October 21, 2009

OBEY ANNOUNCES START OF APPLICATION PROCESS FOR SPECIAL PAYMENTS TO SERVICEMEMBERS UNDER STOP-LOSS ORDERS

WASHINGTON, DC – Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) announced that starting today over 185,000 servicemembers who have had their enlistments involuntarily extended since 2001 can now apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay. The 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Bill which Obey, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and John Murtha (D-PA), Chairman of the Defense Subcommittee, shepherded through the House provides $734 million to retroactively pay servicemembers and veterans $500 for every month they served under the stop-loss orders since September 11, 2001.

“This is the right thing to do,” said Obey. “Our soldiers have served America with honor time and again and they deserve more than a salute. This $500 per month special payment helps our servicemembers who have literally served above and beyond the call of duty and is in recognition of the hardship placed upon our troops and their families by being required to remain on active duty far longer than planned.”

This payment builds on a significant congressional record of accomplishment for veterans and troops over the last two and a half years – including the New GI Bill, progress in improving veterans’ hospitals and facilities, a 40% increase in funding for veteran’s health care, expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers and improving care for those with PTSD.

The Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay is available to service members who had their enlistment extended or retirement suspended due to Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009. Servicemembers from every branch of the military will receive compensation.

Service members may begin submitting their claim for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay on Oct. 21, 2009. All applications must be submitted to the respective services no later than Oct. 21, 2010. Service members must provide documented proof they were Stop Lossed with their claim. Family members of deceased service members should contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim.

Army: https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil

Navy: send email to – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Marine Corps: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss

Air Force: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss

“We have made a promise to our veterans, and we are continuously working to fulfill that promise,” said Obey. “These veterans have already served with distinction. Now, it’s our turn to honor them for going the extra mile.”

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