis for the Pentagon but not to the ongoing budget melodrama. DoD faced a cash flow conundrum when a series of short term

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-48543896750968929442011-04-18T11:54:00.000-04:002011-04-18T11:54:31.979-04:00

ROA and REA attended and submitted testimony for the recent Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing “Veterans’ Employment: Improving the Transition from the Battlefield to the Workplace.” Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) brought up the fact that in March, the Department of Labor (DoL) found that unemployment for veterans aged 20 to 24 was more than 27 percent. Ranking Member Richard

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-24269056060823045412011-03-30T10:11:00.001-04:002011-03-30T10:12:37.247-04:00

The Defense Education Forum of the Reserve Officers Association hosted a program March 24 on Iran and its threat to Israel and other neighbors. The theme of this program evolved quickly with Iran labeled the premier threat to United States security. To believe otherwise is to take our eye off the ball. The program delved into Iran’s intentions, potential means, a threat analysis, and our response

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-88862427315878202452011-03-29T12:02:00.001-04:002011-03-29T12:03:09.151-04:00

The Reserve Forces Policy Board, which recently marked its 60th anniversary and is the longest continually-serving Board at the Pentagon, held its annual meeting March 21. Chairman William Greenberg conducted the meeting with assistance from his new Military Executive, Maj Gen James Stewart (USAFR).    The program featured remarks from Secretary for Reserve Affairs Dennis McCarthy; a report

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-25311687708904455992011-03-28T16:22:00.012-04:002011-03-30T09:52:32.475-04:00

The Department of Defense (DOD) and military services have been conducting training for a little over a month on implementation of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”.  Each military service is writing its own training slides with a focus four principles: leadership, professionalism, discipline and respect.  The Army plans to complete training for 565,000 active duty soldiers by July and

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-61598970058388133772011-03-23T14:54:00.000-04:002011-03-23T14:54:10.593-04:00

DEF and the Institute for the Study of  War (ISW) co-sponsored a program on the current security situation in Afghanistan March 16 at the Minuteman Memorial Building. Featured on the program were LTG (Ret) James Dubik (moderator), Dr. Kim Kagan (President of ISW), Peter Bergen (CNN commentator and author), and LTC Joel Rayburn, who recently returned from service in Afghanistan. Dr. Kagan noted

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-62721476037100189102011-03-23T11:09:00.000-04:002011-03-23T11:09:45.806-04:00

The country is still operating under a continuing resolution (CR) which will expire April 8.  The CR cuts an additional $6 billion in overall discretionary spending. This three-week spending extension permits further negotiation on a spending bill for the balance of Fiscal Year 2011. The House passed the extension on Tuesday by a vote of 271-158, with a total of 54 Republicans voting against the

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-85354611580566615582011-03-22T12:14:00.001-04:002011-03-22T13:00:01.952-04:00

With Gen. David Petraeus’ return to Washington, the congressional spotlight shifted from the budget to Afghanistan last week. General Petraeus testified before the House Armed Services Committee March 16 on progress in Afghanistan. Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) asked the General, “What is your view on the advisability of the House of Representatives passing a resolution…that would call for the

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-33729825317099141852011-03-16T14:36:00.007-04:002011-03-17T12:23:21.970-04:00

ROA legislative director CAPT Marshall Hanson testified before the House Armed Services Military Subcommittee on Military Personnel at a hearing on health care reform this morning. The testimony followed a hearing held the day before where Pentagon representatives talked about their recommendations for change. -ROA Written Testimony -Hearing: 'Military Health System Overview and Defense Health

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-26254316032761676072011-03-16T10:53:00.000-04:002011-03-16T10:53:53.447-04:00

Chairman Carl Levin The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) is one of the main committees that ROA works with on military personnel issues including end strength and preparedness, retirement, education, military voting, health care and other areas. ROA also works with SASC via The Military Coalition and the National Military and Veteran Alliance. The Chairman and Ranking Member of the

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-25698045834824500002011-03-15T15:07:00.002-04:002011-03-17T12:25:50.823-04:00

House National Guard & Reserve Components Caucus members, OSD officials, the Reserve Component Chiefs, and Senior Enlisted Advisers were in attendance at the ROA co-sponsored House Reserve Component Caucus Breakfast to discuss key National Guard and Reserve issues today.Secretary Dennis M. McCarthy, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, was the keynote speaker and the first to

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-35677693674680044962011-03-11T14:44:00.004-05:002011-03-11T15:13:13.914-05:00

Fixing early retirement—the concept whereby Reservists and Guardsmen can subtract time from age 60 when they would otherwise begin drawing their reserve retirement—has been at the front of ROA’s advocacy agenda for a while. We had a huge win in the January 2008 National Defense Authorization act, which established early retirement of 90 days for every consecutive 90 day period of active duty.

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-6049088076952461392011-03-09T13:59:00.002-05:002011-03-09T15:09:14.239-05:00

The Continuing Resolution (CR) process is impacting the Department of Defense, delaying training, procurement, and maintenance. ROA, along with other military and veteran organizations, has signed letters asking both the House and Senate Appropriations committees to pass a defense appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 to provide funding stability until October 1. Unable to come to a funding

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-56102393996087046692011-03-09T10:18:00.002-05:002011-03-09T11:21:09.031-05:00

Former Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) has decided to step down in order to serve as Chairman of the Indian Services Committee, but he will remain a Committee member. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) is the new Chairwoman. Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) continues as the Ranking Member. Chairwoman Murray, the first woman to serve on the SVAC, represents the

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-76345264256803021992011-03-07T13:12:00.003-05:002011-03-07T13:16:22.996-05:00

In the past month, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and the Center for American Progress (CAP) have proposed raising TRICARE fees to bring health care costs under control. Gates’ proposal, contained in the 2012 Department of Defense (DoD) budget, calls for raising annual TRICARE contributions by more than 11 percent, leading to savings of $424 million over the next five years. The CAP proposal

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-82641006062820705392011-03-02T10:09:00.002-05:002011-03-02T10:09:52.974-05:00

The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, ADM Robert J. Papp, Jr., who is also an ROA member and Minuteman Hall of Fame awardee, testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation regarding the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 budget. This year the Coast Guard actually saw an increase of 1.8 percent over the current FY-11 Continuing

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-15763432480700947862011-02-23T11:44:00.000-05:002011-02-23T11:44:38.666-05:00

ROA urges Congress to consider the contribution of the Reserve Components and the need to appropriately fund the total force as the military marks a significant milestone for Citizen Warriors in overseas contingency operations this week. The Department of Defense announced it has mobilized over 800,000 Reservists since Sept. 11, 2001. Of this number, more than 250,000 people have deployed more

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-35383903676894753982011-02-17T10:08:00.001-05:002011-02-22T10:11:13.192-05:00

The Reserve Officers Association has found a little-known public law protecting student veteran rights may be being ignored by financial institutions.Since Aug. 14, 2008, federally guaranteed student loans have been subject to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act’s (SCRA) 6 percent interest rate cap upon mobilization. Students must request interest rate reductions upon mobilization. Those students

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-24700643798522941412011-02-16T10:20:00.000-05:002011-02-16T10:20:37.320-05:00

ROA was invited to a special briefing Monday for beneficiary associations on proposed changes to health care which coincided with the release of the President’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2012. The meeting followed comments previously made by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates about the high cost of military health care, with a promise of “modest” health care fee increases. The meeting was

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-78022687143454601592011-02-09T14:56:00.000-05:002011-02-09T14:56:39.103-05:00

In 2010, the Department of Education published regulations implementing the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.  The regulations, 5 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R) section 668.18, went into effect July 1, 2010.  The law is codified under 20 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 1091c.  Until the regulations were made effective, each educational institution was expected to make a good

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-37130856320102166962011-02-09T09:46:00.001-05:002011-02-09T16:27:34.323-05:00

Over the past couple weeks, ROA met with the staff of key congressmen to discuss several important issues. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga. ROA discussed strategy for correcting early retirement this year. Among the approaches discussed was correcting the coverage back to Sept. 11, 2001. The challenge faced is the need to offset the CBO-recalculated cost of $1.2 billion over ten years. ROA Current

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-74227641333752730892011-02-08T12:41:00.003-05:002011-02-08T12:50:16.042-05:00

Director of the Service Members Law Center CAPT Sam Wright and ROA Legislative Assistant Elizabeth Cochran met with Rep. Ed Markey’s (D-Mass.) staff last week to discuss issues with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).While there were a few improvements provided in the 111th Congress, there are still problems

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-38447006832505056052011-02-08T12:35:00.000-05:002011-02-08T12:35:48.116-05:00

ROA’s legislative department attended the House Armed Services hearing last week about the Department of Defense’s (DOD) efficiency and savings measures. Read the written testimony/watch the webcast One issue discussed was the termination of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, which DOD has no specific plan to replace. When the panel’s service leaders were asked about health care problems,

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-26482415440460555772011-01-31T14:15:00.006-05:002011-02-03T11:56:19.615-05:00

The Reserve Officers Association of the United States inducted Rear Adm. Daniel R. May, United States Coast Guard, into its Minute Man Hall of Fame at its National Security Symposium here Sunday.Admiral May, who hails from Orlando, Fla., stood out among his predecessors as the U.S. Coast Guard Director of the Reserve and Leadership from January, 2008 to April, 2010.Adm. May receives his award

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-2523662582141244572011-01-31T13:01:00.005-05:002011-02-03T12:00:57.161-05:00

Dennis McCarthy, assistant secretary of defense for Reserve Affairs, said Monday that many who used to see the Reserve Component as a strategic force that is used “once in a lifetime,” now understand that it will never be that way again. Speaking at the first-ever Reserve Officers Association (ROA) National Security Symposium, Mr. McCarthy emphasized that these ideas have changed significantly.

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-21049202458926591042011-01-31T11:59:00.005-05:002011-02-03T12:03:08.615-05:00

Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the Army, noted Sunday that although the complexities of the brain make it challenging to determine treatments for those wounded, the Army continues its effort to find solutions to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stemming the tide of suicide among service members. His keynote address kicked off ROA's

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-88804033423466080522011-01-31T11:45:00.001-05:002011-01-31T11:46:06.944-05:00

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz told attendees at the first-ever Reserve Officers Association (ROA) National Security Symposium on Sunday that tight budgets and new threats demand a unified force to face future threats."We must continue to steer clear of pure-parochialism in favor of greater Total Force collaboration and integration, to reconsider the tendency for pure self

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-57230965436315106332011-01-25T10:32:00.004-05:002011-01-25T12:16:33.577-05:00

Reserve Officers Association Executive Director, retired MG David Bockel, was in attendance at the White House as the President's new commitments to better support military families were introduced Jan. 24. The administration outlined nearly 50 federal initiatives by federal agencies that establish coordinated and comprehensive support to military families. The program's title: "Strengthening

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-80107527051387495022011-01-24T11:23:00.004-05:002011-03-09T11:25:22.865-05:00

Over the past year ROA has worked extensively with the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) and had the opportunity to submit testimony multiple times. Some of the issues built into testimony included Veteran Status, employment, health related-issues affecting rural veterans, and other Reserve Component-specific matters. In addition, Executive Director Maj. Gen. David Bockel testified on the

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-43951417369512979222011-01-24T11:19:00.005-05:002011-03-09T11:27:50.357-05:00

The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) is one of primary committees that ROA has and continues to work with. Over the past year alone ROA has worked with committee members on such issues as granting eligibility for certain Reserve Component members to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery and military personnel issues to include readiness, education, health care, and other areas. ROA also

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-18775559801161706572011-01-21T14:40:00.002-05:002011-01-24T12:36:05.964-05:00

WASHINGTON — The Reserve Officers Association of the United States representing the 1.5 million reservists serving today released the following joint statement by retired Rear Adm. Paul Kayye, ROA President, and retired Maj. Gen. David Bockel, ROA Executive Director: CJCS at National Defense University - U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff addresses

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-57511730715306226102011-01-19T13:40:00.001-05:002011-01-19T13:40:58.887-05:00

The oversight plan of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) for the 112th Congress confirms that the HASC has its eye on many issues of interest to the Reserve Officers Association, including a few that reflect ROA’s focus and activities as of late.Reflecting one of ROA’s new Top Ten Priorities, the plan cites the “defense industrial base and technology transfers” as an important area of

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-40299897131945123622011-01-11T12:34:00.001-05:002011-01-11T12:35:02.854-05:00

U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight, transport patients from a C-130J Super Hercules to an ambulance during an aeromedical evacuation mission to transport patients from Camp Bastion at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, to Bagram Air Base on July 19, 2009. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller) RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany--The

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-54379724360647810272011-01-11T12:13:00.002-05:002011-01-11T13:59:33.214-05:00

 Pictured left to right: RADM Paul Kayye, ROA President; Maj. Gen. (Ret) Sid Shachnow, USA (Ret); Brig. Gen. Noam Tibon, Commander, Israeli Defense Force Command and Staff College; Maj. Gen. (Ret) David Bockel, ROA Executive Director.  The American Israel Public Affairs Committee brought ROA President Rear Adm. Paul Kayye, Executive Director Maj Gen David Bockel, and 5 others from

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-31376607034034656962010-12-22T11:21:00.000-05:002010-12-22T11:21:21.539-05:00

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 was passed by both chambers of Congress and is awaiting President Obama’s signature. The legislation provides many improvements including Title 32 AGR eligibility; vocational, OJT, apprenticeship, flight training and other non-degree training; housing stipend for full-time distance learners; a book allowance for service

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-84918461669876668752010-12-22T11:18:00.001-05:002010-12-22T11:18:16.939-05:00

In anticipation of the President Barack Obama’s report on Afghanistan and Pakistan, ROA’s legislative team attended the Center for a New American Security’s (CNAS) event “Responsible Transition: Securing U.S. Interests in Afghanistan Beyond 2011” early last week.The presentation provided a fairly balanced assessment in which the speakers, LTG David Barno (Ret.), former commander of U.S. and

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-83569138746239803052010-12-22T11:07:00.001-05:002010-12-22T15:48:36.567-05:00

Andrew Gonyea Communications Assistant Since 2001 over 770,000 reserve component service members have been activated.  Winning in Iraq and Afghanistan has required a significant shift from a strategic to an operational reserve. As we move into an era of increasing defense budget constraints and internal competition for Pentagon resources, what role will the operational Guard and Reserves play?

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-6764458608332242632010-12-15T09:57:00.005-05:002010-12-15T11:14:36.317-05:00

CAPT Marshall HansonROA Legislative Director S.3447, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, was passed by the Senate earlier this week and sent to the House for consideration. The bill streamlines the new GI Bill for those who have served on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001 and expands opportunities for training and education by paying benefits for on-job and

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-67217566973582390192010-12-15T09:49:00.002-05:002010-12-15T10:00:25.604-05:00

CAPT Marshall Hanson ROA Legislative DirectorThe Veteran Status bill (H.R.3787) appears to have died with a wimper in the Senate. This was the bill that would have extended veteran status to Guard and Reserve members who have qualified for retirement after 20 years of service, but who have never been activated long enough to satisfy VA requirements to be recognized as a veterans. Hotlined for

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-76361592374064914402010-12-01T14:23:00.003-05:002010-12-01T14:44:20.654-05:00

Bob FeidlerDirector, Defense Education ForumOn November 28, the Investigations and Oversight Committee of the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing to review Professional Military Education issues and receive reaction to a House report on that topic issued earlier this year. A panel of witnesses reflecting various elements of the Department of Defense and the services broadly praised the

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-34448596976181205002010-11-17T11:23:00.000-05:002010-11-17T11:23:13.735-05:00

CAPT Marshall Hanson ROA Legislative Director Congress returned to Washington this week to start its "lame duck" session. Also in town are the 93 newly-elected officials who begin their orientation for the next session starting Jan. 5, 2011. A number of members of Congress who weren't reelected said their goodbyes in emotional gatherings. An unanswered question is what will be passed in the

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-11279505071199570342010-11-17T11:19:00.001-05:002010-11-17T11:19:14.496-05:00

CAPT Marshall HansonROA Legislative DirectorIn Washington the media is reporting that the White House and Senate leadership were surprised by the announcement by Sen. Jon Kyl that he doesn’t support a ratification vote on the New START Treaty with Russia during the “lame duck” session.“When Majority Leader Harry Reid asked me if I thought the treaty could be considered in the lame duck session, I

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-4209047694343266612010-11-17T10:14:00.000-05:002010-11-17T10:14:20.379-05:00

Andrew Gonyea Communications Assistant The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform calls for a “cut in ALL excess spending – defense spending, domestic discretionary spending, entitlement spending, & spending in the tax code” in its Co-Chairs’ Proposal Draft released Nov. 10. The bi-partisan Commission, created by President Obama to address our nation’s fiscal challenges,

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-90619725494684833582010-11-10T11:33:00.004-05:002010-11-10T11:35:20.769-05:00

Erim Sarinoglu ROA Intern ROA was in attendance yesterday as the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) unveiled their new Veterans Employment Program Office on the anniversary of President Obama’s Executive Order 13518, “Veterans Employment Initiative.” OPM Director John Berry presented the center as a resource hub connecting veterans to the employment opportunities available across the many

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-23555122985010202592010-11-03T14:51:00.003-04:002010-11-03T16:09:11.634-04:00

Andrew Gonyea Communications Assistant The Supreme Court heard oral argument yesterday in the case of Army Reservist Sgt. Vincent Staub, who alleges he was fired from his job as an angiography technologist because of anti-military bias by his former employer, Proctor Hospital. For background on this case, please consult the following resources: * Law Review 0922: Is Personal Animus

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-87534483072118014472010-11-01T12:06:00.002-04:002010-11-01T12:07:02.115-04:00

Erim SarinogluLegislative InternROA further expanded its role in promoting veterans’ educational benefits in meeting with IAVA and student veterans Oct. 27. The meeting, which took place at ROA’s headquarters, included Peter Nesbitt, President of the University Military Association at Georgetown University, who shed light on obstacles student veterans face at local institutions of higher

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-74035574810597918752010-10-29T11:44:00.002-04:002010-10-29T11:47:32.072-04:00

Gen. Carrol H. Chandler spoke Oct. 28 at the CSIS on Air Force efficiencies. At a military strategy forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies Oct. 28, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, General Carrol H. Chandler, spoke about the Air Force’s approach to the Department of Defense’s savings and efficiencies initiative.The department needs to become more efficient because it

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-23336349202249705682010-10-27T11:46:00.002-04:002010-11-03T16:09:54.983-04:00

This Tuesday, Nov. 2, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in the case Staub v. Proctor Hospital. Staub is the Court's first-ever case dealing with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) and the first reemployment rights case since 1991. ROA Current Issues - USERRA Army Reserve Sergeant Vincent E. Staub claims that Proctor Hospital violated USERRA when

ReserveOfficernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299281541084179943.post-22926987469091847362010-10-20T14:32:00.000-04:002010-10-20T14:32:53.229-04:00

Andrew Gonyea Communications Assistant After two years of debate over which programs to include, H.R.3219, the Veterans’ Benefits Act of 2010, was signed into law by President Obama Oct. 13. Included in the bill are key improvements to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). In early 2009, ROA brought up the need for a

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