Monday, February 15, 2021

RAO BULLETIN 14 February 2021


RAO’s latest Veteran Newsletter has been posted online.  To read this issue click on http://www.nhc-ul.org/02142021.html or http://www.veteransresources.org.

 

 

RAO BULLETIN

14 February 2021

 

HTML & PDF Editions

  

 

THIS RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE BULLETIN CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES

 

Pg                   Article                                                Subject

.                                                    * DOD *                                              .

 

== U.S. Russia START Treaty [01] ---- (Extended to February 5, 2026)

== Covid-19 Headgear [15] ---- (SECDEF Orders Mask Wearing on All Military Installations)

== NPRC Military Records [07] ---- (Request Backlog Has Grown To an Estimated 445,000)

== Strategic Deterrence ---- (Air Force Deploys Four B-52 Bombers to Guam)

== Commissary Knowledge ---- (Some Things You Might Not Know)

== Selective Service System [30] ---- (Supreme Court Asked to Declare Military Draft Unconstitutional)

== POW/MIA [126] ---- (Release of 55 Cases of Remains in 2018 Leads to 70 American IDs)

== POW/MIA Recoveries & Burials ---- (Reported 01 thru 14 FEB 2021 | Eight)

 

.                                                 * VA *                                                   .

 

== VA Secretary [96] ---- (Number Eleven Sworn In)

== VA Medical Providers ---- (GAO Review Finds Dismissed Physicians May be Treating Vets)

== VA Covid-19 Response [01] ---- (One Million Vaccine Doses Administered in 1st Six Weeks)

== GI Bill Schools [21] ---- (College For-Profit’ Rules Major Change in COVID Relief Bill)

== VA Lawsuit | Fire Ant Death ---- (Nursing Home Vet Succumbs to Over 100 Bites)

== VA Million Veteran Program [10] ---- (New Genomic Tool Advances Minority Vet Medical Research)

== VA Fraud, Waste & Abuse ---- (Reported 01 thru 14 FEB 2021)

== Fisher House Expansion [25] ---- (Twelve New Sites Approved)

 

.                                                 * VETS *                                               .

 

== Covid-19 Vet Impact [02] ---- (Vets, Military, Families Get Answers to Questions)

== U.S. Capitol Riot [02] ---- (Ohio Town Reckons With Vets Charged In Capitol Riot)

== U.S. Capitol Riot [03] ---- (Vet Member of Proud Boys Indicted)

== U.S. Capitol Riot [04] ---- (Accused Vet Had Top-Secret Clearance and Worked for the FBI)

== Dementia [10] ---- (Increased Risk Tied to AO Exposed Vietnam Vets)

== Vet Unemployment [28] ---- (Worsened Slightly in January)

== Vet Fraud & Abuse ---- (Reported 01 thru 14 FEB 2021)

== WWII Vets [247] ---- (James Chapman | 100 Year Old Recalls Hacksaw Ridge)

== WWII Vets [248] ---- (Edith Reynolds | Code Girl and Activist)

== Korean War Vets ---- (Jesse L. Brown | First African American to Earn Navy Wings)

== Military Retirees & Veterans Events Schedule ---- (As of 15 FEB 2021) 

== Vet Hiring Fairs ---- (Scheduled as of 15 FEB 2021)

== State Veteran’s Benefits ---- (West Virginia 2021)

 

.                                      * VET LEGISLATION *                               .

 

== TRICARE Young Adult Plan [01] ---- (H.R. 475 | Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2021)

== Vet Unemployment [29] ---- (H.R. 637/S.134:  The Veterans Economic Recovery Act of 2021)

== Medicare Dental Coverage [02] ---- (H.R.502/S.97: Medicare Program Dental Services)

 

.                                             * MILITARY*                                          .

 

== Military Coronavirus Impact [04] ---- (Everywhere Mandatory On-Base Mask Wearing Initiated)

== Basic Allowance for Housing [07] ---- (What the Reduction in BAH is Costing Troops)

== Military Base Names [02] ---- (Renaming Commission)

== Navy Black Sea Ops ---- (Mission to Reassure Allies & Ensure Security and Stability)

== Military Retirement Pay Taxation [04] ---- (News on 5 State’s Efforts to Exempt from State Tax)

== Harlem Hellfighters ---- (Army Makes Nickname Official after More Than a Century)

== Military Insignia ---- (Knowing and Addressing Rank)

== Wake Island Airfield ---- (Inundation Study Underway)

== Navy Terminology, Jargon & Slang ---- (‘Scram thru ‘Sea Daddy’)

 

.                                    * MILITARY HISTORY *                               .

 

== WWII Operation Colossus ---- (British Tragino Aqueduct Raid)

== Operation Big Buzz ---- (Impact on Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance by Black Americans)

== Civil War Escapee ---- (U.S. Navy First Class Boy William Benjamin)

== WWII Bombing of Balikpapan ---- (Japanese Refineries in Borneo)

== WWII German Navy ---- (Heavy Cruiser Admiral Hipper)

== Military History Anniversaries ---- (15 thru 29 FEB)

== Every Picture Tells A Story ---- (Civil War Union Surgeons)

== WWII Bomber Nose Art [69] ---- (Mission Completed)

== Medal of Honor Awardees ---- (Isadore Jachman | WWII)

 

.                                         * HEALTH CARE *                                    .

 

== TRICARE Pharmacy Program [01] ---- (How to Locate One to Fill Your Needs)

== TRICARE Coverage [10] ---- (When You Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine)

== COPD [01] ---- (Study Shows Hyaluronan Effective in Treating Chronic Lung Disease)

== Heart Defibrillators & Pacemakers ---- (Apple’s iPhone 12 Impact)

== Chocolate ---- (Health Claims | Sweet Truth or Bitter Reality?)

== Coronavirus Vaccines [25] ---- (Which COVID-19 Vaccine Should You Take?)

== Coronavirus Vaccines [26] ---- (Numerous Pharmacy Chains Ready to Give)

== Coronavirus Vaccines [27] ---- (Impact of Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen on Effectiveness)

== Coronavirus Vaccines [28] ---- (Second Shot Side Effects)

== Covid-19 Victims [04] ---- (Day To Day Breakdown of the Infection)

== Covid-19 Headgear [16] ---- (Mask Humidity Level Impact on Disease Severity)

 

.                                              * FINANCES *                                         .

 

== Car Purchasing [01] ---- (Financing | Do Not Exceed 10% Rule)

== PCS Moves [14] ---- (Filing Damage Claims)

== Student Loan Debt [07] ---- (Ways to Avoid Drowning in It if You Drop Out of College)

== Commissary Knowledge [01] ---- (Money Hacks to Save More)

== Military Overseas Taxation ---- (Germany Imposed Income Taxes on U.S. Military Families)

== COLA FY 2021 ---- (January CPI)

== IRS Tax Forms Update 03:  1040 | Five Change’s for Tax Year 2020 

== Unemployment Insurance Scam [01] ---- (Spot the Signs of Unemployment Fraud)

== Valentine’s Day Scam ---- (Happy Valentine's Day! Watch Out for this One)

== Tax Burden for Maine Retired Vets ---- (As of FEB 2021)

 

.                                   * GENERAL INTEREST *                               .

 

== Notes of Interest ---- (FEB 01 thru 14, 2021)

== Map Comparisons ---- (U.S. Population Density vs. Size)

== Korea Unification ---- (Recent Survey Results)

== Marijuana [04] ---- (The 15 Most Stoned States in America)

== China’s Territorial Claims [09] ---- (Coast Guard Authorized to Fire on Foreign Vessels)

== Philippines Travel Advisory ---- (Level 3 Reconsider travel, February 01, 2021)

== Obit | George Schultz ---- (A Man Who Made the World A Better Place)

== Commissary Use ---- (Some Thinks You Might Have Also Experienced)

== Junk Mail Elimination [01] ---- (More Tips on How to Reduce It)

== News of the Weird ---- (FEB 01 thru 14, 2021)

== Have You Heard or Seen? ---- (Satirical Cartoons | Military Humor 16 | |Navy Life 2)

 

NOTE

1.  The page number on which an article can be found is provided to the left of each article’s title

2.  To read the articles open the website and slew to the page number of the article you are interested in. 

3.  Numbers contained within brackets [ ] indicate the number of articles written on the subject.   To obtain previous articles send a request to raoemo@sbcglobal.net ‘or’ raoemo77@gmail.com

4.  Recipients of the Bulletin are authorized and encouraged to forward the Bulletin are articles to other vets or veteran organizations

 

.                                      * ATTACHMENTS *                                      .

 

Attachment – West Virginia State Veteran’s Benefits

Attachment – Military History Anniversaries 15 thru 29 FEB (Updated)

 

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FAIR USE NOTICE: This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner.  The Editor/Publisher of the Bulletin at times includes such material in an effort to advance reader’s understanding of veterans' issues.  We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.  In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C.  Section 107, the material in this newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed an interest in receiving the included information for educating themselves on veteran issues so they can better communicate with their legislators on issues affecting them.   To obtain more information on Fair Use refer to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml.   If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. 

 

-o-o-O-o-o-

 

TO READ and/or DOWNLOAD THE ABOVE ARTICLES, ATTACHMENTS, OR PAST BULLETINS GO Online To:

 

-- http://www.nhc-ul.org/rao.html   (PDF Edition w/ATTACHMENTS)

-- http://www.veteransresources.org  (PDF & HTML Editions w/ATTACHMENTS)

-- http://frabr245.org (PDF & HTML Editions in Word format)

-- http://veteraninformationlinksasa.com/emos-rao.html (PDF & HTML Editions w/ATTACHMENTS)

-- https://www.cgretirenw.org (Listed under VET & RETIREE LEGISLATIVE & GENERAL NEWS) 

-- http://www.veteransresources.org/rao-bulletin (past Bulletins)

Note:  The above websites are blocked by some, if not all, USAF & USCG military commands for security purposes.   To gain access you may need to open them using a non “. . . @us.af.mil” / “. . . @uscg.mil” source.  Also, due to the Bulletin’s size/content recommend you whitelist my email addees raoemo@sbcglobal.net & raoemo77@gmail.com in your computer as indicated at https://connecthedot.com/email/mean-whitelist-email-whitelist-email  to avoid them being blocked as spam.

 

 

NOTES

 

== To subscribe send to raoemo@sbcglobal.net or raoemo77@gmail.com your full name plus either the post/branch/chapter number of the fraternal military/government organization you are currently affiliated with (if any) “AND/OR” the city and state/country you reside in so your addee can be properly positioned in the Bulletin mailing directory for future recovery.  Subscription is open at no cost to all veterans, dependents, military/veteran support organizations, and media. 

== Anyone who wants to remove or change their email addee from the Bulletin mailing list can use the automatic “UNSUBSCRIBE“ or “Change of Address“ tabs at the bottom of this message or  send a message to raoemo@sbcglobal.net or raoemo77@gmail.comwith the word “DELETE“ or “COA” in the subject line.  


1.  New subscribers and those who submit a change of address should receive a message that verifies their addition or address change being entered in the mailing list.   If you do not receive a message within 3 days it indicates that either I never received you request, I made an error in processing your request, or your server will not allow me to send to the email addee you provided.    Anyone who cannot reach me by email can call (858) 842-1111 to ask questions or confirm info needed to add them to the directory.  

 

2.   If you have another email addee at work or home and would like to receive Bulletin notices there also, just provide the appropriate addee to raoemo@sbcglobal.net or raoemo77@gmail.com.   

 

3.  Bulletin recipients with interest in the Philippines, whether or not they live there, can request to be added to the Bulletin’s Philippine email directory for additional receipt of notices on U.S. Embassy Manila, TRICARE in the RP, and Clark Field Space 'A' if it is ever reinstated.

 

4.   Past Bulletin articles are available on request. Bear in mind that the articles were valid at the time they were written and may have since been updated or have become outdated.  To request provide original article title.   If unknown provide a brief description of what the article was addressing. 

 

5.   The Bulletin is normally published on the 1st and 15th of each month. It is provided as a website accessed document vice email direct access.  If you do not receive an email Bulletin Availability notice check to see if it is posted on the website www.nhc-ul.org/rao.html,www.veteransresources.org, http://frabr245.org, or  http://veteraninformationlinksasa.com/emos-rao.htmlbefore sending me an email asking if one was published.    If you can access the Bulletin at any of the aforementioned sites it indicates that something is preventing you from receiving my email.   Either your server, considers it to be spam or I have somehow incorrectly entered or removed your addee from the mailing list.  Send me an email so I can verify your entry on the mailing list.  

 

6.  Note that some email servers (especially SBCGLOBAL & lately COX and Roadrunner) allow many, but not all, of their users to receive the Bulletin if sent to them in its normal fashion via my mailing list provider (MLP). For those subscribers adversely impacted by this I maintain a separate direct mailing list (DML) to send in an alternate manner for those not allowed by their servers to receive their Bulletin Availability notices.  If you are impacted by this let me know so I can add you to that mailing list.

 

7.   Articles within the Bulletin are editorialized information obtained from over 100 sources.    At the end of each article is provided the primary source from which it was obtained.   The ++ indicates that that the information was reformatted from the original source and/or editorialized from more than one source.   Because of the number of articles contained in each Bulletin there is no why that I can attest to their validity other than they have all been taken from previously reliable sources.   Also, just because an article appears in the Bulletin it does not necessarily mean I support its content.   If an article is based on the author’s opinion vice a government entity I try to note that after the author’s name.   Readers who question the validity of any article’s content are encouraged to go to the source provided to have their questions answered or express their opinions.   I am always open to comments but, as a policy, shy away from anything political.   Too controversial and time consuming. 

 

8.   Recipients of the Bulletin are authorized and encouraged to forward the Bulletin or its articles to other vets or veteran organizations. This Bulletin Availability notice was sent to the 18,364 subscribers.

 

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Thursday, February 4, 2021

Veterans Benefit Newsletter

Veterans Benefits Newsletter

February 2021

 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veteran reviewing their 1040 tax form

Free Tax Preparation for Veterans

Tax season is here again, and it can be particularly tricky for military families. VA has partnered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure Veterans and service members receive free tax preparation and electronic filing services. Learn about the assistance services available to you!

Learn More button

Veteran couple managing their VA pension online
 

VA Pension Plans for You

If you're a retired or disabled Veteran or surviving spouse, you may be eligible for the Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension benefit programs. Learn how you and your family can overcome financial challenges with supplemental income.


Veteran shopping on the Exchange website
 

Save on Online Shopping

Honorably discharged Veterans of all U.S. Armed Forces can shop online at any of the military exchanges! Access exclusive military pricing and offers, tax-free shopping, and more. Check your eligibility and start saving today!


Disabled Veteran talking with new coworker
 

Train for a New Career

If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, our Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program can help! Explore the five support-and-services tracks that can help you train for and start a new career.


Disabled Veteran cooking in his specially adapted home
 

Housing Help for Veterans

VA offers three grant programs to help Veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities buy, build, or modify a home to meet their needs and live more independently. Find out if you’re eligible for a disability housing grant and how to apply.


Veteran couple reading about caregiver resources in their new VA Welcome Kit
 

Your New VA Welcome Kit

VA's Welcome Kit breaks down available benefits and services in easy-to-follow guides so you don’t miss out on any VA resources for which you or your loved ones may be eligible. Check out the 10 new guides in your VA Welcome Kit!

Veterans attending last year’s national conference

Register for SVA’s NatCon 2021

Student Veterans of America (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom! That's why you're invited to SVA's upcoming virtual NatCon, the country's largest annual conference for student Veterans. On Feb. 19 and 20, join thousands of students from across the country, inspiring speakers, and leading employers to exchange ideas and best practices on thriving in a virtual world, growing and sustaining your SVA Chapter, funding and fundraising, and more.

Register Today button
COVID-19 vaccine banner

Upgrade Your Military Discharge

You may be eligible for an upgrade and VA benefits if your discharge was related to mental health conditions, traumatic brain injury, sexual orientation, assault, or harassment. Learn how a discharge upgrade can help you access VA benefits and services!

Connect With Us

VBA Facebook   VBA Twitter   VBA YouTube   VBA Instagram

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

US Army Cultural Support Team (CST)

                                                                  

 

January 25, 2021

 

Hello SF Members and Friends of the Association,

 

A Brother Green Beret recently contacted our chapter to see if any of us have contacts within the US Army Cultural Support Team (CST) community here in the South Florida area on behalf of local artist, Mary Ellen Scherl.   Ms. Scherl seeks women who served on a Cultural Support Team, that may reside in South Florida.  

 

See https://arsof-history.org/articles/v12n2_cst_timeline_page_1.html  to know more about Cultural Support Teams (CST) that served primarily with Rangers and SF in Afghanistan.  Amazing bunch of ladies. Two CST members died while working with Ranger Units.....

 

Also attached is a PDF describing better why Mary Ellen Scherl is seeking volunteers and her desire to paint their likeness from photographs.

 

If you happen to know a female soldier who has served on one of these CST's, please contact Jim Trice at JimTrice33030@comcast.net or call or text 305-393-2890.

 

Joe Pruett on behalf of

Ed Pijuan

President

 

Chapter Blog is located at http://SFACH76.Blogspot.com/

 

Chapter Website located at http://www.sfa-southflorida-chp76.org/home.html

 

Please update your email address to prevent interruptions

 

ED PIJUAN 

PRESIDENT

 

ROGER KIDDER

VICE PRESIDENT

 

AL HERNANDEZ

SECRETARY

 

JASON PSALTIDES

SECRETARY

 

JIM TRICE 

TREASURER

 

TOM HOUSE

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

_________________

 

DAN POIRIER 

CHAPTER 76 BLOGGER

 

ED BELLO

CHAPTER 76 WEBMASTER

 

JOE PRUETT 

COMMUNICATIONS

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=b44c3950d2&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1689949743094514752&th=1773e8566d694440&view=att&disp=safe&realattid=1773e84fc32342f2ee53

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Judge/BG Richard Weinbrg Obit

photo

Judge Richard G. Weinberg 
On Wednesday, January 13, Judge Richard Weinberg passed away peacefully at the age of 88. He will be remembered as a man of humility and grace. He served as Circuit Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit from 1981 until 2000. He also retired as a Brigadier General of the Florida National Guard. The Weinberg Drop Zone at Camp Blanding was named in his honor. 
Judge Weinberg was born in New York City, New York in the borough of Manhattan in March, 1932. However, he grew up in Miami. In high school, Judge Weinberg played baseball becoming a city All-Star and state champion. However, his real claim to fame was attending high school with Barbara Walters. He always enjoyed a lovely chuckle relaying this tidbit of information. 
Judge Weinberg attended the University of Florida as an ROTC cadet, attaining his Accounting degree. Upon graduating from the university, Judge Weinberg received his ROTC commission (2nd Lieutenant) and spent four years in the U.S. army. He served two of those years as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. After leaving the army, Judge Weinberg used his G.I. Bill to return to the University of Florida to attain his second degree, Juris Doctor of Law. He was a member of the University of Florida Law Review and attained the highest grade in Agency receiving the Book Award. After completing his degree, Judge Weinberg joined the Weinstein, Weinberg, & Weinstein law practice as a partner in St. Augustine. 
While practicing law, Judge Weinberg joined the Florida National Guard as a legal advisor and later formed a Special Forces Unit (Green Beret) and became Battalion Commander. After sixteen years with his unit, Judge Weinberg assumed the role of Brigade Commander of the 53rd Infantry Brigade, Florida's largest guard unit, nicknamed the "Gator Brigade." He was a graduate of the Command & General Staff College as well as the prestigious Army War College. He retired from the military in 1989 as a Brigadier General. His many service decorations include Legion of Merit, overseas deployment medal (Panama), two awards of the Florida Cross, Master Parachutist, Military SCUBA, French Commando School (Martinique), and West German parachute wings. However, the accolade that meant the most to General Weinberg was being considered "a soldier's soldier" by those who served with him. 
In addition to his military career, Judge Weinberg had a reputable career as a trial lawyer. He served ten years as Municipal Judge, City of St. Augustine, from 1963 to 1973; in 1981 was appointed by Governor Graham to Circuit Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit. Judge Weinberg also served as Associate Judge 5th District Court of Appeal (Daytona Beach) from 1982-1983. After retiring from the bench, Judge Weinberg became a Senior Judge for ten years in Ocala, Florida and other surrounding areas. 
Professionally, Judge Weinberg was admitted to practice in all courts of Florida and federal including the U.S. Supreme Court of Florida. He was a two term President of Florida Municipal Judges Association, two term President of National Guard Officers Association, and President of St. Johns County Bar Association. 
Personally, Judge Weinberg was Director of St. Augustine YMCA for ten years, Education Secretary of Florida Conference of Circuit Judges, and ABA Traffic Standards Commissioner; a member of the Greater Daytona Chapter 82nd Airborne Division Association, Special Forces Association, Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency; and Volunteer Survivor Assistance during Vietnam and Desert Storm, United Way. 
Judge Weinberg is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Lilo Michelle Weinberg of Heidelberg, Germany; two sons, William E. Bradley, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer III and retired Principal System Support Engineer for Raytheon MSD, Abu Dhabi, UAE; and Thomas E. Bradley, a retired National Guard Captain and retired Assistant Chief of Police. William's family includes his wife, Lynda C. Bradley and their sons, Christopher, Jonathan, and Richard. Tom's family includes his wife, Karen M. Bradley; their sons, Paul and Jacob; their daughter, Ashley; and grandchildren, Jaiden, Westin, Lukas, Miguel, and Javier. Extended family includes Judge Weinberg's beloved Foerster family in Germany; preceded in death by his brother, Alfred. 
Judge Weinberg's memorial service will be held this coming Saturday, January 23, at 11:00 am at the SFB parade field, located at 82 Marine Street, St. Augustine. A reception at the Officers' Club will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of personal choice.


To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.