Wilson Introduces Guard and Reserve Retirement Bill

Last week, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC, with the support of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) and the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), two very prominent organizations representing 500,000 National Guard members, unveiled new legislation, H.R. 4676, which would allow National Guard and Reserve members who have served 20 years or more to be able to begin to draw their retired pay immediately upon retirement."With the increasing reliance on the National Guard and Reserve since 1990, and especially since the horrific events of September 11th, it's time recognize the considerable contributions of these citizen-soldiers," said Rep. Wilson.When the events of 9-11 transpired, National Guard and Reserve members did not wait for the call to action, they responded immediately. More than 80,000 reserve component members are on duty in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. Today in the National Guard and Reserves, it's not if you will be called to active duty, but when you will be called to active duty. South Carolina learned the value of the National Guard with Hurricane Hugo recovery efforts in 1989 and the South Carolina Guard's national role with extensive participation in the Persian Gulf War.With this legislation, members of the National Guard and Reserve would qualify for an immediate annuity based on the current point system upon completion of a minimum of 20 good years for retirement. There would be no change in the way Reserve Component retirement is computed."The age at which Reservists receive retired pay was set at 60 in 1948 and has not been changed since. The time is here, the time is now to remedy this inequity. I believe this bill would put our Reserve Component members on equal footing with their active duty counterparts, who are eligible to draw their retired pay immediately upon retirement after 20 years of service," said Rep. Wilson. "As a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard, I am extremely proud of our military. They are true patriots."President George W. Bush, in Charleston, West Virginia, on Feb. 15, 2001, said, "Guard and Reserve members display values that are central to our nation's character, courage, and sacrifice and demonstrate the highest form of citizenship. And while you may not be full-time soldiers, you are full-time patriots."###