The Elly Report: Legislative Update

Proposed Legislation Supports Wounded Soldiers

by Joe Manzoli

Shrewsbury resident Ken Swift (USMC) is on another mission. This time it’s to help prevent our wounded soldiers from having their pay cut immediately when they are evacuated from the combat zone for medical treatment. As Vice Chairman of the Korean War Memorial Committee of Central Massachusetts and Past Commander of the Korean War Veterans Association of Central Mass, Ken knows it is important that our country be absolutely committed to taking care of our war heroes, especially if they are wounded.

In August 2004, Ken and his associates met with Lance Corporal James Crosby, USMC, at a VA hospital in Massachusetts. LCpl. Crosby was wounded by enemy fire while riding on the back of a US military vehicle in Iraq. A piece of shrapnel pierced his side and penetrated his intestines and spine. He has undergone 14 surgeries so far, but remains paralyzed from the waist down.

Unfortunately, as standard operating procedure, LCpl. Crosby’s monthly pay was immediately reduced from about $2500 to $1300 when he was transported out of the combat zone in Iraq. He lost his Combat Zone Tax Exclusion, Imminent Danger Pay, and Hardship Duty Pay. Since he has not been officially discharged from the Marine Corps, he is not yet entitled to Veteran benefits.

So the Korean War Memorial Committee in Massachusetts is heading up a national effort to build bipartisan support for new legislation, the "Crosby-Puller Combat Wounds Compensation Act."

This bill is important because it will help retain current service men and women as well as recruit new soldiers. It sends a message that our country is committed to our troops.

So call your state senators and representatives and encourage them to support the bill, H.R. 5296. It’s important. ER

Shrewsbury resident Ken Swift (USMC) with Purple Heart recipient, Lance Corporal James Crosby, USMC.