Military Officers Association of America SENCLAND Chapter P.O. Box 15207 Wilmington, NC 28408 www.sencland.org October 2014 Editor: Steve Mannell, steve.mannell@gmail.com, (910) 723-6168 October Meeting: Tuesday, October 7 th at 1130 hours at Bluewater Grill, Wrightsville Beach. Menu: Entrée of your choice, soft beverages, coffee, tea, and cookies. Price: $15 per person payable at the door. Program: The candidates competing for Congressman Mike McIntyre s seat in November are New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield (D) and Dunn native David Rouzer (R). Commissioner Barfield and Mr. Rouzer s Campaign Manager, Tyler Foote, will be joining us for lunch to provide their thoughts on the upcoming elections. RSVP: Please RSVP by October 3 rd to JoAnn Doleman at jdoleman522@gmail.com or 910-540-8459. Next Meeting: Save the date November 4 th at our Northern location on your calendars! Message from the President We hope that everyone had a good summer break and can come back to our MOAA meetings reinvigorated and ready for another year. We had our first meeting after the break at the Bluewater with a talk by our own Les Petty. Les was a helicopter pilot with the group trying to rescue the Iranian hostages and was badly burned in the mission. Les was able to go over details of the operation and the extensive training the team had prior to going inland. Remember that we spoke with Cort Barnes a couple of months ago and Cort was one of the hostages to be rescued. All in the military know the value of constant training and we see here how the old adage of the best plan seems to go awry immediately after it is executed is proven once more. This is a good time to say something about MOAA membership. At this time in history, we have only around 19% of Congress who have ever served in the military, and only around 1% of the public has ever served. MOAA is about the only advocacy group looking out for the veterans as well as the active duty members from an outside DOD perspective. MOAA is, on one hand, a lobbying group for all military, and on the other hand, an organization to assist military personnel in many personal areas. MOAA is interesting, and different from most organizations in that you can be a member of a local MOAA chapter and not the National organization, or you can be part of National and not the local chapter. On the face of it, the question should be So what. I will tell you. You have no access to any of the national benefits if you are a
member of a local chapter and not national. These benefits are on the MOAA.org website and include legislative information, help with benefits, help wading thru tricare and VA paperwork, financial advice etc. These are very helpful to all former and current military members. So, if you are a local member and not a National member, I suggest that you consider joining the national organization. You may not feel that the membership fee is not worth the effort and do not care to join for that reason, but I learned last week that there are three classes of MOAA membership, Basic, Premium, and Life. The Basic membership was new to me. But it is important because it is FREE. No cost. You can join simply go going to the MOAA.org site and signing up. No cost, no obligation and you can be a member here to get information on all of the MOAA advocacy efforts and get updates for MOAA news updates as well as discounts on products and travel. There is no downside to this except that you will not have access to the advice and help area. If you see the value of membership, upgrade to PREMIUM membership which gives you access to all on a year to year basis. Then, if you want more, upgrade to LIFE membership which has the value of passing to your spouse on the demise of the member and she/he keep all of the MOAA membership benefits for their life. Check the MOAA.org site and read the JOIN section for a more complete listing of the values. I have always been concerned that MOAA advocates for all military, but they are an all officer organization and the NCO s need this help as well. MOAA now has an affiliate organization called Voices for America for non commissioned personnel who have the same questions and values as MOAA. Let any of your non commissioned friends know of this organization which is set up to help them. We are proceeding on the Outreach program and the details on evaluating requests and this will be published as it is completed. It is an exciting upgrade to our efforts to help the military community and there are many opportunities to help. We also see that we need to beef up our local organization with some back up personnel. So, we will be adding a HELP WANTED section requesting volunteers to back up the functions we do currently, but need some help for continuity. We have divided some of the work of various committees into smaller pieces and ask for volunteers for these areas in you are concerned about biting off too much. [See our first HELP WANTED Section starting on page 7!] Our October meeting will be on 7 October back at the Bluewater and the November meeting will be on 4 November at our Northern location. Member Updates Our deepest condolences are offered to the family of Charles Louis Chance, 1st Lt, USMC Retired, who died August 20, 2014 at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Peggy. Please welcome our newest member: Lt Col Lynn Kim Kimball, USMC, of 227 Creedmoor Rd., Jacksonville, NC 28546. His spouse is Dorothy. Invite an eligible friend to lunch on October 7 th! A membership application form is included on page 10, the address page. Why National MOAA Membership? Al Schroetel, Membership Chair, reports that although it is not necessary to be a member of National MOAA to be a SENCLAND Chapter member, we strongly encourage it. Page 2 of 10
National MOAA membership ensures that we have a strong voice with Congress on matters of importance to active duty, Reserve and Guard, retired Service men & women and their families. There are three levels of National MOAA membership: Basic Membership: This is a free electronic membership that provides the opportunity to experience what MOAA is all about. You'll stay current with MOAA e-newsletters and have opportunities to participate in grassroots activism efforts. Premium Membership: This level provides full access to everything MOAA has to offer, including unlimited access to the full spectrum of MOAA National's career resources, financial-planning advice, and all MOAA-exclusive publications and news updates. That s on top of all the benefits included at the BASIC Membership level. Dues are paid annually. Life Membership: This level of MOAA provides the greatest level of benefits...all of the benefits of Premium membership, plus: Direct Access to Staff Experts via MOAA s LIFE Member Hotline. Protection for Your Spouse. LIFE membership privileges automatically transfer to your spouse after your death at no cost. This provides quick access to expert advice on survivor benefits and services. Bonus Rewards and Travel Discounts. Earn an additional 7,500 rewards points for use on your first trip when you book through MOAA's vacation center. Visit http://www.moaa.org/travelsavings/. Discounts for products and services such as car rentals, computers, hotels and insurance. One time dues payment which covers you and your surviving spouse for life. For more information on National MOAA membership: http://www.moaa.org/main_menu/access_member_benefits/access_member_benefits.html Program Updates Jim Jackson, our Program Chair, reports During our 02 September meeting at the Bluewater Grill, we were especially pleased to have one of own chapter members, Lt. Col. Les Petty. You will recall that in April of this year, we were honored to have Mr. Cort Barnes, one of the hostages during the 444 day Iranian siege of the American Embassy in Tehran. Mr. Barnes recounted the conditions and his treatment during the siege. Talk about coincidences, Lt. Col. Petty was the aircraft commander of one of the aircraft sent to rescue Mr. Barnes and the other hostages. If that weren t coincidence enough, also a member our local chapter is MAJ Catherine Piacente, USA, the nurse in the burn center at Ft. Sam Houston where Lt. Col. Petty was sent for treatment. Lt. Col. Petty detailed his training and the harrowing encounters he experienced during the rescue attempt as an aircraft commander. W O W.what a story! Page 3 of 10
As usual our 07 October meeting will be at the beautiful Bluewater Grill on Wrightsville Beach beginning at 1130 hours. Our luncheon continues to be priced at $15 including the entrée of your choice, soft beverages, coffee, tea and cookies from Apple Annie s (compliments of MOAA member COL Rob Cooley, owner). Cocktails will be available for purchase. Luncheon selections will be made at the door and include: Bluewater Cheeseburger with French Fries Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken Fish and Chips with French Fries Turkey Cranberry Sandwich with Pasta (NEW and very good!) As you are aware on 4 November there will be national elections when we vote for U.S. Representatives and Senators. The longtime U.S. Rep from our district (Mike McIntyre) has chosen not to seek reelection. The candidates competing for his seat are our own New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield and Dunn native David Rouzer. Both candidates were invited to make comments at our meeting. Commissioner Barfield (D) has accepted. David Rouzer (R) is regretfully unable to attend but is sending his Campaign Manager Tyler Foote. I think this is the first time we have had a two opposing candidates at one of our meetings and a spirited debate may develop. Upcoming Programs: 04 November Northern meeting at Englese s in Surf City 02 December Bluewater Holiday luncheon choral performance by Coastal Christian High School Programs for 2015 are being finalized but be meeting venues will be at follows: 06 Jan, 03 Feb, 03 Mar, 07 Apr Bluewater Grill 05 May Southern Meeting on Oak Island 05 Jun Pig Pickin Hugh MacRae Park in Wilmington North Carolina Council of Chapters State Convention, June 11-14, 2015 The location for the NC Council of Chapters state convention in 2015 is the High Hampton Inn located in Cashiers, NC in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Log on to www.highhampton.com to learn more about the facility, it's amenities and nearby places of interest. Jeri Graham reports, I Page 4 of 10
was up there last week doing planning and I must say... it is an absolutely spectacular place and I am really pleased that we made the decision to go there. To register for the June 2015 State Convention, fill in the form page 6 and send it in with your deposit. Please note that deposits are due on October 15 th! This event is for ALL North Carolina Council and Chapter members and their families. While there may be a few times when Council and Chapter officers and presidents will meet for business, the main theme of the convention will be to share in the FUN and the camaraderie of our like-minded members and their families. About the Inn: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, High Hampton Inn has welcomed guests to this North Carolina mountain town since 1922. Originally developed as a summer retreat to escape the heat of the low country, wealthy families traveled by train and then horse and buggy to reach the retreat. Today the Inn welcomes guests to its 1400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Inn offers rooms in the main house as well as a collection of cottages. The exterior of the Inn is made from chestnut and poplar shingles while the interior contains natural woods from the original estate in a board and batten pattern. The rustic rooms are woodsy, yet elegant and feature hand-hewn twig and mountain crafted furnishings with private baths. In the tradition of mountain living, there are no televisions or telephones in the rooms. However, as a nod to the 21st century, wireless internet and televisions are available in the lobby and common areas of the rustic lodge. Dining: Meals are bountiful Southern culinary affairs using fresh seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes that have been handed down over the generations. Favorites such as High Hampton fried chicken, local rainbow trout and herb crusted prime rib are all served in an elegant buffet style. Three complete meals per days are included. Activities: The mountain air and atmosphere encourage outdoor activities including swimming in the Inn s crystal clear lake or hiking on the many trails. A spa, fly fishing, shuffleboard croquet, corn toss, paddle boats as well as golf are also available. A special discounted group golf rate of $60 per person including green fees and carts is being offered. Offsite, a visit to the quaint towns of Cashiers and Highlands is planned. Price: $979 per couple; $849 single. Includes 3 nights lodging, all meals, taxes, and gratuities. Also, includes group meetings private cocktail party and a special group banquet with surprise speaker. Page 5 of 10
Please join us at the Biennial Statewide Convention 11-14 June 2015 at the High Hampton Inn and Country Club Cashiers, NC REGISTRATION FORM Every two years, we gather together and do something very special in a particularly welcoming venue. The past two NCCOC State Conventions have been held on cruise ships. This time, we wanted to stay home and thus we looked at a variety of great places from mountains to the coast. We selected the High Hampton Inn and Country Club which has a fantastic reputation for being a most welcoming and luxurious mountain locale, with great dining, amenities and many opportunities for great exploring (www.highhamptoninn.com) We re planning on lots of camaraderie and just a small amount of quarterly business time. This event is for ALL MOAA members and their families and friends with a goal of Connecting, Learning and Building our organization and certainly making wonderful memories. We re on the National MOAA calendar and have invited a great group of Very Special People to join us from MOAA and the Great State of North Carolina. Member Name Name on Badge Spouse/Guest Name Name on Badge Address City, State, Zip Telephone: Home Cell Email Dietary Restrictions Accessibility Requirements If single, do you want a roommate? Do you want help finding a roommate? Prices: Couple or 2 sharing room $979/Single $849. Price includes room, all meals, taxes, fees and gratuities. Deposit of $100 / per couple or $50 for single - due 15 October 2014. The balance will be due 15 March 2015. Please make checks payable to: MOAA/NCCOC Mail to the NCCOC Treasurer: COL Ed Baisden, USA (Ret) 2000 Country Club Court, Sanford, NC 27332 Please contact COL Jeri Graham, USA (Ret) with any questions or concerns at (910) 616-3487 or email jigrahamusa@gmail.com Please check http://www.moaa-nc.org for information and updates. Page 6 of 10
Legislative Update The key to grassroots legislative power is staying informed. Kris Gupton, Legislative Affairs, reports Our letters and email DO influence our elected officials. MOAA's current action alert is "Don't Cut the Troops Pay Raise." The President announced on August 29 he will use his executive authority to limit the 2015 military pay increase at 1 percent, rather than the 1.8 percent provided under current law. This is the second consecutive year of capping military pay. A cut would damage retention of talented service members. If you agree, please ask our legislators to preserve the 1.8 percent military pay raise. Snail Mail and local phone: Senator Burr, 2000 West First Street, Ste. 508, Winston Salem, NC 27104 / 336-631-5125 Senator Hagan, 701 Green Valley Road, Ste. 201, Greensboro, NC 27408 / 336-333-5311 Rep. McIntyre, 497 Olde Waterford Way, Ste. 206, Leland, NC 28451 / 910-399-1134 Or electronically: Go to http://capwiz.com/moaa/home/ and click Take Action. HELP WANTED Listed below are the persons with various areas of responsibility. We have divided the work in the area into smaller portions and ask for volunteers to take pieces to back up the individual with the job. If you can take a piece, please advise the responsible persons and let them know that you can help. Then details can be handled on a one to one basis. 1. Bob Doleman (Secretary) and JoAnn Doleman (RSVPs and email distro) a. Send e-versions of the newsletter out each month b. Prepare the nametags for meetings c. Prepare list of names for meetings and chart for payment and meal selection d. Back Bob Doleman for meeting notes and distribution of the notes. 2. JB Noll (Treasurer Position) a. Take up money for lunches and keep record of meal selection b. Back up for treasurer position c. Pick up mail for chapter 3. Ken Klassen (Public Affairs) a. Prepare upgrades to information on web site. b. Maintain contact and prepare notes for TV and News POC s c. Solicit news items from membership for website and news d. Back up Ken in contact with ISP. 4. Bob Angeli (Personal Affairs and VA Benefits) a. Advise members on VA benefits b. Advise members on MOAA benefits c. Advise web master and newsletter on items of interest to members to be added to site or newsletter Page 7 of 10
5. John Melia (Outreach Program) a. This is being revised to include the process for determining how to best serve the military community with our funds including the scholarship program. Details TBD. 6. Jim Brumit (JROTC Programs) a. Meet and interface with the various JROTC instructors b. Present MOAA awards to JROTC cadets at awards days. 7. Kris Frasure-Gupton (Legslative Affairs) a. Contact your representatives in both state and federal govt on military issues. Outreach Update Cape Fear Purple Heart Dinner The SENCLAND Chapter of MOAA is proud to have supported the Purple Heart Dinner. We donated $500 toward the effort, a great opportunity to thank those who have been injured in service to our nation. At right is the Thank You received from the Chairman of the Cape Fear Purple Heart Committee. USCGC Diligence 50 th Anniversary Golf Tournament to Support Wilmingtoni HOSPICE and CFCC, Saturday, November 8 th This year will mark the 50th year of service by the USCGC DILIGENCE to our country. The DILIGENCE has been a great community partner for Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College. Each year they hold the DILI Dash Road Race and a golf tournament and the proceeds support local nonprofit organizations and scholarships for CFCC student veterans. Page 8 of 10
The Commanding Officer of DILIGENCE, CDR Jeff Randall, hopes that this year with the celebration of a half century of service the events will receive a great deal of community support. The ship has joined forces with our terrific HOSPICE organization to help with the event. The proceeds this year will be shared by HOSPICE and CFCC's student veteran scholarship fund. HOSPICE is expanding its service to veterans and will help promote the event. Details and sponsorship info for the Nov. 8th Golf Fund Raiser are available at www.sencland.org in the News and Events section. Our Sponsors We appreciate the generous support of our sponsors, which helps defray the cost of publishing this newsletter and supports SENCLAND MOAA military and veteran outreach activities in our local community. Please thank them for their support. Steve Mannell, LTC, USA, Retired, CFO 910-307-3500 smannell@aafmaa.com This space now available! 837 S Kerr Ave Wilmington, NC (910) 799-9023 1121-1 Military Cutoff Rd Wilmington, NC (910) 256-6585 If you would like to discuss MOAA SENCLAND sponsorship opportunities, please email steve.mannell@gmail.com. Page 9 of 10
THE SENCLAND CHAPTER of the MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA P.O. BOX 15207 WILMINGTON, NC 28408 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED October 2014 SENCLAND Chapter (MOAA) Membership Application Form Date of Application: Active Duty Active Reservist Retired Former Officer Name: Rank Service Street Address: City State Zip+4 Date of Birth MM/DD/YYYY: Spouses Name: Home Phone: Email: Are you a National MOAA member? Annual Life Member Note: It is not necessary that you be a member of National MOAA in order to join the local chapter although we strongly encourage you to become a National MOAA member. Your National MOAA membership number (on magazine label): Annual chapter dues of $15.00 are waived for the current calendar year for new members! Please complete this form and mail to the return address above. Call Col Al Schroetel, Membership Chairman, at 910-686-6905 or email downeast@bellsouth.net if you have any questions. We look forward to meeting Page 10 you! of 10