u/Forsaken_Tourist401

Parent here, looking into the 2+2+1 pathway (Laurel Ridge associate's, then Shenandoah for the bachelor's and MBA) and hoping to hear from someone who's actually gone through it rather than just the program page.

A few things I'm trying to figure out:

• How smoothly did your Laurel Ridge credits actually transfer in?
• Did the timeline really work out to 5 years total, or did it run longer?
• Any surprises with the MBA portion specifically?

I'm a current Virginia resident, in the hiring process for two NATO Civilian positions—one in the US and one in Belgium. I'm trying to understand the US tax treatment of each before I decide, and I'm hoping someone here has firsthand experience. Sidenote, I am also shopping around for either a CPA or a tax attorney, but I’m slow-rolling since I have no indications yet that I am shortlisted. If I'm not shortlisted, then this inquiry is moot.

Here's the conflict I've run into digging through primary sources:

• A 1988 Tax Court case held that a US citizen NATO direct hire's salary WAS exempt from US tax under Article 19 of the Ottawa Agreement.
• But a 2019 IRS training webinar states that NATO Headquarters Protocol tax exemption provisions "do not apply to US citizens or green card holders."
• NATO HR at the domestic command confirmed my position falls under the Headquarters Protocol (not Ottawa), and that salary is nominally exempt with a standard reimbursement process (the Tax Reimbursement Arrangement) for US nationals — but that mechanism is built around the FEIE, which requires foreign-earned income. That doesn't seem to apply to a domestic US posting.

So, my read is: the overseas posting qualifies for the FEIE + TRA reimbursement path. The domestic posting is wonky— it's not clear whether any exemption or reimbursement mechanism actually applies when the work is performed on US soil.

Has anyone here worked as a US citizen NIC at a domestic NATO location (vs. overseas), or dealt with this specific Ottawa/Headquarters Protocol distinction? Curious how it was handled in practice—filing as fully taxable domestic income, or something else.

Thanks-

I'm a current Virginia resident, in the hiring process for two NATO Civilian positions—one in the US and one in Belgium. I'm trying to understand the US tax treatment of each before I decide, and I'm hoping someone here has firsthand experience. Sidenote, I am also shopping around for either a CPA or a tax attorney, but I’m slow-rolling since I have no indications yet that I am shortlisted. If I'm not shortlisted, then this inquiry is moot.

Here's the conflict I've run into digging through primary sources:

• A 1988 Tax Court case held that a US citizen NATO direct hire's salary WAS exempt from US tax under Article 19 of the Ottawa Agreement.
• But a 2019 IRS training webinar states that NATO Headquarters Protocol tax exemption provisions "do not apply to US citizens or green card holders."
• NATO HR at the domestic command confirmed my position falls under the Headquarters Protocol (not Ottawa), and that salary is nominally exempt with a standard reimbursement process (the Tax Reimbursement Arrangement) for US nationals — but that mechanism is built around the FEIE, which requires foreign-earned income. That doesn't seem to apply to a domestic US posting.

So, my read is: the overseas posting qualifies for the FEIE + TRA reimbursement path. The domestic posting is wonky— it's not clear whether any exemption or reimbursement mechanism actually applies when the work is performed on US soil.

Has anyone here worked as a US citizen NIC at a domestic NATO location (vs. overseas), or dealt with this specific Ottawa/Headquarters Protocol distinction? Curious how it was handled in practice—filing as fully taxable domestic income, or something else.

Thanks-

I moved to the Winchester area in 2024. With every relocation, I always try to establish three specific relationships as quickly as possible: a barber/shop, an auto mechanic, and a gym membership.

This post is about the barber...

Over the past two years, I have patronized Star Barbershop on Louden St, Rt 7 Barbershop on Rt 7 (Berryville Pike), and most recently, Al's Place on Wilson Rd (near the corner of Weems and Loudon).

Star Barbershop was my first dip - Jason is the barber and is effective and cheap (in a good way) as there is. The man is a machine; he runs 7 days a week, from 0900-1700, and sometimes later. He can be chatty or quiet. To this date, I have never seen his face because he wears a surgical mask and glasses. Haircuts are $12, no fuss, no muss - cash only. My only knock is that he is a one-man show, so unless you make an appointment, you will quickly notice that walk-ins get jumped in the queue pretty often. Despite that, he has customers wait to get a cut.

Rt 7 Barbershop. I pivoted from the Star Barber to this location in 2025 because it was conveniently located near my residence. The staff are friendly and offer a good cut. The ambiance is very cozy. They are also a cash business, but they have an ATM on the premises if you make a rookie mistake like thinking they accept credit cards. The standard cost is $15, except Mon - Thurs, when they offer a $ 1-off special for specific clients (e.g., educators, public safety, military, etc.). Recently, the owner has experienced a decline in the workforce, forcing a temporary closure on Mondays, in addition to the standard Sundays and Wednesdays. So, plan accordingly. I also appreciate that they open their doors at 0800. FWIW the entire staff are female, so they don't just cut men's hair, but women too, obviously. I mention this because if you're a dude and want a shampoo and a cut, I suppose that option is available. They have one of those sinks that you can rest your neck on and get a wash, too. FYI.

Recently, I discovered Al's Place only because Rt 7 was closed on a day I wasn't expecting it to be. This barbershop is a hidden gem, IMO. $16 cuts are right at the edge of my comfort level, but I can't recall the last time I saw a barbershop open at 0630 on weekdays, and that availability is a huge plus - I actually visited today before work started. When you walk in, it's traditional...ya know, a 90s vibe; it's a bit dusty, and the furniture is dated, but it's no BS. I mean, he still has a barbershop pole just outside the front door. The radio is on and playing some chill elevator music that makes you just relax into the chair. Al and his old-school colleague don't say much; in fact, you will probably catch them sitting in the chair waiting for the next customer while they read the newspaper. That simplicity defines a barbershop for me.  Al has cut my hair twice, and he's efficient. The fades are on point, and he lines the back of your neck with a straight razor and foam (same at Rt 7). I think I was in and out in 15 minutes.

Anyway, that's my contribution. Take the intel as you will. Some of us enjoy a Sport/Great Clips or a more modern barbershop that can fade you up and create designs in your hair. I get it, different strokes for different folks. I want to live at the intersection of quality, cost, and timeliness. So, the three locations above earn my business.

Peace-

I’m entering year 3 of refereeing high school football (and middle school at times). If anyone is interested in participating, would like to observe a few summer scrimmages, or would like general information then let me know.

Happy Blossom-