Space A Travel Eligibility for P/T Service Connected Disabled Veterans

Greetings, Since the writing of your petition the bill has been amended to allow Veterans and qualifying dependents. It is a great appreciated benefit and a victory as well. However, the original bill first submitted by Congressman Gus Bilirakis was written to allow the Disabled Veteran to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces are entitled to such travel which would permit travel to all destinations Space A Flights travel to worldwide destinations. Unfortunately, somehow it got watered down to only allow the Disabled Veterans only certain locations. Of course, this is a great privilege to have, and it is very appreciated by the select group of Veterans. However, to allow the benefit to be expanded for full privilege of travel wherever military flights go would be of no additional cost to the DOD. I have written all the major Veteran organizations, to my Congress people, Senators, The House, and Senate Veterans Affairs’ Committee in addition the Secretary of Defense hoping they will amend this bill. I genuinely believe that for those of us that are mobile enough and able to travel expanding the program would enhance and improve the quality of life for the Veterans. I speak for many of us who are 100% Disabled total and permanent from various Veteran support groups. Many in this group of select Veterans have borne the scares of wars, conflicts and everyday military life are on limited fixed income. This would be a very much rewarding and appreciated privilege to provide 100% Disabled Veterans. I would like to thank you for your time and hope you would please support efforts in getting this bill amended. Best regards, Harvey Porter

I would like to add my voice to the chorus of commenters who are, respectfully, requesting the same thing, which is that Congress and DoD recognize the sacrifices 100% service connected veterans have made in service to this country and allow us to fly space-a.

AM A VIETNAM NAVY VETERAN 100%SERVICE CONNECTED AND I AM ONEOF THE VETERAN THAT WOULD LIKE THIS BILL PASSED

My husband is 100 % disabled. Loves to travel, also loves his country, all he talks about is his time in the service,USN, the is a shame that he gave all for his country and cannot use this benefit. This needs to change

Please pass this we gave 100% for our great nation but now we are being thrown to the side again.

Isn't it about time that 100% Service Connected Disabled Veterans be allowed Space A Travel as one of the benefits due us for serving our country.

I'm 100% service connected disabled

It is time to allow 100% Total and Permanent Veterans eligibility for Space A travel. These veterans did not sacrifice their lives but did sacrifice their health and well-being.

But look at the positive side, If you change wives, you can still keep the same photo on you desk!

I sacrificed my future to defend this nation and am now a 100% SC DAV/PRM. I believe I have earned the right to space A travel as much, if not more than retired military personnel, and absolutely more than the families of active duty and retirees. Denying me this privelage is an ultimate insult to my service and sacrifice, violating my constitutional rights not to be discriminated against for my disability, as well as my right to pursue happiness. How can the DOD, who I gave my very life to, deny me the right to travel? I do not have the ability to work overtime, or put my college education to use to hold a job paying more so that I can afford to fly on civilian aircraft. Please don't throw us under the rug as though we embarrass you, and please pass an amendment to this bill so that I can receive the respect I earned. Carl Rupp 100% SC DAV/PRM Green Bay, WI

Please pass this Bill S.2596 and make it right

It only seems right after what we did in dedicating ourselves to fight for our country.

Please pass this and make it right.

Why are Veterans being denied "Space Available" travel?

We should be category 1 not 7. We have paid our share already. I have been in pain for over 50 years from being wounded fighting for my country. Boy Scout leaders and National Guardsmen ahead of us what a joke.

I fully agree. keep pushing for results methodically strategically and with a plan. inform me for any updates.

I fully support.

I fully support.