Family Support
Family Programs Coordinator – CSM (Ret) Carolyn D. Wingard
Since 1999, AUSA’s Family Programs Directorate has worked to support the needs and interests of Army Families Nation Wide. We, here at the Militia Chapter have adopted the National’s mission and vision and we will work to support the needs and interests of Army and Army National Guard families located in our area which includes 17 counties in NE Florida.
On this web page, we will provide you with information that we believe to be relevant to families of AUSA members as well as to share with the Soldiers and their families that we come into contact with every day.
Spouses of AUSA members may obtain a benefits ID card in their own name which entitles them to all the benefits and privileges of a regular membership in the AUSA. To obtain a card, email Valerie Holman at vholman@ausa.org.This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
AUSA Family Programs partners with several companies and non-profit organizations who are committed to supporting Army families. Two are listed below:
B.B. Bear Series: Pixie Stuff ™ L.L.C. publishes the Thumbs Up Johnnie Children’s book series, written by Michelle Bain, which help children learn important life skills about teamwork, friendship, financial responsibility, and good hygiene. These books are written for children aged 4-8 and are discounted for military families. The 20% discount can be done on line at http://www.bbseries.com and entering the discount code “ccpatriotic-03”.
Pioneer Services: Pioneer Financial Services, Inc., a division of MidCountry Bank, has produced a guide to help families cope with the financial stresses of military life. The book provides real-world information and easy-to-implement solutions to those who want to effectively manage their family’s finances. With tips and examples that can be used throughout a person’s military and civilian life, this guide is a comprehensive look at how to control your money. To request a copy, please contact AUSA Family Programs by email at familyprograms@ausa.orgThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .
Next newsletter under Family Programs, we will discuss the AUSA Newell Rubbermaid Volunteer Family of the Year Award and begin our search within our 17 counties for an Army/ARNG family whose dedicated volunteer service significantly contributes to improving Army/ARNG well being and the well-being of the local community.
Please free to contact me regarding family program issues/concerns at 904-829-9108 or by email at wingardc@comcast.net.
Latest Service and Benefits News
Military Commander Scholarship Fund
The New York Chapter of the American Logistics Association (ALA) has established a scholarship program to assist children of select active duty, reserve, National Guard or retired members of the United States military who plan to continue their education in college. Scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited institution of the student's choice. This scholarship program is administered by Scholarship Management Services, a division of Scholarship America. Scholarship Management Services is the nation's largest designer and manager of scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin. Postmark deadline: February 15, 2010. For more information on this scholarship, go to: http://sms.scholarshipamerica.org/militarycommanders/
>Three Vaccines Now Available at TRICARE Network Pharmacies
Beneficiaries can now receive seasonal flu, H1N1 flu and pneumonia vaccines at no cost at TRICARE retail network pharmacies. This expanded coverage is available to all TRICARE beneficiaries eligible to use the TRICARE retail pharmacy benefit. To receive the vaccines, beneficiaries can call their local TRICARE retail network pharmacy. To locate a participating retail network pharmacy, go to http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE or call Express Scripts at 877-363-1303.
>TRICARE Continues to Offer Select OTC Medications at Zero Copay
Positive feedback and cost savings means TRICARE’s over-the-counter (OTC) medication demonstration continues without copayments. The demonstration allows TRICARE beneficiaries to substitute over-the-counter versions for selected prescription drugs. OTC medications are generally less expensive than their prescription versions, by as much as 400 percent in some cases. To receive covered OTC medications with no out-of-pocket costs, beneficiaries still need a prescription from their health care provider specifically for the OTC drug. After submitting the prescription at any TRICARE retail network pharmacy or the TRICARE mail-order pharmacy, the prescription for the OTC medication is filled at no cost. For more information about the TRICARE Pharmacy Program, go to http://www.tricare.mil/pressroom/news.aspx?fid=579
>Special Extra Earnings for Military Service
Any Soldier who has active duty service prior to January 2002 and is planning for retirement can qualify for a higher social security payment because of their military service. Up to $1200 per year of earnings credit can be credited, but it must be noted at the time of application submission. In order to qualify a DD-214 must be submitted to the Social Security Office. Visit the Social Security website at: http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm
>TRICARE Dental Program Premiums Set for 2010
The TRICARE Dental Program’s 1.9 million enrollees will see a slight increase in their monthly premiums, beginning Feb. 1, 2010. The new annual rates are effective for one year through Jan. 31, 2011. TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) premiums are determined by the plan (single or family) and the duty status (active or reserve) of the sponsor. If and when the sponsor’s duty status changes, his or her premiums also change to reflect the new duty status. The monthly premium for an active duty family member single plan will increase from $12.12 to $12.69 and the monthly family plan premium will increase from $30.29 to $31.72. To learn more about TRICARE dental options and premium rates visit http://www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com
>Veterans Report - New Redesigned VA Website
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rolled out the first phase of a large-scale renovation for its Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The first and most visible step of the renovation consists of changing the website's look. Some of the major changes include improvements in the navigational structure that provide consistency among all sites and consolidate major topics; a slide show section that showcases current VA events or hot topics; and a "Quick List" with links directly to important applications such as Veterans On Line Applications (VONAPP) and MyHealtheVet . To view the new version of the Website, visit www.va.gov.