Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Help Your Children Adjust To A New School Post-PCS

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Moving to a new school is a challenge. Whether you have moved to a new town or moved up in grade requiring a move in school, it feels like starting over. It is something new, a fresh start, a beginning. This isn’t an easy adjustment or task for adults, much less for the children in your life. If your kids are starting at a new school this year, help them with the new transition.

Plan Ahead

If you are able to, once you know where you are moving to, connect your children with other kids their age at the new duty station. You may not be able to predict the school you are going to if you do not know where you will be moving to, but connecting with someone in the area will help them feel connected to their new area.

If interested, check to see if there is a Youth Mentorship program at your next installation. Check Military One Source here to see if there is a youth program at your next installation, and reach out via email or telephone to see if they have a mentorship program specifically. This program will connect two children of similar ages – through email or letters – to allow children to converse with each other. This can allow your kids to express their concerns to someone else who would understand, someone their age who may have recently gone through a move themselves.

Enroll Ahead

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children was made specifically with military children in mind. One such amenity is allowing for enrollment with unofficial school records while awaiting official transcripts to be sent. It also allows for 30 days for children to get any necessary vaccinations. If playing sports is important to your child, they can begin playing right away even if they missed tryouts as outlined by the Compact. Read about the Compact more from the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission.

Plug Them In

If you are unsure of what school options there are, reach out to the base School Liason. This position is specifically made to provide information on schools to incoming military families. They can provide registration dates, ideas on school options based on housing areas, and any other school-specific questions you may have.

If there is a summer school session, see if the school will allow a tour during school hours or perhaps once it is let out. This allows for familiarizing with the school before the first day. This off-cycle tour doesn’t usually allow for meeting their teacher unless they have already been assigned, but it allows for a chance to see the school, get familiar with the cafeteria and playground, and any special programs your children would be interested in.

Open Houses

When the official open house is announced, make sure to attend. This allows the kids to meet others in their classroom outside of the start of school. This also allows for meeting their teacher and parents to meet others who may be able to help with staying on top of assignments for the year or help with carpooling if you need it in the future. When the parents are plugged into the school, the kids will usually feel more comfortable.

Ask Questions

While your children may have questions, they may be too shy to ask them. When at the new school, ask the teacher how your family can best support the classroom and about expectations. Ask about school activities and get a full school calendar. Ask about independent learning or study if you may need to take an extended absence from school in the future (deployment, pre-deployment, family concerns, etc). Knowing as an adult the expectations for school will help your children know what to expect and be better prepared for the school year.

Get phone numbers from other parents in your child’s classroom to help your kids get connected.

It is impossible to prepare for every scenario, but it is possible to prepare as much as you are able to. Get your kids ready for school with a plan, and get to know their new school, which can help them adjust after a PCS move.

New Maternity Leave Policy for Reservists In Place

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On June 9th of this year, the Defense Department updated the Reserve Component Military Leave policy to reflect the maternity leave policy change. The policy now states that paid authorized absences in lieu of inactive duty for training for at least 12 training periods, equivalent of three weekends, is allowed for reservists. The law issuing the change in maternity leave went into effect on January 1, 2021. The policy is effective for reservists as of June 9, 2022.

Per the Navy’s message on the leave policy, no “retroactive requests for qualifying birth events on 8 June 2022 or earlier” would be allowed. Prior to June 9, 2022, Reserve members were allowed unpaid maternity leave. During those periods, no accrual of retirement points for those weekends when unpaid leave was utilized.  Maternity leave can be utilized for anyone within 12 months of giving birth. The policy specifically states that the commanders cannot deny the use of the leave during the first three months, and to weight the mission with leave after that. Reservists who experience a live birth, stillbirth or suffer a loss after 20 weeks can utilize the paid maternity leave. Reservists must be in good standing to utilize the leave.

The leave policy does not apply to adoptions, or paternity leave.

Tricare Coverage of Childbirth and Postpartum Support Services

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Military families have been utilizing support networks for childbirth and the postpartum period for years. Now, certified non-medical labor doulas, certified lactation consultants, and certified lactation counselors will be covered by TRICARE.

The TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) will cover TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select enrollees.  This program will run from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2026, and will include overseas locations on January 1, 2025. It will not cover those enrolled under TRICARE for Life, US Family Health Plan, or the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.

For those enrolled in TRICARE Prime, a referral will need to be placed by the primary care manager if you see a non-network provider, otherwise, no referral is needed.

To qualify for childbirth support and certified labor doulas, you must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, be at least 20 weeks pregnant, and see a TRICARE-authorized provider for the birth. If giving birth in a military hospital or clinic, the doula would not be part of the CBSD plan. Giving birth at home with a certified midwife will be covered as long as the midwife is certified and a TRICARE-authorized provider. Up to six visits with a labor doula will be covered as long as the doulas are within the network or if they are non-network doulas they must meet CBSD qualifications.

To qualify for lactation counselors or consultants and breastfeeding support, you must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, be at least 27 weeks pregnant and receive services from an Independent Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Certified Lactation Counselors during an inpatient maternity stay, follow-up outpatient visit or a well-child care visit. Up to six (6) sessions are covered in outpatient sessions if provided through a TRICARE authorized provider or clinic and is billed as a preventative service.

Lactation counselors are non-medical professionals who provide counseling on breastfeeding and support to parents in either individual or group sessions.

Lactation consultants are non-medical professions who provide care in all breastfeeding support including breastfeeding complications. A lactation consultant can also provide care through a group session.

This coverage would be covered without cost shares, deductibles or copayments as long as the provider is within the TRICARE network.

There is no need to enroll in the CBSD, as a TRICARE Prime or Select member, any claims submitted will be covered under the CBSD.

What U.S. Military Members Should Know About Proxy Weddings

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CBS News reports Montana had 4,300 double proxy weddings in 2021. A proxy marriage is a legal option for those who cannot be present at the same time for the wedding ceremony, and “double proxy” means both parties are absent. A proxy wedding can be a terrific option for American service members. Preparing for a military wedding can be a complicated affair because of deployments, training schedules, or frequent moves. Having a proxy wedding can simplify this. Here are some guidelines on arranging a military wedding by proxy.

Know The Requirements

There are only a handful of states where proxy marriages are legal. Montana, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, New Jersey, Utah, and California each have different requirements and fees. Finding out from the local county clerk’s office will be a practical first step. In California, for example, only single proxy marriages are legal, and the stand-ins must have a power of attorney from the service member. In Montana, one party must be a resident or a US military member for a double proxy wedding. 

Tying The Knot

It may be unconventional, but you can still celebrate your love. You can have a ceremony and all the trimmings of typical weddings that can be simple or elaborate. Tying the knot at home may be ideal; your future spouse may not physically be with you, but it will be just as memorable as your loved ones are around you in a familiar place. It is also kinder to the budget, more intimate, and provides flexibility when choosing the big date.

Validating The Marriage

You will need to submit additional documents to authenticate the marriage. The general list includes affidavits, written statements, photos, and hotel or plane ticket receipts. These will prove that you and your partner had a romantic relationship before the ceremony. Requirements may vary depending on the state. You can learn what they are from the local marriage bureau. 

A proxy wedding is a practical option for American service members who want to tie the knot. It is one way to honor your relationship in a non-traditional way. A valid marriage also ensures you will receive all the benefits and help granted to spouses. You can always have a renewal of vows or a second wedding when both of you are in the same place at the same time.

*Article submission by guest writer Jennifer Dawson

Burn Pit Legislation Updated

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It is not a secret that military service members are sometimes exposed to toxic substances. Legislation addressing this exposure allowing for access to healthcare in related illnesses to this exposure passed in the Senate in an 84-14 vote. The bill, titled Sergeant First Class Heath Robison Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act of 2022 or Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, expands health care eligibility. The bill passed in the House on 03/03/2022 with a 256-174 vote and then passed in the Senate on 06/16/2022. It is now awaiting the signature of President Joe Biden.

The additional diseases associated with exposures to certain agents for which there is a presumption of service connection for veterans who served in certain locations included monoclonal gammopathy and hypertension.  The previous diseases thought to be associated with exposure to burn pits and associated toxins included asthma, many types of cancer including but not limited to melanoma, respiratory and head, and neck cancers, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis, emphysema, granulomatous disease, interstitial lung disease, pleuritis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, glioblastoma and any disease thought to be in connection to a substance, chemical or airborne hazard. These illnesses are thought to be related to exposure and allow veterans to have health care and disability benefits for these illnesses through the VA without having to prove the connection of the illness to their service.

The geographic areas served are expanded to areas including Spain, Thule, Greenland, near Palomares and the Enewetak Atoll for radiation-exposed veterans for dates from 1966 to 1980 depending on the location served. The areas for exposure to herbicide agents were expanded from Vietnam to include Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, or on the Johnson Atoll from 1962 to 1976 depending on location.

Within one year from the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of Veterans of Affairs is called to establish a Toxic Exposure Research Working Group in cooperation with the Department of Veterans Affairs, The Department of Defense, The Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency and other entities of the federal government involved in the research of the impact of toxic exposures experience during active military service including but not limited naval, air and space services.

In no later than 270 dates from the date that the Act passes to analyze the total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served on or after August 2, 1990, serving on active duty in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the United Arab Emirates and for those who served on or after September 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria or Yemen. The study will collect qualitative characteristics in addition to health concerns.

The bill also includes a required study on the jet fuels used in the armed forces and possible health risks it causes with additional safeguards that will be put into place to lower health risks.

Why the changes? Many advocacy groups have lobbied for the addition of hypertension to covered causes after the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released information that the herbicides used in Vietnam and Southeast Asia led to hypertension or high blood pressure.

With the changes and expansion of the bill, about half a million Vietnam War veterans may be eligible for disability coverage.

The bill also includes a section on illnesses related to the water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Those covered in this section include individuals who lived on, resided in, or were exposed to the water for no less than 30 days from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987. Individuals who suffered illnesses after exposure to the water may file claims to that effect.

The expansion of coverage to affected veterans will slowly be phased-in so that the Veterans Affairs hospitals are not overwhelmed by an increase in patients. No announcement from the VA has been made in regards to increasing facilities or providers to care for a potentially large increase in the population they serve.

If you are currently evaluated by the VA Health system and one of the above includes you or someone you know, the VA has been instructed to review any previous submissions or denials in regards to the above. Contact your local VA if further assistance is needed.

Before Commissary CLICK2GO …Today’s curbside pickup program had its roots in military commissaries with branch stores that functioned as drive-in outlets

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FORT LEE, Va. – Once upon a time, a number of commissaries had small branch stores that allowed customers to conveniently phone in their orders, drive up to that facility and pick up their groceries.

It wasn’t quite Commissary CLICK2GO, but it was a precursor of things to come.

“When you look back into the history of military commissaries it’s amazing to see the roots of services like the curbside pickup we’re offering today,” said Marine Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Saucedo, senior enlisted advisor to the Defense Commissary Agency director. “It’s a testament to the fact that a good idea doesn’t have a shelf life.” 

So, what’s the story about commissaries and their drive-up branch stores?

The number of commissaries grew during and after World War II, but not nearly fast enough to keep up with the number of military bases or the military family population. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, most commissaries still remained low on the priority list for funds for renovations and new facility construction. 

This funding shortage forced most bases to “make do” with whatever facilities they already had. One common solution was to create a store annex or a branch store. These smaller operations allowed customers to quickly run in and pick up a few items such as bread, milk and paper towels.

The Troop Support Agency, the organization that managed Army commissaries, called these stores “Mini Coms” and the Air Force Commissary Service dubbed theirs “Wee Serve,” which reflected on their motto “We Serve Where You Serve.”

Sometimes these annexes were established as separate “neighborhood stores.” In some instances, the branch operations were separate areas within the main store building, but were walled off from the rest of the store. They kept different hours than the main store and were accessed by separate entrances. 

Several of these branch stores allowed customers to call in their order over the phone, select a time to pick their groceries up and have them brought out to their car when they arrived. Although most annexes and branches were walk-in stores, a few had a window service that turned them into “drive-ins” – also known as “drive-throughs” or “drive-thrus.”

Most of the branch stores with drive-up service were open longer hours to serve customers later in the evening or early in the morning before the regular commissary opened.

The drive-in made possible incredibly quick shopping trips, during which the customer never left the vehicle. A customer could purchase a half-dozen items and be on his or her way in a matter of minutes. Such was the case at Port Hueneme, California, in 1961. The drive-in annex was attached to the main store, but it reduced congestion in the main store and in the parking lot by enabling customers to shop without getting out of their cars.

Some stores used the drive-in concept exclusively for parcel pick-up. This was especially popular at locations where there were not enough baggers to carry every customer’s purchases to their cars. Customers would walk through the store as usual, selecting items, but at the register their groceries would be tagged with a number, and when the customer drove up to the pick-up window, he would present a matching claim ticket to the attendant. Some stores, such as the main store at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1965, provided a roof or a partial overhang for the parcel pick-up area.

Yesterday’s branch store call-in and pickup operations have evolved into today’s Commissary CLICK2GO.

“Our online ordering-curbside pick program makes shopping fun with features offering helpful product details, a robust selection of recipes, featured sales and promotions and now you can even pay online,” Saucedo said. “You arrive at your commissary and we’ll get your groceries loaded and off you go. It’s as easy as that.”

DeCA’s evolution of convenience continues with its testing of a delivery service at eight stateside installations that began June 1 and ends Aug. 30. The service allows patrons within a 20-mile radius of the participating commissary to order groceries online via Commissary CLICK2GO, and have them delivered to their front door. The test period is one of the tools the agency is using to determine future expansion of Commissary CLICK2GO delivery.

-DeCA-

NOTE: Portions of this article came from “The Illustrated History of American Military Commissaries” by Dr. Peter Skirbunt, former DeCA historian

Tricare’s Answers to Baby Formula Shortage

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The formula shortage is impacting families all around the United States. For military families, this impact follows them around the world wherever they are stationed as the military commissaries are also impacted by the supply chain issues in stocking formula in their overseas stores. TRICARE recognizes this impact.

Which baby formula is covered by Tricare?

As soon as the formula shortage was felt by military families around the world, a prescription for formula was circulating stating that families could get any formula covered for their children. This is not the case. TRICARE does cover baby formula that is medically necessary. This includes infant formula for children (including older children) who have feeding tubes and require formula for eating. High protein formula for infants on ketogenic diet to control seizures and special formulas for children who cannot digest certain foods or nutrients are also covered.

TRICARE does not cover formula for healthy infants or children who do not meet the above guidelines.

What if the formula isn’t available?

If the prescription specifies a type of formula that is not available, talk with your child’s medical provider. The provider may be able to provide other options that will be covered.

What about Nutritional Therapy?

The types of nutritional therapy including medically necessary treatments are listed on the TRICARE website here. Oral, enteral and parental nutritional therapy may be covered with prescriptions.

Will TRICARE ship formula?

No.

What about making your own formula?

Making your own formula is not recommended by the Food and Drug Administration as the homemade infant formula recipes have not been evaluated by their organization for safety and nutrient amount. The FDA recommends talking to your child’s medical provider about any diet changes you are considering.

The hope is that the supply chain breakdown will improve in about two months, the time it takes for production to increase and the supply provided to local area grocery stores. Time will tell what the recovery period will be. If there are any questions about possible TRICARE coverage, contact your TRICARE regional contractor.

What Can You Do If You Still Can’t Find a House?

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Among military families who move every 1-3 years, looking for a home is a common activity. The military orders come and the research begins to find a home, school, new dentists, doctors, hairstylists, etc. This year, among many others, the difficulty to find affordable housing is increasing. While there is military housing – it, unfortunately, is not available for everyone.

San Diego is an area with several military bases. There are approximately 9,000 government homes located in 38 different areas among San Diego – of those around 8,600 units are for enlisted and 600 are for officers. According to San Diego statistics, San Diego hosts around 110,700 active duty personnel. That means, that about 0.08% of those military members are able to be housed in military housing. Of course, there are those members who are on the ship, deployed, or living in the barracks but the reality is that there is not enough military housing to go around for all the military members and their families to live.  

When military members get orders, applying for military housing is the first step. But the reality is that the wait time for military housing is increasing – some locations are telling families they must wait 3 years for housing – the time of their entire military orders. Getting on the list does not guarantee a spot. If you can wait it out, you might get lucky.

Check In With the Housing Office

Even if you do not think you are going to get a military house, going to the housing office can still be useful. Ask in person for a realistic expectation for finding a home on base. Ask if there are outside resources they recommend. Sometimes there are locals or retired military who bring in fliers for rentals in the area. Check if there is a bulletin board outside the housing office, even if within the housing office they cannot or do not provide that information.

Stay in On Base Lodging

If you are unable to find a house within a budget you can afford, perhaps staying in on base lodging is an option in the short term. Historically on-base lodging has been much more affordable, while the new program from Congress has increased the daily rate it is still overall cheaper in regard to other hotels in the area and allows for ease of travel to work and exploring the local area to find housing. This may also allow for the summer moving season and higher rent prices to lower. While it may not always work in regards to rent within BAH, it may lead to a house that you know you and your family can live in for a long time.

Social Media

Do not forget about other military families when asking for housing in the area. Ask people who are already based in the area if there are rentals within their neighborhood. Sometimes word of mouth is how homes go for rent, and it may not ever post online on major websites. Don’t forget smaller websites that are just military families to rent to others – they may only post there and not on bigger websites, which may lower the number of people you are competing with to get home.

Don’t Forget About the Budget

It is easy to get tied up in a bidding war in regards to rental amounts, offering above rental rate to get into a home, but if you can’t afford it in the long run it isn’t worth it. Maybe it is cheaper to store your belongings in a storage unit and rent an apartment while you look for a home of the size you need with the budget you can afford. No, this is not an ideal solution but could be a short-term solution as apartments may allow month-to-month renting while you find a longer-term solution.

Increase in Mileage Reimbursement Coming for PCSing Military Families

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PCS Season is here. The permanent change of station means traveling from the base you are currently stationed at to the one you will be moving to.  This travel is often by car. Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months, then you know that gas prices continue to increase. In California, some areas have prices over $9 a gallon. This large spike in gas cost is something that military families will have to absorb when they move. The government requires the move as part of military order, but they do not cover all the costs of moving.

For PCS required to travel in a Privately Owned Vehicle, the government provides reimbursement for mileage allowance has been $0.18 per mile, but as of July 1 2022, the mileage rate is now $0.22 per mile.

Military families will calculate the miles traveled from originating place of duty to the final duty station.

Entitlements for PCS Active Duty Military families can collect

  • Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) -aka mileage reimbursement
  • Plus (Per Diem)- members and dependents get different rates. If dependents are traveling with the service member, any dependent over the age of 12 gets 75% of the per diem and any dependent under 12 gets 50% of the member’s per diem rate. If dependents are traveling separately from the service member, one dependent over the age of 12 will get 100% per diem, 75% per diem for any other dependents over the age of 12, and 50% for any dependent under 12.
  • Temporary Lodging Expense – this amount is limited by the monetary amount and based on location PCSing to and from
  • Dislocation Allowance – reimbursement to cover expenses incurred in relocation

PCS Entitlements for Separating or Retiring Military Service Members

  • Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) -aka mileage reimbursement
  • Plus (Per Diem) – same per diem rules apply as above

To understand all entitlements, check out the Defense Finance and Accounting Service here.

How Is the Commissary Responding to the Baby Formula Shortage?

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The viral video of a mother on Camp Pendleton sharing with the world about her difficulty in finding baby formula for her child for the rest of the week made the plight of mothers with young children visible and known. The baby formula shortage is affecting the Commissaries within the United States and its overseas stores. Per the commissary, the stock is about 50% of its typical stock, a little higher in overseas commissaries. They recognize the issue and are working to remedy it.

While the supply chain changes are affecting all stores, the Defense Commissary Agency, DeCA, recognizes that the supply chain uniquely affects its customers, especially overseas patrons. With the limited amount provided to stores, there is less to sell. This can lead to panic buying by those who do see it- but the commissary recommends not doing this as it will further limit the availability of the stock. Each commissary has placed a limit on the number of formula containers can be purchased, and it varies per commissary so make sure to check with your local commissary.

It is thought that the shortage will last about sixty days, the time-period it will take for the production to increase enough to provide the needed amount. Then it will depend on delivery schedules and ordering ability to get the items to the stores.

As per the Federal Drug Administration’s recommendations, it is advised that individuals should not make their own formula at home. It is also recommended to discuss any

If You Are In Europe

DeCA has an alternative resource for formula in Europe through local companies so there may be more options in the commissaries located on bases in Europe.

If You Are In the Pacific

DeCA is researching local options for formula for the commissaries located in the Pacific.

If you have a child who has a medical illness requiring certain formulas, you can request a prescription from your TRICARE provider but this applies only to certain conditions. Make sure to ask your child’s medical provider.