Military Family

Nearly 40 stores in Europe and the Pacific will remain open with local national employees during furloughs, said the director and CEO of the Defense Commissary Agency.

Nancy Jay interviews the human star, Diane Lane, of Disney’s newest, Secretariat. She also speaks with Director Randall Wallace about previewing the movie to the military.

Check out the other new uploads: Going the Distance, Janelle Monae, and Creed.

• Find your nearest Reel Time Theater and check local movie/time listing!
• Find your nearest BX/PX to check out the newest Power Zone selection.
• More information about EXTV and Nancy Jay

by Jessica Provan

We believe our customers deserve the best there is, well…because they are the best customers in the world!  In efforts to make that goal a success we’re committed to assuring our customers are able to get the items they need from their local exchange, even if that item is not normally stocked at that particular exchange. Our objective is to get merchandise in the hands of our customers even if we have to transfer it from another store or assist the customer by placing an online order. We don’t ever want our customers to leave the store without a satisfactory resolution to their shopping needs. With the Shuttle Program, the customers of one exchange are able to request delivery of items stocked at a larger exchange close to the one where the customer normally shops. This program is implemented in remote and satellite stores where we are able to do so.

See your local Exchange for more details!

by Jessica Provan

October is National Energy Awareness Month.  Here are a few tips to help reduce your energy usage and it may even save you a few bucks too!

You can do your part to conserve energy with just a few minor variations in your daily routine.  The easiest way to save energy is to adopt the rule: If you are not using it, turn it off.  This can apply to many things around the house or office that typically get left on, even when not in use such as coffee pots, portable heaters and lights.  Lighting accounts for 44 percent of the power used in office areas.  Turn off the lights when you leave a room or even your work area during the work day.  Turn off the lights when you are leaving your office for 5 minutes. Turn off conference room lights when you are done with your meeting.  Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in fixtures and lamps throughout your home to provide high-quality and high efficiency lighting.  Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120oF.   A 10o  reduction in temperature saves about 13% of your water heating costs.  When doing laundry or dishes, wash only full loads.

Even small changes can make a big difference!

For more information and tips:  http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/services/energy_aware.html

by the Exchange Social Media Team

Are you a champion or do you know someone who is? A champion is defined as a fighter or warrior, someone who has defeated a challenge. Tell us your story. Operation: Be Fit would like to recognize those who have accomplished a personal goal or overcome a challenge that changed their quality of life: mind, body and soul. If you or someone you know is a Champion, share your story with us and provide the requested information mentioned in the rules below, then post it as a comment to our blog post “Be Fit Champion”. If you’re our Champion, you’ll get a Pro-Form Treadmill 990CS from Icon Fitness (valued at $999).

Official Rules

Eligibility: All authorized exchange customers are eligible to participate except employees of the Exchange (including military personnel assigned to the Exchange and the Exchange retirees), its concessionaires, contractors or representatives providing in-store service or working in an the Exchange facility, the firm(s) sponsoring the contest, and the immediate family members of the above. Immediate family includes spouse, children, parents, persons in loco parentis and resident members of the employee’s immediate household. This contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Each entrant agrees and grants the Exchange permission to make available and display/perform and otherwise distribute entrants’ names and submission in all media in perpetuity without compensation. All entries must be the original creation of the entrants and/or must not infringe upon copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity, or other intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity. The Exchange reserves the right to remove any entry for any reason without notice to the entrant.

Sponsor is not responsible for entries that are incomplete, lost, late, misdirected, or not received due to transmission defaults, computer server failure and/or delayed, garbled or corrupted data transmissions.

Contest Entry: Contest begins at 0001 hrs on 13 October 2010.
Send us your champion story. Your post must include your name, age, gender, mailing address, phone number, email address, what you do and anything interesting or important about you, and how you’re connected to the Military Community (Branch of Service, rank, time served, etc).
Please note, that this blog is moderated and all comments will be reviewed and each entrant’s personal information will be removed prior to approving the comment to be posted publicly on the blog.

Entries are due by Friday, 12 November at 2359 CST and should be posted as a comment on our blog, www.salutetoyourservice.com, under this “Operation: Be Fit Champion” post by the Exchange Social Media Team. The subject line of your post should include your first name and the first initial of your last name. Please keep in mind that your post will be published for all to see and our Rules of Engagement should be adhered to. Posts will be read by our panel of judges and the chosen Champion will be announced on the blog after Monday, 29 November 2010.

In the event of a dispute over the identity of an online entrant, entry will be deemed submitted by the “Authorized Account Holder” of the e-mail address submitted at time of entry. Authorized Account Holder means the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. Entry materials/data that have been tampered with or altered, or mass entries or entries generated by a script, macro or use of automated devices are void. The Sponsor is not responsible for: (i) lost, late, misdirected, damaged or illegible entries; or (ii) error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions of any kind, or inaccurate transmission of or failure to receive entry information by Sponsor on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site or any combination thereof; or (iii) any injury or damage to entrant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in this Contest. By participating in the Contest, you (i) agree to be bound by these official rules, including all eligibility requirements, and (ii) agree to be bound by the decisions of Sponsor and the independent judging organization, which are final and binding in all matters relating to the Contest. Failure to comply with these Official Rules may result in disqualification. Sponsor will not allow spamming or repeated posting of requests for votes on the Exchange page. Contest entrants choosing to post vote requests will be disqualified. Sponsor reserves the right to: (i) permanently disqualify from any Contest it sponsors any person it believes has intentionally violated these Official Rules; and (ii) withdraw the online method of entry if it becomes technically corrupted (including if a computer virus or system malfunction inalterably impairs its ability to conduct the Contest), and to select winners from among all eligible entries received prior to withdrawal.

LEGAL WARNING: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN INDIVIDUAL, WHETHER OR NOT AN ENTRANT, TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE, DESTROY, TAMPER OR VANDALIZE THIS WEB SITE OR INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF THIS CONTEST, IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES AND DILIGENTLY PURSUE ALL REMEDIES AGAINST ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

Send us an essay story of your nomination for the “MY HERO” Essay Contest for your chance to win a $2000 shopping spree or one of six $500 Exchange gift cards. The hero can be a military service member, either active duty or civilian support of military. Submit only one essay per category depicting the story and reason for nomination in less than 300 words. Essays should depict and/or explain why and what is extraordinary about the nominee that would qualify them as “MY HERO”. Categories include:

• Community Crusader
• Peacemaker
• Young Wonder (under 18)
• Earth Keeper
• Family Champion
• Animal Wonder

For complete rules, details, and eligibility information visit the Patriot Family Connection website.

by Jessica Provan

October is Breast Cancer Month.   In recognition, we’ve pinked out our page and posted a few articles with helpful information related to breast cancer.

Here are some facts that should not be ignored.

Not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer in the United States is:

• The most common cancer in women, no matter your race or ethnicity.
• The most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women.
• The second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

Men can get breast cancer. In men, breast cancer can happen at any age, but is most common in men who are between 60 and 70 years old. Male breast cancer is not very common. For every 100 cases of breast cancer, less than 1 is in men. For men, signs of breast cancer and treatment are almost the same as for women.

Breast cancer screening means checking a woman’s breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of the disease. Three main tests are used to screen the breasts for cancer. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you, and when you should have them.

There are several ways to be screened for breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. If you are age 50 to 74 years, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are age 40–49 years, talk to your doctor about when and how often you should have a screening mammogram.  Another option is the clinical breast exam, an examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes.  A breast self-exam is when you check your own breasts for lumps, changes in size or shape of the breast, or any other changes in the breasts or underarm (armpit).  Most likely, you can get screened for breast cancer at a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office. If you want to be screened for breast cancer, call your doctor’s office. They can help you schedule an appointment. Most health insurance companies pay for the cost of breast cancer screening tests.

You can help lower your risk of breast cancer in the following ways:

• Get screened for breast cancer regularly.1 By getting the necessary exams, you can increase your chances of finding out early on, if you have breast cancer. For more information about the kinds of tests used to screen for breast cancer, and to learn how you can be screened, see Screening.
• Control your weight and exercise.  Make healthy choices in the foods you eat and the kinds of drinks you have each day. Stay active. Learn more about keeping a healthy weight and ways to increase your physical activity.
• Know your family history of breast cancer.  If you have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer, ask your doctor what is your risk of getting breast cancer and how you can lower your risk.
• Find out the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Some women use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat the symptoms of menopause. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of HRT and find out if hormone replacement therapy is right for you.

The information posted on this site is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on any website!

by Jessica Provan

October is Breast Cancer Month.  In recognition of that, we will post a series of articles to help bring awareness about breast cancer.  According to the CDC, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.   In 2006, over 190,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,820 women died from breast cancer.  Research has found several risk factors that may increase your chances of getting breast cancer.  Risk factors that increase risk of breast cancer include—

• Getting older.
• Being younger when you first had your menstrual period.
• Starting menopause at a later age.
• Being older at the birth of your first child.
• Never giving birth.
• Not breastfeeding.
• Personal history of breast cancer or some non-cancerous breast diseases.
• Family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter).
• Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest.
• Being overweight (increases risk for breast cancer after menopause).
• Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone combined).
• Having changes in the breast cancer-related genes BRCA1 or BRCA2.
• Using birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives.
• Drinking alcohol (more than one drink a day).
• Not getting regular exercise.

Having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease. Most women have some risk factors and most women do not get breast cancer. If you have breast cancer risk factors, talk with your doctor about ways you can lower your risk and about screening for breast cancer.

The information posted on this site are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on any website!

by Jessica Provan

October is Breast Cancer Month.  In recognition of that, we will post a series of articles to help bring awareness about breast cancer.  According to the CDC, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.   In 2006, over 190,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,820 women died from breast cancer.  Research has found several risk factors that may increase your chances of getting breast cancer.  Risk factors that increase risk of breast cancer include—

• Getting older.
• Being younger when you first had your menstrual period.
• Starting menopause at a later age.
• Being older at the birth of your first child.
• Never giving birth.
• Not breastfeeding.
• Personal history of breast cancer or some non-cancerous breast diseases.
• Family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter).
• Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest.
• Being overweight (increases risk for breast cancer after menopause).
• Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone combined).
• Having changes in the breast cancer-related genes BRCA1 or BRCA2.
• Using birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives.
• Drinking alcohol (more than one drink a day).
• Not getting regular exercise.

Having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease. Most women have some risk factors and most women do not get breast cancer. If you have breast cancer risk factors, talk with your doctor about ways you can lower your risk and about screening for breast cancer.

The information posted on this site are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on any website!

by AAFES Fashion Guru, Wendy P.

The Fall 2010 fashion season offers a plethora of ways to update your wardrobe. From plaids to animal prints, this season offers something for everyone! Classic silhouettes return, denim is HOT, plaid pops and rustic regiment details are everywhere! Soft textures, faux fur trims and leather make a statement this season.

In Ladies, the Must Have items include the boyfriend blazer, cardigans of all lengths, chunky tunic sweaters, animal prints, fur details, aviator inspired jacket, plaid anything, dark wash denim and leggings in both solid and prints. This fall season is filled with feminine details like ruching and ruffles and dresses paired with extreme heels or boots are HOT, HOT, HOT!!

At AAFES, we are updating our ladies assortment by expanding our collection of Izod and the Brina & Em collection. For Fall, Izod is the cornerstone of the misses classic casual market showcasing the return of key item polo shirts, classic woven shirts and casual twill and denim pants. In the Brina & Em collection, you can expect to see more fashion silhouettes with everyday contemporary styling.

Must Have’s in jewelry include mixed media, chunky jewelry, cuff bracelets, and oversized earrings and rings.

For Juniors, Must Have tops include long tunic sweaters that can be worn as a tunic or a dress with leggings (aka the “tress”), plaid shirts, hoodies, chunky sweaters and long cardigans. In bottoms, everything works back to denim jeans and leggings or a combo of the two, “jeggings” are the newest update. Deconstructed, dark wash and skinny jeans worn with heels or boots will take you all the way through the season.

In Men’s, dark denim and twill are staples. For tops, denim and utility shirts, graphic t’s, thermals, shirt jackets and hoodies round out the list of key items for fall.

In children’s, you’ll see a great representation of the latest trends. In fact, all of the pictures of children’s clothing on this slide are AAFES’ exclusive brands, which means they are priced right and only available at our stores. These exclusive brands include names like Buzz Cuts, ID Tags, Ponytails and GumBalls. For girls, the Must Have’s start with leggings, jeggings (jean like leggings) and skeggings (leggings with a skirt attached) – in solid or print, sold as a two piece set with either a tunic or a dress, or as separates. Boy’s Must Have’s parallel the Men’s area.

This fall, boots are a fashion staple, accessories are big and bold, handbags and scarves become part of the outfit and there is something for everyone! From retro classic to feminine to military inspirations and details, this season is right for shopping!!

Many customers and associates have asked why do we have the new look? However, it’s more than just a new look to us, it’s a more enhanced way to care for the best customers in the world.  Every aspect of our business is undergoing a transformation.  Let’s start with the logo…

The Logo
Our logo was designed with significant symbolism and meaning.  The red and blue chevrons that form the X come from the colors of both branches of services, and the intersecting chevrons suggest the two branches of service coming together.  This “coming together” also connotes the gathering place for the military community or family.  The chevrons are directional and imply movement, supporting our motto, “We go where you go”.  The chevron shape is also used in both branches of the military acknowledging accomplishment and duty served with honor. 

The Name
The name “Exchange” applies equally to both Army and Air Force and can be expanded to embrace the idea that we give back to the community with every transaction.  The icon forms an “X” which is short for Exchange.  Originally coined in 1893 by the House when making provisions to support post canteens, the “Exchange” is a part of our heritage and current vernacular, we’ve been called the "Exchange" by our customers for over 100 years.  The new logo also comes with a new tag line, “You save, we give back”. This line emphasizes our value proposition and supports our mission to provide annual dividends to the Army’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Air Force Services programs. 

The Mission
It is the dual enduring mission of the Army Air Force Exchange Service to provide quality merchandise and services to our customers at competitively low prices and to generate earnings which provide a dividend to Support Services, and morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) programs. 

The Exchange exists for men, women and families who live a distinctively different life: ready to serve, ready to move, and ready to respond at a moment’s notice.  Living a demanding life full of challenges, our customer is mentally and physically fit, in a state of anticipation and preparedness.  The singular quality is readiness.  For the Exchange, readiness means being prepared, planning ahead and anticipating future needs. Ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Readiness respects resources, both human and supplies. The Exchange embodies American Readiness like no other business can because we live our customers’ life; we go where they go. We understand our customers’ passion for action and competitive spirit, so we offer products that support their life during duty hours, down-time and family time.

The Store

The new Exchange store layout reflects this active and interactive lifestyle in both layout and merchandise adjacencies, as can be seen in the Be Fit area of the store.

As the month comes to a close, we want to remind you that while September is Child Safety Month…everyday we must do our part to protect the future generations.

If recognition of Child Safety Month, we have developed a series of blogs to be published in September highlighting some important and fairly simple ways to increase your child’s safety and well being.    A special thanks to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for allowing us to share some great info with you. 
 
We have identified six common dangers that even the most careful parents can overlook, and some tips on how to avoid them.  Fort more information on these topics, please visit the NHTSA website.

Trunk Entrapment
Problem: Children are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. So, if you leave your kids unattended, in or near a vehicle, it won’t be long before they are playing in it. Hide and seek can turn deadly if they get trapped in the trunk, where temperatures can rise very quickly – resulting in heatstroke or asphyxiation.
Prevention Tips:  Teach children not to play in or around cars. Teach them that vehicle trunks are for cargo, not for playing.  Always supervise your children carefully when in and around vehicles.  Check the trunk right away if your child is missing.  Lock your car doors and trunk and be sure keys and remote entry devices are out of sight and reach of your kids.  Keep the rear fold-down seats closed/locked to keep your children from climbing into the trunk from inside your car.

Power Windows
Problem: Children can hurt themselves with power windows. Many kids are injured when a window closes on their finger, wrist, or hand. Some kids have been strangled by power windows.
Prevention Tips:  Never leave your children alone in a vehicle for any reason.  Teach your children not to play with window switches.  Teach your children not to stand on passenger door arm rests.  Properly restrain your children in car seats or seat belts to prevent them from accidentally activating power windows.  Look and make sure your kids hands, feet, and head, are clear of windows before raising the windows.  Never leave the key in the ignition or in the "on" or "accessory" position when you walk away from your car.  If available, activate the power window lock switch so that your children cannot play with the windows.

Vehicle Rollaway
Problem: With the key in the ignition, automatic transmissions may be shifted "out of park" even if the vehicle’s engine is off and the driver’s foot is not on the brake. If you leave the key in the ignition and turned to the accessory mode (to listen to the radio, open/close the windows, etc.), your vehicle’s automatic transmission may be shifted out of  "Park" if you or a child moves the gear selector.  f you leave a child alone in a motor vehicle, whether the engine running or not, it doesn’t take long for a child to unintentionally set your car in motion.
Prevention Tips:  Teach children not to play in or around cars.  Supervise children carefully when in and around vehicles.  Keep vehicle locked when unattended.  Never leave keys in the car.  Engage your emergency brake every time you park.  Verify whether or not your vehicle has a Brake Transmission Safety Interlock (BTSI). Read the owner’s manual or check HERE to find BTSI-equipped vehicles.

Seatbelt Entanglement
Problem: A child within reach of a seat belt may become entangled if he or she pulls the seat belt all the way out and wraps the belt around the head, neck, or waist.  The majority of seat belts have a locking mechanism that is activated when the seat belt is pulled all the way out from the retractor. This feature is designed for child seat installation. In instances when the locking feature activates, the child may not be able to free him or herself.   This can happen if you do not properly restrain your child, for example, if you let the child lie down or sleep on the vehicle seat, instead of being properly restrained. Older children who are no longer in a child restraint system, can become entangled by pulling a seat belt all the way out of the retractor, or by playing with an unused seat belt.  If you used your vehicle’s Lower Anchors and Tether for Children (LATCH) system to install the car seat, your child may be able to reach an unused belt.
Prevention Tips:  Do not let children play in or around cars.  Never leave a child unattended in or around a vehicle.  Always ensure children are properly restrained.  Teach children that seat belts are not toys.  Be aware that some seat belts have a retractor that locks if pulled all the way out.  If a child has an unused seat belt within reach:  Buckle unused seat belts. Pull the seat belt out all the way to the end without yanking. Then, feed the excess webbing back into the retractor.     If a child seat is installed with LATCH, consider completing the steps above before you install the child seat. Always consult your child seat and vehicle owner’s manual for installation instructions.

Hypothermia & Heatstroke
Problem: Children die each year from heatstroke, after being left alone in a vehicle.  You live by your daily routine and it helps you get things done. Be extra careful, though, if you have to change any part of that routine. This is more likely to happen when you, or caregiver who helps with your children, forgets that a child is in the back seat. This can and does happen when you break a well-established routine.
Prevention Tips:  Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.  Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.  Make a habit of looking in the vehicle – front and back – before locking the door and walking away.  If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it’s your spouse or partner who drops them off, have your spouse or partner call you to make sure the drop went according to plan.  Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.  Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle, such as:  Writing yourself a note and putting the note where you will see it when you leave the vehicle;  Placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat so that you will have to check the back seat when you leave the vehicle; or  Keeping an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she is leaving the vehicle.  Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of children’s reach. If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk.  If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Backover
Problem: Many children are killed or seriously injured in backover incidents. A backover incident typically occurs when a car coming out of a driveway or parking space backs over a child because the driver did not see him/her.
Prevention Tips:  Teach children not to play in or around cars.  Supervise children carefully when in and around vehicles.  Always walk around your vehicle and check the area around it before backing up.  Be aware of small children-the smaller a child, the more likely it is you will not see them.  Teach children to move away from a vehicle when a driver gets in it or if the car is started.  Have children in the area stand to the side of the driveway or sidewalk so you can see them as you are backing out of a driveway or parking space.  Make sure to look behind you while backing up slowly in case a child dashes behind your vehicle unexpectedly.  Take extra care if you drive a large vehicle because they are likely to have bigger blind zones. Roll down your windows while backing out of your driveway or parking space so that you’ll be able to hear what is happening outside of your vehicle.  Teach your children to keep their toys and bikes out of the driveway.  Because kids can move unpredictably, you should actively check your mirrors while backing up.  Many cars are equipped with detection devices like backup cameras or warning sounds, but they cannot take the place of you actively walking around your car to make sure your children are safely out of the way. Do not rely solely on these devices to detect what’s behind your vehicle.

December 10, 2009 - By Jennifer Bacchus (Anniston Army Depot (AMC))

The Student Educational Employment Program, better known as the co-op program, has added hundreds of employees to the workforce of Anniston Army Depot.

December 10, 2009 - By Spc. Gaelen Lowers, 3rd Sustainment Bde., 3rd ID Public Affairs

Times are hard all over. As of November 2009, the unemployment rate is up to 10.2 percent. This makes the holidays even more stressful than normal.

December 14, 2009 - By Staff Sgt. Jacob A. McDonald/18th Fires Bde. PAO, Army.Mil News Service

More than 200 military children joined Families United for Our Troops and Toys for Tots in Fayetteville, N.C. Sunday, to pick out gifts for the children of deployed Soldiers.

December 11, 2009 - By Elaine Wilson, American Forces Press Service

The nation must move beyond the "suck it up and drive on" military culture of the past and look to a future that puts psychological and spiritual injuries on par with physical ones, the Army's highest-ranking psychiatrist said yesterday.

December 10, 2009 - By Jenny Stripling, Army.Mil News Service

A human resources specialist educated six spouses of active-duty servicemembers during a seminar Wednesday on Executive Order 13473, enabling federal hiring managers to hire eligible military spouses without complex or competitive processes.

December 7, 2009 - By Elaine Wilson, American Forces Press Service

Officials are working to boost the resources and support the Defense Department's Exceptional Family Member Program provides to military families with special needs.

December 7, 2009 - By Elaine Wilson, American Forces Press Service

Timothy Donovan sits in his wheelchair on the sidelines of the playground here, wishing he could swing on the swings or slide down the slides with his friends. But Timothy is unable to roll his wheelchair over the mulch, and the playgrounds lack the ramps and other special equipment he needs to play there.

December 7, 2009 - A US Air Force News Service

Despite problems in the nation's housing market, mortgage loans backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs had a lower foreclosure rate than any other type of home loan in the industry, as of the end of the last fiscal year.