News Briefs: April 22, 2016
Today
mTBI & PTSD — Yesterday, a groundbreaking two-day event in Washington, “Brain Trust: Pathways to InnoVAtion,” concluded. Many influential voices in the field of brain health (DoD, the sports industry, private sector, federal government, veterans and community partners) convened to identify and advance solutions for mild traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder.
Visit www.va.gov/p3/braintrust.asp #VABrainTrust.
Hidden Loan Costs — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises military consumers that attempts by online lenders to debit payments from a consumer’s checking account add a steep, hidden cost to online payday loans.
Half of online borrowers rack up an average of $185 in bank penalties because at least one debit attempt overdrafts or fails. One third of those borrowers who get hit with a bank penalty wind up having their account closed involuntarily.
The study also found that despite this high cost to consumers, lenders’ repeated debit attempts typically fail to collect payments. Visit www.consumerfinance.gov/.
23 / Saturday
TAMC Physical Fitness Center Closure — Beginning today, due to a critical staffing shortage, the Tripler Army Medical Center fitness center will be closed on Saturdays.
Call 655-9654.
27 / Wednesday
CIE — Soldiers, spouses and civilians are invited to attend the next Community Information Exchange from 9-10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 27th, at the Schofield Barracks Nehelani. Learn what’s happening in U.S. Army-Hawaii and ask questions of subject matter experts.
30 / Saturday
Unwanted Drugs — National Prescription Take Back Day takes place 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in front of the Schofield Barracks Exchange. Drop off your expired, unwanted and unused prescription medication for safe disposal. Call 655-4470.
May
3 / Tuesday
FBTH — The garrison commander, Col. Richard Fromm, will host the next quarterly online town hall from 6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 3, at USAG-HI’s Facebook “Events” page – https://www.facebook.com/usaghawaii.
Soldiers, family members and civilians are invited to ask questions or provide comments about services and programs to subject matter experts. Questions may be posted before May 3, but they will not be answered until the town hall.
4 / Wednesday
Never Forget — The community is invited to observe the National Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony, with guest speaker Rabbi Itchel Krasnjansky, 1-2:30 p.m., at Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel.
Dachau today
STEM — Today is the deadline to register for a May 16 luncheon with a panel of educational leaders on how we can better prepare tomorrow’s workforce, particularly with the critical role that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics plays in U.S. competitiveness and future of economic prosperity. Call 545-4300.
6 / Friday
HMAM — Governor David Ige will officially recognize May 2016 as “Hawaii Military Appreciation Month.” For the last three years, the Military Affairs Council (MAC) has coordinated this event with the Governor’s office to kickoff a month-long series of MAC events to honor our Hawaii-based military.
Seven Hawaii-based members of the armed services will also be recognized for their dedication and commitment towards improving our community. These honorees have dedicated countless hours of their own time to clean up the environment, fix our schools, mentor our youth or coach youth sports.
Although most of these individuals are stationed in Hawaii for only a few years, their volunteer efforts provide an opportunity for each of them to engage with the community and make their adopted home of Hawaii a better place.
AG Week — Adjutant General Week (May 6-12) begins with breakfast at the 25th Sustainment Brigade’s dining facility, ending with the Adjutant General Corps’ 241st anniversary celebration ball, Friday, May 13, in Waikiki. Tickets are available now.
Email agcraalohachapter@gmail.com or visit the “Aloha Chapter AGCRA” Facebook page to learn about more events.
21 / Saturday
MAC Joint Concert — The bands of the 25th ID, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and the U.S. Pacific Fleet will perform in the annual Military Appreciation Combined Concert at Hawaii Theatre Center. Reception begins at 5 p.m., and the Army has the lead for this event. Come celebrate Military Appreciation Month with the community.
June
13 / Monday
USS Arizona — From today through June 26, the dock for the USS Arizona Memorial will be dismantled, removed and replaced. Visitors will not be able to disembark onto the USS Arizona Memorial during this time, although a boat ride to observe the memorial will still be available. All other visitor services will remain unchanged.
The dock was designed in Hawaii by a local company. A series of skid-proof ramps will replace the combination of steps and ramps that currently provide walking and wheelchair access from the dock to the memorial.
Visit facebook.com/ValorNPS and www.nps.gov/valr.
