Newsbytes October 10, 2025 
 

In this issue:
FRA Attends Navy's 250th Birthday 
Senate Push for Major Richard Star Act Fails
Military Families Turn to Food Pantries 
FRA Signs Joint Letter on Veteran Disability Compensation 
Buddy Check Week 

FRA Attends Navy's 250th Birthday
The United States Navy kicked off its 250th birthday celebration with a series of events in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Navy, honoring its rich history, cherished traditions, and enduring contributions to national defense. Among the distinguished attendees were Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) National President Maria Behm, National Vice President Rick Fetro, and other shipmates representing the organization that has supported naval personnel and their families for more than a century.

Established in 1924, the Fleet Reserve Association has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Originally founded to offer financial, social, and advocacy support to enlisted members, FRA has evolved into a professional organization dedicated to advancing the welfare, rights, and quality of life for all sea service personnel. Over the decades, it has delivered essential programs, including retirement planning assistance, insurance services, scholarships, and advocacy on key legislative issues affecting active-duty, reserve, retired, and veteran sailors.

FRA's prominent presence at the 250th birthday celebration underscored the organization's unwavering commitment to the Navy community. FRA leaders took part in ceremonial events, connecting with current service members, veterans, and representatives from fellow maritime organizations. They also spotlighted FRA's vital advocacy efforts, such as legislative campaigns to safeguard pay, benefits, and healthcare access for naval personnel.

Throughout its history, FRA members have served as vital bridges between the enlisted community and policymakers, influencing legislation that shapes the future of the sea services. The association's programs and resources have provided indispensable support to sailors and their families during times of financial strain, deployments, and transitions to civilian life. FRA also prioritizes community-building and mentorship, cultivating a supportive network that spans generations of naval service.

As the Navy marks this historic milestone, FRA remains a steadfast partner, honoring the legacy of the past while championing the needs of tomorrow. National President Behm's participation in Philadelphia exemplifies FRA's enduring dedication to the welfare, morale, and professional growth of sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, solidifying its role as a cornerstone supporter of the United States Navy for 101 years and counting.

Senate Push for Major Richard Star Act Fails
A bipartisan effort to swiftly advance the Major Richard Star Act stalled in the U.S. Senate when Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) twice objected to unanimous consent requests from lead sponsor Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

Blumenthal sought immediate passage of S.1032, the Major Richard Star Act, which would enable over 50,000 combat-injured veterans medically retired before 20 years of service to receive concurrent full Department of Defense retirement pay and Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation, ending a decades-old offset that forces many to forgo one benefit. Despite being a cosponsor of the bill, Wicker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, blocked the request.

Undeterred, Blumenthal followed with a second plea to schedule a floor vote by December 31, 2025, requiring 60 votes for passage. Wicker objected again, halting progress despite the bill’s 76 bipartisan Senate cosponsors and its earlier approval in the House as H.R.2102.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated the legislation’s 10-year cost at $9.75 billion, a figure supporters argue is minimal compared to overall defense spending. Veterans’ groups and advocates expressed sharp disappointment, noting that 19 of the 26 Armed Services Committee members support the measure yet no intervention was made to allow its advancement.

The setback highlights the procedural and political hurdles that continue to impede passage of non-controversial veterans’ legislation amid fiscal pressures.

While no further action is currently scheduled, Sen. Blumenthal’s office confirmed plans for renewed efforts, and the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), alongside other Military Service Organizations (MSOs) and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) will continue the fight to get this vital legislation across the finish line.

Military Families Turn to Food Pantries 
The ongoing federal government shutdown, now over a week long, has placed significant financial pressure on military families and federal employees, with food pantries in some regions reporting a 30% increase in demand. Programs such as air travel operations, national parks, and the WIC food assistance program have also been disrupted due to the lapse in federal funding. Threats of withholding back pay for approximately 75,000 federal workers have intensified uncertainty. 

Junior enlisted service members are among those affected. ADLP spoke with a sailor stationed at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren who said, “I have no control over it and I’m hopeful for back pay. I do wonder, though, how fellow sailors with families are managing.” The comments highlight concern not just for personal finances but for the wellbeing of military families across the country. 

Nonprofit organizations are stepping in to provide support. The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) reported a 34% increase in food distribution demand in Killeen, Texas, during the first week of the shutdown. ASYMCA operates 22 food distribution sites across nine states, serving 53 military installations, and provides additional services such as childcare and child development programs for junior enlisted personnel. Each additional food distribution event costs roughly $60,000, funded entirely through donations and partnerships. 

Beyond food assistance, military families are encouraged to access other relief programs, including the USO, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Army Emergency Relief, Air Force Aid Society, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, and base relief programs. Financial institutions like USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union are offering zero-interest loans, while families are also advised to discuss hardship options with landlords, lenders, and utility providers to mitigate financial strain. 

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) continues to prioritize the welfare of sea service personnel. FRA urges members to contact their congressional representatives to support the Pay Our Troops Act, which seeks to ensure timely compensation for military personnel during shutdowns. 

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FRA Signs Joint Letter on Veteran Disability Compensation 
The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) has joined several veterans service organizations (VSOs) in signing a joint letter responding to a recent Washington Post article that highlighted the rise in veterans receiving 100% disability ratings. The article noted that “more than 1.5 million veterans held a 100 percent rating last year, double the figure from 2019 and nearly nine times as many as in 2001.”

In their response, the organizations expressed concern that the article lacked context, noting that the referenced data sets are based on pre-9/11 numbers and fail to account for nearly 24 years of continuous combat and high-intensity operations that have significantly impacted service members’ health.

The letter emphasized that similar increases in disability claims occurred after major conflicts such as World War II and the Vietnam War. It also pointed out that today’s advances in battlefield medicine allow more service members to survive injuries that would previously have been fatal, resulting in a greater number of veterans living with long-term disabilities.

In addition to signing onto the letter, the FRA announced plans to send a formal inquiry to the Administration seeking clarification on whether any reform plans are underway for the veteran disability compensation program. The inquiry will specifically ask:

• Whether the Administration is considering reforms to the VA’s disability compensation system.
• What the target areas of such reforms would be.
• Whether veterans service organizations (VSOs) will be included in the process to ensure transparency and fairness.
   

The FRA reaffirmed that any potential reform discussions must meaningfully involve veterans’ representatives. The Association remains committed to ensuring that the voices of those who served are central to shaping the future of veterans’ benefits and compensation programs.

Buddy Check Week 
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in support of The STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, has established National Veteran Buddy Checks to encourage peer-to-peer connections among Veterans and their families. These connections aim to reduce isolation, support peers in crisis, provide access to care, and increase awareness of VA and community resources. 

Veteran Buddy Check Week is scheduled for October 20–24, 2025. A simple, genuine conversation, whether in person or virtually, can make a significant difference. Start by asking how your buddies are doing, if they need assistance, or invite them to local events or activities. Keeping up with connections can be as easy as a phone call, email, text, or an in-person visit. The camaraderie of military life doesn’t have to end with service; it can continue year-round through regular buddy checks. 

Take the Pledge: Talk to 10, Be a Buddy 

All Veterans are encouraged to take the pledge to speak with 10 fellow Veterans, their families, caregivers, or survivors. This initiative promotes peer wellness, mental health, suicide prevention, and access to VA resources. Every contact counts, even if you can’t reach all 10 people, your outreach can make a meaningful difference. 

Learn more about VA’s National Veteran Buddy Check effort, access training modules and the Buddy Check Outreach Kit, and subscribe to receive resources to support your efforts. 

Providing Support and Resources 

Be prepared, while some Veterans may be doing well, others may need encouragement to seek help. 

If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 at Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat