AK SJR4

Supports efforts of Alaska's Congressional delegation to restore military retirement credit for Alaska Territorial Guard members who served in World War II and were honorably discharged.

The U.S. Department of Defense denied military retirement benefits effective February 1, 2009, to 25 Alaska Native elders previously receiving such benefits, reducing their income by an average of $386 per month and some by more than $500 per month.

Congress passed legislation in 2000 recognizing Alaska Territorial Guard service as active duty for all federal laws administered by the Secretary of Defense, but the Department later reinterpreted the law to deny these benefits.

Requests President Obama direct the Secretary of Defense to issue an apology to Alaska Territorial Guard veterans for the adverse decision.

Directs copies of the resolution be sent to President Obama, the Secretary of Defense, and Alaska's Congressional delegation members.