Military Report - Week of September 03, 2007
Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 3:01 pm
Military Report - Week of September 03, 2007
Exchanges Sponsor Summer Sweepstakes
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Game Zone are sponsoring the "Exchange Online Store Super Summer Sweepstakes." Now through Sept. 15, AAFES shoppers 18 years of age and older in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia can enter to win the sweepstakes by logging onto (http://www.aafes.com/) www.aafes.com. Only one entry is allowed per day, but there is no limit to the amount of entries throughout the course of the sweepstakes. The winner will be selected in a random drawing on or about Sept. 21.
Sign up for the Freedom Walk
In 2005, Pentagon employees created The America Supports You Freedom Walk to commemorate the attack on the Pentagon and honor all lives lost on September 11. What began as a small gesture has become a new national tradition. Last year, over 135 Freedom Walks of all types and sizes were held across the U.S. to honor the victims of September 11, reflect on the freedoms we have in America, and pay tribute to our veterans, past and present.
The National Freedom Walk will be held in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, September 9, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. Local Freedom Walks will be held across America from September 8-11 in cities, workplaces and schools. Anyone is welcome to host or organize a Freedom Walk, or participate in a walk in their local community.
Interested walkers can log on to (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 90307_Walk) http://www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
New Threat Reporting Procedures
The Defense Department has announced that it will close the TALON (Threat and Local Observation Notices) intelligence reporting system Sept. 17 and maintain a record copy of the collected data in accordance with intelligence oversight requirements. A new system will be proposed. In the interim, until this new reporting program is adopted, DoD components will send information concerning force protection threats to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Guardian reporting system. There is no timeline to establish a new system, and it may be determined that the Guardian system or another reporting system already in place serves the needs of the Defense Department.
Scholarships for Children of Marines
Children of active-duty, reserve, retired, deceased or honorably discharged Marine parents are eligible to receive college money from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. The needs-based scholarships require the annual family income be less than $77,000. The foundation also awards the Heroes Tribute scholarship, a $20,000 endowment to the child of a parent killed in action during the Long War. Graduating high-school seniors must submit by March 3, 2008, and all other students have an April 15 deadline. Applications are available at the (http://www.mcsf.org/) Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation website.
Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Military.com Scholarship Finder.
Exchange Shoppers Save with Select Brand
Military shoppers in search of the best value for their dollar are reaching for the "private label" products manufactured under the Exchange Services' "Exchange Select" brand. Whether shopping for health and beauty care items, household cleaning and laundry products, or even a single-use camera, Exchange Select products offer quality that is equal to or better than equivalent national brands at an average savings of 50 percent. All over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, meet FDA established guidelines, which are the same for Exchange Select and national brand equivalent products. The Exchange Services continue to broaden their "private label" assortment.
Find great discounts on products for military servicemembers only in the (http://img.military.com/misc/DC/DealIndex.jsp) Military.com Discount Center.
Army Referral Bonus Program
Under the Army's Referral Bonus Program, sponsors can earn $2,000 for each contract - $1,000 once a recruit starts basic training, then an additional $1,000 when the Soldier graduates advanced individual training. To qualify for the bonus, sponsors must make referrals through the Army Referral System program under the Sergeant Major of the Army Recruiting Team (SMART) program at the (https://www.usarec.army.mil/smart) SMART website or call (800) 223-3735, ext. 6-0473. Referrals for the National Guard must be made through the (http://www.1800goguard.com/esar) National Guard's website or by phone at (866) 566-2472. For more information on the Special Recruiter Assistance Program, visit its website at (http://www.2k.army.mil/srap.htm) www.2k.army.mil/srap.htm.
To find complete information on current cash enlistment incentives (signing bonuses) and reenlistment bonuses offered by each of the Armed Forces, visit the (http://www.military.com/recruiting/bonus-center/) Military.com Bonus Center.
Exchange Fall/Winter Catalog Available
The Exchange's 2007 Home Decor Fall/Winter Catalog is now arriving in military exchanges and authorized shoppers' mailboxes. From lamps to linens, the new, 84-page catalog is full of ideas for dining, entertaining, storage and organization. The 2007 Home Decor Fall/Winter Catalog is available at all main stores and online at (http://www.aafes.com/) aafes.com. Prices in this all-services catalog are valid from July 22, 2007, through Dec. 31, 2007, for any authorized exchange customer. Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll free orders can be placed from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam at 800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open around the clock, seven days a week.
Find great discounts on products for military servicemembers only in the (http://img.military.com/misc/DC/DealIndex.jsp) Military.com Discount Center.
Become a Special Agent, Get $20K
A $20,000 lump-sum Critical Skills Accession Bonus (CSAB) is being offered to active-duty enlisted Soldiers who complete the Criminal Investigation Command Special Agent Warrant Officer Basic Course by Sept. 30, 2008. The CSAB targets the 31 series Military Occupational Specialty for military police NCOs selected for appointment to warrant officer positions in the 311A MOS. Enlisted special agents with at least 24 months of CID investigative experience, a minimum of 60 hours of college credit, and who are no longer on probationary status are eligible to receive the bonus. The application process and checklist forms are available on the (http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant) Army's Warrant Officer Recruiting website.
To find complete information on current cash enlistment incentives (signing bonuses) and reenlistment bonuses offered by each of the Armed Forces, visit the (http://www.military.com/recruiting/bonus-center/) Military.com Bonus Center.
Book Helps Military Spouses
Kathie Hightower and Holly Scherer, both Army wives of more than 20 years, are helping spouses find fulfillment and happiness with their book, "Help! I'm a Military Spouse - I Get a Life Too! How to Craft a Life for You as You Move with the Military." The book is based on the "Follow Your Dreams While You Follow the Military" workshop the authors have offered to Army spouses for the last 13 years. Their suggestions are based on research and feedback from other military wives. For more information about the "Follow Your Dreams" workshop and the book, visit the (http://www.militaryspousehelp.com/) Military Spouse Help website. To learn more about Hightower and Scherer, (http://www.military.com/Opinions/0,,Hig ... ex,00.html) read their articles on Military.com.
To find more resources for military spouses, visit (http://www.military.com/spouse) http://www.military.com/spouse.
Rebuilding Together
The Washington state charity "Heroes at Home" aims to help military families and veterans remain in the homes they own and the communities in which they live. The program is a charitable partnership between the Washington-based group Rebuilding Together, a national volunteer home-rehabilitation organization, and the parent company of Sears and Kmart stores. Help comes in the form necessary repairs, improvements or modifications to these families' homes at no cost to them. Rebuilding Together operates another similar program for injured veterans called "Serving Those Who Serve." For more information, visit the (http://rebuildingtogetherstage.forumone.com/) Rebuilding Together website.
Featured Job: Own Your Own Business
Want to be your own boss and run your own company? Visit the Military.com franchise finder to find the perfect company to open. See if ownership is right for you. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 090307_Job) Get more information here.
Facts on the GI Bill Top-Up Program
Top-Up is a program that allows VA to pay the remaining balance after your military tuition assistance benefit has been paid. The amount of Top-Up is equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of tuition assistance that is paid by the military for the course. Top-Up payments are limited to what you would receive for the same course if you used your regular GI Bill benefits. In no case can the amount paid by the military combined with the amount paid by VA be more than the total cost of the course. To find out if you are eligible for the Top-Up program and how you can apply, view the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 307_Top-Up) Top-Up Education Fact Sheet at Military.com.
To learn about GI Bill benefits and military-friendly schools, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 07_edu_ctr) request free information today.
Army Offers Payday Loans Alternatives
The Army offers alternatives to payday lending to help Soldiers in financial need. Soldiers can fill out an application for an interest-free loan and receive a check the same day with a commander's approval under the Commanders Referral program. Soldiers may receive up to $2,000 a year in two loans and the first loan must be repaid before seeking Commanders Referral again. The timeline for paying back the funds is prorated depending on budget and current finances. Either way, the terms are much more flexible than those of a payday lender. The Army also offers an emergency food program that helps Soldiers buy food when funds are tight.
To learn more about personal finances, visit the (http://www.military.com/Finance/) Military.com Finance Center.
Dining Facilities Open to Retirees
In commemoration of the Air Force's 60th anniversary, the director of Services is encouraging all major Air Force command and installation commanders to allow retirees to use dining facilities Sept. 18. Allowing retirees to use dining facilities on this day not only gives them a chance to relive their past, but to share that past with today's Airmen. Whether or not an installation's dining facility is open to retirees on the anniversary date will depend upon local mission requirements. People should check with their local retiree activities office or dining facility for more information dining opportunities, meal times and surcharge costs.
Hear 4 You
The new, no-cost program "Hear 4 You" aims to develop a network of volunteers to listen to military personnel and their families affected by post-deployment stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. The program is one of many services offered by (http://www.silverstarfamilies.org/) Silver Star Families of America, which supports families of wounded servicemembers. Thirteen Silver Star Families of America volunteers man e-mail or instant-messaging accounts to answer concerns of servicemembers. Military personnel or family members wishing talk to a volunteer through the Hear 4 You program can do so through the (http://www.silverstarfamilies.org/Hear4 ... Intro.html) Hear 4 You webpage.
To find information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.
Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sponsors Contest
Morale, Welfare and Recreation patrons who "Dress the Dog" at participating MWR food and beverage facilities can win big prizes simply by eating hot dogs this summer. Participants have a chance to win a 2008 Ford Mustang, an all-inclusive, five-night stay at Shades of Green on Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., or Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch, Germany, one of five $100 gift cards to military exchanges and commissaries, various electronic products or a mountain bike. The promotion features a frequency card program. For more information, visit the (http://www.mwrpromotions.com/) MWR Promotions webpage.
Navy Approves Physical Fitness Uniform
The new Navy physical fitness uniform has been approved for all Sailors E-1 through O-10. The uniform consists of a gold, short-sleeved shirt and Navy blue shorts. Upon delivery to the fleet, anticipated to be spring 2008 - all command directed physical training and semi-annual physical fitness tests will be performed while wearing the new PT uniform. Uniform availability at uniform centers and command uniform distribution activities will be phased in beginning with major Fleet concentration areas in spring 2008. Sailors' clothing replacement allowance will be adjusted starting Oct.1, 2007 to allow for the purchase of two sets of short sleeve shirts and shorts.
Air Force Changes Fitness Test
Air Force officials recently announced a change to physical fitness test standards for all Airmen. The "marginal" category has been eliminated, and the test will now be either pass or fail. With the change, a score below 75 is considered failing, and Airmen will have to retest within 90 days.
Army Releases Suicide Report
According to a report released by the U.S. Army, 2006 marks the highest rate of military suicides in 26 years. The Army Suicide Event Report, which tracks suicide attempts and completions and the factors involved, showed the majority of suicides in 2006 involved firearms and the most common contributing factors were failed personal relationships and occupational, legal and financial problems. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among Army National Guard Soldiers. For more information on suicide prevention, including crisis telephone numbers, visit the (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/HR/suicide/default.asp) Army's Suicide Prevention website.
To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.
Better Pay for Combat-Related Disabilities?
The Bush administration is preparing a legislative proposal to present to Congress in September that would establish a separate and, under most circumstances, a more generous disability package for servicemembers who are injured in war or while training for war, sources said. Under the plan, recommended by the Dole-Shalala commission, servicemembers found unfit for duty as a result of combat or combat-training injuries, regardless of the number of years served, would qualify for an immediate lifetime annuity from the Department of Defense. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,146937,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website.
How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 26&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!
Servicemembers Save with ASMBA
The Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association (ASMBA), established in 1963, provides comprehensive, affordable life insurance coverage to military personnel and their families. For example, you can get an extra $100,000 worth of coverage for only $19 a month. It's an inexpensive way to have half a million dollars worth of coverage. New members receive $3,000 FREE Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. There are no dues or assessments beyond the life insurance premiums. To request free, no-obligation information (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _090307.nl) click here.
Pacific Preschool Applications Being Taken
Stars and Stripes reports that Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Pacific (DODDS-P) is accepting preschool Sure Start program applications for the upcoming school year. Sure Start is modeled after the Head Start Program in the United States and is designed to help children who may need additional experiences to prepare them for kindergarten. All Sure Start students must be command sponsored, and Sure Start candidates must turn 4 on or before Oct. 31. Please check with the school in your community for application deadline and program start date. For more information on the program, visit the Sure Start webpage on the (http://www.pac.dodea.edu/edservices/Edu ... estart.htm) DODDS-P website.
Deal of the Week: Apple iPod & Other Products
Apple salutes the US Military. Now government and military personnel can receive up to 6-17% off Apple products for personal use. This includes the world's most popular digital music player, the iPod. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 90307_Deal) Shop Online Now to access these exclusive discounts. Free Shipping on orders over $50. Free engraving on any iPod.
Air Force Announces Force-Shaping Plans
The Air Force plans to meet a 2008 fiscal year end-strength of 328,600, which calls for a force reduction of about 5,400 officers and enlisted members. Voluntary separation pay (VSP) will be offered to approximately 200 officers in overage career fields with 12 to 15 years time in service. Eligible officers will be able to submit applications for VSP from Sept. 5, 2007. Additionally, officers with a minimum of 20 years active service and at least eight years of commissioned service may apply for retirement. Retirement dates must be no later than Sept. 1, 2008. The Air Force will also hold a force-shaping board in March2008.
Program Aids Exceptional Family Members
For deployed Soldiers, the Army's Respite Care Program now offers up to 40 hours of care monthly for each registered exceptional family member. The program offers a choice to the family about specifics of where and who will provide those hours. To apply for Respite Care, a physician must verify that the family member is in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). If the family member is in school, he must have an individual education program and at least a moderate recorded disability. Infants and toddlers must be on an individual family service plan, and also have at least a moderate recorded disability. Those interested should also contact the EFMP managers in their communities.
To find more deployment news and resources, visit (http://www.military.com/deployment) http://www.military.com/deployment.
Exchanges Sponsor Summer Sweepstakes
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Game Zone are sponsoring the "Exchange Online Store Super Summer Sweepstakes." Now through Sept. 15, AAFES shoppers 18 years of age and older in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia can enter to win the sweepstakes by logging onto (http://www.aafes.com/) www.aafes.com. Only one entry is allowed per day, but there is no limit to the amount of entries throughout the course of the sweepstakes. The winner will be selected in a random drawing on or about Sept. 21.
Sign up for the Freedom Walk
In 2005, Pentagon employees created The America Supports You Freedom Walk to commemorate the attack on the Pentagon and honor all lives lost on September 11. What began as a small gesture has become a new national tradition. Last year, over 135 Freedom Walks of all types and sizes were held across the U.S. to honor the victims of September 11, reflect on the freedoms we have in America, and pay tribute to our veterans, past and present.
The National Freedom Walk will be held in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, September 9, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. Local Freedom Walks will be held across America from September 8-11 in cities, workplaces and schools. Anyone is welcome to host or organize a Freedom Walk, or participate in a walk in their local community.
Interested walkers can log on to (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 90307_Walk) http://www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
New Threat Reporting Procedures
The Defense Department has announced that it will close the TALON (Threat and Local Observation Notices) intelligence reporting system Sept. 17 and maintain a record copy of the collected data in accordance with intelligence oversight requirements. A new system will be proposed. In the interim, until this new reporting program is adopted, DoD components will send information concerning force protection threats to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Guardian reporting system. There is no timeline to establish a new system, and it may be determined that the Guardian system or another reporting system already in place serves the needs of the Defense Department.
Scholarships for Children of Marines
Children of active-duty, reserve, retired, deceased or honorably discharged Marine parents are eligible to receive college money from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. The needs-based scholarships require the annual family income be less than $77,000. The foundation also awards the Heroes Tribute scholarship, a $20,000 endowment to the child of a parent killed in action during the Long War. Graduating high-school seniors must submit by March 3, 2008, and all other students have an April 15 deadline. Applications are available at the (http://www.mcsf.org/) Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation website.
Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Military.com Scholarship Finder.
Exchange Shoppers Save with Select Brand
Military shoppers in search of the best value for their dollar are reaching for the "private label" products manufactured under the Exchange Services' "Exchange Select" brand. Whether shopping for health and beauty care items, household cleaning and laundry products, or even a single-use camera, Exchange Select products offer quality that is equal to or better than equivalent national brands at an average savings of 50 percent. All over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, meet FDA established guidelines, which are the same for Exchange Select and national brand equivalent products. The Exchange Services continue to broaden their "private label" assortment.
Find great discounts on products for military servicemembers only in the (http://img.military.com/misc/DC/DealIndex.jsp) Military.com Discount Center.
Army Referral Bonus Program
Under the Army's Referral Bonus Program, sponsors can earn $2,000 for each contract - $1,000 once a recruit starts basic training, then an additional $1,000 when the Soldier graduates advanced individual training. To qualify for the bonus, sponsors must make referrals through the Army Referral System program under the Sergeant Major of the Army Recruiting Team (SMART) program at the (https://www.usarec.army.mil/smart) SMART website or call (800) 223-3735, ext. 6-0473. Referrals for the National Guard must be made through the (http://www.1800goguard.com/esar) National Guard's website or by phone at (866) 566-2472. For more information on the Special Recruiter Assistance Program, visit its website at (http://www.2k.army.mil/srap.htm) www.2k.army.mil/srap.htm.
To find complete information on current cash enlistment incentives (signing bonuses) and reenlistment bonuses offered by each of the Armed Forces, visit the (http://www.military.com/recruiting/bonus-center/) Military.com Bonus Center.
Exchange Fall/Winter Catalog Available
The Exchange's 2007 Home Decor Fall/Winter Catalog is now arriving in military exchanges and authorized shoppers' mailboxes. From lamps to linens, the new, 84-page catalog is full of ideas for dining, entertaining, storage and organization. The 2007 Home Decor Fall/Winter Catalog is available at all main stores and online at (http://www.aafes.com/) aafes.com. Prices in this all-services catalog are valid from July 22, 2007, through Dec. 31, 2007, for any authorized exchange customer. Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll free orders can be placed from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam at 800-527-2345. The Exchange Catalog center is open around the clock, seven days a week.
Find great discounts on products for military servicemembers only in the (http://img.military.com/misc/DC/DealIndex.jsp) Military.com Discount Center.
Become a Special Agent, Get $20K
A $20,000 lump-sum Critical Skills Accession Bonus (CSAB) is being offered to active-duty enlisted Soldiers who complete the Criminal Investigation Command Special Agent Warrant Officer Basic Course by Sept. 30, 2008. The CSAB targets the 31 series Military Occupational Specialty for military police NCOs selected for appointment to warrant officer positions in the 311A MOS. Enlisted special agents with at least 24 months of CID investigative experience, a minimum of 60 hours of college credit, and who are no longer on probationary status are eligible to receive the bonus. The application process and checklist forms are available on the (http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant) Army's Warrant Officer Recruiting website.
To find complete information on current cash enlistment incentives (signing bonuses) and reenlistment bonuses offered by each of the Armed Forces, visit the (http://www.military.com/recruiting/bonus-center/) Military.com Bonus Center.
Book Helps Military Spouses
Kathie Hightower and Holly Scherer, both Army wives of more than 20 years, are helping spouses find fulfillment and happiness with their book, "Help! I'm a Military Spouse - I Get a Life Too! How to Craft a Life for You as You Move with the Military." The book is based on the "Follow Your Dreams While You Follow the Military" workshop the authors have offered to Army spouses for the last 13 years. Their suggestions are based on research and feedback from other military wives. For more information about the "Follow Your Dreams" workshop and the book, visit the (http://www.militaryspousehelp.com/) Military Spouse Help website. To learn more about Hightower and Scherer, (http://www.military.com/Opinions/0,,Hig ... ex,00.html) read their articles on Military.com.
To find more resources for military spouses, visit (http://www.military.com/spouse) http://www.military.com/spouse.
Rebuilding Together
The Washington state charity "Heroes at Home" aims to help military families and veterans remain in the homes they own and the communities in which they live. The program is a charitable partnership between the Washington-based group Rebuilding Together, a national volunteer home-rehabilitation organization, and the parent company of Sears and Kmart stores. Help comes in the form necessary repairs, improvements or modifications to these families' homes at no cost to them. Rebuilding Together operates another similar program for injured veterans called "Serving Those Who Serve." For more information, visit the (http://rebuildingtogetherstage.forumone.com/) Rebuilding Together website.
Featured Job: Own Your Own Business
Want to be your own boss and run your own company? Visit the Military.com franchise finder to find the perfect company to open. See if ownership is right for you. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 090307_Job) Get more information here.
Facts on the GI Bill Top-Up Program
Top-Up is a program that allows VA to pay the remaining balance after your military tuition assistance benefit has been paid. The amount of Top-Up is equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of tuition assistance that is paid by the military for the course. Top-Up payments are limited to what you would receive for the same course if you used your regular GI Bill benefits. In no case can the amount paid by the military combined with the amount paid by VA be more than the total cost of the course. To find out if you are eligible for the Top-Up program and how you can apply, view the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 307_Top-Up) Top-Up Education Fact Sheet at Military.com.
To learn about GI Bill benefits and military-friendly schools, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 07_edu_ctr) request free information today.
Army Offers Payday Loans Alternatives
The Army offers alternatives to payday lending to help Soldiers in financial need. Soldiers can fill out an application for an interest-free loan and receive a check the same day with a commander's approval under the Commanders Referral program. Soldiers may receive up to $2,000 a year in two loans and the first loan must be repaid before seeking Commanders Referral again. The timeline for paying back the funds is prorated depending on budget and current finances. Either way, the terms are much more flexible than those of a payday lender. The Army also offers an emergency food program that helps Soldiers buy food when funds are tight.
To learn more about personal finances, visit the (http://www.military.com/Finance/) Military.com Finance Center.
Dining Facilities Open to Retirees
In commemoration of the Air Force's 60th anniversary, the director of Services is encouraging all major Air Force command and installation commanders to allow retirees to use dining facilities Sept. 18. Allowing retirees to use dining facilities on this day not only gives them a chance to relive their past, but to share that past with today's Airmen. Whether or not an installation's dining facility is open to retirees on the anniversary date will depend upon local mission requirements. People should check with their local retiree activities office or dining facility for more information dining opportunities, meal times and surcharge costs.
Hear 4 You
The new, no-cost program "Hear 4 You" aims to develop a network of volunteers to listen to military personnel and their families affected by post-deployment stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. The program is one of many services offered by (http://www.silverstarfamilies.org/) Silver Star Families of America, which supports families of wounded servicemembers. Thirteen Silver Star Families of America volunteers man e-mail or instant-messaging accounts to answer concerns of servicemembers. Military personnel or family members wishing talk to a volunteer through the Hear 4 You program can do so through the (http://www.silverstarfamilies.org/Hear4 ... Intro.html) Hear 4 You webpage.
To find information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.
Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sponsors Contest
Morale, Welfare and Recreation patrons who "Dress the Dog" at participating MWR food and beverage facilities can win big prizes simply by eating hot dogs this summer. Participants have a chance to win a 2008 Ford Mustang, an all-inclusive, five-night stay at Shades of Green on Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., or Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch, Germany, one of five $100 gift cards to military exchanges and commissaries, various electronic products or a mountain bike. The promotion features a frequency card program. For more information, visit the (http://www.mwrpromotions.com/) MWR Promotions webpage.
Navy Approves Physical Fitness Uniform
The new Navy physical fitness uniform has been approved for all Sailors E-1 through O-10. The uniform consists of a gold, short-sleeved shirt and Navy blue shorts. Upon delivery to the fleet, anticipated to be spring 2008 - all command directed physical training and semi-annual physical fitness tests will be performed while wearing the new PT uniform. Uniform availability at uniform centers and command uniform distribution activities will be phased in beginning with major Fleet concentration areas in spring 2008. Sailors' clothing replacement allowance will be adjusted starting Oct.1, 2007 to allow for the purchase of two sets of short sleeve shirts and shorts.
Air Force Changes Fitness Test
Air Force officials recently announced a change to physical fitness test standards for all Airmen. The "marginal" category has been eliminated, and the test will now be either pass or fail. With the change, a score below 75 is considered failing, and Airmen will have to retest within 90 days.
Army Releases Suicide Report
According to a report released by the U.S. Army, 2006 marks the highest rate of military suicides in 26 years. The Army Suicide Event Report, which tracks suicide attempts and completions and the factors involved, showed the majority of suicides in 2006 involved firearms and the most common contributing factors were failed personal relationships and occupational, legal and financial problems. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among Army National Guard Soldiers. For more information on suicide prevention, including crisis telephone numbers, visit the (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/HR/suicide/default.asp) Army's Suicide Prevention website.
To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.
Better Pay for Combat-Related Disabilities?
The Bush administration is preparing a legislative proposal to present to Congress in September that would establish a separate and, under most circumstances, a more generous disability package for servicemembers who are injured in war or while training for war, sources said. Under the plan, recommended by the Dole-Shalala commission, servicemembers found unfit for duty as a result of combat or combat-training injuries, regardless of the number of years served, would qualify for an immediate lifetime annuity from the Department of Defense. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,146937,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website.
How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 26&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!
Servicemembers Save with ASMBA
The Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association (ASMBA), established in 1963, provides comprehensive, affordable life insurance coverage to military personnel and their families. For example, you can get an extra $100,000 worth of coverage for only $19 a month. It's an inexpensive way to have half a million dollars worth of coverage. New members receive $3,000 FREE Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. There are no dues or assessments beyond the life insurance premiums. To request free, no-obligation information (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _090307.nl) click here.
Pacific Preschool Applications Being Taken
Stars and Stripes reports that Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Pacific (DODDS-P) is accepting preschool Sure Start program applications for the upcoming school year. Sure Start is modeled after the Head Start Program in the United States and is designed to help children who may need additional experiences to prepare them for kindergarten. All Sure Start students must be command sponsored, and Sure Start candidates must turn 4 on or before Oct. 31. Please check with the school in your community for application deadline and program start date. For more information on the program, visit the Sure Start webpage on the (http://www.pac.dodea.edu/edservices/Edu ... estart.htm) DODDS-P website.
Deal of the Week: Apple iPod & Other Products
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Air Force Announces Force-Shaping Plans
The Air Force plans to meet a 2008 fiscal year end-strength of 328,600, which calls for a force reduction of about 5,400 officers and enlisted members. Voluntary separation pay (VSP) will be offered to approximately 200 officers in overage career fields with 12 to 15 years time in service. Eligible officers will be able to submit applications for VSP from Sept. 5, 2007. Additionally, officers with a minimum of 20 years active service and at least eight years of commissioned service may apply for retirement. Retirement dates must be no later than Sept. 1, 2008. The Air Force will also hold a force-shaping board in March2008.
Program Aids Exceptional Family Members
For deployed Soldiers, the Army's Respite Care Program now offers up to 40 hours of care monthly for each registered exceptional family member. The program offers a choice to the family about specifics of where and who will provide those hours. To apply for Respite Care, a physician must verify that the family member is in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). If the family member is in school, he must have an individual education program and at least a moderate recorded disability. Infants and toddlers must be on an individual family service plan, and also have at least a moderate recorded disability. Those interested should also contact the EFMP managers in their communities.
To find more deployment news and resources, visit (http://www.military.com/deployment) http://www.military.com/deployment.