Franconia Military Community announcements: March 14, 2013

By Franconian NewsMarch 15, 2013

e-Healthcare
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Seasonal flu
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Over-the-counter medications
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OHA and MIHA

If you're a Soldier who lives in privately leased or rented residential housing in Germany, the ongoing Overseas Housing Allowance Utility and Move-in expense survey is your chance to have a say in setting your housing allowance rates. Please take the time to complete this important survey. It helps determine the amount of money you receive for utilities and recurring maintenance. This year's survey also collects data for the move in housing allowance (MIHA). To take the survey through March 31, visit www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/marutilmiha.cfm.

Savings fund application warning

The Apple App Store is offering a free iPhone application called TSP Funds that is not sanctioned by the Thrift Savings Plan. The app asks TSP participants for their account login information. TSP recommends that participants not use the TSP Funds app to access their TSP accounts because using the app could result in a security risk to their accounts.

Flu Vaccines

Flu vaccines are now available at your local health clinic. An annual average of 36,000 deaths and 226,000 hospitalizations occur each year in the U.S. due to influenza infections. Annual flu vaccinations are the most effective method for preventing influenza virus infections and its complications. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/flu-shot-video.

Bicycle fines increase

The German parliament has approved increases in the fines for bicycle offenses. Failing to use a bike path or riding without a light will cost 20 euro instead of 15 starting April 1. The fine for biking through a pedestrian zone will be 15 euros instead of 10. Parking a car on a bike path will cost 20 to 30 euros.

DLA Disposition Services Sites Notice

DLA Disposition Services Sites in Schweinfurt and Grafenwoehr have re-opened for property turn-in. Reutilization, Transfer, Donation and Hazardous Waste Disposal services has also resumed. For any urgent matters, the site team can be called at 09721-96-8277 in Schweinfurt or 09641-83-6384 in Grafenwoehr.

Care Experience

Returning an Army Provider Satisfaction Survey can generate money for the local health clinic. Positive responses to the questions that generate money for the clinic are great, but honest responses about the customer experience is necessary to improve the clinic's quality of service. Beneficiaries who do not receive a survey within six weeks of a visit to a local clinic should ensure their Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is up to date.

CID Seeks Qualified Soldiers

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, commonly known as CID, is recruiting qualified Soldiers who are interested in pursuing a career as a federal law enforcement officer. To learn more, visit www.cid.army.mil/join_CID.html.

Army Suggestion Program

The Army Suggestion Program encourages Soldiers, civilians and any concerned individuals to submit ideas regarding how the Army can increase efficiency and cut costs. Approved suggestions are assessed on how much they save the Army and can earn individuals thousands of dollars. For more information, or to submit an idea, Army Knowledge Online registered users can visit the ASP website at http://asp.hqda.pentagon.mil/public. Those unable to access AKO can submit a DA Form 1045 to their installation coordinator.

OneSource Mobile

Army OneSource is now available for smartphone browsers. The launch of a mobile device version will optimize Army OneSource the mobile experience for visitors. Visit www.myarmyonesource.com today.

Get EFMP Registered

Is your Soldier coming back from deployment? If your Soldier is receiving orders to another location, it is not too early to start your Exceptional Family Member Program paperwork. Family members can start the paperwork now. Your local Army Community Service EFMP manager can assist in determining what you need to do. Remember, if you have someone registered in EFMP, the registration has to be updated every three years or when the condition changes.

Sexual Assault

Your Sexual Assault Response Coordinator is available 24 hours a day. Call 0162-510-2917 for the 24-hour hotline.

Pre-Separation Briefing

Planning to move from Soldier to civilian? Take advantage of the transition services offered by the Army Career and Alumni Program, such as a Department of Labor two-and-a-half-day job assistance workshop, resume preparation assistance and information about veterans benefits. Make an appointment to attend the mandatory ACAP Pre-Separation Briefing offered weekly and about an hour long. Separating Soldiers can start the ACAP process one year before separating. Soldiers who will be retiring can start two years out from their projected retirement date.

Trial Defense Services

If you're a Soldier and you are questioned by law enforcement, Criminal Investigation Division or members of your command about suspected acts of misconduct, you have the absolute right to remain silent. You have the right to refuse to answer any question, even from your commander, and you have the right to talk to an attorney. If questioned, you should immediately demand to speak to an attorney. As a Soldier, you are entitled to free consultation and representation by a military defense counsel. All communications with a trial defense attorney are privileged and will not be released to your command. Let a U.S. Army trial defense attorney help you. To learn more, speak with a free trial defense attorney.

Teen Stress

The National Military Family Association has created a kit to give the people in military teens' lives a way to help them manage stress and affirm the positive aspects of military life. To obtain a copy of the tool kit and learn more, visit https://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/07/OperationPurple.

Scout Program

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects three young people -- of the Boy or Girl Scouts, Sea Scouts or Venturing Crew -- who have demonstrated practical citizenship in school, scouting and the community. The first-place winner receives a $5,000 award, the second-place winner receives a $3,000 award and the third-place winner receives $1,000. To learn more, visit www.vfw.org/Community/Scout-of-the-Year-Scholarship.

Involved Consideration

Missed appointments diminish a medical facility's ability to provide efficient health care. The next time you cannot make your medical appointment, be considerate and cancel your appointment. We need your involvement to provide better care.

PTA Scholarships

Apply for European Parent Teacher Association scholarships. For more information, visit http://europeanptaonline.org/EPTAScholarship.aspx.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

Take advantage of your military benefits. Earn a degree or skill with your Post-9/11 GI Bill. Find out more about your benefits by visiting www.gibill.va.gov.

Edelweiss Resort

Ongoing specials and packages are available for Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. This full-scale resort and alpine lodge is in the heart of the Bavarian Alps and ski country. The hotel is part of USAG Garmisch. There are often deals and package specials available. For more information, visit www.edelweisslodgeandresort.com.

Utility Tax Relief Services

The Tax Relief Office offers a new service for U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, Bamberg and Schweinfurt customers. With the implementation of the Utility Avoidance Program, customers can sign up and save 19 percent tax on their electricity, gas and water bills. To learn more, call the Warner Barracks' Tax Relief Office at 0951-300-1780, Leward Barracks' Tax Relief Office at 09721-96-1780, Bismark Kaserne's Tax Relief Office at 09802-83-1780 or Storck Barracks' Tax Relief Office at 09841-83-4553.

Family Advocacy Programs

Army Community Service's Family Advocacy Program is here to provide help and support by offering New Parent Support Program, Newborn Network, play group, parenting classes, communication classes, victim advocacy and anger/stress management classes. Contact your local ACS for dates and class schedules.

Immediate Appointments

Are you tired of waiting on hold while scheduling a medical appointment at a health clinic? With TRICARE Online, you don't have to wait on hold. You can schedule appointments, refill prescriptions and manage your health needs better. Register today at www.tricareonline.com. To learn more, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7VeUIyTMa4.