Print & Post: Week of January 18, 2010
Outdoor Guide: On the Hunt for Eastern Bobcat
There are four critters considered predators in the eastern part of the country -- raccoon, coyote, fox, and bobcat. Some seek racoon for table fare. Coyotes are classified as vermin that ought to be killed and discreetly disposed of. Fox called to the gun are shot by some. But, the bobcat is considered the real trophy in the East, and most hunters long for a mounted bobcat. (http://www.military.com/entertainment/outdoor-guide/predator/eastern-bobcat-behavior.html?ESRC=mr.nl) Read more about hunting this illustrious animal and how to really track one down.
VA Launches Pilot Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente have launched a pilot medical data exchange program in San Diego using the Nationwide Health Information Network. This pilot will enable clinicians from VA and Kaiser Permanente to obtain a more comprehensive view of a patient's health using electronic health record information, including information about health issues, medications, and allergies. VA beneficiaries and Kaiser Permanente members in the San Diego area were the first to be offered the opportunity to sign up for the pilot. Ultimately, this program is planned to be made available to all Veterans and servicemembers. To learn more about your state's benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.
2010 Benefit Alert for Veterans
In 2010 you may be eligible for more than $50,000 worth of VA education benefits. Start your New Year's resolutions today by (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) finding military friendly schools that work with your benefits and give Veterans college credit for military service. This is Your Money so don't let it go to waste. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) Find Military Friendly Schools Now.
VA Reports New GI Bill Numbers
The American Legion reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs recently released a report that says 164,144 individuals have enrolled in classes under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, and 130,309 of them have received payments. Currently, the VA says it is paying about 4,500 students per day, and that it takes on average 47 days to process payments from the day the school certifies enrollment in VA. In all, 352,281 people have applied for a Certificate of Eligibility, and 292,896 have received one. They will receive funding when they enroll in a school. To improve the system, VA says it continues to review the process and streamline letters to veterans and their dependents who are attending school on their behalf. There are big differences between GI Bill programs, find out which program best fits your situation with Military.com's (http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calculator/) GI Bill Calculator.
Featured Job: UnitedHealth Group
Now Hiring Military Experience. Perform > The Challenge. Our Company is > the Sum of its parts. () iversity_na_enterprise">Start Now.
2009 Tax Tips from TurboTax
It's that time of year again; time to file your taxes. Do not worry though. Military.com's Tax Center is loaded with advice including the top overlooked tax deductions, how to boost your retirement savings, a summary of new federal tax laws and more. Don't wait a moment longer; receive great tips for tax season and (http://www.military.com/finance/taxes/tt/turbotax-article-index.html?ESRC=vr.nl) get your jump start today.
Benefits for Wounded Warriors
Men and women serving in the U.S. military who become disabled while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs, are receiving "expedited processing" of disability claims from the Social Security Department. Servicemembers can apply for and receive benefits even while receiving military pay. Visit (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors) Social Security's Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors webpage. The website has everything you need to know about Social Security and military service, including a link to apply for disability benefits online. See more (http://www.military.com/wounded-warriors) Wounded Warrior news on Military.com.
Health Care Reform and VA Health Care
As House and Senate Democrats negotiate a final compromise national health care reform bill, military people across the nation -- and their advocates in Washington D.C. -- remain vigilant for side effects that may impact TRICARE or VA Health Care. (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,209077,00.html) Read the full article.
Coast Guard to End LORAN-C
The U.S. Coast Guard's Director of Prevention Policy has announced plans to cease broadcasting the North American Loran-C signal Feb. 8. As a result of technological advancements during the last 20 years and the emergence of the U.S. Global Positioning System, Loran-C is no longer required by the armed forces and is used by only a small segment of the population. The notice to terminate may be viewed online at (http://www.regulations.gov/) Regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2009-0299. For more information on similar terminations, reductions and savings contained in the fiscal year 2010 budget, including Loran-C, visit the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/TRS/) White House website. (http://www.military.com/news/article/coast-guard-news/coast-guard-to-terminate-loranc-signal.html) Read the full article.
Applicants Sought for DoD Internship
The Department of Defense is seeking applicants for a two-year, paid Military Health System Internship Program. Applicants generally need a Master's degree or two, full years of progressively high-level graduate education and one year of specialized experience that equips them for the skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Positions are currently available in the Washington, D.C. area in human resources, information technology, management analysis, financial management analysis, and health systems analysis. Applications must be e-mailed by January 29, 2010. For more information, visit the (http://www.health.mil/MHSBlog/Article.aspx?ID=745) Military Health System Blog webpage or call the MHS Human Capital Office (571) 296-2960.
Deal of the Week: Military Shopping
Military.com connects you to big discounts and great military products in our (http://www.military.com/Deals/Home/0,13401,,00.htm) Shopping Section, such as customized gear, rank insignia, knives, tactical gear and more. (http://www.military.com/Deals/Home/0,13401,,00.htm) Click Here.
VA Centers Receive Certification
Department of Veterans Affairs announced that 15 of its medical centers have been cited by the Green Building Initiative for their efforts to achieve sustainable energy. As a federal agency, VA is required to have 15 percent of buildings incorporate sustainable practices by 2015 in accordance with Executive Order 13423. The recent Green Globe certifications raise VA's sustainable building inventory and contribute toward reaching the department's goals. The Green Globes system is an independent ratings based on environmental assessments.
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. (http://finance.military.com/insurance/asmba/?ESRC=vr.nl) Get Started.
Suicide Rates Increase Among Vets
Suicide rates for veterans not on active duty in the military have gone up significantly. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in 2007 for every 100,000 veterans 56.77 committed suicide. That number is up from 44.99 just two years earlier. The suicide rate among 18- to 29-year-old male veterans jumped 26% from 2005 to 2007. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki noted recently that of the 30,000 suicides each year in America, about 20% are committed by veterans. (http://www.military.com/news/stories/ptsd-news.html) More information and resources on PTSD.
No Need to Feel SAD
As the season changes and the days get shorter in the Winter, some people develop symptoms of depression. This condition is known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, and it usually happens during the winter. Symptoms of winter SAD normally begin in October or November and end in March or April. The symptoms of SAD include: (1) oversleeping, (2) daytime fatigue, (3) carbohydrate craving, and (4) weight gain. TRICARE recently launched the TRICARE Assistance Program, or TRIAP, to help servicemembers and their families get behavioral health assistance for SAD and other conditions. Learn more about (http://www.tricare.mil/TRIAP) TRIAP at the TRICARE website. To find out more about getting help, visit (http://tricare.mil/mentalhealth) TRICARE's Mental Health Resource Center. Military.com surveys have found that most servicemembers and their families are confused by TRICARE. (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare/understanding-your-tricare-benefits) Get the facts and latest news on TRICARE.
Virtual Burn Treatment
National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" recently covered a new aspect of burn treatment being administered at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Some servicemembers and veterans affected by burns are being distracted from their pain through the use of a virtual reality program called SnowWorld. Read more about BAMC's use of SnowWorld (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120638735) at NPR's website. For a look at this virtual treatment in action, (http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/news/local/111909-Video-Game-Therapy-Helping-Soldiers) view this video report from Fox 7 News, Austin, Texas.
American Legion Continues Growing
On the way to breaking another membership record, all five Sons of The American Legion (SAL) regions exceeded their recruitment targets in 2009. The program, offered to descendants of wartime veterans eligible to join The American Legion, finished the year with 335,848 members. Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary is available to a mother, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, or grandmother of a member of The American Legion, or a deceased veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the listed war eras. Membership information and application materials for the SAL, American Legion or American Legion Auxiliary are available on (http://www.legion.org/join) The American Legion website.
There are four critters considered predators in the eastern part of the country -- raccoon, coyote, fox, and bobcat. Some seek racoon for table fare. Coyotes are classified as vermin that ought to be killed and discreetly disposed of. Fox called to the gun are shot by some. But, the bobcat is considered the real trophy in the East, and most hunters long for a mounted bobcat. (http://www.military.com/entertainment/outdoor-guide/predator/eastern-bobcat-behavior.html?ESRC=mr.nl) Read more about hunting this illustrious animal and how to really track one down.
VA Launches Pilot Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente have launched a pilot medical data exchange program in San Diego using the Nationwide Health Information Network. This pilot will enable clinicians from VA and Kaiser Permanente to obtain a more comprehensive view of a patient's health using electronic health record information, including information about health issues, medications, and allergies. VA beneficiaries and Kaiser Permanente members in the San Diego area were the first to be offered the opportunity to sign up for the pilot. Ultimately, this program is planned to be made available to all Veterans and servicemembers. To learn more about your state's benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.
2010 Benefit Alert for Veterans
In 2010 you may be eligible for more than $50,000 worth of VA education benefits. Start your New Year's resolutions today by (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) finding military friendly schools that work with your benefits and give Veterans college credit for military service. This is Your Money so don't let it go to waste. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) Find Military Friendly Schools Now.
VA Reports New GI Bill Numbers
The American Legion reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs recently released a report that says 164,144 individuals have enrolled in classes under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, and 130,309 of them have received payments. Currently, the VA says it is paying about 4,500 students per day, and that it takes on average 47 days to process payments from the day the school certifies enrollment in VA. In all, 352,281 people have applied for a Certificate of Eligibility, and 292,896 have received one. They will receive funding when they enroll in a school. To improve the system, VA says it continues to review the process and streamline letters to veterans and their dependents who are attending school on their behalf. There are big differences between GI Bill programs, find out which program best fits your situation with Military.com's (http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calculator/) GI Bill Calculator.
Featured Job: UnitedHealth Group
Now Hiring Military Experience. Perform > The Challenge. Our Company is > the Sum of its parts. () iversity_na_enterprise">Start Now.
2009 Tax Tips from TurboTax
It's that time of year again; time to file your taxes. Do not worry though. Military.com's Tax Center is loaded with advice including the top overlooked tax deductions, how to boost your retirement savings, a summary of new federal tax laws and more. Don't wait a moment longer; receive great tips for tax season and (http://www.military.com/finance/taxes/tt/turbotax-article-index.html?ESRC=vr.nl) get your jump start today.
Benefits for Wounded Warriors
Men and women serving in the U.S. military who become disabled while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs, are receiving "expedited processing" of disability claims from the Social Security Department. Servicemembers can apply for and receive benefits even while receiving military pay. Visit (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors) Social Security's Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors webpage. The website has everything you need to know about Social Security and military service, including a link to apply for disability benefits online. See more (http://www.military.com/wounded-warriors) Wounded Warrior news on Military.com.
Health Care Reform and VA Health Care
As House and Senate Democrats negotiate a final compromise national health care reform bill, military people across the nation -- and their advocates in Washington D.C. -- remain vigilant for side effects that may impact TRICARE or VA Health Care. (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,209077,00.html) Read the full article.
Coast Guard to End LORAN-C
The U.S. Coast Guard's Director of Prevention Policy has announced plans to cease broadcasting the North American Loran-C signal Feb. 8. As a result of technological advancements during the last 20 years and the emergence of the U.S. Global Positioning System, Loran-C is no longer required by the armed forces and is used by only a small segment of the population. The notice to terminate may be viewed online at (http://www.regulations.gov/) Regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2009-0299. For more information on similar terminations, reductions and savings contained in the fiscal year 2010 budget, including Loran-C, visit the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/TRS/) White House website. (http://www.military.com/news/article/coast-guard-news/coast-guard-to-terminate-loranc-signal.html) Read the full article.
Applicants Sought for DoD Internship
The Department of Defense is seeking applicants for a two-year, paid Military Health System Internship Program. Applicants generally need a Master's degree or two, full years of progressively high-level graduate education and one year of specialized experience that equips them for the skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Positions are currently available in the Washington, D.C. area in human resources, information technology, management analysis, financial management analysis, and health systems analysis. Applications must be e-mailed by January 29, 2010. For more information, visit the (http://www.health.mil/MHSBlog/Article.aspx?ID=745) Military Health System Blog webpage or call the MHS Human Capital Office (571) 296-2960.
Deal of the Week: Military Shopping
Military.com connects you to big discounts and great military products in our (http://www.military.com/Deals/Home/0,13401,,00.htm) Shopping Section, such as customized gear, rank insignia, knives, tactical gear and more. (http://www.military.com/Deals/Home/0,13401,,00.htm) Click Here.
VA Centers Receive Certification
Department of Veterans Affairs announced that 15 of its medical centers have been cited by the Green Building Initiative for their efforts to achieve sustainable energy. As a federal agency, VA is required to have 15 percent of buildings incorporate sustainable practices by 2015 in accordance with Executive Order 13423. The recent Green Globe certifications raise VA's sustainable building inventory and contribute toward reaching the department's goals. The Green Globes system is an independent ratings based on environmental assessments.
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. (http://finance.military.com/insurance/asmba/?ESRC=vr.nl) Get Started.
Suicide Rates Increase Among Vets
Suicide rates for veterans not on active duty in the military have gone up significantly. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in 2007 for every 100,000 veterans 56.77 committed suicide. That number is up from 44.99 just two years earlier. The suicide rate among 18- to 29-year-old male veterans jumped 26% from 2005 to 2007. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki noted recently that of the 30,000 suicides each year in America, about 20% are committed by veterans. (http://www.military.com/news/stories/ptsd-news.html) More information and resources on PTSD.
No Need to Feel SAD
As the season changes and the days get shorter in the Winter, some people develop symptoms of depression. This condition is known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, and it usually happens during the winter. Symptoms of winter SAD normally begin in October or November and end in March or April. The symptoms of SAD include: (1) oversleeping, (2) daytime fatigue, (3) carbohydrate craving, and (4) weight gain. TRICARE recently launched the TRICARE Assistance Program, or TRIAP, to help servicemembers and their families get behavioral health assistance for SAD and other conditions. Learn more about (http://www.tricare.mil/TRIAP) TRIAP at the TRICARE website. To find out more about getting help, visit (http://tricare.mil/mentalhealth) TRICARE's Mental Health Resource Center. Military.com surveys have found that most servicemembers and their families are confused by TRICARE. (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare/understanding-your-tricare-benefits) Get the facts and latest news on TRICARE.
Virtual Burn Treatment
National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" recently covered a new aspect of burn treatment being administered at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Some servicemembers and veterans affected by burns are being distracted from their pain through the use of a virtual reality program called SnowWorld. Read more about BAMC's use of SnowWorld (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120638735) at NPR's website. For a look at this virtual treatment in action, (http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/news/local/111909-Video-Game-Therapy-Helping-Soldiers) view this video report from Fox 7 News, Austin, Texas.
American Legion Continues Growing
On the way to breaking another membership record, all five Sons of The American Legion (SAL) regions exceeded their recruitment targets in 2009. The program, offered to descendants of wartime veterans eligible to join The American Legion, finished the year with 335,848 members. Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary is available to a mother, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, or grandmother of a member of The American Legion, or a deceased veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the listed war eras. Membership information and application materials for the SAL, American Legion or American Legion Auxiliary are available on (http://www.legion.org/join) The American Legion website.
