Middle Tennessee Chapter - MOAA

Legislative Affairs Report for November 2015

3 November 2015

Federal

Congress passed the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act in September of this year.  The President vetoed that Bill in October, and now we have a Bipartisan Budget Bill that has passed Congress and has been accepted by the President. The next step will be the passage of an Amended FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act by both houses of Congress and its presentation to the President. Unfortunately there is no real expectation that there will be change on the following items:

Military retirement changes for those entering the service as of Jan 2018. 

The ongoing effort to correct the “widow’s tax” for surviving spouses.

Expand concurrent receipt for disabled retirees.

Establish career reservists as veterans of the armed forces.

However, with the passage of a two-year budget deal last Friday, hope still exists that funds may be available to correct some of these military related issues.

Congressional Engagement

I have approached Senator Alexander’s office about a MTCMOAA visit to meet with his Field Representative on 11, 12, 19 or 20 November.  I have not heard back from his office as of this date.

TN Military License plates

The State of TN is offering the opportunity for military members awarded either the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Action Badge, or Combat Medical Badge to purchase a TN License plate emblazoned with the picture of the respective badge.  A plate with the American Flag will be available for those wanting to support the program, but not awarded any of these badges.  Proceeds will go toward Not for Profits supporting mental health programs for Veterans, Service Members, and their Families.  These plates will be available after July 2016 if 1000 or more are ordered prior to 30 June 2016.  A DD Form 214 or other approved documentation is required to purchase a plate showing a badge.  State Senator Mark Green will announce this program at Centerstone Headquarters on 11 November at 2:30 PM.

/s/ Kent Crossley

Kent Crossley

Board Member, Legislative Affairs Liaison

Legislative Affairs Report for October 2015

Federal

Tricare beneficiaries are responsible for 80% of the savings in costs primarily through a 20% increase in TRICARE Prime annual fees and copayments since 2011.  Pharmacy copayments vary by class, but beneficiaries pay 60% more for their medicine than they did in 2011.

Senate and House representative positions on key issues are important to the Middle TN Chapter of MOAA members and MOAA National.  Senators Corker and Alexander have not cosponsored any bills associated with Concurrent Receipt, Caregiver expansion, Veteran Status, VA access for female veterans, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), or Military Spouse employment. 

Key issues:

-Survivor Benefit Plan

Current receipt legislation would reduce or end the deduction of VA survivor benefits from SBP annuities or increase the amounts payable to survivors subject to deduction.

S.B. 979 Sen Nelson

H.R. 1594 Rep Wilson (TN Cosponsor: Desjarlais (41), Cooper (5), Black (6), Blackburn (7) Cohen (9))

-Caregiver expansion legislation would provide veterans of all eras the dull range of caregiver support services through the VA

S.B. 1085 Sen Patty Murray

H.R. 1969 Rep Jim Langevin (TN Cosponsor: Cohen 9)

-Veteran Status legislation would grant veteran status to members of the reserve components who served a career of 20 years or more and are military retirees but who, through no fault of their own, are not recognized by our government as veterans.

S.B. 743 Sen John Boozman

H.R. 1384 Rep Walz

-VA Access for female veteran legislation would improve services and standards for female veterans using the VA.

S.B. 471 Sen Heller

H.R. 1356 Rep Coffman (TN Cosponsor: Cohen 9)

-Military Spouse employment legislation would authorize tax credits for employers who hire military spouses or credits for military spouses who incur relicensing / credentialing expenses associated with a military-ordered move between states.

S.B. 759 Sen Casey

H.R. 1620 Rep Cartwright

-Concurrent Receipt legislation would reduce or eliminate the deduction of VA disability compensation from military retired pay.

S.B. 271 Sen Reid

H.R. 303 Rep Bilirakis

H.R. 333 Bishop (TN Cosponsor: Cohen 9)

Pay Raises.  Congress is in disagreement over the projected pay raise for active duty members.  The House agreed to authorize a 2.3% raise whereas the Senate wants to cap the pay raise at 1.3%.  The president agrees with the Senates’ position.  If this is the final percent of raise, it will be the third year of pay caps below private-sector wage growth.

 

Congressional Engagement

Board President LTC(Ret) Scott Cantlon, COL (Ret) Doug Minton, CDR (Ret) John Ohlinger and COL (Ret) Kent Crossley visited Senator Bob Corker’s office and spoke to Field Representative  Carlie Cruse about four key MOAA issues related to keeping our military strong and helping service members and their families; active and retired.

1)      Reject Military Pay and Benefits Cuts (Discussed above)

2)      Retired Pay Restoration Act Bill # S.B. 271

3)      Eliminate the SBP-DIC Offset Bill # S.B. 979 (Discussed above)

4)      Sequestration

Mrs. Cruse was very familiar with these issues and explained that the Senator was a strong supporter of the military, however did not go into detail about the Senators position on either S.B. 271 or S.B. 979.  She did note that funding for the military either to increase pay or increase military spending would require a waiver to the sequestration spending limitations.  This would require significant legislation because it would invalidate the current agreement all federal agencies are maintaining.  The other alternative would be a reallocation of funds from within DOD.

Limited time prevented a lengthy discuss, however the Field representative was supportive of future meetings with Chapter representatives and having Senator Corker as a guest speaker at our monthly meetings. 

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Kent Crossley

Kent Crossley

Board Member, Legislative Affairs Liaison

Legislative Affairs Report for September 2015

I met with Congressman Blackburn’s Chief of Staff Mike Platt who works in Washington, DC and Steve Allbrooks, her Senior Advisor working in Franklin on 20 August.  The Congressman was good enough to take time from a Fox News interview to come in, welcome me, and reinforce her support of MOAA goals.  Time allowed bringing to the two men’s attention 3 major issues MOAA National set as priorities for MOAA Chapters to discuss with their representatives during the August recess.

Reject Military Pay and Benefits Cuts

• A third consecutive year of capping military pay raises below what current law mandates
• Forcing currently serving families to pay 5 percent out-of-pocket for their housing
• Another year of disproportionately high pharmacy fee increases
• The last three pay raises have been the smallest in 50 years
• Cutting a quarter of the commissary funding.  The military relies on commissaries for affordable groceries.  Patrons at military commissaries save an average of 30% on their grocery bill.  Cutting funding will lead to reduced operating hours and higher costs. 
• TRICARE pharmacy fee increases are out of line.  Three of the last four defense bills resulted in a 16% increase in Rx fees.  Future pharmacy fees increases are already indexed to COLA.

I recommended that Congressman Blackburn consider accepting the House’s position on these items in the defense bill.

H.R 333 Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act

 Amends federal military retired pay provisions to:

• Permit veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 50% to concurrently receive both retired pay and disability compensation
• Eliminate provisions requiring a phase-in between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2013, of concurrent receipt of retired pay and disability compensation
• Eliminate a phase-in of concurrent receipt of retired pay and disability compensation for disabled veterans determined to be individually unemployable
• Require a limited reduction in retired pay for qualified disability retirees with less than 20 years of retirement-creditable service

I recommended that Congressman Blackburn consider accepting the H.R 333 Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act

H.R. 1594 Military Surviving Spouses Act

The law makes military survivors forfeit part or their entire military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity when military service causes the member's death.  Under current law, survivors who are eligible for both SBP from the DoD and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the VA are subject to a dollar-for-dollar offset of their SBP annuity from their DIC.  Often, the offset wipes out the SBP annuity the military retiree paid for. 

These benefits are paid for two distinct reasons:

• · SBP is a service member-purchased annuity
• · DIC is a VA program providing a modest annuity for survivors of veterans whose death is determined to have been caused by military service

Reasons for the passage of this bill:

• Service-disabled retirees have limited opportunities to purchase additional life insurance, and available policies often impose exorbitant premiums. 
• Numerous congressional commissions have said that when military service causes the member's death, the indemnity compensation from the VA should be paid in addition to SBP coverage, not subtracted from it.
• · While lawmakers couldn’t completely pay for eliminating the widow’s tax, Congress acknowledged the inequity in the law and in 2008 authorized a modest Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA).  FY 2015 SSIA is $200/month.  Barring an additional law change, SSIA authority will expire on October 1, 2017.  No other federal surviving spouse is required to forfeit his or her federal annuity because military service caused the sponsor's death. 

Cosponsors: 154

TN Congressmen supporting this bill include:

Congressman DesJarlais 

Congressman Cooper

Congressman Black

Congressman Blackburn

Congressman Cohen

 

We also briefly discussed sequestration and the devastating effect it has on military strength.  The Congressman is working diligently to eliminate or reduce the impact sequestration has on our military.

 

Other Legislative issues.

• Defense Budget.  The House and Senate expect to have only 10 days to work together on the defense appropriation bill before the end of the fiscal year.  This is tied to an attempt to exceed sequestration caps by $38 billion.
• VA.  The Veteran’s Administration is facing a $3.6 billion budget deficit for 2015.  Primarily this budget deficit is largely a result of increased demand for care outside the VA facilities and the rising cost of expensive hepatitis C treatments.  Some Members of Congress are frustrated with cost over runs and may not support covering this deficit.
• Agent Orange.  The VA published an interim final rule to allow veterans to apply for disability compensation and VA care for selected medical conditions due to exposure to Agent Orange.  This now includes crews operation on C-123 aircraft during the Vietnam War.

 

Respectfully submitted

Kent Crossley

COL (Ret) USA

Legislative Affairs Liaison

Legislative Affairs Report for August 2015

The Congress is in recess during the month of August.  I have renewed my previous requests with the senatorial staffs to have MTC MOAA representatives speak specifically with Senators Corker and Alexander.  I have also requested a meeting with Congressman Blackburn.

Of significance at the Federal level, both houses of Congress passed their defense bills, but did not reconcile them prior to leaving for recess.

House bill highlights:

• Retirement - Rejects most of the administration’s proposals to shift costs to service members and retirees (e.g. Military pay caps, increased TRICARE fees, and increased housing costs)
• Commissary and Exchange Services - Prohibits DOD from replacing or consolidating Commissary and Exchange systems until a pending report is presented to Congress. 
• Military retirement - Overhaul combines a 20-year retirement plan with a portable retirement device.  This allows the service members to receive a government match on their TSP contribution, but the Service member would receive a 20% cut on their military retirement for serving more than 20 years.  (This may reduce incentives for retention of mid-grade NCOs and officers)

Senate bill highlights:

• Active duty pay - There would be an active duty pay cap below private-sector pay growth (Third year in a row.)
• Housing- Reduces BAH up to 5%.  Married service members living together currently receiving two allowances would lose the allowance of the lower rank spouse.  (This could be a significant cost for midgrade NCOs and officers ranging anywhere from $14k to $28k depending on the locations)
• TRICARE 
  • Allows beneficiaries to use urgent care up to four times a year without preauthorization.  Accepts the proposal to double TRICARE pharmacy copayments over ten years.
  • Requests a $322 million cut to the commissary subsidy (This could eventually lead to shorter operating hours, cost of goods to the patrons and smaller staff.)

MOAA efforts to improve veteran benefits:

• Upgrade existing benefits
• Extend services for disabled service members full-time caregivers.
• Veteran’s access to VA health services (Choice cards for service members living more than 40 miles from a VA center.

Respectfully submitted,

 /s/ Kent Crossley

Kent Crossley

COL (Ret), USA

Legislative Affairs Report for June 2015

Federal

There were no DOD proposals to cut back pay and benefits to the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Bill.  The proposal to decrease the commissary subsidy, which would have reduced hours and operation days, was also rejected.  The Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) effort to shift service members into a 401(k) retirement continues.  MOAA does not support this effort due to its forecasted ill effects on service member retention.  The MCRMC also proposes privatizing TRICARE, forcing families and retirees into a health care system similar to the one used by federal civilians.  MOAA believes this would require family members having to pay four times more in health care costs.  MOAA advocates a unified medical command, which will save money without negatively affecting beneficiaries.

“Storming the Hill” -  MOAA members from throughout the US visited nearly all 535 representative and senators in support of key legislative priorities.  Priority topics were reducing the effects of the sequestration budget cuts, sustaining military pay and benefits, and rejecting disproportional TRICARE fee hikes and plan changes.

State

The State Legislature is in recess.  However, HB 0126 / SB 0461 which would allow a child of a military parent to be eligible for a TN HOPE Scholarship was signed by the Governor on 20 May. This bill, also known as the Lottery Scholarship is funded by the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program and offered to first year graduates having a certain grade point average.

Respectfully submitted,

 /s/ Kent Crossley

Kent Crossley

COL (Ret), USA

Legislative Affairs Report for May 2015

Federal

The Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) is advancing proposals to change the Military Health System.  MOAA National testified before this commission advocating for constructive solutions of changes to the current system.  MOAA noted that rising costs, barriers to access and poor customer service can be improved.  80% of TRICARE beneficiaries prefer the current health plans over those similar programs available to federal civilians.

State

The TN State Legislature is in recession.  10 Senate and House bills involved Military issues.  Of these 10 bills, two were passed and signed by the Governor.  House Bill 0803 and Senate Bill 0368 permit active duty members holding valid military commercial driver licenses stationed in TN to qualify for a waiver of the required Commercial Driver skills test.

One bill, ready for signatures allows a child of a military parent to be eligible for a TN HOPE Scholarship, also known as the Lottery Scholarship which is funded by the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program and offered to first year graduates having a certain grade point average. 

It is interesting to note that Senator Mark Green sponsored 8 of these 10 military related bills.

Funding increased for the TN Veteran Drug Court program helping former military members recover from the legal consequences of drug and alcohol addiction. 

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Kent Crossley

Kent Crossley, COL (Ret), USA

Tennessee Property Tax Relief for 100% Service Connected Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses of Veterans who Died as a result of Service Related Injuries (Gold Star Wives).

On April 23, 2015 the Tennessee Legislature passed HB1197 and SB 1336.  The intent of these reforms is to correct a state property tax relief measure that provided an exemption on the first $175,000 of a home valuation for property tax purposes, but which was available to those that were eligible (100% Service Connected Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses of Veterans who Died as a result of Service Related Injuries (Gold Star Wives)on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that when the available funds ran out, eligible veterans no longer had access to the intended relief.

The revisions proposed in the House and Senate Bills reduce the exemption amount to the first $100,000 of an eligible home's valuation, and then makes the relief available to all eligible veterans (100% Service Connected Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses of Veterans who Died as a result of Service Related Injuries (Gold Star Wives) that apply; thereby removing the first-come, first-served aspect of the program.

This program is not widely understood or known of by those that are eligible.  The proposed revisions have received some bad press because it appears that they are intended to reduce benefits for veterans.  Hopefully the above explanation will make it a bit more understandable as a provision that has the right intent.  The reason that they did not just appropriate more money for this property tax relief is that by law they could not raise the ceiling on this if they could not find a matching offset for the expenditure.

Full Text of Passed Legislation:

SECTION 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Save the Tax Relief Act.”

SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 67-5-702, is amended by deleting the language “twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)” wherever it appears and substituting instead the language “twenty-three thousand dollars ($23,000)”.

SECTION 3. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 67-5-703, is amended by deleting the language “twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)” wherever it appears and substituting instead the language “twenty-three thousand dollars ($23,000)”.

SECTION 4. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 67-5-704(a), is amended by adding the following language as a new subdivision (2) and by designating the remaining subdivisions accordingly: (2) (A) For tax year 2015 and tax years thereafter, the taxpayer’s annual income from all sources shall not exceed sixty thousand dollars ($60,000), or such other amount as set forth in the general appropriations act. This annual income limit shall be adjusted each tax year to reflect the cost of living adjustment for social security recipients as determined by the social security administration and shall be rounded to the nearest ten dollars ($10.00). The annual income attributable to the applicant for tax relief shall be the income of all owners of the property, the income of the applicant’s spouse and the income of any owner of a remainder or reversion in the property if the property constituted the person’s legal residence at any time during the year for which tax relief is claimed. Any portion of social security income, social security equivalent railroad retirement benefits, and veterans entitlements required to be paid to a nursing home for nursing home care by federal regulations shall not be considered income to an owner who relocates to a nursing home. (B) This subdivision (a)(2) shall apply to taxpayers who have not received a reimbursement pursuant to this section for tax year 2014 and who apply to receive a reimbursement for tax year 2015 or a tax year thereafter. This subdivision (a)(2) shall not apply to taxpayers who have received a reimbursement pursuant to this section for tax year 2014 and who reapply to receive a reimbursement for tax year 2015 and in subsequent tax years without interruption.

SECTION 5. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 67-5-704(a), is further amended by deleting the language “one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000)” wherever it appears and substituting instead the language “one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000)”.

SECTION 6. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 67-5-704, is further amended by adding the following language as a new subsection: ( ) Taxpayers who have not received a reimbursement pursuant to this section for tax year 2014 and who apply to receive a reimbursement for tax year 2015 or a tax year thereafter, shall submit proof and documentation of the taxpayer’s annual income as defined in subdivision (a)(2)(A) in order to qualify for the reimbursement provided by this section.

SECTION 7. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, then the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to that end, the provisions of this act shall be severable.

SECTION 8. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.

The TN legislature is in full swing.  Below is a list of House and Senate military oriented bills currently under review.  I have abbreviate the actual wording of the bills to save space, so if you want the actual proposed bill and its intent, please go to: http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/billsearch/billsearchadvanced.aspx?terms=military&searchtype=all

HB0126 / SB0461 Lottery, Scholarships and Programs.  Allows a child of a military parent to be eligible for a TN HOPE scholarship.

HB0657 / SB0715 Pensions and Retirement Benefits.  Adds Desert Storm, OEF, and OIF to the definition of “period of armed conflict” for purposes of determining military service credit in the TN consolidated retirement system.

HB0715 Education, Higher.  Assists veterans and military service members with higher education programs.

HB0798 / SB0718 Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities.  Permits dependents of military service members to retain priority for receiving home community-based services.

HB0800 / SB0056 Lottery, Scholarships, and Programs.  Allows students to enroll in and attend college in the first term beginning after completion of the students military commitments without loss of Promise scholarship eligibility.

HB 1191 / SB0368 Military.  Permits active duty members of the US Armed Forces holding valid military Commercial Driver’s License to qualify for a waiver for the state CDL skills test.

HB 1191 / SB 0039 Law Enforcement.  Prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from owning or using military vehicles, aircraft or weaponry.

HB 1201 / SB 0976 Pensions and Retirement Benefits.  Corrects a reference governing retirement credit for military service for state employees.

HB 1346 / SB0135 Transportation, Department of.  Urges the study of military veterans’ access to public transportation.

HB 1355 / SB1271 Drivers license.  Authorizes documents other than the DD214 for a request to reflect military service on a driver’s license or photo ID.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Kent Crossley

Kent Crossley,COL, USA Retired

The TN State General Assembly is in session.  On February 24^th I met with Rep. Glen Casada (63^rd District) who lives in Thompson Station and represents the eastern and southern borders of Williamson County.  I had a rewarding, although short (in session is a busy time), time with the legislator.  I reviewed the history and goals of MOAA national and our Middle TN Chapter initiatives.  I invited him to our luncheons and offered how we might best help him support the military.  His son is an MI captain with the 101^st and is intimately aware of the effects of sequestration and operational tempo.  He is very involved in current state health issues and works closely with Representative Jeremy Durham, Senators Green and Jackson with whom we have contact.

Projects

TN Veteran Drug Court is a growing program and many of the MOAA chapters in TN and nationwide participate in this opportunity to help former military members recover from the consequences of drug and alcohol addiction.  I am unclear the direction the Middle TN chapter should take if we want to participate in this program.  The Director of the Office of Criminal Justice Services, Ellen Abbott, and Jessica Lyons, the representative for Davidson County are scheduled to speak at an upcoming Chapter luncheon however, we could clarify opportunities to participate prior to that date.  I recommend hearing from each of the Board members during the March Board meeting and then approach Ms. Abbott or Ms. Lyons to learn at what level we can contribute.  This would prepare us for any questions generated during the luncheon discussing this topic.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Kent Crossley

Kent Crossley, COL (Ret), USA

Legislative Affairs Report for February 2015

Federal

The President signed the FY 2015 Defense Authorization Act authorizing $577.1 billion in spending for national defense.  Significant issues include whether to increase service member’s out-of-pocket housing expenses and increased TRICARE pharmacy copayments.  TRICARE copayments will see a one-time, $3 increase.  SBP survivors will now be permitted to designate benefits to a special needs trust for adult dependent children.  Most importantly for recent National Guard and Reserve soldiers is the change in the “Roll over” calculation for active duty spanning two fiscal years.

State

The TN State General Assembly is in session with several new and different faces representing districts and committee memberships.  Rep. Glen Casada (63^rd District) lives in Thompson Station and represents Williamson County.  He is also a member of the House Standing Committee for Government Operations.  I suspect he is a good candidate to meet with to further our legislative access to state representatives.  With the Board’s permission, I will make contact with Rep Casada’s office and arrange a meeting to discuss Middle TN Chapter MOAA goals.  Please also let me know if there are any members who have personal contact with Representative Casada.

Projects

In January, I met with TN Veteran Drug Court officials and attended both the preliminary review of each member’s case and the court hearing.  I was impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm of all members of the government and community involved with each client’s progress.  There is an opportunity for MOAA members, as well as the larger community to become Vet court mentors.  This can range from being a contact to maintaining a long-term friendly relationship.  I was aware that several MOAA chapters in the Florida, Georgia, and NY states were sponsoring this program; however, several chapters in the TN council are active members of this effort.  The TN Drug council is prepared and willing to explain this program to our MOAA chapter.  I recommend that we consider supporting this program and invite the Director of the Office of Criminal Justice Services, Ellen Abbott, and Ms. Jessica Lyons, the representative for Davidson County to speak at an upcoming luncheon.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Kent Crossley

Kent Crossley, COL (Ret), USA

Legislative Affairs Report for January 2015

Federal

MOAA published its 2015 Goals for this year.  Their priorities are to limit the effects of sequestration, stabilize military pay, retirement, health care, and force levels.  Other top priorities include protections of services for wounded service members and their caregivers.

Sequestration will reappear in 2016 and require an additional $50 billion from the defense budget each year for the next seven years.  This includes the $500 billion already programed to be cut.  MOAA wants to ensure that future year’s defense budgets are sustained at levels required to meet mission and readiness goals.

Most hitting to Middle TN MOAA Chapter members will be disproportional TRICARE fee hikes and TRICARE payment cuts.  We see daily in the paper where doctors will not take Medicare patients because the payments are below the costs necessary for the health care provider to be profitable.  TRICARE and TRICARE for Life benefits must be maintained or improved. 

MOAA will focus an effort to fully repeal the deduction of VA dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities.  MTM MOAA Chapter Director Patricia Bergquist is personally leading the support for this effort.  All MOAA 2015 Goals are explained in detail in the January issue of the Military Officer Magazine and its web site.  MOAA’s weekly Legislative Update* e-newsletter is also a very good source to maintain awareness of these Legislative issues.  As always, contact with your US Congressman or Senator is a very good way to have your concerns heard.

State

In December, Commander Ohlinger and I met with State Representative Durham (District 65).  He was kind enough to invite MOAA members to the opening of the TN state Legislature scheduled for the second Tuesday in January.  The Representative’s staff officer is researching the agenda and whether we are able to participate (more to follow).  All interested in attending this event and being sponsored by Representative Durham should contact me if possible.

Projects

Tennessee initiated a $3 million grant similar to other states to establish a Veterans Drug Court.  This new program assists current and former service members recovering from alcohol and drug addiction reduce their judicial penalties based on successful recovery.  Legislatively, this is a program that provides grant money, legislative direction, and prosecutorial discretion.

I recently researched the opportunity to learn more about this opportunity during the recent MOAA symposium.  Other Chapters (FL, GA and NY) are participating.  I spoke with the TN Drug and Alcohol commissioners and had an unplanned opportunity in December to meet briefly with Ms. Ellen Abbott who is in charge of the TN Veterans Drug Court program.  She was very interested in the potential for having MOAA members or their contacts participate as mentors to those in need.  I recently spoke with Ms. Jessica Lyons who is the new Vet Court representative for Davidson County.  She explained the need for mentors of all ranks, age, races, and genders to help these service members recover.  Ms. Lyons invited me and any MOAA member to attend Drug Court in Nashville to see first-hand the process and how we might be able to help.  Treatment and court sessions are held each Wednesday at 1PM and 2PM respectfully.  Based on Board approval for me to attend, I would encourage other interested members accompany me.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Kent Crossley

Kent Crossley, COL (Ret), USA