16 a Shipmate Survives the Sinking of the USS Yorktown 28 FRA's

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILLS RETIREMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS 8 JUNE 2015

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16 A Shipmate Survives the Sinking of the USS Yorktown 28 FRA’s Newest Life Members 30 FRA Regional Conventions he old saying “looks can be deceiving” is more than just an idle phrase, it actually led to a truly amazing discovery that can put the glory and intrigue of the Roman Empire T into the palm of your hand! During a hike in northern Turkey, a curious tourist, who had stepped outside his group, uncovered a weather-beaten goat bag. About to cast the fi lthy thing aside as nothing more than trash from a nearby excavation project, he pulled on the strap. The pure heft of its contents made him wonder if something were inside. To his surprise, a pile of coins spilled out. His discovery is now your opportunity because these weren’t just any coins—they were scarce historic coins from the Constantine Dynasty—buried over 1,600 years ago! Commemorating the Great Roman Emperor Just who buried these coins is still a mystery. Could it have been a Roman soldier, a merchant or even a barbarian chieftain who had been given the coins as a bounty from Constantine the Great’s son to ensure his reign as Emperor? What is known is that these coins were fi rst issued in 337 AD by Emperor Constantius II; struck to honor the dynasty that would change a family—and the world—forever. Limited Quantities Available More than 16 centuries old, this amazing coin has survived the rise and fall of empires, earthquakes, fl oods and two world wars. It was carried by everyone from Emperors to soldiers; from merchants to peasants. There’s no better way to touch the history of the great Roman Empire than for you or your loved ones to own one. This classic Roman coin is perfect for history buffs, seasoned coin collectors, students and anyone who has ever been moved by the romance, beauty and rich history of Rome. Unfortunately, quantities are extremely limited. Demand is certain to be overwhelming, so call now for your best chance to obtain a historic piece of the Roman Empire. Satisfaction Guaranteed $FWXDOVL]H Imagine owning a commemorative coin of the world’s fi rst superpower! Compared PP to other historically signifi cant commemorative coins, you could expect to pay hundreds of dollars for this ancient bronze coin from the Constantine Dynasty. Fortunately for you, we were able to secure the entire hoard allowing us to make them available at the very affordable price of only $29.95 per coin. You can also buy three coins for only $27.50 each. Your ancient bronze coin will be protected in a clear acrylic capsule. You’ll also receive a story card and Certifi cate of Authenticity attesting that it is an authentic piece of the Roman Empire. Nationwide Collectibles is so sure of the lasting value of these antiquities that we will repurchase your coins at any time in the next 24 months at the full purchase price. Reserve Your Coin Today! Do not let this chance to own an important piece of history at such a low price pass you by. Call now to reserve your coin. Orders will be accepted on a strict fi rst-call, fi rst-served basis. Sold-out orders will be promptly refunded. Each coin is over 1,600 years old with VERY limited quantities—Order Now!

VAULT CODE: FRA-615-A TOLL FREE - 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK June 2015

Volume 94 Number 6 1 Featured 18 FRA TODAY 18 YOUR CREDIT SCORE JUNE 2015 Those three little digits can make a big difference in your financial future. A strong credit score can mean lower interest rates and better repayment terms on loans and credit accounts. By contrast, a lower score may keep you from securing credit at all. Here’s what you should know about this all-important number. Departments 2 COMMUNICATIONS

4 FROM THE FANTAIL 16 Financial Planning 6 SHIPMATE FORUM

8 ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL Defense Authorization Bills Includes Many Retirement Commission Recommendations 14 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Setting Goals for Membership 16 HISTORY & HERITAGE A Shipmate Survives the Sinking of the USS Yorktown 28 FRA’S NEWEST LIFE MEMBERS

30 FRA REGIONAL CONVENTIONS

31 TAPS

32 REUNIONS

34 NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES

36 NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA Message from National President Doris Fri

LOYALTY, PROTECTION AND SERVICE ON THE COVER FRA IS A CONGRESSIONALLY CHARTERED, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION Securing and maintaining a positive credit score can ADVOCATING FOR CURRENT AND FORMER ENLISTED MEMBERS OF THE determine your ability to secure mortgages, car U.S. NAVY, MARINE CORPS AND COAST GUARD ON CAPITOL HILL. FOR loans and sometimes even a leased place to live. MORE INFORMATION ON THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP, PLEASE VISIT USAA, FRA’s financial planning partner, offers some WWW.FRA.ORG OR CALL 800-FRA-1924. tips for plotting a course for financial security. COMMUNICATIONS

2 NATIONAL OFFICERS/BOARD OF DIRECTORS National President John D. Ippert, Honolulu Branch 46 National Vice President Virgil P. Courneya, High Sierra Branch 274

JUNE 2015 National Executive Dir. Thomas J. Snee, Navy Department Branch 181 FRA Scholarships and Finance Officer Stephen R. Cox Financial Planning William Kohudic Junior PNP Mark Kilgore, Pensacola Branch 22 National Parliamentarian PNP J. C. “Jim” Eblen, Imperial Beach FRA TODAY THIS YEAR, I HAVE the distinct honor of serving on the Scholarship Branch 289 Selection Committee for the first time. The committee’s work, which is National Chaplain William H. Hall, Gen State Branch 382 voluntary, has only just begun, but already I am struck by the energy and REGIONAL PRESIDENTS drive that many of the applicants possess. Almost all of them are children or grandchildren of FRA Shipmates, so it’s a safe bet that those are Northeast / New England Floyd G. Hunt, Iroquois Branch 214 family traits. The essay is the part of the application that showcases the East Coast John J. Willis, Ocean View Branch 60 Southeast Larry L. Cox, Low Country Branch 269 applicant’s voice and vision and truly differentiates each entry. The best of North Central Curry Sanders, Mo Kan Branch 161 them clearly reflect the writer’s character and values and are inspirational South Central Michael D. Oliver, Old Naval Home to read, and I hope that even more students will apply in the future. Branch 307 This issue of FRA Today is focused on financial planning and build- Southwest Agustive A. Hermes, Jr., Chula Vista Branch 61 ing good credit. Some people would hesitate to include applying for a West Coast Larry S. Briggs, Jr., Silver Dollar Branch 192 scholarship in the category of financial planning — after all, you often Northwest Michael H. Archer, Cheyenne Branch 59 can’t count on them in advance. Scholarship funds are an important piece of the puzzle, however, and students need to consider every pos- ACTIVE DUTY ADVISORY COUNCIL sible source of funds. Depending on the timeframe for awards, scholars Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Michael Stevens may need to secure loans or other sources of tuition money before a Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald Green scholarship is announced, but even a small scholarship earned after Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Steven Cantrell that date can make a difference in how much an applicant may need to RESERVE ADVISORY COUNCIL work for income during the school year or in the length of time needed Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve Clarence “CJ” Mitchell to pay off student loans after graduation. USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major Anthony Spadaro For those who apply for multiple scholarships from different Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force sources, chances of being awarded one (or more) will increase. It takes Eric Johnson less time to fill out ten scholarship applications than it would to work at a summer job for a week, and the payoff from just one award is bound FRA TODAY MAGAZINE to be much higher than a week’s salary. Work during that week anyway, The monthly membership publication of the Fleet Reserve Association though — remember, every source of funds makes a difference and Publisher Fleet Reserve Association should be taken seriously. National Executive Director Thomas J. Snee It may surprise you to learn that FRA plans similarly to a student Communications Director Lauren Armstrong who is applying for a scholarship. Along with this month’s magazine, Managing Editor William Kohudic you received a letter asking for donations in conjunction with the annual Contributing Photographer Paul Gunther mailing label campaign to support the important work we do on your Design and Art Direction behalf every day. Membership dues and returns on our investments are FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com Design Director Scott Rodgerson crucial components of our financial planning process. No less impor- Production Manager Sandy Jones tant, however, are gifts from our Shipmates in the form of donations and

bequests to FRA, the FRA Education Foundation and other programs. FRA TODAY (ISSN 1935-7192) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY FRA, 125 N. WEST ST., In awarding scholarships, FRA acknowledges the ability and char- ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314-2754. A MEMBER’S SUBSCRIPTION IS COVERED BY THE MEMBER’S ANNUAL DUES. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ALEXANDRIA, VA AND ADDITIONAL acter that the recipients display in their applications and transcripts. OFFICES. PUBLICATION OF NON-SPONSORED ADVERTISING IN FRA TODAY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE FRA OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES. POSTMASTER: In much the same way, your donations to FRA demonstrate both your SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: MEMBER SERVICES, FRA, 125 N. WEST ST., ALEXANDRIA, generosity and your affirmation of the ability and character of your 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. Association and of the work that we do for you and your family. ELIGIBLE NON-MEMBERS ARE NOT ENTITLED TO SUBSCRIPTION RATES. ESTABLISHED Planning for your financial future, whether for college, family or 1 NOVEMBER 1923. TITLE REGISTERED WITH U.S. PATENT OFFICE. retirement, is a daunting and demanding task. It represents a desire FRA ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS: 125 N. WEST ST., ALEXANDRIA, to create stability in an uncertain world. In these situations, the best VA 22314-2754 • PHONE: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 • FAX: 703-549-6610 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • WWW.FRA.ORG course is to explore every option available — leave no stone or leaf un- turned, no door unfound. No plan is perfect, but no outcome is more VOLUME 94 NUMBER 6 certain than that of failing to plan at all.

Will Kohudic is FRA’s Marketing and Communications Manager and serves as Managing Editor of FRA Today. Please contact him at [email protected]. &!' ) ('((#"#!"' ((#(&((&)%('

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FROM THE FANTAIL

4 JUNE 2015

Financial Planning Tom Snee

FRA TODAY FINANCIAL PLANNING IN ANYONE’S LIFE, seems the only guarantees are car pay- to guess “what mom and dad would family or business is a series of diffi- ments and taxes. Do you retire from have liked” and the unknown contin- cult choices: Do I control it person- your job, then hope for Social Security ues to haunt them. This confusion just ally or pay someone else to manage to keep the money flowing … what is increases insecurity between family it? Do I invest in stocks, bonds or mu- a person to do? members which, as a parent, is the last tual funds (remember the recession My recommendation is to find thing you want. of 2008)? A penny saved is a penny someone you can trust who will give Financial planning is key. Assess earned, but do I keep it under the mat- you the best bang for your buck, who what your property, assets and in- tress, at a bank or in a lock-box … who can advise you on solid investment vestments are worth and then plan can I trust? We can put our funds into opportunities and who stays current intentionally how you will have those brokerages or invest in utilities or real with today’s rapidly changing market “creature comforts” available in your estate, among many other possibili- data. Investing is, by nature, unpredict- later years. Nobody wants to be a bur- ties — so where do we go? While life able, and yet, you need to do it right. den on family members, especially is not a Monopoly board, the game did when trying to plan for their estate offer some economic lessons for us to and their health care in the later years consider in our younger days. Now, of their lives — and the caretaker li- we have a wide choice of retirement No one is a true expert, ability that often comes with the ter- savings options such as Thrift Savings ritory. Know your spending habits Plans (TSPs) and 401K plans, which since our successes so that, when you take those impulse lead us to ask again, what is the best shopping trips and yes, even take a va- for me and my family? Then you also are unique to our own cation to get away, you remain com- have to consider life insurance — term fortably within your limits. Spending or full-life family care, short and long incomes and spending your hard-earned wealth is a healthy, term — what is the best direction to well-deserved prerogative, and it is turn? All of these options are avail- habits. Seek the advice one that you can exercise with confi- able, but we have no crystal ball to tell dence when you have a firm plan for us which ones to use and when to use of an expert. your financial future. No one is a true them. expert, since our successes are unique I used to tell my students in school to our own incomes and spending that their parents are only three pay habits. Seek the advice of an expert. checks from poverty spending; with Financial planning is key in everyone’s Even tax preparation professionals no paycheck you start dipping into life, from youth through retirement. can sometimes lend assistance. In any those well-earned savings. Buy or sell, Here at FRA, we can bear witness to event, make the time now — today — keep my home or move into a senior our success in investments; as a non- to take charge of your financial plans center or just spend, spend and con- profit association, we have had to put and make a difference for the future. I tinue spending. (You can’t take it with a great deal of effort into our financial would say PRESS ON, but after all, we you, after all.) Credit card debt can de- planning. Steady planning, reviews, are talking about financial planning plete spending power and even ruin a and recommendations continue to and lifestyles. In that light I can only good credit rating. keep us well balanced over the years. say, take the time to plan now so that We are faced with all of these As FRA has done, find someone or you can enjoy the moments as they choices, and who can we trust? some firm you can trust. Ensure that come and make the future the best for Financial planning for the future has your desires are written down in the you and your spouse and family. “Plan its risks in any market, regardless of course of your estate planning, wills on, and stay on plan!” where you invest your time and efforts. and, most importantly, discussed with The crystal ball is clouded in most family members. Many times fam- cases; a wrong decision can lead to ily members are not aware of what Tom Snee is FRA’s National Executive Director and turmoil, instability and even despair. It your desires are — your family is left can be reached at [email protected]. Enjoy a bath again… Introducing The new and revolutionary Safely and affordably -DFX]]L+\GURWKHUDS\6KRZHU

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6 Programs, not Paper Third, reduce the rate for lifetime membership for one I had to stop analyzing the FRA 3rd month each year, on the anniversary of the founding of the Quarter Membership Report. Feelings FRA. I hear from many members that they would become

JUNE 2015 of frustration were running rampant life members if it wasn’t so expensive. in my head, just as when I read the I urge our leadership to examine these ideas. Look for January issue of FRA Today. I had been ways to make them work instead of reasons for them not to. At our current membership loss rate, we will fall below FRA TODAY looking forward to seeing the “new recruiting tools” we were promised in 50,000 members in 2015. One thing is clear: to continue response to my published letter the pre- trying to recruit in the same ways we have been is folly. It vious month. I read the entire magazine is not yet time for drastic actions, but we’re getting closer searching for some “out of the box” ideas that our national every month. headquarters was going to implement, and didn’t find any. Rick Athenour Instead, I found more brochures to hand out while trying to attract the younger people our group needs. Here’s the FRA Response: Thanks, Shipmate Rick! Your points are well problem with that: We have enough literature! The younger taken and I’m sure our leadership will seriously consider your active duty/veterans have grown up in a different age than suggestions. In the meantime, please remember that anyone us. They are used to information at the touch of a screen, in- can subscribe to NewsBytes, FRA’s free weekly e-mail up- stant gratification. If we cannot trigger their interest within date. You do not have to be a member of the FRA to receive it the first 10 seconds of an encounter, odds are they will not and it can absolutely be offered to any prospective shipmate. join us. So how do we garner that interest? Programs, not FRA Today is also available online and can be used as a sam- paper. ple of FRA’s member benefits. Thank you again for your pas- I am proposing a few programs for consideration. First, sionate involvement in the FRA! allow active duty personnel to sign up for membership free of charge for their first year, with no voting rights as far as delegates are concerned. To keep FRA costs low they need Former Chiefs Don’t Exist not receive FRA Today magazine, but make enrollment in The person who wrote for the FRA does not know anything the NewsBytes system automatic for the dissemination of about the Navy Chief. There are no former Chiefs, only ac- information on FRA activities. My suggestion would be tive duty or retired Chiefs! Admiral Halsey did not wink at to keep it simple; just get them onboard! We at the branch a “former” Chief; just an old one. Words can show disre- level could sign up thousands of new members every year. spect. Former means to have had been and Chief is some- Once in our system, they will SEE what the FRA is about, thing once earned that is eternal. and many would renew for full membership. Utilizing this Daniel Clark, Sr. free membership alone, we could turn the tide on membership losses. FRA Response: I take personal responsibility for the refer- Second, offer veterans under age 50 a one-time reduced ence and offer my most sincere apologies. No disrespect was membership rate of $15. This money would stay at our na- intended and I’ve learned a valuable lesson. Thank you for tional headquarters, so the cost to the organization would bringing this to my attention. be zero, just a different application form with an appropri- Lauren Armstrong, FRA Today Editor ate box to check. Again, just help us get them in the door — we branches will do the rest!

Submissions Send Shipmate Forum letters to Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to [email protected]. Please include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content. FEN423-10_7.75x10_Layout 1 4/30/15 4:02 PM Page 1

Brazil Expedition Uncovers Thousands of Carats of Exquisite Natural Emeralds Brandish a whopping 50 carats of genuine South American emeralds in a handcrafted new necklace design for less than $100!

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JUNE 2015 Defense Authorization Bills Include Many

Retirement Commission Recommendations John Davis FRA TODAY AS FRA TODAY GOES to press, both chambers of Congress for Life) and replace it with a plan similar to the Federal are going through the legislative process to merge their Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHBP), except that versions of the annual National Defense Authorization Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) would be included Act (NDAA) into one bill. Once the final bill has been in the network. Similarly to the FEHBP, beneficiaries approved by the House and Senate, it will be sent to the could choose from a selection of commercial insurance president to be signed into law or vetoed. This process is plans. The plan would be administered by the Office of supposed to be completed before the start of the new fiscal Personnel Management (OPM) rather than the Defense year (FY 2016) on October 1, 2015. The FRA Legislative Department (DoD). The most problematic part of the Team is closely monitoring the work of both houses to plan calls for gradually shifting a larger percentage of the try to stop any provisions that negatively impact FRA cost to retirees under age 65. members and their families. The Military Compensation In testimony before the Armed Services Committees and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) and Personnel Subcommittees, FRA expressed serious recommendations will play a major role in shaping the concerns about shifting costs to retirees under age 65. The FY 2016 NDAA. The House Armed Services Committee Association believes that this shift devalues 20 or more (HASC) bill incorporates 11 of the commission’s 15 rec- years of arduous military service that earned the retiree ommendations. The HASC bill includes an FRA-opposed an offset in health care premiums during retirement. FRA recommendation that reduces future military retirees’ is thankful that the HASC-approved bill does not include benefits and provides a new retirement benefit for service this provision. The Association advocates that other op- members who serve for fewer than 20 years. (See story tions to make TRICARE more cost-efficient should be on page 9 for further details.) The Senate Armed Services implemented first, as alternatives to shifting costs to Committee also appears to support this recommendation. TRICARE beneficiaries. So far, in the House, the FRA po- Another onerous commission recommendation (#6) sition on this recommendation has prevailed. will abolish TRICARE (with the exception of TRICARE

RETIREE ISSUES

Permanent “Doc Fix” Approved JrPNP Courneya Named FRA NVP The Senate approved legislation (H.R. 2) that After the passing of FRA’s will make the so-called “Doc Fix” permanent, National Vice President (NVP) and the president signed it into law. The Roger Mitchell on April 7, 2015, House had already overwhelmingly approved the National Board of Directors the bipartisan bill that replaces the current (NBOD) was charged with ap- Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) pricing meth- pointing a successor, per di- odology, which would have mandated a 22 rection in the Association’s percent cut to reimbursements to doctors Constitution and By Laws (C&BL) who see Medicare/TRICARE patients. These Section 704(c). During the April reductions would have caused doctors to NBOD meeting at FRA National leave the Medicare and TRICARE programs Headquarters, the Board ap- and reduced TRICARE/Medicare beneficia- pointed Junior Past National ries’ access to care. FRA wants to thank the President Virgil Courneya to Shipmates who generated nearly 10,000 serve the remainder of Mitchell’s term as National Vice President. (9,985) messages this year urging Congress Courneya, a member of FRA Branch 274 (Reno, Nev.), previously served as NVP during the to make the “doc fix” permanent. Your ef- 2012–2013 Association Year, followed by a term as National President in 2013 –2014. He also forts paid off. served as Regional President West Coast during the 2005 –2006 Association year. ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL

9 RETIREE ISSUES FRA TODAY Defense Authorization Markup Creates New Military FRA Storms Capitol Hill Retirement System Members of FRA’s National Board of Directors JUNE 2015 The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) marked up and approved the House version of (NBOD), many Regional Vice Presidents, and the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA – H.R. 1735) in a 19-hour session other Association leaders brought the en- that ended at 0430 on April 30. A special thanks goes to Rep. Chris Gibson (N.Y.) for offering listed perspective to Capitol Hill recently as a committee amendment to repeal the NDAA provision to cut retirement benefits for future they visited their respective elected officials retirees. The Committee amendment failed (8-55), and the Committee adopted 11 of the 15 in Washington, D.C. These Shipmates shared recommendations of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission the Association’s position on priority legisla- (MCRMC). FRA opposes the first recommendation in the MCRMC final report, which was ad- tive issues with their legislators, asking them opted by the HASC. The provision creates a “blended” military retirement system. The current to oppose the Obama administration’s call defined benefit plan for 20 or more years of service would be replaced by a smaller defined for drastically higher TRICARE Prime fees and benefit plan (from 40 to 50 percent of base pay). It also adds a new mandatory defined con- co-pays, along with new enrollment fees for tribution plan known as a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which provides a 1 percent employer con- TRICARE Standard and new TRICARE for Life tribution, and an employee contribution, unless the service member opts out. Any employee (TFL) beneficiaries. They urged Congress not contributions would be matched by the employer up to 5 percent of pay. The plan would also to cut funding for military stateside commis- provide a bonus, determined by the military branch, at 12 years of service if the service member saries and to exclude DoD from mandatory signs up for four more years. It has been estimated that a future E-7 retiree who serves 20 sequestration budget cuts. Additionally, FRA years and lives until age 85 will lose more than $260,000 in benefits compared to the same leaders asked lawmakers to take action to E-7 who retires today. These lost benefits would be shifted to pay for benefits for service mem- reduce the disability claims backlog at the bers who leave the military before completing 20 years of service. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and to FRA believes that this shift will provide an incentive for service members to leave before they extend disability benefits to “Blue Water” complete 20 years of service. For more information on the committee action, members can Vietnam veterans exposed to the Agent read the April 30, 2015 Military Update on the FRA website. Orange herbicide while serving off the coast Other changes in the committee mark include: of Vietnam. These Shipmates also asked leg- • Rejecting the Obama administration’s proposed TRICARE fee increases and increases in islators to oppose the Military Compensation pharmacy co-pays for retirees under age 65; and Retirement Modernization Commission • Creating a unified medical command to provide health care savings by eliminating dupli- (MCRMC) recommendations to drastically cate efforts by each service branch; shift TRICARE health care costs to current • Rejecting MCRMC recommendation to abolish TRICARE (except for TFL) and replacing retirees under age 65 and to cut retirement it with multiple programs offered by commercial insurance companies, shifting costs to benefits for those future service members beneficiaries; who serve 20 or more years. FRA wants to • Rejecting the administration’s reductions to the active duty annual pay increase (2.3 thank the Shipmates who sent nearly 2,500 percent vs. 1.3 percent), commissary subsidies and BAH; advocacy messages to Capitol Hill in con- • Consolidating the number of Reserve Component status category authorities by which junction with our NBOD storming the Hill. Reservists can be mobilized from 30 to six; • Delaying a vote on an amendment to create another round of BRAC; • Reviving active-duty financial literacy education; Internet Explorer Must Be • Recognizing Reserve Component members as veterans if they are entitled to retirement Updated for DFAS benefits; and The Defense Finance and Accounting Service • Improving the sexual assault prevention program. (DFAS) has announced that effective April 21, The FRA Legislative Team is still reviewing committee action and will provide additional infor- 2015, myPay users who access their accounts mation on any other changes that could impact FRA members. through the Internet Explorer web browser must have Internet Explorer version 8 or The bill now goes to the full House for further consideration. The Senate will begin its markup higher in order to access their accounts. Earlier process in the near future. Once both chambers approve their version of the Defense authorization bill, a conference committee will be appointed to resolve the differences between the versions do not have the necessary security two bills. The conference committee bill will be voted on by both chambers and, if approved by protocols and attempts to log on with earlier the Senate and the House, will then be sent to the President to sign into law or veto. Members versions of Internet Explorer will be denied. are strongly urged to use the FRA Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to ask their U.S. For more information go to: http://pay- Representatives not to cut future military retiree benefits to pay for benefits for those who check-chronicles.military.com/2015/04/16/ serve fewer than 20 years. If you have already sent a message, you can continue to send more. news-from-dfas/#ixzz3Xsmtdvgr. ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL

10 ACTIVE DUTY/RESERVE ISSUES

Navy RSOY Recognized CFPB Takes Action against Military Allotment Processor’s Hidden

JUNE 2015 FRA participated in the 2014 Navy Reserve Fees Sailor of the Year (RSOY) ceremony on April The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently announced that it took action 16, at the United States Navy Memorial. against Fort Knox National Company and its subsidiary, Military Assistance Company (MAC),

FRA TODAY Construction Mechanic 1st Class (SCW/EXW) for charging service members millions of dollars in hidden fees. The military allotment proces- Jimie Bartholomew, assigned to Navy Mobile sor did not clearly disclose various recurring fees, which could total $100 or more. Under a Construction Battalion 25, was announced consent order entered into with the CFPB, Fort Knox National Company and Military Assistance as the RSOY during the ceremony by Chief Company will pay about $3.1 million in relief to harmed service members. of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Robin R. Braun. The Military Assistance Company (MAC) was one of the nation’s largest third-party processors Bartholomew was selected out of five final- of military allotments. The CFPB alleges that from 2010 to 2014, tens of thousands of service ists including Hospital Corpsman 1st Class members had their money slowly drained from their accounts. The CFPB has the authority to Steven Flemming, assigned to 1st Battalion take action against institutions that violate federal consumer financial laws, including engag- 23rd Marines; Aviation Maintenance ing in unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices. Administration 1st Class Ansel Glendenning, A copy of the administrative consent order is available at http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/ assigned to Navy Reserve Fleet Logistics 201504_cfpb_regulation-fort-knox-mac-settlement.pdf. Support Squadron 61; Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Jessica Harrison, assigned to Navy Operational Support Center Greenville, DFAS E-mail Address Changing South Carolina; and Machinist’s Mate 1st From time to time, DFAS sends out e-mails that contain important information pertaining to Class Keith Wright, assigned to Surgemain your pay account. These are called “SmartDocs” e-mails because of the e-mail address used as Nashville. the sender. The sending e-mail address is changing on May 16, 2015. If you have spam controls According to Braun, all five candidates are set up on your e-mail account, you should add the new address to your permitted list so that leaders and represent the finest Sailors in the you don’t miss anything. The new sender e-mail address is [email protected]. This Reserves. address is only used to send out bulk e-mails—please do not send anything to that address, as you will not receive a response. FRA Honors New Hampshire Read more: http://paycheck-chronicles. military.com/2015/04/16/news-from-dfas/ #ixzz3XsngylDz. Senator Kelly Ayotte FRA presented its prestigious annual Pinnacle New DoD Allotment Rule Protects Troops From Lending Scams Award to New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte, to honor her outstanding leadership in The Department of Defense (DoD) recently made improvements to the allotment system to preserving and enhancing the quality of life of create greater protections for service members. The policy change in new paycheck allotments military personnel, retirees, veterans and their is intended to prevent unscrupulous commercial lenders from taking advantage of troops and families. Ayotte, New Hampshire’s junior sen- their families. The change in DoD’s Financial Management Regulation will prohibit service ator, was selected to receive the Association’s members from allotting pay to buy, lease or rent personal property. This policy change will highest honor for her stand against the re- eliminate the aspect of the allotment system most prone to abuse by unscrupulous lenders that duction in cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) prey on service members. This will significantly improve protections for all service members and of retired pay for military retirees under the their families, while not significantly reducing the flexibility to use allotments for a number of age of 62 and for her opposition to TRICARE legitimate purposes. Current allotments are not affected, but service members will no longer fee increases. She also strongly supports leg- be able to make new allotments for the following types of purchases: islation to exclude the Department of Defense • Vehicles, such as automobiles, motorcycles and boats; (DoD) budget from sequestration cuts. FRA • Appliances or household goods, such as furniture, washers and dryers; additionally recognized Ayotte for her advo- • Electronics, such as laptops, tablets, cell phones and televisions; and cacy on behalf of all military veterans, includ- • Other consumer items that are tangible and moveable. ing sponsorship of bills such as the Veterans Allotments still can be used for savings account deposits, investments, to support dependents, Health Equity Act and the Remembering pay insurance premiums, mortgages or rents, make Combined Federal Campaign contributions, America’s Forgotten Veterans Cemetery Act. and U.S. government debt repayments. The new allotment rule applies to active-duty service The award was presented in a Capitol Hill cer- members, not military retirees or DoD civilians. emony hosted by FRA. 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 5 1 1 3 3 5 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 1 1 3 3 8 8 8 8 7 7

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12 VETERANS ISSUES

Veteran Hiring with Federal Appropriations Subcommittee Approves Military Construction and

JUNE 2015 Government Increases VA Budget Nearly one-third of the federal government’s A House appropriations subcommittee (MilCon/VA) approved the Military Construction and new hires in fiscal 2014 were veterans—a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) spending bill that provides $77 billion in spending for

FRA TODAY record high, according to the Obama admin- military construction and the VA, the first of 12 spending bills. The still-unnumbered bill is the istration. About 33.2 percent of new agency first spending bill to be approved by subcommittee, and increases VA spending by 6 percent hires were veterans, up from 31 percent in over the current budget. The administration’s budget requests a 7.5 percent increase. Most of fiscal 2013 and the highest in the more than the variance between the administration’s request and the subcommittee markup comes from five years since the White House established the subcommittee’s cuts to the VA construction budget. Subcommittee Chairman Congressman the Veterans Employment Initiative. In 2011, Charlie Dent (Penn.) cited the Denver VA hospital construction project, which is far behind veterans made up 27.3 percent of the federal schedule and is more than $1 billion over budget. The subcommittee did approve the Obama workforce. administration’s request for hiring an additional 770 disability claims processors. The VA asserts In November 2009, the president issued that the disability claims backlog has shrunk from more than 600,000 disability claims pending Executive Order 13518, which established more than 125 days to fewer than 200,000. The spending bill still has to work its way through the Veterans Employment Initiative, to bolster the House and Senate in the coming months. Legislators are trying to get back to the “regular recruitment and retention of veterans in the order” of approving 12 separate spending bills before the end of the fiscal year (September federal workforce. This initiative has resulted in 30, 2015). The FRA Legislative Team will monitor the legislative process to ensure that there is 200,000 new veteran hires and at least 25,000 adequate funding for programs that impact FRA members. new Reservists added to the federal workforce. In 2009 and 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama Veterans Appeals Court Rules in Favor of “Blue Water” Claim and Dr. Jill Biden promoted the Joining Forces Navy veterans who served aboard ships in the harbors of Vietnam more than 40 years ago Initiative, which helped 90,000 veterans and should not be arbitrarily excluded from Agent Orange claims, the Court of Appeals for Veterans military spouses find jobs. Claims ruled recently in a significant step forward for these veterans. Former Navy seaman Robert Gray has been denied multiple disability claims by the Department Veterans Status Bills of Veterans Affairs (VA), based on the fact that he was aboard a ship—not on land—during Introduced the Vietnam War, when the herbicide Agent Orange was liberally sprayed by American forces The “Honor America’s Guard-Reserve to remove foliage and eliminate enemy cover. The chemical was later found to cause a myraid Retirees Act” has been introduced in both of health problems for service members who were exposed, but the federal government has chambers of Congress (H.R. 1384/S. 743), denied disability claims to U.S. Navy sailors under the argument that the seamen were offshore sponsored by Rep. Tim Walz (Minn.) and Sen. and were not directly exposed. John Boozman (Ark.) respectively. These bills FRA-supported proposals (H.R. 969/S. 681), introduced in both the House and Senate, are grant full veteran status to members of the pending in Congress that would acknowledge Navy personnel exposure to Agent Orange reserves and the National Guard who have through ships’ water systems. Runoff containing the herbicide flowed into Da Nang Harbor served at least 20 years but have not been and other offshore waterways, infiltrating water systems on naval vessels. called up for active duty. As of now, these “This is an important step forward in restoring the benefits to those veterans who served brave men and women cannot legally call offshore,” said retired Navy Commander John B. Wells, executive director of Military Veterans themselves veterans. FRA supports full vet- Advocacy (MVA), a veterans’ rights organization based in Louisiana. “When the VA stripped eran status for Reservists with 20 years or benefits from 174,000 Navy veterans, they left these veterans without health care and their more of service, and members are urged to families destitute. The VA now has a chance to restore the presumption of exposure to veterans use the Action Center (action.fra.org/action- who served aboard ships anchored in Da Nang and other harbors of Vietnam.” center) to ask their legislators to support this important legislation. The VA will probably appeal this decision, and Congress has not yet acted on Agent Orange/ Blue Water legislation. In related news, FRA staff recently met with House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) staff to discuss the status of Agent Orange legislation (H.R. 969) and to The FRA Legislative Team is National Executive Director Tom Snee, Director of Legislative Programs request a HVAC hearing on this issue. John Davis, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs FRA has worked closely with MVA in the legislative arena, and members are urged to use Stephen Tassin, Assistant Director of Veterans’ the FRA Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to ask their legislators to support Agent Programs Ben Young and National Veterans Service Orange/Blue Water Navy proposals (H.R. 969/S. 681). Director Chris Slawinski. “My friends all hate their LongerSound BatteryBetter and Life cell phones… I love mine!” 1(: )5(( 1R W &DU &RQWUDF Here’s why. &KDUJHU Say good-bye to everything you hate about cell phones. Say hello to Jitterbug.

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14 JUNE 2015

Setting Goals for Membership Penny Collins

FRA TODAY THIS IS THE SEASON for FRA branches members who can explain the history to nominate and elect new officers of the FRA and our purpose. Invite 2014–2015 RECRUITING AWARDS and host installation ceremonies. their spouses to visit to obtain infor- At the end of the membership year, we After the elections and installations mation about Auxiliary membership draw the names of 10 active recruiters are concluded, your next priority is as well. Looking into your community, to receive awards. The winners receive to set goals for membership recruit- take the time to plan periodic visits extended memberships (or cash if they ing and retention during the year. to veterans’ assisted living facilities to are Life Members). For the 2014–15 Membership is the lifeline of branch give joy to a veteran who looks for- membership year, the winners were: development. With that in mind, here ward to the company of other veterans. First Place: John W. Fosen III, Branch are some tips to consider in order to Follow local and national legislation 093 — Cash equivalent of a five-year be successful with member recruit- that affects sea service veterans and membership ment in your branch. share it with the membership. Think Second Place: Richard L. Nelson, First, always review your monthly about including these activities in your Branch 264 — Cash equivalent of a reports, which list current members as regional public relations report. three-year membership well as those who are ready to renew, Third, if you plan fundraising ac- past due on their dues and have been tivities, such as social or entertainment Third Place: Jessica Bond, Branch 097 terminated for nonpayment of dues. events or raffles, consider allocating the — Two-year membership extension Any shipmate who is in danger of leav- proceeds for charitable giving to local Fourth Place: Dana L. Wallace, Branch ing the FRA must be contacted before youth groups such as the Boy Scouts, 024 — One-year membership extension it is too late. If your branch does not little league, and NJROTC. In addition, have one, form a membership com- when the national Americanism Essay Fifth Place: Mark Dernovsek, Branch mittee to strategize about maintaining Contest is announced, plan to visit lo- 222 — Cash equivalent for one-year and growing membership. The most cal middle and high schools to discuss membership important thing to consider is how to the program and encourage student Sixth Place: Maria A. Behm, Branch keep in contact with members through participation. If your branch is lo- 113 — One-year membership extension communications such as newsletters, cated near a military facility where sea e-mails, letters, phone calls and per- service personnel may be stationed, Seventh Place: R. Gene Jarnagin, sonal visits. Set a goal for recruiting consider participating in the Sailor or Branch 136 — Cash equivalent of one- new members as well as for retaining Marine of the Quarter ceremony and year membership your current members. Plan activities offer a complimentary membership to Eighth Place: Thomas E. Kerbs, Branch in which branch members can partici- the top awardee. 183 — One-year membership extension pate along with their families. Fourth, acknowledge new mem- Ninth Place: Robert A. Johnson, Second, plan or participate in lo- bers who attend their first meeting by Branch 124 — Cash equivalent of one- cal outreach events to attract potential holding the initiation ceremonies to year membership members. Successful branches think welcome them formally to the branch. big — consider contacting your local Establish a mentoring program to Tenth Place: Jackie Jenkins, Branch public television or radio station to keep in touch with new members with 029 — One-year membership extension schedule a date to participate in a dis- an eye toward training them for lead- cussion about the FRA and veterans’ ership roles in the future. Encourage Thanks to all of the shipmates who re- issues. Generally, these discussions are new members to regularly attend cruited or sponsored 1,449 new or re- free and the viewers will include veter- branch meetings as well as regional instated members during the 2014–15 ans in the local community — you can and national conventions. membership year. see some examples on FRA’s Facebook Last, remember that the branch page. If you have a branch home, plan is only as good as its membership. a Veteran’s Open House and invite lo- Maintaining a solid and growing mem- Penny Collins is FRA’s Director of Membership cal veterans to stop by to see the fa- bership base means your branch will Development and a member of FRA Branch 24 in cility and to interact with other FRA be successful and thrive in the future. Annapolis, Md. She can be reached at [email protected]. Doctor Designed. Audiologist Tested. FDA Registered. AffordableNewDigital Hearing Aid Outperforms Expensive Competitors Delivers Crystal - Clear Natural Sound

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16 JUNE 2015 THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY A Shipmate Survives the Sinking of

FRA TODAY the USS Yorktown: Part 1 By Keith Kaider

IN MAY 1941, 17-YEAR-OLD Duane E. Robertson from Carbondale, Illinois, hitchhiked with a friend to Marion, Ill. intending to join the Army. Rejected by the Army due to his age, he was recruited by the Navy and agreed to report for duty in July. He took his boot camp training at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill. as a member of Company 115. He remembers, “Contrary to most, I enjoyed boot but relates the following about the day of December camp and was interested in learning everything 7: “I had an aunt and uncle residing in Washington, they were teaching me. I was good at marching, so D.C. at that time. They had sent me an airline ticket I was made squad leader and given a “square knot” to visit them. I flew up there on December 6th. On petty officer badge. Boy, was I proud of it.” December 7th, we were riding around seeing the Robertson had been a HAM radio operator sights of Washington, D.C. We had the radio on for two years and was looking forward to going to and first received word that Pearl Harbor had been Aviation Radioman School after boot camp. But, bombed by the Japanese. I was well aware of where he recalls, “That fell through when an order was re- Pearl Harbor was and knew of its strategic impor- ceived for a lot of men for the USS Yorktown. About tance to the United States. I had a sick feeling and a two thirds of our company were sent and no one great wave of sympathy for those that lost their lives got to attend school.” On Sunday, September 14, in that sneak attack. In my mind, I had no doubt but he boarded the Yorktown in Norfolk, Va. “I was as- that the United States would eventually be victori- signed to the ‘third division’ in the deck force,” he ous. I felt sympathy for my parents who I knew were related, “and I was immediately assigned as a sight in for a long siege of worrying. I returned to the ship setter on one of the 5" guns aft on the starboard side.” late Sunday afternoon.” The Yorktown operated with a battleship, two heavy The Yorktown departed Norfolk soon after, cruisers and eight destroyers in North Atlantic oper- transited the Panama Canal and stopped in San ations with port visits to Argentina, Newfoundland Diego for provisions and fuel. Robertson recalls, “I and Casco Bay, Maine. He recalled that, on Friday remember making a liberty trip to Los Angeles to October 10, “When we were at sea for about six hours visit another aunt and uncle of mine.” Then it was we hit the worst storm the ship had ever weathered. on to Hawaii for the Yorktown. Robertson has vivid The waves were tremendous and shook the ship all memories of this time. “…We entered Pearl Harbor over with their relentless pounding. Many of the on February 7, 1942. This was exactly two months af- crew were suffering from sea sickness. This never ter the attack on Pearl Harbor. Entering Pearl Harbor bothered me … I never missed a meal.” It was about was a sickening experience. It looked as if nothing this time that Robertson was transferred to ‘K’ divi- had been done since December 7th. It looked like ev- sion as a Radioman striker “…due to being proficient ery ship in the Navy was submerged. The water was in Morse Code and having a background in radio.” still covered with crude oil. It was a sight that would On November 6, he copied his first distress signal give you encouragement to be part of anything that on 500KCS. “That was a thrill for me. It was from a would atone for this sneak attack.” Greek ship that was too far away for any assistance from the convoy.” Robertson doesn’t remember the Part 2 of Shipmate Robertson’s story will be featured exact date that the Yorktown returned to Norfolk, in next month’s issue of FRA Today. “To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” — J. Fitzgerald, VA Easy-to-use remotes for massage/heat and recline/lift

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19 FRA TODAY JUNE 2015

Your credit score is an all-important number in the world of borrowing. Those three little digits help lenders decide whether to loan you money and on what terms. The higher your score, the lower your risk profile appears to prospective lenders. This, in turn, means you’ll generally have a better chance of receiving credit, along with lower interest rates on loans and credit accounts.

Your credit score is determined by a number of factors that are col- lected in your credit report, which is a summary of your past and current financial activity. This report can have a big impact on your credit score … and your future. 20 How Your Credit Score is Calculated score” and “credit score” are used synonymously, but that’s not entirely accurate. It’s good publicity for Your credit score(s) reflects how you handle financial com- FICO, the company that created credit scoring, but it’s mitments. Credit-related actions show up on your credit somewhat like calling all soda Coke®. JUNE 2015 reports, which include records of how you’ve managed bor- rowed money and loan repayment in the past. Three major Recently, another big player entered the fray: credit bureaus — Equifax®, Experian® and TransUnion®— VantageScore®. The credit bureaus, in an attempt to collect your financial data and assemble that data into your tap into the big bucks of credit scoring (and cut what FRA TODAY credit report; that information is used to create your credit they pay to FICO), created this new form of credit score. Understanding how your score is calculated and scoring. knowing what lenders see as risky behaviors can help you make smarter decisions and avoid big mistakes that can • DIFFERENT DATABASES: Different information coming damage your scores for years. in causes different scores to come out. Any of the three credit bureaus could supply the raw data that go into Credit scores are calculated based on these five factors: a particular credit score. But not all lenders report the 1. YOUR TRACK RECORD OF PAYMENTS: Making your pay- same information to each bureau, so your score may be ments on time, every time, will help increase your score. different based on which database is used. 2. HOW MUCH YOU OWE: You can’t build your credit • DIFFERENT PURPOSES: There are different models for score without using credit, but there’s such a thing as different types of lending. There’s a score designed too much credit. If you owe more money than you can to determine how much of a risk you are in general, reasonably afford to pay back, it will negatively affect but there are also scores for lenders who want to your credit score. gauge your risk specifically for a car loan, credit card or mortgage. 3. HOW LONG YOU’VE HAD ESTABLISHED CREDIT: The longer you maintain credit accounts with a strong his- • DIFFERENT VERSIONS: Over the years, credit scoring has tory of prompt payments, the higher your credit score gotten more and more sophisticated. However, some is likely to be. lenders may not want to pay for the latest and greatest 4. WHETHER YOU’RE TAKING ON OR REQUESTING NEW scoring version when they’re already using an older CREDIT: Requesting a variety of new credit accounts, (and less expensive) method to calculate your score. particularly within a short period of time, can lower This means they save some money while you have yet your score. more possible credit scores. 5. THE TYPES OF CREDIT ACCOUNTS YOU HAVE OPENED: Despite the potential confusion created by all of these dif- Car loans, major credit cards, mortgages and college ferent scores, there’s good news. Whether you have three or loans are weighted differently in determining your 30, you can be laser-focused in your effort to build or main- credit score. tain a top-notch score. Do the right things and everything will fall into place, no matter how your score is calculated. More than One Score Be aware that this all-important number, which ranges Establishing a Credit History from around 300 to around 850, can vary depending on the “The only way to build a credit history is to use credit,” scoring model used by credit agencies and lenders. You may explains Maxine Sweet, vice president of public education be surprised to learn you could have multiple credit scores. at the credit bureau Experian. Using it wisely is the key. Your score is calculated by taking the information held at a You need credit to get credit, which presents a common credit bureau (i.e., Equifax®, Experian® or TransUnion®) and financial predicament for many young people who are just running it through a scoring model. Although these models starting to establish a sound fiscal record. But even if you’re may be different, they all share a common purpose: They older and have been through some credit-wrecking havoc in examine your current and past credit behaviors to predict your life, you could face a similar problem. whether you are likely to pay back money that a lender is contemplating loaning to you. Here are six basic steps to help get you started: Here’s why you could have a variety of credit scores: 1. KNOW THE SCORE: Figure out what credit history you’ve established. Even if you’ve never had a loan or • DIFFERENT CREATORS: The FICO® score, which is used credit card, there’s a good chance you have information by many lenders, ranges from 300 to 850. Often, “FICO on your credit reports that has been compiled by the MAG-07_7.75x10_Layout 1 /15 :50 AM Page 1

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JUNE 2015 Under federal law, the three credit agencies are required to provide you with a free report every 12 WHAT’S REPORTED? months. J.J. Montanaro, a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner with USAA, suggests taking advantage of Keep in mind that only certain types of credit-related FRA TODAY your free annual report from AnnualCreditReport.com. items tend to be reported to credit bureaus. Your credit scores aren’t included in your free annual Yes: credit report, however, and you’ll have to pay $10 to • Credit cards $20 to view them. You can get your scores from myFICO. com or you can also purchase the VantageScore with a • Mortgages free report at annualcreditreport.com. By law, lenders • Car loans must provide you a credit score for free whenever you No: apply for credit and are turned down or not approved • Prepaid debit cards at the best rate. • Utility bills (although some utility companies 2. RESEARCH YOUR CHOICES: If you have little or no credit report delinquent accounts) history, your choices for loans or credit cards may be • Steady employment limited, says Montanaro. However, retail or gas cards, • Loan prepayments and loans secured by property, such as furniture or a car, may be easy to get. Montanaro also suggests ask- Maybe: ing someone with good credit to co-sign on a low-limit • Rental histories (most landlords report only credit card with you. tenants with negative histories) Your bank or credit union may provide another alternative. Sometimes they offer special programs for customers who need to establish credit. “USAA offers a secured credit card program that is linked with a CD rate,” says Jennifer Adams, executive director of tread carefully,” says Montanaro. “Using credit respon- product management at USAA. “It can be a great way sibly means you use and pay off your cards monthly, to help build credit history.” make payments on time every time, do not apply for numerous accounts and check your report periodically.” 3. ESTABLISH A TRACK RECORD: Once you have some credit accounts, it’s important to use, but not abuse, them. “It’s 5. DON’T MAKE THESE MISTAKES: Gina Jordan, assistant counterintuitive, but if you don’t use credit, you won’t vice president of product management at USAA, rec- be able to build a solid history,” explains Montanaro, ommends steering clear of these common blunders: who suggests using your card to make small purchases Submitting too many applications: Applying for and paying off the balance each month. For credit several lines of credit and loans within a short period newbies, a secured card might also be a good way to get of time can give lenders the impression that you’re in in the game. (See sidebar about secured credit cards on desperate need of money and may have trouble paying page 24.) back the debt. Keep your number of applications at a “By charging a small amount on at least one card and minimum and only go for the opportunities that offer paying the balance on time and, ideally, in full, you will the best deal for you. show that you can manage credit without charging Maxing out your accounts: Part of your score is based more than you can afford to pay,” adds Sweet. on the amount of credit you have available but aren’t 4. USE CREDIT WISELY: If you want to be a credit super- using. The lower your balance (in proportion to the star, you must follow two basic rules: Pay on time and credit limit), the better. don’t go over your credit limits. For those of you just Closing accounts: If you decide you no longer need starting out, this is critical. a particular account, don’t close it. The age of your “It is important to start carefully — at this point, you accounts affects your score, so keep the oldest ones to don’t have a long and distinguished track record that show as long a credit history as possible. can help alleviate the impact of a small mistake, so 09_06312_001_BD.indd 10¾ 10¾

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24 6. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR REPORTS: Once you’ve established credit, get in the habit of keeping an eye out for fraudulent activity, as well as any reporting HOW A USAA SECURED mistakes. Jordan recommends services such as USAA’s JUNE 2015 CREDIT CARD WORKS CreditCheck Monitoring® through Experian to protect your credit and guard against identity theft. Start building your credit. Opening a certificate of deposit (CD) lets you get a credit card even if you don’t FRA TODAY Improving Your Credit Score have a credit history or have bad credit. Once you’ve established credit, it’s important to responsibly A secured credit card is a real credit card, not a prepaid manage different types of debt: car loans, major credit or debit card, that helps you build or improve your cards, mortgages and college loans. The tips for improving credit score. When you apply, you’ll also be opening a credit scores aren’t much different than those offered for USAA two-year CD, an interest-earning deposit account establishing them. that has a two-year term and a $250-minimum initial • BE ON TIME: Payment history affects about 35% of deposit. Your CD is a security deposit and the money your credit score, so you’ll want your payment history you put in upfront, from $250 to $5,000, is the card’s to be impeccable. The habit of not paying on time will credit limit. You’ll earn interest on your CD and your really hurt you. Never, ever be late with your payments. deposit is guaranteed to grow. Plus, the money is yours Better yet, pay early. Pay all of your bills on time, every to keep as long as you don’t default on your payments. time. “Your score reflects a pattern of behavior and represents your overall body of credit work, but it also reflects the notion of ‘what have you done — or not done — for me your score in six to 12 months, if your credit report is lately?’” Montanaro says. “If you continue to use credit otherwise pristine. and demonstrate that you are managing it well over time, your scores will begin/continue to climb.” What If You’re Already in Trouble? • BE DEBT-AVERSE: Keep your credit card balances low. What if, either through bad circumstances or bad manage- You can demonstrate creditworthiness by demonstrat- ment, an elephant-sized pile of consumer debt now sits on ing restraint. Backward though it may seem, if you use your chest? It’s heavy, it’s stressful and you can’t imagine too much of the credit extended to you, you will hurt how you’re ever going to get out from under it. Many folks your score. So don’t carry balances on credit cards or in this situation consider a consolidation loan or maybe a lines of credit, and if you do, keep the balance to less balance transfer to help solve the problem. Scott Halliwell, than 20-25 percent of what’s available. You have to be title, recommends doing a couple of other important things in the game, but not all in. first, before you consider such steps. • BE PATIENT: Credit history includes the word history for “First and foremost, fix the cause. Life is full of cause- a reason. Potential lenders want to know that you’ll be and-effect relationships. And when you’re trying to fix a a good borrower in good times and bad, and building problem, you’re more likely to find success if you focus on or rebuilding that image of reliability takes time. Being the cause,” says Halliwell. “With debt, this means asking a good borrower over a few years or a decade is a big- yourself how you got in debt in the first place. Was it bad ger deal than a good payment history of only a month luck? Be honest with yourself. Or was it the result of bad or two. This is one reason that keeping older credit decisions?” accounts and avoiding the establishment of new ones is a good idea. Whatever the reason, unless the cause of your indebtedness is addressed and you take action to stop it from happening Even if you change bad financial behaviors, it takes again, it’s often a matter of time before you will find yourself time to improve your credit history. (See page 26.) in an even worse situation. At a minimum, this means estab- Although late payments may remain on your credit lishing (or reestablishing) a budget, diligently following it report for seven years, generally if you clear all past- and limiting or cutting off your use of consumer debt. due debts and pay on time from then on, your score can improve quickly. Additionally, the further in the Second, Halliwell also suggests stashing some cash. This rearview mirror bad things are, the less they impact can be difficult when you have a pile of bills to pay. And it the score. A single late payment should stop affecting may even seem counter-intuitive when savings accounts MUS224-05_7.75x10_Layout 1 4/30/15 4:07 PM Page 1

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Prices and availability subject to change without notice. NOTE: GovMint.com® is a private distributor of worldwide government coin and currency issues and privately issued licensed collectibles and is not affiliated with the United States government. Facts and figures deemed accurate as of March 2015. ©2015 GovMint.com. ACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES 26 Because payment histories and financial pictures can differ among consumers, it’s impossible to predict exactly how much a financial misstep will hurt your score. But it is possible to categorize bad financial behaviors. Below are some possible consequences of credit-related actions, compiled from information provided by Experian, myFico.com and SmartCredit.com. JUNE 2015

FRA TODAY Applying for a new line of credit, auto loan or None to mild (10- to 60-point Within a year student loan reduction) Single 30-day late bill payment Mild (10- to 60-point reduction) Within a year Multiple credit card issuers requesting your Mild to moderate (10- to 100-point Could take a year or credit report in a 12-month period reduction) more Multiple historical 30-day late payments Moderate (60- to 100-point reduction) More than a year Account sent to collections Severe (100-point reduction or more) 2 to 10 years, depending on the infraction High credit-card-utilization rate (your balance Severe (100 points or more) Upon improvement of compared to your credit limits) ratio Foreclosure Severe (100 points or more) 2 to 10 years, depending on the infraction Bankruptcy Severe (100 points or more) 2 to 10 years, depending on the infraction Short sale Severe (100 points or more) 2 to 10 years, depending on the infraction Charge-offs, settlements, collections, loan Severe (100 points or more) 2 to 10 years, depending defaults, accounts going 90 days delinquent on the infraction or worse, a large number of low-level current delinquencies (30 days, 60 days past due)

Typically, the higher your score, the bigger hit you’ll take with each payment problem. “If you’ve got a superb track record, a misstep is something out of the ordinary,” says JJ Montanaro, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with USAA. “But with a low score, to some extent, negative behaviors have already been factored in.”

are currently paying less than 1 percent when credit card should be to set aside a small emergency fund. That way, companies are charging an average interest rate of 14.9 when you need cash for a crisis, you have it. Just be sure to percent*. If you’re already in credit trouble, you may be pay- replenish your fund if you’re forced to use some of it.” ing closer to 22.5 percent on your credit card debt. “I’m completely aware that my suggestion makes no sense An American Way of Life mathematically,” Halliwell acknowledges. “Earning less Financial choices you make today and made yesterday have than one percent on money that could be used to pay a direct and often lasting impact on the credit options you off debt that’s accruing interest at 15 percent or higher have available to you tomorrow. Borrowing money to buy a is pure lunacy from a mathematical perspective. But for home, car or other major purchase is a common practice for many people, fixing this problem really isn’t about doing most Americans and it’s critical to understand your current the math. It’s about setting themselves up for success and credit score and take steps for securing your financial health changing behavior. Having a little cash in the bank when in the future. something unexpected happens can go a long way toward getting there. “Trust me, the unexpected will happen. And when it does, Scott Halliwell and J.J. Montanaro are both CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ if you’re like most people, you’ll pull out your credit card professionals, each with more than 20 years of experience in the financial services to deal with it, which just adds to the problem. That’s why industry. They provide advice in USAA’s Financial Advice Community, Ask USAA, your first step, even if you have a bunch of credit card debt, USAA’s Financial Advice Blog and in the Ask Scott & JJ page on military.com. They also regularly speak on personal finance topics to audiences around the country *As of 4-15-2015 and have been quoted in virtually every major financial publication. Perfect Choice HD™ is simple to use, hard to see and easy to afford… Invention of the Year PERSONAL SOUND AMPLIFICATION PRODUCTS (PSAPs)

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28 FRA CONGRATULATES THE FOLLOWING shipmates who have recently become Life Members. Below are the names and their branches (or MAL if they are a Member-at-Large) of all who became Life Members in the first quarter of 2015. Call 1-800- FRA-1924 to learn how you can become a Life Member. JUNE 2015 January 2015 Thomas W Vinson, Jr. 099 William G Conner 005 Eduardo L Narvaez, Sr. 154 Richard P Mueller MAL Carol Rixon MAL Brian J Merenda 367 Paul R Wick MAL Mark S Pittington 175 FRA TODAY Billy W Owens 104 Billy D Gann 161 Richard L Crank 269 Phillip R Curry MAL David J Mugrage MAL Normand G Kelley MAL Bobby Coney 278 Nancy Jean Orth MAL Earnest Reed, Sr. 034 Richard K Trabold MAL Ricardo R Gonzales 302 David D Horvath 141 David C L Butcher 289 James A Akins 093 Lenard Deville MAL David Floyd Nuvill II MAL William Demmers, Jr. MAL Samuel W Polk 070 Silas Hal Sims 365 Arthur J Broussard 371 Joe L Valdez 094 James A Wessol MAL Jack R La Roche 099 Wallace M Williams 269 Frederick T Woodley 269 Rudolph A Kleven 273 William L Dunnam MAL Jesse F Childs 034 James H Wassmuth 226 Bobby G Harrell MAL William R Chandler 047 Arthur J Hance III 269 Michael D Banner 113 Patrick E Lutz MAL Joseph L Carlton MAL David A Balduf 293 David M Smith 097 Charles W Cain 060 Romeo F Gumboc 046 Lester F Nelson 104 Donald R Brown 021 Jerry L Weaver 245 Robert L Fullmer MAL Larry N Blake 210 James P Gallagher, Jr. MAL Joseph J Mahar 285 Allen F Capel MAL Thompson Franklin 177 Daniel E Neumann 091 Gerald L Gray, Jr. 208 February 2015 Joseph H Forbes MAL Pete T Frede 301 Frank Paul Mish 210 Billy J Ricketts 060 John Gilson 046 Jack Manthey 053 Dan J Stephens 090 Robert Range MAL Charles D Threatt 024 Earl A Hurlburt, Jr. 067 Daniel E Faulkner 227 Wendall C Waters MAL Joseph J Sodomka 022 Julian S Rouch 282 Darryl R Currie MAL Roy N Hopkins MAL Joseph H Hill 040 Jerry A Kuykendall 182 John Ratliff 046 Dean C Wendt 261 Donald E Gilleland 161 Angelino M Mabalot 154 Raymond G Lallak MAL William Nobrega 132 Enio Minervini MAL Robert S Miller 324 Gary A Burgdoff 022 Norman G Schwartz MAL Richard A Van Dellen 276 Carl P Oswald 029 Francisco G Zayas 091 Juan G Mangosing 099 Duane A Andre MAL Warren Dautrich 115 Michael Thorp 309 A H Caughey MAL Caleb P Bowling MAL Carol E Patterson MAL Thomas G Egan 147 Billy E Walker MAL John W Ross 289 Russell E Oestringer 059 Bruce Brown 269 John H Brandes MAL Robert Castillo MAL Dwight W Cooper MAL Jon E Dahl 267 Thomas J Laronde MAL Ronald K Smallman 024 Eldon F Chittenden MAL Pat Frede 301 Edward L Ellis 367 Dennis Engdahl 098 March 2015 Wesley A Dietz 020 Michael Kendrick MAL Jason R Gagen 103 Frank C Yeager 269 Gualberto Calafell MAL Wayne P Warren MAL Joey M Azuelo 302 Donald Combs 161 Ronald A Mack MAL James Wade 062 Nadia R Kosovych 226 Levon M Taylor 161 Scott A Bernard 024 John S Mayo II MAL Leon T Troy, Jr. MAL Ernest E McClellan 170 Martha Klinikowski 126 Armand Pilotte MAL Grady M Doyle MAL James D Brt MAL Alfred M Ripka MAL Modesto E Siadto 154 David G Englehart, Sr. 106 Tommy G Simmons 289 Alice M McCabe MAL Eduardo T Acayan 126 Cameron F Harr 084 Arthur F Dott 214 Harold J Garland MAL Alvin A Huggler MAL William Henry MAL Louis V Wiggins 005 Stefan L Smolski MAL William A Eigenbauer 126 Jerry M Marts MAL Richard Lescallette MAL Salvador S Valdez 154 Donald L Carnahan 028 Diane L Colvin MAL Francis A Tremblay 047 Olivia Hooker 226 Leon Mannes MAL Daniel W Burger, Jr. 106 Renato Q Argao 101 Dale E Barham 047 James C Helton 278 Joel McPherson MAL Robert L Bishop MAL James H Hamilton 099 Robert A Johnson 124 Leon R Simmons 175 Charlie Coggins MAL Robert J Miller MAL Donald D Petersen 269 William P Freligh 269 Winston E Dowland 046 Sarah Elhoffer 210 Arthur W Jones 307 Gary L Keener 060 Martin D Sosa 208 Donald G Scism MAL Charles Mahone MAL Bryon V Sullivan MAL Edward A Trainer, Jr. 094 Donald W McClure 234 Michael Ballard 201 Ronald D Walston 269 Franklin L Ragsdale 068 Stephen D Taylor 261 Gordon J Sarver 269 Larry D Berg 161 Michael E Buechel 020

2015 REGIONAL CONVENTIONS

30 EAST COAST REGION: JULY 23 – 25 HOST: BRANCH 259 Holiday Inn Fayetteville I-95, Fayetteville, North Carolina Contact: Joe Palmer, PRPEC, FRA Chairman: 910-424-2334, [email protected]

JUNE 2015 Ellen Milewski, LA FRA Chairman: 910-875-5481, [email protected]

FRA TODAY SOUTHWEST REGION: AUGUST 8 – 9 HOST: BRANCH AND UNIT 70 Riverside Resort, Laughlin, Nevada Contact: RSSW Darvin Dalrymple at 619-992-9886, [email protected] Unit VP Michelle Caston at 760-803-5656, [email protected]

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION: AUGUST 12 – 16 HOST: BRANCH AND UNIT 98 Shreveport Downtown Hotel, Shreveport, Louisiana Contact: PRPSC Bob Holcomb at 512-295-3691, [email protected] or Aux RPSC Joan Miller at 512-863-9692, [email protected]

NORTH CENTRAL REGION: AUGUST 16 – 19 HOST: FRA NCR GRAY HATS The Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center, Branson, Missouri Contact: PRPNC Marty Posekany: 616-225-9264, [email protected] PRPNC Ginny Bowers: 740-522-6803, [email protected]

SOUTHEAST: SEPTEMBER 10 –13 HOST: BRANCH AND UNIT 269 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Charleston Air, North Charleston, South Carolina Contact: Convention Chairman: Chuck Hines 843-813-1615, [email protected] LAFRA Chairman: Mary Lopez 843-696-5828, [email protected] Candidates: RPSE: Shipmate Dave Davis, Branch 290 RVPSE: Shipmate Chuck Hines, Branch 269

WEST COAST REGION: AUGUST 20 – 22 HOST: BRANCH 192 AND BRANCH AND UNIT 137 Gold Dust West Hotel and Casino, Carson City, Nevada Contact: PRPWC Patrick LeClaire at 775-423-4168, [email protected] or Aux PRPWC Kathy Goheen at 775-781-4108, [email protected] Candidates: RPWC PRPWC Patrick LeClaire RVPWC: Shipmate Rick Athenour, Br. 137 Shipmate Roland Shorter Jr., Br. 008

NORTHEAST/NEW ENGLAND REGION: SEPTEMBER 18 – 19 HOST: BRANCH 20 Groton Inn & Suites, Groton, Connecticut Contact: (No contact) Candidates: Open (No resolutions submitted)

NORTHWEST REGION: SEPTEMBER 11 – 12 HOST: BRANCH AND UNIT 18 Embassy Suites Hotel, Lynnewood, Washington Contact: PRPNW Jerry Jordan: 425-672-0871, [email protected] LAFRA Convention Chair: Sara Hicks: 206-362-4835, [email protected] In Memoriam TAPS

31 NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH FRA TODAY

Holmes, James A, BTCM, USN 029 Young, Fred L, YNCM(SS), USN MAL

Iozzo, James, MMCM, USN 307 Younger, Jimmie E, USN 113 JUNE 2015 Jackson, Carroll, EMCS, USNR 276 James, Norman A, AGC, USN MAL Zuccaro, Anthony, QMCM, USN 024 Johnson, William C, CS1, USN 344

Keane, Paul F, BM2, USN 072 Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. Kerns, Ellis R, BM1, USN 194 Kinser, Robert H, ADJ2, USN 280 Klag, Narcy H, CS1, USN 182 NAME BRANCH Kline, William B, AOC, USN 018

Allen, Robert R, LCDR, USN 024 Langan, Paul J, BTC, USN 290 Arestad, Theodore, MCPO, USN 174 Lightcap, Robert M, AVCM, USN 091 Lindsey, William R, QMC, USN 257 Banks, Charles G, OSCS, USN MAL The toll of the ship’s bell Barrett, Donald L, MMCM, USN 070 Martinez, Antonio L, SK1, USN 178 Blaine, Richard T, CECS, USN 311 McBriar, John A, TM1(SS), USN 170 reminds us of the reverence Blanchard, Charles, BT1, USN 214 Melton, John W, GMC, USN 234 Bowers, Nelson W, ACCS, USN MAL Moore, George W, GMG1, USN 175 we owe to our departed Shipmates Brizius, George E, MSCM(SS), USN 293 Morgana, Richard J, MSC(SS), USN MAL Brown, Kenith A, DKCS, USN MAL Morton, Donald R, MSC, USN 229 and to those who guard the honor Burkhart, Fred A, HMCM, USN MAL Murphy, John A, SGTMAJ, USMC 208 of our country Carsten, Thomas A, CPO, USN MAL Newton, Bobby, YNC, USN MAL Chase, Albert G, BMC, USN 022 upon the sea, Clark, Glenn A, MRC, USN MAL Palmer, Richard W, ASCS, USN MAL Collins, Edward A, CPO, USCG 194 Peterson, K F, QMCM, USN 136 under the sea, Cooley, John D, USN 070 Poirier, Donald W, PO1, USN 146 Coombs, Donald E, YNC, USN 031 Price, Donald H, DCCS(SW), USN 269 Price, John E, RDC, USN 267 in the air Diffenderfer, Eugene A, SKCS, USN 115 Pulizzi, Leonardo, MRCM, USN MAL Dombus, Andrew F, MMCS, USN 175 and upon foreign soil. Doster, Grover C, COL, USMC 208 Rasmussen, Darrell, AMSC, USN 022 Dummitt, Dave, ENCS, USN 038 Rinaldi, Dennis L, BT1, USN 115 Let it be a reminder Dunphy, Leo W, ASC, USN MAL Robbins, Harold C, ADRC, USN MAL Rosario, Arturo G, USN 269 of the faith they Elder, George P, PO1, USN MAL Ryan, James D, USN MAL Eskridge, James, ADRC, USN MAL confide in us. Scallan, Walter J, PHCM, USN 092 Finkle, Terry M, GYSGT, USMC 181 Scanlon, John, AOCS, USN MAL Let us who gather here Finney, Walter W, RMCM/SS, USN 005 Smedberg, Gerald R, EOCS, USN 273 Spry, David R, CPL, USMC 276 not forget our obligations Ganis, Benjamin F, MCPO, USN 022 Swinney, Sterling P, PNC, USN 094 Ghent, Douglas R, PNC, USN 053 and in silence Graham, John H, DKC, USN 229 Van Allen, Dale L, ADR1, USN MAL Green, William F, EOC, USN MAL Vaught, Robert E, BMC, USN 275 Grice, Robert L, ACCS, USN MAL Vigeant, Henry B, CPO, USN 285 breathe a prayer

Harman, Cecil B, ACCM, USN 186 Whitaker, Carol S, USN MAL for our absent Shipmates. Harris, Raymond H, ADJC, USN 022 Whitley, Joe K, RMCM, USN 346 Hess, Robert W, YN2, USN 292 Wilson, Grady C, AMSC, USN 098 Hipp, Lloyd F, ABH1, USN 086 Worrell, Joe A, BMC, USN 022 Hirschauer, Robert L, EOC, USNR 028 Wyne, Philip W, LT, USN 005 REUNIONS

32 18th Navy Lithographers Association USS Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) October 21–24, 2015, Nashville, TN. November 7–12, 2015, Branson, MO. Contact John Belrose, 540-785-8250, Contact Jim Hansen, 719-488-4443, [email protected] [email protected] JUNE 2015 Aviation Logistics Marines USS Kaskaskia (AO-27) October 8 –10, 2015, The Villages, FL. September 23–27, 2015, San Contact Don Davis, 6211 Ingalls St., Antonio, TX. Contact James Danley,

FRA TODAY Melbourne, FL 32940, 321-978-5147, 918-967-2565. [email protected] USS Kitty Hawk (CVA/CV63) Corpsman United, USN October 5 – 8, 2015, Las Vegas, NV. August 20–23, 2015, Branson, MO. Contact Jim Melka, 319-934-4416, Contact Jim Bishop, 313 Sioux Rd., [email protected] Bristol, VA 24201, 276-698-0018, USS Liberty [email protected] June 19 –21, 2015, Manistee, MI. USS Sea Cat (SS-399) National Chief Petty Officers & Florida Contact 386-446-6855 or October 19 – 23, 2015, Mobile, AL. Chief Petty Officer Association’s Joint [email protected] Contact Ed Hymer, 1114 Elm Ave., Convention and Fling Norwalk, IA 50211, 515-981-3006. October 7–11, 2015, Las Vegas, NV. USS Perkins (DD-26, DD-377, DDR-877) Contact Bob Mccauley, USS Stonewall Jackson (SSBN-634) September 9 –13, 2015, Colorado [email protected] September 9 –12, 2015, San Antonio, Springs, CO. Contact Amy Keenan, 719- TX. Contact Jeff Morris, 723 Little Creek OM-IM Association, Inc. 205-9721, [email protected] Dr., Duncanville, TX 75116, 972-298- October 1– 4, 2015, San Diego, CA. USS Persistent (MSO-491) 8807, [email protected] Contact John Bryan, 706-339-5905, October 15 –18, 2015, Branson, MO. [email protected] VF-11 Red Rippers Contact Nelson Arroyo, 619 Highlander August 24 – 28, 2015, Pensacola, FL. Patrol Squadron 23 Ave., Placentia, CA 92870, 714-524- Contact Jeff Thompson, 319-395-0646, July 24–26, 2015, Brunswick, ME. 1747, [email protected] [email protected] Contact Jon Jewett, 603-770-0715, USS Piedmont (AD-17) [email protected] VR-22 Reunion Group September 16 –20, 2015, Albany, NY. October 14 –18, 2015, Myrtle Beach, USS DeHaven (DD-727) Contact Kent Thomas, 7800 W. 158 St., SC. Contact Gene M. Shonkwiler, 863- September 1– 5, 2015, Albuquerque, Overland Park, KS 66223, 913-381- 969-3850, [email protected] NM. Contact Jim Riggen, 2606 8934, [email protected] Jefferson Ave., Joplin, MO 64804, 417- USS Richard L Page (DEF/FFG-5) Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, 624-5718, [email protected] September 24 –27, 2015, San Antonio, submit to [email protected] or mail to: FRA USS James E. Kyes (DD-787) TX. Contact Dale Kerkman, 262-878- Reunions, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314. September 24 –27, 2015, Charleston 1714, [email protected] SC. Contact Rick Warden, 1714 Sophia St., Carthage, MO 64836, 417-358- 2505, [email protected]

Reunions are a Great Recruiting Opportunity!

IF YOU’RE HOSTING OR attending a reunion, please consider how many prospective FRA members will also be there! FRA has published a prospective member brochure with an information request form. You can easily talk through benefits of membership with the prospect using this brochure and offer NewsBytes or one of the FRA guides, provided by filling out the information card. These work great for one-to-one conversations with someone who you know is eligible for membership (at least one day of enlisted service in the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard). You can request these brochures or other items for your reunion from Penny Collins at 1-800-372-1924 (ext. 123) or penny@fra. org. Reunions are great places to recruit. If you’d like additional information or ideas for your reunion, please contact Penny!

The FRA prospective member brochure is a great tool for recruiting new members. 1-800-MILITARY (1-800-645-4827) AUTO + HOME + RENTERS + MOTORCYCLE + BOAT

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BRANCH 182 BETHESDA, MD.

JUNE 2015 Congratulations to Shipmate John Sasso for celebrating 40 years of continuous FRA membership. Shown (l to r) are Shipmates

FRA TODAY Randy Philip, John Wooditch, Branch President Keith Kaider, Sasso, Mark Allen and Thomas “Tom” Rausch.

BRANCH 72 FALLS RIVER, MASS. Branch President William Bailey welcomes new member, Arthur G. Caesar, to the branch at its regular monthly meeting. Shipmate Caesar is a 10-year veteran, having served six years in the Marine Corps and four years in the Navy Seabees. He is the Veterans’ Agent for the town of Westport and is also an elected constable.

BRANCH 112 BIRMINGHAM, ALA BRANCH 226 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Branch President Garland Odell had the pleasure During an all-hands meeting of USCGG Sector of recognizing Shipmate Charles Tamborino as he New York, the chief petty officers selected marked his 50 years of continuous FRA member- MST3 Monica Spies as Enlisted Person of The ship. Shipmate Charles’ wife Diane, their Quarter. Captain Loebl, Command Master Chief daughter Beth and her husband Michael Fritts, Heimberger and Branch President Jim Brown their grandchildren Megan and John David Fritts present Spies with a plaque, gift certificate and and Branch Vice President Rosalind Fazel were complimentary membership in the FRA. also present for the ceremony.

BRANCH 124 LAKEHURST, N.J. Shown (l to r) are Branch President William Anthony as he congratulates the Northeast/New England Region’s Shipmate of the Year for Health, Welfare and Rehabilitation Robert A. Johnson on his success. RPNE/ NEng Floyd Hunt and Awards Chairman William McLane look on. (This caption appeared in the April 2015 issue with an incorrect photo. We sincerely apologize for the error and any confusion it caused.) NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES

35 FRA TODAY BRANCH 13 ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. Shipmates Matthew Miller and Robert Campbell, along with former Congressman JUNE 2015 Patrick Murphy (Pa.), were installed as honor members of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains in Valley Forge, Pa. Pictured (l to r) are Christine Beady, Executive Director of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains; Mr. and Mrs. Miller (receiving the Legion of Honor Award on behalf of son Matthew); former Congressman Patrick Murphy (Pa.); Robert Campbell, USN (Ret.); and Capt. Lou Cavaliere, USN (Ret.), Chairman of the Board of Directors.

BRANCH 38 MEAD, WASH. Branch President Robert Bean (far right) and Secretary Margret Burke (far left) flank Evergreen Middle School students who competed in FRA’s Americanism Essay Contest. Shown (l to r) are Julia Fritz (1st place, 7th grade), Blake Bulock (3rd place, 8th grade), Hayden Nolting (1st place, 8th grade) and Ashley Jensen (essay contest participant).

BRANCH 316 SPRINGFIELD, MO. Branch Secretary Chuck Ewy poses with Cub Scout Pack 694, which the branch sponsors.

BRANCH 267 GREATER ST. LOUIS, MO. BRANCH 156 BRUNSWICK, MAINE Shipmates and Auxiliary members presented Congratulations to Americanism Essay Contest donation checks to the USO at Lambert winner Timothy St. Pierre, whose essay advanced International Airport in St. Louis. Pictured (l to the regional level. RPNE/NEng Floyd Hunt (left) to r) are S/M Dale Ferrington, S/M John and PRPNEng Paul Loveless (right) presented St. Schnohorst, Shirley Ferrington, Vi Taylor, Pierre (center) with a plaque and $100 check. Unit President Linda Schnohorst , S/M John Hollowood, Marge (friend of S/M Piva), S/M To submit a photo for News From the Branches, Jerry Piva, Barb Skates (holding check), S/M please e-mail a photo as an attachment in jpeg Jerry Hessel, USO Executive Director Kathy format to [email protected] or mail a high-quality O’Connor, Branch President Robert Hudson photograph to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, (holding check), PRPNC John Partin, Betty Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief Schnohorst, Unit Historian Pat Brown and description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned S/M James Taylor (kneeling). copies of photographs cannot be accepted. NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

36 Message from the National President

OUR ORGANIZATION’S ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE to Arlington National Cemetery took

JUNE 2015 place on April 18, 2015, and as always it was the most heartwarming and solemn occasion. The “Two Bell Ceremony” presented by Shipmates Chris Slawinski and Bob Washington and the prayers presented by our LAFRA National Chaplain

FRA TODAY Teresa Norton at the Amphitheater were very moving. We enjoyed a beautiful day and a very good turnout of FRA and LAFRA members. It is breathtaking to stand at the top of those stairs and see “The Tomb of the Unknowns”. The pictures below say it all. DORIS FRI National President

RPSW Bea Parco, Mary Lee, Lauren Wynn Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Marjorie Ippert at the Mast of the Maine

NP Doris with Escorts Two Bell Ceremony

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