Dear MOAA Member,

It's time to man battle stations.

Yesterday, the Administration put out its plan to cut the deficit by $3 trillion over the next 10 years, including specific proposals for $27 billion in cuts in the military retirement and health care package.

The Administration plan envisions:

• Establishing an annual enrollment fee for TRICARE For Life
• Another (unspecified) retail pharmacy copay hike
• Establishing a BRAC-style commission to recommend "modernizing" the military retirement system

Most upsetting, the stated intent of the proposals is to "align government programs with those in the private sector" and address the "measurable disparity between the fees most retired private sector workers pay...and what retired military personnel pay."

Those words show a shocking insensitivity to the extraordinary demands and sacrifices imposed on career servicemembers and families.

Our strong stance has attracted a major media blitz. Our staff experts have been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and The Lou Dobbs Show in the last two days alone. We anticipate a great deal of media attention over the next few weeks due to MOAA's reputation as a reliable source.

Now is the time for all MOAA members to mobilize. Please urge your officer friends to join MOAA and start actively working to protect their interests and those of the current and future force.

This isn't just about equity. It's about an attack on the core elements that sustain the quality career force that protects our national security.

Any who continue to sit on the sidelines jeopardize their own interests, the military community's, and the nation's future capability to sustain a strong national defense.

Start by sending this MOAA-suggested message to your elected officials.

This battle is just beginning.

Sincerely,

VADM Norb Ryan, USN (Ret)
President