Here are the top stories for Feb. 3, 2020, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

New Rates for BAH, BAS and Basic Pay Released

Defense.gov released rates for 2020 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), and Basic Pay. These rates took effect on Jan. 1. Increases were granted in all three categories. Most notably were changes in BAH, which will see an overall 2.8% increase. However, based on housing cost data collected annually, some locations will see a decrease. 

The article shared, “No matter what happens to measured housing costs, an individual member who maintains uninterrupted Basic Allowance for Housing eligibility in a given location will not see his or her BAH rate decrease. This ensures that members who have made long-term commitments in the form of a lease or contract are not penalized if the area’s housing costs decrease.” For specific details on how these changes might impact your family, visit Defense.gov.

Military spouses can now receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement

The recently approved National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 offers a new provision. Military spouses can now receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement for relicensing and recertification costs. MilitaryTimes.com has more details. 

A Peek into the Army’s Only 24/7 Childcare Center

Fort Jackson, South Carolina, is the only Army post to run a child care center 24/7. The Post and Courier gave a behind-the-scenes look at this home-away-from-home for our youngest military family members. Fort Jackson trains drill sergeants and is also “one of the largest basic training stations for recruits in the nation…turning young men and women into soldiers isn’t a 9-to-5 job,” it said.

Children arrive at the center most often early in the morning. School-aged children hop a bus to their school on post, while younger children are cared for at the center. Meals are served family style at a long table next to the kitchen to mimic a more home-like atmosphere. 

“For those children whose parent will be working late into the night, getting ready for bedtime will follow. Workers do it all. They bathe and swaddle infants, play with toddlers, and help older kids with their homework,” the article said.

To read more about this heartwarming story of how childcare workers become a second family to military children visit PostandCourier.com.

Are You Feeling Down? It could be Seasonal Affective Disorder

Are you struggling with feeling down? It could be more than just dip in your mood. “Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a mood disorder triggered by a change in seasonal weather patterns,” stated Health.mil. SAD affects millions of Americans each year, and women are 1.5 times to three times more likely to be impacted. SAD can include symptoms such as: a persistent low mood, a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities, irritability, feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness, lacking energy during the day, and finding it hard to get up in the morning. 

Health.mil offered ways to combat SAD: keep active, get outside, stay warm, eat healthy foods, and spend time with friends and family. If you think that you might be suffering from SAD, you can also invest in an over-the-counter light box, with a brightness level of 10,000 lux. Simply sit in front of the light for 30 minutes during the morning. Reach out to your health care provider if you aren’t feeling improvement in your mood.

The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center Needs Your Help!

The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia, is in the running to be named Best Free Museum in USA Today’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. The museum features artifacts and interactive exhibits to showcase the American Infantryman’s history. 

As of this recording, the National Infantry Museum was in the lead! Voting is open until Feb. 17. Visit 10best.com to show your support for this military museum!