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Get A Financial Check-Up in the New Year

01/09/2025 By Heather Walsh

The New Year is a great time to reassess your financial health, set goals, and plan for the future. Here’s how to prepare for a financial check-up, with special attention to updates like the increased IRA contribution limits and the benefits of reviewing your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

1. Review Your Budget and Spending Habits

Number one on any financial check-up are the basics: the budget and spending habits.

Before diving into specific accounts or investment plans, examine your overall budget. Look at your spending over the past year to identify trends, unexpected expenses, and opportunities for savings. Apps like Mint or YNAB can help you track spending and create actionable goals.

2. Maximize Contributions to Retirement Accounts

For 2024, the IRA contribution limit has increased:

  • Traditional and Roth IRAs: The maximum contribution is now $7,000 for those under 50, and $8,500 for those 50 and older​
  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): The elective deferral limit has increased to $23,000, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for those 50 and older.

Maximizing contributions to these accounts is essential for building long-term wealth, especially as these accounts often come with significant tax advantages.

3. Conduct a TSP Check-Up

TSP is a cornerstone of your retirement plan. Here’s what to review:

  • Investment Allocations: Ensure your contributions align with your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Consider diversifying across funds like the G Fund (government securities) and C Fund (common stocks).
  • Matching Contributions: Ensure you’re contributing enough to receive the full government match, typically 5%.
  • Catch-Up Contributions: For those over 50, maximize the catch-up option to grow your retirement savings faster

4. Check Tax Withholding and Plan for Deductions

Review your tax withholding to ensure you’re not overpaying or underpaying. With changes in income or family circumstances, adjusting withholding might prevent surprises during tax season. Also, identify potential deductions, such as those for student loan interest, childcare, or charitable contributions.

5. Review Insurance Policies

Financial health includes protecting your assets. Take time to:

  • Update beneficiaries on life insurance policies.
  • Ensure you have adequate homeowners, renters, and auto insurance coverage.
  • Review your health insurance to confirm that it meets your family’s needs.

6. Audit Debt and Create a Payment Strategy

List all outstanding debts, including credit cards, student loans, and mortgages. If you carry high-interest debt, consider strategies like:

  • Snowball or avalanche payment methods.
  • Refinancing options for lower interest rates.
  • Balance transfer cards with 0% introductory APRs.

7. Set Financial Goals for the Year

Think long-term and short-term:

  • Emergency Fund: Aim for three to six months of expenses.
  • Vacation or Major Purchases: Set up sinking funds.
  • Investment Growth: Increase contributions to taxable brokerage accounts or consider alternative investments.

By addressing these areas, you’ll not only have a clearer picture of your financial health but also be well-prepared to take advantage of the opportunities a new year brings. Stay proactive, and you’ll set the stage for financial success in 2025 and beyond.

Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Financial Mindedness Through the Holidays

11/18/2024 By Heather Walsh

The holiday season is often filled with joy, celebrations, and time with loved ones—but it can also bring financial stress. Expenses can quickly add up between gifts, travel, and festive gatherings. Staying financially prepared is essential, especially with the unique challenges of military life. Fortunately, resources are available through military family programs and financial institutions geared explicitly toward service members.

Innovative Spending Strategies for the Holidays

  1. Make a Gift List and Prioritize
    Instead of buying gifts for everyone, consider focusing on immediate family or close friends. You can also suggest gift exchanges, such as “Secret Santa,” to reduce the number of gifts you need to buy.
  2. Use Discounts and Military Coupons
    Many retailers offer military discounts during the holidays. Look for special promotions and coupons through base exchange stores or participating retailers to maximize savings. Don’t forget about websites like GovX and VetTix for discounts on not just items but holiday experiences like the local Nutcracker or holiday concert.
  3. Save with DIY Gifts and Decorations
    Get creative by making your own gifts or decorations. Handmade gifts often carry more meaning than store-bought items; they’re a great way to save money. The whole family can get involved in crafting, turning it into a fun holiday tradition.
  4. Plan Holiday Travel Early
    Travel can be one of the largest holiday expenses, especially for military families who need to visit relatives far away. Book flights early to take advantage of discounts if your plans involve flying. For road trips, use fuel rewards programs and plan meals in advance to reduce costs.
  5. Set Up a Holiday Savings Account
    Some military credit unions, like Navy Federal, offer holiday savings accounts that allow families to set aside money throughout the year. By the time the holidays arrive, you’ll have savings in place to cover expenses without dipping into your regular budget.
  6. Utilize Layaway Programs
    Many military exchanges and retail stores offer layaway options, allowing you to spread payments over time. This can help manage cash flow and avoid credit card debt.

Financial Resources for Military Families

Several military organizations offer free financial services to help service members and their families manage their money, especially during the holiday season. These services can be valuable tools for creating and sticking to a budget.

1. Military Family Resource Center (MFRC)

  • Where: Available at Army and Air Force bases
  • Services: The MFRC offers financial counseling, budgeting classes, and tools to help families plan for seasonal expenses like the holidays. They also host workshops on holiday savings and smart gift-buying strategies.
  • How It Helps: Meet with a financial counselor to review your holiday budget, explore cost-cutting strategies, or plan for larger expenses like travel.

2. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)

  • Where: Available at Navy and Marine Corps bases
  • Services: NMCRS provides financial education, one-on-one budget review meetings, financial counseling, and emergency assistance. They offer interest-free loans or grants that can help with unforeseen expenses during the holidays.
  • How It Helps: Families struggling with unexpected travel or holiday costs can reach out for emergency financial assistance or attend budgeting workshops to reduce future financial stress.

3. Banks and Credit Unions Serving Military Families

Several banks and credit unions also offer educational resources and tools specifically for military families:

  • Navy Federal Credit Union: Provides free financial workshops on holiday spending, budgeting tools, and savings accounts tailored for service members.
  • USAA: Offers online financial education, including holiday spending tips, savings plans, and personal finance webinars.
  • Armed Forces Bank: Hosts financial literacy classes on topics like debt management, budgeting for gifts, and financial planning for travel.

These institutions may also provide special holiday savings programs, low-interest credit options, and personalized financial planning sessions to help families prepare for holiday expenses.

The holidays don’t have to come with financial stress if you approach them with the right mindset and resources. Military families have access to excellent tools and programs, including budgeting workshops and financial counseling through organizations like the Military Family Resource Center and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Financial institutions like USAA, Navy Federal, and Armed Forces Bank offer additional education and support to help families plan and save.

By creating a budget, prioritizing spending, and taking advantage of military resources, you can enjoy a festive holiday season without the financial burden. A little planning goes a long way toward building a joyful and stress-free celebration that reflects the true spirit of the holidays.

Can We Fight Inflation?

09/04/2024 By Heather Walsh

Inflation is a reality that affects everyone, but for military families who frequently move, it can present unique challenges. With the rising costs of goods, services, and housing, finding ways to stretch the budget becomes essential. While inflation may seem like an unstoppable force, there are sustainable strategies that military families can employ to mitigate its impact. Is there a way to fight inflation as a military family who is mobilized every two to three years?

Sustainable Budgeting Tips for Military Families

  1. Embrace Minimalism and Flexibility:

One of the most effective ways to stretch a budget is by adopting a minimalist approach to living. This doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or quality of life but rather focusing on what truly matters and eliminating unnecessary expenses. For military families who move frequently, this also means being selective about possessions. The fewer items you own, the less you’ll spend on moving costs and storage. When purchasing new items, consider their portability and whether they’ll fit into future homes.

  1. Utilize Military Discounts and Benefits:

Utilize all the military discounts available to you. Do not be afraid to ask a business if they offer a military discount; they wouldn’t offer it if they did not want it to be utilized.

  1. Plan for Housing

Benefits such as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) can help offset housing costs, though it’s essential to budget wisely, as the BAH rate may not always cover the full cost of living in high-cost areas. Consider living on base in high-cost of living areas to allow flexibility of the budget elsewhere.

  1. Container Garden

A container garden is a versatile and space-saving way to grow fresh herbs and vegetables that are easily incorporated into daily cooking. Consider planting herbs like basil, parsley, and rosemary, which thrive in containers and can be harvested regularly for use in a variety of dishes. Choose veggies that bloom and produce in the first season. Cherry tomatoes are another great choice, offering a sweet, fresh addition to salads and pastas. Peppers, whether sweet or hot, also do well in containers and can be used to add flavor and spice to meals. Leafy greens like spinach or lettuce grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times, providing fresh, home-grown ingredients for salads, sandwiches, and more.

5. Smart Shopping and Meal Planning:

Food prices are a significant component of inflation, and they can vary widely depending on location. To combat this, military families can benefit from smart shopping and meal planning. Shopping at military commissaries can offer savings on groceries, but comparing prices with local stores is important and taking advantage of sales, coupons, and bulk buying. Meal planning is another powerful tool; by planning meals in advance, families can reduce food waste, make the most of available ingredients, and avoid costly last-minute dining out.

  1. Second-Hand

The appeal of second-hand stores lies not only in their low prices but also in the potential for finding high-quality, gently used or brand new items. Shopping here offers a cost-effective way to furnish homes and acquire necessities without breaking the bank. Consider second-hand stores for furniture, clothing, toys, and small appliances. Check out the Friends from the Library stores in your local library for books; often, hardback books cost just a few dollars. Check out Buy Nothing Groups or Freecycle for anything you are looking for before shopping, you may be surprised what others no longer need but you or your family could use.

  1. Coupons/Savings Applications

Coupons and savings applications are invaluable tools for stretching the family budget and making every dollar go further.  Savings applications like Honey, Rakuten, or Ibotta make it easy to find and apply discounts while shopping online or in-store. Many of these apps also offer cashback on a variety of purchases, from groceries to travel expenses, which can add up over time.

Inflation is a reality that requires thoughtful and proactive financial management, especially for military families who face the added complexities of frequent relocations. By adopting sustainable budgeting strategies, embracing flexibility, and making the most of available resources, military families can not only fight inflation but also build financial resilience.

Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot Launched

04/03/2024 By Heather Walsh

Military spouses looking to return to the workforce or launch a new career are invited to apply for the new Military Spouse Career Accelerator Program.   This program is part of the Taking Care of People directive from the Department of Defense. The program from the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) section of Military One Source is a competitive multi-year program that provides spouses with paid 12-week fellowships at employers across various industries and locations. All fellowships are located within the continental United States.

The program will run for three years with rolling application acceptance dates. Not all applications will lead to fellowships, but they will lead to connections with a career coach to assist the applicant in getting ready for moving forward with a career of interest.

Eligibility:

-Career-ready spouses of members of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force to include active, reserve, and National Guard components

-Fellowships are chosen based on previous work experience and the applicant’s previous education

How to Apply:

-Click the link here

-Answer the questions to ensure eligibility and then complete the application

-If not able to apply, you will be connected to an SECO career coach

How is a Fellowship Program chosen?

After application, the applicant’s location, education, and ability to commit are taken into account.

There are both in-person and remote fellowship opportunities.

If you have a specific question about the SECO Military Spouse Career Accelerator Program, email MSCAP@uschamber.com.

This program is separate from the Hiring Our Heroes program, which provides coaching and fellowships. If someone interested does not get into the SECO program, check out the Hiring Our Heroes program.

MyCAA

Another program available to military spouses desiring to further their education is the MyCAA program. Spouses of service members on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-6, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-3 who have successfully completed high school and have the ability to request tuition assistance while their military sponsor is on Title 10 military orders are eligible to participate in the MyCAA funding. The first 1,250 approved applicants in pay grades E-6 and O-3 will receive MyCAA financial assistance based on available funding. The MyCAA program provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to eligible military spouses. Read all about the MyCAA program and contact information for any questions.

Further resources for spouse employment can be found here.

The 2024-2025 MOAA Education Assistance Program Application is Open!

01/02/2024 By Heather Walsh

Financial assistance programs are a saving grace for many looking to grow through higher education. Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) offers an Education Assistance Program that is open for applications from November 1, 2023 to March 1, 2024. Semifinalists will be notified in the spring if any further documentation is needed. Finalists are notified in early summer, and disbursements are sent out in August and December. The award is a $6,500 interest-free loan and a $500 grant. Students are only notified if they are selected; they will not be notified if they are not selected. The loans are renewable up to five years for full-time undergraduate studies.

To date, 17,000 students have received financial assistance totaling $160 million from MOAA.

General Eligibility Requirements

  • 24 years of age or younger (your 24th birthday must be on or before March 1, 2024)
  • If the parent is a military officer-
    • Parent must sign up for a paid MOAA membership if the child is selected to receive financial assistance and continue the membership until the child is no longer in the program. While an active membership is not required to submit the application, an active membership is required for the student to receive disbursements.
  • If the parent is enlisted military personnel-
    • Parent must be on active duty, Reserve, National Guard, or retired. No membership is required. Children of former enlisted personnel are not eligible.
  • High school or college GPA must be 3.0 or higher.
  • Children attending U.S. military academies and academy prep schools are not eligible.

Application Requirements:

  • High school GPA and relevant test scores
  • Parent or guardian information including military affiliation and income
  • Extracurricular Activities

Learn more about the funds from MOAA here and apply for the Educational Assistance Program here.

Subletting Child Care Spots Program Expanded

12/05/2023 By Heather Walsh

Finding childcare at your next duty station may be easier with the subletting program. One challenge to military spouse employment is childcare. Childcare on base is based on priority – dual military spouses first, then a military service member and a working spouse, then a military service member and a spouse in school, then a military service member and a spouse looking for employment. It is hard to find a job when you can’t interview. The subletting program may help those looking for employment or for spouses who need to coordinate their own medical appointments or need a break.

Air Force bases will roll out the new application, Kinderspot, in 2024 to allow for ease of subletting childcare spots at participating childcare development centers (CDCs). It is already active at 29 Air Force bases, including the new additions of Beale Air Force Base and Vandenberg Space Force Base, California; Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington; Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany; and Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri as of November 15th. Beyond the 29 Air Force Bases, Kinderspot is utilized at the following Joint Bases: Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.; Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. The subletting of childcare spots will allow other families to “rent” the spots that the current CDC families don’t need, and if rented, will provide a credit to those families.

To sublet spots, families must complete all the required paperwork for the CDC and be verified before being able to utilize the Kinderspot app. The rate for the childcare spot will be based on the renter’s family income, not the family who has the permanent spot at the CDC. The subletting is based solely on the spot available. For example, if a family with a permanent CDC spot will be away for the holidays in December, they can add their two available weeks for the infant room on the Kinderspot app. Only an infant from another family can fill that spot. The fees will be paid directly to the CDC, not to the family that is putting the time up for sublet. This also allows families with permanent CDC spots to get a financial break when not using the CDC without losing their permanent childcare spot.

The Kinderspot application was created by Air Force Major Jacque Vasta, who modeled the application after applications utilized to sublet homes like AirBnBs, an application many military families utilize to find temporary lodging when moving.

The Kinderspot application is available for both Android and Apple phones. Since its inception in 2021, the application has 6200 users with almost 4,000 rented spots.  As of now, no other military branches are using the Kinderspot application.

Living Near the Poverty Line on Military Orders Overseas

09/18/2023 By Heather Walsh

Military spouse employment is an issue affecting military families, and legislation is moving forward, allowing for license reciprocity and expansion of on-base employment programs to include military spouses, paving the way for increased employment opportunities. None of these expansions affect those living overseas.

Living overseas often means fewer employment opportunities for military spouses. Positions on the post are filled by active-duty service members, Government Service (GS) employees, and local, national contractors. While military bases overseas can accept professional medical and teaching licenses from any state, that only applies if a position is available. Paid jobs are rarely available. Instead, spouses’ only opportunity is to volunteer with the American Red Cross or other similar organizations.

Spouses take these positions, hoping to jump on a paid position if one opens. Overseas bases rely on such uncompensated volunteers in on-post hospitals and clinics.

Per the Red Cross, this saves a military hospital in Germany more than $600,000 every year. Neither the Red Cross nor the hospital covers childcare for those volunteering. This means spouses pay for childcare without paid employment, which is not financially feasible for many military families living overseas. These unpaid spouses volunteer so they can maintain their professional credibility. The Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany reported 275 Red Cross Volunteers working 20,600 volunteer hours in 2022. These volunteer positions include assisting patients, phlebotomy (drawing blood for lab work), physicians, dentists, nurses, and physician assistants. These jobs require taking on risk, requiring a highly specialized skill set and professional licenses and education that cost hundreds or thousands a year.

Remote work while living overseas is challenging because of distance, time differences, and legal restrictions. Some Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA), agreements that military families must abide by while living in a foreign country as part of their military service agreement, do not allow spouses to work remotely. Or remote companies do not qualify for work in that country. If remote work can be found, the hours may be East Coast Time while the military spouse lives in the Pacific, with a 13-to-14-hour difference depending on the time of year. Telework is allowed in Japan, South Korea, Bahrain, and Germany per the current SOFA agreements.

The SOFA is not the same across all military stations overseas. In Italy and Belgium, spouses must give up their SOFA status to work off-base – this would mean losing the NATO driver’s license required to drive in Italy. In comparison, spouses in Germany may telecommute for an American job or work in the German economy without losing their SOFA status.

The SOFA agreement also may limit home-based businesses depending on the country the military family resides in. Say goodbye to that finally established Spouse-ly shop. These regulations may be in place not by the specific country but by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to limit revenue competition.

What jobs are open on post due to high turnover are those in retail or food service, but the pay is low – even at around $10 an hour. These positions have no benefits, and shift work still requires child care, which typically costs more than $10/hour.

While these military families are on one-income, many qualify for low-income programs because their income is below the poverty line. Stars and Stripes shared one person’s account about their time overseas. “It’s depleted our family’s savings account, forced us to lower our standard of living, and affected my mental health in that I feel I’m no longer a useful contributor to my family’s well-being.” This lack of morale in the military family also affects the military service member. It may lead to family discord and emotional and financial stress on the service member. It may lead to the service member finishing their current commitment and exiting the service. Family stressors are a retention problem for these experienced servicemembers.

Per Stars and Stripes, 6,786 military members based in Europe qualified for the Women, Infants, and Children supplemental food program (WIC) from January 1 to October 26, 2022. At the time of writing, the 2022 statistics were not available for review to know the number of military service members stationed in Europe during that period.

The way ahead requires legislative and cultural changes for overseas locations. Legislative changes will not provide a quick answer, as legislation is never immediate. Hospital and installation overseas culture change to providing paid positions to military spouses instead of relying on a large volunteer force would pave the way to change. This would require the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to change policies on hiring military spouses overseas and allowing spouses to bid on positions as their businesses or expand the contractors and government service positions. The DHA plans to lower the number of non-active duty jobs in both CONUS and OCONUS. This change would also require increasing the minimum wage in overseas locations to match the stateside minimum wage. It would require an open conversation among military families, commanders, and leaders who can affect change. If the military and government agencies approached these changes, it would increase family satisfaction and may increase recruitment when numbers at low. The reality there is not a “quick fix,” but an openness to discussion and change are the first steps.

Justice Department Speaks Out on Licenses for Military Families

09/05/2023 By Heather Walsh

One of the barriers to military spousal employment is the transferability of professional licensure. Teachers have to apply for a new license in a new state with different requirements – some requiring more education while they have been teaching in another state for 5+ years. Medical professionals applying for a license in a new state may also have new requirements of different continuing education classes or specific classes even after practicing for a period of time. Anyone with commercial certificates or licenses- HVAC, plumber, etc, would not have to prove anything other than their previous state license.

In 2018 and 2019, individual states began discussing and passing legislation allowing for the compatibility of military spouse professional licenses. Arizona passed HB 2569 in 2019, specifically naming license reciprocity for military spouses. This meant any person who established residence in the states or was married to an active duty member in the military who PCS’d to the state, currently licensed in another state for at least a year without revocation or suspension or other forms of discipline meant the person could apply for the license in Arizona, pay the fees, pass a criminal history and be given a license without having to meet Arizona specific state requirements due to already being a license holder in another state.

In 2023, a change in legislature allows out-of-state professional licenses and certificates to be recognized by the new state the military family moved to. The Justice Department has released a letter specifically addressing state licensing authorities about the federal protections extended to military families. The SCRA, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, was amended in 2023, adding verbiage specifically stating that military spouses and service members can have their out-of-state licenses recognized as valid in the new state while stationed there as long as they meet certain requirements. This federal law supersedes state laws.

The Justice Department released this letter in response to a lawsuit by a military spouse in Texas. Per the lawsuit, the military spouse held counseling licenses in Ohio and Missouri and moved to Texas with her spouse’s military orders, and Texas denied her request to have her out-of-state license recognized, stating that the SCRA law “would not apply to Texas.”

Per the SCRA provision, the license would be considered valid in the new location if the servicemember and spouse must have moved to a location outside the jurisdiction of the licensing authority that issued the covered license or certificate due to military orders, provide a copy of the military orders to the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction, have actively used the license or certificate during the two years immediately preceding the move, remain in good standing with the licensing authority(ies) of the out-of-state licenses and submit to the authority of the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction for the purposes of standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of any continuing education requirements.

This saves military families time and money and removes the application period and fees as the out-of-state license is accepted. If legal assistance is needed, office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil

Have you utilized the new license reciprocity? How was the process?

Defense Department Expands Child Care in Your Home Program

08/14/2023 By Heather Walsh

According to annual research collected, performed, and analyzed by Blue Star Families, one of the top three stressors for active-duty families is military spouse employment. One of the biggest challenges to military spouse employment is adequate childcare. Military bases are usually located in remote areas or areas that are highly populated, like San Diego and Washington D.C., which adds an extra challenge to finding safe, affordable childcare.

While there are Child Development Centers (CDC) at each military post, most are small, understaffed, and unable to accommodate the true need for childcare. In addition, CDCs prioritize who gets a coveted spot, with dual military first and two working parents second. Those new to a military base looking for work are left waiting. Families often put their name on a CDC list months prior to a baby being born, to be called when the child is two, and now the spouse has been unable to have consistent work for those two years or longer.

The In-Home Child Care pilot has been expanded and is now called the Child Care in Your Home program. The program provides fee assistance for full-time, in-home childcare providers. The program once covered five areas but now includes 11 locations.

These locations include:

-Colorado Springs, CO

-Seattle/Tacoma, WA

-Jacksonville/Mayport, FL

-Fort Walton Beach, FL

-Fayetteville, NC

-Las Vegas, NV

-National Capital Region

-Hawaii

-San Diego, CA

-Norfolk, VA

-San Antonio, TX

The program covers a minimum of 30 hours to a maximum of 60 hours in a week.

The Child Care Aware program is a separate program that provides fee assistance for service members to use community-based care facilities. Families apply for the assistance program per their military branch on the website above. The amount of assistance is based on the military branch and service member’s rank.

The MilitaryChildCare.com resource is a DOD website providing information on military-operated and military-approved childcare programs worldwide. This may provide insight into programs available before a move or a child’s birth.

Military One Source has a free online database to find hourly, flexible, and on-demand childcare. To utilize this resource, sign into your Military One Source account, and you will be given a unique member code to use on the child care service page.

What have been your findings if you have used any of the child care programs to find child care in your area?

House Armed Services Committee Introduced Quality of Life Panel

07/17/2023 By Heather Walsh

Among military families, one pain point involves the military’s impact on quality of life: spousal employment, housing, and childcare are three main points. The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) through Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) announced the Quality of Life Panel.

Per their announcement, the panel would focus on these issues and more, including housing, compensation, health care, and support programs for spouses of service members. The committee would start with at least two hearings a month from officials from the Pentagon. The notes from these meetings would be made into a written report to the Military Personnel Subcommittee Chair and Ranking Member to be made into a proposal for the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Chairman Mike Rogers specifically stated, “I created the Quality of Life Panel to specifically focus on issues impacting the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families – there is absolutely no reason why any U.S. servicemember should have to worry about food or unsafe housing. I have no doubt that the hard work of this panel will lead to much-needed improvements across the Department of Defense to ensure that the needs of our service members and their families are fulfilled.”

Military Personnel Subcommittee Ranking Member Andy Kim (D-NJ) said, “Raising pay, improving TRICARE, addressing mental health, increasing access to childcare, expanding workforce development, and other efforts are needed. As the Ranking Member of the Military Personnel subcommittee, I’m glad we are standing up this Quality of Life Panel to ensure we are prioritizing people over hardware.”

The list of Pentagon officials and experts was not included in the press release. Within the National Capitol Region are two major organizations with their pulse on the needs of military families – National Military Family Association and Blue Star Families. National Military Family Association conducts research, data collection and analytics annually on multiple topics, including but not limited to health, education, employment and military children. Blue Star Families collects information across military branches from military families every year in their annual survey.  While this data is shared with legislative leaders, this committee would also be a great location for this information.

Members of the Committee Include:

Majority:
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Chairman
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC)
Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX)
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA)
Rep. James Moylan (R-GU)
Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO)
Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), ex officio
 
Minority:
 
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Ranking Member
Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX)
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-WA)
Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA)
Rep. Don Davis (D-NC)
Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ), ex officio
 

Keep up to date on hearings and news from the House Armed Services Committee here. You can also subscribe and get the hearings, news, and updates directly to your email box here.

Your voice matters! If your state isn’t represented in the committee but you want to share your concerns, find and contact your representative here.

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