Blog Post

IAVA Warns of New Defense Plan Impact for Military Families and Retirees
Posted by Michelle McCarthy on January 5 2012

IAVA released the following statement in response to a new U.S. defense strategy unveiled by the President and the Department of Defense on Thursday:

“IAVA and the entire veterans community is closely tracking on the new defense strategy unveiled today by the President and Secretary of Defense. America has the best-trained, best-led, best-equipped military in the world—and we need to ensure our country’s commitment to caring for those who have served is unwavering. IAVA strongly opposes any budget cuts coming at the expense of service members’ and veterans’ long-term health and financial stability,” said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.

“We’re carefully monitoring the impact of the new plan, especially on military pay, retirement benefits and healthcare costs for military families and retirees. After 10 years of war, now is not the time to nickel and dime our community. Our country paid the price to send troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, and we have a responsibility to protect and support them at home. In the coming weeks, we look forward to more specifics from the Administration about the budget and its impact on the force. Until then, we stand ready to work with the White House, Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to ensure our members and their families stay a top national priority.”

In September 2011, IAVA outlined opposition to proposed fee increases for veterans and their families included in the President's deficit reduction plan. Click here to read our statement and learn more.

Veteran of Iraq or Afghanistan? Join the conversation and share your reactions on this issue inside Community of Veterans.

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