Title: About FRA
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More About FRA
Content: FRA was born out of the need for an organization to protect the pay and benefits of enlisted Sea Service members and their families on Capitol Hill. FRA also assists its members with career problems by maintaining close liaison with the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and other government agencies. In 1998, FRA was the first organization to actively seek repeal of the Military Retirement Reform Act (REDUX) and was successful in urging members of Congress to introduce and/or sponsor legislation to change the law. As a result, REDUX is no longer mandatory, and a bonus was enacted for personnel who accept it. In 2000, the Association led a successful campaign to authorize pay hikes for mid-career enlisted personnel that resulted in pay increases for E-5, E-6 and E-7 personnel on July 1, 2001. And more recently, the Association was instrumental in payday lending reform, Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for career personnel and their families, and absentee voting reform. Other major legislative accomplishments include the establishment of the CHAMPUS Health Program and Military Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP). FRA is a member of the Veterans Day National Committee (VDNC) and is represented on the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services (VAVS) National Advisory Committee  (NAC). It is also a charter member and leading organization in The Military Coalition (TMC), a group of 33 military and veterans’ organizations which represent five and one half million uniformed services active duty, retired, reserve and National Guard personnel, veterans, their families and survivors. TMC works collectively on legislation to enhance the quality of life for military personnel.