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| Click images above for current DFW military and senior news, or scroll down for current general military news. Advertisers click center image for advertising information. |
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Donate Cell Phones For Soldiers
 Cell phones for soldiers has turned old cell phones into more than 12 million minutes of prepaid calling cards for US troops stationed overseas. Americans will replace an estimated 130 million cell phones this year, with the majority of phones either discarded or stuffed in a drawer. Your old cell phone can help a soldier stay in touch with their family. One old cell phone generates a one hour phone card.
Our goal is to help our soldiers overseas call home. We hope to provide as many soldiers as possible with prepaid calling cards. Through your giving and the recycling of used cell phones, we can distribute calling cards to soldiers around the globe.
Collection site, you can drop off your old cell phones at Wood Funeral Home 1835 Pearl Street Carrollton, TX 75006. Collection through July 4th. Hours 9 – 5 Monday – Friday Sat 9-12 Phone 972-323-9191
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Current Headlines
DeCA Launches Li'l Heroes Baby Program - As part of an ongoing effort to emphasize that the commissary is a benefit for the whole military family, the Defense Commissary Agency is launching an exciting new initiative effective July 6: the Li'l Heroes Baby Program. A new addition to the family brings not only more joy, but also more expenses. As household budgets tighten, the average savings of 30 percent or more customers realize by shopping at the commissary helps families make ends meet. In fact, a family of four can save an average of nearly $3,400 per year by shopping at the commissary, based on October 2008 USDA figures for retail grocery store food purchases consumed at home. Read More.
VA Reopening Health Care Enrollment to Thousands - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which now has nearly 8 million Veterans enrolled in its award-winning health care system, is poised to welcome nearly 266,000 more Veterans into its medical centers and clinics across the country by expanding access to health care enrollment for certain Veterans who had been excluded due to their income. Read More.
Duckworth Takes Charge of VA's Public Affairs and Outreach Programs - Tammy Duckworth returned Wednesday to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, a key site in her long recovery from wounds suffered in Iraq, to take the oath of office as the chief spokesperson for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
"I am so honored to serve the Obama administration by helping to care for our Veterans," Assistant Secretary Duckworth said. "They are our nation's greatest treasure and deserve the best care available. I fully support Secretary Shinseki as we work to provide that care."
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki presided over the swearing in ceremony as Duckworth, a major in the Illinois National Guard, became VA's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs. Read More.
AAFES to Curtail Money Order Program Effective May 31, 2009 - Army & Air Force Exchange Service facilities will no longer offer money order services after close of business Sunday, May 31.
“Fortunately, these services are already available on military installations,” said AAFES’ Chief of Corporate Communications Lt. Col. William Thurmond. “These banks, credit unions and post offices will be able to meet the need for financial services such as money orders while AAFES focuses on meeting authorized shoppers’ retail needs.”
Stringent anti-money laundering requirements and DoD Financial Management Regulations that forbid “base organizations” from selling money orders when banking offices are open prompted AAFES’ decision to curtail Money Order services at 107 of its Main Stores and 136 “Specialty” Stores.
Created 2003-02-04 10:24:27 by install
Updated 2009-06-23 14:17:53 by naslife
Sen. Cornyn, Rep. Cuellar, & Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mullen Visit Wounded
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, recently joined Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in visiting with wounded warriors and their families at the Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC) at Fort Sam Houston.
In December 2008, the WFSC was moved to a new facility to accommodate a growing number of wounded warriors and their family members.Read More.
Created 2003-02-04 10:24:27 by install
Updated 2009-06-23 14:17:53 by naslife
Military Museum & Memorial Locations
To look for a military museum or memorial in the area where you live in or an area where you may be traveling to refer to the following:
• At http://www.military.com/Resources/ResourceSubmittedFileView file=museums_museum_guide.htm can be found a guide to assist you in locating a military-themed museum, monument or memorial. Where available, a web link, an address, and phone and fax numbers have been provided. The site allows you to select a search by theme (i.e WWII, Civil War, etc.) in state order or by state in alphabetical order.
• At http://usmilitary.about.com/od/museums/Military_Museums.htm can be found a list of online museums.
• At http://www.penfed.org/usawoa/woheritage/foundation_heritage_museum.htm can be found a list of Foundations, Heritage, History & Military Museum Links
Created 2003-02-04 10:24:27 by install
Updated 2009-06-23 14:17:53 by naslife
Army Emergency Relief Fund May be Holding Back Available Funds
 As Soldiers stream home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the biggest charity inside the U.S. military has been stockpiling tens of millions of dollars meant to help put returning fighters back on their feet, an Associated Press investigation shows.
Between 2003 and 2007 - as many military families dealt with long war deployments and increased numbers of home foreclosures - Army Emergency Relief grew into a $345 million behemoth. During those years, the charity packed away $117 million into its own reserves while spending just $64 million on direct aid, according to an AP analysis of its tax records.
Tax-exempt and legally separate from the military, AER projects a facade of independence but really operates under close Army control. The massive nonprofit - funded predominantly by troops - allows superiors to squeeze Soldiers for contributions; forces struggling Soldiers to repay loans - sometimes delaying transfers and promotions; and too often violates its own rules by rewarding donors, such as giving free passes from physical training, the AP found.
AER was founded in 1942 to soften the personal financial hardships on Soldiers and their families as the country ramped up its fight in World War II.Today, AER's mission is to ease cash emergencies of active-duty Soldiers and retirees, and to provide college scholarships for their families. Its emergency aid covers mortgage payments and food, car repairs, medical bills, travel to family funerals, and the like.
Read More.
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French Soldier Serves with U.S. Combat Units
Please note, the following article was furnished to NAS News by Editiorial Board member Nathan Vail, Brigadier General, United States Army (Ret.). It was written by a French infantryman serving with American soldiers in Afghanistan, and translated from French to English by Jean-Marc Liotier.
“We have shared our daily life with two US units for quite a while - they are the first and fourth companies of a prestigious infantry battalion whose name I will withhold for the sake of military secrecy. To the common man it is a unit just like any other. “To the common man it is a unit just like any other, and we henceforth know that we have the honor to live with one of the most renowned units of the US Army - one that the movies brought to the public as series showing “ordinary soldiers thrust into extraordinary events”. Who are they, those soldiers from abroad, how is their daily life, and what support do they bring to the men of our OMLT every day? Few of them belong to the Easy Company, the one the TV series focuses on. This one nowadays is named Echo Company, and it has become the support company.
They have a terribly strong American accent - from our point of view the language they speak is not even English. How many times did I have to write down what I wanted to say rather than waste precious minutes trying various pronunciations of a seemingly common word? Whatever state they are from, no two accents are alike and they even admit that in some crisis situations they have difficulties understanding each other. Read More.
Created 2003-02-04 10:24:27 by install
Updated 2009-06-23 14:17:53 by naslife
End of Life Planning ~ When to Seek Hospice
 by Connie M. Dayton, Master of Science Nursing in Behavioral Health, Odyssey HealthCare
Pictured; Connie Dayton, Clinical Liason for Odyssey HealthCare, and Andy Birdsong, President of the Tarrant County Veterans Council, share information about military veterans and hospice care.
As the veteran population ages it is faced with the need for end of life planning. Smart people arm themselves with information so that they can make the best decisions possible when faced with healthcare concerns. Few people seek information about hospice care until they are hearing a scary prognosis, and then decisions are often emotionally impacted, frequently too late, and second guessed if it is the right thing to do. But with some knowledge beforehand, the decision making process can be made easier.
At any time during a life-limiting illness, it’s appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including hospice. One of the barriers to planning for many people is the misinformation and misperceptions that exist about Hospice care. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions with real answers.
Is Hospice a place?
Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of care that addresses the patient and the family as a unit. Hospice is chosen when a person desires to no longer seek aggressive treatment for an illness but instead desires aggressive care for their symptoms, support for their loved ones and to focus on quality of life. The goal of hospice care is to address and manage not only the physical symptoms but the emotional and spiritual concerns of the patient and caregiver.
Is Hospice only for the last few days of life?
No. Hospice is a specialized form of care for patients with life limiting illnesses, with an estimated life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death but focuses on improving the individual’s quality of life.
Read More.
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Texas National Guard Agribusiness Development Team Planning Attack
Fifty-two Texas National Guard men and women are planning an attack on a Taliban stronghold near here that other Army units estimate would take thousands of U.S. and Afghan soldiers to capture.
The Texans plan to win the battle of Khajanoor Farms without firing a shot. This is not a plot for a Chuck Norris thriller about "One riot, one Ranger." Instead, it's an example of the U.S. military's new counterinsurgency strategy, where winning friends and providing government-backed services are more important than pulling triggers.
A Texas National Guard Agribusiness Development Team plans to defeat the Taliban's hold on the big wheat-seed farm at Khajanoor by building a larger, quality seed farm in the high mountain plains of Ghazni province.
If approved – and if the climate at 10,000 feet can be mastered – the Nawur Farm could free Ghazni's wheat farmers from Taliban-approved suppliers and lousy products imported from Pakistan.
"It could also save lives," said Col. Stan Poe of Houston, commander of the Texas agribusiness team.
Read More.
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Use GI BIll Benefits for Job Training and Apprenticeships - Not Just College
Veterans can qualify for GI Bill benefits, even if they are not going to college, and many of them are unaware of that fact.
Veterans can qualify for GI Bill benefits, even if they are not going to college, and many of them are unaware of that fact, says Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler.
"Many veterans are not aware they they can use their GI Bill benefits for on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs with most businesses," points out Wheeler. "These programs are excellent ways to enable a veteran to acquire a skill under the supervision of an experienced worker in a practical 'hands-on' way."
During job training, a newly hired veteran employee, if eligible, can receive up to $13,212 tax-free supplemental income from his GI Bill during a two-year, exeprience-based training program.
National Guardsmen and reservists may also be eligible if they are currently under a six-year contract or qualify for the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) by having been called to active duty for at least 90 consecutive days since Sept. 11, 2001.
Also eligible to apply for OJT/Apprenticeship benefits are the spouse and dependents of a veteran with a 100% VA disability rating.
"Employers also can benefit from this," Wheeler says. "The monetary benefits a veteran receives should motivate that individual to perform at a higher level and, in turn, enhance business operations." There are no direct payments to the employer. Payments are made directly to the veteran and are intended to serve as a salary supplement during the training period.
"Veterans typically are experienced, mature and disciplined individuals with positive work habits," says Wheeler. "They have proven employment histories, learn quickly, are highly motivated and follow instructions well."
To use GI Bill benefits while enrolled in an on-the-job training (OJT) or apprenticeship program (APP), a veteran must work 30 hours or more, full time employment, during the workweek, and the employer must agree to establish the program.
"Employers direct the training, thereby ensuring the veteran becomes familiar with job tasks, equipment and company policies," according to Bill Jung, director of Georgia's State Approving Agency (SAA). "However, the employee's training must meet the standards established by federal regulations."
OJT and apprenticeship programs may be approved in a wide variety of occupations. Some are in trades that relate to military occupations, but many are not.
Some of the currently approved programs include administration, law enforcement, diesel mechanics, electronics and plumbing. Most OJT or apprenticeship programs can be submitted for approval consideration.
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Helmets to Hardhats Program Provides Quality Career Training
 Helmets to Hardhats is a national program that connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military members with quality career training and employment opportunities within the construction industry.
The program is administered by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment, and Veterans Employment and headquartered in Washington, D.C. It was established as a nonprofit Section 501(c)(6) organization with a funding structure set out under Section 302(c)(9) of the Taft-Hartley Act for purposes provided for under Section 6(b) of the Labor-Management Cooperation Act. Direction for management of the center comes from a board of trustees comprised of equal numbers of employer and labor trustees.
The program places quality men and women from the Armed Forces into promising building and construction careers. Eligibility varies based on the standards set by each individual career provider. In most cases, you must be at least 18 years of age, have an honorable discharge, have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a drug test, conduct an interview and be physically fit to perform work. There are no upper age restrictions for applicants. Many employers list other types of careers for their construction company such as administrative, engineering and management positions. Interested personnel are encouraged to register at http://recruiter.helmetstohardhats.org.
Pictured, Builder 2nd Class Christopher Nightengale cuts through sheets of wood used as a mould for concrete that will support overhead beams. Nightengale is stationed with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five (NMCB-5) out of Port Hueneme, Calif.
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USS New York Built with 24 Tons of Scrap Steel From World Trade Center
 The USS New York was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center. The USS New York is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists.
It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.
Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.'
Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.'
The ship's motto? 'Never Forget'
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2009 Cost of Living Adjustment for Retired Military
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).
2009 Update: The 2009 military retired pay cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be 5.8%, nearly 2% higher than the 3.9% 2009 Military Pay Raise. 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.
Note: This annual Cost-of-Living-Adjustment is NOT in anyway related to the annual military pay raise for active duty and reserve servicemembers. In fact, this years COLA increase is larger than the 2009 military pay raise of 3.9%. All retirees who retired before January 1, 2008 will receive the 5.8 percent Cost-of-Living-Adjustment.
Retirees who first became a member of the uniformed services before Sept. 8, 1980 and retired on or after January 1, 2008 will receive the 5.0 percent Cost-of-Living-Adjustment.
Retirees who first became a member of the uniformed services on or after Sept. 8, 1980, and retired in 2008 will receive a Partial COLA on a prorated basis as follows:
• Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2008, will receive 5.0%
• April 1 - June 30, 2008 will receive 3.8%
• July 1 - Sept. 30, 2008 will receive 1.2%
• Those who retired after Oct. 1, 2008, will see no COLA this year.
Retirees who first entered the military after Sept. 8, 1980 and retired before Jan. 1, 2008 will also receive the 5.8 percent COLA. Retirees who first became members of the uniformed services on or after Aug. 1, 1986 and elected to receive a Career Status Bonus at 15 years, and retired on or before Jan. 1, 2008, will receive an increase of only 4.8 percent.
Created 2003-02-04 10:24:27 by install
Updated 2009-06-23 14:17:53 by naslife
Created 2003-02-04 10:24:27 by install
Updated 2009-06-23 14:17:53 by naslife
Iraq House Raid by U.S. Soldiers Now Require Search Warrant
U.S. Soldiers preparing for raids study maps, examine photos of wanted men and check their weapons. Starting next month, they'll have to go see a judge. For nearly six years, American troops have been free under a U.N. mandate to search any home and detain anyone deemed a security risk.
All that changes, when the mandate expires and a U.S.-Iraqi security agreement takes effect. From then on, troops must obtain Iraqi warrants for searches and arrests - and U.S. officers say the requirement is one of the biggest headaches in complying with the new rules.
"It takes away the option of saying, 'hey, this guy just came into town and we want him and we want him now,'" said Capt. Tom Smith, a company commander on his second tour in Iraq. "For some of us who were here before, it feels a bit slow."
The rule would not affect troops under fire or facing an imminent threat, such as a suspected suicide bomber, although evidence and witnesses would be needed to support any action. Read More.
Created 2003-02-04 10:24:27 by install
Updated 2009-06-23 14:17:53 by naslife
New Vet Center Planned for Dallas and Tarrant Counties
Military combat veterans in Dallas and Tarrant County will have more access to readjustment counseling and other services starting late next year when the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) opens two new Vet Centers in both counties.Read More.
Created 2003-02-04 10:24:27 by install
Updated 2009-06-23 14:17:53 by naslife
Created 2003-02-04 10:24:27 by install
Updated 2009-06-23 14:17:53 by naslife
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