From Naval Hospital Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Changes are coming to your TRICARE benefits beginning Jan. 1, 2018. These changes will give you more benefit choices, improves your access to care, simplifies cost shares, and allows you to take command of your health.

"Taking command of your health means empowering you to make the right health care and coverage choices for you and your family," said Lt. Cmdr. William Bennett, Naval Hospital Jacksonville director for healthcare business. "Leading up to Jan. 1, 2018, we will connect you with TRICARE resources to navigate your benefit questions."

By Devon L. Suits October 24, 2017

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. -- Soldiers who receive a basic allowance for housing and have dependents are reminded to keep their records up to date to prevent any disruptions in their Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH, entitlements, according to experts within the Army's Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1.

To help ensure the overall readiness of the force, the Army G-1 has notified 65,000 Soldiers that they needed to provide proof of dependency to justify their housing rates, according to J.D. Riley, deputy chief of the compensation and entitlements division, G-1.

By C. Todd Lopez, Army News Service October 24, 2017

WASHINGTON -- The current Army Combat Uniform top weighs in at about 650 grams, or about 1.4 pounds. It's got a lot of pockets and multiple layers of fabric. When it gets wet, it tends to stay wet. And when it's hot out, it tends to keep Soldiers hot.

The Army has a solution for that: the Improved Hot Weather Army Combat Uniform that has a whole lot fewer pockets, layers of fabric and Velcro, as well as a new fabric that is actually lighter than the current ACU.

By Don WagnerOctober 27, 2017

WASHINGTON -- Research shows that when Families are connected to their unit, each other, and the community, Soldiers and Families are better able to meet the challenges of military life, according to Heather Leiby, school liaison transition specialist, U.S. Army Installation Management Command.

In the Military Family Forum II at the Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition, Leiby gave participants an overview of the new Readiness Essentials for Army Leaders, or R.E.A.L. training.

From an Army and Air Force Exchange Service News Release

DALLAS, Oct. 23, 2017 — With less than a month until the much-anticipated official launch of the veterans online shopping benefit, more than 225,000 honorably discharged veterans have already been verified to shop at online military exchange websites when the sites open to veterans Nov. 11.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service online shopping benefit is the first military exchange benefits expansion in nearly 30 years. Beginning on Veterans Day, America’s 18.5 million veterans will be able to shop online at the military exchange websites: ShopMyExchange.com, shopcgx.com, mymcx.com, and mynavyexchange.com.

By Kat Bailey, Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs / Published October 13, 2017

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- The Defense Department will implement the new Blended Retirement System next year. While no one needs to make a decision until Jan. 1, 2018, all Airmen should take advantage of training and informational resources to research their options during the remainder of 2017.

Airmen eligible for the new Blended Retirement System began receiving email notifications in February from myPers to ensure they receive correct information regarding their benefits to make the decision best suited for their individual needs.

By Devon L. Suits October 12, 2017

WASHINGTON -- During this period of fiscal uncertainty, senior Army leaders remain committed to providing a high level of care and support to Soldiers and their Families -- making them an Army top priority.

Taking care of Soldiers and Families ensures readiness, said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley, during a forum focused on military families. About 60 percent of today's Army is married and on average has a family of four. This is a fundamentally different demographic than Soldiers serving during World War II, when only 10 percent of the Army population was married.

WASHINGTON — Today, the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the formation of the Joint Ginnie Mae – VA Refinance Loan Task Force.

The task force will focus on examining critical issues, important data and lender behaviors related to refinancing loans, and will determine what program and policy changes should be made by the agencies to ensure these loans do not pose an undue risk or burden to Veterans or the American taxpayer.
More specifically, the task force will examine aggressive and misleading refinancing propositions, as described by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and will address loan churning and repeated refinancing.

By Brad Nelson, Public Affairs Officer, Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Iron Mountain, Michigan
Tuesday, October 3, 2017

The fastest growing population group in the military today is women who currently comprise 14.5 percent of active duty personnel and 18 percent of National Guard and Reserves.

The face of VA healthcare is changing. Younger female Veterans are using VA services more frequently, including for maternity care, and having service connected disabilities, while older Veterans are using VA services for menopausal needs, geriatric care, and extended inpatient stays.

By Ms. Erinn Burgess October 9, 2017

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- The internet is part of everyday life. Whether you are sending an email, ordering something from a website, communicating with friends via social media or looking up the directions to your next destination, you are accessing a world-spanning digital media highway where information is stored, processed and distributed.

It doesn't take much for that information to end up in the wrong hands. This month, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, and Army garrisons around the globe, recognize National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and empower community members to be safer and more secure online.

By Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy announced Oct. 4 the rollout of the "OPNAV Uniform" app for iOS and Android mobile devices to provide information on how and when to wear the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type III.

The app covers the wear rules for NWU Type IIIs released Aug. 31 in NAVADMIN 214/17. It also provides photos illustrating the different uniform items and how to wear them.

By Mr. Ronald W Wolf (Army Medicine) October 5, 2017

WASHINGTON -- The future of military health care is likely to see significant changes in the next decade. The use of Virtual Health will help Army Medicine respond to the future operating environment, in which there may be a lack of air superiority, a wide range of health threats, and greater operational dispersion and transitions among small unit teams. Virtual Health will improve access to care for Soldiers and also provide physicians with easier access to specialists and patient health data.

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Johnson will discuss what Army Medicine is doing to expand Virtual Health during a Warrior's Corner at the upcoming Association of the United States Army annual convention from Oct. 9 to 11.

DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON October 29, 2015 -

Thirty-seven new companies and organizations were formally inducted into the Military Spouse Employment Partnership during a ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia, yesterday, bringing the total number of partners to 297.

The partners of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership are committed to recruiting, hiring, promoting, and retaining military spouses in portable careers. 

fm DOD News Release NR-411-15

The TRICARE Health Plan has announced the 2016 premiums for TRICARE Young Adult Prime and Standard options covering beneficiaries between 23 and 26 years old. These premiums are adjusted on an annual basis and go into effect Jan. 1, 2016.

Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

 "JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas" - Special duty assignment pay levels for a handful of career fields changed effective Oct. 1, following the most recent Air Force annual review resulting in 14 career fields or assignment areas being modified or added.

The annual review focused on identifying Airmen in extremely demanding positions with unusually challenging responsibilities that differ from their normal job demands. During the review, one Air Force specialty was evaluated for the first time and was added to the SDAP-eligible list.

DALLAS -  Military shoppers can fill their sleighs with the hottest toys for children of all ages this holiday season with help from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Toy Book, which features a selection of gifts both in-store and online.

The 32-page shopping guide, available Oct. 23 in the continental United States and Nov. 6 overseas, is packed with Military Brat-Approved toys, which were tested by military children. Shoppers will find the Military Brat-Approved seal of approval throughout the shopping guide highlighting the hottest kid-tested toys.

From an Operation Homefront News Release

SAN ANTONIO October 15, 2015 -

Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit organization, is accepting nominations for the 2016 Military Child of the Year awards.

Operation Homefront leads more than 2,500 volunteers with nationwide presence who provide emergency and other financial assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors.

by Staff Sgt. E'Lysia A. Wray
49th Wing Public Affairs

10/5/2015 - HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Holloman is now one of a few select bases chosen to participate in a one-year trial for a family support program called The Family Check-Up.

The program went into effect July 13.

By Claudette Roulo
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2014 - Big changes are happening with the Joint Travel Regulations, and they could affect your next permanent-change-of-station move or how you are reimbursed for temporary duty assignments.

As of July 25, Army uniformed and civilian travelers are directed to use their government travel credit cards for PCS moves, Harvey Johnson, the director of the Defense Travel Management Office said today.

VA News Releases

Expansion of Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits is part of Veterans Choice Act Legislation

Washington, DC - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will begin accepting applications by mail on Monday, November 3, 2014, for the Fry Scholarship under newly expanded eligibility criteria to include surviving spouses. The expanded criteria for the Fry Scholarship is the latest in a series of VA actions to implement provisions of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 ("Choice Act").

TRICARE News Release

 As the family member of a National Guard or Reserve member, your TRICARE options may change throughout the course of your sponsor’s career.  Your TRICARE eligibility depends on your sponsor’s military status. If your sponsor’s status ever changes from inactive to either, pre-activation, active duty, or deactivation, your TRICARE options will vary. 

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2014 - Operation Homefront is seeking nominations for the 2015 Military Child of the Year Awards.

Officials of the nonprofit organization, which provides aid to service members and their families, said they understand what military children go through in supporting their service members and want to recognize their contributions. 

By Nick Simeone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2014 - October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Defense Department is working to increase awareness of what a senior department official calls a serious public health issue and one for which the military offers multiple options for prevention and treatment.

"The military is a microcosm of civilian society," Kathy Robertson, DoD's Family Advocacy Program manager, said today in a DoD News interview, noting that nearly 8,000 substantiated incidents of domestic abuse and intimate-partner violence were reported in the department during fiscal year 2013. 

TRICARE Press Release

The lives of service members and their families are full of transitions. Whether it's permanent change of station moves, retiring, going from Reserve status to active duty or something else, the one constant is change. The good news is that your TRICARE coverage can stick with you through these life changes, but you do have to make sure that your records in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) are up to date with your latest life events.

This means you should keep all your personal information - address, duty status, phone numbers, and email addresses - up to date. It's important to review DEERS as soon as possible whenever you move or experience one of the following life events:

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Sutton
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

10/3/2014 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho  -- Every nine seconds a woman is battered or beaten in the United States by her husband, partner or boyfriend. Every nine seconds.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in an effort to promote awareness the 366th Fighter Wing hosted an event Oct 2.

VA News Release

Pilot Immunization Program in Florida Expands Nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a first-of-its-kind partnership, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it will join forces with retailer Walgreens to provide greater access to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended vaccinations to Veterans across the country. This partnership grew out of a successful pilot program that began in Florida to provide flu vaccines to Veterans throughout the state.  Based on those results, VA is expanding the pilot nationwide. 

By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2014 - A team of medical experts from both within and outside the Defense Department has found that the Military Health System (MHS) provides good, quality health care that is safe, timely and comparable to the civilian sector, but has also identified areas for improvement.

In May, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered a comprehensive review of the military health system to focus on access to care and to assess the safety and quality of care being provided, both in military treatment facilities as well as in healthcare that the department purchases from the private sector.

FOOD NETWORK'S TOP CELEBRITY CHEFS ARE SCOURING THE NATION IN SEARCH OF AMAZING HOME COOKS! 

You've watched them on TV, bought their cookbooks, and tested out their recipes at home. This is your chance to work with a culinary icon! Outlast your competitors in this high stakes cooking competition and you could go home with bragging rights and a HUGE CASH PRIZE!

FOOD NETWORK and the producers of GUY'S GROCERY GAMES and THE GREAT FOOD TRUCK RACE are on a quest to find home cooks for a new competition show!

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2013 - Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, joined Senate spouses and White House interns yesterday to help USO volunteers in putting together "warrior care packs" to aid wounded, injured and ill troops in their recovery process.

The event was hosted on the grounds of the vice president's residence, where Biden emphasized the importance of everyone coming together to help wounded service members, citing the Joining Forces campaign she has championed with First Lady Michelle Obama over the last two years.

From an Office of Personnel Management News Release

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2013 - The federal government's executive branch hired the highest percentage of military veterans in more than 20 years during fiscal year 2012, surpassing the previous high set in fiscal 2011, Office of Personnel Management officials announced today.

The numbers were contained in the report of Employment of Veterans in the Federal Executive Branch for Fiscal Year 2012, which also was released today.

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2013 - Service members who deploy or are otherwise separated from their families due to mission needs now have an online resource allowing them to hone their parenting skills as they reconnect with their children. Pam Murphy, the Defense Department's lead psychologist for the website, said the launch of http://www.militaryparenting.org offers unprecedented, comprehensive and free computer-based training from a service member's perspective on parenting and building strong relationships with their children.

A clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in community and private practice, Murphy said the Integrated Mental Health Strategy Program is a collaborative initiative between the Veterans Affairs Department and DOD.

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2013 - Pentagon officials announced a plan today that will enable the military services to resume conducting community and public outreach activities in the new fiscal year, but at a significantly reduced capacity. This cost-cutting measure will yield a savings of $104 million in fiscal year 2014.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlined the Pentagon's new strategic approach to community outreach in an internal memorandum to service chiefs and other military leaders. Many activities, including the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds air demonstration teams, will resume, but at a more limited frequency than in previous years.

By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2013 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, Army Secretary John M. McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno inducted former Army Capt. William D. Swenson into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes today during a ceremony at the Pentagon.

President Barack Obama presented Swenson with the Medal of Honor at the White House yesterday. He was nominated for his actions while serving as an embedded trainer for the 1st Zone Afghan National Border Police. Swenson is the first Army officer to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War and the sixth living recipient from the war in Afghanistan.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 717-13
October 11, 2013

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors

Army Air Force 1st Lt. Robert G. Fenstermacher, 23, of Scranton, Pa., will be buried on Oct. 18, in Arlington National Cemetery. On Dec. 26, 1944, Fenstermacher was a pilot of a P-47D Thunderbolt that was on an armed-reconnaissance mission against targets in Germany, when his aircraft crashed, near Petergensfeld, Belgium.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 716-13
October 11, 2013

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that two U.S. Marines missing in action from World War II, have been accounted for and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Henry S. White, 23, of Kansas City, Mo., and Staff Sgt. Thomas L. Meek, 19, of Lisbon, La., will be buried as a group in a single casketrepresenting the two servicemen, on Oct. 18, at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 715-13

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing from the Vietnam War, have been accounted for and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Robert E. Pietsch, 31, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Maj. Louis F. Guillermin, 25, of West Chester, Pa.,will be buried as a group Oct. 16, in a single casket representing the two servicemen at Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C.  Guillermin's individual remains weres buried Oct. 5, 2013, in Broomall, Pa.

Defense Health Agency

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Oct. 10, 2013 - The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care law, was created to expand access to affordable health care coverage, lower costs, and improve quality and care coordination for all Americans.

Under the health care law, people will have health coverage that meets a minimum standard (called "minimum essential coverage") by January 1, 2014, qualify for an exemption, or may be required to pay a fee if they have affordable options, but remain uninsured. Because of this, many TRICARE beneficiaries may be wondering how this new law will affect them and their families.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2013 - The Fisher House Foundation has stepped in to aid the Defense Department so families of fallen service members can receive the full set of benefits they have been promised, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said here today.

The Fisher House Foundation and DOD entered an agreement that includes the $100,000 death gratuity payment.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2013 - Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki painted a dire picture today of the impact of the government shutdown on benefits and services to veterans -- from a slowdown in claims reviews to the threat of cancelled compensation checks to more than 5 million beneficiaries if funding isn't restored soon.

"All the effects ... are negative," Shinseki reported during testimony before the House Veterans Affairs Committee. "It is an impediment to VA's ability to deliver services and benefits that veterans have earned through their service."

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2013 - The Defense Department continues to assist service members and their families in preparing for the transition to civilian life with a new virtual curriculum, a Defense Department official said here.

During a telephone interview with American Forces Press Service, Susan S. Kelly, director of the Transition to Veterans Program office, discussed the redesign of the Transition Assistance Program and its evolution to include the Transition GPS virtual curriculum on the Joint Knowledge Online portal, or JKO, which became available today.

DALLAS - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, in conjunction with New Balance, is helping wounded service members take a step forward in their recovery process with free athletic shoes through the Wounded Care program.

Since 2007, the Exchange and New Balance have provided complimentary footwear to service members who have been injured in action. More than 400 free pairs have been provided to Wounded Warriors this year alone.

2013 Support our Troops: Veterans Resource & Career Fair

Who:        Vetready: Putting our Veterans Back to Work

What:       Support Our Troops Resource & Career fair

DALLAS - In response to a May, 2012 U.S. Postal Service ban on international shipments of electronics with lithium batteries, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service now has a way for overseas shoppers to get those must-have gadgets, gizmo and devices just in time for the holidays.

"Select cameras, tablets, watches and other electronics can now be ordered online and picked up at any of 36 Exchanges in Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Guam, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Portugal, Turkey or the United Kingdom through our ‘Lithium Ship to Store’ program," said the Exchange’s Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels. "And now, since they’re being sent via Fed Ex, the shipping times will be much quicker than in the past."

By: Kristin Shives
TRICARE Management Activity10/25/2012

FALLS CHURCH, Va. As Hurricane Sandy moves toward the East Coast, TRICARE urges beneficiaries to be prepared and watch the weather.

Beneficiaries living in the path of a tropical storm or hurricane should always prepare for rain, strong winds, possible flooding and evacuations. In the case of evacuations, the TRICARE pharmacy program may authorize early refills for prescriptions ensuring beneficiaries don't run out of needed medications during a crisis.

By  Annemarie Felicio 
TRICARE Management Activity
October 24, 2012

TRICARE and Military OneSource will host a webinar on TRICARE benefits available to National Guard and Reserve members on Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EDT.

The different stages of the National Guard and Reserve deployment cycle can make it challenging for members and their families to know what TRICARE benefits are available.

by Debbie Gildea
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

"JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas"  The Air Force awarded $1,000 scholarships to 25 Airmen or family members for their entries in the 16th annual Air Force Club Membership Scholarship Program essay contest, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.

The contest was open to club members and their families, more than 100 of whom submitted essays describing the meaning of the lyrics to "America the Beautiful".

DALLAS - According to the Military Child Education Coalition, an estimated 80 percent of military connected children are forced to move between 6-9 times as they complete their K-12 education and, along with geographical moves, comes changes in educational settings and curriculums.

With these unique challenges in mind, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service rewards military students who excel. In fact, schoolchildren who receive a report card with an overall "B" average or better can pick up an array of free and discounted products through the

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 824-12
October 16, 2012

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of two servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be buried, as a group, with full military honors.

Air Force Col. Wendell Keller of Fargo, N.D., and Capt. Virgil K. Meroney III of Fayetteville, Ark., will be buried as a group, in a single casket representing the crew, on Oct. 19, in Arlington National Cemetery.  Meroney was interred individually on June 9, in his hometown.

San Jose, CA - August 13, 2012 - American soldiers returning from service abroad and other veterans who suffer from debilitating tinnitus now have access to advanced treatment covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Starting Aug. 15th, the VA will begin providing SoundCure Serenade® customized sound therapy for veterans suffering from tinnitus, or "ringing in the ears."

"We are very pleased to make this valuable treatment available to our nation's troops serving us in so many ways," stated Bill Perry, CEO of SoundCure. "Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other explosions and noise damage can leave soldiers with a painful - and constant reminder of their time on the battlefield. We are proud to work through the VA to provide a tinnitus solution and relief to military personnel."

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2012 - As service members prepare for any and all possible military operations, the Defense Department is reaching out to ensure that there are no contingencies back home to distract them from the mission, namely their personal finances.

Barbara Thompson, director of DOD's Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth, is leading the information campaign with a different theme each month -- starting with retirement savings -- to help service members and their families stay in top financial shape.