The Stress of War

Whether you wear a medal on your chest or just courage in your heart, the effects of war are real. Service members should never be ashamed to seek mental health counseling. There is no shame in recognizing that you are having problems dealing with the effects of your combat deployment. In fact, it is honorable and shows a great deal of courage for you to seek out and get the treatment you need, deserve and have earned to succeed. In the past seeking mental health counselling may have affected your ability to obtain or keep a security clearance or even certain jobs in the military. Recently there have been changes on security clearance application procedures. You are now allowed to check the "no" block when asked if you have any mental health issues as long as you are seeking and undergoing treatment with a mental health provider.

As l look back over the two years I spent deployed to the Iraq war theater of operations, I am amazed at the many experiences I have had. I have held positions that helped service members return home for much needed Rest and Recuperation (R&R) as the Deputy Chief of USARCENT's R&R Program. The R&R program, with nearly a billion dollar per year budget, did just that. I also on a more relevant note to this book held the position of S1/Adjutant. However for me by the end of my deployment I learned that the truly most important thing in life was the connection you have with family and friends. Family is and will always be the most important thing in my life. Remember when you serve, your entire family serves with you. When you are under stress so is your family. It took a combat deployment for some to realize this fact.

If you are suffer from stress associated to your deployment contact your base mental health provider or the Veterans Administration. They are well equipped to assist you as you navigate on your road to recovery and mental health bliss.

CAPT. Thomas A. Mengesha USAR (Retired) and Iraq War Veteran stars in the Off-Broadway play "Shades of War". The play is based on a true life story!

Financial Benifits of Military Deployment

There seems to be a great debate among the service members that are deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The debate centers around the belief by those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan that service members serving in Kuwait are less deserving of Rest and Recuperation Leave and that their service is less dangerous and thus not worthy of receiving all the benefits of those serving in a combat zone. (Despite the fact that service in Kuwait is considered service in a combat zone!)

The fact of the matter is those serving in Kuwait, Qatar and other locations in the region but outside of Iraq and Afghanistan are just as vulnerable to being attacked and killed as those service members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Those serving in Kuwait may get a false sense of security, as they are not being shot at daily. But all must rest assure that even in Kuwait, that boarders Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as those serving in Qatar home to the media conglomerate Al Jazeera that has been viewed by some as very pro Islamic extreme, have forces living within their borders that would love to do serious harm to the American way of life as well as kill service members.

The bottom line is, never let anyone tell you that you are less of a combat soldier and not deserving to wear the combat patch nor receive the benefits of being in a war zone. The truth of the matter is we are all in this war on terrorism together and the war in Iraq could not succeed without the support and service of those serving in Kuwait as well as others around the world.

Moreover, we are all away from family, friends and love ones and regardless of where you serve you feel the separation.

There are many financial and other benefits that service members have as a result of their deployment in the combat zone. As discussed earlier, they will receive certain tax benefits as well as additional money does to their service in a combat zone. There are also various savings and investment programs that should be considered. Here are a couple for you to think about. In my book, “The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed." I go into great detail outline and discussing the major programs.

RIP/TOA (Relieve in Place and Transfer of Authority)

Now that you have arrived in theater and know where you will work, you probably are wondering what happens next? Regardless of where you end up, prior to jumping into your job, you will go through what is referred to as a RIP/TOA. RIP/TOA stands for Relieve in Place and Transfer of Authority. It is the sequence of events where one military unit replaces another in a theatre or area of operations. This is an opportunity for the outgoing unit to train their back-fill. Usually what happens during this time is the outgoing unit personnel will continue doing their job while the new unit personnel sit next to the outgoing personnel. This is done for about a week. Subsequently, the new unit service members will then take over and the outgoing personnel will ensure the job is being done correctly. This is also referred to as the “right seat/left sear” ride which is part of the RIP/TOA process. It is said that this phrase has its origins in drivers education were the student driver and instructor sit side by side.

Once the right seat/left seat training is completed there is generally a ceremony referred to as the Transfer of Authority or TOA. This basically means the new unit personnel have assumed all responsibilities and duties of the outgoing unit personnel.

As you begin your tour of duty I recommend that regardless of your duty location that you make the most of your time in your new controlled environment. How you spend your time will be detected by the location and mission you have.

For example service members stationed in Qatar may have greater freedoms then say someone in Kuwait. Service members in Kuwait will have greater freedoms then service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, one thing is certain; you will have some free time. How you use it can pay big dividends to you in the future.

While I was deployed to Kuwait I focused on myself and what I wanted to change about myself. A major goal I had while I was deployed was to become more spiritually in tune with life. So I started reading the bible and a book written by Rick Warren entitled "Purpose Driven Life". That book helped change my life.

As I indicated earlier in this book, when I was mobilized I weighed in excess of 316lbs and had a 54 inch waist. Getting in shape was a major goal I had. At the end of my deployment I had dropped approximately 100lbs and reduced my waist size to 38 inches. This took sacrifice and commitment. There are many misconceptions about military food, however, one thing is certain, while you are in a deployed environment on a major military installation lack of food will never be a problem. In addition you will be exposed to no less then 4 feedings per day and all the cake and ice-cream you desire. It takes a disciplined person who is committed to losing weight to avoid falling into the trap of gaining weight.

In my book; The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed. I discuss in great detail how I made some remarkable positive life changes in mind, body and soul.

Remembering the victims of Ft. Hood Texas

My prayers go out to the family and victims of the senseless attack on our service members on Fort Hood in Texas.

Political Activities by Service Members

It seems that for as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with politics. As a child growing up on Pawley’s Island South Carolina, I was one of those rare children that would enjoy watching the news as well as Sunday morning talk shows. Even to this day when I want to relax, I will sit down in front of the television and watch a good talk/news program. If I have to take a long road trip I will listen to talk radio over a music station any day. However, doing this drives my daughter Marissa crazy as she is a huge Hannah Montana and Keyshia Cole fan.

I do not know were this fascination with news, information and politics came from but for what ever reason; it is at the core of who I am. Maybe it came from a recorded sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I heard as a child. As I recall the name of Dr. King’s sermon was “The Drum Major Instinct”. That sermon affects me to this day. If you ever get a chance to read it in it’s entirety you should but it would be even better if you heard the words as spoken by Dr. King. The following is just a small part of that sermon.

“…And so Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be
important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be
great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your
servant. That's a new definition of greatness. And this morning, the
thing that I like about it: by giving that definition of greatness, it means
that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have
a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your
verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve.
You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have
to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You
only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you
can be that servant…”

http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/publications/sermons/680204.000_Drum_Major_Instinct.html

While a student in college at The University of South Carolina, I ran for several political offices. These offices ranged from being appointed as Chief Student Advocate to running for student Senator, as well as my short but valiant attempt at becoming student body President. I actually did pretty well considering I was considered the new kid on the block and was out spent by my opponents. You would be surprised at what some of those kids spent to run for office. You would have thought we were trying to run for President of the United States.

I remember campaigning like I was running for President of the United States. In fact, I coined the phrase “State of the University Address”. When asked about some of the changes I would bring into office if elected, I responded that I would give weekly State of the University Addresses to keep the students informed about the goings-on on campus.

However, when it comes to political activities while in uniform, service members must think twice. I have been involved with many election campaigns over the years from local, state and federal elections but while wearing the uniform there are certain types of activities that I, nor any other service member, can undertake.

In short while in uniform, a service member can not carry on certain types of political activities. Types of activates forbidden while in uniform include but are certainly not limited to attending rallies, using government vehicles or conducting political activities while working, using their military influence to interfere with the election process as well as speaking before a partisan political gathering, including any gathering that promotes a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

I should also point out that as an officer serving in the military, it is a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or UCMJ to speak out against the President. I remember a case of a military General that made some disparaging remarks about then President Clinton. After those remarks came to light the general was forced to resign.

However, you are allowed to speak as a private citizen and of course while not in uniform about a particular candidate you would like to support. You can give money to the candidate just as any private citizen can do. According to the Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, you may also “attend partisan and nonpartisan political fundraising activities, meetings, rallies, debates, conventions, or activities as a spectator when not in uniform and when no inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement can reasonably be drawn.” Remember, you must not be in uniform! For more information relating to the Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 which relates to political activities by members of the armed forces visit:http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134410p.pdf

Shipping Items home from the war front...

From souvenirs to additional equipment, it is surprising just how much “stuff” service members acquire during their deployment. Most service members, after spending a year in a deployed environment, will accumulate a tremendous amount of property. I was surprised at how much “stuff” I had acquired after only being in Kuwait for 1 year. It should then come as no surprise that after spending two years in the desert, I pretty much amassed a small museum of artifacts and items that I had picked up along my travels throughout the Middle East.

The question that comes up often among service members deals with shipping personnel property back home. The answer is not as simple as one might think. Making a hasty decision could cost you hundred dollars in unnecessary packaging and shipping expenses at the post office. All too often service members will pay hundreds of dollars to ship their items home. However, there is an avenue of shipping your personnel property home that cost nothing.

The Central Receiving and Shipping Point or “CRSP Yard” as it has come to be known in some circles is a great opportunity for service members to ship large amounts of personnel property home at no cost. Well actually the items are not sent to your home but to a military center closet to your home. From there, you must retrieve the items.

You may ask yourself why do this when all you may want to do is put everything in your unit designated “conex”? That may be an option; however, most unit conexs have to be packed for shipment as much as 45 days prior to the unit departing from theater. Most importantly not all deployed service members will return to the home station of the unit they deployed with.

As an example, when I was deployed in 2006, I was considered an Individual Agmentee (IA). My Reserve Unit was a unit in Michigan but my deploying unit, with whom I had no previously relationship with, was in South Carolina. Sending my personnel items in the Unit conex of the South Carolina unit would make no sense as I live in Michigan and that is were I would return. Also, the unit I deployed with left a year prior to my redeployment in 2008.

Shipping my property through the Central Shipping and Receiving Point or “CRSP Yard” was the perfect choice for me. However, it is important to point out that you will still have the restriction on items sent in the mail in much the same way as you would at the post office. For example you will not be able to mail back hazardous material, weapons, or classified material in most cases.

Arrangements may have to be made for customs agents to inspect your shipment prior to mailing. However, if you are willing to undergo a few minor inconvenaces, the “CRSP Yard” may be the way to go when shipping personnel property home.

Service Member's Group Life Insurance

Life Insurance is a very important and valuable benefit for service members. At the time I wrote my book, The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed., service members who died while on active duty received up to $400,000 and under certain situations could receive even more money. Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance or SGLI is life insurance policy the covers service members who die or are killed. The money is paid directly to the named beneficiary or beneficiaries upon the death of the service member. This money could also be used to fund a Trust. The trustee would then carry out the wishes of the deceased service member. Additionally, there are other monies paid to the family upon the death of a service member in combat. I discuss those benefits in greater detail in my book.

It is very important that as a service member you review your SGLI policy to include beneficiary information for changes or necessary modifications. A thorough review of your insurance policy is a must and should be done yearly regardless of your deployment status. You need to review your beneficiary information just in case something unfortunate happens to you the service member. You want to make certain that the person receiving the death benefit actually is the intended recipient or beneficiary. You certainly want to ensure your intended beneficiary is provided for if you are killed while serving your country.

I know of several cases where because the service member did not update their SGLI policy, an ex-spouse or someone other then the intended beneficiary received the insurance money. In situations like that, there is little the intended beneficiary can do, especially without court intervention. Even then, the intended beneficiary has very little to adequately show they were the intended beneficiary. Think of it this way, if it were that easy to contest the named beneficiary, courts would be tied up more then they are already with cases of folks trying to overturn what the court assumes is the “will” of the deceased. If you find yourself in a situation like that, contact an attorney immediately to discuss all of your possible options.

Voting While Deployed in a Combat Zone

It occurred to me during the presidential campaign of 2008 that I am witnessing history in the making. For the first time in American presidential politics all the major candidates are Senators. For the first time in the history of American politics a woman, an African American and a former prisoner of war (POW) all have a real and viable chance of being elected President of the most power country in the world, The United States of America.

Yes-siry this is a very exciting time for me indeed! After all, I have always been a political conesore. In December of 2007, I completed an extensive certification training program and was certified by the Department of Defense Federal Voting Assistance Program as a Voting Assistance Officer (VAO). As the VAO, I am responsible for providing accurate, non-partisan voting information and assistance to service members and others attempting to exercise their Constitutional right to vote.

Voting is more then just a constitutional right but it is also a privilege that should not be taken for granted. Many have fought and died to give individuals around the world the opportunity to take part in democracy. Voting is the great equalizer. Your vote matters and your vote counts! It matters not how much money you have, your position in society or your birth lineage, all votes count the same.

For example, the President’s vote carries the same weight as the homeless town bum living on the street. Bill Gates’ vote carries the same weight as the single mother on welfare with 5 children to feed. That is the beauty of our electoral system in America. While you are deployed, you should not give up your right, your duty to vote. You should and must vote!

You may be asking yourself how I can vote when I am deployed and serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait or anywhere outside of the United States for that matter? The answer is simple. Obtain an absentee ballot. With an absentee ballot you will be able to write in your candidate of choice and have your vote counted as though you never left the comforts of home. It is important to contact your individual state for greater details on the voting process as every state has their own election roles. A good starting point to get information may be found at http://www.fvap.gov/index.html

The Mobilization Station (Where the train up begins)

Once the service member completes their initial in processing with the unit that they will be deploying with, it will be time for their onward travel to their Mobilization Station. After completing my initial in processing and deployment ceremony at Fort Jackson located in Columbia, South Carolina, I departed South Carolina and was flown to Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin to start my training with my unit. I was assigned to the 3rd Personnel Command (Forward) for deployment to the Iraq war theater.

Being sent to a mobilization station is not generic to the Army alone. All service members in some form or another will be sent to a mobilization station for processing prior to being sent into the war zone. You may be wondering what a mobilization station is. Service members who are deployed are sent to what is referred to as a mobilization station. The Department of Defense (DOD) defines a Mobilization Station as "the designated military installation to which a Reserve Component unit or individual is moved for further processing, organizing, equipping, training, and employment and from which the unit or individual may move to an aerial port of embarkation or seaport of embarkation."

Despite all the very good training I received during the two months that I was at my mobilization station, I found that I had a great deal of "down time". I have spoken to hundreds of deployed service members and the consensus is that the time spent at the mobilization station can and should be shortened. Many service members have told me that they are bored and restless. While I strongly believe in being prepared to go to war, there comes a point of diminishing returns and you just end up wasting time and resources that could better be used for something else.

If you are a Commander and want to use the time spent at your mobilization station wisely, I would suggest to the extent possible, you identify to a degree of certainty what specific jobs your service members will do once they arrive in theater and train them as they would fight. The "kitchen sink" approach to training is not only a waste of time but a poor use of valuable resources during the time of war. It was during my mobilization station time that I learned what my first assignment for the first half of what would turn into a 2 year combat deployment would be. I was appointed as the Deputy Chief for Theater Rest and Recuperation or R&R. With this knowledge, I was able to communicate with the outgoing Deputy and learned a great deal of what I would be doing prior to even arriving in Kuwait.

One the biggest pieces of advice I would like to share with a deploying service member is to use the time you spend at the Mobilization Station to get your "head in the game"! You will be gone from home for a year or more and now is the time to get ready for what in all likelihood will be the first long absence away from your family that you will have experienced in your life and certainly in the life of young children if you have any.

It was also during the time I was at my mobilization station that I made certain covenants with myself. The first half of 2006 was a very stressful time in my life both personally and professionally. In addition to those conditions, my health was getting worse. At the time I reported to my unit for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I weighed 316lbs and had a waist size of 54 inches. I made a commitment that during the time I was at my mobilization station I would get into shape as well as develop a healthy life style. I also endeavored to get spiritually stronger. One way I would accomplish this was by reading the book by Rick Warren entitled "Purpose Driven Life". By the way "Purpose Driven Life" has been one of the best books I have read to date. The book has helped me in all areas of my life.

In my book The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed. I outline the steps I took to lose 100lbs of fat in a healthy way. I also discuss in great detail other positive life changing activities that everyone should follow while they are deployed.

Securing a Power of Attorney for Deployment Purposes

When considering securing a power of attorney, know that there are two types. A Special power of attorney and a General power of attorney. A general power of attorney gives another person broad and far reaching authority to handle your affairs. A special power of attorney only provides for specifically limited handling of your affairs such as selling your vehicle or preparing your taxes. Regardless of the type of power of attorney you give, there should be a specific termination date. As an attorney, I recommend powers of attorney terminate after one year has passed.

Case Scenario 1:
“Service Member” was ordered to active duty to be deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Service Member” has been married for 18 years to a wonderful person, “Spouse”.

“Service Member” loved “Spouse” very much and wanted to ensure “Spouse”was able to take care of things in “Service Member’s” absence. Prior to “Service Member” departing for duty "Spouse" was given a Power of Attorney.

Do to the stress and temptations of “Service Member's” absence, “Spouse” files for divorce. However, due to the “Service Member” not fully understanding the difference between a general power of attorney and a special power of attorney, “Service Member” gave "Spouse" a general power of attorney.

What do you think happened?


Case Scenario 2:
“Service Member” was order to active duty to be deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. “Service Member” has been married for 5 years to a wonderful person, “Spouse”.

“Service Member” loved “Spouse” very much and wanted to ensure “Spouse” was able to take care of things in “Service Member’s” absence. Prior to “Service Member” departing for duty "Spouse" was given a Power of Attorney.

Do to the stress and temptations of “Service Member's” absence, “Spouse” files for divorce. However, prior to deploying to Afghanistan, “Service Member” reads the book The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; what every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed. Copyright 2008 “Service Member” gave "Spouse" a special power of attorney.

What do you think happened?

To find the answers to these “Case Scenarios” and other fascinating questions, read the book, The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed. Copyright 2009

Establishing a Family Care Plan Prior to Deployment

So what happens when you receive your "orders" to go? Generally speaking your Unit, if you are deploying as a unit, will receive unit orders informing the Command that their unit will be deploying. If on the other hand you are an individual deployer as I was, you could receive your initial order via a phone call followed by orders requesting that you report for active duty. The amount of notice given to a service member ranges anywhere from several months in advance to only several days prior to the date ordered to active duty. I received my orders only three weeks before my scheduled day to report for duty.

There have been millions of Americans deployed to war zones around the world since this great country was founded over 230 years ago, however, recently it appears that many soldiers are deploying in greater frequency then ever before. In addition, some of those deployed are on their 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th deployment. In many cases, the deployment is involuntary and not knowing all of the information that will make the deployment less stressful creates a tremendous burden not only for the deploying service member but the family of that service member as well.

Deployment is much like a roller coaster ride at an amusement park. You first have the uncertainty of the entire event much like what you feel as you enter the gate to a roller coaster that you have never ridden before. You are unsure if you will make it. You may even attempt to get out of it at the very last minute. The roller coaster makes its climb and just as you begin the process of family planning and the actual deployment, you become anxious and nervous. After you’ve made it to the top of the roller coaster, you brace yourself for your quick decent, and at this point you realize there is no turning back. This is a similar feeling to what you may experience upon reaching your mobilization site but you brace yourself anyway and prepare for the many highs and lows this ride will offer.

One of the first things a service member should do prior to deployment is review and/or implement a current family care plan. Your family care plan should be reviewed certainly, if you are being deployed, but also at least once a year regardless of deployment status. It is said that “the strength of the Family is the strength of the Soldier is the strength of the Military is the strength of the Nation!” So it logically follows that caring and providing for the families of service member alleviates many of the stresses related to deployment and combat. This in turn leads to the strong national defense of the United States of America.

The very first responsibility of a service member scheduled for deployment is to inform the family and start making a plan. While I would not say it is easier deploying without having a family, it certainly is challenging if you are a deployed service member with a family. Regardless, if you have children or not, you should have some form of a Family Care Plan in place.

In my book, I go into great detail explaining what a Family Care Plan is and how to set up a good Family Care Plan.

What happens when you receive Deployment Orders sending your to war

The sequence of events on September 11, 2001 changed America forever. On this day, The United States of America lost its innocence. The land of the free was no longer as free as it once was. Open and free travel no longer seemed as open and free following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Subsequently, America soon found itself at war with Iraq and Afghanistan. The number of service members needed to adequately fight this war was tremendous. The number of service members on active duty was not enough to engage in effective combat. As such, the burden to pick up the slack fell upon the Reserve and National Guard forces of our military. Not in recent memory has there been a greater number of service members deployed conus or oconus. From a military development standpoint, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan provoked the number of deployments to grow substantially. Since September 11, 2001, over 1.7 million service members have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Operation Enduring Freedom’s military focus is on securing the nation of Afghanistan, while as its name suggest, Operation Iraqi Freedom is concerned with securing the nation of Iraq. In addition to the service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, thousands of service members were deployed to Kuwait and Qatar in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Moreover, tens of thousands service members were deployed in support of contingency operations around the world.

So what happens when you receive your "orders" to go? Generally speaking your Unit, if you are deploying as a unit, will receive unit orders informing the Command that their unit will be deploying. If on the other hand you are an individual deployer as I was, you could receive your initial order via a phone call followed by orders requesting that you report for active duty. The amount of notice given to a service member ranges anywhere from several months in advance to only several days prior to the date ordered to active duty. I received my orders only three weeks before my scheduled day to report for duty.

There have been millions of Americans deployed to war zones around the world since this great country was founded over 230 years ago, however, recently it appears that many soldiers are deploying in greater frequency then ever before. In addition, some of those deployed are on their 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th deployment. In many cases, the deployment is involuntary and not knowing all of the information that will make the deployment less stressful creates a tremendous burden not only for the deploying service member but the family of that service member as well.

Deployment is much like a roller coaster ride at an amusement park. You first have the uncertainty of the entire event much like what you feel as you enter the gate to a roller coaster that you have never ridden before. You are unsure if you will make it. You may even attempt to get out of it at the very last minute. The roller coaster makes its climb and just as you begin the process of family planning and the actual deployment, you become anxious and nervous. After you’ve made it to the top of the roller coaster, you brace yourself for your quick decent, and at this point you realize there is no turning back. This is a similar feeling to what you may experience upon reaching your mobilization site but you brace yourself anyway and prepare for the many highs and lows this ride will offer.

Over the next several post, I will attempt to share some insights for service members and their families as to of what to expect during the time of deployment and the best way to minimize many difficulties sure to occur...

What to do if you become a Prisoner of War!

I have never been officially declared a Prisoner of War or POW but I have been detained against my will. Being a prisoner of war must certainly be one of the most terrifying conditions a service member must face. Most POWs are mistreated and certainly (in most cases) not treated as well as POW's held by the United States. As a POW, expect to be held in conditions that are trying both mentally and physically. You may be confined and restrained to a very small area and have your movements strictly controlled. You should also understand that even as a POW, you have a Code of Conduct that must be followed.

The Code of Conduct is the legal guide for the behavior of military members who are captured by hostile forces. The code itself is broken down into six Articles that address various situations that may arise.

The military Code of Conduct is as follows:

Article I I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

Article III If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Article V When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

As a POW, you may become sad, depressed and even suffer from anxiety attacks, you must always keep your wits about you! You are confined and possibly even separated from your other prisoners, you may never know what the future holds. Always know there are people and forces out there that are trying to reach you and set you free.

If you find yourself a Prisoner of War the following are some things that have helped me through my ordeal as a detainee.

1. Start a routine or an activity to keep your mind off your current condition and circumstance.

2. Exercise. Even in a confined environment, you can do activities to stay in shape.

3. To the extent possible eat as best as you can, there are actually certain foods that have stress lower properties. According do some nutrition experts, foods that help fight anxiety are:

a. Berries, any berries

b. Guacamole

c. Mixed nuts

d. Oranges

e. Asparagus

f. Chai tea

Understand as a POW you will only be able to eat what is offered, but at least now you have and idea of some good food choices.

4. Get as much fresh air as possible. Every opportunity you have should be a chance to take in some fresh air. When I was a detainee, I suffered an anxiety attack like non other I had surfered before. What helped me was taking in as much fresh air as possible.

5. If there are other POW's at your facility it may be helpful to build relationships . The company of others is a good thing during stressful times. When I was a detainee, I along with another detainee, shared a small space his name was Anthony Wright and he was from Chicago. While we had extremely different backgrounds, we both did a lot to keep each other's spirits up. We would tell each other jokes and share the limited supplies our detainers provided us. Anthony Wright helped me survive my ordeal as a detainee and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Lastly, you should never give up hope! You should pray to whatever power gives you strength as well as spiritual renewal. The power of prayer is real and should not be taken lightly or for granted!

Remember your training. Remember you are not alone. Remember they may have your body but never your mind! Remember that your family, friends and country love you and will never forget you. Keep the faith. Pray and most of all, always remember that God will be with you...always!

President Obama signs new GI Bill for 'all who serve'

President Obama saluted the extension of GI Bill education benefits to post-9/11 veterans today, saying they sacrificed abroad while others back home sought to make money or play politics.

"While so many were reaching for the quick buck, they were heading out on patrol," Obama said. "While our discourse often produced more heat than light, especially here in Washington, they have put their very lives on the line for America. They have borne the responsibility of war."

During a ceremony at George Mason University, Obama said helping veterans with college tuition and housing is more than a "moral obligation."

"We do it because these men and women must now be prepared to lead our nation in the peaceful pursuit of economic leadership in the 21st century," said Obama, who was joined at the ceremony by Vice President Biden.

The legislation is expected to cost up to $70 billion over the next decade.

President Bush actually signed the new GI Bill last year, but it did not take effect until last Friday. It basically gives college financial assistance to veterans of the war on terrorism, post 9/11, including those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and their families. The bill also covers reservists and National Guard members.

"Over the last eight years, they have endured tour after tour of duty in dangerous and distant places," Obama said. "They've experienced grueling combat, from the streets of Fallujah to the harsh terrain of Helmand province. They've adapted to complex insurgencies, protected local populations and trained foreign security forces."

Obama said, "You pick the school, we'll help pick up the bill."

Presidents are always looking to link themselves to historic pieces of legislation, and few fit that definition better than the GI Bill.


First signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, the GI Bill helped provide college educations for up to 8 million veterans from World War II, creating a social and cultural revolution in the Baby Boom years that followed.

GI Bill recipients would come to include three U.S. presidents, three Supreme Court justices, 14 Nobel Prize winners and two dozen Pulitzer Prize winners, Obama said. "But more importantly, it produced hundreds of thousands of scientists and engineers, doctors and nurses, the backbone of the largest middle class in history."

He added that the GI Bill "paid for itself many times over through the increased revenue that came from a generation of men and women who received the skills and education that they needed to create their own wealth."

In 1984, Congress extended GI Bill benefits to Americans who volunteered for military service in peacetime.

Taken from USAToday.

Mental Health Support for Returning War Veterans.

Give an Hour™ is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), founded in September 2005 by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area. The organization’s mission is to develop national networks of volunteers capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions that arise within our society.

Currently, GAH is dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of the troops and families affected by the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The provide counseling to individuals, couples and families, and children and adolescents. The offer treatment for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, sexual health and intimacy concerns, and loss and grieving.

GAH has been featured and Dr. Van Dahlen has been interviewed in countless articles, television segments, and radio casts in the last few months, as the mental health needs of the troops have become strikingly apparent.

For more information or to obtain a brochure, press kit, or a video about GAH, you may visit them via this LINK http://www.giveanhour.org

Tom Watson and Tom Mengesha

TURNBERRY, Scotland — On an ancient stage hard by the craggy Ayrshire coast, Stewart Cink— always quick with an autograph or an interview — became a villain.
With Tom Watson making an implausible march against Father Time and soaking in the appreciation of adoring galleries as he tried to author perhaps the greatest story in golf, Cink ruined the fairy-tale ending with a stirring finish of his own.

In the fading light by the Firth of Clyde, Cink first canned a 15-foot birdie on the 72nd hole that forced a playoff when Watson missed an 8-foot par putt on the same hole, then crushed his deflated foe as Watson "hit one bad shot after another" in a four-hole playoff. Instead of Watson winning his sixth British Open, Cink rode away with the 17-inch silver beauty known as the Claret Jug.

"The dream almost came true," Watson said.

Finishing regulation play tied with Watson at 2-under-par 278 on a course affectionately known as "Old Lady," Cink grabbed his first major championship with a six-shot win in the playoff, highlighted by birdies on the final two holes.

Watson, less than a year removed from having his left hip replaced, two months shy of turning 60 and three years from qualifying for Social Security, played like the Watson of old. Although he signed on to work as an ABC-TV commentator for the tournament, Watson began thinking during his practice rounds that he could contend — despite the 500-1 odds against him in the betting shops at the start of the week and a world ranking of 1,374. The winner of five Opens — including one here on the Ailsa Course in his epic "Duel in the Sun" against Jack Nicklaus in 1977 when he shot 65-65 to his rival's 65-66 on the weekend — knew he had a chance.

Proving to be a prophet, he flashed his trademark grin, braved the harsh elements and used his experience in links golf to subdue his younger rivals for 71 holes with superior ball-striking and clutch putting. But on the verge of becoming the oldest player, by 11 years, to win a major championship, Watson hit an 8-iron on the 72nd hole that trickled over the green, and he failed to get up-and-down.

Then his swing broke down.

But the biggest story for most of the week was Watson, who tugged at hearts in the gallery and the locker room. He also produced tears that reached all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to Florida, where Nicklaus, 69, said on his website he shed a tear or two as Watson assumed possession of the 54-hole lead.

"I take from this week just a lot of warmth, a lot of spirituality in the sense that, you know, there was something out there. I still believe that," said Watson, who will play in his last Open next year at St. Andrews — unless he wins it. "It helped me along. It's Turnberry. Great memories here. This would have been a great memory.

"It was fun to be in the mix of it again and having the kids who are my kids' age just look up at you and say, 'All right, nice going. You can still play.' When all is said and done, one of the things I hope that will come out of my life is that my peers will say, 'You know, that Watson, he was a hell of a golfer.' "

"Whether Tom was 59 or 29, he was one of the field," Cink said. "I'm just filled with pride and honor. This article was taken from USAToday.

Possible ban on tobacco use by troops

WASHINGTON — Pentagon health experts are urging Defense Secretary Robert Gates to ban the use of tobacco by troops and end its sale on military property, a change that could dramatically alter a culture intertwined with smoking.

Jack Smith, head of the Pentagon's office of clinical and program policy, says he will recommend that Gates adopt proposals by a federal study that cites rising tobacco use and higher costs for the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs as reasons for the ban.

The study by the Institute of Medicine, requested by the VA and Pentagon, calls for a phased-in ban over a period of years, perhaps up to 20. "We'll certainly be taking that recommendation forward," Smith says.

A tobacco ban would confront a military culture, the report says, in which "the image of the battle-weary soldier in fatigues and helmet, fighting for his country, has frequently included his lit cigarette."

Also, the report said, troops worn out by repeated deployments often rely on cigarettes as a "stress reliever." The study found that tobacco use in the military increased after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began.

Pentagon spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said the department supports a smoke-free military "and believes it is achievable." She declined to elaborate on any possible ban.
One in three servicemembers use tobacco, the report says, compared with one in five adult Americans. The heaviest smokers are soldiers and Marines, who have done most of the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, the study says. About 37% of soldiers use tobacco and 36% of Marines. Combat veterans are 50% more likely to use tobacco than troops who haven't seen combat.

Tobacco use costs the Pentagon $846 million a year in medical care and lost productivity, says the report, which used older data. The Department of Veterans Affairs spends up to $6 billion in treatments for tobacco-related illnesses, says the study, which was released late last month.
Along with a phased-in ban, the report recommends requiring new officers and enlisted personnel to be tobacco-free, eliminating tobacco use on military installations, ships and aircraft, expanding treatment programs and eliminating the sale of tobacco on military property. "Any tobacco use while in uniform should be prohibited," the study says.

The military complicates attempts to curb tobacco use by subsidizing tobacco products for troops who buy them at base exchanges and commissaries, says Kenneth Kizer, a committee member and architect of California's anti-tobacco program.

Seventy percent of profits from tobacco sales — $88 million in 2005 — pays for recreation and family support programs, the study stays.

Strong leadership could make the military tobacco-free in five to 10 years, Kizer says. President Obama, he says, could set an example for the military by ending his own smoking habit once and for all. Last month, Obama said he is "95% cured" but "there are times when I mess up" and smoke.

Happy 4th of July!

To all service members deployed around the world, Happy 4th of July!

God bless!

Tom "The Adjutant" Mengesha

OIF/OEF 2006-2008

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program

After returning from a combat deployment, many service members find it difficult to find employment or may not fully understand their re-employment rights. For Disabled Veterans there is a program to help them get back to work. This program is known as Chapter 31 or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. The following was taken directly from the Veterans Administration own website.

What is the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program?

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. The mission of VR&E is to help veterans with service-connected disabilitiesto prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VR&E offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.

Services that may be provided by VR&E include:

• comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, interests, and needs
• vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning
• employment services such as job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance
• assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives
• if needed, training such as On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences
• if needed, post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school
• supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and referral
• independent living services

APPLY NOW ON-LINE for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefit Programs.

Click on "VONAPP" Button.

Who is Eligible for VR&E Services?

To receive an evaluation for VR&E services, a veteran must:

• have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable
• have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%
• submit a completed application for VR&E services

The basic period of eligibility in which VR&E services may be used is 12 years from the latter of the following:

• date of separation from active military service, or
• date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating.

The basic period of eligibility may be extended if a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)determines that a veteran has a Serious Employment Handicap

What Happens after Eligibility is Established?

The veteran is scheduled to meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) for a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether the veteran is entitled to services. The comprehensive evaluation includes:

• an assessment of the veteran's interests, aptitudes, and abilities
• An assessment of whether service connected disabilities impair the veteran's ability to find and/or hold a job using the occupational skills he or she has already developed
• vocational exploration and goal development

What is Entitlement Determination?

A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) determines whether a veteran has an employment handicap based on the results of the comprehensive evaluation. Entitlement to services is established if the veteran is within his or her 12 year basic period of eligibility and has a 20 % or greater service-connected disability rating and an employment handicap.

If the service-connected disability rating is less than 20% or if the veteran is beyond the 12 year basic period of eligibility, then a serious employment handicap must be found to establish entitlement to VR&E services.

What Happens after the Entitlement Determination is Made?

The veteran and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VR&E) work together to:

• select a VR&E program track leading to an employment or independent living goal
• identify viable employment or independent living services options
• Determine transferable skills
• explore labor market and wage information
• identify physical demands and other job characteristics
• narrow vocational options to identify a suitable employment goal
• investigate training requirements
• identify resources needed to achieve rehabilitation
• develop an individualized rehabilitation plan to achieve the identified employment or independent living goal

What is a Rehabilitation Plan?

A rehabilitation plan is an individualized, written outline of the services, resources and criteria that will be used to achieve successful rehabilitation. It is an agreement that is signed by the veteran and the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)and is reviewed annually to determine whether any changes may be needed.

Depending on their circumstances, veterans will work with their VRC to select one of the following Five Tracks of services (see definitions for more detail):

• Reemployment (with a former employer
• Rapid employment services for new employment
• Self-employment
• Employment through long term services
• Independent living services

What Happens after the Rehabilitation Plan is Developed?

After a plan is developed and signed, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) or case manager will continue to work with the veteran to implement the plan to achieve suitable employment or independent living. The VRC or case manager may coordinate services such as tutorial assistance, training in job-seeking skills, medical and dental referrals, adjustment counseling, payment of training allowance, if applicable, and other services as required to achieve rehabilitation.

Summary of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (Chapter 31) Process

A veteran who is eligible for an evaluation under Chapter 31 must complete an application and meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). If the VRC determines that an employment handicap exists as a result of a service-connected disability, the veteran is found entitled to services. The VRC and the veteran will then continue counseling to select a track of services and jointly develop a plan to address the rehabilitation and employment needs of the veteran.

The rehabilitation plan will specify an employment or independent living goal, identify intermediate goals, outline services and resources needed to achieve these goals. The VRC and the veteran will work together to implement the plan and achieve successful rehabilitation.

If a veteran is found not to be entitled to services, the VRC will help the veteran locate other resources to address any rehabilitation and employment needs identified during the evaluation. Referral to other resources may include state vocational rehabilitation programs, Department of Labor employment programs for disabled veterans, state, federal or local agencies providing services for employment or small business development, internet-based resources for rehabilitation and employment, and information about applying for financial aid.

National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008

National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008 is an Act that amended the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act to exempt for a limited period, from the application of the means-test presumption of abuse under chapter 7, qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 90 days.

It exempts military reservists called to active duty and certain others from application of the means test in chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The Act covers over 450,000 Guard members and reservists who have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan over the past six years. Between September 11, 2001 and November 30, 2007 some 450,000 Guard members and reservists have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Up to one-quarter of deployed Guard members may face financial problems when they return because of a fall in income levels while they are overseas. They can now skip the means test enacted under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act which made filing for bankruptcy a little tougher. It makes the path to debt relief a little easier for the deployed Guard members.

If you or someone you knows would like more information on Bankruptcy and other debt relief visit The Mengesha Firm, P.C.

Benefits Available To Service Connected Disabled Veterans

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

AVAILABLE FOR SERVICE CONNECTED DISABLED VETERANS

0% TO 100%

0% SC and Higher

Home loan Guaranty Certificate of Eligibility

Service Disabled Veterans Life Insurance. Must file within 2 years from initial notice of Service connected disability. ($10,000 of insurance only)

Outpatient treatment for: (1) service connected conditions, and (2) for all medical conditions if enrolled in VA healthcare program. Co-payment for treatment may apply for non-service connected conditions.

Travel allowance for scheduled appointment for care of service connected conditions at VA Medical Centers, and out-patient clinics. (Eligibility based on the distance traveled of 25 miles or more or a veteran's income.)

Medical treatment for any condition: Enrollment in a VA health care program is encouraged but not required for treatment of a service connected condition. (A co-payment will apply for treatment of non-service connected conditions, and prescription drugs)

Prosthetic Devices: for service connected conditions, to include but not limited too wheelchairs, canes, crutches, hospital beds, Nebulizer, oxygen tanks, and electric scooters, the issue of any prosthetic devices requires a VA Doctors prescription.

Medical Treatment in non-VA facilities for service connected conditions with an authorized fee-basis card issued by the VA Medical Center. (Certain restrictions apply.)

Ten Point Civil Service Preference (10 points added to Civil Service test score only after veterans achieves at least 70 on a test.)

Annual Clothing Allowance of $586.00 for veterans with a service connected condition that requires the use of a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance (artificial limbs, braces, wheelchairs) or use prescribed medications for a skin condition which tend to wear, tear, or soil clothing. The items used must be prescribed and dispensed at a VA Medical Center.

Temporary ratings of 100%, based on the hospitalization for a service connected disability requiring at least one month of convalescence or immobilization by cast.

Dental treatment for: (1) service connected dental condition, or (2) follow-up dental treatment which has begun while hospitalized at a VA Medical Center, or any former Prisoner of War with 90 consecutive days or more of confinement. Some restrictions may apply.

Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Program: Administered by the Prosthetics Depart at VA Medical Facilities. For medically required improvements and/or structural changes to the veteran's residence. This Grant requires a VA Doctor's prescription. Service connected veterans can receive up too a $4,100 grant. Non-Service connected veterans may receive a grant up to $1,200. The grant is to be used for allowing entrance or exit improvements for residence, essential lavatory and sanitary facilities, kitchen and bathroom accessibility to sinks and counters. This grant is not for complete remodeling of a veterans bath or kitchen.

10% SC and Higher, all of the above plus:

Vocational Rehabilitation which includes full medical and dental care, a substance allowance in addition to disability payments, payment for all required school related supplies and direct payment of tuition.

Funding Fee waived for Home loan Guaranty loans.

30% SC and Higher, all of the above plus:

Addition compensation for dependents (Spouse, children, adopted children, and dependent parents)

Non-Competitive Civil Service appointment: Job appointment without the requirement of an interview.

Affirmative action in employment: A disabled veteran cannot be passed over to hire a non-disabled veteran or non-veteran unless at least three interviews have been conducted by the employer.

Additional allowance for a spouse who is a patient in a nursing home: (Helpless or blind, or so nearly helpless as to require the aid and attendance of another person.)

40% SC and Higher, all of the above plus:

Automobile Grant: (A one time payment up to $9000.00) Veteran must have a service connected loss of one hand, or one foot, or permanent loss of use of one hand or one foot, or a permanent impairment of vision of both eyes. A veteran must be rated for loss of use before this is granted.

Payment of special adaptive automobile equipment: In addition to the automobile grant. Veteran must be entitled to the automobile grant as outlined above, or have a service connected ankylosis (immobility) of one knee or one hip. (This requires a VA Doctor's prescription for the adaptive equipment and can include; an automatic transmission, air conditioner, hand controls, power brakes, hand brakes, cruise control, ramps or wheelchair lifts, and any other adaptive equipment the doctor may deem necessary.)

50% SC or Higher, all of the above plus:

Medical treatment for any condition at VA Medical Centers: Enrollment in a VA health care program is encouraged but not required for treatment of a service connected condition. No co- payments for treatment of non-service connected care or non-service connected prescription drugs.

Medical treatment in non-VA facilities: for any medical condition with a fee basis card issued to the veteran by an authorized VA Medical Center.

60-90% SC or Higher, all of the above plus:

Individual Unemployability (increased compensation) payable at the 100% rate based on the inability to work due to service connected disability.

100% or Individual Unemployability, all of the above plus:

Dental treatment

Educational Assistance for Dependents: (under chapter 35)

Civilian health and medical program for dependents/survivors (CHAMPVA)

Specially Adapted Homes: Grants Up to 50% of the cost of the home but not more than $46,000, for building, buying or remodeling adaptive homes or paying indebtedness on an existing home. Veteran must be entitled to compensation for permanent and total service connected disability due to: (1) the loss or loss of use of both lower extremities or (2) disability which includes blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity, or (3) loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with residuals of organic disease or injury, or (4) loss or loss of use one upper extremity which so effects the balance as to preclude locomotion without using braces, canes, crutches, or a wheelchair. Veteran must be rated and approved for this grant.

Specially Adapted homes: Grants up to $8,250.00, for the cost to adapt a veteran's home or to acquire a residence that is already adapted with special features for the veteran's disability. Veteran must be entitled to compensation for permanent and total service connected disability due to: (1) blindness in both eyes with a 5/200 visual acuity or less, OR (2) anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands. Veteran must be rated and approved for this grant.

Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance: Decreasing term mortgage insurance up to $90,000 for veterans who have received a Specially Adaptive Housing grant and have an existing mortgage.

Waiver of cost of Service Disabled life Insurance: and addition $10,000 of life insurance at cost to veteran. Veteran must have applied for insurance within two years of initial disability rating or within two years of a new disability rating. An increase in a disability rating does not qualify as a new disability.

Commissary and Exchange privileges for veteran and dependants: The veteran must request a letter from the VA specifying veteran is in receipt of 100% disability, and then applies for a military ID card at the nearest ID card issuing facility.

Emergency treatment in non-VA facilities: if VA facilities are not available.

Annual Eye exams and prescribed eyewear

Compensation higher than the 100% rate:

Special Compensation: Veteran must be rated for Special Compensation due to the loss of limbs, eyesight, aid and attendance, housebound, or two separate medical conditions that are rated 60% each or 100% each.

If retired Military: and rated 70-100% within four years of a 20 or more year retirement retiree receives, 70-80% $100.00, 90%-$200, 100%-$300. This compensation is paid from the retiree's military service branch.

This list was compiled from VA Documents, and does not list all benefits a veteran may be eligible for. For further information and/or application procedures concerning these and other benefits consult with the Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000

The Department of Veterans Affairs is now accepting and processing applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009. This program will pay eligible individuals:

• tuition & fees directly to the school not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning. see chart listing 2008 - 2009 maximum rates
• a monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school. To determine the BAH for your school's ZIP code click here (link goes to a non-VA website)
• an annual books & supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment
• a one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals see comparison chart for more information.

This benefit is payable only for training at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL)(See comparison chart for more information). If you are enrolled exclusively in online training you will not receive the housing allowance. If you are on active duty you will not receive the housing allowance or books & supplies stipend. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.

You should complete and submit the application form available online and will receive a letter explaining VA’s decision regarding your eligibility for the program.

Reduction of Retirement Age for Gray Area Retirees

Section 647 Under Title 10, reduces the age for receipt of retired pay by three months for each aggregate of 90 days of “specified duty’ performed in any fiscal year after the date the bill became law (28 January 2008).  “Specified duty” includes active duty (excluding active duty for training) or “active service” under Title 10 USC Sections 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12302, 12304, 12305, and 12306 and Title 32 USC, Section 502(f), if responding to a national emergency declared by the President or supported by federal funds.  Retired pay eligibility age cannot be reduced below age 50, however, eligibility for retiree health care benefits remains at age 60.

Overseas Voting

It occurred to me during the presidential campaign of 2008 that I was witnessing history in the making. For the first time in American presidential politics all the major candidates are Senators. For the first time in the history of American politics a woman, an African American and a former prisoner of war (POW) all had a real and viable chance of being elected President of the most power country in the world, The United States of America.  In the end, it was President Obama that became our 44st President of The United States!

Yes-siry this was a very exciting time for me indeed! After all, I have always been a political conesore. In December of 2007, I completed an extensive certification training program and was certified by the Department of Defense Federal Voting Assistance Program as a Voting Assistance Officer (VAO). As the VAO, I am responsible for providing accurate, non-partisan voting information and assistance to service members and others attempting to exercise their Constitutional right to vote.

Voting is more then just a constitutional right but it is also a privilege that should not be taken for granted. Many have fought and died to give individuals around the world the opportunity to take part in democracy. Voting is the great equalizer. Your vote matters and your vote counts! It matters not how much money you have, your position in society or your birth lineage, all votes count the same. 

For example, the President’s vote carries the same weight as the homeless town bum living on the street. Bill Gates’ vote carries the same weight as the single mother on welfare with 5 children to feed. That is the beauty of our electoral system in America. While you are deployed, you should not give up your right, your duty to vote. You should and must vote!

You may be asking yourself how I can vote when I am deployed and serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait or anywhere outside of the United States for that matter? The answer is simple. Obtain an absentee ballot. With an absentee ballot you will be able to write in your candidate of choice and have your vote counted as though you never left the comforts of home. It is important to contact your individual state for greater details on the voting process as every state has their own election roles. A good starting point to get information may be found at http://www.fvap.gov/index.html

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day to all my fellow Veterans.  May God bless you all!

Tom "The Adjutant" Mengesha

R&R Leave and R&R Pass

Service members are not authorized to take R&R Leave within the first 60 days of "boots on ground", unless an exception is granted.  However, an individual can use R&R Pass at any time.  

The R&R Pass is a program that allows for service members to take a 4-day pass to Qatar to decompress from the stress of war.  Another important difference o note is that R&R pass leaves are not chargeable against accrued annual leave.  In other words, the time you are aware on pass will not count against you for leave days.  Something to consider if oi want to use your R&R leave days as terminal leave.

A service members is allowed to take a 4-day pass for every 6 months of "boots on ground".  However unlike R&R Leave, the service member does not have to wait 60 days to take their 4 day pass.  They can in fact take their pass after spending 1 day in country, though I cannot imagine why you would need to use the pass so early on.  It is important to know, however, that this is an option.

For more information on terminal leave, R&R Pass and R&R Leave please refer to my book, The Service Member's Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed.

U.S. Soldier kills five in Iraq

BAGHDAD — A U.S. soldier opened fire at a counseling center on a U.S. base Monday, killing five fellow soldiers before being taken into custody.

The shooting occurred at Camp Liberty, a sprawling U.S. base on the western edge of Baghdad near the city's international airport and adjacent to another facility where PresidentObama visited last month.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Monday that the shooting was a "terrible tragedy" and Obama plans to meet with Defense Secretary Gates later Monday to discuss the matter. Gibbs said the president's heart goes out to the victims' families.

At the Pentagon, Gates called the incident shocking and said that "we're still in the process of gathering information on exactly what happened."

The shooting happened at a stress clinic where troops can go for help with the stress of combat or personal issues.

It was unclear whether those killed were workers at the clinic or were there for counseling. No details were released about the gunman or what might have provoked the shooting.

"Anytime we lose one of our own, it affects us all," U.S. military spokesman Col. John Robinson said in Baghdad. "Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all the servicemembers involved in this terrible tragedy."

The death toll from the Monday shooting was the highest for U.S. personnel in a single attack since April 10, when a suicide truck driver killed five American soldiers with a blast near police headquarters in Mosul.

Attacks on officers and sergeants, known as fraggings, were not uncommon during the Vietnam War as morale in the ranks sank. But such attacks are believed to be rare in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lengthening and repeated deployments were a cause for growing concern when the Army last gauged mental health stress levels in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2007.

That year, teams of Army psychological specialists fanned out across battle zones to produce the fifth consecutive mental health assessment of troops in Iraq since the war began and the second consecutive study of troops in Afghanistan.

A key finding of the study released last year was that "reports of work-related problems due to stress, mental health problems and marital separations generally increased with each subsequent month of the deployment."

The researchers also found that soldiers on their third or fourth deployments were at "significantly higher risk" for mental health problems than soldiers in their first or second deployments.

The researchers surveyed nearly 3,000 soldiers in Iraq and 699 in Afghanistan. They also conducted focus groups.

Soldiers in those groups said it was difficult to gauge morale because it varied day to day, week to week and month to month. They said low points were when casualties were suffered or when they had just returned from a two-week leave.

When asked about families, soldiers invariably characterized their stress levels as suffering. They used comments such as "they are stressed, upset,"; "frustrated"; or "excited for me to come home." Many soldiers complained about the relatively short time they have spent with their families during years of war.

Lack of sleep was a continuing issue for soldiers; most got an average of 5.6 hours per night, the study found.

"Reports of sleep deprivation are a significant risk factor for reporting mental health problems and work-related problems," the study found.

The Army is planning a sixth mental health review of troops in the field this year.

From USAToday

Best Banks for Deployed Service Members

One of the most important decision a service member can make prior to deployment is the selection of a financial institution. Selecting a good financial institution is very important as there are many things to consider relating to financial transaction during your deployment. Some things to consider include, ease of use, the ability to make wire transfer and accessing your bank account online just to name a few things.

It is important that you shop around for a financial institution that knows how the military functions and if possible provides benefits for servicemembers at reduced cost. There are quite a few such financial institutions out there. In my book I give examples of what to look for in selecting a financial institution to handle not only your financial matters and transactions but other money matters as well. These may include personal and property insurance as well as investing and setting up a brokerage account.

You will be certain to find ways to save money after reading the section of my book titled Selecting a Financial Institution. I will also give you my top pick!

Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33 Benefits)

The Post 911 GI Bill is the most comprehensive eduction benefit package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944.  Individuals who are eligible for the new benefit may begin using the benefit August 1, 2009 for training that begins on or after that date.  

BASIC ELIGIBILITY

Only active duty service performed after September 10, 2001, may be considered for determining eligibility for this new benefit.  To be eligible, a service member or veteran must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty.  However, individuals honorably discharged for a service-connected disability who served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, may also establish eligibility

BASIC BENEFITS

The maximum basic benefit provides the following:

*Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher learning in the state you are attending school;

*Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school; and

*Yearly book and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year.

The maximum basic benefit is earned after serving an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service or after 30 days of continuous service for those individuals who were discharged for a service-connected disability.  Individuals serving between 90 days and 36 months of aggregate active duty service will be eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit.

The percentage level ranges from 40% of the basic benefit for those whose service is between 90 days and 6 months to 90% for those who served between 30 a 36 months.  For example, an individual with 5 months of qualifying service could receive 40% f the tuition benefit, 40% of the monthly housing allowance, ad a maximum of $400.00 books ad supplies stipend.

For more information visit www.gibill.va.gov

What to expect at your mobilization station

Once the service member completes their initial in processing with the unit that they will be deploying with, it will be time for their onward travel to their Mobilization Station. After completing my initial in processing and deployment ceremony at Fort Jackson located in Columbia, South Carolina, I departed South Carolina and was flown to Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin to start my training with my unit. I was assigned to the 3rd Personnel Command (Forward) for deployment to the Iraq war theater.

Being sent to a mobilization station is not generic to the Army alone. All service members in some form or another will be sent to a mobilization station for processing prior to being sent into the war zone. You may be wondering what a mobilization station is. Service members who are deployed are sent to what is referred to as a mobilization station. The Department of Defense (DOD) defines a Mobilization Station as "the designated military installation to which a Reserve Component unit or individual is moved for further processing, organizing, equipping, training, and employment and from which the unit or individual may move to an aerial port of embarkation or seaport of embarkation."

Despite all the very good training I received during the two months that I was at my mobilization station, I found that I had a great deal of "down time". I have spoken to hundreds of deployed service members and the consensus is that the time spent at the mobilization station can and should be shortened. Many service members have told me that they are bored and restless. While I strongly believe in being prepared to go to war, there comes a point of diminishing returns and you just end up wasting time and resources that could better be used for something else.

If you are a Commander and want to use the time spent at your mobilization station wisely, I would suggest to the extent possible, you identify to a degree of certainty what specific jobs your service members will do once they arrive in theater and train them as they would fight. The "kitchen sink" approach to training is not only a waste of time but a poor use of valuable resources during the time of war. It was during my mobilization station time that I learned what my first assignment for the first half of what would turn into a 2 year combat deployment would be. I was appointed as the Deputy Chief for Theater Rest and Recuperation or R&R. With this knowledge, I was able to communicate with the outgoing Deputy and learned a great deal of what I would be doing prior to even arriving in Kuwait.

One the biggest pieces of advice I would like to share with a deploying service member is to use the time you spend at the Mobilization Station to get your "head in the game"! You will be gone from home for a year or more and now is the time to get ready for what in all likelihood will be the first long absence away from your family that you will have experienced in your life and certainly in the life of young children if you have any.

It was also during the time I was at my mobilization station that I made certain covenants with myself. The first half of 2006 was a very stressful time in my life both personally and professionally. In addition to those conditions, my health was getting worse. At the time I reported to my unit for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I weighed 316lbs and had a waist size of 54 inches. I made a commitment that during the time I was at my mobilization station I would get into shape as well as develop a healthy life style. I also endeavored to get spiritually stronger. One way I would accomplish this was by reading the book by Rick Warren entitled "Purpose Driven Life". By the way "Purpose Driven Life" has been one of the best books I have read to date. The book has helped me in all areas of my life.

In my book The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed. I outline the steps I took to lose 100lbs of fat in a healthy way. I also discuss in great detail other positive life changing activities that everyone should follow while they are deployed.