I tried to find the link, but couldn't, so the email follows - this is verified true. Now, I have no beef with the NCOA - they are a fine organization that does outstanding work represesnting our veterans. I also have no beef with this raise - veterans have been getting the short end of the stick on Cost-Of-Living-Allowances (COLAs) for years. I just find the timing suspect, and find it interesting that the author chose to mention the raise and the need to vote in the same article, especially since veterans are by and large a conservative lot, and especially since John McCain is seen as weak on supporting veterans....

Some more background - the current Republican administration has been piss-poor about taking care of the troops and about taking care of veterans.

Subject: FW: 2009 COLA (FW: Biggest COLA Since 1982)

NCOA Information Express

2009 COLA ANNOUNCED

5.8% INCREASE for Military and Federal Civilian Retirees, Disabled Veterans and Survivors, and Social Security Recipients.

The December 1, 2008 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will represent a 5.8 percent increase and be payable in January 2009. This increase represents the largest COLA provided since 1982.

Veterans were concerned when Congress sent to the President the 2009 COLA proposal in September 2008 which had a placeholder marker for the COLA rate arbitrarily set at 2.3 percent increase knowing the Public Law would be corrected at a later date when the rate was formerly set. The COLA rate was formally set at 5.8 percent today.

The COLA Rate for the above groups will be significantly higher than the 3.9 percent authorized for the Military Pay Raise signed into Law this week by the President. The two increases are based on different formulas.

NCOA encourages all eligible citizens to Vote in the November 4, 2008 Presidential Election and to Fly an American Flag on Veteran's Day, November 11.

The cynical man reads this as "here's your money, now get out there and vote Republican." I *am* that cynical man.