Gridlock slows legislation 8 JUNE 2008 op

5 Outreach and Support for Wounded Warriors 12 FRA Board of Directorsrass Storms the Hill B15 Regional Convention Information MESOTHELIOMA

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with, or died from, asbestos-related lung cancer or mesothelioma, we may be able to help you get monetary compensation from the asbestos manufacturers.

Please contact the law firm of: Bergman & Frockt 614 First Avenue, Fourth Floor Seattle, WA 98104 Toll Free: (888) 647-6007 www.bergmanlegal.com

No charge for initial consultation. Please ask for Emily Murray. June 2008

Volume 87 Number 6 1

MESOTHELIOMA FRA Tod a Featured 16 y June 2008 16 Top Brass The Sea Services’ premier bands serve an If you or a loved one has been important recruiting function for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Learn what diagnosed with, or died from, it takes to be a military musician. asbestos-related lung cancer Departments or mesothelioma, we may be 2 Communications Reach out and touch someone

5 nED Perspective able to help you get monetary Outreach and Support for Wounded Warriors compensation from the 7 sHIPMATE FORUM 8 on & OFF CAPITOL HILL asbestos manufacturers. Gridlock slows legislation 8 15 mEMBERSHIP MATTERS Regional Convention Information

28 nEws from the Branches

32 Reunions 126 Please contact the law firm of: 33 Taps Bergman & Frockt 35 Looking for… 614 First Avenue, Fourth Floor 36 LA FRA NEWS Seattle, WA 98104 Toll Free: (888) 647-6007 www.bergmanlegal.com

No charge for initial consultation. Please ask for Emily Murray. Loyalty, Protection and service On the cover FRA is a congressionally chartered, non-profit organization Top Brass doesn’t always apply to the highest advocating for current and former enlisted members of the ranking personnel. This month’s feature highlights not only the top brass, but the top strings, wind, U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on Capitol Hill. For percussion, and keyboard players and vocalists in more information on the benefits of membership, please visit the country — members of the U.S. Navy Band, www.fra.org or call 800-FRA-1924. U.S. Marine Band, and the U.S. Coast Guard Band. Communications

2 National Officers/Board Of Directors Nat’l President Lawrence J. Boudreaux, Hangtown Branch 275 Nat’l Vice President Donald Mucheck, Charleston Branch 50 Nat’l Executive Dir. Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Dept. Branch 181

y June 2008 finance Officer Paul Rigby Convention Update Eileen Murphy Junior PNP Jerry L. Sweeney, Navy Dept. Branch 181 FRA Tod a Last month’s FRA Today featured Branson, Mo., the home of FRA’s Regional Presidents 2008 National Convention. We certainly had a lot of calls and e-mails New England William J. Waite, Pinetree Branch 156 about the feature article, and from all indications, this will be a well- Northeast James E. Brown, Staten Island Branch 226 attended National Convention! Several shipmates have contacted us to east Coast Claire Haynes Purdy, Annapolis Branch 24 let us know this will be their first Convention, hence we put in the southeast Roger E. Mitchell, Gasparilla Branch 188 Convention 101 article (page 24 of May issue). In our exuberance to North Central Marty J. Posekany, Wolverine Branch 298 discuss Branson and FRA Conventions in general, however, we ne- south Central Melvin R. Harper, Mountain Home Branch 251 glected to put in some specific information that is rather helpful for southwest Harry N. Lyons, Green Valley Branch 77 West Coast Lee M. Hollowell, Jr., Lake Shasta Branch 281 this year: Northwest Robert E. Gilmore, Whidbey Island Branch 97 When Nat’l. Parliamentarian PNP J.C. Jim Eblen, San Diego Branch 9 Patrick H. LeClaire, Silver Dollar Branch 192 24 through 28 September 2008 Nat’l Chaplain

Where Active Duty Advisory Council The Radisson Hotel in Branson, Missouri Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe Campa (120 S. Wildwood Drive, Branson, MO 65616) Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles Bowen Hotel Reservations To make a hotel reservation, call 1-888-566-5290 and ask for the Reserve Advisory Council Reservation Department. Please specify that you are with the FRA or Force Master Chief of the Naval Reserve David Pennington LA FRA to get the special convention rate of $79 per night plus tax USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major Jimmy D. Cummings (double occupancy). Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force Jeffrey Smith Meal Reservations Reservations are required for the Saturday night banquet and any of the FRA TODAY Magazine special luncheons. Meal reservations may be made online by clicking Publisher FRA the “Meals” tab at http://www.fra81st.org www.fra81st.org. (You will Managing Editor Eileen Murphy be asked to print the form and submit payment by mail.) Shipmates Contributing Editor Lauren Armstrong and ladies without Internet access may contact Convention Secretary, Design and Art Direction PRPNC Norm Combs at 816-847-6562. FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com Design Director Scott Rodgerson Getting there by air Production Manager Sandy Jones The Springfield-Branson National Airport (airport code KSGF) is about 40 miles outside of Branson. American, Delta, Northwest, United and Allegiant Airlines all serve this region. Buses and cabs are available to fra today (ISSN 0028-1409) is published monthly by FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, Va 22314-2754. A member’s subscription is covered by the member’s get convention-goers to the hotel, with costs averaging about $80 one annual dues. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA and additional way. (Costs may be reduced by traveling as a group.) To arrange cab or offices. Publication of non-sponsored advertising in fra today does not constitute an endorsement by the FRA or its representatives. Postmaster: bus transportation, call 1-800-237-4466 or 417-335-4466. Send address changes to: Member Services, FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754. fra today is published in the interests of all current and former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Getting there by car Eligible non-members are not entitled to subscription rates. Established Take US Route 65 from the north or south to the Branson area. Take 1 November 1923. Title registered with U.S. Patent Office. Missouri Highway 76 west for three miles; and turn south on Green FRA Administrative Headquarters: 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754 Phone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 • Fax: 703-549-6610 • E-Mail: [email protected] Mountain or Wildwood. You’re there! www.fra.org

Volume 87 Number 6

Eileen Murphy is the Director of Marketing and Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of FRA Today. Please contact her at [email protected]. 01_00533_001_BI.qxd 12/16/04 1:28 PM Page 1

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Outreach and Support for Wounded Warriors Joe Barnes Ensuring that wounded troops, their has grown to include hundreds of pro- The Military Severely Injured families and the survivors of those fessional staff members and volunteers Center is also designed to support killed in action are cared for by a grate- that assist in all phases of recovery and injured and ill service members and ful nation is an overriding priority for rehabilitation. their families after serious injury. This FRA, and is consistently referenced The Navy Safe Harbor program, program provides support and, in in the Association’s congressional tes- established in 2005, fulfills a similar some cases, can also provide financial timony and during interaction with mission for Navy personnel. During resources. members of Congress and staff per- recent testimony on Capitol Hill, Expanding awareness of and sup- sonnel. This is consistent with FRA’s MCPON Joe Campa stated that the porting these important programs at enduring commitment to supporting program is designed to assist severely the branch level is important and of- those who serve — particularly those injured Sailors and their families in fers significant outreach and volunteer from the Sea Services — and our motto dealing with non-medical and person- opportunities. Please help spread the of Loyalty, Protection and Service. al challenges from the time of injury word, assist if possible and note the The Marine Corps continues to be following for reference and to obtain at the forefront of providing assistance additional information: and support for wounded warriors Wounded Warrior Regiment and their families through the estab- Expanding awareness lishment of the Wounded Warrior The Wounded Warrior Call Center Regiment. Established in April of (WWCC) contact number is 2007, the regiment’s motto is “Etiam in of and supporting these 1-877-487-6299. More information is Pugna” — Latin for “Still in the Fight” also available at the Marine For Life — which exemplifies the spirit of the important programs website (www.m4l.usmc.mil), where many Sailors and Marines who strive you can click on the “Injured Marines to recover, return to active service or at the branch level is and Sailors” tab at the upper right. reintegrate to civilian life. Navy Safe Harbor Program To learn about the program and important and offers More information about the Navy help expand awareness during his Safe Harbor program is available at travels, FRA National President significant outreach and www.npc.navy.mil/CommandSupport/ Larry Boudreaux recently visited SafeHarbor. You can also contact the the Wounded Warrior Regiment at volunteer opportunities. Safe Harbor Program toll-free number Quantico Marine Base, Va. He was by calling 1-877-746-8563 or e-mailing briefed on regiment operations and [email protected]. associated battalion programs at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, The Military Severely Injured Calif., and Marine Corps Base Camp through reintegration back to active Center Lejeune, N.C. In addition there are duty or to civilian life. The program The Military Severely Injured local detachments throughout the provides services to Sailors injured in Center offers a 24/7 Call Center at United States that focus on assisting support of Operations Enduring and 1-888-774-1361. wounded, ill and injured Marines and Iraqi Freedom, as well as severely in- Sailors and their families throughout jured Sailors with disability ratings of the recovery process. 30 percent or more. Navy personnel The program evolved from the who are amputees or have endured Joe Barnes is FRA’s National Executive Director and Marine for Life program which was severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, Chairman of the National Committee on Legislative established since 9/11/01 as a network sight/hearing loss and PTSD are also Service. A member of Navy Department Branch 181, for transitioning Marines. This con- eligible for support through the Safe he is also an advisor to the National Committees on cept of Marines taking care of Marines Harbor program. Budget and Finance and Membership and Retention. TTA148-02_7.75x10.qxd 4/15/08 2:08 PM Page 1

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7 National Chaplain’s Letter retrieval of the current paycheck. How cold and unthought- FRA Tod a I’ve asked the National President for the opportunity to ad- ful can a system get? dress all of you in matters of the heart that are in everyone’s Robert C. Rawson best interest. All of you should have an updated will in your y June 2008 possession. Your final wishes should be in print so that your From FRA: Retired pay is paid in arrears, so that money family or those who are caring for you will know what to received on 1 June is payment for 1 – 31 May. Depending on do [at the time of your death]. Your passing will be hard the date a retiree dies, there is sometimes a delay between the enough for your family without having to second-guess time Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is no- what you want done. tified of a retiree’s passing and the distribution of retiree’s next Instruct your survivors as to whom you wish to have payment. For example, if a retiree dies on 20 May, it may take contacted in the event of your death and make sure they a couple weeks before DFAS receives and is able to process the list you as a member of FRA in your obituary. When family death notification. Particularly in the age of electronic distri- members report a shipmate’s death, National Headquarters bution and direct deposit, it is possible that the 1 June pay- often hears, “I didn’t know my father was a member of ment (for May’s service) could be distributed before the death your association until we got his renewal notice.” Have all can be noted in the retiree’s record. And although the surviv- your papers in order, including things like a DNR (Do Not ing family member is entitled to the payments for the first 20 Resuscitate order), your personal will, your DD-214, any days of May, the remainder must be repaid according to cur- money accounts, stocks or bonds and insurance papers – rent law. FRA strongly supports the Military Retiree Survivor and let it be known where your family can find them. Comfort Act (H.R. 657), legislation that would forgive any The bottom line is to be ready and ease your family’s stress. overpayment of military retired pay through the last day of Patrick LeClaire, National Chaplain the month in which the retiree’s death occurred. This bill was introduced by Rep. Walter Jones (N.C.) at FRA’s request. Last Month’s Pay Military Salutes This subject [of reducing a retiree’s last Now that [new legislation has revised month’s pay upon his/her death] has U.S. Code] (4USC9) to permit render- been a brier patch to me for nearly 40 ing of the military salute by men and years. The Navy does not, and to my veterans not in uniform during the knowledge never has, paid in advance. hoisting, lowering or passing of the flag, The check we received on the first of the I believe 4USC4 (Pledge of Allegiance) month was for the previous month of and 36USC301 (National Anthem) service whether retired or active. Now should also be amended to conform to if my surviving spouse received a full the same language as 4USC9. Further, month’s pay after my death, then she is obligated to return public schools should be directed to teach proper flag the check to DFAS with a death certificate. Then DFAS can etiquette as required by the U.S. Code. prorate her share and return it to her. Lee Hoffman Garrett O. Smith Submissions Send Shipmate Forum letters to: Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. When the annual cost of living increase is announced, the Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to [email protected]. Please effective date is 1 December. However, we do not see the include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and increase until we receive our checks on 2 January. Based on edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions this, I have concluded that the money received in January and views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of was actually December’s money. So, if there is a death on FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content. January 17th, why would the government want to retrieve December’s money? It seems that the very first thing a surviving relative must do, even before notifying anyone about the death, is to make sure the checking accounts can handle the inevitable

Sea Stories: Reminiscences of a Navy Radioman 1952-1977 http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ ItemDetail-bookid-47286.aspx 425 pp. Also available from Amazon.com and the usual outlets On & off capitol hill

8 y June 2008 Gridlock Slows Legislation John Davis FRA Tod a Just like the traffic gridlock around the Washington, debate on specific legislation. As FRA Today goes to press, D.C., metro area, partisan legislative gridlock may stop it appears a Senate vote on the Defense Authorization substantial legislative work from getting done this presi- bill (S. 2787) will be delayed and the 12 spending (ap- dential election year. A familiar pattern occurs when the propriations) bills will probably be delayed until after majority party tries to push through a proposal with mini- the election. One possible bright note is the FY 2008 War mal or no input from the minority party and, in response, Supplemental appropriations bill may include substantial the minority tries to block the initiative and White House reform of the Montgomery GI Bill if spending offsets can weighs in with a veto threat when needed. be found. With partisan gridlock, just like traffic gridlock, The gridlock is most evident in the Senate where the it’s important to persevere to ensure that legislatively, we majority party does not have the necessary votes to end get where we want to go.

Supplemental War Spending Bill Delayed Concerns about increasing the budget Although specifics on these MGIB to express their support for S. 22 and deficit and other issues have delayed a improvements are not available at press H.R. 5740 at www.fra.org. much-needed supplemental war fund- time, the enhancements could be mod- The Senate Appropriations Committee ing bill (H.R. 2642) from a House floor eled after the “Post-9/11 Veterans also postponed its scheduled markup of vote. An effort by House leadership to Educational Assistance Act” (S. 22/H.R. the War Supplemental and differences bypass committee hearings and quickly 5740). Among other provisions, the between the two versions of the legisla- bring the bill to the floor for a vote was Post 9/11 measure seeks to eliminate tion must be reconciled in conference met with unexpected opposition. The the $1,200 enrollment fee and provide committee. The Administration is urg- bill would provide $102 billion to cover benefits to cover the cost of a four-year, ing Congress to pass the supplemental military operations in the War on Terror full-time college education for military funding before its 26 May Memorial Day through the end of FY 2008 and also in- personnel who serve 36 months or more recess so there will not be a disruption of cludes major improvements to the MGIB on active duty since 11 September 2001. military operations. program which are supported by FRA. Members can use the FRA Action center

Additional MGIB Reform Legislation Introduced FRA and representatives from several • Increase monthly payment from and, as the leading advocate for offering other organizations met recently with $1,100 to $1,500; an open enrollment period for VEAP- staff from the Senate Armed Services’ • Increase monthly payment to $2,000 era senior enlisted personnel who cur- Personnel Subcommittee, Senate for those with 12 years of service or rently have no education benefits, FRA Veterans Affairs Committee, and more; supports the legislation. The Association staff from the offices of Senators John • Authorize transferability of benefits does, however, question why VEAP-era McCain (Ariz.), Richard Burr (N.C.), to dependents for those with 12 personnel, who will pay $2,700 to take and Lindsey Graham (S.C.) to discuss years of service or more; advantage of the open enrollment pe- an additional legislative proposal to re- • Increase payments for Reserve riod, would not be authorized to trans- form the current Montgomery GI Bill Component personnel from $317 to fer benefits to their dependents, despite program. These Senate leaders subse- $634 per month; and their significant time in service. quently introduced “The Enhancement • Allow certain VEAP-era personnel Shipmates are urged to use the FRA of Recruitment, Retention, and who were on active duty on 9/11/01 Action Center to contact their elected Readjustment through Education Act” to access MGIB. officials and urge support for this and (S. 2938), which would: The Senate Armed Services other MGIB-reform measures. • Authorize $500 a year for books Committee staff requested FRA’s opin- (new provision); ion on the newly-introduced measure On & off capitol hill

9 FY 2009 Defense Authorization Moving Forward Senate Bill to Allow Retirement Credit for More Reservists FRA Tod a As FRA Today goes to press, FRA’s Legislative Other Senate-approved provisions Team is closely monitoring the House and include: “The National Guard and Reserve Retired y June 2008 Senate Armed Services Committees’ mark-up • Restoring full funding of Defense Health Pay Equity Act” (S. 2836) was recently of their respective versions of the FY 2009 Program (DHP); introduced by Senator Saxby Chambliss Defense Authorization bills (H.R. 5658/S. 2787). • Reauthorization of more than 25 enlistment (Ga.). The measure that would authorize The House Military Personnel Subcommittee and re-enlistment bonus programs; early retirement credits for Reservists completed work on its version of the FY 2009 • Increasing the maximum re-enlistment from called to active duty since 11 September Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 5658) in mid- 6 to 8 years; 2001. Early Reserve retirement was au- thorized in the FY 2008 National Defense May and includes: • Repealing prohibition on conversation of Authorization Act, whereby Reservists • Rejecting proposed TRICARE fee increases military medical and dental positions to ci- qualify to receive retirement benefits and restores full funding of Defense Health vilian positions; three months earlier for every 90 days of • Requiring DoD to calculate TRICARE Reserve Program (DHP);* active duty service performed since the • Providing a 3.9-percent pay increase for Select (TRS) premiums based on actual costs; bill took effect in January 2008. The new active duty (a half percent higher than re- • Extending commissary benefits to certain initiative would retroactively authorize the quested by the Administration); wounded veterans separated under the sole same benefit to Reservists who’ve served • Increasing Marine Corps end strength by surviving son policy; since 11 September 2001. 5,000 (from 189,000 to 194,000) but reduc- • Requiring VA and DoD to continue operating A similar bill (H.R. 4930) was intro- ing Navy end strength by more than 3,000 the Senior Oversight Committee to oversee duced by Rep. Joe Wilson (S.C.) in the (from 328,000 to 325,000); implementation of Wounded Warrior initia- House, and shipmates are urged to use • Providing career-related tuition assistance tives passed in the FY 2008 NDAA; the Action Center (www.fra.org) to con- for military spouses; and • Clarifying that DoD use VA ratings to estab- tact their elected officials to ask for sup- • Permitting a Pentagon-proposed experiment lish eligibility for retirement and disability; port of both measures. under which active-duty members could • Requiring that VA and DoD work together to take a break of up to three years in their improve care, management and transition military career. programs for warriors with serious injuries; U.S. Coast Guard Authorization • Creates a preventive health care program • Establishing centers of excellence for Moves Forward for TRICARE beneficiaries under age 65. treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/ The stalled FY 2008 Coast Guard Traumatic Brain Injury victims, amputees Authorization bill (H.R. 2830) was *Although the subcommittee rejected and those with extremity injuries; approved by the House and moves to the TRICARE fee increase, Chairwoman • Increasing DoD oversight of housing the Senate for consideration. FRA ad- Representative Susan Davis (Calif.) warned privatization; dressed the legislation in submitted that a solution for increasing health care costs • Investing an additional $405 million above statements to the House Coast Guard has to be found soon. The full House Armed the budget request for infrastructure im- Services Committee will complete the markup provements and quality-of-life programs; and Maritime and the Senate Oceans, and send the bill to the House floor for consid- • Authorizing government-paid travel for mo- Atmospheric, Fisheries, and Coast eration by the full House. bilized Reservists to visit home when their Guard Subcommittees. Both statements training is suspended for 5 days or more; are posted on FRA’s Legislative section Earlier in closed session, Senate subcommittees • Permitting a Pentagon-proposed experiment of FRA’s website at www.fra.org. and the full Senate Armed Services Committee under which active-duty members could take a break of up to three years in their (SASC) completed work on the Senate version DFAS Preparing for Paid-up SBP of the FY 2009 NDAA (S. 2787). The legislation military career; mirrors House proposals to reject TRICARE fee • Authorizes up to 21 days of paternity leave The Defense Finance and Accounting increases, establish a 3.9-percent pay increase for active duty members; Service (DFAS) is reviewing all military for service personnel, adjust Navy and Marine • Authorizes PCS shipments of up to 500 retiree accounts affected by the Paid-Up end strengths, and provide career-related pounds of spouse’s work related books and SBP law. Under the law that takes effect training for military spouses. Having these equipment; and 1 October 2008, retirees who are at least 70 years old and have paid at least 30 priority FRA-supported provisions in both the • Authorizing surviving children to be pre- years (360 months) of premiums will no House and Senate bills are legislative victories sented burial flag when surviving spouse is longer pay SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) for the Association and helps ensure inclusion not otherwise designated. premiums. The change will be reflected in the final legislation. After the House and Senate complete their re- in November 2008 pay statements. If a spective versions of the legislation, a confer- retiree does not meet the eligibility cri- ence committee will resolve differences and teria on 1 October, the premiums will draft a final bill that must be approved by both stop automatically when the retiree has chambers and then sent onto the President for reaches age 70 and has paid SBP pre- his approval. miums for 360 months. NYM_koala_FRAT:Layout 1 4/21/08 8:44 AM Page 1

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Exclusive U.S. Release from New York Mint:

5 25 50 75 95 100 5 25 50 75 95 100 5 25 50 75 95 100 5 25 50 75 95 100 On & off capitol hill

11 Key MGIB Legislation Comparison Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs FRA Tod a FRA supports improved education benefits for active duty personnel and family VA Contacting Combat Vets members, Reservists, and veterans, plus survivors of disabled or deceased vet- erans who died of a service-connected disability or were killed on active duty. VA began contacting 570,000 recent combat y June 2008 The Association continues to advocate for an open enrollment period for active veterans on 1 May 2008 to inform them that duty personnel who did not enroll in the Veterans Education Assistance Program they have access to VA health care for five (VEAP) or MGIB. years. FRA appreciates the FY 2008 Defense * Authorization provision that expands VA Key Provisions S.22* HR 5684 S. 2938 Comments health care coverage from two to five years Enrollment Fee None $1200 $1200 Current enrollment fee is after a combat veteran leaves the service. The $1200 department will screen combat veterans for Payments Up to highest $1450 a $1500 – S. 2938 payment based signs of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) state college month $2000 a on length of service (12 tuition month yrs = $2000) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The new VA call centers will also contact 550,000 veter- VEAP Era Yes, if on No Yes, if on S. 2938 has $2700 active duty on active duty on enrollment fee ans who had been discharged earlier to let 9/11/01 9/11/01 them know about VA’s benefits and services. Education Linked to CPI CPI Benefits have not kept up state tuition with inflation increase Senate Approves Expanded Transferability No change No change Expanded with Veterans Benefits 6 & 12 years of service. The Senate approved the FRA-supported Use After Service Up to15 years Up to15 years Up to10 years Currently 10 years “Disabled Veterans Insurance Improvement Act” (S. 1315) which reverses a January *This legislation pertains only to those serving on or after 9/11/2001. 2003 regulation prohibiting Priority Group 8 Senate Subcommittee Testimony veterans from using VA health care benefits. Priority Group 8 veterans are those with non- FRA testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Personnel Subcommittee service-connected disabilities whose house- in mid-April on a broad range of active, Reserve, and retired benefit issues. During hold income is above a modest level that the hearing NED Joe Barnes spoke on behalf of FRA and The Military Coalition varies across the country and can be as low as (TMC), and with the other panel witnesses, collectively addressed priority person- $27,790. As a result of this regulation more nel issues including proposed TRICARE fee increases, adequate funding of military than 260,000 veterans who applied to re- health care, full concurrent receipt for all disabled military retirees, a 3.9-percent pay ceive health care at the VA have been turned increase for service personnel, housing standards, USFSPA reform, improve over- away. FRA has raised this issue repeatedly in seas military voting, and caring for wounded warriors. Ranking Member Senator congressional testimony and thanks Senate Lindsey Graham (S.C.) pledged to include FRA’s request to authorize currently- Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel serving VEAP-era personnel an opportunity to enroll in the Montgomery GI Bill Akaka (Hawaii) for his leadership in address- (MGIB) as part of MGIB reform legislation (see above). ing this problem. The legislation also provides This subcommittee has broad oversight accountability for pay, health care, expanded life insurance benefits for veterans end strengths, retiree and survivor benefits, the military resale system (com- and includes a controversial provision allow- missaries & exchanges), MWR and other DoD programs important to FRA’s ing (13,000) Filipino World War II veterans a Legislative Agenda. FRA’s testimony addresses issues of particular importance to VA benefit. The bill has moved to the House the Association’s membership and is posted on www.fra.org. The complete TMC for consideration. statement is posted on www.themilitarycoalition.com.

New Rules for Political Activity for Service Members A revised Defense Department directive candidacy and campaigning issues. activities. Under certain circumstances, provides sharper definition about what ser- Active-duty service members are strictly some Reserve-component personnel can vice members may and may not do within prohibited from campaigning for political run for or hold elective political office. the political realm, particularly running for office or actively taking part in a political Service members with questions about political office. The new version of Directive campaign (even behind the scenes), and the rules affecting partisan political activi- 1344.10, titled, “Political Activities by are required to be apolitical as they go ties should talk to their commanders for Members of the Armed Forces,” replaces about their business serving the nation. The guidance. A copy of the new directive is the previous version issued in August 2004 revised directive also specifies what active available at www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/ and contains two sections that discuss duty members may do regarding political corres/pdf/134410p.pdf. On & off capitol hill

12 FRA Leaders Storm the Hill Members of the Fleet Reserve Association’s (FRA) National Snyder of Arkansas. The Pinnacle Award is presented annually to Board of Directors (NBOD) stormed Capitol Hill on 24 April recognize a distinguished member of Congress who has champi- 2008 to advance legislation that benefits current and former oned the Association’s legislative efforts to improve the quality of

y June 2008 service members. National President (NP) Larry Boudreaux, life for military personnel, retirees, veterans and their families. National Vice President (NVP) Don Mucheck, and the nine re- Snyder was selected to receive the Association’s highest gional presidents were joined by regional vice presidents, other honor in recognition of his leadership in the fight against propos- FRA Tod a national officers, and FRA Headquarters staff as they met with als to increase TRICARE fees for military retirees, many of whom more than 35 members of Congress and their staff to discuss were promised free healthcare for life in return for a career of legislative concerns facing FRA’s members. military service. Rep. Snyder’s efforts to make Montgomery GI During the meetings, FRA leaders asked their elected of- Bill benefits more realistic and accessible for Reserve personnel ficials to support improved education benefits for military per- were also acknowledged during the award presentation. sonnel and veterans, and urged them to oppose increased “Rep. Snyder introduced the Total Force Education healthcare fees for military retirees – two of the Association’s Assistance Enhancement and Integration Act (H.R. 1102) that top legislative priorities for 2008. Specifically, FRA supports not only increases the financial benefit, but also expands the increased education benefits for military personnel that more opportunities for Reservists to use this valuable program. As our accurately reflect the cost of a four-year college degree and nation’s reliance on Reservists grows, it’s imperative that these seeks an additional enrollment opportunity for service mem- men and women are adequately recognized for their contribu- bers who currently have no education benefits. The Association tions,” said FRA’s National Executive Director Joe Barnes. also wants the Pentagon and Congress to explore other cost- The award was presented by FRA NP Larry Boudreaux and saving avenues before implementing dramatic healthcare fee LA FRA NVP Georgia Gallagher. Snyder noted FRA’s strong ad- increases for military retirees. Each member of Congress re- vocacy for its members on Capitol Hill. “I want to thank FRA ceived point papers outlining FRA’s position on these important for its efforts to assist military personnel and their families,” issues, in addition to the Association’s full legislative agenda, said Snyder. “Organizations like this bring the concerns of their which is available at www.fra.org. members to us in Congress and allow us to better understand During the day, FRA also hosted a Capitol Hill reception their needs. FRA helps educate us about what’s going on in the to honor its 2008 Pinnacle Award recipient, Congressman Vic military community.”

Pinnacle Awards

Representatives Vic Snyder (Ark.) and (l to r) Rep. Gene Taylor (Miss.); RADM Susan Davis (Calif.) flank FRA National Mary Landry, Asst Commandant for Executive Director Joe Barnes. Governmental and Public Affairs; Rep. Howard Coble (N.C.) and NED Joe Barnes.

Arkansas Representative Vic Snyder accepts Pinnacle Award from FRA NP Larry Boudreaux.

RPNE James Brown chats with Rep. RPWC Lee Hollowell & RPEC Claire Purdy Howard Coble (N.C.) and an unidentified at the Pinnacle reception. USCG officer during Pinnacle reception. On & off capitol hill

13 Hill Visits FRA Tod a y June 2008

RPNEng Bill Waite with Maine Senator NED Joe Barnes and NP Larry Boudreaux FRA NVP Don Mucheck with Susan Collins meet with Rep. John Doolittle (Calif.) Rep. Henry Brown (S.C.)

RPNW Rob Gilmore poses with RPSC Mel Harper meets with Rep. RPSE Roger Mitchell chats with Washington Rep. Rick Larsen Marion Berry (Ark.) Rep. Gus Bilirakis (Fla.)

RPSW Harry Lyons with Arizona RPNC Marty Posekany with Jr. PNP Jerry Sweeney, Rep. Robert Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Rep. Dave Camp (Mich.) Wittman (Va.), DLP John Davis

FRA Briefs and Hosts USN, USCG Retiree Councils FRA recently briefed members of the Secretary of the Navy’s Retiree Council and the Coast Guard Retiree Council. During the separate team briefings by TMC organization leaders, NED Joe Barnes and DLP John Davis reported on the current legislative cycle, the declining number of members of Congress with military experience plus legislative wins and 2008 goals for the remainder of the 110th Congress. These include halting retiree TRICARE fee hikes, expanding concurrent receipt, USFSPA reform and other benefits. The councils make recommendations Rep. Bob Filner (Calif.) and PNP Jim concerning improvements to retiree benefits, privileges, quality-of-life programs, and matters Eblin, FRA’s National Parliamentarian relating to retired personnel of their respective services. Additionally, FRA hosted receptions for The FRA Legislative team is Joe Barnes, National each group and presented FRA Challenge Coins in recognition of council members’ service. Executive Director, John Davis, Director of Legislative The Navy Retiree Council is co-chaired by LtGen Frank Libutti USMC (Ret.) and MCPON Duane Programs, Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Outreach Manager, Chris Slawinski, National Veterans R. Bushey, USN (Ret.). Former FRA National Chaplain and former MCPOCG Vince Patton (Ret.) Service Officer and Ed Dockery, Assistant Director of and RADM Fred L. Ames, USCG (Ret.) co-chair the Coast Guard Retiree Council. Legislative Programs. On & off capitol hill

14 healthcare Issues

Court Decision Limits Agent Orange Benefit Panel Reviews Vietnam veterans must prove exposure to Agent Orange and others herbicides to receive Wounded y June 2008 VA disability benefits related to that exposure. Many Navy veterans who served off the Warrior Programs coast of Vietnam, so-called “blue water” veterans, have health problems commonly An advisory panel has been established

FRA Tod a related to herbicide exposure, but have endured lengthy legal struggles to prove these to evaluate all medical programs for problems are service-related. wounded warriors and their families. The They were dealt another legal blow in early May when the US Court of Appeals for panel, known as the Wounded Warrior the Federal Circuit issued a decision in the Haas v. Peake case. This ruling reversed Integration Team, was created by Navy a Veterans Court of Appeals decision which had previously ruled in favor of Jonathan Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Haas, a blue water veteran. The US Court of Appeals ruled that the VA’s definition of Joint Chiefs of Staff. The panel held its “service in the Republic of Vietnam” (which includes those who set foot in, served on first meeting April 28 to look at possi- inland waterways or put into port in Vietnam) should remain the standard for proving ble customer-service glitches contained exposure. This definition, used by VA for more than a decade, excludes Navy veterans within the wounded warrior medical care who served off the coast of Vietnam. system and will report back to the chair- man and service chiefs if unintentional FRA addressed this issue in its testimony before the House and Senate VA Committees in gaps are discovered. April, and clearly stated the Association’s opposition to legislation and legal efforts to re- verse the original ruling. Based on this most recent action, Vietnam vets must again show Read the NED Perspective column on they set foot in country, their ship operated within Vietnam’s inland waterways or put into (page 5) to learn more about FRA’s work port in Vietnam in order to prove exposure to Agent Orange or other toxic herbicides. to raise awareness of, and support for, various wounded warrior programs. Those interested in reading the Haas v. Peake decision can find it at: (http://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions/07-7037.pdf) DoD Regulation on Employer-Sponsored Group FRA Supports Bill to Provide Adequate Medicare Rates Health Plans for Providers The Department of Defense (DoD) has FRA is supporting “The Save Medicare Act of 2008” (S. 2785), introduced by drafted a proposed rule to clarify Section Senator Debbie Stabenow (Mich.), that would extend current Medicare/TRICARE 707 of the FY 2007 National Defense physician reimbursement rates (that are scheduled to be cut by 10.6 percent on 1 July 2008) Authorization Act (NDAA) that prohibits through December 31, 2008 and provide a 1.8 percent increase for calendar year 2009. employers from offering financial or oth- er incentives to certain TRICARE-eligible Additionally, the Senate Finance Committee is searching for offsets to cover the cost employees who opt out of employer spon- of eliminating the cut in doctor reimbursements from Medicare and TRICARE. Under sored group health insurance. The provi- PAYGO rules, any legislation that increases spending must be offset with cuts in spend- sion, which was opposed by FRA, was ing in other programs or increased revenue. The bill would cost between $15 billion and intended to address employers who were $18 billion over 5 years. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the enticing retirees to purchase TRICARE agency that regulates Medicare, has indicated that the legislation must pass by 16 June for the purpose of shifting health care to ensure that there will be no disruption of payments or claims. costs from the employer to DoD, and ul- Although TRICARE reports that more civilian providers are accepting new TRICARE timately the federal taxpayer. patients, low reimbursement rates continue to be the most commonly cited reason There are two types of common employ- physicians elect not to participate in Medicare and TRICARE. Members are urged to er benefit programs that are considered use the FRA Action Center (www.fra.org) to contact their elected officials on this im- legal — cafeteria plans and supplemen- portant legislation. tal insurance plans. A cafeteria plan permits employees to choose between TBI Bill Signed into Law two or more health care benefits that consist of cash and qualified benefits. President Bush signed “The Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act” (S. 793) Supplemental insurance plans are of- that authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide state fered by an employer, but sold by an out- grants for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to enter treatment and rehabilitation side insurer. They are considered non- programs. The measure, sponsored by Senator Orin Hatch (Utah), was referenced in FRA’s employer sponsored plans. These plans recent testimony before the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees. The new law use insurance such as TRICARE as pri- would also require the CDC to monitor brain injury incidents and create a reporting system mary payer and the supplement as the to track the condition. The CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would also secondary payer. The key to conforming study treatment techniques and conduct basic treatment research. Furthermore, the bill to the new law is for the incentive to be would authorize a study on improving access to care for veterans with TBI. available to all employees. Membership matters

15 FRA Tod a y June 2008

Regional Convention Information Penny Collins New England Region: 15 –16 August 2008 Southwest Region: 15 –16 August 2008 Branch 20 Home, 242 Thames Street, Groton, CT Clarion Hotel, 6801 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ, Hosted by Branches 20 and 237 800-526-0550 Chairman: PNP George Hyland, 860-445-7361 Hosted by Branch 77 Candidate for President: JrPRPNEng Paul Loveless, Branch Chairman: PNP Tom Heaney, 520-648-0868 156 and RVPNEng Bob King, Branch 3 Candidate for President: Charles Thompkins, Branch 47

Northeast Region: 26 – 27 July 2008 West Coast Region: 30 August –1 September 2007 Holiday Inn, Scranton-East, 200 Tigue Street, Dunmore, Tachi Palace and Casino, 17225 Jersey Ave., Lemoore, CA PA 18512, 570-343-4771; www.holidayinn.com/scrantonpa 93245, 800-615-8030, www.tachipalace.com Chairman: PRPNE James R. Smith, 145 Old Furnace Rd., Hosted by: Branch & Unit 261 Hopewood, PA 15445-9710, 724-437-5218 Chairman: PRPWC Thomas H. Ford, 594 East Deodar Lane, Lemoore, CA 93245-2023, 559-924-4944, East Coast Region: 31 July – 2 August 2008 [email protected] City Hotel & Bistro, Greenville, NC Candidate for President: RVPWC Nathan “Joe” Nash, Hosted by the North Carolina Council Branch 192 Chairman: PRPEC Jerry Butler and LA FRA PRPEC Cecile Butler, 301-441-4748 Northwest Region: 4 – 6 September 2008 Candidate for President: RVPEC Ray Santee, Branch 99 Quality Inn and Suites, 134 River Road, Sequim, WA Candidates for Vice President: Joseph Palmer, Branch 259 Hosted by: Branch 174 Chairman: PRPNW Don Bordwell, 360-683-6147, Southeast Region: 27 – 31 August 2008 [email protected] and LA FRA RPNW Roni Ramada Inn, 7401 Northwoods Blvd, North Charleston, Gilmore, 360-679-1862, [email protected] SC, 843-572-2200 (state that you are with FRA SE Candidate for Vice-President: RVP Randy Neal, Branch 97 Convention; do not call central reservations.) Hosted by Branch & Unit 269 Regional conventions are a great time to connect with Chairman: Darlene Hines, [email protected] shipmates and share recruiting and retention ideas. All re- 843-824-2589 gions are encouraged to use this opportunity wisely and in- Candidate for President: RVPSE John Sutton, Branch 290 fuse the branches in your region with enthusiasm! Candidate for Vice President: Waymon D. Bolt, Branch 234 These conventions also provide a fantastic chance to North Central Region: 21 – 23 August 2008 discuss what kind of outreach works for your branch and LaQuinta Inn Indianapolis East, 7304 East 21st Street, ask for new ideas from other branches. You may discover Indianapolis, IN, 317-359-1021 another branch that can support you through a team ini- Hosted by Regional Gray Hats tiative. For instance, there may be a branch that conducts Chairman: PRPNC Norm Combs, 816-847-6562 outreach events at an Armed Services YMCA. Hearing how Candidate for President: RVP Bob Melson, Branch 130 that works and how that branch got in the door can help you bring that suggestion to your local ASYMCA. Go to your South Central Region: 13 – 17 August 2008 regional convention — and bring your passion for FRA! Holiday Inn, 5555 Financial Plaza, Shreveport, LA, Thank you to all those who are chairing the conventions. 318-688-3000 It is tremendously hard work, and your efforts are appreci- Hosted by South Central Region ated! If you are interested in having a staff member from Chairman: PRPSC Jerry Pugh, 225-272-9237 FRA Headquarters attend your convention, please put that Candidate for President: Don Larson, Branch 94 request in writing to NED Joe Barnes as soon as possible. Candidate for Vice President: John Durst, Branch 282 Attendance will depend on staff availability and schedules.

Penny Collins is a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Md. and can be reached at [email protected]. 16 y June 2008 FRA Tod a op

Since before the American Revolution, music has played an important part in our coun- try’s military tradition. Drummers were used to signal movements on the battlefield and elite colonial militias had bands rassto provide steady drill rhythms and morale-boosting entertainment. Military music was deemed so important that members of the Virginia Colony militia were required to supply their own rifles, but public funds were used in B1687 to provide instruments for the militia’s drummers. Eventually “Bands of Musick” were formed to provide music for special occasions and ceremonies. These traditions continue today in a variety of military music programs, but none are more visible than in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard’s premier bands. Musicians in these military bands rival the talent and skill of those playing in any ma- jor symphony orchestra. Many have advanced music degrees and have studied with some of the world’s leading musical mentors. Their collective gifts combine to provide classical arrangements, popular and patriotic favorites, and ceremonial pageantry for a variety of events and in multiple venues. Each of these premier bands accomplishes its mission in a unique way, but they all do their respective service proud. 17 The United States Navy Band country-bluegrass ensemble, Country With the exception of four officers FRA Tod a Formed in 1925, the United States Current. “This is a more permanent who conduct and administer the Navy Navy Band performs hundreds of gig. Some folks stay here 20 years, so Band, all other members of the Navy y June 2008 public concerts each year in the it’s important to get the right personal- Band are enlisted personnel, includ- Washington, D.C., area and around ity mix, as well as the right talent and ing a drum major and four assistant the country, in addition to the honors skill,” says Arneson. drum majors assigned to the ceremo- it presents at official ceremonies and Once selected for the Navy Band, nial band. In addition to their musical memorial services. Known as “The musical recruits attend boot camp, duties, the musicians also provide col- World’s Finest,” the Navy Band con- where they must meet the same re- lateral support of the band’s mission, sists of a concert band, as well as a quirements as all other Sailors. During including operations, administrative, ceremonial unit and several ensemble Service Week, while other recruits are education and training, supply, pro- groups that perform independently or working in the galley or doing other duction, and public affairs functions. with the concert band. service-oriented jobs, Navy Band Part of the Navy Band’s rich heritage recruits are practicing for the pass- is embodied in the historic building it and-review ceremonies that are part of uses as its headquarters and rehearsal the graduation festivities. facility. Located at the Washington Musician First Class Eric Makovsky (D.C.) Navy Yard, the oldest naval es- believes attending recruit training al- tablishment in the country, the Navy lows him to better perform his duties Band makes its home in the “Sail in the band. “I appreciate these crows Loft.” The building was originally [rate insignia] more because I went to constructed for industrial purposes, boot camp,” says Makovsky, who was including the manufacture of small a vocalist with the Sea Chanters cho- ordnance and canvas articles. Recent rus for three years and now works full renovations to the facility preserved its time in the band’s public affairs office. history and created a state-of-the-art “I know I appreciate them more than musical facility with better acoustics, if I hadn’t gone [to boot camp].” advanced technology and more effec- One of Makovsky’s most moving tive use of space. experiences as a Navy musician oc- Like the other premier service curred before he even finished recruit bands, auditions for the Navy Band are training. “I know it may sound cliché, conducted much the same as those but I like singing the national anthem held by major symphonies. According because it’s honoring our country. to Senior Chief Musician Chris Erbe, I never tire of it,” says Makovsky. a trumpet player with the band for 22 “Singing the national anthem during years and now working in the band’s the graduation ceremonies at boot rass public affairs office, there are often camp is still one of the most moving 50 to 75 applicants for a single open- experiences of my Navy music career. ing. Applicants must be under age 34 My father was at the ceremony and it (with waivers sometimes granted for was the first time I’d ever seen him applicants with prior military experi- cry. He’d also gone through recruit ence), meet musical criteria and be training at Great Lakes, so it was par- “Sailor-capable.” ticularly meaningful to him.” In addition to being able to meet the Because Navy Band members are Navy and the band’s strict performance already accomplished musicians when criteria, it’s also critical for the musi- they are selected, they do not attend Top: MUCS Chris Erbe (center) played trumpet with the cians to have the right personality, says A-School. They earn E-6 pay when they Navy Band for 22 years. Chief Musician Keith Arneson, who graduate from boot camp in recogni- Center: MU1 Eric Makovsky (second from left) plays banjo and leads the Navy Band’s tion of their level of skill and training. performing as part of the Sea Chanters chorus. Bottom: Music has always been important to MUC Keith Arneson (right), banjo player with Country Current. 18 “We have 172 people in the Navy Band,” says Erbe, “and we do it all.” “All Navy Band musicians and vocal- ists are roadies, too,” adds Makovsky. y June 2008 “There are no civilians and no non- musicians involved with the Navy

FRA Tod a Band.” While most members of the Navy Band have formal music education at the college level, Chief Arneson is an exception. “I took eight banjo lessons as a kid,” smiles Arneson. “The rest is self taught.” By the time he was 15, he had his own band and was playing the band’s jazz ensemble, will tour The United States Marine Band three nights a week for $100 a night. the southeast portion of the country Established by an Act of Congress in “We had to divide it four ways, of this fall. For a more complete tour 1798, the United States Marine Band course,” he says, “but I was still mak- itinerary, visit www.navyband.navy. is America’s oldest professional music ing more money than my high school mil/futour.shtml. organization. Its primary mission is to buddies who were working at the lo- Each of the Navy Band’s en- provide music for the President of the cal burger joint … AND I was doing sembles, including the Cruisers, a United States, performing at the White what I love. Music had always been a seven-member contemporary music House more than 300 times each part-time thing for me, but being in group, maintains a busy performance year and earning it the title of “The the Navy Band allows me to serve, do- schedule in support of the band’s President’s Own.” In addition to its ing what I feel I do best. This is my mission to enhance awareness and presidential responsibilities, the Marine dream job.” project a positive Navy image at home Band annually performs for more than Arneson’s love of music and de- and abroad. To augment the concert 500 public audiences around the coun- sire to perform are unifying themes band’s annual tour, the Sea Chanters, try. The President’s Own also provides among virtually all military musi- Commodores and Country Current music for the Commandant of the cians. Besides the regular paycheck, conduct one-month tours annually, Marine Corps, but is a separate entity health care benefits, and retirement either in the spring or fall. The Navy from “The Commandant’s Own,” the package, performing is the major at- rotates the units and coordinates their Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. (See traction to military musicians, and tours geographically so that audiences page 19) Navy Band members seldom lack for see a variety of performances. The tour The Marine Band performs a varied performance opportunities. schedule is also coordinated with the repertoire and includes the Marine In addition to its annual Navy other service bands to minimize over- Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Birthday Concert and Holiday lap and ensure that as many citizens as Ensembles. In addition to a number Concert in D.C., the Navy Band also possible are able to enjoy the concerts. of officers, support staff and stage provides free concerts at the Capitol And providing enjoyment is what crew members, the band consists and the Navy Memorial on Monday the Navy Band is all about. “I like the of approximately 130 musicians, and Tuesday evenings, respectively, variety of this job. We get to bring hap- all enlisted personnel in the United during the summer. The band and en- piness to others, and their appreciation States Marine Corps. Each musician sembles also perform at various events brings happiness back to me,” says is selected through a blind audition and venues in and around the nation’s Erbe. “In the public affairs office, I get process, performing behind a screen capital, numerous sites along an an- to read the great comments we receive to ensure anonymity. nual tour route, and various other and it’s wonderful to know our music Once selected, members of The locations around the country. This is moving people emotionally. I’d like President’s Own enlist for an initial spring, the concert band and the Sea people to know that all of our groups four-year term. Because the band Chanters chorus will tour separately are as good as we’ve ever been in the has no tactical or combat mission, to the west coast. The Commodores, history of the Navy Band.” its members do not attend recruit 19 training. Instead, they undergo a 4- U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps to 6-week military induction period, FRA Tod a The Marine Drum and Bugle Corps is the direct conducted by the band’s assistant descendent of the early battlefield musicians who y June 2008 drum major. They take the same oath passed battlefield commands through the use of of office and are expected to meet the varied drum beats and bugle calls. This premier musi- same height and weight standards as cal marching unit was formed in 1934 to augment other enlisted Marines of their grade. the U.S. Marine Band and is officially known as “The Most members of the Marine Band Commandant’s Own.” They perform at more than are graduates of the nation’s finest 500 events each year in D.C., around the nation and music schools, and nearly 60 percent around the world. hold advanced degrees in music. Like Members of the Drum and Bugle Corps (D&B) are fully enlisted Marines who graduate Navy Band musicians, members of from recruit training, possess basic infantry skills, and enlist for four years. They must also pass a rigorous audition process before they are selected to become a member of the Drum the Marine Band are enlisted as E-6s and Bugle Corps. Some, like Sergeant Kyle Baker, joined the Marine Corps specifically to be in recognition of their training and in this unique marching unit. Baker participated in a civilian drum corps prior to auditioning expertise. for the Marine D&B in 2003. Since its White House debut on New “About half of our members come from civilian drum corps,” says Baker, a bugler who Year’s Day in 1801, the Marine Band auditioned for the D&B before going to boot camp. “I did it just for fun for about five years has played a variety of historic events. and then started thinking about joining the military. I researched all the services and learned The band accompanied President that the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps is the best of both worlds. I can do what I enjoy and Lincoln to Pennsylvania when he serve my country at the same time.” delivered the Gettysburg Address, Other D&B members learned about The Commandant’s Own while they were in boot camp performed at President Cleveland’s and then auditioned. Still others were performing other duties in the Marine Corps, success- wedding, welcomed troops home from fully auditioned, and then reenlisted in the Drum and Bugle Corps. war, provided music for the signing Many members serve their entire Marine career in the Drum and Bugle Corps, but accord- ing to Baker, there’s about a 50-percent turnover in D&B personnel each year. Approximately of the Middle East Peace Accord, and half of those who choose to leave the D&B remain in the Marine Corps in some other capacity. played for kings, queens and foreign Among the many interesting traditions held by The Commandant’s Own is the lack of rank heads of state, to name a few. “The on their uniforms, a tribute to the drum and fife players of the Civil War. These battlefield Marine Band is 210 years of living his- musicians, often young boys, were non-combatants and had no rank. In order to protect them tory,” says Master Gunnery Sergeant from enemy fire, they would often dress in the colors of the enemy or, in some manner, their Andy Schuller, trumpet/cornet player uniform would be distinctly different than those worn by their own forces. While today’s and commander of the high brass regular Marine dress uniforms are dark blue with red piping, musicians in The Commandant’s section. Own and The President’s Own wear red uniforms with blue piping and no rank. And being the main attraction isn’t The D&B is part of the Corps’ official Battle Color Detachment, which also includes the required to make the job interesting, Silent Drill Team and the official USMC Color Guard. The detachment tours for approximately says Master Gunnery Sergeant Cynthia 6 weeks each year, performing more than 50 shows around the country. “We do one or two Rugolo, solo piccolo performer for the shows a day, doing our field show called ‘Music in Motion.’” Says Baker. “The field show is kind of like a half-time show at a football game, in that we march in formations, and then do Marine Band. “It’s more than just the a pass-and-review for a guest or guests of honor.” music that makes this worthwhile. The summer is a particularly busy time of year for the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, It’s being part of history. Our music performing Friday Night Parades at Marine Corps Barracks in D.C. and Sunset Parades at the is sometimes in the background, but Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday evenings. we’re in the background at the right In addition to tour and official D&B performances, buglers from the unit also play Taps at time. Like a ballet or opera, where the two to four funerals a day at Arlington. “We keep very busy,” says Baker. “When we aren’t stage performers are the main focus, performing, we practice any chance we get. There’s nothing lackadaisical about our efforts.” it just wouldn’t be the same without Playing Taps and honoring Marine veterans is also an honor for members of the D&B. the music.” And, according to Sgt. Baker, it’s particularly meaningful when Marines show their apprecia- In addition to concert performances, tion. “I got really choked up when an Iwo Jima survivor approached me after a performance,” the band also does a variety of march- recalls Baker. “He was old and walking with a cane. He had USMC pins all over his hat. He ing performances. Besides inaugural came up to me, shook my hand and said, ‘I don’t care what happened on that island. You are the finest Marine Corps outfit I’ve ever seen.’” and other special event parades, the 20 Marine Band can be seen and heard Band is responsible for all the balls; each Friday during the summer at the sometimes the new president invites Marine Barracks Washington Evening other service bands to share the re- Parade in D.C. Schuller prefers the sponsibility and privilege.” y June 2008 concert appearances to marching, The Marine Band makes an annual but also understands the importance concert tour each fall, a tradition that

FRA Tod a of marching performances. “Whether was initiated by the band’s legend- it’s an inaugural parade or the Friday ary director, John Philip Sousa. For night parades, we are ambassadors for Rugolo, the annual tour is what being the Corps. Marching performances, in the Marine Band is all about. “The both live and televised, reach more tour means performing every night people than concerts.” and really doing what we were hired “I never thought I’d be a profes- to do,” says Rugolo, who has partici- sional marcher,” chuckles Rugolo. pated in a dozen tours to date. “It’s “Some musicians hate marching, really about taking music to America. but there’s always a reason for us to The tour will be abbreviated to 31 days be there. Whether it’s an inaugural [from 50-55 days] this fall, and I be- four or five times a week, usually or presidential funeral, each time it’s lieve we’ll be able to provide an even three hours per rehearsal, for our dif- part of an important historical event; better musical product by going to a ferent groups [the full band, chamber part of our tradition.” shorter tour.” ensembles, etc.]. During our ‘free’ For parades, the Marine Band needs Schuller agrees. “I really enjoy the time, we do individual practice, main- a block of 99 musicians. If, for what- tour. We go to a lot of smaller towns, tain our instruments and perform our ever reason, they don’t have enough where our appearance is really a special other collateral duties.” As the high players for a particular event, mem- entertainment opportunity for the area brass section commander, Schuller bers of the support staff are invited to residents.” has administrative and scheduling re- march, but not play. Most have some To view the Marine Band’s perfor- sponsibilities. “There are 19 trumpet musical and marching experience and mance and tour schedule, visit www. players in our section, eight of which are excited to participate. marineband.usmc.mil and click on are used at any one time. As the trum- Inaugurals are really full days, the “See a Performance” tab near the pet section leader, I’m also responsible according to Rugolo. “There’s the cer- top of the page. for leave and fitness reports.” emony, the parade and then the balls In addition to musical perfor- Bringing music to America creates that evening. The entire band par- mances, members of the Marine meaningful and memorable moments ticipates in the outdoor events, with Band have additional responsibilities. for the musicians. Rugulo recalls smaller groups performing for the in- “There’s really no such thing as an av- seeing one veteran in particular that augural balls. Sometimes the Marine erage day,” says Schuller. “We rehearse brought tears to her eyes. “It was dur- ing my first tour and we were playing in a gymnasium, where we can re- ally see the audience. There was an older gentleman in the front row, in a wheelchair, hooked up to an oxygen tank, wearing his old uniform,” she recalls. “When we played his service anthem, he made a great effort to stand. When others offered to help him, he motioned them away and in- sisted on standing on his own. It took great effort on his part, and when he MGSGT Cynthia Rugolo, solo piccolo performer with MGSGT Andy Schuller is the commander of the got to his feet, I lost it.” the Marine Band, enjoys being part of historical Marine Band’s high brass section. “Our message is all about pride and events. patriotism,” adds Schuller. CARRIN-NA-0608:Layout 1 4/29/08 9:41 AM Page 1

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y June 2008 went to the local recruiting station and told them he had a degree in music, the recruiter suggested he audition for Band proudly represents the U.S. the Navy music program. Following recruit training, he Coast Guard and the Department of FRA Tod a attended A-School and was assigned to the Navy’s fleet Homeland Security. In addition to its band in Jacksonville, Fla. His vocal talents were show- appearances at presidential and cabi- cased as part of the Navy Rock Band that is affiliated with Navy Band Southeast. net-level functions, the Coast Guard To make amends to a buddy for missing his wedding, PO3 Stacey agreed to audition for Band also performs before audiences “American Idol,” Fox Television’s hit show that highlights talented singers from around the across the country during its annual country. “It was a crazy experience,” says Stacey. tours and at concert venues around “‘American Idol’ was actually a lot like boot camp. We had to raise our hand and ask the world. permission to use the restroom, there was a very strict schedule, and we had to do as we Organized in March 1925 with were told. There was a lot of hurry-up-and-wait. But unlike boot camp, there was no PT the assistance of such famous musi- (physical training) whatsoever,” laments Stacey. “When I returned to my command after six cal conductors as Lt. Charles Benter months, it almost killed me to meet standards.” (leader of the Navy Band), John Stacey made it to the top six performers in the show’s sixth season, which has been a Philip Sousa (former conductor of springboard for his civilian career in country music. He toured with his fellow “Idol” final- the Marine Band) and Dr. Walter ists, performed with some of the biggest names in country music, recently made his debut Damrosch (conductor of the New York appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage and released his first CD, appropriately titled Philharmonic), the Coast Guard Band “Phil Stacey.” became the permanent musical repre- As the son and grandson of pastors, Stacey had never listened to rock music before sentative for the Coast Guard in 1965. joining the Navy. When he was assigned to the Navy Rock Band, he was exposed to a The Coast Guard does not have re- whole new genre of music. “It was very exciting for me,” says Stacey. “It really broadened gional or district bands and although my musical horizons. My experiences with the band really helped prepare me for ‘American the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New Idol,’ but at the same time, it made it harder. In the Rock Band, we are encouraged to London, Conn., is the band’s home, sound as much like the original artists as possible. On ‘Idol,’ they wanted us to develop our it is not an academy band. “A lot of own sound and style. It was hard to break out of that mold.” people think that we’re the USCG His commitment to the Navy was also a motivation for him during the “American Idol” Academy band, which is made up of competition. “When people learn that you’re a Navy musician, they automatically equate you cadet musicians,” explains Senior with the Navy Band in D.C. I look at them as the quintessential musicians and I really felt that Chief Musician Andy Sherwood, clari- I needed to live up to that musical standard,” says Stacey. “I put a lot of pressure on myself.” net player in the Coast Guard Band for Stacey had the privilege of performing with the Navy Band during its 2007 Navy more than 20 years. “Even though we Birthday Concert. “It was quite an experience,” smiles Stacey. “They played “Old Glory,” a are not located in D.C., we are a con- song I’d written, which was a tremendous honor. To hear the Navy Band play it and to sing gressionally mandated band and have with them brought tears to my eyes. I could hardly finish the song. Hearing them compli- the opportunity to perform in D.C. ment my work and my part of the performance really touched my heart. Captain (George) quite often.” Thompson, the CO of the Navy Band, presented me with my first Navy Award in A-School, Like musicians in other premier so it was particularly sentimental to be performing under his direction.” military bands, members of the Coast Now as a member of the Navy Reserve and an FRA shipment, Stacey feels very fortu- Guard Band are highly skilled musi- nate. His first album, released on 29 April to rave reviews, is just another example of his cians. Although a music degree is not success. “The album is like a photo album of my life. There’s a message in each song and a prerequisite, many have advanced each one is a story out of my life. For example, the new single, “If You Didn’t Love Me,” degrees in music. According to Master is a tribute to my wife, Kendra. Everyone heard how I missed the birth of our daughter to Chief Musician Carroll Potts, principal audition for ‘Idol,’ but my wife never complained. She encouraged me and pushed me on. trumpet player for the band, players We both genuinely believe that God put us here; we’re supposed to be doing this. We’re are coming to the band with a higher living a dream.” level of formal education than when he successfully auditioned in 1979. “I 23 Advice for Young Musicians FRA Tod a “Have fun,” encourages Master Gunnery

Sergeant Rugolo, USMC. “Kids get all y June 2008 twisted up in perfection, and although prac- tice is important, don’t make it a burden.”

“If music’s what you love, follow your dream and your heart,” advises Master Gunnery Sergeant Schuller, USMC. “Music school is the first step. Get what you can from it and expose yourself to lots of different musical experiences and styles. Become a well-rounded musician.” joined the band right out of college, classic jazz, blues and rags with a New with my bachelor’s degree in trum- Orleans flavor. “When I auditioned, “Stick with it through thick and thin,” pet performance. Today most of our the band was looking for a jazz player says Senior Chief Sherwood, USCG. members have at least a master’s de- who could play classical music as “Every good musician must practice daily gree. I’m not sure I’d want to audition well,” says Sherwood. “[The Dixieland to maintain or advance their skill level. with today’s applicants,” he chuckles. Band] played for an inaugural ball for There are pieces of music that I just knew I “I might not make the cut.” Vice President Dan Quayle in 1989. would never be able to play, but five or ten “Most musicians want to perform as Events like inaugurals are a part of years later I was able to master them.” a career,” adds Potts. “We’re trained to American history and we get to see it “It takes years of dedication and discipline perform.” The Coast Guard Band of- first hand.” to get to this level,” says Master Chief fers the opportunity to play with other Like most other military musi- Potts, USCG. “Playing with a major city talented musicians and also offers cians, Sherwood prefers a concert symphony is like playing baseball in the more financial security than might be venue to marching performances. major leagues. If a young musician wants available in the civilian music world. “Marching is more physical and can to play at that level, they must practice “Unless you’re a member of one of the be very exciting, but weather can be diligently if they want to be competitive.” major symphonies, the civilian orches- a factor. Performing at a concert is tral world is impacted by the economy more comfortable and the music is “Keep up the practice,” advises Sergeant and is not always fiscally sound.” more refined; we have more control. Baker, USMC. “It only makes you better.” After winning an audition, musicians The bottom line is that we produce According to Chief Arneson, USN, “When go through a Coast Guard recruiter for a better musical product by far [in a your avocation becomes your vocation, you all entrance requirements and then concert setting].” don’t have to work a day in your life.” report directly to the band as an E-6. The Coast Guard Band does one ma- New recruits gain necessary military jor tour per year. The schedule rotates “Practice can be really mundane,” says knowledge within the band itself and annually through five separate zones Phil Stacey, Navy Reserve vocalist and do not attend USCG boot camp. They throughout the United States. Visit American Idol finalist, “but it’s necessary to have the opportunity to qualify on the the Coast Guard Band’s website (www. achieve greatness. You can’t get where you firing range if they so desire. After ad- uscg.mil/band/cgbandschedcb.htm) to want to be without putting in quality time.” vancing to chief musician, they must view its concert schedule. “To get better, you have to practice,” attend the Coast Guard’s Chief Petty Because the Coast Guard is not part advises Joe Barnes, national executive Officer Academy. of the Department of Defense, it often director of the FRA. “You can’t just make a In addition to its concert band, the has performance opportunities not quantum leap to the front of the line; you Coast Guard Band also includes Brass available to the other service bands. In have to pay your dues. There’s a broader and Woodwind Quintets, Saxophone 1989, for example, DoD service mem- life lesson in that.” Barnes served with the and Tuba Quartets, a Harp-Flute bers were prohibited from going to Navy Band from 1974 to 1993, performing Duo, the Masters of Swing, and the Russia, but the Coast Guard Band was with Country Current and later serving as Dixieland Band. Sherwood leads able to accept the invitation. “It was the band’s public affairs director. the Dixieland Band, which plays just prior to Glasnost, the opening 24 of Russian culture to the rest of the world. We were the first military band to go into the country,” explains Sherwood. “It was an incredible expe- y June 2008 rience. The Russian people were very nice, so warm and full of emotion. We

FRA Tod a played side-by-side with their military district band and formed some won- derful friendships.” MUCS Andy Sherwood has served more than MUCM Carroll Potts, principal trumpet Potts also recalls the Russia visit 20 years with the Coast Guard Band. player for the USCG Band, is also the rate fondly and is looking forward to the force master chief for the Coast Guard’s band’s next international trip to Japan musician rating. in late November. “We’ve been invited to participate in the Japanese Coast Guard’s 60th anniversary celebration at home. “Each year in the Memorial Coast Guard by playing Taps. I was in Tokyo. The whole band will go and Day Concert, which is televised from lifted off the ground in a cherry picker we are hoping to schedule some per- Washington, D.C., the high point of and I was really moved by how still and formances in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the concert is when the bugler plays quiet it was. When I was done,” says December 7th.” Taps against the flag flying above the Potts, “I had to walk back through the These international concerts are Capitol; it’s rather tear-jerking. In crowd. The response from the crowd unique opportunities, but Potts’ most 1991, the first Memorial Day Concert was very meaningful to me. They were powerful musical experience happened after Desert Storm, I represented the so appreciative, so patriotic.” FRA Today FD #S933118 4/15/08 10:44 AM Page 1

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T7870 Tampa, FL 33631-3274 (All shipments to AK, HI, Guam, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico must go priority mail - add an additional $10.00. Florida residents add 6% sales tax + appropriate county Fax: 813-882-4605 tax). Remittance of any taxes on orders shipped to a location outside of Florida is the responsibility of the purchaser. In the event we are out of a Premium brand, ©2008 Thompson Cigar Company Thompson reserves the right to substitute another premium brand cigar, of equal or greater value. Limit one per customer. 25 The Coast Guard Band, like the musician is tasked with a specific area After 9/11 other service bands, is conducted of responsibility. For example, Senior FRA Tod a by an officer. “It’s the conductor’s Chief Sherwood oversees public af- “Being in the The responsibility to bring out the nu- fairs for the band. Potts is the Master President’s Own is y June 2008 ances of a musical selection,” adds Chief for the band, overseeing admin- a very tangible form Potts. “It’s up to the conductor to get istration and personnel functions for of patriotism. It was what they can from the musicians. In the 53 enlisted musicians. “We’re re- particularly evident mid-April, we were honored to have ally a microcosm of the Coast Guard after 9/11. During our Leonard Slatkin conduct a special per- as a whole,” says Potts, who is also the 2001 tour, we changed formance of the USCG Band.” Slatkin rate force master chief for the musi- is an internationally celebrated con- cian rating. “We’re the smallest rate the program to include MGSGT Cynthia Rugolo ductor, was the music director for in the Coast Guard, with all but one more patriotic songs. the National Symphony Orchestra musician being stationed here with As we played a beautiful arrangement for 12 years and is currently the prin- the band. There is one chief musician of ‘America, the Beautiful’ (by Carmen cipal guest conductor for the Royal stationed at Cape May who is respon- Dragon), I could hear this unusual noise. Philharmonic in London. sible for running the recruit band.” It took me a while to figure out it was the In addition to their performance re- Being a Coast Guard musician is sponsibilities, members of the Coast really the best of both worlds, says sound of the theater seats returning to Guard Band also handle the band’s Sherwood. “It’s really a terrific job their upright position as people began to administrative functions. There is that allows me to be connected to a stand. Then we could hear them softly no additional support staff and each great service that protects the coast humming along. It happened night after and saves lives, plus play great music night,” recalls Rugolo. “Normally, my kids with talented musicians.” don’t like it when I leave on tour, but in Potts echoes that sentiment. “It’s 2001, they understood. They said, ‘Mom, very fulfilling to represent our nation in the Coast Guard and to represent you need to be out there.’ The band knew the Coast Guard in the band. It’s truly we needed to be out there. And based on a privilege and an honor.” the amazing reactions we received, the audiences needed us to be there, too.” A Performer’s Dream Job Military musicians are serving their nation in a very special way, and from “I had only been with all accounts, loving every minute of it. the Sea Chanters for Several of the musicians interviewed for this article referenced their work about two months, as a “dream job,” offering a unique when I was invited to opportunity to combine their musi- sing at the National cal talents and love of country as a Cathedral on the professional military musician. Each Friday following of these premier musical units serves September 11th. an important recruiting function, and MU1 Eric Makovsky Billy Graham was like military recruiters, these musi- cians keep demanding schedules, one of the speakers, and it was such an work long hours, are separated from honor to be a part of that,” says Makovsky, loved ones for long periods of time with tears in his eyes. “I still have trouble and always strive to project a positive reflecting on it.” image for their service.

Lauren Armstrong is Contributing Editor and LA FRA Member at Large.

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47299 All rights reserved. © 2007 TechnoBrands ®, Inc. News from the branches

28 y June 2008 FRA Tod a

BRANCH 263 Cape Canaveral, Fla. BRANCH 29 Bremerton, Wash. Branch Sec/Treas. Terry Buchner (left) (r to l) Branch President Bob Hulet poses presents ten $50 gift certificates to CWO with 55-year member Mike Harsche and the Michael Locke, CO of the USCG Station at branch’s newest member Bruce Aamodt. Cape Canaveral. The certificates are part of the branch’s Christmas Basket fund that helps junior personnel at the station and aboard cutters. Also present were Shipmates Karl Bregenzer and Pamela Black.

BRANCH 176 Tucson, Ariz. RPSW Harry Lyons (right) presents a five-year continuous membership pin to Shipmate James Whipp (cen- BRANCH 156 Brunswick, Maine ter). Shipmate Thomas Landreth Shipmate Tom Elliot (center) ac- (left) accepted his 35-year continu- cepts the Association’s Shipmate of ous membership pin during the the Year for Hospitals, Welfare and same ceremony. Rehabilitation plaque from Branch President George Johnson (left) and RPNEng Bill Waite (right). Elliot is a committed volunteer in the Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service (VAVS) Program and was named VAVS Male Volunteer of the Year in 2007.

BRANCH 9 San Diego, Calif. Branch President Eric Sonneburg (left) presents a 50-year longevity pin and cer- tificate to Shipmate Peter Bilicki. Bilicki recruited 12 new members in 2007. News from the branches

29 FRA Tod a y June 2008

BRANCH 234 Anderson, S.C. Branch 234 hosted the Georgia/South Carolina Coordinating Council meeting held in January. In attendance (r to l) BRANCH 1 Philadelphia, Pa. were NVP Don Mucheck, RPSE Roger Mitchell, NP Larry PRPNE Bill Reese (right) presents Boudreaux, Branch Chairman Waymon Bolt, and Branch Branch 1’s “White Hat” Award to Secretary William McGregor. Shipmate Ted Harrup in recog- nition and appreciation for his outstanding service to FRA and the branch.

BRANCH 51 Miami, Fla. President Sam Owens (left) accepts the Southeast Regional Group Four Second Place Award for Hospitals, Welfare and Rehabilitation from RVPSE John Sutton. BRANCH 253 Pittsburgh, Pa. PRPNE J. R. Smith presents a Certificate of Commendation to the Stephen R. Haky BRANCH 276 Omaha, Neb. Funeral Home in recognition of its out- President Carl Burnham, Sec/Treas Charlie standing cooperation, service and assis- Goodman and Shipmate Jarod Ribordy at tance in advancing veterans programs and branch display at Retiree Day event. activities throughout the year. Stephany Haky Georgianna accepted the award on behalf of the firm.

To submit a photo for News From the Branches, please e-mail a photo as an attachment in jpeg format to [email protected] or mail a high-quality photograph to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted.

Correction: The photo from Branch 281 was incorrectly labeled in last month’s edition of FRA Today. Branch 281 is located in Redding, Calif.

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32 American Association of Navy Hospital USS Carter Hall (LSD-3) Corpsman (AAONHC) 28–2 October 2008, Mobile, Ala. 17–21 September 2008, Corpus Christi, Contact Wayne Mulkey, 30 Rymwick Texas. Contact Paul Denis, 818 Chianti Ct., Spring, TX 77381-4282, 281-292- Circle, Clay, NY 13041, 636-394-6868, 6210, [email protected]. y June 2008 [email protected] OR Gene Pasahow, USS Dayton (CL-105) 4018 Kingston Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 3–6 September 2008, Charleston, FRA Tod a 78411, 361-852-8416, S.C. Contact Robert B. MacDonald, [email protected]. 69 Ferndale, Lane Palm Coast, FL Association of Mineman (AOM) 32137-9193, 386-246-3224, 10–12 October 2008, Charleston, [email protected]. S.C. Contact Willie Wilson, P.O. Box USS Diodon (SS-349) 69, Eutawville, SC 29043-0069, 30–1 November 2008, Branson, Mo. 732-787-5519. Contact Jay Everitt, 25677 S. 608 Rd., USS Kawishiwi (AO-146) CBMU-302 Seabees (All Years) Grove, OK 74344, 10–14 September 2008, Mobile, Ala. 17–19 October 2008, Jacksonville, Fla. [email protected]. Contact Robert Taylor, 251-633-7118. Contact Dave Schill, 609-410-5969, USS Elokomin (AO-55) — U.S. Navy [email protected]. USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729) 23–26 September 2008, Callicoon, 23–26 October 2008, Orlando, Fla. Escort Carrier (CVE’s) Sailors & Airmen N.Y. Contact Robert F. O’Sullivan, 25 Contact Ben Maguire, 407-396-4400, Association Denny St., Dorchester, MA 02125, [email protected]. 20–24 September 2008, Covington, 617-288-3755, [email protected]. Ky. Contact George Manik, 50 N. USS Merrick (AKA-97) USS Ernest G. Small (DD/DDR-838) Island Road, Bayville, NJ 08721-3578, 7–11 September 2008, Portland, Ore. 25–28 September 2008, Washington, 732-269-6767. Contact Dick & Connie Bonn, 1469 D.C. Contact Ron Palinkas, 3867 E. Ten Oaks Lane, Woodburn, OR 97071, Naval Reserve Recruiters Assn. Phillips Blvd., Pomona, CA 91766, 503-982-7117, [email protected]. 11–14 September 2008, New Orleans, 909-465-1460, [email protected]. La. Contact Jay Knight, 62 Narrow USS Pollack (SSN-603) USS Hull Association (DD-350, DD-945) Lane Ct., Pensacola, FL 32506, 11–14 September 2008, Cherry Hill, 14–16 October 2008, San Diego, Calif. 850-455-8831, [email protected]. N.J. Contact Barbara Adams, 511 Handlery Hotel, 619-298-0511 or Philadelphia Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ Naval Station Guantanamo Bay 800-676-6567. Contact Bob Modell, 08215, 609-804-9897, 22–25 October 2008, St. Augustine 818-701-0882, [email protected]. Beach, Fla. Contact Mike Warman, 232 [email protected]. Majorca Rd., St Augustine, FL 32080, USS Thomaston (ISD-28) USS Huse (DE-145) 573-322-5396, [email protected]. 11–14 September 2008, Baltimore, Md. 12–15 October 2008, Williamsburg, Contact Dave Hammock, 5538 Gordon NMCB-40 (All eras) Va. Contact Dave Perlstein, 7814 La Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405, 23–26 April 2009, Newport, R.I. Mirada Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33433, 319-396-5065, [email protected]. Contact Ed Holston, PO Box 112, 561-368-7167, [email protected]. Franklinville, NJ 08322, 856-358-2009. USS Truckee (AO-147) USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11) East Coast 9–12 October 2008 Reno, Nev. Contact USMC Motor Transport Association 17–21 September 2008, Norfolk, Va. Mike Landers, 1426 Towne Lake Pkwy., 14–17 September 2008, Kilauea, Contact Tom Bryant, P.O. Box 367, Ste. 102-610, Woodstock, GA 30189, Hawaii. Contact Terry Hightower, Cross Hill, SC 29332, 864-998-4764, 770-356-1727 mlanders52@yahoo. P.O. Box 1372, Jacksonville, NC [email protected]. com or visit www.uss-truckee.com 28541-1372, 910-324-7281, USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11) West Coast [email protected]. USS Uhlmann (DD-687 15–20 October 2008, San Diego, Calif. 18–22 September 2008, San USS Canopus (AS-34/AS-9) Contact Gene Mohler, 11641 Rebecca Diego, Calif. Contact Bob Jimenez, 11–14 September 2008, Jacksonville, Ln., Los Altos Hill, CA 94024-5130, 503-325-1883, [email protected]. Fla. Contact Richard Retin, 2245 650-948-7132, Wintercreek Way, S.E., Salem, OR [email protected]. VP–24 97306, 503-689-1712, 16–19 October 2008, Memphis, USS John Land (AP-167) WWII [email protected]. Tenn. Contact Jon Witmer, 5646 10–14 September 2008, Tulsa, Okla. Wooddale Ave., Memphis, TN 38115, SS Caperton (DD-650) Contact Perry Turner, 513 North 901-794-1642, [email protected]. 11–13 September 2008, Wells, Maine. Wilson Ave., Sand Springs, OK 74063, Contact Neil Tracy, 218 Merriland Ridge 918-245-2651. Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, Rd., Wells, ME 04090, 207-646-2684, submit to [email protected] or mail to: FRA Reunions, [email protected]. 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314. In Memoriam TAPS 33 NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH FRA Tod a Gormican, John J., AMSC 091 Rabb, Uil G., LT USN 077 Graham, Richard, AKCS MAL Radig, Walter A., ADR1(AC) MAL J PRPNEng Grayden, Roy W., TMC(SS) 338 Range, Ralph, CSC MAL y June 2008 Green, Ethan C., USN RET 029 Raschke, Robert, YN1 MAL Gregory, Edward P., HMCS 050 Ray, Nathan E., ADCS MAL Rieger, Fred C., HMC MAL Hamlett, Aubrey G., ENOC 026 Rexrode, Edward R., MMC 050 Harne, Herbert R., YN1 MAL Robertson, David A., LCPL 344 Hart, John F., MGYSGT 101 Rodriguez, Manuel, Jr., AVCM 091 Hebert, Charles V., CWO3 USN 162 Romine, Basil Alan, RM1 MAL Helms, Lemuel S., AMC 022 Roselius, Edward V., DCC MAL Hemby, Arthur G., YNC(SS) 228 Rosen, Sherman H., USMCR 335 Henderson, Eugene R., YNC 091 Ross, William J., AT1 091 Henson, William J., CPO USN MAL Rowe, Dewitt T., MGYSGT 050 NAME BRANCH Hodo, Marquis K., RMC MAL Horne, Everett J., OSCM 377 Sarangay, Conrado B., MS1 084 Albert, Max A., BU1 059 Hubbard, Ralph W., ENC 296 Schaar, Donald, PO1 USN MAL Amark, Carol, ML2 275 Huegel, Martin P., CTC MAL Scheer, George, CS1 248 Anderson, Harry R., SFC 047 Hughes, Billy J., EM2 MAL Schmitt, Frederick R., ENCS 347 Avino, Joseph E., CPO USN MAL Hunt, James L., MR1 MAL Schweitzer, William E., ADR1 274 Ayars, Donald D., HMC 145 Serk, Milton W., CWO4 USN 022 Aydell, Xavier P., BMC 371 Isbell, Noel B., ADRC MAL Seymour, Cornelius J., ADR2 022 Sharp, Herschel, ICC(SS) MAL Blevins, French P., SHC MAL Johnson, Keith D., SMC MAL Shovald, Melford E., ATC 085 Bobbinger, Julius A., POCM USN MAL Johnson, Richard D., YNCS 005 Silao, Liberato E., SA2 302 Bole, Joseph, ET1 017 Smith, Francis L., PNC MAL Bowman, Paul H., YNC 140 Keefer, Kenneth H., TMC 099 Snyder, Lloyd, AD1 MAL Boyle, James B., GMMC MAL Kell, Roger A., ICC 163 Sonnier, Perry D., HMC 159 Bizzell, Emzer H., LCDR USN 024 Kelly, Charles C., USN RET 158 Stafford, Donald R., SKC 317 Bradt, Charles E., Jr., GYSGT MAL Kleinfelder, Robert B., ATCS 289 Stenson, George J., AKC 013 Brennan, George H., GMCM 162 Kingsburg, Henry L., YNCS 181 Stickels, James H., CPO USN MAL Bridge, John W., CPO USN MAL Stinson, James R., BTCM MAL Brooks, Ralph H., MSGT MAL Lane, Ervin J., MM1 290 Stump, Robert, FTCM(SS) MAL Brown, Richard O., CPO USN 151 Lanning, Grady L., BM1 052 Swan, Harold F., Jr., MN1(SS) MAL Bunch, Harry H., EMC MAL Larsen, Herman, Jr., CPO USN 104 Burkley, Charles R., AOC 067 Leak, Olson, PR1 MAL Talley, Robert W., CDR USCG MAL Lizzotte, Walter G., ENC MAL Taylor, Richard R., TMC 029 Camba, Taurino O., CS1(SS) 084 Logue, Robert L., ATC 194 Tilford, William A., E-6 USN MAL Carrington, William C., SKC 001 Love, James F., AOCS 091 Tindall, Harry A., BMCM 289 Carstairs, Alistair, EOCS 274 Traver, Dale, PO1 USN MAL Catalon, Allen P., SHC 050 MacNeill, Robert K., BM2 MAL Trefethen, Hugh E., SKC 051 Chase, Roy L., AOC 091 Madison, Jack G., RMC 005 Trekas, Roger K., BM1 MAL Clark, James W., PFC MAL Martin, Raymond B., Jr., 1STSGT 101 Trenda, Carl S., CTRC 136 Clouse, John L., MA1 096 McGinty, John A., BTC 053 Tryon, William, MMC MAL Coleman, Addison B., Jr., USN RET MAL McGrievy, Joseph L., CDR(SS) 009 Tui, Siaki, PNC MAL Collier, Irvin H., Jr., QMC(SS) 091 McMorris, Armstrong C., CAPT USNR 235 Cooley, Ronald E., ATN2 163 McWilliams, Robert J., AECS 057 Vidal, Antonio P., MS3 247 Coontz, Verlin M., CSC MAL Midgley, Floyd D., AM1 280 Cotter, William A., ADJC MAL Mitchell, Henry H., LCDR USN MAL Wade, Joe, PNCS 099 Cox, Aerial M., PO1 USN MAL Mitchell, Kenneth W., PRC 126 Walters, John W., CWO3 USN MAL Crawford, Richard D., SHC 072 Moore, William R., EOC 186 Walton, Arthur B., EMCS 117 Cunningham, Claude S., PO1 USN 104 Morrison, David E., ATC 086 Ward, Robert F., Jr., PO1 USN 163 Curry, Robert P., RMC 068 Murdock, Lloyd E., LCDR USN 203 Ware, Wade R., AZC MAL Wartman, Albert C., LCDR USN 061 Davies, John H., ENC 261 Nally, William T., PO1 USN MAL Welsh, Bernard M., FTMC MAL Davis, Seby J., CPO USN 182 Newell, Augusta, BTC 091 Werth, Herman, Jr., BTC MAL Dennis, Laura J., MSGT 181 West, Ben L., SHC 030 Derosett, Joshua, AOCM 261 O’Hara, James W., HMC 099 Whinery, Robert, HMC MAL Dike, James E., MGYSGT 212 White, Chris, GMC 269 Donovan, Vincent J., CPO USN 163 Pakuris, James C., BMCM 132 Wiberg, Lloyd C., DKCS MAL Dunham, Robert N., LT USN 067 Patykula, Alexander G., LT USN 005 Williams, Edgar M., YN1 MAL Duplessis, Lawrence Pierre, MMC 055 Pearce, Richard, CPO USN MAL Winford, John T., ADC 317 Pfister, Donald S., AO2 146 Woodward, Eugene P., AVCM 099 Elkins, James V., WO1 USMC 051 Pizanti, Raymond I., DMC MAL Wright, Robert C., GYSGT 161 Plocher, Eugene J., ADC 060 Forrest, William G., BM1 151 Plott, James R., BMC 089 Yadon, Fred W., Jr., QMCS MAL Powell, Chester I., BMC MAL Yockell, Edward W., CS3 263 Garnett, Johnie, EMC 043 Price, Donald C., CPO USN 070 Gault, Harry D., TMC(SS) 020 Propps, Robert C., Sr., AKC 022 Gerard, Charles J., LT USN 091 Purnell, Richard H., PO1 USN 289 Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. Gomez, Frederick E., EMCS(SS) 077 J indicate a Past National Officer. cGMP

HA_FRA_2UG.indd 1 4/17/08 3:50:21 PM Looking for …

35 David Lonnie Alexander or any gun Anyone who served with me installing crew members on the USS Evansville steam pipes aboard the USS Renville FRA Tod a (PF-70) in 1952 while in action in (APA-227) or USS Admiral W. S. Sims

Wonson Harbor (AP-127), March 1945 to July 1946, y June 2008 Alexander’s last known address was or aboard the USS Antietam (CV-36), Carlsbad, NM. Contact John R. Smith, August 1951 to May 1953 224 Richmond St., Lancaster, KY Contact Filipe “Sandy” Sandoval, 40444-1105, 859-792-4652 (home) or PO Box 1015, Westport, WA 98595, 859-339-0925 (cell). 360-268-1947. STG2 Jerry Bryan Photographic Intelligencemen Last known duty station was US Naval I’m hoping to organize a reunion Facility, Barbads, Wisc. Contact before we are extinct. Please contact Robert “Knobby” Kalbfell, 311 High Jerry Coppins, 2473 Snow Creek Rd., Edward R. LaVallee St., Westville, NJ 08093-1161, Martinsville, VA 24112, 276-638-7447. Was stationed at NAS Saufley 856-742-9171. Field, Pensacola, FL (1956-1958). Anyone serving aboard USS Charles F. Contact Les Knight, 200 E. Hospital George Hooper Merrill, Bandmaster, Adams (DDG-2) (1966-1968) Rd., El Dorado Springs, MO USN Contact Clement Norman, 5660 Old 64744, 417-876-6590, He was my great uncle and I’m hoping Walkertown Rd., Walkertown, NC [email protected]. to learn more about him. He was born 27051-9507 or in Paris, Maine, around 1864-1865, [email protected]. BM2 (or BM1) Roger C. White and died on 7 July 1939. His obitu- Served aboard the USS Stormes ary states that he was a member of the (DD-780) in Norfolk, VA, July Fleet Naval Reserves, Branch No. 1. 1955-1957. His birthday was 26 He also directed the USS Rhode Island These notices are published on a space available February and he was from Peoria, IL. Band in May 1916. Contact Diane basis. Notices must be submitted in writing. Please contact PC2 William A. Cash Randlett, PO Box 242, Southport, ME E-mail [email protected] or mail your request to: FRA, (Ret.), 505 Helen Street, Kannapolis, 04576. Looking for…, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA, 22314. NC 28083-3651, 704-938-9549. MM2 Berry G. Bishop, USN (Ret.) Originally from Vero Beach, Fla, served on both the USS Midway (CVA-41) and the USS Coral Sea (1956-1959). Please contact Derbert D. (“Moonshine”) Mooney, 903-769-3210. Shipmates from Recruit Company 199, NTC San Diego, May–June 1946 Please contact CWO4 Robert W. Welch Sr. (Ret.) at 619-995-7161 or [email protected]. Shipmates from Recruit Company 4444 or 4468, Bainbridge, MD, March 1946 Contact Ed Walton, 700-D Ave Sevilla, Laguna Woods, CA 92637. CWO4 Kenneth Bell, LTJG Pet Manibo, and BT2 Herman Robles Last known duty station was USS Wabash (AOR-5). PN1 Anita Bradley. Last known duty station was NAS New Orleans. Contact BT1 Benny Plummer at 401-849-8574. Anyone who served at NTDS School prior to 1970 Contact Mervin E. Deal, PO Box 869, Dundee, FL 33838-0869, 863-439-8044. LA FRA news

36 Message from the East Coast Regional President

The members of the East Coast Region are dedicated to the three cardinal prin- ciples of our organization, as demonstrated by the following:

y June 2008 Clothes, comfort items and food gift certificates are collected for a Homeless Shelter for Military Retirees. Veteran’s Hospitals are being visited and they re-

FRA Tod a ceive care packages and refreshments while they play bingo. They also receive lap blankets. An AIDS patient has been adopted by one unit and each month she receives something to cheer her. She has received books, perfume, hat, scarf and a gift card Mary Lou McKinley to the theater for a movie, popcorn and drink. Children of AIDS patients at a Regional President, East Coast hospital receive book bags filled with school supplies, books, crayons and fast food gift cards. Care packages with white socks, comfort items and snacks are being sent to our troops in Iraq. One Unit sends boxes of sunglasses, books, toys and candy for the troops to give to the children in Iraq. Some volunteer with Special Olympics and serve food at their field day. Members who do not drive are taken to appointments, shopping, meetings and special outings. Membership luncheons are being held on weekends so those who work can feel a part of the Unit. Members are especially concerned about each other in good times and sad times. They are always looking for new opportunities to assist those in need. Thank you for your help and hospitality this year. It has been an honor to serve as East Coast Regional President.

Fran Hoadley is the editor of LA FRA News and the FRA Today Liaison.

Unit 257 Portsmouth, Va. Unit 40 Chesapeake, Va. Unit 293 Elizabeth City, N.C. Mary Williams, Unit Secretary Joyce Front Row: (left to right) PRPEC Front Row: (left to right) Brenda Small, Unit President Dorothy Harvey, Margaret D. Carter, PRPEC Jane Dervin, Irene Bernard, Unit President Virginia Hairston, Archur Davis Younkman, RPEC Mary Lou McKinley, Corky Miller, RPEC Mary Lou McKinley, Theresa Herron, Masako Larsen. Second PRPEC Thelma Appleton, Unit Secretary Row: Ruby Wells, Pat Powell, Unit Jennifer Williams, Jane Geraghty. Second Secretary Mary Singleton, Bridgett Nuce, Row: Clara Grumbles, Jeanne Balduf. Joann Spires, Betty Rush, Tina Campbell, Jackie Hicks, Unit President Christina Murray, Beverly Noyes.

Unit 5 Norfolk, Va. Money making project winner Savannah McGee receiving a GPS system from Unit 5 President Margaret Fisher, JrPRPEC. C4-Davidlaw a d n5297.qxd-AP 12/8/04 7:57 A M Page 1

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Many sailors who served their country proudly aboard ships in the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War eras, are now being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers.

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Member services FRA 125 N. West Street Alexandria, VA 22314-2754