Congresswoman Chellie Pingree Introduces legislation requiring Department of Defense to explain benefits to all personnel

Retiring National Guard and Reserve personnel will get a full explanation of benefits due them under a bill Congresswoman Chellie Pingree introduced today.  The bill would require the Department of Defense to brief retiring personnel on benefits like VA health care and Tricare. 
 
“Too often members of the Guard and Reserve leave the service without a clear picture of the benefits that are owed them,” Pingree said.  “For example, I’ve heard from a retired Reservist who had been missing out on health care and pension benefits for years because he didn’t know how to apply for them.”
 
Active duty personnel already get an explanation of benefits, but Pingree said it’s time to make sure Guard and Reserve members get the same treatment.
 
“They have made great sacrifices, and I believe that Congress has a moral obligation to educate these heroes on the benefits they have earned,” Pingree said.  “This is just one way we can begin to re-pay them for all that they have done to protect this country.”
 
Pingree introduced her bill, the Equal Access to Pre-Separation Act of 2010, in the House today.  Pingree is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and says she is optimistic that her proposal will pass the House later this spring.