BEN DAMRON

Commander

VFW

Post 6605

Warner Robins, GA

I am Ben Damron, Commander of VFW Post 6605, Warner Robins, Georgia. I have stumbled upon a situation which I think needs to be rectified and the sooner the better.

This involves certain states (Georgia included) in misinterpreting the Federal law concerning VA Disability Compensation to our Veterans. Specifically those who are involved in divorce/alimony and other type financial situations, and the decisions made by State judges/courts are ignoring 38 USC 5301. This statute specifically states that VA disability compensation will not be included as part of their income for such purposes.

I have included as backup information, three items: 1) The proposed bill in Iowa regarding this situation, which is pending in their state legislature. 2) The actual synopsis and crux of the problem discussion points and 3) Real life examples of actual situations in the State of Georgia outlined in detail by Veterans delineating exactly how their support payments include their disability compensation as directed by State courts.

I personally find it absolutely deplorable that this situation even exists, but I guess it is yet another example of State judges interpreting the Federal law as they see fit or completely ignoring it and this should not be condoned. I find that we should not be having to pass State laws to enforce Federal statutes, however, that's where we find ourselves currently.

On behalf of the many Veterans in this State I am respectfully submitting this information in hope that you can submit a bill or get it to the particular committee person to submit in the Georgia State legislature. As you can readily see, this problem needs to be fixed and fixed now. As I have previously informed you as Commander of our Post, I represent approximately 700 VFW members in this area and approximately 600 VFW Ladies Auxiliary members.

Respectfully,

BEN DAMRON

Commander,

Post 6605,

Warner Robins, Ga