The Association of the Unites States Navy (AUSN) has members with diverse opinions across the political spectrum. This is both healthy and normal. Nowhere is this more evident than in discussions about medical benefits for retirees and Veterans. When it concerns increasing fees on retirees for their medical care, be it TRICARE Prime, Standard or TRICARE for Life, some members believe that it is necessary to increase fees, premiums and copay charges in order to allow the Department of Defense (DOD) to have the dollars necessary to “defend” America. Others believe that they were promised free medical care for life and that is that. Promises should be kept! We have written on this topic before but since the President’s budget for 2014 once again calls for significant fee increases, it is worth revisiting.

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The President’s commission on military pay and benefits will soon begin work. This is at least the sixth such commission in my lifetime with the Navy. Given the national debt and the impression that we are not going to do any big land wars again anytime soon, I think it highly likely that this time Congress will act. AUSN intends to be very careful as we work with Congress on this issue.

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Last year AUSN decided to become an exhibitor at “Hook 11.” We repeated at “Hook 12” and intend to return again and again. I decided to attend myself and see what it was all about. 

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Like it or not every now and then one must eat one’s words. This year when I saw the lineup of speakers for the annual Naval War College Current Strategy Forum I was broadly disappointed and said so to a number of colleagues. SECNAV wasn’t going to appear. Neither was the CNO, the VCNO, or the Commandant...

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Welcome aboard to the many newly pinned Chief Petty Officers in our Navy! I attended the NOSC Phoenix pinning ceremony and saw many proud Sailors pinned before Shipmates and their families. Their journey as Sailors continues. Once a Sailor, always a Sailor? Is there a connection – and should we to those who have served? Here’s my challenge to those new CPOs...

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For those not familiar, the Current Strategy Forum at the Naval War College is an annual event always held in the week before graduation. Invited part...

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VA Secretary Eric Shinseki's Memorial Day message reminds us that today is a day to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the Nat...

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Tricare, Medicare and Obamacare (PPACA) March 17, 2011 Introduction: Vice Admiral Harold Koenig, MC (Retired) was a member of the USNA Great Class...

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Member of USNI:   It is clear from our April PROCEEDINGS that many members & leading members of USNI believe this professional group should...

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