Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said after his recent meetings with Guamanian and military leaders, July 20, 2012, he is more convinced than ever that Guam has a central role to play in the strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. Click here for DoD article.

New Illinois Professional Licensing Law

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed into law the "Military Family Licensing Act" which provides for temporary expedited professional and educational licenses for active duty members of the military and their spouses after the families relocate to Illinois for military service.

 The state agencies that issue occupational licenses will be able to grant temporary licenses to military members and spouses who hold credentials in other states in more than 50 professions. The act also allows the IDFPR to consider all relevant experience and training that a service member has gained through military service towards meeting certain permanent state licensing requirements. For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

 Troops Taking Time for a Morale Break

This bit might be worth a peek, Marines and soldiers take a break to present their version of a video on Carly Rae Jepson’s song “Call me Maybe.” Service members at Kandahar Airfield rock out to "Call Me Maybe." Marine Corps Times' Dan Lamothe calls it the best (Marine) version of the song yet. Watch it here: http://bit.ly/LAcI3o

13 New VA Clinics Announced

As part of the continuing effort to provide world-class health care closer to where more Veterans live, VA this week announced plans to open 13 new community-based outpatient clinics (CBOC) in nine states.

 “Community-based clinics are key to providing Veterans better access to high-quality care closer to home,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “By reducing the distance Veterans have to travel, we hope more Veterans will benefit from the health care services they have earned through their service to our Nation.”

 The first of the new CBOCs will become operational during the latter part of 2012, with openings continuing through 2015. Local VA officials will keep their Veterans, communities, congressional offices and other stakeholders informed of the progress of the new CBOCs.

A list of the new community clinics and planned activation dates:

Arizona – Northeast Phoenix/Maricopa (2012/2013)

Georgia – Tifton/Tift (2012/2013)

Kansas – Lenexa/Johnson County (2013)

Maryland – St. Mary’s (2013)

Missouri – Marshfield/Webster (2013), Platte City/Platte (2012/2013), Springfield/Greene (2015)

North Carolina – Sanford/Lee (2012/2013)

Ohio – Georgetown/Brown (2012/2013)

Oregon – Portland Metro South/Clackamas (2012/2013), Grants Pass/Josephine (2012/2013)

Pennsylvania – Huntingdon (2013), Indiana (2013)

NAUS Looking for Legislative Employee

The National Association for Uniformed Services is looking for a professional with working knowledge of Military Personnel, National Defense and Veterans legislative issues. The individual should be proficient in written and verbal communications to serve our Association, our members and our alliances as an advocate for our members on Capitol Hill. The individual must have the ability to manage multiple tasks and issues with short deadlines.Retired Military and Veterans are encouraged to apply. Entry to mid-level position. Salary $40,000 to $50,000 per year, dependent on experience, with exceptional benefits. The position is at NAUS HQ in Springfield, VA. Send resume to: naus@naus.org, or via snail mail to: National Association for Uniformed Services, Legislative Assistant, 5535 Hempstead Way, Springfield, VA 22151.

 NAUS Annual Meeting Week - October

This year’s Annual Membership Meeting will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Old Town Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012. This year’s keynote speaker will be Vietnam War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Paul Bucha.

 The week’s events kick-off Wednesday with the NAUS Regional Vice Presidents workshop at NAUS HQ. On Thursday, Oct. 17, your Board of Directors and legislative staff will “Storm the Hill,” followed by the Board of Directors meeting on Friday at the hotel.

Events for members start Friday and include a Potomac River lunch cruise, and a “Meet the NAUS Board” reception at the hotel Friday evening. The Annual Meeting and luncheon follows on Saturday. More details, including costs and registration information are foundonline here, or you may contact Ms. Vicki Sumner, NAUS Director of Administration. Please plan to attend and help make this annual event a memorable and effective one as we continue to serve as The Servicemember’s Voice in Government.

 Reminder: Online registration is encouraged – It’s easy and saves you and the NAUS staff time. When you register, be sure you indicate which functions you want to attend. If you need hotel accommodations, you will need to make those reservations separately with the hotel directly.