News 6 Mashup: July 19, 2021

Here is a News 6 mashup of top stories for the week of July 19, 2021, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

Military Members and Families More Likely to be Scammed

Veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses were more likely to lose money to scammers the 2020 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report found. The Better Business Bureau found that an average consumer had a median loss of $115. However, military-connected members had higher median rates: $132 for military spouses, $133 for veterans, and active-duty service members came in significantly higher at $269. The Better Business Bureau reported that online purchase scams were the riskiest for active-duty members and veterans. For military spouses, employment scams were the riskiest. And the overall riskiest purchases to make online were pets and pet supplies. Report scams at BBB.org/ScamTracker.

Air Force Welcoming Guests at Graduations

The Air Force is opening basic military training graduation ceremonies to family members and guests at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. However, strict attendance rules will be enforced. Military.com reported that, “each graduate will be allowed to invite only two guests, including infants and children. All visitors must be fully vaccinated in accordance with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. … Visitors will be required to show their original vaccination card as proof.” Additional rules will apply.

Guard and Reserve Spouses Most Satisfied with Military Life

The Department of Defense released a 2019 study reporting that National Guard and Reserve spouses “reported being satisfied with military life in 2019, a trend that’s held for 10 years.” A more detailed look at those results showed that “Army Guard spouses reported slightly lower satisfaction rates of 58%, while Army Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve spouses had the lowest satisfaction rates at 53%,” reported Military Times. The story also noted that these numbers were reported prior to 2020 when “guardsman served for 21 million ‘personnel days’” during the year, according to National Guard Bureau officials. Guardsmen were called on for support of “civil unrest, the pandemic, and natural disasters.”

TRICARE Offers Telemedicine

Did you know that TRICARE offers telemedicine? You can use your smartphone to skip the doctor’s office, saving you time! Additionally, telemedicine is available around the clock for both telemedicine and behavioral health providers. The pilot program is being offered to dependents, not active-duty service members at this time. Right now, TRICARE is also waiving copays for urgent care and therapy visits.

This Week in History

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is celebrating its 126th anniversary! According to AAFES, “on July 25, 1895, the War Department issued General Order 46 directing commanders to establish an exchange at every post. Since then, exchanges have faithfully served military members wherever they are called to serve.” AAFES is celebrating by rolling out $1.26 deals across Express stores through the end of July. These deals might be in the form of snacks and more. Mark your calendar for July 25, when all combo meals at Exchange restaurants will be discounted by $1.26.