BERKLEY INITIATIVE TO RECOGNIZE SERVICE OF “AIR AMERICA” EMPLOYEES IN U.S. COLD WAR EFFORT ADVANCES IN HOUSE

Would OK Study on Awarding Benefits to Those Involved in China, Korea, Vietnam Operations Run by Covert Government Corporation    

(October 8, 2009 -- Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Shelley Berkley’s efforts to recognize the service of former Air America employees moved forward today with the passage of House legislation that requires completion of a study on providing benefits to ex-workers and their survivors.  The House approved Berkley’s provision as part of The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (H.R. 2647).  The bill passed on a vote of 281 to 146 and now awaits action in the Senate.       

“Air America employees served our nation and placed their safety at risk to complete mission after mission during the Cold War.  The study authorized in this package lays the groundwork for extending federal benefits to Air America employees in recognition of their dedication,” said Berkley.

Air America, a government corporation owned and operated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1950 to 1976, supported U.S. operations during the Cold War.  Air America personnel conducted flight operations in various countries including China, Laos, Korea and Vietnam on behalf of the Department of Defense and the CIA. 

In a speech from the House floor this morning, Berkley praised those who were part of Air America’s mission and spoke of the need to reward their contribution to America’s national defense during the Cold War.  (Video of Berkley’s speech can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqNaU9shxKo&feature=channel_page )

“From 1950 to 1976, Air America was a government corporation owned and operated by the C.I.A that supported America’s missions during the Cold War.  The corporation conducted flight operations in various countries, including China, Korea and Vietnam on behalf of the Department of Defense and the CIA.  The CIA conducted Air America operations in secret and did not acknowledge that Air America was a government corporation.  Therefore, those Air America employees have never received their government retirement benefits,” Berkley said.      

Employees of Air America, including those who live in Nevada, have unsuccessfully sought to obtain federal retirement benefits for their service.  The legislative provisions included by Berkley in the Defense authorization legislation will require the completion of a study outlining the steps for making this compensation available, including eligibility.

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