CHRIS' CORNER

Check throughout the page and find what interests you!

​

​

**    WI NATIONAL GUARD RELEASE: Holiday greetings from Wisconsins governor and adjutant general

CONTACT: Capt. Joe Trovato | ngwi.pao@mail.mil| 608-242-3048

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

MADISON, Wis.  Gov. Scott Walker and Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, Wisconsins adjutant general, shared a holiday message to the Soldiers and Airmen of the Wisconsin National Guard as well as all others who wear the uniform this holiday season.

Whether you are at home with family or deployed overseas this year, happy holidays and best wishes for a happy, healthy 2018.

Link to Video for download: Caution-https://vimeo.com/248018360/ab5dba63df

​

To see this content online, copy the following link and paste in your browser: Caution-http://dma.wi.gov/DMA/news/2017news/17192

​

​

**  Veterans can now go online and order their new identification cards, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, announced today.

Buchanan, author of the Veterans Identification Card Act, said official ID cards are now available to all veterans free of charge by visiting the Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.vets.gov

"Every veteran - past, present, and future - can now prove their military service without the added risk of identity theft," Buchanan said, noting that millions of veterans have been unable to document their service without carrying around official military records.

"These ID cards will make life a little bit easier for our veterans and serve as a constant reminder that our brave men and women in uniform deserve all the care and respect a grateful nation can offer."

To request an ID card, veterans must visit www.Vets.Gov , click on "Apply for Printed Veteran ID Card" on the bottom left of the page and sign in or create an account.

When ordering online, veterans will need to upload a copy of a valid government issued ID (drivers license/passport), a copy of a recent photograph to be displayed on the card and will need to provide service-related details. Once ordered, the Veteran ID Card will be printed and mailed directly to the veteran.

​

Veterans can also call the Vets.Gov Help Desk at 1-855-574-7286 if they are having difficulties with the online process.

​

​

**    Health.mil [ Caution-http://www.health.mil/News ]

12/19/2017

Take Command_Generic [ Caution-https://health.mil/News/Articles/2017/12/18/Increases-to-TRICARE-Pharmacy-Copayments-Coming-Feb-1-2018 ]

Increases to TRICARE Pharmacy Copayments Coming Feb. 1, 2018 [ Caution-https://health.mil/News/Articles/2017/12/18/Increases-to-TRICARE-Pharmacy-Copayments-Coming-Feb-1-2018 ]

On Feb. 1, 2018, copayments for prescription drugs at TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery and retail pharmacies will increase. These changes are required by law and affect TRICARE beneficiaries who are not active duty service members.

Read More ... [ Caution-https://health.mil/News/Articles/2017/12/18/Increases-to-TRICARE-Pharmacy-Copayments-Coming-Feb-1-2018 ]

Facebook [ Caution-https://www.facebook.com/MilitaryHealth ] Twitter [ Caution-https://twitter.com/militaryhealth ] Google Plus [ Caution-https://plus.google.com/+MilitaryHealth/posts ]

HealthdotMil [ Caution-http://www.health.mil/ ] Questions for MHS?
Contact Us [ Caution-http://www.health.mil/ContactUs.aspx ]

STAY CONNECTED: Visit Us on YouTube [ Caution-http://www.youtube.com/militaryhealth ] Visit Us on Twitter [ Caution-http://twitter.com/militaryhealth ] Visit Us on Facebook [ Caution-http://www.facebook.com/militaryhealth ] Sign up for email updates [ Caution-https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USMHS/subscriber/new ] Bookmark and Share [ Caution-https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USMHS/bulletins/1cd39fd?reqfrom=share ]

This email was sent to chris.a.campbell2.ctr@mail.mil by: Military Health System  The Pentagon  Washington, DC 20301  GovDelivery logo [ Caution-https://insights.govdelivery.com/Communications/Subscriber_Help_Center ]

​

**    To employers of National Guard members and friends of ESGR Wisconsin:

Please show your support today for the men and women of Madison's 115th Fighter Wing by doing each of the following:

1.  VISIT - the Together Truax webpage at; http://togethertruax.com/support > to add your name to the list of Wisconsin supporters

2.  LIKE - the Together Truax Facebook page at; https://www.facebook.com/TogetherTruax < and suggest the page to your friends

3.  FOLLOW - the Together Truax Twitter account at; https://twitter.com/TogetherTruax <

4.  FORWARD - this message to 5-10 friends you think would support this effort.

For almost 70 years, there has been an uninterrupted Air Force mission at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin.  From the F-51 Mustangs first assigned to the squadron at its formation in 1948, to becoming the first Air National Guard unit to fly a modern jet fighter with the F-89A Scorpion mission in the 1950s, to the F-102s in the 1960s-70s and the A-10 Thunderbolt in the 1980s.

In 1992, following the unit receiving the first "OUTSTANDING" rating ever given to any fighter unit for a Unit Effectiveness Inspection and numerous other Outstanding Unit Awards, the Fighter Wing began converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcons.

The F-16s currently assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing are the oldest operational F-16s in the Air Force.  The F-35 is considered to be the Air Force's replacement for the early model F-16 aircraft, which are expected to be retired in the 2020's.

In April 2016, the Air Force identified 18 Air National Guard bases which operate 4th Generation fighters (F-15, F-16 & A-10) as candidate bases for an F-35 mission.  In December 2016, Truax Air National Guard Base was named as one of the 5 candidates which would be further evaluated along with sites in Boise (ID), Selfridge (MI), Jacksonville (FL) and Montgomery (AL).

It is anticipated that the Air Force will announce their selection of the two Preferred and three Reasonable Alternative sites in near future.  These selections will be made based on objective criteria like availability of airspace, flight training ranges, weather, support facilities and runways.  This announcement will kick-off a more subjective "final" decision-making process, which will require a one to two-year campaign to demonstrate community support and readiness for F-35 mission at Truax.

A positive announcement and successful basing of the F-35s at Truax will not only ensure the base and its associated economic impact remain in Wisconsin, but also the immeasurable amount of talent that works alongside us in our businesses, volunteer alongside us at our charities, coach and mentor our kids with us and live next to us as our neighbors, will remain here in Wisconsin, benefitting our entire state.

Some Quick Facts

​

*There are 1,200 Airmen in the 115th Fighter Wing unit at Truax Field

*The base and its employees contribute roughly $100 million annually in economic impact to the region

*Along with its training and guard mission, the 115th Fighter Wing protects Midwest US airspace from homeland security threats, provides emergency medical support in cases of natural disasters and catastrophic events, supports local bomb squads, and provides all Fire and EMS services to Dane County Regional Airport.

*Members of the guard and reserve account for over 53% of todays uniformed members of our nation's military and the trained and professional members of 115th Fighter Wing are a recognized component of today's military forces.

For additional information, select "FAQS" and "News" links on the Together Truax website.

Please show your support today for the men and women of Madison's 115th Fighter Wing and subscribe to the social media sites listed above.

-- WE ALL SERVE --

​

​

**   WI NATIONAL GUARD RELEASE: Wisconsins adjutant general honors Americas veterans

CONTACT: Capt. Joe Trovato | ngwi.pao@mail.mil| 608-242-3048

By Sgt. Katie Eggers

MADISON, Wis.  Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, Wisconsins adjutant general, commemorated the 99th anniversary of Armistice Day  which ended World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918  by speaking at a number of ceremonies including the Kohls Veterans Day program in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and at the Madison Veterans Council ceremony at the state capitol.

Dunbar also commemorated the Great Wars armistice, as well as the service and sacrifice of all of Americas veterans, Nov. 9 at the American Family Auditorium in Madison with a moment of silence.

Silence can be uncomfortable, but there is power in silence, Dunbar said. A reverence that is appropriate to honor our veterans.

World War I had a profound impact on America as the nation came into its own as a great power, Dunbar said.

The Great War marked the beginning of the modern National Guard as the Guard formed 25 divisions to join 25 other divisions in the United States Army to join the fight, Dunbar said.

The storied 32nd Division, comprised of 23,000 Soldiers from Wisconsin and Michigan, was one of the divisions formed during World War I. A century ago they were at Camp MacArthur, Texas, preparing for their mission. The 32nd fought in four major offensives and were the first allied unit to cross the famed Hindenburg Line. The 32nd continues on today not as a division, but as the 32nd Red Arrow Infantry Brigade Combat Team, still fulfilling its mission as the primary combat reserve of the Army.

The Red Arrow went on to great fame in World War II, serving in the Pacific theater and logging more days in combat than any other American division. More recently, Red Arrow Soldiers and other nearly every other Wisconsin National Guard Army and Air unit deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in the years following Sept. 11, 2001, including when the entire 32nd Brigade deployed to Iraq in 2009-10.

Dunbar put the impact of the 32nd and all American veterans into perspective.

Can you imagine if we had a national moment that followed the storyline of that great American Christmas classic Its a Wonderful Life, where we got to experience what life would be like in America without our veterans and those who had served our country in time of need? Dunbar asked. What a difference in our history.

George Washington and the colonial militia would have never defeated the British, earning our independence. Nobody stood up at Bunker Hill. There was no shot heard around the world. Dunbar described an America with no record of battles at Antietam or Gettysburg during the Civil War. No veterans would have responded when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Nobody would have stopped the Holocaust. Americans simply would have accepted the will of terrorists following the attacks on Sept. 11.

​

I think, after gaining this perspective, wed pray with all our might to go back and live in the world protected by those who had served us so well, and have one more chance to recognize them and say thank you, Dunbar said. Theres no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of their service and sacrifice.

Wisconsins National Guard is a proud part of Wisconsins veteran legacy, Dunbar said. That legacy includes over 46,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. Over 400 Wisconsin National Guardsmen are currently deployed to around the world. Those men and women, including service members who served during peacetime, were all commemorated in Dunbars silence.

Wisconsin National Guard troops continue to play an active role in global security operations, fulfilling its role as the primary combat reserve of the Army and Air Force. Last week, approximately 270 Airmen from the Madison, Wisconsin-based 115th Fighter Wing returned from a deployment to Korea and 35 Soldiers from the West Bend, Wisconsin-based Company C, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. Approximately 110 Airmen from the 128th Air Control Squadron deployed to Southwest Asia in May. Another 30 Soldiers from the West Bend-based 248th Aviation Support Battalion deployed to the Middle East in September, while more than 70 Airmen from the 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee are in the midst of worldwide deployments. Another 150 Soldiers from the Wisconsin Army National Guards Madison-based 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation deployed to Kuwait last spring.

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin National Guard has been busy fulfilling the other half of its dual-mission as the nations first military responder in times of emergency. Approximately 650 Wisconsin National Guard troops deployed to Florida where they provided humanitarian relief, security and traffic control support to communities in the wake of Hurricane Irma. In addition, Airmen from the 128th Air Refueling Wing, 115th Fighter Wing and Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center deployed to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the wake of Hurricane Maria this fall. Two Wisconsin National Guard UH-60 Black Hawks and 19 Soldiers also deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands to assist with medevac missions there.

In this moment of silence, we can remember those who have served our country, Dunbar said. In this moment of silence, we can remember those who paid that ultimate price, including 168 from right here in Wisconsin since 9/11. In our moment of silence, we can lift our thoughts and offer a prayer for our veterans. We can let our humble moment of silence scream our appreciation in a deafening roar of gratitude.

- 30 -

To see this content online, copy the following link and paste in your browser: Caution-http://dma.wi.gov/DMA/news/2017news/17173

​

**   Veterans Day is approaching. Thank you for your service!

Instead of just attaching a list of free offers for Veterans, I'm sending
you the link for the website, Military Benefits. Offers are being updated
daily on the site. The attached list reflects just those offers that have
been identified so far today.

I encourage you to check out both the attachment and Military Benefits
website to see if there are any offers you may enjoy using.

https://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/

NOTE: Military Benefits is a private website that is NOT affiliated with the
U.S. government, U.S. Armed Forces or Department of Veteran Affairs. U.S.
government agencies have not reviewed this information.

Respectfully,
Karen Degner
Military Family Assistance Specialist

 

 

**     With the impact of Harvey's historic flooding, plus hurricane Irma affecting
the southeast as a category 5 storm, responding to both disasters is our top
priority.  Therefore, we have decided to delay our smoke alarm installation
blitz events on September 23rd (Milwaukee) and October 7 (Madison) until a
yet to be determined time in Spring 2018.  We hope that you will consider
being a part of one or both events at that time.

If you have questions, please contact me.

Thank you for your support of our mission and understanding.

Very Respectfully,

John Kost | Service to the Armed Forces State Manager American Red Cross
Wisconsin Region
920-460-8038 (c)

 

 

**    Contact: Amanda Sherman

Phone: 202-225-5506
Amanda.Sherman@mail.house.gov < Caution-mailto:Amanda.Sherman@mail.house.gov
>
Rep. Kind's Bill to Honor Our Heroes Passes House Bill inspired by a
Wisconsinite helps families of deceased veterans to obtain replacement
service medals

Eau Claire, WI - Today, the US House of Representatives passed US Rep. Ron
Kind's Honoring Our Heroes Act, making it easier for the families of deceased
veterans to obtain replacement medals when the original medals have been
lost.

The Honoring Our Heroes Act was inspired by Tari Poulda of Eau Claire, whose
great uncle, Bruce Bradley, died during the Pearl Harbor attacks on the USS
Arizona.  Though Bradley (S2.c, USN) and his family received a posthumous
Purple Heart, the medal had been misplaced in the early 2000s.  Poulda
worked with caseworkers in Rep. Ron Kind's office, and with the help of the
Obama White House was able to grant an exception to the current law.

"I have long said that the best ideas for bills come directly from
Wisconsinites and this bill is a great example of that,"said US Rep. Ron
Kind. "With Tari's help and determination, we worked together to ensure no
other family is denied their loved ones service medals simply because of an
arbitrary rule. I hope the Senate will move to quickly take up this bill and
we can get this policy signed into law," said Rep. Kind.

"When my son and I started the process of trying to track down my
great-uncle's Purple Heart we had no idea the journey it would take us
on,"said Tari Poulda. "While we were successful in getting the medal, I
wanted to make sure no other family had to go through so many hurdles.
Today, I am so pleased that thanks to the efforts of Rep. Kind the Honoring
Our Heroes Act passed Congress."

The bill was included as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. It
will now go to the Senate for a vote and then to the President to be signed
into law.

The current law only authorizes the Armed Forces to supply replacement
medals to Veteran's immediate next of kin.  "Immediate next of kin" is
defined narrowly and only includes relatives within one generation of the
veteran. The Honoring Our Heroes Act will amend the law to expand the range
of relatives who can request replacement medals once there are no immediate
next of kin available to make these requests.

​

  

**   The following may be of interest to you.  Please forward and distribute
within your organization.

For those of you who have been following the WI Dept of Veterans Affairs
review of the VA center at King, the following is a response letter from DVA
Secretary Zimmerman to the Legislative Audit Bureau Report.

-- WE ALL SERVE --

CHRIS A. CAMPBELL
Wisconsin Program Support Specialist
NGB Contractor, E3 Federal Solutions
National Guard Employment Support Program (NGESP)
2400 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53704
608-242-3169 - Office   or  800-335-5147 x3169
608-295-4805 - Cell        Fax: 608-242-3485
724-3169 - DSN
chris.a.campbell2.ctr@mail.mil

-------------------------Forwarded Info Below---------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
[mailto:WisVets@public.govdelivery.com]
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2017 9:16 AM
To: Campbell, Chris A CTR (US) <chris.a.campbell2.ctr@mail.mil>
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] WDVA Response to Legislative Audit Bureau Report
on King Veterans Home

WDVA Response to Legislative Audit Bureau Report on King Veterans Home [

Caution-http://dva.state.wi.us/Documents/newsMediaDocuments/2017/8.24.17%20-
%20LAB-%20Executive%20Response%2082317%20FINAL%20LETTER.pdf ]

"Full Text of Secretary Zimmerman Response Letter"

August 23, 2017

Joe Chrisman, State Auditor
Legislative Audit Bureau
22 East Mifflin St. Suite 500
Madison, WI 53703

Dear Mr. Chrisman:

Thank you for the Legislative Audit Bureaus thorough evaluation of
operations and performance at the Wisconsin Veterans Home - King [
Caution-https://legis.wisconsin.gov/lab/media/2649/17-14full.pdf ].

I am pleased to see that your staffs outside review confirmed much of what I
have found in my seven months as secretary  member care at King far exceeds
the norm. King staff are truly providing a great service to our most
vulnerable Veteran population.
Significantly, your review confirmed the quality and dedication of Kings
workforce. The ability of staff to persevere and deliver top-level care,
despite the challenges faced by the skilled nursing industry both locally
and nationwide, is a tribute to their skill and professionalism.

Being very concerned with member care, I am pleased you confirmed that Kings
per patient nurse contact hours exceed state and federal standards. Where
other nursing homes may reduce nursing staff to save money, King continues
to provide the highest level of personal care to our members. Additionally,
you confirmed that nurse retention at King exceeds local and state averages
over time despite the statewide and national staffing crisis afflicting the
industry. With regard to regulatory citations, you found that Kings
facilities were cited by multiple regulating agencies at a much lower rate
than similar facilities statewide.

The federal Five-Star Quality Rating System objectively evaluates nursing
homes to enable consumers to make informed comparisons regarding the quality
of care delivered to patients living in the licensed nursing homes across
the country. Your report points out that all four of Kings homes exceed, now
and over time, local and state averages in Overall Quality as determined by
this federal rating system. A rating area for improvement noted in your
report relates to the Health Inspection Measures sub-category. This is
something on which we have placed emphasis and will continue to do so. While
we have seen improvement we are not yet satisfied. Our research reveals two
additional points that your report does not mention: First, King also far
exceeds the national star-rating averages for Overall Quality, now and over
time. Second, all King homes are currently rated as 5 stars in the Quality
Measures sub-category, a significant accomplishment uncommon in the
industry.

Your report aptly captures the largest personnel-related challenge facing
King  an industry-wide shortage of nursing staff that has caused overtime
hours worked to increase significantly over the past few years. This has
placed an unsustainable burden on the employees as well as the department
budget. Thank you for mentioning the numerous things we have done recently
and over time to combat this crisis, such as protecting new hires from
mandatory overtime, increasing the number of weekends off for certified
nursing assistants, hiring a nurse recruiter, and protecting days
surrounding vacation from extra hours worked, to name a few. It is my focus
to eliminate all forced overtime and reduce all voluntary overtime to
acceptable, affordable levels as quickly and efficiently as possible. Your
report notes the DHS incentive program for new CNAs with a recommendation
the department further pursue these recruitment tools. Next month our staff
will attend a DHS informational webinar detailing how our facilities can
ensure bonuses are available to WDVA nursing staff under the newly created
Wisconsin Caregiver Career Program which will further assist us in staff
recruitment and retention.

The department has already taken steps consistent with many of the
recommendations in the report and will continue to make improvements. In
addition to your recommendations related to staffing issues, your report
makes several recommendations generally related to member and employee
interpersonal communications. While the department will report specific
progress to the Joint Committee on Audit, it is important to note that I
have an open-door policy for employees to meet with me one-on-one and many
King staff have taken advantage of this. Immediately following my
appointment in February, I established an office at King and I have spent
numerous hours meeting with staff and listening to their concerns.

I would again thank you and your staff for the comprehensive review of
operations and performance at King. While the report identifies some areas
where we can continue improvement, it most significantly confirms many of
the positive things we already knew. I look forward to providing a full
report to the Joint Committee on Audit on or before January 8, 2018.

Sincerely,
Daniel J. Zimmerman, Secretary

"About the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs"

"The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs works on behalf of Wisconsin's
veterans community  veterans, their families and their survivors  in
recognition of their service and sacrifice to our state and nation. For more
information,visit Caution-www.WisVets.com [ your%20website ]."
________________________________________________________________________

Questions?
Contact Us <WisVets@dva.wisconsin.gov>
________________________________________________________________________

 

 

**     Good afternoon Sir/Ma'am.  By way of Introduction, my name is Tim MacArthur
and I am the Director of the Mason Veterans and Service members Legal Clinic
(M-VETS) at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University.
M-VETS provides pro-bono legal services concerning VA Disability/Benefits
appeals, Discharge Review Boards, and Boards for Correction of Military
Records for all veterans regardless of location.

Applications can be submitted online at
Caution-https://mvets.law.gmu.edu/apply/ <
Caution-https://mvets.law.gmu.edu/apply/ >

If you know someone who may need our legal services, please feel free to
provide the following contact information for additional clinic information
and application procedures:

Mason Veterans and Service  members Legal Clinic (M-VETS)
Antonin Scalia Law School
George Mason University
3301 Fairfax Drive, MS 1G3
Arlington, Virginia 22201-4498
Phone: (703) 993-8214
Fax:     (703) 993-9540
E-mail:mvets@gmu.edu < Caution-mailto:mvets@gmu.edu >
Web:   Caution-https://mvets.law.gmu.edu/ <
Caution-https://mvets.law.gmu.edu/ >

Thank you for your time and support!

Timothy M. MacArthur
Director & Clinical Professor
Mason Veterans and Service members Legal Clinic (M-VETS)
Antonin Scalia Law School
George Mason University
3301 Fairfax Drive, Hazel Hall Room 405
Arlington, Virginia 22201-4498
Phone: (703) 993-8179
Fax:     (703) 993-9540
E-mail:tmacarth@gmu.edu < Caution-mailto:tmacarth@gmu.edu >
Web:   Caution-https://mvets.law.gmu.edu/ <
Caution-https://mvets.law.gmu.edu/ >