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Policy effects routine medical appointments
Sick call OK during PT
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Randy C.Murray
Correspondent
Published: Nov 7, 2011, 5:03 PM

A recent policy letter from 3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Robert “Abe” Abrams, which establishes the standard duty day, also affects soldiers scheduling medical appointments. The policy has been clarified by Lt. Col. Benjamin L. Garrett, 3rd ID public affairs officer.
Part of the policy restricts soldiers from scheduling routine medical appointments during physical training hours (6:30-730 a.m.), but this does not change Fort Stewart or Hunter Army Airfield’s sick call hours, nor does it affect appointments for special medical procedures, Garrett said.
“A standard duty day for our soldiers is necessary to maximize predictability for family time,” he explained. “This policy establishes a standard duty day and clarifies requirements for training on weekends and holidays. It does not change normal medical
activities.”
Garrett emphasized that soldiers still are allowed to report for regular sick call, and they can schedule medical procedures such as minor surgery or special tests during PT hours.
He said the policy clearly outlines exceptions to the standard duty day, but these exception are “strongly scrutinized” to protect family quality time.

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Exchange Service salutes Vietnam vets with custom truck design
Army and Air Force Exchange Service redesigned logo 2011
Bryan County News
Published: Apr 10, 2018, 1:53 PM

To thank Vietnam veterans for their sacrifices, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is debuting a new truck design, part of the Department of Defense retailer’s efforts alongside the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to honor veterans during the 50th anniversary of the war.

“The Exchange is privileged to have the opportunity to recognize Vietnam veterans through our fleet,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, who served in the Army during the Vietnam era. “These trucks will serve as rolling billboards, expressing gratitude for all who served during this era.”

The truck design features the silhouette of a lone service member set against the background of a faded horizon with a call to “thank a Vietnam veteran for service to our nation.” The single military member represents the warfighters who served during this time.

Three trucks in the fleet feature the commemorative design and will deliver merchandise to Exchange stores from the organization’s distribution centers in the continental United States.

The West Coast Distribution Center at Sharpe Army Depot in California; Dan Daniel Distribution Center in Newport News, Va.; and the Waco Distribution Center in Texas will each have a truck in service on their standard delivery routes, serving the whole country.

Air Force veteran Pat Thompson served in Vietnam before coming to the Exchange as a truck driver and mechanic. In his 18 years with the Exchange, he has deployed four times to support the troops. The new design means a lot to him.

“They remember,” said Thompson, who is based at the Exchange’s Waco Distribution Center. “We want to be remembered.”

The trucks also highlight the veteran online shopping benefit, which launched in November. The lifelong online military exchange benefit authorizes all who served honorably to enjoy tax-free shopping and exclusive military pricing at ShopMyExchange.com.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The U.S. began commemoration of the Vietnam War’s 50th anniversary in 2012 and will continue through Veterans Day 2025.

The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize Vietnam veterans and their families for service, valor and sacrifice in conjunction with the commemoration.

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