Distinguished Speaker Dinner Series February 27, 2014

Transcription

1 The Official Newsletter of the Greater Austin Council Navy League of the United States January February 2014 Citizens in Support of the Sea Services Fred Burton is one of the world s foremost authorities on security and terrorism. He oversees Stratfor s analysis of global security developments and consults with clients on security-related issues affecting their business assets or personal safety. He also guides Stratfor s extensive coverage of the security environment in Mexico and closely monitors Mexican drug cartels, their areas of influence and their drug trafficking routes. Before joining Stratfor, Burton was a counterterrorism agent with the U.S. State Department from 1985 to During his 14-year career, Burton was involved in many high-profile investigations including: The search for Ramzi Yousef, mastermind of the first World Trade Center bombing, resulting in his arrest The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin The killing of Rabbi Meir Kahane and al Qaeda s New York City bombing plots before 9/11 Libyan-backed terrorist attacks against diplomats in Sanaa and Khartoum The deaths of U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Arnold Raphel and Pakistani President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq Distinguished Speaker Dinner Series February 27, 2014 Featured Speaker Fred Burton, Vice President of Intelligence, STRATFOR Burton dscusses his latest book Under Fire: The Untold Story of the Attack In Benghazi Burton was deputy chief of counterterrorism at the Diplomatic Security Service, where he was in charge of preventing and investigating attacks against diplomatic personnel and facilities. While a Stratfor analyst, he was appointed to the Border Security Council and served as the Assistant Director for Intelligence & Counterterrorism at the Texas Department of Public Safety. Burton is the author of three books, including the best-selling memoir, GHOST: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent (Random House, 2008), in which he tells the story of his role in the fight against the burgeoning terrorist threat in the 1980s and beyond. His second book, Chasing Shadows: A Special Agent s Lifelong Hunt to Bring a Cold War Assassin to Justice (Palgrave, 2011), follows his 35-year quest to solve the case of an Israeli diplomat assassinated in Burton s childhood neighborhood. His latest book, Under Fire: The Untold Story of the Attack in Benghazi (St. Martin s, 2013), is a New York Times best-seller and provides the first detailed account of the infamous assault in Libya in September, Burton has been featured as a terrorism and security expert in numerous media outlets, including ABC Nightly News, CBS Evening News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Daily Show, NBC s The Today Show, CBS s The Early Show, CNN s Anderson Cooper 360, NPR, Al Jazeera English, FOX News and the Financial Times.

2 2014 COUNCIL OFFICERS Kathy Pillmore President Vacant President-Elect Vacant (Glenn Looney, acting) Vice President for Administration Stephen Smith Vice President for Business Partnerships Glenn Looney Vice President for Communications Tim Hunsberger Vice President for Education LuAnn Reyes Treasurer &Vice President for Finance Vacant (Randy Patterson, acting) Vice President for Military Affairs Jeanie Coffey Vice President for Legislative Affairs Jim Brotherton Vice President for Youth Programs Tim Hunsberger Secretary Vacant Chaplain Michael Murray Judge Advocate General NATIONAL DIRECTORS Max Miller Jeanie Coffey Tim Hunsberger Glenn Looney Jack Ritter Mary Virginia Pittman-Waller NATIONAL V.P. Jack Ritter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenn Looney, Chairman Jim Brotherton Bruce Byron Jeanie Coffey Don Jones Max Miller Randy Patterson Jack Ritter Steve Smith Kathy Pillmore (Ex Officio) LIAISONS Brian Colfack Military Services Coalition Steve Smith Marine Corps CAPT John G. Eden, USN CO UT NROTC CDR Brett Fereday, USN CO Navy Operations Support Center The Anchor is the official publication of the Greater Austin Council, Navy League of the United States. It is published six times annually prior to an upcoming Distinguished Speaker Series Dinner. Archived copies of past Anchors may be found at President s Message Kathy Pillmore President, 2014 Greater Austin Council, NLUS belated but sincere Happy New Year A to everyone. I hope you all made it through the holidays with a minimum of weight gain and an abundance of good memories. We have another exciting program on the schedule for February. Fred Burton has been a guest speaker a couple times and each time he brings us intriguing and timely stories. This time is no different as he discusses his new book Under Seige: The Untold Story of the Attack on Benghazi, which covers a topic that has generated a lot of unanswered questions. Make your reservations early as this one will draw a large crowd. It has become an annual tradition at our December dinner for the Council to collect Toys For Tots for the Marine Foundation. This year we had outstanding participation by all who attended the dinner. A huge THANK YOU goes to the students in the Vista Ridge High School NJROTC program at who took it upon themselves to round up three 30-gallon bags of toys. WOW! The Council continues to face the challenge of waning membership which also impacts our ability to carry out our mission. We are constantly encouraging current members to renew and looking for new and creative ways to bring in new members. At the upcoming dinner, you will find new Council business cards. Please take a few and keep them in your wallet so that when you re talking about some interesting tidbit that you heard from Fred Burton (or any of our speakers) with your neighbor or friend, you can hand them a card and suggest they might like to come to a future dinner to hear from our interesting line up of speakers. And you are hereby officially reminded to beat the increase and renew your dues before the April 1 increase takes effect. There are new membership categories that may better fit your desired level of commitment. Check it out. Leadership is a topic of interest to me as our Council leaders tackle the challenge of filling the leadership roles that keep this council viable. The Navy League, like other civicbased organizations, plays an important role in society by providing citizens with a meaningful way of giving back to their communities or supporting the causes they believe in. These organizations are all seeing declining memberships as the younger generation seems to be focused on their careers and not getting involved in civic organizations, and the more mature population who have been carrying the load are facing burnout. Thus a leadership void becomes a serious issue if the organization is going to continue to exist. Our Council has several leadership positions that need the energy and insight that new individuals can bring to the table. If you would like to be part of the steering mechanism for the Greater Austin Council, please contact me (kpillmore@austin. rr.com) or Glenn Looney (rglennl@alumni. utexas.net). Your Council needs you! Kathy RESERVE YOUR SEAT AT OUR NEXT DINNER Austin Woman s Club, Chateau Bellevue 8th and San Antonio (Parking entrance on Nueces between 7th & 8th Streets) Social 1815 Dinner 1915 Program 2015 Members & Their Guests- $30 Military in Uniform & Their Guests - $20 Cadets & Midshipmen and Their Guests - $15 CALL OR luann@luannreyes.com ONLINE via PayPal at PLEASE NOTE: WE CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR MEAL WITHOUT A RESERVATION 2 The Anchor, January February

3 Texas Veterans Land Board ~Serving Texas Vets~ Since the days of the Republic, Texas has always supported her veterans in return for their military service. In the early days, it was in the form of land given by the state for military service in the Texas Revolution. In 1946, this tradition was formally recognized with the creation of the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) to administer benefits exclusively for Texas veterans. Since then, more than 200,000 VLB loans have been funded for Texas veterans. For over half a century, the VLB has been keeping the promise to serve Texas veterans, for life. Check out texas.gov/vlb/ to learn more about the following services offered to veterans: Land Loans. The foundation of the VLB is to help Texan veterans buy their piece of Texas with low-interest, longterm land loans. Home Loans. In 1983, the Legislature created the Veterans Housing Assistance Program to help Texas veterans buy homes with special, low-interest loans for home purchase. Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of bonds to fund the program. Home Improvement Loans. In 1986, the VLB expanded the Veterans Housing Assistance Program, adding the Veterans Home Improvement Program to provide below-market interest rate loans to qualified Texas veterans for home repairs and improvements to their existing homes. State Veterans Homes. In 1997, Senator Jerry Patterson passed a law authorizing the Texas State Veterans Home program to provide long-term care services for Texas veterans. Since 2001, the VLB has built eight Texas State Veterans Homes, which offer long-term, skilled-nursing care for veterans. The homes are located in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen, Temple, and Tyler. State Veterans Cemeteries. In 2006, to augment the federal veterans cemeteries and allow veterans to be buried closer to home and family, the VLB opened the state s first Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, followed by state veterans cemeteries in Mission, Abilene, and Corpus Christi. Come see us! The VLB conducts Texas veterans benefit fairs across the state to help veterans better understand their benefits. Free and open to the public, the benefit fairs are co-sponsored by the Texas Veterans Commission. Have a story to tell? The VLB Voices of Veterans TM oral history program interviews Texas veterans from all eras and all conflicts to save their stories of dedication, courage and sacrifice for future generations. Please visit the Voices of Veterans website to listen to these stories or for more information. Help us keep cadets from Austin area JROTC, UTROTC, Sea Cadet and Young Marine units coming to our dinners. Your adoption or one or more cadets at each dinner helps us to offset the cost of hosting these great young men and women. ADOPT-A-CADET AND EARN 1 CADET - $25 Recognition at our dinner 2 CADETS - $50 Recognition at our dinner and in the next issue of The Anchor newsletter 3 CADETS - $75 Recognition at our dinner, in the next issue of the Anchor newsletter and on our Facebook page 4 CADETS - $100 Recognition at our dinner, in the next issue of The Anchor newsletter, on our Facebook page and on our website. All adopters receive a Certificate of Adoption which serves as a receipt for your tax-deductible donation WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR RESERVATION, LET US KNOW THAT YOU WANT TO ADOPT-A-CADET THANK YOU to our December 5 Adopters Mary Virginia Pittman-Waller Max and Sylvia Miller Jack and Mary Ritter Peggy Jones Randy and Kaye Patterson Joe Cruz Glenn and Nancy Looney BRING A FRIEND TO A GAC DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES DINNER The Anchor, January February

4 Snapshots from the December 5, 2013 Distinguished Speaker Program &Dinner (Clockwise from top left) Guest speaker Capt. George Fadok, USN Ret. accepts a token of appreciation from council president Kathy Pillmore. Capt. Fadok visits with Cadet LTJG Charles Perry from Vista Ridge NJROTC (Right) Chuck Cooley and Vic Neimeyer visit before dinner. Vista Ridge cadets visit with Marine 1st Sgt. George Garcia who was representing the Toys For Tots campaign. Vista Ridge High School NJROTC cadets have been a major fixture at GAC dinners in Toys For Tots made a very good haul at the December dinner. 1st Sgt Garcia and Chief Joshua Davidson with Toys For Tots chat with a Vista Ridge cadet before dinner. Vista Ridge NJROTC Cadets with Sr. Naval Science Instructor, CWO Rocky Hulse (back row left) and MC Coltrain (front row right) pose with the speaker. photos by Bob Pillmore 4 The Anchor, January February

5 Greater Austin Council slate of officers and directors approved at the december dinner The following slate of officers and directors will serve the Council in 2014: President... Kathy Pillmore President-Elect... Vacant Vice President Administration... Vacant (Glenn Looney-Acting) V.P. Communications... Glenn Looney V.P. Education...Tim Hunsberger V.P. Finance... LuAnn Reyes V.P. Legislative Affairs...Jeanie Coffey (Appointed) V.P. Military Affairs...Vacant (Randy Patterson-Acting) V.P. Youth Programs... Jim Brotherton Secretary...Tim Hunsberger Chaplain... Vacant Treasurer...LuAnne Reyes Judge Advocate General...Michael Murray 2014 George T. Jones Scholarship Fund NOW accepting applications The Greater Austin Council is now accepting applications for George T. Jones Scholarships. Candidates must be a member of the GAC Navy League sponsored Sea Cadet, NJROTC/MCJROTC unit and must be nomiated by the unit commanding officer or senior instructor. Candidates must be graduating high school seniors who have applied to or have been accepted at a community college or university. Additional criteria and forms for applying may be found at org/scholarship-fund.html. All high school students who are seeking funds for continuing their education and who meet the above basic crieria are encouraged to apply. Scholarship amounts and the number to be awarded will be based on the information in the applications received. The deadline for applications is April 1, Contact LuAnne Reyes, or luann@luannreyes.com with questions. The Honor Flight Austin's mission is to transport veterans, with a specific priority given to those residing within the 14 counties listed below, to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices and return them home to their families and loved ones. The spring series of flights has been announced and the schedule is listed below. Volunteers (known as Guardians) are needed to help both on the ground in Austin and on the flight. Becoming a guardian is rewarding and inspiring for those who have the time to give. Funding is equally important because it makes it possible to serve more veterans. If you'd like to volunteer and/ or make a donation, please go to Spring flight Schedule April May 2-3 May June 6-7 Honor Flight serves Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Gillespie, Gonzales, Hays, Lee, Llano, Milam, Travis, and Williamson Counties. Of all of the wars in recent memory, it was World War II that truly threatened our very existence as a nation and as a culturally diverse, free nation. Now, with over one thousand World War II veterans dying each day, our time to express our thanks to these brave men and women is running out. Honor Flight Austin is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. If you choose to donate with a check, please make the check out to Honor Flight Austin or donate via the online secure form. The Anchor, January February

6 Chaplain's Corner A Prayer for Sailors and Marines O God, you must know in your infinite wisdom that Sailors and Marines are the most unique creatures of all your creation. Sailors and Marines come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and both sexes; we are serious, happy, frustrated, professional and sacrificing. You have called us from a humdrum world and challenged us to go the extra mile and be a part of a great team. Help us to always do our best, teach us to always do the right thing--it will gratify some and astonish the rest. Amen. Source: Navy Chaplain Corps Navy.mil INCOME GREATER AUSTIN COUNCIL 2014 BUDGET Contributions... $ 8,000 Distinguished Speaker Series... 13,745 NLUS Rebates Other TOTAL INCOME...$22,995 EXPENSES Administrative... $ 2,735 Awards... 1,000 Contributions Given... 1,000 Miscellaneous Professional Fees Program Expense... 13,844 Youth Stipends/Support... 2,250 TOTAL EXPENSE...$22,229 George T. Jones Scholarshp Fund...$28,033 Set sail for the Lone Star Regional Meeting NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES March Lighthouse Inn on Aransas Bay Rockport Texas Friday - Meet & Greet Saturday - NL related sessions All rooms have private balconies with rockers, high-speed/wifi Internet, microwave, refrigerator and DVD/CD player. On-site amenities also include a restaurant, bar and fitness center. ( Double Room (2 queen beds) pool side - $77; bayside - $109 Suite w/ kitchen, king bed and sofa sleeper pool side - $117; bayside - $129 Make your hotel reservations directly by calling the Lighthouse Inn, 200 So. Fulton Beach Road, Rockport, TX or toll free , (Mention Navy League Lone Star Regional Meeting) 6 The Anchor, January February

7 George T. Jones, U. S. Navy WWII Veteran and Navy League Member George T. Jones Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to graduating seniors in Navy and Marine JROTC and Sea Cadet programs Contribute Now! Send your tax deductible contributions to Greater Austin Council NLUS George T. Jones Scholarship Fund c/o Lu Ann Reyes Tantara Dr. Austin, TX Beat the Dues Increase! Effective April 1, 1014 Navy League membership dues will increase. The last time there was a dues increase was The Greater Austin Council does not charge membership dues but instead receives a rebate from the National organization for each member. You can "Beat the Increase" by renewing your dues before the April 1 deadline. The new rates follow:.type Fee Rebate to GAC 1 Yr (Reg & Assoc) $65 $13 Students (Electronic) $25* Active Duty Spouse $30* 2 Yr. $117 $23 3 Yr. $175 $35 Husband/Wife $117 $23 Community Affiliates $460 $230 *No change Join or renew at GAC Program Calendar Feb. 27 TBA TBA TBA TBA ~2014~ VP Intelligence for STRATFOR and author Fred Burton discusses his new book Under Fire: The Untold Story of The Attack in Benghazi Edwin Dorn, Professor of Public Affairs, UT LBJ School of Public Affairs scheduled to discuss national defense policy. Vice ADM Peter H. Daly, former Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff U. S. Fleet Forces Command. Texas General Land Office Commissioner, Jerry Patterson U. S. Representative Michael McCaul talks about cybersecurity Dates are subject to change to accommodate the speaker's schedule. For calendar updates go to www. navyleagueaustin.org Advertise Your Business in The Anchor For information go to newsletter/asp or gacnavyleague@austin.rr.com The Anchor, January February

8 The ANCHOR The ANCHOR is the official newsletter of the Greater Austin Council of the Navy League of the United States. It is published six times annually and distributed free of charge to all its members and to other interested parties. The Greater Austin Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and as such is exempt from Limited Sales, Excise and Use Taxes per the IRS Code. FIRST CLASS MAIL RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Citizens in Support of the Sea Services The Navy League of the United States is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating our citizens about the importance of sea power to U. S. national security, and supporting the men and women of the sea services and their families. SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY AFFILIATES Ricon Products HELP US BUILD OUR MEMBERSHIP Use the form below and sign up a new member. Bring it and your new member to our next council meeting, or mail the form, together with the fee (check or money order payable to NLUS,) Lu Ann Reyes, Tantara Dr., Austin, TX The new member will immediately be added to our mailing list. YES! Name: (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Etc.) Name of Spouse: (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Etc.) Please enroll me as a Navy Leaguer Today I am a U.S. Citizen Address: Number, Street, Name (Apt., Suite, P.O. Box) Your Company s Name Here Ask us how I am not a U. S. Citizen First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name Date of Birth City State Zip Code (+4) Type of Membership (please check one)* Your Company s Name Here Ask us how Individual One-Year Membership...$50 Husband & Wife One-Year Membership...$80 Individual Two-Year Membership...$90 Individual Three-Year Membership...$125 Individual Life Membership (55 and below)...$1,000 Individual Life Membership (56-75)...$750 Individual Life Membership (76+)...$500 Method of Payment Check enclosed (Make payable to NLUS) or Please charge my Visa MC AMEX Home Phone Business Phone Card# Exp. Date Greater Austin Council Sponsor s Last Name Sponsor s Membership # New Member s Council Signature Billing Zip Code Join Now...Dues will increase April 1 *Student memberships available online at navyleague.org ($25)