1998 Legislative Victories!
- An active duty pay raise of 2.8%.
- An on-time 2.1% retiree COLA.
- Further protection of the commissary and exchange benefits.
- A DOD-directed study of the impact and fairness of the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act.
- A $35 million DOD supplement to the Impact Aid funding provided by the Department of Education.
- Stopped administration attempts to cease paying for the military service of reserve military members who are also government civilian employees.
- Protection of BAS for Subsistence levels for members who are deployed.
- Overseas Housing Allowance rate protection.
- SBP improvements including: a withdrawl option after two years, one time withdrawl option for current enrollees, and a monthly pensions for the "Forgotten Widows," those who were unable to enroll in the SBP due to the time period of the service of their military sponsor.
- An increase in the Family Separation Allowance from $75 to $100.
- Implementation of a Retiree Dental Plan.
- Formal termination on the failed Ready Reserve Mobilization Insurance program.
- An increase in the Montgomery GI bill benefit by 20%.
- Reinstatement of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for military widows whose remarriage is subsequently terminated by death or divorce.
- Achieved a mail-order pharmacy benefit.
- Led the way in fending off attempts to derail the planned Air Force Memorial on Arlington Ridge near Arlington National Cemetery.
