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Show 12 HILLTOP TIMES TIMES December 18, 2008 Military housing allowances announced for '09 see some (areas) that go down and some that go up, and this was a very typical year." American Forces Press Service Those who do notice their area's BAH ASHINGTON — Housing alis lower than last year's shouldn't worry, Brumbaugh said, because an individual rate lowances for military members will go up an average of 6.9 protection law is in place to protect those . percent in 2009, Defense Department ofwho already are under a rental agreement. ficials announced Dec. 15. So, if BAH rates in their area are lower The increase comes to an average of Jan. 1 than Dec. 31, the previous, higher about $95 per month across the board for rate applies. Service members who change the 950,000 service members expected to duty stations after Jan. 1 will be affected draw basic allowance for housing in 2009, by the new, lower rates for that area, she but some service members will not see any explained. increase at all, and others will see less than "If (the military member's) status didn't that of the average increase, said Susan change, his rate will not go down," she said. A. Brumbaugh, director of the Defense "Individual rate protection is in place. It's in Department's BAH program. the law, and if s not going to change." The local market economy serves as the "We did see some decreases in some areas for some pay grades," she said, "(but) it's basis for BAH rate changes. The BAH program is designed to benefit not across the broad spectrum. We also saw some significant increases across the board, servicemembers, but it's not designed to pay 100 percent of their housing expenses, so it's a balance. "In some years, you'll have a rental mar- Brumbaugh said. Although she's never met a servicemember who is pleased with his ket that is very strong in some areas," she explained, "and in other areas, you'll have lo- or her BAH rates, she said, the program is cal rental markets where there's not a lot of very well designed, and once servicememhousing available. So it changes. It can fluc- bers understand the process for which the rates are set, they're fairly well satisfied. tuate from year to year. Every year you'll BY ARMY STAFF SGT. MICHAEL J. CARDEN W HELPERS From page 9 gifts on the morning of Dec. 17. "I got 45 volunteers in less than a week of sending that email," he said. Most foster families take in foster children as a labor of love and they "unfortunately do not get reimbursed the entire cost of a child placed in their care," Lundgreen says. The project, called the Christmas Giving Tree project by UFCF, allows children placed in foster care to make three Christmas wishes of $30 or less and the wishes are written on tree ornaments. The ornaments are distributed to local businesses and community members who fulfill those wishes, and once the gifts are collected by UFCF, the Airmen of the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings help deliver the gifts while the children are at school, hence keeping a low profile as Santa's helpers. Jill Risau of the Hill AFB Airman Leadership school and her team also fulfilled many of the children's wishes and donated more than $400 to this cause. Having military personnel help with the the Christmas Giving Tree project seemed like a natural fit for the UFCF employees. "The military personnel are dear to Americans for the way that they, on a large scale, serve our country," Lund- . green says. "When they take their services to the community level, sacrificing their vacation time and gas money, it really shows that they care and support the foster families and the children they serve." "I enjoy helping the kids out," Senior Airman Chris Lehmon of the 419th Fighter Wing said about why he volunteered to help the UFCF this year. "There are not too many times we can help out kids because most volunteer efforts are usually for adults." "This year the response has been marvelous!" Lungreen said. "Because of the generosity of the community, children will experience the joy of receiving that special gift on Christmas morning and foster parents will feel supported Not everyone can be a foster parent, but we all can do something, and those who have contributed to this project have." TriWest courtesy graphic Beating seasonal stresses • Buy gifts from catalogues or online. This can be an amazing time saver. Many companies offer giftwrapping and delivery directly to the BY DIANE MAYER recipient. It is a great way to avoid TriWest Healthcare Alliance crowded stores and long lines at the Post Office. Use the time you saved to he holiday season can bring spend time doing things you enjoy. with it many feelings, rang• lake care of yourself. In order to ing from excitement and wonder to sadness and disappointtake care of others, you must first take ment. Anxiety about separations care of yourself. Eat healthy meals at or losses can be intensified during regular times. Get plenty of sleep and the holidays. Uncertainty about the exercise. Even on your busiest days, schedule time for yourself. Think length of deployments and mission dangers can add to the stress of about activities in which you can participate and choose only those that will separation. be enjoyable. Here are some suggestions to help reduce holiday stress: • Emphasize family ties. Spend • Set realistic expectations. It is extra time with your children to make easy to focus on how things used to be. them feel safe and secure. Maintain Sit down with family members and dis- established routines, including family cuss what is important to each of you dinners and bedtimes. Create an online right now. Look for new activities that photo scrapbook for a loved one who is could become new family traditions. deployed, to share holiday images with them during or after their deployment. • Make a calendar with specific holiday goals. Once a holiday goal like • Reach out to others. Share activibuying all the gifts or baking all the ties and help others in your community. cookies is reached, reward yourself. Participate in community activities that bring you in contact with others. • Establish a realistic budget Overspending can result in year-round life is full of changes — some good, stress and the material aspects of some bad — and it can be difficult to adjust. Identify what is important and the holidays can be overwhelming. good in your life right now and focus Many times a homemade gift can be more meaningful. Coupons for seron the future. TriWest is here to help vices throughout the year can provide you make it though the holidays. Visit friends and family with happiness that www.triwest.com>Beneficiary>Behavi outlasts the holiday season. orial Health for tips and resources. Due to increased interest in the topic here is the expanded version of last weeks article for our reader's enjoyment. T Neat! The perfect gift for someone who has it all. for your military training & experience REBATE At Home Personal Care for Seniors and Disabled Adults. 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