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LETTERS TO NERA

June 25, 2021

Members of the NERA Scholarship Committee,

I wish to express my sincerest thanks for being selected as will incur as I continue pursuing my educational goals.
a recipient of the NERA Scholarship. I am grateful to have
been chosen for this award knowing that there were many Along with my academic endeavors at college I plan to con-
qualified applicants. It is a tremendous honor to be recog- tinue my involvement in athletic activities and community
nized by your organization. Your acknowledgement of my service. I seek to participate in and become a contributing
achievements in bestowing this tribute is greatly appreciated. factor in one of the many research opportunities available
at school. I hope to one day make my mark in the world.
By awarding me this scholarship you have lightened my
financial burden which allows me to focus more on the Again thank you for your recognition, it is truly an honor
most important aspect of school; learning. I rely on my to be chosen as a recipient of this esteemed award.
work income, financial aid, grants and student loans to help
finance my education. Receiving this scholarship will help to Sincerely,
lighten the load and defray the exorbitant debt that I know I Michael Ethan Corney

Steve,
It was great speaking with you earlier today. Since 2001, be allowed to collect retirement pay prior to age 60, or
many Navy Reservists have been mobilized to support any earlier age regardless of deployment time since 2008,
the war efforts in IRAQ and Afghanistan. Some of these commensurate with their active-duty counterparts. This
have retired from the Reserves, and are now receiving would be an issue for every National Guard or Reserve
VA Disability at 100%, or are totally and permanently member, who has retired, but is in the gray area.
disabled by the VA. In both situations, they are limited
on income resources. It would be great if NERA assisted If you have any further questions, please give me a call.
these veterans by requesting that those who have retired Anthony K. Tranumn
from the reserves and are considered gray area Reservists, ABHCS Retired, NERA Member

From Mike Hughes, NERA National Vice President
Thank you for your thoughtful phone call and email. member 100% disabled collects disability payments of
NERA and our partner organizations of The Military $38,000 per year. Additional funds are paid for each
Coalition have long fought for retired Reservists to begin dependent. i.e., with a spouse and one child they receive
drawing their retirement pay when they retire with 20 or $41,404 per year and for each additional child they receive
more years of service and not have to wait until 60 years $3,378.84 per year. DISABILITY PAYMENTS ARE
of age. Please note NERA will continue to push for that TAX EXEMPT and also are subject to annual COLA
change, and agree with you on the importance of this issue. adjustments They also receive educational assistance for
dependents, a housing stipend and free family health care.
Here are a few additional facts: the situation described of
those collecting 100% (totally disabled) disability bene- Thank you again for reaching out.
fits from VA aren't exactly limited on income. A single Mike

NERA loves feedback. Keep them coming by emailing us at [email protected].

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The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 11