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Retired Activities Office Bulletins

The following bulletins are furnished to ANA as important information to retirees by LT EMO Tichacek, USN (Ret) who is the Retired Activities Director in Baguio, P.I. and are used with his permission.  If you have questions about the articles, please direct them to the cited reference in the bulletin and NOT to ANA or LT Tichacek.

15 Jul 04
This Bulletin Update Contains the Following Articles:
* VGLI Update 1 (Online Account Access system)
* Reserve Retirement Update 02
* Army Involuntary Recall
* Retiree Voluntary Recall (Army)
* Retiree Mobilization Update 01 (Army)
* Reserves FICA Refund (Mobilized)
* DFC "V" Device for Heroism (Air Force)
* VA Benefits Pamphlet
* Legal Permanent Residents Abroad (U.S. domicile requirement)
* Diploma Mills
* Military One Source
* Melanoma (Skin Cancer)
* Solomons Navy Recreation Center (Chesapeake Bay)
* U.S. Savings Bond Replacement
* Military Political Activities Authorized



VGLI UPDATE 01: VA announced on 25 JUN 04 that veterans will be able to
access their Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) accounts 7/24 from any
computer or telephone. Using a secure Web site, the VGLI Online Account
Access system allows veterans to obtain basic information on their account
through the VA insurance Web site at www.insurance.va.gov. Veterans can
view their current amount of coverage, premium rate, and billing method as
well as change their billing address. In the future, veterans will have
access to additional online tools allowing them to change their method and
frequency of payment. Also available on VA's insurance Web site is a new
life insurance calculator that allows veterans to calculate a recommended
amount of life insurance based on their financial information. Veterans can
also access their account information through a new VGLI interactive voice
response system that allows veterans to obtain account information through
the telephone. Veterans can call VA at 1-800-419-1473 any time, day or
night and by using their telephone keypad and can hear recorded
information on their accounts. They can also request certain changes to

their VGLI accounts, such as billing frequency and payment method, as well
as order certain forms via mail or fax. [Source: Psychological Operations
Veterans Association VSO msg 27 JUN 04]


RESERVE RETIREMENT UPDATE 02: A move to allow reservists to retire earlier
than age 60 ran into a Senate roadblock last week. Sen. Jon Corzine,
D-N.J., had offered an amendment to the Senate's version of the fiscal year
2005 National Defense Authorization Act bill that would have lowered the

reserve retirement age from age 60 to 55. But it ran afoul of a budget
point of order. Although Sen. Corzine moved to waive the budget
requirement, his motion was defeated during floor debate by a vote of
49-49. Sixty (60) votes are needed to overcome such a motion. The
amendment was based on Sen. John Corzine's S. 1035 which has 11
co-sponsors. Companion House legislation H.R. 742 sponsored by Rep. Jim
Saxon has 186 co-sponsors. [Source: Armed Forces News Issue 2 JUL 04 & FRA
NES UPDATE 8 JUL 04]


ARMY INVOLUNTARY RECALL: On 29 JUN 04 it was announced that the Pentagon
would be recalling about 5,600 men and women from the Individual Ready
Reserve (IRR) and assigning them to Army Reserve units that have or will be
mobilized for deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. The IRR includes more than
118,000 members with periods of military service obligation remaining. The
last time the Army called up the IRR was during the 1991 Gulf War. Earlier,
the Army issued "stop-loss" orders to bar troops being sent to Iraq or
Afghanistan from leaving the service, even if their commitments were up.

The Army also extended tours in Iraq for some 20,000 troops who were due to
rotate home. The Army is so stretched for personnel in specific skill sets,
such as medical specialists and engineers, they are recalling former
enlisted soldiers and officers who have had training, have served
previously in the Active component or the Selected Reserve, and have some
period of a military obligation remaining. IRR members are in an active
status, but do not perform regularly scheduled training. Officials have
noted that their intent is to give those selected for recall at least 30

days notice. However, with one-third of the forces in Iraq comprised of the
Reserve Component and that many essential specialties, such as military
police, are found in reserves not active duty, they cannot guarantee a
reasonable notification time frame nor provide information on the duration
of the activations. [Source: NAUS Update 2 JUL 04]


RETIREE VOLUNTARY RECALL (ARMY): The Army's Casualty and Memorial Affairs
Operations Center (CMAOC) is seeking qualified retired Soldiers for
voluntary recall to active duty for a one-year tour of duty, with possible
extension. CMAOC is the Army's policy proponent and operations center for
world-wide casualty reporting and casualty notification to Soldiers'
families. CMAOC oversees all aspects of providing casualty assistance and
mortuary support to the families of our fallen Soldiers, to include
assisting with the return of fallen Soldiers to their loved ones, ensuring
coordination for funeral honors, and tracking the return of personal
effects to the family. This is a sensitive mission that requires
professionalism, sensitivity, good communication skills and tact,
especially when communicating with the families of Soldiers who are
injured, ill, missing, or deceased. Duty locations include:
* Army Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Virginia (managing
the
notification process; assisting casualty assistance officers during the
initial stages of their duties; etc.);
* Joint Personal Effects Depot at Aberdeen Proving Ground,
Maryland
(preparing Soldiers' personal effects for a prompt and dignified return to
the family); and
* Port mortuary at Dover, Delaware (preparing fallen Soldiers for
their final journey home and briefing the unit escorts on their
responsibilities).
Government housing and dependent travel are not authorized. However, full
per diem and housing allowance may be authorized depending on the location
of your primary residence. Refer to
https://www.2xcitizen.usar.army.mil/soldierservices/mobilization/retiree
mob_vol.asp
for specific retiree recall requirements. Contact MSG(Ret) John Melville

john.melville@hoffman.army.mil Tel: (703) 325-2897 or LTC Elaine Anzevino
elaine.anzevino@hoffman.army.mil Tel: (703) 325-5307 if you are interested
in a possible tour with Army Casualty. [Source: 82nd Abn Div msg 9 JUN 04]

RETIREE MOBILIZATION UPDATE 01: Applications for mobilization and recall
to active duty to support the war on terrorism are being accepted from
retired soldiers. Qualified applicants are placed on a retiree volunteer

list and, as needed, nominated for recall in their retired rank and
military skill. A confirmation of receipt and qualifications will be
provided to all applicants. Retired soldiers may be used to fill shortages
in, or to augment, deployed or deploying units (OCONUS operations), and
supporting units and activities (CONUS operations). Retirees may be used in
positions at any level of the Army; within limitations of the law, they may
also be used to fill Federal civilian shortages within the Department of

Defense. To ensure only the most qualified retired soldiers are selected

for recall to Active Duty, written applications and other information is

required. Applicants must complete the forms listed below and submit them
to HRC St. Louis (formerly AR-PERSCOM) as indicated.
* Copy of Retirement Order
* DA Form 160-R, Application for Active Duty. Complete all
applicable
items; add your current Height and Weight in Item 13 sign and date the form.
* DA Form 7349-R, Initial Medical Review - Annual Medical
Certificate. Complete all of page one (Part I), sign and date the form.
* Electronic Personnel Security Questionnaire (EPSQ). The EPSQ is
the
electronic Standard Form 86, Security Clearance Application. EPSQ is
required for all retirees who do not have a current security investigation
and clearance. The security clearance of retired soldiers expires two years
after retirement.
The EPSQ and fingerprint cards must be completed and mailed to the HRC St.
Louis Security Office per the guidance provided within the Security section
of
https://www.2xcitizen.usar.army.mil/soldierservices/guidance/secrequest.
asp.
DA Form 160-R & 7349-R are available for download from the Library section
of https://www.2xcitizen.usar.army.mil/download/.
Standard Form 86, Security Clearance Application, is an electronic form and
cannot be mailed; however, it can be obtained from the Defense Security web
site www.dss.mil/index.htm. You must have an AKO account in order to access
the security site. Complete all forms along with Standard Form 86 and
return them to: Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, ATTN:
AHRC-PLM-O (Retiree Mobilization), 1 Reserve Way, St. Louis, MO
63132-5200. Forms may be faxed to HRC St. Louis at (314) 592-1003.
Questions concerning retiree mobilization and recall to Active Duty may be
directed to mobops@arpstl.army.mil
<mailto:mobops@arpstl.army.mil>. Commissioned officers in the grade of
Brigadier General or higher should contact the Chief of the Office of
Chief, Army Reserve General Officer Management Office at (703) 601-0636.

[Source: 82nd Abn Div msg 9 JUN 04]


RESERVES FICA REFUND (MOBILIZED): Mobilized National Guard and Reserve
members and their employers may be in for a refund on some taxes the
employers paid the federal government. Retired Army Reserve Lt. Col. Frank
Scattene, a certified public accountant, has found a government rule
stating Guard and Reserve service members are exempt from paying taxes on
"supplemental income" used by employers to pay into programs such as
Medicare and Social Security. Employers may file an amended tax return,

using Form 941 to seek adjustment under special rules of Section 6413 of

the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations 31.6413(a)-2. Under this
procedure, the employer would receive both the employer share and the
employee share of the erroneously paid FICA tax. If the employer declines
to reimburse the FICA to the employee, the Guard or Reserve member may file
a refund claim using IRS Form 843. [Source: Armed Forces News 9 JUL 04]


DFC "V" DEVICE FOR HEROISM: Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche
has authorized use of the "V" device, to represent valor, on Distinguished
Flying Crosses awarded for heroism. The decision is intended to clearly
distinguish and denote a DFC awarded for heroism. It allows any Reserve,

Guard or active-duty Air Force DFC recipient honored for heroism on or
after Sept. 18, 1947, to wear the "V" device. Airmen previously awarded the
DFC for heroism, as indicated on the citation, certificate or order, are

authorized to wear the "V" device immediately. The Air Force Personnel
Center chief of the recognition programs branch has stated there is no
requirement to have a personnel office verify entitlement to wear the 'V'
device. Later this year the active-duty military personnel data system will
be updated to reflect the change. [Source: Armed Forces News 9 JUL 04]


VA BENEFITS PAMPHLET: In recent yours a number of changes have occurred in
veterans benefits as a result of legislation or other requirements. A
quick source for current Federal benefits available to veterans and their
dependents can be found in the Federal Benefits For Veterans And Dependents
VA Pamphlet 80-04-01 P94663. If changes occur after the latest edition's
publication the VA updates their site www.va.gov to reflect them. It
contains links to sections on compensation and pension benefits, health
care benefits, burial and memorial benefits, home loan guarantees and other
information, which is also included in the annual pamphlet update. The
latest edition (2004) of this booklet can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF
file from http://www1.va.gov/pubaff/fedben/fedben.pdf. A hard copy at no

charge can be obtained at your local VARO. If not available it can be
ordered for $6.00.from the Superintendent of Documents, PO Box 371954,
Pittsburgh PA 15250-7954 or online at www.bookstore.gpo.gov . [Source:
Various May 04]


LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENTS ABROAD: When a U.S. Legal Permanent Resident
(LPR) is issued a green card it does not forever entitle him/her to LPR
status. Typically, if an LPR remains outside the United States for more

than a year or has a history of frequent and extended absences from the
country without U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS)
authorization, the LPR is deemed to have abandoned U.S. residency. If an
extended stay abroad was for reasons beyond the person's control, or in the
U.S. interest, the LPR may qualify for a Returning Resident
visa. Otherwise, one must go through the visa petitioning process all
over again. To protect one's LPR status, a person who intends to remain
abroad for more than a year must obtain approval from USCIS by applying for
a Re-entry Permit prior to U.S. departure. The Permit allows an LPR to be
abroad for more than a year, but not to exceed two years. The validity of
the Re-entry Permit cannot be extended.
Many applicants are denied Returning Resident status when they do not
meet the basic qualification for every green card holder--primary domicile
in the United States. Disappointment and the steep $360 Returning Resident
application fee can be avoided if LPR's realize that U.S. law considers a
permanent U.S. residence an essential element to maintaining LPR
status. In reviewing a Returning Resident application, a consular officer
has to be persuaded that the reason for an applicant's extended stay abroad
was due to circumstances beyond the person's control or was in the U.S.
interest. The application must be supported by credible documentary
evidence. Applications involving absences determined by convenience of the
applicant usually make poor cases. A Returning Resident applicant should be
able to demonstrate that she/he has an established residence in the United
States that she/he has not abandoned and that she/he never had the
intention of relinquishing U.S. residence when she/he departed the United
States. An applicant is generally able to do this by showing compelling

and unbroken U.S. ties, such as compliance with U.S. tax obligations,
ownership of U.S. property and assets, valid U.S. licenses and recent
utility bills for local services in the applicant's name and U.S. address.
Applicants who wish to apply for Returning Resident status should do
so well in advance of their intended travel to permit sufficient time for
visa processing. In addition to the $360 application fee, successful
applications require payment of the appropriate consular fees and
applicants must qualify for the (SB-1) visa in all other respects. The
Manila Embassy accepts Returning Resident applications only on Tues & Thur
1 to 2:30 p.m. Additional info on Returning Resident status is available
at http://travel.state.gov/visa;returning_alien.html [Source: U.S. Embassy
Manila ACS Newsletter APR 04]


SS EARNINGS LIMITS UPDATE 01: In 2004, if you are younger than your full
retirement age and you work while getting Social Security retirement or
survivors' benefits you can earn up to $11,640 (up from $11,520 in 2003)

before $1 is withheld from their benefits for every $2 you earn. If you
reach full retirement age during 2004, $1 will be withheld for each $3 you
earn over $31,080 until your birthday month. After your birthday, you can
receive your full benefit amount no matter how much you earn. To learn more
about working and collecting Social Security benefits, visit the SSA
Retirement Planner www.ssa.gov/retire2/whileworking.htm.


DIPLOMA MILLS: A diploma mill is an institution of higher education
operating without supervision of a state or professional agency, granting
diplomas which are either fraudulent or, because of the lack of proper
standards, worthless. Some are just a P.O. box where people send money in
exchange for a piece of paper that purports to be a college degree. Others
require nominal work from the student, but do not require college-level
course work that is normally required for a degree. The hook used by many
non-reputable unaccredited colleges (often called "diploma mills") is
offering easy "no hassle" college degrees with no Transcript or Student
Evaluation Processes. If it seems to good to be true ... it probably
is! These diploma mills prey on military servicemembers who are looking to
obtain credentials in minimal time to enhance their opportunities for
employment/advancement. Tuition aid programs will not pay for studies at

these unaccredited colleges. The following are the most obvious ways to
tell if you are dealing with a diploma mill:
- Diploma Mills are not usually licensed to operate in any states.
- Diploma Mills are not authorized for Tuition Assistance, the GI Bill or
Federal Financial Aid.
- Diploma Mills are not accredited by any legitimate education agencies or
the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Some states have lax standards that allow almost anyone to operate a
"college," but most have laws that provide penalties for people operating
diploma mills. If you receive a solicitation from a college that might be a
diploma mill, you should contact your local state Dept. of Education, which
will investigate and handle accordingly. Not all unaccredited colleges are
necessarily degree mills in the traditional sense of the term. Some
unaccredited colleges provide legitimate academic work. However, unless the
VA and the Department of Education approve these colleges, your tuition
costs will not be covered.
One place that will help you to get information from fully accredited
colleges and universities that offer programs that fit your education goals
and life is the Military.com web site
www.military.com/SchoolFinder/Search/1,14302,,00.html . By entering
your
educational goal, geographic preference, military status, current education
level, High School graduation date and intended start date onto its
preprogrammed form you can obtain listings of Military-Friendly
institutions that are acceptable for GI Bill/Tuition Assistance, provide

credit for military experience, and/or exams for college credit.
[Source: www.military.com JUN 04]


MILITARY ONE SOURCE: The Defense Department has combined the assistance
programs of each service branch into one program called Military One
Source. This is a one stop place to go 7/24 whenever service members or

family members need assistance with any kind of problem. The services
include everything from common, everyday difficulties that might face a
family to life's most complicated situations. Military One Source runs the
gamut of situations from needing a plumber in the middle of the night to

fix a broken pipe to needing veterinary service for a sick dog. It also
handles things like helping families new to an area find childcare,
information about the school system, summer jobs - whatever is needed in

more than 100 languages. One Source is available to National
Guardsmen/Reservists and their families that are being called to active
duty for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The service can be
reached toll free in the U.S. at (800) 342-9647, from outside the U.S.
(where available) at (800) 3429-6477 or international collect at (484)
530-5747, or on the net at www.militaryonesource.com. [Source: American
Forces Press Service 30 JUN 04]


MELANOMA: Increased time outdoors in the sun is associated with a deadly

skin cancer called melanoma. Over 50,000 new cases of melanoma are found

every year in the U.S, more than 7,000 Americans die of this disease each
year, and the numbers are rising. But melanoma can be cured if detected and
treated early. Melanoma is a highly malignant skin cancer. It usually
starts in a benign mole or pigmented spot on the skin. The skin lesion
typically is dark in color but may have areas of red, blue, or tan
associated with the brown or black areas. It can be level with the skin
surface in its early stages, or raised up into a nodule as it grows.
Melanomas often have a notched or irregular border. Sometimes they bleed,
ooze, or itch. Melanomas occur most often on the back in males and on the
legs in females, but can occur anywhere including the palms of your hands,
soles of your feet, your scalp-even under your fingernail. A melanoma is

usually confined to the skin lesion at first, but once it becomes cancerous
it can spread to organs distant from its initial location. The
characteristics of a melanoma can be summarized as:
* A for Asymmetry: One side of the lesion is not a mirror image of the other.
* B for Border irregularity: The edge is notched or scalloped.
* C for Color variation: The lesion is not one solid color.
* D for Diameter: The lesion is larger than a pencil eraser. Most people who develop melanoma have light skin, but melanoma can strike
anyone. Risk factors include:
* Fair skin; light hair; blue, green or gray eyes
* Tendency to sunburn easily
* History of one or more blistering sunburns as a child
* History of a lot of exposure to the sun, even if the exposure ended when
you became an adult
* Previous personal history of melanoma
* Family history of melanoma
* Compromised immune system

The most effective preventive measure is avoiding sun exposure
between 1100 & 1500 when ultraviolet radiation levels are highest. Tanning
salons are dangerous as well. In Australia, which has the world's highest
incidence of skin cancer, every child is taught to "Slip! Slop! Slap!" to
protect their skin:
* Slip on a long sleeved shirt (and other sensible clothing)
* Slop on some sun block (SPF 30, reapplied every 2 hours)
* Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that will protect your neck (and remember
sunglasses, too)
Early detection of melanoma is critical to successful treatment. Look at

your skin periodically to get familiar with your moles and birthmarks. If
you notice an odd-looking skin lesion, especially a mole with one or more
of the "ABCD" characteristics, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Melanoma can be cured if detected and treated early. [Source: David N.
Tornberg, MD, MPH, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Clinical and
Program Policy, and Chief Medical Officer TRICARE Management Activity JUN 04]


NAVY RECREATION CENTER SOLOMON: NRC Solomons is a year round lodging and
camping destination for military, military retirees and DOD employees. It
is located on the Patuxent river, where it meets Chesapeake Bay and is only
65 miles from Washington DC. Facilities include use of a beach, a pool,
Sunset Pier for fishing, miniature golf, and an outdoor movie. Bingo and
crafts are available. Lodging facilities range from classic and
contemporary cottages to bungalows, log cabins, cabins and
apartments. More rustic accommodations include primitive campsites,
campsites with running water and electricity, and Yurts. For access all you
need is a military or DoD ID card for a daytime visit. For overnight stays
a reservation and facility guide that contains pictures, pricing, annual

calendar of events, and reservation info is available by calling (410)
326-5202 or at www.ndw.navy.mil/mwr/nrcsolomans.html. Reservations can be
made by email, fax, or mail on a first com first serve basis
annually. Reservations for longer stays are processed first. [Source:
Shift Colors JAN-MAR 04]


U.S. SAVINGS BOND REPLACEMENT: Bonds that are lost, stolen, mutilated, or
destroyed can be replaced free of charge as long as the Bureau of the
Public Debt can establish that the bonds haven't been cashed. To assure
that the bonds can be traced, owners should keep records of bond serial
numbers, issue dates, registration, and social security or taxpayer
identification numbers in a safe place separate from the bonds. To get
your bond replaced, complete Form PD F 1048. On this form, provide the
approximate issue date along with the complete names, addresses, social
security number that appeared on the bond, and the bond serial number. If
you don't know the serial number or denomination, just write "unknown" in
the space provided. If the bond owner is a minor, the form should be signed
by both parents and the minor's age and social security number should be

included. Mail the completed form to: Bureau of the Public Debt,
Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328. Replacement bonds will still show the original
issue date. [Source: www.savingsbonds.gov DEC 03]


MILITARY POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AUTHORIZED: There are Do's and Don'ts
published for members of the Armed Forces who wish to become involved in

campaigning for their favorite candidate. DoD Directive 1344.10 covers
political activity by members of the Armed Forces says that an active duty
member of the Armed Forces:
* May register, vote, and express their personal opinion on
political
candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Armed Forces.
* May promote and encourage other military members to exercise
their
voting franchise, if such promotion does not constitute an attempt to
influence or interfere with the outcome of an election.
* May join a political club and attend its meetings when not in
uniform.
* May serve as an election official if such service is not as a
representative of a partisan political party, does not interfere with
military duties, is performed while not in uniform, and with prior approval
of service concerned.
* May sign a petition for specific legislative action or a
petition
to place a candidate's name on the official election ballot, if the signing
does not obligate the member to engage in partisan political activity and
is done as a private citizen and not as a representative of the Armed Forces.
* May write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing the
member's personal views on public issues or political candidates, if such
action is not part of an organized letter-writing campaign or concerted
solicitation of votes for or against a political party or partisan cause,
or candidate.
* May make monetary contributions to a political organization,
party
or committee favoring a particular candidate or slate of candidates.
* May display a political sticker on the member's private vehicle
(bumper stickers are allowed).
[Source: NCOA News Update 4 APR 04]
 

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