1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the recent decision to deny early retirement pensions and benefits to transgender members of the Air Force who have served between 15 and 18 years. This action not only breaks promises made to our service members but also undermines the integrity of our military and the principles of fairness our nation stands for. A group of 17 transgender Air Force members are currently suing the U.S. government over this unjust revocation of their benefits. These individuals, who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to serving our country, now face the loss of up to $2 million in lifetime benefits and health insurance. This is not just a number; it represents the security and dignity these service members have earned through their years of sacrifice and commitment. The lawsuit reveals that the Air Force has gone beyond the already controversial ban on transgender troops. They are actively revoking previously approved retirements and denying transgender members the opportunity to argue their case before a board for continued service. These actions are not only cruel but potentially unlawful. It's crucial to remember that transgender service members have fought and died for our country. They have proven their dedication, skill, and patriotism time and again. To strip them of their promised benefits based solely on their gender identity is a betrayal of the values our military claims to uphold. I urge you to take immediate action to protect the rights and benefits of transgender service members. Please support legislation that would guarantee their earned benefits, regardless of gender identity. Additionally, I ask that you call for a congressional investigation into the Air Force's practices regarding transgender service members and their retirement benefits. The Supreme Court may have allowed the ban on transgender troops to be enforced while legal challenges proceed, but that doesn't mean we should stand idly by as dedicated service members are treated unjustly. We must act now to ensure that all who serve our country are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, regardless of their gender identity.