MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Transcription

1 MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Central Florida Chapter F CUS Orlando > Four Star Chapter 2003,2004,2006,2009,2010 (Five Star) June 2016 Volume 59 Issue 6 President s Message LTC Robert M. LePage, USA, Ret. President Inside this issue: Key Personnel & phone numbers Meals/Reservations Information Help your Survivors Now Chapter Board Meeting Chaplain s Message TAPS Legislative 4 Procedures for ID Cards Special Offer Life Insurance HELP VA HOMELESS VETERANS ROTC/JROTC Donations Citrus Club Membership The Navy Exchange Nominations Volunteers Membership Application 7 Sat, June 11 & Sat. Aug 13,10:00 am: Board of Directors meeting at Ascension Lutheran Church Office Tues, June 14, Flag Day Sat, June 18, MOAA Luncheon Mon, June 20, Summer Begins On May 30th I participated in the Memorial Day Service at Glen Haven Memorial Park as I have the past few years. It was sponsored by the Dignity Memorial and VITAS Healthcare. This year is the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and the title Your Are Not Forgotten was posted. Participating were the Winter Springs High School Army JROTC. Music by the VFW Post 2093 Community Band and Emcee was Bud Hedinger, 540 WFLA. The Vocalist was Charles Haugabrooks. Also participating was the Florida State Reenactment Society. The guest Speaker was Robrt Apodaca who honored his father Major Victor Apodaca, USAF MIA. No matter how many of these ceremonies I attend, at some point I always have watery eyes. So many have given the ultimate sacrifice and it is nice to show our gratitude for these men and women. Over the pass year, our luncheon attendance has been reduced drastically. Over the years our luncheons have been a place where we meet and enjoy each others company for a couple of hours and I would hope we have not reached the point where we need to schedule them quarterly. I would like you to consider inviting some of our friends to our luncheons. They do not have to be members as long as they are your guest. Bob LePage JUNE PROGRAM Mr. Brian MacNeel CRIME PREVENTION TASK FORCE The Crime Prevention Task Force is a community service organization developed by former law enforcement officers. Our mission is to achieve more awareness by the public of the criminal threat facing everyone in today's society and show effective measures to counter that threat. There is no need to be afraid of being home alone or going to the supermarket Crime is everywhere and it is important to be aware of all the threats and know how to protect yourself and your property We support the community, businesses, groups and organizations by providing free crime awareness programs. Our speakers offer current information on all aspects of the crime problem, and recommended tested procedures to enhance personal safety. Topics discussed are: * Identity Theft * Fraud and Scams * Purse Snatching * Guns and Alternative Weapons * Home Safety * Carjacking and Much More Saving lives, preventing personal injury and, or property loss are our goals.

2 Volume 59 Issue 6 FOCUS 2 Chapter Communications Numbers Office Phone Office FAX Number (Mark FAX messages For MOAA ) Mailing Address: MOAA CFC, Inc. PO Box Orlando, FL KEY PERSONNEL/OFFICERS (All telephone numbers preceded by (407) PRESIDENT LTC Robert M. LePage, USA, Ret VICE PRESIDENT COL Richard G. Jung, Sr rickjungsr@gmail.com SECRETARY Mrs. Patricia A. Green, AUX deg@aol.com ASSISTANT SECRETARY LTC Michael Gillett, USA, Ret mgillett@cfl.rr.com TREASURER CW4 Dick Sauer, USA, Ret dsauer@compuserve.com ASSISTANT TREASURER LT COL Joseph Hines, USAF, Ret jovinthcenturylink.net DIRECTORS COL Roger Hakola, USA, Ret Zfreedom@aol.com LTC Sylvester Johnson, USA, Ret sbj32746@bellsouth.net CWO Robert L. Hoy, USA, Ret rhoy13@cfc.rr.com DIRECTORS CAPT Robert S. Rosen, USN, Ret capbob1936@yahoo.com LTC Mike Patterson, USA, Ret dmphome@earthlink.net Mrs. Patricia A. Green, AUX deg06@aol.com IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT COL William J. Gates, USAF, Ret Gator15pat@hotmail.com STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS NOMINATING COMMITTEE CAPT Bob Rosen, USN, Ret MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE LTC Mike J Patterson, USA, Ret PROGRAM COMMITTEE LTC Robert M. LePage LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE LTC Michael Gillett CHAPLAIN & PERSONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Chaplain (CW4) Dick Sauer dsauer@compuserve.com OTHER COMMITTEE CHAIRS RESERVATIONS COMMITTEE LTC Robert M. LePage Rnato011@aol.com CHAPTER NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE LTC Robert M. LePage, USA, Ret ROSTER/MEMBER DATA BASE LTC Robert M. LePage, USA,Ret Mrs. Patricia Green, AUX Web Site Coordinator Mr. Michael Paquin Michael.pquin@gmail.com Saturday May 18, :30-12:00 Social Hour Lunch at 12:00 Location #1 New York Steak #2 Grouper ELKS LODGE N. PRIMROSE DR ORLANDO, FL Menu Salad with house dressing Beverage: Coffee, Tea and Water included. Desert: Surprise Price: $20.00 including gratuity Reservations: Not later than noon, Tuesday June 14, 2016 Call: Bob LePage at (407) OR Rnato011@aol.com If you must cancel your reservation, please do so as early as possible regrettably, we must bill no-shows for the cost of the meal. HELP YOUR SURVIVORS NOW If you have a family, one of the most important things you can do during your lifetime is laying out the plans to take care of your family after you die. Upon your death, your survivors can expect to receive certain payments and benefits from the federal government, but it s up to you to help your survivors. MOAA has several publications, listed below, which will give you an excellent start in this process. You can request these documents by or by calling Help Your Survivors Now A Guide to Planning Ahead - Survivor Benefit Plan Security for Your Survivors - Survivor s Checklist First Steps for Moving On Also, you can request assistance in Orlando from the Retired Activities Office Phone: and Fax: Office hours are 10:00 am 2:00 pm Monday through Friday. Personnel at this office are all retired military and they can provide you with the various agencies and telephone numbers to include notifying the retired finance center. Your survivors should know the location of your insurance policies, retirement orders, birth certificate, your current Retiree Account Statement and any other documents of importance before and after your death. Published monthly except July by the Military Officers Association of America Central Florida Chapter, Inc. P.O. Box , Orlando, FL, The Chapter is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, affiliated with National MOAA and the Florida Council of Chapters, MOAA, but not associated with the Department of Defense. The views expressed are not necessarily those of MOAA, the Florida Council of Chapters, or the Department of Defense.

3 Volume 59Issue 6 FOCUS Page 3 Chapter Board Meeting May 14, 2016 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President LTC LePage at 1005 hours. LTC Johnson gave the invocation and LTC LePage led the Pledge of Allegiance. Quorum: A quorum was established. Attending were COL Hakola, CAPT Rosen, COL Jung, COL Gates, LTC LePage, LTC Johnson, LT COL Hines and LTC Patterson. Secretary s Report: The minutes of the April Board meeting were approved. Treasurer s Report: The April report was reviewed and approved. Committee Reports: COL Jung reported 28 of 34 schools participated in the MOAA Leadership award program. A list of awardees will appear in the Orlando Sentinel. LTC Patterson said our new membership recruiting is underway and 1,000 letters will be sent out to potential new members. LTC Patterson said the Annual Golf Tournament will be October 21st and he will be sending out letters to potential Corporate sponsors as is done each year. COL Gates indicated the Combined Professional Associations Group (CPAC) has included our Annual Golf Tournament on their calendar. Old Business: COL Jung presented a copy of a letter to be sent to 29 Corporate 500 companies requesting donations to our JROTC Scholarship Program. The intent is to increase significantly the amount of award money to each selected cadet. COL Jung requested approval of providing a MOAA baseball cap to this year s golf participants and it was approved. New Business: None Announcements: Next Board Meeting: June 11, 2016 Next Luncheon: May 21, 2016 Meeting adjourned at 1045 hours. Respectfully submitted, Robert M. LePage, President Chaplain s Message Living here in Central Florida, we would have no trouble grasping the significance of that image above the power of the sun is well evident by time we get to the sixth month, and we re all very grateful for air conditioning. AC, of course, is what took Florida out of the backwaters of a handful of people bearing the scorching summer heat while farming or raising cattle. The heat isn t so severe in Central Italy in June, so the ancient Romans decided it was the ideal month for marriages, according to Plutarch, the Greco-Roman historian.. As mentioned last month, some conclude that the month was names for iuniores, the Roman name for younger ones. Others say that the month was named in honor of Juno, the goddess of marriage in the Roman pantheon. She was the wife of Jupiter, the supreme god over all the other Roman gods. In Barbados, June is Crop Over month, an extended Mardi Gras-like festival celebrating the end of the sugar-cane harvest. In ends on Kadooment Day I haven t been able to find the meaning of Kadooment but the day features exotic costumes, bands and a jump-up parade of dancing through the streets to Calypso music. Crop Over reminds me of what a missionary friend of mine likes to say about customs he encounters in different foreign countries it s not wrong, just different. If Crop Over doesn t lead to wholesale immorality, it would fit that description, as would many customs of other nations with which we are not familiar. Goes to point out that God did not create as us mindless robots. He gave us freedom to...choose you this day whom ye will serve... (Joshua 24:15 in the Old Testament). That includes the freedom to either accept or reject the Lord and to engage in the variety of customs that exist around the globe, Barbados Crop Over being just one of countless examples. Whatever you choose to do during it, I hope you have a good June! In His love, DICK SAUER TAPS The Chapter extends deepest sympathy and sincerest condolence to the family and friends of: RADM Edward J. Hinman, USPHS, Ret., passed away March 18, 2016 and is survived by his wife Jean.

4 LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION BY LTC Michael Gillett, USA, RET. SENATE PANEL PROPOSES HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL On May 12, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved its version of the FY 2017 Defense Authorization Bill. In the wake of last year s retirement reform, the committee has turned to overhauls of DoD s leadership structure, procurement, and health care programs. As this article was being written, the only information on the changes was committee press release which didn t include details of committee recommendations on specific health fees. But committee leaders left no doubt about their determination to address problems in beneficiary access and program efficiency, quality, oversight and contracting. They also left no doubt they believe many fees associated with TRICARE should be increased. That combination of views is best described by a sentence in the committee s press release that said, (These) reform initiatives adhere to a simple guiding principle: that beneficiaries should only be asked to pay more into a military system that delivers greater value. Changes addressed by the committee include: * Eliminating preauthorization requirements for specialty care, * lowering copays or high-value medications and services, * requiring a plan to improve pediatric care, * requiring a standardized appointment system in military facilities, * establishing performance accountability standards for military health care leaders at all levels, * incorporating value-based methods and provider reimbursements in TRICARE contracts, * expanding telehealth services, * authority for TRICARE beneficiaries to enroll in the federal civilian dental and vision programs, * authorizing DoD to conduct a pilot program to provide commercial health insurance for Guard and Reserve beneficiaries, and * realignment of the medical command structure of DoD (with no further details available yet). On the issue of TRICARE fees, the press release was short on details, but said the committee recommended: *no changes for TRICARE For Life, * very modest enrollment fee increases for retired beneficiaries under age 65, * a nine-year schedule of increases in pharmacy copays, * authorization for DoD to charge no-show fee for missed appointments in military facilities, * changing TRICARE Standard cost shares to flat-dollar amounts rather than the current percent of TRICARE-allowed charges, * authority for DoD to lower copays for high-value services and increase copays for low-value services, * addition of $40 million for autism care to reverse provider reimbursement cuts DoD imposed on April 1, In general, MOAA supports the array of quality and access improvement initiatives the committee proposes, though we remain concerned about the magnitude of potential fee hikes. On non-health care issues, the committee recommended: * A 1.6 percent military pay raise as recommended in the Pentagon budget (vs. the 2.1 percent raise recommended by the House committee. * Force level reductions recommended by the Pentagon budget (vs. the increases allowed in the House bill), * Requiring both males and females to register for the draft, * A 25-percent cut in 4-stars and other flag and general officers and * Permanent authority to pay the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance for SBP-DIC survivors. We should be able to provide additional details on TRICARE fees, SSIA and more shortly Copyright 2016Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), all rights reserved. Part or all of this message may be retransmitted for information purposes, but may not be used for any commercial purpose or in any commercial product, posted on a Web site, or used in any non-moaa publication (other than that of a MOAA affiliate, or a member of The Military Coalition) without the written permission of MOAA. All retransmissions, postings, and of this message must include this notice.

5 Volume 59 Issue 6 PROCDURES FOR ID CARDS Army Reserve Center 3701 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL (407) M-F & National Guard Armory 8385 Daetwyler Dr., Orlando, FL (407) Tuesday & Thursday Naval Support Activity Orlando Science Dr, Orlando, FL (407) Walk-ins: M-F Appointments on Line: Patrick AFB, Cocoa Beach (321) MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL (813) PSD NAS Jacksonville, FL (904) /8/9 SPECIAL OFFER! An opportunity to win a free meal at a Chapter meeting and here is how it works: Make copies of the membership application/ renewal from on page 7. Insert your name (please print) on the bottom line of the form on the line New Member Referred By. Give the forms to friends, neighbors, work associates, etc, who are former officers or retired officers or a widow or widower. of a former officer.. For every new member s application received with one year s dues payment and with your name on the form s bottom line, you will receive a complimentary meal at one of the regular Chapter meetings. It s that easy! You ll be doing yourself, your friends and your Chapter a big favor. FOCUS Page 5 INSURANCE MOAA has worked with Marsh Affinity Group Services, a service of Seabury & Smith, Inc. since 1981 to administer Group Insurance Plans. These plans have been negotiated exclusively on behalf of MOAA members and their families. As an active duty or retired MOAA member, you may qualify for insurance to complement your and your family's military entitlements. Choose from TRICARE Supplements, Term Life insurance, Long Term Care insurance and others. For more information, go to HELP C.F.C. MOAA HELP OUR HOMELESS VETERANS DONATE FOOD STUFF AND CLOTHES Please join the Central Florida Chapter,MOAA, launch our new HELP A VETERAN program. Donate nonperishable food stuffs and/or your slightly used clothes. We will gather up the goods and deliver them to the Veteran Affairs Volunteer Services at the Lake Nona facility. One hundred percent (100%) of whatever you donate goes directly to the VA. Two ways to give: 1. Bring your food stuffs and/or clothes to the monthly luncheon at the Elks Lodge (every 3 rd Saturday of the month). We ll take them off your hands. 2. Contact Rick Jung, Sr at rickjungsr@live.com or call and we ll arrange a pick-up from any central Florida location. This service will be available only on Saturdays from 1000 to 1700 hours. Any questions? Call Rick at the number listed above. THANK YOU! LIFE MEMBERSHIP Life membership in the Chapter is available on a Sliding Scale dues fee schedule as noted below: * Age 46 50: $375 * Age $326 * Age $299 * Age 61 65: $269 * Age 66 70: $238 * Age 71 75: $204 * Age 75 and above $135 It you have already paid your dues for 2016 and desire to convert to a Chapter Life Member, deduct the amount you already paid ($10 or $15 as appropriate).

6 Volume 59 Issue 6 FOCUS Page 6 LT COL Joe Hines presents the MOAA Leadership Medal to Apopka High School Cadet Master Sergeant Desmond Coley at the Apopka VFW CITRUS CLUB MEMBERSHIP I am Captain Robert S. Rosen, USN (Ret), a life member of MOAA, a longtime member, past President, and a current Board Member of our Central Florida Chapter of MOAA. I am also a past member of the Board of Governors of the Citrus Club. The Citrus Club is a very prestigious private business club in Orlando. It offers excellent opportunities for social and business networking. Prospective members must be invited to join and be sponsored by a current member. There are many levels of membership from Young Executive to Platinum and Signature Gold Unlimited. Each membership level has different benefits and a different monthly fee. The club serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; has private business rooms with computers, printers, and phones available for members free use; a spa; and many social functions. The club has recently completed a $4 million dollar renovation. The club encompasses the entire 18th floor of the building at the corner of Orange and Jackson Street in downtown Orlando. This club was designed for professionals, like yourselves, in mind. I would be happy to sponsor you into the Citrus Club. Call me at or me at captbob1936@yahoo.com for additional information; and to set up a tour of the Club. Bob Rosen" THE NAVY EXCHANGE SAVES YOU MONEY Navy Exchange prices are an average of 15.8% below the competition. This savings is determined by "Market Basket" surveys. The Navy Exchange Service Command hired an independent consulting firm to conduct price surveys three times per year. Prices are compared on 350 exchange items, in eight geographic areas throughout the United States with such retailers as Wal- Mart, Target, Circuit City, and Sears. The results showed that customers save an average of 15.8% (excluding sales tax savings). In the State of Florida, the total savings would be 21.8% which includes the 15.8% average plus the 6% sales tax. At Navy Exchange Orlando, the savings can be significantly more when grocery food items are included because the Orlando Food Store prices food items similar to a military commissary. Another way the Navy Exchange helps the customer save money everyday is through its' Price Matching Policy. We will match the price of any identical item, sold in a local store - same brand, manufacturer, size, and model number. Simply bring in a current, local competitor's ad for the identical item and we will match the price. Price differences greater than $50 require a supervisors approval. Exceptions include concession-run operations, commissary prices, fine jewelry items, special orders, gasoline, automotive parts and labor/service charges, going-out-of business sales, flea markets, clearances, and percent and dollar off specials, internet sites, etc. NOMINATIONS OF OFFICERS FOR Nominations for the MOAA Central Florida Chapter officers are now being accepted.. If you would like to be nominated for one of the Central Florida Chapter's offices, please contact Bob Rosen at , Bob LePage at The nominating committee would like to nominate candidates for all the chapter offices listed on page 2 of this newsletter, plus three directors. VOLUNTEERS LTC Bob LePage volunteers two afternoons each week at Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs. IF YOU ARE A VOLUNTEER PLEASE GIVE BOB LEPAGE A CALL AT SO HE CAN LIST YOU IN OUR NEWSLETTER.

7 MAKE COPIES OF THIS PAGE AND GIVE THEM TO FRIENDS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE CHAPTER MOAA CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION or RENEWAL Central Florida Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Eligible persons: Retired, Former or Active duty Commissioned or Warrant Officers of the seven uniformed services of the United States, and surviving spouses (eligible for Auxiliary Membership) of persons who would have been eligible, if living. Applicants for membership in the Central Florida Chapter are required to be members of National MOAA. Dues are presently $15 per year ($10 for Auxiliary) for calendar year 2016 Please complete all applicable portions below and mail check payable to MOAA, CFC, Inc to the address indicated in Amount enclosed box, below. This is my membership Application, or Renewal (Note, if this is a Renewal, complete the form only if there are changes otherwise, just print your name on the form and sign and enclose your check) 1. NAME (please print, first, MI, last 2. Address City FL, ZIP 3. Telephone # Spouse (if applicable) 4. address, if 5. Birth date 6. National MOAA (TROA) member # (from mailing label of The Military Officer magazine) For Regular Membership (Check as applicable) Retired Officer Former Officer Active Duty Officer Rank/Grade Service: Army Navy Marine Corps Air Force Coast Guard USPHS NOAA For Auxiliary Membership (Complete items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, above, plus the following) Deceased Spouse name (First, MI, Last) Spouse service Grade/rank YOUR PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS CHAPTER ACTIVITIES IS URGENTLY NEEDED AND WILL BE MOST SINCERELY APPRECIATED. PLEASE CHECK ONE (OR MORE) AREAS YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO HELP IN: Meeting programs Ceremonies (Patriotic events) Chapter Officer Personal Affairs Membership recruitment Newsletter (editor, get ads, etc.) Reservations (take phone calls, check in members at meetings) ROTC/JROTC (coordinate program and/or make presentations at schools awards functions) OTHER ALL APPLICANTS PLEASE SIGN: New member referred by Amount enclosed: Dues Regular $15 $ OR Auxiliary $10 $ ROTC/JROTC (Voluntary) $ Community Service (Voluntary) $ Total enclosed $ Please make checks payable to: MOAA CFC, Inc.* and mail to: PO Box Orlando, FL Publish my name in the roster Yes No

8 PLEASE LET US KNOW WHEN YOU WILL BE TEMPORARILY AWAY OR PLAN TO MOVE!! A returned newsletter means the Chapter has wasted approximately $1.00! Military Officers Association of America Central Florida Chapter PO Box Orlando, FL RETURNED SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S.POSTAGE PAID MID FL-FL PERMIT NO _ label