National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The annual ceremony will be held on Thur., Dec. 3, 2009, at 5:00 p.m., on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. This year, the event will introduce a new lottery system to provide free tickets to the ceremony.

The new online lottery will be available 8:01 p.m. AKST on Tue., Nov. 3. The ticket lottery remains open through 7:59 p.m. AKST on Fri., Nov. 6. 'Click for more information' to apply.

Stay Informed about the H1N1 Virus

With Flu Season upon us, Flu.Gov has been created to provide information on H1N1 and the seasonal flu.

The website can be used to get information on avoiding the flu, finding locations providing flu shots and staying informed through Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Service Members Eligible for Stop Loss Pay

DOD will provide pay to service members who had their enlistment extended or retirement suspended due to Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009. Soldiers are eligible to receive payments for each month they were retained on active duty.

Those eligible for the retroactive Stop Loss special payments have from now until Oct. 21, 2010 to submit their applications to their respective services.

PFD Reminder for Alaskans

Don't forget that your PFD is taxable income for Federal Income Tax returns. Be sure to set aside enough to cover your tax bill, or consider making an Estimated Payment when you get your PFD. For more information, please click here.

Call Senator Begich Toll Free!

(877) 501 - 6275: Toll Free for Alaskans

Senator Begich welcomes your input and inquires on issues and legislation. Alaskans with a (907) area code can now call Senator Begich's state headquarters in Anchorage toll free, (877) 501 - 6275.