Each branch of military service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) publishes a retiree newsletter. Anyone with access to a computer and the internet may read the electronic edition of any of these newsletters. Both the most recent editions and a reasonable number of archived editions are usually available. Each of these newsletters is worth a read.
Air Force "Afterburner"
When funding permits, the Afterburner (News for USAF Retired Personnel) is printed three times a year by the Air Force Personnel Center, Public Affairs. An online version of the Afterburner, the e-Afterburner, is also produced three times a year. Whereas the printed version is sent only to retired Air Force members and surviving spouses eligible to receive pay and compensation, anyone with computer and Internet access may read or subscribe to the e-Afterburner online. (Information taken from Air Force Personnel Center site)
Army "Echoes"
The purpose of Army Echoes (one of my personal favorites) is to keep Army retired soldiers and family members abreast of their rights and privileges, inform them of developments in the modern Army, and to inspire goodwill and a desire to support the Army in the civilian community. It is published three times a year and mailed to more than 900,000 retired soldiers and SBP annuitants. The correspondence address that the retiree has on file at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service-Cleveland Center (DFAS-CL) is used to mail Army Echoes. (Information taken from Army G-1 site)
Coast Guard/NOAA "Retiree's Newsletter"
The Coast Guard/ NOAA Retirees’ Newsletter is a publication containing news of general interest, suggestions, and information to keep Coast Guard and NOAA retirees and their family members informed of recent developments. It is published four times a year. The publication shall not be considered authority and it is non-record material. (Information taken from USCG Pay and Personnel Center site)
Navy "Shift Colors"
Shift Colors (The Newsletter for Navy Retirees) provides retirees and their family members with up-to-date information pertaining to their pay and benefits. It includes continual updates from TRICARE; Defense Finance and Accounting Service; Morale, Welfare and Recreation; and Navy Personnel Command’s Retired Activities Office.
The Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Communications Office is responsible for publishing Shift Colors three times per year while ensuring the information being passed on to readers is accurate and up-to-date with the latest changes in retiree benefits. At the same time, it provides a fact-filled reference source to help family members better understand their benefits and responsibilities. The Shift Colors Web Page provides the latest issue of Shift Colors, back issues dating from 2002, reunion listings, information updates, ready reference contact information, and retiree seminar postings. (Information taken from Navy.mil posts)
Marine Corps "Semper Fidelis"
The Semper Fidelis, Memorandum for Retired Marines is published with appropriated funds on a quarterly basis by Headquarters Marine Corps (MMSR-6). It is designed solely to inform retired Marines and their family members about items of interest concerning their rights, benefits and privileges. Semper Fidelis accepts a limited amount of unsolicited material for publication in regular columns such as Second Career and Reunions, but reserves the right to reject any unsolicited material deemed inappropriate or illegible for publication. (Information taken from USMC, MMSR-6 site).
Please Note: Some combinations of browsers and security settings might cause difficulties when linking directly to the Semper Fidelis Web page. As an alternative to using the direct link shown above, you may:
First, access the Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs Home page at:
And then, click the “Semper Fidelis Online” link under the “News and Features” heading (located near the center of the page).
Still Serving
