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Weekly newsletter of the Fleet Reserve Association
June 1 2018
In this issue:
Commemorative Coin Act Introduced
FRA participates in VA Reform
More VA Staff Changes
TRICARE Beneficiaries Need to Update Info
USCG Commemorative Coin Act Introduced
Rep. Joe Courtney (Conn.) recently introduced the “United States Coast Guard Commemorative Coin Act” (H.R.2317) that would honor the men and women of the Coast Guard while supporting the establishment of the National Coast Guard Museum. Despite its significant role in our national defense, the U.S. Coast Guard is the only uniformed service without a national museum to showcase its 228 year history.
In 2004, FRA-supported legislation passed authorizing the National Coast Guard Museum to be located in New London, Connecticut. The proceeds from the sales of the special commemorative coin would support the development and operation of the museum via the National Coast Guard Museum Association. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the awareness of the important history, service and missions of the Coast Guard.
Members can use the FRA Action Center (www.fra.org) to ask their Representative to support this legislation.
FRA Participates in VA Reform Seminar
FRA staff participated in a seminar sponsored by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) to discuss “Reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs by Empowering Veterans.” The program opened with comments from Rep. Brad Wenstrup (Ohio) about elevating and empowering veterans through VA reform in light of President Trump’s recent executive order “Supporting Our Veterans During Their Transition from Uniformed Services to Civilian Life” (for more information on the President’s Executive Order see May 11, 2018 Newsbytes). Following Wenstrup’s comments, a panel discussion occurred with staff from Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Military Times, Student Veterans of America (SVA) and the RAND Corporation.
More Staff Changes at VA
The White House recently named Peter O’Rourke as Acting Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Mr. O’Rourke previously served as VA Chief of Staff and prior to that as executive director of VA’s Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.
O’Rourke succeeds former Acting Secretary Robert Wilkie, whom the president nominated as VA Secretary. The White House’s previous nominee, Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson, withdrew his name from consideration in April after allegations that he drank on the job and created a hostile work environment.
Wilkie has returned to his prior position at the Department of Defense, where he serves as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Jacquelyn Hayes-Byrd, who was previously VA Deputy Chief of Staff, will serve as VA Acting Chief of Staff while Mr. O’Rourke serves as Acting Secretary.
In addition, VA Deputy Secretary Thomas G. Bowman is re-entering retirement effective June 15, 2018. In a statement issued by the agency it indicated that Bowman will continue to serve as a consultant to the Acting Secretary. His VA experience spanned more than a decade, including assignment as Chief of Staff to two previous VA secretaries.
TRICARE Beneficiaries Who Pay by Credit Card Need to Update Their Info
FRA participated in the Defense Health Agency (DHA) MSO/VSO Working Group led by DHA Deputy Director Guy Kiyokawa. During the meeting, DHA reminded everyone of the importance of ensuring that beneficiaries who pay their premiums and fees by credit card have contacted their new regional contractor to ensure their payment information is correct. If you are unsure of your current payment authorization status you can visit their website (https://tricare.mil/ContactUs/CallUs/TROs) for more information.
DHA also provided the group with updates on pediatric services at Womack Army Medical Center, medical treatment records for dependents and an implementation update concerning last year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA-H.R.2810-P.L. 115-91).
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