NORFOLK, Va. — One lucky winner will set sail on a free Carnival Cruise Line cruise for two departing from Norfolk — and it could be you. From Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, 2025, Nauticus, the Virginia Zoo and Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) are teaming up for “Norfolk Treasures,” a month-long membership swap celebrating the treasured role each organization plays in the community.
Members of any of these three attractions will enjoy free admission, exclusive discounts, and the chance to win exciting prizes — including the grand prize of a Carnival Cruise Line cruise for two, courtesy of Cruise Norfolk & Carnival Cruise Line. Additional prizes include a membership to Nauticus and four WinterFest on the Wisconsin tickets, a membership to Norfolk Botanical Garden along with four Dominion Energy Garden of Lights tickets or an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at the Virginia Zoo.
Participants must visit all three locations during the month of September to qualify for entry. Not a member? Not a problem! Join any of these organizations during the swap and receive one free month added to your new membership.
“This collaboration is all about celebrating Norfolk’s rich culture, encouraging exploration, and giving back to the members who support our missions year-round,” said Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland. Current members can reserve tickets with a promo code from their membership organization to NBG and (or) Nauticus prior to visit, and those visiting the Virginia Zoo may present their membership card and ID upon arrival. A limited number of reciprocal tickets are available each day. For more informa-
About Nauticus: Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, indus-
About the Virginia Zoo: The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 exceptional animals representing over 150 fascinating species. Founded in 1901 and residing on 53 beautifully landscaped acres, the Virginia Zoo has
demonstrated a commitment to saving and protecting the world’s wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world. The Virginia Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in education, recreation, science, wildlife conservation, and animal care and welfare. For more than a century, the Zoo has connected adults, families and school children with the natural world and its wildlife. To learn more, visit www.virginiazoo.org.
About Norfolk Botanical Garden: Voted #3 Best Botanical Garden in the U.S. through Newsweek, Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) represents an oasis of more than 65 themed gardens encompassing 175 beautiful acres. From stunning plant collections to WOW - World of Wonders: A Children’s Adventure Garden, this diverse natural beauty can be explored by tram, boat or walking tours. The Garden is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Virginia Green attraction. It is managed by Norfolk Botanical Garden, Inc. and supported by the City of Norfolk. The mission of Norfolk Botanical Garden is to immerse visitors in a world of beauty, lead through environmental action and inspire through education and connection to nature. Admission is $21.00 for adults, $19.00 for seniors and military, $16.00 for ages 3-12, 2 and under are free. Explore our reduced admission programs: Norfolk Power Up and Museums for All. For more information, visit www. norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS The Flagship welcomes submissions from ourreaders online. Pleasesubmiteventshere: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/
Easy, ecofriendly disposal at the Virginia Aquarium on September 13
PressRelease
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va Dispose of old electronicsresponsiblyattheVirginiaAquarium & Marine Science Center’s E-Cycling eventonSaturday,September13,from9a.m. tonoon.
Rain or shine, participants can recycle old cellphones, personal electronic items, unneeded prescriptions, cardboard, plastic bags, resealable plastic bags, case overwrap, bubble wrap and more. The event will be a drive-through in the Aquarium’s East ParkingLotwithparticipatingvendorsincluding Goodwill Industries, Virginia Beach Police Department, and the 911 Cellphone Bank, whereoldcellphoneswillberefurbishedand donatedtovictimsofhumantrafficking
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Virginia Aquarium’s mission, and E-Cycling events like this one provide a responsible andeco-friendlywaytodisposeofelectronic items Thehardplasticinmanyoftheseitems will never decompose in a landfill and can contribute to microplastics. Many old electronic devices contain toxic substances that include lead, mercury, cadmium, beryllium, polyvinyl chloride, and chromium. When e-waste is tossed into landfills, these chemicals seep into the soil, polluting the ground waterandtheair
Electronics are made of components that
PressRelease
contain valuable raw materials and can be repurposed for new devices when they are recycled.Asaresult,energyissaved,pollution is reduced, and there are fewer greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere. Recycling old devices saves energy It also means that fewer raw materials need to be drawn from nature to create new devices Additionally, reusing electronics can help members of the community who would not otherwisehaveaccess Items that will not be accepted during the event include hazardous waste, car batteries,CRTtubeTV’sandcopymachines Ifyou have these items in your home, check your local landfill site for drop off options. For a fulllistofaccepteditems,visitVirginiaAquarium.com.
The event is free to the public, but donations are appreciated and will go to the AquariumFoundationtosupporteffortsthat promotesustainablepractices
The Virginia Aquarium has hosted 26 E-Cyclingeventssince2009thathavecollectively diverted more than 713,000 pounds of e-wastefromthelandfillthankstodedicated participants This event is made possible becauseofourdedicatedvolunteers Signup to be an E-Cycling volunteer , or register for freeatVirginiaAquarium.com
Join us September 25 from 5:30pm-7:30pm for an inspiring evening where education meets exploration, sponsored byPublixSuperMarketsCharities DiscoverhowtheVirginia Aquarium can bring science to life with hands-on learning, field trip opportunities and classroom-ready resources that connect your students to the wonders of our coastal environment. During the evening you will have the opportunity to exploreinteractiveexhibits,attendliveanimalencounters,and meetourknowledgeableAquariumgalleryeducatorswhowill shareourconservationeffortsandhands-onlearningopportunitiesthatfulfillVirginia’sSOLrequirements School ID required. No more than one guest will be permittedpereducator Eventlimitedto500attendees.Uponarrival, please visit the ticketing desk in the North Building to receive your complimentary tickets We welcome public and private educatorsfromoutsideoftheVirginiaBeachschoolsystemas wellasdaycareemployees(note:paystubscanbeacceptedfor admissionifIDisnotavailable). The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is located at717GeneralBoothBlvd.,VirginiaBeach,VA23451.Formore informationvisitvirginiaaquarium.comorcall757-385-3474
About the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: The Virginia Aquarium & MarineScienceCenter’smissionistoconnect people to the marine environment, inspiringamoresustainablefuture.TheAquarium aspirestobeadriverinconservation,education, tourism, and sustainability, leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems. Owned by the City of Virginia Beach, the Aquarium operates as a city department in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. The Aquarium is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the World Association of ZoosandAquariums The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the work of the Virginia Aquarium. The Foundation procures and maintains the Aquarium’s exhibits including the animals and habitats It is also responsible for annual and capital fundraising, administration and funding for the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program,conservationandscientificresearch efforts, and the Aquarium’s mission-related educationprograms Youcanbeapartofour missionbymakingatax-deductibledonation tosupportourprogramming
I love Lucy, and her twin bed
“You remind me of Lucille Ball,” a military friend once said, chuckling after I told a funny story The iconic 1960s television character with a fiery ginger updo and crinolined polka-dotted dresses looked nothing like me, but we shared the sameexaggeratedfacialexpressions
As a fan of all things throwback, I took the comparison as a generous compliment.
Alifelongclassclown,Irelatedto Lucy’s humorous antics. However, Lucy had something I coveted but couldn’thave Shesleptinatwinbed.
This scene detail seems insignificant,butLucywasalwayssodarned bright-eyedandbushy-tailed,while I groped through my days in a perpetuallydrowsyfog Despiteher ditzy disposition, she knew better than to snuggle up to snoring Desi. When it was time to get her forty winks,Lucysnoozedsoundly,allthe wayacrosstheroom.
I,ontheotherhand,layeachnight right beside my husband, Francis, praying that I might squeeze in five meager hours of shuteye over the racketofhisrattlingairways.
During our first decade of marriage bedtime was tolerable because Francis’ snore wasn’t the decibelequivalentofagas-powered buzzsaw Instead,itfluctuatedfrom mild wheezing to mattress-vibratingrumbling,andeverybuzz,snuffle andgaspinbetween.
Someevenings,Francis’slackened sinusesprojectednothingmorethan asteadynosewhistlepunctuatedby soft snorts and I was able to sleep using a strategic combination of earplugs, elbowing and whispering,“Honey,turnonyourside!”But othernights,hissnoringwasrelentless, waking me often and turning
my mornings into a scene from “DawnoftheLivingDead.”
Furthermore, when Francis partook in scotch and cigars with ourbaseneighborsaroundourfirepit, his snoring was so loud that I’d grab my pillows and retreat to the silenceofourlivingroomcouch.
During the second decade of marriage, Francis’ snoring got
getting‘sleepdivorces’,”and“When happily ever after means separate beds.”Iwonderediftwinbedsmight begoodforourrelationship However, I couldn’t realistically suggest twin beds to Francis. On mornings when I’d retreated to the couch, he’d tsk at me as if I’d betrayedhim.Heneverbelievedhis snoring was bad, and thought I was
worse Researching online, I read a Finnish study concluding that women suffering from chronic sleep deprivation have significantly impaired ability to maintain peak cognitive performance I found articles with headlines such as ”For snoring spouses, separate beds may save marriage,” “More couples
beingridiculous Lucy and Desi got away with it, but today, sleeping in separate beds implies that something’s wrong in the marriage As much as I secretly lovedhavingourbedtomyselfwhen Francis was deployed or on TDY, I just wasn’t willing to suggest separatesleepingberths
It wasn’t until Francis retired from the Navy and we went on a family getaway to Vermont, that I wasvindicated.
We reserved an open cabin room withacozyfireplacewhereweslept withourthreechildren.Atbreakfast themorningafterourfirstnight,our groggy youngest, Lilly, shared snippets of an overnight video she took onheriPhone
The blurry time-stamped footage showed teenaged Lilly illuminated under her covers thumbing captions, “12:42 AM I can’t sleep cuz Dad’s snoring!” “2:26 AM Mom tried to make him stop, but nothing works!”“3:10AM[Lillysoftlyweeping].” In the background, we heard shockingly loud grinding coming from deep within Francis’ respiratory tract, as if a meaty drill bit gnashedagainsthislarynx,orajackhammer battered his sinuses with eachthunderinginhale
“That’s not me, is it?” Francis askedincredulously
A few months later, Francis was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and outfitted with a C-Pap. Arguably snoozing in twin beds is more romantic than sleeping with a partner who has surgical tubing extending from his nostrils But after decades of applying copious amountsconcealertothebagsunder my eyes, I was relieved that I could finallysleepthroughthenight. Looking back, I’m glad we solved our problem without resorting to twinbedslikeLucy Itmayhavetaken ustwentyyears,butloveisdefinitely worthlosingalittlesleepover
InterviewByYiorgo
Afteratwoyearabsence,theWorldWrestling Entertainment (WWE) is making its much anticipated triumphant return to the Hampton Roads Area with WWE Friday Night SmackDown at the Norfolk Scope Arena on September 12th filled with an amazing wrestling card that will air live all overtheworld.Theeventstartsat7:30PM.
Theadvertisedsuperstarsscheduledtobe there include: Cody Rhodes, Brock Lesnar, WWEWomen’sChampionTiffanyStratton, LAKnight,RandyOrton,JacobFatu,Bianca Belair, Nia Jax and all your favorite WWE Superstars Of course the card is always subjecttochange For ticket prices and other details, including WWE’s Clear Bag Policy, etc. go to https://www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-1
Yiorgo: We are very fortunate today to havewithusonthephone,WWEWomen’s Champion Tiffany Stratton Thank you Tiffanyfordoingtheinterview Tellus,why shouldfanscometoWWESmackDownon September the 12th at the Norfolk Scope, when they can watch it free on TV? What willtheysee,hearandexperience?
Tiffany Stratton: Well, I fully believe thatawrestlingcrowdinpersonissomuch betterthanobviouslyseeingitonTV.Wrestling has something for everybody You can literallybringafriendthatisn’tafanofwrestling and if you bring them to a live show, I guaranteeyoutheywillbecomeafan.You’ve gotincrediblewrestlerslikeRomanReigns Cody Rhodes, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, the list is endless And right now, WWE is unstoppable Our numbers are exploding and everything is going so amazing right now. So it’s just a really good time to come andseeawrestlingshowinperson.
Y: Fans tune in or come live to see the show and then they go home Your day however is anything but that simple So on Friday September 12th for SmackDown, what’syourschedulelikefromthetimeyou wakeupuntilyouwalkthroughthecurtain foryourmatch?
TS: So usually depending on if I have a match or not, I’ll wake up, eat breakfast and I’ll go work out. I try not to hit my legs on TVdaysjustbecauseitmakesmeverytired. Usually I hit an upper body workout. I’ll get a post-workout protein drink, head to the arena, get whatever my creative is for the day,whetherit’sapre-tape,whetherit’salive in-ring promo or sometimes I have a match or sometimes it’s even all three of those. So TV days can be very hectic and it can be overwhelming However, I love it so much I wouldn’t switch it for the world. Then after TV I’ll go back to the hotel room and I’ll eat somedinnerandtrytofallasleepformy5:00 AMflightusuallythenextmorning
Y: Well, that’s a perfect segue to the next question. What do you enjoy the most and what do you enjoy the least when it comes tobeingaWWEsuperstar?
TS: That’s a good question because I feel likeforbothit’straveling Ilovethetraveling and I love where WWE and wrestling has takenmeinthepastyearandahalf I’vebeen to so many different countries However, travelingcanbesoexhausting Ihaveanew respectforpeoplethathavebeendoingthis for10to15yearsbecauseit’sliterallyaflight orsometimestwoflightsaweek.Sometimes three You’regoingoutofthecountryatleast once a month So I would say the bad and the good is the traveling part. You know, getting to see the world, but also having to be exhausted and getting on 4:00 AM, 5:00 AMflightsatthesametime
Y:Youhaveworkedwithsomegreattalent in the ring Who are some of your favorite opponents that you have enjoyed working with?
TS: Ooh, that’s a really good question. I reallyenjoyedworkingwithNiaJax.Ithink she’sextremelyunderrated.ThematchIhad with Nia, it was on SmackDown it was the main event, that was probably one of my favorite matches in the past year or so And thenalsomyNoMercymatchagainstBecky Lynch. It was the Extreme Rules match and that was a moment for me when I felt like I knew I could do this seriously Becky brought me to the next level and I really appreciate Becky for that. That match was life changing for my career for myself and for the fans I think they really saw somethinginmeafterthatmatch SoIhavetosay, Becky Lynch and Nia Jax, they’re my two favoriteopponents
Y: How about a wow, pinch-me moment or two that you got to experience in your wrestlingcareersofar?
TS: My pinch-me moment I have to say was wrestling Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. I remember doing my entrance and waiting in the ring for Charlotte That in itself was just such a moment for me I couldn’t believe that I was wrestling somebody that I looked up to my entire career Charlotte was the reason why I got into
wrestling And I was waiting in the ring for her to do her entrance So that right there, andseeingeverybodyjustkindofbethereto watchmewasdefinitelyapinchmemoment formeinmycareer
Y: Let’s learn a little bit more about you. I’m Greek and I’m fascinated by your real last name Your birth given full name is Jessica Lynn Woynilko. What is the history ofyourlastname,doyouknow?
TS: I actually just did just the ancestry thing so I can find out. My family doesn’t really know either but we think it might be Belarusian.
TS:IwasborninMinnesota.Igrewupin a small town called Prior Lake. What made me fall in love with gymnastics is that I was always a very competitive girl, and I did dance I did soccer growing up but I was always drawn to gymnastics And I think it was the 2012 Olympics where I saw the girls win the gold medal in the team final AndIliterallywaslike,“Ohmygosh,Ineed to do that right now.” And so I immediately
signed up for gymnastics, and I got pretty good pretty quickly And then eventually, you know, you grow up and you realize, “Oh, okay, well, I can’t make the Olympics I’m not that good.” So I quit. And then I eventually did CrossFit, and I loved that I loved it because it was competitive and I couldcompeteagain.AndthenIdidabodybuildingshowbecauseIwantedtoseehow I would look completely shredded, and to seehowIwoulddoonastagelikethat.AndI wonmyfirstbodybuildingcompetition.And then I couldn’t do anymore because then I gotsignedbyWWE.
Y: That’s so incredible and don’t sort change yourself You were a medalist at the 2016 gymnastic competition. You did the CanadaCup,sopatyourselfontheback.
TS:Oh,thankyou.
Y: How did you wind up training with GregGagne?Howdidallthathappen?
TS: I got interested in wrestling and my momhadafamilyfriendthatknewGreg,so shereachedouttohim,andthenhegavemy momGreg’snumber MymomtextedGreg, andwaslike,“Hey willyoutrainmydaughter?”Andhe’slike,“Whoisthiscrazyperson texting me? I have no idea who she is.” So I decided to call him, and he agreed to come watch me run the ropes and take a couple bumps and see if it’ll be worth training me and eventually hoping I get a tryout with WWE.Hesawmeruntheropes,takesome bumps,andheimmediatelywaslike,“Yeah, you definitely are talented, and I can see you getting pretty good at this stuff.” So he trainedmeforacoupleofmonths andthen he got me the tryout with WWE, and then unfortunately,COVIDhadhitandthetryout gotcanceled.IemailedWWEnon-stopand a year later, I got invited back to a tryout. I tried out and they signed me a week later, andhereweare.
TS: At the Performance Center one was Norman Smiley and the other was Robbie Brookside who usually works with the newerstudentsinthebeginningclasses Fit Finlay was another one and AJ Major was alsoagreatcoachatthePerformanceCenter, aswellasSarahAmato.Thoseweremyfour orfivecoachestherethatIwenttoonadaily basis.AlsotheUKwrestlerJohnnyMoss he hashisownclassatthePerformanceCenter Healsowasveryhelpful.
TS:Welllikewetalkedabout,Iwasatrampolinist,thatmoveIactuallyusedtodointhe beginning of my routine called my compulsoryroutine,andit’sliterallythesamemove, Ijustnowdoitinthering SoIthought,like, “Whydon’tItiemytrampolinebackground with my wrestling and my moveset and do something that kind of involves launching myselforjumpingofftheropes?”Sothatwas kindofthethingthatIsettledon.
TS:SoyoucanfollowmeonInstagramat tiffanywwe. And some advice that I would give is fake it until you make it. I’ve felt like inmyentirewrestlingcareer Ihavefakedit untilImadeit,andIstillfeellikesometimes I’mfakingit.Ihavealittlebitofanimposter syndrome Idon’tfeellikeIshouldbeinthe positionthatIam.However,youknow,make sureyoukeepworkinghard,youhavesomething to fall back on, and to know that you havethatconfidenceandyouhavethathard workthatyou’veputin.Butyeah,fakeituntil youmakeit. Yiorgo
Stressless,snacksmarter thisback-to-schoolseason
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: Healthy Family Project
Ifback-to-schoolseasonfeelsmoreoverwhelmingthan exciting you’re not alone. Between adjusting schedules planning meals and organizing school supplies it’s easy forfamiliestofeelthepressurethistimeofyear
With the right strategies and simple routines, you can reducethechaosandmakeitasmoother,healthierexperienceforthewholefamily
Getting kids motivated in the morning is no small task. Startthedaywithupbeat,energizingmusicandanourishing meal like these easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Taquitos areahealthybreakfastforkids,packedwitheggs,cheese, andbellpeppers,allwrappedinwholewheattortillas Air fry or bake until crispy and serve with ¡Yo Quiero! Grab & Go dips for a fun, balanced meal that’s perfect for busy mornings
Make-AheadBreakfastTaquitos
Prep Time: 10minutes mins
Cook Time: 10minutes mins
Servings: 6
6largeeggs
1cupshreddedcheddarcheese
1cupdicedbellpeppersanycolor
6smallwholewheattortillas
Oliveoilspray
Saltandpeppertotaste
¡YoQuiero!Grab&GoGuacamoleBeanDip,andSalsa
Instructions: Scramble the eggs in a nonstick skillet. Add salt and peppertotaste
Warm tortillas or 10—15 seconds in the microwave to makethemeasiertoroll.
Spoon the egg mixture into each tortilla and rol them uptightly Sprayeachtaquitolightlywitholiveoil. Cook in an air fryer at 375°F for 6—8 minutes, until goldenandcrispy. Noairfryer?Bakeat400°Ffor10—12minutesinstead Serve with ¡Yo Quiero! Grab & Go dips for dunking fun andextranutrients
2. Skipthesandwichatlunchtime
If your kids are tired of sandwiches - and you’re tired of wasting time on food that comes back half-eaten - try a quick and easy option that balances fiber protein and good-for-you carbs like these Ham, Cheese and Apple WrapsmadewithJAZZApples
Prep Time: 10minutes mins Servings: 4 wraps 1JAZZ applethinlysliced
4slicesoflow-sodiumham
4slicesofcheddaroryourfavoritecheese
Optional:adrizzleofhoneyormustardfor addedflavor
Instructions:
That’sit.Nofancytoolsorhard-to-findingredients.Just afewstaplesthatyouprobablyalreadyhaveinthefridge HowtoMaketheWraps WashandthinlysliceyourJAZZ™apple.Ileavethepeel on for extra fiber and texture, but feel free to peel if your kidspreferitthatway. Lay a slice of cheese on top of a slice of ham. Add a few slicesofapplerightdownthemiddle
Rollitalluplikeapinwheel.Youcanuseatoothpickto secure it if needed, but most of the time they stay rolled ontheirown. Packitupwithyourkids’favoritesidesandyou’redone.
3. Endthelunchboxstruggle
Use colorful bento boxes to keep packed lunches organizedandvisuallyappealingthentakeadvantageofblueberries from Consalo Family Farms to create Blueberry Gummy Snacks a better-for-you alternative to packaged treatsthatyouwon’tfindleftuntouchedatthebottomof lunchboxes.Thesegummiesfeellikecandybutaremade withrealingredientsyoucanfeelgoodabout.Nodyes,no artificial flavors, no mystery additives Just fruit, almond milk,andgelatin.
Blend the blueberries, almond milk, and lemon juice untilsmooth. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and warm over low heat. Slowlywhiskinthegelatin,stirringuntilfullydissolved. Thistakesabout5minutes Avoidboiling Pourintosiliconemoldsoraparchment-lineddish. Chillinthefridgefor2to3hoursuntilfirm. Removefrommoldsorcutintobite-sizesquares Store inanairtightcontainerinthefridgeforuptooneweek.
While many a baby carrot and celery stick has found its way home from school lunchboxes
went viral for good reason. It makes everything stay neatly in place, whether you’re eating now or reheating later
Instructions: Lay one tortilla flat. Cut a single slice from the center totheedge Add the cooked beef to the bottom left quarter, cheese to the bottom right, caramelized onions to the top right, andBBQsaucetothetopleft.
Foldthetopleft(BBQsauce)overtheonions Thenfold that over the cheese and finally fold it all down over the beef
Repeatwithalltortillas
Warm a skillet over medium heat with cooking spray. Cook each quesadilla for about 3 minutes per side until goldenandcrisp,andthecheesehasmelted.
Kids want something sweet after dinner, but many traditional desserts are loaded with added sugars These MandarinPopsiclesmadewithBeeSweetCitrusMandarinsareafunwaytosatisfythatcravingwhilesneakingin fruit.Thesecreamybarsaresmooth citrusy andfeellike dessert.You’llfeelgoodknowingthey’remadewithnothingartificial.They’realsoeasyenoughtoprepinadvance foraweekofhealthytreats
Optional: drizzle with melted dark chocolate before freezingforadessertvibewithextraflair
Together,thesehealth-consciousbrandsarebackingthe HealthyFamilyProjectback-to-schoolcampaignwitha shared goal: inspire better habits and give back where it counts Through a collective donation to the Foundation for Fresh Produce’s K-12 programs, they’re helping support nutrition education in schools across the country Because when fresh thinking meets real collaboration, families win.
VisitHealthyFamilyProject.comtofindmorerecipesthat helpfamiliespackhealthierlunchboxes,fuelbusyafternoons and make more produce a part of everyday life
How a death in the family may affect your TRICARE coverage
ByTRICARECommunications
FALLS CHURCH, Va Note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. This resource connects you with trained counselors who can help you get the help you need 24/7
Whenafamilymemberpassesaway itcan feel overwhelming to deal with paperwork on top of the emotional burden This article provides a few steps you should take in the weeks following your family member’s death. Taking these steps can help ensure your coverage continues without interruption.
“After losing a family member your health coverage may not be the first thing onyourmind, saidZellyZim,senioranalyst, TRICARE Policy and Programs at the Defense Health Agency “But it’s important to understand how your loved one’s death may affect your TRICARE coverage, so you’repreparedforyourfamily’sfuture.”
AdeathinthefamilyisaTRICAREQualifyingLifeEvent.Thismeansthatsurviving familymembershave90daystomakeeligible health plan changes, as described in the TRICAREQualifyingLifeEventsFactSheet (online at https://tricare.mil/Publications/ Fact-Sheets/qle).Here’swhatelseyouneed toknow.
Reporting the death
Ifyoursponsordies
You only have to report the death to the TRICARE Pharmacy Program contractor, Express Scripts For medical and dental care, the Defense Manpower Data Center gets information from the Social Security Administrationorthesponsor’sservice.
It may take some time for DMDC to get theinformation.Ifyouprefer,youmaynotify DMDCofthedeathby:
Visiting a local Uniformed Services ID card office with a copy of the death certificate
Faxing a copy of the death certificate to 800-336-4416
ByTRICARECommunications
FALLSCHURCH,Va Areyoupregnant or did you recently have a baby? TRICARE covers certain breast pumps and supplies and breastfeeding counseling at no cost for newmothers
“TRICARE covers these items and services for all TRICARE-eligible female beneficiaries who are at least 27 weeks pregnant,” said Jennifer Stankovic, health systems specialist, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency “It doesn’t matterwhatTRICAREplanyouuseoryour sponsor’sstatus.”
Areyouplanningtoadoptababy?Ifyou’re afemalebeneficiarywholegallyadoptsand intends to personally breastfeed an infant, TRICAREwillcoverbreastfeedingsupplies andservicesforyou.
Youhaveoptionsforthetypesofsupplies and services you get and how you get them. KeepreadingtolearnhowTRICAREcovers them.
We suggest you make a copy of your prescriptionforyourrecords
Step2:Getapump
If you don’t want to pay up front, contact your regional contractor to find a network provider or supplier. You’ll need to show your prescription. You won’t have to file a claim.
Ifyou’reworkingwithamilitaryhospital or clinic to get a breast pump, follow their processesandprocedures
If you don’t mind paying up front, you can go to a TRICARE-authorized provider, supplier or vendor (Vendors include retail and online stores.) You won’t need to show your prescription. Be sure to save and copy your receipt so that you can file a claim for reimbursement.
You may choose to purchase a luxury or deluxe pump (meaning those with “luxury
If your sponsor was retired, there are other steps you need to take depending on theirservice
Ifanotherfamilymemberdies
Ifafamilymemberwhowasn’tthesponsor dies, contact the DMDC/DEERS Support Office to learn the necessary steps to report their death. Depending on your situation, your health plan options may also change fromfamilytoindividual.
Coverage following the death
TRICAREcontinuestoprovidecoverage for surviving family members Plans and
costsdependon:
Ifyou’reaspouseorachild:
Spouses can keep TRICARE unless they remarry If a spouse decides to remarry, their TRICARE coverage will endunlesstheymarryanotheractiveduty orretiredservicemember
Children can keep TRICARE up to normal age limits After that, if they qualify for TRICARE Young Adult, they can purchase TYA coverage if their sponsor hadTRICAREatthetimeoftheirdeath.
The sponsor’s military status when they died: Activeduty: Children and spouses are considered transitional survivors for the first three years after the sponsor dies Transitional survivors are eligible for special programs like the Extended Care Health Option. Spouses are covered as active duty family members (unless they remarry) for these three years Then, they’recoveredasretiredfamilymembers.
Children remain covered as ADFMs until they age out or lose TRICARE eligibility forotherreasons
Retired: Your health plan options and costs won’t change Surviving spouses remain eligible unless they remarry Childrenremaincovereduntiltheyageout orloseeligibilityforotherreasons
NationalGuardorReservemember: Your sponsor’s status at the time of their death determines your TRICARE benefits Visit Survivors of National Guard and Reserve Members (online at https:// tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility/Survivors/ Surv_NANGR) to read more about your specific situation. (Note: Beginning Oct. 1, 2025 you can buy or continue coverage for up to three years from the date of the sponsor’s death. This is if your sponsor had TRICARE coverage at the
Filing claims
If
To
at 800-538-9552(TTY/TDD:866-363-2883). Are you struggling to adjust following the death of a loved one? Don’t wait to ask for help Learn more about getting mental healthcarewithTRICARE. Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions to get benefit updates, news, andmore.
or deluxe” features, such as smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, enhancedorexpandedrechargeablebatteries,orunnecessaryaccessories).Ifso,you’d pay the difference between TRICARE’s maximum reimbursement for a standard breastpumpandtheactualcostofthepump
Go to Breast Pumps and Supplies (online athttps://tricare.mil/breastpumps) tolearn about coverage for other supplies, where you can get breast pumps and supplies, and getting reimbursed Contact your regional contractorformoreinformation
Breastfeeding counseling
TRICARE covers breastfeeding counselingintwoways:
1. As part of the care provided during an inpatient maternity stay, a follow-up OB-GYN outpatient visit, or a well-child carevisit
2. Up to six separate outpatient sessions, in addition to any breastfeeding counseling providedduringaninpatientstay follow-up OB-GYNoutpatientvisit,orwell-childcare visit,whenthecounselingis:
Billedasapreventiveservice
Theonlyservicebeingprovided
Provided by a TRICARE-authorized provider, outpatient hospital, or clinic.
TypesofTRICARE-authorizedproviders include physicians, physician assistants, nursepractitioners,andnursemidwives
DoyouhaveTRICAREPrime,TRICARE
Prime Remote or TRICARE Select?
TRICARE’s Childbirth and Breastfeeding Demonstration gives you expanded breastfeedingcounselingcoverage,asnotedinthe TRICAREMaternityCareBrochure. Through the CBSD, you can get outpatient breastfeeding counseling from lactation consultants and lactation counselors Theseprovidersarehighlytrained,butthey aren’tfullylicensedmedicalproviders
The CBSD also covers group breastfeedingcounseling. Sessions with lactation consultants or counselorsandgroupsessionscounttoward the six total allowed outpatient counseling sessions you have per birth event. You won’t pay anything out of pocket if you use anetworkprovider
To qualify for this extra coverage, you must: HaveTRICAREPrime TRICAREPrime Remote or TRICARE Select. (Note: You aren’teligibleifyouhaveTRICAREForLife, theUSFamilyHealthPlan,ortheContinued HealthCareBenefitProgram.)
Qualify for TRICARE’s breastfeeding supportbenefit
Do you live in the U.S.? You’re automaticallyenrolledintheCBSDwhenyouoryour provider submits claims covered under the CBSD Checkwithyourregionalcontractor to see if you qualify. If you have TRICARE Prime you’ll need a referral from your primary care manager if you see a non-networkprovider Point-of-servicechargesmay applywithoutthereferral.
Do you live overseas? You must register for the CBSD before you get any services To register, contact the TRICARE overseas contractor The CBSD runs through Dec. 31, 2026 GotoChildbirthandBreastfeedingSupport Demonstration to learn more about CBSD eligibility benefits andprovidertypes. TRICARE is here to support you during and after your pregnancy To learn more, check out these TRICARE articles online at https://newsroom.tricare.mil/News/ TRICARE-News: Having a Baby in 2025? Here’s How TRICARECoversMaternityServices 2025ChangestotheTRICAREChildbirth andBreastfeedingSupportDemonstration Q&A: Getting TRICARE for Your NewbornBaby Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions to get benefit updates, news, andmore.
