Addabbo: safeguard wounded vets

BY MITKO GRIGOROV
Councilmember Joseph Addabbo is calling upon the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that would guarantee full payment of enlistment bonuses to veterans wounded in combat even if they cannot fulfill their contracts.
Recently, there have been numerous reports of wounded troops being asked to repay their enlistment bonuses, despite the fact that injuries sustained while on duty have kept them from completing their contracts.
Nearly 1,300 Army Global War on Terror troops injured or killed in combat have amassed $1.5 million in debts during the first four years of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Government Accountability Office found that hundreds of wounded soldiers were pursued for debts accumulated through no fault of their own. While pay calculation errors accounted for 73 percent of the reported debts, over one fourth was related to repayment of enlistment bonuses.
The DOD claims that current policy guidelines prohibit any debt collection involving already-paid bonuses and incentives. However, DOD can still withhold further payment of enlistment bonuses for soldiers considered physically unfit due to injuries received in the line of duty.
I sponsored this resolution because I believe in supporting our veterans not only while they serve our country, but also upon their return home,  Addabbo said. The acts of bravery of such individuals should not be met with broken promises, but rather with guarantees, support and appreciation. 
One of the legislations introduced in Congress, the Wounded Warrior Bonus Equity Act, would also require an audit of old records to identify former members of the Armed Forces that might have been negatively affected by the current policy.
Addabbo is hopeful that the resolution will pass because many of these veterans have families to support.
Unfortunately,  he said, a lot of legislation is driven by party allegiance,  recalling how President Bush vetoed Senator Clinton s 9/11 first responders bill.
Addabbo believes that withholding enlistment bonuses, incentives, and other payments to veterans creates a problem since many of them cannot return to their previous jobs. As our country continues to place thousands of young military men and women in harm s way, it is essential that the government keep its promises to them when they return,  Addabbo said.