The Fort Detrick ALL-Services Retiree Council is concerned that our Nation has failed to meet its past commitments to those that served. In light of the inability of the United States Congress to property address the erosion of economic and health care benefits for Retirees as a functional part of the FY 2000 Defense Appropriation Act, many retirees are concerned and reluctant to recommend or support Uniformed Services for our nations youth. A strong national defense can only be developed and maintained through an active recruitment and retention program that will permit a force structure dedicated, trained and prepared to meet our national goals. With the continual erosion of benefits by our government to retirees and those soon to retire, confidence in this axiom makes it difficult to expound on or herald such a fact. Retirees represent a major source of support to the recruitment and retention programs of this Nations defense force.
Retirees provide encouragement at the grass roots level to serve.
Retirees are finding it increasingly more difficult to advocate or encourage uniformed service. Although proud of our past service, and proud of our family members who endured and stood by us during our service to this nation, retirees expect our nation to honor those commitments that were made to us at the time we chose to commit to a military career. The following are new initiatives that pertain to our retiree population. A Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan Demonstration is on-going at 8 regional locations. Congressional action and Office of Management and Budget approval is required to establish the trust fund.