On June 25th and 26th, 2025, the Gold Star Spouses of America hosted their inaugural Legislative Fly-In and National Convention, uniting over 25 surviving spouses from across the nation. This event allowed surviving spouses to connect directly with policymakers and advocate for their families, ensuring their loved ones’ sacrifices are never forgotten.
The event focused on engaging with Congress to advocate for policies that support the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. In just two days, the spouses connected with over 400 congressional offices, demonstrating incredible strength, resilience, and determination.
The NCOA was honored to participate, and we are deeply thankful to the volunteers who assisted as escorts, supporting the spouses during their visit. We are committed to continuing our support for Gold Star Spouses and their vital advocacy efforts.

​*Event photos below

On June 12th, the NCOA, alongside The Military Coalition, was honored to be a part of the first-ever Seersucker Social, marking National Seersucker Day. The event was more than just a celebration of tradition, it was a powerful gathering of advocates, Congressional leaders, and Military and Veteran Support Organizations, all united in our shared mission to support Service Members, Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
This special event served as a reminder of our collective commitment to advancing policies that honor the sacrifices made by our Military community. We thank everyone who participated and continue to work tirelessly to ensure the needs of our heroes are met.

The Major Richard Star Act, named in honor of a combat-wounded Veteran, is a pivotal piece of legislation designed to correct an unjust pay offset that impacts thousands of medically retired Service Members. The act aims to ensure that Veterans who were forced to medically retire due to combat-related injuries can receive both their full disability compensation and retirement pay without offset.

How Are Veterans Being Penalized?
Under current law, Veterans who are medically retired due to combat-related injuries do not receive their full retirement pay from the Department of Defense (DoD) if they are also receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This creates an offset, meaning their DoD retirement pay is reduced by the amount they receive from the VA, resulting in some Veterans receiving no retirement benefits at all.

The Benefits of the Major Richard Star Act
The Major Richard Star Act offers Veterans the option to receive both their disability compensation and full retirement pay. Veterans will be able to choose whether to stay in the Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) program or opt-out and receive both VA compensation and the full DoD retirement pay. This choice will provide Veterans with the flexibility to select the best option for their individual needs.

What is CRSC?
The Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) program provides tax-free payments to retired Veterans with combat-related disabilities. To be eligible, Veterans must have at least a 30% disability rating and be retired for a combat-related injury. Veterans can choose CRSC or, with the passage of the Major Richard Star Act, opt for the full retirement pay with VA disability compensation.

The Importance of Advocacy
Veterans who qualify for this benefit need our collective voice to get this bill passed. The NCOA is proud to stand with The Military Coalition and organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project in supporting the Major Richard Star Act.

This bill is a long-overdue fix that would give Veterans the benefits they earned and deserve. It's time to correct this injustice and ensure that combat-wounded Veterans are not penalized for their service.

What You Can Do to Help:
We encourage all Veterans, their families, and supporters to take action and contact their legislators to show support for the Major Richard Star Act. Click below to easily send a message to your representatives.

Board nominations due
Individuals wishing to nominate a person for a position to be filled on Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) International Board of Directors must submit nomination packets not later than May 30. Nomination packages should contain a short biographical sketch that will be placed on the NCOA website, a head and shoulders photo and information about the nominee’s NCOA and community involvement.  Nomination packets, or requests for more information, should be addressed to NCOA, Attn: Tina Kish, P.O. Box 33790, San Antonio, TX 78265 or via e-mail to [email protected]. Elections will take place Wednesday, July 16 at the Association’s Annual Membership Business Meeting. Members must be present to cast a ballot.

Auxiliary Seeks Nominations
Auxiliary members wishing to nominate a person for a position to be filled on the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) International Auxiliary Board of Directors must submit their nomination packets to NCOA Headquarters not later than May 30. Nomination packages should contain a short biographical sketch that will be placed on the NCOA website, a head and shoulders photo and information about the nominee’s NCOA Auxiliary and community involvement. Auxiliary members wishing to nominate an individual, or receive additional information, should contact Tina Kish, NCOA International Auxiliary Liaison, P.O. Box 33790, San Antonio, TX  78265 or via e-mail to [email protected]. Elections will take place Wednesday, July 16 at the Auxiliary’s Annual Membership Business Meeting.

Association Resolutions Due
Chapters or individuals with resolutions to submit on subjects for consideration by the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) International Board of Directors and the general membership at the 2025 Annual Membership Business Meeting must submit the resolution not later than May 30 to Levi Sadr, NCOA Director of Government Affairs via e-mail to [email protected].

For more information, email: [email protected].
​Add “Legislative Resolution Team Volunteer” in subject line. See below for details.