RAO
BULLETIN
15 January 2015
HTML Edition
THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES
Pg
Article
Subject
* DOD *
.
04 == DoD European Force Consolidation ----------------- (Planned Changes)
06 == Gulf War Syndrome [32] ---------------- (DoD Detoxification Program)
06 == Arrears of Pay --------------------------------------------- (What to Expect)
06 == MCRMC [06] ------------- (Pentagon Bracing for Upcoming Proposals)
07 == QRMC [10] ------------------------------- (Obama Cancels 2016 Review)
08 == DoD Fraud, Waste, & Abuse ----------- (Reported 16 thru 31 Dec 2014)
09 == POW/MIA [47] ------------------------------------ (Agency Merge Begins)
10 == POW/MIA Recoveries ------------------- (Reported 150101 thru 150115)
* VA *
.
13 == VA Medical Marijuana [09] -- ($2M Grant to Research Effectiveness)
14 == VA Lawsuit | OCB ------------------- (Failure to Give Blind Preference)
15 == VA Data Breach [56] ------------------ (Website Put 7,000 Vets at Risk)
16 == Agent Orange | C-123 Aircraft [07] ---------------- (IOM Key Findings)
18 == VA Fraud, Waste, & Abuse ----------------------- (150101 thru 150115)
19 == VA Claims Backlog [143] --------------------- (2015 Goal out of Reach)
19 == VA 2014 Accomplishments ----------------- (A Good Lead-in for 2015)
23 == VA Veteran Transportation Service ------------------------ (How to Use)
23 == VA Health Care Stories [05] ------------ (Denied Colonoscopy Claims)
24 == VA Whistleblowers [17] ------ (Unauthorized Disclosure of Info Case)
25 == VAMC Hampton VA [02] ------------ (Longest Wait Times in Country)
26 == VAMC Grand Junction CO ---------- (Vet Death Investigation Request)
26 == VAMC Atlanta GA -------- (Lawsuit Pending over Erection Treatment)
27 == VARO Philadelphia PA [01] ---------------------- (OIG Report Delayed)
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29 == VARO Philadelphia [02] - (New Claim Incentive Program Questioned)
* VETS *
.
30 == King City Veterans Memorial ---- (Lawsuit Results in Statue Removal)
31== Vet Awardees ------------------- (Patrick Olive | Purple Heart | Vietnam)
33 == Vet Awardees ---------------- (Nisei Soldiers | Legion of Honor | WWII)
34 == Vet Jobs [168] --------------------- (Ohio Vet Employer Online Registry)
35 == Vet Gun Control [10] --------------------- (VA Offering Free Gun Locks)
35 == Filipino Vet Inequities [28] ---- (Children’s Green Cards Still an Issue)
37 == North Carolina Scholarship --------- (Available for Some Vet Children)
37 == Michigan Veterans Trust Fund --- (Short-Term Financial Crisis Needs)
38 == Veterans Employment Center [01] ------------------- (Transitioning Aid)
39 == Vet Toxic Exposure | Dover AFB ----- (PFCs in Shallow Groundwater)
39 == Nebraska Veterans Registry --------------------------- (Reasons to Enroll)
40 == AF Retiree Council [03] ------------ (Issues Reported to Air Force COS)
41 == Awards Replacement ----------------------------- (Use SF 180 to Replace)
41 == OBIT | Wolfe~Walter | WWII -------------------------------- (9 Dec 2014)
43 == OBIT | Steward~Lowell | WWII Tuskegee -------------- (17 Dec 2014)
44 == OBIT | Jordan~Bernard | WWII ------------------------------- (6 Jan 2015)
45 == OBIT | Huntley~Clarence & Shambrey~Joseph | WWII -- (5 Jan 2015)
46 == Retiree Appreciation Days ---------------------------- (As of 11 Jan 2015)
46 == Vet Hiring Fairs ----------------------------------- 16 Jan thru 14 Feb 2015)
48 == WWII VETS 78 --------------------------------------- (Raschio~Dario, 100)
49 == America's Most Beloved Vets ---------------------------- (Korean War (2)
50 == Vet State Benefits & Discounts ------------------------------- (Idaho 2015)
* VET LEGISLATION *
.
50 == 114th Congress -------- (Lawmakers' Priority: Fortify Promises to Vets)
51 == Congressional Major Events Timeline --- (Previewing a Difficult 2015)
52 == Legislative Goals for 2015 ------------------------------------ (Bucket List)
53 == Vet Jobs [167] ---------------------------- (Hire More Heroes Act H.R.22)
54 == DoD Suicide Policy [10] ----------- (Clay Hunt SAV Act Reintroduced)
55 == National Park Passports [05] ------ (Lifetime Pass for all Disabled Vets)
56 == Vet Bills Submitted to 114th Congress -------------- (As of 13 Jan 2015)
* MILITARY *
.
58 == Reserve Duty --------------------------------------- (Look Before Leaping)
59 == Army Modular Handgun Program ------------ (M9A3 Monkey Wrench)
61 == USMC Tuition Aid [01] -------------------------- (Stricter 2015 Program)
61 == DANA ------------------------------------- (Frontline Brain Thermometer)
62 == Military Retirement Pay [01] --------- (Congress Went too Far in 2006)
64 == Medal of Honor Citations ------------- (Vandegrift, Alexander A WWII)
* MILITARY HISTORY *
2
.
67 == Aviation Art ------------------------------------------- (Above and Beyond)
68 == Military Trivia 98 --------------------------------------------- (Prize Money)
70 == Military Kits -------- (2014 Helmland Province | Close-Support Sapper)
71 == Military History --------------------------------- (Pearl Harbor | Ed Solace)
72 == D-Day ------------------------------------- (Doomed Troop Transfer at Sea)
73 == WWII Prewar Events ------ (Munich Populace Cheers Hitler Nov 1933)
73 == WWII Postwar Events --------- (Mingling of Cultures Tokyo Jan 1946)
74 == Spanish American War Image 50 -- (Loading supplies in Tampa 1898)
74 == Military History Anniversaries ----------------------- (16 Jan thru 14 Feb)
74 == WWI in Photos 118 ------- (Equipment for the Austro-Hungarian army)
75 == Faces of WAR (WWII) ----- (Army's First All-Black Combat Division)
* HEALTH CARE *
.
75 == Tricare Cancer Screenings [05] -- (Cervical Health Awareness Month)
76 == Glaucoma [03] -------------------- (Glaucoma Awareness Month | JAN)
77 == Retirement Impact on Tricare -------------- (Changes You Can Expect)
78 == Heart Health for Women ------------ (Cause of 400,000 Deaths a Year)
79 == Colds [03] ------------------------------------ (Vitamin C and Zinc Impact)
80 == Right of First Refusal -------------- (Military Facility’s Option to Treat)
80 == Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) ----------------- (What to Look For)
81 == TRICARE Retired Reserve [06] -------------- (Cost of Premiums Issue)
82 == TRICARE Pharmacy Policy [18] -------------- (Electronic Prescribing)
83 == Certificate of Creditable Coverage [01] --------- (No Longer Required)
* FINANCES *
.
83 == Price Increases [01] ---------------------------------- (TWC & Turbo Tax)
84 == Household Everyday Items Cost -------------- (5 Over $500 per Gallon)
85 == Freebies --------------------------------- (What Used to be But Now Isn’t)
87 == Insulting Fees ---------------------- (What to Do to Work Around Them)
90 == Car Insurance [09] ------------- (Getting the Most for a Totaled Vehicle)
91 == Saving Money --------------------- (Champagne Affordable Alternatives)
93 == Pizza Hut Scam --------------------------------------------- (How It Works)
94 == Health Care Scams ---------------------------------------- (Insurance Plans)
95 == Tax Burden for New York Retirees --------------------- (As of Jan 2015)
97 == Tax Burden for Alaska Residents ------------------------ (As of Jan 2015)
98 == Thrift Savings Plan 2015 ----------- (Share Prices + YTD Gain or Loss)
* GENERAL INTEREST *
100 == Notes of Interest ------------------------------------- (01 thru 15 Jan 2014)
100 == USS Ranger ----------------------------------- (Stay of Execution Sought)
101 == Ants -------------------------------------------- (Voracious Garbage Eaters)
103 == Obsolescence ----------- (Things Kids Born in 2015 May Never Know)
104 == Ship Photos --------------------------- (Where to Locate and/or Purchase)
105 == Photos That Say it All ---------------------------------- (Mommies Home)
106 == WWII Ads -------------------------------------------- (General Cable Corp)
3
.
107 == Normandy Then & Now -------------------- (Nonant-le-Pin POW Camp)
107 == Have You Heard? -------------------------------------- (A Sub-Vet’s Wife)
108 == They Grew Up to Be -------------- (Jena Malone | Contact & Stepmom)
108 == Interesting Ideas ------------------------------------ (No Skateboard Park!)
109 == Moments of US History ----- (New Rumble Seat Taxis, Chicago 1940)
Note:
1. The page number on which an article can be found is provided to the left of each article’s title
2. Numbers contained within brackets [ ] indicate the number of articles written on the subject. To obtain
previous articles send a request to raoemo@sbcglobal.net.
*ATTACHMENTS*
.
Attachment - Veteran Legislation as of 13 Jan 2014
Attachment - Idaho Vet State Benefits & Discounts Jan 2014
Attachment - Military History Anniversaries 16 Jan thru 14 Feb
Attachment - Retiree Activity\Appreciation Days (RAD) Schedule as of Jan 11, 2015
* DoD *
DoD European Force Consolidation ►
List of planned changes:
A major U.S. Air Force base in the United Kingdom and 14 other installations scattered across Europe will
close as part of a sweeping reorganization of U.S. forces on the Continent, the Pentagon announced 8 JAN.
The changes will mean a slight reduction in overall force levels, but troop numbers in Europe are expected
to hold near the current level of 67,000. Germany and Italy will gain troops, though it is expected to take
several years for all of the Pentagon’s basing decisions to be implemented. The Pentagon expects to save
about $500 million annually from the consolidations. The cost of implementing the closures and
consolidations will be roughly $1.4 billion, according to DOD. Planned change include:
United Kingdom - Returns the installation and four supported sites to the United Kingdom.
4

Divest RAF Mildenhall: DOD intends to relocate the operational units at RAF Mildenhall within
Europe — the assigned KC-135s and the 352nd Special Operations Group to Germany and the
assigned RC-135s within the U.K. This paves the way for the stationing of two squadrons of F-35s
at RAF Lakenheath, starting in 2020.
 Divest RAF Alconbury/RAF Molesworth: Consolidation of missions allows the permanent return
of RAF Alconbury, RAF Molesworth and supporting sites to the United Kingdom. The majority of
U.S. personnel, and many of the U.S.-funded host nation positions assigned to these bases will be
transferred to RAF Croughton.
Germany
 Close Mainz-Kastel Station — fully returns the site to Germany.
 Close Barton Barracks — fully returns the site to Germany and relocates the Department of Defense
Dependents Schools Bavaria district office to Grafenwöhr.
 Partially close Pulaski Barracks in the Kaiserslautem area — returns part of the site to Germany.
 Close Weilimdorf warehouse site — returns the site to German control.
 Close two Baumholder waterworks — returns control to Germany.
 Relocate HQs DISA-Europe from Stuttgart to Kaiserslautem.
 Close Amelia Earhart Hotel in Wiesbaden.
 Partially close Artillery Kaserne in Garmisch — returns two-thirds of the site to Germany.
 Restructure the Army Air Force Exchange Services bakery and water distribution operations at
Grünstadt.
 Close Husterhöh Kaserne in Pirmasens — returns the site to Germany.
 Relocate mail sorting/distribution from German Aerial Mail Terminal in Frankfurt to Germersheim
Army Depot — efficiencies and personnel moves only.
 Create a distribution center of excellence at Germersheim Army Depot.
 Consolidate various communication data centers across EUCOM.
 Close commissaries at Illesheim and Sembach, as well as the four commissaries in Stuttgart at
Kelley Barracks, Patch Barracks, Panzer Barracks and Robinson Barracks, once a new replacement
store on Panzer is constructed.
 Consolidate Defense Media Activity operations across Europe.
 Consolidate communications, postal services and personnel management that support the U.S.
mission to NATO and the U.S. military delegation to the NATO military committee.
Belgium
 Divest leased site in Brussels — Consolidation of U.S. facilities in Brussels to Sterrebeek.
The Netherlands
 Divest Schinnen Emma Mine leased site, Netherlands and consolidate U.S. facilities at Brunssum.
Italy
 Place a portion of the Pisa Ammo Storage Area, near Livorno, into caretaker status.

Partially close Camp Darby near Livorno. Returns about half of the installation to Italy.
 Convert the Vicenza Health Center to outpatient and specialty care only.
Portugal
 Streamline operations and property at Lajes Field — Reduces active duty, civilian personnel and
contract providers by two-thirds. A number of the buildings at Lajes will also be returned to
Portugal.
[Source: Stars & Stripes | John Vandiver | Jan. 08, 2015 ++]
********************************
5
Gulf War Syndrome Update 32
► DoD Detoxification Program
The Department of Defense is offering a detoxification program for a limited number of veterans who suffer
from Gulf War illness. Veterans who were deployed to the Persian Gulf region any time between August 1,
1990, through July 1, 1991, and are experiencing Gulf War illness symptoms such as fatigue, muscle and
joint pain, sleeping difficulties, memory problems, etc. are eligible, and there is no cost to participate. The
therapy site is located in Annapolis, Maryland. The procedure involves modest exercise and daily sauna
therapy with a variety of nutrients. This regimen is designed to remove toxins from the veteran’s body and
reduce symptoms. Participation is limited to 50 Gulf War veterans who suffer from Gulf War illness. The
sauna procedure will last about 4-6weeks, with follow-ups three months later. For more information contact:
 Crystal Grant, PhD, Clinical Trial Coordinator, University at Albany, Tel: 667-217-0218 E-mail:
cgrant6@albany.edu
 David O. Carpenter, MD, Principal Investigator, University at Albany, Tel: 518-525-2660 E-mail:
dcarpenter@albany.edu
[Source: FRA News Jan. 02, 2015 ++]
********************************
Arrears of Pay
► What to Expect
“Arrears of pay” (AOP) won’t be a source of stress and financial hardship for your survivors if you tell them
what to expect. This onetime payment made to your beneficiaries will include the pro-rated amount of your
final month’s retired pay and any other money you are owed at the time of your death. Because your
entitlement to retired pay ends on the date of your death, it’s important that your survivors promptly notify
the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) of your death. Don’t expect a funeral director to do
this. When your death is reported, DFAS will reclaim your final month's retired pay and audit your account.
DFAS will then compute the final amount owed to your estate and send it to the AOP beneficiary you
specified in your retired pay account. A delay in reporting your death could result in an overpayment that
would be collected from your bank, your estate or one of your survivors, if that survivor receives any of your
retired pay funds. Designating multiple beneficiaries for your AOP may delay payment as each beneficiary
must be located and then complete necessary forms. To verify your AOP beneficiaries and update their
contact information, log into your myPay account at https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx or call DFAS at
(800) 321-1080. [Source: RAO Seal Beach CA | John Ryan | Jan, 01, 2015 ++]
********************************
MCRMC Update 06
► Pentagon Bracing for Upcoming Proposals
The Pentagon is bracing for one of its biggest political battles in years as a blue-ribbon commission on
military compensation and retirement nears the end of its two-year study and moves closer to releasing its
proposals for change by 1 FEB. An internal document obtained by Military Times reveals the Defense
Department is setting up a rapid-response plan that will scrutinize the commission's potentially controversial
proposals and send a recommendation to President Obama within 60 days, or by 1 APR. DoD leaders have
no idea what the independent commission will propose to Congress, so they have tapped a team of high-level
officials to review, analyze and prepare a formal response to influence a potentially historic vote on Capitol
Hill. The stakes are high; the commission's report is likely to set off a far-reaching debate about the future of
the military compensation system, with a basic structure that has changed little over the past century.
6
In some ways, the Pentagon is eager to support big changes that might cut personnel costs and reduce
long-term defense spending and save money for investments in research and new weapons systems. At the
same time, military officials worry that sweeping changes to military compensation — such as radically
changing the current retirement system — could devastate recruiting and retention and threaten the long-term
health of the 41-year-old all-volunteer force. The report from the Military Compensation and Retirement
Modernization Commission (MCRMC) will include detailed legislation that members of Congress may
immediately begin debating, revising or potentially putting to a vote. The commission's recommendations
likely will include contentious proposals, such as replacing the military's 20-year cliff-vesting retirement
model, creating new incentive pays or eliminating some in-kind benefits that service members receive in the
form of installation-based services.
As the Pentagon and the White House begin facing pointed questions about how the proposals might
impact readiness, defense officials will launch an intensive internal review that ultimately will inform
Obama's official position.
 From 2 FEB thru 6 FEB several Pentagon "working groups," as well as a team from the RAND
Corp, think tank, immediately will begin to analyze the proposals, according to the internal DoD
document. Separate "working groups" will study topics that include "pay and retirement," "health
benefits" and "quality of life benefits," according to the four-page PowerPoint, dated 18 DEC. The
working groups will mostly include officers at the O-6 level from each service and civilians at a
similar pay grade. Specifically, the analysis will focus on the potential impact on recruiting and
retention and will aim to "develop the DoD response for Presidential consideration," according to
the document.
 From 9 to 13 FEB the working groups will convene at an "off-site location" for further analysis.
 From 17 to 19 FEB members of the working groups will brief their services' senior leaders on the
status of the Pentagon's official response.
 By 26 FEB senior leaders, including the undersecretary for personnel and readiness, will receive a
draft of the formal response.
 By 6 MAR the Joint Chiefs will vet DoD's official position on the commission recommendations.
At the same time, Pentagon civilian leaders will reviewing it in a process led by Deputy Defense
Secretary Robert Work.
 By 13 MAR the defense secretary will approve or reject a final version of the Pentagon's response.
It's unclear at this point if that will be outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel or his successor,
Ash Carter, who is likely to be confirmed by the Senate in early 2015.
 From there the official response will go to the White House, where it will face further review.
 The DoD plan aims to have Obama provide formal recommendations to Congress by 1 APR.
[Source: MilitaryTimes | Andrew Tilghman | Dec. 30, 2014 ++]
********************************
QRMC Update 10
► Obama Cancels 2016 Review
President Obama has decided that the military does not need another high-level review of military
compensation. In a memo released 9 JAN, Obama said he will not order the Pentagon to conduct its next
Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation, or QRMC, which was due to ramp up this year. Obama said
the need for such a review will be satisfied by a similar effort, the Military Compensation and Retirement
7
Modernization Commission, or MCRMC, which Congress created in 2013. That commission is due to deliver
its report to Capitol Hill by 1 FEB.
The publication of that commission's report in a few weeks could prompt Congress to take action on the
controversial issue of military pay and benefits. The military's top brass say change is needed because
personnel costs are soaring, which makes it hard to find money for weapons modernization and high-tech
research. It's likely that the commission will recommend changes to the current 20-year cliff-vesting
retirement system. The commission's report would likely overshadow another QRMC, which is created by
the Pentagon bureaucracy. It's a highly technical analysis of military pay and benefits that is conducted every
four years to ensure the current system can support a healthy all-volunteer force. The last one, the 11th
QRMC, was published in June 2012. To meet a traditional publication date of mid-2016, the Pentagon would
have to start the long bureaucratic process this year. But Obama said a 12th QRMC is "not required." [Source:
MilitaryTimes | Andrew Tilghman | Jan. 10, 2015 ++]
********************************
DoD Fraud, Waste, & Abuse
► Reported 01 thru 15 Jan 2015
“Fat Leonard” Case. The highest-ranking Navy commander to be charged alongside Singapore-based
contractor “Fat” Leonard Francis in a far-reaching bribery scheme pleaded guilty 6 JAN. Cmdr. Jose Luis
Sanchez, 42, pleaded guilty in San Diego federal court to bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery, two
charges that could get him a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing has been tentatively set for March.
He is the fifth to plea guilty in the scheme that has touched Navy posts around the world. The plea came the
same day that another commander, Michael Misiewicz, was indicted by a federal grand jury on seven
additional bribery charges related to Francis’ Glenn Defense Marine Asia contracting business, which
provides husbanding services to visiting ships, such food, water, security and fuel.
Navy Cmdr. Jose Luis Sanchez
Misiewicz, who was a deputy operations officer aboard the command ship Blue Ridge, was charged in
late 2013 with conspiracy to commit bribery. He is accused of steering the ship to Glenn Defense ports in
exchange for perks such as Lady Gaga and “Lion King” tickets. Both he and Sanchez got to know Francis
during lengthy assignments in Asia, court records state. According to the plea agreement, Sanchez — who
rose to the No. 2 position in the Navy’s Fleet Logistics Command in Japan — provided Francis with
confidential information such as ships schedules, supply needs and competing bids during the four-year
scheme. In exchange, Francis provided Sanchez with prostitutes, luxury travel and cash. The U.S. Attorney’s
Office has previously put that amount at $100,000 in cash, according to court records.
The kickbacks were documented in a series of emails, including one in which Sanchez asked for photos
of prostitutes for “motivation” and another that discussed trips for Sanchez and his Navy buddies he called
his “wolfpack,” according to court records. In another email, Francis asked Sanchez to help “swing” business
8
his way, to which Sanchez replied, “Ask and you shall receive … we worked this out this morning,” the plea
agreement says. He admitted to accepting a stay at the Shangri-La hotel in Singapore in 2012, as well as a
$7,500 trip from Asia to the United States, according to the plea agreement. In 2011, Sanchez also gave
Francis a heads up that Navy officials were looking into the accuracy of Glenn Defense invoices, the plea
agreement states. Several others have already pleaded guilty since the scheme first became public in 2013:
 John Beliveau II, a supervisory special agent at the Naval Criminal Intelligence Service, admitted
to giving Francis secret information about the military’s investigation into the bribes.
 Alex Wisidagama, Francis’ cousin and an executive in his company, admitted his role in overbilling
the Navy some $20 million for services.
 Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dan Layug, who worked as a logistics specialist at a U.S. base in
Yokosuka, Japan, admitted to passing on information to Francis.
 Edmond Aruffo, a retired Navy lieutenant commander who then went to work for Francis, admitted
to conspiring with others in 2009 and 2010 to defraud the Navy by agreeing to submit inflated
invoices.
None of the four have been sentenced yet. Other Navy personnel have also been implicated as possibly
being involved and have been suspended or relieved of some duties, pending investigations. No criminal
charges have been filed. Francis remains in federal custody without bond on conspiracy to commit bribery
charges. [Source: U~T San Diego | Kristina Davis| Jan. 06, 2015 ++]
********************************
POW/MIA Update 47
► Agency Merge Begins
The Pentagon is taking the first steps to set up a new agency that will direct the troubled effort to search for
America's missing war dead, two years after an internal report found the current prisoner of war program was
mismanaged and wasteful. Defense officials say they will begin merging two existing agencies into one
POW-MIA office that will be more streamlined and effective. The new organization will be running next
year. The decision comes as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel prepares to leave the Pentagon. Last March
Hagel announced he would create a new office to deal with POW-MIA issues that would be more focused
and innovative. The failings of the POW-MIA program were highlighted in 2013 when The Associated Press
disclosed a report that called the program acutely dysfunctional. [Source: The Associated Press | Lolita
Baldor | Jan. 09, 2014 ++]
In this photo from May 19, 2014, members of a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command recovery team
screen soil during an effort to locate the remains of a missing airman from World War II as part of a
JPAC recovery mission in Lonnewitz, Germany.
9
*********************************
POW/MIA Recoveries
► Reported 150101 thru 150115
"Keeping the Promise", "Fulfill their Trust" and "No one left behind" are several of many mottos that refer
to the efforts of the Department of Defense to recover those who became missing while serving our nation.
The number of Americans who remain missing from conflicts in this century are: World War II (73,539)
Korean War (7,685), Cold War (126), Vietnam War (1,638), 1991 Gulf War (0), and OEF/OIF (6). Over
600 Defense Department men and women -- both military and civilian -- work in organizations around the
world as part of DoD's personnel recovery and personnel accounting communities. They are all dedicated to
the single mission of finding and bringing our missing personnel home. For a listing of all personnel
accounted for since 2007 refer to http: //www.dtic.mil/dpmo/accounted_for . For additional information on
the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the Department of Defense
POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) web site at http: //www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call or call (703) 6991169. The remains of the following MIA/POW’s have been recovered, identified, and scheduled for burial
since the publication of the last RAO Bulletin:
Family members seeking more information about missing loved ones may call the following Service
Casualty Offices: U.S. Air Force (800) 531-5501, U.S. Army (800) 892-2490, U.S. Marine Corps (800) 8471597, U.S. Navy (800) 443-9298, or U.S. Department of State (202) 647-5470. The remains of the following
MIA/POW’s have been recovered, identified, and scheduled for burial since the publication of the last RAO
Bulletin:
Vietnam
The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Air Force Col. William
E. Cooper, 45, of Albany, Ga., was assigned to the 469th Tactical Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing,
when his F-105D Thunderchief was shot down while on a strike mission on a highway-railroad bridge north
of Hanoi, North Vietnam, on April 24, 1966. He will be buried with full military honors on a date and location
yet to be determined.
10
The following account by Ray Davidson, a syndicated columnist, addresses Col. Cooper’s last mission.
The aircraft that Cooper and his flight flew that morning was the Republic F-105D "Thunderchief" a
supersonic tactical fighter-bomber that could carry 12,000 pounds of ordnance. The plane, nicknamed the
"Thud", had already proven its battle worthiness. In addition to its bomb payload the single seat fighter could
be mounted with air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles as well a 6,000 round per minute Vulcan cannon.
On this day Cooper’s plane had a load of six 750-pound bombs. The strike team’s target was the Bac Giang
Bridge, a highway-railroad bridge located 35 miles northeast of Hanoi. It was a vital link between North
Vietnam and China. Cooper and his pilots knew the bridge would be well defended with Surface to Air
missiles and anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) emplacements. In fact, two planes and pilots had been lost the day
before, this and the fact that the skies were overcast above the bridge with a low flight ceiling made for a
dangerous mission. Cooper’s flight that day was called Oak, while the second flight of "Thuds" was code
named Pecan. Cooper flew as Oak 1, Warren Moon was Oak 2, Jimmy Jones was Oak 3, and Dick Dutton
was Oak 4.
A member of the flight recalls the mission, "The leader called for a weapons check as we crossed the Mekong
River. The ‘fence check’ was the time to confirm all switch settings and turn the master arm switch on. At
this point everything would be set to release the bombs or fire the cannon. In the Thud there were nine switch
settings the pilot needed to confirm on the fence check. Most of them could be set prior to takeoff except for
the master arm switch."
"We were now over Laos and headed north to the ‘Hook’ in the Red River northwest of Hanoi. The Hook
was a prominent landmark for navigation and timing. From there we would go east to the north end of Thud
Ridge, down Thud Ridge to the southeast and then direct to the target. Oak flight was a couple of minutes
ahead of Pecan as we headed down the ridge."
"As the Red River Valley opened out in front of us I could see the real meaning of ‘flak so thick you can
walk on it’. We were at 9,000 feet and 540 knots. It looked like every five-level gunner in North Vietnam
had been turned lose. The gray puffs of the 37 mm flak were going off at about 6,000 feet so I didn't have the
feeling of imminent danger at that particular moment but I knew damn well we would have to penetrate the
flak level sometime. The flak was everywhere you looked across the entire valley."
"Suddenly, ‘SAM at two o’clock for Oak three’, came over the radio."
"Number [Oak] Three was the only one with vector gear. [Cooper had vector gear but never turned it on.
He was an "old school" pilot and distrusted the new "fangled" electronics.] He [Oak 3] had a SA-2 at his
right, two o’clock position that was tracking us. I was on the right wing looking across the formation, which
made the SAM site in front of me or slightly to my right. Number [Oak] Three rolled inverted."
‘LAUNCH, LAUNCH, take it down, take it down’ crackled over the radio.
"I rolled inverted and pulled over five g`s to get the nose 45 degrees low. I rolled upright and pulled again
to get back to level flight. The SAM was less than 100 feet directly in front of me with the booster still
burning. The lettering and numbers were easily seen as the missile continued straight up. That one was meant
for me had it not been for [Oak] threes call."
"As I pulled up and to the left I looked at Lead [Oak 1, Coopers plane]. Another SAM impacted his
airplane at that moment. He had not maneuvered and was still at 9,000 feet heading straight for the target.
The large, orange fireball consumed the entire airplane. Didn't he [Cooper] hear Three’s call for the ‘take it
down’?"
11
‘Two, do you have three in sight?’
‘Roger, Three.’
‘Get on my wing. We are going on in.’
"Number three picked up responsibility for the formation without any hesitation."
‘Four’s hit [Pecan 4, Lt Jerry Driscoll].’
‘Four [Pecan 4], you’re on fire."
"Pecan Four had been hit by flak as the flight entered the valley at the end of Thud Ridge. Pecan four
[would have] nearly seven years to go as a POW before being released."
"Oak Three couldn't get us to the bridge because of the weather. Our bombs would be used to creator a road.
I moved the throttle outboard for afterburner and pulled the nose up to match number three as he popped up
for his dive bomb pass. It would be a left roll in for a pass to the northwest. We had passed within five miles
of the bridge but couldn't get to it."
"I topped out at 12,000 feet and rolled left and down to reach a 45-degree dive. Coming out of afterburner
I tried to hold the airspeed at 450 knots. It seemed eternally slow and I felt a naked vulnerability as I
maintained a constant flight path to a bomb release altitude at 4,500 feet. If the gunners are any good at all
they are going to be tracking me now. Oak Three and Four were below me and to the right."
‘Come off north and get back into the hills.’
"Oak Three directed the egress to get out of the heavy threat. I dropped the bombs, selected afterburner
and turned hard to the north. Jinking left and right I didn't look around until I was in the hills."
‘Oak Two, do you have Three?’
Negative. I think I am out in front of you.
‘Head west, head west.’
Bia Giang had cost the Air Force four pilots in two days. The pilot of Oak Four that day would be shot down
on a later mission and spend over six years as a POW.
It was April, 1966. The Secretary of Defense had said we would lose 576 airplanes in Southeast Asia by
the end of the next fiscal year (July 1967). He missed it by three. We would lose 111 F-105s in 1966 alone.
The Bac Giang Bridge was destroyed by F-105`s on May 5, 1966. The bridge would be repaired many times
over. The bridge would be destroyed many times over before the war ended. Many more planes and pilots
were lost at the Bac Giang Bridge"
Bob Krone shared a trailer at Korat with Cooper and became Squadron Commander after Coopers death. In
talking about Cooper, Bob had this to say: "I was Ops [Operations Officer] and Cooper was Commander,
469th... USAF policy was that we never flew combat at the same time. On 24 April 66, afternoon, I was in
Ops and got the word that both Cooper and Driscoll had been shot down. Major Jimmy Jones was number
three in Coopers 4-ship flight. When Jimmy landed I climbed up the ladder to his cockpit. He had tears in his
eyes and said, ‘That Stubborn old man.’"
"Cooper did not believe in taking evasive action. His first combat was in bombers [WWII], straight and
level to the target. He also did not use the electronic SAM missile alert system that had been put in our planes
early in 1966. The flight members picked up the SAM radar homing on their gear... Jimmy Jones called Coop
with the fact they were being painted [targeted]. Coop did not respond or react. Then the missile firing radar
came up on the gear. Jones called a ‘Break to the flight,’ the three members of the flight broke to the left and
right, Coop kept straight and level and the missile hit him directly."
12
In closing Krone said, "Bill Cooper died performing what he believed to be a fighter pilot's highest duty. One
evening in the trailer we shared for housing at Korat, he made this statement to me: ‘Only this is real.. ...all
else is bullshit’."
Korea
The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Cpl. Francis
D. Knobel, 20, of La Crosse, Wis., was assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry
Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, when he was lost Dec. 12, 1950, in North Korea. He will be buried with
full military honors on a date and location yet to be determined.
World War II
The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Air Forces Maj.
Peyton S. Mathis Jr., 28, of Montgomery, Ala. On June 5, 1944, Mathis was piloting a P-38J Lightning
when the aircraft lost power while attempting to land at Kukum Air Field on Guadalcanal Island in the
Solomon Islands. A rescue team located the crash site but was unable to recover Mathis because the aircraft
was submerged in a dense jungle swamp. He will be buried with full military honors on a date and location
yet to be determined.
[Source: http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/ Jan. 13, 2014 ++]
* VA *
VA Medical Marijuana Update 09
► $2M Grant to Research Effectiveness
The state of Colorado awarded a $2 million grant for research on the effectiveness of marijuana to treat posttraumatic stress, giving hope to backers of a federally approved study that the research will begin. The
Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment decided 17 DEC to provide $7.6 million for
eight medical marijuana studies, including one on veterans with combat-related PTSD sponsored by the
California-based nonprofit Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. The research received
approval last March from the federal Health and Human Services Department and was to get underway at
the University of Arizona and other locations within a year. But the program was delayed after the Tucson,
Arizona, school terminated the contract of primary researcher Dr. Sue Sisley in July.
The Colorado grant money will help support the research involving 76 veterans at two sites — in Arizona
with Sisley and at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland under the direction of Ryan Vandrey. Marcel Bonn-
13
Miller with the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Dr. Paula Riggs, University of
Colorado School of Medicine, will oversee coordination and scientific integrity of the study. MAPS founder
and executive director Rick Doblin called the award a "big step forward for cannabis science and medicine."
"As the very first public funding that MAPS has ever received in our 28½-year history, the award clearly
shows that attitudes are improving about research into the therapeutic benefits of Schedule I drugs," Doblin
said.
Sisley and MAPS have worked for more than four years to develop the study protocol and win federal
approval for it. The protocol calls for veterans with PTSD to be divided into groups and receive the equivalent
of two joints a day — 0.9 grams — to smoke or inhale by vaporization. Each participant then will submit
weekly observations and confirm that he or she followed protocols. Sisley's termination from her job has not
been the only obstacle to the research. As part of the federal government's requirements, MAPS must buy
Drug Enforcement Agency-licensed marijuana, which is controlled by the National Institute on Drug Abuse,
and that agency is still cultivating marijuana of the correct potency of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol
needed for the research. In addition, Sisley's portion of the study needs new approval from an institutional
review board, and MAPS will need clearance from the Drug Enforcement Agency once it receives a delivery
date for the marijuana, Doblin said.
In an email exchange with Military Times, Sisley said she also is still looking for a place to conduct the
research. She has several leads in the Phoenix area and is trying secure an academic appointment at a
university. "My goal has always been to continue this research in Arizona. I refuse to turn my back on these
dedicated Arizona veterans," Sisley said. [Source: MilitaryTimes | Patricia Kime | Jan 11, 2015 ++]
********************************
VA Lawsuit | OCB
► Failure to Give Blind Preference
The state of Oregon accuses the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs of breaking a law that gives preference
to blind people to run vending operations on government property. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, acting
on behalf of the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB) , has sued the VA for failing to follow the law at
its Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics (SORCA) in White City, about 10 miles north of
Medford. At issue is the Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936, which is intended to provide economic
opportunities and job stimulation for people who are blind, according to the lawsuit filed 2 JAN in Medford's
U.S. District Court.
U.S. Veterans Affairs has operated the Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics since 1949.
For more than 40 years, the VA's White City facility has employed up to 600 employees and maintained a
food court and 28 vending machines, according to the lawsuit. In recent years, those machines have generated
a net profit of about $6,000 a month. The OCB accuses the VA of failing to follow the Randolph-Sheppard
law. The dispute has dragged on since 2009, when the state agency requested a permit to provide vending
services at the White City facility. Veterans Affairs denied the request, saying it was exempt from the law,
according to the lawsuit. But a panel of arbitrators found that the law did apply to the facility and that the VA
was in violation of the law. "Notwithstanding the issuance of the arbitration panel's decision, the VA
continues to maintain that the (Randolph-Sheppard Act) does not apply to its facility and refuses to take any
remedial action to issue the permit sought by the OCB or to otherwise prioritize blind vendors," the lawsuit
alleges. [Source: The Oregonian | Bryan Denson | Jan. 05, 2015 ++]
********************************
14
VA Data Breach Update 56 ►
Website Put 7,000 Vets at Risk
The Department of Veterans Affairs has disclosed a security flaw in a patient database that put information
on more than 7,000 veterans in public view. The information, including names, Social Security numbers
and birthdates was contained in a single document that could be accessed via a specific web address on a
public facing telehealth website run by a Veterans Health Administration contractor. The name of the
contractor was not released. The flaw was first reported to the VA on 4 NOV, and was publicly announced
in a Christmas Eve news release.
According to a VA incident report released by the agency, the personal information was exposed for
several years. The web address was not linked within the site, per the incident report, and a user would have
to have knowledge of the address to access the document. The VA was alerted to the security flaw via an
anonymous email, believed to have been sent by a contractor employee, which included personal information
on five veterans. The email was sent to senior leaders at VA, triggering an investigation. The security flaw
was quickly patched with the assistance of the VA's Network and Security Operations Center (NSOC), and
monitoring services were offered to 7,054 veterans whose information was potentially compromised.
A VA spokesperson contacted by FCW didn't clarify whether the anonymous source for the security flaw
was acting as a whistleblower, or had some other agenda. The incident report indicates that the vendor
identified and fired one employee as the likely culprit, although that employee denied being the source of the
email. An NSOC review of the vendor's user logs couldn't definitely conclude who had accessed the data, or
whether the entire contents of the database were compromised. The document in question was accessed,
according to usage logs, but it's not known by whom, or whether the information was copied by the user. VA
is a popular target for cyber criminals. Network defenses detected more than 15 million intrusion attempts in
November alone, and blocked more than 88 million suspicious inbound emails. The Einstein 3 network
monitoring tool operated by the Department of Homeland Security is the first line of defense for the agency,
and regularly deflects millions of potentially risky inbound emails and other possible attacks.
But even with Einstein 3 in place, the VA still has work to do to satisfy internal security auditors. The VA
flunked its fiscal 2014 audit as required under the Federal Information Security Management Act. In a
November call with reporters, VA CIO Stephen Warren said that outstanding fixes from the 2013 FISMA
report needed to be put in place, and that the 2014 report, due out in March, will seek improved
standardization in system configuration and tighter access controls. Although the website flaw has been
fixed, the VA is planning to further investigate the possible exfiltration of the veterans' data from the VA
network, according to the incident report. [Source: FCW | Adam Mazmanian | Jan 05, 2015 ++]
15
********************************
Agent Orange | C-123 Aircraft Update 07
► IOM Key Findings
Between 1972 and 1982, approximately 1,500 to 2,100 U.S. Air Force (AF) Reserve personnel trained and
worked on C-123 aircraft that previously had been used to spray herbicides, including Agent Orange (AO),
during Operation Ranch Hand (ORH) in the Vietnam War. Samples taken from these aircraft show the
presence of AO residues. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) considers AF Reservists who
served in ORH C-123s ineligible for health care and disability coverage under the Agent Orange Act of 1991.
The VA asked the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to evaluate whether service in ORH C-123s could have
exposed AF Reservists to herbicide residues at levels harmful to their health.
In the ‘Post-Vietnam Dioxin Exposure in Agent Orange–Contaminated C-123 Aircraft’ report, an expert
IOM committee performs a qualitative assessment based on the science and evidence available. The
committee’s key findings are summarized below.
Assessment of Available Information
 C-123 aircraft that had sprayed herbicides during Operation Ranch Hand (ORH) in the Vietnam
War were returned to the United States and were among the aircraft used by Air Force (AF)
reservists from 1972 to 1982.
 Documentation of most aspects of the pattern of work performed by AF reservists on these aircraft
has not been recovered (and is unlikely to be retrieved in the future).
 Sampling was conducted on the ORH C-123s long after the AF reservists’ service and was not
extensive. The committee finds that the methods used for surface sampling appear reliable, while
methods used for air sampling do not.
 Limitations in the available information prevent the committee from deriving exact estimates of the
AF reservists’ exposure to herbicide residue.
 Herbicide residues detected on interior surfaces of three ORH C-123s provide the best available
information. There is no reason to believe these aircraft are not representative of the entire fleet of
ORH C-123s.
 Herbicide residues on interior surfaces would have remained mobile in an enclosed environment,
meaning that AF reservists could have been exposed through multiple routes.
 All of the results of interior surface samples fall in or above the cautionary range for adverse health
outcomes as defined by international guidelines.
Key Findings
1. The AF reservists would have experienced some exposure to chemicals from herbicide residue when
working inside ORH C-123s.
16
2. Surface levels at the time of the reservists’ exposure could not be extrapolated from the sampling
measurements gathered long after the reservists had worked in the aircraft, but levels must have been at least
as high as the available sampling results.
3. It is plausible that, at least in some cases (which cannot be associated with specific individuals), the
reservists’ exposure exceeded health guidelines for workers in enclosed settings. Thus, some reservists quite
likely experienced non-trivial increases in their risks of adverse health outcomes.
The findings — from a group led by Harvard Public Health expert Robert Herrick — are a hard-fought
victory for a small group of former service members who have lobbied for years to be included among those
presumed to be exposed to Agent Orange as a result of their military service. Led by retired Air Force Maj.
Wes Carter, the members of the C-123 Veterans Association have pushed the Veterans Affairs Department
to recognize illnesses they've developed and say are related to exposure. But VA consistently has maintained
that trace amounts of dioxin on the metal surfaces in the aircraft, which were stripped of their spraying
apparatus after the war, would not pose a threat to troops because it is not "biologically available for skin
absorption or inhalation."
The VA's stand, according to the department's C-123 exposure website is that "although residual TCDD —
the toxic substance in Agent Orange — may be detected in C-123 aircraft by sophisticated laboratory
techniques many years after its use, the [VA] concluded that the existing scientific studies and reports support
a low probability that TCDD was biologically available in these aircraft. Therefore, the potential for exposure
to TCDD from flying or working in contaminated C-123 aircraft years after the Vietnam War is unlikely to
have occurred at levels that could affect health." But according to Carter and the Vietnam Veterans of
America, at least 10 C-123 crewmen who flew in the aircraft after the war have died of cancers commonly
linked to Agent Orange. And with many of his former colleagues ill or dying, Carter expanded his lobbying
efforts to veterans service organizations, Congress and academia to help obtain health care and, if those
sickened rate it, compensation.
In early 2014, VA paid the IOM $500,000 to study the issue and put the controversy to rest. But the
report's conclusions do not support VA's long-maintained position. In developing the report, panel members
reviewed existing evidence, public input, interviews with experts and existing tests performed on the aircraft.
The group found that while the evidence is limited, the data indicate that the Reserve members could have
been exposed through multiple routes and "some reservists quite likely experienced non-trivial increases in
their risks of adverse health outcomes." The findings, which the VA received 8 JAN, have stirred action
within the Veterans Affairs Department. The VA has 60 days to respond to the report, but on receipt of it
Thursday, officials held the first meeting of a working group to address related issues and is planning followup action.
Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson attended the working group meeting, and VA Undersecretary for Benefits
Allison Hickey was to be briefed Friday on the findings as well, according to VA officials. "I can't speak for
[Hickey] but I know it is an important issue for her," said VA Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning
Dr. Linda Schwartz during a public briefing on the report at the National Academy of Sciences in
Washington, D.C. Schwartz said in addition to determining who has been affected, VA must also assess
whether legislative action is needed to offer them health care and benefits. In its report, the panel did not
weigh in on whether the VA should approve compensation claims filed by C-123 veterans but noted in strong,
unequivocal language that the veterans were exposed. Following the briefing, Carter, who has cancer and
heart disease he believes is linked to Agent Orange exposure, said he was relieved by the findings and hopes
for swift action from VA.
17
"[Retired Air Force Brig.] General Hickey said she'd go by the decision of the IOM ... [VA] needs to act
quickly, because this is not solely about compensation. These are veterans who should have been entitled to
medical care at the VA and those doors were shut," Carter said. He noted that as a military retiree who was
injured during the Persian Gulf War, he already is eligible for VA care. The fight, he said, was for those who
are gravely ill and have no health benefits or can't work because of their illnesses. With the new decision by
the IOM panel, he hopes they'll get help, he said. "This was my last trip to D.C.," he said. "And it was worth
it." [Source: http://tinyurl.com/nx8soc7 & AF Times | Institute of Medicine & Patricia Kime | Jan 08 & 09,
2015 ++]
********************************
VA Fraud, Waste, & Abuse
► 150101 thru 150115
Calhoun County MI. A county’s Veterans Affairs director in Michigan resigned 5 JAN after emails were
published in which he is shown to be demanding payment or other favors of veterans whom he had been
helping with their health benefits. In emails obtained by media outlets, former Calhoun County Veterans
Affairs Office Director Scott Losey:
 Asked for “a few dead presidents,” “Christmas presents” and other gifts from those seeking the
department’s help.
 In one of the emails, dated Oct. 20, 2011, Losey wrote about the hard work he’d done at his own
home for one veteran. “We will discuss a gentleman’s agreement to compensate for my personal
time,” Losey wrote. “I have worked cases for veterans who reside outside Calhoun County over the
past couple of years with the same kind of agreement. I will not gouge you like your Social Security
lawyer. Perhaps 7 to 10 percent is typically the agreement. I have had veterans screw me over big
time as well. Does this sound cool?”
 “Also, where is my Christmas present,” Losey wrote in all capital letters in one email in December
2009. “Just so you know, my wife and I like to go out every once in a while for dinner…”
 Losey also said in one of the emails to a veteran that “a few pain meds from your stash will suffice
for now,” and in another that “I suppose now is as good as any to request one month truck payment
as a confidential gentleman’s agreement for a job well done.”
Former Calhoun County Veterans Affairs Office Director Scott Losey
Losey, director of the office for 15 years with an annual salary of $64,351, resigned after a veteran’s
widow claimed he had shaken her down for $200 for the work he’d done on her husband’s claim. Calhoun
County Administrator Kelli Scott told local outlet 24 Hour News 8 the case has been turned over to the federal
government for investigation. A county attorney, Richard Lindsey, said the county has also opened up an
investigation. “The emails that you got copies of were disappointing, to say the least,” Scott said. “Accepting
gifts on behalf of service performed in his official duty as a county employee absolutely would not be
18
acceptable,” she continued. The emails were sent out as recently as December. “When the decision comes
back as a winner and you receive that big fat retroactive check,” he wrote in an email dated May 22, 2014.
“I need $1,600 to repair my transmission and YOU are going to help me out. DEAL?” [Source: Stars and
Stripes | Jan. 07, 2015 ++]
********************************
VA Claims Backlog Update 143
► 2015 Goal out of Reach
The Department of Veterans Affairs likely will not eliminate a backlog in benefits claims by the end of 2015,
according to Army Times. Despite cutting the backlog in half since the start of 2013, the agency is not
processing the claims fast enough to reach what has long been an agency goal. The publication said VA
workers completed more than 1.3 million claims in 2014, a record, and has cut the backlog to 245,000, which
is a drop of 250,000 from the start of 2013. But new claims come in at an increasing pace and will prevent
the VA from cutting through the entire backlog. "I think they can get close, but I don't think they can get to
zero," Jackie Maffucci, the research director for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, told the
publication last week. "Just looking at the numbers, it's doubtful."
Congress gave the VA an additional $40 million in the budget passed last month to address the backlog
with digital scanning, additional claims processors and other efforts. Maffucci said the issue is still an
important one for veterans. She said, "Keeping that promise still matters." Army Times said a new backlog
is on the horizon. Appeals have risen steadily from about 245,000 in March 2013 to 287,000 today. Congress
gave the agency an additional $11 million to address this problem, the publication reported. [Source:
NGAUS Washington Report Jan. 06, 2015 ++]
********************************
VA 2014 Accomplishments
► A Good Lead-in for 2015
Last year was a roller coaster year for VA. The early months of 2014, saw VA chugging upward hacking
away at the claims backlog, improving access for mental health care, home loans and providing record
benefits to Veterans and their family members. In March, the Department celebrated 25 years as a cabinetlevel agency.
But in May, the Phoenix scandal overshadowed all of those accomplishments. Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson
took the helm and immediately ordered for VA to come clean, providing full disclosure to the public about
any and all discrepancies it uncovered. Secretary Bob McDonald continued that level of transparency and
began a push to regain the trust of Veterans – visiting with Veterans from coast-to-coast – listening to their
needs, their complaints and their ideas for improvement. He orders accountability and immediate action and,
through the MyVA initiative, is helping VA work to ensure Veterans are in control of how, when and where
they want to be served.
The VA’s biggest success of 2014 may arguably be the wakeup call that is leading the much needed
change well into the new year; however, it cannot be overlooked what was accomplished by the vast majority
of employees and volunteers that embody VA’s I CARE (http://www.va.gov/ICARE) core values and their
sense of duty to our nation’s Veterans. Their top accomplishments follow:
1. I CARE. Sec. Bob McDonald asked all VA employees and volunteers to recommit themselves to the
principles of I CARE. These values — Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence — define
19
our culture and strengthen our dedication to those we serve. They provide a baseline for the standards of
behavior expected of all VA employees.
2. Medical appointments on track. Nationally, VA has completed 24 million appointments between June
1, 2014 and Oct. 31, 2014, which is a 1.4 million increase over the same time period in 2013.
3. Private-sector care for Veterans. VA made nearly 1.2 million authorizations for Veterans to receive
care in the private sector from June 1, 2014 through Oct. 31, 2014, nearly doubling (48 percent increase) the
authorizations made during the same period in 2013.
4. Building for the future. In 2014, VA activated 93 buildings, which resulted in 1,420,884 additional square
feet for clinical, mental health, long-term care facilities, and administrative space.
5. Excellence in Service. For the fourth consecutive year, VA’s Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy
received the highest customer satisfaction score among the nation’s public and private mail-order pharmacies,
according to a J.D. Power study.
6. GI Bill turned 70, continues to change lives. VA celebrated the 70th anniversary of the GI Bill of Rights
in 2014. In FY 2014, they provided more than $10.8 billion in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to Servicemembers,
Veterans, and their families to enhance their economic opportunities. Since the inception of the program in
2009, more than $47 billion has been paid to more than 1.3 million Post-9/11 GI Bill participants (as of Dec.
1, 2014). In FY14, as part of the GI Bill of Rights, VA guaranteed 440,000 home loans totaling $100 billion,
while also assisting 80,000 Veterans in avoiding foreclosure, saving taxpayers over $2.7 billion. VBA has
maintained the lowest foreclosure rate for 25 consecutive quarters when compared to all other types of home
loans.
7. More benefits for families and survivors. VA expanded the eligibility criteria for the Marine Gunnery
Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship to include the surviving spouses of Servicemembers who died in the
line of duty after Sept. 10, 2001. VA began accepting applications by mail for the Fry Scholarship under the
newly expanded eligibility criteria on Nov. 3, 2014.
8. VA Cemeteries tops in customer satisfaction. For the fifth consecutive time, VA’s National Cemetery
Administration topped the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s (ACSI) independent survey of customer
satisfaction. NCA achieved a customer satisfaction index of 96, the highest ACSI score in either the private
or public sector in the history of the survey.
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
20
9. VA employees continue to work on the claims backlog. In FY 2014, VA decided a record-breaking
1,320,870 disability compensation and pension (rating) claims for Veterans and Survivors – the highest in
VA history. Veterans waited, on average, 119 fewer days to receive a decision on their claims compared to
the previous year. The claims backlog (any claim older than 125 days) has also been reduced from the peak
of 611,000 in March 2013 to 239,000 as of Nov. 30, 2014 – a 61 percent reduction and lowest number of
backlogged claims in four years.
10. Fully Developed Claims exceeding goals. VA continues to exceed goals with regard to Fully Developed
Claims. In FY 2014, 39 percent of claims received were submitted as Fully Developed Claims, up from three
percent at initiative start in 2012.
11. More Veterans and families sign up for eBenefits. By the end of FY2014, VA had registered 4.2
million Servicemembers, Veterans, and family members in eBenefits. In addition, approximately 2,000 VSO
representatives have credentials for accessing eBenefits through VBA’s new Stakeholder Enterprise Portal,
which enables them to file online compensation claims on behalf of Veterans.
12. VA goes digital. Under VA’s technology initiatives, one major achievement has been its transition from
an outmoded paper-intensive process to a fully electronic processing system, the Veterans Benefits
Management System (VBMS). Previously VA processed 5,000 tons of paper per year; now it is processing
93 percent of the disability claims inventory electronically. VA has converted over 1 billion documents to
digital images that are being maintained in Veterans’ electronic claim folders. In FY 2014, 1.4 million rating
decisions and 820,000 claims were completed using VBMS.
13. VA keeps reducing the number of homeless Veterans. VA, together with federal, state, and local
partners, reduced the estimated number of homeless Veterans by 33 percent as noted in the Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2014 Point-in-Time (PIT) Estimate of Homelessness. In FY 2014
alone, VA provided services to more than 260,000 homeless or at-risk Veterans in VHA’s homeless
programs. Not all Veterans required an intensive homeless program intervention, but for those that did, nearly
71,500 Veterans were either placed in permanent housing or prevented from becoming homeless.
14. VA hires more mental healthcare professionals. VA hired 782 psychologists and psychiatrists in 2014
as well as 257 other mental health providers, such as social workers, nurses and licensed professional
counselors, and 45 mental health administrative support employees. These professionals are filling new
positions and existing vacancies to meet the growing requirements for mental health services.
15. Veterans Crisis Line expanded to help more Veterans. In response to the President’s Executive Order,
VA expanded the capacity of the Veterans Crisis Line by 50 percent, and enhanced its partnerships with
community mental health providers. In FY 2014, the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) answered 374,050 phone
calls, assisted 64,593 people through chat services and 13,463 people through text services. VCL responders
assisted in sending emergency services (rescue) to 9,719 Veterans. Call volume answered by VCL in 2014
increased by 30 percent. Chat contacts increased by 18 percent, and Text contacts increased by 19 percent.
16. VA expands care for Veterans with military sexual trauma. Under authority from VACAA, VA
expanded eligibility for Veterans in need of mental health care due to military sexual trauma (MST) that
occurred during their military service. The expansion primarily pertains to Reservists and National Guard
members participating in weekend drill, gives the authority to offer Veterans the appropriate care and services
needed to treat conditions resulting from MST that occurred during a period of inactive duty training.
17. More healthcare options for women Veterans. VA has enhanced provision of care to women Veterans
by focusing on the goal of developing Designated Women’s Health Providers (DWHP) at every site where
women access VA. VA has trained over 2,000 providers in women’s health and is in the process of training
additional providers to ensure that every woman Veteran has the opportunity to receive her primary care from
21
a DWHP. VA now operates a Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC), created to contact women Veterans
and let them know about the services they may be eligible for. From April 2013 to April 2014 the WVCC
received over 9,600 incoming calls and made over 93,000 outbound calls.
18. VA to reorganize and improve. VA is working to reorganize the department for success, guided by
ideas and initiatives from Veterans, employees, and all of our stakeholders. This reorganization is a part of
the MyVA initiative and is designed to provide Veterans with a seamless, integrated, and responsive customer
service experience. The Department developed the Blue Print for Excellence- a detailed vision of how VA
will evolve as a model national health care provider delivering both excellent health care and an excellent
experience of care to all Veterans served.
19. Enhancing accountability. In 2014, VA established the Office of Accountability Review to ensure
leadership accountability for improprieties related to patient scheduling and access to care, whistleblower
retaliation, and related matters that impact public trust in VA. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC)
certified VA under their Whistleblower Protection Certification Program after VA worked to achieve
compliance and protect employees who identify or report problems from unlawful retaliation. VA also
worked closely with OSC to successfully resolve whistleblower retaliation complaints filed by three
individuals from the VA Phoenix Health Care System. In 2014, VA also began posting regular data updates
that show progress in efforts to accelerate access to quality health care for Veterans who have been waiting
for appointments. This data includes both pending and completed appointments at the facility level.
20. VA looks to recruit the best and brightest in the medical field. VA faces a competitive market to
recruit and retain highly skilled health care providers, particularly mental health specialists, given the
growing demand for these jobs in the private sector. Complex hiring processes for clinicians, to include
requirements for boarding, credentialing, privileging, physicals, security/backgrounds, add to the
department’s challenge. We are working to close the pay gap between VA and private sector clinicians to
make VA an employer of choice.
21. VA listening to Veterans and VA employees. In the aftermath of Phoenix, Secretary of Veterans
Affairs Bob McDonald instructed all VA facilities to hold town hall meetings to engage Veterans as well as
the VA employees that serve them. As a result of that first round of meetings coast-to-coast, Secretary
McDonald mandated quarterly town hall meetings as a way to continue to improve communications with
Veterans. These quarterly town-hall events are an important step toward improving the delivery of benefits
and services and rebuilding trust among all those VA serves.
Looking Forward to 2015
While many recognize these milestones, VA continues to tackle the challenges of the department. It also
embraces the opportunities for transformation that they bring. To achieve lasting success for the department,
VA must develop a strategy for meeting an increased demand for services and benefits, and for meeting the
needs of a changing Veteran population. This includes preparing for the increasing numbers of women
Veterans coming to VA for care; looking at the unique needs of post-9/11 Veterans; and using innovative
approaches to reach every Veteran who needs services. Sec. Bob McDonald wrote in the Baltimore Sun in
October “Veterans need VA, and many more Americans benefit from VA.” By focusing on three fundamental
priorities in 2015 – rebuilding trust, improving service by putting the Veteran first, and setting the course for
longer-term excellence and reform – VA’s employees can better serve our Veterans and the American people.
[Source: VAntagee Point | Reynaldo Leal | Jan. 01, 2015 ++]
********************************
22
VA Veteran Transportation Service
► How to Use
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Healthcare System
provides primary care, specialized care, and related medical and social support to serve America’s Veterans’
health and wellness needs. To do this, VHA needs to be a comprehensive, integrated healthcare system
providing excellence in health care value, excellence in service as defined by its customers, and excellence
in education and research. To enhance the VHA system, the Central Business Office (CBO) is launching a
new transportation program for immobilized and remote VA patients to enhance existing programs
implemented by local VA Medical Centers (VAMCs). Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) seeks to
provide transportation services to include vehicle routing/scheduling software for VA Medical Facilities. The
ride scheduling and routing systems will include GPS modules for VTS vehicles.
VA especially recognizes the problems Veterans who are visually impaired, elderly, or immobilized due
to disease or disability, particularly those living in remote and rural areas, face in traveling to access VA
health care. To work toward providing these Veterans with the most convenient and timely access to
transportation services, VA’s vision is to explore the establishment of a network of community transportation
service providers that could include Veteran Service Organizations (VSO’s); community and commercial
transportation providers; federal, state and local government transportation services as well as non-profits,
such as United We Ride, operating within each VISN or even local facility. This initiative will not replace
current activities, but will rather supplement existing benefits and programs to improve access to VA health
care.
This program is currently enabled at forty-five sites, and will be implemented at remaining locations by
2015. If VTS is currently available in your location you may get more information on scheduling a ride by
clicking on the link for your location at http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vts/locations.asp?location=44. The
information available there will tell you how to schedule a ride and provide a POC name, telephone number,
and email addee. If you enter your zip code it will also provide a map of your geographies area showing the
locations of VA facilities included in that area. [Source: http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vts Jan 2015 ++]
********************************
VA Health Care Stories Update 05 ►
Denied Colonoscopy Claims
Five years ago, V.A. hospitals mistakenly exposed thousands of veterans to potential infections like
HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. Ronan Farrow Daily and the NBC News Investigative Unit report that, for some
that was just the beginning of the nightmare. VA sent letters to over 10,000 of them advising of the possibility
of their exposure to a small amount of bodily fluids containing another patient’s virus. Subsequently, when
some of these vets became ill and submitted claims for illnesses related to that exposure during their
23
colonoscopies, they received denial letters stating there was no proof of exposure. To hear the full story of
what happened and what the VA has done to date about it, listen to the NBC News video report at
http://www.msnbc.com/ronan-farrow/watch/inside-the-v-a-colonoscopy-horror-374666819747.
[Source:
NBC News: Inside the VA | Ronan Farrow | Dec 18, 2014 ++]
*********************************
VA Whistleblowers Update 17
► Unauthorized Disclosure Of Info Case
A DVA credentialing official who said VA supervisors sought to fire him for reporting the arrest of a highranking VA executive has been suspended from his job but won’t be fired. In a case that’s attracted the
attention of Congress, Puerto Rico-based VA employee Joseph Colon-Christensen was put on notice of his
proposed firing earlier this year after alerting the VA about the arrest of his boss, DeWayne Hamlin, director
of the VA’s Caribbean network. A VA official presiding over Mr. Colon-Christensen’s case ruled that “the
penalty of removal is not appropriate nor within the range of reasonableness,” according to a 23 DEC ruling
on the notice of proposed termination. The termination notice against Mr. Colon-Christensen made no
mention of Mr. Hamlin’s arrest, but Mr. Christensen said he learned about his possible firing soon after he’d
alerted VA officials in Washington. And both Mr. Colon-Christensen and his attorney told The Washington
Times in September that the timing of the termination notice raised questions about whether the move was
retaliatory at a time when the VA was encouraging whistleblowers to come forward.
Mr. Hamlin repeatedly refused a breathalyzer and declined to identify the source of a narcotic painkiller
pill found in his pocket after a Florida sheriff’s deputy spotted him in a parked car after 1 a.m. back in April,
according to a police report. However, the Pasco County State’s Attorney’s Office later dropped drug
possession charges over “concerns about the stop,” according to a memo obtained by The Times through an
open records request. A drunken driving charge also was tossed. In email to The Times earlier this year, Mr.
Hamlin called the arrest a misunderstanding. He also noted that he was being treated for a medical condition.
He declined to discuss the arrest report, saying he did not want to discuss his personal medical information.
Mr. Colon-Christensen, a veteran himself, was suspended for three days over what the VA deemed an
unauthorized disclosure of information. Records in the case reviewed by The Times, which were provided
by Mr. Colon-Christensen, show that violation stemmed from emails that he had sent to a VA employee at
another facility raising concerns about hiring practices. Mr. Colon-Christensen said he was disappointed with
the suspension, even if the VA rejected the termination proposal. “The leadership in San Juan is trying to use
me and others as an example to stop reporting wrongdoing,” he said 30 DEC. Mr. Colon-Christensen also
said the suspension was the result of a “bogus fact finding” and that he did nothing wrong.
VA officials have previously declined to comment on the case, citing privacy rules that prohibit the agency
from commenting on personnel matters. However, the agency directed The Times to previous statements by
Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald, who has called whistleblower retaliation “unacceptable and
intolerable” and who got the Cabinet job in the wake of the waiting-list scandals brought to the public’s
attention by whistleblowers. “We are working hard to create and sustain a climate that embraces constructive
dissent, welcomes critical feedback and ensures compliance with legal requirements,” Mr. McDonald told
reporters earlier this year. “That climate mandates commitment to whistleblower protections to all
employees.” The case attracted the attention of a key House Republican earlier this year. Though he did not
mention Mr. Colon-Christensen by name, Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO) wrote to Mr. McDonald about an
accusation against a whistleblower for “voicing his concerns and complaints” about issues that included Mr.
24
Hamlin’s arrest, which the lawmaker called “very concerning.”
McElhatton | Dec. 30, 2014 ++]
[Source:
Washington Times | Jim
********************************
VAMC Hampton VA Update 02
► Longest Wait Times in Country
Local veterans have to wait a month on average to get an appointment with a primary care physician at the
VA Medical Center in Hampton, longer than any other veteran’s facility in the country and significantly more
than the national average of one week, according to the most recent data released by the Department of
Veterans Affairs. The average wait time at the Hampton VA Medical Center and its regional clinics is 30.53
days. The second-longest wait time is 28.45 days at the VA in Fayetteville, N.C. Only four VA facilities in
the country have wait times over 20 days. The national average, measuring from the preferred time for the
appointment to the actual appointment, is 6.95 days.
The numbers come as little surprise. Veterans in the region have long complained that they can't get timely
appointments with primary doctors at the Hampton VA, while the facility acknowledges it has struggled to
meet increasing demand - up 7.5 percent between September 2013 and September 2014 - as the veteran
population grows. In addition, the medical center has had difficulty recruiting and retaining primary care
physicians while operating with too little physical space to efficiently provide its services. Those problems
are being addressed, said Hampton VA Director Michael Dunfee, who spoke to reporters 6 JAN. The facility
is actively hiring primary care doctors and has two expansion projects under way - one at the main facility in
Hampton and a second in Virginia Beach, he said. "The challenge basically for us is first having the providers
in place to provide the necessary capacity and then having the space - the clinical exam space - for them to
provide care," Dunfee said. "We are working hard on both fronts and starting to turn the corner."
Dunfee said the medical facility lost a physician in December but added another to its staff last week, and
it will add two more by the end of the month and another seven by the end of February. He said the medical
center was able to boost its recruitment with a more enticing employment package that includes increased
salaries and paying back student loans. That has generated more interest in positions at the VA and given the
facility a better pool of applicants, he said. The expansion projects ultimately will give the VA 11 additional
primary care rooms on its main campus in Hampton and as many as 20 more rooms at a second clinic in
Virginia Beach, he said. Last year, the facility began offering night and weekend hours with primary care
physicians because of the space limitations. Those services will continue even after the expansion is
complete, but more daytime appointments will also be available.
Dunfee found some promise in the new data, noting that Hampton fared better in its wait times for other
kinds of doctors. It still has the fourth-longest wait for mental health care appointments - an average of 14.7
days. But Dunfee said that number has held steady despite the increase in demand. And the wait time for
specialty-care appointments, now at 12.7 days, has improved significantly, he said, pulling Hampton out of
that top-10 list, though it's still double the national average. "I really do have a positive feeling about the
actions we're taking," he said.
Dunfree said it's a mistake to compare wait times at facilities because each medical center deals with many
variables, including patient population and the growth in that population, the types of services the facilities
provide, the size of the actual facilities and its affiliations with local providers. Hampton suffered a higher
than expected turnover in physicians in the past 18 months, losing nine primary care physicians between June
2013 and December 2014, compared with just three during the previous 18 months. With more doctors
25
coming on board soon, Dunfee said, he believes wait times will improve by spring. He predicts that in six
months, waits for primary care doctors will be nearer to 20 days. "This is not something that we take lightly
in any way," he said. "But it's also not something that is an insurmountable problem." [Source: The
Virginian-Pilot | Dianna Cahn & Mike Hixenbaugh | Jan. 07, 2015 ++]
********************************
VAMC Grand Junction CO
► Vet Death Investigation Request
State lawmakers on 5 JAN asked the federal Department of Veteran Affairs to conduct a "rigorous, thorough
and transparent investigation" into the care of a patient treated at the Grand Junction VA Medical Center who
died in December. A legislative committee decided to send a letter to the Veterans Affairs after hearing from
Chris Blumenstein, a former VA social worker who said he resigned last year to protest the kind of care
Rodger Holmes received for his hepatitis C and urology problems. Holmes, a Vietnam veteran, died in
December. "Rodger's treatment went very wrong," Blumenstein said. "I think our veterans from all over the
state deserve better and I think we need to learn from this." The care Holmes received left him "sick, weak
and depressed," Blumenstein said.
Blumenstein broke down several times when testifying before the joint House and Senate state affairs
committees, which received an overview from the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Department. Some of those hearing testimony were lawmakers-elect, who will officially be sworn into office
7 JAN when the 2015 session convenes. The first two signatures on the letter came from the Democratic
committee chairs, Sen. Jessie Ulibarri of Westminster and Rep. Su Ryden of Aurora. Holmes was formerly
homeless and addicted to alcohol before he entered a treatment program and moved into a housing complex
for veterans four years ago. Since then, he had been sober and had been volunteering 20 hours a week at the
Salvation Army.
During a news conference last year on Veterans Day, Blumenstein and Holmes talked about how the
Vietnam veteran became incapacitated during his treatment with three powerful drugs to kill the hepatitis
virus. In a detailed time-line outlining his treatment at the VA hospital, he said his care was passed off to a
primary care physician, a nurse practitioner and a pharmacist as his health deteriorated to the point that he
was hospitalized and then placed in a VA hospice/nursing home unit for three months. Holmes said he was
never given the option of seeing a liver specialist outside the VA medical center in Grand Junction. The
center was one of those cited in nationwide federal investigations for deficient care and for not adequately
addressing whistleblower complaints. Three days before Holmes' death, Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet
sent a letter to the acting inspector general of the Department of Veteran Affairs requesting an investigation
into Holmes' course of care at the Grand Junction VA Medical Center. [Source: The Denver Post | Lynn
Bartels| Jan. 05, 2015 ++]
********************************
VAMC Atlanta GA
► Lawsuit Pending over Erection Treatment
A U.S. veteran being treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was instead left with a weeks-long erection
after prescribed a sleep aid by a VA Hospital, his attorney claims. A single dosage of antidepressant
Trazodone in October was enough to not only "disfigure" Edward Stalling but leave him completely impotent
and a laughingstock among the doctors and nurses at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, his attorney told the
Daily News. "They treated him as some kind of spectacle to be viewed," Attorney Jonathan Johnson said of
26
the former service member's treatment. "One had mentioned that I should line up all the women," Stalling
recalled a doctor's alleged jest to CBS46. "I haven't had that many people who had seen it in my whole life,
until I went to that hospital."
For the next 10 days the veteran remained hospitalized as doctors "essentially ran needles in his penis"
after he developed fibrosis in his penis, said Johnson. "I think at one time he had up to 10 needles in his
penis at one time," he said. Despite their efforts, Stalling remains without much feeling and with extreme
difficulty urinating. ...his sex life is over, permanently. Johnson said he plans to send a written notice to the
medical center this week, informing them of their intent to sue for monetary damage. "The wheels have been
put in motion," he said. "People who hear about this tend to laugh or snicker ... but for him, his sex life is
over, permanently." Johnson cited a previous lawsuit involving a Pennsylvania man who won a $10 million
suit after suffering a prolonged erection after taking the same medication prescribed to Stalling for
sleeplessness. Johnson further argued there being "conflicting scientific evidence on whether it should be
used for that purpose."
Trazodone, according to Weill Cornell Medical College's Department of Urology, has an "uncommon
side-effect of prolonged erection" that occurs in approximately one out of 10,000 to 20,000 users. "In some
cases emergency and/or surgical treatment has been required and, in some of these cases, permanent damage
has occurred," according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. In a statement sent to the News Monday,
the VA expressed their staff as having "the highest priority on delivering quality care while respecting the
privacy of Veterans ... When issues occur in our system we conduct reviews to identify, correct and work to
prevent additional risk. In light of potential litigation in this case, VA cannot comment further." [Source:
New York Daily News | Nina Golgowski | Jan. 05, 2015 ++]
Atlanta VA Medical Center
********************************
VARO Philadelphia PA Update 01
► OIG Report Delayed
Two parallel probes into mismanagement and other problems at the Philadelphia VA benefits office have
expanded because of a continuing stream of allegations from employees, according to a source familiar with
the reviews. The results of an investigation by the VA's Office of Inspector General that had been anticipated
last fall is now not expected until late February. And a team of congressional staff members that arrived at
the office in mid-December for a two-day visit ended up staying for a full week to catalog complaints from
employees. "Once at the [regional office] in a private conference room," the source said, "the onslaught of
27
employees who wanted to share concerns regarding mismanagement prompted our staff to extend the length
of the visit." The investigation of the regional office is now in its sixth month.
Kristen Ruell of the Philadelphia VA benefits office with Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) before she
testified in June before a congressional committee. She now says some employees are discouraged by
the probes' slow progress
The Germantown facility oversees benefits for 825,000 veterans in eastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey,
and Delaware, and also houses one of the nation's three Veterans Affairs pension centers. Whistleblowers
have alleged, among other concerns, that mail at the center has been shredded, dates on claims have been
changed to hide the backlog, and employees have cherry-picked easy cases to meet unrealistic performance
goals. The inspector general's review is part of a sweeping assessment of the national VA system. The
Philadelphia VA Medical Center in University City and a clinic it runs in Horsham are also being investigated
by the inspector general. But in Philadelphia, the brunt of the scrutiny has fallen on the benefits office.
Officials there have denied that claim dates were changed to mask the backlog, saying the problems stemmed
from a misunderstanding of VA policy. At an October congressional hearing, an official from the Inspector
General's Office said she found that "difficult to grasp." At the time, she said the review of the office included
more than 100 individual allegations.
Inspector general's spokeswoman Catherine Gromek declined 31 DEC to say where that number now
stood. But, she said, the volume of "issues that have been continually raised" has kept the office from issuing
a report. She said the inspector general hoped to present a draft to VA officials, as is customary, in early
January. The final version could come in late February. Gromek declined to discuss the investigation in detail.
One VA employee, who asked to not be named because she feared retaliation at work, said she was
interviewed 10 DEC by inspector general's staff about undated claims she occasionally found in the system,
meaning they were not being processed and tracked. The employee, who has worked for the VA for six years,
said that she did not know why it was occurring, but that it "looks like we have less claims than what we
have."
The congressional staffer, who is allowed to discuss the probe but did not use his name, said the Inspector
General's Office did not expect to be able to respond to each complaint individually, as there were too many.
The final report will group concerns into categories. That staff member said the congressional team that
visited the office from 15 to 19 DEC - what was to be a routine two-day visit on other business - also saw the
breadth of concerns being raised by employees. They included mismanagement, retaliation, waste of
government resources, and lack of accountability for certain managers, he said. A spokeswoman from the
benefits office said 31 DEC that administrators took swift action to correct problems when they were first
raised last summer.
As the review continues, the delay is affecting morale, said Kristen Ruell, an employee at the office, who
has testified before Congress about her concerns. She said some employees who had made complaints were
28
discouraged there had not been more change. "The employees think the investigation was a big joke," she
said. "They think it was a big waste of time." Another employee, who asked that his name not be used because
he was looking to leave his job, said he was hopeful that the delay meant the investigators were "trying to
have all their ducks in a row and have a thorough investigation." [Source: Philadelphia Enquirer | Tricia L.
Nadolny | Jan. 01, 2014 ++
********************************
VARO Philadelphia Update 02
► New Claim Incentive Program Questioned
The Philadelphia VA announced a new incentive program earlier this month that rewards employees with
cash and food for deciding cases quickly — a move that some employees say will encourage staff to rush
claims and reject deserving applicants, once again leaving veterans struggling for benefits. For some, the
program is too similar to one at the Phoenix VA hospital last year that led to patients dying while waiting for
care, even as employees manipulated wait time data to collect bonuses. The new Philadelphia program is
designed to push employees to clear a backlog in disability claims. The team that has processed the most
claims at the end of every other week will receive a breakfast, luncheon or snack as a reward, according to
an incentive fact sheet obtained by The Washington Times. Each team that hits its target of claims processed
before Feb. 28 will receive a $15,000 bonus to be divided among team members.
Different teams have different goals, ranging from about 400 to almost 1,000 claims processed, the fact
sheet said. An employee at the Philadelphia VA facility said the program could lead to the same kind of
cooked books that landed the Phoenix VA in trouble and ignited the nationwide scandal that cost the former
VA secretary his job and led to vows that the department would put veterans’ needs ahead of the bureaucracy.
“This is more of the same failed and lethal methods,” said the employee, who said it often takes months to
properly process a claim but almost no time to deny it. The incentive plan could encourage employees to
deny claims in order to clear cases quickly. The VA, though, insisted it will review the work for quality
assurance, and said the Philadelphia office had a 92.8 percent accuracy rate in 2014.
“The Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Regional Office (VARO) has been challenged to meet an expected
level of performance to fulfill our commitment to providing timely and accurate benefits decisions to our
veterans and their survivors,” the VA said in a statement. “An incentive program has been implemented to
recognize team efforts that allow us to achieve exceptional performance while still maintaining quality
standards.” But the Philadelphia employee feared those employees who took time to do a thorough review
could be fired for not hitting processing targets. Rep. Mike Coffman, Colorado Republican, said bonuses
should be given for ‘going above and beyond the call of duty, not just pushing paperwork for the appearance
of statistics.’ “When you reward people for pushing paperwork, as we saw in Phoenix, you incentivize bad
behavior. The VA needs to do its job, and it shouldn’t take extra taxpayer funds to get them to do that,” Mr.
Coffman said in a statement.
The Philadelphia VA is already under investigation for data manipulation, including hiding or shredding
returned mail that could not be delivered and cherry-picking easy claims to process first to misrepresent
performance, according to testimony from Linda Halladay, the assistant inspector general for audits and
evaluations who appeared before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in October. A whistleblower
alleged last year that at least 40 veterans died while waiting for care on a secret list at the Phoenix hospital.
That report set off a nationwide investigation that found systemic problems across the country of data
manipulation and putting bureaucracy ahead of veteran care. In response, lawmakers passed a bill that
allowed veterans to seek care at private providers if they lived too far from a clinic or waited too long for an
29
appointment. The bill also capped VA bonuses through 2024 at $360 a million a year, though it did not go
so far as a House-passed proposal that would have ended all VA bonuses through 2016.
A House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs staffer said it’s unclear why the VA would create a separate
bonus system on top of the hundreds of millions awarded annually in employee bonuses. “This incentive
plan is a typical approach for VA: Award bonuses to people for merely doing their jobs, throw money at
problems without addressing their root causes, and focus on arbitrary numbers rather than quality and
standards,” the staffer said. [Source: The Washington Times | Jacqueline Klimas | Jan. 12, 2015 ++]
* Vets *
King City Veterans Memorial
► Lawsuit Results in Statue Removal
The Veteran’s Memorial at King Central Park is losing its Christian flag and statue of a soldier kneeling by
a cross, ending four years of contentious debate. The King City Council voted 3-2 on 6 JAN to approve a
settlement agreement in the lawsuit, Steven Hewett v. the City of King. Under the agreement, the city will
not fly the Christian flag, will end its flag lottery policy, and will remove the statue depicting a soldier
kneeling before a cross-shaped marker. The council voted in King City Hall before a mostly filled room of
about 60 people. While the crowd never got out of hand, many people shook their heads in frustration as the
board voted to settle. A few people interjected, saying such things, “What else are you going to give up next?”
Council members Charles Allen and Mayor Pro Tempore Dillard Burnette voted in favor of settling, while
Brian Carico and Wesley Carter voted against it. Mayor Jack Warren broke the tie, voting in favor.
This statue near a veterans' memorial in King, North Carolina, was removed last week after the city
council voted that keeping it up could cause millions of dollars' worth of legal fees. (right) Protesters
took turns recreating the statue at the Memorial
Those who voted for the settlement said the city and taxpayers could not bear the high cost and that they
had been told the city would not win. Burnette thanked the veterans there, but said, “There’s no win in this
30
situation.” According to a press release issued by the city, King had already incurred more than $50,000 in
legal fees and costs and estimated that litigation costs would have approached $2 million, exceeding the city’s
$1 million insurance coverage. The city was also facing the loss of that insurance coverage if the matter
proceeded to trial, according to the release.
Hewett, a U.S. Army veteran, sued the city in November 2012 in U.S. District Court in Greensboro,
alleging that King officials had violated his constitutional rights by allowing the Christian flag to fly at the
Veteran’s Memorial in the city’s Central Park. Hewett asked a federal judge to bar the city from allowing the
display of the Christian flag at the memorial, from displaying the statue of the soldier kneeling at a cross and
from sponsoring religious activities at events at the site. In July, U.S. District Court Judge James A. Beaty
Jr. barred the city from promoting Christianity at ceremonies but ruled that the Christian flag and statue issues
could go to trial. The city and Hewett have since been in discussions about the possibility of settling.
Gregory Lipper of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, one of Hewett’s attorneys said,
“We’re pleased that the city council voted to approve the settlement agreement.” He said they will file a
motion to dismiss the lawsuit and have the court enter the settlement agreement as an order. The controversy
over the Christian flag began in 2010 after a resident complained, and in September 2010 the King City
Council voted 3-1 to remove the Christian flag from the memorial on the advice of its attorney. The council
approved a limited public forum policy that December, a lottery procedure which determined who could fly
a religious flag or no flag each week in honor of a veteran at the Veteran’s Memorial. The Christian flag flew
there most weeks. The flag had not flown there since last month. The city did not hold a flag lottery in
December, while the council was weighing options. The flag policy has now been repealed.
Burnette said the council hopes to replace the kneeling soldier statue with another soldier statue. Under
the agreement, the city’s insurance company, Scottsdale Insurance Company, will pay $500,001 to
Americans United for Separation of Church and State for fees incurred by Hewett’s legal counsel. The
American Legion and American Legion Post 290 of King was allowed to join the lawsuit as defendantintervenors, meaning their attorneys could argue their position in court if the lawsuit goes to trial, but they
were not allowed to intervene in the settlement. Don Holland, commander of the American Legion Post 290
in King, said after the meeting, “I’m extremely disappointed, but I don’t fault the city whatsoever.” He said
the city had no chance of winning it.
Public safety officials were prepared to make people sit outside if the room was packed, but it never got
to that point. There were still a few free seats, King Fire Chief Steve Roberson said. Six supporters of the
Christian flag and soldier statue spoke to the council during the public comment session. “Please do
everything you can to keep that flag up,” said Jack Westmoreland, a U.S. Air Force Veteran who said the
names of seven veterans from his family are represented at the Veteran’s Memorial. David Keaton, pastor of
Missions Baptist Church in Winston-Salem and a King resident, said it was a sad day in King. He said God
had blessed King, and that the city did not need to turn its back on Him. [Source: Winston-Salem Journal &
ArmyTimes | Meghann Evans | Jan. 06 & 12, 2014 ++]
********************************
Vet Awardees
► Patrick Olive | Purple Heart | Vietnam
When Army Spc. Patrick Olive came home from the Vietnam War, he didn't want to talk about it. He didn't
want to talk about the buddies he had lost, the carnage he had seen or even the battlefield heroics that earned
him two commendation medals for valor. He certainly did not want to talk about the ammunition dump
31
explosion that nearly took his life. "I am a person who has to be occupied and I was determined to better
myself," said Olive, 66, a Plantation resident who went on to a 30-year career chasing drug smugglers in the
Caribbean as a U.S. Customs Service agent. "I was not going to sit around and feel sorry for myself."
Patrick Olive and his wife Evelyn Olive at their home in Plantation with the certificate verifying that
Patrick has received the Purple Heart, 45 years after he was wounded in Vietnam & 1969 Newspaper
photo of Patrick Olive being greeted by dignitaries while recuperating from injuries in Vietnam.
Now, 45 years after the explosion near Cu Chi, Vietnam, that left him with permanent nerve damage in
his right leg, Olive has been notified that he finally will receive a Purple Heart, a recognition of injuries he
sustained when he was a 21-year-old soldier. "We are pleased to inform you that your records have been
corrected…" reads a letter he received in December from the Department of the Army. "When he gets that
medal it will be mission accomplished," said Olive's wife, Evelyn. "We will all be proud. I will be proud of
my hero." Born and raised in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Olive was drafted in 1968. After basic training
at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he was sent to Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division, which saw heavy
fighting near Saigon.
In November 1968, Olive's company came under attack from an enemy ground assault. "With complete
disregard for his own safety, Pvt. Olive exposed himself to a heavy volume of Viet Cong fire and he received
desperately needed mortar ammunition and distributed it to his comrades," says his citation for valor. In April
1969, while in a nighttime defensive position, he again "distinguished himself by heroic actions," reads a
second citation, when he "volunteered to brave the intense enemy fire in order to resupply his section of the
perimeter." After he was wounded in June 1969, Olive spent months in hospitals, first in Saigon, then in
Japan, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, and finally in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the
Veterans Affairs facility closest to his home. There he met Evelyn Ramirez, a hospital dietitian. When she
first saw him, he was being treated for the leg wound and other injuries. He eventually left that hospital to go
home to St. Thomas, but he and Ramirez reconnected a year later. They have been married 43 years.
Vietnam was not a popular war. When Olive and his fellow soldiers and Marines returned they were not
greeted as heroes, as are many veterans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Programs to deal with
PTSD – post-traumatic stress disorder – and other legacies of combat were far fewer than they are now. "War
was a nightmare," said Olive. "It was hell. It's nothing you like to talk about." So Olive did not talk about it,
or pursue the Purple Heart or other service medals he was entitled to. He went to work for Customs, and
learned to live with the nerve damage in his leg that causes him constant pain. After years in St. Thomas,
Olive was transferred to Miami in the early 1980s. He and Evelyn raised a son, Francisco, who followed his
father's career path and now works for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Although he had often thought about seeking the Purple Heart, "I am a procrastinator big-time," he said.
But last summer, at his wife's urging, he wrote the Army. "All veterans deserve to be honored for the
sacrifices they and their families gave for this country," Evelyn Olive said. "The medal would be an
acknowledgment of what he went through. So I said let's go for it." Given in the name of the President, the
Purple Heart is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces killed or wounded by enemy action. In
32
addition to the Purple Heart, the Army has advised Olive he will also receive the Army Commendation Medal
with a V for valor, a Good Conduct medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, with four bronze service stars, and
his expert badge as a rifleman. While grateful to receive the medals, Olive said he is disappointed they will
arrive by mail and not awarded to him in a ceremony.
A local ceremony may be possible. "Yes, someone should present [the medals] to him," said Jim Ellard,
president of the Broward chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He said among the chapter's 162
members are three senior Army officers who could conduct an award ceremony. "He has waited all this time,"
said Ellard, a veteran himself. "You might as well have somebody present it to him." [Source: Sun Sentinel
| Mike Clary | Jan. 08, 2015 ++]
********************************
Vet Awardees
► Nisei Soldiers | Legion of Honor | WWII
The accolades continue to pour in for an aging group of World War II soldiers. Twenty-seven World War II
Japanese-American soldiers will be decorated with France's highest medal — the Legion of Honor — this
month for their part in liberating France as members of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat
Team. Pauline Carmona, consul general of France in San Francisco, will bestow the honors at a ceremony at
9 a.m. 23 JAN at the Japanese Cultual Center. Navy Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., incoming Pacific forces
commander and possible candidate for chief of naval operations, will be the keynote speaker. Harris, whose
mother is Japanese, has said the nisei soldiers were his role models. Harris is the highest-ranking AsianAmerican in the history of the Navy and the first to gain the rank of four-star admiral. Also attending the
ceremony will be Gov. David Ige, whose father was a member of the 100th Battalion, and U.S. Rep. Mark
Takai.
The Oahu ceremony is one of three that will be held in Hawaii by the French government to honor the
veterans who served in the Army unit composed mainly of Japa-nese-Americans. Other ceremonies will be
held in Kona on 21 JAN, when five veterans will be recognized, and on Maui honoring 18 awardees 22 JAN.
Last year 67 Asian-Americans were approved for the Legion of Honor by the French government, said
attorney Pat Lee, honorary French consul in Hono-lulu. Seven got their medals during a ceremony on the
Arizona Battleship Memorial in July. Since 2004, when 442nd veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Barney
Hajiro was bestowed the rank of chevalier, or knight, 72 members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team
and the 100th Infantry Battalion have received the award. The Legion of Honor was created in 1802 by
Napoleon Bonaparte. The award is France's highest civilian honor and consists of five classes. In descending
order of distinction, they are grand cross, grand officer, commander, officer and chevalier. The order is
conferred upon men and women, either French citizens or foreigners, for outstanding achievements in
military or civilian life.
Jack Seitoku Nakamura and Rikio Tsuda, both members of the 100th Battalion's B Company, in October
were part of an official delegation that traveled to France to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the
liberation of the Vosges Mountain region by the nisei soldiers. The two, along with Eddie Yamasaki, a
member of C Company, visited battleground sites in Bruyeres and Biffontaine. In Bruyeres, Tsuda was given
the honor of unveiling a photo and plaque renaming the town square after 100th Battalion soldier Tomosu
Hira-hara, who was killed in October 1944 on the first day of the battle to liberate Bruyeres. Hira-hara is
buried in the French cemetery in Epinal. The trip was Tsuda's fourth pilgrimage to the tiny French village,
and the 91-year-old veteran said he was impressed with how the French have expressed their appreciation.
33
For Nakamura, 91, it was his first visit since the war. "I couldn't recognize anything," he said. The veteran
tried in vain to find trees that he was forced to take cover behind during some of the intense shelling by
German artillery. "I remember everything being stark and bare," Naka-mura added. "This time everything
was flourishing." Nakamura said he is honored to be recognized by the French government. "It's not every
day to be recognized like that."
American servicemen who fought in one of the four main campaigns of the liberation of France —
Normandy, Provence, Ardennes or Northern France between D-Day, June 6, 1944, and May 8, 1945 — are
eligible for the Legion of Honor. France does not approve applications posthumously, Lee said. The screening
process can take as long as a year. Veterans or their family members can apply by writing to the Consulate
General of France, 88 Kearny St. Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94108. [Source: The Honolulu StarAdvertiser | Gregg K. Kakesako | Jan. 12, 2015 ++]
********************************
Vet Jobs Update 168
► Ohio Vet Employer Online Registry
Ohio has rolled out an online registry at http://jfs.ohio.gov/owd/OMJResources/Military-Friendly-EmployerRegistry.stm letting military veterans know which employers are looking to hire veterans. Registry
proponents say it should result in more jobs for veterans, while others aren’t so sure. The registry, stemming
from a 2014 law, went online 19 DEC with about 300 employer names. More than 150 indicated they have
a preference policy for hiring, promoting or retaining veterans, service members or their spouses or surviving
spouses. Others “self-reported” as military-friendly — an option that isn’t in the law but does allow
employers to indicate other veteran support. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services must maintain
the voluntary registry and provide a link on its OhioMeansJobs website for employers wanting to get on the
list (https://jobseeker.ohiomeansjobs.monster.com/Veterans/VeteranInfo.aspx).
The registry was included in an amendment that Ohio House Speaker-elect Cliff Rosenberger proposed
primarily to provide legal protection for employers’ concerned that establishing a preference policy might
violate equal employment opportunity laws, state Rep. Terry Johnson said in an email. But Johnson, who
heads the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, said the registry should also help veterans find
jobs. Army veteran Buck Clay, who graduated in April from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s
degree in communications, is skeptical that the growing number of online websites and registries to assist
veterans looking for jobs actually helps. Clay, who has tried online job sites and registries in a search for
employment that has also included attending job fairs and contacting potential employers on his own, said
he thinks few online sites lead to employment and any jobs they do generate are mostly low-level ones that
don’t match veterans’ abilities and experience. “There are a lot of sites that are supposed to help, but there
isn’t a good professional network connecting them and no sharing of databases,” Clay said. “Everybody
wants to stay on their own little island.”
Clay isn’t the only veteran of that opinion, according to the head of a firm that provides human resources
consulting and training for organizations wanting to improve recruitment and retention of veterans. Lisa
Rosser says some veterans say they often see employers list themselves as veteran friendly but then not
provide job help. “More technology and databases won’t solve the problem,” said Rosser, chief executive of
The Value of a Veteran company in the Washington, D.C., area. “Making a human connection is what’s
needed, whether that comes through mentorships, internships or just meeting with veterans.” The 2013
unemployment rate in Ohio for veterans who have served since 2001 averaged 11.8 percent, compared with
7.3 percent for nonveterans, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
34
Harry Prestanski, a Vietnam veteran and executive director of Ohio Veterans United, believes much of
the unemployment can be attributed to the economy and the inability of some veterans and employers to
translate military skills into civilian jobs. But he said he is seeing more companies aggressively recruit and
hire veterans, and he is optimistic. “I think the registry is a good start,” he said. Cleveland Clinic, which has
sought more access to veterans for jobs, plans to sign on, said Gayle Agahi, a director of government and
community relations for the clinic. Columbus-based American Electric Power, where veterans make up about
10 percent of the workforce, was unaware of the registry but will look into it, utility spokeswoman Tammy
Ridout said. “It sounds like something that may allow us to expand our veterans outreach,” she said. Ohio’s
jobs agency has sent about 13,000 emails notifying employers of the registry and will promote it more in
2015. [Source: Mansfield News Journal | Lisa Cornwell | Jan. 04, 2015 ++]
********************************
Vet Gun Control Update 10
► VA Offering Free Gun Locks
The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering free gun locks to veterans if they provide details on the
number of guns they own and their home address, raising concerns about a government-run gun registry.
Some veterans have received a form letter in recent days from the VA offering gun locks if they return a
completed form listing their name, address and number of guns in the home. “As your partner in healthcare,
we are committed to keeping you and your family safe,” states the letter, a copy of which was obtained by
The Washington Times. “Gun locks have been shown to greatly reduce death and injury caused by firearms
in the home. If you own a gun, we hope you will request and use a gun lock.”
The letter said agency officials “hope to reach all our veterans with this offer.” The VA said it will mail
the locks to the address provided by a veteran. One veteran who received the letter said it raises concerns
about “a gun registry in disguise.” “Young soldiers are already notoriously reluctant to admit any problems
with post-traumatic stress disorder,” said the veteran, who asked to remain anonymous. “Imagine the effect
if the average 23-year-old private … back from Iraq, already reluctant to ask for help … is now hearing
rumors that if he seeks help from the VA for sleeplessness, PTSD, nightmares, etc., Big Brother is going take
his guns away? Now young veterans will really avoid asking for help,” the veteran said.
The letter about gun locks obtained by the Times was signed by Daniel Hendee, director of the VA medical
center in Philadelphia. A VA spokesman in Washington said he was not aware of such an effort and could
not provide further comment immediately. Last month, an ex-Marine who was being treated for various
health issues through the Philadelphia VA office shot and killed six family members before taking his own
life. And on 6 JAN, an incident at the VA clinic in El Paso, Texas, resulted into two deaths — the gunman
and a doctor. The Iraq veteran who shot and killed a Veterans Administration hospital doctor before turning
the gun on himself was a former employee of the clinic who had threatened the doctor more than a year ago.
[Source: The Washington Times | Dave Boyer | Jan. 06, 2015 ++]
********************************
Filipino Vet Inequities Update 28:
Children’s Green Cards Still an Issue
Philippines native Art Caleda still carries shrapnel in the left side of his chin that he ruefully calls a "souvenir"
from assisting the American military 70 years ago as a guerrilla intelligence officer during World War II. For
their service, Caleda and about 26,000 other Filipino nationals were granted U.S. citizenship under a 1990
35
immigration law signed by President George H. W. Bush, and many of them received a one-time cash
payment of $15,000 in 2009. But they are still waiting for a final piece of compensation: green cards for their
grown children to join them here from the Philippines. Caleda, 90, said he and his wife, Luz, who settled in
Waipahu, west of Honolulu, petitioned the federal government in 1996 on behalf of their three sons, who live
in Manila. They waited as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services slowly processed a global backlog of
more than 4 million family-based green-card applications. Caleda said the last time he inquired about his
sons' status, immigration officials "told me to wait because they are processing [applications from] 1993.
They're processing 1993? The time is 2014." Luz died last spring during a trip back to the Philippines.
Art Caleda, president of the WW I Filipino-American Veterans Hawaii Chapter
In all, approximately 250,000 Filipinos responded to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's call to arms in
1941 and fought on behalf of American forces in the Philippines, which at the time was a U.S. territory. They
responded out of a desire to defeat a common enemy, Japan, but since the end of the war, they have been
pushing the U.S. government to fully recognize their contributions. As their ranks dwindle, the elderly
veterans living here as U.S. citizens have waning hopes of being reunited with their children, a casualty of
Washington's inability to enact comprehensive immigration reform. Although President Barack Obama
announced in November that he would use his executive authority to shield millions of illegal immigrants
from deportation, his actions did little to address the lengthy backlogs in the legal immigration system —
something the president said only Congress can change through legislation.
The United States has a cap on family-based green cards of 226,000 annually, and no more than 7 percent
of the recipients are permitted to come from a single country. Aside from Mexico, Asian countries, including
China, Vietnam and India, dominate the list of nations with the most applicants and the longest waits. The
average wait from the Philippines — which has the most family applicants after Mexico — is more than two
decades. Opponents of easing restrictions on family-based green cards say it would open the door to chainmigration, in which extended families flood the United States, competing with Americans for jobs and taxing
the nation's benefits system. But Mee Moua, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, said:
"There is an inherent unfairness in setting people up for failure by accepting their application fees but then
having them wait 5, 10, 15 years before they might possibly see their family members."
Lawmakers from Hawaii and California, where most of the Filipino veterans settled in the 1990s, have
tried for years to get them special exemptions from the green-card caps. But each time, the measures were
swallowed in the toxic debate over broader reforms of border control laws — and ultimately went nowhere.
There are estimated to be only a few thousand veterans still alive and living in the United States. In 1990,
Bush signed the Immigration and Nationality Act passed by Congress that expanded the number of visas
allotted for family reunification and for employment. Under the act, the Filipino veterans were granted
citizenship and allowed to move to the United States with their spouses and children younger than 21. In
2013, the Senate approved a comprehensive immigration bill that included provisions to speed up processing
36
and slim down the green-card backlog. It lifted the caps for spouses and children of legal permanent residents
while eliminating categories for foreign siblings of U.S. citizens, who would instead be ranked on a new
points-based system, with credit for family ties, education and work skills.
The Senate bill included an amendment from Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hi., that granted the children of the
Filipino veterans green cards immediately on humanitarian grounds. But the Republican-controlled House
rejected the Senate legislation last summer amid fierce resistance over another provision that offered a path
to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Estimates from advocacy groups suggested that as many as 20,000
children of Filipino veterans would have been covered by the Senate bill, though not all were expected to
apply for green cards. "If even 10 apply, it's still the right thing to do," said Rodel Rodis, a San Franciscobased lawyer who has done pro bono work on behalf of the veterans.
Two of Caleda's sons live in Manila, where he grew up, and another works in Vietnam. Caleda's three
daughters all live in the United States, having gone to school here on student visas and marrying Americans.
Since Luz died, Caleda is uncertain how to proceed on behalf of his sons because his wife had been the
petitioner on their green-card applications. He fears he will have to re-file, pay additional fees and go to the
back of the line again. His eldest son, Arthur, is 60 and another, Benedicto, is 58 — and he's not sure it makes
sense for them to come as they near their own retirement. "To wait another 20 years? 20 plus 90 — I'll be
110!" he said with a wry laugh. (Rodis said there are immigration law provisions that allow the applications
to be transferred to a new petitioner without penalty.) Caleda rubbed his chin, where the shrapnel was lodged
on a mission when his guerrilla unit was strafed by a Japanese warplane. His wound was treated by medicine
from guava leaves. After the war ended in 1945, he spent 38 years working in forestry before moving to the
United States in 1992. Of the dimming prospects of his sons joining him in Hawaii, Caleda said: "It's too bad.
You cannot expect me to be laughing." [Source: Washington Post | David Nakamura | Jan. 06, 2015 ++]
********************************
North Carolina Scholarship
► Available for Some Vet Children
Scholarships from the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs and the North Carolina Association of
Veterans Services Officers are available for eligible high school seniors who are the children of some North
Carolina veterans. The deadline for applying is 1 MAR. The North Carolina Division of Veteran Affairs
manages a scholarship for the children of certain categories of deceased, disabled, combat or POW/MIA
veterans. The scholarship pays for four years of tuition and fees at a North Carolina college or university.
Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Applications are available online at North
Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs website http://www.doa.nc.gov/vets under the "Scholarships" tab.
The North Carolina Association of Veterans Services Officers scholarship was established to honor deceased
veterans services officers. Information and applications are available at your county veterans services
officer's office. [Source: NAUS Weekly update Jan 09, 2015 ++]
********************************
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund
► Short-Term Financial Crisis Needs
The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) provides emergency grants to Michigan veterans and dependent
family members to help them weather short-term financial crisis (i.e. high heating or electricity bills, etc.)
MVTF grants may be applied for through the MVTF county committee serving the veterans county of
residence. All applications are investigated and decided upon in confidence. Veterans may request a personal
37
hearing before the county committee when their application is being considered. Additionally, veterans have
the right to appeal to the MVTF Board of Trustees if the application is denied at the county level, and will be
provided with the opportunity to appear before the board to present information and answer questions.
To be eligible for a grant from the MVTF a veteran or legal dependent must be a legal resident of the State
of Michigan at the time of the application. The veteran must have been discharged under honorable
conditions, with at least 180 days of active wartime service (90 days for WWI veteran), or have been
separated as the result of a physical or mental disability incurred in the line of duty (or aggravated by active
duty). Service during the following periods (or an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, plus 180 days of
honorable active duty, for service between periods in places such as Grenada, Lebanon, Berlin, Persian Gulf,
Mayaguez Operation, or Desert Storm) is required:
 WWI - April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 (If service in Russia, then to April 1, 1920)
 WWII - December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
 Korea - June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955
 Vietnam - February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975
 Persian Gulf - August 2, 1990 to present
 If a veteran has less than 180 days of active duty during these eras, duty in more than one period
may be combined. Evidence of separation or discharge with less than 180 days of wartime service
due to a physical or mental disability is required to determine eligibility.
Needed documentation
 Discharge papers, separation report or DD-214 (showing the dates of active duty and the character
of the release);
 Proof of residence (driver's license, voter registration, state I.D.)
 Marriage certificate and birth certificates for minor children (legal dependents)
 Death certificate of a deceased spouse or parent
 Bills or account statements regarding the items for which you are seeking an MVTF grant
 Documentation of any disability rating
 Proof of employment or other income
 Evidence of efforts at other appropriate agencies
To apply for emergency funds from the MVTF, contact the MVTF county committee serving the county
where you reside. You may also contact the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund at 1-800-MICH-VET or P.O. Box
30104, Lansing, MI, 48909.
[Source: http://www.michiganveterans.com/Home/Quality-of-Life/Emergency-Assistance Jan 2015 ++]
********************************
Veterans Employment Center Update 01
► Transitioning Aid
The Veteran Employment Center (VEC) is an online portal that combines elements of standard job boards
and professional connection media (e.g. LinkedIn) to provide a single solution for meeting the needs of both
veteran job-seekers and employers seeking to hire our veterans. The VEC is accessible from the Veteran's
Administration's e-Benefits website https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/jobs. Soldiers, veterans, and
family members are encouraged to create a VEC profile early! Their Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance
Program (SFL-TAP) offices, career counselors, and Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) benefit advisors
can assist in getting started with the VEC and job search related skills training. The eBenefits portal is a safe,
secure, and centralized resource for benefits associated with pre-separation, employment assistance,
relocation, education and training, health and life insurance, finances, Reserve affiliation, disabled veterans,
38
and retirement. Navigating to the VEC provides access to the career tools, employment resources, and
services for the job seeker.
The Army continues to align with agencies like the VA and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to improve
the VEC's functionality while advancing the responsibilities, objectives, and policies supporting the VEC's
use within the transition life cycle while continuing to highlight the benefits of the VEC:
 The VEC is open to all Reserve & National Guard members, veterans, spouses, and dependents.
 Job seeker access to real job opportunities and the tools to build profiles to be shared with employers
committed publically to a hiring goal and public tracking of the progress made.
 Offers employers a free platform to connect with the Army and post job openings, search job-seeker
profiles, directly contact prospective employees, and make public employment commitments.
 Contains an integrated private and public sector military skills translator that helps members
describe their skills and experience in terms that employers understand and value.
 Is a central hub for VA-vetted partnerships. Examples include: LinkedIn (a professional network)
is offering a free one-year Job Seeker subscription that increases contacts through their network;
Coursera (an education platform) is offering one free credential to top off skills as well as teaming
with the VA to open 20 learning hubs across the country.
The Army is currently working on a more refined adoption strategy to help transitioning offices
standardize training and use of VEC supporting the SFL-TAP curriculum. Soon, TAP managers and SFL
Centers will fully implement the VEC for transitioning Soldiers. The VA is available to provide
comprehensive coaching and training at no cost. Establishing a VEC profile early will help Soldiers and
veterans reduce their reliance on unemployment compensation for ex-Service members (UCX) and help
Soldiers, veterans, and family members connect with top-of-the-line resources and opportunities leading to
meaningful employment. UCX provides temporary, weekly income to Service members as they look for
work, including those who can find only part-time work. [Source: Stand-To! | U.S. Army | Jan 09, 2015 ++]
********************************
Vet Toxic Exposure | Dover AFB
► PFCs in Shallow Groundwater
Officials at Dover Air Force Base say chemical compounds used in firefighting foam have been found at four
sites on base but not in drinking water supply wells. Officials said 5 JAN that an investigation detected
perfluorinated compounds, or PFCs, in shallow groundwater and some surface drainage ditches in levels
above Environmental Protection Agency recommended limits. They noted that the base obtains drinking
water from a deep confined groundwater aquifer that is isolated from the aquifer where the contaminants
were found. Officials say the contaminants are being managed under federal environmental standards and
that a preliminary assessment and site inspection will be done this year to identify any remaining locations
were PFCs may have been released to the environment. A decision will then be made on whether cleanup
actions are necessary. [Source: The Associated Press | Jan. 05, 2015 ++]
********************************
Nebraska Veterans Registry
► Reasons to Enroll
The Nebraska Veterans' Registry authorizes the word 'veteran' to be placed on driver's licenses and state
issued identification cards. The Registry will also allow the issuance of Military Honor License Plates starting
in 2016. Once in the Registry, veterans can request the veteran indicator on their operator's license or state
issued identification card at the time of renewal with no additional fee. To enroll in the Registry, veterans
39
can contact the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs (NDVA) online, in person or via email: phone 402471-2458, email ndva@nebraka.gov, or visit the NDVA website at www.veterans.nebraska.gov. A paper
application is available at https://www.nebraska.gov/va_registry/VA-App.pdf. [Source: Military.com |
Benefits | Dec. 29, 2014 ++]
********************************
AF Retiree Council Update 03
► Issues Reported to Air Force COS
The 2014 Air Force Retiree Council met in May to discuss issues important to retirees and surviving spouses,
and receive briefings on various subjects important to the retiree community. This was the first time the
council convened since 2012. Last year’s annual meeting was cancelled because of budget constraints. The
Air Force Retiree Council provides the link between members of the Air Force retiree community – more
than 800,000-plus retirees, spouses and surviving spouses living throughout the world -- and the Air Force
Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh. Council co-chairmen are Welsh’s liaison with the retiree community and
work directly for him. Current cochairmen are Lt. Gen. Steven R. Polk and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force
Rodney J. McKinley, both retired.
Retired Chief Master Sgt. Charles E. Lucas, representing Delaware, the District of Columbia and
Maryland, listens to one of the many briefings during the 2014 Air Force Retiree Council meeting.
Comprised of the two cochairmen and 15 members representing retirees by geographical areas in the
United States and overseas, the council gathers annually at the Air Force Personnel Center at Joint Base San
Antonio-Randolph, Texas to discuss retiree issues. Upon conclusion report the council's findings directly to
the chief of staff. Among the issues discussed by the council were the following:
 Maintaining the Commissary benefit.
 Continued support for printing and mailing of the Afterburner.
 Lowering the age (currently 75) of granting indefinite identification cards for spouses.
 Enhanced support for Defense Finance and Accounting retired and annuity pay customers, including
promoting myPay accounts for self-service.
 Continuing Retiree Activities Office support at the base level -- both financial and administrative –
and the growing need for more volunteers.
40


Support for legislative issues, specifically eliminating offset between the Survivor Benefit Plan and
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation; paid-up SBP premiums for retirees at age 67 versus 70;
and full pay for the month that a retiree dies.
Concerns about rising TRICARE costs and reduced Medicare/TRICARE for Life reimbursement.
The co-chairs will work with the agencies related to the issues and report the findings and proposed
resolutions to Welsh in September. They will also brief the chief of staff on the vital role retirees who are
“still serving” play in saving mil-lions of dollars in personnel costs by volunteering at local bases. Despite
the fiscal realities that cancelled last year’s meeting, the co-chairs were able to meet with Welsh when he
visited AFPC on 11 SEP. Polk, who lives in San Antonio, met with him personally, while McKinley was
able to join in via teleconference from Oklahoma. During that meeting, Welsh assured the co-chairs that he
strongly supports the retiree community and appreciates their service. “General Welsh expressed his sincere
gratitude for the tireless efforts of our Air Force retiree community,” Polk said. “He acknowledged and
boasted about the countless hours retirees volunteer each year in support of our bases.”
Retiree Activities Offices stepped into the spotlight this year when their support by the installation
commander became part of the 2014 Air Force Inspector General’s inspection checklist. “General Welsh
considers Air Force retirees a key component of our force,” said McKinley. [Source: Afterburner Vol. 56,
No. 1 | Editor Tammy Cournoyer | Spring/Summer 2014 ++]
********************************
Awards Replacement
► Use SF 180, Request Pertaining To Military Records
The military recognizes that military medals are often a cherished part of family history and makes
replacement medals, decorations, and awards available to veterans or their next of kin if the veteran is no
longer living or able to make the request on his or her own behalf. Replacement medals, decorations and
awards should be requested on SF 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records. This form can be downloaded
from http://www.va.gov/vaforms . Each request should be filled out neatly, and should include the veteran‘s
branch of service, social security number, dates of service, and it should be signed by the veteran or the next
of kin if the veteran is incapacitated or deceased. Where to forward it to is indicated by an address code on
the back of the SF 180. In general, requests made by the veteran are fulfilled at no cost. This includes requests
made by family members who have the signed authorization of the veteran. There may be an associated fee
for requests made by next of kin, especially if the request involves archival records (records are considered
archival records 62 years after the veteran‘s date of separation from military service). [Source: RAO Seal
Beach CA | John Ryan | Jan, 01, 2015 ++]
********************************
OBIT | Walter Wolfe | WWII ►
9 Dec 2014
Robert Wolfe, who for more than three decades was a chief custodian and scholar of the millions of German
documents seized during World War II and stored at the National Archives, a collection that he helped index
and preserve for generations of researchers, died 9 DEC at a hospital in Alexandria, Va. He was 93. The
cause was respiratory failure, his son Marc Wolfe said. Few people in the world knew more about the paper
trail of the Third Reich than Mr. Wolfe, a son of Jewish immigrants from Lithuania and an Army veteran of
the Pacific and European theaters of the Second World War. Trained as a historian, he became a leader among
41
the postwar archivists who took on the enormous job of cataloguing and copying the military and government
documents captured in Adolf Hitler’s Germany.
Robert Wolfe
Mr. Wolfe “provided for a whole generation or two of historians access to this remarkable trove of records
that fell into Allied hands,” said David Marwell, a noted investigator of Nazi war crimes and director of the
Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York. “There was no one who appreciated the importance of documents
more than Bob Wolfe and the importance of [their] being available and well described.” Wolfe’s efforts
began in the early 1960s at the old torpedo factory in Alexandria, a complex that today is an arts center.
There, after the war, the United States had stored tens of millions of German documents for -intelligencegathering and historical purposes. In a project led by the American Historical Association, those materials
were transferred to -microfilm, then deposited in the National Archives. Most of the originals were returned
to what was then West Germany. Mr. Wolfe assisted in that effort, painstakingly cataloguing the materials
in guides to be used by researchers.
In 1961, he joined the National Archives — formally the National Archives and Records Administration,
and sometimes described as the nation’s official attic — where he remained until and beyond his official
retirement in 1995. He became chief of modern military records and was regarded as an authority on all of
the institution’s materials related to Nazi Germany, one of the most significant collections of its kind. Among
the items at the National Archives was an SS report documenting the shooting of 33,771 Jews at the Babi
Yar ravine near Kiev, Ukraine, in September 1941. There was a bill from the German pest-control corporation
for a half-ton of Zyklon B, the poison used in gas chambers, which was shipped to the Auschwitz death camp
in Poland.
Also in the archives was a copy of a speech given by SS chief Heinrich Himmler to SS generals in Poznan,
Poland, in 1943. “I also want to talk to you, quite frankly, on a very grave matter,” Himmler said, according
to a translation published by the Associated Press. “I mean the clearing out of the Jew, the extermination of
the Jewish race,” he continued. “This is a page of glory in our history which has never been written and is
never to be written.” Himmler was “supposed to destroy” his notes, Mr. Wolfe told the AP. “Like a lot of
bosses, he didn’t obey his own rules.” Richard Breitman, a Holocaust scholar at American University in
Washington, described Mr. Wolfe as “a critical factor in the evolution of research on Nazi Germany in the
United States.” [Source: Washington Post | Emily Langer | Jan. 05, 2015 ++]
42
********************************
OBIT | Lowell Steward | WWII
► 17 Dec 2014
When Lowell Steward was a student at Santa Barbara State College, he and other members of the school’s
basketball team decided to enlist in the Army Air Forces. The others were accepted. “The powers-that-be
seemed to be saying that Negroes couldn’t fly an airplane,” Steward told the Los Angeles Times in 1990.
“They didn’t believe that Negroes had the mental capacity to do anything other than menial jobs. I had never
touched an airplane, but that so incensed me that I said, ‘Hell, I know I can fly.’” And so he did. After 10
months of being told to wait, Steward enlisted in a new World War II military unit — an organization created
by the then-segregated armed forces to train African-American pilots. Steward, who flew more than 100
combat missions and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service with the famed Tuskegee
Airmen, died of natural causes 17 DEC in a Ventura hospital, said Ron Brewington, president of the Los
Angeles chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Steward was 95.
1943 and 2012 photos of Tuskegee Airmen Lowell Steward
After his military service, Steward futilely tried to buy a house in Los Angeles for himself and his young
family. Rejected in several attempts because of his race, he studied for his real estate license while working
as a railway baggage porter and went on to become one of the first black real estate brokers in Los Angeles
County. “He wanted to help his fellow brothers when they came back from the war just like him — with
money in their pocket but no place to stay,” Steward’s son, Lowell Steward Jr., said Sunday. “That’s what
he was really proud of: being instrumental in integrating Los Angeles to whatever degree he could.” Steward,
who bought a home in the Crenshaw district, worked as a broker and appraiser for 40 years until retiring and
moving to Oxnard, Calif., with his wife, Helen.
Born in Los Angeles on Feb. 25, 1919, Lowell Cedric Steward was the son of a railroad porter and a
homemaker. As a high school student, he was channeled into vocational instead of academic courses because
of his race, his son said. A track star and basketball standout, Steward attended Los Angeles Junior College
before his admission to Santa Barbara State College, the forerunner of the University of California, Santa
Barbara. As captain of Santa Barbara’s basketball team, he led the way to an undefeated season in 1941,
when the Gauchos made it to the National Association of Intercollegiate Basketball championship in Kansas
City. Steward, the only black athlete on the team, was barred from competing at the arena and had to persuade
his teammates not to walk out in sympathy. “He had to go across the street and listen to the game on the
radio,” his son said. “He told me he didn’t ever get over that.”
43
Enlisting in 1942 after receiving his B.A. in business, Steward was one of about 1,000 pilots trained at
Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, where the nurses, engineers, cooks, clerks and other personnel were
also African-American. Designated by government officials at the time as the “Tuskegee Military
Experiment,” the effort has since come to be called the “Tuskegee Experience.” Quarters were provided by
the Tuskegee Institute, the school founded by educator Booker T. Washington. In a 1984 interview with
Studs Terkel Steward said that organizers of the “experiment” were skeptical about its chances. “As one of
the officers in charge put it, if it doesn’t work out, it’ll be down South and nobody’ll see ’em fail anyway,”
Steward said. “We’ll give‘em a chance. If they succeed, I guess it won’t hurt anything. If they fail, we’ll hush
it up and nobody will know about it.”
In Europe, the 450 Tuskegee Airmen sent overseas developed a reputation for their combat skills. The
fliers dubbed themselves the “Lonely Eagles” but were known to the Germans as the Schwartze
Vogelmenschen — the Black Birdmen. They destroyed 260 German planes and damaged 148, sinking a Nazi
destroyer and blowing apart hundreds of military vehicles. Sixty-six of the U.S. pilots were killed. In 1944,
Steward was sent to Italy and flew 143 bomber escort and strafing missions. In one encounter over Marseilles,
an 18-inch hole was blown through one of his wings. “It was flapping,” he told the Santa Barbara Independent
in 2007. “I had to fly slow so the plane wouldn’t catapult.” Steward and other Tuskegee Airmen received a
Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush in 2007. In addition to his son, Lowell, Steward’s
survivors include daughters Pamela Mills and Shelley Lambert; 11 grandchildren; and 11 greatgrandchildren. His wife Helen, whom he met in college, died in 2004. [Source: Los Angeles Times | Steve
Chawkins | Dec. 19, 2014 ++]
********************************
OBIT | Clarence Huntley & Joseph Shambrey | WWII ►
5 Jan 2015
Two members of the Tuskegee Airmen — the famed all-black squadron that flew in World War II — died
on the same day. The men, lifelong friends who enlisted together, were 91. Clarence E. Huntley Jr. and Joseph
Shambrey died on 5 JAN in their Los Angeles homes, relatives said Sunday. Huntley and Shambrey enlisted
in 1942. They were shipped overseas to Italy in 1944 with the 100th Fighter Squadron of the Army Air
Force's 332nd Fighter Group. As mechanics, they kept the combat planes flying. Huntley serviced P-39, P47 and P-51 aircraft, and as crew chief was responsible for the plane of the squadron commander, Capt.
Andrew D. Turner, said Huntley's nephew, Craig Huntly of Inglewood. "The life of his pilot was in his hands,
and he took that very seriously," his nephew said. His concern led Turner to nickname him "Mother," Huntly
said.
Clarence E. Huntley Jr
Joseph Shambrey
44
In addition to facing danger, the Tuskegee Airmen faced racism. Shambrey's son, Tim Shambrey of
Altadena, said his father recalled getting off a train in Alabama where a hospitality station was welcoming
returning white troops with handshakes and free coffee. "When he and his buddies came off, dressed in their
uniforms, of course they didn't get any congratulations" and were asked to pay for their coffee, Shambrey
said. They did so. "The thing about those men is that they were very proud" and decided not to make a fuss,
Shambrey said. "They were already used to so much discrimination." In later life, Shambrey didn't talk much
about his war service but he held barbecues that sometimes drew 150 people, including a lot of his old Army
buddies, his son said. Huntley also didn't talk much with his family about the war, said his daughter, Shelia
McGee of Los Angeles. He told them: "I was doing what I was supposed to do, and that was to serve my
country," she said. Shambrey was a National Guard combat engineer during the Korean War and later spent
his career with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, his son said. Huntley was a
skycap for more than 60 years at airports in Burbank and Los Angeles, his daughter said. [Source: The
Associated Press | January 11, 2015 ++]
********************************
OBIT | Bernard Jordan | WWII ►
6 Jan 2015
A veteran of World War II who slipped away from a nursing home in England last year to attend the
celebrations of the 70th anniversary of D-Day in France has died at the age of 90. Bernard Jordan, who
became known as the Great Escaper after his escapade last June, died peacefully at The Pines, a care home
in Hove, East Sussex, the hospital said in a statement. His secret departure from the home to take a crossChannel ferry to France, wearing his war medals under a gray raincoat, prompted a police search when the
staff at the home reported him missing. Mr. Jordan, who served in the Royal Navy, made his own way to
Normandy, and his whereabouts was discovered only when a younger veteran telephoned during the night of
June 5 to say that he had met Mr. Jordan, who was safe and would return when he was good and ready. Mr.
Jordan later said that he had gone to Normandy because “my thoughts were with my mates who had been
killed. I was going to pay my respects. I was a bit off course, but I got there.”
Jordan told the nursing home staff he was going out to take a walk, and headed toward Portsmouth to
attend D-Day celebrations there. But on the way, he decided instead to take the overnight ferry to Caen.
Although he had no accreditation, he was allowed into the ceremonies and ended up about 100 yards from
45
Queen Elizabeth II. He returned home a sort of hero. A former mayor of Hove after the war, he was made an
honorary alderman of Brighton and Hove and was said to have received more than 2,500 birthday cards when
he turned 90. The current mayor, Brian Fitch, said, “I will remember Bernie as a hard-working politician, as
a great mayor of the city.” His escapade showed “a determination to achieve one of the things he believed
in,” he added.
Amanda Scott, managing director of Gracewell Healthcare, which runs the home, said in a statement:
“Bernie caught the world’s imagination last year when he made his surprise trip to France and brought a huge
amount of joy to a lot of people. He will be much missed by everyone here, and our thoughts and prayers go
out to his wife.” “Bernie was always insistent that what he did during the war was nothing unusual, and only
what many thousands of others did for their country,” she added. Jordan, upon his return from his adventure,
said: “There were a lot of other people on the beaches of Normandy that day. This lovely attention is for
them, really, not me.” [Source: New York Times | Steven Erlanger | Jan. 06, 2015 ++]
********************************
Retiree Appreciation Days
► As of 11 Jan 2014
Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) are designed with you in mind. They're a great source of the latest
information for retirees and Family members in your area. RADs vary from installation to installation, but,
in general, they provide an opportunity to renew acquaintances, listen to guest speakers, renew ID Cards, get
medical checkups, and various other services. Some RADs include special events such as dinners or golf
tournaments. Due to budget constraints, some RADs may be cancelled or rescheduled. Also, scheduled
appearances of DFAS representatives may not be possible. If you plan to travel long distances to attend a
RAD, before traveling, you should call the sponsoring RSO to ensure the RAD will held as scheduled and,
if applicable, whether or not DFAS reps will be available. The current schedule is provided in the attachment
to this Bulletin titled, “Retiree Activity\Appreciation Days (RAD) Schedule”. Note that this schedule has
been expanded to include dates for retiree\veterans related events such as town hall meetings, resource fairs,
stand downs, etc. For more information call the phone numbers of the Retirement Services Officer (RSO)
sponsoring the RAD as indicated in the attachment. An up-to-date list of Retiree Appreciation Days can
always be accessed online at
 HTML: http://www.hostmtb.org/RADs_and_Other_Retiree-Veterans_Events.html
 PDF: http://www.hostmtb.org/RADs_and_Other_Retiree-Veterans_Events.pdf

Word: http://www.hostmtb.org/RADs_and_Other_Retiree-Veterans_Events.doc
[Source: RAD List Manager | Milton Bell | Jan 11, 2014 ++]
*********************************
Vet Hiring Fairs
► 16 Jan thru 14 Feb 2015
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s (USCC) Hiring Our Heroes program employment workshops are
available in conjunction with hundreds of their hiring fairs. These workshops are designed to help veterans
and military spouses and include resume writing, interview skills, and one-on-one mentoring. For details of
each you should click on the city next to the date in the below list. To participate, sign up for the workshop
in addition to registering (if indicated) for the hiring fairs which are shown below for the next 6 weeks. For
more information about the USCC Hiring Our Heroes Program, Military Spouse Program, Transition
46
Assistance, GE Employment Workshops, Resume Engine, etc. visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s
website at http://www.hiringourheroes.org/hiringourheroes/events .
---------------------------Ft. Campbell, KY - Ft. Campbell Military Spouse Networking Reception
January 21 - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Details Register
Fort Stewart, GA - Transition Summit
January 21 to January 22 Details Register
Fort Dix, NJ - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Hiring Fair
January 21 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Details Register
New Castle, DE - Wilmington Hiring Fair
January 22 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Details Register
Ft. Campbell, KY - Ft. Campbell Military Spouse Hiring Fair
January 22 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Details Register
Denver, CO - Denver Hiring Fair
January 23 10:30 am to 3:00 pm Details Register
McChord, WA - Joint Base Lewis-McChord Military Spouse Networking Reception
January 28 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Details Register
Albuquerque, NM - Albuquerque Hiring Fair
January 28 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Details Register
McChord, WA - Joint Base Lewis-McChord Military Spouse Hiring Fair
January 29 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Details Register
Fairfield, CA - Travis AFB Military Spouse Networking Reception
February 4 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Details Register
Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Recovering Warrior & Caregiver Employment Conference
February 4 - 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Details Register
Fairfield, CA - Travis AFB Military Spouse Hiring Fair
February 5 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Details Register
Detroit, MI - Detroit Hiring Fair
February 7 - 8:30 a.m. Employment Workshop, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST Hiring Fair Details Register
Hartford, CT - Hartford Hiring Fair
February 11 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Details Register
Quantico, VA - Quantico Hiring Fair
February 11 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Details Register
Saint Paul, MN - Minneapolis/St. Paul Hiring Fair
February 12 - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CST Details Register
[Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Assn 12 Jan 2015 ++]
*********************************
47
WWII VETS 78
► Dario Raschio, 100
U.S. Navy veteran Dario Raschio was all smiles 3 JAN as he awaited a special honor from U.S. Sen. Ron
Wyden (D-OR), who joined him at Portland Community College's Southeast Campus to present the 100year-old with a handful of medals. "I feel I'm no hero," said Raschio, dynamic and spry, before the event. "I
don't accept it as being a hero. I accept it as being a part of my job." Shortly after Wyden began speaking,
though, protesters erupted in the back of the room, shouting "hands-up, don't shoot!" More than 100 pushed
through the doors, banged on the windows from outside and hoisted signs. Raschio and his daughter, Pam
Brown of Portland, had a front-row seat to the spectacle. Raschio's smile faded. Demonstrators across the
country have used "don't shoot" and "hands up" as rallying cries following the fatal shooting of Michael
Brown by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, last fall. "I can't breathe" references the death of Eric
Garner, an unarmed black man who died in July following a chokehold by a New York City police officer.
Dario Raschio told protesters that they should show respect to the senator. Dario Raschio says he
doesn't accept his work in WWII as being a hero, but as simply doing his job
The medal presentation was to be the first event at a Wyden town hall, one of several the senator was holding
around the state in early JAN. After 15 minutes of shouting, Wyden persuaded the group to stop and let him
proceed with the medal presentation. Raschio's smile returned as Wyden presented him with a frame filled
with medals. He was awarded the U.S. Naval Aviator Badge, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic
Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the
"Ruptured Duck" award and the U.S. Navy Honorable discharge pin. He was also given a flag flown over
the U.S Capitol. "It is never too late for Oregon and America to remember one of our heroes," Wyden said.
Raschio joined the Navy at the age of 27. He piloted observational planes, and was based on the USS
Chester. He participated in five campaigns in the Pacific Theatre. One harrowing incident took place on
Easter Sunday in 1944. He had been on a mission and took gunfire. When returning to the ship, his plane
went down in the ocean and he figured that he and his passenger were likely to die in the water. A Navy
destroyer came along a few hours later and rescued the pair, just as sharks were beginning to circle. He then
revealed the location of an ammo dump they had viewed from the sky on a South Pacific island. The dump
was destroyed.
48
On Saturday, Raschio glossed over the incident. He seemed more concerned by the immediate action he
was witnessing. As he grabbed the mic to speak, more shouts came from the back of the room, demanding
the military exit from Iraq. The feisty centenarian quickly responded, "Give me a chance" which brought
chuckles from the audience. He further chastised the shouters, saying "Let's show a little respect for this
occasion," to which the crowd applauded. He accepted the medals on behalf of those who died in WWII and
ended his short speech by saying, "God bless America. And you people that are here for a cause, whatever it
might be—show respect to Sen. Wyden." Wyden took back the mic, and followed up, "One of the reasons
that we can come here today and be heard and express our views is because of veterans like Dario." But
before Raschio could even sit down the unrest resumed. A protester at the front of the room announced that
"for 4.5 minutes we are going to take time to pay respect to everybody who has been killed by police in this
nation."
With that, the chanting began again. At 3:15, after waiting 45 minutes for the meeting to begin, organizers
called it off. A coalition called Don't Shoot Portland had planned a rally on Southeast 82nd Avenue on
Saturday afternoon and two were arrested earlier in the afternoon for allegedly blocking the avenue. Wyden
said later, "I think that the symbolism of having a veteran 100 years old, who fought so gallantly so that those
who disagree with government policies and want to exercise their First Amendment rights could be heard,
that's what made today so poignant." [Source: The Oregonian | Kristyna Wentz-Graff | Jan. 03, 2015 ++]
*********************************
America's Most Beloved Vets
Jerry Coleman




►
Korean War (2)
Kurt Chew-een Lee
Mitchell Red Cloud
Neil Armstrong
The Yankees second baseman and sports broadcaster Jerry Coleman flew combat missions in
World War II and Korea.
The first Asian-American Marine Corps officer Kurt Chew-een Lee helped thousands escape death
at Chosin and served as a combat intelligence officer in Vietnam.
The Ho-Chunk Indian Mitchell Red Cloud sounded the alarm about an impending Chinese attack,
killing several enemy soldiers and saving his company from being overrun before he was shot to
death.
Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, started as a Navy pilot, flying 78 combat
missions in Korea.
*********************************
49
Vet State Benefits & Discounts
► Idaho 2015
The state of Idaho provides several benefits to veterans as indicated below. To obtain information on these
plus discounts listed on the Military and Veterans Discount Center (MCVDC) website, refer to the
attachment to this Bulletin titled, “Vet State Benefits & Discounts – ID for an overview of the below
benefits. Benefits are available to veterans who are residents of the state. For a more detailed explanation
of each of the following refer to http://militaryandveteransdiscounts.com/location/idaho.html and
http://www.veterans.idaho.gov.
 Housing Benefits
 Education Benefits
 Employment Benefits
 Other State Veteran Benefits
 Discounts
[Source: http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits Jan. 2014 ++]
* Vet Legislation *
114th Congress
► Lawmakers' Priority: Fortify Promises to Vets
New Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-GA) said the first priority of his
committee will be making sure Congress' promises to veterans from last year aren't forgotten. "We need to
make sure the Veterans Choice bill is implemented and it's working, where it needs to be perfected, it's
perfected," he told reporters 8 JAN. VA Secretary "Bob McDonald needs our support to see to it he can
change the culture at the VA," Isakson said. "That in itself is a huge challenge and responsibility." Lawmakers
returned to Washington, D.C., this week with a new House Veterans' Affairs Committee ranking member
Rep. Corrine Brown (D-FL), new Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee leadership (Isakson and ranking
member Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.), and a host of unfinished veterans issues from last session.
Sen. Isakson said he has not outlined any specific legislative priorities or hearing schedules for his
committee yet, and instead will use the next few weeks to work out those details with fellow panel members.
But, in a statement after his leadership appointment, the 70-year-old Air National Guard veteran called this
"a critical moment in history with the VA" and said his main charge as chairman would be "to bring value
back to the VA and our veterans." Both House and Senate leaders are still dealing with the aftermath of last
year's VA scandal in which administrators at dozens of department facilities were found to be doctoring
records to cover up lengthy wait times for patients. Those problems forced the resignation of VA Secretary
50
Eric Shinseki and numerous other top department officials, and the nomination of McDonald — a former
Proctor & Gamble CEO with decades of management experience — to clean up the department.
Now, with a new Congress, lawmakers are promising continued oversight into that and other problems
uncovered during months of public scrutiny for the often-ignored department. On 8 JAN, House Veterans'
Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) announced plans for an oversight hearing later this
month into "the longstanding legacy of mismanagement and waste of VA's construction program." Both
committees also are reviewing VA mental health programs, and have pledged to review the Clay Hunt Suicide
Prevention Act, which narrowly missed congressional passage in December. And the long-term
implementation and effects of the Veterans Choice Act — a sweeping, $16 billion reform bill designed to
provide immediate relief to the wait times problem — remains a concern for many in Congress. That measure
included a new program allowing veterans in rural areas or facing long wait times at VA hospitals to more
easily access private physicians, as well as billions of dollars for new physician hiring and appointment space
leases. Lawmakers have expressed concern about the slowness of those changes, and at the lack of firings of
VA administrators for problems that came to light. Department officials have promised they are moving as
quickly as possible on both fronts.
Congress also will look closely at long-term plans for VA care and reform when President Obama's fiscal
2016 budget proposal is released in early February. VA has been one of the few government agencies to see
steady funding increases in recent years, growing almost $100 billion in the last 11 years. Veterans advocates
hope that trend continues for years to come, as the long-term costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan become
more apparent. But lawmakers have promised closer scrutiny of those funds in months to come, noting that
the growth in funding has not always translated into better care and programs for veterans. [Source:
MilitaryTimes | Leo Shane | Jan. 08, 2015 ++]
*********************************
Congressional Major Events Timeline
► Previewing a Difficult 2015
This year promises to be a difficult one for the military community. Congress will face proposals to overhaul
military pay and compensation while sequestration threatens to cut billions out of the FY 2016 defense
budget. Below is an estimated timeline of major events in 2015, including the defense bill process, Military
Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) report, and the return of sequestration:
February 1: The congressionally mandated MCRMC will release its report detailing proposals to overhaul
military pay, retirement, and other forms of compensation. The details of the report could become available
as early as January 30.
February 2: The president announced he will submit his budget proposal on time to Congress, despite the
fact that the MCRMC report will be released at the same time. It’s unclear whether the president’s budget
request will include MCRMC recommendations given the narrow timeframe. However, the proposal is likely
to at least include a third consecutive year of military pay raise caps, dramatic TRICARE fee increases, and
other controversial measures.
Mid-March: Six weeks after the president delivers his budget to Congress, congressional committees are
required to submit their “views and estimates” of spending and revenues within their respective jurisdictions
to the House and Senate Budget Committees.
51
May-June: The House and Senate Armed Services Committees will begin work on the FY 2016 defense
bill. The committees will need to consider recommendations from the MCRMC and how to deal with the
specter of sequestration returning in FY 2016.
June-July: Full House and Senate pass their respective versions of the defense bill.
July-October: House and Senate negotiators resolve differences between their respective versions.
October 1: Across-the-board sequestration cuts return, slashing the defense budget by approximately $50
billion in FY 2016.
October-December: Final defense bill passed by House and Senate and becomes law.
In recent years, Congress failed to complete the work on the defense bill until very late in the year. This
delay leads to rushed, behind-the-scenes negotiations that undermines debate on the defense bill. MOAA
hopes Congress can stick to its proposed schedule and allow time for discussion and debate on controversial
proposals. [Source: MOAA Leg Up Jan. 09, 2015 ++]
********************************
Legislative Goals for 2015
► Bucket List
Active / Reserve Force/Family Issues
 Ensure active duty, Guard and Reserve force sizes meet mission requirements
 Sustain military pay comparability with private sector pay as required by law
 Protect currently serving and retiree benefits from severe, arbitrary sequestration cuts
 Credit all Post-9/11 active duty service toward Guard and Reserve early retirement
 Create new incentives for employers to hire and retain drilling Guard and Reserve members
 Restore tax deductions for reservists’ out-of-pocket expenses for travel of 50 miles or more
 Create new incentives for employers/government/contractors to hire military spouses
 Protect funding for commissaries, exchanges, dependent schools and family support programs
 Ensure service sexual assault and suicide prevention measures provide positive outcomes
 Improve professional licensure transferability for service members and spouses
 Require better education on the financial disadvantages of the REDUX retirement option
Health Care Issues
 Avert a 24% Medicare/TRICARE payment cut and fix the statutory formula to improve care access
 Oppose means testing of TRICARE Prime and TRICARE for Life enrollment fees
 Block the consolidation of TRICARE health plans into a single plan providing less choice
 Improve seamless transition and protect Defense and VA health budgets/programs and benefits
 Authorize the option to retain operational reservists’ civilian family health insurance upon call-up
 Increase orthodontia payment cap under active duty plan
 Authorize TRICARE coverage for Applied Behavioral Analysis for active and retired members
Retirement/Survivor Issues
 Evaluate Military Compensation & Retirement Modernization Commission recommendations;
February 2015
 Oppose military benefit changes that are inconsistent with service career sacrifices
 Preserve full-inflation cost of living adjustments (COLAs)
 End the deduction of VA disability compensation from military retired pay
52

End deduction of VA Dependency & Indemnification Compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan
annuities
 Implement a more equitable military disability retirement system
 Restore VA Dependency & Indemnification Compensation for spouses who remarry after age 55
 Reform the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) calculation for reservists who die performing Inactive Duty
Training
 Authorize survivors to retain a deceased retiree’s full final month retired pay
 Reform the Uniform Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA)
Veterans / Other Issues
 Eliminate VA claims backlog and improve quality, efficiency and transparency of claims processing
 Improve VA healthcare services and access for women veterans
 Extend caregiver services and support to qualifying disabled veterans of all conflicts
 Authorize pre-tax payment of health, dental, and long-term health care premiums
 Prevent disproportional Social Security and Medicare penalties for any population segment
[Source: MOAA Leg Up Jan. 09, 2015 ++]
********************************
Vet Jobs Update 167
► Hire More Heroes Act H.R.22
The House unanimously passed legislation 7 JAN that would exempt veterans with government-subsidized
health care from being counted in the number of employees for whom employers must provide health
insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The Hire More Heroes Act (H.R. 22) is aimed at giving small
businesses some breathing room under Obamacare’s employer mandate, while also encouraging the private
sector to hire more veterans. The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) exempts vets who
already have health care through the Defense or Veterans Affairs departments from being counted as part of
the 50-employee limit that triggers the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate. “By making this
commonsense change to the law, we will not only provide small businesses with much-needed relief, but also
help more of our veterans find work,” David said 6 JAN on the House floor.
“There are many people who already receive insurance because of their service to our country,” says
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii
53
Democratic co-sponsor Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) offered her support for the bill Tuesday during floor
remarks. “There are many people who already receive insurance because of their service to our country. I
used to be one of them,” said Gabbard. “I was covered under TRICARE for a long period of time after both
of my deployments to the Middle East, and it just makes sense that these individuals who already have great
medical coverage would not have to count towards the numbers of employees that would trigger the employer
mandate under the Affordable Care Act.” The idea for the bill came from a constituent—Brad Lavite, a
superintendent of the Madison County Veterans’ Assistance Commission in Illinois—according to Davis.
“After explaining Obamacare to veterans throughout southwestern Illinois and how it impacts their VA health
benefits, he began wondering why they were subjected to the employer mandate if they were not even in
need of health care coverage,” said Davis. “Brad raised his concern with me at one of our veterans’ advisory
board meetings, and shortly thereafter we began work on the Hire More Heroes Act.”
The employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act requires businesses with 50-100 employees to
provide health insurance for at least 70 percent of their workers starting in 2016, or pay a penalty. Businesses
with 100 or more employees have to provide health insurance for at least 70 percent of their workforce,
starting Jan. 1, 2015, and 95 percent of their workforce beginning in 2016. Businesses with fewer than 50
employees are exempt from the mandate. The unemployment rate among post-9/11 veterans was at 5.7
percent in November, which was still higher than that of other vets, but actually slightly lower than the
country’s overall unemployment rate of 5.8 percent that month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
However, the overall national unemployment rate is seasonally adjusted and the jobless rate for veterans as
a separate group is not. The latter “is a relatively small sample size subject to monthly fluctuation,” said BLS
spokesman Gary Steinberg in an email.
In November 2013, the unemployment rate among Gulf War Era II vets, as BLS classifies post-9/11
vets, was 9.9 percent. That 4.2 percent decrease over those 12 months could be an indication that largescale efforts by the government and private sector to hire more former service members are paying off.
Still, the unemployment rate among female post-9/11 vets is higher than their male counterparts: 8.1
percent in November compared to 5.3 percent. In addition to increasing veteran employment, House
Republicans also hope the legislation is one in a long line of bills that chips away at President Obama’s
signature 2010 health care reform law. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) said Tuesday that he considers H.R. 22 to
be “an installment plan, as one piece of our ongoing efforts to fully repeal and replace” Obamacare. The
House on Thursday was debating and expected to vote on a bill (H.R. 2575) that would change the
definition of the workweek from 30 hours under the Affordable Care Act to 40 hours, which would affect
the implementation of the employer mandate. [Source: GovExec.com | Kellie Lunney | Jan. 08, 2015 ++]
********************************
DoD Suicide Policy Update 10
► Clay Hunt SAV Act Reintroduced
A bill to overhaul veteran suicide prevention programs is getting another chance in Congress after being
scuttled last month by a retiring Senate budget hawk. The Clay Hunt SAV Act, named after a Marine veteran
with post-traumatic stress disorder who committed suicide, was reintroduced 7 JAN by a group of House
lawmakers and was expected to be filed in the Senate soon. It calls for a one-stop website with suicide
prevention resources for veterans, more Department of Veteran Affairs psychiatrists and an independent
review of current department programs to determine which are effective. Veteran groups have lauded the
bill, and Hunt’s parents repeatedly lobbied for it on Capitol Hill. The VA struggles with veterans suicides,
estimated at 22 per day.
54
The House unanimously passed the bill last year and the Senate was poised to do the same, but in the final
hours of the 2014 session Tom Coburn, a GOP senator from Oklahoma, blocked a vote, saying the VA could
improve services without a new law and budget cuts were needed to pay the $22 million price tag. “Solutions
to this horrific problem will only come from comprehensive, new ideas that improve the accessibility and
effectiveness of mental health care available to our veterans,” Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) said in a statement
released 7 JAN. Miller, who chairs the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said it includes “crucial
independent, third-party oversight” and requires greater VA accountability for its suicide prevention
programs. Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) and Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) also co-sponsored the bill. “We must
take action and I continue to believe that this bipartisan bill is a step in the right direction,” Walz said in a
news release. “We can and must work urgently to send this bill to the president’s desk without delay.”
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) will also re-introduce the legislation in the Senate, according to an aide. He
filed the bill last year and had 21 co-sponsors. Another of the bill’s allies in the upper chamber of Congress,
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) this week was publicly supporting another attempt to pass the bill.
Blumenthal, who is now the ranking member on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, went head-to-head
with Coburn last month, urging the Republican to release his hold on the legislation and allow a Senate vote,
though the pressure ultimately failed. Coburn was known for his harsh criticisms of government spending
and his annual publication the Wastebook, which listed what he considered the most egregious cases. Coburn
argued that a massive overhaul of the VA passed last summer already pumped billions of dollars into fixing
its programs and said that Congress should spend this year pressing the department for results on suicide
prevention. “Don’t pass another bill; hold the VA accountable,” he said in a Dec. 15 floor speech.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of American, a veterans’ service group, has vigorously supported the Clay
Hunt bill and says it agrees the VA oversight is needed but that it must be coupled with specific changes to
the suicide prevention programs. For example, the bill creates new incentives for hiring more psychiatrists
and would force the VA to address a critical lack of staff, according to the group. But it is unlikely the bill
will need to survive the same staunch opposition or criticism in the Senate, said Alex Nicholson, the IAVA
legislative director. Coburn was virtually the sole opponent and nearly all other Senators from the prior
session appeared on board. The group is still feeling out some freshmen lawmakers. “We expect the House
to move a lot quicker and most likely the Senate will take up the House-passed version on the floor in
February,” Nicholson said. [Source: Stars and Stripes | Travis J. Tritten | Jan. 07, 2015 ++]
********************************
National Park Passports Update 05
► Lifetime Pass for all Disabled Vets
Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) reintroduced legislation 8 JAN that would give all
veterans with a service-related disability a free, lifetime pass to national parks and other federal recreational
areas. Such a pass is currently available only to veterans with a 100 percent disability rating from the
Department of Veterans Affairs, according to a statement from Shaheen. The bill would allow all veterans
disabled because of their service to be eligible for a free, lifetime National Parks and Federal Recreational
Lands Pass, and allow them to enjoy hunting, fishing and other recreation on federal public lands. “Veterans
who have fought and sacrificed to protect American land deserve the opportunity to enjoy it,” Shaheen said
in the statement. “In New Hampshire we are lucky to have some of the most beautiful recreational space in
the country. Men and women with a service-connected disability have earned lifetime access to these national
treasures.” Collins added, “It is fitting that those who have defended our freedoms should have free access
to our nation’s parks and recreational lands. From Acadia and the Appalachians to Yosemite and everywhere
in between, our bill would allow Veterans to more easily engage in outdoor activities, which have been shown
55
to help heal both the visible and invisible wounds of war.” [Source: The Hill | Kristina Wong | Jan. 08, 2015
++]
********************************
Vet Bills Submitted to 114th Congress
► As of 13 Jan 2015
For a listing of Congressional bills of interest to the veteran community introduced in the 114 th Congress
refer to this Bulletin’s “House & Senate Veteran Legislation” attachment. Support of these bills through
cosponsorship by other legislators is critical if they are ever going to move through the legislative process
for a floor vote to become law. A good indication of that likelihood is the number of cosponsors who have
signed onto the bill. Any number of members may cosponsor a bill in the House or Senate. At
https://beta.congress.gov you can review a copy of each bill’s content, determine its current status, the
committee it has been assigned to, and if your legislator is a sponsor or cosponsor of it by entering the bill
number in the site’s search engine. To determine what bills, amendments your representative/senator has
sponsored, cosponsored, or dropped sponsorship on go to:
 https://beta.congress.gov/search?q=%7B%22source%22%3A%5B%22legislation%22%5D%7D
 Select the ‘Sponsor’ tab, and click on your congress person’s name.
 You can also go to http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php
Grassroots lobbying is the most effective way to let your Congressional representatives know your wants
and dislikes. If you are not sure who is your Congressman go to https://beta.congress.gov/members. Members
of Congress are receptive and open to suggestions from their constituents. The key to increasing
cosponsorship support on veteran related bills and subsequent passage into law is letting legislators know of
veteran’s feelings on issues. You can reach their Washington office via the Capital Operator direct at (866)
272-6622, (800) 828-0498, or (866) 340-9281 to express your views. Otherwise, you can locate their phone
number, mailing address, or email/website to communicate with a message or letter of your own making at
either:
 http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
 http://www.house.gov/representatives
Tentative 2015 Legislative Schedule 114th Congress, 1st Session: To be determined.
FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF VETERAN RELATED LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN
THE HOUSE AND SENATE SINCE THE LAST BULLETIN WAS PUBLISHED:



H.R.22 : Hire More Heroes Act of 2015. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
exempt employees with health coverage under TRICARE or the Veterans Administration from
being taken into account for purposes of determining the employers to which the employer
mandate applies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Sponsor: Rep Davis,
Rodney [IL-13] (introduced 1/6/2015)
H.R.76 : Enhance Vet Hiring Tax Credit. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
to provide a tax credit to encourage private employers to hire veterans, to amend title 38, United
States Code, to clarify the reasonable efforts an employer may make under the Uniformed
Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act with respect to hiring veterans, and for other
purposes. Sponsor: Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [TX-18] (introduced 1/6/2015)
H.R.90 : GAO Review of Budget Requests for VA Medical Care. A bill to direct the
Comptroller General of the United States to conduct reviews of certain budget requests of the
56
President for the medical care accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep
Brownley, Julia [CA-26] (introduced 1/6/2015)
 H.R.91 : VA ID Cards. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to issue, upon request, veteran identification cards to certain veterans. Sponsor:
Rep Buchanan, Vern [FL-16] (introduced 1/6/2015)
 H.R.203 : VA Mental Health Programs Evaluations. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to provide for the conduct of annual evaluations of mental health care and suicide
prevention programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to require a pilot program on loan
repayment for psychiatrists who agree to serve in the Veterans Health Administration of the
Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Walz, Timothy J. [MN-1]
(introduced 1/7/2015)
 H.R.216 : VA Chief Strategy Officer Position and Duties. A bill to amend title 38, United
States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a Future-Years
Veterans Program and a quadrennial veterans review, to establish in the Department of Veterans
Affairs a Chief Strategy Officer, and for other purposes Sponsor: Rep Brown, Corrine [FL-5]
(introduced 1/8/2015)
 H.R.218 : CHAMPVA Child Eligibility Age. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to
increase the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program.
Sponsor: Rep Brown, Corrine [FL-5] (introduced 1/8/2015)
 H.R.220 : CHAMPVA Child Eligibility Age. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to
increase the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program.
Sponsor: Rep Fortenberry, Jeff [NE-1] (introduced 1/8/2015)
 H.R.245 : VA Claim Effective Dates. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to codify
certain existing provisions of law relating to effective dates for claims under the laws administered
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Abraham, Ralph Lee
[LA-5] (introduced 1/9/2015)
 H.R.252 : Low-Income Vet Housing Assistance. A bill to provide housing assistance for very
low-income veterans. Sponsor: Rep Green, Al [TX-9] (introduced 1/9/2015)
 H.R.260 : Vet Renewable Energy Hire Tax Credit. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 to provide the work opportunity tax credit with respect to the hiring of veterans in the
field of renewable energy. Sponsor: Rep Lee, Barbara [CA-13] (introduced 1/9/2015)
 H.R.271 : Establish VA Mental Illness Commission. A bill to establish a commission to
examine the evidence-based therapy treatment model used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
treating mental illnesses of veterans and the potential benefits of incorporating complementary
alternative treatments available in non-Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities within
the community. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-12] (introduced 1/12/2015)
 H.R.272 : MOH Recipient VA Enrollment Priority. A bill to amend title 38, United States
Code, to increase the priority for enrollment of medal of honor recipients in the health care system
of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Walberg, Tim [MI-7]
(introduced 1/12/2015)
 H.R.280 : VA Bonus Employee Recoupment. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to recoup bonuses and awards paid to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsor: Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] (introduced 1/12/2015)
 S.114 : Public Access to VA Research. A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
provide the public with access to research of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other
purposes. Sponsor: Sen Heller, Dean [NV] (introduced 1/7/2015)
[Source: https://beta.congress.gov & http: //www.govtrack.us/congress/bills Jan. 13, 2015 ++]
57
* Military *
Reserve Duty
► Look Before Leaping
One weekend a month, two weeks a year. Good start. Add in money for education and potential cash bonuses.
Discounted health care and mileage toward retirement. All in all, the National Guard and reserves make a
pretty strong case for continuing in service once you leave active duty. Still, there are some things you may
not know. Some of it is good news — some less so. In any case, it's always best to look before leaping. Some
lesser-known aspects of service in the Guard and reserve service:
Soldiers relax after completing the land navigation course at the 2014 Army Reserve
Best Warrior Competition.
Time commitment. One weekend … or maybe more. "For people who are leaving active duty and join a
National Guard or Reserve unit, the thing they don't know is the actual time commitment," said Sgt. 1st Class
Ann Marie Schult-Slosser, who joined the Illinois Army National Guard after 12 years of active duty. "As a
senior officer, those two days a month are not adequate to complete all the tasks: Not the administrative tasks,
not your job tasks. A lot of Guardsmen think nothing of spending their personal time to get things
accomplished. They use their personal vehicles, their personal computers. That was a surprise to me."
Health(ier) care. The brochure promises discount health care, but members may be surprised at just how
deep that discount goes, especially if they've just left active duty for the private sector. The average family
58
pays $204 a month for Tricare Reserve Select, while the average commercial policy runs $304, said Andy
Jandik, spokesperson for Navy Reserve Minneapolis. The savings may come as a happy surprise to many.
The money may also be better than expected. You'll drill at your full active-duty rate, with a drill weekend
equivalent to four days of active-duty pay, Jandik said. Between all ranks, that averages to $400 for the
weekend.
Finding your groove. Staff Sgt. Neil Limber left active duty in 2011 after nine years and joined the Illinois
Army National Guard. Like many in the same position, he felt unprepared for the shift in routine. "I didn't
know the daily lifestyle, what normally happens — the battle rhythm," he said. "Coming off active duty, the
days were very regimented. You start off with PT; you have your normal duty job; you go home at a certain
time. It was very structured." That approach doesn't work in the Guard, where service is just one aspect of
people's working lives. Rather than feel out of sync, Limber has tried to turn the new mentality to his
advantage. "I speak with my soldiers during the month, to make a game plan for the drill weekend. If there's
anything we can do beforehand, we will get that done so we're not just running around until late in the evening
when our weekend comes," he said.
Making contacts. Few people join the reserves thinking they will be advancing their civilian careers, but
often the two go hand in hand. Reserve service can connect you to prominent people in the community. Show
a strong work ethic and professional ability, and you may get noticed by someone in a position to help your
career, said Master Sgt. Shawn J. Jones, a public affairs specialist working for the Air Force Reserve
Command Recruiting Service. "It's certainly not unusual to hear stories about how unintentional networking
during Reserve duty helped a citizen airman find a civilian job," Jones said.
Being prepared. On active duty, you're always at the ready, physically and mentally, said Gunnery Sgt.
Robert Noyes, a career planner in the 4th Marine Division in New Orleans. That's not always so in the reserve
components. To stay in top form, reservists need to take greater responsibility for their personal program.
"You need to find ways to challenge yourself to continue to be physically ready. You have to continue your
routine outside the drill weekend," Noyes said. "Mentally, you need stay engaged if you are going to lead
Marines. You have to stay up on the latest news and the latest policies so that you can influence Marines and
train Marines when the drill weekend comes."
In the balance. For Schult-Slosser, Guard service is worth balancing these pros and cons. "With 12 and a
half years of active-duty service, I didn't want to lose my retirement potential. I wanted to maintain my
proficiency, and I wanted to keep my foot in the door with regard to deployment because I love deploying,"
she said. "And I think that being a soldier in any capacity is a worthwhile cause."
[Source: ArmyTimes | Adam Stone | Dec. 27, 2014 ++]
********************************
Army Modular Handgun Program
► M9A3 Monkey Wrench
They may as well call it the M9A3 Monkey Wrench. Beretta USA has submitted an engineering change
proposal (ECP) for the M9 pistol contract in a move that could short circuit the Army’s attempts to outfit
soldiers with a brand new pistol. The ECP comes within days of the expected release date of the Army’s final
request for proposal documents that outline the government’s requirements to industry for its new Modular
Handgun System. The Army has stated the final RFP would be posted in early January 2015. Drafts of the
new contract call for as many as 750,000 new pistols in orders that would be split among the service branches.
In an October 2014 press release the Army stated they plan to purchase 287,000 pistols while other military
services may purchase as many as 212,000. In addition to pistols, the contract calls for magazines, holsters,
59
spare parts, maintenance and testing equipment, suppressors, and training, placing the value of the contract
anywhere from $650 million to more than $1 billion dollars depending on exercised options.
Beretta USA Vice President of Military Sales and Marketing Gebriele de Plano says the proposed M9A3
program would cost less than the current M9 and says they could implement the ECP on the remaining 80,000
pistols that are part of the government’s existing 2012 order for 100,000 M9 pistols. Aside from savings,
there are other compelling reasons why the M9A3 could derail the Army’s modular handgun program.
Beretta says the M9A3 is compatible with current holsters and accessories, and soldiers will need little or no
retraining to operate and maintain the pistol. Beretta says the pistols are similar enough that the major
components of the M9 and M9A3 can be swapped with one another. This means current and future pistols
can be maintained and upgraded with existing parts stockpiles and major components can be swapped in the
field in an emergency.
The updated M9A3 configuration features a long list of improvements that address many gripes soldier’s
have voiced over the M9’s nearly thirty years fielded as the Army’s service pistol. The list of new features
and improvements include a 1/2″- 28 TPI threaded barrel, Tritium night sights and a removable, dovetail
front sight, a three-lug Picatinny accessory rail, a recontoured safety selector that is angled 10 degrees upward
to avoid accidental engagement during slide racking, a smaller, a slimmer grip with aggressive front and
backstrap checkering, an included wraparound grip cover that increases the grip size to that of the original
M9, an oversized, reversible magazine release, a beveled magazine well, a sand-resistant 17-round magazine
and an earth tone Cerakote finish. Another major change is the addition of a new universal slide that accepts
Beretta’s ‘G’ decocker-only conversion kit. Under the hood improvements include a third generation barrel
and locking block with improved geometry that Beretta says will last more than 20,000 rounds. A polymer
recoil spring guide rod, improved extractor pin and other improvements to small components round out the
list of M9A3 upgrades.
The Army’s MHS program seeks to address lethality concerns with the existing pistol and its 9mm round,
however. Should the Army ignore the M9A3 proposal, one reason may be because they are looking for a
handgun system in a larger caliber. The Army’s exploration of an alternate caliber has already become
controversial. Moving away from the 9mm round would erase interoperability with NATO members.
Depending on several factors, larger caliber rounds increase the weight of ammunition, reduce the amount of
ammunition a pistol can carry, affect recoil and in some situations can increase wear on weapon systems. If
the M9A3 fails to peak the interest of the Army, the proposal could find support in fiscally conservative
60
members of Congress that may ask the Army to justify the cost of a new start pistol program compared to
the price of upgrading an existing platform. [Source: http://gearscout.militarytimes.com/2014/12/30/them9a3-berettas-shrewd-move Dec. 30, 2014 ++]
********************************
USMC Tuition Aid Update 01
► Stricter 2015 Program
The Marine Corps recently published details of its fiscal 2015 tuition assistance program, incorporating
stricter requirements created earlier this year. The most notable among them stipulates that Marines who do
not successfully complete a course for which they received TA will have to pay the money back. Satisfactory
completion means a C or higher for undergraduate courses and a B or higher for graduate studies, according
to Marine administrative message 687/14, signed Dec. 30. Those who do not meet those requirements will
be unable to take additional courses using TA until they have paid the service back. Among other
requirements, Marines can only use TA for tuition and not associated course costs like lab fees. Also, firsttime applicants must have completed at least 24 months of active-duty service, according to other rule
highlighted by the MARADMIN. (Source: MarineCorpsTimes | Staff | Jan. 06, 2015 ++]
********************************
DANA ►
Frontline Brain Thermometer
Army medics will soon use what's been dubbed a "brain thermometer": a mobile phone application that can,
within minutes, provide health professionals data to help diagnose and measure a soldier's injuries. The
Defense Automated Neurobehavioral Assessment, produced by AnthroTronix (DANA), includes five-, 20and 45-minute batteries of both neurocognitive tests and psychological survey questions. DANA will not
only help a health professional diagnose traumatic brain injury, but also provide valuable information that
can help isolate depression, post-traumatic stress, and other neurocognitive issues, according to AnthroTronix
CEO Corinna Lathan.
The test, similar to a video game, consists of various on-screen exercises during which a soldier's speed
and accuracy are scored. Ultimately, a medical provider — potentially in theater — would analyze the postinjury test in concert with the pre-deployment baseline tests. "In essence, measuring reaction time is like
taking the temperature of the brain," Lathan said in an Army news release. "It's a vital part of the data that
any health professional needs to evaluate his patient." The Army, this fall, received Food and Drug
Administration clearance, said Lt. Col. Chessley Atchison, the program manager for the Technology Enabled
Capability Demonstration: Brain in Combat portfolio of the Combat Casualty Care Research Program. That
clearance means it's safe to use; the FDA did not test its clinical usefulness. It also means providers can use
the tool in the field, though the Army is not pushing it on clinicians at this point.
The tool has tested as reliable and durable in a variety of harsh combat environments in a peer-reviewed
study in the Military Medicine journal, Lathan said. A Johns Hopkins researcher found in another study that
its results correlated highly with the mini-mental state examination, regarded as a highly reliable cognitive
impairment assessment tool in clinical and research settings. The new tool will continue to be vetted for
battlefield use, the Army reports, and work is underway to use it with tablets in addition to smartphones.
"Once we get it right, we're going to put it fairly far forward in the field," Atchison said. There are also
61
ongoing studies of the tool regarding its capacity to help assess concussions with the athletic department at
the University of Wisconsin and PTSD at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The tool will not replace the mandated pencil-and-paper Military Acute Concussion Evaluation as an intheater assessment, nor the computer-based Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metric used for a
pre-deployment baselines. Atchison said that would be a matter of policy and doctrine changes outside the
scope of the joint project. But clinicians can used DANA now to supplement that information. [Source:
ArmyTimes | Kyle Jahner } Jan. 03, 2015 ++]
********************************
Military Retirement Pay Update 01
► Congress Went too Far in 2006
At the urging of then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Congress in 2006 took aggressive steps to raise
pay and future retirement of currently serving general and admirals, particularly those serving beyond 30
years. Having been a well-compensated industry executive, Rumsfeld viewed admirals and generals as
underpaid. Besides raising star-rank pay, he wanted the military basic pay table expanded to incentivize
longer service. He got what he wanted, and maybe more. In September 2006, a newly retired member of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff who served 38 years drew initial retired pay of $114,000 a year. Today a JCS member
retiring after 38 years draws more than double that amount, about $241,000. If that four-star officer
completes a 40-year career, his or her retired pay today would be higher. Four officers today receive more
than $256,000 in retired pay and one get more than $277,000, according to the Defense Department actuary.
Star-rank officers won’t get a 2015 pay raise.
The fact is generals and admirals recently have been enjoying a kind of golden age of star-rank
compensation, shaped in wartime and not likely to be seen again, particularly given a change in law that takes
effect 1 JAN. Star-rank officers won’t get a 2015 pay raise. More significantly, any additional years they
serve won’t have the hefty consequences on retired pay seen since 2006. Star-rank annuities jumped so far
and fast that recently retired three-star and four-star officers now make considerably more in retired pay than
did while on active duty. That’s true even counting housing allowance of about $40,000 annually or, more
often, the comparable value of residing in three-star and four-star base housing. Congress included in the
fiscal 2015 Defense Authorization Act a provision that phases out a “too generous” retired pay anomaly
gradually, fully protecting the pay of senior officers already retired and easing the impact too on currently
serving officers who already wear stars.
The universe of three- and four-star officers drawing more pay in retirement than they did on active duty
is small, about 130. But the pay disparity is large, $70,000 or more for some O-9s and O-10s above what
they received in basic pay while on active duty. To understand why, we need to look at all of the levers
Congress pulled seven years ago:
62



RETIRED PAY MUTIPLIER – Before 2007, service members received no retirement credit for
years served beyond 30. The multiplier for calculating retired pay was still 2.5 percent of basic pay
per year served but the years were capped at 30, capping retirement at 75 percent of basic pay.
Effective Jan. 1, 2007, the 30-year cap was lifted for retirements on or after that date. Service
members who stayed beyond 30 could continue to earn 2.5 percent of basic pay toward retirement,
all the way to 40 years where annuities top out at 100 percent of basic pay.
40-YEAR PAY TABLE – On April 1, 2007, a 40-year pay table went into effect, adding new
“longevity” steps in basic pay for officers O-6 and above, warrant officers in grades 4 and 5, and
enlisted E-8s and E-9s. Longer-serving O-8s saw two new longevity raises at 30 and 34 years. E9s, W-5s, O-9s and O-10s saw three, at 30, 34 and 38 years. So for longer careers, the combination
of higher retired pay multipliers and added longevity raises led to far more generous retirements.
EXECUTIVE PAY CAP LIFTED – Before 2007, basic pay for generals and admirals could not
exceed Executive Level III pay for federal civilians. Even with retired pay limited by the 75 percent
multiplier, this executive level pay cap led to a dampening of star-rank annuities. Congress raised
that cap to Executive Level II on Jan. 1, 2007, which lifted basic pay for senior officers sharply.
Today that change alone adds more than $14,600 to senior officer pay. But then Congress granted
one more big favor. It changed the law so that the executive level pay cap is ignored in calculating
retired pay of flag and general officers.
The effect of all of these changes was huge. A member of the Joint Chief who retired in April 2007 with
38 years service began drawing retired pay 83 percent higher than the JCS member who retired after 38 years
in September 2006 or earlier. Four-star retired pay popped by $95,000. Longer serving enlisted members
also benefited, at least from the 40-year pay chart and expanded retired pay multiplier. An E-9 retiring in
April 2007 after 38 years drew 53 percent more retired pay than a colleague of equal grade and longevity
who retired seven months earlier.
Congress never expressed a regret about the generous star-rank retirement it voted until last January.
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the COLA-minus-1 fiasco, when Congress rushed
to cut the value of military retirement then quickly reversed itself, Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) referred to news
article. Today’s highest-ranking officers, she said quoting from the piece, could earn more military
compensation in retirement than that did while on active duty. Wasn’t that a negative incentive to continue
to serve, she asked. The committee found no proof that it was. However, it didn’t seem right that retired pay
exceeded active duty compensation by a wide margin. So senators included language in the 2015 defense
bill (HR 3979) that restores the Executive Level II cap on retired pay calculations.
The change is designed to land softly, however. It applies only to years served after 2014. “That means
if you’ve earned above the cap up until this point, you can keep that but go no higher,” explained one
congressional aide. “And if you retired before Dec. 31, 2014, this doesn’t even apply.” So finance centers
will conduct two computations to determine retired pay of senior officers serving today and will use the one
that delivers higher annuities. One calculation will be retired pay based on current law and rank at retirement,
capped at Executive Level II, which is $183,300 for 2015. A second will determine retired pay these officers
would have if they retired on Dec. 31, 2014, at the rank then held and years then served. The second
calculation will protect a lot of retired pay at first, and become less important over time. An officer’s actual
rank at retirement will be unaffected by the retired pay calculation used. [Source: Stars & Stripes | Tom
Philpott | Dec. 31, 2014 ++]
********************************
63
Medal of Honor Citations
► Vandegrift, Alexander Archer WWII
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
To
Alexander Archer Vandegrift
Rank and organization: Major General, U.S. Marine Corps, commanding officer of the 1st Marine
Division
Place and date: Solomon Islands, 7 August to 9 December 1942
Entered service at: Charlottesville Virginia 1908
Born: Mar. 13, 1887 in Charlottesville City, Virginia
Citation
Citation: For outstanding and heroic accomplishment above and beyond the call of duty as commanding
officer of the 1st Marine Division in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands during
the period 7 August to 9 December 1942. With the adverse factors of weather, terrain, and disease making
his task a difficult and hazardous undertaking, and with his command eventually including sea, land, and air
forces of Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, Maj. Gen. Vandegrift achieved marked success in commanding
the initial landings of the U.S. forces in the Solomon Islands and in their subsequent occupation. His tenacity,
courage, and resourcefulness prevailed against a strong, determined, and experienced enemy, and the gallant
fighting spirit of the men under his inspiring leadership enabled them to withstand aerial, land, and sea
bombardment, to surmount all obstacles, and leave a disorganized and ravaged enemy. This dangerous but
vital mission, accomplished at the constant risk of his life, resulted in securing a valuable base for further
operations of our forces against the enemy, and its successful completion reflects great credit upon Maj. Gen.
Vandegrift, his command, and the U.S. Naval Service.
64
Gen Alexander Archer Vandegrift
US Marine Corps General and Medal of Honor Recipient. He was the first US Marine to hold the rank of
four-star general while on active duty and served as the 18th Commandant of the Marine Corps. During
World War II, he commanded the 1st Marine Division to victory in its first ground offensive of the war, at
the Battle of Guadalcanal. Born Alexander Archer Vandegrift, his father was an architect and a contractor,
and he developed his interest in the military from reading military history novels and listening to stories of
ancestors who had fought in previous wars. He attended the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, Virginia
for three years before receiving his commission in the US Marine Corps through a week-long competitive
examination in 1908, and became a 2nd lieutenant in January 1909.
In 1910, following instruction at the Marine Officers' School in Port Royal, South Carolina, he was
assigned to the Marine Corps Barracks, Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In 1912 he was sent to
foreign shore duty in the Caribbean Sea, first to Cuba and then to Nicaragua, where he participated in the
bombardment, assault, and capture of Coyotepe in Nicaragua, followed in 1914 with his participation in the
engagement and occupation of Vera Cruz, Mexico. In December 1914, following his promotion to the rank
of first lieutenant, he attended the Advance Base Course at the Marine Barracks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
and after its completion, he returned to the Caribbean with the 1st Marines and participated in action against
hostile Cacos bandits at Le Trou and Fort Capois, Haiti. In August 1916 he was promoted to the rank of
captain and became a member of the Haitian Constabulary at Port-au-Prince, where he remained until
detached to the US in December 1918. He returned to Haiti again in July 1919 to serve with the Gendarmerie
d'Haiti as an Inspector of Constabulary. In June 1920 he was promoted to the rank of major. In April 1923
he returned to the US and was assigned to the Marine Barracks, MCB Quantico, Virginia. He completed the
Field Officers' Course, Marine Corps Schools in May 1926 and was then transferred to the Marine Corps
Base San Diego, California as Assistant Chief of Staff. In February 1927 he was sent to China where he
served as Operations and Training Officer of the 3rd Marines with Headquarters at Tientsin (now Tianjin).
In September 1928 he returned to the US and became Assistant Chief Coordinator, Bureau of the Budget, in
Washington DC. He returned to the Marine Barracks, Quantico, where he became Assistant Chief of Staff,
G-1 Section, Fleet Marine Force and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in June 1934. He returned
to China in June 1935 and served as the executive officer and commanding officer of the Marine Detachment
at the American Embassy in Peiping (now Beijing). In September 1936 he was promoted to the rank of
colonel and returned to the US in June 1937 to become the Military Secretary to the Major General
Commandant, Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, DC. In March 1940, he was appointed Assistant to
the Major General Commandant, and the following month was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
65
In November 1941 he was ordered to the 1st Marine Division in California, shortly before the Japanese
attack on Pearl Harbor, ushering the US entry into World War II. He was promoted to the rank of major
general in March 1942 and sailed for the South Pacific Area two months later as commanding general of the
first Marine division to ever leave the shores of the US. On August 7, 1942, in the Solomon Islands, he led
the 1st Marine Division in the first large-scale offensive action against the Japanese. For outstanding service
as Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division during the attack on Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Gavutu in
the Solomon Islands, he was awarded the Navy Cross and for the subsequent occupation and defense from
August 7 to December 9, 1942, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. In July 1943, he assumed command of
the 1st Marine Amphibious Corps and commanded this organization in the landing at Empress Augusta Bay,
Bougainville, Northern Solomon Islands, on November 1, 1943. Upon establishing the initial beachhead, he
relinquished command and returned to Washington DC as Commandant-designate. In January 1944, at the
rank of lieutenant general, he was sworn in as the 18th Commandant of the Marine Corps. In April 1945 he
was promoted to the rank of general, the first Marine officer on active duty to attain four-star rank. He left
active service on December 31, 1947 and was placed on the retired list on April 1, 1949, with 40 years of
military service.
Other than the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross, his US and foreign military decorations and awards
include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Presidential Unit Citation with one star, the Navy
Unit Commendation with one star, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal with three stars, the Nicaraguan
Campaign Medal, the Mexican Service Medal, the Haitian Campaign Medal with one star, the World War I
Victory Medal with West Indies clasp & one star, the Yangtze Service Medal, the American Defense Service
Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four stars. The World War
II Victory Medal, the Haitian Distinguished Service Medal, the Haitian Medaille militaire with 1 silver star,
the Companion of the Order of the Bath (United Kingdom - Honorary), the Knight Commander of the Order
of the British Empire (United Kingdom - Honorary), the Peruvian Cruz de Aviación de Primera Clase, the
Ecuadorian Order of Abdon Calderon, 1st Class, the Netherlands Knights Grand Cross in the Order of
Orange-Nassau with swords, the Chinese Order of Pao Ting (Precious Tripod) with Special Cravat, and the
French Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor.
He co-authored a book chronicling his experiences in World War II, "The Memoirs of General A. A.
Vandegrift Commandant of the U.S. Marines in WW II." He received an honorary degree of Doctor of
Military Science from Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University) in Chester, Pennsylvania,
and honorary degrees of Doctor of Law from Harvard, Colgate, Brown, Columbia, and Maryland Universities
and John Marshall College. He died at the age of 86. In 1982 the Navy frigate USS Vandegrift was named in
his honor. He was portrayed in the 1960 film "The Gallant Hours" by actor Raymond Bailey, the 2006 film
"Flags of Our Fathers" by actor Chris Bauer, and the 2010 HBO television miniseries "The Pacific" by actor
Stephen Leeder. General Vandegrift died on May 8, 1973, at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda,
Maryland, after a long illness. His interment was on May 10, 1973 at the Arlington National Cemetery.
66
[Source: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=12459 and
www.history.army.mil/html/moh/wwII-t-z.html Jan 2015 ++]
* Military History *
Aviation Art 80
► Above and Beyond
Above and Beyond
by Philip E. West
The SR-71 Blackbird was the worlds fastest and highest flying jet aircraft. For over 23 years, the SR-71s
gathered highly classified intelligence around the world for the President of the United States, the Central
Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the Pentagon and other governmental agencies, allowing
them to make crucial political and military decisions during the Cold War. [Source:
http://www.brooksart.com/Aboveandbeyond.html Dec 2014 ++]
********************************
67
Military Trivia 98
► Prize Money
The awarding of Prize Money was not an automatic happening. Claims for the bounty were usually heard in
a Prize Court, which would consider whether or not a ship has been lawfully captured or seized in time of
war or under the terms of the seizing ship's letters of marque and reprisal. A letter of marque and reprisal was
a government license authorizing a person (known as a privateer or corsair) to attack and capture enemy
vessels and bring them before admiralty courts for condemnation and sale. Effectively, this converted a
private merchant vessel into a naval auxiliary. A commissioned privateer enjoyed the protection of the laws
of war. If captured, the crew of a ship holding a letter of marque was entitled to honorable treatment as
prisoners of war – but the crew of a ship without the license were deemed to be nothing more than pirates "at
war with all the world," and hanged as criminals. A Prize Court could order the sale or destruction of the
seized ship, and the distribution of any proceeds to the captain and crew of the seizing ship - customarily all
or part of the value of a captured ship and its cargo was passed on to the capturing captain for distribution to
his crew. A Prize Court could also order the return of a seized ship to its owners if the seizure was unlawful
- such as if it was seized from a country which had proclaimed its neutrality.
For much of its history – until the 20th century - the United States Navy awarded prize. Commodore John
Barry (1745-1803) captured numerous British prizes during the Revolution and holds the record for prize
money returns in a single voyage. Commerce raiding by private vessels ended with the American Civil War,
but Navy officers remained eligible for prize money for a bit longer. The United States continued paying
prizes to naval officers in the Spanish-American War, but in 1900 it was decided to abolish the practice, on
the grounds that often those who ran the greatest risk had the least chance to claim prize. As an example
from the Spanish-American War, the men who served on blockade off Santiago and then fought the Spanish
Fleet on July 3, 1898, received no prize, while the crews of some cruisers that had intercepted defenseless
merchant ships on the high seas received handsome prize awards. Over the 10-week Spanish American War,
some $2,000,000 was voted for distribution to the victors over battered Spanish hulks, and prize courts
awarded other sums.
The practice of taking prize for money was abjured by statute during World War I. The U.S. prize courts
adjudicated no cases resulting from its own takings in either World War I or World War II (although the U.
S. Supreme Court did rule [243 U.S. 124 (1917)] on a German prize taken - the S. S. Appam - that was
brought to and held at Hampton Roads by the British Navy). Under contemporary international law and
treaties, nations may still bring enemy vessels before their prize courts, to be condemned and sold. But no
nation now offers a share to the officers or crew who risked their lives in the capture. Per United States Law,
10 U.S.C. §§ 7651–7681, the district courts have exclusive jurisdiction in prize cases. However, due to
changes in the nature of naval warfare, no prize cases have been heard since the statutes were adopted in
1956.
S.S. Appam
68
The crewmen of USS Omaha (CL–4) hold the distinction of being the last American sailors to receive
prize money, for the taking a German blockade runner on 6 November 1941, just before America's entry into
World War II, though the money would not be awarded until 1947. According to her Dictionary of American
Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS) entry, Omaha was on neutrality patrol with another ship when in midAtlantic near the Equator, Omaha sighted a vessel which aroused much suspicion by her actions. Refusing
to satisfactorily identify herself, and taking evasive actions, the stranger was ordered to heave to. She flew
the American flag and carried the name Willmoto of Philadelphia on her stern. The freighter, as it turned out,
was the German ship Odenwald, and her capture is considered one of the great dramas of American
seamanship.
USS Omaha crew members posing on the deck of the Odenwald
Odenwald was taken to Puerto Rico, and an admiralty court ruled that since the ship was illegally claiming
American registration, there were sufficient grounds for confiscation. A legal case was started claiming that
the crews of Omaha and Somers had salvage rights because Odenwald 's crew attempting to scuttle the ship
was the equivalent of abandoning her. The court case – finally settled in 1947 – ruled the members of the
boarding party and the prize crew were entitled to $3,000 apiece while all the other crewmen in Omaha and
Somers were entitled to two months’ pay and allowances. Sadly, by the time of the decision, both Omaha
and Somers had already gone to the scrap yard.
Currently, in whatever war(s) the US may engage in, while military property may be seized by the
victorious party after a war or battle, it is no longer the case that those that capture the property have a
personal interest (capture for the bounty) – though such property is still considered a prize of war. The Hague
Conventions of 1899 and 1907 allow for war materiel to be claimed as trophies of war. So does US law and
military regulations - Army Regulation 870-20 –Army Museums, Historical Artifacts, and Art states,
“…captured enemy equipment is U. S. Government property.”. As one example, the USCGC Eagle (WIX327) is a reparation prize from the conclusion of World War II, originally the German ship SSS Horst
Wessel. The US Army Ordnance Museum has quite a collection of enemy weapons. As well, various
museums throughout the United States hold quantities of military materiel captured during various military
conflicts – for one example, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL, displays the German
submarine known as U-505. [Source: About U.S. Military | Patrick Long | Dec. 23, 2014 ++]
*********************************
69
Military Kits
► 2014 Helmland Province | Close-Support Sapper, Royal Engineers
Personal equipment carried by the common British soldier:
1. Silva compass - used for basic navigation and fire control orders
2. Karabiner - used for securing kit and equipment to the vehicles
3. Osprey body armor shoulder and neck attachments - the armor increases protection but can be very
restrictive so these parts are detachable depending on the threat assessment
4. Osprey body armor; can be fitted with pouches to carry everything from ammunition, water, first aid kits
and grenade or with plates and protective attachments (as shown)
5. Notebook
6. Warm weather hat
7. Spare clothing including underwear trousers, UBAS (Under body Armor Shirt) and normal shirt
8. Dog tags
9. A desert issued belt
10. Beret - used for repatriation ceremonies, vigils and large parades
11. Shemagh - to soak up sweat and also a dust guard
12. Gloves
13. Sandals – issued kit, as soldiers may need to run for cover even while showering
14. Boots
15. Multi tool
16. Wash kit
17. GSR - general service respirator
18. A housewife – a basic sewing kit; a soldier has to repair his own rips and tears on the ground
19. Socks, scarf, wristwatch
20. Camel pack - drinking water pack
21. Cooker and mug and tea making kit
22. Rations - quantity will depend on the task but soldiers normally carry about 24 hours worth
23. First aid kit including the (black) tourniquet and (grey) first field dressing
70
24. Ballistic protection - used to protect the groin from IED blast
25. Knee pads - offer protection to a soldier whilst "taking a knee" from the heat of the ground or rocky areas
26. Sleeping bag with an inflatable roll mat
27. Camera, cigarettes
28. Radio - BOWMAN Radio system (HF, VHF or even SAT Comms), daysack could also be fitted with
ECM (Electronic counter measures)
29. Personal role radio - used for line of sight communications within a small patrol
30. Magazine
31. Envelopes
32. Mine extraction kit fitted with a mine prodder, instruction and mine marking kit
33. Weapon cleaning kit
34. Holster
35. Pistol - used as a second weapon system and in confined spaces or where a "long" weapon is unsuitable.
Sig and Glock have mostly replaced the Browning 9mm caliber
36. Bar mine - anti-tank landmine
37. Head torch - can be fitted with colored lenses for more tactical situations
38. Bayonet and bayonet scabbard
39. SA80 A2 fitted with a desert hand guard, upgraded flash eliminator and bipod, all issued for Afghanistan
and a SUSAT sight system. It is 5.56 caliber and is here issued with 6 magazines which can hold 30 rounds
each
40. Ballistic eye protection - normally goggles or sunglasses
41. Mk 6 Helmet fitted with Helmet mounted night vision systems
42. iPad - personal effect for down time
43. Poncho
[Source: The Telegraph | Inventories of war | Aug 07, 2014 ++]
*********************************
Military History
► Pearl Harbor | Ed Solace
Ed Johann was aboard USS Solace, a hospital ship, in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese military attacked on
Dec. 7, 1941. Though he rescued many casualties, what he remembers most aren't the heroics, but the
horrors, the fires, the men. He was only 17. Johann had joined the military before the war to receive the
salary - $21 a month, sending $10 home each month to his parents. Johann said the "hard times," the Great
Depression, hit his family and the money he could send home from the Navy was a "big plus" for them.
Johann worked as part of a sort of taxi service, taking men to the PX for supplies, to visit family and friends
or to the mainland to walk on solid ground. "The morning of Dec. 7 we were already down at the end of the
gangway, taking the fellas that wanted to do that, when the attack started,” he said.
"Pearl Harbor turned into a harbor of hell in a short while," he said. More than 2,000 servicemen would
die, and another more than 1,100 would be wounded. Johann and his fellow seamen began pulling bodies
from the bay. "We handled the first [American] casualties of World War II that morning." "I just a young
kid, practically. I was a boy sailor. All I could think about was trying to help the other fellas. A lot of them
were injured, some were calm. A lot were injured; some were screaming in shock and pain. There were a
lot of burns. "Some of the oil in the water was on fire . ... If you went to pull guys out of the water by their
arm, skin would just slip off . ... "And all this time, the planes were bombing, the planes were strapping, the
planes were dropping torpedoes. The casualties were stacking up faster than we could handle them because
71
of the intensifying of that." Even so, the men on Solace continued to save men, eventually earning Johann a
commendation from his service, particularly because he "went alongside of the burning USS Arizona in
order to rescue casualties while the crew of that ship were abandoning ship." Johann said that the next day,
the wounded dead were taken to the mainland. "They didn't have dog tags yet. They just had tags tied on
their big toes, says 'unknown, unknown.'"
Johann would go on to serve in the Pacific theater, including Guadalcanal among others, and was
discharged in 1945. "After the war was over, then we could breathe easy, but by then I was well-trained on
these battle scenes." The experience of that terrifying day impacted the rest of his life, but not in the way
one might expect. "I figured if I live through this I’m gonna spend the rest of my life trying to save people,
which is why I got into the fire department and mountain rescue afterwards," he said. Johann went on to
serve as a firefighter in Oregon for nearly 30 years. He lives in a cottage he built in Lincoln City, Ore.
[Source: American Legion } Legiontown | October 12, 2014 ++]
********************************
D-Day
►
Doomed Troop Transfer at Sea
A Coast Guard LCI, listing to port, pulls alongside a transport ship to evacuate her troops and
wounded just before the craft capsized and sank during the initial invasion.
Helmeted troops, with full packs, are all to the starboard side.
*********************************
72
WWII Prewar Events
► Munich Populace Cheers Hitler Nov 1933
Adolf Hitler is shown being cheered as he rides through the streets of Munich, Germany, November
9, 1933, during the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the National Socialist movement
*********************************
WWII PostWar Events
► Mingling of Cultures Tokyo Jan 1946
An American G.I. places his arm around a Japanese girl as they view the surroundings of Hibiya
Park, near the Tokyo palace of the emperor, on January 21, 1946.
*********************************
73
Spanish American War Image 50
► Loading supplies in Tampa 1898
Loading camp supplies at Tampa (1898)
*********************************
Military History Anniversaries
► 16 Jan thru 14 Feb
Significant events in U.S. Military History over the next 30 days are listed in the attachment to this Bulletin
titled, “Military History Anniversaries 16 Jan thru 14 Feb”.
*********************************
WWI in Photos 118
► Equipment for the Austro-Hungarian army
Unloading of a horse in Tschanak Kale, Turkey, equipment for the Austro-Hungarian army.
74
*********************************
Faces of WAR (WWII)
► Army's First All-Black Combat Division
Army's first all-black combat division, the 93rd, on parade after a 25-mile hike in the sweltering heat
at Fort Huachuca AZ. 1943
* Health Care *
TRICARE Cancer Screenings Update 05
► Cervical Health Awareness Month
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cervical cancer was the leading cause
of death by cancer for women in the United States. Over the last forty years, the number of cervical cancer
cases and deaths has dramatically decreased thanks to cervical cancer awareness. This January, TRICARE is
urging beneficiaries to raise their own awareness about this disease and take preventive measures to safeguard
against cervical cancer. The first step in protecting yourself from cervical cancer is to schedule your wellwoman visit. Cervical cancer is highly curable when detected and treated in the early stages. Cervical cancer
usually doesn’t show signs or symptoms in the early stages but, as the cancer advances, some women may
notice abnormal symptoms. If you experience any discomfort, it is important to visit your doctor. TRICARE
covers pelvic exams and Pap smear testing for women 18 years of age or older (or younger if sexually active).
75
Cervical Health Awareness Month is also a chance to raise awareness about how women can protect
themselves from the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease,
and according to the CDC, the cause of most cervical cancers. HPV is a common virus than can be passed
from one person to another during sex. There are numerous types of HPV, but certain types can cause changes
in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer. TRICARE covers two HPV vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix,
to protect against the types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. HPV vaccines are given in a series of three
shots. The CDC recommends the series begin between the ages of 11 and 12 for females. Females who did
not receive the vaccine at the recommended age can still get the vaccine up until the age of 26. While HPV
is one of the most common causes of cervical cancer, other risk factors can cause this type of cancer. In
addition to having HPV, the CDC says the following risk factors are associated with cervical cancer:
 Smoking
 Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for the body to
fight off health problems
 Using birth control pills for a long time (five or more years)
 Giving birth to three or more children
TRICARE covers HPV testing as a cervical cancer screening when performed in conjunction with a Pap
smear for women aged 30 and older. To learn more about cervical cancer facts, symptoms and preventive
measures, visit the CDC’s cervical cancer page http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/index.htm. For more
information on TRICARE’s coverage of the Pap test and HPV vaccines, visit our covered services tool at
http://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered.aspx. [Source: TRICARE Communications | Raise
Cervical Cancer Awareness | Jan. 02, 2015 ++]
********************************
Glaucoma Update 03
► Glaucoma Awareness Month | JAN
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to remind all Veterans to take action now to prevent this
sight-stealing disease. One-and-a-half million Veterans have a vision threatening eye disease, including
285,000 with glaucoma. African-American Veterans should especially get their eyes checked regularly as
glaucoma is six-to-eight times more common in African-Americans than Caucasians. Also, among Hispanic
populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness.
The test for glaucoma is painless.
76
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve, a bundle of over one million nerves that
convey vision from the eye to the brain, slowly becomes damaged over time. In many cases, blood flow to
the optic nerve is reduced and may be further reduced by increased fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly
rising, leading to vision loss or even blindness. The highest risk group is those Veterans over 60. Other risk
factors include hypertension, but also too-low blood pressure, especially during the hours of sleep. Some
patients who take blood pressure medicine at bedtime, may be at risk of dropping their blood pressure too
low during sleep, reducing blood flow to the optic nerves. In addition, patients with obstructive sleep apnea
who are untreated may have further risk for glaucoma-related damage to their optic nerves due to drops in
oxygenation when they momentarily stop breathing during sleep.
Glaucoma usually starts without any symptoms. Later, there is some loss of side vision, where objects
straight ahead are seen clearly, but objects to the side are missed. As the disease worsens, the ability to see
objects on the side is increasingly lost and eventually the center of vision is affected. The test for glaucoma
is painless. Your (VA) doctor will test the pressure in your eye by placing an instrument on its surface. If
there is a suspicion for glaucoma, the appearance and function of the optic nerve are tested with a visual field
test and a special retina camera both of which can detect damage to the optic nerves. Glaucoma is treated
with eye drops, but in some cases, eye surgery is necessary to optimally lower the eye pressure. These
treatments work to either make less fluid or to improve its drainage out of the eye. Veterans should have
regular check-ups by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to watch for changes in pressure and side vision.
Visit www.va.gov/HEALTH/NewsFeatures/2015/January/Glaucoma-Silent-Cause-of-Vision-Loss.asp to
find out more about this life-long problem. [Source: VA News | Hans Petersen | Jan 2015 ++]
********************************
Retirement Impact on Tricare
► Changes You Can Expect
When you retire from active duty, you and your family have a change in status. You and your family
members will get new ID cards and your options will change after you retire, especially if you move. You're
still eligible for TRICARE so you don't lose minimum essential coverage. Below is a a quick look at how
TRICARE changes when you retire. To learn more details more on how the change could/will affect your
situation enter your plan info at http://www.tricare.mil/About/MEC.aspx.
Your Health Plan Options - When you retire, the status change will cause you to be disenrolled from your
Prime Option. When that happen:
 You can re-enroll in TRICARE Prime if you live in a Prime Service Area (see
http://www.tricare.mil/PSA)
 You must pay annual enrollment fees. The current enrollment fees (October 1, 2014 - September
30, 2015) are $277.92 per year if single or $555.84 per year if you elect the Family option.
 You can pay your fees monthly, quarterly or annually. To learn more on how you do this refer to
http://www.tricare.mil/Costs/HealthPlanCosts/PrimeOptions/EnrollmentFees/PayingFees.aspx
 Your enrollment fees may increase annually
 You can re-enroll online, on the phone or through the mail. To learn more on how to do this refer to
http://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Enroll/Prime.aspx.
 Your enrollment must be completed within 30 days of your retirement date to avoid a break in
coverage, or, you and your family can use any of these health plans:
 TRICARE Standard and Extra
 US Family Health Plan (in specific U.S. locations)
77


TRICARE For Life (with Medicare Part A & B coverage)
TRICARE Standard Overseas
Covered Services - Some services are no longer covered when you retire. These include: Hearing aids,
TRICARE Extended Care Health Option services for family members, Chiropractic car, and Eye exams for
all plans except TRICARE Prime. Your dental plan option will be the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program.
Costs - While on active duty, you paid nothing out-of-pocket and your family's costs were minimal. As a
retiree, you'll see an increase in costs. Depending on your TRICARE plan, your new costs may include:
 Annual TRICARE Prime enrollment fees
 TRICARE Prime network copayments
 TRICARE Standard and Extra costs increase by 5%
 Catastrophic cap increases from $1,000 to $3,000 annually per family. In the fiscal year you retire,
any amounts accrued on active duty apply to your retired family cap
 There is no change in your prescription costs.
Miscellaneous. Family members who are eligible for Medicare must have Medicare Part B coverage to stay
eligible for TRICARE when you retire. Also, If you move after you retire, be sure to update your address in
DEERS (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect).
Source: TRICARE Life Event t http://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Retiring.aspx Jan 2015 ++]
********************************
Heart Health for Women
► Cause of 400,000 Deaths a Year
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, are the No. 1 cause of death for American women, claiming
over 400,000 lives annually—nearly one death each minute. It is important to know that women often
experience different and less-obvious warning signs and symptoms than men. Chest pain is the most common
heart attack warning sign for both men and women, but women may experience symptoms that could be
mistaken for acid reflux, the flu or normal aging. This can result in misdiagnosis or a delay in necessary
treatment. Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that women often experience new
or different physical symptoms as long as a month or more before experiencing heart attacks. The American
Heart Association (AHA) notes the below heart attack signs for women If you experience any of these
symptoms, call 911 and get to the hospital immediately.




Pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest or upper back. It might last more than
a few minutes, or it might be intermittent.
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, light-headedness, extreme fatigue, dizziness or fainting.
Fortunately, heart disease is largely preventable through healthy lifestyle choices. Maintaining a nutritious
diet including fruits and vegetables, quitting tobacco and getting regular exercise (even walking for 30
minutes a day) can dramatically lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Your health care provider can help
you learn more about your personal risk, and you can find more information at the American Heart
Association website, http://www.heart.org. Additional information is available at:
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

American Heart Association Cardiovascular Disease Facts http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heartpublic/@wcm/@adv/documents/downloadable/ucm_302256.pdf
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack/HeartAttack-Symptoms-in-Women_UCM_436448_Article.jsp
[Source: TRICARE Health Matters (West): 2015—Issue 1: 2015 ++]
********************************
Colds Update 03 ►
Vitamin C and Zinc Impact
If you’re like many people, you quickly reach for vitamin C and zinc when you feel the symptoms of a cold
set in. Unfortunately, the two aren’t the magical cold-killing supplements you might be hoping for. For most
people keeping hydrated and getting as much rest as possible helps beat a cold. According to Consumer
Reports (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/12/vitamin-c-for-colds/index.htm) vitamin C has
little impact on a cold. Here are four reasons you might want to rethink popping vitamin C when you feel a
cold coming on:
 Too late. If you’re regularly taking vitamin C, your cold might be shorter by a day. But drinking
vitamin C drinks and popping vitamins after your cold sets in won’t help cure your cold.
 Kidney stones. A study cited by CR found that men who regularly take vitamin C are twice as likely
to develop kidney stones. Yikes.
 You’ll get rid of it. Whatever vitamin C your body doesn’t absorb will leave your body with your
urine. So taking more than the daily recommendation offers no extra benefits.
 Stomach issues. Ingesting more than 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C can cause stomach cramps and
diarrhea, CR said.
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Consumer Reports also recommends skipping zinc during cold season. Here’s why:
 No symptom relief. CR said tests have shown that people who take zinc regularly a day or two
before their cold begins may shorten their cold by a day. Unfortunately, “taking zinc had no effect
whatsoever on the severity of the [cold] symptoms,” CR said.
 Icky side effects. Zinc not only leaves a gross taste in your mouth, it can also cause nausea. The cold
symptoms may be easier to tolerate than the side effects of taking zinc.
 Toxic. Too much zinc can cause nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and other issues.
 Medication interaction. Zinc reacts with several medications. Check with your doctor before taking
it.
 It can cause health issues. “Getting too much zinc may increase the risk for prostate cancer, lead to
copper deficiency and neurological problems, and reduce levels of HDL (good) cholesterol,” CR
said.
 Smelling issues. CR said you should avoid using zinc in nasal preparations because it can cause you
to lose your sense of smell, sometimes permanently.
[Source: MoneyTalksNews | Krystal Steinmetz | Dec. 30, 2014 ++]
********************************
Right of First Refusal
► Military Facility’s Option to Treat
Military hospitals and clinics have what is known as the “right of first refusal” (ROFR). When a TRICARE
Prime beneficiary seeks specialty care or treatment, the military hospital or clinic must first be considered if
the services are available there. This means if the military hospital or clinic has the capability to provide
specialty care, it may choose to treat you rather than refer you to a civilian provider. ROFR applies to
TRICARE Prime beneficiaries who seek specialty care outside the military hospital or clinic. ROFR is costeffective for both the beneficiary and the TRICARE program. By using military hospitals or clinics, there is
no added cost of involving civilian providers, and the beneficiary avoids a copayment. Here is how requested
specialty care/treatment is handled:
 Humana Military sends referral requests for specialty care to the military hospital or clinic point of
contact. If no response is received, Humana Military processes the referral request as if the military
hospital or clinic declined to see the patient.
 If a military hospital or clinic chooses to treat the beneficiary, they may contact the beneficiary to
schedule an appointment. Humana Military will also notify the beneficiary of the military hospital
or clinic’s acceptance and provide instructions for scheduling an appointment.
 For questions call Humana Military at 1-800-444-5445 or visit http://www.humana-military.com
[Source: TRICARE Health Matters - South Issue 1: 2015 ++]
********************************
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
► What to Look For
Watch for Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression
that occurs during the same season each year and is believed to be related to changes in the amount of natural
sunlight during the different seasons. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, SAD is
characterized by the onset of depression in the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight, with
depression lifting in spring and summer. Although SAD can affect people anywhere, it is more common the
farther north you live. Classic symptoms of SAD include oversleeping, daytime fatigue, weight gain and
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craving carbohydrates. Additionally, many people experience signs of depression such as lethargy, lack of
interest in normal activities, decreased socialization, decreased sexual interest, hopelessness and suicidal
thoughts.
It can be difficult to diagnose SAD because its symptoms are similar to other types of depression. To be
diagnosed with SAD, the following pattern of experiences should be observed for at least the past two years:
 Depression beginning during a specific season every year.
 Depression ending during a specific season every year.
 No episodes of depression during seasons in which you experience a normal mood.
 Many more seasons of depression than seasons without depression over the lifetime of your illness
Treatment for SAD may include light therapy, medication and psychotherapy. Light therapy is the main
therapy for SAD and consists of sitting in front of a specialized light box exposing you to bright light, which
simulates outdoor light. Of the three different types of treatments, light therapy starts working the fastest and
causes the fewest side effects. You can also increase the amount of light you get during the winter months
by opening the blinds in your home, going for walks on sunny days or sitting near bright windows at home
or work. Although there is no cure for SAD, it can be treated and managed. If you believe you are
experiencing symptoms of SAD, make an appointment to see your health care provider. For additional info
on SAD refer to:
 http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
 http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=
 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/
[Source: TRICARE Health Matters (North): 2015—Issue 1 ++]
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TRICARE Retired Reserve Update 06
► Cost of Premiums Issue
The Defense Department put the finishing touches on the four-year-old program that provides health care
coverage to retired reservists, just before the 2015 premium rates took effect on 1 JAN. Defense published
its final rule on TRICARE Retired Reserve on 31 DEC, though the program has been available to eligible
reservists and their family members since late 2010 after Congress created the health insurance option in the
fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. The final rule, which takes effect on 30 JAN, was mostly a
formality, but it did address an issue that has concerned some since the plan took effect: the cost of premiums.
Of the 92 comments submitted on the rule, 76 commenters complained that the premium rates were too high.
“We recognize that the premiums were much higher than many expected,” the Defense Department wrote in
the final rule. “In fulfillment of law, TRR premiums represent the full cost of delivering the benefit without
the Department of Defense absorbing any of the cost. In other words, the department cannot cover or share
any of the cost of the premiums by law; TRR members pay full-cost premiums.”
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The 2015 monthly premiums are $390.89 for self-only coverage and $961.35 for family coverage. That’s
about the same as the 2014 monthly rates, which were $390.99 and $956.65, respectively. The annual rates
have fluctuated since TRICARE Retired Reserve took effect. For example, the 2012 monthly premiums were
$419.72 for members-only and $1,024.43 for family coverage. “We endeavored to be very open and
transparent with the detailed information that we provided in the late preamble of the interim final rule about
the establishment of the TRR premiums,” the final rule stated. “Nonetheless, we would be glad to participate
in a congressionally-directed request or a request under proper and applicable authority as appropriate to
study the actuarial approach used to establish the TRR premium rates.”
TRICARE Retired Reserve allows members of the retired reserve eligible for non-regular retirement and
younger than 60 years of age, as well as certain family members and survivors, to buy health insurance
equivalent to TRICARE Standard and Extra, unless they are eligible for a health benefits plan under Chapter
89 of Title 5 in the U.S. Code. That would include the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Refer
to http://www.tricare.mil/Costs/HealthPlanCosts/TRR.aspx for additional information on TRR costs and
types of care [Source: GovExec.com | Kellie Lunney | Jan. 05, 2015 ++]
********************************
TRICARE Pharmacy Policy Update 18
► Electronic Prescribing
The Military Health System has deployed electronic prescribing in military pharmacies across its system of
clinics and hospitals in the United States (and in Guam and Puerto Rico). This capability will allow civilian
providers to send prescriptions electronically to military pharmacies, reducing the need for handwritten
prescriptions. “E-prescribing is a great new service at military pharmacies,” said Dr. George Jones, chief of
the Defense Health Agency Pharmacy Operation Division. “E-prescribing makes military pharmacies a more
attractive and convenient option for doctors and patients, and it aligns the Military Health System with current
best pharmacy practices.” E-prescribing is a safe and efficient option already adopted by most civilian
pharmacies and providers. It can help reduce prescription errors and has the potential to decrease wait times
at military pharmacies. When a prescription comes into a pharmacy electronically, it allows the pharmacist
to resolve issues before the patient arrives. Beneficiaries can ask their doctor to look for their local military
pharmacies in the e-prescribing database/networks. Military hospitals and clinics will not be able to accept
electronic prescriptions for controlled substances. Beneficiaries will still need a hand written prescription for
these medications. To learn more about TRICARE’s pharmacy benefits, visit the TRICARE website
http://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy. [Source: TRICARE Communications | Jan. 08, 2015 ++]
********************************
Certificate of Creditable Coverage Update 01
► No Longer Required
TRICARE will no longer send beneficiaries certificates of creditable coverage when they lose TRICARE
eligibility. These certificates are no longer needed when beneficiaries transition off TRICARE. Beneficiaries
will instead receive notice that their TRICARE coverage is ending. The Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act (ACA) passed by Congress in 2011 changes the law so that insurers cannot deny you coverage
based on preexisting conditions. Before this law went into effect, when you switched health plans, you had
to prove to your new plan that you had coverage before joining them; otherwise they might not cover you for
prior illnesses or injuries you had. With this change in the law, you don’t need a certificate to prove you had
coverage.
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TRICARE beneficiaries can lose their coverage for several reasons. Some of the most common include
separating from active duty, aging out or choosing to stop paying for a premium based TRICARE plan. When
beneficiaries receive notice that their coverage is ending, it will include relevant information about other
TRICARE options like the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) and ways for beneficiaries
to explore their options on the state ACA health exchanges. All TRICARE health plans exceed the ACA
requirement that health coverage must offer a level of minimal essential coverage. If you are looking for
other health insurance, you're encouraged to explore your options through the Market Place at
http://www.healthcare.gov. The current open season runs from November 15 through February 15, 2015.
Beneficiaries eligible to purchase TRICARE premium based plans (TRICARE Retired Reserve,
TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Young Adult, and the Continuing Health Care Plan Benefit) who
choose not to purchase this coverage, may qualify for premium assistance or state Medicaid based on income,
family size, and state of residence. They should go to http://www.healthcare.gov or contact their state
marketplace for assistance. [Source: TRICARE Communications | Jan. 12, 2014 ++]
* Finances *
Price Increases Update 01
► TWC & Turbo Tax
TWC – Time Warner Cable is increasing its monthly modem lease fee from $5.99 to $8, a 34 percent
increase. It’s also adding a $2.75 fee for its sports channels, regardless of whether you watch them, and
increasing its monthly charge for local channels by 50 cents, to $2.75. According to the Orange County
Register, TWC said higher programming costs are to blame for the boost in its channel fees. “Broadcast and
sports programming costs are by far the biggest drivers of higher TV prices,” said spokesman Dennis
Johnson. “Our fees paid to local broadcast channels have soared 60 percent the past two years alone and the
cost of cable sports networks has increased 91 percent since 2008.”
TWC recently upgraded its customers’ Internet modems for free. Columnist David Lazarus of the Los
Angeles Times writes: In October, the company notified Internet customers that because it was adding more
zip to its Los Angeles broadband network, it would provide customers with faster modems. The company
said new average speeds, depending on your service level, would be three to six times faster — at no added
cost. That was then. Those faster modems are now a third more expensive. Lazarus said TWC’s hefty modem
charge will cost nearly $100 a year. Or you could simply purchase your own high-speed modem for a onetime fee of about $130. That sounds like a better alternative.
TWC’s Johnson defended the heftier modem fee. Lazarus wrote: “Johnson said the fatter modem fee
‘reflects our investment in new modems that support these faster speeds and better Internet experience,’
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which basically means that even though the company didn’t charge people for the upgrade at the time, it’s
charging them now.” The new fees won’t impact customers who have locked into promotional package
pricing. “The company said around 75 percent of its customers who have TV plans with sports programming
will not be affected by sports surcharges because they are in promotional pricing,” the Orange County
Register said. Meanwhile, you will soon be able to get ESPN without a cable subscription, and HBO has also
announced a stand-alone streaming service that’s expected to launch before the season premiere of “Game
of Thrones.”
o-o-O-o-oTurbo Tax – Millions of Americans turn to TurboTax to help them prepare their taxes. But a change in this
year’s desktop version of its best-selling TurboTax Deluxe has angered many users. ConsumerWorld.org
founder Edgar Dworsky said this year’s TurboTax Deluxe edition, which runs about $50, no longer includes
the questions necessary to fill in Schedule C, D and E, which deal with self-employment, investments and
rental income. If you want the forms, you’re forced to upgrade to other versions of TurboTax at a cost of $30
to $40. Dworsky said: What a clever ploy. Yank out key parts of the program that people have used for years,
and then charge them more money to get back the missing pieces. Imagine the reaction of perhaps millions
of regular TurboTax users who may learn partway through doing their taxes that they have to pay an upgrade
fee just to get the same functionality they’ve always enjoyed. They are not going to be happy.
Dworsky is right. Many TurboTax customers are irate. Check out some of their comments on Amazon
where 486 of the 598 reviewers give the program a dismal one-star rating. One particularly vocal customer,
who calls himself “M in SC,” titled his one-star Amazon review of TurboTax Deluxe, “I hate being gouged,
and I hate weasel word explanations even more.” He said he has been a satisfied TurboTax customer since
the 1990s, but he would give the 2014 edition of TurboTax Deluxe zero stars if it were possible
(http://www.amazon.com/TurboTax-Deluxe-State-SoftwareRefund/dp/B00NG7JVSQ/ref=cm_rdp_product?amp;tag=montalnew-20&tag=viglink21182-20).
[Source: MoneyTalksNews | Krystal Steinmetz | Jan. 08, 2015 ++]
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Household Everyday Items Cost
►
5 Over $500 per Gallon
We balk at the price of orange juice as it nears $6.50 a gallon, and no doubt grumbled about the price of gas
when it hit almost $4 a gallon, but those prices may seem like a bargain when compared with these everyday
items, all of which cost more than $500 a gallon.. Anything that costs more than $3.91 per ounce adds up to
$500 a gallon. And you’d be surprised at what you’re using that costs that much. (Note: For this list prices
on Amazon as of Oct. 23 were used unless noted otherwise.)
1. Eye drops — $3,336 per gallon. Dry eyes? Allergies? If you suffer from either, then, like me, you
probably keep a bottle of eye drops handy at all times. Those tiny vials of liquid comfort aren’t cheap. For
example, a bottle of Systane, the brand I carry because my eye doctor recommended it, runs $26.06 per ounce.
2. Makeup — $704 per gallon. Most women will tell you that keeping up appearances can be expensive.
Whether it’s higher prices for basics like shaving cream or shampoo designed for women, or pricier services
like hair color, manicures or waxing, the costs of a beauty regimen add up. One example: liquid foundation.
Even a relatively inexpensive brand, such as CoverGirl Clean, runs $5.50 an ounce.
3. Printer ink — $1,664 per gallon (or more!). Comparing the per-ounce price of printer ink is nearly
impossible because package labels don’t state the volume of ink contained within each cartridge. But
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Consumer Reports has researched it and, according to this infographic, they pegged it at $13 to $75 per ounce.
Even more disconcerting, their research has found that significant amounts of ink may be used for printer
maintenance chores.
4. “Safe” sunscreen — $608 per gallon. You can buy sunscreen inexpensively if you go for generic brands
or big bottles, but if you want to buy sunscreen that meets the Environmental Working Group’s standards for
“safe sunscreen,” it’s going to cost you quite a bit more. For example, the sunscreen I purchased after
reviewing that list, TruKid, runs $4.75 per ounce. I love it, but I live in Florida and at that price it is tempting
to use a bargain brand.
5. Insulin — at least $36,903 per gallon. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
29.1 million Americans have diabetes and about 6 million use insulin, either alone or with oral medication.
Dr. David Belk, a practicing physician and founder of TrueCostOfHealthcare.org, looked at the average
prices all pharmacies paid in the U.S. the week of Oct. 8 and found that for the most commonly prescribed
insulins, prices ranged from $9.75 to $9.80 per milliliter to $21.51 per milliliter. With insurance, of course,
your co-pay may be lower, but many patients still struggle to pay the cost of this lifesaving medication.
While you may not be buying a gallon of these items at one time, the cost can add up. And whether you
are a small-business owner who relies on your home office printer to get work done, or a diabetic who needs
insulin to stay healthy, you may find these purchases essential. If you charge them to a credit card and can’t
pay them off in full, you’ll pay even more when you add in the cost of debt. You may even affect your credit
scores, since credit card balances that total more than 20 to 25 percent of your available credit can affect your
credit scores. [Source: MoneyTalksNews | Gerri Detweiler | Nov. 25, 2014 ++]
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Freebies
► What Used to be But Now Isn’t
If you feel as though you’re being nickel-and-dimed by businesses nowadays, that’s probably because you
are. Of course, the pricing varies from region to region. Here are a few you might remember:
1. Hotel amenities - You’d think if you go to a hotel advertising a pool and Wi-Fi, those items would be
included in the room rate. But apparently not. According to Travel+Leisure, hotels started tacking on resort
fees in the late 1990s to cover the cost of everything from “complimentary” newspapers to maintaining the
on-site gym. It doesn’t matter if you don’t swim, don’t have a computer or don’t care about current events.
Many hotels assess resort fees no matter what. At some properties, the number of additional fees tacked onto
the room rate has gotten a bit crazy, as the article at http://www.moneytalksnews.com/hotels-still-packingon-hidden-resort-fees shows.
2. Drink refills - You used to be able to go into any restaurant, virtually anywhere, and get free refills on
drinks such as soda pop and coffee. However, reports have started surfacing that free refills are being phased
out in some areas. One man was even slapped with a $525 fine for helping himself to a free refill. (Subsequent
reports indicate that fine was later revoked.)
3. Extras at restaurants - You used to get a free handful of dipping sauces when you asked for extras at
McDonald’s. Nowadays, if I want more than two, you need to fork over some extra cash. McDonald’s isn’t
alone. The pizza place no longer gives free extra cheese, and at a burger joint recently that charged a $1.25
fee to share a meal with a friend. CNN’s Eatocracy at http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2013/08/08/8-restaurantsurcharges-that-dont-make-sense-and-8-that-do/ has a list of eight other restaurant surcharges you probably
never had to pay in the past.
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4. Water - Water is still free in many places, but some apparently prefer to pay through the nose for the
bottled variety even though it may be the same as what comes from the tap. And our willingness to pay for
bottles seems to have led some restaurants to decide that water will no longer be a freebie for diners.
5. Airplane-everything - In the olden days, you would buy a plane ticket, check your bags and maybe enjoy
some free in-flight entertainment via a movie projected on a wall. The attendants would give you peanuts, a
drink and maybe even a meal if you were on board long enough. Today, you buy a plane ticket and then find
yourself shelling out money for everything from your checked bag to your boarding pass to an in-flight
blanket. A 2013 study (http://www.ideaworkscompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Press-Release-89Ancillary-Revenue-Top-10.pdf) found that airline ancillary revenue (read: mostly fees) has increased 1,200
percent since 2007.
6. Returning a rental car - An article on U.S. News & World Report notes that rental car companies have
also found ways to tack on extra charges to the base price of their vehicles.
(http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/06/21/5-lesser-known-facts-about-renting-a-car)
Most egregious seems to be the early-return fee. Hertz says its $11 fee is “to compensate them in part for
their inability to rent your vehicle during the time reserved for your use.”
7. TV - Like water, you can still get TV for free. Unfortunately, we seem to have hit the point where paying
for our on-screen entertainment seems to be a given for many Americans. If you are fed up with paying
check out the article at http://www.moneytalksnews.com/you-can-stop-paying-for-cable-tv-now.
8. Air - Once upon a time, every gas station in my town had a free air pump. Today, you need a dollar. On
the positive side, at least some station’s pumps take credit cards, so you no longer have to hunt for quarters
in the change jar. FreeAirPump.com (http://www.freeairpump.com) maintains a user-generated directory of
free pumps. The site also says California and Connecticut drivers are entitled by state law to free air at service
stations (free in California with a purchase of gas).
9. Checking accounts - Not long ago, every bank and credit union offered free checking. Then the CARD
Act came along. It limited bank profits from credit cards, and government regulations ended the banks’
practice of automatically enrolling customers in so-called overdraft protection, another moneymaker for
financial institutions. As a result free checking accounts dried up. You can still find them, but you may need
to jump through some hoops first. (Note: Most military orientated credit unions still offer them).
10. ATM service - Hard to believe that a 1998 Bankrate article said that KeyBank actually paid its customers
25 cents for using an ATM rather than dealing with their tellers ATM fees hit a record high this year, clocking
in at an average of $4.35 per out-of-network transaction. (www.bankrate.com/brm/news/chk/19981027.asp).
11. Bill payment - There’s nothing quite like being charged a fee for the privilege of paying a bill. And yet,
that’s exactly what some companies do now. It seems as though, in the past, they were just happy to get your
money, without making you pay more in order to hand it over. You mostly run into these convenience fees
if you try to pay on the phone, but they occasionally crop up online as well. At least it’s still free to send a
check in the mail if you don’t consider the cost of the stamp and envelop.
12. National parks - Entrance fees didn’t become a fixture at more than 100 sites administered by the
National Park Service until the 1980s. Now, in most parks there is an entrance fee or pass requirement to
visit them with the exception of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. National parks are also free to
those that are under 16, disabled, visit on one of the National Park entrance fee days listed below, or are on
active duty or an active duty family member, To minimize your cost check out
http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm. To locate a park go to http://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm.
 January 19, 2015 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
 February 14 – 16, 2015 (Presidents’ Day weekend)
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



April 18 – 19, 2015 (National Park Week’s opening weekend)
August 25, 2015 (National Park Service’s 99th birthday)
September 26, 2015 (National Public Lands Day)
November 11, 2015 (Veterans Day)
13. Directory assistance - Remember when you used to pick up the phone, dial “0” and ask the operator to
connect you to a number? You can still do that by dialing 411 or 555-1212. However, while the service used
to be free, most companies now charge. For example, AT&T says directory assistance costs $1.79, while
U.S. Cellular charges $1.99 per call plus standard rates.
14. School sports - Back when we were in middle and high school, school sports typically didn’t cost
families a penny. Those schools that did toy with the idea of a “pay-for-play” model were met with outrage
from both the community and parents. Today, it’s not unusual for schools, both public and private, to charge
those who want to participate in sports. According to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, more than 60 percent
of children who play sports today pay for the privilege. In the state of Michigan, schools responding to a
survey conducted by the Michigan High School Athletic Association charge a median participation fee of
$85 per sport.
15. Information on the Internet - In the early days of the Internet, almost everything online was free. Now
granted, it wasn’t exactly the same caliber of content you’ll find nowadays, but you couldn’t beat the price.
Today, membership sites aren’t uncommon. You may have to join to post on a message board or view content
or download reports.
[Source: MoneyTalksNews | Maryalene LaPonsie | Dec. 24, 2014 ++]
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Insulting Fees
► What to do to Work Around Them
You give me something I want, we agree on a price, I pay for it. It’s the way the world has worked for
thousands of years. These days? Not so much. Today, with an increasing number of businesses, it goes more
like this: You provide something I want, we agree on a price, I pay, and then you tack on fees to fatten your
bottom line. Unreasonable fees are more than just a drain on your finances. They’re insulting; the financial
equivalent of a cold slap in the face. Check out this TV news story for some examples
http://www.moneytalksnews.com/10-the-worlds-most-insulting-fees-and-how-beat-them/?all=1. Now, in
no particular order, here are 10 of the world’s most insulting fees. They made my list for one of three reasons:
They’re unreasonable, you’re getting little or nothing in return, or they’re ridiculously overpriced.
Airlines
1. Checked baggage fees: Most major carriers charge $25 to check one suitcase, a lot more if it’s oversized,
overweight or both. This fee didn’t exist until recent years, and for good reason: The price of a plane ticket
should obviously include luggage. Isn’t that an integral part of traveling long distance? No other travel-related
services — buses, trains, hotels, cabs or rental cars — charge for luggage. This isn’t a fee, it’s a sophomoric
attempt to disguise a higher price.
Workaround: There are two major airlines that don’t charge this insulting fee: Southwest and JetBlue,
although it allows only one free checked bag. Fly them if you can. If you can’t, check this chart or one like
it to see how much your airline is charging and use that as an incentive to pack light. Some airlines also allow
you to avoid baggage fees by using their branded credit cards. For more ideas, see 10 Tips to Save on Baggage
Fees at http://www.moneytalksnews.com/10-ultimate-tips-to-save-money-on-baggage-fees
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2. Carry-on baggage fees: At least when you pay to check a bag, there’s a service involved. Someone has to
load it, unload it, and make sure it gets safely back into your hands. Charging for a carry-on bag is charging
for nothing whatsoever. Nobody is touching your bag but you, making this fee indefensible. Spirit and
Allegiant are two airlines that do it.
Workaround: Avoid flying Spirit, Allegiant, or any airline that charges for doing nothing. If they’re the
only airlines available, drive. If that’s impossible, check with UPS or another freight carrier about shipping
bags.
3. Lap fees, pet fees: If you have a child younger than 2, it’s typically free to carry them on your lap for a
domestic flight. Leave the country, however, and you might pay a “lap fee” of 10 percent of the ticket cost.
And not the cost of your ticket, the cost of a full-fare ticket, the most expensive available. Delta, United, US
Airways and American all have some form of this policy, and for what? The airline is performing no service,
giving no extra room and no assistance, nothing. Ditto when you’re flying with Fido If you have to ship your
pet in the baggage compartment, you’d expect a handling fee. But bring them with you in the cabin, and
you’ll pay up to $125 each way, and the pet carrier counts as a carry-on. Again, the airline is doing nothing
but collecting a hefty fee.
Workaround: Check with the airline before you book the ticket to see what fees, if any, you can expect. If
they’re high, shop around: Some airlines charge less than others. Check this article for more specific
strategies on lap fees (http://www.moneytalksnews.com/the-worst-airline-fee-and-how-to-avoid-it) and this
one for flying with pets. (http://www.moneytalksnews.com/how-to-fly-with-your-pet-without-the-hassle).
Rental cars
4. Collision Damage Waiver: This is the pricey insurance replacement you’re hammered with whenever you
rent a car. If you’re not fully insured in rental cars, some type of protection is absolutely necessary. But this
waiver makes the list of insulting fees because it’s overpriced: It can cost $25 a day. Add extra liability
coverage, and you could be paying $40. That’s the equivalent of a car policy that costs $14,600 a year, with
lousy coverage. For example, CDW often refuses to pay if there’s an unauthorized driver, you’re intoxicated
or in other situations.
Workaround: If you have full-coverage insurance on your personal car, you’re probably covered in rentals.
There’s also coverage available through some credit cards as well. Check both sources to see if you can skip
this overpriced coverage at the rental counter. Be aware, however, that even if you have insurance on your
car, you could still be on the hook for “loss of use” claims by the rental car company if you have an accident
that takes the car out of service. If you’re using a credit card protection plan, be aware that not all rentals are
covered. For example, pickups and vans are often specifically excluded. The devil is in the details; don’t
leave home without them. And don’t buy any coverage at the rental car counter without fully understanding
the exclusions.
Banks
5. Credit card rates: While technically not a fee, the interest rates charged by many credit cards is outrageous.
Big banks borrow from the Federal Reserve at close to zero percent, then lend money to credit card users at
15 percent. Nice work, if you can get it.
Workaround: The obvious solution is to avoid interest by avoiding a balance. But if you’re going to pay
interest, shop for a card with a lower rate (http://www.moneytalksnews.com/credit-cards). Another idea?
Simply call your card company and ask for a better deal. Tell them you’re being solicited by other cards
offering lower rates, because you probably are.
88
6. Foreign transaction fees: This is a fee charged on credit card purchases processed outside the United
States; for example, when you use your card in Europe, or to buy something from a non-U.S. company. Banks
that charge them typically collect 3 percent of every transaction. The implication of this insulting fee is that
it’s related to the intricacies of currency conversion. But lawsuits have revealed these fees are nearly pure
profit: money for nothing.
Workaround: If there’s any chance you’ll be making purchases outside the United States, use a card that
doesn’t charge this fee. There are plenty to choose from. Check out Overseas With No Credit Card Fees.
http://www.moneytalksnews.com/ask-an-expert-going-overseas-with-no-fees
7. Overdraft fees: If you overdraw your account and the bank uses its money to cover your negative balance,
it deserves to be compensated. But how much? According to CNBC (www.cnbc.com/id/49521617?slide=2)
overdraft fees average from $30 to $34 nationwide. Charging $34 for a one-week loan on the average
overdraft of $36 equates to an annual rate of 5,000 percent.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/49521617?slide=2
Workaround: Link your savings to your checking account for overdraft protection. This might result in a
transfer fee, but it will be lower than an overdraft fee.
8. Checking, loan, and other banking fees: Not paying interest on your checking account is bad enough.
But now banks want you to pay, often upward of $100 a year, just to have an account. Want a paper statement?
Not long ago that was your only choice. Now it will cost you. Why should you pay to use an ATM, even
another bank’s? You’re saving the bank money, not costing them. When you use the automated checkout at
the grocery, they don’t charge a fee. Banks shouldn’t either.
Workaround: There’s no reason to get slapped around by any bank. If you hate yours, ditch it. Credit unions
typically charge lower interest on loans and credit cards, pay more interest on savings, and have lower overall
fees than banks. Think they don’t have enough branches? You’re probably wrong. Many credit unions belong
to a shared branch network of nearly 5,000 locations that allows members of one credit union to conduct
business at any other member credit union anywhere in the country, even overseas. And when it comes to
finding
the
nearest
participating
credit
union?
Yes,
there’s
an
app
for
that
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id357607352?mt=8) .
Hotels
9. Resort fees: The concept of paying to stay at a hotel, then paying more to use on-site amenities is
ridiculous. The Federal Trade Commission recently sent a warning letter to 22 hotels, accusing them of
potentially violating the law by bumping up the prices listed on their online reservation sites with hidden
fees. From their press release:
One common complaint consumers raised involved mandatory fees hotels charge for amenities such as
newspapers, use of onsite exercise or pool facilities, or Internet access, sometimes referred to as ‘resort fees.’
These mandatory fees can be as high as $30 per night, a sum that could certainly affect consumer purchasing
decisions. The warning letters also state that consumers often did not know they would be required to pay
resort fees in addition to the quoted hotel rate.
Workaround: Before you book a reservation, find out in advance what fees you’ll be expected to pay, and
if you hear something you don’t like, just say no. In 8 Tips to Save at Any Hotel – Even the Nation’s
Trendiest, ( http://www.moneytalksnews.com/8-ways-save-trendiest-hotels) I suggested a tactic I’ve been
using to get better hotel pricing for decades: negotiate. Explain that you’re a good customer, don’t find the
fees fair, and would like a lower price. Just make sure you’re talking to a front-desk decision-maker, not an
800-number.
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10. Internet service: When the Internet and Wi-Fi were new, perhaps it was justifiable to charge a fee to
access it. These days, charging for Internet access makes as much sense as charging for the in-room TV or
air conditioning. $15 a day?
Workaround: If you can’t find a hotel with free Wi-Fi, ask to have the fee waived when you check in. If
that’s not an option, find it free elsewhere, either in the lobby or a nearby hotspot. Free apps like WeFi,
available
for
iPhone
and
Android,
will
help
you
find
one.
Check
out
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wefi.wefi&hl=en
&
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id303513289?mt=8.
[Source: MoneyTalksNews | Stacy Johnson | Dec. 25, 2014 ++]
*********************************
Car Insurance Update 09
► Getting the Most for a Totaled Vehicle
If your car is totaled, the first thing to remember is that the insurance company is not your friend. There’s a
tendency among those of us who have had a car deemed a total loss to consider the insurance company’s
payout as a gift of sorts. That attitude, say auto insurance and repairs experts, is a mistake. You should view
the payout as negotiable, just as you would if you were selling the car without damage. The insurance
company won’t be offended if you negotiate, says Scott Benavidez of Mr. B’s Paint & Body Shop in
Albuquerque, N.M. But the first step is to evaluate your own insurance policy. That means reading the fine
print. Gone are the days when insurance companies were in lockstep about how they would determine a car
a total loss, that rule of thumb was damage equal to 70 percent of the car’s value, and what they would pay.
Today, total-loss thresholds vary by state (you can check the basics at www.carinsurance.com/Articles/totalloss-thresholds.aspx).
Also, insurers often have internal, more generous guidelines, says CarInsurance.com consumer analyst
Penny Gusner. “There is no need to routinely check with your car insurance company to see how it determines
if a car is totaled out or not. The threshold for a car being declared a total loss doesn’t change that often,”
says Gusner. “However, when consumers first obtain a policy, they should find out when their insurer
considers a vehicle to be a total loss. Ask what the threshold is and how the car insurance provider calculates
actual cash value, since that plays a part in the total-loss situation.” Once you’re satisfied that you understand
your policy, you’ll be in better shape to negotiate a fair settlement for your car. Still, facing a totaled car
settlement is unnerving at best. Keep these reminders handy to make sure you understand what you need to
do to obtain a fair value for your car.
5 ways to get the most for your vehicle
What the insurer does: The first order of business is for the insurer to scout out five vehicles that are
comparable to yours and compare their values. The insurance representative disregards the highest valued
car, the lowest valued car, and pays you based on the average of the middle three.
 The problem: Sometimes insurance companies don’t choose vehicles that are comparable to yours.
“Make sure the cars are the same, the mileage is the same,” says Kevin Parsons of ARA Collision
Carstar in Everett, Wash., and a former adjuster with Allstate Insurance. He cites a time when cars
powered with turbo diesels were rare. A Volkswagen Jetta with such an engine was seriously
undervalued by the insurance company because the adjuster did not find comparable models. In
another instance, an adjuster used a lower-end model Toyota Camry as a comparable for a high-end
Camry. It pays for you to ask and understand what cars the insurer is using as comparable.
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
“Accessories on vehicles are very, very important, and mileage can make a big difference, too,” he
says. “Make sure the vehicles they compare don’t have 100,000 or more miles on them” if yours
has half that, for example.
The solution: Besides asking what specific cars the insurer has deemed comparable to yours, do
your own research. There are tools available from the National Automobile Dealers Association
(most frequently used by insurance adjusters), Auto Trader, Kelley Blue Book and others. Then, use
those resources to find cars comparable to yours, just as the insurance company did.
What the insurer does: Considers your car without the extras.
 The problem: A car with leather seats and stability control is worth more than one without.
 The solution: Run the VIN of your car. Generally a dealer that sold the car originally will be willing
to do so. The report will tell you all of the extras you bought from the dealer such as heated seats
and mirrors. Also, don’t forget to gather the receipts for your radar detector, sound system, speakers
and other aftermarket products installed on your car. Although maintenance doesn’t usually play a
role in the process, it doesn’t hurt to show receipts for recent repairs and maintenance, too, says
Robert Benavidez, Scott’s brother, of Auto Damage Consultants, Albuquerque, N.M. “That way
you know if they did their homework because you have all of the information about your car. You
can tell them what they missed,” says Parsons, noting that insurance companies aren’t offended by
clients who have asserted their rights. “It’s fine to do that; they won’t complain.”
What the insurer does: Arranges for you to drive a compact rental car when you drive a large SUV.
 The problem: You may be eligible for a larger car or even for a payout under loss-of-use provisions
if you don’t need the rental car. Much depends on the specifics of the accident, such as if you were
hit by an uninsured driver, your policy, and state laws.
 The solution: At the very least, read your automobile policy and ask the question. “Most people
don’t know you can cash out the money for the rental car,” says Robert Benavidez. “That can really
help pay for the deductible.”
What the insurer does: Offers you what it considers fair market value, but that amount doesn’t cover your
loan.
 The problem: You were told your car was worth a lot more money.
 The solution: Don’t overreach. Sometimes you may have overpaid for a vehicle or put the minimum
down, which would leave you with a large balance after the settlement if you did not secure gap
insurance. “Just because you didn’t make a good deal when you bought the vehicle doesn’t mean
you will be compensated if your car is totaled,” says Parsons.
What the insurer does: Submits an offer that does not account for all costs of buying an equivalent car.
 The problem: You will have to pay sales tax and registration fees to replace your car.
 The solution: Compensation for sales tax and fees is required under the law in 34 states, and it is the
most common practice in total-loss settlements in all of them. But you’ll probably have to ask.
[Source: MoneyTalksNews | Nancy Dunham | October 29, 2014 ++]
********************************
Saving Money
► Champagne Affordable Alternatives
Tradition tells us to celebrate various events by popping the cork on a bottle of Champagne. But the price of
true Champagne can blow a hole in your budget. It runs between $25 and several hundred dollars a bottle,
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according to Epicurious’ primer on Champagne. Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson wondered if
most of us can tell the difference between real Champagne and a less-expensive sparkling wine. He conducted
an informal test with a handful of volunteers. It wasn’t science, just fun. Their critics did a blind taste test on
a $10 sparkling wine and a $50 Champagne. The result? Most liked the cheap stuff best. A few sophisticated
wine connoisseurs on the panel did, however, prefer the real Champagne. They were in the minority, though.
Many of us use “Champagne” to describe sparkling wine. But real Champagne is made in one particular
region of France. “Champagne is made of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier and fermented in a laborintensive procedure,” says USA Today. In your quest for affordable bubbly, avoid wines under $10 in order
to sidestep the hangover for which super-cheap sparkling wines are famous. Today. Cheaper sparkling wines
have plenty of added sugar, which, like alcohol, dehydrates you, crushing your skull the next day. For a drink
festive and affordable, here are 10 excellent fizzy alternatives to Champagne:
Sparkling wine cocktails. Dress up an inexpensive sparkling wine. by using it in a sophisticated
 For a more sophisticated concoction, Martha Stewart has eighteen recipes for sparkling cocktails at
www.marthastewart.com/275544/champagne-and-sparkling-winecocktails/@center/276959/cocktail-hour.
 LearnVest suggests dolling up a bottle of prosecco or cava with two cups of pomegranate juice and
a squirt of lemon juice. http://www.learnvest.com/2014/12/holiday-spending-and-budgeting-tips/3
Prosecco - Sparkling prosecco wine, from Italy, “smells fruitier and has less of the ‘yeasty’ characteristic of
Champagne,” Jay Youmans of the Capital Wine School in Washington, D.C., told USA Today. Here are
several recommendations:
 Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico ($18 to $20). Fox News calls this wine “an elegant, easy-drinking
prosecco that’s very dry and very crisp.”
 La Marca Prosecco ($12 to $16). Wine blogger Ryan O’Hara (The Fermented Fruit) calls this wine
“delicate and understated in its approach – somewhat unusual and refreshing in wines at this very
reasonable price point.”
 Cupcake Vineyards Prosecco D.O.C. ($9 to $10). Rachael Ray recommends Cupcake’s dry,
affordable prosecco (“subtle nectarine notes and a clean, lemony finish”) for use in cocktails.
 89 Le Colture NV Fagher Brut (Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) ($16). Wine
Enthusiast magazine says, “Prosecco is often painted as a low-cost Italian sparkling wine made in
industrial quantities. But nothing about Prosecco Superiore is easy or cheap, although many
boutique producers offer the highest quality at attractive prices.”
Crémant - Crémant French wine is a close cousin to Champagne. It is made with the same method but in
other regions. Crémant de Bourgogne, for instance, is made in the Burgundy region.
 Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Rose ($15 to $20). “A Champagne-style rose with rich, lush,
fruity taste that is sure to be a crowd pleaser,” says Fox News.
 JBC #69 Brut Rose Cremant de Bourgogne ($20). Bloomberg’s Elin McCoy calls this wine “a good
fizz for the price.”
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Cava - Cava is Spain’s contribution to the world of sparkling wines.
 Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Cava ($8 to $13). Good Housekeeping reviewers “fell in love with its
toasty, nutty blend of three Spanish grape varietals from the Penedès region” of Spain.
 Bohigas Cava Reserva Brut Nature NV ($12 to $15). The New York Times, in a roundup of best
inexpensive summer wines, called this Bohigas wine “light, frothy, zesty and fresh, with a cloudlike
purity that demands refills.”
Sekt - Sekt wines give German grapes sparkle and pop.
 N.V. Dr. Loosen Sparkling Riesling Sekt, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer ($13 to $15). Wine Enthusiast says,
“This sekt admirably reflects its Riesling content and Mosel origins, delivering characteristic notes
of lime, apple and gingery spice.”
Champagne - Finally, for those who like the idea of Champagne but not the typical price, here’s the real
thing with a Costco price:
 Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne ($19.99). Costco turns out a budget wine made in the
Champagne region village of Verzenay of 50 percent pinot noir, 35 percent pinot meunier and 15
percent chardonnay. It “lacks the complexity of a traditional Champagne, but it’s an easily drinkable
sparkler that most guests will probably enjoy,” Fox News says.
[Source: MoneyTalksNews | Marilyn Lewis | Dec. 26, 2014 ++]
*********************************
Pizza Hut Scam
► How It Works
Yum! A national restaurant chain offers free pizzas to all customers, no strings attached. It sounds too good
to be true, because it is! Watch out for this new email scam that comes with malware attached.
How the Scam Works:
 You receive an email that appears to be from Pizza Hut. The message claims the pizza chain
is celebrating its 55th anniversary by offering customers a free pizza.
 All you need to do is download the attached coupon and bring it into the restaurant. But don't do
it! It's not a coupon, it's actually malware.
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
Once downloaded, malware can hunt for banking and/or personal information on your computer,
putting you at risk for ID theft.
 Emails posing as business giveaways are a popular way to transmit malware or phish for
banking/personal information. Be careful of any unsolicited email that promises free gift cards or
other too-good-to-be-true perks.
How to Spot a Phishing Scam: Watch out for these signs that your email is likely a fake:
 Hover over links to check their source. Place your mouse over hyper-linked text and the true
destination will appear.
 Don't believe what you see. scammers can easily copy a real business' colors, logo and even email
address.
 Be wary of unexpected emails that contain links or attachments. As always, do not click on links
or open the files in unfamiliar emails.
 Check the offer with a quick web search. If a business is really offering a promotional giveaway,
they should be advertising it on their website and elsewhere. A quick search on Google reveals
that this offer isn't real.
 Watch for poor grammar and spelling. Scam emails often are riddled with typos.
 Ignore calls for immediate action. Scam emails try to get you to act before you think by creating a
sense of urgency. Don't fall for it.
For More Information check out http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/free-pizza-nope-just-free-malware
to see the Federal Trade Commission's full alert. To find out more about other scams, check the BBB
Scam Stopper website at http://www.bbb.org/council/bbb-scam-stopper.
*********************************
Health Care Scams
► Insurance Plans
The Federal Trade Commission is warning Americans who are shopping for new health insurance plans to
watch out for potential scams. The second annual open enrollment for Obamacare began 15 NOV. According
to the FTC, it’s also open season for identity thieves. Regardless of whether you’re shopping for a plan on a
government exchange or you’re covered by private insurance purchased elsewhere or have Medicare,
scammers are targeting you. According to the FTC, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to recognize a
potential scam:


Medicare. If an “official Medicare agent” shows up at your front door, the FTC says it’s a
scam. There are no Medicare sales reps. If you get a call that says you’re required to have
a prescription plan or you’ll lose your Medicare coverage, that’s another scam. Also, don’t
give out your personal information, including your Medicare number, over the phone, the
FTC warns.
Affordable Care Act marketplace. “If you are shopping in the [federal] Health Insurance
Marketplace, only shop at HealthCare.gov. People who try to sign you up elsewhere may
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
be scammers,” the FTC said. Also know that the government will not call to sell you
insurance.
If you buy insurance elsewhere. The FTC urges consumers to make sure they’re signing
up for actual insurance, not a medical discount plan. They are not the same. If you’re unsure
if it’s insurance, call your state insurance commissioner’s office.
If you think you’ve been a victim of a health care scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
by clicking https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1. If it’s a Medicare-related scam, report it
to http://www.medicare.gov/claims-and-appeals/file-a-complaint/complaint.html If you’d like more
information on health care scams go to http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0394-suspect-health-carescam. [Source: MoneyTalksNews | Krystal Steinmetz | Nov. 18, 2014 ++]
*********************************
Tax Burden for New York Retirees
► As of Jan 2015
Many people planning to retire use the presence or absence of a state income tax as a litmus test for a
retirement destination. This is a serious miscalculation since higher sales and property taxes can more than
offset the lack of a state income tax. The lack of a state income tax doesn’t necessarily ensure a low total tax
burden. States raise revenue in many ways including sales taxes, excise taxes, license taxes, income taxes,
intangible taxes, property taxes, estate taxes and inheritance taxes. Depending on where you live, you may
end up paying all of them or just a few. Following are the taxes you can expect to pay if you retire in New
Mexico.
Sales Taxes
State Sales Tax: 4.0% (food, prescription and non-prescription drugs exempt); Other taxing entities (cities
and counties) may add up to 5.00% in additional sales tax.
Gasoline Tax: 68.3 cents/gallon (Includes all taxes)
Diesel Fuel Tax: 74.1 cents/gallon (Includes all taxes)
Cigarette Tax: $4.35/pack of 20; New York City adds an additional $1.50.
Personal Income Taxes
Tax Rate Range: Low – 4.0%; High - 8.82%. The state has enacted two new temporary income tax rates
in its 2010 budget levied on the highest-income filers. For households with taxable income above
$500,000, regardless of filing status, the tax rate rises to 8.97% from 6.85%; for those with taxable income
below $500,000 but above $200,000 for single individuals, $250,000 for heads of households, and
$300,000 for married couples filing joint returns, the rate increases to 7.85%from 6.85%. You are entitled
to a household credit if you are single and have an adjusted gross income of $28,000 or less, or married
with AGI of $32,000 or less http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/credits/household_credit.htm.
Income Brackets: 5. Lowest – $8,000; Highest – $500,000. For joint returns, the taxes are twice the tax
imposed on half the income
Personal Exemptions: Single – $0; Married – $0; Dependents – $1,000
Standard Deduction: Single – $7,500; Married filing jointly – $15,000; Dependents – $3,000
Medical/Dental Deduction: Federal amount
Federal Income Tax Deduction: None
Retirement Income Taxes: Social Security, military, civil service, New York state/local government
pensions are exempt. Also, up to $20,000 of qualified private pensions for those 59½ and older. Out-ofstate government pensions can be deducted as part of the $20,000 exemption. For more information on
senior citizen and retiree benefits refer to http://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/publications/income/pub36.pdf.
95
Retired Military Pay: Exempt from taxes.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Disability Portion – Length of Service Pay: Member on September 24,
1975 — No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 — Taxed, unless combat incurred. Retired Pay –
Based solely on disability, and disability resulted from armed conflict, extra-hazardous service, simulated
war, or an instrumentality of war. For information on taxes for military personnel in New York State refer
to www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/publications/income/pub361.pdf and www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file/military_page.htm.
Property Taxes
Property taxation is limited to real property. New York State law gives local governments and public
school districts the option of granting a reduction on the amount of property taxes paid by qualifying senior
citizens. This is accomplished by reducing the assessed value of residential property owned by seniors by
50%. To qualify, seniors must be 65 years of age or older and meet certain income limitations and other
requirements. For the 59% exemption, the law allows each county, city, town, village or school district to
set the maximum income limit at any figure between $3,000 and $24,000. Localities have the further
option of granting an exemption of less than 50% to senior citizens whose incomes exceed the local income
limit by less than $1,000 in three income ranges or $900 in six other income ranges. For example, in a
community that has taken this “sliding-scale” option and has adopted the $21,500 income maximum, an
eligible resident whose income is more than $21,500 but less than $22,500, is entitled to a 45%
exemption. If a person’s income is more than $29,000 but less than $32,400, the exemption is 5%. For
more information, refer to http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property.
There is no general, statewide homestead property tax exemption. However, a taxpayer’s primary
residence may be partially exempted from school taxes under the state’s School Tax Relief Program
(STAR) program. Seniors can take advantage of this program that provides a partial exemption from
school property taxes. All New Yorkers who own and live in their one-, two-, or three-family home,
condominium, cooperative apartment, manufactured home, or farm dwelling are eligible for a STAR
exemption on their primary residence. Refer to http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/index.htm for more
information. The Basic STAR exemption is available for owner-occupied, primary residences regardless of
the owners’ ages or incomes. It works by exempting the first $50,000 of the full value of a home from
school taxes if a senior citizen’s income in 2009 was under $79,050 and at least $30,000 for all other
homeowners. Refer to http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/basicincomelimit.htm. The Enhanced
STAR exemption is available for the primary residences of senior citizens (age 65 and older) with yearly
household incomes not exceeding the statewide standard. For qualifying senior citizens, the Enhanced
STAR program works by exempting the first $62,200 of the full value of their home from school property
taxes. For property owned by a husband and wife, or by siblings, only one of them must be at least 65
years of age as of December 31 of the year in which the exemption will begin to qualify for the Enhanced
exemption. Their combined annual income, however, must not exceed the STAR income standard. Call
877-678-2769 for details. For general information on senior citizen and retiree benefits in New York, refer
to http://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/publications/income/pub36.pdf.
Inheritance and Estate Taxes
There is no inheritance tax. Regarding the estate tax, if the date of death is on or after January 1, 2004, the
estate must file a New York State estate tax return if any one of the following conditions are met: (1) The
decedent was domiciled in New York State at the time of death and the total of the federal gross estate,
federal taxable gifts and specific exemption exceeds $1 million; (2) The decedent was not domiciled in
New York State at the time of death and the estate includes real or tangible personal property with a situs in
New York State, and the total of the federal gross estate, federal taxable gifts and specific exemption
exceeds $1million; or (3) The decedent was neither a resident nor a citizen of the United States, the estate
96
includes real or tangible personal property with a situs in New York State, and the estate is required to file a
federal estate tax return. For more information, refer to http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/estate/etidx.htm.
For further information, visit the New York Department of Taxation and Finance site www.tax.ny.gov.
[Source: http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-by-state Jan 2014 ++]
******************************
Tax Burden for Alaska Residents
► As of Jan 2015
Personal income tax
 Alaska is the only state that does not collect state sales tax or levy an individual income tax on any
type of personal income, either earned or unearned. Instead, every Alaskan, children as well as
adults, receives a payment each year from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation. Residents can
apply online for this money, known as the Permanent Fund Dividend, or PFD, via the myAlaska
program. To apply go to
https://my.alaska.gov/adfs/ls/?wa=wsignin1.0&wtrealm=https%3a%2f%2fmy.alaska.gov%2f&wc
tx=rm%3d0%26id%3dpassive%26ru%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fmy.alaska.gov%252fPrerequisit
eProcess%253fpubid%253dpfd&wct=2013-01-28T03%3a41%3a37Z&pubid=pfd
 To finance state government operations, Alaska depends primarily on petroleum revenues. The
Department of Revenue's Tax Division reports regularly on the state's revenue sources.
 The Department also issues an annual overview of its operations, including new state laws that
directly affect the tax division. You can select from various reports at the Tax Division's search
page. Refer to http://www.tax.alaska.gov/programs/sourcebook/index.aspx.
Sales taxes
 While Alaska does not charge a state sales tax, it does impose a vehicle rental tax text (10 percent
on passenger vehicles; 3 percent on RVs), as well as an excise tax of $34.50 per voyage on
passengers traveling on commercial vessels that provide overnight accommodations while in
Alaska waters.
 On the local level, 62 municipalities collect a general sales tax, with a range of between 1%t and
7%. Specific local taxes and rates are available at the State Assessor's searchable database. Refer
to http://commerce.state.ak.us/dnn/dcra/OfficeoftheStateAssessor/AlaskaTaxableDatabase.aspx.
 Contact information for Alaska's municipal taxing jurisdictions can be found in the state's
directory. Refer to
http://commerce.state.ak.us/dnn/dcra/OfficeoftheStateAssessor/TaxJurisdictions.aspx,
 Other types of local taxes levied include raw fish taxes, hotel and motel "bed" taxes, severance
taxes, liquor and tobacco taxes, gambling (pull tabs) taxes, tire taxes and fuel transfer taxes.
 A percentage of revenue collected from certain state taxes and license fees (e.g., petroleum,
aviation motor fuel, telephone cooperative) is shared with municipalities in Alaska. For a look at
the distribution of these funds, select a shared tax year report at the Tax Division's search page.
http://www.tax.alaska.gov/programs/sourcebook/index.aspx
Personal and real property taxes
 Alaska is the largest state, but only a small portion of the land mass is subject to a property tax.
Only 25 Alaskan municipalities, either cities or boroughs, levy a property tax. The average per
capita property tax paid in 2012 in all municipalities, excluding oil and gas properties, was $1,379.
97

For its citizens age 65 or older and disabled veterans, Alaska exempts the first $150,000 of
assessed value from property taxes.
 Details on local property taxes can be found in Alaska Taxable, the Commerce Department's
official annual report to the Alaska State Legislature on local sales and property taxes. Refer to
http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/osa/pub/12Taxable.pdf.
 Residents should contact their local assessor's office for specific tax-related information.
Inheritance and estate taxes
There is no inheritance tax in Alaska. In accordance with the repeal of the federal state death tax credit, for
decedents who died after Dec. 31, 2004, the Alaska Department of Revenue no longer requires executors to
file a Preliminary Notice and Report or a copy of the federal estate tax return with the state.
Other Alaska tax facts
 Taxpayers can find out the prevailing price of a barrel of oil on the Alaska Tax Division's home
Web page http://www.tax.state.ak.us.
 Alaska residents can pay permit and license fees online at no extra cost. Starting in April 2014, the
Alaska Department of Revenue will expand the service. Updates will be posted on the Tax
Division's TRMS page (www.tax.alaska.gov/programs/programs/index.aspx?55000) as the new
service's operational date nears.
 In Alaska, intangible personal property is exempt from taxation.
Additional state tax and fee information is available at the Alaska Department of Revenue website
http://www.revenue.state.ak.us. [Source: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/state-taxes-alaska.aspx
Jan 2015 ++]
******************************
Thrift Savings Plan 2015
► Share Prices + YTD Gain or Loss
TSP Share Prices as of Jan 13, 2015
Close
G Fund
$14.6275
F Fund
$16.9970
C Fund
$26.7101
S Fund
$35.7574
I Fund
$23.8649
L 2050
$14.7674
L 2040
$26.0899
L 2030
$24.5753
L 2020
$22.7401
L Income $17.4186
Day
YTD
+0.01% +0.08%
+0.07% +1.16%
-0.25% -1.68%
+0.03% -1.48%
+0.15% -1.46%
-0.05% -1.28%
-0.05% -1.10%
-0.04% -0.93%
-0.03% -0.69%
-0.01% -0.18%
98
Thrift Savings Plan Returns as of DEC 2014
[Source: www.myfederalretirement.com/public/237.cfm & http://tspcenter.com/tspReturns.php?view=year
30 Dec 2014 ++]
* General Interest *
99
Notes of Interest


► 01 thru 15 Jan 2015
Vet Killer. Kenan Adams-Kinard, 17, pled guilty 7 JAN to murder in the beating death of 88-yearold Delbert Belton, a World War II veteran who survived the battle of Okinawa but was killed in a
robbery outside a Washington state bar in 2013.
WWII Easy Co. Check out http://www.wearethemighty.com/battle-of-bulge-bastogne-wwii-201412 to hear what some of the men of Easy Co. who survived the battles had to say about their
experiences towards the end of the war with Germany.
********************************
USS Ranger
► Stay of Execution Sought
The USS Ranger – the supercarrier prominently featured in the famed movie “Top Gun” – is scheduled to be
towed from Bremerton, Washington to be dismantled and disposed of in Brownsville, Texas. On Dec. 22,
2014, the Navy paid $.01 to International Shipbreaker of Brownsville, Texas, to tow and scrap the USS
Ranger. The final voyage is anticipated to begin in several weeks, and the tow is expected to take 5 months
from the inactive ship’s maintenance facility in Bremerton, through the Strait of Magellan, and finally to
Brownsville. International Shipbreaker is expected to make a profit for the dismantling of the ship.
USS Ranger (CV/CVA 61)
Top Gun Super Carrier of Long Beach, Inc., a new, well-funded group charged with exploring a viable
second life for the ship, is seeking an emergency donation hold to allow sufficient time to present options for
preservation. The USS Ranger was built in the 1950s and served in every American war since, before being
decommissioned in 1993 following the Persian Gulf War. “Right now, we just want a stay of execution,”
said recently appointed project manager, Michael B. Shanahan, AIA. “As a brand new team charged with
repurposing the USS Ranger, we want to work with Navy, NAVSEA and City of Long Beach for the best
possible outcome. We know that saving the USS Ranger would have significantly more far-reaching
economic, historic and social benefits than scrapping it. This is our last chance to stop the loss of an
irreplaceable cultural and historic asset.”
100
As time runs out for the USS Ranger, Top Gun Super Carrier of Long Beach, Inc. is orchestrating a “Hail
Mary” attempt to save the ship via public support. An online petition is being circulated for names that will
be submitted to the Navy/NAVSEA officials and Congress (https://www.change.org/p/the-united-statesnavy-please-save-the-uss-ranger-from-being-demolished?just_created=true). A social campaign has also
been implemented via Twitter and Facebook and the hashtag #SaveTheRanger. The public is asked to bring
additional awareness to the effort with the hashtag and petition link. Top Gun Super Carrier of Long Beach,
Inc. is currently exploring a permanent berth for the USS Ranger in Long Beach Harbor, California where it
will serve as cultural heritage site, experiential destination, and self-sustaining commercial attraction.
Returning and former vets are anticipated to comprise 55 to 60 percent of the hundreds employed.
The new team – established only three months ago – has received endorsements and significant funding
commitments to transition the USS Ranger into enterprise modeled after the USS Midway in San Diego,
which generated $150 million in revenue during its first three years of operation, more than 250 percent of
what was originally anticipated for the ship. “The Navy perceives this as an eight year project. However, this
current team of experts has only been on the job for eight weeks, and already we have secured $14 million
in committed funds for the project,” stated chief financial officer, Chris Nelson. “This is a no brainer endeavor
from a business and community perspective – and the USS Ranger’s last chance to serve the U.S. in a new
capacity: as an economic engine and patriotic emblem that would redefine the City of Long Beach as a
maritime destination. We’ve got the right people at the helm to deliver.”
A different (now dissolved) USS Ranger Foundation attempted to repurpose the USS Ranger as museum
ship and multipurpose facility on the Columbia River in Fairview, Oregon. The Navy rejected the plan in
2012 due to its failure to meet Phase 2 requirements to donate a carrier. “We understand NAVSEA’s fiduciary
responsibility to salvage the ship and minimize ongoing storage costs,” added Shanahan. “However, sparing
the ship now presents NO financial risk to the federal government.” Top Gun Super Carrier of Long Beach,
Inc. would be responsible for securing all the costs and expenses of reinstating the donation hold,
mothballing, relocating, and establishing a permanent berth. In the unlikely chance that the endeavor fails,
Top Gun Super Carrier of Long Beach, Inc. is required to post a bond – up front – to cover the cost of towing
the ship to the designated scrapping location. No tax dollars would be used in preserving the USS Ranger.
The USS Ranger was built in 1957 in Newport News, VA, and was the seventh Ranger to serve America.
The current Ranger served in the Pacific, fighting in Vietnam (earning 13 battle stars) and was retrofitted into
a modern war ship just prior to its essential service in the Persian Gulf, where it flew more combat missions
than any other carrier. Approximately 141 sailors and Marines died on Ranger during her 36 years of service
to America, through 1993. In 1983 Ranger rescued Vietnamese refugees adrift in a boat for ten days in
monsoon storms in the South China Sea. Bob Hope entertained Ranger’s crew at sea at Christmastime. The
USS Ranger served as an important filming location for “Top Gun” and “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.”
[Source: PR Newswire | Matt Kovacs/ Erinn Lynch | Jan. 07, 2015 ++]
********************************
Ants
► Voracious Garbage Eaters
Urban ants might be more helpful thank you'd think. According to a study published 2 DEC in Global Change
Biology, tiny arthropods in New York City do massive amounts of garbage clean-up -- and by chowing down
on your trash, they may help keep rats and other (bigger) pests at bay. Ants are abundant in the streets of
Manhattan: A recent study found 42 different species of the critters in the city. And that isn't just a testament
to Central Park's lushness. Median strips -- the tiny patches of grass between pulsing city streets -- held 18
101
species of their own. And as it turns out, those median-dwellers are the city's most voracious garbage eaters.
The ants that live on the medians down the Broadway corridor are capable of eating the equivalent of 60,000
hot dogs a year.
The research team tested ants' garbage consumption by placing weighed samples of commonly dropped
foods -- hot dogs, cookies and chips -- into wire mesh cages that only ant-sized creatures could crawl into.
Next to these set-ups, they placed similar samples out in the open. After 24 hours, they took the remaining
food back to the lab to measure what had been taken -- by ants alone, and by the city's entire population of
refuse-eaters. "We thought, oh, the parks, with their more diverse species -- that's where we're going to see
the ants doing a more thorough job. So we were surprised when the opposite was true," said lead author Elsa
Youngsteadt, a research associate at North Carolina State University.
Ants on tiny medians ate two to three times more than their cousins out in the park. Youngsteadt and her
colleagues believe that pavement ants (so named for their habitat of choice) are probably the voracious eaters
causing the imbalance. "It really underscored for us how important it is to have different kinds and sizes of
green spaces around the city," Youngsteadt said. Parks get a lot of praise, but tiny strips of green may be
where ants compete with even less popular residents. "Outside the cages, of course, more got eaten. That tells
us that other animals are competing with ants for this food. When one group gets it, the other doesn't," she
said. And New Yorkers probably take their arthropods for granted. When Youngsteadt was setting up her
cages for the experiment, she said, a passerby asked her about her work. "When he found out I studied ants,
he said, 'I sure hope you're figuring out how to kill them.' They're definitely not popular," Youngsteadt said.
"But this study highlights that they have a purpose in the city ecosystem that we don't even notice. They may
be taking away food from rats, who it's safe to say we like even less."
And it seems that not even a hurricane can sweep ants away from their junk-eating posts. When Hurricane
Sandy flooded many of the research sites with salty water, the team expected to see a drop-off in activity
there -- but local ant populations proved to be just as hungry when the waters receded. "You'd think that
several feet of salt water would deter some ants," Youngsteadt said. She's not sure why they didn't drown -it's possible they just weren't submerged for long enough. "But it's good news for urban ecosystems. They're
going to stick around and keep doing their thing no matter what -- even when a disaster happens." [Source:
AARP | Steve Mencher | Dec 03, 2014 ++]
********************************
102
Obsolescence
► Things Kids Born in 2015 May Never Know
1. The post office. Instead of email, someone used to come all the way to your house just to drop a bunch of
ads into a box on the front porch. This service was a big money loser.
2. Parking meters. There was a time when you had to pay for parking by putting coins into a little steel box
on a pole.
3. Bank tellers. People used to visit a bank branch to make deposits and withdrawals. What a lot of effort
expended on something that can be done digitally in mere seconds with no travel involved.
4. Paper statements. Trees used to give their lives so that those who refused to go digital could get bills and
other statements in the mail. (See No. 1.)
5. Paper checks. While it was illegal to make your own paper money, it was OK to write an amount of
money on a piece of ordinary paper. Once you signed it, it somehow magically became the same as money.
6. Cable TV. Before universal Wi-Fi, there used to be a wire running from downtown to bring entertainment
into the house. Judging by the price, you’d have thought it contained a cure for cancer.
7. Toll booths. Before they started charging tolls by taking a picture of your license plate, you had to stop at
a booth and either throw money in a basket or hand it to someone. They were kind of like phone booths on
the turnpike.
8. Phone booths. Before everyone had wireless phones, there used to be little glass rooms on street corners
where you’d go in and use coins to make a call. For some people, they also doubled as bathrooms.
9. Newspapers. In days before everyone had computers in their pockets, printing presses made paper versions
of websites. People would then drive around and throw them on your lawn.
10. Car keys. Cars had keys you’d insert into a keyhole in the doors and dashboard to unlock and start the
car. Sometimes you’d lock them in, then try to retrieve them with a coat hanger. Other people would stop
and try to help.
11. Bookstores. A retail store where you’d go to buy books.
12. Books. There used to be a physical version of e-books made out of paper.
13. DVDs. Before movies were delivered online, they came on discs you’d stick into your computer or a
player attached to your TV.
14. Incandescent lighting. This kind of light bulb didn’t last as long or cost as much as LED lighting, but it
had a nice glow to it.
15. Fax machines. These devices transmitted a piece of paper to another fax machine anywhere in the world.
It worked over phone lines.
16. Phone lines. Before wireless, calls were carried on wires. Like power wires, they were strung everywhere
and stopped working during snow and ice storms.
17. Non-digital picture frames. There was a time when a picture frame could only display one picture at a
time, so you needed a frame for every picture. Some were better looking than the picture they contained.
18. Cursive handwriting. You’d pick up a pen or pencil and actually write things by hand. Not only that,
but the letters of each word were all connected in such a way that it was often impossible to decipher.
103
19. Camcorders. Before HD video cameras became standard in phones, you had to buy a separate device if
you wanted video selfies.
20. Blind dates. In the days before dating websites, people were forced to meet one another any way they
could, including being introduced to friends of friends. It was awkward, because there was no way to IM,
text, exchange pics or otherwise communicate before actually meeting. The people you met this way usually
weren’t as good looking as you.
21. Talking to one person at a time. Before pocket computers, you weren’t required to stay in constant
communication via text. Nor was it customary to let everyone you’d ever met know where you were and
what you were doing via Facebook. As a result, you’d often find yourself forced to communicate solely with
the people in front of you.
22. Driving a car. Before self-driving cars, you had to do it all: gas, brakes, mirrors, turn signals, talk on the
phone, text, put on makeup and eat, all at the same time.
23. Setting a thermostat. Before “The Internet of Things,” you had to manually set the temperature in your
house.
24. Forgetting someone’s name. Before Google Glass came along, we had to recognize faces all by
ourselves and remember their personal information.
25. Buying music. Before Pandora, Spotify and Songza, we bought our music one song or album at a time
and built collections.
[Source: MoneyTalksNews | Stacy Johnson | Dec. 29, 2014 ++]
*********************************
Ship Photos
► Where to Locate and/or Purchase
1. United States Naval Institute. Easiest of the sources. Access the website www.usni.org and click the
Photo tab. Find a specific photograph with a keyword search (ship’s name) to look across all of the Naval
Institute's photo galleries for the closest match. Most photos indicate date taken. Once selected you have a
framing option on which you can view the selected photo in the frame. 8x10’s run $20 to $25.00. Framing
is extra. Order on line with a credit card.
United States Naval Institute.
Photo Sales Service
291 Wood Rd.
Annapolis Maryland, 21402-5034
Phone (410) 295-1022
E-Mail Contact photoservice@usni.org
2. Atlantic Fleet Sales. From 1954 to 2001 the Atlantic Fleet Sales company photographed U.S. Navy
warships as they steamed in and out of Hampton Roads, Virginia just outside of the Norfolk Naval Base.
Their web site showcases a samples of the original photos from this collection, which is among the world's
most extensive. The extensive catalog is formatted by ship type and hull number. You can view and order
online. The company is no longer in business with the Navy, but they do offer photographic prints of ships
to Navy veterans and collectors.
Atlantic Fleet Sales Company
104
P.O. Box 6202
Norfolk, Virginia 23508
Phone: (757) 489-4840
http://www.atlanticfleetsales.com/
3. National Archives, Still Picture Branch. Cannot view or purchase online. You make a request in writing
to the Still Picture Branch. They will send you Xerox copies of images available and the image unique image
number as well as a list of authorized contractors. If you decide to purchase an image you contact a contractor
from the list and prepay for the service. They will then go to the archives and pull the negative and make
your copy and send it to you by 1st class mail. The whole process takes about 4 weeks. Prints cost an average
of $20.00 each.
National Archives, Still Picture Branch.
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park Maryland, 20740-6001
http://www.archives.gov/index.html
4. NavSource Naval History (Photographic History of the U.S. Navy). NAVSOURCE does not offer photo
purchase. However, their website http://navsource.org is a good source to view and obtain information on the
ship you are interested in. Here you can find:
 Multiple images with Image descriptions.
 Earned Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons.
 Ship specifications.
 Building and Operational Data.
 Flag Hoist / Radio Call Sign.
 Tactical Voice Radio Call Sign.
[Source: http://www.navsource.org/faq/faq.htm Dec 2014 ++]
*********************************
Photos That Say it All
► Mommies Home
105
*******************************
WWII Advertising
► General Cable Corp
*******************************
106
Normandy Then & Now
► Nonant-le-Pin POW Camp
August 21, 1944: German prisoners of war captured after the D-Day landings in Normandy are
guarded by US troops at a camp in Nonant-le-Pin, France. Today only A farm field remains where
German prisoners of war were interned.
*******************************
Have You Heard?
►
A Sub-Vet’s Wife
Now as I laid me down to sleep
I tossed and turned and counted sheep;
I prayed about the things in life.
Thanked God I’m a Sub-Vet’s wife.
If not for him I’d not be here
To make new friends from far and near;
This sailor man he changed my life;
Thank God I’m a Sub-Vet’s wife.
Tis Silent Service they are known
A special bond that’s all their own;
They tell their tales and sometimes jive
Thank God I’m a Sub-Vet’s wife.
Now when they heard the klaxon’s dive
Their job was not from nine to five;
For each of us they gambled life
Thank God I’m a Sub-Vet’s wife.
Let’s not forget when we take roll
Those gallant men still on patrol;
And those who’ve since departed life
They too once had a Sub-Vet’s wife.
And then I turned and watch Him sleep
“Dear Lord” I prayed “My Sub-Vet keep”;
We’ve been a pair through love and strife,
107
Thank God I’m a Sub-Vet’s wife.
*******************************
They Grew Up to Be?
► Jena Malone | Contact & Stepmom
Jena Malone (Contact 1997 | Stepmom 1998)
*********************************
Words You Don't Hear anymore




There's a dollar in my purse, get 5 gallons of gas when you go to town.
Open the back door and see if we can get a breeze through here, it is getting hot.
You can walk to the store; it won't hurt you to get some exercise.
Don't sit too close to the TV. It is hard on your eyes.
********************************
Interesting Ideas ►
No Skateboard Park!
108
********************************
Moments of US History
► New Rumble Seat Taxis, Chicago 1940
The Yellow Cab Company unveils it’s new rumble seat taxis, 1940, Chicago. These custom cars
were built to allow passengers to see the city’s sites more easily.
********************************
109
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110
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*********************************
Lt. James “EMO” Tichacek, USN (Ret)
Editor/Publisher RAO Bulletin
RAO Baguio, PSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517-1000
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112