Only 19 percent of 114th Congress have ever served in Uniform

The 114th Congress that will be sworn in just a few days from now will have the smallest number of military veterans of any Congress since before World War II.

Military experience in the Congress peaked at almost 80 percent in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Since that time, the percentage of Congressmen with military experience has dropped drastically and leveled off at about 20 percent since 2013.

The number of military veterans serving in the senate during the 114th Congress will increase from 19 to 20 and the number of military veterans serving in the House will decrease from 87 to 81.

No more World War II veterans remain in the Congress and those remaining from Korea and Vietnam are shrinking in numbers.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel resigned, and remains on duty until his replacement is confirmed.  He was a twice-wounded enlisted infantryman in Vietnam and worked closely with veterans and veteran’s organizations but was never considered to have influence on Obama. The Military Officers Association of America, MOAA, thanked Secretary Hagel for his “service and relentless effort to engage in productive dialog with the military and veteran community.”

“We recognize in many ways his hands are tied by the arbitrary cuts of sequestration, but Mr. Hagel strove to work together despite the difficult circumstances,” said MOAA President Vice Admiral Norbert R. Ryan, Jr., USN (Ret).

Several members of the U. S. Senate and House who were considered “military champions” by MOAA for being strong supporters of military personnel issues are leaving the Congress.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-Cal) had a hand in stopping many Obama Administration proposals to balance the budget on the backs of service members and their families.

Sen. Saxby Chambliss, (R-Ga), Sen. Carl Levin, (D-Mich,), Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC), Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), and Rep. Michael Michaud (D-Maine) were also thanked by MOAA for supporting legislation supportive of troops and veterans.

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