"I'm not bitter... Just happy with where I am in my life."

WTVR 6
February 9, 2012

McEachin's legislation, Senate bill 649 would credit Thomas 27 years of service in the VA. Retirement System.

If the bills pass, those benefits would not only cover Thomas for the 27 years but the provision would be applied across the board.

"The retirement piece is new and we had to go through a lot of work to make sure we weren't doing special legislation so it will be available to other people should these unfortunate circumstances repeat themselves," said McEachin.

Additionally, he said Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli had a hand in helping them come up with that provision.

"I would like to thank him for his ideas with this bill. That was the part that he came up with, the VRS option. It was creative and helpful and appropriate to Mr. Haynesworth," added McEachin.

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