Bob Hurley's tour on the SECNAV Retiree Council Bob Hurley, Chairman of SubVet Inc. National Veteran Affairs Committee served four years as one of 22 retired members comprising the Secretary of the Navy's Retiree Council. The council is made up of 11 officers and 11 enlisted personnel. The Navy provides eight officers and eight enlisted personnel and the Marine Corps provides three officers and three enlisted personnel. According to Hurley, a 26-year Navy veteran who retired as a YNCS(SS), accepting appointment to the council was both an honor and a privilege. "I was fortunate," he said. "To have the opportunity to represent the retired community and get involved in major issues that affect retirees. As a member of the SECNAV Retiree Council Alumni, I will continue to contribute by submitting agenda items annually."

All about the SECNAV Retiree Council

The Retiree Council was established by the Secretary of the Navy to consider issues of significant importance to retired military personnel, to facilitate interaction between the Secretary of the Navy and the Navy and Marine Corps retired community and to participate in other aspects of the Retired Activities Program.

To meet these objectives, the council meets once a year, normally in April, to review the effectiveness of current retirement programs and policies.

It makes recommendations on improvements to benefits, privileges, other assistance, quality of life, morale aspects of the retired community, and any other matters relating to retired personnel.

Hurley said the retired community and council is important, necessary and can even affect the status of today's Navy and Marine Corps.

"The treatment of retirees can affect recruiting and retention," he said. "We share our knowledge and experiences with potential recruits, telling them about the advantages of joining the Navy or Marines."

"Also, today's Sailors and Marines see how retirees are treated and wonder how they will be treated when they retire." Hurley said. "If they think it is not worth it, they will not stick around."

Retirees are urged to submit items for consideration and discussion

Members of the Retiree Council want to hear about issues that are of concern to military retirees and their family members. Retirees are urged to submit items for consideration and discussion.

Recommendations should avoid isolated issues and focus on matters which affect the Navy's retirement community as a whole.

How to submit items

Navy and Marine Corps retirees who want to submit items for consideration at the next Retiree Council meeting, should write a letter or send an e-mail to

Bob Hurley
Retired Affairs Program Manager
Naval Submarine Base (QL11)
1063 USS Tennessee Avenue
Kings Bay, GA 31547-2606

or e-mail him at rao@subasekb.navy.mil

Requests should include the following:

... The issue or item of concern
... References
... Background information
... Recommendations to correct the problem

Be sure to include in your request complete contact information such as:

... Full name
... Rank/Rate
... Mailing address
... Phone number
... E-mail address

For more information on retiree/veteran benefits call Bob Hurley at (912) 673-4509 or check out his web site at: http://www.subasekb.navy.mil/retiree.htm