By Air Force Staff Sgt. Laura Montgomery
145th Airlift Wing

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 25, 2018 What do you get when you mix a handful of knowledgeable volunteers; some scientific principles, theories and laws; rocket materials; and a group of bright-eyed, young students?

You get the annual STARBASE Camp -- more than 20 4th, 5th, and 6th graders learning exciting science, technology, engineering and math applications that will help them launch a rocket, and hopefully, ideas for their future. The camp was held at the North Carolina Air National Guard Base at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport here, June 18-21.

From a Defense Department News Release

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2018 The Defense Departments Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program is launching a new partnership with LinkedIn -- the virtual professional networking platform.

Military spouses will soon have access to a free LinkedIn Premium membership, valid for one year, every time they have a permanent-change-of-station move, including access to more than 12,000 online professional courses through LinkedIn Learning, as well as access to LinkedIns military and veterans resource portal. The membership is also available for the spouse of a service member who is within six months of separation from the military.

The partnership with LinkedIn will offer military spouses a great opportunity to advance their careers during their times of transition, said Eddy Mentzer, associate director of family readiness and well-being in DoDs Office of Military Community and Family Policy. Spouses will be able to access a global network of professionals any time, from any place. They can plan their next career step before they move, as soon as they have orders [for a permanent change of station].

MILITARY STAR Offers Value for Military Community at Disney World’s Shades of Green
June 18, 2018 / Marisa Wolfe

DALLAS – Service members can enjoy the magic of Walt Disney World vacations with the help of the MILITARY STAR® card, which offers an affordable way to stay at Shades of Green resort in Orlando, the Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) tax-free resort on Disney property.

The MILITARY STAR card can also be used to purchase tickets to Disney and Orlando attractions through Shades of Green. Events and weddings at the resort can be paid for with the card as well. And shoppers can grab all the gifts and souvenirs they need right on site—an Army & Air Force Exchange Service Express store at the resort sells affordable Disney souvenirs and more—tax-free. And cardholders enjoy one of the industry’s lowest interest rates.

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2018 The Defense Department now offers access to a wide array of newly enhanced and specialized support for military families with special needs.

Officials launched the Exceptional Family Member Program ROC -- for resources, options and consultations -- May 30.

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.