2016 winter fort campbell mwr life for retirees
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I can’t tell yet by looking outside but it sure helps my mood to know that the days are getting longer. Spring will be here before we know it. Now is the time to make vacation plansfor spring; start looking at those seed catalogs you got in the mail and plan your garden, andhave your lawn mowers serviced so they’re ready to go when you need them…just to name afew pre-spring activities. In the meantime - while we are all waiting for those warmer days,we need to find a way to fill our time on the cold blustery ones. First – if it snows and you don’thave to get out on the roads, stay at home. If you can’t stay home, please use caution whileout. One of the worst places I find when it snows is parking lots. Be extra cautious so youdon’t take a fall. Maybe you have a hobby you enjoy. It could be reading, crafting, cooking, estate shopping, or anything that interests you. I would love to hear about your leisure pastimes. Drop me an email with a picture or two and a couple of lines about your hobby. You might see it in a future issue.Have a safe winter and I’ll see you again come springtime!
Read our blog at www.fortcampbellmwrlife.com.You'll find blogs of interest and blogs for information
and sometimes - blogs just for fun.
EditorCynDe Clack
ContributorsJackie AhlersMignon DeasonTed FaulknerTammy L. KingJames MooreArica Urena PublisherCreative ink
Creative DirectorSears Hallett
AdvertisingNichole [email protected]
PhotographyCynDe ClackJenelle Grewell
Shutterstock pgs 6, 13, 14, 15, 18
Disclaimers:Fort Campbell’s MWR Life Magazine is a monthlymagazine produced by the Fort Campbell MWRMarketing Department under the authority of AR215-1. Facilities and activities publicized are opento authorized patrons.The mention or appearanceof commercial advertisers, commercial sponsorsand/or their logos does not constitute endorsement by the Federal Government. The information in this issue is current at the timeof publication; activities and events are subject tochange.
MWR Marketing is located at 5663 ScreamingEagle Blvd, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. For moreinformation, call 270-798-7535 or log on towww.campbell.armymwr.com.24 hr. event line - 270-798-3172 www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr
Inside this issue3 Notable Veterans
It Has to Come From Your HeartMeet Col (Ret) Thomas M. Henry.
6 Retiree ServicesWhat is TRICARE For Life?Supplemental health coverage.
7 Spotlight on MWRRetired? Visit the LibraryWhat R. F. Sink Library has to offer.
12 AUSAAssociation of the United States Army What can AUSA do for you?
13 On the HomefrontThe Fort Campbell Spouses’ Club (FCSC) Needs You!Retiree Spouses are a big part of FCSC.
16 In the KnowIncome Tax FraudProtect yourself from identity theft.
17 Off the Beaten PathMake Time to Travel This SpringMWR Leisure Travel can help plan your trip.
CynDe Clack, [email protected](270) 461-0274
I didn’t plan to find someone I wanted to write an article aboutwhile I was on vacation, but that’s exactly what happened. My Retiree husband, our granddaughter, and I were staying at IslandSeas Resort on Grand Bahama Island when we spoke with one of the most interesting people I have ever had the good fortune to meet.
He had on a ball cap with the word Army embroidered on it, aSpecial Forces tab sewn on it over the word Army and other unititems sewn on around the rest of the cap. My husband asked himwhich “Group” he was in and he replied, “all of them.” At our lookof confusion, he went on to explain that he was one of the firstGreen Berets. He told us that he had also been inducted into theRanger Hall of Fame earlier in 2015.
You are probably wondering who we met. We met COL (Ret)Thomas M. Henry. He spent some time here at Fort Campbell so I thought I would include him in this issue of the MWR Life for Retireesmagazine.
It took me a couple of days to work up the nerve to ask him foran interview but when I did, he didn’t think twice. He immediatelyagreed to an interview and we set up a time for that afternoon. Wemet at Coconuts, which is an outdoor bar/restaurant next to theswimming pool. When COL Tom saw that I wanted to record theinterview he suggested that we move somewhere quieter andthat’s how we ended up under a shelter near the ocean. I can hearthe ocean waves when I play back the interview on my recorder!
I had a list of questions to ask him and was a little worriedabout making sure I got enough information and details for agood article. I shouldn’t have worried! When we were settled, hestarted out with, “I’ll give you my background before I start reallytalking” and then he talked for two hours. It was amazing! His history and memories, his knowledge of warfare and the differences we face today from what he faced when he started outin WWII, his understanding of world politics…he is as sharp todayas most people half his age.
There are many military writers out there that can chronicleCOL Tom’s military history much better than I can, so I’m goingto try and stick to a more personal view.
COL Tom talked about his childhood. He was born on November 14, 1926 in Shelby County, Texas (East Texas). His father had a general store with two pumps where he would pumpgasoline and sell groceries. They lived on a farm and Tom workedfor the farmer. He said he “picked cotton, chopped cotton, and dideverything you had to do in the horrible cotton fields.” He said itwas “the most toiling hard work there is – particularly in EastTexas where the humidity is 90% and it’s 100 degrees. I swore I would never get in a cotton field again in my life, so I joined theArmy for 32 years. That beats the cotton fields,” and he chuckleda little.
Tom started out as an enlisted Soldier for 14 months duringWWII. Afterward, he stayed in the Reserves, where he got a directcommission as a 2LT while he was still in school at the Universityof Texas. He was recalled to active duty for the Korean War and hewas in Korea for 14 months where he decided to become a permanent member of the military. He stayed for 32 more years.During his years in the military, he went through many schools,including parachute school, Special Forces school, and an abbreviated SEALS. He went through Ranger school in 1958.
He told me “the Rangers and the Green Berets are two of thetoughest schools in the Army. I’m a graduate of all of the schools,
It Has to Come From Your HeartNotable Veterans
By CynDe Clack
3
including Airborne – so I know whattoughness is. I was one of the first. I wentthrough the school and then I was an instructor.”
My husband and I were mesmerizedas COL Tom talked. He talked about histwo tours in Vietnam and receiving twoBronze Stars; about being the SpecialWarfare Officer at McDill Air Force Base;and about being in the Honor Guard forPresident Truman’s funeral. He shared a story about the time there was an assas-sination attempt on him, and how a dentin the corner of his briefcase saved his life.
He paused and said, “I’m going tosidetrack a little bit. We were fighting awar in Vietnam. We were fighting – AT - awar in Vietnam. We weren’t doing toogood at it.” He said, “we have two kinds ofwars. Neither one is good but we have twokinds. One is Conventional War and one iscalled Unconventional or UW. Now the difference between the two wars is - ourGenerals love Conventional Wars becausewe can use all our big guns, our field artillery, our special airplanes, drones,and all that electronic crap. They love toplay with those things instead of Soldiers. In an UnconventionalWar you’ve got to play with the Soldiers. They didn’t understandthat. They finally decided to create some forces that would do nothing but train to fight Unconventional Wars and that’s theRangers, Special Forces, and Airborne Paratroopers. So I went toschool for all that and taught in those schools. I became in mymind, and in some Generals’ minds I guess, an expert in Unconventional Warfare. I wrote some of the books so I guess I didknow more about it than most people.”
COL Tom Henry shared, “when I formed Delta Force, the Navyformed this thing called SEALs and the Air Force formed the AirCommandos. So all the units started to get involved.”
“They pulled all the Special Operations people together under onecommand. We called it Special Operations. They came under a newcommand at McDill Air Force Basecalled Special Operations Command. “ “By doing that, I think I accom-
plished something for the UnitedStates Army in my 32 years. By doingthat, that’s the reason they gave methis cotton picking thing (indicates theRanger Hall of Fame medal around hisneck) because I got the Rangers intoSpecial Ops.” COL Henry retired from the Army
in 1978, but he wasn’t ready to sit backand do nothing. He decided to go intopolitics where he worked with Congressman Al McCandless as hiscampaign manager. For 28 years, hechaired a committee to select youngmen and women from high schools togo to one of the military academies. Hejoined a local veteran’s organizationwhere he lives and helped create a walkof stars for the local veterans. Evennow, he spends a lot of time on the
road, traveling from meeting, to conference to ceremonies.I asked him what he felt his greatest military accomplishment
was. He told me “getting Special Operations recognized in the military as a legitimate reason to have a special force to do certainthings that nobody else is going to do right. My greatest accomplishment is putting focus on where the war is going to benot where it’s been.”
In closing, I asked him what advice he would give a new Soldier today. He said, “I’d ask them first of all - what’s your goal inlife? Do you want to be in regular Army until you retire or just do4 or 5 years? It has to come from your heart.”
www.campbell.armymwr.com
GEN (Ret) Stanley McChrystal with COL (Ret) Tom Henryat the 2015 Rangers Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
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apsu.edu/APFC
Austin Peay Center at FORT CAMPBELL
Classes on post, online and at the main campus in downtown Clarksville.
FREE admission to APSU athletics events* with military I.D. *Regular-season, home events. See schedule at www.LetsGoPeay.com.
Austin Peay Center atAustin Peay State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color
, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disabilityor any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by APSU. The Austin Peay State University policy on nondiscrimination can be found at http://www
apsu.
Austin Peay Center at FORT CAMPBELL, religion, creed, national origin, sex, Austin Peay State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color
, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by APSU.
.apsu.edu/files/policy/5002.pdf.The Austin Peay State University policy on nondiscrimination can be found at http://www
CFFCPA//Aeduapsu.
FORT CAMPBELL FREE admission to APSU athleticsevents* with military I.D.*Regular-season, home events. See schedule at www.LetsGoPeay.com.
FREE admission to APSU athleticsevents* with military I.D.*Regular-season, home events. See schedule at www.LetsGoPeay.com.
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Not to date myself (I feel old enough as it is), but do you remember CHAMPUS, the old version of military health care? If youdo, you are probably nearing the point where you will qualify for oneof the best health care plans that exist today. When military Retireesreach the age of 65, or if they’re under 65 and have a disability (andhave received Social Security Disability payments or Railroad Retirement benefits for 24 months) they are eligible for what is commonly referred to as “Tricare For Life” (TFL). TFL is Medicarewraparound coverage for Tricare-eligible beneficiaries who haveMedicare Part A and B. TFL is actually a combination of two differenthealthcare systems, Medicare and Tricare. In order to qualify forTFL, Retirees must enroll in BOTH Medicare Part A and Part B, usually three months prior to their 65th birthday. Part A covers in-patient, skilled nursing, and hospitalization and Part B covers out-patient services. Part A does not cost anything if you paidMedicare taxes while working. Part B, on the other hand, does havea cost that is automatically deducted (in 2015, the cost was about$105) from Social Security payments (or paid directly, if the Retireeis still working and does not draw Social Security payments). TricareFor Life is provided at no cost to the Retiree in most situations (forcare received overseas - contact a Health Benefits Advisor for moreinformation). What does this really mean? Retirees will have exceptional health care when covered by Tricare For Life, at a reasonable cost.
So who covers what? TFL covers most ailments and injuries (medically necessary and proven) and the Retiree can choose any doctor or specialist (who takes Medicare), although you will probablyneed a referral from your doctor to see a specialist. For services covered by both Medicare and Tricare, Medicare pays first and Tricare For Life pays your remaining coinsurance for Tricare covered services. For services covered by Tricare but not byMedicare, Tricare For Life pays first and Medicare pays nothing. You
pay the Tricare annual deductible and cost shares. For services covered by Medicare but not by Tricare, Medicare pays first and Tricare For Life pays nothing. You pay the Medicare deductible andcoinsurance. For services not covered by Medicare or Tricare,Medicare and Tricare pay nothing and you pay the entire bill. As longas Medicare and Tricare For Life both cover the treatment, youshould not have any out of pocket costs.
But what about buying a supplemental health care plan? Buyinga supplemental health care plan may have made sense when you werecovered by Tricare Standard, before you became Medicare eligible,because Tricare had a $3000 annual maximum for out of pocketcosts. Now that you are covered by TFL, there is no good reason tohave a supplemental health care plan. Tricare For Life is your supplemental plan. You may have to pay a co-pay if you receive medications from a retail pharmacy or from the Tricare Mail OrderPharmacy. Doctors who accept Medicare will file paperwork withMedicare for you. Medicare pays its portion and sends the claim tothe Tricare For Life claims processor. Tricare For Life then pays theprovider directly for Tricare covered services.
To enroll, you must do the following: three months or so fromyour 65th birthday, go the local Social Security office and enroll inMedicare Parts A and B. A week or two prior to your 65th birthday, goto your local military ID card issuing facility, present to them yourbrand new Medicare Card (that was mailed to you) and have themchange your status in the system and issue you a new ID card (thiswill be your last ID card - your permanent ID card). Lastly, call Tricareto let them know of the change. That's it. Simple, right? You will nowhave what is arguably the best health care available (of course itwould be better if you didn’t have to pay for it). If you have any questions regarding TFL, how to enroll or what to expect, please callyour Retirement Services Officer at (270) 798-5280/3310 or (270) 956-3819 or a Health Benefits Advisor at (270) 798-8377.
Retiree ServicesWhat is TRICARE For Life?by Ted Faulkner
There’s a world of opportunities awaiting Retirees at Fort Campbell’s Robert F. Sink Memorial Library. Located on Screaming EagleBoulevard, the facility has been meeting the recreational reading and information needs of the community since it opened in 1966. The staffprovide a variety of services to promote lifelong learning. It’s never toolate to try something new or to start again on a project that was interrupted in the past. The same Retiree ID card that gets you on postwill open the door to a host of new experiences. Just present your ID cardat the circulation desk, and the staff will set up your account.
Internet-challenged? Start with the computer lab in the referenceroom. This recently-renovated facility provides forty computers for public use and four scanners at no charge. Staff are ready to teach usersthe basic steps of how to navigate the Internet and how to use a computer.Here you can investigate news stories, take continuing education courses,visit Ancestry.com and look at Facebook. The Army subscribes to a number of databases that can be viewed online. For example, KentuckyVirtual Library provides access to several hundred sites enabling you tosearch articles from newspapers and journals. This service is available toregistered library users and may be accessed from home. Once a libraryaccount has been established, call 270-798-5729 or 7466 to verify the account and to get the KYVL password. Gale Databases and OCLC FirstSearch are great resources for term papers. Tutor.com provides anexpert tutor whenever you need help. You can work online with a tutorwho can help in the following areas: algebra, geometry, statistics, grammar, chemistry, physics, social studies, literature and more. Mangois a language-learning database offering over seventy languages. If you’retaking online courses, the reference staff provide free proctoring service
for taking exams. Also, the reference department provides free fax service if you need to send legal or financial records somewhere. Generalfiction and non-fiction titles in Ebook format can be downloaded fromOverDrive or OneClick Digital. Safari offers technical and business selections. The facility provides wifi capability, which can be accessedfrom anywhere in the building. Patrons are welcome to bring their owndevices and to log onto the net.
Of course, Sink Library is the home of the book. The facility holdsover 80,000 volumes in its collection. Most can be checked out for twenty-eight days and then renewed for another twenty-eight if needed.Renewing is easy and can be done in person, over the phone or onlinewith an account. The online catalog can be checked from home by logging into: mylibraryus.armybiznet.com/search~S21. Hundreds of newbooks are added to the collection each month. They are displayed in thecenter of the entrance lobby. These include all of the latest titles from theNew York Times Best Sellers List. Once you establish an account, you canreserve items that are checked out or on order. Looking for a title we don’thold in our collection? Not a problem. Sink Library provides an extensive interlibrary loan service where we borrow books and other materials from libraries across the country. Please remember that thesefacilities are lending their items to us. Consequently, they set the terms ofhow long we may keep their materials and how they can be used. ChrysO’Brien handles interlibrary loan and may be reached at 270-956-3350.
In addition, Sink Library stocks Blu-ray, DVDs and music CDs thatcirculate for two weeks. Going on a long drive? Sink Library has a vast collection of books-on-CD that check-out for twenty-eight days. A rangeof magazines and newspapers are available for use in-house and can be
Spotlight on MWR
by James Moore
Retired? Visit the Library!
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enjoyed in our comfortable recliners. Want to meet other book lovers?Brunch and a Book is a book discussion group that meets at noon on thethird Tuesday of each month. Programs include discussions with localauthors or reading about an assigned theme. Lunch is provided for theattendees. Brunch and a Book provides the opportunity to meet authorsface-to-face and to connect with interesting people from around the community. For more information on upcoming Brunch and a Book meetings, call the library director’s office at 270-798-1217.
Are you looking for a way to entertain the grandkids or otheryoung people in your life? Come on over to Sink Library. Teaching children to love books and to get excited about reading has always beencentral to the Library’s mission. It’s no surprise that the staff offers plentyof kid-friendly activities throughout the year. Every Thursday there aretwo story hours for preschoolers at 10:30 and 1:30. Story Hour is followedimmediately by Children’s Craft Time. Library Technician Dee Bonnellhelps young patrons with their special craft projects. Throughout theyear, rotating staff members and Miss Dee present story times and provide activities to celebrate holidays such as Halloween, Christmas,Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
Baby and Me Lapsit is designed for Sink Library’s youngest patrons. Geared for little ones ranging from infant to two years, this program promotes early literacy. The program runs for around twentyminutes and is filled with short books, songs, action rhymes and more.Some stories and rhymes are repeated each week while others are introduced gradually. Our resident grandma Heike Sadler sits on thefloor with the children and adults. Children remain in their caregiver’slap and interact with them during the event. After the program, the children are encouraged to play while the adults have some interaction oftheir own.
Sink Scholars is designed for elementary-aged children. This activity features STEM activities and meets on the third Tuesday of eachmonth at 3:00 pm. For information about these events, please call Jackie Downs at 270-956-3344. In June and July, the Sink staff offers the Summer Reading Program for six weeks. Open to kids who are beginning kindergarten through beginning fourth grade, the programemphasizes reading and prizes. The series culminates in a giant pizzaparty. The primary emphasis is on fun. James Moore, Library Directorsays “We believe that if you get a child hooked on reading early, he or shewill be a library user for life.”
Finally, volunteers are always needed at Sink Library. Picking upbehind active children and keeping the shelves in order is a full-time job.Staff members welcome a helping hand in these areas along with helpingwith the various children’s programs and special events. All volunteersmust be registered with the Red Cross Volunteer Coordinator at 270-798-2171. Afterwards, they should call the library director’s office toset up an appointment and to discuss opportunities to help out and to serve the community. One thing is certain, it’s never boring at the post library.
The Robert F. Sink Memorial Library is open seven days a week: Friday through Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursdayfrom 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The facility is closed only on Federal holidays. For information on operating hours, services or programs, call (270) 798-5729or (270) 798-7466. Remember “Information is our business!”
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AUSA
By Arica UrenaAssociation of the United States Army
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Since its inception in 1950, the Association ofthe United States Army (AUSA) has worked effortlessly to support all of the critical components of national security while also advancing the interests of America’s Army and themen and women who proudly serve. Some of theseinterests and issues have include advocating formilitary and Civilian pay increases, funding forTraumatic Brain Injury research, the expansion ofspousal and Family member employment opportunities,U.S. Army sustainment, defense readiness, force modernization,and retention of a defined benefit retirement system.
Individuals choose to join AUSA for a variety of reasons. Oneof the most common reasons is to serve as a voice for the U.S. Army.Without this voice, the creation and implementationof some of the U.S. Army’s most critical programswould not have come to fruition. Your voice is desperately needed to assist in order to provide valuable feedback to those on Capitol Hill and toserve as an advocate of the U.S. Army. For example,one of AUSA’s Priority Resolutions for 2016 is forCongress and the President to collaborate on a dealthat would eliminate the threat of budgetary capsand as well as potential sequestration cuts.
AUSA offers its members several professional development opportunities that are provided during variety of gatherings such as the AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. AUSA’s commitment to professional development includes seminars andspecial presentations on the Global War on Terrorism, the Army’s Transformation to the FutureForce, LandWarNet, Expeditionary Logistics, Actionable Intelligence and other critical issues thatare affecting the nation’s Army.
In 2012, I personally had the pleasure of participating the “AUSA experience” while attendingthe 2012 AUSA Annual Meeting. Prior to my arrival,I was under the impression that the main focus of the AUSA Annual Meeting was for contractors to display the latest in warfare technology. I must say that I was sadly mistaken. It was not untilI attended the Family Readiness Symposium that I fully understoodthat AUSA consisted of a variety of components that aided in supporting the readiness of the force. During the symposium,
I had the opportunity tolearn about new Familyprogram initiatives as wellas a variety of other Family programs that Iwas completely unawareexisted. It is important tounderstand that the readi-ness of the force does notonly consist of acquiringthe latest technological advances in warfare, but italso consists of having programs that support allelements of the U.S. Army.
This support will aid in solidifying this nation’s Army as a leading fighting force, which further assists in protecting this nation’s security.
One of the lessons learned that I was able to takefrom my AUSA experience was that there was a senseof camaraderie among all of the attendees. All of theparticipants of the AUSA Annual Conference wereunited for one sole purpose: to strengthen our nation’s
Army. This is what makes AUSA such a wonderful organization. The organization has a vested interest in the
U.S. Army and are truly living their vision: to serve “as the premiervoice for America’s Soldiers, we are a dedicated team committed tobuilding the best professional and representative association forthe world's best Army.”
There is an interesting fact that I was not even aware of - AUSA is that the organization is open to all Armed Forces components and ranks including active duty Soldiers, NationalGuard, Army Reserve, government Civilians, Retirees, WoundedWarriors, Veterans, Family members, and to any individual whohas a vested interest in the welfare of the United States Army. Currently there are a total of 120 active chapters that span acrossthe globe. Members have the opportunity to connect with an arrayof like-minded individuals whose primary interest is in the welfare of the Army. For those who have retired from the Army,AUSA offers you a way to be able to actively support the Army on adaily basis. Remember, this is YOUR Army and your voice is desperately desired.
Supporters of AUSA who are interested in becoming members, are encouraged to sign up today by visiting AUSA’s website at www.ausa.org. If you are interested in becoming involved with a local chapter, you are in luck. The Fort CampbellChapter is located at 7130A Hedgerow Court and can be reachedvia email at: [email protected] or at:facebook.com/fortcampbellausa.
www.campbell.armymwr.com
On the Homefront
As a fellow Retiree Spouse, I share inmany of the enriching experiences our life inthe military has afforded us. You are husbandsand wives whose Spouse answered the call toserve this country. You’ve developed manyskills living the life of a military Spouse. Youunderstand how different military life is andwe need you! We need your knowledge, yourability to mentor, your resilience and most ofall, we need your work ethic! You know how toget things done and you know how to motivateothers to do it. You understand the importanceof community involvement, you are able to coordinate efficient and effective changes andidentify unique outreach opportunities. It’s because of these personal experiences that westrive to make a difference, and appreciate thepartnerships we've created. Now that we havereached retirement, we may wonder if there isa way to stay connected to the Families weserved, for so long. The Fort Campbell Spouses’Club needs you! We invite you to share yourunique gifts with Spouses who are just beginning their journey.
Today’s Fort Campbell Spouses’ Clubmembers are volunteering in the same
Jackie’s Impact
This issue of MWR Life for Retirees is a bit different. A bit sadder. Jackie Ahlers passed away December 16, 2015. If you happen to read the byline ofthe article below, you will see Jackie’s name. Her passingwas and still is a shock to so many that knew her.
I met Jackie a few years ago at the Family ResourceCenter. I don’t remember what I was laughing about, butsomeone poked their head out of the conference roomand called her name. When I repliedwith my name, the person said my laughsounded so much like hers, that wemust meet. Not an unusual way to meet,but what an impression she made onme. We would run into each other aboutonce a month over the last couple ofyears, and it never felt as if any time hadpassed. Jackie remembered the namesof my daughters (after I mentioned them once), that I have three dogs and anewly acquired kitten, among the otherthings that small talk includes. Hersmile and laugh were infectious,
I couldn’t see her (or hear her!) without breaking intoan ear-to-ear grin.
Never one to brag about her accomplishments oractivities, she always turned the conversation back towhomever she was speaking with. I knew Jackie was actively involved with Fort Campbell Spouses’ Club,Army Family Team Building, Patriot Guard Riders andher church. What I didn’t know was the vast impact she
had in each of these organizations, andmany more. I suppose I should have realized it, but we all know that sayingabout hindsight being 20/20…
Reading her Facebook page, it’sclear to see how loved Jackie is, even amonth after her death. And knowing sheis loved, helps all that knew her heal a bitmore every day. I’d like to encourage you,as a reader, to share how Jackie impactedyou. Please share your comments on ourblog, www.fortcampbellmwrlife.com.
Tara Goodson
The Fort Campbell Spouses’ Club (FCSC) Needs You! By Jackie Ahlers
Visit the website at www.fortcampbellspousesclub.com for up-to-date information on club happenings, plus contact
information for any of our activities and events.
programs we did! Like we did, they serve our militarycommunity through involvement in Family ReadinessGroups, teaching Army Family Team Building classes,and volunteering in scout programs, youth sports or inchurch ministries. They are just beginning to develop alifetime of skills that we have spent a lifetime perfecting.We enjoy many more similarities than differences andour experiences become opportunities we can use toguide the next generation of military Spouses.
The FCSC welcomes Spouses of military personnelfrom all branches of service, active duty or retired, regardless of rank, as well as Department of the ArmyCivilian Spouses residing in and around the Fort Campbell area. If you still call Fort Campbell or the surrounding community home, then this includes you!FCSC is a non-profit, social, charitable, and educationalorganization. We raise funds throughout the year inorder to help improve the lives of Soldiers and Families(both active duty and retired) in and around the FortCampbell area. All money raised is used for welfare requests and to provide scholarships to graduating highschool seniors and Family members of military personnel who have been accepted into higher education programs. We are coming off of a fantasticyear, where we were able to give out $61,000 in scholarships and welfare grants. This year our club’sscholarship and welfare grant goal is set at $65,000.
Have you ever visited our Thrift Shop? Stop by andcheck it out! We are located at 13-½ Street & Indiana Avenue. Our hours of operation are Monday throughThursday and the 3rd Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We take consignments every day, exceptWednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 1p .m. What does the FCSCThrift Shop do? We’re a non-profit resale store that collects proceeds through the sales of donated and consigned items. Income generated is distributedthroughout our community through the welfare grantsand scholarships mentioned above. We always have adesperate need for volunteers! The more volunteers wehave, the more money that goes directly into our community! We have many ways to volunteer and not allof them require physical presence at the Thrift Store.So, come on by and see what all we have to offer you.
Perhaps you are hosting an event - the Club hasitems you can rent like candlesticks, hurricane lamps,glasses and all kinds of other “party” helpers. Talk toour Properties Chairperson for additional information!
Last but definitely not least - the Fort CampbellSpouses’ Club knows how to have FUN! The FCSC hostsmonthly luncheons and events, providing plenty of opportunities for fellowship and friendship. Our Program Chairpersonsare busy preparing a line-up of monthly luncheons that will be funand enjoyable for those inattendance. Take a look atour “Clubs Within a Club”- we have a Golf Club,Quilting Club, Book Club,etc. These clubs allow youto meet others with similar interests to foster friendship and camaraderie, in fact camaraderie is our themefor this year! The Spouses’ Club participates, with oursurrounding communities, in events that bothClarksville and Hopkinsville host. If you see us out andabout with our bright yellow polos on, come over andsay hi!
Military Retiree Rate: Identi� cation verifying military retiree status must be presented at the time of check in to receive this rate. Retiree may book multiple rooms under Military Retiree Rate. All rooms booked by retiree must fall within the same time period. Valid only for leisure travel. Not valid for o� cial travel. This rate is not tax exempt. Taxes apply. Rate subject to availability. ©2015 InterContinental Hotels Group. All rights reserved. IHG Army Hotels properties are independently owned by Rest Easy, LLC, an a� liate of Lend Lease (US) Public Partnerships, LLC, and operated by an a� liate of IHG. No DOD, US Army or federal government endorsement implied.
Military retirees save up to 20%.
Created exclusively for military retirees, the [RET.] Rate will save you up to 20% on your next stay at IHG Army Hotels on Fort Campbell or any other IHG Army Hotels location found on 38 additional posts across the nation.
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YOU’VE GIVEN YEARS OF SERVICE. NOW LET US RETURN THE FAVOR.
[RET.]RATE
Dates subject to change
As you ring in the New Year you may beginto think about filing your taxes. For the past few years,there has been a growing trend of income tax fraud.This is a type of identity theft where the thief will useyour personal information to file a fraudulent tax return. According to the Federal Trade Commission(FTC), there was a new identity theft victim every twoseconds in 2014. For victims, the process to fix theproblem is frustrating and time consuming.
One may ask why someone would stealyour personal information to file a tax return. The answer is simple, MONEY. The thief will make fake taxdocuments that provide a large tax refund which is direct deposited into a fraudulent bank account. The victim will not discover the problem until they goto file the correct tax return, and the IRS rejects the return, stating that a return has already been filedusing your (or your Spouse’s) Social Security number.This is when frustration starts as your refund is delayedand you must start the process of reporting the incident, which normally takes months to complete.
If you become a victim of any identity theft,you should report it to the police. Contact your bankand credit card companies to request freezes or closesto the accounts. Contact the three national credit reporting organizations (Equifax, Experian, and
TransUnion) and contact the Identity Protection Specialized Unit of the IRS (800) 908-4490. You will alsowant to report the fraud to the Social Security fraudline (800) 269-0271 and to the FTC at www.ftc.gov.Learn how to respond to theft at identitytheft.gov.
As you can see there is a lot to do if you become a victim. These are steps you can make partof your daily life that will help protect your identity.
1. Review your bank and credit card statements carefully.
2. Review each of your three credit reports at least once a year visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free reports.
3. Shred any documents with personal and financial information.
4. File tax return electronically and request direct deposited refunds.
5. Review and respond to all correspondence from the Internal Revenue Service.
6. Use security software on your personal computer.
7. Do not email information that contains your personal information without using an encryption password.
8. Avoid IRS impersonators – the IRS will not call you with threats of jail. The IRS will also not send you an unsolicited email asking for your personal information.
Finally, let your tax professional help youcorrect the situation, if you suspect you have becomea victim of income tax fraud.
Income Tax FraudBy Tammy L. King
In the Know
Spring is a wonderful time of year. It takes us out of the winter funkand into bright sunny days after our grey and blustery weather. Flowersare blooming, trees are sprouting their leaves, bringing color back intoour days. Spring is also the time where we feel more like getting out andabout. Travel in the spring time is ideal, as the weather in most places ismild and quite enjoyable.
Wondering what to do with your loved ones this spring? How abouta trip to Florida? The weather is great for gallivanting through a majortheme park or just relaxing at the beach. Major theme parks offer a variety of activities, rides, food and more for all ages and great discountsare available for military. Whether you enjoy Disney World with the littleones in your Family or Universal Orlando, Sea World or Busch Gardens,
central Florida will give you the opportunity to enjoy all these parks andso much more. And bonus - the beaches are just as close! Any Family issure to find the perfect way to enjoy their quality time and rest and relaxtogether.
If the major theme parks and beaches aren’t really your thing, howabout a mountain getaway? The Great Smoky Mountains National Parkis only four short driving hours away from Fort Campbell in east Tennessee. Hiking, camping, even luxury cabin rentals are all available.In addition, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer many fun things to do likemini-golf, museums, craft and outlet shopping, and great food. Some ofthe best pancakes around can be found in eateries in that area.
For those with romance in mind, the Caribbean is the place to be.All-Inclusive resorts in many locations throughout the Caribbean Islandsoffer total pampering and stress free vacations; everything is included forone price. Imagine sitting in a hammock on the beach in Jamaica with afruity concoction served in a coconut in your hand. Now that is a springtime break any beach lover would enjoy!
Let the staff at MWR Leisure Travel help you plan the best vacation, wherever you chose to go. Leisure Travel Services is located conveniently inside the Main Exchange Mall. You can also find them online at www.campbell.armymwr.com.
Off the Beaten PathBy Mignon Deason
Make Time to Travel This Spring
If a staycation is what you need, Gear To Go has the perfect rental items for you. We have campers and boats aswell as all types of party equipment and inflatables. You
can view our brochures online atwww.campbell.armymwr.com, stop by and visit us at 5658 Tennessee Avenue or call (270) 798-3919.
