January Family News

This comes from the January newsletter and can be found at myarmylifetoo.com:


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

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE:
Expansion of the Defense and Veterans Affairs Disability Evaluation System Pilot
Travel Reimbursement Increases for Eligible Veterans
New Treatments for Warriors’ Psychological Care
New SFAC Helping Families of Wounded Warriors
High-Adrenaline Program Reduces Risk Behavior
UMUC Scholarship Fund Will Help Soldiers and Spouses
TroopTube Boosts Morale among Deployed Soldiers
TRICARE Increases Reimbursement Rates for Some Mental Health Benefits
TRICARE Reserve Select Premiums Decrease Significantly
AAFES Participates in Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Overseas Program
Wounded Warrior Resource Center
Long-term Risks Associated with TBI
Expanded Benefits of Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (TSGLI)
Operation Comfort Warriors: Meet the Challenge
2009 Pensions, Disability Compensation Rates
Missing VA Paperwork Protections
VA Plans Revised Process for Appointment Scheduling
Go Direct Deposit with the VA
Grace after Fire—A Resource for Women by Women
National Guard Child Care Subsidy Program
New OPM Hiring Rules for Military Spouses
Spouse Education Assistance Applications
NMFA Joann Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships
Scholarships for Survivors and Dependents
Say Thanks to the Troops with Xerox
AAFES and the Music Industry Partner Up for Servicemembers and Families
God Bless America Quilt Exhibit on Tour
DOL Updates Family and Medical Leave Regulations
Report Your Consumer Complaints to FTC and DoD Officials


Expansion of the Defense and Veterans Affairs Disability Evaluation System PilotThe Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) have announced an expansion of the Disability Evaluation System (DES) to 19 installations. The pilot is a test of a new process designed to eliminate confusing elements of the current disability processes of the departments. For a list of locations and to view the full news release, visit http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12339.

Travel Reimbursement Increases for Eligible VeteransEffective November 17, 2008, eligible veterans will see an increase in their mileage reimbursement, from 28.5 cents per mile to 41.5 cents per mile from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information, visit http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1617.

New Treatments for Warriors’ Psychological CareThe Department of Defense (DoD) is investigating new treatments as part of a focused, sustained campaign to assist wounded warriors suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Military health care is also exploring the use of new therapies for PTSD and TBI. Some $300 million has been invested for research and to help therapists better understand the effects traumatic injury has on the brain. To learn more, go to http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51818.

New SFAC Helping Families of Wounded WarriorsSoldier Family Assistance Centers (SFAC), located at 34 Army installations, are a one-stop shop where wounded warriors and their Families can find assistance and information to help with difficult times. This specialized care system combines all of the components—from Veterans Affairs to specialized medical information—to help Families get the help they need in one location. For more information and to find a location near you, visit https://www.myarmylifetoo.com/sfac.

High-Adrenaline Program Reduces Risk BehaviorThe Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command (FMWRC) has launched a new program, Warrior Adventure Quest (WAQ), that combines existing high adventure outdoor recreation activities with Battlemind training to help soldiers adjust to a calmer paced lifestyle. The program is used to alleviate high rates of risky and destructive behaviors attributed to some redeploying Soldiers. To learn more about WAQ, visit http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51348.

UMUC Scholarship Fund Will Help Soldiers and SpousesThe University of Maryland University College (UMUC) announced a new scholarship fund to assist active-duty, enlisted Servicemembers and their Families. The $200,000 fund will cover the cost of textbooks for enlisted, active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as tuition assistance to spouses. All awards will be need-based, renewable, and contingent upon the student’s academic standing. For more information, visit http://www.ed.umuc.edu/news/news081104.html.

TroopTube Boosts Morale among Deployed ServicemembersServicemembers overseas can now receive near-real-time video “shout-outs” from their stateside loved ones. TroopTube, modeled after the popular video-viewing site, YouTube, is a website managed by the Department of Defense’s Military OneSource information network. The website allows Family events and milestones to be viewed by the deployed Servicemembers, letting them feel closer to home. TroopTube can be accessed at http://www.MilitaryOneSource.com.

TRICARE Increases Reimbursement Rates for Some Mental Health BenefitsTRICARE has increased mental health reimbursement by five percent for 24 mental health services. The psychiatric procedures affected by this change range from Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 90804-90829. Other TRICARE payment rates for providers will continue to stay the same until February 2009. All rates for procedures can be found by location at http://www.tricare.mil/cmac.

TRICARE Reserve Select Premiums Decrease SignificantlyTRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) is a premium-based health plan for National Guard and Reserve personnel who are not eligible for or enrolled in Federal Employee Health Benefit plans. Effective January 1, 2009, TRICARE will reduce the monthly premium rates for TRS. Monthly premiums for individuals will drop 44% from $81 to $47.51, and premiums for Families will drop 29% from $253 to $180.17. To read more, visit http://www.tricare.mil/pressroom/news_print.aspx?fid=480.

AAFES Participates in Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Overseas ProgramThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved overseas Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) bakeries to produce three different breads in support of the WIC Overseas Program. AAFES bakeries in Germany, Korea and Japan are producing whole wheat and whole grain breads for military Families participating in the program. For more information, contact your local WIC Overseas office at http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/SpecialPrograms/WICOverseas/Offices.

Wounded Warrior Resource CenterThe Department of Defense announced establishment of the Wounded Warrior Resource Center through Military OneSource. Assistance provided by the resource center will not replace the specialized wounded warrior programs established by each of the military services, but offer an alternative resource for assistance. Specially trained consultants will ensure consistent, quality customer services. The resource center consultant will maintain communication with the caller until the issue or concern is resolved. Servicemembers and their Families can call 1-800-342-9647 or email their questions or concerns to wwrc@militaryonesource.com.

Long-term Risks Associated with TBIThe Institute of Medicine has released a report which concludes that approximately 22 percent of wounded troops from Iraq and Afghanistan have a brain injury. The report recommends that every soldier exposed to a blast, even a low-intensity one, be screened for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)—and that all Servicemembers receive pre- and post-deployment brain-function tests. The report also urges the Defense and Veterans Affairs Departments to maintain a registry of TBI patients. For more information, see http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28050479/.

Expanded Benefits of Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (TSGLI)TSGLI benefits have been expanded to include more injuries. Benefits now covered under the insurance program include 15-day hospital visits, treatment of malignant bone tumors, uniplegia (total paralysis of a limb), facial reconstruction, second- and third-degree burns, and new types of amputations and loss of sight for 120 days or more. The changes are retroactive to October 7, 2001. To learn more about the changes made to TSGLI, go to www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/ExpandedBenefits.htm.

Operation Comfort Warriors: Meet the ChallengeThe American Legion is requesting monetary donations to help them purchase nonessential items such as clothing, books, and other items that will help keep wounded Servicemembers comfortable during the recovery process. To make donations online, go to http://www.legion.org/ocw or mail checks to Operation Comfort Warriors, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
2009 Pensions, Disability Compensation RatesIf you are a military veteran with a service-related disability, you may qualify for over $3,100 in tax-free monthly benefits. To learn more, see http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/index.htm.

Missing VA Paperwork ProtectionsThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has set forth special procedures for processing claims from veterans, Family members and survivors. The special procedures cover documents submitted during the 18-month period between April 14, 2007 and October 14, 2008. Veterans and other applicants have until November 17, 2009 to file previously submitted documents under these special procedures. For more information, call 1-800-827-1000 or visit http://www.va.gov.

VA Plans Revised Process for Appointment Scheduling. A new report has found that Servicemembers missed approximately 4.9 million appointments with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in FY 2008. These appointments were not refilled with other patients. The VA could save $76 million a year if its scheduling system were more efficient. In a written response to the report, VA health officials vowed to develop a revised scheduling system that will include a waiting list for patients ready to fill openings left by others who have cancelled appointments. To learn more, visit www.va.gov/oig/52/reports/2009/VAOIG-08-00879-36.pdf.

Go Direct Deposit with the VA. The Go Direct program was introduced by the Department of Treasury and Federal Reserve Banks, as an alternative way for VA compensation and pension, Social Security and Social Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries to enroll in direct deposit. The Go Direct program is currently unavailable for the GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation or those receiving Compensation/Pension benefits through guardian or conservatorship. For more information and to enroll in the direct deposit program, visit http://www.godirect.gov/signup/welcome.cfm.

Grace after Fire—A Resource for Women by WomenGrace after Fire is a resource solely for women veterans to support their need to connect with each other and yet remain anonymous. Women can reach out to those who have similar experiences with concerns of re-entry into the civilian world, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other topics relating to women in service. Grace after Fire will be available in January 2009. For more information, call 1-877-490-5757 (toll free), or visit their website at http://www.graceafterfire.org.

National Guard Child Care Subsidy ProgramThe National Guard is working to assist spouses and Family members with the cost of child care during deployment. Guard and Reserve members who are in Title 10 status are eligible to receive a subsidy to use off-post child care. The subsidy program is coordinated through the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). The amount of the subsidy is based on total Family income, the number of children and type of child care needed. The minimum monthly pay out is $100 per child per month. A call center has also been set up to help Guardmembers with the process of receiving the subsidy. For more information on the program, visit the National Guard Family Program’s website at http://www.guardfamily.org or call 1-888-642-2799.

New OPM Hiring Rules for Military SpousesThe Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has drafted new rules to implement an executive order that applies to military spouses whose Servicemembers are incapacitated or killed, as well as those relocating on PCS orders. These changes allow managers in all federal agencies to hire qualified military spouses without utilizing the normal competitive hiring process. The change is retroactive for spouses who have relocated within one year before the regulation becomes effective. Spouses must qualify for the federal positions for which they apply. To read the rules for hiring military spouses under this executive order, go to http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-28747.pdf.

Spouse Education Assistance ApplicationsThe Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program (SSEAP) is a need-based assistance program designed to provide spouses of active duty and retired Soldiers with financial aid in pursuing educational goals. To apply for SSEAP, visit https://www.aerhq.org/AER_Spouse_Stateside/SpouseSSApplicationCheck.asp.

NMFA Joann Holbrook Patton Military Spouse ScholarshipSpouses of Soldiers, including active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retiree and survivors, are eligible for the 2009 National Military Family Association (NMFA) Joann Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship. Scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to military spouses to obtain professional certification or to attend post-secondary or graduate school. These scholarships may be used to assist with tuition, fees, and school room and board, and funds are paid directly to the accredited educational institution. Applications are due by 1 February 2009. For more information or to apply, visit http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Spouse_Scholarship

Scholarships for Survivors and Dependents. Folds of Honor, an education based foundation, offers scholarships to spouses and dependents of Servicemembers who have been killed or disabled as a result of their military service. For more information, or to apply for a scholarship, visit http://www.foldsofhonor.org.

Say Thanks to the Troops with XeroxXerox is hosting a “Thank You” to the troops. Visit http://www.LetsSayThanks.com to pick out a thank you card, and Xerox will print the card and send it to a Soldier serving in Iraq. Participants will not be able to choose the recipient, but all cards will go to a member of the Armed Forces.

AAFES and the Music Industry Partner Up for Servicemembers and FamiliesSince good music is an integral part to boost morale among Servicemembers, Grammy Award winners and nominees have teamed with the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to deliver “For the Troops II,” an assemblage of songs from artists such as Maroon 5, Keith Urban, Daughtry and Five For Fighting. The songs are available for free download at http://www.aafes.com.
God Bless America Quilt Exhibit on TourThe God Bless America Quilt Exhibit is on tour and travels to duty stations all around the U.S. and Iraq. The 125 quilt exhibit is a way to encourage and boost morale among Servicemembers. At the end of the three-year tour, some of the quilts will be donated to be displayed at military hospitals, schools and the U.S. Capitol. To learn more, visit http://www.heavenlypatchwork.com.

DOL Updates Family and Medical Leave Regulation. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a final rule to update its regulations under the 15 year old Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) that will help workers and their employers better understand their rights and responsibilities, and speed the implementation of a new law that expands FMLA coverage for military Family members. Final rule actions implementing the expansion of FMLA for military Families included Military Caregiver Leave and Leave for Qualifying Exigencies for National Guard and Reserves. For more detailed information, visit http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/esa/esa20081703.htm.

Report Your Consumer Complaints to FTC and DoD OfficialsThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Defense (DoD) officials want to hear from you! Military Sentinel allows service members, military civilian employees and their Families to report consumer protection complaints directly to the FTC and DoD officials via a secure online form. The FTC uses consumer complaints as a tool to determine companies or individuals to target for law enforcement actions. To file a complaint, go to: http://www.consumer.gov/military/.



The Family Programs Six-Month Calendar of Events
26-30 Jan 09
Army Family Action Plan Conference, Alexandria, VA
27 Jan 09
AFAP GOSC, Alexandria, VA
TBD Mar 09
Army Family Readiness Advisory Council (AFRAC), Alexandria, VA
8 May 09
Military Spouse Appreciation Day