SGT. SHAFT: Pay, benefits for retirement

Dear Sgt. Shaft:

I was retired with permanent disability from active-duty Army on Aug. 27 with 40 percent with 20 good years with the National Guard and 10 years active-duty Army and Marines.

When should I start receiving my retirement check from the Army? I also applied for a disability check from the Department of Veterans Affairs. I checked on the status of the VA application and was informed that it may take up to a year. The VA representative also said I would not get my Army retirement check — but VA has not even approved me. Is this true? I will be homeless if I don’t get a check until VA approves or disapproves.

Thanks,
SSG S

Dear Sarge:

My VA sources tell me that if you are entitled to retirement pay after your most recent separation, this payment would not be suspended in lieu of potential VA benefits. If you do not receive expected military-retirement pay, you should contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. My sources added that you do not currently meet the requirements for concurrent receipt of military-retired pay and VA pay.

VA is developing your claim for benefits, which was received on Sept. 5.

Shaft notes

The Sarge is looking forward to joining his fellow Marines at Mack’s Marines Operation Glory to the Corps luncheon commemorating the 233rd birthday of the Marine Corps on Nov. 7 at the Marine Barracks, Eighth and I streets Southeast. The commandant is the invited guest of honor. Brigadier Gen. Michael R. Regner, legislative assistant to the commandant, and Gen. James L. Jones, 32nd commandant and former Supreme Allied Commander Europe, also are scheduled to attend.

The price for the luncheon is $50, $20 for active-duty personnel.

As in the past, doors open at 11 a.m. for libations, with seating for the program and meal at 11:45 a.m. The maximum number of seats on a first come-first served basis is 120, so when your payment is received, you’re confirmed.

Please respond by e-mail to BHefti@vsadc.com. Parking will be available either on Eighth Street or under the freeway, as in the past. Handicapped parking is also available on request.

Once again, area veterans will receive a free lunch or dinner entree at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants and M&S Grills on Nov. 9 in tribute to Veterans Day. Veterans should show proper identification (VA card, VFW card, veterans ID, discharge papers, et cetera.)

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Veterans can go to www.McCormickandSchmicks.com for a list of participating restaurants or contact one of the restaurants.

In a show of thanks to our nation’s veterans, Bill McCormick and Doug Schmick are offering to serve those who have served. Last year, the company served nearly 18,000 vets nationwide. The McCormick & Schmick’s annual veterans program began as a small effort in just one restaurant in 1999. It has expanded nationwide.

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