Editor’s Note: In a June 6, 2022 email to veterans, the VA said it would begin contacting National Guard and reserve service members to schedule their part 2 Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry exam. The VA said active-duty and activated National Guard and reserve service members must reach out to their military treatment facility […]
Army Grooming Standards Guide
Editor’s Note: The Army modified its uniform and grooming standards in 2021 and added more authorized tattoos in 2022. Updates included significant changes to Army Regulation (AR) 670, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, and the new ALARACT 40/2021, U.S. Army Appearance and Grooming Modifications. The Purpose of AR 670-1 AR 670-1 prescribes […]
2023 Defense Budget
With summer meetings of the Congressional appropriations committees underway, the defense budget watch for fiscal year (FY) 2023 has officially begun. The annual United States defense budget affects service members, DOD civilian employees and veterans. The defense budget codifies the U.S. national security strategy. Whether it passes and what’s in it is nationally and internationally […]
The VA Shingles Vaccine – What Veterans Should Know
Shingles is a common – but painful – rash caused by the same virus that also ignites chicken pox, according to the American Medical Association. Shingles, known as the herpes zoster virus, most often occurs in people aged 50 or older who have previously contracted chicken pox. Medicine does not completely understand why chicken pox […]
How Proxy Marriage Works for Military Members
Weddings can be difficult to plan when one or both partners are in the military. Deployments and geographical separation can slow things down. But, if you need to get married faster to add your partner to your insurance plan or another military benefit, a proxy marriage may be a good option. Proxy marriages allow […]