It’s tax time! That’s right, time to figure out how to configure your most recent PCS move, combat pay and file income from two different states, or more!

Military life has its challenges. Tax season may present one of the toughest. Between the extra pay, taxed at different rates, moves between states and collecting paperwork from multiple employers and locations doing your taxes for many military families takes more than a few hours at a computer.

Luckily, there is help.

Large military installations often have a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program where volunteers are trained to help military families navigate tax issues as they file. The lines are long and even they may not know the answers to the trickiest of tax questions so come with all your paperwork and your patience.

Before you go, call ahead to find the location of the tax center, hours of operation, appointment scheduling procedures and a list of documents you will need to bring.

There is also several online tax preparers specifically set up for military members and as an added bonus, many are free.

Military OneSource provides free tax preparation not just for active duty but for their dependents, retired members, spouses of deceased veterans and veterans who have been medically discharged, among others. The service is an online tax preparation program that you enter your information into and then file the finished product for free. Military OneSource does have consultants available for questions by phone and email.

The IRS Free File Software is free to filers whose income is below $64,000.

TaxSlayer will prepare military returns, both federal and state, for a 50 percent discount.

TurboTax software is free for E1 – E5. E-6 and above can purchase the software at a discount.

If you don’t want to mess with any forms or filling, many local tax preparers located outside the gate of your local base will also offer a military discount. Don’t be afraid to ask!

Don’t let the howling winter weather fool you, spring is right around the corner. And that means scholarship deadlines are nearly due.

There are thousands of scholarship opportunities for students of every age, race, location and academic discipline. Some are even have very specific requirements that include heritage, club membership or even hobbies meaning that the pool of applicants is tiny and your chance of winning is high.

But first, you have to find those scholarships and apply for them.

Below is a list of websites that specifically cater to military families and either host or have compiled comprehensive lists of scholarships for military members and their families:

https://www.usveteransmagazine.com/list-of-military-scholarships-for-service-members-spouses-and-dependents/

https://militarybenefits.info/base-clubs-offer-scholarships-for-military-spouses/

https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/transition/military-spouse-scholarships/

https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/military-scholarships/

https://www.military.com/spousebuzz/2018/01/05/help-your-military-teen-apply-2018-scholarship.html

https://www.vfw.org/Scholarship/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAs9zSBRC5ARIsAFMtUXHHrX0CGjnlpm3M2D07DwmwSDABPP5iEiwMjR-dqm-p-wHhxnE0gJoaAuMlEALw_wcB

Below is a list of general scholarships available to a wider population, outside of the military:

www.collegescholarships.org 

https://scholarshipowl.com

www.scholarshippoints.com

https://www.infaithfound.org/newsgrants/scholarships?gclid=Cj0KCQiAs9zSBRC5ARIsAFMtUXGNdNqUyuKDGTqCCqi4qzdvX68A8GOK_8NXl9RbOoj_XWYiNX7-V4waAg57EALw_wcB

To conduct your own scholarship search online, begin by searching by school, state, choice of major or career field. Also search for scholarships given out for athletes and other types of hobbies.

If you find a scholarship that you think you fit the qualifications for, but the deadline has passed, post a note in your calendar to search it again in the coming months. If you qualify again, be certain to apply before the next deadline.

Searching and applying for college money may seem like a fruitless effort. There are thousands of people vying for much of the same money. But if you persevere and continue to fill out each form attentively and carefully you never know how or when that dedication might pay off, or pay in full for your academic dreams.

The New Year is here and with it come expert’s predictions for workplace trends in 2018. Stop grasping the mouse. So far, it all appears … positive.

At Forbes magazine the staff there has been making workplace trend predictions since 2013 by conducting global surveys and interviewing hundreds of workers and executives. Of their top ten, our favorite predictions are:

Financial help with student loans: Forbes reports that 78 percent of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and student loan debt is at $1.4 trillion. That makes for some pretty stressed out workers. The magazine reports that nearly half of employees have financial concerns that has caused them to lose an average of six work days annually. As a result more employers are helping their employees pay back student loans.

Mental health will be a priority: Forbes also reports that mental health issues like depression can cause employees to miss five days of work annually, but more importantly they may have 11.5 days of reduced productivity every three months, resulting in $17 to $44 billion lost. Forward thinking companies are now stepping forward to help employees get the healthcare they need. Some have even provided 24/7 access to counseling.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics also does an annual year-end roundup of where they think U.S. jobs will peak and fall in the New Year. In 2018 Baby Boomers are still not heading home to retire. The bureau predicts that while this group, now all aged 55 and above will continue to work their aging will “dramatically lower the overall labor force participation rate and the growth of the labor force.” What that means is that this aging population will still be competing for jobs in the workplace but overall the growth of the number of employees in the workplace will slow.

The unemployment rate will continue to decline and if you want to head into the hottest fields for 2018, look to healthcare, personal care, social assistance and construction when you are considering paths of study.

At Small Business Trends.com predictions there for 2018 also look more at easing employees’ stress levels. Work/life balance trends will change, giving employees the opportunity to change schedules and social and work interaction to fit their lifestyle.

Don’t like the device the office has provided you? May not matter in 2018. Small Business Trends.com predicts that small businesses will allow employees to use their own devices for company business. And even though the use of technology will increase in 2018, Small Business Trends.com also predicts companies will stress face time over screen time between employees for collaboration, brainstorming and social interaction.

Want to read more workplace trend predictions for 2018? Please visit:

https://smallbiztrends.com/2017/12/2018-workplace-trends.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2017/11/01/10-workplace-trends-youll-see-in-2018/#4b40681a4bf2

We’ve all heard of “What Color is Your Parachute?” and “Who Moved My Cheese?” Both are tried and true guides to starting a new career path, embarking on a new life journey, or just gaining perspective on change in general.

But there’s a whole stack of other great books out there for those who are facing a major transition, some even specifically geared toward military retirees or those leaving the military for other reasons. From finances to benefits to job searches to becoming an entrepreneur, chances are there’s a book that covers it.

Whether you are a week or a decade away from life after the military, here’s 10 good reads to help you plan for - and feel inspired about - the next step: 

• “Mission Transition: Managing Your Career and Retirement,” by Janet Farley. Published in 2017. Amazon rating: 4 stars.

This book, just published in October, gives the low-down on the new blended retirement system and how it affects current and future service members. It also looks at ways to improve and understand your finances, take responsibility for your own retirement planning, and tips for surviving life in the civilian world.

Farley is the author of several other helpful books including the “Military-to-Civilian Career Transition Guide” and the “Military Spouse’s Employment Guide.” She is also the spouse of a military retiree.

• “The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement,” by Doug Nordman. Amazon rating: 4.5 stars. Published in 2011.

Nordman is a Navy retiree who shares his strategies for becoming financially independent by your early 40s or so. In other words, this is a guide to how not to HAVE to work after the military.

He focuses on how to build a solid financial portofolio with military benefits, savings, frugal living and investing (including investing in yourself). Nordman also talks about balancing family and your desired lifestyle with those goals, and includes helpful checklists and other resources. 

• “Soldier of Finance,” by Jeff Rose. Amazon rating: 4.5 stars. Published in 2013.

Army veteran Rose, now a Certified Professional Planner, models his book on the Soldier’s Handbook issued to new Army recruits. But his information is intended for anyone looking to change their financial habits and build long-term wealth.

Rose takes a strategic, battle-like approach to financial planning. The book includes 14 “modules” that discuss topics like “tactical budgets” and how to “target and methodically eliminate debt.” It also includes quizzes and other tools to help you focus on planning for future financial success.

• “Well and Faithfully Discharged: Financial TTP for Military Retirement” by Curt Sheldon. Amazon rating: Five stars. Published in 2017.

Another one new to the market, Sheldon’s book branches out from financial planning to look at a number of topics unfamiliar to service members, such as civilian job benefits, insurance, social security and estate planning.

“TTP,” an acronym for tactics, techniques and procedures, is a nod to Sheldon’s  27-year Air Force career.

• “Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work,” by Liz Wiseman. Amazon ranking: 4.5 stars. Published in 2014.

A Wall Street Journal best seller, Wiseman’s book is a study in leadership, taking on new challenges, and staying “fresh” in an ever-evolving job market and economy. She uses the term “perpetual rookies” to show that constant learning is the key.

In other words, fresh eyes and “rookie smarts” might be one of your most valuable assets in post-military life.

- “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and in Business” by Charles Duhigg. Amazon rating: 4.5 stars. Published in 2014.

Science can explain even the most mundane things in life, like our daily habits. Pulitzer Prize-winning business reporter Duhigg delves into those theories to explain why we have habits, how we can change them, and why they are so important to success.

In a narrative style that topped nearly every best-seller list, Duhigg explores boardrooms, professional sports and political movements to uncover the motivations and potential for success in anyone.

• “Mission Entreprenuer: Applying Lessons from Military Life to Create Success in Business Startups” By Jen Griswold. Amazon rating: Published in

Griswold’s work is geared toward military spouses and female veterans like herself. She served on active duty in the Air Force, and later in the Reserves while also being a military spouse forced to start her career over again and again in a new location.

Her book focuses on leveraging your military skills – or any skills you already have – to start your own business.

• “Designing Your Life: How to build a well-lived, joyful life,” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Amazon rating: 4.5 stars. Published in 2016.

This one is another New York Times bestseller that looks at transition and building your life from an unconventional viewpoint.

The authors are both design professors at Stanford University – the kind of career that usually focuses on designing new products. Instead, they’ve brought the theory of design thinking, which really focuses on problem solving, into everyday life. Their book is geared toward all ages and career levels, and teaches the lesson that no one should settle for an unhappy, poorly “designed” life.

• “Complete Guide to Money” and “The Total Money Makeover,” both by Dave Ramsey. Published in 2015 and 2015, respectively. Amazon rank: 4.5 - 5 stars.

The financial planning guru who has made millions off telling how other people to get their own financial house in order continues to be a solid choice for many planning for retirement.  If online forums and Facebook posts are any indication, lots of military folks follow Ramsey’s methodical approach to paying down debt and building wealth.

For some military spouses, finding a job at a new duty station may be the easy part. It is finding reliable, safe childcare that causes stress, worry and even panic.

Military childcare facilities on base fill fast. Waiting lists can be months long. And unfortunately when federal budget cuts are made, childcare is often one of the first perks to be cut.

Outside the gate childcare rates can soar far above the cost of placing your child with a provider on base. Child Care Aware of America works with the Department of Defense to provide child care fee assistance to military families as part of the Military Child Care Act of 1989. The program is designed to help offset the cost of child care for families who are unable to receive care on base.

Child Care Aware has assisted more than 10 million families and has a network of more than 10,000 licensed providers across the U.S.

There are different requirements for each branch of the Department of Defense to qualify for the program. To see those requirements, visit here:

http://usa.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/

The Navy and Air Force program also provide respite care for families that are enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member program. The Marines offers care for families of service members killed in action.

The eligibility requirements are included on the page for each service, as are the list of documents you will need to gather to apply. Fees are calculated on a sliding scale. Parents will be required to pay a portion of the cost and the remaining fee is paid through funds authorized by Congress.

The only other DOD agency that qualifies for the program is the Geospatial-Intelligence Agency whose employees can also apply for fee assistance. Currently no employees of the Department of Homeland Security, including Coast Guard members, are included in the program.

Instead, Coast Guard families may qualify for child care fee assistance under the U.S. Coast Guard Childcare Subsidy Program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Eligibility requirements and application pages can be found here: https://nfc.usda.gov/FSS/clientservices/Child_Care_Subsidy/subsidies/USCG/index.php

Need to know more? Call Child Care Aware before applying at 800-424-2246 (option 6).

Tired of carrying around your husband DD214 forms to prove he is a veteran?

 Your veteran spouse can soon receive a veterans ID card. The Veterans Identification Act of 2015 ordered the VA to issue ID cards to all honorably discharged veterans for free. Recent reports say the cards will finally be available in November.

Currently a handful of states allow veterans to have their military service noted on their driver’s license. The new ID will be issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and is expected to include a photo, date of discharge and military branch.

The cards are expected to make it easier for former military members to receive discounts at local retailers and prove military service to potential employers.

The new ID cards do not give authorization for the veteran to access medical care, the commissary, PX or receive retired pay. The cards are nothing more than a means to identify an individual as a former military member.

The cards may also make it easier for veterans to have access to their newest benefit: shopping at the Exchange.

Earlier this year the military exchanges announced that all honorably discharged veterans would be allowed to shop at the exchange online stores. The benefit begins on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 with a test run of veterans who applied for the program through the exchange.

Officials said more than 60,000 veterans applied to be part of the test group. More veterans will be added to those ranks on a rolling basis until the program is unveiled for all eligible veterans. About 13 million veterans quality for the new benefit.

Want to know more ways to prove your veterans service?

The website, militarybenefits.com has outlined several options ranging from local ID cards to state issued letters. Browse the list below to see if your servicemember qualifies for any of these forms of ID:

State Issued Veterans Designation on Driver’s Licenses or Identification Cards – If you reside in one of the many states that currently offers a veterans designation on a driver’s license or ID card this is the easiest and best option that both government agencies and businesses universally accept.  The states require varying proof of veterans status so be sure to check with the DMV before applying.  Many will only require your DD214 but some states require additional documentation or will accept supplemental documentation to a DD214.  Costs be state range from free to about $15 although even if free there most likely is fee to re-issue a card if not already up for renewal. 

Free Veterans Identification Proof of Service Letter – Access and print a letter through the joint VA/DoD web portal, eBenefits which serves as proof of honorable service.

State Veterans ID Cards – Most states are opting to put a Veterans designation on a driver’s license or ID card.  Virginia, thus far, is one state that issues a separate Veterans ID card which can be obtained through the DMV.  This means you would have a driver’s license and a state veterans ID card.

County Court House  or Clerk Office Issued Veterans Cards  – Some Counties such as in New Jersey and New York have opted to provide county veteran ID cards until the states can begin offering.  Check with your local county courthouse or clerk office to see if they offer veterans cards.  These cards are not official but for the purposes of receiving discounts from businesses this should work.  This has been confirmed by many veterans.

Retired Veterans With 20 Years of Service Veterans ID – Retired veterans who have served honorably for more than 20 years can obtain an ID card on base by submitting a copy of their retirement paperwork and they will be issued a DD form 2 (blue colored) ID card. There are two types of ID cards issued to retirees. A DD Form 2A (Ret-Red) ID card is issued to “Gray Area” retirees (prior to retired pay eligibility), and a DD Form 2 (Ret-Blue) ID card is issued to a retiree who is actively receiving retired pay.

ID Cards for Eligible Family Members of Living and Deceased Retired Soldiers – DD Form 1172-1 (Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card) is issued to eligible Family members of “Gray Area” retirees. A DD Form 1173 (Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card) is issued to eligible Family members of a retiree. The same rules apply for the DD Form 1173 for Reduced Retirement Eligible Retiree Family members; their ID Cards will not have full medical benefits until the Sponsor is age 60.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Identification Card (VIC) – Also known as a veterans universal Access photo ID Card, many veterans are eligible for a VA health card and may not know it.  The VA issues IDs to anybody who needs to access a VA medical center and many businesses accept these as valid proof of service.

Veterans who may qualify:

• Veterans with a service-connected disability rating
• Served in combat or in a war zone
• Medical conditions incurred while in the service
• Location of service
• Served in theater of combat operations within the past 5 years
• Received a Purple Heart Medal
• Former Prisoner of War
• Receive VA pension or disability benefits

* This is not a comprehensive list and veterans should check with the VA to see if they qualify.  Many unique circumstances lead to qualification.

Service Organization Veteran ID Cards – Many national and local veteran service organizations provide ID cards such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion.  While this are not official government issued proof of id many businesses accept these cards as proof of military service.

By Christine Cioppa

We all choose online learning for different reasons. Behind that decision is a motivating factor, most often a career-related one and sometimes a personal one.

Experts are studying why some of us gut it out, and why some of us quit or put it off -- for what seems indefinitely -- until we finally stick it out and achieve completion in our certificate or degree program.

What is known, though, are things to watch out for – things that can shake our motivation to the core or throw us off track.

Market research on students obtaining an online education shows that the desire to finish can wane when certain circumstances occur:

• Family circumstances change
• Money for school runs out
• Relevance of program content becomes unclear
• Interest in classes diminishes
• Time not as abundant after starting a new family
• Illness

A report by BestColleges.com listed additional roadblocks to success:

• Internet and technology access issues
• Maintaining minimum GPA
• Keeping up in pace to graduate in time
• Scheduling campus visits to support some portion of an online program

We can’t always control circumstances that delay our success, but we can do everything possible to continue to strive toward success.

If any of the above is an issue, or may become one, you can brace for it and look for possible solutions or work-arounds. Here are five ideas to start with:

Make Time for What’s Important

Let’s face it: What’s important to us, we will make time for. That goes for anything: the people in our lives, our activities, our school or work, our level of fitness and diet decisions, etc. It’s important to balance our lives. But, with collaboration from family and friends, we can set priorities that include the most important parts of our lives while also balancing the challenges of earning a higher degree. That may mean waking up earlier in the morning, or giving up a few favorite TV shows, or asking for help from others, but often it can be possible. Maybe a life crisis calls for dialing it back, or taking only one class instead of several. The key is finding a solution that keeps your education goal still in eyesight down the road. The most important thing is to just never quit if an education is important to you. The pride many of us feel with achieving a certificate or higher degree is so worth the marathon-like mindset we have to have to push past the exhaustion and discomfort we sometimes can feel, sprinting toward that finish line.

Reel in Discretionary Spending

One of the top reasons people quit is money. Of all the leisurely ways we spend money (cable TV, dinning out, food and/or alcohol, clothes/beauty products, etc.), there often is room to squeeze some more toward something else. And if not, there are student loans. Also, think about creative ways to help pay for school (working at a company that provides excellent tuition reimbursement, working for the university for discounts) to reduce the overall cost.

Boost Long-Term Earning Potential

Of all the ways we spend money, higher education pays us back in the long run – through employment opportunities and higher pay. The Department of Labor’s employment projections show that people who earn any type of higher education past the high school level are less unemployed than those who just finish high school or who don’t complete high school. And with every degree earned, the rate of pay significantly increases, topping out around a “professional” or “doctoral” degree. Weekly pay can double or even nearly triple with the highest degrees.

It’s not just about money; a degree shapes us. For many of us, it is who we are; we are lifelong learners. Former Vice President Joe Biden has famously said, “Don't tell me what you value, show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value.”

Steer Clear of Complainers

If there’s not a lot of people striving for what you are, it’s time to find some like-minded, positive people to chat with. Negativity, within ourselves or around us, is completely unproductive and can make one lose sight of long-term goals. If your online program has a forum, embrace opportunities to collaborate with peers and cheer each other on. Don’t let the chronic complainers, in class or elsewhere in life, make you feel your goals or your classwork, is not as valuable or exciting as it can be. So team up with people who love school and who look for the best in others, and steely your resolution to complete your educational goals.

Never Quit

The most important thing is to never quit. When things get tough and life circumstances try to derail us, or doubt or negativity or discomfort make the challenge so much harder, just keep taking one step forward.  Richard Branson, creator of Virgin airlines, is an example of resilience. He says, “On every adventure I have been on – whether setting up a business, flying around the world in a balloon or racing across the ocean in a boat – there have been moments when the easy thing to do would be to give up. By simply not giving up, brushing yourself down and trying again, you'll be amazed what you can achieve.”

While Congress argues over changes to Obamacare, military families are facing a change in medical care that was slid through Congress with little fanfare last year – but could have serious impact.

Beginning later this year active duty families will have to choose between Tricare Standard (soon to be called Tricare Select) or Tricare Prime which puts families into military treatment facilities only. Families will not be able to switch to a civilian Tricare Standard doctor and instead must wait until the next open enrollment period each year to do so.

Currently, family members who can’t get an appointment on base or who are unhappy with their doctor on base can simply call Tricare and request a civilian provider. Once open enrollment begins, families will be locked into the plan (military or civilian) for at least a year.

Officials said there will be qualifying life events such as marriage, birth and relocation that allow families the option to switch between the two plans, however the law did not outlaw what those events will be. The Defense Health Agency, which overseas Tricare, has not set those policies yet.

The move alarms military support organizations. The National Military Family Association posted on their website, “We’re concerned that an annual open enrollment period may effectively trap military families in the MTF, regardless of the problems they experience with access or quality of care.”

To learn more about the Tricare program, visit http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare

By Salute to Spouses staff

Thousands of military members have been evacuated from Texas, Georgia and Florida for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Many have and will return home to destruction.

As families try to assess the damage, salvage what they can and return to a new normal, there is lots of help in place from military organizations. Here is a rundown of information from Blue Star Families and Military.com.

Evacuation Entitlements

Military families ordered to evacuate (including those in the Florida Keys) will be reimbursed for mileage, lodging, meals and accidentals. However, this is only true if the proper authorities ordered a family to evacuate. For more information on evacuation entitlements visit

https://paycheck-chronicles.military.com/2017/09/03/evacuation-entitlements/

Tricare

During natural disasters, Tricare regularly puts in place a "state of emergency" in impacted areas.

Tricare users in all counties in Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Georgia and some counties in Texas can access emergency prescriptions refills at any Tricare network pharmacy.

Those counties are: Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Colorado, Comal, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kerr, Kleberg, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Live Oak, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Polk, Refugio, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Tyler, Victoria, Waller, Walker, Washington, Wharton, Wilson and Willacy.

Specialty care referral requirements have also been waived for all Tricare users all counties in Florida in some counties in Texas.

To be seen by a medical provider, beneficiaries simply need to make an appointment with a provider wherever they are. Those Texas counties are: Aransas, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Brazos, Burleson, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Brazoria, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Live Oak, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Polk, Refugio, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Tyler, Victoria, Waller, Walker, Washington, Wharton and Wilson.

In South Carolina those counties are, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper.

In Georgia those counties are Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty and McIntosh.

The situation is constantly changing so check the Tricare website for up-to-date details.

GI Bill

Typically, Post-9/11 GI Bill housing allowance payments require that you are in school continuously. When school breaks or classes are out, the housing payment is prorated to reflect that change.

Officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that most people using the GI Bill at a school that has been temporarily closed due to the hurricane will still receive housing allowance payments as if nothing had happened.

VA Hospitals, Clinics

Hurricane Harvey

Across impacted areas in Texas, some community health and outpatient Department of Veterans Affairs clinics are closed as a result of the storm. The Houston VA Medical Center, however, is open and fully operational, officials posted on that facility's website.

A series of mobile vet centers to provide counseling services were being deployed to impacted areas, such as Corpus Christi, or have been placed on standby, according to VA officials. Within the area impacted by Harvey are over 510,000 veterans and 115 VA clinics, they said.

A series of mobile vet centers to provide counseling services were being deployed to impacted areas, such as Corpus Christi, or have been placed on standby, according to VA officials. Within the area impacted by Harvey are over 510,000 veterans and 115 VA clinics, they said.

The VA has also put in place their Pharmacy Disaster Relief Plan. Eligible veterans with a VA ID Card who need an emergency supply of medications can go to any CVS or HEB pharmacy with a written prescription or active VA prescription bottle to receive a 14-day supply. Veterans who need assistance can also call the Heritage Health Solutions Veterans Help line at 1-866 265-0124 to speak to a representative, officials said.

Hurricane Irma

Veterans from storm-affected areas who require immediate assistance may contact the Health Resource Center Disaster Hotline at 1-800-507-4571.

For the latest updates on operations at specific VA facilities and associated clinics, please visit your facility’s website and the Facebook pages listed below. Information provided on the facility pages may be more current than what is posted here.

Caribbean facilities:

• VA Caribbean Healthcare System (website)  –  VA Caribbean Healthcare System (Facebook page)
  • With the exception of the St. Thomas clinic, all VA Caribbean facilities have resumed normal operating hours. More Details
• San Juan Regional Benefit Office (website)
  • The VA San Juan Regional Benefit Office has reopened
• Puerto Rico National Cemetery (website)
  • Puerto Rico National Cemetery will has reopened.

Florida, Georgia, South Carolina medical facilities:

• Miami VA Medical Center (website) – Miami VAMC (Facebook page)
  • Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 13, the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center (the main hospital) will be fully operational. More Details
  • William “Bill” Kling VA Clinic in Broward County – Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 13, the clinic will be fully operational with the exception of GI procedures
  • Hollywood VA Clinic – Primary Care, Mental Health for walk-ins only
  • Pembroke Pines CBOC – Open for normal operations.
  • The following community clinics remain closed through Tuesday, September 12:
    • Deerfield Beach CBOC
    • Homestead CBOC
    • Key West OPC
    • Key Largo CBOC
    • Flagler Street
• West Palm Beach VA Medical Center (website) – West Palm Beach VAMC (Facebook page)
  • The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is fully operational.More Details
    • Delray Beach CBOC – Closed
    • Stuart CBOC – Closed
    • Clewiston CBOC – Closed
    • Moorehaven CBOC – ClosedThe following clinics remain closed.  All others are operational
• North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (website) – North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (Facebook page)
  • Gainesville VAMC and Lake City VAMC are fully operational. More Details
  • Clinic Status:
    • Jacksonville (all locations) – Beginning Wednesday, September 13, fully operational
    • Lecanto CBOC – Open
    • Marianna CBOC – Open
    • Ocala West – Open
    • Ocala Cascades – Closed
    • Palatka CBOC – Open
    • Perry Outreach Clinic – Closed
    • St. Augustine CBOC – Beginning Wednesday, September 13, fully operational
    • St. Marys (GA) CBOC – Beginning Wednesday, September 13, fully operational
    • Tallahassee HCC – Open
    • The Villages OPC – Open
    • Valdosta CBOC – Beginning Wednesday, September 13, fully operational
    • Waycross CBOC – Beginning Wednesday, September 13, fully operational
• Bay Pines VA Medical Center (website) – Bay Pines VAMC (Facebook page)
  • The C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center (main hospital) outpatient services, elective procedures and surgeries remain suspended.  The emergency department remains closed. More Details
  • All clinics remain closed.  Patients with appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
• Tampa VA Medical Center (website) – Tampa VAMC (Facebook page)
  • The James A. Haley Veterans Hospital (main hospital) is fully operational. More Details
  • The New Port Richey Dental Clinic is open.  All other New Port Richey VA facilities remain closed.
  • In Tampa, the Mental Health, Audiology and Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics remain closed.
  • All other clinics are open for normal operations.
• Orlando VA Medical Center (website) – Orlando VAMC (Facebook page)
  • The Lake Nona hospital and campus are fully operational. More Details
  • The following clinics remain closed.  All others are operational.
    • New Port Richey Eye Clinic – Closed
    • Tampa Audiology and Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics – Closed
• Charleston VA Medical Center (website) – Charleston VAMC (Facebook page)
  • The Charleston VAMC Emergency Department will be fully operational during the weather event along with the required staff to support remaining inpatient care for approximately 70 inpatients. All outpatient clinics and non-essential services will remain closed through Tuesday, Sept. 12 in order to ensure the maximum safety of our Veterans, staff, and their families. The main facility in downtown Charleston and its outpatient clinics, with the exception of the Goose Creek VA Outpatient Clinic, are expected to reopen for normal operations on Wednesday, Sept. 13. More Details
• Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (website) – Gulf Coast Veterans HCS (Facebook page)
  • The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System’s outpatient clinics near Eglin Air Force Base, in Panama City Beach and in Pensacola will be closed Sept. 11. More Details
• Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center – Augusta (website) – Augusta VA (Facebook page)
  • The director of the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center has ordered the closure of the Statesboro, Ga., clinic Tuesday, Sept. 12, and a limited closure of the Athens, Ga., clinic on the same day.The Athens clinic will open at 1 p.m., Sept. 12, and is not a full-day closure. More Details
• Atlanta VA Health Care System (website) – Atlanta VA (Facebook page)
  • The Atlanta VA Medical Center and its outpatient clinics anticipate reopening for normal operations on Wednesday, Sept. 13 though impacts of weather may delay some openings. All previously cancelled appointments will be rescheduled.Clinics Opened
    • Trinka Davis Veterans Village
    • Ft. McPherson VA Campus
    • Fulton County VA Clinic
    • Newnan VA Clinic
    • Stockbridge VA Clinic
    • Austell VA Clinic
    • Gwinnett County VA Clinic
    • Lawrenceville VA Clinic
    • Rome VA Clinic
    • Blairsville VA Clinic

Clinics Closed – due to continued power outage

• Atlanta VA Clinic (Arcadia)
• Henderson Mill VA Clinic
• Oakwood VA Clinic

• Carl Vinson VA Medical Center – Dublin, Georgia (website) – Dublin VA (Facebook page)
  • The Brunswick VA Clinic is CLOSED to evacuate for Hurricane Irma and is expected to re-open Sept. 13 or 14. All community clinics will be closed Monday, Sept. 11 but are expected to re-open Tuesday, Sept. 12. The Dublin VA Medical Center is cancelling outpatient appointments for Monday Sept. 11 but expects to resume normal operations Tuesday, Sept. 12. More Details
• Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (website) – VA Central Alabama (Facebook page)
  • All of Central Alabama Health Care System hospitals and clinics will be fully operational Tuesday, Sept. 12. More Details.

VA Regional Benefits Offices

• Atlanta Regional Benefits Office (website)
  • The Atlanta Regional Benefit Office outbased locations in Fort Stewart/Savannah, GA and Fort Gordon/Augusta, GA are closed Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. We will continue to monitor this weather system for Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017 and update information soon as possible.  The Atlanta Regional Office (main office) will remain closed at this time.  More Details
• St. Petersburg Regional Benefit Office (website)
  • The St. Petersburg Regional Officeand all outbased offices will reopen to employees on Wednesday, Sept. 13. All locations will reopen to Veterans and their families on Thursday, Sept. 14.

VA National Cemeteries

• Sarasota National Cemetery (website)
  • Sarasota National Cemetery is closed on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
• Bay Pines National Cemetery (website)
  • Bay Pines National Cemetery is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 12 and 13.
• Florida National Cemetery (website)
  • Florida National Cemetery is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 12 and 13.
• Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (website)
  • Cape Canaveral National Cemetery  anticipates reopening on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 8 a.m.
• Beaufort National Cemetery (website)
  • Beaufort National Cemetery is closed on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Vet Centers

• VA Vet Centers –  updated information on Vet Center operating status in the affected region.
  • U.S. Virgin Islands:
    • St. Croix – Open
    • St Thomas – Closed
  • Puerto Rico:
    • San Juan – Open
    • Ponce – Open
    • Arecibo – Providing Services at Arecibo CBOC
  • Florida:
    • Miami Vet Center – Closed
    • Naples Vet Center – Closed
    • Fort Lauderdale Vet Center – Closed
    • Pompano Beach Vet Center – Closed
    • Palm Beach Vet Center – Closed
    • Jupiter Vet Center – Closed
    • Melbourne Vet Center – Closed
    • Tampa Vet Center – Closed
    • St. Petersburg Vet Center – Closed
    • Sarasota Vet Center – Closed
    • Clearwater Vet Center – Closed
    • Fort Myers Vet Center – Closed
  • Georgia:
    • Savannah Vet Center – Closed Sept. 9 thru 12
  • South Carolina
    • Charleston Vet Center – Closed Sept. 9 thru 12Myrtle Beach Vet Center – Closed Sept. 9 thru 12

VA Pharmacy Disaster Relief Plan

VA has activated the Pharmacy Disaster Relief Plan for Veterans in Hurricane Irma impact areas. Eligible Veterans in the affected areas with a VA ID Card needing emergency supply of medications will be able to go to any retail pharmacy open to the public with a written prescription or active VA prescription bottle (not older than 6 months and with refills available) to receive at least a 10 day supply. Note: This does not include controlled substances. Patients must present a valid VA ID Card.

The Heritage Health Customer Care Line is available for VA patients in the affected areas at 1-866-265-0124, option 1. Heritage’s hours of operations for hurricane coverage: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

VA Benefits

VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration has mechanisms to help Veterans receive their benefit payments if their normal mail cannot be delivered:

• Veterans can sign up for direct deposit on eBenefits.
• Veterans can call 1-800-827-1000 to sign up for direct deposit.
• The Direct Express Cardless Benefit Access program is offering beneficiaries who use Direct Express and reside in the affected area the option to obtain cash without their card, up to $1,000.
  • The service is being offered free of charge; however, due to system limitations, a fee will be charged and then refunded to the beneficiary. The beneficiary will be asked to go to a MoneyGram store to retrieve the funds.  If the beneficiary is unable to locate a MoneyGram store in operation in his/her area, the funds will be placed back on the Direct Express card.
  • MoneyGram agents will require ID before releasing funds.  They will accept a passport, driver’s license, military identification card, social security card and/or state identification card.  The beneficiary must also have a MoneyGram reference number (provided by the Direct Express Call Center).
  • Contact the Direct Express Call Center toll-free number, 1-888-741-1115, and offer to transfer the caller.  Callers must choose the “Direct Express Cardless Benefit Access” option on the IVR.

By Jenna Moede

Okay so this volunteering business, I've talked a lot about it, and I've even admitted that I didn't volunteer as much as I could have in college. But, we should still talk about it.

While my shot at volunteering as an undergraduate has long passed, you might still have time. For those just starting your undergraduate studies or those in the middle of your time in college, tune in for just a sec.

First, let's just address the question on everybody's mind. Why commit time to volunteering, particularly on campus, instead of working and making a little money?

I understand this question completely because I did spend my time working and taking classes, however, I spent my time off completely wasting my time instead of using my time wisely.

One year I even overslept on purpose to avoid helping out with a homecoming float. I missed out on not only a really fun time, but also the opportunity to meet some important and influential people of the local community.

Big mistake. Huge! One of the girls in my hall earned an internship out of it so I let myself down completely on that one.

So let's dig into the nitty gritty of campus volunteering and specifically campus volunteering because oftentimes people forget that opportunity exists and head straight for bigger community activities (even though I highly encourage community volunteering as well).

If you need a fantastic reason to volunteer on campus, think about the potential to attach a good reputation for service and work ethic to your name.

Volunteering on campus can really help you establish yourself within the school. Word of mouth can benefit you if you do a great job on every task you volunteer for.

Not only can it benefit you individually, but you can also advertise for any campus clubs or groups you participate in. Good exposure, whether personal or for a group, can never hurt.

You also have a greater opportunity to meet people from your campus that you otherwise might not run into when you volunteer on campus which can lead to great networking opportunities.

Moving along, you might just land yourself an internship, job or at the very least, improve your resume. I have a college friend that started her own charity group on campus after gaining inspiration from volunteering for a college food drive.

She ended up with one of the most influential professors as the faculty advisor and made connections with so many people that she could have her pick of jobs when she graduated.

It might not happen that way for you or me, but it doesn't hurt to tip the scales in our favor right!?

Lastly, volunteering on campus can shape your marketable skills. If you opt to complete volunteer activities that cater to your chosen career field, you might just learn something that will excite employers.

You don't have anything to lose! The benefits outweigh those couple of hours of sleep by far.

Since by now I really, really, really hope I've sold you on campus volunteering, let's talk about how to find those opportunities.

I did a little research and talked with my former campus employer to find out just what opportunities exist and how to find them.

First, keep your ear to the ground. Sometimes professors will name a volunteer opportunity in class or in an email. These can help you out since oftentimes your professors have a leg in the door on the career you hope to enter. Take advantage of them instead of slipping down in your chair and wishing that part of the lecture was optional.

Also, if you have a job on campus, check their fliers and information and talk with the staff. Typically so much mail comes through the door that if you have an opportunity to look, you might find out about some good chances to help your campus, other students and by extension, your community.

Not to beat a dead horse on this one, but check your email. I feel like I should actually have a chorus singing that by now.

Anyway, usually campuses have a volunteer center and staff that will send out these great little emails with monthly volunteer opportunities both on campus and off.

They even include a signup sheet or contact number. If you don't like calling, they usually have an email or website too. They seriously can't make it any easier. Too often, still, those spots go empty and they don't have enough willing participants.

Check out bulletin boards as you walk passed them too. If you have time to see Janie looking for a roommate, you have time to see what other information people have posted which usually includes these great service opportunities.

Lastly, check your schools website. If you miss the fliers, bulletin boards, mail, and emails, you can do a little of the work yourself and go directly to the source. Each school handles it differently, but typically you won't have any trouble locating the contact information for the volunteer center or finding a list of current activities.

No matter how you sniff out the activities, don't overlook the volunteer opportunities that exist right on campus.

You have so many chances to meet life changing people that you might not even realize. Take advantage of those opportunities while giving a little bit of yourself and your time back to your college.