2015 Fall MWR Life for Retirees

Classes on post, online and at the main campus in downtown Clarksville.

Austin Peay Center at

FORT CAMPBELL

Austin Peay State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by APSU. The Austin Peay State University policy on nondiscrimination can be found at http://www.apsu.edu/files/policy/5002.pdf.

apsu.edu/APFC apsu. edu /APFC

FREE admission to APSU athletics events* with military I.D. *Regular-season, home events. See schedule at www.LetsGoPeay.com.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. It’s time for the Fort Campbell 2015 Retiree Appreciation Day, it’s time to start thinking about Autumn and Thanksgiving, and for you over achievers out there – start bragging about having your Christmas shopping finished. Hey, I’m not giving you a hard time about it – it’s just not something I can brag about! I don’t really enjoy shopping, so I tend to procrastinate…

Being a Retiree (or a Retiree Family member) gives you a lot of privileges on post, like shopping at the Exchange and the Commissary. If you want to, you can now live in on-post housing! It also means that you can still use MWR facilities, participate in activities, and attend special events. These are benefits that I hope you are continuing to enjoy! I started trying to list everything you could do, but the list was very long and I was running out of space. Instead, I’ll just ask you to visit our website at www.campbell.armymwr.com. Click on “Facilities and Programs” at the top of the page and you’ll see all of the categories and links for individual webpages. Explore each page to your heart’s content. If you have questions, just click on the blue “Email Us” button and submit your question. You can also post your questions on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FortCampbellMWR. I hope your Summer was Super and that your Fall will be Fantastic!

Editor CynDe Clack Contributors Ted Faulkner Tara Goodson Karen Grimsley Staci Murphy Arica Urena

CynDe Clack, Editor mwrliferetiree@fortcampbellmwr.com (270) 461-0274

Inside this issue

Publisher Creative ink Creative Director Sears Hallett

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Advertising Nichole Irmer 209-781-6492 nichole@creativeinktn.com

Fort Campbell’s Most Enthusiastic Retiree Meet Debbie Sutton, this issue’s community leader.

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Photography CynDe Clack Jenelle Grewell Debbie Sutton Campbell Crossing

Thinkstock

pgs 6, 13, 14, 15, 18 pg 6

SFL-TAP What Does it Mean to be a Soldier For Life?

Let the helpful staff assist you.

7 Shutterstock

Veterans in the Community

Spotlight on MWR A Season of Creativity Discover your artistic talents.

11 Retirement Services How Divorce Affects Retiree Benefits Avoid costly fees, know the basic facts.

16 Info Share Campbell Crossing Offers Housing to Retirees Enjoy the convenience of living on-post.

Disclaimers: Fort Campbell’s MWR Life Magazine is a monthly magazine produced by the Fort Campbell MWR Marketing Department under the authority of AR 215-1. Facilities and activities publicized are open to authorized patrons.The mention or appearance of commercial advertisers, commercial sponsors and/or their logos does not constitute endorsement by the Federal Government.

The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are subject to change.

MWR Marketing is located at 5663 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. For more information, call 270-798-7535 or log on to www.campbell.armymwr.com.

24 hr. event line - 270-798-3172 www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr

17 On the Homefront Honoring Combat Medics, Past and Present The 6th Annual Angels on the Battlefield event.

Read our blog at www.fortcampbellmwrlife.com.

You'll find blogs of interest and blogs for information and sometimes - blogs just for fun.

Veterans in the Community

Fort Campbell’s Most Enthusiastic Retiree

By Tara Goodson

I had heard her name for quite a while before meeting her. Seems like everyone knew Debbie, and I couldn’t wait to meet her. Her bubbly, kind - but no nonsense - reputation preceded her, so my expectations were high. To say she didn’t disappoint is an understatement. Within minutes of meeting Debbie, I was completely at ease and felt like I had known her for years instead of minutes. How exactly does she do that? I still haven’t figured it out, but I know she is a leader within our community upon whom I would like to model myself.

Debbie Sutton retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant in 2005 at Fort Knox. While serving in the Army, she was stationed here, as well as Japan, Panama, and Germany. Her last assignment was an an ROTC instructor at Austin Peay State University. While on active duty, her jobs ranged from maintenance to signal to field artillery, but that’s just a small part of Debbie’s story. From a young age, Debbie made an effort to learn from those surrounding her. Her experience in the Army helped shape how she relates to people. She has the uncanny ability to relate to everyone!

Immediately after retirement, Debbie worked in the Casualty Assistance Office for two years and then transitioned to the Equal Opportunity Office (EEO). As an

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Assistant/Technician, she was nominated and selected for Civilian Employee of the Year in 2008, after only being in the position for a year.

What a wonderful accomplishment and well deserved!

Her promotion to EEO Specialist occurred in 2009 and she been promoted within her position several times to her current grade.

As an EEO Specialist, she is currently responsible for resolving disputes and for processing informal and formal EEO complaints. She is also responsible for assisting the command in EEO policy compliance and for coordinating activities for the EEO Special Emphasis Program.

After retiring, and while employed full time, Debbie earned a Master of Science degree in Human Development

and Leadership from Murray State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Columbia College with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. She also earned an Associate’s degree from Columbia College in General Studies. Debbie was featured in Outstanding College and University Students 6th Edition (National Dean’s List). She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, the oldest, largest and most selective honor society (Murray State University) and a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda (honor society) at Columbia College.

In 2012, Debbie implemented a program titled “Resolving Conflicts on the Job,” a training opportunity for Civilian employees and military personnel about resolving conflict at the lowest level possible. This is an idea many of us can logically relate to, but need assistance in using. While providing this program, Debbie also served as a mentor to a Leadership Fort Campbell (LFC) student.

My first interaction with Debbie occurred via email.

I had recently been accepted as an LFC student for the 2012 class and was in need of a mentor. I was a little delayed in my request and a co-student beat me to the punch. After replying (and denying) my email request, Debbie picked up the phone and called me at work. Even though she wasn’t able to be my mentor, she was able to recommend one and was there every step of the way throughout the course of the LFC class. The time she took to speak with me directly after replying via email is something that comes naturally to her.

It’s about personal interaction with Debbie, and the people she interacts with on a daily basis.

No matter the setting that Debbie finds herself, she is comfortable, and puts those around her at ease. Underneath the smile and welcoming words is a no-nonsense woman.

She has a way of seeing the core issue in a situation or problem and targeting it. That skill helps her in her everyday work life as an EEO Specialist. But being an EEO Specialist isn’t Debbie’s only success!

She is a graduate of the Justice Center of Atlanta, Inc, Basic Mediation Skills with Clinical Practicum Course, approved by the Supreme Court of Georgia’s Commission on Dispute Resolution, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute’s (DEOMI) Special Emphasis Program Managers Course, (DEOMI)’s EEO Mediation Certification Program Course, and EEO Counselor’s Certification Course.

Debbie is a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Course, and the Crisis www.campbell.armymwr.com

Leadership Course. She is certified as a Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention (SHARP) Instructor. Debbie is a Fort Campbell Civilian Health Promotion Program Board Member, a Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Board Member, an LFC Alumni Board Committee Member, a Team Captain for the American Cancer Society, and a volunteer for Tutor Adult Literacy Council. She has volunteered as a mentor for the Shelter for Battered and Abused Women. Debbie participated in two medical assistance and clothing missions to assist people in rural areas and villages of Nigeria, Abuja and Kenya, Africa. I’m pretty impressed at what she has accomplished and it helps me set goals as a Civilian employee to be like her.

Throughout the few years I’ve known Debbie, the core of her as a person has always come back to how she was raised and the enthusiasm in which she tackles projects. Her Family is active in their communities and they instilled the sense of service in her when she was a child. That sense of service does reflect in Debbie as an adult and is something she has passed onto her three daughters. No matter if she is mediating with EEO, sitting at a board meeting, volunteering for causes, or participating in MWR activities, you will be able to hear her cheer everyone on and see the smile on her face. This Army Retiree continues to serve the community 10 years after removing her uniform!

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What Does It Mean to Be a Soldier for Life?

SFL - TAP

by Arica Urena, Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program Counselor

The days of the Army transitioning process being called ACAP are long gone. The process has now been rebranded into the Soldier-for Life Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP). Sure it may seem like a long name, but it is a name that packs a powerful punch. Some time ago, you made the decision to raise your right hand in an effort to protect and serve this great nation. Our loyalty to you does not expire just because you made the decision to take off the uniform. We want you to know that you are considered a “Soldier-for-Life” and the Soldier-for-Life Transition Assistance Center is here to assist you with understanding your benefits and entitlements under the VOW Act of 2011.

Sometimes the transitioning process can be one of uncertainty.

This is why it is always a great idea to have more than just a Plan A. “My Plan A is working just fine”, you say. However, it is highly recommended that you have a Plan B just in case Plan A takes a nose dive. Our mission at the SFL-TAP center is to help you navigate and plan your course of action. Our SFL-TAP team consists of over 20 professional Transition Assistance Career and Finance Counselors who are dedicated to ensuring that you have a successful transition.

Our highly trained SFL-TAP team also facilitates a variety of seminars that you, as a Retiree, are more than welcome to attend…for life. We offer monthly enrichment seminars such as Social Media/LinkedIn, Interview Preparation, Personality Assessment, Law Enforcement, and How to Apply for a Federal Job-USA Jobs. Still deciding on which seminar to take? Well, take them all…as many times as you like; the choice is yours. There is no limit to the amount of seminars that you can take.

Do you define your Civilian interviewing techniques as a tad bit outdated? Here at SFL-TAP we can assist you with refining your

interviewing skills also. Our center offers the option to schedule in-person mock interviews with two or more counselors in order to prepare you for the interviewing process. Scheduled for a telephonic interview? We can conduct a telephonic mock interview with you by placing you in another room and one of our counselors will simulate a telephonic mock interview. Also, feedback will be provided to you immediately following the mock interview.

Are you interested in starting your own business? We have you covered! Here at the SFL-TAP center we also offer a 2-day immersive entrepreneurship seminar called Boots 2 Business. This workshop is taught by the Small Business Association (SBA) and discusses how to start your own business, how to write a business plan, and financing options. This workshop is the perfect starting point for those who are consider to start their own business.

Additionally, our SFL-TAP team is proud to sponsor Quarterly Job Fairs and Wednesday Employer Events. Our Job Fairs are the largest in the region and boast over 150 employers who each have at least 10 positions to fill. SFL-TAP hosts several Job Fairs annually that consist of employers from the Department of Defense, other Federal agencies, and local, national and international employers covering a variety of industry fields.

Wednesday Employer Events are held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature organizations that are actively searching for candidates who possess your qualifications. Visit the center or follow SFL-TAP on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/FTCAMPBELLLACAP for a calendar detailing what companies you can expect at which Events.

Remember, we are here to lend a helping hand during your transition, or if you have already separated from the military. You have a valuable support system that is at your disposal. If you are interested in scheduling a one-on-one counseling session with a Transition Assistance Program Counselor, please call (270) 798-5000. We look forward to serving you.

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Spotlight on MWR to develop your abilities and bring your artistic desires to life. Monthly classes range from stained glass, soap making, wheel throwing, and ceramic pouring. As soon as you enter the center, you will automatically be cast into a creative setting filled with inspirations that will nurture and fuel your artistic desires.

Have you ever dreamed of sculpting figurines? How about trying your hand at wheel-throwing? Or what about building a cabinet from scratch? Interested in making a custom frame? You have the opportunity to do it all! The staff at Guenette Arts & Crafts Center is dedicated to making sure your visions become a reality. Employees are knowledgeable in a variety of creative areas, and are also willing to assist all artistic levels ranging from the novice to the expert.

The Woodshop is the perfect location for those who are interested in a do-it-yourself wood based project. The Woodshop is equipped with a variety of carpentry equipment such as table saws, drill presses, and band saws, just to name a few. A variety of DIY remarkable projects are created at the shop daily. Examples include cabinets, entertainment stands, and even roll top desks! Patrons also have the opportunity to create and engrave wood pen sets. The daily shop fee to utilize the shop is only $5. As always, safety first! Prior to utilizing the facility, each individual is required to attend a Safety Class and possess a valid DA Form 3031 Qualification Card. The cost of the Safety Class is only $10.

The Stained Glass class is another popular offering at the center. The center has several glass grinders as well as a variety of colored and textured stained glass that you can use. You have the opportunity to transform you stained glass into a variety of creations. Because lead solder is used during the formation of stained glass figurines, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not able to participate. The cost of the class is $22 plus the cost of the glass.

Soap Making class provides you with the ability to fashion soap into an out of the box creation. In the center, you will see examples of the imagination of others at play. Patrons have crafted soap into the shapes of cupcakes, frogs, and lily pads. The great thing is that if you can imagine it, you can create it. With the holidays rapidly approaching, soap sculptures will most definitely be a gift that Family and friends will treasure.

Ceramic Pouring class teaches students how to create ceramic pieces by hand. The facility houses over 2,000 ceramic molds to choose from.

You can make ceramic bowls, flower pots, and even Disney characters! After your mold has completely

A Season of Creativity

by Arica Urena

The landscape is transforming into an array of hues that instantly mesmerize onlookers. The humidity is starting to decrease as cool breezes fill the air. The wind gently blows as the tree branches sway, permitting leaves to gracefully fall to the earth. As we prepare to say good bye to summer, we say farewell to flip-flops and summer toys. Now we welcome autumn where the activities we participate in often change in response to the seasons. Mother Nature’s intricate landscape is the perfect muse you need in order to spark your creativity.

Do you have an artistic side that you’ve always dreamed of exploring? Well, the Guenette Arts & Crafts Center can help you to bring your artistic desires to life. The center hosts a variety of classes

Guenette Arts & Crafts Center welcomes groups and parties to attend classes. The facility is the perfect gathering place for Family and friends to come together in order to unleash their creativity while laughing and having some good old fashioned fun! Feel free to schedule a “Guys’ Night Out”, “Girls’ Night Out, or a birthday party.

If you are interested in volunteering at the facility, please call (270) 798-6693/3625. Guenette Arts & Crafts Center is proud of its volunteer community and willingly accepts those who have an interest in the arts.

All classes require advance registration in order to secure your spot. As the seasons change, there is no better time than right now to embark on your creative journey. You will truly be amazed as you watch a simple piece of material transform in front of your eyes into a piece of art. Once your project is complete, you will not only feel a sense of pride, but a sense of accomplishment. Guenette Arts & Crafts Center would be honored to take you on your creative voyage.

Guenette Arts & Crafts Center’s hours of operation are: Tuesday & Thursday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Wednesday 12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and closed Sunday & Monday. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr to view the center’s monthly events calendar or call (270) 798-6693/3625 for more information. Guenette Arts & Crafts Center is located at 89 Screaming Eagle Boulevard next to Wilson Theater.

dried, you also have the option to paint it using a variety of acrylic paints and brushes. The facility also stocks paints that are available for resale. Clients may also choose to make their creations food and plant safe.

The Paint Your Own Pottery class is self-paced activity that allows customers to unleash their inner Picasso and Monet. Guenette Arts & Crafts Center stocks a variety of reasonably priced bisques.

Customers are free to use the brushes and acrylic paints located in the multi-craft area or can bring in their own supplies.

Instructor led Framing classes are offered twice a week for those who are new to the art of framing. It is recommended that you bring in an item that you would like to frame such as a picture or a certificate. The instruction fee is $10 and does not include materials, hardware fee ($2.50), or wizard corners. Are you confident in your framing abilities? If so, you are welcome to utilize the framing area on your own for a daily shop fee of $5 to work on your latest project.

Patrons who are interested in sculpting are in luck! The center not only offers sculpting clay for sale, but a center employee will be more than happy to fire it for you. As you see, the possibilities to create are endless when you visit Guenette Arts & Crafts Center!

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101st Airborne Division Headquarters 19th Hole (Cole Park) Director Army Community Service (ACS) & ACS Director Army Education Center

Center, Guenette 5. Arts and Crafts Center, 6. ASYMCA Backdoor Boutique 7. ASYMCA Family Center 8. Auto Service Center Center,, Air Assault Auto 9. Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Pr Program ogram (BOSS) 10. Blanchfield Army Community Hospital 11. Bowling Center Center,, Hooper 12. Civilian Personnel Advisory Center 13. Commissary 2. Cole Park Commons 30. CYSS, Par Parent ent Central Services (Central Registration) 30. CYSS, School Liaison 38. CYSS, SKIESUnlimited Center 14. Dog Kennels 17. Dawg Haus (Dining) 18. Estep W Wellness ellness Center (Gear-to-Go) 19. Equipment Rental (Gear-to-Go) 20. Exchange/Food Court/Mall Resource Center (FRC) 21. Family Resource 22. Financial Readiness (Army Emer Emergency gency Relief)

(270)798-9793 (270)798-4610x106 (270)798-9322 (270)798-3201 (270)798-6693 (270)956-1566

23. Fryar Stadium, Sports Admin Of fice Office 2. Golf Course (Cole Park) 15. Joe Swing (Rental Recr eation Facility) Recreation Leisure Travel Travel Services 20. Leisure

(270)798-3094 (270)798-4906 (270)798-4610x119 (270)798-7436

Library, R.F. 26. Library, R.F F.. Sink Memorial Director 27. MWR Director

(270)798-7422 (270)956-1101/1100 (270)798-7858 (270)798-8055 (270)798-5887

28. Museum, Don F F.. Pratt 29. Outdoor Recreation Recreation Main Building 31. Pool, Baldonado 32. Pool, Dolan Gardner Indoor 33. Pool, Gardner 34. Pool, Single 9. Recreation Recreation Center, Center, Dale Wayrynen Wayrynen 14. Riding Stables 39. Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC) (SFAC) Buffet (Cole Park) 2. Southern Buffet

(270)798-5729 (270)798-9953 (270)798-3215/4986 (270)798-2175 (270)798-5207 (270)798-5350 (270)798-6310

(270)798-7161 (270)798-3663 (270)798-4610 (270)798-0674 (270)798-9874 (270)412-5811 (270)798-5590 (270)798-0766 (270)798-4664/4023 (270)798-6806 (270)439-1841 (270)956-2935 (270)798-5518

41. Smokehaus (Dining) Teen Club 24/7 42. Teen 43. The Zone 44. Tricare Tricare 45. Veterinary Veterinary Services 46. Wilson Theater 42. Youth Youth Center (Taylor) (Taylor) 42. Youth Youth Sports

(270)798-4247 (270)798-7391 (270)798-2629 (270)412-6000 (270)798-4610 (270)798-4993 (270)956-1033 (270)461-0603 1-877-874-2273 (270) 798-3614 (270) 798-6857 (270)798-3643 (270)798-6355

Retirement Services

How Divorce Affects Retiree Benefits

By Ted Faulkner

Divorce after retirement is a subject area that is often explained by what people have heard from friends and colleagues rather than from subject matter experts. That is why it is important to understand exactly how Retiree benefits are affected after a divorce. It is critically important to know at least some basic information. Having the divorce decree or court order written correctly will save a number of headaches for the Retiree and former Spouse.

Especially when, if written incorrectly, DFAS may require the Retiree and former Spouse to go back to court to have the decree or court order amended - a costly endeavor.

First and foremost, attorneys are not experts on divorce and Retiree benefits. You would be surprised how often Retirees and former Spouses come to our office after realizing their attorneys didn’t tell them everything they needed to know or they assumed that everything was taken care of when it wasn’t. There is simply a deficit of information related to this subject.

Benefits most often linked to divorce are former Spouse payments from retired pay, the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), and ID card benefits. Each subject has specific rules attached that should be understood so that each party in the divorce is able to complete the process and achieve the agreed upon result. Some of these rules are written into law. As such, there is no gray area or wiggle room, even if it is the lawyer’s fault. Knowing some basic facts can prevent a lot of heartache and possibly prevent having to re-hire attorneys and go back to court to have the decree amended.

Remember that the attorneys are likely the ones that will iron out the agreement, not the judge. That being said, the attorneys most

likely will know what the judge will allow (in most cases) and will adhere to precedent. Even though the attorneys negotiate the agreement, the judge is the one who looks it over, determines if it is correct, and ensures that both parties are in agreement. Again, don’t assume the attorneys or the judge knows what right looks like with regard to these benefits.

Despite popular belief, former Spouse payments are not covered by any regulatory guidance (law, regulation, etc.). Many people believe that former Spouses are authorized a specific percentage of retired pay. This is not true. Percentage of retired pay for former Spouses is different from county-to-county and state-to-state. Judges commonly allow 2.5% for each year of marriage, after a minimum length of marriage. This calculation is the one that leads folks to believe that a former Spouse is authorized 50% after 20 years of marriage. However, it doesn’t always work out that way. It is important to remember that the judge is allowing a portion of retired pay as relief to the former Spouse due to the years of constant moving and dealing with the unique characteristics of military life. Many times, the Spouse could not gain a foothold on a career. Others chose to raise children rather than working. This is the basis for these payments and it is common to see a judge allow 50% of retired pay in former Spouse payments. There have been situations where the Spouse has had a career during the marriage. In cases such as this, it is likely that the percentage agreed upon would be smaller.

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) adheres to the

Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA). The USFSPA gives a State court the authority to treat military retired pay as marital property and divide it between the Spouses (provided the court has jurisdiction over the military member). The USFSPA does not automatically entitle a former Spouse to a portion of the member's retired pay. It does, however, limit the amount of the member’s retired pay which can be paid to a former Spouse to 50% of the member’s disposable retired pay (gross retired pay less authorized deductions). It requires that the parties must have been married 10 years or more while the member performed at least 10 years of service creditable towards retirement eligibility before a division of retired pay is enforceable. It specifies how an award of military retired pay must be expressed and it also provides a former Spouse with a means of enforcing an alimony and/or child support award. Also, it specifies that the former Spouse must have been awarded a portion of a member's military retired pay as property in their final court order. Court orders enforceable under the USFSPA include final decrees of divorce, dissolution, annulment, legal separation, and court-ordered property settlements incident to such

able to determine the amount of the award. Furthermore, any former Spouse payments are taxable even if the divorce decree states that the portion of retired pay is not supposed to be.

The USFSPA states that for retired pay as a property award to be enforceable, it must be expressed either as a fixed dollar amount or as a percentage of disposable retired pay. If DFAS is not able to determine the amount of the former Spouse’s award from the information provided in the court order, the former Spouse has two alternatives.

One alternative is for the former Spouse to obtain a new court order clarifying the former Spouse’s retired pay as property award by expressing it in an acceptable manner.

The other alternative is for the former Spouse to provide DFAS with any missing information by submitting a notarized agreement with the required information signed by both the former Spouse and member. If the parties wish, they may provide DFAS with the fixed dollar amount or percentage of disposable retired pay the former Spouse is to receive. The parties may want to consult their attorneys before executing any such agreement in lieu of a clarifying order.

decrees. The pertinent court order must provide for the payment of child support, alimony, or retired pay as property, to a former Spouse. This law also allows DFAS to make direct payments to former Spouses.

The USFSPA limits the amount of former Spouse payments to 50% of the Retiree’s disposable retired pay (gross pay minus authorized deductions such as SBP, and any mandatory or statutory payments, such as wage garnishments). Additionally, DFAS will pay up to 15% for child support payments or alimony, for a maximum of 65% of disposable retired pay. In order for the award to be enforceable under the USFSPA, it must be expressed in a manner consistent with the USFSPA, and DFAS must be

Another important thing to understand about former Spouse payments is that the former Spouse must request payments from DFAS. The Retiree cannot do this as the forms required must be signed by the former Spouse, not the member. We receive numerous calls wondering when former Spouse payments will begin because it was assumed the Retiree would complete the action. This must be done by the former Spouse.

The Survivor Benefit Plan is a law and as such, the rules of the program must be adhered to. By law, the SBP can be changed from Spouse coverage to former Spouse coverage after divorce. However, if the Retiree declined Spouse SBP coverage upon retirement or upon marriage How Divorce Affects Retiree Benefits continues on page 13

www.campbell.armymwr.com

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How Divorce Affects Retiree Benefits continued: or remarriage (you must notify DFAS of declination before the one year anniversary of marriage/remarriage) after retirement, there is no SBP, and as such, it does not exist as property during a divorce. Again, the divorce decree must be written correctly so that DFAS understands the intention of the judge. If the language of the decree says “…must provide Survivor Benefit Plan”, it is not specific and allows the Retiree to choose any amount of SBP coverage, from $300 up to full gross pay. Compare that statement to “…must provide Spouse Survivor Benefit Plan coverage based on the Retiree’s full gross pay.” There is a big difference between the two, especially to DFAS. If the decree calls for the Retiree to provide SBP coverage for children of that marriage, this must also be specified in the divorce decree. Ensure the attorney drafts the decree correctly.

ID card benefits are extremely important to former Spouses. These benefits include access to TRICARE, military installations, commissaries and the Exchange, among others. Most Retirees have never heard of the 20/20/20 rule, but this rule is critical to determining if a former Spouse is authorized ID card benefits after divorce.

The rule requires that: the parties have been married for at least 20 years (date of marriage to date of divorce or annulment); the service member performed at least 20 years of service creditable for retirement pay; there is at least a 20 year overlap of the marriage and the military service. If these qualifications are met, the former Spouse is authorized ID card benefits for the rest of their life (unless they remarry). If the former Spouse meets the first two requirements but the overlap is between fifteen and 20 years (20/20/15), the former Spouse is authorized ID card privileges for one year after the date of divorce. If the former Spouse remarries, ID card privileges are stopped. If that marriage ends in divorce or death, the former Spouse can have limited ID card benefits reinstated, except for TRICARE coverage.

Knowing the relationship between retirement benefits and divorce can prevent costly attorney fees if the divorce decree must be amended or changed. For more information, you can always contact us at the Retirement Services Office to answer your questions at (270) 798-5280/3310 or email theodore.w.faulkner4.civ@mail.mil or julius.sanderson.civ@mail.mil.

Campbell Crossing Offers Housing to Retirees

Info Share

By Staci Murphy

Military Retirees now have another choice for housing in the Fort Campbell, KY area. Campbell Crossing, the on post privatized military housing community located on Fort Campbell, is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications from qualifying military Retirees. Operating since 2003, Campbell Crossing is the 50-year partnership between the Department of the Army and developer Lendlease for the privatization of military Family housing.

The pet-friendly community boasts a variety of housing options including two, three and four bedroom homes.

Monthly rent also covers basic utilities, trash and recycling pick up, free use of community centers, 24-hour emergency maintenance and more! Campbell Crossing hosts multiple resident events and activities throughout the year where residents can come together and meet their neighbors.

Retirees can enjoy the conveniences that on post living has to offer. You can hop in your car and within minutes be at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH), or be ready to play 18 holes of golf at Cole Park Golf Course. Minutes later you can be at the Exchange or Commissary to shop for food or a host of other items. Retirees can also enjoy the aquatics facilities, physical fitness facilities, bowling center, restaurants and more!

If you enjoy travelling and will be away from your home for any length of time, the Campbell Crossing staff will watch over it and even perform preventative maintenance on the home so it’s in tip-top shape when you return.

“Campbell Crossing strives to make our residents feel at home by providing quality, comfortable homes in a community that is rich in history,” said Angela Root, director of property management for Campbell Crossing. “Our first priority is, and

always will be, taking care of our military service members and their Families. We are now equally excited to offer housing to military Retirees who would like the option to live on post, within a military community that cares for and understands their needs.”

In addition to the peace of mind that renting at Campbell Crossing affords military Retirees, we also want to make you aware that Lendlease and Campbell Crossing are committed to being good stewards in our local communities. Each year 20 thousand dollars is set aside by the Lend Lease (US) Community Fund (Lendlease’s nonprofit organization), to be used for donations to local organizations that provide aide to our local military Families.

Campbell Crossing is currently accepting applications for on post housing from Retiree’s, DoD Civilians and E6 and Campbell Crossing LLC, the partnership between developer above single Soldiers and geographic bachelors, with no deposits or application Lendlease and the Department of the Army, is the premier Applications can be submitted on the housing community for the Soldiers and Families of the 101st fee’s.

Campbell Crossing website at Airborne Division (Air Assault) and home to the first zero-enwww.campbellcrossingllc.com, by fax at ergy homes project ever constructed on a military installation. (931) 431-9003 or in person at 850 Georgia Avenue, Fort Campbell, KY 42232. Currently Lendlease took over operations of Fort Campbell’s on-post there is availability in several neighborhoods housing in 2003 as part of the Military Housing Privatization resulting in minimal wait times, less than 30 Initiative (MHPI), a program aimed at improving the quality of days, with some homes available for same day life for Soldiers and their Families. Since then, the community move in!

Those interested in applying can has received numerous recognitions, including the Army’s contact the Campbell Crossing leasing office 2012 RCI Project of the Year, National Association of Home at (931) 431-9003, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday Builders (NAHB) National Green Building Award and the from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, National Council for Public-Private Partnerships Innovation photos and floorplans, visit Award. Lendlease will own, manage, renovate, develop, and www.campbellcrossingllc.com.

About Campbell Crossing

sustain the more than 4,500 homes of Campbell Crossing until 2053. www.campbellcrossingllc.com www.campbell.armymwr.com

16

On the Homefront

Honoring Combat Medics, Past and Present

By Karen Grimsley

The Armed Services YMCA of Fort Campbell will honor combat medics at our 6th annual Angels of the Battlefield Gala on Thursday, October 29. Medics from Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division who have administered life-saving medical treatment and trauma care on the battlefield will be recognized. These Angels of the Battlefield are compassionate men and women who risk their own lives to care for others. They are often the reason why so many of our nation’s heroes who are wounded in battle are able to return home to their Families and communities. This year’s event will also include recognition of five Vietnam era combat medics in honor of the 50th anniversary of the deployment of the 101st Airborne Division to Vietnam. Angels of the Battlefield is the only event in our community which celebrates the courage of military medical personnel on the front lines.

Historically, the Armed Services YMCA has supported men and women on the battlefield with the earliest commission in 1861, after a conference with President Abraham Lincoln led to the

full-scale recruitment of YMCA - volunteers.

Nearly 5,000 volunteers, both men and women, served as surgeons, nurses and chaplains during the Civil War. In addition, they distributed medical supplies, food and clothing, and taught Soldiers to read and write. As a way to acknowledge and accredit the commitment of military medical personnel, the Angels of the Battlefield Gala was established. We are pleased to have honored over 100 Fort Campbell and 101st Airborne Division combat medics over the past five years.

The Angels of the Battlefield event will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center at 6 p.m. Major General Richard W. Thomas, Director of the Defense Health Agency Healthcare Operations Directorate will be our guest speaker.

Everyone is welcome to join us as we express sincere appreciation for these heroic men and women, for their service in recent conflicts and during the Vietnam era. For tickets, please contact Karen Grimsley at (270) 798-7422 or kgrimsley@asymcafc.org.