Volume: Twenty Seven Number Eleven The MILITARY OFFICER’s ASSOCIATION of AMERICA—Greater Dallas Chapter November 2014 MOAA REPORTER FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK DAVE SCHAFER [email protected] MOAA 2014 Annual Meeting – A Capital Event I’m writing this month’s article from my hotel room at the MOAA Annual meeting in Arlington, VA. The meeting kicked off Monday evening, Oct 27th with the Levels of Excellence dinner. The Greater Dallas Chapter was one of five Texas chapters to receive a Level of Excellence Award for 2013. This award is given to chapters that have demonstrated significant support for MOAA’s initiatives in Legislative, Membership, Personal Affairs, and Community Outreach programs. Congratulations to all of our members who have made this award possible. Maj Gen KC McClain, USAF (RET); CAPT Bruce Hamilton, USN (RET); CAPT Bill Lavallee, USN (RET) and Betty Lavallee; and Lt Col Dave Schafer, USAF (RET) and Jackee Schafer were on hand to accept this award for the chapter. We received exciting news this morning when ADM Ryan announced that the MOAA National Board of directors has approved the charter for the North Texas Chapter. Congratulations to Col Sam Wilder, USA (REET), his officers, board of directors, and 54 founding members for making this happen in record time. Look for an announcement in the near future for the visit from ADM Ryan to officially charter the chapter. We are looking to schedule this meeting in the January/February 2015 timeframe. Key themes in this year’s annual meeting were service, membership, and legislative. ADM Ryan emphasized that service is one of the keys to maintaining and growing MOAA membership. He cited a Washington Post news article earlier this year that stated the VFW and American Legion organizations were losing members concluding that they were no longer relevant in the 21st century. ADM Ryan stated that, although this perception is not accurate, MOAA must work hard to not fall into the category. Although MOAA membership is currently growing – it currently has about 385,000 members nationally – we must continue to work to upgrade Basic memberships into Premium and Life memberships. MOAA has several new initiatives to help make this happen. It has upgraded and expanded its publications for member services, refocused its message to provide services to members at all stages of their life, and enhanced the value proposition for Premium and Life memberships. . President’s article continues on page 5. MOAA’s topnotch council and chapters compete annually to receive a four- or five-star Levels of Excellence Award. The very best councils and chapters receive fivestar awards. Our Chapter has been selected as a 5 Star Chapter for 2013. Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission continues to solicit input. MOAA members need to add comments also. This is shaping up to be the next big battle and we need to provide that One Powerful Voice to fight for our current and future service members. To send in your comments go to www.mcrmc.gov and click on Comments. See our January newsletter available at our website for more information. VETERANS’ DAY DISCOUNTS from MOAA National’s website: http://moaablogs.org/message/2014/10/ veterans-day-2014-discounts-and-offers/ UPCOMING EVENTS: Veterans’ Day Parade November 11. MOAA-GDC will be manning a “deuce and a half” and needs some members to take a ride in the parade. Contact LtCol Paul Pfrommer 214-358-1110 or CAPT Ben Cole 972669-0619 to reserve a seat on the float. See page 8. December 10—Holiday Dinner Dance Gala MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION of AMERICA (MOAA) North DFW Chapter and Greater Dallas Chapter BROOK HOLLOW GOLF CLUB 8301 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235 See Page 5 Volume: Twenty Seven Number Eleven November 2014 Page 2 Volume: Twenty Seven Number Eleven November 2014 MEMBERSHIP B Y Page 3 DAVE SCHAFER [email protected] We continue to add members to the chapter! We added 4 new members in October bringing our new adds to 95 for the year. The 2015 membership renewal letters were mailed on October 20th. Please return your 2015 membership dues promptly to help save us mailing costs for a second notice. This year we are again asking members to donate to the JROTC Scholarship Fund. The recommended donation is $5 and members donating $100 or more will be recognized on our website as members of the President’s Club. We have given four $1,000 scholarships to JROTC cadets for the past three years. Help us continue this great tradition. Remember your donations are tax deductible. Please welcome the following new members for October. LTC Scott and Mrs. Franziska Moberly, USAR (RET) Plano Mrs. Diana Radspinner, Auxiliary of Azle CAPT Raymond and Mrs. Kathy Pottkotter, USNR (RET) of Forney Lt Col Ernest Rose, USAF (RET) of Dallas V.W.I.N By Nancy Ruthford Sodeman Terrorist gangs are on the loose. Ebola reports keep surfacing. Whenever turmoil reigns, abuse of elders increases. Let’s keep on the watch so that our senior citizens are not suffering abuse. Texas law demands that we report any such misconduct. Call Texas Department of Aging and Disability at 1 800 458 9858 or Adult Protective Services at 1 800 252 5400. If the problem involves financial abuse, contact Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This bureau gives information and tools for senior citizens. Their website is www.consumerfinance.gov/olderamericans. Join Veterans’ Widows/ers International Network, Inc. Send $18 to VWIN and send to P.O. Box 441043 Aurora, CO 80044-1043 Volume: Twenty Seven Number Eleven November 2014 Page 4 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY NOVEMBER 2014 UPDATE BY LLOYD LIETZ As of 28 OCT, of the 5,680 House and 2,912 Senate bills introduced in the 113th Congress, the ones listed below are some of those of interest to the non-active duty veteran community. (Retiree Assistance Office bulletin http://www.nhc-ul.com/rao.html ) H.R.32: Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan for military surviving spouses to offset the receipt of veterans dependency and indemnity compensation. Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] (introduced 1/3/2013) Related Bills: S.734 Committees: House Armed Services Latest Major Action: 1/31/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. H.R.153: Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2013. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] (introduced 1/4/2013) Committees: House Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 1/22/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity H.R.154 - VA Public Service Vet Medal. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a Department of Veterans Affairs Medal for Distinguished Public Service to honor veterans who make remarkable and distinguished contributions to their communities. Sponsor: Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] (introduced 1/4/2013) Committees: House Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 1/11/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. H.R.164 - Disabled Vet Space A Travel. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit veterans who have a service - connected, permanent disability rated as total to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces entitled to such travel. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-12] (introduced 1/4/2013) Related Bills: S.346 Committees: House Armed Services Latest Major Action: 1/31/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness. H.R.241: Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish standards of access to care for veterans seeking health care from Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Ross, Dennis A. [FL-15] (introduced 1/14/2013) Committees: House Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 5/21/2013 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held. To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=62348696 H.R.257: Veterans Health Equity Act of 2013. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that veterans in each of the 48 contiguous States are able to receive services in at least one full - service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration in the State or receive comparable services provided by contract in the State. Sponsor: Rep Shea - Porter, Carol [NH - 1] (introduced 1/15/2013) Committees: House Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 1/22/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. H.R.293: Army Combat Action Badge Eligibility Expansion. A bill to expand retroactive eligibility of the Army Combat Action Badge to include members of the Army who participated in combat during which they personally engaged, or were personally engaged by, the enemy at any time on or after December 7, 1941. Sponsor: Rep Nugent, Richard B. [FL-11] (introduced 1/15/2013) Committees: House Armed Services Latest Major Action: 1/31/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Legislative article continues on page 6. Volume: Twenty Seven Number Eleven November 2014 Page 5 PROGRAMS BY BEVERLY THOMPSON 2014 ANNUAL HOLIDAY MILITARY DINNER GALA Wednesday Evening December 10, 2014 Presented by the MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION of AMERICA (MOAA) North DFW Chapter and Greater Dallas Chapter at the BROOK HOLLOW GOLF CLUB 8301 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75235 Club phone 214-678-0988 (Gate House Guard will direct you to parking) Social Hour: Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres 6:00 PM (Cash bar) Seated Dinner 7:00 PM Entertainment: Andrew Guarino with DJ music for listening and dancing. $45.00 per person. DRESS: Dress Uniform, Service Uniform, Tux, Business Suit and equivalent for ladies When making your reservation please choose from two entrée options: #1 Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon, a Sweet Potato Soufflé, and French Green Beans with Red Bell Peppers #2 Stuffed Chicken Roulades – Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spinach, Wrapped in Applewood Smoked Bacon, Served with Fingerling Potatoes and Oven Roasted Tomatoes. Send your reservation and payment by December 4. Mail the reservation coupon to MOAA-GDC Programs, PO Box 7692, Dallas, TX 75209-0692 with your check; or reserve online at www.moaagreaterdallas.org/onlinersvp.html and pay by PayPal. If you have any questions call Dave at (214)577-4107. MOAA-GDC now accepts PayPal for paying for your luncheon at our website which allows you to pay by credit card. We would appreciate you also filling out the RSVP form and checking your type of payment at the website. Link to map. Directions below. From North: Take I-35E south to the Regal Row exit. Turn left (East) on Regal Row to the Harry Hines Boulevard intersection. Turn right and the Club is on the right side. South: Take I-35E north to the Regal Row exit. Turn right (East) on Regal Row to the Harry Hines Boulevard intersection. Turn right and the Club is on the right side. From East: Take I-635W to I-35E south to the Regal Row exit. Turn left (East) on Regal Row to the Harry Hines Boulevard intersection. Turn right and the Club is on the right side. From West: Take Hwy 114 or Hwy 183 to Regal Row exit. Turn left on Regal Row to the Harry Hines Boulevard intersection. Turn right on Harry Hines and the Club is on the right side. President’s Article (Continued) It is also adapting its communications to members take advantage of electronic communications and will upgrade its website in1Q 2015. Examples include virtual career fairs, text messages to keep members informed, and webinars for in depth information on important topics. On the Legislative front, MOAA continues its leadership in lobbying for a strong national defense and for maintaining earned benefits for active, retired, and former military members and their families. MOAA is preparing to address sequestration relief, the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission report, and the President’s budget in the upcoming months. They are looking for chapter members to provide support for their efforts with letters and emails to their congressional representatives. Look for email reminders from our Legislative Committee. MOAA National is also getting more active with other veterans service organizations to help increase its visibility and relevancy with younger veterans. Again, our chapter, with help from the Veterans Center of North Texas, plans to support this effort by reaching out to IAVA, SVA, Project Rubicon, and Team RWB. If you don’t know about the organizations represented by these abbreviations, you need to look them up. They are some of the next generation of military service organizations. All in all, it was a great meeting, a great place to network, and a great place to learn about what MOAA is doing to address the many issues facing MOAA members and the general military community. The meeting culminated with a moving tribute to caregivers – America’s hidden heroes. Email is sent to the membership to include, meeting information, legislative alerts. and other information related to MOAA-GDC and its members If you are not receiving these messages please email [email protected] Volume: Twenty Seven Number Eleven November 2014 Page 6 PERSONAL AFFAIRS BY BEN COLE Military Records Accessible Online Did you know that you can access your military records online? Active duty members and veterans who separated or retired on or after Oct. 1, 2004, can access their records online by registering for a premium account on www.eBenefits.va.gov. eBenefits is a central location for service members, veterans and their families to research, find, access and manage their benefits and personal information. Service members and veterans can apply for benefits, view benefits status, download their DD 214 and other personnel documents, and browse a catalog of other resources that provide information about military and veteran benefits. Information for veterans who separated or retired before 2004 will be available in the future. We will keep you posted on their availability. Annual Golf Outing It was a great day of golfing and camaraderie. Winning Team: Bill Lavallee, Dan Weaver, Howard Bachrach, Don Hay (7 Under). Longest Drive: Ben Cole. Closest to the Pin: Clare Brown A total of Eight Teams Participated: Bill Lavallee, Dan Weaver, Howard Bachrach, Don Hay (64) Clare Brown, Joe Dorfmeister, Bob Zeigler, Jeremy Black (65) John Jarchow, John Jarchow, Kent Shields, Robert Weber (69) Warren Norris, Rick Brandenberg, Dave Blakeley, Mike Crupi (70) Paul Pfommer, Todd Tayloe, Brian Woolery (71) Brian Michel, Carey Michel, Kurt Kaufman, Donna Kaufman (71) Rick Helus, Ken Kuykendall, Rod Carmack, Jerry Berryman (72) Charlie Gibbs, Sarah Hale, Paul Edwards, Ben Cole (72) October Meeting Photos Paul Hendricks, III LtCol USAF, Speaker Alan Lowe and Beverly Thompson, Vice President—Programs Speaker Alan C. Lowe, Director George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY NOVEMBER 2014 UPDATE (CONTINUED) BY LLOYD LIETZ H.R.303: Retired Pay Restoration Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit additional retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service or Combat - Related Special Compensation and to eliminate the phase in period under current law with respect to such concurrent receipt. Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-12] (introduced 1/15/2013) Related Bills: S.234 Committees: House Armed Services; House Veterans' Affairs Latest Major Action: 2/4/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. Volume: Twenty Seven Number Eleven November 2014 Page 7 2014 Meetings December 10 Reservation for the December 10, 2014 Holiday Dinner and Dancing Gala BROOK HOLLOW GOLF CLUB 8301 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75235 Social 6:00 PM Seated Dinner at 7:00 PM Please choose your entrée: #1 Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon, a Sweet Potato Soufflé, and French Green Beans with Red Bell Peppers #2 Stuffed Chicken Roulades – Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spinach, Wrapped in Applewood Smoked Bacon, Served with Fingerling Potatoes and Oven Roasted Tomatoes. ____ Person's at $45.00 each Check enclosed $________ payable to “MOAA - Greater Dallas Chapter” MAIL YOUR RESERVATION AND CHECK BY DECEMBER 4 TO: MOAA-GDC Programs, PO Box 7692, Dallas, TX 75209-0692 Please print name's below exactly as you wish you name badge's to read: (Spouse/Guest) Need a ride? _________ Give a ride? _________ If yes, your ZIP code _________ If yes, your ZIP code _________ CHAPTER OFFICERS—EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS PRESIDENT David J. Schafer, LtCol USAF (Ret) PRESIDENT—ELECT William F. Lavallee, CAPT USN (Ret) VICE PRESIDENT — MEMBERSHIP David J. Schafer, LtCol USAF (Ret) VICE PRESIDENT—LEGISLATIVE James R. Brown Lt Col USAFR (Ret) VICE PRESIDENT—PROGRAMS Beverly Thompson, Auxiliary EDITOR The Reporter William Hill, LCDR, USN, (Ret) SECRETARY Kent Shields LtCol USAF, (Ret) TREASURER David C. Briggs, Col. USA, (Ret) CHAPLAIN LEGAL COUNSEL David C. Briggs, Col. USA, (Ret) MILITARY COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE Phone (214) 577-4107 (972) 291-8776 (214) 577-4107 (972) 407-1092 (972) 617-0858 (214) 321-8241 (214) 343-8157 (214) 343-9424 Open (214) 343-9424 OPEN Email [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Kay C. (KC) McClain, Maj Gen, USAF Retired Charles Gibbs, Col USAF, Retired Sam Wilder, COL USA Retired Terri Jones, Lt Col USAF Retired [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Lloyd Lietz, LTC USA Retired (972) 473-4716 (972) 840-1348 (804) 840.3024 817.980.4437 910.850.7663 Paul Pfrommer, LtCol USAF Retired 214.358.1110 [email protected] EMAIL DISTRIBUTION Sharon Hill (214)321-8241 [email protected] WEBMASTER Sharon Hill (214)321-8241 [email protected] [email protected] See the website www.moaagreaterdallas.org/officers.html for the complete listing of committee chairs and external organization representatives. MOAA—GDC THE REPORTER is published monthly by the MOAA-Greater Dallas Chapter for the information and benefit of its members. Members are encouraged to submit letters and articles for publication to: Bill Hill ♦ 8358 San Leandro Drive ♦ Dallas, TX 75218-4317 The MOAA-Greater Dallas Chapter is a nonprofit organization chartered on November 28, 1967. Annual dues are $20.00 for members and $10.00 for auxiliary members. Volume: Twenty Seven Number Eleven November 2014 Page 8 VETERANS DAY PARADE NOVEMBER 11, 2014 DOWNTOWN DALLAS MOAA-GDC will be manning a “deuce and a half” and needs some members to take a ride in the parade. Contact LtCol Paul Pfrommer 214-358-1110 or CAPT Ben Cole 972-669-0619 to reserve a seat on the float. The Veterans Day Story... At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns of WWI fell silent and "Armistice Day" was born. Eight years later a Presidential Proclamation invited people to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies. With the passage of time it was changed to "Veterans Day". The national focal point for the official Veterans Day observance is at the Tomb of the Unknowns where the Presidential wreath is placed. The National Veterans Day Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs, in Washington, has again, this year, selected Dallas as a Regional Site for the observance of Veterans Day. The Veterans Day parade will be in downtown Dallas. It will be on TUESDAY, November 11th, with massing of the colors and the 11th hour (11:00 AM) ceremony in front of City Hall. The parade will commence following the official ceremony (approximately 1 hour). The route will start at Reunion Arena, will proceed north on Houston Street, east on Main Street, south on Ervay Street, west on Young Street, south on Akard Street and pass in review in front of City Hall. The parade route is similar to prior years. After passing in review, parade units will turn south on Ervay and disperse south of City Hall. Military vehicles and equipment, veterans organizations, civic and corporate displays will be available for viewing at 9:30 AM in front of City Hall and will be dismantled after the parade.