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.