Month: September 2012

As part of its annual “Still Serving” weekend, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) will salute former Soldiers and Airmen by offering unique specials and events at Exchanges worldwide, 5-11 October.  Army and Air Force retirees will receive a flyer featuring exclusive savings on a wide variety of products, including deals at the food court.  Additionally, local Exchanges will honor the service of retirees with “Still Serving” celebrations to include fashion shows, door prizes, health clinics and much more.  Additionally, AAFEES online store , http://www.shopmyexchange.com , will offer 10 percent off any order of $100 or more to shoppers who sign up for the “Online Savings Club E-newsletter,” which offers online savings and exclusive discounts.  You may sign up for this E-newsletter at: http://bit.ly/RwhsEU.  To learn more about activities planned for the weekend of 5 October, contact information for all Army and Air Force Exchanges can be found online at http://www.shopmyexchange.com through the “Store Locator” link.

AUSA is part of a coalition of organizations that are committed to supporting legislation for veterans, service members, and their families.  They share credit for the “Veterans Skills to Jobs Act”, a law that will address the high veterans unemployment rate of 23.3%.  The Act streamlines the process for veterans to utilize the skills they acquired in the military.  Previously, veterans had to enroll in redundant civilian training to qualify for many technical positions.  Now, their military training will be more readily accepted and ‘certify’ them in a number of job categories.

The Army and the National Football League (TBI) are working together to improve awareness of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and increase research into its causes, prevention and treatment.  The top leaders of both organizations, Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, met at the U.S. Military Academy 30 August to discuss the issue and sign a letter of agreement to continue sharing resources to combat TBI.  Mental and physical toughness, discipline, team over self and stressing the importance of resilience are fundamental to the cultures of both the NFL and the Army.  However, these traits can sometimes prevent them from seeking help following concussions.  NFL players and Soldiers are now coordinating strategies and using special types of tests to determine if a concussion has occurred.  Gen. Odierno and Commissioner Godell would like a cultural shift to where there is no reluctance of football players and Soldiers to ask for help after receiving concussions.  Learn more about this effort at: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=117721