Dear Fellow Graduates,
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) has completed its study on Military
Health Care Management and published its findings in the February 2000 AUSA Torchbearer
issue. It is an excellent report. It is entitled The Promise ... the Reality:
Military Health Care Management Revisited. This report has been sent to all senators
and representatives and is available to AUSA members and nonmembers. If you desire a
copy, contact the AUSA at the address below or via the AUSA website.
Every graduate of the U.S. Military Academy should recognize that this AUSA presentation
to Congress will positively influence healthcare reform to all service personnel, both
active and retired, as well as their families.
The AUSA President, a former Army Chief of Staff, General Gordon Sullivan has a
relationship with Congress and the Department of Defense which makes him an ideal
spokesperson to affect a positive change in military health management. He will be
the torchbearer for Army service personnel, and he needs our support. Whether your
healthcare is provided by the Department of Defense or from another source, I urge you to
join the AUSA. Annual dues are $30.00. Please contact AUSA for more
information. Association of the United States Army
2425 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201-3385
800/336-4570
Website: www.ausa.org
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As many of you know, the Class of 1958 has been at the forefront of this important
initiative. Below is a paragraph provided by the Class of 1958 explaining their
position.
The dismal condition of the military healthcare system is now a serious concern for all
graduates and requires our attention and action. Several classes have organized internally
and linked their efforts to the national grass-roots campaign to exert strong constituent
pressure on members of the Congress before the remedial legislation comes up for vote in
the Congress in the late summer. With only 1.8 million retirees from all services, it is
absolutely essential for every voter, active and retired, their spouses and children to
contact their respective Representative and Senators in the Congress. Activism does not
come easily to graduates but, in this case, such activism is not only proper, it is a
responsibility. If not for ourselves, our families, and current members of the Armed
Forces, it is something that we owe to the gallant NCOs who served with us and cannot
afford proper health care under the current system. TROA, NAUS, AUSA and others all
have ample information about the bills under consideration and easy-to-use communication
tools in their publications and at their web sites to help you to contact your own
legislators. It is most effective if you be ask for a reply. If a Senator or
Representative responds that he will support the critical legislation, it is helpful to
send him a note thanking him for that, and encouraging him to work with his colleagues to
insure passage. If he responds with a non-committal, indefinite, or contrary viewpoint,
then it is necessary to write again to express your disappointment with his position.
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Join me in (1) supporting the AUSA, and (2) writing your senators and
representatives. This is a goal worth "writing for!"
John A. Hammack
Chairman & CEO
Association of Graduates
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