Newsbytes May 23, 2024
In this issue:
FRA Presents Award to Naval Academy Midshipman
FRA Backs Major Richard Star Act Presser
FY26 NDAA Priorities for Service Members
HVAC Hearing: VA Adaptive Programs
Memorial Day Observances
FRA Presents Award to Naval Academy Midshipman
On
May 22, 2025, the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) honored Midshipman
First Class Adley Louissant with its prestigious Leadership Award during
a meaningful ceremony at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis,
Maryland. Although inclement weather canceled the anticipated Blue
Angels flyover, the day remained a powerful celebration of excellence,
tradition, and service.
The
event began with a ceremonial parade on Worden Field, where the Brigade
of Midshipmen marched in formation with characteristic precision and
unity. Undeterred by the rain, faculty, families, and distinguished
guests looked on as the midshipmen upheld one of the Academy’s most
time-honored traditions, setting a proud and respectful tone for the
events to follow.
The
award ceremony was held in Alumni Hall, where Midshipman Louissant was
presented with a ceremonial sword—an enduring symbol of leadership,
responsibility, and military honor. The FRA selected Louissant for
exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and a steadfast commitment
to the Navy’s core values: honor, courage, and commitment.
Key
FRA leaders were present for the occasion, including National President
Maria Behm, National Past Chaplain Robert Behm, National Executive
Director Phillip Reid, and Assistant Director of Legislative Programs
Theo Lawson. The delegation took time to connect directly with
Midshipman Louissant and his family, offering warm congratulations
and discussing the significance of the award. They also engaged with
Naval Academy faculty and graduates, sharing insights into the FRA’s
broader mission, including legislative advocacy, support for active-duty
and retired sea service members, and the resources available to
midshipmen as they transition into naval service. These meaningful
conversations reflected the FRA’s deep commitment to fostering
excellence and providing enduring support across the naval community.
Despite
the weather, the ceremony was a resounding success. It highlighted the
shared dedication of the FRA and the U.S. Naval Academy to developing
the next generation of naval officers—leaders who will carry forward the
values of service, integrity, and sacrifice. The presentation of the
sword served as both a personal milestone for Midshipman Louissant and a
symbol of the lasting partnership between the FRA and the sea
services.
FRA Backs Major Richard Star Act Presser
On
May 21, 2025, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and Senator Richard
Blumenthal (D-CT) hosted a press conference in the Dirksen Senate Office
Building to rally support for the Major Richard Star Act, a bipartisan
bill named after Major Richard Star, a Green Beret who died of
service-related lung cancer in 2021. The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA)
legislative team joined Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and other
Veterans and Military Service Organizations (VSOs/MSOs) in attendance,
with Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), the House sponsor, scheduled
to appear but unable to attend. The bill seeks to end the unfair offset
reducing Department of Defense (DoD) retirement pay for approximately
54,000 medically retired veterans by their VA disability compensation.
The FRA’s active participation highlighted our commitment to veterans’
benefits and the bill’s potential to boost military recruitment.
Wounded
warriors delivered powerful testimonies, sharing how the offset strips
financial security from veterans forced to retire due to combat
injuries. Senator Blumenthal called the policy a grave injustice, urging
Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act and include it as an
amendment in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
After
the press conference, the FRA legislative team, alongside other
VSOs/MSOs, met with a staffer from Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) office to
strategize on advancing the bill to the President’s desk. They discussed
securing bipartisan House support, addressing budgetary concerns, and
pushing for an NDAA amendment to ensure passage before the congressional
session ends. Kaine’s office pledged to work with VSOs to build
momentum. The FRA’s legislative efforts were instrumental in driving
these discussions and mobilizing support for the bill.
The FRA urges its members to act now by visiting bit.ly/41HBUiC to
contact their congressmen and senators, pressing for support of the
Major Richard Star Act and its NDAA amendment. With the FRA legislative
team’s advocacy, alongside WWP, Blumenthal, Ruiz, and Bilirakis’s
support, the bill has strong bipartisan momentum. FRA members’ voices
are critical to ensuring Congress acts swiftly to honor America’s
wounded warriors.
FY26 NDAA Priorities for Service Members and Families
The
Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), reviewed
during the U.S. House Armed Services Committee’s Member Day on May 20,
2025, outlines major initiatives aimed at improving the lives of service
members and their families. From healthcare reforms to infrastructure
improvements, lawmakers presented proposals designed to address pressing
challenges faced by military communities. These discussions underscore
Congress’s ongoing commitment to honoring the sacrifices of service
members by ensuring their health, safety, and overall well-being.
One
major focus is healthcare support for Gold Star families and
combat-wounded Guard and Reserve members. Representative Captor of Ohio
introduced the Gold Star Spouse Healthcare Enhancement Act,
which would allow eligible surviving spouses and children to retain
TRICARE Prime or Select coverage under active-duty family member status.
Captor also spotlighted the need for improved long-term care for Guard
and Reserve members suffering from service-connected injuries such as
PTSD. These measures ensure sustained support for families and veterans
who face lifelong health challenges.
To
ease the burden of relocation, particularly for families with special
needs, Representative Randall of Washington proposed the ANCHOR for Military Families Act.
The legislation would require the Department of Defense to provide
standardized PCS guidance at least 45 days in advance, helping families
better navigate educational transitions under the Military Interstate
Children’s Compact Commission. Randall also advocated for more funding
for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) to support
off-base schools and utilities—critical infrastructure in high-cost
areas like Washington’s Sixth District.
Infrastructure
and equipment upgrades are also key priorities to enhance base safety
and mission readiness. Representative Gonzalez of Texas highlighted the
need for a new pass and tag facility and fire station at Naval Air
Station Kingsville. In Iowa, Representative Finer called for replacing
the deteriorating runway at the 185th Air Refueling Wing to accommodate
modern aircraft. Additionally, Representative Budzinski introduced the Boots Act,
requiring all optional combat boots to be American-made and Berry
Amendment-compliant, ensuring higher quality gear while supporting
domestic manufacturing.
Broader
policy concerns also shape the future readiness and well-being of
military communities. Representative Shrier of Washington focused on the
need for increased childcare worker pay and access, especially in
high-cost regions, and called for restoring funds to the Congressionally
Directed Medical Research Program. These initiatives highlight the
importance of continued legislative engagement to secure a stable and
supportive environment for service members and their families.
HVAC Hearing: VA Adaptive Programs
The
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) hearing highlighted three
critical VA programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities:
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH), Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE),
and Adaptive Sports. These programs aim to enhance independence through
home modifications, vehicle adaptations, and sports opportunities. The
Fleet Reserve Association welcomes these proposed improvements and
supports initiatives that restore normalcy for disabled veterans.
However, veterans face challenges like payment delays, complex
applications, and lack of awareness. This article outlines essential
details from the HVAC hearing to help veterans access these benefits.
The
SAH program offers up to $121,000 in 2024 for home modifications,
adjusted annually for construction costs. Veterans can adapt existing
homes or build new ones, but rising costs may require personal funds.
The VA eliminated third-party escrow fees, saving $500 per project, and
plans to streamline applications by July 2025. Eligibility takes three
to six months, with faster processing for conditions like ALS. Contact
the VA or groups like Homes for Our Troops for support.
The
AAE program funds vehicle modifications like hand controls or
wheelchair lifts, tailored to individual needs with no cost cap. Payment
delays to vendors, sometimes exceeding 500 days, risk reducing provider
availability. A policy change limits vehicle trade-ins to every four
years, increasing veterans’ costs. The Assist Act (HR 1364) seeks to
improve access. Work with VA-approved vendors and stay informed about
reimbursement processes.
Adaptive
Sports programs, funded by $15.9 million in 2024 grants, support
activities like cycling and wheelchair rugby to boost physical and
mental health. Programs like Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride and
Northeast Passage foster community and reduce depression. Many veterans,
especially in rural areas, are unaware of these programs due to poor
outreach. Learn about opportunities through VA clinicians, www.va.gov, or events like the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
To access these benefits, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000, visit www.va.gov,
or connect with Veteran Service Organizations like Paralyzed Veterans
of America, which hosts 60+ adaptive sports events yearly. Challenges
include complex processes and staffing shortages, but legislation like
the Autonomy for All Disabled Veterans Act (HR 3309) aims to adjust
grants for inflation. The Fleet Reserve Association supports these
efforts to ensure disabled veterans regain a sense of normalcy. Stay
proactive to secure your earned benefits.
Memorial Day Observances
On
Monday, May 26, FRA’s National President Maria Behm will be at the
Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will
lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in honor of the men and women
who have died in service to their nation. NED Phillip Reid will attend
an event at the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC. Shipmates and all
Americans are reminded on Memorial Day that “freedom is not free.” In
observance of Memorial Day, FRA National Headquarters will be closed on
Monday, May 26,2025.