That's what I keep thinking too. E-9 with 22 years is 5,185.80
http://www.airforce.com/careers/paychart/index.php
And getting some of it tax free from the VA is dependant on what percent they find you disabled, it's not a sure thing by any means.
The wife is smack dab in the middle of all this right now and it's an eye opener.
