House Passes Measure to Recognize Military Families

Rep. Spratt cosponsored "Year of the Military Family” Resolution

The U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday approved a resolution cosponsored by Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) urging the president to designate 2009 as the "Year of the Military Family."

“We can never underestimate the burdens shared by the families of our service men and women,” said Spratt, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee. “They have earned our respect and admiration for their sacrifice. I was pleased to cosponsor this resolution and see it pass the House.”

In addition to urging the president to designate 2009 as the “Year of the Military Family,” the resolution recognizes the contributions that military families make, encourages citizens to share their appreciation for military families, and expresses appreciation to those who have served their country.

Fake Military Twist On Vehicle Sale Scams

The FBI continues to receive reports of individuals victimized while attempting to purchase vehicles via the Internet. Victims find attractively priced vehicles advertised at different Internet classified ad sites. Most of the scams include some type of third-party vehicle protection program to ensure a safe transaction. After receiving convincing e-mails from the phony vehicle protection program, the victims are directed to send either the full payment, or a percentage of the payment, to the third-party agent via a wire payment service. No vehicles are delivered to the victims.

In a new twist, scammers are posing as members of the United States military. The fictitious military personnel in the scam have either been sent to a foreign country to improve military relations, or they need to sell a vehicle quickly and cheaply because of their upcoming deployment to either Iraq or Afghanistan.

Consumers are advised to do as much due diligence as possible before engaging in transactions to purchase vehicles advertised online. Consumers are also cautioned to be aware of the rules of or warnings posted by the Internet sites they visit. If someone is asking a consumer to break or avoid the rules of the Web site, it is possible that person is trying to scam you.

If you have fallen victim to this type of scam, please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.IC3.gov.

Become a Selective Service System Local Board Member

The Selective Service System wants to hear from men and women in the community who might be willing to serve as a Presidential appointee on a local draft board. A prospective Board Member must be a US citizen, at least 18 years old, registered with the Selective Service (if male), not be an employee in any law enforcement occupation, not be an active or retired member of the Armed Forces, and not have been convicted for any criminal offense. Once identified as qualified candidates for appointment, they are recommended by the Governor and appointed by the Director of Selective Service, on behalf of the President. Each new member receives 5 hours of initial training after appointment, followed by 2 hours of annual training each year for as long as they remain in the position. Board Members may serve up to a total of 20 years, if desired.

Local Board Members are uncompensated volunteers who play an important community role closely connected with our Nation’s defense. If a military draft becomes necessary, approximately 2,000 Local and Appeal Boards throughout America would decide which young men in each community receive deferments, postponements or exemptions from military service, based on federal guidelines.

If you believe you meet the standards of the Selective Service Board Membership and wish to be considered for appointment, you may submit an application on the internet at www.sss.gov or contact Selective Service Region Headquarters at (770)319-6036, extension 232, or write to the agency at SSS Region II, 2400 Lake Park Drive, Suite 270, Smyrna, GA 30080.

If anyone has been involved in a board such as the one described in the above Public Service Announcement or will be joining this one, please contact The News & Press by email editor@newsandpress.com or by telephone 843-393-3811. We would be interested in featuring your experiences in such a postition.