President Signs Veterans Choice Act

President Trump has signed The Veterans Choice Improvement Act.  This new law will significantly expand an existing program at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The final printed copy of the signed legislation was not available at the time of this writing.

Key Factors of the Choice Improvement Act

The new legislation has several key items:

    The program allows patients to seek care from private doctors if they want to go outside of the VA system.

    The new law removes barriers that Congress inserted in the original “choice” initiative.

    It eliminates the expiration date of the law that would have closed the program in August 2017.

    The law makes the VA the primary payer (currently the VA is the secondary payer) for medical care relating to non-service connected disabilities and recovery of costs from third parties for certain care under the program.

Click here for more information

https://www.fedsmith.com/2017/04/19/president-signs-veterans-choice-act/

Military Retirees, Annuitants and Former Spouses -

Military Retirees, Annuitants and Former Spouses -

The December 2016 Retiree Newsletter is ready for your review. It contains important information about when your 1099R will become available, best ways to get or replace your 1099R, benefits of going electronic, and the 2017 cost of living adjustment.

To access the newsletter, click the link below.

http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/newsevents/newsletter.html




If you would like to contact us, please visit AskDFAS (https://corpweb1.dfas.mil/askDFAS/askRA.jsp).  There you will find a list of Frequently Asked Questions organized by category as well as an option to submit a personalized question.

DFAS-CL
Retired Pay

AmeriForce Publishing Military News:

Veterans Helping Military Members Transition into Civilian Life

A group of veterans is conducting an independent study to better understand the military to civilian transition process. The goal of this project is to help service members who are completing their military commitments transition more effectively into private life.

The approach by Military-Transition.org should be very familiar to military members: gather actionable intelligence about the developing situation and prepare for the mission of transitioning.

Veterans Helping Military Members Transition into Civilian Life

“Our objectives are to help soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coastguard members understand and prepare for the transition process ahead, which should reduce the time needed, ease the uncertainty, and help them find the best fit for their skills and aspirations,” said Brian Niswander, chief architect of the study and Founder/President of Military-Transition.org.  Niswander, a transitioned veteran himself, continued, “We’ve based our approach upon 19 years of experience and qualitative research with transitioning veterans in both private and public sector organizations.”

According to research by Military-Transition.org , regardless of service branch or rank, most veterans wonder about the same kinds of things pertaining to follow-on employment. The most common questions include:

1. What does someone with my experience, education, and training do in the civilian workforce and what kind of pay is typical?

2. Will I like it outside the military?

3. What challenges or obstacles are ahead in my upcoming transitioning?

4. What lessons can I learn and apply from my fellow veterans who have already transitioned?

5. How will my quality of life as a civilian compare to the military lifestyle that surrounded me in the military?

http://www.ameriforce.net/blog/military-news-veterans-helping-military-members-transition-into-civilian-life-081915

There was a shooting on Fort Hood on Wednesday afternoon 4/2/14.

Congressman Michael McCaul just told CNN that four are dead and that 34-year-old Fort Hood soldier Ivan Lopez was the shooter.

According to NBC News from a military official, the Fort Hood shooter is 'down' and he appears to be only gunman.

Congressman Michael McCaul just told CNN that four are dead and that 34-year-old Fort Hood soldier Ivan Lopez was the shooter.

Scott & White Hospital have confirmed that they are getting injured patients from this shooting. A source from Scott & White has also said that four soldiers are being treated at Scott & White hospital in Temple; three of them are in critical condition and one is in extremely critical conditions.

We are also getting reports of victims in the Battle Simulation Center on 65th and Warehouse.

The shooter was said to be, at one point, in building 33026 which is the Medical Brigade Building.

Reports have said that the shooter was driving a gray Toyota, described as a white male in an Army Combat Uniform, and carrying a .45 handgun.

Fort Hood has been put on lockdown.

Central Texas College has been evacuated only as a precaution.

http://www.kcentv.com/story/25146842/reports-of-shooting-on-fort-hood

Sequester Cuts Impact CA Vets

Some Military Retirees to Lose TRICARE Prime

TRICARE service areas are being reorganized, which will cause many military retirees and dependents to lose access to TRICARE Prime on October 1, 2013. Retirees, their dependents, surviving dependents, and TRICARE Young Adult members who live more than 40 miles away from a military medical facility or base closure site may be required to change their health care from TRICARE Prime to TRICARE Standard.

For more information please click the link below

http://themilitarywallet.com/

Iraq Post Offices Close Nov. 17, 2011

Because U.S. Forces are coming home from Iraq by the end of the year, the U.S. Postal Service will stop accepting mail addressed to military post offices in Iraq starting Nov. 17. Military post offices in Iraq also will stop processing mail Nov. 17, and servicemembers there should begin now to advise those who send them mail about the Nov. 17 deadline. U.S. Servicemembers in Iraq who do not receive an absentee ballot by Nov. 17 should contact their U.S. Local Election Office to change their address. Unit voting assistance officers can provide state-specific voting details. Check the Military Postal Services Agency website at (http://hqdainet.army.mil/mpsa/) Military Postal Service Agency website for updates.

Veterans News, Discounts, and Other Interesting links

Here are some interesting and useful links as Veterans Day approaches, courtesy of the Kitchen Table Gang Trust and others.

Discounts and Ways to Give Back to the Troops

Believe in Heroes: Donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, Get Coupons, and More
Believe in Heroes™ is a Wounded Warrior Project™ initiative that calls on Americans to recognize the enormous sacrifices made by our newest generation of veterans and to honor the service of these individual over a two-month campaign leading up to Veterans Day. The Believe in Heroes campaign will provide the American public with an opportunity to show their support and appreciation of our veterans in their communities, and across the nation. Visit http://www.believeinheroes.org to:

• Donate to the cause
• Download coupons for products from companies that support our troops
• Host a Believe in Heroes party for your friends on Veterans Day - purchase a special party pack
• Shop for apparel and products to show your support for the cause

Parade Magazine Article: 11 Ways to Support Veterans
Want to say thank you to someone who's served? Check out these tips for lending a hand to our 23 million vets — or those still in uniform. More here: http://www.parade.com/news/veterans/articles/11-ways-to-help-veterans-on-11-11-11.html

Applebee's Thank You Movement
Applebee's has ignited the Thank You Movement to help inspire America to stand up and thank the men and women of the military for their commitment, sacrifices and bravery. Applebee's will collect personalized Thank You cards at participating restaurants through Veterans Day. Applebee's non-profit partner DAV will distribute the cards from the restaurants to veterans and troops to ensure that all Thank You cards are given to real American heroes. The Thank You Movement also gives messages of thanks to our veterans and troops via www.thankyoumovement.com, Applebee's Facebook Fan Page, #thankyoumovement on Twitter and on YouTube. The Web site will host a live rolling counter of ongoing Thank Yous. Veterans and active duty troops can then go online anytime to see and hear the heartfelt thanks of the people they serve.

Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts
The Military Wallet's list of restaurants offering offering a free meal or discount on Veterans Day: http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/#ixzz1d4lPM5rD


Military Tribute at Knott's Berry Farm
Knott's Berry Farm holds an annual Military Tribute offering servicemembers and veterans, and a guest, free park admission. The 2011 Military Tribute Days run through 24 November (Thanksgiving Day). Free admission requires proper Military ID, Veterans may use their DD214 or Dept. of Veterans Affairs ID. In addition, members and veterans can purchase up to six additional tickets for just $17 each. (http://www.knotts.com/public/admission/prices/deals.cfm) Visit the KBF website for more information.

Card Fees Cost Exchange Shoppers
Military shoppers using bank-issued cards at the Exchange ultimately costs the military community millions annually due to bank-issued card processing expenses.  One way military families can help reduce costs and strengthen their Exchange benefit is to take advantage of the Exchange's exclusive MILITARY STAR Card, which shares its profits with military communities through contributions to the military service's quality-of-life funds. The MILITARY STAR Card is accepted at all Army and Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Exchange activities, as well as the Exchange Catalog and the Exchange Online store at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) www.shopmyexchange.com. For more information about the MILITARY STAR Card, visit (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking "Credit Services."

Do Something Meaningful for Veterans Day
The Real Warrior Project's list of more personal ways you can demonstrate your appreciation to those who have served our country: http://www.realwarriors.net/veterans/treatment/veteransday.php

Veterans News 

Grants for Injured Soldiers
Army Emergency Relief (AER) has increased the amount of its grants to wounded warriors evacuated from theater. Soldiers medically evacuated from Iraq or Afghanistan are eligible for a $500 grant from AER to help them with incidentals at the new treatment location. For more information, visit the Army Emergency Relief website at (http://www.aerhq.org/index.asp) www.aerhq.org/index.asp , or call them toll free at (866) 878-6378.

Veterans Green Jobs Receives Grant to Help Homeless Military Veterans Find Jobs
The Denver Department of Human Services awarded Veterans Green Jobs $100,000 from its Community Services Block Grant program to assist low-income and homeless veterans with employment services. The grant will enable Veterans Green Jobs, through its Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Program to recruit and place 10 qualifying veterans into a transitional work program designed to help develop skills and qualifications for jobs in the green sector. The PCS Program will also identify and work with local businesses interested in hiring veterans. Read more here: http://veteransgreenjobs.org/newsandevents/press-releases/grant-helps-homeless-vets

New VA Record Sharing Rule
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that it is amending an agency rule in the Code of Federal Register (C.F.R.) to remove an inappropriate restriction on sharing of information about treatment for certain types of medical conditions with the Department of Defense (DOD).  This confidentiality statute was enacted before other privacy laws were in place to protect against the unauthorized disclosure of VA medical records relating to treatment for drug abuse, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and sickle cell anemia.  The interim final rule is (http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=VA-2011-VHA-0025-0001) available online. Written comments may be submitted through (http://www.regulations.gov/) www.regulations.gov or faxed to (202) 273-9026.

AF Hires Wounded Warriors
The Air Force has a new, five-year Plan for Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities (IwD). People with disabilities fall into one of two primary categories: Individuals with Disabilities and Individuals with Targeted Disabilities. The targeted (or severe) category includes those diagnosed with: deafness; blindness; missing extremities; partial or complete paralysis; convulsive disorders; mental illness or retardation; or a genetic or physical condition affecting limbs or the spine. A third category is the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program.

Care Packages and shipping time frames for the 2011 Holiday Season

Sending care packages to our troops is a great idea... but did you know that every package or letter must be addressed to a named individual? A package addressed to "Any Marine in Unit X" will end up being discarded or even destroyed.

Jack McHugh's website http://www.usmcewc.com is a helpful tool to get your care packages and letters distributed among deserving service men and women.

Jack takes the time to obtain names and mailing addresses of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan who can serve as points of contact to distribute packages among their units. He ensures that units  receive the packages before the Holiday Season and prevents shipping to the units that are going to deploy home, so the unclaimed packages don't jam up the pipelines.

If you would like to send a care package to a soldier serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, please email Jack at usmcewc@ec.rr.com for more information.
 
HOLIDAY MAILING AND SHIPPING DEADLINES FOR APO, FPO AND DPO ADDRESSES: Mail Addressed To:
APO/FPO AE ZIPs:   (EMMS) 1      First-Class       Priority      (PAL) 2       (SAM) 3       Parcel  Post
090-092                      Dec-17          Dec-10            Dec-10        Dec-3         Nov-26        Nov-12
093                              N/A               Dec-3              Dec-3           Dec-1         Nov-26       Nov-12
094-098                      Dec-17          Dec-10            Dec-10        Dec-3         Nov-26         Nov-12
340                             Dec-17           Dec-10           Dec-10        Dec-3         Nov-26         Nov-12
962-966                      Dec-17           Dec-10            Dec-10       Dec-3         Nov-26         Nov-12
(EMMS)1 = Express Mail Military Service
First-Class = First-Class Mail Letters and Cards
Priority = Priority Mail
(PAL) 2 = Parcel Airlift Mail
(SAM) 3 = Space Available Mail
Parcel Post


Order free boxes, calculate shipping rates, print postage, and schedule a pickup at the USPS website: https://www.usps.com/ship/ship-a-package.htm

See a list of items requested by the troops and authorized by the MEFs to be shipped to them:

http://www.usmcewc.com/index.php?p=1_15_Troops-Items-of-use-for-All

Visit http://www.usmcewc.com for even more information about how you can make a soldier's day.

Please read - the real impact looming ahead as reported by the HASC Staff

http://www.airforce-magazine.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Reports/2011/September%202011/Day29/HASC_budget.pdf

Troops to Teachers Expands to the National Guard - Financial Assistance Available

20110912 Role of the Marine Corps

Retroactive Traumatic Injury Benefits No Longer Just For OEF/OIF Injuries

Recent VA News Releases


TSGLI Payments Will Be Made for Qualifying Injuries

WASHINGTON (September 16, 2011) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is extending retroactive traumatic injury benefits to Servicemembers who suffered qualifying injuries during the period Oct.7, 2001 to Nov. 30, 2005, regardless of the geographic location where the injuries occurred.

"Now all of our nation's Servicemembers who suffered severe traumatic injuries while serving their country can receive the same traumatic injury benefits, regardless of where their injury occurred," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "We at VA appreciate the efforts of Congress and the President to improve benefits for our troops."

Effective Oct. 1, the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Traumatic Injury Protection benefit, known as TSGLI, will be payable for all qualifying injuries incurred during this period. This retroactive benefit is payable whether or not the Servicemember had SGLI coverage at the time of the injury.

The Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2010, passed by Congress and signed by President Obama in October of 2010, removes the requirement that injuries during this period be incurred in Operations Enduring or Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF).

This is welcome news for the many  Servicemembers who suffered serious traumatic injuries while serving stateside or in other areas outside of OEF/OIF during this time period, but until now have not been eligible for TSGLI. TSGLI provides a payment ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to Servicemembers sustaining certain severe traumatic injuries resulting in a range of losses, including amputations; limb salvage; paralysis; burns; loss of sight, hearing or speech; facial reconstruction; 15-day continuous hospitalization; coma; and loss of activities of daily living due to traumatic brain injury or other traumatic injuries.

National Guard and Reserve members who were injured during the retroactive period and suffered a qualifying loss are also eligible for a TSGLI payment, even if the cause was not related to military service, such as a civilian automobile accident or severe injury which occurred while working around their home.

National Guard and Reserve members make up more than 40 percent of the total force which has been deployed since 9-11. Those who are no longer in the National Guard or Reserves can also apply as long as their injury occurred while they were in service. "I am extremely pleased that these total force warriors who defend our freedoms are getting the recognition and benefits they have rightfully earned in service to our nation," added Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey.

VA is working with the Department of Defense to publicize this change in the TSGLI law. Additionally, all of the branches of service are identifying any claims previously denied because the injury was not incurred in OEF/OIF and reaching out to those individuals. Although applications are currently being accepted by branch of service TSGLI offices, benefits will not be paid until Oct. 1, 2011, the effective date of the law.

For more information or to apply for a TSGLI payment, Servicemembers and Veterans should go to
http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm

URGENT! IMPORTANT REMINDER - AGENT ORANGE CLAIM FILING DEADLINE

from THE KITCHEN TABLE GANG TRUST

-----Agent Orange claim filing deadline August 30th-----

Vietnam-era veterans who have medical diagnoses for three presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure need to file their disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs by Aug. 30 in order to qualify for up to one year of retroactive benefits.

The three diseases recently added to VA's list of presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure or other herbicides during the Vietnam War are ischemic heart disease, hairy cell and other B-cell leukemias, and Parkinson's disease.

"Veterans who suffer from these presumptive conditions can apply for disability benefits at any time," said Verna Jones, director of The American Legion's Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division. "But they need to apply by the Aug. 30 deadline in order to possibly get up to a year's worth of benefits retroactively,"

Widows and widowers whose spouses have died from Agent Orange presumptive conditions may also qualify for retroactive benefits and are encouraged to file for dependent indemnity compensation by Aug. 30.

Veterans can file for disability claims online at VA's Agent Orange Fast Track claims Processing System at:
https://www.fasttrack.va.gov/AOFastTrack

Here's the latest Transition Assistance News Letter.

Here is an article on CA DMV that may be of interest to your California Audience.

Thank you for all your support to our veterans and their families.


California Pilot DMV program gives Veterans Choices

A new program initiated by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) will help connect veterans in California with the services and benefits they have earned through their prior or current service in the U.S. Military.

Read More <http://www.taonline.com/banmanprosql/banman.asp?ZoneID=0&BannerID=841&AdvertiserID=42&CampaignID=900&Task=Click&Mode=TEXT>

When a Californian applies for a new driver's license or renewal, or if they apply for an identification card, they will notice on the new application forms a check-off box that will permit the DMV to share the applicants contact information with CalVet. The veterans will then be sent information that gives a brief outline of services and benefits and includes a postage-paid reply card that the veteran fills out and returns to CalVet. Once the card is received the veteran will automatically begin receiving information about services like education benefits, employment assistance, disability and compensation payments, health care benefits and much more.

"The most challenging thing we have to do in this department is to ensure that veterans in California are educated about the benefits and services that they have earned through their honorable service in the military," said CalVet Secretary Peter J. Gravett. "This partnership has the potential to help our department connect with nearly every one of the nearly 2 million veterans living in this state."

The CalVet Services initiative has as its goal to help returning service members and their families with the sometimes difficult task of reentering civilian life. By utilizing online tools like its Reintegration form, the Department links returning veterans with service providers and resources. This program offers CalVet the opportunity to inform veterans and their dependents about veterans benefits and how to obtain these benefits through the process of application and representations of claims. CalVet's partnership with DMV augments this program by allowing many military and service members who may not have been reached before, with the opportunity to share their contact information with CalVet so that appropriate benefits information can be provided to them.

Stars and Stripes Heroes Edition (UNCLASSIFIED)

http://www.stripes.com/news/special-reports/heroes

Veterans, helping Veterans…

It's a big week for VETS on Capitol Hill. Wednesday VETS testified before the full House Committee on Veterans' Affairs about Putting Veterans Back to Work and yesterday returned to testify before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity about the Transition Assistance Program. 
The webcast link for the full committee hearing is http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/topic-be-determined Our testimony begins around 2 hours 2 minutes and 40 seconds.
The webcast link for the TAP hearing is http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/transition-assistance-program-and-vetsuccess-campus-program Our testimony begins around 1 hour and 1 minute. 
Next week, Deputy Assistant Secretary McWilliam will testify before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on pending legislation.

DOD ID Card Changes: SSN Removal

To protect your privacy and personal identity information, your Social Security Number (SSN) is being replaced with a DoD ID Number on all ID cards.

ID Card Changes:

• As of June 2011, SSNs will no longer be printed on any new ID card.

• SSN removal will occur in three phases.

• Your new ID card will have a DoD ID Number in place of your SSN.

• Your DoD ID Number will be used as the Geneva Conventions serial number.

• If you are eligible for DoD benefits, there will also be a DoD Benefits Number printed on your new ID card.


For more information, visit the DOD Smartcard site at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/smartcard.

 
>> Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who will get a new ID card?

A. All DoD ID cardholders will get a new ID card with a DoD ID Number in place of their SSN.

Q. When should I go get my new ID card?

A. Current ID cards should not be replaced until your card is within 30 days of its expiration date. If your ID card has an INDEF expiration date, and you would like your SSN removed, contact your nearest RAPIDS ID Card facility for an appointment.

Q. Will my ID be rejected without a visible SSN?

A. Your ID should not be rejected but you may be asked to verbally state your SSN or sponsor’s SSN to access benefits.

Q. Will my medical provider use my DoD Benefits Number to process my claims?

A. Until all ID cards are replaced, providers may use either your SSN or DoD benefits number.

Q. Where can I get my new ID card?

A. ID cards are available at over 1,500 RAPIDS ID card centers worldwide. Visit the RAPIDS Site Locator at (www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home) to find a location near you.

Q. What should I bring?

A. Bring two forms of identification. One must be a valid (not expired) federal or state issued photo ID. Visit (www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf) for more information.

Special VA Bulletin Alert

Our Veterans are a highly regarded and respected part of the Chamber Community so we wanted to let you know about this item that came in via Greg Echols, Chair of Aurora’s Veterans Affairs Commission and active member of our Defense Council.  He passed the following along: The attached VA Office of Security and Law Enforcement (OS&LE) bulletin contains an advisory from the National Guard concerning a group calling itself "Veterans Affairs Services."  This entity, whose name and seal are similar to VA's, is said to be gathering personal information on Veterans. 

VA's OS&LE has requested dissemination of this advisory to make it clear that this group has no affiliation with VA and to prevent unwitting release of Personally Identifiable Information.

The more you know about the threats that are out there the more you can protect yourself and your families.
George

George (removed), APR
Senior Vice President
Aurora Chamber of Commerce
14305 East Alameda Avenue, Suite 300
Aurora CO 80012
303-344-1500

NightWatch

John McCreary
Night of 25 Jan 2011

*** Afghanistan: For the record. The United States may expand Afghan security forces by nearly 70,000 above the 306,000 Afghan police and military set to be trained and equipped by 2012, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin stated after a trip to Afghanistan, Yemen and Iraq. U.S. President Barack Obama may announce the decision in the next few days, Levin said. Pakistan may not want to see a larger Afghan army, Levin stated, adding that if Pakistanis want the Afghans to take greater responsibility on their side of the border, then Pakistan should not object to increased Afghan security forces.

*** Comment: The political/economic tradeoff is the cost of expanding a larger Afghan force or continuing to pay the $ billions to maintain a US combat force in Afghanistan indefinitely. Even new hands understand it is cheaper to expand Afghan forces than it is to maintain US forces in combat.

In any event, the calculations for sizing pro-government and NATO forces seem unrelated to the numbers of fighters the anti-government forces can field, which is the conventional measure of merit. The number of soldiers who fight - meaning those who actually shoot guns -- for the Kabul government about matches the number of anti-government fighters.

Without air power, the anti-government forces would win over time, by attrition if not by skill. An expansion of Afghan government forces might provide some numerical edge that would enable US forces to transfer the bulk of the fighting to the Afghans.

The monthly combat data for Afghanistan continue show that counterinsurgency is a military equation and a chronic condition in which the combat power of the pro-government forces matches the combat power of its opponents. That is where Afghanistan is today.

Insurgency is a chronic condition, not a fatal one. However, when the insurgency equation changes, so does the outcome. Thus, if the government adds more resources and the opposition stays the same, the insurgency will devolve into an organized criminal problem, manageable by police, as in Indian Kashmir and Sri Lanka.

If the opposition adds resources and the government stays the same or reduces its resources, the insurgency will evolve into a revolution and the government will be overrun. This happened in Afghanistan in 1996.

At this point in Afghanistan, air power is the key technological edge that maintains the equation. The Pashtuns do not fear US or Afghan soldiers. They fear US aircraft. 70,000 more Afghans will not maintain the equation if US resources decline, but US and NATO losses should decline.