Bulletin 23 – 20  (01 Dec 2023 Edition)

 

    

 

For Situational Awareness only, SM has already been interred:

IN MEMORY WE REGRETFULLY ANNOUNCE THE DEATH OF:
CW4 Gilbert Mandy Jr.
Retiree
Member of
Connecticut Army National Guard

Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nhregister/name/gilbert-mandy-obituary?id=53575143

          

   

 

Salute to the Troops Military Ball

Save the Date! The National Guard Association of CT is proud to present our Salute to the Troops Military Ball on March 23, 2024! Please be on the look out for details!

There are also opportunities for individuals and our Corporate Partners to help us defray the cost for our junior Service members to attend. Please contact me for additional information.

Please share and make widest possible distribution.

Thanks and I look forward to seeing you in March to say “Thank you” to our service members and Families!

 

 

 

     

Connecticut Guardian

 

** Gov. Ned Lamont announced a new initiative to encourage state residents to join the Connecticut National Guard.

 

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/06/22/army-national-guard-cant-retain-enough-soldiers-even-active-duty-meets-goals.html

 

 

                                      

 

DOWNLOAD JEEP FLYERS HERE: CT JEEP 500 Program Flyer 2       CT JEEP 500 Program Flyer 1

 

The Connecticut Military Department’s Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (CT JEEP 500) begins on 1 July 2023. Each CTNG Guard Member (except for those members (and their relatives) who are assigned/attached to the 6^th Recruiting and Retention Battalion), CTNG Retiree and CT Militia Member is eligible to become a Recruiting Assistant (RA). An RA who enrolls a lead in CT JEEP 500 will receive an allowance of $500 for each lead who enlists in the CTNG within 180 days of being enrolled into CT JEEP 500.

CT-JEEP 500 is a win-win-win. RAs receive a $500 allowance. The CTNG receives a new Soldier or Airman. The Lead receives membership in the CTNG. Help yourself by helping the CTNG get leads to enlist.

See attached flyers for additional information. Take a picture of the QR code on either flyer to upload your lead and get started.

Point of contact for this message is CPT Ryan Campbell, CTNG’s CT JEEP 500 Officer.

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

Advantages of SBP Coverage Dear Retiree: (Extracted from DFAS Newsletter)

You chose to make sure your family is taken care of with Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage. Did you know that you chose a plan that has several advantages over term life insurance?

• SBP has monthly annuity Term life insurance is typically a one-time lump sum.
• SBP annuity payments have Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) Term life insurance payment does not increase when the cost of living increases.
• A spouse may get SBP/RCSBP payments for many years, receiving several times the amount paid in In fact, even if you pay SBP premiums for 30 years, your spouse would recoup all of the premiums you’ve paid within the first 2 years and 8 months.

Find out more about the advantages of SBP at: https://www.dfas.mil/sbpadvantages

 

Horse-Drawn Funerals at Arlington Suspended Until Mid-2024

Bill Guaranteeing Cost-of-Living Increase for Veterans in 2024 Heads to President’s Desk Legislation giving veterans a cost-of-living adjustment on benefits in 2024 — likely to result in an increase in payments — is headed to President Joe Biden’s desk for signature following an agreement by the House….

 

Army Echoes Now Available

 

Current edition: https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Documents/echoes/latest.pdf

Army Echoes is the Army’s official newsletter for Retired Soldiers and surviving spouses. This month’s featured articles include:

• The Army Chief of Staff Retired Soldier Council’s historic meeting
• Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season Update
• The VA disability rating and its full arsenal of benefits
• Gray Area Retired Soldier and ready for retired pay?
• Managing your retired pay allotments
• Use your military benefits for a great vacation
• Take advantage of your FEDVIP enrollment period

To contact the Army Echoes editor, send an email to ArmyEchoes@army.mil.

 

   

 

US Military Recreation Facilities (Excerpted from the “Stephanie at Poppin’ Smoke” newsletter) If you want a fun vacation that won’t break the bank, don’t forget that you can use your benefits to stay in military recreational lodging. Here are 17 ideas to get you started with your planning.

 

   

 

2023-2024 Calendar of Events

Thur 14 DEC 23 – Retiree Breakfast: 0900 at Hangry Goose, 11 Halls Rd, Old Lyme.

Thur 25 JAN 24 – Retiree Breakfast: 0900 at Athenian Diner, 864 Washington St, Middletown.

Thur 29 FEB 24 – Retiree Breakfast: 0900 at Pops Family Restaurant, 134 Old Gate Rd, Milford.

Thur 28 MAR 24 – Retiree Breakfast: 0900 at Hangry Goose, 11 Halls Rd, Old Lyme.

Thur 25 APR 24 – Retiree Breakfast: 0900 at Athenian Diner, 864 Washington St, Middletown.

Thur 30 MAY 23 – Retiree Breakfast: 0900 at Pops Family Restaurant, 134 Old Gate Rd, Milford.

 

 

   

 

 

The National Guard Association of CT State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI)

• Up to $1,000,000 coverage available*
• Members covered in combat
• Covered 24/365
• Most valid claims paid within 24 to 48 hours of receipt of proof of loss
• All military occupations covered
• Spouse and Children coverage available
• Coverage does not end and rates DO NOT go up just because you separate from the National Guard
• SSLI can be payroll deducted from drill check or AGR payroll
• All SSLI group plans cover members while serving in the Connecticut National Guard including deployment

For coverage details including eligibility, benefits, rates, exclusions, limitations and renewal provisions please contact the plan administrator tollfree at 800-633-8333.

National Guard Association of Connecticut State Sponsored Life Insurance is provided under group life insurance policies issued to the Militia Insurance Trust (MIT). The

Guardian group life policy and the Uniformed Services Benefit Association (USBA) 10, 15 and 20 year level term life policies are underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company.

DOWNLOAD FLYER HERE: SSLI FLYER

 

 

   

 

Honor Flight Connecticut

 

                 

A Hub of the National Honor Flight Network

Honor Flight CT recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, DC to see THEIR memorials at no cost. Current priority is chronological by conflict (WWII, Korea and Vietnam) with special consideration given to terminally ill veterans from all wars. Guardians fly with the veterans on every flight providing assistance and helping veterans have a safe, memorable and rewarding experience.

Please note: Veterans are only eligible once for the Honor Flight experience.

Your information MUST be exactly as it appears on your ID For Airline Travel (License, Passport, Govt ID):

DOWNLOAD THE HONOR FLIGHT APPLICATION HERE:Honor Flight – HFCT Vet App

Please submit this form to:

Honor Flight Connecticut

c/o Amy Casey

26 Copperstone Lane

Madison, CT 06443