FRA Benefits: Perks & Resources For Coast Guard & Military Families

07 May, 2025

Are you a veteran or a family member of someone who served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard? If so, you should know about the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), an organization dedicated to supporting you and ensuring your well-being.

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) stands as a pillar of support for those who have dedicated their lives to serving in the sea services: the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Its roots trace back to October 1922, when fewer than 100 shipmates gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to chart a new course. Officially founded in 1924, the FRA has, for almost a century, provided invaluable financial aid, educational opportunities, and vital health benefits to eligible members and their families. The organization's commitment extends to raising public awareness about the plethora of benefits and services accessible to veterans.

Category	Details
Organization Name	Fleet Reserve Association (FRA)
Founded	1924
Primary Mission	To protect and enhance military pay and benefits for enlisted personnel (active duty, reserve, retired, and veteran) and their families.
Target Audience	Current and former U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel, and their families.
Key Benefits & Services	Financial aid, education, health benefits, advocacy for veterans' issues, community support, insurance plans.
Membership Eligibility	Enlisted personnel (active duty, reserve, retired, veteran) of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, as well as their eligible family members.
Congressional Charter	Yes, the Association is congressionally chartered.
Recognition	Recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Membership Dues	1 year for $40, 2 years for $75, 2 year centennial special $64 for new members (1st year $24, 2nd year $40, must be made in a single payment).
Official Website	FRA Official Website

The FRA's core mission is to act as a steadfast protector of the pay, benefits, and overall compensation of enlisted personnel across the sea services. This commitment extends to active duty, reserve, retired, and veteran members, along with their families, ensuring their voices are heard through direct engagement and advocacy. The association's influence extends to Capitol Hill, where it tirelessly advocates for legislation aimed at increasing pay and improving benefits. This proactive approach ensures that enlisted issues receive the attention and support they deserve.

One of the many resources and benefits enjoyed by members is access to hearing benefits. Through "Start Hearing," members and their families have access to annual hearing consultations and discounts of up to 48% off on hearing aids via a nationwide network of hearing professionals. This provides significant savings and ensures access to quality hearing healthcare. Further expanding the support network, the FRA advocates for benefits related to burn pit illnesses and hypertension from Agent Orange, ensuring that veterans receive the care and support they deserve under new legislative plans.

In addition to health-related benefits, the FRA provides avenues for financial protection. Affordable auto insurance protection is offered, with discounted auto premiums available for FRA members in many states. Members can choose from high-quality, competitively priced insurance plans designed to protect themselves and their families. The FRA recognizes the financial needs of its members and works to provide resources that enhance their overall well-being.

The FRA goes beyond providing benefits; it also fosters a strong sense of community. With over 140 branches across the nation, the FRA offers a space for members to connect with others, engage in discussions about local issues, and become actively involved in their communities. These branches serve as hubs for camaraderie and support, strengthening the bonds among members and creating a sense of belonging.

The FRA understands the importance of veterans' health and well-being. The new Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is a prime example of this commitment, providing vital services and recognition. The association also ensures that veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve through active involvement in the Toxic Exposures in the American Military (TEAM) coalition. This membership ensures that no veteran who suffered exposure to burn pits or other environmental toxins goes without access to VA health care benefits. The FRAs commitment extends to closely monitoring developing situations, guaranteeing that the care and benefits of veterans remain intact, acknowledging the broader challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the nations obligation to its veterans, a priority that demands urgent attention and reform.

The auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association is open to spouses, parents, grandparents, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren of FRA members, as well as widows, widowers, parents, grandparents, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren of those who were members at the time of their passing.

The association is more than just a provider of benefits; it is a voice for enlisted personnel. The FRA represents the enlisted perspective in dialogues with members of Congress, ensuring that members' concerns are heard and addressed. As a congressionally chartered organization recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the FRA is entrusted to serve all veterans who seek its help. This role underscores its significance and dedication to the veterans it supports.

Fra's history also includes significant milestones. In 1932, the FRA successfully exempted enlisted personnel from Depression-era pay cuts, safeguarding their financial stability during challenging times. Another critical moment occurred when the FRA's constitution was amended to welcome career members of the U.S. Marine Corps, reflecting the organization's commitment to inclusivity and expanded support. The associations first national convention in Philadelphia, the place of its birth, marked a pivotal moment in its history, further solidifying its purpose and commitment.

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) stands as the oldest and largest organization serving enlisted men and women in the active, reserve, and retired communities, including veterans of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It underscores its commitment to those who have served by ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support. The association has built its mission on the guiding principles of loyalty, protection, and service to shipmates.

The FRA understands the needs of enlisted personnel and has served as their voice on Capitol Hill for more than 96 years, advocating for legislation to increase pay and improve benefits. This commitment is further reinforced through its close collaboration with 35 other military and veterans' organizations on vital personnel issues, solidifying its position as a leading organization in the military coalition.

Membership in the FRA offers a broad spectrum of advantages. Individual benefits are numerous, and the opportunity to connect with fellow veterans at the FRAs many branches provides a strong sense of community and support. These benefits are complemented by access to educational resources, veteran service benefits, and survivor support, ensuring a holistic approach to member well-being.

For those looking to join, the process is straightforward. A unique username and password are required to create an online membership. The membership dues are designed to be affordable, with various options to suit individual needs: 1 year for $40, 2 years for $75, and a special 2-year centennial offer for new members at $64 (first year $24, second year $40, paid in a single payment). Membership is available to anyone at least sixteen (16) years of age.

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) is first and foremost a community of the sea services, uniting Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel. The FRA's mission to protect and enhance military pay and benefits through its guiding principles of loyalty, protection, and service to shipmates remains steadfast. It is a constant reminder of its core values and commitment to those who have served our nation. The FRA's work is a testament to its commitment to safeguarding the pay, benefits, and entitlements of the active duty, reserve, and retired members of the sea services.

The Fleet Reserve Club (FRC) provides a physical home for the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Annapolis Branch 24 and Auxiliary (LAFRA) Annapolis Unit 24. The FRC also welcomes other active-duty, reserve, and retired veterans of the United States Armed Forces as FRC associate members, further fostering a sense of community and support for all veterans.

State Veteran's Benefits Wyoming 2021 Fleet Reserve Association

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