LARIAT THE. President s Message MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER. Inside This Edition:

Transcription

1 MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER THE LARIAT Volume 34, Number 5 Five Star Chapter May 2014 President s Message The Storming of the Hill has just taken place in Washington. This is when the Texas Council of Chapters President, board members and MOAA Staff meet with all of our Texas Representatives and Senators to advocate for issues related to the Military, from Active to Veteran to retiree to family members. This is an essential activity given that most of our Congressmen have never worn the uniform and have no real concept of the sacrifices made (and continue to make) over the years. Many think of the military as a large corporation that can be manipulated as a business and the members of the military as people who can be treated as a normal civilian worker. This is a dangerous concept and we need to continue to educate our representatives as to the uniqueness of our military and the service that they and their families give to this country to protect its very survival. We went to the Congress with four very concise and coherent fact sheets to use with our Congressmen. These are on the MOAA.org Website. You should all look at these and then make a concerted effort to meet personally with your Representative or his staff to reemphasis them. I am going to present two of them to you now and the remaining two next month. 1) Don t let budget cuts undo Congress s decade of work to rebalance military compensation with the extraordinary demands and sacrifices of a military career. The FY 2015 budget submission proposes several significant pay and benefit cuts which are inconsistent with the extreme sacrifices exemplified by the last 12 years of war. Capping pay below the Employment Cost Index (ECI) for a second straight year (and potentially four more) Reducing Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) by 5%, reversing DoD s own initiative to eliminate out-ofpocket housing cost completed in 2005 Reducing commissary savings for uniformed service families The Pentagon is suggesting these cuts, stating spending on pay and benefits for service members has risen about 40 percent more than growth in the private sector since Congress worked over the past decade to fix the 13.5% pay gap, eliminate the 18% out-of-pocket housing costs military members faced, and reverse the resulting retention problems caused by repeatedly capping military raises below (Continued on Page 7) President s Message Inside This Edition: Pg 2 Chapter News & Notices Pg 3 Volunteer of the Year Pg 4 New & Renewing Members Pg 5 June Dinner Dance Details Pg 10 Chapter Activites Pg 14 TVC Annual Summit Pg 14 Chapter Events Calendar Senator Leticia Van de Putte presenting a state proclamation to chapter members in honor of Women s Veterans Month in Texas. The Lariat May 2014

2 Cookie Angels Grateful thanks to those who either baked and or took items to the wounded soldiers at Ft Sam Houston s Warrior and Family Support Center. If you were able to give this month on behalf of the Alamo Chapter please call Susie at (210) , so we may add your name to our list. Thank you. Maryada Artiglia Irene Collier Nita Felder Susan Filipini Joe & Adele Genualdi John Gibbs Rochelle Koltz Sue McCarthy Mac and Lori McDonald Goldie Monroe JC & Marilyn Newell Lolly Orlowski Phyllis Smith Lou Strong Brenda Tobey Susie Tolman Dot Wise Tom & Evelyn Woods Thank You!! Each of our members listed below have donated a little (or a lot) to either the Scholarship Fund, Chapter Operations, or both! Col Clair Book USA (Ret) Col Upendra Kharod USAF (Ret) LTC Randolph Meade USA (Ret) Vilma Rega Joan Weart Chapter News & Notices TAPS We have received information that the following members have passed away. We wish to convey our sincere condolences and best wishes to their family and loved ones: Ingeborg Smith 2/15/14 Marilyn Engelking Spouse of Col Donald Engelking USA (Ret) 3/19/14 Col Ted Reinsch USA (Ret) 4/3/14 LTC Edward LeFebvre USAF (Ret) 4/4/14 LTC Michael Yndo USAF (Ret) 4/16/14 WANTED! All Active Duty or Retired Job Seekers If you would like to be added to the regular blast that lists job opportunities in San Antonio and the surrounding area, please our Alamo Chapter Transition Liaison Officer David Patrick at dwpatrick01@gmail.com If you are an area employer who is interested in hiring career transitioning officers or their spouses.. or if you are a MOAA member who is interested in helping a career transitioning officer or spouse as a San Antonio Networker.. or if you are a MOAA member Job Seeker, please contact me David Patrick, Chapter Transition Liaison Officer & MOAA Texas Networking Coordinator at or by at dwpatrick01@gmail.com. The Lariat May Vision & Mission Statement Vision: To be the primary advocate for the military community Mission: To be a major source of information, support and social engagement for the membership; To provide programs and services for the common good of our military community; To be a powerful voice supporting MOAA at the local, state and national levels. To help us fulfill our mission come join us at our monthly leadership meetings - the 1st Thursday each month at 10am, at the Chapter Offices. Call (210) for more info. Note: June s meeting has been moved to Thurs June 12.

3 Chapter Volunteer Of The Year - LTC James Taylor The Alamo Chapter of MOAA proudly nominates our Chaplain, the Reverend Doctor James Taylor for the United Way Volunteer of the Year. This exemplary volunteer continues his lifelong ministry to the military community while serving with the Alamo Chapter helping to reach its goals. He his recognized for his good and faithful work with the military community, both veteran and active duty. What follows is a synopsis of the work he performed during Volunteer impact on the Organization: Performed huge amount of volunteer service on behalf of Alamo Chapter of MOAA. Represented the Chapter spiritually with Chapter members and the military community. Paricipated in visitations with veteans, conducted funerals, etc.while representing the Chapter. Home visitations 140/ 790 hours/ 1236 miles Reverend Doctor James Taylor LTC USA (Ret) has served our veterans, retired and families in extraordinary ways during ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day as a member of MOAA, Sons of the American Revolution and American Legion. As a retired US Army Chaplain, he served 34 years with the Active and Reserve forces and continues to dedicate much of his time to veterans praying for their spiritual and physical healing, especially those suffering from the wounds of current wars. In his military service, Chaplain Taylor trained over 350 chaplains and chaplain assistants in combat ministry to troops and provided ministry to countless military personnel and their families. He had four assignments to Ft. Sam Houston, three at BAMC, his last being that of the Ft. Sam Houston Chaplain. In retirement, Chaplain Taylor continues his history of providing spiritual guidance for his fellow members in the Alamo Chapter and also the military community as a whole. Maj Jim Cunningham (Ret) Volunteer impact on JBSA-FSH Community: In the past year, he has made over 629 visits, logging over 11,000 miles to visit and serve veterans in VA Hospitals, nursing homes and in their homes. He has visited wounded warriors at SAAMC. He has conducted over 71 veteran funerals over the year. Volunteer Contributions: Visitations with troops, veterans and family members in spiritual need Working with Wounded Warriors and their families Worship services Visiting military members in VA and military hospital. Funerals Tool Box Programs Volunteer Time and Initiative: 2013 volunteer hours with Alamo MOAA 426 hours in funeral/memorial services 204 visits to nursing homes/assisted living facilities for veterans 372 hours and 3062 miles. Veteran visits 120 visits/ 144 hours/ 1452 miles Wounded Warrior/families 38 visits/120 hours/972 miles Worship services 36 services/ 220 veterans served/ 180 hours/ 1226 miles Veteran and Military hospital visits 84 times/ 140 patients/ 144 hours 1586 miles 3 The Lariat May 2014

4 Active 342 Aux 201 Former 19 Retired 802 Total Col David Anderson USAF (Ret) COL Scott Bleichwehl USA Col George Chronis USAF (Ret) Col William Clarke USAF (Ret) COL Mustapha Debboun USA Col James Fisher USAF (Ret) Col John Hinds USAF (Ret) Col Joseph Hope USAF (Ret) Col Rufus Johnston USAF (Ret) Col Rondel Minter USAF (Ret) Col Herbert Peck USAF (Ret) Col Allan Perry USAF (Ret) COL Christopher Powers ANG Col Paul Renfro USAF (Ret) Col Fred Ryder USAF (Ret) CAPT Samuel Schick USN (Ret) Col Peter Seebeck USAF Col Daniel Sowada USAF (Ret) LTC William Butkovich USA (Ret) LTC Michael DeCesare USA LtCol David Leas USAF (Ret) LTC Jeffery Moton USA LtCol Robert Hess ANG (Ret) Capt Jodi Maley USAF Lt Eugene Robbins USNR (Ret) CPT Joey Vigil USA Alamo Chapter Membership As of: April 25, 2014 Goal Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Months 2013 WELCOME New Members: CPT Gary Wilson USA Maj Ellen Cahalan USAF (Ret) Maj Sylvia Cruz USAF Maj George Greenly USAF (Ret) Maj Clara Johnson USAF (Ret) Maj Arthur Nanos USAF (Ret) MAJ Emilio Rodriguez USA Maj James Smith USAF (Ret) MAJ Patrick Tracy USA (Ret) 1Lt Mary Hall USAF (Frmr) 1Lt Ofelia Viesca USA (Frmr) 2LT Betty Bundy USA (Frmr) CWO4 Henry Karpf USAF (Ret) Joel Gage USA Thomas Marks (Ret) JoAnn Richardson Nestor Soto USA Miriam Dykes Lyn Henderson Diane Pittenger LaVonne Spears Eva Stein THANK YOU! Renewing Members: MG Charles Honore USA (Ret) MG Charles Rodriguez USA (Ret) BG James Doty, Jr USA (Ret) Col Clair Book USA (Ret) CAPT Vincent DeInnocentiis USN (Ret) Col Alexander Gozur USAF (Ret) Col Ron Hannan USAF (Ret) Col Ed Herrera USAF (Ret) Col Mark List USAF (Ret) Col Boots Miller USAF (Ret) CAPT James Rice USN (Ret) Col Jack Salmon USAF (Ret) Col Rex Tallent USAF (Ret) LtCol Thomas Atkinson USAF (Ret) LtCol Warren Camarano USAF (Ret) LTC (Chaplain) Lawrence Haworth USA (Ret) LTC John Kepler USA (Ret) LtCol Carl Leonard USAF (Ret) LTC Randolph Meade USA (Ret) LTC Bob Moher USA (Ret) MAJ Robert Corbo USA (Ret) MAJ Thurayya Gillis USA Maj James Rosskopf USAF (Ret) Sandra Hicks Annabelle Jenkins Dorothy Rogers Vilma Rega Joan Weart The Lariat May

5 PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE ALAMO CHAPTER S 3rd ANNUAL CRUISING INTO THE SUMMER PARTY You don t have to be a MOAA or Alamo Chapter member to attend!! When: Friday, June 27, 2014 Where: Time: Dinner: Dancing: Dress: Cost: Petroleum Club of San Antonio 8620 N New Braunfels, Suite 700 San Antonio, TX Phone: :30 7:30p Cocktails (Cash Bar) 7:30p Dinner & Dancing The Petroleum Club s wonderful, renowned and scrumptious cruise style buffet: Carved Steamship of Beef, Chicken Gratinee, Oven Roast Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, Rolls/Butter, Dessert Selection of New York Cheesecake with Fresh Berries, Italian Cream Cake and Chocolate Raspberry Cake, Coffee & Tea Music by Two for the Road Ladies: Cruise casual, i.e. dresses, skirts and tops, or pants outfits Gentlemen: Cruise casual, i.e. Hawaiian shirt/slacks or business casual (No shorts or hats please) $36/person Reservations: Must be made by noon, Tuesday June 24. (Reservations not cancelled by noon, June 24th will be billed) Cut & Return Cost per person: $36 Name: Guest(s): TOTAL ENCLOSED $ Please send this reservation slip & check made payable to MOAA-AC to: MOAA-AC, P.O. Box , Ft. Sam Houston, TX Call with questions or Pay by credit card on our secure website at 5 The Lariat May 2014

6 The Lariat May

7 (Continued from Page 1) private sector pay growth in the 1980s and 90s. Cost growth since was essential to keep the previous compensation cutbacks from breaking the career force. Since 2011, personnel cost growth has already slowed to less than 2% per year. Sustaining pay raises comparable to the average American is a fundamental tenet of the AVF. In the late 1970s Congress had to enact two double-digit pay raises to correct retention in the wake of multiple pay raise caps. In 2003, Congress explicitly linked annual military raises to private sector pay growth via the ECI. The FY 2015 budget proposes a 1% pay raise cap (vs. the 1.8% indicated by the ECI) for a second straight year. By the late 1990s, the Defense Department persuaded Congress to make military housing allowances meaningful by setting BAH at 100% of median local housing costs. This standard was codified after years of budget cuts reducing BAH rates below actual housing costs. Between the FY 2014 and FY 2015 pay caps, the proposed BAH reductions, the reductions in commissary savings, and the new TRICARE fee structure, an E-5 s family of four would experience a loss of nearly $5,000 in purchasing power annually; and an O-3 s family of four would experience a loss of nearly $6,000. MOAA understands the difficult predicament the Pentagon now faces and we agree that balancing the force and ending the harmful effects of sequestration must be accomplished. Not doing so, the risks become unacceptable. But past experience of capping military raises below private sector pay growth has proven that once pay raise caps begin, they continue until they undermine retention and readiness and this proposal includes caps for six straight years. The troops last three raises averaged less than 1.4%, with the FY 2014 pay raise being the lowest in 50 years. And this proposal is not limited to pay. This (Continued on Page 11) Soccer San Antonio is a sports minded city. We have basketball (Spurs), football (college and high school) and a new sport rising in popularity, Soccer. Support by some of our political leaders including mayors, Garza and Castro, has stimulated local interest. Gordon Hartman, philanthropist, and home builder built Toyota Stadium, a soccer field. He spent 40 million dollars of his own money to build a field adjacent to Morgan's Wonderland. Profits from games played by the Scorpions (local team) are used to support a theme park for handicapped individuals. It was built to honor his handicapped daughter and other handicapped persons. How did the game of soccer evolve? There are several different version of how it started. (1) In London's famous Newgate Prison in the early 1800's, prisoners who had their hands cut off came up with a sport that used only their feet. (2) Some of the earliest records came from a Chinese military manual compiled between the 1st and 3rd centuries. (3) Two of the earliest types of games in Europe came from ancient Greece (EPISKY ROS) and Roman (HARPASTAM). (4) Many similar games were played in China, Japan and Australia with a round ball. The term "futball" was established in the rules book in 1876 to distinguish it from soccer and rugby. Some differences were in running, passing, kicking and goal posts. Colleges and universities were the first to change existing rules. By 1888 soccer rules had been changed and revised. Soccer remained a violent sport until 1905 when Theodore Roosevelt threatened to abolish the game after 19 fatalities occurred. Rules were changed every four years for safety of the players, and prohibiting players being paid Solitaires money. They got 35 cents for every goal. England created the term soccer to distinguish it from rugby. The object of the game is to score using any part of your body besides your arms and hands to get the ball into the opposing goal. The goal keepers are the only players allowed to touch the ball with their hands while it is in play, and only in the penalty phase. Outfield players must use their feet to strike or pass the ball However, they may use their heads instead to strike or toss the ball. The laws of the game were codified in England in 1863 by the International Federation of Futball. In most of the world soccer was known as futball. It evokes a great passion and plays an important part in lives, laws, communities and nations. It has been said that even the polite, modest and humble in Europe fall into rage when playing or watching soccer. Even today when England plays you know fans will riot, vandalize, turn over and burn cars after the game regardless of who wins. Why is group violence so prevalent? In 1896 a Frenchman, Gustave LeBon developed the "Contagion theory", to describe collective behavior. It proposes that crowds evoke a hypnotic influence on their members, and an anonymity of belonging to a large group of people. This results in irrational and emotionally changed behavior. The frenzy of the crowd feeds upon itself growing more contagious with time often instigated and guided by individuals. A recent example of mob violence occurred in a soccer game in Brazil on 4 July A referee called a foul and instigated a harsh penalty. The player shunned it and a fist fight (Continued on Page 8) 7 The Lariat May 2014

8 Solitaires (Continued from Page 7) ensued. The referee pulled a knife and plunged it into the player s chest. The player was rushed to the hospital but died in route. This enraged the family and fans. They mobbed the referee, tied him up and tortured him. When they learned that the player had died, they dragged the referee out on to the field, stoned him to death, then cut up and dismembered his body. Fortunately American fans only resort to screaming and throwing plastic bottles. Did you know? Soccer players often run six miles during a game. India withdrew from the World Cup in 1950 because they weren't allowed to play barefoot. The original World Cup was made of papier-mâché but had to be replaced in 1950 after a heavy rain storm. In 3rd World countries the soccer balls are often made of rags and diapers. As a young girl, Queen Elizabeth played soccer at Buckingham Palace. In England until 1908 the first soccer balls were made of inflated stomach tissue of executed Irish prisoners. Brazil's Pele got the nick name "Pele" meaning six feet--because he was born with six toes on each foot The fate of Soccer in San Antonio depends upon politics and economics. In May there will a pot luck luncheon instead of the usual 1st Tuesday of the month meeting. It is planned for Saturday 17 May at the home of Linda Gayer. Source: San Antonio Express News Internet Col Irene Collier (Ret) If you are a single man or lady and like to eat, chat, make new friends, experience or provide sometimes brief impromptu or scheduled interesting demonstrations, talks, or discussions, whether you are: visiting the area; active duty or retired; widowed or divorced; the SOLITAIRES is the group for you. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy camaraderie with other single men and ladies whose backgrounds and experiences are with the military. So make that resolution to get out and about and come have some fun!! Call the office (210) for more details. Marketing Yourself for a Second Career Joint Base San Antonio A professional development lecture for officers and senior enlisted in transition. Civilians, spouses and retirees cordially invited. Corporate Partners Abby Consulting Air Force Federal Credit Union Air Force Villages Army Residence Community Beldon Roofing Company Housing 1 Source Medical Services International, Inc Navy Federal Credit Union Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union Security Service Federal Credit Union Silverbridge Realty Spectrum Technologies, Inc See links to these companies on our website Learn about: Your competition for finding a job Perceptions civilian employers have of military personnel A plan for your job search Resumes, Cover letters, broadcast letters, etc. How employers read your resume. Networking and penetrating the hidden job market. Preparing for and conducting a successful interview. Salary negotiations and benefit packages. Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Time: Location: Base Theatre Randolph AFB Project Officer: Mr. Ray Ramos Phone: (210) We encourage each of you to remember our Corporate Partners in your business and daily activities because we truly appreciate their support. If your business or organization would like to join us as a Corporate Partner, please contact us at (210) Thank you for your consideration The Lariat May

9 9 The Lariat May 2014

10 Chapter Activities JROTC Award Presentations Storming The Hill Pete Gallego MOAA-AC Chapter members and MOAA national Board Members LtCol Ed Marvin & Col Barbara Ramsey, together with spouse advocate Cynthia Hill, met with 10 of the Texas representatives during the MOAA sponsored Storming The Hill on April 9 to discuss issues affecting the military. Ruben Hinojosa Vela Filemon LCDR Gil Rodriguez (not pictured) & Maj Jim Cunningham traveled to the Valley to present the MOAA medal to JROTC Cadet CSM Cheyenne Underwood of Weslaco East High School on April 5, The Alamo chapter covers most of south Texas in its annual JROTC Awards presentations covering over 120 JROTC Units. If you would like to be a presenter at a local High School please LTC Jim Webb at beaubien43@gmail.com or call the office at (210) Joaquin Castro Lamar Smith The Lariat May

11 President s Message (Continued from Page 7) quadruple whammy of capping pay, increasing out-of-pocket expenses for housing, slashing commissary savings, and increasing TRICARE costs for military families would be huge steps backward on the road towards repeating the insidious measures which led to retention and readiness problems in the past. This piecemeal reduction of compensation and benefits is doubly inappropriate since the Military Compensation and Retirement Reform Commission will be offering more comprehensive reform proposals next year. Recommendation: Sustain pay and benefits for military members and their families. Don t repeat the past and let budget cuts undo Congress decade of work on fixing pay and benefits. 2) Reject Disproportional TRICARE Fee Hikes and Health Plan Changes The FY 2015 DoD budget will shift over $9 billion in costs to military beneficiaries over 10 years by: Consolidating the TRICARE Health Plans into one results in higher costs, less choice, and no access standards Increasing costs and creating new costs for active duty families who have limited or no access to MTFs Re-labeling TRICARE Prime enrollment fee to participation fee for working age retirees without guaranteeing access Forcing working age retirees for the first time ever to pay to be seen at MTFs Dramatically increasing pharmacy copays to surpass the median of civilian plans Imposing a means-tested, enrollment fee for new TRICARE for Life beneficiaries which no other federal retirees has. DoD proposed similar fee increases last year and fortunately Congress rejected them on the basis that Pentagon leaders need to better manage costs instead of shifting costs onto beneficiaries. But the current proposal goes well beyond just fee increases and shifting costs it is an irrational attempt to restructure the program and reduce the value of the benefit. Cost Growth since 2000 claims are misleading not exploding 2000 is inappropriate baseline; that era reflected spending and retention low points Health cost growth spiked in after TRICARE for Life (TFL) enactment, but has been declining ever since Congress enacted selected current and future increases in 2011 and 2012 that will further slow the growth Combined personnel and health costs are approximately 1/3 of DoD budget same as they ve been for 30 years At 10% of DoD budget, its health care is a bargain when health care comprises 23% of the federal budget Proposed increases are out of line with the changes already authorized by Congress. Both the FY 2012 and FY 2013 Defense Authorization Acts increased fees by 16% including large Rx copays, instituted the mandatory Home Delivery Pilot program, indexed future fee increases to military retired pay growth and launched the Defense Health Agency (DHA), all of which will even further slow the growth of health care costs. The consolidation will result in paying more and receiving less value and access. The streamlining of health care plan options in the new proposal reduces choices for beneficiaries by eliminating Prime just as it also completely takes away any guarantee access to care. Combine this with a new, drastic fee payment structure, you pay more and get less. TFL Enrollment fee is out of line with original law. The 2001 law specified that no enrollment fee beyond Medicare Part B costs should be required for beneficiaries over 65, recognizing their lengthy service as their premium this was not intended to be an insurance product. Proposed health fee schedules discriminate against military retirees. No other federal employee or retiree pays income based fees for service-earned health coverage, and it is rare in the private sector. Comparison with civilian/corporate cash fees is inappropriate. Military retirement and medical benefits are the primary offsets for enduring decades of extraordinarily arduous service conditions. Military retirees pre-pay huge up front health premiums through years of service and sacrifice. DoD leaders should be held accountable to fix program inefficiencies. Studies show consolidation of budget oversight would save billions vs. having three separate service programs and multiple contractors vie for budget share. Much more can be done to save money through chronic disease management and increased use of pharmacy home delivery. These changes fly in the face of Commission s ongoing work. These piecemeal changes are inappropriate since the Military Compensation and Retirement Reform Commission will be offering more comprehensive reform recommendations to all pay and benefits next year these proposals are simply budgetdriven and shifts cost onto beneficiaries while reducing access and benefit value. Recommendation: Reject disproportional TRICARE fee hikes and plan changes. Changes in 2011 and 2012 have already slowed the growth and will generate sufficient savings from the beneficiary contribution towards cost containment. I will be attending the Army Chief of Staff s Retiree Council this month, where we discuss issues that really affect retirees of all services. I will report on this and the remaining two issues from the Storming of the Hill in the next issue of the Lariat. Have a great month! Maj Jim Cunningham (Ret) 11 The Lariat May 2014

12 Benefits of Membership of MOAA and the local chapter Our monthly newsletter, The Lariat, which includes a calendar of events, is sent to each member (or made available on-line), and includes both MOAA and Alamo Chapter news. Stay informed! Monthly luncheons, which rotate between the Randolph Parr Club, Fort Sam Houston Golf Club, and Lackland service clubs, feature informative speakers and are also open to guests. Benefit information of all kinds is provided through the Alamo Chapter. We have an experienced Vice President of Personal Affairs who can give quick answers to your and family members questions, or who can research the more complex issues. The opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of meeting fellow chapter members and their guests. We also plan for various social events, open to families and guests. In addition, our chapter features a singles group called the Solitaires, some of who are surviving spouses. The Solitaires have a busy social calendar. Make your voice heard on proposed state and national military legislation which may affect you and your family. Both the Alamo Chapter and MOAA national welcome your views! Enjoy many benefits, discounts, and services, to include career planning through our Transition Liaison Officer. The Alamo Chapter also provides college scholarships to those who qualify. Referred by: Check preferred Membership: Renewal Initial Application $25 Membership with hardcopy of newsletter $15 Membership with electronic copy of newsletter, or Surviving Spouse (auxiliary) membership Membership Application (Annual Membership) Are you a member of MOAA National? Military Officers Association of America Alamo Chapter Circle Status: Commissioned & Warrant Officers of all services - Active, Reserves, Former, Retired, National Guard, NOAA, PHS, Surviving Spouse. *Name (Print) Last First MI Spouse Residence Address City State Zip Rank/Grade Service Date of Birth Home phone * May we have your permission to publish this information in the Chapter Membership Directory? (date of birth is not published). (*This directory and your address are exclusively for the use of the chapter and will not be sold or used for any other purpose than chapter communications and/or board approved activity.) Would you like to access our monthly newsletter (The Lariat) at our website versus having a hard copy mailed to you? (Dues reduce to $15 per year). Would you like to assist in shaping and moving the chapter forward? Come join us at our leadership meetings the first Thursday of the month from 10-12am at the Chapter office on or if you would like a member of the Executive Staff to call and discuss how you can help indicate below: Yes please call me: ( ) Circle Interest: JROTC, Members Programs, Recruiting, Public Relations, Duty Officer, Personal Affairs, Legislativ Affairs, Other/wherever the need is greatest. Signature Payment by Credit Card Date Card Number: Exp Date: Billing Zipcode: Amount: CVV: CHARITABLE OUTREACH PROGRAM Please accept my tax-deductible donation of: $ to (check one) Outreach Fund* Operations *a fund for annual college scholarships and other charitable programs and services. Send applications to: MOAA-AC, P.O. Box , Ft Sam Houston, TX For questions please call (210) or moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net Also visit our chapter s website at Please feel free to copy and provide this form to prospective members The Lariat May

13 13 The Lariat May 2014

14 Chapter Events Calendar Events pertaining to general membership are bolded and italicized for the volunteer leadership team, though Members are always welcome! Please call the office for details (210) MAY 1 Volunteer Hours Due 1 Staff Meeting 10am MOAA-AC Office 9 Victory Day in Europe 11 Mother s Day 10 TCC 2nd Qtr Teleconference 17 Armed Forces Day 17 Solitaire s Pot Luck 25 Solitaire s Sunday Brunch 11 am Randolph Parr Club 26 Memorial Day Ceremony Ft Sam Houston Natl Cemetery 10am 29 Scholarship Awards Luncheon Ft Sam Golf Club JUNE 1 Volunteer Hours Due 1 Submission Deadline for Levels of Excellence Award 3 Solitaire s Luncheon 11am Ft Sam Golf Club 12 Staff Meeting 10am MOAA-AC Office 14 Flag Day & US Army Birthday 15 Father s Day 22 Solitaire s Sunday Brunch 11 am Randolph Parr Club 27 Summer Celebration Dinner Dance Petroleum Club JULY (No Staff/Board Meeting or Chapter Luncheon) 1 Volunteer Hours Due 4 Independence Day Ceremony Ft Sam Houston 29 Extravaganza Sam Houston Club (Ft Sam Newcomers Welcome) Ongoing Events: Cookie Angels deliver cookies, snacks and personal care items to the Warrior & Family Support Center. Call Susie Tolman for details (210) th Annual Veterans Summit The Texas Veterans Commission will host the 16 th Annual Veterans Summit on Thursday, May 15, 2014, at the Wyndham Riverwalk Hotel at lll East Pecan Street, San Antonio, Texas. The theme of the Veterans Summit this year is "Circles of Service" and will highlight how Veterans organizations, non-profit organizations. schools, companies, and local, state, and federal government agencies work together to overlap their "Circles of Service" to provide resources for Veterans and their families. The Veterans Summit will begin at 8:00 a.m. with opening remarks from the Honorable Joe Strauss, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, followed by an opening panel of elected officials to provide their insights on issues related to Texas Veterans and their families. The Veterans Summit will then feature a series of panels of subject matter experts examining critical issues facing the Veteran community from both a programmatic and policy perspective, including: A Texas-Sized Challenge: Joining Forces to Deliver Veterans Mental Health Resources Virtually Connected: Using Technology and Social Media to Reach Veterans All In a Day's Work: Strategies for Getting Veterans Employment Investing in the Future: the Value of Educational Opportunities for Veterans Other breakouts will discuss women Veterans. Veteran entrepreneurship, housing and homelessness, disability benefits and family services. Attendees will also have the opportunity to expand their "circles of service" during a networking lunch and a closing session at the end of the day. Registration for the Veterans Summit is $10, which includes lunch. You can register at the following webpage: All registrations are requested no later than May 2, The Lariat May

15 DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THIS LARIAT FASTER AND IN FULL COLOR ON-LINE? Just send your address to with the subject line OLLO. We ll gladly remove you from this printed version mailing list and notify you each month by when the new issue is available for viewing. Saves the chapter paper and postage and you get to see it sooner! VOLUNTEER STAFF: PRESIDENT Alamo Chapter MAJ James R. Cunningham EXEC VP Operations LTC Bill Goforth VP ADMINISTRATION LtCol Jim Webb VP PROGRAMS (Open) VP MEMBERSHIP LTC Randy Hoff SECRETARY Col David Patrick TREASURER Col Vaughn Caudill SCHOLARSHIP LTC Dan Cummings/COL Art Jackson VP PERSONAL AFFAIRS Col Stuart Myers DEPUTY PA LtCol Craig Erickson VP LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Col Al Cote DEP LEG AFFAIRS (Open) VP PUBLIC RELATIONS (Open) VP LOGISTICS LtCol Fred Koechley LEGAL COUNSEL Jacobson Law Firm SOLITAIRES Pat Shecter CONSULTANT Maj Len Mull CONSULTANT Lt George Frecsko EDITOR Col Kerry Green ASST EDITOR Col James Payne CHAPLAIN LTC James Taylor PX/VAV/VAC Rep Susie Tolman ASST JROTC Coord. Col Peter Hunt TRANSITION LIAISON Col David Patrick WEB MASTER Col Bill Hudson HISTORIAN Col Janice Edgerson VOLUNTEER COORD. (Open) ADVERTISING COORD. (Open) AFV SATELLITE COORD. CAPT Bill Knehans ARC SATELLITE COORD. MG Charles Honore DUTY OFFICERS: LtCol Bill Polasek, Col Irene Collier (Coordinator) LtCol Jim Cuskey, LtCol Ed Waggoner, Col Stuart Myers, CDR Brenda Tobey, LtCol Jim Webb CONTRACTOR: Admin Support Trish Meserve DIRECTORS: Chairman: MAJ Jim Cunningham LTC John Gibbs LTC Jim Finch Col Lisa Skopal Mrs. Susie Tolman Col Mac McDonald LtCol Ed Marvin Col Frank Rohrbough BG James Doty DIRECTORS EMERITUS HONORARY DIRECTORS BG George Woodard Gen William McBride BG Robert Herring Statement of Publication The Lariat is the newsletter of the Military Officers Association of America Alamo Chapter. It is published once each month to inform the membership of issues and activities of interest to all. MOAA-AC is a non-profit organization 501c 3 within the state of Texas organized to represent the membership and to support the activities of the Texas Council of Chapters and MOAA National. Advertising contained in the newsletter is not endorsed by the Chapter and does not represent any recommendation to the membership. Opinions expressed in articles contained herein are not necessarily those of the membership as a whole or the Chapter. Questions should be directed to the Editor, at the Chapter office. MOAA-AC P.O. Box San Antonio, TX (210) moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net 15 The Lariat May 2014

16 THE LARIAT National Award Winning Newsletter U.S. Postage Paid San Antonio, Texas Permit No MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER F OR INFORMATION REGARDING OUR BY-LAWS, STRATEGIC PLAN, EVENTS CALENDAR AND PAST ISSUES OF THE LARIAT PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW. ALAMOMOAA. ORG P.O. Box Ft Sam Houston, TX Phone: moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net Postmaster please deliver by May 1st Time Sensitive Material Thursday May 29, 2014 Scholarship Awards Luncheon Spkr: Col Marc Stratton Inter American Air Force Academy Ft Sam Golf Club Meet & Greet begins 11am - Lunch served approx 11:45am Menu A) London Broil B) Chicken Mornay Tossed Green Salad, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Prince William Vegetables, Dinner Rolls with butter Mousse Coffee, tea or water, Honor wine bar Cost per person $20 Enclosed: $ RSVP by noon Monday May 26 Reservations not cancelled by noon 27th Tuesday will be billed Non member Officers & guests are welcome with paid reservations Name Guest: Send check made payable to MOAA-AC to P.O. Box , Ft Sam Houston, TX Or contact us by moaaac@sbcglobal.net or call the office (210) to hold a reser- Friday June 27, 2014 Cruising Into The Summer Dinner Dance The Petroleum Club 8620 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio TX Cocktails 6:30pm - Dinner served approx 7:30pm Dancing to Two For The Road Dress code: Cruise Casual (no shorts or hats) Buffet Menu Carved Steamship of Beef, Chicken Gratinee, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, Dinner Rolls, New York Cheesecake with fresh berries, Italian Cream Cake, Chocolate Raspberry Cake. Cost per person $36 Enclosed: $ RSVP by noon Tuesday June 24 Reservations not cancelled by noon 24th Tuesday will be billed Non member Officers & guests are welcome! Name Guest: Send check made payable to MOAA-AC to P.O. Box , Ft Sam Houston, TX Or contact us by moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net or call the office (210) to hold a reservation and pay over the phone. Or visit to reserve and pay on-line. The Lariat May