For the last 129 years, wherever Soldiers, Airmen and Guardians are called to serve, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has faithfully gone with them.

The Department of Defense’s largest retailer was established via General Orders No. 46 on July 25, 1895, and has been serving the military community ever since. Throughout its history, the Exchange has helped improve the lives of Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families by serving as a lifeline to America through tax-free shopping and military-exclusive pricing. 

“The Exchange started from humble beginnings in tents on the American frontier,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, an Army Veteran. “Nearly 130 years later, the mission remains steadfast — bringing Warfighters the best tastes of home while remaining nested with the Services.” 

To celebrate 129 years of service and support, shoppers will save an extra 10% off military-exclusive pricing on clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, watches, jewelry and beauty purchases with their MILITARY STAR card on July 25. Select snacks at Expresses are also featured for $1.29. Shoppers can get a sneak peek at the weekly deals by visiting ShopMyExchange.com, clicking on “weekly ad” in the bar on the right and scrolling to “upcoming sales.”  

Exchange-run restaurants will be offering special promotions to celebrate The Exchange’s 129th birthday, offering select items, deals and discounts for $1.29. 

While the Exchange’s mission of service and support hasn’t changed in 129 years, the modern-day benefit continues to evolve.  

The Department of Defense’s oldest retailer has expanded its national-brand assortment in PXs, BXs and ShopMyExchange.com. From clothing for the family from Old Navy to appliances from The Home Depot, the Exchange is transforming to deliver a modern hard-earned benefit fully aligned with the organization’s long-standing mission to serve those who serve. 

Growing name-brand restaurants; bringing added convenience to shoppers through 24/7 unmanned retail units; expanding health and wellness services; erecting cell towers for improved connectivity on America’s military installations; and hiring Veterans and military spouses are key priorities for today’s Exchange. 

In the last seven years, the Exchange benefit has grown to include all honorably discharged Veterans, who can shop tax-free for life at ShopMyExchange.com, and in-store privileges for Veterans with service-connected disabilities. Department of Defense and Coast Guard civilians can shop in stores and online as well. 

“There truly is no greater honor than serving those who serve and have served,” Shull said. “Every time heroes use their Exchange benefit, the military community is strengthened.” 

One hundred percent of Exchange earnings support the military community. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has generated $3.7 billion for military Quality-of-Life programs that are critical to readiness and resilience. 

Military shoppers can join in as their local PXs and BXs celebrate the anniversary. For details on store-specific celebrations, service members and their families can visit their local Exchange social media pages.

TRICARE covers certain outpatient and inpatient mental health services, as detailed in the TRICARE Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services Fact Sheet.

Outpatient Services Outpatient treatment is available at some military hospitals and clinics. You can also get care from TRICARE-authorized civilian providers. Appointments may be in person or via telemedicine.

Some types of covered outpatient treatment include:

• Psychotherapy: Discussion-based therapy in individual, family, or group settings
• Psychological testing and assessment: Covered when medically or psychologically necessary, or during the assessment process under the Autism Care Demonstration
• Intensive outpatient program: Therapy and medication management where patients go to a treatment center for several days a week, a few hours at a time
• Partial hospitalization program: Daytime treatment, where the patient lives at home and commutes to get treatment for six or more hours per day, up to seven days a week

Inpatient Services

You may need more intensive treatment that requires you to stay in a hospital or treatment center. If so, TRICARE covers:

• Inpatient hospital services: Treatment for concerns that require inpatient hospitalization (like psychiatric emergencies or substance use withdrawal symptoms)
• Psychiatric residential treatment centers: Extended care for children and adolescents who need 24/7 treatment in a therapeutic environment

Looking for a full list of covered mental health services? You can find more information on covered treatments. Or you can search for specific services on the Covered Services page.

Note: Some mental health services may not be available overseas. Check with the TRICARE Overseas contractor for more information.

Mental Health Care Costs

Use the Compare Costs tool to check your out-of-pocket costs for mental health services. You’ll have lower costs by getting care at military hospitals or clinics or from TRICARE-authorized network providers. ADSMs have no costs for mental health services from or authorized by the Military Health System. Mental health is health—and it’s an important part of your overall wellness. Looking for a mental health provider? Check out the Find a Doctor tool. You can also find more resources and information on TRICARE’s Mental Health Care page.

AF Senior leaders prepare the force for reoptimization

Gen. David W. Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David A. Flosi continue to engage with Airmen as the service begins its reoptimization process.

“I’ve been through many Chief of Staff transitions and watched how the Air Force is trying to find its way forward,” said Allvin. “Sometimes you don't need a new thing; sometimes you just need to follow through on the old things.”

The Air Force has proposed tailoring its wings into deployable combat wings, combat generation wings, and in-place combat wings. According to Allvin, the service is trying to work through the transition as quickly as possible and lighten the burden on some of the units most affected.

DAF announces updates to reenlistment policies to boost retention

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) announced updates to DAF Instruction 36-2606, Reenlistment and Extension of Enlistment, which allows Airmen and Guardians to reenlist up to 12-months before their expiration term of service. It also increases the obligated service cap for accepting bonuses from 72 months to 96 months and provides service members in any Air Force or Space Force specialty code more flexibility in their reenlistment contracts.

AFRC:

Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) welcomed a new deputy commander, as Maj. Gen. Frank Bradfield III (AFRC/CD) joined the AFRC from the Pentagon. Prior to joining the AFR, Bradfield served in the U.S. Navy, where he held various titles including a T-34C pilot and Flag Aide, to the Vice Chief of Naval Education.

“My contributions here as the deputy commander will be to help Lt. Gen. Healy, our Commander, lead a 69,000-person organization across 37 wings, 10 independent groups and nine reserve bases,” said Bradfield. “With the 1600, roughly 1600 jobs we have here at Robins Air Force Base, we bring in an economic impact of roughly $300 Million a year to the local area. [W]e live here, raise our families here, but we serve globally, and the bigger impact is the work that goes on here, in the local community does effect, the bigger mission for the Air Force globally.”

For 30 years, the U.S. Navy’s HH-60H (foreground) has supported American forces in theaters around the world. Its replacement, the MH-60S (background) will continue this tradition for years to come. Photo Credit: Skip Robinson

In the annals of naval aviation history, few squadrons boast a lineage as storied and distinguished as the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85, known as the "Firehawks." Commissioned in July 1970, HSC-85 stood as the Navy Reserve's bastion of excellence and commitment for more than five decades.

As we reflect on its 53-year service history and its recent deactivation in September 2023, we pay tribute to a squadron synonymous with valor, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to supporting Fleet and Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operations.

From its humble beginnings to becoming the oldest continually serving Navy Reserve squadron, HSC-85's operational resume reads like a testament to resilience and adaptability. Tasked with missions ranging from Anti-Submarine Warfare and Combat Logistics to Personnel Recovery and Special Operations Support, HSC-85 has been pivotal in shaping the contours of naval aviation support capabilities.

The squadron's involvement in the HA(L)-3 Seawolves' dedicated support to NSW and HC-7's Combat Search and Rescue missions engrained HSC-85 into the very fabric of naval history, bridging a 57-year narrative of unwavering support and operational excellence.

The recent deactivation ceremony marks not just an end but a somber reflection on the changing tides of naval aviation needs and capabilities. The disbanding saw more than 400 active, Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR), and Selected Reserve (SELRES) Sailors dispersing to various commands, with the stark reduction of flying billets for Reserve HSC pilots from more than 54 to approximately 17 post-deactivation—a 69% decrease.

Similarly, maintainers faced a significant dilemma, with many transitioning to other platforms due to the diminished reserve HSC community. The final flight on June 30, 2023 and the subsequent transfer of the squadron’s uniquely modified MH-60S Seahawk helicopters signified a poignant farewell to an era defined by commitment and adaptability.

HSC-85's narrative extends beyond its fleet and special operations roles to embody the ongoing conversations between the Navy and Congress regarding aviation inventory, capability, and sustainability. The squadron's deactivation underlines larger, systemic shifts in prioritization and resource allocation within Navy Reserve aviation, stirring debates and legislative actions aimed at addressing the operational impacts of such a significant transition. The FY24 NDAA - HR2670, prompted by concerns over the squadron's loss, underscores the strategic necessity of maintaining a robust and ready reserve aviation capability.

The deactivation, while marking the end of an operational chapter, also opens a door to potential reactivation in the future, preserving the squadron's distinguished history, name, symbology, and lineage. This provision underscores a profound understanding of HSC-85's unique contributions and the hope that its legacy will once again take to the skies.

The HSC-85 "Firehawks" may have concluded their final operational sortie, but their legacy soars on, immortalized in the annals of naval aviation history and in the memories of those who had the privilege to witness their dedication to duty. The squadron's deactivation is not merely an operational footnote but a call to reflect on the indispensable role of Reserve components in maintaining the operational versatility and global reach of the United States Navy.

In honoring the legacy of HSC-85, we recognize the indelible mark the squadron has left on naval aviation and the unquenchable spirit of innovation and resilience that defines the very best of the United States Navy Reserve.

Sources:

• https://verticalmag.com/features/special-seahawks/
• https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/the-navys-only-squadron-dedicated-to-special-operations-support/
• https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil/News/Article-View-News/Article/3256281/home-for-the-holidays-all-hsc-85-firehawks-home-for-only-the-second-time-in-nin/
• https://www.sofx.com/navys-divestment-dilemma-with-hsc-85-shutdown/
• https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2023/october/reconsider-shutting-down-navys-only-special-operations-support
• https://www.twz.com/37988/this-video-of-the-navys-only-special-operations-helicopter-squadron-in-action-is-nuts
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E80lZ4e7n0
• https://www.twz.com/28411/why-navy-seals-almost-always-go-into-action-aboard-non-navy-helicopters

Pictured above in the front row (from left to right) are Mrs. Theresa Hueg and Col. Nancy A. Thomas, USA (Ret.); back row (left to right): Lt. Col. Terry M. Moore, USA (Ret.), Master Gunnery Sgt. Walter M. Goodwyn Sr., USMC (Ret.), Col. Stanley G. Remer, USA (Ret.), Col. Thomas H. Hueg, USAF (Ret.), Lt. Col. Owen L. Waltman Jr., USA (Ret.), Col. Anthony K. Atlas, USA (Ret.), Diane Markham, and Col. Monti G. Zimmerman, USA (Ret.). Present but not included in the photo is Col. J.A. Barton Campbell, USA (Ret.).

The ROA Department of Virginia gathered at the Iron Horse Restaurant in Ashland, Virginia, to honor two long-time, dedicated volunteers with the Award of Merit.

Congratulations to Col. Thomas H. Hueg, USAF (Ret.) and Col. Nancy A. Thomas, USA (Ret.), who each spent 12 years in service to the department – Tom as President, and Nancy as Treasurer.

In addition to their commitment at the local level, each has served on the National Executive Committee as well as several other national committees.