Veterans Blog

Military Retirees: DFAS Warns Service Members of Scam Emails

This story appeared 4/20/2012 in the Air Force Retiree News Service authored by Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Rojek out of Fort George G. Meade, MD. The following link will allow you to read the complete story under DFAS Warns Service Members of Scam Emails.

Tech Sgt Rojek writes, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service ...recently released a statement warning of email scams targeting military members, military retirees, and civilian employees.

According to the statement, the most recent email scam indicates that individuals who are receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs may be able to obtain additional funds from the Internal Revenue Service, but only if they send copies of their income tax information.

Scammers have even gone so far as to "spoof" DFAS email addresses so that the recipients would think it was actually coming from DFAS personnel. In a spoofing email, the scammer makes it appear that the message is coming from a legitimate source. This is to try to lure the reader into believing it's genuine.

"(Scammers) manage to find a way to appear legitimate when they're not," said Edward Peace, the senior cyberwarfare instructor for the 39th Information Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, FL..."In some cases, it looks like it's from a legitimate source, but in other cases if you inspect it just a little bit deeper, just looking at where the email came from you would be tipped off right way. But most people don't look at it; they just look at the content, it looks legitimate and they go from there."

...Though these scam artists have found ways to spoof the DFAS email address, this does not mean that customer accounts were compromised.

"We have not had an incident that has threatened our security or the accounts of our customers," said Steve Burghardt, a DFAS media relations officer. "We are always on the lookout. And we're taking steps to (educate) folks."

"That's our biggest concern," he said. "As long as you keep your login credentials private and to yourself, then your account is pretty much assured a fairly decent amount of security. But if you give that away or give out that information that people can use to get new credentials ... I can always impersonate you and say, 'I lost my login credentials, get me a new one.'"

For more information on the DFAS email policy, click here.

For more retiree news and information, please visit www.retirees.af.mil.

To all of our veterans thank you for your service!

Veterans Day Quotes That Stay With Us!

You’ve probably heard them before but you might not remember who said them.  The following quotes were borrowed from the website Motivational and Inspirational Corner.

• Only our individual faith in freedom can keep us free. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower 
• If a man does his best, what else is there? --General George S. Patton
• There is no victory at bargain basement prices. --Dwight D. Eisenhower 
• There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. --Colin Powell 
• Neither a wise nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower 
• The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it. -- Norman Schwarzkopf 
• A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower 
• Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all. -- George Washington 
• My responsibility, our responsibility as lucky Americans, is to try to give back to this country as much as it has given us, as we continue our American journey together. --Colin Powell 
• When placed in command -- take charge. -- Norman Schwarzkopf 
• I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. -- Sir Winston Churchill 
• Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way. -- George Patton 
• Live for something rather than die for nothing. -- George Patton 
• Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy. -- Norman Schwarzkopf 
• When you are in any contest you should work as if there were - to the very last minute - a chance to lose it. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
• Experts often possess more data than judgment. -- Colin Powell 
• The best morale exists when you never hear the word mentioned. When you hear it it's usually lousy. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower 
• Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. -- Colin Powell 
• No good decision was ever made in a swivel chair. -- George S. Patton 
• Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity. -- George S. Patton 
• The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. -- Thomas Jefferson 
• If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking. -- George S. Patton 
• What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the dog. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower 
• To dilute the will to win is to destroy the purpose of the game. There is no substitute for victory. -- Douglas MacArthur

 Happy Veterans Day!  Please consider supporting the ASMBA STAR Foundation (CFC #: 57446) by visiting us online at www.asmbastar.com.

Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies …11-11-11

Look what many companies are doing for veterans on Veterans’ Day 11-11-11.  In addition, do not be bashful about asking any local business if they offer any discounts for veterans.  Also, many large retail stores such as Lowes and Home Depot offer 10% discounts everyday!  Not bad!  But you have to ask!

Restaurants

Abuelo’s Mexican Food - Abuelo’s offerings vary by region, be sure to call ahead to see what the discounts or freebies are included.

Applebees - All veterans and active duty military eat free from a limited menu at Applebee’s on Veterans Day.

Chili’s — Veterans and active duty dine for free from a special limited six item menu on Veterans Day.

Golden Corral — Golden Corral Restaurants’ Military Appreciation Monday free dinner will be available on November 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.

Hooters — All Veterans and active duty eat free. The free entrees must be selected from a special Veterans Day menu.

Krispy Kreme – All active-duty, retirees & veterans get a free doughnut on Veterans Day. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is par-ticipating.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants — Participating McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants offer a complimentary entree to vets from a special menu on a space available basis, online reservations are highly recommended.

Outback Steakhouse — Veterans and active-duty military get a complimen-tary Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on Veterans Day.

UNO Chicago Grill — UNO is offering a Buy One Get One free offer to Service members or Veterans with a military or veteran I.D. or in uniform or with a photo of themselves in uniform. The Veterans Day BOGO offer includes a free entree or individual pizza, with the purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value.

Texas Roadhouse – Free meal from opening until 4pm. on Veterans Day. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.

T.G.I. Friday’s – Veterans and Service members Buy one get one free from Nov 11–14. Contact your nearest location for more details on their Veterans Day BOGO offer.

Retail

The Dollar General — Veterans, Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families will receive a 10-percent discount with a Veterans Day coupon. The coupon may be found in store circular ads or by asking a sales associate.

Home Depot — Offers a 10 percent discount to all Veterans during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Lowe’s — All veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The offer is available in stores only and is limited to in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000.

Sam’s Club — Sam’s give away 36,000 collapsible Hugo Canes on Veterans Day to military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Sam’s Club will require membership for this offer, but proof of service may be necessary.

Amazon.com – Free ―Veterans Day Honor‖ MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Cabela’s Outdoor Store – Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel November 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.

Build-a-Bear Workshop – Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount November 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Fashion Bug – 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse’s military ID.

Sports Clips Haircuts - The men’s hair salon chain is offering a free haircut to active military and veterans on Veterans Day.

Foot Locker — Veterans, Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20 percent discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports — even on sale items.

From all of us at the Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association and the ASMBA STAR Foundation to our soldiers stationed around the world and to those who have served before them…Thank You for your service!

White House Proposes Military Benefit Cuts

Today I received a disturbing message from the President of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), VADM Norb Ryan, USN (Ret).  I was shocked to find out that some clueless bureaucrat within the administration is proposing cuts in military benefits.  My immediate gut response was not something which my mother would be proud or something one should say in mixed company. Ok…deep breath!

Needless to say, I like many of my fellow veterans some of whom have served honorably for over 20, 25, even 30 years are having to once again defend their military retirement benefits against a bureaucrat system that ostensibly punishes duty, honor, country and seemingly rewards illegal aliens, entrenched welfare recipients, and wasteful spending.

Now is not the time to punish those that now serve or the estimated 23 million veterans that have served in defense of freedom.  Soldiers past and present have relied on the promises made to them.  We cannot expect future soldiers to serve if our civilian leadership reneges on their promises. Soldiers formed their own union and have paid their dues; some with their lives, while others suffer through life enduring the challenges brought on by mental and physical disabilities.

Did you know that military personnel who have deployed overseas since 2001 constitute approximately .05 % of the total U. S. population of 311 Million.  This disproportionate ratio between those who have served and those who have not is a product of the all-volunteer force, and despite the fact that a majority of the population supports the military there is a lack of understanding as to the challenges faced by military personnel and their families before, during, and after deployment. 

Yes, that’s right .05%!  I have had the pleasure of commanding organizations comprised of the brightest, most educated, and highly motivated young men and women this great country has to offer.  As veterans and the family members of veterans, not to mention as a concerned citizenry we need to stand up now and voice our disapproval of any plan that would seriously impact military benefits, discourage future generations from military service, and adversely impact our nation’s security.

Here was Admiral Ryan’s letter to MOAA Members:

Yesterday, the Administration put out its plan to cut the deficit by $3 trillion over the next 10 years, including specific proposals for $27 billion in cuts in the military retirement and health care package.

The Administration plan envisions:

• Establishing an annual enrollment fee for TRICARE For Life
• Another (unspecified) retail pharmacy co-pay hike
• Establishing a BRAC-style commission to recommend "modernizing" the military retirement system

Most upsetting, the stated intent of the proposals is to "align government programs with those in the private sector" and address the "measurable disparity between the fees most retired private sector workers pay...and what retired military personnel pay."

Those words show a shocking insensitivity to the extraordinary demands and sacrifices imposed on career servicemembers and families.

Our strong stance has attracted a major media blitz. Our staff experts have been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and The Lou Dobbs Show in the last two days alone. We anticipate a great deal of media attention over the next few weeks due to MOAA's reputation as a reliable source…

This isn't just about equity. It's about an attack on the core elements that sustain the quality career force that protects our national security.

Any who continue to sit on the sidelines jeopardize their own interests, the military community's, and the nation's future capability to sustain a strong national defense.

Please let your elected representatives in Congress know how you feel.  To all of our active duty soldiers around the world and to the 23 million military veterans who have defended freedom…Thank you for your service!

The American 3rd Army – Rolls Into Pilsen, Czech Republic

   
Every 5 years, Pilsen conducts the Liberation Celebration of the City of Pilsen in the Czech Republic.   May 6th, 2010, marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by General George Patton's 3rd Army. Pilsen is the town that every American should visit. Because they love America and the American Soldier...

Even 65 years later... by the thousands, The citizens of Pilsen came to say thank you. Lining the streets of Pilsen for miles - From the large crowds, to quiet reflective moments, including this American family's private time to honor and remember their American hero.

Near Pilsen was the crash site of  Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham the last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in  Europe during WWII. It was Lt. Kirkham's 82nd mission and one that he volunteered to go on. At the time, this 20-year-old pilot's P-47 Thunderbolt plane was shot down, a young 14-year-old Czech girl, Zdenka Sladkova, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his memory. For 65 straight years, Zdenka, now 79-years-old, took on the responsibility to care for Virgil's crash site and memorial near her home.

On May 4th, she was recognized by the Mayor of Zdenka's home town of Trhanova, CzechRepublic, for her sacrifice and extraordinary effort to honor this American hero.

Another chapter in this important story... the Czech people are teaching their children about America's sacrifice for their freedom. American Soldiers, young and old, are the ''Rock Stars'' these children and their parents want autographs from…Amazing!

The Brian LaViolette Foundation established The Scholarship of Honor in tribute to General George S. Patton and the American Soldier, past and present.

Each year, a different military hero will be honored in tribute to General Patton's memory and their mission to liberate Europe . This award will be presented to a graduating senior who will be entering the military or a form of community service such as fireman, policeman, teaching or nursing -- a cause greater than self. The student will be from 1 of the 5 high schools in Pilsen.

The first award will be presented in May 2011 in honor of Lt. Virgil Kirkham, that young 20-year-old P-47 pilot killed 65 years ago in the final days of WWII.

Presenting Virgil's award will be someone who knows the true meaning of service and sacrifice... someone who looks a lot like Virgil. Marion Kirkham, Virgil's brother, who himself served during WWII in the United States Army Air Corps!!!

Guess what!  It's front page news over there, not buried in the middle of the social section…True “Rock Stars”!

 

A Few Quotes for this 4th of July

As our Nation’s Birthday approaches it seems only fitting to remember what freedom really means, and direct it at those that have never experienced a day without freedom.  The following few quotes were compiled by The Quote Garden. Happy Fourth of July!

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.  ~Author unknown, sometimes attributed to M. Grundler

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.  ~Thomas Paine

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.  ~Elmer Davis

The American Revolution was a beginning, not a consummation.  ~Woodrow Wilson

Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have.  ~Harry Emerson Fosdick

Let freedom never perish in your hands.  ~Joseph Addison

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.  ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.  ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

This, then, is the state of the union:  free and restless, growing and full of hope.  So it was in the beginning.  So it shall always be, while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith.  ~Lyndon B. Johnson

Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.  ~Louis D. Brandeis

Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.  ~Albert Camus

America is much more than a geographical fact.  It is a political and moral fact - the first community in which men set out in principle to institutionalize freedom, responsible government, and human equality.  ~Adlai Stevenson

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls.  ~Robert J. McCracken

If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace.  ~Hamilton Fish

Where liberty dwells, there is my country.  ~Benjamin Franklin

Liberty means responsibility.  That is why most men dread it.  ~George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman, "Maxims: Liberty and Equality," 1905

The United States is the only country with a known birthday.  ~James G. Blaine

We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.  ~William Faulkner

My God!  How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!  ~Thomas Jefferson

What is the essence of America?  Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from."  ~Marilyn vos Savant, in Parade

We need an America with the wisdom of experience.  But we must not let America grow old in spirit.  ~Hubert H. Humphrey

It is sweet to serve one's country by deeds, and it is not absurd to serve her by words.  ~Sallust

My patriotic heart beats red, white, and blue.  ~Author Unknown

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.  ~William J. Clinton
Freedom is never free.  ~Author Unknown

Happy 4^th and to all of our soldiers currently serving at home and around the world, and to our approximately 24 million veterans…Thank you for your service!

Please support the ASMBA STAR Foundation and view how we are making a difference in the lives of our service members, veterans, wounded warriors, and their families by visiting us at www.asmbastarfoundation.com.

 

 

Ways to Observe Memorial Day

Because I am a veteran people often ask:  “What can I do for disabled veterans?”  Or, “What can I do for the families of fallen soldiers?”  Contributing to the ASMBA STAR Foundation (www.asmbastar.com) a tax-exempt charity is of course one way, but here are some other ways (www.thememorialdaytribute.com/observe-memorial-day.html) in which you can show your support for veterans and their families.

Sometimes Memorial Day reminds us of our duties towards the wounded soldiers and the bereaved families, orphans and widows of the dead soldiers. We should honor the dead by adorning their sacred remains with flowers and garlands and show our gratitude towards them in the following ways:

• Adorning the graves of the soldiers with flags or flowers.
• Visiting cemeteries and memorials.
• Furling the American Flag at half-mast until noon.
• Furling the 'POW/MIA Flag'.
• Keep silence for a minute at 3 p.m., 'National Moment of Remembrance' and listen to Taps being played.
• Take a pledge to aid the disabled veterans, widows, widowers and orphans of the dead and keep it.
• You may support the efforts to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30^th (which coincidentally this year it is).
• Offering thanks to the veterans and appreciating the ultimate sacrifices of the soldiers to the bereaved families personally may help too

To all of our soldiers past and present, thank you for your sacrifice and thank you for your service!

Saluting Memorial Day: Tale of the Big Rock

There is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy 25 in rural Iowa. For generations, kids have painted slogans, names and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times…  My immediate thoughts…Kids! 

A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job and since then it has been left completely undisturbed.   Oh great, selective tagging!

I thought the flag was draped over the rock but it's not. It's actually painted on the rock too.  That’s amazing!

Well all I can say is… “A teenager did this!!!”  God Bless America!

A Few “Memorial Day” Quotes

The power of just a few words has the ability to withstand the test of time. Here is just a sampling of coherent thoughts from a collection of some of the most famous Memorial Day quotes and sayings courtesy of “Memorial Day Tribute” :

• Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. -John F. Kennedy
• Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. -Senator Barry Goldwater
• In war, there is no prize for the runner-up. -General Omar Bradley
• So long as there are men there will be wars. -Albert Einstein
• The purpose of all war is ultimately peace. -Saint Augustine
• And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I'll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, 'cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land, god bless the USA. -Lee Greenwood
• As I approach the gates of heaven;
  St. Peter I will tell;
  One more soldier reporting sir;
  I've served my time in hell. -Mark Anthony Gresswell
• The story of America's quest for freedom is inscribed on her history in the blood of her patriots. -Randy Vader
• The dead soldier's silence sings our national anthem. -Rev. Aaron Kilbourn
• When we say "War is over if you want it," we mean that if everyone demanded peace instead of another TV set, we'd have peace. -John Lennon
• Peace is more important than all justice; and peace was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace. -Martin Luther
• Soldier, rest! Thy warfare o'er,
  Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,
  Dream of battled fields no more.
  Days of danger, nights of waking. -Sir Walter Scott
• The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children. -William Havard

So…which one is your favorite?  I personally like the words of JFK.  It kind of sums it all up, doesn’t it? To our brave soldiers serving around the world, our veterans, and to those whom paid the ultimate sacrifice, Thank You for your service! Thank you for allowing me the privilege to live in a free country.  God Bless America!    

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Check out "Swinging fore Heroes" Fort Sam Houston Golf Club June 9, 2011

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www.asmbastar.com

 

 

Tomb of the Unknown : Arlington National Cemetery

Here are some interesting tidbits about the "Tomb of the Unknown" at Arlington National Cemetery that most Americans don’t know. The “Tomb of the Unknowns” at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., is also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and has never been officially named. The Tomb of the Unknowns stands atop a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. On March 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I in the plaza of the new Memorial Amphitheater. The white marble sarcophagus has a flat-faced form and is relieved at the corners and along the sides by neo-classic pilasters, or columns, set into the surface. Sculpted into the east panel which faces Washington, D.C., are three Greek figures representing Peace, Victory, and Valor. The Tomb sarcophagus was placed above the grave of the Unknown Soldier of World War I. West of the World War I Unknown are the crypts of unknowns from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Those three graves are marked with white marble slabs flush with the plaza Here are some facts about the soldiers that guard the “Tomb of the Unknown” and Arlington National Cemetery:  How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the “Tomb of the Unknowns” and why?  21 steps: It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?  21 seconds for the same reason as above. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, if not, why not?  He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30. They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.  After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.   The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington    National   Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: Presidents Taft and Kennedy {the only two Presidents interned at Arlington}, Joe Lewis {the boxer}, Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty. In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930. I have the utmost respect for these elite soldiers that guard the “Tomb of the Unknowns.” Here are some more interesting tidbits for you to follow-up with: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/ceremonies/sentinelsotu.html.  Thank you for your service!  IN GOD WE TRUST!