COASTAL LIVING
      

March 2001

In a recent Department of Veterans Affairs news release, it was announced by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi and the ambassador of France H. E. Francois de l’Estang that the French Government is issuing a certificate to thank, to honor, and to specially recognize the participation of all American and allied forces who took part in the Normandy landing and contributed to the liberation of France.

To be eligible for this “Thank-You-America-Certificate” a veteran must have served on French territory, in French territorial waters or in French airspace between June 6, 1944 and May 8, 1945.  The certificates will not be issued posthumously.

The Consuls General of France in the United States will issue the certificates on behalf of the French Government.  They will do so in coordination with state veterans affairs offices and veterans organizations.

An application is available on a special Internet site maintained by the French Government:  http:// www.ambafrance-us.org/fhot2.htm.  Locally you can contact County Veterans Services and they will provide you with a copy of the application and if you desire, they will assist you in completing and submitting the application.  Their telephone is (252) 728-8440.

State Scholarship Program for Children of Certain Disabled, Deceased, or POW/MIA Veterans

The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs wishes to remind high school seniors and other interested parties of the ongoing State Scholarship Program for children of certain disabled, deceased, or POW/MIA veterans.

The scholarships may be used at schools located in North Carolina which are:

Scholarships, with one exception, provide free tuition, certain fees, and room and board allowances at State-owned institutions and $4,500 per academic year at private institutions.  The exception being that awards under the 100% service-connected disability provision provide free tuition and certain fees at State-owned institutions and $1,500 per academic year at private institutions.  All awards are four academic years in duration which must be used within ten years from the date of award.

Contact County Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440 for more detailed information, advice and assistance with an application.

Agent Orange Review

The Agent Orange Review is published by the VA to provide current information on Agent Orange and related matters to Vietnam veterans and their families with concerns about herbicides used in Vietnam.  The most recent issue which was published in December 2000 and was made available in early February 2001 addresses numerous Agent Orange issues to include the adding of “Type 2 Diabetes” to the list of conditions recognized as service-connected for Vietnam veterans based on exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides.

For a copy of the “Review” contact County Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440.  It is also available online at www.va.gov/agentorange/default.htm.

For the Military Retiree -- TRICARE FOR LIFE

Medical benefits were significantly expanded for the military retiree and his/her family with enactment of the 2001 Defense Appropriations Act.  The bottom line on this most important military retiree issue is that this Act provides for lifetime health coverage for Medicare eligible retirees, family members, and survivors.

At this point, concerning the particulars/the mechanics of the medical treatment side of the program, in discussions with TRICARE Customer Service Representatives, there are more questions than answers.  As soon as details become available they’ll be published.  The most important point is that one should not cancel a Medicare supplemental coverage policy until the medical side of the program is up and running which is scheduled to be October 1, 2001.

Concerning new pharmacy benefits, for the Medicare eligible military retiree, they are scheduled to be operational on April 1, 2001 and include access to military treatment facility pharmacies, the National Mail Order Pharmacy Program, and retail pharmacies.  Recently a toll free telephone line was established to answer questions retirees may have about the TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program.  The call center number is 1-877-DOD-MEDS (1-877-363-6337) and is operational from 7 AM to 11 PM Monday through Friday, Eastern Time.