Leadership addresses LQA concerns

  • Published
  • By Capt. Reba Good
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander met with civilian employees affected by a recent living quarters allowance audit during a town hall meeting here July 2.

"What I will share with you is not just the commitment of our Air Force, but also of others in addressing this issue at the highest levels," said Lt. Gen. Tom Jones. "This issue has gotten support from combatant commanders on up, to make sure decision makers in Washington understand the effect it is having on our work force."

Col. Christopher Sharpe, USAFE-AFAFRICA director of Manpower, Personnel, and Services, and his staff provided updated information and answered questions asked at the first LQA town hall held in May.

Employees voiced concerns about the process for alleviating their debt.

If employees erroneously received LQA through no fault of their own, they can apply to have their debt waived if they first sign a document acknowledging erroneous receipt of LQA.

However, some employees said they think they could still be required to pay back the debt anyway if they sign the document because there is no official guarantee of a debt waiver.

According to the Acting Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Jessica L. Wright, if there is no evidence of misrepresentation, fraud, or deception to acquire LQA, the DOD would be supportive of a waiver request by the employee.

Sharpe said USAFE-AFAFRICA leadership continues to press for full LQA restoration for the duration of their overseas commitment.

Certain employees could also face secondary effects if LQA is not waived or retroactively approved, such as additional indebtedness for travel already completed or having to pay the cost of shipping household goods from Europe to the United States.

"We remain committed on this staff and leadership team to getting the best possible outcome for all of you in this room," said Sharpe.

The LQA audit began after an appeal decision by the Office of Personnel Management in 2011 alerted DOD authorities that overseas commands may have misinterpreted policy guidance.

This misinterpretation authorized LQA to selected employees in situations where, in retrospect, it was not authorized.

Payments were terminated in May, however the employees received a one-year extension under a waiver and will continue to receive LQA for the next 10 months.

Many employees expressed frustration, stating they accepted overseas employment that was contingent upon receiving LQA to assist with living expenses.

"I share your emotion," said Jones. "Every question you have asked has been legitimate. So we'll keep fighting and we'll try to get to a resolution to each person."