The Navy SEAL who shot and killed Osama bin Laden met with lawmakers for a series of meetings on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, the day of President Obama’s State of the Union address, Esquire claims:
During each meeting, the Shooter and the members of the group accompanying him presented the legislators with a three-part proposal for easing the transition out of the military for elite forces that would require no legislation.
• A tiered pension plan that would begin after five years of duty and vary depending on base pay and length of service.
• Enhanced transition services that must be provided on an “opt-out” basis to overcome the fact that many vets are unaware that such services exist or how to apply for them and to include 18 months of comprehensive health insurance available immediately for vets and their families.
• Departure pay based on length and type of service.
In every meeting I attended, the senators, representatives, and their staffs were receptive — in many cases eager to help. They are all extremely attuned to veterans’ concerns, as nearly all of them have heard from constituents that the Veterans Administration system is a challenge to navigate and that high percentages of veterans never take advantage of the benefits offered. The Shooter mentioned in most meetings that it was only in recent weeks that he was made aware of the medical benefits he is eligible to apply for through the VA. And in most meetings, the staff members who attended included former military and/or active-duty service members who were on staff or interning in the office.
