This past week, South Korea’s defense ministry announced that five sets of remains from the Korean War had been unearthed during demining operations around the Cheorwon area, in the vicinity of Arrowhead Hill. This recent discovery brings the total number of remains unearthed in this area since Oct. 1 to nine. This effort is the result of a joint agreement signed between North Korea and South Korea to remove weapons and munitions along the 155-mile long Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas, and to identify and return any remains that are recovered in the process. Currently, there are 7,675 Americans who remain unaccounted for from the Korean War and more than 133,000 South Koreans.
TRICARE Prime and Select Open Season
TRICARE has kicked off its first open season where Prime and Select beneficiaries can enroll in or change their health care coverage plan for 2019. The open season period will last from now until Dec. 10 and any changes made during this period will become effective on Jan. 1, 2019. If you are satisfied with your current plan, then your coverage will continue automatically for 2019, as long as you remain eligible for coverage.
TRDP and FEDVIP Update
The current TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) will end Dec. 31, 2018, and will be replaced by the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) dental coverage options. Vision plans will also be available to eligible TRICARE beneficiaries through FEDVIP. The first opportunity to enroll in FEDVIP is during the 2018 Federal Benefits Open Season, which began on Nov. 12, 2018, and runs through Dec. 10, 2018. Coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2019. In general, retired uniformed service members and their families who were eligible for TRDP in 2018 are eligible for FEDVIP dental coverage, and, if enrolled in a TRICARE health plan, FEDVIP vision coverage, beginning in 2019. Family members of active-duty uniformed service members who are enrolled in a TRICARE health plan are eligible for FEDVIP vision coverage.
The Patriot Cafe & Retail Store
The Erie VA is having the grand opening of The Patriot Cafe & Retail Store ribbon-cutting ceremonies Tuesday, Nov. 27. It will be held at 9 a.m. in the Erie VAMC Basement. Stop by and check out the newly designed Canteen.
POW/MIA Update
Army Pfc. Leo J. Duquette, a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, engaged in combat operations against North Korean forces near Choch’iwon, South Korea. Interment services are pending.
Army Pfc. John W. Martin was a member of Medical Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. In late November 1950, his unit was assembled with South Korean soldiers in the 31st Regimental Combat Team on the east side of the Chosin River, North Korea. Interment services are pending.
Army Pfc. Lewis E. Price was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. In November 1944, his unit moved into the Hürtgen Forest in Germany. Interment services are pending.
Navy Reserve Ensign Charles M. Stern was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending.
Navy Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Ulis C. Steely was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Charles H. Harris was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
To all the deer hunters, have a safe and enjoyable hunt. Be sure to tell some one where you are hunting just in case something happens in the woods, and you can be located.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
