e/Newsletter

AAFES Retired Employees Association

November 2018

Supporting the Interests of AAFES, Its Retirees and the People it Serves

Activation of AREA Emergency Relief Fund (ERF), Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

to Pension Payments, and Health Plan Changes for 2019

This is a “special edition” of the AREA e/Newsletter dedicated to “time-sensitive” news about the activation of two ERF’s (described on page 5); the official Exchange announcement of the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to pension payments beginning December 1, 2018 (Note: The same COLA applies to Social Security payments in January 2019); and changes to the DoD NAF Health Benefits Plan that will impact covered members effective Jan 1, 2019.

Special edition e/newsletters will only be made available electronically. We are not printing hard copies due to the additional cost. If you know a fellow Exchange retiree who normally gets a hard copy, tell them to email Chuck Poffenbarger at cpoffen@earthlink.net and he will send them an email copy. All AREA members need to keep their information up-to-date (such as address, phone, email address, etc.) by informing Pat Weaver at pitterpat6026@gmail.com. The AREA Membership Update form is shown on page 10. Note: Hard copies and email versions of the January 2019 newsletter will be printed/distributed as usual in January 2019. If you currently get the “snail mail” hard copy of the newsletter now, and would like to switch to the email version, contact Pat Weaver.

Specia

l Ed

ition

Exchange associates helped first responders and others to get the supplies they needed during and after the storms and cleaned up Exchange facilities. But what about associ-ates who had damage to their own homes? You can make a monetary contribution/donation to the funds to provide assistance for associates impacted by the disasters. Donations are tax deductible. You can contribute in two ways:

• For credit card donations, go to AREA’s two GoFundMe credit card options — (1) Yutu for Saipan; and (2) Florence/Michael for the four Atlantic areas at this link: AREA website.

• For donations by check (for associates in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida), make your check payable to the AREA Emergency Relief Fund (Florence/Michael) and mail to: AREA-ERF, P.O. Box 380614, Duncanville TX 75138-0614. Note: for donations for associates in Saipan, send to AREA-ERF (Saipan), at the same AREA address above.

The AREA Emergency Relief Fund program is outlined in its entirety at this link: AREA website. Any contribution/donation made will be greatly appreciated. 100% of collections are sent to the AAFES POC for ultimate distribution to associates in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas (and separately to exchange employees that survived Yutu in Saipan). Feel free to share this information with others who might be interested in contributing to this worthwhile program.

Customers at Fort Bragg’s Old

Glory Express stock up on supplies

during Hurricane Florence.

AREA Emergency Relief Funds (ERF’s) Activated

I would like to invite you to become a member of the national AREA and join a local chapter if available in your area. New members are critical to the sustainability of AREA as an on-going organization. The advantages of belonging to AREA are laid out on our web site. See https://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/ A national membership application form is shown on page 9 of this e/Newsletter and is also available on our web site. I hope you’ll consider becoming a member of AREA (national and/or chapter) and supporting its many very worthwhile programs. Active and Informal chapters are listed on the “Miscellaneous” category, under “Chapters.” Contact names/phone numbers are listed there if you want a local chapter application. Chuck Poffenbarger

The Exchange Human Resources Directorate requested AREA to activate two ERF’s and we have approved the requests. One ERF is for associates in need as a result of Hurricanes Florence and Michael. It applies to associ-ates in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. A separate ERF has been set up for associates affected by the recent Saipan Typhoon named Yutu.

Why Join AREA?

C h u c k P o f f e n b a r g e r , P r e s i d e n t

Pag e 2 November 2018 AREA e/NEW SLETTER

Bit O’ This

Bit O” That

Welcome to this “Special Edition” of AREA News! AREA’s Web Site: www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

The Officers of the Association – Chuck Poffenbarger (P), Tom Gallagher (VP), Terry Corley (T) and Don Smith (S) wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a blessed holiday season (see celebrations around the world shown below).

This special edition e/newsletter is only available “on-line” to get you time-sensitive information, save money, and to “encourage” AREA members who have elected hard copies of the newsletter to switch to the colorful and user-friendly email version. If you know a fellow retiree who gets the hard copy of the newsletter now, tell them not to worry. If they get printed quarterly newsletters now, they will continue to get them that way until at least 2020. In the interim, news items that are time-sensitive will continue to be avail-able by email only. If you get your newsletter on-line now, thank you for the money we save by doing that. If you know of someone who wants to switch to the on-line version, tell them to send a note to Pat Weaver at pitterpat6026@gmail.com to make that change. Note: all newly enrolled members receive their newsletter by email only.

Celebrations of Different Faiths in December (according to Wikipedia)

Buddhism Bodhi Day: 8 December – Day of Enlightenment, celebrating the day that the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni or Siddhartha Gautama) experienced enlightenment (also known as Bodhi). Christianity Advent: four Sundays preceding Christmas Day. In 2018, the first Sunday of Advent is 2 December.

Krampusnacht: 5 December – The Feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated in parts of Europe on 6 December. In Alpine countries, Saint Nicholas has a devilish

companion named Krampus who punishes the bad children the night before.

Saint Nicholas' Day: 6 December

Feast of the Immaculate Conception Day: 8 December – The day of Virgin Mary's Immaculate Conception is celebrated as a public holiday in many Catholic

countries.

Saint Lucia's Day: 13 December – Church Feast Day. Saint Lucia comes as a young woman with lights and sweets.

Las Posadas: 16–24 December – procession to various family lodgings for celebration & prayer and to re -enact Mary & Joseph's journey to Bethlehem

Longest Night: A modern Christian service to help those coping with loss, usually held on the eve of the Winter solstice.

Christmas Eve: 24 December – In many countries e.g. the German speaking countries, but also in Poland, Hungary and the Nordic countries, gift giving is on

24 December.

Christmas Day: 25 December and 7 January – celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike.

Anastasia of Sirmium feast day: 25 December

Twelve Days of Christmas: 25 December–6 January

Saint Stephen's Day: 26 December – In Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic a holiday celebrated as Second Day of Christmas.

Saint John the Evangelist's Day: 27 December

Holy Innocents' Day: 28 December

Saint Sylvester's Day: 31 December

Hinduism Pancha Ganapati: a modern five-day Hindu festival celebrated from December 21 through 25 in honor of Ganesha. Judaism Hanukkah: usually falls anywhere between late November and early January. In 2018, Hanukkah will be celebrated on 3 December.

Islam: In 2018 Ramadan started at sunset on May 16. During this holy time, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar year, Muslims do not eat, drink, or smoke

from sunrise to sunset for an entire month. Instead, they spend their days in worship, praying in mosques. At the end of Ramadan, people celebrate with a festival

known as Id-ul-Fitr.

AREA...JUST FOR YOU

AREA e/NEW SLETTER November 2018 Pag e 3

AAFES Retired

Employees Association

The AREA Newsletter is published in January, April, July and October

Mailing Address: AREA P. O Box 380614 Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

President: Chuck Poffenbarger

cpoffen@earthlink.net Tel: (972) 296-0388

Membership & Address Changes:

Send your newsletter address, membership changes, and mem-bership dues to the AREA Membership Director Pat Weaver. Note new e-mail address for Pat: pitterpat6026@gmail.com

Tel: (972) 780-9810

Newsletter input: Submit articles to the editor by

e-mail to: Marcia Kane at kanemarea@windstream.net

AREA Web address: https://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

Q: What is the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to my AAFES pension pay-ments in December 2018?

A: AAFES announced that the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to your AAFES pension in December is 2.8 percent. This percentage also applies to your Social Security payments starting in January 2019. This COLA is the highest increase that retirees have received in 7 years. Retirees with an annuity start date of December 1, 2017, or before will receive the entire 2.8% increase. The remainder will receive a prorated hike as follows:

Q: Will there be changes to the DoD NAF Health Benefits Plan for 2019? A: Yes. The changes and new programs for 2019 allow the DoD NAFs to continue to offer valuable and cost effective benefits. These changes and enhance-ments take effect January 1, 2019:

• Group health coaching and support — at no cost to you.* With Healthy Lifestyle Coaching, you'll be able to work with a wellness coach to address your health goals such as losing weight, quitting smoking, eating better, reducing stress, and more! This new program offers weekly interac-tive, group coaching sessions as well as some one-on-one support. Make 2019 the year you focus on your health! To learn more, call 1-866-213-0153 or log in to aetna.com > Wellness > Healthy Lifestyle Coaching.

• Two new Teladoc programs.* Dermatology and behavioral health services will be added to your Teladoc program –each for a $45 copay. Note: The current Teladoc program continues in 2019. It lets you consult with a prima-ry care doctor and get diagnosed, treated and prescribed without the travel and wait room time for just a $10 copay.

(DoD NAF Plan changes continued on next page)

COLA for 1 Dec 2018 (2.8%)

Retirement Date: Pro-rated COLA

%

Dec-17 and prior 2.80%

Jan-18 2.57%

Feb-18 2.33%

Mar-18 2.10%

Apr-18 1.87%

May-18 1.63%

Jun-18 1.40%

Jul-18 1.17%

Aug-18 0.93%

Sep-18 0.70%

Oct-18 0.47%

Nov-18 0.23%

Dec-18 0.00%

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

Benefits Q&A—Questions you ask; answers from Exchange Benefits

Benefits Q&A—Questions you ask; answers from Exchange Benefits

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

• Changes to prescription drug benefits. There will be a new formulary in 2019 that will impact a small group of NAF employees. Some drugs will be excluded and some will change the tier they are covered under which will impact cost. For any drugs excluded from coverage, there will be alternative drugs covered by the plan. Aetna will mail letters in late 2018 to those taking drugs that have a coverage change for 2019.

• Health Incentive Credit program enhancements. In 2019, employees and covered spouses will be able to earn $75 just for completing the online Health Assessment. Plus, covered members can earn up to $300 ($50 more than last year) and families can earn up to $600 for completing healthy activities. YES there’s still time to earn 2018 Health Incentive credits! Schedule your biometric screening now, so you complete it by the November 30, 2018 biometric deadline! Remember that no incentives can be earned in 2018 until you complete your online health assessment. Visit nafhealthplans.com > Wellness > Health Incentive Credit Program to see all the healthy actions you may take to earn credits and the other deadlines.

• New method for Family Deductible and Family Out-of-Pocket. If you cover yourself and one or more dependents, your in-network family deductible will be $1,500 in 2019. The new in-network family out-of-pocket maximum will be $8,000. As of January 1, 2019, once the expenses of any family member(s) reaches the deductible, the deductible will be considered met for all family members. The same holds true for the out-of-pocket maximum.

*Not available to Aetna International members. Go to the www.nafhealthplans.com website to find information about the medical and dental plans.

• Between November 12 and November 26: Join a conference call about the 2019 changes, several times for CONUS and OCONUS. Call schedule is on your retiree mailer, or find it here: www.nafhealthplans.com > look on left side, click on ‘Join an enrollment conference call’. On that list, scroll to second page for Retiree calls. Click on the section header to see the slide presentation for the call.

• Medical and Dental plan booklets: Summary of Benefits chart, detailed Summary Plan Description, helpful Product Guide, and more: www.nafhealthplans.com > Health Benefits > find your plan, then on its page, look in left margin. Need a prior year plan booklet? Type ‘archive’ in the Search box and see booklets back to 2014.

• Videos! www.nafhealthplans.com > Video Library. Examples:

American Sign Language video on Medicare Basics,

How Medicare Works with Social Security Disability, and

Continued Medicare Eligibility and Work Incentives

Open Enrollment video discusses the 2019 medical plan changes

Information about how the medical plan interacts or ‘coordinates’ with Medicare: www.nafhealthplans.com > Retiree

How to earn Health Incentive Credits on the Wellness tab

Changes to DoD NAF Plan (continued)

For retirees who were not “grandfathered” with AAFES-paid medical and dental benefits, the

2019 DoD NAF Retiree Monthly premiums are as follows:

2019 Retiree Monthly Premium Rates

Tier Medical Dental Medical & Dental

Retiree only $176.34 $ 9.73 $186.07 (yearly—$2,232.84)

Retiree + child(ren) $340.34 $18.79 $359.13 (yearly—$4,309.56)

Retiree + spouse $407.35 $22.49 $429.84 (yearly—$5,158.08)

Retiree + family $539.60 $29.79 $569.39 (yearly—$6,832.68)

Note: The above premium is only 30% of the total premium necessary to cover anticipated claims for 2019. The NAFs contribute 70 percent on the

premium cost share. For AAFES retirees, medical, dental and life insurance claims are paid out of the Post-Retirement Medical Trust.

Pag e 4 November 2018 AREA e/NEW SLETTER

AREA Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) Activation For Associates Affected by the Recent Hurricanes (continued from page 1)

AREA Emergency Relief Fund for Saipan, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas

Helping in Times of Need An Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) was activated in late October to help our Exchange team members in Saipan

impacted by Typhoon Yutu. Earlier in the month, an ERF was activated to help our Exchange team members

impacted by two Atlantic hurricanes – Florence (Carolinas), Michael (Florida/Georgia). As team members began

the recovery from Florence, Hurricane Michael carved a swath of destruction from the Florida Gulf Coast through

Georgia. Similar devastation has now occurred in Saipan caused by Yutu, a 180 mph category V typhoon. As a

result, the AREA ERF program, which includes financial assistance for our Exchange team members in the four

states affected by both Michael and Florence, has been expanded to provide assistance for team members living

and working in Saipan.

The AAFES Retiree Employees Association (AREA) Emergency Relief Fund serves as a depository for monies

donated for financial assistance to Exchange team members who were impacted by adverse weather conditions.

If you would like to aid our Exchange team members in these locations by making a monetary donation/

contribution of any amount to the AREA Relief Fund, you can do so (1) through AREA’s two GoFundMe credit

card options: Yutu for Saipan and Florence/Michael for the four Atlantic areas at this link: AREA website, or

(2) by check payable to the AREA Emergency Relief Fund and mail to:

AREA-ERF (for Florence/Michael, or Yutu, as applicable)

P.O. Box 380614

Duncanville TX 75138-0614.

Donations to the funds are tax deductible and will be distributed to those who were affected by the hurricanes in

Saipan, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina. Cash donations need to be turned into a money order and

then mailed to the address listed above along with the name and address of the contributor so that AREA can

provide a tax-free donation receipt.

The AREA Emergency Relief Coordinator (AERC) is Chuck Poffenbarger, cpoffen@earthlink.net

Both credit card options and the AREA emergency relief program are outlined on the AREA website link.

The Exchange released the following notice regarding the AREA ERF:

AREA e/NEW SLETTER November 2018 Pag e 5

Hurricanes Florence, Michael and Yutu Hurricanes Disastrous to local Exchange Facilities and Employees Lives

In photo: Joan Gonzalez, Helen Radenheimer, Alexander Gonza-

lez, Marne Gulde, Justin Williams, Helen Brock, Lillian Pena, Kristjana Tummenelli, Zuleika Pena and Ling Baskowitz are

ready to work at the Tyndall AFB Exchange.

DAN DANIEL DC, Va. – Associate Josh Arnold prepares generators for shipment to

Tyndall AFB and Eglin AFB

The Felix Lake Express at Tyndall AFB

Exchange stores at Tyndall AFB, Florida, sustained severe damage after the installation took a direct hit from Hurricane Michael.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our military community and associates at Tyndall,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull.

“There is no greater honor than serving those who serve. Whether in harm’s way, at the tip of the spear,

back home at the garrison, or rebuilding after a storm, the Exchange is all in for our service

members and their families.”

Exchange Barbers Arrive at Tyndall to Serve Troops

‘Exchange on Wheels,’ Seen as ‘Absolutely Priceless,’ Will Remain Indefinitely to Take Care of Service Members Reeling From Hurricane.

Pag e 6 November 2018 AREA e/NEW SLETTER

Hurricanes Florence, Michael and Yutu Hurricanes (continued)

“I came back this Monday. I was not sure if I was going to have a job or not –

thank God I did. We want to help as much as we can. I love serving the cus-

tomers and doing the best I can for whoever is around. This is the first time I

have experienced something like this. I have been working for AAFES for 25

years, including overseas in Germany and Turkey, New Mexico and here.

I have been here for 17 years. I was lucky and my house is okay, but two of

my sons had to move in with us (including their wives, and my grandbabies,

and dogs). We also had to cancel my youngest child’s wedding. I just thank

God I’m alive and my family is OK.” Janet Soto

(Janet Soto, AAFES, Tyndall Air Force Base)

#FacesofRecovery Air Combat Command

Typhoon Yutu’s 180 mph winds overturned cars, knocked down hundreds of power poles and left an island of thousands without a medical center and another without an airport. Buildings were reduced to haphazard piles of tin and wood; if a structure wasn’t made of concrete, one resident said, it was probably wiped out by the most power-ful tropical cyclone to hit any part of the United States since 1935.

The Interior Department’s field representative on Saipan was texting updates Thursday as he hid under his table and part of his roof blew off — and reported that many of the roofs at the island’s community college had blown off, and other schools had sustained serious damage. With ports closed, Saipan’s airport shut down and major power outages taking place, he added, the islands' vibrant tourism sector had suffered a severe blow. “Now with this hurricane, they’re going to have to rebuild again,” he said. “It’s going to take months to get up and running.”

Super Typhoon Yutu—October 24, 2018 Home on Saipan destroyed by Super Typhoon Yutu

AREA e/NEW SLETTER November 2018 Pag e 7

GUILFORD MCDONALD (retired) in Altha, Florida sent us this email on October 19, 2018:

“Our area was hit by a 120 mph winds causing absolute destruction of most all the trees. Many falling on houses and blocking roads. It took over 3 days to just get major roads clear. Some are still trying to get their driveways open. If houses are livable, you have to hook up a generator for the refrigerator, freezer, tv, charging electronics and well pumps. if you are lucky enough to have a well. Cold showers are the norm. There are many churches acting as PODs (point of distribution(s). PODs provide water, food, and numerous other necessities.

No banks are open yet, so cash is limited. It takes 5 gal of gas each day (or more) to run generators for 10 to 12 hours. Some church groups are coming to clear trees off houses and electric lines. We were fortunate to have a Baptist group clear our front yard and put tarps on our roof. Took them 3 days to do it with crew of 7 and one tractor. Lots of chain saw work being done. Fortunately the weather is supposed to get cooler next week or so. Right now we are in the 80's/90's. But our prayers were answered and no lives were lost in my family.”

Pictured here are Angie Cunko, Lee ‘HAoa’

Morris and Catherine Jones volunteering at the Nicoma Park UMC thrift store. Catherine and HAoa are retired main store managers and Angie

is a retired vendor. All three worked together at Langley/Eustis but ended up in Oklahoma! To get their ‘retail fix’ they volunteer at the church thrift

store where sales have increased 350% since AAFES expertise was added! The store has been voted BEST thrift store in Eastern Oklahoma

County the past 7 years! All proceeds go to charity and missions.

Tinker Retiree Group (Informal Chapter) — Catherine Jones

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Sadly, our dear friend and newsletter editor Ken Keim, passed away on October 16, 2018 after a difficult and lengthy ill-

ness. Ken meant so much to all of us, we will miss him dearly. The service for Ken was held on October 27.

Thanks to all who participated in our October bake, book and craft sale. Your contribution was greatly appreciated.

Remember our annual holiday auction following the November 14 luncheon meeting. This is always one of our most en-joyable functions. Bring any items that you would like to donate for the auction. We will have many lovely items to bid on. You are welcome to invite your friends to the luncheon meeting and of course they may bid on any item they like. There should be something for everyone. Please plan to attend.

The next luncheon meeting on November 14, 2018 at 11:30 AM at: The Waffle Shop, 4641 Watt Avenue. North Highlands, CA 95660. Phone: 916-486-4888

Our gala Christmas luncheon will be held on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at: Marriott's Hotel, 11211 Point East Drive. Rancho Cordova, CA 95742

Highway 50 and Folsom Blvd

Phone: 916-638-1100

Time: 11:00-2:00

The luncheon is free for members and guests cost is $38.00 each. Please get your reservation in as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly. Cut off date for reservations is Saturday, December 1, 2018. Please send reservation, food choice and money for guests to:

Lisa Denny

8708 Great Court

Elk Grove, CA 95624

Phone: 916-685-4504

Make guests checks payable to NO CA Chapter AREA

Pag e 8 November 2018 AREA e/NEW SLETTER

Northern California Chapter—Jerri Thomas

AREA e/NEW SLETTER November 2018 Pag e 9

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

The following telephone numbers are provided as a convenience to members wishing to contact certain HQ AAFES offices and the Pentagon Federal Credit Union.

HQ SWITCHBOARD

(214) 312-2011

FOR RETIREMENT and GROUP INSURANCE BENEFITS:

HQ. AAFES BENEFIT BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES (800) 519-3381 or email Benefits@aafes.com

GENERAL COUNSEL:

DALE HARBOUR (214) 312-3126

EXCHANGE POST:

STEVE SMITH, Corporate Communications Editor/Historian, (214) 312-3831 or e-mail smithstev@aafes.com

SALES TABLOIDS:

TABLOID DEPARTMENT (800) 733-5142

ID CARD, PRIVILEGES

HR-S HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

CAC/ ID cards are issued Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 07:30 am – 10:00 am (no appointment needed). Appointments for a time after 10:30 AM can be arranged by emailing HQHRO@aafes.com; or calling HR Techs as follows: Brenda Johnson, (214) 312-2612; Jill Cottle, (214) 312-6531; Sarah Brown, (214)312-6423; or Veneitra Colston-Mack, (214) 312-2531. Please ensure to bring your CAC/shopping privilege id card as well as a valid Federal or State ID to renew your CAC and/or shopping privilege ID card. If your CAC is expired, you will need to bring in two valid forms of Federal and/or State ID’s (such as a driver’s li-cense, US passport, birth certificate, original social security card). Submit questions to: Rhonda Moncrief, HQ Human Resources Man-ager at (214) 312-2006.

PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION: TOLL FREE SERVICE –MEMBER SERVICES

TOLL FREE U.S.: 800-247-5626

Monday - Friday: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time Saturday: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time

Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time OVERSEAS DIRECT DIAL: 541-225-6700

TTY (for the hearing impaired: TOLL FREE U.S.: 800 225-6378

FOR OTHERS NOT LISTED:

Pat Weaver, Membership Director, (972) 780-9810; e-mail: pitterpat6026@gmail.com

For other information, check out the Exchange website at: https://www.shopmyexchange.com/

And the AREA website: http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE FORM

Type of Change (Check All Boxes Below That Apply)

Address Telephone FAX

E-Mail Marital Status Other

Printed Name Signature Date

TO: AREA (ATTN: Membership Director)

PO BOX 380614

Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

CURRENT ADDRESS:

Enter New Address in “Current Address” block BELOW and List Other Changes Here:

Changes will be published in the next AREA newsletter unless you specifically tell us not to print this information.

Pag e 10 November 2018 AREA e/NEW SLETTER