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Look What's Coming

Our short summer break will be over very soon and we have a great opening event for you in September.

Our Chapter luncheon for September will be at the North Charleston American LaFrance Fire Museum, where we will enjoy another catered meal provided by Jim ‘N Nicks Southern Kitchen Bar-B-Q.

As you recall, our last event at the Fire Museum and was a large success and therefore several members requested we do it again.

Our guest speaker for the event is North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. Although recovering from July hip replacement surgery, at this time we are planning on his presence at the function.

You will be amazed at the historical exhibits in the Fire Museum right in the heart of North Charleston and close to Tanger Outlet and many fine dining establishments. So make your plans early to join your Chapter members tor a visit to the Museum and Education Center and enjoy a Bar-B-Q lunch provided by Jim‘N Nicks Southern Kitchen.

The Museum is located at 4975 Center Point Drive in North Charleston, just off International Blvd. and both I-26 and I-526.

Date: Friday September 24 2010

Time: Social Hour 11:30 AM

Lunch: 12 Noon

Menu: Jim ‘N Nicks famous Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Macaroni & Cheese, Creamy Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, Buns and Biscuits, Lemon Bars and Iced Tea.

Cost: $18.00 per person which includes lunch and admission to the museum.

RSVP: Check to arrive No Later than 21 Sep 2010

Dress: Comfortable Casual

Make checks payable to Charleston MOAA and mail to

LCDR William Mehard

5926 Commonwealth Circle

Hanahan, SC 29410-2431.

If you have special dietary needs contact LCDR Mehard at 554-8391. Cell 834-0974. E-mail: mehardw@bellsouth.net

Concurrent Receipt, War Spending On Table

Congress returned from the Independence Day recess to face a daunting stack of unfinished legislation - including several bills of major importance to the military community.

And they only have a short window for action before starting the month-long August recess.

The hottest defense "iron in the fire" is the 2010 war supplemental appropriations bill. Last month, we reported Defense Secretary Gates' concern over the lack of progress on H.R. 4899, which passed the House on July 1. Gates told the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee that, unless the supplemental funds are provided in August, the Pentagon would need to begin furloughs for civilian employees and curtail pay for active duty personnel.

This concern prompted MOAA to send a letter on June 17th to Congress urging passage of the war supplemental appropriations bill prior to the July recess. The Senate failed to act before the July recess and they are now expected to take up the bill next week. However there's a major flap between the House, the Senate, and the White House over non-defense issues in the bill (most notably a funding proposal to prevent large layoffs among teachers) that threatens to delay essential war funding.

Help expedite the process by sending your senators a MOAA-suggested message asking them to quickly pass the war supplemental.

Another major issue on next week's Senate agenda is H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010, which includes an extremely important provision that would phase out the VA disability offset to military retired pay for severely disabled medical (chapter 61) retirees.

If the Senate passes it, it will have to go to the House for one last vote. While we don't want to "count our chickens" just yet, we're hopeful that prospects for meaningful concurrent receipt progress are looking better than they have in two years.

Unfortunately, Senate action on the Defense Authorization bill (S. 3454) - which often entails hundreds of amendments and a week or two of debate - appears to be a "bridge too far" before August recess. The House passed its version, H.R. 5136, in late May, but it looks almost certain that Senate action will have to wait until September.

60% Off Forevertales Recordable Stories

Forevertales.com, the creators of recordable story books, has created a recordable audio storybook for children with parents in the military. The book will allow military parents to record the story and the child can hear it read by the deployed parent on the computer. Forevertales is offering this to military members at a huge discount as a way of giving back to the community. Servicemembers can enter code "thankstroops" at checkout on the Forevertales website to receive a discounted price of $5.98 price - 60% off the regular price. To get started, visit and click "Record Now" under any of the current story selections. Then call the toll free number and follow the prompts to create their personalized story. Servicemembers can preview the entire book before finalizing the purchase.

VA Offers New Option for Veterans Buried in Private Cemeteries

The VA recently announced a new option for marking graves of veterans buried in private cemeteries. Bronze medallions may be obtained free of charge from the VA to affix to an existing private headstone, signifying the deceased’s status as a veteran.

The new item can be furnished instead of a traditional government headstone or marker for veterans whose death occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker. Next of kin will receive the medallion, along with a kit that will allow the family or the staff of a private cemetery to affix the medallion to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum, or columbarium niche cover.

Under federal law, eligible veterans buried in a private cemetery are entitled to either a government-furnished grave marker or the new medallion, but not both. Veterans buried in a national or state veterans cemetery will receive a government headstone or marker of the standard design authorized at that cemetery.

The medallion is available in three sizes: 5 inches, 3 inches, and 1 ½ inches in width. Each bronze medallion features the image of a folded burial flag adorned with laurels and is inscribed with the word "Veteran" at the top and the branch of service at the bottom. The medallions are of high quality and most veterans’ family members would be pleased to display the medallion.

More information about VA-furnished headstones, markers, and medallions can be found at VA.

CNO Podcast Available

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead recently recorded a new podcast. In the podcast, CNO talked about the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and expressed his encouragement to each Sailor to participate in the Department of Defense review. CNO stated the importance of each individual Sailor's input. Roughead also encouraged any Sailor who has not yet participated in the review, to voice their opinion anonymously via a CAC-enabled website (digital certificate required). To listen to the podcast, visit the CNO Podcast webpage.

Tips From TOPS

Preparing for a Career Fair

Transitioning from a military career to the civilian sector can be tough, but luckily MOAA’s The Officer Placement Service (TOPS) can provide you with the tools you need to succeed. In this video installment of Tips from TOPS, find out how career fairs can help lead you to that next job and what will make you stand out from the crowd.

And don’t forget about our upcoming MOAA/Corporate Gray career fairs. Visit Career Fair for details.

Have You Got Something to Say to Your Member of Congress? Contact Your Member of Congress the Easy Way

Would you like to contact your elected members of Congress and give them your views on some proposed legislation? Here is an easy way, just go to this MOAA web site, sign in to MOAA and then follow the instructions and you can compose an email or letter to send to your elected officials.

VA secretary announces new hotline for homeless veterans

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced June 3 the establishment of a new telephone hotline to provide emergency support and resources to homeless veterans.

"It is unacceptable for a single veteran to spend the night on the streets of America," Secretary Shinseki said. "The hotline of the new National Call Center for Homeless Veterans will provide homeless veterans with caring, timely assistance and coordinated access to VA and community services."

Well-trained expert responders will staff the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will join other responders who staff VA's Suicide Prevention Hotline at Canandaigua. Responders are trained to handle calls at either call center. While a responder will know which type of call is incoming, all veteran callers will receive a brief suicide screening.

For more information on the call center, click here: VA National Call Center

Museum Spotlight: Fort Eustis Museum

The U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, Va. is spotlighting the achievements of The U.S. Army Transportation Agency (White House) with an exhibit showcasing the unit's 100 years of faithful support to the President of the United States.

The U.S. Army Transportation Museum is devoted entirely to the history of U.S. Army transportation from colonial days to the present. The Museum artifact collection numbers just under 7,000 objects and includes planes, helicopters, tugboats and landing craft to trucks, jeeps, hovercraft and trains. For more information, visit the U.S. Army Transportation Museum website.

Free Admissions at Museums

More than 600 museums in 50 states and the District of Columbia have signed up so far to participate in Operation Appreciation: Blue Star Museums. The program offers active-duty servicemembers -- including activated guardsmen and Reserve members -- and up to five of their immediate family members free admission to participating museums from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visit the National Endowment for the Arts website for a complete list of participating museums that run the gamut from children's and fine arts to history and science museums. While admission is free of charge, some special or limited-time exhibits may not be included in the program. Contact the museum directly for specifics.

New TRICARE SMART Website

National Guard and Reserve members who may not live near a military treatment facility or TRICARE Service Center no longer have to rely on printed publications as a main source of TRICARE benefit information. The TRICARE SMART (Standardized Materials and Research Technology) website is a one-stop, online information portal full of accurate, up-to-date information about TRICARE benefits that members and their families can easily access in the comfort of their homes. By using the TRICARE SMART website, National Guard and Reserve members can stay informed about the latest TRICARE programs created just for them and their families.

State Veteran Benefits -- 50 State Breakdown

Veterans pursuing their educational goals are usually eligible for "educational assistance for students" in most states. Educational benefits for veterans and their dependents, particularly the children of deceased and disabled veterans, are also available in some states. Military.com has developed an online general summary of educational benefits for veterans and their dependents. View the full summary by state here.

New TRICARE Formulary Search Tool

Beneficiaries and providers can use the new TRICARE Formulary Search Tool to find which prescription medicines are in the uniform formulary. Once a user has identified if a drug is available, they can use the search tool to get information on a drug, such as restriction on use.

The tool also shows if the medication is Tier One (with a $3 copay,) Tier Two (with a $9 copay) or non-formulary (requiring a $22 copay.) It also shows when a generic equivalent is required. The new Tool also has integrated the Prior Authorization and Medical Necessity forms and criteria into a search engine while still maintaining a page with a complete list of all criteria and forms. Any restrictions such as quantity or age limits are displayed in one location.

In the future, the search tool's functionalities will increase based on feedback provided by patients and providers.

New TRICARE Requirement

A new requirement means that skilled nursing facilities will have to preauthorize care provided to Medicare-eligible TRICARE beneficiaries once Medicare benefits are exhausted and TRICARE becomes the primary health coverage. Preauthorization is only required for skilled nursing facility care when medically necessary skilled nursing services extend beyond Medicare's 100-day limit and TRICARE becomes the primary payer for a beneficiary. Since medical documentation must be submitted, the preauthorization is requested by the skilled nursing facility and should not be a burden to beneficiaries or their families.

New Online Exchange

Authorized patrons of the Navy Exchange now have the added convenience of shopping online with the launching of its new Web-based store at www.myNavyExchange.com. The new website features select merchandise such as tactical gear, Navy uniforms, Navy Pride items, fitness apparel and shoes, motorcycle safety gear, watches and sunglasses. NEXCOM oversees NEX operations worldwide. In conforming with Navy regulations and privacy concerns, NEXCOM has developed a secure system that validates authorized customers from those that are not eligible before accessing the online store. Once a customer is confirmed as an authorized patron, access is granted into the online store where they can shop and purchase merchandise. Once a transaction is completed, the website allows customers to track their purchases and the delivery process. Customers can also purchase NEX Gift Cards on the new website.

Space-A Flights

If it is time for a trip home, but the price of airfare makes it impossible, there is another option: Space-A flights. Space-A refers to seats aboard military aircraft that are offered on a "space available" basis to active duty personnel, family members and retirees at little or no cost. You will want to approach Space-A with open mind and a flexible schedule. There are no perks, but you are flying for free. Luggage restrictions on Space-A flights are more travel-friendly than commercial flights. The Air Mobility Command (AMC) provides information about Space-A travel on its AMC website. Also, every passenger terminal has its own "AMC Gram," a fact sheet that provides valuable travel tips for planning ahead.

Check Your Passport Before You Go

Travelers should look at their passports for two key things: make sure it is not going to expire in the next 90 days and also check page 26 to make sure it is not a no-fee passport. Many people do not know the difference between a no-fee and a tourist passport. A no-fee passport should never be used for leisure travel. If a border control agent flips to page 26 and notices the wording of a no-fee passport, they can deny a traveler access to their country. If a servicemember only has an official passport or they do not have any passport at all, they need to have a tourist passport to travel leisurely. For more information on passports, visit your local community services center, American embassy, or the U.S. Department of State website at travel.state.gov.

Online Healthcare Guide Available

An online "Guide to Host Nation Healthcare" is now available on European Regional Medical Command (ERMC) health facility Web pages to promote understanding of local medical facilities and providers who support Army health care in Europe. Each "Guide" has localized information about emergency care, host nation medical practices and the referral process, as well as an overview of each medical facility. Each clinic "Guide" can be accessed from a map of ERMC health facilities at the European Regional Medical Command website. Print versions of the "Guide to Host Nation Healthcare" are available at Army health facilities in Europe.

Retirees Asked to Volunteer

Volunteers are needed at more than 100 offices at active-duty, Reserve and Guard bases worldwide. Volunteers for retired military and their family members are needed in several areas, depending on the base. Retiree activities office volunteers help with several actions including: serving as an information center for space-available travel, TRICARE and base services, offering referrals for financial assistance and pay matters, counseling active-duty Airmen nearing retirement,and providing literature on retirement issues. For more retiree activities office locations near you, visit the Retiree Activities Offices webpage.

Right here in Charleston, you can volunteer at the Air Force and Navy clinics. Help is needed in many areas, especially in the pharmacies. Take that step forward and ask how you can help. Personnel in the clinics will really appreciate your help.

Prepare for Hurricane Season

Here are some tips to prepare for hurricane season, which runs June 1-Nov. 30: (1) have an emergency plan in-place now and give every family member a copy; (2) have contact information for all family members immediately accessible; (3) have identification information at hand for all family members, including driver's licenses, social security numbers, and current photographs; (4) have basic supplies such as bottled water, non-perishable food items, a radio and a battery-operated flashlight; (5) have a cell telephone with devices to charge it when the electricity is out.

To establish a plan, visit the CNIC website and click on Make a Kit. For additional information, visit www.ready.gov or .

Natural disasters and storms can happen at any time. The DoD's Military Health System (MHS) compiled a webpage that provides resources from across the MHS, the federal government, and other organizations to best prepare your family and protect them in case of an emergency. The Disaster Preparedness Across the Military Health System (MHS) MHS site is available.

As part of your preparations, keep in mind that medical assistance may not be available immediately after a disaster. For more information and more tips on disaster preparedness, visit the Department of Homeland Security's preparedness webpage and the TRICARE's disaster relief webpage. Some downloads include a wallet card with critical contact information and a disaster preparation flyer.

TRICARE Guidelines for Traveling

Here are guidelines to insure that your TRICARE service is available if you plan to travel. Prior to your departure, verify that your information and your family's information is up to date in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Pack your uniformed services ID card and TRICARE Prime/TRICARE Prime Remote enrollment card, which you may need to present if you need medical care or prescriptions refilled. Call the number (1-877-874-2273) on the back of your enrollment card to find out what to do prior to seeking care or if you are hospitalized. Schedule any routine care with your Primary Care Manager (PCM) before you travel. Urgent care must be coordinated in advance with your PCM.

3 Essential Documents You Should Have and Keep Up-to-Date

Do You Have Them? Are They Up To Date?

It's easy to know when to renew your driver's license or credit card; just look at the expiration date on the card. But what about your estate planning documents? Everyone, regardless of whether you are rich or poor, young or old, should have these three essential documents—and keep them current.

1. Will/Living trust. This document directs your trustee or personal representative on how to distribute your estate. Keep it in a fireproof emergency kit; give a copy to your personal representative. Review and update every 3-5 years or immediately after:

* A move to a different state

* A change in beneficiary

* An ample change in estate size

2. Durable power of attorney. This document allows someone of your choice to carry out financial matters for you in the event of your illness or disability. Keep it in a fireproof emergency kit; give a copy to the person you appointed. Review and update if your relationship with this person changes of if this person predeceases you.

3. Health care proxy and living will. This document names an individual to make health care decisions if you become unable to do so. Give copies of the form to your health care providers and the person you chose in the proxy. Review and update if your relationship with this person changes or if this person predeceases you.

Servicemembers Role in Politics

It is important to fully understand the unique guidelines servicemembers must follow regarding politics. Under Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, both officers and enlisted personnel can express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues, join a partisan or nonpartisan political club and attend its meetings, go to fundraising activities, rallies, debates, or conventions as a spectator and private citizen only. DoD Instruction 1325.06 addresses the use of online networking, blogs and holds servicemembers accountable for any publicly expressed anti-government or political partisan endorsement. For more information, contact your staff judge advocate or read DoD Directive 1344.10 or DoD Instruction 1325.06.

New WWII Documentary

WW2 Reflections released its second documentary in a planned trilogy of works that chronicle the major battles fought by U.S. troops in Western Europe during World War II. "The Americans on Hell's Highway" picks up the story shortly after the D-Day invasion, when planning began for Operation Market Garden. The film was produced by Richard Lanni whose video on the 65th anniversary of the Normandy invasion appeared last June. This program covers the many details of what went right and what went tragically wrong during the nine-day saga of Market Garden. For more information, visit website.

The Army recently posted a handy printable list of resources for wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers and family members. On it you will find information and assistance for military service, and family members during tough economic times. Get the list.

Program Adds Chat Service

The Suicide Prevention campaign of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is expanding its outreach to all veterans by piloting an online, one-to-one "chat service" for veterans who prefer reaching out for assistance using the Internet. Called "Veterans Chat," the new service enables former servicemembers, their families and friends to go online where they can anonymously chat with a trained VA counselor. Veterans, family members or friends can access Veterans Chat through the suicide prevention website. There is a "Veterans" tab on the left-hand side of the website that will take them directly to veteran resource information. On this page, they can see the Hotline number (1-800-273-TALK), and click on the "Veterans Chat" tab on the right side of the webpage to enter

Military Blogs, Podcasts and Facebook Pages Increase in Popularity

Defense Department officials launched "AFPS News," a weekly audio podcast of stories from American Forces Press Service. To listen to the AFPS podcast, visit the Pentagon Channel's room on iTunes or visit The Pentagon Channel and click on the podcasts section. The weekly podcast is also available on BlogTalkRadio. Visitors to Defense.gov can also listen to the AFPS podcasts by choosing the Podcasts tab, then clicking on the AFPS link in the audio podcasts section. They may also subscribe to receive automatic updates of the show each Thursday. The Defense.gov portal provides a handy link to some 28 audio and video podcast programs from a tab in its left column.

Stars and Stripes reports that troops are using blogs in increasing numbers. The website, milblogging.com, links to blogs originating in 43 countries with the majority created by Americans.

The Army recently entered the blogosphere by launching Army Live, which gets 1,500 to 2,000 hits a week and is growing by an average of 500 visitors weekly.

The Air Force's link to DoD Live was set up in October 2008, and received 14,001 hits from March 1 - April 30, 2009. The blog at bouhammer.com was started by a National Guard member and gets about 10,000 hits a month.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)/U.S. 5th Fleet recently launched its official Facebook page. The page allows people to view the latest press releases and imagery issued by NAVCENT on Facebook, as well as interact with other fans of the site. Questions and comments can also be posted on the "discussion" application to address public concerns or issues. Facebook is a social networking website with more than 200 million users worldwide. NAVCENT's page will offer the most up-to-date information possible. Anyone can become a fan of the page. Just Type in: "U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet" in the search key at Facebook to view NAVCENT/U.S. 5th Fleet's Facebook page.

U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command officially launched a blog which provides a new method of communication for Sailors, families, civilians and retirees throughout the USFF Area of Operations. Adm. J. C. Harvey Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, introduced the blog when he assumed command of USFF. The blog offers another way for people to discuss issues, ideas and concerns with the fleet commander. Join the conversation on the U.S. Fleet Forces Command Blog.

DoD Launches Photo Widget. The American Forces Press Service, the Defense Department's vehicle for news and feature content on www.Defense.gov, unveiled a widget for photographs. The widget, available under the Widgets tab on the site, allows users to receive the latest Defense Department imagery in real time on their own websites or social networking pages by cutting and pasting one short line of code. The widget appears as a 240-by-156-pixel graphic box - about 3 by 4 inches - and cycles through at least eight photos. It's updated frequently throughout the day.

INFORMATION ON OUR CHARLESTON CHAPTER FUTURE MILITARY OFFICERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM is under the INTEREST Tab above..