WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Congressman Dan Boren joined his colleague U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) at a press conference today announcing their legislation, HR 208, National Guard and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act. The legislation would allow soldiers in the National Guard and Reserves to subtract the time they’ve served on active duty since September 11, 2001 from the mandated retirement age of 60 – allowing for early collection of non-regular service retired pay.
For example, a member of the National Guard or Reserves who was mobilized for 90 days could subtract their time in service from the day when they turn 60 years old. This will allow them to begin collecting their retired pay 90 days before they reach the age of 60.
“These brave men and women deserve to be included in the retirement benefits enacted under the Defense Authorization Act of 2008. Their service should be counted toward retirement because their sacrifice for the last 8 years has been critical to the security of our entire nation. I am proud to join Congressman Wilson on this common sense piece of legislation. It is yet another way we can provide long term benefits to those who have fought bravely in the War on Terror,” Boren said.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 included a provision that provided this benefit to members of the National Guard and Reserves. However, it only considers as eligible time in service that was performed since the law was enacted on January 28, 2008.
“As we begin to welcome thousands of troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan, we must do everything in our power to provide a future for them and their families – not just for the next few years – but for the rest of their lives,” Boren added.
Since September 11, 2001, more than 600,000 members of the National Guard and Reserves have been mobilized in support of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for other contingency operations. More than 145,000 of these military reserve components have been mobilized to serve more than one tour of duty in support of the Global War on Terror. In 2008, the 45th Infantry Brigade of Oklahoman finished its largest deployment since the Korean War.
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