Electronic Filing for Individual Taypayers.  File your 2008 income tax return electronically! Checkout how at IRS Free File your link to free online filing.  Free tax preparation and e-filing if your adjusted gross income is $56,000 or less in 2008.

2009 COLA for Retired Pay.  The 2009 military retired pay cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be 5.8%. This increase, which goes into effect on December 1, 2008, also applies to SBP annuities, Social Security checks, and VA disability and survivor benefits. Retirees will see the increase in their January, 2009 checks.  Each year military retirement pay is adjusted to meet the increased cost of living. This Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) varies from year to year based on the previous year's Consumer Price Index (CPI).  All retirees who retired before January 1, 2008 will receive the 5.8 percent Cost-of-Living-Adjustment.

 

New Law Allows Veterans' Salutes During Anthem.  Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month. The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem.  Last year's provision also applied to servicemembers while not in uniform.  Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear.  The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran.  It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed Oct. 14 2008.  The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform servicemembers during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.  (Courtesy of VA News)

 

More Documentation Necessary to Renew or Replace ID cards.  Homeland Security Directive 12 now requires retirees and family members seeking to renew or replace a military identification card to provide two types of ID.  Retirees and family members needing identification cards must have two of the following types of current identification -- one of which must include a photo:  Driver’s license or ID issued by a state or outlying U.S. commonwealth or possession;  ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities; School ID card with a photograph; Voter’s registration card; U.S. military ID card; U.S. passport;  Certificate of U.S. citizenship; Certificate of naturalization; For persons younger than 18, who are unable to present a document previously listed, they may bring: School record or report card; Clinic, doctor or hospital record; or Day-care or nursery school record.  The listing is not all inclusive.  A list of acceptable documents can be found at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-9.pdf, Page 4.

Before visiting a military ID card issuing facility, people may want to call first to determine what specific documents may be required, and to verify the process to renew or replace an ID card.  For contact information and the location of the nearest ID card issuing facility, visit http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home.  On this Web site, people can search by city, state or ZIP code.

 

USAA Expands its Membership Eligibility.  Now all military retirees, servicemembers honorably discharged after 1995 and their families can join USAA for insurance, investments and banking products as well as financial planning and advice. Citing steady growth in financial strength and operational capacity, USAA announced that effective immediately, association membership is now expanded to include: military retirees, regardless of when they retired, military personnel who were honorably discharged on or after Jan. 1, 1996, widows or widowers of military personnel killed in action, spouses and children of the above once they become a member.  Learn more at http://www.usaa.com/

 

VA Announces On-Line Claims Applications. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces that on-line applications are now accepted from veterans, survivors and other claimants filing initial applications for disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits without the additional requirement to submit a signed paper copy of the application.  Effective immediately, VA will now process applications received through its on-line application website (VONAPP) without the claimant's signature.  The electronic application will be sufficient authentication of the claimant’s application for benefits.  Normal development procedures and rules of evidence will still apply to all VONAPP applications.  For more information about VA benefits, go to VA’s website at http://www.va.gov/ or call our toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000.

 

DeCA offers online dietician service.  The Defense Commissary Agency has its own dietitian who is available to help the retiree community lose weight, get in shape and maintain good health.  Maj. Karen Fauber offers a weekly online column, “The Dietitian's Voice,” and a discussion forum, “Ask the DeCA Dietitian” on the agency’s Web site at www.commissaries.com/.  Just click on the “Healthy Living” tab in the top navigation bar to find the link to the DeCA Dietitian page.  Visitors to the site will find suggestions for eating healthy, such as a variety of nutrition tips and meal choices.  People can also submit questions to Major Fauber, and participate in an online forum to discuss healthy eating and shopping ideas. 

 

VA Announces SGLI and VGLI Premium Reductions.  Veterans and military personnel with life insurance policies managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will see a reduction in their premiums, thanks to improved investment earnings and a reduction in non-combat claims. The premium cuts affect military personnel covered by Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and veterans covered by the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI). VGLI provides renewable term policies for people after their discharges from the military.  Veterans pay premiums according to their age for this coverage. On July 1, 2008, VGLI premium rates will be reduced for veterans aged 30 to 64, who make up 85 percent of those insured under the program.  Premium rates for those under age 30 are already competitive.  The reductions will ensure that VGLI remains highly competitive with similar insurance offered by commercial insurers. To obtain more information about the SGLI and VGLI premium reductions or to view a table with the new VGLI rates, visit the VA insurance Web site at http://www.insurance.va.gov/, or call the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance at 1-800-419-1473.

 

DOD Phasing Out Full Social Security Numbers on IDs.  As a means of combating identity theft, the Defense Department will issue identification cards without full Social Security numbers printed onto them. The Defense Department cares about protecting personal information as well as increasing database security, said Mary Dixon, director of the Defense Manpower Data Center based in Arlington, Va.  Identity theft is a very real problem today, Ms. Dixon explained.  Criminals who pilfer SSN-bearing identity cards can virtually assume someone's identity through a few computer keystrokes and clicks of a mouse, she said.  Plans are to remove the Social Security numbers from identification cards issued to military family members by the end of this year, noting that those cards will still would display the sponsors' SSN, for now. Between 2009 and 2010, all department-issued identification cards will feature only the last four digits of a holder's Social Security number. New identification cards will be issued as they reach their expiration dates, Ms. Dixon said. (American Forces Press Service)

 

Fisher House Coming to VA in St. Louis.  Safe, comfortable and affordable housing for families of veterans being treated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in St. Louis is moving closer to reality as VA refines its plans for a new Fisher House.  The new Fisher House will be built on the grounds of the Jefferson Barracks Division of the St. Louis VA Medical Center.  “This new Fisher House gives veterans and military families a home-like environment, allowing them to be near their loved ones during their recoveries,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.  “This wonderful new facility will allow patients to focus on their treatment and permit them to receive the full benefit of VA’s world-class care.”  The Fisher House is 100 percent handicapped accessible and will have 21 bedrooms or suites and several common use areas.  Fisher Houses are built through public donations and contributions from the Fisher House Foundation.  VA assumes responsibility for operating costs of the finished homes. 

 

"Remember Me" by Lizzie Palmer.  Is the hottest thing on the internet and on Fox News. Lizzie Palmer who put this YouTube program together is 15 years old. In case you missed it, here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

 

VA seeks volunteers to play 'Taps' at national cemeteries.  Hundreds of volunteer buglers and trumpeters are being sought to participate in Armed Forces Day observances held at veterans' cemeteries nationwide and overseas.  The event, called "Echo Taps Worldwide," takes place May 19 and is co-sponsored by the VA's National Cemetery Administration and "Bugles Across America."  "Echo Taps" will take place at VA-operated national cemeteries, U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service national cemeteries, and American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries located overseas.  Hopefully, 'Echo Taps' will go even further and help to identify people who know how to play 'Taps' or are willing to learn how to play 'Taps' and motivate them to want to provide the service when they're available at veterans' funerals in the future.  Volunteer buglers and trumpeters must register through the VA's Web site, which is attached to the "Echo Taps" site at http://www.echotaps.org/.

 

Find a Lower Price and AAFES will Match It. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service's (AAFES) "We'll Match It!" initiative has been updated to allow authorized shoppers to compare prices between the exchange and "warehouse clubs." "We'll Match It!" works in two ways: (1) shoppers who see a price differential of less than $10 can tell the cashier who will match it on the spot; (2) customers who report a price difference of greater than $10 need only to bring a current local competitor's ad to receive the reduced price. The merchandise being compared must be identical. The "We'll Match It!" policy applies to all AAFES retail stores including main stores, Shoppettes, Class Six, Car Care and troop stores. Complete details concerning the price matching program are available online at http://www.aafes.com/.

 

Thinking of traveling SpaceA?  First thing you need to do is find out all the current rules and regulations governing the Space Available Program; then "Ask the Experts" what the best routes to take to your destinations and other travel information.  The Scott AFB Passenger Terminal (DSN 576-3017/2014/ Commercial (618) 256-3017/2014) is the point of contact for any Space Available travel out of Scott AFB.  To sign up for Space A at Scott, fill out the form AMC 140 (readable using the free IMT Reader) and fax (DSN 576-1946/Commercial (618) 256-1946), e-mail, or drop the information off in person to the Scott AFB Passenger Terminal. 

 

AAFES's Patriot Family Connection.  Patriot Family connection provides family members, friends of deployed servicemembers and AAFES associates a chance to record their greetings, words of support and thanks free of charge.  Messages can be recorded 24 hours a day, are forwarded to American Forces Radio and broadcast to U.S. servicemen and women, DoD civilians, and their families serving outside the continental United States.  Anyone can record a message by calling 1-800-713-1302.  Additional information concerning this effort is available at http://www.aafes.com/Patriot_Family/home.asp.

 

New Requirements for Travelers.  ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.  All active duty members of the armed forces traveling with military identification are exempt from the requirement to present a valid passport when entering the United States. Military family members, Department of Defense civilians, and DOD contractors of the U.S. military must present a valid passport. No exceptions will be made even if entering through the United States through a U.S. military base.  The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.  U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport.  U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.  As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. 

 

Air Force, Navy Introduce Online Reservations.  Air Force Inns will begin allowing duty and space available travelers to book direct online lodging reservations beginning Dec. 4 at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Mont. Individuals and families on orders or who need space available rooms to Malmstrom AFB may access Air Force Inns and Navy Gateway Inns and Suites website. For the Navy, online reservations will be available at their five San Diego lodging operations..  .

 

TRICARE Announces Updated Reimbursement Rates.  An updated list of the TRICARE reimbursement rates is now available to beneficiaries.  The changes for fiscal year 2007 include updated rates for inpatient mental health, residential treatment centers, partial hospitalization, hospice, and inpatient cost-shares for civilian hospitals.  “We take very seriously the President’s initiative toward transparency in health care costs,” said Army Major General Elder Granger, deputy director, TRICARE Management Activity.  “This is just one way we make the cost of medical services available to our beneficiaries.”  TRICARE reimbursement rates are aligned with Medicare rates as set by Congress.  However, TRICARE does have some dispensations that may not be available to Medicare to ensure that beneficiaries continue to have health care available.  “It is important for our service members and their families to know that we will take care of them,” Granger said.   Medicare premiums also change annually and now the Medicare Part B premium is linked to income.  In 2007, individual incomes will trigger premium increases at $80,000, $100,000, $150,000 and $200,000.  For married couples the premium rises when the income is double those amounts.  However, this change will have no effect on TRICARE costs or benefits for those who are also Medicare beneficiaries.  Beneficiaries may view the updated reimbursement rates on the TRICARE web site at www.tricare.osd.mil/tricarecost.cfm. 

 

Veterans History Project. A selection of thirteen fully digitized collections materials submitted by war veterans debuted on the Veterans History Project website last week. Veterans from World War I through the current conflict, and the civilians who supported them, are coming forward to record their personal stories and contribute personal documents for a growing archives in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Those interested in becoming involved in the Veterans History Project are encouraged to obtain a project kit from the Veterans History Project Website or by calling the toll-free message line at (888) 371-5848.

 

Disabled Military Veterans to Get Memorial.  The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial will be the first memorial to honor the sacrifices of America's 3 million disabled military veterans. The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation has raised half the money needed to build the $65 million marble and glass memorial, which will be located on two acres of land adjacent to the National Mall within view of the U.S. Capitol. Groundbreaking is set for 2008, with completion planned in 2010. For more information, visit the American Veterans Disabled for Life Website.

 

Web site offers Pearl Harbor accounts.  A private group supporting the USS Arizona Memorial posted Saunders' 4 1/2-minute video clip, as well as the oral testaments, photos, and letters of other survivors, on a new web site, The Pearl Harbor Survivor's Project: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap/ap_on_hi_te/storytext/pearl_harbor_survivors/20215625/SIG=113b18hhe/*http://www.pearlharborstories.org created to preserve memories of the attack 65 years ago. Supporters of The Pearl Harbor Survivor's Project urgently feel the need to gather the stories because many who survived the attack are dying. Saunders passed away on May 25 at the age of 87.  There's an hourglass that's dropping sand everyday," said Daniel Martinez, chief historian at the USS Arizona Memorial Park. On the Web site, survivors tell their stories — how they joined the military and how they got to be at Pearl Harbor, or other Hawaii military installations, on the day of the Japanese assault.  The site asks survivors who haven't recorded their stories to register and do so, via the Web or over the phone if they prefer.  Martinez said he hopes civilians who lived through the attack — and their families — will submit their memories as well, because their perspectives are important to the full story of what happened.   

 

TRICARE Approves Cancer Screening Procedures.  TRICARE recently decided to reimburse the colonoscopy procedure as an option for colorectal cancer screening for beneficiaries age 50 and older who are at normal risk. This new change currently remains in the implementation phase. As the new benefit becomes available in the next few months, reimbursements will be retroactive to March 15, 2006. Until such time as TRICARE is able to make payments for claims under this new provision, servicemembers, retirees and their families are encouraged to pay their bills and save the receipts. Beneficiaries will be notified when to submit claims for any TRICARE reimbursements as implementation occurs and claims filing procedures are announced.

 

New handbook updates veterans' benefits.   A new edition of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) handbook, Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents includes resources to help veterans access their benefits, with a listing of toll-free phone numbers, Internet addresses and a directory of VA facilities throughout the country.  The handbook can be downloaded free from VA's Web site at http://www.va.gov/opa/feature/.  Most of the nation's 25 million veterans qualify for some VA benefits, which range from health care to burial in a national cemetery.  In addition to describing benefits provided by VA, the 2005 edition of the 120-page booklet provides an overview of programs and services for veterans provided by other federal agencies.  In addition to health-care and burial benefits, veterans may be eligible for programs providing home loan guaranties, educational assistance, training and vocational rehabilitation, income assistance pensions, life insurance and compensation for service-connected illnesses or disabilities.  In some cases, survivors of veterans may also be entitled to benefits.

Tricare Pharmacy Formulary Search Tool.  The Formulary Search Tool can be accessed through the Tricare Pharmacy Web site at www.tricareformularysearch.org.  The Formulary Search Tool can be used to: Check availability of specific medications through the Tricare Mail Order or Retail Pharmacy programs.  Discover which medications are on the Basic Core Formulary.  These medications must be made available at all full service military pharmacies.  Find copayment information for prescription medications, including injectable medications and a lot more.   For more information, visit the Tricare Pharmacy home page, www.tricare.osd.mil/pharmacy 

Commissaries Resume Accepting Internet Coupons.  Commissaries are again accepting computer-generated Internet coupons with a couple of requirements to guard against fraud, Defense Commissary Agency officials announced.  All 273 commissaries around the world began accepting computer-generated Internet coupons that meet the following criteria: they must have a bar code that store checkouts can scan and they cannot be for free product. Photocopied or facsimile-generated coupons remain unacceptable at all commissaries.  DeCA as well as other grocery retailers had stopped accepting home-printed coupons in September 2003 as an interim measure while the grocery industry grappled with losses incurred because of their fraudulent use. Analysts estimated the loss by coupon fraud to be millions of dollars to the grocery industry, which ultimately costs consumers in the form of raised prices to recoup losses.  In the near future, the agency's Web site, www.commissaries.com, will re-establish links to Internet grocery coupon sites for the convenience of commissary shoppers. (DeCA, Aug 04)