'TELL IT LIKE IT IS' Talk Show

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Air Force Has a Problem Recruiting for Special Warfare Jobs, New Report Finds

A vast majority of Americans know little or nothing at all about the Air Force's special warfare jobs, an issue highlighted in a new think tank study as the service has struggled to recruit for those tough jobs.

The Rand Corp., a federally funded think tank focused on military issues, released a study last week detailing the issues the Air Force has faced in getting recruits to join Special Warfare careers, known as AFSPECWAR, such as combat control, pararescue, special reconnaissance, and the Tactical Air Control Party fields.

And while other service branches have widespread public and cultural recognition for their special operators -- such as Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets and Marine Raiders -- data from the report shows many are unfamiliar with those similar Air Force jobs.

A popular kiosk-based system for veterans to file reimbursement claims for travel is returning to Veterans Health Administration facilities.

The VA has paused plans to decommission the kiosks, which let veterans file for reimbursement of travel expenses to VA appointments, with the kiosks set up at most VA hospitals and clinics. The VA began removing them in November 2020 as it rolled out an online- and application-based program, the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System, or BTSSS.

Nearly immediately after BTSSS's introduction, however, veterans had trouble with it, including the online interface and app. VA staff also had difficulties with the system, developing workarounds or using the old system to approve claims.

New Benefit Reimburses Troops for Flying Family in to Help Watch Kids During PCS Moves

The Pentagon is rolling out a new pilot program that provides travel benefits to service members to cover the cost of flying people out to help with child care in the immediate days after arriving at a new duty station.

The new program aims to compensate service members for something that many of them have already been doing during a permanent change of station, or PCS -- bringing friends or family members to help watch children while they settle in from the move and clear waiting lists.

"It's a significant step in supporting our military families -- reimbursing for these transportation costs," Christopher Woods, chief of the policy branch within the Defense Travel Management Office, told Military.com in an interview Wednesday. "It not only recognizes the unique challenges faced by the military, but also provides a tangible solution."

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James Thomas, Owner JWT Communications

James Thomas is a radio talk show host and civil rights activist. He can be heard every Monday morning on 94.7 FM | 106.9 FM & 1300 AM WTLS Radio (News-Sports-Talk). RADIO TALK SHOW HOST, ACTIVIST, AUTHOR James is a civil rights activist, and groundbreaking radio personality. He has built a legacy of using his voice to help oppressed people and those who are powerless against the injustices affecting them in their everyday lives. His radio program, “’TELL IT LIKE IT IS’ Talk Show”, airs every Monday morning. During his program, Mr. Thomas, also known as “JT”, talks about political and social issues, brings attention to social injustices around the world, and challenges himself and his listeners daily to “do something about it.” Because he is always taking action to help rectify the issues discussed on his show, TALKERS magazine ranked Mr. Thomas’s show in the top 50 of their 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America over one dozen times. He has interviewed President Barack Obama, First Lady Hillary Clinton, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Senator Chuck Schumer, Spike Lee, and hundreds of people around the world.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Small Steps to Help Prevent Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer often touches our lives in many ways, whether it is through the diagnosis of a friend, family member, or our own personal experience. Breast cancer death rates have been steadily decreasing since 1989, but there is still a long way to go in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime and an estimated 40,000 women are expected to die from it each year. All women can take steps to protect themselves against the risks involved with developing breast cancer. Breast cancer is usually found in women older than 55, but it is never too early or too late to be proactive about your breast health.

Veterans Crisis Line

Your mental health is a critical component to your overall wellness. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, or suspect a family member would benefit from talking to a mental health provider, VA offers ways to help. Veterans and their family members can connect with support through in-person appointments at local VA facilities, telehealth sessions, and online resources. If you are in immediate crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.