August - October 2026
The Official Newsletter for Retired Soldiers, Surviving Spouses & Families
MONEY MATTERS
Gray Area Retirees: DFAS goes digital
As Army Echoes recently made the exciting pivot to become a fully digital publication, it is the perfect time for us at DFAS to talk about the power of digital connection with us, both now and into the future
Can You Spot a Military Debt Scam?
Scammers promise to solve your debt problems to trick you into paying them instead of your actual lender. If a caller offers to help you enroll in a special “military debt forgiveness” program, pause. That’s probably a scam
2026 Retired Soldier Guide Available
The 2026 Retired Soldier Handbook is now available at your local Retirement Services Office and on the Post Retirement page here on the SFL website.
The purpose of the U.S. Army Retired Soldier Handbook is to provide current and updated information for Retired Soldiers and their families, about the benefits and entitlements they’ve earned through their years of faithful service.
It is important that all Retired Soldiers maintain a working knowledge of their benefits and entitlements in order to take full advantage of them. In addition to the information presented here, Retired Soldiers should refer to Army Echoes which also highlights changes in benefits and entitlements. The current and previous editions of Army Echoes dating back to 2022 are available here on the SFL website.
PLANNING
TRICARE Open Season 2026
Each fall, TRICARE Open Season lets you change your health care plan for the next calendar year. Changes you make during this time start on Jan. 1 of the next year. TRICARE Open Season applies to you if you have or qualify for TRICARE Prime (including the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan and the TRICARE Prime Demo), or TRICARE Select.
Recently Retired? Explore FEDVIP!
If you recently retired from the uniformed services, 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.
TRICARE Rx Options While Overseas
If you live or travel overseas, you can still get your TRICARE-covered prescriptions. But be aware, the process works differently overseas than it does in the U.S. It also depends on whether you’re traveling or if you live overseas permanently.
COMMUNITY
Claims Help for 1973 Records Fire
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is making the claims process easier for veterans whose records were damaged or destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
Building Connections, Saving Lives
After military service, a sense of purpose can help veterans in their next chapter. Suicide prevention can start with something as simple as helping a veteran feel supported, connected and needed after the uniform comes off.
VA Goes Digital: No More “Last Four”
For veterans, superior care begins the moment they check in at a VA medical facility. For years, they’ve had to provide their “last-four,” or the last four digits of their social security number (SSN) for various services at VA facilities.
Attend a 2026 Retiree Appreciation Day in Your Area!
IN EVERY ISSUE
Joe Answers Reader Questions
In this issue Joe provides answers on renewing retired military IDs and TRICARE coverage for college students.
A Home for Those Who Served
As Retired Soldiers plan for the future and consider their long-term care and housing options, they may come across a unique benefit available through the federal government—the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH).
