Airmen could get raises at WPAFB

DAYTON (WDTN) - Uniformed military members at Wright Patterson Air Force Base could soon get a raise in pay.

On Tuesday, the Senate approved a defense bill that includes a 1.7% pay increase for active duty military and increases training at Wright Patt's Air Force Institute of Technology, among others things.

A separate version, but similar version, was approved earlier by the House.

"It's very important that we preserve the cutting edge education benefits and the programs that are at Wright Patterson Air Force Base," said Congressman Mike Turner, who represents Ohio's 3rd District.

Turner said the raise helps cover cost of living increases so military members won't "see a pay cut while they're working diligently to protecting our freedoms".

Local residents agree the money is well-deserved.

"I think it's great," said Dan Risner, a civilian employee on the base. "I think the military are underpaid compared to other folks".

Members of the House and Senate are currently working to negotiate areas where their two bills are different. 2 NEWS is told that process should wrap up in the near future and the annual National Defense Authorization Act could be signed into law in the coming weeks.