From the Reuters website
Whenever the U.S. stock market nosedives, retirement portfolios seem to get all the attention.
And no doubt about it: the sharp market pullback that began two weeks ago is causing headaches for anyone on the verge of retirement. The big concern is so-called sequence of return risk – that is, the risk that a sharp downturn near the start of retirement will lead to a long-term shortfall in resources available for spending.
click on photograph to enlarge
This photograph shows Dillingham Field in the middle 1960s. After the then-154th Fighter Interceptor Group converted to F-102 Delta Daggars in 1960, some of the annual summer camp training was done at Dillingham Field.
After hour activities included barbecues, music by some talented Guardmembers, and fishing on the beach across the runway.
This undated photograph was taken prior to the 199th Fighter Squadron adopting the Hawaiian tail flash. This tail flash became the standard for all HIANG aircraft. In the photograph, the aircraft still have the old round Air National Guard logos on the vertical stabilizer.
From the Military.com website
The U.S. Army will soon launch a redesign of Basic Combat Training intended to build more discipline after many commanders complained that new soldiers often show up to their first units with a sloppy appearance and undisciplined attitudes.
By early summer, new recruits will go through Army BCT that’s designed to instill strict discipline and esprit de corps by placing a new emphasis in drill and ceremony, inspections, pride in military history while increasing the focus on critical training such as physical fitness, marksmanship, communications and battlefield first aid skills.
click the flyer to enlarge
On Febuary 12, 1973, the first release of American prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict took place.
click on photograph to enlarge
Sales at on-base grocery stores have fallen six percent in the past year, 21.3 percent since 2012, putting the shopping benefit at greater risk, say commissary executives.
The worry is that falling sales leave commissaries open to criticism that they’re losing relevancy as a military perk, or becoming too costly for taxpayers to support, given the fierce competition for customers from commercial grocers.
The Defense Department’s top two executives overseeing commissaries — one responsible for all military resale policies and the other for day-to-day operation of 237 commissaries worldwide — have conceded in separate interviews that falling sales are alarming and must be reversed.
Thanks to Gordon Lau for sharing this article. Follow Gordon on Twitter – @islandr76
From the Kiplinger Magazine website
It’s human nature to be anxious about the unknown — which explains why so many people are nervous or even fearful about retirement.
Often, they’ve been working — and getting a regular paycheck — for 40 or 50 years. To let go of that is not an easy thing. It can feel as if you’re giving up complete control of your financial security.
Of course, that isn’t true. If you’re the type of person who had command of your financial life when you were working, it’s likely you still will in retirement. It just takes proper planning.
Here are three things you can control as you move into retirement:
From the National Geographic Travel website
The most exciting travel story in America right now? The resurgence of cities large and small.
At Nat Geo Travel, we’re passionate about tales of urban renewal, about communities that have collaborated to improve their Main Streets, about smart cities that have pursued development policies that produce happiness.
We hope our list of 30 cities inspires enlightening discoveries.
From the nextavenue website
Ready for a vacation? If so, you’ll want to know what I heard from experts who spoke at the 15th annual New York Times Travel Show on Sunday. Their tips can: save you money, help you decide where to go, steer you to top-rated luggage and assist if your flight is delayed or canceled.
Pictured L-R: Ted Daligdig, Theodore Balocan and Command Sgt. Maj. James Jimenez
Postmaster Theodore Balocan, U.S. Postal Service, Kapa’a, Kauai, was presented with a Patriot Award Dec. 15 in recognition of his continued support provided to a U.S. Army National Guard soldier. The award was presented by Kauai Area Chair, Ted Daligdig.
Balocan was nominated for being highly supportive of his employee Command Sgt. Maj. James Jimenez, Hawaii Army National Guard.
“ESGR is a Department of Defense office in Washington, DC whose primary mission is to encourage cohesive relationships with civilian employers and our Guardsmen & Reservists. In addition, we provide USERRA briefings to our service members to ensure they know their rights and responsibilities under the law that protects their jobs when they return from a service period. When we are out talking to them, we also talk about the opportunity to recognize their employers for superior support of their membership in the Guard & Reserve because they can’t do what they need to do without a solid foundation – at home and at work. Supervisors like Balocan understand the importance of the work his employee accomplishes in the military and ensures our National Guard and Reserve service members are cared for while they are away and when then return. Jimenez took the opportunity to recognize Balocan for his support”, stated Daligdig.
ESGR, a Department of Defense program, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
Wallace “Wally” Kawakami, 71, of Aiea, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2017. He was born in Honolulu.
Wally enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard in 1967. He was part of the 1968 call up of the 29th Infantry Brigade. He retired in 1996 after 29+ years’ service.
Wally is survived by his wife, Karen, sons Chad, and Derek “Aki”, and two grandchildren.
Private services held.
Retiree News extends heartfelt sympathy to Wally’s family and friends.
There was a ground breaking for Hawaii Army National Guard Combined Support Maintenance Shop #2 (CSMS#2) in Hilo, Hawaii yesterday.
The new Combined Support Maintenance Shop (CSMS) facility will include administrative and shop space, vehicle work bays, vehicle loading ramp, enclosed vehicle storage buildings, outdoor military vehicle parking, controlled waste/flammable storage, vehicle wash platforms, fuel tanks and vehicle fueling facility, storm water basins, septic systems, privately owned vehicle parking, access roads, fences, gates, trash and recycling enclosures, signage, and utility connections. The new buildings will be designed and constructed to meet Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Silver.
New building will be a fully functional vehicle maintenance facility compliant with all codes, standards, and regulations will stand when this project is completed which will allow soldiers to work in facilities that are safe and efficient. The completed project will facilitate Hawaii Army National Guard’s ability to accomplish its federal mission and meet its readiness objectives and state mission to support to Civilian Authorities during natural disasters.
Video by TSgt Andrew Jackson
From the U.S. News & World Report website
If you think you’re impervious to financial scams, think again. Fraudsters are an ever-present threat, stealing your personal information and exploiting your weaknesses to get access to your money and account information.
In 2017, cybercrime impacted the lives of more than 143 million Americans, costing them $19.4 billion, according to the Norton Cyber Security Insights Report.
So, whether you’re looking to recognize and dodge investing scams, money-transfer scams, online dating scams or credit card scams, here’s what to know about avoiding financial fraud.
From the Kiplinger Magazine website
Many parents fail to get their financial affairs in order, neglecting to take care of such things as wills, living wills and powers of attorney. But even those who think they’ve covered all of their estate-planning bases often leave one of the most important tasks undone: They fail to talk to their adult children about the money they’ll be leaving them someday.
