WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), members of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced the National Guard Relief Act, legislation that would designate the National Guard Relief Foundation as a military welfare society under Title 10 of United States Code, improving the foundation’s ability to assist more National Guard Members as they continue to serve the country. Military welfare societies are service-specific non-profit organizations that work alongside the Department of Defense to provide servicemembers and their families with emergency, financial, and community services.
“Under Title 10 currently, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard each have their own military welfare societies, but not our National Guard,” said Rep. Finstad. “The National Guard Relief Act would bridge this gap by adding the National Guard Relief Foundation to the list of Military Welfare Societies and ensuring our National Guard Members and their families find relief in times of need.”
Finstad continued, “Our National Guard Members work tirelessly to serve their communities, states, and country, and deserve to be eligible for assistance under all conditions. I’m proud to introduce this legislation in support of National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and their family members.”
“Illinois National Guard members and their families make incredible sacrifices for our state and our country. I am so proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to help ensure that no National Guard family goes unsupported during a time of crisis,” said Rep. Sorensen.
“The introduction of this legislation is a significant step forward for our National Guard members and their families. Officially recognizing the National Guard Relief Foundation as an official Military Relief Organization helps ensure Guardsmen receive the same level of support and consideration long afforded to their active-duty counterparts. Our Guard families answer the call at home and abroad, often balancing unique challenges tied to state and federal service. This designation will strengthen the Foundation’s ability to expand assistance programs, reach more service members in times of hardship, and provide critical support when it matters most. EANGUS proudly supports this effort because taking care of our people and their families must always remain a national priority,” said CMSgt Josh J. Baker, President of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.
“The National Guard has stood watch over America through war, disaster, crisis, and uncertainty while answering every call without hesitation. The National Guard Relief Act is more than legislation or a “nice to have”. It is a declaration that the families who sacrifice beside our service members will no longer stand alone. Supporting those who defend this nation is not charity, it is a solemn national obligation. A country that relies on its Guard in every hour of need must ensure the Guard can rely on its country in theirs,” said Daniel B. Reilly, Chair of the National Guard Relief Foundation.
Background:
- The National Guard Relief Foundation was established in 1992 and is a private 501c(3) nonprofit charitable organization that was created by the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) to help National Guard soldiers, airmen, and their family members who experience a hardship, natural disaster or financial emergency.
- The relevant statutory language recognizes these organizations as military welfare societies: Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.
- National Guard members can be eligible for assistance from Army and Air Force relief societies under certain conditions, such as when operating under Title 10 orders, however the greatest need often arises when Guard members are not in a Title 10 status and therefore lack access to the increased benefits.
