FYI

Just FYI -- hopefully we won't need it, but good to know:

Financial Difficulties Caused by the Disruption of Pay Due to the Federal Government Shutdown

"Under section 523 of title 50 App, United States Code (The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act), if a Servicemember on active duty is unable to perform an obligation arising under a contract (for example, cannot make an automobile, rent, or mortgage payment), and is charged a late fee or other similar penalty as a result, then a court may reduce or waive that fee if the ability to pay was materially affected by such military service.

"If a Servicemember misses a payment because of pay disruptions caused by the shutdown of the federal government, then this section should provide relief. Servicemembers should contact their lenders or the other party to their contract or obligation and request relief under this section.

"See your local legal assistance attorney if you cannot get the matter resolved. You can find the closest legal assistance office at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php ."
Armed Forces Legal Assistance (AFLA)
legalassistance.law.af.mil

Armed Forces Legal Assistance (AFLA)

legalassistance.law.af.mil

Government Shutdown – What Military Families Need to Know

We are hours away from a possible government shutdown which has created worry and stress for military families. Fiscal Year 2011 started on October 1, 2010, but Congress has yet to approve the needed funding bills to keep most of the government, including the Department of Defense running. Temporary spending bills—Continuing Resolutions—have provided short-term funding since October, but the latest expires this Friday, April 8. Some in Congress are trying to ensure service members get paid even if an agreement is not reached on a temporary measure or on the larger Omnibus Appropriations Act needed to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year. Military service members and their families are concerned about whether they will get paid on time and also whether essential services will be available.
The number one question we have heard from families is – will my service member be paid on the 15? Service members are exempt from furloughs, meaning they still have to work. Their work will be paid for, the question is when? Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said on Wednesday:

• if the government shuts down on April 8 and goes for a week, service members would get half of a check on April 15 (pay from the April 1 – 8)
• if the shutdown runs past April 15, service members would receive pay after the budget or a Continuing Resolution is passed.

Retirees will receive their retirement pay.

Where to go for Financial Help

Do not turn to payday lenders – your military community has the resources to provide assistance. If your family experiences a hardship due to a reduced paycheck, we urge you to seek assistance from a military aid organization or military bank or military credit union. Aid organizations and military banks and credit unions have short term loans available to help in this situation.
Aid organizations will remain open and are ready and willing to help service members and their families.

Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)    www.afas.org

Army Emergency Relief (AER)   www.aerhq.org

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA)   www.cgmahq.org

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)   www.nmcrs.org

Reserve Aid   www.reserveaid.org

If you are not located to near an aid organization, you may seek financial assistance from the Red Cross or call 866-563-1376. Each aid organization has an agreement with the Red Cross to provide the same type of financial assistance to military families.
Our Association has contacted a sampling of military banks and credit unions. In the event of a government shutdown, some military banks and credit unions may waive fees associated with the possible shutdown. Others have stated they will consider permitting families to skip a loan or credit card payment. We urge military families to contact their bank to review their individual situation and the guidance established by their financial entity.
Military families who use automatic payments are encouraged to contact their bank and make alternative arrangements. For example, families may transfer money from a savings account to a checking account to cover the automatic payment.

What services will remain open during a potential shutdown?

The Department of Defense and Services are currently evaluating their essential personnel and support services. Service members are expected to report to work. However, Reserve component personnel should refer to their chain of command for specific information.
Open

• Dining facilities, child care centers and other non-appropriated funds activities that do not operate on tax payer funds
• Department of Defense Education Activity schools (DoDEA)
• Military Exchanges
• Military Treatment Facilities will be open, but may have limited services. See below.

Closed

• Commissaries
• Nonessential services

Overseas
Congress is working to provide funding for commissaries overseas to remain open during the shutdown. Overseas families are encouraged to contact their local commissary.
Even those services that will remain open may operate with reduced personnel. We encourage families to call ahead to determine if the service is open.
Health Care
If you normally get your health care in a military hospital or military clinic, you may find appointments may be cancelled or some medical, lab, or pharmacy services will not be available during a government shutdown.  Depending on each military hospital or military clinic’s staffing, there will probably be a different mix of available services. So, we advise families to call whatever phone number you would normally call for information or to make an appointment before you travel to your military hospital or military clinic for any reason.
As always, if you or a family member has an emergency medical situation, immediately go to the closest emergency room or dial 911. If the need is not an emergency, but you need urgent care and cannot get in touch with anyone at your military hospital or military clinic, we recommend that you call your TRICARE Regional contractor for information and instructions. Here is their contact information:

North: Health Net at 1.888.874.2273 www.healthnetfederalservices.com
South:  Humana at 1.800.444.5445 www.humana-military.com
West: TriWest at 1.888.874.9378 www.triwest.com
If you normally get your care from civilian health care providers, you should not notice a disruption in service due to the shutdown. TRICARE contractors will continue to provide all of their services and their call centers will be operational. They will still pay claims and their mental health services will be operational.
Want to ensure a steady supply of your medications during unexpected situations, like any future government shutdowns or environmental disaster, consider home delivery! Click here for more information.
We will continue to update this page as information becomes available.

Attention Vystar CU, NFCU, and USAA members

FYI to all military members who have Vystar CU... I just spoke with them and they are basiclly doing to the same thing NFCU and USAA are doing.. All military members who have direct deposit will receive their full paycheck on the 15th.. I will post more details as I get them.. :)

USAA

We are committed to being there for our members when they need us the most. USAA has several potential solutions in place that may assist members through the duration of a shutdown. These solutions will vary based upon individual member situations, but members could receive temporary assistance such as: payment deferrals, late fee waivers, flexible payment arrangements or term modifications.

 

The Navy Federal Credit Union, the country’s largest credit union, said Thursday it would cover the April 15 direct-deposit paychecks of its military customers even if there’s a government shutdown because of an impasse over spending between Democrats and Republicans.
“By covering the mid-month pay, come April 15 our active duty members will not see a difference in their direct deposit amount, as if there were no shutdown,” said Cutler Dawson, chief executive of Navy Federal.
It’s unclear how much such a move would cost the giant credit union, or even if it would be necessary.
How and when members of the military are paid has become a major flashpoint in the budget debate. Both Democrats and Republicans have blamed the other party for potentially forcing a shutdown after midnight Friday, possibly leaving service members – and their families – to miss paychecks.
Unlike many civilian employees, who would be furloughed and might not ever receive back pay, military service members would remain working but could see a lapse in their pay until Congress reaches a deal. But even having a delayed paycheck could create major headaches.
Defense  Secretary Robert Gates, on a trip to Iraq, Thursday assured troops they will be paid. Troops are typically paid twice a month, and Mr. Gates said that if a government shutdown began after Friday, troops would receive half a paycheck for the first two weeks of April. After that, troops wouldn’t be paid until a deal is reached in Washington to fund the government, although they would receive any back pay owed, he added.
UPDATE: The Navy Federal Credit Union said today that in the event of a shutdown, it would extend the advanced pay to civilian employees of the Defense Department whose pay is directly deposited with credit union.

DISNEY 2011 PROMO

DISNEY 2011 PROMO

       U.S. Military Can 'Let the Memories Begin' in 2011

       With Special Ticket and Room Offers at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts



       LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. / ANAHEIM, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2010) - As guests of Disney Parks share Disney vacation memories through the "Let the Memories Begin" program in 2011, America's military personnel will have opportunities to make memories through special offers on theme park tickets and accommodations.

       At Walt Disney World Resort - now through Sept. 28, 2011 active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:

       *         Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $138 each, plus tax

       *         Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Parks Fun and More Option for $138 each, plus tax AND

       *         Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More Options for $165 each, plus tax



       At Disneyland Resort - now through Sept. 28, 2011 active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:

       *                 Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $99 each

       Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased by active and retired U.S. military personnel for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends.  No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer.



       All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Oct. 1, 2011 (certain block out dates apply).  Active and retired U.S. military personnel can also save up to 40% on rooms at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels!  This offer is valid for stays most nights now through Oct. 1, 2011, but is not valid at all Nov. 24 - Nov. 26, 2010 and Dec. 26 - Dec. 31, 2010 at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels or April 17 - April 30, 2011 at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. (The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.  Savings based on non-discounted price for the same room. Valid Military ID will be required upon check-in.  No group rates or other discounts apply.  Advance reservations required.  Additional per-adult charges apply at the Walt Disney World Resort if there are more than two adults per room.)



       For information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort, or to make room reservations at the Walt Disney World Resort, military personnel may call 407/939-7830 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices.

       Information is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military <http://www.disneyworld.com/military> .  For information regarding Disney 3-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort, or to make room reservations at the Disneyland Resort, military personnel may call 714/956-6424 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices.  Information is also available at www.disneyland.com/military.

March Coffee Night

This month's coffee night is going to be held on Thursday March 17th at 7pm.. The location is going to be Starbucks at the St Johns Town Center. It is the one next door to Peterbrook Chocolatier.. Come join us for coffee and conversation!

March FRG Meeting

Hey everyone just a reminder that the March FRG meeting is March 21st at the USO.. We are making Easter crafts for the deployed dets so we are asking that everyone please bring a bag of candy to help fill the Easter eggs.. Hope to see you there!!

Events Going on in Jacksonville This Week:

Wednesday, March 2, 2011:
Florida Waterways Dance Project at the Jacksonville Landing Starting at 4 pm
Dance students from Jacksonville University, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts will perform as part of the Florida Waterways Dance Project, a collaborative initiative which celebrates Arts in Education by uniting Florida’s arts institutions in simultaneous site-specific dance performances inspired by Florida’s unique waterways. From Miami to the Panhandle and from Tampa to Jacksonville, dancers, musicians and visual artists from twenty one participating school arts programs and dance companies will join together to bring attention to the power and fragility of Florida’s waterways.

The Social Network is playing at the 5 Points Theater (Tickets are $8.50, or $7.50 with senior, student or military ID)
Address: 5 Points Theatre · 1028 Park Street Jacksonville, Florida 32204
Nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Cinematography, Best Directing, Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay, and more!
Harvard undergraduate Mark Zuckerberg develops a computer program that will eventually become the phenomenally successful social networking site, Facebook. Yet Zuckerberg’s lack of social skills in the world outside of the virtual realm in which he excels, leaves him with a trail of broken relationships and questionable ethical choices.

First Wednesday Art Walk of Downtown
Produced by Downtown Vision, Inc., First Wednesday Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour that combines astounding visual and live art, engaging events and more in the core of Downtown Jacksonville.
Voted "Best Art Walk" in Folio Weekly's Best of Jax 2010, amd "Most Creative Gathering", "Most Artistic Vanguard", and "Best Art Event" in Jacksonville Magazine's Best of Jax 2010, the First Wednesday Art Walk is an art extravaganza seven years and counting.
Held each month from 5-9 p.m. -- rain or shine -- Art Walk spans a 15-block radius within the Downtown core. With 30 to 40 galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants, bars and businesses participating each month and dozens of artists in the open air Hemming Plaza, Art Walk is the ultimate opportunity to savor and support Jacksonville's deep pool of creative talent.
Go to http://downtownjacksonville.org/Marketing/First_Wednesday_Artwalk.aspx for details, directions, highlights, and event map.


Thursday, March 3, 2011 to Sunday March 6, 2011
Jacksonville Home & Patio Show (Tickets are Adults: $10, Children and Students (6-18): $5.00, Children 5 & under: FREE)
Location: Prime Osborn Convention Center - 1000 Water St, Jacksonville, FL 32204-1546
While remodeling your home can be a great investment, it can also open the door to uncertainty and doubt. Whether it's a simple paint job or a major renovation, the 43rd Annual Jacksonville Home & Patio Show has answers to your home improvement questions.
With close to five hundred companies in the home improvement industry under one roof, you'll save time and money. Learn powerful tips from the educational seminars happening all four days. Being informed is the only way to be when it comes to improving your space. Join us at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.
Event Dates:
Thursday, March 3, 2011 from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, March 4, 2011 from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 6, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday, March 4, 2011:
First Friday Art Walk of St. Augustine
Starts at 6:00 pm
Old City Web Services and the St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains, in conjunction with AGOSA (Art Galleries of St. Augustine) sponsor the free First Friday Art Walk Gallery Tour Train Shuttle Service On the first friday of every month, the specially-marked Red Train makes a loop between Catch 22 Gallery, 5 Cordova St., and the San Sebastian Winery, making stops at the downtown Art Galleries. The train completes its loop every 30 minutes from 6 to 9 p.m. The train tour guide offers exhibit information and points out the galleries. Participating galleries provide a detailed map of the route. Parking is available at the San Sebastian Winery on King Street just east of U.S.1, and throughtout the city. First Friday art walks are sponsored by AGOSA, the Art Galleries of St. Augustine. Participating and member galleries remain open until 9 p.m. the 1st Friday of each month, when new openings, new art, and old friends can be seen and met in downtown St. Augustine.
URL: www.online-arts.net
Email: info@online-arts.net

Saturday, March 5, 2011:
City Rescue Mission’s Bed Race at the Jacksonville Landing
The Bed Race is a fundraising event consisting of teams of six people who will push a handmade bed on wheels in front of The Jacksonville Landing in downtown Jacksonville. The goal is to be the fastest Bed Race team and to raise the most funds to support City Rescue Mission. Our goal is to raise $50,000 this year.
One person from each team must submit an entry form. All entry forms and entry fees must be sent to Sarah Davis at the address listed on the form. All entry fees must be paid by February 4, 2011.
The Bed Building Guidelines and Instructions will guide you on how to build your team’s bed. Have fun and be creative! Don’t forget about this year’s theme – “Fairy Tales Do Come True.”
For registration and more information, visit http://crmjax.org/Bed_Race.html
Proceeds benefit the City Rescue Mission.

Annual Studio 40 Auction NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!!
Venue: Hendricks Day School (Performing Arts Center)
Show Time: 5:30pm - 10pm
Call Time: 4:30pm - 11pm
Target Audience: 150
Benefits: Hendricks Day School
Dress: Black Slack, Team Black T-Shirt (Provided)
Website: HendricksDaySchool.org
Duties: Setup, Maintenance, Strikeout
Email Jim.Mace@lpsvcs.com if you would like to volunteer your time for this event - ANY HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!