MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Central Florida Chapter F CUS Four Star Chapter 2003,2004,2006,2009,2010 (Five Star) June 2015 Orlando > Volume 58 Issue 6 President s Message LTC Robert M. LePage, USA, Ret. President Inside this issue: DATES TO NOTE! Key Personnel & phone numbers Meals /Reservations Information TAPS 2 Chapter Board Minutes Chaplain s Message 3 Legislative 4 Board Minutes Con t Citrus Club Membership Life Membership TOPS Insurance 5 Help Your Survivors Now Volunteers Nominations for Officers 2015/2016 Procedures for ID Cards Navy Exchange Saves You Money 6 Membership Application/Renewal 7 The last two weeks of May were busy for me as I attended the Florida Council of Chapters 2015 Convention hosted by the Ancient Chapter MOAA in St. Augustine from May 22-24. The Convention concluded with a Memorial Service in honor of those members of the 40 MOAA Chapters who passed away during the year 2014. Then on May 25th I attended the Memorial Day Service at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park sponsored by Dignity Memorial and VITAS Healthcare. Participating were the Winter Springs High School Army JROTC. Music by VFW Post 2093 Community Band and Emcee: Bud Hedinger, 540 WFLA; Florida State Reenactment Society; Military Honors and War Vignettes; American Legion Post 286 and Boy Scout Troop 613. No matter how many of these ceremonies I attend, at some point I always have watery eyes. So many have given the ultimate sacrifice and it is nice to show our gratitude the these men and women. Then on May 26th I attended the Dedication of the Orlando Veterans Medical Center at the Lake Nona Campus. I attended the Ground Breaking Dedication a number of years ago and it is great to no see the conclusion of this lengthy construction project. The Lake Baldwin VA Clinic will remain open In addition to pharmacy services, four primary care teams consisting of radiology, audiology, optometry and mental health will remain. In addition, the VA and State of Florida are examining the feasibility of operating nursing home at the Lake Baldwin site. Bob LePage JUNE PROGRAM YOUR CENTRAL FLORIDA EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY DATES TO NOTE! Sat, June 13 & Sat Aug 8,10:00 am: Board of Directors meeting at Ascension Lutheran Church Office Sun, Jun 14, Flag Day Sat, Jun 20, MOAA Luncheon Alayna Curry is the Community and Government Relations Coordinator for the Central Florida Expressway Authority. Alayna serves as the public liaison, helping educate Central Floridians on local expressways and their benefits to the community. She brings a wide range of public relations experience to the agency, previously working for Florida Dairy Farmers and Mayor Buddy Dyer. She is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations, and a licensed Zumba fitness instructor after hours.
Volume 58 Issue 6 FOCUS Page 2 Chapter Communications Numbers Office Phone 407 298-7228 Office FAX Number 407-646-4213 (Mark FAX messages For MOAA ) Mailing Address: MOAA CFC, Inc. PO Box 141025 Orlando, FL 32814-1025 KEY PERSONNEL/OFFICERS (All telephone numbers preceded by (407) PRESIDENT LTC Robert M. LePage, USA, Ret. 298-7228 E-mail: Rnato011@aol.com FIRST VICE PRESIDENT LTC John Ruzich, USA, Ret. 359-7273 E-mail: jruzich25@earthlink.net SECOND VICE PRESIDENT COL Richard G. Jung, Sr. 802-4035 E-mail: rickjungsr@gmail.com SECRETARY LTC Michael Gillett, USAR, Ret. 772-5487 E-mail: mgillett@cfl.rr.com ASSISTANT SECRETARY Mrs. Patricia Green, AUX 774-7933 E-mail: deg06@aol.com TREASURER LT COL Joseph Hines, USAF, Ret. 788-3696 E-mail: jovinth@centurylink.net ASSISTANT TREASURER CW4 Dick Sauer, USA, Ret. 497-4252 E-mail: dsauer@compuserve.com DIRECTORS 2013-2015 2015 COL Roger Hakola, USA, Ret. 299-1222 E-mail: Zfreedom@aol.com LTC Sylvester Johnson, USA, Ret. 805-0518 E-mail: sbj32746@bellsouth.net CWO Robert L. Hoy, USA, Ret. 324-7616 E-mail: rhoy13@cfc.rr.com DIRECTORS 2015-2016 2016 CAPT Robert S. Rosen, USN, Ret. 880-6279 E-mail: capbob1936@yahoo.com LTC Mike Patterson, USA, Ret. 240-7609 E-mail: dmphome@earthlink.net Mrs. Patricia A. Green, AUX 774-7933 E-mail: deg06@aol.com IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT COL William J. Gates, USAF, Ret. 788-8923 E-mail: Rnato011@aol.com STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS NOMINATING COMMITTEE CAPT Bob Rosen, USN, Ret. 880-6279 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE LTC Mike J Patterson, USA, Ret. 240-7609 PROGRAM COMMITTEE LTC Robert M. LePage 298-7228 LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE LTC Michael Gillett 772-5487 CHAPLAIN & PERSONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Chaplain (CW4) Dick Sauer 497-4252 E-mail:dsauer@compuserve.com OTHER COMMITTEE CHAIRS AUDIT COMMITTEE COL Carolyn A. Fost, USAR, Ret. 657-7219 E-mail: cfost@cfl.rr.com RESERVATIONS COMMITTEE LTC Robert M. LePage 298-7228 E-mail: Rnato011@aol.com CHAPTER NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE LTC Robert M. LePage, USA, Ret. 298-7228 THE OFFICER REPLACEMENT SYSTEM (TOPS) LTC John Ruzich, USA, Ret. 359-7273 E-mail: jruzich25@earthlink.net ROSTER/MEMBER DATA BASE LTC Robert M. LePage, USA,Ret 298-7228 Mrs. Patricia Green, AUX 774-7933 Web Site Coordinator Mr. Michael Paquin 754-6063 E-mail: Michael.pquin@gmail.com CHAPTER LUNCHEON Saturday June 20, 2015 11:30-12:00 Social Hour Lunch at 12:00 Location: Seasons 52, 463 E. Altamonte Dr. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Menu #1 Grilled Flat Iron Steak #2 Chicken #3 Sesame Grilled Salmon Salad Beverage: Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks and Water included. Desert: Mini Indulgence Dessert Flight Price: $24.00 including gratuity Reservations: Not later than noon, Tuesday June 16, 2015. Call: Bob LePage at (407) 298-7228 OR e-mail Rnato011@aol.com If you must cancel your reservation, please do so as early as possible regrettably, we must bill no-shows for the cost of the meal. TAPS The Chapter extends deepest sympathy and sincerest condolence to the family and friends of: Mrs. Sybil McClaugherty, Aux., who passed away in June 2013. CDR William Roy, USN, Ret., who passed away in April 2015. MAJ Elmer L Rhoden, USAF, Ret., who passed away April 26, 2015. LT COL Eugene Saucer, USAF, Ret., who passed away in December 2013. Mrs. Carol Stonecliffe, Aux., who passed away in December 2013 Published monthly except July by the Military Officers Association of America Central Florida Chapter, Inc. P.O. Box 141025, Orlando, FL, 32814-1025. The Chapter is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, affiliated with National MOAA and the Florida Council of Chapters, MOAA, but not associated with the Department of Defense. The views expressed are not necessarily those of MOAA, the Florida Council of Chapters, or the Department of Defense.
Volume 58 Issue 6 FOCUS Page P 3 Chapter Board Meeting MOAA Board Meeting May 9, 2013 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President, LTC LePage, at 1000 hours at the Ascension Lutheran Church. Chaplain Sauer gave the invocation and LTC LePage led the Pledge of Allegiance. Quorum: There was a Quorum. Attending were COL Jung, CAPT Rosen, COL Hakola, LTC Hines, Lt COL Hines, LTC Johnson, LTC LePage, LTC Patterson, CW4 Sauer and CWO Hoy. Secretary s Report: The minutes of the April Board meeting were reviewed and approved. Treasurer s Report: The April report was reviewed and approved. Committee Reports: Recruiting: LTC Patterson said he had received the MOAA National roster of local members not in our Chapter and he would be sending out 2,000 recruiting letters. JROTC: COL Jung the Leadership Award had been presented to 25 JROTC schools and that 12 schools had not participated. He said next year he would send a letter to the school principle in and effort to gain more participation. Golf Tournament: LTC Patterson said the Golf Tournament would be held on October 23, 2015 at Stoneybrook East Golf Club along with the annual auction. Unpaid Dues: LTC Patterson said letters had been sent to 46 members who have not paid their dues. Old Business: COL Jung said he is continuing his search for a new luncheon eating location. New Business: LTC LePage said he would be attending the MOAA Florida Council Convention in St Augustine from 22-24 May, the Memorial Day Service at Glen Haven Memorial Park on May 25 and the dedication of the VA Medical Center at Lake Nona on May 26. LTC Patterson said the USO will be opening a location at the Orlando International Airport soon. Continued on Page 5 Chaplain s Message Now it s June, and with it in Florida: summer heat in full force. Up north, it s a different story. It s interesting the differences, not just from nation to nation, but right here within a few hundred miles in our own country. Down here, not only the heat, but graduation comes early. When we first came to Florida, we were surprised to learn that the schools start in August and end in May. Up north, to my knowledge, no state starts elementary, middle, or high school on a regular basis before Labor Day. Thus, all of our graduations are over and done with here, but they are just going on in most of the states to our north. As you read this, Trixie and I will be in Virginia, Lord willing, for the high school graduation of one of our grandchildren. We expect to go up again next year for the college graduation of a granddaughter (colleges keep more standard schedules, nationwide, with academic year ending and graduation in May). Perhaps you, too, have family members walking a stage in cap and gown this month. It s a special occasion an important milestone in each person s life, signifying a praise worthy achievement the completion of an extensive course of instruction. I ve given invocations and benedictions and participated in graduation ceremonies for all ages from fouryear-old preschool through graduate programs masters and doctorate degrees. In every instance, I ve seen the pride in the eyes of the graduates, their parents, other family members and friends. If you have any graduates in your family this year, my prayer is that they will go on from this accomplishment to a long and fruitful life, lived in a manner pleasing to the Lord. Whatever the case, take pride in your family members and their accomplishments may they bring joy to your heart, and may God bless them richly! In His love, Chaplain Dick In His love,
Volume 58 Issue 6 FOCUS Page 4 LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION BY LTC Michael Gillett, USA, RET. WHITE HOUSE BACKS CHANGES TO SURVIVOR BENEFITS The White House supports proposals to change benefits for military survivors. Support comes after a report made by the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC), a task force charged with recommending changes to military pay and benefits. Under the MCRMC proposal, the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), a voluntary contribution program providing protection for military retirees' survivors, would split into two tiers. The first tier continues the program under existing rules. A second, more expensive tier charges higher premiums and eliminates an unfair penalty that forces thousands of military survivors to forfeit their earned benefits. Retirees would have a one-year open season to make a decision on which tier to enroll. How SBP Works Military retirement pay ends when the servicemember dies. A large majority of military retirees are survived by their spouses, and SBP provides a way to pass on a portion of military retirement pay to survivors. Under current law, however, military survivors forfeit part or all of their entire military SBP annuity when receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The two programs are paid for very different purposes: SBP is a program administered by DoD that allows uniformed service retirees to elect coverage to provide continuing financial support for an eligible survivor. DIC is paid to survivors of servicemembers who die while on active duty, or to survivors of retirees who die of a service-connected illness. In many cases, the offset virtually wipes out any SBP payment, leaving survivors with only DIC, a modest payment of about $15,000 a year. When military service causes a servicemember's death, indemnity compensation from the VA should be paid in addition to SBP coverage, not subtracted from it. Proposed Changes Under the current system, military retirees contribute up to 6.5 percent of retired pay to ensure their survivors receive up to 55 percent of the sponsor's retired pay. Premiums continue until the sponsor makes 360 payments and reaches age 70. Automatic coverage is extended to survivors of servicemembers who die on duty. The new tier increases the premium to 11.25 percent - a 73 percent increase. Survivors of retirees choosing the higher tier option will not be subjected to the SBP-DIC offset. The change could have a significant impact on the amount of money servicemembers contribute to the program: Copyright 2015 Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), all rights reserved. Part or all of this message may be retransmitted for information purposes, but may not be used for any commercial purpose or in any commercial product, posted on a Web site, or used in any non-moaa publication (other than that of a MOAA affiliate, or a member of The Military Coalition) without the written permission of MOAA. All retransmissions, postings, and of this message must include this notice.
Volume 58 Issue 6 FOCUS Page 5 CHAPTER BOARD MINUTES (Cont) Next Board Meeting: June 13, 2015. Next Luncheon: May 16, 2015. Respectfully submitted, Robert M. LePage LTC, USA, Ret. President CITRUS CLUB MEMBERSHIP I am Captain Robert S. Rosen, USN (Ret), a life member of MOAA, a longtime member, past President, and a current Board Member of our Central Florida Chapter of MOAA. I am also a past member of the Board of Governors of the Citrus Club. The Citrus Club is a very prestigious private business club in Orlando. It offers excellent opportunities for social and business networking. The Citrus Club is a private club with limited membership. Prospective members must be invited to join and be sponsored by a current member. There are many levels of membership from Young Executive to Platinum and Signature Gold Unlimited. Each membership level has different benefits and a different monthly fee. The club serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; has private business rooms with computers, printers, and phones available for members free use; a spa; and many social functions. The club has recently completed a $4 million dollar renovation. The club encompasses the entire 18th floor of the building at the corner of Orange and Jackson Street in downtown Orlando. This club was designed for professionals, like yourselves, in mind. I would be happy to sponsor you into the Citrus Club. Call me at 407-810-1549 or email me at captbob1936@yahoo.com for additional information; and to set up a tour of the Club. Bob Rosen" Central Florida MOAA Chapter TOPS I am the Central Florida MOAA Chapter TOPS (The Officer Placement System) representative. This is a new position in our chapter and with your help; we have an opportunity to assist fellow officers in career transition. Do you remember how unsure you were when you departed military service for a civilian career? Did you ask others how they did it and about their experiences? I d like to invite you to help others by joining the national or local network of volunteers to provide advice on your current or previous profession. If you are an officer in a career transition, please request our help. For more information, please contact me at jruzich25@earthlink.net or 407-359-7273. John Ruzich, LTC, USA, Ret. INSURANCE MOAA has worked with Marsh Affinity Group Services, a service of Seabury & Smith, Inc. since 1981 to administer Group Insurance Plans. These plans have been negotiated exclusively on behalf of MOAA members and their families. As an active duty or retired MOAA member, you may qualify for insurance to complement your and your family's military entitlements. Choose from TRICARE Supplements, Term Life insurance, Long Term Care insurance and others. For more information, go to www.moaa.org. LIFE MEMBERSHIP IN THE CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAPTER Life membership in the Chapter is available on a Sliding Scale dues fee schedule as noted below: * Age 46 50: $375 * Age 51 55 $326 * Age 56 60 $299 * Age 61 65: $269 * Age 66 70: $238 * Age 71 75: $204 * Age 75 and above $135 It you have already paid your dues for 2013 and desire to convert to a Chapter Life Member, deduct the amount you already paid ($10 or $15 as appropriate).
Volume 58 Issue 6 FOCUS Page 6 HELP YOUR SURVIVORS NOW If you have a family, one of the most important things you can do during your lifetime is laying out the plans to take care of your family after you die. Upon your death, your survivors can expect to receive certain payments and benefits from the federal government, but it s up to you to help your survivors. MOAA has several publications, listed below, which will give you an excellent start in this process. You can request these documents by e-mail: www.moaa.org or by calling 1-800-234-6622. - Help Your Survivors Now A Guide to Planning Ahead - Survivor Benefit Plan Security for Your Survivors - Survivor s Checklist First Steps for Moving On Also, you can request assistance in Orlando from the Retired Activities Office Phone: 407-646-4204 and Fax: 407-646-4212. Office hours are 10:00 am 2:00 pm Monday through Friday. Personnel at this office are all retired military and they can provide you with the various agencies and telephone numbers to include notifying the retired finance center. Your survivors should know the location of your insurance policies, retirement orders, birth certificate, your current Retiree Account Statement and any other documents of importance before and after your death. VOLUNTEERS CAPT Thomas Bates has over 1,500 hours at ORHS as a Spiritual Care Volunteer. Mrs. Mary Wooden averages 40 hours per month combined with Quilting Angels and active in her community Crafts group. LTC Bob LePage volunteers two afternoons each week at Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs. NOMINATIONS OF OFFICERS for 2015/2016 Nominations for the MOAA Central Florida Chapter officers are now being accepted.. If you would like to be nominated for one of the Central Florida Chapter's offices, please contact Bob Rosen at 407-880-6279, Bob LePage at 407-298-7228. The nominating committee would like to nominate candidates for all the chapter offices listed on page 2 of this newsletter, plus three directors. PROCDURES FOR ID CARDS Army Reserve Center 3701 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 (407) 643-2322 M-F 0730-1120 & 1230-1500 National Guard Armory 8385 Daetwyler Dr., Orlando, FL 32862 (407) 650-4303 Tuesday & Thursday 0900-1530 Naval Support Activity Orlando 12217 Science Dr, Orlando, FL 32826 (407) 380-4513, 4315 Walk-ins: M-F 0730-1600 Appointments on Line: https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil Patrick AFB, Cocoa Beach (321) 494-6144 MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL (813) 828-2278 THE NAVY EXCHANGE SAVES YOU MONEY Navy Exchange prices are an average of 15.8% below the competition. This savings is determined by "Market Basket" surveys. The Navy Exchange Service Command hired an independent consulting firm to conduct price surveys three times per year. Prices are compared on 350 exchange items, in eight geographic areas throughout the United States with such retailers as Wal- Mart, Target, Circuit City, and Sears. The results showed that customers save an average of 15.8% (excluding sales tax savings). In the State of Florida, the total savings would be 21.8% which includes the 15.8% average plus the 6% sales tax. At Navy Exchange Orlando, the savings can be significantly more when grocery food items are included because the Orlando Food Store prices food items similar to a military commissary. Another way the Navy Exchange helps the customer save money everyday is through its' Price Matching Policy. We will match the price of any identical item, sold in a local store - same brand, manufacturer, size, and model number. Simply bring in a current, local competitor's ad for the identical item and we will match the price. Price differences greater than $50 require a supervisors approval. Exceptions include concessionrun operations, commissary prices, fine jewelry items, special orders, gasoline, automotive parts and labor/ service charges, going-out-of business sales, flea markets, clearances, and percent and dollar off specials, internet sites, etc.
MAKE COPIES OF THIS PAGE AND GIVE THEM TO FRIENDS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE CHAPTER MOAA CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION or RENEWAL Central Florida Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) (formerly The Retired Officer Association (TROA) Eligible persons: Retired, Former or Active duty Commissioned or Warrant Officers of the seven uniformed services of the United States, and surviving spouses (eligible for Auxiliary Membership) of persons who would have been eligible, if living. Applicants for membership in the Central Florida Chapter are required to be members of National MOAA. Dues are presently $15 per year ($10 for Auxiliary) for calendar year 2015 Please complete all applicable portions below and mail check payable to MOAA, CFC, Inc to the address indicated in Amount enclosed box, below. This is my membership Application, or Renewal (Note, if this is a Renewal, complete the form only if there are changes otherwise, just print your name on the form and sign and enclose your check) 1. NAME (please print, first, MI, last 2. Address City FL, ZIP 3. Telephone # Spouse (if applicable) 4. E-mail address, if applicable @ 5. Birth date 6. National MOAA (TROA) member # (from mailing label of The Military Officer magazine) For Regular Membership (Check as applicable) Retired Officer Former Officer Active Duty Officer Rank/Grade Service: Army Navy Marine Corps Air Force Coast Guard USPHS NOAA For Auxiliary Membership (Complete items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, above, plus the following) Deceased Spouse name (First, MI, Last) Spouse service Grade/rank YOUR PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS CHAPTER ACTIVITIES IS URGENTLY NEEDED AND WILL BE MOST SINCERELY APPRECIATED. PLEASE CHECK ONE (OR MORE) AREAS YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO HELP IN: Meeting programs Ceremonies (Patriotic events) Chapter Officer Personal Affairs Membership recruitment Newsletter (editor, get ads, etc.) Reservations (take phone calls, check in members at meetings) ROTC/JROTC (coordinate program and/or make presentations at schools awards functions) OTHER ALL APPLICANTS PLEASE SIGN: New member referred by Amount enclosed: Dues Regular $15 $ OR Auxiliary $10 $ ROTC/JROTC (Voluntary) $ Community Service (Voluntary) $ Total enclosed $ Please make checks payable to: MOAA CFC, Inc.* and mail to: PO Box 141025 Orlando, FL 32814-1025 Publish my name in the roster Yes No
PLEASE LET US KNOW WHEN YOU WILL BE TEMPORARILY AWAY OR PLAN TO MOVE!! A returned newsletter means the Chapter has wasted approximately $1.00! Military Officers Association of America Central Florida Chapter PO Box 141025 Orlando, FL 32814-1025 RETURNED SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S.POSTAGE PAID MID FL-FL PERMIT NO. 93206 - _ label