Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of Feb. 14, 2022, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

US Troops Rapidly Deployed to Europe

Two thousand U.S. troops have been deployed to Europe, with another 1,700 scheduled to arrive early this week, reported NPR. The troop buildup is in response to Russia building their own armed forces in western Russia and the Crimean Peninsula. “Another 1,000 soldiers stationed in Germany will be repositioned eastward to Romania, which also shares a border with western Ukraine,” said NPR. These soldiers are in addition to the 70,000 permanently stationed U.S. troops in Europe. 

Military Health System Continuing Health Record Rollout

The Military Health System is continuing its rollout on the MHS GENESIS health care system. According to Health.mil, “MHS GENESIS, the new electronic health record for the Military Health System (MHS), provides enhanced, secure technology to manage your health information . . . When fully deployed, MHS GENESIS will provide a single health record for service members, veterans, and their families.” 

Patients can expect to register for a new Patient Portal which will allow access to your health information, manage appointments, and exchange messages with your care team. Beneficiaries will use their DS Logon to access the portal.

File Taxes to Receive Full Child Tax Credit

File your taxes. A new effort from the Biden administration is encouraging everyone to file their taxes, including those who don’t traditionally file taxes because their income is very low. “President Joe Biden increased the child tax credits to $3,600 annually for each child under the age of 5, and $3,000 for those who are ages 6 to 17,” reported AP News. Part of the tax credit increase was distributed through monthly payments that began last July and were based on the previous years’ taxes. That money is available to those who have filed their taxes. 

Military Members Represent U.S. in 2022 Winter Olympics

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, are in full swing. The games will run through Sunday, Feb. 20. A total of ten military members are representing the United States, with nine planning to compete and one as an alternate, reported Military Times. Military athletes are competing in Bobsled, Nordic Combined, Biathlon, Skeleton, and Luge. AAFES has again partnered with NBC so military members can watch for free!

• Visit: NBC Olympics online  
• Choose “Exchange” as your service provider
• Log into your Shop My Exchange account

AAFES Frequently Asked Questions

This Week in History: Vinegar Valentines

Did you know that Valentine’s Day has a dark side? During the Victorian era, lovers exchanged valentines. However, if you were in a tiff with your love or you wanted to “fend off an enemy or unwanted suitor, ‘vinegar valentines’ offered a stinging alternative,” according to History.com. The vinegar valentines ranged from a gentle sassy to downright mean.

To My Valentine

‘Tis a lemon that I hand you 

and bid you now ‘skidoo’

Because I love another 

There is no chance for you.