“Why not raise salaries?”
One possibility. Why not use it for expanded health care, VA hospitals, home renovations for disabled, boosting social security for members both retired and active... I’m sure there are a number of things they can do with the money rather than give it to the members to spend in a retail economy that would do good for all. Not everyone is depending on gifts like this while working. And with today’s salaries and amenities, the active member is living far greater than from years past. We have a lot of vets that need help, some more than others. We shouldn’t leave soldiers behind.
And even though it is money under the tree, it could be, accumulated, maybe better used by those that need it more. And if Trump wants to make it even more desirable, make it a tax write off as a donation. Everyone gets use of it that way.
wy69
They raised salaries in 2025 (a lot I think) and set to raise them 3.8% in 2026