Newsbytes April 25, 2025
In this Issue:
Medal of Honor Recipient Reenlists
TRICARE For Life Handbook
Commissary Doorstep Delivery
FRA Mid-Year Board Meeting Events
Medal of Honor Recipient Reenlists
On April 17, 2025, Sgt. Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient, reenlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve after a 15-year hiatus, becoming the only living recipient currently serving. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth administered the oath at a Pentagon ceremony, marking Meyer’s return to the infantry as a sergeant. Awarded the Medal of Honor in 2011 for his heroism in Afghanistan, Meyer was driven by his belief in continued service, stating, “I’ve got more to give, and it’s just such an honor to be able to come stand shoulder to shoulder next to the men and women who are wearing the nation’s cloth today.” His high-profile reenlistment could amplify the Marine Corps’ recruitment efforts in a competitive environment.
In 2009, Meyer saved 36 lives under intense enemy fire in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, earning the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama. Now 36, Meyer insisted on equal treatment, saying, “I didn’t want any special treatment. I asked that I would be able to have the same opportunities as any other sergeant.” His commitment to authentic service aligns with the Corps’ ethos, potentially inspiring young Americans seeking purpose.
The Marine Corps has consistently met its recruitment goals, exceeding its 2023 target by 21 recruits and its 2024 goal by 29, though success has required significant effort in a challenging landscape. Hegseth noted a “renewed inspiration to want to serve this country” tied to Meyer’s reenlistment, suggesting it reflects broader recruiting momentum. Meyer’s status as a Medal of Honor recipient could further enhance the Corps’ appeal, drawing candidates attracted to its legacy of valor.
Meyer’s return could also improve retention and morale, encouraging current Marines to reenlist, as his example reinforces the Corps’ values. His reenlistment may foster public support for military initiatives, such as proposed pension increases for Medal of Honor recipients. The Fleet Reserve Association congratulates Sgt. Dakota Meyer for his reenlistment and thanks him for his patriotic move, which will likely boost recruitment for the Marines by showcasing the enduring call to serve.
TRICARE For Life Handbook
The TRICARE For Life (TFL) Handbook is an essential guide for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries transitioning to Medicare, whether nearing age 65 or qualifying early due to disability or medical conditions. “The TRICARE For Life Handbook is your go-to resource for all things related to the Medicare and TRICARE,” said Robert Agnello, team lead for beneficiary web and publications at the Defense Health Agency. Below are the key highlights to help you understand and access TFL benefits.
Automatic TFL Enrollment:
Eligibility: TRICARE-eligible individuals with premium-free Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, regardless of age or location.
Process: No enrollment needed; TFL coverage starts automatically.
Action: Verify your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to ensure seamless coverage.
Comprehensive Coverage Guidance:
Topics Covered: Medicare and TFL coordination, eligible services, care options at home or while traveling, and dental/vision coverage via the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.
Additional Insurance: Explains how TFL integrates with other health insurance plans.
Pharmacy Benefits:
Options: Fill prescriptions at military pharmacies, TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, TRICARE retail network pharmacies, or non-network pharmacies.
Medicare Part D Not Required: “You don’t need a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to keep your TRICARE prescription drug coverage,” avoiding extra premiums and restrictive rules.
Coverage: Matches the comprehensive prescription drug benefits of other TRICARE plans.
Navigating TFL:
Key Questions Addressed: Finding providers, minimizing out-of-pocket costs, getting care overseas, obtaining pre-authorizations or referrals, filing claims or appeals, and understanding Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage.
User-Friendly: Simplifies the learning curve for new TFL beneficiaries.
Accessing the Handbook:
Online: Available at the TRICARE website.
Printed Copy: Order by contacting WPS Military and Veterans Health at 866-773-0404.
Additional Resources: Explore TRICARE Publications, including the TRICARE and Medicare Turning Age 65 Brochure and TRICARE and Medicare Under Age 65 Brochure.
The TRICARE For Life Handbook equips beneficiaries with the tools to confidently manage their Medicare and TRICARE benefits, ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare tailored to their needs.
Commissary Doorstep Delivery
The Defense Commissary Agency is on the verge of awarding a contract to expand doorstep grocery delivery, a service designed to bring discounted groceries directly to eligible military and veteran households. This initiative builds on a 2022 pilot program and aims to make commissary benefits more accessible, particularly for those facing mobility or scheduling challenges.
Eligible customers include active duty, Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, their authorized family members, and veterans with any VA-documented, service-connected disability rating. The service targets approximately 3.4 million households within a 20-mile radius of 178 commissaries across the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Initially, delivery will launch at 70 commissaries, with the flexibility to expand to all 178, though overseas commissaries are excluded due to regulatory constraints. This broad reach emphasizes the agency’s commitment to serving its diverse customer base with greater convenience.
The pilot program, launched in 2022 at eight commissaries—including Scott Air Force Base, Fort Bragg South, MacDill Air Force Base, Fort Belvoir, Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Naval Base San Diego—has delivered over 28,000 orders through ChowCall since March 2023. Delivery customers spend significantly more, averaging $185 per order compared to $65 for in-store shoppers and $120 for curbside pickup users. These higher orders suggest delivery could enhance savings and address food insecurity.
Cost remains a key consideration, as delivery fees have risen from an initial $4 per order to $16-$30, depending on distance, to cover driver salaries and gas. Customers also pay a 5% commissary surcharge and may tip drivers. While details on potential fee subsidies under the new contract are pending, the agency aims to balance affordability with sustainability. The expanded delivery service promises to transform how eligible households access commissary benefits, offering convenience and value to millions.
FRA Mid-Year Board Meeting Events
Next week, during the Fleet Reserve Association’s mid-year board meeting, Representative John Garamendi will be honored with the FRA Pinnacle Award on Capitol Hill, April 30th, 2025. The award celebrates Garamendi’s leadership in championing the Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act in the 118th Congress, an FRA-sponsored bill designed to enhance support for survivors of military retirees. This recognition highlights Garamendi’s pivotal role in advancing legislation that aligns with the FRA’s mission to serve Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel.
The Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act seeks to provide financial and emotional relief to survivors by improving benefits for families of deceased military retirees. Garamendi, a member of the House Armed Services Committee from California’s 8th Congressional District, has long advocated for veterans’ healthcare, mental health services, and family support programs. The ceremony will spotlight the critical role of congressional advocacy in addressing military community needs.
On May 1, 2025, FRA board members will visit a VA hospital’s inpatient psychiatric recreational therapy group, engaging veterans through card games, conversations, and shared meals. This visit is part of the FRA’s broader initiative to actively serve the community and encourage its branches to forge stronger ties with local VA hospitals. The FRA’s hands-on outreach aims to support veterans’ mental health recovery while inspiring other branches to replicate these efforts nationwide.
By combining legislative advocacy with direct community engagement, the FRA demonstrates its multifaceted commitment to the military community.