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Coming Events February
6 Feb (Sat) The Users Group (TUG) 1000 OVC
Feb date and time TBD
Tour of Tripler Veterans Center
and Fisher House Presentation
20 Feb (Fri) EXCOM Meeting 1115 MCBH O’Club
Coming Events January 2010
2 Jan (Sat) The Users Group (TUG) 1000 OVC
Jan PAC Meeting Date/Time as called by the Chair
15 Jan (Fri) EXCOM 1115 MCBH O’Club
21 Jan (Thu) ―Marines in Afghanistan‖ 1100 OVC
Vol. 25 No. 1 WEBSITE http://www.moaa-hawaii.org January 2010
Pau Hana Koa - The Warriors‟ Newsletter -
Hawaii State Chapter
Military Officers Association of America
A guy gets time to think over here and I was thinking about all the support we get
from home. Sometimes it's overwhelming. We get care packages at times faster
than we can use them. There are boxes and boxes of toiletries and snacks lining
the center of every tent; the generosity has been amazing. So, I was pondering
the question: "Why do we have so much support?"
In my opinion, it came down to one thing: Vietnam. I think we learned a
lesson, as a nation, that no matter what, you have to support the troops who are
on the line, who are risking everything. We treated them so poorly back then.
When they returned was even worse. The stories are nightmarish of what our
returning warriors were subjected to. It is a national scar, a blemish on our coun-
try, an embarrassment to all of us.
Somewhere during the late 1970's and into the 80's, we realized that we
can't treat our warriors that way. So, starting during the Gulf War, when the first
real opportunity arose to stand up and support the troops, we did. We did it to
support our friends and family going off to war. But we also did it to right the
wrongs from the Vietnam era. We treated our troops like the heroes they were,
acknowledged and celebrated their sacrifice, and rejoiced at their homecoming
instead of spitting on them. (Thank You - con’t on page 5)
Thanks to the 3rd Ma-
r i n e R e g i m e n t ,
MCBH, the 2010 pro-
gram season is off to a
great start. The Ma-
rines have organized a
program designed to
give MOAA a rare look at the Ma-
rines current counterinsurgency and civic
action operations in Afghanistan. To ac-
complish this, they are planning to send
several recently returned Marines to our
January 21st luncheon. They will lead a
panel discussion on their endeavors in Af-
ghanistan. The Marines will be junior offi-
cers and NCO's. Their discussion point of
view is that of the combat Marines actually
in the field at the sharp end of policy.
Several Marines will be from the 2nd of the
3rd, who recently returned from Afghani-
stan. In addition, they are planning to send
four women Marines from the Support Bat-
talion, two of whom have been decorated
for Valor. Lt. Col. Patrick Byron, Executive
Officer, 3rd Marine Regiment, is the pri-
mary organizer behind this outstanding pro-
gram. He deserves MOAA's special appre-
ciation for taking one small idea and devel-
oping it into this exceptional opportunity
for MOAA Hawaii.
Please call all your fellow members
and guests, to remind them to get their res-
ervations in early. We want to get the maxi-
mum MOAA attendance in support of our
Kaneohe Marines ! (See page 4 for reservations)
January Event - Oahu Veterans Cent.
A Thank You to Vietnam Vets from a Marine in Iraq
As the year comes to an end, Jack Miller can
now be listed as a Past President for the third
time. Congratulations Jack! When the time
came in 2008 for the Board to select a Presi-
dent for our 50th Anniversary Year, it was well
known that 2009 would require a talented
leader to put on a Gala Celebration in July.
Never one to avoid a challenge, Jack stepped
forward and the rest is history. As our Board Chair, Admiral Bruce Smith,
said at the December Executive Committee meeting, “Jack did an out-
standing job in planning and executing a great Anniversary year.”
A ‟tough act to follow? Well, we have a tough Marine who has already
stepped in. Tom Smyth will lead the Chapter in 2010. See page 2.
―Change of Command‖
Page 2 January 2010 Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA
Aloha and a Happy and Prosperous 2010 to all of our members, their families and
friends! Our thoughts for the next year certainly include prayers for those who
have placed themselves in harm‟s way to ensure our freedom. We must never for-
get the words of Aristotle: “We make war so that we may live in peace.” Next year
will see a major shift in our efforts to defeat a very difficult and challenging enemy, but our
troops are up to the challenge and with our continued strong support will persevere.
Here at home in sunny Hawaii, we will continue a strong and engaging chapter program, bringing
you interesting and informative meetings and visits to many of the military facilities and activi-
ties that we sometimes take for granted. Be sure to join us on January 21st, in welcoming Marines
from MCBH-Kaneohe Bay who recently returned from Afghanistan‟s Helmand Province. We
will hear how it‟s going there from the men and women who put their “boots on the ground.”
Finally, may I ask for your comments, suggestions and ideas on how we can make the Hawaii
Chapter of MOAA truly supportive of our members and those we support, especially those cur-
rently serving. Please call me at 371-1637 or email at [email protected] with your idea or ques-
tion. Mahalo!
President’s perspective -
by LtCol Tom Smyth USMC (Ret.)
PAC NEWS
The Personal Affairs Committee (PAC) recently completed work on a comprehensive Survivor's Check
List to be used by surviving spouses and family members upon the death of a MOAA Chapter Member.
The checklist is tailored to meet local needs, including pertinent phone numbers and references to ensure
that items requiring immediate action are completed. The PAC Assistance Officer from Hawaii State
MOAA will be designated to render assistance to the family. This Officer will provide counseling and
help with the paperwork required by Federal and State agencies. The Checklist also has a section cover-
ing the things that can be done NOW to alleviate some of the stresses that accompany the death of a
loved one. Some members and families set up a "Red Book" which is a file of documents and records
that will be immediately available in one place in the event of the death of the Service Member. This is
strongly recommended for all members. The Survivor's Checklist is too detailed to be included in your
monthly PHK Newsletter but will be included in the Membership Directory for 2010 and is posted on the
Chapter Website at http://www.moaa-hawaii.org.
2010 Chapter Directory Help Make Our Directory Better!
Our annual Directory is being assembled and YOUR input is needed.
What else do you want to see included in the pages?
Did you add or correct any useful numbers or information to your copy of the Directory? If Yes, email
the changes and corrections to the Editor for future updates!
Know of any potential new advertisers -- including those who may want to put a logo on our home
page? Please pass the names and contact information to the Business Manager.
Feedback what works for you so we can improve!
Business Manager & Editor, Tom Marzec <[email protected]>, 808-754-8857
Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA January 2010 Page 3
Volume 25, No. 1 Pau Hana Koa Published monthly by: Hawaii State Chapter, MOAA,
PO Box 1185, Kailua, Hawaii 96734-1185
Subscription included in annual chapter dues.
Opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily
Hawaii State Chapter policy.
- - CHAPTER SOCIAL EVENTS - -
- -THIS MONTH - - JANUARY 21 @ 1100
Combat and Civil Action in Afghanistan
USMC Panel Discussion
Oahu Veterans Center, Foster Village
- - NEXT MONTH - - FEBRUARY date and time TBD Tour of Tripler Veterans Center
and Fisher House Presentation
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair, RADM C. Bruce Smith, USN (Ret), 2008-2010
CAPT John Peters, USN (Ret), 2008-2010
Col Jim Gebhard, USAF (Ret) 2008-2010
COL Ralph Hiatt, USA (Ret), 2009-2011
LCDR Tom Marzec, USN (Ret), 2009-2011
Trish Kubach, 2009-2011
Helen Peil Baker, 2010-2012
CDR Bill Moore, USN (Ret), 2010-2012
CAPT George Sullivan, USN (Ret) 2010-2012
Elected Officers
President
LtCol Tom Smyth USMC
531-2829
1st Vice President
Capt Glen Van Ingen USAF
2d Vice President
CDR Bill Moore USN
261-4071
3d Vice President
LCDR Phillip Rother USN
471-0091, ext 204
Appointed Officers
Secretary - Helen Baker
753-7793
Treasurer
LtCol Geoff Bangs
261-1455
Accountant
LTC Richard DeLong, USA
486-0439
Auxiliary - Anna Blackwell
739-9164
Legal
COL Terry Thomason USA
247-5255
Chair LAVA
CAPT George Sullivan USN
623-2243
State Legislative Affairs
LtCol Tom Smyth USMC
531-2829
Directory Business Manager
LCDR Tom Marzec, USN
754-8857
Chair Personal Affairs
CDR Bill Moore USN
261-4071
Chaplain
CH(COL) Ron Bezanson USA
292-6095
Public Affairs
VACANT
Photographer
VACANT
ROTC Scholarships
COL Ralph JWK Hiatt USA
261-3301
Community Affairs
Kathy Delong
486-0439
Co-Editors PHK
CH(COL) Ron Bezanson USA
955-4838
CAPT George Sullivan USN
623-2243
Webmaster
Bob Ranaldo
941-0602
Database Manager
Maj George Montague USAF
239-4222
TUG
Col Lou Torraca USAF
254-3286
Surgeon
CDR John Boyer USN
988-1966
Sergeant –at– Arms
LTC Hank Heyenga USA
254-2814
Executive Committee
Thinning of the Ranks
Col Vane W. Burnett, USAF (Ret); Died 21 Nov 2009;
Pearl Harbor Survivor;
survived by wife Helen and family.
Mrs. Doris Gilbert, Aux. Mbr. Died April 4 2009 *
Dr. Regina Kirchner, Aux. Mbr. Died 23 Nov 2009
Mrs. Janet Young Hee, AUS; Aux Mbr Died 28 Nov 2008 *(Notification received December 2009)
Binnacle List
CAPT Richard D. Eber USN (Ret)
COL Clyde L Friar USA (Ret)
Col David A. Lerps USMC (Ret)
LCDR Charles J. (Chuck) Staley, USNR-(Ret.)
Beryl Torraca, spouse of COL Lou Torraca USAF (Ret)
Welcome Our Newest Chapter Members
LtCol Patrick C. Byron with wife Attracta. He is Ex-
ecutive Officer, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Divi-
sion, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Find their picture
on page 8.
It is the 3rd Marines who are supporting our Jan event.
Page 4 January 2010 Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA
SUPPORT OUR MARINES
A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR IT FROM THE TROOPS!
COURTESY OF THE 3RD MARINE REGIMENT, MCBH
A CADRE OF ACTIVE DUTY AFGHANISTAN VETERANS
WILL SHARE THEIR COMBAT EXPERIENCE AT OUR JANUARY MEETING
COME WITH YOUR QUESTIONS AND MORAL SUPPORT
OAHU VETERANS CENTER, FOSTER VILLAGE
21 January 2010 — doors open 1100 — Lunch 1130
Lunch Menu: Sauteed Mahi Mahi, Teriyaki Beef, Baked Ham, Veggies
Cost: $18,00
—————————–———————— Clip and Mail ————–—————————————
YES, I (we) will attend _____ Name Tag(s) to read:
_______________________________ ______________________________
Make check payable to: Hawaii State Chapter MOAA
Send to: P.O. Box 1185, Kailua,HI 96734-1185
Enclosed funds: Lunch $_____ Scholarships $_____ Community Svc $_____
Total funds enclosed $__________
FIELD SANITATION – MARINE CORPS STYLE (Cont‟d from Dec PHK)
1stLt Harry Hooper USMCR (Veteran) Submitted by Col John Harms USMC (Ret) —————————————————————————————————————————
Into the abyss went 25 gallons of gasoline which mingled with the diesel fuel which had pooled
there from the previous week‟s effort. It was late afternoon. The sea breeze wafted in from the South
China Sea, rustling the hairs on our heads which were already tingling with excitement. I delivered a
safety lecture of sorts on the explosive tendencies of gasoline and suggested that we ignite the gasoline
mixture with an illumination grenade tossed from a safe distance. A volunteer agreed to do the deed
and pulled the pin from the grenade. We watched over his shoulder as he tossed the device into the pit
with precision. For a moment there was silence. Then the mountain began to shudder and then to vibrate and then a loud
roar split the silence of the afternoon. Flame burst from the mouth of the pit like a mighty tongue, and to our astonishment,
additional blasts roared from the sides of the mountain like fumaroles on the cone of an erupting volcano. It in fact was
Vesuvius, Krakatoa, and Pinatubo, all rolled into one. We marveled at the magnitude of our work. The radio crackled to
life immediately. It was Battalion Headquarters, located in the flatlands some three miles away, excitingly inquiring as to
the nature of the calamity. Flame and smoke, they stated, were coming out everywhere from all sides of the mountain.
They demanded information as to the cause. We were safe, we reported. We were just conducting routine field sanitation.
In time the holocaust subsided to a mere roar. The air smelled of burning petroleum products. By dusk the fire was out
and the opening once more sported the ammunition box with the hole in it, the box which was supportive of our daily life
on the OP. I never had the need to conduct field sanitation on Crow‟s Nest again. Shortly after this event, I rejoined my
rifle company and became engaged in more serious business. Thirty–four years have passed since that day and I still think
of Crow‟s nest. It‟s the nearest thing to a flashback I‟ve ever had.
NOTE: This story was previously published 14 September 2006 on the 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, Lima Company web site.
Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA January 2010 Page 5
HAWAII STATE CHAPTER of the MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
New Membership Application and/or Current Member Dues Payment Name: ___________________________________________ Male □ Female □
Last First MI
New Member Application □ Currently a Regular Member □ Currently an Auxiliary Member □
New members: Complete next items and Regular or Auxiliary Member section. Enter remittance at bottom.
Current members: Complete any items that have changed and enter your remittance amount at bottom of form.
Address:_________________________________________________________ Email:____________________
Date of birth:_________________________ National MOAA membership No. _________________________
Home Phone:____________________ Office Phone: _____________________ Fax ____________________
If married, spouse‟s first name:___________________ Last name, if different than yours:____________________________________ Indicate interest in any of the following Chapter activities or Committees:
Personal Affairs LAVA Public Affairs Program/Social Newsletter Membership Finance Fund Raising
J/ROTC Scholarships and Awards Community Service TUG(Computers) Party Bridge Golf Tennis Dues Enclosed $ __________ Optional Donation: Scholarships $ __________ Community Services $_________
Total Remittance: $__________ Check to Hawaii State Chapter MOAA, PO Box 1185, Kailua HI 96734-1185
Regular Members: Active duty, retired, or former military officers are eligible for regular membership.
Service ______ Rank _______ Active Duty□ Retired□ Reserve□ National Guard□ Former Officer□
Dues: $18 per year; 5 years for $72. Life membership: Age 50 and under, $360; 51-60 $300; 61-70 $270;
71-89 $120; 90 and older is free.
Auxiliary Members: Widows or widowers are eligible for membership whose spouses were regular mem-
bers or were eligible for regular membership. Rank of spouse: _______ Service of spouse: ________
Dues: $12 per year; 5 years for $48; Life membership: Age 50 and under, $180; 51-60 $150; 61-70 $120;
71-89 $60; 90 and older is free.
(Thank You - con‟t from page 1)
And that support continues today for those of us in Iraq. Our country knows that it must support us and it
does. The lesson was learned in Vietnam and we are better because of it.
Everyone who has gone before is a hero. They are celebrated in my heart. I think admirably of all those who
have gone before me. From those who fought to establish this country in the late 1770's to those I serve with here
in Iraq. They have all sacrificed to ensure our freedom.
But when I get back, I'm going to make it a personal mission to specifically thank every Vietnam Vet I en-
counter for their sacrifice. Because if nothing else good came from that terrible war, one thing did. It was the
lesson learned on how we treat our warriors. We as a country learned from our mistake and now treat our warri-
ors as heroes, as we should.
I am the beneficiary of their sacrifice. Not only for the freedom they, like veterans from other wars, ensured,
but for how well our country now treats my fellow Marines and I. We are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice.
Semper Fidelis,
Major Brian P. Bresnahan USMC
A FEW HISTORIC JANUARY EVENTS
January 1 - Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 Ellis Island Immigrant Station in New York formally opened, 1892
January 3 - Alaska entered Union, 1959 (49th) January 8 - Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, 1935
January 15 - Queen Elizabeth I crowned, 1559 January 20 - Pearl Harbor leased by the United States from Hawaii for naval station,1887
January 22 - United States Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision, 1973 January 30 - Adolf Hitler becomes the chancellor of Germany, 1933
Mohandas Gandhi assassinated, 1948
Page 6 January 2010 Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA
You Won’t Read This Anywhere Else—Try It Next Year, You’ll Like It!! PEARL HARBOR HOLIDAY EVENING BOAT TOURS
December 18, 19, 20, 2009
The Naval Station Pearl Harbor in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), provided free 30 minute eve-
ning boat tours of Pearl Harbor for viewing the ships and submarines in port that were decorated for the Christmas
season. Tours started at 6 PM with the last boat at 8:15 PM. Three boats were made available this year to preclude
the turn away crowds of previous years. Seven boat runs were made on Friday, nine on Saturday and eleven on
Sunday, averaging 132 passengers on each boat for a total of 3,561 passengers. Approximately 25 percent of the
participants were military families from the major military bases. Another 15 percent were DOD ID cardholders.
Two to four Park Rangers were on duty each night in addition to one Law Enforcement Ranger to assist in parking
lot security and boat narration. Each evening, eleven to sixteen Pearl City Lions Club and Kalihi YMCA Service
club members provided parking lot information, security checkpoint, ticket distribution, crowd control, handicap
assistance and boarding directions. One hundred ninety nine man hours were donated. The volunteers wore the
Lions shirt or NPS Volunteer name tags for identification. NPS Maintenance provided dock lighting. For safety,
the Arizona Memorial Museum Association contracted for two light sets to illuminate the parking lot. The Visitor
Center Museum, bookstore and Snack Bar were open.
One thousand forty two nonperishable food items were donated for the Hawaii Food Bank. This feature was rec-
ommended by last year‟s attendees.
Ed. Note. This report was provided by Col Sunny Young USA (Ret.) who annually takes on the task of organizing
these evening Christmas tours of Pearl Harbor and it is always a success. Put this event on your calendar for 2010.
Sunny is a member of the Aloha Chapter and a Board member of the Arizona Memorial Museum Association.
Attention All Members Membership Expiration
Please check immediately above your mailing address on the back page of this publication to determine when your member-
ship in MOAA Hawaii State Chapter expires. If the date is January 2010 or earlier, please clip and fill out the Membership
Form on Page 5 and send with your dues to the address provided. Thank you from the Management!!
The Health Care Bill The Health Care Bill has everyone‟s attention but less then a majority of the public supports it according to polling
data. Both Houses have passed their version of the Bill and it now heads for Conference Committee where selected
members of each house (by Senate Majority Leader Reid and Speaker Pelosi) will tailor a Bill which may or may
not look like either of the ones that passed. The betting is that most of the Senate provisions will prevail. (Sixty
Senators eventually are needed for passage.)
There is much discussion about whether the Bill (Senate) will increase the Budget deficit. The politician's say,
“NO” and quote the Congressional Budget Office which says the budget deficit will decrease over the next ten
years using only data in the Bill itself. But knowledgeable people realize that most of the spending cuts in Medi-
care and Medicaid will not take place nor will physicians' and hospital fees be reduced by 21% in March 2010 as
planned in the Bill. And no one in Washington has mentioned State taxes.
For seniors, expect some reduced benefits from Medicare and higher taxes to pay for the provisions both in the Bill
and not in the Bill. For a certainty State and local taxes will increase to cover the costs of the Medicaid payment
being shifted from the Federal Government to the States. But expect Federal taxes to increase as well to pay for
this and new social programs on the way.
Legislative Affairs Veterans Affairs (LAVA)
Captain George E Sullivan USN (Ret.)
Newsletter of Hawaii State Chapter MOAA January 2010 Page 7
TUG by Colonel Lou Torraca USAF (Retired)
Happy New Year! I suspect I am not the only one who can‟t figure out how „09 went so fast {:-) That being said, the first
event in the world of electronics kicks off the second week of this month. For those who have read my previous columns
at the beginning of the past few years, you know I am referring to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held each year
in Las Vegas. The trade show, which, arguably is the biggest in its category in the world boasts approximately 2700 ex-
hibitors and is attended by around 140,000 people who must be affiliated with the industry to be admitted. This allows
companies to introduce products they have developed to an audience which includes venture capital representatives looking for invest-
ment potential. It‟s interesting to see some of these new products which seem to be a sure thing, but for whatever reasons, never make it
to the market.
Since it‟s almost time for the show, I have been receiving numerous press releases from a lot of companies announcing their new prod-
ucts. While it‟s tempting to share all of them with you, I decided that a better way to give you a sense of what is on the launch pad for
2010 is to pick a few of the innovations award winners. The Innovations Design and Engineering Awards program recognizes the most
innovative consumer electronics (CE) products in the industry's hottest product categories. Innovations has become a hallmark for the
best designed products in consumer technology. Since there are 36 categories, I have picked a few from the list I thought might be inter-
esting to you. Each also has a URL you can visit to get more info. Visit: http://tinyurl.com/363qew 1 Jan for “the rest of the story”.
Before I start I want to answer a question I got from 2 readers regarding my Nov column in which I reviewed the latest OtterBox iPhone
3G and 3GS cases. The question was what about us 1st generation iPhone folks? No problem, I have seen, and installed one of the Otter-
Box 1st generation cases and am very impressed. Go to http://www.otterbox.com/iphone-cases/iphone-1st-gen for more info.
Now, on to the CES Innovation Honorees.
Category: Computer Peripherals
Alienware TactX Keyboard
http://www.Dell.com/awards
This gaming keyboard is designed to enhance gaming and entertainment with a broad array of customization options including dedicated
macro keys, support unlimited user profiles, and AlienFX lighting system
Category: Audio Accessories
Arabesque by Crystal Cable
http://www.crystalcable.com
Top high-end loudspeakers made of natural glass. The beauty of transparency in look and sound with the addition of visible high tech
components make it a breakthrough in audio design.
Category: Digital Imaging
Nikon, Inc.
Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj
Model: S1000pj
http://www.nikonusa.com
Nikon's S1000pj is the world's first digital camera with a built-in projector, allowing the user to project images and videos as large as 40-
inch for a new photo-sharing experience.
Category: High Performance Audio
Definitive Technology
Ultra-thin on-wall speaker Mythos XTR-50
Model: XTR-50
http://www.definitivetech.com
The XTR-50 is a 1-1/2"deep on-wall L/C/R speaker utilizing dynamic drivers for superior performance. Merely 1-1/2" (38mm) deep the
XTR-50 is the perfect performance complement for today's ultra thin LED-TVs.
Category: Personal Electronics
Viper SmartStart
Model: VSS4000
http://www.viper.com/smartstart
Start or lock & unlock your car from your iPhone with Viper SmartStart! Download the free App, get SmartStart installed, activate your
account. Stay warm all Winter with Viper SmartStart!
Category: Wireless Handsets Saygus, Inc. Saygus V Phone Model: V1 http://Saygus.com
The first cellular handset in the world to offer low bandwidth two-way video calling on existing 2.5G Networks, the Saygus V Phone is a
qwerty slider running the Android OS
That‟s the short list…have fun out there but remember to be careful! Come see us..visit www.the-tug.org for info. Aloha, Lou
Hawaii State Chapter, MOAA
P.O. Box 1185
Kailua, Hawaii 96734-1185
Return Service Requested
Non-Profit Org. US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 702 Honolulu
Hawaii
UP-COMING CHAPTER ACTIVITIES:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 21 January 2010, 1100
3rd Marines - Combat in Afghanistan a panel discussion
Oahu Veterans Center
See Page 4 for Details/Reservation Forms
Jack Miller and Roberta Sullivan USS Arizona Dec 7, 2009
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