As of 18 May, 2012, new information has been added below just for you, however, you better scroll all the way down to the bottom to not miss anything new added. VA to Offer Clergy Workshops(19 Apr) Members of the clergy in rural areas can sign up for free, one-day workshops offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to educate these community leaders about the concerns of veterans and how to contact local VA facilities to request information or assistance for Veterans. Workshops will run through June in rural parts of Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Seating for the workshops is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information about dates and locations, visit VA's Rural Clergy Training webpage or contact Jim Goalder at 1-800-872-9975. Tech Tactics – Truth Testing on the Internet(12 Apr) One of the oldest pieces of advice to avoid getting duped by false information is to resist believing everything you read. This might be especially true on the Internet, where anybody can play expert and the pressure to break genuine news often leaves little time for fact-checking, even by reputable sources. To help you determine the accuracy of information you come across on the Web, plenty of sites provide tools for fact-checking and getting background material. FactCheck.org, a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, was one of the first political fact-checking websites, founded in 2003. It describes itself as “a nonpartisan, nonprofit consumer advocate for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics.” PolitiFact, launched by the Tampa Bay Times, and Truth Needle (seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/truthneedle), launched by the Seattle Times, are two of the most visible newspaper-based fact-checking operations. Many newspapers are launching or joining fact-checking initiatives, which are typically open to the public, perhaps as a way to differentiate themselves from strictly Internet-based sources of news. Snopes.com, founded by a husband and wife team of researchers and writers, Barbara and David Mikkelson, is the best-known site for getting to the bottom of “urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation.” You can do a keyword search or browse through categories from autos to weddings. Infoplease, a descendent of the paper almanac Information Please and before that a radio quiz show of the same name that first aired in 1937, is owned by Pearson, which publishes the Financial Times and numerous books through the Penguin Group of book publishers. At Infoplease, you can search by keyword through the entire site or browse through various categories. There’s also a biographical dictionary, atlas, compact encyclopedia, and homework center for kids. Bio.com, Dictionary.com, and Acronym Finder are specialized sites that can help you delve deeply into the background of people or words. InteliHealth, affiliated with Harvard University, and MayoClinic.com are two excellent sites for checking health information. RxList and the National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus Drug Information provide information about pharmaceutical drugs and nutritional supplements. By Reid Goldsborough Money Web Sites That Make Cents(15 Apr) Just in case you don’t have Warren Buffet’s private number stored in your cellphone, here’s a list of some topnotch websites that will help you navigate the world of personal finance. Mint.com is a free financial tool that integrates all your financial information, categorizes it, and builds a preliminary budget for you based on your spending patterns. It’s an incredibly flexible website that allows you to personalize your data, set up alerts to let you know when you’re over-budget or a bill is due, and even gives you advice on ways to save money. ClarkHoward.com, the eponymous site of consumer advocate Clark Howard, lives up to its slogan of helping you “save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off.” If you can’t find the information you need, you can post your question on the site’s message board and watch the advice pour in. BankRate.com does so much more than what it originally was created to do — compare rates on products like mortgages and checking accounts. It has a slew of financial calculators to make calculating loan payments and determining whether you have enough life insurance an easy exercise. You can even read up on the most recent financial news while you’re there. Nolo.com sells do-it-yourself products ranging from estate planning to strategies for contesting a traffic ticket. An FAQs section will help you understand the basics regarding your legal topic. Credit.com can estimate your credit score range and suggest ways to improve it based on information you provide. Get your complete credit report for free and check it for errors every year at AnnualCreditReport.com. MissingMoney.com is a government-run database of unclaimed funds. You might be happily surprised to learn Aunt Tess gave you a savings bond on your first birthday and it’s matured. Check under all names you’ve used and every state you’ve lived in, as well as Delaware and Connecticut, where many financial companies are incorporated. If you’ve ever inherited anything, check under the deceased individuals’ names. Make it a habit to check this website at least twice a year. ShopLocal.com aggregates the inserts you receive in your newspaper each week for you by product so you don’t need to go through dozens of fliers to see who has the best price on the running shoes you want. A similar site, Pricegrabber.com, lets you sign up for notification of the best prices — eliminating the time-wasting task of comparison shopping. CNNMoney.com, Kiplingers.com, MSNMoney.com, and Morningstar.com offer a range of financial news and guidance or information on the stock market and other investments. If you need to beef up your financial literacy, try MyMoney.gov. Thousands of financial websites are available to explore. Just be wary of websites that require you to sign up first to get access or that are plastered with ads. Although many good websites charge membership fees, with a little digging, you probably can find one that meets your needs at no cost. Author: Vera Wilson Civilian Employment for Wounded Warriors(19 Apr) Wounded warriors may explore new opportunities to serve through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Civil Service Employment Program. The program helps all combat or hostile-related ill, injured and medically separated Airmen transition into Air Force federal civilian employment. Once the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) receives notification of a wounded warrior's desire to enter federal service, program managers contact local CPOs to try to match them with current or pending vacancies. Airman and family readiness center officials also provide general guidance on how to transition from the military to a civilian career. For more information about the Air Force Wounded Warrior Civil Service Employment Program, call 800-581-9437, or visit the Air Force Personnel Services (AFPERS) website. For general information on Air Force civilian careers, visit the Air Force Civilian Careers website at www.afciviliancareers.com". Featured Employer: AT&T Hiring Military(19 Apr) AT&T is hiring veterans and transitioning servicemembers. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employer/att/?ESRC=mr.nl) Visit the AT&T Veteran Talent Portal to apply for jobs, translate your military skills and network with other veterans. In the military, you contributed to a disciplined, motivated and successful team. You'll be right at home with AT&T. We continuously recognize the contributions of our armed forces. In every area of AT&T, you'll find retired military and active reservists who made the transition to civilian life. Featured Employer: Chevron Hiring Vets(19 Apr) Chevron is hiring veterans and transitioning servicemembers. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employer/chevron/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Chevron Veteran Talent Portal to apply for jobs, translate your military skills and network with other veterans. The Chevron team has the technology to take on big challenges, the integrity to do it responsibly and the drive to keep moving forward. Right now we?re hiring Facility Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, Drilling and Completion Engineers, Pipeline Operator / Maintenance, Production Operations and More. Air Force Museum offers virtual tour (10 Mar) The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Virtual Tour is now fully embedded with audio and video hotspots, and touch-screen devices, offering online visitors the opportunity to experience the entire museum. Located at Virtual Tour, the final two areas to be embedded -- the Cold War Gallery, with over 300 hotspots, and the Missile and Space Gallery, with close to 60 hotspots -- are now interactive with initial materials, allowing users to click on an artifact or exhibit and access factsheets, audio tour podcasts with printable transcripts, videos and interactive touch-screen displays. Online visitors can see an array of aircraft and exhibits in the Cold War Gallery, which features an SR-71A Blackbird, B-1B Lancer, F-117F Nighthawk, A-10A Thunderbolt II and the world's only permanent public display of a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Other exhibits include Office of Special Investigations, Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Warrior Airmen. The Apollo 15 Command Module and Mercury and Gemini capsules are located at the entrance to the Missile and Space Gallery. In the gallery are eight different rockets and missiles, ranging from the Minuteman to the Peacekeeper, and exhibits including astronaut food, re-entry vehicles, the Stargazer and Excelsior gondolas, and the 5-star general's insignia belonging to Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold, which flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2011. The virtual tour features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles on display at the museum amid more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. Thousands of personal artifacts, photographs and documents further highlight the people and events that comprise the Air Force storyline, from the beginnings of military flight to today's war on terrorism. Creating and embedding material in the virtual tour took more than a year. Consisting of nearly 75,000 files and more than 1,200 clickable hotspots, the tour will be an ongoing process to update and add new content. "We still have a lot of work to do on this project," said Bryan Carnes, who developed the tour along with a contractor. "Although we have the initial content available for our online visitors to view, we will be adding more video, audio, interactive and educational materials associated with specific aircraft and artifacts in the museum." "The museum is always expanding and changing," said retired Lt. Gen. John L. Hudson, the museum director. "With the addition of several important artifacts like the three recently declassified National Reconnaissance Office satellites, acquisition of NASA's Crew Compartment Trainer, renovation of the Southeast Asia War Gallery and plans to construct a fourth building, the virtual tour will continue to evolve as well." The museum offers online visitors various ways to experience the tour, whether it is downloading podcasts from iTunes or accessing the tour through handheld devices. An application is also in development for download on Android and iPhone devices and is anticipated to be available by the summer. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is located in Dayton, Ohio, and is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission and parking are free. For more information about the museum, visit USAF National Museum. State military panel back in business With another round of base closings looming on the horizon, a state panel charged with looking out for the state’s military communities appears ready to go to work. The South Carolina Military Base Task Force has been revived and is expected to hold its first meeting in more than a year around mid-February, said Jim Holly of the state Comptroller General’s office. “It’s ramping up right now,” Holly said. The state’s base boosters are on high alert because the Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, facing the possibility of having to trim up to $1 trillion from the Pentagon over the next 10 years, has suggested that the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, commonly referred to as BRAC, be revived. At a Jan. 26 Pentagon briefing, Panetta and Joint Chiefs Chairman Army Gen. Martin Dempsey revealed that next year’s budget request would include $47 billion in cuts, and offered a strategy that would trim $489 billion from the armed services budget over the next 10 years. But the total amount of defense budget cuts could double. When the fiscal year 2012 budget was adopted, Congress agreed on a provision that called on a super committee to find $1 trillion worth of cuts across the federal budget by Nov. 23. The committee failed and those cuts are to kick in automatically, with the Pentagon’s share totaling $500 billion on top of the $489 billion that the Obama administration has proposed. The state military task force, created in 2003, did not meet during the first year of Gov. Nikki Haley’s administration. It wasn’t until Dec. 22 that Haley issued an executive order to reconstitute the panel. The task force will compromise more than two dozen members representing the South Carolina’s military communities, as well as the Adjutant General, Department of Commerce, Governor’s office of Veterans Affairs and Legislature. The panel is coordinated through the Comptroller General’s office. During the last round of base closings in 2005, the task force brought together community leaders to share and coordinate information. After BRAC, the panel met regularly through 2010. Finding ways to support their local bases also is good business for community leaders. That’s because military installations in Beaufort, Charleston, Columbia and Sumter combine for an annual economic impact of $13 billion. While having the task force back in business is important, local base boosters said they’ve kept up their own efforts to support military installations. “We’re ready for the state to lead,” said Ike McLeese, of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. “But we’re not going to wait. We never quit.” What communities have learned from previous BRACs is that they need to stay in contact with both leaders of their local bases as well as plugging into what’s happening in Washington. It’s also important for the state’s political leaders to meet with commanders of military units and hear from them first-hand about what their bases need, said Mary Graham, of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. So far Haley has yet to meet with commanders at Charleston’s Navy and Air Force bases, Graham said. “She needs to hear their issues. It’s important for her to do so,” Graham said. Issues affecting bases can range from community support for the troops to development around an installation. For example, Graham said the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments has recently updated its land-use policy to ensure that the bases can carry out their mission. The Pentagon also may consider the relationship that the community has with the local base. How a community treats service members is important, McLeese said. Since 2008, Columbia city leaders have maintained a covenant with Fort Jackson. Part of the covenant offers special considerations to military families, especially when a loved one is deployed. City leaders also opened an Armed Forces Lounge at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The lounge later became a USO facility. New Labor Regs to Help Spouses A series of new labor department regulations announced by the White House and Labor Department this morning should go a long way towards giving spouses the time off they need to take care of their families during deployment or injured servicemembers up to five years after leaving active duty. Currently the rules let family of injured active duty servicemembers take off up to 26 weeks per year of unpaid leave and the families of active guard and reservists to take up to 12 weeks for other specific military activites. The new rules will expand the caretaker time to after the injured servicemember transitions to the VA and the other “special” leave to the families of regular active duty families. You can read all about the rules as they currently exist here and all of my details on the new regulations over at Military.com. I had the great pleasure of talking to spouse bloggers Kristle Helmuth and Cheryl Gansner for the story — make sure to check out their blogs here and here. One of the things I didn’t mention in the story was a very valid point spouse blogger Rebekah Sanderlin brought up. She is worried that the new rules could discourage companies from hiring active duty spouses because they know they may be forced to give them unpaid leave. While the labor rules only apply to companies with more than 50 employees, it still could have a dampening affect, she said. Important Dates for 2012 Here is an estimated timeline of when important actions will occur in the second session of the 112th Congress: Mid February: The President will submit his annual budget proposals to Congress. On or before this date we'll find out exactly what the Pentagon and Administration will propose in order to cut $450 billion in defense spending over the next decade. Pay freezes, manpower cuts, TRICARE fee increases, retirement changes, and more could be included in the proposal. Late March: Six weeks after the President delivers his budget to Congress, congressional committees are required to submit their "views and estimates" of spending and revenues within their respective jurisdictions to the House and Senate Budget Committees. April: House and Senate Budget Committees draft and mark up concurrent resolution on the budget, which sets spending limits for the year. April 15 is the deadline for completion of action on the budget resolution (though partisan and fiscal differences have precluded approval of a formal budget resolution in recent years, and that may prove true again in 2012.) May: The House and Senate Armed Services Committees will likely begin work on the FY2013 Defense Authorization Bill, including any changes that may be imposed by budget resolution spending limits. May-July: Full House and Senate pass their respective versions of the defense bill. July-October: House and Senate negotiators resolve differences between their respective versions. October-December: Final Defense Authorization Bill passed by House and Senate and becomes law. November 6: Presidential and Congressional elections. December 31: Deadline to pass an alternative debt reduction plan in order to avoid the sequestration process that will cut another $600 billion from defense spending over the next decade. Space-A Travel to be More “Predictable” SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Select passenger terminals across Air Mobility Command are establishing pages on Facebook to provide passengers more predictability when it comes to space-available and space-required passengers. The overall goal of the AMC Space-A Facebook program is to use social media to expand knowledge about Space-A travel, while providing a more predictable travel experience and making AMC the preferred travel choice for eligible personnel. "What we want to do is provide our travelers with enough information to plan their trip and enjoy their Space-A traveling experience," said Col. William Zeck, Air Mobility Command's air transportation chief. In order to help travelers plan accordingly, passenger terminals will post historical flight information on individual pages on Facebook. Customers can expect to see the number of flights, destinations, number of seats available, number of seats filled and lowest Space-A category reached posted to the passenger terminal's page. For example, the passenger terminal page of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, displayed the previous day's historical flight information as: "For Jan. 8, the Ramstein passenger terminal had two flights going to the United States with 71 seats available and 27 seats filled. Category six was the lowest category selected with the date and time sign-up of Dec. 22, 2011, at 1:05 p.m. The flights were destined for Jackson IAP, Miss., Dover, Del., and Joint Base Andrews, Md." Travelers will also be able to the see their local terminals tentative flight schedule 72 hours in advance. The same information available via the local terminal's answering machine will also be posted on the passenger terminal's page on Facebook. This information will be displayed as a screen shot of the terminal's display board, which will show date of departure, roll call/show time, number of seats available and destinations scheduled for the next 72 hours. "In order to address the operational security concerns, AMC held several meetings, including a major command Security Advisory Group, beginning in January 2011," said Master Sgt. Chris Alexander, the command manager for the passenger policy branch. "Personnel from the information protection, Office of Special Investigations, public affairs, communications and transportation offices got together and thoroughly evaluated the risks of posting any type of future or historical information on the Web. The threat risk for travel data was analyzed and approved for posting on Facebook." Not only will the new pages help travelers plan accordingly, it will also serve as a customer service tool, officials said. Anyone who posts a question on a terminal's page on Facebook can expect a passenger service agent will answer within 24 hours. "The AMC space-available and (space-required) program believes these pages will be a big win for both the travelers and the passenger service agents," said Capt. Mitchell Parker, the deputy chief for the passenger policy branch. "These sites will allow users to read previous posts, interact with other travelers and allow them to make more informed decisions regarding AMC travel." Interested travelers can find their local passenger terminal's page on Facebook by entering the base's name followed by "passenger terminal," for example: "Andrew's passenger terminal." Each page will have a picture of the installation's passenger terminal as their profile picture to help followers "like" the correct page. Airmen should remember that even with the launch of these new Facebook pages, all flights are subject to change without notice, officials said. Fact or Fiction: Congressional Benefits Approval ratings for Congress are at a historic low, and our members often ask us what sort of benefits legislators enjoy. The following information isn't presented to defend Congressional perks, but only to dispel some myths that perpetually float around the internet. If we're to have credibility defending military programs, we need to have our facts right. Fact or Fiction: 1) Members of Congress get full pensions for life after serving just one term. Mostly Fiction. The Congressional retirement system is very similar to that of federal civilians. It's true that a member of Congress can become eligible for retirement benefits after a minimum of 5 years of service if they're age 62 or older, but only for a partial pension. To qualify for a pension a member of Congress must meet one of the following service and age requirements: • 5 years of service and age 62 • 20 years of service and age 50 • 25 years of service at any age Like the military retirement system, Congressional retirement pay is calculated on a combination of their average high-three years of salary and a multiplier based on their length of service. It's also worth pointing out that members of Congress contribute to their own retirement and pay Social Security taxes. Once retired their Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) are sometimes held artificially below the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation. Since the Congressional retirement system was overhauled in 1984 (to be less generous) the average annual pension is roughly $40,000. 2) Members of Congress don’t pay for their healthcare. Fiction. Members of Congress and their staffs are eligible for the same health insurance as federal civilians, and they pay the same premiums. They can enroll in any insurance program offered under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). One of the most popular plans under FEHBP (the Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard plan) costs beneficiaries $430 a month for a family, and $185 a month for individual coverage. Starting in 2014, members of Congress and their staffs will be required to participate in the health care exchanges created under national health care reform. 3) Legislators receive free health care at military facilities such as Walter Reed. Fiction. Members of Congress can receive care at the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, but the cost of such care is billed to their federal insurance. 4) Congress votes themselves pay increases every year. Mostly Fiction. The law authorizes Congress a raise every year unless legislators vote to stop it. Congress voted to forgo a pay raise in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Congressional pay increases are capped lower than the military raise. While military raises are tied to the average American's (the Employment Cost Index), congressional raises are capped one-half percentage point below that. In 2012 members of Congress will collect a salary of $174,000 (Congressional leaders receive more). ARE YOU DEPLOYING? If you are deploying, check out the resources below to help you and your family. United Through Reading, a San Diego-based nonprofit organization, allows a military person to read a book to his or her child via a DVD recording while they are separated. The program allows the units or their United Service Organization partners, both at home and abroad, to host places to record. A selection of books from a lending library is usually available at the location, or Soldiers can bring a personal book to read. At USO-hosted locations, Soldiers are able to send the DVD, as well as the book, to their children. The recording process is easy. For more information on United Through Reading and to view a list of the program's sites throughout the world, visit the United Through Reading website. More info is also available at the USO's United Through Reading® Military Program. Help for Children During Deployments Letting children know that they can talk about their fears and worries when preparing for a deployment helps them prepare for stressful situations in the future. Children can learn from that open dialogue because it sets up a problem-solving model, says Dr. Kristy Hagar, a child psychologist. Children can pick up on their parent's emotions and stress, even when the parent is saying "everything is going to be fine," she said. For more information on helping children deal with deployments, contact your base Family Readiness Center, visit the Military OneSource, and the Sesame Street Talk, Listen, Connect webpage. HeartsApart.org HeartsApart.org was created to keep families connected while our military men and women are serving abroad. Through the efforts of our community's finest photographers, HeartsApart.org provides our soon to be deployed servicemen and women with pictures of their spouses and children. The photographs are printed on waterproof and durable bi-folded cards, which fit securely in their uniform pocket. HeartsApart.org believes that our military personnel deserve and need the memory of their families to carry them through the difficult times that lie ahead. Founded in North Carolina, home to Pope AFB, Seymour Johnson AFB, Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, MCAS Cherry Point and MCAS New River, we have begun our volunteer efforts in our own backyard but hope to organize and mobilize photographers across the country. The goal of HeartsApart.org is simple. As long as servicemen and women are in harm's way and separated from their families, we will be taking pictures. There is no end to the project - just a commitment to continue to serve our Armed Forces while they continue to serve us. Visit them on the web: HeartsApart.Org Help a Spouse: Care Package Ideas When a spouse is deployed, care packages are one of the most fun yet frustrating things to put together. We all want to send them, we all get excited about cramming them with reminders of home –but about two months into deployment the idea well starts to run dry and the whole thing becomes kind of a chore. What’s a person to do? I can’t help but think I could’ve been slightly more creative with care package contents during our last deployment. My poor husband received more sticks of deodorant than he could possibly have used. I figured, hey, it’s really hot there in the ‘Stan – surely one can never have enough deodorant. I was wrong. As it turned out, simply cramming each box with nice smelling America goodness just didn’t cut it after awhile. I needed ideas and I had none. Fortunately SpouseBUZZ is a never ending wealth of wonderful folks who love to share ideas about this kind of thing. So — what is your number one favorite, creative thing to include in a care package? What things have you included that seemed like a good idea to start with but were in the end not? Share! Updating Your Pay Agents Such a simple thing: notifying important organizations when something about our personal status changes. Lt. Col. Shane Ostrom, USAF-Ret., CFP, details the steps to make these changes. DoD to Employers: Hire Spouses or Go Away The Pentagon launched a program on June 29 that provides incentives for top-tier companies to add service member spouses to their payrolls. The DoD initiative -- dubbed the “Military Spouse Employment Partnership” (MSEP) -- includes 79 Fortune 500 plus companies and is intended to make hiring military spouses attractive to employers by offering them good public exposure while highlighting spouses as a potential workforce solution. “We’re really holding their feet to the fire with this,” said Robert Gordon, the Pentagon’s chief of military community and family policy. “We want documentation -- who they’re hiring, how many they’re hiring, in terms of what kind of jobs our spouses are getting. “This is documentation, not just a hand wave,” he added. Military spouses have an unemployment rate of 26 percent and a wage gap of 25 percent compared to their civilian counterparts, Gordon said during an interview with military bloggers. The partnership is attempting to fix both of those problems. Military spouses -- particularly those with higher education and those holding licenses for specific jobs -- often face difficulties finding quality employment. Frequent moves make building and maintaining an attractive resume difficult. And too often employers are hesitant to hire someone who is at risk of being transferred , officials admit. Additionally, the federal government does not provide tax incentives to employers for hiring military spouses or block them from discriminating against spouses based on their military affiliation. To become part of the MSEP program companies must fill out an application and undergo a vetting process from DoD and the Commerce Department, Gordon said. Available jobs are then posted to the MSEP website where spouses can register and submit their information. Spouse resumes are sent directly to the appropriate human resource department. The new program takes over where a similar Army-only push left off. That employment initiative required participating companies to meet Fortune 500 size rules and be located near Army posts. The new program removed both of those restrictions. A common spouse complaint about the Army’s spouse employment incentive program was that it focused heavily on entry-level positions or jobs for which spouses were not actually eligible -- not those requiring higher education or including flexible career options. That problem appears to have carried over to MSEP. For example, of the 37 MSEP jobs available yesterday within an hour’s drive of Fort Benning, Ga., 26 were entry level retail Linking Spouses With Employers The Department of Defense (DoD) has launched a new partnership that is intended to expand job opportunities for military spouses by connecting them with employers actively seeking to hire them. Microsoft, Home Depot, Starbucks and the Navy Federal Credit Union are just a few of the nearly 60 corporations and companies that have signed on with the DoD partnership. Some 100 job fairs are scheduled, starting in Los Angeles on July 10, with 200 companies ready to offer jobs to spouses. The Military One Source website will eventually be used in this program. People can call One Source consultants at 800-342-9647. Spouse Employment and the License Problem The Defense Department announced yesterday that 16 states have either adopted laws or are close to doing so that will ease professional licensing restrictions for out of state military spouses. Spouses who relocate as part of a military move often find that their state certified professional licenses for everything from cosmetology to teaching to nursing don’t meet the requirements of their new state. And getting a new license for the new state can be a lengthy, expensive process, significantly delaying their ability to even apply for jobs that are often hard to come by anyway. The effort to get states to change their licensing rules for military spouses is the job of the DoD’s State Liaison and Educational Opportunity office. Open in 2004, that office also pushes for other military exemptions, such as an effort to allow military children to transfer their out of state school course work. One hesitancy, this story points out, could be that the states don’t want to give military spouses a special in. But as the head of the education liaison office says, it’s about leveling the playing field – not giving preference. The office has lobbied states for two types of licensing changes. The first asks states to endorse another’s’ professional accreditation as legit. The second gives spouses a temporary license from the new state so that they can get a job while working on the new requirements. Of those 16 states that have been so kind as to make any change at all, only seven — Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, North Carolina, New York and Texas — are willing to endorse an out of state license. Seven more — Alaska, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee – have taken the temp license route. Utah flat out accepts out of state licenses (no endorsement process needed) and Virginia takes a whole new approach, allowing spouses to put a hold on any license they get in the state and just reuse it when they come back (no renewal needed). Read more on this and other important and interesting information at SpouseBUZZ.com SBP and Special Needs Trusts Many people think they can designate a special-needs trust to be the beneficiary of their Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) for dependent adult children, but Lt. Col. Shane Ostrom, USAF-Ret., CFP, explains why this isn't possible here. ICE Your Phone When victims are unable to communicate, emergency responders often check their cell phone directory, hoping to find the number for a family member or other important point of contact. This is where "In Case of Emergency" or "ICE" comes in. You can create a contact under the title ICE in your telephone, followed by the person's name and telephone number. If need be, you can create multiple ICE contacts, such as ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3, to add additional phone numbers. By creating your own ICE cell phone contact list, you can help emergency responders help you during an emergency. Information on the ICE program is available in an MS-PowerPoint presentation on the American Society of Safety Engineers website. Stay Safe While Traveling Overseas Do not become a victim of terrorists while traveling overseas. Here are some tips: (1) research travel destinations on the U.S. Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov ; (2) register the passport numbers of family members; (3) Write down the emergency numbers for medical, fire, and police departments at the travel destination plus the address of the nearest emergency room or hospital; (4) stay on the edges of large crowds of people, near an emergency exit; (5) avoid people who appear to be talking or praying to themselves, or in a trance; (6) avoid cars that are parked especially close to buildings; (7) avoid eating meals in hotel restaurants or visiting night clubs or bars. For more information on how to make traveling more safe, visit the Department of Defense Antiterrorism Awareness website at www.at-awareness.org. myPay Gets Easier to Use The online pay account management system operated by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service for all U.S. military personnel and many federal civilian employees, myPay target, launched enhancements Saturday, April 30. The customer suggested enhancements are designed to make the site easier and more convenient. The new upgrade will reduce the number of steps required to login to myPay and make the virtual keyboard, an unusual security feature designed to protect usernames and passwords, optional. Users should plan on accessing their Leave and Earning Statements prior to the upgrade period. Reminder: Designate a Pay Beneficiary The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) asks military retirees to designate an arrears of pay (AOP) beneficiary and update their designation as often as necessary. To designate or change an AOP beneficiary, retirees should: (1) complete a Designation of Beneficiary Information Form (DD Form 2894) available at the DFAS website, (2) sign and date the form, and (3) Mail the form to DFAS U.S. Military Retired Pay P.O. Box 7130 London, KY 40742-7130, or fax it to 800-469-6559. It is vital to notify DFAS of any changes in an AOP beneficiary's contact information. 3 Essential Documents You Should Have and Keep Up-to-Date Do You Have Them? Are They Up To Date? It's easy to know when to renew your driver's license or credit card; just look at the expiration date on the card. But what about your estate planning documents? Everyone, regardless of whether you are rich or poor, young or old, should have these three essential documents—and keep them current. 1. Will/Living trust. This document directs your trustee or personal representative on how to distribute your estate. Keep it in a fireproof emergency kit; give a copy to your personal representative. Review and update every 3-5 years or immediately after: * A move to a different state * A change in beneficiary * An ample change in estate size 2. Durable power of attorney. This document allows someone of your choice to carry out financial matters for you in the event of your illness or disability. Keep it in a fireproof emergency kit; give a copy to the person you appointed. Review and update if your relationship with this person changes of if this person predeceases you. 3. Health care proxy and living will. This document names an individual to make health care decisions if you become unable to do so. Give copies of the form to your health care providers and the person you chose in the proxy. Review and update if your relationship with this person changes or if this person predeceases you. Memorial and Burial Benefits As a servicemember or military family member you should be aware of your memorial benefits before you need them. The following information is presented to assist you in planning for, or dealing with, one of life's most unpleasant times. The Memorial and Burial Benefits section offers a comprehensive list of benefits offered to pay respect to those who have served. National Resource Directory Goes Mobile A mobile version of the National Resource Directory website, which connects wounded warriors, service members, veterans and families with those who support them, now is available for mobile phones. With more than 3,000 new users each day searching for information on the site, it makes sense to have a mobile version, said John R. Campbell, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for wounded warrior care and transition. Users can find tips for writing a resume, techniques to prepare for job interviews, information on veterans' benefits and compensation and family caregiver support, to name just a few of the services available on the website. Information is searchable by topic audience and location. With the launch of the mobile version, users have an easier-to-navigate version of the site in the palm of their hands anywhere they have mobile reception. The mobile version is not a separate application, Mr. Campbell stressed. Users still have to go to the directory website at National Resource Directory from their mobile device. Once the site loads, they can scroll to the bottom of the page and click the link "NRD mobile" for the mobile version. The mobile version condenses all of the information on the standard web site into five links, and is easier to view and access on a mobile device. Information and services on the web site are screened and thoroughly reviewed by the Defense Department in collaboration with the departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor This is just one of the number of things in the (DOD) to make it easier and more meaningful for wounded warriors and transitioning service members and their families. Stores with Military Discounts Here are some stores and services doing their part to make life easier by offering discounts to active, reserve, and retired members of the US Military and their immediate family members. Two important caveats. First, some stores offer discounts only at the owner’s discretion and other discounts vary by state. Second, many stores that give a military discount don’t advertise it. It is always worth asking a store whether they have one or not and to have your military ID on you. A&W – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Advance Auto – 10% off with military ID Agentsource.com – Up to 40% off standard real estate closing costs for Active duty men and women moving in the United States or Canada American Airlines – Discount varies, requires military ID American Video Productions -10% off to active duty, retired, families of military and dependents. Call and ask for the discount http://www.americanvideoproductions.net/ Amtrak – 10% off Anheuser – Busch Amusement Parks – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Anna’s Linens - 10% off any purchase with Valid Military ID in store only Apple Computers - The discount varies, you need to sign up here – http://www.apple.com/r/store/government/ Applebee’s – Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you Arby’s - Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Ashford University – Discounted tuition at $250 a credit, books are covered for all required courses, waived application fee, waived technology fee and more! Benefits apply to all Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists and spouses, dependents eligible for survivor benefits, plus civilian DOD employees & separated vets/retirees still using their GI Bill. ASMBA – Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association – Membership in the non-profit association is free, and, when you join, you’ll get $3,000 of free AD&D coverage. AT&T – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Auto Zone – Varies Per Store - Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Avis – 25% off, online you should use this coupon AWD # A555084 Azamara Cruises – Discounts vary, 800-338-4962 Back Yard Burgers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Banana Republic – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only). Barnes and Noble – 6% off regular price plus free shipping, check out www.bn.com/militarycity Barnhill’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Bass Pro Shops – 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month Bed & Breakfast Inns – On November 10th, over 500 Bed and Breakfasts are offering a free night stay to to veterans. Click here for the list of participating B&B’s. Best Inns and Suites – Varies, must present Military ID with check-in Best Western - Rates within allowable per diem, must present military ID with check in Big 10 Tires – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Blockbuster – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Boscov’s- 15% off in-store purchases with military ID everyday. Boston Bill Sunglasses – 10% off Boston Market – 20% with military ID. Buckle – 10% off, Free Shipping on all military orders Budget – Varies, up to 25% off time and mileage Store, requires military ID to redeem Budget Truck Rental – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Burger King – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Busch Gardens- One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes Camino Real Apartments – 5% military discount Captain D’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Carl’s Jr. – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Century 21 – FREE Century 21 AON Home Protection Plan when they buy or sell a home through Molly Kucharski ONLY paid for at settlement. Value = $399.00, call 1(800) 952-2516 Champs Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Checker Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Chevy’s Fresh Mex – 20%, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Chick Fil A – Varies, Discount with ID card (location dependent), discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Chipotle – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Choice Hotels – Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military ID. Ci-Ci’s Pizza – Discount varies, dependent on location, must present military ID Cingular – 17 to 18% Discount off your bill and 25% off accessories Clarion Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must present valid military ID with check-in Coldstone – Discount varies, must present military ID Comfort Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must Present valid military ID with check-in Copeland’s Sports - Discount varies per location D.S.W. Shoe Warehouse – 10% military discount Dairy Queen - 10% off, location dependent Days Inn – Rates within allowable per diem. Must present valid military ID with check-in Dell Computers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Denny’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Dick’s Sporting Goods – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Discovery Channel Store – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Disney Resorts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Disneyland - Military discounts are available only for tickets purchased at installation MWRs. Prices vary per date and length of visit Dollar Car Rental – Allowable per diem rates Dunkin’ Donuts – Veterans advantage members save 10% on all online orders. They also send free coffee to the troops oversees. El Molino Coffee Shop - Free Shipping, online Express Clothing Store- 10% off on top of other coupons as well with military ID Extreme Outfitters -10-20% on miiltary Gear, online and in Store Eyeware - Discount varies, get the discount online at http://www.afeyewear.com/ – This site offers military discounts for a wide range of eyeglass companies Foot Action – 20% off with military ID Ford – Discount varies, http://www.encs.com/ford/ Forget me not Jewelry – 30% off, ends 12/31/10. Online, use code militarygen100 at www.forgetmenotjewelry.com Friendly’s Ice Cream Stores – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Gander Mountain – 5% off Gap – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only). Geico – 2% to 15% in all states except Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas GM – Varies, always well below MSRP. You can sign in online at https://www.exclusivegmoffer.com/ip-gmpop/initPop.do?program=mpp GNC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Golden Corral – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Great Wolf Lodge – Up to 33% off, discount varies however. Must book room over the phone rather than the internet. GuideToMilitaryTravel.com – Another great site for military families to go to when looking for travel discounts. Haber Vision – 50% discount on all sunglasses. Online at http://www.habervision.com/CodeResult.aspx?code=JB10222Q Hanes Outlet Store – 10% off with Military ID Hard Rock Cafe – 10% – 15% off. Varies for each location. Hertz – Allowable per diem rates. Show valid military ID Hewlett-Packard – Log on to website and click on New User Registration: Enter first and last name, user name, password and email address. Use company code: 2727. Discounts vary. Online only. HickoryFarms.com - 10 percent Military discount – Enter 892848 in code box on online order form Home Depot – 10% off Year Round, to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. In-Store, just bring valid military ID Hooters – 10% off with military ID Hot Topic – 10-20% off with military ID IAVA – IAVA, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, is a veterans organization that looks to help take care of the newest generation of American veterans. They also are working with companies, such as JC Penney, to provide up to $200 in vouchers to certain retail stores. IHOP – 20% with Military ID at owners discretion Imax – $1 off movie tickets with Military ID Inkshouse.com – 20% off $50 or more, use cod Mil20 Java Cafe – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Jeep – $500 for active military, reserves and retired reserves or active after 20 years of service. Requires military ID Jiffylube – 10% off with valid Military ID Jockey – 10% off with valid Military ID Jones New York Outlet Store – 10% off with valid Military ID KB Toys – 15% off during advertised Military Days KFC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Kragen Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Lady Foot Locker – 20% off with military ID Leslie Pool Supplies- 10% off with military ID Lerner – 15% off Long John Silver’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Longhorn Steakhouse – 10% military discount Lowes – 10% off year round to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. Just bring in a valid military ID. The military discount, however, cannot be combined with other coupons they may be offering. Macy’s – 10% off on the first Tuesday of every month, 15% with a Macy’s card. Here are more Macy’s Coupons. Maurices – 10% off with valid military I.D. Marriott Hotels – It’s the Per Diem amount the government picks up, whatever that amount is. Just call and place the reservation over the phone and ask for that discount. Online at http://www.marriott.com/reservation/worldnum.mi Mary Kay Cosmetics – Military personnel and dependents receive 10 % on online orders. Reference your service affiliation and status, and ask for additional free gift and bigger discounts by contacting website. McDonald’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Meineke – 10% off parts. In store only. Simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Michaels - 10% off every Wednesday. Midas – 10% off MLB Hall of Fame – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Movie Theaters – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Mrs. Fields- 10% off with military ID, coupon link www.militarycruisedeals.com NAPA Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Nautica - 10% off with military ID National – No fee for additional drivers, and special off duty rates per location. Service members receive full loss damage waivers National Credit Solutions – 25% discount, call toll free at 866-485-2540 x109, and for a direct line please call 972-746-4209 New York and Company - 15% off military discount Nextel – 18% Discount, call 1-800-639-6111 Nickelodeon Hotels – Reduced rates and perks, online and in store, www.nickhotel.com/military , 877-NICK-111 and ask for the Military Family Package. Nike – 10% off, In-Store. For official company policy please check out http://www.nikebiz.com/customer_service/discounts.html Nuvo - $30 off Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System. You can call 1-888-688-6462, or use coupon code MILITARY99 online at http://www.nuvo-group.com. Valid military ID required for in-store purchase. O’Reilly Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Oakley – There is a website you register with that offers Oakleys at a discounted price. It doesn’t say how much that price is though. Check it out online at https://secure.usstandardissue.com/ Old Navy – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only). Pac Sun – Discount varies per location, just bring in a vaild military ID and ask Panchero’s Mexican Grill – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Pancho’s Mexican Buffet – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Panda Express – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Paradise Limousine – $25 Off Limousine Service Coupon Code: 1369 for service members Pep Boys – 10% off with valid military ID Pizza Hut – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Play It Again Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Professional Sports teams – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Pure Beauty – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Quizno’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Race-Depot – 10% off, use code 10MILCITY Rack Room Shoes – 15% discount. Bring in valid military ID Raising Cane’s Chicken – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Ralph Lauren Outlet Store – 10% off with Military ID Ramada – 15% to 30% – depending on availability. Must present military I.D. upon check in. Red Robin – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Regal Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times. Requires Military ID Ripley’s attractions and museums – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – 10% military discount Rocky Mountain Tracking – 5% off any tracking inc. Use code USMILITARY, http://www.rmtracking.com/ S & K Men’s Wear – 8% Discount on all items free shipping on orders over $99 & APO/FPO shipping. To access the military site at S&K you must go through their AAFES Exchange Mail Online service. http://bdeal.me/aCVq2X Sally Beauty Supply – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Samsonite- 15% off with military ID Sea World -One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes Sesame Park Place- One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes Shedd Aquarium in Chicago- Free general admission with military ID. On the Shedd Aquarium page that is hyper linked here, scroll down to “Other Discounts” to find out more information. Shoe Carnival – 10% off with military ID Shoe Department – 10% off with military ID Sierra Suites – Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military ID. Simone Protective Health – 20% off their nutritional hydration drink. Six Flags Mountain Magic – Service members receive special discounts on admission for special events and specific dates. Tickets must be purchased in advance MWR and ITT 143. Recreation offices, not at the park. Sizzler – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Sonic – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Soutwest Airlines – Varies, it’s a dollar amount, not a percentage. Not available on all flights, you’ll have to call Southwest and simply just ask. Spencer’s Gifts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. SportsMemorabilia.com – 10% off at checkout, use code mili10 online Sprint – 10-18% off. Sprint will also put a “hold” on your line when you are deployed, if you provide a copy of your orders, so you still have the same number when you come back and you do not have to pay for the time your gone as well. Sprint Business – 15% to 20% Discount, 1-888-788-4727 Suzuki – $500 off for you and immediate family. Requires military ID Sweet Tomatoes – 10% off with military ID Taco Bell – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Texas Road House – 30% military discount The Finish Line – 20 percent military discount off select items at special locations The Melting Pot – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Timberland Outlets – 15%, bring in valid military ID Tommy Hilfiger – 10% with valid military ID Toyota – $500 off + $500 for firs time buyers. Requires military ID Travelodge – Rates within allowable per diem. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military I.D Under Armor Outlet Store – 10% off with military ID United Artist Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times. Requires Military ID. Verizon – 23% discount on monthly bills. Applies only to the military member’s primary line. (For cell phone service) Walgreens – 10% with military ID every Tuesday Wendy’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo – Free admission ticket for active duty or reserve member of the military, also allows 50% discount in admission for up to 3 family members Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium – Enrolled military get in for free and 50% off for up to 3 family members http://www.nyaquarium.com/ Wing Zone – 10% military discount in Alabama. Ends 12/31/2015 World of Coca Cola – $2 off standard admission price for service member with I.D. and up to four guests. Wyndham Hotels – Discounts vary by 140 locations. Also depend on availability. Must present military I.D. upon check in. Zaxby’s – 10% off with military ID