Military Report

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Free Caregiving for Veterans
Homewatch CareGivers, the largest international franchise provider of home care, is offering up to 20 hours of free in-home care to disabled or injured U.S. military veterans of any conflict -- from World War II and Korea to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq -- through its"We Care for Veterans" program. Servicemembers or a family member can sign up for the "We Care for Veterans" program on the (http://www.homewatchcaregivers.com/) Homewatch CareGivers website or by calling toll free 1-800-777-9770. The program is available to one veteran per location and is issued on a first come, first serve basis. Applicants must sign up for the program by Nov. 30, 2009. For more information, visit the Homewatch CareGivers website at (http://www.homewatchcaregivers.com/) www.homewatchcaregivers.com.

AFROTC Instructor Positions Open
Additional Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructor positions are available to Air Reserve Component captains, majors and lieutenant colonels under the AFROTC Limited Period Recall Program. Information on detachments available under the program, as well as application procedures, can be found at the (http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/) Air Force Personnel Center ASK website. Click on "Voluntary Officer Return to Active Duty" under the Military Quick Links section and select the "AFROTC LPRP Detachments" link and the "AFROTC Limited Period Recall Program" link. For more information, call the Total Force Service Center at 1-800-525-0102 and choose the Regular Air Force menu option.

Redesigned Navy College Website
The Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) and the Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) Program recently launched the newly redesigned (https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/) Navy College Program (NCP) website. The site features several new enhancements to its Web-based tuition assistance (WebTA) application and also provides access to Sailor/Marine Ace Registry Transcript (SMART) records. Additionally, the NCP site has portals to ensure the most comprehensive access to and support of Sailors educational counseling and planning. For more information about the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), visit the (https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cppd/index.cfm) CPPD website.

Flu Help for Midwest Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs Midwest Health Care Network has a toll-free phone number for veterans in the Midwest that offers prerecorded flu information messages. The messages address topics including symptoms, reducing disease spread and when to see a doctor. Veterans can access the resource by calling 888-686-0479. For more information, visit the (http://www.visn23.va.gov/) Midwest Health Care Network website. 

MC Exchange Discounts Rider Safety Gear
The Marines Corps Exchange (MCX) offers Marines who complete one of the Corps' motorcycle rider courses the one-time opportunity to purchase their safety gear at "cost." The discount is offered to those who take the Basic Rider Course, Experienced Rider Course, or the Military Sportbike Rider Course. Marines who completed any of the courses this year may obtain a coupon by contacting the local safety office. The coupons expire 90 days after the date they?re issued and are only good for a one-time purchase. For more info about the safety gear program, contact your installation exchange manager.

For Military Only!


Is SGLI Enough?


Airmen of the Year Nominees Sought
The Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) is requesting nominations for the 2010 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (12 OAY) Award. Nominations are due to AFPC by April 22, 2010. There are three categories: Airman, NCO and Senior NCO. The period of service for the award is Jan. 1 ? Dec. 31, 2009. Nomination packages must include a cover letter signed by the MAJCOM/DRU commander, vice commander or executive director; a 30-line or less nomination for award write-up on Air Force Form 1206; a one-page, single-spaced biography, and a signed and dated statement of intent. For more information about the 12 OAY program or to download your nomination forms, visit (http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/) AFPC's secure "Ask" website and enter "12 OAY" into the search function, or call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.

President Orders Texting Ban
In a recent executive order, President Barack Obama banned federal employees from text messaging while driving on government business. Text messaging, or "texting," encompasses more than simply sending a text message via a handheld communication device. It also includes reading the text for the purpose of SMS texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, obtaining navigational information, or"engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication," according to the order. The executive order is available on the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Executive-Order-Federal-Leadership-on-Reducing-Text-Messaging-while-Driving/) White House website.

Veterans' Homecoming Week in Branson
Branson, Mo. will honor America's veterans, servicemembers, and their families during its "Branson's Veterans Homecoming Week" Nov. 5 - Nov. 11. From the opening ceremonies on November 5th for the"Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall" at the Welk Theater through the (http://www.bransontourismcenter.com/branson-november-activities-and-events.htm) 76th Annual Veterans Day Parade and closing ceremonies on Nov. 11, Branson's Veterans Homecoming Week is billed as the nation's largest Veterans Day celebration. Dozens of special events take place throughout the week for veterans and their families. For more information, call the Branson Tourism Center at 800-785-1550 or visit (http://www.bransontourismcenter.com/index.html?gclid=CMHIl8K76JcCFQsaHgodSjE2Dg) www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Quick-Hire for Navy Spouses
It's now easier for certain spouses of active-duty Sailors and Marines to be hired by the federal government under new Department of Defense (DoD) regulatory guidelines. The eligibility for this noncompetitive hiring authority falls into four major categories. For more information on the noncompetitive appointment of certain military spouses, contact the local HRO, and for information on current DON job opportunities, visit the Department of the (https://www.donhr.navy.mil/default.asp) Navy Civilian Human Resources website.

What Comes After SGLI?
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage ends 120 days after you leave active duty service. Do you have plans for how you are going to meet your life insurance needs once your SGLI expires? AAFMAA offers low-cost term life insurance with no war, no aviation and no terrorists clauses. Get $800k of coverage for just $35 a month (to age 50). (http://www.military.com/Finance/aafmaa?esrc=mr.nl) Contact AAFMAA to learn more.

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A Survivor's Guide to Benefits
The Survivor's Guide to Benefits is intended to help families through the period following the death of a servicemember. The guide provides an overview of the application for benefits and entitlements process for families of deceased servicemembers and military leaders. (http://cs.mhf.dod.mil/content/dav/mhf/QOL-Library/Project%20Documents/MilitaryHOMEFRONT/Service%20Providers/Casualty%20Assistance/Survivors%20Guide.pdf) Download The Survivor's Guide to Benefits (PDF).

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Senate Hearing on Enviro Hazards
The U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held a hearing on how the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense respond to in service exposures to environmental hazards. The four exposures examined involved an incinerator near the Atsugi Naval Air Facility, water contamination at the Camp Lejeune Marine Base in North Carolina, chemicals at the Qarmat Ali Water Treatment Plant in Iraq, and burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Committee heard testimony from VA, DoD, scientific experts, as well as affected veterans and veterans? family members. Information on the hearing is available on the (http://veterans.senate.gov/hearings.cfm?action=release.display&release_id=8e6c9acc-ae05-41de-a5f6-484ea25a52bc) U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.

Benefit Enhancements Act Passes Senate
Recently, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved S. 728, as amended, the Veterans? Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009, which (1) provides for retroactive payments to those servicemembers who suffered traumatic injury while on active duty on or between Oct. 7, 2001, and Nov. 30, 2005; (2) strengthens life insurance and mortgage insurance programs for disabled veterans; (3) removes the enrollment cap on the number of veterans allowed in VA?s Independent Living program; and (4) eases the burden of proof on veterans seeking to establish that their disabilities are related to their service. Information on S. 728 is available on the (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d111:1:./temp/~bd9V1T:@@@L&summ2=m&|/bss/111search.html) Library of Congress' THOMAS website.

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Visit Your Local Vet Center
Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for family members for military-related issues. Veterans earned these benefits through their service and all are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. The 232 community-based Vet Centers are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Confidential counseling services are available for veterans and their families at the vet centers. For more information, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs (http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/) Vet Center Services website or call 866-644-5371.

Some Iraq Vets Exposed to Toxic Chemical
The Department of Veterans Affairs is attempting to track down nearly 1,200 Soldiers who served in Iraq in 2003 and may have been exposed to a deadly chemical linked to cancer. The troops were protecting or in the area of workers hired by a subsidiary of the contractor, KBR Inc., to rebuild the Qarmat Ali water treatment plant at near Basra, Iraq. The chemical, sodium dichromate, contaminated the area. Among those potentially exposed were about 600 members of the National Guard, primarily from West Virginia, Oregon, South Carolina and Indiana. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki said the Soldiers would be contacted, monitored and offered help for suspected service-related illnesses.

AF Education and Training Symposium
Register for the 2010 Air Education and Training Command Symposium, scheduled for Jan. 14-15, 2010, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The two-day symposium will feature two keynote speaker luncheons and more than 70 seminar presentations. In addition, the Air Force Association Exposition?s military and civilian exhibits addresses current and future issues and capabilities in recruitment, training and education of Airmen, along with a host of leadership, operational and emerging issue topics. Participants can decide which lectures and discussions they want to attend. To register, visit the (http://www.aetcsymposium.com/) 2010 AETC Symposium website.

Air Force Guidance on Cotton Uniform
Air Force senior leaders issued guidance clarifying the wear of the 100 percent cotton Airman Battle Uniform. Only Airmen in jobs that meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements are authorized to wear the 100 percent cotton ABU. It's a distinct uniform/equipment item for those who work in environments dealing with fire and electrical hazards. The mandatory uniform for other Airmen is the Air Force 50 percent cotton/50 percent nylon ABU, which may only be purchased at Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) stores. Purchase of the ABU from outside vendors is unauthorized. Address any questions regarding this policy through your chain of command, or by call the Air Force Personnel Center at 1- 800-525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.

House Conducts Hearing on PTSD
U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-NY), chair of the House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, led a roundtable discussion regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs? (VA) proposed rule change for stressor determinations for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The revision would liberalize the evidentiary standard regarding stressor determinations for PTSD. Veteran service organizations assert that many veterans with war zone service are being denied service connection for PTSD because they can?t first prove that they were combat veterans before they benefit from the provision outlined in the statute. A link to an audio recording of the roundtable is available on the  (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=477) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.

AF Updates 'Key Spouse' Program
As part of the July 2009-July 2010 Year of the Air Force Family initiative, the Air Force announced the launch of a revised and standardized Key Spouse program. Key Spouse is an official communication network designed to enhance readiness and establish a sense of community among unit leaders, Airmen and their families. Staff members from the Airmen and Family Readiness Center provide training and serve as a referral resource for Key Spouses. Desk and resource guides have been developed for all Key Spouse team members. For more information about the Key Spouse program, contact the staff at your nearest Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Veteran Education Benefits: $65,000


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New Air Force Fleece Uniform
The Air Force Virtual Uniform Board just released a policy message for wearing the new Air Force sage green fleece as an outer garment for the Airmen Battle Uniform. The sage green fleece may only be worn over the ABU top, and isn?t authorized to be worn solely over a T-shirt, thermal underwear and similar undergarments, when worn as an outer garment. Wearing of the sage green fleece without name tapes and rank is authorized as an outer garment until Oct 1, 2010. The black fleece will phase-out Oct. 1, 2010. Airmen with questions regarding this article should address them through their chain of command, or call the Air Force Personnel Center at 800-525-0102, or DSN 665-5000.

(http://www.military.com/cs/Satellite?c=maArticle&cid=1199423200135&pagename=News%2FnwsLayout) Read the full story at Military.com

DoD Launches Photo Widget
The American Forces Press Service, the Defense Department's vehicle for news and feature content on (http://www.defense.gov/) www.Defense.gov, unveiled a widget for photographs. The widget, available under the Widgets tab on the site, allows users to receive the latest Defense Department imagery in real time on their own websites or social networking pages by cutting and pasting one short line of code. The widget appears as a 240-by-156-pixel graphic box - about 3 by 4 inches - and cycles through at least eight photos. It?s updated frequently throughout the day.

Army to 'Go Mobile'
By January 2010, Soldiers on the go will have nearly the equivalent of a desktop computer on their cell phone, if they're issued portable equipment. Users of the "Go Mobile" system will be able to use the Internet and authenticate to the Army Knowledge Online/Defense Knowledge Online Web portal through a smart phone, using cellular data services, just about anywhere in the world. All the equipment, which must be attached to the phone, can fit easily into a backpack. And right now, there are two solar recharging options available as part of the Go Mobile system. Currently, the Go Mobile system is in testing and is limited to less than 100 users. Go Mobile will be available Army-wide in January 2010.

AF Authorizes Gore-Tex Field Jacket
The Air Force recently authorized wear of the Battle Dress Uniform cold weather Gore-Tex and field jacket with the current Airman Battle Uniform because the demand of cold weather gear outweighs the current supply of the new ABU coat. To ensure Airmen are equipped for adverse weather, the "mix and match" policy has been extended until May 1, 2010. Address any questions regarding this policy through your chain of command, or by call the Air Force Personnel Center at 1- 800-525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.

Benefit Alert for Veterans
Both the Montgomery and Post 9/11 GI Bills can be worth over $49,000. This money is not a loan and will help you cover the costs of getting a degree. Full-time veteran students can receive up to $1,368 a month no matter how much tuition costs. The Post 9/11 GI Bill may even give you a housing stipend which averages over $1,200 a month. Now is the time to use your benefits. Take the first step and find (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?esrc=vr.nl) Military Friendly Schools.

Plastic Surgeons Help Veterans
Members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery recently launched the Faces of Honor project, which gives free consultations and low-cost surgeries to veterans who suffered facial injuries in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The project will supplement the care that veterans already can receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Many of the new program's services will be donated. For more information, visit the (http://www.facesofhonor.org/) Faces of Honor Program website.

Branson's Veterans' Homecoming Week
Branson, Mo. will honor America's veterans, servicemembers, and their families during its "Branson's Veterans Homecoming Week" Nov. 5 - Nov. 11. From the opening ceremonies on November 5th for the "Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall" at the Welk Theater through the (http://www.bransontourismcenter.com/branson-november-activities-and-events.htm) 76th Annual Veterans Day Parade and closing ceremonies on Nov. 11, Branson's Veterans Homecoming Week is billed as the nation's largest Veterans Day celebration. Dozens of special events take place throughout the week for veterans and their families. For more information, call the Branson Tourism Center at 800-785-1550 or visit (http://www.bransontourismcenter.com/index.html?gclid=CMHIl8K76JcCFQsaHgodSjE2Dg) www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Benefit Alert for Servicemembers
Get up to $4,500 a year to go to school. Virtually every servicemember has access to federal or state funded Tuition Assistance. This benefit can pay up to 100% of your college tuition. Take the first step and find (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?esrc=mr.nl) Military Friendly Schools.

VA Expands Agent Orange Illness List
The Department of Veterans Affairs established a service-connection for Vietnam veterans suffering from Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart disease (IHD) and B-cell leukemias such as hairy-cell leukemia. These illnesses are now considered "presumed" illnesses. This "presumption" simplifies and speeds up the application process for VA benefits. It is important to note that this new policy will not go into effect until sometime in 2010. At which point affected veterans will be urged to submit new disability claims. Additional information about Agent Orange and VA's services and programs for veterans exposed to the chemical are available at VA's (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange) Agent Orange webpage, or call the toll-free helpline at 800-749-8387.

Retirees and Vets Allowed to Salute Flag
Traditionally, members of the nation?s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag only while wearing their organization?s official head-gear.The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag. A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.

Holiday Mailing Deadlines
The Christmas holiday mailing deadlines are now available on the (http://hqdainet.army.mil/mpsa/xmas.htm) Military Postal Service Agency website. Express Mail Military Service is available to selected military post offices. Check with your local post office to determine if this service is available to your APO/FPO address. PAL is a service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis. SAM parcels are paid at parcel post postage rate with maximum weight and size limits of 15 pounds and 60 inches in length and girth combined. For more information, contact your local post office.

Predator AR-15 Round Up
Those that have used AR-style rifles realize that they are very accurate, on par with most bolt-actions, are very reliable, and are unsurpassed in terms of ruggedness. I took several hunt-ready ARs into the field to put them through their paces to see what they could really do. (http://www.military.com/entertainment/outdoor-guide/hunting/predator-ar-15-round-up.html?esrc=mr.nl) Read more to find out all AR rifles have to offer.

Army Leads Military Fantasy Football
Hooah! Soldiers are killing in Fantasy Football, but the Air Force is not too far behind. Represent your branch of service by signing up for (http://football.military.com/scm/?esrc=mr.nl) Military Fantasy Football and compete for prizes like iPods, PSPs, and flat screen TVS.

I recently came accross this Case Study summery and wondered if any of you have been affected by alcohol when you were taking your prescription mendication?

I am sure there are many stories out there, and I would love to hear them (especially if they describe a positive lesson)

So log in and share your story in our forum

Drug Interactions Can Lead to a Fatal Mix

Posted on 9/01/08

JB is a 56 year old single employed male with a history of hypertension, oseoarthritis, hypothyroidism and depression. His currently daily medications include hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg, chondroitin/glucosamine (3 gm/2.4 gm), levothyroxine sodium 150 mcg, and amitriptyline 200 mg. He self medicates with 1000 mg acetaminophen every 4-6 hrs as needed for pain (taking at least 2 doses daily, sometimes more) and diphenhydramine 50 mg for seasonal allergies. Three to four times a week he gets together with his friends for "beer and billiards".  When he gets home around 1 am he is often restless and takes diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine to help him sleep. He sees his doctor regularly and fills his prescriptions regularly at his Health Plan's pharmacy, but he buys his OTC drugs and the supermarket where he does his food shopping.

New literature indirectly supports the need for case management.

It is well known that alcohol can negatively interact with medications, whether they be prescription or non-prescription agents, and lead to significant negative outcomes such as serious injury or death. In 1995 the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health reported on alcohol-drug interactions stating that alcohol-medication interactions may be responsible for more than 25% of all emergency room admissions, whereas a number of less serious interactions may go unnoticed. They also noted that approximately 70% of adults consume alcohol occasionally, with 10% drinking daily. Consuming alcohol while taking central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as tricyclic antidepressants may increase the sedative effects and the ability to perform mental skills such as driving a car. Combining alcohol with MAO inhibitors whether anti-depressants or anti-Parkinson's disease drugs can lead to dangerous increases in blood pressure. This would be expecially troublesome in a patient that is already being treated for hypertension, as in the case noted above.

Chronic alcohol ingestion activates enzymes that metabolize acetaminophen into toxic intermediates, and this may be occur concomitantly as glutathione depletion that can cause liver damage, even when acetaminophen is used in standard therapeutic amounts or even with doses as low as 2.6 grams. Individuals that consume alcoholic beverages should be aware that simultaneous use of alcohol and medications may result in adverse outcomes. For example, using small doses of alcohol with antihistamines or other CNS depressants should not be done because of the sedative effects and the potential to decrease the respiratory drive. Drinking large amounts of alcohol may cause serious toxicity when commonly used medications are taken at the same time or even shortly after drinking has stopped.

Mismanagement of prescription drug use in the home led to the recent death of actor Heath Ledger. Phillips et al recently reported on the increase in deaths in the home related to fatal medication errors. They derived their information from reviewing electronic US death certificates from 1983 through 2004 and analyzing deaths noted as fatal medication errors (FMEs) as the cause of death anywhere on the death certificate. FME was equivalent to "fatal preventable adverse events." The definition excluded accidental deaths from street drugs, suicides, homicides and adverse medication effects where the correct drug was properly administered but caused the adverse effect. The years of potential life lost (YPLL) was calculated. In 2004, there were more YPLL from FMEs than from every other type of accident except motor vehicle accidents (eg, drowning, accidental falls, fire/flame accidents, nonmedication posioning, firearm accidents). The FME death rate increased by 360.5%.