        
NMFA's MILITARY SPOUSE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM OPEN NOW
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Below is a MATTEL statement on recalls of popular toys that are sold in the MCX as well as other places. These notices have already been forwarded to the Exchanges and the remaining inventory is being pulled from store shevles. November 2006 magnet recall expanded The recall of the Sarge toy results from Mattel's increased investigation and ongoing testing procedures following the recall of select Fisher-Price toys on August 1, 2007. The toy was produced by Early Light Industrial Co., Ltd (Early Light), one of Mattel's contract manufacturing facilities in China, which subcontracted the painting of parts of the toy to another vendor, Hong Li Da (HLD), also in China. While the painting subcontractor, HLD, was required to utilize paint supplied directly from Early Light, it instead violated Mattel's standards and utilized paint from a non-authorized third-party supplier. "We have immediately implemented a strengthened three-point check system: First, we're requiring that only paint from certified suppliers be used and requiring every single batch of paint at every single vendor to be tested. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't get used. Second, we are tightening controls throughout the production process at vendor facilities and increasing unannounced random inspections. Third, we're testing every production run of finished toys to ensure compliance before they reach our customers. We've met with vendors to ensure they understand our tightened procedures and our absolute requirement of strict adherence to them," said Jim Walter, senior vice president of Worldwide Quality Assurance, Mattel. Additionally, Mattel announced the voluntary recall of magnetic toys manufactured between January 2002 and January 31, 2007, including certain dolls, figures, play sets and accessories that may release small, powerful magnets. The recall expands upon Mattel's voluntary recall of eight toys in November 2006 and is based on a thorough internal review of all Mattel's brands. Mattel is recalling 18.2 million magnetic toys globally (9.5 million in the U.S.); however, the majority of the toys are no longer at retail. Beginning in January 2007, Mattel implemented enhanced magnet retention systems in its toys across all brands. "Since our November 2006 magnet-related recall, we have implemented more robust magnet retention systems and more rigorous testing. We are exercising caution and have expanded the list of recalled magnetic toys due to potential safety risks associated with toys that might have loose magnets," said Walter. "The safety of children is our primary concern, and we are deeply apologetic to everyone affected," said Robert A. Eckert, chairman and chief executive officer, Mattel. "Mattel has rigorous procedures, and we will continue to be vigilant and unforgiving in enforcing quality and safety. We don't want to have recalls, but we don't hesitate to take quick and effective action to correct issues as soon as we've identified them to ensure the safety of our products and the safety of children." Mattel is working in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other regulatory agencies worldwide. Mattel is also working with retailers worldwide to identify and remove affected products from retail shelves. Details of the recall are as follows: Mattel voluntarily recalled 63 magnetic toys sold at retail prior to January 2007. Magnetic toys recalled within the U.S. include 44 Polly Pocket(tm) toys, 11 Doggie Day Care(r) toys, 4 Batman(tm) toys, 1 One Piece(tm) toy, and the accessory part of 2 Barbie(r) toys. For additional information regarding the magnetic toy recall, contact Mattel at (888) 597-6597, or visit the company's Web site at www.service.mattel.com. The Sarge toy from the "CARS" die-cast vehicle line was manufactured between May 2007 and August 2007. For additional information regarding the Sarge toy recall, contact Mattel at (800) 916-4997, or visit the company's Web site at www.service.mattel.com. A full list of products is published on the company's Web site at www.mattel.com, as well as by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Consumers should immediately take these products away from children and contact Mattel to arrange return and to receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer's choice, up to the value of the returned product. Again, these notices have already been forwarded to the Exchanges and the remaining inventory is being pulled from store shevles. About Mattel Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie(r), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels(r), Matchbox(r), American Girl(r), Radica(r) and Tyco(r) R/C, as well as Fisher-Price(r) brands, including Little People(r), Power Wheels(r) and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. Mattel is recognized as one of the 100 Most Trustworthy U.S. Companies by Forbes Magazine and is ranked among the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by CRO Magazine. Committed to ethical manufacturing practices, Mattel marks a 10-year milestone in 2007 for its ever-evolving Global Manufacturing Principles and focus on sustainable business practices. With global headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow. Contact: Mattel Corporate Communications • 310-252-4705 • corporate.communications@mattel.com |
Every Wednesday, BINGO will be held in Bldg 590. Card sales begin at 5 pm with Early Bird games starting at 6:30 and regular games beginning at 7pm. Also during the 5-7pm time frame, take advatange of our pizza, spaghetti and salad buffet for only $5.95!
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TRICARE Medical Benefit Enhanced to Assist Dental Patients with Special Needs June 26, 2007 Contact: Meghan Wood FALLS CHURCH, Va. – TRICARE will implement coverage for anesthesia services and associated costs for dental treatment for beneficiaries with developmental, mental or physical disabilities, and children age 5 or under beginning July 1, 2007. Additionally, TRICARE encourages beneficiaries who received these services between Oct. 17, 2006 and July 1, 2007 to contact their TRICARE regional contractor for help with reimbursement. “TRICARE will do all that is possible to ensure that beneficiaries receive the appropriate payment for these services received since October 17, 2006,” said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, TRICARE’s Deputy Director. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2007 legislated the change, and TRICARE revised the regional contracts to expand coverage for the services. The services require preauthorization through the regional TRICARE contractors. The change in statute does not provide coverage for the actual dental care services. Coverage for dental care services is available through the TRICARE Dental Program and the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program. TRICARE reminds beneficiaries that to avoid costly and extensive dental procedures requiring anesthesia, children should start seeing a dentist by the time their first tooth appears or by their first birthday; this helps to prevent tooth decay and other oral diseases. “Decay is the single most common chronic childhood dental disease—and it’s completely preventable,” Granger said. About TRICARE Management Activity New Scam Targets Military Spouses http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=46232 5/31/2007 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The American Red Cross is warning military spouses about a new identity-theft scam that targets family members of deployed troops. The Red Cross was alerted of the scam earlier this month, said Devorah Goldburg of the Red Cross. The scam involves a person with an American accent calling a military spouse, identifying herself as a representative of the Red Cross, and telling the spouse that her husband was hurt in Iraq and was medically evacuated to Germany. The caller then says that doctors can't start treatment until paperwork is completed, and that to start the paperwork they need the spouse to verify her husband's social security number and date of birth. It is hard to determine how many spouses have been targeted by this scam, Ms. Goldburg said, as there are many ways for spouses to report problems like this. However, one confirmed report was enough for the Red Cross to "We know that it happened to one person; it was probably going to happen to others, and we wanted to be prudent and alert people," she said. American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members or dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant, according to a Red Cross news release. Military family members are urged not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown individuals, including confirmation that their spouse is deployed. In addition, Red Cross representatives contact military members or dependents directly only in response to an emergency message initiated by a family member, the news release said. The Red Cross does not report any type It is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison, for a person to fraudulently pretend to be a member of, or an agent for, the American Red Cross for the purpose of soliciting, collecting, or receiving money or material, according to the news release. Any military family member who receives such a call is urged to report it to his or her local family readiness group or military personnel flight. (Courtesy of American Forces Press Service) America Supports You: By John J. Kruzel WASHINGTON, April 30, 2007 – The Montgomery G.I. bill pays servicemembers’ and their dependents’ tuition at institutes of higher learning, but it doesn’t help them gain admission to school. To give college-bound members of military families a leg-up, eKnowledge Corporation, which supplies interactive test-preparation products for college entrance exams, teamed with a group of NFL players and donated $6.9 million worth of multimedia SAT/ACT preparation materials to servicemembers and their families in 2006. In 2007, the partnership will boost its commitment to $10 million. “I learned that (some) kids who served on active duty and combat zones were taking the SAT and ACT exams and they weren’t scoring very well,” Charlie Beall, CEO of eKnowledge and a former Marine infantry officer, said in an interview. “The principal reason is because they were trying to take these college entrance exams without thorough preparation,” he said. SAT and ACT exam scores often weigh heavily in college admission judgments and can tip the scales toward an applicant’s acceptance or rejection. To prepare for the critical exam, prospective students have several options, Beall said. “You can pay $30 and try to study from a 3-inch thick manual, which is an extremely difficult thing to do, or you can enroll in a classroom test-preparation program for about $1,000,” he said. A third option is to take DVD- & CD-based premium test preparation courses like eKnowledge’s, which costs $300, or other similar products with price tags that reach upwards of $600. “Virtually none of these military kids were using premium test preparation products because they couldn’t afford them,” Beall said. “The vast majority of our military servicemembers serve several years, then transition back into civilian life,” he said. “We demonstrate our value for the sacrifice they make for our country by supporting them in that transition.” Servicemembers interested in receiving free eKnowledge products can complete an online request form at www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil by following the link to “Donation: VSG/NFL Players.” Requests can also be made by calling eKnowledge at 951-256-4076 or via e-mail at support@eknowledge.com. When seven NFL players – Mark Anderson, Chicago Bears; Jon Bradley, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Scott Young, Philadelphia Eagles; Garrick Jones, Atlanta Falcons; Corey Williams, Green Bay Packers; Jason Radar, Miami Dolphins; and Ahmaad Galloway, San Diego Chargers –- heard about eKnowledge’s plan to donate study materials, they jumped at the chance to support servicemembers and their families. The players were unavailable for comment because of team commitments during the NFL “draft season.” After donating 48,000 test preparation CDs & DVDs, eKnowledge and the NFL received about 20,000 notes from satisfied test-takers, thanking the partnership for its contribution. One thank you note was sent from a servicemember stationed in Africa. “As a military parent residing in Kenya, I truly appreciate the opportunity to obtain these products for my daughter who attends the international school here,” Air Force Maj. Douglas McClain wrote. “This program will guarantee that she has current material to prepare for the SAT and ACT. Thanks from an Air Force Major who is trying to serve his country and also take care of his family.” Beall said servicemembers and their dependents can receive test prep materials no matter “where they are on the globe” -- from Baghdad’s International Zone to a ship floating in the Pacific Ocean. “One of the wonderful things about our products is that because they’re multimedia (and) Web-based, we can send a DVD to a military servicemember anywhere in the world,” he said. “It allows the person to study at their own pace on their own time.” Related Sites: - Back to Top - More Families Now Eligible to Receive WIC Checks (San Diego County)—The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has updated its income eligibility guidelines, making WIC benefits accessible to more families. A family of four can now earn $38,203 annually (before taxes), an increase of $1,203 over last year’s income maximum, and qualify for the WIC program. This change has been implemented by WIC agencies nationwide, including the American Red Cross WIC Program. “Bottom line, more San Diego County families are eligible to receive free nutrition counseling and checks for healthy food,” said Shelley Miller, director of American Red Cross WIC. “We are the only WIC agency in the county to have WIC offices on military bases.” For more information, please click here to download a two-page Word document including Web site and email links in connection with this news. Want To Give Back? We are particularly in need of a volunteer office manager at Balboa Hospital for the Red Cross Office there as recent returns of wounded warriors have caused a spike in activity there. For a list of the current volunteer opportunities available, please click here.
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