Newsletter

AAFES Retired Employees Association

Supporting the Interests of AAFES, Its Retirees and the People it Serves

April 2016

I am excited to have this opportunity to speak with

Exchange retirees this month and give you

some information and updates. Spring is upon

us, a time of transformation and renewal; 2016

will be a year of transformation for the Ex-

change. From the upcoming elections to the

ongoing drawdown and realignment of our

military, changes are all around us. Despite the

changes and challenges we faced,

the Exchange had a successful year in 2015.

In 2016, we will continue renew and build

upon our proven strategic objectives. Intensi-

fying national brands and repositioning of our

main stores will continue. We will also expand

our focus to include more emphasis on

shopmyexchange.com, optimizing the

supply chain and improving the Express

experience.

Exchange associates are working hard on

improving the customer experience. Strategies

for 2016 include: Speeding up delivery by

expanding our distribution points; allowing a

smoother flow of subscription-based ordering

so frequently purchased products can be

placed without manual reorders; creating new

assortments with the

addition of age

restricted product;

and working on a

transship program to

allow for furniture

and appliances to be

ordered online for

overseas delivery.

We are transforming

the Exchange by

improving our field

structure. We have

established new regional vice president positions by

merging the functions of the area manager and

region vice president roles. This restructuring will

de-layer operations, remove barriers to the flow of

information and improve communication lines with-

in the regions as well as increase efficiencies and

effectiveness of the region field operations through

streamlined processes. We will continue to imple-

ment this change in stages throughout 2016.

(Story continues on page 9.)

Annual COO Report on the Exchange

2015 a Success ... 2016 a Year of Transformation

Army & Air Force Exchange Service

COO Mike Howard

C h u c k P o f f e n b a r g e r , P r e s i d e n t

Pag e 2 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

Welcome to the April, 2016 edition of AREA’s Newsletter, the first month of Spring

The Officers of the Association – Chuck Poffenbarger (P), Tom Gallagher (VP), Terry Corley (T) and Don Smith (S) wish you and yours a Happy and Rewarding Springtime season.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not

sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

Anne Bradstreet (1612 - 1672), 'Meditations Divine and Moal,' 1655

Spring is when you feel like whistling

even with a shoe full of slush.

Doug Larson

Well, spring sprang. We've had our state of grace and our little gift of sanctioned madness,

courtesy of Mother Nature. Thanks, Gaia. Much obliged. I guess it's time to get back to that daily routine of

living we like to call normal.

David Assael, Northern Exposure, Spring Break, 1991

A little Madness in the Spring Is wholesome even for the King.

Emily Dickinson (1830 - 1886), No. 1333

An optimist is the human personification of spring.

Susan J. Bissonette

Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.

Victor Hugo (1802 - 1885)

In the spring time, the only pretty ring time, when birds do sing... sweet lovers love the spring.

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), As You Like It, Act V, sc. 3

O, how this spring of love resembleth

The uncertain glory of an April day!

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), "The Two Gentlemen of Verona", Act 1 scene 3

Spring is when life's alive in everything.

Christina Rossetti (1830 - 1894)

AREA...JUST FOR YOU

SPRING

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 3

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

AAFES Retired

Employees Association

The AREA Newsletter is published in January, April, July and October

Mailing Address: AREA P. O Box 380614 Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

President: Chuck Poffenbarger

cpoffen@earthlink.net Tel: (972) 296-0388

Membership & Address Changes: Send your NEWSLETTER ADDRESS and MEMBERSHIP changes and your MEMBERSHIP DUES to the AREA Membership Director Pat Weaver. ken-pat@sbcglobal.net

Tel: (972) 780-9810

Newsletter input: Submit articles to the editor by e-mail to: Marcia Kane, kanemarea@windstream.net

AREA Web address:

http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

Military Installation Access — An Issue

for Many Dependents

Benefits Q&A— Questions you ask; answers from Exchange Benefits

Q: We are having a problem with our family members getting access to the bases to shop. It seems to depend on the installation what steps need to be taken to rectify the problem, but all the military agree that family members must have a card that can be scanned. At this point, I have been told by the military at Randolph, that not only can't my spouse use his AAFES ID card, but as a retired civilian, I cannot even sign him on using my CAC card. People have been told at other installations, that they need a letter from headquarters AAFES authorizing a new ID card. We can make an appointment to see about getting him a new ID, but I was told by another retiree that their family member was refused. What do we need to do to solve this problem?

A: Thank you for your inquiry regarding installation access for AAFES

retirees and family members. We are aware of the issue, and are currently involved in a working group with the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) to collaborate an update to Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1000.13, through the Office of the Secre-tary of Defense (OSD), to allow military installations to recognize the current DD 2574 as sufficient identification for base access. We absolutely agree with your concerns and appreciate your patience while we continue the process of gaining OSD approval for the policy change necessary to solve the issue. Response from: Strategic Planning & Partnerships Directorate (PL) Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Q: Does AAFES have any specific advice or preferential companies for cremation services?

A: AAFES does not have any specific recommendations in regards to cremation services. If you are a

retiree with AAFES-provided life insurance through Aetna, the only thing we could recommend is to use Everest, a

Nationwide Funeral Planning and Concierge Service (www.everestfuneral.com/Aetna) to find out pricing

for the service. Use code AETNA0055 as your Enrollment Identification Code. You can also call 1-800-913-8318

for more information on this free funeral planning service.

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

Pag e 4 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

New Long Term Care Insurance Option!

The Exchange recently received permission for our employees and retir-

ees to enroll in Long Term Care coverage through the Federal Long Term

Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is the largest U.S. group

long term care insurance program.

If you are interested in Long Term Care insurance, you can go out to the

FLTCIP website ( www.ltcfeds.com ) to find information or enroll at any

time. You will make payments directly to FLTCIP.

If you already have Long Term Care insurance from either Aetna or Prudential, you do not need to do anything; your coverage will re-main with them.

Who is eligible for the Federal LTC Insurance Program

Exchange employees (Regular Full-Time and Regular Part-Time)

Exchange retirees/annuitants

Qualified Relatives

Current spouses of eligible employees

Current spouses of eligible annuitants (but not former spouses)

Parents, parents-in-law, and stepparents of living eligible employees (parents, parents-in-law, and stepparents of annuitants

are not eligible)

Adult children (at least 18 years old, including adopted and stepchildren) of living eligible employees and

annuitants

Domestic partners (both same-sex and opposite-sex) of eligible employees and annuitants

Why FLTCIP?

This program is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for members of the Federal family.

Portable coverage

You can keep it as long as you continue to pay the premiums and have not exhausted your maximum lifetime benefit, even if

you are no longer a member of an eligible group.

Guaranteed renewable

It can never be canceled by the insurance carrier as long as you pay your premiums. It also cannot be canceled due to your age

or a change in your health.

Care Coordinators You will have unlimited access to the FLTCIP's care coordinators. They are registered nurses (RNs) who have worked exten-sively in the field of long term care. You can contact them to ask any questions you may have (even if you are not receiving benefits).

Covered Services

Nursing home, assisted living facility or hospice facility, bed reservations, home care and adult day care, respite services, for-

mal caregiver services, informal caregiver services, hospice care at home and stay-at-home benefits. (Story continues on next

page.)

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

Other Features

International benefits - Coverage is provided for those who may require care outside the United States. Benefits

for these services are paid up to 80% of the benefit amounts shown on your schedule of benefits. If your schedule of

benefits shows you have an unlimited maximum lifetime benefit, benefits payable for any covered services you re-

ceive outside the United States will be limited to 10 years.

Apply for LTC - Please note: not everyone who applies is approved to enroll. Certain medical conditions, or com-

binations of conditions, will prevent some people from being approved for coverage.

If you are eligible to apply, you must first read the important information in the FLTCIP information kit about long

term care, long term care insurance and the FLTCIP. This information ensures that you understand what you are

applying for.

Three easy ways to apply:

If you are eligible, and you have read the important information, you can apply now.

1. Applying Online

For Category select: Federal Employee

For Agency or branch of service select: Department of Defense - Stateside or

Department of Defense - Overseas

2. Download an Application

The Full Underwriting Application must be used unless you were hired or newly married within the past

60 days.

The Abbreviated Underwriting Application is only for new employees and their spouses or newly married

spouses of employees applying within 60 days of becoming eligible.

3. Speak to a Consultant

You can reach them by calling 1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337) TTY 1-800-843-3557 and choosing option

1, Monday through Friday 8 am - 6 pm Eastern Time.

New Long Term Care Insurance Option (continued)

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 5

Pag e 6 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

New Aetna Standard for ID cards

As of January 1, 2016, members requesting extra ID cards, for either new or existing Aetna members, will receive a digital version of the card only. A digital ID card is identical to the plastic ID card. It can be viewed, downloaded or printed from Aetna Navigator, the Aetna Mobile app, or Aetna.com from a smartphone or internet browser. Aetna has informed all providers that alternative forms of ID cards are acceptable. Digital cards help meet growing con-sumer demand for new digital and mobile access and shows members the many valuable features available via Aetna self-service. Members will appreciate how quickly they can access accurate and up-to-date digital ID cards, faster self-service and a more secure way to access benefits information (plastic cards can be compromised if lost or sto-len). Members can access their digital ID card through: Aetna Navigator: Visit Aetna.com to register. Once registered, you can access and print a copy of your digital ID card by vis iting

the ID card section of Navigator.

Aetna Mobile Application (iPhone and Android): Available in app stores when a user searches for “Aetna.”

Aetna.com mobile web.

Certain updates will result in a plastic ID card mailed to the member, such as a name change or dependent change. Other, less critical ID card updates will only be applied to the digital ID card. Note: A plastic card will be mailed if there is no email on file for the member. *Colorado, Minnesota and New Hampshire currently require a physical card. Members in these states will continue

to receive plastic ID cards.

Aetna Online Journeys — Earn a $50 Health Incentive Credit for each Journey completed Online Journeys are another part of the wellness program. When you complete the health assessment, you’ll get an action plan with recommended online health coaching programs. You can follow the programs at your own pace to lose weight, eat healthier, start an exercise program, manage stress or even get a better night’s sleep without medication.

Each program features “Journeys” that tailor tools and content to your particular needs and goals. The average time to complete a Journey is 32 days. You earn an incen-tive credit for each Journey completed (up to four Jour-neys total for employee and covered spouse/SSDP).

The Online Wellness Programs are organized by Direc-tions — healthy paths members can choose to follow. Or,

the Dashboard can help you choose a Direction. There are

12 Directions including Weigh Less, Healthy Back and

Be Tobacco Free. Once the member chooses a Direction,

they can pick a Journey that fits their health needs and

interests. With tools and small steps, they’ll be on their

way to better health.

How to access Online Journeys:

From Aetna Navigator, members can access the online

wellness programs/journeys through the Health Dash-board, which is located under the Health Records Tab

at the top of the page.

Once on the Dashboard, you can start the program by

clicking on “Launch My Programs” in the Online

Health Programs box.

On the next page you can “Embark on a Journey” and find a Journey that fits your needs.

Reminder: You must complete the new Health Assess-ment first in order to earn any of the Health Incentive Credits. None of the other activities will earn credits until you have completed the assessment.

You will be able to see your com-

pleted journeys under “Goals and Accomplishments” on the lower

right-hand corner of your Health

Dashboard page.

For 2016 You Can Earn Even More Health Incentive Credits

The maximum an individual can earn is now $250, the family maximum is $600!

In 2016, employees and their covered spouse/same sex domestic partner (SSDP) must complete the Health Assess-ment first in order to earn any of the Health Incentive Credits. Health Incentive Credit features: Applied to the medical deductible and/or coinsurance as claims are processed. The credit cannot be applied to

copayments such as PCP, Specialist, Emergency Room, Urgent Care copays, Hospital confinement fees, or pharmacy copays.

The credit will roll over every year until used, up to 3 years. Credits are displayed on the Explanation of Benefits and in Aetna Navigator Here are a few things you need to know: The Compass Health Assessment is a new and improved questionnaire that takes just 10 minutes to complete. Members answer questions about personal and family health history, lifestyle habits, recent screening results and

other health factors.

Since this is a brand new assessment, members will need to complete it instead of just adding updates as no previous answers will be carried over.

No other activities will earn credits until the assessment is completed. To take the assessment, log in to www.aetna.com and click “I want to . . . Take a Health Assessment” on the

home page. To earn credits, employees must complete healthy actions as shown below:

These credits will be placed in an account and applied towards the first family member ’s claim where the deductible

and/or coinsurance would be applied.

Activity Health Incentive Credit Amount

Calendar Year Maximum

Complete a metabolic syndrome screening before April 1, 2016

$150 each

Complete a metabolic syndrome screening between April 1 and December 31, 2016

$100 each

Disease Management (DM) goal – complete 3 calls with a DM nurse

$100 each

Complete an online Journey (average time 32 days)

$50 each up to 4 journeys

Dependent Children Under Age 18

Have a preventive care exam $50 for each child per year

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 7

2016 AREA Scholarship Program

Since 1985 AREA has provided educational opportunities to “AAFES Kids” through its’ scholarship programs. This year AREA plans to award $40,000 in scholarships to twelve AAFES siblings. Amounts are two $5,000 and ten $3,000 awards. 2016 will mark the 27th anniversary of the AREA scholarship program: the only program designed to directly benefit AAFES employees’ children. To date AREA has provided $673,295 in scholarship awards to 325 deserving students many of whom may not have even started college without the AREA boost. Upon the completion of the 2016 program, AREA will have awarded in excess of $700,000… Now that is something AREA members should be proud of!

So how does the program work? Here’s a short synopsis:

1. The program is financed by contributions from AREA individuals, mostly members, and an American Logistics Association (ALA) chapter in Dallas/Fort Worth. Chapters also contribute through their periodic events. We need your contributions to ensure the continuation of our current level of scholarship support for AAFES dependent children 2. The program is limited to graduating high school seniors who have been accepted at accredited colleges. One of the parents must have been an AFFES employee on January 1st of the award year, had at least twelve consecutive months of Exchange employment, or in the case of military personnel, Exchange assignment. For a deceased parent, the twelve-month employment requirement must have been met at the time of death. 3. Applications must be sent to the scholarship committee during the designated enrollment period – usually January 1st through March 31st of each year. Application forms are available on the AREA web site at: http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/community-programs/scholarships.htm. All application criteria are laid out on the web site. The AREA administers the program through an appointed AREA Scholarship Program Director. Committee members lay out the parameters of the program each year, which are ultimately approved by the AREA board of directors.

Thomas Gallagher AREA Scholarship Program Director

Pag e 8 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

Exchange Offers Shoppers Chance to Win a New Patriot Star™ Diamond Ring

DALLAS – Diamonds are forever – and for two lucky winners of the Army & Air Force Ex-change Service's latest sweepstakes, forever will come free this summer.

Through June 30, shoppers can enter the Exchange Patriot Star™ Giveaway for a chance to win a 1 carat diamond solitaire ring from the Exchange’s new Patriot Star™ collection. The two winners, one stateside and one overseas, will be drawn at random. Each ring is valued at $9,299.

The Patriot Star™ is a 106-facet specialty cut diamond exclusively designed for the Exchange and certified by Ge-mEx and the International Gemological Institute. Firestar Diamond, manufacturer and supplier of Patriot Star Jew-elry, donates a portion of all Patriot Star proceeds to the Fisher House to benefit military families.

“The Exchange couldn’t be more proud to offer this exclusive piece to our military shoppers,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “Our customers make sacrifice after sacrifice to keep our nation safe – why not honor that with a diamond as unique as the heroes we serve?”

Authorized shoppers 18 and older may enter the Patriot Star™ Giveaway at www.shopmyexchange.com/

sweepstakes. No purchase is necessary.

I am proud of our successes and proud of our associ-

ates that are the driving force behind the continued

success of the Exchange. During my travels, I am

honored with many opportunities to meet associates

and thank them in person.

I want to let you know that I remember many of you

and your contributions to the Exchange, so let my

take this opportunity to thank you, our Exchange

retirees.

In March, Exchange managers will gather in Dallas to

discuss strategies and initiatives to grow the Ex-

change in 2016. This is an exciting opportunity for

managers all over the world to meet, network, share

stories of success and learn something new. I look

forward to meeting old friends and making new ones

at this event. I am sure some of you Exchange retirees

attended a MSM/GM conference and know what I

mean. It’s a special time to meet up with

Exchange associates from all over the world and

reminisce as well as learn.

As we look forward to the future, the Exchange team

will work to protect and preserve the benefit our mili-

tary shoppers have so selflessly earned, as you have

earned your benefit by your dedication and hard work

to the Exchange. The Exchange team had a great year

and I look forward to an even better 2016.

Annual COO Report on the Exchange (continued from page 1)

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 9

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Alamo Chapter—Brenda Borland: The Alamo Chapter held their annual Holiday Brunch at the Menger Hotel on Decem-ber 6. We had 72 people attend. A drawing was held and 8 gift cards were given away to the members and friends attending. The Manager supplied 4 free brunches to give away in our yearly raffle to raise funds for the Fisher House at Ft. Sam Hou-ston. $500 was raised for this great cause! Bob Askew gave them the money in time for needed items through the holidays.

Standing-Gerda Shearin, Al Shearin,Doris Morris, Chris Chandler, Jesse Chandler. Seated-Lois Lown, Ruth Lown, Rhoda Freitas, Len Freitas

Standing-Yolanda Guardiana, Rick Forsyth, Marilyn Cerna, Javier Cerna, Kathy Jackson, Mark Porter, Tony Trevino, Ella Trevino. Seated-Nell Henry, Jim Henry

Standing-Tricia Stricklen, Bob Askew, Virginia, Askew, Reine

Guillemette, Pete Guillemette. Seated-Helga Main, Klara Barker,

Jane Mason, Bilge Cordani, Claire Guillemette

Standing-Susan Deleo, Becky Moore. Seated-Tim Brogan, Ann Brogan, Lina Deleo. Not shown-Gordon Els, Gary Els, Nina Els

Standing-Mike Bresnok, Shannon Soefje, Blake Lehenbauer, Lois House, Christine Harlan,B Kelein, Ken Klein. Seated-Bill Dobbs, Janice Dobbs

Standing-Jennifer Hines, Sylvia Rodela, Bill Luebke, Martha Lozano Seated-Chris Hines, Christian Hines, Roy Hines, Al Lozano

Pag e 10 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 11

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Alamo Chapter—Brenda Borland: Holiday Brunch (continued)

Standing- Christopher Forsch,Jacob St Clair,Kent Forsch, Roger Forsch, Katrina Forsch, Jerry Mathews Seated- Genevieve Forsch, Dan Forsch, Kit Mathews

Standing-Song Choe, Judy Rux, Lee Rux, Tom Gross Seated-Brenda Borland, Mike Rohrer, Bette Rohrer, Diane Gross

The Alamo Chapter of the AREA held their Valentine Dinner at Scuzzi's Italian Grill on February 11. The group was entertained by Renee Davia on the harp.

From Left: Song Choe, Mike Bresnok, Brenda Borland, Karen Catanzaro, Rhoda Freitas, Leonard Freitas, Lois Lown, Ruth Lown, Doris Mor-ris, Tony Trevino, Ella Trevino, Shannon Soefje, Mark Porter, Kathy Jackson, Javier Cerna, Gil Pansza, Ken Klein, Marilyn Cer-na, Roy Hines, Janice Dobbs, "B" Klein, Bill Dobbs, Jackie Robinson, Dan Forsch, Bob Askew, Virginia Askew, Sharon Schultz, Ann Pauleuc, Ray Schultz. In the center, Renee Davia and his harp.

The Alamo chapter recently had an educational tour of the Holocaust Museum of San Antonio on February 17th. They were privileged to hear Rose Williams a Holcaust survivor recall the horrors of that time. After the tour, they enjoyed a nice lunch at Milano Italian Ristorante.

Brenda Borland, Al Lozano, Sylvia Rodela, Ramona Lozano, Janice Dobbs, Mike Bresnok, Shannon Soefje, Marilyn Cerna, Javier Cerna, Mark Porter, Kathy Jackson Sylvia Cooper, Ann Pauleuc, Doris Morris. Attending but not shown: Song Choe, Len Freitas, Lois Lown, Ruth Lown and Virginia Askew

Javier and Marilyn Cerna with Rose,

a 92 year old Holocaust survivor

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Pag e 12 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

Aloha Chapter—Bill Allgire

The Aloha Chapter held its annual Christmas party at the Pearl Country Club, Sunday, Dec 6 with 48 members and

guests attending. (story continued from the January 2016 edition of the AREA newsletter with new photos).

Wilton Santos/Milt Shimizu Travis Takashima (Grandson)/Milt Shimizu

James Gardner/Lester Tokuhisa/Wila Gardner Jan & Mel Santana

Suzie Wong/Ruth Shimooka/Julie Conner Sueko Paragas/Ruth Shimooka/Cynthia Hoag

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 13

Golden Gate Chapter Luncheon -- Ernest Kodama

Selected photographs by Stanlee Garriott and Carol Beatty of the AREA Golden Gate Chapter's Christmas Luncheon on December

12, 2015. The luncheon was held at the beautiful Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito, CA.

George Willis, Stanlee (hidden), Mary Lou Geimer,

Lorraine Harris, Arlene Hadfield & Julie Lee Noble Emery, Chick Kretz, Gina (hidden), Joan Turner, Toni

DeBardeleben, Jake Westfall & Sandra Westfall

Neil Burns, Katrina Westfall, George Willis, Stanlee Garriott, Mary Lou Geimer & Lorraine Harris

Noble Emery, Carol Beatty, Chick Kretz, Gina

Kretz, Toni DeBardeleben, Sandra Westfall

Joan Turner & Toni DeBardeleben

Pag e 14 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

January AAFES Retiree luncheon. Another fun filled and chatty get together with 41 attendees. Held at McGuires Irish

Pub with its one million dollar bills hanging all over. Superb lunch menu thoroughly enjoyed by all. We even

celebrated two birthdays. Unfortunately there are too many people to identify individuals in the photos.

Gulf Coast Chapter — Jan Comstock

Yes these dollar bills are real - over one million

dollars are accounted for in this Pub! McGuires Irish Pub

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 15

Ft. Benning Chapter—Kristine Groenenboom-Newbold (Secretary). The Annual Spring Picnic for 2016 was

held at Cooper Creek Park in Columbus, GA. Members and their families enjoyed great burgers and sides. A good

time was had by all. Editor’s Note: Individuals in photos were not identified.

Northern California Chapter – Ken Keim

We had a smaller group than usual in January for our meeting at IHOP. Both the service and food were good.

Members and guests attending were: Doris Aplass, Renate Atkinson and her granddaughter Danielle, Rosie

Boyce, Lisa Denny, Maureen Dobert, Gloria Masse, Tina Minjarez, Rosie Reynolds, Ellen Rivera, Margie

Scheatzle, Mary Spinella, Kristin Taylor, Jerri Thomas and Lee Woodward. During the meeting, we voted

to increase annual club dues to $15.00 beginning in January 2016. Our next fundraiser will be our annual spring

bake and book sale tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 26, at McClellan BX.

February Meeting – We meet at Woody’s Bar and Grill. Woody’s provided a nice room, a variety of good

food choices as well as good service. Members and guests in attendance were: Renate Atkinson, Rosie Boyce,

Edie Butler and her son George, Yaeko Cooper, Lisa Denny, Arlene Ferry and her daughter Debbie, Dianne

Hobbs, Rosa LaBoeuf, Tina Minjarez, Phoebe Murrell, Margaret Newman, Aliye Smith, Jerri Thomas,

Kristin Taylor, Fatma and Jerry Thomason, Hilda Waltz, Stella and Michael Winch, Lee Woodward and

Maureen Dobert. We had a fun Valentine card exchange with surprise gifts included with three Valentines

that were won by Rosa LaBoeuf, Maureen Dobert and Lisa Denny.

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Pag e 16 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

Another fantastic Retiree luncheon with 42 attendees at Logan’s Roadhouse on March 9. We all missed Steve and Susan Mitchell. All of us signed Get well cards and planned next month's luncheon. We have a terrific group and once a year we bring in cans of food for the local food bank as highlighted in a local newsletter article shown below.

Gulf Coast Chapter — Jan Comstock

Steve Mitchell, Chapter President, with food panty volunteers.

Gulf Coast AAFES Retiree Association members collected

400 pounds of food items for the local food bank.

Larry Comstock Jan Comstock and Odette Ingham

Isabelle Good Hendershot, Melba Grant andLinda Thompson Barbara Brown and Dolores Bouley

Odette Ingham, with Steve Friend and Olive Bobo

Edda Blume with Larry Comstock

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

North Texas Chapter—Richard Sheff

Opus Brunch and Christmas Music at The Meyerson, Dec 20 – The event was attended by 59, and began with a delicious brunch in the Opus Restaurant. After brunch we enjoyed the traditional Christmas concert. It was a won-

derful way to relax and enjoy the season. More photos were published in the North Texas Chapter newsletter and on the North Texas Chapter of AREA Facebook page.

Tina & Terry Corley Tien & Don Jones Richard & Sue Sheff

Judy Hanson and Janene Terry Nancy & Tom Minton Jerry & Carlon Cloud Chuck & Lina Poffenbarger

Valentine Luncheon at the Bavarian Grill, Feb 13 – Fifty-nine NTC-AREA members attended the luncheon cele-

brating Valentine’s Day. We had 6 menu items to choose from and our $20 dinner included everything from bread,

salad, beverage, entrée, sides and dessert. A great time was had by all!

North Texas Chapter members enjoying the Valentine Luncheon

at the Bavarian Grill. We filled 3 rooms!

Richard Sheff with Bavarian Grill

owner and chef

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 17

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

North Texas Chapter—Richard Sheff

Irish Festival at Fair Park, Mar 8 – NTC-AREA members got a reduced price ($8) on the entrance fee, and Treas-

urer Jack Leavitt gave each member $10 worth of food and drink coupons. The weather was perfect, the beer was

cold, the corned beef and cabbage was hot, the music was lively and everyone had a great time.

Jack Leavitt giving free coupons

to Sandy & Keith Boettiger

Richard & Sue Sheff, Ronnie

Compton and Carol Egan Joy & Harold Hall and Sandy & Keith

Travis & Bobbye Towns Carol Egan, Bill Eddings and Lynda &

Tom Branning

Richard & Sue Sheff with Bill Eddings

tasting Irish Whisky

Judy Hanson, Linda Dean, Janene

Terry, Ken & Mac Terry Alyce & John McCarron, Jack

Leavitt and Sue Sheff

Richard Sheff, John & Alyce McCar-

ron, Roy Dean, Roy & Nancy Robert-

son and Linda Dean

Pag e 18 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 19

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Southeastern Chapter—Dave Painter

The South Carolina AREA Chapter held their quarterly meeting in Dec 2015. During this meeting new officers

were elected to serve the next two years. New officers are:

PRESIDENT SECRETARY

Frances Jenkins Linda Kneese

217 Jadetree Drive

Hopkins, SC 29061

fjenkins217@gmail.com TREASURER

803-783-4044 Home Gabrielle Holmes

803-200-6349 Cell

These are excellent members and know they'll do a super job in representing our Chapter!

South Carolina AREA Chapter—Vera Dempsey

We celebrated our Christmas party at Red Lobster in Morrow,

Georgia with 31 members and guests attending. Liz Greene

won the top cash prize of $30, and General Lee Kleckley won

the $20 cash prize. Several other non-monetary prizes were

also raffled away. Everyone brought in beautifully wrapped

gifts, which we auctioned off. Our raffle ticket sale and our

gift auction generated $521 for our scholarship fund dona-

tion. We had 2 people come to our Christmas party as guests,

but then joined as members for 2016. They were Debbie Jef-

freys and Bettie Williams.

Our annual business meeting was at the Olive Garden in Mor-

row, Georgia on January 21, 2016. We voted to keep our

yearly chapter dues the same for 2016 at $7.50 per person,

with $2.50 of it going as an automatic donation for our yearly

scholarship fund donation. Our get-togethers will remain on

the third Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m., and we'll have

nine meetings again during the year. Everyone present listed

their top three local eating places, and we'll rank them by most

votes received to determine where we have our get-togethers

each month this year. We voted to make our annual scholar-

ship donation $1,100 for this year, which is a new record for

our small chapter. Our new record donation was made possi-

ble by the automatic donation from each member's yearly

dues, our yearly white elephant auction, and our member's

generous support of our Christmas party raffle ticket purchase

and auction of their own brought-in gifts. In addition, several

members - Hettie Cox, Wade and Fredda Raczynski, Ruby

White, Gary Eckhardt, Dave and Carole Painter - made

extra donations.

We had 47 dues paying members in 2015. Leo Hesson, 94,

who was our oldest member, has recently passed away. He

will be sorely missed along with our former friend, Charlie

Pugh, co-worker and chapter member, who passed away last

year. Submitted by James Mahoney, Dave Painter and Mel

Taylor.

Debbie Jeffreys, Kathy Gailey, Bob Snipes Anika Mahoney, Mike Jeffreys,

Debbie Jeffreys Connie Turner, Bettie Williams,

Anika Mahoney

Pag e 20 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Southeastern Chapter—Dave Painter (Photos from Southeastern Chapter Christmas Party continued)

Doug Laskey, Louise Laskey, Joe Madding Terrie Shatley, Mel Krasow, Luan Fields Liz Greene, Markeita Greene

Mel Taylor, Georgie Heyman, Mary Taylor, Pat Madding, Lee Standfield

Georgie Heyman

Noi O’Connell, Kim Barton, Connie Turner, General Lee Kleckley, Nettie Gleaton

Dave Painter, Carole Painter, Leslie Miller, Cindy Cooper

Cindy Cooper, Dave Reeves Shirley Johnson, William McKenny

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 21

We have updated information regarding the cybersecurity breach from June 2015. OPM recently announced that it has com-

pleted the initial process of notifying individuals impacted by the breach involving background investigation records. Individu-

als who think they might have been affected, but who have not yet received a notification letter can contact the OPM verifica-

tion center at www.opm.gov/cybersecurity or at the phone numbers below.

866-408-4555 Toll Free

503-520-4453 International

503-597-7662 TTY

Also, Section 632 of the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2016, signed into law on December 18, requires OPM to provide

additional identity protection coverage for individuals affected by OPM breach #1 (personnel records) and OPM breach #2

(background investigations). Specifically, Section 632 says the following.

a) The Office of Personnel Management shall provide to each affected individual as defined in subsection (b) complimentary

identity protection coverage that:

(1) is not less comprehensive than the complimentary identity protection coverage that the Office provided to affected

individuals before the date of enactment of this Act;

(2) is effective for a period of not less than 10 years; and (3) includes not less than $5,000,000 in identity theft insur-

ance.

b) Definition.--In this section, the term ``affected individual'' means any individual whose Social Security Number was com-

promised during:

(1) the data breach of personnel records of current and former Federal employees, at a network maintained by the De-

partment of the Interior, that was announced by the Office of Personnel Management on June 4, 2015; or

(2) the data breach of systems of the Office of Personnel Management containing information related to the back-

ground investigations of current, former and prospective Federal employees, and of other individuals.

OPM has provided a resource guide to help support your needs.

Copy of the OPM CIO letter to the individual

Tips on how to be cyber savvy

Resources on how to register if you received/didn’t receive a letter

Additional websites to help protect your personal identifiable information

FAQs and other materials are posted on the OPM cybersecurity website.

OPM Cybersecurity Incident Update - January 8, 2016

“From time to time retired associates of AAFES leave bequests to the AREA in their will. If you desire to make such a bequest we recommend providing the person that prepares your formally written and executed will with the following sample clause. If you make such a be-quest please notify AREA at the same address as in the clause." "I give (blank dollars/property) to the Army Air Force Exchange Service Retired Employee's Association (AREA), P.O. Box 380614, Duncanville, Texas 75138."

IN REMEMBRANCE

MARY ARBO, 63, died Sept. 30 in Panama City, Fla. The Redstone Arsenal general manag-er retired in 2012.

CYNTHIA ARCHER, 74, died Oct. 27 in Austin, Texas. The Randolph AFB associate retired in 1997.

ROLAND BARBE, 93, died Nov. 1 in Litchfield, Conn. The Alaska Area associate retired in 1975.

TERRANCE HANSON, 78, died Dec. 2 in Arlington, Texas. The HQ associate retired in 1986.

LEO HESSON, 95, died Dec. 8 in Hiawassee, Ga. The merchandise support facilities man-ager retired in 1989.

RICHARD MISKIN, 88, died Nov. 6 in Gainesville, Va. The HQ personnel management spe-cialist retired in 1984.

THOMAS PAPST 85, died Oct. 26 in Bluffton, S.C. The Exchange associate retired in 1990

Crock Pot Chicken or Pork

6 large chicken breasts or 6 large pork chops

1 can cream of mushroom soup

.07 oz Italian dressing packet mix

1 tsp. season salt

2 Tbsp. canola oil

1 8 oz. cream cheese, 1/3 less fat

½ to 1 cup of white wine

Brown meat in canola oil, 2-3 minutes on each side. Put meat in crock pot and reserve drippings in pan. Add soup, cream cheese, white wine, dress-

ing mix, and salt to pan. Cook until mixed well. Pour on top of meat and cook on low for 4 hours. Serve with rice.

Share your favorite recipes with me at kanemarea@windstream.net and you might see them in a

future AREA newsletter!

Recipe Corner

Pag e 22 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 23

SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

DONORS IN MEMORY OF AMOUNT GIVEN

Ken Luckow Ken Thompson $200.00

Larry Grewelle Hugh Terry $ 50.00

Southeastern Chapter, Georgia

This is the yearly donation and the largest

Charlie Pugh $1,100.00

Kyong Suk Snyder Frank Snyder $100.00

No General Donations this quarter

Note: * denotes non-AAFES retiree

** denotes Non member of AREA

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

The following telephone numbers are provided as a convenience to members wishing to contact certain HQ AAFES offices and the Pentagon Federal Credit Union.

HQ SWITCHBOARD

(214) 312-2011

FOR RETIREMENT and GROUP INSURANCE BENEFITS:

HQ. AAFES BENEFIT BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES (800) 519-3381

GENERAL COUNSEL:

DALE HARBOUR (214) 312-3126

EXCHANGE POST:

LISA A. MOAK (214) 312 4729

SALES TABLOIDS:

TABLOID DEPARTMENT (800) 733-5142

ID CARD, PRIVILEGES

HR-S HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

CAC/ ID cards are issued Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 07:30 am – 10:00 am (no appointment

needed). Appointments for a time after 10:30am can be arranged by emailing HQHRO@aafes.com or call-

ing Shahla Barakhshan, HR Tech @ (214) 312-4292, Julie Humphrey, HR Tech @ (214) 312-6423 or Veneitra

Colston-Mack, HR Tech @ (214) 312-2531.

Please ensure to bring your CAC/shopping privilege id card as well as a valid Federal or

State ID to renew your CAC and/or shopping privilege ID card. If your CAC is expired,

you will need to bring in two valid forms of Federal and/or State ID’s

(such as a driver’s license, US passport, birth certificate, original social security card).

Questions: Jun King, HQ Human Resources Manager - (214) 312-3677

PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION: TOLL FREE SERVICE –MEMBER SERVICES

TOLL FREE U.S.: 800-247-5626

Monday - Friday: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time

Saturday: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time

Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time

OVERSEAS DIRECT DIAL: 541-225-6700

TTY (for the hearing impaired): TOLL FREE U.S.: 800 225-6378

FOR OTHERS NOT LISTED:

PAT WEAVER (972) 780-9810

For other information, check out the Exchange website at: http://www.shopmyexchange.com and

the AREA website http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

Pag e 24 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

AREA SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONATION FORM

To: AREA P.O. Box 380614 Duncanville, TX 75318-0614

From: Telephone

This donation is (check one box below)

In Honor of (Name)

In Memory Of (Name)

An Annual Pledge*

Other

Send Card to:

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

TELEPHONE

Amount of donation (check enclosed)

$

* I wish to pledge $_________________ each year to the AREA Scholarship Fund. My donation for the current year is enclosed.

Your donation will be acknowledged to both the donor and to the recipient or the survivor. All donations are income tax deductible.

DONOR NAME (Printed) SIGNATURE

COMMENTS:

Enclosure # 6-1

In honor of: ____________________________________

In honor of: ____________________________________

In honor of: ____________________________________

In memory of: __________________________________

In memory of: __________________________________

In memory of: __________________________________

* *

*IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE PERSON TO LIST, USE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW

*

*

*

*

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 25

Save this page with your copy of the 2013 AREA Directory

AREA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATES

NEW MEMBERS

DENNIS A. KING 301 LORING LN PEACHTREE CITY, GA 30269 TIM CALKINS 4210 TRILENE DR. GRAND PRAIRIE, TX 75052 Tel: 214-284-4354 Tim_calkins@sbcglobal.net

CARLYN HOUSTON 12709 HILLTOP DR

BALCH SPRINGS, TX 75180

Tel: 972-329-3616 carlyn2005@sbcglobal.net MERCEDITA G. HOOD 7213 E. Freestone Dr. Tucson, AZ 85730

ADDRESS CHANGES, EMAIL & TEL: LARRY NOBLE 2101 OAK HOLLOW RD DUNCAN, OK 73533 580-252-4406 larreb@cableone.net KENNETH E. LUCKOW 1713 W. 7TH ST. APT. 5 FREDERICK, MD 21702 TEL: 301-651-6504

kennetheluckow@gmail.com

GEORGIE ANN AKI

1340 MAMALU ST

HONOLULU, HI 96817

TEL: 808-292-6170 Aki.lani@yahoo.com

DAN W. CAWTHON

6401 OHIO DR. APT 7202

PLANO, TX 75024

Tel: 512-240-9097

jumpsuit1938@gmail.com

ED CADA

485 BREEDING FARM RD

SPARTA, TN 38583

Tel: 931-256-7102 egcada@yahoo.com

ROBERT PLANJE

141 MILLBROOK ST

PEARCY, AR 71964

Tel: 501-318-7338

rplanje@cablelynx.com

JOHN NATOLI 3206 SUNGATE DR KILLEEN, TX 76549 Tel: 254-681-0615 Jnatoli1@hotmail.com

Pag e 26 April 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

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AREA NEW SLETTER April 2016 Pag e 27

AAFES Retired Employees Association

P.O. Box 380614

Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

DUES ALERT!

If the last time you renewed your dues was in March 2016 or earlier,

please send your $15 dues PAYABLE to AREA

at the mailing address shown above.

AAFES Retired Employees Association Help Us Save Money! Get the Newsletter online

rather than through the mail.

The difference in cost is significant*, and you’ll enjoy these advantages:

Get the Newsletter first, before anyone else. E-mail is faster than snail-mail.

The Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format is in color and you can transfer/save the file as you desire.

*Per copy print cost at $1.42 + mailing at $0.57 = $1.99 cost per copy. Do yourself and AREA a favor – try the Newsletter via e-mail attachment.

Send an e-mail to Pat Weaver, Membership Director, at ken-pat@sbcglobal.net and state that you would like to get the Newsletter on line and we’ll do the rest. Give it a try. If you don’t like it, we can always add you back to the snail-mail list.

AREA—JUST FOR YOU

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE PAID

DALLAS, TX

PERMIT #1478