4-27-12

FRA Storms Capitol Hill

Members of FRA's National Board of Directors (NBOD) and other Association leaders brought the enlisted perspective to Capitol Hill this week as they visited their respective elected officials in Washington, D.C.   These shipmates shared the Association’s position on priority legislative issues with their senators and representatives, asking them to find alternatives to future DoD budget cuts mandated by the 2011 Budget Control Act, oppose the Administration’s plan to drastically increase TRICARE fees and oppose efforts to amend/reduce military retirement benefits. FRA also asked lawmakers to take action to reduce the disability claims backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and extend disability benefits to Blue Water veterans exposed to the Agent Orange herbicide while serving off the coast of Vietnam.

FRA Board members, shipmates and auxiliary members also attended the Association’s Pinnacle Award reception yesterday, where FRA honored California Representative Bob Filner, ranking member of the House VA Committee, for his tireless support for veterans.