Here is a News 6 mashup of top stories for the week of Sept. 20, 2021, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

Slowing Pay to Save DoD Money

A new report from the Congressional Budget Office found that billions of dollars could be saved by slowing increases to housing and food allowances for service members, reported Military.com.

The report found that connecting the allowances to the “same benchmark used for basic military pay raises” rather than the current system would save money. “Housing allowance rates are set annually by the defense secretary using data on rental housing vacancies in each location. Food allowances are set annually based on the Agriculture Department’s index for food prices,” Military.com said. The report explored many ways that could save money beyond housing and food allowances.

Free Peer-to-Peer Consultations

Military OneSource is offering peer-to-peer specialty consultations free to service members and their spouses. Peer support specialists have a master’s degree in psychology or social science field and first-hand life experience as service members or military spouses. If you need someone to talk to who “gets it,” who understands the stresses and challenges of military life, this is a great option.

AAFES 12 Weeks of Black Friday Deals

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, also known as AAFES, has announced an event: “12 Weeks of Black Friday Deals.” Through Nov. 24, 2021, the Exchange will have Black Friday pricing in-store and at ShopMyExchange.com on electronics, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more. New deals will be announced weekly on Fridays. 

This Week in History

On Sept. 20, 1814, the Baltimore Patriot printed Francis Scott Key’s Star Spangled Banner. Key wrote it while aboard a ship in Chesapeake Bay. He watched as the British and Americans fought a battle eight miles away at Fort McHenry. The battle raged. “It seemed as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone,” Key later wrote. As darkness descended, Key noted the view changed from shot and shell to “red erupting in the night sky.” He was certain the British would win. However, as dawn broke, he saw the American flag flying over the fort, announcing the American victory. You can read more at smithsonianmag.com and check out the snippet of the infamous song originally printed under the title, “Defence of Fort M’Henry” in the Baltimore Patriot.

Photo by: Debby Hudson on Unsplash