TREA Washington Update for April 25, 2008

The full fight is on this election year. Of course, we all know the battle for the Democratic nomination for President has moved on to Indiana and North Carolina. But the fight is also fully engaged for the House and Senate seats that are up. Everyday more flip charts and tickers are being used to display how useless the opposing party is. And, of course, Congress is concentrating on gas prices and the mortgage markets. But many of our issues are still going through the House and Senate with less drama. This week there were mark-ups on several veterans’ bills. Next week we expect a mark-up for the Senate NDAA (though these things can certainly change.)

1) House Roundtable on Survivor Issues

2) Express Scripts (Pharmacy Meeting)

3) Wounded Warriors’ Town Hall (On The Web) Set For This Afternoon

4) Military Spouse Fellowships for “Accredited Financial Counselor Program” Available

5) Changes at the Top

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1) House Roundtable on Survivor Issues-On Wednesday, TREA’S Deirdre Parke Holleman was one of the participants in a Roundtable meeting on Military Survivor issues. The Roundtable was chaired by the Chairman of the House VA Committee’s Subcommittee for Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, Representative John Hall (D-NY). Along with the Subcommittee’s Ranking Member Doug Lamborn (R-CO) and numerous staff members, they heard from representatives of the major VSOs (VFW, AL, DAV, NAUS and PVA) as well as from groups that particularly focus on these issues (GSW, NMVA, MOAA and Former POS’s). Both DoD and VA also sent representatives to discuss what is being done now. There were also many members of the public in attendance. The analysis concentrated on ending the SBP/DIC offset (although that issue is not under the VA Committees jurisdiction), the need to change and improve the VA’s adjudication system (including discussion of the Chairman’s bill: the “Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization of 2008), the possible creation of an office in the VA dedicated to Survivors issues and the need to improve the Education Benefit for survivors, as well as for service members. Of course during a long meeting many other ideas were also presented. It looks like there will be action on many of these issues in the House in the near future.

2) Express Scripts (Pharmacy Meeting)-Last week TREA’S Washington Executive Director, Deirdre Parke Holleman, attended Express Scripts’ Outlook Conference in St Louis, Missouri. Express Scripts is the company that has DoD’S contracts for both the TRICARE Mail Order program and TRICARE Retail Pharmacy plan. Most of Express Scripts’ clients are American private Corporations, Unions and local governments. But TREA (along with representatives of four other military organizations) attended the conference on behalf of our military beneficiaries. This year there was no talk of 4th tiers or new blockbusting drugs coming down the pike. Rather, they were speaking about the need for more skilled communications with beneficiaries and the growth of specialty drugs.

3) Wounded Warriors’ Town Hall (on the Web) Set for this Afternoon-At 2:45 p.m. eastern time today the Military Health System will hold a live discussion on wounded warrior issues. To send questions please go to mhswemaster@tma.osd.mil. If you wish to participate in the live discussion, please go to www.health.mil/WWTBWebhall.aspx. There you will find instructions on how to participate.

4) Military Spouse Fellowships for “Accredited Financial Counselor Program” Available-200 Military Spouses may be granted fellowships to train to become financial counselors. The fellowships are being given by The National Military Family Association along with the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (a full press release at the end of this update). The training would qualify you to work at banks, credit unions, bankruptcy courts, consumer counseling services and much more. The applications must be submitted by midnight on April 30 at www.nmfa.orgfellowship. All Active Duty, Guard and Reserve, and Retiree would qualify to receive the fellowship that is worth $1,100. But, again remember April 30 is the last day to apply.

5) Changes at the Top- On Wednesday, General David Petraeus was nominated to become the Commander of the Central Command. The appointment, which requires Senate approval, would mean that General Petraeus would leave his present Iraq command and be replaced there by his number two man, General Raymond Odierno. General Odierno has been directing the day-to-day operations in Iraq. General Petraeus said: "I am honored to be nominated for this position and to have an opportunity to continue to serve with America's soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coastguardsmen, and civilians. The same day General Michael V. Hayden, director of the CIA, announced his intention to retire from the Air Force this summer. He will remain the CIA director. General Hayden will have served almost 39 years on active duty when he retires.  

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For Immediate Distribution
Contact: Michelle Joyner
703-931-6632 x331
publicrelations@nmfa.org
http://www.nmfa.org/

Final Week to Apply for Military Spouse Fellowships
Program will provide up to 200 Fellowships to become Accredited Financial Counselors^SM

ALEXANDRIA, VA, April, 23, 2008 — The National Military Family Association (NMFA) in association with the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation is accepting applications for the Military Spouse Fellowship for the Accredited Financial Counselor Program. This program will provide up to 200 military spouses with the education necessary to enter the financial counseling career field.

The fellowship covers the costs associated with completing the Associated Financial Counselor (AFC) training and testing. Upon successful completion of the program and required practicum, the participant will be awarded the Accredited Financial Counselor designation from AFCPE.

Many employers such as credit unions, financial aid offices, and community housing agencies need well-trained, ethical and caring financial counselors to meet the increasing demand for financial counseling services. Military spouses can fill this need while building a rewarding career that is flexible to the demands of the military family lifestyle.

Final week to apply! Applications are only accepted online, www.nmfa.org/fellowship, and must be submitted by midnight April 30, 2008.

About NMFA
The National Military Family Association is the only national organization whose sole focus is the military family and whose goal is to influence the development and implementation of policies that will improve the lives of the families of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. For more than 35 years, its staff and volunteers, comprised mostly of military family members, have built a reputation for being the leading experts on military family issues. Visit http://www.nmfa.org/ for more information.  

About AFCPE
AFCPE provides professional development experiences for financial educators, practitioners and researchers to improve the economic well-being of individuals and families worldwide. The Association’s vision is to be internationally recognized as the leading provider of professional development opportunities. Visit http://www.afcpe.org/ for more information.

About FINRA
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation helps military servicemembers and their families manage their money with confidence through SaveAndInvest.org, a multi-faceted Military Financial Education Program. Key initiatives include the www.SaveAndInvest.org/Military noncommercial and unbiased Web site that offers tools and resources on managing credit, saving for college and retirement, and learning to invest; the production and global distribution of Military Families: Money and Mobility; training for spouses (Military Spouse Fellows) and military financial educators; support for Military Money and Military Saves; and the development of cutting edge educational tools such as Moneytopia, an e-learning game. A proud partner in the DoD Financial Readiness Campaign, the Foundation also presents financial education forums at military installations and at sea worldwide.

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SHOP FOR CHARITY DAY HAS CHANGED TO MY POWER MALL.  MAKE A DONATION TO TREA, JUST BY SHOPPING!  CLICK BELOW:

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