March 2006 Vol. 17, No. 3
(ISSN# 15465489)
Tax Season 2005—Changes Provide Advantages for Military Families
By TSgt Jeffrey Rogers, MacDill AFB, Florida
In This Issue
From the Chairman: Kindness ...........2 Tax Time…VITA’s Here .......................3 What Do You Think of Your Health Care Benefit? ...........................3 DoD Budget Request Calls for Lowest Pay Raise in 13 Years ...............3 How Much Should You Pay for Health Care? ........................................4 Congressional Staffers Question Prospective TRICARE Fee Increases ..5 DoD Defines New Domestic Abuse Policy ....................................................5 Benefits 101 .........................................6 Contributors Corner ...........................7
Serving the families of the seven uniformed services: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Taxes, taxes, taxes—it is that time of year once again. George Harrison, of the Beatles, knew all too well how taxation affects our income. He wrote, “Let me tell you how it will be; there’s one for you, nineteen for me; ‘cause I’m the Taxman.” Even Benjamin Franklin had something to say about the subject, “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.” While Mr. Franklin’s outlook on taxation is surely grim, changes in this year’s tax rules actually provide benefits for servicemembers and their families. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the changes that pack the most punch in our favor: • Standard deductions increases: $5,000 for single returns, $10,000 for married, filing jointly • Personal exemption increases: $3,200 each for the taxpayer, spouse, and all eligible dependents • Earned Income Credit (EIC) will now be calculated on income up to $31,030 (one child) and $35,263 (two children) • Active duty quarters and subsistence allowances (BAH/BAS) are no longer included when calculating EIC • Student loan interest deduction increases: $2,500 maximum allowed • Standard mileage rate for business travel increases: 40.5 cents (for travel performed before 31 Aug 05) and 48.5 cents (travel performed after 31 Aug 05) Please keep in mind, these changes are not all-inclusive and are not necessarily the only changes that may affect your tax return this year. For example many, but not all, military families will be able to take advantage of “tax-free” income earned during some deployments in 2005. I encourage you to consult with professionally trained tax-assistance personnel or, if you choose, to prepare your own taxes using one of the many software packages available. The Department of Defense has announced it is offering Turbo Tax, software for tax preparation, free of charge for military members and their families. To access your free version of Turbo Tax, visit www.militaryonesource.com. You may need to create a OneSource account to access the benefits of the website. For those servicemembers who are unable to file their taxes before the April 17, 2006 deadline, an extension may be requested by filing IRS Form 4868. If the taxpayer is not able to pay the full amount owed, an installment agreement can be set up by filing IRS Form 9465. I wish you best of luck during these “taxing” times—no pun intended. In fact, I wish you Happy Returns! ■
The Voice for Military Families | 1
The National Military Family Association, Inc., is a nonprofit organization representing families of the seven uniformed services and active duty, reserve component, and retired servicemembers. If credited to NMFA, contents of this newsletter may be reproduced or reprinted.
Chairman
Kindness
As I think of all of the wonderful things in the world, what touches my heart most are acts of kindness. Even those acts that may seem like nothing at all to some can fill my eyes with tears of appreciation. More than 20 years ago our family moved into military housing in Wuerzburg, Germany. A few months after our arrival, our daughter became very ill and was in the hospital for two weeks. My husband Jim’s commander told him not to return to work until our nine year old was well. Jim stayed at the hospital during the days and I took over in the evenings and spent the nights. Before we knew what had happened, our stairwell neighbors and other friends had taken over the rest of our lives by scheduling after school care for our younger daughter, bringing meals to the home and the hospital, and accepting cards and notes of good wishes and gifts from people and groups we didn’t even know. The community, our “family” away from home, embraced us with their care, concern and prayers. On one especially difficult evening, a military chaplain we hardly knew came to the hospital and simply stated that he thought we shouldn’t be there by ourselves—we weren’t. When our daughter recovered and our lives seemed normal again I asked my friend how I could ever repay the selfless acts of kindness received from so many. How could I convey our family’s deepest feelings of gratitude and appreciation? She simply smiled at me and said, “just pass it on.” Many years later, a family that had just arrived at their “new home,” was told the mother had cancer. Their challenges began as they faced the required therapy along with the questions and emotions that follow. After making sure the family would accept our help, the community (military and civilian) provided meals and visits for many months and assisted in so many other ways as gracefully as possible. I believe it is human nature to help others when a need arises; yet, accepting acts of kindness can be very difficult. I have always appreciated and admired the strength this family showed during those trying times and I know they will never forget those who rallied around them with the sole purpose of helping in some way, never expecting anything in return. I’m sure they too, have just “passed it on” long before now. When our NMFA staff arrived to work one morning last week, they were all greeted by an envelope at their desks filled with a special “badge of encouragement.” Anonymously, each badge had been individually hand-made with personal notes. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me to watch everyone talk about their badges, trying to guess who the “great badge maker” was and laughing among themselves. We become so busy we often neglect the courtesies of life ... the “simple” acts of kindness. Certainly kind gestures do not require a great deal of time. It is as easy as remembering how a smile, a wink, a pat on the back, or a compliment has made me feel and then I am encouraged to reach out to others. I believe we do not consider much of what we do during our daily lives as “acts of kindness.” Indeed, our friendships, the time taken to mentor others, and even simply supporting someone through your physical presence are extraordinary gifts. I have always been drawn to and considered myself honored to know many who give their kindness so freely. The communities you and I live in, whether they be military or civilian, are filled with these “kind spirits” reaching out to many. You are probably one of them. I thank God daily for allowing me to be in a path that crosses with theirs. I strive to learn from them, to be inspired by them, and to be conscious of positively touching others in precious ways that I have been touched. There are many blessings to be counted. I hope you find moments today and tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that, to be one of those “kind spirits.” Just simply … pass it on. Take care,
Officers
Chairman of the Board Vice Chairman of the Board Corporate Secretary Treasurer Tanna Schmidli Tom Sims Paul Arcari Tom Stanners
Privacy Policy
The National Military Family Association (NMFA) is aware of the need to keep private information secure and confidential. We consider this a top priority. We do not collect any information about you that can identify you as an individual except for the information collected to acquire membership. We do not share any of your personal information with any other group, and NMFA does not sell any names or mailing lists to outside groups.
Moving?
The Voice for Military Families (USPS #0011-137) is published monthly by NMFA, 2500 North Van Dorn St., Suite 102, Alexandria, VA 22302-1601. Periodicals postage is paid at Alexandria, Virginia and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Voice for Military Families, NMFA, 2500 North Van Dorn St., Suite 102, Alexandria, VA 22302-1601.
Tanna
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Tax Time…Never Fear, VITA’s Here
By Major Patrick D. Dyson, USAF, Deputy Chief, Legal Assistance & Preventive Law Division Few words evoke the full range of negative emotions like the word tax. When you put tax in the same sentence as IRS, you might cause someone’s heart to stop! Most of us can recall sitting at the dining room table with our Form 1040, the instruction book, our W-2 and various other forms, frustrated by the fact that it’s been four hours and we’re still on the “filing status” question. But never fear, there is help to successfully file your returns. Servicemembers and their dependents can have their personal tax returns prepared and electronically filed absolutely free at a military Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard operate VITA sites at installations throughout the world. The range of services and operating hours vary by site so individuals should check with their local legal office for details. IRS trained volunteers who are familiar with the unique military tax-related issues staff these sites or tax centers. They will go over the documents, prepare the return and electronically file it. Need cash fast? Members who would like to have that refund in hand faster than the six to eight weeks a paper return takes to be processed should have their returns electronically filed— commonly referred to as e-filing. Returns that are e-filed are processed in half the time. If that isn’t fast enough, you can have your return directly deposited into your bank account. Direct deposits will be in the account in as few as eight days. The installation tax center will be glad to assist in the e-filing. Taxpayers should be wary of claims of same-day refunds offered by some companies; these “refunds” are actually loans based on the anticipated refund amount and have additional fees and costs associated with them, effectively decreasing the amount of money received. Alfred E. Neuman has been credited with saying “It takes more effort to make out the income tax form than to make the income.” With military tax centers, this does not have to be a reality. Servicemembers and their dependents can simply make an appointment and bring in all the appropriate forms and the trained, eager-to-please volunteers will take care of the tax forms for them. Don’t procrastinate. Make that appointment today. ■
DoD Budget Request Calls for Lowest Pay Raise in 13 Years
On February 6, the Administration released its FY 2007 budget proposal which would provide $93 billion for the Defense Department. Proposals in the categories of pay and quality of life include increasing basic pay by only 2.2 percent in 2007 (after 3.1 percent this year), which would be the smallest military pay raise since 1994. Military pay raises are based on the Employment Cost Index (ECI), the measure of wage growth in the civilian sector. The DoD budget request would also provide an unspecified targeted pay raise for certain warrant officers and senior enlisted members in mid-2007. The proposal includes $1.9 billion for bonuses and incentives to recruit and retain personnel. It would increase funding available for Basic Allowance for Housing by 5.9 percent. In addition, the budget would provide funding to eliminate the remaining 49,000 inadequate housing units on military installations. It would provide other quality of life investments, including $1.5 billion for the construction of living quarters for unmarried enlisted personnel, new child development centers, and for new educational schools and projects. Details of the exact construction proposed will be released soon. DoD budget materials are posted at: www. dod.mil/comptroller/defbudget/fy2007/ index.html. ■
What Do You Think Of Your Health Care Benefit?
Are you satisfied with the quality of the health care you receive through TRICARE? Are you able to find a provider or obtain an appointment in a timely manner? Do you prefer to obtain your prescriptions from the military pharmacy, the mail order, or your corner drug or grocery store? Are the mental health services military families need available? Would you pay more for increased dental benefits? Tell us what you think of your military health care benefit in the new NMFA Military Health Care Survey. Go to www.nmfa.org/surveys and tell us what you think. ■
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How Much Should You Pay for Health Care?
By Joyce Wessel Raezer, Director, Government Relations
The recently-released Administration FY 2007 budget proposal for Defense health care contained a series of enrollment fee, copay, and other fee increases for certain TRICARE beneficiaries. At a meeting with military association representatives on February 6, DoD Health Affairs officials outlined these proposed changes to beneficiaries’ cost: • Create a three-tier TRICARE Prime enrollment fee system and increase these fees substantially in FY 2007 and FY 2008, before setting future increases to equal the average changes in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP). Currently all retirees under the age of 65 pay the same annual enrollment fee for TRICARE Prime: $230 for an individual and $460 for a family. This enrollment fee has not changed since the beginning of TRICARE in 1995. • Retired junior enlisted members (E-6 and below) would see Prime enrollment fees increase to $275 for an individual and $550 for a family in FY 2007 and $325 and $650 in FY 2008. • Prime enrollment fees for retired senior enlisted (E-7 and above) members would increase to $350 and $700 in FY 2007 and $475 and $950 in FY 2008. • For retired officers, Prime enrollment fees would increase to $500 for an individual and $1,000 for a family in FY 2007 and $700 and $1,400 in FY 2008, more than triple the current annual fee. • Create a first-time-ever enrollment fee for TRICARE Standard, the basic health care benefit to which military servicemembers, retirees, their families, and survivors are entitled. The annual fee would only be charged to retirees under age 65, their families, and survivors. • In FY 2007, retired junior enlisted members in Standard would pay $75 for an individual and $150 for a family. In FY 2008, they would pay $140 and $280. • Senior enlisted retirees in Standard would pay $100 for an individual in FY 2007 and $200 for a family and $200 and $400 in FY 2008. • Standard enrollment fees for officer retirees would start at $150 and $300 in FY 2007 and rise to $280 and $560 in FY 2008. • Increase TRICARE Standard annual deductibles in two tiers over the next two years from the current $150 for an individual and $300 for a family. • For all retired enlisted members, they would rise to $175 and $350 in FY 2007 and $185 and $370 in FY 2008. • For retired officers, deductibles would increase to $225 for an individual and $450 for a family in FY 2007 and $280 and $560 in FY 2008 (NMFA note to those of you who are shaking your head in wonder as you’re reading: yes that’s right—under this plan, an officer retiree and family would pay an enrollment fee of $560 and then have to pay out of pocket to meet the $560 deductible before DoD would begin paying anything for the benefit they earned!). • Change pharmacy co-payments slightly for all beneficiaries, except active duty servicemembers who pay no co-payments. Medications obtained in military hospitals and clinics would
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remain free. The co-payment for generic medications obtained through the TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy (TMOP) would be eliminated (it is currently $3 for a 90-day supply) and the co-payment for brand-name and the third-tier (non-formulary) drugs would remain $9 and $22 for a 90-day supply obtained through the TMOP. The elimination of the mail order co-payment for generic drugs is one way DoD hopes to persuade more beneficiaries to use the TMOP rather than retail pharmacies. Co-payments for generics in the retail pharmacy will increase to $5 for a 30-day supply and $15 for a 30-day supply of a brandname. The third tier price of $22 would remain the same. What will remain the same under DoD’s proposal? • The catastrophic cap of $1,000 per year for active duty family members and $3,000 for retirees. The catastrophic cap is the maximum out-of-pocket amount beneficiaries must pay in one year for covered costs. • TRICARE Prime co-payments for retirees will remain at $12 per medical visit. There are no co-payments under Prime for active duty members and their families. • No cost changes for TRICARE for Life beneficiaries other than the increases in retail pharmacy co-pays. • No co-pays for medications obtained in military hospital and clinic pharmacies. DoD will have to seek legislative approval from Congress for what will probably be the most controversial of its proposed changes. While it has the authority to increase TRICARE Prime enrollment fees and pharmacy co-pays, it will need permission from Congress to create the tiered system and institute the TRICARE Standard enrollment fee. Now that the details of DoD’s proposals are known, NMFA will examine them closely and consult with other military association members of The Military Coalition and with Congressional offices to raise beneficiary concerns. NMFA believes that before DoD seeks to increase beneficiary health care costs, it should look for and implement efficiencies within the system. For example, how much could have been saved with a concentrated effort to move beneficiaries from retail pharmacies to the mail order pharmacy? NMFA and other military associations have asked for several years for such an effort from DoD, as savings also accrue to the beneficiary, but to date have seen no such marketing effort. Our initial review of these proposals has left us most concerned about the proposed Standard enrollment fee. We believe the establishment of such a fee destroys the status of TRICARE Standard as an earned benefit and puts it on the same level as any other employer-sponsored insurance plan. Also, officials at the Monday meeting with the association representatives did not have a clear answer to NMFA’s question of what value the Standard beneficiary would receive for their premium other than the “opportunity” to pay a 25 percent cost share (plus an additional 15 percent if seeing a non-participating provider), an increasing deductible, an inpatient hospital cost share of more than $500 per day, and—because of these potential high costs—premiums for a TRICARE supplemental insurance policy. NMFA will provide more information on actions taken regarding these proposals in future editions of this newsletter. ■
Congressional Staffers Question Prospective TRICARE Fee Increases
A recurring theme during this year’s State of the Military Health System Annual Conference—formerly known as the TRICARE Conference—was the issue over rising DoD health care costs and what should be done about them. Dr. David Chu, Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and Dr. William Winkenwerder, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, both noted that DoD health care costs had doubled from $19 billion in 2001 to $38 billion today and warned that costs must be controlled in order to “sustain the benefit.” While unable to discuss specifics of proposals to be included in the President’s FY 2007 budget request—scheduled to be released as we go to press—they seemed to confirm the request would include increases in fees and cost shares for certain beneficiaries, especially military retirees under age 65 and their families. The issue of rising health care costs and DoD’s solution of raising retiree fees and cost shares was raised again during a panel discussion featuring four staff members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees (HASC, SASC). SASC staffers noted their Committee had not yet been briefed on the proposals, even though DoD representatives have been making their case regarding the rising costs in briefings to individual Senators. Staffers talked about the pressures caused by rising health care costs nationally, but were unanimous in their assertions that any proposals from DoD regarding increased beneficiary costs would have to be carefully scrutinized and would not be automatically accepted by Congress. One SASC staff member noted that more than 22,000 letters opposing the fee increases have been sent to Members of Congress already by military beneficiaries. Another questioned whether solutions to rising health care costs being adopted by many in corporate America who are cutting retiree health care benefits are the best for the military, especially in time of war. A HASC staffer eloquently described her visits with servicemembers, especially those wounded in the line of duty. She stated that Members of Congress understand the importance of the health care benefit to servicemembers, retirees, and their families. Recent and prospective retirees, she said, have spent much of their last years in the military deployed in support of a war. “They have earned their retiree benefit,” she said, arguing that this benefit not be diminished. Another staffer noted the challenge facing the Department in an election year while the country is at war. She did acknowledge that Congress would be particularly interested in “where the line leadership is” on this issue. Reports have emerged that the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are supportive of the proposals to pass more of the health care cost burden to beneficiaries. NMFA applauds the Congressional staffers who participated in the conference panel discussion for their recognition of the tough issues faced today by both DoD and military beneficiaries. We were pleased to hear their strong message in support of continued improvements in the health care benefit, increased efficiencies in the administration of the benefit, resources to support wounded and injured servicemembers, improved mental health care, and caution in imposing additional costs on servicemembers, retirees, their families, and survivors. ■
DoD Defines New Domestic Abuse Policy
In a memorandum released recently by the Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, DoD expanded its reporting policy for incidents of domestic abuse to include restricted reporting. Limited to adult victims of domestic abuse, restricted reporting is defined as allowing a victim of domestic abuse, who is eligible to receive military medical treatment, the option of reporting an incident of domestic abuse to specified individuals without initiating the investigative process or notification to the victim’s alleged offender’s commander. According to the memo, domestic abuse often goes unreported in society at large. Although the victim’s decision to report the incident is a crucial step toward holding the offender accountable following a domestic abuse incident, it can have serious consequences for the safety and welfare of the victim and other family members. When domestic abuse is reported to military and/or civilian authorities who fail to take appropriate action, the abuse may recur and escalate. In the military community, a victim is usually concerned that reporting will have immediate repercussions on the military career of the servicemember offender, and thus affect the family’s financial welfare. As a result, this potential impact may often deter the victim from seeking care at all or reporting the domestic abuse incident. Commanders have a responsibility to ensure community safety and due process of law, but they must also recognize the importance of protecting the safety and well-being of victims and other family members. A system that affords victims access to medical and victim advocacy services without immediate command or law enforcement involvement can encourage victims to feel more comfortable and safe about reporting domestic abuse. The memo further states that, in order to address these sometimes competing interests, adult victims of domestic abuse incidents will now have two reporting options: unrestricted reporting and restricted reporting. Regardless of the option, confidentiality of medical information will be maintained. Victims of domestic abuse who want to pursue an official investigation of an incident should use current reporting channels, i.e. chain of command, Family Advocacy Program (FAP), or law enforcement. In cases where an adult victim elects restricted reporting, the victim advocate and health care providers may not disclose covered communications to either the victim’s or offender’s commander or to law enforcement officials—whether military or civilian--except for certain situations. Restricted reporting is intended to give adult victims additional time, while benefiting from receiving relevant information and support, to make more informed decisions about reporting the domestic abuse incident to the appropriate commanders and possibly participating in a criminal investigation. A victim who receives appropriate care and treatment, and is provided an opportunity to make an informed decision about reporting to law enforcement or command officials and the possibility of a criminal investigation, is more likely to develop increased trust that his or her needs are of primary concern, and therefore decide to report the domestic abuse incident to the appropriate command or law enforcement officials. Victims of domestic abuse who desire restricted reporting under this policy must report the abuse to one of the following specified individuals within the military system: a victim advocate or healthcare provider, or the supervisor of a victim advocate. If the victim elects to receive medical care at a civilian facility, regulations governing the release of medical information at that facility apply. The individual Services have been directed to submit a copy of their proposed implementing guidance conforming to this policy no later than 60 days from the date of the memorandum and the restricted reporting policy will be effective 90 days from the date of the memorandum. NMFA will monitor the implementation of this policy and report on it as it progresses. ■ The Voice for Military Families | 5
Benefits 101: Update on the Benefits Available for Survivors of Active Duty Deaths
By Kathy Moakler, NMFA Deputy Director, Government Relations
Families can never be prepared for the news their loved one has died while on active duty. Families of servicemembers should be aware of the benefits they have in their time of sorrow, either for their own information or to help others who may need it. In the first few days of shock and grief, one may not be ready to hear what is being said about benefits and assistance. As days pass, however, informed decisions need to be made. Information resources and agencies are available to help with these complex and far-reaching decisions. It is important for servicemembers and their families to regularly review and update the servicemember and family information used to determine eligibility for and the distribution of the components of the survivor benefit package. In the past year, benefits have been enhanced, adding some confusion as to who is eligible for certain benefits. The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) both offer benefits for survivors. Below is a very brief outline of the benefit package for survivors of active duty deaths. For in-depth information about each of these benefits, consult the NMFA fact sheet Benefits for Survivors of Active Duty Deaths, available under “Fact Sheets” in the Publications section of the NMFA website: www.nmfa.org. Burial Benefits: DoD will process, transport, and inter remains. It provides a casket, vault and headstone for interment in a government cemetery or may reimburse costs of up to $6,900, if the family elects to make private arrangements. Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI): The maximum amount of the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is $400,000, effective September 1, 2005. Servicemembers will be enrolled for the maximum amount unless they explicitly decline the insurance or purchase lower levels of coverage. Health and Dental Care Benefits: Surviving children of servicemembers who died on active duty remain eligible for TRICARE Prime coverage as active duty dependents until they reach age 21 or age 23 if enrolled in college. This means they have no premiums, co-payments for care in the civilian network, and priority for enrollment in Prime at military hospitals. Surviving spouses remain eligible for three years from the date of death for TRICARE benefits at active duty dependent rates. After three years, spouses are eligible for the TRICARE retiree benefit, which means they will have an annual premium for themselves and co-payments if using the civilian provider network if enrolling in TRICARE Prime. If the survivors are enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) for active duty family members at the time of the servicemember’s death, coverage will be premium-free for three years from the death. At the end of three years they become eligible for the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program. The spouse’s eligibility for health care terminates upon remarriage and may not be reinstated unless the marriage is annulled. Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): Surviving spouses of servicemembers who die on active duty are entitled to SBP benefits. SBP payments equal 55% of what the members’ retired pay would have been had they been retired at 100% disability. The monthly SBP payments are offset by the VA’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), currently $1,033 per month. Spouses can choose the “child only” SBP. SBP payments are subject to federal income taxes. If the spouse remarries before age 55, SBP payments cease. Other Benefits: Surviving families may occupy government quarters or be paid housing allowances for 365 days from the date of death. Spouses are eligible for Commissary, Exchange, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities privileges indefinitely unless they remarry. Children maintain eligibility until age 18, or 23 if still enrolled in college.
VA Benefits
VA Survivors web page: This is a special web page devoted to issues pertaining to survivors. This page also offers information from other federal agencies and organizations that offer related benefits and services to survivors and dependents and may be accessed at www.vba.va.gov/survivors/index.htm Transition Assistance: A monthly payment of $250 will be paid to surviving spouses with minor children for the initial two years of entitlement to DIC. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Surviving spouses and children are eligible for DIC, which is a flat rate monthly payment, independent of the pay grade of the member. The rate has been adjusted annually for cost of living increases. The 2006 spouse DIC monthly rate is $1,033 and $257 for each child. The DIC payment is non-taxable. If a spouse remarries before age 57, payment of the spouse’s DIC ends. If the subsequent marriage ends in death, divorce, or annulment, DIC will be re-instated. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program: Surviving spouses and children are eligible for up to 45 months of education benefits. Beginning July 1, 2005, the surviving spouse of a servicemember killed on active duty has an extended eligibility for education benefits of up to 20 years after the date of the member’s death. Home Loan Guaranties: An unremarried surviving spouse is eligible for GI home loans. VA Grief Counseling: The Veterans Administration’s Office of Readjustment Counseling offers grief counseling to families of members who die on active duty. These services are available through offices at the 206 community-based veterans’ centers throughout the United States. Continued on page 8
In the case of a death, who will be assigned to help?
When the death of a servicemember occurs, the next of kin will be assigned a casualty assistance officer to help with arrangements and entitlement paperwork at this difficult time. While the casualty assistance officer is there to help, the family members are the ones who make the final decisions.
What are the available survivor benefits?
Uniformed Services Benefits
Death Gratuity: $100,000 for active duty deaths resulting from wounds, injuries, or illnesses. This is paid within a few days of the death.
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Contributors Corner
NMFA programs would not be possible without the generosity of the organizations, clubs and individuals that recognize the valuable contributions military families make to our Nation. We thank last year’s donors for supporting our mission.
2005 NMFA CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
Family Champions ($20,000+)
Association of Military Banks of America Aurora Casket Company The Boeing Company Deli Express, Inc. Delta Dental Plans Association H.J. Heinz Company Health Net Federal Services Humana Military Healthcare Services The Kellogg Company The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation Nestle USA Sears, Roebuck and Co. TriWest Healthcare Alliance
Family Patrons ($10,000–$19,999) Family Advocates ($2,500– $4,999) General Dynamics Corporation
God’s Gift Charitable Foundation Mortgage Research Center National Veterans’ Services Fund Tyson Foods United Concordia, Inc. Defense Health Advisors Grassfire.Org Alliance HNTB Corporation Leadership 1st, Inc. Magellan Health Services, Inc. ProChem, Inc. Rolls Royce North America, Inc. Royce Builders Spectrum Healthcare Resources Uniformed Services Family Health Plan Alliance Vanguard Advisors, LLC West Point Society of New England
Family Supporters ($100–$2,499)
Armed Forces Marketing Council Association of Government Accountants, Chicago Chapter GEICO Learning Tree International MPRI National Endowment for Financial Education National Office Supply Nationwide Lending Corporation Overseas Service Corporation Procurement Services International, LLC Webb Sales and Marketing Wilson Research Strategies
Family Guardians ($5,000– $9,999)
Ceridian (Military OneSource) Deli Express Promotion Partners Flaherty Family Foundation Integrated Supply Network, Inc. JVC of America Navy Federal Credit Union Rockwell Collins The Clorox Sales Company The Coca-Cola Company
Spouse Club and Thrift Shop Supporters
Family Champions ($1,000+)
American Forces’ Spouses’ Club/ Chosun Gift Shop Andersen AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Army Officers’ Wives’ Club of the Greater DC Area and Thrift Shop Boutiki Gift Shop Daughters of the United States Army - West Point Chapter Fort Belvoir Community Committee/Thrift Shop Fort Bragg Area Officers’ and Civilians’ Spouses’ Club Fort Hood Area Thrift Shop Fort Leonard Wood Thrift Shop Heidelberg Community and Civilian Spouses’ Club Naval Officers’ Wives’ Club of Washington DC NOAA Officers’ Family Association Officer Students’ Spouses’ Club of Naval Postgraduate School Selfridge Spouse Club Seoul American Officers’ & Civilians’ Spouses’ Club Stuttgart Community Spouses’ Club Vicenza Military Spouses’ & Civilians’ Club Fort Campbell Officers’ Spouses’ Club Fort Gordon Officers’ Spouses’ Club Grand Forks AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Military & Civilians’ Spouses’ Club of Greater Atlanta Naval Officers’ Spouses’ Club of San Diego Pope AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Ramstein Officers’ Spouses’ Club Redstone Arsenal Officer & Civilian Women’s Club Rock Island Arsenal Women’s Club Spangdahlem Officers’ & Civilians’ Spouses’ Club Travis AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Fort Lewis Health Services Auxiliary Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses’ Club Fort Polk Officers’ Spouses’ Club Fort Richardson Officers’ Spouses’ Club Fort Sill Officers’ and Civilians’ Spouses Club Fort Stewart Officers’ Spouses’ Club Fort Wainwright Officer Spouses’ Club Goodfellow AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Grafenwoehr Community and Spouses’ Club Hanscom AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Hickam Officers’ Spouses’ Club Holloman AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Hurlburt Field Officers’ Spouses’ Club Kaneohe Officers’ Spouses’ Club Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club Laughlin Officers’ Spouses’ Club Los Angeles AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club MacDill Officers’ Spouses’ Club Marine Corps Logistics Base Officers’ Spouses’ Club Marine Officers’ Wives’ Club of Washington, DC Maxwell/Gunter Officers’ Spouses’ Club McChord Officers’ Spouses’ Club McGuire Officers’ Spouses’ Club National Naval Medical Center Oakleaf Club Navy Wives’ Club, Daughters in Dixie #300 Nellis AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Offutt Officers’ Spouses’ Club Parris Island Officers’ Spouses’ Club Pikes Peak Combined Spouses’ Club RAF Lakenheath Officers’ & Civilians’ Spouses’ Club RAF Mildenhall Enlisted Spouses’ Club Ramstein Enlisted Spouses’ Association Randolph AFB Enlisted Wives’ Club Schweinfurt Community Spouses’ Club Scott Officers’ Spouses’ Club Selfridge Chief Petty Officers’ Association Shaw Officers’ and Civilian Spouses’ Club Sheppard AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club The Treasure Shop of Norfolk Tinker AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Twentynine Palms Officers’ Spouses’ Club Tyndall Officers’ Spouses’ Club Vance AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Walter Reed Auxiliary West Point Women’s Club (WPWC) Whiteman Officers’ Spouses’ Club Yuma MCAS Officers’ Spouses’ Organization
Family Advocates ($100– $499)
Family Supporters ($50– $99)
Family Patrons ($500– $999)
Air Force Officers’ Wives’ Club of Washington, DC Army JAG Women’s & Spouses’ Club of Washington, DC Baumholder Community Spouses’ Club Cherry Point Officers’ Spouses’ Club Dahlgren Officers’ Spouses’ Club Davis-Monthan Officers’ Spouses’ Club Edwards Officers’ Wives’ Club Elmendorf Officers’ Spouses’ Organization
Altus Officers’ Spouses’ Club Atsugi Officers’ Spouses’ Association Camp Pendleton Officers’ Wives’ Club Cape May Coast Guard Officers’ Spouses’ Club Carlisle Barracks Spouses’ Club Charleston AFB Enlisted Spouses’ Club Coast Guard Officers’ Spouses’ Club of Washington Darmstadt Military Spouse and Civilian Club Ellsworth AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Fairchild AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Fort Belvoir Officers’ Wives’ Club Fort Bliss Officers’, Civilians’ and Spouses’ Association Fort Dix Officers’ & Civilians’ Spouses’ Club Fort Drum Enlisted Spouses’ Club Fort Drum Officers’ Spouses’ Club Fort Eustis Officers’ & Civilian Spouses’ Club Fort Huachuca Community Spouses’ Club Fort Jackson Officers’ & Civilians’ Spouses’ Club Fort Jackson Thrift Shop Fort Knox Officers’ & Civilians’ Spouses’ Club Fort Leavenworth Spouses’ Club Fort Leonard Wood Community Spouses’ Club
13th Coscom Spouses Group Coast Guard Officers’ Spouses’ Association of Hampton Roads Coast Guard Spouses’ Association of Honolulu Columbus AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Dover AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Fort Benning Officers’ Spouses’ Club Fort Meade Officers’ Wives’ Club Fort Monroe Casemate Community Connection Fort Rucker Officer and Civilian Spouses’ Club Fort Shafter Hui O’ Wahine Grand Forks AFB Enlisted Spouses’ Club Minot Enlisted Spouses’ Club Minot Officers’ Spouses’ Club Officers’ Spouses’ Club of Fort Lewis Robins AFB Officers’ Spouses’ Club Scott Enlisted Spouses’ Club Signal Officers’ Wives’ Club of the DC Area Social Club of Mainlands Unit Submarine Officer’s Spouse Association Submarine Officers’ Spouse Association Tidewater Officers’ Spouses’ Association
2005 Individual Supporters
Family Champion ($10,000+)
D.W. and Marilyn Bottom Emily DesHotel George Russell, Jr. Michael Ellis Frederic Clark Andrew and Victoria Field David Hart Dennis and Sydney Hickey Andrew and Marina Jacobson Kristina Johnson Charles and Zandra Krulak Andrew Puglia Levy Joyce Wessel Raezer Albert and Audrey Ratner Bob and Beverly Rosen Claire Lyn Saxon Jeanne Fields Shelby William and Maria Smith Reed Smith Letty and Donna Starry Frederick and Judith Triggs Clifford Warfield Larry and Susan White Michael and Barbara Williams Andrew Ziolkowski and Lydia Scalettar
Family Advocate ($250– $999)
Donald and Beth Ahern John and Diane Altenburg Christopher Armstrong Mike and Patty Barron Kevin and Roslyn Barry Richard and Alisa Behn John Brittain Jane Burke Patricia Carr Ronald Darienzo Anne Dwane Joe and Kim Edger Russell Ekblad Susan and Hilary Evers Donald and Patti Gentry Hal and Margaret Hallgren Michael Horansky Rance and Christina Jones Kevin and Michelle Joyner
Family Patron ($5,000– $9,999)
Stephen Kash Joanne Patton Gracie Terrill
Family Guardian ($1,000– $4,999)
Nancy Alsheimer Brad and Trish Buswell Hank and Katy Chiles
Daniel and Deborah Kloeppel Peter and Susan Kornfield Anne Marcure Frederick Martin Darlene McDonagh Mike and Holly McFarland Douglas Mercurio Kathy Moakler Dennis and Cindy Moran James and Carol Mutter Marines John and Tanny Ogren Sean O’Keefe David Patton John and Karen Pickler Louise Rinn Robert and Janet Schenk Jim and Tanna Schmidli Todd and Connie Semonite Eric and Patty Shinseki Gregory and Paula Sind-Prunier Scott and Candace Wheeler Ennis and Novella Whitehead
The Voice for Military Families | 7
Benefits 101… Continued from page 6
State, Local, and Other Benefits: Many states have passed laws providing certain benefits, and privileges to the surviving spouse and children of a deceased servicemember, especially to survivors of state members of the National Guard.
their website at http://www.taps.org. Gold Star Wives is a Congressionallychartered nonprofit service organization for widows and widowers of decease servicemembers. Call Gold Star Wives at 1-888751-6350 or visit their website at http:// www.goldstarwives.org.
to champion the elimination of the grossly unfair DIC offset to the SBP.
Tell NMFA about Survivor Issues in Your Community
NMFA interested in learning more about how surviving families are being helped in your community or installation. Is there a surviving family support group? Are there Care Teams or Family Readiness Group (FRG) members in place to help the family after notification? Is there adequate grief or bereavement counseling for the families or others in the unit? Is training available for those who want to become volunteer grief or bereavement counselors? Who offers the training? What kind of follow-up services are provided for the families while they stay in place or after they move to a new community? Is your community doing something that we have not mentioned here? Please forward comments or questions about survivor issues to families@nmfa.org. ■
Social Security Benefits
Social Security monthly benefits are paid to the spouse of the deceased servicemember with children under the age of 16 or disabled, who are in their care and meet Social Security requirements. The amount paid can only be determined by the Social Security Administration.
What is NMFA doing to help Survivors?
NMFA has been strongly advocating for survivor benefits. In the early 1970’s, NMFA worked to obtain the Survivor Benefit Plan we know today. Most recently, NMFA successfully championed the need to provide the $100,000 death gratuity to the survivors of all servicemembers who die on active duty, not just those killed in a combat zone. We also supported extending the housing benefit to one year and extending the time surviving children are eligible for the active duty TRICARE Prime benefit. We will continue to monitor how these changes are implemented. We also sit on the DoD/VA Committee looking at the Casualty Assistance process. Legislatively, we continue
Other Resources
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS) is a national non-profit organization made up of, and providing services to, those who have lost a loved one while serving in the armed forces. TAPS also offers grief counseling referral, case worker assistance, and crisis information. Call TAPS at 1-800-959-TAPS (8277) or visit
8 | The Voice for Military Families