August - October 2025
The Official Newsletter for Retired Soldiers, Surviving Spouses & Families
MONEY MATTERS
Direct remittance changes coming soon
Starting in August 2025, DFAS will change the payment process for retirees who pay their Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premiums directly through the U.S. Treasury Department’s Centralized Receivables Service (CRS)...
What you need to know about the RCSBP
Whether you are still drilling, in the Gray Area, or receiving your retired pay, it is important to understand how the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) benefits your loved ones and what you need to do if you go through a life changing event...
Understanding the retirement pay process
Whether you are newly retired or already enjoying retirement (regular, non-regular, or disability), it is important to stay informed about updates that streamline and enhance the retirement pay process...
Gray Area Soldiers sign up for your myPay account today!
Calling all Gray Area Retired Soldiers! Sign up, if you haven’t already, for your “Future Retiree” myPay account. This is a convenient way to keep your contact information updated with DFAS during the gray area period, allowing you to stay on top of your future retired pay, while also receiving important news from the Army. Go to https://www.dfas.mil/grayarea for additional information.
To determine if you qualify for a reduced age retirement, visit HRC’s website. If you are eligible, contact your Army Reserve or Army National Guard RSO for help in calculating your retirement eligibility date.
PLANNING
Veterans Legacy Memorial for living Vets
Sharing your personal military and civilian history can leave a lasting legacy for your family and friends. As actor Bill Murray said in the movie Stripes, “It’s the stories you tell.” Now, there is a way for Retired Soldiers to share their stories while they are still with us...
VR&E helps with post-retirement goals
Since you’re reading Army Echoes, it’s safe to assume that you are getting used to your new life as a Retired Soldier. Whether you have already started a new career or are still trying to figure out your next steps, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the...
Unlock your health with TFL and Medicare
Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible. Medicare Part A and Part B are required to remain eligible for TRICARE...
TRICARE or Medicare--which pays first?
When both Medicare and TRICARE cover a health care service, Medicare pays first and TRICARE pays second. TRICARE may also cover services that Medicare doesn’t. That’s why it’s important to confirm you’re covered by Medicare, TRICARE, or both—to help avoid costs.
You’ll also need to use Medicare providers. Check out TRICARE’s covered services to learn more.
Coordination with other health insurance
Other health insurance, or OHI, is coverage in addition to Medicare and TFL. This might be offered by an employer, based on current employment or retirement for you or your spouse.
How Medicare coordinates with OHI depends on whether the OHI is based on current employment. In either case, TRICARE pays last.
Unlock your health—and peace of mind—by understanding how TFL and Medicare work together, as described in the Medicare publication How Medicare Works With Other Insurance. You can view or print the booklet or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to find out if a copy can be mailed to you.
For more information, check out the TRICARE For Life Handbook and Becoming Medicare-Eligible.
COMMUNITY
Spotlight: CW3 Charles A. Ferber
Charles “Charlie” Ferber enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, embarking on a career that took him from the battlefields of World War II to the skies over Korea and Vietnam. He served through some of the most defining moments in military aviation history...
Antiterrorism awareness after retirement
Retired Soldiers, having dedicated a significant portion of their lives to national security, possess a unique understanding of potential threats and vulnerabilities. Their training and experience make them...
Five ways to get the most from your RAD
One of the most effective methods used by Army Retirement Services to keep Retired Soldiers informed is through a comprehensive schedule of Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) held at various military installations and venues at both stateside and overseas locations. As we’ll discover...
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 summer vacations and after-school care
Continuing education for students
As summer begins to wind down and the new school year looms you may be wondering what, if any, benefits are available for your spouse or children in education. Now is the time to begin researching and learning which scholarship...
