8th Grade:
2nd Place – Hannah Balado, Edgemont Jr. High

9th Grade:
2nd Place – Alexander Huppert, Cedarcrest Jr. High

10th Place:
1st Place – Katie McConville, Aviation High School
(Essay being forwarded to the National level for judging)

11th Grade:
2nd Place – Christopher Schenk, Puyallup High School

These winners will be recognized at Branch 104′s reception with their prizes. Date to follow. Congratulations to the winners.

S/m Diana Parkison was an active member of WAVES National Post 70, Portland, VFW Post 5580, Yelm, and FRA Branch #104.

7th Grade:
1st Place: Kevin Quirin – Eatonville Middle School
2nd Place: Jamie Lemus Jr. – Lochburn Middle School
3rd Place: Breana Shra-Davis – Lochburn Middle School

8th Grade:
1st Place: Hannah Balado – Edgemont Jr. High
2nd Place: Eli Herrick – Edgemont Jr. High

9th Grade:
1st Place: Alexander huppert – Cedarcrest Jr. High

10th Grade:
1st Place: Katie McConville, Aviation high School
2nd Place: Alaina Burrke, TAF Academy (Won 2nd place, 9th grade 2010 and won 3rd place, 8th grade 2009)
3rd Place: Aunders Burrke – TAF Academy

11th Grade:
1st Place: Christopher Schenk – Puyallup High School
2nd Place: Ceresa Eberhardt – Curtis High School

12th Grade:
1st Place: Kelly Le – Kent Meridian High School
2nd Place: Nicholas Ost – Puyallup High School
3rd Place: Heather Odell – Auburn – Mountain View High School

Winners will receive a US Savings bond and a certificate at an awards ceremony held at  an upcoming branch meeting at the Puyallup VFW Post. Date will be set shortly

The first place winner’s essays were sent to compete at the Regional level. How the local winners did will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Defense Business Board Wants to “Civilianize” Retirement Benefits
The Defense Business Board (DBB), comprised of 25 corporate executives, recently released a power point presentation of a draft study of the military retirement system recommending extensive cost-saving recommendations. In their “Modernizing the Military Retirement System” report, the DBB recommends doing away with the current retirement system, and implementing a system similar to a 401(k) retirement program, where more service members would be eligible for some level of a significantly reduced retirement benefit.

FRA is closely monitoring this and other cost-saving proposals that would impact active, reserve, retiree and veterans benefits. The association strongly opposes the “civilianization” of military benefits and believes military service is unique and benefits should reflect the enormous commitment shipmates and others make when they serve a career in the military. No legislation has been introduced associated with these changes to military retirement. FRA continues to monitor the legislative process on Capitol Hill in order to protect member pay and benefits.

Retroactive Coverage Closing for TRICARE Young Adult
The opportunity to purchase retroactive TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) coverage for young adults back to Jan. 1, 2011 or thereafter, expires on Sept. 30, 2011. TYA launched in May 2011, and has shown a steady increase in enrollment numbers. As of July 31, almost 7,700 young adults have purchased TYA, which currently offers TRICARE Standard coverage for $186 a month. To qualify for TYA, uniformed services dependents must be under 26, unmarried and not eligible for their own employer-sponsored health care coverage. A premium-based TRICARE Prime benefit is scheduled to be available later in 2011.

Beneficiaries may choose to purchase retroactive coverage if they’ve had significant health care expenses that weren’t covered by other insurance, and once enrolled in TYA, may file a claim for reimbursement of costs for covered care. Additionally, young adults in the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) may elect to purchase retroactive TYA coverage and receive a refund for their CHCPB fees.

Those interested in purchasing retroactive TYA coverage must ensure their application form is received by the regional or overseas health care contractor by Sept. 30, 2011 and all premiums – both retroactive and the initial three-month payment – must be submitted with the application. The application and payment can be dropped off at a TRICARE Service Center, or mailed or faxed to the regional or overseas health care contractor. To be reimbursed for covered services, receipts for care must be included when a claim is filed.

Complete information and application forms are available at www.tricare.mil/tya .

DFAS myPay Goes Mobile
MyPay, the online pay account system for all active duty, and retirees is now mobile. MyPay users can now check pay statements on the go using a smartphone or other mobile device that has a web browser.

The myPay home page, login, Leave and Earning Statements, and Retiree Account Statements have been optimized for smartphones, and key account information is presented in an easy-to-read format. MyPay Mobile is one of several enhancements myPay is making this year. All are based on customer advice received through phone calls, Facebook, and email.

MyPay Mobile meets the same security standards that protect myPay. myPay does not operate or control any wireless networks, and thus cannot guarantee the security used to access the mobile site. Users are asked to check with their wireless service provider for information about their privacy and security. Users should reference their mobile phone’s user manual to learn more about using the web browser.

Here’s how it works:

• Launch your smartphone or other mobile device’s web browser.
• Go to https://mypay.dfas.mil Login to myPay using the same Login ID and Password you use on your computer. myPay will automatically detect that you’re using a mobile device and load a mobile version of the site.

Help is available at the Customer Care Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern. The toll-free number is 888.332.7411.

Debt Ceiling Increased with Spending Cuts
President Obama signed the Budget Control Act of 2011 (S. 365) into law, authorizing a debt ceiling increase ($2.1 trillion – $2.4 trillion) to allow the federal government to operate beyond 2013. The debt limit increases by $900 billion immediately and a second increase of $1.2 trillion to $1.5 trillion will be available after November 23, 2012. The size of the second increase will be determined by a new joint committee made up of six senators and six representatives who will identify cuts to meet the goal of reducing at least $1.2 trillion in spending over 10 years. The House and Senate will then vote to approve the committee’s recommendations without amendments or Senate filibuster. If the committee recommendations are not approved, automatic across-the-board cuts for every agency and program will be implemented by January 2, 2013, and continue over the remaining fiscal year.

The debt ceiling agreement also requires both the House and Senate to vote on a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution by the end of the calendar year. The House version of the FY 2012 budget must also be reduced by $24 billion to meet spending caps. It remains unclear how this will impact current military and veterans’ benefits, pay, and quality-of-life programs. FRA is concerned about the potential impact of drastic funding reductions on military and veterans’ health care, pay and other benefits; will closely monitor implementation of the new law and weigh in with legislators and their staff regarding threats to hard-earned benefits.

Report Recommends Drastic TRICARE Fee Increases and More
Senator Tom Coburn (Okla.) released a 614-page report, entitled “Back in the Black,” detailing suggestions for reducing the federal deficit by $9 trillion over 10 years. NOTE: This is only a report and these suggestions for balancing the budget have NOT been introduced as legislation. Recommendations include:

1. Requiring all military retirees to take TRICARE Standard and increasing annual enrollment fees to $3,500 for families/$2,000 for individuals,
2. Increasing co-pays for prescription drugs from $3 to $15 for generic and from $9 to $25 for brand-name drugs,
3. Making TRICARE Prime available only for active duty personnel and their dependents. Creating an annual $550 co-pay for TRICARE for Life (TFL) and requiring beneficiaries to pay half of the cost of expenses not covered by Medicare, up to $3,025,
   Consolidating commissaries and exchanges,
4. Eliminating Department of Defense (DoD) schools, and
5. Eliminating DoD tuition assistance programs for active duty service members.

The plan also suggests the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) assess a $250 annual fee for veterans in Priority Groups 7 and 8 who seek VA health care and increase prescription co-pays for these vets to $15 for a 30-day supply of medicine.

The report is an example of cost-saving proposals associated with growing pressure to reduce government spending. FRA will continue to monitor the legislative process and alert its membership about proposals to balance the budget by making drastic cuts in pay and benefits for those currently serving and those who’ve served in the past.

Read Tom Philpott’s Military Update column (8-4-11) at www.fra.org to learn about other potential impacts of the proposed cuts.

TRICARE Access in Philippines Discussed
FRA recently met with RADM Christine Hunter, USN, Deputy Director, TRICARE Management Activity, to discuss shipmates’ concerns regarding health care access in the Philippines. FRA’s Health Care Advisor Bob Washington reported that she is committed to working with FRA to resolve these issues and the Association will report on efforts to address this situation.

Happy Birthday, U.S. Coast Guard!
In recognition of the U.S. Coast Guard’s 221st birthday (August 4th), FRA is highlighting the critical work of Coast Guard Port Security Units (PSUs) this month. In addition to a feature article in the August edition of FRA Today magazine, FRA is hosting a teleconference at Noon (EDT) on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, to further underscore the unique mission of these specialized units.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force Mark Allen will be the featured guest for the call and will provide a brief overview of the roles PSUs play in national defense and homeland security. His comments will be followed by a question-and-answer period for call participants.

The call is part of FRA’s “Your Voice” monthly teleconference series, which features a live discussion of topics related to military and veterans’ benefits. The August teleconference begins at Noon (EDT) on Wednesday, August 10, 2011. To participate in the teleconference, dial 1-800-391-1709 and use bridge number 444143.

The House has passed six of the 12 national spending bills for FY 2012, including Defense Appropriations (H.R. 2219), Military Construction/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (MilCon/VA, HR 2055), and Homeland Security Appropriations (HR 2017), which includes funding for the U.S. Coast Guard. The Senate has only passed its version of the MilCon/VA spending bill, which is the only major spending bill for the coming fiscal year to pass both chambers. Both the House and Senate versions designate $52.5 billion in advance FY 2013 appropriations for VA medical programs.

House Panel Discusses U.S. Coast Guard Authorization
FRA submitted testimony in conjunction with a hearing of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Subcommittee this week. The Coast Guard’s current authorization expires October 1, 2011, and the Association strongly supports timely enactment of legislation that will provide congressional budgeting and effective oversight of the service and its wide ranging missions.

Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Frank LoBiondo (N.J.) said ensuring Coast Guard parity with DoD personnel programs is a top priority of any re-authorizating legislation for FY 2012, which is expected to be introduced in the near future. FRA advocates the measure should include adequate funding for the Coast Guard Health Care Fund (HCF), funding for a 1.6-percent pay increase for 2012 that equals the 2010 Employment Cost Index (ECI), improved family housing, and access to affordable child care. A copy of FRA’s statement is available HERE.

Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act Sent to President
The House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate-approved legislation that increases the tuition cap to $27,000 for some veterans attending private schools. In order to qualify for the increased benefit, the veteran must have been enrolled in a private school before last year’s reform bill (The Post-9/11 Veterans Assistance Improvement Act) capped private school tuition at $17,500. The reform measure created a problem for veterans already enrolled in higher-priced, private programs and Rep. Jeff Miller (Fla.), chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced the pending legislation (Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011, H.R. 1383) to ensure these veterans will be able to complete their education using the benefits specified in the original Post-9/11 GI Bill, which was enacted in 2008.

Pending the President’s signature, the change will take effect on August 1, 2011, protecting student veterans enrolled in private schools from what would have been serious reductions in tuition payments.

OSA, CFPB Ready to Help Military Consumers
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and its Office of Servicemember Affairs (OSA) are operational and ready to assist service members and families who have questions or complaints about consumer financial products and services. The OSA was established as part of last year’s financial regulation law and strongly supported by FRA.

The need for OSA was demonstrated earlier this year when the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) held hearings and heard complaints about banks ignoring and abusing the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Holly Petreaus, director of the OSA, pledged to work on educating military personnel about their financial protections and best financial practices.

The CFPB’s Consumer Response Center is now accepting credit card complaints on its newly redesigned website, ConsumerFinance.gov, and will also refer distressed homeowners to housing counselors via the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline. Over the coming months, the agency will expand its Consumer Response Center to handle complaints about other consumer financial products and services under its jurisdiction.

CNP Nominated to Serve as VCNO – VADM Mark Ferguson, who currently serves as Chief of Naval Personnel, has been nominated by the President for appointment to the grade of admiral and assignment as Vice Chief of Naval Operations. (Ferguson was keynote speaker at the 81st FRA National Convention in Branson, MO.) In addition, VADM Scott Van Buskirk, who is currently Commander, Seventh Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan, has been selected to serve as the next Chief of Naval Personnel.

Shift Colors Update – According to a recent e-mail message to Shift Colors subscribers (copied below), the Navy may be responding to a recommendation from the 2011 SecNav Retiree Council to resume publishing at least one issue of the Shift Colors retiree newsletter each year in addition to the electronic versions which have replaced print versions of the publication in recent years. (And those not currently subscribed can do so via the following e-mail address.)

Hello Shift Colors Subscriber!

Attached find the latest edition of your Navy retiree newsletter – the Spring 2011 Shift Colors. If you have any questions, comments or other issues, please drop a note to MILL_ShiftColors@navy.mil. SHIFT COLORS is available online at: http://www.npc.navy.mil/ReferenceLibrary/Publications/ShiftColors/

Respectfully,
Wm. Cullen James
Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
901-874-2266

Next Update – Due to travel next week to the East Coast Regional Convention in Roanoke, VA, the next issue of NED Update will be on Friday, August 5, 2011.

Amendment to Restrict Agent Orange Claims Fails
FRA members rallied in opposition to an amendment offered this week during Senate debate on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill (H.R.1540). The amendment proposed a significant change in the way presumptive Agent Orange-related disabilities are determined. Offered by Senator Tom Coburn (Okla.), the amendment would have required Vietnam veterans to prove a “clausal relationship” between Agent Orange exposure and one or more of the 15 presumptive illnesses that the VA now recognizes. The proposal was tabled by a vote of 69-30 and readers can see how their senators voted on the amendment at the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org by scrolling down to Bills of Interest, clicking Go, then scrolling down to Key Votes. Or use the direct link: http://www.capwiz.com/fra/issues/votes/?votenum=114&chamber=S&congress=1121 ;

Thanks to the nearly 2,000 shipmates who sent e-mails to their senators on short notice in response to the FRA Action Alert on this issue. These efforts paid off and helped halt further consideration of the amendment.

FRA continues to advocate for enactment of the “Agent Orange Equity Act” (H.R. 812), sponsored by Rep. Bob Filner (Calif.), that would amend the VA’s definition of Vietnam service to include those veterans who served off-shore. Many of these “Blue Water” veterans are not eligible to receive VA benefits for health problems associated with Agent Orange exposure. Members are urged to use the Action Center (Direct link: http://www.capwiz.com/fra/issues/alert/?alertid=32082506) to ask their elected officials to support this initiative.

Pay Our Troops on Time
Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas) and Bob Casey (Penn.) introduced the “Ensuring Our Military Pay Act” (S. 724) that would guarantee service members would be paid even if the U.S. government defaults on its debt obligations or there is a government shut down. The law would apply to active duty service members, as well as Reservists on drill. FRA believes military personnel, particularly those serving in overseas contingency operations, should not be denied their pay because Congress can’t get its work done in a timely manner.

Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org to ask their senators to support this legislation. (Direct link: http://www.capwiz.com/fra/issues/alert/?alertid=51484506)

FRA Participates in Women Veterans Summit
FRA’s Director of Membership Development Penny Collins participated in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Training Summit on Women Veterans last weekend in Washington, D.C. Approximately 700 female veterans heard VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki and others speak about the VA’s priority effort to continue expanding services and outreach for the 1.8 million women vets who’ve served. The event also included a broad range of workshops and panel discussions on healthcare options and other services available specifically for women veterans.

FRA Education Foundation Announces 2011 Scholarship Recipients
The FRA Education Foundation proudly announced its 2011 scholarship recipients this week. More than $124,000 will be presented to 30 deserving students who are pursuing higher education in the 2011-2012 academic year. More than 230 students applied for the annual scholarship program, in which recipients are selected based on financial need, academic standing, character and leadership qualities.

All current and former members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are eligible to apply for Foundation scholarships, and members of the FRA, their spouses, children and grandchildren qualify for a broader range of awards, several of which are funded through member legacy donations. Applications for FRA’s 2012-2013 scholarships will be available at www.fra.org/foundation after September 1, 2011.

FRA’s 2011 scholarship recipients are listed HERE

Safe Harbor Awards – The third annual Navy Safe Harbor Program Awards ceremony was last night in recognition of wounded, ill and injured Navy and Coast Guard personnel who personify service values and displayed resilience, faith, good humor and perseverance in dealing with their challenges and have remained steadfast in their dedication to their families, their respective services and our country. Caregivers who sacrifice so much in support of these personnel were also recognized along with non-medical care managers who work at 11 hospitals/clinics throughout the country. ADM Jonathon W. Greenert, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and VADM Sally Brice-O’Hara, Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, presented awards to the honorees, and the Honorable Juan M. Garcia, Asst. Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) was the featured speaker and joined ADM Greenert in presenting the Silver Star award for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States to HM2 Jacob Emmott, USN, who was injured while serving with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment in Afghanistan. An FRA salute to all the award recipients, caregivers and non-medical care managers – and to the FRA Shipmates who are serving as mentors locally in support of Shipmates enrolled in Navy Safe Harbor.

Poll Results – Military Times is reporting recent Gallup Survey data indicating that the Military topped the confidence approval ratings for key organizations for 78% of the respondents – while Congress only garnered a 12% response rate.