Military Report - Week of June 09, 2014

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Military Report - Week of June 09, 2014

Air Reserve Officer Promotions
The Air Reserve Personnel Center has announced results for the Calendar 2014 Air Force Reserve Line and Nonline Major Promotion Selection board. A complete list of Citizen Airmen selected for promotion is available on the My Personnel Services website or by clicking the corresponding link: (1)
(http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/shared/medi ... 29-023.pdf) CY14 USAFR Maj Line and Nonline PR Selects and (2) (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/shared/medi ... 28-102.pdf) CY14 USAFR Maj Line and Nonline PV Selects. For more information, call the Total Force Service Center - Denver at DSN 665-0102, 210-565-0102, or 800-525-0102.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Soldier For Life Website
The Army Soldier for Life program recently launched a new website that will improve Solider, veteran and family access to employment, education and health care. Until now, retirees used Army Knowledge Online (AKO) as their primary web tool to receive and manage Army-related information. The Soldier for Life website will replace AKO as the primary communication tool between the Army and retirees. With the help of the program, Soldiers are able to find an established network connecting them with employment, education and health care and successfully reintegrate into civilian life. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Bryon Mulligan with the Office of the Chief of Staff, Army Soldier for Life program at 703-545-2648 or visit the Soldier for Life website at (http://www.soldierforlife.army.mil) www.soldierforlife.army.mil.
For more benefits info and updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military Benefits Center.


Understanding the Flag's Meaning
National Commander of the American Legion, Daniel M. Dellinger, has written an essay for Flag Day, June 14, entitled "The Flag's Meaning to Our Forefathers." Read (http://www.legion.org/magazine/222398/f ... orefathers) the essay on the American Legion website and read more about Flag Day on the (http://www.military.com/flag-day) Military.com Flag Day page.


More Vets Left Off Wait List Have Died
In a new revelation in the growing VA scandal, the organization's acting head says that an additional 18 veterans whose names were kept off an official electronic Veterans Affairs appointment list have died. Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson said Thursday that he would ask the inspector general to see if there is any indication those deaths were related to long wait times. If so, they would reach out to those veterans' families. For more details, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... -died.html) this Military.com article.


Apply for Olmsted Scholar Program
Line and Supply Corps officers interested in developing language skills and regional cultural knowledge are encouraged to apply for the fiscal Year (FY-16) Olmsted Scholar Program. The program is a unique scholarship opportunity offering two years of graduate study using a foreign language that often leads to a graduate degree at a foreign university. Applicants for the FY-16 program should be available to start language training in summer/fall 2015. Applicants are required to meet a list of qualifications and prerequisites and submit a command-endorsed nomination package that must be received by the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) in Pensacola no later than Aug. 29. For more information, visit the Olmsted Foundation website at (http://www.olmstedfoundation.org) www.olmstedfoundation.org.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


$100k Protection = Family Security from $7 a Month
Protection for less. Get $100,000 Coverage from only $7 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0609.nl) Can your family afford their lifestyle if something happened to you?


AF Approves Nuke Medal
The Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal was recently approved. The medal, intended to recognize Airmen dedicated to national strategic nuclear deterrence objectives, may be awarded to eligible active duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen. Eligibility criteria and submission instructions are under review and will be available following leadership approval. For more information about Air Force recognition programs and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For a complete guide to military awards and decorations, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/record ... tions.html) Military.com Awards and Decorations page.


Vets to Shop Online Exchange?
Defense officials are weighing a proposal from the director of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to allow the nation's 22 million honorably discharged veterans, and perhaps an equal number of their family members, to shop online for military exchange products and discounts. According to Thomas C. Shull, chief executive officer of AAFES, providing online discounts to millions of deserving veterans and families would cause exchange profits to soar while protecting the benefit in tough budget times. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... es-online/) Read the Military Update to get the full story.


Project C.A.R.E. for Traumatic Injuries
Project C.A.R.E. began at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) and stands for Comprehensive Aesthetic Restorative Effort. The program aims to improve the appearance and functionality for those who have suffered traumatic injury, disfigurement and scarring. The project is open to active duty of any service, retirees and family members on the East Coast. Project C.A.R.E. Many of the patients are wounded warriors with amputations, and traumatic and burn scars. Patients are treated by numerous specialists at the hospital including plastic surgery, otorhinolaryngology (E.N.T.), ophthalmology and oral surgery. If patients need a specialized service that is not offered locally, they can be referred to a civilian facility that does offer it. To contact Project C.A.R.E. at NMCP, call 757-953-7312 or 7272, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. To 4 p.m.
For more family support resources, see this (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Family Center.


Save Up to 60% in TRICARE Costs
The AMRA TRICARE Supplement saves money and time. The TRICARE Supplement Plan for individuals and families protects you when out-of- pocket health care expenses rise. (http://offers.military.com/i/tricare/in ... rvr0609.nl) Find out more.


Sponsored Discount: Exclusive Savings with Nissan
You watch our back. Now we've got yours. Nissan is proud to provide eligible military personnel with the best savings program in the country. It's the same pricing we give our family & friends. (http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/281443259;107545900;e) Read More.


Sgt. Bergdahl Could be Due Back Pay
Service members designated by the Defense Department as "captive, missing or missing in action" are entitled to receive back pay and allowances, officials said. Any additional pay and allowances earned such as promotions or special entitlements are not issued until they are officially recovered or classified as deceased. This means that recently freed Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl could be entitled to between $150,000 and $300,000 in back (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) pay and special compensation following his release as a Taliban prisoner. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... e-pay.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


AF Medical Simulation Training
The mission of Air Force Medical Modeling and Simulation Training (AFMMAST) is to develop and use advanced learning technologies and methodologies to improve medical education and training for health care teams and patients, for the purpose of improving health care outcomes. This is carried out at simulation centers throughout the Air Force. More information on AFMMAST and available training courses can be found on the AFMMAST website at (http://www.afmmast.mil) www.afmmast.mil.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AAFES Homeward Bound Contest
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service's (AAFES) Homeward Bound campaign is offering a variety of giveaways in June. Shoppers who visit the Exchange's Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX) www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX have a chance to win various prizes throughout the month, including: (1) one of seven Apple MacBook Air computers from June 13-19 and (2) an MWR Vacations trip for two valued at $999 or a 65-inch LG SMART television valued at $1,699 from June 27-July 10. To enter the Homeward Bound contests and for more information about upcoming promotions, visit the AAFES Homeward Bound webpage at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/homewardbound) www.shopmyexchange.com/homewardbound.
For more discounts for military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


More Details on the VA Crisis
The latest edition of the Military.com Military Benefits podcast examines the ongoing controversy with the Phoenix VA Center. We chat with Roscoe Butler, Deputy Director of Health with the American Legion, as he gives an overview of the situation, what the VA needs to do to improve its services, and the ways in which the American Legion is trying to help. For more, listen to the podcast at the (http://podcasts.military.com/2014/06/mi ... hcare.html) Military Podcast Center.


Saving the Bladensburg Peace Cross
More than 120 citizens, including a strong showing by American Legion Riders, staged a May 31 rally to save the Peace Cross monument in Bladensburg, Md., from being taken away. In February, a humanist group filed a lawsuit to remove the cross from its location on public land, claiming it violates the constitutional separation of church and state. The 40-foot-high Peace Cross, which includes an American Legion emblem at its crux, is located at the intersection of Maryland Route 450 and U.S. Route 1. It was authorized through the Commissioners of Bladensburg to serve as a memorial for residents of Prince George's County who died while serving in the armed forces during World War I. For more information, read the (http://www.legion.org/news/222549/savin ... eace-cross) American Legion press release and Shaun Rieley's (http://www.nationalreview.com/article/3 ... aun-rieley) recent article in the National Review Online and view the petition at the (http://www.change.org/petitions/marylan ... r-memorial) Change.org website.


Tyco Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Tyco. As the world's largest fire and security company they can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... =mr0609.nl) Read More.


5 Tips to Invest Now and Relax Later
It is important to plan for the future today, including knowing how and where you should invest your money to have a (http://www.military.com/money/retirement?ESRC=mr0609.nl) comfortable future.


Summer is the Perfect time to Buy! Use Your VA Loan
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. You don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0609.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr0609.nl) Interested in finding out more about the VA Loan?


New Survivors Bill Introduced
A new bill would improve compensation for survivors of servicemembers who die from a service-connected cause. On May 21, Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.) introduced (http://www.capwiz.com/military/issues/b ... l=63247971) H.R. 4741, the Surviving Spouses Benefits Improvement Act. The bill would make two important improvements to survivor benefits. (http://www.moaa.org/MRVASurvivorPay/) Read the rest of the article at Military Officers Association of America


Keep Pets, Family Safe This Summer
With the temperatures rising, both in the ocean and on land, water and sun safety must be a number-one priority. Children should never be left unattended near any body of water. Swimmers should attempt to swim at beaches with lifeguards nearby. Sunscreen with at least 30 SPF should be put on 20 minutes before leaving home. Check on the elderly during warm days to make sure they are receiving enough liquids and staying hydrated. Pets are just as susceptible to heat stroke as humans -- always have cool water available and shade when outside. Never leave children or pets in a parked car. For more hot weather safety tips, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extreme ... attips.asp) www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp, the National Weather Service website at (http://nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml) nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml, and the Weather.com website at (http://www.weather.com/safety/heat) www.weather.com/safety/heat.
For more family support resources, see this (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Family Center.


AF Permissive Temporary Duty
Airmen who separate under voluntary and involuntary force management programs may be eligible for permissive temporary duty. Airmen should check their separation orders to ensure the following statement is included in the remarks block: "Member separating voluntarily under Force Management program and may be eligible for PTDY according DODI 1327.06. SPD Code may not convey this benefit; however, MPS is authorized to permit." If you are separating under a voluntary force management program and your orders do not include that statement, please contact the Total Force Service Center at 210-565-0102 or DSN 665-0102 to have your orders corrected. For more information about force management programs and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website. For FM programs, select "search all components" from the drop down menu and enter "Active Duty: FY14 Force Management Programs" in the search window.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Steam Plant Inspector Certification
U.S. Navy Steam Generating Plant Inspectors (SGPI) have a fleet-wide impact by being responsible for providing technical oversight and assistance and hands-on training to ship's force personnel on their equipment. How does a Sailor become a certified SGPI? Prerequisites are outlined in the Catalog of Navy Training Courses (CANTRAC) for course identification number K-651-2151. SGPI candidates in pay grades E-7 through E-9 will attend a certification course in San Diego and will be certified to inspect propulsion, auxiliary, waste heat steam generating plants and steam catapult systems and re-boiler systems. Sailors E-5 and E6 can also apply and will be placed in a grooming list. For more information, contact your detailer.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Changes Sub Retirement Dates
The Navy announced changes to the inactivation timelines for two Los Angeles-class submarines that are scheduled to retire from active service. The service life for USS Dallas (SSN 700) has been extended to fiscal year 2017 and USS Norfolk (SSN 714) will begin inactivation in early 2015. The Navy is projected to save $10 million in Pre-Inactivation Restricted Availability (PIRA) costs as a result of the change. Norfolk is currently completing her last scheduled overseas deployment, which began in February. Dallas completed her most recent overseas deployment last November. For more information, visit the Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Dallas_%28SSN-700%29) USS Dallas (SSN 700) webpage and the Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Norfolk_(SSN_714)) USS Norfolk (SSN 714) webpage.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Offers Mental Health Support
Since 2008, the Air Force has seen a gradual rise in the number of mental health visits for active duty, both in the Military Treatment Facilities and in purchased care. In June, the Air Force Medical Operations Agency (AFMOA) will begin to roll out the first-ever Air Force Mental Health Help Seeking Campaign, which actively encourages people who are struggling to seek help early. In conjunction with the campaign, many resources are available to Airmen looking for help including the Airmen and Family Readiness Center's Military Family Life Consultants, the installation chaplain, Mental Health Clinic, the Medical Clinic's Behavioral Health in Primary Care, and the Family Advocacy Program. For more information about mental health support programs, call the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and TBI Outreach Center at 866-966-1020. For confidential assistance, call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647. Call Vet4Warriors peer support for servicemembers, civilians, and family members at 855-838-8255.
For more family support resources, see this (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Family Center.


CNO Professional Reading Program
An update to the Chief of Naval Operation Professional Reading Program (CNO-PRP) was recently announced. The update will include five new titles, which focus on professional development of Sailors. A kit containing these five new titles will be shipped to commands throughout the fleet in the coming weeks. Large commands will receive multiple copies of each title. Commands with existing reading program libraries should integrate the new hard copy titles into their legacy collections. A number of current and previous CNO-PRP titles are available for free loan as eBook or digital audio downloads from the Navy library e-content within the Navy General Library Program portal, which is accessible through Navy Knowledge Online. For more information on CNO-PRP or to replace worn, damaged, and missing books, contact the CNO-PRP management office via the contacts listed at the Navy Reading website at (http://navyreading.dodlive.mil) navyreading.dodlive.mil.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Testing Diarrhea Vaccine
Researchers at the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) have begun an FDA-approved phase 1 clinical trial for a vaccine for Campylobacter Jejuni, which causes Traveler's Diarrhea. C. Jejuni is a global health problem and is a leading cause of diarrhea in deployed military personnel and international travelers. This phase 1 study will enroll up to 48 healthy volunteers to determine safety and dosing levels. It is hoped that at the end of the study, the results will allow the research team to take the vaccine into a phase 2 study where volunteers will be vaccinated to see if it protects against Campylobacter in a human challenge study. The NMRC Enteric Diseases Department's research program is centered on the development of effective countermeasures to prevent or abate bacterial diarrhea, with most efforts aimed at vaccine research and development. For more information, visit the (http://www.fda.gov/food/foodborneillnes ... 070024.htm) U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


TRICARE Nurse Advice Line
TRICARE beneficiaries can contact the new nationwide Nurse Advice Line (NAL) for professional medical advice to help decide whether self-care is the best option, or if they should see a healthcare provider immediately. The NAL is staffed by a team of registered nurses who answer healthcare questions and provides beneficiaries with live advice 24/7. Beneficiaries can call 1-800-TRICARE (874- 2273) and select option 1 to connect to the NAL. A representative will check their eligibility in the Defense Enrollment and Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and then transfers them to a nurse. The NAL has nurses that specialize in different specialties and can provide medical advice on a wide range of issues. For more information, visit the (http://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/ ... eLine.aspx) TRICARE Nurse Advice Line webpage.
(http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2014/05/new- ... asier.html) Read more about the new program on SpouseBUZZ.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Tips for TRICARE Overseas
Since walk-in customer service at TRICARE Service Centers (TSCs) ended April 1, beneficiaries moving stateside should become familiar with TRICARE's self-service options. Active duty servicemembers and family members moving from overseas to the U.S. will transfer to TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Prime Remote. You can transfer via telephone by using "Moving Made Easy." Just call your current (losing) contractor and give them information about your upcoming move. Also, beneficiaries can manage their health care benefits 24/7 online via the links found in the "I want to?" section on the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil) www.tricare.mil. To learn more about "Moving Made Easy," visit the TRICARE Moving webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/moving) www.tricare.mil/moving.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Best Prices in the Industry for the Military
Up to 50% off 250 Brands! Register and STOP Paying Full Price! (http://www.govx.com/militarycom?gxweba= ... m_cpa_MRVR) Active Duty, Veterans, Retirees and Spouses welcome!


Monster Worldwide Conducts Study
Monster Worldwide, Inc. has released the sixth edition of the Veterans Talent Index (VTI), providing insight into what veterans look for from employers, what types of retention programs are being used, and what concerns employers have when hiring veterans. Many surveyed employers (69%, the highest response rate in three years) say their company has a stated commitment to hiring veterans. More than half of the employers surveyed do not have major concerns when hiring veterans. Of those who do, their foremost concerns are veteran employees fitting into corporate culture (28%) and transferring military skills to corporate job skills (27%). Nearly all (99%) of the surveyed employers agree -- veterans perform as well or better than their civilian coworkers. For more information, read the (http://www.about-monster.com/sites/defa ... 8May14.pdf) complete report from Monster's comprehensive May 2014 Veterans Talent Index, and to learn more about hiring veterans, visit Military.com's (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Veterans Employment Center.


Overseas Moving Tips
People moving to the States this summer should start preparing now by finding new homes for the things that are banned from import. It is also a good idea to apply early for import permits on restricted items. Here are several tips: (1) prohibited items include meat and meat products as well as plants and destructive devices; (2) owners of vehicles less than 25 years old and not made to U.S. Standards have to ship them through commercial importers registered with the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency; (3) most mopeds and motorcycles must also meet U.S. Safety and pollution standards; (4) wine collections can only be shipped with advance approval from the transportation office; and (5) state attorneys general must approve imports of gambling devices. Need more details? Get many informative pamphlets from a military customs office, or visit the military customs website at (http://www.eur.army.mil/opm/customs/uscustoms.htm) www.eur.army.mil/opm/customs/uscustoms.htm.
For more moving and PCS tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS section.


Women's Leadership Conference
Nearly 400 Navy-funded registrations are now available for Sailors to attend the Sea Services Leadership Association (SSLA) 27th Annual Joint Women's Leadership Symposium (JWLS). The symposium will be held on June 12-13 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriot Hotel in Norfolk, Va. The symposium will feature information sharing, training programs, workshops and discussions centered on the theme "Why Do You Serve?" All 382 available Navy-funded registrations will be coordinated through the Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion - Women's Policy. To obtain a Navy funded registration, contact OSC Jessica Myers at (703) 604-5482 or (mailto:Jessica.myers@navy.mil) Jessica.myers@navy.mil . Registrants must be in the local Norfolk area. Individual commands are not authorized to pay for travel and expenses. For more information, visit the SSLA website at SSLA website at (http://www.sealeader.org/leadership-symposium-summary/) www.sealeader.org/leadership-symposium-summary/.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Post-Retirement Weight Gain?
Approximately half of the Army retirees whose height and weight were measured at medical appointments in military treatment facilities last year had a body mass index that classified them as obese. A Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30 is classified as obese and can lead to serious weight-related health problems. Also, a high waist circumference (greater than 40 inches for males and greater than 35 inches for females) is one of five medical conditions that comprise "metabolic syndrome." You can prevent unwanted weight gain by using the U.S. Army's Performance Triad, which focuses on three components of health: sleep, activity and nutrition. For more information, visit the U.S. Army's (http://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/health ... fault.aspx) Performance Triad webpage and calculate your BMI at (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obe ... micalc.htm) www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/BMI/bmicalc.htm.
For more fitness tips and workout programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/) Military.com Fitness Center.