The Leaf Chronicle reported on the Eagles Chapter of Gold Star Wives participating in Wreaths Across America.  You can see the article and pictures at this link: https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/life/2018/12/15/donated-wreaths-placed-local-veterans-graves/2315537002/

News Channel 9 covered the Gold Star Wives Magnolia Chapter holiday event where the chapter prepared boxes of food, clothes and toys for families of veterans.  Over 100 boxes were prepared with the help of donations from local businesses.  You can read about the activity here.  

Broadway World covered a New Jersey event honoring Veterans, and attended by Gold Star Wives member Ellen McCourt. Ellen is pictured at the event as well! Thanks to Ellen for representing Gold Star Wives and supporting New Jersey Veterans. 

Link to Broadway World article.

MassLive had a nice article, a guest viewpoint, from Massachusetts State Senator Eric P. Lesser, the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies who represents the First Hampden & Hampshire District in Western Massachusetts.

The article recognizes wives and family members of veterans and informs readers about the annuity program the state has for survivors.  GSW was instrumental in getting that legislation passed!

You can read the full article here.

The 2018 Federal Benefits Open Season runs November 12 through December 10, 2018. This is the first opportunity for eligible survivors to enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

If you are a surviving spouse currently enrolled in the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP), your coverage under that program ends on December 31, 2018. You will not be automatically enrolled in a FEDVIP plan. You must enroll at BENEFEDS.com during open season if you would like FEDVIP dental or vision coverage effective January 1, 2019.

Again, if you are currently enrolled in a TRDP plan, you will not be automatically enrolled in a FEDVIP plan for 2019. You must enroll during open season. The only opportunity to enroll outside of an annual open season is if you experience a qualifying life event (QLE).

Children will keep their current DENTAL coverage, but are generally eligible for the FEDVIP vision coverage.

For any questions on eligibility, plan comparisons and enrollment, go to: https://tricare.benefeds.com/InfoPortal/containerPage….

Military.com reports Dependency and Indemnity (DIC) rates to get biggest bump since 2012

A Department of Veterans Affairs benefit for surviving family members of some deceased veterans will see a 2.8 percent bump for 2019 starting in January.  That increase for the tax-free Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) pay is the largest bump in seven years.

https://www.military.com/military-report/dependency-and-indemnity-dic-rates-get-biggest-bump-2012.html

Both the NBA and NFL had articles recognizing their support to Gold Star Wives. We are not aware of either of these activities, which may have been handled individually or through a chapter, but we encourage all teams, players and the leagues to continue to support our military, veterans and survivors, and thank them for any support they provide. 

One article mentions Jacksonville Jaguars Malik Jackson's efforts for Gold Star Wives - see article. 

The NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers article was to recognize Gold Star Wives at the Veterans' Day game - see article.

GSW's EAGLES Chapter was covered in the Eagle Post with an article titled "Group raising funds to place wreaths at local veterans cemetery"

The entire article can be viewed here - http://www.kentuckynewera.com/ep/news/article_d7b85d22-e24b-11e8-9285-c77dc07d6e41.html 

Thank you EAGLES Chapter members for your hard work!

Did you attend the public viewing of Senator John McCain?  Three Gold Star Wives were spotted by Emily Klose of The News-Gazette. Here is a link to the full article. Thank you ladies for representing the organization well!

GSW Member Arlene Murray's battle with the VA was reported on the Our Military web site.  To read the entire article, visit:

https://www.ourmilitary.com/gold-star-wife-in-legal-battle-with-va/