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Show TIMES November 30, 2006 HILLTOP TIMES Insurance companies pay back military members for deception Builder" or "Horizon Life," according to the release. The second settlement, reached Oct. 17, involves the Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 2004, TDI investigators learned several Boston Mutual agents were soliciting and selling life insurance to low-ranking Soldiers in the Fort Hood, Texas, area by misrepresenting the insurance as a savings or investment plan, said Jim Hurley, TDI spokesman. The activity led to the multi-state examination of the company's sales to military members. The company will refund a total of $427,529.57 to 1,784 military members who bought life insurance policies between Jan. 1,2002, and April 30, 2005. "Servicemembers need to be skeptical and shop around if interested in purchasing life insurance," said Tim Haight, acting chief of the client services division at the Fort Sam Houston Legal Assistance Office. "Educate yourself. The best place to start when considering investments or additional insurance is to get sound advice from a certified financial planner." The companies are notifying servicemembers with current or lapsed policies affected by the agreements, Mr. Hurley said. Consumers who feel they are affected but have not received notification can call the companies' consumer service center at 800-736-7311. BY ELAINE WILSON American Forces Press Service FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Life insurance companies are being held accountable for their improper sales practices to military members. Four companies in the past three months have agreed to a multi-state settlement agreement after Texas Department of Insurance investigators uncovered a pattern of deception to young troops. Under the agreements, the companies will refund more than $70 million to more than 93,000 consumers, including about 71,000 servicemembers, according to Texas Department of Insurance news releases. The first settlement, reached Aug. 3, came after a 20-month investigation by Texas and Georgia, together with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, into the sales practices of three Waco, Texas-based companies: American-Amicable Life Insurance Company of Texas, Pioneer American Insurance Company and Pioneer Security Life Insurance Company. State regulators and federal agencies claim the life insurance companies "targeted young recruits and misled them into believing they were buying an investment product." The servicemembers were actually purchasing an expensive term-life product that was coupled with a side fund and called the "Wealth Photo by Milch Shaw Museum features Utah pilots The Hill Aerospace Museum will feature Utah pilots discussing their experiences flying military aircraft during Airplane Talk in December. Airplane Talk is a seasonal program at the museum that features discussions by pilots and aircrew members who have flown America's aircraft during the last 50 years. The programs are held in the museum's classrooms Saturdays at 1 p.m. The events are free and open to the public. Airplane Talk for December features: Saturday - Lt. Col. Dick Cawley, a resident of Centerville, will discuss his experience with a number of aircraft. Colonel Cawley served with the Utah National Guard and flew the C-124 Globemaster II and the KC-135 Stratotanker. He also flew for Western and Delta Airlines flying several different types of aircraft. Dec. 9 - Cm dr. Martin O'Loughlin, a resident of South Ogdcn. will relate his experiences as a Navy pilot flying the F/A-18 Hornet. Commander O'Loughlin was an exchange pilot with the Air Force and also flew the F-16 Fighting Falcon. He participated in six deployments with the aircraft carriers Midway and the Carl Vincent and flew in the Gulf during the war. Dec. 16 - Col. Russ Westcott, a resident of Layton, will discuss his years of flying from Edwards AFB, Calif. Colonel Westcott flew chase lor several Air Force programs - including the cruise missile - on flights to the Utah Test and Training Range. For more information about museum activities, call 777-6818. United what matters.® •••-' if . Giving Matters! The gift of giving can be the most rewarding. Give to your United Way on behalf of your family and friends. * All Toy Donations accepted through the Salvation Army • 298 24th Street, Suite LL90, Ogden All Holiday Food Donations accepted through Catholic Community Services - 2504 F Avenue* Ogden I Can Help hove enclosed a check payable to: United Way 0! Noithem Utah Automatic Bank Deductions (enclose personal check marked "VOID". Your account will be deducted equal amounts monthly for Jan. 15 • Dec. 15 $ dollars per month x 12 = $ VISA • MASTERCARD D AMERICAN EXPRESS Q Expiration Date (M/Yi Card Number Please continue automatic bank deductions until I instruct you to stop. Name Phone Address City Zip To sponsor Holiday Dinner for a family of four I would like to sponsor Holiday Dinner for just $30.00 People are hungry year round. 1 would like to sponsor dinner in July. Please mail to: 2955 Harrison Boulevard, Suite 201 Ogden, UT 84403. Please call (801) 399-5584 for more Information. A tax receipt will be mailed to the above address on receipt of donation. Thank you for your spirit of giving. v sA r Information Tickets ATravel SERVICES Combat Support & Community Service Base Information # cs United Way of Northern Utah CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES .... . |