Blue Water Navy

Once again we will not see a COLA increase for Social Security, Military Retirement, or VA Disability. This leads me to believe that DAV, MOAA, FLEET RESERVE, AMVETS, AMERICAN LEGION (and other Vet Watchdogs) have not done a good job when it comes to watching out for Retires and disabled Veterans. Rumors are already starting NO COLA for 2010. You would think Veteran Organizations, Congress, and the Veterans themselves would be up in arms about this. After all this is the second year we were cheated. Active duty military are getting their pay raise (deserved). Retired Civil Service will get their cola just like last year. So why are we being left out. OK, they do not want to give us a cola or increase in retired pay or disability and they do not want to pay CONCURRENT Receipt disability under fifty percent. The United States has figured out a way to not give us our due. If you just review these things it might give you an insight as to why Blue Water Navy personnel will never see a dime for Agent Orange Exposure.... The BLUE WATER NAVY organization has made some inroads towards getting some members under exception categories benefits. However true Blue Water Navy Personnel are still not getting any consideration for listed qualifying diseases. To me it looks like the concessions VA has made were at the cost of True Blue Water Personnel. Plus we are grasping for straws thinking pending bills will answer our prayers. Keep in mind other bills have been passed and negated.

just want to point out an inaccuracy in above posting; federal civil service cola's are "tied" to social security: if social security recipients do not get one, neither do civil service retirees. civil service retirees did not get one in 01/10 and will not get one in 01/11.

I think you will find that the Seniors, Vets, Disabled, and all are a silent majority and the election on Nov. 2, will provide some great insight to the politicians. Most all incumbents, whether they be National, State or Local are seeing this with more and more people just not supporting them.

People have found out that if the one's in office don't do the job, then get somebody else in who will. It may take several elections for all of this to be realized. We Veterans fought and sacraficed for thiis right. Many gave all and the Government won't help now. I am studying my ballot with great pains, here in California we have many Proposals that change the government. Some are tricky which were placed there by the politicians. You have to read between the lines.

I just have this fo finalize. Get out and Vote. If you don't then forget about complaining.

I will be voting on the 18th of this month. My family members overseas have already voted. I hope after you have studied your ballot you will take the next step. VOTE

Good that means Civil Service employees should join the battle of getting this cola problem fixed...Hope they are onboard and doing the same things we are doing to get the problem fixed.