Oklahoma Governor Henry Unveils ‘Operation Homefront’ Benefits for Army, Air National Guard

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Oklahoma Governor Henry Unveils ‘Operation Homefront’ Benefits for Army, Air National Guard

January 24, 2005 -- Oklahoma City – Gov. Brad Henry today proposed a sweeping package of benefits to help members of the Oklahoma National Guard and Air National Guard and families as they continue playing a crucial role in the global war on terrorism.Dubbed “Operation Homefront,” the measure would include tax relief and the purchase of a $250,000 life insurance policy for every member of the state National Guard and Air National Guard.

“Our National Guard and Air National Guard are making an extraordinary commitment to serve our state and nation, and so it is only right that we make an extraordinary commitment to them,” Gov. Henry said.

“These brave men and women disrupt their everyday routines and place themselves in harm’s way, which can also mean serious hardships for their families. We must do what we can to help them.”

In addition to the life insurance policies, “Operation Homefront” calls for a 50-percent tax exemption on veterans’ military pensions.

“It’s important to send the message to our troops that we honor and respect them, but I want us to go beyond messages and give our courageous Army National Guard and Air National Guard a tangible package of benefits that puts our money where our mouth is,” the Governor said.

The measure also gives Oklahomans an opportunity to donate a portion of their tax refunds to needy Guard families. “Operation Homefront” establishes a Military Family Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to families of soldiers suffering financial hardships as a result of active duty or an injury or illness related to the job. Funded by an Oklahoma income tax check-off, the relief fund would be used to help pay for an array of pressing needs identified by a task force.

Maj. Gen. Harry Wyatt, Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard, praised the “Operation Homefront” proposal.

"The soldiers and airmen of the Oklahoma National Guard serve their community, state and nation with distinction and honor," said Maj. Gen. Wyatt. "The proposed legislation shows a continued commitment of support and caring by the Governor, State Legislature and ultimately the citizens of Oklahoma to the men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard and their families."

More than 60 percent of the nearly 9,700 Oklahoma Army and Air National Guardsmen are veterans of the nation’s global war on terrorism. At the peak of the most recent Iraq War, the Oklahoma Guard led the nation in its percentage of alerted or mobilized troops.

Operation Homefront” is estimated to cost $3.8 million.