Operation Purple Camps for 2013
If you've been thinking about enrolling your child in an Operation Purple summer camp but weren't sure where the camps were being held, then I've got good news for you. The National Military Family Association has released their 2013 Operation Purple Summer Camp schedule. This year the schedule includes camps in AK, AL, CA, CT, FL, IN, MN, NC, NY, OR, PA, TX, WA and WV.
To learn more about Operation Purple and the various programs they offer, please visit their Web site.
More Resources and Information for Military Kids
- Choosing a Summer Camp
- Camps for Military Kids
- Horses4Heroes Family Programs
- Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation
- Army FMWR Arts and Crafts Centers
- Helping Kids Cope with a PCS Move
- Easy Ways to Help Your Kids Reduce Their Stress
- Is Your Child an Introvert, Extrovert or Ambivert?
- Scholarships and Grants for Military Kids
- United Through Reading Helps Comfort Military Kids
Easy Ways to Support the Troops
If you're in need of a few ideas on how you can support the troops, here are some suggestions that you may want to consider:
- Volunteer your time or make a monetary donation to organizations such as Horses4Heroes or the Fisher House Foundation.
- Send a cookie care package through the Butter Maid Bakery.
- Send a letter or care package to a deployed servicemember.
- If you're clearing out the clutter from your house, here's a list of several military-friendly places where you can donate your stuff.
TRICARE Pharmacy Copay Increase
Beginning in February there will be an increase in some of the TRICARE Pharmacy copays. A breakdown of the new prices is as follows:
- If you purchase brand name medications at a retail network pharmacy you will pay $17 instead of $12.
- If you use the home delivery service for brand name medications you will pay $13 for a 90-day supply instead of $9.
- New copayments for non-formulary medications increase from $25 to $44 if purchased at retail pharmacies and $43 if you use the Home Delivery service.
No Change for Generics
Despite the price hike, the good news is that there is no price increase for generic medications that are purchased at a network pharmacy. You will still pay $5 when filling these prescriptions. Also, there is no copay if you fill your generic prescriptions through the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery program. Furthermore, you'll still pay nothing if you fill your prescriptions through a pharmacy at a military hospital or clinic.
Additional information about this price increase is featured on the TRICARE Web site.
Additional TRICARE Information
Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress
Are you feeling overwhelmed from all the shopping, wrapping, baking and celebrations that coincide with the holidays? If so, then I encourage you to read Quick Stress Relief Pointers which is featured on the Phoenix VA Health Care Web site.
What I really like about this tip sheet is that the author, Paula L. Pedene, categorizes her suggestions into sight, sound, and movement. For example, if you're a visual person, you'll find numerous suggestions about how to use images to help you relax and release built up tension and stress. The same applies if you respond well to noise and movement. Furthermore, you'll also learn how to reduce stress and tension by simply using the power of your imagination.
More Stress Reducing Resources
Camosock Christmas Stockings Make Excellent Gifts
Back in 2004, Marine Veteran, Bob Gilead wanted to send his daughter a special present for her first Christmas away from home as a new Marine. And so, he had a Christmas stocking made from a shirt he purchased at a surplus store. The item left such an impression that in 2006 he made the stockings available to the military support community. Fast forward several years and thousands of military wives, mothers, fathers, loved ones of servicemembers and support groups have purchased the stockings.
All of the stockings are made from the "digital camouflage" uniform fabric and are available for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. If you'd like to learn more about the Camosock Christmas stockings, please visit their official Web site and Facebook page.
Additional Gift Items
Looking for more military-themed merchandise? Here's a few gift lists that you might find helpful:
November is Military Family Month
Throughout the month, military installations and civilian communities are sponsoring a wide variety of events and observances as a way to show their thanks and appreciation for military families. Why? Because November is Military Family Month.
Question for Readers:
Have you attended, or do you plan on attending, any activities or events to celebrate Military Family Month?
Veterans Day Restaurant and Lodging Deals
Veterans Day is Sunday, November 11. As a way to honor and thank America's Veterans, many businesses are offering generous Veterans Day discounts, special offers and freebies.
Finding the Deals
Here's a list of restaurants that are offering a wide variety of discounts and freebies.
If you're in need of a little getaway between now and December, here's a list of hotels, resorts and B&Bs that are offering fantastic deals and special packages.
Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, I hope it's a good one. Thank you for all that you've done and continue to do on our nation's behalf.
Happy Veterans Day!
Senior Citizen Writes Songs to Show Support For the Troops
Judy Schwartz of St. Louis, Missouri has always felt a deep appreciation for the troops. After retiring from her job, Judy decided to show her support and appreciation by penning two songs that honor American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.
After writing "The Proud Hero" and "Heavenly Love" Judy proceeded to search for a composer and singer. Her efforts were rewarded when she was introduced to Arthur McClendon, a visually impaired young man with an amazing voice. Fast forward several months and the Veterans Forever CD was released.
If you'd like to learn more about the songs and/or watch a video of Arthur singing these beautiful tunes, please visit JudySchwartzGifts.com.
Preparing for a Deployment
For military couples, a lot of time and energy are invested into the pre-deployment preparations. If you're in the midst of planning for an upcoming deployment, you may find the following material helpful:
TRICARE Dental Program Covers Extra Cleaning During Pregnancy
If you're enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program, then you're probably aware that your coverage includes two free cleanings each year. But, did you also know that when/if you become pregnant, you're eligible to receive an additional free cleaning during your pregnancy?
For more information about this and other TDP benefits, please talk to your dentist, review your benefits handbook or visit the TDP Web site.
More About the TRICARE Dental Program