Jim Absher

Jim Absher is Military.com's former benefits editor and columnist. He joined the Navy to see the world and later realized the world is two-thirds water. He also worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in field offices and Washington, D.C. before coming to Military.com in 2015.

Latest Articles

A physician assigned to Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Army Patient Centered Medical Homes

Community Based Medical Homes are Army-run, primary care clinics located off-post in the communities where Army families live...

US sailor aboard the destroyer USS Daniel Inouye

This Federal Program Now Makes Many Active-Duty, Vets and Survivors Eligible for Free or Discounted Internet

The Affordable Connectivity Program also offers discounts on some computers and mobile devices.

Tricare Survivor Benefits

Eligible survivors of members who die on active duty, are entitled to continue to receive Tricare health care benefits.

Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, South Korea (U.S. Army photo/Staff Sgt. Felix Mena)

Overseas COLA

The Overseas Cost of Living Allowance is an allowance designed to equalize purchasing power of members stationed overseas.

Family Separation Allowance

A servicemember with dependents who serves an unaccompanied tour of duty may be entitled to a family separation allowance

(Photo: U.S. Army/Staff Sgt. Caleb Barrieau)

Adoption Expenses Reimbursement

The DOD has extended the time frame that you can be reimbursed for an adoption from 1 year to 2 years from the date of...

Honorable discharge certificate with dogtags and American flag

How To Upgrade Your Military Discharge

Veterans can have their military discharge conditions reviewed and possibly upgraded by requesting a review.

Shadowbox displaying military medals and flag

Getting Military Records of Family Members

Do you need a family members service record information? See what information you are entitled to and how to get it.

Tricare Retired Reserve Overview

The Tricare Retired Reserve program is for retired Reservists and Guard members and their families

Mail delays have prompted the Department of Veterans Affairs to extend some response times.

VA Gives Vets More Response Time Because of Mail Delays

Due to mailing delays, VA is extending the time limits some veterans have to reply or take action to an official notification...

Can You Get Unemployment After Leaving the Service?

If you separate from active duty you may qualify for unemployment compensation if you are unable to find a new job.

Combat Zone Tax Exclusion

If you are a military member who serves in a combat zone you can exclude certain pay from your income when figuring your...

A Space Force specialist looks at a computer screen.

'Space Force' Is Now Official to the VA, but Not Everyone Is on the Same Page

The move involving the newest and smallest branch is considered a formality as no Guardians have been denied benefits.

The White House Can Send You Personalized Presidential Greetings for Major Life Events

The nearly 70 year old tradition is available for any citizen who requests it.

Can Spouses Be Buried in Veterans Cemeteries?

It's not something we like to think about, but it's a benefit you earned.

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Valor medals for soldiers who intervened in active-shooter incident at Fort Stewart

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Air Force News

Sig Sauer M18 pistols rest in simulation configuration

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U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Alabama) speaks to the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber.

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