President’s Message
Fellow Officers:
I hope this finds you all well and enjoying your summer. Your
board has taken July and August off, as well. The board will have
our September meeting on August 29th as we could not find an acceptable
date during the first two weeks of September.
Many of you have forwarded me and other members of the board various
iterations of email “forwards” that are flying around the internet
containing claims about various plans to denigrate TRICARE and VA medical
benefits. I have forwarded examples of them to MOAA headquarters
and requested comment. I received a response from COL Lange who assured
me that they are “simply not true.” He said that MOAA is preparing
a response to deal with these and that he will send it to me when it is
completed. It apparently will not be in time for this newsletter.
We will try to post it on the website, if possible, and include it in the
next newsletter.
The Healthcare Reform Bill (or whatever it ends up being named) is of
more instant interest, I would think. The most reassuring news, in
my opinion, is that Senator Baucus has assured our MOAA delegation that
the bill will in no way change anything about TRICARE of VA Medical care.
However, it stands to reason that assurance needs to be measured by any
changes to MEDICARE. We all know that TRICARE disbursement rates
are linked to MEDICARE rates. If they drop to levels that are not
acceptable to providers then they will reduce the number of MEDICARE/TRICARE
patients they accept or stop accepting us altogether.
Elsewhere in this Newsletter our excellent and dedicated Editor, John
Vermillion, has provided the latest credible information about these issues.
Rest assured that your officers and board will work with National MOAA
and do our best to keep you informed. I suggest you check our website
for information we deem timely. We will certainly put out alerts
that MOAA sends to contact our legislators. If you do not subscribe
to the MOAA weekly Legislative Update via email, I suggest you do so at
the MOAA
website.
Enjoy the rest of your summer. I look forward to seeing you at
our luncheon on September 18th at Atlantic Shores.
Respectfully,
Norm
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HRCMOAA Directory
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Directors
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Committees
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| MOAA Legislative Update
(Weekly Issue) |
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| Health Care Reform |
| As Congress enters its month-long August
recess, I want to clarify MOAA’s perspective on national health care reform
and its possible implications for you and all members of the military and
veterans' community and their families and survivors. Many MOAA members
have strong opinions on the politicians involved, strong preferences for
one political party or the other, and strong views on both the principle
and the specific details of national health care reform.
From MOAA’s standpoint, our tax-exempt,
nonprofit status precludes us from taking partisan stands for or against
any politician or political party. We take positions on issues. And
in the interest of delivering our members the most bang for their membership
buck, we devote our limited resources to addressing issues that directly
affect our national defense and the military and veterans' community.
For these reasons, our primary focus is
on the aspects of the draft health care legislation that will affect you
and the military community - military and VA health care, TRICARE, Medicare,
and TRICARE For Life. Our research and advocacy efforts on national health
care reform are targeted at six primary goals:
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Safeguarding military and VA beneficiaries’
health benefits;
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Ensuring military and VA beneficiaries can
choose other insurance;
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Ensuring military and VA beneficiaries aren’t
taxed on the value of those health benefits;
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Preserving and improving military and VA beneficiaries’
access to providers of quality health care;
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Ensuring long-term sustainment of Medicare
(and TRICARE For Life) - and a fix for the broken Medicare payment formula
that now poses annual threats of significant cuts that would erode providers’
willingness to see Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries; and
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Keeping our members apprised of how pending
legislation could affect them and encouraging grassroots communications
to their elected representatives to protect their interests.
We've sent a Military Coalition letter to
every member of Congress, and thus far MOAA members have generated over
35,000 e-mails to their legislators using our alert. Every indication we've
received from the Administration and congressional leaders of both political
parties is that they share the goals listed above (read MOAA’s Aug. 7 legislative
update for the latest specifics).
But there's a long way to go in the legislative
process, and hard experience tells us severe budget pressures can undermine
the best intentions.
The bottom line: The entire MOAA staff
and I are here to serve you. We will continue communicating with you, so
we can let you know what we are working on and you can tell us what your
concerns are. Please make sure you are signed up for our weekly Legislative
Update and check our Health Care Happenings blog for the most up-to-date
information. I want to assure you MOAA will continue to be extraordinarily
vigilant on this front. I encourage you to use MOAA’s national health
reform alert to keep pressure on Congress to protect your interests. And
please visit with your elected officials during this August recess.
Thank you for your continuing support and membership in MOAA.
All the best,
VADM Norb Ryan Jr., USN (Ret), President
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| President Vows to Protect TRICARE,
VA. |
| We’ve reported in previous columns and
blogs about assurances we’ve received from legislators and staffers of
both parties that there’s no intent to affect TRICARE or VA beneficiaries’
benefits or taxes under ongoing national health reform initiatives.
President Obama called a small group of
military-oriented reporters in for a White House interview to emphasize
this point. Syndicated columnist Tom Philpott and the Stars and Stripes
ran articles quoting the president as saying this effort will not diminish
TRICARE or VA health benefits for service families or retirees .
“While his universal health care plan is still in flux, Obama is promising
that none of the changes will affect Tricare or VA health services,” according
to Stars and Stripes .
We’ve also said you can never say “never.”
That’s why MOAA and The Military Coalition have sent letters to every member
of Congress and why MOAA has generated more than 35,000 member messages
to Congress through our Web site, urging legislators to ensure military
and VA health coverage isn’t curtailed or taxed under any reform bill.
On the Hill, Reps. Joe Wilson (R-SC) and
Steve Buyer (R-IN) secured amendments to bills in the House aimed at ensuring
those protections.
To date, we haven’t found anyone on the
Hill who isn’t supportive of protecting VA and TRICARE. |
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| What About Medicare and Tricare For
Life? |
| Now let’s take a look at how national
health reform legislation would affect Medicare. That’s a big issue for
military retirees and survivors age 65 and over, for whom TRICARE For Life
is a Medicare supplement. It also has the potential to affect beneficiaries
under age 65, since TRICARE payment rates are tied to Medicare’s.
First things first: Nobody can be
certain what the effects will be at this point, because there are already
four 1,000-page bills on the table and at least three more still to come.
Three House committees have passed
separate versions, and House leaders are now negotiating behind closed
doors how to combine those into one. One Senate committee has approved
its own bill, and another is working behind closed doors to develop an
alternative that could win some bipartisan votes. If and when that happens,
Senate leaders will have to find some ground between the two that can win
Senate approval.
And then House and Senate leaders
will have to work out a further compromise that both the House and Senate
can pass and that the President will be willing to sign.
So everything we may think we know now
is subject to change tomorrow.
It’s also essential to keep in mind
that Medicare is nearing an extremely serious fiscal sustainability problem.
The coming wave of retiring baby boomers, plus the escalating cost of care,
will dictate dramatic benefit cuts and/or tax increases in the not-too-distant
future unless something else is done to ease the growing mismatch between
benefits and funding. Since the population projection isn’t going to change,
Congress must find ways to restrain spending growth in the least objectionable
way, and that’s what every legislator is trying to do, in his or her own
way.
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| Here’s MOAA’s bottom line: |
| Congress is not going to “kill Medicare”
or “kill TFL” Seniors are the most powerful voting bloc in America,
and legislators aren’t going to flagrantly disregard their interests.
Many things in the health care reform legislation are positive for Medicare/TRICARE
beneficiaries and seek reasonable cost constraints that minimize impact
on beneficiaries.
There also are some things that cause
justifiable concern, such as (a) the risk of putting significant power
in the hands of a commission or set of administrators who would be empowered
to take action that might or might not be draconian at some point in the
future, (b) the potential for extending means-tested premiums ever-further
down the income scale, and (c) using some Medicare savings to fund universal
health care, but applying cost-constraint “hammers” (e.g., a future commission)
only to Medicare. There’s no denying that something has to be
done to constrain Medicare cost growth, as the alternative (much higher
taxes) won’t fly, and that will almost certainly necessitate some “lesser
of the evils” choices. There’s no free lunch, especially coming
into a new decade in which the country faces massive economic challenges
and rising deficits. If something isn’t done now, the task will only get
tougher later.
Part of the challenge to understanding,
is that some in both parties and their supporters use rhetoric aimed more
at scoring political points than providing factual perspectives.
MOAA will keep vigilant to protect members’ legitimate interests, and MOAA
members need to respond with grassroots action when those interests come
under attack. |
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From the Editor 
VIRGINIA WOUNDED WARRIOR PROGRAM
Information provided by Jack Hilgers, Legislative Representative. |
| The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (VWWP) continues to support veterans
and members of the Virginia National Guard and Reserves not on active duty
who are suffering from combat-related head injuries and stress disorders
through coalitions of five regional Community Service Boards.
The Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth
University and VWWP received a grant to ease the return of war veterans
to their homes and communities in Virginia. The Commonwealth Neurotrauma
Initiative (CNI) Trust Fund awarded $398,700 to fund the project Common
Ground: Linking Wounded Warriors and Community Support Providers. This
collaborative project will provide training and resources to help community
support providers throughout Virginia – including volunteers, brain injury
service providers, clinicians and peers – work with veterans with traumatic
brain injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and their families.
“Training our service providers to understand the military context and
culture in which combat stress and traumatic brain injuries occur is essential,”
said Cathy Wilson, Executive Director of VWWP. “We are establishing a new
services system based in communities throughout the Commonwealth. Education
is key to understanding and supporting our military service members and
families as they transition to civilian life.”
The MOAA Virginia Council of Chapters, that supported the establishment
of VWWP and associated fundraising, is encouraging 100% participation of
its Chapters in the fundraising endeavor. Nine of the 16 Chapters
have made contributions during FY08 and FY09 totaling $9,760.
The George C. Marshall Chapter is leading the charge and kicked off FY10
with a $2,600 contribution from their Clay Shoot and is holding its first
annual “Wounded Warriors Golf Tournament” on August 11, 2009 at the Lexington
Golf and Country Club. Chapters get credit for individual Chapter
members who make contributions. VCOC is looking for continued support
from contributing Chapters. All of the Chapters, who have not as
yet contributed, are expected to get on board this fiscal year. Our
Hampton Roads Chapter was credited with contributing $2,485.00.
To contribute, Click Here for more information |
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Military ID Card Notification Program
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| This program is designed to help Chapter members and their dependent’s
to renew their 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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HONOR FLIGHT HISTORIC TRIANGLE VIRGINIA SOUTHSIDE
HAMPTON ROADS
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| The second Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC, for World War II veterans
is scheduled for 17 October.
Honor Flight Historic Triangle Virginia Inc. is a non-profit whose purpose
is to provide the opportunity to every World War II veteran in the Historic
Triangle Area (Hampton Roads, Tidewater) who is able and has not
been to Washington DC to visit theWorld War II Memorial. The intent
is to accomplish this before all our veterans of that war leave us. Veterans
pay nothing for the trip. Volunteers organize the veterans for travel,
arrange the travel both to and from Washington, and arrange all activities
and meals in Washington. It is funded 100% by private and commercial donors.
Honor Flight is supported by many veterans’ organizations in the region.
More information and applications for veterans and volunteers can found
at www.honorflighthtva.org.
Any questions, please email at HonorFlightHTVA@cavtel.net or call 877-424-VETS.
Our Hampton roads Chapter of MOAA Honor Flight contact is
Dave Wade dcwade@cox.net
(757) 560-0968.
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The World War II Memorial
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Virginia Wounded Warrior Program
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How can I help?
Virginia has provided a limited amount of funding for the Wounded Warrior
Program. The Commonwealth anticipates that its citizens will want to help.
The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation is available to receive contributions
to support the Program. The Foundation is an agency of the state
and is eligible to receive tax deductible contributions under Internal
Revenue Service Section 170 (c) and Code of Virginia Section 2.2-2719.
Donations are placed in the Veterans Services Fund and cannot revert to
the Commonwealth’s General Fund. In this case, they only can be used for
the Wounded Warrior Program. Donations to the Foundation are audited
annually by the Commonwealth’s Auditor of Public Accounts. This assures
that the maximum amount of citizens donations will go to our veterans and
not to administrative overhead. Information about contributing is
provided on the following page.
Contribution/Pledge of Support
Yes! You can count on my support to assist Virginia’s veterans, members
of the Virginia National Guard, Virginia residents of the Armed Forces
Reserves not on active federal service, and their family members, who are
dealing with the effects of traumatic brain disorders, combat stress, and
post-traumatic stress disorders resulting from their combat service and
sacrifice in the U.S. Armed Forces.
I am enclosing/pledging my most generous contribution in the amount
of:
__ $1,000 __ $500 __ $250 __ $100
__ $50 __ Other $________
Please make checks payable to:
Virginia Veterans Services Foundation
For: VWWP: 900 East Main Street, Ground Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Your contribution is tax exempt under Internal Revenue Service Section
170 (c) and Code of Virginia Section 2.2.2719. Donations are placed in
the Veterans Services Fund and cannot revert to the Commonwealth’s General
Fund. Please complete the following five lines for contributions
of checks or cash, or when making a pledge.
Name(s) ______________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Home Phone _______________________
Work Phone _______________________
Email_______________________________________
Employer __________________________
Occupation ________________________
For additional information about the Foundation or about contributing,
contact Col. Jack Hilgers (USMC, Ret) at the Department of Veterans
Services, 900 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, 804-382-3715 or 757-481-4164
or Steven Combs at the Department of Veterans Services, 804-786-0294. |
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UNPRIORTIZED JLC OBJECTIVES
FOR 2010 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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| Support the Department of Veterans Services FY11-FY12 Biennial Budget*
that includes:
a. Continued Level Funding for the Virginia Wounded Warrior
Program: Support a budget item in the Governor’s Budget that
(1) appropriates necessary funds to continue the Virginia Wounded Warrior
Program at current funding levels, and (2) expands the staff by one full
time position. The Military Officers Association of America will
be the primary JLC sponsor.
b. Continued Level Funding for the Automated Claims Processing
System: Support a budget item in the Governor’s Budget that appropriates
necessary funds to continue development of the Automated Claims Processing
System for veterans disability claims. The Korean War Veterans Association
will be the primary JLC sponsor.
c. Provide Funding to open and operate the Southwest Virginia
Veterans Cemetery: Support a budget item in the Governor’s Budget
to provide the funds required to open and operate the Southwest Virginia
Veterans Cemetery. NAUS will be the primary JLC sponsor.
*This JLC objective will be coordinated and sponsored by the Vietnam
Veterans of America. |
| Virginia War Memorial Operating Funds and FFE Funds: Support
budget items in the Governor’s Budget for (1) one-time funding for furniture,
fixture, and equipment (FFE), and (2) increased on-going operational funding
for the Galanti Education Center. The American Legion will be the
primary JLC sponsor.
Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans: Support
legislation to amend the Virginia Constitution to require local governments
to grant real estate tax exemptions for 100% service-connected disabled
veterans without regards to means testing. Identical legislation
passed the 2009 General Assembly and must pass the 2010 General Assembly
in the same form, before going to the voters for approval. Disabled
American Veterans will be the primary JLC sponsor.
Burial Vaults for Virginia State Veterans Cemeteries: Support
a budget item in the Governor’s Budget that appropriates funds so that
burial vaults may be provided for resale at cost at Virginia state veterans
cemeteries. The VFW will be the primary JLC sponsor.
Special Veterans Courts: Support legislation that allows
localities, at their discretion, to establish special veterans courts for
remedial treatment of veterans and military personnel accused of misdemeanor
crimes. This will be a participatory sponsorship effort by several
JLC members including the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America,
and others.
Military Family Relief Fund: Support administrative or
legislative initiatives to provide a subtraction when calculating Virginia
taxable income for individuals receiving a grant from the Fund. The
Virginia National Guard Association will be the primary JLC sponsor. |
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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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HRCMOAA October 23rd Luncheon
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HRCMOAA 23 October Luncheon, will be held at the Oceana Officers Club.
The planned guest speaker will be Frank Roberts, Executive Director
Hampton Roads Military & Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA).
A native of Chicago, IL, Frank graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy
with the Class of 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Science.
Frank completed a 27 year active duty career in 1996 retiring as a Captain.
During his career he accumulated over 4200 flight hours in tactical jet
aircraft - primarily flying the F-4 Phantom II and F-14 Tomcat. He is one
of less than 300 naval aviators to surpass 1000 carrier arrested landings.
Prior to retiring, Frank received a Master of Science degree in Education
from Old Dominion University. Upon transition out of the Navy, Frank was
first employed by OC, Incorporated and provided military analytical support
to the Joint Warfighting Center. From 1997 to 2003 Frank was employed by
Battlespace, Inc. and served as Vice President and Director of Hampton
Roads operations where he supported joint unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
experimentation at U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM). From 2003 until
2006 Frank was employed by Old Dominion University Research Foundation
and was assigned to USJFCOM to lead the Joint Operational Test Bed System
(JOTBS) UAV experimentation program focused on transforming intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Frank assumed the position of Executive Director for the Hampton Roads
Military and Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA) in August 2006. |
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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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| Board Meetings; held the first Saturday of each month at 0830
in the Little Creek Golf Course meeting room.
The October Chapter meeting will be held at the NAS Oceana Officers
Club. The program will feature CAPT Frank Roberts, USN Ret.
The November meeting will be our Annual Toys for Tots and Business
meeting. Location TBD. |
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IN MEMORIUM
CDR Earl M. Stein, USN RET
CAPT Juel Ann Loughney, USN RET
LCDR Albert R. Estes, Jr., USN RET
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