GOP Accepts Biden's Spending Boosts For VA, Pentagon In Debt Ceiling Deal
Spending on defense and veterans health care would both see bumps next year under a deal between the White House and House Republicans reached over the weekend aimed at preventing an unprecedented default on U.S. debts next week.
Advocates Struggle To Help Homeless Vets As COVID Support Disappears
Veterans advocates are scrambling to fix funding and programming shortfalls caused by the expiration of pandemic assistance for homeless veterans earlier this month, a problem they believe could be avoided with a quick vote by Congress.
Air Force Resurrects Assignment Swap Program For Enlisted Ranks
Enlisted airmen will be able to swap assignments under a new program launching next month, offering some service members flexibility on where they're stationed across the country and what roles they're given.
Confidential Mental Health Resources Available To Military Families
By: Robert Hammer | MHS Communications
The Military Health System recognizes that military life can be mentally stressful for service members, veterans, and their families. That’s why MHS has a wealth of resources for those coping with a spectrum of mental health challenges—in both clinical and non-clinical settings.
“Mental health is essential to readiness,” said Dr. Maria Mouratidis, deputy branch chief of the Defense Health Agency’sPsychological Health Center of Excellenceopens Health.mil. “You matter enough to get support at the first sign that it may help you or improve your quality of life. Peers and leaders are essential in helping service members to seek care.”
While high-quality treatment for mental health disorders is available at your military facility, resources that are available in a non-clinical setting, such as a crisis line, website, or your unit’s chaplain, can also be good options to access resources, counseling, and support.
Past culture of the military has played into the stereotype that one must be tough and stoic, talking about mental health is weak, and a service member should not show weakness.
“It is important to note that seeking mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Anna Fedotova, a mental health flight commander at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.
MHS Offers a Variety of Resources and Counseling Services
Military OneSourceopens militaryonesource.mil: “Military OneSource is a Department of Defense-funded program that provides a wide range of support and resources to service members, their families, and survivors,” said Fedotova. “The program offers confidential counseling services, financial and legal assistance, education and employment resources, and support for military life transitions, such as deployments and relocations. Military OneSource is available 24/7 via phone, online chat, or video counseling, and all services are free and confidential.”
inTransition Program:opens Health.milinTransition is a free, confidential program that offers specialized coaching and assistance for active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and retirees who need access to mental health care. This includes services for relocating to another assignment, returning from deployment, transitioning from active duty to reserve component or reserve component to active duty, preparing to leave military service, and any other time they need a new mental health provider or need a provider for the first time.
Military and Family Life Counseling Programopens militaryonesource.mil: The Military and Family Life Counseling program supports service members, their families, and survivors with confidential non-medical counseling where they are stationed. Non-medical counseling can help individuals address issues such as improving relationships at home and work, stress management, adjustment difficulties, parenting, and grief or loss.
Military Crisis Lineopens verteranscrisisline.net and Veterans Crisis Lineopens veteranscrisisline.net: The Military Crisis Line and Veterans Crisis Line are free, confidential resource for all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and veterans. Call, chat, or text with a qualified responder, who will listen and can connect you with the resources you need. There's no charge and you decide how much information to share. The resource is accessible 24 hours a day. For the crisis lines, dial 988, then press 1.
Psychological Health Resource Centeropens Health.mil: “The Psychological Health Resource Center is available 24/7 to assist service members, families, clinicians, and commanders with any psychological health related questions,” said Fedotova. They specialize in information and resources related to combat stress, depression, reintegration, accessing treatment, types of treatment for mental health conditions, and many other topics. The center can also assist service members, families, clinicians, and commanders with locating available resources in the community.
Real Warriors Campaign:opens Health.milThe campaign promotes a culture of support for psychological health by encouraging the military community to reach out for help about whether to cope with the daily stresses of military life, or concerns like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Chaplains are often the first line of defense for service members’ moral and spiritual concerns. Military chaplains and behavioral health providers have collaborating roles in coordinating support to service members and their families.
You can also use the services offered at your base to address potential stressors to your mental health, including:
Financial counseling services. You don’t need to tackle issues like mounting debt or saving for college or retirement alone. Financial counselors are available in person, over the phone, and via video.
Relationship counseling services. If a relationship is causing mental stress, relationships and marriage counselors can be a good resource.
Peer counseling. A peer-to-peer specialty consultation is a relaxed conversation about the challenges of life and can be done virtually, and in a non-clinical setting.
Substance abuse programs. Prevention, education, and treatment programs are available for substance-use disorders at military hospitals and clinics. Other non-clinical programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and others can provide an alternative approach for those to work with others in similar situations to get back on track.
Often, a service or family member just needs to look at those around them for help.
“Service members and their families are our most valuable resources,” said U.S. Public Health Service Cmdr. Brandy Cloud, chief of research adoption with the Psychological Health Center of Excellence.
“There are services available to ensure our most valuable resources have access to what they need to ensure the total health of themselves and their families,” she added. “If you think you might need care, chances are you need help, reach out to someone, there is no wrong door, and no wrong time to getting the help and services you need.”
Below are the campaigns that are currently located on our Action Center. Please take no more than 5-10 minutes to scan through each of the campaigns and click on the custom links provided below.
The Military Spouse Hiring Act would encourage companies to employ military spouses, who frequently face disproportionate impediments in the job market, by extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include them.
Intends to help military spouses find better work opportunities.
Support the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act!
Authorizes veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 50% to concurrently receive both retired pay and disability compensation.
Makes qualified disability retirees with less than 20 years of retirement-creditable service eligible for concurrent receipt, subject to specified reductions in retired pay.
Qualify approximately 42,000 military retirees with combat-related injuries to concurrently receive both military retired pay and Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation.
Provide total offset relief to veterans who suffered combat injuries or illnesses who were medically retired with less than twenty years of service.
Allowsthe receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability.
Extends full concurrent receipt eligibility to individuals who were retired or separated after at least 20 years of military service due to a service-connected disability.
Support the Military Family Nutrition Access Act of 2023!
The Military Family Nutrition Access Act was created to aid military families with active duty members who are facing food insecurity.
By eliminating Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from the income calculations used to establish eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the bipartisan bill will combat food insecurity.
Military personnel risk their life to protect our nation; they shouldn't have to worry about providing for their families.
The Not Just a Number Act would oblige the VA to look into how veterans use their benefits in their yearly report on suicide prevention in order to assess the connection between VA benefits and suicide outcomes.
In its fight against veteran suicides, the VA evaluates which VA benefits have the best impact on preventing suicide and requires the Department to submit recommendations for an increase in such benefits.
If you have any questions, please reach out to AFSA's Military and Government Relations team at milgov3@hqafsa.org.
AFSA Professional Education, Personal Development Symposium Registration isLIVE!!!
THE SUMMIT23/AFSA International Convention Registration is LIVE!!! This year’s Summit/AFSA International Convention will convene Friday, August 4, through Wednesday, August 9,2023,(Departures: Thursday, August 10, 2023) in Dallas, Texas, at the Hilton Anatole Resort, 2201 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas. For more details, please click on the link below:
THEME:The Theme for THE SUMMIT 23/AFSA International Convention is“Back to Basics and Beyond.”
NOTE:Main arrival and registration is on Friday, August 4, 2023.
THEME PARTY/ICE BREAKER:THE SUMMIT23/AFSA International Convention Theme Party/Ice Breaker is on Friday, August 4, 2023.The Theme for the Theme Party/Ice Breaker is “Super Heroes & Sheroes.” The Dress Code for the Theme Party/Ice Breaker is:
Dust off your Cape!
WELCOMING CEREMONY: The Welcoming Ceremony is on Saturday, August 5, 2023. The Dress Code for the Welcoming Ceremony is:
Business Casual, Military Personnel on Funded TDY orders: OCPs.
AFSA PRESIDENT’S DINNER & AWARDS CEREMONY. The AFSA President’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony is on Sunday, August 6, 2023. The Dress Code for the President’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony is:
AFSA Members: Gentlemen: Tuxedo or Dark Suit, Ladies: Dress evening wear (long or short);
Military Personnel on Funded TDY Orders: Mess Dress or Semi-Formal Uniform;
Top Performer Club members (Formerly TwinFLIER, SKYHIGHER and/or HighFLIER Club members): Wear the AFSA blue blazer. If they are active-duty military members, they may wear the AFSA blue blazer, but are highly encouraged to wear their service dress uniform.
AIR & SPACE HONORS BANQUET AND CMSAF AWARDS CEREMONY. The Air & Space Honors Banquet and CMSAF Awards Ceremony is on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. The Dress Code for the Air & Space Honors Banquet and CMSAF Awards Ceremony is:
Gentlemen: Tuxedo or Dark Suit,
Ladies: Dress evening wear (long or short);
Military Personnel on Funded TDY Orders: Mess Dress or Semi-Formal Uniform
THE SUMMIT23/AFSA International Convention
REGISTRATION FEE: The registration fees are as follows:
AFSA International Convention
Complete Early Registration (1 April - 31 May)$275.00
Use Promo Code: AFSAEarly to save. Expires April 30, 2023
Complete Registration (1 June - 31 July)$300.00
Complete Late Registration (1 August - 4 August) $325.00
AFSA International Convention Plus PEDs and Air & Space Honor’s Banquet
Complete Early Registration (1 April - 31 May)$325.00
Use Promo Code: AFSAEarly to save. Expires April 30, 2023
Complete Registration (1 June - 31 July)$350.00
Complete Late Registration (1 August - 4 August) $375.00
On Monday, August 7-9, there will be a full day of Professional Development. All Professional Development Forums are open to all military members on Active Duty and DoD civilian personal at no cost.
BEAUTIFUL EVENT LOCATION- Book your rooms now!The Summit 23/AFSA International Conventionis held at the Hilton Anatole, 2201 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Dallas, Texas where you'll find an entertainment complex designed to relax and delight you and your family. We've partnered with the Hilton Anatole to offer special AFSA/SUMMIT ROOM RATES at $154+ tax a night.
NOTE: Please identify that you are with the Air Force Sergeants Association group.
(This special rate includes the outdoor Jade Water Pool Complex with slides and a lazy river, the Verandah Fitness Club & V-Spa, dining options, and much more.)
NOTE:The last date to make hotel reservations at the AFSA contracted room rate is July 14, 2023.
Have You Read The Latest AFSA Magazine?
This edition features Port Mortuary and America’s Missing Heroes, Living with Bipolar Disorder in the Military, Fly-By Wire Defense and AFSA’s American Award Recipient – Don Ward. Read, download, print and share: https://www.hqafsa.org/fallmagazine.html
Greetings AFSA Division and Chapter Leadership,
We are pleased to share the AFSA Set-It-Forever/Auto Pay procedures and marketing materials to help share the process with our members, your membership and potential new recruits.
The Set-It-Forever/Auto Pay program creates an opportunity to JOIN AFSA or RENEW a membership by making a $36 once-a-year/every-year auto payment, or a $4-each-month/every- month auto payment. The $36 once-a-year option is set at $36, and the $4-a-month option includes a bank processing fee of $1 each month.
Review the two ways to enroll, the benefits to using the auto-pay option, and the marketing materials to help share the details of this program and ensure its success.
For questions, please contact AFSAHQ Member & Field team at 800-638-0594 x 288.
Please Update Your Contact Information Today!
Dear Air Force Sergeants Association Member,
In order for the AFSA to effectively communicate with our members, it is essential to ensure we have your current and / or valid e-mail address. We are in the process of updating our records and need your help! Please take a moment to ensure that we have your most current mail and email address (no .mil's); and accurate membership listing information.
We've made it easy, as you can update your information in either one of three ways:
Call Member & Field Relations team directly at 800-638-0594 x 288 (Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
Email to: msvcs@hqafsa.org
Visit www.hqafsa.org and select the UPDATE button on the right
We thank you in advance for your support and prompt updates.
In sum, there are still obstacles to overcome before the Treasury Department's declared June 5 date for when it would run out of money, but the agreement puts Congress on the right track to avoid, among other consequences of a default, delays in veteran benefits and service member pay.
The agreement would put fiscal 2024 Pentagon and other national security spending at $886 billion, a 3% increase over this year and the amount the Biden administration asked Congress for in March.
The Toxic Exposures Fund, a fund established by the Department of Veterans Affairs last year to pay for benefits provided under the PACT Act, would also receive $20 billion under the proposed legislation. This avoids a battle between Democrats and Republicans that had been brewing when the GOP suggested contributing only $5 billion to the fund. It also matches the amount requested for the fund by the Biden administration.
In addition, in light of the continuing debt limit dispute and other federal budget discussions, plans to provide that additional relief are still in limbo in the House and Senate. The delay, which has no apparent end in sight, might undermine some of the advancements made in recent years in lowering veteran homelessness.
The annual National Coalition for Homeless Veterans conference took place in Washington this week, and Akilah Templeton, the chief executive officer of Veterans Village of San Diego, which offers a variety of housing support programs and employment training initiatives, as well as more than 850 other staff members from non-profits across the nation, attended. Given the effects they are already experiencing, most of the guests expressed serious concern about the loss of the pandemic funds.
And lastly, Senior master sergeants and below will be able to discuss and look for roles that may be available for trade under the Air Force Enlisted Swap Assignment Program, which becomes available to airmen on June 1.
It is the most recent quality-of-life concern the agency has addressed as it overhauls its policies in the midst of an unprecedented hiring crisis. In an effort to prevent airmen from quitting the service, the Air Force earlier this month proposed another policy that would allow them to retrain for a different profession.
And that's the way it is for Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Stay tuned for our next M&G-B, where we will continue to keep you in the loop on all things pertinent to the coronavirus, veterans, active-duty members, guards and reservists, and military family members. Stay happy, and stay healthy!
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