This section was created to aggregate and share valuable information to our officers that were first published in an edition of the APAOC newsletter. If you have any additional tips to share, please submit a brief description with the Newsletter Working Group.

Official Photo

Officers in the Washington D.C. area can conveniently have their official photo with the U.S. and PHS flags taken for no cost at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (8901 Wisconsin Ave., Bldg. 4/6, Rm 2262, Bethesda, MD 20889). Please contact the Biomedical Photography Department at 301-295-1014 or medphoto4@med.navy.mil to schedule an appointment.

For officers outside the Washington D.C. area, check with the Biomedical Photography Department of your local military hospital.

American Express SCRA Benefits

American Express, as part of its Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) benefits, waives the annual fee on all their credit cards, including the American Express Platinum Card ($550 annual fee waived) with the following benefits (e.g., $200 annual airline credit, $100 fee credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, and access to over 1000 airport lounges).

Contact American Express after credit card approval to notify them of your service status to have the fee waived.

Refractive Surgery for Vision Correction

You may be eligible for vision correction at Military Treatment Facilities. For officers in the Washington D. C. area, you may contact Malcom Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center (1060 West Perimeter Road Joint Base Andrews AFB, MD 20762) by phone at 240 612-1730. Click here for more information.

Used Uniforms

Used uniforms can be purchased at great prices at 28 Thrift Shops around the world. Military ID is required for any purchase. It is advised that you call the shop before visiting.

APAOC Donations

You can support APAOC operations and the Commissioned Officers Foundation (COF), which is well-recognized for hosting the annual USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium. Learn more about the COF and consider following these steps to make a tax-deductible donation!

1. Send a check made out to the Commissioned Officers Foundation (memo: APAOC) and mail it to:
   
   Commissioned Officers Foundation (COF)
   8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1170
   Landover, MD 20785
2. Inform CDR Sulin Sun (Su-Lin.Sun@fda.hhs.gov) of the amount to be issued a donation receipt.