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DID YOU KNOW?
November 2008 Delaware National Guard Retired Officers Association
Contact Brig Gen (DE Ret) Kennard Wiggins, Milheritage@aol.com, 410-398-0742
www.DNGROA.org
Calendar of Events
Veteran’s Day 11 November
National Guard Assoc. of Delaware – 12 November
Delaware Military Heritage Board Meeting – November 12, JFSHQ
DE ANG Retirees Luncheon, Michael’s 1130, 12 November
DNGROA Meeting 13 November
Retired Enlisted Association Meeting 18 November
Enlisted Association Meeting 20 November
WOA Meeting 20 November
Eugenia Messick Retirement Luncheon- December 5, 2008
DE ANG Retirees Luncheon, Michael’s 1130, 10 December
NGADE Meeting, 10 December
ESGR Meeting, 10 December
DNGROA Meeting 11 December
FTS Holiday Party, 19 December
Coming Events FY 2009
10 Jan 09 - Senior Leader's Call - Dover (JFHQ Staff)
13 Jan 09 – DMHEF Meeting
24 Feb 09 - Prayer Breakfast - Newark (166th AW)
7 Mar 09 - ANG Enlisted Banquet - Newark (166th AW)
13 May 09 - Kiwanis Luncheon - Wilmington (JFHQ Staff)
16 May 09 - Military Ball - Dover (JFHQ Staff for 261st Sig Bde)
TBA - Oct 09 - Golf Tournament (72nd TC)
Night at the Races
The DNGROA sponsored a "Night at the Races" at Harrington Raceway on 30 Sep
08 with approximately 15 members, spouses and friends in attendance. A good time
was had by all at the event that was arranged by Brig Gen Butterworth.
Support for USO
The fund solicitation to support the new USO Center at Landstuhl Regional Medical
Center, Germany, resulted in a donation of $1,040.00, $740.00 from ten members
and a $300.00 donation from the DNGROA. These donations were forwarded to the
USO on 22 Oct 08 by BG (DE) Glenn M Watson.
261st Departure Ceremony
The DNGROA provided a signing banner at the departure ceremony on the
Legislative Green, Dover, DE, for the 261 Signal Brigade on 3 Oct 08. This banner
was signed with well wishes from many family, friends and veterans and was later
presented to the departing unit. The first two commanders of the 261 Signal unit, LTG
(DE) Chidester and LTG(DE) Duncan were present. This project was an effort of BG
(DE) Watson, BG(DE) Workman and COL(DE) Fountain with assistance from BG
(DE) James.
Delaware guardsmen train in N.M.
Soldiers prepare in desert for deployment to Iraq in Nov.
BY ESTEBAN PARRA • THE NEWS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 18, 2008
OTERO COUNTY, N.M. -- Thousands of miles from home, soldiers with the
Delaware Army National Guard are learning techniques that could save their lives
when they're deployed to Iraq next month.
Among other exercises, members of the 261st Signal Brigade have been crawling
through the Southwest desert to learn how to encounter and detain enemy forces.
About 30 of them spent Friday morning going through a drill that simulates urban
conflicts like those that happen in Iraq.
Explosions and automatic gunfire accompanied guardsmen as they ran and
crouched their way up a 100-meter course. They hid behind whatever shelter they
could find -- makeshift shacks, totaled vehicles, yellow billowing smoke -- while
dodging paintballs.
"They shot my weapon," said Spc. Erica Celatka, of Smyrna, who had green goo on
her camouflage uniform. "I saw it coming so I backed up and I just left my weapon
out there."
Celatka is one of the 115 guardsmen who have been training since early this month
at McGregor Range, a training complex on Fort Bliss' more than 1.1 million acres.
While the fort has its headquarters in El Paso, Texas, this training complex is in
Otero County, N.M., more than five miles north of the Texas-New Mexico border.
"I'm sure the plan didn't quite go the way they wanted to, but they were still able to
accomplish their mission," said Staff Sgt. Wade Bryant of the 5th Armored Brigade.
Bryant supervised training of the -- basic tactics that include high and low crawl, short
rushes to covered positions along with fire and movements.
"They got bogged down for a few minutes," he said.
Bryant believes the guardsmen, who arrived Oct. 5, were slowed by the sounds of the
battlefield, the smoke and their body armor that weighs about 60 pounds. But in all,
he felt they did "pretty good."
The 261st also is training in first aid, weapons qualification and areas of individual
specialty. The unit mostly oversees battalions that set up communications systems.
After the unit finishes its training, members will head to Iraq to complete a year of
duty.
Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden is a member of the unit and serves as a
captain and a Judge Advocate General's Corps officer -- a military lawyer. As such, he
offers legal advice on disciplining soldiers and advises commanders and soldiers
on issues such as wills and power of attorney.
Judge advocates have become more important in these types of wars as the rules of
engagement change in battles against terrorism. They are needed to interpret the
wartime rules and also deal with situations such as Abu Ghraib, where the torture of
Iraqi detainees by U.S. soldiers was revealed in a series of widely publicized
photographs.
Biden declined to comment to the media Friday and instead trained in another part of
McGregor.
Fifth Armored Brigade Capt. Min Choi, the officer in charge of the short range
marksmanship range, said he saw Biden shooting his 9 mm Thursday.
"Capt. Biden was here yesterday," he said. "He did well."
Air National Guard breaks ground for hangar
$33 million project to be finished in 2011
BY ANGIE BASIOUNY • THE NEWS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 18, 2008
Sinking their silver-tipped ceremonial shovels into the sand, state and local officials
Friday broke ground on a $33 million project to build a maintenance hangar for the
Delaware Air National Guard, based at New Castle Airport.
When completed in 2011, the hangar will be 101,000 square feet -- big enough to
house any one of the newer, longer versions of the C-130 transport aircraft kept by
the Guard.
The unit's current hangar, built in 1952, is too small and plagued with problems,
including a leaky roof, inadequate fire suppression system, poor lighting and falling
insulation, officials said.
"It is truly a historic day here for us building a new hangar," Brig. Gen. Hugh Broomall,
commander of the Delaware Air National Guard, said while noting the unit's 164,455
hours of accident-free flying.
"When you talk about maintenance of aircraft, nobody does it better than the Air
National Guard," he said.
The upbeat mood at Friday's groundbreaking marked a change from the somber
course the Guard was on just three years ago, when the unit was on the chopping
block.
In May 2005, the Guard was listed among 62 major military bases and 775 smaller
installations the Pentagon targeted for closing or consolidation to save billions of
dollars.
The plan by then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld would have effectively
grounded the Air Guard's 166th Airlift Wing and weakened Delaware's ability to
handle emergencies and homeland security -- the two main functions of the Guard.
The unit was saved through negotiations by the state's congressional delegation of
Sens. Joe Biden and Tom Carper, and Rep. Mike Castle.
Carper and Castle, who were on hand for the ceremony, recalled Friday that on July
8, 2005 they testified in Baltimore before the Base Realignment and Closure
Commission.
"There was a lot of working to try to switch that decision," said Castle, R-Delaware.
"This is a day of vindication. We've come a long way since [that day] and now the
Department of Defense agrees with us."
Guard officials said the project will happen in three phases, with the first year costing
$10.8 million to build a basic hangar bay.
The second year will cost $11.6 million to build maintenance shops on two floors in
a U-shape configuration around the bay.
The final phase will build additional work shops for about $10.4 million.
The project is entirely funded by federal dollars and will meet federal standards for
energy efficiency.
Officials said it will be the first aircraft hangar in the Air Force to have a geothermal
heating and cooling system, which takes advantage of constant below-ground
temperature by running a glycol-based fluid through pipes beneath the surface. The
hangar roof is designed for future installation of solar panels capable of generating
all the daytime electricity needed to run the facility.
New Castle County Executive Chris Coons, who attended the ceremony, praised the
green features and said the project was a welcomed local boost.
"For an Air National Guard wing that has a critical mission both here and abroad, I
think this is a fantastic investment," he said.
Other Air Guard projects include:
•A $1.5 million medical training facility, completed earlier this year.
•A $2 million security forces building to house the base's defense team, also
completed this year.
•A $1.5 million fuel depot. Construction is under way.
•A 9,000-square-foot information operations center that eventually will expand to
40,000 square feet. Construction will start on this $3 million facility next year.
•A $10.8 million apron -- or parking ramp -- for the C-130s, completed a few years
ago.
•A $7 million squadron operations and aeromedical facility, completed in 2000.
Retirees Get 5.8% COLA for 2009
The 2009 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for military retired pay will be 5.8%. This
increase, which goes into effect on December 1, 2008, also applies to SBP
annuities, Social Security checks, and VA disability and survivor benefits. Retirees
will see the increase in their January 2009 checks. Retirees who first became a
member of the uniformed services on or after Sept. 8, 1980, and retired in 2008
under the High-36 retirement will receive a Partial COLA on a prorated basis. This
COLA is the highest seen in over 15 years.
Omnibus Veterans' Benefits Bill Now Law
The Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following statement
today regarding enactment of S. 3023, the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of
2008. "Veterans have earned these benefits and more through their honorable
service to our country and I am proud that this legislation to improve veterans'
housing, disability claims processing, judicial review and employment rights is now
law," said Senator Akaka
Four-Star Day for National Guard, New Chief
The U.S. Senate confirmed Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley Thursday night (October 2) as
the 26th chief of the National Guard Bureau. He will also become the first four-star
general in the 372-year history of the Guard.
McKinley follows Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, who served as chief for nearly six years.
McKinley credited Blum’s “fantastic” performance with making his promotion
possible during a speech last month at the 130th NGAUS General Conference in
Baltimore.
"I give all the credit for this to the performance, friendships and relationships of
[Blum],” McKinley said.
McKinley has served as director of the Air National Guard since May 2006. Prior to
that, he served as assistant deputy chief of staff for plans and programs at Air Force
Headquarters. He is a command pilot with more than 34 years of military service.
The president of NGAUS issued a statement congratulating “one of our own.”
“Today is a big day for General McKinley,” said retired Brig. Gen. Stephen M. Koper.
“However, it’s historic for the nation’s oldest military organization. The Guard is now
only a stroke of a pen and a ‘pinning’ ceremony away from having an officer who can
sit as a peer among the top uniformed leaders of the U.S. military.”
Koper said NGAUS asked for such a seat during a meeting of the Senate Defense
Appropriations Committee in 2006. He credited the men and women who have made
the Guard the “go-to” force from the Middle East to the Balkans and beyond. Koper
recalled McKinley’s own words at the NGAUS conference.
“Your performance has created the moment in history where we can sit at the table
with everyone else,” McKinley told a room full of Guard members.
Appropriations Signed into Law
On September 30, President Bush signed the FY09 Defense Appropriations Act into
law. Overall, the National Guard fared well in the Appropriations Bill, which includes
the following:
• $6.6 billion for ARNG Personnel, an increase of $20.9 million above the
Presidential Budget Request (PBR)
• $2.7 billion for ANG Personnel, a decrease of $50.2 million below the PBR
• A significant increase of 2,110 in ARNG end strength, a total of 352,600
• An increase in ANG end strength to 106,756, a total of 56 above the PBR
• A loss of $14.2 million in ARNG Operations and Maintenance, for a total of $5.86
billion
• $5.9 billion for ANG Operations and Maintenance, an increase of $21.5 million
above the PBR
• NGREA received $105 million for ANG and $480 million for ARNG.
• The NG Youth ChalleNGe received $71.6 million, an increase of $20 million above
the PBR
• The Counter-Drug Program included $1.1 billion for a number of established
projects.
Both the ARNG and ANG enjoyed an increase in military construction funds, with the
ARNG receiving a total of $883.3 million, a $369 million increase, and the ANG
getting an increase of $236.6 million above the PBR, for a total of $270.9 million.
All Services Meet Fiscal Year Recruiting Goals
Both the Army and Air National Guard, along with all other services and their
components, met their recruiting goals for the 2008 fiscal year, making it one of the
strongest recruiting efforts in years, according to Defense Department officials.
The Army and Marine Corps had raised their goals for the fiscal year, which ended
Sept. 30, as both services continue to grow their ranks to meet the demands of the
wars on two fronts.
The Army National Guard closed out the year at 103 percent, with nearly 2,200
recruits over its goal of 63,000. The Air National Guard recruited 2,200 more than its
goal of 8,548, a final tally of 126 percent of its goal.
The Army took in 517 more soldiers than its goal of 80,000. The Navy came in at
38,485 accessions, 66 above its goal of 38,419.
The Marine Corps final figure was 37,991, which was 24 above its goal. The Air Force
recruited 27,848 new airmen, 48 above its goal of 27,800.
The Army Reserve recruited 39,870 soldiers, which is 106 percent of its goal. The Air
Force Reserve finished at 105 percent with 7,323 recruits. The Navy and Marine
Corps reserves both came in at 100 percent, with 9,134 and 7,628 accessions,
respectively.
David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said the all-
volunteer force’s strength is in the overall quality of the recruits. More than 92 percent
of recruits hold a high school diploma. For the same age group in the general
American population, only 75 percent have graduated from high school.
17,000 Ex-POWs Could Get Purple Heart
WASHINGTON - An estimated 17,000 deceased U.S. prisoners of war could be
awarded Purple Hearts under a new Defense Department policy announced Oct. 6.
Purple Hearts are awarded to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines wounded by
enemy action. The medals have been denied in the past to POWs who died in
captivity if it could not be proven they had been wounded or killed by the enemy.
The revised policy the Pentagon announced presumes such deaths were the result
of enemy action unless compelling evidence is presented to the contrary.
The new policy is retroactive to Dec. 7, 1941, the Defense Department said in a
statement. That is the day Japanese aircraft attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and
brought the United States into World War II.
Posthumous awards can be made to a family member or other representative of the
deceased service member. Each branch of the military will announce its process for
applying for the awards.
Each military department will publish application procedures for retroactive Purple
Heart awards. Family members with questions may contact the services directly: Air
Force, 800-616-3775; Army, 703-325-8700; Navy, 314-592-1150; Marine Corps, 703-
784-9340.
Changes to Retiree ID Renewal Rules
Homeland Security Directive 12 now requires retirees and family members seeking
to renew or replace a military identification card to provide two types of ID, one of
which must include a photo. A list of acceptable documents can be found in PDF
format on page No. 4 of the Form I-9. Before visiting a military ID card issuing facility,
you may want to call first to determine what specific documents may be required, and
to verify the process to renew or replace an ID card. For contact information and the
location of the nearest ID card issuing facility, visit the RAPIDS Site Locator. On this
website, you can search by city, state or ZIP code.
More documentation necessary to replace, renew ID cards
Homeland Security Directive 12 now requires retirees and family members seeking
to renew or replace a military identification card to provide two types of ID. Retirees
and family members needing identification cards must have two of the following
types of current identification, one of which must include a photo:
Driver's license or ID issued by a state or outlying U.S. commonwealth or
possession
ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities
School ID card with a photograph
Voter's registration card
U.S. military ID card
U.S. passport
Certificate of U.S. citizenship
Certificate of naturalization
For people younger than 18, who are unable to present a document previously listed,
they may bring:
School record or report card
Clinic, doctor or hospital record
Day-care or nursery school record
The listing above is not all inclusive. A list of acceptable documents can be found at
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-9.pdf, Page 4.
Before visiting a military ID card issuing facility, people may want to call first to
determine what specific documents may be required, and to verify the process to
renew or replace an ID card. For contact information and the location of the nearest
ID card issuing facility, visit http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home. On this Web site,
people can search by city, state or ZIP code.
Veterans Day Resource Guide
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA's) 2008 Veterans Day teacher resource
guide is now available. The guide includes information on the history and meaning of
Veterans Day, youth volunteer opportunities, facts and figures, and a classroom
activity guide. There is even a coloring book, maze and word scramble game for
kids. The guide, along with a Veterans Day poster, is being distributed on CD-ROM to
principals at 118,000 schools nationwide. To view or download your own copy of the
guide, visit the Resources section of the Veterans Day Website.
New Law Authorizes Veterans' Salutes during National Anthem
WASHINGTON (Oct. 30, 2008) -- Veterans and active-duty military not in
uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the
national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.
"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served
in our nation's armed forces," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.
"This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's
flag."
The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that
authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising,
lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national
anthem. Last year's provision also applied to members of the armed forces while
not in uniform.
Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered
the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag
while wearing their organization's official head-gear.
The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by
veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of
Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009,
which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.
The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform
military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained
in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.
DoD Searches for Test Veterans
In September, the DoD Office of Force Health Protection & Readiness announced the
launch of the Chemical-Biological Warfare Exposures Website, which presents
extensive information on testing conducted during World War II, Project 112/SHAD
(Shipboard Hazard and Defense) and the Cold War. DoD has been actively
searching the archives at test sites across the country from Maryland to Utah for
names of veterans who may have been exposed during these tests. DoD plans to
complete its search of the official records in 2011. Several thousand names have
already been found. However, the search for names will never end. DoD will continue
to explore any new leads or documents from veterans or other sources that will help
complete the documentation.
Tricare officials encourage people to get flu shot
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFRNS) -- Tricare officials urges people to prepare for this
year’s flu season, and an important step involves receiving a flu shot.
In the United States more than 220,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die every
year as a result of the flu and flu-related complications. Although infants and the
elderly are most at risk for serious illness or death, many young people are also
hospitalized or die from the flu each year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a record number of flu
vaccine doses (more than 140 million) have been created for use in the United
States during the 2008-09 flu season. For the first time, CDC officials are
recommending children ages 6 months to 18 years get the flu vaccination.
Previously, the CDC recommended flu vaccinations for children ages 6 months to 5
years. Now, all school-aged children are encouraged to have it.
Annual recommendations for adults have not changed. Any adult who wants to
reduce the risk for becoming ill or transmitting the flu to others should be vaccinated.
Vaccinations are specifically recommended for all adults in the following groups:
-- Adults ages 50 years and older
-- People ages 2 to 64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions.
-- All women who are or may be pregnant during the influenza season.
-- Children ages 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy.
-- Health care workers involved in direct patient care.
-- Household contacts and caregivers of children and those 50 or older.
Tricare covers the vaccine in two forms:
-- When the flu shot is an inactivated vaccine containing a killed virus and given with a
needle. This form of the vaccine may be used in all age groups.
-- When the nasal-spray flu vaccine, or Flu Mist, is a vaccine made with live,
weakened flu viruses. This form of the vaccination is limited only to healthy people
who are not pregnant or between ages 5 and 49.
The flu shot is covered for Tricare beneficiaries as long as it is administered in a
doctor's office. Flu shots administered in a civilian pharmacy, drugstore or other
location are not covered by Tricare. For Tricare-for-Life beneficiaries, Medicare
covers flu vaccines and Tricare is second payer, if needed.
Military treatment facilities and clinics may also offer flu vaccinations. Check locally
for more information.
Tricare, Medicare work together for eligible beneficiaries
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFRNS) -- Tricare officials want beneficiaries who receive a
disability check to ensure they are getting the Tricare coverage they are entitled to
receive.
In general, most beneficiaries become eligible for Medicare at age 65; however,
many beneficiaries younger than 65 also qualify for Medicare and there is one critical
fact they need to know:
“Most Tricare beneficiaries who are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A are
required under federal law to enroll in Medicare Part B to keep Tricare benefits,” said
Anne Breslin, the Tricare For Life program manager.
Medicare Part A covers inpatient care in hospitals and skilled-nursing facilities. It
also covers hospice and some home health care.
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It helps cover outpatient and physician
services as well as some physical and occupational therapies and home health
care. The Medicare Part B monthly premium is currently $96.40 and will remain the
same for 2009. Individual premiums could be higher, based on income.
When Medicare coverage is effective, it becomes the primary insurance, while Tricare
becomes the secondary. Beneficiaries who take appropriate steps to maintain their
Tricare eligibility will often have no out-of-pocket expenses for health care services
covered by Medicare and Tricare.
Generally, beneficiaries who receive Social Security disability benefits begin
receiving Medicare benefits after two years, and they may choose between options
such as Tricare Prime or Tricare for Life. Most will need to have Medicare Part B,
although there are some exceptions.
“Whatever they choose, we can’t emphasize enough that beneficiaries need to look
carefully at their options before making decisions that could result in a loss of Tricare
coverage," said Ms. Breslin.
Factors beneficiaries must take into consideration before making a decision when it
comes to Medicare and Tricare include: whether their spouse is on active duty; if they
are disabled because of injuries suffered while serving on active duty; if they have
other health insurance; or if they are enrolled in the Uniformed Services Family
Health Plan or Tricare Reserve Select.
Other factors may also apply, but help is available to understand the complexities of
this benefit. Detailed information on how Medicare and Tricare work together for
eligible beneficiaries younger than 65 is available through the Tricare Web site at
www.tricare.mil/medicare, where users can also download a new “Using Tricare and
Medicare” flier.
For more information, contact visit Medicare at www.medicare.gov or call (800) 633-
4227; visit the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov or call (800) 772-1213;
or call Tricare for Life at (866) 773-0404. (Courtesy of Tricare)
TRICARE Family Benefit Permanent, Deductible Waived
A TRICARE “demonstration” program that allowed eligible families to waive the
common family deductible of $300 per year has been made permanent. This allows
members who have served 30 days in support of a contingency operation, and their
eligible family members, to participate in TRICARE Standard and Extra.
This program was the first post-9/11 program designed to address the growing
number of National Guard members serving in new operations both at home and
abroad. It has been in place for seven years.
"The demonstration has worked well and the benefit is not changing," said the
Deputy Director of TRICARE Management Activity, Maj. Gen. Elder Granger. "We
simply want to make sure our Guard and Reserve families know this is a permanent
benefit now that final federal regulation has been published."
The program also makes it potentially easier to seek out-of-network care, by possibly
increasing the amounts to be paid to outside providers
Christmas Stockings for Service Members
“Operation Support Our Troops” is in it’s 5TH YEAR - IF YOU KNOW OF A
DEPLOYED INDIVIDUAL IN ANY BRANCH OF SERVICE - AND WOULD LIKE THEM
TO RECEIVE A PERSONALIZED STOCKING OVER THE HOLIDAYS, please send me
their name and address via my email. My email address is bsams@mooclaw.com.
And if you’d like to participate in the support efforts or make donations note the
following;
If you’re looking for a way to start getting into the holiday spirit, here are a few ways
you can help! It is time again to send some holiday cheer to our troops serving in
Iraq & Afghanistan.
You can help in the following ways:
Donate Goodies - Suggested Items include:
Christmas candy, gum, fruit roll-ups & gushers, cracker jacks, Beef Slim Jims,
pretzels,
lemonade & flavored drink mixes, individual flavored teas, hot drink mixes
Commercially packaged Trail Mix, nuts and cookies, chips (Pop-tarts,
TastyKakes, and other soft cakes do not survive the packing and shipping process)
Ramen soup
Small cans of tuna, lasagna, Beefaroni, canned fruit - any small size of non-
perishables to eat.
Pocket games & puzzles, dominoes
DVD movies, music CD's, current magazines,
Beanie Babies
AT&T phone cards
disposable cameras
Small sizes of toiletries lip balm, foot powder & lotions
Crew socks, hand & foot warmers, fly swatters
Donate Time - Join us Monday thru Thursday evenings 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM beginning
November 10th through December 3rd at Branmar Plaza, Silverside & Marsh Roads,
North Wilmington, DE. Here you will help stuff the stockings that will be delivered.
Donate Skills
If you can sew, we can get you patterns so you can help make stockings to be
individualized with names of soldiers.
This year they are knitting wool caps to be worn under helmets (anything but
wool melt!). If you can knit, we can get you a pattern.
Donate Money - financial donations can be made payable to “Operation Support Our
Troops”. They are a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Their tax ID is # 20-
2655437. Judy Travis (302-475-2526) or Brad Sams (302-377-4586) to pick up
donations and we will make sure they make it to Branmar Plaza.
No sex since 1955
A crusty old Marine Sergeant Major found himself at a gala event hosted by a local
liberal arts college. There was no shortage of extremely young idealistic ladies in
attendance, one of whom approached the Sergeant Major for conversation.
'Excuse me, Sergeant Major, but you seem to be a very serious man. Is something
bothering you?'
'Negative, ma'am. Just serious by nature.'
The young lady looked at his awards and decorations and said, 'It looks like you have
seen a lot of action.'
'Yes, ma'am, a lot of action.'
The young lady, tiring of trying to start up a conversation, said, 'You know, you should
lighten up a little. Relax and enjoy yourself.'
The Sergeant Major just stared at her in his serious manner. Finally the young lady
said, 'You know, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but when is the last time
you had sex?'
' 1955, ma'am.'
'Well, there you are. No wonder you're so serious. You really need to chill out! I mean,
no sex since 1955! She took his hand and led him to a private room where she
proceeded to 'relax' him several times. Afterwards, panting for breath, she leaned
against his bare chest and said, 'Wow, you sure didn't forget much since 1955.'
The Sergeant Major said in his serious voice, after glancing at his watch, 'I hope not;
it's only 2130 now.' (Gotta love military time)
Let us hear from you.
Your comments, contributions, complaints and praises are welcome. We’d like to
know how we can improve this newsletter. But we’d really like to know what our
members are up to. If you have a milestone to report we’d like to share it. Please
contact us at : Milheritage@aol.com or call me at (410) 398-0742. You can also write
to me at 504 Blacksnake Road, Elkton MD 21921. Ken Wiggins, Scribe
November 2008 Delaware National Guard Retired Officers Association
Contact Brig Gen (DE Ret) Kennard Wiggins, Milheritage@aol.com, 410-398-0742
www.DNGROA.org
Calendar of Events
Veteran’s Day 11 November
National Guard Assoc. of Delaware – 12 November
Delaware Military Heritage Board Meeting – November 12, JFSHQ
DE ANG Retirees Luncheon, Michael’s 1130, 12 November
DNGROA Meeting 13 November
Retired Enlisted Association Meeting 18 November
Enlisted Association Meeting 20 November
WOA Meeting 20 November
Eugenia Messick Retirement Luncheon- December 5, 2008
DE ANG Retirees Luncheon, Michael’s 1130, 10 December
NGADE Meeting, 10 December
ESGR Meeting, 10 December
DNGROA Meeting 11 December
FTS Holiday Party, 19 December
Coming Events FY 2009
10 Jan 09 - Senior Leader's Call - Dover (JFHQ Staff)
13 Jan 09 – DMHEF Meeting
24 Feb 09 - Prayer Breakfast - Newark (166th AW)
7 Mar 09 - ANG Enlisted Banquet - Newark (166th AW)
13 May 09 - Kiwanis Luncheon - Wilmington (JFHQ Staff)
16 May 09 - Military Ball - Dover (JFHQ Staff for 261st Sig Bde)
TBA - Oct 09 - Golf Tournament (72nd TC)
Night at the Races
The DNGROA sponsored a "Night at the Races" at Harrington Raceway on 30 Sep
08 with approximately 15 members, spouses and friends in attendance. A good time
was had by all at the event that was arranged by Brig Gen Butterworth.
Support for USO
The fund solicitation to support the new USO Center at Landstuhl Regional Medical
Center, Germany, resulted in a donation of $1,040.00, $740.00 from ten members
and a $300.00 donation from the DNGROA. These donations were forwarded to the
USO on 22 Oct 08 by BG (DE) Glenn M Watson.
261st Departure Ceremony
The DNGROA provided a signing banner at the departure ceremony on the
Legislative Green, Dover, DE, for the 261 Signal Brigade on 3 Oct 08. This banner
was signed with well wishes from many family, friends and veterans and was later
presented to the departing unit. The first two commanders of the 261 Signal unit, LTG
(DE) Chidester and LTG(DE) Duncan were present. This project was an effort of BG
(DE) Watson, BG(DE) Workman and COL(DE) Fountain with assistance from BG
(DE) James.
Delaware guardsmen train in N.M.
Soldiers prepare in desert for deployment to Iraq in Nov.
BY ESTEBAN PARRA • THE NEWS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 18, 2008
OTERO COUNTY, N.M. -- Thousands of miles from home, soldiers with the
Delaware Army National Guard are learning techniques that could save their lives
when they're deployed to Iraq next month.
Among other exercises, members of the 261st Signal Brigade have been crawling
through the Southwest desert to learn how to encounter and detain enemy forces.
About 30 of them spent Friday morning going through a drill that simulates urban
conflicts like those that happen in Iraq.
Explosions and automatic gunfire accompanied guardsmen as they ran and
crouched their way up a 100-meter course. They hid behind whatever shelter they
could find -- makeshift shacks, totaled vehicles, yellow billowing smoke -- while
dodging paintballs.
"They shot my weapon," said Spc. Erica Celatka, of Smyrna, who had green goo on
her camouflage uniform. "I saw it coming so I backed up and I just left my weapon
out there."
Celatka is one of the 115 guardsmen who have been training since early this month
at McGregor Range, a training complex on Fort Bliss' more than 1.1 million acres.
While the fort has its headquarters in El Paso, Texas, this training complex is in
Otero County, N.M., more than five miles north of the Texas-New Mexico border.
"I'm sure the plan didn't quite go the way they wanted to, but they were still able to
accomplish their mission," said Staff Sgt. Wade Bryant of the 5th Armored Brigade.
Bryant supervised training of the -- basic tactics that include high and low crawl, short
rushes to covered positions along with fire and movements.
"They got bogged down for a few minutes," he said.
Bryant believes the guardsmen, who arrived Oct. 5, were slowed by the sounds of the
battlefield, the smoke and their body armor that weighs about 60 pounds. But in all,
he felt they did "pretty good."
The 261st also is training in first aid, weapons qualification and areas of individual
specialty. The unit mostly oversees battalions that set up communications systems.
After the unit finishes its training, members will head to Iraq to complete a year of
duty.
Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden is a member of the unit and serves as a
captain and a Judge Advocate General's Corps officer -- a military lawyer. As such, he
offers legal advice on disciplining soldiers and advises commanders and soldiers
on issues such as wills and power of attorney.
Judge advocates have become more important in these types of wars as the rules of
engagement change in battles against terrorism. They are needed to interpret the
wartime rules and also deal with situations such as Abu Ghraib, where the torture of
Iraqi detainees by U.S. soldiers was revealed in a series of widely publicized
photographs.
Biden declined to comment to the media Friday and instead trained in another part of
McGregor.
Fifth Armored Brigade Capt. Min Choi, the officer in charge of the short range
marksmanship range, said he saw Biden shooting his 9 mm Thursday.
"Capt. Biden was here yesterday," he said. "He did well."
Air National Guard breaks ground for hangar
$33 million project to be finished in 2011
BY ANGIE BASIOUNY • THE NEWS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 18, 2008
Sinking their silver-tipped ceremonial shovels into the sand, state and local officials
Friday broke ground on a $33 million project to build a maintenance hangar for the
Delaware Air National Guard, based at New Castle Airport.
When completed in 2011, the hangar will be 101,000 square feet -- big enough to
house any one of the newer, longer versions of the C-130 transport aircraft kept by
the Guard.
The unit's current hangar, built in 1952, is too small and plagued with problems,
including a leaky roof, inadequate fire suppression system, poor lighting and falling
insulation, officials said.
"It is truly a historic day here for us building a new hangar," Brig. Gen. Hugh Broomall,
commander of the Delaware Air National Guard, said while noting the unit's 164,455
hours of accident-free flying.
"When you talk about maintenance of aircraft, nobody does it better than the Air
National Guard," he said.
The upbeat mood at Friday's groundbreaking marked a change from the somber
course the Guard was on just three years ago, when the unit was on the chopping
block.
In May 2005, the Guard was listed among 62 major military bases and 775 smaller
installations the Pentagon targeted for closing or consolidation to save billions of
dollars.
The plan by then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld would have effectively
grounded the Air Guard's 166th Airlift Wing and weakened Delaware's ability to
handle emergencies and homeland security -- the two main functions of the Guard.
The unit was saved through negotiations by the state's congressional delegation of
Sens. Joe Biden and Tom Carper, and Rep. Mike Castle.
Carper and Castle, who were on hand for the ceremony, recalled Friday that on July
8, 2005 they testified in Baltimore before the Base Realignment and Closure
Commission.
"There was a lot of working to try to switch that decision," said Castle, R-Delaware.
"This is a day of vindication. We've come a long way since [that day] and now the
Department of Defense agrees with us."
Guard officials said the project will happen in three phases, with the first year costing
$10.8 million to build a basic hangar bay.
The second year will cost $11.6 million to build maintenance shops on two floors in
a U-shape configuration around the bay.
The final phase will build additional work shops for about $10.4 million.
The project is entirely funded by federal dollars and will meet federal standards for
energy efficiency.
Officials said it will be the first aircraft hangar in the Air Force to have a geothermal
heating and cooling system, which takes advantage of constant below-ground
temperature by running a glycol-based fluid through pipes beneath the surface. The
hangar roof is designed for future installation of solar panels capable of generating
all the daytime electricity needed to run the facility.
New Castle County Executive Chris Coons, who attended the ceremony, praised the
green features and said the project was a welcomed local boost.
"For an Air National Guard wing that has a critical mission both here and abroad, I
think this is a fantastic investment," he said.
Other Air Guard projects include:
•A $1.5 million medical training facility, completed earlier this year.
•A $2 million security forces building to house the base's defense team, also
completed this year.
•A $1.5 million fuel depot. Construction is under way.
•A 9,000-square-foot information operations center that eventually will expand to
40,000 square feet. Construction will start on this $3 million facility next year.
•A $10.8 million apron -- or parking ramp -- for the C-130s, completed a few years
ago.
•A $7 million squadron operations and aeromedical facility, completed in 2000.
Retirees Get 5.8% COLA for 2009
The 2009 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for military retired pay will be 5.8%. This
increase, which goes into effect on December 1, 2008, also applies to SBP
annuities, Social Security checks, and VA disability and survivor benefits. Retirees
will see the increase in their January 2009 checks. Retirees who first became a
member of the uniformed services on or after Sept. 8, 1980, and retired in 2008
under the High-36 retirement will receive a Partial COLA on a prorated basis. This
COLA is the highest seen in over 15 years.
Omnibus Veterans' Benefits Bill Now Law
The Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following statement
today regarding enactment of S. 3023, the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of
2008. "Veterans have earned these benefits and more through their honorable
service to our country and I am proud that this legislation to improve veterans'
housing, disability claims processing, judicial review and employment rights is now
law," said Senator Akaka
Four-Star Day for National Guard, New Chief
The U.S. Senate confirmed Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley Thursday night (October 2) as
the 26th chief of the National Guard Bureau. He will also become the first four-star
general in the 372-year history of the Guard.
McKinley follows Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, who served as chief for nearly six years.
McKinley credited Blum’s “fantastic” performance with making his promotion
possible during a speech last month at the 130th NGAUS General Conference in
Baltimore.
"I give all the credit for this to the performance, friendships and relationships of
[Blum],” McKinley said.
McKinley has served as director of the Air National Guard since May 2006. Prior to
that, he served as assistant deputy chief of staff for plans and programs at Air Force
Headquarters. He is a command pilot with more than 34 years of military service.
The president of NGAUS issued a statement congratulating “one of our own.”
“Today is a big day for General McKinley,” said retired Brig. Gen. Stephen M. Koper.
“However, it’s historic for the nation’s oldest military organization. The Guard is now
only a stroke of a pen and a ‘pinning’ ceremony away from having an officer who can
sit as a peer among the top uniformed leaders of the U.S. military.”
Koper said NGAUS asked for such a seat during a meeting of the Senate Defense
Appropriations Committee in 2006. He credited the men and women who have made
the Guard the “go-to” force from the Middle East to the Balkans and beyond. Koper
recalled McKinley’s own words at the NGAUS conference.
“Your performance has created the moment in history where we can sit at the table
with everyone else,” McKinley told a room full of Guard members.
Appropriations Signed into Law
On September 30, President Bush signed the FY09 Defense Appropriations Act into
law. Overall, the National Guard fared well in the Appropriations Bill, which includes
the following:
• $6.6 billion for ARNG Personnel, an increase of $20.9 million above the
Presidential Budget Request (PBR)
• $2.7 billion for ANG Personnel, a decrease of $50.2 million below the PBR
• A significant increase of 2,110 in ARNG end strength, a total of 352,600
• An increase in ANG end strength to 106,756, a total of 56 above the PBR
• A loss of $14.2 million in ARNG Operations and Maintenance, for a total of $5.86
billion
• $5.9 billion for ANG Operations and Maintenance, an increase of $21.5 million
above the PBR
• NGREA received $105 million for ANG and $480 million for ARNG.
• The NG Youth ChalleNGe received $71.6 million, an increase of $20 million above
the PBR
• The Counter-Drug Program included $1.1 billion for a number of established
projects.
Both the ARNG and ANG enjoyed an increase in military construction funds, with the
ARNG receiving a total of $883.3 million, a $369 million increase, and the ANG
getting an increase of $236.6 million above the PBR, for a total of $270.9 million.
All Services Meet Fiscal Year Recruiting Goals
Both the Army and Air National Guard, along with all other services and their
components, met their recruiting goals for the 2008 fiscal year, making it one of the
strongest recruiting efforts in years, according to Defense Department officials.
The Army and Marine Corps had raised their goals for the fiscal year, which ended
Sept. 30, as both services continue to grow their ranks to meet the demands of the
wars on two fronts.
The Army National Guard closed out the year at 103 percent, with nearly 2,200
recruits over its goal of 63,000. The Air National Guard recruited 2,200 more than its
goal of 8,548, a final tally of 126 percent of its goal.
The Army took in 517 more soldiers than its goal of 80,000. The Navy came in at
38,485 accessions, 66 above its goal of 38,419.
The Marine Corps final figure was 37,991, which was 24 above its goal. The Air Force
recruited 27,848 new airmen, 48 above its goal of 27,800.
The Army Reserve recruited 39,870 soldiers, which is 106 percent of its goal. The Air
Force Reserve finished at 105 percent with 7,323 recruits. The Navy and Marine
Corps reserves both came in at 100 percent, with 9,134 and 7,628 accessions,
respectively.
David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said the all-
volunteer force’s strength is in the overall quality of the recruits. More than 92 percent
of recruits hold a high school diploma. For the same age group in the general
American population, only 75 percent have graduated from high school.
17,000 Ex-POWs Could Get Purple Heart
WASHINGTON - An estimated 17,000 deceased U.S. prisoners of war could be
awarded Purple Hearts under a new Defense Department policy announced Oct. 6.
Purple Hearts are awarded to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines wounded by
enemy action. The medals have been denied in the past to POWs who died in
captivity if it could not be proven they had been wounded or killed by the enemy.
The revised policy the Pentagon announced presumes such deaths were the result
of enemy action unless compelling evidence is presented to the contrary.
The new policy is retroactive to Dec. 7, 1941, the Defense Department said in a
statement. That is the day Japanese aircraft attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and
brought the United States into World War II.
Posthumous awards can be made to a family member or other representative of the
deceased service member. Each branch of the military will announce its process for
applying for the awards.
Each military department will publish application procedures for retroactive Purple
Heart awards. Family members with questions may contact the services directly: Air
Force, 800-616-3775; Army, 703-325-8700; Navy, 314-592-1150; Marine Corps, 703-
784-9340.
Changes to Retiree ID Renewal Rules
Homeland Security Directive 12 now requires retirees and family members seeking
to renew or replace a military identification card to provide two types of ID, one of
which must include a photo. A list of acceptable documents can be found in PDF
format on page No. 4 of the Form I-9. Before visiting a military ID card issuing facility,
you may want to call first to determine what specific documents may be required, and
to verify the process to renew or replace an ID card. For contact information and the
location of the nearest ID card issuing facility, visit the RAPIDS Site Locator. On this
website, you can search by city, state or ZIP code.
More documentation necessary to replace, renew ID cards
Homeland Security Directive 12 now requires retirees and family members seeking
to renew or replace a military identification card to provide two types of ID. Retirees
and family members needing identification cards must have two of the following
types of current identification, one of which must include a photo:
Driver's license or ID issued by a state or outlying U.S. commonwealth or
possession
ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities
School ID card with a photograph
Voter's registration card
U.S. military ID card
U.S. passport
Certificate of U.S. citizenship
Certificate of naturalization
For people younger than 18, who are unable to present a document previously listed,
they may bring:
School record or report card
Clinic, doctor or hospital record
Day-care or nursery school record
The listing above is not all inclusive. A list of acceptable documents can be found at
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-9.pdf, Page 4.
Before visiting a military ID card issuing facility, people may want to call first to
determine what specific documents may be required, and to verify the process to
renew or replace an ID card. For contact information and the location of the nearest
ID card issuing facility, visit http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home. On this Web site,
people can search by city, state or ZIP code.
Veterans Day Resource Guide
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA's) 2008 Veterans Day teacher resource
guide is now available. The guide includes information on the history and meaning of
Veterans Day, youth volunteer opportunities, facts and figures, and a classroom
activity guide. There is even a coloring book, maze and word scramble game for
kids. The guide, along with a Veterans Day poster, is being distributed on CD-ROM to
principals at 118,000 schools nationwide. To view or download your own copy of the
guide, visit the Resources section of the Veterans Day Website.
New Law Authorizes Veterans' Salutes during National Anthem
WASHINGTON (Oct. 30, 2008) -- Veterans and active-duty military not in
uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the
national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.
"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served
in our nation's armed forces," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.
"This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's
flag."
The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that
authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising,
lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national
anthem. Last year's provision also applied to members of the armed forces while
not in uniform.
Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered
the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag
while wearing their organization's official head-gear.
The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by
veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of
Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009,
which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.
The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform
military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained
in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.
DoD Searches for Test Veterans
In September, the DoD Office of Force Health Protection & Readiness announced the
launch of the Chemical-Biological Warfare Exposures Website, which presents
extensive information on testing conducted during World War II, Project 112/SHAD
(Shipboard Hazard and Defense) and the Cold War. DoD has been actively
searching the archives at test sites across the country from Maryland to Utah for
names of veterans who may have been exposed during these tests. DoD plans to
complete its search of the official records in 2011. Several thousand names have
already been found. However, the search for names will never end. DoD will continue
to explore any new leads or documents from veterans or other sources that will help
complete the documentation.
Tricare officials encourage people to get flu shot
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFRNS) -- Tricare officials urges people to prepare for this
year’s flu season, and an important step involves receiving a flu shot.
In the United States more than 220,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die every
year as a result of the flu and flu-related complications. Although infants and the
elderly are most at risk for serious illness or death, many young people are also
hospitalized or die from the flu each year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a record number of flu
vaccine doses (more than 140 million) have been created for use in the United
States during the 2008-09 flu season. For the first time, CDC officials are
recommending children ages 6 months to 18 years get the flu vaccination.
Previously, the CDC recommended flu vaccinations for children ages 6 months to 5
years. Now, all school-aged children are encouraged to have it.
Annual recommendations for adults have not changed. Any adult who wants to
reduce the risk for becoming ill or transmitting the flu to others should be vaccinated.
Vaccinations are specifically recommended for all adults in the following groups:
-- Adults ages 50 years and older
-- People ages 2 to 64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions.
-- All women who are or may be pregnant during the influenza season.
-- Children ages 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy.
-- Health care workers involved in direct patient care.
-- Household contacts and caregivers of children and those 50 or older.
Tricare covers the vaccine in two forms:
-- When the flu shot is an inactivated vaccine containing a killed virus and given with a
needle. This form of the vaccine may be used in all age groups.
-- When the nasal-spray flu vaccine, or Flu Mist, is a vaccine made with live,
weakened flu viruses. This form of the vaccination is limited only to healthy people
who are not pregnant or between ages 5 and 49.
The flu shot is covered for Tricare beneficiaries as long as it is administered in a
doctor's office. Flu shots administered in a civilian pharmacy, drugstore or other
location are not covered by Tricare. For Tricare-for-Life beneficiaries, Medicare
covers flu vaccines and Tricare is second payer, if needed.
Military treatment facilities and clinics may also offer flu vaccinations. Check locally
for more information.
Tricare, Medicare work together for eligible beneficiaries
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFRNS) -- Tricare officials want beneficiaries who receive a
disability check to ensure they are getting the Tricare coverage they are entitled to
receive.
In general, most beneficiaries become eligible for Medicare at age 65; however,
many beneficiaries younger than 65 also qualify for Medicare and there is one critical
fact they need to know:
“Most Tricare beneficiaries who are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A are
required under federal law to enroll in Medicare Part B to keep Tricare benefits,” said
Anne Breslin, the Tricare For Life program manager.
Medicare Part A covers inpatient care in hospitals and skilled-nursing facilities. It
also covers hospice and some home health care.
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It helps cover outpatient and physician
services as well as some physical and occupational therapies and home health
care. The Medicare Part B monthly premium is currently $96.40 and will remain the
same for 2009. Individual premiums could be higher, based on income.
When Medicare coverage is effective, it becomes the primary insurance, while Tricare
becomes the secondary. Beneficiaries who take appropriate steps to maintain their
Tricare eligibility will often have no out-of-pocket expenses for health care services
covered by Medicare and Tricare.
Generally, beneficiaries who receive Social Security disability benefits begin
receiving Medicare benefits after two years, and they may choose between options
such as Tricare Prime or Tricare for Life. Most will need to have Medicare Part B,
although there are some exceptions.
“Whatever they choose, we can’t emphasize enough that beneficiaries need to look
carefully at their options before making decisions that could result in a loss of Tricare
coverage," said Ms. Breslin.
Factors beneficiaries must take into consideration before making a decision when it
comes to Medicare and Tricare include: whether their spouse is on active duty; if they
are disabled because of injuries suffered while serving on active duty; if they have
other health insurance; or if they are enrolled in the Uniformed Services Family
Health Plan or Tricare Reserve Select.
Other factors may also apply, but help is available to understand the complexities of
this benefit. Detailed information on how Medicare and Tricare work together for
eligible beneficiaries younger than 65 is available through the Tricare Web site at
www.tricare.mil/medicare, where users can also download a new “Using Tricare and
Medicare” flier.
For more information, contact visit Medicare at www.medicare.gov or call (800) 633-
4227; visit the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov or call (800) 772-1213;
or call Tricare for Life at (866) 773-0404. (Courtesy of Tricare)
TRICARE Family Benefit Permanent, Deductible Waived
A TRICARE “demonstration” program that allowed eligible families to waive the
common family deductible of $300 per year has been made permanent. This allows
members who have served 30 days in support of a contingency operation, and their
eligible family members, to participate in TRICARE Standard and Extra.
This program was the first post-9/11 program designed to address the growing
number of National Guard members serving in new operations both at home and
abroad. It has been in place for seven years.
"The demonstration has worked well and the benefit is not changing," said the
Deputy Director of TRICARE Management Activity, Maj. Gen. Elder Granger. "We
simply want to make sure our Guard and Reserve families know this is a permanent
benefit now that final federal regulation has been published."
The program also makes it potentially easier to seek out-of-network care, by possibly
increasing the amounts to be paid to outside providers
Christmas Stockings for Service Members
“Operation Support Our Troops” is in it’s 5TH YEAR - IF YOU KNOW OF A
DEPLOYED INDIVIDUAL IN ANY BRANCH OF SERVICE - AND WOULD LIKE THEM
TO RECEIVE A PERSONALIZED STOCKING OVER THE HOLIDAYS, please send me
their name and address via my email. My email address is bsams@mooclaw.com.
And if you’d like to participate in the support efforts or make donations note the
following;
If you’re looking for a way to start getting into the holiday spirit, here are a few ways
you can help! It is time again to send some holiday cheer to our troops serving in
Iraq & Afghanistan.
You can help in the following ways:
Donate Goodies - Suggested Items include:
Christmas candy, gum, fruit roll-ups & gushers, cracker jacks, Beef Slim Jims,
pretzels,
lemonade & flavored drink mixes, individual flavored teas, hot drink mixes
Commercially packaged Trail Mix, nuts and cookies, chips (Pop-tarts,
TastyKakes, and other soft cakes do not survive the packing and shipping process)
Ramen soup
Small cans of tuna, lasagna, Beefaroni, canned fruit - any small size of non-
perishables to eat.
Pocket games & puzzles, dominoes
DVD movies, music CD's, current magazines,
Beanie Babies
AT&T phone cards
disposable cameras
Small sizes of toiletries lip balm, foot powder & lotions
Crew socks, hand & foot warmers, fly swatters
Donate Time - Join us Monday thru Thursday evenings 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM beginning
November 10th through December 3rd at Branmar Plaza, Silverside & Marsh Roads,
North Wilmington, DE. Here you will help stuff the stockings that will be delivered.
Donate Skills
If you can sew, we can get you patterns so you can help make stockings to be
individualized with names of soldiers.
This year they are knitting wool caps to be worn under helmets (anything but
wool melt!). If you can knit, we can get you a pattern.
Donate Money - financial donations can be made payable to “Operation Support Our
Troops”. They are a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Their tax ID is # 20-
2655437. Judy Travis (302-475-2526) or Brad Sams (302-377-4586) to pick up
donations and we will make sure they make it to Branmar Plaza.
No sex since 1955
A crusty old Marine Sergeant Major found himself at a gala event hosted by a local
liberal arts college. There was no shortage of extremely young idealistic ladies in
attendance, one of whom approached the Sergeant Major for conversation.
'Excuse me, Sergeant Major, but you seem to be a very serious man. Is something
bothering you?'
'Negative, ma'am. Just serious by nature.'
The young lady looked at his awards and decorations and said, 'It looks like you have
seen a lot of action.'
'Yes, ma'am, a lot of action.'
The young lady, tiring of trying to start up a conversation, said, 'You know, you should
lighten up a little. Relax and enjoy yourself.'
The Sergeant Major just stared at her in his serious manner. Finally the young lady
said, 'You know, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but when is the last time
you had sex?'
' 1955, ma'am.'
'Well, there you are. No wonder you're so serious. You really need to chill out! I mean,
no sex since 1955! She took his hand and led him to a private room where she
proceeded to 'relax' him several times. Afterwards, panting for breath, she leaned
against his bare chest and said, 'Wow, you sure didn't forget much since 1955.'
The Sergeant Major said in his serious voice, after glancing at his watch, 'I hope not;
it's only 2130 now.' (Gotta love military time)
Let us hear from you.
Your comments, contributions, complaints and praises are welcome. We’d like to
know how we can improve this newsletter. But we’d really like to know what our
members are up to. If you have a milestone to report we’d like to share it. Please
contact us at : Milheritage@aol.com or call me at (410) 398-0742. You can also write
to me at 504 Blacksnake Road, Elkton MD 21921. Ken Wiggins, Scribe