The Association of the United States Army
Family Programs Update
MAY 2007 Issue • Volume 6 Number 30
www.ausa.org/family
Bi-Monthly News Update from Sylvia Kidd,
Director of Family Programs
This Issue:
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FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill Would Improve Pay and Benefits
Army Details Changes to Wounded Warrior Care at Walter Reed
DoD Mental Health Advisory Team Survey Results Released
Landmark 21-Year Study to Track Long-Term Health of US Servicemembers
New Software Synchronizes Battlefield and Home Front Medical Care
TRICARE Uniform Formulary Update Announced
TRICARE Supports Beneficiaries Participating in Medicare’s Renal Disease
Demonstrations
Virtual Family Readiness Group Website Improved
RE/MAX Helps Military Spouses Become Real Estate Agents
Interagency Task Force Makes Recommendations to Improve Services for Veterans
Syracuse University Launches Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Disabled Veterans
Online Assistance Now Available from Employer Support of the Reserve and Guard
Ombudsman
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee Gains New Chief
Two Army Volunteer Efforts Receive National Recognition for Make a Difference Day
Quilts Comfort Children with Deployed Parents
New Online Tools to Help Military Families on the Move
Shades of Green AFRC Salutes Veterans
DeCA Announces Best Commissary Winners
Great American Country TV Pays Tribute to Armed Services on Memorial Day
GI Film Festival to be Held in Washington, DC
Resources for Military Spouses
This newsletter is published bi-monthly by the AUSA Family Programs Directorate. If you would like
to receive the Family Programs Update by e-mail, please send a message to
familyprograms@ausa.org and type “subscribe” in the subject line.
FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill Would Improve Pay and Benefits
The House Armed Services Committee approved the FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill on May 10, 2007. The bill
(HR 1585) alters a number of funding priorities for defense systems. As part of the bill, the House Armed Services
Subcommittee on Military Personnel proposed an across the board pay raise of 3.5% for Servicemembers. In addition,
the personnel section of the bill would prevent administration plans to raise TRICARE enrollment fees, deductibles, and
pharmacy co-pays. Both of these measures are part of AUSA’s legislative platform. The bill would also increase the
end strength of the Army to 525,000, a figure above the President’s request but somewhat less than AUSA’s desired
goal of 650,000.
The Committee also proposed an expansion of eligibility for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) to include
Chapter 61 retirees forced to leave the Armed Forces because of disability. The law, if passed, would expand the
benefit to retirees who have between fifteen and twenty years of service. Another provision of the bill would help
increase Reserve Montgomery GI Bill benefits to keep them in step with Active Duty GI Bill benefits.
The bill would allocate a special $40 monthly payment, known as the “military survivor indemnity allowance,” to military
survivors beginning October 1, 2008. The bill does not outright eliminate the offset which reduces survivor benefit
annuities by the amount received through Dependency and Indemnity Compensation from the VA but the new
allowance should be taken as a good sign that Congress is addressing the issue. AUSA will continue to press for the
law to be changed to allow survivors to receive benefits in full.
The Senate is scheduled to mark up its own version of the Authorization Bill later this month and then the bill will pass
to a House-Senate conference to resolve differences in the two versions. As a result, proposals in the House bill may
be amended.
Army Details Changes to Wounded Warrior Care at Walter Reed
At a press conference held at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on April 26, General Richard Cody, Vice Chief of Staff
of the Army, announced that many of the problems in the treatment of wounded troops have been resolved. However,
he also noted that there are still some problems that cannot be fixed quickly because they need to be tackled above
the Army level.
Gen. Cody released some preliminary findings from the Army’s review team, which began investigating the conditions
at Walter Reed in March. Overall, the team found that the medical and physical board process has too many forms
and is too bureaucratic. Gen. Cody also noted that the outpatient care system lacked quality control. The team
recommended better and standardized training for liaison officers and case managers and a restructuring of the Army's
medical hold and medical holdover companies.
Since March, several improvements have been made to Wounded Warrior care, including the establishment of a
Solider and Family assistance center and the implementation of an ombudsman program at all medical treatment
facilities at the patient representative office. In addition, all Wounded Warriors who were housed in Building 18, a
substandard temporary lodging facility, have been moved.
To ensure continued oversight of Wounded Warrior care, Gen. Cody said he will launch an Army inspector general
review of the medical system every six months and meet with hospital commanders every four to six weeks. Feedback
from Soldiers and Families will also be collected. To read the complete article click here.
DoD Mental Health Advisory Team Survey Results Released
The Department of Defense recently released key findings from the latest Mental Health Advisory Team (MHAT-IV)
survey which is designed to assess the mental health and well-being of the deployed forces serving in Iraq. The
survey, conducted in August and October of last year, assessed more than 1,300 soldiers and nearly 450 Marines. The
commanding general of Multinational Force, Iraq, also requested a first-ever study of battlefield ethics with the
participation of Soldiers and Marines currently involved in combat operations. The survey specifically targeted troops
who had experienced the highest levels of combat exposure so the survey results should not be considered
representative of the total deployed force. Cont’d.
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The survey results found that Soldiers who deployed longer (greater than six months) or had deployed multiple times
were more likely to screen positive for a mental health issue. Deployment length was also directly linked to morale
problems in the Army. The battlefield ethics study revealed that approximately 10 percent of soldiers reported
mistreating non-combatants or damaging their property when it was not necessary. Less than half of soldiers and
Marines would report a team member for unethical behavior.
The Army has already begun to address the MHAT-IV findings with the implementation of scenario-based battlefield
ethics training. It has also revised its suicide prevention training and developed a behavioral health awareness training
program for junior leaders. The Army is also continuing to adapt and revise its BATTLEMIND program for Soldiers,
veterans, and spouses to integrate mental health training into the deployment process. More information about
BATTLEMIND is available at http://www.behavioralhealth.army.mil. Learn more about the MHAT-IV survey at
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=10824.
Interagency Task Force Makes Recommendations to Improve Services to Veterans
The Interagency Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes, established by President Bush in March,
submitted its report to the White House on April 19. The purpose of the Task Force was to improve the delivery of
federal services and benefits to Servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Its members included
representatives from several federal agencies. The Task Force received over 2,400 comments from Servicemembers,
veterans and family members which were then used to help identify gaps in federal services.
The final report includes 25 recommendations to improve services to returning veterans in areas such as employment,
housing and education assistance, disability benefits and veterans healthcare. The full report can be viewed at
http://www1.va.gov/taskforce/. Additionally, the Task Force worked with the General Services Administration to
improve the USA.gov website to include a special section with information about federal services and benefits for
Servicemembers, veterans and their family members. Visit http://www.usa.gov and click on the “Military and Veterans”
link to learn more.
Syracuse University Launches Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Disabled Veterans
Syracuse University has announced a new initiative offered through the Whitman School of Management to help Iraq
and Afghanistan veterans with disabilities become entrepreneurs and small business owners. Faculty at the Whitman
school and distinguished entrepreneurs will take participants through a series of modules to help them create and
sustain a profitable business venture. The application deadline for 'The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with
Disabilities' (EBV) is June 5, 2007. More information about this program, eligibility requirements, and application
procedures can be found at http://www.whitman.syr.edu/eee/veterans.
Online Assistance Now Available from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Ombudsmen
Guardsmen and Reservists who have believe that their job protections under the Uniformed Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) have been violated may now submit complaints online at the Employer Support
of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) website: http://www.esgr.mil. Servicemembers will be asked to provide contact
information for him or herself and his or her employer, as well as a brief explanation of the issue. The information is
stored on a secure server and ESGR assigns the request to one of its 900 volunteer ombudsmen for informal
mediation. An ESGR ombudsman will then contact the Servicemember within 48 hours. If the ESGR ombudsman is
unable to resolve the issue through informal mediation within 14 days, the Guardsman or Reservist is referred to the
U.S. Department of Labor, the federal agency with statutory authority for enforcing USERRA. Guard and Reserve
personnel may still use ESGR’s customer service center at 1-800-336-4590 to initiate a request.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee Gains New Chief
Gordon Sumner, Jr., a retired Army lieutenant colonel, has been appointed as the executive director for the National
Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Created in 1972, the Committee is a Defense Department
agency that provides information and education for employers of members of the Reserve Component. In addition, the
agency can mediate potential disputes between employers and their employees in the Guard or Reserves. An
interview with Mr. Sumner can be found by clicking here.
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Landmark 21-Year Study to Track Long-Term Health of US Servicemembers
Starting in May, the Department of Defense will launch the third and final recruitment phase of the largest prospective
health project in military history - the Millennium Cohort Study. The study will evaluate the long-term health effects of
military service of more than 140,000 service members from active, Reserve, and Guard duty status until well into their
civilian careers or retirement. The study is now in its sixth year and has already provided important data to the medical
community about deployment-related exposures, long-term mental health challenges, and other service-related health
issues affecting military personnel. To view the full news release, please visit:
http://www.tricare.mil/pressroom/news.aspx?fid=281
New Software Synchronizes Battlefield and Home Front Medical Care
The military services have received an upgrade to their inpatient documentation software which allows them to send
medical information from the battlefield directly to a worldwide database. This software, named Theater Medical
Information Program Composite Health Care System Caché or TC2, will make all new medical data collected on the
battlefield accessible to military providers anytime, anywhere, worldwide. No matter where a military member is sent for
treatment, his or her inpatient medical information will be available to healthcare providers. To read the full press
release, go to http://www.tricare.mil/pressroom/news.aspx?fid=279.
TRICARE Uniform Formulary Update Announced
TRICARE has released an update to its Uniform Formulary. The update explains which medications will continue on
the TRICARE Uniform Formulary and lists 10 others which have been designated as nonformulary (or third tier)
effective August 1, 2007. The updated chart is available at http://www.tricare.mil/pressroom/news.aspx?fid=282.
Beneficiaries may find more information on the TRICARE Retail Pharmacy and locations, and the TRICARE Mail Order
Pharmacy at http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE. They may also call 866-363-8779 for the retail pharmacy or
866-363-8667 for the mail order pharmacy.
TRICARE Supports Beneficiaries Participating in Medicare’s Renal Disease Demonstrations
The TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) is coordinating benefits with Medicare to make it easier for beneficiaries
with end-stage renal disease to participate in three Medicare demonstrations. Demonstrations are taking place in
Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas. The
demonstrations will test the effectiveness of disease management models to increase quality of care for these patients
while ensuring they receive care more effectively and efficiently. At the same time, Medicare will assess alternatives
for paying for services these beneficiaries receive. Beneficiaries who would like to participate in a demonstration for
end-stage renal disease should speak with a representative at their dialysis center to learn if one is available in their
area. The full press release is available at http://www.tricare.mil/pressroom/news.aspx?fid=278.
Virtual Family Readiness Group Website Improved
The Virtual Family Readiness Group (vFRG) web system provides FRG leaders with an easy tool to set up their own
FRG websites and is especially valuable for geographically dispersed units and families. Recent updates to the vFRG
website have streamlined access to information. Enhancements make it easier to create a virtual FRG and for family
members to locate an FRG by geographic location or Unit Identification Code. The website is available at
http://www.armyfrg.org.
RE/MAX Helps Military Spouses Become Real Estate Agents
America Supports You, a Department of Defense program, recently recognized the real estate agency RE/MAX for its
efforts to train military spouses to become real estate agents. Operation RE/MAX was launched in August and now
nearly 1,000 RE/MAX offices participate in the program by offering coaching, training, and mentorship to military
spouses. Real estate is a flexible career option and especially suitable for military spouses who often have to relocate.
For details, write to operationremax@remax.net or visit the military.com Military Spouse Career Center at
http://www.military.com/spouse/ and click on RE/MAX.
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Two Army Volunteer Efforts Receive National Recognition for Make a Difference Day
Make a Difference Day is a national day to celebrate community volunteers created by USA WEEKEND Magazine.
This year, Make a Difference Day is October 27. Two of the ten volunteer efforts recognized this year are from the
Army. One is a group serving in Baghdad, which organized a street clean up with 50 military volunteers. The other is a
group based at the Presidio of Monterary, CA, which organized yard clean-ups for military families. The groups will
receive the prestigious National Make a Difference Day Award during National Volunteer Week in April. To read more
about the recipients visit the Make a Difference Day website at: http://www.usaweekend.com/diffday/aboutmadd.html
Quilts Comfort Children with Deployed Parents
Children of deployed military personnel are taking comfort in quilts that have been made by the Armed Services
YMCA's Operation Kid Comfort Program. ASYMCA volunteers collect photographs from military families to make
“photo-transfer” quilts that bear the images of the deployed family member, alone or interacting with the family. The
quilts go to children under five years old while older children receive a small pillow. The program currently exists at Fort
Bragg, NC, Fort Belvoir, VA, Fort Riley, KS, Fort Drum, NY, and at the Armed Services YMCAs in San Diego and
Alaska, and will be introduced at Fort Stewart, GA and Fort Carson, CO by fall. Learn more at
http://www.asymca.org/c4-2.html.
New Online Tools to Help Military Families on the Move
The Department of Defense has launched two new web tools to help military families relocate. The tools are available
at http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil. The Military Installations site allows families to search for information on over
250 military installations and communities worldwide. Plan My Move provides information about entitlements and
benefits, points of contact, checklists, planning tools, and information on education and employment. In addition,
http://www.militaryonesource.com has articles about how to manage moving stress and relocating overseas. Click on
“Smooth Moves” to learn more.
Shades of Green AFRC Salutes Veterans
Shades of Green, the Armed Forces Recreation Center in Florida, recently announced its “Salute to Veterans
Program.” This program will allow Honorable Discharged Veterans the opportunity to stay at the Shades of Green
Resort during the months of September 2007 and January 2008. Veterans will need to show a valid DD214 indicating
Honorable Discharge. Shades of Green, located on Walt Disney World Resort, is one of five Armed Forces Recreation
Centers in the world. The AFRC’s are self-supporting, and provide luxury accommodations at a fraction of the cost of
similar facilities. Room rates are on a sliding scale based on rank or grade, and reservations are normally restricted to
active-duty or retired DoD employees. For more information or to make room reservations, call Shades of Green at 1407-827-8387 or go online at www.shadesofgreenvets.org.
DeCA Announces Best Commissary Winners
The Defense Commissary Agency recently announced the winners of its awards for Best Commissaries and
Merchandising. Five commissaries were honored as DeCA’s best during the Defense Commissary Agency’s 2007
Conference and Training Event in Richmond, Va. on April 24. The awards recognize overall excellence in commissary
operations and service. Learn more at http://www.commissaries.com/news/news_2007/DeCA_36_07.cfm. In the
Creative Merchandising Category, six stores emerged as this year’s best in the Defense Commissary Agency’s 12th
Annual Merchandising Contest. The contest takes place over five weeks and rewards commissaries for their originality
and creativity. The complete list is available at http://www.commissaries.com/news/news_2007/DeCA_38_07.cfm
Great American Country TV Pays Tribute to Armed Services on Memorial Day
The Great American Country television channel will pay tribute to the American Armed Forces this Memorial Day
weekend with its annual Great American Dedications video marathon. Throughout the day Saturday, May 26 and
Sunday, May 27 and all day on Monday, May 28, GAC will air music videos dedicated by Soldiers to their loved ones
and to members of the military by family and friends. Learn more at http://www.gactv.com.
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GI Film Festival to Be Held in Washington, DC
A three day film festival will be held on May 26-28, Memorial Day Weekend, at the Ronald Reagan International Trade
Center in Washington, DC to honor the stories of the American Armed Forces. The GI Film Festival (GIFF) is the first
film festival in the nation to celebrate exclusively the successes and sacrifices of the American military through the
medium of film. More information is available at http://www.gifilmfestival.com.
Resources for Military Spouses
The following list highlights some of the many programs and resources available to help military spouses handle the
challenges of military life and to help them pursue their own educational and career goals.
Military Life
America Supports You
http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/
A Department of Defense initiative to recognize citizens’ support of the Armed Forces. The website has a
comprehensive list of charities and organizations that support military families.
Army Families Online
http://www.armyfamiliesonline.org/
The official site of the Army’s well-being office.
CincHouse
http://www.cinchouse.com/
An online magazine for military wives and women in uniform offering forums, chat groups, and other resources.
CincHouse.com recently launched a project to support the spouses of injured war veterans.
Military HomeFront
http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil
A Department of Defense website providing quality of life information for military families.
Military OneSource
http://www.militaryonesource.com
A Department of Defense website offering online resources and 24/7 assistance to military family members.
My Army Life Too
http://www.myarmylifetoo.com/skins/malt/home.aspx?AllowSSL=true
The official website of the Army’s U.S. Army Family and MWR Command has information about Army family programs
including Army Community Service, the Family Advocacy Program, Army Family Team Building, and the Army Family
Action Plan.
The Military Family Network
http://www.emilitary.org/
A web-based organization to support military families and increase their readiness and well-being by connecting them
with their communities and the organizations that provide the best service and value.
Education
American Military Spouse Education Foundation (AMSEF)
http://www.americanmilitaryspouse.org/home/default.asp
AMSEF is an independent, nonprofit IRS 501 (c) (3) foundation dedicated to enhancing the stability and well-being of
the American Military family by providing educational opportunities and recognition for the Military Spouse.
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Army Emergency Relief Education Programs
http://www.aerhq.org/education.asp
AER offers grants to military spouses for educational purposes.
Grantham University Military Programs
http://www.grantham.edu
Grantham offers scholarships and reduced tuition rates for military personnel, retirees and family members. Grantham
is also an AUSA affinity partner. AUSA members may receive additional tuition discounts.
Military.com’s Education Guide
http://education.military.com/education-home
Military.com's guide to schools, financial aid and scholarships for military personnel and family members.
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)
http://www.soc.aascu.org
Extensive guide to college programs offered to military personnel and their families.
Student Aid
http://studentaid.ed.gov
A Department of Education site to ensure eligible Americans have access to federal assistance programs – grants,
loans and work-study programs – for education beyond high school. The website includes information on a variety of
federal, sate, regional, and private student aid programs.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH35/CH35_Pamphlet_General.htm
Spouses and children of Servicemembers hospitalized or receiving outpatient care for a VA determined serviceconnected permanent and total disability may be eligible for DEA benefits.
More information about Scholarships is available on the AUSA Family Programs website at http://www.ausa.org/family
under “Resources.”
Employment
Army Spouse Employment Partnership (ASEP)
http://www.myarmylifetoo.com
ASEP is a partnership between the Army and corporate America designed to help military spouses find corporate
positions. To learn more go to the My Army Life Too website and click on “Work and Careers.”
Civilians Working for National Defense
http://www.go-defense.com
This site provides DoD employment information and job listings worldwide.
Department of Defense Spouses to Teachers Program
http://www.spousestoteachers.com
Spouses to Teachers is a Department of Defense program to assist spouses of Active Duty and Reserve military
members to become public school teachers.
Military Spouse Business Association
http://www.milspousebiz.org/work/
Provides support, resources, and networking for military spouses who own their own businesses.
Military Spouse Corporate Career Network
http://www.msccn.org
MSCCN is non-profit organization dedicated to providing career opportunities and job portability for military spouses.
Military spouses can post resumes online for review by employers. The web site also provides tips to craft an award
winning resume, career advice, and information about job fairs.
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MilSpouse.org
http://www.milspouse.org
MilSpouse.org is an online resource library for military spouse employment, education, and relocation run by the US
Department of Labor.
Military Spouse Job Search
http://www.militaryspousejobsearch.org/msjs/app
Military Spouse JobSearch is designed to enhance the employment opportunities for spouses of US Military members
with employers committed to hiring military spouses and to connect employers with a talented, global, diverse
workforce.
USAJOBS
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov
Official website for people seeking employment in the federal government.
AUSA Family Programs prides itself on researching each of these links; however, we do not necessarily endorse the
information provided on each of the web sites. If you find an outdated link or would like to suggest additional links,
please contact familyprograms@ausa.org.
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