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Fellow members:
Here is a newsletter from Task Force Southwest in Afghanistan where we have been sending care packages. In November alone, thanks to donations from individual veterans, we have been able to send 26 care packages with stuff for Christmas as well as hygiene items and snacks as requested. While the deadline for sending stuff that will arrive in time for Christmas is only a few days away, it is important that we continue to support this base as they do not have a PX and cannot get simple hygiene items or snacks. SgtMaj Arebalo told me that there were more females in his group than the previous group that had 44.
I want you to see first-hand the impact of the things we send and how much it is appreciated. Thank you to every member who has contributed to ensure that our troops in harm’s way are taken care of. Most of you have been there and know what I am talking about. Your Rogue Chapter is making a difference. The mission of NCOA is to enhance and improve the quality of life for our enlisted forces and their families, so taking care of our deployed troops falls right in line with what NCOA stands for.
If you support this project and have not already contributed, but want to, send a check to Rogue Chapter #1260 at the address below. Thank you all for your service.
Strength in Unity & Leadership By Example
Terry M. Haines
Chairman, Rogue Chapter #1260
NCOA
PO Box 5597
Central Point, OR 97502
Cell 541-601-8467
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—–Original Message—–
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2018 1:25 AM
To: TERRY HAINES
Subject: TFSW News letter
Terry,
As promised. Attached is a copy of the Dec newsletter so you can see some of the service members your organization is supporting!
On behalf of all the service members [Marines, Navy, and Army], thank you for all the support you have provided. It truly brightens up their day when the birds bring in the mail!
R/S
SgtMaj Arebalo A.M.
Task Force Southwest
Shorab, Helmand Province, Afghanistan
NIPR: 318-421-1799
SIPR: 308-421-1800
BB: +93 070-414-7131
CONUS DSN (BB) 318-113-2000, Dial Tone: 070-414-7131
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Call to Action
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Dear Terry Haines,
The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA- S. 2987) that was approved earlier and is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor will increase TRICARE fees on retirees under age 65 who retired before January 1, 2018. The provision in the SASC bill (S. 2987) would increase TRICARE Prime annual fees (currently $282 for individuals/$565 for families) to $350 for individual/$700 for family. TRICARE Select annual (currently $150 for individual/$300 for family) would increase to $450 for individual and $900 for family. These increases are achieved by repealing the “grandfather clause” created with the 2017 NDAA.
Please help NCOA fight these fee increases by clicking the link below to tell your Senators to oppose these increases.
Thank you,
Jon Ostrowski
Executive Director
Click the link below to log in and send your message:
https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/2nlFmPoOfLVjAlVYzpgJCQ
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From: Siverson, Paul FNCVAMC [mailto:Paul.Siverson@va.gov]
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2018 12:24 PM
Subject: NCOA Brief
If you have not registered yet for our 2018 Conference and Vanguard Awards Tribute, time is running out. Beat the price increase. The registration fee for the conference is $175 per person before March 14 and $200 per person on or after March 14. Each registration fee provides the delegate with one ticket to the Opening Icebreaker, Vanguard Banquet, and President’s Breakfast.
Go to http://ncoausa.org/2018NCOARegistration/ to register and make your hotel reservations.
You will also get the chance to meet the senior enlisted personnel of each of our military services as well as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Command Sergeant Major John W. Troxell, U.S. Army.
Your Board of Directors will be available to discuss any issues you may have. Your current Board of Directors are:
8th MCPOCG (Ret) Vincent Patton – President and National Commander
SgtMaj Paul W. Siverson USMC (Ret) – Chairman
MCPO Terry M. Haines USNR (Ret) – Executive Vice President
Sgt Vicky L. Hensley USMC (Veteran) – Secretary
CMC Michael Sklar USN (Ret)
SGM Jim Mallette USA (Ret)
CMSgt Elisa Harper USAF (Ret)
Please encourage Chapter Members to register and attend this Conference. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard and hear from the leadership of the Association and our Armed Forces.
Paul W. Siverson
SgtMaj USMC (Ret)
Chairman, Board of Directors
Non Commissioned Officers Association
www.ncoausa.org
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 HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR NCOA’S CONFERENCE?
July 11-14 NCOA members will come from near and far to network, learn about the numerous changes to health care and retirement benefits, and have the opportunity to join NCOA for the launch of several new programs. NCOA will launch its YOUR FUTURE SERIES with sessions on cyber security careers, advanced weaponry, changes to Tricare, alterations to retirement benefits and much more. Grab your spot for a day or the week — learn more at www.NCOAConference.org The Golden Nugget, Las Vegas, NV, July 11-14, 2017.
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The Agent Orange web site: www.agent-orange-lawsuits.com
Below is just a little information from the Agent Orange lawsuit web site.
We are available to investigate potential Agent Orange claims on behalf of
vets who served between the years mentioned above and who have been
diagnosed with one or more of the following ailments:
.Ischemic heart disease
.Chronic lymphatic leukemia
.Chronic B-cell Leukemia
.Hairy cell leukemia
.Parkinson’s disease
.Acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy
.AL amyloidosis
.Chloracne
.Diabetes mellitus (Type 2)
.Hodgkin’s disease
.Non-Hodgkin’s disease
.Porphyria cutanea tarda
.Prostate cancer
.Respiratory cancer
.Soft tissue sarcoma
Other things:
Find Out if You Qualify for Agent Orange Benefits
Full explanation on how it works
Ron Kohl, President
SOVB/Vietnam Wall
PO Box 1013
Medford, Oregon
H 541-500-1274
C 239-849-1869
www.sovbmemorialwall.com
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Subject: NCOA”s Voice Has Been Heard on G.I. Bill!!!
Last Friday, NCOA sent out a petition to membership letting our Congressmen know that we were opposed to changing the G.I. Bill with a new “Buy in or Tax” of $2400.
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Last Friday, NCOA sent out a petition to membership letting our Congressmen know that we were opposed to changing the G.I. Bill with a new “Buy in or Tax” of $2400. Our benefits are earned with blood, sweat and tears by each member of our military forces. A small price to pay for the potential dangers they face or even paying the ultimate sacrifice. Nearly 1200 NCOA members responded and your legislative staff at NCOA thanks you for your response to this matter. Below is an article about the outcome of your responses.
Inside Higher Education By Andrew Kreighbaum
April 26, 2017
The House Veterans Affairs Committee this week postponed a planned hearing on potential updates to the GI Bill amid growing opposition to a proposal that would require new service members to pay into the GI Bill for future benefits.
The proposal — reported last week in military and veterans’ news outlets — was being crafted by the office of Tennessee Republican Phil Roe, the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. News of the proposal led to backlash from veterans’ organizations even as one group backed the idea.
The proposed buy-in requirement would deduct $100 from new enlistees’ pay each month for two years to receive education benefits. Late last week, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican, sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan calling the proposal a “tax on veterans.” And Democratic members of the veterans affairs committee said the buy-in would essentially be a reduction in pay.
“We commend Chairman Roe for postponing the legislative hearing where this legislation was scheduled to be debated,” the statement read. “There are important decisions to be made as we work together to update and improve the GI Bill to best serve America’s future heroes. However, with American men and women in uniform stationed and engaged around the world, we should be having a robust debate in Congress about how we can best honor their sacrifice, not asking them to sacrifice more.”
You can still sign the petition here: Are you kidding me Congress?
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Subject: Scam – VETERANS CHOICE PROGRAM PHONE LINE IMPOSTER
[Title: logo – Description: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs]
Veterans Choice Program (VCP)
Phone Line IMposter
FACT SHEET
April 27, 2017
VCP Phone Line Imposter
It has come to VA’s attention that a phone line has been set up by an unknown party to potentially “mimic” the VCP phone line. This imposter phone line may be intended to reach Veterans who inadvertently dial the VCP number incorrectly.
We want you to know that we are taking this seriously and to keep you aware of the steps we are taking.. VHA Office of Community Care (VHA CC) has reported the “mimic” line to the VA Office of Inspector General for a possible civil or criminal investigation.
“Mimic” Phone Line
The phone line established to “mimic” the VCP phone line is 1-800-606-8198. You know you have reached the wrong VCP phone line when:
* The phone line offers callers a $100 rebate if the caller provides a credit card.
* The phone line does not state the caller has reached U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the VCP phone line.
Be aware that this phone number incorrectly confirms callers had reach the VCP if the caller asks that question.
VCP Phone Line
The correct VCP phone line is 1-866-606-8198. This line is for Veterans to check their eligibility for the VCP and ask questions about the program.
If you are unsure if you have reached the correct phone line, hang up and dial 1-866-606-8198 again. The phone line will state the called has reach the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Good Morning!
We are excited to launch the Annual Conference and Membership Meeting website. Check it out here: https://www.ncoaconference.org/.
Visit us often to stay updated on the agenda, confirmed speakers, special events, and more. We look forward to seeing you in July!
Kindest Regards,
Your Friends at NCOA
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As a member of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association, I wanted to reach out to thank you for your support, and introduce you to the new NCOA – The Voice of Today’s Enlisted.Since October of last year, I have had the honor of assuming the role of executive director of the NCOA. I am extremely proud to be working with all of you on what I believe is one of the best, longstanding organizations in the VSO field.In a short time, I have focused on realigning the organization with the needs of today’s enlisted, in addition to honoring the needs of our retired service members. A new website, online membership sign-up, legislative updates, a renewed focus on what our enlisted need – all have taken a front seat for NCOA.And the timing couldn’t be better. With the new Administration, we are seeing a more active and targeted use of military force — if in Yemen or the recent strike in Syria. I know that each and every one of you stands ready to support and execute our nation’s mission and NCOA is here to help you do that.With over 55,000 members, the NCOA represents active duty, reserve, and retired members of the armed forces. In addition to the activities above, NCOA is launching several new initiatives at this year’s Annual Conference & Business meeting that I wanted to share with you:
YOUR FUTURE Series: At this year’s conference we will launch our important new series of information and education to prepare you for everything from planning for retirement to understanding advancement. This year we have added numerous sessions with the leadership from all the services to increase our enlisted opportunities for success and advancement. Topics like your retirement, advancement, advanced weapons, and your health care will all be covered.
ADVANCED WEAPONS DEMO: You are faced with all types of new threats – from cyber attacks to IADs the threats and how we face them are changing rapidly. This year’s event will feature some of the exciting developments in weaponry that will provide you with the tools you need to fight the enemy and protect yourself.
HIGHEST LEVELS OF DOD LEADERSHIP: As we prepare for our numerous engagements around the globe, NCOA understands that you stand ready to fight for and defend our nation. NCOA has reached out to the highest levels of leadership to join us to talk to you and partner with NCOA to help our enlisted be ready, trained, and informed of the challenges ahead.
ADVISORY BOARD: NCOA is also building an Advisory Board of leaders to advise and recommend programs, initiatives, and areas of need on behalf of our enlisted. We are looking to both Active Duty and retired enlisted service personnel who want to contribute to the enrichment of their peers to join us. If you are interested in this Advisory Board, please contact me. We need your voice among us.And that’s just the NEW stuff.As always, we will feature:
ICEBREAKER RECEPTION: An opportunity to relax, network and this year, view some of our new, advanced weaponry. Stay tuned for our keynote announcement
.VANGUARD AWARDS DINNER: NCOA’s signature event – honoring our heroes from the NCO ranks. Join us for an evening recognizing what you do in the normal course of a day – and the heroes that emerge.
SIGNATURE NCOA CAREER EXPO AT NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE: Connecting veterans with meaningful employment is an important part of our outreach program. Nearly 40 employers are scheduled to attend this event.As I’m sure you know, the NCOA is a federally chartered 501c(19) Veteran Service Organization established in 1960 to enhance and maintain the quality of life for noncommissioned and petty officers in all branches of the Armed Forces, Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves, Veterans (separated and retired), widows, and their families. NCOA is currently a leader in Veterans and Spouse Employment, a strong voice on Capitol Hill and in the Veterans Administration.
We greatly appreciate your support and welcome you to the new NCOA.Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to Jon Ostrowski (ExecutiveDirector@ncoausa.org) with scheduling or other questions.Very respectfully,
Jon Ostrowski
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Subject: Myomo Veteran Service Officer Program
The attached was forwarded to me for information and further distribution. There is no cost to the Veteran for this.
If you know any Veteran who may benefit from this, please pass this information on to them.
Direct them to the contact information listed.
Paul W. Siverson
Sergeant Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired)
Veteran Outreach Program Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
Jacksonville, NC Vet Center
110A Branchwood Drive
Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 577-1100 (Office)
(910) 703-0699 (Cell)
(910) 577-1116 (FAX)
“Non Sibi Sed Patriae”
This message may contain information that is confidential and/or protected by law. If it has been sent to you in error, please reply immediately to advise the sender of the error and then destroy this message, any copies of this message, and any printout of this message. If you are not the intended recipient of the message, any unauthorized dissemination, distribution, or copying of the material in this message, and any attachments to the message, is strictly forbidden.
Myomo Veteran Service Officer Program
Myomo makes the MyoPro, which is a motorized arm brace that restores the use of a weak or paralyzed arm. It works by using signals from the brain to activate the arm and fingers- restoring use and more quality of life.
Tens of veterans currently have the device, but we estimate that 426,000 of veterans have an upper extremity paralysis condition that would benefit from a MyoPro.
We are most often successful working with the VA or a non-profit to get the veteran the MyoPro device. But our biggest challenge has been identifying veterans who could use the device.
We find the both old & young veterans were told “that’s the way it’s going to be” or they think that as a way to cope with their condition. Either way, this new technology is restoring arm use in veterans and we want to help more!
We need your help!
We need to identify veterans who could be a candidate for a MyoPro. This includes:
- Weak or paralyzed arm
- Spinal cord injury
- Brachial plexus injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Multiple Sclerosis
- ALS
- Stroke
If you know veterans who you think are could benefit from a MyoPro, please help connect us to them. Please call 888-888-8888 or email cliff@myomo.com<mailto:cliff@myomo.com>.
Thank you for all you do every day and thank you for helping us find these deserving veterans!
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NCOA recently eliminated our toll-free telephone number to Headquarters in San Antonio, TX for the following reasons:
#1. To save money.
#2. Most telephone services offer reduced or no cost long distance service.
#3. More and more Americans are switching from land lines to mobile phones which do not charge for long distance calls.
The telephone number for NCOA headquarters in San Antonio is 210-653-6161. Membership services is option 2.
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National Remembrance Day
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New Help starting our DAV8 Auxillary ( NEW )
We are in the process of starting our Auxillary. We need 9 new individuals to get it started. The cost is $20.00 a year. If you have had a veteran in your life or are a veteran you are eligible to join. Men are very welcome to join our Auxillary too. Help us get it started. Call 509-240-2023 or email davjc8@gmail.com to get an application.
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Revised TRICARE Pharmacy Network Begins Dec. 1 ( NEW )
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RAPIDS Site Locator
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General Membership meeting in Las Vegas
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NCOA-Membership-Application – (Fill-out Online and Click Continue Checkout) ( NEW )
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Express Scripts_Your Choice of TRICARE Retail Pharmacies Changes Dec. 1, 2016
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Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Increase in Social Security Benefits in 2017
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