The TAPS Daily - October 26, 2020
Welcome to The TAPS Daily - curated news and resources relevant to military, veterans, and their families. For more news and resources, visit our Government Resources page.
Today's Highlights
- Coronavirus deaths are rising again in the U.S., as feared
Stars & Stripes
Deaths per day from the coronavirus in the U.S. are on the rise again, just as health experts had feared, and cases are climbing in nearly every state. - Understanding the economic impacts of COVID-19 on veterans and military families
Military Times
Along with many Americans, COVID-19 has dealt a blow on veterans' and their families' health. But the hard economic impacts on them have garnered far less attention. - More than 5,000 VA patients are dealing with active cases of coronavirus
Military Times
Active coronavirus cases among Veterans Affairs patients topped 5,000 on Sunday, the first time the total has surpassed that mark since the department’s massive spike in cases in mid-summer. - How Police, National Guard And Military Are Preparing For Election Day Tensions
NPR
November 3 promises to be an Election Day unlike any other, and public safety entities say they're preparing for tensions and the possibility of violence. - Army-Navy Game to Be Played at West Point This Year
Military.com
For the first time since World War II, the Army-Navy football game will be played at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, school officials announced Friday. - Target Parking Lots Will Host Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treating This Halloween
Mental Floss
Though costume masks won’t protect against the coronavirus, experts say it can still be safe for kids to trick or treat this Halloween—as long as they follow CDC guidance.
TAPS In the News
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Upcoming Events
Make plans to join your TAPS Family at an upcoming event. - TAPS News Archive
Catch up on all the TAPS news stories over the years on the TAPS media resource page.
Government Relations / Benefits
- Free School Meals Program Extended to Students on U.S. Military Bases Overseas
Military.com
Students at most overseas Department of Defense Education Activity schools will receive free meals for the rest of the school year, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service said Monday. - Foreign actors target veterans with online disinformation
Connecting Vets
After a two-year investigation revealed malicious foreign entities targeting veterans, service members and their families online, VVA and DHS are joining forces to fight disinformation. - Tricare Young Adult Premiums to Rise Sharply in 2021
Military.com
Military dependents who use Tricare Young Adult for their health coverage will see a 12% to 22% rise in their premiums next year depending on which plan they select. - 3 things Veterans should know about VA's new electronic health record
We Are The Mighty
As a complementary tool to My HealtheVet patient portal, My VA Health will allow veterans to manage appointments, refills, records and communication with healthcare providers online. - Governors urge negotiators to include top priorities in final defense policy bill
The Hill
The National Governors Association thanked the House and Senate for including its top priorities in the defense policy bill, including National Guard response to disasters and pandemics.
Grief / Mental Health / Wellness
- This female-led app helps you tackle anxiety and panic attacks from your phone
The Hill
A mobile app that takes a therapist-approved approach to anxiety, delivering results immediately, in those times when you need it most. - Election Stress Is High. Here's How To Tamp Down The Anxiety : Shots - Health News
NPR
Nearly 70% of respondents said the elections are a significant source of stress, according to a survey out this month from the American Psychological Association. - Why Halloween Can Be Therapeutic
Psychology Today
Halloween can allow some people to face their fears with humor and fun. - What I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Grieving Self
Modern Loss
Many people who have lost parents at a young age wonder how it will affect them.
I can’t tell you what it will be like for you. I can tell you what I’d tell my younger self. - Best breathable face masks for exercise protection
CNN
Several fitness brands have launched protective face masks specifically for whatever workout and fitness game you’ve got going on, and we rounded up a few of our favorites.
Military News
- USFK: 13 more troops test positive for COVID-19
Military Times
USFK reports that 13 service members who arrived in South Korea from the U.S. have tested positive for COVID-19 and are now in isolation at Camp Humphreys. - Navy lieutenant, Coast Guard ensign identified as service members killed in Navy plane crash
Navy Times
A Coast Guard student aviator and a Navy instructor pilot have been identified as the two service members killed in the crash of a T-6B Texan trainer aircraft Friday in Alabama. - Army investigating death of soldier at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Task & Purpose
The Army’s Criminal Investigation Command has launched an investigation into the death of Specialist Skyler Oliver, who was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. - The 'Iron 9': The Ford's all-female bridge watch team is impressing fellow sailors
Navy Times
Bridge watch has been mainly a male duty. But that changed last month onboard the USS Gerald R. Ford with all female sailors assigned to the boatswain’s mates bridge watch teams.
Veteran News
- 97-year-old Silver Star Iwo Jima veteran is oldest Marine participant in Marine Corps Marathon
Marine Corps Times
A veteran who fought at Iwo Jima during World War II is looking to become the oldest Marine to participate in the annual Marine Corps Marathon. - Ronald Shurer, Medal of Honor Recipient Who Died of Cancer, to Be Laid to Rest at Arlington
Military.com
Army Staff Sgt. Ronald Shurer, who received the Medal of Honor for repeatedly risking his own life to save others in Afghanistan, will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday. - Sailor Killed on USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor is Coming Home to Namesake State
Stars & Stripes
Seaman 2C D.T. Kyser was born in Oklahoma in 1923 and was killed onboard the USS Oklahoma on December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. - Most Vietnam Vets Make More Money in Retirement Than Non-Vets, New Study Finds
Military.com
A study published by the Congressional Budget Office found that Vietnam-era veterans earned nearly as much, or more, in retirement as their civilian counterparts.
Military Family News
- Vicenza High School at Army’s Italy garrison closes after a positive coronavirus test
Stars & Stripes
Vicenza High School was closed Monday after a student tested positive for the coronavirus over the weekend, DODEA officials said.
Banner photo courtesy of the School of Advanced International Studies | John Hopkins University.