Comment #: 272
Discussion Thread: #s 256
In Reference #1 to Comment #256 an Air Force Judge Advocate in Germany told the troops that they would have to foot the bill for losses of pre-paid travel expenses if they were recalled from leave because of the Kosovo emergency. It came to our attention by via email from an Army Staff Sergeant stationed in Korea.
I am happy to report that wide distribution of the Staff Sergeant's message helped to stimulate the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) to take corrective action.
Today I received the following message from a reform-oriented member of the congressional staff:
"FYI: Language to reimburse soldiers in Kosovo for their cancelled travel plans/airline fees got into the DoD authorization bill that the SASC reported yesterday."
There are still several steps to go — the full Senate must vote on the bill, then it goes to the House-Senate Conference, then the final bill will be voted on. But it is almost certain to pass.
Chuck Spinney