VOL 41 No. 5 October 2014 GREATER CINCINNATI CHAPTER MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA AN AFFILIATE OF THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Renew your dues please see page 5! Community Living Center with Veterans Serenity Garden The $6.9 million dollar Community Living Center (CLC) project will eventually house Veterans who stay in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky to the new addition adjacent to the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. The first phase of relocating 16 patients began this month. When the beautifully designed project is completed, the CLC will have 64 beds to provide hospice and palliative care, short-term rehab and long-term rehab care. The proximity to the Medical Center will enhance access to care for our Veterans. The front entrance of the CLC offers a 50 x 150 area which is the designated site for the Veterans Serenity Garden. The Veterans Serenity Garden pays tribute to our Veterans by offering a park-like environment by incorporating professional landscaping, benches, a dual-purpose speaker system (source for music or relaxing sounds; and for use during public ceremonies), in addition to an American flag design composed of brick pavers that will line the walkway. A tranquil serenity garden offers many benefits such as promoting the relief of symptoms, reducing stress, inducing relaxation while improving the Veterans overall sense of well-being. We have experienced an outpouring of support from many community groups, including, Veterans Service Organizations, universities, churches, and local Veterans who are highly interested in providing monetary or nonmonetary donations in order to move this project forward and make it a reality for our Nation s heroes. The Thank You Foundation accepted contributions for memorialized paving bricks when the Serenity Garden project was approved. After The Thank You Foundation ceased operations in March, it passed the VA Brick Project funds to our Chapter to Administer.
2014 CHAPTER OFFICERS AND BOARD (phone # s are area code 513 unless noted) Executive Committee President BG Tom O Brien, USA 421-0118 Immed PP MAJ Ed Knox, USAF 674-7755 1st VP LTC Al Brauer, USA 677-8320 2nd VP Vacant Secretary CAPT Alan Echt, PHS 573-0315 Treasurer LTC Paul Fellinger, USAR 451-9881 Chaplain Rev Joseph L Boone, USA 853-2051 Legislative Ofc BG Tom O Brien, USA 421-0118 Natl Bd RADM Larry Hereth, USCG 812 537-2968 Past Natl Bd MAJ Isaac Mincy, USAF 542-6145 Aux Liaison MAJ Diana Bloemer, USAF 729-2960 State Council 1st VP CWO3 Kym Mader, USN 759-0852 Chaplin Rev Joseph L Boone, USA 853-2051 Delegate CAPT Alan Echt, PHS 573-0315 Alt Delegate Rev Joseph L Boone, USA 853-2051 Committees Programs Vacant Membership MAJ Ed Knox, USAF 674-7755 R.O.T.C. LTC Al Brauer, USA 677-8320 Reserve/NG CAPT Steve Drefahl, USNR 752-4097 Personal Affairs Vacant Historian LCOL Dick Probst, USAF 703-0754 Public Affairs Vacant Sympathy/ CAPT Jack Meyer, USN 489-7361 Welfare TOPS LTC Bob Knueven, USA 875-2299 VA Brick Liaison BM2 Ben Staubach, USN 919-3659 CinMoaaNews CWO3 Kym Mader, USN 759-0852 Service Representatives Army COL Robert Greene, USA (859) 689-4321 Navy/CG CAPT Jack Meyer, USN 489-7361 USPHS CAPT Alan Echt, PHS 573-0315 Air Force MAJ Ed Knox, USAF 674-7755 Marine Corps MAJ Parker Lillie, USMC 281-5807 PURPOSES OF THE GREATER CINCINNATI MOAA CHAPTER The purposes of Military Officers Association of America as stated by national are printed on the outside of each Newsletter. The corresponding purposes of our Chapter as stated in our BYLAWS, Article II are: (a) To promote the purposes and objectives of the Military Officers Association of America (b) To foster fraternal relations among retired, active and former officers of the uniformed services. (c) To protect the rights and interests of personnel of the uniformed services and their dependents and survivors. (d) To provide useful services for members and their dependents and survivors. (e) To serve the community and the nation. Your officers and Board members welcome your comments and suggestions on steps that may be taken to strengthen our Chapter and its benefits to all members. LOCAL Chapter: CinMoaa News is published to arrive at your home 10 days before each meeting. Articles and corrections for the News must be in the hands of editor 4 weeks before each meeting date. Mail to CinMoaa News, 8099 Pepper Pike, West Chester, OH 45069. Or E-mail chmader@fuse.net. For MOAA National information: Visit the MOAA Web Site - INTERNET ADDRESS HTTP://www.moaa.org TAPS If you know a member of MOAA who has past away, please let us know so we may pass it on. Etta Hoeh, Auxiliary - 25 Aug 2014 MEETINGS - Mark your Calendars NOW! Watch www.cincymoaa.org for updates. BOARD MEETINGS 2nd Friday of each month, 1300 - Xavier University Armory Spouses and guests are welcome at all meetings. MEMBER MEETINGS Next Member Meeting TBD Keep watching for more details 2
Ohio Veterans Bonus Brief Summary The Ohio Veterans Bonus is a thank-you from the citizens of Ohio to all the members of the Armed Forces who served anywhere in the world during the time of the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War. But it won t be around forever veterans of the Iraq War era have until December 31, 2014 to apply. No end date has been announced for veterans of the Afghanistan War era. The Ohio Veterans Bonus is available to military service members and veterans who entered the military from Ohio and are an Ohio resident at the time they apply. They must have served under honorable conditions for greater than 90 days on active duty, not for training, anywhere in the world during one of the following periods: Iraq: March 19, 2003 through December 31, 2011 (application deadline: December 31, 2014) Afghanistan: Oct 7, 2001 through a date to be determined by the President The Bonus pays $100 per month for service in Afghanistan or Iraq during the eligible periods, and/or $50 per month for service anywhere else in the world during those times. The total individual award cannot exceed $1,500. The next-of-kin of eligible service members who are killed or die as a result of injuries or illness sustained in Iraq or Afghanistan may also receive the Bonus. Next-of-kin may be compensated $5,000, plus whatever the service member would have received. Next-of-kin of service members who die on active duty, but not as the result of injuries or illness sustained in the areas named above, may be compensated whatever the eligible service member would have received. The Ohio Veterans Bonus is not taxed by either the federal government or Ohio. Don t delay, find out more by calling 1-877-644-6838, select option 2; or visit: www.veteransbonus.ohio.gov. Information about the Ohio Veterans Bonus is also available on the Ohio Department of Veterans Services mobile app. Search any mobile device s app store using the keywords, Ohio Vet or visit: http://dvs.ohio.gov/ HOME/Welcome If you re a veteran of any era of military service and have questions about the benefits you ve earned, contact your county veterans service office. Find yours by calling 1-877-OHIOVET (644-6838), option 1, or see the map at: www.ohio.vet.gov Presentation to Xavier University Army ROTC Leadership Program LTC AL BRAUER, USA Retired presents check to the Xavier University Army ROTC Leadership team. The check will be used to enhance cadet recruiting and training events. LTC Brauer serves as the MOAA ROTC/JROTC liaison. 3
AUXILIARY CORNER Caregiving: Part 2 Janet Snyder, Auxiliary Member Advisory Committee Every person who serves as a caregiver has a different experience. It s not an easy job, no matter the illness or disease the person for whom you care has. Caregiving can take its toll physically and mentally on the caregiver. This is why it is imperative for caregivers to take care of themselves and make their well-being a priority. Sometimes while doing the intense work of caregiving, it is easy to forget to eat, shower, and tend to your own needs. As my husband s caregiver, I was told by one of my close military friends to hire a certified nursing assistant (CAN) to stay with my husband so I could go out and do something for myself. I hired a CAN for three hours, three times a week. It gave me the time I needed to shop for groceries, exercise, and sometimes just go for a walk. If you do not take care of your own health while caregiving, your immune system will decline and your health will deteriorate, and there is a possibility you could pass before your loved one. Sending daily emails to my family and friends across the country was my stress-relief outlet. It kept everyone informed, and the Internet became my lifeline to the world. The information in those emails helped another military friend cope with his wife s Alzheimer s disease experience. Staying in close contact with family and friends was a lifesaver for me. Realizing I wasn t alone and everyone cared was very important. My stress relief might not be what works for everyone. What is important is finding what works for you. Make time to do some of the activities you enjoy, whether it is going for a walk, having lunch with a friend, or reading a book. Taking care or yourself physically also can help you emotionally. Caregiving does not have to define you. For helpful tips on staying healthy and taking care of you, check out the VA s Caregiver Workbook. Though each individual experience is different, your role as a caregiver is one you share with many. Talk about your experience with someone who understands. If you re not comfortable talking with a friend, call the VA s Caregiver Support Line at (855) 260-3274. Caregiving is not easy, but finding time for yourself can help you cope. One last thing I d like to mention is the search for our next Auxiliary Liaison Excellence Award recipient is under way. For information regarding award guidelines and nominations, visit www.moaa.org/amac and click on 2014 Auxiliary Liaison Excellence Award Criteria/Guidelines and Nomination Form. VA Expands Health Care Network In response to the VA s health care access crisis, and with recommendations from MOAA and other service groups, the VA announced it will now provide primary care through it s recently-established nationwide Patient-Centered Community Care (PC3) contracts. Previously, the VA only provided primary care services with the walls of VA hospitals and clinics. Veteran s access to PC3 (purchased care) services are based on referrals from the VA when a local facility is unable to see a veteran within a reasonable time (or does not offer the needed service). PC3 contracts now provide primary care, inpatient and outpatient specialty care, mental health care, some emergency care, and limited newborn care for enrolled female veterans after delivery. The addition of primary care to the PC3 contracts will help local VA Medical Centers to reduce waiting time for a number of services by providing more flexibility in the referral system. The expansion of services provided through the PC3 contracts is not related to the establishment of veteran Choice Cards in the recently passed Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014. Helping Women Veterans Find the Help They Need I think the benefit of having a call enter that focuses on women Veterans is that we are letting the women who served our country know we recognize that they are out there and we are here to serve them now, according to Tamatha Lee, Women Veterans Call Center telephone agent. VA s Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) has greatly expanded VA s outreach to women Veteran s since it first began making calls to women Veterans by adding an incoming line in April of 2013. The incoming Women Veterans Call Center line 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) receives and responds to questions about available VA services and resources from women Veterans, their families and caregivers across the nation. Since it s launch in April of 2013, VA s Women Veterans Call Center has received over 11,000 incoming calls and made nearly 130,000 outbound calls, successfully reaching 76,000 women veterans. In addition, the WVCC mailed over 10,000 packets of information to women Veterans at their request. The number is 1-855-VA-WOMEN. http://www.va.gov/health/newsfeatures/2014/august/helping-women-veterans-find-the-help-they-need.asp 4
2014 CHAPTER DUES ARE DUE! Please pay now- IF you haven't done so. To determine whether your dues are paid, please check your address sticker on the other side of this form. The year is shown for the latest year for which your dues are paid. (Life members show LIFE). If your number is (2013) or lower, please return this form (with your name sticker on reverse) along with a check for your dues to bring you up to current year. Please mark your selection of dues (one year, multi-year or life). For those of you who receive your newsletter by email, your dues date is located in the TO line of your email after your name. If you are moving out of state and don t want to continue your chapter membership or have any other status change, please let us know. Also please indicate on your check the year(s) your dues are for. Name: Rank: Your email address please: Chapter Membership Renewal. Member $28 for three years $19 for two years $10.00 for one year Auxiliary Member (as the surviving spouse of a deceased officer) $14 for three years $9.50 for two years $5.00 for one year Please renew as a LIFE member. (Please circle amount in fee schedule.) Make check payable to: Greater Cincinnati Chapter / MOAA Mail Renewal form and check to: LTC Paul Fellinger, 5493 Delhi Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45238-5139 LIFE MEMBERSHIP FEES (Fee is based on your age, nearest birthday) Regular Auxiliary Age up to 55 $161.25 $80.00 Age 56 to 70 $127.50 $63.75 Age 71 to 89 $ 93.75 $46.90 Age 90 and over Waived Waived -------------------------- cut here --- --------- Dues Form ---------------------cut here---------------------------- WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS ATTENTION TO ORDERS I just learned that there are 13 MOAA scholarship awardees attending college who live in our chapter AO. If anybody is interested in writing a letter to these students, please let me know as I have the addresses. CAPT Steve Drefahl has volunteered to be on the nomination committee. I m sure two more will have stepped up by the time you read this. The chapter needs some new blood - most of the present officers and directors have been in office a long time but would certainly welcome some folks from the reppo depot. Contact Steve if you are willing to fill a slot. Hoorah! Tom O Brien, BG, USA, Ret Medicaid for Veterans Can Lead to Other Benefits The Ohio Department of Veterans Services is proud to partner with the Ohio Department of Medicaid and the Governor s Office of Health Transformation in providing quality support to our state s veteran s. Some veteran s without health care may be eligible for Medicaid under the recent expansion championed by Governor Kasich. These veterans may also be eligible for other benefits. If you are a veteran applying for health care coverage through Medicaid, be sure to check the box that says you have served in the military. You will then be contacted by a representative from the Ohio Department of Veterans Services who will provide additional information about other veteran s benefits that my be available to you. These may include coverage of health care fees for student veterans through the post 9/11 GI Bill, five years of free VA health care because of combat deployments, or eligibility for a number of VA, state or local benefits that can be applied for through Ohio s network of county veterans service offices. Together our agencies will continue working to serve those who served. Veterans can apply for Medicaid coverage at: https://www.benefits.ohio.gov/. Annual Military Sabbath The Annual Military Sabbath is 9 November 2014 at 1030 at the Holy Cross-Immaculata in Mt. Adams. MOAA is one of the sponsors and donated patriotic bunting for use on patriotic occasions. Wear your uniform and take part in the procession. 5
Greater Cincinnati Chapter MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 8099 Pepper Pike West Chester, OH 45069-2842 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT NO 6122 Postmaster: Dated material, Please Expedite ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED PURPOSES OF MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA TO inculcate and stimulate love of country and flag; TO defend the honor, integrity, and supremacy of our National Government and the Constitution of the United States; TO advocate military forces adequate to the defense of our country; TO foster fraternal relations between all branches of the various services from which our members are drawn; TO further the education of children of service personnel; TO aid active and retired personnel of the various services from which our members are drawn and their dependents and survivors, in every proper and legitimate manner; TO present their rights and interests when service matters are under consideration; and TO foster the integrity and prestige of uniformed service. from the Preamble to the Association s Bylaws