President’s Message
Fellow Officers:
As we begin a new year, I hope that each of you had a wonderful Christmas
and are enjoying a very happy New Year. I especially wish to thank
you for your support of our Chapter during the past year and look forward
to another year of great things for the Hampton Roads Chapter of MOAA.
Please join me in welcoming Jim Smith and Jim Edge to
our Board of Directors and Tedee Rink who continues in a second
term. In addition to his duties as Director, COL Edge will
be filling the unexpired term of Treasurer for the year. COL Smith
is a workhorse of our chapter. He was previously our Membership Chairman
and has participated in many activities for our chapter behind the scenes.
He proofreads our newsletter and filled in for Dave Wade on the
latest Honor Flight send-off and will be our future Coordinator.
We welcome them!
As we look back on the accomplishments of the past year, we look forward
to a new year filled with challenge and opportunity. We have recently
been informed that we have recruited 114 new members for national MOAA
in the “Give me 10” program for 2009. The credit goes to our hard
working Membership Chairman, Jack Colgan. He has worked hard
organizing our presence and scheduling our participation in many venues
for recruitment; such as, the Virginia National Guard Association Conference,
the NSLI/AFCEA event and others. Dave Wade also recruited many
new officers through the Gold Bar program at the ODU and Norfolk State
ROTC/NROTC Commissioning Ceremonies.
I would especially like to thank our 1st Vice President, Holly Hollandsworth.
and our Newsletter Editor, John Vermillion, for the outstanding
work they have done on our behalf during the past year. The 1st VP
is the most difficult job in the chapter. Planning our social events,
finding speakers that will interest our members, and venues that will be
enjoyable is a difficult and, at times, thankless job. Please join
me in thanking Holly for a job very well done. We all expect a quality,
interesting and informative bimonthly newsletter. However, we rarely
think about the work that goes into gathering the information, writing,
publishing, getting it to the printer and our mailing service. Thank
you John for all that you do.
I also wish to thank you for the support I have received from all of
you. I have only singled out a few of those who have worked so hard
to make our chapter a really quality organization, not to mention all those
who participate in our events and support us with your good wishes and
recommendations.
Happy New Year!
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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| The Real Health Care Threat |
| Dear members and friends of the military
community,
Previously, I told you that, while we respect
members’ strong opinions on both sides of the national health care reform
argument, MOAA would refrain from taking a position on the social and political
aspects and devote our limited resources to safeguarding military/VA beneficiaries’
health care benefits, protecting against taxation of those benefits, improving
access to providers, and ensuring long-term sustainment of Medicare and
TRICARE For Life (TFL). MOAA members have generated more than 130,000
messages to Congress in support of these goals, and legislators of both
parties have responded by including provisions aimed at holding military
and VA beneficiaries harmless. That said, there’s never any guarantee
that Congress won’t change something about Medicare, TRICARE, TFL, or VA
coverage, and we fully expect such changes could come in the future. In
that context, it’s important not to miss the forest for the trees.
It’s the next round of “adjustments” that
poses the greatest concern – the ones that will be required to address
the problem of the millions of baby boomers about to become eligible for
Medicare, which the current legislation doesn’t address at all. Most
Medicare cuts in the pending legislation are the relatively less painful
ones – $118 billion from eliminating the extra subsidy to the Medicare
Advantage HMO program (which was sold to Congress as a cost-saver, but
actually costs 14% more per person than Standard Medicare; DoD is cutting
back on its TRICARE Prime HMO system for the same reason), cutting about
$150 billion from non-rural hospitals (which the hospital associations
say they can handle because expanding insurance coverage to most Americans
will mean they won’t have to eat the cost of serving the uninsured), and
cutting back abuses in medical equipment (under current systems, Medicare
will buy you a wheelchair you might only need a few months, or allow a
company to rent you one for life for a permanent condition).
These are things most of us would probably
push to consider if it were our own money paying for them (which it actually
is). The real issue under national health care reform is that the
money from these Medicare savings will be used to fund expansion of health
insurance coverage to those who don’t have it now. It’s hard to argue that
reducing the number of uninsureds would be a bad thing. But using the relatively
“easy” Medicare savings initiatives to fund that means that when the baby
boomers start swamping Medicare and Social Security in the next few years,
Congress will be forced to look at more painful ways to fund that need.
Some in government already are pushing for a new entitlements commission
to recommend ways to rein in entitlement spending. The last such commission,
in 1994-95, considered a swath of changes – not just for Social Security
and Medicare, but also for military and federal civilian health care, retired
pay, VA disability compensation, and more. It took years of tough battles,
but we dodged most of those bullets, though we had to suffer COLA delays
for several years until we won them back. We expect those reviews and threats
to be renewed again – with even more force – within the next few years.
MOAA is already preparing for a major battle on those topics, to make sure
our government leaders in both the Executive and Legislative Branches understand
the important distinction between social insurance programs like Medicare
and Social Security and earned compensation for a career of arduous military
service and sacrifice. One hundred thirty thousand messages will
not be enough to win that battle. It will take millions, and that starts
with one person – you. If you know someone who is not an MOAA member, please
make it clear to them that MOAA is the lead organization looking out for
them (there’s a reason MOAA has been named the top military or veterans
lobbying association for three years in a row by The Hill). Tell them that
we need all hands on deck – and we need to count them in our membership
ranks now.
Having a strong, active membership equates
to clout, and clout is what we will need to protect our health care entitlement.
So, if you know someone who is not yet an MOAA member, forward them this
e-mail and have them call our Member Service Center at (866) 739-7106 and
mention this message to receive a special introductory one-year membership
price of only $15.
Thank you for your continuing support.
All the best,
VADM Norb Ryan Jr., USN (Ret)
President |
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From the Editor 
Planning Ahead For Storming Day at The Virginia General Assembly |
| The Virginia Council of Chapters, in preparation for a successful "Storming
the Hill" event on Jan 25, requests that Chapter Representatives and their
Presidents come to the Jan 8 VCOC meeting prepared to provide member names
of those planning to attend this key VCOC event. VCOC have requested
a larger room for our meeting and guest speaker presentations to eliminate
the usual "overflow" we've had in past years. Tentative plan this year
is to hold all activities in the General Assembly (GA) Building (GAB) to
eliminate moving the entire group from the GAB to the Capitol. Any member
desiring to attend should contact CAPT Jim Jones, USN Ret., our Chapters
VCOC Representative, NLT 12 January 2010. This is an excellent opportunity
to visit with your local Legislative Representative or Senator and highlight
the State Legislative Objectives. This can be a very rewarding experience,
numbers do count.
2009 Tax/Pay Statements Schedules Released
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) announced the 2009
tax and pay statement release schedule last week. The annual retiree
account statement (RAS) is available online now (via myPay).
While the annuitant account and the Internal Revenue Service form 1099R
should be posted online on December 14, 2009. Retirees and annuitants
who rely on hard copies via the U.S. Postal Service will have their tax
and pay statements mailed by DFAS before the end of December.
What cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase should retirees and annuitants
see in their annual account statement this holiday season? You could say
a lump of COLA! Inflation action declined during 2009, but the law
doesn't allow a negative COLA so retirees and annuitants won't see any
change in their gross retired pay from DFAS in 2010. Retirees
with questions about account statements or tax forms should call the DFAS
Contact Center at 1-800-321-1080. |
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| STATE LEGISLATIVE OBJECTIVES 2010 (Updated) |
| STATE LEGISLATIVE OBJECTIVES 2010 (Updated)
1. Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans.
The JLC requests the General Assembly enact 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.
Legislation passed the 2009 General Assembly and identical language must
also pass the 2010 General Assembly.
2. Support the Department of Veterans Services FY11-FY12 Budget.
The JLC requests that the Governor and General Assembly:
a. Continue level funding for the Virginia Wounded Warrior
Program (VWWP) at $2 million per year (GF); and
b. Appropriate $100,000 (GF) in FY11 to continue development of
the Automated Claims Processing System for veterans disability claims;
and
c. Provide the necessary resources to open and operate the Southwest
Virginia Veterans Cemetery: $40,000 (GF) in FY10, $285,000 (GF) and
$15,000 (NGF) in FY11 and ongoing, and five positions.
3. Virginia War Memorial Operating Funds and FFE Funds.
The JLC requests the Governor and General Assembly:
a. Appropriate $910,000 (GF) in FY11 to purchase furniture,
fixtures, and equipment (FFE) for the Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education
Center; and
b. Appropriate $693,000 (GF) in FY11 and on-going to operate the
Center.
4. Burial Vaults for Virginia State Veterans Cemeteries.
The JLC requests that the Governor and General Assembly appropriate $36,000
(GF) in FY11 so that burial vaults may be sold at cost at Virginia state
veterans cemeteries.
5. Military and Veteran Court Programs: The JLC requests
that:
a. The General Assembly enact legislation that would
authorize localities to establish special court programs for veterans and
military personnel; and
b. An educational program be established to educate judges, attorneys,
first responders, and others on the unique challenges faced by combat veterans
and the treatment options available to them; and
c. A study be conducted to identify further ways of helping combat
veterans who come in contact with the legal and criminal justice systems.
6. Military Family Relief Fund: The JLC requests an
administrative or legislative solution be found so grants from the Military
Family Relief Fund are not treated as taxable income. |
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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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Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2009
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| The Annual Parade, sponsored by the Hampton Roads Council of Veterans
Organization, was cancelled due to high winds and rain. The luncheon
was still held. |
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| CDR Earl Byers, USN Ret and Sgt Russell Malizia, USMC |
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| SSgt Bobby Mooreman, USMC, CAPT Jim Jones, USN Ret and
Sgt Cory Cruze, USMC |
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| Col Jack Hilgers, USMC Ret, and COL Floyd Gilbert, USA
Ret. Not shown is CDR John Vermillion, USN Ret, Photographer. |
| The guest speaker was James R. Chapman, American Legion Vice
Commander Department of Virginia. He believes that if you are
a wartime veteran, you owe it to yourself and all veterans to add
your name to the rolls of the American Legion, so you too can become a
veteran helping veterans.
Entertainment was provided by the “Voices” of Expression”, a group of
young children from Creeds Elementary School. |
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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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2008 Communications Awards
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| From the left, CAPT Jim Jones, USN Ret. , Col Jack Hilgers,
USMC Ret., and COL David Wade, USA Ret. are shown with the MOAA
Communications Awards for winner in the Newsletter, E-Newsletter, and Web
Site for our size chapter. The awards were presented by LTCOL
Pat Green, USA Ret. and VCOC President. |
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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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HRCMOAA Annual Toys for Tots Luncheon
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| Each year the Chapter and it’s members host the local Marine Corp Squadron
that heads up the Toys for Tots in this area. All members attending
are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for the program. This luncheon
is also our annual business meeting where we elect new Board Members and,
or, Officers for the next 2 years. Our President Norm Crews
is shown above presenting the Jefferson Cup to LtCol Jack Merkel,
USMC who was the guest speaker standing in for LtCol Stewart McKnelly,
USMC Commanding Officer of MAG 49 Detachment D. Other Marines, left
to right, PFC Joseph Golinske, SSgt Thomas Rodriguez, Cpl
Caleb Johnston, Cpl Todrick Body, & LCpl Errick Cunningham
Jr. |
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New Board Members Installed
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| During the November Luncheon, Chapter President Norm Crews
also installed two new board members for the next two years. Taking
the oath of office are (center) COL James Edge, USA Ret and COL
James Smith, USA Ret. |
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Pocket Field Pillows
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| CAPT Loren Heckelman, USN Ret, briefs the members attending
the Toys for November Tots Luncheon on the Pocket Field Pillows program.
This program was started by Carol Armstrong of Chesapeake, who has
a son deployed to the deeper regions of Afghanistan. She has
created Operation PFP. This effort involves making Pocket Field Pillows
(PFP's), embroidering them with a yellow ribbon, and shipping them to our
Soldiers. The pillows can be stuffed in the pant pockets of the BDU uniform.
To date almost 3,000 have been made and distributed to over a dozen units.
They have been so well received that units are asking for more.
This effort continues with the investment in time, materials, and dollars
by many community groups and companies. Currently over 100 volunteer
crafters in the Tidewater area donate their time to help cut fabric, sew
and stuff pillows. Since all fabric is now donated, funds are used
for pillow stuffing and shipping boxes to Iraq and Afghanistan. Your HRCMOAA
encourages support for this effort. For those who want to make a
donation or contribute in some other way, Carol can be reached at 757-488-2244
or carol@justforbabygifts.com |
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HRCMOAA October Luncheon
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| Above, President Norm Crews presents the Jefferson Cup to Katrina
Parker.
Our guest speaker was Katrina Parker, Community Relations Director,
The Memory Center, 1853 Old Donation Parkway, Virginia Beach. The relatively
new Memory Center in Virginia Beach Center is dedicated to ensure dementia
and Alzheimer’s patients live well by offering every incentive to celebrate
life and find purpose in each day. Approximately one-third of the
residents are retired military officers.
The Memory Center desires volunteers to come in and interact specifically
with the military retirees. It can be very rewarding for those who
can understand the Alzheimer and dementia patient’s environment.
If you want to meet this need for interaction with military patients as
a volunteer, state regulations require an application process, a TB test,
a background investigation and an indoctrination session prior to being
accepted. If you are interested and want to investigate further,
contact Katrina Parker, Community Relations Director, The Memory Center,
1853 Old Donation Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. She can be reached
at (757) 412-1180, Cell (757) 286-0468 or email: katrinaparker@thememoryctr.com.
Our HRCMOAA point of contact is Dave Wade at (757) 549-2123 or email:
dcwade@cox.net. |
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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 January Luncheon will be held at Atlantic Shores Community
on 22 January 2010. |
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IN MEMORIUM
CDR Robert "Bob" Patton
USN (Ret)
LTC Steve Palko
USA (Ret)
CAPT Rodney Schall
USN, Ret
Joanne Grinnell
Spouse of CDR Raymond J. Grinnell, USN, Ret
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