NDAA Brings New Vet Benefits ►   100% Disabled Vets Now AuthorizedSpace “A”

 

When President Trump signed into law the new National Defense Authorization Act, disabled veterans were granted a huge travel perk that has virtually gone unnoticed. 

 

Under the new Disabled Veterans Access to Space-A Travel Act, veterans with a service-connected, permanent disability rating of 100% can hop on any scheduled or unscheduled military flight within the continental United States (and scheduled overseas flights) operated by Air Mobility Command (AMC).  Clarification on whether or not required caregiver accompaniment is authorized has not yet been promulgated.      

 

To sign up for Space A Travel complete AMC Form 140, Space Available Travel Request (https://www.amc.af.mil/Portals/12/documents/AFD-140926-014.pdf) form and e-mail it to your desired AMC Passenger Terminal.  Info you need to complete the form includes:

·        Email address

·        Personal information (Rank/Grade, First Middle Last Name)

·        Service Branch (AF, Army, Marines, Navy, CG)

·        Status (Active, Guard, Reserve, Retired, Disabled Veteran, etc.)

·        Other Travelers (dependents names)

·        Total number of seats required

·        Travel status (See Travel Eligibility-Category I-VI).  The form has not yet been modified to reflect 100% disability eligibility.  In the interim suggest use Category VI until otherwise advised.

·        Overseas Travel Ready Status (Have Required Passports/Visas etc.)

·        5-Destinations (Sign-up for up to 5 Destinations e.g. Germany, USA, Japan, Alaska, or Hawaii)       

 

Note: Do Not Provide Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as Social Security Numbers (SSNs)

 

The NDAA also includes provisions to allow Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients, former prisoners of war and veterans with disabilities connected to their military service to shop at the discounted on-base commissary store. It also extends that access to veteran caregivers.

 

     In addition, the NDAA also expands access to Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Post Exchange privileges to these Purple Heart recipients, service-connected disabled veterans, former POWs, and their caregivers.

 

Sources:  USVCP, August 15, 2018 & Stars and Stripes, August 7, 2018

 

Yours in service,

 

Chuck Weber

VSO