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All messages are published
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The general topic of this message is Veterans Issues:
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Subject:
Loss of APO/DPO mail service for veterans
To:
Sen. Bill Nelson
November 4, 2009
Dear Senator Nelson,
I am writing to you on behalf of the many military retirees and widows residing abroad. They were recently informed, on unreasonably short notice, that APO/DPO postal service will terminate for military retirees on 31 December 2009.
The widows and retirees are extremely disappointed and angered with this decision. It has taken them by surprise and they have little time to react. The reason stated in a recent Army Times article was the inability of the Department of Defence (DOD) to transfer funds to the Department of State (DOS) for cost reimbursement. (See the Army Times article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/10/mi... )
This action will cause considerable hardship ranging from the inability to receive prescription drugs via TRICARE to financial loss. Confusion with government correspondence for such things as W2 forms, tax filing, government checks, etc. will be unavoidable. The nearest military installation, which could support us, is 420 kilometers away.
This decision must be delayed and properly evaluated for viable alternatives. Congress needs to take immediate action to pass legislation permitting inter-agency fund transfers. Above all, we need an immediate postponement of the implementation date.
We ask you to help us take action to reverse this decision by contacting the appropriate DOD and DOS agencies and requesting a review of the issue and the postponement of the 31 December 2009 implementation date.
I think it very unfair that DOD allows all DOS personnel overseas to use the PX and other DOD facilities and in return, DOD will no longer deliver mail to veterans overseas.
There are a number of veterans, located throughout the world that will be affected by this decision. These veterans performed for our country during some of its most difficult times and they deserve to be treated fairly.
If you have any questions concerning this issue, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
John J. Pepe
LTC US Army Ret.
Boca Raton , FL
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