Thomas Mengesha live on TV 33 Detroit

CPT Tom Mengesha will appear live on WHPR TV33 in Deteoit today at 2:30pm EST. Catch him live on the net at www.tv33whpr.com. Spread the word!

Benefits for Gray Area and Recipients of Retired Pay

Today is a very important and proud day in my life. Today I retire from The United States Army Reserve after having served more then 25 years. As such, I want to share with you all some important information about retirees from the Army Reserve. The following information was taken from HRC website.

As an active RC, IRR, or Retired Reserve service member who has received a 20-year letter but has not received any retirement pay, you may be eligible to receive "gray area" benefits. The following table shows these benefits compared to the full retiree's.

Benefits

Gray Area
(Active RC, IRR, or Retired Reserve)

Retiree
(Age 60+; receiving retired pay)

ID Cards

Obtain a DD Form 2(RES RET) and DD Form 1173-1 at any Reserve Component ID card-issuing facility with a copy of your 20-year letter and transfer or separation orders.

Obtain a DD Form 2(Ret)(Blue) and DD Form 1173 (Uniformed Services identification and privilege card) for your family members at any ID card-issuing facility with a copy of your retirement orders.

Member - DD Form 2 (RES RET)

Spouse/Dependents - DD Form 1173-1

Member - DD Form 2 (RET)

Spouse/Dependents - DD Form 1173

Military Installations, Facilities and Activities

Local post policies and in-country directives govern the use of facilities.


Exchanges
Commissary
Shoppettes
Service Stations
Gasoline coupons are not available in OCONUS for retirees.
Physical Fitness Center
Lodging

Military lodging is available on a limited basis. Space A is "first come-first served" based on daily availability.
Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRC) lodging is available to all ID card holders. Toll-Free number: 1-800-GO-ARMY-1 or 1-800-462-7691
Guest House is normally available on a limited basis.
Other Facilities

Theater
Recreation Center
Officer/NCO/Enl Clubs
Laundry/dry cleaning
Bowling Alleys
Beverage Stores
Libraries
Four Seasons
MWR facilities
Flower Shops
Optical Shop
Beauty/barber shop
Check cashing/currency exchange


Medical Facilities

Member - No; except on ADT or AD (Eligible if returned to an active duty status)

Spouse/Dependents - No

Member - Yes

Spouse/Dependents - Yes

Champus Tricare

Member - No

Spouse/Dependents - No

Member - Yes (Until age 65)

Spouse/Dependents - Yes (until 65) . After 65, Tricare for Life is second payor to Medicare.

TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) Yes (Gray Area Retirees) Yes
Lodging /AFRC (4)

Military lodging is available on a limited basis. Space A is "first come-first served" based on daily availability.
Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRC) lodging is available to all ID card holders. Toll-Free number: 1-800-GO-ARMY-1 or 1-800-462-7691
Guest House is normally available on a limited basis.

Space-A Travel

Member - Yes; limited to CONUS

Spouse/Dependents - No

Member - Yes

Spouse/Dependents - Yes (OCONUS)

SATO/Carlson Wagonlit Travel

Legal Assistance

Limited (AR 27-3)

Survivor Assistance

Casualty Assistance

Family Services

VA Benefits
Yes, if Vet

Servicemens Group Life Insurance
(There are exceptions based on Reserve status. Please visit the Veterans Administration webpage for details.)

Veterans Group Life Insurance
(There are exceptions based on Reserve status. Please visit the Veterans Administration webpage for details.)

Yes, if eligible and requested

Yes if eligible

State Benefits

See your State Representative

See your State Representative

How to prepare to retire from the military

As I prepare to retire, I have started to reflect upon my over 25 years of military service. Since I will be retiring from The Army Reserve, I will be speaking on "Gray" area retirement benefits. Check back on Friday for my advice and reflection of 25 years of military service.

If you want to see some of my activities I will be involved with after leaving the service check me out at The Mengesha Firm, P.C.

Myths About Your DoD/ VA Benefits

1. After I return from OIF/OEF, I need to have my dental work (as part of my VA benefit) completed before the end of the 180 day period.
False. Fact: The 180 day period refers to enrolling in the VA and making the dental appointment within 180 days of the REFRAD date, but you are NOT required to have all of your dental work completed before 180 days!

2. If I receive disability compensation from the VA, I will be discharged from the National Guard.
False. Fact: You can be a traditional National Guard member and receive VA disability compensation. However, you cannot receive VA compensation for the same time period that you receive military pay. For typical 'traditional' Guard members, this means 63 days of military pay (48 UTAs and 15 AT). Any Active Duty Operational Support Guard program (aka ADSW), RMA, etc. counts as military pay as well. If you are AGR or mobilized, you will be receiving military pay 24/7, and must stop VA compensation immediately, or you will become indebted to the Federal Government.

3. I am receiving 40% disability compensation from the VA and have heard that I will be discharged if I am receiving more than 30%.
False. Fact: Although there is something in the enlistment contract about 30%, that does not apply to you because you are not enlisting! The percentage of disability compensation from the VA does not affect your membership in the National Guard. However, you must pass the physical examination for the NG – “fitness for duty exam or ability to perform your duty” – this is what will determine if you are retainable. And always record accurate information on the Annual Medical Certification. There is a block that asks if you are receiving disability compensation from Social Security, VA, Workers Comp, etc. These are government documents and to give an untrue answer is deemed as committing fraud and then neither DoD (Department of Defense) or VA is going to be chomping at the bit to take care of you.

4. VA does Retirement Physicals.
False. Fact: They do not. Guard members often confuse the Compensation and Pension Exam as being a retirement physical. However, if there is a VA/DoD Sharing Agreement, the VA Medical Centers may be requested by DoD medical facilities to assist with these service retirement physicals, but these instances are rare. Note: Under the Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program, DoD will accept the VA’s physical as their retirement physical. If the Service Member has already done a VA Compensation and Pension exam, they can get a copy of it and use it as their retirement physical.

5. If I am injured in a car accident, my TSGLI benefits will reduce the amount of my SGLI in the event of my death at a later time.
False. Fact: Payment of TSGLI has no impact on the amount of SGLI payable. For example, if a Service Member is insured for $400,000 of SGLI coverage and receives a TSGLI payment of $50,000 for a traumatic injury, that member is still insured for the full $400,000 of SGLI coverage, which will be paid upon the Service Member's death.

6. As a National Guard member, I heard that my SGLI coverage is only good while I'm at drill.
False. Fact: If you are a National Guard member and have been assigned to a unit in which you are scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive duty that is creditable for retirement purposes, full-time SGLI coverage is in effect 365 days of the year. You are also covered for 120 days following separation or release from duty.

7. I cannot go to the VA Hospital for a service-connected problem because I have private health insurance.
False. Fact: You may enroll with the Department of Veteran Affairs for healthcare benefits regardless of your private health insurance plan. You may, depending upon the circumstances, have to make a co-payment for treatment for non-service connected conditions. Your private insurance may be billed for non-service conditions as well.

8. If I am a Service Member returning from theater and do not have a job, I am not eligible for Unemployment Compensation.
False. Fact: Although the Unemployment Compensation benefit varies among states, you may be eligible in your state for unemployment insurance. Usually the states provide these temporary wage replacement benefits to qualified individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own. Check it out! Also check out your state benefits which may include employment benefits and job placement assistance, too.

9. I need to pay enrollment fees to take advantage of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.
False. Fact: There are no enrollment fees to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

10. If I file for my VA compensation then I have automatically enrolled in the VA Healthcare System.
False. Fact: The process to apply for VA compensation is separate from the process to enroll in the healthcare system. To enroll you must complete a 10-10EZ and submit it in person, online or via the mail to your nearest VA hospital. It must be signed before you submit it. It is also wise to have a copy of your DD214 to verify your active duty status and theater of deployment for combat vet eligibility for enhanced healthcare and other benefits.
Additionally, if you submitted your military medical records with your disability claim, it is not available to the hospital. For VA healthcare enrollment, it is also necessary to bring copies of any of your medical records so that they can be scanned into the VA’s VISTA electronic record system.

11. Service Members and their families are not eligible for Pre-activation Benefits (Early Eligibility) TRICARE.
False. Fact: Guard and family members are eligible once the SM receives mobilization alert orders, is within 90 days of deployment and all are currently enrolled in DEERs. Special note: if you think there is a possibility that you may be found not fit for duty, you should keep your civilian heath insurance until you are found fit for duty.
Remember that when you return from this deployment, you are eligible for 6 months of TRICARE TAMP for your and your family healthcare needs (enrollment is not automatic – see your Transition Assistance Advisor or TRICARE representative for details). VA healthcare covers only Veterans for 5 years from the REFRAD date.

12. I am enrolled in the TRICARE healthcare program and am automatically covered for dental care.
False. Fact: Enrollment in TRICARE does not cover your dental care. The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is offered by the Department of Defense (DoD) and you must purchase this benefit from United Concordia, which administers the program. (www.tricaredentalprogram.com)

Contact your Transition Assistance Advisor
(TAA) for more information on your benefits
and entitlements. To find the TAA in your state,
go to www.taapmo.com/TAAProgram.htm.
Your Transition Assistance Advisor is:
John D. Labash Program Manager NGB Transition Assistance Advisors Skyline Ultd Inc SDVOSB 703-373-2320 John.Labash@Skyline-Ultd.com

12 MYTHS ABOUT
YOUR DoD/VA BENEFITS
For Guard and Reserve members
(Revised 11 08 reprinted)

Military Deployment Orders

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...

Retreats for Military Families

Colorado troop-support group, Project Sanctuary, is promising a week-long retreat full of fun and relaxation for 80 deserving military families this year. Project Sanctuary will give military families a five-night, all-expenses-paid, therapeutic retreat in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The retreats will be co-hosted by the YMCA of the Rockies at the Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park, Colo. Eight retreats are planned for this year, and 10 to 12 families will go together on each retreat. Snow Mountain Ranch allows each family to have its own cabin and then join the group at least daily in a lodge that houses the staff and volunteers. The lodge is the central meeting point for the entire retreat. Program officials take retreat applications on a first-come, first-served basis. All servicemembers are considered, but servicemembers who recently have returned from deployment are ideal candidates. Families may apply for a retreat by filling out an application at the Project Sanctuary website.

VA Disability Compensation

What is VA Disability Compensation?
Who Is Eligible?
How Much Does VA Pay?
How Can You Apply?


What Is VA Disability Compensation?
Disability compensation is a benefit paid to a veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. It is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care. The benefits are tax-free.

Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have a service-related disability and you were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

How Much Does VA Pay?
The amount of basic benefit paid ranges, depending on how disabled you are.

Note: You may be paid additional amounts, in certain instances, if:
you have very severe disabilities or loss of limb(s)
you have a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s)
you have a seriously disabled spouse
Please see the Compensation Rate Tables for specific percentages of disability and the rates paid.

How Can You Apply?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension. If you have any of the following material, please attach it to your application:

Discharge or separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
Dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates)
Medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports)
You can also apply online through our web site at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.

Veterans Compensation Benefits Rate Tables - Effective 12/1/08

Basic Rates - 10%-100% Combined Degree Only


Rates (No Dependents): 10% - 20%

Without Children With Children
30% - 60% 30% - 60%
70% - 100% 70% - 100%
10% - 20% (No Dependents)

Percentage Rate
10% $123
20% $243

30% - 60% Without Children

Dependent Status 30% 40% 50% 60%
Veteran Alone $376 $541 $770 $974
Veteran with Spouse Only $421 $601 $845 $1064
Veteran with Spouse & One Parent $457 $649 $905 $1136
Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents $493 $697 $965 $1208
Veteran with One Parent $412 $589 $830 $1046
Veteran with Two Parents $448 $637 $890 $1118

Additional for A/A spouse (see footnote b) $40 $54 $68 $81

70% - 100% Without Children

Dependent Status 70% 80% 90% 100%
Veteran Alone $1,228 $1,427 $1,604 $2,673
Veteran with Spouse Only $1,333 $1,547 $1,739 $2,823
Veteran with Spouse & One Parent $1,417 $1,643 $1,847 $2,943
Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents$1,501 $1,739 $1,955 $3,063
Veteran with One Parent $1,312 $1,523 $1,712 $2,793
Veteran with Two Parents $1,396 $1,619 $1,820 $2,913

Additional for A/A spouse (see footnote b) $95 $108 $122 $136

30% - 60% With Children

Dependent Status 30% 40% 50% 60%
Veteran with Spouse & Child $453 $644 $899 $1129
Veteran with Child Only $406 $581 $820 $1034
Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child$489 $692 $959 $1201
Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child$525 $740 $1019 $1,273
Veteran with One Parent and Child $442 $629 $880 $1106
Veteran with Two Parents and Child $478 $677 $940 $1178

Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 $22 $30 $37 $45

Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 (see footnote a) $72 $96 $120 $144
Additional for A/A spouse (see footnote b) $40 $54 $68 $81

70% - 100% With Children

Dependent Status 70% 80% 90% 100%
Veteran with Spouse & Child $1,409 $1,634 $1,837 $2,932
Veteran with Child Only $1,298 $1,507 $1,694 $2,774
Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child$1,493 $1,730 $1,945 $3,052
Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child $1,577 $1,826 $2,053 $3,172
Veteran with One Parent and Child $1,382 $1,603 $1,802 $2,894
Veteran with Two Parents and Child $1,466 $1,699 $1,910 $3,014

Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 $52 $60 $67 $75
Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 (see footnote a) $168 $192 $216 $240
Additional for A/A spouse (see footnote b) $95 $108 $122 $136

FOOTNOTES:
Rates for each school child are shown separately. They are not included with any other compensation rates. All other entries on this chart reflecting a rate for children show the rate payable for children under 18 or helpless. To find the amount payable to a 70% disabled veteran with a spouse and four children, one of whom is over 18 and attending school, take the 70% rate for a veteran with a spouse and 3 children, $ 1,513, and add the rate for one school child, $168. The total amount payable is $1,681.

Where the veteran has a spouse who is determined to require A/A, add the figure shown as "additional for A/A spouse" to the amount shown for the proper dependency code. For example, veteran has A/A spouse and 2 minor children and is 70% disabled. Add $95, additional for A/A spouse, to the rate for a 70% veteran with dependency code 12, $1,461. The total amount payable is $ 1,556.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event that threatened or caused grave physical harm. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.

People suffering from PTSD have severe ongoing thoughts and memories of the traumatic event and feel emotionally disconnected, particularly with family and friends. They may have difficulty sleeping, feel detached from the world, or startle easily.

PTSD is a condition distinct from traumatic stress, which has less intensity and duration, and combat stress reaction, which is transitory. PTSD has also been recognized in the past as railway spine, shell shock, traumatic war neurosis, or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS).

Specialist
Consult a Primary Care Physician first

Helpful Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-traumatic_stress_disorder
http://nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

Live Interview with Thomas A. Mengesha, author of the Service Member's Guide to Deployment

For those of you around the world that missed it, you may listen to the full interview (1 hour) of CPT Tom "The Adjutant" Mengesha as he shares his experience being deployed to the Iraq theater of operations!  You will also learn about his new book, The Service Member's Guide to Deployment, What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed.  Copyright 2009

This interview was first aired live on February 6, 2009 on The Paul Lawrence Van Show.

On February 6, 2009 @ 7:00 pm U.S. EST tune in for a Live Web Interview with Thomas A. Mengesha, author of The Service Member's Guide to Deployment...

On February 6th, 2009 at 7:00 pm EST, CPT Tom "The Adjutant" Mengesha, an Iraq war veteran, shares his desert experience and new book with you! Tom is the author of the highly acclaimed book: The Service Member's Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed.

This accomplished lawyer and professional soldier shares his savvy business insight so you can learn how to take it to the bank. Tom will give a live, world-wide interview.  This interview will be held on the world-wide-web (Internet).  Anyone and everyone from around the world will be able to tune in. Listeners will also be able to call in and ask questions live on the air.

Log on to BlogTalkRadio or call in with your questions at (646) 595-4797 on February 6, 2009 @ 7:00 pm U.S. EST .

Please help spread the word to everyone!