aking a ifference in ochester, ny october 2015 … · 2015-10-07 · battle of the bulge remembered...
TRANSCRIPT
ROCHESTER ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 1
The information presented in this newsletter is for informational awareness only and does not represent endorsement, sponsorship, recommendation, or promotion of any commercial event(s), commercial names or brands by the editors of this Newsletter, the Department of Defense, US Army, US Navy, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserve, and the federal government. Usage of commercial or trade mark names is for identification purposes only.
OCTOBER 2015
IN THIS ISSUE: Stokoe Farm Trees for Troops ............................... 2
Battle of the Bulge Remembered ......................... 2
Future Strong Stars .............................................. 2
Wayne County Veteran Service. ............................ 2
Veterans Job Expo Advisory .................................. 2
Friday Evening Drop-in Coffee House .................... 3
Operation COM (Children of the Military) .............. 3
Military Retiree Luncheon ..................................... 3
Help Base Greater Rochester ............................... 3
Military Family Information Day ............................ 3
Survivor Informational Meeting ............................ 4
2015 Solo and Small Ensemble Competition....... 4
Deer-Vehicle Collisions ........................................ 5
Breast Cancer Awareness Month .......................... 6
National Cyber Security Awareness Month ........... 6
Domestic Violence Awareness Month ................... 6
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance ................... 7
DEERS General Information ................................. 7
Supplement Your Retirement ............................... 8
Military Sexual Trauma ......................................... 8
10 Great Reasons to Get Outside More Often ....... 9
DFAS—Qualifying for a Disability Retirement ...... 10
Army ROTC Minuteman Scholarships ................. 11
ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER 49 Jetview Drive Rochester, NY 14624
VERA MAE RUDD-YOUNG Contract Customer Support Coordinator (585) 528-2001 [email protected]
ARTHUR TEMPLE Contract Customer Support Coordinator (585) 528-2006 [email protected]
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN ROCHESTER, NY
Quick Start allows a Servicemember to submit a claim for disability compensation 1 to 59 days prior to separation, retirement, or release from active duty or demobilization. Submitting your disability compensation claim before discharge makes it possible to receive VA disability benefits as soon as possible after separation, retirement, or demobilization.
Eligibility
Servicemembers with 1-59 days remaining on active duty or full time Reserve or National Guard (Title 10 or Title 32) service, or Servicemembers who do not meet the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) criteria requiring availability for all examinations prior to discharge, may apply through Quick Start. The program is available nationwide and open to all Servicemembers on full time active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves.
For more Information
If you are on a military installation, contact your local Transition Assistance Office or ACAP Center (Army only) to schedule appointments to attend VA benefits briefings and learn how to initiate your claim.
You can also call the VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000 or visit benefits.va.gov/PREDISCHARGE/claims-pre-discharge-quickstart.asp.
ROCHESTER ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 2
DEERS/ID Card
Monday-Friday | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
By appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, contact Steve Hodge at (585) 528-2004.
Future Strong Stars
Monday, October 5, 2015 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Panera Bread 2373 Ridge Road Rochester, NY 14626
ASCC Rochester is partnered with the Blue Star Mothers and the Rochester Recruiting Company to meet parents of Future Soldiers to educate parents of their child’s entrance into the U.S. Army. All are invited to attend this informal informative meeting.
For more information, contact ASCC Rochester.
Stokoe Farms Trees for Troops
5K Run/2 Mile Walk
Saturday, October 3, 2015 | 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM Stokoe Farms 656 South Road Scottsville, NY 14546
Stokoe Farms is conducting the Annual Trees for Troops 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk Fundraiser. Proceeds go to support the Trees for Troops Program.
Come out and run or walk, your donation will help brighten a Military Families Christmas.
For registration information, visit stokoefarms.com/Events.php.
Battle of the Bulge Remembered
Sunday, October 4, 2015 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Greece Historical Society 595 Long Pond Road Rochester, NY 14612
Join Jack Foy, WWII Veteran for reminiscences of his experiences during WWII bringing history alive.
Jack was a member of the 87th Infantry who came to the aid of the 101st Airborne Division when they were sur-rounded by the Germans in Bastogne.
For more information, contact ASCC Rochester or visit greecehistoricalsociety.net/calendar.
Wayne County Veteran Service
Advisory Committee
Wednesday, October 7, 2015 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Public Safety Building 7376 Route 31 Lyons, NY 14489
The committee meets once a month to update members on events, projects, and new services. Members also discuss issues, host events, and attend to the needs of Veterans, current Military members and their Families.
For more information about the advisory committee, email [email protected] or contact ASCC Rochester.
Veterans Job Expo
Wednesday, October 7, 2015 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Diplomat Banquet Center 1956 Lyell Avenue Rochester, NY 14606
The Veterans Outreach Center is sponsoring a Veterans Job Expo with over 100 participating employers. Bring updated resume and DD Form 214. Free Parking and Admission.
For more information, contact the Veterans Outreach Center at (585) 546-1081.
ASCC OFFICE HOURS Monday—Friday, 8am—5pm Closed October 12
ADDITIONAL HOURS October 17-18, 8am—5pm
ROCHESTER ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 3
Friday Evening Drop-in
Coffee House
Fridays, October 9 and 23, 2015 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Coffee House 1010 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607
The Drop-in is an opportunity for Women Veterans to get together in a safe casual environment to connect, share resources and network.
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and light snacks are available, provided by the Rochester Blue Star Mothers.
This event is sponsored by Rochester Blue Star Mothers and the Veterans Outreach Center Women’s Veteran Initiative.
For more information, contact ASCC Rochester.
Military Retiree Luncheon
Thursday, October 15, 2015 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Valicia’s Ristorante 2155 Long Pond Road Rochester, NY 14606
This USAR Retiree Luncheon gives Retirees a chance to come see old friends, make new friends, exchange information and have an enjoyable lunch. Along with all of that you will be provided with helpful updated literature about Retiree benefits.
For more information, contact ASCC Rochester.
Operation COM
(Children of the Military)
Fridays, October 9 and 23, 2015 | 5:300 PM – 7:30 PM Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY 2180 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14209
The Veterans One-Stop Center is sponsoring Operation COM (Children of the Military) to support our children of the military with their own heroic journey.
The group aims to help establish positive coping skills, encourage positive expression, strengthen self-confidence and resiliency and have fun with other military children. The sessions start with dinner, followed with classes.
Please Pre-Register to assist
in planning activities.
For more information and Pre-Registration, email Jess at [email protected] or call (716) 640-3258.
vaforvets.va.gov
Help Base Greater Rochester
Friday, October 16, 2015 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Army National Guard Armory 42 Patriot Way Rochester, NY 14624
The Help Base Greater Rochester is a coalition of service providers who meet quarterly to improve information and referral around existing services for Military members, Veterans and their Families.
For more information, contact Marianne Sernoffsky, at (585) 295-7801.
Military Family Information Day
Saturday, November 7, 2015 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM I-Square 400 Bakers Park Rochester, NY 14617
Spend a few hours with local military support providers learning about OPSEC, Care Packages, Support Groups, Red Cross, Skype, Custom Forms and more. Free to all Military, Veterans and their Families.
To register, email [email protected] or call (585) 350-7272.
ROCHESTER ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 4
Survivor Informational Meeting
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Survivor Outreach Services 49 Jetview Drive Rochester, NY 14624
Survivors of Military death are invited to attend this open meeting, where you are welcome to share your stories or just sit back and listen.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester will conduct a presentation on identity theft protection. All Military members, Veterans and their Families are welcome to attend this session. A Chaplain will be onsite.
To register, contact Christina Griffith at (585)528-2019, [email protected] or Stephen Premo at (585)528-2015, [email protected].
On 28 August 2015, prior to the start of the Army Education Tour, 1LT Martin Koegst, Company Commander of the 490th Quarter Master Unit conducts Re-Enlistment of SSG Annabel Navarro.
28 August 2015, Rochester Recruiting Company Education Tour at 49 Jetview Drive, Rochester, New York. New York State Army Reserve Ambassador MG Ret Norbert Rappl speaking with ASCC Arthur Temple.
2015 Solo and Small
Ensemble Competition
Friday and Saturday, November 13-14, 2015 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM and 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM US Army Reserve Center 49 Jetview Drive Rochester, NY 14624
The USAR 198th Army Band is hosting the Solo and Small Ensemble Competition for musicians in the Greater Rochester area.
The competition will be adjudicated by the U.S. Army Brass Quintet of the Army Band “Pershing’s Own” from Washington D.C.
The competition has multiple categories with over $1,000 in prizes.
For more information and entry forms, email [email protected] or contact ASCC Rochester.
15 July 2015, began construction of the Future Gold Star Families Memorial in Rochester, NY, with a groundbreaking ceremony on the site at White Haven Memorial Park. The Gold Star
Families Memorial Committee anticipates completion and dedication of the memorial this year. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/goldstarfamROC, or contact ASCC Rochester.
ROCHESTER ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 5
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), aware of the greater potential for accidents involving deer or moose during autumn, wants to educate travelers on how to stay safe on our roads. NYSDOT has worked with the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the state Thruway Authority to ensure that roads have plenty of warning signs posted where moose and deer are known to travel. This is especially important from October through December during the animals' peak breeding times when they are far less cautious. The greatest risk for deer-vehicle collisions emerges during these months; most of them occur in the two hours before sunrise and after sunset each day. With a statewide deer population of approximately 900,000, there are an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 deer-vehicle collisions that occur throughout New York State each year.
To avoid a collision with a deer or moose, drivers should reduce speed and watch for their presence on or near the highway. Here are more specific precautions to help prevent such accidents:
Use caution when driving at dawn or dusk and scan roads and roadsides ahead.
Reduce your speed at night and use high beams when possible.
Be sure all vehicle occupants wear seat belts and children are properly restrained in child safety seats.
Slow down when approaching deer or moose standing near the roadside, as they may suddenly bolt into the road.
Deer and moose often travel in pairs or groups, so if deer or moose are spotted crossing the road, slow down and be alert that others may follow.
Briefly use flashers or a headlight signal to warn approaching drivers when deer or moose are spotted.
Be especially alert and use caution when traveling through frequent deer or moose crossing areas, which are usually marked with “leaping stag” or moose signs.
Do not rely on devices, such as deer whistles, extra lights or reflectors, to deter deer. Research has shown that your best defense is your own responsible behavior.
Motorcyclists should be especially alert for deer as motorcycle-deer collisions have a higher fatality rate.
If a deer does run in front of your vehicle, brake firmly but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a vehicle-vehicle collision or cause the vehicle to strike a pedestrian or potentially deadly fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole.
For more information, visit www.dot.ny.gov/programs/deerandmoose.
ROCHESTER ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 6
Domestic Violence
Awareness Month
DVAM evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children.
Resources
If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Contact the National Domestic Hotline at 1-800-799- SAFE (7233) or on the web at www.thehotline.org for 24-hour confidential support, local referrals, safety planning, housing options, and legal resources.
Contact your local VA hospital and ask to speak with the Women Veterans Program Manager.
Develop a safety plan.
Talk to your primary care provider, who can refer you to a specialist if needed.
To learn about educational programs designed to end violence against women and children, visit Futures Without Violence website at www.futureswithoutviolence.org.
National Cyber Security
Awareness Month
Each and every one of us needs to do our part to make sure that our online lives are kept safe and secure. That's what National Cyber Security Awareness Month—observed in October —is all about!
We Are Always Connected Cybersecurity means staying protected in our interconnected world. From banking and shopping to healthcare, social networking and downloading the latest apps ‒ we live robust, online lives. Wherever we are and
Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.
The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.
If you are a woman age 40 to 49, talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them.
If you are a woman age 50 to 74, be sure to get a mammogram every 2 years. You may also choose to get them more often.
Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member of yours had breast or ovarian cancer. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get mammograms.
For more information, visit healthfinder.gov.
however we access the digital world, every step we take to be safer will make ourselves, our families and our communities more secure. In our digital lives we may face any number of issues, from preventing or responding to cybercrime, cyberbullying and scams to teaching children to use the Internet safely, more securely and responsibly. We never use the Internet in isolation. Today, we are all digital citizens and need a strong knowledge base and skills to safely navigate our always-connected world.
For simple ways we can protect ourselves and those around us along with what we can do if impacted by a breach, cybercrime or other issue, visit www.staysafeonline.org.
ROCHESTER ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 7
The sponsor and family information is divided into five major categories:
Personal (social security number, date of birth, sex, marital status)
Personnel (organization, pay grade, occupation)
Service-Related (Service, unit identification code)
Benefits (eligibility status, including medical, dental and the Montgomery GI Bill education benefits for active duty, Guard/Reserve, Retired and separated Service members)
Geographic (State, ZIP code, address)
You are responsible for keeping your information current on your record. Active-duty and Retired service members are automatically registered in DEERS, but they must take action to register their family members and ensure they are correctly entered into the database. Once registered in DEERS it is important to keep your DEERS records updated when personal eligibility information changes. This includes addresses and family status (marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, etc.). Mistakes in the DEERS database can cause problems with TRICARE claims, so it is critical to maintain your DEERS information. Retail network pharmacies check TRICARE eligibility through DEERS. Prescriptions will be filled only for beneficiaries who are listed as eligible in DEERS.
You can update your address and/or phone number on your DEERS record by signing into milConnect, choosing "My Profile" and clicking "Update and View My Profile". Scroll to the bottom and click "Submit" to add or update any of your contact information.
The uniformed services are responsible for reporting personnel changes and reenlistments to DEERS. However, Service members are responsible for making sure their DEERS records are accurate and up-to-date. Service members should direct any questions regarding their personnel status to their Branch of Service.
For more information, contact the ASCC.
DEERS General Information
DEERS is the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. DEERS is a database that contains information for each Uniformed Service member (Active Duty, Retired, or a member of a Reserve Component), US-sponsored foreign military, DoD and Uniformed Services civilians, other personnel as directed by the DoD (including the patient population serviced through the Military Health Services System), and their eligible family members. DEERS registration is required for TRICARE eligibility and enrollment. Incorrect information in the DEERS database can cause problems with TRICARE claims as well as other health care benefits, so it is critical to maintain your DEERS information.
Service-Disabled Veterans
Insurance
The Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) program was established in 1951 to meet the insurance needs of certain veterans with service connected disabilities. S-DVI is available in a variety of permanent plans as well as term insurance.
Who Can Apply for S-DVI?
You can apply for S-DVI if you meet the following criteria:
You were released from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions on or after April 25, 1951
You were rated for a service-connected disability (even if only 0%)
You are in good health except for any service-connected conditions
You apply within 2 years from the date VA grants your new service-connected disability.
For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/s-dvi.asp.
www.ebenefits.va.gov
ROCHESTER ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 8
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the maximum you can contribute for 2015 for traditional and Roth IRAs is “$5,500 if you’re under age 50.” Learn more about IRAs today and take advantage of this retirement tool.
Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans It’s possible (and likely) that you’ll have a second career after retiring or separating from the military. With time on your side, this provides the perfect opportunity to enroll in an employer-sponsored retirement plan at work if one is offered.
The most common forms of employer-sponsored retirement plans are the 401k, and 403b (public schools and certain tax-exempt organizations) and 457b (government employers). Employees make contributions to these accounts from their wages prior to taxation and pay taxes when the money is withdrawn at retirement.
Some employers may even match your contributions, and employees may elect to make contributions automatically from their wages. Take advantage of this opportunity to set your retirement savings on autopilot, and enroll.
Learn more about saving at work through these retirement tools, now!
“Set a goal. Make a plan. Save automatically.” Save now, and retire comfortably later on.
For more information, visit militarysaves.org.
Supplement Your Retirement by
Setting it On Autopilot
By Alecia D. Blair, Military Saves Communications Associate
Let’s face it. A military pension and social security will likely not be enough to sustain a comfortable standard of living during retirement. So, enhance your retirement savings for tomorrow by enrolling and saving automatically in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan today.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) The Thrift Savings Plan is a government-sponsored retirement savings plan for military service members and federal civilian employees. Established by Congress in 1986 as part of the Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act, the TSP offers many savings and tax benefits worth exploring.
Depending on whether you choose the Traditional TSP or the Roth TSP, contributions are tax deferred or are tax free when withdrawn under specific circumstances, according to Military OneSource.
Moving on after the military? You can take the TSP with you wherever life takes you. Whether you separate early from the military or earn a military retirement after 20 years, the TSP is yours to keep.
If you are separating from the military, research whether rolling over your TSP is right for you.
To learn how to sign up for the TSP, make a contribution election and access your account after signing up, read “Sign Up and Save with the Thrift Savings Plan.”
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) Another tool to help you supplement your military retirement income and social security is the individual retirement account (IRA)—a savings account that you can set up through your financial institution, advisor or life insurance company. Before doing so, consider the different benefits to the traditional versus Roth IRA.
Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
The Department of Veterans Affairs has an MST Coordinator position at Regional Benefit Offices. Each Regional Benefit Office now has designated one male and one female MST Coordinator to assist Veterans filing disability claims related to MST. View a list of these staff members at www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/mstcoordinators.asp.
For more information, visit www.va.gov/womenvet/resources.asp.
www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
ROCHESTER ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 9
Humans are drawn to nature. We feel better when we spend time in forests, gardens, or parks. Edward O. Wilson termed this desire to connect with nature “biophilia.” It implies that an instinctive bond exists between humans and other living systems.
Similar ideas are echoed in the cultural practices of friluftsliv, the Scandinavian philosophy of open air living, and in shinrin-yoku, Japanese forest immersion (or "forest bathing"). And there's science to back up those warm fuzzies. So, if you need more motivation to make time for a jaunt outside (or convince someone to join you), you’ve come to the right place.
1. Nature deficit disorder exists, and most of us have it. Richard Louv coined the term "nature deficit disorder" to describe the social, behavioral, and health consequences of alienation from the natural world. Although scientists are just beginning to understand the health impacts of urban, mostly indoor living, one thing is clear, we need to put down our devices and get outside.
2. It’s good for your heart (literally). Japanese researchers have shown that forest bathing, the practice of sitting in the forest, lowers your blood pressure, pulse, and heart rate variability. It has also been shown to decrease stress hormone levels.
3. You’re less likely to be overweight. In both kids and adults, access and exposure to nature has been shown to lower the risk of obesity. This relationship is most likely due to increased physical activity. Additional studies show that forest bathing decreases blood sugar and cortisol, both of which are also associated with obesity.
4. You’ll be happier and improve your memory. People who live close to nature experience less anxiety and depression. Walking in nature has been shown to improve mood and short-term memory in people with depression, as well as decrease rumination (repetitive, negative thoughts) and brain activity associated with mental illness.
5. You’ll fight off illness more efficiently. Exposure to nature improves immune system function in otherwise healthy people, increasing the production of natural killer cells, an important part of our defense against viruses and cancer.
6. Your brain will work better. In children, time spent in natural settings decreased ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) symptoms. In adults, contact with nature improves focus, concentration, and work productivity.
7. You’ll get more out of your exercise. Being outside is good for your health, even without the benefit exercise. But if you do choose to exercise in nature, studies show that you’ll feel a greater sense of revitalization, energy, enjoyment, and satisfaction.
8. You'll feel less pain. Just looking at nature scenery in a photo or out a window can reduce our experience of pain.
9. You’ll sync up to nature’s rhythms. Being outdoors, and away from artificial lights, helps synchronize your biology to natural circadian rhythms. Scientists investigating chronobiology, the study of biological rhythms, have shown that our connection to natural light/dark cycles helps to regulate our sleep, our moods, our stress levels, and our hormones.
10. You'll practice mindfulness, naturally. Setting aside artificial stimulation and immersing yourself in nature makes you more aware of your surroundings. You hear the rustle of leaves, the creaking of leaves, and the songs of the birds. It's mindfulness meditation at its most simple.
You can get most of these benefits even with sporadic exposure to nature. Even if you can only get out of the city infrequently, it will improve your health in countless ways. What are you waiting for?
Article written by Dr. Cyndi Gilbert. She is a naturopathic doctor and plant whisperer. Her medical practice in Toronto is focused on women’s health and mental health. She is the author of The Essential Guide to Women’s Herbal Medicine and a member of the teaching faculty of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
For more information, visit www.mindbodygreen.com/0-20793/10-great-reasons-to-get-outside-more-often.html.
ROCHESTER ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 10
Defense Finance and Accounting Service Qualifying for a Disability Retirement
Your disability percentage, which will be assigned by the Physical Evaluation Board, will determine whether your disability qualifies you for retirement or separation:
If you have less than 20 years of active service a disability rating of 30 percent or higher will qualify you for retirement, and a disability rating below 30 percent will result in separation.
If you have 20 or more years of active service, retirement will be recommended regardless of your disability rating.
If your disability existed before you entered the armed forces you will be recommended for discharge without benefits.
Your Branch of Service may place you on either the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) or the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL). A member of the TDRL or the PDRL is a retired member of the armed forces. You are entitled to all rights and privileges of a military retiree, which may include: Participation in Survivor Benefit Plans; Voluntary/involuntary allotments from your retired pay; and Disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you meet additional requirements you may also qualify for Combat-Related Special Compensation or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay.
Temporary Disability Retirement List
If you are found unfit to perform your duties because of a disability that may not be permanent, you may be placed on the Temporary Disability List (TDRL).
Your retired pay will be computed using one of two methods: Your disability percentage (using a minimum of 50 percent for payment purposes while on the TDRL), referred to as Method A; or Your years of active service, referred to as Method B.
Your pay will be computed based on whichever is more beneficial for you. While on the TDRL, a physical examination is required at least once every 18 months. If you fail to report for your physical examination, you Branch of Service will remove you from the TDRL list and your retired pay will be suspended until your examination has been completed.
You may remain on the TDRL for up to five years, providing your condition does not change during that time. If at any time you are found fit for duty, you may be removed from the TDRL and returned to active duty.
If your disability stabilizes and is rated at 30 percent or greater, you will be transferred to the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL). If your disability stabilizes and is rated at less than 30 percent and you do not have 20 years of service, you will be discharged from the TDRL with severance pay.
Permanent Disability Retired List
If your disability is found to be permanent and is rated at 30 percent or greater, or you have 20 or more years of service, you will be placed on the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL).
Your retired pay will be computed using one of two methods: Your disability percentage, referred to as Method A; or Your years of active service, referred to as Method B.
Your pay will be computed based on whichever method is more beneficial for you. If you have been transferred from the TDRL to the PDRL, your retired pay will be recalculated using your most current disability rating.
For more information, submit your question online at www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/disability.html or call (800) 321-1080 to speak to a Customer Service Representative.
If you have concerns about your VA disability rating, contact the VA at (800) 827-1000.
ROCHESTER ARMY STRONG COMMUNITY CENTER NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2015 | PAGE 11
The Army Reserve has several four-year “Minuteman” Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships available for eligible freshman college students, starting the fall 2015 semester. To take advantage of this excellent opportunity, you must apply by October 15, 2015.
The Minuteman scholarship covers full tuition and fees at an accredited four-year college/university with an Army ROTC program, or $10,000 per year toward room and board, as well as a monthly stipend from $300-$500. Cadets who are awarded a Minuteman scholarship will be required to participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) which entails serving in an Army Reserve unit while in college. SMP Cadets will receive E-5 pay for their service.
Upon graduation and commissioning, Minuteman scholarship recipients are guaranteed service in the Army Reserve.
These scholarships represent an exceptional opportunity for students to afford college and gain valuable leadership skills while serving their country. The ROTC program teaches leadership lessons that set students up for success in the real world. Service in the Army Reserve allows them to pursue a civilian career as well. Coupled with civilian employment programs available through ROTC and the Army Reserve, the Minuteman scholarships offer new college students a jump start to a successful career.
To qualify, students must enroll in their school’s Army ROTC program and meet the ROTC scholarship requirements. These include:
A minimum high school GPA of 2.5
Maintaining a minimum 2.0 college GPA and 3.0 ROTC GPA
A minimum of 920 SAT or 19 ACT score (excluding writing portion)
Be able to commission before reaching the age of 31
Meeting medical and physical requirements
Minuteman scholarship recipients incur an eight-year service obligation as an officer in the Army Reserve following commissioning. The Minuteman scholarship may be used in conjunction with some types of the GI Bill, adding to the potential monetary benefits.
Students interested in the Minuteman scholarship should contact the Professor of Military Science at their school’s Army ROTC program. To find the Army ROTC program near you, go online to www.goarmy.com/rotc. There are 275 host Army ROTC programs that serve almost 3,000 colleges and universities across the country.