Petition updateExpose the Senators Blocking Retirement Pay for 54,000 Combat VeteransEthics Complaint Filed: John Keast, the Staff Director for Senator Roger Wicker.
Shane JunkertFort Worth, TX, United States
23 Jan 2026

119th Congress Update: Official Complaint Filed to Stop Obstruction of the Major Richard Star Act

As we move forward in 2026, an official complaint has been filed regarding the conduct of John Keast, the Staff Director for Senator Roger Wicker. This complaint addresses the continued obstruction of the Major Richard Star Act (S. 1032 / H.R. 2102).

Despite overwhelming bipartisan support, 54,000 combat-injured veterans are still being denied their full, earned retirement pay and disability compensation. This filing is a critical step in holding unelected staff accountable for maneuvering behind the scenes to block a floor vote. We must ensure that the gatekeepers in Washington are no longer allowed to ignore the sacrifices of our nation’s combat-wounded heroes.

Why This Matters

We have the numbers and the bipartisan support. By targeting the Ethics Committee, we are forcing the "gatekeepers" into the light. Let’s make sure Senators Lankford and Coons know that the veteran community is watching.

Keep the pressure on. We don't back down.

Action Plan for Petition Signers

To amplify this message and ensure the Ethics Committee takes action, please follow these steps:

Distribute the Evidence: Share the Medium article in all veteran advocacy groups, VSO forums, and military community pages.

1. Contact the Ethics Committee: Reach out to the leadership of the Senate Ethics Committee and demand they investigate the staff-driven obstruction of S. 1032.

2. Social Media Blitz: Use the links below to post the article directly to the social media pages of Senators Lankford and Coons.

Ethics Committee Social Media Targets

Senator James Lankford (Chairman) also a non sponsor of Major Star Act

Senator Chris Coons (Vice Chairman)

Recommended Post Content: "The 119th Congress must stop the staff-driven obstruction of the Major Richard Star Act (S. 1032 / H.R. 2102). A formal complaint has been filed against Staff Director John Keast for blocking combat-injured veterans from their earned benefits. Investigation is required: https://medium.com/@MajorStarAct/complaint-filed-veteran-advocate-vs-john-keast-e22c26eb65bd 

The 2-Minute Email Plan
1. Copy these email addresses: Sarah_Seitz@lankford.senate.gov; brian_winseck@coons.senate.gov; elizabeth_hunsaker@coons.senate.gov; Margaret_flynnsapia@coons.senate.gov; Carter_Thompson@coons.senate.gov

2. Use this Subject Line: Investigate Staff Obstruction of S. 1032 / Major Richard Star Act

3. Copy and Paste this Message:

I am a supporter of the Major Richard Star Act (S. 1032). I am writing to urge the Ethics Committee to investigate the formal complaint filed against Staff Director John Keast. We need transparency and a floor vote for our 54,000 combat-injured veterans. Stop the staff-driven obstruction now.

Senate Ethics Committee Leadership: D.C. Contact Information

Senator James Lankford (Chairman)

  • D.C. Office Phone: (202) 224-5754
  • D.C. Office Address: 731 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 

Senator Chris Coons (Vice Chairman)

  • D.C. Office Phone: (202) 224-5042
  • D.C. Office Address: 218 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

Recommended Call Script
"I am calling to bring Senator [Lankford/Coons]’s attention to a formal complaint filed against Senate Staff Director John Keast regarding the obstruction of the Major Richard Star Act (S. 1032 / H.R. 2102). We are asking the Ethics Committee to investigate why 54,000 combat-injured veterans are being blocked from their earned benefits by unelected staffers. It is time for a floor vote."

Keep on Fighting!

Thank you,

Senior Chief Shane Junkert, USN (ret)

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