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/

The Hershel "Woody" Williams Medal of Honor Foundation has requested that Gold Star Wives circulate information about their upcoming Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Groundbreakings and Dedications. They have asked our members to consider attending these events.

Below is the information regarding the dates and locations of the events along with the primary contact information for each GSFMM Project.

Upcoming GSFMM Dedication Event(s):

October 16: Dayton, OH
Primary Contact: LTJG Matthew J. Previts, (216) 789.2139, mprevits@gmail.com

November 11: Wilmington, DE
Primary Contact: Judy Campbell, Gold Star Sister, (302) 593.5991, herdsis1@icloud.com

November 12: Simi Valley, CA
Primary Contact: Joanne Drake, CAO at Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, (805) 522-2977, jdrake@reaganfoundation.org

Upcoming GSFMM Groundbreaking Event(s):

October 11: Reno, NV
Primary Contact: Jon Yuspa, (775) 351-8412, jon@honorflightnv.org

November 10: Spring Lake, NC
Primary Contact: Lorie Southerland, (325) 206-1721, cavgoldstar@aol.com

For a comprehensive list of GSFMM projects please visit http://hwwmohf.org/monument-projects.html

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla, wrote an article published in the Enid News & Eagle, recognizing the sacrifices of Gold Star Families, including Gold Star Wives. Link to article.

Additionally, the Ahwatukee Foothills News recognized Gold Star Wives' support in organizing an event in Arizona.  It gave coverage to Gold Star Wives, even quoting our web site and a large picture of GSW member Mary Williams.  Link to article.

Gold Star Wives member Patricia Barbee is interviewed by WSAV 3 from Savannah, Georgia in recognition of Gold Star Families week. View the interview and story here: 

https://www.wsav.com/news/local-news/remember-gold-star-military-families-this-week/1474773369

In addition, WSAV broadcast a recent update on Gold Star Wives not being able to lobby and lack of compensation increases. View this broadcast here: 

https://www.wsav.com/news/military/no-increase-for-a-quarter-century/1490396995

Miss. Senator's Measure Designates Sept. 23-29, 2018, as 'Gold Star Families Remembrance Week'

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate has approved a resolution authored by U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) that honors the families of fallen members of the Armed Forces by designating Sept. 23-29, 2018, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week."

Approved by unanimous consent late Thursday, S.Res.522 was introduced by Hyde-Smith to establish an official date to commemorate families affected by the loss of a loved one who died in the service of the United States.

"Gold Star Families Remembrance Week gives us an opportunity to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by the families of members of the Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and secure our nation," Hyde-Smith said.

The remembrance week will serve as a prelude to Gold Star Mother's Day, which has been observed on the last Sunday of September since 1936. There hasn't been an official time dedicated to honor families who have lost a loved one who died in the line of duty while serving in the Armed Forces.