Military News

November 28, 2007 Next PACAF commander confirmed HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- On Nov.16 the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmed Lieutenant General Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler's promotion to general and appointment as the next commander of Pacific Air Forces with change of command scheduled for Nov. 30 at Hickam Air Force Base. MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) -- The first chief master sergeant of the Air Force announced he had learned the secret to winning awards to those in attendance at the Senior NCO Academy auditorium Nov. 20 here. A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a B-2 Spirit Nov. 20 over the Pacific Ocean. The B-2 and KC-135 are deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to support U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence and theater security package operations. The KC-135 is assigned to the from the 121st Refueling Squadron from Rickenbacker International Airport at Columbus, Ohio. The B-2 is assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing from Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brian Kimball) On Thanksgiving Day, Brig. Gen. Doug Owens, 36th Wing commander, and other senior leaders served hot meals to Andersen military members at the Magellan Inn Dining Facility. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Angelique Smythe) Reservists Report Job Problems Associated Press  |  November 08, 2007 WASHINGTON - Strained by extended tours in Iraq, growing numbers of military reservists say the government is providing little help to soldiers who are denied their old jobs when they return home, Defense Department data shows. The Pentagon survey of reservists in 2005-2006, obtained by The Associated Press, details increasing discontent among returning troops in protecting their legal rights after taking leave from work to fight for their country. It found that 44 percent of the reservists polled said they were dissatisfied with how the Labor Department handled their complaint of employment discrimination based on their military status, up from 27 percent from 2004. Nearly one-third, or 29 percent, said they had difficulty getting the information they needed from government agencies charged with protecting their rights, while 77 percent reported they didn't even bother trying to get assistance in part because they didn't think it would make a difference. "This is shameful because Iraqi bullets and bombs don't discriminate. Yet reservists face job discrimination here in America after serving in war," said Paul Sullivan, executive director of Veterans for Common Sense. Legal experts say the findings might represent the tip of the iceberg. Formal complaints to the Labor Department by reservists hit nearly 1,600 in 2005 - the highest number since 1991 - not counting the thousands more cases reported each year to the Pentagon for resolution by mediation. And a bump in complaints is likely once the Iraq war winds down and more people come home after an extended period in which employers were forced to restructure or hire new workers to cope with those on military leave, they said. Among the survey's findings: -About 23 percent of reservists reported they did not return to their old jobs in part because their employer did not give them prompt re-employment or their job situation changed in some way while they were on military leave. -Twenty-nine percent of those choosing not to seek help to get their job back said it was because it was "not worth the fight." Another 23 percent said they were unsure of how to file a complaint. Others cited a lack of confidence that they could win (14 percent); fear of employer reprisal (13 percent), or other reasons (21 percent). -Reservists reported receiving an average of 1.8 briefings about their job rights and what government resources were available. This is down slightly from the 2.0 briefings they reported getting in 2004. "Most of the government investigators are too willing to accept the employer's explanation for a worker's dismissal," said Sam Wright, a former Labor Department attorney who helped write the 1994 discrimination law protecting reservists. "Some of it is indifference, some of them don't understand the laws involved," Wright said. "But the investigators establish for themselves this impossibly hard standard to win a case. As a result, reservists lose out." Under the law, military personnel are protected from job discrimination based on their service and are generally entitled to a five-year cumulative leave with rights to their old jobs upon their return. Reservists typically file a complaint first with a Pentagon office, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), which seeks to resolve the dispute informally. If that effort fails, a person typically can go to the Labor Department to pursue a formal complaint and possible litigation by the Justice Department. A report by the American Bar Association as early as 2004 noted problems in which the government was "not seen as an aggressive advocate for the returning veteran." A presidential task force chaired by former Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson earlier this year found that agencies could do a better job of educating troops and veterans. The report did not address government enforcement of the law. Just ask Ret. Marine Lt. Col. Steve Duarte, who won a court judgment of more than $430,000 from Agilent Technologies Inc. in March 2005 after turning to a private lawyer after losing his job. Duarte was a senior consultant when he was mobilized twice from October 2001 to April 2002 and from November 2002 to July 2003. When Duarte returned from the second mobilization, Agilent did not reinstate his previous position but assigned him to a special project. He soon received a poor job evaluation that differed from previous positive reviews and was terminated four months later. Duarte said he contacted the Pentagon and Labor Department, both of which turned him away. Labor Department lawyers allegedly said he didn't have a case unless he specifically heard his employer say they were terminating him for military reasons. "I am not a lawyer, but I expected various government agencies like ESGR and the Department of Labor to help me," Duarte said in documents provided to the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, which is reviewing the Labor Department's practices. "I felt as though they were on the side of the large corporations," he said. Eileen Lainez, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said: "We carefully consider information our members provide, and we actively work to develop solutions where needed." The Labor Department has said it has been working to better educate troops and veterans about their rights. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who chairs the Senate Health Committee, said he was troubled by the findings. He said he plans legislation to hold agencies accountable by requiring them to collect and release employment data. The Labor Department currently releases an annual report on employment complaints to Congress, but the figures do not include Pentagon data. The report, which is due to Congress on Feb. 1, has yet to be released this year.

 

August 28, 2007

ATTENTION GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS
OFCCP Changes Veterans Recruiting Requirements


The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has stiffened requirements for Government Contractors in a new ruling effective September 7th, 2007. Do you conduct business with Government agencies? Is your company in compliance? Are you doing all you can do to consider, recruit and hire military veterans? Your government contract may depend on it.

Contact your PatriotJobs.net Representative Today at 951-526-2336    
 

OFCCP makes new rules on veterans that goes into force on September 7, 2007
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is publishing a new set of regulations to implement the amendments to the affirmative action provisions of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (``VEVRAA'') that were made by the Jobs for Veterans Act (``JVA'') enacted in 2002. The JVA amendments raised the threshold dollar amount of the Government contracts that are subject to the affirmative action provisions of VEVRAA, changed the categories of veterans protected by the law, and changed the manner in which the mandatory job listing requirement is to be implemented. The final regulations published today apply only to covered Government contracts entered into or modified on or after December 1, 2003. The existing VEVRAA implementing regulations found in 41 CFR part 60-250 will continue to apply to Government contracts entered into before December 1, 2003.e

Household Goods Delays in Europe
The Army's Installation Management Command-Europe is experiencing the highest household good demand surge in more than a decade, which is causing many originally-requested pick-up dates in June and July to be rescheduled on a date later than requested. Customers are asked to (1) not make any financial commitments based upon their requested pick-up date; (2) remain flexible with the alternate pick-up dates that are offered; (3) ensure they have confirmed their household goods pick-up date before they make other plans; (4) accept a pick-up date in mid-July or August; (5) be prepared to wait a little longer for their goods to be delivered once their arrive at your next duty station.

Navy Rescinds Degree Requirement
The Chief of Naval Operations has rescinded the requirement for chief petty officers to have an associate degree to be eligible for advancement to senior chief. This policy revision shifts the focus from education as a requirement for advancement to E8 to education as an important consideration in selection for advancement. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SW/FMF), Joe R. Campa Jr., emphasized that revising this policy should not be viewed as the Navy backing away from its commitment to education. For information on advanced education programs, visit your local Navy College Office or the (https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/) Navy College Program website. For more information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit its (https://www.netc.navy.mil/) website.

Applicants Sought for Naval History Scholarship
Applications are being sought for the Samuel Eliot Morison Naval History Supplemental Scholarship Program for the academic year 2007-2008. The scholarship provides a $5,000 cash award to one active-duty commissioned officer of the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps who is already pursuing graduate study in history, international relations, or a related field. Applicants should submit a letter of application via their commanding officer to the Senior Historian, Naval Historical Center (NHC), 805 Kidder Breese Street, SE, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., 20374-5060. Applications must be received no later than July 15, 2007. For more information, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/prizes/prize3.htm) Scholarship's webpage.

National Veterans Wheelchair Games
More than 500 American veteran heroes with physical disabilities will converge on Milwaukee June 19 - 23 to participate in the 27th National Veterans Wheelchair Games. More than 20 veterans injured in current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq will join veterans from the Gulf War, Vietnam and other conflicts in 17 competitive events. The Wheelchair Games are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. For more information, visit the (http://www.wheelchairgames.va.gov/) Games website.

New Jersey Considers Veterans Bill
The New Jersey Assembly passed a bill that would extend civil service credit to any disabled veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces, regardless of whether the nation was at peace or at war. The measure (ACR-96) would require voter approval on the November ballot to permit all disabled veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces, including those who did not serve during a time of war, to receive civil service hiring preference. The bill now heads to the Senate in New Jersey for further consideration.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Coping with Relocation Shock
Here are some tips on adjusting to a new environment after relocation: (1) sign up for a welcome or base indoctrination class; (2) use the Military Assistance Programs Relocation Station; (3) make sure your family has a detailed map of the new city, which you can print out at MapQuest; (4) take some time out from unpacking by using a guidebook to explore the local area; (5) enjoy the anonymity for a while by waiting to become involved in the community; (6) keep in touch with old friends and family members; (7) do not over-commit while the family is still learning its way around; (8) understand that there will be periods of sadness--this is normal; (9) realize that adjustment takes time.

VA Consolidated Mail-Out Pharmacy Enhanced
With mail-out pharmaceuticals for veterans already a $3 billion annual operation for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the department made a major expansion in its future capability with the dedication last week of a new building and improved production system for the Dallas VA Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy. VA's seven consolidated mail-out pharmacies are in Boston; Charleston, S.C.; Chicago; Dallas; Leavenworth, Kan.; Nashville, Tenn., and Tucson, Ariz. These pharmacies dispense 75 percent of all VA prescriptions. Most pharmaceuticals are mailed out directly to the patients within 48 hours of the mail-out pharmacy receiving the prescription.

TriWest Supports Guard, Reserve
TriWest Healthcare Alliance has announced the launch of an online resource center designed specifically for members of the National Guard and Reserve. TriWest's Guard and Reserve Resource Center was developed with a virtual library of information for West Region TRICARE beneficiaries serving in the National Guard and Reserve, their families and leadership. TRICARE is the health care program for the military administered by TriWest Healthcare Alliance throughout its 21-state West Region. For more information about TRICARE benefits, visit (http://www.triwest.com/) www.triwest.com

Air Force Unveils New Online Tool
The Air Force Doctrine Center has unveiled a new tool that makes it easier to reference and search operational-level doctrine. Known as (http://www.doctrine.af.mil/afdcprivateweb/AFDD_Page_HTML/megapub.htm) MegaPub, the new tool offers easy access to the complete library of Air Force Doctrine Documents, or AFDDs. The document, compiled and searchable within a single Adobe Acrobat PDF file, is organized with the most recently approved doctrine documents displayed first but it also highlights AFDDs under revision. More information on Air Force Doctrine is available at the (http://www.doctrine.af.mil/afdcprivateweb/) Doctrine Center website and on the (http://www.doctrine.af.mil/afdcprivateweb/myhierarchv1.htm) Doctrine Hierarchy webpage.

Disaster Muster Tool Helps Sailors, Families
Hurricane season is here, and the Navy has some tools to make sure Sailors their families are accounted for in a disaster. The Disaster Muster Tool (DMT) pulls muster information from multiple sources and is designed to conduct a central accounting of the affected area. The goal is to quickly account for all Navy personnel and their families, including civilian employees, to ensure their well-being and, if need be, plan for their safe evacuation. After a disaster, commands will take muster, however some Sailors and civilians may become separated from their commands during the incident. They can call the Customer Service Center at NPC at 1-800-U-ASK-NPC and report their status.

Be Prepared for Hurricane Season
TRICARE is urging its beneficiaries to prepare now for hurricane season by packing all of your health related items in a waterproof emergency kit that includes: (1) copies of each family member's uniformed services ID card, Medicare card, other health insurance card, and medical records; (2) listings of each family members prescription medications, allergies, doctors names and phone numbers; (3) phone numbers of your regional contractor, Medicare, Express Scripts and emergency contacts; and (4) a properly-stored 30-day supply of all prescription and nonprescription drugs for each family member. For more information, visit TRICARE's (http://www.tricare.mil/DisasterRelief/index.cfm) Disaster Relief webpage.

Air Force Board Seeks Nominations
The annual Air Force Reserve Development Education Designation Board (RDEDB) will convene in November to select Reserve officers for in-residence developmental education schools for the 2008-2009 academic year. Course descriptions for all schools along with instructions, criteria and deadlines to submit application packages can be found at the (http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/forcedevelopment/training/rdedb.asp) Air Force Personnel Center website. To assist the Development Teams, officers are asked to build a Reserve Officer Development Plan ( (https://afrctools.afrc.af.mil/fdp/z_career_dev.asp) RODP) identifying their career goals. For more information, Airmen can call DSN 926-6396, 303-676-6396 or 800-525-0102 and ask for the military training branch.

Learn to Prevent, Treat Indoor Mold
Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors. It invades homes through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold infestations can usually be seen and smelled. For more information on identifying, preventing, and treating mold indoors, visit U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine's (http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/mold/) Mold webpage, the Environmental Protection Agency's (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html) Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (http://www.cdc.gov/mold/) Mold webpage, and the CDC's (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp) Protect Yourself from Mold webpage.

Army Leave Program Reaches Milestone
The U.S. Army's and U.S. Central Command's Rest and Recuperation Leave Program reached a milestone recently by serving the 500,000th participant since the program's inception Sept. 25, 2003. Approximately 420 service members fly home from the war zone on R&R leave daily as they take part in the R&R Leave Program. There is no cost to the Soldier for the roundtrip airfare, nor is the Soldier charged any leave time while in transit to or from their vacation destination. The R&R Leave begins when Soldiers arrive at the commercial airport nearest their leave destination. For updates and additional information, visit the (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/WellBeing/RRLeave/index.HTM) USCENTCOM R&R Leave Program website.

Access the Servicemember Benefit Calculator
The (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//benefits.military.com/reg/Veterans-Benefits.do&code=MR_061807_Benefits_Calc) Military.com Benefit calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefits information based on your service and status. Get started to find Federal, State and National Guard benefits, plus Special Military Discounts.

Tuition Assistance Overview
Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process' and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services. TA is not a loan; it should be viewed as money you have earned just like your base pay.

Deployed Soldiers Can Retain Uniforms
A temporary change to Army uniform policy now allows active-duty Soldiers to retain the Army Combat Uniforms they were issued prior to deployment into combat zones. Active Army Soldiers may retain their ACUs issued through OCIE guidance as listed on their OCIE clothing record until permanent change of station, expiration of term of service or retirement, whichever occurs first. Redeploying Soldiers from all components who will end their term of service must turn in ACUs to their home station, or demobilization clothing issue points. Questions on OCIE-issued ACUs may be addressed to Shirley Bryant-Harper at (703) 614-0956 or Col. Rebecca Samson at (703) 693-9957.

Pentagon Channel Features Wounded Warriors
A new Pentagon Channel documentary, "Finding Their Way," revisits wounded warriors in their recovery to see how they are doing. While vastly improved care has resulted in far fewer fatalities than was the case in prior wars, it has also forced many service members to face lives with missing limbs and other significant physical and emotional wounds that in past wars would have seemed insurmountable challenges. The Pentagon Channel wanted to see how these wounded warriors are "Finding Their Way." The documentary will air on the channel over the next four weeks. It is also currently available via podcast and video on demand at the (http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/) Pentagon Channel.

Suicide Risk Doubles Among Veterans
Researchers in Portland, Ore. have found that the risk for suicide doubles among white, male veterans. Mark S. Kaplan, Ph.D., of Portland State University, and his colleagues have reported in the July issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health that the risk of suicide was greatest among those with few friends or family who had chronic medical or psychiatric conditions. The authors concluded that the findings have substantial public health implications and healthcare facilities outside the VA system that serve veterans should recognize the increased risk of suicide in this population. The study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Veterans Benefit from Maryland Scholarships
A new state scholarship program in Maryland makes scholarships available for veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, their spouses and their children. Eligible applicants must be accepted at a four-year Maryland college or a two-year program and maintain at least a 2.5 grade-point average. Awards vary and cover 50 percent of tuition and fees at an applicant's chosen institution, with this year's average scholarship amount at $5,360. Students can use the scholarship monies for five years of full-time study or eight years of part-time study. For more information, visit the (http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_vaic.asp) Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program website.

Command Recruiting Reservists
U.S. Joint Forces Command, with headquarters in Norfolk, Va., is recruiting 240 reservists to serve in Standing Joint Force Headquarters Core Element teams. The command needs reservists in grades E-7 to O-6 from all components. Those accepted for the unit would be on-call and be ready to report within 48 hours and deploy within 72 hours of notification. To be selected, reservists must have a secret clearance and be eligible for top secret. Ideally, officials would like reservists to have taken joint professional military education courses and have experience at large joint headquarters. For more information on the Standing Joint Force Headquarters Core Element, visit its (http://www.jfcom.mil/about/fact_sjfhq.htm) website.

Power Wheelchairs for Veterans
ClickOnHealth works with Medicare and your secondary insurance providers to get you a new Power Wheelchair at little or not cost. They will take care of all the details and work directly with your doctor to find the wheelchair that's best for you. You won't be bothered with confusing insurance paperwork and they offer free home delivery. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//www.clickonhealth.com/power_wheelchairs/%3Fvendor_id%3D178%26campaign_id%3D239&code=VR_061807_WheelChair) Get more info here.

TRICARE Redesigns Website
Obtaining information is going to get easier for TRICARE beneficiaries as they will soon be able to access TRICARE information tailored for them through the new My Benefits portal. Upon entering the My Benefits portal, beneficiaries will answer a few questions about themselves including their military status, where they live and their TRICARE health plan. By answering these three questions, content is tailored to meet their needs. Beneficiaries will no longer have to wade through webpages of content to find the information that pertains to them. The TRICARE Website currently has an (http://www.tricare.mil/overview/) online demo of the new portal available.

DoD Bone Marrow Donor Program
The DoD Marrow Donor Program adds more people to the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry than any other organization. One of the program's benefits is that there is no registration cost for military members and government employees. Anyone who would like to hold a bone marrow drive can contact the DoD Bone Marrow Donor Center at 1-800-MARROW-3. For more information, including a schedule of upcoming bone marrow drives, visit the C. W. Bill Young DoD (http://www.dodmarrow.com/) Bone Marrow Donor Center website.

Naval War College Seeks Program Applicants
The Naval War College (NWC) Fleet Seminar Program will be offered in 20 regional locations for the academic year 2007-2008. The program delivers Navy and joint intermediate level professional military education and is available to officers and selected command master chiefs. There is no tuition fee, and course materials are provided on a loan basis. All applicants must have previously earned a baccalaureate degree. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2007, and all applicants will be advised of their enrollment status by mid-August 2007. For more information, and to submit an application, visit the Naval War College of Distance Education's (CDE) (http://www.nwc.navy.mil/admissions/fsp.aspx) Fleet Seminar Program webpage. s.

Navy Seeks Doctoral Applicants
The Navy is seeking officers as applicants for the Doctoral Studies Program for 2008. Doctoral degrees are available in Naval Construction, Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Combat Systems (Acoustics), and Oceanography. Applications should be submitted no later than Oct.1, 2007 to Office of Admissions, Code 01C3, Naval Postgraduate School, 1 University Circle HE-022, Monterey, CA 93943--5100. For more information, telephone Lt. Terrence Jones, Graduate Education Placement Officer-COMNAVPERSCOM (PERS-440B) at (901) 874-4056/DSN: 882.

Be 'Red Cross Ready'
How can you prepare for something as devastating as an earthquake or tsunami? The best way is to be "Red Cross Ready" by having a disaster kit, making a plan and being informed. "If you need to leave the house, where is your family going to meet?" says Jane Dustman of the Yokota Air Base Red Cross office. "The other thing is to be prepared to have your information, such as birth certificates and legal wills, available where you can carry them out with you." If an earthquake or tsunami happens in your area, send an e-mail to your family saying that the disaster did not impact you and that you are safe. For more information on being Red Cross Ready, visit the (https://www.redcross.org/) Red Cross website.

Military Homefront Aids Relocation
The Department of Defense website (http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/itc/MHF/MHF_HOME_1?section_id=20.40.500.400.0.0.0.0.0) Military Home front gives detailed information on the major military installations for use by service members and their families during a permanent change of station (PCS) move. Most of the installations within Military Home front have maps of the base showing the barracks and military housing for families. You will also find information about services available on the installation, the local community, education, employment, medical & dental, Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) events, relocation services, support services, child and teen services, survival tips for those new to the military, and special events on the base.

Forecasters Predict Active Hurricane Season
National Hurricane Center (NHC) officials predict this year's Atlantic hurricane season to have a 75 percent chance of being an "above average" season. NHC forecasters predict the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season will have 13 to 17 named storms, of which seven to 10 could become hurricanes and three to five of these could become Category 3 or higher major hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season, which began in June 1, continues through Nov. 30, 2007. For information on hurricane preparedness, visit the (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/family_plan.shtml) National Hurricane Center's Family Disaster Plan webpage and the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine's (http://usachppm.apgea.army.mil/news/hurricaneresources.asp) Hurricane Preparedness and Response Resources webpage.

College Offers Free Courses to Veterans
Queens College in Flushing, New York is offering free courses in its Continuing Education Program to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Courses are offered in real estate, computers and technology, health care, music, art, insurance licensing, photography, writing, speech and more. Tuition costs of any of the courses that are not covered by the Veterans Administration will be offered free of charge to the veterans through this summer and 2008. Space is limited, but the college is reserving at least two seats in each course for qualified veterans on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the (http://qcpages.qc.cuny.edu/CEP/cep/index.htm) Queens College Continuing Education Program website.

Student Aid Application Deadline Nears
The upcoming deadline for submitting federal student aid applications is due July 2, 2007. Submitting an application for federal student aid may qualify some students for benefits such as the Pell Grant and Stafford Loan which can supplement some military educational benefits such as Navy Tuition Assistance (TA). To apply for federal student aid, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be filled out online at the (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) Federal Student Aid FAFSA website. The application is lengthy and requires tax return information, so students are encouraged to have their most recent W-2s handy. Students much fill out a new FAFSA each fiscal year.

Wisconsin May Scale Back Tuition
Lawmakers in Wisconsin are moving to scale back a fast-growing tuition program for Wisconsin veterans by eliminating the provision for free graduate school and a lifetime to use the aid. Their plan would force universities and technical colleges to raise tuition or make cuts to other programs to accommodate the veterans who are enrolling in greater numbers than expected. The program was signed into law by Wisconsin Gov. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=31791) Jim Doyle on Memorial Day in 2006 and guaranteed free tuition to any Wisconsin veteran who enrolled in public universities starting in fall 2007. Currently, a program that reduces tuition by 50 percent still remains in effect.

Commissaries Pull Contact Lens Solution
Commissaries worldwide have been directed to discuss all Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solutions manufactured by Advanced Medical Optics of Santa Ana, Calif. due to a link to acanthamoeba keratitis, which is caused by a parasite. Commissary patrons who have this product at home should return it to the store from which they purchased it for a full refund. Consumers can report adverse events related to these products to the Food and Drug Administration's (http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm) MedWatch or call the company at 1-888-899-9183. Additional information about the acanthamoeba infection is available from the (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/acanthamoeba/index.htm) CDC Website.

Air Force Centers Renamed
All Air Force "life skills support centers" are being renamed "mental health clinics" effective immediately. It was determined that the name "life skills" was confusing and did not appropriately reflect the mission of providing mental health services. The name change will be accomplished at Air Force installations within a few months. Although the change is immediate, practical details such as posting signs and updating regulations will take some time.

Bill to Improve Care for Veterans
Responding to shabby treatment of wounded Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, a group of senators moved to boost disability pay to those hurt in combat and improve care for brain injury. The measure also would expand medical care and counseling to family members and require better cooperation to end red tape for disabled service members moving from Pentagon to Veterans Affairs care.

The measure would boost military severance pay for those rated with less than 30 percent disability and eliminate the current requirement that severance pay be deducted from disability pay. It would also set up Pentagon pilot programs that would give the VA a greater role in the evaluation system, a major shift in how benefits are administered.

Senators Call for Prosthetic Research
U.S. Senators (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel Akaka and (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig - the top Democrat and top Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs - have sent a joint letter urging a substantial increase for medical and prosthetic research within the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. Their letter was directed to the leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which has jurisdiction over financing both military construction and projects impacting veterans. "A robust research program is also essential if VA is to match the needs of service members returning from combat who are suffering injuries that would have been fatal in previous wars," the senators said.

VA Prosecutes Defrauders of Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently prosecuted successfully several people who mishandled the finances of veterans and family members unable to manage their own affairs. The cases included a Los Angeles resident who embezzling $1 million from veterans who were too disabled to handle their own financial matters and the daughter and son-in-law of an elderly Alaskan veteran with Alzheimer's disease who diverted the veteran's compensation for personal use. To report suspected fraud involving veterans benefits, other crimes, fraud, waste or mismanagement in the VA, please contact the Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-488-8244 or email at (mailto:vaoig.hotline@forum.va.gov) vaoig.hotline@forum.va.gov.

San Diego Air and Space Museum
Situated in the heart of San Diego's Balboa Park, the San Diego Air and Space Museum offers active-duty service members and their family members a free look at the evolution of aviation. Created in 1935 by the Ford Motor Company, the museum's exhibits feature various aircraft from the Wright Brothers first gliders to spacecraft from the Apollo missions. The museum pays special tribute to some of the military's most renowned aces and heroes. The museum is open daily 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. For more information call 619-234-8291 or visit (http://www.aerospacemuseum.org/) www.aerospacemuseum.org.

VA Medical Centers Extending Hours
In order to provide more health care for more veterans, especially mental health services, the 153 medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been directed to keep their doors open longer. The extended hours are mainly based on the need to ensure VA's more than 9,000 mental health professionals are available when veterans need them. The Department of Veterans' Affairs has not specified what the new hours will be. Visit the (http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1) VA Facility Locator to find the nearest VA Health Care Facility.

Mental Health Task Force Results
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates received the Department of Defense Task Force on Mental Health results and forwarded them to the Congress on June 14. The department will have six months to develop and implement a corrective action plan.

"This report points to significant shortfalls in achieving goals and taking care of our service members and their families," said Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. "We will continue to address the need for mental health care in order to reinforce our commitment to providing the best care in the world to our service members and their families who deserve no less. How do you feel about this issue? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=9887281&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

State Department Relaxes Passport Requirements
Americans will not be required to have a passport to visit Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda through Sept. 30, 2007 if they have applied for a passport and have not yet received it. To travel to the above countries, you will need (1) a receipt from the state department showing that you have applied for a passport and (2) a government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license. Travelers who have not applied for a passport should not expect to be accommodated under this initiative. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at (http://www.travel.state.gov/) www.travel.state.gov. This accommodation does not affect passport requirements to visit other countries. For more information, visit the (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html) U.S. Department of State website.

Military Family Students Can Still Apply for Trip
A group that recognizes high school students whose lives are affected by extreme circumstances is offering trips to the nation's capital for teens with a deployed parent. The Student Youth and Travel Association has extended of the deadline for its Silver Lining Program to June 25. This summer's program will take place here July 25-28. It's open to military students ages 14-19 who have a parent serving abroad and who have been affected by the Iraq war, according to an association news release. Applicants must submit an essay, video presentation, or other media that details how they've demonstrated through their action, intention, or circumstance, the desire to overcome an extreme circumstance with the intention of creating a dramatic life change.

Completed applications can be mailed to the Student and Youth Travel Association Youth Foundation, 3048 W. Clarkston Rd., Lake Orion, MI 48362. Applications also can be faxed to (248) 814-7150. More information and a program application can be found on the (http://www.sytayouthfoundation.org/uploads/Scholarships/SilverLiningApplicationF.pdf) Silver Lining Program Application Website.

Army Chaplains Benefits and Incentives
U.S. Army Chaplains serve both God and country by bringing their unique gifts with which they are endowed by God, to the Soldiers of our nation in the broad, challenging, diverse, and ever changing environment of the Army. While the benefits and pay of an Army Chaplain are often much better than what a minister normally receives, the requirements and stakes are much higher. As a part of the Army Strong family, you and your family earn the right to countless lifestyle benefits and privileges including: exceptional pay and allowances, 30 days vacation annually, housing allowances, comprehensive health care coverage for the entire family, up to $400,000 in life insurance at low rates, uniform allowance, tax free shopping and more. Your nation needs you.

AMVETS Operation DVD
AMVETS' Operation DVD collects new and used DVDs to distribute overseas to U.S. military personnel. Americans can donate their new and used DVDs, which will then be shipped to our fighting men and women overseas. If you have DVDs to donate, or want to make a donation for postage, write AMVETS, Operation DVD, 1395 E Dublin-Granville #222, Columbus, OH 43229, or visit the (http://www.operationdvd.us/index.php) AMVETS Operation DVD website.

War Wounded Underpaid
Disability compensation for veterans severely wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, particularly the youngest, is set too low, creating a lifetime earnings gap with non-disabled peers, according to a draft study on disabled veterans' incomes prepared for the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission. The same study found that disability compensation probably is set too high for veterans who first begin drawing the disability payments at age 65 or older, having already retired from post-service careers.

This imbalance in disability compensation paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was a point of contention at a June 8 commission hearing. Congress created the commission to examine the appropriateness of benefits being paid to veterans and their survivors.

While some commissioners expressed satisfaction that "average" VA compensation was adequate, and others challenged the notion of elderly veterans being over compensated, Commissioner Dennis V. McGinn, a retired Navy vice admiral, said something must be done to raise compensation of younger veterans.

ABCTE Announces Teacher Certification in U.S. History
ABCTE recently began accepting applications from individuals interested in pursuing Passport to Teaching certification in U.S. history. All candidates must prepare for and pass both the teaching knowledge and U.S. history exams.

ABCTE has worked for almost two years to develop the research-based U.S. history certification. The standards and certification development process included participation from leading teachers, education officials and U.S. history subject area experts.

Individuals can (https://mypass.abcte.org/) enroll in the program online to pursue the U.S. history certification through Passport to Teaching. ABCTE is currently working with several states to allow candidates to earn full state certification with the U.S. History Passport to Teaching certification program.

In addition to the new U.S. history certification, ABCTE offers certification in elementary education, English, mathematics, general science, biology, physics, chemistry and special education.

 

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