Injured Vets Not Receiving Bonuses; Rep. Altmire Wants Change PDF Print

altmire_wtae.jpg WTAE
October 22, 2007

Soldiers fought for our country, returning home wounded, but did you know those brave men and women have to give back their enlistment bonuses if they did not complete their contract with the military by the time they were wounded?  Rep. Jason Altmire calls it a slap in the face, and he's doing something about it.

Soldiers fought for our country, returning home wounded, but did you know those brave men and women have to give back their enlistment bonuses if they did not complete their contract with the military by the time they were wounded?  Rep. Jason Altmire calls it a slap in the face, and he's doing something about it.

Former Marine Spc. Robert Kaminski lost his leg last October when his convoy ran over an IED. He also suffered a collapsed lung and brain trauma.

Kaminski and other wounded enlistees were told they're not entitled to their full enlistment bonus because they were injured before completing their full enlistment term.

"They've dodged bullets," said Kaminski. "They've lost limbs. They lost their eyes. They lost their hearing." "People are outraged that we're denying injured service men and woman full bonuses that they were entitled to," said Altmire. "This is a promise we made to them and they defended our country, and they took a serious injury as a result. And to deny them their bonus in that case is outrageous."

Altmire introduced the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act last week. It requires that all armed service members receive full compensation after injured in combat.

"And I really think we have a chance to move this thing past the house floor and sign it into law," said Altmire.

Altmire's legislation has teeth and is gaining support rapidly. Kaminski said he hails the effort and fight.

"I definitely think this will pass," he said. "You'd have to have a cold heart not to let this pass."

Altmire said his legislation is endorsed by the Military Coalition, representing 5.5 million veterans and their families. The Iraq and Afghanistan veterans of America have also signed on with their support.

Click here to watch  
 
Mercer Lawrence Butler Beaver Westmoreland Allegheny Mercer Lawrence Butler Beaver Westmoreland Allegheny
Aliquippa Office
2110 McLean St.
Aliquippa, PA 15001
ph: 724-378-0928
fx: 724-378-6171
Natrona Heights Office
2124 Freeport Road
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
ph: 724-226-1304
fx: 724-226-1308
Washington DC Office
332 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
ph: 202-225-2565
fx: 202-226-2274