Military Report - Week of November 26, 2012

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Military Report - Week of November 26, 2012

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2013 Prospective AFROTC Commander List
More than 80 lieutenant colonels and majors have been selected as Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment commander candidates. The Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development has begun contacting candidates as part of the matching process, after which candidates will be nominated to universities nationwide. The list is available on the Air Force Personnel Center website at (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 16-018.pdf) http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 16-018.pdf. For more information about command opportunities and other personnel issues, visit the myPers website at (https://mypers.af.mil) https://mypers.af.mil.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Army Hire a Veteran Program
The Army's Warrior Transition Command (WTC) recently unveiled its three-pronged Hire a Veteran education campaign plan, which aims to help employers understand that wounded warriors can bring a wealth of leadership experience and skills to the table and to their bottom line. The WTC is producing a video that highlights the incredible value our wounded warriors bring to the civilian workforce given their unique training and experience. The video and an online toolkit are available for download and distribution to HR professionals and employers at the WTC website at (http://www.WTC.Army.mil) www.WTC.Army.mil. The video, "Hire a Veteran -- Obstacles & Solutions," features the stories of Soldiers who spent more than six months with a Warrior Transition Unit recovering from severe wounds, illness or injuries and how they pulled themselves up and out into the civilian workforce.
For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Most Veterans Still Unaware of Benefits
More than half of America's veterans say they have little or no understanding of the benefits due them, despite efforts over recent years to match returning soldiers with the help and services they need. One major change came last week when a new law will mandate all departing servicemembers go through a series of detailed benefits sessions. For more information, read the full article on (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012 ... efits.html) Military.com and visit the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Services webpage at (http://www.va.gov/landing2_vetsrv.htm) www.va.gov/landing2_vetsrv.htm.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


New Vet Jobs Website in Georgia
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and the Governor's Office of Workforce Development recently launched the (http://www.operationworkforce.com/) Operation: Workforce website at (http://www.operationworkforce.com/) www.operationworkforce.com to help returning veterans find jobs. Job listings from companies across Georgia looking to fill positions with veterans are posted on the website. The website also includes information on resources and services available to veterans. For more information, visit the Operation: Workforce website.
For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


AF Band Returns to Yokota
After a five-year absence, the command position for the Air Force's Band of the Pacific has returned to Yokota Air Base, Japan. With the relocation of its commander came the relocation of many bandsmen themselves. This, in turn, allowed the band to expand its repertoire, adding a jazz ensemble and multiple small groups. Bandsmen travel regularly throughout the Pacific giving concerts of varying sizes and genres, while also contributing to the morale of U.S. Forces. Their music reaches people across the spectrum -- from average citizens to embassy members. For more information and to request a performance, visit the Air Force Band of the Pacific website at (http://www.bandofthepacific.af.mil/) www.bandofthepacific.af.mil.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-Duty section.


New Navy Multi-Mission Aircraft Planned
A Notice of Intent (NOI) was published in the Federal Register Nov. 15 announcing the Navy's intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the introduction of the P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) to the U.S. Navy Fleet. During the 45-day public comment and agency review period following release of the Draft Supplemental EIS, anticipated in the summer of 2013, the Navy will schedule public meetings to discuss the findings of the Draft Supplemental EIS and to receive public comments. The Navy has established a public website for the Supplemental EIS at (http://www.mmaseis.com) www.mmaseis.com, which includes up-to-date information on the project and schedule as well as related documents.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Army Honors Code Talkers
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence History Office hosted a presentation on the Native American Code Talkers of World Wars I and II. The Native American Code Talkers began with thirteen young, Comanche male soldiers who devised an extremely secure code, created from their native language. They used this code to communicate on the battlefields during the wars, with the advantage of speed and security. Their code is said to be the most ingenious and successful, being the only code in military history that is unbroken. For more information, visit the (http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.c ... etly-45697) Indian Country Today Media Network website, the (http://nmai.si.edu/education/codetalkers/) Smithsonian Institution website, the (http://digital.library.okstate.edu/ency ... CO013.html) Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture website, and the (http://navajocodetalkers.org/) official website of the Navajo Code Talkers.


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VA Loans Easier for Moms and Dads on Active Duty
A new law is expanding VA loan occupancy requirements for moms and dads away on active duty. Now, dependents of single or dual-active parents serving away or overseas can occupy their family's home to satisfy long-standing VA rules. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... ESRC=mr.nl) Read more in this Military.com article.


2013 Petty Officer Advancement List
More than 26,000 active duty and nearly 600 Full Time Support (FTS) Sailors are on their way to advancement to E4, E5 and E6 with the release of the fall Petty Officer advancement list. While the number of active duty Sailors advancing to E5 and E4 decreased this cycle, the opportunity to advance increased because there were fewer Sailors in the advancement window. When released, advancement results will be posted on the Navy Personnel Command's Bupers On-Line Web page at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AAFES Makes Top 25 Spouse Employer List
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service announced today that it has been designated as one of the top 25 Military Friendly Spouse Employers by Military Spouse magazine. The sixth annual list recognizes those companies which hire spouses of active duty servicemembers and make an effort to develop workforce development policies that acknowledge the unique challenges of military life. The Exchange was recognized for its forward looking policies that support the unique employment needs of military spouses. The list of 2013 Military Friendly Spouse Employers is available on the MilitaryFriendly.com website at (http://www.militaryfriendly.com/home/mfse) www.militaryfriendly.com/home/mfse.
For more military spouse and family resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


VA Celebrates Rural Health Day
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Rural Health (ORH) joined the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and other state/national rural stakeholders in celebrating the second annual National Rural Health Day, which spotlights the health care needs of those living in rural communities. Additional information on Rural Health Day can be found at (http://www.celebratepowerofrural.org/) www.celebratepowerofrural.org. For additional information about the VHA Office of Rural Health (ORH), visit the ORH website at (http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov) www.ruralhealth.va.gov.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Benefits for AF Family Members
If you are an Airman newly married, newly divorced, or have dependent children, you may be confused about military benefits. Routinely, new Airmen wait far too long to secure benefits for their dependents, which can be a problem. Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) and local military personnel sections are here to help people figure out what their benefits are and how to get them. The first thing an Airman should do when he or she has a new dependent is contact the local military personnel section to enroll the family member in DEERS and get dependent identification cards. Less common situations can be uncomfortable, but non-traditional dependents also have a right to certain benefits. Detailed guidance on a host of dependent benefits programs and situations is available on the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website -- select "search all components" in the drop down menu, and enter "dependent entitlements" in the search window.
For more military spouse and family resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Deal of the Week: Veterans Save Up to 50%
All Vets get up to 50% off on Gifts, Outdoor, Lifestyle, Golf, Watches, Knives, Sunglasses, Hunting and Apparel on GovX.com! (https://www.govx.com/milcom?utm_source= ... rtsepoct12) For Active, Reserve and U.S. Vets/Retired & Government.


Grants to End Veteran Homelessness
The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program helps to end homelessness. Up to $300 million is available for community and nonprofit organizations that support veterans who are homeless or facing imminent homelessness. For more information, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families website at (http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp) www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Texas Study Seeks Returning Veterans
Researchers at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas are currently looking for returning combat Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who are interested in participating in a study testing a new medication in conjunction with exposure therapy. The study focuses on the use of an anti-hypertension medication to determine if it reduces the effects of PTSD-related symptoms. Researchers are currently looking for returning combat veterans who served between 1990 and 2011. If you are between the ages of 18 and 55 years, have experienced PTSD symptoms in the past month, and do not have any current substance abuse, you may be eligible for the study. The study lasts two weeks. For more information including how to enroll, call toll-free 1-877-228-5777.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


TRICARE Rx Marks Milestone
The TRICARE Retail Pharmacy Vaccination Program celebrated reached a milestone during the current fall flu season by serving up its one millionth vaccine. TRICARE covers all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended vaccinations at no cost if they are administered by a pharmacist at a participating TRICARE pharmacy. To find a participating pharmacy and see a list of covered immunizations, visit the TRICARE Vaccines webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/vaccines) www.tricare.mil/vaccines. Since availability of some vaccines varies, beneficiaries should call ahead before going to their local pharmacy. To learn more about the TRICARE Pharmacy program, visit the TRICARE Prescriptions webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy) www.tricare.mil/pharmacy. TRICARE makes healthy living the easy choice for 9.7 million beneficiaries. To learn more, visit the TRICARE Healthy Living webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/healthyliving) www.tricare.mil/healthyliving or the Department of Defense's new OPERATION: Live Well, webpage at (http://www.defense.gov/home/features/20 ... live-well/) www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/0812_live-well/.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Get Your Flu Shot
It is not too late to get a flu shot. This year's vaccine protects against three different types of flu viruses to include the 2009 pN1 virus that caused so much illness in the past. TRICARE beneficiaries may obtain influenza vaccines at an authorized TRICARE retail network pharmacy at no cost to the beneficiary. Also, take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs. Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands with soap and water often. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid close contact with sick people if possible. Stay home with flu-like illness until at least 24 hours after fever is gone. For severe symptoms seek medical attention. For more information, visit the (http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/Profil ... uResources) TRICARE Flu Resources webpage.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Pitney Bowes Vet Jobs Website
Pitney Bowes Inc. announced today that it has set up a special website targeted at military veterans and their families so that they can more easily find work at the company. The new website at (http://www.pb.com/careers) www.pb.com/careers allows military veterans to map their training and skills to a roster of actual job openings listed on the Pitney Bowes site. Simply selecting one's military job title on the site will call up every Pitney Bowes job opening with a skills requirement similar to that of the selected military title, according to the company.
For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Navy Moves Forward with Transition GPS
Stars and Stripes reports that the U.S. Navy has unveiled a program for sailors transitioning from active-duty. Called Transition GPS - which stands for Goals, Plans, Succeed - the program is mandatory for all Sailors separating, demobilizing or deactivating from an active-duty status of more than 180 days, according to a Navy Personnel Command statement. It replaces the popular Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Transitioning sailors should talk with their chain of command and command career counselor to receive pre-separation counseling and learn more about the new program and requirements. For more information, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/C ... S/TAP.ASPX) Naval Personnel Command Transition Assistance Program webpage. General policy questions may be addressed to Mr. Perry Christiansen at (901) 874-4372/DSN 882-4732 or to Mr. Tom Albert at (901) 874-4254.
For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


COLA Overview
As a servicemember, you can expect to be stationed virtually anywhere in the country. During your career, you are likely to be assigned to a variety of low-, moderate- and high-cost locations. To help offset the effects of higher cost areas, military servicemembers may be eligible for a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA). COLA is designed to compensate for being stationed in certain "high-cost" locations in the continental United States (CONUS). (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get a full overview and calculate your COLA.


Help Dealing with Depression
Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that, if left untreated, may lead to other complicated medical conditions. Two-thirds of people who suffer from depression do not seek help -- they believe their symptoms are just part of life. Depression can be treated. People do not have to live with depression. Defeat that enemy, get treatment and feel the joy of life again! If you or someone you know is in a crisis, seek help immediately: (1) call 911; (2) visit the emergency room or speak to a healthcare provider; or (3) call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to speak with a trained counselor-- this is a 24-hour toll-free hotline provided by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Screening tools, tips and more information about depression can be found at the following websites: (1) Militarymentalhealth at (http://www.militarymentalhealth.org/) www.militarymentalhealth.org, (2) Help Yourself.Help Others at (http://www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org/) www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org, (3) Screening for Mental Health at (http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/) www.mentalhealthscreening.org, (4) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Depression/) www.cdc.gov/Features/Depression/ and (5) the Helpguide at (http://www.helpguide.org/) www.helpguide.org.
For more military spouse and family resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


AF 2013 Prospective Squad Commander List
More than Air Force 1,000 officers from 10 career fields are on the calendar year 2013 squadron commander candidate list. Basic eligibility requirements include functional expertise, grade requirements and permanent change of station eligibility. For more specific career field requirements, officers should refer to the appropriate career field page on the (https://myPers.af.mil) myPers website. Officers who are not selected for command remain on the candidate list, eligible for any unprojected command opportunities that arise throughout the year. The candidate list is available (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 14-026.pdf) online. For information about command opportunities and other personnel issues, visit the (https://myPers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Sexual Abuse Prevention Reminder
As part of an effort to increase awareness of sexual assault, the Air Force's top three leaders recently issued a tri-signature "Letter to Airmen." The letter reminded Airmen that individual efforts do have an effect on reducing the incidence of assaults and risk to servicemembers. The entire letter is available (http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document ... 16-011.pdf) online. The Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) offers a comprehensive listing of DOD laws, regulations and available training on the SAPRO website at (http://www.sapr.mil/) sapr.mil. For more information on the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Program, visit the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/library/sapr/index.asp) program website.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Fed Warns Mortgage Lenders
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau recently put mortgage lenders on watch for potentially misleading advertising directed toward veterans. For more information, read the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/8375/ag ... -it-clean/) VAntage Point Blog.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


AF Online Travel Briefing Program
Air Force Office of Special Investigations has streamlined the foreign travel briefing program and also developed a web-based interface accessible through the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal. An unclassified foreign travel pre-brief slide presentation; unclassified pre-brief survey; unclassified de-brief survey and the AFOSI Foreign Travel Guide are now accessible through the Air Force Portal. Members are required to complete a foreign travel pre-brief survey before they travel abroad and identify each country they intend to visit. Contact your local AFOSI office with any questions/concerns you may have concerning the foreign travel briefing program. The new foreign travel program can be found on the Air Force Portal by searching for "foreign travel."
For more on military travel, visit the (http://www.military.com/Travel/Home/0,13396,,00.htm) Military.com Travel section.


AF Crime Reporting App
Suspicious or illegal activity can now be anonymously reported directly to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations using a mobile phone application or by texting 'AFOSI' and the tip to 274637 (CRIMES) in an SMS text message. AFOSI launched these methods to capitalize on cyberspace capabilities and engage the Air Force community more effectively to prevent crime. Individuals can find the app in both the Android and Apple store as "TipSubmit Mobile" or use the WR code and select AFOSI as the agency when reporting a tip. Tips can also be sent in a SMS text message by texting 'AFOSI' and their tip to 274637 (CRIMES). To download a trifold with detailed instructions on the program, visit the (http://www.osi.af.mil//shared/media/doc ... 23-018.pdf) program website.
The direct link to the anonymous Internet tip line is (https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=1111) here.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


House Holds Vet Jobs Hearing
The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held a hearing on finding opportunities, and reviewing existing programs, to help unemployed veterans find meaningful employment. The hearing examined how the federal government can better connect resources for unemployed veterans at the state level, reaching veterans in communities across the nation. Testimony and a transcript of the hearing are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/revie ... h-congress) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Applying for VA Benefits
You may be eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits if you are a: (1) veteran, veteran's dependent; (2) surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased Veteran; (3) uniformed servicemember; or (4) present or former reservist or National Guard member. VA has several ways to apply for your benefits: (1) the (http://www.vba.va.gov/predischarge/index.htm) Pre-Discharge Program enables servicemembers the opportunity to file claims for disability compensation up to 180 days prior to separation or retirement from active duty or full time National Guard or Reserve duty (Titles 10 and 32); (2) VA's (http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp) VONAPP website enables servicemembers, veterans and their beneficiaries, and other designated individuals to apply for benefits using the Internet; (3) Local VA (http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp) regional offices and VSO's (http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm) (Veteran Service Organizations) can assist you as well.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Marijuana Use Still Illegal
The state of Colorado voted to legalize marijuana Nov. 6, but its use is still against federal law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, even for servicemembers stationed in or visiting the state. For the military, the use of narcotics, in or out of uniform, is illegal. For family members and civilians with access to the base, they need to remember one crucial fact if they do participate in recreational marijuana use -- marijuana is not allowed on any military base. Colorado's new amendment has no effect on the Drug Demand Reduction Program and random drug testing will continue as scheduled to ensure individuals comply with the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
For more military news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


VA Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties
The VA loan guaranty program does not impose a maximum amount that an eligible veteran may borrow using a VA loan but limits the maximum guaranty amount to $417,000 for 2012. However, if you live in a high-cost county the maximum changes. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get a full chart to determine the VA's maximum guaranty in your county.
Next Step: (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr1126.nl) Search for lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.


Army Docs Reevaluate More PTSD Cases
Stars and Stripes reports that a wide-ranging review of behavioral health diagnoses at (http://www.mamc.amedd.army.mil/) Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington closed in September with Army doctors changing more than half of the cases they evaluated, giving 150 servicemembers new diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The review followed complaints early this year about a team of Madigan forensic psychiatrists who sometimes adjusted PTSD diagnoses. Dozens of re-evaluations are still outstanding. Former patients can still have their diagnoses reviewed by contacting Madigan. They would be referred to the hospital's Integrated Disability Evaluation System. They also can call an Army Medical Command hotline at 800-984-8523.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Find more PTSD Resources on Military.com.


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GM Wall of Service Sweeps: Win a Chevy Camaro
GM is grateful for our nation's support through the years, and we're dedicated to designing, building and selling the world's best vehicles. General Motors is the largest commercial provider of military vehicles in history and we remain dedicated to supporting America's heroes. In addition to our signature national programs, we encourage our employees to support the military on a local basis and in ways meaningful to them. In many instances, our employees have a family member, relative, friend in the military. (http://www.military.com/general-motors/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Sign the GM Wall of Service for a chance to win a 2013 Chevy Camaro.


Get a List of Your Military Benefits
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefit information based on your military service and status. Get a list of Federal Benefits, State Benefits, National Guard State Benefits, Special Military Discounts and more. (http://benefits.military.com/reg/Vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find Your Benefits Now.


Toys for Tots Kicks Off Season
Toys for Tots is kicking off its Christmas season at in cities around the country. Toys for tots Began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The 1947 pilot project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign. Since beginning the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in 1947, Marines have distributed more than 452 million toys to more than 209 million needy children. For more information, and to find a toy drop location in your area, visit the Toys for Tots Foundation website at (http://www.toysfortots.org/) www.toysfortots.org.
For more military spouse and family resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Tinnitus Affecting Veterans
A recent report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs revealed more than 10 percent of all veteran disability claims in fiscal year of 2011 were due to tinnitus, an early sign of hearing loss. In the military community, the most common cause of tinnitus is noise exposure. Second to tinnitus, actual hearing loss is the next most claimed disability, with 60,229 veterans - or 7.5 percent of all disability claims - citing hearing loss in FY 2011. A similar study in 2011 is available in VA's (http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/1 ... er485.html) Journal of Rehabilitative Research and Development.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


TRICARE Rx Fee Hike Decision Looming
Congress is set to decide how much military pharmacy fees will be raised in 2013 when the final language of the fiscal 2013 Defense Authorization Act in the next few weeks. Their decision will have an impact on the out-of-pocket costs for military families and retirees who rely on TRICARE network of retail pharmacies to have prescriptions filled. Under the House version of the plan, co-pays for formulary drugs would increase to $17 and non-formulary drugs would increase to $44.
Read the (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,252578,00.html) Military Update by Tom Philpott to learn more.


New Navy Lodge Breaks Ground
Navy Lodge Little Creek - Fort Story, Va., recently held a ground-breaking ceremony Nov. 19 for its 11,000 square foot, 26-room expansion. Currently, the Navy Lodge has 100 rooms available for guests. The expansion project is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. Once completed, the Navy Lodge will feature one and two bedroom suites with amenities such as free Internet access, flat screen televisions, a concierge style front desk, large social meeting space, exercise room, self-service laundry and a playground. To make reservations at any Navy lodging facilities or to receive a Navy Lodge directory, call 1-800-NAVY-INN, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or go online at (http://www.navy-lodge.com) www.navy-lodge.com. Reservations are accepted on an as-received basis without regard to rank.
For more on military travel, visit the (http://www.military.com/Travel/Home/0,13396,,00.htm) Military.com Travel section.