Pentagon officials say anyone who is considering the new Medicare prescription drug plan should “weight the facts.” They do not believe it is “the most prudent” plan for everyone. Medicare-eligible people can sign up now for the new program, which starts Jan. 1. However, Pentagon officials do not think most Tricare for Life participants will benefit from the Medicare Part D plan, since Tricare provides “robust” pharmacy coverage with minimal co-payments received outside a military medical facility. The Pentagon offers help in making decisions about the new plan here. There’s also a fact sheet. And, here is the Medicare site.
Gene Smith, Former POW and AFA Chair, Dies at 91
Jan. 19, 2026
Lt. Col. Richard “Gene” Smith, who overcame five and a half years as a prisoner of war in the notorious Hanoi Hilton from 1967 until 1973, died Jan. 16. He was one day short of his 91st birthday.
