09-01-2010 Lowcountry Military Retiree News

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Lowcountry Military

RETIREE NEWS T

VOL. 2 NO. 9 • FREE • S ERVINg M ILITaRy R ETIREES & V ETERaNS IN ThE L OWcOuNTRy • SEPTEMBER, 2010 Courtesy of Diggle Publishing - Publishers of the Airlift Dispatch & Navy Shoreline

Support the Troops; Rock Out with ‘Lieutenant Dan’ By Cathy Carter Harley The Beaufort Gazette & the Island Packet Fifty veterans severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will be honored, given a chance to feel independent and entertained during a four-day holiday to Beaufort during the Beaufort Shrimp Festival in October. Steve Danyluk, a Marine Corps reservist who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005, is making it happen through the Independence Fund. Danyluk has obtained the support of actor Gary Sinise, star of the CBS television show "CSI: NY" and the 1994 film "Forrest Gump," who will bring his Lt. Dan Band to the festival for a free concert to support the troops. While the group's $65,000 goal has almost been met, Danyluk is still trying to contact a $10,000 corporate sponsor to cover the meals for the 50 veterans and their caregivers, as well as a group or business who wants its sponsorship on the Tshirts to be given away and sold. "For me, what is really rewarding is how supportive the regular citizens of Beaufort are," Danyluk said. "It makes sense because it is a military town and we are getting tremendous support of people buying wristbands, T-shirts and sending in donations ... but we are not getting as much support from the larger, big-name area businesses." MORE THAN FUN The veterans will get more than a good time in Beaufort during the Shrimp Festival. When they arrive Sept. 29, the Sun City Veterans Association will pick them up from area airports and a welcoming supper will be provided by members of the Carteret Street United Methodist Church in Beaufort.

Actor Gary Sinise will be headlining the 2010 Beaufort Shrimp Festival in October with his Lt. Dan Band.

On Sept. 30, the veterans will be educated and informed with a series of seminars by experts on pain management, post traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse, and briefs about the latest changes in Veterans Affairs policies. Meanwhile, their caregivers will get a fun day off hosted by Angel Flewelling from the Exchange Club of Beaufort. That evening, the Charles Street Gallery will feature the "Veterans Art Exhibit," which has artwork created by veterans, as well as the "Battle Dress Exhibit," brought by Jerry Kykisz, the curator of the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago. On Oct. 1, an activity day is planned to include a golf tournament, deep sea fishing trip, kayaking and more. The Lt. Dan Band concert will conclude

the evening, along with a private visit from Sinise, who portrayed a double amputee Vietnam veteran in "Forrest Gump," which was partially filmed in Beaufort in 1993. Sinise waived his personal fee for coming to Beaufort, but the fund will still have to cover the cost of the 15-piece band's trip from Chicago to Beaufort.

grants for veterans and the seed money necessary to begin planning the Beaufort event. The VGI inmates, many Vietnam Veterans, are motivated to help prevent the current generation of warriors from making some of the same decisions that resulted in their own incarcerations, according to www.independencefund.org.

CUTTING DOWN THE WALLS An 11-mile Independence Ride cycle ride around Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is planned for Oct. 2 to help the injured and healing vets break down psychological barriers, as well as physical ones. Civilians are invited onto the base to participate in the ride and to cheer on the cyclists. "It shows (the veterans) they are not forgotten by the military," Danyluk said. "MCAS is opening their gate for a safe environment. It is very unusual that a military base would open its doors like that." Those with traumatic brain injuries, amputees and paraplegics who don't have cycles, will be able to take off in about a dozen special cycles donated by the local chapter of the National Ambucs' Little Red Dog Foundation, founded by Anne Guthrie of Beaufort.

IF YOU GO A four-day event for severely injured military veterans and caregivers is planned Sept. 29-Oct. 2 in Beaufort. The event highlight is a free concert at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 1 performed by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band during Beaufort's 16th Annual Shrimp Festival. Upcoming events and fundraisers for the Independence Fund: Family 5K run/walk through historic downtown Beaufort: 8 a.m. Oct. 2 in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, 1015 Bay St., Beaufort; registration required by Sept. 1. Cost is $10 for all military and dependents. The Independence Ride for wounded vets: 8 a.m. Oct. 2, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort; families and individuals who sign up now to ride can help raise money to cover the expenses for transporting the out-of-town wounded veterans; cost is $25 through Aug. 31; $30 through Oct. 1; and $35 Oct. 2. Veterans with a 30 percent or greater disability rating and Purple Heart recipients who use the Independence Fund website will have their registration fees waived for the ride or the 5K. Details: independencefund@gmail. com, www.ltdanride.com; luker@ltdanride.com, 434-409-0506, www.independencefund.org

HOW IT GOT STARTED The weekend of activities in Beaufort is partly due to the support and dedication of the inmates who make up Veterans Group Ironwood, a veterans organization of inmates and guards in the California penal system. The group was started by James White, a decorated Marine and former Army Helicopter pilot who served multiple tours in Vietnam. By selling pizzas in the prison canteen and recycling aluminum cans, VGI raised $15,000 which allowed the Independence Fund to provide numerous

Reprinted with permission by the Beaufort Gazette and the Island Packet. Visit www.beaufortgazette.com

Published by Diggle Publishing Company • Publishing the Charleston Area’s Military Newspapers Since 1973

www.CharlestonMilitary.com • 843-972-2356 • Email: Chuck@CharlestonMilitary.com

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EDITORIAL

September 2010

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

Cheeseburgers in Paradise ... everyday in the U.S. is a good day By John Buckland Special to the Lowcountry Military Retiree News According to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaretville website, Cheeseburger in Paradise was inspired by a trip on his first boat, the Euphoria. After encountering some rough weather which damaged the ship, all the ice in his icebox melted. After subsisting on canned food and peanut butter for a while, Buffet found himself fantasizing about a “piping hot cheeseburger.” Upon arriving in Roadtown on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, he was surprised to find a restaurant serving American cheeseburgers: “...we gave particular instructions to the waiter on how we wanted them cooked and what we wanted on them -- to which little attention was paid. It didn't matter. The overdone burgers on the burned, toasted buns tasted like manna from heaven, for they were the realization of my fantasy burgers on the trip.” Thus was born a somewhat goofy, albeit iconic, American ballad that spawned a successful restaurant chain and still lends inspiration to pop culture, some 30 years after its debut in Buffet’s album Son of a Son of a Sailor. A favorite of Parrot Heads everywhere, the song captures the essence of the quintessential beach bum; a love for travel and a love for that mainstay of American fare, the cheeseburger. His “Gulf and Western” style has taken him all across the country, on many successful concert tours, but wherever Buffet goes, he never seems to forget where he is; paradise. Paradise. The word seems to be synonymous with the phrase “someplace else.” It might come as a mild shock to realize that paradise is right here; right where we live in these United States. We so often take it for granted. It is easy to look at someone else who has more money, or better looks, or better opportunities and become disenchanted because someone else has it better. But paradise

isn’t about who has it better: it is about who has it at all. Cheeseburgers in paradise are much better than filet mignon in purgatory. In 1990 I had the opportunity to visit the Philippines. Talk about eye opening. When I was there it was rumored that 10,000 people were living on a burning heap of garbage. They called it Manila’s Smokey Mountain. The children would fight over our water bottles when we were done with them. Riding down the back streets through the different bayans (towns) you could look to either side and see scores of people living in shacks, a few meager square feet per person, everything they owned, which was next to nothing, on full display. When you can look right into a person’s home and take in the entirety of their possessions at a glance, it shocks your sensibilities, as an American, about what is right or wrong with the world. The poverty is so severe and on such a massive scale (about half of the 20 million people in the Manila metropolitan area live below the poverty line), that it forces you to reassess your life. Why me? Why was I born in the lap of luxury, in a land with so much wealth, promise and opportunity? Some of the guys traveling with me on the trip had played basketball in college. They were pretty big, macho young men, full of bravado and virility. Yet, after a few days of visiting the slums of Manila, these self centered, spoiled brats of American society were reduced to tears when they began to talk about the abject poverty they were witnessing. We were all filled with a profound awareness of how fortunate we were, and I don’t think any of us have been the same since.

Twenty years have passes, and since that life-changing trip, I can honestly say that I have never had a bad day. Literally. No matter how badly my day might be going, no matter what happens; a bad day in paradise is worlds better than a good day in so many other places around the globe. Part of me thinks every American ought to visit a third world country early in life. I was never really able to appreciate all that I have until I saw people living with nothing. It has changed how I spend my time and my money. The material wealth, the religious freedom, a stable government, clean drinking water; all of these things are blessings and we take them all for granted. In the United States, even in the midst of the worst economic times many of us have ever seen, we are still the children of prosperity and the custodians of paradise on earth. Jimmy Buffet is often reported to sing “a Cheeseburger is paradise” in concert. Cheeseburgers are not exactly the healthiest of foods; Buffet is a lot older these days, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s had to cut back on them. But even if he does have to resort to “sunflower seeds”, “carrot juice, and zucchini fettuccini”, that’s okay because; “not too particular, not too precise, (we’re all) cheeseburgers in Paradise.” “I like mine with lettuce and tomato.” John Buckland has traveled extensively throughout Asia, from Mongolia to Australia and draws on his experiences with the people and culture as an impetus for inspiration in his writing. He finds traveling a particularly fertile environment for writing, as one is bombarded with sights and sounds that are entirely new. The need to relate these adventures takes flight with the written word. Buckland received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia. He resides in North Carolina where he continues to enjoy his passions for diving, travel, Thai food and speaking conversational Chinese. His recent novel, Seven Days from Darwin is available for purchase through Amazon.com and the book’s website www.7daysfromdarwin.com

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by the Retiree Activities Office of the CAFB or NWS. Some articles are reprinted by permission of the Public Affairs Offices of CAFB and NWS. The deadline for submitting stories for space-available publication is ten (10) days before the end of the month for the following month’s publication. Our staff reserves the right to edit all copy submitted for publication. Advertising space deadline: Ten (10) days prior to the end of the month for the following month’s publication. Advertising materials deadline: Five (5) days prior to the end of the month. For more information, call 843-412-5861.

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Lowcountry Military Retiree News

LOCAL BASE NEWS

September 2010

3

Countdown is on for new Naval Health Clinic Charleston By Camille Dingle Naval Health Clinic Charleston public affairs officer The countdown is on as Naval Health Clinic Charleston draws near to the opening of their New Clinic. The new Naval Health Clinic will be a Joint Ambulatory Care Clinic and is scheduled to open Sept. 20. The Joint Clinic is an 188,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility serving active duty personnel and their family members, retirees and veterans, which will offer a well-rounded, comprehensive health care system and a new pharmacy drive-up window to pick-up prescriptions. "These are truly exciting times for NHCC as we transition to our new Joint Clinic; this move has been long anticipated," said NHCC Commanding Officer Navy Capt. Paula McClure. Although the NHCC is only a short while from the move to a new facility, there are more than 30 years of memories at its current Rivers Avenue location. The NHCC has witnessed the transition from Naval Hospital Charleston to Naval Health Clinic Charleston and now to a new joint clinic. "No matter what location, NHCC will continue to provide the best patient and family-centered care," said Captain McClure. This joint venture clinic is the result of coordination between the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs, with the VA utilizing approximately 15 percent of the clinic. Although the DOD and VA will remain separate entities, the

facility itself will be consolidated. In March 2007, the DOD and VA broke ground at Naval Weapons Station Charleston to begin building the $47 million facility which will consolidate all existing Navy military medical services and expand VA support for South Carolina's veterans. With the transition to the new clinic, change will be present. The Naval Health Clinic will offer the same services, but will use newer Courtesy photo technology and equipment to fulfill The new Naval Health Clinic will be a Joint Ambulatory Care Clinic and is scheduled the needs of patients. The VA will offer primary care and mental health to open Sept. 20. The Joint Clinic is an 188,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility serving active duty personnel and their family members, retirees and veterans, services to VA patients. They will which will offer a well-rounded, comprehensive health care system and a new pharalso share cardiology and orthopedic macy drive-up window to pick-up prescriptions. services with the Naval Health serve patients. The mailing address is Nuclear Power Clinic. Training Command Circle, Goose Creek, S.C. 29445. Access to the clinic will also change. Since the clinic is Contact numbers coming online in late-September for the located on the Naval Weapons Station, all NHCC patients new clinic are: will be required to have a vehicle decal to enter the Naval Information: 794-6000 Nuclear Power Training Command Circle gate where the Central Appointments: 794-6221 Naval Health Clinic is located. To obtain a decal, see the Pharmacy: 794-6100 Pass and Badge Office on the Naval Weapons Station. Pharmacy Refill Only: 794-6120 The new clinic hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. TRICARE: 794-6030 Within six months the clinic plans to expand hours to better

“My Mount Pleasant Hospital means I won’t have to travel far in an emergency” – Jim and Nancy Flatley In an emergency the last thing you want to do is waste precious moments on the way to the ER. The new Mount Pleasant Hospital will provide a fully equipped, 24-hour ER in an easily accessible location just off Hwy 17 North. The site is also equipped to transfer patients by air or ground. But, perhaps, most importantly, it will feature the same high quality Roper St. Francis care that generations of your neighbors have come to trust. Emergency care begins November 1.

www.mymountpleasanthospital.com

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LOCAL BASE NEWS

September 2010

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

Base Exchange food court and mall now open for business By Staff Sgt. Daniel Bowles Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs After more than a year of renovations, a new food court and mini-mall at the Joint Base Charleston Base Exchange on the Air Force Base opened Aug. 30. The renovation and construction project, currently in the process of adding 40,000 square feet to the BX, brings new store fronts for two pre-existing restaurants, the addition of a familiar third and ample space for all pre-existing shops with room to grow. For easy access to the front food court and mall entrance, BX parking has also been restored. The front entrance will currently only serve food court and minimall customers. For access the main exchange, the rightside entrance will remain in use. Although parking availability has been restored, exchange management said that Lawson Drive will remain closed due to ongoing construction. Management also noted that the temporary bathrooms located between the commissary and BX are now closed. Facilities in the food court and mall area are available for use, which include a new, family-use facility. Occupying the left wing of the new structure, the food court is positioned to serve an expanded number of Charleston customers. After the closing of the base's Burger King in June of 2008, a new rendition of the restaurant was unveiled Aug. 30 in the food court, complementing the Charley's Grilled Subs, Anthony's Pizza and an expanded seating area. All other pre-existing exchange shops will also be relocated to the newly constructed mini-mall, co-located with the food court. The area previously used is scheduled for Main BX adjusts hours of operation Effective Sept. 6, 2010, the Base Exchange is scheduled to implement new operating hours. Monday through Saturday operating hours will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., reducing the current closing times by one hour. Sunday operating hours will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., extending the current closing time by two hours.

demolition. The Hertz will only be temporarily located in the mini-mall. A move to the 437th Aerial Port Squadron passenger terminal is in progress, exchange management said. Many additions are also on the horizon for the minimall. They include a mail and shipping store, optometry office and coastal gift shop. Military Clothing Sales is also expected be relocated to the mini-mall in mid-September. Hours of operation for the majority of shops have been expanded as well. Operating hours are: Burger King: Mondays - Saturdays: 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Sundays: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Charley's Grilled Subs: Mondays Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sundays: Closed Anthony's Pizza: Mondays Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sundays: Closed Barber Shop: Mondays - Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sundays: Closed Beauty Shop: Mondays - Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sundays: Closed GNC: Mondays - Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sundays: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Laundry/Dry Cleaners: Mondays - Fridays: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sundays: Closed Stripes - alterations shop: Mondays - Fridays: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sundays: Closed For additional information, call the Base Exchange customer service line at 552-5000.

United Way 2010 National Day of Caring Courtesy of Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs Joint Base Charleston's participation in The United Way's 2010 National Day of Caring will take place on 10 Sep. Volunteers will be conducting a neighborhood service project in the North Central neighborhood of downtown Charleston. More than 35 projects were requested within the neighborhood and volunteers can expect a myriad of volunteer projects involving landscaping, debris removal, painting, organizing & light repairs. This community service is open to military (alternate

duty location), DoD civilians (excused absence), dependents and retirees. JB CHS is partnering with the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command to truly make this a Joint effort. To make this project successful we are asking for 200 volunteers, the Navy will be matching that number. Transportation to and from the neighborhood will be provided. Civilians, dependents and retirees who wish to volunteer, it is requested that long pants & closed to shoes be worn. If you are interested in volunteering or for more details please contact 1st Lt Rob Payne at 963-5530 or Robert.payne-01@charleston. af.mil.

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Lowcountry Military Retiree News

VETERANS NEWS

September 2010

5

Veterans Affairs works to reduce claims backlog By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON – The Veterans Affairs Department is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the backlog of veterans' claims, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki told thousands of veterans attending the 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee on Aug. 31. "We intend to break the back of the backlog this year," Secretary Shinseki said. The average time taken to process claims in VA is about 160 days, but by the end of the year no claim will take longer than 125 days, Secretary Shinseki said. VA does not plan to stop once the claims are processed by that mark. "Our goal is not an average," Secretary Shinseki said. "It's not just going to be faster; also better and more accurate. There's nothing magical about 125 days, especially because when we get there, we'll be looking at another target." VA received more than 1 million claims in 2009 for the first time in the department's 80-year history. Disability claims for VA increased 75 percent between 2000 and 2010. That is an average of nearly 100,000 new claims each month, with no signs of slowing down, the secretary said. VA health care professionals expect to treat and provide care for more than 6.1 million veterans in 2011, Secretary Shinseki said, including nearly half-a-million Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.

In order to meet those veterans' needs, he said, VA hired more than 3,500 claims workers this year in the Veterans Benefits Administration. VA also invested more than $130 million toward establishing a paperless claims process, which, Secretary Shinseki said, will be ready in 2012. More than $110 million this year, he added, was invested in tele-health technology, which includes technology for the virtual lifetime electronic records system. VA expects to spend $163 million on these programs next year. "We see this as the way to link [the Defense Department] and VA in a seamless transition,," he said. Among VA's accomplishments this year, Secretary Shinseki noted improved care for veterans who suffer from Agent Orange- and Gulf War-related illnesses. Three new diseases were determined to be connected to Agent Orange, while nine new diseases were included in the Gulf War illness group, he said. Congress last year appropriated $13.4 billion to begin benefits payments for some 2,000 veterans expected to claim Agent Orange-related diseases. Also, the claims process is now easier for those affected by post-traumatic stress, Secretary Shinseki added. Veterans no longer have to provide documentation of the event that may have caused their stress, he said. "This decision ends decades of focusing on documenting the stressor event," Secretary Shinseki said. "Instead, we're streamlining the delivery of medical care and benefits for

veterans suffering from verifiable PTS from combat. "This is not a generational issue," he continued. "This is not Iraq or Afghanistan; it is all who have served in combat." VA boosted its staff of mental health providers by 20,000 since President Obama took office, Secretary Shinseki said. "Our priority here is to diagnose, treat and cure," he continued. "If cure is not possible, then diagnose, treat and care will be the standard." During his address, Secretary Shinseki also noted VA's work to end homelessness among veterans by 2015. Since 2004, VA has reduced the number of homeless veterans by 90,000. At least 107,000 veterans remain on the streets today. Shinseki also emphasized the importance of good fiscal stewardship. He highlighted VA's successes and improvements. President Obama proposed $25 billion in budget increases for the VA since 2009. The president proposed $125 billion for VA's fiscal 2011 budget, which will focus primarily on the ending the claims backlog and homelessness. "VA must be without hesitation an advocate for veterans," Secretary Shinseki said. "This is part of a culture change that's under way. We need to make permanent the gains of the past 19 months. "There will always be unfinished work," he added. "That's the nature of the mission, but for all of us, it is to continue to establish priorities, fight for resources and take care of veterans. That's what we intend to do.�

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September 2010

VETERANS NEWS

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

VA is Prepared for Hurricane Season. Are You? Hurricane Earl, the seventh named storm of the 2010 hurricane season, brushed past the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, bringing heavy rains and strong winds, before making a close call on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard just before the Labor Day weekend. “VA facilities from North Carolina to New York and beyond were poised and ready to take whatever came their way,� said Ramona Joyce, Director of VA’s Washington Regional Office of Intergovernmental and Public Affairs. There were partial evacuations of mobile patients from the Hampton (Virginia) VA Medical Center the office worked with three other sister medical centers, in Virginia and North Carolina, who took these patients. “It takes team work to successfully prepare for, respond to and recover from these events,� Joyce continued. “Here at VA we have strong preparedness, response and recovery plans that allow us to focus on the well-being of our Veterans and staff.� She added: “As a nation we learned from Katrina that you can’t be too cautious.� Mary Kay Hollingsworth, a VA commu-

nications manager based in Lake City, Fla., said VA makes it a point not to forget the lessons it learned during previous storm seasons, and prides itself on always “putting Veterans first� when a hurricane strikes. “Past hurricane seasons have tested our nation’s ability to respond to and recover from catastrophic storms,� she said. “We all remember the far-reaching devastation caused by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Jeanne, Ivan, Katrina and Rita. Through the years, VA employees across the nation have been recognized for their dedication to our patients and fellow employees — employees who refused to abandon their duties, even when they had no knowledge of the condition of their own homes and families. “A big part of our success,� she continued, “comes from reaching out to Veterans and their families before, during and after a storm. Living in the ‘Hurricane Belt,’ we know about personal preparedness kits — stocking up on items you’ll need to help you weather the storm. We make sure Veterans know about some of the special items they may need, including additional prescription medications and other medical

equipment such as extra oxygen.� “We also make sure they have a shelter plan,� added Reggie Kornegay, a VA emergency preparedness coordinator at the Orlando VA Medical Center. “Do they have family to stay with? Will they need to go to a community shelter? If they have significant health issues, will they need to come into a VA medical center? We also educate them in advance about our special tollfree hotline that is established to Photo courtesy of the Department of Veterans Affairs provide important information — A Veteran patient is cared for in Atlanta awaiting transfacility closures, appointment fer to South Carolina. Evacuations like this one in rescheduling and pharmacy 2005 are not always needed, but always considered in refills.� hurricane season. Kornegay said that during mation for our patients. Even after the major storms, VA websites and phone censtorm, we reach out to our Veterans. We ters are continuously updated with current make sure they weathered the storm OK, information on actions being taken by VA determine if they have needs that haven’t and actions that need to be taken by its been met and help them through any issues Veteran patients. they might be facing. “We reach out to our Veterans through “Our Veterans were there for us when it the media too,� Kornegay said. “Getting the counted,� he said. “Now we’re going to be word out about altered services and when there for them.� we’ll be back up and running is vital infor-

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• Water — 2½ gallons of water per person per day (½ gallon for drinking, 2 gallons for bathing) • Food — non-perishable/canned food: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, vegetables, soups; snacks: cookies, cereals, etc.; drinks: juices, milk, soft drinks, instant coffee, tea. • Medicine — first aid kit that contains aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid, antiseptic, scissors, mosquito repellent. • Personal Hygiene/Care Items: toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo, denture needs, eyeglasses, sun protection. • Other supplies — battery operated radio, flashlight and batteries, non-electric can opener, portable cooler and ice, plastic trash bags, tarp or sheet plastic, duct tape, cleaning supplies such as bleach, paper napkins, plates and cups, pillows and blankets. And if you’re on any prescription medications, here’s what you should do: • Keep a list of all medications in your personal preparedness kit. • Keep a 15 day supply of medication and supplies on hand. Do not allow your supply to go below 15 days. • For medications that require refrigeration — make sure you have a small portable cooler or ice chest ready for easy transport, if needed. • If you must evacuate, bring prescription bottles — whether full or empty — of all medications that you are currently taking. • Always keep a record of scheduled appointments for follow-up visits, lab work and specialty care services.

TRICARE NEWS

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

September 2010

7

What You Don’t See Can Hurt You By Sharon Foster TRICARE Management Activity Oftentimes, many assume poor eyesight is a natural part of growing old. It is true that low vision and blindness increase significantly in people over age 65, yet, age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts, can start developing in people as young as 40. Maintaining good eyesight is important to everyone, regardless of their age. August was Cataract Awareness Month and TRICARE is still encouraging all beneficiaries who have a sudden change in vision to see an eye professional. Getting an eye exam is still a smart idea for anyone, whether or not you have vision problems, such as cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. The eye becomes like a window that is frosted or yellowed. It's important to know the risks and symptoms of cataracts, what to do to delay onset, and how to decide when it's time for surgery.

Risk factors for cataract include family history, diabetes, smoking, extensive exposure to sunlight, serious eye injury or inflammation and prolonged use of steroids. Several studies have revealed that African Americans and Latinos have nearly twice the risk of developing cataracts than whites, suggesting that it may be due to other medical illnesses, such as diabetes or lack of treatment, according to the National Institutes of Health's National Eye Institute (NEI). The most common cataract symptoms are cloudy or blurry vision; colors that seem faded; headlights, lamps or sunlight may appear too bright; poor night vision; double vision or multiple images in one eye and frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses or contact lenses. These symptoms also can indicate other eye problems. Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay the onset of cataracts. You should also stop smoking. The NEI also believes good nutrition can help reduce the risk of

New E-Newsletter Available for TRICARE Standard Beneficiaries

A new e-newsletter aimed at TRICARE Standard beneficiaries is available online now at the TRICARE website. It supplements the printed Standard newsletter mailed every January to all Standard beneficiaries. The direct link to the enewsletter is www.tricare.mil and click on “Publications.” Packed with information about finding a provider, immunizations,

preventive health screenings, backto-school physicals and more, the Standard e-newsletter helps beneficiaries get the most out of the flexible TRICARE Standard and Extra healthcare plan options. TRICARE Standard and Extra are used by over two million non-active duty beneficiaries – such as family members, military retirees under age 65 and those covered by the TRI-

CARE Reserve Select plan. For more information on TRICARE Standard or Extra go to the new www.tricare.mil and answer three easy questions to get connected to information tailored specifically to the user. To sign up for future newsletters and other TRICARE benefit information by e-mail go to www.tricare.mil/subscriptions.

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cataracts and recommends eating green leafy vegetables, fruit and other foods with antioxidants. While some eye problems are minor, others can lead to a permanent loss of vision. All TRICARE beneficiaries are covered for medically necessary eye examinations related to the medical or surgical treatment of a TRICARE-covered illness, such as cataracts or eye injury. TRICARE’s eye benefits vary based on beneficiary type and TRICARE option. Active duty service members (ADSMs) and active duty family members (ADFMs) can get a routine eye exam every year and Prime retirees and their family members can get one every two years. Vision screening is excluded from the TRICARE Extra and TRICARE Standard plans except for one yearly comprehensive routine eye exam for ADFMs and vision screening under the well-child benefit. Find out more about TRICARE vision benefits at the TRICARE beneficiary portal at www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/eyeexams. Learn about eye health and protection at the NEI, www.nei.nih.gov.

Tricare Retired Reserve launches

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – For the first time, members of the Retired Reserve who are not yet age 60, the so-called “gray area” retirees, can purchase Tricare health coverage for themselves and their eligible family members with today’s launch of Tricare Retired Reserve, or TRR. “This new program offers a health coverage opportunity for “gray area” Guardsmen and Reservists who served America honorably, setting a proud example for today’s forces,” said Rear Adm. Christine Hunter, deputy director of the Tricare Management Activity. “Tricare Retired Reserve will provide an outstanding health benefit.” Retired Reservists may qualify to purchase TRR coverage if they are younger than 60 and are not eligible for, or enrolled in, the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. They must also be members of the Retired Reserve of a Reserve component and qualified for non-regular retirement. For instructions on how to qualify for and purchase TRR go to www.tricare.mil/trr. For calendar 2010, the TRR member-only monthly premium is $388.31 ($4,659.72 yearly), and the member and family monthly premium is $976.41 ($11,716.92 yearly). Premiums will be adjusted annually. The comprehensive health care coverage provided by the premium-based TRR is similar to Tricare Standard. After purchasing TRR, members will receive the Tricare Retired Reserve Handbook, which includes details about covered services, how to get care and who to contact for assistance. For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/trr. (Courtesy of Tricare)

8

FINANCES

September 2010

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

Veterans more likely to avoid foreclosure with VA-backed loan WASHINGTON – Mortgage loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to have the lowest rate for serious delinquency and foreclosures in the industry. "The continued high performance of VA loans is due to the dedication of VA's loan professionals, the support of our partners in the mortgage industry and most notably, the responsibility of our veterans and their desire to maintain home ownership," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "VA is making good on its promise to help veterans achieve the American dream of owning a home." There are currently about 1.3 million active home loans that have been obtained using VA's Home Loan Guaranty Program. The program makes home ownership more affordable for veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and eligible surviving spouses by permitting low or no down-payment loans and by protecting lenders from loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association National Delinquency Survey, VA's foreclosure rate for the last eight quarters and serious delinquency rate for the last five consecutive quarters have been the lowest of all measured loan

types, even prime loans. Much of the program's strength stems from the efforts of VA employees and loan servicers nationwide, whose primary mission is to "ensure all veterans receive every possible opportunity to remain in their homes, avoid foreclosure, and protect their credit from the consequences of a foreclosure," added Secretary Shinseki. Depending on the situation, VA's loan specialists can intervene on a veteran's behalf to help pursue home-retention options such as repayment plans, forbearances and loan modifications. When home retention is not an option, sometimes VA can help arrange a sale, or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, both of which are better options for veteran borrowers than foreclosure. Since 1944, when home-loan guaranties were first offered under the original GI Bill, VA has guaranteed more than 18.8 million home loans worth $1.06 trillion. To obtain more information about the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program, veterans can call VA at 877-827-3702. Information can also be obtained at www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/veteran.asp (Courtesy of VA)

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FINANCES

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

September 2010

9

U.S. Treasury changes savings bond program CLEVELAND – The Department of the Treasury has changed its policy concerning the issuance of paper savings bonds through payroll savings plans. After September 30, the U.S. Treasury will no longer issue paper savings bonds to federal employees through payroll deduction. In anticipation of this change, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service discontinued bond allotments July 31. People can still purchase savings bonds and other Treasury securities through a deduction from their retired pay by creating a TreasuryDirect account. TreasuryDirect is a secure and reliable online system that allows people to purchase Series EE and I savings bonds, Treasury bills, notes, bonds and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities. To continue using payroll deduction, people must open a TreasuryDirect account by visiting www.treasurydirect.gov. On the TreasuryDirect home page, click

Social Security number. An allotment may be set up through myPay online at https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay. aspx, or via mail. Mail requests to: DFAS U.S. Retired Military Pay P.O. Box 7130 London, KY 40742-7130

"TreasuryDirect" under the "Open an Account" menu on the right side of the page. After following the instructions, people will get a unique account number they you can use to review the Treasury securities available for purchase. Once their account is created, a retiree can tell DFAS to establish a TreasuryDirect deduction. They must indicate they want to start a TreasuryDirect allotment, the monthly amount to deduct from retired pay, the month in which the deduction should start the allotment and their

Retirees may also call the Retired and Annuitant Pay Contact Center at 800-321-1080. One advantage to the TreasuryDirect deduction over the previous paper savings bond deduction plan is the ability to monitor account activity online. Paper bonds are still available for purchase through participating financial institutions. Bonds that DFAS is currently holding for safekeeping for customers are already in an electronic format and will not be affected by this change. The Treasury expects to save $400 million in taxpayer money and cut the use of 12 million pounds of paper over the first five years the change is in effect.

Military Retirees News is online and can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF at www.CharlestonMilitary.com

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September 2010

BRIEFS & EVENTS

Annual Retiree Day planned for Joint Base Charleston

JB CHS moves towards privatized housing at AFB

Joint Base Charleston will be hosting the Annual Retiree and Spouses Appreciation Day and Information Fair on Saturday, 6 November 2010 at the Charleston Club starting at 0900 to 1300. Complete information will be forthcoming and full agenda published.

The Air Force announced Aug. 30 that Forest City Military Communities LLC was selected as the offeror to move the air base portion of Joint Base Charleston into the future with new base housing through privatization. After the initial development period, Airmen and their families who choose to live on base will occupy the new privatized units. Right now, families who live on base are residing in 1960-era homes that are small, lack storage space, and garages. Under the current deal, the Air Force will lease 279 acres of land at the air base as part of a 50-year lease. As part of housing privatization, Forest City will demolish the 479 existing units on base and will then construct a minimum of 345 new units over the next four years. Phase one of housing privatization is tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2011 Naval Weapons Station housing (MenRiv) has already been privatized to the company Balfour-Beatty.

One night only at hilton Field at Ft. Jackson As part of their ongoing support of America's service members, Kid Rock and Jim Beam will host a concert on Patriot Day, September 11, in Columbia, S.C. to honor our nation's heroes. The special concert event, called "Kid Rock Salutes the Troops presented by Jim Beam: Patriot Day 2010," will feature opening act Blackberry Smoke and will be free to all service members and their families who present their valid government issued military identification card. Last year, Kid Rock donated 50 cents from every ticket sold at select shows of his “Rock ‘N Rebels” concert tour hosted by Jim Beam to Operation Homefront, provider of emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. To purchase tickets or learn more about "Kid Rock Salutes the Troops presented by Jim Beam: Patriot Day 2010," visit kidrock.com. To donate to Operation Homefront, please visit http://bit.ly/dyXEEJ.

US Submarines Veterans to meet The United States Submarine Veterans Inc. Charleston Base will meet on 9 September 2010 at the Fleet Reserve Association on Wisteria Drive in Goose Creek SC. Dinner will be available at 5:30 PM, Social Hour at 6:00 PM and the meeting will start at 7:00 PM. Bring a shipmate and come out and have some fun. Point of contact is MMCM(SS) Edward Stank, Retired @ 843 569-6012 or stanke@bellsouth.netj15

Answers to Puzzle on Page 15

Welcome home for veterans seeking jobs, VA benefits The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center invites Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and other veterans for Welcome Home 2010 aboard the USS Yorktown, Sept 9 from 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. The event features a job fair sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce and the Charleston Defense Contractors Association. There will be an information and health fair sponsored by the VA and other community partners.

Semper Fi poker run Come out and support the 3rd Annual Semper Fi poker run benefitting injured Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airman and their families, Saturday, Oct 9, 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. at Sapphires Bar and Grill in Goose Creek. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $15 per vehicle and driver, $10 per rider and includes BBQ. Proceeds go to the Semper Fi fund. For more information, go to www.semperfifund.org.

AAFES officials working double time to correct inadvertent charge A processing error resulted in duplicate charges on credit and debit card transactions for some customers at Army Air Force Exchange Service stores. "Shoppers who swiped their cards anytime between Aug. 7 and Aug. 9 at an AAFES facility are strongly encouraged to review their statements to see if they are impacted by this issue," said AAFES' Chief of Staff Col. Virgil Williams. "If a customer finds a billing anomaly, no action will be required on their part as we're working to correct inaccuracies on their behalf." Scores of associates from AAFES' Information Technology and Finance and Accounting teams are working around the clock to remedy any and all erroneous charges created as a result of the processing error. "We're putting all the resources we have toward doing the right thing for customers affected by this unfortunate turn of events" Colonel Williams said. "If there is an overdraft fee as result of a duplicate charge, we're going to fix it. Our priority is to take corrective action as quickly as possible and return customers'

Lowcountry Military Retiree News accounts to the exact state they were prior to this glitch." The processing error that produced duplicate charges affected AAFES locations worldwide. Depending on the type of card used, corrective action could be visible to the customer anywhere from 24 hours to a couple of weeks. "The timeline is subject to a number of variables," Colonel Williams said . "Regardless, we want exchange shoppers to know that every possible measure is being taken to eliminate any additional charges and rectify any concerns created as a result of this processing miscue." Shoppers whose credit cards were double charged and, as a result, suffered overdraft fees, can simply bring documentation, such as an overdraft notice or online statement, to their nearest exchange for a full refund of the fees. "We promised to do the right thing for our customers that were affected by this unfortunate glitch and we are honoring that promise," said AAFES' Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Jeffry Helm. "We regret any inconvenience this may have caused and want to reimburse them as quickly as possible."

Air Force Civilian Service website reveals depth, innovation to federal employment Jobseekers unfamiliar with civilian employment opportunities within the Air Force now have a new online resource that defines the numerous career fields and outlines many of the benefits of being a federal employee. The site, www.afciviliancareers.com, was designed for those interested in applying for a federal job within the Air Force Civilian Service. The site contains practical information on various hiring authorities, base locations, career field descriptions, employee benefits and application procedures. "The Air Force has always relied on the civilian workforce to meet the mission. With new organizations standing up and an overall net gain in civilian positions, we hope more people will look at all the benefits we have to offer and consider applying with us," said Michelle LoweSolis, the director of civilian force integration at the Air Force Personnel Center. One of the highlights of the website is a job match machine. By entering educational background or specific skills, the job match machine will generate a list of possible career choices. "People are often unaware of the breadth of Air Force Civilian Service careers, and we're hoping this will aid them in their job search," said Mike Brosnan at AFPC. For more information, call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.

On-line yard sale 437services.com at Charelston AFB has gone electronic and are hosting their own e-saling site. Here you can post your own items for sale, provide seller information, name your price, and upload photos of your items. Buyers can peruse the photos and contact you, the seller, directly. It's free to all active duty, reservists, retirees, DoD civilians, contractors, and their family members. To get started, go to www. 437services.com and look under Quick Links, and click on e-sale.

For information on advertising, please visit www.CharlestonMilitary.com or call 843-972-2356

REMEMBRANCE

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

September 2010

11

Patriot Day September 11

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On 18 DEC 01, President George W. Bush signed into law designating September 11 as Patriot Day. This is an annual observance to remember the nearly 3000 people who died during terrorist attacks in New York, Washington DC and Shanksville, Pennsylvania during the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 SEP 01. Many Americans refer Patriot Day as 9/11 or September 11 day. On the direction of the President, the flag of the United States of America should be displayed on the homes of Americans, the White House and all United States government buildings in the whole world. A few steps you can take to make the most of this important day of remembrance are: • Fly the American Flag at your house on 11 SEP. And if possible, fly it at half-staff to remember those who died. If your flagpole doesn't allow a half-staff display, just displaying the flag is a good way to show respect for those who have died both during the attacks and in the wars that have followed. • Light a candle (or use an electronic candle) in memory of those who died on 9/11 as a way to celebrate Patriot day. • Observe a moment of silence at 8:46 AM Eastern Standard Time. This marks the time the the first plane flew into the World Trade Center. • Take time to remember the heroes in your life. You can use Patriot Day to thank your local firemen and local police officers for the hard work they do. Thank the teacher who inspired you to work just a little bit harder. Thank the men and women in uniform who fight to protect you. • Celebrate life. Take a walk on the beach or through a park. Enjoy the sunset. Gaze at the stars. Use Patriot Day to remember that every day is a gift.

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All proceeds from the Lt. Dan Ride will benefit the Independence Fund and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. For more information visit: www.independencefund.org and www.semperfifund.org.

12

JB CHS UPDATE

September 2010

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

Joint Base Charleston on track to begin merged operations Oct. 1 By Eric Sesit Charleston Navy Shoreline editor It has been five years in the making, but on October 1, 2010, Joint Base Charleston (JB CHS) will begin operations as a combined Air Force and Navy installation. To help envision what the future holds for these two historic military posts, it’s important to understand how the decision to combine bases came about. In 2005, the Base Realignment Committee (BRAC) made recommendations that eventually required combining 26 separate military installations into 12 joint bases. In making the decision on combining the two Charleston bases, BRAC looked at how both installations executed their separate support missions and found that both used similar or near similar processes. BRAC also looked at the proximity of the bases to each other and saw an opportunity to reduce duplication of support efforts resulting in a reduction of overall manpower and facilities requirements which would generate substantial savings. Once the decision to combine the bases was made, BRAC had to decide on the lead or receiving service. The commission looked at the quantitative military value score of Charleston AFB and compared it to NWS Charleston. The score was too close to be the sole factor determining the lead installation for management functions. Charleston AFB was tagged as the lead installation because of its mission in sup-

port of operational forces compared to NWS Charleston, which has a primary mission to support training and industrial activities. The first Joint Base Commander of JB CHS is Col. Martha A. Meeker, USAF. Captain Ralph C. Ward, USN, who just turned over command of Naval Nuclear Prototype Training Unit Charleston, will serve as Deputy Joint Base Commander but will wear a second hat as Commanding Officer Naval Support Activity, Charleston, the embed Navy unit in JB CHS which will occur upon the disestablishment of NWS Charleston on Oct. 1. Their goals are clear cut and spelled out in the new Joint Base mission statement: Provide globally ready forces and installation support for Joint Base Charleston. Five years after BRAC’s decision, teams of civilian and military from both the Navy and the Air Force continue to wade through the myriad of military red tape to bring JB CHS to life. “Surprisingly, although joint basing will provide better services for the entire community, very few people will actually be affected by the move,� said LT. Kenneth K. Reikofski, Joint Base military liaison officer. “A little more than 2,000 people, military and civilians will be directly impacted, and for most of them, their jobs will remain the same. “The only difference some of our civil servants will see is that they are now Air Force employees. However, when you’re talking about people that have been with the Navy for

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20, sometimes 30 years, it’s a little harder to change then someone who only has a few years of government service. There will definitely be some growing pains.� For the tenant commands on both NWS Charleston and Charleston AFB, joint basing should be fairly transparent. “Both bases have been providing outstanding services to their tenant commands for years. This is not going to change. Providing our customers with the best service possible is what joint basing is all about,� said Reikofski. “Our tenant commands constantly provide us feedback, objective assessments and measures of our performance in how well we provide our services to them. Under joint basing, our combined services will be nothing less than world class.� As noted, Oct.1 marks the day these two installations will become Joint Base Charleston under the Joint Basing concept. To start the day, Naval Weapons Station Charleston will be decommissioned and then re-commissioned as part of Joint Base Charleston. Senator Lindsey Graham is scheduled to be a guest speaker during the official ceremony. An open house is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. and community members are encouraged to come out to Marrington Plantation at the Naval Weapons Station and celebrate alongside members of Joint Base Charleston. There will be food, entertainment and military demonstrations provided by both the Air Force and the Navy.

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REMEMBRANCE

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

September 2010

13

Arlington National Cemetery Update

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Veterans groups and members of Congress are questioning whether management of Arlington National Cemetery should be transferred from the Army to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The discussions come after investigators found dozens of unmarked or mislabeled graves, millions of dollars wasted on technology contracts and mismanagement that stretched from the cemetery's leadership to the upper echelons of Army leadership in the Pentagon. "Let's let the experts take over," said Joe Davis, a spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Running cemeteries "is a primary task of the VA, whereas the Army's primary task is to fight and win our wars." The American Legion has also called for the VA to be more involved at Arlington, the nation's busiest military cemetery, which has an average of 27 funerals a day and 4 million visitors annually. And several members of Congress, including Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO), chairman of the Armed Services Committee, have asked whether the VA, which manages 131 cemeteries nationwide with 3 million graves, would be better suited to operate Arlington. The VFW called the VA "a recognized expert in the maintenance and operation of national cemeteries." In a statement, the American Legion said it was heartened to hear that the Army has appointed a top VA cemetery official as interim superintendent of Arlington. If the VA "can fix the problems at Arlington, then that option should be on the table," said Paul Rieckhoff, the founder and executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. VA officials would not comment in the absence of a formal request to transfer authority over the cemetery. But since the scandal broke, the department has been lending its expertise, and staff, to help the cemetery remedy its problems. When asked at a recent congressional hearing led by Skelton whether the VA should take over, he said it is the Army's "responsibility to carry those fallen heroes,

particularly in time of war, to their final resting place." McHugh said the department did not want to "burden others because of the shortcomings of the United States Army." Through a spokeswoman, Skelton said that the committee "respects the Army's connection to the cemetery and is inclined to support its desire to remain in control, but we will continue to exercise full oversight to ensure that they live up to the high standard that is expected of them." In 1973, all but two of the Army's cemeteries – Arlington and the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery – were transferred to the VA, which officials thought could better manage them. Arlington stayed with the Army in part because "a bond has evolved through the years between those who have dedicated their lives to the military profession and all those who rest in Arlington's hallowed grounds," according to a 1974 study of the national cemeteries. The VA started keeping digital records of all new interments in its cemeteries in 1994. In 2003, it launched a five-year, $1.5 million project to digitize its older records, which date to 1862. Its burial records are now searchable online. The Army, in contrast, failed to digitize records at Arlington despite spending as much as $8 million and still uses the paper records that led to the burial problems. One of the problems, officials have said, is that during a time of war, the cemetery, with its $40 million budget, became an afterthought in a department that spends $140 billion annually. [Source: Washington Post Christian Davenport 23 Aug 2010 ]

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September 2010

RETIREE RESOURCES Arlington National Cemetery For general information call 703-607-8000. Contact the Interment Services Branch at 703-607-8585 regarding funeral arrangements and eligibility requirements. Please note that the Arlington National Cemetery staff does not make pre-arrangements. Visit the Web site at www.arlingtoncemetery.org Armed Forces Retirement Home-Washington Campus Phone toll free 800-422-9988 or fax 202-730-3492. For general questions send an e-mail to publicaffairs@afrh.gov and specify “DC” in the subject line. Visit the Web site at www.afrh.gov. Armed Forces Retirement Home-Gulfport Campus Closed because of Hurricane Katrina, the Gulfport campus was severely damaged and is currently being rebuilt. Phone 228-604-2205. For general questions, send an e-mail to publicaffairs@afrh.gov and specify “Gulfport” in the subject line. Visit the Web site at www.afrh.gov. Armed Forces Vacation Club The Armed Forces Vacation Club is a space-available program offering Department of Defense-affiliated people affordable condominium vacations at more than 3,500 resorts worldwide. For more information, visit www.afvclub.com/default.asp. Delta Dental Plan for Retirees For inquiries, call 888-838-8737 or visit www.ddpdelta.org. DOD Lodging Reservations Air Force, 888-235-6343 (AFLODGE) -- after the prompt, dial first three digits of base name -- or visit http://dodlodging.net/; Army, 800-462-7691 (GOARMY-1) or visit www.armymwr.com/portal/travel/lodging/; Navy, 800-628-9466 (NAVY INN) or visit www.navy-lodge.com; Marine Corps, visit www.usmc-mccs.org/lodging Medicare Call 800-633-4227 or visit www.medicare.gov. Pay Matters Call the Defense Finance and Accounting Service-Cleveland Center toll free at 800-321-1080; fax 800-469-6559. SBP annuitants may use the same voice toll-free number, but the fax is 800-982-8459. Social Security Call toll free 800-772-1213 or visit the Web site at www.ssa. Tricare The Web site is www.tricare.mil. Choose from one of three regional numbers: West, 888-874-9378; North, 877-874-2273; South, 800-444-5445; overseas, 888-777-8343. If you are a Tricare for Life member, you can call 866-773-0404. Call the Tricare Information Center at 877-363-6337. For Tricare Retiree Delta Dental Plan inquiries, call 888-838-8737 or visit www.ddpdelta.org. Tricare Mail-Order Pharmacy Program (Express Scripts, Inc.) In United States, call toll free 866-363-8667; or overseas, call 866-275-4732. Visit the Web site at www.expressscripts.com/TRICARE. VA matters For benefit inquiries, call 800-827-1000; life insurance 800-6698477; status of headstones and markers, 800-697-6947; special issues such as Gulf War/radiation/Agent Orange/Project Shad call 800-749-8387; and GI Bill and education matters call 888-442-4551. Visit the Web site at www.va.gov.

MISCELLANEOUS

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

HONOR FLIGHT LOWCOUNTRY www.HonorFlightLowcountry.com What is Honor Flight? The Honor Flight Network was created with the mission of ensuring that each WWII veteran be given the opportunity to see THEIR memorial in Washington DC. The “ordinary people who saved the world” are provided this one-day trip at no charge to them. What happens after the flight? Honor Flight veterans are treated to a well-deserved heroes welcome when they return to the Charleston International Airport. Is medical support provided on the flight? Honor Flight Lowcountry does provide medical support on each flight to Washington DC. There are doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who’ve donated their time to serve on the flight. Who pays for the Honor Flight? The Honor Flight Network receives NO government funding. Trips cost around $50,000. All funds come from corporate and private sponsors. 100% of all donations go directly to the veterans and their Honor Flight. What provisions are available for the veterans? Veterans are provided with t-shirts, meals, snacks, and a deluxe tour bus in addition to wheel chairs, oxygen and scooters as needed. How can I get my friend/family member on the flight? Visit www.HonorFlightLowcountry.com to download a veteran’s application. What’s an Honor Flight Guardian? Guardians play a significant role on each Honor Flight trip. The responsibility of the guardians is to ensure that each veteran has a safe and memorable experience. A primary duty of a guardian is to assist the veteran in getting to and from the airport and physically assisting the veteran during the flight and at the memorials. Guardians pay their own way on the Honor Flight and the trip is included with a $500 donation. What can I do to help the Honor Flight Network? The best thing you can do to help the Honor Flight Network is to spread the word! If you know a WWII veteran, please, get them registered for the next Honor Flight. Of course, your donations, no matter how small, are always welcome and needed to cover the costs associated with the flight. Honor Flight Lowcountry is a 501(C)(3) organization.

Honor Flight Lowcountry PO Box 12308 Charleston, SC 29422 (843) 906-0399

Reach the local military retirees with your message. Your ad could go here! Call 972-2356 today or visit www.Charleston Military.com

Hurricane Tip of the Month Hurricane season will continue through November, with the highest probability of a major hurricane occurring between mid-August and October. Due to a hurricane's capacity for damage, preparation is the key. Weekly hurricane tips provide need-to-know information for staying ahead of the weather. This month’s hurricane tip is: South Carolina law provides income tax credits for property owners who purchase building supplies to make their homes more storm resistant to hurricanes, flooding or catastrophic windstorm events. For more information, visit the South Carolina Insurance News Service website at www.scinsurance.net.

Lowcountry Military Retiree News is published by Diggle Publishing company P.O. Box 2016, Mt. Pleasant, Sc 29465 843-412-5861 • www.charlestonMilitary.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

September 2010

15

September Crossword CLUES ACROSS 1. Ink stain 5. Processed brewing grain 9. Cause to be embarrassed 14. Roman historian 15. Olive genus 16. Hay wrapper 17. Town in Iceland 18. Buryat capital ____ Ude 19. Belongs to sun god 20. S. FL. river 23. Waist ribbon 24. Chromaticity 25. Irony 28. Literary works of ancient Greece 33. ____ Ladd, actor 34. Lightly fry 35. ___ King Cole, musician 36. Nostrils 38. Red China 39. Alan Ladd movie 41. Fed 42. Animal backbone 44. Rule Britania composer 45. Cognoscente 47. Sends or receives TV signals 49. Radioactivity unit 50. Dull pain 51. 12-31 beverage container 58. Dypsis lutescens palm 59. A minute amount (Scott) 60. Formerly Persia 61. Edouard _____, Fr. painter 62. Goddess who defeated Thor

63. A stack or heap 64. Bone cavities 65. Millisecond 66. Pouches CLUES DOWN 1. Countries in an alliance 2. ____ Marie Presley 3. Elliptic 4. Amino acid tyr or y 5. Light creamy dish set with gelatin 6. God in Islam 7. Wife of Jacob 8. Source of the Blue Nile 9. Ancient calculators 10. Immerses in liquid 11. Away from wind 12. 100 = 1 tala 13. Units of time (abbr.) 21. Paddle 22. Which 25. Yemen capital 26. Having winglike extensions 27. Counterweights 28. Chili con _____, Mexican dish 29. Writer Clare Booth ____ 30. Kami of fertility 31. Generalis lily 32. Strong construction alloy 34. Expectorate 37. Outlines 40. Cleft lips 43. Rope fiber plant 46. One who finds missing persons

See the Answers on Page 10 47. Vinegary 48. Extremely high frequency 50. Administer an oil 51. Cubage unit for herring 52. Seize (obsolete) 53. Polite interruption sound

54. 55. 56. 57. 58.

Girls Murres Powder G____: hereditary units Doctors’ group

Joke of the Month: A. A. A. D. D. - Classic Re tirement Syndrome Recently, I was diagnosed with A. A. A. D. D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. This is how it manifests itself: I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide my car needs washing. As I start toward the garage, I notice that there is mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys down on the table, put the junk mail in the rubbish bin under the table, and notice that the bin is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the rubbish first. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first. I take my checkbook off the table, and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the

can of Coke that I had been drinking. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over. I see that the Coke is getting warm, and I decide I should put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye: they need to be watered. I place the Coke down on the work surface, and I discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the glasses back down on the work top, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote. Someone has left it on the kitchen table. I realise that tonight when we go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the lounge where

it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers. I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back down on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: The car isn't washed. The bills aren't paid. There is a warm can of coke sitting on the work surface. The flowers don't have enough water. There is still only one check in my checkbook. I can't find the TV remote. I can't find my glasses and I don't remember what I did with the car keys. Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired. I realise this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my email. PS. I just remembered, I left the water running...

16

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

September 2010

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