COASTAL TIDE Military Officers Association of America Grand Strand Chapter Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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1 COASTAL TIDE Military Officers Association of America Grand Strand Chapter Myrtle Beach, South Carolina January February 2017 January-February 2017 From the President: This is my first column as your new president. Though I have been a member of MOAA Chapters in New York and Tennessee for 15 years, I am relatively new to the Myrtle Beach area and the Grand Strand Chapter. My wife, Gale, and I arrived here two years ago and have enjoyed the weather, beach activities, tennis and golf. I want to thank past-president Greg Youngman and his team for making the transition of the newly elected as smooth as possible. So what can you expect of us? First, in recognition of the many accomplishments and obligations taken on by the chapter, we don t want to drop the ball. Most of the new officers are recent members of the chapter, and we can use your guidance and continued involvement in what we do. In my acceptance comments at the swearing in at the January meeting, I highlighted what I consider to be success factors for our chapter. They are 1) to continue to grow membership, 2) to retain members, 3) to encourage as many members to be involved as possible, 4) to schedule interesting speakers, 5) to adequately fund our chapter, 6) to support MOAA national, and 7) to continue to do good works. If you want to be more active in our chapter, look at the list of directors listed on the next page. If there is some activity that interests you, contact the name next to it. If there is some other area you feel we should be involved in, let us know that, too. I encourage you to step up. Besides doing something that will benefit others, it is a good way to meet and work with members of our chapter. You will find your membership more rewarding and worthy. I look forward to serving as your president in 2017! 1 OFFICERS/ DIRECTORS President Dave Townsend 1VP/Programs Randy Dymond 2VP/Membership Jerry Eubank Past President Greg Youngman Treasurer Tony Prince Secretary Kelly Sharbel Chief of Staff Bob Hawkins JROTC Dean Brown ROTC Dave Townsend Surviving Spouses Melody Wages SC State Guard Jerry Terwilliger Scholarship Hans Duerr Legislative Affairs Jimmy Jacobs Transition Officer Bill Stewart Social Director Jerry Terwilliger Historian Bill Warner Newsletter Kelly Sharbel Fund Raising Greg Youngman Webmaster Bob Hawkins Personal Affairs Greg Hill Veterans Outreach Rufus Manning Hospitality Committee Melody Wages

2 Board of Directors President: Dave Townsend Social Director: Jerry Terwilliger Newsletter Editor: Kelly Sharbel 1stVP/Programs; Randy Dymond JROTC: Dean Brown Surviving Spouse Liaison: Melody Wages, 2ndVP/Membership: Jerry Eubank Fundraising/golf: Greg Youngman Webmaster: Bob Hawkins Treasurer: Tony Prince Legislative Affairs: Jimmy Jacobs Past President: Greg Youngman Public Relations: Roger Pilcher Historian: Bill Warner Secretary: Kelly Sharbel TOPS: Bill Stewart Chaplain: Greg Hill Scholarship: Hans Duerr Veterans Outreach: Rufus Manning, Editorial Policy: The Coastal Tide is published by the Grand Strand Chapter, an affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). MOAA and its affiliated chapters and councils are non-partisan. Advertisements that may appear in this publication or website do not represent an endorsement by MOAA or its Grand Strand chapter. Chaplain s Corner By Greg Hill Back in December, Janice Dean, the senior meteorologist for Fox News, said that it had been the coldest December on record so far in New York City. We have also experienced some cold days this winter on the Grand Strand. There was also a story in the same newscast, about a young man who came to work at Chick-Fil-A with his arm in a cast. When asked why he was at work, he said that he wanted to make money for Christmas to help feed the homeless and buy Christmas presents. Thank you so much for your generous gifts of food and gently used coats and sweatshirts at our November and December meetings. All the clothing went to the Low Country Veterans Group to distribute to homeless and poor Veterans. The food was taken to a local food pantry. I have provided a picture of the food pantry shelves. During the holidays, I noticed a banner at the Myrtle Beach VA Clinic which says Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Celebrate Kwanzaa, Observe Ramadan. However YOU celebrated, I hope your holiday season was filled with joy, generosity, and gratefulness! I guess we are all two months into the annual post-holidays diet!! Importantly, please pray for our new national leaders and our new MOAA Grand Strand Chapter leadership as they guide us forward in service in

3 Chapter Membership Report By Bob Hawkins 2016 was another outstanding year. We added a total of 20 new members, ending the year with 159 members (who renewed their chapter membership by the end of the year). Several of our new members are already participating in essential Chapter Officer and committee positions which will ensure the future growth of our Chapter. There are two known 2017 challenges: (1) We need to retain all of our 2016 members; and, the Chapter s 2017 dues are now due. Please complete the application/renewal form on the back page of this newsletter, include your $20 annual dues payment, and mail it to: MOAA Grand Strand Chapter, P.O. Box 15842, Surfside Beach, (Alternatively, you can bring your form and payment to the March dinner meeting at the Pine Lakes Country Club.) (2) Most Chapter members are National members; however, an increasing number are not yet. Our Chapter needs to maintain at least 95% National membership to compete for the coveted Levels of Excellence (5-star) recognition. If you are not a national member, please contact our President, or Membership Chairman, for additional information or assistance. In closing, I wish to thank all of our Officers, Board Members, and other active Chapter members who have facilitated our very successful membership programs during the past 5 years. And, I am pleased to inform you that our new Chapter 2nd VP, Jerry Eubank, COL, USA (retired), has graciously volunteered to replace me as the Chapter s Membership Chairman. Jerry has previously served as a Chapter president. I/we are confident that he will lead our chapter to even higher levels of growth and resulting prominence in our coastal communities. Welcome New Members Jerry Crews, COL (retired), US Army Gale Fellowes, LCDR (former), US Navy Richard Townsend, LCDR (former), US Public Health Svc. Paul Cunningham, CPT (former), US Army Garrison Cabe, LT (retired), US Navy Larry Camp, CW03 (retired), US Coast Guard Kevin Boyle, CAPT (retired), US Navy LTG Fred Vollrath Passes It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we report the death of Lieutenant General Frederick E. Vollrath, an active, loyal member of our Chapter. LTG Vollrath, former Assistant Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Force Management), corporate Human Relations Executive for Computer Sciences Corporation, and retired US Army general officer, passed away on January 1, His interment will be conducted at the Arlington National Cemetery on May 23 at 11 a.m. Personal Affairs To be placed on our prayer list and/or arrange for visitation, transportation, or assistance, contact our Chaplain, Greg Hill: ghill54808@aol.com or by phone at

4 Golf Tournament Update By Greg Youngman Planning for the 2017 Grand Strand MOAA Golf Tournament has begun and is picking up steam. The Golf Committee is meeting regularly and making progress in working out all the details of this important event. As we go forward, I and the committee would like all of our members to consider three important points. First, this is our chapter s most important fund raiser. Its success is critical to our being able to carry out our charitable programs for this year. Secondly, we are trying a new strategy this year by seeking out a major sponsor for the tournament. We are looking for a business or organization that wants to support veterans and the work we do as a chapter and is willing to financially support the tournament to do so. We will obviously continue to seek out smaller donors and sponsors but being able to identify and recruit a major sponsor will ensure the continued success of our effort. Finally, we need YOU to make this tournament the success it has been in the past. Previous Golf Committee members have left us a solid legacy of achievement to build on. We continue to need additional committee members. We need anyone who may know of potential businesses or sponsors to let us know who they are and be willing to contact them. We need volunteers for the day of the tournament to ensure it runs smoothly and is enjoyable so that entrants want to come back. If you are reading this and are looking for a short-term volunteer assignment, we are looking for you. Come join us. You will have a good time and will experience the great satisfaction of knowing you have made a tremendous contribution to our chapter and all those veterans and chapter members we serve. GOLF TOURNAMENT May 25, 2017 Heritage Golf Club For More Information Contact Greg Youngman John Short Dues Are Due Annual Dues are still $20. If you have not paid already, please do so as soon as possible. Our membership Chairman Jerry Eubank will be happy to hear from you Budget Approved By Tony Prince The Grand Strand Chapter Board of Directors approved the chapter budget for 2017 at its January 5 meeting. The Board anticipates 2017 revenue to total $44, With a carryover of $17,069 from 2016, it is estimated that there will be a total of $61, available for 2017 programs. The major sources of chapter revenues are dues, dinner receipts, donations, and most importantly, the annual golf tournament. The Board approved estimated expenditures of $44, for Major expenditures include dinner expenses, ROTC scholarships, golf tournament expenses, and veterans outreach programs. By comparison revenue in 2016 totaled $46, with an additional 4, carried over from Expenses for 2016 expenses were $35, The new budget allows the chapter to continue its annual programs at previous levels and maintain member dues at 2016 levels.

5 Chapter Updates Captain Jerry Rovner, US Navy (Retired), provided the chapter September dinner meeting with an insightful and often inspiring perspective of the events of the September 11 attacks. Captain Rovner served as a senior member of the post-attack response team and helped direct rescue efforts at the site of the World Trade Center in New York. Captain Rovner is a member of the Grand Strand Chapter. Veterans Outreach Chairman Rufus Manning (left) led a MOAA team including Jimmy Jacobs (right) from the Grand Strand Chapter who participated in and supported the annual Veterans Stand Down in September. The event is held annually by a coalition of veterans interest groups to assist Grand Strand homeless veterans and veterans in need. Grand Strand Chapter member Harry DuBois mans the MOAA table at the Stand Down in September. Twenty-two Grand Strand Chapter volunteers participated in the event with commitment and compassion. The Chapter provided $1600 in financial support for the event. Those funds went to purchase blankets with the MOAA logo, outdoor boots, and administrative supplies. Rufus Manning and Doris Gleason of AARP at Stand Down. The official attendance number for the 2016 Stand Down was 185 homeless, near homeless, or special assistance needed veterans. The success of Stand Down is only made possible because of all the Chapter s support and especially the hours given to its execution by all of our volunteers. The thanks expressed by the veterans who attended was generous and heartwarming. 5

6 Treasurer Tony Prince and Past Secretary Jerry Terwilliger take part in the Officers Call held at Gordon Biersch in Market Common. The September event was a community outreach, recruiting, and social event for Chapter members. Similar events are expected to be planned in Following the November dinner meeting, Chapter members enjoyed a very informative panel discussion on the health and related issues impacting veterans in our communities. Facilitated by Greg Hill and Rufus Manning, the expert panel members included (left to right): Mr. David Murphy, Georgetown County Veterans Affairs Officer, Mr. Scott Isaacks, Director/CEO, Ralph H. Johnson, VA Medical Center (Charleston); and Mr. Ronald Elvis, Director, Horry County Veterans Affairs. Mrs. Joan Wobbleton, Quilts of Valor Foundation Myrtle Beach area manager, presented Jimmy Jacobs (left) and Frank Esposito (right) with coveted Quilts of Valor, at the November dinner meeting. Started in 2003, Quilts of Valor is a national effort to recognize veterans and ensure they are thanked for their service. More than 150,000 have been awarded nationwide. Joan and her husband Jim are truly inspiring in their local efforts having presented more than 700 Grand Strand veterans with Quilts of Valor. There are more to come. Past President Greg Youngman and Treasurer Tony Prince presented Paul Cunningham with a $1000 check from Grand Strand MOAA for the Fisher House being built in Charleston. Fisher House is a facility for the families of patients at the Ralph E. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center in Charleston. The 31 VA Fisher Houses in the US assist veterans families by providing them room and board while their loved one undergoes medical treatment. There are 71 Fisher Houses at US medical facilities around the world. Paul is a member of the Grand Strand Chapter. 6

7 Chapter Updates Chapter members and guests enjoyed a festive evening during our December dinner meeting on Tuesday, December 13 at Pine Lakes Country Club. The Low Country Barbershop Chorus began the evening with a spirited rendition of The National Anthem and continued to serenade the attendees during dinner with Christmas songs. The Grand Strand Chapter was very generous in donating toys, food, and gently used clothing in our annual toy and gently used clothing drives. Past President Roger Pilcher, who serves as our Toys for Tots representative thanked our Chapter for another banner year of donations. Chaplain Greg Hill thanked the attendees for our continued generosity in supporting local shelters and food kitchens throughout Horry and Georgetown Counties. We were honored by the attendance of MOAA State Council President, Col David Lobb, USA (Retired), who provided a brief update of MOAA initiatives at the state and federal level. After his remarks, he presented President Greg Youngman with the Grand Strand Chapter s 5th consecutive 5 Star Levels of Excellence Streamer and the 5 Star Communications Award for Following dinner, 1st Vice President Tony Prince presided over a recognition ceremony for our outgoing President, Greg Youngman. Greg was honored by National MOAA with the National MOAA Leadership Award which is awarded to deserving chapter or council officers whose exceptional performance merits special recognition. The citation cites Greg s vision and commitment as driving factors in the continued growth of the chapter. In addition, the Award citation praised his personal involvement and leadership acumen as having resonated with members of the Grand Strand Chapter and the local community. 2nd Vice President Bob Hawkins presented Greg with a plaque from our Grand Strand Chapter which reads in part, from the men and women who were proud to serve with you. During the awards ceremony, Greg also presented Bob Hawkins the MOAA National President s Award for his exceptional service to our chapter and national MOAA. Since joining the Chapter in 2008, Bob Hawkins has been an exceptional member of our Chapter Officers and Board of Directors. He has made significant and far reaching contributions since assuming the duties of the 2nd Vice President in Throughout the intervening years, he has played a critical role in building a viable governing organization now comprised of 16 Directors, an increased operating budget that has grown to close to $50,000, a new not-for-profit status, and a membership base of more than 160 involved members. Bob's collaborative efforts, leadership, and ingenuity also resulted in a significant contribution to the Chapter receiving 5 Five Star LOE awards during his tenure as our 2nd VP. Chapter Elections A new slate of officers were elected during the November monthly dinner meeting at Pine Lakes Country Club. Officers elected were President Dave Townsend, First Vice-President/Programs Randy Dymond, Second Vice-President/Membership Jerry Eubank, Treasurer Tony Prince, and Secretary Kelly Sharbel. Outgoing President GregYoungman presented incoming President Dave Townsend with the Chapter s gavel. Dave then presented Greg with a Past President s pin. 7

8 Legislative Update By Jimmy Jacobs Source: MOAA National HR 846 Needs Your Support Contact your Congressional representatives urging them to support HR 846 to phase out the deduction of VA disability compensation from service-earned retired pay for all disabled retired service members. VA Will Be Not Privatized Says New Secretary (Item from MOAA newsletter) Dr. David Shulkin, the President s pick to run the VA, has significant plans to reform the department but those reforms won't include a move toward privatized care. There will be far greater accountability, dramatically improved access, responsiveness, and expanded care options, Shulkin told members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee at his confirmation hearing. If confirmed, I intend to build a system that puts veterans first and allows them to get the best possible health care wherever it may be - in VA or with community care. While Trump has hinted at plans to privatize the massive department that serves millions of veterans each year, Shulkin said that won't happen under my watch. He also said he made no promises to Trump about how he'd lead the VA. Commissary Benefits Redefined Over the years, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) oft repeated claim that commissary shoppers saved an average of at least 30 percent on brand-name groceries over prices in commercial stores and supermarkets has lost creditbility. The rise of big box discounters and retail supercenters, prices at discounters like Wal-Mart, and the popularity and high profitability of grocery chain private label brands have eroded DeCA s claim. Also, in a recent response to a congressional mandate, DeCA released a new set of baseline estimates of commissary savings that reflect these factors and more. Without reducing the value of the shopping benefit, DeCA says, it has redefined how it measures savings. Global savings across all 238 commissaries are calculated now at 23.7 percent and savings stateside at 20.2 percent. At 61 overseas commissaries, average savings are 44.2 percent against local food prices. This enhanced way of calculating savings doesn't change the actual dollars that patrons save, but it will give patrons a better understanding of price comparisons in their local area, said DeCA Director Joseph H. Jeu in a press release Monday unveiling revised savings estimates. Arlington National Cemetery Options The Arlington National Cemetery Advisory Committee suggests eligibility restrictions as a solution to the cemetery's capacity problems. The National Cemetery will reach full capacity if nothing changes. Potential courses of action being considered include a provision to adopt the 24 months active duty requirement. changing eligibility criteria to include only those service members killed in action and/or recipients of the Medal of Honor. Already underway are two expansion projects to add 27 acres, to be completed next year and another 40 acres by A GI ENCOUNTER By Hans Duerr Toward the end of World War II my family was harvesting potatoes on an Austrian farm, when a jeep with American soldiers appeared and came to a screeching halt. The driver jumped out, and, using his hands to communicate, indicated he wanted something round. However, he shook his head when my mother offered him a potato, and proceeded to gesture. Then a Sergeant got out, and, cupping his mouth with both hands, let out a "cock-o-doodledoo." Now my mother understood! When she returned with a basket of eggs from the near-by barn, the soldiers waved a thankful good-bye, and we breathed a sigh of relief. True story! 8

9 January Luncheon Featured One of Our Own as its Speaker At our January luncheon, the Grand Strand Chapter was privileged to hear remarks from one of its own distinguished members, the Honorable James Lockemy, Chief Judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals. Judge Lockemy shared an inspirational account of his rise as a son of general store keepers to his present position as well as numerous distinguished stops along the way. He served four years of active duty as a Judge Advocate General officer and 26 years in the South Carolina National Guard, attaining the rank of Colonel and is currently a Major General of the South Carolina Guard. New Officers Sworn In. Judge Lockemy also swore in the new officers of the Chapter. Taking the oath of office were President Dave Townsend, 1 st Vice- President/Programs Randy Dymond, 2 nd Vice-President/Membership Jerry Eubank, Secretary Kelly Sharbel, and Treasurer Tony Prince. Ramp Built for Vet. Thanks to the hard work of our Veterans Outreach Chairman Rufus Manning, the chapter partnered with the War Vets Motorcycle Club to build an access ramp for a Myrtle Beach veteran who was having difficulty negotiating stairs into his house. The chapter paid for the materials and the motorcycle club did the construction which was completed in January. New Recognition for Grand Strand Chapter and Roses in February At the Chapter s February dinner meeting at Pine Lakes Country Club, Past President Roger Pilcher presented 1 st Vice-President Randy Dymond with a certificate of appreciation for the Chapter s generous donations to Toys 4 Tots program in Toys for Tots is a nation-wide program sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and provides gifts for children who might otherwise not receive Christmas gifts. The February dinner speaker was Mrs. Cindi Dodson who serves as the Group Sales Representative for Patriots Point in Charleston. Mrs. Dodson described the numerous military attractions contained at this Charleston harbor facility. Included are the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, the USS Laffey Destroyer, the USS Clamagore submarine, the Medal of Honor Museum, and a Vietnam Experience Exhibit. The exhibit is a project of the State of South Carolina and is governed by a nine member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor. The Chapter includes in its budget a donation to the Medal of Honor Museum. As the finale of the evening, the chapter honored the ladies of the Grand Strand Chapter with the presentation of a rose to each of those in attendance. Thanks for all your love and support. Next Chapter Meeting March 14, :30 PM Pine Lakes Country Club Speaker: LTC Amy Johnston, USA (Ret.) 9

10 ONE POWERFUL VOICE Application/ANNUAL RENEWAL FORM Grand Strand Chapter MOAA: (Check one.) Membership Application Renewal Change of address Chapter dues: $20.00 a year for regular membership. Auxiliary: $20 per year. Multiple year dues are encouraged to reduce costs. Make check payable to: Grand Strand MOAA. Mail to: MOAA Grand Strand Chapter, P.O. Box 15842, Surfside Beach, SC Last name First name MI DOB Rank Service Spouse s name Address City State Zip Home phone Cell phone address Are you a member of National MOAA? If yes, please provide membership number: Status: Retired Active Reserve National Guard Former Officer Surviving Spouse ROTC JROTC {My signature verifies that the above information is accurate and that I am eligible for MOAA Chapter membership.} Dues for year(s) Amount: $ Signature Additional amount (donation) for this year s scholarship awards: $ Current employment (optional): Professional skills (optional): ROTC cadet membership is available at no cost for students. MOAA Mission/Purpose: To foster fraternal relations (and mutual support) among retired, active duty, and former officers of the uniformed services and their National Guard and Reserve counterparts, ROTC cadets, their families and survivors; Assist community organizations that support service members and veterans and their families; to provide funds for college scholarships for area high school seniors (normally JROTC students); conduct fund-raising to support other service member and veterans programs (e.g. Wounded Warrior visits); provide annual MOAA leadership awards to graduating cadets in all area high school approved/active JROTC programs; participate, collaboratively, in coastal community events and activities, as priorities and resources permit; Maintain a proactive chapter affairs program that supports members during health and other family emergencies; promote the aims and objectives of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); and, the aims and objectives of the SC MOAA Council of Chapters. 10