In 1990, a group of retired Military personnel met in the TAG-Nebraska office. Major General Stanley M. Heng, The Adjutant General, conducted the meeting at the request of military retirees. It had become very apparent to all concerned with administering retired military personnel programs, as well as the retired personnel, that the advance age of World War II and Korean Veterans were rapidly attaining life expectancy statistics. Also retirement program and benefits afforded those people were being revised to the extent that individuals were not aware of the current status of benefits. Furthermore in case of death, the surviving spouse and/or family members were not knowledgeable of benefits or actions to be taken to obtain entitlements.

It was decided to form a function/organization to assist the Military Department in keeping retirees informed of the changes constantly being made to the military retiree programs, and other benefits that would be affected by those changes (i.e. Survivor Benefits, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, Veterans' Administration, Tri Care and other health programs). The organization would be available to spouses and family members upon the death of the military retiree.

Major General Roger Lempke and his staff have continued to be most supportive of the council since its inception. He has provided office space, telephone, furniture, and administrative assistance. Without this support the Military Retiree Council could not exist.

Retired members of the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, State Military Department employees, technicians of the Nebraska Army and Air National Guard, other retired members of the Armed Forces, and associate members as approved by the council are eligible for membership.

Council dues are $5.00 per year, which includes the spouse, payable in advance for one year (1 January through 31 December). Surviving spouses of members are eligible for membership even though the qualified spouse was not a member at his/her death. When a member dies, the surviving spouse becomes a lifetime member of the Council without further payment of dues.

The term of office of all officers is two years. The president and secretary are elected in even-numbered years; vice-president and treasurer are elected in odd-numbered years. Duly elected officers can succeed themselves. Duties of the officers are as specified in the constitution.

Regular meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month. Minutes of all meetings and other pertinent information are mailed to Board members. Quarterly minutes are mailed in January, April, July, and October to all members. Minutes are also posted on the web site www.neguard.org. Special and social meetings are held at the call of the elected officers.

The Military Retiree Council office is manned by volunteer members each Wednesday from 0900 to 1100 hours, except holidays. Our office is located in the TAG-Nebraska Headquarters, at 1300 Military Road, Lincoln, NE 68508-1090. Questions relating to retirement changes and/or benefits may be resolved by calling (402)-309-7307 On Wednesdays from 0900 to 1100 hours. The volunteers are not experts in all facets of the Military Retirement Program; however, these persons will channel such requests to the appropriate office of primary responsibility.

Revised July 26, 2006