May - July 2025
The Official Newsletter for Retired Soldiers, Surviving Spouses & Families
MONEY MATTERS
SBP Premium Payments Change in June
In June of this year, R&A Pay will begin issuing all monthly direct remittance SBP premium billing statements and collecting all SBP premium direct remittance payments.
AER 2025 Kickoff Campaign
Army Emergency Relief's annual campaign has been a tradition vital to our Army community since 1942, supporting Soldiers, Retired Soldiers, and Army families each year. In 2024 alone, AER provided assistance to over 34,000 Soldiers and families, distributing over $21 million...
New askDFAS Tips Video Available
DFAS Retired & Annuitant (R&A) Pay announces the release of a new "askDFAS Tips" video titled, "A Simple Way to Manage Your Retired or SBP Pay Account." In less that 5 minutes, the video provides a helpful overview of the askDFAS online tools available for Retired Soldiers and SBP annuitants...
What are the top 5 reasons Retired Soldiers call the Army Service Center (ASC)?
- Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
- Retirement Management
- Gray Area Retirement Packet Assistance
- Records Request
- Assistance with DD Form 1343
PLANNING
Who ya gonna call? The ASC!
The Army Service Center (ASC) is here to answer numerous questions for our Army veteran and Retired Soldier community. Many of our customers seek help obtaining service records or with requesting changes to their records, and much more.
Learn More About TRICARE For Life
The TRICARE For Life Handbook is a comprehensive resource for everything related to TRICARE and Medicare including how it works, what your pharmacy coverage options are, and how to get the most out of your benefit.
Regional Casualty Assistance
The Regional Casualty Assistance Centers assists survivors of deceased Retired Soldiers. This list provides contact information for getting in touch with all regional locations.
Safeguarding Your Legacy
Estate planning is an essential process for Retired Soldiers to ensure that their assets are managed and distributed according to their wishes upon incapacitation or death. It involves creating legal documents that outline how property, finances, and personal care should be handled...
Explore FEDVIP Options Today
If you recently retired from the Army, you've likely considered dental and vision benefits in your retirement plan. Good news: The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is available to you...
Gray Area Spotlight
Start your retired pay application process early! You can submit your application up to nine months prior to your expected retirement date. You should submit your application...
COMMUNITY
The Army Celebrates 250 Years
On June 14, 2025, the U.S. Army celebrates 250 committed years of protecting the country, its people, and our way of life. Established in 1775, the Army is the oldest and largest service branch in the U.S. military, and formed more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was issued...
Enjoy Lifelong Exchange Benefits
Tax-free shopping and military-exclusive pricing are lifelong benefits for warfighters. All who served honorably can shop tax-free for life at ShopMyExchange.com. Disabled veterans can also shop in person. Authorized shoppers have access to...
Attend a Retiree Appreciation Day in Your Area!
Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) happen all over the world every year. You can join in on the fun wherever you are.
Check the Retiree Appreciation Day calendar and find out when we will be in your area. We look forward to seeing you there!
IN EVERY ISSUE
Joe answers questions from readers
In this issue, Joe provides advice on a move decision and a job search.
Do you know your Army benefits?
"Where can I find current and understandable information about (enter any topic) benefit?" is a frequently asked question. Once retired or in the Retired Reserve, the information you're looking for can sometimes be difficult to find...
