Retiree Corner

  • Published
  • By Denis Miller
  • Director, Retirees Activities Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Montana --  THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE, located at the Malmstrom Clinic, is here to help the retired community. The office is manned based on volunteer availability. If you have some free time and want to help others, try joining the Military Retirees Council and volunteering at the office. To speak to a volunteer or leave a message, call 731-4751.

OTHER INFORMATION: TRICARE For Life is TRICARE's Medicare-wraparound coverage available to all Medicare eligible TRICARE beneficiaries, regardless of age, provided they have Medicare Parts A and B. While Medicare is your primary insurance, TRICARE acts as your secondary payer minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses. TRICARE benefits include covering Medicare's co-insurance and deductible. For more information, contact the TRICARE office at the clinic at 731-4382.

STOP-LOSS. DOD reported that the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will start making initial stop-loss payments by December 16. As they are confirmed, the applications are being sent from DOD to DFAS. This means that the majority of members due will not see any money until next year. If you still have not applied or know someone who needs to apply, use the following to make your application:
ARMY: https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil.
NAVY: send email to NXAG_N132C@navy.mil.
MARINE CORPS: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss.
AIR FORCE: www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. Volunteer opportunities for retired military and their family members occur in several areas depending on the base. Most bases have openings in areas like the hospital, clinic, pharmacy, thrift shops, family support centers and the Retiree Activities Office itself. Retiree Activities Office members currently need volunteers at more than 100 offices at active duty, Reserve and Guard bases worldwide, including here at Malmstrom. Retired Lt.Gen. Steven Polk, co-chairman of the Air Force Retirees Council said, "This is the Year of the Air Force Family and that family includes, not only our active-duty...The motto of the retirees is 'still serving,' so where a base needs help, it's important for volunteers to provide that help."

CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE is an organization that places assistance dogs at NO CHARGE with wounded and disabled veterans. They maintain regular contact with the recipient to monitor both the performance and health of the dog. They have 35 years of experience placing these highly trained dogs that can complete tasks for their human partner. They are currently trying to identify older veterans as well as dependents that may benefit from this service. For more information go to their Web site at www.cci.org/veterans or call 1-800-572-2275.