By MOAA Staff

MOAA has joined with 14 other advocacy groups to form The Star Act Alliance, a coalition dedicated to ending the unfair pay offset – a “wounded veteran tax” – faced by tens of thousands of combat-injured military retirees.

The alliance allows these groups to coordinate efforts and rally support through grassroots networks. Along with contacting their lawmakers to urge swift passage of The Major Richard Star Act, supporters can use ready-made graphics to spread the word on social media, write a letter to their local newspaper or news site, even print out a poster.

“This partnership alliance puts into perspective how important this legislation is to the total force,” said Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), MOAA’s President and CEO. “It is foremost directly important to the 54,000 wounded warriors who would receive the benefits they’ve earned. But this legislation does even more and serves another important purpose: It also shows future generations that our nation will keep their contracts and honor the sacrifices they make for the nation by supporting them and their families when they need it most.”

Lt. Col. Mark Belinsky, USA (Ret), a former director on MOAA’s Government Relations team, spearheaded this collaborative effort starting in the 117th Congress. Pulling together a number of veteran service organizations, he worked to align messaging and outreach strategies, coordinate Hill days, and boost awareness of the legislation.

Colleagues at Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) picked up the mantle and formalized Mark’s efforts with the creation of The Star Act Alliance.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support Combat-Injured Veterans] 

“Unity of effort is the key reason The Star Alliance was created,” said Charles Choi, deputy director of Government Affairs for WWP. “The alliance, which represents millions of veterans and their families and caregivers, ensures that the veteran community speaks with one voice as we work together to see the Major Richard Star Act passed by Congress and signed into law.

“The bill’s tremendous support across the veteran space … is a direct reflection of the power of this issue. It is an incredible injustice that more than 54,000 veterans have had to endure – seeing their retirement pay slashed because they were forced to medically retire from combat-related injuries while serving and sacrificing for their country. The Star Act Alliance can help right this wrong. I’m excited to work with all of the participating organizations and encourage other organizations who aren’t working with us to reach and get involved!”

What’s at Stake

Medically retired servicemembers who serve less than 20 years in uniform lose a dollar of military retirement pay for every dollar of VA disability compensation they receive. Congress eliminated this offset in 2004 for those who retired after 20 years of service; the Major Richard Star Act would eliminate the offset for combat-injured veterans forced to retire early.

The House version of the bill (H.R. 2102) had 313 cosponsors as of Jan. 15; the Senate version (S. 1032) had 77 cosponsors. Despite this level of support through multiple congressional sessions, the legislation has yet to receive a floor vote in either chamber, and procedural rules have thwarted attempts to include the text of the bill as an amendment to other legislation, including the National Defense Authorization Act.

The Star Act Alliance looks to continue the momentum in Congress through wider public outreach and media engagement.

Groups alongside MOAA and WWP that have committed to the alliance include Veterans of Foreign Wars, Air Force Sergeants Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Blue Star Families, Non Commissioned Officers Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, National Defense Committee, Jewish War Veterans, U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association, Fleet Reserve Association, Reserve Organization of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Silver Star Families Action Group.

[RELATED: How MOAA Will Continue Fighting for Combat-Injured Veterans]

Learn more about the alliance, and send a message to your lawmakers via MOAA’s Legislative Action Center asking them to end the wounded veteran tax.