Susan McCrea VA Intergovernmental Affairs 202-273-5769 MICROCHIP FOOD – K-rations, to C-retains to MREs. Coming will be the ?Grocery Store in a Chip?. Natick lab is working on a microchip incorporated in a capsule that can be swallowed by the soldier. The chip, stored with micronutrients and nutraceuticals, will release them as the body has a need for them. In a similar vein, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has ready patented a ?Pharmacy in a Chip?. So with having the protein of a good steak without the taste, you can also get cod-liver oil without the taste. Maybe a little bit of good news and bad news. NEW TANK – Army scientists say that by late 2005 or early 2006 they can have a tank as lethal as the M1 Abrams tank with the same crew survivability, but 50 tons lighter. This is all part of GEN Shinseki?s Transformation of the Army. The scientists say they can do this without having to create new technologies. DIABETES - In the interest of preventive health care Nearly 16 million Americans have diabetes, although about half of them have not yet been diagnosed with the Disease. The American Diabetes Association challenges the public to take a simple blood test for diabetes risk. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, affecting 90-95 percent of the individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Those most likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes: Have relatives with diabetes. Are overweight. Are Native American, Hispanic or African-American. Are 45 years old or older. Have high blood pressure or high blood fats (cholesterol/triglycerides). Had gestational diabetes or had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds. Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include constant hunger and/or thirst; frequent urination; weakness; blurred vision; tingling or numb hands or feet; and infections of the skin, DIABETES – (Continued) gums, bladder or vagina that keep coming back or heal very slowly.

Type 1 diabetes occurs in 5-10 percent of the individuals diagnosed with diabetes and occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce any insulin. Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes include constant hunger and/or thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, weakness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. If you are at risk for diabetes, get the blood tests to find out if you have this disease. Education Bill - The Legislative Resolve, which was signed into law Friday afternoon, 5 May 2000, by Governor Angus S. King, Jr., will provide full tuition and mandatory fees for current and new members of the Maine Air and Army National Guard attending the University of Maine System, the Maine Technical College System, and the Maine Maritime Academy. Sponsored by Senator Richard Ruhlin of Penobscot, the resolve puts Maine alongside nearly 47 other States that offer similar education programs for members of the National Guard. The Guard Today Maine Engineers – 1st in the nation to receive state-of-the-art Engineer Mission Module equipment The Dump Body Module is being removed from the Palletized Loading System (PLS) truck. The Dump Body Module is a 12 to 14 cubic-yard capacity dump body that is a dismountable body that can be transported or operated on a PLS truck or trailer. (Photo by: MSG Bob Haskell, National Guard Bureau) The 133rd Engineer Battalion, learning to operate some of the newest equipment in the U.S. Army?s inventory. The Maine combat battalion based in Gardiner and commanded by LTC James Mountain has become the first Continue.