Veterans Report - Week of August 12, 2013
Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 10:36 am
Veterans Report - Week of August 12, 2013
August is Immunization Awareness Month
August is Immunization Awareness Month. Protect yourself and others by getting immunized against hepatitis, pneumonia, shingles, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Learn the facts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vaccines and Immunizations webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/vaccines.asp) www.publichealth.va.gov/vaccines.asp and decide. Find general information about vaccinations on the Centers for Disease Control's Vaccines and Immunizations webpage at (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/) www.cdc.gov/vaccines/. Also, visit VA's Public Health webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov) www.publichealth.va.gov to learn more about other public health topics and VA services.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Northrop Grumman Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with a company that can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
9 Tips for Choosing Life Insurance
Choosing life insurance is a tough task. Here are a few tips to help you: 1. Take your time and make the right decision. Don't rush into a decision. 2. When you purchase a policy, make your check payable to the insurance company -- not to the agent. Be sure you are given a receipt. (http://www.military.com/money/insurance ... RC=mrvr.nl) For more tips, see this article.
Ready to Protect your family's future? (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr_adv.nl) Find Low-Cost Coverage from Military.com Partners.
More on VA Claims Processing
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that veterans filing an original fully developed claim for service-connected disability compensation may be entitled to up to one-year of retroactive disability benefits. This is only for veterans who are submitting their very first compensation claim as an FDC. The retroactive benefits are in effect Aug. 6, 2013, through Aug. 5, 2015. FDCs can be filed digitally through the joint, DOD-VA online portal, (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits- ... its.portal) eBenefits. VA encourages veterans who cannot file online to work with an accredited veterans service organization that can file claims digitally on veterans' behalf. For more information, visit VA's (http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/) Fully Developed Claims webpage.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Massachusetts to Hold Special Election
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will hold a Special Primary Election for U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 15, to fill the seat vacated upon the election of former Representative Ed Markey to the U.S. Senate. You can register to vote and/or request an absentee ballot by mail, email or fax using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) automated tool at the (http://www.fvap.gov/request/request-ma.html) Federal Voting Assistance Program website. Uniformed Services personnel, their spouses and dependents, and U.S. citizens residing overseas must submit an FPCA to request an absentee ballot. Please note that you will not automatically receive a ballot, even if you voted in the November 6, 2012, General Election.
For more on legislative issues that affect the military, and to contact your local representatives, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.
Navy to Commission New Ship
The Navy will commission a new USS Indianapolis warship, pending authorization and funding. The name will be designated on the next littoral combat ship (LCS). An LCS is known to be a fast, agile surface warship that is able to execute missions close to shore, including mine, anti-submarine and surface warfare. One of the former ships to carry the name was the USS Indianapolis (CA-35), which was commissioned in 1932 and sunk by Japanese torpedoes just after midnight on July 30, 1945. During World War II, the Indianapolis delivered components of the atomic bomb that would be dropped on Hiroshima, which prompted Japan's surrender. For more information on this ship, visit the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) website at (http://www.ussindianapolis.org/) www.ussindianapolis.org.
For recent news on the original USS Indianapolis, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... escue.html) this Military.com article.
Deal of the Week: Save 15% on AT&T Wireless
Save 15% with your AT&T wireless service discount. (http://www.att.com/gov/bb10) Get a BlackBerry Z10 or BlackBerry Q10 smartphone and balance work and life from one device.
Veteran Benefits Explained
In addition to the pensions and benefits to which you may be entitled because of both public and private employment, you may also be eligible for certain benefits based on your military service. (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ESRC=vr.nl) Read More.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ESRC=vr.nl)
House to Examine VA Preventable Deaths
On Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. ET at the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pa., the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs will hold a field hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs' approach to stopping preventable patient deaths and lapses in care at VA medical centers around the country. A rash of (http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/fa ... rin/nXm2y/) preventable suicides, (http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/4450 ... z2aeea5WBm) veteran deaths and (http://www.wivb.com/dpp/health/anger-ov ... -officials) infectious disease outbreaks at several Veterans Health Adminitration (VHA) facilities throughout the country has put the organization under intense scrutiny. Despite the fact that multiple VA Inspector General reports have linked a number of (http://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-13-00994-180.pdf) veteran deaths to (http://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-12-02955-178.pdf) widespread (http://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-12-03869-179.pdf) mismanagement at VHA facilities, the department has (http://www.armytimes.com/article/201307 ... ble-deaths) consistently given executives who presided over these events (http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/4237 ... z2X8cUWoGF) glowing performance reviews and cash bonuses of up to (http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/new ... rd-685912/) $63,000. For more information on the upcoming hearing, visit the (http://veterans.house.gov/press-release ... lity-at-va) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
Fore more updates on veteran affairs and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
TRICARE Prime Update
The Department of Defense (DoD) will reduce the number of TRICARE Prime service areas in the United States beginning Oct. 1, affecting about 171,000 retirees and their family members. Those beneficiaries affected received a letter earlier this year explaining their options. Current details on Prime service areas and the option for beneficiaries to sign for email updates are available at TRICARE's Changing to Prime Service Areas webpage at http://www.tricare.mil/PSA. A ZIP code tool is available on the site to help beneficiaries determine if they live in an affected area. As always, TRICARE beneficiaries are still covered by TRICARE Standard.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare/prime) For more on TRICARE Prime, visit the Military.com Benefits Center.
Paws4Vets
Through the paws4vets(TM) Assistance Dog Placement Program, Veterans, Active-Duty Servicemembers or their dependents with physical, neurological, psychiatric or emotional disabilities can receive Psychiatric Service Dogs, Mobility Service Dogs and Rehabilitative Assistance Dogs, free of charge. A PTSD service dog attends a six-week basic obedience course with their handler. Once fully trained, a PTSD service dog offers assistance with emotional overload, anxiety and navigating new and troubling environments. For more information, visit the (https://paws4people.org/our-programs/paws4vets/) paws4vets webpage and follow the (https://www.facebook.com/paws4people) Paws4People Foundation Facebook page. For more pet news and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.
VA and the New Care Act
If you are enrolled in VA health care, you do not need to take additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards of the new Affordable Health Care Act. The health care law does not change VA health benefits or Veterans' out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched an awareness campaign and a new website ( (http://www.va.gov/health/aca/) www.va.gov/health/aca/) to let Veterans know what the Affordable Care Act means for them and their families. Veterans receiving health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs will see no change in their benefits or out-of-pocket costs when portions of the Affordable Care Act take effect next year. For more information, visit the 'VA, Affordable Care Act and You' webpage at (http://www.va.gov/health/aca/) www.va.gov/health/aca/. Veterans can apply for VA health care at any time by visiting (http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll/) www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll, calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387), or visiting their local VA health care facility.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Overhaul of Military Retirement Proposed
A recent article by Military Officers Association of America's Director of Government Relations, Mike Hayden, explains how some former Pentagon leaders and "think tank experts" have called for a complete retirement overhaul criticizing the 20-year retirement as either unaffordable or unfair to those who leave before that point, or both. Their points have gotten traction as a new commission -- established as a result of provisions in the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act and tasked with reviewing and perhaps overhauling military compensation and retirement benefits -- began its work in July. (http://www.moaa.org/MRaugbottomline) Read the full MOAA article.
VA Program Receives National Honor
The American Hospital Association has awarded a Citation of Honor to the (http://www.va.gov/health) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for building and expanding the infrastructure to provide palliative and end-of-life care services to Veterans throughout the country and working with community-based providers to complement its services. In 2002, nearly a third of (http://www.va.gov/health/vamc/) VA's medical centers were making no referrals to community hospices. Today, VA has a wide-ranging palliative care program, and each of its 152 medical centers has an interdisciplinary palliative care team. For more information, visit VA's Guide to Long-term and (http://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/Guide/Long ... e_Care.asp) Palliative Care webpage and read the (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... -Honor.asp) VHA article.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
How Much Is the VA Guarantee?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees a generous portion of each VA loan. How much the VA guarantee ends up being depends on the loan amount. (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
Veterans Virtual Career Fair
Help move your career to the next level and find your next job at this virtual event. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.com/) Register now to complete your profile, which can be used to connect with employers when the fair begins.
A 'Hollow' Excuse for Cutting Compensation?
The battle over the 2014 Defense Budget wages on with the same old threats and warnings pitting readiness against pay and compensation. But this seemed to take on a bit of an ironic twist last week. During his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee last week Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, warned that if congress didn't cut the current rate of growth in personnel costs the training and modernization budgets would be impacted, "resulting in a 'hollowing out' of the force." Ironically it was the fear of a "hollow force," that was used by the DoD to press for increasing pay and compensation back in the 1970's. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ly-hollow/) Read more on the Military Advantage Blog.
Alabama to Hold Special Primary
The State of Alabama will hold a special primary election in the 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, September 24 to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Representative Jo Bonner. The 1st Congressional District consists of Baldwin, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, Washington counties and a portion of Clarke County. You can register to vote and/or request an absentee ballot by using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) automated tool at the (http://www.fvap.gov/registration/reg-ba ... st-al.html) Federal Voting Assistance Program website. Do not forget to indicate on the FPCA how you would like to receive your absentee ballot (electronically or by mail).
For more on legislative issues that affect the military, and to contact your local representatives, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.
Senate Looks into SCRA Violations
The Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held a hearing on financial protections for men and women serving in the military. Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) faulted financial institutions for what he called "completely unacceptable" violations of the Servicemembers Civil Rights Act, which protects servicemembers when military service hampers their ability to meet financial obligations they took on as civilians. The law covers rental agreements, credit card and mortgage interest rates, automobile leases and life and health insurance. It provides for reduced interest on debts and protects servicemembers against default judgments, evictions, mortgage foreclosures and repossessions. A video of the hearing and other information is available on the (http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings ... b6ff54b4c4) Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs website. Chairman Sanders' opening statement is available (http://www.sanders.senate.gov/imo/media ... tement.pdf) here.
For more on SCRA, see the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... tters/scra) Military.com SCRA section.
VA Benefits Book Now Available
The new 2013 Online Edition of the Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents and Survivors is (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp) now available online and on select mobile devices. For more information, visit VA's 'Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors' webpage at (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp) www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
$100k Life Insurance Coverage: As Low as $.25 a Day
Don't wait any longer to protect your family's future. Protection is quick and easy. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0819.nl) Get $100k life insurance coverage starting at $7 a month.
GI Bill Tuition Cap Increased
Those who are using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to fund their education at a private college or university saw their annual maximum tuition cap increased to $19,198.31 per academic year. Last year's annual maximum was $18,077.50. Those attending state operated schools will continue to get up to the full in-state resident tuition and fees covered under the GI Bill. Visit (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com's Education Center to learn more about your education benefits.
August is Immunization Awareness Month
August is Immunization Awareness Month. Protect yourself and others by getting immunized against hepatitis, pneumonia, shingles, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Learn the facts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vaccines and Immunizations webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/vaccines.asp) www.publichealth.va.gov/vaccines.asp and decide. Find general information about vaccinations on the Centers for Disease Control's Vaccines and Immunizations webpage at (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/) www.cdc.gov/vaccines/. Also, visit VA's Public Health webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov) www.publichealth.va.gov to learn more about other public health topics and VA services.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Northrop Grumman Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with a company that can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
9 Tips for Choosing Life Insurance
Choosing life insurance is a tough task. Here are a few tips to help you: 1. Take your time and make the right decision. Don't rush into a decision. 2. When you purchase a policy, make your check payable to the insurance company -- not to the agent. Be sure you are given a receipt. (http://www.military.com/money/insurance ... RC=mrvr.nl) For more tips, see this article.
Ready to Protect your family's future? (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr_adv.nl) Find Low-Cost Coverage from Military.com Partners.
More on VA Claims Processing
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that veterans filing an original fully developed claim for service-connected disability compensation may be entitled to up to one-year of retroactive disability benefits. This is only for veterans who are submitting their very first compensation claim as an FDC. The retroactive benefits are in effect Aug. 6, 2013, through Aug. 5, 2015. FDCs can be filed digitally through the joint, DOD-VA online portal, (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits- ... its.portal) eBenefits. VA encourages veterans who cannot file online to work with an accredited veterans service organization that can file claims digitally on veterans' behalf. For more information, visit VA's (http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/) Fully Developed Claims webpage.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Massachusetts to Hold Special Election
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will hold a Special Primary Election for U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 15, to fill the seat vacated upon the election of former Representative Ed Markey to the U.S. Senate. You can register to vote and/or request an absentee ballot by mail, email or fax using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) automated tool at the (http://www.fvap.gov/request/request-ma.html) Federal Voting Assistance Program website. Uniformed Services personnel, their spouses and dependents, and U.S. citizens residing overseas must submit an FPCA to request an absentee ballot. Please note that you will not automatically receive a ballot, even if you voted in the November 6, 2012, General Election.
For more on legislative issues that affect the military, and to contact your local representatives, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.
Navy to Commission New Ship
The Navy will commission a new USS Indianapolis warship, pending authorization and funding. The name will be designated on the next littoral combat ship (LCS). An LCS is known to be a fast, agile surface warship that is able to execute missions close to shore, including mine, anti-submarine and surface warfare. One of the former ships to carry the name was the USS Indianapolis (CA-35), which was commissioned in 1932 and sunk by Japanese torpedoes just after midnight on July 30, 1945. During World War II, the Indianapolis delivered components of the atomic bomb that would be dropped on Hiroshima, which prompted Japan's surrender. For more information on this ship, visit the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) website at (http://www.ussindianapolis.org/) www.ussindianapolis.org.
For recent news on the original USS Indianapolis, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... escue.html) this Military.com article.
Deal of the Week: Save 15% on AT&T Wireless
Save 15% with your AT&T wireless service discount. (http://www.att.com/gov/bb10) Get a BlackBerry Z10 or BlackBerry Q10 smartphone and balance work and life from one device.
Veteran Benefits Explained
In addition to the pensions and benefits to which you may be entitled because of both public and private employment, you may also be eligible for certain benefits based on your military service. (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ESRC=vr.nl) Read More.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ESRC=vr.nl)
House to Examine VA Preventable Deaths
On Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. ET at the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pa., the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs will hold a field hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs' approach to stopping preventable patient deaths and lapses in care at VA medical centers around the country. A rash of (http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/fa ... rin/nXm2y/) preventable suicides, (http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/4450 ... z2aeea5WBm) veteran deaths and (http://www.wivb.com/dpp/health/anger-ov ... -officials) infectious disease outbreaks at several Veterans Health Adminitration (VHA) facilities throughout the country has put the organization under intense scrutiny. Despite the fact that multiple VA Inspector General reports have linked a number of (http://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-13-00994-180.pdf) veteran deaths to (http://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-12-02955-178.pdf) widespread (http://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-12-03869-179.pdf) mismanagement at VHA facilities, the department has (http://www.armytimes.com/article/201307 ... ble-deaths) consistently given executives who presided over these events (http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/4237 ... z2X8cUWoGF) glowing performance reviews and cash bonuses of up to (http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/new ... rd-685912/) $63,000. For more information on the upcoming hearing, visit the (http://veterans.house.gov/press-release ... lity-at-va) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
Fore more updates on veteran affairs and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
TRICARE Prime Update
The Department of Defense (DoD) will reduce the number of TRICARE Prime service areas in the United States beginning Oct. 1, affecting about 171,000 retirees and their family members. Those beneficiaries affected received a letter earlier this year explaining their options. Current details on Prime service areas and the option for beneficiaries to sign for email updates are available at TRICARE's Changing to Prime Service Areas webpage at http://www.tricare.mil/PSA. A ZIP code tool is available on the site to help beneficiaries determine if they live in an affected area. As always, TRICARE beneficiaries are still covered by TRICARE Standard.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare/prime) For more on TRICARE Prime, visit the Military.com Benefits Center.
Paws4Vets
Through the paws4vets(TM) Assistance Dog Placement Program, Veterans, Active-Duty Servicemembers or their dependents with physical, neurological, psychiatric or emotional disabilities can receive Psychiatric Service Dogs, Mobility Service Dogs and Rehabilitative Assistance Dogs, free of charge. A PTSD service dog attends a six-week basic obedience course with their handler. Once fully trained, a PTSD service dog offers assistance with emotional overload, anxiety and navigating new and troubling environments. For more information, visit the (https://paws4people.org/our-programs/paws4vets/) paws4vets webpage and follow the (https://www.facebook.com/paws4people) Paws4People Foundation Facebook page. For more pet news and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.
VA and the New Care Act
If you are enrolled in VA health care, you do not need to take additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards of the new Affordable Health Care Act. The health care law does not change VA health benefits or Veterans' out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched an awareness campaign and a new website ( (http://www.va.gov/health/aca/) www.va.gov/health/aca/) to let Veterans know what the Affordable Care Act means for them and their families. Veterans receiving health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs will see no change in their benefits or out-of-pocket costs when portions of the Affordable Care Act take effect next year. For more information, visit the 'VA, Affordable Care Act and You' webpage at (http://www.va.gov/health/aca/) www.va.gov/health/aca/. Veterans can apply for VA health care at any time by visiting (http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll/) www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll, calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387), or visiting their local VA health care facility.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Overhaul of Military Retirement Proposed
A recent article by Military Officers Association of America's Director of Government Relations, Mike Hayden, explains how some former Pentagon leaders and "think tank experts" have called for a complete retirement overhaul criticizing the 20-year retirement as either unaffordable or unfair to those who leave before that point, or both. Their points have gotten traction as a new commission -- established as a result of provisions in the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act and tasked with reviewing and perhaps overhauling military compensation and retirement benefits -- began its work in July. (http://www.moaa.org/MRaugbottomline) Read the full MOAA article.
VA Program Receives National Honor
The American Hospital Association has awarded a Citation of Honor to the (http://www.va.gov/health) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for building and expanding the infrastructure to provide palliative and end-of-life care services to Veterans throughout the country and working with community-based providers to complement its services. In 2002, nearly a third of (http://www.va.gov/health/vamc/) VA's medical centers were making no referrals to community hospices. Today, VA has a wide-ranging palliative care program, and each of its 152 medical centers has an interdisciplinary palliative care team. For more information, visit VA's Guide to Long-term and (http://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/Guide/Long ... e_Care.asp) Palliative Care webpage and read the (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... -Honor.asp) VHA article.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
How Much Is the VA Guarantee?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees a generous portion of each VA loan. How much the VA guarantee ends up being depends on the loan amount. (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
Veterans Virtual Career Fair
Help move your career to the next level and find your next job at this virtual event. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.com/) Register now to complete your profile, which can be used to connect with employers when the fair begins.
A 'Hollow' Excuse for Cutting Compensation?
The battle over the 2014 Defense Budget wages on with the same old threats and warnings pitting readiness against pay and compensation. But this seemed to take on a bit of an ironic twist last week. During his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee last week Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, warned that if congress didn't cut the current rate of growth in personnel costs the training and modernization budgets would be impacted, "resulting in a 'hollowing out' of the force." Ironically it was the fear of a "hollow force," that was used by the DoD to press for increasing pay and compensation back in the 1970's. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ly-hollow/) Read more on the Military Advantage Blog.
Alabama to Hold Special Primary
The State of Alabama will hold a special primary election in the 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, September 24 to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Representative Jo Bonner. The 1st Congressional District consists of Baldwin, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, Washington counties and a portion of Clarke County. You can register to vote and/or request an absentee ballot by using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) automated tool at the (http://www.fvap.gov/registration/reg-ba ... st-al.html) Federal Voting Assistance Program website. Do not forget to indicate on the FPCA how you would like to receive your absentee ballot (electronically or by mail).
For more on legislative issues that affect the military, and to contact your local representatives, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.
Senate Looks into SCRA Violations
The Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held a hearing on financial protections for men and women serving in the military. Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) faulted financial institutions for what he called "completely unacceptable" violations of the Servicemembers Civil Rights Act, which protects servicemembers when military service hampers their ability to meet financial obligations they took on as civilians. The law covers rental agreements, credit card and mortgage interest rates, automobile leases and life and health insurance. It provides for reduced interest on debts and protects servicemembers against default judgments, evictions, mortgage foreclosures and repossessions. A video of the hearing and other information is available on the (http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings ... b6ff54b4c4) Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs website. Chairman Sanders' opening statement is available (http://www.sanders.senate.gov/imo/media ... tement.pdf) here.
For more on SCRA, see the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... tters/scra) Military.com SCRA section.
VA Benefits Book Now Available
The new 2013 Online Edition of the Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents and Survivors is (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp) now available online and on select mobile devices. For more information, visit VA's 'Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors' webpage at (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp) www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
$100k Life Insurance Coverage: As Low as $.25 a Day
Don't wait any longer to protect your family's future. Protection is quick and easy. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0819.nl) Get $100k life insurance coverage starting at $7 a month.
GI Bill Tuition Cap Increased
Those who are using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to fund their education at a private college or university saw their annual maximum tuition cap increased to $19,198.31 per academic year. Last year's annual maximum was $18,077.50. Those attending state operated schools will continue to get up to the full in-state resident tuition and fees covered under the GI Bill. Visit (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com's Education Center to learn more about your education benefits.