NAPE/AFSCME member Jon Streich, a Program Specialist at the Nebraska Department of Education, joined our union to support us in the fight for remote work. Out of curiosity, Jon visited our Facebook page to read about our efforts. There, he found our video about a recent win we celebrated after securing Veterans’ benefits for two of our members.
Jon, an Army Veteran who medically retired after 11 years of service, realized that he was eligible for the monthly TRICARE stipend that our union negotiated for veterans who opt out of the state’s health insurance.
“I was never told about the benefit,” he said. “But when I saw that video and realized I was eligible for it, I emailed NAPE right away and was given instructions on how to proceed.”
Jon’s request to receive the monthly stipend was promptly approved. So, within 48 hours of becoming a NAPE/AFSCME member, Jon already saw sizable benefits.
“Membership has already paid for itself in more ways than one,” he said. “Between the pay bump back in July and now this stipend, it has paid for itself tenfold.”
The TRICARE stipend will help Jon cover monthly costs for his wife and two kids.
“I can already tell that NAPE is out there fighting for all employees. We’re being taken care of,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what else our union is about. I know that there’s so much more than the remote work and the stipend. I’m excited to see how I can become involved.”
Highlighting members’ stories is valuable not just because we want to celebrate wins, but also because, like Jon, other State of Nebraska employees might encounter these stories and discover that our union can help them with their own workplace situations.
If you are a retired United States military veteran and State of Nebraska employee who uses TRICARE and you are not being paid a monthly stipend, contact us for assistance.