RAO Subic Office will be closed on the following Philippine and/or U.S. Holidays below:

• November 1, 2022 - All Saints Day
• November 2, 2022 - All Souls Day
• November 11, 2022 - Veterans Day
• November 24, 2022 - Thanksgiving Day
• November 30, 2022 - Bonifacio Day

• December 8, 2022 - Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion
• December 25, 2022 - Chrstmas Day
• December 30, 2022 - Rizal Day
• December 31, 2022 - New Year's Eve

Regarding my previous post about Another way to say goodbye." Since sending the post I have received a ton of FB comments, emails and even phone calls at 6 in the morning, sending me well wishes, prayers and blessings. I was somewhat astounded by all this. The post quotes a response I received from a informational email I sent out. It was not my final goodbye as some misinterpreted. I am alive and kicking and doing well. (probably to the chagrin of some haha), the outpouring of concern is much appreciated, guess I didnt realize how many appreciate what we post. I think either I need to learn to write better or some need to learn to read better, particular apologies for those who called and had a dead man answer. Although I did die 12 years ago, I'm doing fine now, As Samuel Clemens once remarked, " the reports of my death have been much exaggerated". God Bless all.

As many might suspect, along with all the info I put out on the 7 veteran and citizen FB group pages I am involved in, I also send thousands of emails each month. I get all kinds of responses good and bad, but this one really kinda caught me off guard, what a great way to continue ones legacy.

To all my families and friends: if you get this email, it means I am no longer able to respond due to a serious condition or I am already DEAD. Thank you for all the happy memories. I may not be perfect but I've done my best. The best way I know how. To my children, my grandkids, although I never seen you in a long time I am always thinking about you, praying for happy and safe life. I am satisfied the way everything turned out, I raised good, respectable children. May you continue to love, take care of your families like I love and protected you. Goodbye to all. See you on the other side.

The United States has one of the mightiest militaries in the world, there's no doubt about that. In fact, many would agree that it is the most powerful fighting force the world has ever seen. With bases all over the globe, this military is spread over an expanse of land that would make even Genghis Khan or Julius Caesar green with envy. Although countries like China and maybe Russia have some advanced and numerous military forces, they would both have to team up to have even a slim chance of defeating the US Armed forces in conventional armed conflict.

Of course, that would be very rare, since several superpowers these days are armed with enough nukes to blow each other up several times over. Because everyone has a metaphorical gun to each other's head, peace is ensured. Ironic. But there are instances in the past, present, and possible future where proxy wars show how the US army operates. This fighting force has a rich history, and some interesting facts surround this powerful military. People who have served know all about the US Armed Forces. But how well do you know the US Military? Take the quiz and find out for yourself.

The Department of Agriculture says Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine is one reason why your Thanksgiving dinner costs more than it did last year.

A USDA memo this month said turkey prices will be higher because of this year’s outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which led to the death of 8 million turkeys in 2022. But USDA also said "Russia’s war on Ukraine and drought across the United States" are other factors that are "pushing up the price of Thanksgiving staples."

Click here to read more.

A large submarine volcano is likely erupting deep beneath the Pacific Ocean.

However, scientists don't know for sure because the Ahyi Seamount is so inaccessible.

Located in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Geological Survey said Monday that all indications point to the volcano beginning to erupt in mid-October when hydroacoustic sensors at Wake Island began to record signals consistent with such activity.

Click here to read more.

Please be advised RAO will be closed 11 Nov for Veterans Day, and Nov 24th for Thanksgiving.

The tentatively scheduled USN recruitment visit, has been postponed. They hope to come next quarter, funding permitting.

Nov 16 0900, Free eye exam at RAO.

You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you should never pick your friends nose, and by all means dont pick a rats nose!

Click here to read more.

Last year marked both the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and the tragic fall of Kabul, Afghanistan; the beginning and end of a 20-year war that will forever define the current generation. We stand here today at an important inflection point as a nation. A generation of men and women who bravely volunteered to protect their beloved nation had a simple expectation that this nation would in turn always protect them. Currently, we are failing these veterans. After 20 years of mental and physical scars, thousands of veterans are forced to travel to other countries to receive life-saving mental health treatments coming in the unexpected form of psychedelics.

Click here to read more.

With Tricare open season approaching, it’s time to start thinking about whether you need to make changes.

Open season starts Nov. 14 and ends Dec. 13.

During that time, you can enroll in a health plan, change health plans or switch between individual and family enrollment. You can also remain in the plan you have, of course.

Click here to read more.

Major Samuel Nicholas enjoys a distinction in the heroic history of the United States Marine Corps that will never be supplanted.

He was the first Marine.

The Philadelphia Quaker, orphaned as a 7-year-old boy, answered the call of a rebellious new nation and organized the first battalions of Continental Marines in Philadelphia in November 1775, in the early days of the American Revolution.

Click here to read more.

Some of our members are running into problems getting meds now that VA is closed down. A member has forwarded the below info regarding a Dr friend of his who is interested in helping our vets. The member has known him for years and vouches for him enthusiastically!

The RAO does not know him and can't endorse but if you need help give him a try and see.

DANIEL SALVADOR L. REDOÑA, MD

Ophthalmologist-Natural Medicine

09281952272

Clinic Address: JH ORIENTAL MEDICAL CLINIC Blk 48 Lot 10 Friendship Highway Bgy Cutcut, Angeles City 2009 Pampanga

Making Subic Experience Awesome! SubicGo.com is a tourism portal designed for local and international tourists visiting the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SubicGo

GREAT NEWS!
Its official, as of today 16 August 2018, Ace/Baypointe is authorized to accept Tricare patients under the Preferred Provider category. You will have to check with the HMO office to ensure your Dr. is also on the Preferred Provider list. There are currently 31 Dr's who are, but check to be sure or you will have to pay the Dr's fees.

And oh by the way, please resist the urge to repeat the bad news bears (you know the ones who have their names stenciled on the back of their bar stool) who are spreading rumors about ACE BAYPOINTE and Medical City Clark suspending FMP due to non payment. IT DIDNT HAPPEN! Medical city Ortigas did due to non payment by FMP. Come to find out they gave FMP the wrong mailing address to which FMP mailed the payments. All is fixed now and they have withdrawn the suspension.Â

Old saying better to be quiet and be thought a fool, than opening mouth and leave no doubt.

I have taken the opportunity to compile a list of what Drs, and Specialties AT ACE BAYPOINTE, to the best of my knowledge are also certified as preferred providers. The hospital is in the process of adding to this list. As you all are aware this list changes without notice, so before getting treatment it would be to your benefit to check with the hospital HMO office to ensure the Dr you will receive treatment from is in fact still certified as preferred. The HMO can be reached at 047-250-6070 ext 283 or 507.

Name Name	Specialization Specialization	Gender Gender
Ablang, Alberto Mariano, MD	Pediatrics, Critical Care	Male
Ablang, Marietta, MD	Internal Medicine, Cardiology	Female
Aguila, Beverly, MD	Internal Medicine, Cardiology	Female
Aguila, Beverly, MD	Internal Medicine, Cardiology	Female
Aguilar, Rodrigo	Gastronology/Int Med	Male
Alconga, Rudy	Pediatrics	Male
Bernal, Gerald, MD	Internal Medicine, Cardiology	Male
Bongco, Jesusa	Anesthesiology	Female
Bongco, Rosario	Endocrinology	Male
Bustamante, Rodrick	Anesthesiology	Male
Calapatia, David, MD	Family Medicine	Male
Cepeda, Armando, MD	Surgery, General	Male
Cepeda, Monette, MD	Neurology	Female
De Castro, Felicisimo, MD	Ophthalmology	Male
De Castro, Ma. Gloria, MD	Obstetrics & Gynecology	Female
Dela Cruz, Anthony, MD	Internal Medicine, Diabetology; Occupational Health	Male
Dela Paz, Emmanuel, MD	Orthopedics	Male
DeLeon, Roberto	Gen Surgery	Male
Edejer, Karl Erjon, MD	Anesthesiology	Male
Guevara, Luis, MD	Radiology	Male
Hipolito, Charina	Internal Medicine, Pulmonology	Female
Mallari, Lourdes	ENT Ear, Nose,Throat	Female
Mangahas, Rolan	Opthamology	Male
Manuel, Jesse Jewel, MD	Surgery, Orthopedic	Male
Mendoza, Arturo, Jr., MD	Surgery, General (Laparoscopic)	Male
Ocampo, Armida, MD	Internal Medicine, Pulmonology	Female
Pasqual, Jeanette	Orthopedics	Male
Rojo, Margaret, MD	Anesthesiology	Female
Santos, Wilfredo, MD	Surgery, General ; Surgery, Oncology	Male
Soriano, Maria Agnes, MD	Internal Medicine, Diabetology	Female
Tablan, Apolonario Jr	Urology	Male
Velchez, Carlos	Hematology/Int Med	Male
Hipolito, Charina	Internal Medicine, Pulmonology	Female
Villareal, Paolo, MD	Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology	Male

FMP/Tricare

We continue to see vets who are receiving EOB's and checks for treatment at Medical City and Baypointe (ACE). Please be aware you should not cash these checks. They should be given to the hospitals. Should you cash the check a few things can happen, 1st FMP or Tricare may demand repayment, if you don't they can notify the IRS and either a garnishment or 1099 will be received and they get their money in the end possibly including interest. It can also be placed on your credit report. Secondly, you may be refused future treatment at the hospitals as you have an outstanding balance. Worst of all we may lose the hospitals as providers for FMP or Tricare. Sure wouldn't want to be the guy who causes all your fellow vets to lose that, they might be a little pissed when they find out it was you! You know how quickly word spreads around here!

Videos

Just want to draw your attention to some very useful videos being offered for free through va by psycharmor. View their catalog at PsychoArmor Institute.

Urgent Update: Reimbursment Checks:

It appears there is a malfunction with both TRICARE and FMP regarding reimbursement checks. They incorrectly recently have been sending the checks to the veteran vice the provider. Both have been notified this is the incorrect way to handle these checks! If you receive a check for a claim that was filed by the Hospital, please do not cash it. The hospitals participation was negotiated so that the hospital would receive payment. If they do not we will lose their services. The payment must be taken to the hospital and signed over to them to be encashed.

Special thank you to police station 6 Barrio Baretto for notification of recently deceased American Citizen! Their handling of situation was extremely professional, thanks SPO De Leon.