Military Retiree Newsletter
Robins AFB, Georgia Retired Activities Office
Volume 17 December 2008
ROBINS AFB MILITARY RETRIEE APPRECIATION DAY WAS HOST TO OVER 200 RETIREES AND VENDORS ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2008. Starting with breakfast at the Wynn Dinning facility, speakers and retiree information given at the Heritage Club. Flu and Shingles vaccinations were given by the 78th MDGp. Hundreds of dollars of door were prizes given away. ID cards and DEERS updates were done by the 78th FSS Military Personnel Sq. Guest speakers were Marie Berry, RN, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret), Col William Willis, Deputy Command Chaplain for AFRC, Julie Reeves 78 th MSS/Pharmacy, Ms. Michelle Banks, Delta Dental representative, and CMSGT Charles Norton, VA Advocate. I wish to thank the TREA group and other volunteers who help pull this wonderful day off. To all who came out to be recognized and honor for their service and their spouses who served a long side of the retirees. The attendance is growing and we hope that it gets bigger next year. I hope all enjoyed the day and will invite other military retirees to come next year. Thanks Chief Ernie Munson (Ret) Director, RAO Robins AFB, GA
Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year To all the Happiest of Holidays NATIONAL NEWS
TRICARE ONE YEAR LIMIT UPDATE: Tricare officials remind overseas providers and beneficiaries that they have limited time left to file claims that have not already been processed. Tricare Management Activity (TMA) has extended a “timely filing waiver” through 31 DEC 08 for Tricare Overseas claims. The extension accommodates providers, beneficiaries and others living overseas who have not filed claims within one year of the “date of service.” One year is the limit normally allowed by Tricare policy. However, according to Tricare officials, late filing overseas sometimes occurs due to local statutes, which often give healthcare professionals up to three years to file claims for reimbursement. The filing extension through 31 DEC 08 allows extra time for Tricare area offices overseas to educate providers, beneficiaries and others about Tricare’s claims filing policies. To be eligible for this limited timely filing waiver, overseas Tricare
service centers, military treatment facilities, remote points of contact, providers and beneficiaries who have outstanding healthcare bills with dates of service before 31 DEC 07 must submit their claims no later than 31 DEC 08 to Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS), the overseas claims processor for Tricare. Beneficiaries can file claims by mailing a completed DD Form 2642 with a copy of the itemized bill and receipts to the appropriate WPS address found on the contact page at http://tricare4u.com. If WPS initially denies a claim filed more than a year from the date of service, the filer can then request the limited timely filing waiver. However, after the 31 DECF 08 deadline, new claims will be denied if not filed within one-year from the date of service. Contact a local overseas Tricare area office for assistance or WPS overseas at 1-608-3012310. Area office contact information is available at the beneficiary portal at http://www.tricare.mil. [Source: Tricare News release 08-117 dtd 28 Nov 08 ++] CERTIFICATE OF CREDITABLE COVERAGE UPDATE: A Certificate Of Creditable Coverage (CoCC) is usually required when changing from one health insurance plan to another and serves as evidence of prior health care coverage to reduce how much or how long a health care plan can exclude a person from coverage for a pre-existing health condition. The certificate shows the new insurance carrier that a beneficiary had Tricare coverage for the period noted on the certificate. Certificates identify the name of the sponsor and/or family member for whom it is issued, the dates Tricare coverage began and ended, and the certificate issue date. Those issued upon request of a beneficiary will reflect each period of continuous coverage under Tricare that ended within 24 months prior to the date of loss of eligibility. The Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office (DSO), as the custodian of the defense enrollment eligibility reporting system, is the issuing authority. They issue a certificate to sponsors and family members upon loss of eligibility, including active duty members who separate from service. An active duty member who retires does not lose eligibility and is not automatically issued a CoCC. However, when retired member needs a certificate to present to a new employer for health plan coverage, he/she should request one in writing. Examples of when certificates may be issued include: • Upon separation of the sponsor from active duty, a certificate will be issued to the sponsor listing all eligible family members. • Upon the loss of eligibility for a dependent child (age 21, or 23 if a full-time student), a certificate will be issued to dependent child. • Upon loss of coverage after divorce, a certificate will be issued to the former spouse. By law, if an individual incurs a 63-day break in coverage, all previous creditable coverage before the break is disregarded (meaning the beneficiary does not show as Tricare eligible during that 63-day period) which may reduce any future pre-existing condition exclusion period. Guard/reserve members on active duty orders for 30 days or less are not issued CoCC’s because they are not Tricare eligible and that time is not considered when calculating the length of coverage. Eligible retirees or those who may have lost their certificate may submit a written request for a CoCC, which will be mailed to the sponsor or family member without charge. Certificates cannot be requested by phone from the DSO. Written requests for a CoCC must include the sponsor's name and social security number, name of person for whom the certificate is requested, reason for the request, name and address to whom and where the certificate should be sent, and signature of the requester. The mailing address for a CoCC request is: Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office (DSO), Attn: Certificate Of Creditable Coverage, 400 Gigling Road, Seaside, Ca 93955-6771. If there is an urgent need for a CoCC, a beneficiary can fax his/her request to the DSO at (831) 655-8317 or request (via mail or fax) that the DSO fax it to a particular number. Note: Tricare does not exclude preexisting conditions, so there is no need for a CoCC from a previous plan when a beneficiary becomes Tricare eligible. Content of CoCCs for members of the guard and reserve called to several periods of active duty depends on how long the member was mobilized, whether he/she was eligible for transitional assistance management program benefits, and whether the member had a break in health care coverage of 63 days or more. Some possible scenarios for issuance are: • Member mobilized for 45 days, but not eligible for TAMP (such as RC members called to active duty for special work or a similar non-contingency period of active duty). The certificate issued covers the initial 45-day period. Thirty days later, the member is mobilized for 60 days (again not eligible for TAMP), and the
break in coverage is less than 63 days. The second certificate will cover the 60-day period. The member may then present these collective certificates to a health plan and receive credit for the total coverage time. • A guard/reserve member is mobilized for 45 days but eligible for 180 days of TAMP coverage. The certificate is issued at the end of the 225-day period, indicating continuous coverage for 225 days. • A guard/reserve member was covered for 18 months, which is followed by a break in coverage of 63 days or more. The 18-month period that occurred prior to the 63-day break in coverage will not be credited on the certificate of creditable coverage. By law, if an individual incurs a 63-day break in coverage, all previous creditable coverage prior to the break are disregarded (meaning you were not Tricare eligible during this period) and reduces any future preexisting condition exclusion period. Also, since rc members on active duty orders for 30 days or less are excluded, these periods of active duty service will not be considered when calculating your length of coverage. For questions regarding the Certificate Of Creditable Coverage, sponsors and family members may contact the DSO at (800) 538-9552. For TTY/TDD, dial (866) 363-2883. Questions also may be sent via e-mail to the Tricare Management Activity HIPAA program office at hipaamail@tma.osd.mil . Additional CoCC information is available on the Tricare web site at www.tricare.mil/hipaa/downloads/cocc.pdf. [Source: CoCC Fact Sheet www.tricare.mil/Factsheets/print.cfm?id=247. 17 Nov 08 ++] CRDP/CRSC OPTION UPDATE: If you are a military retiree and eligible for both CRDP and CRSC, you may elect to change which compensation you receive during the CRDP/CRSC Open Season. This annual Open Season election period is Jan. 1 thru 31 JAN 09, and allows the retiree to choose which payment is preferred. You may receive one or the other but not both. In late DEC 08, eligible retirees will be mailed a CRDP/CRSC Open Season Election Form. The retiree needs to return the form only if making a change from CRDP to CRSC or vice versa. If the retiree prefers to keep things the way they are, do nothing. The payments the retiree now receives will continue uninterrupted. To help the retiree make a more informed decision, the form will include a comparison of the CRSC and CRDP entitlement amounts as well as information about the collection actions and taxes to which each type of payment is subject. If the retiree wants to change from CRDP to CRSC or vice versa, the form must be postmarked by 31 JAN 09. If the form is dated after this date, it will not be processed and the current payments will continue uninterrupted. The change in the payment will be effective with the first business day of FEB 09. Due to a 30-day processing timeframe, the retiree may not receive their first payment until the first business day of MAR 09, including a retroactive adjustment for the payment that would have been paid on the first business day of February. [Source: NAUS Weekly Update for 26 Nov 08 ++] LOCATING VETERANS UPDATE : The military keeps track of folks who are currently receiving military pay. That means they know the location of individuals who are currently on active duty, in the National Guard and Reserves, and those who are retired from the military. If you're looking for someone who spent a few years in the military, and then separated, the military is not going to know where they are. Even if the people you are looking for are currently on active duty, in the Guard or Reserves, or are retired, whether or not the military will release information they do have on file is dependent upon the circumstances. For example, the military generally does not release information about individuals who are deployed. Following are some guidelines on where you can look: Base Locators: If the person you're trying to find is currently on active duty, and you know their rank, name, and where they are stationed, finding them is pretty easy. Every military base has a "base locator." You can usually locate the military member you're looking for with a simple phone call. To contact the base locator, call long distance information, and ask them to connect you to the base operator for the military base where the member is stationed. When the base operator comes on the line, ask to be connected to the base locator. The base locator can give you the duty phone number and duty
address of any active duty person stationed on that base. Unless the individual has asked to keep the information private, the locator can also give you their home phone number and home address. World-Wide Locators: If you don't know where the member is stationed, you'll need to contact the specific service's world-wide locator service. Each military branch has their own: • Air Force. The Air Force World-Wide Locator is based at the Air Force Personnel Headquarters in Texas. It handles requests for Air Force active duty, Air Force reserves, the Air National Guard, and retired Air Force members. There are two types of requests: official requests and unofficial requests. Official requests are defined as requests received from any government agency and the Department of Defense. All other requests are considered unofficial. All unofficial requests must be made in writing. In order for the Air Force to properly locate the correct individual, your request must contain as much of the following information as possible: Full name to include a middle initial; Rank; Social Security number; Date of birth; Any known assignment information (places/dates). A fee of $3.50, per individual request, is required for all unofficial requests. The fee must be paid by check or money order made out to "DAO-DE RAFB." Requestors who are on active duty, National Guard, Reserves, or military retired are exempt from paying the fee. Your written request needs to include your name, address, and phone number. Put your written request in an unsealed envelope with a return address, proper postage affixed and the individual's (the person you're looking for) name in the addressee portion of the envelope. Place this envelope in a larger envelope with your check or money and mail to the locator address at: HQ AFPC/DPDXIDL, 550 C St West Ste 50, Randolph AFB, TX 781504752. Your request constitutes permission for the Air Force to release your name, phone number, and address to the military member. • Army. Due to security reasons, the Army has closed their World-Wide Locator Service to the general public. To access the Army locator, you now need an Army Knowledge Online account (that means you need to be a member of the Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserves, Army Retired member, or an Army Dependent). Other requests to locate active duty Army members are handled on a case-by-case basis. Send your written requests to: Commander, U.S. Army Enlisted Records & Evaluation Center, ATTN: Locator, 8899 East 56th Street, Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN 46249-5301 Tel:1-866-771-6357. • Navy. The Navy World Wide Locator helps locate individuals on active duty and those who have been recently discharged (within one year). The Navy also has a current address for retired Navy service members. Retiree addresses and addresses for those who have recently separated, however, are protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act and cannot be released. In these cases, however, the locator can forward mail. Give as much identifying information as possible about the person you wish to locate such as full name, rank (rate), last duty assignment/last known military address, service number, and Social Security number. You can call the locator service at 1-866-827-5672 or 1-901-874-3388, DSN 882-3388. Unless you are calling on official business or a family member or active duty member, the fee for researching an address is $3.50 per address made payable by check or money order to the U.S. TREASURER. Fees are retained in cases resulting in an unsuccessful search. Mail your correspondence with your fee to: Navy World Wide Locator, Navy
Personnel Command, PERS 312E2, 5720 Integrity Drive Millington, TN 38055-3120. • Marine Corps. The Marine Corps can provide the duty station for active duty personnel and reservists. For retired individuals, the locator service can provide the city and state, but not an address. The service will provide the service member's current rank and unit address; however, due to the locator's staffing, the office cannot forward mail except in special cases. Telephonic requests to 1-703-640-3942/3943 are no charge to immediate family members and government officials calling on official business. In addition, telephonic service will be provided at no cost to any individual, business or organization, if the Marine locator decides the information would benefit the individual. Other requests cost $3.50, made payable by check or money order to the U.S. TREASURER. Send written locator requests to: Commandant of the Marine Corps, Headquarters, USMC Code MMSB-10, Quantico, VA 22134-5030. • Coast Guard. The Coast Guard World Wide Locator has duty stations for active duty personnel. They do not maintain listings for CG reserve or retired personnel. To locate an active duty Coast Guard member, you can send an email to: ARL-PF-CGPCCGlocator@uscg.mil. You can also write to: Coast Guard Personnel Command (CGPC-adm-3), 2100 Second St, SW.,Washington, DC 20593-0001 Tel: (202) 267-0581 Other: Military members are people, just like any other folks. They can often be found by employing methods you would use to try and locate anyone. For example, a private detective agency may be able to assist. They usually have access to resources and databases which can search driver's license records, utility records, mortgage and deed documents, etc. There are web sites that allow former military members and former military members to enter their contact information, so that it is available to people who wish to find them. The disadvantage is that the member will not be listed there, unless he/she specifically requested that their information be listed. Some of these web sites are: • www.militarylocator.com. You have to join this site to use their locator. • www.militaryconnections.com. Database with over 450,000 names. • www.gisearch.com. Database with information from many current and former military members. • www.usaf-locator.com. More than 32,000 email addresses of current and former Air Force members. • www.classmates.com. Classmates.com has a special section for current and former military members. You have to join in order to use their services. [Source: About.com U.S. Military Rod Powers article Nov 08 ++] ===============================
MILITARY ID CARDS
SAM'S CLUB MILITARY OPEN HOUSE: Sam's Club announced it will host open houses for military personnel, including retired and active service members and their families, nationwide, to make their holiday brighter. Military personnel can shop and save on their holiday meals and gifts at Sam's Club without a membership. The company will also waive its 10% non-member service fee. The military open houses will be held Monday, 1 DEC and Monday, 15 DEC in 598 Sam's Club locations in the U.S., during regular club hours. For more information refer to samsclub.com. [Source: mrgrg-ms-talk 26 Nov 08 ++]
VA SECRETARY UPDATE : An Army Reserve colonel and Iraq war veteran could become the next secretary of Veterans’ Affairs. Anthony Brown, Maryland’s lieutenant governor, is getting attention because he is on President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team as co-chair of the group studying priorities for the Veterans Affairs Department — and because, like Obama, he is a Harvard Law School graduate. Brown had been a member of Veterans for Clinton, a group that supported Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) for the Democratic presidential nomination.That he was named to the transition team appears to show that early support for an Obama rival has not worked against him. Brown also helped draft the 2008 Democratic Party national platform last summer. Brown’s name, hotly circulating 21 NOV among people advising the Obama transition, comes after speculation had centered on two other people to take over the VA, both disabled veterans. Former Sen. Max Cleland, a 67-year-old Vietnam veteran who lost both legs and an arm in that conflict, served as head of the then-Veterans Administration during the Carter administration and campaigned hard for Obama in the recent election campaign. Tammy Duckworth, a 41-year-old Iraq war veteran who lost both legs when her helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, has served as the head of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs since she lost a 2006 race for Congress. Duckworth, a major in the Illinois National Guard, has been mentioned as a possible successor to Obama’s U.S. Senate seat, which he resigned after being elected president. Obama aides did not respond to questions about the VA nomination. Although there has been speculation about several cabinet posts, no formal announcements have been made about nominees. Brown was commissioned in the Army in 1984 and spent five years on active duty as a helicopter pilot with the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. He entered law school after leaving active duty. After getting his law degree, he spent two years as a clerk for the U.S. Court of Military Appeals. Brown deployed to Iraq in 2004 as part of the 353rd Civil Affairs Command, and since 2007 has commanded the Army Reserve’s Pennsylvania-based 153rd Legal Support Organization. He served as a Maryland state delegate from 1999 until his election as the state’s lieutenant governor in 2006. Since then, he has worked on a variety of military and veterans projects, serving as chairman of the Maryland Veterans Behavioral Health Advisory Board that oversees efforts to provide and improve direct mental health services to returning veterans and working to expand services for veterans in rural areas.“We will provide the services when they are not available to veterans,” Brown said in an interview with Military Times earlier this year about Maryland’s initiatives for returning veterans. When Brown and Gov. Martin O’Malley looked at what they could do for returning veterans, Brown said, “The glaring area is in mental health, … the inability of VA to care for veterans.” To those who contend that this is a federal responsibility, Brown said that when he looks at someone, he doesn’t see a federal worker or civilian worker, but a Maryland resident. “When they come home and take off the uniform, they are our neighbors,” he said. [Source: ArmyTimes Rick Maze article 23 nov 08 ++] SBP PAID UP PROVISION UPDATE : Retired members who have been paying SBP premiums for at least 30 years (360 months) and have reached at least age 70 on Oct. 1, were to be considered “paid-up” and have no more premiums deducted from their retired pay. NAUS and FRA have received many phone calls and emails from their members who believe they are qualified yet are still having the premiums deducted. According to the Defense Finance and Accounting
Service (DFAS) an appeal process is being developed for beneficiaries who believe they qualify for “paid up” status but are still having their SBP premium deducted from their retired pay. DFAS has assured that any beneficiary who is qualified for “paid up” status and had premiums deducted from their retired pay will be provided a full refund. A reason you may not be qualified is that you lost your spouse and your account was placed on hold status until you remarried. The date you remarried is NOT the start date for resumption of SBP premiums. That does not occur until one year after the new marriage. Also any payments you may have made for the Retired Service members Family Protection Program (RSFPP), the program in effect prior to SBP, do not count towards the paid-up provision. There are several other instances that may affect your account. To check on these, go to the DFAS Retiree Newsletter at http://www.dfas.mil/rna-news/october2008/paid-uprsfppandsbpupdate.html or call DFAS at 1-800-321-1080. Be advised that your wait may be long as the phone system at DFAS has been overwhelmed lately. [Source: NAUS Weekly Update 21 Nov 08 ++] UNIFORM WEARING: Federal laws concerning the wear of the United States Military uniforms by people not on active duty are published in the United States Code (USC). Specifically, 10 USC, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 45, Sections 771 and 772 state.: Section 771: Except as otherwise provided by law, no person except a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, as the case may be, may wear - (1) the uniform, or a distinctive part of the uniform, of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps; or (2) a uniform any part of which is similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps Section 772 lists some exceptions: (a) A member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard may wear the uniform prescribed for the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, as the case may be. (b) A member of the Naval Militia may wear the uniform prescribed for the Naval Militia. (c) A retired officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps may bear the title and wear the uniform of his retired grade. (d) A person who is discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps may wear his uniform while going from the place of discharge to his home, within three months after his discharge. (e) A person not on active duty who served honorably in time of war in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps may bear the title, and, when authorized by regulations prescribed by the President, wear the uniform, of the highest grade held by him during that war. (f) While portraying a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, an actor in a theatrical or motion-picture production may wear the uniform of that armed force if the portrayal does not tend to discredit that armed force. (g) An officer or resident of a veterans' home administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs may wear such uniform as the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe. (h) While attending a course of military instruction conducted by the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, a civilian may wear the uniform prescribed by that armed force if the wear of such uniform is specifically authorized under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department
concerned. (i) Under such regulations as the Secretary of the Air Force may prescribe, a citizen of a foreign country who graduates from an Air Force school may wear the appropriate aviation badges of the Air Force. (j) A person in any of the following categories may wear the uniform prescribed for that category: (1) Members of the Boy Scouts of America. (2) Members of any other organization designated by the Secretary of a military [Source: About.com: US military 28 Oct 08 ++] [Source: MOAA News exchange 8 Oct 08 ++] CRDP UPDATE : The concurrent retirement and disability pay (CRDP) retro payments being paid to retirees rated with “individual unemployability” (IU) by the VA are taxable in the year received. CRDP always has been taxable income, as it is a restoration of taxable military retired pay. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), income is considered taxable in the year it is received. This is the case even though the retro payment is to make you whole from an earlier time. Many have asked about the ability to file an amended tax return. It is not an option. Amended returns are for correcting a past mistake, or for when you paid taxes in the past that you didn’t need to pay. The CRDP retro payments for IU don’t apply to either of these situations because you were paid in accordance with the laws and policies at those times. The laws changed in 2008 to make things different, so the payment is considered a current year income payment. [Source: MOAA News Exchange 18 Nov 08 ++] USAF RETURN TO ACTIVE DUTY: The Air Force is re-invigorating its Voluntary Return to Active Duty programs. Currently, the Air Force is attempting to measure how much interest there is in individuals returning to active duty. If returning to active duty is viable, some rated officers may be given the opportunity to voluntarily return to active duty for a limited time, with some serving until they qualify for military retirement. Interested individuals can e-mail afpc.recall.ops@randolph.af.mil and provide the following information: full name, date of birth, highest rank held, date of separation/retirement date, reserve status, aircraft flown, contact e-mail, home address, phone number, and brief comments/concerns. Once the Air Force determines program viability, applicable recall program information, which includes application procedures, will be posted on the the Air Force Personnel Center's "Ask" Web. Expected timeline: Solicit interested parties starting 15 OCT 08, and start first return to active duty by 1 JAN 09. Return to Active Duty programs consist of: 1) The Voluntary Permanent Rated Recall Program brings rated officers back on active-duty status to serve until they are eligible for retirement. Officers brought back in this program will be eligible for active component promotion boards, and will PCS and/or deploy in accordance with current policies. 2) The Voluntary Permanent Non-Rated Recall Program brings non-rated officers back on active-duty status to serve until they are eligible for retirement. Officers brought back in this program will be eligible for active component promotion boards and will PCS and/or deploy in accordance with current policies. 3) The Limited Period Recall Program brings officers back to serve at particular units and locations for a specific period of time. Officers brought back under this program are not authorized to PCS; they will not meet active component promotion boards and will deploy under special conditions. Officers in this program are authorized to meet the Air Force Reserve Command's promotion boards.
4) The Retired Aviator Recall Program returns retirees to active duty in the rank last held to fill rated staff positions for a pre-determined period of service. They do not meet active duty promotion boards, are not eligible for aviation career pay and do not deploy unless they volunteer. [Source: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/library/voluntaryreturntoactiveduty.asp Nov 08 ++] [ FDA SCAM: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about a scheme to extort money by callers who falsely identify themselves as FDA officials. The agency has received several reports of calls to entice consumers to purchase discounted prescription drugs by wiring funds to a location in the Dominican Republic. No medications are ever delivered, but an "FDA special agent" calls to say that a fine of several thousand dollars must be sent to an address in the Dominican Republic to prevent imprisonment or other legal action. The FDA suspects that the scheme began with the theft of personal information from consumers who previously purchased drugs through the Internet or by telephone or who were victims of credit card fraud. Complaints or other information about this scheme should be reported to the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations at (800) 521-5783. [Source: Consumer Health Digest #08-47 18 Nov 08 ++] WRAMC UPDATE: The American Red Cross is sponsoring a national "Holiday Mail for Heroes" campaign to receive and distribute holiday cards to Service members and veterans both in the United States and abroad. Holiday Mail for Heroes, which began Veterans Day, is a follow-up to the 2007 effort that resulted in the collection and distribution of more than 600,000 cards to hospitalized service members. This year's program will expand its reach to not only wounded service members but also veterans and their families. The goal is to collect and distribute 1 million pieces of holiday mail. There have been some inquirers concerning an e-mail going around asking we send Christmas cards to Walter Reed addressed to “Recovering American Soldier”. However, they are participating in the Red Cross "Holiday Mail for Heroes" effort to get cards to Soldiers and Veterans. Holiday cards should be mailed to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD. 20791-5456. All cards must be postmarked no later than 10 DEC. Cards should not be mailed or delivered to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. For more information refer to www.wramc.amedd.army.mil or www.redcross.org/holidaymail for Holiday Mail for Heroes program guidelines. Walter Reed is not accepting mail addressed to "A Recovering American Soldier." [Source: Office of the Secretary of Vet Affairs VSO Liaison Kevin Secor note 18 Nov 08 ++] SALUTING the FLAG UPDATE: The 2009 NDAA clarified actions to be taken during the playing of the National Anthem. It authorizes individuals in uniform to give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. On 29 JAN 08, President Bush signed a law amending federal code to allow a veteran to salute the U.S. flag while not in uniform in certain, but not
all, situations. The amended federal code addresses actions for a viewer of the U.S. flag during its hoisting, lowering or passing. In these instances, the law allows a veteran in civilian attire to salute the flag. All other persons present should face the flag, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes. However, another section of federal code that specifically relates to actions of those reciting the Pledge of Allegiance was not amended. In this case, a veteran in civilian attire is not specifically authorized to render a hand salute during the Pledge. In any case, a veteran in civilian clothes is authorized to place their right hand over their heart as has been tradition. [Source: NCOA Leg Actions 22 Oct 08 ++] CENSUS BUREAU JOB RECRUITING: Conducting the census is a huge undertaking. Thousands of census takers are needed to update address lists and conduct interviews with community residents. Most positions require a valid driver's license and use of a vehicle. However, public transportation may be authorized in certain areas. The Bureau is recruiting temporary part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. The hours are flexible, and the work is close to home. Census takers receive competitive pay on a weekly basis. In addition, you will be reimbursed for authorized mileage and related expenses. Census taker jobs are excellent for retirees, college students, persons who want to work parttime, persons who are between jobs, or just about anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for their community. To apply call the Jobs line at 1-866-861-2010 and schedule an appointment to take the employment test. TTY users should call the Federal Relay Service at 1-800877-8339. Or, got to http://www.census.gov/2010censusjobs/howtoapply.php and use their interactive map to find the local phone number of the Census office nearest you. Applications can be completed online and downloaded using the Documents section the website. Bring your completed application and I-9 Form to your scheduled testing session. Applicants will be hired from almost every community and are selected based on the hiring needs of each particular area. Qualified applicants are contacted to work as Census jobs become available. Most hiring will take place FEB through MAY 09. In addition to applying to be a census taker there are other jobs available in Regional Offices that you can apply for: Go to http://www.census.gov/field/www and click on the map to visit one of the 12 regional offices for details on available positions and salaries. For additional info go to www.census.gov/2010census and click on JOBS. [Source: www.census.gov/2010census/ Nov 08 ++]
Misc News FYI
Subject: VA Clinic Update
1. Perry Information - This is the content of the letter we will be sending out to the veterans in the Perry area. The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, Georgia, is proud to announce the opening of a new Outreach Clinic in Perry, Georgia. The Perry Outreach Clinic will be located at 2370 So. Houston Lake Rd. This is located near the intersection of So. Houston Lake Rd. and SR 127, across from the Houston Lake Country Club.
The Perry Outreach Clinic will open on November 17, 2008, and will provide primary care, mental health, and pharmaceutical counseling services. Optometry, podiatry, and dietetic counseling services will be available on a limited basis. Other services will be available through the use of Tele-Health. You can choose to have your primary care and mental health needs transferred to the Perry Outreach Clinic by requesting a change of provider(s). Changing your primary care and/or mental health provider will not limit your ability to access specialty services at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin. Prior to November 17, 2008, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., you can change your primary care and/or mental health provider to a Perry provider or schedule an appointment for the Perry Outreach Clinic, by calling the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, 1-478-272-1210 and press 8. Please let the operator know that you are calling to request an appointment for the Perry Outreach Clinic. After November 17, 2008, you can reach the Perry Outreach Clinic staff by calling 478-224-1309. Please note this number will not be in service prior to November 17, 2008. The staff at the Perry Outreach Clinic looks forward to meeting your medical needs and providing you the highest quality health care services available. Janine Cameron Public Affairs Carl Vinson VAMC 478 272-1210 ext. 5440 478 274-5440 478 595-1353
COLA 2009 UPDATE: The 2009 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for military retired pay will be the highest seen in over 15 years at 5.8%. The increase, which goes into effect on 1 DEC 08, also applies to SBP annuities, Social Security checks, and VA disability and survivor benefits. Retirees will see the increase in their JAN 09 checks. The annual Cost-of-Living-Adjustment is not in any way related to the annual military pay raise for active duty and reserve service members which this year was 3.9%. All retirees who retired before 1 JAN 08 will receive the 5.8% Cost-of-Living-Adjustment. Retirees who first became members of the uniformed services on or after 1 AUG 86 and elected to receive a Career Status Bonus at 15 years, and retired on or before 1 JASN 08, will receive an increase of only 4.8%. Retirees who first became a member of the uniformed services on or after Sept. 8, 1980, and retired in 2008 will receive a Partial COLA on a prorated basis as follows: o Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2008, will receive 5.0% o April 1 - June 30, 2008 will receive 3.8% o July 1 - Sept. 30, 2008 will receive 1.2% o Those who retired after Oct. 1, 2008, will see no COLA this year. This is the third year in the last four that the retiree COLA has been higher than the pay raise for currently serving troops. The two are never the same because they are based on different things and have different purposes. Military pay raises are based on private sector pay growth, as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Cost Index (ECI). Their intent is to ensure military pay is kept reasonably comparable to private sector pay, to allow the services to compete successfully for manpower over time. Retired pay COLAs, on the other hand, are cost-of-living adjustments that track to inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Their purpose is to
ensure that whatever purchasing power a member's retired pay represented on the date he or she left service isn't eroded by inflation over time. Over time, the two tend to even out. During the 1970s, COLAs were higher in 5 years and pay raises won out for the other five. In the '80s, pay raises beat COLAs (6 - 4); in the '90s, it was 50-50 split (5 - 5). The first half of this decade, pay raises were higher, but with COLAs higher for three of the last 4 years, the pendulum seems to be swinging the other way again. [Source: MOAA Leg Up 17 Oct & Military Report 20 Oct 08 ++]
OVERSEAS HOLIDAY MAIL 2008: The 2008 Christmas holiday mailing deadlines have just been announced. If you want your cards, letters, and packages to arrive to a military member overseas, or deployed on a Navy ship by Christmas, be sure to mail them by the following dates: For military mail addressed to APO/FPO AE zips 090-098 (except 093); AA zips 340; and AP zips 962-966: * Express Mail: Dec. 18 * First-Class Mail (letters/cards and priority mail): Dec. 11 * Parcel Airlift Mail: Dec. 4 * Parcel Post: Nov. 13 For military mail addressed to APO/FPO AE ZIP 093: * Express mail Military Service: N/A * First-Class Letters/Cards/Priority Mail: Dec. 4 * Parcel Airlift Mail: Dec. 1 * Space Available Mail: Nov. 21 * Parcel Post: Nov. 13 [Source: About.com Rod Powers article 19 Oct 08 ++]
GI BILL UPDATE: Anticipating a tidal wave of GI Bill claims next summer when a new full-tuition benefits plan takes effect, the Department of Veterans Affairs plans to hire 400 people for its regional offices in a push that will begin1 DEC and have new staff on board to begin training by 1 MAR. The Post9/11 GI Bill, which takes effect 1 AUG 09, is so generous compared to existing benefits that VA officials are preparing to deal with an estimated 526,000 benefits claims next year, said Keith Wilson, director of VA’s education service. Testifying before a House subcommittee that is concerned about whether VA will be ready, Wilson said initial plans to use a completely automated claims process have not worked out and that most claims will be manually processed, with help from a computer program to help make sure all necessary information is available. He described manual claims processing as a “throwaway” solution that would be abandoned as soon as an automated system is ready. He expects that to take up to two years more. Wilson did not say what would happen to the 400 new hires after the automated system is available, but members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee — who have been monitoring startup problems — said they expect the claims workers would be transferred to other duties, because VA also has a large backlog of disability benefits claims that need to be tackled. Implementing the Post-9/11 GI Bill is more complicated than processing claims for current educational benefits because the programs have major differences, including who gets paid. The new program will send tuition checks directly to schools, while the student will receive a living stipend and book
allowance. The living stipend will be based on housing costs in the ZIP codes where the schools are located. Benefits will cover the full cost of tuition and fees for a four-year-public college or university, with a maximum rate set for each state. Trying to assure lawmakers and veterans that VA will be ready, Wilson said December will bring two significant signs of progress. First, he expects regulations spelling out the details of benefits and eligibility to be published by 1 DEC. Also, VA plans to begin contacting private schools to reach agreement on another benefit of the new GI Bill in which the government and private schools will cover some tuition costs that exceed the basic benefit limits. VA’s schedule calls for agreements with private schools to be completed by 15 FEB so that a full list is available by 1 APR. “We would like veterans to have that information by spring, when they start to make decisions about where they will go to school,” Wilson said. [Source: Navy Times Rick Maze article 18 Nov -08 ++] GIFT CARDS: Under the current economic situation there are numerous retail outlets cutting back operations and/or closing stores in the upcoming months. Veterans might want to take this into consideration if they plan to purchase Gift Cards as presents for the holiday season. Also, don't forget that those lifetime warranty replacements are only as good as the lifetime of the company that provides them, NOT your lifetime. There is no law preventing them from doing this. On the contrary, it is referred to as Bankruptcy Planning. A partial list of announcements so far follows: • Ann Taylor: A company spokeswoman said Ann Taylor will be closing 117 stores nationwide The company hasn't revealed which stores will be shuttered but will let the stores that will close this fiscal year know over the next month. • Bombay: CLOSED • Cache: Women's retailer Cache announced that it is closing 20 to 23 stores this year. • Circuit City: Has filed chapter 11 bankruptcy re-organization. • CompUSA: CLOSED. They have clarified in their details on store closings that any extended warranties purchased for products through CompUSA will be honored by third-party provider, Assuring Solutions. Gift cards, rain checks, and rebates purchased prior to 12 DEC can be redeemed at any time during the final sale. For those who have a gadget currently in for service with CompUSA, the repair will be completed and the gadget will be returned to owners. • DHL: Don't plan on sending those gifts via DHL. The German owned company, is pulling out of the US market in NOV 08 laying off 14,900 of its 18,000 U.S. employees. • Dillard's: Dillard's Inc. said it will continue to focus on closing underperforming stores, reducing expenses and improving its merchandise in 2008. At the company's annual shareholder meeting, CEO William Dillard II said the company will close another six underperforming stores this year. • Disney Store: The Walt Disney Company announced it acquired about 220 Disney Stores from subsidiaries of The Children's Place Retail Stores. The exact number of stores acquired will depend on negotiations with landlords. Those subsidiaries of The Children's Place filed for bankruptcy protection in late MAR. Walt Disney In the news release said it has also obtained the right to close about 98 Disney Stores in the U.S. The press release didn't list those stores. • Eddie Bauer: Eddie Bauer has already Closed 27 shops in the first quarter and plans to close up to two more outlet stores by the end of the year.
• Ethan Allen Interiors: J.C. Penney, Lowe's and Office Depot are scaling back Ethan Allen Interiors: The company announced plans to close 12 of 300+stores in an effort to cut costs. • Foot Locker: To close 140 stores. In the company press release and during its conference call with analysts,, it did not specify where the future store closures (all planned in fiscal 2008) will be. The company could not be immediately reached for comment. • Gap Inc.: Closing 85 stores. In addition to its namesake chain, Gap also owns Old Navy and Banana Republic .The company said the closures (all planned For fiscal 2008) will be weighted toward the Gap brand. • Home Depot: Nearly 7+ months after its chief executive said there were no plans to cut the number of its core retail stores, The Home Depot Inc. announced 13 NOV that it is shuttering 15 of them amid a slumping U.S. economy and Housing market. The move will affect 1,300 employees. It is the first time the world's largest home improvement store chain has ever closed a flagship Store for performance reasons. Its shares rose almost 5%. The Atlanta-based company said the underperforming U.S. stores being closed represent less than 1% of its existing stores . They will be shuttered within the next two months. • J. Jill: see Talbot’s • KB Toys: Has posted a list of 356 stores that it is closing around the United States as part of its bankruptcy reorganization. To see the list of store closings, go to the KB Toys Information web site, and click on Press Information • Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherine's: Spokeswoman Brooke Perry said the owner of retailers Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherine's Plus Sizes will close about 150 underperforming stores this year. The company hasn't provided a list of specific store closures and can't say when it will be offered. • Levitz: The furniture retailer is going out of business. Levitz first announced it was going out of business and closing all 76 of Its stores in DEC 08. The retailer dates back to 1910 when Richard Levitz opened his first furniture store in Lebanon PA. In the 1960s, the warehouse/showroom concept brought Levitz to the forefront of the furniture industry. The local Levitz closures will follow the shutdown of Bombay. • Linens & Things: Under liquidation and closing all stores by year end. • Lowe’s: Will close some stores. • Macy's: Will close 9 stores. • Mervyn’s: Closing all stores • Movie Gallery: Will close 160 stores as part of reorganization plan to exit bankruptcy. The video rental company plans to close 400 of 3,500 Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video stores in addition to the 520 locations the video rental chain closed last fall. • Pacific Sun Wear: Will close its 154 Demo stores after a review of strategic alternatives for the urban-apparel brand. Seventy-four underperforming Demo stores closed last May. • Piercing Pagoda: see Zale’s • Sharper Image: The Company recently filed for bankruptcy protection and announced that 90 of its 184 stores are closing. The retailer will still operate 94 stores to pay off debts, but 90 of these stores have performed poorly and also may close. • Sprint Nextel: New Sprint Nextel CEO Dan Hesse appears to have inherited a company bleeding subscribers by the thousands, and will now officially be dropping the ax on 4,000 employees and 125 retail locations. Amid the loss of 639,000 postpaid customers in the fourth quarter, Sprint will be cutting a total of 6.7%of its work force (following the 5,000 layoffs last year) and 8%
of company-owned brick-and-mortar stores, while remaining mute on other rumors that it will consolidate its headquarters in Kansas . Sprint Nextel shares are down $2.89, or nearly 25%, at the time of this writing. • Talbot's: About a month ago, Talbot's announced that it will be shuttering all 78 of its kids and men's stores. Now the company says it will close Another 22 underperforming stores. The 22 stores will be a mix of Talbot's women's and J. Jill another chain it owns. The closures will occur this fiscal year, according to a company press release. • Whitehall: Closing all stores • Wickes: Wickes Furniture is going out of business and closing all of its stores. Wickes, a 37-year-old retailer that targets middle-income customers, filed for bankruptcy protection last month. • Wilson's the Leather Experts: Closing 158 stores • Zale’s: The owner of Zale’s and Piercing Pagoda previously said it plans to close 82 stores by 31 JUL 09. Now, it announced that it is closing another 23 underperforming stores. The company said it's not providing a list of specific store closures. Of the 105 locations planned for closure, 50 are kiosks and 55 are stores. [Source: Veteran Council Florida Michael T. Isam article 18 Nov 08 ++] ROBINS CLUBS Attention Club Members & Guests The Robins Horizons Club serves lunch, dinner & Sunday brunch to all ranks/grades. The following is a listing of the services, hours or operation at each location. 78th Services Division at 926-549 ROBINS CLUBS Attention Club Members & Guests The Robins Horizons Club serves lunch, dinner & Sunday brunch to all ranks/grades. The following is a listing of the services, hours or operation at each location. Robins Horizons’ Club, Bldg. 542 Administrative Office • Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Check Cashing Cashier Office • Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Bar Daily • During operational hours Dining Room Daily • During operational hours Lunch Monday - Friday • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Evening Dining Monday - Closed • Tuesday - Thursday - 5:30 - 8 p.m. • Friday and Saturday - 6 - 9 p.m.
Sunday Champagne Brunch Sunday - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lounge and Entertainment Main Lounge • Sunday and Monday - Closed • Tuesday - Thursday 4 - 9 p.m. Friday 4 - 10 p.m. • Saturday 5:30 - 10 p.m. (Hours may be adjusted for special entertainment events. The WELLSTON is available for special functions only.) Catering Services Monday 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. • Tuesday - Friday • 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Appointments accepted for evenings and weekends) Robins Heritage Club, Bldg. 956 Administrative Office • Provided at Robins Officers’ Club Bldg. 542 Check Cashing Bar and Lounge Operations • During operational hours Dining Rockers Bistro Menu Sunday noon - 6 p.m. • Monday - Saturday 5 - 8 p.m. Lounge Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Monday 4 - 9 p.m. • Tuesday - Thursday 4 - 10:30 p.m. Friday 3 - 11 p.m. • Saturday 5 - 10 p.m. (Sunday hours may be adjusted for Football Frenzy) Bingo Quick Shot Daily • during operational hours Regular Bingo • Sunday 2:45 p.m. • Tuesday - Friday 7:15 p.m. Bar Bingo • Monday - Friday 6 p.m. Hours are subject to change. For more information, please call the Horizons Club at 926-2670, the Heritage Club at 926-4515 78 MSG/FSS Newsletter Cutting Edge ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Child Development Center 926-5805/3080 The Child Development Centers East and West have openings for children ages six weeks through six months old, 12 - 24 months old and two - five year olds. Both centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and offer full time care. Hourly care is available at CDC West. For more information call Child Development Center East or West at 926-5805 or 926-3080. Youth Center 926-2110 Dance classes are now being offered on Tuesdays for $40 a month. Classes for three - four years old are held from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (ballet/tap), five - eight years old from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. (ballet/tap) and 13 years and older from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (dance energy class). For more information call the youth center at 926-2110.
Sports Youth Center 926-2110
The Youth Center JR NBA and JR WNBA basketball registrations have begun now until filled from 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Cost is $55. The program emphasizes fundamentals of skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship and positive adult participation with the goal of providing a fun and rewarding youth basketball experience. A copy of birth certificate and current physical examination will be required. Dedicated basketball coaches are also needed. Apply in person at the center or call 926-2110 for more information.
Club Membership 926-2670 Robins club members may choose between a MasterCard credit card or a Proprietary membership card. Air Force clubs are partnering with Chase Bank on a cash-back, military free cash rewards program. The Military Free Cash Rewards Program offers members two points per dollar on card purchases made on base in the 78th Force Support Squadron activities, commissary and the base exchange to include all on-base gasoline purchases. Off-base MasterCard usage earns one point per dollar spent. To apply on line go to www.afclubs.net or call 1-800-569-1285 or visit Horizons. Heritage Club 926-2670 Watch WWE "Armageddon" on Dec. 14 in the Heritage Club. The action begins at 8 p.m. Cost is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. For more information call Horizons at 926-2670.
Football Frenzy is featured every Sunday. Watch all the play-by-play NFL football action on the Heritage Club multiple television screens and three new high definition plasma televisions with satellite. Doors open at noon with a chance to win a trip to Tampa Bay for Super Bowl 2009, one of two regular season games and a bonus drawing for $5,000 in gift certificates. An Atlanta Falcon ticket will be given away every week prior to each home game. For more information call 926-2670. Horizons 926-2670 Sunday champagne brunch is open to all ranks and grades from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Horizons. Enjoy breakfast, dinner entrees, carving station, salad bar, dessert and ice cream bar and much more. Cost is $11.95 for members, $13.95 for guests and $6.95 for children (3 - 10 years old) and children two years and younger are free. For more information call Horizons at 926-2670. Bring the children to Horizons for a Sunday brunch with Santa Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. A jolly elf will take photos of the children with Santa. Cost is $11.95 members, $12.95 guests, $6.95 children ages 3 - 10 years and free for children two years and younger. For more information call Horizons at 926-2670. Bring in 2009 at Horizons. Amenities will include a buffet dinner from 6:30 - 9 p.m., party favors and champagne at midnight in the ballroom and at the Wellston. A continental breakfast will be available to all guests at midnight in the ballroom. Featured entertainment will be Bob Cummings Band in the ballroom from 6:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. and DJ Rockmaster "D" at the Wellston from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets go on sale at the cashier office, located at Horizons, Dec. 1. Ticket price for buffet and entertainment before 9 p.m. in the ballroom, is $45 for members and $50 for guests. Ticket price at the Wellston with light hors d' oeuvres or at the door after 9 p.m. is $35 for members and $40 for guests. For more information, please call Horizons at 926-2670. Pizza Depot 926-0188 Have your photo taken with Santa while enjoying lunch on Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost is $2 per person. For more information call Pizza Depot at 926-0188. Pizza Depot December specials include: Italian sausage sub with peppers and onions, fries and drink for $7.25 and 10 wings for $7.95 or 20 wings for $14.95 and have them plain or with sauce, whimpy or hot. Enjoy lunch with two slices of pizza and drink for $6.
Holiday party trays are also available with made-to-order subs for only $35 for five foot subs or $25 for three foot subs. For more information call Pizza Depot at 926-0188. Designated Drivers Program The 78th Force Support Squadron offers designated driver programs at the Heritage Club, Horizons and Pizza Depot to assist in reducing alcohol related incidents. For groups of two or more, please identify yourself as the designated driver to the operations assistant on duty. They will provide fountain soft drinks, fruit juices or non-alcoholic frozen drinks during your visit free of charge. To learn more about FSS Designated Drivers programs, please call 926-2670. Golf Course 926-4103 Give the gift of golf this season by purchasing punch cards. A walking punch card $100, riding punch card $190, AGF range punch card $30 and non-AGF range punch card $50 and a golf lesson package $60. Sale ends Dec. 31. For more information call the golf course at 926-4103. The golf pro shop Christmas sale will be held Dec. 14 - 23 with a chance to receive a 10 to 50 percent savings. During this sale, pick a card to find out what discount you will receive on your purchase. For more information call the pro shop at 926-4103. There's deal coming your way! Purchase the Fore Certificate for four lunches at the Fairways Grille while supplies last. Cost is $16 for fore (4) meals. For more details call the Fairways Grille at 923-1717. Host a party at the Fairways Grille. Let us provide your office with a Christmas luncheon. Visit or call to reserve. For more information call Mandy Carter at 923-1717. A Pine Oaks Golf Shop holiday party will be held on Dec. 20 from 8 am. - 1 p.m. Enjoy holiday drinks and snacks with a chance to win prizes. For more information call the pro shop at 926-4103. Make the most of your time and money, play the 5-5-5 Frog Hair. Play any time five days a week (Monday Friday), five holes with cart for $5. For more information call the golf course at 926-4103. Every Monday through Thursday in December pay only $15 for green fee and cart starting at 2 p.m. For more information call the golf course at 926-4103. Play golf after 1 p.m. on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) in December and pay only $24 for green fee and cart. For more information call the golf course at 926-4103. Every Monday through Thursday in December pay only $20 for green fee and cart. For more information call the golf course at 926-4103.
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Child Development Center 926-5805/3080 The Child Development Centers East and West have openings for children ages six weeks through six months old, 12 - 24 months old and two - five year olds. Both centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and offer full time care. Hourly care is available at CDC West. For more information call Child Development Center East or West at 926-5805 or 926-3080.
Youth Center 926-2110 Dance classes are now being offered on Tuesdays for $40 a month. Classes for three - four years old from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (ballet/tap), five - eight years old from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. (ballet/tap) and 13 years and older from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (dance energy class). For more information call the youth center at 926-2110.
The youth center will have a salt sculptures class Nov. 10 at 2:30 p.m., kart races on Nov. 13 at 4:30 p.m., wall climbing challenge on Nov. 20 at 4:30 p.m., 3-on-3 basketball on Nov. 25 at 4:30 p.m. and a career research on Nov. 26 at 3:30 p.m. For more information call the youth center at 926-2110.
RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE (RAO): The mission of the RAO is to assist retirees and family members of all branches of the uniformed services. Services provided include, but not limited to information, counseling and referrals on retiree benefits, casualty assistance, TRICARE information/assistance, entitlements, programs, onbase functions and base facilities. The RAO office may be contacted Mondays 1300 hours to 1600 hours, Wednesdays 13-1600 hrs and Fridays 1200 hours to 1500 hours by appointments only. Telephone number is (478) 327-4707. Cell phone is (478) 390-3144. Contact us by E-mail: ernest.munson@robins.af.mil. Ernest C. Munson, CMSGT, USAF, (Ret.) Director Retirees Activities Office Robins AFB, Georgia Debora Bean Colonel USAF Vice Commander and Active Duty Coordinator 78 ABW
Those of you with computer access at home or duty will be able to receive an email version of the next newsletter. Please forward your email address to ernest.munson@robins.af.mil. Please feel free to email questions or request for information to ernest.munson@robins.af.mil. As director of the RAO office I will do my best to keep the Robins retired military community updated as to what is currently happening at Robins, in the state and federal governments pertaining to retired military. I’ll do my best to get answers your questions and inquiries concerning the military retiree. DISCLAIMER: This military retiree newsletter is published by the Robins AFB Retiree Activities Office to inform all retirees and family members of changes in legislation, defense policies and other matters affecting their military right, benefits and obligations. It also contains information about Robins AFB and the local retiree community. Some articles in this newsletter have appeared in publications received from other military facilities or government agencies. While every effort is made to verify information in this newsletter, the Retire Activities Office “volunteer” staff cannot guarantee the accuracy of information furnished by outside agencies. They are reprinted for our readers’ benefit and may have been edited to reflect local conditions. We acknowledge we do not author all articles. RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE STILL SEEKING VOLUNTEERS The RAO office is currently seeking volunteers to assist in covering the office for a few hours a week. Schedules maybe arranged with CMSgt Munson (Ret.) by calling 327-4707. Leave a message with your name and phone number and best time to contact. Volunteers may be placed in other areas of the base also. Volunteers must have a retired military or dependent spouse ID card. THE NEW MILITARY RETIREE COUNCIL. Would like to get volunteers for the RAO council here at Robins. Will meet twice a year. To plan and review activities for The Military Retiree Programs. Please submit name and phone where you can be reached. If you want more information call or email the RAO office. Phone 478-327-4707, Email ernest.munson@robins.af.mil LOCAL ASSOCIATION CHAPTERS INFORMATION
TREA EAGLE CHAPTER 94 The local Warner Robins Retired Enlisted Association, Eagle Chapter 94 meets the second Thursday of each month at 508-1 Osigian Boulevard (West Towne Park), Warner Robins, Georgia. Visit the TREA Eagle website www.trea94.org . Protect your retired military rights, become a member. Contact Rick Delaney (rdelaney46@hotmail.com ). Robins Chiefs’ Group Meets the second Friday of each month at the Welston Building behind the Horizons Club (formerly the O’Club) at 3:30 PM. All retired Chiefs are asked to join and support our Robins Chief’s Group in all it does to help the airmen and their families at robins. AFSA Air Force Sergeants Association meets the first Friday of every month at 11:30 AM at the Wynn Dining Facility. If you are a member welcome back. If not why not try us out!!!! Membership is open to all Active Duty, Reserve, Air National Guard, veterans and retirees. Point of contact is the President, MSgt Phi Williams (phi.williams@robins.af mil). Vietnam Veterans At Large R.O.M.E.O Meets every Monday and Friday Mornings at 8:00AM for breakfast and fellowship at Bo Jangles in the WalMart Plaza on Russell Park Way. NOTE: Any military association wishing to submit retiree information or membership information may submit to the RAO office by email to ernest.munson@robins.af.mil.
Wynn Dining Hall Retiree Appreciation Night. Have a night out at the Wynn Dinning Hall. Wynn Dining Hall is open to military retirees and (ID card carrying) family members. Every third Thursday of the month starting at 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM. For information call 926-6596.
I hope this newsletter has brought you up to date on some of the current information retirees need to know. Please submit your emails to this office so I can keep an on going communication link with all retirees and their families in the Robins AFB, GA area, ernest.munson@robins.af.mil. Hope you enjoy and benefit from it. Please let others know about the newsletter and have them send in their email addresses. I DON’T ALWAYS GET ALL THE NEWS THAT RETIREE VETS WANT TO HEAR AND READ ABOUT IF YOU COME ACROSS A VERIFIED NEWS PIECE FORWARD IT IF YOU FEEL IT IS SOMETHING RETIREES NEED TO KNOW. Chief Munson (Ret) USAF Director -30-