If you like the quality of pharmacy service and choices that TRICARE provides to veterans, don’t get too comfortable with it. It’s beginning to look like that will all change at the start of the year – and not for the better.

Through the end of 2011, Walgreens will provide pharmacy services as part of DOD’s TRICARE pharmacy program. But come January 1st, that will disappear because Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), the company that manages the service, has a contract dispute with Walgreens and will not negotiate a settlement.

Actually, they will negotiate: my-way-or-the-highway is basically their position.

Walgreens is the largest pharmacy chain in the country. They serve 40 million consumers every week through nearly 8,000 stores nationwide. They have more stores that are open 24 – 7 than any other pharmacy network. And 70% of the U.S. population lives within five miles of a Walgreens.

However, after the first of the year, we won’t have access to that network or services.

Because ESI manages the Defense Department’s TRICARE pharmacy benefit, Walgreens offered a separate contract guaranteeing its prices would match or beat the average costs per prescription with all other retail pharmacies. The company has also committed to keeping the cost per Medicare prescription flat for the next four years. Such cost containment measures could be a real boon to the Federal government, as well as control the prices consumers pay.

Unfortunately, not only has ESI ignored or rejected these proposals, but it has also demanded unacceptable rates and terms from Walgreens. For example, they have demanded rates that are below the average industry cost to fill prescriptions. They also want to dictate which drugs are generic and which are not.

ESI has claimed Walgreens wants to increase prescription reimbursement costs by 20 percent. That is pure malarkey. Walgreens has offered ESI a number of cost-savings that would, in effect, hold the average prescription reimbursement cost increases to less than two percent annually over the course of the three year contract.

In an open letter to vets and active duty military, Walgreens’ CEO said, “We do not wish for military beneficiaries to be ‘in the middle’ of this issue.” Well, we are. Meanwhile, Express Scripts has rejected all efforts to reach an agreement that would keep Walgreens in the TRICARE network of pharmacies.

What can we do about this? Make noise. Register an opinion. Let DOD and Express Scripts know how you feel. Here’s a link to a page where you can sign a petition to do just that:

http://www.ichoosewalgreens.com/tricare-plans/

You can also send a letter to your Senator and Member of Congress, letting them know you value the convenience of having a Walgreens nearby. Another point to make is that Walgreens is working to keep prices as low as possible. With Walgreens gone, Express Scripts will be much freer to set prices that benefit them, not us.

Walgreens is doing all it can to keep serving us as customers. It only seems right that we return the favor.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2011
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

“I urge all Arizonans to join me in paying respect to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

“Let us say a prayer for the fallen heroes who have given their lives to protect our nation and preserve the freedoms we too often take for granted. Let us take this opportunity to acknowledge those who continue to fight –who continue to risk their lives daily to save ours.

“To all of Arizona’s veterans, I say: thank you. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for your willingness of the heart. Thank you for your sense of duty.

“May God bless our veterans and their families, as well as our Great State of Arizona. Most of all, may God bless those who have paid the ultimate price in preserving and protecting the United States of America.”

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Thank you to all of our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines for your service to this nation and to the cause of freedom.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video about the Christmas Packages for the Troops.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Distributed by C O M M O N  S E N S E , in Arizona

Come hear this POW veteran explain why he is supporting JD Hayworth over John McCain. Mesa Town Hall with JD Hayworth Thursday, July 22 6:00pm – 7:30pm 12 W. Main Street Mesa, AZ **Special introduction by POW Veteran Larry “Lucky” Chesley Click here to read Larry’s bio Listen to the message from Larry “Lucky” Chesley about the town hall

clip about John McCain opposing efforts to bring home POWs taken from the film Missing, Presumed Dead: The  Search for America’s POWs

There is a longstanding story of POWs in Viet Nam, even ones who have returned home and are living today in the US, who were betrayed and forgotten.  

In a recent article written by Ron Unz, former publisher and owner of American Conservative monthly magazine:

Vietnamese refused to return their American POWs unless the U.S. government agreed to pay reparations. Nixon signed a document promising to do exactly that, but the Vietnamese, being cautious, kept many of the POWs back until the money was delivered. Then Congress refused to authorize the funds because “America doesn’t lose wars.” Nixon and later U.S. leaders never acknowledged the fate of these captives lest the American people become outraged. And as the years and decades went by, and various schemes to ransom or rescue the POWs were considered and rejected, their continued existence became a major liability to numerous powerful political figures, whose reputations would have been destroyed if any of the prisoners ever returned and told his story to the American people. So none of them ever came home.

John McCain is one of those politicians whose reputations would have been destroyed by the late return of POWs from Viet Nam after, as Congressman and Senator from Arizona, he opposed efforts to work with veterans groups and the Vietnamese to bring home US vets.

Additional testimony regarding John McCain’s actions detrimental to the POW/MIA movement and efforts to bring vets home, along with testimony of witnesses that John McCain produced 22 (some say 32) propaganda films on behalf of the North Vietnamese and against US interests (since sealed and classified by the federal government), can be found in a documentary entitled:

Missing, Presumed Dead: The Search for America’s POWs

If you have some time, read “Was Rambo Right?”, by Ron Unz and get a hold of a copy of Missing, Presumed Dead: The Search for America’s POWs.

During the summer that I was in between the seventh and eighth grades and overly self conscious, I wasn’t sure if I should join the kids or find a place with the adults.  So I decided to play the role of observer. From my silent observation post I drank in the expressions, sounds and stories.  So it is from this vantage point that I can describe Jimmy. 

He was a senior in high school.  So for a junior high kid he was an adult.  Jimmy was one of those guys who very presence commanded attention.  It wasn’t because he was a clown or boisterous.  It was because of the ease he had with himself.  He felt comfortable with adults and easily entered into conversations.  While respectful, it was obvious that he was self-assured and felt free to express his opinions.  When he spoke to you, he looked directly into your eyes.  He had a gentle laugh, but what really stood out was the way he carried himself.  I knew that I was looking at someone who was a natural leader.  You also knew that he was motivated by goals he set for himself.  There was no indecisiveness in any of his mannerisms.  His parents couldn’t conceal the pride and love they had for him.  The other adults gave him the ultimate compliment by including him in their conversations and asking his opinion. 

After he graduated, Jimmy joined the U.S. Army.  The army also noticed his natural leadership abilities.  He became a helicopter pilot and a leader of his unit.  Having glimpsed the character of this young man, it was no surprise to me to learn that he lost his life in a rescue attempt in the jungles of Viet Nam.  I couldn’t imagine that he would ever think of leaving anyone behind.

Whenever I get a chance to travel to Washington, D.C. I visit the Viet Nam Memorial.  I find Jimmy’s name and I offer a prayer of thanks for his sacrifice.  As I walk away from the memorial, I thank those who fought and died for freedom.  Thank you veterans.  None of you have died in vain. 

For Immediate Release: October 10, 2008                   
 
Veterans group offers enthusiastic endorsement of Schweikert
 
Scottsdale, AZ – The National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition has announced its endorsement to Fifth District Congressional candidate David Schweikert.  The Coalition cites Schweikert’s strong positions on the treatment and care of veterans, national security issues such as the War on Terror and U.S. border security as well as Schweikert’s support for increased domestic energy production.
 
“I’m proud to accept this endorsement. This organization represents hundreds of thousands of veterans and I’m honored that they would support my bid to serve in the U.S. Congress,” Schweikert said. 
 
“This demonstrates that veterans’ issues transcend partisan politics.  I’m very disappointed that the current holder of this seat has adopted the attitude that he and he alone speaks for veterans.  That is clearly not the case.  Congress has a long tradition of setting aside partisan squabbles when it comes to veterans’ issues, and I urge Harry Mitchell to follow that tradition.” continued Schweikert.
 
The Coalition is comprised of more than 80 veterans’ organizations and advocacy groups representing more than 250,000 veterans and their families totaling more than two million voters across the country.

Thank you Joe Cook for your service.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Today, we simply cannot forget men like Frank Vegh, our WWII veterans and heroes who sacrificed more than we can imagine in the name of courage, freedom, liberty, humility and bringing peace.  Thanks EJ for writing and reminding us about heroes like Frank Vegh who gave so much and asked for nothing in return.

9/11 WTC SURVIVOR TO HEADLINE REPUBLICAN PROFESSIONALS EVENT
9/11 WTC Survivor Mark Finelli and AZ State Rep. Jonathan Paton to Speak About Their Iraq War Experiences

SCOTTSDALE, AZ –Republican Professionals (RP) announced today that they will be hosting Mark Finelli, a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor who gave up a 6-figure job with Morgan Stanley to enlist in the Marines and fight in Iraq and AZ State Representative Jonathan Paton, a ”rising star” in the Republican Party and Iraq war veteran. Both speakers will appear at the organization’s upcoming March 6, 2008 free networking event at 6 Lounge in Scottsdale.

“We are pleased to have Mark Finelli speak at our event. He is a true American hero and the only 9/11 World Trade Center survivor to enlist in the marines and fight in Iraq. His story is an inspiring tale of honor, courage and steely leadership. It will be insightful to learn about his ‘in the trenches’ account of his experiences in Iraq and his assessment of the current situation,” said RP President Charles A. Jensen.  

Mark Finelli has been a featured guest on Fox, CNN and “Hardball with Chris Mathews” on MSNBC. He’s also appeared on popular radio programs, such as “The Sean Hannity Show” and been written about in major publications like Newsweek and National Review. Finelli will also be appearing in a documentary by two-time Oscar winner and trooper supporter John Voight.

Jensen also expressed his enthusiasm for hosting Jonathan Paton, a popular member of the Arizona House of Representatives and Iraq war veteran: “Representative Paton is a gifted public speaker and admired public servant. We look forward to hearing about his background and recent experience in Iraq.” (Paton volunteered for active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from September of ‘06 until February ‘07.)

Doors open at 6:00 P.M. at 6 Lounge, a chic and atmospheric Scottsdale nightclub. Given the popularity of past events and limited space available, Republican Professionals highly encourages all interested in attending the March 6th event to RSVP at www.republicanprofessionals.org 

Republican Professionals hosts its free networking events the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 P.M. at the Six Lounge in Scottsdale. Between 150 and 270 professionals consistently attend RP events. For more information about Republican Professionals, please contact Charles Jensen at 602-403-5535 or charles@republicanprofessionals.org  

The purpose of Republican Professionals is to link like-minded professionals together in a monthly happy hour where they can network, socialize, and hear directly from prominent politicians and successful business leaders. Founded in the fall of 2007 in Phoenix, Arizona, Republican Professionals has already branched off to other cities across the nation.

Nicholson is considered to have been the last real conservative RNC chairman, appointed in 1997. Under his leadership, the pro-life plank of the party was strengthened.
This is AZRTL’s biggest gala of the year, we hope to see you there.

Thank you to all who have served and are serving and to their families.

Arpaio hasn’t forgotten when Romley used to constantly take potshots at him in the media over his policies.  Romley once went on the radio and criticized Arpaio’s jail policies while a riot was occurring in Tent City.  With Romley gone, Arpaio and Thomas now work closely together in the fight against illegal immigration and public corruption.  Romley, meanwhile, just finished a stint as a contract lobbyist for Terry Goddard in the Attorney General’s Office.

The good news for Romley is that he has support from Democrats…such as Congressman Harry Mitchell, who has endorsed him.  A shrewd move for Mitchell:  It allows him to show bipartisanship in his largely Republican district while helping him get rid of a potential challenger for reelection next year in Romley.  Not that Romley would have much of a chance in the Republican primary in 2008 against David Schweikert or Jeff Hatch-Miller anyhow.