We are military family. Last week, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel released the Department of Defense's part of the 2015 budget. Those cuts mean that military families will now be shouldering much more of the cost of healthcare and living expenses, while also limiting cost of living raises. With so many other areas of waste in our system, I am having a hard time with the idea that military families are considered (by the government) an appropriate place to make up those costs. In response, I have drafted a letter below to my congressperson. If you are military or former military,encourage you to use this letter to contact your congressperson as well. at the end of the letter, there is also a link where you can find the names and contact information for your representatives.
Dear Congressman NAME HERE:
I am a military spouse. Like many other military families, we face long separations from our loved one, frequent relocations, and living a life of complete service to the country we love. I am very proud of not just my husband's service, but my family's service as well. I am writing to you because I am greatly concerned about the changes to military healthcare, basic allowance for housing, and pay raise limitations proposed by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in the 2015 Budget.
I understand that budget reform is desperately overdue. I support the idea of reform, but not on the backs of our soldiers. There are many areas where costs can be cut that don't take away from military families benefits.
I ask that you do not approve these cuts when the 2015 budget comes to the floor for debate and vote "No" on any cuts directly affecting military members healthcare, basic allowance for housing, and pay raise limitations. I encourage you and your colleagues to work with the Military Officers Association of America, as well as the Office of Veteran's Affairs to work together to make budget cuts in areas that will not risk the financial stability of our soldiers and their families.
"Service Before Self" is not just a pledge my husband has made to his country, but one that our entire family holds close with every move, separation, and time of uncertainty-which are quite frequent in our service. I ask that you serve us as diligently as military families have served our country. Do not allow these cuts to military benefits to pass. It is up to you, our elected officials, to make sure military service can continue to be our focus, rather than concerns about rising healthcare and living costs.
I thank you for your time, consideration, and service to the American people.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Rodriguez
Wife of Captain Matthew Rodriguez USAF
Find the name, email, and mailing address of your local Congressperson on this site.
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