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DOD announces six new measures to enhance well-being of military force and their families

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Tuesday, 28 March 2023

Written by DoD Staff Report

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on March 22 unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the lives of our dedicated military force and their families.

The new plan consists of six additional actions that address essential needs in education, childcare, parental leave and career advancement. The Department of Defense is committed to working with Congress and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these measures.

Secretary Austin is directing the implementation of the following:

Universal Prekindergarten at DoD Education Activity (DoDEA) Schools: The DoD is collaborating with Congress to secure funding for universal prekindergarten at DoDEA schools. The program is set to undergo a phased implementation over a five-year period, providing high-quality early education for military children.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for Service Members: To alleviate financial pressure on service members with dependents, the DoD will enable access to Dependent Care FSAs, allowing them to set aside up to $5,000 in pretax income through payroll deductions for eligible dependent care expenses.

New Military Parental Leave Benefits: The DoD is actively promoting new parental leave benefits that provide 12 weeks of paid, non-chargeable leave to service members welcoming a child into their family through birth, adoption, or long-term foster-care placement. This initiative supports the well-being and work-life balance of our military families.

Improvements to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): The DoD is committed to enhancing the EFMP to better support the unique needs of exceptional military families. Further improvements and streamlined processes will ensure that these families receive the necessary resources and assistance.

Expanded Spouse Eligibility for My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Financial Assistance: To support career advancement for military spouses, eligibility for MyCAA financial assistance will be expanded to E-6 and O-3 ranks. This program provides up to $4,000 in aid for obtaining a license, certificate, or associate degree.

Portability and Best Practices for Professional Licenses: The DoD will continue efforts to make professional licenses portable for military families, working with states to encourage sharing of licensure best practices and approval of occupational licensure compacts. This initiative aims to reduce barriers to employment for military spouses.

Secretary Austin is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our military force and their families through these new measures. The DoD will collaborate with Congress and state partners to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing support of these initiatives.

The memorandum on Strengthening Our Support to Service Members and Their Families can be found at https://media.defense.gov/2023/Mar/22/2003184739/-1/-1/1/strengthening-our-support-to-service-members-and-their-families.PDF.

PWC honored with two United Way Spirit of NC Awards

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Tuesday, 28 March 2023

Written by Staff Report

United Way of Cumberland County announced March 22 that Fayetteville PWC has been awarded the 2022 Spirit of North Carolina for building momentum and sustainability through engaged leadership and employees.

Fayetteville PWC has modeled a dedication to community service through their fundraising, volunteer and advocacy efforts. This is the 17th year in a row they have received an award for their outstanding dedication to United Way and the community.

Carolyn Justice–Hinson, the PWC Communications/Community Relations Officer, also won the United Way Community Ambassador award. This is the first year this award has been presented. She received this honor for all the hard work she has dedicated to helping spread United Way’s name and mission not only within her organization but into the community.

Justice-Hinson currently serves on the board and chaired their Over the Edge fundraiser held on March 11.
United Way of North Carolina’s annual Spirit of North Carolina Award celebrates organizations and individuals for their exemplary partnership demonstrated through fundraising and volunteer efforts, outstanding leadership, and creative team building.

Additionally, organizations focusing on DEI values and individuals who are champions of United Way were also celebrated. United Way of North Carolina recognized 74 winners representing 17 local United Ways at three regional events.

“The Spirit of North Carolina Awards shine a light on our incredible partners, who are supporting United Way’s work and helping us achieve our goals,” said Melissa Reid, Director of Resource Development for United Way of Cumberland County. “Congratulations to all the winners who have collectively made a huge impact in the lives of our neighbors across the state.”

Fayetteville PWC and Justice-Hinson were recognized for keeping the spirit of United Way within their organization all year long and not just at campaign time. They run the most successful workplace campaign in the county, they volunteer throughout the year and donate water to events. This year, they even held a meal packing event as their United Way kickoff where they packed 35,000 meal packets which went to help local families.

“We are honored to have Fayetteville PWC and Carolyn Justice–Hinson as key stakeholders for a shared future where every North Carolinian thrives and reaches their full potential,” said Amy Navejas, Executive Director for United Way of Cumberland County.

For more information about the Spirit of North Carolina Award and a complete list of winners, visit unitedwaync.org/spirit-north-carolina-award-winners.

United Way of Cumberland County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. United Way of Cumberland County strives to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, financial stability, health and critical basic needs. At United Way, we recognize that lasting changes are achieved by addressing the underlying causes of problems. United Way partners with other nonprofit agencies to improve lives in Cumberland County.

Cooper allows anti-rioting, hotel safety bills to become law

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Tuesday, 28 March 2023

Written by Theresa Opeka, Carolina Journal

Governor Roy Cooper allowed two bills, H.B. 40, Anti-Rioting, and S.B. 53, Hotel Safety, to become law without his signature.

The Prevent Rioting and Civil Disorder bill would make rioting a felony if it resulted in over $2,500 worth of property damage, involved dangerous weapons or substances, or resulted in someone’s death. It would also make assaulting a police officer or emergency personnel a felony.

The previous version of the bill was met with strong opposition from Democrats and social justice advocates, who called it racist and intended to muzzle the exercise of First Amendment rights.
Cooper’s statement in a press release shows that he begrudgingly let it become law.

“I acknowledge that changes were made to modify this legislation’s effect after my veto of a similar bill last year,” he said. “Property damage and violence are already illegal and my continuing concerns about the erosion of the First Amendment and the disparate impacts on communities of color will prevent me from signing this legislation.”

All Republicans voted in favor of the bill. In contrast, 16 out of 17 Democratic senators voted against the bill — the sole Democratic senator who supported H.B. 40 was Sen. Mary Wills Bode, D-Granville.
In the state House, one of the lead sponsors of the bill is Rep. Shelly Willingham, D-Edgecombe. Willingham, a former law enforcement officer, supported the bill despite opposition from most in his party.
Legislators have renewed their push for the bill this year because of millions of dollars in property damage in Raleigh and across North Carolina during 2020 protests after the death of George Floyd.

“Nearly three years after violent protests devastated communities and businesses in North Carolina, I am pleased that this bipartisan legislation will finally become law,” said House Speaker Tim Moore in a statement issued Friday afternoon.

“While the First Amendment guarantees the right to peacefully protest, those who hijack otherwise peaceful demonstrations to cause chaos and destruction in our communities must be held accountable, and law enforcement must have our support to do just that. This bill has had bipartisan support since it was first introduced, and our communities will be safer now that this bill will finally become law,” said Moore.

Cooper also had mixed feelings about the Hotel Safety bill and explained his reasoning for not signing it.

“This bill was given broad support in the legislature and there are potential positive modifications being discussed by legislators,” he remarked. “However, safe housing is sometimes only available from temporary shelter such as hotels, and I remain concerned that this bill will legalize unfair treatment for those who need protection, and this will prevent me from signing it.”

Cooper vetoed similar legislation in 2021. This go around, the House voted 83-29 for the legislation, and it passed in the Senate last month by a 28-16 vote.

S.B. 53 states that landlord-tenant rules, which make it more difficult to remove an occupant, don’t apply when a person is staying at a hotel, motel, or RV park for fewer than 90 consecutive days.

The rules normally apply for home and apartment renters, sometimes requiring legal action to complete evictions. The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association also supported the measure.

Editor's note: Alex Baltzegar contributed to this article.

Fort Bragg will redesignate to Fort Liberty on June 2

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Tuesday, 28 March 2023

Written by Staff Report

Fort Bragg will officially redesignate to Fort Liberty in a ceremony on June 2. The name Liberty honors the heroism, sacrifices, and values of the soldiers, service members, civilians and families who live and serve on the installation. According to a media release, Fort Bragg officials view this as the next chapter in the installation's history and look forward to honoring the stories of military heroes from every generation and walk of life.

A little over a year ago the community was asked to help find a name that would represent the values and characteristics that would have significance for everyone. Many distinguished members from the surrounding area participated and helped make this decision.

The name Fort Liberty was not chosen at random. The word conveys the aspiration of all who serve and has special significance to Fort Bragg units and the surrounding community.

For many, the idea that any other name would replace Fort Bragg would mean losing a part of who we have been, who we are, and who we will be in the future when the nation calls.

Those who served on the Naming Commission for Fort Bragg struggled to agree on one name from the more than 50 Medal of Honor recipients who could capture and encompass the scope and spirit of this installation. Each of them is just as deserving as the other.

What resonated among the Commission and community members was the desire to name the installation not after a single person, but a value or characteristic that would have significance for everyone.

A Gold Star mother stood up and said, “We are never going to agree. There are too many people. My son gave his life for liberty.”

And everyone said … Liberty!