From the NGAUS Washington Report
Military OneSource has launched free tax software to support military members and their families in the annual task of filing taxes. The MilTax software is available through the Military OneSource website at www.militaryonesource.mil/taxpre (link is external) and walks military families through a variety of filing scenarios, said Erika Slaton, a program analyst for the Defense Department’s Military OneSource program.
The tax software allows users to submit a federal and up to three state tax returns at no cost, Slaton said. Military members and their families can speak via phone with a Military OneSource tax expert, and in-person tax-filing assistance is available on military installations at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance location.
“Because these tax consultants are knowledgeable of the military community, they’ll be able to help service members and families connect the dots in helping them to complete their return,” Slaton said.
The tax services are secure, confidential and have a 100 percent accuracy guarantee by the software provider.
The tax deadline this year is April 17 because the usual April 15 deadline falls on a Sunday, and the following day is Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in the District of Columbia.
The Military OneSource tax resources are available to members of the National Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, as well as Coast Guardsmen serving under Title 10 authority, Slaton said. Other eligible personnel include retired and honorably discharged members up to 180 days past their separation, as well as spouses, dependent children and survivors.
From the Military.com website
A panel of military experts and leaders urged lawmakers on Wednesday to revamp a woefully outdated officer promotion system that has plagued recruiting and retention efforts.
The system, born of a 1980 law called the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act, standardized military promotions and established an “up or out” career path for service members.
Roland Shim, 202d Combat Communications Flight (later the 293d Combat Communications Squadron), types a message on a teletype unit. Existing facilities were tasked for support of the Team Spirit 80 exercise. In addition to manning field communications sites, deployed Guardmembers augmented Air Force personnel in permanent facilities like Osan AB.
Thanks to Galen Nakahara for helping with the member identification.
From the Military Times website
The Navy’s decision to level criminal charges against the commanding officers of the destroyers Fitzgerald and John S. McCain is forcing the surface warfare world into a grim reckoning on how it operates, and the consequences of sailors dying on a leader’s watch.
The Navy announced on January 16 that negligent homicide charges will be sought against Fitz CO Cmdr. Bryce Benson, and McCain CO Cmdr. Alfredo Sanchez, for their roles in the deaths of 17 sailors in the Pacific last summer.
The unprecedented move sets in motion a military justice proceeding that will begin with a preliminary hearing known as an Article 32, which will evaluate the evidence and determine whether to send the officers to court-martial.
But even the prospect of the homicide charges will have an impact on the broader Navy community.
From the GOBankingRates website
Imagine getting a call from an intimidating IRS representative who informs you of a big bill for back taxes. You need to make a payment immediately or risk arrest. Or maybe it’s a call from a distraught relative. She needs money to cover her rent or she’ll be evicted in the middle of winter.
Both are common scams that can dupe people of any age, but often target vulnerable seniors.
Gen. Joe Logan, Alan Hayashi and Iain Wood
Military Affairs Council
Military Affairs Council hosted its annual holiday party December 7 in the Surfrider Room at Bank of Hawai‘i’s downtown headquarters.
MG Arthur “Joe” Logan continues as the Adjutant General of the State of Hawaii
From the This Day in Aviation website
24 January 1963: A Boeing B-52C-40-BO Stratofortress, 53-0406, call sign “Frosh 10,” of the 99th Bombardment Wing, Heavy, was conducting a low-altitude training flight using terrain-following radar. Eight crewmen were aboard. Flying at or below 500 feet (152 meters) above ground level (AGL) and at 280 knots (322 miles per hour, 519 kilometers per hour) the bomber encountered wind gusts of up to 40 knots (21 meters per second).
From the CNBC website
Looking after an elderly parent could cost you more than you expect: Your retirement security.
Those were the findings from a study of caregivers by the Transamerica Institute, a foundation that specializes in retirement and healthcare issues. Last March and April, the institute polled 3,074 individuals who provided nonprofessional or unpaid care for friends or family.
The adverse impact of caring for Mom and Dad go beyond the stress of day-to-day responsibilities.
Here are the other ways caregiving can affect your finances, and how you can deal.
From the Military.com website
America’s current confrontation with the North Koreans in another incident in a series since the Korean War era. The capture of the USS Pueblo 50 years ago was a major incident. The surviving crew suffered 335 days in North Korean prisoner of war camps. Read on.
The infamous “finger” photograph that was taken as North Korean propaganda. Courtesy USS Pueblo Veterans Association
Ralph McClintock wasn’t even supposed to be on the mission that changed his life.
Out of duty to both his country and sense of curiosity, the young U.S. Navy communications technician volunteered to fill a vacant spot on the USS Pueblo’s mission in the waters off North Korea in January of 1968.
“I took the job because I wanted know what the North Koreans did and I wanted to see the enemy up close,” McClintock told Fox News. “The mission was only supposed to last 22 days.”
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division recently released its annual premium comparison guides for motor vehicle, homeowners, condominium, and renters insurance.
“The Insurance Division encourages policyholders to shop and compare coverages and prices between companies. Reviewing circumstances and updating policies annually will help consumers avoid unexpected expenses,” said Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito. “We encourage people to use these guides as a tool and talk with their agent to make sure they are adequately covered for the New Year.”
The lists of sample premium rates can be used as a guide to see what consumers’ insurers are charging compared to its competitors. The premium comparison guides help consumers research and explore options and ensure greater competition in the insurance marketplace.
The insurance premium comparison guides are available online at: http://cca.hawaii.gov/ins/resources/.
The Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award was created in 1981 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in their jobs and in their lives. It has become one of the U.S. Air Force’s most prestigious awards.
Sijan, an Air Force captain and fighter pilot, died while a POW in Vietnam. Ejected from his fighter jet over Laos in 1967, Capt. Lance P. Sijan spent 46 days and nights evading capture from the Viet Cong. When captured he was 80 pounds and close to death. Lance Sijan died on January 22, 1968, in Hỏa Lò Prison, Hanoi, Vietnam.
He lived the code of conduct to his last breath and left a legacy of love and leadership for Airmen today to follow.
Sijan’s heroism and courage brought him numerous honors. The United States Air Force created the Lance P. Sijan Award, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in their jobs and in their lives. It has become one of the U.S. Air Force’s most prestigious awards.
Captain Sijan’s Medal of Honor Citation
John McCain on Sijan (a must read)
Unbroken Will: The Captain Lance P. Sijan Story – The United States Air Force video shown at Basic Military Training (BMT).
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