APR/MAY 2018 NEWSLETTER MARITIME INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND GRADUATE STUDIES (MITAGS)

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1 Never Stop Serving Join us at Welcome to the Star Spangled Banner Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. We are the oldest, continuously operating MOAA chapter in Maryland. Founded in 1964, we provide camaraderie with purpose and align with MOAA's national mission: a strong national defense, taking care of our country s veterans, and protecting the benefits of all who have served and currently serve. Our chapter membership is open to all seven services and supports ROTCs/JROTCs, numerous heartfelt charities and state tax exemption for retired uniformed services members and SBP recipients! APR/MAY 2018 NEWSLETTER Contents: Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies, MITAGS, Reservation Form for April 19 page 2; President s Message; March 7 Event, Sam Smith, Character is Destiny - Robert Dudley and Marc De Simone; Legislation Update; Recruiting; Member, Spouse and Surviving Spouse Information; Future Events. MARITIME INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND GRADUATE STUDIES (MITAGS) We will have a fascinating Tour of the simulators and facilities of MITAGS led by Captain Bob Becker, Director of Business Development. Meet at 4:00 PM Thursday, April 19, 2018 in the Hotel Lobby (awning entrance), Maritime Conference Center, 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum, Maryland (410) Use Parking Lot D. A Grand Buffet Dinner follows. Make reservations on page 2. The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) and the Pacific Maritime Institute (PMI) are proven worldwide leaders in the area of Full-Mission Ship Simulation (FMSS). With over twenty years of experience, and state-of-the-art simulation technology, the MITAGS-PMI expert staff can program a model of virtually any port/vessel combination in the world. Multiple, large-scale simulators allow tug masters, captains, and pilots to work together in the same scenario as part of a highly-accurate, interactive environment. In fact, ship 1

2 simulation is now the most practical and cost-effective way for professional mariners to develop safe operational limits for vessel transits within restricted waters. A variety of factors can be assessed within the virtual scenario. MITAGS is Internationally Certified as a Maritime Training & Simulation Centre. 2 There are on-campus hotel accommodations adjacent to the simulation center. This ensures participants stay focused on studies and are not interrupted with commutes to offsite hotels. The campus is near the Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) and I-95 Interstate. In summary, MITAGS has the ship/tug models, databases, facilities and experience to provide the simulation fidelity levels necessary to successfully complete this type of study. RESERVATIONS: THURSDAY, April 19, 2018 Meet at 4:00 PM Thursday, April 19, 2018 in the Hotel Lobby (awning entrance) of the Maritime Conference Center, 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum, Maryland (410) Use Parking Lot D. Grand Dinner Buffet: $44/person DRESS: Business Suit, Uniform or Casual Cash Bar 3 Hot Entrée s, 2 Vegetables, 1 Starch, Rolls and Butter Full Salad Bar, Composed Salads and Dressing s, Fresh Fruit, FIT options Coffee, Decaf, Iced tea, and Soda selections Dessert & Ice Cream Station RESERVATION FORM: Please cut off and mail $44/person Dinner Reservation, and any other contributions to the Treasurer by April 10, Name Guest Name(s) Number of Dinner Reservations Total Dinner dollars at $44/person $ I would like to donate $20 for a personalized Army Officer Guide (New ROTC Gift) $ **Add your 2018 $25 dues if you still owe, check your bill (Treasurer has a record) $ TOTAL CHECK $ Make check payable to: Star Spangled Banner Chapter. Mail to our new Treasurer, Charles Rishell, Shell Flower Lane, Columbia, MD , H For further information contact the Treasurer or event sponsor Mike Spencer C

3 Presidents Message: Your Board of Directors has approved Non Profit Dynamics, NPD to be our new website host. The site is currently under beta testing and will be active soon. It has exciting and efficient new capabilities; current events, news items and many functional efficiencies. We believe it will attract new members of all ages. Most of the content from our current website will be transferred. George Wright, our Webmaster will continue as our Chapter Webmaster and is all in! MOAA effectively leverages the strength of our numbers to make sure lawmakers and policy makers are informed and accountable. MOAA has been instrumental in inflation protection for your earned retirement, maintaining COLA that otherwise would have cost many officers $125,000 over 20 years. It has successfully advocated for medical benefits, partially addressed the widow s tax and recently impacted the National Defense Authorization Act spending! We need you to be our ambassadors and share the value of being part of MOAA efforts. Ask your fellow officers and friends if they are members. If not, tell them how their membership can make a difference and ask them to join. Our troops and the nation need MOAA! Ask them to Join MOAA and our Star Spangled Banner Chapter! There is strength in numbers! Sam Smith: Character is Destiny, The Value of Courage in Leadership Presented by Robert Dudley with Professor Marc DeSimone at the March 7, 2018 Chapter Meeting The speaker for the Chapter s March dinner meeting at Liberatore s Restaurant was Robert Dudley, author, screen writer, and historian from Frederick, Maryland. As well as providing an informed and enthusiastic discussion of the Forgotten War and Forgotten Hero, Robert Dudley s talk was a production number. Robert was assisted by his co-author, Professor Marc DeSimone, in a presentation using slides, music, and some dramatic readings of historical quotes. Except for the fact that our National Anthem came into existence during the Battle of Fort McHenry, most Americans know little about the seriousness of the War of Why was the War of 1812 forgotten? For the Americans there was extreme embarrassment over the capture and burning or our national capital by the British. For the British there was the suffering of defeat of the British troops, victors at Waterloo, at the Battle of Baltimore in September But for good reason the War of 1812 is called the second war for American independence, since the strategy and 3

4 policies of the British government had the goal of retrieving its lost (and now expanded) American colonies. After the sacking of Washington, D.C., Baltimore was the key to a British victory and the continued existence of the U.S.A. So, Samuel Smith, experienced and honored officer of the War for Independence, offered his service again to organize the defense of Baltimore. Our speakers, Dudley and DeSimone, illuminated the actions of the Baltimore Committee on Safety and Vigilance to ask Major General Sam Smith to take charge and dramatized his acceptance speech. My Friends, I have but one life to lose, and that, I have at all times been willing to hazard in defense of my beloved country. Tell the members of your convention that I willingly obey their call, and confidently expect their hearty cooperation in every necessary means of defense Then General Sam Smith, by inspirational leadership and effective organization, prepared for and won the Battle of Baltimore, becoming a real hero of our American history. BUT NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME! As a Captain in Colonel Smallwood s 1 st Maryland Regiment, Sam Smith, age 22, was in the rear guard of General George Washington s Army during its successful escape across the East River after being surrounded by the British forces at the Battle of Long Island in August Along with General Washington he was among the last to evacuate the American position. In August 1777, British Naval and Land Forces were moving up the Delaware River to retake Philadelphia, then the American capital. General Washington chose Lt. Col. Sam Smith to form defenses south of Philadelphia at Fort Mifflin to confront over 80 British warships. Although his defenses succumbed finally after six weeks of heavy bombardment, his actions gave Washington and the American Congress valuable time. In recognition of his gallant defense, General Washington recommended, and Congress awarded Sam Smith a special Sword of Honor (one of only 13 awarded for acts of valor in the Revolutionary War.) HERO. NOT FOR THE LAST TIME! Sam Smith resigned his commission in 1779 to return to business in Baltimore but continued to support the war effort by commissioning privateers against British commerce and also to forward supplies to George Washington s army as it marched south near the conclusion of the war. After the Revolutionary War ended, in addition to being briefly activated for the War of 1812, Smith became prosperous in business and successful in politics. For 40 years he served in the U.S. Congress, first in the House, then in the Senate. In that capacity he supported the establishment of the Academy at West Point and also served as an interim Secretary of the Navy. In 1835 because of financial depression and bank failures, serious rioting erupted in Baltimore. The violence so serious that the established city government lost control. At age 83, Sam Smith, waving an American flag, led a group of responsible, law-abiding citizens through the riotous area to Howard Park. Joined by his son, John, leader of the local militia, Smith formed the citizenry to confront the rioters and restore order. Assembled citizens (by acclimation!) elected Sam Smith to be Mayor of the City of Baltimore. HERO AGAIN! Robert Dudley, our speaker, concluded with an introduction of Sam Smith s wife, Margaret Spear Smith, and gave the location of his home, Montebello, in Baltimore, which had been demolished by developers in early 20 th century. Finally, we learned of the Society of the Cincinnati, a society of American and French officers from the Revolutionary War. The Sword 4

5 of Honor that was awarded by Congress to Sam Smith is kept in the national headquarters of the Society of the Cincinnati in Washington, D.C. Robert Dudley and Marc DeSimone, authors of the Sam Smith biography, invite the members of the Star Spangled Banner Chapter to download the e-book Sam Smith biography for free. The e- book has some 90 colored illustrations and hundreds of hyperlinks to the sources and references. Here s how. Go to smashwords.com in your browser At the homepage, in the search box near the top of the page, input Sam Smith Star Spangled Hero. In the search results select the title Sam Smith etc. Select Buy It and go through the process of buying the book. Use the coupon coded NC72C to pay. Then download to your e-reader or download PDF file. Note: at some point in the process you will have to join Smash Words. Membership is free, and you may find other interesting titles of new authors. Written by CAPT Mike DeHaemer, USN (Ret.), Past President 5

6 Legislation Update: ***Familiarize yourself with national MOAA s positions: visit ***For state tax exemption supporting information: SB 911 Veterans Suicide Prevention Veteran Suicide Prevention is the #1 priority from the Veteran's Summit last November. SB 911 will require the Department of Veterans Affairs to create an action plan creating access to professional veteran health services. Our paws4vets advocacy supports this #1 priority! MD State Tax Exemption of Military Retirement Pay: SB 312 and HB 362 cover all seven (7) Uniformed Services and also apply to SBP payments to surviving spouses. The Bills exempt $15,000 of taxes in 2018, 75% in 2019 and 100% in 2020 (no tax on Uniformed Services Retired Pay or SBP). It remains important to communicate with your legislators while the Bills are still being negotiated in the two Committees. Everyone has three Delegates and one Senator. You may check the status of proposed legislation by visiting the Maryland General Assembly website. For support of the tax-exempt issue, committees, s, etc.: See The Senators and Delegates in the Veterans Caucasus will continue to meet and drive this effort as well as other legislation for future years based on the approved priorities from last November. See the Legislation site on our chapter website for information on the Veterans Caucus and their priorities, especially state tax exemption and mental health our chapter key issues and advocacies! 2018 Legislative Information. You may check the status of proposed legislation by visiting the Maryland General Assembly website. HB 502: Uniformed Services retirees over 65 (without any length of residency requirements) may be granted a 20% Property Tax Credit by the counties of residents for up to five (5) years. The law does not include Surviving Spouses at present. Legislative action to correct that situation is ongoing. If you want it, you need to contact your County or City Officials! Recruiting: Please go the chapter website and read the strategy for recruiting and use the Recruiting Brochures you have or print one from the website and recruit a veteran service friend! New members bring clout to all our advocacy efforts! 6

7 UPDATE FOR MEMBERS, SPOUSES AND SURVIVING SPOUSES: TAPS: Chapter Members are invited to a Memorial Service April 7 at 11:00 AM in loving memory of Pamela Spencer, wife of CDR Mike Spencer, USN (Ret). It is at their country home, Poplar Hill Rd. Phoenix, MD Pamela will always be remembered as a wonderful, caring person and loyal supporter of our Chapter. Gilchrist is pleased to host its inaugural Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration on Friday, March 30, Please join us for a complimentary breakfast, a heartfelt program and a joyous celebration of the service of our Vietnam Veterans. 9:00 a.m. Doors open for an opportunity to meet and reconnect with fellow Vietnam Veterans 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Breakfast is served 10:30 a.m. Formal Program Begins 12:00 p.m. Formal Program Ends Speakers: Jan C. Scruggs, USA, Founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Command Sergeant Major Rodwell L. Forbes, USA, former Garrison Command Sergeant Major of Fort George G. Meade Major General Linda L. Singh, Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard Free Registration is required for all guests. Send an to the address below. And if you would like your service photos to be included in the slideshow, send them in JPG format to WeHonorVeterans@gilchristcares.org. Application Fee Waiver. The University of Maryland has waived the undergraduate college application fee to U.S. Veterans and members of the Armed Forces. This waiver will be available for the academic year that commences this coming August. Driven by the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success, of which the University of Maryland is a member, the initiative will allow Veterans and current Service members to apply for free through the Coalition's on-line application. Vision and Dental Care. The current retiree plan will be ended and retired families will soon be eligible to purchase both vision and dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. Active duty families can purchase only vision insurance. They will remain in the TRICARE Dental Program. [Note: I understand that Delta Dental of California will remain the company servicing our geographic area with dental care for Uniformed Services retiree families; more information will follow as soon as I have it.] Off-Installation Urgent Care Facility Use. Service members and their families on TRICARE Prime do not need a referral from the Primary Care Doctor or Manager to visit urgent care facilities. Mental Health Coverage. President Trump signed an Executive Order to expand mental health coverage. This will target high risk Service members transitioning out of the military or making a permanent change of station and help decrease the suicide rate within the Veteran community. --above four articles submitted by Naomi Kaplan, Auxiliary Liaison, MD Council of Chapters 7

8 From the MD VA Website: Federal Partner News US Department of Labor program recognizing employers who hire Veterans VA Resource Fair at Ft. Meade Exchange on March 15, 2018 Museum of Health and Medicine Opens New Exhibit on Gas Warfare During World War I, Forever GI Bill - Restoration of Benefits Under Some Conditions VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits VA Fiscal Year Strategic Plan Flu Season Isn't Over - How to Avoid the Flu Military Sports Medicine Doctors Support the Olympics, Future Chapter Events for 2018: June 6, 2018 Wednesday, 5:30 pm Sept. 22, 2018 Sat. 4:30 pm Role of the Military in U.S. Foreign Policy - LTG Ed Leland, USA (Ret.) Chapter Board Member At Large, Liberatore s Ristorante Chapter Paws4vets Fund Raiser, Middle River Area, MD Paws4vets Assistance Dogs and perhaps puppies!!! ***This newsletter is published by the Star Spangled Banner Chapter. It is a 501(c)19 nonprofit affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). The Star Spangled Banner Chapter is one of more than 400-plus chapters affiliated with National MOAA. Our chapter is a non-partisan veterans organization. MOAA and its affiliates is dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and ensuring our nation keeps its commitments to currently serving, retired and former members of the uniformed services, their families and survivors. Our chapter supports national MOAA s federal legislative actions and MD Council s State legislative priorities. *** Newsletter Online: Newsletter Production, Editor and Distribution: LT George Wright, USN (Ret) COL Tom Seybold, USA (Ret) Webmaster Chapter President geo@loyola.edu tksseybold@hotmail.com 8

9 Dear Retirees and Friends of the Military, As I write this, the uniformed service retirement income tax exemption bills, SB0312 and HB0362, are still in the Maryland General Assembly s Ways and Means Committee and Budget and Taxation Committee. We need YOUR help to get these bills to the floor of the House of Delegates and Senate for a vote. We don t want these bills to die in committee once again. PLEASE HELP US forge a new history for Maryland s uniformed service retirees and surviving spouses by getting these bills out of their committees. Unfortunately, there s no easy way to do it. We have to message each individual one at a time. If you have limited time, please send the message below to the CHAIR and VICE CHAIR of each committee. If you are able, please send the message to EACH MEMBER of each committee. (NOTE: If you want to add your own words to the , you can. Truthfully, I doubt that the s will all be read. The point is to FLOOD their inboxes with messages on this subject.) House Ways and Means Committee: b=04&ys=2018rs If you are a RETIRED MILITARY VETERAN, use this message: As a retired uniformed service member, I write to urge your support for legislation to phase out state-tax on uniformed services' retirees' pay. Please give HB0362 favorable consideration in the Ways and Means Committee so that the full House of Delegates can act on it. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The next best time is right now. So, it is with HB0362. Sincerely, NAME If you are NOT a retired military veteran, use this message: As a Maryland voter, I write to urge your support for legislation to phase out state-tax on uniformed services' retirees' pay. Please give HB0362 favorable consideration in the Ways and Means Committee so that the full House of Delegates can act on it. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The next best time is right now. So, it is with HB0362. Sincerely, NAME 9

10 Senate Budget and Taxation Committee: ect7&ys=2018rs If you are a RETIRED MILITARY VETERAN, use this message: As a retired uniformed service member, I write to urge your support for legislation to phase out state-tax on uniformed services' retirees' pay. Please give SB0312 favorable consideration in the Budget and Taxation Committee so that the full Senate can act on it. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The next best time is right now. So, it is with SB0312. Sincerely, NAME If you are NOT a retired military veteran, use this message: As a Maryland voter, I write to urge your support for legislation to phase out state-tax on uniformed services' retirees' pay. Please give SB0312 favorable consideration in the Budget and Taxation Committee so that the full Senate can act on it. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The next best time is right now. So, it is with SB0312. Sincerely, NAME Please SHARE THIS MESSAGE with your family, friends and co-workers. It will take all of us to make this effort successful! THANK YOU for being part of our team. Best, Annie Annie S. Brock Legislative Liaison, Maryland Council of Chapters, MOAA 10