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. 9 November 2014 Chapter Officers PRESIDENT COL Victoria Leignadier USA (Ret.) FIRST VICE PRESIDENT / TREASURER CAPT. Mark Leary, USN (Ret.) SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Vacant SECRETARY Gloria Keay USN (Aux) CHAPLAIN Vacant 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 Col Ronald L. Giampietro, USAF (Ret.) Col Skip Keating, USA (Ret.) PUBLIC AFFAIRS CAPT. Mark Leary, USN (Ret.) TRANSITION LIAISON Col. John L. Jones USA (Ret) OFFICER S CALL EDITOR / PUBLISHER MAJ Jim Bannerman, USAF (Ret.) AWARDS COMMITTEE Col. Joan Campanaro USA (Ret.) LTC. Janet Stoffel USA (Ret.) PERSONAL AFFAIRS/BENEFITS CAPT. Mary McLendon USN (Ret) President s Message COL Victoria Leignadier USA (Ret.) Well here we are in November and the holiday season is right around the corner. Where has this year gone! I d like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the past activities of our chapter. First we have done 11 Bagels and Bingo at the nursing home and 11 Coffee and Donuts at the VA. Even though our numbers sometimes dwindle, Skip Keating and Ron Giampietro have kept these going - a big thanks to both of these gentlemen and all the members who have participated. Keep up the good work. We have given scholarships to each of the three ROTC units at Embry Riddle and to each of the three JROTCs at the local high schools. This is made possible by your generosity to our scholarship fund. Thank you. We also supported the Veterans Council of Volusia County s annual Stand Down for homeless veterans where 114 vets were provided services. This highlights just some of the activities our members have participated in during the year. This is a gentle reminder that your annual dues are up for renewal. Please check your membership expiration date on the mailing label. You can renew for one, two or three years with three years being the most economical. At this month s meeting we will be voting on next year s slate of officers. Please review the nominees listed in this newsletter and if you wish to volunteer for a position please contact Ron Giampietro. The success of our chapter is PROGRAM CHAIR MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Vacant Vacant Continued on page 2

2 Presidents Message continued based on the participation of our members. You are important and we need you to step up and volunteer. Don t forget to check our website for the latest items that come out in between our publishing of the Officers Call. And finally don t forget to mark your calendar for our holiday dinner on 18 December. We have great entertainment and meals planned. Thanks for all you do and I m looking forward to seeing you at our November meeting. ********************************* BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 2015 SLATE OF MONIMEES President-----CAPT Mark Leary, USN (Ret) First Vice-President--CWO4 Pierre Louis, USMC (Ret) Second Vice-President----VACANT Treasurer---CPT Roger Grubic, USA (Ret) Secretary---Louise Redner Director -- Steve Maas, USN, RADM (Ret.) Director -- VACANT COLAs and Military Retired Pay Don t Undermine Military Career Incentives Retired Pay versus Active Duty Pay Adjustments MOAA Leglislative Update October 15, 2014 Issue: Government retired pay promises must be kept, including annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to prevent erosion of retirees purchasing power by inflation. Background: Despite previous prospective changes that reduced future retired pay value by 25% since 1980, and subsequent retention problems that led Congress to repeal those changes in 1999, some government and private sector critics continue to allege the military retirement system is overly generous. During the 1990 s, legislators proposed or enacted multiple changes or delays in annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), singling out retired servicemembers for discriminatory COLA penalties. Too often, critics wrongly equate federal retirement compensation--earned by decades of selfless service and sacrifice--with unearned federal welfare programs. Civilian retirement standards don t apply to the military, which entails far more arduous service conditions: 20 to 30 years of hazardous duty, frequent moves, extended family separations, overseas service, long hours of overtime without extra pay, forfeiture of many personal freedoms most civilians take for granted, and an up-orout promotion system. The vast majority of military members face forced departure from service before age 50, with no vesting before 20 years. Retaining a high-quality career force over the long term requires a strong reciprocal commitment between member and service. Retired pay increases, provided for in statute since 1871, are part of the commitment. Since 1963, COLAs have been tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a Bureau of Statistics metric that measures changes in inflation. Without COLA protection, inflation would erode nearly half of real retired pay value for a 20-year retiree by age 62. Page 2 The 2009 COLA, announced in October 2008, was an incredible 5.8% for most recipients of military retired pay, VA disability compensation, Survivor benefit Plan annuities, Social Security, and other federal annuity programs. However, inflation in 2009, 2010 and 2011 (when compared to the 2008 baseline) actually declined providing no COLA for 2010, 2011 and A quick reminder: the law doesn t allow a negative COLA. Modest COLAs of less than 2% followed in 2013 and 2014.

3 Welcome New Members Donna Kirkman Surviving spouse of eligible officer (US Army) Reed Canal Road, South Daytona Irene Talarico LTC US Army Reserve Nurse Corps Currently assigned to the 345th Combat Support Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Served in Operation Iraq Freedom ( ) as a Flight Nurse in Tikrit, Iraq and during Operation Enduring Freedom ( ) as Chief, Clinical Operations, Kuwait Donations During October Scholarship Fund: Ed & Kathy Kufeldt Mark & Paula Leary VA Clinic Coffee & Doughnuts: John Jones Steve Mass Contributions by MOAA Mainland High School AFJROTC Activity Fund: $ October Joint Luncheon At our Joint Luncheon meeting with the Flagler Chapter, a rapt audience listened to retired Army Major General Jack Leide recount his time as General Norman Schwarzkopf s Director of Intelligence during the First Gulf War. The variety and capability of intelligence resources and the resulting overwhelming amount of information presented unique challenges for the intelligence community. General Leide recounted the imaginative use of charts, maps and graphs to distill the information into useable form for General Schwarzkopf and his operational forces. His presentation was an informative behind the scenes look at what was required to achieve operational success. 980 International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL More Pictures on Page 8 Page 3

4 Coffee and Donuts at the VA Clinic The lobby entrance of the Daytona Beach Veteran s Outpatient Clinic offered a double surprise for those passing through on the fourth Wednesday of October. In addition to the usual hot coffee from MOAA and fresh donuts from Krispy Kreme, members of the Mainland High School JROTC were on hand to greet and serve the veterans in a show of appreciation for their service. Chapter member Mike Miglioranzi (Major Migs ), lead instructor of the AF JROTC classes at Mainland High School, teaches the importance of civic duty Left to right, Sr. Sam Preis, Jr. Akilah Collins, Soph. and community service to his cadets. And much to Meaghyn Ayers, and Soph Michelle Lecza our appreciation he periodically involves his cadets in our Coffee and Donuts and Bagels and Bingo outreach programs. The young men and women, proudly attired in their cadet uniforms, are always a big hit with the veterans who take time to share stories and encourage them in their school work and future ventures. Page 4

5 The History of Veterans Day (From Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That s not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America s war dead. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made to keep our country free. Armistice Day To commemorate the ending of the Great War (World War I), an unknown soldier was buried in the highest place of honor in both England and France (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These ceremonies took place on November 11th, celebrating the ending of World War I hostilities at 1100, November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This day became known internationally as Armistice Day. In 1921, the United States of America followed France and England by laying to rest the remains of a World War I American soldier -- his name known but to God -- on a Virginia hillside at Arlington National Cemetery overlooking the city of Washington DC and the Potomac River. This site became known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and today is called the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Tomb of the Unknowns symbolizes dignity and reverence for the American veteran. In the US, November 11th officially became known as Armistice Day through an act of Congress in It wasn t until 12 years later, through a similar act that Armistice Day became a national holiday. The entire world thought that World War I was the War to end all wars. Had this been true, the holiday might still be called Armistice Day today. That dream was shattered in 1939 when World War II broke out in Europe. More than 400,000 American service members died during that horrific war which ended in August 1945 with the surrender of Japan onboard USS MISSOURI in Tokyo Bay. Veterans Day In 1947, Raymond Weeks, of Birmingham AL, organized a Veterans Day parade on November 11th to honor all of America s veterans for their loyal and dedicated service. Shortly thereafter, Congressman Edward H. Rees (Kansas) introduced legislation to change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans who served the United States in all wars. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Veterans Administration (now called the Department of Veterans Affairs), to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day. Continued on page 6 Page 5

6 Veterians Day continued The Basics of the Nutrition Facts Panel CAPT Mary McLendon, USN (Ret d) The following is a quick guide to reading the Nutrition Facts Panel; published by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation which is the world s largest charitable organization (501c3) focused on food, nutrition and dietetics. Veterans Day National Ceremony At exactly 1100, each November 11th, a military color guard, made up of members from each of the military branches, renders honors to America s war dead during a heart-moving ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. The President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugler sounds Taps. Veterans Day is always observed on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. ************************************ Start with the Serving Size Look here for both the serving size (the amount for one serving) and the number of servings in the package. Compare your portion size (the amount you actually eat) to the serving size listed on the ******************************************************************** The MOAA team serves coffee and donuts to veterans at the V.A. Clinic on Dunn Ave. at 8:00 AM the fourth Wednesday each month. Please come out and join us. Call Ron Giampietro for information. Page 6

7 panel. If the serving size is one cup and you eat two cups, you are getting twice the calories, fat and other nutrients listed on the label. Check Out the Total Calories and Fat Find out how many calories are in a single serving and the number of calories from fat. It s smart to cut back on calories and fat if you are watching your weight. Let the Percent Daily Values Be Your Guide Use percent Daily Values (DV) to help evaluate how a particular food fits into your daily meal plan. Daily Values are average levels of nutrients for a person eating 2,000 calories a day. A food item with a 5 percent DV of fat provides 5 percent of the total fat that a person consuming 2,000 calories a day should eat. Percent DV are for the entire day, not just one meal or snack. For some nutrients you may need more or less than 100 percent DV. The High and Low of Daily Values 5 percent or less is low. Aim low in total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium. 20 percent or more is high. Aim high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Limit Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium Eating less fat, cholesterol and sodium may help reduce your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer. Total fat includes saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and trans fat. Limit to 100% DV or less per day. Saturated fat and trans fat are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. High levels of sodium can add up to high blood pressure. Remember to aim for low percentage DV of these nutrients. Get Enough Vitamins, Minerals and Fiber Eat more fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron to maintain good health and help reduce your risk of certain health problems such as osteoporosis and anemia. Choose more fruits and vegetables to get more of these nutrients. Remember to aim high for percentage DV of these nutrients. Additional Nutrients. You know about fat and calories, but it is important to also know the additional nutrients on the Nutrition Facts Panel. Protein Most Americans eat more protein than they need, so a percentage Daily Value is not required on the label. Eat moderate portions of lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, plus beans, peanut butter and nuts. Carbohydrates There are three types of carbohydrates: sugars, starches and fiber. Eat whole-grain breads, cereals, rice and pasta plus fruits and vegetables. Sugars Simple carbohydrates or sugars occur naturally in foods such as fruit juice (fructose) or come from refined sources such as table sugar (sucrose) or corn syrup. Check the Ingredient List: Foods with more than one ingredient must have an ingredient list on the label. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. Those in the largest amounts are listed first. This information is particularly helpful to individuals with food sensitivities, those who wish to avoid pork or shellfish or limit added sugars or people who prefer vegetarian eating. Page 7

8 Seen at our joint luncheon with the Flagler Chapter Page 8

9 HALIFAX CHAPTER MOAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2014 MOAA PURPOSE and HISTORY Call to Order: The October meeting was called to order by President Leignadier at 1000 hours. Members in Attendance: Vicky Leignadier, Jim Bannerman, Ron Giampietro, Mark Leary, Don Amiotte, and Gloria Keay. Secretary s Report: Minutes were read and approved. Membership applications were approved for Capt Donald Roman, USN Retired, LTC Irene Talarico, USA Reserve, and LCDR Jeff Klopfenstein, USNR. Treasurer s Report: Mark Leary reported the Sept beginning account balance was $8,152.33, total receipts $1,901.00; total disbursements $1, Account balance on September 30, 2014 was $8, Old Business: Potential and confirmed speakers for the upcoming monthly luncheons was reviewed for Mark Leary will receive the 4- Star Level of Excellence Award for the Halifax MOAA Chapter in Arlington, VA October 27-29, Potential new printer for the Officers Call is being explored. New Business: The School Board has restricted fund aising activities for AFJROTC at Mainland HS. Motion made and passed to donate $100. Membership goals for 2015 was discussed and ten (10) was the number agreed. Entertainment will be the same as last December for this year s, December dinner. No further business. Meeting adjourned at 11:05 am. Respectfully submitted, Gloria Keay, Secretary Purpose While the association does advocate a strong national defense, it does not, as an association, become involved in matters pertaining to military strategy or individual weapons systems of the various services. The association s board of directors has long believed that such decisions can be made only by those who have all of the facts available to them: today s actively serving military leadership. The association plays an active role in military personnel matters and especially proposed legislation affecting the career force, the retired community, and veterans of the uniformed services. MOAA s overarching goals are captured in its resolutions, which reflect the views of the entire membership. The membership provides input and votes on resolutions every two years (on even years). While MOAA is permitted by law to lobby - and does so actively - its status as a tax-exempt veterans organization precludes it from participating in political activities, which are defined as intervening directly or indirectly in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Stated briefly, the association may advocate issues, but it may not advocate the election or defeat of particular candidates or political parties. History MOAA was founded in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 23, The first leaders of the association hoped that by joining together they could provide assistance and advice to other military officers. This concern for others fostered natural fraternal relations among members from all branches of the uniformed services. By the beginning of World War II, MOAA s leaders realized that they needed to reorganize and expand to become an effective force on behalf of their members. In what turned out to be a wise decision, MOAA moved to Washington, D.C., in 1944 with a membership of 2,600. After a membership vote in September 2002, the association changed its name from The Retired Officers Association (TROA) to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), on January 1, Today, MOAA has grown to a membership of more than 380,000 members and is the country s largest military officers association. MOAA s purpose also has grown to include career transition assistance, improved member products, military benefits counseling, educational assistance to children of military families (to include enlisted), and strong involvement in military professionalism activities. Page 9

10 LEGISLATIVE LIAISON CDR JanetMarnane, USN (Ret.) The general view of off-year elections (nonpresidential) is that they favor Republicans, mainly because of voter turnout. MOAA, of course, has no political affiliation, but its members are obviously engaged in the political process, so I thought it might be a good idea to try and see where candidates for local, state and federal office this upcoming cycle stand on veterans and military affairs. Of course, I assume everyone who reads this has more interests than just those. I am a member of several advocacy groups who routinely rate elected officials and their stances on that particular issue or area of concern, and if you are like me, you have to balance those single issue statistics against the whole. Running the county, state, and country are obviously complex undertakings, and while we can carp about our elected officials, not many of us are willing to put up with the financial and emotional strain of the campaign, not to mention the job itself. I ll start with the District 6 candidates for Congress. Ron DeSantis is the incumbent, finishing out his first term. He is a Naval Reserve officer, member of the VFW and American Legion. A search of his sponsored legislation shows him to be fiscally and socially conservative, but I can find no legislation he has directly sponsored that has anything to do with the military or veterans. He is listed as a cosponsor on several bills which support veterans rights, although none are major changes to compensation or health care. Given that his committee assignments are not militarily related, and that he has been in Congress for a short time, his voting record and sponsorship of legislation isn t extensive. His opponent has never held a political office, so we can only go by his vision as spelled out on his home page. David Cox is an educator who lives in Daytona Beach and works at Bethun-Cookman. He lists many issues of concern, including the need to help returning veterans find jobs. There isn t a lot of detail, but you can contact him through his home page if you have questions or concerns. As for those of you who live in District 7, John Mica has a long and extensive record to review. A few notable issues from his home page show his support for veteran health care, the homeless problem, and COLA for retirees. One of his opponents is 27 year old Wes Newman of Longwood. He has numerous issues listed on his campaign page. His comment on veterans is that FL has a lot of them. As for the military, he says The U.S. military is our sword and our shield. We need smart policies to make sure the men and women who defend our country are properly trained, properly equipped, and never sent into harm s way in vain. When they return home, we must take care of them. Also opposing Rep. Mica is Al Krulik, running with no party affiliation. His background as a theater teacher is clear in his videos. I declined to watch them all, but his issues listed on his page include minimum wage increases and access to medical marijuana, but no mention of veterans or the military. In the governor s race, Rick Scott champions his record on veterans affairs. He has made it easier for active duty and veterans to out of state credentials in FL and supports funding for special needs children of the military stationed here. He has sued the federal government over VA problems, and is using state inspectors at those facilities. Charlie Crist, Scott s opponent, faults the governor for not supporting the minimum wage increase or expanded Medicaid, as hurting veterans. When I went to the policy tab under the Charliecrist.com page, I found many issues, but none referred to veterans or the military. There are, of course, other races to consider, and I will be looking at all the issues these candidates find important. Even if the military or veterans aren t at the top of their list, I will look at their stances as a whole to decide who gets my vote. I do not intend to endorse or put down anyone mentioned in this article, simply to represent the views they have stated in their own campaign literature. I leave it up to all of you to do your own research, decide what pressing issues are priorities for you, go to the polls if you haven t already voted, and exercise your Constitutional right as well as awesome responsibility to pick the movers and shakers who will shape our, and our children s, futures. Use this power wisely, but USE IT! Page 10

11 November Luncheon Speaker CAPTAIN MARY B. McLENDON United States Navy, Retired Captain Mary McLendon is a native of Savannah, GA and an NROTC graduate of Armstrong Atlantic University with a degree in Mathematics & Computer Science. She earned her commission in 1978 and served in the fields of Command, Control & Communications and Network Warfare, including major command billets in Hawaii, Japan, and the Communications Security Material Command in Washington, DC. Captain McLendon earned her Master of Science Degree in Command, Control & Communications from the Naval Postgraduate School in She served as the Executive Officer of the former Naval Station New York, New York and completed tours of duty with the NATO staff in London, England and both US Space Command in Colorado Springs, CO and Naval Space Command in Dahlgren, VA. In 2008, Captain McLendon completed 30 years of service with NORAD / US Northern Command in Colorado Springs. Captain McLendon was awarded several personal decorations during her career, including the Defense Superior Service Medal and Legion of Merit. Captain McLendon and her husband, Bill Waters, also a 29-year Navy veteran, now live in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Name: Luncheon and Election of Officers November 20, 2014 Halifax River Yacht Club 1100 hrs. Social Noon: Luncheon Cup of soup and Pasta Primavera Garden salad, Roast Thanksgiving Turkey # # All entries served with drink and desert Total $20.00 per person Charitable Donation $ $ Total $ Deadline for Reservations: November 17, 2014 Make Checks Payable to: Halifax Chapter MOAA 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 Page12 November 2014 Looking Ahead Christmas Dinner Party December 18, 2014 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