CANDID, BUT CLEAN AFSA appreciates the candor of every-
one’s feedback both for and against key issues. At the same time, we encourage our readers to keep their comments clean so we can use them in these pages—and in our work on Capitol Hill. Remember that unlike some organizations, AFSA discusses all views in our deliberations with congressional members or their staff, and we will continue to do so.
CALL FOR USFPA REPEAL “I am writing asking for AFSA’s assistance in repealing
the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA). While this is the law, it is an antiquated law. It came about during a time where the majority of military spouse’s did not work or did not have the ability to work. This is no longer the case. Is the USFSPA an emotionally charged issue? You bet it is. An active-duty member who cheats on their spouse could (and often times would) be charged with adultery. If the civilian spouse does the same, they are given half of the military members retire- ment depending on number of years served and years of marriage. This is ludicrous. And unfortunately, the retiree does not have the free will to prohibit retirement payments to his or her ex-spouse. This is not a male issue, and it is not a female issue; this is a military retiree issue. Who is protecting the service member in this situation? It takes an organization like AFSA. It is time for all of us to take a stand to repeal this outdated and antiquated act, but it takes a voice to do that. We need your voice, AFSA.”
—S.O.
AFSA Response: This law has, in effect, become an automatic “cash cow” for some former military spouses— regardless of what fault that led to a divorce proceeding. While the law does not say a judge must award funds to a former spouse, based on legal precedence and decisions, the USFSPA has evolved into an automatic boon for the former spouse—no matter how egregious the behavior of either party. AFSA’s position is that this law, in effect, unfairly targets military members and, thus, should be repealed or, at least, significantly amended. For instance, if a former spouse remarries, he or she should lose any claim to a military retiree’s retirement pay. Your AFSA advocates make it a point to discuss the problems asso- ciated with the USFSPA every chance they get but so far have been unable to identify a congressional member in the 113th Congress willing to strap it on. Unfortunately, it’s not just an emotional issue; it’s also a politically sensi- tive one. And we are glad to hear you haven’t given up on this issue because we haven’t either. AFSA members voted unanimously to keep the issue on our legislative platform for the 2014–2015 legislative year.
Several readers have inquired as to where they could find AFSA’s newly approved Legislative Platform. Look for “Legislative Priorities” on the front page of the AFSA website, at
www.hqafsa.org, and click on the link provided.
RETIREMENT VS. DISABILITY PAY “I am a retired Chief Master Sergeant, a lifetime member
of the Sergeants Association, and have a 40 percent disability with the VA. This money is taken out of my retirement check and is tax-free, which is nice. I save about $50 each month, but it still reduces my military retirement check.
My question is, this took effect in 2003 to save the gov- ernment money and was supposed to be reinstated in January of 2014. I have been checking with the congres- sional committees, and there has been no progression since January 2013. A year and nine months have gone by—is there going to be any action on this or not?
If I only save $50 a month, why did I go through all of the trouble to be at a 40 percent disability and only save
Comments appearing in the Airmen’s Forum are culled from letters, emails, and social media posts sent by our members and supporters to Headquarters AFSA. The Forum serves as a platform for members to voice their opinions on a given subject, which may or may not reflect the views or positions of the Association as a whole. AFSA Magazine reserves the right to select and condense letters for publication. Send your questions and comments to
staff@hqafsa.org.
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www.hqafsa.org
THOUGHTS, OPINIONS, AND QUESTIONS FROM AFSA MEMBERSAIRMEN’S FORUM
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