President's Commentary
Our April Social Dinner was a great success. Our speaker was Commonwealth
Attorney for Virginia Beach, Harvey Bryant. He discussed the various
activities that his office handles and gave us some great advice on how
to prevent ID (Identification) theft.
I’ve had a several discussions with members who regret that they
have not been attending our meetings and socials and actively participating
in Chapter activities. If you are one of these, please reflect on what
it means to be a member of Hampton Roads Chapter of MOAA. By your membership
in our Chapter and MOAA, you enable it to:
1. Be proactive in support of leglation designed to support national
defense, to benefit the uniformed services and to enhance the welfare of
Service members, their families and retirees.
2. To be an active supporter of several ROTC and JROTC programs
in Hampton Roads area and regularly participate in their ceremonies.
3. To participate in the USNI Warfare Symposium Recruiting Booth
annually.
4. To sponsor a USMC “Toys for Tots” annual program.
5. To publish this Newsletter to keep you informed on various
matters of interest and potential action to be taken on such items as,
TRICARE and other pertinent programs.
6. To be active in civic activities such as, Virginia Beach task
force on aging, to volunteer at the Retired Activities Offices in Virginia
Beach and Norfolk, to encourage participation in local military and Red
Cross blood drives, to support the retention of NAS Oceana
and many other activities.
7. To have a Chapter Web site and an active email alert mechanism.
8. To Be a MOAA “Level of Excellence” Five Star Chapter: 2004,
2005.
In summary, your membership provides you and the chapter with “ONE Powerful
Voice” both locally and nationally in support of Officers and all veterans,
their spouses and widows. Also, your membership in HRCMOAA provides
the opportunity:
1. To be a part of a professional organization made up of men
and women officers of all ranks in the community.
2. The chance to unwind and enjoy the camaraderie of a lunch,
dinner, picnics, boat cruise or social with friends who share the bond
of Officers.
3. To meet people who are concerned with the National Defense
of our country and the support of our troops.
4. To become proactive and respond when called upon in matters
of great concern to all of us.
The foregoing comments are only a few examples of what goes on in your
Hampton Roads Chapter of MOAA and it should help you answer the question:
“What’s in it for me?” This should enable you to help us recruit new members
for our Chapter and MOAA and to keep our Chapter strong and continue to
be a powerful voice in the local community, state, and nation. Please
call an Officer friend or widow and invite him or her to become a member
of your MOAA Chapter, today.
Smooth Sailing,
Ray Hart.
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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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President: 430-8771
CAPT Raymond J. Hart, USN-Ret.
hrmoaa@cox.net
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1st Vice President: 640-0947
LtCol James M. Dellaripa Sr, USAF-Ret.
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2nd Vice President: 363-1094
MAJ Norman Crews, USA-Ret.
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Secretary: 362-0030
Mrs Patricia H. Doss,
Aux.
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Treasurer: 739-3904
LCDR M. Catherine Liberatore, USN-Ret
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CDR John E. Vermillion, USN-Ret.
382-9843
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CDR John A. Rooney, USN-Ret.
427-2402
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Col Jack W. Hilgers, USMC-Ret.
490-8383
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Mrs. Mickie Jones,
AUX .
716-2644
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LtCol Mary L. Baeumel, USAFNC-Ret.
716-2497
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CAPT Jim Jones,
USN-Ret.
481-1919
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CAPT Bill Lehr,
USCG-Ret.
426-5392
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Program: 640-0947
LtCol James M. Dellaripa Sr, USAF-Ret.
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Arrangements: 362-0030
Patricia H. Doss, Aux
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VCOC Representative: 382-9843
CDR John E. Vermillion, USN-Ret.
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Legislative Affairs: 490-8383
Col Jack W. Hilgers, USMC-Ret.
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Personal Affairs: 486-7639
CAPT James D. Hereford, USN-Ret.
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Membership: 425-5934
COL James A. Smith, USA-Ret
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Publicity: 363-1094
MAJ Norm Crews,
USA-Ret.
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Community Affairs: 445-4174
CAPT Tim Stark, USNR
CAPT Pat McFadden, USN-Ret.
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Information Systems: 481-0694
Col Richard A. Vogel, USAF-Ret.
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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 American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
The memorial will honor our disabled veterans and add to the beauty
of our nation's capital and will become one of our country's treasured
landmarks. A fitting tribute to the brave men and women who stand
watch over America. It will be located on an impressive two-acre
site within full view of the U.S. Capitol, adjacent to the National Mall,
and across Independence Avenue from the U.S. Botanic Garden, at Washington
Avenue (Canal Street) and Second Street, SW.
The Memorial design was conceived by Michael Vergason Landscape Architects,
Ltd. The design concept was approved in 2004 by the Commission of Fine
Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Through the use of marble
and glass, the Memorial will convey an interplay of strength and vulnerability,
loss and renewal. All visitors will learn the value of courage, sacrifice,
tenacity, loyalty and honor, by bearing witness to the experiences of our
disabled heroes.
The focal point of the Memorial will be a star-shaped reflecting pool,
its surface broken only by a single eternal flame. A grove of trees will
stand beside the pool, signifying the persistence of hope. Dedicated
to both the living and the deceased, the Memorial will hold a special place
in the hearts of all Americans, and will serve as a never-ending reminder
to all of the cost of human conflict.
Maury High School NJROTC raises funds.
Cadets of the Maury High School NJROTC Unit in Norfolk, Virginia raised
$8,000 to support the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial by raking
leaves, babysitting, and cleaning out basements. These are a few of the
ways the cadets of the Maury High School raised a remarkable $8,000 to
support the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.
Contributions.
All members wishing to contribute may send a check or money order made
out to
"Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation" or "DVLMF" to:
Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation
2300 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 302, Arlington,
VA 22201.
Donate by Phone, call (888) 525-2009 to make a credit card contribution,
using Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
Donate on line by visiting the website at www.avdlm.com.
See below for an illustration by Michael McCann of the proposed memorial.
Please visit the website for additional illustrations and more information
on site location and purpose.
John
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North entry to the proposed DVLMF memorial.
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| Legislative Issues |
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| Issue 1: House, Senate
Bash Fee Hike Plan |
| At a March 14 hearing, military association
leaders got a chance to tell the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee
what they think of the Defense Department's plan to triple the fees military
retirees under age 65 pay for their health care. CEOs of MOAA, the
Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), the National Military Family Association
(NMFA), and the Reserve Officers Association (ROA) all took issue with
at least some aspects of the DoD plan. MOAA and FRA urged the subcommittee
to reject any fee increases.
MOAA President VADM Norb Ryan, Jr. (USN-Ret.)
said the DoD proposal is "inappropriate and disproportional," and cited
a MOAA survey indicating that 95% of active duty and retired members alike
oppose the fee increases. Such increases will just "anger the troops,
leave the health budget under-funded, and put our volunteer force at further
risk," he said. He offered the subcommittee a list of 16 alternative
ways the Defense Department can reduce health costs without charging beneficiaries.
Ryan also urged the subcommittee to address concerns about force size,
SBP, concurrent receipt, and Guard/Reserve health care and retirement.
NMFA President Tanna Schmidli adamantly
opposed any enrollment fee for TRICARE Standard or any increase to pharmacy
copayments, but said NMFA supports a 31% increase in TRICARE Prime enrollment
fees and TRICARE Standard deductibles over two years, with future annual
increases tied to retired pay growth. ROA Executive Director LTG
Dennis McCarthy (USMC-Ret) said ROA supports the "balanced approach of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff," who have endorsed the DoD plan. However,
he recommended delaying implementation until the Pentagon does a better
job of explaining its numbers and does more to hold down its own costs,
and urged phasing the increases in over a longer period.
Subcommittee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
expressed his opinion that, "Erosion of benefits is coming. It's
a question of whether it will be a hard or a soft landing." But both
Graham and Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), the Subcommittee's senior Democrat,
told reporters after the hearing that they agreed with association leaders
that the Pentagon-proposed fees are way too steep, that no changes should
be made until the Defense Department cleans up its own financial house,
and that any fee hikes that may ultimately be considered would be well
short of those proposed by the Pentagon |
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| Issue 2: Edwards, Jones Champion
Bill to Ban Fee Hikes |
| On March 15, Reps. Chet Edwards (D-TX)
and Walter Jones (R-NC) joined with 46 other cosponsors to introduce H.R.
4949, the Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act. "I believe
that keeping our promise of quality, affordable health care for military
retirees is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do," said Edwards.
"To win the war on terrorism, we must keep faith with our warriors and
stop this military retiree tax."
Jones agreed, stating, "I don't understand
any Administration, Republican or Democrat, that can ask you to go to war
and raise fees for military healthcare. Military families are watching
what we're doing; it's an issue of trust. We have to protect those
who protect us from our enemies." Edwards and Jones sit on the three
committees that control the issue. Edwards is on the House Budget
Committee and is the senior Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee
that oversees military healthcare Jones serves on the Armed Services Committee.
Speaking at the press conference, MOAA
President VADM Norb Ryan, Jr. offered the two legislators his "profound
thanks for your leadership and vision. You know what the Pentagon
is forgetting - that the All-Volunteer Force is at risk. To those
who think military people have such a great health care deal, I ask why
there aren't lines around the block at every recruiting station?
It's because few Americans are willing to pay the heavy premiums that career
servicemembers pay, and pay up front: the decades of sacrifice that
are the price of earning that health benefit." Please visit http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=8587066
and enter your ZIP code to urge your U.S. Representative to cosponsor this
important bill.
MOAA is working with a potential sponsor
for a companion bill in the Senate. |
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| Above left to right are Mr. Joe DiRenzo III, Anti-Terrorism
Coordinator for the Coast Guard Atlantic Area and Mr. Christopher Doane,
Chief of Response and Port Security for the Coast Guard Atlantic Area. |
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HRCMOAA Luncheon for 23 February 06
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| The luncheon was held at the Ramada Plaza Resort at the Oceanfront.
Over 60 people were in attendance. All in attendance thoroughly appreciated
the power point presentation presented by the Coast Guard representatives
shown above. The subject was Anti-Terrorism precautions since
9-11 and a look at the overall responsibilities for port security in the
United States and throughout the world. It really brought to light
just how much the Coast Guard does for the Security of the US. Our
2nd Vice President, LCOL Jim Dellaripa is shown below presenting
Mr. Joe DiRenzo III with an engraved silver cup with thanks for the
very informative presentation. |
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MOAA Scholarship Fund
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| Memorial contributions may be made for deceased members to the MOAA
Scholarship Fund, 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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| 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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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
Board meetings will be held on the 1st Saturday of each month at the
Little Creek Eagle Haven Golf Club, starting at 0830. All members
are invited to attend. There will be no meeting in May.
The June meeting will be on 10 June. Come and observe your Board
in action and see if there are any committees that you might be interested
in helping out. Contact a board member to confirm the meeting date. |
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HRCMOAA April Function
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| All attending members enjoyed the evening function held at the Holiday
Inn Executive Center. Our guest speaker was the Virginia Beach
Commonwealth Attorney, Harvey Bryant. He provided a very interesting
presentation on the total operation of his office and what to look
for and steps to take to avoid Identity Theft. President Ray Hart
is shown below presenting Harvey with an engraved silver cup and our thanks. |
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HRCMOAA HARBOR CRUISE
| WHEN: |
Saturday, May 6, 2006 |
| WHERE: |
Spirit of Norfolk Cruise Ship
Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia |
| TIME: |
Board at 11:00 AM.: Sail at 11:30 AM |
| MENU: |
Military Classic Lunch |
| PRICE: |
$25.00m (inclusive) per person
You may bring a check to the boarding area where a MOAA representative
will have your tickets. “No cash will be handled and no change available.” |
| PROGRAM: |
Elizabeth River and Harbor Tour, Luncheon |
| RESERVATIONS: |
No more Reservations will be accepted. |
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ID card issuing Procedures for Applicants
who cannot report in person
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The following are examples of persons who may be unable to report to
the place of issue to obtain a machine readable ID Card.
1. People who live far from a military facility.
2. Are physically handicapped.
3. Have no means of transportation.
4. Are hospitalized or sick.
Please contact your local Personnel Support Detachment at the nearest military
base for the exact procedures to accomplish this task.
If you need a ride to renew you ID card please contact any of our Officers
and they will assist you in finding transportation. |
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HRCMOAA Membership
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| Regular |
587
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| Auxiliary |
111
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| Honorary |
3
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| Total |
701
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Volunteers Needed for the Hampton Roads
Retired Activities Office
Are you bored? Tired of sitting home? Would like to get
involved in helping out retired service members and their families?
If so, contact your Chapter coordinator: CAPT James Hereford, USN
(Ret) at 486-7639 to participate and offer your services. No experience
is required; we'll train you. |
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Volunteer Needed for the Position of Secretary.
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| We need a volunteer Officer or Auxiliary Member to be our Chapter Secretary.
Our previous Secretary moved from the area. Please contact your President,
CAPT
Ray Hart, USN (Ret) at 757-430-8771 or by email rayhart71@cox.net. |
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Drake Original Cosponsor of Bipartisan Bill to
Protect TRICARE Beneficiaries from Rate Increases
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| Congresswoman Thelma Drake (R-VA) announced that she is an original
cosponsor of legislation introduced in the House that will prevent the
Department of Defense from raising health insurance premiums, co-pays and
deductibles paid by military retirees without Congressional approval. Introduced
by Walter Jones (R-N.C.) and Chet Edwards (D-TX), the Commitment
to Healthcare for Military Retirees Act was referred to the House Armed
Services Committee for further consideration.
“It is unacceptable to ask our military retirees to bear the burden
of our budget woes at a time when many of America’s seniors are unable
to afford the rising cost of medical services and prescription drugs,”
said Rep. Drake. “The affordable coverage offered by TRICARE is the continuation
of a promise made to the warfighters of yesterday and a major tool in recruiting
the warfighters of tomorrow. We must do everything we can to reform the
current system without asking those who served this nation with courage
and valor to pay higher fees”.
“As Vice-chair of the House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on
Military Personnel, I look forward to working with my colleagues on this
issue so that we can remain unwavering in our commitment to America’s veterans.”
Visit Congresswoman Drake’s website at www.drake.house.gov
for more information. |
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VCOC Scheduled Functions
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| The annual Congressional Luncheon was held at the Senate Russell Building,
Caucus Room SR-325, on 5 April 2006, The VCOC quarterly meeting was
held at Fort Lee on 21 April 2006. The next Quarterly meeting will
be held on 14 July 2006. Contact your VCOC representative John
Vermillion at 382-9843, if you would like to attend any VCOC
function. |
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In-State Tuition
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| The bill granting In-state Tuition for dependents of active duty military
personnel has been signed by the Governor of Virginia and goes into affect
on 1 July 2006. Championed by Delegate Suit, herself a military spouse,
this bill was supported by the National Military Family Association NMFA,
MOAA, other military associations, and by the Department of Defense. The
bill passed the House unanimously on February 14, and was then communicated
to the Senate. On March 2 the bill was heard by the Committee on Education
and Health. After a presentation by Delegate Suit in front of an
audience that included all association representatives, the bill was reported
to the Senate and a final vote was held March 6. It was passed and
sent to the Governor for signature and he signed it. |
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| Virginia HB695 —In-state tuition for dependents
of active duty military personnel. Provides that all dependents of
active duty military personnel assigned to a permanent duty station in
Virginia who reside in Virginia shall be deemed to be domiciled in the
Commonwealth for purposes of eligibility for in-state tuition and shall
be eligible to receive in-state tuition in Virginia. All dependents of
such military personnel receiving in-state tuition shall be afforded the
same educational benefits as any other individual receiving in-state tuition
so long as they are continuously enrolled in an institution of higher education
in Virginia or are transferring between Virginia institutions of higher
education. This bill incorporates H.B. 482, H.B. 1135, and H.B. 1270.
This bill is identical to S.B. 121. For a full text of the bill go
to: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+ful+HB695 |
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New VA Surviving Spouse Web Site
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| The VA has launched a web site for surviving spouses and military dependents
of veterans who died on active duty and surviving spouses of veterans who
died after serving their country. The new Web site, www.vba.va.gov/survivors
contains answers to many frequently asked questions and links to other
federal agencies and organizations that offer benefits and services to
survivors and dependents, including relief societies, support organizations,
support organizations, and the casualty assistance offices for each of
the Armed Forces. |
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The Virginia Council of Chapters, Military Officers
Association of America, Twenty First Annual Virginia Congressional Appreciation
Luncheon.
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| The luncheon honored the 13 Member Virginia Congressional Delegation
for their efforts in support of Active Forces, Veterans, Retired Military
and their Families. The Luncheon was held in the Senate Russell Caucus
Room of the Senate Russell Building at the invitation of Senator John Warner. |
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| Shown left to right is Our Chapter President, CAPT Ray Hart,
USN (Ret), Congressman Randy Forbes from Virginia’s 4th District,
and COL Floyd Gilbert, USA (Ret), current Chapter member and past
President. |
| The guest speakers for the luncheon were Senators John Warner
and George Allen. All of our Congressmen and Congresswomen
also had an opportunity to address the Virginia Council of Chapters 160
plus members. Additionally, VADM Norb Ryan, USN (Ret) and
now President of National MOAA spoke on the importance of mailing cards
to your Senators and Congresspersons on; Proposed increase in Tricare Fees,
Correcting the SBP/DIC offset, and Moving up the effective date of the
paid up SBP.
The VCOC priority concerns are: Increase the size of the Defense Budget,
the budget should be greater than 4% of our GDP; Increase the size of our
ground forces, active Army to 530,000, Reserves to 350,000, and add 5,000
to the Marines; Stop the erosion of TRICARE benefits for retirees; and
finally fix SBP. |
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| Shown above is our HRCMOAA Legislative Representative, COL Jack
Hilgers, USMC (Ret) with Congresswoman Thelma Drake from Virginia’s
2nd District. |
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VCOC Minute Man Award
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| This annual award recognizes a member or group from National MOAA Headquarters
for their outstanding support of Virginia Chapter members.
This year the award went to Col James F. Pauls, USAF (Ret) from
Council and Chapter Affairs for his outstanding leadership shown to all
Virginia Chapters. Col Pauls is retiring this year and will be missed. |
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
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| If you are a survivor or a family member of a survivor who served on
board the USS Franklin, which was attacked and severely damaged
in the raid on Pearl Harbor, please contact the Editor at 757-382-9843 |
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Community Affairs
ROTC/JROTC Schedule
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School
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Date
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Time
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Location
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ROTC
ODU AROTC
ODU NROTC
NSU NROTC |
04-20-2006
04-15-2006
04-05-2006 |
1400
1000
1500 |
ODU
NSU
NSU |
JROTC
Princess Anne
Salem
First Colonial
Landstown
Green Run |
05-18-2006
04-26-2006
04-19-2006
06-06-2006
05-17-2006 |
1830
1900
1830
1830
1800 |
PAHS
SHS
FCHS
LHS
Oceana O’Club |
Norfolk
Lake Taylor
Maury
Booker T. Washington
Granby
Norview
(Combined Ceremony) |
Combined Ceremony
06-02-2006 |
1000 |
NOB
NOB
NOB
NOB
NOB
NOB |
| Interested Members please contact CAPT Tim Stark
at 836-1646 to help present awards. |
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| MIDN Matthew Hawkins is shown with his MOAA medal and certificate
for Leadership Excellence. It was presented by CDR John E. Vermillion,
USN Ret. HRCMOAA. (Picture after ceremony)
The NROTC Hampton Roads was commissioned 1 July 1982. It was the
first unit to offer complete NROTC programs at three separate institutions,
including Hampton University, Norfolk State University and Old Dominion
University. The guest speaker was Rear Admiral Julius S. Caesar,
Reserve Deputy Commander, Navy Installations. |
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
To protect member privacy,
New Members and Directory Changes
are only available through the Members Access page.
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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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Invalid Email Addresses
Edward D. Hendren <hendrenbeach@cox.net>
Jerry W. Odom <mfjwodom@cs.com>
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If you have a new Email address, email it to Dick Vogel at vogelra1@msn.com
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IN MEMORIUM
CAPT William E. Fly, USN (Ret)
(Isabel M.)
LCDR Wayne S. Henderson, USN (Ret)
(Belisa B.)
The chapter members extend their sincere condolences
to the surviving family members. |
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