Jon S. Corzine: “This amendment I have offered, along with Senators Lautenberg and Durbin, would reduce the retirement age for members of…”

“This amendment I have offered, along with Senators Lautenberg and Durbin, would reduce the retirement age for members of the National Guard and Reserve from 60 to 55. This change would allow an estimated 92,000 reservists currently age 55 to 59 to retire with full benefits, honoring their service and respecting the drastic demands we put on them in the post-cold-war era and the age of terrorism. As we reflect on the demands placed on our soldiers in Iraq and other parts of our world because of terrorism, particularly our reservists-- roughly 20,000 are in the theater--it is time we actually make this important change in the benefits that our reservists and guards receive. We are using our reservists dramatically differently than in previous years. It is time to recognize that and make sure they are treated appropriately. This request is at the top of the requests of the Reserve Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Air Force Sergeants Association, American Legion, a variety of folks.”