We have successfully pierced the "DC Bubble." Following our formal inquiry into the procedural stalling of the Major Richard Star Act (S. 1032), I have received a direct response from the highest level of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) leadership.
Rick Berger, the newly appointed Republican Staff Director for Senator Roger Wicker, along with Elizabeth King, the Minority Staff Director, have officially acknowledged our emails.
The Breakthrough
As the successor to John Keast, Rick Berger is now the primary architect of the committee's legislative strategy for the 119th Congress. My message to him was unfiltered and direct: Combat veterans will not accept 18-month wait times for CRSC while billion-dollar defense contracts are fast-tracked. Pass the Major Richard Star Act. ( For you Sailor and Marines I got your backs 100% as I'm in the same position waiting on CRSC after filing Feb 2025.)
Official Recognition: The Committee is now "very aware" of S. 1032 and the growing pressure from the 54,000 combat-disabled veterans we represent.
Accountability: Rick Berger stated they are "working through our legislative strategy for the year." We are putting him on notice: That strategy must include a public hearing and a vote for the Major Richard Star Act.
The "Senior Chief" Reality Check: I reminded Rick Berger that while DC moves at the speed of bureaucracy, veterans are facing homelessness and financial ruin. A $200/month CRSC check is not a "solution" for a double-amputee who sacrificed everything for this nation.
🚨 ACTION REQUIRED: SHARE THIS NOW 🚨
We have their attention; now we need their action. Awareness is not a paycheck—we need a VOTE.
Post to Facebook Groups: Share this petition update directly into your VSO (VFW, Legion, IAVA) and CRSC/Disability Support groups. Tell those lurking in the groups instead of taking action is doing the cause zero benefit.
Contact the VFW Department of Mississippi: Reach out to the state headquarters at 601-352-8904 or via their official contact page. Tell them you want the State Commander to personally call Senator Wicker's office (202-224-6253) to demand that Rick Berger prioritizes S. 1032.
Recruit More Signatures: We are the 54KVeterans. If every one of us gets just five more signatures today, we become a force that no "procedural stall" can stop. This also ensures when I post updates everyone is receiving them by email just like you are today. Rick Berger and Senator Wicker have the power to move this bill. Let’s make sure they know we are watching every move they make in 2026.
Please execute the action plan above. We need maximum pressure now more than ever.
The $2.3 Billion Betrayal: How John Keast and Senator Roger Wicker Blocked the Major Star Act
An investigation into the alleged political maneuvering and "revolving door" lobbying that stalled the Major Richard Star Act for 54,000 combat-injured veterans. This report examines the connection between significant defense contract awards and the legislative blockage of earned military retirement benefits.
All the Best,
Senior Chief Shane Junkert, USN (ret)