http://www.airforcetimes.com en-us Copyright 2013, airforcetimes.com SaxoTech Online Mon, 16 Sep 2013 00:00:00 -0400 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 08:23:13 -0400 15 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130916/BENEFITS06/309160006 Next year, veterans could have broader access to mental health treatment and specialty care provided by private physicians under a new multibillion-dollar program. Mon, 16 Sep 2013 08:17:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130916/BENEFITS06/309160006 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130915/BENEFITS/309150013 The days of being able to wait until you were close to retirement to transfer your GI Bill benefits are over, and Air Force officials want you to plan ahead so you and your family don't lose out. Sun, 15 Sep 2013 10:32:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130915/BENEFITS/309150013 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130914/NEWS05/309140006 A key Republican subcommittee chairman is ready to accept pay and benefits cuts for future service members, but he won't support base closing or significant force structure cuts. Sun, 15 Sep 2013 16:49:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130914/NEWS05/309140006 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130914/BENEFITS07/309140008 Airmen at six bases from Alaska to Florida will get new community centers or new or renovated homes - and in some cases all of the above - as part of a growing Defense Department effort to shift the costs of base housing to private companies. Sun, 15 Sep 2013 09:48:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130914/BENEFITS07/309140008 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130913/BENEFITS06/309130033 More than three out of four injured post-9/11 veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder and roughly the same number suffer from major anxiety, according to a survey released Sept. 10 by Wounded Warrior Project. Fri, 13 Sep 2013 17:23:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130913/BENEFITS06/309130033 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130912/BENEFITS05/309120021 President Obama wants to consider sweeping changes to the military's retirement and compensation system, but he also said that all current troops should be grandfathered under the current retirement plan if they choose. Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:01:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130912/BENEFITS05/309120021 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130912/NEWS05/309120026 Budget cuts are taking a toll on deployed forces, with both service members and civilians 'very worried about what's going on in Washington,' says a senior member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Thu, 12 Sep 2013 16:51:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130912/NEWS05/309120026 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130912/BENEFITS04/309120010 The nation's largest veterans' group is challenging the Veterans Affairs Department's record of accuracy in deciding benefits claims. Thu, 12 Sep 2013 11:12:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130912/BENEFITS04/309120010 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130910/NEWS/309100024 Have you not had a good workout since your base lost funding for its aerobics instructor? Soon, some airmen will no longer have that excuse for not exercising. Wed, 11 Sep 2013 08:58:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130910/NEWS/309100024 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130909/CAREERS/309090028 The Air Force approved 358 early retirements - 311 enlisted service members and 47 officers - under the latest round of Temporary Early Retirement Authority, the Air Force Personnel Center said. Mon, 09 Sep 2013 20:34:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130909/CAREERS/309090028 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130909/BENEFITS06/309090040 A criminal probe is underway into the Veterans Affairs Department's handling of an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. Mon, 09 Sep 2013 16:10:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130909/BENEFITS06/309090040 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130906/BENEFITS/309060019 The first week of issuing ID cards to same-sex military spouses and enrolling them for medical benefits generally has gone 'rather smoothly,' but some problems cropped up on applications for housing allowances, said Ashley Broadway, director of family aff Fri, 06 Sep 2013 14:44:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130906/BENEFITS/309060019 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130905/BENEFITS06/309050014 Injured troops, veterans and their families in the mid-Atlantic region now have a new place they can escape to for rest and relaxation. Thu, 05 Sep 2013 14:58:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130905/BENEFITS06/309050014 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130904/BENEFITS/309040018 The Veterans Affairs Department will begin recognizing same-sex spouses, giving gay veterans access to benefits that were previously limited to heterosexual couples, the Obama administration announced Wednesday. Thu, 05 Sep 2013 12:56:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130904/BENEFITS/309040018 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130904/BENEFITS04/309040026 John Thomas Doody was in a coma and on a ventilator, but his mom refused to follow a doctor's advice and put the Iraq war veteran in a nursing home. Wed, 04 Sep 2013 19:16:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130904/BENEFITS04/309040026 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130904/BENEFITS06/309040023 The Veterans Affairs Department has chosen two health care companies with histories managing Tricare contracts to administer the department's community care program. Wed, 04 Sep 2013 17:47:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130904/BENEFITS06/309040023 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130904/BENEFITS07/309040017 Halloween is still more than a month away, but it's time to start thinking about getting cards, letters and packages to your overseas service member in time for Christmas or Hanukkah. Wed, 04 Sep 2013 16:20:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130904/BENEFITS07/309040017 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130903/BENEFITS07/309030015 Texas not allowing same-sex spouses to enroll for benefits at state Guard facilities Thu, 05 Sep 2013 14:16:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130903/BENEFITS07/309030015 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130903/BENEFITS06/309030004 These days, former Army Spc. Stephen Anthony sleeps on his sister's couch, struggling with the depression, nightmares and anger symptomatic of post-traumatic stress disorder. Wed, 04 Sep 2013 21:24:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130903/BENEFITS06/309030004 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130903/BENEFITS02/309030021 Airmen with same-sex active-duty spouses are now eligible to have their husbands or wives moved with them under join-spouse assignment consideration, the Air Force Personnel Center said Aug. 30. Wed, 04 Sep 2013 17:12:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130903/BENEFITS02/309030021 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130902/BENEFITS04/309020022 The population of female veterans in the U.S. is small, but the challenges the women face to stave off homelessness are significant. Mon, 02 Sep 2013 19:20:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130902/BENEFITS04/309020022 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130830/BENEFITS02/308300036 In the midst of discussion about launching a U.S. military strike on Syria, President Obama moved Friday to reduce the size of January's military raise. Tue, 03 Sep 2013 10:37:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130830/BENEFITS02/308300036 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130830/BENEFITS06/308300037 Headaches continue for physicians and military health care beneficiaries in the Tricare West Region as contract manager UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans struggles to meet the demands of its Defense Department commitments. Fri, 30 Aug 2013 18:03:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130830/BENEFITS06/308300037 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130830/NEWS/308300024 The financial experts accredited by the Veterans Affairs Department to help low-income veterans apply for pensions may not be qualified or have the veteran's best interests at heart, says a group of powerful senators pushing for immediate changes. Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:13:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130830/NEWS/308300024 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130830/BENEFITS02/308300018 Army wife Ashley Broadway has paid about $2,000 out of pocket for unexpected medical bills since June, on top of the $350 a month she has been paying for medical insurance. Fri, 30 Aug 2013 11:28:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130830/BENEFITS02/308300018 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130830/BENEFITS04/308300001 A judge in Los Angeles ruled Thursday that a lesbian Army veteran and her spouse should be entitled to disability benefits given the recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act. Fri, 30 Aug 2013 06:09:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130830/BENEFITS04/308300001 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130829/BENEFITS07/308290055 The Supreme Court's June decision striking down the federal ban on same-sex marriage was met with rainbow flag-filled celebrations from the gay community nationwide. Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:54:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130829/BENEFITS07/308290055 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130829/BENEFITS02/308290018 Congress returns to work Sept. 9 to face a bruising budget battle with strong odds of having another round of sequestration and an additional threat of delaying November checks to service members, veterans and retirees. Thu, 29 Aug 2013 18:53:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130829/BENEFITS02/308290018 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130829/BENEFITS04/308290052 The House Veterans' Affairs Committee chairman is giving the IRS until Tuesday night to explain why veterans' organizations are being required to prove their members are really veterans. Thu, 29 Aug 2013 16:58:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130829/BENEFITS04/308290052 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130829/BENEFITS06/308290051 Difficulty getting medical appointments tops the list of military families' complaints during the current budget crunch, according to family advocates. Thu, 29 Aug 2013 16:48:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130829/BENEFITS06/308290051 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130829/BENEFITS04/308290042 The Government Accountability Office has criticized the Veterans Affairs Department for giving bonuses to physicians when its medical centers and clinics haven't clearly defined what the extra pay is meant for. Thu, 29 Aug 2013 15:11:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130829/BENEFITS04/308290042 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130828/NEWS04/308280019 The Air Force has re-pressurized the U-2 spy plane's cabin after a study revealed U-2 pilots had brain lesions at a higher than average rate, officials said. Wed, 28 Aug 2013 17:36:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130828/NEWS04/308280019 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130828/NEWS05/308280033 Nearly 3,400 military medical workers quit this year in the months when furloughs were threatened or being carried out because of spending cuts known as sequestration. The vast majority of those losses were with Army medical facilities. Wed, 28 Aug 2013 13:27:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130828/NEWS05/308280033 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130827/NEWS05/308270056 A Kansas senator wants the IRS to explain why veterans groups are being asked to prove their members actually served in the military. Tue, 27 Aug 2013 19:35:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130827/NEWS05/308270056 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130827/BENEFITS07/308270035 Commissary officials have made some changes in their tests of the new curbside grocery pickup program. Tue, 27 Aug 2013 14:58:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130827/BENEFITS07/308270035 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130827/BENEFITS06/308270026 More than 12,000 Medicare-eligible retirees have been notified that if they receive care at a VA health facility for illnesses other than service-related conditions, they'll pay more starting Oct. 1. Tue, 27 Aug 2013 12:26:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130827/BENEFITS06/308270026 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130826/BENEFITS02/308260003 The possibility of reducing Basic Allowance for Housing rates clearly would have an immediate effect on troops' wallets by forcing them to pay more out of pocket for housing. Tue, 27 Aug 2013 08:37:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130826/BENEFITS02/308260003 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130822/NEWS/308220030 The senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee is challenging the Defense Department's plan to provide extra uncharged marriage leave for same-sex couples, saying it isn't fair to traditional couples and may be illegal. Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:54:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130822/NEWS/308220030 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130821/BENEFITS06/308210011 The Air Force is keeping the tape test but giving some airmen who fail the abdominal circumference portion of the PT test a second chance, Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh said today in a message to airmen. Thu, 22 Aug 2013 11:51:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130821/BENEFITS06/308210011 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130821/BENEFITS06/308210029 After six years of marriage, Army Staff Sgt. Ed Matayka and his wife, Sgt. Karen Matayka, were ready to start a family as soon as they returned from Afghanistan. Wed, 21 Aug 2013 15:37:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130821/BENEFITS06/308210029 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130820/BENEFITS06/308200009 Former Special Forces Staff Sgt. Matt Figi is stepping front and center into the debate to legalize medical marijuana after appearing in a CNN documentary that focused on the plight of his little girl. Wed, 21 Aug 2013 07:41:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130820/BENEFITS06/308200009 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130819/NEWS/308190009 For 15 years, Navy Capt. Judith Epstein has toiled at the Naval Medical Research Center to develop a malaria vaccine. Tue, 20 Aug 2013 09:15:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130819/NEWS/308190009 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130816/BENEFITS06/308160023 An influential independent panel is recommending that heavy smokers over age 55 - a group that includes many military retirees and veterans - should be screened annually for lung cancer. Fri, 16 Aug 2013 16:46:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130816/BENEFITS06/308160023 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130815/BENEFITS/308150026 An 18-year Navy veteran from Norwich is joining forces with U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal to try to persuade the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to abide by a recent U.S. Thu, 15 Aug 2013 18:34:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130815/BENEFITS/308150026 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130814/BENEFITS/308140021 Gay service members who want to tie the knot may be eligible for up to 10 days of 'marriage leave' so they can travel to a state that legally recognizes same-sex marriage, under a new Pentagon policy unveiled Wednesday. Thu, 15 Aug 2013 09:26:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130814/BENEFITS/308140021 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130814/NEWS05/308140032 The success of an Alaska program that gives veterans the option of being treated at Indian Health Service clinics could be a model for other states, said Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska. Wed, 14 Aug 2013 15:48:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130814/NEWS05/308140032 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130814/OFFDUTY/308140030 A. Your brother can get all the information he needs by visiting the ID Card/Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System office on any military installation or by calling the main DEERS support office toll free at 800-538-9552. Wed, 14 Aug 2013 15:39:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130814/OFFDUTY/308140030 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130813/BENEFITS06/308130024 The Tricare Mail Order Pharmacy program costs the government and beneficiaries less money than retail stores and is a safe, effective way to deliver medicine, a Defense Department audit has concluded. Tue, 13 Aug 2013 16:15:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130813/BENEFITS06/308130024 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130813/BENEFITS02/308130020 On the heels of an announcement by Pentagon officials that they will consider making service members pay a portion of their off-base housing costs out of pocket, a majority of troops say they're already footing part of their rent bill - and for many, a la Tue, 13 Aug 2013 12:47:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130813/BENEFITS02/308130020 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130812/BENEFITS/308120034 The cost-of-living adjustment in government benefits for next year is likely to be 1.5 percent, according to an August 8 estimate from the Congressional Budget Office. Mon, 12 Aug 2013 16:39:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130812/BENEFITS/308120034 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130812/NEWS05/308120007 As more and deeper budget cuts loom, the fate of the military's quality-of-life programs will be left to the individual services, defense officials say. Mon, 12 Aug 2013 09:51:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130812/NEWS05/308120007 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130810/BENEFITS04/308100015 President Barack Obama assured disabled veterans Saturday that his administration is making progress on reducing a backlog of disability claims and said the number of requests for assistance has fallen by nearly one-fifth since peaking at more than 600,000 just a few months ago. Sat, 10 Aug 2013 16:19:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130810/BENEFITS04/308100015 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/NEWS05/308090035 Troops' pay will continue to be exempted from the budget cuts known as sequestration during fiscal 2014. Sun, 11 Aug 2013 09:25:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/NEWS05/308090035 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/BENEFITS06/308090020 The Veterans Affairs Department has launched a new website explaining the likely impact of the Affordable Care Act on former troops and their families. Fri, 09 Aug 2013 16:17:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/BENEFITS06/308090020 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/OFFDUTY/308090023 In a world where big-screen features come and go faster than on-screen car chases, military moviegoers are often left out in the cold when it comes ot the latest blockbuster hits. Fri, 09 Aug 2013 12:23:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/OFFDUTY/308090023 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/BENEFITS04/308090014 Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy wants Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shineski to rescind more than $100,000 in bonuses given to VA leaders in the wake of a Legionnaire's disease outbreak at Pittsburgh's Veterans Affairs hospitals. Fri, 09 Aug 2013 09:14:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/BENEFITS04/308090014 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130808/BENEFITS07/308080041 Defense officials will take a 'candid look' at whether commissaries should operate without taxpayer subsidies, said Jessica Wright, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Fri, 09 Aug 2013 09:38:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130808/BENEFITS07/308080041 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130807/NEWS/308070040 Minimal costs, 21 percent increase in usage at test bases Fri, 09 Aug 2013 13:05:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130807/NEWS/308070040 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130807/BENEFITS07/308070014 Commissaries will be back to their normal operating hours the week of Aug. 19, officials said. Thu, 08 Aug 2013 18:19:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130807/BENEFITS07/308070014 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130807/BENEFITS/308070049 Same-sex spouses of military members could get health care, housing and other benefits by the end of August under a proposal being considered by the Pentagon. But earlier plans to provide benefits to gay partners who are not married may be reversed. Thu, 08 Aug 2013 17:48:00 -0400 http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130807/BENEFITS/308070049