Dec. 9, 2009

CONVENTION UPDATES:

	Hon. Eric K. Shinseki Confirmed as Keynote Speaker Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki will speak to the ROA General Assembly at the National Convention the morning of Monday, February 8, 2010. Secretary Shinseki is a retired four-star U.S. Army general. He was appointed Secretary by President Obama confirmed on January 20, 2009. Secretary Shinseki VA Bio
Convention Agenda Updated  Click here

PHILANTHROPY:
It's Time to Postmark Year End Gifts!
Sometimes in the final rush of the holidays a charitable gift doesn’t get mailed until after the first of the year. It will not qualify as a 2009 charitable deduction unless it is postmarked by Dec. 31; if it is, your gift will qualify as a 2009 gift even if it is not received by us until the first week of 2010. ROA extends our most sincere thanks for your generosity throughout the year.
 Donate Now!

ROA to Partner with Foundation
ROA will partner with the Admiral James J. Carey Foundation for the future endowment of internships and fellowships at ROA and in Washington, DC for ROA Junior Officers and their family members. Currently, ROA partners with Future Leaders of America Foundation's Washington Scholars program, which Adm. Carey founded a decade ago. Application deadline for Summer 2010 Program is January 18, 2010.
 Learn about the Adm. James J. Carey Foundation 
 Learn about the Washington Scholars Program

NEWS FOR CITIZEN WARRIORS:
Recent ROA Blog Entries:
National Health Care Reform
Navy SEALs Accused of Assault in Capturing Terrorist
Update: Possible Postponement of TRICARE Access for Gray Area Retirees

ROA's "Intersect" Weekly News Clips
Current "Intersect" Edition
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LEGISLATION AND MILITARY POLICY:
National Health Care Reform
At the December meeting of the Military Coalition legislative goals concerning National Health Reform were discussed. TMC will work to ensure that TRICARE, TRICARE For Life, and VA health benefits do not suffer from unintended consequences of reform.
Read CAPT Hanson's full update
Read ROA and TMC goals

Update: Possible Postponement of TRICARE Access for Gray Area Retirees
Last week, ROA met with representatives from the TRICARE Management Activity and was briefed on the implementation of TRICARE Standard for Gray Area retirees. This was in response to ROA's expressed disappointment about a proposed DoD time schedule that would have delayed implementation.
Read CAPT Hanson's full update

SERVICEMEMBERS' LAW CENTER:
New Law Reviews:
 No. 0963: You Must Apply for Reemployment

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
New ROA Benefit - SmartSavings:
SmartSavings is a members-only discount mall that provides ROA members with access to special offers and discounts from hundreds of brand name retailers and local merchants.
 Shop ROA

Applications Now Accepted for National Military Family Association Military Spouse Scholarship Program:
The National Military Family Association is accepting applications for its Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program. Scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to military spouses to obtain professional certification or to attend post secondary or graduate school.
Learn more about the program