posted by admin on May 14
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Chad Hall spends many of his days looking into the skies that will shape his future, one way or another.The Air Force Academy senior is attempting to land a job with the Atlanta Falcons as a punt returner — a position of need for the rebuilding franchise.
The standout running back/wide receiver from the Air Force Academy is also trying to capitalize on the military’s rules allowing academy graduates to defer or reduce their military commitments in order to play in the NFL.
“Being with the hometown team is big, but just getting an opportunity to make a team is big,” said Hall, of Norcross. “I’m glad I’m getting the opportunity. I’m competing very well. I just have to see what happens.”
Caleb Campbell, who played safety and linebacker at Army and was drafted in the sixth round by Detroit last month, has drawn widespread attention because the Army established a policy that would allow him to play in the NFL immediately. He would uphold his military commitment by working as a recruiter.
Read the full story here.
posted by admin on Apr 29
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has just announced that a grant of $75 million to offer permanent housing for an estimated 10,000 homeless veteran nationwide. This includes the HUD-VASH or the HUD’S Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program, which provides local public housing agencies with an estimated 10,000 rental assistance vouchers. Read the rest of the story here.
posted by admin on Apr 23
Unfortunately, servicemembers who have been using their VISA credit cards on- and off-post are currently charged with International Service Assessment fee, particularly on overseas transactions. The assessment charge ranges from 0.15% to 1% of the purchase. However, the VISA people assure that customers buying at their commissary, post exchange and US Embassy will not be charged with the extra fee, or as long as the transaction is domestic.
posted by admin on Apr 23
The military authorities are encouraging servicemembers to take advantage of all the educational programs, which could include those from the private sources, federal and of course military-related. In fact, there are many organizations that offer to assist the members of the troops to pursue their educational dream. The Federal Student Aid is an example. The scholarship grant provides for tuitions and other educational loans. Click here for more information.
posted by admin on Apr 21
Every Monday night at 8 P.M., a number of Army wives meet up to listen to news, parenting tips, relationship advice and deployment support. The radio program - Army Wife Talk Radio - is founded by Host Tara Crooks. AWTR reaches out and helps Army families. It also empowers the spouses that have been left home. The show is also streamed on the Internet throughout the week.
posted by admin on Apr 10
The Federal Thrift Savings Plan recently gives a significant room for the servicemembers to make tax-free savings contributions directly from their pay. The new TSP program also provides an investment options, which largely vary according to their contributions. Thus, the interest gained will remain exempted from tax until the said funds are withdrawn at 59 or so.
posted by admin on Apr 10
April 2008 is the month that the DeCA (Defense Commissary Agency) highlights an awareness on proper handling of food as well as cooking measures in stores nationwide. People will witness a demonstration with store staff and military food safety inspectors. Customers can ask anything about how they could protect themselves and their families after buying the food. In fact, the collaborative effort educate people on the steps in preventing food-borne illnesses.
posted by admin on Apr 10
In the thrust to prevent mid-air collisions, Air Combat Command officials assist private civilian pilots through a website. The See and Avoid website enables private pilots to locate their flight path. It allows them to identify their where they are going, so they can avoid military operating areas. Also, users will know where military planes are flying, including their maneuvers.
posted by admin on Apr 9
When your lifelong dream is to become an Air Force pilot, your step starts in Pueblo, Colorado. The place provides the initial flight screening course under the Air Education and Training Command. The primary goal of the course is to evaluate candidates, and then prepare them for further stringent flight school programs. The basic flight program is delivered by certified flight instructors with a broad range of skill levels. Accordingly,IFS also make sure that students will graduate with significant attitude, motivation and aptitude.
posted by admin on Apr 3
In Raonoke, a man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for faking an Army career that included combat missions throughout the world. Randall Moneymaker, 44, told people that he had served in the Army since the 1980s. According to him, he was a Ranger in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Grenada and Iraq.
He used his bogus background as a wounded soldier to get more than $18,000 in military disability payment. He also managed to get a job as a recruiter for the Army’s Active Guard Reserve in Roanoke.
Thus, U. S. District Court in Roanoke convicted Moneymaker of six counts of making false statement and one count of theft of government property. He was also fined of more than $1.5 million.