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Show Hilltop November 26. 997 1 Esofefun mm fiscal pv n n Act UHMNlZ&UIOn for aviators with more than 14 years' service. It also by SMSgt Jim Katzaman increases retroactively, through Oct. Air Force News Service WASHINGTON President Clinton signed the fiscal '98 Defense Authorization Act into law Nov. 18, paving the way for a 2.8 percent basic pay raise and boosts in other allowances. The act also supports a ballistic missile defense program, adds extra money for national missile defense and puts high priority on theater missile defense. Congressional conferees also supported the president's original requests for funding the 2 Raptor and the Air Force development of the Joint Strike Fighter. More money is also authorized to either buy more 2 bombers or to modify and repair the existing fleet. Other congressional actions added funds to the managed-car- e program and moved to cut administrative burdens for patients and providers. Besides the 2.8 percent pay raise that takes effect Jan. 1. the act mandates that military compensation not be reduced for personnel assigned to duty away from a permanent duty station or while assigned to duty under field conditions at home station. Congress also directed that basic allowance for quarters and variable housing allowance be consolidated allowance based on housing costs into a for civilians with comparable income levels residing in the same area. This would index the annual growth in housing allowance to increases in the national average monthly cost of housing. The act also calls for rate protection for overseas allowances to protect airmen from reductions not caused by currency fluctuations, as long as housing costs have not been reduced. Other pay provisions include: Raising family separation allowance from $75 to $100 per month; Increased flexibility for quality-of-lif- e hardship duty pay, raising the limit to $300 per month; More hazardous duty compensation with pay varyfor duties that include parachute jumping, aerial ing flight, explosives demolition and aircraft carrier flight-dec- k duties. The act also increases aviation career incentive pay F-2- B-- TRI-CAR- non-taxab- E f ff iyA ,A. fe, 71 g v. the high-energ- y Russian-America- ject. The act provides $2.1 billion for F-2- research and 2 development, and $74.9 million for advance procurement. It also matches the president's request of $458. 1 million for Air Force Joint Strike Fighter development. Spirit funding stands at $331.2 million for fleet modification and repair if the president certifies to Congress that more bombers are not needed. Unmanned aerial vehicles also have increased fund-- . ing, especially $141.5 million designated for replacement Predators and other spares. Another $192 million e will pay for endurance UAVs such as Global Hawk and DarkStar. In other people programs, the act adds 30 percent to the original requests for family housing construction and improvements, including $296 million earmarked for the Air Force. Another $32 million will fund building of seven child development centers. Congress added $274 million to fully fund TRICARE. The act directs the secretary of defense to prepare a plan to expand TRICARE Prime into areas outside to radius of military medical facilities. To support retirees. Congress also directed the secretary of defense to evaluate the "feasibility, advisability and cost" of extending the current pharmacy B-- le t yf-- 1, 1996, maximum bonus for continuing an aviation career from $12,000 to $25,000. For ballistic missile defense, Congress authorized $3.7 billion for the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, aimed at fielding effective theater and national missile defenses to counter existing and emerging ballistic missile threats. Another $978.1 million will support national missile defense in the light of continued global proliferation of ballistic missile and weapons of mass destruction technology. This, according to the conferees, combined with growing concerns about security of ballistic missiles in the former Soviet Union, "make deployment of a national missile defense system a high priority." Congress also authorized $139.1 million for cooperative ballistic missile defense programs, $51 million for laser program and $13 million the tactical n Observational Satellite profor the 2 high-altitud- 40-mi-le mail-ord- WV fv. AMfV f er To the men and women of Hill AFB, Congratulations on a job well done! Not only did we meet our 1997 Combined Federal Campaign goal of $475,665, but we exceeded it by nearly $95,600. Our attaining this goal is directly attributable to your caring and generosity. Again great job by all who administered this year's CFC and a heartfelt thank you to all who contributed. Maj. Gen. Rich Roellig Ogden ALC Commander beneficiaries who do program to all Medicare-eligibl- e not live near military medical facilities. The act also permits Gulf War veterans not eligible for care in the Veterans Affairs system, and who suffer from a Gulf War illness, to receive care through the military health system on the same basis as active-dut- y people. Congress rejected the president's proposal to keep federally employed civilian reservists from taking k milleave to serve their annual penalty-fre- e itary training period. Conferees then restored $85 million to the reserve component military personnel accounts to fund such leave. For commissaries. Congress put into law the 5 percent surcharge, requiring the Department of Defense to get congressional permission to make any change. DOD also has to give 90 days' notice to Congress of any change in commissary pricing policies. two-wee- Conferees also said that integration of military exchanges "should not occur until a due diligence study of relative advantages and disadvantages is completed." That study would also have to state that exchange mergers would be in the best interests of DOD. In a privatization move, the act directs DOD to sube mit to Congress a plan to establish partnerships so private entities could operate morale, welfare and recreation activities. This would reduce government costs but still generate profits to support MWR programs. public-privat- A g The Air Combat Command commander Thanksgiving is an American tradition at its finest. It is a holiday that has been passed down for more than 350 years and is part of the legacy that defines our country, culture and communities. It also falls appropriately within Military Family Appreciation Week. For the people and families of the Air Combat Command, Thanksgiving is a day to slow down and appreciate the many blessings in our lives. We are the world's finest Air Force. We got here through hard work, dedication and commitment-t- he foundation of America's success. These standards have been passed down by those who came before, many of whom paid an incredible price to maintain this legacy. As you share your Thanksgiving meal with family, friends, or whether at home or deployed, remember this holiday is more than a means of preserving a part of our heritage. It's also a celebration of courage, strength and heart. Thanksgiving celebrates the freedom that each one of you protects and preserves through service to your country. As we take comfort in our personal fortunes, recognize that America takes comfort in that service you place before yourselves each and every day. Mary Ellen and I wish you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving. We congratulate and thank you. the men. women and families of ACC for your service, sacrifice and achievement. The chief of staff As we gather this Thanksgiving and reflect on the blessings we enjoy, we must also acknowledge the sacrifices of the men and women of our Air Force in assuring our security and freedom. Today, more than 90.000 Air Force members are overseas; many separated from family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones as they perform their vital mission. To all members and families of our great Air Force, thank you for your dedication and commitment. May you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. -- Gen. Michael E. Ryan -- Gen. The Air Force Space Command commander Year's is festive time a when our people get together Thanksgiving to New to relax and socialize with friends and family. Enjoy every moment, but always remember the potential hazards to you and others. Put safety first. If you choose to use alcohol, do it responsibly. During fiscal year 1997. 13 Air Force members died in accidents from drinking and driving. Let's take care of each other. If you see someone attempting to drink and drive, find someone to drive them. Don't drink and drive. Remember to do the simple things like buckling seatbelts. Wear them whether you're driving or are a passenger. Additionally, prepare for the unexpected in winter weather. Get your vehicle ready and have some survival items like blankets, water and food in your car in case something happens. Adopt a safety attitude. Your efforts and hard work this year are greatly appreciated. Let's enjoy our celebrations and return safely. Happy Holidays! -- Gen. ri frftv & -- . v In . yry fL t.-r-? . yrv- - V SL In . V X. frrrv-- f trt . V Howell M. X t.n . V The Ogden Air Logistics Center commander a Thanksgiving is time when we gather as family and friends to cele- brate the season. It is more than a time of just food and football games, it is an occasion to count our blessings. We live in a land free from and oppression. We enjoy good health. Quality of life is good tyranny f lJe dedi,cated workers, who serve the Air Force and make Hill AFB ymJ and the Ogden Air Logistics Center the best in the Air Force I would also like to extend a special thanks to those who are cur-Zn-r iy dP,oyed; dndins our freedom in Saudi Arabia. Bosnia and other P 0f you' the worId is a much safer to live. VIZ I aT f ' .T;aUSe to you our warmest wishes for a safeplace and happy EstesIII X -- ES7 - V yry- Dick Hawley - '3 . XI'ry-- X. Is? . - wvy- x ra wvj Maj. Gen. and Mrs. Richard H. Roellig U t J ft. A ryv 2 Y.f w- "5 - Xf A 4 |