"Staff Sgt. Dawn Styczynski joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard four-and-a-half years ago for the education benefits.
"In December, she will finish college in the Green Bay area and in another year-and-a-half, maybe the Guard. Reenlisting is 'kind of iffy right now,' [Sergeant] Styczynski said. In addition to attending college full-time, she works full-time at a small photography studio whose only other employee is the owner, who cannot afford to offer [Sergeant] Styczynski health insurance.
"The coverage for two people is unreal,' said [Sergeant] Styczynski, who would like to open her own studio. She could buy it for herself, but that would cost $250 a month, 'which is a little steep for me,' she said.
If she could get insurance through the Guard, she might not be so willing to leave the military.
'"It would be beneficial for me to stay in then,' she said. [Sergeant] Styczynski already has dental coverage through Tricare, the military's medical services provider. But signing up for health insurance would depend on the costs.
Some lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., are taking a serious look at what it would cost to offer health coverage to traditional, part-time Guardsmen and Reservists through Tricare, which currently covers active-duty military personnel, including full-time members of the Guard and Reserve, and soon, retirees.
"This is a readiness and retention issue," said retired CoI. William Goss, NGAUS legislative director. "Our soldiers and airmen spend more time today working for the Guard than ever before for little financial reward. They are also expected to remain fit and healthy so that they will be ready when called. For the good of the military, for the good of our people, we should be providing health coverage.
"That health insurance is even on the congressional radar is welcome news for several Guardsmen-from single to married with families-who say they would be willing to give Tricare a try. They are interested in coverage that is more affordable than what they already have, and having the chance to have medical coverage at all."
Did You Know?
Twenty-three adjutants general are also their state's director of emergency management.
© 2006 National Guard Association of the United States Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Source: National Guard
