Attention Veterans

Stop-Loss to End March 2011: The Pentagon expects the involuntary military service extension program called “Stop-Loss” to be eliminated by March 2011.  More than 15,000 personnel, mostly Army, were impacted at the peak of the controversial program in 2005.  Today, the monthly number has shrunk to about 4,000.  Defense Secretary Robert Gates declared last year that the practice had to end, saying it was “breaking faith” with those who volunteered to serve.  Right now the Pentagon is trying to reach about 100,000 former servicemembers who were stop-lossed between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009.  They are due $500 for every month they were kept beyond their initial separation date, but they must apply before the reimbursement program ends Oct. 21.  The VFW is asking its members, Posts and friends to spread the word.  The average benefit paid exceeds $3,500.  For more information and to apply, go to www.defense.gov/stoploss. VA Washington Weekly