Military Officer - February 2008 - (Page 25) rapidfire ASKBUD I’ve lived abroad since I retired. Will applying for a passport from my country of residence affect my military retired pay? Possibly. It might indicate acceptance of citizenship of a foreign country and renunciation of U.S. citizenship. DoD Financial Management Regulations Volume 7B, Chapter 6, state the right to retired pay based on years of active service or disability for regular or reserve officers and regular enlisted personnel generally is contingent upon continuation of military status; loss of citizenship is inconsistent with a continuation of that status. U.S. citizens may live abroad indefinitely without losing U.S. citizenship. The U.S. government also allows, but does not encourage, dual citizenship. Some people may have dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws, rather than by choice. Claims of other countries on dual national U.S. citizens may conflict with U.S. law; dual nationality may limit U.S. government efforts to assist citizens abroad, because the country where a dual national is located generally has a stronger claim to that person’s allegiance. Dual citizenship alone does not ensure a servicemember will lose entitlement to retired pay. But it’s complex, so understand there are obligations, not just benefits, that come with dual citizenship. — Capt. Bud Schneeweis, USCG-Ret., is director of MOAA’s Benefits Information and Financial Education Department. I Calling All Job Seekers! f you are one of the thousands of servicemembers who has left the military — or soon will be leaving — get ready for MOAA’s spring Career Fair April 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Washington, D.C., Convention Center, Hall D. The fair is free, and servicemembers of all grades and their spouses are invited. Visit MOAA’s online Career Center at www.moaa.org/ career to find out more about the Career Fair and to read tips on how to prepare for the fair. Employers from a variety of business fields have booths at the fair. If you represent an employer that is interested in participating, visit www.moaa.org/careerfair and click on Career Fairs for a direct link to the registration form. E-mail questions to careerfair@moaa.org. Miscellany: Best in America BEST IN AMERICA: The Scholarship Fund of MOAA was declared one of the “Best in America” by the Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America. The award recognizes member charities that annually have been able to certify, document, and demonstrate they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. * NUTRITION NOTES: With fresh fruits available all year long, the benefits of dried fruits often are overlooked. Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, USPHS-Ret., D.O., provides recipes using dried fruits at www.moaa.org/wellness. Click on Nutrition Facts. * BLACK HISTORY: A new museum devoted to the contributions made by the 1.1 million black servicemembers during World War II is taking off. The Museum of Black World War II History, in Pownal, Vt., has two rooms filled with weapons, models, and photographs. Recently, two World War II pickup trucks were donated to the museum. Bruce Bird, an avid collector of World War II memorabilia, started the museum as a “retirement project.” For more information, visit www.blackww2museum.org. PHOTOS: ABOVE, COMPOSITE IMAGE, SHUTTERSTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK; RIGHT, STEVE BARRETT FEBRUARY 2008 * MILITARY OFFICER 25 http://www.moaa.org/ http://www.moaa.org/careerfair http://www.moaa.org/wellness http://www.blackww2museum.org
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