Veterans & Military Families Monthly News

November 2011 Vol. 2 No. 18

Good afternoon and thank you for reading, this months edition of the newsletter. We appreciate your involvement and continued support. Remember, we have two online sources where you can read and offer comments on the current and previous editions of the newsletter. The newsletter is posted on Facebook through the group called Veterans and Military Families Monthly News. Check it out and join the group. Click here to go directly to the page. (Keep in mind, you need a Facebook account to join; however, the documents can be viewed through the docs link toward the bottom of the page even without an account.) The second source for the online version of the newsletter is the website www.scribd.com. This online source for the newsletter works in the same fashion as the Facebook page. Please let us know what you think, or if you have any questions about the online sources. For those of you who enjoy just receiving the email each month, we will continue to send it out. But we want to build the online presence as a way to reach out to more people. As always, thank you very much for reading. Our hope is to continue to expand the newsletter. For that, we need your input. So, again, if anyone has any suggestions for topics to cover or wants to write their own piece, we will gladly try to work it in. We hope you enjoy, and please share your feedback with us.

Draft Gulf War Task Force Report Is Released

Report Redefines How Care and Services Are Provided to Gulf War Veterans
From: www.va.gov

Thank you very much!

P.3-World War II Veteran Tribute Dinner P.5-Military Retiree Pay Dates to Change P.7-Ending Dates For Nehmer Cases on Vietnam Veterans P.10-VA Women Vet Programs P.11-B-17 Mid Air Collision 1943

In This Issue

P.14-Agent Orange Guam P.16-U.S Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots P.20-TRICARE Catastrophic Cap P.21-Overseas Military Mail P.22-Risk to Patients from Data Breach Mat with Proactive Response

And much more.

WASHINGTON Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that the Departments Gulf War Veterans Illnesses Task Force has completed the draft of a comprehensive report that will outline how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) addresses the concerns of Veterans who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. This report provides a roadmap for our continued enhancements in our care and services we provide to Gulf War Veterans, said Shinseki. We will be applying lessons learned from this report to Veterans of all eras. Notification of the draft written report is published in the Federal Register, and the draft written report addresses seven areas where VA provides services for this group of Veterans. Over the past year, the task force has examined, evaluated, designated and adjusted the initial roadmap outlined in last years report. VA has designated steps to improve care and services to Gulf War I Veterans and these improvements are becoming a part of our culture and operations. This years report focuses on improvements in the delivery of health care for Gulf War Veterans. One of the most substantial additions is modifications to clinical care models used for Gulf War Veterans, which is the most critical point of service VA provides. There are better linkages between specialty knowledge and services at the basic point of care. Clinical research and development is significantly contributing new concepts and methods to clinical practice and clinical education throughout VA. Continued

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country. Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
1

Some Useful Links

Two new positions were established in the Office of Research and Development for deployment and Desert Shield and Desert Storm health-related issues. Both positions have been filled and are enhancing research efforts for Gulf War Veterans and will continue to do so in the coming years. VA is also strengthening partnerships and medical surveillance to address the potential health impacts on Veterans from the environmental exposures on today's battlefield. Additionally, VA continues to use social media to improve communication with Gulf War Veterans. The Chairman of the Gulf War Veterans Illnesses Task Force is John R. Gingrich, chief of staff at VA, a retired Army officer who also served in the Gulf War. To ensure we are tracking the needs of our Veterans, we want to get feedback from Gulf War Veterans on this draft report, said Gingrich. Their feedback is critical to our efforts to understand and serve their specific needs. Therefore, we hope they take advantage of one of the different opportunities to provide feedback that we have created for them. As a first step, VA is seeking public comments on the draft written report before final publication. The public notice and instructions for how to submit electronic and comments via postal mail will be posted at www.regulations.gov, and the draft written report will be open for comment for 30 days. In addition, VA recognizes that a great number of Gulf War Veterans use the Internet on a daily basis to share their ideas and concerns, so VA has also created a public discussion board on the seven recommendations at: http:// vagulfwartaskforce.uservoice.com/. To view the report without making recommendations, please visit VAs website at: http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/

Air Force Times www.airforcetimes.com Navy Times www.navytimes.com Marine Corps Times www.marinecorpstimes.com Army Times www.armytimes.com Military Times www.militarytimes.com TRICARE www.tricare.mil American Legion www.legion.org Veterans of Foreign Wars www.vfw.org AMVETS www.amvets.org The DAV www.dav.org Department of Defense www.dod.gov Military/Veterans Report www.militray.com The Pentagon Channel www.pentagonchannel.mil Veterans Administration www.va.gov

If anyone has a site they would like to have added to this growing list please let us know! Contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org Also check out the complete list of links that appear in this newsletter on the last page.

Thank you for your Support!

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
2

From: David W. Martin On Wednesday, December 7th, Davison's three Veteran Service Organizations, American Legion Post 267, VFW Post 4087 and AMVETS Post 1569, will host a community-wide tribute to our World War II veterans at the Davison VFW, 9474 Lapeer Road. Veterans of WWII are our Honored Guests and any WWII-era veteran may RSVP their attendance at the numbers below. Social hour (cash bar) begins at 6pm with catered buffet dinner, by Creative Catering, at 7pm. Live swingera, big band sounds, performed by Rock of Ages. Tickets are $20 for individuals or $36 per couple-call (810) 653-2330 (Legion post) or (810) 658-9069 (VFW club room) for tickets and information. Or, contact any post member. Collectors of WWII memorabilia for display are encouraged to call. The 70th anniversary of "a date which will live in infamy" is especially significant as we honor our remaining Greatest Generation veterans. See the Flier on the next page.

World War II Veteran Tribute Dinner

A Note From: Lest We Forget Speakers Bureau

This notice from LWF is to inform the reader of the development of a Lest We Forget Speakers Bureau. Since our organization has conducted three yearlong courses at Lake Michigan College, we have many topics and many qualified speakers to present information from WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have developed formats for school children of all ages, and for veterans organization. Whatever the event we will gladly produce the correct format We would be glad to present any topic of interest to any group. As coordinator, I will be glad to help with the choices of presentations and help with planning. Gary C. Lulenski Coordinator Speakers Bureau 269-428-3442 Garykaye2@comcast.net

From: Rick Briggs, Major, USAF (Ret) The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) Veterans Program utilizes numerous types of outdoor activities to gather Veterans and currently serving military personnel together for a little R&R. These special events are almost always free for the troops depending totally on the kind donations of sponsors and donors. In addition to being a great way to say Thank you for their service, these activities serve as the mechanism to get the troops to open up a little if they are having post-deployment issues. Frequently we find that in the comfortable confines with others who have been there, done that they tend to be more receptive to learn about Invisible Wounds says Rick Briggs the Program Manager, both PTSD and TBI are treatable if they seek the proper help. To find out more about these activities, or to donate to their Veterans Program, please make out checks to BIAMI Veterans Program and send them to 7305 Grand River Suite #100, Brighton, MI 48114 or contact Rick Briggs at veterans@biami.org or call him (810) 2295880 or visit www.biami.org.

Brain Injury Association of Michigan

BIAMI is celebrating its 30th Anniversary as it continues to strive to provide persons with a brain injury and their families, healthcare professionals, and the general public with the resources necessary to enhance brain injury awareness, education, prevention, and support. BIAMI is also fields the first and only dedicated Veterans Program staff within the Brain Injury Association of America.
3

About the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI):

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

From: United States Air Force. Sept. 6, 2011 CLEVELAND (AFRNS) -- Paydays for military retirees and those who receive portions of retired pay are changing for September and December, as the Defense Finance and Accounting Service changes its pay schedule to comply with the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act. The 2011 NDAA requires military retiree pay to be processed on the first day of the month. When that day falls on a weekend or national holiday, the pay date is moved to the previous business day. This year payments normally scheduled for Oct. 3 will be issued on Sept. 30, and payments normally scheduled for Jan. 3, 2012, will be issued on Dec. 30. For calendar 2011, this means military retirees will receive 13 rather than the normal 12 payments. The 13th payday on Dec. 30 falls within the 2011 tax year which could affect the tax liability of some retirees and those who receive portions of their retired pay. Customers should speak with a tax adviser, the Internal Revenue Service or their state tax authority to determine if their tax withholding will satisfy federal and state income taxes when they file returns next year. DFAS officials cannot provide tax advice.

Military Retiree Pay Dates to Change

For tax year 2012 and beyond, retirees will receive their normal 12 payments. This change affects regular retired pay, Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay and Combat Related Special Compensation. The new rule also applies to retiree allotments, garnishments and court-ordered former spouse and child support payments. It does not affect annuity payments. If retirees need to make changes to their federal or state tax withholding, the quickest and most secure way to do so is through myPay. Available 24/7, myPay enables eligible users worldwide to make routine changes to their pay information, including tax withholding, that become effective within days. Customers who cannot access myPay can change federal withholding amounts by completing a new IRS Form W-4 or W-4P, or change state withholding amounts using a DD 2866. These forms can be found on the DFAS website (www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/ forms.html) and should be mailed or faxed to the below address once completed: Defense Finance and Accounting Service U.S. Military Retired Pay P.O. Box 7130 London, KY 40742-7130 Fax: 800-469-6559 It may take up to 30 days for changes to be made when mailing in a paper form. (Courtesy of DFAS) For more retiree news and information, please visit www.retirees.af.mil.

Two Great Sources for Veterans/Military Legislative Updates in Washington D.C. Simply click the images to view the site.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security

Committee Testimony Committee Minutes No SubCommittees Committee Members: Kurt Damrow (R), Committee Chair, 84th District Ray A. Franz (R), Majority Vice-Chair, 101st District Gail Haines (R), 43rd District Sharon Tyler (R), 78th District Mike Callton (R), 87th District Dale W. Zorn (R), 56th District David E. Nathan (D), Minority Vice-Chair, 11th District George T. Darany (D), 15th District Charles Smiley (D), 50th District Lesia Liss (D), 28th District Paul Clemente (D), 14th District Ben Cook, Committee Clerk 517-373-2002 bcook@house.mi.gov

Rep. Kurt Damrow Committee Chair Welcome to the Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee. The committee's regularly scheduled meeting time is Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. in room 308 of the House Office Building in Lansing. I welcome citizens to contact me or other committee members regarding bills or proposals our committee is addressing. Individuals needing special accommodations to participate in a committee meeting may contact my office to request the necessary assistance.

From: www.tricare.mil FALLS CHURCH, Va. Copayments for some medications provided through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery are being reduced to zero. As of Oct. 1, Home Delivery beneficiaries may fill generic prescriptions at no cost to themselves. Generic formulary drugs purchased through Home Delivery currently cost $3 for a 90-day supply, but as of Oct. 1 the copayment drops to zero. These new copays make using TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery more affordable than ever, said Rear Adm. Christine Hunter, TRICARE Management Activity deputy director. Home Delivery offers a great value for patients taking maintenance medications for chronic conditions. The following changes to the TRICARE pharmacy copayments are scheduled to go into effect Oct. 1: -- Generic formulary drugs purchased at retail pharmacies will go from $3 to $5.

Tricare Pharmacy Changes

-- Brand name formulary drugs from retail pharmacies will go from $9 to $12. -- Non-formulary medications will go from $22 to $25 in both retail and Home Delivery. Brand name formulary drugs purchased through Home Delivery will have the same $9 copayment. Copayments for prescriptions filled through Home Delivery cover a 90-day supply, but only a 30-day supply when purchased at a retail pharmacy. This is the first change to TRICARE pharmacy copays since 2002, Hunter said. Our goal is to keep costs as low as possible for our beneficiaries and DoD. Military, their families and retirees are increasingly using Home Delivery to get their maintenance medications conveniently delivered through U.S. mail saving TRICARE about $30 million in 2010. Use of Home Delivery has grown in 2011 by nearly 10 percent over 2010. More than 1 million prescriptions per month are filled through the service. For more information about TRICARE pharmacy, the new copayment rates and Home Delivery, visit www.tricare.mil/pharmacy.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

By: Phil Smith, Director/Chief VVA NVSO, State Council of MI Most recently the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs put an ending date on submission of the three new medical conditions of those exposed to Agent Orange (Herbicide Dioxin) from Vietnam, Ischemic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease), Parkinson's and Leukemia (Hairy Cell Carcinoma, or other known Leukemia's) under the Nehmer decision, Nehmer was a veteran who fought through the VA's Board of Veterans Appeals and won, which takes a claim back to the date of originally filing on certain presumptive conditions. While the ending date may be there, there remains a process that can prevent this ending date from happening as there remains to be the appeal process, which could be long and many do not have the patience to go through. Saying what I just said, there remains to be an enormous amount of Veterans from Vietnam Era and other who continue not to know about their entitlements and what they can receive, to include surviving spouses

Ending Dates for Nehmer Cases on Vietnam Veterans

and children if any who may be entitled. Many Surviving Spouses can receive benefits if eligible and granted, if their husbands or wives pass due to some presumptive conditions or other eligibility requirements, especially those who are Wartime Era. You should speak to the County Veterans Counselor or a Veterans Organizational Veterans Benefits Counselor to see if you are entitled. Most Counties in Michigan have County Counselors, and most Veterans Organizations have Benefits Counselor, or someone to ask in the Organization.

We hear stories from around the state about Veterans who are in need of help. Please remember what these men and women have done for this nation. Please remember them, and let our communities not forget what these men and women have sacrificed. Thank you to everyone who has supported this newsletter, and if you know of any veterans who are in need of help let us know and we will put the word out to help. -Matthew X. Hauser

Lest We Forget

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

~Ronald Reagan

Michigan Republican Party Facebook Page

Along with building the newsletters Facebook page, which can be found by the link above, the Michigan Republican Party is building their page. If you would like join, please click here.

Contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country. Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
7

From: Helen Budd We are in very high need of Habitat Homebuyers. We are challenging everyone to get the word out and achieve at least one person to apply for our homeownership program within 2 weeks. Please take this challenge seriously and spread the news of our homeownership opportunity and serving families in need of affordable housing. We continually find that the general public still believes we "give" houses away or serve only homeless people. People who fall within our low income guidelines of between $20,000 to $39,000 are our friends, family, neighbors, church members, checkout clerks, health care workers, trades people ect. Many people do not think they would qualify or be able to ever own their own home. The mortgage of a Habitat Home is generally between $450$600. When a family becomes a Habitat Homeowner our entire community benefits. Please think of ways you can get our message out and encourage people to apply for our unique opportunity for homeownership. Attached is a flyer we are asking you to please consider sending out to everyone you know. If you would

Habitat For Humanity

like to pick up some printed flyers or posters we would be happy to supply them. Please hand out the flyer to people after you speak of the program. If you know someone who would like to apply you can direct them to Miriam Reyes directly at 588-5235, mreyes@habitatkent.org. We truly need your help in getting our message out and letting the families who are in need know we have affordable opportunities for homeownership. Sincerely, Miriam Reyes Manager of Homeownership Programs Habitat for Humanity of Kent County 425 Pleasant St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: (616)774-2431 x235 Fax: (616)774-4120 mreyes@habitatkent.org We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

A Note From Department Hospital Chairwoman Merridy Lewis

Hello Everyone, Im sure youve heard about budget cuts that are affecting so many of us. Our Veteran Medical Centers are no exception. Have you thought about being a volunteer? There are so many ways volunteers can help the Veterans Homes, medical Centers, clinics or even local Hospitals and nursing homes. As a volunteer you help to ensure that our Veterans are treated with care, affection, respect and enthusiasm. There are many opportunities available that volunteers are needed for. A few ideas that come to mind would be ---- A greeter/ambassador, this position you would help Veterans who may need assistance locating general information of the hospital, giving directions, or

even escort them to an appointment. Perhaps, get a wheelchair for them. Another idea would be to write letters, read a book or to sit and visit with them, as sometimes they dont have family or friends that are able to visit. Play a game of cards or even work on a puzzle. The veterans can always use phone cards, bus tokens or transportation, vouchers, crossword puzzles, canteen books to purchase coffee or soda from the canteen and reading materials. How do I become a Veterans Affair Voluntary Service (VAVS) volunteer? Contact your nearest VA or local nursing home or hospital. Ask to speak to a voluntary service specialist. They will set you up an appointment for an interview to see what interests you have, and give you a scheduled time to volunteer. You will also be given an orientation of hospital policy. Non members of the VFW & Ladies Auxiliary can be sponsored from each post. So, if you have a friend that would like to help you when you volunteer perhaps your Auxiliary would sponsor them. Children are welcomed to volunteer also. Do you have an out-standing hospital volunteer? Please submit an application to me for the Out Standing Hospital Volunteer of the Year! We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

From: http://www.jpac.pacom.mil The mission of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) is to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of the nation's past conflicts. The highest priority of the organization is the return of any living Americans that remain prisoners of war. To date, the U.S. Government has not found any evidence that there are still American POWs in captivity from past U.S. conflicts. JPAC is located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The command was activated on Oct. 1, 2003, created from the merger of the 30-year-old U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii, and the 11-year-old Joint Task Force - Full Accounting. Commanded by a flag officer,

JPAC is manned by approximately 400 handpicked Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Department of the Navy civilians. The laboratory portion of JPAC, referred to as the Central Identification Laboratory (CIL), is the largest forensic anthropology laboratory in the world. JPAC also maintains three permanent overseas detachments to assist with command and control, logistics and in-country support during investigation and recovery operations. They are Detachment One located in Bangkok, Thailand, Detachment Two in Hanoi, Vietnam and Detachment Three in Vientiane, Laos. JPAC has a fourth detachment, Detachment Four, located at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, responsible for recovery team personnel when they are not deployed.
9

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

VA Women Vet Programs

From: RAO Bulletin October 2011 (Lt. James EMO Tichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) 238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines. Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/AMVETS/DAV/ FRA/NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/CG33/ DD890/AD37 member) The Department of Veterans Affairs is taking its internal culture-change message to the public with a new video about the vital role women play in the military and the importance of providing women Veterans with high quality health care. VA's Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group recently completed a 60-second public service announcement (PSA) that challenges viewers to rethink pre-conceived notions about women Veterans. This video features images of women in service to our country: they drive supply trucks, participate in reconnaissance missions, walk safety patrols, and operate helicopter machine guns. "When these brave women complete their service and become Veterans, we want them to know that VA is there to meet their health care needs," said Dr. Patricia Hayes, Chief Consultant of the VA's Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group. "At the same time, we want the public to recognize the contributions of women Veterans and the benefits they have earned through their service to the Nation." The PSA is available for viewing on YouTube at http:// www.youtube.com/watch? feature=player_profilepage&v=BOP5DCgjxPE and at http://www.va.gov. Broadcast organizations interested in obtaining a broadcast-quality version of the PSA should contact VA's Office of Public Affairs (202-461-7600). Cont...

By: Dale Hemphill-Designer, Spirit of America Flag (dhemp31628@aol.com)

Spirit of the American Flag

STEP UP AND LEAD

From: The USO In 2011, we're calling on the brave men and women of our armed forces to make some incredible sacrifices in Afghanistan, Iraq, and remote locations around the world. That means you and I need to make an extra effort to show our support. One of the best ways to let our troops know that you've got their back is by supporting the work of the USO. Step Up and Lead -- support our troops by signing up to be part of the USO today.

The Spirit of America Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 by a naval veteran realizing the need for historical recognition of American's heroes and the sacrifices they made for our country. The "Spirit of America" insignia shown above was designed to recognize our men and women of the military forces and the battles they fought. As the Spirit of America Foundation continues its mission to promote patriotism and the appreciation of our veterans, it has expanded its reach to help veterans in need in today's tough economy. FORGOTTEN HEROES USA, LTD, supports the missions of the Spirit of America Foundation by offering patriotic products honoring Americas hardships in history dating back to the Revolutionary War to present day Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. With each purchase, a percentage is donated to the Spirit of America Foundation. If you would like to help our cause by making a purchase or donation please know that your generosity will reach many others in their time of need. Please review our web site for more information. If you have any questions or comments please contact us via the "Contact Us" page. Thank you! Video: The Raising of the Spirit of America flag. At the American war cemetery in Margraten in The Netherlands on Sunday the 3rd of July 2011. Made by: RALPH84 Click Here to view the video. We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.
10

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

The number of women using VA has doubled in the past decade, and that increase is expected to continue into the next decade. More than half of the women using VA health care have a service-connected disability. These range from combat PTSD to missing limbs. The PSA gives a sampling of the serviceconnected disabilities women Veterans must cope with on a daily basis. The PSA was developed for nationwide release from a new employee orientation video --- available at http://www.womenshealth.va.gov -- created as part of VA's ongoing efforts to change its culture to be more understanding and accommodating of women Veterans

and honor the important service they have given our country. "VA's goal is to provide the highest quality care for every Veteran, regardless of gender. Part of this initiative has been educating staff so they understand and appreciate that it is their job to make sure women Veterans receive the best care anywhere," said Hayes. In addition to new employee orientation, VA is spreading its culture-of-change message to current employees through posters, conferences, and e-mail messaging. VA health care providers are all given the opportunity to participate in a ground-breaking mini-residency program in Women's Health for Veterans. This program has already educated more than 1,100 VA providers on the latest knowledge in gender-specific health care. For more information about VA programs and services for women Veterans, visit: http://www.va.gov/womenvet and http://www.womenshealth.va.gov. [Source: VA News Release 13 Oct 2011 ++] control cables were severed , except one single elevator cable still worked, and the aircraft still flew-miraculously! The tail gunner was trapped because there was no floor connecting the tail to the rest of the plane. The waist and tail gunners used parts of the German fighter and their own parachute harnesses in an attempt to keep the tail from ripping off and the two sides of the fuselage from splitting apart. (Continued)

B-17 Mid Air Collision 1943

From: Gene Simon The term "Greatest Generation" doesn't mean just people but can be equally applied to some of the finest aircraft designs of all time; the C-47 transport, P-47 Thunderbolt and P-38 Lightning, both superb fighters! And of course the B-24 Liberator, the F4U Corsair (the Navy's greatest carrier fighter), the P-51 Mustang (arguably the finest fighter aircraft of its time) and finally the B-17 who's crews said would bring them home in almost any condition and here's one of those conditions! Tough Bird A mid-air collision on February 1, 1943 between a B-17 and a German fighter over the Tunis dock area became the subject of one of the most famous photographs of World War II... An enemy fighter attacking a 97th Bomb Group formation went out of control, probably with a wounded pilot then continued its crashing descent into the rear of the fuselage of a Fortress named All American, piloted by Lt. Kendrick R. Bragg, of the 414th Bomb Squadron. When it struck, the fighter broke apart, but left some pieces in the B-17. The left horizontal stabilizer of the Fortress and left elevator were completely torn away. The two right engines were out and one on the left had a serious oil pump leak. The vertical fin and the rudder had been damaged, the fuselage had been cut almost completely through connected only at two small parts of the frame and the radios, electrical and oxygen systems were damaged. There was also a hole in the top that was over 16 feet long and 4 feet wide at its widest and the split in the fuselage went all the way to the top gunners turret. Although the tail actually bounced and swayed in the wind and twisted when the plane turned and all the

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

11

While the crew was trying to keep the bomber from coming apart, the pilot continued on his bomb run and released his bombs over the target. When the bomb bay doors were opened, the wind turbulence was so great that it blew one of the waist gunners into the broken tail section. It took several minutes and four crew members to pass him ropes from parachutes and haul him back into the forward part of the plane. When they tried to do the same for the tail gunner, the tail began flapping so hard that it began to break off. The weight of the gunner was adding some stability to the tail section, so he went back to his position. The turn back toward England had to be very slow to keep the tail from twisting off. They actually covered almost 70 miles to make the turn home. The bomber was so badly damaged that it was losing altitude and speed and was soon alone in the sky. For a brief time, two more Me109 German fighters attacked the All American. Despite the extensive damage, all of the machine gunners were able to respond to these attacks and soon drove off the fighters. The two waist gunners stood up with their heads sticking out through the hole in the top of the fuselage to aim and fire their machine guns. The tail gunner had to shoot in short bursts because the recoil was actually causing the plane to turn. Allied P51 fighters intercepted the All American as it crossed over the Channel and took one of the pictures shown. They also radioed to the base describing the empennage was waving like a fish tail and that the plane would not make it and to send out boats to rescue the crew when they bailed out. The fighters stayed with the Fortress taking hand signals from Lt. Bragg and relaying

them to the base. Lt. Bragg signaled that 5 parachutes and the spare had been "used" so five of the crew could not bail out. He made the decision that if they could not bail out safely, then he would stay with the plane and land it. Two and a half hours after being hit, the aircraft made its final turn to line up with the runway while it was still over 40 miles away. It descended into an emergency landing and a normal roll-out on its landing gear. When the ambulance pulled alongside, it was waved off because not a single member of the crew had been injured. No one could believe that the aircraft could still fly in such a condition. The Fortress sat placidly until the crew all exited through the door in the fuselage and the tail gunner had climbed down a ladder, at which time the entire rear section of the aircraft collapsed onto the ground. The rugged old bird had done its job. Pershings Last Patriot: The Frank Woodruff Buckles Story is slated for release in 2011. In this unique and insightful documentary film, we will travel with Frank to reflect on his early life in rural Missouri and Oklahoma. Frank will share his experiences as he enlisted and served our nation in The War to End All Wars. We will experience his life in a Japanese prisoner of war camp, and relive his amazing rescue from death. Finally, we will see how Franks life has changed over the decades, and his rise to fame as Americas last witness to the First World War and so many other world events.

Pershings Last Patriot

From: www.pershingslastpatriot.com Many award-winning feature films have tried to bring the American twentieth century to life through fictional stories. Forrest Gump walked us through the twentieth century with his profound life; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button used a characters life to entertain us through American History from 2005 to World War I, and The Notebook escorted us through a tale of American history through a similar formula. These films demonstrated a intense and blockbuster success and a powerful indicator for the publics level of interest in such stories. But what if there was a true story of an American who actually accomplished these things and whose life is a parallel to the proven success of these films? The life of Americas last World War I veteran, Frank Buckles, is the one story, the one survivor and the one whose story needs to be shared.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

12

MICHIGAN AIR NATIONAL GUARD HISTORY BOOKS

The Michigan Air National Guard Historical Association created a three volume set of history books covering the periods 1926-1996. A fourth volume covering the years 1996 to 2006 is in production and should be available soon. Volume 1 covers the period 1926 to 1976-Cost: $1.00 Volume 2 covers the period 1976 to 1986-Cost: $4.00 Volume 3 covers the period 1986 to 1996-Cost: $1.00 Volume 4 covers the period 1996 to 2010-Cost: $6:00 Full color $35.00 If you wish to purchase one or more of these volumes or are interested in more information, please contact MAGHA at Phone: 586-239-6768, Fax: 586-239-6646, Email: 127.wg.selfridgeairmuseum@ang.af.mil

MANGBANG
From: Eugene (Gene) A. Simon- Command Chief Master Sergeant USAF (Retired) & Matthew X. Hauser As you may have seen in past editions of the newsletter, MANGBANG has been one of our sources. We are thankful for the source and so we just wanted to pass the information along for MANGBANG in case anyone is interested in joining the Michigan Air National Guard Historical Association. You can contact Lou Nigro if you are interested. We think it is a worthwhile investment-it supports the history of the Michigan Air National Guard and his monthly publications are very informative. For those who want to view it on our website (www.selfridgeairmuseum.org, http://www.selfridgeairmuseum.org ), Lt Col Lou Nigro, MI ANG (Ret) Executive Director, Selfridge Military Air Museum Email: louis.nigro@ang.af.mil

From: Dept. Hospital Chairman Merridy Lewis Hospitalized Veterans Writing Program (HVWP). This program helps veterans get their poems and stories down on paper is one of the goals for our volunteers. Volunteer aides help both with a one on one or with groups of patients to help them put their thoughts and feelings into stories and poems. The stories and poems can be submitted to veterans voices, a magazine that publishes the articles that have been submitted. The HVWP does its very best to publish every article that has been submitted following the guide lines.

"Veterans Voices"

It is important to submit the authors name, VAMC facility and state, the authors permanent address the branch of service and duties along with the serial number or social security number. Manuscripts must be original and unpublished, except in VAMC publications. Writers can submit up to three poems, each no longer than 24 lines with 60 character width. Stories no longer than 10 pages, typed using double spacing. This is a brief detail of what HVWP is about. It may be an interest you would like to share with a Veteran on a volunteer basis. This is part of our history for generations yet to come we are losing World War II Veterans every day and we need to hear their stories. For more information about the organization please visit their website at www.veteransvoices.org.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

13

From: RAO Bulletin October 2011 (Lt. James EMO Tichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) 238 -1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines. Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/AMVETS/DAV/FRA/ NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/CG33/DD890/ AD37 member) Veterans and their families who were on Guam during the Vietnam War and were exposed to Agent Orange have launched a petition drive, calling on the Obama Administration to launch a full investigation into the matter. One such veteran hopes the White House will listen and learn from his story. "I'm Master Sergeant Leroy Foster," the man said, introducing himself. "I'm retired from the U.S. Air Force. I came over to Guam during the Vietnam War 412 with the 99th Air Force Base and I was assigned to at that time it was the 3960th Combat Support Group. I think it was the 819th Support Squadron converted to the 43rd Supply Squadron." According to Foster, he arrived to Guam in September 1968. "I was assigned to the Fuel Division and I worked on fuel tank farms refueling aircrafts, B-52s. They had me spraying Agent Orange herbicides."

Agent Orange Guam

heart attacks not knowing what happened to me, and then in July 2009, the Agent Orange Commission released Agent Orange Update and I realized then what was happening to me and it was from those herbicides that I sprayed over there in Guam from and on Andersen AFB and off-base." A total of 5,000 signatures are needed in order to get the White House's attention. Currently there are only 589 people who have signed the petition as of 11 OCT. If you would like to read the petition you can read it at https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions#!/petition/ investigation-full-disclosure-where-and-when-agentorange-herbicides-were-used-outside-vietnam/rQdBtRyd . To sign the petition you must be registered which can be done on the https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions site. Once registered you can sign any of the other petitions listed if you so choose. The deadline to get the required number of signatures is 22 OCT. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo supports the initiative, telling KUAM News that individuals who may have been exposed to these chemicals deserve to have this matter investigated fully. [Source: KUAM News Nick Delgado article 8 Oct 23011 ++]

A Note From Lt. Col Hank Fuhs

Foster is one of many veterans who say they were exposed to Agent Orange on Guam during the Vietnam War and have signed a petition calling on President Barack Obama to launch an investigation. Foster says it wasn't too long after working in the fuel tank farms on Guam his health began to deteriorate and just got worse through his military career and into retirement. "Sometime in 1978, not realizing that it was all connected to Agent Orange, I ended up having some severe health problems right up til I retired from active duty. But they discovered I had spongeolosis. I was denied employment after I retired from active duty because I'm paralyzed from my waist down." He added, "[I] had strokes and

Special Active Military Membership pricing from the Fredrick Meijer Gardens. Please visit: www.meijergardens.org for more information.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

14

From: Bob Tidmore-Post Commander AMVETS Post 46 (Michigan AMVET News, Winter 2011) AMVETS Post 46 on Beaver Island has received the final permits for the construction of a Veterans Memorial Park on the site of the old Beaver Island power plant located on Main Street in the middle of the harbor. The park will included three flagpoles that will fly the American flag, the Michigan flag, and a rotating service flag. One monument will list the names of those from Beaver Island who gave their lives in the service of their country. A second pays tribute to all veterans who have served their country and the third honors the Emmett Burke AMETS Post 46. In front of the monuments there will be three area s containing bricks with veteran names, dates and service affiliation. These are available to any veteran or families and friends who wishes to honor their veteran. The bricks are 4x8 and 8x8 and are $100 and $200 respectively. Order forms for bricks, questions and answers about the park are available on the web site http://beaverislandnews.com/ or by emailing the Post at amvetspost46@yahoo.com and we will send you a form. AMVETS Post 46 wishes to thank the St. James Township Board and Wolverine Power for their help and support in this project.

Beaver Island Veterans Memorial Park

Veteran organizations across America are committed that all American veterans receive recognition and honor for their valiant service and sacrifices. Working hard to keep veterans efforts made today and in the past visible to everyone, we are spearheading the renovation of old Memorials and are building Memorials in communities that have none. AMVETS Post 46 of Beaver Island is building a Veterans Memorial on the waters edge of Beaver Islands beautiful harbor which we hope to dedicate this July Fourth. The location of this memorial will be visible to thousands of people as they enter Beaver Islands harbor each year. Along the harbor thoroughfare it offers outstanding visibility and access to tourist and residence alike. This Memorial, a popular attraction now, is destined to become a must see stopping place where the sacrifices in life and blood of Americas veterans will be honored and remembered. To finish this grand project we are coming to the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce and its members seeking tax deductable donations which will enable us to complete the Memorial. With your help and support this Memorial will become a fitting tribute for everyone serving and those who have served.

A Note from AMVETS POST 46

Lest We Forget, Our Freedom Is Not Free.

Short video from www.tricare.mil that explains some back ground information about TRICARE.
View this video to get a better understanding of what TRICARE is. Or Click Here.
We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country. Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
15

Legal Help for Veterans

From: James G. Fausone Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC is a law firm located in Northville, Michigan. We have a national practice representing veterans on veterans disability claims. This representation occurs at the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Board of Veterans Appeals and regional offices. We have helped veterans collect over $10,000,000 in retro and future benefits. Over the last decade, LHFV has become a trusted name in the legal community for providing legal services to veterans and lecturing at law schools, bar associations and community events. Members of the Legal Help for Veterans practice group are former service members who bring not only legal expertise but an understanding of service and duty. The members of the group have medical and administrative backgrounds as well as finely honed legal skills developed over twenty years of practice and experience. We have represented thousands of veterans and currently have over 650 active clients. For more information about the organization and about legal help for veterans and for contact information www.legalhelpforveterans.com and found on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Our telephone number is 800.693.4800. Our blog discusses current issues facing veterans and the VA. Typically our clients are enlisted men and women who served post Korea. The Vietnam vet is still the one with the most common problems. These include Agent Orange related disabilities, PTSD, psychiatric or orthopedic injuries. Other vets often have hearing loss, military sexual trauma or tinnitus. We are now seeing Iraq and Afghanistan vets with TBI. Many vets do not even begin the disability claim process until many years after service. The trigger may be unemployability and the need for benefits. With a million claim back log at VA, it is a slow and confusing process and many people need professional help establishing the proper diagnosis and service connection. That is what Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC has been doing for clients for years. We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

From: www.toysfortots.org

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program

MISSION: The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. GOAL: The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nations most valuable resources our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future. ACTIVITIES: The principal Toys for Tots activity which takes place each year is the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located. In communities without a Reserve Unit, the campaign can be conducted by a Marine Corps League Detachment or group of men and women, generally veteran. Marines, authorized by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a local Toys for Tots campaign. Local Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinators conduct an array of activities throughout the year, which include golf tournaments, foot races, bicycle races and other voluntary events designed to increase interest in Toys for Tots, and concurrently generate toys and monetary donations.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

16

Hubbardston American Legion Disable Veteran Hunting

From: Dan Heckman Adjutant-Hubbardston American Legion Located on Jones Rd. mile South of Maple Rapids Rd. Clinton County, Lebanon Twp. Disabled Veterans Hunting Shack Built and sponsored by the Hubbardston American Legion Post #182. It was constructed on the corner of Tim Chartrand, Doug Cusack and Wilson Dairy Farms properties. The shack is 8 x 8, 2 feet off the ground. Its sporting a fivefoot deck with roof and its insulated and heated. A disabled veteran or person can drive to the shack and exit onto the 4 x 8 platform and ascend up the 12-foot ramp. The entire cost was accepted by the American legion. Sons of the American Legion donated $200.00 for the cost, Triple C trucking donated the gravel for the driveway and Cusack Masonry provided some material and equipment. This opportunity is free, with no guarantee for harvesting a deer. DNR rules & Laws Apply. From: www.michiganpva.org MPVA is celebrating its 50th year of service in Michigan. It is a chapter of the national Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), operating according to the standards and practices established by the PVA. MPVA is, however, a separate 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Michigan programs, services, education, and outreach conducted here are made possible by local volunteers, partners, sponsors, and donors. The mission of Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America is to enhance the lives of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease as well as all citizens with disabilities, by advocating for civil rights, assuring quality health care, supporting continued research and education, and encouraging independence and healthy living through various health, sports and recreational programs. MPVA shall continue striving to remain at the forefront of both veterans benefits services and disability rights, while working toward a better quality of life for all American citizens. Please Support and listen to Frontlines of Fredom Military Talk Radio Hosted by Lt. Col. Denny Gillem. You can hear it every Saturday at 1p.m. on 1260 AM the Pledge (Zeeland, MI), or by visiting the website at www.frontlinesoffreedom.com. Or on Facebook by clicking here. Thank you for your Support!

The MPVA Mission

Old Warrior Camp

100% Disabled Veterans Sept. 26-27 Special Disabled firearm hunt, 100% disability Oct. 15-18 Regular Bow season with a crossbow Oct. 1st-Nov. 14th Regular firearm season Nov. 15th-Nov. 30th Appointments or scheduling, call Mid-Mich. Process Serving at (989) 981-6979

Available Hunting Dates are as Follows

From: Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Retired, ANG This Hunting Camp was built by a retired Marine First Sergeant with the primary purpose of facilitating the Wounded Warriors as they begin their Journey back to Civilian Life. The First Sergeant is the Commander of the Disabled American Veteran (Manistique Chapter 26) He is also 100% totally disabled. There is no cost to veteransBring a Valid Michigan Hunting License and your sleeping bag. Contact Bob Blevins at (906)-477-0025 for dates and times available.
17

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

Additional Benefits for Active Duty Time Served: DD FORM 214-SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT
From: Social Security Administration (SSA) Please share this with anyone who's had active duty service between January 1957 to December 31, 2001 and planning for retirement. In a nutshell it boils down to this: You qualify for a higher social security payment because of Military service, for active duty any time from 1957 through 2001 (the program was done away with 1 January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of earnings credit credited at time of application - which can make a substantial difference in social security monthly payments upon your retirement. You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office and you must ask for this benefit to receive it! Social Security website: http://www.ssa.gov/ retire2/military.htm This is something to put in your files for when you apply for Social Security down the road... It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has served on active duty between January1957 to December 31, 2001. FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it!

A Note From Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs

We need your help to grow the Newsletter
We are currently looking for any contact information of individuals or groups that you think would either be interested in receiving our newsletter or interested in writing articles. If you know of anyone please let us know. For it is through your involvement we are able to reach more and more people each month. Thank you very much! We hope you enjoy.

Three ways to help:

1. Email us the contact information at mhauser@migop.org 2. By mail at: 520 Seymour Lansing, MI 48933 3. Or simply forward the newsletter along to a friend. Thank you for your Continued Support -Hank Fuhs
community need when the federal government terminated its program that helped many veterans pay for transportation to VA medical facilities. The DAV has 189 Hospital Service Coordinators around the country who coordinate the transportation needs for disabled veterans. Use the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community. We hope we can help you. Locate your nearest VA Medical Center

To request a copy of a DD-214 click here.

Form: www.dav.org Because so many sick and disabled veterans lack transportation to and from VA medical facilities for needed treatment, the DAV operates a nationwide Transportation Network to meet this need. Through the Transportation Network, DAV volunteers drive sick and disabled veterans to and from VA medical facilities for treatment. The Transportation Network is a clear example of veterans helping veterans. The DAV stepped in to meet a substantial

Need a Ride

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
18

Steaming Live for those who serve check it out.

If anyone has any other sites or link they find to be a good source please let us know we will gladly work it in. Please contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org.
Veterans Radio is dedicated to all of the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the United States of America. Our mission is to provide all veterans with a voice, to give them a forum where they are able to discuss their issuesand tell their stories. You can listen to the show on: WDEO (990-AM Ann Arbor/Detroit), WMAX (1440-AM, Saginaw), WDEO-FM (99.5 FM, Naples FL), KAGY (1510-AM Port Sulfur/New Orleans LA), KIXW (960-AM, Apple Valley CA) and KMRC (1430AM Morgan City, LA). Or, listen to our Webcast and archives at: www.veteransradio.net.

Lest We Forget SW Michigan

Have you ever felt that history, particularly military history, isn't being taught in our schools like it was in the "good old" times? Why is it that many of our high school graduates, some say a majority, don't know who we fought in WWII, who bombed us at Pearl Harbor or worst yet, believe that the holocaust never happened? Our children are not being taught the basic principles that have made this country great! "Lest We Forget" was started by a group of veterans who felt that patriotism was too important of a subject to be given the short shrift that it presently receives in our schools and community. Our operating principle is "To brighten the future we must illuminate the past." We've "illuminated the past" through WWII re-enactments, patriotic concerts, presentations by Medal of Honor recipients, presentation of the American flag to Frank Buckles, our last WWI veteran, TV telecasts to schools throughout the country, participation in local parades, made presentations in our schools on the flag, presented college classes on WWII, Korea and Vietnam wars, published a book of WWII stories by local veterans, presented college classes on WWII, Korea and Vietnam wars, published two books of veterans stories, brought in the VN Wall and honored the Korean vets this year. Next year (2012) Jun 29-Jul 1 we will have D-Day and Iwo Jima beach landings and much more. Remember, "Freedom is NOT free!" Patriotically Yours, Don Alsbro, President COL, US Army (ret) Lest We Forget For more info about Lest We Forget SW MI please visit their website by simply clicking here.

LWF 2010 Group Picture

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

19

From: RAO Bulletin November 2011 (Lt. James EMO Tichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) 238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines. Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/AMVETS/DAV/ FRA/NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/CG33/ DD890/AD37 member) The catastrophic cap is the maximum out-ofpocket amount TRICARE beneficiaries will pay each fiscal year (October 1September 30) for TRICAREcovered services. The cap applies to annual deductibles, pharmacy copayments, TRICARE Prime enrollment fees, and other cost-shares based on TRICARE-allowable charges. The catastrophic cap amount is based on your beneficiary category and is not affected by the program option you use. The catastrophic cap for active duty family members and TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) beneficiaries is $1,000 per family, per FY, and the catastrophic cap for all other beneficiaries is $3,000 per family, per FY. Note: The catastrophic cap does not apply to active duty service members. You are not responsible for any amounts above the catastrophic cap in a given FY, with a few exceptions. The catastrophic cap does not apply to cost-share amounts for services that are not TRICAREcovered; point-of-service charges; TRS, TRICARE Retired Reserve, and TRICARE Young Adult premiums; or the additional 15 percent above the TRICAREallowable charge that nonparticipating providers may charge. For more information about the TRICARE catastrophic cap, contact your regional contractor or visit or call a local Beneficiary Counseling Assistance Coordinator (BCAC) or TRICARE Service Center. A BCAC directory is available online at http://www.tricare.mil/ bcac . [Source: Tricare Fact sheet http://www.tricare.mil/ tricaresmartfiles/Prod_828/ TRICARE_Catastrophic_Cap_FS_2011_Lo.pdf Oct 2011
We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

Tricare Catastrophic Cap

From: www.wwimemorial.org In March 2008, Frank Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, visited the District of Columbia War Memorial, on the National Mall in Washington DC. He observed that this peaceful, secluded memorial, dedicated in 1931 as a memorial to the 499 residents of the District of Columbia who gave their lives in that war, sits neglected and in extreme disrepair, and that there is no national memorial to World War I. Mr. Buckles issued a call for the restoration and re-dedication of the D.C. memorial as a National and District of Columbia World War I Memorial. The World War I Memorial Foundation was formed to make Frank Buckles dream a reality. The mission of the Foundation is to advocate and raise funds for the re-dedication of the DC War Memorial as a national World War I memorial, dedicated to all those Americans who served in the Great War. In 2014 the world will mark the centennial of World War I. Nearly 5 million Americans served during the war, and 116,516 Americans died in defense of democracy overseas. Americas support of its allies in World War I marked the first time in this nations history that American soldiers went abroad to defend foreign soil against aggression -- and it marked the true beginning of the American century. Yet while the later conflicts of the 20th century World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War -rightfully have national memorials on the National Mall, there is no such memorial to the Great War, even though more Americans gave their lives in World War I than in Korea or Vietnam. The D.C. memorial, which is already located adjacent to those other memorials, is the most fitting site for a national World War I memorial.

The World War I Memorial Foundation

Photo: The Late Frank Buckles during his 2008 visit to the Washington D.C. World War I Monument.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

20

Overseas Military Mail

From: RAO Bulletin November 2011 (Lt. James EMO Tichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) 238 -1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines. Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/AMVETS/DAV/FRA/ NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/CG33/DD890/ AD37 member) Most USPS special services, such as certified mail, registered mail, insured mail, certificate of mailing, return receipt, restricted delivery and return receipt for merchandise are available in the military postal service. Collect on Delivery (COD) and Signature Confirmation are not available. The DOD does not, nor have any plans to censor mail. Current laws protect the privacy of mail once it is placed within the postal system. Custom officials under customs laws may open packages. Most areas of the Middle East have been authorized Free Mail for personal correspondence being sent from the service member overseas back to the United States. Family members sending mail to service members in a free mail zone must pay for postage. The general public cant send care packages to deployed service members as they did during past conflicts. Families and friends may still send packages to servicemembers if they have a name and address however, they may not use appropriated funds. The Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA) cant provide names and addresses of service members. The USDA publishes guidance on food items recommended for care packages. Also, care packages must comply with customs regulations for the country in which the service member is located. Following is the standard delivery time in days for mail to reach servicemembers stationed overseas: Standard Transit Times (days) Priority SAM Surface Letters Parcels Parcels Parcels Iraq 11-13 10-12 20-24 N/A Kuwait 11-13 11-13 20-24 N/A Afghanistan 10-12 11-13 20-24 N/A We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men Germany 7-9 5-7 18-22 30-45 and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your Japan 8-10 9-11 18-21 30-45 service to this country.

Korea 8-10 18-21 18-21 30-45 Listed transit times (from the chart above) are measured from the local post office (Anywhere, USA) to arrival at a military postal unit overseas. This transit time includes three to four days to go from the local post office to the U. S. Postal Service "gateway" (New York or San Francisco). Parcel post, however, can take 7 to 10 days to reach the gateways. At the gateway mail is sorted, bagged, and tagged to arrive at a military postal unit overseas. While commercial aircraft are very consistent, there could be a large variation in transit times due to military aircraft schedules, weather, transportation and military operations in theater, or movement of a service member's unit. For Navy and Marine forces on board ships after processing at the Military Gateway, mail is flown to a Fleet Mail Center such as the one in Bahrain or Sigonella (Italy). FPO mail is sorted and transported to the individual ships by various means (often by small aircraft called Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD), to an aircraft carrier), often in conjunction with a supply mission. Vessels other than aircraft carriers normally get their mail during port visits or by re-supply ship if remaining at sea for longer periods of time. [Source: http:// hqdainet.army.mil/mpsa/faq.htm#q10 Oct 2011 ++]

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

21

From: www.tircare.mil FALLS CHURCH, Va. A loss of computer tapes by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) may have placed TRICARE patient data at risk. There is no evidence that any of the data has actually been accessed by a third party, and analysis shows the chance any data was actually compromised is low, but proactive measures are being taken to ensure that potentially affected patients are kept informed and protected. SAIC is a contractor for the TRICARE Management Activity. On September 14, TMA learned that an SAIC employee reported that on September 12 computer tapes containing personally identifiable and protected health information (PII/PHI) of 4.9 million military clinic and hospital patients in Texas, or those patients who had laboratory exams sent to the military hospitals in Texas, were stolen. The data contained on the tapes may include names, Social Security numbers, addresses and phone numbers, and some personal health data such as clinical notes, laboratory tests and prescriptions. There is no financial data, such as credit card or bank account information, on the backup tapes.

Risk to Patients from Data Breach Met with Proactive Response

We take this incident very seriously, said Brigadier General W. Bryan Gamble, TMA deputy director. The risk to our patients is low, but the Department of Defense is taking steps to keep affected patients informed and protected. TMA has directed SAIC to provide one year of credit monitoring and restoration services to patients who express concern about their credit. SAIC will also conduct analysis of all available data to help TMA determine if identity theft occurs due to the data breach. These measures exceed the industry standard to protect against the risk of identity theft, Gamble said. We take very seriously our responsibility to offer patients peace of mind that their credit and quality of life will be unaffected by this breach. The risk of harm is judged to be low despite the sensitive data involved. Retrieving data from the tapes requires knowledge of and access to specific hardware and software and knowledge of the system and data structure. However, as a standard practice individuals may protect their personal information by taking the steps suggested by the Federal Trade Commission at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/ consumer/idtheft/idt04.shtm. Concerned patients may contact the SAIC Incident Response Call Center, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, at (855) 366-0140 (toll free) for United States callers and (952) 556-8312 (collect) internationally.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

22

Newsletter Links From Articles for November

Page 1 Newsletters Facebook www.facebook.com Newsletters Scribd www.scribd.com Department of Veteran Affairs www.va.gov Page 2 VA Gulf War task Force vagulfwartaskforce.uservoice.com Page 3 Brain Injury Association of Michigan www.biami.org Page 4 Air Force Retiree News www.retirees.af.mil Defense Finance and Accounting Service www.dfas.mil U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs www.veterans.senate.gov U.S House Committee of Veterans Affairs www.veterans.house.gov Page 6 Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee www.house.mi.gov TRICARE www.tricare.mil Page 7 MIGOP Facebook www.facebook.com Page 8 Habitat for Humanity of Kent County www.habitatkent.org Page 9 Joint Pow/MIA Accounting Command www.jpac.pacom.mil Page 10 USO www.uso.org Spirit of the American Flag www.forgottonheroesusa.com Page 11 VA Womens Health www.womenhealth.va.gov Page 12 Pershings Last Patriot www.pershingslastpatriot.com Page 13 Michigan Air National Guard www.selfridgeairmuseum.org Veterans Voices www.veteransvoices.org Page 14 White House www.whitehouse.gov Fredrick Meijer Gardens www.meijergardens.org Page 15 Beaver Island Veterans Memorial Park www.beaverislandnews.com TRICARE www.tricare.mil Page 16 Legal Help for Veterans www.legalhelpforveterans.com Toys of Tots www.toysfortots.org Page 17 Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America www.michiganpva.org Front Lines of Freedom www.frontlinesoffreedom.com Page 18 Social Security Administration www.ssa.gov

DD-214 Form www.archives.gov DAV www.dav.gov Page 19 Pentagon Channel www.pentagonchannel.mil Veterans Radio www.veteransradio.net LEST WE FORGET SW MI www.lestweforgetusa.org Page 20 TRICARE www.tricare.mil World War I Memorial Foundation www.wwimemorial.org Page 22 TRICARE www.tricare.mil Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov Toys of Tots www.toysfortots.org Also check out the Some Useful Links Section on Page 2. Thank you for your Support!

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

23

Stand Up For Veterans-They Stood Up For US

-The DAV

American Legion Post is in looking for current military members to send care packages to. Please contact Robert Goulet if you know of any military member who might like something. Please see News From American Legion Post 341 below for more information. Thank you very much!

CoordinatorMatthew X. Hauser (mhauser@migop.org) ContributorsDon Alsbro Rick Briggs Helen Budd Rep. Patrick Colbeck Sam Cottle

Staff & Contributors

Rep. Kurt Damrow Matt Davis Vicki Dunlop Mark Eddy Keith Famie James G. Fausone Sean M. Furr Denny Gillem Robert Goulet John Haggard

Larry Harr Dan Heckman Dale Hemphill Adele Krovsky Sec. of State Ruth Johnson James Julian Merridy Lewis Gary C. Lulenski Claude McManus Louis Nigro

Eugene (Gene) A. Simon Phil Smith Sherry Swann Bob Tidmore Maureen VanHooser Publisher-Hank Fuhs

Thank you everyone for your continued Support!

News From American Legion Post 341

American Legion Post 341 is seeking the names of troops that are deployed to a combat zone so that we can send them large package of goodies and that their names and address should be sent to the address below. Also post 341 is always seeking new members please contact Robert at the same address if interested. American Legion Post 341 Sr. Vice Commander Robert P Goulet 6130 Nicholas West Bloomfield, MI rgoulet264@aol.com

Thank you for your service to our country. It is truly the men and women like you who make this nation great, and we must never forget that. Thank you to everyone for all the help you have given us with the newsletter. We have been able to reach more people because of your help. Compared to when we first started, the amount of input and ideas we receive has increased greatly. For that we are very thankful. If you have anything you would like to share, any questions, or have an article idea, please let me know. You may contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org. Sincerely, Matthew X. Hauser and Lt. Col Hank Fuhs

In Closing

Lest We Forget-A Clip from Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Ret, ANG (Just Click the Link Below)
I Fought For You

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

24

Hope you enjoyed the Newsletter!

Please let us know what you thought. Contact Matthew X. Hauser at mhauser@migop.org
We need your help to grow the Newsletter

We are looking for any contact information of individuals or groups that you think would either be interested in receiving our newsletter or interested in writing articles. If you know of anyone please let us know.
Sincerely,
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

~Ronald Reagan

Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs & Matthew X. Hauser

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
25