About Us

The need

The Armed Forces Retirement Home is an independent federal agency that is funded primarily by the veterans who are eligible for its services, rather than all taxpayers. Residents pay fees to live there based on their income. Active duty enlisted service members contribute 50 cents from their pay each month to support the home, as they have since it was founded in 1851. And the home receives the fines and forfeitures from military disciplinary proceedings.

The home is funded by a trust fund at the U.S. Treasury. Historically during wartime the trust fund grows as the military does to support the war effort. After the war concludes, the military becomes smaller and there is more interest in the home from eligible veterans, income to the trust fund goes down and the home draws on the balance to fund its operations. Over the years the trust fund has reached critical levels causing infrastructure improvements and maintenance to be delayed.

Like other foundations that support public goods, the Old Soldiers Home Foundation seeks to raise funds and build partnerships to help the Armed Forces Retirement Home improve the quality of life for resident veterans and ensure the long-term success of this important benefit for enlisted veterans.