News You Can Use

1. American Airlines Extends Active-Duty Perks American Airlines has extended through June 1, 2006, several special offers for active-duty service members.
These offers include discounted airfares, relaxed advance purchase requirements and preferred boarding privileges.
Active-duty members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard and Reserves who are on leave or furlough (including those who are traveling within seven days of discharge from active service), and their spouses and dependent children, qualify for the special military fares. They may purchase them up to a week after making reservations--versus 24 hours for most non-military discount fares--making it easier for them to make travel arrangements. The discounted fares cover travel to domestic and various international destinations.

2. Free Photography Franchise on Tap
TSS Photography, a youth photography franchise formerly known as The Sports Section, has announced it will award a franchise territory worth $20,000 to a retired or honorably-discharged member of the Armed Forces. The 250,000-population territory can be anywhere in the country where TSS Photography does not have a current franchise.
The winner will receive the franchise territory, plus $5,000 in equipment and three nights at the TSS Photography Convention Hotel for training and public relations support for their opening–for a total value of $30,000. Candidates must submit an essay focusing on what their service to America has meant to them, why they would be an excellent franchise owner and why TSS Photography would be their franchise of choice. The essay should demonstrate previous entrepreneurial ambition, and dedication or commitment to their communities through activities such as involvement in local organizations, donations to charitable causes, or youth outreach. Visit www.tssphotography.com.

2. Airline VIP Club Open to Deployed Troops American Airlines has extended through June 1, 2006, free access to certain Admirals Club facilities for service members participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. Eligibility: be on emergency leave or Rest-and-Relaxation (R&R) leave from their assignments; be in appropriate uniform; and have emergency or R&R leave forms on hand. Family members and other relatives accompanying them also are eligible. The access is not open at airports that have a USO facility.

3. Free Income Tax Help Available
Marines, airmen, soldiers, sailors, and guardsmen, and their families worldwide may find tax preparation help at offices within their installations. These Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites provide free tax advice, tax preparation, and assistance to service members and their families. The volunteers are trained and equipped to address military-specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits and the effect of the new Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) guidelines. Commanders can support the program by detailing service members to prepare returns and by providing space and equipment for tax centers. The IRS provides tax software and trains members to prepare taxes at the military sites. For more information, visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html.

4. MotoMail Launched for Deployed Marines Families and friends of Marines deployed to Iraq can send them free messages that will be delivered as regular letters, generally within 24 hours. The sender either uses a Motivational Mail (MotoMail) Web site to type a message or takes a handwritten letter to a scanning location (available at most Stateside Marine Corps bases). The letter goes to the MotoMail server, and the designated Marine Corps post office in Iraq downloads the letter to a special machine that prints, folds and seals it. The machine ensures complete privacy. The sender can track the letter to identify when it was submitted, downloaded and printed. To use the system at the MotoMail site, visit http://www.motomail.us/ and create a user account. Then follow directions on the screen. MotoMail requires a specific name and address, and cannot be used to send letters of encouragement or support to "any Marine."

5. Free Sports Info Phone Cards
Through the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes and in partnership with Stars for Stripes, EZ Scores is giving U.S. service members 2.5 million prepaid calling cards, said Christopher O'Donnell, EZ Scores chief executive officer. EZ Scores is a Maryland-based, voice-activated sports information service that users can access from any phone, O'Donnell explained. It provides live scores for college and professional games in sports such as baseball, football, basketball and hockey, he added. Each card is good for 400 calls. Because it can be used from any phone, service members can share the personal identification number used to access the service with family and friends.
The heroes' salute coalition is working with several military organizations to get the cards into the hands of service members, a coalition spokesman said. Stars for Stripes is a nonprofit organization that provides entertainment to overseas deployed U.S. military forces.

6. Financial Counselor Fellowships for Spouses Military spouses interested in the financial counseling field can apply for one of 200 fellowships being offered for the Accredited Financial Counselor Program. The program is being offered through the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education in partnership with the National Military Family Association (NMFA) and the NASD Investor Education Foundation. Applicants must be current or surviving spouses of active duty or retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserve members. Spouses interested must apply online before the closing date of Feb. 14. To apply, visit www.nmfa.org and click on the Military Spouse Fellowship for the Accredited Financial Counselor Program link. For more information, contact Lillie Cannon, NMFA program manager, at cannon@nmfa.org or (703) 861-3126.