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Show HILLTOP TIMES 4 TimEs June 23, 2011 Two miles, 20 medics and a thousand pounds of trash BY SENIOR AIRMAN ANNA L. BROADBENT 75th Medical Support Squadron 0 n the morning of June 18, 20 members of the 75th Medical Group gathered on Interstate 84 to help make miles 90.3 to 92.3 litter-free. The Adopt-a-Highway is a program where a group "adopts" a two mile section of highway for two years to make it look better than how they found it. Participants don't receive money for their efforts, but do receive a sign of recognition on their section of the highway and the satisfaction of knowing they are supporting the surrounding communities that support the base and the Air Force every day. "Whenever the medical group's combat medics have the opportunity to give back to the community, we try to take full advantage of it," said Master Sgt. Roberta Chaves. Before getting out on the road and getting dirty, the combat medics took some time over breakfast and to discuss the game plan for the clean-up effort. To make things fun, the medics made it a sort of scavenger hunt by having small prizes for those who found the oldest item and the one most unique. The medics found a lot of old and interesting items; so, deciding who received the prizes was quite a challenge. The oldest item found was a 1968 nickel picked up by Airman 1st Class Katherine Exparza and the most unique item was a "bizarre" DVD found by Master Sgt. Gary Guzman. "Between an animal skeleton completely preserved by the elements, and a couple rattle snakes, it made for quite an interesting morning," said Staff Sgt. Michael Miller. The event was a huge success as the medics were able to collect 25 bags of trash weighing approximately 1,000 pounds in a matter of two hours. By doing this task just three times a year, the medics are building unit camaraderie, cohesiveness between Team Hill and the local community, and making the environment a greener place. Courtesy photo The 75th Medical Group's combat medics took some time to contribute to surrounding communities by adopting a section of Interstate 84 and picking up litter on June 18. Here the medics pose for a group photo as they begin their efforts. on Whole Wheat Tortillas with Brown Rice! MANUEL'S (Since 1976) Follow us on 0 * SWAP MEET ALL YEAR ROUND* Hilltop Times editor I ncreasing the maximum amount of the tax credit for adoption is just one of many changes enacted into law by the Affordable Care Act signed on March 23, by President Barack Obama. Other aspects of the act are also worth reminding taxpayers and those who use health saving accounts (HSAs), and flex spending plans on medical expenses. For those adopting, the maximum adoption credit is now $13,170 per child and is now refundable meaning eligible taxpayers can receive the credit even if they owe no tax for that year, according to a news release from the IRS. The small business health care tax credit (phase one), part of the act, means that small businesses and tax exempt organizations that offer health care coverage may be eligible for health care tax credit. The purpose of this is to encourage small businesses and tax exempt organizations to offer health care coverage to their employees by making it more cost effective to do so for the companies involved. Health benefit tax treatment for older children — in keeping with the new ability of parents to add older children to their plans — makes it possible by raising the age range to older children for the tax credit. Inclusion of cost of employersponsored health insurance on Form W-2: The Affordable Care Act requires employers to report the cost of coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan, but that is still voluntary for most large employers in 2011. Small businesses may still opt out in 2012. According to an interim guidance letter released by the IRS, "This new reporting to employees is for their information only, to inform them of the cost of their health coverage, and does not cause excludable employer-provided health coverage to become taxable; employer-provided health coverage continues to be excludable from an employee's income, and is not taxable." Increased tax on distribution from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs), and the limits on over-thecounter medicines: Employees and their families must have a prescription to pay for over-the-counter medicines with their tax-free Flexible Spending Arrangements and Health Reimbursement Arrangements. This does not include eyeglasses, contact lens or medical devices. According to a news release issued earlier this year, insulin is not included in this requirement. Increased tax on distribution from HSAs, MSAs and additional taxes on nonqualified medical expenses: If using HSAs or Archer MSAs, the tax on nonqualified medical expenses will increase to 20 percent effective Jan. 1, 2011. More information can be found on the Affordable Care Act at www. irs.gov . I- 2 0. 4 394-1768 SATURDAY & SUNDAY 8 AM -1 PM BUYERS FREE ON SAT.! Visit Our Indoor Shops! A Great Place for Those Hard to Find Bargains! SELLERS VISIT US AT www.motorvu.com or call 394-1768 T June 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Building 385 in the ALS Auditorium. CSB/Redux — Undecided if you should take the $30,000 at your 15 year mark? Well come learn about the pros and cons of it. This course will be offered June 30, from noon to 1 p.m. in Building 385 in the FTAC classroom. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Chi Swanson, Career Assistance advisor, at (801) 7777829. 1145 South State, Clearfield " 801-773-7579 WWW.el-burrito.com A Leader in Military Education Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Arts (MA) - Human Resources Management Information Technology Management Management and Leadership Procurement and Acquisitions Management Online options available! Webster University is listed by U.S. News and World Report as one of "America's Best Colleges 2011" and ranks Webster as a "Top Midwestern Master's University." Professional Development Center classes he Professional Development Center will be offering two Lunch and Learns on June 28 and 30. These courses are all offered on a first come, first-served basis, so please arrive early and feel free to bring your lunch. Bullet Writing Course: Need to brush up on your writing skills? Come learn how to write stronger Enlisted Performance Reports and award packages. This course will be offered on RESTAURANT & CANTINA * SWAP SHOPS AVAILABLE FOR RENT * a t We bs te r Un ivers it _ A BY MARY Lou CORNY DRIVE-IN & SWAP MEET ' ra dua te de " ree p ro " rams ACA raises adoption credit, tax-free age for children's health benefits MOTOR VU S RNERDALE Webster University at Hill AFB 7290 Weiner Street Bldg 383 Hill AFB, UT " 801-779-2061 webstetedu/hill Mittriiif r 011 FRIENDLY SCHOOLS ., 1 COLLEGES 8UNIVERSITIES' alt..L.fyildys.LEL,A.d ACCREDITED Webster UNIVERSITY II |