JOINT BASE ANDREWS< Md. –
New Numbers on ID Cards
When current military-issued identification cards expire, the new cards will have a
Department of Defense Benefits Number (DBN) in lieu of the Social Security Number. Dependents' cards will have their own number. Elimination of SSNs is a DoD response to an increasing need to protect privacy and identity. However, it may raise questions in obtaining health care or pharmacy benefits
. Health care providers use SSN to check Tricare eligibility. For these beneficiaries, the DBN is most important. Many systems will accept it, but Tricare beneficiaries should be prepared to state their SSN, or their sponsor's.
The change to new IDs is expected to take about four years. Existing ID cards are good until they expire; including retiree cards marked "INDEF." Retirees may choose to get a new card when their dependent's card expires.
If they have no dependents, or their cards are showing wear and tear, they may contact an ID-card-issuing facility to arrange for a new card. Cards are issued at all major military installations.
Call ahead to verify hours and current documentation requirements. At Joint Base Andrews, call 302-981-1776; at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, call 202-404-3281.
Retiree Served 46 Years
The Air Force retiree rolls grow each month. However, a recent newcomer, Maj. Gen Alfred K. Flowers, 63, stepped down as the military's longest-serving active-duty member, having served 46 years.
His last assignment was U.S. deputy assistant secretary for budget, responsible for more than $119 billion.
Flowers began his career as a supply warehouseman in 1965 at Grand Forks AFB, N.D. After seven years in accounting assignments and his selection as a master sergeant in 1978, he completed Officer Training School as a distinguished graduate.
Fiscal assignments dominated the next 32 years. Looking back to his childhood in Trenton, N.C., Flowers said, "I came in because I had to. I stayed because I wanted to...and if I had to do it all over again, I'd do it the same way."
Flowers and his wife, Ida, live in San Antonio, Texas where he is helping to build an enlisted heritage museum at Joint Base San-Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
Wheel Chair Games Set
Registration is open until April 15 for the 32nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games. More than 500 veterans from the United States, Puerto Rico and Great Britain are expected to compete in Richmond, Va., from June 25-30.
The games, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America, are open to all U.S. military Veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, amputations or other mobility impairments.
Competitive events will take place at several Richmond arenas. Athletes compete against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age.
Veterans interested in competing may download the registration packet from www.wheelchairgames.va.gov or contact Marlene Pratt at 804-675-5000, ext. 3969.
50th Bomb Wing Memory
The 50-year-old building that was once the headquarters of the 509th Bomb Wing at Pease AFB, N.H., is no more.
The property on which the building stood was sold to the Great Bay Community College. The building was one of the few remaining originals from Pease's time as a Strategic Air Command installation.
The 509 BW moved to Pease in 1958; the SAC base closed in 1991. The wing now operates B-2 bombers at Whiteman AFB, Mo.