In May 2010, I wrote about the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA). I am back to the MSRRA again with more detail.
On November 11, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the MSRRA. The MSRRA directly impacts military families (more than 50% of all service members have a family) who on average move every three years to a new duty station and reservists mobilized or serving on active duty. Prior to the MSRRA, the Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allowed a U. S. service member to maintain his or her original state of residency despite moving to a different state or country.
However, no such benefit was available to the service member's spouse. As a result, his or her spouse was required to obtain a new driver's license; re-title personal property (automobile, boat, etc.); re-register to vote; and, in many cases, file a separate income tax return (if the service member does not claim the new state as his or her state of residency) every time the family was assigned to a new duty station.
The MSRRA amends the SCRA to provide every service member's spouse with the same benefit as the service member. The MSRRA provides that a nonmilitary spouse will not (1) be deemed to have lost a residence or domicile (whether or not he/she intends to return to that state), or be deemed to have acquired a new residence or domicile by virtue of residing in a state with his/her spouse while on military orders; (2) have his/her income classified as income earned in a tax jurisdiction if the spouse is in the state solely as a result of his or her spouse's military orders; and (3) suspend land rights residency requirements for a spouse accompanying his or her service member spouse on military orders. This allows the nonmilitary spouse to avoid all of the difficulties listed above upon moving to the spouse's new duty station. For example, the SCRA allows a Texas domiciled military resident to maintain the state of Texas as his or her state of residency despite being stationed in California, Germany, South Carolina, or any state or country. The MSRRA now allows the same rights and privileges to the service member's nonmilitary spouse.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law
Colonel, U. S. Army Reserve
e-mail AttatLawGC@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
GREGORY CHANDLER - HARVARD UNIVERSITY PLANNED GIVING
Harvard University accepts unusual assets as gifts. Generous and creative gifts range from paintings and stamps to oil and gas interests, small corporation stock, partnership interests, real estate and insurance policies.
If one has questions about the giving of special assets, please contact Harvard University Planned Giving. The office may be contacted at:
Address: 124 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-5795
E-mail: pgo@harvard.edu
Telephone: (617) 495-4647
GREGORY CHANDLER
If one has questions about the giving of special assets, please contact Harvard University Planned Giving. The office may be contacted at:
Address: 124 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-5795
E-mail: pgo@harvard.edu
Telephone: (617) 495-4647
GREGORY CHANDLER
GREGORY CHANDLER - MILITARY TRAVEL UNDER THE SOFA
Greetings:
I often advise members of the military community about overseas travel. This military community consists of military servicemembers, civilians, and dependents. Overseas travelers should be aware that one might not be able to use military facilities overseas. For example, use of the commissary and exchange may not be available to all individuals. The reason for this unavailability is often because of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) that the United States has with a foreign nation.
SOFA is a set of laws pertaining to military servicemembers, civilians, and dependents in a particular nation. There are currently 90 SOFAs in existence.
Before heading to a foreign destination, I advise that the individual gather some information. This information can often be obtained at a retirement services office, Judge Advocate Office, or from the United States Department of State.
Happy Travels,
GREGORY CHANDLER, Colonel, USAR
I often advise members of the military community about overseas travel. This military community consists of military servicemembers, civilians, and dependents. Overseas travelers should be aware that one might not be able to use military facilities overseas. For example, use of the commissary and exchange may not be available to all individuals. The reason for this unavailability is often because of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) that the United States has with a foreign nation.
SOFA is a set of laws pertaining to military servicemembers, civilians, and dependents in a particular nation. There are currently 90 SOFAs in existence.
Before heading to a foreign destination, I advise that the individual gather some information. This information can often be obtained at a retirement services office, Judge Advocate Office, or from the United States Department of State.
Happy Travels,
GREGORY CHANDLER, Colonel, USAR
Friday, September 24, 2010
GREGORY CHANDLER - USE QUERCETIN FOR AN ENDURANCE EDGE
All athletes seek extra endurance. Quercetin is a phytochemical found in apple skins, red onions, garlic, cabbage and spinach with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How does quercetin work? No one really knows, but research in mice previously showed that quercetin increased mitochondrial numbers, an effect that would provide a clear benefit in endurance activities. The caveat is that these effects may only be relevant to individuals who are not already well-trained athletes, since prolonged endurance training is known to have the same effect on boosting mitochondrial size and number.
An added benefit of quercetin supplementation is its effect on bolstering the immune system. One trial reported that 1000 mg/day of quercetin reduced susceptibility to upper-respiratory-tract infections. A study from the University of North Carolina revealed quercetin can improve endurance by an average of 13%.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law
e-mail attatlawgc@gmail.com
How does quercetin work? No one really knows, but research in mice previously showed that quercetin increased mitochondrial numbers, an effect that would provide a clear benefit in endurance activities. The caveat is that these effects may only be relevant to individuals who are not already well-trained athletes, since prolonged endurance training is known to have the same effect on boosting mitochondrial size and number.
An added benefit of quercetin supplementation is its effect on bolstering the immune system. One trial reported that 1000 mg/day of quercetin reduced susceptibility to upper-respiratory-tract infections. A study from the University of North Carolina revealed quercetin can improve endurance by an average of 13%.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law
e-mail attatlawgc@gmail.com
Monday, September 13, 2010
GREGORY CHANDLER - RESERVE BENEFITS: POST-AGE 60
I often get questions from reservists about the post-age 60 retirement countdown.
At age 60 retired pay and benefits commence for reservists. The first direct deposit to your bank account will be on the first working day of the month following your birthday. New identification cards, reflecting retired with pay status, should be obtained. Your spouse's new identification card will expire in the month prior to him/her reaching age 65. You and eligible dependents are automatically enrolled in TRICARE Standard if you properly applied for retired pay benefits. You may apply for TRICARE Prime only after reaching age 60, not before.
At age 62 is the first opportunity to opt-out of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). You must submit an SBP Termination Request with spouse concurrence. You have until the day before turning age 63 to opt-out of the plan. You will need your DD Form 214 when applying.
The day before turning age 63 is your last opportunity for opting out of the SBP program. Once out of the program, no reentry is authorized, not even during an open season.
At age 65 TRICARE Standard, Extra, or Prime ends the last day of the month before the month you turn age 65. TRICARE continues for any family member until he/she turns age 65. TRICARE for Life (TFL) begins on the same day as Medicare, provided you are covered under Part B. TFL now becomes the second payee after Medicare. A new spouse identification card is required upon your spouse reaching age 65. You, as the retired member do not need to renew your identification card.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Colonel, US Army Reserve
e-mail address attatlawgc@gmail.com
At age 60 retired pay and benefits commence for reservists. The first direct deposit to your bank account will be on the first working day of the month following your birthday. New identification cards, reflecting retired with pay status, should be obtained. Your spouse's new identification card will expire in the month prior to him/her reaching age 65. You and eligible dependents are automatically enrolled in TRICARE Standard if you properly applied for retired pay benefits. You may apply for TRICARE Prime only after reaching age 60, not before.
At age 62 is the first opportunity to opt-out of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). You must submit an SBP Termination Request with spouse concurrence. You have until the day before turning age 63 to opt-out of the plan. You will need your DD Form 214 when applying.
The day before turning age 63 is your last opportunity for opting out of the SBP program. Once out of the program, no reentry is authorized, not even during an open season.
At age 65 TRICARE Standard, Extra, or Prime ends the last day of the month before the month you turn age 65. TRICARE continues for any family member until he/she turns age 65. TRICARE for Life (TFL) begins on the same day as Medicare, provided you are covered under Part B. TFL now becomes the second payee after Medicare. A new spouse identification card is required upon your spouse reaching age 65. You, as the retired member do not need to renew your identification card.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Colonel, US Army Reserve
e-mail address attatlawgc@gmail.com
Sunday, September 12, 2010
GREGORY CHANDLER - CALCIUM FOR FAT BURNING
Calcium is known for building strong bones. Calcium is also known for reducing blood pressure.
Calcium can also help aid fat loss and prevent fat gain. This is due to the fact that calcium regulates the hormone calcitriol, which causes the body to produce fat and inhibits fat breakdown. When calcium levels are adequate, calcitriol is suppressed. Another way calcium enhances fat loss is by decreasing the amount of fat from your diet that is absorbed by your intestines. Numerous studies have shown that higher calcium intakes are associated with lower body weights and less weight gain over time. Research also shows that calcium can help to specifically reduce the fat around your abdomen.
Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, Texas, researchers concluded in a 2006 study that increasing calcium intake could lower abdominal fat, particularly in males.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law
e-mail attatlawgc@gmail.com
Calcium can also help aid fat loss and prevent fat gain. This is due to the fact that calcium regulates the hormone calcitriol, which causes the body to produce fat and inhibits fat breakdown. When calcium levels are adequate, calcitriol is suppressed. Another way calcium enhances fat loss is by decreasing the amount of fat from your diet that is absorbed by your intestines. Numerous studies have shown that higher calcium intakes are associated with lower body weights and less weight gain over time. Research also shows that calcium can help to specifically reduce the fat around your abdomen.
Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, Texas, researchers concluded in a 2006 study that increasing calcium intake could lower abdominal fat, particularly in males.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law
e-mail attatlawgc@gmail.com
GREGORY CHANDLER ON CASEIN FOR SLOW PROTEIN RELEASE
Whey protein is the main protein for bodybuilders. Whey makes up about 20% of the protein in milk. Casein protein makes up the other 80%.
Casein, unlike whey, is very slow digesting, which makes it a perfect protein to drink right before bedtime, when you are heading into seven or more hours without eating. Since casein protein is slowly digested, it provides the body with a steady supply of amino acids throughout the night when your body is in a fasting state. This protects your muscle mass from being broken down and used for fuel while you sleep.
Casein is also a good between-meal supplement for those trying to pack on more mass. Research shows that casein doesn't make you feel as full as whey protein does, which means you will be able to eat more at your next meal.
I would advise one to take 20 to 40 grams of casein protein right before bed and between meals for boosting muscle mass.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law
e-mail address: attatlawgc@gmail.com
Casein, unlike whey, is very slow digesting, which makes it a perfect protein to drink right before bedtime, when you are heading into seven or more hours without eating. Since casein protein is slowly digested, it provides the body with a steady supply of amino acids throughout the night when your body is in a fasting state. This protects your muscle mass from being broken down and used for fuel while you sleep.
Casein is also a good between-meal supplement for those trying to pack on more mass. Research shows that casein doesn't make you feel as full as whey protein does, which means you will be able to eat more at your next meal.
I would advise one to take 20 to 40 grams of casein protein right before bed and between meals for boosting muscle mass.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law
e-mail address: attatlawgc@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Gregory Chandler - Saluting of the United States Flag by Military Personnel and Veterans
SALUTING OF THE UNITED STATES FLAG BY MILITARY PERSONNEL AND VETERANS
All military personnel and military veterans should know the proper manner to salute the United States flag.
Title 4, United States Code, Section 9 explains the proper manner to salute the United States flag.
All persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute when the individual is not wearing a hat. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with his or her right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove his or her hat with the right hand and hold the hat at the left shoulder with the hand being over the heart.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Colonel, USAR
All military personnel and military veterans should know the proper manner to salute the United States flag.
Title 4, United States Code, Section 9 explains the proper manner to salute the United States flag.
All persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute when the individual is not wearing a hat. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with his or her right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove his or her hat with the right hand and hold the hat at the left shoulder with the hand being over the heart.
GREGORY CHANDLER, Colonel, USAR
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)