Massive data breaches dominated the headlines in 2018. In fact, if it seemed like there were even more stories about data breaches this past year than in 2017, that's because there were.
Although none were as newsworthy as the Equifax data breach of September 2017, occurrences were still on the rise this past year, with cyberattacks increasing by 32 percent in the first three months of 2018 and by 47 percent during the April to June period. And in December alone, high profile breaches of Dunkin', Marriott and Quora were announced within the span of a few days.
Billions of people have been affected by these hacks, and it's more likely than not that you're one of them, according to USA Today.
And it's not just corporations that are putting customers' personal information and other data at risk, but also government contractors that are sometimes entrusted with even more sensitive information about federal employees.
In light of these data breaches, the U.S. government's lead contracting agency recently announced changes to the requirements for how and when contractors are to disclose data breaches.
GSA announces new requirement for contractors
In November, the General Services Administration proposed a rule which would mandate that the GSA and the agency that's being served by the government contract have access to breached contractor systems. This would also require contractors to preserve images of the affected systems for the purpose of government review.
An independent agency of the United States government, the GSA supplies products for government offices, transportation and office space for federal employees and government-wide cost-effectiveness policies and other management tasks for federal agencies. Founded in 1949, the agency employs 12,000 federal employees, and is now the United States government's leading contracting agency.
The GSA's proposed rule regarding breached contractor systems is not scheduled to be published until February, and will come with a comment period that closes in April.
New rule a direct response to past contractor data breaches
This new requirement is likely inspired by the overall rise in cyberattacks, as well as recent incidents in which contractors were the victims of hacks.
For example, according to Nextgov, there were two separate contractor breaches in 2014 that exposed the background check information of approximately 73,000 government employees collectively.
The following year, there was the much larger Office of Personnel Management breach, which exposed background checks on more than 20 million current and former federal employees, as well as their families.
A February 2018 report from cybersecurity firm BitSight concluded that 5.6 percent of aerospace and defense contractors and 8 percent of health-sector government contractors had disclosed a data breach since January 2016.
The report also found that contractor cybersecurity was generally much lower than that of federal agencies.
Under the GSA's proposed amendments to the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation, any data breach that compromises the "confidentiality, integrity, or availability" of data or information systems owned or managed on behalf of government agencies would need to be disclosed by government contractors. The mandate will also outline the ways in which the U.S. government will use and protect any proprietary information which a contractor shares in the process of a breach investigation.
"By incorporating cyber incident reporting requirements into the GSAR, the GSAR will provide centralized guidance to ensure consistent application of cybersecurity principles across the organization. Integrating these requirements into the GSAR will also allow industry to provide public comments through the rulemaking process," said the GSA.
We're often told around this time of year that it feels better to give than to receive, and that's especially true when the recipients of your generosity are those who have sacrificed the most for our country.
If you are a servicemember, you don't get to enjoy the kind of "Christmas bonuses" that many civilians see showing up in their paychecks during this season. Yet many military families badly need such a boost, especially when trying to purchase presents for their children on an already tight budget.
Fortunately, if you have a little money and kindness to spare, you can help make a difference in the lives of those who make year round sacrifices for all of us. Here are a few organizations that will help you have an impact:
Full Circle Home
Founded in 2007, Full Circle Home seeks to provide a link between deployed service members and their loved ones at home or on base. In a little over a decade, the organization has assisted over 21,000 troops in sending holiday gifts and love notes to their partners on the homefront. If you donate, you can help provide that connection between heroes serving overseas and their stateside significant others.
Pay Away the Layaway
Since 2011, Pay Away the Layaway has gone to cities across the country during both the back-to-school and holiday seasons to pay off the balances of families buying classroom supplies and Christmas gifts on layaway. Those interested in helping can become a "Layaway Angel" by making a donation to the nonprofit, or going directly to the layaway counter at their local Kmart, Walmart or Burlington Coat Factory and paying down a family's debt.
Right now, Military Benefits has partnered with Pay Away the Layaway to raise funds specifically for military families struggling to afford toys and other holiday gifts. You can donate here to help them meet their $5,000 goal.
Operation Christmas Spirit
Operation Help A Hero is an all-volunteer charity that seeks to support military units and families as they deal with difficulties related to the various stages of service, from preparing for separation, to deployment and the eventual transition back to the U.S.
Each year, the organization launches Operation Christmas Spirit, which has been showering military families with holiday gratitude for the last 16 years. There are many ways to help out, from hosting a toy drive to collecting gift cards to simply donating online and letting other volunteers do the holiday shopping.
If you'd like to get really involved, you can even "adopt" a military family and do their shopping for them. This late into the season, Operation Christmas Spirit encourages people to donate money instead, but if family adoption interests you, it's something to keep in mind for next year.
Operation Holiday Joy
The Armed Services YMCA is one of the best-rated charities in America, having been recognized by both Charity Navigator and Independent Charities of America. So you can be confident when the ASYMCA promises that 100 percent of your donation to their Operation Holiday Joy program will go directly to providing food and toys to deserving military families, as long as you check a box on your donation form requesting that they cover the processing costs.
For the last 14 years, Operation Holiday Joy has managed to raise more than $1.5 million, which has been used to purchase over 320,000 toys and in more than 25,000 baskets of food delivered to deserving military families on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
On Thursday, December 13, 2018, the United States National Guard will celebrate its 382nd birthday, making it 140 years older than the nation it protects.
Today, the reserve military force represents a joint effort on the part of two branches, the United States Army and Air Force. The Army National Guard and Air National Guard are garrisoned in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
There's been quite a bit of history since the first militia organized in 1636, and this anniversary presents the perfect opportunity to reflect on the nearly four centuries during which the Guard has been "Always Ready, Always There!"
The history of the U.S. National Guard
Militia forces were first mustered in what is now the United States as early as 1565, when Spanish settlers in St. Augustine were tasked with guarding supplies during the onset of a hurricane, while regular troops were up north attacking a French settlement on the St. Johns River. In the early 1600s, militias were mustered in the New World's first permanent English settlements of Jamestown Colony and Plymouth Colony, which originally consisted of all able-bodied adult men.
However, according to the Department of Defense, the official birthdate of the National Guard took place on December 13, 1636, when the Massachusetts colonial legislature officially directed the colony's existing militia companies to be organized into three regiments. Today, the four descendants of that initial trio of regiments — the 101st Engineer Battalion, the 101st Field Artillery Regiment, the 181st Infantry Regiment, and the 182nd Infantry Regiment, all of the Massachusetts Army National Guard — hold the distinction of being the oldest units in the United States military.
It may seem strange to some that the National Guard is older than the U.S. Army, but that position is based on the Militia Act of May 8, 1792, which permitted already extant militia units to retain their "customary privileges."
In 1903, passage of the Dick Act required states to divide their militias into two sections, recommending the titles "Reserve Militia" and "National Guard." The passage of the National Guard Mobilization Act in 1933 fully codified the division between traditional state militias and the National Guard, mandating that all federally funded soldiers take a dual enlistment in both the state National Guard and the newly created National Guard of the United States.
The history of the Air National Guard
Following World War II, the Truman administration pushed for a major restructuring of the nation's military and intelligence agencies, which led to the passage of the National Defense Act of 1947. Among other things, this legislation created the Air Force as a separate branch of the Armed Forces, which consequently formed the Air National Guard of the United States as a unique entity separate from the Army National Guard.
And yet, the oldest unit in the Air National Guard actually predates the institution itself by over 30 years.
On November 22, 1915, the 102nd Rescue Squadron of the New York Air National Guard was organized in accordance with existing law and authorized in the New York National Guard as the Aero Company, Signal Corps. However, the oldest Air National Guard unit that has remained in continuous existence since it was first federally recognized is the 109th Airlift Squadron of the Minnesota Air National Guard, which originated as the 109th Observation Squadron on January 17, 1921.
All of the state, territory and District of Columbia militias that collectively form today's Army National Guard and Air National Guard trace their heritage back to those first three regiments organized at the direction of the Massachusetts colonial legislature on December 13, 1636. While the Guard may not literally have been "Always There" throughout time immemorial, at 382 years of age, they come pretty close.
This fall saw the release of a new $0.50 Forever stamp that pays tribute to our nation's first responders.
According to the United States Postal Service, the new Honoring First Responders stamp is meant to recognize "the men and women who respond to critical situations with skill, dedication and uncommon bravery."
The stamp's design represents a collaboration between art director and designer Antonio Alcala, designer Ricky Altizer and artist Brian Stauffer. The latter has achieved worldwide recognition for his iconic magazine covers and other contributions to major magazine publications such as Time, The New York Times and The New Yorker.
The digital illustration Stauffer, Alcala and Altizer created for the stamp depicts three first responders forming a patriotic red-white-and-blue visual as they rush into a cloud of smoke that represents unknown danger. All three are shown in profile, facing right, looking towards the crisis to which they are hurrying to respond.
The first figure on the left is a red fireman carrying an ax, who is following behind a grayish-white EMT carrying an emergency bag, who is herself trailing a blue law-enforcement officer leading the way with a flashlight.
Special ceremony held for stamp's release
In September, a special first-day-of issue ceremony for the Honoring First Responders Forever stamp was held at the Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center in Missoula, Montana. The venue was chosen because of its status as the nation's largest training center for firefighters who combat wildfires by parachuting into remote areas of national forests.
"Our nation's first responders rush into life-threatening situations for the benefit of others," said Guy Cottrell, the Postal Inspection Service's Chief Postal Inspector and the dedicating official at the ceremony. "The Postal Service is pleased to honor their skill, dedication and unfailing bravery with this stamp."
The U.S. Postal Service says the intention of the stamp is to honor all types and varieties of first responders, ranging from those who serve small townships or are part of the federal government to those who volunteer and those who serve as a full-time job. The agency is also encouraging enthusiasts to use the hashtags #HonoringFirstResponders and #FirstRespondersStamps when discussing the stamp on social media.
If you would like a block of Honoring First Responders Forever stamps to use when sending out your holiday cards this season, you can purchase the stamps through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by phone at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) or in-person at Post Office locations nationwide.
This Friday marks the 77th anniversary of the "date which will live in infamy," as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt famously described December 7, 1941.
A total of 2,403 service members and civilians were killed during the Japanese military's surprise aerial attack on the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. An additional 1,178 Americans were injured in the tragedy, which also destroyed 188 aircraft and two U.S. Navy battleships, the USS. Arizona and USS. Utah.
For six decades, the incident stood as the deadliest attack on U.S. soil, until being eclipsed by the events of September 11, 2001. And each year since 1994, Americans have solemnly observed its anniversary with National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
The history of the Pearl Harbor attack
Just before 8 a.m. on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, a surprise attack consisting of 353 Imperial Japanese aircraft descended upon the Pearl Harbor Naval Base, located near Honolulu, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
The unprovoked act of war killed 2,335 members of the U.S. military, according to the Pearl Harbor Visitors Bureau, including 2,008 Navy personnel, 109 Marines and 218 Army service members. An additional 68 civilians also lost their lives as a result.
Nearly half of those casualties were from the USS Arizona. The remains of the battleship have since become a memorial to the incident, and are also the final resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed on the ship that day.
The day after the attack, Roosevelt delivered his iconic "Infamy Speech" to Congress and requested a formal declaration of war on the Empire of Japan, which the legislature granted in less than an hour. Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.
"No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory," Roosevelt promised during his speech to Congress.
It ended up taking over three years and eight months for America and its Allies to claim victory over the Axis powers. Though his words proved true, Roosevelt himself died in office five months before they fully came to fruition on September 2, 1945, when General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan's surrender.
There were also 407,316 United States military members who never lived to see peace, having made the ultimate sacrifice for their country during the deadliest conflict in world history.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
December 7th was designated National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day by the United States Congress on August 23, 1994. The following November, 29, President Bill Clinton issued a proclamation declaring December 7, 1994 the first National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
This year will be the 25th observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance. As is customary, events will be held at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, culminating with a commemoration ceremony on Friday morning.
According to the National Parks Service, the 2018 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration will take place from 7:50 a.m. until 9:15 a.m., and include a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., when the original attack occurred. The event will be open to the public, with the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center opening at 6:00 a.m. and closing at 5:00 p.m. that day.
USS Arizona Memorial programs will run from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., with tickets distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning at 6:00 a.m. the morning of Dec. 7. Tickets cannot be reserved.
Those interested can go to the official Pearl Harbor Events website to find more information about other commemorative events happening that day in Hawaii, or to watch live streams of the ceremonies.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, has a rich history as a proving ground for various major developments.
The base was built on and partially named after land that was once used by local inventors Wilbur and Orville Wright to test and perfect the world's first successful airplane. During World War II, German aircrafts were sent back to the laboratories for analysis. Beginning in the late 1940s, Wright-Patt's Air Technical Intelligence Center began its infamous investigation into reports of UFO sightings. In the late fifties, the base was the site of medical examinations to determine the final selection of the Mercury astronauts who eventually landed on the moon. Thousands of aeronautical inventions have been birthed at the base, including advanced gas turbine engines, aircraft electronic controls, stealth technology and precision-guided bombs.
And this year, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base designed and tested one of its latest innovations: better-fitting Air Force maternity uniforms.
Time for change
Earlier this fall, the base published calls for volunteers who were willing to wear the new maternity service dress shirt. At the time, officials told Military.com that they were looking for around 30 to 50 pregnant airmen to participate in the wear test.
"The greater the number of participants the more accurate the results, due to the ability to fit many different body types and stages of pregnancy," said base spokesman Daryl Mayer.
The updated maternity uniform was designed with an eye towards improving the comfort, fit and functionality of Air Force uniforms. As such, the new shirt now features darts on the front and back for a more fitted appearance, and is also made of a stretchier material that boasts better stain resistance and more opacity.
Whether the shirt hits its target of providing enhanced comfort will be determined by the volunteers, who were asked to fill out questionnaires at the end of the experience.
"The feedback from the fit/wear participants will be utilized to make any final adjustments to the fit or design of the improved maternity shirt," said Mayer. "This participant feedback ensures that we have a final product that meets the user's needs."
A wave of potential updates
This new maternity shirt is just the latest installment in a number of uniform changes that the Air Force has recently implemented to meet the needs of pregnant troops and new mothers alike. Last November, pregnant airmen at Wright-Patt were testing a maternity airman battle uniform. The camouflage maternity uniform, which featured pants with a full-stretch panel and an adjusted chest fit for the blouse, was so comfortable, according to Air Force Capt. Mollie Eshel, that her co-workers didn't even notice she was pregnant until her 34th week.
Talk about a successful camo outfit!
Many storied or technologically-advanced developments have come out of Wright-Patt over the years, but updated uniforms for expectant mothers actually serve a rather valuable and unheralded purpose.
"Women suffer in silence on many of the uniforms that don't fit. And they've never fit," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein. "The amount of money that women are spending altering essentially a men's uniform to fit a female frame is unsatisfactory. So we're going to get at this."
Working with only a $1.7 million budget and 18 staff members, the relatively small uniform office headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is tasked with the order to "get at this." When you consider that the team is responsible for outfitting hundreds of thousands of Air Force personnel serving all over the globe – and above it – it's hard not to respect their service.
Thanksgiving is considered the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, and so far, it has succeeded in kicking off no less than three different unofficial retail holidays observed over a span of four days.
First there was Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, celebrated with massively popular "doorbuster deals," which enable companies to turn a profit and move from being "in the red" to "in the black." Then that gave way to Cyber Monday, in which e-commerce stores offered deep discounts to online shoppers. Feeling left out, mom-and-pop shops tried to lure customers away from big corporations by offering them Small Business Saturday specials, which occurred in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Lastly, in 2012, the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation started #GivingTuesday, the one post-Thanksgiving holiday devoted to charity rather than consumerism.
This year, Giving Tuesday will fall on November 27. There are many deserving nonprofits to which you can donate your time or money, but if you would like to give back to those who have given the most, here are some great ways to support veterans and military families this holiday season.
Homes For Our Troops
Homes For Our Troops is a private nonprofit devoted to building custom-made homes for injured post-9/11 veterans, many of whom suffer from partial or full paralysis and require specially designed homes to grant them full independence and mobility. This year, the organization is setting a #GivingTuesday fundraising goal of $150,000. You can help the nonprofit hit that goal by donating directly, and by sharing their #GivingTuesday video on social media channels like Facebook. And if you really want a concrete way to get involved, you can learn how to attend a build event and help welcome a family into their new, mortgage-free home.
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
Many soldiers carry home wounds that aren't physical. Fortunately, there are resources available to them as well, including the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which serves United States military personnel experiencing Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress. The IFHF builds world-class advanced treatment centers that provide servicemembers with the best available TBI and PTS care. If you decide to get involved, you can feel good knowing that 100 percent of of every dollar donated from the public goes directly to funding programs.
Armed Services YMCA
For over 150 years, the Armed Services YMCA has provided servicemembers and their families with a place to turn for everything from recreational events to housing and educational programs. Low to no-cost childcare, hospital assistance, counseling, emergency food and clothing assistance are among the services that this top-rated charity provides to military families. You can help out by donating or volunteering at one of the Armed Services YMCA's 34 branch and affiliate locations.
USO
Closely associated with comedian Bob Hope, who in 1997 was named the "first and only honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces" by Congress for his decades of performing for the troops, the United Service Organizations is a nonprofit that provides live entertainment to Armed Forces members and their families. The comedy shows and concerts put on by the organization help lift the spirits of those who serve. And despite being congressionally-chartered, the USO is not a government agency, and so relies on donations from supporters.
Toys for Tots
While not a charity that necessarily benefits veterans or military families directly, Toys for Tots is a program that is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Founded in 1947 by reservist Major Bill Hendricks, Toys for Tots is dedicated to providing gifts to children whose families are struggling financially during the holiday season. All you need to give is a new, unwrapped toy, making this a fun and affordable way to contribute to a proud, 70-year-old military tradition.
Whether you have the skills that could help build a house for a wounded warrior, the funds that could help treat a veteran's physical or mental war injuries or simply a new toy that could help the Marines' mission to provide gifts to the underprivileged, there are many ways to contribute to the cause this Giving Tuesday.
The first Military Family Month was observed in 1993, with President Bill Clinton issuing a presidential proclamation that established National Military Families Recognition Day the following year. Since then, subsequent decrees and congressional resolutions have continued to designate November as Military Family Month.
As the name implies, it is a time for recognizing not just those who have served, but also the military families that make their own daily sacrifices, which range from frequently moving to new cities to managing a household solo while a spouse is deployed.
If you belong to a military family, hopefully you have received additional support and gratitude during past Novembers. You may also be in a unique position where you are familiar with one or more military families that are going through a particularly stressful time. You likely know better than most what they are going through and what would best help them, but if you are looking for creative ways to show you care during this month, here are some ways to thank servicemembers and their loved ones during National Military Family Month:
Volunteer your time and energy
Know someone who has a packed schedule? Sacrifice some of your time so that they can have more of their own. Something as simple as babysitting kids so that a military mom has a night to herself can be huge. You could also get a bit more involved by cooking meals for harried military families, offering to handle errands like grocery shopping or taking care of the yardwork.
Plant an anonymous care package
Perhaps you want your goodwill gesture to pack more of a surprise. Military.com recommends leaving an anonymous care package on the doorstep of a military family, ringing the doorbell and fleeing before your largesse is discovered. Maybe you decide to fill your box with fun little gifts for every member of the family, or maybe you choose to pamper one parent in particular with little indulgences and a day pass to a relaxing spa or sauna. Either way, a random and anonymous present arriving out of the blue will show a military family know that their service is appreciated.
Join them in their own efforts to give back
Military families are very familiar with the concept of service, and as such, many have their own charitable passion projects. You can share their care by volunteering alongside them at whatever service organization they hold dear, whether it involves serving Thanksgiving dinner at a food pantry or helping to save lives at a Red Cross location. Helping out kills two birds with one stone, as you get to perform an act of service while also showing a military family that you care about their interests.
Make them aware of the many benefits available to military families
One easy but effective way to help out is simply to direct a military family towards the many benefits and services that are available to them. Operation Kid Comfort provides free photo transfer quilts to the children of deployed servicemen and women, the YMCA's military outreach program grants eligible military families free Y membership and companies like Sears and Home Depot offer significant discounts and gift cards to those who serve. Every military family should be able to take advantage of at least some of these benefits, so be sure to spread the word this season.
Showing your appreciation during Military Family Month doesn't require grand gestures. Something as small as providing an ear to bend or shoulder to lean on can mean more to someone than you may realize. And you can also feel free to perform such everyday acts of kindness throughout the year, and not just during Military Family Month in November.
A monumental weekend for military anniversaries is fast approaching. Not only is Armistice Day celebrating its centennial on Sunday, November 11, but Saturday, November 10, marks the 243rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
While the former event will be observed by many of the nations that were involved in World War I, the latter will be a distinctly American affair, as it has been ever since the first formal ball was held in 1925.
History of the Marine Corps birthday
The birth of the Marines actually predates the birth of the United States.
On November 11, 1775 – eight months before the Declaration of Independence – the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines. The legislature's resolution decreed, in part, "That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions." The Congressional Act also stipulated that these "American Marines" be comprised of, "good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required; [and] that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress."
Samuel Nicholas, the first Commandant of the Marines, held a recruiting drive at Tun Tavern, a Philadelphia brewery now regarded as the birthplace of the Corps.
After the American Revolutionary War ended in 1783, the Continental Navy was disestablished, and consequently, so were the Continental Marines. The military branch was reestablished 15 years later, on July 11, 1798, when President John Adams signed the "act for establishing and organizing a Marine Corps."
For over 100 years, July 11th was considered the official Marine Corps birthday, and it passed with little fanfare. That all changed in 1921, when Major Edwin North McClellan, who was then in charge of the USMC's History Division, sent a memorandum to Commandant John A. Lejeune urging him to declare the Marines' original birthday of November 10th a Marine Corps holiday to be celebrated by the Corps.
On November 1, 1921, Lejeune so decreed in Marine Corps Order 47, which read in part, "In memory of [the many who have served as Marines] it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history."
What's in store for Marine Corps birthday 2018
The first Marine Corps birthday ball was held in 1925, though it wasn't until 1952 that Commandant Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. formalized and standardized the celebratory traditions still observed today.
The most iconic aspect of the ball is the birthday cake-cutting ceremony, which is performed with a sword. The first three slices of cake are given to the guests of honor, the oldest Marine present and the youngest Marine in attendance.
A more recent tradition has been the annual release of a filmed Marine Corps birthday message, and this year's edition is a particularly stirring example. The seven-minute video is narrated by Gen. Robert Neller, Commandant of the Marine Corps, who describes the unique journey that every Marine takes before, during and after their service.
Also featured in the film is retired Sergeant Major John Canley, who was awarded the Medal of Honor last month for acts of heroism he committed 50 years ago. Canley, who used his brother's paperwork to enlist in the Marines while only 15 years old and remained in the service for 28 years, was recognized for the actions he took while serving as a Company Gunnery Sergeant during the Battle of Hue in 1968, which included carrying wounded soldiers to safety and taking charge after his commanding officer was severely injured.
Canley was singled out for praise in Commandant Neller's official birthday message, which also noted that this year marks the centennial anniversary of both the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Corps' first female enlistees. The 2018 Commandant's Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be held on Saturday, November 10, at the Washington Hilton in D.C., and will pay tribute to these major milestones.
Chairman − President’s Message
Honoring the Legacy of Service. As we approach Veterans Day, we remember and honor all who have served this great nation, past and present, living and dead. All Veterans Days are important for this reason and this year is particularly poignant for us at AFBA. In August, General John N. Abrams, USA (Ret), our greatly respected and much beloved Lead Independent Director, passed away. We miss him terribly and extend our deepest condolences to his family and many friends. General Abrams represented the highest American ideals and leaves a distinguished legacy of service.
This year’s holiday also marks the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. Those who fought in “the war to end all wars” are a notable example of a generation that sacrificed greatly and made a lasting difference in the history of our nation, and indeed, the world. While this generation of brave servicemembers has passed from our midst, the legacy of heroism they created and the freedoms they protected still endure. To all veterans and their families, thank you for your service and sacrifice.
AFBA, National Guard and First Responders — There in Face of Natural Disasters. Once again this year, severe storms have inflicted great damage to parts of our homeland. Hurricanes Florence and Michael left devastation in their wakes and while the Guard and first responders bravely provide boots on the ground and helping hands on site, AFBA also supports its members affected by these catastrophes. Read how AFBA provides that support, along with some examples of the way the Guard and first responders answer the call when citizens need them most.
Service to National Guard Members Continues to Grow. I recently had the privilege of presiding, along with other AFBA leaders, local elected officials, and dignitaries, at the official ribbon cutting for our new adjunct office in Staunton, Virginia. We are expanding to better serve our growing membership!
The Legacy of Service to AFBA Members Continues. We have recently had a change in command in our Operations team and the mission of providing excellent service to you carries on. Congratulations to Claudia Gabriel on her retirement and to Jill Paulin on her new responsibilities. Read more about our services to you, including our Go Green initiatives, and why keeping your beneficiary information updated is important.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. AFBA participated this September by researching and publishing several articles for members and employees about risk factors, warning signs, statistics, and resources. We are very concerned about the increasing rates of suicide in our general population, and particularly so within our member eligible community. I urge you to review the information in this newsletter and act quickly and decisively to make use of the resources cited here if you, a loved one, or friend is in need of help.
Holiday Safety – Cyber Style. Your wellbeing and safety are important to us. In the past, we have provided best practices and tips regarding holiday safety and this year we are focusing on cybersecurity, especially while shopping online. Make sure you review this timely information before making your holiday purchases.
Social Media. In addition to our website, AFBA uses various social sites to communicate with you, our members. We’ve been busy highlighting items of interest to you and news about our association. We encourage you to follow and like us online!
AFBA Has Outstanding Member Benefits – Pass It On! AFBA provides survivor benefits to your family, and because we understand the unique needs of our members, those benefits are paid without war clauses, terrorism and occupational exclusions, or other restrictions associated with going into harm’s way. And we offer an emergency death benefit – up to $15,000 sent within one business day of notice. We appreciate our ability to provide these survivor benefits through life insurance underwritten by our affiliate, 5Star Life. We also offer important non-life insurance benefits like our scholarship, emergency travel assistance, and preventive health screenings, to name a few. Do you have friends and colleagues that would benefit from being part of the AFBA family? Then we appreciate you letting them know about us! We look forward to receiving their inquiries at www.afba.com or 1-800-776-2322.
Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart
General, USAF (Ret.)
Chairman − President
- General Abrams Tribute
- 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day
- Response to Hurricanes Florence and Michael
- New National Guard Office
- Welcome to our New Senior VP of Operations
- Suicide Awareness and Prevention
- Safe Shopping Tips
- Follow Us On Social Media
- Member’s Corner
- AFBA Scholarship
- Long Term Care
- GEICO Auto Insurance
- Emergency Travel Assistance
- Life Line Screening
- TRICARE
- PenFed’s Car Buying Service
Click here to read General Abrams’ obituary.
Observed every year on November 11, Veterans Day commemorates one of the most significant moments in history as World War I came to an end.
World War I, also known as “the Great War” or “War to End all Wars” began on July 28, 1914 and lasted until November 11, 1918. The war led to the mobilization of more than 70 million military personnel, including 60 million Europeans, making it one of the largest wars in history. An estimated nine million soldiers and seven million civilians died as a direct result of the war. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, world leaders signed the Armistice ending World War I.
One year later, in November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson first established Armistice Day. Congress declared Armistice Day a federal holiday in 1938. In 1954, after lobbying efforts by veterans’ service organizations, the U.S. Congress amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. From then on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
We are fortunate to have a military historian and former National Guard leader, BG Theodore G. Shuey, Jr., USA (Ret.) as a Senior Advisor to AFBA. General Shuey is the author of several books on the Civil War and World War II and an upcoming book on World War I. Click here to read his snapshot of the American Army in WWI .
Those who fought so valiantly in World War I represent the courage, duty and love of this country exhibited by veterans of every generation. AFBA salutes and honors all those who have served our great nation.
On a lighter note, click here to read 20 everyday things that were actually designed during WWI.
Here When Disaster Strikes
In recent months we have seen extreme weather hit parts of the country causing extensive damage to property and major disruptions to people’s lives. It’s at times of disaster like these that we can show our members that we care by providing some relief. Due to hurricanes Florence and Michael, we are giving affected members more time to submit their payments without fear of losing coverage. When disaster strikes, we don’t want you to worry about losing your valuable life insurance coverage with so much else on your mind.
Read the article below about the valiant efforts of first responders and the National Guard during these disasters.
First Responders and the National Guard Crucial during Natural Disasters
The Southeastern United States has recently been battered by two hurricanes in as many months, beginning with the damage done to the Carolinas in September by Hurricane Florence, and escalating with the devastation wrought in Florida and Georgia in early October by Hurricane Michael. The aftermath has had the effect of highlighting the exceptional work done by the thousands of first responders and National Guard members who flowed into the areas and were critical in storm preparation, search and rescue operations and distributing much-needed supplies.
Just as the last of Hurricane Michael was finally dissipating on October 16, Forbes contributor Don Yaeger recalled sharing a flight with several dozen first responders on their way to his home state of Florida. When Yaeger asked a Sheriff’s Officer from Iowa if he was going there to help any family or friends living in the panhandle, the man answered, “I don’t know anyone there, I just know this is where I’m supposed to be.”
While those who came from miles away to lend a hand made truly admirable sacrifices, perhaps even more extraordinary were those who helped despite being themselves victims.
CNN reported that in Panama City, Florida, one of the towns hit hardest by Michael, many local first responders and National Guard members were dealing with their own property damage and displaced families while still honoring their commitment to the wider community. “While we’re here at work we’ve kind of got to put those emotions and things that are going on in our personal lives aside, because we have to worry about what’s going on here,” said Panama City Battalion Chief David Collier, whose own home was damaged in the storm. “We have to worry about our own personnel and the citizens we’re trying to protect.”
Over 2,500 Florida Guard members were staged across the Panhandle before Hurricane Michael made landfall with Guard members going door-to-door checking on residents, clearing the roads of debris, providing supplies and security at shelters and more.
The full, lasting impact of Hurricanes Florence and Michael is still unknown, but we can all be grateful for the first responders and National Guard members who were on-hand to keep the immediate impact from being any worse.
It’s a Busy Time in Our New National Guard Office!
In mid-August, our National Guard office relocated a few miles from Verona to downtown Staunton, Virginia. Founded in 1747, and located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is known for being the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S. president, and the home of Mary Baldwin University, a historical women’s college. For a time during the American Revolution, it was Virginia’s capital as the state legislators fled Richmond and then Charlottesville to avoid capture by the British.
Our new office is housed in one of the city’s more than 200 historical buildings. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, October 26 with General Eberhart, Staunton mayor, Carolyn Dull, city council members, and other distinguished guests in attendance. The expansion of our office will allow us to accommodate our growing team to better serve our National Guard members.
New Senior Vice President of Operations
Claudia Gabriel, long-time Senior Vice President of Operations, retired June 30 after 29 years of dedicated service. Claudia was instrumental in providing caring, dedicated service to our members. In the past few years, along with her team, she supported our organization through tremendous growth and ushered in our digital strategy to help serve members more efficiently and effectively.
Jill Paulin, who served as Vice President under Claudia’s leadership, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations. Jill has 21 years of experience in Customer Operations at AFBA / 5Star Life. Hired as a Customer Service Representative in 1996, she has progressively held positions of increasing responsibility in customer service, training, operations, and has been instrumental in the implementation of key enterprise projects.
“Jill’s deep knowledge of our operations and enterprise will be a great asset in her new role,” says General Eberhart. “Her insights and experience will enable us to continue providing “5Star” member and customer experience, as well as advance key long-term strategic projects that help our organization fulfill its mission – serving those who serve this great nation.”
September was Suicide Prevention Awareness month and AFBA published several articles for members and employees to highlight this issue and provide information for those in need of help themselves or a family member. With the added stress that military members and first responders must endure on the job and at times, aggravated by family separation, they are not shielded from the sufferings of suicide.
Unfortunately, veterans are more likely to die by suicide than the general population. A report from the Department of Veterans Affairs found that although retired servicemembers make up 8 percent of people in America, they account for 14 percent of all suicides. Overall, nearly 21 veterans die by suicide every day, which translates to a rate that’s 2.1 times higher than that of nonveteran adults.
Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder are key risk factors for veterans. As the VA noted, veterans who suffer combat trauma, especially multiple wounds and/or hospitalizations, are at a high risk of suicide. The more times the person was subjected to trauma, the greater that risk increased. Similarly, one study found that PTSD and suicide had a strong correlation – more so than other anxiety disorders.
In 2007, the VA launched the Veterans Crisis Line to help veterans, servicemembers and their loved ones who may be having mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. The Crisis Line offers 24/7 support, 365 days a year, even if the caller isn’t registered with the VA or enrolled in its health care services. To get help call 800-273-8255 / Press 1; connect online; or text 838255.
Suicides among first responders are often driven by emotional strain in a culture that discourages showing weakness. A survey in 2015 of more than 4,000 first responders found that 6.6 percent had attempted suicide, which is more than 10 times the rate in the general population. The survey also found that first responders who felt supported and encouraged at work were less likely to contemplate suicide. The number of firefighters, EMTs and police officers who took their own lives outnumbered all line-of-duty deaths in 2017.
Because shame continues to surround mental health problems within these professions, the public remains mostly unaware since the news media do not widely cover the issue of first responder suicides. Of the 18,000 law enforcement agencies across the United States, only 3-5% have suicide prevention training programs.
If you know a first responder in need of help, please share with them the following numbers: Police call 267-893-5200; Firefighters and EMTs call 267-893-5400.
Click here to read our full article on suicide prevention.
Safe Shopping
With the holiday season approaching, many of us turn to online shopping because of the convenience of shopping from home and the opportunity to compare prices and get the best deal on our purchases. Here are a few reminders about protecting your personal and financial information this holiday season.
Follow Us On Social Media
Do you follow AFBA on Facebook and Twitter? If not, you’re missing out on interesting articles, videos, and infographics on a variety of topics. We focus on matters relevant to our members, particularly, veterans and first responders, but there are also general-interest posts on resume writing and life insurance education. Click on the images above to see some of the articles we’ve posted.
Friend us, connect with us, follow us!
Go Green
Signing up to receive your bill via email not only has environmental benefits, but it will also save you money on postage.
Take advantage of our Member Portal for 24/7 access to all your policies. You can quickly set up a one-time bill payment, set up recurring payments, manage your profile, and download policy related forms.
Keep Your Beneficiaries Up-to-Date
If you have not updated your beneficiaries in the last 2-5 years and have had “a change of life event,” such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-776-2322.
Member Benefits and Services
Charles C. Blanton AFBA Family Survivor College Scholarship
Since 2004, the Charles C. Blanton Scholarship has been available to candidates for use towards an undergraduate degree at an accredited college of up to $10,000 per family per year for a maximum benefit of $40,000 for college tuition and fees.
The Blanton scholarship is awarded to the surviving spouse or children of an AFBA member who dies in a combat zone because of combat actions, or whose life is lost because of acts of foreign or domestic terrorism, or while responding to or involved at the scene of an incident. (Not available in Virginia.)
Home Care Costs Top $50,000 Annually. Long Term Care Insurance Could Help.
The 2018 Cost of Care Survey, conducted by CareScout®, reported that the national median cost of a home health aide now exceeds $50,000. The AFBA Long Term Care Insurance Program can assist you in owning coverage that helps pay for this care – costs that neither Medicare or Tricare are designed to cover. In a simple telephone conversation, they can shop and compare rates with numerous leading companies and help you enroll in the plan that provides the best value – including plans with premium rate guarantees and a return of your premium if you don’t need care.
Call 1-855-581-6647 or visit www.getltci.com/afba for more information.
Special Discounts for AFBA Members from GEICO
Save even more on insurance from GEICO!
- Savings for multi-car policies, good student, safety features, and more.
- 24/7 support, online or by phone, for claims bill paying, policy changes, and more.
- Great policy rates for renters, motorcycles, and much more.
- Storage protection plans with reduced premiums.
- More than 75 years of service to the military.
Get a free quote: https://www.geico.com/mil/afba or call 1-800- 368-2734.
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO contracts with various membership entities and other organizations, but these entities do not underwrite the offered insurance products. Discount amount varies in some states. One group discount applicable per policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. GEICO may not be involved in a formal relationship with each organization; however, you still may qualify for a special discount based on your membership, employment or affiliation with those organizations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO
Take Care of You and Your Family with Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+®)
Any time you have an accident or sudden illness while traveling away from home Emergency Assistance Plus, available through AFBA, provides a crucial safety net that helps with emergency medical transportation expenses your health or travel insurance generally will NOT cover. With more than 20 assistance services, EA+ steps in to provide Medical Evacuation, Medical Assistance, Travel Assistance, and Assistance for Companions.
Read the true story about an EA+ member to see it in action:
Barry and Sandy packed up their car for a weekend getaway to Houston, Texas. While they were there, Barry fell faint and Sandy drove him to the closest hospital. The doctor said he would need to have a heart valve replacement and pacemaker put in and he was taken into surgery. Two days after Barry’s surgery, he had a stroke. Sandy couldn’t believe the turn their weekend trip had taken.
She was so worried about Barry and didn’t know how she’d manage to get him home after he recovered. But then, she remembered they had EA+! She called and EA+ assured her that once Barry was released and considered medically stable to travel, that they would arrange and provide, at no charge to the member, flights to get Barry and Sandy home as quickly and safely as possible.
A few weeks later Barry was finally discharged. EA+ determined Barry needed additional medical attention during his travels home, so EA+ had a driver waiting to take Barry and Sandy to the airport and even upgraded his airline ticket and provided a nurse escort. The nurse escort stayed with Barry and Sandy all the way until they safely arrived at their home. Barry said, “We couldn’t have been treated any better than that, and no charge to us. We highly recommend this to all of our friends.”
To learn more about EA+ and how it can protect you and your family, visit www.emergencyassistanceplus.com/afba or call toll free 1-855-352-3032.
Why Wait to get a Preventive Health Screening?
Understanding your risk for stroke and heart disease is the key to prevention. Life Line Screenings go beyond your annual checkup with ultrasound technology that can reveal dangerous plaque buildup or blockage, a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
The AFBA partnership with Life Line Screening entitles members to receive four vital screenings for only $135:
- Carotid Artery/Plaque Ultrasound: Screens for plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, the blood vessels that deliver blood to the brain.
- Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm: Screening to detect an aneurysm (enlargement) in the abdominal aorta. Aneurysms can rupture, which is a medical emergency.
- Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) EKG screening to detect an irregular heartbeat. Afib increases the risk for stroke by five times.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Ultrasound to detect plaque buildup in the lower legs. People with PAD are at higher risk for stroke and heart disease.
Screenings are conducted in communities all over the U.S. daily, making it easy and convenient to fit a screening into your schedule. Call 1-866-895-3365 today to speak with a Preventive Health Advisor, who will help you determine which screenings are right for you.
Do it for yourself. Do it for your family.
Call 1-866-895-3365 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/afba.
TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan
A military family’s health care costs can build up before you know it, especially if you need specialty care outside of the military system. Our TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan may benefit military retirees and families who utilize TRICARE as their primary insurance. This insurance plan is meant to help protect you from out-of-pocket expenses.
The Benefits:
- Limit unexpected health costs for loved ones at a competitive price
- Help cover the gap in your insurance plan
- Freedom to choose your care from a provider you select
- Predictable out of pocket expenses
The features of this supplement insurance plan deliver real benefits for your family.
To learn more about how TRICARE Supplement insurance may help protect your financial future, call 1-800-638-2610 or visit www.afba-tricare.com.
Cost savings estimates based on lowest annual premium for insured under age 40 plus deductibles as compared to maximum out-of-pocket costs that could be incurred without a TRICARE Supplement. The TRICARE Supplement Plans are subject to plan deductible and limitations. See the certificate of insurance for complete plan details. The Supplement Plans are administered by Selman & Company and underwritten by Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company (TPLC) (Cedar Rapids, IA) and Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company (TFLIC) (Harrison, NY) for New York residents. TFLIC is authorized to conduct business in New York. TPLIC is authorized to conduct business in all other states. NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES. 1911303
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