The May 14 luncheon was a success. 57 members and guests listened to Congresswoman Thelma Drake discuss her activities in the congress related to her role  working for military personnel benefits for the active and retired.

I’m happy to report that HRCMOAA now has a Membership Chair. He is Captain John Colgan, USN, Retired. Jack has had an exceptional naval career which will be an asset which is sorely needed to build upon our declining membership.

More good news. LCDR Walter Wesolowski, USN, Retired volunteered to be the Treasurer. He has a great background in the financial area.

I had the opportunity to present five medals and certificates to Norfolk area JNROTC high school cadets at NOB on May 30, 2007. It’s always a pleasure to recognize young high school students who have an interest in military careers.  It made me proud to hear that the student commander of the JNROTC will be attending the US Naval Academy in the fall.

Members of the HRCMOAA Board of Directors will participate with National MOAA in the June 19-21 symposium sponsored by the US Naval Institute (USNI) and the Armed Forces Communications, Electronic Information Association (AFCEA). The function will be at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Our next social will be held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center on June 21, 2007. 
Special Agent John Folker will talk about drug enforcement, drugs, gangs and terrorism. 

I hope to see you all there.

Let’s make an effort to participate in HRCMOAA activities. We’re a team.

God Bless America.

Legislative Affairs

Information provided by Jack Hilgers, Legislative Affairs Director

The responsibilities of the Legislative Affairs Director include:  Serving as the Chapter Legislative Representative to the VCOC Legislative Committee.  Coordinating the activities of the Chapter Legislative Team which consists of the Chapter’s Director, VCOC Representative, and the President.  The team is non-partisan in party and election politics as a condition of MOAA’s tax-exempt status.   Understand the legislative, executive, and judicial process of how issues become laws and regulations along with how and by whom those laws and regulations are administered.  Report on legislation that has been proposed, pending, passed or enacted at the national, state and local levels that affect all uniformed service members, and veterans and their families. Maintain contact with key local, state, and national legislators in the Chapter’s area of responsibility.   Participate on service and veterans committees, boards and task forces as required. Assist in developing or develop legislative initiatives when required. Pro-actively support local, state, and national legislative objectives of MOAA, the VCOC, and the Chapter. 

We would like to invite any member who may have an interest in Legislative Affairs, at any level, to step forward and participate in these efforts.  Please contact Jack Hilgers, our President James Dellaripa, or any Chapter Officers and find out what you can do to help, thanks.

Shown below is the HRCMOAA President, LCOL James Dellaripa, USAF Ret. presenting an engraved cup to Thelma in appreciation for her service.

All indications are that the Senate will take up the bill  the week before the Senate is scheduled to break for the traditional 4th of July recess. Because the Senate bill traditionally draws hundreds of time-consuming amendments, Senate leadership usually schedules it for action just before a recess. That gives senators an incentive to compromise and finish action on the amendment list in a timely fashion...or risk having to stay in session and eat into their scheduled "home time."

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) already has indicated his intention to offer an amendment to repeal the SBP/DIC offset and implement 30-year, paid-up SBP this year. In addition, MOAA is working with other potential sponsors on a short list of key amendments we hope to win, including provisions to increase TRICARE fee protections, make further progress on concurrent receipt, help restore military pay comparability, and fix GI Bill inequities.

Later this month, once the potential amendments are finalized and the timetable for action is solidified, we'll be sending out alerts for MOAA members and others to urge their senators to support them when they come up for a vote on the Senate floor.

Your Editor and photographer.                 John

The October meeting will be held on the 12th and is scheduled to be at Ft. Monroe.  This is our Bi-Annual meeting, where we recognize the Chapter members who have died during the past 2 years.  The October meeting is being held in this area to recognize the 400th  Anniversary of Jamestown Celebration.  The regular quarterly meeting will be held at 10 AM.  The Dinner Meeting that evening will include the installation of officers for the years 2008 and 2009. 

Board meetings every month on the 1st Saturday at the Little Creek Golf Club.  Starts at 0830.

You may also call 1-800-234-6622 to have a printed copy mailed to you.  Life members please call special access number to receive priority order status.

The VA and DoD consider comprehensive medical and vocational evaluations of newly separated members. 

VA rating boards have access to medical experts who can help interpret new medical evidence. 

The VA take into account the effect an injury has on the quality of life and ability to engage in usual life activities, not just earning capacity.

The VA establish a regular process for updating the rating schedule. 

Better vocational determinations be used for the award of individual unemployability (IU).

Eligibility for IU be based on an individual's disabilities along with education, employment history, and the effects of age on potential employability. 

The VA implement a gradual reduction in IU compensation for those able to return to gainful employment, rather than abruptly terminating disability payments at an arbitrary level of earnings