The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reached another milestone in its disability claims transformation process – over 30 percent of the current disability claims inventory is now digital and accessible to claim raters in VA’s electronic claims processing system, which has now been fielded ahead of schedule at all 56 Regional Offices across the country. This effort is a key part of transforming outdated paper processing into an electronic system that is delivering disability claims decisions for Veterans more quickly. In addition, all incoming paper claims are transformed into digital records for electronic processing using VA’s new claims processing software and electronic repository. Read more http://ow.ly/nb9is
Normally retired pay will be computed based on the highest grade held. If an Airman took a voluntary demotion, ARPC has the authority to authorize retired pay to be calculated in the higher grade. However, if the Airman was demoted for cause, then all information pertinent to the demotion may be forwarded to the secretary of the Air Force for a grade determination. Read more: http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=8266
Last December, hackers stumbled upon a treasure trove: Security problems with the site of social networking application maker RockYou allowed anyone to access a massive list of passwords belonging to its users.
Hackers discussed the site’s weak security extensively in an online forum. Read on http://ow.ly/n4NBU
Joseph M. Lopez, also known as “Myboy” and “Papa Joe,” 72, of Hilo, a retired Hawai‘i Electric Light Co. machinist and a Hawai‘i Army National Guard veteran, passed away on July 18, 2013. He was born in Honolulu.
He is survived by wife Rosalind M. “Lindy”; son Joseph D. Sr.; daughters Jennifer L. Reavis and Jeana M. Lopez; sisters Lorraine Apo, Diane Ah Nin and Dolores Chun; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
A mix of exercise, good eating, sleep and solid nutrition are key elements in the efforts to stave off damage from Alzheimer’s. USA Today, July 20. Read on http://ow.ly/ndUqd
The Hawai‘i Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies (HCATT) recently named Brig Gen Stanley Osserman as their new director. Managed by High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), HCATT has organized public/private partnerships between the federal government and private industry to develop advanced low emission and zero emission vehicles centered on electric drive technologies.
General Osserman, a Traditional Guardmember currently serving as the Chief of Staff, Hawai‘i Air National Guard, will retire later this year after a 34 year career.
When it comes to traveling with electronics, finding a strategy for safeguarding your gadgets begins before you hit the road. Here are a few things you can do to make sure your stuff is safe during your next vacation. Read on http://ow.ly/n4NJS
Retirees spent $92.8 billion on prescription drugs in 2010. The majority of this money (68 percent) was paid for just five types of medications that cost Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older $63.4 billion. Read on http://ow.ly/ndUEc
Save the Date! The next DOD Award and Retirement Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, September 13, 2013. The luncheon will be at the Hale Koa Hotel. The Department will announce the names of the award winners and retirees attending when they confirm their attendance. Retiree News will post additional information as we get closer to the event.
PASIR LABA CAMP, Singapore – Members of both U.S. and Singapore forces continued a 32-year tradition Monday with the opening of the annual two-week wartime simulation exercise “Tiger Balm” at Pasir Laba Camp, Singapore. Read more http://ow.ly/nbiaf
The audience gasped in surprise and gave a few low whistles as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel delivered the news that furloughs, which have forced a 20 percent pay cut on most of the military’s civilian workforce, probably will continue next year, and it might get worse. Read more http://ow.ly/nbhOb
There are three formulas used for computing retired pay. To determine which formula to use, you will need to know the date you first went into the military service–this is referred to as the DIEMS (Date of Initial Entry into the Military Service) date. Read more http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=8207
Whether you want to visit Pamplona to witness the running of the bulls, Florence to see the Duomo, or Santorini to check out the volcanoes, retirement is a time for you to enjoy more travel. However, it’s important for retirees to adequately plan for traveling, as it can be a taxing experience for the ill-prepared. Here are several preparations retirees can make to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip: http://ow.ly/n4O2Y
Hawaii U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, has been selected as the recipient prestigious Charles Dick Medal of Merit, one of the highest awards presented to an elected official by the National Guard Association of the United States, her office announced Wednesday. Read more http://ow.ly/n64dn
