Shift Colors

The Newsletter for Navy Shift Colors Retirees Volume 57 Issue #2 Navy Personnel Command Fall 2011 Shift Colors continues online With budgets dwindling throughout the military, the Navy made the tough choice to put its retiree publication, Shift Colors, online only in 2008. However, many long-time readers did not know of the change so the Navy’s Retired Activities Office, the Secretary of the Navy Retiree Council and the staff of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs were able to secure funding to publish one final issue. “Ever since Shift Colors initially went online only, we’ve been fighting to get it back in print. Failing that, we fought to at least get one last issue out to let people know that the newsletter is still Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Walter M. Wayman out there and can be accessed on the Rendering honor... Internet,” said Todd Pike, head, Navy Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Alexis Johnson, from Omaha, Neb., Retired Activities. “This printed issue serves as a member of the rifle guard aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during a burial at sea. The John C. Stennis is our chance to let our entire audience Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled western Pacific Ocean and Arabian know of the change. It may be the last Gulf deployment. issue we print.” Shift Colors can be accessed online at www.shiftcolors.navy.mil. SECNAV Retiree Council report released “There you will find the same news- The Secretary of the Navy Retiree dium to communicate with the retiree letter you used to get in the mail avail- Council met at the Washington Navy community and that the Navy could able to download,” said Pike. “You Yard May 2-6 to discuss Navy and Ma- realize a drastic savings by educating will also find the content available on rine Corps retiree issues and provide a the audience about the benefits of using easy-to-access web pages. There is report to the Secretary of Navy regard- the mail order pharmacy and switching even a section where ‘hot news’ that is ing the most pressing matters raised. to direct deposit. The council recom- important to the Navy retiree commu- The following is a summation of the mends that the newsletter be sent out to nity is posted.” six issues included in this year’s report: those retirees who are not signed up for For more information, visit the Shift Issue: Use Shift Colors to communi- e-mail delivery at least once a year. Colors website, the Navy Retired Ac- cate with and realize significant budget Issue: The Navy has only one paid tivities website at www.npc.navy.mil/ saving through the Navy’s “recruiters Retired Activities Office (RAO) Re- support/retired_activities/, or call the for life” – its retired community. gional Program Coordinator (RPC). Navy Personnel Command Customer Summarized position and desired There should be more. Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC outcome: The council members feel Summarized position and desired (827-5672). that Shift Colors is a necessary me- See COUNCIL, Page 10

www.shiftcolors.navy.mil Shift Colors Inside this issue: RADM Don Quinn 3 Letter from the MCPON Acting Chief of Naval Personnel, Commander, Navy Personnel Cmd. 4 Hiring vets makes positive investment Pamela Warnken 5 Direct deposit: Quicker, safer, more cost Acting NPC Public Affairs Officer Wm. Cullen James effective Editor 6 TRICARE begins home delivery Shift Colors, the newsletter for education initiative Navy Retirees (NAVPERS 15886), is 7 TRICARE seeks to expand e-presription published in accordance with Depart- service ment of the Navy Publication and Printing Regulations. The Secretary 8 VA launches new homelessness of the Navy has determined that this prevention initiative publication is necessary in the trans- action of business required by law of 9 VA expands outreach to women veterans the Department of the Navy. 11 New system reduces hassle of getting ID cards Send correspondence to: 12 How to report a retiree’s death Navy Personnel Command 13 Retiree checklist: What survivors should know Shift Colors 14 Reunions 5720 Integrity Drive Millington, TN 38055 18 Retired Activities Office phone listing E-mail: [email protected] 19 Ready reference contact information Phone: (866) 827-5672

Diving for mines... Able Body Seaman Omar Albury finds an inert training mine on the sea floor utilizing a circle search line during joint diving search operations with Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2. MDSU-2 is participating in Navy Diver- Southern Partnership Station, a multinational partnership en- gagement designed to increase interoperability and partner nation capacity through diving operations. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jayme Pastoric)

2 Fall 2011 Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues From the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

Shipmates, your interests. They are working hard along with the Navy It is with some significance that I Retired Affairs Office to publish Shift Colors and meet the am writing to you in this special edi- other retiree requirements/priorities. tion of Shift Colors. What Our online presence is the future of communication from makes this issue differ- the Navy to our retirees. Both through the Shift Colors web- ent? It is possibly the last site and on Facebook (at https://www.facebook.com/pages/ edition of Shift Colors Navy-and-Marine-Corps-Retirees/134031983278683, or by we will print. When we searching Navy and Marine Corps Retirees). Remember, ceased printing three years how we do things may change, but we are Navy for life! ago, there was no advance I can say without reservation that I certainly appreciate notice, no opportunity to let your service and the fact you’ve laid the foundation for us in you know that this resource uniform today. was going to continue online only. So, with this Fair winds and following seas, issue we finally have our chance to tell you that after HOOYAH Shipmates! this printing, Shift Colors may only be available to you Rick D. West on the Internet. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy It’s convenient: Just log on at www.shiftcolors.navy.mil and you can find this and past issues. You can also find instructions to sign up for e-mail delivery. Navy leadership preferred that we were able to keep mailing this resource. Unfortunately, given our current and pro- jected budgets, it’s not possible. I ask those you who have computers to help out your Shipmates who may not have access. If you don’t have a computer, contact your family, a fellow retiree or nearest Retired Activities Office (RAOs) for assistance with accessing Shift Colors online. Resources are available at almost all local libraries and within our Fleet and Family Support Centers. While our methods of providing support evolve, the level of support remains the same; we are committed to you just as you are committed to us. The Navy’s Retired Affairs Of- fice works diligently to ensure that RAOs remain staffed and that your needs are addressed by senior leaders. Recently the 2011 Secretary of the Navy Retiree Council met in Washington to assess the issues most pressing to our retired members. You’ll find a synopsis of that report in this issue and a downloadable copy of the report at www.shiftcolors. navy.mil. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Reserve Affairs) staff is also seeking your input on a Retiree needs survey accessible at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ KK32K98. This is a very quick, 10-question survey devel- oped to help DASN (RA) better prioritize and represent

Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues. Fall 2011 3 Hiring vets makes positive investment, general says By Lisa Daniel pants about the command’s focus on American Forces Press Service hiring wounded warriors. The com- Hiring military reservists and vet- mand began its efforts two years ago, erans is a positive investment for hiring 84 wounded warriors in fiscal America, the deputy director of U.S. 2009. Last year, the command hired Army Reserve Command told federal 283 wounded warriors, and has hired hiring officials July 27. 337 so far this year, he said. Reservists and veterans have a “vast McCoy has called hiring wounded resource of capabilities” that provides warriors “a moral imperative.” On a distinct hiring pool for federal civil- July 22, he signed an agreement, along ian jobs, Army Maj. Gen. Jon J. Miller Photo by Army Lt. Col. Matthew J. Leonard with Gen. Ann Dunwoody, command- Army Maj. Gen. Jon J. Miller, deputy said at the Veterans Employment Sym- commanding general of U.S. Army er of U.S. Army Materiel Command, posium, held in Washington D.C. by Reserve Command, tells federal hu- to partner in hiring veterans with the departments of Defense, Veterans man resource managers how the service-connected disability ratings of Affairs, Labor and Homeland Security, Employer Partnership of the Armed 30 percent or more. and the Office of Personnel Manage- Forces program can help them find “It is not about what we can do for ment. The purpose of the symposium qualified veteran candidates for them, but what they can contribute to was to help federal hiring officials jobs. The event was the Veterans making our missions successful for the improve practices for hiring veterans. Employment Symposium, held July warfighter,” he said. “These wounded Miller highlighted the Employer 27, in Washington, D.C. warriors will be able to translate their Partnership of the Armed Forces, ployers can also reach in and find the battlefield experience into our work, which the Defense Department created quality candidates they need.” which is supporting the warfighter — in 2008 to help separating service Service members are trained in a a job they know well.” members, veterans and reservists find wide spectrum of disciplines, Miller Existing civilian hiring procedures jobs. noted, including health care, transpor- do not connect wounded warriors to “The Employer Partnership career tation, logistics, public safety, engi- jobs, McCoy said, and it is not enough portal is like a Monster.com, but neering, construction and many others. to pull from a list of qualified names. tailored for the military,” Miller said. Navy Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy, Rather, he said, hiring officials “have “Not only can job seekers find posi- commander of Naval Sea Systems to be where warfighters are, rather tions they are looking for, but em- Command, told symposium partici- than waiting for them to come to you.” Deadline approaches for retroactive stop loss pay The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act estab- rization to make payments on claims that are submitted after lished Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP), provid- October 21, 2011. ing $500 for each month/partial month served in stop loss Eligible members should visit their specific service’s status. Service members, veterans, and beneficiaries of website and submit their application online; online submis- servicemembers whose service was involuntarily extended sion provides a claim number, allows for automated status under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009 updates, and provides a means for the military service to are eligible for RSLSP. contact the applicant. To receive this benefit, those who served under stop loss If eligible members do not have Internet access, they must submit a claim for the special pay. Throughout the should print, complete and sign Department of Defense year, the services have been reaching out to servicemem- Form 2944, Claim for Retroactive Stop Loss Payment. Next, bers, veterans and their families through direct mail, veteran choose the appropriate method for submitting the claim form service organizations, and the media. But there is still money and available supporting documents based on your service left to be claimed, and the deadline is approaching. The specifications. This information can be found on your ser- average benefit is $3,700. vice’s stop loss website. General Procedure Tell a Friend Individuals who meet eligibility criteria may submit an If you know someone who separated/retired and may be application until and October 21. By law, there is no autho- eligible, remind them to submit a claim before the deadline!

4 Fall 2011 Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues Direct deposit: puts money in retirees’ hands sooner Patriotic or personal, to military retirees and Survivor Ben- 5. Enter your bank routing number, whatever the reason, direct efit Plan annuitants. This money could account number and the account type be used elsewhere to support America’s (checking or savings). deposit benefits everyone service men and women. 6. Click “Accept/Submit.” Courtesy Defense Finance and “Enrolling in direct deposit frees up 7. Confirm that the information you Accounting Service money to use in direct support of the entered is correct before exiting or Having a paycheck electronically uniformed warfighters,” said McKenna. returning to the Main Menu. deposited into a bank account is the “Whether it’s for patriotic reasons or Members who have never used quickest and safest way to be paid. practical ones, I encourage all of our myPay or don’t remember their pass- Nevertheless, every month more than members who are receiving paper words should click “Forgot or Need a 20,000 military retirees paid by the checks to sign up for direct deposit.” Password” to get started. Defense Finance and Accounting Ser- Direct deposit enrollment and account Use myPay to Start vice receive a paper check in the mail. changes take three to five business days Those same retirees would receive their Starting direct deposit is easy using to appear in myPay. pay up to a week sooner if they en- myPay, the official online account man- rolled in direct deposit. agement system for military retirees Mail or Fax Direct Deposit Form “Direct deposit is the best possible so- and annuitants. myPay is available 24 Members who are unable to use lution for most retirees because it puts hours a day, seven days a week from myPay can submit their requests by their money in their hands almost im- anywhere in the world. mail or fax. However, these changes mediately after their pay is processed,” 1. Have the following information on take approximately 30 days to pro- said Tom McKenna, DFAS Retired and hand: bank routing number, account cess. Members should complete an Annuitant Pay Director. “It also elimi- number and type of account (checking SF 1199A Direct Deposit Enrollment nates the risk of a check being stolen or or savings). Form (available at www.dfas.mil/dfas/ lost in the mail.” 2. Go to https://mypay.dfas.mil and retiredmilitary/forms.html) and mail or McKenna added that it can take up log into your account. fax it to: to six weeks to replace a lost or stolen 3. Agree to the terms of the User DFAS U.S. Military Retired Pay check. Agreement. P.O. Box 7130 DFAS spends approximately $2.2 mil- 4. On the Main Menu page, click the London, KY 40742-7130 lion a year printing and mailing checks “Direct Deposit” link. Fax: (800) 469-6559 Who should I contact; DFAS, VA or my branch of service? DFAS Retired and Annuitant (R&A) Pay * Ratings for service-connected disability codes DFAS R&A Pay is primarily a payroll office. We establish * Ratings for Special Monthly Compensation and maintain military retired pay and annuity accounts, and * Individual unemployability ratings issue monthly payments to both military retirees and their * Re-rating you if you feel your disability has increased eligible survivors. The VA also administers pensions, educational programs, * Regular and Reserve Retirement payments home loans, life insurance, vocational rehabilitation, survi- * Temporary and Permanent Disability Retirement payments vors’ benefits, medical benefits and burial benefits. * Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay If you have questions or concerns about any of these top- * Combat Related Special Compensation payments ics, please contact the VA at 800-827-1000. * Survivor Benefit Plan Branches of Service Contact DFAS at (800) 321-1080. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force assist in the Department of Veterans Affairs transition from active duty to retired life and make deter- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides services minations for some entitlement programs, such as Combat- to former members of the military, not just those who are Related Special Compensation (CRSC). retired from the military. Please contact your Branch of Service for assistance with If you are disabled, the VA establishes your level of dis- the following items: ability compensation, and handles any changes or updates. * CRSC eligibility determinations These include: * Applying for retirement * Additional benefit for veterans service injuries * Retirement orders

Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues. Fall 2011 5 TRICARE begins home delivery education initiative Courtesy TRICARE Switching from retail pharmacy to home delivery spares TRICARE beneficiaries who still get two or more main- beneficiaries the inconvenience of picking their prescrip- tenance prescriptions from a retail pharmacy should start tions up from the pharmacy and saves them 66 percent per checking their mailboxes. TRICARE Management Activity prescription. Home delivery is also cheaper for TRICARE. and Express Scripts Inc. (ESI) are mailing out home delivery Beneficiaries switching from retail to home delivery saved education “alert” letters to promote pharmacy home delivery. the Department of Defense $30 million in 2010. The alerts focus on the convenience and lower cost of TRICARE and ESI are engaged in an aggressive campaign home delivery versus retail pharmacies, and include informa- to promote home delivery with great success. Growth in tion on how to switch prescriptions over. The alerts also seek retail pharmacy prescriptions covered by TRICARE is only to alleviate possible concerns about home delivery by high- 3.4 percent in 2011, down from the historical average of 5.2 lighting safety measures and 24/7 access to a pharmacist. percent. Home delivery prescriptions grew 9.8 percent in The alerts are targeted to TRICARE beneficiaries who 2011, almost double the historical 5.8 percent rate. purchase two or more maintenance medications for chronic “The more TRICARE beneficiaries learn about pharmacy conditions at a retail pharmacy. These beneficiaries stand home delivery, the more they take advantage of its benefits,” to benefit most from switching over to home delivery. The Hunter said. “The alerts are the next step in spreading the education alerts were mailed starting in July. word.” “Providing service members and their families with an For more information about home delivery, visit www. affordable, quality prescription drug benefit is a vital part of tricare.mil/homedelivery. To sign up for home delivery ben- TRICARE’s mission,” said TRICARE Deputy Director Rear eficiaries should go to ESI’s website, www.express-scripts. Adm. Christine Hunter. “When beneficiaries choose home com/TRICARE or call the TRICARE Member Choice Cen- delivery, they are using their benefit wisely.” ter at 877-262-3390. States show increase in TRICARE service providers Courtesy TRICARE patients started several years ago, led “More than four years ago, Gover- The Department of Defense contin- by the TRICARE Regional Office-West nor (Mike) Rounds reached out to the ues to applaud the growing number and TriWest Healthcare Alliance, the South Dakota (State) Medical Associa- of medical professionals signing up TRICARE-managed care support con- tion to commend your association’s to accept TRICARE, the health care tractor serving 21 western states. support of our military members and to plan for members of the uniformed Recently, Colorado’s leadership an- ask for the association’s help in urging services, retirees and their families. For nounced the number of providers in the even more members to join the effort,” 9.6 million TRICARE beneficiaries state increased from 4,830 to more than said Governor Daugaard, in a letter to worldwide, TRICARE relies heavily 7,920. Hawaii’s leadership announced the SDSMA. “Following Governor on civilian providers to supplement the the number of providers in the state Round’s call to action, your member- health care provided by military treat- increased from 2,885 to close to 4,000. ship responded with great professional- ment facilities. At the same time, Idaho’s number of ism and patriotism. Your actions ensure Today, more than 325,000 providers providers in the state jumped from that the men and women, who dedicate across the United States are in the TRI- 2,190 to more than 3,820 and Utah’s their lives to serving this country and CARE network, with over 1 million number of providers went from 2,200 their spouses and children, have health providers accepting TRICARE ben- to more than 3,600. The most impres- care when and where they need it.” eficiaries. The Department of Defense sive numbers thus far come from South More than 2 million TRICARE benefi- (DoD) Survey of Civilian Physician Dakota, where the number of providers ciaries use TRICARE Standard, the Acceptance of TRICARE Standard in the state increased from 900 to more fee-for-service option that provides the shows that in Fiscal Year 2007, almost than 3,000. most flexibility for patients to see any 93 percent of responding physicians in South Dakota’s governor, Dennis TRICARE-authorized provider. TRI- 53 areas were aware of the TRICARE Daugaard, wrote the South Dakota CARE offers a large number of poten- program. Almost 85 percent of those State Medical Association (SDSMA) to tial patients. It is also an industry leader physicians accepted new TRICARE personally express his gratitude to the in claims-payment timeliness. Ninety- Standard patients. health care providers for stepping up nine percent of clean claims are pro- The campaign to increase the num- when the military families of the state cessed within 30 days. Ninety percent ber of providers accepting TRICARE have needed them the most. of claims are processed within 15 days.

6 Fall 2011 Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues Why Use TRICARE Pharmacy How to Sign up for Home Home Delivery for your regular Delivery

Medications? Call the Members Choice Center at - Save 66% over picking up prescriptions at 1-877-363-1433 a retail pharmacy – up to $176 per year on Online – Learn more and switch some prescriptions your prescription over at - Conveniently ships a 90 day supply of www.tricare.mil/homedelivery medication to any address in the U.S. or Fleet and Army Post Offices overseas Contact Express Scripts Inc at www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/ or - Offers automatic prescription refills - no 1-877-363-1303 more last minute phone calls or dashes to the pharmacy - Saves TRICARE money too – Beneficiaries switching to Home Delivery from retail pharmacies saved TRICARE $30 million in 2010

Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues. Fall 2011 7 VA launches new homelessness prevention initiative Courtesy Department of toward despair and homelessness,” said services to eligible very low-income Veterans Affairs VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. “This veteran families. Supportive services Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. program expands our capacity to act include outreach, case management, Shinseki announced today the award of before a veteran becomes homeless and assistance in obtaining VA benefits, and nearly $60 million in homeless preven- to target the problem of family home- assistance in obtaining and coordinat- tion grants that will serve approximate- lessness. These grants would not have ing other public benefits. Grantees will ly 22,000 homeless and at-risk veteran been possible without the extraordinary also have the ability to make time- families as part of the new Supportive partnerships forged with community limited temporary financial assistance Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) organizers who are firmly committed to payments on behalf of veterans for program. This initial $60 million award making a positive difference in lives of purposes such as rent payments, utility will serve veteran families at 85 non- veterans and their families.” payments, security deposits and mov- profit community agencies in 40 states The SSVF Program, a critical element ing costs. and the District of Columbia under of VA’s plan to prevent and end home- More information about VA’s home- VA’s new homeless prevention initia- lessness among veterans, will promote less programs is available online at tive. housing stability among homeless and http://www.va.gov/homeless. A list of “This new homeless prevention at-risk veterans and their families. award recipients and details about the program will provide additional Under the SSVF program, VA awards Supportive Services for Veteran Fami- comprehensive support to veterans grants to private non-profit organiza- lies program are available online at who have served honorably, and now tions and consumer cooperatives that http://www1.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp. find themselves in a downward spiral can provide a range of supportive Permanent housing help coming to thousands of homeless vets Courtesy Department of Veterans Affairs Committee. “Growing up during the Vietnam War, I saw U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun a generation of soldiers left behind because they weren’t Donovan and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary given the support they needed during their transition home, Eric K. Shinseki announced that HUD will provide $46.2 and I have worked to ensure that veterans today don’t face million to public housing agencies in all 50 states and the a similar fate. These vouchers will provide critical support District of Columbia to supply permanent housing and case to thousands of veterans whose needs went unmet for too management for 6,790 homeless veterans in America. long, so that they will finally get the services they need and This funding, from HUD’s Veterans Affairs Supportive a permanent place to call home. HUD-VASH vouchers are a Housing Program (HUD-VASH), is a coordinated effort by key reason why we are making real progress toward goals to HUD, VA and local housing agencies to provide permanent finally end veterans homelessness.” housing for homeless veterans. This funding to local housing agencies is part of the Obama “Over the past three years, HUD helped thousands of Administration’s commitment to end veteran and long-term homeless veterans find a permanent place to call home while chronic homelessness by 2015. VA provided medical treatment, case management and other The grants announced are part of $50 million appropri- services to address their specific needs,” said Donovan. “We ated for Fiscal Year 2011 to support the housing needs of have no greater mission than to prevent and end homeless- 6,900 homeless veterans. VA Medical Centers (VAMC) ness, especially for those brave men and women who risked provide supportive services and case management to eligible their lives to protect our nation” homeless veterans. This is the first of two rounds of the “This initiative will strengthen our ongoing efforts to 2011 HUD-VASH funding. HUD expects to announce the eliminate veteran homelessness by 2015 and improve qual- remaining funding by the end of this summer. ity of life for veterans,” said Shinseki. “Working with our Homeless veterans are referred to the public housing agen- partners at HUD and in Congress, we continue to make cies for these vouchers, based upon a variety of factors, most good progress to reduce veteran homelessness though much importantly the need for and willingness to participate in work remains. VA is committed to providing veterans and case management. The HUD-VASH program includes both their families with access to affordable housing and medical the rental assistance the voucher provides and the compre- services that will help them get back on their feet.” hensive case management that VAMC staff provides. “This is a great step forward in our effort to get veterans Veterans participating in the HUD-VASH program rent off the streets and into permanent housing,” said Senator privately owned housing and generally contribute no more Patty Murray, Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs than 30 percent of their income toward rent.

8 Fall 2011 Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues VA expands outreach to women veterans Courtesy Department of Veterans Affairs “The number of women veterans using VA health care More than 700 participants attended the Fifth National has doubled in the last decade,” said Patricia Hayes, chief Summit on Women Veterans’ Issues July 16-17 at the Hyatt consultant of VA’s Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Regency Washington on Capitol Hill where Secretary of Care Group. “This training, coupled with direct feedback Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki gave remarks focused from women veterans, will enable VA to continue to enhance on expanding outreach to women veterans and increasing health care and services to meet their needs.” awareness of the enhanced VA benefits and services avail- Today, more than 200,000 women are serving in the armed able to them. forces. About 11 percent of the U.S. forces currently serv- “With more women serving in our armed forces than ever ing in Afghanistan and Iraq are women. Recognizing the before, this summit is an opportunity to exchange ideas and valor, service and sacrifice of America’s 1.7 million women focus attention on the issues and concerns unique to women veterans, VA has stepped up its outreach efforts to women veterans,” Shinseki said. “Today, there are more than 1.8 veterans to increase their awareness of the comprehensive million women veterans of all eras and one of VA’s highest array of VA benefits and programs. Women veterans are priorities is to continue to expand our services and out- entitled to the same benefits and medical care as their male reach to ensure they receive the care and benefits they have counterparts, including health care, disability compensation, earned.” education assistance, work-study allowance, vocational reha- This is the first time VA provided targeted training, educa- bilitation, employment and counseling services, insurance, tion, and collaborative cross training for its staff responsible home loan benefits, nursing home care, survivor benefits and for providing services and benefits specifically to women various burial benefits. veterans and their families. Participants included: women In addition, VA also has a multitude of gender specific veterans, women veteran advocates from across the nation, services and programs that respond to the unique needs of active duty women service members (to include those in the women veterans, including pap smears, mammography, Reserves and National Guard) VA employees who provide general reproductive health care, counseling for substance care to women veterans, and representatives from a multi- abuse, sexual trauma, depression, and evaluation and treat- tude of veterans service organizations and nonprofit agen- ment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For more cies. VA Medical Centers employ women veterans pro- information about VA visit the website at www.va.gov and gram managers; community-based outpatient clinics employ its Center for Women Veterans at http://www.va.gov/wom- a women’s liaison; and VA regional offices employ a women envet. veterans coordinator. VA explains recent GI Bill changes to veterans Courtesy Department of “It’s hard to believe how far we have ters. Also, certain students attending Veterans Affairs all come with the Post-9/11 GI Bill the private schools in select states can The Department of Veterans Affairs past two years,” said Hickey. “To- now continue to receive benefits at the (VA) is reaching out to inform veterans day, more than 537,000 students have same rate payable during the previous of recent changes made by Congress to received more than $11.5 billion in GI academic year. the Post 9/11 GI Bill that take effect in Bill benefits to help them take charge Beginning Oct. 1, eligible individu- 2011. of their future.” als will be able to use the Post-9/11 GI Gen. Allison Hickey, VA undersecre- Changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill Bill for programs such as non-college tary for benefits, said “The Post 9/11 which became effective Aug. 1 in- degrees, on-the-job training, and cor- GI Bill is incredibly important because clude paying the actual net cost of all respondence courses, and they will be it reduces the financial burdens of public in-state tuition and fees, rather eligible to receive a portion of the na- higher education so that veterans have than basing payments upon the high- tional monthly housing allowance rate an opportunity to achieve their educa- est in-state tuition and fee rates for when enrolled only in distance learning tion goals. VA believes it is important every state; capping private and foreign courses. for veterans to be aware of changes to tuition at $17,500 per academic year; Complete information on the Post- the GI Bill this year and learn more and ending payments during certain 9/11 GI Bill is available at: www.gibill. about how these changes may affect school breaks, to preserve veterans’ va.gov. VA’s education information them.” entitlement for future academic semes- phone number is: 1-888-442-4551.

Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues. Fall 2011 9 COUNCIL, from Page 1 outcome: An increase in RPCs will DFAS to receive a prorated payment. 11, 1998, and have been discharged or provide training to the RAO volunteers The council recommends that DFAS retired under other-than-dishonorable that link the retiree community with not recoup the entire payment; just the conditions. However, many of those Navy commands. This would result in prorated amount. eligible have not been enrolled and a greater retiree contribution to cost- Issue: Inconsistent performance of have missed the five-year enrollment savings programs; assistance to active medical personnel on medical boards. window. The council recommends that duty and Reserve members with the Summarized position and desired the SECNAV present to the SECDEF a transition to retired status; increased outcome: There is no formal training proposal to make enrollment automatic presence of retirees on Navy instal- for military physicians on the processes for qualifying veterans. lations to improve retiree/active-duty of medical boards and temporary dis- Issue: Private providers are refusing interface and create retiree mentors and ability retired list re-examinations. The to see TRICARE and Medicare benefi- “recruiters for life;” and meet the infor- council recommends that the Navy ciaries due to low reimbursement rates. mation needs of the retiree community. establish a training program at the Summarized position and desired The council recommends that the Navy Surface Warfare Medical Institute to outcome: There is a trend among fund four more RPCs. be conducted online or in groups to providers to not accept TRICARE Issue: Reverse the recoupment of be disseminated to military treatment and Medicare patients because of low retired pay for those retirees who die facilities. reimbursement rates. The council after the Defense Finance and Account- Issue: Automatic enrollment of recommends that the SECNAV sup- ing Service (DFAS) monthly process- qualifying veterans in the Department port legislative change to Health and ing date. of Veterans Affairs healthcare under the Human Services and DOD statutes to Summarized position and desired VA’s “combat veteran” program. incentivize the program by protecting outcome: When a retiree dies after the Summarized position and desired providers from medical malpractice DFAS monthly processing date, which outcome: The 2008 National Defense claims except for gross negligence. is typically around the 20th of each Authorization Act provides for veterans A copy of the full report can be month, DFAS recoups the entire pay- to be eligible for the “enhanced combat viewed on the Shift Colors website at ment. The surviving spouse is required veteran” benefits if they served on ac- www.shiftcolors.navy.mil. to submit an array of paperwork to tive duty in a combat theater after Nov.

When your disability rating changes If you are rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), please check your Retiree Ac- count Statement to make sure your disability rating on file with DFAS is correct. If you have recently received an upgraded rating, and have not yet seen the change on your DFAS account, please first contact the VA to ensure that your rating change has been processed and sent to DFAS. Once DFAS has received notification of your rating change, it may take up to 30 days to affect your retired pay account. DFAS and the VA jointly manage the programs that pay eligible military retirees disability entitlements. Both agencies communicate with each other to establish and maintain Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Thomas Miller accounts, but we also need you to ensure your Living 100... disability percentage on file with DFAS is cur- More than 3,400 Sailors and 50 veterans gathered at Ross Field rent. at Naval Station Great Lakes to form the “Living 100” on Flag For more information on what agency to Day. Ross Field is the original location where all new Sailors contact when, please visit http://www.dfas.mil/ graduated from boot camp to enter the Navy. Naval Station dfas/retiredmilitary/about/contact-who.html. Great Lakes is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

10 Fall 2011 Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues New system reduces hassle of getting ID cards Courtesy Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center ments normally are seen within minutes of their allotted Under a new initiative, ID card customers can schedule an time. And, making an appointment is fast and easy via the individual appointment and circumvent the waiting line. online appointment scheduler located at: http://appoint- Walk-in customers at ID card facilities can experience wait ments.cac.navy.mil.” times of two hours or more during periods of peak demand. Having all the necessary documents is key to a successful Now, civil servants and contractors are now filling customer visit to the ID card office. At a minimum, a valid state- or service roles previously handled by active-duty personnel federal-government-issued picture ID is required and at Personnel Support Detachments (PSD) and Customer additional documents are often necessary to fulfill certain Service Detachment (CSD) Defense Enrollment Eligibility requests. A listing of required documents can be found on Reporting System (DEERS) and Real-Time Automated Per- the appointment scheduler website or by calling the local of- sonnel Identification System (RAPIDS) sites throughout the fice for clarification. Local office phone numbers are listed United States, Hawaii and Guam. An emphasis on prompt on the scheduler website. service and customer satisfaction is the focus of this new Customer service hours are between 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. initiative. local except the Navy Exchanges in Norfolk, Va., and Oak The vast majority of patrons who arrive at a scheduled ap- Harbor, Wash., which are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and pointment with proper documentation are in and out in less Patuxent River, Md., Pass & ID with operations between than 20 minutes. 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weekend hours vary by location. “With a little bit of planning you can save a lot of time,” For further information such as locating the nearest ID card said Chuck Sexton, assistant program manager for this facility and additional details relating to benefits and eligi- initiative with Commander, Navy Installations Command. bility, such as FAQs, go to: http://www.npc.navy.mil/Com- “DEERS and RAPIDS customers with scheduled appoint- mandSupport/PayPersSupport/IDCards/. Mail-in procedures for renewing your ID card Many Department of Navy retirees receive instructions for applying via information. A notary must verify may not realize they can renew their mail. United States applicants should your signature on a written statement military identification card via the mail contact their issuing facility by let- concerning your identity. In cases of rather than physically applying in per- ter, telephone or online via Real-Time medical impairment, a statement from son at an identification card (ID) pro- Automated Personnel Identification an attending physician is acceptable. cessing center. There are procedures in System (RAPIDS) locator at: www. After you submit your request for place for those who are unable to make dmdc.osd.mil/rsl. If outside the United an ID card by mail with your photo to it to an ID card facility. While verifica- States, please use the following contact your ID card office, you will be sent an tion of each individual’s circumstance information for your particular service: ID card/application by certified mail may be required, some examples of Navy (retirees and families residing for signature. You sign the proper block those unable to report in person are: in the Philippines, South America and on the ID card and return to the issuing those who live far from a military Canada): Naval Reserve Personnel ID card office. Enter “INCAP” when facility, are physically handicapped, Center, 5722 Integrity Drive, Building the individual cannot sign because of a have no means of transportation, or are 239, Millington, TN 38054, Telephone mental or physical incapacity. hospitalized or sick. number: 1-866-250-4778. The issuing activity will laminate Retirees can review BUPERSINST Marine Corps (retirees and fami- the card and return to the applicant by 1750.10C/Marine Corps Order lies): Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps certified mail. 5512.11D at: www.npc.navy.mil/refer- (MMSR-6), 3280 Russell Road, Quan- The Defense Enrollment Eligibility ence/instructions/BUPERSInstructions/ tico, VA 22134-5103. Reporting System (DEERS) will be Documents/1750.10C.pdf . Each mili- As the applicant, you will provide an automatically updated when a new ID tary identification card issuing location 8x10 or 5x7-inch portrait photograph, card is obtained. Retirees who acquire should be familiar with these proce- including your physical characteristics new family members after retirement dures and prepared to assist as required. (i.e., eyes and hair color, weight, and should contact the nearest ID card fa- After reviewing the instruction/order, height). The requirements for the photo cility for information on ID Card issue retirees should contact their issuing are very specific so call the nearest ID and DEERS enrollment. location to explain their situation to card issuing facility for the detailed

Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues. Fall 2011 11 How to report a retiree’s death Eligibility for Navy retired pay ends after reporting the death to DFAS, you Contact List: In addition to notifying with the death of the member. Prompt should receive a condolence letter. DFAS, you should also notify the fol- reporting of a retiree’s death can help If the member is due arrears of pay lowing agencies/departments as soon avoid delay and possible financial hard- you will also receive a SF1174 Claim as possible: ship to surviving annuitant beneficia- for Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Social Security Administration at ries, family members or executors who Member of the Uniformed Service. 800-772-1213. will be required to return any unearned If the decedent was enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Re- payments of the decedent’s military Survivor Benefit Plan or the Retired porting System at 800-538-9552. retired pay. Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Please follow the steps below to re- you should also receive an Annu- at 800-827-1000 for military retirees port the death of a military retiree. ity Care Package for completion and receiving disability compensation. Step 1 - Notify the DFAS Casualty return. Office of Personnel Management Care Team at 800-321-1080. Please Step 4 - Complete the SF 1174 you at 888-767-6738 if the member was have the decedent’s Social Security received with your condolence letter a current or retired federal civilian Number and the date of death when and return with a copy of the retiree’s employee. you call. Death Certificate that reflects cause of VA at 800-669-8477 for retirees en- For customers located overseas, the death to: rolled in a VA-sponsored life insurance commercial number is 216-522-5955. policy, such as National Service Life When calling this number, select op- DFAS U.S. Military Retired Pay Insurance. tion 3 to be directed to the appropriate P.O. Box 7130 Office of Servicemember’s Group representative. London, KY40742-7130 Life Insurance at 800-419-1473 for Upon notification, DFAS will begin Fax: 800-469-6559 retirees enrolled in Veteran’s Group to close out the pay account to prevent Life Insurance. any overpayments. If you need assistance completing Families and executors may also receive assistance with administrative Step 2 - Contact your financial insti- your claim form please contact our requirements from a Casualty Assis- tution and inform them of the death of call center at 800-321-1080 or OPNAV tance Officer or Retired Activities/Af- the retiree. N135C 866-827-5672 and ask for ext 4308. fairs Office if available from a military Step 3 - Within 7-10 business days installation nearby. Retiree need-to-know info Replacement DD 214/Service Record Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Records Manage- If you need a replacement DD 214, follow the instruc- ment Center (RMC), for management. tions below: For members discharged, released from active duty (not If you retired prior to Jan. 1,1995, go to www.archives. affiliated with a drilling reserve unit), deceased, or gov/veterans to request a DD214. retired, a request for records should be sent to the VA. The If you retired on or after 1 January 1995 send NAVPERS VA recommends you call them first to verify a record is on 1070/882 to: file. Fax requests may also be submitted. NAVY PERSONNEL COMMAND If a VA Claim was filed, the veteran’s health record is sent PERS-312E to the VA Regional Office that serves that veteran’s local 5720 INTEGRITY DRIVE area. MILLINGTON, TN 38055-3120 For questions regarding Medical Records, please contact Or fax your request to 901-874-2664 not both. the Department of Veterans Affairs: Contact 1-866-827-5672 Department of Veterans Affairs Visit www.npc.navy.mil Records Management Center Medical Record P. O. Box 5020 The Military Health Records (Medical and Dental) are St. Louis MO 63115-5020 not maintained at Navy Personnel Command (NPC). Telephone (314) 538-4500 Records from before January 31, 1994, were sent to the Fax (314) 538-4571 or 538-4572

12 Fall 2011 Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues Retiree checklist: What survivors should know Shift Colors periodically provides a checklist for retir- p In a secure location, maintain a list of all bank accounts ees and their surviving family members. This checklist is (joint or individual). Include the location of all deposit box- designed to provide retirees and their loved ones with some es, savings bonds, stocks, bonds and any securities owned. help in preparing for the future. p In a secure location, maintain a list of all charge ac- p Create a military file that includes a copy of retirement counts and credit cards. Include account numbers and mail- orders, separation papers, DD Form 214, medical records, ing addresses. and any other pertinent military paperwork. Make sure your p Maintain a list of all associations and organizations of spouse knows the location and telephone number of the which you are a member. Some of them could be helpful to nearest military installation. your spouse. p Create a military retired pay file that includes the fol- p Maintain a list of all friends and business associates lowing contact information for the Defense Finance and who may be helpful. Include name, address and telephone Accounting Service (DFAS) and Navy Personnel Command: number. Defense Finance and Accounting Service p Discuss your plans/desires with respect to the type and U S Military Retirement Pay location of your funeral service. You should decide about Post Office Box 7130 cremation, which cemetery, ground burial, etc. If your London, KY 40742-7130 spouse knows your desires, it will resolve some of the ques- (800) 321-1080 option #3 (for deceased members) tions that might arise at a later date. p Visit a local funeral home and pre-arrange your services. Department of the Navy Many states will allow you to pre-pay for services. OPNAV N135C Retired Activities Branch p Investigate the decisions that you and your family have 5720 Integrity Drive agreed upon. Many states have specific laws and guidelines Millington, TN 38055-6220 regulating cremation and burials at sea. Some states require a letter of authority signed by the deceased in order to au- (This file should also include the number of any pending thorize a cremation. Know the laws in your specific area and VA claim as well as the address of the local VA office; a list how they may affect your decisions. Information regarding of deductions currently being made from retired pay or VA Burials at Sea can be obtained by phoning the Mortuary Af- benefits. Also include the name, relationship and address of fairs Division at (866) 787-0081. the person you have designated to any unpaid retired pay at p Once your decisions have been made and you’re com- the time of death. This designation is located on the back of fortable with them, have a will drawn up outlining all your your Retiree Account Statement) wishes and store it in a secure location with your other p Create an annuities file. This file should contain infor- paperwork. mation about the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve p When all the decision-making and documenting is com- Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) or the Retired pleted, sit back and continue to enjoy life. Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP), or any applicable Civil Service annuity elected by the member, etc. Who should be notified in the event of my death? Additional information regarding SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP 1. Defense Finance and Accounting Service (800) 321- annuity claims can be obtained from DFAS office at (800) 1080 321-1080. 2. Social Security Administration (for death benefits) - p Create a personal document file that has copies of mar- (800) 772-1213 riage certificates, divorce decrees, adoptions and naturaliza- 3. Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable) – (800) tion papers. 827-1000 4. Office of Personnel and Management (if applicable) - p Create an income tax file. Include copies of both of your (724) 794-8690 state and federal income tax returns. 5. Any fraternal group that you have membership with p Create a property tax file. Include copies of tax bills, 6. Any previous employer that provides pension or benefits. deeds and any other related documents/information. The above information is not all-inclusive and should be p Create an insurance policy file. Include life, property, used with other estate planning tools to lessen trauma to accident, liability and hospitalization policies. your loved ones.

Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues. Fall 2011 13 Reunions Check the Shift Colors Web page (http://www.npc.navy.mil/ReferenceLibrary/Publications/ShiftColors/) for a full listing of Reunions

REUNION 2011 DATE PHONE NUMBER E-mail/Web address ASR Oct. 17-21 (502) 477-0876 [email protected] Association of Minemen Oct. 13-16 (850) 207-9831 [email protected] Carrier Air Group 80 Oct. 8-11 (952) 442-4503 Destroyer Leader Association DL 1, DL 2, DL 3, DL 4, DL 5, [email protected] Sept. 22-25 (540) 345-5826 DDG 35 & DDG 36 www.destroyerleaderassociation.org (208) 660-0660 Farragut Naval Training Station Sept. 10 (208) 683-5707 [email protected] Guantanamo Bay Association Aug. 23-27 (717) 266-1102 www.gitmobay.org [email protected] MCB 11 & 11TH NCB SEABEES Sept. 21-25 (512) 267-8873 mcb11.com Mine Division 113 Vietnam Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 (651) 455-1876 [email protected] Mobile Construction Battalions 1 & 9 Sept. 15-18 (781) 837-0393 [email protected] Mobile Riverine Force Aug. 31 - Sept. 4 (317) 308-0760 [email protected] NAF Washington Sept. 13-16 2012 (757) 271-8227 [email protected] [email protected] NANP/Navy Photo Sept. 14-19 (941) 720-1719 www.navyphoto.net NAS Barber’s Point Sept. 13-29 (352) 637-5131 [email protected] Naval Training Center Bainbridge (all Sailors and WAVES [email protected] Sept. 29 - Oct. 2 (423) 326-3654 1942-1976) www.usntcb.org Navy Amphibious Force Sept. 11-16 (732) 367-6472 [email protected] Navy Mail Serice Veterans (all veterans and active duty mail (812) 446-3762 Sept. 7-11 mafmath@juno clerks) (812) 605-0433 Navy Reunion Treasure Island April 30 - May 4 2012 (800) 268-4014 [email protected] NMCB 128 Aug. 18-21 (815) 372-3152 [email protected] NOB/NAS Trinidad (including Fasron 105, VPB 208, VPMS Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 (870) 496-2285 [email protected] 8, VP 48, VPB 213, VP 34, and USMC SeaBee Dets.) USNS Midshipmen’s School New York, NY (Columbia Uni- Sept. 25-30 (405) 570-6421 [email protected] versity and the Prairie State) or Northwestern USS AGERHOLM (DD 826) Oct. 20-23 (518) 373-8363 [email protected] USS ASKARI (ARL 30) Aug. 31 - Sept. 4 (407) 275-0314 USS BENJAMIN STODDERT (DDG 22) Sept. 28 - Oct. 2 (805) 480-4038 www.ddg22.com (772) 774-8049 [email protected] USS BERGALL (SS 320/SSN 667) Sept. 21-24 (401) 789-7099 www.bergall.org/reunions/reun2011.html USS BEXAR (APA 237) Sept. 22-25 (360) 373-1093 [email protected] (417) 927-3471 USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CV/CVA 31) Aug. 25-27 (417) 684-7423 USS BRADLEY (DE/FF 1041) Oct. 20-23 (845) 634-3993 [email protected] USS BROUGH (DE 148) Sept. 11-16 (989) 345-0237 USS BRYCE CANYON (AD 36) Oct. 13-16 (619) 562-5690 [email protected] USS CABOT (CVL 28) Oct. 12-16 (484) 494-5533 [email protected] USS CALVERT (APA 32) Sept. 14-17 (507) 789-6344 USS CANBERRA (CA 70/CAG 2) - all hands 1943-1970 Oct. 12-16 (740) 423-8976 [email protected] [email protected] USS CANOPUS (AS 34/AS 9) Sept. 8-11 (503) 689-1712 www.usscanopus.org USS CAPERTON (DD 650) Oct. 16-19 (732) 477-5804 USS CASCADE (AD 16) Sept. 25-30 (866) 340-9219 [email protected] USS CHEMUNG (AO 30) Oct. 5-9 (313) 928-3109 [email protected] USS CHICKASAW (ATF 83) Sept. 24-30 (208) 866-8325 [email protected]

14 Fall 2011 Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues USS CHILTON (APA 38) Oct. 13-16 (757) 588-8802 [email protected] USS CLINTON (APA 144) Oct. 10-14 (409) 945-6148 [email protected] USS COLUMBIA (CL 56) Oct. 5-8 (610) 543-9073 [email protected] USS COWELL (DD 547) Oct. 20-23 (864) 268-3365 [email protected] USS CROMWELL (DE 1014), USS DEALEY (DE 1006), USS JOHN WILLIS (DE 1027), USS VAN VOORHIS (DE 1028), USS LESTER (DE 1022), USS HARTLEY (DE 1029), Sept. 8-11 (508) 248-5072 [email protected] USS JOEPH K TAUSSIG (DE 1030), USS COURTNEY (DE 1021), USS HAMMERBERG (DE 1015) USS DAVIS (DD 937) Oct. 13-16 (860) 747-8761 [email protected] USS DIODON (SS 349) Nov. 10-12 (918) 786-8851 [email protected] USS DYESS (DD/DDR 880) Sept. 24-29 (610) 566-6843 [email protected] USS ELOKOMIN (AO 55) Sept. 27-30 (617) 288-3755 [email protected] USS EVERETT F. LARSON (DD/DDR 830) Oct. 5-9 (937) 633-0040 [email protected] USS FAIRVIEW (E-PCE(R) 850) Sept. 22-25 (800) 377-6834 [email protected] [email protected] USS FLETCHER (DD/DDE 992) Oct. 3-6 (908) 496-8858 www.ussfletcher.org USS GALVESTON (CLG 3) Sept. 21-25 (866) 398-2655 [email protected] USS GOLDSBOROUGH (DDG 20) Sept. 11-16 (419) 992-4478 [email protected] USS GRAFFIAS (AF 29) Sept. 20-25 (256) 812-2023 [email protected] USS GREENWISH BAY (AVP 41) Sept. 29 - Oct. 2 (910) 582-3791 [email protected] USS HALSEY POWELL (DD 686) Sept. 7-11 (435) 881-6675 [email protected] (770) 504-0004 USS HANSON (DD/DDR 832) Oct. 13-16 [email protected] (770) 584-5023 [email protected] USS HOLDER (DD/DDE 819/DE 401) Oct. 6-10 (831) 458-9062 www.ussholder.com [email protected] USS HORNET (CV 8, CV 12, CVA 12, CVS 12) Sept. 14-18 (814) 224-5063 www.usshornetassn.com USS HUNTINGTON (CL 107) Oct. 13-16 (512) 926-7008 [email protected] USS HUSE (DE 145) Oct. 16-19 (561) 368-7167 [email protected] www.ussinchon.com USS INCHON (LPH/MCS 12) Oct. 26-30 (717) 203-4152 [email protected] [email protected] USS INGERSOLL (DD 652/DD 990) Sept. 22-25 (619) 435-0338 www.uss-ingersoll-vets.com USS JAMES E. KYES (DD 787) Sept. 18-20 [email protected] [email protected] USS JOHN R. CRAIG (DD 885) Sept. 7-11 (734) 525-1469 www.ussjohnrcraig.com USS KASKASKIA (AO 27) Sept. 15-18 (270) 821-1869 [email protected] USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CV/CVA/CVS 39) Oct. 27-30 (607) 532-4735 [email protected] USS LAWS (DD 558) Oct. 6-9 (775) 846-3847 USS LEYTE (CV 32) Sept. 29 - Oct. 2 (732) 727-5993 [email protected] www.dd729.com USS LYMAN K SWENSON (DD 729) Oct. 13-16 (931) 296-0881 [email protected] USS MAURY (AGS 16) & USS SERRANO (AGS 24) Oct. 20-24 (480) 969-3086 [email protected] (816) 796-8728 [email protected] USS MERRIMACK (AO 179) Oct. 21-23 (757) 479-2733 [email protected] USS MILLER (DD 535) Oct. 27-31 (610) 929-8343 USS MOUNT MCKINLEY (AGC/LCC 7) Sept. 11-15 (763) 425-6315 [email protected] USS MULIPHEN (AKA 61) Sept. 2011 (813) 685-9477 president @ussmuliphen.com USS NEW (DD 818) Oct. 13-16 (806) 570-2450 [email protected] USS NEWPORT (LST 1179) Sept. 28 - Oct. 2 (828) 256-6008 [email protected] [email protected] USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) Oct. 26-29 (228) 243-2699 www.ussnimitzassociation.org USS OGLETHORPE (AKA 100) Sept. 22-25 (908) 475-4435 [email protected]

Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues. Fall 2011 15 USS OKLAHOMA CITY Association (CL 91, CLG 5, CG 5, (800) 998-1228 Aug. 23-30 [email protected] SSN 723) (480) 998-1112 [email protected] USS OZBOURN (DD 846) Sept. 21-25 (814) 337-3197 www.ozbourn.org [email protected] USS PERKINS (DD 377/DDR 877/DD 877) Setp. 11-16 (417) 581-2926 www.reunionproregistration.com/ussperkins. htm USS PICKAWAY (APA 222) Sept. 22-25 [email protected] USS RANDOLPH (CV/CVA/CVS 15) Sept. 11-18 (321) 454-2344 (619) 449-2475 [email protected] USS RANGER (CVA/CV 61) Sept. 14-17 (203) 453-4279 [email protected] USS RANKIN (AKA/LKA 103) Oct. 6-9 (412) 367-1376 [email protected] USS RATON (SS/SSR/AGSS 270) Sept. 7-11 (360) 697-2842 [email protected] USS RAZORBACK (SS 394), USS REDFISH (SS 395), USS Sept. 12-16 (864) 446-8561 [email protected] RONQUEL (SS 396) [email protected] USS RENVILL (APA 227) Oct. 5-9 (704) 906 7622 ussrenvilleapa227.com USS ROBINSON (DD 562) Sept. 15-18 (281) 474-0058 [email protected] USS ROWE (DD 564) Oct. 13-16 (828) 256-6008 [email protected] USS RUPERTUS (DD 851) Sept. 8-11 (925) 462-5142 [email protected] USS SABINE (AO 25) Sept. 28-30 (513) 731-5463 [email protected] USS SALISBURY SOUND (AV 13) Sept. 18-22 (505) 293-3841 salisburysound.org USS SARATOGA (CV 3, CVA/CA 60) Oct. 12-16 (877-360-7272 USS SCHOFIELD (DEG/FFG 3) Aug. 25-28 (724) 335-5204 [email protected] (863) 853-4825 USS SEAWOLF (SSN 575) Aug. 29 - Sept. 1 [email protected] (863) 698-5999 USS SHELTON (DD 790) Sept. 15-17 (618) 475-3248 [email protected] USS SHENANDOAH (AD 26) Oct. 13-16 (505) 890-0113 USS SIGOURNEY (DD 643) Sept. 29 - Oct. 2 (410) 974-4043 [email protected] USS SIMON LAKE (AS 33) Sept. 18-22 (505) 831-3849 usssimonlake.org [email protected] USS SPROSTON (DD/DDE 577) Sept. 14-18 (412) 262-4802 www.sproston.com USS STODDARD (DD 566) Sept. 28 - Oct. 1 (573) 547-8523 [email protected] (319) 232-8762 [email protected] USS SULLIVANS (DD 537/DDG 68) Sept. 21-25 (800) 728-8431 [email protected] USS TALLADEGA (APA 208) Oct. 24-28 (760) 747-0796 [email protected] USS THEODORE E. CHANDLER (DD 717) Sept. 22-25 (575) 748-3909 [email protected] USS THETIS BAY (CVE 90/CVHA 1/LPH 6) Sept. 7-11 (850) 479-4829 [email protected] usstiru.org USS TIRU (SS 416) Aug. 18-21 (269) 429-1039 [email protected] USS TOLOVANA (AO 64) Oct. 2011 (714) 892-8025 [email protected] USS TOLOVNA (AO 64) Sept. 15-18 (714) 892-8025 [email protected] [email protected] USS TOWERS (DDG 9) Sept. 12-17 (415) 566-7285 usstowersddg9.com [email protected] USS TUNNY (SS/SSG/APSS 282, SSN 682) Oct. 19-23 (248) 685-3180 [email protected] USS UMPQUA (ATA 209) Oct. 9-13 (471) 581-2926 [email protected] USS WALDRON (DD 699) Oct. 20-24 (770) 674-5715 [email protected] USS WALKE (DD 416/DD 723) Oct. 16-21 (920) 788-4916 [email protected] USS WALLACE L LIND (DD 703) Sept. 20-24 (502) 876-2137 [email protected] USS WARRINGTON (DD 843) Sept. 21-25 (916) 791-6700 [email protected] (800) 362-2779 [email protected] USS WILHOITE (DE/DER 397) Sept. 13-16 (847) 945-8673 www.usswilhoite.org USS WINDHAM BAY (CVE 92) Aug. 24-27 (210) 495-4845 [email protected]

16 Fall 2011 Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues USS WORDEN (DLG/CG 18) Sept. 28 - Oct. 2 (717) 733-9223 [email protected] USS YANCEY (AKA 93) Oct. 6-9 (708) 425-8531 [email protected] VA 176 “Thunderbirds” Sept. 28 - Oct. 1 (757) 340-1611 [email protected] VAP-61 & 62; VJ-61 & 62 Nov. 2-5 (757) 721-3077 [email protected] VB 109, VPB 109 Sept. 15-18 (814) 866-6683 VP 44, VPB 204, VP 204, VPMS 4 Sept. 21-24 (636) 532-0460 www.vp44goldenpelicans.com VP 48 Sept. 21-25 (724) 255-1007 www.vp48.org www.vp1tx.com (281) 395-5734 VP-1 P3 Orion Pioneers Oct. 13-16 [email protected] (512) 989-7889 [email protected] VP-4 Oct. 13-16 (940) 262-0228 [email protected] VR 7, VR 8 Sept. 7-8 (765) 395-7935 VS 21 (circa 1953-1962) Sept. 11-14 (703) 368-8695 [email protected] Retiree Appreciation Days - joint service Navy 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. (301) 981-2726 Hawaii New York Place TBD Oct. 1 Sept. 17 California Arkansas Schofield Barracks Fort Drum Nov. 5 South Carolina Nov. 19 (808) 655-1585 (315) 772-6434 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Nov. 3 Thomas Community Activi- San Diego, CA 9 a.m. - Noon ties Center Illinois Oct. 15 (619) 556-8987 Joint Base Charleston Little Rock Air Force Base, Oct. 29 Fort Hamilton Charleston Club AR Rock Island (718) 630-4552 Sept. 17 (877) 815-3111, (501) 987- (563) 322-4823 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Marine Corps 6095 Oklahoma NAS Lemoore, CA Kansas Sept. 15-17 NAS Base Theater Bldg. California Army Oct. 21 Fort Sill 822 Sept. 17 Fort Riley (580) 442-2645 Camp Pendleton, CA Alabama (785) 239-3320 Florida (760) 725-9789 Oct. 28 Pennsylvania Oct. 15 Fort Rucker Oct. 29 Oct. 15 9 a.m. - Noon Air Force (334) 255-9124 Fort Leavenworth Carlisle Barracks NAS Pensacola (913) 684-2425 (717) 245-4501 Bldg. 633 Florida Sept. 30 & Oct. 1 Sept. 14 Redstone Arsenal Kentucky Texas Texas 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (256) 876-2022 Oct. 21 & 22 Sept. 24 Oct. 8 MacDill Air Force Base, FL Fort Knox Fort Bliss 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. (813) 828-4555 Alaska (502) 624-1765 (915) 569-5204 Joint Armed Forces Reserve Nov. 5 Center North Carolina Joint Base Elmendorf- Oct. 22 Oct. 28 & 29 14555 Scholl Road Oct. 15 Richardson Fort Campbell Fort Hood Ellington Field, Houston, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (907) 384-3500 (270) 798-5280 (254) 287-5210 TX 77034. Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, NC Arizona Maryland Nov. 5 Minnesota (919) 722-1119 Nov. 5 Oct. 7 Joint Base San Antonio Sept. 24 Fort Huachuca Fort Meade (210) 221-9004 Metro Area Joint Retiree Washington D.C. (520) 533-5733 (301) 677-9603 Appreciation Day Oct. 22 Virginia Mystic Lake Hotel and 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Colorado Oct. 15 Sept. 24 Casino Joint Base Anacostia-Bol- Oct. 15 Aberdeen Proving Ground Fort Belvoir 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd ling, Washington D.C. Fort Carson (410) 306-2320 (703) 805-1010 Prior Lake, MN, 55372 (202) 767-5244 (719) 526-2840 Michigan Sept. 24 Virginia Georgia Georgia Sept. 24 Fort Lee Nov. 5 Nov. 5 Oct. 29 Selfridge (804) 734-6555 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. 7:30 a.m. Fort Gordon (586) 239-5580 Joint Base Little Creek Air Force Base, GA (706) 791-2654 Oct. 7 Base Theater (229) 257-3209 New Jersey Joint Base Myer-Henderson Nov. 4 Army Support Activity Dix Hall Connecticut Maryland Fort Benning (609) 562-2666 (410) 306-2320 Oct. 15 Nov. 4 (706) 545-1805 Sub Base Groton Joint Base Andrews, MD

Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues. Fall 2011 17 Retired Activities Office Phone Listing California Milton, FL (NAS Minnesota 1-800-372-5463 China Lake, CA WHITING FIELD) Minneapolis, MN 1000-1400 (Mon-Fri) (NAVAIRWPASTA) (850) 623-7177 (NAVAIRRESCEN) (760) 939-0978 1000-1300 (Wed/Thu) (612) 726-9391 Washington 0900-1100 1300-1500 1000-1430 (Tue/Thu) Everett, WA (NAVSTA) (Mon-Fri) Orlando, FL (DFAS (425) 304-3775 BLDG) New Hampshire 1-888-463-6697 opt 5 Lemoore, CA (NAS) (407) 646-4204/4262 Portsmouth, NH then opt 2 ask for RAO (559) 998-4042 1000-1400 (Mon-Fri) (207) 438-1868 1000-1300 (Mon-Fri) 0800-1630 (Mon-Fri) 1000-1400 (Tue-Thu) Pensacola, FL (NAS) Whidbey, Island, WA Point Mugu, CA (850) 452-5990 Ext 3111 Rhode Island (NAS) (805) 982-3730 0900-1300 (Mon-Fri) Newport, RI (360) 257-8054/55 0800-1600 (Mon-Fri) (NAVSTAMPT) 0900-1500 (Mon-Fri) Hawaii (401) 841-4089 San Diego, CA Pearl Harbor, HI 0900-1200 (Mon-Fri) Wisconsin (CORONADO - NAS) (NAVSTA) Milwaukee, WI (619) 437-2780 (808) 474-1999 Ext 6317 South Carolina (NAVOPSUPPCEN) 0900-1200 (Mon-Fri) 0800-1500 (Mon-Fri) Charleston, SC (414) 744-9766 (NAVWPNSTA) 0900-1500(Mon-Fri) San Diego, CA Illinois (843) 764-7480 (NAVSTA) Great Lakes, IL (NTC) 0800-1630 (Mon-Fri) (619) 526-7412 847) 688-3603 Ext 118 0800-1600 (Mon-Fri) 0900-1300 (Mon Wed Fri) Tennessee Millington, TN Seal Beach, CA (NWS) Louisiana (NAVSUPPACT) (562) 626-7152 New Orleans, LA (901) 874-5147 0900-1500 (Mon-Fri) (NAVSUPPACT) 1000-1400 (Tues-Thurs) (504) 678-2134 Connecticut 0900-1200 (Mon-Fri) Texas Groton, CT (SUBASE) Ft. Worth, TX (NAS JRB) (860) 694-3284 Maine (817) 782-5287 0900-1500 (Mon-Fri) Brunswick, ME (NAS) 0800-1600 (Mon-Fri) (207) 921-2609 Florida 0900-1200 (Mon-Fri) Virginia Jacksonville, FL (NAS) Hampton Roads Regional (904) 542-2766 Ext 126 Michigan Office 0900-1500 (Mon-Fri) Mt. Clemens, MI (SEL Little Creek, VA (NAB) ANGB) (757) 462-8663 Mayport, FL (NAVSTA) (586) 307-5580 1000-1400 (Mon-Fri) (904) 270-6600 Ext 122 0900-1500 (Tue-Fri) 0730-1600 (Mon-Fri) Norfolk, VA (NAVSTA) (757) 322-9113 Updated August 2011

18 Fall 2011 Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues Ready Reference Contact Information Air Force Retiree Services: (800) 531-7502; www.retirees.af.mil Arlington National Cemetery: (703) 607-8000; www. TRICARE: www.tricare.mil arlingtoncemetery.org TRICARE North: (877) TRICARE (874-2273); www.hnfs.net/: Armed Forces Retirement Home: (800) 422-9988; www.afrh.gov CT, DC, DE, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, Army & Air Force Exchange Service: (214) 312-2011; PA, RI, VT, VA, WI, WV, some zips in IA, MO, TN www.aafes.com TRICARE South: (800) 444-5445; www.humana-military.com: Army Retired Services: (703)325-9158; www.armyg1.army.mil/ AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, OK, SC, TN (except 35 TN zips near retire Fort Campbell), and TX (except the extreme SW El Paso area) Burial at Sea Information: (866) 787-0081; www.npc.navy.mil TRICARE West: (888) TRIWEST (874-9378); www.triwest.com: Combat Related Special Compensation: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IA (except 82 zips near Rock Island), www.donhq.navy.mil/corb/crscb/crscmainpage.htm KS, MO (except St. Louis area), MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OR, DEERS: (800)-538-9552, Fax: (831) 655-8317; DE, SW TX, UT, WA, WY www.tricare.osd.mil/deers TRICARE Overseas: (888) 777-8343; www.tricare.mil Defense Commissary Agency: www.commissaries.com TRICARE For Life: (866) 773-0404; www.tricare.mil/tfl DFAS Casualty Assistance Branch: (800) 321-1080 or (216) TRICARE mail order pharmacy: (877) 363-1303; 522-5955; (For Reporting www.tricare.mil/pharmacy www.express-scripts.com a Retiree’s death, option #3) Fleet Reserve Association: (703) 683-1400; www.fra.org Gulf War homepage: www.gulflink.osd.mil VA: www.va.gov I.D. Cards Benefits and Eligibility:(866) 827-5672; Regional offices:(800) 827-1000 (overseas retirees should www.npc.navy.mil/commandsupport/PayPersSupport/IDcards contact the American Embassy/consulate), TDD (800) 829-4833 Internal Revenue Service: (800) 829-1040; www.irs.gov Insurance: Marine Corps Retired Affairs: (800) 336-4649; www.usmc.mil VA Regional Office and Insurance Center (Hover over “Marine Services” then click on “Retired Services”) PO Box 7208 (claims inquiries) -ORPO Medicare: (800) 633-4227. TTY: (877) 486-2048; www.medicare.gov Box 7327 (loans) -ORPO Military Officers Assoc. of America:(800) 234-6622; www.moaa.org Box 7787 (payments) National Burial Services: (800) 697-6940 Philadelphia PA 19101 NPC Navy Reserve Personnel Management (PERS 9): (866) (800) 669-8477; www.insurance.va.gov 827-5672, Burial information: (800) 827-1000; www.cem.va.gov www.npc.navy.mil/CareerInfo/ReservePersonnelManagement GI Bill: (888) 442-4551; www.gibill.va.gov Navy Casualty Assistance: (800) 368-3202 Navy Retired Activities Office: (866) U-ASK-NPC (866-827-5672) MILL [email protected]; Records: www.npc.navy.mil/CommandSupport/Retired Activities For replacement DD 214, service records, medical records, Navy Uniform Shop: (800) 368-4088; www.navy-nex.com/uniform award information: Navy Worldwide Locator: (866) U-ASK-NPC (866-827-5672); Retired prior to 1995: www.vetrecs.archives.gov www.npc.navy.mil/CommandSupport/NavyWorldWideLocat Retired after 1995: Reserve Component SBP: (866) 827-5672 Navy Personnel Command Retiree Dental — Delta Dental: (888) 838-8737; www.trdp.org PERS-312E Servicemembers Group Insurance (SGLI): (800) 419-1473; 5720 Integrity Drive www.insurance.va.gov Millington, TN 38055-3120 Naval Historical Center: (202) 433-2210; www.history.navy.mil Fax requests to: (901) 874-2664 Social Security Administration: (800) 772-1213; www.ssa.gov Gray-area reservists: (866) 827-5672

Pay/SBP Questions: www.dfas.mil Navy recreation: www.mwr.navy.mil Pay inquiries and update of pay or SBP records in case of Navy Gateway Inns & Suites: http://dodlodging.net death, divorce or remarriage: ITT: http://www.mwr.navy.mil/mwrprgms/itt_military_special.htm Retiree: Defense Finance and Accounting Service U.S. Military Retirement Pay Sister service retiree publications: P.O. Box 7130 Air Force Afterburner: www.retirees.af.mil/afterburner London KY 40742-7130 Army Echoes: www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/echoes.asp (800) 321-1080, (216) 522-5955 Coast Guard Evening Colors: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg1/psc SBP/RSFPP annuitant: retnews/ Defense Finance and Accounting Service Marine Corps Semper Fidelis: www.usmc.mil (hover over U.S. military Annuitant Pay “Marine Services,” click on “Retired Services,” then hover over P.O. Box 7131 “Retired Activities” in the left menu and click on “Semper Fidelis London KY 40742-7131 (800) 321-1080, (216) 522-5955

Visit www.shiftcolors.navy.mil for future issues. Fall 2011 19 Don’t let your questions go unanswered. If you’re not sure who to contact, Call 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672) Let the Navy Personnel Command Customer Service Center help you! www.npc.navy.mil

Sign up for e-mail delivery This may be the last printed issue (please do write it out; it’s much easier of Shift Colors. You can access the to copy it into our database), your rank newsletter at www.shiftcolors.navy. or preferred salutation (Mr., Mrs., Dr., mil, but you can also sign up for e-mail etc.), your military affiliation (whether delivery of Shift Colors. Just send an or not you’re retired, active duty, a e-mail to [email protected] veteran, a surviving spouse, or just and include the following information: someone who’s interested in receiving your full name, your e-mail address the newsletter).

The information compiled for Shift Colors comes from a variety of sources to include experts in their respective fields. The content was current at the time of publication. We appreciate your Shift Colors patience and continued readership. - Editor, Shift Colors

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY NAVY PERSONNEL COMMAND SHIFT COLORS (PERS-00R) 5720 INTEGRITY DRIVE MILLINGTON TN 38055

OFFICIAL BUSINESS