(NAPSI)—Good news for American military members and their families: A new program aims to provide emergency communications briefings to 100% of military recruits.

Command, signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to present the Red Cross Emergency Communication brief to all new military recruits.

What it Means

“For decades, the American Red Cross has provided services to applicants at Military Entrance Processing Stations throughout the nation,” said Colonel Megan B. Stallings, Commander, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command. “At our stations, volunteers provide information that could be critical to applicants and families in an emergency. It was a pleasure to meet with Dr. Jordan and discuss our Memorandum of Understanding.”

The Red Cross traditionally has volunteers who go to a Military Processing Entrance Station (MEPS) and meet with recruits who have recently taken the oath of enlistment. The recruits are preparing to ship to basic training, based on their branch, all over the country.

“The MEPS command is committed to setting the expectation with all 66 MEPS stations to present the Red Cross brief to 100% of shippers,” said Dr. Michael Jordan, Vice President of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services at the American Red Cross. “It’s a bold and extraordinary commitment that will benefit all new recruits.” Continue reading →

(NAPSI)—Decades of helping writers and artists have resulted in the latest edition of L. Ron Hubbard presents Writers of the Future by the winners of the 40th annual Writers of the Future and the 35th annual Illustrators of the Future L. Ron Hubbard achievement awards.

The Winners

The grand prize winner for writing was Jack Nash for his story, “Son, Spirit, Snake,” which was illustrated by Pedro N. The grand prize-winning artist was Tyler Vail for illustrating writer John Eric Schleicher’s story, “Squiddy.”

Explained John Goodwin, President of Galaxy Press, “Our contests promote the arts welcoming diversity, ethnicity, creativity and equality, with no age limits, and blind judging. All are welcome to enter.”

The 26 winners hailed from all over the United States, Canada, China, Malaysia, The Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

About The Contests

Following the 1982 release of his internationally acclaimed bestselling science fiction novel, “Battlefield Earth,” L. Ron Hubbard created the Writers of the Future Contest (www.writersofthefuture.com) in 1983 to provide a means for aspiring writers of speculative fiction to get that much-needed break. Due to the success of the Writing Contest, the companion Illustrators of the Future Contest was created in 1988. Continue reading →

(NAPSI)—Military families and veterans know that relocating loved ones when PCS orders arrive can be stressful—but there are steps you can take to make things easier.

Keeping Military Families Connected

Internet and TV services typically come at the cost of being bound to a contract for a specific amount of time. This can make Internet changes, TV upgrades, and beyond even more difficult for military families.

What You Can Do

To ensure a seamless transfer of Internet and TV service or to find new providers when relocating, consider these tips:

Plan Ahead: Research Internet and TV service providers in your new location well before your move. Check if your current provider is available there and what the terms are for transferring service. If you need to find a new provider, compare plans, costs, and reviews to make an informed decision. To help, SmartMove has compiled the resources you need to stay connected during your move—from Service Members Civil Relief Act protections to military offers by specific providers. Continue reading →