Dear MOAA Spouse,

Your voices have generated half a million messages to Congress through MOAA's Take Action advocacy webpage so far this year. And 70,000 of those were a result of VADM Ryan's special letter regarding threats to military retirement. That's a new record for MOAA. With three months left in the year, there are some big issues still at play: the Super Committee proposals, Medicare/TRICARE payment cuts, retirement reform, the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, and more. While we wait for the next update on those critical issues, this month's newsletter has a Super Committee primer, details on a meeting with Holly Petraeus and the announcement of our 2011-2012 spouse council.

Your voices to Congress tell the country we’re serious about protecting what we've earned. Thank you for speaking out.

Yours in service,

Monique and Karen

Does Uncle Sam Owe you Money?

Speaking of money, were you or your spouse stop-lossed? The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act authorizes Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay of $500 per month for each month or any portion of a month that a current or former Solider, Marine, Sailor and Airman was retained involuntarily on active duty as a result of stop loss. Eligible service members and veterans must file a claim by October 21, 2011 to receive this benefit.

Help Your Student Succeed

SOAR (Student Online Achievement Resources) is an innovative resource designed to help military children improve their grades and ease moves. Students take an assessment aligned to state standards and SOAR directs them to individualized tutorials to improve skills where needed. Plus, parents get resources too. And it's free! Thanks to the Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA) and its partners for providing such a valuable resource. !

Newest Spouse Council Makes Impact

The 2011-2012 MOAA Currently Serving Spouse Advisory Council held its first meeting in Sept, and they're already making a mark. Chelle McIntyre-Brewer will be honored by President Obama on Thursday, Oct 20 for her volunteer service. Hon. Erin Wirth co-founded the Military Spouse JD Network (MSJDN), a bar association for military spouses. MOAA is proud to sponsor MSJDN’s first meeting on Oct 17. CAPT Brad Cooper, executive director for Mrs. Obama's Joining Forces initiative, will speak. (Are you an attorney? Learn more about MSJDN.) We look forward to introducing you to the 2011-2012 council throughout their yearlong term with MOAA.

Super Committee 101

What's so super about it? Their recommendations for deficit reduction (due before Thanksgiving) will start a chain reaction of cuts that could affect you and your family. Is your congressional member on the committee? Get the facts.