Halifax Area Chapter - Military Officers Association of America P.O. Box 2093, Daytona Beach, Florida

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1 Halifax Area Chapter - Military Officers Association of America P.O. Box 2093, Daytona Beach, Florida Halifax.MOAA.Chapter@gmail.com OFFICERS CALL Volume 26 No. 1 January 2014 Chapter Officers PRESIDENT COL Victoria Leignadier USA (Ret.) FIRST VICE PRESIDENT / TREASURER CAPT. Mark Leary, USN (Ret.) SECOND VICE PRESIDENT LTC Terry Mularkey, USA (Ret) SECRETARY Gloria Keay USN (Aux) CHAPLAIN LCDR Donald Needham USN (Ret.) DIRECTOR Maj. James Bannerman USAF (Ret.) CDR Janet Marnane USN (Ret.) Maj Don Amiotte, USMC (Ret) IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT COL Ronald Giampietro, USAF (Ret) MEDICAL LIAISON CAPT. George G. Telesh, M.D. USN (Ret), LEGISLATIVE LIAISON CDR JanetMarnane, USN (Ret.) VCVC Representative COL Victoria Leignadier USA (Ret.) ROTC LIAISON CDR Mike Marnane USN (Ret.) Col Ronald L. Giampietro, USAF (Ret.) Col Skip Keating, USA (Ret.) PUBLIC AFFAIRS CAPT. Mark Leary, USN (Ret.) TRNASITION LIAISON Col. John L. Jones USA (Ret) OFFICER S CALL EDITOR / PUBLISHER MAJ Jim Bannerman, USAF (Ret.) President s Message COL Victoria Leignadier USA (Ret.) Happy New Year one and all! It is a pleasure to start the year out as the new chapter president. I want to thank Ron Giampietro and the 2013 Board of Directors for do an outstanding job of leading this chapter. I would also like to thank everyone who volunteered in 2013 with bagels and bingo, VA clinic, 2013 Homeless Veterans Stand Down, etc., for making a difference in veteran s lives looks to be a very exciting and busy year for our chapter and I want to encourage everyone to make this an even better year for MOAA. We have lots of things to look forward to in the coming year from great guest speakers to more opportunities to get involved. If you are like me you are recovering from the holidays and making plans to follow through on those New Years resolutions. How about adding just one more resolution to your list - getting more involved in the chapter. We have lots of opportunities for you and even if you can only give an hour a week you can make a difference. If you have any questions about what opportunities there are just contact me and I will be happy to discuss possibilites. Best wishes for all the best in 2014! I look forward to seeing each and every one of you at our upcoming luncheons. AWARDS COMMITTEE Col. Joan Campanaro (USAF Ret.) LTC. Janet Stoffel (USAF Ret.) PERSONAL AFFARS/BENFEFITS CAPT. Mary McLendon USN (Ret) PROGRAM CHAIR MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Vacant Vacant

2 Halifax Chapter Installed Officers for 2014 Left to right: COL Victoria Leignadier USA (Ret.) President, CAPT. Mark Leary, USN (Ret.) 1st. Vice president, LTC Terry Mularkey, USA (Ret) 2nd Vice President, Maj. Jim Bannerman, USAF (Ret.) Director, LTC Chuck Murphy USA (Ret.) Installing Officer, Maj. Don Amiotte, USMC (Ret.) Director, COL Ronald Giampietro, USAF (Ret.) Immediate Past President. ****************************************************************************** Editors Note: I hope to make our Officers Call a little more interesting reading in the coming year. In order to do this I ll need some help. With the thousands of years of military experience represented in our chapter there must be hundreds of interesting stories. Lets share them. If you would like to write an article (about one page or less) about anything that has happened to you or someone you know, I ll be happy to publish it in a future Officers Call. If you should have pictures to accompany the article that would be even better. Perhaps you have an opinion or comment you would like to share with your comrades in arms. Why not write a letter to the editor? I ll publish them also. What I m after is a personal touch to our newsletter. The best format would be M.S. Word for the stories or letters and JPEG for the pictures. me at jimmybannerman@cfl.rr.com. Or call I look forward to hearing from you. Jim Bannerman Officers Call Editor/ Publisher Page 2

3 Christmas Gala T he pictures of our Christmas Gala help tell the story of an enjoyable event. The music provided by Nancy Rodriquez and Danny Finnerman of the Oceansiders provided a mellow background for our social hour and dinner. Everyone was dressed in their finest, the food was great, and good cheer flowed throughout the evening. Outgoing Board member, Adelaide Hoffman, was presented a President s Sustained Service Award for her contributions as Secretary/Treasurer, and outgoing Board member Skip Keating was presented a Sustained Service Award for his innovative implementation of programs that enhanced our Chapter. Three times Past-President Chuck Murphy conducted the installation of officers for the New Year and the outgoing and incoming Presidents exchanged Chapter pins designating their new roles. New President, Vicki Leignadier, then presented a plaque to Ron Giampietro recognizing his dedication and service to the Chapter. Adelaide Hoffman, presented the President s Sustained Service Award Skip Keating presented the President s Sustained Service Award Page 3

4 MOAA Shirts If you would like to purchase men s/ ladies white MOAA polo style shirt they are available by placing an order with Skip Keating, by the end of January. A signup sheet will be available at our January luncheon meeting, or you may call Skip at The shirts are available in men s and ladies small, medium, large and cost $ The MOAA logo will be hand embroidered on the upper left hand corner of the shirt. You first name and last will be placed in the upper right corner of the shirt Col Scott Reese, USAF (Ret), presents MOAA award to Cadet Facho at recent ceremony. All purchasers must complete the order form and be pre-paid by providing a check to Halifax MOAA or cash to Skip or our Treasurer, Mark Leary at , by the end of the month. (If you do not plan to attend the Janurary meeting and need an order form call Skip Keating at or Jim Bannerman at and we will you a copy.) Welcome New Member John DiMuro Lt.Col. USAF Ret. The Halifax MOAA Scholarship Award to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. was presented Thursday December 5th 2013 to Midshipman 1/C (First Class) Russell T. Maloney. Midshipman Maloney is a Marine Option as indicated by the red rope on his uniform. The award was presented by CAPT Mark Leary USN (Ret.), our chapter vice president. John entered the Air Force in 1962 and served 23 years in both active and reserve status. He acquired 20,000 flying hours before retiring in While in the reserve he flew commercial airlines as Captain with both Eastern Airlines and Airborne Express. He and his Wife Bobbie live in Daytona Beach. They have 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren. Page 4

5 Toys for Tots 2014 The Halifax MOAA Chapter donated toys and funds at the November luncheon meeting for Toys for Tots. There were also 32 toys donated to the Volusia County Toys for Tots program. Skip Keating delivered the Toys to US Marine Corps Sergeant Andy Wilbert who expressed his heartfelt thanks for enhancing the Toys for Tots program in Volusia County by donating such wonderful toys. Thank you to all of our members who gave to this worthy cause. Santa s Little Helpers CAPT. Mark Leary, USN (Ret.) HELP SPONSOR OUR OFFICERS CALL Very soon we hope to offset the approximate $1,400 in annual printing and distribution costs of our newsletter by selling a form of advertising known as sponsorships. Our Chapter is incorporated as a 501(c) (19) nonprofit veteran s organization and is eligible to accept paid sponsorships from businesses in return for publicizing that business. Businesses in turn are able to deduct the expenses of sponsorship in our newsletter under Internal Revenue Code 170(c)(3). Those who choose to sponsor our newsletter should understand the difference between an advertiser and a sponsor. An advertiser s message might typically include: quantitative or comparative language, price information, or other statements of savings or value; endorsements by satisfied customers; and inducements to purchase and use their products and services. A sponsor is a person engaged in a trade or business for which they receive no substantial benefit other than the use or acknowledgement of the business name, logo, or product line in connection with the Halifax Chapter. For example, we can print a sponsor s business card or business summary, but not list prices or allow the sponsor to claim their product is better than another. COL Ronald Giampietro, USAF (Ret) LtCol.William King USA (Ret.) That being we are asking for your help in identifying people and businesses in the community who might be interested in sponsorship. Our rates will be geared to cover only the costs of publication and distribution, so if we have 20 potential sponsors, we would charge each $70 per year for a business card size ad ($1,400 annual expense divided by 20 equals $70). The more sponsors, the lower the cost to each. Obviously, we do not expect to cover all costs at the very outset and will keep our prices affordable regardless of the number of sponsors. You can help by contacting our Secretary, Gloria Keay, if you are interested in a sponsorship, or you can ask local businesses with whom you are familiar to consider a sponsorship. Your favorite cleaners, restaurant, auto service station, banking institution, office supply store, etc. are all good candidates. If they are interested in learning more just pass their name along to Gloria at for follow up. Our monthly newsletter is distributed electronically and in hard copy and reaches over 200 people each month. The more we save on publication costs the more we can spend on ROTC scholarships and other worthy veteran causes. Thank you for your assistance. Page 5

6 Major Miglioranzi, (Migs) and the Mainland High School Air Force JROTC Honored Prior to the start of the holiday break period for Volusia County Schools Major Miglioranzi, Chapter member and Mainland High School Air Force JROTC instructor, was presented a MOAA Certificate of Appreciation at the High School. Additionally, the MHS AF JROTC Class of 2013 was presented the Chapter President s Community Service Award. Major Migs was recognized for his outstanding leadership by example in engaging the young men and women of the MHS JROTC Program in activities that support veterans in our local community. His extra effort to instill a sense of civic responsibility and understanding of military sacrifices helps make the cadets better citizens. The MHS JROTC Class of 2013 was recognized for the extra time and effort they contributed to our Chapter activities and the outstanding service to the veteran community of Daytona Beach. Through their generous participation in serving coffee and donuts at the VA Outpatient Clinic, and their assistance during bagel and bingo events at the VA Nursing Home, they greatly honor the service of veterans and their families in our community. Their actions reflect favorably upon them and their unit. ************************************** ************************************** New TRICARE Change MOAA Legislative Update December 20 Beginning February 14, 2014, TRICARE For Life (TFL) beneficiaries will be required to fill maintenance medication prescription refills through the TRICARE Home Delivery (mailorder) pharmacy system. Beneficiaries may opt out after using the mail-order refill system for a one year trial period. The change stems from the FY 2013 defense authorization bill. In a bipartisan compromise to avoid large, across-the-board TRICARE pharmacy copay increases, Congress included a mandatory mail-order requirement to offset the cost. The mail-order pharmacy system lowers costs for both beneficiaries and DoD. A 90-day refill of generic medication is free through the mail-order pharmacy, but costs $5 per 30 day refill at a retail drug store. For brand name medications the cost is $13 for a 90 day refill through mail-order versus $17 for a 30 day refill at a retail store. The mandate applies to maintenance medications only. Initial prescription can be filled at a retail store, and beneficiaries can fill up to two 30-day refills at a retail store during the transition. Beneficiaries living near a military hospital or clinic can continue to fill their prescriptions there and do not need to enroll in the mail order program. Additionally, nursing home patients and those with other prescription coverage are also exempt. TRICARE will begin reaching out to affected beneficiaries over the next month. You can enroll online or over the phone at Individual waivers to opt out of the requirement may be granted on a case-by-case basis due to personal need or hardship, emergency, or other special circumstance. Page 6

7 Halifax Chapter MOAA Board of Directors Meeting December 13, 2013 Halifax Chapter MOAA Celebrates Christmas with the Residents of the VA. Nursing home Call to Order: The December meeting was called to order by President Giampietro at 1000 hours. Members in Attendance: Jim Bannerman, Ron Giampietro, Skip Keating, Mark Leary, Don Amiotte and Gloria Keay. Secretary s Report: Minutes were read and approved. Treasurer s Report: Mark Leary reported the November beginning account balance was $9,269.20; total receipts $1,426.00; total disbursements $1, Account balance on Nov 30, 2013 was $9, Discussion on annual loss of revenue each year. Skip Keating motioned that monthly luncheon cost to be increased to $18.00, motion passed. Old Business: The addition of business ads in the monthly Officer s Call was discussed; cost to be determined. Gloria Keay will solicit business ads for newsletter. Sign-up sheet for ordering MOAA tee shirts will be at each luncheon, shirts must be paid for before ordering, cost is $28.00; Specific name badge will be ordered for each board member. Ron will work on a design and coordinate with the Board. New Business: MOAA Membership Directory and by-laws was discussed; it was decided to the list to members and make copies for those without ; secretary will . The Secretary was reminded to the Chapter membership report to the Florida Council of Chapters by Dec 31 st. The MOAA Postal Permit #169 status needs to be reviewed and/or renewed. Skip Keating motioned to give $200 to the American Legion Post 361 and Stetson University Student Veterans Organization, motion passed. The guest speaker for January program will be Capt Lynch, PNS, ERAU Navy ROTC. Documentation requirements for publication of updated roles and responsibilities was discussed. Ron asked Board members and Committee Chairs to make note of their activities and lessons learned to assist him in this effort. No further business. Meeting adjourned at 11:18 am. Respectfully submitted, Gloria Keay, Secretary Page 7

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9 Leglestative Report CDR JanetMarnane, USN (Ret.) When Congress goes home for the Christmas break, I always breathe a sigh of relief, that we have at least a few weeks before they start screwing things up again. However, they managed to say Bah humbug on their way out the door with the new budget deal. Those of us who are retired will no longer have pensions that keep up with the cost of living. While we are promised a catchup at age 62, I m not banking on that, no pun intended. For a savings of only 6 billion over 10 years, surely there are other pots of money from which the Congress can trim waste to ensure our military force stays strong. At some point, the decision to stay or go for active duty will fall overwhelmingly in the go category, leaving us with weak leadership and a weaker defense force. While in the near future, some budget cuts were restored to the DoD, resulting in an increase in discretionary spending, the long term effect on personnel recruitment and retention is of concern. Here are a few reposts from Facebook friends of mine: From Right Wing News: You say the budget needs to be fixed and cutting military pensions is the way to do it? Tell me again why the politicians who actually caused the problems aren t getting their pensions cut. From USMC Life: Tell us again, Congress, how we didn t earn every cent of our retirement but YOU did?!? Federal employees will not see a cut in pension benefits under the plan, although new employees will have to kick in an extra 1.3% of their pay to cover costs. Remember, though, while military members don t contribute monetarily to their retirement, they also have nothing to show for service if they leave prior to the 20 year mark, except for their own, unmatched contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan. Despite vigorous opposition from dozens of veteran groups, the deal passed. The only bright spot is a promise by members of Congress to pass another bill when they return to correct this one, which cut not only the pensions of able-bodied retirees, but also those with service related disabilities. Doesn t that make your Christmas merrier? ************************************** The following chapter members made money dontation during December General Charitable Donations Steve & Barb Maas Gordon & Shirley Sparks William & Sandra Wester Don Amiotte Ed Kufeldt Wade & Clara Fowler Thomas (Fred) Johnson Austin & Ellen Snipes Paul & Mary Jo Bilzor Joe & Dorothy Favoloro Skip Keating Holly Donley Carol McCarthy (Toys for Tots) Scholarship Donations Chuck Murphy Mark & Paula Leary Dorothy Jaglowski Thank You For Your Generosity The MOAA team entertains residents of the Emory L Bennett Veterans Nursing Home, with Bagles and Bingo, at 10:00 AM the first Monday each month. Please come out and join us. Call Skip Keating ( ) for more inforamtion Page 9

10 Our January 23rd. Luncheon Speaker CAPTAIN RANDALL JOHN LYNCH UNITED STATES NAVY A native of Huntington Beach, CA, CAPTAIN Randall J. Lynch attended the University of California at San Diego under the Naval Reserve Officer Training Program, graduating in 1988 with a BA in U.S. History. Following flight training in Pensacola, he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in March 1990 and reported to SEA CONTROL SQUADRON 41 (VS-41) for fleet replacement training in the S-3A Viking. Upon completion of the FRS in April in 1991, he reported to the Dragonfires of VS-29 and completed two Western Pacific/Persian Gulf deployments onboard the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). From 1994 to 1997, CAPTAIN Lynch returned to VS-41 as an instructor and served as the Schedules and Student Control Officer, detailing over 80 students to fleet squadrons. While at VS-41, he also completed a Master s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. During the summer of 1997, CAPTAIN Lynch reported to Cruiser-Destroyer Group THREE for service as the Air Undersea Warfare Officer and Helicopter Element Coordinator (HEC). During the Group s pre-deployment training cycle he was selected as the Flag Lieutenant/Aide to the ABRAHAM LINCOLN Battle Group Commander, and remained in this position for the duration of his tour. In 1999 CAPTAIN Lynch joined the Blue Wolves of VS-35 for a fourth deployment onboard ABRA- HAM LINCOLN as a squadron Department Head. During his tour he served as the lead Project Officer for the first deployment of the S-3B Surveillance System Upgrade (SSU) aircraft, and then completed his tour as the squadron s Maintenance Officer. In March 2002 he reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, completing his second Master s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Graduating with Academic Distinction in March 2003, he was selected as the President s Honor Graduate. Following an Individual Augmentee (IA) assignment as the Naval and Amphibious Liaison Officer (NALE) at the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) in Qatar, as well as transition training at VAQ-129, he joined the Garudas of VAQ-134 as the Executive Officer, where he completed a combat deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He then led the Garudas as the Commanding Officer through the transition to the ICAP II Block III Prowler and a subsequent deployment once again in support of ENDURING FREEDOM. From 2007 to 2010, CAPTAIN Lynch served as a Joint Staff Officer at U.S. Africa Command (AF- RICOM) in Stuttgart, Germany, first as the Executive Assistant (EA) to the three-star Deputy Commander for Military Operations, then as the Acting J7 Director/Division Chief for Exercises. CAPTAIN Lynch then served as a Senior Federal Executive Fellow in the National Security Analysis Department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD. In July 2011, CAPTAIN Lynch assumed command of Naval Station Great Lakes. Upon completion of his command tour at Great Lakes, CAPTAIN Lynch assumed command of the Naval Reserve Officer s Training Corps (NROTC) Unit at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Page 10

11 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL INVOICE Annual Chapter membership fees are due on 1 January and are renewable for 1, 2 and 3 year terms. Please check the address label on your Officers Call newsletter for your current expiration date. Even if you are unable to attend our luncheon programs or participate in volunteer activities, your membership is valued. Your dues help support our ROTC and JROTC scholarships, our VA Clinic and VA Nursing Home programs, and other activities that support local area veterans. And your numbers, when reported to MOAA National, help speak as one powerful voice in support of a strong national defense and advocacy for all service members, veterans, and their families. Help us avoid the added expense of mailing a separate invoice by filling in the information below and mailing your renewal check to: Treasurer, Halifax Area Chapter, MOAA, P. O. Box 2093, Daytona Beach, FL Tear off and mail to address above Enclosed is my check for: $15 (1 year) $28 (2 years) $39 (3 years) Name Phone number address Mailing address Notice: Updating your contact information will ensure you receive a new Membership Directory, our monthly newsletter, and limited announcements of interest that are time sensitive. The Directory is published for the personal information and use of our Chapter members and their spouses. It is not to be used for any type of solicitation or other purposes not in the best interest of the members, or released to other people or organizations that might misuse it. Personal information, including addresses shall no be distributed to anyone without specific approval of the member. Name: January Lunch January 23, 2014 Halifax River Yacht Club 1100 hrs. Social 1200 hrs. Lunch Soup and Greek Salad Salad and Beef Stroganoff Total $18.00 per person $ Charitable Donation Deadline for Reservations: January 17, 2014 Make Checks Payable to: Halifax Chapter MOAA $ Total $ Mail Check to: CAPT. Mark Leary, USN (Ret) 100 Centennial Park Drive Daytona Beach, FL call or learymm4@gmail.com Page 11

12 Halifax Area Chapter Military Officers Association of America P.O. Box 2093 Daytona Beach, Florida, Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Daytona Beach, FL. Permit No. 169 Please check your membership expiration date on the mailing label above. To renew your membership mail a check for $15 for one year, $28 for two years or $39 for three years to: Halifax Area Chapter MOAA, P.O. Box 2093, Daytona Beach,FL Officers Call Page 12 January 2014 Looking Ahead February Luncheon Thursday, February 27, 2013 Halifax River Yacht Club Socal: 1100 hrs. Lunch: noon. First Tuesday Each Month MOAA Board meeting Halifax River Yacht Club 1000hrs Fourth WednesdayEach Month Coffee & Doughnuts VA Clinic, 0800hrs. Call: Ron Giampietro First Monday Each Month Bagels & Bingo Bennett VA Nursing Home 1000hrs. Call: Skip Keating