President’s Message
It’s always a pleasure to pass on good news. Effective October 1, 2008,
SBP participants who reach 70 years of age and have made 360 payments (30
years) will no longer have to pay premiums for continued SBP coverage and
will be placed in a “paid up” status.
The HRCMOAA in conjunction with AFCEA/USNI was successful in the Give
Me Ten Program. We were able to get fourteen (14) new members for MOAA.
Now is the time for local members to bring their dues up to date in
order that HRCMOAA can return to above 800 members.
Special Agent John Forken, CDR, USN (Ret) was the speaker on June 21.
His presentation on Islam and Jihad with their involvement to motivate
terrorism was scary. His presentation was detailed and informative.
Commander Forken said that he condensed a several hour program into thirty
minutes. It was a great program. Unfortunately, only 27 members and
guests attended the meeting.
We need more support for our socials. The cost of our socials include
the tax and gratuity.
As always,
God Bless America.
Jim Dellaripa
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HRCMOAA Directory
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Officers
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Directors
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Committees
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Program: 363-1094
MAJ Norm Crews,
USA Ret.
ncrews1@cox.net
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VCOC Representative:
382-9843
CDR John E. Vermillion,
USN-Ret.
vermillj@cox.net
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Legislative Affairs:
490-8383
Col Jack W. Hilgers,
USMC-Ret.
jackhilgers@earthlink.net
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Personal Affairs:
363-1094
MAJ Norm Crews,
USA-Ret.
ncrews1@cox.net
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Membership: 496-9524
CAPT John G. Colgan,
USN-Ret
john.colgan@verizon.net
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Publicity: 382-9843
CDR John E. Vermillion,
USN Ret.
vermillj@cox.net
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Community Affairs:
426-5392
CAPT Bill Lehr,
USCG-Ret.
bblehr@cox.net
CAPT Pat McFadden,
USN-Ret.
senchova@aol.com
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Information Systems:
481-0694
Col Richard A. Vogel,
USAF-Ret.
vogelra1@msn.com
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Webmaster: 490-5792
Maj Clifton G. Furedy,
USAF-Ret.
thrcmoaa@cox.net
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Editor: 382-9843
CDR John E. Vermillion,
USN-Ret.
Vermillj@cox.net
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From the Editor
The Virginia War Memorial
The Virginia War Memorial honors all Virginia veterans, and those killed
in combat during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm are particularly
honored in the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory. The Memorial’s mission
is to Honor our Veterans, Preserve our History, Educate our Children, and
Inspire Patriotism in All.
The Memorial was completed in 1956 as a Shrine and Memorial for World
War II and Korean War Virginia veterans. Following Vietnam, the Shrine
was enlarged in 1982 to honor Virginians killed in action in that conflict.
In 1996, the Virginians killed in action during Desert Storm were recognized.
The Shrine now honors 11,634 veterans whose names are engraved on its glass
and stone walls. At some point in time, it is expected the Commonwealth
will honor those who fell in combat in the War on Terror. Over 100
Virginian veterans have given their lives thus far in this battle.
Over 18,000 people visited the War Memorial in 2006, a 300 percent increase
in the last seven years. The Memorial’s facilities include three temporary
trailers and overall space is inadequate to serve the mission.
An Education Center has been planned to create the space for multiple
groups, to expand the educational opportunities and outreach for school
children and visitors and to provide for adequate visitor services and
administrative space.
The state provided funding in 2005, on a 50/50 match basis to provide
schematic designs for approximately 17,000 square feet of additional space,
(Current space includes 8,900 square feet and three temporary trailers),
and an improved outdoor amphitheatre to seat 800 visitors. This design
provides the essential space to accommodate multiple school and adult groups
in educational and patriotic programs.
The Education Center of the Virginia War Memorial will require both
government and private funding. The Virginia War Memorial Education
Foundation (VWMEF) is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt foundation - gifts are tax deductible.
If there are enough people donating money (indicating "Virginia MOAA" on
the naming contribution form), then we could earn a chance to "name"
a room in the new education center for the Virginia Chapters of the Military
Officers Association of America. The Veterans Research Library requires
$50,000 of donations. A conference room requies $25,000. If
most MOAA members in Virginia give a little, we could easily reach one
of the naming opportunities. The VWMEF website is www.vawarmemorial.org.
Telephone number is (804)786-2060. In the designation block enter;
Hampton Roads Chapter, “Virginia MOAA.”
The HRCMOAA will contribute $1,000.00 to this effort. We
encourage all members to consider donating to this cause. If
you have any questions please contact John Vermillion.
Thanks for your help.
John
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Urgent, Your Help is Needed!
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| The Retired Activities Office located at the Norfolk Naval Base is
in need of volunteers to man the help desk. Their mission is to provide
assistance to retirees, surviving spouses, active duty personnel contemplating
retirement, and family members. Assistance is provided to Navy/Marine
Corps retirees and their families as well as those from all other branches
of the military including retired reserves. The RAO provides direct assistance,
counseling, and current information on retiree related information.
Two Hampton Roads RAO branches include the Norfolk Naval Station office
and the Naval Amphibious Base office. These offices are staffed entirely
by volunteers, and are open for business between the hours of 1000 and
1400, Monday through Friday. To get more information, please contact
Gene Crabtree at 322-9113. As a volunteer you would be required to
work 1 day per week for 4 hours from 10 AM to 2 PM. Help Your Fellow
Retirees. |
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| MOAA Legislative Update |
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| Medicare/TRICARE Fix Clears Key Hurdle |
| If you were among the more than 11,000
people who responded to MOAA's special legislative alert on Tuesday, you
helped carry the day in the House of Representatives. The House passed
legislation (H.R. 3162) on Wednesday, August 1, that would stop the 9.9%
cut in Medicare and TRICARE payments to doctors that are scheduled to take
place in January 2008 under current law. The legislation would authorize
modest increases in those doctor payments for 2008 and 2009. MOAA thinks
these increases are essential if we want to prevent more doctors from refusing
to see elderly and/or military patients.
The House included the Medicare/TRICARE
payment provision in a huge omnibus health care bill that would increase
coverage of lower-income children under Medicaid, reduce payments to Medicare
HMO plans, and a variety of other changes, some of which are controversial
and have drawn a presidential veto threat.
The Senate version of the children's health
care bill doesn't include the Medicare/ TRICARE payment change, so there's
no telling whether those provisions will stay in the final version of the
bill that House and Senate leaders will be hammering out in September.
The Medicare/TRICARE payment issue must
be fixed before January. If it doesn’t stay in this bill, or if this bill
ends up getting vetoed, it's a near-certainty that Congress will be considering
alternative options to address the problem before the end of the year.
Some other issues of interest to MOAA members
that were included in H.R. 3126:
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A gradual reduction in Medicare copayments
for outpatient mental health services (from 50% to 20%);
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Elimination of Medicare copayments for most
preventive care; and
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A two-year extension of current rules that
allow increased Medicare coverage for "medically necessary" outpatient
physical and speech therapy.
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| Commission Clarifies Disability Recommendations |
| Representatives from MOAA and other military
and veterans' organizations met this week with executive staff members
of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors,
who provided further clarification of the Commission's proposals on benefit
adjustments for combat-disabled personnel.
Recommendations call for extensive restructuring
of the Defense Department's disability evaluation system and VA disability
compensation. Service and family members have lodged several complaints
over DoD's disability evaluation system as being overly complex and bureaucratic.
The Commission's staff reiterated that their sweeping changes are intended
to simplify the disability system. In particular, the commission proposes
that DoD should get out of the disability rating process and only determine
fitness to continue in service. Once that determination was made, it would
be up to the VA to establish the disability ratings that would be used
by both the services and the VA.
MOAA generally supported the report's recommendations;
but had reservations about commission recommendations that would appear
to base a disabled retiree's TRICARE eligibility on whether the disability
was combat-related. The commission staff clarified that that was
not the Commission's intent. All of the recommendations were based on the
Commission's charter, which was limited to the care of combat-wounded from
Iraq and Afghanistan. The staff said commissioners support providing the
same benefits to non-combat related disabled members and family members,
but didn’t address that explicitly because it wasn't part of their charter.
Another major concern was with the
Commission's proposed two-tiered VA disability compensation system, with
one payment for reduced quality of life and another intended to offset
lost earning potential. The commission staff said the quality of life payments
would be provided for a lifetime without subject to deduction from military
retired pay. But the earnings-replacement payments would cease at retirement
age and be replaced by Social Security payments. In essence, the earnings-replacement
payment would be means-tested.
MOAA recognizes that payment explicitly
represents compensation for lost income may not be needed if no income
is actually lost. The real issues would be who sets the income standard
being compensated, how much that should be, whether there should be differentials
for people at different stages of life, etc.
MOAA believes the Commission has done a
great service in identifying a large number of very positive recommendations.
Whenever there's a proposal for a fundamental change to a long-standing
compensation concept, there will be new issues to work through, and further
adjustments to recognize real-world circumstances. MOAA looks forward to
participating in future analysis and discussion of the Commission's work. |
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VCOC NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE TOP PRIORITY OBJECTIVES
2007 – 2008
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| Increase the size of ground forces: |
| The Administration has finally realized the need to increase the size
of our land forces. Current demands have almost “broken” our ground forces.
We urge this Congress to fully fund and increase the end strength of the
active Army to at least 650,000; ARNG to 350,000, Reserve Component to
205,000 and Marines to 202,000. Increased pay and benefits are needed to
recruit and retain a larger All Volunteer Force! We should not resort
to a draft. |
| Finally fix SBP and Concurrent Receipt: |
| The SBP-DIC offset must be eliminated and full concurrent receipt approved!
We understand there “wasn’t enough money” to finally fix these in the last
Congress. Again the answer is to increase the budget “top line” so that
there is enough money. It is the fair and right thing to do. These benefits
have a strong impact on the all volunteer force. |
| Stop the erosion of TRICARE benefits for retirees: |
| Cost savings in the Defense Budget must not be borne by retirees who
have served an arduous 20 to 30 year career. Any future proposals that
increase costs of retiree health care are unfair and send the wrong signal
to those serving, especially when recruitment and retention for the all
volunteer force are major challenges. |
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| The HRCMOAA has introduced a Military ID Card Notification Program
to help chapter members remember to renew their ID cards and their dependent's
ID cards in a timely fashion. Once you and your dependents are enrolled,
you will be notified of your impending ID card expiration date in sufficient
time for renewal prior to the expiration date. Note: Over
age 75 members, who are eligible uniform family members and survivors of
deceased personnel are now eligible for Permanent Identification Cards.
Apply within 90 days of expiration of current ID card. |
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| To enroll in this voluntary program, fill in the form at the link below
for each dependent and Send by Email or Print and Mail to: Military ID
Card Notification Program, HRCMOAA, P.O. Box 4612, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-0612. |
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Junior Achievement Wants You!
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| Are you interested in impacting the youth of our community? Junior
Achievement of Greater Hampton Roads is looking for volunteers who
want to inspire and prepare young people for the future. Through
training provided by the JA staff, volunteers become mentors to students
in Kindergarten-12th grade by preparing them for a financially stable future
through lessons on topics such as, free enterprise, financial literacy,
ethical business practices and work force readiness. JA provides
user friendly materials at no cost to the volunteer, teacher or school.
Last year Junior Achievement of Greater Hampton Roads reached 15,080 students
with the help of nearly 500 volunteers. All funding for this non-profit
organization is provided by local businesses, grants, and individual donors
from our community with all financial support staying in local schools.
It’s territory extends from Williamsburg down to Elizabeth City.
If you would like to impact the future and share your life experiences
contact April Hile today at (757)455-9500 for more information.
Also contact CAPT Bill Lehr or CDR John Vermillion. |
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Veterans can now render a smart hand salute to
the flag during all appropriate public events.
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| WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today praised
the passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law
to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current
law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not
in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying
whether they can or should salute the flag.
"The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's
military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members continue
representing the military services even when not in uniform.”
"Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans
and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation
will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to
salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.”
"I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at
baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate
way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States
who have served in the military and remain as role models to others citizens.
Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned
this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others." |
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HRCMOAA, SEPTEMBER 2007
LUNCHEON
| WHEN: |
Friday, September 14, 2007 |
| WHERE: |
Atlantic Shores Retirement Community |
| TIME: |
Social: 1100 Hours
Lunch: 1200-1300 Hours |
| MENU: |
Mixed Garden Salad,
Chicken Saltimboca
or
Potato Encrusted Salmon,
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Red Potatoes, Sugar Snap Peas, Warm Rolls
w/ Butter, and
Wildberry Pie. |
| PRICE: |
$17.00 per person |
| PROGRAM: |
LTG Robert Dail, Commander, Defense Logistics Agency |
| RESERVATIONS: |
Reservations by 1900 hours, September 9, 2007.
Call Norm Crews, 363-1094 or
Jim Dellaripa, 640-0947
Give name, Phone Number, Menu selection and Number attending. |
| Checks may be mailed to
HRCMOAA, PO Box 4612, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
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| A RESERVATION MADE IS A RESERVATION PAID |
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Please print, fill-in
and mail the pre-paid Reservation Form.
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VCOC Scheduled Functions
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| The VCOC Quarterly meeting, on 12 and 13 July, 2007, was held
in Lexington, Virginia. The George C. Marshall Chapter hosted the
event. A reception was held on the evening of 12 July with dinner
at a local restaurant. The meeting was held on 13 July.
The October meeting will be held on the 12th and is scheduled to be
at Ft. Monroe. This is our Bi-Annual meeting, where we recognize
the Chapter members who have died during the past 2 years. The October
meeting is being held in this area to recognize the 400th Anniversary
of Jamestown Celebration. The regular quarterly meeting will be held
at 1000 Hours. The Dinner Meeting, 1800-2100 Hours that evening,
will include the installation of officers for the years 2008 and 2009.
Contact John Vermillion prior to 15 September if you would like to attend. |
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Chapter Schedule
For the most current and up-to-date schedule of chapter events, click
on Calendar of Events
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| Aug 2007: Saturday 25th, Summer Social was held at Fort Story, Virginia
Beach.
Future Dates:
Sep 2007: Friday 14th, Atlantic Shores.
Oct 2007: Friday 19th, TBD.
Nov 2007: Monday 12th, Veterans Day Parade.
Nov 2007: Friday 16th, TBD.
Dec 2007: ROWS Dinner Dance, TBD.
Board meetings every month on the 1st Saturday at the Little Creek Golf
Club. Starts at 0830. All Members are welcome to attend. |
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VCOC Quarterly meeting
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| The 2nd Quarterly Meeting of the Virginia Council of Chapters
was held on 12 and 13 July at the George C. Marshall Museum on the VMI
Post in Lexington, Virginia. The meeting was hosted by the VCOC’s
newest chapter, the George C. Marshall Chapter. The President, MG
Thomas H. Tait, USA Ret is shown above welcoming all of the VCOC
members and guest to the meeting. The meeting was preceded by a reception
at the Museum and a dinner at a local restaurant located in the city of
Lexington. The guest speaker was Brigadier General Wes Taylor,
President and CEO of the George C. Marshall Foundation. General
Taylor is shown below briefing the group on the purpose of the Foundation. |
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MOAA Scholarship Fund
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| Memorial contributions may be made to the MOAA Scholarship Fund, for
deceased members of our Chapter, at Dept 889, Alexandria, VA 22334-0889.
Contributions may also be made at www.moaa.org.
Or you may call 800-234-6622. |
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VCOC PROPOSED;
Virginia Veterans Joint Leadership Council LEGISLATIVE
OBJECTIVES FOR 2007 – 2008
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1. Support Disabled Veterans Services (DVS) Strategic Goals
and Objectives outlined in EO 19 Report:
The DVS budget must be fully funded and resourced to accomplish its
specific recommended objectives (e.g. Turbo-vet; additional personnel,
etc.) The Virginia constitution should be amended to allow localities to
grant real estate tax exemption to 100% disabled veterans.
2. Support Virginia National Guard and Reserves:
Protect the requested NG budget despite any shortfalls in projected
state revenues. Keep the tuition assistance program fully funded, fund
needed O&M projects, and amend the Virginia Child Custody Act to protect
guardsmen and reservists.
3. Provide Tax Relief for Virginia Citizen Soldiers Called to Active
Duty:
Provide income tax exemption to Virginia citizens who serve in the
NG or Reserve and who are activated into full time service outside the
Continental United States in excess of 90 days.
4. Permit Virginia Resident Service Members to place a “Freeze” on
their Credit Files:
Provide the authority for Virginia domiciled service members and their
spouses to prevent either the unauthorized release of credit information
or the creation of unauthorized credit accounts. This is a major help to
prevent identity theft. |
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
To protect member privacy,
New Members and Directory Changes
are only available through the Members Access page.
Click
Here for Member Access
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Directory Changes and Email Corrections should be sent to
HRCMOAA
P.O. Box 4612
Virginia Beach, VA 23454-0612
Attention Dick Vogel
You may call Dick at 481-0694 or email vogelra1@msn.com
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Note to Movers
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| When we receive changes of address from the Postal Service, they cost
the chapter at least $.50 and do not include spouse, phone number(s),
or email addresses.
If you move please let the Chapter know by following
the directions above. |
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HRCMOAA Membership
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| Regular |
525
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| Auxiliary |
92
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| Honorary |
3
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| Total |
620
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Every Chapter member should check on their friends to see if
they are still members.
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Invalid Email Addresses
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Carrol E. Clausen <ccla830735@aol.com>
C. Thomas Clevenger <tomclev@navygunner.com>
Homer C. Cook <cook-dd-hc@worldnet.att.net>
Sheldon L. Corner <scorner5@cox.net>
Hugh J. Cox <ceacox@aol.com>
Wallace R. Hunter <hrwlmr@cox.net>
Dennis R. Keller <dkvabch@cox.net>
John P. Maynard <jpmsrasm@juno.com>
William A. Nagy <thenag@earthlink.net>
Jerry W. Odum <jerry027@verizon.net>
Malcolm L. Simmons <malsim@cox.net>
Earlene H. Swanson <earleneswanson@cox.net>
Kent J. Weber <kjcurly@verizon.net>
James J. Whitus <jwhitus@cox.net>
Ralph A. Wright <rawright2@cox.net>
If you change your email address please let the Chapter know via email
to
Dick Vogel vogelra1@msn.com
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IN MEMORIUM
CAPT George I. Chegin, USN Ret.
(Marion)
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