Military Report - Week of January 12, 2015

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Military Report - Week of January 12, 2015

Tax Credit in New York
Under a new law in the State of New York businesses can receive a tax credit for hiring and employing a qualified veteran. The credit is equal to 10 percent of the total amount of wages paid to the qualified veteran during their first full year of employment. If the veteran is disabled, the credit amount is increased to 15 percent. The law was created to encourage more New York businesses to hire veterans. For more details, see (http://www.wbng.com/news/local/New-Law- ... 72921.html) this article.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


TRICARE Helps with Resolutions
Many people start the New Year with hope and big plans. TRICARE and Operation Live Well encourage you to make a determined approach to becoming a better you than you were last year. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers five steps to help you make lasting change: (1) start small, (2) change one behavior at a time, (3) talk about it, (4) Do not beat yourself up, and (5) ask for support. Research suggests that if a change is something you really want for yourself, if it is meaningful to you, you are more likely to stick to it. With thoughtful planning and realistic goals, you can end the year in accomplishment. For more information on living your best you and living well, visit the TRICARE Operation Live Well webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/livewell) www.tricare.mil/livewell.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Living the Army's Performance Triad
The U.S. Army's Performance Triad is a comprehensive plan to improve readiness and increase resilience. To improve overall health and fitness (1) get enough sleep every night, (2) be active. Use a personal fitness device, Smartphone application or pedometer to make sure you get 10,000 steps during your daily routine; and (3) practice good nutrition. Make fresh foods your first choice. H.E.A.L.T.H is a Web and Smartphone app that helps promote healthy nutrition and exercise by providing personalized nutrition and fitness plans. Register at the Army H.E.A.L.T.H. website at (http://armyhealth.pbrc.edu/) armyhealth.pbrc.edu. Learn more about the performance triad at (http://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/health ... fault.aspx) phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/healthyliving/perftriad/Pages/default.aspx.
For military-grade fitness tips and workouts, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness) Military.com Fitness Center.


Sponsored Discount: Nissan's Got Your Back with Exclusive Savings
You watch our back. Now we've got yours. Nissan is proud to provide eligible military personnel with the best savings program in the country. It's the same pricing we give our family & friends. (http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/281443259;107546894;r) Read More.


Updated for 2015: Basic Allowance for Subsistence
BAS is a continuation of the military tradition of providing room and board (or rations) as part of a servicemember's pay. Although BAS is meant to offset the cost your meals, it is important to note that BAS is not intended to cover the costs of meals for family members. For the updated BAS amounts for 2015, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... tence.html) Basic Allowance for Subsistence page.


Retirees: Eliminate Out of Pocket Costs with MBA Tricare Supplement
Doctor and hospital bills are expensive even when you're covered by TRICARE. Help minimize or even eliminate out-of-pocket expenses with the (http://offers.military.com/v/tricare-mb ... rvr0112.nl) MBA-sponsored TRICARE Insurance Supplement Plan.


Building Homes for Heroes
Building Homes for Heroes(R) is committed to rebuilding lives and supporting the men and women who were injured while serving the country during the time of the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. The organization builds or modifies homes, and gifts them, mortgage-free, to veterans and their families. To further assist veterans, the organization has added programs, including financial planning services, family funding, and emergency support. For more information, visit the Building Homes for Heroes website at (http://buildinghomesforheroes.org/) buildinghomesforheroes.org.
For more news related to wounded warriors, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/wounded-warriors) Military.com Wounded Warriors page.


Navy Concludes Study
The Naval Health Research Center recently concluded one of the largest vaccine safety studies in the command's history, contributing to the fourth and final phase of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) smallpox vaccine safety trials. Even though the smallpox vaccine is an FDA approved vaccine, many vaccines undergo this post-marketing vaccine safety study [phase four]. Military servicemembers receive the vaccine if they are deploying to an area where the threat of smallpox is present. For more information on the vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Smallpox Vaccine Overview at (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/va ... /facts.asp) www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/vaccination/facts.asp and CDC's FAQ About the Smallpox Vaccine webpage at (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/va ... on/faq.asp) www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/vaccination/faq.asp.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Army SHARP Program
The SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention) Program's mission is to reduce sexual offenses within the Army through cultural change, prevention, intervention, investigation, accountability, advocacy/response, assessment, and training to sustain the All-Volunteer Force. Reports indicate that victims of sexual assault or harassment are typically new Soldiers who have just arrived at their first duty station, usually located far from their family and support networks. Every soldier can "Take a STAND!" against any form of sexual harassment/assault. The SHARP program encourages every Soldier to Intervene, Act and Motivate (I AM Strong). If you see a Soldier who is at risk, intervene and call for help if you need assistance. Call the Department of Defense (DoD) Safe HelpLine at (877) 995-5247. For more information, visit the Safe HelpLine website at (http://www.safehelpline.org) www.safehelpline.org and the Army SHARP website at (http://www.sexualassault.army.mil/index.cfm) www.sexualassault.army.mil/index.cfm.
For more news related to sexual assault and the military, see (http://www.military.com/topics/sexual-assault) this Military.com section.


Secret Weapon Exhibit to Open
The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii in Waikiki has opened "America's Secret Weapon," a colorful new exhibit that tells the little-known story of the 6,000 Japanese Americans who served in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) in World War II. These Nisei -- second-generation Americans -- used their knowledge of the enemy's language and culture to save countless lives and shorten the war against Japan. About half of them were from Hawaii. After the fighting, MIS Nisei translated at the surrender of Japanese forces throughout Asia and the Pacific and thousands of them served in the occupation of Japan. The museum is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, visit the Hawaii Army Museum Society website at (http://www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org/) www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


$1 Mil Coverage from just $1.50 a Day
Protection for less. Get $1,000,000 Coverage from only $1.50 a Day. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0112.nl) Could your family survive if something happened to you?


Marine Corps Offers Reserve Bonuses
The U.S. Marine Corps has announced opportunities and incentives for Reserve Marine officers who are willing to laterally move and assume critical skill billets as forward air controllers and battalion air officers. Officers who assume these billets are eligible for a $20,000 bonus. In addition, officers who are currently in receipt of a previous fiscal year officer affiliation bonus in the amount of $10,000, may submit for an additional $10,000 bonus if they are assigned to one of the billets previously listed. In order to be eligible for the bonus, officers must serve in their new assigned unit for three years, complete the Air Control Tactical Party Course and complete an evaluation every 18 months.
For more on military pay and bonuses, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Pay section.


Setting Your Family Fitness Goals
"Goal Setting," as defined by the U.S. Army's Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) is used to identify, plan for, and commit to the pursuit of a goal that results in more optimal performance, sustained motivation, and increased effort. Here are the seven steps of goal setting: (1) define your goal; (2) know where you are right now; (3) decide what you need to develop; (4) make a plan for steady improvement; (5) pursue regular action; (6) commit yourself completely; and (7) continually monitor your progress. To learn more, visit the Army Ready and Resilient Campaign website at (http://www.army.mil/readyandresilient) www.army.mil/readyandresilient and the Army Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) website at (http://csf2.army.mil/) csf2.army.mil.
For military-grade fitness tips and workouts, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness) Military.com Fitness Center.


Congressman Seeks Pay and Compensation Reforms
Third-term Republican congressman from Nevada Joe Heck vows to take a "practical, non-parochial" approach in tackling two far different yet still critical priorities for the military while serving as the new chairman of the House armed services' personnel subcommittee. One will be to review, perhaps reshape, and then shepherd into law long-awaited recommendations of the (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015 ... efits.html) Military Compensation and Retirement Reform Commission, which is to deliver its report by Feb. 1. The other will be to find ways to improve DoD efficiency beforeconsidering more proposals to cap annual pay raises, dampen housing allowances or boost patient out-of-pocket costs under TRICARE, the health insurance program for military families and retirees. Read this week's (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... on-reforms) Military Update for the full article.


How to Report a Crime in the Army
Special agents with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) want to remind Soldiers, civilians, and family members about how they can report a crime 24/7 to Army CID. If someone would like to report a crime, is the victim of a crime, has information about a crime, or would like to speak with a CID Special Agent, contact the local CID Office or call 1-844-ARMY-CID (844-276-9243). You can also email CID at (mailto:Army.CID.Crime.Tips@mail.mil) Army.CID.Crime.Tips@mail.mil. If you require immediate assistance, call 911 or contact your local military police. For more information on Army CID, visit the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command website at (http://www.cid.army.mil) www.cid.army.mil.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Awards Ranger (CV61) Salvage
The Navy awarded a contract, Dec. 22 for the towing and dismantling of the decommissioned aircraft carrier Ranger (CV 61) to International Shipbreaking, Ltd. Under the contract, the company will be paid $0.01, which is the lowest price the Navy could possibly have paid the contractor for towing and dismantling the ship. While there are many veterans with strong desires that the Navy not scrap the ship they served on, there were no states, municipalities or nonprofit organizations with a viable plan seeking to save the ship. The Navy cannot donate a vessel unless the application fully meets the Navy's minimum requirements for donation, and cannot retain inactive ships indefinitely. For more information about ex-Ranger, contact Chris Johnson at (757) 593-3891.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Transferring VA Education Benefits
Education benefits may be transferred with the Post-9/11 GI Bill under certain criteria. If you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows servicemembers to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children. Family members must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System and be eligible for benefits at the time of transfer to receive the education benefits. For more information, visit the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... sheet.html) Military.com website.


K9s for Warriors
K9s For Warriors is dedicated to providing service dogs to warriors suffering from post-traumatic stress and/or traumatic brain injury as a result of their military service (post 9/11). Their goal is to give a new "leash" on life to both rescue dogs and to military vets who were injured -- helping them live with independence and dignity. For more information, visit the (http://www.k9sforwarriors.org/) K9s for Warriors website and watch the video on the (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hooplaha/ ... 18522.html) Huffington Post website. Follow K9s for Warriors on (https://www.facebook.com/K9sforWarriors) Facebook.


Exchanges Sponsor Sweepstakes
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is encouraging military shoppers to sign up to receive electronic statements from the Exchange Credit Program. During the " (https://www.flickr.com/photos/35991646@ ... /lightbox/) Going Paperless Pays" sweepstakes, cardholders who switch from traditional paper statements to electronic versions from Jan. 1 to Jan. 31 will be automatically entered to win a $50 credit on their bill. Eligible lines of credit include the MILITARY STAR(R) Gold card, Military Clothing plan and TAKE IT HOME TODAY(TM). Throughout the sweepstakes period, 100 account holders will receive the credit. Cardholders can register for electronic statements by logging into their account at (http://www.myecp.com/) MyECP.com and selecting "Yes, please email" under "Update Contact Information" located on the "Tools" menu.
For more discounts and shopping tips for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


NEX Price Match Guarantee
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) price matching policy guarantees that if customers find a lower price on a product at another retailer, the NEX will match the price. If the price difference is $10 or less, the price will be matched on the spot. No proof is required. Also, if a customer buys an item at a NEX then finds the identical item for less within 14 days in a NEX ad, a local competitor's ad or at a qualifying online retailer (Target.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, ToysRUs.com, BabiesRUs.com), the NEX will match the price. The customer just needs to bring in the original NEX store receipt and proof of the current lower price. More information about NEX policies can be found on the Navy Exchange Service website at (http://www.mynavyexchange.com/nex/customer-service) www.mynavyexchange.com/nex/customer-service.
For more discounts and shopping tips for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


Navy Studies Dengue Virus
A University of California, Davis (UC-Davis)/U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6) collaborative study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2012 provided evidence that human movement contributes to the spread of dengue virus (DENV) infections, starting outbreaks. The study is available at (http://www.pnas.org/content/110/3/994.full) www.pnas.org/content/110/3/994.full. In a new study, NAMRU-6 and others will attempt to answer to what extent DENV-positive people can infect healthy mosquitoes and what impact this can have on disease transmission to eventually spark outbreaks. The new study will be carried out exclusively in the Peruvian city of Iquitos where UC-Davis and NAMRU-6 have been conducting dengue disease surveillance for two decades. For more information on the dengue virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at (http://www.cdc.gov/Dengue/) www.cdc.gov/Dengue/.


Military.com Spouse Experience: San Antonio
This event is an opportunity for all military spouses to get together, learn from each other, share the joys and challenges of military life, and laugh at the inevitable and incredible "oops" moments that all milspouses have. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-milita ... rvr0112.nl) Register today.


Tuskegee Airmen Awarded for Valor
The Tuskegee Airmen were recognized recently for their courage and valor in combat, as they helped pave the way for racial integration in the armed services, by receiving the 2014 Omar N. Bradley "Spirit of Independence Award." For more information, read the article on the (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... award.html) Military.com website. For more information on the Tuskegee Airmen, visit the (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuskegee_Airmen) Wikipedia website, the (http://tuskegeeairmennationalmuseum.org/) Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum website, the (http://www.nps.gov/tuai/index.htm) Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Site website, the (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsh ... sp?id=1356) National Museum of the U.S. Air Force website, the (http://www.tuskegee.edu/about_us/legacy ... irmen.aspx) Tuskegee University website, and the (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... H_Tuskegee) Military.com website.


2015 Rates are Still Low -- Use Your VA Loan Now
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. Rates are near historic lows and you don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0112.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
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Paragon Systems is Hiring
Paragon Systems provides comprehensive facility security services and licensed, professionally trained service personnel to departments and agencies of the United States Government. Their security personnel support vital homeland security programs and protect some of the nation's most sensitive infrastructure. Their 6,000+ officers are defining excellence in security in over 30 states. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... =mr0112.nl) Learn more.


Claims for Damaged POVs
Was your vehicle shipped late, lost or damaged? If so, the Military Claim Office (MCO) can help. International Auto Logistics (IAL) and its subcontractor, Horizon Lines, Inc., handle vehicle shipments for servicemembers. MCO will help you find your car if it is lost, process your claim for a new car without mossy interior, and help you get reimbursed for the cost of a rental car and other related expenses. If your vehicle has passed the designated delivery date, you are entitled to be reimbursed for a rental car and lodging expenses. When you pick up your vehicle, inspect the interior, exterior and vehicle systems closely, and document any damage on the IAL vehicle inspection form. File your claim with IAL by mail or online at (mailto:CLAIMS@ialpov.us) CLAIMS@ialpov.us. For more information, visit the PCSMyPOV website at (http://www.pcsmypov.com/) www.pcsmypov.com.
For more on shipping POVs, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... rseas.html) POV shipping page.