(The following is provided as a public service from the Fort Huachuca Retiree Council and was written by Melanie Mouras.)Â
Support Arizona’s women veterans
The Arizona Department of Veteran Services hosts its Fourth Annual Arizona Military Women’s Conference on June 16 at the El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium, 552 N. 40th Street, Phoenix. Free for women who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, the conference will simultaneously be telecast to Tucson’s Scottish Rite Cathedral at 160 S. Scott Ave. Roughly half the seats at each location are still available. Lunch is included at no charge to participants.
The keynote speaker will be Fort Huachuca’s Maj. Gen. Jennifer Napper, commanding general, Network Enterprise Technology Command. Napper will provide her experience and insight on the conference topic of Military Women Moving Forward.
Register at www.azwomenveterans.org not later than May 25. For more information, contact Registration Chair Shirley Vega, 1.480.785.2683 or savega1967@yahoo.com.
Complete a VA power of attorney
Those who use any services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs should be aware that legal documents, including living wills and powers of attorney, are based in state, not federal, law.
To avoid possible confusion, those who reside in one state, receive medical care in another, or are simply on the road much of the time, may find it helpful to complete the VA’s specific legal documents, including VA Form 10-0137 (VA Advanced Directive — Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will). People may also appoint representatives to handle VA claims or appeals using VA Forms 21-22 and 21-22a. All forms are available on-line or in VA offices.
VA Vietnam ship list updated
The VA has updated its list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships that operated in Vietnam, adding 47 more vessels and expanding information for others. This can help Vietnam-era veterans determine if they qualify for presumption of Agent Orange exposure when seeking VA disability compensation for herbicide-related diseases. Visit the VA ship list website or call 1.800.749.8367 (press option number three) for more information.
Veterans whose ships are not listed are nonetheless encouraged to apply for health care and benefits. The VA continues to add ships as evidence becomes available. Your application for benefits could be the catalyst that allows your claim and that of your shipmates.
Change federal income tax withholding
With tax season ended, retirees may need to change their federal income tax withholding. Do so by using the Defense Finance and Accounting Service myPay website, or by completing an Internal Revenue Service Form W-4 and faxing it (toll-free at 1.800.469.6559) or mailing it to DFAS. The DFAS mailing address is Defense Finance and Accounting Service, U.S. Military Retirement Pay, P.O. Box 7130, London, KY 40742-7130.
Try our websites of the month
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force offers special exhibits through a new virtual tour at www.nmusafvirtualtour.com. The website is embedded with audio and video hotspots and touch-screen devices, offering online visitors the opportunity to experience the entire museum.
For more information, go to www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
