11-10-2010 Lowcountry Military Retiree News

Lowcountry Military

RETIREE NEWS T

VOL. 2 NO. 11 • FREE • S ERVINg M ILITaRy R ETIREES & V ETERaNS IN ThE L OWcOuNTRy • NOVEMBER, 2010 Courtesy of Diggle Publishing - Publishers of the Joint Base Charleston PATRIOT

DBIDS update on authorized identification and base decals

By Bob Trout 628th Security Forces Squadron Thirty-three thousand active duty, dependents, Department of Defense civilians, retirees and Reserve members have registered their DOD identification cards into the Defense Biometrics Identification System as of Oct. 1, 2010.

In the last year, IDs have been scanned at the gates and most people have registered at the Visitor Control Center.

Then there are those who have been told numerous times to get their card registered but still have not. Base security forces are hopeful that DBIDS installation will begin on the Naval Weapons Station by next spring and once complete, DBIDS registration will be mandatory for the entire installation.

The DBIDS process is simple. The individual must bring in one of the following DOD cards to the VCC: • Common Access Card • Department of Defense (DD) Form 1173 • DD Form 2 These cards must be updated in DBIDS with a photo taken and fingerprints scanned. The holder of the DOD card must bring in their own card. They cannot bring a spouse's card, friend's card, etc. The process can take anywhere from two to eight minutes. If receiving a new DOD Card, individuals must go to 628th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Section in Building 503.

After receiving the new card, customer service will update the information in DBIDS. In addition, there are some new access control policies going into effect regarding what is an acceptable form of ID at the installation entry control points. In accordance with Air Force Policy for Installation Access Control, some types of identification cards previously used, listed below, will no longer be authorized for entry to Joint Base Charleston Air Base or Weapons Station. If you carry an authorized DOD card previously mentioned this does not affect you in any way.

If you are identified by the gate guard as having a card that will not be authorized access to JB CHS, you will have until Jan. 1, 2011, to get an authorized card or be denied entry to the base after the first of the year. This will also be looked at on a case-by-case basis to determine if

the individual will receive a DBIDS card for access to JB CHS. Do not wait until the end of this grace period to see if you are eligible for a DOD Common Access Card.

Finally, base decals also known as the DD Form 2220 are no longer required at either the Air Base or Weapons Station locations. Those personnel, who desire to have a decal for their vehicle due to permanent change of station, temporary duty, etc., can stop by the VCC at either the AB or WS and receive one for their vehicle. The individual U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Timothy Taylor must provide vehicle The Defense Biometric Identification System uses several pieces of information obtained from registration, driver's individuals for positive identification, including pictures and fingerprints. license and proof of • Military Geneva Convention card insurance before being issued a decal.

The VCC is open for DBIDS registration Monday • Civilian Geneva Convention card through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday through • State Department ID Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Military Personnel Section at Building 503 is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 • Defense Fuels card p.m. for new identification cards with DBIDS registration. • Home Land Security ID Those who already have an authorized ID card do not • Recruit Training card need to go to the MPS - only the VCC. In addition, there will be a DBIDS registration station set up at various loca- • Defense Commissary Agency badges tions on the base on certain days of the week to assist in • Foreign Identification card the registration process. Contact the VCC at 963-7807 for • Office of Personnel Management (OPM) ID card more information.

• U.S. Air Force Delayed Enlisted card ID Cards Not Authorized Access on Joint Base Charleston

• U.S. Army Delayed Enlisted card

• Coast Guard Aux. card

• AAI card

• Civil Air Patrol card

• General Services Administration (GSA) badges

• Overseas Civ Privilege card

• Federal Aviation Administration card

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

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

2

LOCAL NEWS

November 2010

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

Naval Health Clinic Charleston set for grand opening

By Capt. Paula McClure NHCC commanding officer The celebrated author Bruce Barton once said, "When you are through changing, you are through." Well Naval Health Clinic Charleston has undergone some momentous changes over the past few months and I am happy to report that we are far from "through."

In September, NHCC moved to a new location at the newly constructed John G. Feder Joint Ambulatory Care Clinic onboard Joint Base Charleston-Weapons Station. This move was long awaited and comes with many benefits. The brand new 188,000 square foot facility was designed with today's patient in mind and is much closer to where our largest patient population lives. A modern facility in a more convenient location is a change that anyone could get behind.

We have also expanded our relation-

tem of choice for superior ship with the Ralph H. patient and family cenJohnson VA Medical Center. tered care.

We are finding new and creEngrained in the conative ways to work together cept of patient and family and share resources. We centered care are a few have an ongoing commitsimple principles. One is ment to pursue new ways of to listen and honor patient operating that save resources and family perspectives and taxpayer dollars, while and choices. We seek to at the same time maintaining communicate and share the highest possible quality complete and unbiased care. This is not business as information with patients usual and we pride ourselves CAPT. Paula McClure, and families in ways that in thinking outside of the Naval Health Clinic Charleston are affirming and useful. proverbial box through commanding officer We ask our patients to implementing numerous perparticipate in care and decision making at formance improvement initiatives the level they choose. And finally we designed to enhance patient satisfaction. wish to collaborate with patients and famWe have dedicated our professional ilies on an institution-wide basis. lives to the pursuit of the best possible The implementation of Medical Home patient care no matter the obstacles. Our Port Teams allows us to better serve our mission is to provide total force health protection while remaining the health sys- beneficiaries through a total health

Charleston County uses social media to reach public in emergencies Follow “ChasCountyGov” on Twitter and join “Charleston County Emergency Management” on Facebook to get important local information.

The public can now follow emergency-related information issued by Charleston County Government on Twitter and Facebook.

For real-time emergency information, the public can follow “ChasCountyGov” (www.twitter.com/ChasCountyGov)

on Twitter, increasing the accuracy and timeliness of critical information like evacuation orders and shelter information.

In addition, residents can become fans of the County’s Emergency Management Department on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nort h-Charleston-SC/Charleston-CountyEmergency-ManagementDepartment/129515637090771) to be notified of current preparedness information, trainings and events.

“With Twitter, citizens can follow the County to receive emergency information the minute it’s released, directly from County officials,” said Jason Patno, director of Charleston County’s Emergency Management Department. “It’s another step in empowering the public to be prepared, get information first-hand, and take action during an emergency.”

For Charleston County Government news and information, visit the County’s Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org.

approach. This ensures patients see the same team and provider each visit. Think of the country doctor concept where your provider knows your health needs and history because they have been your family doctor for years. You not only know the provider, but the nurse and support staff as well.

We have been treating patients in our new facility since September and have heard many good things about the changes that are taking place at NHCC. Our official grand opening ceremony is Nov. 10 and will serve as a symbol for the many changes that are making NHCC better than ever.

As we continue to evolve - Bruce Barton's words remind us that change is sometimes hard, but if we refuse to change we are "through." The staff at NHCC will tell you that our journey is just beginning and our mission is clear Patient Centered Care.

Troops, vets get free admission to Park Service attractions The National Park Service offers its last free-admission day of the year to honor U.S. veterans and active-duty servicemembers on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

The Park Service has nearly 400 parks and other resources around the United States and in American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands and the District of Columbia.

"From everyone in the National Park Service, I extend gratitude to all who have served in the U.S. armed forces and defended the people, freedoms, and resources of this country," National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis said in a news release. "In honor of veterans, entry to the national parks, which preserve many of our nation's finest natural and cultural resources, will be free Veterans Day. I invite everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and savor places that our veterans have kept safe for us."

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

Interested in having the Retiree News distributed at your retail location? Call 972-2356.

The Lowcountry Military Retiree News is published every month by Diggle Publishing Co., (843) 4125861, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. government or U.S. military. Diggle Publishing Co. also publishes the base newspapers for the Charleston Air Force Base and the Naval Weapons Station.

Contents of the Lowcountry Military Retiree News are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by

Diggle Publishing Co. or any branch of the U.S. military services. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited and prepared by Diggle Publishing Company. Sourced articles are provided by The Baguio RAO Bulletin. Other articles are submitted

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.

Advertising / Editorial Contacts Classified and display advertisements may be referred to Diggle Publishing Company, P.O. Box 2016, Mount Pleasant, S.C., 29465. To find out display ad rates, go to www.CharlestonMilitary.com or visit www.Diggle Pub.com. Phone: 843-412-5861 • Fax: 843-856-0358. Email: Chuck@CharlestonMilitary.com Publisher: Charles Diggle Editorial Advisors: Charles W. Short, CMSgt, USAF (ret), Retiree Affairs Office, CAFB / Art Foster, Volunteer Director, Retired Activity Office, MCAS Beaufort Editorial & Sales: Chuck Diggle Sales & Distribution: Sam Diggle

LOCAL NEWS

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

November 2010

3

Charleston, S.C. residents: Be a tourist in your own town During the month of January 2011, Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester county residents can utilize a special pass to visit 28 local attractions and receive discounts at 22 local restaurants for the total sum of $20 per individual or $50 for a family of four. The pass is valued at $840 and sponsored

by Southwest Airlines and the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. New this year: pass holders can vie for a Charleston prize package by posting photos of themselves taken during the month of January at the places featured on the pass to the CACVB’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/

ExploreChs). One person will be chosen at random to receive a canvas bag filled with an assortment of Charleston products.

With five weekends in the month of January, locals have an “extra” few days to take full advantage of the pass.

Passes are on sale now through December 31, 2010, and may be purchased online at BeATourist.net, by calling (843) 853-8000 or at the four Official Charleston Area Visitor Centers (375 Meeting Street, Charleston; 99 Harry M. Hallman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant; 22 Beachwalker Drive,

Kiawah; and 4975-B Centre Point Drive, North Charleston).

Passes are valid January 1 – 31, 2011, and pass holders may be asked to show local identification.

The Be A Tourist in Your Own Town promotion is sponsored by Southwest Airlines and the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Southwest Airlines begins service to the Charleston International Airport on March 13, 2011.

For updates, follow the promotion at twitter.com/BeA TouristCHS and www.facebook.com/ExploreChs.

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November 2010

LOCAL NEWS

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

Electronic Recycling Day is Nov. 13 at Tanger Outlet Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department will hold an Electronic Recycling Day to coincide with America Recycles Day on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The third annual event will be held at Tanger Outlet Center (4840 Tanger Outlet Boulevard, North Charleston SC 29418) at the front entrance parking lot.

Charleston County residents can drop off

their old, non-working or unused electronics to be recycled. Electronic devices often consist of valuable resources such as precious metals (gold or silver), more common metals (aluminum and copper) and engineered plastics. Electronic recycling helps to recover these valuable materials while also conserving energy and landfill space.

The event is to accommodate Charleston County residents only; businesses or contractors will not be allowed to drop off electron-

JB CHS stands up combined legal assistance department

By Navy Lt. Patrick Jackson Judge Advocate General Corps In the spirit of joint basing and in an effort to streamline and maximize services for all, Naval Legal Service Office Southeast is being combined with the U.S. Air Force to form a new legal assistance office that will better serve the greater Joint Base Charleston community.

The NLSO SE Branch Office at the Naval Weapons Station is being closed and the remaining elements folded into the Air Force's legal department. The mission of this new office is to provide prompt, courteous and professional legal assistance to all eligible active duty, Reserve and retired military members and their families.

Beginning Oct. 1, the new combined legal assistance department will be operated by the Air Force's 628th Air Base Wing Legal Office. If you are stationed onboard Naval Weapons Station, you will still have access to legal assistance.

A full time paralegal will be located in Building 84 of Naval Support Activity.

The paralegal will be available for power of attorney and notary functions Mondays through Fridays. Beginning Oct. 18, an attorney and paralegal will be available every Monday for more complicated legal matters.

The assistance provided by the 628 ABW Legal Office will include legal advice, counseling and occasional document preparation in the following

areas: • Divorce, Dissolution and Separation • Spouse and child support • Complaints on non-support • Former Spouse Protection Act • Involuntary allotments • Landlord - tenant issues • Tax relief and intercept programs • Landlord and tenant disputes • Debt collections • Fair credit practices and credit denial • Consumer disputes with merchants • Insurance (auto, house, life, health and property) • Correction of military records • Civil suits and judgments • Small Claims court • Drivers licenses and vehicle regis tration • Domicile rules • Taxes (state and federal) • Civilian misdemeanor charges • Wills, Living Wills and Durable Powers of Attorney The 628 ABW Legal Office can be reached at 963-5502, and is located at 102 E. Hill Blvd., Building 1600, Room 135. Call ahead to arrange an appointment and to inform the office of the nature of a legal issue.

ics. Volunteers will be present to help with unloading electronics and directing traffic.

The following are examples of electronics that can be recycled: • Adding machines • Cable boxes • Calculators • Camcorders • Clocks • Computers/laptops (including monitor, keyboard, etc) • Copy machines • DVD players • Fax machines • Microwaves • Printers • Scanners • Shredders • Radios/stereos (including cassette players and CD players) • Telephones (including cell phones and cordless phones) • TV’s • Remote controls • VCR’s • Video game consoles and accessories Anyone who cannot attend the Nov. 13

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event can recycle their electronics during regular business hours at one of the eight Charleston County Environmental Management centers open to the public: • Adams Run – 8326 Old Jacksonboro Rd. • Awendaw – 6380 Maxville Road • Bees Ferry (West Ashley) – 1344 Bees Ferry Road • Downtown Charleston – 13 Romney St. • Edisto Island – 2844 Highway 174 • Hollywood – 5305 Highway 165 • McClellanville – 1775 River Road • Wadmalaw Island – 1558 Liberia Road Hours of operation are as follows: • Bees Ferry Convenience Center - Open: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily; Sunday: 1–6 p.m.

• Charleston County Convenience Center, 13 Romney Street - Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Closed Saturday and Sunday • All Other Convenience Centers - Open: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily; Sunday and Wednesday: 1–6 p.m.

For more information on Electronic Recycling Day, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at 720-7111 or visit www.charlestoncounty.org.

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Lowcountry Military Retiree News

VA NEWS

November 2010

5

VA backs 19 million home loans Courtesy of the Department of Veterans Affairs WASHINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; With mortgage rates at historic lows, veterans and military members continue to use the Department of Veterans Affairs home loan program in record numbers to purchase a home or refinance their existing loans.

"Home ownership is one of the foundations of the American dream," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "VA (officials are) honored to administer a benefit that, for two-thirds of a century, has profoundly affected the lives of our veterans, our military servicemembers, and their families."

Since the VA Home Loan program began in 1944 as part of the Montgomery GI Bill, VA officials have helped veterans by guaranteeing more than 19 million home loans, valued at more than $1 trillion. During the past four years, the number of veterans VA officials have helped purchase a home has risen by 63 percent.

The VA's foreclosure rate for the last nine quarters and serious delinquency rate for the last six quarters have been the lowest in the housing industry, even when compared to

prime loans, according to a Mortgage Bankers Association's National Delinquency Survey.

In a time where other no-downpayment programs are virtually non-existent and mortgage credit can be difficult to obtain, veterans and servicemembers have an avenue to obtain financing and take advantage of historically low rates through the VA home loan program.

Most veterans, servicemembers, Reservists and National Guard members, as well as some surviving spouses, are eligible for the program, which provides an opportunity for borrowers to qualify for no-downpayment home loans as well as regular and interest-ratereduction refinance home loans.

VA-guaranteed home loans are made by banks and mortgage lenders, with VA ensuring payment of a portion of the loan if the borrower fails to repay the balance.

A unique aspect of the VA's program is a commitment to help borrowers keep their homes if they encounter financial difficulties. During the past decade, VA loan specialists

have helped more than 150,000 families hold onto their homes when threatened by foreclosure.

Secretary Shinseki attributed the "professionalism and savvy" of VA employees and the "unshakeable sense of responsibility" among veterans and military personnel as key factors for maintaining a low foreclosure rate on VA-backed home loans.

VA's loan specialists can intervene on a veteran's behalf with the loan servicer to explore home-retention options, including repayment plans, loan modifications and forbearance. When home retention is not an option, VA can help arrange a compromise sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, both of which are less detrimental to borrowers than foreclosure.

More information about the VA Home Loan program is available online at www.homeloans.va.gov or by calling toll-free at 1-877-827-3702. (AFNS)

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

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November 2010

VETERANS NEWS

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

Online communications tools between VA and veterans about to increase WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching its first official blog, opening a new line of communication between the department and its stakeholders. The debut marks VA’s latest outreach effort aimed at improving the way VA and its clients engage online.

“As methods of communication change and evolve, we don’t just want to keep up at VA. We want to lead the way.

This tool will allow us to interact with Veterans, their families, and the public in ways we’ve never done before,” said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. “Instead of waiting for Veterans to find us, we’re going to seek them out where they already are—which is, increasingly, online.”

The blog, called VAntage Point, will be edited by VA’s Director of New Media Brandon Friedman. The blog will launch with two primary features: a main column of articles written each day by VA staff and a section comprised of guest pieces submitted by other stakeholders including employees and the public. Readers will be able to comment and participate on all articles.

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The main column will initially be authored by two VA employees. VA staff writer Alex Horton, a former infantryman who began his writing career by blogging from Iraq, will address Veterans issues, while Lauren Bailey, special assistant to the chief technology officer, will provide readers with the latest on VA’s information technology initiatives meant to modernize the department. Both writers will interact frequently with readers.

VAntage Point’s guest pieces will function as “letters to the editor.” Whether from a VA physician, a student going to school on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, or a representative from a Veterans Service Organization, all pieces will be considered for publication based on their rationale and reasoned points—not on how closely their views align with those of the department.

“Communication between VA, Veterans, and their families is no longer a one way street,” said Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Tammy Duckworth. “Not only will VAntage Point improve our

ability to get the right information to the right Veteran at the right time, but it will allow the department to hear directly from Veterans about their concerns.”

VAntage Point is just the latest expansion of the department’s outreach efforts to increase transparency, participation, and collaboration via social media. Since creating an Office of New Media in late 2009, VA has launched a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube. Each major component of VA (health, benefits, and national cemeteries) has its own Facebook page and Twitter feed, while the department has simultaneously begun to roll out these platforms to all 153 VA medical centers.

Currently, 55 medical centers maintain a presence on Facebook and 30 are operating Twitter feeds. The department currently has the largest Facebook subscriber base among cabinet-level agencies with over 70,000 subscribers.

To view the blog, please visit http://www.blogs.va.gov.

For more information, visit http://www.va.gov.

We Create More Tomorrows Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, in partnership with Charleston Hematology Oncology Associates, has created an all new outpatient cancer treatment center located on the St. Francis Hospital Campus.

Patients can now receive all of their cancer care from diagnostic scans to treatments in a place surrounded by natural beauty. They can browse our cancer resource library with a cup of coffee from the café. And they can get the comfort items they need at our Healing Boutique. All of this, in addition to the peace of mind that they are receiving world-class treatment from leading cancer experts.

The Roper St. Francis Cancer Center is a place to heal, hope and connect with others on the same journey. To learn more about this unique center, call 402-CARE. The Roper St. Francis Cancer Center includes: Roper Hospital – PET/CT Services Roper Hospital – Radiation Oncology The Healing Boutique Café

TRICARE NEWS

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

November 2010

7

Tricare official: Early flu shots key to prevention

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; With flu season already under way, a top Tricare military health plan official encourages the system's almost 9.7 million beneficiaries to get their flu shots as early as possible at a military medical facility or network provider, or -- in an increasingly popular option -- at any participating pharmacy.

Military hospitals and clinics and Tricare network providers are stocked with this year's flu vaccine, ready to administer them now, Navy Rear Adm. Christine S. Hunter, deputy director for the Tricare Management Activity, told American Forces Press Service.

It's available to every Tricare beneficiary over 6 months old, with no copayment or preauthorization required, even for people enrolled in programs that typically require one, she said.

"We want you to get the shot," Hunter emphasized, calling flu shots "an essential preventive service." Nine out of 10 healthy people who get the shot won't get the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Unlike last year, when people needed two vaccines -- a conventional flu shot and another developed specifically for the H1N1 virus -- one shot will suffice this year, Hunter noted. Its formulation covers two of the most common seasonal influenza strains, A H3N2 and B virus, as well as H1N1.

Although the flu typically doesn't hit some regions for another few months, research shows it's better to get the vaccine early, preferably by mid-October.

Last year, for example, when manufacturing shortages delayed flu shots for Tricare beneficiaries along with the general population, 486,000 Tricare beneficiaries who had-

n't been immunized developed flu symptoms before Nov. 1.

"We went back and looked at our data and realized that if we had been able to get everyone immunized in October rather than later in the year, we would have prevented almost 500,000 people from getting sick," Hunter said. Not all required a doctor's care and most didn't experience any serious complications, she said, but almost all could have avoided the flu if the vaccine had been available sooner.

"This year, there is no delay in the distribution of the shots," Hunter said. "You can get it now.

It's available in military hospitals and clinics and through Tricare now. So we would like to encourage people to get it now."

To make that as convenient as possible, Tricare has entered into agreements with about 50,000 retail pharmacies nationwide. Like military hospitals and clinics and Tricare network providers, they will administer the flu shot at no cost to Tricare beneficiaries.

Many of the retail pharmacies offer flu shots at night and on weekends, and most don't require appointments.

Tricare introduced the pharmacy option during last year's flu season, and Hunter said she hopes more people will take advantage of it this year as they learn about the program.

"People really value convenience in their health care," she said. "This is part of a campaign to bring preventive care as close to where people live and work as possible."

The Tricare website lists participating pharmacies, with a locator button identifying the closest one, based on the ben-

eficiary's ZIP code.

While encouraging people to get their flu shot wherever it's most convenient, Hunter emphasized that some Tricare beneficiaries should consult their medical provider first.

These include people with a serious chronic illness, young children who have never had a flu shot and other at-risk groups.

Retail pharmacies will administer flu shots to active-duty military members and can provide documentation for their official shot records.

However, Hunter recognized that some servicemembers may be required to get their shots along with the rest of the members of their units. That way, she explained, the information is recorded immediately in unit shot records, with no delay.

In addition to getting a flu shot, CDC officials offer additional tips for avoiding the flu and its spread: -- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

-- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You also can use an alcoholbased hand cleaner.

-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

-- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

-- Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever -- 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 degrees Celsius -- or signs of a fever without the use of a fever-reducing medicine such as acetaminophen.

-- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

TRICARE Standard is a great health care option FALLS CHURCH, Va. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Of the 9.6 million TRICARE beneficiaries worldwide, approximately 2.1 million use TRICARE Standard, the flexible and convenient health care plan. Standard offers the flexibility of seeing TRICARE-authorized network and non-network providers, and the convenience of not having to worry about enrolling or paying annual fees.

Beneficiaries choose Standard for many other reasons including: satisfaction with the treatment they currently receive from a specific civilian provider that may not be in the TRICARE provider network; they travel frequently, live far away from a military treatment facility, are away at school or they may have other health insurance. TRICARE Standard gives ben-

eficiaries the peace of mind that they have access to quality, low-cost health care wherever they live or travel.

Standard has always offered affordable cost shares and deductibles.

Standard beneficiaries who are active duty family members pay a 15 percent cost share to see a network provider and a 20 percent cost share to see a non-network provider, after satisfying a yearly deductible. epending on beneficiary category, annual deductibles range from $50 to $300 and TRICARE generally pays 75 percent to 85 percent of the costs for out-

patient services once the annual deductible is met. The maximum a Standard beneficiary may have to pay out of pocket each year for TRICARE-covered services is $1,000 for active duty families, and $3,000 for all other beneficiary categories.

A new benefit for Standard beneficiaries is the elimination of cost shares for many preventive health services such as screenings for colorectal, prostate, breast and cervical cancers, as well as certain

immunizations.

Often, providers will file claims for patients for TRICARE Standard beneficiaries. There may be times when beneficiaries may need to file their own claims, such as for care received while traveling overseas. Beneficiaries can find more information about filing claims and download claims forms on the TRICARE website at www.tricare.mil/claims.

For more information about TRICARE Standard, visit www.tricare.mil/standard.

Beneficiaries can also sign-up for TRICARE e-mail updates at www.tricare.mil/subscriptions, and stay connected with TRICARE on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/tricare and www.twitter.com/tricare.

8

LOCAL FEATURE

November 2010

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

Combat photographer captures the strength of America’s veterans When America pauses on ically evacuated from Iraq in Time Magazine, New York Veterans Day to salute those May 2007. She continues seeing Times, CNN, BBC, LA Times, who have worn the uniform a neurologist and PTSD specialUSA Today, Soldier of in our country’s defense, ist today.

Fortune, Sports Illustrated, many images will come to Stacy is grateful for the treatBahrain Times, and the Oscarmind. ment she received from the VA. nominated PBS program Here is the story of a “The OIF staff has been so help“Operation Home Coming,” Purple Heart Veteran who is ful. They walked me through the and GQ Magazine’s “This is an expert with images. She long process of Compensation Our War.” has used her skill with the and Benefits, and enrollment.

She was interviewed by camera to create dramatic, The doctors who helped me have Oprah Winfrey and also feahonest, up-close images of been very thoughtful.” tured in national magazines, Stacy Pearsall, Purple Heart OIF Veteran, has capthose strong men and women Pink, Popular Photography and tured authentic images of military service in the Photo of an American Newsweek, where she shared Time in VA Medical Center who have served America as hundreds of photos she has taken of America’s Veteran by Stacy Pearsall, her experiences as a combat was Inspiration for Photos soldiers in all eras…from Veterans.

Purple Heart OIF Veteran, World War II to those coming It was during her treatment at photojournalist. whose photos line the walls home today from Iraq and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Talking about her interest in of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Afghanistan.

Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, that she the camera, she notes, Medical Center.

While serving as a combat photographer in Iraq, Air got the inspiration to take photos of the many Veterans “Photography and I didn't click Force Veteran Stacy Pearsall was wounded in convoy she met during her long recovery. straight away. I started doing it ambushes on two separate deployments. Both times she was “Their heroic stories of selflessness and sacrifice inspired for the military at 17. However, it took about four years for struck by IEDs. Her actions following the ambushes saved me to start taking their portraits and telling their stories. me to hit my stride.” many of the members of her unit. She received a Purple Men and women, young and old, World War II, Vietnam, Today, a professional photographer, Stacy and her husHeart for serious neck injuries.

Iraq…it didn’t matter. They were all my fellow Veterans band, Andy, a 22-year Air Force Veteran, live in Charleston, Stacy is one of only two women to win the National and we all have a story.”

SC. Press Photographers Association’s Military Photographer of Their stories are told daily in the hallways of the When not taking pictures, she enjoys riding her horse, Sir the Year competition, and the only woman to have won it Charleston VA Medical Center where 80 of her portraits of Prize. And while a good cook, she concedes “best cook” in twice. During her three tours in Iraq, she earned the Bronze South Carolina low country Veterans cover the walls. The the clan to her grandmother, Ann Pearsall. Stacy likes to Star Medal and Commendation with Valor for heroic pictures are of patients, VA employees, the homeless, travel, loves Europe, especially Germany, Italy and actions under fire. amputees, and numerous other Veterans who look into her England, but, “I love any place rich in history.”

After returning to the States, she suffered symptoms of lens with experience, awareness, and pride.

When asked about her military service, this very accomTraumatic Brain Injury, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and The photos range from 8x10s to posters and together are plished Veteran says, “It was the best time of my life. I went through physical therapy for 14 months. Her care at called the “Hall of Heroes.” made a great career and met the love of my life. What better VA medical facilities has not stopped since she was medHer work has been published in various media, including things could happen?”

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NATIONAL FEATURE

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

November 2010

9

Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Reflections: Going to War in 1944

By Ian Graham Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity John J. Kushwara didn't have to risk his life.

Unlike many of his fellow recruits at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in 1944, the 24-year-old Kushwara had volunteered to don the uniform and go to war. It was a choice, technically, but he didn't consider it much of one. Though he had a perfectly good job at the time, he said, he knew his country needed him.

"I felt it was my duty to go," he said. "I told my foreman if he didn't let me go, I was going to quit. So he let me go."

But fortune smiled on Kushwara after he enlisted. He had to take some leave during training to tend to his wife, who was sick at the time. The night before he returned to Camp Lejeune, his unit was sent to war, ultimately to Iwo Jima. Two friends he had planned to meet up with after the war didn't make it back from the Pacific front.

At Lejeune, Kushwara became a bit of an oddity.

Leadership didn't know what to do with him, he said, so he ended up repeating infantry training 11 times. By the end, he joked, he was untouchable, because he knew the training course so well.

"I went through so many times, I knew where all the booby traps were," he said.

His extensive infantry training came in handy when he finally was assigned to a new unit and sent to the Pacific.

Thirty-one days on a boat took him to Okinawa, where he fought enemy soldiers and vicious weather.

"I went through a tidal wave and a typhoon in Okinawa. ... I was only 24. I never thought I'd make it home," Kushwara said. "We lived in a tomb for a while [to escape the weather], and had a truck parked outside.

When the storm was over, the truck was gone. The waves took ships out of the water and put them on land."

At one point on the island, Kushwara recalled, he had a moment of profound irony. Early into his time on Okinawa, he lost his dog tag.

"Later on, I was in the chow line, and I found a tag on the ground," Kushwara said. "I was scratching the surface of it, and I [turned] to the fellow in front of me and said 'Here's a poor bastard [who] got killed,' and it was my own dog tag."

A few years ago, in his hometown of Wallingford, Conn., Kushwara was honored at the celebration of the Marine Corps birthday. He took part in the cake-cutting and was central to a ceremony with a young Marine, a moment he said he found very touching.

"I'm proud that I was a Marine. I'm proud that I stood for my country," he said. "I could have stayed home, but I felt it was my duty to go. I'm very proud. Very, very, proud."

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During a July 1, 2010, interview, John Kushwara discusses his World War II service in the Marine Corps. Kushwara served from 1944 to 1946, and was deployed to Okinawa. ("Veterans' Reflections" is a collection of stories of men and women who served their country in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the present-day conflicts. They will be posted throughout November in honor of Veterans Day. Visit www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/1010_reflections in order to see more.)

10

November 2010

US Submarines Veterans to meet The United States Submarine Veterans Inc. Charleston Base will meet on 11 November 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

Veterans Day Observance at Post 166 American Legion Post 166, Goose Creek will be conducting its Annual Veterans Day Observance at Carolina Memorial Gardens, 7113 Rivers Ave, North Charleston on Thursday, November 11th 2010. The ceremony will be held at the “GARDEN OF VALOR” commencing promptly at 11AM. (In case of inclement weather, observance will be held in the chapel) Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to join us all in honoring our Veterans. The program will last 45 minutes to 1 hour followed by refreshments at American Legion Post 166 located at 116 Howe Hall Road, right off Redbank Road, Goose Creek.

If you would like more information about this VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE, please call the Post at 553-5454 or visit our web site at americanlegionpost166sc.com

Oyster Roast planned at Post 166 The Francis Marion “Swamp Fox” Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division are hosting an Oyster Roast on Saturday November 13th from 1-6PM. At American Legion Post 166, 116 Howe Hall Rd, Goose Creek. Large select singles oysters will be offered at just $12.00 a bucket (30 to 34 count); also available will be hot dogs for a $1.00 and hamburgers can be enjoyed for a $1.50 along with cake by the slice. Cold beverages will be on sale along with other entertainment.

All benefits from the oyster roast go toward the Francis Marion “Swamp Fox” Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Assn. and their Veterans support programs. So please circle your calendar and come join us for this afternoon of family fun.

For information or directions please call the Post at 553-5454

Answers to Puzzle on Page 15

BRIEFS & EVENTS 'Stop Loss' Special Pay Application Deadline Approaches Defense Department officials are working to remind veterans and current servicemembers who were involuntarily retained in the military under the so-called "Stop Loss" program to apply for special pay before the Dec. 3 deadline.

Military members whose service was involuntarily extended or whose retirement was suspended between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept.

30, 2009, are entitled to a retroactive payment of $500 for each month of extension.

By law, servicemembers who received a bonus for voluntarily reenlisting or extending their service are not eligible for the special pay, officials said, but they added that they strongly urge people who even think they may be eligible to submit an application before the deadline.

Information on the special pay and links to the application are available at http://www.defense.gov/stoploss.

About 65,000 of 145,000 eligible claims have been paid, and $243 million has been disbursed of the $534 million appropriated, officials said.

President Barack Obama released a video message Sept. 15 urging eligible servicemembers and veterans to apply.

"You served with honor. You did your duty. And when your country called on you again, you did your duty again," he said in the message. "Now, it's time to collect the special pay that you deserve."

The services are promoting the retroactive pay through national and regional media, direct mail, veteran and service organizations, websites and phone lines. Information about the special pay also has been included on civilian and retiree pay stubs.

Lowcountry Military Retiree News gift baskets.

The event will feature samples of five different types of caviar including imported Ossetra as well as several American caviars such as white sturgeon, paddlefish, and salmon roe. The caviar will be served with two featured sparkling wines.

Caviar is the processed, salted roe of certain species of fish, most notably the sturgeon and the salmon. It is commercially marketed worldwide as a delicacy and is eaten as a garnish or hors d’oeuvre.

Given its high price in the West, caviar has long been associated with wealth and luxury. But since the ban on caviar from the Caspian Sea in 2006, caviar lovers have found increasingly higher quality alternatives here in the U.S. and beyond.

Friends of MUSC Children’s Hospital is a community based guild dedicated to raising funds. Proceeds from this event will benefit the guild’s mission to donate $50,000 to Child Life Services for the Children’s Hospital.

The event will be limited in attendance and tickets are required.

The price for the event is $45 per person or $80 for two people.

Purchase tickets online at: etix.com. Venue: Caviar & Bananas.

Caviar & Bananas is located in Historic Charleston at 51 George Street. Parking is available in the adjacent St. Phillip Street Garage.

Free Nov. 16 Web Conference Provides Families with Answers about Home Care for Alzheimer’s Sufferers According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 11 million Americans are providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia without assistance. The non-profit National Private Duty Association (NPDA) has announced that it will host a family caregiver education web conference entitled Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s at Home on Nov. 16, 2010, at 8 p.m. EST. The free live and interactive web conference will provide families with advice on steps to help them provide the necessary care.

“November is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month,” said Sheila McMackin, president of NPDA. “NPDA is hosting this valuable event to raise awareness of family caregiver issues during this important month. Our goal is to provide education to families dealing with the special needs of Alzheimer’s patients.

Keeping someone with Alzheimer’s at home can be challenging, but very positive. Our experts will provide insight and education to support caregivers facing this situation.”

The web conference topics will address issues relating to patient assessment, care plans, caregiver education, safety, and other care issues related specifically to Alzheimer's patients and the disease itself.

Pre-registration for the event is required. Sign up today by visiting the registration link at www.privatedutyhomecare.org.

The NPDA is the first and only association in the country dedicated exclusively to private pay home care providers. The NPDA, a non-profit organization, currently represents more than 1,100 home care agencies in forty-four states and Puerto Rico.

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Lowcountry Military Retiree News

HEALTH & WELLNESS

November 2010

11

VA tops $1B mark in recovery act distributions WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs has distributed more than $1 billion in funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, agency officials have announced. Recovery Act funding is being used to modernize and replace existing VA medical facilities, make improvements at national cemeteries and award grants to states for veterans homes.

"America's veterans are getting more modern, efficient and greener facilities that are better suited to provide them the comprehensive care and service they have earned," VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said.

"These upgrades are possible through Recovery Act funds that are not only revitalizing VA's extensive infrastructure, but also moving needed money into the economy," he said.

The funding is part of President Obama's economic recovery plan to improve services to America's veterans. VA committed its total Recovery Act funds of $1.8 billion by July.

To help veterans access their care, Recovery Act projects at VA medical facilities are adding or improving more than 26,000 parking spaces. VA is also upgrading nearly 14,000 inpatient bed spaces and 16 pharmacy renovation projects will help veterans get medicines quicker and more efficiently. More than 14,400 clinical improvement projects, some with multiple exam rooms, are being undertaken.

Physical improvements to VA medical facilities include investments in energy effi-

ciency projects; almost $400 million overall is targeted for energy projects and some $90 million for renewable energy studies and projects.

VA is installing solar photovoltaic systems at facilities in Albuquerque, N.M.; Tucson, Ariz.; Dublin, Ga.; Calverton, N.Y.; and San Joaquin and Riverside, Calif.

The department is erecting a wind turbine in Bourne, Mass., and constructing a geothermal system at its medical center in St. Cloud, Minn.

Additionally, VA is building renewably fueled cogeneration systems at five medical facilities: Togus, Maine; White River Junction, Vt.; Chillicothe, Ohio; Loma Linda, Calif.; and Canandaigua, N.Y. It is also installing metering systems at all VA-owned facilities to monitor energy utilities, including electricity, water, chilled water, steam and natural gas consumption.

VA is investing $197 million in energy and water infrastructure improvements. Its facilities across the country are upgrading properties and structures to reduce energy consumption and water usage and better manage related costs.

Throughout VA's system of 131 national cemeteries, 392 improvement projects are under way using $50 million in Recovery Act funding. VA is restoring and preserving 47 historic monuments and memorials, becoming more energy efficient by investing in renewable energy sources (solar and wind), implementing nine energy conservation projects, and improving access and visitor safety with 44 road, paving and grounds improvement projects.

Funds are also being used to raise, realign and clean approximately 200,000 headstones and markers, repair sunken graves, and renovate turf at 24 VA national cemeteries.

VA Recovery Act grants totaling $150 million are also assisting states to construct, improve, or acquire nursing home, domiciliary or adult day health care facilities.

(Courtesy of VA News)

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PERSONAL ISSUES

November 2010

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

Officials urge vigilance when sharing personal Information FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Identity theft has become a significant issue in recent years and cases involving fraud and similar crimes continue to be on the rise.

Social security numbers, birth dates and addresses are all examples of personally identifiable information (PII) that can be used to steal an identity to commit fraud, affecting finances and even health records.

Whether it’s on the phone or over the Internet, TRICARE beneficiaries should be vigilant when asked to disclose their personal information.

Email and social networks have made it easier for predators to obtain personal information but telephone “scams” are still commonly used methods of obtaining personal information.

The Department of Defense often contracts with marketing research companies to obtain feedback about beneficiary health care experiences. These telephone surveys are valuable in efforts to gauge satisfaction as well as identify areas for improvement. However, TRICARE beneficiaries are reminded these surveyors will not ask for social security numbers, birth dates, addresses or other PII. What to remember...?

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• Check credit card and bank statements for discrepancies frequently.

• Check health care explanation of benefits (EOBs) for discrepancies. Report suspected TRICARE fraud at www.tricare.mil/fraudAbuse.

• Don’t give out social security numbers when solicited by strangers.

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You can quit tobacco, the HAWC can help Courtesy of Joint Base Charleston Tobacco Cessation Program, HAWC As the Great American Smokeout approaches, Nov. 18, now is the time to start preparing to quit the tobacco habit for good and the Health and Wellness Center has everything in place to help you begin. Below is a series of steps you need to take now, to ensure you have all the necessary tools you need to successfully become tobacco free.

First: 1. Call the American Lung Association Quitline at 1-877-695-7848 to enroll in the Joint Base Charleston program.

2. Schedule an appointment with HAWC or go to HAWC during walk-in hours to complete the JBC mandatory questionnaire. Our walk-in hours are: Monday: 9 to 10 a.m.

Thursday: 2 to 3 p.m.

HAWC can be reached at: 963-4007.

3. After completing the questionnaire, allow four days from your HAWC patient appointment for our staff to activate medication prescriptions to be sent to the pharmacy if they have been prescribed. Call the pharmacy at 963-6808 to make sure your prescriptions are ready to be picked up.

4. Call the American Lung Line counselor weekly in order to stay compliant with the program.

5. Patients must call the Quitline counselor weekly in order to receive prescription refills.

There are numerous resources available to help you quit including monthly tobacco cessation classes at HAWC: Call HAWC at 963-4007 to enroll in the class.

Other sources of assistance include: 1. Military & Family Life Consultants: 609-8718 2. Military Health Coach: AFMCWellness.com 3. Behavior Health Counselor: 963-6846 4. DOD sponsored website: www.ucanquit2.org 5. Web-based American Lung Association program: http://www.ffsonline.org 6. HAWC tobacco coordinator

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

AT YOUR HOME

November 2010

13

Three keys to thwarting online thieves this holiday season Online shopping is about to reach epic proportions. The Internet will soon buzz with party invitations and holiday wishes sent from afar. Americans will go online to find ideas for their holiday shopping lists, directions to party sites, and deals on airfare, hotel rooms and rental cars for those who will travel between now and New Year's.

Identity thieves, spammers, hackers and other online evildoers will have a lot to be happy about - and plenty of opportunities - this holiday season. Protecting your PC - and all the personal information it either holds or transmits for you on a daily basis - is more important than ever during the holidays.

No one wants to give a holiday gift to online criminals. To avoid falling prey to online threats this holiday season, follow these simple steps: 1. Use security and anti-virus software.

Having Internet security software on your PC is a must. Without it, your computer is at risk from hackers, viruses, spyware and other programs, commonly called "malware" that are designed to steal your personal information or otherwise cause you problems. Many Internet security products, like AVG Internet Security, offer free versions that you can download online. If you like the product, you can pay to upgrade to a full version with additional protection features like anti-virus and anti-spyware, anti-Spam,

identity protection and a firewall. The cost of buying Internet security and antivirus software pales compared with what you stand to lose if you don't have it.

Be sure to look for anti-virus software that also helps with online threats that can attack through social networking sites.

With more people using social networking sites to stay in touch regarding holiday plans, and college students getting ready to head back to school after winter break, safe social networking is more important than ever. AVG offers Online Shield, which allows you to safely social network, chat, download and exchange files without risking virus infection. Log on to www.AVG to learn more.

2. Protect your privacy Before you type any personal, identifying information into a website's form, read the site's privacy policy first - no matter how long and dull it seems. You

may be surprised by what you find. If a site's privacy policy tells you the site will share your information with others, you may want to do business elsewhere.

Likewise, become informed on the privacy settings of your favorite social networking sites.

Some major sites are notorious for making changes, introducing upgrades or adding new services that affect your privacy. In essence, you may be required to reinforce your privacy settings every time the site makes a change, or risk discovering that information you thought was private is actually available for the whole Internet to see.

3. Be a savvy online shopper The American Bar Association recommends you always use a credit card for online purchases, rather than a debit card, money order, cashier's check, certified check, direct bank withdrawal or C.O.D

(cash on delivery). Federal law limits your liability to just $50 if an unauthorized charge shows up on your credit card statement. Some websites and card issuers will even pay that amount for you in the event your card number was used illegally.

Make sure the website is secure before you make a purchase. You should find an icon of an unbroken key or closed lock in the browser window. A broken key or open lock may mean the site is not secure. Also, check the web address on the page where you are supposed to enter payment info. It should begin with "https" instead of just "http."

Always read the site's refund or returns policy. No law requires a merchant to accept a return and issue a refund unless the item is defective or has been misrepresented by the merchant. Finally, keep good records of all online purchases.

Always print a receipt of the transaction and save e-mail receipts. If you ordered something based on an advertisement promising a specific deal or delivery time, keep copies of the ad.

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PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS #: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in SC. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

14

November 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

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.

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.

What happens after the flight? Honor Flight veterans are treated to a well-deserved heroes welcome when they return to the Charleston International Airport.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Medicare Call 800-633-4227 or visit www.medicare.gov.

Honor Flight Lowcountry PO Box 12308 Charleston, SC 29422

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.

(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 needto-know information for staying ahead of the weather.

This week's hurricane tip is: The Air Force currently utilizes the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System to help leaders take care of Airmen and their families affected by any natural disaster or crisis. Implemented in April 2009, AFPAAS aligns Air Force reporting with Department of Defense requirements for total force personnel accountability, including active-duty Airmen and their families,

Reserve, guardsmen, civilians and contractors overseas.

There are 19 areas of assistance members can request using AFPAAS including medical, financial, temporary housing and childcare.

Members also assign a level of assistance ranging from "no needs/not affected" to "immediate needs." Ensure you understand the reporting system by visiting the AFPAAS website for more information at https://afpaas.af.mil or by calling 800-435-9941.

In addition to AFPAAS, personal preparation is always your first line of defense. To help prepare, the 2010 South Carolina Hurricane Guide is available for download at www.scemd.org.

ENTERTAINMENT

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

November 2010

15

November Crossword CLuES ACROSS 1. Curved supporting structure 5. Cleaning agent 9. A stout sword 14. Many serums 15. Modern Tell Mardikh 16. Roman god of the underworld 17. Maple genus 18. Scottish kinship group 19. Superior of an abbey of monks 20. Baywatch star 23. Bookworm 24. Autonomic nervous system 25. Chief Ouray’s tribe 26. Famous hat brand 31. Tossed, cobb and tuna 35. Red + yellow 36. Freshwater duck genus 37. One who speaks Baltic 38. Removes furniture varnish 41. Filches 43. Shockingly evil or cruel 45. Mimic 46. Fixed in one’s purpose 47. A Sioux 51. Bedroom bureau 56. White person, Hawaiian slang 57. A disdainful grimace 58. A Spanish river 59. Regions 60. Sparks 61. Close by 62. Herons, archaic

63. Let it stand (Latin) 64. Torn ticket receipt CLuES DOWN 1. As fast as can be done, (abbr.)

2. Go over 3. _____ de la creme 4. Hurried 5. Lines that intersect a curve 6. Pumpkin-shaped 7. ____ Ladd, actor 8. They love to eat bamboo 9. Less thick or dense 10. Vestment 11. Swollen lymph node 12. British School 13. Decay 21. Give praise to 22. Prefix meaning “within” 27. Japanese sock 28. Clothing closing mechanism 29. Stare at 30. Fish entrapers 31. Fabric belt 32. Stake for new cards 33. = to 100 tetri 34. 7th Hindu month 39. Have ownership of 40. Hard fat bird cakes 41. Least dense 42. Wood hen 44. Leaf pores 45. Advance evidence for

Jokes of the Month

How to Handle Teens A wise old gentleman retired and purchased a modest home near a junior high school. He spent the first few weeks of his retirement in peace and contentment. Then a new school year began.

The very next afternoon three young boys, full of youthful, after-school enthusiasm, came down his street, beating merrily on every trash can they encountered. The crashing percussion continued day after day, until finally the wise old man decided it was time to take some action.

The next afternoon, he walked out to meet the young percussionists as they banged their way down the street.

Stopping them, he said, "You kids are a lot of fun. I like to see you express your exuberance like that. In fact, I used to do the same thing when I was your age. Will you do me a favor? I'll give you each a dollar if you'll promise to come around every day and do your thing."

The kids were elated and continued to do a bang-up job on the trash cans. After a few days, the old-timer greeted the

See the Answers on Page 10 48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

US Olympic athlete Jesse 10th Hebrew month Chilean pianist Claudio Int’l. relief organization One who cultivates with a tool

kids again, but this time he had a sad smile on his face.

"This recession's really putting a big dent in my income," he told them. "From now on, I'll only be able to pay you 50 cents to beat on the cans." The noisemakers were obviously displeased, but they did accept his offer and continued their afternoon ruckus. A few days later, the wily retiree approached them again as they drummed their way down the street.

"Look," he said, "I haven't received my Social Security check yet, so I'm not going to be able to give you more than 25 cents. Will that be okay?" "A lousy quarter?" the drum leader exclaimed. "If you think we're going to waste our time, beating these cans around for a quarter, you're nuts!

No way, mister. We quit!"

And the old man enjoyed peace.

Herman on the Highway As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang.

Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car

53. Ardour 54. Garrison 55. Fruit of the service tree 56. Expresses surprise

going the wrong way on I-26. Please be careful!"

"Heck," said Herman, "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!"

Hard of Hearing Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were taking a walk one fine March day.

One remarked to the other, "Windy, ain't it?"

"No," the second man replied, "It's Thursday."

And the third man chimed in, "Me too. Let's have a coke."

Hearing Aid An elderly gentleman who had had serious hearing problems for a number of years went to the doctor to be fitted for a hearing aid that would return his hearing to 100%.

The elderly gentleman went back for further tests a month later and the doctor said, "Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again."

To which the gentleman replied, "Oh, I haven't told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations.

I've changed my will three times!"

16

Lowcountry Military Retiree News

November 2010

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