The Official Newsletter of the Greater Austin Council Navy League of the United States September October 2016 Citizens in Support of the Sea Services www.navyleagueaustin.org Commissioned in June 1979, Vice Adm. Raquel Bono obtained her baccalaureate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and attended medical school at Texas Tech University. She completed a surgical internship and a General Surgery residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and a Trauma and Critical Care fellowship at the Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine in Norfolk. Shortly after training, Bono saw duty in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as head, Casualty Receiving, Fleet Hospital 5 in Saudi Arabia from August 1990 to March 1991. Upon returning, she was stationed at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth as a surgeon in the General Surgery department; surgical intensivist in the Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit and attending surgeon at the Burn Trauma Unit at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Her various appointed duties included division head of Trauma; head of the Ambulatory Procedures Department (APD); chair of the Laboratory Animal Care and Use Committee; assistant head of the Clinical Investigations and Research department; chair of the Medical Records Committee and command intern coordinator. She has also served as the specialty leader for Intern Matters to the surgeon general of the Navy. Distinguished Speaker Dinner Series THURSDAY September 29, 2016 Featured Speaker VADM Raquel C. Bono Director, Defense Health Agency Medical Corps, USN and UT Graduate Topic: America s Navy and the Defense Health Agency and how they work together In September 1999, she was assigned as the director of Restorative Care at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, followed by assignment to the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery from September 2001 to December 2002 as the Medical Corps career-planning officer for the chief of the Medical Corps. She returned to the National Naval Medical Center in January 2003 as director for Medical Surgical Services. From August 2004 through August 2005, she served as the executive assistant to the 35th Navy Surgeon General and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. Following that, she reported to Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida, as the commanding officer from August 2005 to August 2008. She then served as the chief of staff, deputy director Tricare Management Activity (TMA) of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Health Affairs (OASD(HA)) from September 2008 to June 2010. She later served as deputy director, Medical Resources, Plans and Policy (N093), chief of Naval Operations. From November 2011 to June 2013, she served as the command surgeon, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. From July 2013 to September 2013, she served as acting commander Joint Task Continued on p.3
2016 COUNCIL OFFICERS Tim Hunsberger President... 512.970.9299 Open President-Elect Glenn Looney V.P for Membership... 512.327.7413 Mary Virginia Pittman-Waller V.P. Dev. & Mktg... 210.212.4500 Kathy Pillmore V.P. for Communications... 512.292.1194 Max Miller V.P. for Education... 512.695.6100 LuAnn Reyes Treas. & CFO... 512.203.4399 Thomas Uhl V.P. for Military Affairs... 512.970.3989 Jeanie Coffey V.P. for Legislative Affairs... 512.431.8573 Lisa Svabek Sullivan V.P. for Youth Programs... 512.589.2909 Launtz Rodgers Asst.V.P. Youth Programs... 512.545.2920 Jim Lovering Chaplain... 210.310.1825 Michael Murray Judge Advocate General... 512.472.5192 NATIONAL DIRECTORS Max Miller Jeanie Coffey Tim Hunsberger Glenn Looney Jack Ritter MaryRitter Mary Virginia Pittman-Waller BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kathy Pillmore, Chairman Jeanie Coffey Tim Hunsberger Mike Jackson Don Jones Glenn Looney Max Miller Randy Patterson Mary Virginia Pittman-Waller LuAnn Reyes Launtz Rodgers Jack Ritter Lisa Sullivan LIAISONS Open Marine Corps CAPT Brian Teets, USN CO UT NROTC CDR Raul Rios, Jr., USN CO Navy Operations Support Center President s Message Tim Hunsberger President, Greater Austin Council, NLUS Greetings, and I hope everyone had a great summer. As we head into fall, we have three dinners planned with outstanding guest speakers, beginning with the dinner on September 29th, featuring VADM Raquel Bono, Medical Corps, USN. Followed by the ever-popular Dr. Hans Mark on November 10 and our favorite author Jim Hornfischer on December 8. Each dinner and speaker will be an excellent way to spend an evening with your Navy League associates. Check our website for more information, and bring a friend.if they enjoy the experience, you might consider giving them a one-year e-membership to interest them in becoming a part of our Council. The Navy League National Convention in Charleston in June was well attended and provided a lot of good information to help local councils manage and grow. The new e-membership and lower membership fees have helped us to grow to nearly 40,000 members worldwide. I would like to thank Glenn Looney as he and his committee worked very hard to set up the new membership plans. The new national headquarters data system Black Baud is partially on-line and is a vast improvement over the old system. It will be fully operational by the beginning of next year. Our December meeting will include a silent auction, so be thinking of contributing an interesting item for the bidding (see item on p. 5 of this newsletter). The proceeds of the auction will go to our Jones Scholarship fund so we can expand our giving to include more individuals. Last year we awarded $3000 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors, and I would like up to double that this year. I would like to thank everyone for all the help provided to me during my first year as your new president. The Anchor is the official publication of the Greater Austin Council, Navy League of the United States. It is published six times annually prior to an upcoming Distinguished Speaker Series Dinner. Archived copies of past Anchors may be found at www.navyleagueaustin.org. 2010 2014 RESERVE YOUR SEAT AT OUR NEXT DINNER Austin Woman s Club, Chateau Bellevue 8th and San Antonio (Parking entrance on Nueces between 7th & 8th Streets) Social 1815 Dinner 1915 Program 2015 Members & Their Guests- $30 Military in Uniform & Their Guests - $20 Cadets & Midshipmen and Their Guests - $15 CALL 512-203-4399 OR EMAIL luann@luannreyes.com ONLINE via PayPal at www.navyleagueaustin.org PLEASE NOTE: WE CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR MEAL WITHOUT A RESERVATION 2 The Anchor, May June 2016
Speaker, cont d from p.1 Force National Capital Region Medical. From September 2013 to October 2015, she served as director, National Capital Region Medical Directorate of the Defense Health Agency, and as the 11th Chief, Navy Medical Corps. She currently serves as director, Defense Health Agency. Bono is a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and has an Executive MBA from the Carson College of Business at Washington State University. Her personal decorations include Defense Superior Service Medal (three), Legion of Merit Medal (four), Meritorious Service Medal (two) and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal (two). Remember to renew your Navy League and Greater Austin Council membership The Council is taking on a big load supporting all Naval ROTC, Navy Junior ROTC, Marine Corps Junior ROTC, Naval Sea and Navy League Cadet Corps, and Young Marine units in the Cental Texas Area and we are expanding that support. There is also a Scholarship Program associated with the support of these youth programs. We provide excellent Sea Service-related educational programs with our six per year distinguished speaker programs. We also support Toys for Tots, Austin VA Veterans Clinic volunteer services, Honor Flight Austin, Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive, USS Texas and other initiatives. But, we are nearly always on the verge of broke. The response to our 2016 annual fundraiser letter was rather underwhelming, For those who gave, we thank you. For those who had good intentions and misplaced the letter, we ask that you find it and respond. Remember, you are not charged dues to be a member of the Greater Austin Council, so we we depend on your generosity, belief in what we do and love of the Sea Services for the needed financial support. If you don t find the letter, please send a check in whatever amount you can afford made out to GAC/Navy League to: Navy League Austin c/o Lu Ann Reyes. Treasurer 8650 Spicewood Springs Road #145-625 Austin, TX 78759 To use your credit card, just click on the PayPal link. Every bit as important is maintaining your membership. Please take the needed action to check your membership, make timely renewals, and upgrade your membership as needed. Visit www.nlus.org to renew or join, or send your check to the Council address above. And, as always, we welcome your participation in the leadership of the Council, We can always find a place for your special skills, interests, and time availability. Glenn Looney Vice President - Membership Welcome Aboard the Greater Austin Council New Members (since May) David Blasko David Canales Willie Jo Doran Mike Hickey Barbara Hunsberger Jarrett Pumphrey Michael Rojas Jackie Schiller Kenny Smith Jonathan Standley Donald Wimp The Regional VA Clinic, located in Austin, needs our help. To serve their population of veterans, the Clinic has requested our assistance gathering small, travel-size personal care items (NO mouthwash) for their social workers to distribute during their calls to homeless veterans in the community. If you d like to help, please bring some of these items to the September dinner (we ll have a collection basket) or you can write a check to the Greater Austin Council and indicate that it s for the VA. The Council will purchase items to take to the VA Clinic. Greater Austin Council ball caps will be available SOON! Ladies and Mens styles Adjustable fit www.navyleagueaustin.org The Anchor, May June 2016 3
Snapshots from the June 8, 2016 Distinguished Speaker Series Dinner GAC President Tim Hunsberger (right) presents a Council challenge coin to our June guest speaker Jeff Murrah Round Rock MCJROTC cadets take turns at their annual physical fitness tests. (Photos courtesy of Round Rock Marine Corps JROTC) Jimmy Hill accepts a Navy League Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Capital Area Young Marines University of Texas Naval ROTC freshmen cadets and their families were invited to orientation August 19-21. Council members Launtz Rodgers and Kathy Pillmore attended their Sunday picnic, provided refreshments and visited with cadets and parents from as far away as Minnesota, New York and Kerrville. C/O CAPT Brian Teets and X/O CDR Brian Fitzpatrick welcomed 30 new students to their program. Sunday, September 11th, marked the 76th birthday of the University of Texas Naval ROTC Unit. Founded in 1940, the battalion continues to develop outstanding Navy and Marine Corps officers. The battalion gathered Friday, September 9th to celebrate their birthday with cake and a few words from the Commanding Officer. Here s to many more birthdays. The Austin Woman s Club On May 29, 1929, women from organizations throughout the city of Austin met and determined to purchase the Old North Castle and thus the home of the Austin Woman s Club came into existence. This historic edifice dates from 1874 and has witnessed the evolution of Austin from a rural town to a bustling city. Listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, the facility is carefully and lovingly maintained for the citizens of Austin by the members of the Austin Woman s Club. 4 The Anchor, May June 2016
Serving the Courageous! As an experienced Realtor, I often have the unrivaled pleasure of watching people take bold steps toward a new path in their life. Sometimes the path leads to an exciting adventure. Some paths change unexpectedly or are unwanted, but for sure change requires courage. Do you have a new path awaiting you that involves selling, buying, building or renting? Are you thinking about A home away from home? Larger rooms with lots of light? The ability to scale down and streamline? A hi-rise, condo or townhome? Expanding on rolling acreage? The freedom to just lock up and travel? Surroundings that reflect the new you? Call me today. I can help you navigate this challenge. I would love to meet with you and chat about your goals. I have helped hundreds of people realize their dream. Thank you, LuAnn Reyes - REALTOR CALL TODAY ~ 512-203-4399 Let s chat - luann@luannreyes.com Start your home search at SearchAustinHomesNow.com www.98thmeridian.com Proud to serve as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for the Greater Austin Council Navy League of the United States. 10% of my commission will go to either the Greater Austin Council Navy League or the George T. Jones Scholarship fund - just mention this ad. You must be a Navy League member for the donation to occur. Boutique Real Estate Sales and Marketing Group www.navyleagueaustin.org The Anchor, May June 2016 5
Chaplain s Corner by Jim Lovering On September 4th a simple woman serving in Calcutta was sainted. She saw and felt a calling from God and responded mightily. We in our western culture should we not respond as well as St Mother Teresa? This, the fulfilment of our discipleship? You don t have to be a Roman Catholic to admire and attempt to carry on this heroic work in our country. I believe that charity belongs locally. And as always, a little St Francis: For it is in giving that we receive. For more about Mother Teresa s canonization go to http://www.cnn. com/2016/09/04/europe/motherteresa-canonization/ GREATER AUSTIN COUNCIL NEEDS YOU! The Greater Austin Council is seeking a member to represent our council at the monthly Central Texas Veteran Services Coalition meetings. Having somenone represent our Council at these meetings will help the Council to better serve the veterans who are members of our Council. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month from 2 to 4 pm at the location below. Please let Tim Hunsberger know if you are willing to serve Phone 512.970.9299 or email tahunsberger@msn.com Central Texas Veteran Services Coalition September, 15th, 2016 Goodwill Building 1015 Norwood Park Blvd, Room 3338 Austin, TX 78753, Save the Date - December 8, 2016 2ND ANNUAL SILENT AUCTION benefitting the Council s Own George T. Jones Scholarship Fund Not only will you hear one of the Council s favorite speakers, Jim Hornfischer, but you ll get a chance to bid on some really cool stuff just in time for Christmas. WE NEED AUCTION ITEMS! To donate, please contact Kathy Pillmore (kpillmore@austin.rr.com/512-292-1194) or LuAnn Reyes (luann@luannreyes.com/512-203-4399). We ll come and get the items! 6 The Anchor, May June 2016
THANK YOU to our April 27th Adopters Max and Sylvia Miller Ed Finnegan Tim Hunsberger Launtz Rodgers & Keri Davis Jim & Sue Caldwell Glenn & Nancy Looney Joe Cruz Tom Griffy Peggy Jones Diane Fulton Help us keep cadets from Austin and surrounding area JROTC, UTNROTC, Sea Cadet and Young Marine units coming to our dinners. Your adoption of one or more cadets at each dinner helps us to offset the cost of hosting these great young men and women. (The Greater Austin Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your adoption certificate is your tax receipt.) George T. Jones, 1926-2003 U. S. Navy WWII Veteran and Navy League Member WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR RESERVATION, LET US KNOW THAT YOU WANT TO ADOPT-A-CADET ($25 PER Cadet) When you affirm big, believe big and pray big, big things happen. -Norman Vincent Peale George T. Jones Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to graduating seniors in Navy and Marine JROTC and Sea Cadet programs Contribute Now! Send your tax deductible contributions to Greater Austin Council NLUS George T. Jones Scholarship Fund c/o Greater Austin Council NLUS 8650 Spicewood Springs, #145-625 Austin, TX 78728 GAC Program Calendar Nov 10 Nov 10 Dec 8 Dec 8 Feb 2017 ~2016~ Dr. Hans Mark, Professor Emeritus, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Cockrell School of Engineering; Applied Research Laboratories, Vice-President for Research TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION James D. Hornfischer, Author discusses his newest book The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944-45 SILENT AUCTION TO BENEFIT THE JONES SCHOLARSHIP FUND Bill Federer, Author patriotic books including American Minute In the works... RADM Karl L. Schultz, USCG, Commander, 11th Coast Guard Dist. RADM Rebecca J. McCormick- Boyle, USN Commander Navy Medicine Education and Training Command Professor Tom Hatfield interviews Frank Denius Jerry Patterson, former Texas Land Commissioner and president of the Texas Navy Foundation and a new film about the Texas Navy VADM Karl Schultz, USCG, Commander of the Atlantic Fleet Gil Elan, Southwest Jewish Congress (Israeli Connections) Dates are subject to change to accommodate the speaker s schedule. For calendar updates go to www. join.navyleague.org www.navyleagueaustin.org The Anchor, May June 2016 7
The ANCHOR 10001 Jupiter Hills Dr. Austin, TX 78747 Email: navyleagueaustin@gmail.com The ANCHOR is the official newsletter of the Greater Austin Council of the Navy League of the United States. It is published six times annually and distributed free of charge to all its members and to other interested parties. The Greater Austin Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and as such is exempt from Limited Sales, Excise and Use Taxes per the IRS Code. FIRST CLASS MAIL RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Citizens in Support of the Sea Services The Navy League of the United States is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating our citizens about the importance of sea power to U. S. national security, and supporting the men and women of the sea services and their families. SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY AFFILIATES Ricon Products HELP US BUILD OUR MEMBERSHIP Use the form below and sign up a new member. Bring it and your new member to our next council meeting, or mail the form, together with the fee (check or money order payable to NLUS,) Greater Austin Council, 8650 Spicewood Springs, #145-625 Austin, TX 78759. The new member will immediately be added to our mailing list. YES! Name: (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Etc.) Please enroll me as a Navy Leaguer Today I am a U.S. Citizen Address: Number, Street, Name (Apt., Suite, P.O. Box) Your Company s Name Here ask us how I am not a U. S. Citizen First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name Date of Birth City State Zip Code (+4) Home Phone Business Phone Email Greater Austin Council Sponsor s Last Name Sponsor s Membership # New Member s Council Type of Membership (please check one)* 1-Year Premium Membership...$55 2-Year Premium Membership... $100 (Save $10) 3-Year Premium Membership... $130 (Save $35) 4-Year Premium Membership... $180 (Save $40) 5-Year Premium Membership... $225 (Save $50) Life Membership (to age 55)... $1,000 Life Membership (age 56-75)...$750 Life Membership (age 76+...$500 1-Year Electronic Membership...$25 Method of Payment Check enclosed (Make payable to NLUS) or Please charge my Visa MC AMEX Card # Exp. Date Signature Billing Zip Code