Veterans Resources - Update 01 December 2005

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RAO Bulletin

Update 01 December 2005

This bulletin update contains the following articles:

Removal from the RAO Bulletins Directory (Unsubscribe procedure.)
SBP DIC Offset Update 05 (Still up in the air.)
ROK War Service Medal Update 01 (Available upon request.)
NDAA Update 08 (Completion by 12 DEC.)
VA Prescription Refills Update 01 (MyHealtheVet services.)
VA Budget 2006 Update 12 (Sent to the President.)
PTSD Reevaluation Update 04 (VA has new plan.)
VA Prescription Co-Pay Increase (1st increase in 4 yrs.)
Veterans Employment Programs (DOL new efforts.)
AHLTA (DoD health record system.)
Stroke Alert (How to recognize.)
Chewing Gum To Replace Brushing (Army will test.)
VA COLA 2006 Update 01 (Sent to the President.)
MOAA Scholarship Fund 2006 (Applications being accepted.)
BRAC Update 19 (DoD must begin by Sep 07.)
Bugles Across America (Available for vet funerals)
Shad Update 03 (HR 4259 for new study.)
Military Funeral Ban (Convicted vets exclusion.)
USMC Retirement Guide (Availability.)
USMC Stamps (Availability.)
Air America (Seeking vet benefits.)
SGLI/VGLI Accelerated Benefits (Available to terminally ill.)
Prostate Problems Update 01 (Support group availability.)
Veterans Service Officers (How they can help.)

Removal from the RAO Bulletins Directory: Recipients of the RAO Bulletin Updates are reminded that if they no longer desire to receive the Bulletin all they need do is click the "UNSUBSCRIBE" button at the end of this or any future Bulletin they receive. No message is needed. Your email addee will be deleted automatically from the directory and a confirmation email will be sent to you noting this. All Bulletin recipients should have both the email addee This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it & This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it entered into their address book to reduce the possibility of it being blocked. Any AOL affiliated users still receiving the Bulletin are advised that beginning 1 JAN 2006 I will start purging all AOL addees (about 3,000) from the directory if I do not receive a confirmation message from them that they are still able to receive the Bulletin. AOL policy prohibits the majority of their customers from receiving anything like the Bulletin and they apparently will not allow their customers the option of having any say in the matter. In the last six months I have been unable to communicate with the majority of the hundreds of AOL users who have requested to be placed on the directory and the number of inquiries from AOL users already on the directory asking why they no longer receive the Bulletin grows each month. Any AOL user currently in receipt of the Bulletin who does want to continue to receive the Bulletin is requested to provide an alternate email addee to send it. If this is not possible and you start being blocked by AOL you can always read the latest Bulletin at http://post_119_gulfport_ms.tripod.com/rao1.html

[Source: Director, RAO Baguio 1 DEC 05]

SBP DIC Offset Update 05: The Senate-passed version of the FY2006 Defense Authorization Bill includes amendments to:

Implement 30-year paid-up Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage.
End the deduction of VA survivor benefits from SBP annuities when the member's death is caused by military service.

Both provisions would take effect 1 OCT 05. Unfortunately, the House defense bill does not contain either provision. In response, Rep. Chet Edwards (D-TX) introduced a discharge petition last week to force a House vote on Rep. Henry Brown's (R-SC) H.R. 808, which would accomplish the same thing as Sen. Nelson's above amendments. MOAA has established a special alert to urge House members to sign Rep. Edwards' SBP discharge petition. Congress will reconvene 5 DEC for only 13 days during which these issues must be decided. Those supporting these issues are encouraged to visit MOAA's website at http://capwiz.com/moaa/home/ and click on the "Sign SBP Discharge Petition" link to send their U.S. representative a MOAA-suggested message.

[Source: MOAA Leg Up 23 NOV 05]

ROK War Service Medal Update 01: U.S. veterans of the Korean War are eligible to receive the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROKWSM). Criteria for award of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROKWSM) have been established by the ROK government. Approximately 1.8 million U.S. veterans of the Korean War are eligible to receive it. Next of kin to eligible deceased veterans can also apply for the medal. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have:

Served between the outbreak of hostilities, 25 JUN 50 and the date the armistice was signed 27 JUL 53.
Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days.
Performed his/her duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto, or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations or in support of combat operations.

The U.S. Air Force is the lead agency to distribute the medals to US servicemen and women from each branch of Service. The Air Force will provide the medal at no cost to veterans or next-of-kin, and on a first come first served basis based upon availability of medals, to veterans who meet the criteria and provide a copy of their discharge paper. To obtain the medal, those who meet the criteria above must provide the US Air Force Personnel Center a letter request along with a copy of their discharge paper, commonly known as a "DD-214," or a corrected version of that document (DD-215). National Guard members must provide their statement of service equivalent (NGB Form 22). Do not send original documents as they will not be returned. At http://korea50.army.mil/medal/VET_REQ_FORM_rev2.doc you can download a ROKWSM request form.

Mail to: HQ AFPC/DPPPRA, 550 C Street West, Suite 12, Randolph Air Force Base TX 78150-4714. Additional information on how to apply for or request the medal can be found by contacting the US Air Force Personnel Center which is open M-F 0730-1630 (CST) by Tel: (800) 558-1404, (210) 565-2432/2520/2516, or fax (210) 565-3118. Their web page address is http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/awards/ Because the order of precedence for non-U.S. service medals and ribbons is determined by date of approval, the ROKWSM should be worn after the Kuwait Liberation Medal, which was the last foreign medal approved for wear by U.S. military personnel. For the majority of Korean War veterans the medal will be worn after the United Nations Medal, or the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal if they served during that conflict.

[Source: DoD News Release 22 Jun 00 ++]

NDAA Update 08: With the exception of the first four entries below, the following Senators are appointed to NDAA Joint Committee to resolve differences between the Senate (S1042) and House (HR1815) versions. This committee should be meeting in early December.

The House has yet to announce its participants. These negotiations normally take two or three months, but the Senate's late start will force a compressed conference schedule this year. Congress will be in recess until 5 DEC and House and Senate leaders are shooting to finish the bill by the week of December 12 since Congress will then again recess on 16 DEC. Initial feedback from House representative's office staffs indicated they were getting very little support from their constituents for inclusion of the SBP items in the final draft. Military veteran organizations consider the following four issues essential to the quality of life for military retirees and their survivors.

Repeal of SBP/DIC offset where a military widow's military Survivor's Benefits Payments are offset by VA Dependency Indemnification Compensation).
Adjustment of the "paid in full" date for those who are both at least age 70 and who have made at least 360 SBP premium payments from 1 Oct 2008 to 1 Oct 2005.
Authorization for those receiving 100% VA Disability Compensation based on a VA rating of IU (Individual Unemployable) to receive payments under CRSC (Combat Related Special Compensation) and CRDP (Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay).
Authorization to allow health insurance premiums for military retirees and federal civilian retirees to paid from pre-tax dollars.

There's some potential that conferees could be called back from recess next week to finish up negotiations on the FY2006 NDAA Bill, with a final House vote as early as the week of 5 DEC.

[Source: MOAA Alert 16 Nov 05 ++]

VA Prescription Refills Update: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is now providing veterans their prescription drug refills with greater convenience, speed and security, thanks to a new service available to them over the Internet. More than 70,000 prescriptions have been refilled using this added service to VA's "MyHealtheVet" web site where the personal online health record system designed for veterans in the VA health care system is located. The prescription refill service began on 31 AUG 05. It has quickly emerged as one of the more popular features in the MyHealtheVet system, which connects with VA's electronic records system. When a veteran orders a prescription refill, the request is routed to VA's computer system to be filled by one of the department's outpatient mail pharmacies. The refill is then sent directly to the veteran, eliminating the need for a trip to the pharmacy and a wait in line. On 11 NOV MyHealtheVet marked its second anniversary by adding three new health records that veterans can keep in a secure electronic environment and make available to VA health professionals nationwide.

Blood oxygen levels taken from a pulse oximeter
Daily food intake in the Food Journal, and
Physical activity and exercise in the Activity Journal.

Among the services already available to veterans, their families and VA care providers at MyHealtheVet is the ability to track health conditions - entering readings such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels - and to record medications, allergies, military health history, medical events and tests.Veterans can also include personal information, such as emergency contacts, names of medical providers and health insurance information. From MyHealtheVet they can access health information on the Internet from VA, MedlinePlus via the National Library of Medicine, and Healthwise, a commercial health education library. Future expansion of MyHealtheVet will allow VA patients to view appointments and co-payment balances, access portions of their medical records, and give access to their records to doctors, family members and others. As of 31 OCT more than 100,000 veterans had signed up to use MyHealtheVet, which is located on VA's Web site at http://www.myhealth.va.gov

[Source: Air Force Retiree News 28 Nov 05++]

VA Budget 2006 Update 12: Last week, Congress passed the FY2006 Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act (H.R. 2528) and forwarded it to the President for his signature. It provides an overall 4.8% increase in the VA budget from FY2005, including an 8.1% funding increase for VA medical services. It also includes an extra $1.2 billion to make up the current-year budget shortfall that was discovered in June.

[Source: MOAA Leg Up23 NOV 05]

PTSD Reevaluation Update 04: VA is apparently initiating a new review of PTSD diagnosis, treatment and compensation. The VA's plans came to light on 16 NOV, six days after they had canceled a review of 72,000 PTSD claims awarded at 100% disability. Information about the new PTSD review was made public in a press release by Senator Larry Craig (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The release, in part, said, "The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that it has contracted with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on a two-pronged approach to the examination of PTSD." The VA's announcement was in the form of two documents they sent to Sen. Craig's office. One, a Fact Sheet prepared by the VA's Office of the Under Secretary for Health detailing the contract between the VA and the IOM. The other was a Question and Answer sheet prepared for members of Congress and the press. At http://www.vawatchdog.org/newsflash/newsflash11-23-2005-3.htm both documents are available for review.

The Fact sheet notes that The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs has requested that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) conduct a review of PTSD. The IOM will provide the VA with current information that might reform VA policy as it relates to PTSD diagnosis, treatment and compensation. To accomplish this task, IOM will convene two separate committees. Specifically, the committees are to:

Review the utility and objectiveness of the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM- IV).
Redefine PTSD by altering diagnostic and treatment techniques.
Review and comment on the objective measures used in the diagnosis of PTSD and known risk factors for the development of PTSD.
Comment on the validity of current screening instruments and their predictive capacity for accurate diagnoses.
Review literature on compensation practices for PTSD and how changes in the frequency and intensity of symptoms affect compensation under these practices.
Assess how compensation practices and reevaluation requirements for PTSD compare with other chronic conditions which have periods of remission and return of symptoms.
Review strategies used to support recovery and return to function in patients with PTSD.

The IOM reviews are to be completed in a year. They could become the basis for the VA to write an alternate definition of PTSD exclusive of the DSM-IV and institute new methods of treatment outside of normally accepted guidelines. They could also be the means to lower PTSD compensation based on "frequency and intensity of symptoms" & "remission and return of symptoms."

The O&A sheet revealed that the VA is examining compensation for ALL health conditions and that they are coordinating their efforts with the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission (VDBC). The VDBC, by law, is independent of the Department of Veterans' Affairs. The VDBC is made up of 13 members who are currently studying all areas of VA compensation. Nine members were appointed by Republicans. The VA Secretary Nicholson was appointed by President Bush. For additional information refer to previous Bulletin articles titled "VDBC".

[Source: http://vawatchdog.blogspot.com Nov 05]

VA Prescription Co-Pay Increase: Co-payments for outpatient medicines prescribed through Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities will rise by $1 effective 1 JAN 06. This is the first change in VA prescription drug co-payments in four years. Co-payments paid by veterans will still be lower than similar expenses in the private sector. The increase to $8 from $7 for a 30-day supply of prescription drugs is required by federal law, which bases VA's co-payments for outpatient prescriptions on increases in the Medical Consumer Price Index. The $1 increase will not affect Priority Group 1 veterans. These are those who have an injury or illness connected with their military service resulting in a 50% or greater disability. Other veterans with less pronounced service-connected ailments those classified Priority Groups 2 through 6 will see their prescription drug co-pays rise by $1, but their annual out-of-pocket expenses for VA medicine will remain capped. The new cap will rise to $960 per year, up $120 from the previous level. This means veterans in Priority Groups 2 through 6 will pay no more than $960 annually for VA outpatient medicine. Veterans who have no injury or illness related in any way to their prior military service referred to as Priority Groups 7 and 8 will also see their co-payments increase, but there is no cap on annual payments for outpatient medicine. Priority 7-8 copayments are based on income. Additional information on VA income thresholds and copayments can be found at http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/costs/costs.asp

Not all prescription drugs will be subject to the increase. Outpatient medications not subject to co-payments include:

Medication for treatment of a service-connected disability;
Medication for a veteran who has a service-connected disability of 50% or more;
Medication for a veteran disabled by 50% or more for unemployability;
Medication for a veteran whose annual income does not exceed the amount of VA pensions;
Medications for health problems that may be linked to Agent Orange for Vietnam veterans, to radiation exposure, to undiagnosed illnesses of Persian War veterans, or for new veterans within two years of discharge after serving in a combat theater.

[Source: New Mexico e-Veterans News 21 Nov 05]

Veterans Employment Programs: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics almost 15% of veterans in the 20-to-24-year-old age group were unemployed during the first three quarters of 2005. The national rate for this age group is closer to 5%. In an ongoing effort to rectify this imbalance the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced 10 NOV that about 300,000 wallet-sized cards and key fobs with employment and job-training information will be distributed to military personnel and veterans over the next six months.The department also unveiled the Recovery and Employment Assistance Lifelines - REALifelines - Advisor. This new online tool will provide information and resources to help returning wounded and injured veterans successfully transition into civilian employment. The 'Key To Career Success' cards and REALifelines online Advisor are part of DOL's outreach efforts to help veterans and returning soldiers access good job opportunities and develop new career pathways. The card will be attached to a brochure for demobilizing and transitioning servicemembers as they go through the joint DOL, VA, and DoD Transition Assistance Program. For veterans who have already made the transition, additional information and professional staff guidance will be available at the nearly 3,500 One-Stop Career Centers nationwide.

The card will help veterans access local One-Stop Career Centers where they can be connected to employers seeking men and women with the unique skill sets and experience characterized by military service. It will also highlight veterans' special status so that, upon arrival at the Centers, they will receive priority service as required under the Jobs for Veterans Act. The back of the card and key fob features the toll-free phone number 877-889-5627 and Web link http://www.servicelocator.org. Here veterans can speak with a service representative or locate the nearest Center and download a map and driving directions. A key feature of the REALifelines Advisor is that it offers one-on-one assistance through the department's state directors for DOL's Veterans' Employment and Training Service. These directors will help the transitioning service member or veteran find meaningful employment through the Career Centers and arrange for assistance to help determine what services and programs are best suited for them. The Advisor is one of a series of online tools called "elaws" for Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses, which are interactive Web sites providing information about major federal employment laws and issues.

In a related move, the VA and General Services Administration signed a formal agreement 4 NOV expanding GSA's efforts for veterans who own businesses. The agreement commits GSA to put more emphasis on programs for veteran-owned businesses, particularly those with service-related disabilities. By law, all federal agencies are required to strive to award 3% of their contracts (by value) to businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. The new VA-GSA agreement commits the agencies to cosponsor eight regional conferences for veteran businesses in the coming year. The Small Business Administration and other federal agencies will also participate. The first regional conference was held 7-10 NOV 05 in Kansas City, MO. Additional info on these and other veteran employment programs can found at http://www.dol.gov/elaws/realifelines.htm Veterans' Employment and Training Service http://www.dol.gov/vets/ and the Transition Assistance Program http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/tap/main.htm.

[Source: American Forces Press Service 8 & 10 Nov 05]

AHLTA: The Department of Defense achieved a major milestone with the launch of AHLTA, its global electronic health record system, at a ceremony 18 NOV hosted by assistant secretary of defense for health affairs Dr. William Winkenwerder, and attended by the secretary of health and human services at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. AHLTA is the largest, most significant electronic health record system of its kind with the potential to serve more than nine million servicemembers, retirees and their families worldwide. When fully implemented, about 60,000 military healthcare professionals at DoD medical facilities in the United States, and 11 other countries will use this electronic health record system.

With this system beneficiary's health records will be available around the clock and around the world, available to healthcare providers, yet protected from loss and unauthorized access. Thousands of military medical providers are currently using the system, and nearly 300,000 outpatient visits are captured digitally every week. Full deployment of the system in DoD's 800 clinics and 70 hospitals will be complete by DEC 06. The longer term vision, expected to be achieved in the next two to three years, is a continuously updated digital medical record from the point of injury or care on the battlefield to military clinics and hospitals in the United States, all completely transferable electronically to the Veterans Health Administration. A massive training program for AHLTA is currently underway in DoD's medical community to ensure all who have access to the system are properly trained in usage and health record security.

[Source: DoD press release No. 1207-05 dtd 18 NOV 05 & http://www.ha.osd.mil/AHLTA]

Stroke Alert: Chest pains would send most people rushing to the hospital fearing a heart attack. But only half of all adults in a recent survey of the Journal of the American Medical Association could identify even one of the five warning signs of a "brain attack" or stroke. We talk about the symptoms all the time, but the message just doesn't get through. At the first sign of stroke people should seek immediate medical attention. Any of these five symptoms of stroke require immediate treatment:

Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially if it is on one side of the body.
Slurred words or trouble talking or understanding speech.
Blurring or dimness of vision in one or both eyes.
Unexplained dizziness, loss of balance, or sudden falls.
Sudden severe headache with no apparent cause.

The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn questions to ask victims. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting FEB 05. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking these three simple questions:

Ask the individual to SMILE.
Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today)

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

[Source: National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke ++]

Chewing Gum To Replace Brushing: According to an Army official they are working to develop chewing gum containing a bacteria-fighting agent that will prevent plaque, cavities and gum disease. This would benefit soldiers in combat who often cannot brush and floss, and who can undergo bacterial growth in the mouth under the stress of combat. The gum, described last week at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists convention in Nashville, would replace conventional chewing gum the Army issues with field rations. In order to replace traditional brushing and flossing, the new gum would need a pleasant taste and its bacteria-fighting ingredients would have to remain potent for 30 minutes to an hour. Development is expected to be completed within the year, after which scientists will begin field-testing. If all goes well, a manufacturer will be contracted to produce the new chewing gum and have it ready for issue four years from now.

[Source: Air Force Retiree News 18 NOV 05]

VA COLA 2006 Update 01: Last week the House passed the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005 (S. 1234), which authorizes a 4.1% cost-of-living increase for those who collect disability and survivors' benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill is now on its way to the White House for signature. Unlike military retired pay and survivor annuities, Congress must authorize annual VA COLA increases each year. The increase will take effect 1 DEC 05 and will be reflected in the 2 JAN 06 checks.

[Source: MOAA Leg Up23 NOV 05]

MOAA Scholarship Fund 2006: Nearly 1,300 students will receive up to $4,000 each in interest- free loans from the Military Officers Association of America's (MOAA), Scholarship Fund for the 2005-2006 school year. More than 500 of them will be first-time recipients. Students can apply online at MOAA's web site for the loans, which are awarded annually for up to five years of undergraduate study. Applicants must be children of MOAA members or enlisted service members and be under the age of 24. If such a child served in a Uniformed Service before completing college, however, his or her maximum age for eligibility will be increased by the number of years served, up to five years. Applicants may be graduating high school seniors or full-time college students working toward their first baccalaureate degree.Qualified students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale are considered for selection based on their scholastic ability, potential, character qualities, participation in extracurricular and community activities, as well as financial need.

In addition to the interest free-free loans, MOAA will award 28 grants to college seniors who are current loan recipients in the program, 7 grants to children of deceased retired officers, and 20 grants to children whose military parent died in active service. Five of the 28 senior grants will be for $5,000 and the others will be $4,000 each. Also, 590 of those receiving the interest- free loan are Designated Scholars who receive a $3,500 interest-free loan and a $500 grant. A Designated Scholarship is a permanent named grant that will continue in perpetuity. Each year both a grant and an interest-free loan are awarded in honor of the loved one, friend, or colleague designated by the donor. The MOAA Scholarship Fund has awarded more than 8,500 students interest-free loans totaling more than $38 million since its inception in 1948. For Scholarship Fund applications for the 2006-2007 school year, or for more information on making a contribution to the fund, visit MOAA's web site at http://www.MOAA.org/education or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Students may apply online. The application deadline is 12 p.m. EST, 1 MAR 06.

[Source: Air Force Retiree News 21 Nov 05]

BRAC Update 19: The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) recommendations for reshaping the Defense Department's infrastructure and force structure officially took effect at 12:01 a.m. 9 NOV05 after Congress allowed them to pass into law at the mandated 8 NOV deadline. The nine-member BRAC panel delivered its final report to President Bush 8 SEP, and he, in turn, sent it to Congress for legislative review 15 SEP. Congress had 45 legislative days, until 9 NOV, to accept or reject the report in its entirety. However, it was not authorized to make any changes to the final report. By statute, the Defense Department now has until 15 SEP 07 to begin closing and realigning the installations as called for in the report. The process must be completed by 15 SEP 2011.

The 2005 BRAC recommendations represent the most aggressive BRAC ever proposed, affecting more than 800 installations, officials said. The four previous BRAC roundsin 1988, 1991, 1993 and 1995 - resulted in 97 major closures, 55 major realignments and 235 minor actions, according to DoD figures. Overall, closing and realigning these installations saved taxpayers around $18 billion though fiscal 2001 and a further $7 billion per year since. BRAC 2005 is being called an important milestone in restructuring DoD's domestic base structure to improve efficiency and operational capabilities. It also supports plans to move thousands of U.S. forces currently serving overseas to within the United States as part of DoD's new global positioning strategy.

After months of study, installation visits and public hearings around the country, the nine-member BRAC panel approved 86% of DoD's original BRAC recommendations - 119 with no change and another 45 with amendments. The panel also rejected 13 recommendations, significantly modified another 13, and made 5 additional closure or realignment recommendations on its own initiative. Of DoD's 33 major closure recommendations, the panel approved 21, recommended seven bases be realigned rather than closed, and rejected five recommendations outright. In addition, the commission recommended closing rather than realigning another installation, for a total of 22 major closures. Officials acknowledged many of the transformational recommendations in the report, particularly those to establish joint Operations, will present significant challenges as they are implemented.

Detailed business plans will be developed for every BRAC recommendation, laying out what actions are required to implement them, when they will occur, and what resources are needed to put them into effect That was supposed to have taken place by 15 NOV. Meanwhile, DoD is poised to begin working with civilian employees and communities to be affected by the BRAC decisions. DoD has a long and successful history of helping its civilian workers impacted by base closings. This includes programs that promote placement, training, retraining and transition to new positions. Since 1989, DoD has reduced its civilian work force by 428,400 people, with less than 10% of those reductions through involuntary separations. DoD's Priority Placement Program, which officials call the centerpiece of DoD's Civilian Assistance and Re-employment programs, gives defense employees placement priority at other DoD facilities. DoD officials said DoD's Office of Economic Adjustment will take the lead for the federal government in helping communities affected by base closures and realignments, working cooperatively with the President's Economic Adjustment Committee.

[Source: Air Force Retiree News 18 NOV 05 & http://www.defenselink.mil/brac/]

Bugles Across America: At http://www.buglesacrossamerica.org can be found the Bugles Across America organization. This is a non-profit network of buglers from across the country. It is a non-profit network of 4494 buglers who volunteer their time to play "Taps" at veterans' funerals. They also play at other military events, including Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances. If the need arises you can complete an online Bugler request form at http://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/volunteer.php to locate a volunteer to play taps. You will be required to indicate on what date a bugler is needed, the state, city, funeral home location one is needed at, plus your contact information.

[Source: Military 14 Nov 05 ++]

Shad Update 03: Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-MT) recently introduced the Veterans Right to Know Act H.R. 4259 to create a commission modeled after the one that investigated the 911 attacks. It calls for an independent commission that would investigate secret chemical and biological tests conducted 30 to 40 years ago on U.S. service members, and what led up to the testing. Between 1962 and 1974, the U.S. government carried out tests on land and sea measuring dispersal patterns of toxic or deadly agents, spraying devices, the vulnerability of ships to such attacks, and other related issues. The tests were conducted under the name Project 112, with the tests conducted at sea known as Shipboard Hazard and Defense, or SHAD.

The materials used in the tests often were harmless, or at least considered to be harmless at the time, but would disperse like real chemicals or germs. At times, however, the tests involved live nerve agents, such as VX nerve gas and the germ tularemia. Some service members knew they were involved in the tests, yet for some, the extent of their knowledge, such as what agents were used, was limited, and others apparently were not aware they were taking part in such tests. And even those who were aware have said they need to know whether they suffer any illnesses as a result.

Under pressure from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Pentagon has released information about the tests. But some veterans say defense officials still have not released all medically-relevant information, particularly data on the dosage levels of the agents they were exposed to. Rep. Thompson contends these veterans have the right to know what they were exposed to so that they can receive the health care they need and deserve. The bill calls for the commission to examine both classified and unclassified material regarding the tests, including safety plans and test results. Included in the probe would be how much of each material whether it be tracer, decontaminant, live agent or stimulant, was used and any information collected during health screenings. Members would be appointed by the president and both parties in Congress. The committee's final report would be due within three years of its first meeting. The commission would review information on tests between 1954 and 1973. Although Project 112 did not begin until 1962, the commission would be able to review information that led up to that program.

[Source: ArmyTimes Deborah Funk article 16 NOV 05]

Military Funeral Ban: One of the amendments to the Defense Authorization Bill, proposed Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), would bar the remains of vets convicted of capital offenses in state and federal courts from military and veterans' cemeteries. It also would make them ineligible for military honors such as a flag-folding ceremony and the playing of Taps in private cemeteries. The proposal stemmed in part from the placement in Arlington National Cemetery in July of the remains of Russell Wayne Wagner, 52, a Vietnam veteran convicted of murdering an elderly couple in Hagerstown MD in 1994. The victims' children complained, prompting a review of military funeral rules. The amendment was identical to a bill introduced in October by Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID). By also offering it as an amendment to the defense bill which had bipartisan support the sponsors hoped to succeed one way or the other. The proposed amendment was among about 200 competing to be among the agreed to two dozen that were to be attached to the Senate version of the bill.

Wagner, who died in prison FEB 05, would have become eligible in 2017 for a parole review hearing on 2017. Although he was eligible for military honors under the law, the children of his victims feel he doesn't deserve to rest among the nation's heroes. Congress passed a law in 1997 prohibiting people convicted of federal or state capital crimes and sentenced to death or life imprisonment without parole from being interred at Arlington and other military cemeteries. The proposed amendment would strike the language pertaining to the type of sentence the person received. The 1997 law was aimed in part at preventing convicted Army veteran Timothy McVeigh, who carried out the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, from being buried in Arlington after he was executed.

The language in the amendment also would bar BTK killer Dennis Rader of Kansas from receiving a military funeral. The American Legion opposes expanded restrictions on military funerals. Their position is that it is unfortunate if veterans who have earned their benefits through honorable service later commit a capital murder. Regardless, that person has still earned the benefit for a military burial. Capital crimes are those punishable by the death penalty. Beside murder, federal law authorizes execution for espionage, treason, bank-robbery-related kidnapping and mailing of injurious articles with intent to kill. Some states allow the death penalty for certain drug offenses, sexual assaults and aircraft hijacking.

[Source: AP David Dishneau article 9 Nov 05]

USMC Retirement: Marine Corps commands are now responsible for downloading and issuing the Marine Corps Retirement Guide (NAVMC 2642) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to all Marines retiring or transferring to the FMCR. The Guide is available at the Marine Corps Publications Electronic Library. The SBP is available on the Manpower and Reserve Affairs website.

[Source: Military Report 8 NOV 05]

USMC Stamps: In honor of the 230th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, the U.S. Postal Service released the U.S. Marine Corps Heritage Collection of four distinguished Corps postage stamps. The Distinguished Marine Stamps honor four of the most reputable Marine Corps war heroes including Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, Sgt. Maj. Daniel J. Daly, Lt. Gen. John A. Lejuene and Lt. Gen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller. Purchase of the stamps is available exclusively on Marine Corps installations starting 10 NOV at $7.40 for a book of 20 stamps. Other post offices began sale of the stamps on 11 NOV. First Day Cover Envelopes with a distinctive Eagle Globe and Anchor design are also available on site or at http://www.marineclub.com Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., were scheduled to host the unveiling ceremonies 10 NOV. The Marine Corps specially produced two postmarks of the 1st Marine Division Fleet Marine Force unit insignia and the Camp Pendleton base insignia for the stamps. The postmarks are specific to Camp Pendleton and will only be available there and Washington, D.C. Also available for purchase is a U.S. Marine Corps silver dollar with a memorial of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima on one side and the Corp's emblem on the other side. Proceeds from this coin will help build the Marine Corps National Museum in Quantico VA.

[Source: Military Report 8 NOV 05 http://www.military.com & http://www.marineclub.com]

Air America: For three decades beginning in the late 1950s, Civil Air Transport, and its successor, Air America, flew clandestine missions for the CIA in Southeast Asia. Two years ago, Allen Cates, who worked for Air America from 1966 through 1974, filed a petition asking that Air America employees' time be considered active duty, and thus qualify them for veterans' benefits. In SEP 05, an Air Force review board denied his petition on grounds that he had not provided enough evidence to show Air America had been supporting military operations. Cates says he has uncovered additional facts which he will submit to the board. Meanwhile, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) and Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV) have sponsored a bill that would provide civil service benefits to former Air America employees.

[Source: Armed Forces News 4 Nov 05]

SGLI/VGLI Accelerated Benefits: SGLI is a program of low cost group life insurance for servicemembers on active duty, ready reservists, members of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service, cadets and midshipmen of the four service academies, and members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps. VGLI is a program of post-separation insurance which allows servicemembers to convert their SGLI coverage to renewable term insurance. Members with full-time SGLI coverage are eligible for VGLI upon release from service. VGLI coverage is issued in multiples of $10,000 up to a maximum of $400,000. However, a servicemember's VGLI coverage amount cannot exceed the amount of SGLI they had in force at the time of separation from service. VGLI Premiums are based upon the separating member's age. Premium rates can be found at http://www.insurance.va.gov. The Accelerated Benefit Option (ABO) gives terminally-ill SGLI and VGLI policyholders access to the death benefits of their policies before they die. The member may receive a portion of the face value of the insurance in a lump-sum payment. A member is eligible to receive an Accelerated Benefit if he/she or a covered spouse has a valid written prognosis from a physician of 9 months or less to live.

Only the insured member may apply for an Accelerated Benefit. No one else can apply on the member's behalf. In the case of a terminally ill spouse, only the member may apply for accelerated benefits. The amount of Accelerated Benefit available to a member is up to 50% of the face value of the member's insurance coverage. If a member elects less than the maximum, the amount requested must be in increments of $5,000. The portion of the face value of insurance which is not paid in a lump sum as an accelerated benefit is payable to the member's designated beneficiary(ies) upon his or her death. In the case of a terminally ill spouse, the remainder of the insurance is payable to the member upon the spouses death. To Request Accelerated Benefits SGLI and VGLI policyholders, use 8284, Servicemember/Veteran Accelerated Benefits Option Form. Spouses covered under Family SGLI, use 8284A, Servicemember Family Coverage Accelerated Benefits Option Form.

Both forms can be downloaded at http://www.insurance.va.gov.The application contains one part to be completed by the insured and a second part to be completed by the insured's physician. In addition, the banch of service for active duty servicemembers must complete part of the form. The member must submit the completed application form to the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, 290 West Mt Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey 07039. Additional information on ABO can be found in chapter 5 of the SGLI VGLI Handbook or from OSGLI. Email contact for death and accelerated benefits claims is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

[Source: http://www.insurance.va.gov/SgliSite/ABO/ABO.htm Nov 05]

Prostate Problems Update 01: One man in six will eventually be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Many experience other bothersome problems like benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), also called enlarged prostate which affects a larger percentage of men than prostate cancer does. Those who have had prostate cancer treatment frequently experience incontinence and in some cases impotence. Aside from cancer there are other prostatic, urinary or bladder problems we are subject to as we age. Men with elevated PSA, in their forties, or with suspected Prostate Cancer or have been diagnosed need to source information on their condition and treatment options. Support groups are an ideal source of such information. They are a place where one can meet with peers, discuss personal problems and benefit from the experiences of others. A listing by state of these groups is available at http://www.phoenix5.org/supportgroups.html. For those who do not or cannot attend meetings or want to maintain their privacy, similar support can be found through websites such as http://www.ustoowichita.org which can be located by entering the word "Prostrate Support Group" or any variation thereof into an Internet search engine like Google. With the help of such websites you can become knowledgeable enough to recognize potential symptoms and, along with your physician, be prepared for early diagnosis and treatment offering the best possibility of a cure.

[Source MCPO Charles Maack, USN (Ret) http://www.ustoowichita.org Website Manager Nov 05 ++]

Veteran Service Officers: To determine entitlements and/or derive maximum benefit veterans' are advised to seek the assistance of a Veterans Service Office (VSO). The laws governing veterans' benefits are complicated and frequently change. The recent focus on improving benefits for veterans had led to new processes that can be confusing. The VSO at your nearest VA office, clinic, or within the local community is there to help you. The officers will provide assistance to you and your family/widow in filing claims for VA disability compensation, rehabilitation and education programs, social security disability benefits, etc. Through the VSO network, you can be assured that your enrollment and claims forms are correctly filled out and that your claims are processed right the first time. Services officers serve as advocates for you and your family/widow in any appeal needed on denied claims. They may prepare, present, and prosecute VA claims on your behalf, at no cost to you. It's their job and they have the expertise to assist.

If you have a health problem related to military service, you should file a claim for even if your condition is not necessarily commensurable today. Even if you awarded only a 0% rating it opens the door for future revaluation, compensation, and health care if your condition deteriorates with age. VA claims are usually awarded back to the date of filing so it is important to file as soon as possible. For those who are not yet retired it's a good idea to review your medical records and make sure they are up to date. Any injuries, illnesses, or conditions you have experienced while in service should be noted. If they are not, talk to your medical officer on how to get them entered while there is still time to do so. This includes treatment you may have received in a nonmilitary facility. The law requires the VA to validate any condition as being related to service prior to approving any claim. The claimant's health records are the first place they look for this validation and they will be recalled for VA review. You can file a claim online at http://www.vba.va.gov. That web site also offers information about claims for specific conditions for which you may be filing. Keep in mind that your DD-214 discharge papers are key to unlocking your veterans' benefits. Without it you are virtually locked out!

Each state and most counties have VSOs who can help you with benefits, claims, and questions. A number of federally chartered veterans' service organizations also are approved by the secretary of Veteran Affairs to help. These include the Veteran of foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion. Many cities also have Vet Centers where disability claims may be filed. Not only do they help with claims, they also provide psychological counseling for war-related trauma, community outreach, case management and referral activities, and supportive social services o veterans and family members. There are now 206 Vet Centers in operation in the U.S. Since the first one opened in 1979, about 1.7 million vets have received assistance through these facilities. To locate the nearest VSO you can check the directory of veteran service organizations at http://www1.va.gov/vso.

[Source: Navy/Times Alex Keenan article 31 Oct 05 ++]

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