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The Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the Hampton Roads Chapter 
Military Officers Association of America
A MOAA Five Star Level of Excellence Chapter 2004,2005, 
MOAA Best Web Site,  a MOAA Best Electronic Newsletter
and 1st Runner-Up Printed Newsletter. 
Serving Suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach since 1959
Email/Website:
hrmoaa@cox.net
www.hrcmoaa.org

Address:
HRCMOAA
P.O. Box 4612
Virginia Beach, VA
23454-0612

VOL 30-NO 5
ONE POWERFUL VOICE
SEPTEMBER 2006

In This Issue
President's Commentary
HRCMOAA Directory
From the Editor
Legislative Issues of VCOC
MOAA Legislative Update
Berlin Airlift Remembered
Chapter Wins Comm Awards
VCOC Note
ID Card Renewal Form
Chapter Schedule
October Dinner Meeting
Members Receive Awards
HRCMOAA Membership Totals
Volunteers Needed
VCOC Scheduled Functions
Gov. Kaine's Executive Order
MOAA Scholarship Fund
Community Affairs - Scholarships
HRCMOAA Welcomes
In Memorium
The Tribute
In honor of those who have sacrificed
to keep our country free.
Courtesy of the Arlington National Cemetery Website Images 

October Social will feature a presentation on TRICARE.  Guest speaker will be Edward M. Coryell, Marketing Analyst for Naval Medical Center  Portsmouth. 
 CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
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US Air Force
US Army
US Navy
US Marine Corps
US Coast Guard
Visit  our “MOAA Best” website at www.hrcmoaa.org, read the “MOAA Best” Electronic Newsletter, access MOAA national, Service Departments, Health and Benefit  locations, U. S. Senators and Representatives and many others.  If you do not have the Members Only “Password” please contact any of our Officers. 
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President's Commentary

HRCMOAA kicks off MOAA’s 2006 “Give me 10” Campaign.

Starting now your Hampton Roads Chapter is answering the MOAA challenge to recruit at least 10 new members for MOAA and our chapter. As you know, we need to recruit at least 100 new or lapsed members for our Chapter in order to keep up with attrition. We are participating in this campaign and we need you to recruit a new member for MOAA and your Chapter. You will soon receive in the mail a brochure announcing the USNI 11th Annual Joint Warfare Atlantic Exposition and Conference in Virginia Beach. This envelope will also include a clarion call to recruit a new member; it will assist you in your campaign effort. Please make sure that you include your name on the new recruit’s application for membership. This will allow us to enter your name in MOAA’s $1,000 recruiters drawing. HRCMOAA will also be manning a booth again at the Exposition. Please bring any potential undecided members to visit your team.

Give Me Ten Program; Membership for MOAA and HRCMOAA

  • The Program continues to December 31, 2006. 
  • Dues-$24 MOAA. $10 HRCMOAA for 2 years for regular members. Total dues = $34. 
  • Dues-$19 MOAA. $10 HRCMOAA for 2 years for auxiliary members. Total dues = $29. 
  • Chapter receives $10 for each new MOAA member (This is used to offset Chapter dues). Chapter will also receive an additional $100 for the first 10 new paid MOAA members. 
  • Recruiters can win $1100 via the MOAA recruiters’ sweepstakes.
As you can see, this is a simple recruiting program, but it takes your effort to get new officers both active, reserves, retired, lapsed and auxiliary members to sign up and join us. Our membership goal has never changed: “Every member recruits a new member!” and recruits lapsed members both regular and auxiliary.

U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) 11th Annual Joint Warfare Atlantic Exposition and Conference 4-5 October 2006. Don’t miss this one! You will receive separate details with the USNI brochure this month. Look for it in your mail box! This exposition advances debate on the major issues impacting military professionals in the Atlantic Region, NATO Theater, and the Middle East. This is your chance to update yourself and see how our current military leaders intend to “Face Future Threats.” 

Here’s a thought provoking quote from Admiral Michael G. Mullen, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Operations,  “We are a nation and a Navy at war….We cannot meet the challenge of this new era simply by sustaining today’s readiness and requirements. Our adversaries will not rest… We must continue to transform, recapitalize, and modernize our Navy.”

Your chapter has sponsored this event for the last 5 years in order to keep you abreast of what’s happening with our military and especially those in the Atlantic area of responsibility. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to see the current exhibits that include various companies’ products that have a potential military use. It’s always exciting to meet new officers and comrades that attend this exposition. 

I look forward to seeing you there. Come see us at your HMCMOAA booth number 331, near the USNI exhibits. 

Smooth Sailing,

Ray  Hart.
HRCMOAA Directory

Officers

Directors

Committees

President: 430-8771
CAPT Raymond J. Hart, USN-Ret.
hrmoaa@cox.net
1st Vice President: 640-0947
LtCol James M. Dellaripa Sr, USAF-Ret.
2nd Vice President: 363-1094
MAJ Norman Crews, USA-Ret.
Secretary: 362-0030
Mrs Patricia H. Doss,
Aux.
Treasurer: 739-3904
LCDR Mary C. Liberatore, USN-Ret
CDR John E. Vermillion, USN-Ret.
382-9843 
CDR John A. Rooney, USN-Ret.
427-2402
Col Jack W. Hilgers, USMC-Ret.
490-8383
Mrs. Mickie Jones,
AUX .
716-2644
LtCol Mary L. Baeumel, USAFNC-Ret.
716-2497
CAPT Jim Jones,
USN-Ret.
481-1919
CAPT Bill Lehr, 
USCG-Ret.
426-5392
Program: 640-0947
LtCol James M. Dellaripa Sr, USAF-Ret.
Arrangements: 362-0030
Patricia H. Doss, Aux
VCOC Representative: 382-9843
CDR John E. Vermillion, USN-Ret.
Legislative Affairs: 490-8383
Col Jack W. Hilgers, USMC-Ret.
Personal Affairs: 486-7639
CAPT James D. Hereford, USN-Ret.
Membership: 425-5934
COL James A. Smith, USA-Ret
Publicity: 363-1094
MAJ Norm Crews,
USA-Ret.
Community Affairs: 836-1646
CAPT Tim Stark, USNR
CAPT Pat McFadden, USN-Ret.
Information Systems: 481-0694
Col Richard A. Vogel, USAF-Ret.
Webmaster 490-5792
Maj Clifton G. Furedy. USAF-Ret.
thrcmoaa@cox.net
Editor: 382-9843
CDR John E. Vermillion, USN-Ret.
Vermillj@cox.net
From the  Editor

COL Smith’s hike, for MOAA’s Patriot Scholarship Fund.

During the summer and fall of 2006, Colonel Brad Smith, United State Army, will attempt to hike the 2,174 mile Appalachian Trail in 100 days or less.  The purpose is to raise one million dollars in scholarship money for the undergraduate education of sons and daughters of all uniformed militry personnel, officers, enlisted, Active, Guard and Reserves, who have died while in active service.  MOAA administers the Scholarship Program.  Colonel Smith has survived stage 4 colon cancer but is still fighting metastatic tumors in his liver with chemotherapy. 

The initiative involves “per mile donations”, so every mile hiked generates money for the children supported by the American Patriot Scholarship Program.  For instance, pledging one penny a mile equates to $21.74 if the entire 2,174 miles is hiked.  If the trek is completed in 100 days or less, a donor could opt for the 10% incentive bonus, for a total pledge of $23.91.  A nickel a mile would the equate to $119.57 with incentive.  You may submit a tax deductible pledge by contacting Mrs. Cindy Amos, Development Officer, at MOAA Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.  Her telephone number is 800-234-6622, ext. 169.  Her email address is cindya@moaa.org.  Please specify Brad Smith’s Hike on any pledge you send to Cindy.  This will ensure that the money goes into a perpetual grant fund that is being established.  You may pledge in 2006 and make the actual contribution in 2007.  MOAA pays all of the administrative costs  so that every penny goes directly to the children of deceased servicemen and women.  All donations are tax deductible.  Please indicate your Chapter Affiliation on any pledge or contribution.  See below for a form you can print and mail.

COL Brad Smith has reached New Jersey in his hike.  Any member willing to help with Brad Smith’s overall effort, may do so by contacting Laurian Cannon, c/o Smith Residence, 4109 Elizabeth Lane, Fairfax, VA 22032

John

Click Here for a Contribution Form
You can print and mail
Legislative Issues of The Virginia Council of Chapters, Military Officers Association of America, for 2007.

The following legislative objectives are preliminary and have been approved by the Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC), MOAA, and are submitted to the Joint Leadership Council (JLC) for its consideration. These are the top priority objectives of VCOC-MOAA and are listed in recommended priority order.
Support for the Virginia National Guard and Reserves: 
To provide for adequate recruiting/retention and other personnel needs in order to maintain a strong, robust Guard/Reserve force. Some specifics may include the following: 
  • Improved health care benefits
  • Pay offsets provided to those called to active duty and finance through tax incentives for employers.
  • Military Family Support Centers: Two more units plus a mobile unit. Request $450,000.

Support the Dept. of Veterans Services: 
To fully fund its budget to allow the DVS to accomplish the goals of its Strategic Plan, which are: 
  • To strengthen outreach and marketing efforts.
  • To improve access to veterans services
  • To maximize the flow of federal dollars to meet the needs of Virginia veterans.
  • To make Virginia an even more attractive place for military retirees by delivering top quality veterans services.
  • To improve the effectiveness, accuracy, and accountability of administrative services. 
(Note: The DVS will need to make some specific proposals to accomplish these broad strategic goals.)

In-State Tuition for Active and Reserve Service Members stationed in VA.: 
Service members would be given in-state residency while stationed in Virginia for the purposes of college tuition similar to the status of military dependents. Therefore, no state funding would be required.

Funding for the Virginia War Memorial Education Wing: 
$4 million has been requested.
MOAA Legislative Update

TMC Weighs in on Defense Bill Priorities. 
In a July 28 letter to House and Senate Armed Services Committee members, MOAA and The Military Coalition (TMC) highlighted top priorities and recommendations for resolving more than 100 differences between the separately-passed versions of the FY2007 Defense Authorization Bill (H.R. 5122 and S. 2766).
Top TMC priorities include:
Barring a House-proposed 70 percent increase in retail network pharmacy copays pending a review of alternative ways to reduce military health costs in ways that don't penalize beneficiaries; 
Adopting Senate-passed initiatives to end deduction of VA survivor benefits from military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities and implement 30-year, paid-up SBP coverage as of Oct. 1, 2006; 
Supporting the House-passed 2.7 percent pay raise for active duty, Guard and Reserve troops rather than the Senate-proposed 2.2 percent; 
Providing equal TRICARE coverage for all drilling Guard and Reserve members for the same premium now available only for members mobilized since Sept. 11, 2001, as recommended by the House; 
Providing full concurrent receipt for otherwise qualifying retirees rated by the VA as "unemployable," retroactive to January 1, 2005, as approved by the Senate; and 
Adopting a Senate proposal to reduce the Guard and Reserve retirement age by three months for each 90 days mobilized to active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.

Accompanying the letter was a matrix detailing dozens of important personnel-related differences between the House and Senate versions of the defense bill, with Coalition recommendations and rationale for their resolution. 

To review the TMC letter and matrix, visit www.themilitarycoalition.org  Web Site. (This file may take a moment to download, please be patient.)    MOAA and The Military Coalition can send Congress our priorities, but what really motivates legislators is a large volume of individual constituent inputs.  Please visit our Web Site to send them MOAA-suggested e-mails on the key issues.

Berlin Airlift Remembered
The "Spirit of Freedom," a C-54, which is a museum to the Berlin Airlift, was on display at the Jimmy Stewart Airport, Indiana, PA from June 10-11, 2006.  The C-54 belongs to Berlin Airlift Foundation.  Col. R. A. "Dick" Vogel, a Chapter member, is the only known native of Indiana, PA who flew on the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and 1949.  Dick flew a total of 100+ missions.  He attended this function and is shown below left with the Berlin Airlift Foundation President, Mr. Tim Chopp.
Chapter wins 3 Communications Awards, 2005
Col Lee Lange II, USMC (Ret), Deputy Director for Council and Chapters, National MOAA, center, is shown presenting the 2005 Communications Award for the Best Electronic Newsletter to the Hampton Roads Chapter (500-899), Newsletter Editor, CDR John Vermillion, USN (Ret), left and Chapter President, CAPT Ray Hart, USN (Ret).  The Chapter was also a 1st Runner Up for the Print Newsletter, and an Outstanding Website Winner. Maj Clifton Furedy, USAF (Ret), Chapter Webmaster was not present. The event was held at the Virginia Council of Chapters Quarterly Meeting, in Fort Lee, VA on July 14, 2006.
VCOC NOTE
The Virginia Council of Chapters is looking for  a volunteer to be the VCOC Publicity/Public Affairs Officer.  Anyone who likes to write, take pictures or both please  contact your VCOC representative, John Vermillion at 382-9843 or vermillj@cox.net
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.
 
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.
 
CLICK HERE FOR
Military ID Card Notification Program
Form
 
From a Satisfied Member
Thanks for your good service! We have gotten the ID card. Thanks again.  Mrs. Alice F. Carlin
CHAPTER SCHEDULE

For the most current and up-to-date schedule of chapter events, click on Calendar of Events

HRCMOAA October Dinner Meeting 

WHEN: Thursday, October 5, 2006
WHERE: Holiday Inn Executive Center
5655 Greenwich Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia
TIME: Social: 1800 hours
Dinner:  1900 hours
MENU: Roast Sirloin of Beef or
Candied Apricot Salmon
Garden Salad, Vegetables, Rolls, 
Coffee, Tea, Dessert
PRICE: $26.00
PROGRAM: TRICARE Update/Retirees Information, Ed Coryell, Marketing Analyst for Naval Med Center, Portsmouth. 
RESERVATIONS: Reservations required by 1900 hours, October 1, 2006.  Call Jim Dellaripa , 640-0947, or 
Norman Crews, 363-1094 Give  name,  phone number & number attending .
To save time on check in, Please Use the pre-paid Reservation Form below.
Need a ride?  Let Jim or Norm know!
Reservation and Checks may be mailed to
HRCMOAA, PO Box 4612, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.
A RESERVATION MADE IS A RESERVATION PAID
Please print, fill-in and mail the pre-paid Reservation Form.
Click Here for a Reservation Form
You can print and mail
 
Chapter Members Receive Appreciation Awards
The Virginia Council of Chapters President, COL Bill Flanagan, USA (Ret), left, is shown presenting a gift of appreciation to COL Lee Lange II, USMC (Ret), Deputy Director Council and Chapter Affairs for National MOAA and to Mrs. Margery LeTourneau, MOAA National Auxiliary Advisor.  The MOAA representatives were the guest speakers at the July 14, 2006 Quarterly meeting held at Ft. Lee in Petersburg, VA.
HRCMOAA Membership
Regular
617
Auxiliary
111
Honorary
Total
731
Volunteers Needed for the Retired Activities Office 

Contact our new Personal Affairs Officer, MAJ Norm Crews to participate and offer your services. 

CAPT Buck Hereford, USN Ret. is leaving the area after many years of dedicated service to the HRCMOAA and the Retired Activities Office.  Buck was our Personal Affairs Officer.  He will be missed and we wish him Godspeed from the President, fellow Officers, and all of the Board Members.

VCOC Scheduled Functions 
The next VCOC meeting, October 13, 2006, will be held at the Virginia War Memorial located in the very historic area of Richmond on the North side of the James River.  This will be an evening function.    Those Chapter Members wishing to attend please contact our VCOC Representative, John Vermillion at 382-9843 or email vermillj@cox.net.

The next meeting will be held on January 5, 2007.

Governor Kaine’s Executive Order Number 19 (2006) Serving Virginia's Veterans.
Importance of Veterans’ Services
For almost 400 years, Virginians have defended our great nation and Commonwealth.  Today, the Commonwealth is home to 744,000 veterans who served the cause of freedom in war and in peace, at home and abroad.  Our Commonwealth owes a great debt to the brave men and women and their families who answered liberty’s call and protected all that we hold so dear, and it is only right that our Commonwealth do all that it can to ensure that our veterans and their families receive the benefits, support, quality care, and recognition they have earned through service and sacrifice.

Veterans accounted for almost $6 billion in direct federal spending in Virginia in 2004.  Expenditures by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on compensation and pension benefits, health care, cemetery services, and construction totaled $1.8 billion, while the U.S. Department of Defense paid $4 billion in retirement pay to Virginia’s veterans.  Capitalizing on available federal funding not only benefits our veterans, but is a good for Virginia’s economy.

Directives for Serving Virginia’s Veterans
By virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to, Chapter 1 of Title 2.2 and Section 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, I hereby set forth the Commonwealth’s policy for improving services to Virginia’s veterans.

I hereby direct the Commissioner of Veterans Services to prepare a comprehensive report on the status of current Commonwealth programs and services that are either offered exclusively to veterans or are tailored to the specific needs of veterans.  The report shall identify opportunities for improving services and shall address the continuum of care needs of disabled veterans.  An interim report shall be prepared by October 15, 2006, and a final report shall be completed by April 30, 2007.  All executive branch agencies shall work with the Commissioner of Veterans Services to assist as requested. 

I hereby direct all state agencies to identify opportunities to partner with the Department of Veterans Services on ways to offer new, expanded, or customized services that meet the educational, health care, and social service needs of Virginia’s veterans.  Agencies will identify the resources required to implement the new, expanded, or customized services for veterans and will report such requirements to the Commissioner of Veterans Services no later than April 30, 2007.

I hereby direct the Department of Veterans Services, working with all appropriate state agencies, to give special attention to opportunities for improving services to disabled veterans, including all aspects of the continuum of care and service delivery.

I hereby request the Board of Veterans Services and the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations to jointly develop legislative proposals to be considered by the Governor for introduction in the 2007 General Assembly.  Such proposals shall be submitted to the Governor’s Office no later than September 30, 2006.

I hereby direct the Commissioner of Veterans Services and the Veterans Services Foundation to continue to give high priority to efforts to obtain federal grants, private contributions, and other resources for improving services to veterans in Virginia.

I hereby direct all state agency heads to renew their commitment to veterans’ preference in hiring.

Effective Date of the Executive Order
This Executive Order rescinds Executive Order 40 (2002) issued by Governor Mark R. Warner.  This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until June 30, 2010, unless amended or rescinded by further Executive Order.  Given under my hand and the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 16th day of June, 2006.  Timothy M. Kaine, Governor for the Commonwealth.
MOAA Scholarship Fund 
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. 
Community Affairs
MOAA Scholarship Fund recipients for the
Academic Year 2006-2007
The Students listed below received  Scholarship Fund assistance-interest free loans or grants.
 
Tiffany R. Pearsall, from Chesapeake, Virginia.
Heidi C. Winkel, from Chesapeake, Virginia
Meghan M. Kerr, from Chesapeake, Virginia
Taylor P. Doyle, from Chesapeake, Virginia
Erin M. Simms, from Virginia Beach, Virginia
Gregory C. Benante, from Virginia Beach, Virginia
Alexander Tunis, from Virginia Beach, Virginia
Elisabeth  A. Artrip, from Virginia Beach, Virginia
Jennifer L. Wyse, from Virginia Beach, Virginia
Laura M. Christianson, from Virginia Beach, Virginia
Lisa N. Ribaudo, from Virginia Beach, Virginia
Chelsea K. Blandford, from Norfolk, Virginia
Jessica H. Mathews, from Norfolk, Virginia
Rebecca A. Beauchamp, from Norfolk, Virginia
The Hampton Roads Chapter MOAA would like to thank all of our members for supporting the MOAA Scholarship Fund and helping to provide financial assistance for students from our area.   Please continue the good work.  Use the form below to support COL Brad Smith on his hike.
Click Here for a Contribution Form
You can print and mail
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

To protect member privacy,
New Members and Directory Changes
are only available through the Members Access page.


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
IN MEMORIUM

This month we honor one of our 
Esteemed Past Presidents, (1993), 
CAPT Thomas R. Ryan III, USN Ret.
who died on 7 July, 2006


All information contained in this web site is the exclusive property of Hampton Roads Chapter MOAA (HRCMOAA) © 2006
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