The Department of Defense has become aware of organizations and individuals who solicit donations for care packages and use unit numbers and/or a list of service member names to send the packages to deployed forces. These programs are usually supported by well-intentioned and patriotic people who are simply unaware of the new risks facing deployed military forces. Some individuals and group have even publicized the names of service members, ships or units on Web sites without realizing that personal information may be used inappropriately. For those having access, visit the “America Supports You” Web site for recommendations on how to show your support, visit www.americansupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/index.aspx.
Programs that allowed people to send mail to service members unknown to them were discontinued following the terrorist attacks of 2001. This includes the “Any Service Member” mail program for overseas military personnel. Mail to “Any Service Member” that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.
Before you send a card, letter or package to one of our troops overseas, make sure you’re aware of certain restrictions. Every country has customs regulations regarding incoming mail.
For packages, print on one side only, the recipient’s address in the lower right portion.
Although there are specific restrictions for each five-digit Military Post Office ZIP Code (APO/FPO), generally, the following are prohibited in the region of Operation Iraqi Freedom:
— Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc);
— Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials;
— Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible; and
— Pork or pork by-products.
For specific restrictions and mailing rates to an APO/FPO address, visit the Postal Rate Calculator at postcalc.usps.gov. You can also call 1-800-ASK-UPS, consult your local Post Office, or phone the Military Postal Service Agency at 1-800-810-698.
On Kaua‘i, groups or individuals desiring to send cards, letters and/or care packages specifically to our deployed guardsmen may contact:
— Family Readiness Group: Shanlee Jimenez, 241-6679
— Family Assistance Center: Milton Oshiro, Cell: (808) 346-5319
Following is a list of local-type snacks appreciated by our deployed troops: toiletries, unscented to include baby wipes; pickled and preserved fruits; and reading material in good taste.
Kaua‘i Veterans Center to hold military family readiness briefings
According to an email from Adrienne Ziegler, family readiness support assistant for the Hawai‘i Army National Guard, support briefings for Kaua‘i families will be held on July 12, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center, 3215 Kapule Highway, Lihu‘e. Interested families are asked to call the point-of-contacts to insure the briefing time-period has not changed.
In preparation for the return of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, HIARNG, briefings to family members will be conducted on each island prior to their soldiers’ return. “Never before in the history of our nation have National Guard and Reserve service members been called to active duty status with such frequency and length,” according to Ziegler’s e-mail.
She further reiterated that: “Because of this, the National Guard and Reserves have learned that it is just as important to have trained and ready families, as it is to have trained and ready soldiers. As our soldiers come to the end of their 12-month tour in Kuwait/Iraq, thoughts at home center on what to expect during the return process and how to best reintegrate soldiers into their daily civilian lives.”
Since 2003, the Hawai‘i National Guard has been very pro-active in providing reunion and reintegration training to the family members of our deploying and redeploying units. These trainings provide families with the knowledge and skills necessary to adjust to having their soldier back home. These trainings include: Reunion do’s and don’ts for Spouses, Parents and Children, dealing with emotional issues that may arise, signs and symptoms of PTSD and other related issues, and how to seek assistance for themselves and their Soldiers.
Point of contact for this Kaua‘i event: Milton Oshiro, Family Assistance Specialist, HIARNG. Office: 335-2124; cell: 808-346-5319; e-mail: milton.oshiro@us.army.mil.
Banks ordered to fast-track processing of veterans’ check
In a news article released in the Philippines last month (www.veteranstoday.com), it was revealed that World War II veterans could expect an easier time at the banks when they cash their checks from the United States government after the central bank said they need not be subjected to strict “know-your-customer” procedures.
“In order to facilitate the well-deserved compensation of Filipino World War II veterans, banks are enjoined to take the necessary measures to expedite the negotiation of checks presented by World War II veterans from the US Department of Veterans Affairs,” Nestor V. Espenilla, Bangko Sentral nj Pilipinas (BSP) deputy governor, said in Circular Letter 41 dated May 12.
The BSP said it has received reports of veterans turned away by banks, especially those outside Metro Manila, which are smaller and cautious in cashing checks.
In the U.S., President Obama signed the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February to pump prime the U.S. economy.
This stimulus package earmarked close to $200 million as compensation to around 18,000 surviving Filipino World War II veterans living in the U.S., and 30,000 veterans living in the Philippines. Veterans who are non-U.S. citizens will receive $9,000, and U.S. citizens, $15,000. This Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund will expire on Feb. 16, 2010. Claims for this benefit must be received by the Department of Veterans Affairs, on or before that date.
Locally, Tony Elliott of the Kaua‘i Office of Veterans Services, Lihu‘e, has disclosed their assistance to seven of these veterans who still live on Kaua‘i with their families.
• Anthony Hubahib, a Waimea resident and Waimea High School graduate, began his military career in 1956 with the Air Force. He served 18 years outside the continental United States, including two tours in Vietnam. He later returned to Kaua‘i where he retired with his family after 19 years in hotel hospitality services. He writes this monthly column exclusively for The Garden Island. He can be reached at hubahiba@msn.com
