Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I have continuing questions as to why retired Department of Defense civil servants are not receiving cost of living increases, and are instead being subjected to some malfunctioning Cost Price Index. Retiree costs of living do not diminish simply because we are retired. Many still have mortgages and bills to pay, along with rising costs of food, transportation, fuel, insurance and health care. Medical needs increase as one ages, so the need for more frequent medical care.

Another observation includes the failure to recognize DOD civilian contributions to include those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorders that are directly related to their service. I remain disappointed that some view DOD civil servants with low regard because most do not deploy during wartime. There are many of us who are/were equally committed to serve in the Defense Department and who would have voluntarily deployed if necessary. There are increasing numbers of those designat...