VetsFirst and Social Security Works Report on Veterans' Stake in Social Security Reform

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May 26, 2011, 08:45 ET

NEW YORK, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- VetsFirst, a program of United Spinal Association, and Social Security Works have joined with veterans' organizations to release Social Security: Serving Those Who Serve Our Nation, a report encouraging political leaders to give special attention to the stake of veterans in the future of Social Security.

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Social Security reform would impact over one-third of America's 54 million current beneficiaries who are either veterans or family members living with them, such as their spouses.

Of the 13 to 14 million veterans—or 6 in 10—who are not Social Security beneficiaries, the vast majority will become beneficiaries in the future.

Terence Moakley, a board member at United Spinal Association and chair of the VetsFirst Committee, contributed his personal story to the report, detailing how Social Security has played a vital role in his life.

Moakley, along with other individuals who shared their experiences in the report, demonstrates Social Security's longstanding importance to the well-being of Americans who serve our nation and their families.

Their stories underscore that:

Social Security is essential to veterans and their families.
Social Security's disability and life insurance protections are especially important to those who place themselves in harm's way in service to the country.
Every dollar counts; even small Social Security benefit cuts would mean real sacrifice in basic necessities and quality of life.
Political leaders should restore fiscal discipline without going back on this country's promises to veterans, including the promise of Social Security.

The report quotes the following by President George Washington, "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation."

Moakley specifically documented how Social Security's disability benefits enabled him to return to school and regain economic self-sufficiency for over 30 years. Now 66, he resumed Social Security disabled worker benefits at age 63 because his condition worsened, and his wife and 14-year-old daughter received Social Security as his dependents.

The following organizations partnered with Social Security Works for the report: American GI Forum; Blinded Veterans Association; Gold Star Wives of America; National Association of American Veterans; National Military Families Association; Paralyzed Veterans of America; Union Veterans Council-AFL-CIO; VetsFirst, a program of United Spinal Association; Vietnam Veterans of America; and VoteVets.org.

About VetsFirst

VetsFirst (www.vetsfirst.org) provides a network of national veterans service officers and attorneys to provide assistance and representation in securing health care, disability compensation, rehabilitation, education and other benefits for its members before the Department of Veterans Affairs' and in the federal courts.

About United Spinal Association

United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

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SOURCE United Spinal Association