Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Commissary Privatization Is Not the Answer

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We recently published an article, “Commissary Closures: It’s All or Nothing,” and received quite a bit of feedback on it, especially about commissary privatization. Emotions run high when the topic turns to the potential of commissary privatization or even worse, closure.

Don’t panic; your commissary benefits are currently safe.

Commissary Privatization Is Not the Answer

Commissary privatization isn’t the answer. Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force.

The government is however trying to do away with the cost associated with the operation of the commissary. After our article was published, a lot of MilitaryShoppers readers voiced their opinions. Here is what they said:

Char Johnson said

Privatization is NOT the answer! How many benefits do you think taking away from our military (active or retired) will be acceptable! What happened to honor and trust, something our members of Congress don’t seem to recognize? I am a military wife of a retiree. I/we travel to the commissary and exchange at least three times per month, and we utilize our privileges to the max. Don’t take away something that has been earned and promised. Start taking away from those who vote against what we have and what our soldiers have earned.

Mrs. Johnson makes an excellent point, where will the cutting of benefits end? Service members are promised benefits when they join the military. That is a recruiting tool. If men and women are willing to put their lives on the line, getting a few benefits for themselves and their families make a big difference.

Many have already seen significant cuts to what they were promised.

Tricare has had several changes over the years, many of which are not ideal. Retirement benefits have shrunk in size and increased in cost. Education benefits have improved, and the exchange and commissaries have remained a constant. Service men and women, along with their families, have earned these benefits and were promised them.

Now the government wants to save money by taking away some of the $1.3 billion annual Department of Defense subsidy the commissary receives. Millions of dollars have been spent researching how to keep the commissary running without government funds. Many options have been considered including commissary brand products, commissary privatization and variable pricing. So far, none of these are the answer. In the meantime, military families keep shopping at the commissary.

The majority of service members and their families shop at the commissary. It might be just once a year for some but for many, it’s multiple times a month. The slogan “it’s worth the drive” is true. I no longer live near a big commissary, even though we are active duty. The tiny 6-isle commissary 35 minutes away is worth the drive just for the savings on meat alone.

Daryel Covington also makes the drive. He said

I travel about 150 miles round trip sometimes twice a month! BTW, I’m a 70-year-old retiree and need the saving! And no I will not support a price increase nor could I support privatization.

Mr. Covington travels to the commissary to save money and realizes that if the prices go up, the commute won’t be worth it. For some, saving money isn’t the main reason they shop at the commissary though.

William C Simmons said

I am a retired airman who served 26 years. My wife and I are today over 80 years old and shop the commissary once every week. Our children have long left home and we live alone. The commissary is a great convenience to us. Of course we could shop local grocery stores; it would not be the Military Family we loved for so many years.

I share the same sentiment with Mr. Simmons. I love saving money of course, but I mostly like to shop at the commissary because of the military community or family feeling.

I grew up doing our weekly grocery shopping with my mom at the commissary and now I do it with my son. While the Simmons don’t have any children of their own left at home, they feel like they can still shop at the commissary and have that military family feeling.

If commissary privatization is realized, that sense of family may get pushed out of the way for corporate profits.

That’s what all of this comes down to, money. The government wants to save money and we just want to save our benefit. They have spent millions of dollars researching how to save money. Commissary privatization isn’t the answer.

Charles leaves us with this thought. He said

The amount the commissary gets subsidized is a small price given to our active duty troops/retirees and their families for the many contributions and sacrifices they gave to our country. So much more funds could be saved by eliminating the enormous careless [government] spending.

If we agree that commissary privatization is not the answer, what is the answer when Congress needs to cut the funding for commissaries? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Disabled Veterans May See Increase in Benefits

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Thanks to Congressman Ralph Abraham of Louisiana, disabled veterans may see an increase in benefits at the end of the year. Dr. Abraham’s HR 5588, the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2016 was signed into law this summer and takes effect on December 1, 2016.

Disabled Veterans May See Increase in Benefits

What do you think of legislation aimed at increasing and expanding benefits for disabled veterans?

The bill quickly made its way through the House and Senate and was signed into law by the president in under a month. The bill itself is quite simple:

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2016, the rates of veterans’ disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

Each such increase shall be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance [OASDI]) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

In short, each year legislation has to be drafted to approve an increase in cost of living allowance (COLA) for disabled veterans. The increase will match that of social security. While social security automatically increases each year as the cost of living does, the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act does not have a stipulation for automatic adjustment.

To me, this seems to be an outdated way of doing things. If social security can automatically increase with the cost of living, then why doesn’t the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act?

Abraham looked at this process and introduced HR 677, the American Heroes COLA Act. This bill would enable the veterans’ COLA adjustments to be automatic each year freeing up the House to work on other bills and saving veterans and their families the frustration of waiting to see what will happen with their pay each year. The House quickly passed this bill, but the Senate has not done anything with it.

For now, disabled veterans can plan their finances for the short term knowing the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2016 was signed into law.

They will have to wait for the politicians in Washington to decide if they will pass the American Heroes COLA Act and make it an automatic adjustment each year.

Note however, while the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2016 has been signed into law, it does not mean that an increase in pay is guaranteed.

The amount that disabled veterans may see as an increase will be the same increase as social security. The last time social security did not increase was in 2000.

It won’t be until the end of the year that the exact amount of an increase will be known. It will only be increased if there is an increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

The compensation programs for disabled veterans were originally put into place to help relieve the financial burden disabled veterans face by not being able to earn wages due to injuries sustained during military service. The amount of benefits disabled veterans receive is based on the degree of disability they qualify for.

Abraham, a veteran of the Army Reserves and National Guard, has been working to get disabled veterans better benefits. These 2 bills are not his only accomplishments in regards to veterans’ issues since being elected to office.

He has also chaired the VA Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. He has worked toward getting disabled veterans the help they need when they need it and at locations convenient to them through the Veterans’ Choice Program. This program would make it easier for veterans who live in remote areas to seek medical treatment from doctors near them, rather than wait for an appointment at a VA facility.

Last year Abraham also cosponsored HR 1994, the VA Accountability Act. This bill passed the House but the Senate has yet to consider it. If the VA Accountability Act were to become law, the VA would become accountable for its actions. They would finally be able to fire or demote employees that have failed to do their job.

Thanks to Abraham, disabled veterans might be getting better benefits in the future.

What do you think of legislation aimed at increasing and expanding benefits for disabled veterans?

5 Athletes We Are Cheering for at the Paralympics

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The 2016 Paralympic Games will take place in the same venues as the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The games run from September 7-18. There are 22 different sports featured during the games with para-canoe and paratriathlon each making their debut this year. It will be an exciting time with 160 nations sending more than 4,350 athletes to compete.

How much do you know about the Paralympics and who will you be cheering for? We’ve made it easy to get caught up so you will be ready in time for the opening ceremony.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) organizes the Paralympics with the goal

“To enable Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.”

Organizers hope that the courage and determination these athletes show will inspire others and bring equality to all athletes.

5 Athletes We Are Cheering for at the Paralympics

Did you know that there are more than 21 million Americans that have a physical disability?

The IPC has been running the Paralympics since 1989, however the United States Olympic Committee did not start the U.S. Paralympics until 2001. Through the U.S. Paralympics athletes with physical disabilities are able to train at sports facilities across the United States.

The U.S. Paralympics expanded to include the military in 2004. The Paralympic Military Program supports service members and veterans that have been wounded in service. These injuries include amputations, traumatic brain injuries and visual impairments.

Here are 5 veterans we will be cheering on during this year’s Paralympics.

Retired U.S. Navy Lt. Brad Snyder is a Naval Academy graduate and Naval Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician who became blind in 2011 after an improvised explosive device detonated.

Exactly one year after the explosion he competed in the 2012 London Paralympic Games and won a gold medal. He went on to win a total of 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal in swimming events at those games. This year will be an exciting time yet again to watch him compete in the pool.

Shawn Morelli, an Army engineer officer, was on a mission in Afghanistan in 2007 when an improvised explosive device detonated near her. She suffered neck and nerve damage, brain trauma and became blind in her left eye.

Retired now, she is a member of the United Health Care Pro Cycling team. She has qualified for 4 events including two on the velodrome and two road races.

She was also nominated for an ESPY award this year. Morelli recently broke the women’s C4 pursuit world record in Italy. She is the top-ranked female rider in the world in her classification.

Melissa Stockwell was an Army officer in 2004. She lost her left leg after a roadside bomb exploded in Baghdad. She is a three-time Paratriathlon National and World Champion and swam in the 2008 Paralympics.

While she was unfortunately the first female American soldier in history to lose a limb while in active duty combat, she became the first Iraq War veteran to compete in the Paralympic Games as a swimmer in 2008 placing fourth in the 400-meter freestyle.

This year Stockwell will be part of Paralympic history as an athlete in the first paratriathlon.

Staff Sergeant Michael Lukow serves in the Army. He is now part of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program as a Paralympic archer.

He lost his right foot on a mission in Iraq. He became interested in archery during his rehabilitation. Lukow learned once again how to walk, this time with a prosthetics and braces, by retrieving arrows. His love for the sport was instant.

Sergeant Elizabeth Marks is a combat medic and Paralympic swimmer. She is also part of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program. She will compete in the Paralympics in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke. She won 4 gold medals at the 2016 Invictus Games.

She suffered bilateral hip injuries in Iraq in 2010 and came close to death while recovering in the hospital from a respiratory infection.

All of these military veterans deserve our respect and our voice cheering for them in the 2016 Paralympics. Will you be watching and cheering for them?

You can learn more about the Paralympic Military Program by clicking here.

Should We Believe Congress When It Comes to the Commissary?

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Congress is constantly debating military benefits and the commissary is frequently at the top of the list. Every year when the Defense Bill reaches the floor consumers stand weary to see what will happen to their commissary benefits.

Congress claims they are looking out for service members, veterans and their families, but are they really?

Is Congress trying to save the commissary or looking for an excuse to close it down? If you listen in on any of the subcommittee meetings, you might not be so sure of the answer.

Should We Believe Congress When It Comes to the Commissary?

Congress isn’t out to cause harm to military families by cutting the commissary.

It might be hard to trust that lawmakers are on the side of military families. They are constantly talking about budget cuts and changes to military benefits. Service members and their families have sacrificed so much. They were promised benefits to compensate them for their service.

Over the years however, we have all watched as benefits are cut, diminished and altered.

What my dad was promised back in the 70s is not what he ended up with when he retired from the Army almost 30 years later.

Congress isn’t out to cause harm to military families by cutting benefits though and all changes aren’t bad either. I’ve witnessed some great changes in the last 8 years that I’ve been a Navy spouse.

You won’t find any of the committee members saying they want to do away with the commissary. They all pledge that they are working hard to keep the commissary going. It’s the business process they are trying to improve so that the commissary won’t depend on the government and taxpayers to it keep running.

The simple truth is they want military families to have the benefit of shopping at the commissary –they just don’t want to pay for it.

As so many things come down to it, it’s just about money. How can Congress cut the budget? If they truly didn’t care about the morale of families, they could simply vote to do away with the commissary. It really could be that simple.

Instead, they have taken extensive measures to dig into what can be done to save the commissary.

Congress hired a firm and spent nearly $4 million to research ways to make the commissary self-sufficient and competitive with commercial grocery stores.

They looked into privatizing the system, but that didn’t pan out.

They talked about what increasing the prices could do to level the playing field with commercial grocers and patrons balked at the idea.

They tested the idea of variable pricing by market and that resulted in some families coming out ahead while others found their pockets lighter.

Finally, the research team talked about creating a commissary brand private label. That had mixed results in discussion but this year it will be tested. DeCA will be introducing private label items by the end of the year. They are still in the process of seeking companies to put in proposals to create the private labels. Congress is waiting for the results of this idea.

We will be waiting to see what happens next, because that’s all we can do.

It’s another year of wait and see.

Will the commissary benefit continue or will Congress look at the price tag and decide to make significant changes? Unfortunately, only time will tell. In the meantime, take advantage of this benefit and do your shopping at the commissary.

Do you believe the leaders of Congress when they say they are working to protect our commissary benefit? Why or why not?

10 Reasons To Donate to Feds Feed Families

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The 2016 Feds Feed Families campaign is in full swing and there is still time for you to help make a difference.

What started in 2009 as part of President Barack Obama’s United We Serve campaign to gather nonperishable goods for hungry families has grown into an amazing program collecting almost 52.7 million pounds of food, cleaning and hygiene items. All of these donations are made by federal employees throughout the country.

The USDA leads the way in Feds Feed Families again this year. They have pulled together every federal agency to gather as much nonperishable food and other items that they can. Amazingly, last year the total amount collected came to more than 17.9 million pounds. The Department of Defense played a good role in this by collecting more than 3.2 million pounds of food and hygiene items for the Feds Feed Families program. Almost half of that came from commissary employees and patrons, with donations totaling 1.6 million pounds.

You can make a difference with Feds Feed Families by making a donation of nonperishable food, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies.

If you need motivation, here are 10 reasons why you should donate items to the Feds Feed Families program.

You wouldn’t allow a child to go hungry. Food banks see a shortage in summer months as less donations come in and demands increase. During the school year, many children are able to get meals at a reduced rate or even free if their family meets certain government requirements.

In the summer months when school is out, families must look elsewhere to feed their children. This is when local food banks get hit the hardest. That is why the Feds Feed Families campaign runs from June through the end of August each year.

A staggering 1 in 6 Americans suffer with food insecurity, meaning they often go hungry or worry about having enough to eat. That’s an astounding 50 million Americans that don’t know where their next meal is coming from or if they’ll have enough to eat.

Since 1985, the commissary has been making donations to local food banks. As part of Feds Feed Families, they are able to make a bigger contribution and so can you.

Military families are also hungry. Military families and service members unfortunately are not immune to this suffering. Not all military families can make ends meet and put sufficient food on the table for their families. Statistics are hard to come by and that’s why new studies are being done, to accurately document how many military families are using food assistance programs.

The reality is, you likely have some food in your pantry that you can donate. You know there is at least one item in there you are never going to eat, that can of asparagus in the back of the pantry you’ve been ignoring for example. You know you aren’t going to eat it, but there is someone out there that would love to have it. You can help ease their burden by making a donation of this and any nonperishable items you have at home. You can download a list of items the Feds Feed Families campaign is looking for.

The Feds Feed Families program is hassle-free. Even if you don’t feel like going through your pantry, you can make a donation. Most commissaries have pre-filled bags with items Feds Feed Families is looking for.

All you have to do is pick one up on your next grocery run and pay for it. Simply drop the bag in the Feds Feed Families donation bin on your way out.

It’s completely hassle-free.

This is a great teaching moment for your children. Many kids these days have a huge disconnect in where their food comes from. Those that have enough to eat don’t necessarily think twice about the cost of food. This is a great life lesson you can share with your family: be grateful for what you have, be kind to others and be an example for the next generation.

If nothing else moves you, you can write your donation off your federal taxes.

If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, you can join a gleaning event. This year in particular, Feds Feed Families is pushing families to gather extra fresh food by clearing fields of unused produce. This is known as gleaning. Your children can use this as a service project.

Have you always wanted to be a part of something bigger than yourself? This is your opportunity. Every office of the federal government is asked to participate in Feds Feed Families.

Because you can. If you aren’t worrying about where your next meal is coming from, make a difference for someone who is worrying – donate to Feds Feed Families today.

For more information about the Feds Feed Families campaign, visit the USDA’s Feds Feed Families page.

Amendment to Reimburse Recertification Costs

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Recertification costs due to PCS can really add up for military spouses that are employed in a career field that requires state licensing or certification. Two senators are working to get some of that money back to military spouses.

Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) have been trying for years to get a tax credit for military spouses that have had to pay fees for licensure and certification when they PCSed with their service members.

Senators Introduce Amendment to Reimburse Military Spouses’ Move-Related Recertification Costs

Two senators have proposed an amendment to the defense bill that would reimburse military spouses up to $500 for the costs of re-licensure and re-certification.

Military spouses earn 38 percent less than civilians according to a recent report, due to the hardship of constantly moving. Many spouses experience a length of unemployed or become underemployed because jobs that require licensing or certification are state specific.

Recertification costs can be more than military families can afford, especially with frequent moves.

Senators Casey and Moran are hoping to ease that burden with a tax credit to military spouses to cover recertification costs. They have proposed an amendment to the defense bill that would reimburse military spouses up to $500 for the costs of re-licensure and re-certification that stems from a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to a another state.

Reimbursement for recertification costs would include:

  • Application fees to a state board, bar association or other certifying or licensing body.
  • Exam fees and registration fees paid to a licensing body.
  • Costs of additional coursework required for eligibility for licensing or certification specific to the state, not including the cost of continuing education courses.

Limitations include:

  • The total amount of reimbursement for recertification costs cannot exceed $500 per PCS.
  • Eligibility for reimbursement of recertification costs for spouses would not be limited by the pay grade of the service member.
  • Reimbursements would be distributed quarterly.
  • The cap on the reimbursement program would be $2 million a year.

There are more than 860,000 military spouses and only 55 percent of them were in the workforce in the past decade. If this passes, it would give many spouses the opportunity to continue their careers after relocation.

The government would also benefit from the program as a recent study by Blue Star Families showed. The report stated that it costs the U.S. economy between $710 million and $1.07 billion annually in lost tax revenue, unemployment benefits and health costs because so many military spouses were not employed in career fields that they otherwise could be without the hardship of moving.

These two senators are working to get recertification costs reimbursed to military spouses so that they can get back in the career field of their choice. This simple act of reimbursement can actually have a huge impact on the economy, as well as at home for military families.

Luckily, they are not the only ones fighting for military spouses. First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden started a campaign in 2011, known as Joining Forces, to make it easier for military spouses to gain employment in portable carriers.

They also saw the struggle that military spouses faced with PCSing, especially with recertification costs. Together, they urged governors in every state to take action, whether executive or legislative, to make state licensing for military spouses easier. This month they announced that all 50 states have created a way to help streamline the process of licensing and credentialing military spouses.

The Department of Defense along with state legislators and regulators has developed 3 ways to help military spouses transfer licenses: licensure through endorsement; temporary licensure; and expedited processes for issuing licenses.

Licensure through endorsement can be difficult for military spouses, so a best practice has been developed that allows spouses to show their competency in their occupation through various methods determined by boards such as recent experience and continuing education units.

Temporary licensure is offered by many states that allows military spouses to enter employment while completing state requirements or while awaiting verification of current license, certification or employment history for an endorsement.

An expedited process for issuing licenses is a quick way to get spouses back in the workforce. States have varying ways in which they expedite the process. Washington, for example, allows a board to approve a license based on an application certified by affidavit.

With recertification costs keeping many military spouses out of the workforce, hopefully these initiatives will be able to get them back into it.

How much have you spent on recertification costs when you moved as a military spouse? Share your story in the comments section.

How to File an Inconvenience Claim for Your PCS

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Moving can be stressful and when the movers don’t arrive to pick up your household goods or to deliver them, it’s time to file an inconvenience claim.

How to File an Inconvenience Claim for Your PCS

Filing an inconvenience claim when a moving company does not pick up or deliver household goods is easy if you follow these steps.

What is an inconvenience claim?

An inconvenience claim is a request for reimbursement of money unexpectedly spent due to the moving company not arriving on the agreed upon pack or pick up date or delivered on the Required Delivery Dates (RDDs). You can apply for reimbursement, but it is not guaranteed that you will receive it. Moving companies will generally honor your inconvenience claim however.

What is covered?

Items that you may be reimbursed for with an inconvenience claim include:

  • lodging
  • meals
  • laundry service
  • furniture and appliance rentals
  • sheets
  • towels
  • pots and pans
  • paper plates
  • napkins
  • disposable cutlery

Rental furniture includes beds and air mattresses, cribs, sofa, chairs, table, appliances and one TV. Receipts for purchases must accompany your inconvenience claim.

The total amount they will pay back to you cannot exceed the daily lodging and meal per diem rate.

It is expected that military families will minimize these expenses in ways such as sharing a hotel room with the entire family if possible. If multiple rooms are needed, you must get pre-approval in writing by the transportation service provider (TSP).

It should be noted that if the TSP reimburses you for physical items such as pots and pans, they can reclaim those items once your household goods are delivered if they choose to, though it is not likely.

What is not covered?

Don’t go crazy purchasing things thinking you can just add them to your inconvenience claim. There are many items that are not covered including: food if the family is in a residence, cleaning supplies, toiletries and cosmetics, snacks, military uniform pieces, school supplies, receipts for items out of the local area, receipts dated prior to the missed moving date, expenses that you do not have a receipt for, toys, personal clothing, dry cleaning, ATVs, boats, trailers, bikes, gifts, alcohol or drugs or tickets to amusement parks.

What is the timeline for reimbursement?

The process for filing an inconvenience claim and receiving a reimbursement is actually quite quick. The moving company or TSP is required to acknowledge they received an inconvenience claim filed within 7 calendar days. The TSP will reimburse the family within 30 days. The TSP can choose to voluntarily approve your reimbursement without receipts during this time as well.

You can begin charging the TSP for failure to pick up household goods as of the first day of the missed pick up through the actual pick up date. If they failed to deliver your items, you can charge them from the first day after the missed delivery date up until the date it is actually delivered.

Who is not eligible?

There are some instances in which you are not able to file an inconvenience claim. This includes delays due to: a natural disaster, an act of the public enemy, acts of the government, acts of the public authority, violent strikes, mob interference or delays of Code 5, Code J, or Code T shipments that stem from the government and not the TSP. Also, service members on Temporary Living Allowances (TLA) are not authorized to file an inconvenience claim.

How do you file a claim?

It is a short and easy process to file an inconvenience claim. These are filed directly with the claim department of the moving company that failed to meet its move dates. Each business has a different procedure however, but most are simple. Stevens Worldwide Van Lines, for example, has a form you can download from their website.

It is also a good idea to notify the traffic management office after you PCS. They can provide assistance in filling out the paperwork to file an inconvenience claim. If your claim is denied, they can appeal to the carrier’s home office. If the appeal is not fruitful, your case can then go on to the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command that will review it and make a final ruling.

Help can be found at the destination ITO for Air Force and Army and at the local ITO, Legal Assistance Office or the Claims Processing Office for Navy and Marine Corps. While they can help with the process, you still must file with the TSP. The inconvenience claim package must include at a minimum:

  1. A copy of the member’s inconvenience claim letter
  2. Copies of receipt for out-of-pocket expenses
  3. Copies of the Government Bill of Lading, DD Form 1299 and DD Form 619-1
  4. A statement of the reasonableness for the claim

Have you ever filed an inconvenience claim? What is your experience with this type of PCS claim?

What You Need to Do to Get TSA PreCheck

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Flying can be fun, but it can also be stressful when waiting in long lines at the TSA security checkpoint. Large airports such as Atlanta can be frustrating when the line is long and moves slowly. It is very time consuming to remove your shoes, coat and belt as well as taking out liquids and computers from your carry-on bag. TSA is working on getting those lines shortened with their TSA PreCheck program.

What Service Members, Military Spouses Need to Do to Get TSA PreCheck

Did you know that military service members qualify for TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck makes security screening quicker and easier for passengers that are considered to be low-risk. Those that qualify for the program are able to go through a special lane at TSA security in some U.S. airports. These passengers are not required to take the time-consuming steps such as removing shoes, liquids and laptops. You must be a member of the TSA PreCheck program or a trusted traveler group to take advantage of these shorter lines.

Military Service Members Trusted Traveler Group

All members of the U.S. Armed Forces are instantly considered members of the trusted traveler group. This includes Reservists and National Guard as well as cadets and midshipmen at the U.S. service academies. They do therefore not need to apply for the TSA PreCheck program.

Service members simply need to put their Department of Defense identification number in as their known traveler number when making a reservation. This can be done when making flight arrangements in the military official travel program or through any airline ticketing site or company.

You do not need to be in uniform when traveling and the TSA PreCheck can be used for both personal and official travel.

When the program started, service members could simply show their CAC to the TSA document checker at the security checkpoint. That part of the program was phased out in 2014.

The only way to use your military ID to get to the TSA PreCheck  is to use your DoD ID number as the Known Traveler Number when making airline reservations ahead of time. Simply showing up at the security checkpoint with your military ID or CAC will no longer get you through the TSA PreCheck lane.

Can military dependents use TSA PreCheck?

Dependents that are age 12 and under can go through the TSA PreCheck line with their parent that is TSA PreCheck authorized.

At this time, military spouses are not included in the trusted traveler group and must apply for TSA PreCheck.

Who is eligible for TSA PreCheck?

Membership in the TSA PreCheck program is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Some may be ineligible however if they send in incomplete or false application information, if they have existing violations of transportation security regulations or if they have disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

There are 3 steps to apply for TSA PreCheck:

  1. Complete an online application or go to an application center to complete the whole process in person.
  2. Schedule an appointment online or call (855) 347-8371 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern. They take walk-ins as well, but people with appointments will take priority.
  3. You will still need to visit an application center. All applicants are required to turn in the required documents and to be fingerprinted. You will need your current U.S. passport or a driver’s license and birth certificate. There is unfortunately, a non-refundable $85 fee.

Once all of these steps are completed, you can check your status online. Once approved, your membership is active for 5 years. It is important to note that not all airports in America have TSA PreCheck lanes and that the TSA still conducts random searches.

Have you or your service member tried to do the TSA PreCheck at an airport? How did it work for you?

Your Guide to the 2016 Military Air Show Season

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Military air shows are exciting events. “That’s the sound of freedom,” people say when a jet passes over. Just the sound of a jet can bring many emotions. For those that have served our country and for their spouses and families, it brings a sense of pride. For young children it is a world of amazement.

Both the Navy and Air Force have special squadrons that are the highlights of military air shows. Since 1946, the Navy’s Blue Angels have held performances for more than 484 million fans. It is now estimated 11 million spectators will attend the Blue Angels air shows annually.

Your Guide to the 2016 Military Air Show Season

This year the Blue Angels celebrate their 70th season. Unfortunately, it came to a quick halt. Source: Navy.mil

The Blue Angels

Blue Angels are made up of only 16 officers. There are 3 tactical jet pilots, 2 support officers and 1 Marine Corps pilot position open each year to replace departing members. Each officer generally stays with the Blue Angels for 2 years.

While the Blue Angels began with 4 aircrafts, they have since expanded to 10. The original 4 aircrafts made up their famous diamond formation.  The air shows now include solo performances to show how capable these jets are. The Blue Angels currently fly the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. It’s amazing to watch these aircrafts in action. They fly merely 18 inches apart during their famous diamond 360 maneuver.

This year the Blue Angels celebrate their 70th season. Unfortunately, it came to a quick halt.

On June 2, America lost a great hero, Capt. Jeff Kuss of the Marine Corps. He was the number six pilot, the Opposing Solo, of the Blue Angels. His F/A-18 Hornet crashed while training in Tennessee. We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Captain Kuss.

The Blue Angels canceled their June appearances. Navy officials announced on June 26 that the elite flight demonstration squadron will resume its schedule on July 2 at the National Cherry Festival Air Show in Traverse City, Michigan.

You can review the 2016 air show schedule to determine the closest one to you.

Air Force Thunderbirds

Another wonderful opportunity to view air shows comes from the Air Force Thunderbirds, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron.

They started the season with a flyover at the Daytona 500 and were making their way across America delighting people with their precision flying demonstrations when an unfortunate accident occurred. They also lost a jet on June 2.

One of the Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcons completed a flyover for the commencement at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, before crashing in a field. The pilot was able to eject without suffering any serious injuries.

Following this incident, the squadron had a short stand down. The Thunderbirds resumed their flight demonstration schedule in mid-June.

Your Guide to the 2016 Military Air Show Season

Four U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons, known as the Thunderbirds, flying in formation with white trailer of smoke over the 42nd Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Air Show at Point Mugu, Calif.

The Air Force has been amazing crowds since 1953. They have performed across America as well as around the world. Millions of people have had the opportunity to witness their air shows.

Each military air show is free and open to the public. You can check the Thunderbirds 2016 air shows schedule to see if there’s one coming up near you.

If you plan on attending an air show this summer, take a small backpack with items such as sunblock, bug spray, rain gear, bottled water, snacks, hats, binoculars, a camera and earplugs. You’ll also want a blanket or chairs to sit on.

To avoid as much traffic as you can, consider going early and leaving late. Make sure to keep an eye on the kids so they don’t touch the static displays.

Be ready to ask questions. The men and women that are part of these proud traditions are happy to answer them.

Here is the complete summer schedule for the Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force’s Thunderbirds.

Tricare: 2 Urgent Care Visits Without a Referral

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Tricare began an Urgent Care pilot program on May 23, 2016, that extends through May 23, 2019. It allows Tricare Prime, Tricare Prime Remote or Tricare Young Adult-Prime members in the United States to visit Urgent Care facilities twice a year without a referral from a primary care manager (PCM).

Previously, these beneficiaries were required to have a referral from a PCM within 24 hours of going to an Urgent Care facility.

The pilot program allows Tricare beneficiaries to make 2 visits to Urgent Care within each fiscal year, which is October 1 through September 30.

You can now seek help from any Tricare authorized provider. An authorized provider is one that is licensed by a state, accredited by a national organization or meets other standards and is certified to provide benefits under Tricare. These providers are categorized as either network or non-network providers.

If you do receive a referral from your PCM, it does not count against the 2 Urgent Care visits that do not require a referral. If the nurse advice line tells you to go to Urgent Care, it also does not count against your 2 visits per fiscal year.

Tricare Allows 2 Urgent Care Visits Without a Referral

Tricare is trying out a new policy that allows certain Tricare beneficiaries to utilize Urgent Care facilities without a referral from a PCM.

What is Urgent Care?

If you need medical attention within 24 hours and cannot be seen by your PCM in that time, you need Urgent Care. Some examples of why you might need Urgent Care include: treatment for high fevers, sprains such as your wrist, illness that hinders proper breathing (croup), potential concussion from a fall or other urgent matters that do not threaten life, limb or eyesight.

If an injury does threaten life, limb or eyesight, that is considered an emergency. In that case, you would go to an emergency room.

If you are unsure if your illness requires emergency care, urgent care or simply a scheduled appointment with your PCM, you can call the Tricare nurse advice line at 1-800-Tricare. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What type of Urgent Care providers can you see?

You can see both network and non-network Urgent Care providers. Simply make an appointment or walk in to their facility. There are many different types of Urgent Care providers, all of which are approved for you to visit. These include:

  • Family practice
  • Internal medicine
  • General practice
  • Pediatrician
  • Obstetrician/Gynecologist
  • Urgent Care Clinic/Convenient Care Center
  • Physician Assistant
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Certified Nurse Midwife

While you are authorized to visit these Urgent Care facilities, you may still have to pay network copayments. Visit the Tricare copayments site to determine if this applies to you. Although you do not need a referral to go to these Urgent Care locations, you still need to inform your PCM about the care you received. You may also need to schedule a follow-up appointment.

Who is eligible for this pilot program?

All active duty service members in Tricare Prime Remote, activated Guard/Reserve members in Prime Remote and all other beneficiaries enrolled in Tricare Prime, Tricare Prime Remote or Tricare Young Adult Prime can take advantage of this pilot program.

If however, the active duty service member, Guard or Reserve member is enrolled in Tricare Prime, they are not eligible. All beneficiaries enrolled in the U.S. Family Health Plan as well as those families enrolled overseas are not eligible. Those traveling in the United States who are enrolled overseas still do not need a referral from their PCM, they simply are not limited to 2 visits to an Urgent Care facility. Any care received overseas does not count as well.

If eligible beneficiaries exceed more than 2 Urgent Care visits within a fiscal year, they will be required to get a referral from their PCM or will be charged a point-of-service fee. You can avoid this fee by calling the nurse line before going to an Urgent Care facility.

What do you think about Tricare changing this policy for Prime beneficiaries? When have you used Urgent Care?