New Web-Based Housing Early Application Tool

From Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) announced the phased Navy-wide release of the Housing Early Application Tool (HEAT) beginning in May.

This web-based tool will allow Sailors and their families to apply for housing online from any computer.

"HEAT makes the Navy house hunting process smoother and less stressful for our Sailors and their families. By providing the early housing application online, Sailors and their spouses can use HEAT to review housing and community information, and make an informed decision on a home before receiving their permanent change of station (PCS) orders," said Vice Adm. William French, commander, Navy Installations Command.

HEAT utilizes authoritative systems to reduce the amount of personal information and to steam line the online process. HEAT can be securely accessed from any computer with an internet connection. Service members or their spouses can use HEAT prior to receiving permanent change of station (PCS) orders to request information about community housing or check on their eligibility for military and privatized housing. They may also submit HEAT requests to multiple Installations if they are not sure where they may be stationed next.

"Our goal with HEAT is to reach out to Sailors early in the PCS process to reduce stress and provide proactive support when moving from one duty station to another," said Corky Vazquez, CNIC housing program manager. "With HEAT, Sailors and their families are able to make contact with our Navy Housing Service Centers and Privatization Partners to discuss their housing needs and learn about their housing options at any time. HEAT makes it easy to connect with our housing professionals and make informed decisions before even having orders."

HEAT will be deployed Navy-wide by Navy Region according to the following schedule:

* Naval District Washington, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic and Navy Region Midwest began May 1,

* Navy Region Southwest began May 8,

* Navy Region Southeast began May 15,

* Navy Region Europe, Africa, Asia beginning May 22,

* Navy Region Hawaii beginning May 29,

* Navy Region Japan, Navy Region Korea and Singapore Area Coordinator beginning June 8,

* Joint Region Marianas beginning June 15.

HEAT will be implemented by region and will be Navy-wide by June 30.

To access HEAT and for more information about when your base will have HEAT, visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil/HEAT.

NPC Website: A One-Stop Shop for Everything Navy

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrea Perez, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy Personnel Command (NPC) website, hosted at www.npc.navy.mil, contains links to guidance and policy, programs, pay and benefits, Navy messages, stories and much more, officials reminded Sailors March 28.

"Our objective is to provide Sailors and their families with a one-stop shop for all Navy-related information and to get answers to their questions in a centralized location," said Lt. Jon Williams, functional website manager, NPC communications. "The NPC website provides information and guidance vital to Sailors from boot camp to retirement and beyond."

According to Williams, the NPC website is the second most visited Navy website and more than 85 percent of the Navy's web content can only be found here.

The website contains more than 2,500 pages, 15,000 documents and registers nearly one million visits per month.

The Reference Library section, which contains U.S. Navy forms and instructions and DoD directives and publications, receives the most active visits every month. In February, the NAVADMIN 2012 page was the most popular page accessed on the website and received more than 100,000 views.

The Knowledge Base is another valuable feature on the NPC website and was created to supplement the NPC Customer Service Center (CSC). A Sailor can always call or email the CSC for information, but also has the ability to go to www.npc.navy.mil to research and answer his or her own questions online 24/7.

The Knowledge Base can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Sailors, retirees and their families can ask any question they want to about the Navy. The system uses keywords to generate a solution to their question.

Sailors can access the Knowledge Base by visiting the NPC website and clicking on the 'Ask NPC a Question' icon in the upper right corner of the page.

"Our ultimate goal is to provide Sailors and their families with current and reliable web content, so they can make informed career and life decisions," said Williams.

For more information or to view the website, visit www.npc.navy.mil or call NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC, (1-866-827-5672) or e-mail at CSCMailbox@navy.mil.

Combat Pay Counts Toward Economic Stimulus Payment Eligibility

By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 20, 2008 - Military personnel serving in combat zones are eligible for an economic stimulus payment, an Internal Revenue Service spokesman said today during an "America Supports You Live" interview on BlogTalkRadio. While combat pay generally is nontaxable, servicemembers are permitted to count this pay on their 2007 or 2008 income tax returns if it helps their eligibility, Clay Sanford explained.

"A military person who would not normally file a 2007 tax return because the 2007 income is not taxable, can file a 1040A with the IRS and receive the stimulus payment," he said. Servicemembers should report their nontaxable combat pay on Line 40b of the Form 1040A to show at least $3,000 in qualifying income, he added.

Starting in May, as part of the economic stimulus plan, the IRS will issue payments of up to $600 -- $1,200 for married couples -- plus a $300 payment for each qualifying child younger than 17. The payments are based on 2007 income tax returns. The payments for individuals begin to phase out starting at $75,000 in adjusted gross income for single taxpayers, and at $150,000 for married couples.

People must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income to get a payment. Qualifying income is defined as any combination of earned income (such as wages or taxable income from self-employment), nontaxable combat pay and certain benefits from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.

Sanford encouraged qualifying servicemembers to submit early. While military servicemembers who are serving in a combat zone are granted an extension of 180 days after leaving combat, spouses or others with a power of attorneys can prepare and file a 2007 income tax return on their behalf so that the stimulus payment is received this year. The return must be filed by Oct. 15.

Sanford offered additional tax advice to servicemembers during the interview, especially those who are just starting out and filing taxes for the first time.

"Keep receipts and copies of your tax returns," he cautioned. It's a good idea to keep receipts for six years and the tax returns indefinitely, he advised.

"You are responsible for your own tax return, regardless of whether you do it yourself or rely on a tax preparer," he said.

For help, Sanford listed a number of helpful documents that can provide clarification. By going to the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov and typing in "Publication 3," he explained, servicemembers will find a great resource for active duty people and reservists. He also recommended Publication 17 for learning more about general filing of individual income tax, and Publication 525, aimed at veterans and those with pensions. He also noted that many military members qualify for free electronic tax filing.

"Additionally, on most military installations, the legal office is there to provide you with information," he said, and he also noted that the military is one of the IRS's leading partners in its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, in which provides on-site help to taxpayers, courtesy of volunteers in their organizations.

In today's digital age, irs.gov is a great resource for young servicemembers, Sanford went on to say. Sanford encouraged servicemembers to visit the site for detailed educational guides on filing, helpful tips and tools, and to learn more about the special deductions that may not be intuitive for military members.

Those without easy access to the Internet can call 1-800-TAX-1040 toll free for information and answers to any specific questions, he said.

(Jamie Findlater works in the New Media branch at American Forces Information Service.)

Soldiers Gain Easier Access to Family, Friends

By Capt. Russell S. Cunningham, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 10, 2008 - Staying involved in the lives of loved ones is a challenge for many deployed soldiers. Starting in April 2007, Task Force Pacemaker communication specialists helped soldiers overcome this major challenge by providing civilian Internet in their quarters.

With an ever-expanding population here, the existing Morale, Welfare and Recreation system has not been sufficient to accommodate soldiers without long wait times and minimal actual time on the system. Many times, soldiers would stay up late waiting to use the phone and end up cutting into their sleep, thereby affecting their work.

M. Sami Hashimi, CEO of Internet service provider AFSAT, said many units throughout Afghanistan have turned to a civilian Internet system to reduce the burden on MWR facilities.

The company purchases local or third-country satellite Internet systems to meet soldiers' needs. These systems range in size from a few friends in the same tent getting together to buy a system to more than 300 users spread across an expanding forward operating base.

These systems are user purchased, user resourced and user operated. The gains in family communication and morale have been considerable for TF Pacemaker, as a high operational tempo has made access to communications at all times important, officials said.

"There were many challenges in setting up the network," Army 1st Lt. Tabber Mintz said.

The largest of challenge was managing realistic expectations. Soldiers were briefed ahead of time on what to expect from the system so they were less likely to be dissatisfied with the service."

The second issue was ensuring all users agreed to follow set guidelines. Soldiers were able to use Web cams, instant messengers and voice applications.

"The final concern that needed to be addressed was the absence of the equipment needed to raise the quality of service to our soldiers," said Army Sgt. Jonathan Morris.

Morris and Mintz came up with innovative ways to resource necessary equipment. Mintz said this made the system much more efficient, allowing soldiers better access to Web-based applications.

Soldiers voice their appreciation on a daily basis for the ability to continue meaningful communications with loved ones and for the capacity to find ways to unwind and relax at the end of the day.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Daren Brekke, from Paradise, Mont., is a father of eight and uses the civilian Internet service to communicate with his family. "We are a long ways from home. Being able to communicate with loved ones via the civilian Internet and Web cam increases soldiers' morale and closes the disconnect between the soldiers and their families caused by lengthy and frequent deployments," he said.

(Army Capt. Russell S. Cunningham is assigned to Task Force Pacemaker.)

America Supports You: Airman Flies High After Surprise Proposal

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Jan. 24, 2008 - Simply communicating while deployed to Iraq can be challenging for servicemembers, but one airman discovered that trying to plan a surprise marriage proposal was nearly impossible. But help from several sources led to Air Force Senior Airman Robert Blackburn popping the question to his girlfriend, D'Ann Campbell, Jan. 18.

"It was really hard for me to even get on the Internet over there," said Blackburn, 22, who recently returned to his duty station at Hill Air Force Base, in Utah.

But Blackburn's moving request and a friend's testimony submitted to "Dallas is Love," a Texas-based organization that provides servicemembers with Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift cards, earned the airman the opportunity to relax and let others make the arrangements for him.

Robbins Bros. jewelers, which helped coordinate a soldier's surprise proposal in December, presented Blackburn with a gift certificate toward the purchase of engagement and wedding rings for Campbell. Company officials also coordinated details of the proposal.

Blackburn wanted to propose to Campbell at the Adolphus Hotel in downtown Dallas and follow it with a nice dinner.

Getting Campbell, a senior at Dallas Baptist University, on the scene was no problem. She thought she was attending a party at the hotel with a friend. Instead of going to a party, however, she was met in the lobby by former Dallas Cowboys tight end Billy Jo DuPree, who escorted her to where Blackburn was waiting.

"Billy Jo heard that Robert was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan and couldn't resist becoming his wingman," said Tanya Stafford, general manager for Robbins Bros.' Dallas location.

"I was thankful that Robbins Bros. was there to help me with the ring selection and with the proposal," Blackburn, originally of Rowlett, Texas, said. "It's hard to say in words how much I appreciate everyone's help in making this happen for me and D'Ann."

Robbins Bros., which bills itself as the "world's biggest engagement ring store," was only too happy to help.

"We are in the business of love, and so it is always special when we can make a dream proposal come true," Stafford said. "In addition, we take this opportunity to thank Robert and all the thousands of military men and women serving out country and recognize the sacrifices they are making on our behalf."

Dallas is Love not only introduced Blackburn and Robbins Bros., but also picked up the tab for dinner. The group is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

"(Robbins Bros.) did the majority of the arranging," said Linda Foster, president of Dallas is Love. "All we did is kind of help pick out who the winner was going to be, and we're ... going to pay for the meal and whatever expenses they might have (associated with the evening)."

Because of Blackburn's overseas assignments, he and his fiancee have seen each other for only a total of one month of their three-year relationship. They hope to marry before Blackburn's scheduled return to Iraq in January 2009.

America Supports You: Wounded Fort Hood Troops Receive Laptops

American Forces Press Service

Jan. 7, 2008 - Wounded servicemembers at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Hood, Texas, recently got some help staying connected with loved ones during their recovery. Operation Homelink, in collaboration with the Dell computer corporation, presented 30 refurbished laptops to wounded soldiers participating in the Army Wounded Warrior Program on Dec. 21.

The Army Wounded Warrior Program serves the most severely wounded, injured or ill soldiers and their families by helping them with their transition back into civilian or military life.

"This means a lot to us," said laptop recipient Leslie Mansur, a recently retired member of the Army's 4th Infantry Division and a participant in the Army program. "We cannot do our jobs as soldiers if it weren't for the support and faith of the American people and for programs like (Operation Homelink)."

Operation Homelink is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

Having e-mail access during recovery meets soldiers' desires to stay in contact with fellow soldiers and family members, said Dan Shannon, founder and president of Illinois-based Operation Homelink.

Internet access also allows management of medical and financial matters and provides entertainment, which helps boost morale during extended recovery periods. Laptops provided to the most severely injured soldiers in the program have expanded functionality to run adaptive software and accessories.

"We are extremely grateful for Dell's continuing support of our expanded efforts to support our wounded warriors," Shannon said.

Operation Homelink strives to assist military support programs like Army Wounded Warrior Program by providing refurbished computers, which are donated by sponsors such as Dell.

"Dell has a longstanding relationship with the U.S. military," said Troy West, vice president of Dell Federal. "We are proud to assist programs like Operation Homelink in providing technology that will help soldiers like those in the Army Wounded Warrior Program to not only keep in touch with family, friends and fellow soldiers, but to also assist in their recovery processes."

Formed in 2003, Operation Homelink also provides desktop computers to families of servicemembers so they can stay in touch with deployed loved ones.

With this latest laptop donation, Operation Homelink has provided more than 100 laptops to wounded servicemembers. To date, the organization has connected more than 2,500 military families through its donations of laptop or desktop computers.

"If we ask our closest family members and dearest friends if they would die for us, we will get many different answers: but a soldier will die for us without being asked," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey Tucker, who attended the laptop distribution event. "They do not often hear thanks or praise for their efforts, so it is very much appreciated when organizations like Dell and volunteers from Operation Homelink show how much they value the sacrifices being made on their behalf."

(From an Operation Homelink news release.)