N O W H E A R T H I S! S P O K A N E C H A P T E R M I L I T A R Y O F F I C E R S A S S O C I A T I O N O F A M E R I C A

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1 N O W H E A R T H I S! S P O K A N E C H A P T E R M I L I T A R Y O F F I C E R S A S S O C I A T I O N O F A M E R I C A President Dave Melges, LCDR, USN (Ret.) mail@melges.net 1st Vice President Jason Mayne, MAJ, USAF jasonmayne1@gmail.com nd Vice President, Mbrship. Chair & Newsletter Coordinator Clif Collier, LtCol, USAF (Ret.) clifcoll@msn.com Secretary Greg Sassman, LTC, USA (Ret.) gsassman@centurylink.net Treasurer Alan Davis, LCDR, USN (Ret.) rota_al@yahoo.com Surviving Spouse Liaison, Widows & Wives Vacant IPP & Social Chair Rufus Hoefer, LTC, U.S. Army (Ret.) rands@comcast.net Director, Chief Recruiter, Newsletter Editor Marilyn Hunt, CDR, USN (Ret.) cinc@frontier.com Director & Veterans Home Chair Cindy Kelley, Surviving Spouse missuscindy@aol.com Director, ROTC, Homeless Veterans Robert Imle, LtCol, USAF (Ret.) robertmargaretimle@gmail.com Director, Chaplain & Social Comm. Betty Krafft, LCDR, USN (Ret.) bkrafft@spocom. com Director & Social Committee Barbara Thornbrugh, Surviving Spouse bjthornbrugh@comcast.net Director & Website Coordinator Greg Sassman, LTC, USA (Ret.) gsassman@centurylink.net Per- Volume XXVI Number 2 Bring Something to the 24 APR Social for Spokane Homeless Veterans 2016 Chapter Social Dates 13 Mar Northern Quest Casino 24 Apr Anthony s, Spokane Falls 12 Jun TBD 18 Sep Darcy s, Spokane Valley 23 Oct Coeur d Alene Resort 4 Dec Center Place, Spokane Valley 5 Star Chapter President s Message By Dave Melges 2016 Widows & Wives Club Meeting Dates Apr 2016 Our 42nd anniversary is coming up and we re going to celebrate in style on 24 April at Anthony s Restaurant, which is located near the Spokane Falls. We ll have some delicious food and all Surviving Spouses who attend will receive a corsage. We will also remember those who are known to have passed away in the last year. The President released an FY 2017 budget on 9 February reducing spending not on social welfare programs, but shifting more of the cost burden to military beneficiaries. This action includes few benefit fixes mixed with numerous beneficiary fee hikes. These proposed changes mostly affect retired service members and their families and survivors. One of the MOAA supported proposals is to reduce the retiree cost-share for in-patient care and to change copays to flat fees rather than a percentage of the bill. The initial assessment is that the full array of fee changes would mean about a $500 to $600 annual increase for retired families under 65 who use in-network providers, and an increase of more than $1,000 a year for those using out-of-network providers. Additionally, a new enrollment fee for beneficiaries now using TRICARE Standard would establish a new $600 family deductible for out-ofnetwork care, means-test fees for TRICARE For Life beneficiaries, a multiyear schedule to double most pharmacy copays and adjust fees with a medical inflation index that is projected to grow at more than 6 percent per year. If this were not enough, the administration wants to reduce funding for military commissaries by $221 million for FY Couple these changes with the modifications already made to the retirement program, and I believe these proposals will: Have a devastating effect on the ability to recruit and maintain a viable military Further erode the livelihood of those who earned their military health care coverage through decades of service and sacrifice. Please contact your representatives and urge them to reject these moves. 5 Jan Thai Bamboo 2 Feb Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar 1 Mar Beverly s CDA Resort 5 Apr Anthony s Restaurant 3 May Sargents Restaurant & Lounge 7 Jun Dalia MAX Mirabeau Hotel 5 Jul Ripples on the River Red Lion 2 Aug Dockside, Coeur d Alene Resort 6 Sep Corbin Park picnic 4 Oct La Peep Restaurant, CDA 1 Nov Brambleberry Cottage & Tea Shop 6 Dec Peacock Room, Davenport Hotel

2 Taps LtCol Billie Cothern, USAF (Ret.) (10/30/15) LTC Hobart Jenkins, U.S. Army (3/15/16) Donna Lee Morozzo, (3/1/16) Wife of MAJ Robert E. Morozzo, USAF (Ret.) Member Recruiters Our Hat Is Off To: Chapter 2016 MOAA 2016 MOAA Website and Membership: MOAA website: MOAA Take Action : MOAA Legislative: -Center Spokane Chapter website: Membership in Spokane Chapter and MOAA national is open to present and former commissioned officers and warrant officers (including retirees) with honorable service in any of the United States seven uniformed services (including National Guard and Reserves) of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. MOAA and Spokane Chapter, MOAA are nonpartisan. Widows & Wives Club Upcoming Events Marilyn Hunt 2 2 William Nesbitt (self) 1 Mathias Velasco (self) 1 TOTALS 4 2 SPOKANE CHAPTER IS NOW ON FACEBOOK! LIKE US AT MOAA SIGN UP TODAY! CHAPTER SCOREBOARD 2016 JROTC Scholarship Funds 3/30/16: $2022 JROTC Support Funds 3/30/16: $218 Legislative Letters, Postcards, s as of 3/21/16: Raffle Donations: MAR: $140 Shriners Hospital; APR: MOAA Scholarship; JUN: Union Gospel; SEP: $150 Widows & Wives Wreaths Across America; OCT: $235 Spokane Veterans Home; DEC: COL Spady Koyama JROTC Scholarships. Total to date: $140 Widows & Wives. Second Harvest food bank $53.00, Homeless Vets $ & 148 items, Spokane Veterans Home 455 items DATE LOCATION 5 APR Anthony s Restaurant 510 N. Lincoln St. (509) MAY Sargents Restaurant & Lounge 9021 N. Government Way Hayden ID JUN Dalia (Board Room) MAX in Mirabeau Hotel 11 N. Sullivan Road (509) JUL Ripples on the River Red Lion Hotel 700 N. Division St. (509) AUG Dockside Coeur d Alene Resort 122 S. Second Ave. Coeur d Alene ID (800) CALL Barbara Thornbrugh (509) Maxine Mahoney (208) Shirley Melges (509) Pat Tolley (509) Pat Connell (208) Page 2/Apr 2016

3 GEN Robertson Presents Greg Sassman 5 Star Chapter Banner on 31 OCT 2015, Orlando, FL We re officially a 5 Star Chapter for the 10th straight year! 5 Star Chapter status means we have reached the highest levels of excellence in the eyes of MOAA national. To qualify, a chapter must submit an application by 1 March for accomplishments during the previous calendar year. We just submitted an application for our achievements in calendar year What s Required to Be a 5 Star Chapter? The application has two parts: objective and subjective. OBJECTIVE: Includes questions that are answered either Yes or No, or with a number or name. For example: Are all chapter officers members of national MOAA? What percentage of chapter members are members of national MOAA? Does the chapter have a designated Legislative Chair, Membership Chair and Surviving Spouse Liaison? Do they have an address? Provide names. SUBJECTIVE examples of questions that must be answered in detail: Does the chapter have a pro-active legislative program and an active chapter recruiting/retention program? Did the chapter actively engage in programs/projects that enhanced the image of the chapter and MOAA during the year of competition? This includes such things as our participation in the Washington State Council of Chapters (WSCOC), ROTC/ JROTC support, Scholarship initiatives (local or national MOAA), Community Involvement and civic activities. If you do volunteer work, this counts as Community Involvement because service to the community enhances the image of the chapter in particular and MOAA in general. We can include a summation of what you ve done during the previous calendar year when we submit our application. All we need from you is a description of what you ve done, how often you ve done it and for how long. Just keep track of what you re doing this year and submit a summation in JANUARY 2017 to Marilyn Hunt. It can be short and sweet. To inspire you, here s a summary of some of the information we included in our latest application: In 2015 Phil Kowzan rendered Taps at 264 memorial or graveside services, 219 of them at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery. He also rendered Taps at funeral services at 17 other locations. His wife, Carol, is an equally talented musician who plays the regular saxophone, trombone, baritone sax, clarinet and base clarinet in many venues. In 2015, she and Phil volunteered their services either individually or as a couple in musical groups at 17 events throughout the Spokane area. Surviving Spouse, Ann Holmberg, was a going concern in She donated $100 and 21 hours of labor to Toys for Tots, 40 hours to AARP while serving as a greeter at tax time, and is a weekly Fit and Fall Proof instructor at the Senior Center in Hayden, Idaho (oldest participant is 93 years old!), and she donated 28,792 airline Hero miles to Fisher House. NOW HEAR THIS! Is published at least 6 times per year by the Spokane Chapter, Military Officers Association of America, P O Box 466, Veradale WA Editor: Marilyn Hunt cinc@frontier.com Advertising limited to members/spouses only. No subject matter that would preclude non-profit mailing. Page 3/Apr 2016

4 Washington State Veterans Affairs Advisory Council Update By Merl Gorton Construction on the Walla Walla Veterans Home should be completed by December This home will have space for 80 residents. It will be unique in its organization with 8 cottages that will each accommodate 10 residents. The Veterans Innovation Fund is used to help with temporary housing. needs for homeless veterans. Apartment managers in different localities have been contacted so that emergency housing can be provided. It assists about 20 families per week House Bill 2040 was enacted in July It provides for a demonstration project in Goldendale, Washington that will recognize employers who employ veterans. Spokane Chapter 2015 Parade Participation in North Idaho 2015 was a banner year for Spokane Chapter MOAA! Marilyn Hunt & Rufus Hoefer prepare to carry the brand new parade banner in Paul Bunyan Days parade, St. Maries, Idaho, followed by Bob & Maggie Imle in their Cadillac SRX Legislative Contacts President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington DC Washington Senator Patty Murray 10 North Post St, Suite Fax Senator Maria Cantwell 920 W. Riverside, Suite Fax Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers United States House of Representatives 10 N. Post St, 6th floor Fax Idaho Senator Mike Crapo 610 W. Hubbard Suite 209 Coeur d Alene ID Fax Senator Jim Risch 610 W. Hubbard, Suite 213 Coeur d Alene ID Fax U.S. Air Force Legal Assistance Fairchild AFB Wing Headquarters (509) Legal Assistance Tuesday and Thursday Notary and Power of Attorney hours Monday Friday Call to find out if they can help your legal needs Representative Raul Labrador, United States House of Representatives 1250 Ironwood Dr. Suite 241 Coeur d Alene ID Fax Page 4/Apr 2016

5 Spokane Chapter, MOAA Sunday, 24 APR 2016 Anthony s Restaurant, Spokane Falls P.O. Box N. Lincoln St., Spokane Phone Veradale WA :30 Social, 1:15 Served meal begins. Our 42nd Anniversary Social Chapter was established 22 April 1974 Mail reservation so we receive it by Saturday,16 April. No late reservations or walk-ins, as meal preference must be ordered. If you need to cancel a reservation, contact Barbara Thornbrugh, (509) NLT Saturday 16 April for a refund. MENU CHOICES: Lingcod Caddy Ganty, oven roasted w/topping of sour cream, red onion & fresh dill OR Kalbi Chicken, char grilled and glazed with ginger and soy and topped w/fruit salsa. BOTH meals come with rice and fresh steamed vegetables, Anthony s Caesar salad, baskets of sourdough bread, and butter, regular or decaf coffee, & hot or iced tea. Dessert will be an Anniversary Cake provided by the chapter and served by Anthony s. No-host cash bar for other beverages, including soft drinks, available in the room. Please reserve places for the Sunday 24 April 2016 social with served meal at Anthony s. Cost is $27.00 per person (includes 18% gratuity). My check in the amount of $ is enclosed ($27 X no. of reservations). Make check to Spokane Chapter MOAA and mail to chapter mailbox above. Name: member/guest LINGCOD or CHICKEN Name: member/guest LINGCOD or CHICKEN (please circle) (please circle) Directions: SUNDAY 24 April :30 p.m. Anthony s Restaurant, 510 N. Lincoln, Spokane Falls. From I-90 west, take Exit 280B (Lincoln St.). From middle lane, turn left on W. Main Ave. From right lane turn slightly right toward N. Monroe, then continue on Monroe, turn right on W. Bridge Ave., left on N. Lincoln. Anthony s will be on the right. Parking is located at Anthony s and the surrounding parking lots. Questions? Call Rufus Hoefer (509) We will sign legislative letters and have a raffle in support of MOAA Scholarships. Please bring: 3 stamps and 6 address labels per person Something for the raffle which will benefit the MOAA Scholarship Fund Something for Spokane Homeless Veterans. Cash donations welcome. Make checks to Spokane Chapter MOAA. Membership Chair/Committee REQUEST, CHANGE OF ADDRESS or PHONE, or Spokane Chapter, MOAA TEMPORARILY AWAY: P.O. Box 466 Clip and complete this form and send it to the Veradale WA address on the left so we can update our database. Thank you. NOTE: We do not send junk or spam. Also, we do not give away, sell or trade your address. Member name: (Please print clearly) [ ] I would like to be added to the chapter list. I specifically request to (check all that apply): [ ] Receive the chapter newsletter by [ ] Receive important information in a timely manner. [ ] My address is (Please print clearly) [ ] My mailing address, address, and/or phone number has changed to: [ ] I will be temporarily away starting and returning. I do / do not (circle one) wish to receive the newsletter while I m away. If do please send it to: Signed: Page 5/Apr 2016

6 WE RE ON THE WEB! Spokane Chapter Military Officers Association of America P.O. BOX 466 Veradale WA Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit No Change Service Requested WASHINGTON Need a Ride to a Chapter Social? Call Anyone Listed Below IDAHO Clif Collier Ralph Shrigley Floyd Geiger Photos of March Social at Northern Quest Casino, Airway Heights President Dave Melges swears in our new Bob Bartlett s Outstanding Presentation 1st Vice-President, MAJ Jason Mayne, USAF WWII Triple Nickles Parachute Sqdn. Casualty Assistance Officer: Karen Van Pelt is the casualty assistance officer for Fairchild AFB and surrounding area. She s in Bldg. 240 at 7 W. Arnold St., If you leave a message, she will call you back. Page 6/Apr 2016 FAFB Retiree Activities Office (RAO) SGM Jim R. Smith, USA (Ret.), Director Bldg. 240, 7 W. Arnold St., Ste. 109, Hours: They need volunteers to work four hours per month.