1
January – February 2017
From the President:
This is my first
column as your
new president.
Though I have
been a member
of MOAA Chapters in New York
and Tennessee for 15 years, I am
relatively new to the Myrtle
Beach area and the Grand Strand
Chapter. My wife, Gale, and I
arrived here two years ago and
have enjoyed the weather, beach
activities, tennis and golf. I want
to thank past-president Greg
Youngman and his team for
making the transition of the
newly elected as smooth as
possible.
So what can you expect of us?
First, in recognition of the many
accomplishments and
obligations taken on by the
chapter, we don’t want to drop
the ball. Most of the new officers
are recent members of the
chapter, and we can use your
guidance and continued
involvement in what we do. In
my acceptance comments at the
swearing in at the January
meeting, I highlighted what I
consider to be success factors for
our chapter. They are 1) to
continue to grow membership, 2)
to retain members, 3) to
encourage as many members to
be involved as possible, 4) to
schedule interesting speakers, 5)
to adequately fund our chapter,
6) to support MOAA national,
and 7) to continue to do good
works.
If you want to be more active in
our chapter, look at the list of
directors listed on the next page.
If there is some activity that
interests you, contact the name
next to it. If there is some other
area you feel we should be
involved in, let us know that, too.
I encourage you to step up.
Besides doing something that
will benefit others, it is a good
way to meet and work with
members of our chapter. You
will find your membership more
rewarding and worthy.
I look forward to serving as your
president in 2017!
COASTAL TIDE Military Officers Association of America
Grand Strand Chapter Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
www.grandstrandmoaa.com
January-February 2017
OFFICERS/ DIRECTORS
President Dave Townsend
1VP/Programs Randy Dymond
2VP/Membership Jerry Eubank
Past President Greg Youngman
Treasurer Tony Prince
Secretary Kelly Sharbel
Chief of Staff Bob Hawkins
JROTC Dean Brown
ROTC Dave Townsend
Surviving
Spouses Melody Wages
SC State Guard Jerry
Terwilliger
Scholarship Hans Duerr
Legislative
Affairs Jimmy Jacobs
Transition
Officer Bill Stewart
Social
Director Jerry
Terwilliger
Historian Bill Warner
Newsletter Kelly Sharbel
Fund Raising Greg Youngman
Webmaster Bob Hawkins
Personal Affairs Greg Hill
Veterans
Outreach Rufus Manning
Hospitality
Committee Melody Wages
2
Chaplain’s Corner
By Greg Hill
Back in December, Janice Dean, the senior
meteorologist for Fox News, said that it had been the
coldest December on record so far in New York City.
We have also experienced some cold days this winter
on the Grand Strand. There was also a story in the
same newscast, about a young man who came to work
at Chick-Fil-A with his arm in a cast. When asked
why he was at work, he said that he wanted to make
money for Christmas to help feed the homeless and
buy Christmas presents.
Thank you so much for your generous gifts of food
and gently used coats and sweatshirts at our
November and December meetings. All the clothing
went to the Low Country Veterans Group to
distribute to homeless and poor Veterans. The
food was taken to a local food pantry. I have provided
a picture of the food pantry shelves.
During the holidays, I noticed a banner at the Myrtle
Beach VA Clinic which says “Merry Christmas,
Happy Hanukkah, Celebrate Kwanzaa, Observe
Ramadan. However YOU celebrated, I hope your
holiday season was filled with joy, generosity, and
gratefulness! I guess we are all two months into the
annual post-holidays diet!!
Importantly, please pray for our new national leaders
and our new MOAA Grand Strand Chapter
leadership as they guide us forward in service in
2017.
Board of Directors
President: Dave Townsend Social Director: Jerry Terwilliger Newsletter Editor: Kelly Sharbel
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
1stVP/Programs; Randy Dymond JROTC: Dean Brown Surviving Spouse Liaison: Melody
[email protected] [email protected] Wages, [email protected]
2ndVP/Membership: Jerry Eubank Fundraising/golf: Greg Youngman Webmaster: Bob Hawkins
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Treasurer: Tony Prince Legislative Affairs: Jimmy Jacobs Past President: Greg Youngman
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
703.304.7398
Public Relations: Roger Pilcher Historian: Bill Warner
Secretary: Kelly Sharbel [email protected] [email protected]
TOPS: Bill Stewart Chaplain: Greg Hill Scholarship: Hans Duerr
[email protected] ghill@[email protected] [email protected]
Veterans Outreach: Rufus Manning,
Editorial Policy: The Coastal Tide is published by the Grand Strand Chapter, an affiliate of the Military Officers
Association of America (MOAA). MOAA and its affiliated chapters and councils are non-partisan.
Advertisements that may appear in this publication or website do not represent an endorsement by MOAA or its Grand
Strand chapter.
3
Chapter Membership Report
By Bob Hawkins
2016 was another outstanding year. We added a total
of 20 new members, ending the year with 159
members (who renewed their chapter membership by
the end of the year).
Several of our new members are already participating
in essential Chapter Officer and committee positions
which will ensure the future growth of our Chapter.
There are two known 2017 challenges:
(1) We need to retain all of our 2016 members; and,
the Chapter’s 2017 dues are now due. Please
complete the application/renewal form on the back
page of this newsletter, include your $20 annual dues
payment, and mail it to: MOAA Grand Strand
Chapter, P.O. Box 15842, Surfside Beach, 29587.
(Alternatively, you can bring your form and payment
to the March dinner meeting at the Pine Lakes
Country Club.)
(2) Most Chapter members are National members;
however, an increasing number are not yet. Our
Chapter needs to maintain at least 95% National
membership to compete for the coveted Levels of
Excellence (5-star) recognition. If you are not a
national member, please contact our President, or
Membership Chairman, for additional information or
assistance.
In closing, I wish to thank all of our Officers, Board
Members, and other active Chapter members who
have facilitated our very successful membership
programs during the past 5 years. And, I am pleased
to inform you that our new Chapter 2nd VP, Jerry
Eubank, COL, USA (retired), has graciously
volunteered to replace me as the Chapter’s
Membership Chairman. Jerry has previously served
as a Chapter president.
I/we are confident that he will lead our chapter to
even higher levels of growth and resulting
prominence in our coastal communities.
Welcome New Members
Jerry Crews, COL (retired), US Army
Gale Fellowes, LCDR (former), US Navy
Richard Townsend, LCDR (former),
US Public Health Svc.
Paul Cunningham, CPT (former), US Army
Garrison Cabe, LT (retired), US Navy
Larry Camp, CW03 (retired), US Coast Guard
Kevin Boyle, CAPT (retired), US Navy
LTG Fred Vollrath Passes It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we
report the death of Lieutenant General Frederick E.
Vollrath, an active, loyal member of our Chapter.
LTG Vollrath, former Assistant Secretary of Defense
(Personnel and Force Management), corporate
Human Relations Executive for Computer Sciences
Corporation, and retired US Army general officer,
passed away on January 1, 2017.
His interment will be conducted at the Arlington
National Cemetery on May 23 at 11 a.m.
Personal Affairs
To be placed on our prayer list and/or
arrange for visitation, transportation, or
assistance, contact our Chaplain, Greg
Hill: [email protected] or by phone
at 843.231.4507
4
Golf Tournament
Update
By Greg Youngman
Planning for the 2017 Grand
Strand MOAA Golf Tournament
has begun and is picking up
steam. The Golf Committee is
meeting regularly and making
progress in working out all the
details of this important event.
As we go forward, I and the
committee would like all of our
members to consider three
important points.
First, this is our chapter’s most
important fund raiser. Its
success is critical to our being
able to carry out our charitable
programs for this year.
Secondly, we are trying a new
strategy this year by seeking out
a major sponsor for the
tournament. We are looking for
a business or organization that
wants to support veterans and the
work we do as a chapter and is
willing to financially support the
tournament to do so. We will
obviously continue to seek out
smaller donors and sponsors but
being able to identify and recruit
a major sponsor will ensure the
continued success of our effort.
Finally, we need YOU to make
this tournament the success it has
been in the past. Previous Golf
Committee members have left us
a solid legacy of achievement to
build on. We continue to need
additional committee members.
We need anyone who may know
of potential businesses or
sponsors to let us know who they
are and be willing to contact
them. We need volunteers for
the day of the tournament to
ensure it runs smoothly and is
enjoyable so that entrants want to
come back.
If you are reading this and are
looking for a short-term
volunteer assignment, we are
looking for you. Come join us.
You will have a good time and
will experience the great
satisfaction of knowing you have
made a tremendous contribution
to our chapter and all those
veterans and chapter members
we serve.
2017 Dues Are Due Annual Dues are still $20. If you have not paid already, please do so as soon as possible. Our membership Chairman Jerry Eubank will be happy to hear from you.
2017 Budget Approved
By Tony Prince
The Grand Strand Chapter
Board of Directors approved the
chapter budget for 2017 at its
January 5 meeting.
The Board anticipates 2017
revenue to total $44,636.80.
With a carryover of $17,069
from 2016, it is estimated that
there will be a total of
$61,706.68 available for 2017
programs. The major sources of
chapter revenues are dues,
dinner receipts, donations, and
most importantly, the annual
golf tournament.
The Board approved estimated
expenditures of $44,830.00 for
2017. Major expenditures
include dinner expenses, ROTC
scholarships, golf tournament
expenses, and veterans outreach
programs.
By comparison revenue in 2016
totaled $46,742.55 with an
additional 4,010.34 carried over
from 2015. Expenses for 2016
expenses were $35,759.18. The
new budget allows the chapter
to continue its annual programs
at previous levels and maintain
member dues at 2016 levels.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
May 25, 2017
Heritage Golf Club
For More Information
Contact
Greg Youngman
843.314.0079
John Short
843.251.4051
5
Chapter Updates
Captain Jerry Rovner, US Navy (Retired), provided the chapter September
dinner meeting with an insightful and often inspiring perspective of the
events of the September 11 attacks. Captain Rovner served as a senior
member of the post-attack response team and helped direct rescue efforts
at the site of the World Trade Center in New York. Captain Rovner is a
member of the Grand Strand Chapter.
Veterans Outreach Chairman Rufus Manning (left) led a
MOAA team including Jimmy Jacobs (right) from the Grand
Strand Chapter who participated in and supported the annual
Veterans Stand Down in September. The event is held
annually by a coalition of veterans’ interest groups to assist
Grand Strand homeless veterans and veterans in need.
Grand Strand Chapter member Harry D Bu ois mans the MOAA table at the Stand
Down in September. Twenty-two Grand Strand Chapter volunteers participated
in the event with commitment and compassion. The Chapter provided $1600 in
financial support for the event. Those funds went to purchase blankets with the
MOAA logo, outdoor boots, and administrative supplies.
Rufus Manning and Doris Gleason of AARP at Stand Down. The official
attendance number for the 2016 Stand Down was 185 homeless, near
homeless, or special assistance needed veterans. The success of Stand
Down is only made possible because of all the Chapter’s support and
especially the hours given to its execution by all of our volunteers. The
thanks expressed by the veterans who attended was generous and
heartwarming.
6
Treasurer Tony Prince and Past Secretary Jerry Terwilliger take
part in the Officers’ Call held at Gordon Biersch in Market
Common. The September event was a community outreach,
recruiting, and social event for Chapter members. Similar events
are expected to be planned in 2017.
Following the November dinner meeting, Chapter members
enjoyed a very informative panel discussion on the health
and related issues impacting veterans’ in our communities.
Facilitated by Greg Hill and Rufus Manning, the expert
panel members included (left to right): Mr. David Murphy,
Georgetown County Veterans Affairs Officer, Mr. Scott
Isaacks, Director/CEO, Ralph H. Johnson, VA Medical
Center (Charleston); and Mr. Ronald Elvis, Director, Horry
County Veterans Affairs.
Mrs. Joan Wobbleton, Quilts of Valor Foundation Myrtle Beach area
manager, presented Jimmy Jacobs (left) and Frank Esposito (right)
with coveted Quilts of Valor, at the November dinner meeting.
Started in 2003, Quilts of Valor is a national effort to recognize
veterans and ensure they are thanked for their service. More than
150,000 have been awarded nationwide. Joan and her husband Jim
are truly inspiring in their local efforts having presented more than
700 Grand Strand veterans with Quilts of Valor. There are more to
come.
Past President Greg Youngman and Treasurer Tony Prince presented Paul
Cunningham with a $1000 check from Grand Strand MOAA for the Fisher
House being built in Charleston. Fisher House is a facility for the families
of patients at the Ralph E. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center
in Charleston. The 31 VA Fisher Houses in the US assist veterans’ families
by providing them room and board while their loved one undergoes medical
treatment. There are 71 Fisher Houses at US medical facilities around the
world. Paul is a member of the Grand Strand Chapter.
7
Chapter Updates
Chapter members and guests enjoyed a festive evening during our December dinner meeting
on Tuesday, December 13 at Pine Lakes Country Club. The Low Country Barbershop Chorus
began the evening with a spirited rendition of The National Anthem and continued to serenade
the attendees during dinner with Christmas songs.
The Grand Strand Chapter was very generous in donating toys,
food, and gently used clothing in our annual toy and gently used
clothing drives. Past President Roger Pilcher, who serves as our
Toys for Tots representative thanked our Chapter for another
banner year of donations. Chaplain Greg Hill thanked the
attendees for our continued generosity in supporting local shelters and food kitchens
throughout Horry and Georgetown Counties.
We were honored by the attendance of MOAA State Council President, Col David Lobb,
USA (Retired), who provided a brief update of MOAA initiatives at the state and federal
level. After his remarks, he presented President Greg Youngman with the Grand Strand
Chapter’s 5th consecutive 5 Star Levels of Excellence Streamer and the 5 Star
Communications Award for 2015.
Following dinner, 1st Vice President Tony Prince presided over a recognition ceremony for
our outgoing President, Greg Youngman. Greg was honored by National MOAA with the National MOAA Leadership
Award which is awarded to deserving chapter or council officers whose exceptional performance merits special recognition.
The citation cites Greg’s “vision and commitment” as driving factors in the continued growth of the chapter. In addition, the
Award citation praised his personal involvement and leadership acumen as having resonated with members of the Grand
Strand Chapter and the local community.” 2nd Vice President Bob Hawkins presented Greg with a plaque from our Grand
Strand Chapter which reads in part, “from the men and women who were proud to serve with you.”
During the awards ceremony, Greg also presented Bob Hawkins the MOAA National President’s Award for his exceptional
service to our chapter and national MOAA. Since joining the Chapter in 2008, Bob Hawkins has been an exceptional member
of our Chapter Officers and Board of Directors. He has made significant and far reaching
contributions since assuming the duties of the 2nd Vice President in 2010. Throughout the
intervening years, he has played a critical role in building a viable governing organization now
comprised of 16 Directors, an increased operating budget that has grown to close to $50,000, a
new not-for-profit status, and a membership base of more than 160 involved members. Bob's
collaborative efforts, leadership, and ingenuity also resulted in a significant contribution to the
Chapter receiving 5 Five Star LOE awards during his tenure as our 2nd VP.
Chapter Elections
A new slate of officers were elected during the November monthly dinner meeting at
Pine Lakes Country Club. Officers elected were President Dave Townsend, First
Vice-President/Programs Randy Dymond, Second Vice-President/Membership Jerry
Eubank, Treasurer Tony Prince, and Secretary Kelly Sharbel. Outgoing President
GregYoungman presented incoming President Dave Townsend with the Chapter’s
gavel. Dave then presented Greg with a Past President’s pin.
8
Legislative Update By Jimmy Jacobs
Source: MOAA National
http://www.moaa.org/takeaction/
HR 846 Needs Your Support
Contact your Congressional representatives urging
them to support HR 846 to phase out the deduction of
VA disability compensation from service-earned
retired pay for all disabled retired service members.
VA Will Be Not Privatized Says New Secretary
(Item from MOAA newsletter)
Dr. David Shulkin, the President’s pick to run the
VA, has significant plans to reform the department
but those reforms won't include a move toward
privatized care.
“There will be far greater accountability,
dramatically improved access, responsiveness, and
expanded care options,” Shulkin told members of the
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee at his
confirmation hearing. “If confirmed, I intend to build
a system that puts veterans first and allows them to
get the best possible health care wherever it may be -
in VA or with community care.”
While Trump has hinted at plans to privatize the
massive department that serves millions of veterans
each year, Shulkin said that won't happen “under my
watch.” He also said he made no promises to Trump
about how he'd lead the VA.
Commissary Benefits Redefined Over the years, the Defense Commissary Agency
(DeCA) oft repeated claim that commissary shoppers
saved an average of at least 30 percent on brand-name
groceries over prices in commercial stores and
supermarkets has lost creditbility.
The rise of big box discounters and retail
supercenters, prices at discounters like Wal-Mart, and
the popularity and high profitability of grocery chain
private label brands have eroded DeCA’s claim.
Also, in a recent response to a congressional mandate,
DeCA released a new set of “baseline” estimates of
commissary savings that reflect these factors and
more.
Without reducing the value of the shopping benefit,
DeCA says, it has redefined how it measures savings.
Global savings across all 238 commissaries are
calculated now at 23.7 percent and savings stateside
at 20.2 percent. At 61 overseas commissaries,
average savings are 44.2 percent against local food
prices.
“This enhanced way of calculating savings doesn't
change the actual dollars that patrons save, but it will
give patrons a better understanding of price
comparisons in their local area,” said DeCA Director
Joseph H. Jeu in a press release Monday unveiling
revised savings estimates.
Arlington National Cemetery Options
The Arlington National Cemetery Advisory
Committee suggests eligibility restrictions as a
solution to the cemetery's capacity problems. The
National Cemetery will reach full capacity if nothing
changes. Potential courses of action being considered
include a provision to adopt the 24 months’ active
duty requirement. changing eligibility criteria to
include only those service members killed in action
and/or recipients of the Medal of Honor. Already
underway are two expansion projects to add 27 acres,
to be completed next year and another 40 acres by
2022.
A GI ENCOUNTER
By Hans Duerr
Toward the end of World War II my family was
harvesting potatoes on an Austrian farm, when a jeep
with American soldiers appeared and came to a
screeching halt. The driver jumped out, and, using
his hands to communicate, indicated he wanted
something round. However, he shook his head when
my mother offered him a potato, and proceeded to
gesture. Then a Sergeant got out, and, cupping his
mouth with both hands, let out a "cock-o-doodle-
doo." Now my mother understood! When she
returned with a basket of eggs from the near-by barn,
the soldiers waved a thankful good-bye, and we
breathed a sigh of relief. True story!
9
January Luncheon Featured One of
Our Own as its Speaker
At our January luncheon, the Grand Strand Chapter
was privileged to hear remarks from one of its own
distinguished members, the Honorable James
Lockemy, Chief Judge of the South Carolina Court of
Appeals. Judge Lockemy shared an inspirational
account of his rise as a son
of general store keepers to
his present position as well
as numerous distinguished
stops along the way. He
served four years of active
duty as a Judge Advocate
General officer and 26 years
in the South Carolina
National Guard, attaining
the rank of Colonel and is
currently a Major General of the South Carolina
Guard.
New Officers Sworn In.
Judge Lockemy also
swore in the new officers
of the Chapter. Taking
the oath of office were
President Dave
Townsend, 1st Vice-
President/Programs
Randy Dymond, 2nd
Vice-President/Membership Jerry Eubank, Secretary
Kelly Sharbel, and Treasurer Tony Prince.
Ramp Built for Vet. Thanks to the hard work of our
Veterans Outreach Chairman
Rufus Manning, the chapter
partnered with the War Vets
Motorcycle Club to build an access
ramp for a Myrtle Beach veteran
who was having difficulty
negotiating stairs into his house.
The chapter paid for the materials
and the motorcycle club did the
construction which was completed
in January.
New Recognition for Grand Strand
Chapter and Roses in February
At the Chapter’s February dinner meeting at Pine
Lakes Country Club, Past President Roger Pilcher
presented 1st Vice-President Randy Dymond with a
certificate of appreciation
for the Chapter’s generous
donations to Toys 4 Tots
program in 2016. Toys for
Tots is a nation-wide
program sponsored by the
U.S. Marine Corps
Reserves and provides gifts for children who might
otherwise not receive Christmas gifts.
The February dinner speaker was Mrs. Cindi Dodson
who serves as the Group Sales Representative for
Patriots’ Point in
Charleston. Mrs. Dodson
described the numerous
military attractions
contained at this
Charleston harbor facility.
Included are the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, the
USS Laffey Destroyer, the USS Clamagore
submarine, the Medal of Honor Museum, and a
Vietnam Experience Exhibit. The exhibit is a project
of the State of South Carolina and is governed by a
nine member Board of Directors appointed by the
Governor. The Chapter includes in its budget a
donation to the Medal of Honor Museum.
As the finale of the evening, the chapter honored the
ladies of the Grand Strand Chapter with the
presentation of a rose to each of those in attendance.
Thanks for all your love and support.
Next Chapter Meeting March 14, 2017
5:30 PM
Pine Lakes Country Club
Speaker: LTC Amy Johnston, USA (Ret.)
10
ONE POWERFUL VOICE
Application/ANNUAL RENEWAL FORM
Grand Strand Chapter MOAA: (Check one.) __Membership Application __Renewal __ Change of address
Chapter dues: $20.00 a year for regular membership. Auxiliary: $20 per year. Multiple year dues are encouraged to reduce
costs. Make check payable to: “Grand Strand MOAA”. Mail to: MOAA Grand Strand Chapter, P.O. Box 15842, Surfside Beach,
SC 29587.
Last name ___________________________________ First name __________________________ MI ______
DOB ________________ Rank _______ Service __________ Spouse’s name ___________________________
Address ____________________________________ City ____________________ State _____ Zip _________
Home phone ___________________________ Cell phone ______________________________________
Email address __________________________________________________________________________
Are you a member of National MOAA? ________ If yes, please provide membership number:
_____________________
Status: __ Retired __ Active __ Reserve __National Guard __ Former Officer __ Surviving Spouse ___ROTC
__JROTC {My signature verifies that the above information is accurate and that I am eligible for MOAA Chapter membership.}
Dues for year(s) ____________ Amount: $ __________Signature __________________________________
Additional amount (donation) for this year’s scholarship awards: $ _____________________
Current employment (optional):
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Professional skills (optional): _________________________________________________________________
• ROTC cadet membership is available at no cost for students.
MOAA Mission/Purpose: To foster fraternal relations (and mutual support) among retired, active duty, and former
officers of the uniformed services and their National Guard and Reserve counterparts, ROTC cadets, their families and survivors; Assist
community organizations that support service members and veterans and their families; to provide funds for college scholarships for
area high school seniors (normally JROTC students); conduct fund-raising to support other service member and veterans’ programs
(e.g. Wounded Warrior visits); provide annual MOAA leadership awards to graduating cadets in all area high school approved/active
JROTC programs; participate, collaboratively, in coastal community events and activities, as priorities and resources permit; Maintain a
proactive chapter affairs program that supports members during health and other family emergencies; promote the aims and objectives
of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); and, the aims and objectives of the SC MOAA Council of Chapters.