Public Health

DALLAS – Army & Air Force Exchange Service stores worldwide will remain open for Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians, military families, retirees and disabled Veterans if the federal government shuts down Dec. 21.

The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense, with most of its operating budget coming from the sale of goods and services. The Exchange operates more than 5,000 facilities, including PXs, BXs, Express convenience stores and gas stations, food courts, malls, theaters and more across the nation and in more than 30 countries.

ShopMyExchange.com, which offers the same tax-free savings and military-exclusive pricing found in brick-and-mortar PXs and BXs for authorized shoppers and honorably discharged Veterans, remains unaffected as well.

100% of Exchange earnings support the military community. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has contributed more than $15 billion in value to the military community.

Facebook-friendly version: @shopmyexchange PXs, BXs and ShopMyExchange.com will remain open if the government shuts down.

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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 52nd-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $3.7 billion in earnings for critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on X at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange

Instagram: @shopmyexchange

The Drum and Bugle Corps earns its reputation as the “Flight of Sound” and the musical face of the Cadet Wing at the U.S. Air Force Academy. For three of the band’s cadet leaders, the Corps also represents a formative leadership experience.

“Our directors give us leeway in making decisions and let the cadets run the Corps,” Commander Cadet 1st Class Alex Woodward said. “We define leadership as influencing and directing people to accomplish the mission. A big part of a leader’s influence is trusting your subordinates. Give them a task and tell them, ‘I trust you to get this done.’ That makes them more likely to take ownership and accomplish the mission.”

Woodward, along with Vice Commander Cadet 1st Class Haley Boron and Drum Major Cadet 1st Class Hannah Harvey, forged concrete philosophies on the Academy Honor Code, character development and leadership. They expect the skills learned through their Drum and Bugle Corps experiences will serve them well as officers.

Dr. Michele Johnson, Center for Character and Leadership Development assistant professor praised the Drum and Bugle Corps leaders.

“There are so many amazing leadership opportunities for cadets during the 47 months they spend with us here at the Academy,” Johnson said. “Cadets can sharpen their skills in their squadrons, at the airfield, on the athletic fields and by getting involved in a wide range of clubs and teams.

“I love that these three cadets have strengthened their character and leadership skills through their experience as part of the Drum and Bugle Corps. Not only are they learning to be honorable in their personal actions, they are also lifting their fellow Drum and Bugle Corps members to their best possible selves, and elevating the team’s overall performance. I am proud of their growth — these diverse experiences help prepare them to be ready to lead in our U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force as soon as they graduate.”

When Harvey arrived at the Academy in the fall of 2021 from Arab, Alabama, she considered herself a follower. Her Drum and Bugle Corps leadership journey began in earnest when she was selected as assistant drum major, collaborating closely with the head drum major last year. Now, as a first-degree cadet, Harvey’s taken on the drum major leadership role. Every Corps leader’s key responsibility is to ensure that the cadets in their section uphold the Academy’s high standards.

“Everyone says there are always eyes on you, but it is especially true in our program,” Harvey said. “Within the program, we understand that we are always watched, so our character and what we do individually matters. As drum major, our Corps members rely on me to uphold the standards we and our institution believe in.”

Harvey notes that attention to detail matters. An example is upholding dress and appearance standards. As a leader, she sets the example and is a role model to other Corps members.

“I’ve always taken extreme pride in how I look in my uniform,” said Harvey “But since I’m the one who’s in front of our group, I’m always trying to make sure that I’m upholding everyone else to our standards.”

During his first three years in the Drum and Bugle Corps, Woodward observed positive qualities in its leadership but believed there was room for improving the culture within the club. When he became commander in 2024, he implemented a comprehensive feedback form to allow all members to have a voice. Members can submit anonymous feedback at any time. This increases transparency and ensures that members are treated with respect and dignity. The command staff meets regularly to address feedback and share decisions within a few days. The Drum and Bugle Corps leaders emphasize the importance of living honorably as a cadet and future officer.

“The Academy gives you the Honor Code so you can take it and personalize it into your daily life,” Woodward said. “It’s up to you to make sure you are doing the right thing even when no one is watching. To me, the most important aspects of the code are honesty and integrity. It’s crucial to own up to your mistakes as a leader and be transparent about how you solve issues, sometimes in front of everyone.”

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Do you get your prescriptions at a military pharmacy in the U.S.? You should know that the Defense Health Agency is upgrading to a new prescription refill system at military pharmacies. The new Interactive Voice Response system will help standardize refill notices.

“DHA’s commitment is to deliver exceptional care anytime, anywhere, always, including our pharmacy services,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Julie Meek, deputy pharmacy program manager, Informatics Integration Branch, Pharmacy Operations Division at the Defense Health Agency.

Meek is managing the transition to the new system.

“We embrace opportunities like this to take advantage of available technology and better fulfill that promise,” she said.

This change means your military pharmacy may have a new phone number for its prescription refill line. To find your military pharmacy’s refill phone number, check the military hospital or clinic’s website. The pharmacy’s old refill number will automatically transfer to the new refill number until the transition is complete. (Note: If you typically reach your pharmacy by calling the military hospital or clinic’s main line, you can still do this by selecting the pharmacy option.)

If you get prescriptions at a military pharmacy overseas, this upgrade will happen later in 2025. You don’t need to check for a new phone number yet.

You can also refill your prescriptions using the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. Follow these steps:

Log in to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.

Click on the “Rx Refills” tab at the top menu bar of the homepage. You can see all your prescriptions that are ready for refill in one place.

Choose which prescriptions you want to refill.

Pick where you want to get your refills.

See when your refills will be ready.

Want to learn more about managing your prescriptions in the patient portal? Check out the TRICARE Newsroom article “MHS GENESIS Patient Portal Makes Refilling Prescriptions Easier.”

It’s important to know this transition won’t affect any of your existing prescriptions or refills. All remaining refills will move over to the new system—for example, if you have two refills left on a prescription now, you’ll still have those two refills once the new IVR system is in place.

Remember: At a military pharmacy, you can get up to a 90-day supply of most covered drugs, as described in the TRICARE Pharmacy Overview Fact Sheet.

Have more questions about this new prescription refill system? Contact your local military pharmacy to learn more.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.

The work continues by the contractor to prepare a large swath of the 1600 block on Fort McCoy’s cantonment area to construct the fiscal year 2024-funded $55.75 million Collective Training Officers Quarters Project at the installation.

The contractor for the project, BlindermanPower (Construction), which is also currently working on another major project at Fort McCoy — the fiscal year-2022 funded South Barracks Project, was awarded a contract totaling $55,759,100, according to the Army Corps of Engineers, which is overseeing the project. The notice to proceed was acknowledged on July 19. The contract duration is scheduled for completion in 1,260 calendar days.

For this project, Ken Green with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Resident Office at Fort McCoy said it calls for the construction of two new 48,000-square-foot, four-story Collective Training Officers Quarters buildings.

In his Dec. 13 update, Green gave the latest actions.

“The contractor continues to mobilize (for the project),” Green wrote in the update. “The contractor also continued with minor demolition on buildings to be relocated (from the 1600 block).”

The project description in the contract states the plan is to build the two buildings based on the standard layout depicted in the Operational Readiness Training Complex.

“This facility is required to replace antiquated World War II-era wood transient training officer quarters currently being utilized to train Soldiers during major exercises, annual training, battle assembly, and mobilization at Fort McCoy,” the description states. “This facility will be designed with the ability to be winterized or deactivated during the winter months.

“When Fort McCoy is not stood up as a mobilization platform, its primary mission is to support the seasonal requirements of training … Army Reserve Soldiers,” the description states. In order to conserve as much energy as possible, while also decreasing the funding necessary to field extended utility costs, this building will be deactivated when it is not being used for training.”

The description also states, “Information systems, fire protection and alarm systems, and sustainability and energy enhancement measures are included. Supporting facilities include site development, utilities and connections, lighting, paving, parking, walks, curbs and gutters, storm drainage, information systems, landscaping, and signage.”

The contract requirements also show that work includes building a standing seam metal roof over rigid insulation on steel deck on structural trusses; using utility brick veneer over rigid insulation on steel studs with exterior glass mat gypsum sheathing; building a concrete floor on metal deck and on-grade; installing and elevator, aluminum doors and windows, gypsum board and metal frame partitions, steel door frames and steel doors, and acoustical ceilings; installing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; completing plumbing, security, and electrical systems; and more.

And based on the complex styles of the other buildings already constructed, the new officer quarters will have a similar look.

Master Planner Brian Harrie with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Public Works also has a plan worked out with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the contractor to move the five old barracks buildings to the 500 block of Fort McCoy, which will likely happen early in 2025.

The officer’s quarters project makes three active, large construction projects taking place in the 1600 block of the installation. The others being the South Barracks Project and the fiscal year 2023-funded East Barracks Project that’s being constructed by L.S. Black Constructors.

All of this work continues with the master plan for the 1600 block that will include not only the four barracks but also three 20,000-square-foot brigade headquarters buildings — one of which is done — and now the two 160-room officer quarters, Harrie said.

Projects like this also play a part in supporting the economic impact to local economies around Fort McCoy. When looking back the last five years, Fort McCoy’s economic impact has continuously been $1 billion or higher every year to local economies. In FY 2019 it was $1.18 billion, all the way to FY 2023’s $1.38 billion.

See more news about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by visiting https://www.usace.army.mil/Media/News.

Fort McCoy’s motto is to be the “Total Force Training Center.”

Located in the heart of the upper Midwest, Fort McCoy is the only U.S. Army installation in Wisconsin.

The installation has provided support and facilities for the field and classroom training of more than 100,000 military personnel from all services nearly every year since 1984.

Learn more about Fort McCoy online at https://home.army.mil/mccoy, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” on Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortmccoywi, and on X (formerly Twitter) by searching “usagmccoy.”

Also try downloading the My Army Post app to your smartphone and set “Fort McCoy” or another installation as your preferred base. Fort McCoy is also part of Army’s Installation Management Command where “We Are The Army’s Home.”

FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA – Representatives of the Republic of Korea Navy’s Maritime Task Flotilla (MTF) 7 and the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 70 met in Yokosuka, Japan, for the latest in the two forces’ regular Composite Warfare Committee Meetings (CWCM) from Dec. 3-5, 2024.

Now in their 28th year, the meetings represent opportunities for the tactical-level commanders and staffs to exchange best practices, build relationships, improve interoperability and plan future exchanges.

“CTF 70 gets tremendous value from CWCM with our friends and colleagues at Maritime Task Flotilla 7,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70. “We learn from each other, strengthen personal bonds and build the foundation for combined operations at-sea. These interactions deliver tangible benefits by generating meaningful combined operations supporting our shared goals of peace and stability in the region.”

The last CWCM took place in May on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. CTF 70 and MTF 7 forces subsequently trained together during exercise Freedom Edge 24-2 in early November.

Task Force 70 controls the preponderance of forward-deployed air and surface maneuver and striking forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, overseeing Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, as well as the ships and aircraft operating under Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Yama Sakura 87 comes to an end with service members from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the Australian Defence Force, and America’s First Corps gathering to take part in the event’s closing ceremony held at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 14.

Following the ceremony, a trilateral statement commemorating the success of the exercise among the three nations stated:

“We have just concluded another successful trilateral Yama Sakura exercise involving service members from Japan, the United States of America and Australia. This exercise allows us to improve our joint human, procedural and technical interoperability and enhance our collaboration among Cross-Domain Operations and Multi-Domain Operations. Yama Sakura’s greatest achievement is its longevity, a legacy of growth and relationships forged over 40 years between our countries. We look forward to all the exercises to come rekindling these friendships and applying the lessons learned together.” Yama Sakura, One Team!

The trilateral command post exercise is the cornerstone event of the U.S. Army’s Pacific’s Operation Pathways series, demonstrating America’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The exercise saw a lot of firsts for the exercise including the first-ever U.S. Army Warfighter held in Japan, and the first Warfighter concurrent with Yama Sakura.

More than 7,000 service members from the three Allied and partnered nations participated in the 10-day exercise. The trilateral exercise spread across three nations, six locations and 17 time zones.

Additionally, the exercise saw the following nations invited as observers for future participate in exercises like Yama Sakura to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific: The Philippines, India, Singapore, France, The United Kingdom and Canada.

The exercise leveraged new concepts and ideas to enhance the interoperability and combined readiness among the Allied and partnered nations.

The closing ceremony ended with a recognition ceremony for service members from each nation. Commanders from each nation presented coins of excellence to the service members followed by a gift exchange between the Allied and partnered nations.

Since its first iteration in 1982, Yama Sakura has demonstrated a continued commitment by both the United States and Japan to work together as dedicated Allies in support of the U.S.-Japan security treaty and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF) celebrated National STEM Day with two days of events featuring the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and innovation.

PHNSY & IMF plays a vital role in maintaining, repairing, and modernizing the U.S. Navy’s fleet, and is a proponent of technological innovation to accomplish that mission through STEM.

On Nov. 7, 2024, the shipyard opened its doors to young, aspiring scientists and engineers from James B. Castle High School in Kaneohe, Hawaii, for a tour.

The tour highlighted the importance of hands-on STEM education in preparing the next generation for careers in engineering, technology, and naval innovation—fields that are critical to the nation’s future.

Castle students toured PHNSY & IMF to engage with the shipyard’s advanced engineering projects and learn about cutting-edge technologies used daily to support national defense. This visit was part of a broader initiative to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM, contributing to a strong future workforce.

Throughout the day, students were guided by shipyard engineers and mechanics. They participated in discussion panels, including virtual reality experiences where they designed ship components, as well as engineering challenges that simulated real-world problem-solving scenarios. These activities, led by PHNSY & IMF’s skilled professionals, provided students with practical insights into naval engineering, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

“It’s incredible to see what goes into keeping our Navy strong,” said one student. “I didn’t realize how much technology and engineering work happens right here in Hawai’i.”

PHNSY & IMF’s National STEM Day event also highlighted the various career pathways available within the U.S. Navy and shipyard operations. Representatives shared information about internships, scholarships, and mentorship programs designed to help students transition from high school to successful STEM careers. These programs bridge education and practical application, providing unique learning opportunities and opening doors to careers in engineering, robotics, and advanced technologies.

“It is so great to have our local schools out to see everything the Shipyard has to offer,” said Julia Cramer, STEM Program Coordinator with the Innovation and Tech Insertion Division. “The young people of Hawai’i are so industrious and forward-thinking. It is important for us to engage with them at this time when they are making big decisions about their future and let them know the shipyard is here. Of course, we want to convey that this is a good job, but really I want to share with them that we are a community of skilled professionals in the trades, in science, in engineering, and we need to grow, and we need them to help us do that.”

The National STEM Day celebration continued the next day with a special event in PHNSY’s iLAB, a dedicated innovation space. Shipyard Commander Capt. Ryan McCrillis, the event’s keynote speaker, emphasized the vital role of STEM careers in strengthening national defense and driving technological advancements.

McCrillis spoke about the importance of ushering in a new generation in cybersecurity, robotics, and engineering, where they could directly contribute to the nation’s defense and innovation efforts.

Discussions during the event centered on critical STEM topics, including advancements in naval technology, emerging cybersecurity challenges, and the evolving role of robotics in the Navy. These presentations underscored the broad impact of STEM education and how students can make a meaningful difference through careers in these areas.

National STEM Day at PHNSY & IMF is not just about tours and celebration; it’s a year-round call to action for young students to explore the limitless opportunities within STEM. Through ongoing collaboration between schools, the Navy, and the community, PHNSY & IMF is helping to shape a future where STEM careers are accessible and appealing to young minds eager to make a difference.