Central ND News

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), along with U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and John Hoeven (R-ND), have urged the Secretary of the Air Force to ensure that servicemembers in cold weather locations receive the special duty pay they are entitled to under the National Defense Authorization Act. The senators emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health challenges faced by members serving in northern locations.

In a letter to the Air Force, the senators highlighted the financial burden faced by Airmen and Guardians stationed in cold weather locations, where temperatures can drop below -20 degrees Fahrenheit. They pointed out that while the military issues appropriate cold weather gear to the servicemembers, the financial responsibility of ensuring their families are also equipped for the harsh winter conditions falls on the individuals themselves.

The senators emphasized the impact of this financial burden on the mental well-being of servicemembers and their families. They explained, "Should an Airman or Guardian feel financially unable to appropriately equip themselves or their families for a healthy lifestyle outside of work and during the winter season, they are likely to favor more sedentary activities indoors, which can lead to increased depression and suicidal ideations."

The letter called on the Air Force to implement the special duty pay as intended by Congress to support servicemembers and their families in North Dakota, Alaska, and Montana. The senators stressed that providing additional funds to Airmen and Guardians in cold weather locations can help alleviate the financial strain and contribute to their overall well-being.

The senators concluded by stating, "Providing additional funds for our Airmen and Guardians in cold weather locations—installations that the Department directed they be assigned—is not likely to solve the Department’s suicide problem, but it will assuredly help."

The full text of the letter can be accessed [here](link).