WFL - Fleet Reserve Association

N D A A Ba c k o n S c h e d u l e
8
September 2009
WFL
Wanderlust
for Less
page 16
4 Health Care Reform
11 Essay Contest Winners
28 Candidates for National Office
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September
Number 9
16
September 2009
16 Wanderlust for Less
Many service members joined the military to see
the world. For some, that sense of wanderlust
isn’t limited to military assignments. Learn how
current and former members of the military
can enjoy substantial savings on a variety of
travel options.
Departments
2 Communications
4NED Perspective
Health Care Reform
2
6SHIPMATE FORUM
8ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL
26 News from the Branches
28 Candidates for FRA
National Office
29
29MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Youth Activities
30 Taps
32Looking for… / Reunions
36LA FRA NEWS
Loyalty, Protection and service
FRA is a congressionally chartered, non-profit organization
advocating for current and former enlisted members of the
U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on Capitol Hill. For
more information on the benefits of membership, please visit
www.fra.org or call 800-FRA-1924.
1
FRA Today
Featured
Volume 88
2009
On the cover
Travel opportunities don’t have to be limited to
Uncle Sam’s orders. Current and former service
members can also enjoy leisure travel, often at
substantial discounts.
Communications
2
FRA Today
September 2009
National Officers/Board Of Directors
Communicate Your
Service Background
Eileen Murphy
Every shipmate feels an affinity for his military specialty, and
Shipmate Bob Rutherford of Madison, Wisc., Branch 376 is no exception. He combined his desire to highlight the FRA with his background
as a retired Navy Counselor (NC) to create a golden outreach opportunity when he attended the Navy Counselors Association (NCA) 2009
Symposium in Schaumburg, Ill.
In addition to hosting an FRA information table, Rutherford
mingled with the 800 symposium attendees, meeting many who were
already FRA shipmates and many others who were prospective members. Another highlight for Rutherford was meeting Master Chief Petty
Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West, who was a keynote speaker
at the event. “MCPON West is a dynamic speaker and it was a privilege
to meet him. I was honored to have him sign my Bluejacket Manual,”
explained Rutherford, whose personal copy now contains signatures
from the first MCPON Del Black, as well as six subsequent MCPONs.
As one of the first 500 Sailors to be assigned as a Navy Counselor
in 1973, Rutherford is a plank owner for the NC rating — a distinction
that garnered him star treatment at the symposium. “They rolled the
red carpet out for me. The NCA invited me to be their guest at the hotel
and at the banquet, and they recognized me as a plank owner during
one of their business sessions,” says Rutherford. “And they honored me
with an NCA Life Membership at the banquet.”
Rutherford’s attendance at the NCA Symposium created a win-win
situation. Fleet Counselor NCCM Kevin Sullivan explained, “It was
a pleasure to meet and work with ‘FRA Bob’ at the symposium. His
positive attitude and caring personality go a long way in inviting future
FRA members.”
“It was great to connect with Sailors who share my military background and provide a historical perspective for those who came after
me in the Navy Counselor arena,” said Shipmate Rutherford. “But the
big plus was being
able to promote
FRA and share all
the great things
we do for current
and former Navy
Counselors.”
Visit
www.
fra.org/history to
share your ideas
for promoting the
FRA in your military community.
Shipmate Rutherford, MCPON West (holding Rutherford’s
Blue Jacket Manual) and RPNC Melson at the NC Symposium.
Eileen Murphy is the Director of Marketing and Communications and serves as the Managing
Editor of FRA Today. Please contact her at [email protected].
National President
National Vice President
National Executive
Finance Officer
Junior PNP
Donald Mucheck, L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50
Gary C. Blackburn, Vallejo Branch 8
Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Department Branch 181
Paul Rigby
Lawrence J. Boudreaux, Hangtown Branch 275
Regional Presidents
New England
Northeast
East Coast
Southeast
North Central
South Central
Southwest
West Coast
Northwest
Nat’l Parliamentarian
Nat’l Chaplain
Paul F. Loveless, Jr., Pinetree Branch 156
James E. Brown, Staten Island Branch 226
Ray E. Santee, Virginia Beach Branch 166
John E. Sutton, Mayport Branch 290
Robert A. Melson, USS Indianapolis Memorial Branch 130
Donald Larson, Corpus Christi Branch 94
Charles F. Tompkins, James Hunter Branch 47
Nathan “Joe” Nash, Silver Dollar Branch 192
Donald L. Bordwell, Dungeness Branch 174
PNP Robert G. Beese, Orange County Branch 175
Tom Whitaker, B. Duke Woody Branch 147
Active Duty Advisory Council
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles Bowen
Reserve Advisory Council
Force Master Chief of the Naval Reserve Ronney A. Wright
USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major Kim E. Davis
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force
Jeffrey Smith
FRA TODAY Magazine
Publisher FRA
Managing Editor Eileen Murphy
Contributing Editor Lauren Armstrong
Design and Art Direction
FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com
Design Director Scott Rodgerson
Production Manager Sandy Jones
fra today (ISSN 0028-1409) is published monthly by FRA, 125 N. West St.,
Alexandria, Va 22314-2754. A member’s subscription is covered by the member’s
annual dues. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA and additional
offices. Publication of non-sponsored advertising in fra today does not
constitute an endorsement by the FRA or its representatives. Postmaster:
Send address changes to: Member Services, FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria,
VA 22314-2754. fra today is published in the interests of all current and
former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Eligible non-members are not entitled to subscription rates. Established
1 November 1923. Title registered with U.S. Patent Office.
FRA Administrative Headquarters: 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754
Phone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 • Fax: 703-549-6610 • E-Mail: [email protected]
www . fra . o rg
Volume 88 Number 9
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NED Perspective
FRA Today
September 2009
4
Health Care Reform
Adequately funding TRICARE and
VA health care to ensure access for
all beneficiaries continues to be a top
priority for FRA. This is important to
everyone — active duty, Reserve and
retired personnel, veterans, family
members and survivors — and discussions of broader national health
care reform are causing understandable anxiety within these communities. The legislation that’s advancing
on Capitol Hill is prompting heated
town-hall meeting exchanges and
frenzied media coverage, which only
fuels this apprehension.
President Obama and congressional leaders are assuring (and reassuring) us that pending legislation
will not impact TRICARE and the VA
Health Care Program, and that these
programs will remain intact. These assurances are in response to correspondence from FRA and The Military
Coalition and referenced in various military forums, including Tom
Philpott’s syndicated Military Update
column of August 6, 2009 (available at
www.fra.org).
Three House oversight committees have debated, amended and approved varying versions of “America’s
Affordable Health Choices Act of
2009” (H.R. 3200). However, two
Senate oversight committees with
jurisdiction over health care have yet
to approve their versions of the legislation and will not do so until sometime
in September.
There are many aspects of this
massive initiative and, despite the
above-referenced assurances, we must
remain vigilant and not assume that
our members are immune from higher
costs or access challenges that may result in the future. There’s widespread
and (in my opinion) justified skepticism about some options for offsetting
Joe Barnes
the enormous costs associated with
this legislation, which may include
changes in tax laws or spending cuts
to Medicare. Reduced funding for
Medicare, for example, could negatively impact reimbursement rates for
health care providers. Medicare and
TRICARE reimbursement rates are
directly linked and, if these rates are
changed, the availability of providers
as well as beneficiaries’ access may be
affected. We’re certainly aware of the
FRA remains committed
to protecting and/or
enhancing the hard-earned
benefits of military
personnel who are now
serving and those who
served in the past. This
includes access to promised
health care benefits.
recurring battles to prevent Medicare
reimbursement-rate cuts in the recent
past and must remain vigilant in order
to ensure the benefits associated with
military service are not directly, or indirectly, compromised.
So what’s FRA doing about this?
As we have for nearly 85 years, FRA
remains committed to protecting and/
or enhancing the hard-earned benefits
of military personnel who are now
serving and those who served in the
past. This includes access to promised
health care benefits. We communicate
this regularly to members of Congress
and urge our members, regardless of
party affiliation, to stay informed,
weigh in on pending legislation with
their respective representatives and
senators, and vote regularly. This
can be done respectfully at town hall
meetings, via phone-in broadcast
media programs or other gatherings
where elected officials may be available to discuss pending legislation.
And another easy option is via e-mail
through FRA’s Action Center (at www.
fra.org) where prewritten messages on
key legislation are posted. Individuals
can also write their own personalized
letters to voice their concerns to elected officials.
Each of us is a constituent and has
the power to influence who’s elected
and what legislation advances to enactment, is modified or defeated.
Grassroots advocacy is highly effective
and absolutely essential in advancing
or defeating proposals that impact
health care, pay, benefits and other
quality-of-life programs. Be assured
that your FRA Legislative Team is
closely tracking the health care reform
efforts on Capitol Hill and will launch
legislative alerts when appropriate. In
the meantime, let your elected officials
know about your concerns and the importance of honoring commitments
associated with service to our nation.
Joe Barnes is FRA’s National Executive Director and
Chairman of the National Committee on Legislative
Service. A member of Navy Department Branch 181,
he is also an advisor to the National Committees on
Budget and Finance and Membership and Retention.
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Shipmate Forum
September 2009
Teddy Roosevelt Pilgrimage
FRA Today
6
2009. For the 82nd year, shipmates will gather at
USFSPA
Losing Your Retirement Benefits
To A Former Spouse in Divorce?
Join shipmates of the Northeast Region as they honor
Protect Your Benefits
www.ULSG.org
President Teddy Roosevelt on Sunday, November 1,
noon for a memorial service at Roosevelt’s grave in
Young’s Memorial Cemetery in Oyster Bay, N.Y.
Refreshments will be served prior to the service
(0900 to 1120) at the National Audubon Society at
the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary, located at 134
Cove Road in Oyster Bay (next to the cemetery).
A luncheon will be served after the service at the
Matinecock Masonic Historical Society Building
located at 14 West Main Street, Oyster Bay, N.Y.
For further information, to purchase wreaths or
make luncheon reservations, please contact William
Thomas at 516-935-4395 or [email protected].
National Defense Service Ribbon
I plan on being buried in my Navy uniform and have a question about the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM)
ribbon. I joined the Navy in March 1947 and retired in
August 1966. Since I was on active duty during the Korea
War and the Vietnam War, am I eligible to have bronze stars
on the NDSM ribbon, and if so, how many?
Gerald Newman
FRA Response: According to the Navy and Marine Corps
Awards Manual, the National Defense Service Medal
(NDSM) is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces for the periods (all dates inclusive) 27
June 1950 to 28 July 1954; 1 January 1961 to 14 August 1974;
2 August 1990 to 30 November 1995; and 12 September 2001
to a date to be determined.
Each period is considered eligibility for an award, and service members who have subsequent periods are eligible for
bronze star(s) for those additional periods. So, according to
the regulations, you would be eligible for the NDSM and a
bronze star for each subsequent period of service.
James Solberg 847-587-0924 [email protected]
COLA Proposal
Military and civil service retirees should volunteer to temporarily forego any future CPI raises as our ongoing contribution to the economic recovery and the War on Terror.
Anthony Just
FRA Response: Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) are
calculated based on the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI)
from the previous year, and apply to Social Security payments, SBP annuities, VA disability and survivor benefit
payments, as well as military retired pay. Because costs have
remained relatively stagnant since the beginning of the year,
some experts are projecting there will be no 2010 COLA.
USCGC Eagle
Just a quick note to applaud your article
on the Coast Guard Barque Eagle. I had
the opportunity to sail her from New
London, Conn., to Gitmo, Cuba, via
the trade winds of Africa. Thirty years
later, I still rely on the seamanship skills
I learned onboard Eagle and [the value
of] giving it all you have when you cannot give anymore. It will take you to
calm seas and following winds — guaranteed.
Eagle is a ship that I hope will live forever. Thank you for
your recognition to the men and women in the U.S. Coast
Guard, enlisted and officers alike, their classroom, and their
leadership and loyal support for the citizens of the United
States of America.
Tim Wheeless
Submissions: Send Shipmate Forum letters to: Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St.
Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to [email protected]. Please
include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and
edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions
and views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of
FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content.
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On & off capitol hill
FRA Today
September 2009
8
NDAA is Back on Schedule
Congress went on summer recess after the House and
Senate approved their respective versions of the National
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), putting the measure
back on track for possible enactment before the start of
the new fiscal year on October 1, 2009. The House and
Senate bills (H.R. 2647 and S. 1390) both provide a largerthan-requested active duty pay increase of 3.4 percent
and neither body asked for a TRICARE fee increase in
the coming year, although both allow the ban on future
increases without congressional approval to expire on
September 30, 2009.
The Senate-approved version of the bill includes three
important FRA-supported floor amendments:
SBP/DIC: an amendment sponsored by Senator Bill
Nelson (Fla.) that eliminates the offset paid by survivors who receive Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities
and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA);
Reserve Retirement: Senator Saxby Chambliss’ (Ga.)
amendment to include Reservists who’ve served since
September 11, 2001, in previously-approved provisions that reduce Reserve retirement age by 3 months
for every 90 days activated; and
Military Overseas Voting: Senator Charles Schumer’s
(N.Y.) amendment to streamline the military overseas
voting process.
John Davis
Getting back on schedule came with a price, resulting
in the Senate not considering a number of floor amendments, including several that were supported by FRA.
Among these were: Senator Frank Lautenberg’s (N.J.)
amendment to ensure any future TRICARE fee increases
will be no more than annual cost-of-living adjustments
(COLAs); Senator Harry Reid’s (Nev.) amendment to end
concurrent receipt penalties for thousands of disabled
uniformed services retirees; and Senator Roland Burris’
(Ill.) amendment to require DoD to study the feasibility
of providing a dislocation allowance for retiring service
members who are moving from their last duty station to
their designated home.
Shipmates are encouraged to review the August issue
of FRA Today for details on specific provisions in both the
House and Senate versions of the Defense Authorization
bill (which does not include Senate-approved floor
amendments listed above) and check the FRA Action
Center at www.fra.org for opportunities to contact their
elected officials on specific provisions in the final Defense
Authorization bill. FRA will share the Association’s recommendations on provisions related to our legislative
agenda with key members of the conference committee
that will resolve differences between the two versions of
the bill.
COLA Predictions for 2010
Consumer Price Index (CPI) data is
used to calculate the annual cost-ofliving adjustments (COLA) for military retired pay, VA disability benefits,
survivor annuities, and Social Security
benefits. Although the official statistics for 2010 won’t be released by
the Department of Labor until midOctober, the Administration and
Congressional Budget Office are already predicting this year’s CPI will
be a negative number, so there will be
no 2010 COLA. Based on current economic trends and inflation rates, there
is also speculation that there may also
be no increases in 2011.
The good news is that when the
CPI is low, prices are often lower and
consumers are spending less for these
goods and services. Additionally, a
low or negative CPI will NOT result
in a reduction of retired pay, Social
Security or other COLA-impacted
benefits.
A “No COLA” year also has implications for about 75 percent of
Medicare beneficiaries who pay Part B
premiums. Medicare premiums cannot go up more than the dollar amount
of Social Security increases for these
beneficiaries. The remaining 25 percent (those who don’t have Part B
premiums withheld from their Social
Security income, have higher incomes
and pay higher Part B premiums, or
have just recently enrolled in Part B)
may expect to see an increase of more
than 20 percent in 2010. Remember
that enrollment in Medicare Part B is
a requirement to participate in Tricare
for Life (TFL).
NDAA Chart Correction and Update
The House and Senate bill numbers
were shown incorrectly in the NDAA
comparison chart on pages 12 and 13
of last month’s FRA Today. The House
legislation (H.R. 2647) passed on July
6, 2009. The Senate version (S. 1390)
was approved by the full Senate on
July 24, 2009.
On & off capitol hill
9
HEALTH CARE ISSUES
For more on this issue, read NED Joe Barnes’ Perspective column on page 4.
To weigh in on these concerns, please visit FRA’s Action Center at www.fra.org and
send a prewritten message to your senators and representative. And to participate
in an online discussion on national health care reform, visit www.fra.org/discuss
and click on the News tab to post your views on our Communities page.
DoD to Use Federal Pricing to Reduce TRICARE Drug Costs
In related health care news, the Defense Department (DoD) is projected to reduce spending by $1.67 billion on prescription medications sold in retail pharmacies in FY2010. The
savings come as provisions in the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) are
fully implemented, one of which requires DoD to negotiate discounts with prescription
drug manufacturers (federal pricing). FRA has long advocated this and other cost-saving
measures to make TRICARE more cost-efficient as alternatives to shifting costs to retiree
beneficiaries under age 65.
Beginning September 1, 2009, TRICARE
will eliminate beneficiary co-payments
for certain preventative services, including
screenings for colorectal, breast, cervical
and prostate cancer. FRA advocates incentives for preventative care in its congressional testimony and discussions with
lawmakers and Hill staff. Early detection
and treatment saves lives and reduces
health care costs, which may reduce the
need for TRICARE fee increases in the
future. The law makes the free coverage
retroactive for qualifying services received
on or after October 14, 2008. Beneficiaries
who were charged a co-payment or deductible for any of those services since
that date can print the forms by www.dtic.
mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/
dd2642.pdf.
Protests Slow Implementation of
TRICARE Contracts
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the selection of new TRICARE
Third Generation (T-3) Managed Care
Support Services contractors for the three
TRICARE regions in the United States. Two
of the three awards, however, are being
protested by current contractors that were
not selected to continue providing service.
TriWest Healthcare Alliance Corp.
will continue to serve the TRICARE West
region, but contracts for the North and
South regions are under dispute. Health
Net Federal Services (North) and Human
Military Healthcare Services (South), the
current contractors and losing bidders,
have filed protests which have halted
transition to the new contractors, Aetna
Government Health Plans (North) and
UnitedHealth Military & Veterans Services
(South). The Government Accountability
Office (GAO) is reviewing the protests and
is expected to rule by early November,
which will delay the implementation of
any new contracts until the fall of 2010.
September 2009
FRA has received numerous calls and e-mails asking how proposed national health care
reform legislation (H.R. 3200) will affect TRICARE beneficiaries and those who receive VA
health care services. In its current form, the legislation does not directly impact TRICARE
or VA health care. Tom Philpott’s syndicated Military Update column (August 6, 2009,
available at www.fra.org) highlights President Obama’s pledge that reform of the nation’s
health care system will not reduce the health benefits for veterans, service members, retirees and their families.
FRA is closely monitoring this legislation as it advances on Capitol Hill. The Association
believes that TRICARE and VA health care are integral of military readiness and serve
the unique needs of current and former service members, their families and survivors.
Merging these programs into a bulky bureaucracy designed to provide health care to
all Americans would broaden their focus and reduce effectiveness. FRA expressed its
views in correspondence to congressional leaders and in letters to Congress on behalf
of the entire Military Coalition. The Association is also monitoring potential budget cuts
to Medicare, which may negatively impact Medicare reimbursement rates for health care
providers. Reduced reimbursements could also impact TRICARE reimbursement rates,
which are related to beneficiaries’ access.
TRICARE Eliminates Co-pays for
Some Preventative Services
FRA Today
National Health Care Legislation
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On Legal Tender Coinage
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United States Gov’t “Ike” Dollars enhanced
with our Officially Authorized Military Branch
Insignias and Mascots in full color!
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Navy, Army, Air Force,
Marines or Coast Guard!
H
istory is being made as National
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National Collector’s Mint, Inc. is an independent, private corporation not affiliated with,
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©2009 NCM, Inc. M9-M77
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NATIONAL COLLECTOR’S MINT
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On & off capitol hill
Grade 7
1st Place: Morgan Sweere, Branch 282
SC Region
2nd Place: Kathryn Tighe, Branch 142
EC Region
3rd Place: Rachael Suchevich, Branch
253 NE Region
Grade 8
1st Place: Emiley Harrison, Branch
251 SC Region
2nd Place: Emily Fox, Branch 364
NC Region
3rd Place: Adam Scott Miller, Branch
99 EC Region
Grade 9
1st Place: Emily Suchevich, Branch
253 NE Region
2nd Place: Kelsey Jacobson, Branch 136
NC Region
3rd Place: Saige Sierra Williams,
Branch 163 SW Region
Grade 10
1st Place: Brian King, Branch 003
NEng Region
2nd Place: Sierra Torre, Branch 197
WC Region
3rd Place: Rachel Reed, Branch 309
EC Region
Grade 11
1st Place: Destinee Cyr, Branch 156
NEng Region
2nd Place: Thomas Gray, Branch 053
NC Region
3rd Place: Kimberly Bowman, Branch
50 SE Region
Grade 12
1st Place: Sara Anne Cole, Branch 089
SE Region (Overall winner)
2nd Place: Abigail Vanessa Wells,
Branch 163 SW Region
3rd Place: Victoria Weiss, Branch 93
EC Region
Rep. Buck McKeon (Calif.) Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee,
sponsored an amendment during an Education and Labor Committee markup of the
Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (H.R. 3221) to help California vets using the
new Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit. If included in the final bill, the amendment will require the
Secretary of Education to provide tuition grants to make up for a glitch in the education
bill that negatively impacts California students.
Earlier in the year, McKeon also introduced the
bipartisan Veterans Educational Equity Act
(H.R. 2474) to help ease the disparity in education funding for veterans.
The committee also approved an amendment to the bill offered by Rep. Susan Davis
(Calif.), Chairwoman of the House Armed Services
Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee, that
provides student debt relief for Guard and Reserve
personnel who are called to active duty while
attending college. Activated students receive no
course credit when they must withdraw from school
in mid-term, and must retake and pay again for the
same courses when they return from military service.
In related education news, a law became effective on July 1, 2009, that guarantees service members, spouses and their college-aged children will
receive in-state tuition rates at all state colleges
and universities in the state where they reside or
are permanently stationed. This FRA-supported
legislation was approved by Congress last year as
part of the Higher Education Act, ensuring military
families are no longer subject to tuition increases
if the military member is required to make a PCS
move from that state. If the dependents are enrolled at a state institution of higher learning, they
will be able to pay in-state tuition rates as long
as they remain continuously enrolled, even if the
service member moves to another state or country.
House Approves Caregiver Assistance Act
The House approved “The Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act”
(H.R. 3155) that would authorize support services to caregivers of disabled veterans that were deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi
Freedom. The services would include educational sessions on how to be a better caregiver; one-stop access to a dedicated caregiver support Web site; and information and outreach. Sponsored by Rep. Michael Michaud (Maine), the bill
would also make counseling, health care, respite care, and mental health services
available to family and non-family caregivers of veterans — many of whom give
up jobs to be a caregiver. The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
FRA believes more needs to be done to assist full-time caregivers and family
members. The government has an obligation to provide reasonable compensation and training for such caregivers, whose own well-being, careers, and futures
may be disrupted by military-caused injuries to a loved one or family member.
September 2009
FRA is proud to announce the winners
of the 2008–2009 Americanism Essay
Contest. For information on the contest
or the 2009–2010 contest theme “What
Memorial Day Means to Me,” please
visit www.fra.org/essay or page 28 of
the July 2009 FRA Today. FRA’s Essay
Contest is open to students in grades
seven through 12. Congratulations to
this year’s winners!
More Education News
11
FRA Today
2008 – 2009 FRA Americanism
Essay Contest Winners
EDUCATION BENEFITS
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On & off capitol hill
VETERANS/WOUNDED WARRIORS
More Veterans Receive Health Care
At a regular Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) briefing attended by FRA’s National
Veterans Service Officer Chris Slawinski, Dr. Gerald Cross, Acting Undersecretary for VA
Health Administration, announced that nearly 10,000 Priority Group 8 veterans (those
with non-service-connected disabilities whose income exceeds a certain threshold)
have been enrolled in the VA Health Care system. Dr. Cross also recognized FRA and the
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for the organizations’ efforts to direct veterans to the
VA Web site where they can initiate the application process online.
FRA has long-supported lifting ban on enrolling in Priority Group 8 veterans and is
encouraged that VA has begun to open up enrollment for some of these beneficiaries. The
ban has denied more than 260,000 veterans health care at the VA since its enactment
in 2003. FRA believes that our nation made a commitment to all veterans for their past
service and that the enrollment freeze sends the wrong message to our service personnel
serving in harm’s way in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more information visit www.va.gov/
healtheligibility/eligibility/PG8Relaxation.asp.
HVAC Approves Veterans Bills
The House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) approved “The Veterans’ Insurance and
Health Care Improvements Act” (H.R. 3219) that would expand options for veterans and
service members to obtain life insurance policies that better fit their needs and the needs
of their families. The bill, sponsored by HVAC Chairman Bob Filner (Calif.), prohibits the
collection of co-payments from certain veterans who are catastrophically disabled, expands nursing home care for some veterans, and allows Medal of Honor recipients to
receive a priority status for medical services.
The HVAC also approved “The Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural
Alteration Grant Increase Act” (H.R. 1293), sponsored by Ranking Member Rep. Steve
Buyer (Ind.). The measure seeks an increase in the amount available to disabled
veterans for improvements and structural alterations to their home to accommodate
their disabilities.
President Signs Korean War Veterans Recognition Act
President Obama recently signed “The Korean War Veterans Recognition Act” (H.R. 2632)
that adds National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (July 28th) to the list of days on
which the display of the U.S. flag is especially encouraged. July 28, 2009 marked the 56th
anniversary of National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the
Navy (MCPON) Rick West, Sergeant
Major of the Marine Corps Carlton
Kent, and their Army and Air Force
counterparts recently summarized
prepared testimony before the House
Armed Services’ Military Personnel
Subcommittee. They addressed their
respective service’s family programs,
policies, and initiatives. (Because the
Coast Guard is under the Department
of Homeland Security, Master Chief
Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Skip
Bowen did not participate in this
hearing.)
FRA echoed many of the senior
enlisted advisors’ concerns in its written statement that included data from
a recent FRA survey indicating that
access to military child care facilities
remains a top concern among dual-income families and single parents. The
Association’s statement also addressed
the length and frequency of deployments, the need for adequate Basic
Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates
and more support for family caregivers of wounded warriors.
Defense Appropriations
Approved by the House
The House recently approved the
FY2010 Defense Appropriations
(spending) bill that includes $29.9 billion for the Defense Health Program,
funding for a 3.4-percent pay increase
for active duty service members, and
funding for family readiness and support programs. Ensuring adequate
funding for VA and DoD health care
programs is FRA’s top legislative priority for 2009, which is vitally important to meeting readiness needs, fully
funding TRICARE, and improving
access for all beneficiaries regardless
of age, status or location. The legislation will be considered by the Senate
when Congress returns from its summer
recess this month.
September 2009
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recently released the “Veterans and Agent Orange: Health
Effects of Herbicides Used in Vietnam (VAO)” report that recommends the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) change its definition of Vietnam service. A study conducted by the
Royal Australian Navy supports recommendations that veterans who served off the coast
of Vietnam (Blue Water Navy veterans) be included in “the set of Vietnam-era veterans
with presumed exposure” to Agent Orange.
FRA has long opposed the VA’s current policy that restricts presumptive service connection for herbicide exposure to Vietnam vets who had “boots on the ground.” Shipmates
are urged to visit the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org and ask their representative to
support legislation (H.R. 2254, sponsored by California Rep. Bob Filner) that will reverse
the VA’s policy that prevents the “Blue Water Navy” retirees and veterans from claiming
presumptive status for the diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure.
MCPON and SMMC Discuss
Family Support Programs
FRA Today
Agent Orange Study Supports Coverage for Blue Water Sailors
13
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Stauer GIA
Graduate Gemologist
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On & off capitol hill
15
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Shore SOY, Hospital Corpsman
1st Class James Nicholson; Fleet
Forces Command Sea SOY, Aviation
Electronics Technician 1st Class
Robert Barber; Pacific Fleet Sea SOY
Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety
Equipment) 1st Class Christopher
Green and Navy Reserve SOY,
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator
1st Class William Frost were meritoriously advanced to chief petty officer
in mid-July as part of the Navy’s SOY
Week in Washington, D.C. During the
weeklong festivities, FRA continued
its long-standing tradition of honoring
outstanding performance, by hosting
a tour of the U.S. Capitol and a Capitol
Hill luncheon for the SOYs and their
families. Additionally, FRA presented
each honoree with a VISA gift card to
help defray expenses for their families’
travel to D.C. for the ceremonies.
The FRA Legislative team is Joe Barnes, National
Executive Director; John Davis, Director of Legislative
Programs and Branch 181 President; Bob Washington,
Health Care Advisor and Outreach Manager; Chris
Slawinski, National Veterans Service Officer and Ed
Dockery, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs.
September 2009
How do you feel about the absentee voting process? Do you believe
military absentee votes are treated
equally when the ballots are counted? Visit www.fra.org/discuss and
click the News tab to share your
thoughts.
FRA Today
The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration approved “The Military and
Overseas Voters Empowerment Act” (S. 1415) that requires states to provide ballots via the Internet or facsimile. The legislation also addresses problems military
and overseas voters face in registering to vote from outside the U.S., bars states
from rejecting military ballots for lack of a “notary” signature, and requires that
all states provide military voters with ballots no later than 45 days prior to the
election to ensure adequate time to complete and return them. The bill would
in most cases also provide a 10-day grace period for ballots to be received after
Election Day if postmarked on time.
The Association strongly supports improved military overseas voter participation and improved military mail processing of overseas ballots in federal elections.
Many of the provisions in this legislation were amended onto the
Senate Defense Authorization bill
(See the lead story).
FRA Salutes Navy’s 2009
Sailors of the Year (SOY)
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos
Military Overseas Voting Bill Advances
17
FRA Today
for Less
By Lauren Armstrong
T
he military lifestyle offers great opportunities to travel.
Permanent-change-of-station (PCS) moves and temporary duty assignments
(TDY or TAD) often provide service members and their families the chance
to experience exotic locales, foreign cultures and unique events. But these travel
opportunities don’t have to be limited to Uncle Sam’s orders. Current and former
service members can also enjoy leisure travel, often at substantial discounts.
Shipmate Express
With a little research, military travelers can find some amazing deals on the
Internet. All FRA members should begin their Internet search at www.fra.org/
benefits, where they can access the Association’s online Travel Portal. This
members-only benefit allows shipmates to search for discounted air fares, hotel
accommodations and car rentals, as well as tickets to attractions and events.
There’s also a section of the site that offers “Last Minute Deals” for spontaneous
travel adventurers.
FRA shipmates are also eligible for discounted rates on car rentals through
Avis and Hertz. Both rental companies provide rate quotes and accept reser­
vations online (accessible at www.fra.org) or by phone. U.S. callers may contact
Avis at 1-800-331-1212 (international callers should dial 1-800-331-1084) and
should provide their FRA/Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number: T867500.
Shipmates may call Hertz reservation line at 1-800-654-6511 and should mention
their FRA discount number: CDP#332104.
continued on page 20
September 2009
WFL
Wanderlust
The Time is Now!
This year marks FRA’s 85th year fighting for pay, benefits and quality-oflife issues. With all the legislative victories this association has had
over the past eight and a half decades, it’s easy to see why Congress
listens when FRA speaks!
The fight is getting harder. Pressure to raise retiree health car
fees continues and health care reform is obviously a hotly debated issue and could affect everyone. As NED Joe Barnes says in his
NED Perspective article (page 4) “FRA remains committed to protecting and/or enhancing the hard-earned benefits of sea services
personnel who are now serving and those who served in the past.
This includes access to promised health care benefits.”
Although we’ve won many recent battles, the war to protect your
pay and benefits is ongoing. FRA’s concern is for your benefits and
we are asking you to support us in that effort. When you donate to
FRA, you demonstrate your loyalty, protection and service.
It is a critically important time in the history of the United States.
We all have to make sacrifices … but your hard-earned benefits
should be protected!
FRA works every day to make sure Congress doesn’t look to unfair reductions in your military benefits to pay for other programs.
You sacrificed enough to earn those benefits — FRA is fighting to
protect them — and you!
We need your help to get this message to Capitol Hill! For every
dollar FRA gets in dues or donations, 85 cents goes immediately
to services for our members. Our administrative costs are kept
amazingly low.
Our work has made a
difference! FRA can not
exist on dues alone. Your
donations make it possible
for us to continue our
mission of protecting pay
and benefits for current and
former enlisted Navy,
Marine Corps and Coast
Guard personnel.
What are the benefits of FRA?
•
•
•
•
•
•
You’re reading one of the benefits of FRA membership — FRA Today. Where
else can you find information tailored specifically to the needs of current
and former enlisted USN, USMC and USCG personnel? FRA is consistently
praised for providing the information most helpful to active duty, reservists,
retirees and veterans — and their families.
Want news updates each week? Subscribe to NewsBytes, FRA’s free weekly
legislative e-mail update. Every Friday you’ll get the latest news. Don’t have
e-mail? Call 1-800-FRA-1924 ext. 112 and hear news updates by phone.
Are you more interested in communicating directly with Congress by letter
or phone? Ask FRA to send you a copy of Communicate With Your Elected
Officials. It’s a complete guide to Congress — and it’s free.
Post reunions or a “Looking for” notice to keep in touch with your shipmates.
Access the Action Center on www.fra.org, where you can e-mail members of
Congress quickly and easily to let them know what’s on your mind!
Apply for scholarships for you and your family. Sure, FRA was instrumental
in the Post 9-11 GI Bill, but wouldn’t a scholarship also be helpful?
FRA is working hard for you every day. We can’t operate on dues alone —
donations are a necessary part of our operating budget. Can we count on you?
FRA would like to thank you!
See the enclosed envelope or the form on www.fra.org/support. Donors at the
following levels will be listed in an upcoming issue of FRA Today and prominently thanked on FRA’s website, www.fra.org.
•
•
•
•
Advocate level ($35 – $99)
Defender level ($100 – $199)
Patriot level ($200 – $299)
1924 Society ($300 or more)
Won’t you show your support and help FRA protect military pay and
benefits for all current and former enlisted Navy, Marine Corps and Coast
Guard personnel?
Please use the enclosed envelope or donate by:
Mail:
125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone:
1-800-FRA-1924
Online:
www.fra.org/support
(you will need to login in order to donate online)
FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION UNIFORM DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Fleet Reserve Association is a §501(c)(19) organization, gifts to which may be deductible
as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes. California: Fleet Reserve Association’s audited financial statement is available upon request to Fleet Reserve Association.
100 percent of your gift may be deducted under Federal and State income tax laws. Minnesota: 100 percent of your gift may be deducted as a charitable contribution under Federal
and state income tax laws. Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of
Fleet Reserve Association may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office
by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS
CHARITABLE SOLICITATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE
STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY
ENDORSEMENT. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Fleet Reserve Association may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling
toll-free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: A financial statement is available from the State Division of Consumer Affairs in the
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services upon request. Washington: The registration statement required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Secretary of
New York:
Upon request, a copy of Fleet Reserve Association’s
last annual report filed with the Attorney General
is available from Fleet Reserve Association or from
the New York State Attorney General’s Charities
Bureau, Attn: FOIL Officer, Department of State, 120
Broadway, New York, New York 10271. North Carolina:
State. Additional information can be obtained by calling 1-800-332-4483.
Financial information about this organization and a copy of
its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing
Branch at (888) 830-4989. The license is not an endorsement
by the state.
FRA Today
September 2009
20
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continued from page 17
In addition to FRA’s travel bene­fits,
there are literally thousands of Internet
sites that offer discounts to military
travelers. Be a smart consumer and
shop around. Different sites offer different rates and discounts, which vary
widely by destination, duration and the
dates of your travel plans. Rates and
availability can also be impacted by how
far in advance you make your arrangements. If you can be flexible, you can
often net even larger savings. And don’t
be afraid to ask for any and all available
discounts (military, AAA, AARP, etc.) for
which you might qualify.
And while discounts can be found
on air and train fares, accommodations,
cruises, resort packages and admission fees to attractions, there are a few
military travel deals that are particularly
noteworthy.
Getting There for
(Nearly) Free
Service members, retirees and their
families have the unique privilege
of flying aboard military aircraft on a
space-available basis. These “Space A”
flights, also known as military hops, allow
eligible travelers access to unused seats
based on a priority system. Passengers
are categorized according to their mili­
tary or DoD status and the purpose of
their travel. For example, an active duty
service member traveling to be with
a critically ill family member will have
priority over a military retiree traveling for
pleasure. Travelers’ categories depend
on their unique circumstances, so it’s wise
to know your status before you register.
Space A travel requires patience,
diligence and flexibility. If you absolutely, positively have to be somewhere
at a specific time, Space A is not for
you. But if you’re willing to be a freespirited, roll-with-the-flow traveler, you
can save a bundle. Most successful
“hoppers” consider Space A travel an
adventure, some deciding their final
destination based on the first seats
that become available.
Flights are scheduled according to
service needs, which may change on
short notice. Seats are made available
for Space A travelers (SPATs, for short)
only after all duty cargo and passengers
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have been accommodated, so there
are no guarantees regarding access,
schedule or destination. Although there
is no direct cost for Space A travel, passengers should be prepared to pay for
commercial transportation, if necessary,
as well as extra meals and lodging in the
event of long or unscheduled layovers
or cancelled departures. Additionally,
flights and terminals are of the “no
frills” variety, so experienced SPATs pack
light, bring plenty of snacks and reading
materials, and never travel without ear
plugs and a jacket.
Flights leave from a variety of military installations, or gateways. Once a
gateway has been selected, travelers
must register by completing and sub­mit­
ting an AMC Form 140 via fax, e-mail
or in person. SPATs must possess a
valid military ID card, passport and visas
(if required) and immunization record.
Active duty personnel must also present
leave documents prior to departure.
The process isn’t a simple one and
varies by gateway, destination and
traveler. But as Chris Michel, founder
of Military.com, explains, “If you understand the Space A kabuki dance and
have time on your hands, you might just
be able to use this valuable benefit to
stretch your vacation dollars.”
If you’re interested in exploring the
world of Space Available travel, there
are numerous resources to help.
21
Rest Easy
Each branch of service provides a variety
of temporary lodging facilities (TLFs)
on or near military
installations for
transferring personTRAVEL
nel and their families.
DEALS
Recreational travelers
are also welcome
to take advantage
of these facilities
and their affordable
prices. Most give priority to active duty
personnel on orders, but retirees and
recreational travelers can stay if space
is available. Travelers who are not on
official business may not be able to make
reservations until 24 hours prior to their
stay and can potentially be bumped on
short notice. Each facility offers different
accommodations with different reservation policies, so do your research before
you leave home.
Some bases also offer recreational
lodging facilities such as cabins, cottages, trailers, campgrounds and/or
continued on page 23
www.offdutytravel.com
Offdutytravel.com highlights special
travel deals for eligible customers (active
duty, retired, Reserve, National Guard,
Department of Defense (DoD) civilians
and family members) on air, cruise and
other travel-related services.
A Special Word About Veterans
All the travel benefits referenced in this article are available to
active duty military personnel and their families; most are also
accessible by retirees. Unfortunately, they are not all available to
veterans. But, vets, take heart. There are some special programs
available to you.
Veterans Advantage (www.veteransadvantage.com) is a
national program that partners with corporations that want
to do their part to honor and thank all who serve our country,
n, D.C.
Vietnam Memorial in Washingto
including U.S. veterans, active duty, National Guard, Reserve
personnel and their families. For a $59.95 annual fee, Veterans
Advantage members enjoy significant discounts on hotels,
airfare, car rental, Amtrak tickets, entertainment, magazine
subscriptions and a variety of other retail purchases. A 30-day
trial membership is available for $4.95, and discounted fees are
available for multi-year memberships.
World War II and other senior veterans have a very special
opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. via the Honor
Flight Network (www.honorflight.org). This non-profit organization is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of America’s
veterans by transporting these heroes — free of charge — to
our nation’s capitol to visit and reflect at the memorial that
honors their service. Flights leave from regional hubs, with
top priority given to World War II survivors and veterans with
terminal illnesses. Veterans are encouraged to apply for these
trips, which also include ground transportation, meals, and
other necessities at no charge. Applications and other details
are available online.
Shipmate Cecil Seim and several of his shipmates from
Branch 136 (Minneapolis, Minn.) made the memorable trip
last September. “We had 95 veterans on our flight,” said Seim,
“and it was an experience I shall never forget.”
September 2009
and also features a FAQ page.
Also, try to find folks who’ve experienced the adventure first hand. You
may be able to identify them by the
paisley bandana tied to their backpack
or suitcase handles. (The bandana is the
SPATs’ unofficial symbol, representing
their spirit of adventure.) They can make
suggestions about which gateways offer
the most flights, what to bring, and
other information that might not be
available online.
FRA Today
Here are a few:
• Military.com offers a Space A
tutorial (under the Entertainment/
Travel tabs) that includes segments
on eligibility, registration, insider tips
and a Frequently-Asked Questions
(FAQ) page.
• John D’s Space A (www.spacea.net)
also includes information about eligibility and documentation, and offers links
to other Space A-related information
on luggage limits, lodging, and contact
information for various gateways.
• Dirk Pepperd’s Space A Message
Board (www.pepperd.com) allows
Space A travelers — both novice and
experienced — to ask questions and
share their experiences. Dirk is also
featured on a YouTube video (www.you
tube.com/watch?v=Y4UiJLTl69c) that
highlights some of the requirements
of Space A travel and provides images
of the types of aircraft and seats that
may be available.
• Takeahop.com allows SPATs to
sign up for Space A flights online,
You deserve
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continued from page 21
r
TRAVEL
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explore all DoD lodging options along
your travel route or at your intended
destination. Visit www.dodlodging.com
to see a worldwide listing of DoD accommodations, conven­iently arranged by
geographic region.
Armed Forces
Recreation Centers
One of the best kept secrets of military
travel is the network of Armed Forces
Recreation Centers (AFRC). Available
in some of the world’s most popular
vacation destinations, AFRC’s militaryoperated facilities offer luxurious
accommodations at very reasonable
prices. Eligibility may vary slightly based
on location and host nation restrictions,
but generally all active duty and Reserve
component personnel and retired
military members (including “gray area”
Reserve retirees) are welcome, along
with their family members and guests.
Rates vary by location and rank/rate of
the sponsoring service member, but
are always significantly less expensive
than comparable hotels in the area*.
Additionally, most AFRC’s have an
Information, Ticket and Tour (ITT) desk
to help guests make arrangements for
discounted admission to local attractions
and excursions, similar to ITT services
available at most military installations.
*Rates shown are current at press time, but
are subject to change.
• The Hale Koa Hotel (www.halekoa.
com) is part of a 72-acre tropical para­
dise on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu,
Hawaii. In addition to its beachfront
location, guests at the “House of the
Warrior” can enjoy luaus, magic shows
and excursions to the USS Arizona
Memorial, USS Missouri and other
attractions on Oahu or neighboring
islands. Rates range from $87 to $277
per night.
• The Shades of Green Resort
(www.shadesofgreen.org) is located
within the Walt Disney World (WDW)
property in Orlando, Fla. The resort
offers discounted tickets and provides
transportation to all the WDW attractions
and more than 75 other Orlando-area
attractions. Prices for standard rooms
range from $95 to $131 per night, and
family suites, which accommodate six
or eight guests, are available for $275
per night.
• The Edelweiss Lodge and Resort
(http://195.145.135.148/home.html) is
nestled in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen
area of Germany, at the foot of the
Bavarian Alps. The facility offers a variety
of outdoor recreational programs and
instruction for the adventurous visitors,
as well as tours to historic sites such as
Neuschwanstein Castle, Hitler’s Eagle’s
Nest retreat and Dachau WWII Concentration Camp. Standard rooms are
available from $84 to $131 per night.
The resort also features rustic wood cabins for $399 per week and a campground
with prices ranging from $19 to $27 per
night for gravel sites with electricity.
• The New Sanno (www.thenewsanno.
com) provides accommodations and
23
September 2009
www.afvclub.com
The Armed Forces
Vacation Club is a “sp
ace
available” program
offering DoD-affiliat
ed
personnel affordab
le
condominium vacati
ons
at over 3,500 resort
s
around the world.
e
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FRA Today
RV parks. These sites are located on
or near military installations, often in
premier vacation spots. Watch the sun
set from a beach cottage on Hawaii’s
Kaneohe Bay (www.usmc-mccs.org/
lodging/tlf.cfm), enjoy the natural
beauty of San Juan, Puerto Rico
(www.uscg.mil/mwr/lodging/Lodging
.asp), or experience the mountain
splendor of Colorado’s Pike National
Forest (www.militarycampgrounds
.us) — all at substantial savings over
comparable civilian facilities.
Facilities like the Navy Lodge
(www.navy-lodge.com) and their DoD
counterparts are tailored for the PCS
traveler, making them ideal for family
travel. They offer larger rooms, multiple
beds, kitchenettes and other amenities
not always found in facilities geared for
TDY/TAD guests. Navy Gateway Inns
and Suites, for example, offer similar
amenities, but priority is given to those
traveling on official business. That’s not
the case at Navy Lodges.
“We operate more like a civilian
hotel,” explains Michael Bockelman, vice
president of NEXCOM and director of
the Navy Lodge program. “Our smooth
reservation process lets guests make
reservations 24 hours a day and once
you’ve made a reservation, you can’t be
bumped. All the rooms are the same size
and price, regardless of rank or rate.”
“We’re really geared toward families,”
adds Bockelman. “Not only are our rooms
40 to 60 percent less expensive than
comparable civilian accommodations,
our guests enjoy other valuable benefits. Because we’re located on military
installations, our guests can feel secure
and have easy access to the commissary,
exchange and other on-base services.
The kitchenette facilities also allow guests
the convenience and cost-savings of
dining in, if they choose. And in keeping
with our family focus, most Navy Lodges
allow pets if the animal weighs less than
50 pounds. But our biggest plus is the
variety of destinations we offer, including
some terrific beach locations.”
Whether you’re traveling on government orders or for leisure, be sure to
FRA Today
September 2009
24
www.traveler.nationalgeographic.com
National Geographic Traveler isn’t
exclusively for military travelers, but it does
offer great tips for seeing some of the
world’s great cities on a budget. The site
lists free activities in London, Madrid,
Seattle, Paris, Orlando, Washington, D.C.,
and many other major cities.
dining in downtown Tokyo. The hotel
offers traditional American-style rooms
or guests may elect to stay in a Japanese
suite, which features traditional Japanese
bedding. The English-speaking staff
can provide tour and travel advice and
assist with bus, taxi and local sightseeing
excursions. Nightly rates range from $40
to $90 — a genuine bargain in one of
the most expensive cities in the world.
• The Dragon Hill Lodge (www.
dragonhilllodge.com) is located on
Yongsan South Army Post in Seoul,
South Korea. The hotel provides a variety
of dining options and the staff can help
guests arrange half- and full-day tours
to such interesting sites as Changdeok
Palace and the Secret Garden and the
TRAVEL
DEALS
Demilitarized Zone. Double occupancy
rooms range from $78 to $260 per night.
• The Cape Henry Inn and Beach
Club (www.capehenryinn.com) is the
newest AFRC, located on Fort Story
Army Post in Virginia Beach, Va. Situated
on the Chesapeake Bay, the beachfront
facility offers rooms, cottages, log cabins
and bungalows close to numerous
Hampton Roads attractions such as the
Cape Henry lighthouses and the Virginia
Beach boardwalk. (Shipmates attending FRA’s 2009 National Convention in
Virginia Beach have a great opportunity
to explore this facility while they’re in the
area. At press time, the Cape Henry Inn
and Beach Club had limited availability
for Convention Week – October 21
through 24, 2009.)
Something for Everyone
You may have been enticed to join the
service by the “See the world” claims
of a recruiting poster or recruiter. If
travel still captures your fancy, the allure
doesn’t have to end when you take
leave, separate or retire from the military. Whether your desire to travel takes
you near or far, your military service can
be the key to economical travel adventures. And regardless of your traveling
style — no-frills to luxurious; family style
or adults only; travel by auto, train, air,
cruise ship or all of the above — there’s
something for everyone.
Lauren Armstrong is the
Contributing Editor and an LA
FRA Member at Large. She can
be reached at [email protected].
Take a Bite of the Big Apple for Less
Whether you want to see a Broadway show, enjoy the view
from the top of Rockefeller Center, party in Time Square or
just experience some of the fabulous restaurants in New York
City, the Big Apple really rolls out the red carpet for military
personnel. Many area attractions and lodging facilities offer
reduced rates or discounts to service members — some of
which are reserved for active duty personnel, while others are
also available to retirees and veterans. And there are others
available to anyone who knows to ask for them.
If you want to stay in the heart of the city, the Soldiers’, Sailors’
Marines’, Coast Guard & Airmen’s Club, Inc. (http://ssmaclub.
org/) offers lodging exclusively for active duty and Reserve personnel, military retirees and veterans, military cadets and members of
the N.Y. Fire and Police Departments, as well as N.Y. Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Located at 238 Lexington
Avenue (at 37th Street), the facility offers no-frills accommodations where guests stay in two-, three-, four- or six-bed rooms.
“We rent beds, not rooms,” explained a SSMA representative.
“Single visitors may share a room with people they don’t know,
but if a couple or a family makes a reservation, we do not assign
others to their room.”
With the exception of the VIP room, which boasts a queensized bed, all rooms are outfitted with twin beds. The facility
does not provide
private baths, nor are
there elevators on
New York City skyline with
the property, but the
Empire State Building
prices can’t be beat.
Room rates vary based by rate/rank and range from
$25 to $60 per person/per night. Children under age three stay
free and those under age 14 stay for $10 per night. Even the VIP
room ($150 per couple/per night or $125 per night for a single
guest) is a steal compared to comparable accommodations in
downtown NYC! Reservations should be made a minimum of
three months in advance by calling 1-800-678-8443.
The Club’s Web site also has links to other discounts offered through the New York City USO. The discounts include
reduced rates at restaurants, area hotels, local attractions and
points of interest.
The Navy Lodge at Staten Island is also a great Big Apple option. It’s only a short drive from the Staten Island Zoo, National
Lighthouse Museum and U.S. Navy Home Port waterfront, and
only a 10-minute drive to the Staten Island ferry, which can
take you to downtown Manhattan at no charge. Like all Navy
Lodges, these accommodations are available to active duty and
Reserve personnel, as well as retirees.
Carry it with Pride…
Shown closed;
features Glen Green’s
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Shown smaller than actual size of
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Neither the United States Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense
has approved, endorsed or authorized this product.
Genuine Leather Stitched with Leatherneck Pride
Nothing says “Semper Fi” as handsomely as this
genuine leather wallet, its cover a canvas for Glen Green’s
full-color art of the flag raising at Iwo Jima—the
ultimate symbol of Marine courage. And inside, embossed
beautifully into the leather, enjoy more USMC art of the
Eagle, Globe and Anchor and the words every Marine
lives by: Semper Fi. The rich black leather is supple, yet
rugged for long-lasting wear. There are ample pockets for
cash and cards plus a clear ID window. And best of all, it
speaks of your pride and love for the Corps every time you
use it.
Exceptional value; satisfaction guaranteed
This is a limited-time offer, so act now to acquire yours for the
$49.95* issue price, payable in two convenient installments
of $24.97, and backed by our 90-day money-back
guarantee. Send no money now. Just return the Reservation
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RESERVATION APPLICATION
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*Plus $8.99 shipping and service. Please allow 4-6 weeks after initial payment
for shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.
News from the branches
FRA Today
September 2009
26
BRANCH 159 Houston, Texas
BRANCH 163 Phoenix, Ariz.
Shipmate Alphonse Brown’s 50 years of
continuous FRA membership was recognized
by shipmates, LA FRA members and four
generations of his family. Shown (l to r) are
RVPSC Leo Vance, Alphonse’s wife Barbara,
Shipmate Brown and PNP Ralph A. Schmidt.
Shipmate David Willis (right) presents an
FRA membership card to his grandson,
SN Caleb Bryant, shortly after his graduation from Recruit Training at Great Lakes,
Ill. Shipmate Bryant is attending A School
to become a Navy Corpsman.
BRANCH 25 St. Augustine, Fla.
FRA National President Don Mucheck
(front left) swore in (front row) new Branch
President Charles Hobbs, (back row, l to r)
Treasurer K. J. MacDonald, Vice President
Fred DuPont, Chaplain Paul Heagy and
Secretary Donald Gray.
BRANCH 93 Patuxent River, Md.
BRANCH 186 Hernando, Fla.
Branch President Patrick “Bear” Porter
accepts the Troop 413 Charter from Lee
Basset, Unit Commissioner in the National
Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of
America. The troop and branch have a long
affiliation and is the source of pride for
both scouts and shipmates.
Branch President Bob Woods presents a
$500 check to Kay Chandler in support of
Marion County’s “Stuff the Bus” program.
The program collects donations, new school
supplies and other items for children in need
to start the new school year.
News from the branches
27
FRA Today
BRANCH 53 Great Lakes, Ill.
September 2009
Shipmate Fred P. Dickinson (in tie)
annually conducts a “Pause for the
Pledge” on Flag Day. More than 50
people attended this year’s event.
BRANCH 5 Virginia Beach, Va.
As part of the branch’s outreach efforts,
Honor and Remember (H&R) founder George
Lutz presents an H&R flag to an 89-yearold Gold Star Mother whose Marine son
was killed in Vietnam in 1966. FRA Past
National President Tom Leisher (right), VVA
Chapter President (left), and approximately
35 others were in attendance.
BRANCH 115 Allentown, Pa.
PRPNE George Folk is sworn in as the new
branch president by Junior Past Branch
President Earl Stein, Vice President Paul
Geissinger, and Secretary/Treasurer Larry Roth.
BRANCH 1
Philadelphia, Pa.
Member at Large
Keystone Heights, Fla.
Shipmate James McVay (left), 85, was
reunited with a former shipmate when
Hospice volunteer Jesse Absher (right)
visited a care facility in Palatka, Fla.
The two served together aboard USS
Stribling in 1966, where Chief McVay
mentored GM2 Absher in military and
life skills. The two had not seen one
another for 41 years and the reunion
was “like a homecoming from a long
way,” Absher said. (Photo by Patrick
C. Leonard, Palatka Daily News)
Branch President
J. Robert Wagner
(left) presents
Master Chief Robert
Berry with the
Branch Challenge
Coin at USCG Sector
Delaware Bay.
To submit a photo for News From the Branches, please E-mail a photo as an attachment
in jpeg format to [email protected] or mail a high-quality photograph to FRA Today, 125
N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief description of the photograph
and include the names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned copies of photographs
cannot be accepted.
Slate of Officers
FRA Today
September 2009
28
Candidates for FRA National Office
Candidate for National President
National Vice President Gary C. Blackburn
Gary Blackburn has been nominated by Vallejo Branch 8 (Vallejo, Calif.) for the
office of National President.
NVP Blackburn has been an FRA member for more than 40 years, holding
a variety of branch, regional and national offices. He was elected as National
Vice President for the 2008-2009 Association Year, and served as West Coast
Regional Vice President (2001–2002), Regional President (2002–2003) and
Regional Secretary (2005–2008). He has also served as Branch 8’s Vice President
and President, and was subsequently elected to hold the positions of Branch
Secretary and Newsletter Editor for 12 years. Additionally, he chaired the branch’s
Americanism Committee for six years.
A Life Member of FRA, Blackburn chaired the West Coast Region’s Midyear
and Annual Conventions and has served on or chaired several regional committees. He has also served his shipmates as a delegate at regional and national
conventions and has served on several national committees.
Candidates for National Vice President
Past Regional President East Coast James W. Scarbro
James “Jim” Scarbro has been nominated by Chesapeake Branch 40 (Chesapeake,
Va.) for the office of National Vice President.
Scarbro is a Life Member of the FRA, with active and continuous membership of more than 35 years. He has served two terms as Branch 40’s President and
also held the positions of Branch Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Editor.
He has also chaired many branch committees and served as Master-At-Arms and
Chaplain. Scarbro is a strong membership recruiter, earning national recruiting pins for the past 10 years. He has been nominated seven times as one of the
Association’s top recruiters, accepting the Charles E. Lofgren Award four times.
In addition to his role as a member or chairman of many regional and national committees and chair of the National Committee on Registration, Scarbro
served as the East Coast Region’s Vice President (1999–2000) and President
(2000–2001).
Past Regional President North Central Norman G. Combs
Norman “Norm” Combs has been nominated by Mo-Kan Branch 161 (Kansas
City, Kan.) for the office of National Vice President.
Combs, a Life Member with 35 years of continuous FRA membership, has
held all branch offices including President, Vice President and Secretary. He has
been a member or chairman of a branch, regional or national committee since
1980, including membership on the National Committees on Youth Activities
and Americanism/Patriotism, and the National Convention Committee.
His national leadership experience also includes service as the North Central
Region’s President (1997–1998), Vice President (1996–1997) and Parliamentarian.
Membership matters
29
FRA Today
FRA’s National Committee on Youth
Activities works to develop ways that
shipmates and branches can encourage young people in their communities
to become better and more productive citizens. Branch Committees on
Youth Activities do the same things on
a more localized scale. The end result
is to generally serve America’s young
people and guide them as they mature
into adulthood.
One of FRA’s most visible youth
programs is our annual Americanism
Essay Contest. The contest is open to
students in grades seven through 12
(or equivalent), each of whom must
be sponsored by an FRA member in
good standing, an FRA branch or LA
FRA unit. The author of the best 350word essay is awarded a $10,000 U.S.
Savings Bond, and branch and regional winners also receive prizes and
recognition.
Branches or individual shipmates
are encouraged to promote the contest in their area schools and youth
centers. The theme for the 2009–2010
Essay Contest is “What Memorial
Day Means to Me,” and the deadline
for submitting entries to sponsoring
branches or units is December 1, 2009.
Posters and contest rules, as well as
other information about the contest,
are available at www.fra.org/essay. See
a list of this year’s winners on page 11.
Penny Collins
Although not exclusively offered for
young students, FRA’s generous scholarship program is another vehicle to reach
teens in your community. Children and
grandchildren of FRA shipmates are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 annually,
offering an excellent incentive for parents and grandparents to join FRA or
renew their membership.
Many FRA branches are involved
in ongoing youth activities in their
communities, while others participate
in annual or one-of-a-kind events.
Branch 93 (Patuxent River, Md.) sponsors a local Boy Scout Troop (see
News From the Branches on page 26).
Branches 9 and 281 (San Diego and
Redding, Calif., respectively) have a
continuing relationship with the Navy
Junior ROTC (NJROTC) programs in
their local high schools, inviting cadets
to attend their annual picnic, recognizing cadets’ outstanding performance
and contributing to the NJROTC units’
fundraising efforts. Branch 11 (Fort
Worth, Texas) supports the Haltom
City Kats peewee football team and
participates in numerous Boy Scout
events. Branch and Unit 59 (Cheyenne
Wyo.) provide outstanding support to
their local Toys 4 Tots campaign, coordinating the donation of $18,000 and
more than 2,200 toys to the program
last year. Branch 86 (Millington, Tenn.)
recently contributed $150 to support a
Shipmate Rob Schiller, LA FRA
NFS Diane Hoover (back row,
left), Youth Activities Chairman
Don Hoover and Unit 24
President Loretta Jorden (front
row, right) pose with branchsponsored drivers. Emma Munsey
and Bryan Remmers (front row)
pose with their championship
trophies, while Hoover holds a
Mentorship Award he earned
for his support of the Greater
Washington Soap Box Derby.
school-supply drive sponsored by the
Millington Crisis Center.
Branch 24 (Annapolis, Md.) has
supported the annual Soap Box Derby
Race held in Washington, D.C., for
the past eight years, sponsoring 68
cars. Youngsters (ages eight to 17)
race hand-built, non-motorized cars
down Capitol Hill, with winners in
each of three categories going on
to the National Soap Box Derby in
Akron, Ohio. This year, the branchsponsored racers continued their winning tradition by sending winners in
two divisions to the national competition. Branch-sponsored cars sport the
Branch 24 name as well as a variety of
FRA, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast
Guard decals.
“Sponsoring cars in the Derby is
a great way to highlight the branch’s
work with young people and, at the
same time, instill the values of sportsmanship, teamwork and camaraderie,
which are priceless,” explains Don
Hoover, Past President of Branch 24
and mastermind for building the cars
and coordinating the youth teams.
Sponsoring or supporting youth
activities is an awesome way to raise
awareness about FRA’s mission. Such
outreach activities not only touch students’ lives, but also impact parents,
teachers and other youth leaders in
the community. Showing the spirit
of patriotism and community service
embodied by FRA shipmates also casts
a positive light on military service and
may well spark a young person’s interest in a military career. Whether your
branch elects to support a local scout
troop, a school or school-sponsored
group, a Junior ROTC unit, or other
youth organization, it can be a winwin situation for all.
Penny Collins is a member of FRA Branch 24 in
Annapolis, Md. and can be reached at [email protected].
September 2009
Youth Activities
TAPS
In Memoriam
30
FRA Today
September 2009
NAME
BRANCH
NAME
BRANCH
Abel, William T., DSC
099
Akers, Paul W., QMC(SS)
005
Anderson, Sidney, BM1
024
Armstrong, Charles B., Jr., SA USNMAL
Atkins, Cegal, SMCM
194
Emming, Leo B., ADRCMAL
Evalobo, Ernesto T., SDCMAL
Baessler, Herbert D., PO1 USN
091
Bain, James K., ENC
050
Baker, Marion F., DCC
099
Banasky, Albert J., LT USN
308
Barnett, Ray, ADRC
126
Barry, Robert R., PO1 USN
046
Bartholomew, Willis H., HMC
097
Beery, Wade H., YNCM
MAL
Bell, Jerry E., SCPO USNMAL
Betchy, Harry, EWC
040
Bolen, Larry E., Sr., PN1MAL
Booth, Michael B., DPCSMAL
Bostwick, Ervin E., Jr., BMC
276
Boucher, Harvey O., TMC
159
Bourne, Richard J., BM1MAL
Briggs, C. Edward, AMHC
005
Bright, Coen L., BMC
268
Brock, Wilton W., BMC
092
Brooks, Jacob R., PO2 USNMAL
Brown, David E., EMC
053
Brown, George A., CSCSMAL
Brown, Melvin R., DCC
053
Buchanan, Oscar M., CWO4 USNMAL
Burcham, Willie M., HM1
106
Burnett, Thomas A., SWC
104
Garrett, Robert A., MSGTMAL
Glascock, James F., MSC
309
Glasgow, James O., AMS1
289
Godfrey, Richard S., HMCS
010
Godfrey, William E., CMC
061
Golia, Anthony, BMC
175
Grady, William R., SKC
047
Gray, Franklyn D., HMC
182
Guise, Frederic W., SK1MAL
Gummer, William A., MUCMAL
Guntz, John L., MSCS
005
Caddell, Ray M., AMS1
091
Cain, R. D., PO1 USN
096
Cambre, Frank A., CSC
371
Canady, George L., BMCMAL
Cappiello, John J., ADRC
091
Carry, Roger A., AMH1MAL
Carter, Robert D., EMC
055
Chandler, Jack E., GYSGT
117
Church, James C., ADCS
272
Clay, Ivis, SKC
068
Coday, Harold G., LT USN
091
Coles, Miles E., AE1
099
Cornell, Donald W., BTCM
317
Cotman, Simp, PO1 USN
024
Cox, Joseph W., LCDR USN
096
Craig, John A., TDCS
312
Craig, Robert T., MNCS
106
Craigue, Richard E., PHC
339
Crawford, Robert, CS2MAL
Croghan, Joseph W., MSTC
024
Cross, William A., Jr., MMCM(SS) 020
Cuesta, Ceasar J., IC1
084
Curtis, Edwin L., AEC
126
Curtiss, Edwin B., TMC
001
Dahlke, Howard C., FTBC
017
Dale, Lewis F., GYSGT
202
Davies, John C., CTT1MAL
Dawson, Howard A., Jr., HM1
147
Degroff, Flloyd, ADC
051
Diminno, Roy, ADRC
324
Dunham, William C., CAPT USN
091
Dunn, Michael D., MMCM
094
Durkin, James E., YNC
226
Face, Neil O., YN1
MAL
Fernandez, L. J., GYSGTMAL
Hamilton, Franklin E., EMC(SS)
162
Hammond, Bruce A., DT1
018
Hamrick, James J., GM1
274
Haruch, Edward A., BTC
192
Heape, Clarence L., MRCMAL
Henley, William C., GYSGTMAL
Herrick, Henry E., CPO USN
060
Hobson, James L., ADRCMAL
Holland, Carl L., CPO USNMAL
Hotes, Frederick L., CAPT/CECMAL
Hudson, Joseph E., CPO USN
029
Ihnen, Eldon L., YN1
163
Jackman, Ralph E., DTC
Jaeger, Arthur F., LCDR USN
Jenks, Samuel, RMC
Johnson, Norman, JOC
043
018
041
108
Kelley, Bruce A., TM1
136
Kenny, Lawrence P., HMCMAL
Kent, Edward E., ETCS
043
Kerson, James E., Jr., BM1
029
Kessinger, A. G., FCCM
141
King, William L., Jr., SH1MAL
Klinger, William R., GMC
068
Kuczera, Benjamin, BMCS
043
Lace, Edward P., CPO USN
020
Lamb, William B., MMCMAL
Lester, Arthur L., CPO USN
147
Lewis, John R., YNCMAL
Lippert, Jack R., SKCS
061
Love, Andrew S., FTG2
009
Lowe, James M., AOC
234
Lundburg, Robert L., ETC
363
Lynch, David, BTCMAL
Manis, Charles C., AOC
026
Marconi, Nicholas, ABFCMAL
Matter, Franklin M., ENC
106
McCurley, Robert U., CDR USN
096
McGuire, Fredrick L., TMC(SS)
147
McReynolds, Buster E., ADR1
334
Moore, Allen F., MMCMAL
Moore, David J., SCPO USN
091
Monzon, Joaquin E., EM1
043
Morrison, Elvin L., FTC(SS)
274
Neuman, David, MSGT
141
NAME
BRANCH
Noxon, Alfred B., HMC
096
Oliver, Ernest H., SKCS
185
Ort, Eugene E., CSCMAL
Ortman, Leonard J., EMCSMAL
Parsons, Gary D., SCPO USNMAL
Pearce, Edward L., BMCMAL
Perre, Leon L., Sr., BM1
010
Petrilla, Paul R., AW1
146
Pettis, Calvin O., Sr., AO2MAL
Pitard, Ernest E., MSGT
MAL
Pline, Joseph J., CSC
142
Powers, Herman E., ETC
047
Presley, Troy C., PO1 USN
197
Price, Floyd W., PNCM
110
Reeves, Raymond R., HTCM
Renbarger, Paul A., RMC
Reneer, Randall K., EOC
Richard, Raymond, LCDR USN
Roe, Robert E., MM1
Rollins, Ronald P., ENC
Ross, William A., HMC
Royer, Charles F., EMCM
Ruma, Francis T., TMC(SS)
Ruth, Dane M., AFCM
Ryder, Charles B., IC2
001
210
091
290
245
050
182
008
027
022
175
Saccone, Pasquale, SN USN
108
Salimeno, Pasquale E., SGTMAJ
229
Schulte, Robert F., BMC
009
Sharp, Walter H., CDR USNMAL
Smith, Lon H., FCCM(SW)
008
Snodgrass, Atlee B., GYSGT
317
Solheim, Howard W., E-9 USMC
008
Solibakke, Harrison O., CWO USN 289
Stansbury, Melvin J., SSGTMAL
Sterbowicz, Albert, CSCMMAL
Stewart, Donald B., Sr., OSC
060
Stueben, Robert A., RMCSMAL
Tatro, Peter A., YNCMMAL
Tessier, George E., Jr., LT USNMAL
Thomas, Richard J., ENC
018
Thompson, Francis L., CWO USN MAL
Topor, Ladislaus, ENC
001
Underwood, Leibert M., PHCMAL
Vickery, William E., ADRC
Vreeland, John E., BMCS
094
009
TAPS continued on page 32
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Accredited Member Since 1985
Looking For...
FRA Today
September 2009
32
Doss E. Beacham
We served together on active duty at the
Naval & Marine Corps Reserve Center
in Worcester, Mass. in the early to mid
l960’s. At the time he was a Yeoman
Second Class, USN. Please contact
Robert N. Marseglia (YNC – Retired)
[email protected]
Shipmates from NTC San Diego,
Company 286, May to August 1962
CC was SH1 Ray Jerrers. Contact QM2
Robert Gary Daniel, PO Box 5850,
Knoxville, TN 37928-1850,
615-848-0500.
RMCS Stan Lewandowski, RMC
William “W.D.” Flowers, or
Anyone who served with me at REC(R)
Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico, 1965-1968.
Please contact Charley Mann
at [email protected].
PFC Prendergast
I served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1970.
PFC Prendergast was a driver while I
was stationed at White Beach Marble
Mountain, 5th Comm – 7th Comm BN.
Contact Agustin Correa, 432 W. Clover
Rd., Tracy, CA 95376-1835.
USS Mitchell, San Diego to Okinawa,
1960
Anyone on board USS Mitchell for this
deployment, please contact Agustin
Correa, 432 W. Clover Rd., Tracy, CA
95376-1835.
PNs on Active Duty 1975–1981
I’d like to hear from any retired PN who
handled retirement SBP election forms
between 1975-1981. I’m particularly
interested to know whether a spouse’s
signature was required when SBP was
declined? DFAS says it wasn’t, but as
an old personnel officer, I distinctly
recall that we had the spouse come
in and sign the DD-1883 when the
service member declined SBP. Please
contact CDR Robert Davis, USN (Ret.),
200 Amberwood Dr., Jamestown, NC
27282, 336-852-5243,
[email protected].
LT (Dentist) Dan Harrigan, CM3 John
“Boot” Winger, MR3 Bob Workman,
CMCN Bernie Miller
All were in Diego Garcia and Guam
from 1972 to 1974 with NMCB 62
Seabees. Contact Norm Hahn at
[email protected] or
http://nmcb62alumni.org.
OS2(SW) Don Brittain
He was stationed at Naval & Marine
Corps Reserve Center Norfolk from
1987-1991, then served on USS John
F. Kennedy (CV-67) and deployed to
Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Please
call Joe Black at 540-309-8825 or
e-mail [email protected].
Reunions
AROU Group (all branches & numbers
of Aviation Repair/Overhaul Units)
24–26 September 2009, South Bend,
IN. Contact Raymond C. Lewis,
574- 257-7774, [email protected].
USS Anderson (DD–411)
11–13 September 2009, Mauston, WI.
Contact Jim Taylor, 608-847-6834.
USS Enoree (AO/TAO–69)
October 13–17, 2009, Branson, MO.
Contact Floyd A. Carriker,
714- 534-3025.
USS Hardhead (SS–365)
October 8–11, 2009, Manitowoc, WI.
Contact Al Lansdowne, [email protected].
USS Merrick (AKA–97)
October 25–29, 2009, Santa Maria,
Calif. Contact Bill Reynolds, 418 Playa
Louis Silva
He was a PO3 cook stationed with me
in Panama in the 1950 and his last
known duty station was Point Magu,
Calif. Please contact Joe at
[email protected].
Shipmates from USS Sandoval
(APA–194)
I was QM2 onboard from 1966 to 1968,
homeported in Norfolk. We made two
Med cruises. Contact QM2 Robert Gary
Daniel, PO Box 5850, Knoxville, TN
37928-1850, 615-848-0500.
These notices are published on a space available
basis. Notices must be submitted in writing.
E-mail [email protected] or mail your request to: FRA,
Looking for…, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA, 22314.
TAPS continued from page 30
Blanca St., Santa Maria, CA 93455,
(805) 937-3273, [email protected].
USS Pawcatuck (AO–108)
May 4–7, 2010, San Antonio, TX.
Contact David Willis, 15807 W. Cimarron
Dr., Surprise AZ. 85374, 623-214-9835,
[email protected].
USS Sicily (CVE–118, VS–20,
VS–931, VMF–214 & VMF–323
Joint)/U.S. Navy
October 1–4, 2009, Chicago, IL. Contact
J. Robert Wagner, 2996 Runnymede
Drive, Plymouth Meeting, PA 194627179, 610-277-4374 H/F,
[email protected].
Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org,
submit to [email protected] or mail to: FRA Reunions,
125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
NAME
BRANCH
Wagner, Henry E., YNCMAL
Wakefield, Wilford M., AD2
110
Wallace, Beldon, SFC
055
Ward, Charles W., CWO2 USNMAL
Warfield, Lawrence M., HTCMAL
Washburn, Alvin V., GMG1
061
Wathen, William D., ADJC
061
Watson, Irvin V., AK1
022
Weakley, John, RMC(SS)
042
Weber, Thomas A., BM1
115
White, Douglas W., ADRC
022
Wilkerson, Roy E., MSGT/1ST
089
Willett, Cecil R., EN1
029
Wood, Carl L., SGTMAJ
175
Zabransky, Carl J., CS1
018
Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members.
J indicate a Past National Officer.
t
o
N trac
n
Co
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LA FRA news
FRA Today
September 2009
36
Message from the West Coast Regional President
The West Coast Region has 14 units with membership ranging from 16 to 169.
We have 10 units with membership under 60. Livermore (Calif.) Unit 287, of
which I am a Charter Member, is the smallest unit in the region, but even small
units can accomplish a lot.
Our elected officials have been very successful in fighting efforts to close the
VA hospital in Livermore, which treats veterans with head injuries, PTSD and
amputation patients. I volunteer in the district office of Rep. Jerry McNerny
(11th District), which allows me to be a part of the legislative process as well as
provide an important service in my community.
Following a 25-year tradition, our unit sponsored 20 veterans and two staff
volunteers to attend the Livermore Rodeo. The veterans had a great time judging
cows and cowboys, and spending time with the Rodeo Queen, who gave them
autographed photos. They also enjoyed a cattlewoman’s “Homemade Red Barn
Breakfast,” which consisted of a burrito, fruit, dessert and coffee. There are also
sponsored trips for the veterans such as fishing, art shows, concerts, and trips to
Wal-Mart for their monthly bingo.
Our units donate slightly used books, unused new jewelry and puzzles, and
other small items that can be sold at the “USO Lounge Gift Shop” in the San
Francisco Airport. A very special project this year was to buy travel pillows, sew
pillow cases using patriotic material and presenting them to wounded service
members overseas. Our members also make booties for the veterans and make
tote bags for the back of wheel chairs from washed Wranglers. The veterans really
like these “many pockets and no flowers.”
Among our collections: hearing aids and batteries (these are rebuilt for the
Children’s Hospital), used reading glasses for the VA Hospitals and eye glasses
for the “Homeless Vets Stand Down” held three times a year in the Bay area. We
also collect pull tabs for Ronald McDonald House.
One West Coast member, Ethel Pedrick, has collected or bought material and
sewn 185 large Christmas stockings for patients at Fort Miley VA Hospital in San
Francisco. Pedrick, who is about 85-years young, has been making the stockings
for the past 25 years, filling them with paperback books, puzzle books, socks,
cards, personal items, a little candy and Christmas cards. This is just one example
of one LA FRA member making a difference.
Please remember those serving in harm’s way in your prayers and pray they
come home safely and soon. Take time to visit a veteran in the hospital or nursing
home. They love to shoot the breeze and appreciate a visit more than you know.
Also remember to keep an FRA and LA FRA membership application on
hand in your wallet, purse and car. Take your FRA magazine and leave it at a
business on base, any doctor’s office, laundromat or Wal-Mart. These are simple
things to do and may result in a new member. A growing membership makes
our voice louder and carries greater influence with Congress. Let’s keep working
together as we have in the past to find those new members.
Polly Stonich
West Coast Regional President
Unit 10, San Leandro, Calif., presented a
$3,000 donation toward the purchase of a
van for Ft. Miley VA Hospital, San Francisco.
Shown (l to r) are Unit Secretary Ethel
Pedrick, Nelda Tarr, Director of Volunteer
Services Jim McDermott, Deputy VAVS Rose
Ryan deputy VAVS and Pat Kinzel.
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve
Association Award is presented to the first
class female cadet who contributes the
most to the women’s varsity sports at the
U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) over
her four years of study. Shown (l to r) are
USCGA Superintendent Rear Admiral Scott
Burhoe, award recipient Nicole Gurr and LA
FRA National President Georgia Gallagher.
Fran Hoadley is the editor of LA FRA News and the FRA Today Liaison.
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Member services
FRA
125 N. West Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2754
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