Armed Forces Day Calls for Recognition and Awareness of Unique Benefits Provided to Military Personnel

May 13, 2009 – Albany, NY – This Saturday, people across the nation will celebrate Armed Forces Day, which honors the men and women in uniform who serve in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Armed Forces Day has been held annually on the third Saturday of May since the 1950s.

One of the ways the nation pays tribute to military personnel is through the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The Act, which was revised in 2003, is meant to provide peace of mind for soldiers on active duty regarding their affairs back home.

The SCRA allows for the temporary suspension of certain financial obligations and judicial or administrative proceedings during active duty military service. Some of the areas which servicemembers receive protection under the SCRA are:

Reduced interest rates on mortgage payments and credit card debt.

Protection from eviction for the servicemember and his or her dependents if the rent is less than $1200.

Termination of an automobile lease that was entered into before being called to active duty.

Termination of a residential lease that was entered into before being called to active duty.

“While it’s important to honor our military through celebrations like parades and air shows on this day, true recognition for what our serving men and women do for the country is shown through laws like the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act,” said Mathew B. Tully, Esq. Tully is the founding partner of the law firm Tully Rinckey PLLC and serves as a major in the New York Army National Guard. “Many of these soldiers simply drop their lives to answer the call to duty. Their affairs should be protected accordingly.”

Servicemembers involved in civil litigation can also request for the postponement of any judicial proceedings or civil court cases while on active duty. This includes matters ranging from contract disputes to real estate and property issues. “Civil court proceedings can involve some complex issues that are difficult to navigate,” said Tully. “I highly recommend that servicemembers who wish to delay their court proceedings contact a civilian attorney or their unit’s military legal assistance center to ensure their situation is taken care of properly.”

Tully is available for comment on the importance of honoring servicemembers on Armed Forces Day and the unique benefits and protections extended to them under the SCRA. For more information or to speak with Tully, please contact Caitlin Merrill at 518-755-2789 or via email at cmerrill@tullylegal.com.