By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2017 — The Defense Department has launched a comparison calculator for eligible service members to analyze their estimated retirement benefits under the legacy system and the new Blended Retirement System.

The tool walks members through five screens, allowing users to adjust 12 data fields and compare benefit scenarios under both systems, Air Force Maj. Michael Odle, the Defense Department's assistant director of military compensation policy, explained.

By Yan Kennon, Naval Hospital Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Men can set a healthy example for kids, family and buddies by getting health screenings. Create a plan (based on age, family history, and personal medical history) with the primary care manager (PCM).

Prevention is the best medicine. Men can take charge of their personal health by getting health screenings, eating healthy, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, staying injury free, practicing safe sex, drinking in moderation, and being tobacco free.

By Shannon Collins
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WEST POINT, N.Y., June 16, 2016 - The 2016 Department of Defense Warrior Games began yesterday evening when Army Capt. Kelly Elmlinger, with help from comedian Jon Stewart, lit the official torch during the event's opening ceremonies at the U.S. Military Academy. 

"Being selected to light the torch is as much an honor and privilege as competing for Team Army," Elmlinger said. "Finishing my Warrior Games career as Team Army captain and lighting the torch at the opening ceremony is by far the most amazing experience. It's humbling to see the support from the Warrior Transition Command throughout my time on Team Army, and I graciously thank them for allowing me to participate as torch bearer in this event."

By Karen Parrish
DoD News, Defense Media Activity 

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2016 - The Defense Department's new retirement system will affect some 2.2 million people who all need to get smart on what it will mean.

Two subject-matter experts from the department's personnel and readiness branch described the issues involved to DoD News: Army Sgt. Maj. Luther Thomas Jr., senior enlisted advisor to the Defense Department's Manpower and Reserve Affairs Division, and Wayne Boswell, DoD's director of financial readiness. 

By Cheryl Pellerin
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2015 - In the face of recent aggressive and deceptive marketing practices of some compounding pharmacies targeting TRICARE, the Defense Health Agency is taking aggressive action to help TRICARE beneficiaries, DHA's chief of pharmacy operations said in a recent interview.

Dr. George Jones described compounding as a way that some pharmacies prepare medications for patients who need different kinds or strengths of medications than are available in commercially available products.

By C. Todd Lopez
Army News Service

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2014 - An initial Army investigation into the whereabouts of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl following his disappearance in June 2009 did not conclude that he voluntarily left his installation, an Army official, speaking on background, said today.

"My recollection is that it didn't make a conclusive finding on that," the official said. 

From an Arlington National Cemetery News Release

ARLINGTON, Va., June 13, 2014 - A special program will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Arlington National Cemetery on June 15.

"Arlington at 150" is an hour-long live military show featuring musical performances by "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band and a joint chorus composed of singers from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force are on tap, as well as a wreath ceremony and historical vignettes that showcase how military conflicts have shaped the nation and the cemetery.

Wholesale Party Supplies is excited to announce the start of our Military Discount Program.

Wholesale Party Supplies is proud to support all active and inactive members of the United States Military, and their families, by offering a 10% discount on our entire inventory. We're well-aware of the sacrifices made by our soldiers, and we'd like to extend this special deal as our way of saying "Thanks for all that you do."

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2014 - A senior Pentagon official often requests grilled cheese with mustard and pickles, but these chefs will never divulge the individual's identity.

A long time supporter of veterans, the U.S. Department of Agriculture honored D-Day veterans and all service members today at the 19th annual USDA Farmers Market Opening. On hand were the military's top chefs, who keep the secrets of the senior leaders for whom they cook.

by Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

*WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- *Air Force spouses are key to maintaining stability on the home front as Airmen maintain focus on the war front, according to the wife of the Air Force’s top officer.

The key spouse program is an official unit/family program overseen by commanders designed to enhance readiness and establish a sense of unity within the Air Force community. The program was standardized across the Air Force in March 2006 to address the needs of all military families with special emphasis on support to families across the deployment cycle.