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The “Nor’Easter” a newsletter of MOAA Northeast Florida Chapter (FL-18; published by the Northeast Florida Chapter (FL-18), which is an affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). MOAA and its affiliated chapters and councils are non-partisan. The advertisements that appear in this publication also do not reflect an endorsement by MOAA or this affiliate.
MAY 2017 EDITION THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER
President's Corner Update: Please write your representatives urging them to pass a defense spending bill upon their return from recess! "Act Now to Fund Critical Defense Needs! Thank you for your service and for your support to our serving men and women in uniform. When you return to D.C. we know you will have very little time to finalize a budget solution for defense spending that covers the remainder of the year. Please make every effort to ensure that the nation gets a defense budget that moves us beyond FY 2016 funding levels. Our military service chiefs have been candid and up front in stating their need for a budget that allows them to continue to man, train and equip the forces necessary to meet the nation's global security challenges.
Anything short of a defense bill that provides them with the necessary funding will be a loss not only for our nation, but most especially for our men and women serving in harm's way." MOAA.org Continue to serve, Aaron
CHAPTER LUNCHEON
Please join us on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, 1100 at the NAS Jacksonville Officers’ Club. Please note: Social hour is 1100 to 1130; lunch served 1130 sharp. Lunch will be a buffet of BBQ ribs/chicken with baked beans, potato salad, corn on the cob, cornbread, desert, coffee, tea, and decaf. The cost is $14.00 per plate. Please RSVP and payment to Pat Munn, no later than 1400 Monday, May 15, 2017. You may also make reservations by calling Pat at 770-570-0122 or by email at [email protected]. Payment may be made at the door if preferred; however, you must have a reservation to eat and reservations cannot be accepted after May 15, 2017 at 1400. Dress is appropriate casual. For those of you who like to take home part or all of your meal, the staff has asked that you bring your own containers. The Club is not set up to accommodate take out. Thank you.
Please call 770-570-0122 for Reservations/CANCELLATIONS. If cancellation is confirmed by the above RSVP deadline, your check will be returned to you. Because we commit to a guaranteed attendance, NO SHOWS, OR LATE cancellations; checks will not be returned; or you will be billed. NOTE: TO SIMPLIFY ACCOUNTABILITY AND TO AID OUR GREETERS PAYMENT BY CHECK IS PREFERRED. Make checks payable to MOAA NE FL. THANK YOU.
THE “NOR‘EASTER”
MOAA Northeast Florida Chapter (FL-18), P.O. Box 442022, Jacksonville, FL 32222-2022
Chapter web site: www.moaafl.org/chapters/neflmoaa/
This publication is intended to communicate with our members via FL-18’s Board of Directors.
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Kathy Spain, Legislative Affairs Officer
“Pass the Budget!”
VIETNAM VETS GET THEIR DAY! On Mar 28, President Donald Trump signed The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 (S.305) into law. The bill designates every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day and calls for the U.S. flag to be flown that day in honor of those who served in Vietnam. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN), and passed the House and Senate unanimously. MOAA STORMS THE HILL: ‘Storming the Hill’ is a traditional event begun by MOAA more than 20 years ago. Over the years, it has proved to be a very effective method for advocating on military issues before Congress. On Tuesday, April 4, ‘Stormers’ gathered for a storming preparation briefing, led by MOAA VP for Government Relations, Col. Dan Merry, USAF (Ret). VA Secretary David Shulkin was the keynote speaker at the briefing. He reviewed the ten ways he plans to modernize the VA and also previewed the VA’s new website, due to launch in late April. On Wed, April 5, about 170 MOAA leaders from across the country ‘stormed’ Capitol Hill—visiting their senators and representatives face-to-face in their Washington, D.C. offices to make the case for the items at the top of MOAA’s 2017 legislative agenda. The three top legislative items discussed with lawmakers were: (1) the repeal of sequestration; (2) the ending of the SBP-DIC offset (aka the ‘widow’s tax’), and (3) the prevention of disproportional TRICARE fees. VA CHOICE PROGRAM EXTENDED: On March 7, Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced S.544, the Veteran’s Choice Program Improvement Act. It was passed by the Senate on April 3, and by the House on April 5. As soon as President Trump signs the bill, it will become law. This legislation extends the Veterans’ Choice Program, which was implemented after the devastating wait list scandal at the Phoenix VA in 2014 to make sure veterans would no longer have to wait for care. The bill will allow the VA to operate the Choice Program until the money in that account runs out—probably early in 2018. Without the legislation, the program would expire on August 7th with about $1 billion still unspent. Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), who sponsored the House version, said the bill would give veterans “certainty and continuity of care while we work with the Trump administration to develop a strategic plan that utilizes the strength of both VA and community health providers.” This fall, VA Secretary David Shulkin is expected to present his proposal for a longer-term plan to allow veterans to receive private health care more easily. MILLEY ACCUSES CONGRESS OF PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE: On March 8, the House passed H.R. 1301, the FY2017 Defense Appropriations bill, on a vote of 371-48. It is currently stalled in the Senate. For eight straight years, Congress has failed to pass a defense appropriations bill on time. Consequently, the U.S. military has been forced—in time of war—to operate for months at the beginning of every fiscal year under a restrained spending authority known as a continuing resolution (CR). CRs freeze defense spending at prior-year levels, block the start of new programs, delay the expiration of old programs, and drive up procurement costs billions of dollars by dismantling the efficiency of multi-year weapons contracts. Congress is currently on a two-week recess (from April 10 – April 24). When they return, some form of spending measure for the remainder of FY2017 must be passed before current funding expires on April 28—just four days after lawmakers return from their recess. There are many funding issues left to resolve—including whether to grant President Trump’s request for an additional $33 billion in military and border security funding and cut $18 billion from non-defense to help pay for it. The fear is that Congress will kick the can down the road and pass a third CR to cover the remainder of the fiscal year. At an April 5th House Armed Services Committee (HASC) hearing, the service chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines testified that a third CR would have disastrous consequences for the armed services of the United States. By early summer, they said, training will stop across much of the military. New recruits won’t be sent to boot camp, and most stateside aircraft will be grounded. Ship repair will also stop. And, only next-to-deploy ground units will see critical training continue. Unconvinced, Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA) suggested to the service chiefs that CRs might be the “new normal” and perhaps they should find more effective ways to deal with that reality. Gen. Mark A. Milley, Army Chief of Staff, responded sharply: “I don’t accept it as a new normal, Congresswoman. Candidly, failure to pass a budget, in my view both as an American citizen and Chief of Staff of the United States Army, constitutes professional malpractice. I don’t think we should accept it as the new normal. I think we should pass it and pass the supplemental with it. The world is a dangerous place. And it’s becoming more dangerous by the day. Pass…the…budget!” MOAA agrees with General Milley and is strongly urging Congress to pass a defense spending bill when it returns from recess. Anything short, MOAA asserts, constitutes a failure of Congress’ most important responsibility under the Constitution—to provide the necessary resources for the nation’s defense. MOAA is asking its members to let your elected representatives in Congress know how you feel. Urge them to do their job and pass a defense spending bill when they return from recess! NEVER STOP SERVING!
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MOAA CHAPTER TRANSITION
LIAISON ARTICLE – MAY 2017
WAYNE L. ELLIOTT, CWO5 USN (Ret)
There really is ‘no such thing’ as a typical military spouse. There are military spouses who haven’t finished college and a plethora with doctorates. There are spouses who speak fluent military acronyms and some who have no idea what time 1800 is. We practice different religions, vote for various candidates and come from different countries. Some of us have children, others don’t. Some stay at home, some work, some can’t find a job. A lot of us have given up positions we love, some entire careers, because of a move to another location, some stateside, some overseas, which is tough for job seekers. Military spouses are a diverse group, enlisted and officer. Where others see four white walls, military spouses see potential. Throughout a military career, they may not like it that the mission comes first, however, they all understand it. This article really has nothing to do with transition from military to civilian life, however, I came across this information in my research and thought it would be appropriate to write about military spouses periodically, because they are the ones who really ‘bear the brunt’ of moving during a military career. They may not have worn the uniform; however, they have also served. Please pass this on to any of your family members, neighbors, friends, who may know of Military Officers that are separating or retiring in the next nine-twelve months. Also, invite them to our monthly meeting. Obtain a short BIO so you can properly introduce them to our membership.
National Poppy Day supports veterans, honors the fallen
MAY 26, 2017
The American Legion designated the red poppy as its official flower at the organization’s second national convention, Sept. 27, 1920. Since then, members of The American Legion Family have raised awareness in communities, inspired by the 1915 poem of Canadian Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D., who saw firsthand from the front lines of World War I the emergence of red poppies around the graves and in the battle zones where blood was shed to protect freedom and democracy. He put that image into words:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
Please Remember out Veterans on May 26, 2017. all donations from the sale of Poppies directly support military veterans and families through American Legion programs.
CHAPTER SCUTTLEBUTT
MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM REFORM Changes coming for military health care
The DHA aims to strengthen military hospitals and enhance readiness by optimizing health care delivery and through structural reforms
http://www.moaa.org/Content/Take-Action/Top-Issues/Currently-Serving/Military-Health-System-Reform.aspx.
CONGRESS MULLS CHANGES TO POST- 9/11 GI BILL
.http://www.moaa.org/Content/Take-Action/Top-Issues/Currently-Serving/Congress-Mulls-Changes-to-Post-9/11-GI-Bill.aspx?utm_source=legis&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GIBillChanges.
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NEW TIRCARE DENTAL PLAN: PATIENTS WILL SAVE, BUT SOME DOCS WILL FLEE
http://www.moaa.org/Content/Publications-and-Media/News-Articles/2017-Military-Update/New-TRICARE-Dental-Plan--Patients-Will-Save,-But-Some-Docs-Will-
Flee.aspx?utm_source=legis&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NewDental.
NJTOC/JROTC MOAA CHAPTER AWARDS
AFJROTC Cadet C/SMSgt Zachary Moorside
CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP
MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA NORTHEAST FLORIDA CHAPTER (18) P. O. BOX 442022 JACKSONVILLE, FL 32222-2022 25 April 2017 APPEAL FOR UNPAID CHAPTER DUES Annual MOAA NE Florida Chapter dues became due on 1 January 2017. At the current time our membership records indicate that approximately 21 members are delinquent in paying their 2017 annual chapter dues. This number is down from 36 last month. Every effort has been made to contact each member and we hope that this notice will encourage each to get their dues payment sent in as soon as possible. Please forward your check of $25.00 (Regular Members) or $12.50 (Auxiliary Members) to the above address for your 2017 annual chapter dues.
LCDR James Schneider, USN (Ret), presented the MOAA CERTIFICATE/ AWARD TO Cadet Lt Col
Zachary Bingham.
LCDR Paul Nix, USN (Ret) presenting MOAA Medal / Certificate to Westside HS AFJROTC Cadet C/SMSgt Zachary Moorside.
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If for any reason, you are in a situation that prevents you from paying your dues now and you still want to maintain your membership please contact me directly and we will work out something, if possible, to maintain your membership. My contact information is: LT, David Mosley, USN, RET NE Florida Chapter Membership Chair Email: [email protected] Cell # 252-469-1824 Please note that if you are dropped from the membership rolls for “Non-Payment of Dues” (NPD) you will be required to complete the membership application process to re-join the Chapter. Ref: (a) Chapter Bylaws Article IV, Section 3 states: “After April 1 of that year, the Board may drop, without further notice and without hearing, any member from the roll for non-payment of dues. The member shall thereupon forfeit all rights and privileges of membership”.
MAY’S PROGRAM
Monika Hoover Woods, Director of the Jacksonville Navy/ Marine Corps Relief Society will be our guest speaker. Monika will present a current overview of the Society; and the everyday issues facing the Society to carry out their Mission. THE SOCIETY’S MISSION
To provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps,
financial, educational, and other need-based assistance to active-
duty and retired Sailors and Marines, their eligible family members,
and survivors.
THE SOCIETY’S VISION
As a non-profit, volunteer service organization, we use both
financial and non-financial resources to identify solutions to meet emerging needs. We help clients
improve personal financial skills and encourage individual financial responsibility.
THE SOCIETY’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES • • We provide effective client service in a consistent, compassionate, and non-judgmental manner • We are committed to preserving the dignity, self-respect, and confidentiality of our clients • We are responsible stewards of the funds entrusted to us by our donors • We provide our volunteers and employees with the training and resources to be effective -- offering
consistent services throughout the Society • We recognize the vital role our volunteer force plays in the delivery of Society programs and services
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STAY ENGAGED CORRESPOND WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
Rep Ted Yoho (R) District 3 35 Knight Box Rd, Suite 1 Orange Park, FL 32065 904-738- 0854 (https://yahoo.house.gov/contact/email-me) Rep John Rutherford (R) District 4 4150 Salisbury Rd, Suite 2500 Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-831-5205 (https://rutherford.house.gov/index/contact-form)
Rep Al Lawson (D), District 5 1010 N. Davis Street, Suite 206 Jacksonville, FL 3209 904-354-1652 (https://allawson.house.gov/contact-me) Rep Ron DeSantis (R) District 6 31 Lupi CT, suite 130 Palm Coast, FL 32084 386-302-04714 (https://desantis.house.gove/contact)
Northeast Florida Chapter, FL-18 Elected Officers, Board Members and Appointed Chairperson selected Officers:
President: LCDR Aaron Kaiser, USNR, 904-233-1888, [email protected] 1st Vice President: COL William M. Bransford, USA, (Ret), 904-297-4829, [email protected] 2nd Vice President: CWO2 Richard Chadwell, USN (Ret), 904-264-5589, [email protected] Treasurer: LCDR Richard Hall, USN, (Ret), 904-772-0301, [email protected] Secretary: Mrs. Johnnie Walsh, 904-282-4650, [email protected] Elected Board Members: Transition Liaison: CWO5 Wayne Elliott, USN (Ret), 904-282-9604, [email protected] Legislative Affairs: Mrs. Kathy Spain, SS, [email protected] Immediate Past President: CAPT Frank Brough, USN, (Ret), 904-291-0584, [email protected] President Appointed Chairs NROTC/NJROTC: CDR Bruce C. Carawon, USN, (Ret), 904-276-9025 [email protected]
Membership: LT David Mosley, USN, (Ret), 252-469-1824, [email protected]
SS Affairs: Mrs. Mary Lee Trayner, AUX, 278-9177, [email protected] Personal Affairs: Mrs. Pat Sundt, AUX, 384-6316 Official Greeter: Mrs. Pat Sundt, AUX, 384-6316 Public Affairs: Mrs. Dot Wilson, AUX, 579-3183, [email protected] ID Officer: CWO4 Stephen Kerlin, USN (Ret), 386-3860, [email protected] Newsletter Editor: CWO2 Richard Chadwell, USN (Ret), 264-5589, [email protected] Scholarship: Vacant Chaplain: CAPT Frank Brough, USN, (Ret), 904-291-0584, [email protected] Director: RADM Daniel Lestage, USN, (Ret), 904-264-6542, [email protected] Director: CAPT Frank Brough, USN (Ret), 904-291-0584, [email protected] Director: CDR Don Walsh, USN, (Ret), 904-282-4650, [email protected] (PLEASE DETACH THIS PAGE AND SAVE IT FOR YOUR USE. THIS PAGE WILL NOT BE A PERMANENANT PART OF THE “NOR’EASTER”
GOING FORWARD. THIS PAGE WILL ONLY BE PART OF THE “NOR’EASTER” WHEN CHANGES OCCUR.) 4/17
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PLACE YOUR AD HERE!
PLACE YOUR AD HERE!
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Military Officers Association of America
Northeast Florida, Inc., (FL-18)
P.O. Box 442022
Jacksonville, Florida 32222-2022
2017 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION OR RENEWAL NEW MEMBERSHIP or RENEWAL NORTHEAST FLORIDA CHAPTER
The Military Officers Association of America
A local organization comprised of retired, regular, reserve and former officers of the uniformed services. Dedicated to the safeguarding and the promoting the best interests of Our Country; its uniformed services; its members and their Dependents; and their survivors, in every proper manner. Chapter members are required to have and maintain a National MOAA membership.
Annual dues are $25.00 ($12.50) for (Surviving Spouse)
Chapter dues are payable in January yearly. Please enclose your check; Make check payable to: MOAA NEFL
Please complete the following for our records and mail to: MOAA NE FL CHAPTER
P.O. BOX 442022
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32222-2022
For renewals please indicate and changed information
LAST FIRST INT RANK SERVICE ACTIVE/RETIRED DATE OF BIRTH
SPOUSE’S NAME
ADDRESS STREET APT# CITY ST ZIP
PHONE # EMAIL ADDRESS: _
SIGNATURE
