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SECTION II

RETIREE COMMUNITY (AMERICAN) NEWSLETTER

PERMANENT DATA:  CHANGES ARE INDICATED BY AN ASTERISK (*) ABOVE THE SUBJECT...

 

DISCLAIMER:  ADS IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE PUBLISHED AS A SERVICE TO OUR READERS.... THEIR PUBLICATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AIR FORCE OR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ENDORSEMENT OF THE PRODUCTS OR SERVICE....

 

RAO:  WE WOULD LIKE FOR EVERY MILITARY RETIREE, DEPENDENT, WIDOW(ER), ACTIVE DUTY OR OTHER AMERICANS TO KNOW THAT YOU CAN  RECEIVE ASSISTANCE AT OUR OFFICE...  WE DON'T HAVE MONEY; HOWEVER, WE CAN HELP OR KNOW PEOPLE WHO CAN…  AS AREA  U.S. EMBASSY WARDEN AND RAO DIRECTOR, MOST PROBLEMS CAN BE ESOLVED HERE OR WITH A REFERRAL...  THIS ALSO APPLIES TO AMERASIAN'S CHILDREN.   IN GENERAL, IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO, THE RAO IS A GOOD PLACE TO START...  AS YOU HAVE NOTICED, WE USE MANY OF THE SAME ARTICLES OVER EACH MONTH WITH UPDATES...  OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE NEWCOMERS WITH COMPLETE DATE & TO UPDATE THE "OLE TIMERS".  WE HAVE MANY READERS THAT ARE ASKING ABOUT THEIR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BEFORE PUBLICATION; THESE ARE THE MEMBERS WHO STAY CURRENT.  ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN, WE HAVE OTHERS, WHO DO NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NEWSLETTERS UNTIL THEY HAVE A PROBLEM...  THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO NEED THE ENTIRE NEWSLETTER WITH BACKGROUND DATA TO BECOME AWARE OF THE SERVICE THAT ARE AVAILABLE....

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RAO SATELLITES:  WE HAVE ESTABLISHED SEVERAL RAO SATELLITES AND WOULD LIKE MORE... ALSO WOULD LIKE TO ESTABLISH IT IN PALAWAN & OTHER LOCATIONS...  IF INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT THE RAO...  RESPONSIBILITY OF RAO SATELLITES WOULD BE TO:

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  • PROVIDE A CENTRAL INFORMATION CENTER FOR YOUR AREA (WE PROVIDE DATA).

  • COORDINATE MEDICAL CARES IN YOUR AREA.

  • CASUALTY REPORTING AND ASSISTING DEPENDENTS/WIDOWS(ER)/CONTACT US.

  • MAINTAIN LOCATOR FILE (COPY FOR YOU & US).

  • ASSURE ELIGIBLE MEMBERS ARE ENROLLED IN DEERS (IF NOT CONTACT US).

  • ADVISE MEMBERS CONCERNING NEWBORN REGISTRATION WITH THE U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS.

  • CONTACT US WHEN PAY PROBLEMS CANNOT BE RESOLVED BY THE RETIREE/WIDOW.

  • ADVISE MEMBERS OF SERVICES AVAILABLE VIA SOCIAL SECURITY AND VA IN MANILA.

  • PASS OUT FED TAX FORMS & INSTRUCTIONS EACH JANUARY (WE PROVIDE).

  • ASSIST WITH U.S.MILITARY RECRUITING& REFER TO US.

  • NOT ALLOWED TO USE THE RAO TO PROMOTE PRIVATE BUSINESS.

  • PROVIDE A CENTRAL INFORMATION CENTER FOR YOUR AREA (WE PROVIDE DATA).

  • COORDINATE MEDICAL CARES IN YOUR AREA.

  • CASUALTY REPORTING AND ASSISTING DEPENDENTS/WIDOWS(ER)/CONTACT US.

  • MAINTAIN LOCATOR FILE (COPY FOR YOU & US).

  • ASSURE ELIGIBLE MEMBERS ARE ENROLLED IN DEERS (IF NOT CONTACT US).

  • ADVISE MEMBERS CONCERNING NEWBORN REGISTRATION WITH THE U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS.

  • CONTACT US WHEN PAY PROBLEMS CANNOT BE RESOLVED BY THE RETIREE/WIDOW.

  • ADVISE MEMBERS OF SERVICES AVAILABLE VIA SOCIAL SECURITY AND VA IN MANILA.

  • PASS OUT FED TAX FORMS & INSTRUCTIONS EACH JANUARY (WE PROVIDE).

  • ASSIST WITH U.S.MILITARY RECRUITING& REFER TO US.

  • NOT ALLOWED TO USE THE RAO TO PROMOTE PRIVATE BUSINESS.

 

 

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RAO “MINI” LIBRARY:  WE HAVE A SELECTION OF POCKETBOOKS AND MAGAZINES THAT CAN BE CHECKED OUT UPON REQUEST… ALSO HAVE A SET OF ENCYCLOPEDIAS; HOWEVER, OUR COPY IS OVER TEN YEARS OLD… WE ALSO PROVIDE POCKETBOOKS AND MAGAZINES TO OUR CHAMPUS PARTICIPATING HOSPITAL… IF YOU HAVE EXCESS BOOKS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE, PLEASE SEE ME AT THE RAO…

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DISASTER PREPAREDNESS:  BET YOU THOUGHT THAT YOU GOT AWAY FROM THIS TERMINOLOGY WHEN YOU RETIRED… SORRY, CAN'T LET YOU OFF THAT EASY… AS MOST REMEMBER FROM PINATUBO DAYS, IT PAYS TO BE PREPARED FOR NATURAL OR MAN MADE DISASTERS… THE PHILIPPINES HAS ITS SHARE OF EARTHQUAKES, VOLCANOS, TYPHOONS AND WE MUST PLAN ACCORDINGLY… WITH VOLCANOS AND TYPHOONS, WE SHOULD HAVE AMPLE WARNING AND STOCK UP ON SUPPLIES SUCH AS NONPERISHABLE FOODS, DRINKING WATER, FLASHLIGHTS WITH EXTRA BATTERIES, CANDLES, MEDICATION, COOKING GAS, FULL TANK OF FUEL FOR YOUR VEHICLE AND OTHER SUPPLIES YOU WOULD NORMALLY NEED FOR ABOUT TEN DAYS… ALWAYS SHOULD MAINTAIN A FEW DAYS OF EMERGENCY SUPPLIES IN CASE OF EARTHQUAKE’S OR MAN MADE DISASTERS… WE SHOULD ALSO PLAN ON HAVING EXTRA FUNDS OR CREDIT CARDS IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES… REALIZE THIS IS SOMETIMES HARD TO DO ON A TIGHT BUDGET; HOWEVER, THIS IS WHERE A CREDIT CARD COULD COME IN HANDY… SHOULD ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FAMILY’S PASSPORTS UP TO DATE AND NEWBORNS REGISTERED WITH THE EMBASSY… HARD TO DO THESE THING DURING EMERGENCIES… NOTIFICATION SYSTEM DURING EMERGENCIES; WE HAVE ARRANGEMENT WILL CABLE TV TO USE CHANNEL 3 DURING EMERGENCIES TO KEEP YOU INFORMED… IF POWER IS OUT, WE WILL PASS ON THIS INFORMATION TO ALL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS… OUR OFFICE WILL BE OPEN, WORKING WITH U.S. EMBASSY AND THE LOCAL GOV’T TO PROVIDE INFORMATION/SERVICES AS REQUIRED…

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LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE (LTO):  EMPHASIS IS NOW BEING PLACED ON EARLY WARNING DEVICES (EWD)... TO AVOID A FINE AND POSSIBLE DRIVING PRIVILEGES SUSPENSION IT WOULD BE WISE TO HAVE THE EWD IN YOUR VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES AND DON’T FORGET TO KEEP SEAT BELTS BUCKLED OR BE READY TO DONATE... APPEARS THAT IF YOU COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE, KEEP YOUR REGISTRATION CURRENT, OBTAIN LICENSE PLATES ASAP AFTER PURCHASE OF A VEHICLE AND WEAR A HELMET IF RIDING A MOTORCYCLE/ SCOOTER THERE SHOULD NOT BE TOO MANY PROBLEMS WITH LOCAL POLICE... ACCORDING TO THE LTO, DAU, TOURIST WITH VALID DRIVERS LICENSE FROM COUNTRY OF ORIGIN ARE ALLOWED TO DRIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES UP TO 90 DAYS FROM DATE OF ARRIVAL... BE SURE TO CARRY YOUR PASSPORT & DRIVERS LICENSE FOR PROOF... MUST BE A PERMANENT RESIDENCE TO OBTAIN  A PHILIPPINE DRIVER'’S  LICENSE...

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WORK PERMITS FOR FOREIGNERS:  IF YOU ARE GOING TO WORK IN THE PHILIPPINES, BE SURE TO OBTAIN A WORK PERMIT FROM THE PHILIPPINE DEPT.  OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT... FAILURE TO DO SO COULD JEOPARDIZE YOUR VISA STATUS... DROP BY THE OFFICE FOR ADDITIONAL DATA ON THIS SUBJECT....

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PHILIPPINE TAX:  HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL INQUIRES CONCERNING TAX IN THE PHILIPPINES.. INCOME/RETIREMENT RECEIVED FROM ABROAD IS NOT TAXABLE IN THE PHILIPPINES; HOWEVER, PHILIPPINE INCOME IS SUBJECT TO TAXES... IF YOU PLAN TO OPERATE A BUSINESS IN THE PHILIPPINES I RECOMMEND YOU OBTAIN THE SERVICE OF A LOCAL ACCOUNTANT... U.S. TAX:  WE HAVE MOST ALL THE FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS AND CAN REFER YOU TO CPA IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE...

 

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can he more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Philippine laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Capital punishment is possible for certain drug-related crimes. Fraud, swindling and "bad debts" are also serious criminal offenses in the Philippines, as is the illegal recruitment of Philippine citizens for employment overseas. The Philippine government also has strict laws against the possession of firearms, and several foreigners have been sentenced to life imprisonment for bringing firearms into the country. Americans who are arrested overseas should immediately ask to contact a U.S. Embassy representative.​

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HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE/HYPERTENSION:  WE ARE HAVING MORE PEOPLE HOSPITALIZED THAN NORMAL FOR FAILING TO MANAGE HIS/HER BLOOD PRESSURE… ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED AS HAVING HYPERTENSION, YOU SHOULD STAY ON YOUR MEDICATION UNTIL YOUR PHYSICIAN ADVISES YOU OTHERWISE… WITH A PROPER DIET AND EXERCISE PROGRAM, ONE CAN PREVENT THIS PROBLEM IS MOST CASES AND THE ONES WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CAN LOWER THEIRS… JUST NEED TO MAKE AN EXERCISE PROGRAM PART OF YOUR DAILY SCHEDULE AND EAT PROPERLY (NOT A LIQUID DIET)… EVERYONE THAT HAS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SHOULD HAVE A BLOOD PRESSURE KIT AND MONITOR AT LEAST WEEKLY TO INSURE YOUR MEDICATION IS STILL EFFECTIVE…

 

TB (TUBERCULOSIS):  A VERY HIGH PERCENTAGE OF THE PHILIPPINE POPULATION IS AFFECTED WITH THIS PROBLEM; THEREFORE, EVEN WITH THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF PRECAUTION, ONE STANDS A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF EXPOSURE…  ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMS PLUS HAVING EVERYONE IN YOUR QUARTERS CHECKED INITIALLY WOULD BE REDUCE ONES CHANCES OF INFECTION CONSIDERABLY…

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DENGUE  FEVER  (H-FEVER):  IF YOU KEEP UP WITH THE MAJOR NEWSPAPERS AND LOCAL NEWS, YOU HAVE PROBABLY HEARD ENOUGH ABOUT DENGUE FEVER… IN EVENT YOU HAVEN’T HEARD ABOUT THIS “BUG”, THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE PHILIPPINES AND OTHER COUNTRIES HERE IN ASIA… DENGUE FEVER IN THE INITIAL FORM IS USUALLY NO MORE SERIOUS THAN THE FLU WITH BASICALLY THE SAME SYMPTOMS; HOWEVER, IF IT SHOULD DEVELOP INTO THE HEMORRAHAGIC FORM, THIS IS VERY SERIOUS AND LIFE THREATENING… THIS MOST SEVERE FORM IS ASSOCIATED WITH LOSS OF APPETITE, VOMITING, HIGH FEVER, HEADACHE, ABDOMINAL PAIN AND BLEEDING… THE INITIAL STAGE OF DENGUE IS CHARACTERIZED BY RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF FEVER THAT LAST FROM FIVE TO SEVEN DAYS, WITH INTENSE HEADACHE, JOINT, MUSCLE PAIN AND RASH… THE RASH MAY DEVELOPS ON THE FEET OR LEGS USUALLY THREE TO FOUR DAYS AFTER THE FEVER STARTS… IF ONE HAS THESE SYMPTOMS, IT’S TIME TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR… CULPRIT:   A DAY BITING MOSQUITO… (AEDES HEGYPTI)

                                                                                                       

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HOW TO PREVENT: THIS MOSQUITO THRIVES IN FRESH STANDING WATER AND THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THIS TYPE OF MOSQUITO IS TO ELIMINATE THE BREADING GROUND… THIS MUST BE A COMMUNITY PROJECT TO BE TRULY EFFECTIVE, AS THIS TYPE MOSQUITO WILL NORMALLY TRAVEL FROM 50 TO 200 METERS FROM THE BREADING GROUNDS… IF ANYONE IS DIAGNOSED WITH DENGUE FEVER WITHIN 200 METERS FROM YOUR QUARTERS, IT IS SAFE TO ASSUME YOU COULD ALSO BE THE NEXT VICTIM AND SHOULD TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS…  YOU AND YOUR NEIGHBORS SHOULD:

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  • DRAIN ALL STANDING WATER DAILY.

  • FLOWER POTS, EMPTY CANS, OLD TIRES AND OTHER RECEPTACLES IN THE YARD SHOULD BE DISCARDED…

  • KEEP YOUR SCREEN ON THE WINDOWS AND DOORS IN GOOD CONDITION…

  • SPRAY YOUR HOUSE WITH A GOOD MOSQUITO KILLER DAILY DURING THE RAINY SEASON…

  • USE INSECT REPELLENT DURING THE PEAK DENGUE SEASON…

NOTE:   THE DENGUE CARRYING MOSQUITO (AEDES) ARE NOT ALL INFECTED BY THE DENGUE VIRUS; THEY ARE JUST CARRIERS… WHEN THE MOSQUITO BITES A PERSON WITH DENGUE FEVER THEY BECOME CARRIERS…

 

RABIES:  LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH RABIES HERE IN THE PI DUE TO STRAY DOGS...  ACCORDING TO THE NEWSPAPERS, WE HAVE OUR SHARE HERE IN PAMPANGA AND THE SURROUNDING PROVINCES.  DOGS ARE THE BIG PROBLEM IN MOST AREAS; HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD ALSO BEWARE OF CATS OR EVEN BATS.   IF BITTEN BE SURE TO CLEAN THE WOUND THOROUGHLY WITH SOAP AND WATER AND CHECK IN AT THE BEST HOSPITAL AVAILABLE.   AUFMC HAS THE NEW TYPE VACCINE...   IF YOU HAVE PETS, BE SURE TO KEEP THE RABIES SHOTS UP TO DATE.  WE HAVE A GOOD VET LOCATED ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE RAO PLUS THERE ARE MANY MORE IN THE AREA...

 

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DRUG ENTRAPMENT:  DON’T BE A SUCKER… AN AMERICAN CITIZEN BECAME A GUEST OF THE ANGELES CITY JAIL FOR VIOLATING THE DANGEROUS DRUG ACT WHILE PURCHASING A “JOINT” FROM A FRIENDLY STREET PUSHER ON FIELD AVENUE… THIS IS WHAT ONE COULD REFER TO AS A DOUBLE SUCKER; ONCE FOR PURCHASING DRUGS AND SECOND FOR TRUSTING A PUSHER… HOPE HE DIDN’T SELL HIM ANY “GOLD” RINGS AS WELL… THERE IS A LOT MORE WAYS OF HAVING FUN IN ANGELES CITY THAN BEING INVOLVED IN DRUGS…

 

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 MILITARY RETIREES AND TRICARE RESPONSIBILITY:  THE U.S. GOV’T HAS PROVIDED YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITH TRICARE BENEFITS FOR LIFE AND HAS ENTRUSTED YOU WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAKING SURE THE BILLING IS CORRECT... DO NOT SIGN BLANK TRICARE CLAIM FORMS AND OBTAIN A COPY OF YOUR BILL BEFORE SIGNING ANY CLAIM... ONCE YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THE STATEMENT FROM TRICARE, CHECK THE BILLING AGAINST YOUR RECEIPT AND IF ALL DOES NOT MATCH, SEE ME OR CONTACT TRICARE DIRECTLY...DO NOT ALLOW ANY PROVIDER TO OVERBILL TRICARE OR BILL FOR SERVICES NOT RENDERED... TRICARE HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO YOU/YOUR FAMILY BY A GREATFUL NATION AND YOU SHOULD DO YOUR BEST TO PROTECT THESE BENEFITS... IF WE LET OUR GUARD DOWN, I GUESS ALL ARE AWARE THAT WE COULD LOOSE THIS VERY IMPORTANT BENEFIT...

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TRICARE EXPLANATION OF BENEFITS (TEOB):  EVERYTIME A CLAIM IS FILED TO TRICARE AGAINST YOUR ACCOUNT (SSN), YOU/YOUR FAMILY ARE SUPPOSED TO RECEIVE A TEOB EXPLAINING THE CHARGES... THIS IS AN EXCELLENT MANAGEMENT TOOL TO ENSURE UNAUTHORIZED CLAIMS/CHARGES ARE NOT FILED AGAINST YOUR ACCOUNT... ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS CHECK EACH ENTRY ON THE TEOB AND IF THE COST IS EXCESSIVE OR IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE THE SERVICE CONTACT THE PROVIDER TO CORRECT THE MISTAKE… IF YOU SHOULD ENCOUNTER ANY PROBLEMS, CONTACT ME OR ISOS… THESE ARE OUR U.S. TAX DOLLARS AND WE SHOULD NOT ALLOW PROVIDERS/ BILLING AGENTS TO GET AWAY WITH OVERCHARGING FOR SERVICES OR SUBMITTING CLAIMS FOR SERVICE NOT RECEIVED...

 

TRICARE FOR LIFE (TFL):  IF YOU ARE OVER SIXTY FIVE (65) YEARS OF AGE RECEIVING SSA DISABILITY AND ENROLLED IN PART B MEDICARE YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THESE BENEFITS...  IF NOT ENROLLED IN PART B MEDICARE, THE NEXT ENROLLMENT PERIOD IS BETWEEN 02 JAN – 31 MAR AND THE ELIGIBILITY DATE WILL BE 01 JUL... WHILE OVERSEAS THIS PROGRAM BASICALLY REINSTATES YOUR OLD CHAMPUS (TRICARE) BENEFITS THAT YOU ENJOYED PRIOR TO YOUR 65TH BIRTHDAY... IF YOU PLAN TO MOVE/VISIT THE UNITED STATES/TERRITORY PRACTICALLY ALL YOUR MEDICAL BILLS WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF BY MEDICARE WITH TRICARE BECOMING THE SECOND PAYER... THIS IS THE GREATEST ADVANCE IN MEDICAL CARE FOR MILITARY RETIREES THAT I CAN REMEMBER...

 

TRICARE MAIL ORDER PHARMACY:  THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) HAS AUTHORIZED MILITARY RETIREES TO RECEIVE TRICARE MAIL ORDER PHARMACY SHIPMENTS WITHOUT ANY WEIGHT LIMITATIONS VIA OUR FPO... THIS WAS ALLOWED UNOFFICIALLY BY THE EMBASSY PREVIOUSLY AND IS NOW OFFICIAL... PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE PRESCRIPTION CAN ONLY BE SHIPPED FROM THE “TRICARE MAIL ORDER PHARMACY” (NO OTHER AGENCY/BUSINESS... WITH THIS AUTHORITY WE CAN RECEIVE  PHARMACY; HOWEVER, WE DON’T HAVE ANYONE AUTHORIZED TO WRITE PRESCRIPTIONS (PHYSICIANS MUST BE REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES

 

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VETERANS WITH 100% SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITIES:  IF YOU DID NOT RETIRE FROM THE U.S. MILITARY, YOU ARE STILL AUTHORIZED SEVERAL BENEFITS… CHAMPVA:  IF RATE 100% PERMANENTLY DISABLED (SERVICE CONNECTED), YOUR FAMILY MAY BE AUTHORIZED CHAMPVA WHICH WORKS A LOT LIKE TRICARE STANDARD/CHAMPUS EXCEPT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO USE THE VA CLINIC FOR OUTPATIENT CARE AND OUR TRICARE PARTICIPATING HOSPITAL FOR INPATIENT CARE… ALSO ALLOWED TO USE OUR POSTAL FACILITIES PLUS OTHER PRIVILEGES WHEN YOU VISIT MILITARY BASES… NEW:  ADDED A WHEEL CHAIR RAMP AT OUR POST OFFICE… WILLING TO HELP ANYWAY WE CAN WITHIN OUR BUDGET, JUST ASK IF YOU SEE SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED…

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VA DEATH PENSION:  SURVIVING SPOUSES AND  UNMARRIED CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18, OR UP TO AGE 23 IF ATTENDING  A  VA APPROVED  SCHOOL OF DECEASED VETERANS WITH WARTIME SERVICE MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED PENSION  BASED  ON NEED...   THE VETERAN MUST HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED UNDER CONDITIONS OTHER THAN DISHONORABLE AND MUST HAVE HAD 90 DAYS OR  MORE OF  ACTIVE  MILITARY SERVICE,  AT LEAST ONE DAY OF WHICH WAS DURING A PERIOD OF WAR, OR  A  SERVICE-CONNECTED  DISABILITY JUSTIFYING  DISCHARGE FOR  DISABILITY...   IN GENERAL, IF  YOUR  AMERICAN  SPOUSE  PASSED AWAY AND DID NOT LEAVE YOU WITH  MEANS OF SUPPORT,  YOU MAY BE  ELIGIBLE  FOR THIS BENEFIT… MUST HAVE BEEN MARRIED TO THE VETERAN OVER ONE (1) YEAR/HAVE A CHILD AS A RESULT OF SUBJECT RELATIONSHIP… IN SIMPLE  TERMS; IF  YOU ARE  A WIDOW(ER) AND NOT RECEIVING A U.S.  GOV’T CHECK, SEE ME…

 

VA BENEFITS:  IF OVER 65 YEARS OF AGE AND SERVED HONORABLY DURING A PERIOD OF WAR (DID NOT HAVE TO BE IN A COMBAT ZONE) AND MEET SERVICE AND INCOME REQUIREMENTS YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A VA PENSION REGARDLESS OF CURRENT PHYSICAL CONDITION... IN A NUTSHELL IF YOU MET THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS AND ONLY RECEIVE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS/A SMALL INCOME LESS THAN THE AMOUNT ESTABLISHED BY CONGRESS YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE VA... THIS IS NOT A FEW BENEFIT; HOWEVER, WE HAVE FOUND SOME ELIGIBLE MEMBERS WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS POLICY….

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12 TIPS TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT:

  • MAKE SURE YOUR CHECKS ARRIVE IN THE MAIL PROMPTLY.IF YOU HAVEN’T RECEIVED IN A REASONABLE TIME PERIOD, THEY MAY HAVE BEEN STOLEN.

  • DO NOT HAVE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY OR DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER PRINTED ON YOUR CHECKS.. THE NUMBERS, ALONG WITH OTHER PERSONAL INFORMATION, WILL GIVE A THIEF ALL THE NECESSARY FACTS TO APPLY FOR A LOAN, CREDIT CARD, OR BANK ACCOUNT IN YOUR NAME.

  • WHEN WRITING CHECKS, DO NOT LEAVE BLANK SPACES ON THE LINES DESIGNATING THE PAYEE AND THE AMOUNT.... WRITE WORDS CLOSE TOGETHER, AVOID ABBREVIATIONS, AND DRAW LINES TO FILL ANY GAPS..

  • WHEN WRITING CHECKS TO PAY ON A CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT, DO NOT PUT THE COMPLETE CARD NUMBER ON THE “FOR” LINE.INSTEAD, PUT ONLY THE LAST FOUR ACCOUNT NUMBERS.

  • DON’T PUT BILLS IN YOUR MAIL BOX... TAKE THEM TO THE POST OFFICE, OR PUT THEM IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD MAILBOXES.

  • DON’T WRITE YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER ON SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ON A CHECK TO A MERCHANT, EVEN IF THE MERCHANT ASKS FOR HTIS INFORMATION.

  • TRY TO USE YOUR OWN PREPRINTED DEPOSIT SLIPS, OR AT LEAST MAKE SURE THE DEPOSIT SLIPS IN A BANK LOBBY DON’T HAVE SOMEONE ELSE’S ACCOUNT NUMBER ALREADY WRITTEN OR PRINTED ON THEM.

  • DON’T THROW AWAY OLD PAPERS, CANCELLED CHECKS, BANK STATEMENTS, ETC.SHRED OR BURN THEM.

  • PLACE THE CONTENTS OF YOUR WALLET ON A COPY MACHINE AND COPY BOTH SIDES OF EACH LICENSE, CREDIT CARD, ETC.KEEP THE PHOTOCOPY IN A SAFE PLACE.

  • IF YOUR WALLET OR PURSE IS STOLEN, FILE A POLICE REPORT IN THE JURISDICTION WHERE THE CRIME HAPPENED... CANCEL YOUR CREDIT CARDS IMMEDIATELY...

 

PICKPOCKETS:  YES, WE DO HAVE PROBLEMS AND ESPECIALLY WITH  MEMBERS WHO USE JEEPS  (JITNEYS) FOR TRANSPORTATION… WE HAVE SOME OF THE MOST PROFESSIONAL PICKPOCKETS OUTSIDE OF MANILA AND THEY WILL USE THEIR SKILLS IF GIVEN THE CHANCE…  BEST TO CARRY YOUR VALUABLES IN A MONEY POUCH (SECURE) OR IN YOUR FRONT POCKETS…  ALSO SHOULD NOT CARRY YOUR PASSPORT, ID CARDS OR CREDIT/ATM CARDS UNLESS YOU PLAN TO USE THAT DAY…  FOR HOSPITAL & IMMIGRATION PURPOSES, XEROX COPIES OF DOCUMENTS ARE SUFFICIENT…  ANY LOST SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE LOCAL POLICE AND OBTAIN A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT…  SOMETIMES THE PICKPOCKETS WILL CONTACT YOU AND ADVISE  THEY HAVE   F O U N D   YOUR WALLET/PURSE AND OF COURSE THEY WOULD LIKE A REWARD…  USUALLY GET BACK MOST OF YOUR PAPERS; HOWEVER, THE MONEY OR ANYTHING OF VALUE WILL BE MISSING…  THEY USUALLY WILL SETTLE FOR  A FOUR-FIVE HUNDRED PESO REWARD…  BE SURE TO REPORT YOUR MISSING DOCUMENTS TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY IMMEDIATELY… WE CAN PROVIDE THE REQUIRED PASSPORT FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCESS YOUR ID CARD APPLICATION….   IF YOU USE THE JEEPS ON A REGULAR BASIS, MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA TO KEEP A DECOY WALLET IN YOUR REAR POCKET…  MAYBE THE PICKPOCKET WILL THINK THEY STRUCK GOLD AND LEAVE THE OTHER POCKETS ALONE… COULD ALSO INCLUDE A SYMPATHETIC NOTE WITH A TELEPHONE NUMBER  (LOCAL POLICE STATION)….

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***HAVE MORE REPORTS OF PICKPOCKETS POSING AS PASSENGERS ON JEEPS PRIMARILY TO FLEECE FOREIGNERS… THESE PICKPOCKETS USUALLY WORK IN PAIRS, WILL TRY TO SIT ON EACH SIDE OF THEIR VICTIM AND MAY USE A NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE TO HIDE THEIR ACTIONS… WALLETS IN THE BACK POCKETS ARE AN INVITATION FOR PICKPOCKETS AND BEST TO CARRY ANY VALUABLES IN YOUR FRONT POCKETS AND REMAIN ALERT… NEED TO AVOID CARRYING ANY UNNECESSARY VALUABLES/CARDS AND STORE IN A SAFE PLACE… IF STOLEN, BE SURE TO REPORT ALL CREDIT CARDS IMMEDIATELY AND SEE US FOR LOST MILITARY ID/PASSPORT IF IN THIS AREA... SHOULD ALWAYS REPORT THE LOSS TO THE LOCAL POLICE AND GET A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT…

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HUSTLERS IN AND AROUND FIELD AVENUE (ANGELES CITY):  ACCORDING TO REPORTS, SEVERAL FOREIGN TOURIST HAVE BEEN TRICKED BY PASSENGER TRICYCLE DRIVERS, TAKEN TO MARISOL VILLAGE TO LOOSE MONEY IN CARD GAMES... THEY EVEN MAKE SOME TOURIST SIGN PROMISSORY NOTES AND TRY TO EMPTY THEIR ATM ACCOUNTS... IF A TRICYCLE DRIVER TRIES TO TAKE YOU ANYWHERE YOU DON’T WANT TO GO, GET AWAY ASAP AND REPORT TO THE CLOSEST POLICE STATION... BEST TO AVOID THIS MODE OF TRANSPORTATION UNLESS YOU PERSONALLY KNOW THE DRIVER OR RECOMMENDED BY A FRIEND... UNDERAGE PICK-UP GIRLS:  PICK UP GIRLS SHOULD BE AVOIDED... LOT OF 16 YEAR OLD MAY LOOK OVER 18; HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE NOT SURE THAT COULD BE AN ENTRAPMENT OPEARATION OR EXTORTATION PLOT... LOT OF CASES WHERE TOURIST DID NOT CHECK THE AGE AND A FEW HOURS LATER THE EXTORTATION PARTY CAME KNOCKING ON THEIR DOOR... LOT OF CON GAMES AROUND AND IF YOU ARE GOING TO PARTY, BEST TO STICK TO THE BARS WHICH ARE REGULATED BY THE CITY....

 

BEWARE OF SWINDLERS:  THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL CASES RECENTLY… TYPICAL CASES ARE TO USE THE NAME OF WELL KNOWN AMERICANS IN THE AREA ASK OTHER AMERICANS TO ADVANCE THEM A SMALL AMOUNT OF MONEY SO THEY CONTINUE REPAIRS ON AN APPLIANCE ITEMS/CAR…  OF COURSE, HE WILL REASSURE HIS INTENDED VICTIM THAT OWNER OF THE APPLIANCE/CAR WILL REPAY WHEN HE RETURNS… IN OTHER CASES, THEY CONTACT THE HOUSEHOLD HELP/WIFE AND TRY TO COLLECT FOR WORK THE BILL…  TO AVOID THESE TYPE OF PROBLEMS, YOU SHOULD INSTRUCT YOUR HOUSEHOLD HELP TO ONLY PAY ROUTINE BILLS TO PEOPLE THEY DEAL WITH ON A REGULAR BASIS AND T COORDINATE ALL OTHER PAYMENTS WITH YOU… IN GENERAL, YOU SHOULD NOT TRUST STRANGERS ASKING FOR MONEY UNLESS YOU ARE FEELING VERY CHARITABLE…

 

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HOME SECURITY:  BREAK-INS ARE PART OF LIFE...  AS MOST ARE AWARE, WE HAD THIS PROBLEM WHEN CLARK AFB WAS HERE  AND WE CAN EXPECT THESE SAME TYPE PROBLEMS TO CONTINUE IN THE  FORESEEABLE FUTURE...  THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO TO  SLOW DOWN THESE PEOPLE LIKE BUILDING A HIGHER FENCE WITH BARBED WIRE/BROKEN GLASS ON TOP OF THE WALL, A COUPLE OF GOOD  DOGS, TELEPHONE,  OUTSIDE  LIGHTS, NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM, POSSIBLY SHARE A GUARD WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS AND GOOD  LUCK...  BE SURE  TO  REPORT  ALL TO THE POLICE AND GIVE ME A COPY OF THE REPORT...  ALL DATA RECEIVED WILL BE SHARED  WITH  THE  U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA....

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MOVING  TO  ANGELES  CITY,  PI?:  MILITARY  RETIREES  &  ACTIVE DUTY  PERSONNEL  WHO  ARE PLANNING  ON  MOVING  TO  THE  PHILIPPINES  WITH 15 DAYS MAY  CHANGE  THEIR MAIL  ADDRESS  TO :

                                                                                                           NAME

                                                                                                PSC 517 BOX  3000R

                                                                                             FPO  AP  96517

BE  ADVISED  THAT THIS  IS  A RESTRICTED FPO  AND  LIMITED TO 1ST CLASS MAIL  UNDER  16OZS  TO  INCLUDE TRICARE MAIL ORDER, PHARMACY PRESCRIPTIONS, BLANK CHECKS/ MAGAZINES/NEWSPAPERS/FAMILY VOICETAPES & HOME VIDEO’S (NO  MERCHANDISE)....   WE  CAN  ONLY  HOLD  YOUR  MAIL  FOR  15  DAYS...

 

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FPO:  WORKING GREAT, ABOUT 9 DAY SERVICE FROM THE CONUS… ENJOY THE PRIVILEGES & DON'T FORGET THE RESTRICTIONS…   MAIL  IS LIMITED  TO FIRST-CLASS CORRESPONDENCE (INCLUDING VOICE, VIDEO CASSETTES (HOME MADE), BLANK CHECKS),  NEWSPAPERS,  MAGAZINES  AND PHOTOGRAPHS NOT EXCEEDING 16 OUNCES OF THE ABOVE CATEGORY OF ITEMS...  MERCHANDISE CATALOGS,  AND BOOKS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED...  UNAUTHORIZED/PROHIBITED ITEMS PLUS THOSE WEIGHING OVER 16 OUNCES MAY BE  RETURNED TO SENDER..  A FEW PEOPLE CONTINUE TO ABUSE THE FPO SYSTEM, JUST REMEMBER, WHEN YOU ORDER MERCHANDISE, THE EMBASSY IS GOING TO RETURN THE PACKAGE…  THIS IS EXPENSIVE TO THE EMBASSY WHO MUST PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE...  PLEASE USE THE LOCAL MAIL SYSTEM WE HAVE ESTABLISHED TO RECEIVE MERCHANDISE AND SAVE US ALL A LOT OF PROBLEMS AND EXPENSE...  AS MOST ARE AWARE OUR APO IS NEW AND SOME OF THE SMALL POST OFFICES BACK IN THE STATES MAY NOT HAVE POSTED THE U.S. POSTAL BULLETIN TO THE LIST  OF  ACTIVE FPO'S...  JUST IN CASE YOU RECEIVE NOTIFICATION THAT THE RAO DOES NOT EXIST, PLEASE WRITE BACK  AND  MAKE REFERENCE  TO U.S. POSTAL BULLETIN 21903, 9-28-95 PAGE 31…  THIS SHOULD RESOLVE THE PROBLEM... IF NOT, SEE ME…  I  THINK OUR  POSTAL  CLERKS ARE EFFICIENT, HONEST AND ARE DOING GREAT JOB AND IF YOU THINK SO, PLEASE TELL THEM... IF  THERE  ARE PROBLEMS, THAT CANNOT BE RESOLVED, OR YOU HAVE IMPROVEMENT SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE SEE ME... THIS FPO IS ONLY AUTHORIZED  FOR RETIREES, ACCOMPANIED DEPENDENTS AND WIDOWS(ER); DOES NOT INCLUDE ACTIVE DUTY & OTHERS WHICH NORMALLY RECEIVE FPO PRIVILEGES ON MILITARY BASES... NON-NARCOTIC PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION MAY BE RECEIVED VIA THE FPO… THE U.S. POSTAL SYSTEM  ALLOWS US TO HOLD MAIL UP TO 15 DAYS, RELEASE TO YOUR DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE OR FORWARD TO YOUR NEW ADDRESS/SENDER... AN EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE IS FOR YOU TO PROVIDE US WRITTEN AUTHORITY TO HOLD YOUR MAIL UP TO A SPECIFIC DATE NOT TO EXCEED 30 DAYS... THIS ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN  WHEN YOU PLAN TO BE OUT OF TOWN FOR MORE THAN 15 DAYS... HOPE ALL WILL TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY BECAUSE ANY RETURNED MAIL CAN EFFECT YOUR PAY/BENEFITS....

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FPO MAIL CHECK VIA TELEPHONE:  WE HAVE INSTALLED A DIGITAL TELEPHONE LINE IN OUR POST OFFICE, (892 -0817) SO YOU CAN CHECK MAIL FROM YOUR LOCAL WATERING HOLE WITHOUT LOOSING YOUR  SEAT OR FIGHTING TRAFFIC.... JUST ANOTHER SERVICE FOR OUR AMERICAN COMMUNITY...  ALSO HAVE A PUBLIC PAY TELEPHONE FOR DOMESTIC CALLS AT THE POST  OFFICE....

                                                                                                  

WE ARE A TAX EXEMPT FOUNDATION, IRS EIN – 98-0206430:  AS MOST OF OUR MEMBERS ARE AWARE, WE HAVE ESTABLISHED A TAX-EXEMPT FOUNDATION (PHILIPPINE AND U.S. REGISTERED) TO SUPPORT ALL THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE..   I THINK MOST ARE ALSO AWARE THAT WE DO NOT RECEIVE ANY BUDGET FROM THE U.S. GOV’T TO SUPPORT THE RAO OR OTHER PROGRAMS...  WE DO RECEIVE  EXCESS EQUIPMENT SUPPORT FROM THE U.S. EMBASSY, VA & JUSMAG WHICH HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS HELP IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE RETIREES, DEPENDENTS, WIDOWS(ER) AND AMERICAN CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES.... OUT OF DONATIONS & FUNDS GENERATED, WE MUST PAY OUR RENT, UTILITIES, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, COMMUNICATIONS, EMPLOYEES, EMPLOYMENT TAXES, INSURANCE, REPAIRS, TRANSPORTATION, ETC....  ANY NEW PROGRAMS THAT WE ARE TRYING TO ESTABLISH LIKE;  EMERGENCY  FUNDS FOR LOANS/GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS MUST BE HELD IN ABEYANCE UNTIL SUPPORT FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE...  WE HAVE ESTABLISHED A “SPACE A” PROGRAM AT OUR ANNEX ON CLARK FIELD AND THIS IS BEING FUNDED ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET...  WE HAVE ALSO ESTABLISHED SATELLITE RAO’S AND HOPE TO ESTABLISH AT LEAST FIVE MORE PLUS WE NEED TO VISIT THESE AREAS TO HELP ESTABLISH PROGRAMS AND TO COORDINATE TRICARE CARE THROUGHOUT THE PHILIPPINES...   ALL  THIS REQUIRES FUNDING...  WE ARE ASKING FOR OUR AMERICAN COMMUNITY TO HELP PLUS INT’L PARTICIPATION WOULD BE WELCOME...  WE  ONLY ASK THAT ANY DONATIONS BE GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH WITHOUT STRINGS ATTACHED..... IF INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT ME IN PERSON/E-MAIL/FAX’S OR  AT THE ADDRESSES ON

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SUGGESTIONS:   IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON HOW WE CAN PROVIDE BETTER SUPPORT NEXT YEAR, JUST WRITE UP YOUR SUGGESTION, PLACE IN AN ENVELOPE, ADDRESS TO JIM BOYD, RAO AND DROP OFF AT OUR FPO (DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ALSO)…

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JIM BOYD, USAF, RAO DIRECTOR

CLARK AIR BASE REGION

 

 

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 CLARK AIR FORCE BASE

                        1925 McArthur Highway, Balibago, Angeles City, Philippines 2009

                                               Tel No.: (6345) 888-2748/625-5522

                                   Office Hours: 0930-1330 (Mon.-Fri.)

                           After Office Hours – Emergencies Only Text: +639163058338

                                               E-Mail:  rao_cabr@mozcom.com

                            Web Site:  http://1925mcarthur.wixsite.com/raoangelescity

 Go to our website and click Google Map: Rao Macarthur Highway, Angeles City, Philippines

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