Task force to ID needs of Oklahoma National Guard members

Tuesday, February 15th 2005, 6:13 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Governor Henry has signed an executive order creating a task force to identify pressing needs of Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard members and their families.

Yesterday's action moves the state closer to forming a Military Family Relief Fund.

Henry said the 15-member Operation Homefront Task Force will recommend what needs should be addressed through the relief fund.

The governor proposed an Operation Homefront benefits package in his State of the State speech last week.

The program directs the state to buy a 250-thousand dollar life insurance policy for every guard member and provide tax exemptions for up to half of all veterans' military pensions.

Oklahomans would be able to contribute to the relief fund through an income tax checkoff program.