Detailed planning for the proposed Space Force is expected to be handed over soon to the U.S. Air Force, a sign that Pentagon leaders — many of whom opposed the notion of consolidating military space operations in a new organization — have found a version that they can support.
The Fall-Winter 2018 Afterburner is now available online. For a direct link to the latest Afterburner, click here.
Air Force retirees and annuitants who have an online myPay account are now automatically receiving the Afterburner electronically. People with a myPay account have been removed from the hard-copy mailing list. The Air Force partnered with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in order to save more than $131,000 in printing and postage costs each issue.
X-37B space plane
Six months ago, service leaders said they were being cut out of the planning process. Now they’re being put in charge of it.
U.S. Air Force Convair B-36J Peacemaker S/N 2827 “City of Ft. Worth” pic.twitter.com/dznvSY2nLM
— Ron Eisele (@ron_eisele) January 25, 2019
If you have done any research on retirement, you have likely read that the No. 1 concern for retirees is that they will outlive their money.
This is a valid concern due to several factors. Americans are living longer. Health care costs are rising. Pensions (defined-benefit plans) are a thing of the past. Today, many retirees are nearly 100% dependent on Social Security and whatever money they have been able to stash away in retirement plans, such as IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, etc.
Good news: We’ve finished mailing new Medicare cards across the country! You should’ve received your new card by now.
Here’s what to do next:
* Carry and use your new Medicare card when you need care.
* Protect your Medicare Number and card, just like you would protect your credit card.
* Destroy your old Medicare card to help protect your identity.
Haven’t gotten your new Medicare card yet? Sign in to your secure MyMedicare.gov account to see your Medicare Number and print your official card. If you don’t have a MyMedicare account yet, sign up for free at MyMedicare.gov today!
Sign in
Alternately, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE and our call center representatives can help you get your new card.
Note: If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, like an HMO or PPO, keep using your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card whenever you need care. If you have a Medicare drug plan card, keep that, too. However, you should also carry your new Medicare card — you may be asked to show it.
HIANG photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier | Click to enlarge
Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptors from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons taxi down the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam flight line December 11, 2018, during fighter-exercise Sentry Aloha 19-1.
Sentry Aloha entails back-to-back training sorties with visiting fighter units from the U.S. Navy and other Air National Guard partners from nine states. It also provides participants a multi-faceted, joint venue with supporting infrastructure and personnel that incorporates current, realistic integrated training.
Fitness trackers have become ubiquitous in the last few years as they can help people monitor their health, form better habits, and foster fitness goals. Whether you’re a self-described couch potato who wants to move more, or you’ve just won the New York City Marathon, these trackers have features designed to benefit people at every fitness level.
Everyday Health website disclaimer: All products and services featured here are chosen for their potential to inspire and enable your wellness. Everyday Health may earn an affiliate commission on items you purchase.
From the History Channel website
Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England.
Off the Hawaii Adjutant General’s Facebook page
Congratulations to the next Hawaii National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, Sgt. Maj. Dana W. Wingad!
Sgt. Maj. Wingad and current SEL, Command Chief Master Sgt. William Parker, will have their Change of Responsibility ceremony in March. Chief Parker has done an outstanding job and has set the path for future NCOs to follow. Sgt. Maj. Wingad has some big boots to fill, but we look forward to the journey.
From the Consumer Reports website
Older drivers may no longer commute to work every day, but they might need a car for longer road trips or one that can easily fit a car seat when it’s time to pick up the grandkids. Either way, a vehicle that’s a breeze to get into and out of is a must. “Unfortunately, many modern cars have a sleek, low-slung profile that makes them a struggle to exit and enter,” says Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at CR’s Auto Test Center.
In addition, many new cars have touch-screen-based controls—some of which can be extremely confusing for drivers of any age, let alone those who are not digital natives—so we chose cars with the least-fussy tech. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t ready for adventure. All our picks have available all-wheel drive and plenty of room for outdoor gear, plus comfy and quiet cabins.
For safety, forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) are must-haves.
Key Criteria for the Senior Life Stage Score:
Advanced safety features, good visibility, easy access, no-nonsense tech and/or knob controls, quiet cabin, good ride quality.
From the Humble Dollar website
Two chores that most people gladly put off: The first is writing a will—and the second is updating it to reflect changed circumstances. Either way, it’s crucial to name the right executors.
Regarding the first chore, my client roster includes recalcitrant individuals who’ve yet to write their wills. I regularly remind them how badly things could turn out if they fail to do so. For instance, their assets might wind up with individuals whom they never intended to benefit or they consider less deserving of their largess than others.
From the U.S. News & World Report website
As you get ready for taxes this spring, expect change. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law in 2017, brings adjustments for 2018 tax returns. Many of the law’s provisions will affect retirees, and potentially for the better in some cases. “The impact of the TCJA’s changes in the tax law could substantially reduce a retiree’s income tax liability,” says Mike Herzog, a tax attorney with Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott in Pittsburgh. To take the best approach, start early and discuss the changes with a tax professional. “Each retiree’s tax situation is unique and requires careful consideration,” Herzog says.
Here’s what retirees need to know about tax changes for 2018 returns:
Please, when you drive, there is “No Need to Speed!”
Drive the speed limit. The speed limit is set to allow for safe driving speeds and to allow enough time to stop when needed.
Obey all traffic signs and signals. They’re placed at designated locations to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. But, they are only effective if you respect them.
Observe the right of way of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Stop for pedestrians crossing the street, whether they’re in a crosswalk or at an unmarked intersection.
Slow down in school zones and neighborhoods. Be especially attentive in areas where keiki may be crossing the street or walking along the roadways.
