Federal Daily - August 12, 2008

CBP Opens New Air and Marine Border Branch

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Aug. 8 opened the Great Lakes Air and Marine Branch at Selfridge, Mich., as part of the agency’s effort to improve northern border security operations. The branch, at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base near Detroit, is the last of five planned new air and marine facilities that make up the Northern Border Air Wing. Once fully operational, the new branch will consist of more than 75 air and marine interdiction agents, air enforcement agents and mission support staff, in addition to 29 contract employees. Eleven aircraft, including five helicopters and six airplanes, will be assigned to the new branch for surveillance, tracking and interception. As part of the Northern Border Air Wing, CBP in 2004 opened Air and Marine Branches at Bellingham, Wash., and Plattsburg, N.Y. The third branch opened in 2006 in Great Falls, Mont., and the fourth branch opened in Grand Forks, N.D., in 2007. To see more, go to: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/08082008_5.xml.

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TRICARE Enhances Dental Benefit for Pregnant Women

In response to research indicating an increased risk of dental disease during pregnancy, TRICARE on Aug. 8 announced it was offering an additional free teeth-cleaning for all pregnant TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) enrollees. TRICARE Management Activity said in a statement that it recently approved an enhanced Maternity Dental Benefit through United Concordia, a dental contractor. Previously, the TDP coverage allowed for two cleaning procedures in a consecutive 12-month period. The modification—which became effective in June—allows for a third cleaning for mothers-to-be in the 12-month period. Research suggests there may be a correlation between maternal gum disease and pre-term and low-birth-weight babies; and pregnant women with gum disease may be more likely to develop gestational diabetes. “Any infection present in the mother can pose risks for her unborn baby,” said Dr. Gary Martin, TRICARE Dental Care branch chief. “Therefore, it is extremely important to maintain good oral hygiene habits during pregnancy.” To see more, go to: www.tricare.mil/pressroom/news.aspx?fid=440.

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VFW Urges Baggage Fee Waiver for Military Members

The head of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) asked the airline industry to waive the new $100 fee some airlines are charging soldiers checking in a third piece of luggage. In an Aug. 8 letter, VFW Commander-in-Chief George J. Lisicki asked the Air Transport Association (ATA) to request that its member airlines exempt military personnel traveling on official orders from paying baggage fees on a third piece of luggage. All major U.S. carriers currently waive baggage fees for up to two bags for military members traveling under orders. However, a $100 fee for checking a third bag appears to be the new industry norm, Lisicki said. According to ATA, fuel and labor costs increased during the first part of 2008 and, in an effort to remain in business, airlines have raised prices and curtailed, eliminated or are now charging for a number of previously free in-flight services. Waiving such fees for servicemembers should not financially hurt the airlines, Lisicki said. “I am not asking the airlines to open up their first-class lounges or to provide executive perks to military travelers,” said Lisicki. “What I am requesting is for the airlines to begin allowing all military personnel traveling on orders to check a third bag without being charged.” To see more, go to: www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=4659.

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