Member Benefits

2009 Legislative Update

AUSA has been hard at work on Capitol Hill and has helped get the following legislation passed:

• Getting a 3.4% pay increase for Active, Guard and Reserve;
• Authorizing $2.2 Billion to support and expand high quality housing for all servicemembers and their families;
• Barring DoD from increasing any TRICARE Standard inpatient copays through 30 September 2010;
• Extending TRICARE eligibility to the Reserve Component so they can receive full coverage 180 days before they go on active duty;
• Fully funding the Defense Health Program;
• Allowing employees covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System to receive credit for unused sick leave toward their retirement annuity; and
• Getting an increase in full-time manning authorizations.

AUSA will build on these accomplishments, while continuing to urge the Administration and Congress to address such issues as:

• Increasing funded active Army end strength by an additional 150,000;
• Supporting additional legislation to reduce Reserve Component Soldiers’ retirement compensation age from 60 to 55;
• Providing retiring federal employees receiving annuities and no Social Security, the same tax exemptions allowed for Social Security payments;
• Full concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation for all disability levels; and
• Providing adequate funding to ensure continued access to quality health care for all beneficiaries and to preclude the imposition of user fees.

What about Our Chapter?

The Central Texas/Fort Hood Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) is directly involved in every one of these national advocacy programs, and locally supports our members through:

A continuing series of Community-building and Regional Networking Opportunities.
General Membership and Professional Development Sessions focused on real issues affecting our military, and those who support our military,
A coupon book offering over $15,000 in local discounts provided to all who join, renew or transfer into our chapter during the current year.
Direct assistance to Family Readiness Groups.
Direct assistance to the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), as it works to provide timely and accurate information to meet service member Families' education-related relocation and student transition needs.
Direct assistance to a wide variety of on-post Soldier-based, Family and retiree activities.
Honor distinguished Fort Hood civilian workers. .
Support deployed, home-based and returning Fort Hood soldiers and their families, allocating chapter assets in a manner that assures AUSA visibility and involvement
Sustain Adopt A Unit support structure throughout the chapter’s area of operation.
Award $1,000 scholarships to deserving active or retired Soldier‑members, or members of their immediate family In 2009, we awarded $54,000 in scholarships; our goal for 2008 in to exceed that number.
Recognize Major Subordinate Command NCOs and Soldiers of each calendar Qtr, and of the Year.
Provide financial support to variety of Fort Hood Soldier‑based activities; as examples: NCO and Enlisted Leadership Forums, Monthly III Corps & Fort Hood and 1CD retirement ceremonies, Hood Howdy, Fort Hood Women's Conference, Fort Hood Santa's Workshop, and other needs, as appropriate.
Recognize one or more distinguished Fort Hood civilian employee(s).
Recognize and thank our corporate supporters.
Support Army junior and senior ROTC programs in local schools.
Support Army recruiting.
Promote and support the Army’s Wounded Warrior Program
Promote the Army’s Freedom Team Salute, placing emphasis on corporate members, distinguished individual members and regional or state civic leaders.
Support AUSA’s Institute of Land Warfare (ILW).
Staff membership & information booth at Fort Hood's annual Retiree Weekend.
Support Fort Hood’s Army Birthday Celebration on 14 June of each year.
Conduct end-of-program year chapter awards and installation of officers/board.
Other issues, opportunities, activities and contingencies.

And there are other National Benefits, including

Apple Member Purchase Program

Apple Computers will offer AUSA members a substantial savings on its computers.

Armed Forces Services Corporation

AFSC offers a 10% discount off their regular annual membership fee to AUSA members. AFSC expertly guides you through the many details on military entitlements for your retirement and survivor planning/assistance for your spouse.

Army Times/Federal Times Subscription Discount

AUSA members receive substantial discounts on subscriptions.

AUSA Bank Card Program From Bank of America,N.A.

AUSA members are eligible to apply for an AUSA Platinum Plus® MasterCard® with WorldPoints® rewards points credit card toward travel or merchandise.

AUSA Customized Corporate Gifts

Are you tired of giving the same old boring gifts and awards to people who really deserve something special?

AUSA offers its members an exclusive opportunity to present valued clients or honored award winners with a gift or award worthy of admiration. Click here for more information!

AUSA Mastercare Group Insurance Plans

AUSA Group Supplemental Health Insurance Plans offer excellent coverage at economical group rates.

AUSA Tricare Supplement Providers and Insured Person’s

As of July 1, 2008, AGIA Insurance Services is the new insurance and claims administrator for the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA). Please be aware of this change and that AUSA TRICARE/Champus Supplement claims should be submitted to a new address effective immediately.

AGIA Claims Department
P.O. Box 9060
Phoenix, AZ 85068-9060
(800) 882-5707

Please update your records with this new claims information. Sending claims to another address could result in processing and payment delays.

If you have any questions, please call toll-free at 1-800-882-5707 and one of our claims representatives will be happy to help you.

Dental and Vision Plans

Book Program

AUSA members receive up to a 35% discount on over 400 titles. Discounts apply not only to military titles, but other popular books as well.

Click here for more information!

Car Rental Program

AUSA members receive substantial discounts from the following car rental companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, National



Choice Hotels International® Discounts

AUSA members should consider hotel rooms at the following hotels:

Cambria Suites®
Clarion®
Comfort Inn®
Comfort Suites®
Econo Lodge® MainStay Suites®
Quality®
Rodeway Inn®
Sleep Inn®
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®

You can book up to 9 rooms under one name with this program. Discounts are based on availability.

Join today and go Gold.

AUSA Members may join the new Choice Privileges^® Armed Services program and automatically start at the Elite Gold level. You will receive bonus points for your stays at over 5,000 locations across all ten Choice Hotels^® brands, exclusive Elite customer service and reservation phone numbers, and exclusive Elite member offers. Redeem points for free nights worldwide, Airline Rewards and gift cards to over 350 merchants, including Wal-Mart and major gas stations. Terms and conditions apply.

Dell Member Purchase Program

For AUSA members who want to purchase Dell PCs.

GEICO Auto Insurance

AUSA members (who qualify) receive up to a 10% discount in states where available.

Effective immediately, AUSA is now offering its members discounts on cruises, hotels, resorts and vacation packages. Go to the members only site, click on benefits and services and click on Government Vacation Rewards.

Grantham University

Online Education. Military scholarships available for active duty members, veterans, and family members. "Fast Track" online degree programs in:

Criminal Justice

Business Administration

Computer Science

Engineering

Scholarships for AUSA members. Use Military training, transfer credits, and CLEP testing, and you may be able to complete your degree in as little as two years. You must be an AUSA member to participate.