February 4th is the official creation day for the United Service Organizations (USO). The USO has been a fixture in military life for over 80 years. Let's dive into the history of the USO and how it impacts the modern military. According to their website, "Since 1941, the USO has been the nation's leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their time in uniform. From the moment they join, through their assignments and deployments, and as they transition back to their communities, the USO is always by their side."

An organization with a history

The organization was founded in 1941 and is private and not-for-profit. It also works with the Department of Defense (DOD). The organization was first formed in WWll to boost the morale of the troops and to encourage American citizen involvement in the war effort. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's goal was to foster more support for the men fighting overseas, which was much needed at the time. In fact, several preexisting organizations and associations were combined to create the USO. They were: 

• The Salvation Army.
• The Young Men's Christian Association.
• The Young Women's Christian Association.
• The National Catholic Community Services.
• The National Travelers Aid Association.
• The National Jewish Welfare Board.

Most notably, the USO provided live entertainment to the troops and their families, which included comedians, actors and musicians. In addition, they also created social facilities for those in need, which they still actively do. Though they were disbanded between the end of WWll and the beginning of the Korean War, the USO was revived for the latter war and continued through the entirety of the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanese peacekeeping, Gulf War, Afghanistan and the Iraq war.

The USO today

Today, USO still provides important resources to those who are members of the military community. They have over 200 locations in 14 countries and 27 US states. The USO has over 250 centers that "extend to countries on every continent, operated by thousands of staff and volunteers whose goals are to match our service members' vigilance and provide best-in-class service to those who sacrifice so much for America," according to their website.

Services provided

The USO is a service that is provided to troops both while they are deployed and after deployment. They are also available for military families. Here is a short list of just some of the services offered:

• Operation Phone Home: The project offers military members internet connections and potential phones. 2.8 million minutes of free talk time and 760,000 wifi sessions were logged by service members connecting with their families in 2019.
• USO Care Package Program: You or someone you know can send a care package to the troops overseas.
• Entertainment: USO has provided more than 8.1 million center celebrity visits across the world.
• Transitioning Service Members and Military Spouses: The organization offers support and services to those who are transitioning to a new point in their service.

The USO has been around for over 80 years to provide different kinds of support to the military as a private, non-government entity. On February 4th, 2022 consider donating in celebration of the organization's birthday.

Donating blood is a way to give back to your community that can make a massive difference in someone's life. According to the New York Times, U.S. blood banks are experiencing their biggest shortage in a decade. This is partially due to the fact that there are many misconceptions around donating blood in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we will address some of the biggest myths surrounding the topic.

Donating blood is still possible

Many people might think that donating blood is not even possible because of the restrictions around hospitals. While there is some truth to this, there are still ways to give. There are different organizations that offer available locations where you can schedule an appointment to donate. Here are some examples:

• Red Cross: The Red Cross has a website where you can enter your zip code and find a blood drive near you.
• Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies: This link will help you find a permanent location near where you live.

Passing the requirements is simple

Some people are nervous to donate because they are unsure if they qualify to do so. Here are the qualifications for whole blood donations according to Red Cross:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Weigh at least 110 lbs.
• Not be on the following medications according to blood assurance.org
• Accutane.
• Antibiotics *Donors who are taking antibiotics are eligible to donate 24 hours after their last dose.
• Antiplatelet Medications.
• Blood thinners (such as Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox, Warfarin).
• Bovine insulin.
• Hepatitis B Immune Globulin.
• Human-derived growth hormones.
• Find the full list on blood assurance.org.

Please note that all people who have taken a licensed vaccine, for COVID-19 or otherwise, are able to donate blood. The American Red Cross says that there is no deferral time for the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by AstraZeneca, Janssen/J&J, Moderna, Novavax, or Pfizer. 

Those who have had the virus can donate

A major myth that we want to bust today is that those who have had the virus can't donate their blood. This is absolutely not true. The FDA recommends that "individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 or who are suspected of having COVID-19, and who had symptomatic disease, refrain from donating blood for at least 10 days after complete resolution of symptoms."

This means that, even if you have had the virus, you are still eligible to donate blood to those who may need it as long as the donation happens at least 10 days after the symptoms have gone away. COVID-19 can not be transferred through a blood transfusion according to the FDA. Their website reported, on January 11, 2022, that "there have been no reported cases of transfusion-transmitted coronavirus, including SARS-CoV-2, worldwide."

Taking precautionary measures is important

While there are important precautionary measures to take in order to prevent COVID-19, blood donation is still necessary and possible. Here are some of the most important things that the Stanford
Donation Center is doing to maintain a safe blood donation environment, for example:

• Appointments are necessary.
• Equipment is sterilized, and most is single-use only.
• Hand sanitizers are placed throughout donation sites.
• Increased spacing between donors.
• Team members wear face masks while interacting with donors during the entire donation process.
• Team members at collection sites are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Because blood donations had previously relied heavily on mobile drives on college campuses and high schools, the pandemic has severely impacted donation levels. Find a location near you and learn more about donating today.

Association to celebrate its notable legacy in 2022 as it looks ahead to a bright future 

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) announced today its plan to mark its 75th anniversary by celebrating its notable legacy as it looks to the future to continue fulfilling its noble and patriotic mission.

“Protecting those who go in harm’s way has always been our mission. AFBA has paid death claims to the families of members who have served in every military conflict since the Korean War. We are proud of our 75-year legacy serving those who serve this great nation,” said General Ed Eberhart, USAF (Ret.), Chair of AFBA. 

General Larry Spencer, USAF (Ret.) President of AFBA added, “While celebrating our legacy, we are also positioning AFBA for the future with optimism and determination. This year, we will be rebranding and launching a new website to better connect with our members and our markets. We plan to raise our profile through sales promotions and advertising campaigns, and towards the latter part of the year, we will host a series of events to honor the past and embark into the next 75 years.”  

Formed with the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, in the basement of the Pentagon on February 1, 1947, AFBA initially provided $10,000 worth of life insurance to active-duty Army and Air Force officers serving overseas. At the time, they could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if they were killed in combat. Over the years, we have adapted, grown, and changed so we could continue to fulfill our mission – to serve those who serve, defend, and protect this great nation. Today, we are proud to serve active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, first responders, and government employees, providing greater financial security to our members’ loved ones in the event of their death.

From humble beginnings, today, we are one of the oldest and largest associations of our kind with more than 535,000 members. We have paid almost $2 billion in member benefits, served more than a million members, and helped countless families achieve financial security in time of need. Financially sound and strategically positioned, we look forward to a future serving new generations of AFBA members.

About Armed Forces Benefit Association  

With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members by providing survivor and other benefits to those who serve, defend, and protect this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has more than 535,000 members with $40 billion of death benefits in force and has paid almost $2 billion of death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are primarily underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company). 

January 15 is National Hat Day, and no one knows the importance of a good hat more than members of the military and first responders. Unlike a run-of-the-mill baseball hat, military hats and those worn by first responders command a certain reverence and value. Just like the rest of a uniform, headgear can let the world know important facts like rank, status or military branch. Let's celebrate National Hat Day by taking a closer look at the history and meaning behind the many unique hats worn by these groups.

Military hats

Many civilians may not know that military members refer to their hats as "covers." In the Army, members wear different berets that have a specific meaning. This tradition dates back to World War ll for the United States, though militaries across the world have been using berets to signify status for centuries. In the U.S. the color of the hat is very meaningful for those in any branch of the military. Here are some examples of different hats and their significance:

• Black berets: This headgear is used in the fancy dress uniform of army members.
• Brown berets: In 2018, the army created a unique hat for members of the Security Force Assistance Command.
• Green berets: Perhaps one of the most well-known styles of berets, green is worn by army members who are special forces soldiers.

In addition to the berets, the army has many other hats, each with its own meaning. Generals have their own caps, depending on rank. These designs have changed over time to reflect the dress of the era. The army is a simple example, but every branch of the military has its own important hats for every rank or service provided.

There are different military uniforms for different occasions. The recognizable Navy cap has different insignias on the visor to signify rank. Captains and commanders have "dark blue cloth, embroidered with two rows of gold oak leaves and acorns." On the other hand, Lieutenant Commanders and lower ranks have a plain visor. There are even different pins that are positioned on the cap depending on rank and occasion.

Military traditions

The U.S. military has its own uniform designers who strive to make uniforms that are practical, modern and effective. Regardless of rank or year, each branch has its own age-old traditions and requirements of its members. For example, when dressed in a formal uniform hat, a member must wear it outside, remove and carry it inside and keep it off in any military aircraft. In addition, service members are not allowed to salute while their hats are off. If a member is attending a funeral in their dress uniform, they must keep their cover the entire time as a sign of respect, whereas a civilian would likely take their hat off.

First responder hats

For firefighters, hats are more than just an accessory. Their helmets are created to protect them from potentially dangerous situations like falling beams, rafters and other debris. In addition, these helmets are usually also equipped with a visor, eye protection, and a light for maximum functionality.

The police force also has a long history of different hats and helmets, but the modern first responder wears different headgear depending on the occasion and rank. Most of the time, police officers wear baseball hats or other casual headgear (depending on location and force) instead of the typical custodian helmet that is worn by officers in the UK.

With its many different customs and traditions, military and first responder headgear are more than just a stylish accessory to the rest of the uniform.

The U.S. military offers a plethora of career options as well as training opportunities, often at a reduced cost and sometimes it is even paid for in full. While many think of the military as consisting solely of combat personnel, there are a lot of other long-term job opportunities in every branch. As 2021 comes to a close, let's take a look at the future trends of the military and career trajectories.

Most popular careers in the military

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), enlisted personnel and officers have a wide range of career options. Here are some of the most common career fields found throughout the U.S. military branches:

• Engineering.
• Medicine.
• Administration.
• Human resources.
• Protective services.
• Mechanics.

Regardless of service level, members of the military have many different opportunities, but there are a few that stand out and are increasing in popularity and demand.

Engineering, science and technology are on the rise

According to a BLS report published in March 2021, engineering, science and technological careers make up the majority of total enlisted personnel with a total of 170,642 people.

• Army: 42,202.
• Air Force: 53,672.
• Marine Corps: 27,810.
• Navy: 46,958.

This field is booming, in part due to the need for more advanced technology in the military. The Department of Defense's most recent proposed budget for U.S. research and technology development has surpassed any previous budget proposal. According to Military and Aerospace Electronics, "Pentagon experts want $111.96 billion in 2022 for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E), which would be a 4.2 percent increase from 2021."

An increased budget means that more people and experts will be needed to execute the elevated technological requirements. Here are some of the most popular jobs within this career path:

• Security analysts
• Civil engineers
• Environmental engineers
• Computer network architects

In addition to these STEM career path options, the existence of the United States Space Force has welcomed a plethora of new opportunities. According to their website, the Space Force is looking for those who are interested in science and technology, including:

• Space operations officer
• Developmental engineer
• Intelligence officer
• Space systems programming
• Cyber surety

To learn more about your options as an officer, an enlisted military professional or a civilian, be sure to check out the career section of their website. As of now, there are only about 6,434 personnel assigned to the Space Force, but there are plans to beef up the project. In fact, the Air Force's FY22 budget requested "$156.3 billion represents a 2.3% increase, and the Space Force's budget of $17.4 billion is a 13.1% increase," according to airforcemag.com.

Combat specialty

Combat is still an extremely important component of what each branch does, despite the variety of other options. According to BLS, an enlisted officer who specializes in combat plans and directs "military operations, oversees combat activities and serves as combat leaders. They may be in charge of tanks and other armored assault vehicles, artillery systems, special operations, or infantry units. This group also includes naval surface warfare and submarine warfare officers, combat pilots, and aircrews."

The BLS research study found that there were a total of 164,390 enlisted personnel in the combat occupational group, a vast majority of them being in the Army. To learn more, check out this helpful resource, regardless of your preferred branch. 

BLS research makes it clear that technology and science are the fastest-growing military career paths, followed by the plethora of combat specialty opportunities. In third place was the occupational group of vehicle and machinery mechanics, with a total participation number of 61,506 people across all branches. To learn more about each branch's employment opportunities, visit their respective websites.

First responders are well known to be the unsung heroes who support their communities by providing important and necessary services. However, first responders occupy many other roles that the general public may not be aware of but are nonetheless valuable. Here are some of the most interesting and unexpected responsibilities of America's first responders:

Disaster response

First responders are commonly thought of as those who respond at the scene of a local crisis, and while that is true, they also play an important role in broader disaster response efforts. In times of national emergency, first responders are there to take care of those who need it the most at the time, no matter where they are. Because they are trained to react with a level head and operate effectively in times of crisis, first responders are the perfect group of people to send to help manage national emergencies.

According to the legal services company US Legal, first responders are a massive part of the response plan. They can help manage "evacuation, rescue, crowd control, and medical attention." Not only do first responders get called on in times of national need, but they are also relied on to prepare their communities for the likelihood of a disaster.

Preparation in schools

Emergency preparation in schools is important in case of natural disasters or other high risk situation. Even something as simple as a fire drill can make a huge difference in a time of need. Sometimes, to add another layer of safety, administrators partner with first responders. When firefighters and police officers build a working relationship with teachers, aids and the members of the school, their response can be more effective in an emergency situation.

First responders can also share important information with administrators and students alike. According to Navigate360, they provide valuable knowledge and help to enhance already existing safety plans for school-wide emergencies. Working with first responders can add a layer of safety and preparedness that will protect the learning environment.

Psychological first aid

First responders are all trained to administer first aid and provide life-saving care, but there is a psychological element that many don't think about. However, first responders do have to consider the mental component of their care and are trained to manage those who may be having an adverse mental reaction to their current situation. For example, if a group of people has just experienced a terrible car accident, there is likely to be a psychological impact as well.

According to FamilyDoctor.org, there is a high chance that a car accident or a circumstance that requires the presence of a first responder will lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the victim. The EMT or firefighter will need to make sure the people involved are safe and out of harm's way while understanding the victim's fragile mental state.

Community support

First responders are present in every American community, in many ways that are unseen. Recently, North Carolina designated that child protective services workers and adult protective services workers are now emergency first responders. According to a local news source, the law became active in June 2020 and it was created to give the workers more protections and added training. The typical titles and operations that are held by first responders are rapidly changing, as our requirements as a nation shift. In the wake of the global pandemic, we need them more than ever.

 

IN THIS ISSUE

President’s Message
American Hero – Roy Johnson
COVID facts and your life insurance coverage
Importance of Long Term Care Insurance
Member Benefit Highlights

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It's that time of year again! It's the season where you brainstorm the best holiday presents for the loved ones on your list, which can be tricky. You want to get them something they will love from a place that you don't mind supporting. This holiday season, consider buying something special from a veteran-run business. Not only are you sure to find something unique, but you will also be giving your money to a company that is owned by an American veteran. Here is our 2021 veteran-owned holiday shopping guide.

Black Rifle Coffee Company

This veteran-owned company is very popular and well known for its delicious blends of coffee. You can also purchase apparel, coffee bundles,  mugs, cups, tumblers and so much more. They roast their coffee beans five days a week in their Manchester, TN and Salt Lake City, UT locations. When you buy one of Black Rifle Coffee Company's products, you support the veteran founders and contribute to their philanthropic endeavors. According to their website, they focus on, "serving this great country and are committed to supporting veterans, law enforcement, and first responders."

R. Riveter

This company is owned by the wives of two veterans, so when you shop on their website, you are supporting a veteran family. R. Riveter is co-owned by military spouses Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse and there are plenty of well-designed, gorgeous bags and purses to choose from. According to the website, the different "parts and pieces (of the bags) are made remotely across the country to provide military spouses with mobile, flexible income opportunities."

R. Riveter supports active-duty and veteran families so you know that your hard-earned money is going to a good cause. Not only that, but you will receive the perfect gift for that patriotic man or woman on your list. Be sure to check out their website for their 12 Days of Holideals for a bargain!

Stubble + 'Stache

The founder and owner Nick Karnaze served over seven years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and is now a veteran. Nick created this beard and skincare company in remembrance of the combat death of his good friend and fellow special operations Marine Justin Hansen. Stubble + 'Stache has superior formulas and special ingredients as well as many different product options for the bearded man in your life.

Bottle Breacher

Former Navy SEAL, Eli Crane created Bottle Breacher to provide a one-stop shop for anyone shopping for an American patriot. The online store offers hand-crafted, "personalized man-gifts" but they also have a great selection of holiday presents and stocking stuffers for every patriotic person on your gift list. Their hero product is a .50 caliber shell that has been crafted into a bottle opener. Bottle Breacher has the option to add customized engraving and personalized gift wrapping.

These are all great options for a potential holiday gift and would support American veterans in their post-service entrepreneurial efforts. If you are a veteran or someone you know is, be sure to urge them to check out the Small Business Association funding for veteran-owned small businesses. This year, consider buying from a veteran and offer your patronage as a token of appreciation for their sacrifices.

Every year on December 13, America celebrates the National Guard's birthday. This year marks the 385th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. National Guard, making the branch quite a bit older than the nation itself. (To learn more about the history of this branch of the military, check out this blog that goes into the details.)

In honor of the National Guard's birthday, we are diving into some of the most interesting things that the Guard does. Some of these may surprise you, but its motto, "Always Ready, Always There!" could not be more true.

1. There are 150 types of jobs available in the National Guard

Between the infantry, air defense, medical and military police, there are plenty of career fields to choose from. No matter someone's talents, interests and skills, there is likely to be an opportunity in the National Guard for them. In order for the Guard to operate and be prepared to fulfill its many duties, its members must be multi-faceted.Here are just a few of the fields available to work in through the National Guard:

• Intelligence
• Medicine
• Heavy weapons
• Cyber
• Ground forces
• Supply and logistics

To learn more about all the possible jobs and the different ways that the National Guard operates, check out nationalguard.com/careers.

2. The National Guard is at work in its community

One of the National Guard's main goals is to maintain a peaceful home front, and this means that community outreach is a big part of the Guard. According to its website, those who are in the National Guard work "closely with the local, regional and national communities to link their services to the services already available to the Guard."

A great example of this can be seen in how members of the Guard have been working to fill in gaps and help where they can during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a time when first responders, nurses and other essential workers were feeling overwhelmed with their duties, the National Guard stepped in to offer relief. From natural disaster assistance to everyday community outreach programs, the Guard enriches every community it is in across America.

3. The National Guard is mentioned in the U.S. Constitution

Ever since the first version of the Guard in 1636, which consisted of a militia of the English colonists in North America, it has been operating with honor and bravery. The Constitution proclaims that the National Guard is "to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasion" (Article I, Section 8, Clause 15').

4. Every state has its own Guard

It is commonly known that every state has its own National Guard, but even U.S. territories have their own Guard. The nation's capital, Washington D.C., has its own Guard as well, in order to carry out necessary duties.

The National Guard is one of the most flexible branches of the military because it has both federal and state responsibilities. On December 13, take the time to thank a Guard member or learn more about the force. From the air to the land, the National Guard can be found everywhere responding to threats and humanitarian disasters at home and abroad.

New directors bring extensive experience related to the Association’s membership cohorts

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) announced today the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2022.

“We are pleased to welcome former Washington D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier and Brigadier General Allyson Solomon to the AFBA Board of Directors. Their extensive experience in the first responder and National Guard markets, respectively, will help guide our enterprise as we can continue to protect future generations of servicemembers and first responders,” said General Ed Eberhart, USAF (Ret.), Chair of AFBA and its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company.

General Larry O. Spencer, USAF (Ret.) President of AFBA and 5Star Life, added, “Having diversity of backgrounds, experience, and perspective on the Board is critical as we continue to fulfill our mission – to serve those who serve this great nation.”

Before joining the National Football League in 2016 as Senior Vice President and Chief of Security, Cathy L. Lanier spent her 26-year law enforcement career with the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, beginning in 1990. Much of her career was in uniformed patrol, where she served as Commander of the Fourth District, one of the largest and most diverse residential districts in the city. She also served as the Commanding Officer of the Department’s Major Narcotics Branch, Vehicular Homicide Units, and the Special Operations Division, where she is credited with creating the Department’s Homeland Security and Counter-Terrorism Bureau. Named to the top post in 2007, her strategies are credited with reducing violent crime in Washington DC.

Brig. Gen. Allyson R. Solomon, USAF (Ret.) is a former Assistant Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard. Since enlisting in the Maryland Air National Guard over thirty years ago, she has risen through the ranks and broken barriers. Gen. Solomon has served as the first female Colonel, the first female and African American Brigadier General, and the first female and African American Assistant Adjutant General in the Maryland Air National Guard. Since 2015, she has served as President of the National Guard Youth Foundation whose mission is to work with at-risk youth providing them with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed in life.

About Armed Forces Benefit Association
With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members by providing survivor and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has more than 535,000 members with $40 billion of death benefits in force and has paid nearly $2 billion of death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are primarily underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company).