Two members of the Arkansas delegation have submitted legislation to “make adequate and equitable benefits” for reservists under the Montgomery GI Bill, according to a joint statement. Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) and Rep. Vic Snyder (D-Ark.) say that despite the “increased reliance” on reservists since 9/11, the value of their standard MGIB benefits “has fallen over the last 20 years from 47 percent to 29 percent of active duty benefits.” The Total Force GI Bill would consolidate active and reserve programs under one authority—Veterans Affairs—and ensure reserve benefits rise proportionally with active benefits, among other provisions. The Senate bill is S 644, and the House measure is HR 1102.
Members of the Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing helped save 11 airplane crash survivors off the coast of Florida on May 12. The Reserve Airmen were flying an HC-130J Combat King II and an HH-60W Jolly Green II on a routine training flight when a Coast Guard call diverted…