Federationists know that we are working to allow 100 percent service disabled veterans to participate in the military’s Space Available program, which allows active duty and retired military personnel to travel on Department of Defense flights when space is available. This week our cause gained a great champion in Senator Bob Dole. Senator Dole, a decorated World War II veteran, longtime Senate majority leader, and staunch advocate for veterans and Americans with disabilities, wrote to Senator John McCain, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, asking him to incorporate language into the National Defense Authorization Act which would finally allow veterans with disabilities to enjoy the privilege already granted to their active-duty and retired colleagues. The National Federation of the Blind expresses its profound gratitude to Senator Dole for supporting this important effort. The text of his letter appears below in its entirety:

Bob Dole
The Atlantic Building
950 F Street, N.W., 10^th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20004

November 3, 2015

Dear John,

            I am writing to ask for your help in assisting some of our fellow veterans on the Space Available program.  As you may know, the Space Available program enables eligible passengers to fill unused seats on DoD owned or controlled aircraft once all the active duty passengers and cargo have been accommodated.

            It has come to my attention that some 100% service disabled veterans are not permitted to participate in the Space Available program as active duty and retired veterans can.  These brave soldiers made the same sacrifices as their fellow veterans, and their disabilities are a direct result of combat or its aftermath.  For these reasons, I believe they should be able to participate in the Space Available program.

            The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is the perfect vehicle to help these brave men and women gain access to this valuable benefit.  Since President Obama recently vetoed the NDAA, there may be an opportunity to include this change to the Space Available program in your revised bill.  I hope you will incorporate the language contained in H.R. 2264 into the NDAA.  These veterans and I would appreciate your support.

            Thanks, John, and let me know if I can ever be of assistance.

God Bless America,                                           

BOB DOLE