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2014 Veterans Benefits Booklet

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The Department of Veterans Affairs just posted the 2014 online version of the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivor’s booklet.  You can download the electronic version if you want a personal copy; but it is a 145 page document.

View the electronic version at http://www.va.gov/op

Medicare Open Enrollment Is Fast Approaching

Here’s What We Know So Far: Medicare beneficiaries who want to make changes to their prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage coverage can do so starting October 15 during the Medicare’s program’s annual open enrollment period.

Continue reading http://tinyurl.com/okcsses     

High Blood Pressure: When Should You Worry?

You should have your blood pressure checked regularly, and be aware of the stage you’re in and what each stage could mean for your health.

Learn about the stages of hypertension    

Pentagon Promises to Try to Cut Pay and Benefits Again

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work said Tuesday that the Pentagon will continue pressing to trim military pay, pensions, and housing allowances despite rejections by Congress.

The Pentagon will also try again to reform the Tricare health care system and kill the A-10 attack aircraft despite nearly universal opposition from veterans service organizations, Work said at a Council on Foreign Relations forum.

“This whole idea of compensation is absolutely critical. Compensation (reform) is a really big deal” in DoD’s efforts to maintain readiness, fight wars in Afghanistan and the Mideast and rebalance forces to the Pacific while working under the budgetary restrictions of the Congressional sequester process, Work said.

Matters will come to a head in February when DoD presents its next budget and the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission presents its long-awaited reform recommendations, Work said.

Continue reading http://ow.ly/CfNqC

New Registered Readers

Thanks to these Retiree News readers who registered to “Follow Blog via Email”: Peter Ching, Cynthia Higashi

Thanks to the following new registered readers whose email address did not include a recognizable name: ray2561, ilooeez


You can register to receive an email every time there is a new post.  In the “Follow Blog via Email” section and press “Follow”.  On the next screen, enter your email address and press ENTER.  Shortly, you will receive a confirmation email to your address from WordPress.com. You acknowledge the email and you are a registered reader.

After you compete this short registration process, you get a notification email every time there is a new posting.  The email has a quick teaser of the posting, along with tags that indicate how the posting relates to special topics/areas.

 

6 Tips For Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding

Do you or someone you love have a hard time letting go of books, magazines, newspapers or other tangible items?

Therese Borchard provides some behavioral tips to overcome compulsive hoarding

What to Expect With a Stent

Stents can be life saving for people with unstable angina and certain types of heart attack.

Learn more about this type of heart procedure. 

As many as 80,000 veterans with PTSD could gain discharge upgrades

As many as 80,000 veterans who suffered from post-traumatic stress and received Other Than Honorable discharges can use evidence of their PTSD to petition service boards to upgrade the bad paper discharge.

Continue reading http://ow.ly/BHgRK   

8 Ways to Sleep Better When You’re Sick

When you’re not feeling well, it’s important to get quality rest. But sinus issues can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Sleep soundly despite sinus pain and congestion.

Taps: Melvin Q.H. Chang

Melvin Quon Hoong Chang, 73, of Mililani, passed away September 22, 2014 in Mililani. Born June 21, 1941 in Honolulu. Retired Master Sergeant, Hawaii Air National Guard and Masonic Member of the Honolulu Scottish Rite Bodies. He is survived by son, Marcus (Martha) Chang; daughters, Melanie Smith, Marleen (Clinton) Sunada; brothers, Warren “Sonny” (Jane) Chang, Adrian (Jeanette) Chang, Alan (Annette) Chang; sister, Barbara Chang; 6 grandchildren.

National Guard Magazine: September 2014

NGUAS logo2

The September 2014 edition of NATIONAL GUARD is available online.

HANGIN’ IN CHICAGO Members of the Hawaii delegation share a little island spirit during a conference business session. (page 22)

HANGIN’ IN CHICAGO Members of the Hawaii delegation share a little island spirit during a conference business session. (page 22)

Features:

Living the Theme Speakers and world events during the annual conference make clear: the Guard is vital to the nation — now more than ever. By Ron Jensen

Continuing Legacy New technology was supposed to have replaced SINCGARS as the Army’s main tactical radio. That hasn’t happened yet. By William Matthews

Change Agent GUARD ROOTS: Lt. Gen. Herb Temple toughened Army Guard training in the ’80s so this generation wouldn’t suffer some of his combat experiences. By Bob Haskell

The National Guard Association of the United States
One Massachusetts Avenue, NW | Washington, DC 20001 | www.ngaus.org
P: 202.789.0031 | F: 202.682.9358 | newsletter@ngaus.org   
 

VA Benefits Open House

Randy Tom, the former Human Resources Officer, asked that the be posted on the website.

VA logo

You are invited, along with friends, family and anyone interested, to Argosy University’s first VA Benefits Open House on Tuesday, October 7, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Argosy University Honolulu campus (1001 Bishop St, 4th floor). This is a great opportunity for service members, veterans and anyone else interested in learning about the VA’s programs and benefits to learn more.

The presentation will feature VA guest speakers Schoen Safotu, Chief of Voluntary Services, and Gwen Dang and Rommel Dasmarinas of the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA), who will discuss programs for veterans including Voluntary Service, education benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation, veteran’s health benefits, and other programs within VBA.

Argosy University’s Director of Student Finance, Hillary Fraser, will also be available to answer questions about federal financial aid resources available to both veterans and the general public.   Refreshments will be served! Validated parking provided in Bishop Square parking garage.

RSVP today by going online to www.argosyVA.eventbrite.com

Questions? Contact Kim at 791-5249.

Is There a Prescription for Weight Loss?

For decades people have used medications in an attempt to lose weight, but diet pills can often pose health risks.

Get the pros and cons of weight-loss products.

September Issue of Na Haku

The following link will take you to the September 2014 issue of Na Haku.  The State Department of Defense publishes this monthly activity e-newsletter for the members of the department, retirees, and people interested in the department.

Na Haku September 2014