The pension for military Veterans who retire after they have served 20 or more years in the service is federally taxed. This means that they must pay taxes on their retirement benefit each year. Just like the rest of the U.S. population, active duty service members pay federal taxes on their monthly income, which is fair, but what is not fair, especially considering only 17% of service members who join, actually stay committed and remain in the service until retirement, is that this small percentage of the U.S. population is made to pay a 2nd tax on income that has already been taxed once before. If one takes this in consideration for the government yearly tax budget, military pensions make up a very small percentage of the revenue generated from taxes. It is not fair and it makes no sense that this specific group of American citizens is made to pay this tax when it is known that the richest, most privileged group in our population is often taxed the least. If one considers both the long-term commitment and the physical sacrifices that service members make over the lifespan of an entire military career, it would seem logical that a tax exemption should be expected; but specifically, for those who retired with mental and physical ailments, 20 plus year retired and for combat veterans who have served during times of war and conflict. Although all retired Veterans are not on a fixed income, most are. This coupled with the fact that many have mental and physical disabilities that limit their capacity to supplement their income with additional employment is a problem. These Veterans, especially those who have been rated as permanently and totally disabled, need every penny they have earned. So, it is with this statement, I submit this petition to end the tax on the retirement benefit for all retired veterans with a disability rating of 10% or more, veterans who have deployed to combat and who have retired, and veterans who have served 20 plus years in the military.