U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN), and U.S. Representative Tim Walz (D-MN), introduced the Honor America’s Guard-Reserve Act of 2015, a bipartisan, bicameral bill honoring as veterans, Guard and Reserve retirees who served honorably for a minimum of 20 years but do not meet the active duty service requirement to qualify them as veterans under existing law.
The law defines a veteran as servicemen and women who have served on active duty. This legislation would amend this definition and allow these Guard and Reserve retirees to be recognized as a veteran. Due to the fact that no additional benefits beyond the title of veteran are extended to these retirees, there is no cost associated with this legislation.
National Guard and Reserve members serve in defense of our country and should be honored for their sacrifice. It’s hard to believe that there are some who have worn the uniform and cannot call themselves veterans. Everyone who has served in any component of the Armed Forces deserves to be honored with the title of veteran.
Go to the Legislative Action Center and click on the Vet Status issue (S 743/HR 1384) to let your elected Representatives know this injustice needs to be corrected.