We did not have the H1N1 flu shots at Retiree Appreciation Day, but for those of you under TRICARE Prime, Standard and Extra, you may get your flu shots from network and non-network providers without paying a deductible or making a co-payment. A temporary waiver allows TRICARE Prime enrollees to get the H1N1 flu shots from non-network providers without a referral or authorization, eliminating point-of-service charges. Prime enrollees will not be charged a co-payment or cost share. For those of us under MEDICARE, we can get our flu shots from anyone and MEDICARE will pay for it.

Survivor Benefit Plan

I read an article the other day that stated only 68 percent of Navy retirees, 70 percent of Marine retirees, 85 percent of Army retirees and 82 percent of Air Force retirees were taking out SBP upon their retirement. And the men and women refusing SBP were doing so with their spouse’s consent. This is disgraceful.

Retirees, and especially you widows receiving SBP, should be talking to the Active Duty troops about how important the SBP program is. I have reached the point where I do not have to pay any more premiums for my SBP because I have paid into it for 30 years and I am over 70 years old. In addition, survivors will receive the full 55 percent of the base pay if you take out the full amount.

Come on folks, talk to the troops and impress upon them how important the SBP program is.

VA Extends Agent Orange Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs has added three more illnesses to their list of illnesses that they associate with Agent Orange. The illnesses are B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson’s disease; and ischemic heart disease.

This brings the total number of presumed illnesses recognized by the VA as being affected by Agent Orange to 15. In practical terms, veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a ‘‘presumed” illness do not have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service. This ‘‘presumption” simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.

For further information about this subject, go to www.publichealth.va.gov⁄exposure⁄agentorange or call the toll free helpline at800-749-8387.

Use the Layaway Plan

Whoever said that the layaway plan in the Army and Air Force Exchange Service was done away with is wrong. AAFES still has a layaway plan that you can use when you make a purchase of $25 or more. Clothing, handbags and shoes are still eligible for a 30 day layaway, but full payment on many other categories can be put off for up to 60 days when shopping the exchange. For jewelry, you have up to 120 days to pay for the item. You will have to put a 15 percent deposit on the total purchase price to be able to hold the product.

Volunteer Needed

We need another retiree or spouse of a retiree to join us in the Retiree Activities Office. One day a week for five hours is all you have to give us. The satisfaction you receive from helping your fellow retirees or the spouse of a retiree is a wonderful feeling. If you are interested, come in and see me on a Monday or Wednesday or call me at the office or my cell phone571-239-4537.

The Retiree Activities Office is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may visit our office in room A-200A, 1535 Command Dr., call us at 301-981-2726 or e-mail us at rao@andrews.af.mil. We recommend you call the office prior to visiting us to ensure someone is on duty. We have a Web site at http:⁄⁄www.andrews.af.mil, click on ‘‘Retirees” on the right side of the page. There you will find a wealth of information that is of interest to you.