Mar 2016 - MOAA Florida Council of Chapters

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Military Officers Association of America, Citrus County
Post Office Box 637, Lecanto, Florida 34460-0637
CAPTAIN’S
CALL
CAPT Thomas T. Holme Jr. USN Ret
March is upon us, nearly, and there’s lots going on for all of us. But, before I go on,
let’s look back at what happened in February. Our monthly meeting included a surprise.
Susan Gill was scheduled to talk to us about the new YMCA under construction in
Beverly Hills. Unfortunately, our meeting day found Susan too ill to join us. She is a
long-time friend and we look forward to her joining us in the not too distant future in
her customary role as Citrus County’s Supervisor of Elections. In her stead, we had the
good fortune to have David Reed join us for our meeting. His presentation was truly
first class and answered all the questions we had about the new facility. Although I
don’t live in Citrus County and there is a YMCA here in Hernando County, I plan to visit
the new facility and may well sign up both Joy and myself as Charter members.
On Friday, February 12th, many of us gathered at Withlacoochee Technical
College for lunch hosted by Superintendent of Schools Sandra “Sam” Himmel.
This was her annual “thank you” to all who volunteered for Veterans in the
Classroom which is run by our Chapter. The final count this year was 64
veterans conducting 200 visits. While there, I took the opportunity to invite the
Superintendent to be our guest speaker at our Scholarship Luncheon on May 12th
at the Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club and she accepted.
Reservations
(required) will be accepted beginning in April. If you would like to be part of the
selection process for the scholarship committee, please contact Committee Chair
J.J. Kenney.
David Reed and Capt. Holme
Our next monthly meeting will be on March 10 th. Our guest speaker will be another Chapter friend,
Commissioner Joe Meek of the Citrus County BOCC. This will be an excellent opportunity to get the scoop on
what’s going on in the County. And, because Joe is not running for reelection, it amounts to a non-partisan
visit to the Chapter. As the 2016 election year continues to heat up, is it important for the Chapter to remain
politically neutral. We are, of course, highly partisan when it comes to issues affecting our comrades in
uniform, but that is a different matter and also very much the raison d’etre for MOAA.
On Thursday March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day) we head south to
and enjoy a performance of The Adams Family. I have all the
monthly meeting on the 10th in order to simplify our checking in
no later than 1130, when the doors open. The buffet is served at
the Show Palace Dinner Theater to dine
tickets already and will bring them to our
at the theater. Please plan on being there
1200 and the show begins at 1315.
Our April meeting will be the 1st Thursday in April (the 7th) at Stumpknocker’s on the Withlacoochee
River just over the County line. This will be the 5th annual meeting with our parent chapter, which we left a
little over 25 years ago to form our current Chapter. This is always a social rather than a business meeting.
This year Barbara Mills has agreed to come speak to us about the “ Honor Flight” which will be starting up
their new year of trips to Washington, D.C. Reservations are required, $20 pp gratuity included. Please call
Arlo Janssen at 352-237-9720 or email him at [email protected].
Until then, please make it a habit to check the web site on a regular basis and let me know what you
would like to see added to the site. ( Better yet, volunteer to be the webmaster ).
Tim
MOAA of Citrus County Operating Officers
President: CAPT Thomas T. Holme Jr. USN
(RET)
(352) 597-3884 / [email protected]
V. President: LCDR Merrill Schlegel USN (RET)
(484) 354-1039
[email protected]
Secretary: Vacant
Treas: COL Thomas E. Green USA (RET)
(352) 489-7304 / [email protected]
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Captain’s Call
Officers
Upcoming Events
Financial Report
Legislative Report
MOAA Women
MOAA FCOC
Membership
An American Hero
Citrus MOAA
1
2
2
3
4-5
6
7
8-10
11
12
Legislative Officer:
st
1 LT Ronald Lundberg. USA (Ret)
352-746-9502 / [email protected]
Membership:Col. Mark Bodenheim. USA (RET)
(352) 513-4197. / [email protected]
Chaplain: The Rev. Frederick C. Ohsiek II,
Capt. USAR
(352) 746-7131 / [email protected]
Auxiliary Liaison and MOAA Ladies President:
Ms. Louise Maroc Hogberg,
Auxiliary Member: (352) 637-5898
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Col Dianne Tiano,
USAFR (RET)
(352) 201-4971/ [email protected]
Web Master: Vacant
Immediate Past President
LTC Norm Cooney USA (RET)
(352) 746-1768 / [email protected]
The Members of the Board of Directors are:
RADM Mac McLeod, USN (RET)
CDR Gary Runyon, USN (RET)
CPT Jim Echlin, USAF, (RET)
LTC Marge Blunk USA (RET)
Mrs. Barbara Lincoln
CW4.Kenneth Sumners Jr. USA (RET)
MOAA, Citrus County Chapter, Inc. is affiliated with
Military Officers Assoc. of America whose offices are
located in Alexandria, Virginia.
Florida. MOAA, Citrus County Chapter, Inc. is also a
member of MOAA Florida Council of Chapters.
MOAA of Citrus County is a 501 (C) 3 Not for Pofit
Corporation registered in the State of Florida
Our Website:
http://moaafl.org/Chapters/Citrus/
UPCOMING EVENTS
Board Meeting
3 Mar
Monthly Meeting
10 Mar
Adams Family
17 Mar
Hudson Dinner Theater
Board Meeting
31 Mar
April Meeting
Stumpknockers on the
Withlacoochee River
7 April
Board Meeting
Monthly Meeting
Scholarship Luncheon
Citrus Hills Golf and
Country Club
5 May
12 May
FCOC State Convention
Lakeland, Florida
13-15 May
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FINANCIAL REPORT
fINANLEGISLATICOLUM
N
General Fund
31 January 2016
Receipts
Thomas E. GREEN
COL. USA. RET
Treasurer
Disbursements
Item
Amount
Dues
Raffle Collection
WISE Fund
Community Service Fund
TOTALS
$
231.00
72.00
227.00
10.00
Item
Amount
Guest Speaker Honorariums
Speaker Lunch
FL CNSL of CHAPTERS
$ 540.00
$
$
46.02
10.00
63.00
119.02
Community Service Fund
Income/Interest
$ 5.11
Petty Cash Fund
No Activity
SUMMARY
General Fund: 1 Jan
Receipts
Disbursements
Balance: 31 Jan *
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 8544.95
540.00
119.02
$ 8965.93
CFS: 1 Jan
Income/Interest
Balance: 31 Jan**
$ 1245.82
5.11
$ 1250.93
Petty Cash Fund:
No Activity
Balance: 31 Jan
$
WISE CD’s Interest
$ 2471.38
$ 8965.93
$ 1250.93
19.35
19.35
$
( $(5600.96)***
GRAND TOAL
19.35
$ 2471.38
$12,707.59
*Includes $ 3129.58 of Maurice Wise Scholarship Funds
**Community Service Fund owes General Fund $ 87.82.
***Total Value of WISE Fund
Submitted: Thomas E. Green
COL USA RET
Treasurer
Approved: Thomas T. Holme Jr.
CAPT USN RET
President
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LEGISLATIVE COLUMN
Ron Lundberg,1Lt, USA, Ret
VETERANS VILLAGE UPDATE
MISSON: To provide exceptional long term care for disabled and elderly veterans in a community living
center for Veterans of Citrus County and surrounding communities.
WHO:

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Veterans Village of Citrus County, Inc. will be a “501© 3”, non-profit organization that will lease land, build
a facility and hire the management firm.
Executive Board of Directors: William Dixon, MD, Mike Bays-Secretary, Dr. Paresh Desai- Treasurer; Bob
Priselac-Director.
Veterans Village Advisory Board: Chair-Bob Priselac, Members: Barbara Mills, Bud Allen, Marcia Beasley,
Bob Crawford, Curt Ebitz and Jim Pearson.
Advisory Board will develop Admission protocols and priorities with the management company. Advisory Board
will interact with county, state and various organizations to educate and encourage their support for the assisted
living facility for our veterans.
Builder for the project: To be determined. Local qualified builders will be given priority.
Management Firm: To be determined by RFT of qualified firms.
The architech is Donnelly Architecture, 1483 W. Oine Bridge BLVD., Beverly Hills, FL 34465.
WHAT:
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Veterans Village of Citrus County will be an initial 125 bed Assisted Living facility (ALF) with a goal of 1,000
beds upon build-out.
It will provide long term, affordable care to the disabled and/or aging veterans ( and possibly eligible
spouses) of Citrus County and to persons in the surrounding communities who cannot live independently.
Care will be equivalent to civilian private facilities and will meet all Federal & State regulations as required by the
Agency Health Care Administration (AHCA).
Residents will be assisted in daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, transportation and more.
The ALF will meet all Federal and State Regulations as required by the American Health Care Association.
WHEN:
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Intend to open in 2017.
On November 3, 2015 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the
Board of County Commissioners( BOCC) for a 99 year land lease.
Zoning change approved by the Citrus County Board of Directors in February 9, 2016.
Deadlines: Six months to secure financial commitment; 12 months after that to have necessary zoning and a
contract with the community; and 12 months after that for the developer to have all permits and begin
Construction.
WHERE:

Veterans Village will be located on 8 acres leased from the County and next to VA Outpatient Clinic at the
County Resources Center on CR 491 between Lecanto and Beverly Hills, FL.
WHY:
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Will help make it possible for Veterans Village residents to remain independent as long as possible.
Veterans living in the Veterans Village could adapt to a living community that will help them thrive in a safe social
environment with the care designed for their needs and living with other veterans.
Over 27,000 Veterans live in Citrus; capturing 5% of this population will exceed the 1,000 bed build-out facility
plan.
Continued on pg 5
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
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Currently there are no assisted living facilities for Vets within 70 miles of Citrus County and local ALFs will
not accept the low reimbursement rate given by Veterans Administration for our targeted Veterans.
There will be 30 new jobs created per 100 beds.
The median annual cost for an assisted living facility ( one bedroom, single occupancy ) is $36,000 and the
median annual cost for a nursing home is $83,000 constituting a significant saving.
Purpose of the ALF
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Help with daily living activities ( bathing and getting dressed.)
Help take medications.
Some or all meals can be provided.
Planned recreational and social activites.
Round the clock assistance which also puts families at-ease.
HOW FUNDING


HUD-Working on achieving firm commitment by the end of 2016.
State Funding- Submitted application to Florida Legislation for funding.
Other sources including grants will be considered.
MOAA ACTION ALERTS
MOAA Members---Please sign up to receive “Action Alerts” so you can directly affect the items in the legislation in a
timely manner. Get on the Action E-List. Why Sign up?
Two examples:
Current legislation:
1. “ TRICARE Fee Hikes in FY17 Budget Proposal”.
Alexandria, Va- The President released a
FY 2017 budget request on Tuesday that includes $48.8 Billion for the DOD Military Health System but
would shift more of the cost burden to military beneficiaries. See more at: http://moaa.org/Content/
Publications-and-Media/Press-Releases/Detail/MOAA- Concerned-About-Large-Proposed-TRICARE-FeeHikes.aspx#sthash.5WKZ3HW5.dpuf
2.
COLA- Proposals to cap annual COLAs below inflation or to redefine and depress the Consumer Price Index
for the purpose of geometrically depressing successive annual adjustments would break long-standing
statutory commitmetns to them.
Accordingly, MOAA is gratified the FY 2016 NDAA repealed the final section of a COLA-reducing law that was
enacted two years ago for future military retirees. Under the repealed law, future military retirees
would have had their annual COLAs capped 1% point below inflation until age 62. MOAA was
instrumental in repealing the COLA cap, with members sending more than 300,000 messages to Capitaol Hill
in just a few months.
SIGN-UP to receive “Action Alerts” by following these steps on your computer:


In your address bar, type in MOAA.org
Click: Legislation Action Center
Stay informed
Action E-List
Sign-up Form
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SURVIVING SPOUSES OF MOAA
“How Important is TRICARE FOR LIFE”
By Sharon DeVaney, Vice Chair
Surviving Spouse Advisory Committee
When legislators look for ways to trim the budget, they often consider cutting programs such as health
care. However, we need to firmly remind our legislators of the importance of TRICARE For Life ( TFL) and
other TRICARE programs.
Eligibility for TFL is tied to Medicare. Medicare provides health insurance for people age 65 or older,
people under 65 with certain disabilities, and people of any age with permanent kidney failure requiring
dialysis or a kidney transplant. Medicare has four parts: Part A ( hospital insurance), Part B ( medical
insurance), Part C ( Medicare Advantage), and Part D ( Medicare prescription drug coverage).
Generally there is no premium for Medicare Part A if you paid Medicare taxes while working.
However, there is a premium for Part B. When a person becomes eligible for Medicare, they must
enroll in Part B to keep TRICARE coverage. Medicare Part B premiums range from around $100 to $ 390 a
month and are tied to a beneficiary’s modified adjusted gross income. Each January, Part B premiums are
adjusted based on how much Medicare costs have risen. However, the good news for TFL beneficiaries,
who have 80% of costs covered by Medicare, is that TFL acts as wrap around coverage for the remaining
20%.
Eligibility for TFL includes all military beneficiaries who are age 65 and older and military retirees or
dependents rated by the Social Security administration as 100 % disabled at an earlier age for at least 24
consecutive months. As explained above, the beneficiary must have Medicare Part B to keep TRICARE
eligibility.
When you are searching for a provider, ask whether he or she accepts Medicare, and let him or her
know that you have TRICARE for tests or procedures and facilities requiring TRICARE authorization. It is
important to use doctors and other TRICARE-authorized facilities that accept Medicare. This will limit a
person’s out-of-pocket costs for doctor or hospital visits, except for co-payments for medications that are
obtained from military pharmacies.
In November 2015, MOAA conducted a survey to learn about military health coverage and received
30,313 responses. Of that number, 17,086 were enrolled in TFL, 27,130 were enrolled in Tricare Prime, and
3,981 were enrolled in TRICARE Standard. TRICARE Prime has an annual premium and it uses a specific
network of doctors. TRICARE Standard has annual deductibles and some co-payments The responses from
TFL showed that 95 percent were satisfied with the overall quality of care compared to 86% of TRICARE
Standard and 81% of TRICARE Prime.
In summary, be sure to let your legislators know how important your health care is to you and your
family. For more information, visit the TFL Website.
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MOAA Florida Council of Chapters Annual Convention- May 13-15, 2016
All chapter members are invited to attend the annual convention of the MOAA FCOC. It is being held
in many unique venues in Lakeland, Florida. You can find out about the details and registration for the
convention at http://moaafl.org/Convention/.
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MEMBERSHIP CORNER
New Member Spotlight
Mark BODENHEIM, Col, USA, RET
In our new member spotlight, we highlight the career of James R Tzivanis,
CWO3 (Ret). In 1961, at age 17, James began his military career in the Navy
Reserves, and signed on for Navy active duty in 1963 aboard the USS Remy.
He was selected for Hospital Corps School and sent to Camp LeJeune for field
medical school. He was then assigned to the 2nd battalion, 6th Marines as a field
medical technician (combat medic). He spent two years with this expeditionary force
before being sent to the Naval Air Station at Willow Grove, PA where he was
assigned to the 4th Marine Air Wing as a hospital corpsman.
Following release from active duty in 1967, James continued in his Naval Reserve
assignment with the 4th Marine Air Wing while he attended Temple University and
became a respiratory therapist.
James continued to expand his civilian career in the medical field studying at
Penn State and graduating as a certified Physician Assistant (PA). In 1981, James began his Army career
with the 338th General Hospital Army Reserve Unit and retired as a CWO3 in 1995.
James was honored to have a successful PA civilian practice while serving his country as a Reservist. His
success was recognized when he was selected to receive the Outstanding National Community Health
Provider Award by the VFW in 1999- the first PA to ever receive this award. James recently married
Robin, an Army Nurse Corps Officer he met during his tenure with the 338 th General Hospital and lives in
Homosassa, Fla.
VETERANS IN THE CLASSROOM APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
On Feb 12th, 2016, the annual Veterans In
the Classroom appreciation luncheon took
place at the Withlacoochee Technical Institute.
After a color guard presentation, prayer and
youth choir singing of the national anthem, we
were treated to a fantastic lunch (actually it
was like a dinner) prepared by Institute staff
studying in the culinary arts. In the future
should you participate in the Veterans in the
Classroom program, consider attending this
appreciation luncheon.
Chapter members and spouses: (Left to Right) Terri Harrison,
Mac Mcleod, Marge Blunk, Pat and Tom Green, Mark Bodenheim,
Tim Holme, Ron and Mary Lundberg.
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CHAPTER DUES REPORT
I am happy to report that nearly 80% of our chapter members have paid their
annual dues before the April 1st deadline. Chapter members who have not paid their dues will receive an
email notice at the beginning of March.
There may be some confusion for members who received a local chapter dues voucher from the National
MOAA organization. This is a voucher that pays for 1-2 years of local chapter dues. Usually a chapter
member receives a local chapter dues voucher when they have upgraded their national MOAA membership or
if they are a new national MOAA member. The member is then required to turn in the voucher to the local
chapter dues collector. As that dues collector, I then take the voucher and contact national MOAA which
credits our account with the cost of the local dues. If you do have one of these local chapter dues vouchers,
please contact me with that information as your local dues are not automatically paid- they are only paid
when I receive the voucher from you.
The national MOAA online local chapter dues system has successfully processed local chapter dues for our
chapter. If you don’t like using stamps and licking envelopes, please consider this easy, convenient way to
pay your local chapter dues. Remember that the new national MOAA goal is to have national
members be local chapter members too as it strengthens the national organization in
representing you at the political table. Please continue to support your local chapter by staying
involved as a member for only $15 per year.
That’s it, until we meet again.
Mark Bodenheim
M0AA Chapter Membership Chairman
Never Stop Serving”
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DUES PAYMENT COUPON
Dues are $15.00 per year for regular members and $6.00 per year for surviving spouses. The dues are to be
paid during the month of January each year. If you have a national MOAA local chapter dues voucher, this must
be mailed to the chapter in order to receive credit for the dues. Dues are delinquent on April 1st of each year. Late
dues reminders will be sent by email in February and also in March of each year. Mail dues to:
MOAA Citrus County Chapter
PO Box 637
Lecanto, FL 34460-0637
Please consider supporting the Bud Wise Scholarship fund as well as the Community Service Fund at the
same time you pay your annual dues. Clearly mark on your check and dues payment coupon how much you want
for each dues and contribution item.
Dues X( number of years) X ($15.00 or $6.00)...…………………______________
Contribution to the Bud Wise Scholarship ………………………. _____________
Contribution to the Community Service Fund…………………… _____________
Total…………………… ___________
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AN AMERICAN HERO
SSGT Francis J FERRICK LWG POW
Ssgt Francis J. FERRICK served in World War II as a crew member aboard the B-17G. He is the father of Susan
Gill, Citrus County Supervisor of Elections; a remarkable woman involved in a multitude of community services as
well as a frequent guest speaker at our MOAA meetings.
The B-17G took part in the raid over Breman. Germany. The aircraft was involved in a mid-air collision with
another B-17 while attempting evasive action. The aircraft crashed at Ommen, Holland on November 13, 1943. All
of the survivors spent the remainder of the War in Stalag 17B until liberated in May of 1945. There were only
three survivors and three B-17s shot down during this raid.
The photo below was taken in England as this was the main staging area for Allied Flights. Susan Gill’s father is
standing second from right.
Crew: 2 Lt Henry E. Marks Jr, KIA; 2lt Wiblur H. Brow, POW; 2 Lt Bernard M. Cress, KIA; 2Lt Ben Ehrich,
KIA; TSGT William B Fuhrman, Jr.KIA; TSGT Maurice F. Wren, KIA; Ssgt Maurice I. Bowen, KIA; SSGT
Francis J. Ferrick, POW; SSGT Wurgene L. Fennell, POW; SSGT Edmund J. O’Rourke, KIA.
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