For more information: American Retirees Association (ARA) What is the American Retirees Association (ARA)? Open letter to the 110th Congres - Second Session   Congressional Committees Military Betrayed - the Video "The Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA)" Divorce ... Military Style Point Paper Did You Know? USFSPA Fairness Issues Have Questions or Need Information? USFSPA Reform The "Hot Spot" - for the latest information, regarding divorce, in the Uniformed Services Reform of the USFSPA The Uniformed Services Divorce Equity Act Section by Section Analysis of The Uniformed Services Divorce Act News and Views The ARA Newsletter (April 2008) Vox Populi (Survivor's Voices) Horror Stories from the Files of the ARA The Charthouse The Engine Room Survivor's Voice Link Correspondence of Interest Congress Congressional action and sample letters for action Other Veterans' Organizations National Military Veterans Alliance Other Veterans' Organizations and Information Frank Ault Remembered Become a Member Membership, Dues and Contributions Get "The" Book Divorce and the Military II News from the Trenches 1. USFSPA Liberation Support Group (ULSG) 2. Women in Search of Equity 3. Retiree News and Information Website 4. Operation Firing for Effect 2008 Other Information DFAS Web Site California Alliance for Families and Children (CAFC) How to contact the ARA Contact ARA

Full Disclosure!   Divorce and the Military II ISBN 0-9639850-1-9  YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK Discover how unpublicized Federal policy brutally punishes loyal, career, Military, PHS and NOAA personnel! Check out the Table of Contents!   Do YOU know where your Senator or Representatives stand on the issues? Get the answers here! Find Elected Officials Enter ZIP Code: or Search by State See Issues & Action Select An Issue Area: Contact The Media Enter ZIP Code: or Search by State   THE PENTAGON'S NEW MILLENNIUM UNIFORMED SERVICES FORMER SPOUSE PROTECTION ACT POLICY In 1982, 97th Congress National Defense Authorization Joint Conference delegates concluded behind closed doors that Uniformed Service Personnel retired from active duty pay was jointly earned marital property, effective 25 June 1981. In 2006, the Pentagon asked the 109th Congress to decide how soon after targeted US personnel marry, does their retired from active duty pay become subject to court-ordered garnishment by the federal government. The US Senate said 'instantly' while the US House coyly ignored the issue. Once again, National Defense Authorization Act Joint Conferees were asked to decide this issue behind closed doors; the point being to avoid exposing them to negative election-year publicity. The conferees formally rejected the Pentagon's proposal, on September 29th. Grateful targeted Uniformed Service Personnel thanked them for their support, at the polls, on Election Day 2006. With four of its former spouse protection proposals summarily "returned to sender" by the 109th Congress and the 110th Congress determined to pursue its oversight authority, the Pentagon has little to discuss with the Senate or House Armed Services Committees, in January. Rather than continuing their 2001 vintage social engineering experiment, we urge the Pentagon to focus on training all personnel in their charge to recognize and avoid this personal hazard. Properly trained and equipped, those who consider our nation's call to arms an honorable career, would naturally respond positively to this sincere display of concern for their welfare. The USFSPA was implemented by Congress on 25 June 1981, ostensibly to protect the deserving uniformed service member former spouses. Ironically, it has created an even larger class of victims than it was designed to assist: Service members who retire from active duty and their families. The American Retirees Association (ARA) was founded in 1984 for the exclusive purpose of addressing inequities in the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA), Public Law 97-252 (Title 10 USC 1408). It is chartered in California, as Tax Exempt Corporation 1551226; with Federal Tax Exemption ID 33-024676 as a 501(c)(19) Veterans Organization. It is comprised of active, reserve and retired members of the Uniformed Services, male and female, across the United States and around the world. DISCLAIMER: The American Retirees Association provides general information on the issue of nondisability military retirement benefits as a divisible marital asset. It is with the understanding that this Web Site is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. State laws relative to domestic relations vary and change frequently. If legal or other expert assistance is required, please consult with competent professionals.                                  American Retirees Association PO Box 2333 Redlands, CA 92373-0781 ARA Business Office, phone (909) 557-0107 (Fax: (909) 335-2711) ARA "Action Line" phone (703) 527-3065 Last verified 3 May 2008 For questions and/or assistance, contact the Webmaster at ContactARA@aol.com

THE VETERANS' VOICE An independent monthly publication that prints the truth, adheres to the facts and promotes the well-being of our Veterans and their families SUBSCRIBE TODAY! $12 per year Keep the news coming to our veterans. Mail check or money order payable to: The Veterans's Voice Box 933 Plains, MT 59859 For charge card subscription information call (888) 826-3215 MILITARY is a monthly history publication written by the men and women who served. Most of the articles are first-hand expereneces of the subscribers who were there during World War II, Korea, Viet-Nam, The Cold War and Gulf War; all U.S. military services Subcribe Now! One year: $17.00 Two years: $32.00 Three years: $46.00 Lifetime: $213.00 Mail check or money order payable to Military 2628 El Camino Ave., Ste. A6 Sacramento, CA 95821-5925 For charge card subscriptions call TOLL FREE (800) 366-9192 weekdays 8am to 5 pm PST ATTENTION SERVICE MEMBERS AND SPOUSES Trying to make your way through the USFSPA maze? Need assistance in working with your attorney? Want to learn how to save money throughout your divorce process? Then consider the services of a degreed paralegal who can work with you and your attorney. Marsha Thole, co-author of Divorce and the Military II, has worked with clients and attorneys since 1994. Free initial consultation. CONTACT MARSHA THOLE at (505) 856-2080 or email her at ContactARA@aol.com