HEALTHCARE COST SET TO SOAR!
In a warning with big implications for future budget debates, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost of veterans’ health care will rise between 45 percent and 70 percent over the next decade, a massive jump that will only partly result from treating Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans.

Veterans Affairs Department health care costs are now running about $48 billion a year, according to a new report from the nonpartisan congressional agency. About $2 billion of that total is associated with treating Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

What’s this mean to you?  In today’s anemic economy and burgeoning national debt, there’s a growing likelihood we’ll soon hear the call from the Department of Defense, and with support from the current Presidential Administration, for significant TRICARE enrollment fee increases.  It’s no longer a matter of if – but when…Airmen will be asked to shoulder the increased cost.  We’re hearing rumblings and chatter from the Hill and elsewhere that next year may be the year where Airmen will see significant proposed increases in TRICARE fees and co-pays.

You can help AFSA hold the line.  How?  If not an AFSA member, sign up today!  If already a member, recruit (or retain) a member today!  Remember, on Capitol Hill, the more members we have, the greater influence we have.  Once a benefit is lost, it’s nearly impossible to get back.  So we can’t afford to wait.  Be proactive…JOIN /Rejoin AFSA now! 

AFSA HEADQUARTERS HOSTS AFDW 1ST SERGEANTS

Air Force District of Washington (AFDW) 1st Sergeants held “offsite” meetings at AFSA Headquarters this week, with briefings to discuss their council mission and vision. CEO Doc McCauslin briefed on AFSA focus points and Military and Government Relations staff shared the AFSA legislative platform with participants.  As always, there was no sales pitch (and none needed)…only an update on what AFSA is doing on behalf of the enlisted force and those “serving” alongside – their families.       

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES AND NEWS

17-23 OCTOBER IS LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS WEEK

This is an opportunity to share the legislative process with our communities, what we are doing as an association, and what each of us—AFSA member or not—can do to influence the legislative process.   For legislative week, share this e-newsletter with individuals who are not AFSA members.  Get the word out that the enlisted voice counts.

AFSA HEADS TO THE HILL

AFSA’s Military and Government Relations staff took several trips to the Hill this week, on behalf of the membership, with visits to Senators Hutchison R-TX, McCain R-AZ, and Coburn R-OK. Representatives Skelton D-MO, Edwards D-TX, Herseth-Sandlin D-SD, Walz D-MN, and Michaud D-ME offices.   The topics of discussion included TRICARE 26 and other time-sensitive areas of the AFSA legislative platform.  AFSA is doing what it takes to leverage the political moment in the best interests of the AFSA family.

IN THE NEWS

Per CNNMoney.com, chances are high that for the second year in a row Social Security beneficiaries will see no increase in their benefit checks. The official word isn’t expected until Friday when the Social Security Administration announces whether there will be a cost-of-living adjustment for 2011.   But those who’ve crunched the numbers say there just hasn’t been enough inflation to justify a bump in benefits.  The impact of no cost-of-living adjustment also affects military retired pay and VA disability allowances too…as it’s often politically expedient in today’s political and economic environments for COLA increases to “lock-step” across the federal government. 

Again, there’s power in numbers…and large voting blocks (such as AFSA members and their families) wield huge and effective clout in the halls of congress.  This is serious business!

AFSA MEMBER BENEFITS

As the largest ”enlisted membership” association advocating for enlisted quality of life and well-being benefits for Airmen and their families, we are continually working on opportunities to help our association members — to enrich their standard of living and to help with the raising costs of daily living.  From educating and advocating on Capitol Hill, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Air Force.  To “teaming” with businesses and third party vendors providing low-cost insurance, financial, and travel products and services (to name only a few).  We encourage our members to take advantage of the following member benefits; as on the Hill, numbers matter.  The more our members use member benefits, the more bargaining leverage we have in negotiating and obtaining low-cost benefits in the future.  For a full listing of member benefit providers, visit our home page.   

            * AFSA Member Benefits are provided by third parties, not by AFSA.

FREE SAT & ACT TEST PREP SOFTWARE

eKnowledge Donates $200 SAT and ACT Test Prep to Military Service Members and their families.   In alliance with the DoD and supported by patriotic NFL and MLB players, eKnowledge is donating $200 SAT and ACT PowerPrep Programs to military service members and their extended families.  To order the free software, visit www.eknowledge.com/AFSA.  There is a nominal charge of $13.94 for the cost of materials, processing, distribution and customer service.

AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC (AFJROTC) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

AFJROTC has employment opportunities for retired or retiring Airmen.   AFJROTC operates 880 units worldwide consisting of over 1,900 instructors and 103,000 high school students.   For more information about instructor opportunities, call toll free (866) 235-7682, ext. 35112 or 32535.   The DSN number is 493-5112 or 2535. You can also click HERE for complete instructor requirements and application information.

OTHER INFO

MILITARY SPOUSE INTERN PROGRAM EXTENDED

Military Spouse Intern Program Extended through 2011:  This program is for Non-DOD federal agencies…like DHS and others.  As an incentive to hire, participating agencies are reimbursed by DOD for salary, benefits, and training costs for the first year of employment of the military spouse.  Visit the OSD Office of Civilian Personnel web site at http://www.cpms.osd.mil/MilSpouse/milspouse_index.aspx for more information.

AFSA MEMBERS!  ARE YOU MOVING?  RECENTLY PROMOTED OR RETIRED?   

Let AFSA know your new mailing address, email address, and contact number. Updating your member information will insure uninterrupted receipt of SERGEANTS as well as other important member benefits.  Please call toll free, 1-800-638-0594.

We want to hear your thoughts and opinions.  Complete the sentence below!  What’s your top 10 list for AFSA?  Go ahead.  Don’t be bashful.  Send it.

“I THINK AFSA SHOULD __________.”