Family News

February 2010

Welcome to the Family News—the monthly newsletter from Army Community Service (ACS) and ArmyOneSource.com, the Army's most comprehensive portal for family members.

IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE: Military Saves Week Free Tax Filing through MOS/Tax Law Changes/Combat Zone Tax Errors American Red Cross's Service to the Armed Forces Casualty Assistance Program Veterans Owed 'Stop-Loss' Special Payment Must Apply to Receive It DoD Trains Thousands to Help Millions with Registration to Vote Soldiers and Families Could Face Cuts in Base Services State of Virginia Program Reaches Out to Veterans Who Need Help Massachusetts Restores Funding for Veterans Clinics TRICARE Introduces New Benefit Military Pathways Helps Soldiers and Families with Mental Health/Alcohol Issues Toolkit Helps Answer Service Members' Healthcare Questions Scott & White Healthcare Adds Military Mental Health Services near Fort Hood Increase in Suicide Rate of Veterans Noted Vets, Homeless Dogs Paired, and both Benefit Operation Homelink DisABLEDperson Scholarship Competition Nominate a Dad Tylenol Arthritis Pain Reliever Recalled VA and DoD Increase Number of Federal Recovery Coordinators More Information on Free DoD Vaccine TRICARE Expands Behavioral Health Care Options Credit Card vs. Debit Card — Tips to Help You Decide Walt Disney World celebrates the U.S. Military in 2010

Military Saves Week Military Saves was developed and tested by its non-profit sponsor, Consumer Federation of America (CFA), and the military services from 2003 to 2006, and launched throughout the Department of Defense (DoD) on February 25, 2007. It is part of two larger campaigns -- the DoD Financial Readiness Campaign and the national America Saves campaign. The Department of Defense has designated February 21-28, 2010 as Military Saves Week. The purpose of Military Saves Week is to encourage Soldiers and their Families to establish positive fiscal management habits through savings and sound financial planning. Financial security directly impacts Army readiness, and reduces stress on Soldiers and their Families. For more information about Military Saves Week, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/MilitarySaves.

Free Tax Filing through MOS/Tax Law Changes/Combat Zone Tax Errors Military OneSource (MOS) again offers service members H&R Block At Home® (formerly TaxCut) online tax filing through the MOS web site and telephonic tax consultations by calling the MOS tax hotline at   1-800-730-3802 . You can prepare your 2009 state and federal taxes with this easy-to-use program. Provided by the Department of Defense, H&R Block At Home® is free to active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members and their Families. If you have questions, click FAQs. Tax consultants are available to answer your questions 7 days a week from 7 am - 11 pm ET by calling the Military OneSource Tax Hotline at    1-800-730-3802 . NOTE: You must use the link on the Military OneSource Web site to access our customized product and create your account. Do not go to the public H&R Block Web site to create a user account. For more information, or to begin your tax preparation, go to: http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/TaxFiling. Many of the recent tax breaks will phase in over the next nine years, or are indexed to inflation. To help determine how these tax laws affect long-term plans, follow the link to read the changes scheduled to come into effect through 2017. Changes for 2009 are included because they affect tax returns. To read more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/TaxLaw. A recent audit revealed that hundreds of thousands of troops and civilians who have served in combat zones may not have received all their earned tax benefits or have continued to receive benefits to which they are not entitled. According to the audit by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, "active combat zone indicators" remained on the 2007 tax records of some 339,027 taxpayers beyond the date of their departure from a combat zone. That was 40 percent of the total number of taxpayers with combat zone indicators on their records for that tax year. Service members and civilians can self-identify as serving in a combat zone by annotating their tax return or by calling or e-mailing the IRS. The IRS has not required proof to support such claims. To read more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/TaxRules.

American Red Cross' Armed Forces Casualty Travel Assistance Program The Service to the Armed Forces Casualty Travel Assistance Program (CTAP) is a one-time grant available to up to two immediate Family members who are not on Invitational Travel Orders (ITOs) or government-funded. The program provides assistance for travel, lodging and food expenses for: Travel to the bedside of a service member injured in a combat zone in the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR), who is hospitalized in a medical facility in the continental United States/U.S. territories. Assistance will be provided upon the recommendation of the attending medical authorities. Travel to the funeral or a memorial service for a service member killed in action in the CENTCOM AOR. For more information, individuals should contact your local Red Cross chapter. To locate a local chapter, visit http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/RedCross.

Veterans Owed 'Stop-Loss' Special Payment Must Apply to Receive It About 185,000 veterans forced by wartime "stop loss" orders to serve on active duty beyond their approved separation dates are due a retroactive special payment of $500 for each extra month they served. However, these veterans must apply by October 21, 2010 to receive the extra money which was set aside in appreciation for the extra time they had to serve. Through December 2009, only about 15,000 veterans and current members had applied for "Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay." The average lump sum payment made to eligible Army veterans so far is $4500. That suggests an average stop-loss period of nine months, considerably longer than required by any other service. To read more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/StopLossPay.

DoD Trains Thousands to Help Millions with Registration to Vote The Defense Department's Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) began training voting assistance officers at military bases worldwide recently.  Thousands of voting assistance officers will help an estimated 6 million uniformed and overseas citizens vote absentee this year. DoD and Department of State directives require a voting assistance officer at the unit level and at every embassy and consulate to facilitate this effort. Because the law has changed significantly since last year, voters need to be aware that they will not automatically receive ballots from absentee ballot applications submitted in previous years. Military voters should submit a new federal post card application every year, and every time they move, deploy, or redeploy. Overseas civilian voters should submit an application before every federal election. Military and overseas voters should only use the Federal Post Card Application (available from voting assistance officers and at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/FVAP), and not state registration and absentee ballot application forms; the FPCA provides specific federal rights and guarantees that the state forms do not. Voters should use the http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/FVAP web site and check the "Voting Assistance Guide" to make sure they get it right. Voters should watch the FVAP Web site closely to learn about the launch of new online tools that will assist uniformed service members and overseas civilians.

Soldiers and Families Could Face Cuts in Base Services Soldiers and their Families on Army posts around the country could see cutbacks in trash pickup, lawn mowing and other services as the military tries to hold down non-war spending while escalating the fight in Afghanistan. As total defense spending rises, the portion of the Army budget dedicated to running its bases is down 20 percent this year. Budgets for individual bases are not yet final, and proposed cuts vary in size and can be as much as 40 percent at some major installations. To learn more about base funding, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/Cutbacks.

State of Virginia Program Reaches Out to Veterans Who Need Help Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 230,000 troops have been deployed to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq from Virginia military bases. The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program is using a tiny budget to reach a big problem -- veterans with behavioral-health problems, ranging from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The program is operating with an annual budget of $2 million, of which $1.7 million was awarded through a competitive grant process to the five health planning regions of the state. Since its founding in mid-2008, the Wounded Warrior Program has trained service providers in how to care for someone with TBI; trained providers in all regions on traumatic brain injury and PTSD; prompted community services boards to identify veterans already receiving services; created a database that can be used to ensure that veterans and Families get all their entitlements; and partnered with the Department of Defense's Real Warriors Campaign, which is aimed at veterans who are reluctant to seek help. To learn more regarding this program, click here: http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/StateProgram.

Massachusetts Restores Funding for Veterans Clinics Two outpatient veterans' clinics in Massachusetts, closed because of the state's budget crisis, will reopen. The state cut $1.89 million from the clinics at the state Soldiers' homes in Chelsea and Holyoke, prompting both to end outpatient services, and sparking outrage from veterans and their advocates statewide. The clinics provide free outpatient care, including vision and dental care, physical therapy and a pharmacy. To learn more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/Massachusetts.

TRICARE Introduces New Benefit TRICARE introduced several new programs recently to include the TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP), which provides short-term professional counseling assistance. TRICARE's new Extended Care Health Option (ECHO), which provides benefits for eligible Family members diagnosed with extraordinary physical or psychological conditions. For information about TRIAP and other behavioral health resources, visit the TRICARE Mental Health Resources Center. For more information on TRICARE's new dental program and pharmacy benefits, visit the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program website at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/ADDP and the TRICARE Pharmacy Program webpage at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/TRICARE.

Military Pathways Helps Soldiers and Families with Mental Health/Alcohol Issues The Department of Defense launched Military Pathways to provide free, anonymous mental health and alcohol self-assessments for Family members and Service members in all branches including the National Guard and Reserve. Military Pathways is available online, by phone, and at special events held at installations worldwide. Self-assessments include a series of questions that, when linked together, help create a picture of how an individual is feeling and whether they could benefit from talking to a health professional. The primary goals of the program are to reduce stigma, to raise awareness about mental health, and to connect those in need to available resources. The self-assessments address depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol use and bipolar disorder. After an individual completes a self-assessment, referral information is given about services provided through the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. To read more about Military Pathways, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/MentalHealth.

Toolkit Helps Answer Service Members' Healthcare Questions One in five service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffers from major depression or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. To help service members affected by a behavioral or other health condition, TRICARE created the Toolkit for wounded, ill, and injured service members. The Toolkit is located at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/TRICAREWII and is a good resource for wounded service members seeking information about healthcare.

Scott & White Healthcare Adds Military Mental Health Services near Fort Hood Scott & White Healthcare expanded its mental health program to help more military men and women deal with trauma and stress. Additionally, the Temple, TX-based hospital system changed the name of the services to Scott & White Military Homefront Services. Scott & White delivers the program in partnership with the Fort Hood-Central Texas Chapter of the Association of the U. S. Army. Established in 2008 as Project Homefront, the program delivers free mental health services to service men and women, who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, as well as to their Families.  Since its inception, Scott & White Military Homefront Services has served 4,518 patients. Homefront added services to help victims of the November 2009 Fort Hood shooting, where 13 people were killed and 31 injured. The program, which was created and funded through a foundation grant, seeks an estimated $500,000 to $4 million in donations or grants to establish an endowment and continue its services. The program is available to military service members and their Families in Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Hamilton, Hill, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Navarro and Robertson counties. To learn more about this program, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/ScottWhite.

Increase in Suicide Rate of Veterans Noted The suicide rate among 18- to 29-year-old men who have left the military has gone up significantly. The rate for these veterans went up 26 percent from 2005 to 2007, according to preliminary data from the Veterans Affairs Department. VA officials said they assume that most of the veterans in this age group served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Significant in the data is the fact that, in 2007, veterans in the group who used VA health care were less likely to commit suicide than those who did not, an improvement from 2005 data. In recent years, the VA has hired thousands of new mental health professionals, and established a suicide hot line credited with "rescues" of nearly 6,000 veterans and military members in distress. To read more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/VetSuicide.

Vets, Homeless Dogs Paired, and both Benefit Pets2Vets pairs homeless pets with combat veterans, law enforcement/emergency personnel, and those affected by post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pets2Vets was started by an Air Force senior Airman who, after returning home from Iraq, struggled with his own experience. He went to a pit-bull rescue facility and adopted a puppy. Through his own success, he started the group. This group has made two or three matches a week since October. The group's objective is to assist our nation's heroes and their Families with rehabilitation through pet therapy, save sheltered pets from being euthanized by providing them with homes, and to raise public awareness of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To learn more about this group, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/VetsDogs.

Operation Homelink Operation Homelink provides refurbished computers to the spouses or parents of junior enlisted (E1-E5) U.S. deployed service members, enabling email communication with their loved ones deployed overseas. To date, the nonprofit organization has partnered with corporate donors to link 3,200 deployed Soldiers with their Families using Internet-friendly computers. Regardless of where computers are sent, they are provided to units that are scheduled to deploy overseas in the next 90 days. Operation Homelink does not accept individual requests for computers. For more information, visit the Operation Homelink website at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/OperationHomelink.

DisABLEDperson Scholarship Competition DisABLEDperson, Inc. announced the Spring 2010 scholarship competition for college students with disabilities. The competition for the $1,000 scholarship award will end on March 1, 2010. To qualify, a student must be a U.S. citizen and be enrolled full-time in a two-or-four year accredited college or university in the U.S. Upon winning, the student will prove disability through the Disability Student Services department. Disability is defined as "A disadvantage or deficiency, especially a physical or mental impairment that interferes with or prevents normal achievement in a particular area, something that hinders or incapacitates." Entries are due before the March 1, 2010 deadline. The winner will be announced on the disABLEDperson website at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/Disabled on March 15, 2010.

Nominate a Dad Nominate a Dad for the 2010 National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) Military Fatherhood Award. National Fatherhood Initiative will be accepting nominations for the 2010 Military Fatherhood Award, presented by Lockheed Martin, starting on Tuesday, January 19th at 12pm, but NFI will only be accepting the first six hundred nominations. To learn more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/NominateDad

Tylenol Arthritis Pain Reliever Recalled A recall has been issued for Tylenol(r) Arthritis Pain Caplet 100-count bottles with the distinctive red EZ-Open cap because of consumer reports of nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has removed from its shelves several lot codes of Tylenol Arthritis 100-count EZ-Open cap. A list of the lot numbers is available on the http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/Commissaries  website. Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are advised to stop using it. Commissary customers can return any recalled products to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, visit the Tylenol website at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/Tylenol.

VA and DoD Increase Number of Federal Recovery Coordinators The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced they will be hiring five new Federal Recovery Coordinators (FRC). This will make 20 FRCs helping to coordinate care for our Nation's most severely wounded, ill, or injured service members, veterans, and their Families. http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/FRC

More Information on Free DoD Vaccine DoD is allowing eligible beneficiaries to visit a TRICARE retail network pharmacy to receive three types of vaccines: the Seasonal flu, the H1N1, and pneumonia vaccine. There will be no cost to the beneficiary. This expanded coverage is available to all TRICARE beneficiaries eligible to use the TRICARE retail pharmacy benefit. This new benefit even allows TRICARE for Life beneficiaries to qualify for these free vaccines. DoD recommended that beneficiaries call their TRICARE retail pharmacy. The reason for the call is that vaccine distribution by a pharmacist is dictated by State law. The pharmacist must be certified to provide the vaccine and not all pharmacists have become certified. The State also dictates what vaccines can be given and to whom. This means this benefit may vary across the Nation. When you call the pharmacy, ask the manager "Do you participate in the DoD vaccine program; which vaccines can you administer; will the pharmacist be available to give the vaccine; and do you have the vaccine(s) in stock?" A list of participating TRICARE retail network pharmacies is at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/Pharmacy. You can also call Express Scripts at  877-363-1303  877-363-1303 . Remember, all other vaccines must still be administered in your primary care office or authorized clinic to be fully covered by TRICARE's preventive health services cost-share waiver. For more information, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/Vaccines.

TRICARE Expands Behavioral Health Care Options TRICARE has made the valuable treatment option of psychiatric partial hospitalization available to more beneficiaries by streamlining its certification procedure for this type of behavioral health care. Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) at TRICARE-authorized hospitals are now considered TRICARE-authorized providers and no longer need a separate certification. Freestanding PHPs, however, must be certified and be participating TRICARE providers. To learn more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/BehavioralHealth.

Credit Card vs. Debit Card — Tips to Help You Decide Debit cards are becoming increasingly more popular, partly because they allow you to pay for purchases directly from your bank account. In fact, they are used more frequently than credit cards. For some important factors to consider when deciding between credit and debit card use, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/CreditDebit.

Walt Disney World celebrates the U.S. Military in 2010 As Disney Parks ask "What Will You Celebrate?" and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Family vacations in 2010, America's military personnel will have more reasons to celebrate: Special offers on theme park tickets and accommodations. For information, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/WaltDisney.

The Family Programs Calendar of Events April 2010 Child Abuse Prevention Month April 2010 Month of the Military Child April 2010 Sexual Assault Awareness Month 18-24 April 2010 National Volunteer Recognition Week

patti's puppy-- pass on to all teams

SOLDIERS' ANGELS

 Patti's pupppy wants to earn her keep as a volunteer and encourages us all to vote in this contest for her.... the funds won will go to help the troops.
http://bissell.com/mvp_ThankYou.aspx?id=7470&petID=8590066411
 

Founder's Notes

 

Dear Angels,

As I've said many times, it truly takes takes a nation to heal a war. We each have to do our part in a variety of proactive ways, discovering how we can best offer a hand, show our gratitude, and create a space for adjustment.  Here's one way that just tickles my wings…

Work Vessels for Veterans Making the Transition This great new organization helps returning veterans begin civilian careers by acquiring and distributing needed start-up tools and opportunities.  Their most recent project was a small farm for a wounded vet.  This blueberry and blackberry farm will produce and market "Red, White and Blueberry Jam," providing the owner and other veterans with a great work opportunity during their transition. [more*] Hike for Our Heroes Healing Across the Country This veteran is helping heal a war with his actions, too. He's drawing in people from across the country as he hikes in honor of wounded soldiers and their families.  It's another great example of how communities can welcome our veterans with open arms of love and joy while we support them in their recovery and reintegration.  Please take a look at his website and consider how you can become a part of this great project. [more*] Band of Angels Larry Van Schuyver, VA Community Team Leader A retired Command Master Chief and disabled veteran, Larry lives in Oklahoma City.  On his second tour to Iraq, he was wounded by an IED and had to leave the Navy after 32 years of service.   As a Soldiers' Angel, he is known for his amazing fundraising skills, successfully pursuing a number of grants for Soldiers' Angels.  When he was being treated for brain cancer at the VA recently, he got a grant for hand-held video games for other patients undergoing the long chemotherapy with him.  He also spearheaded a successful effort to provide his local VA case workers with laptops so that they could better help veterans filing for disability status. In what little spare time he has, Larry runs his online t-shirt store SittinPrettyUSA.com, donating profits from the site to VA Support and Wounded Care teams.  And the tradition of service has continued with Larry's two sons—one joined the Navy and the other joined the Army.  Says a friend and fellow Angel, "Since he has been injured he thinks only of other people, not himself." From veterans helping veterans, to civilians reaching out in gratitude and respect, it truly takes a nation to heal and war.  Together, wingtip to wingtip, we can each bring our love and our skills to the table to not only bring back healthy soldiers, but set them off on a great path for the rest of their lives. Wingtip to Wingtip, Patti Patton-Bader Soldiers' Angels Founder and CEO Facebook - Soldiers' Angels (official) Twitter - @soldiersangels Monthly Newsletter -  www.soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=newsletters *If your email blocks the links, you can go to soldiersangels.org and look for "News & Press."  Then click on "News Archives" for more information about this story.

Soldiers' Angels, 1792 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 529-5114

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KFOR female team plays friendly basketball game with Ferizaj/Urosevac women

 KFOR female team plays friendly basketball game with Ferizaj/Urosevac women
 
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - An All-Star women's youth basketball team from
 nearby Ferizaj/Urosevac came to Camp Bondsteel Feb. 21 to play a friendly
 game of basketball against a team of top-notch female Soldiers from
 Multi-National Battle Group-East (MNBG-E).
 
The game was set up by the Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office on
 base. 
 
"We are trying to build camaraderie and have competitive fun through
 sportsmanship," said Jay Debouse, the MWR sports programmer at Camp
 Bondsteel.
 
The office had previously set up a men's basketball game in December and
 decided to set up a women's game as well. They used their contacts with the
 men's team to find a women's team to play. The Ferizaj/Urosevac team,
 comprising 17- to 19-year olds, had come on base before to play past
 rotations of KFOR.
 
"I've played here two times," said Alberte Kurti, 17, a player from the
 Ferizaj/Urosevac team. "I enjoy playing here. I like the American girls."
 
The enjoyment of the game extended to the American team as well.
 
"It was fun," said Staff Sgt. Vanessa Imdieke, an American soldier who
 participated in the game. "All the girls were pretty young. It was good to
 see their passion."
 
The Ferizaj/Urosevac team's usual opponents are teams from other cities in
 Kosovo. Basketball is a popular sport in Kosovo, according to Gentiana
 Ismali, 17, another player from the Ferizaj/Urosevac team.
 
The game was a good opportunity to help the team improve and come together
 as a unit. Ismali said that when they play the American girls they play with
 more "power." 
 
That power led the Ferizaj/Urosevac team to a 40-31 win over the Americans.
 
"It was a good game," said Spc. Jennifer Greff, who played on the American
 team. "They definitely looked like they've played together."
 
"It felt good to win," Ismali said.
 
A men's game against a team of Camp Bondsteel men's All-Star players
 followed the women's game.
 --
 Multi-National Battle Group - East is a U.S- led task force commanded by
 Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann. This Battle Group is comprised of nearly 2,200
 Soldiers, including Task Force Hellas and Task Force POL/UKR
 (Polish/Ukraine). The charter mission of MNBG-E is maintaining a Safe and
 Secure Environment and providing Freedom of Movement for the people in
> Kosovo.
 
Please contact the MNBG-E Public Affairs office for media engagements or to
 follow-up on this information.
 
--30--
 
Cut lines:
 
20100221-A-3045B-083: A player from the women's basketball team from
 Ferizaj/Urosevac, Kosovo, lines up for a free throw during a friendly game
 against a group of Camp Bondsteel women on Feb. 21.
 
20100221-A-3045B-051: U.S. KFOR Soldier Spc. Jennifer Greff gets ready to
 inbound the ball after a stop in play during a friendly game played on Camp
 Bondsteel against a local team of All-Star women players from
 Ferizaj/Urosevac, Kosovo, on Feb. 21.
 
20100221-A-3045B-045: Members of the women's basketball team from
 Ferizaj/Urosevac, Kosovo, who played on Camp Bondsteel on Feb. 21, watch the
 action on the court during a game against a group of Camp Bondsteel players.
 

The American Legion needs your help

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Legion asks for a "few moments" of time from fellow Americans this month to help wounded warriors

                                       

        INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 18, 2010) – The nation's largest veterans organization is calling on fellow Americans to spend a few moments every day between now and February 28 to help our wounded service men and women.

        The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors is competing for a $250,000 grant to be awarded by Pepsi Cola, Inc, as part of its Refresh Everything project. 729 charities are competing for grants, which are determined by the number of votes received at Pepsi's Refresh Everything Web site. Operation Comfort Warriors is currently in second place. The top two vote getters will receive quarter-million dollar grants.

Visitors can cast their votes every day between now and Feb. 28 by visiting www.legion.org and clicking on the Pepsi Refresh icon on the right side of the page or by visiting http://www.refresheverything.com/operationcomfortwarriors.

Since December 2008, the American Legion family has raised funds for Operation Comfort Warriors, a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded military personnel, providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government. OCW ensures that patients at U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units are given items like sweat suits, DVDs, puzzles, electronic devices, books, calling cards and more.

"The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue. Military service will always include inherent dangers from training and other hazardous duties," American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill said. "As long as our men and women are in harm's way,

-more-

 

 

Votes 2-2-2-2-2

 

there will continue to be wounded warriors. The American Legion needs to be there for our heroes. Operation Comfort Warriors is an excellent way to show our appreciation for their sacrifices. I urge all Americans to show their appreciation by voting for it on the Pepsi Refresh Everything Web site."

All administrative and marketing costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid for by The American Legion, meaning 100 percent of all donations and grants received go to the troops.

With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

-30-

 

Media contacts:  Joe March or John Raughter (317) 630-1253, Cell (317) 748-1926 /(317) 441-8847.  A high resolution photo of National Commander Hill is available at www.legion.org.

 

 

 

 

The Death of Adam Ray

My friend Michael Yon ( www.michaelyon-online.com) , retired special forces, is one of the most reknowned Milbloggers in the world. He has Time Magazine photo of the year for 2006 with his photo of Farah and Major Mark Bieger (now LTC) (http://www.michaelyon-online.com/little-girl.htm). Today he writes about the death of Sgt Adam Ray. It is tragic, yet an honor to lay a hero to rest with such a tribute. Hundreds of thousands of people read his work every day--- Thank you my dear friend for doing this. 
 



 

Kandahar,

The 5/2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team recently lost a respected soldier.  His name was Adam Ray.  Please read the summary of events that led to this tragedy.

In order to reach more people around the world about the crucial events unfolding in Afghanistan, media outlets worldwide are free to run my online dispatches on their websites. Price: link back to my main website: www.MichaelYon-Online.com. This offer does not convey any copyright protections or ownership. All copyright protections and ownership are reserved by me. This offer stands until further notice (probably through 2011). Note to readers: you are the ones keeping the engine stoked. Please keep stoking.


--
Very Respectfully,

Michael Yon

Please remember that this website accepts no advertisement and is dependent on your support.   



Please send any regular mail for Michael to:

Michael Yon
P.O. Box 5553
Winter Haven, Fl 33880

 

Passing the Flag Promo Video - USS MIDWAY

 

Heroes of the Diamond "Red, White and Blue Tour"

This video is from an event on the USS MIDWAY last year during the American Baseball Coaches Association Convention. The festivities included the "Passing the Flag" portion of our Pre-Game ceremony performed by local Sailors.    

 

http://www.mrbritton.com/Old_Glory.mp4

Trooper - 101st Airborne Reunion - Orlando

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Pre Valentine's Day Sale! 30% off Now through Monday Only! 30% off everything in our store!  Send your favorite troop a special Valentine's Day treat with our Valentine pack, or stock them up with our snack pack.   Grab some of our great angel apparel, or a 2010 SA Calendar. Take advantage of this great offer while it lasts! Coupon Code: Event30

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AMERICA'S WOUNDED WARRIORS MARCH ON WASHINGTON, DC

 

 

 

MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

5413-B Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151

703-642-5360 Fax: 703-642-2054

www.purpleheart.org

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Springfield, VA, February 6, 2010

 

AMERICA'S WOUNDED WARRIORS MARCH ON WASHINGTON, DC

 

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is stepping up to the call from Congress for input on how best to resolve the issues most important to the nation's veterans.  America's wounded warriors from across the country will converge on Washington, D.C. during 8-12 February, 2010 to meet with their state's Senators and Representatives to educate them on these important issues

 

Coming by twos and threes from almost every State and Territory, Capitol Hill will be awash in a sea of color as some 100 members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart travel the halls of Congress, their distinctive blue blazers adorned with America's oldest military decoration, the Purple Heart Medal, established by General George Washington in 1782 in Newburgh, New York.  This medal symbolizes the dedicated and selfless service and sacrifice made by military servicemen and women who were wounded in combat against the enemies of the United States of America.

 

This annual "March on the Hill" by MOPH produces real results for the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Veterans it serves.  In 2009, in reaction to a major campaign by all the VSO's, Congress passed legislation that allows advance funding to ensure that the VA will be able to provide all the health care, hire new medical personnel, and fully operate the clinics and hospitals needed for our Veterans. 

 

According to Hershel Gober, National Legislative Director for the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), "It is important that Members of Congress hear directly from their own MOPH constituents about issues of importance to Veterans in their respective states and nationally."

This year, MOPH National Commander Jim Sims has asked the Order's Members to address five top priority issues with their Representatives in the Congress. 

 

1) Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) claims system.

2) Concurrent receipt of military retired pay and VA disability compensation.

3) Traumatic brain injury/post traumatic stress disorder (TBI/PTSD).

4)  Elimination of the survivor benefit program (SBP) and the dependent indemnity compensation (DIC) offset.

5) Purple Heart forever stamp.

 

In addition to personal meetings on Capitol Hill, MOPH Members not able to travel to Washington, DC will call or write their Representatives in their District offices to press their case for Veterans' issues.

 

The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance.  Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.

 

For information contact:

National Legislative Director, Hershel Gober, 703-354-2140

Or

National Public Relations Director, John Bircher, 352-753-5535

Email: PublicRelations@Purpleheart.org

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