5 Slowing Pay Increases and Unspent Health Care Funds 16 Communicating with Shipmates 32 FRA Education Foundation Scholarship Recipients MESOTHELIOMA

FINIS H FY 2013 DEF ENS E AUTHORIZATION 8 SEPTEMBER 2012

Sit. Stay. Heal. 18

5 Slowing Pay Increases and Unspent Health Care Funds 16 Communicating With Shipmates 32 FRA Education Foundation Scholarship Recipients MESOTHELIOMA

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Volume 91 Number 9 1 Featured 18 FRA TOD A Y 18 SIT. STAY. HEAL. SEPTEMBER 2012 Man’s best friend is more than a companion for many veterans who su!er the physical and mental e!ects of their military service. Speci"cally-trained service dogs are helping veterans overcome a variety of challenges, including the e!ects of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Departments 2 COMMUNICATIONS

4 FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION Combined Federal Campaign, FRA 4 Education Foundation Scholarship Season Kick-Off Together 5 NED PERSPECTIVE Slowing Pay Increases and Unspent Health Care Funds 6 FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

7 SHIPMATE FORUM 14

8 ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL Finish FY 2013 Defense Authorization 16 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Communicating With Shipmates 28 REUNIONS

29 THE VALUE OF FRA LIFE MEMBERSHIP

31 TAPS

32 FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

34 NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES

36 FRA AUXILIARY NEWS Message from Regional President West Coast Kathy Goheen

LOYALTY, PROTECTION AND SERVICE

FRA IS A CONGRESSIONALLY CHARTERED, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION ON THE COVER ADVOCATING FOR CURRENT AND FORMER ENLISTED MEMBERS OF THE Labrador retrievers are among several breeds of U.S. NAVY, MARINE CORPS AND COAST GUARD ON CAPITOL HILL. FOR dogs that are trained to assist veterans and others MORE INFORMATION ON THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP, PLEASE VISIT who have physical and mental disabilities. Photo by WWW.FRA.ORG OR CALL 800-FRA-1924. jjwithers at iStockphoto. COMMUNICATIONS

2 NATIONAL OFFICERS/BOARD OF DIRECTORS National President Jeffrey A. Gilmartin,Potomac Region Branch 207 National Vice President Mark A. Kilgore, Pensacola Branch 22 National Executive Dir. Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Department Branch 181 Legislative Advocacy Finance Ofﬁcer Paul Rigby, Honorary Member Junior PNP James W. Scarbro, Chesapeake Branch 40

SEPTEMBER 2012 Eileen Murphy

Y Association

A National Parliamentarian PRPNE William E. Starkey, Jr., South Jersey FRA’S LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY WORK is directly related to its mission of Branch 57 National Chaplain Katherine Grey, Potomac Region Branch 207

FRA TOD guarding the pay, bene"ts and quality of life issues for current and former enlisted Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel. REGIONAL PRESIDENTS #at is a big sentence, but what does it really mean? New England Philip A. Justin, Quonset Davisville, Branch 42 In order for a legislative advocacy-focused association to be e!ec- Northeast David Munday III, Lakehurst Branch 124 tive, it must have members with similar needs and concerns, and those East Coast Darrell F. McKinley, Jr., Elizabeth City Branch 293 members must be willing to a) have the association speak on their be- Southeast Frederick Bolz, Low Country Branch 269 half and b) participate in the process. Every shipmate is represented North Central Charles “Chuck” Neureuther, Wolverine Branch 298 when FRA’s legislative team holds meetings on Capitol Hill. Of course, South Central Arthur R. McAvoy, Lone Star Branch 11 the bigger an association is, the louder they are heard — so partici- Southwest Stanley J. Lewandowski, Imperial Beach pating in the process means renewing your membership and recruit- Branch 289 ing other members to join the e!ort. Participating in the process also West Coast Richard J. Fetro, Santa Clara Valley Branch 101 means reading the issues discussed in On & O! Capitol Hill and letting Northwest Pete Lazzaretti, Mt. Rainier Branch 104 the legislative team know your thoughts and concerns as well as weigh- ing in with your Representative or Senators. ACTIVE DUTY ADVISORY COUNCIL Grass roots advocacy makes a big di!erence. For months, we have Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West been letting readers know of the concerns about sequestration’s e!ect Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Micheal Barrett on the military community. On page 8 this month you will read that Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michael Leavitt the White House O$ce of Management and Budget (OMB) has stated that military personnel programs are exempt from sequestration. #ere RESERVE ADVISORY COUNCIL is no doubt that pressure from FRA and other associations impacted Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve Chris Wheeler this decision. Of course, the "ght continues and there are additional USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major James Booker bills on which readers can weigh in to exclude DoD from sequestration. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force Advocacy work is an ongoing process, and FRA has been at the forefront Mark Allen longer than any other association representing the enlisted perspective. When you are talking to your friends and family, help them be in- FRA TODAY MAGAZINE formed and involved with what is happening on Capitol Hill by invit- Publisher FRA ing them to visit the Action Center on www.fra.org and contact their National Executive Director Joseph L. Barnes elected o$cials. You can also o!er a free subscription to NewsBytes, Managing Editor Eileen Murphy FRA’s weekly legislative e-mail update. Anyone interested need only Contributing Editor Lauren Armstrong

send their contact information to [email protected] with “subscribe” Design and Art Direction FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com in the subject line. Design Director Scott Rodgerson FRA’s success relies on informed and active shipmates and families. Production Manager Sandy Jones #ank you for your continued membership and participation in the legislative process. 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 Communicate With Your Elected Officials ANNUAL DUES. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ALEXANDRIA, VA AND ADDITIONAL As the November elections draw near, it’s even more important for shipmates to OFFICES. PUBLICATION OF NON-SPONSORED ADVERTISING IN FRA TODAY DOES NOT keep abreast of their elected officials’ stand on issues relevant to military and veter- CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE FRA OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: MEMBER SERVICES, FRA, 125 N. WEST ST., ALEXANDRIA, ans’ benefits. It’s equally important to make sure incumbent candidates understand VA 22314-2754. FRA TODAY IS PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF ALL CURRENT AND their constituents’ perspective. FORMER ENLISTED PERSONNEL OF THE U.S. NAVY, MARINE CORPS, AND COAST GUARD. ELIGIBLE NON-MEMBERS ARE NOT ENTITLED TO SUBSCRIPTION RATES. ESTABLISHED FRA’s Communicate With Your Elected Officials booklet is a great tool to help you 1 NOVEMBER 1923. TITLE REGISTERED WITH U.S. PATENT OFFICE. share your views with those who represent you on Capitol Hill. Call our Member FRA ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS: 125 N. WEST ST., ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314-2754 Services staff at 1-800-FRA-1924 or e-mail [email protected] and ask that a copy of PHONE: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 s FAX: 703-549-6610 s E-MAIL: [email protected] this free booklet be sent to you. WWW. FRA.ORG VOLUME 91 NUMBER 9

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9<0:;);:<48<05%<56<)8338"6/ Address ______Enclosed is my check/money order payable to “Veterans Commemoratives” for $345* as payment in full, OR City______State_____ Zip ______Charge my credit card $345* as payment in full, OR Charge my credit card in three interest-free monthly payments of $115* each. Phone # (______)______Email ______*Plus $14.95* for Shipping and Handling *PA Residents add 6% sales tax. © ICM 2011-2012 BOMBER-NA-012 )8:<84,;:<)9-;<293945:%<57;46 <7822;28:549(;<"547,;6 <:9-6<<577;668:9;6<(9694<6<8-39-;<54<(;4782782 FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Combined Federal Campaign, FRA Education Foundation Scholarship SEPTEMBER 2012

Y Season Kick-Off Together A AS MOST STUDENTS ARE begin- FRA Education Foundation awards,

FRA TOD ning their academic year, the Fleet applicants must be a$liated with the Reserve Association (FRA) Education Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, Foundation is also gearing up for its either through their own service or 2012–2013 season. By partnering that of a spouse, parent or grandpar- with military and education profes- ent. Members of the FRA and their sionals, the Foundation promotes life- family members qualify for a broader long learning opportunities that help range of scholarships, several of which scholars reach their educational, pro- are funded through member legacy EDUCATION FOUNDATION fessional and personal goals. donations. As a newly approved charity with “#e FRA Education Foundation the Combined Federal Campaign was established in 2009 in an e!ort donate to the Education Foundation (CFC), the Foundation is participat- to expand FRA’s scholarship program online at www.fra.org/support and in- ing in the only authorized solicita- that has been helping students pur- formation about the scholarship pro- tion of federal employees on behalf sue higher education for decades,” gram, including application forms, is of approved 501(c)3 charitable orga- explained Joe Barnes, FRA’s national available at www.fra.org/foundation. nizations. CFC Kick-O! events are executive director and member of the #e deadline to apply for Foundation scheduled to be held around the nation FRA Education Foundation Board of scholarships is April 15th of each year. this month, bringing added exposure Directors. “We’re very proud to have “#rough the generous support of to the Foundation’s generous scholar- met the CFC’s stringent standards our members, corporate sponsors and ship program. September also marks for participation and honored to be other donors, we were able to award a the beginning of the Foundation’s named a CFC-approved charity.” total $128,000 to 28 scholars in 2012,” scholarship year, when applications for Donations to the FRA Education said Barnes. (See page 6 for more in- 2013 awards become available. Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable formation about the scholarship pro- Foundation scholarships of up to organization, are welcome from in- gram and page 32 to see this year’s $5,000 are funded through private dividuals, organizations and busi- scholarship recipients.) “We’re very donations, established trusts and cor- nesses, and are tax deductible. excited about the continued growth of porate sponsorships, and recipients Contributions can be made during the Foundation and look forward to are selected based on "nancial need, the 2012 CFC, which runs September expanding awareness and support for academic standing, character and through December, using Charity this important program through the leadership qualities. To be eligible for Code #80236. FRA members can also CFC.”

Photos courtesy of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Marines Corps. NED PERSPECTIVE

5 FRA TOD A Y Slowing Pay Increases and Unspent SEPTEMBER 2012

Health Care Funds Joe Barnes LAST MONTH’S COLUMN ON the 11th civilian pay comparability thanks to have been repeatedly described as Quadrennial Review of Military major pay and bene"t enhancements “eating the department alive” by de- Compensation (QRMC) report and (championed by FRA) enacted since fense o$cials and regularly cited as recommendations is a timely lead-in 2000 in response to recruiting and justi"cation for drastic fee hikes — to news of a recent RAND study that retention problems. #e report fur- targeted primarily to military retirees. makes the case for slowing annual ther references future budget savings Yet, the DoD recently sent a request military pay increases (note additional projections ranging from $5 billion to to Capitol Hill asking for authoriza- 11th QRMC information on page 13). $17 billion if the following options are tion to reprogram $708 million in un- RAND is a non-pro"t institution authorized by Congress: spent funds from the Defense Health that conducts research on defense is- 1) Reduce the annual military pay Program for 2012. In response, 24 sues and its "ndings/recommenda- increase to a half percent less than members of Congress from both par- tions are incorporated into QRMC the Employment Cost Index (ECI) ties wrote to Defense Secretary Leon reports, referenced by DoD o$cials for one year Panetta suggesting that these funds be and lawmakers on Capitol Hill regard- 2) Freeze basic pay for one year used “to address the issues of military ing defense policy matters, includ- 3) Institute a series of below-ECI pay retiree health care, research and treat- ing pay, family support, health care hikes for four years ment for PTSD and TBI, and address and other bene"ts. (Eleven RAND #ese concepts are not new. the military suicide epidemic that we Corporation personnel are listed as Below-ECI pay hikes were in e!ect in are currently facing.” FRA certainly members of the 11th QRMC principal the 1990s and contributed to the mili- concurs. research sta!.) tary/civilian pay gap that grew to 13.5 #ere are always threats to pay, During this period of growing percent during that time. And freez- health care, bene"ts and quality-of-life de"cits and intense budget scrutiny, ing military pay to coincide with the programs, particularly during severe there’s heightened interest in cutting federal civilian pay freeze that remains de"cit-reduction periods such as we’re manpower and bene"t costs and all de- in e!ect has been discussed repeatedly experiencing. No laws protect these fense programs are being scrutinized. on Capitol Hill. programs, and addressing current For example, among other issues, the Analysis comparing current pay threats and "ghting to preserve and/ recently released 11th QRMC includes scales with civilian rates is also famil- or enhance these important bene"ts controversial concepts to revamp the iar, however, few civilian jobs require is central to FRA’s mission and we’re Reserve compensation and retirement the arduous, o%en life-threatening working hard to do so in a challenging programs to make them similar to the duty assignments or the lengthy and environment. active duty systems, in order to — wait frequent separations from loved ones Please help this e!ort by staying infor it — save money. that are required of military person- formed, participating in the process by RAND’s “Slowing the Increase in nel. Military service is unlike any other questioning candidates for Congress Military Pay” research brief explores career or occupation, and current de- about their priorities, communicating other ways to cut costs, suggesting mands on the All Volunteer Force are regularly with elected o$cials, voting, that “conditions may be favorable to a unprecedented a%er more than a de- and maintaining your membership in slower growth in military pay.” Before cade of war. #ere are also compelling the FRA to help sustain a strong mem- addressing speci"cs, it’s important to indicators regarding stress on service bership base supporting an important note that, like the QRMC recommen- members and their families, including bene"ts-focused legislative agenda. dations, none of the RAND recom- alarming suicide and divorce rates. mendations are currently legislative It should also be noted that the 1.7% Joe Barnes is FRA’s National Executive Director and proposals. pay increase for 2013 will likely be ap- Chairman of the National Committee on Legislative To support limiting future military proved by Congress this fall. Service and a member of the Special Committee on pay increases, RAND cites robust re- On another issue, discussions on Future Strategic Planning. A member of Navy cruiting and retention stats, a decreas- DoD spending cuts almost always Department Branch 181, he is also an advisor to the ing demand for personnel due to the include references to the rising cost National Committees on Budget and Finance and wars winding down, and high military/ of military health care. Medical costs Membership and Retention. FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

EDUCATION FOUNDATION SEPTEMBER 2012 Y A THESE ARE CHALLENGING TIMES. Every this year, for the "rst time, the FRA Other Scholarship Programs

FRA TOD day, young men and women risk their Education Foundation is an approved lives to protect and defend our Nation. CFC charity (Code #80236). The Walter E. Beall Scholarship But all too o%en, they leave the mili- We recognize more is needed to FRA’s Past Regional Presidents ad- tary with skills not needed in the pub- ensure that our Nation’s military, and minister a scholarship for students lic sector workforce, or have sustained their families, are a!orded an edu- who aspire to further their education injuries to prevent them from pursu- cation that will bene"t their future in aeronautical engineering or pur- ing the career for which they were — and that of our country. #e FRA sue aviation-oriented degrees. #ese trained. #is is re&ected in the trou- Education Foundation makes schol- scholarships are funded by the estate bling high unemployment rate among arships available to eligible* full-time of Past Regional President Southeast veterans. students who are U.S. citizens attend- Walter Beall. FRA believes that educating our ing accredited colleges and universi- Applications for the Walter E. Beall service members and veterans is an ties in the United States. Scholarships are available by writing important duty. #e Association has to: Walter E. Beall Scholarship, 4911 been an outspoken advocate for en- Application Process Fennell Court, Su!olk, VA 23435, hanced education bene"ts for many #e applications are posted online Attn: W. R. Holcombe. Requests can years. For example, FRA was instru- at www.fra.org/foundation. FRA also be submitted via e-mail to prp. mental in ensuring the new Post-9/11 Education Foundation makes schol- [email protected]. Applications for GI Bill bene"t was available to military arship applications available from the Beall Scholarship must be sent to personnel who previously had no edu- September 1st thru April 15th each the above address and be postmarked cation bene"ts, and allowed transfer- year for the following school year. no later than April 15th. Visit www. ability of bene"ts to family members Scholarship applications must be walterbeallscholarship.org for addi- of career service members. postmarked no later than April 15. tonal information. #e FRA Education Foundation’s All applicants are considered for any The FRA Auxiliary Scholarships scholarship program has also been scholarship the FRA is able to o!er helping deserving students reach their during a speci"c year, provided the #e Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve educational and professional goals, applicant meets the eligibility require- Association also sponsors an annual presenting annual awards of up to ment for the award (o%en based on scholarship program. Applications for $5,000 to individuals pursuing col- the desires of the donor). Scholarship FRA scholarships can also be used to lege and graduate degrees. #anks recipients are noti"ed in writing and apply for Auxiliary scholarships; how- to the generosity of our members, by telephone, and only applicants who ever, applicants who wish to be con- legacy gi%s and corporate sponsors, have been selected to receive a schol- sidered for both FRA and Auxiliary the scope of the program has grown arship are noti"ed. awards must submit separate appli- substantially since 2001, increasing Questions about FRA Education cation packages. (Applicants should the number of recipients by more than Foundation scholarships should be simply check the FRA or Auxiliary 50 percent and boosting the mon- sent to Scholarship Coordinator, scholarship box on Part B of the appli- etary value of the awards by more than Marilyn Smith at [email protected] or cation and address the package to the 260 percent. Just since 2001, the FRA call 1-800-FRA-1924, extension 107. appropriate organization. Never check scholarship program has provided 286 both boxes or your application may be scholarships totaling $1,177,564. And disquali"ed.) Visit www.la-fra.org for more information.

*Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel and their families are eligible for FRA Education Foundation scholarships. SHIPMATE FORUM

7 Final Month’s Pay for Retirees Lifetime Medical Care FRA TOD Sometime back, there was much discussion concerning the With reference to Senator Lindsey pay of retirees who died at, let’s say, the 28th of the month. Graham’s comment about “free lifetime A Y #is payment is to be returned to DFAS. A change in the medical care,” it may not have been law. SEPTEMBER 2012 law was being sought as this was, "rst of all, a hardship on However, having attended Recruiting the survivors, and secondly, this particular pay was for the School at NTC Bainbridge, Md., in previous month — not the current month. August 1954, we were instructed to use I have not heard anymore on this subject. Can you this information as a tool for recruiting. shed some light concerning this matter? Has any law been During my recruiting tour I personally changed to correct this? used it many times, as did the Marines, #anks for all the good work the FRA is doing for all Army, and Air Force recruiters. It was “a big part of the of us! deal” for myself and many, many others of that era. While Roger E. LaPointe Sr. TFL is a great bene"t, Medicare payments, loss of military medical and dental access do not [align] with the promises being reneged upon by our elected o$cials. FRA Response: Although there is pending legislation on this If any blame is to be made in this, it is for the top brass of matter, no law has been enacted to change current policy that that period who did not stand up to acknowledge that it was allows the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) a promise made in good faith by all services. #ey could to recoup overpayments of retired pay. At FRA’s request, Rep. not or would not have allowed their respective services to Walter Jones (N.C.) introduced !e Military Retiree Survivor make such a promise unless it had been supported by our Comfort Act (H.R. 493) that would authorize forgiveness country’s leadership. of overpayments in retired pay for the last month of a retir- Further, when I reenlisted in the Navy in 1945 with the ee’s life. If such overpayments are forgiven, the start date of intent to make it a career, another promise was that my re- Survivor Bene"t Plan (SPB) payments would be shi#ed to the tired pay would always be based on present day Active duty next full month. pay scales. So much for the rules and regulations of those Although retired pay is disbursed for the previous month, days. problems sometimes occur when the retiree dies near the end It is always wise to remember that we serve at the will of the month. If noti"cation and administrative details aren’t and pleasure of the powers that look at our pay as a heavy handled before DFAS processes the next retirement check, an price for the services we rendered; service they or their pre- overpayment occurs for the period between the retiree’s death decessors ordered and we complied. and the end of the month. DFAS has the authority to recoup D. H. Wolfe this overpayment with little or no warning to the survivors, which o#en creates unanticipated "nancial and emotional Senator Graham stated he didn’t believe anyone [joining hardship. the military] was promised free lifetime medical care. Well, A prewritten letter urging members of Congress to sup- Senator Graham, I am one of many who were promised ex- port this legislation and other key bills is posted on the Action actly that. Center at www.fra.org. If you will locate the Career Appreciable Notebook they used to talk to us about re-enlistments back in those days, you’d believe. Senator Graham should check things out before [saying] a U.S. Sailor wasn’t telling the truth. I am sure there are a lot of Sailors [and members of] other services, who’ve seen this book that was a contract to us. Richard Bartrop

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. ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL

SEPTEMBER 2012 John Davis

Y Finish FY 2013 Defense Authorization A THE NEW FISCAL YEAR begins October 1, 2012 and one #e Senate bill also mandates a BRAC-like com-

FRA TOD of many “to do” bills on the list is the FY 2013 National mission to review retiree bene"ts and active duty pay. Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). #e House has Currently-serving personnel and military retirees would passed its version (H.R. 4310) and is waiting on the Senate not be a!ected by the commission’s recommendations. If to complete work on its Defense Authorization bill (S. the President approves the recommendation, the House 3254). #e Senate bill has been approved by the Senate and Senate can only vote it up or down, and Congress Armed Services Committee, but is awaiting consider- could not amend the bill. ation of Senate &oor amendments and "nal passage a%er FRA opposes the retirement commission and exces- Congress reconvenes in September. Both bills are devoid sive TRICARE fee increases, punitive pharmacy co-pay of the Pentagon’s excessive TRICARE fee increases, which increases and drastic cuts to military pay and retiree bene- means no new TRICARE-for-Life (TFL) and TRICARE "ts. #ese and other bene"ts have been earned through 20 Standard enrollment fees. (TRICARE Prime bene"cia- or more years of demanding military service. Politicians ries will see a 3.6 percent increase on October 1, 2012, as responding to budget pressures and supporting bene"t a result of the FY 2012 NDAA that mandated increases cuts don’t realize the potential recruitment and retention capped at the same percentage increase in retired pay.) problems, the possibility of returning to a “hollow force” Both the Senate and House bills increase pharmacy and the associated threats to our nation’s security. co-pays for retirees. #e House bill limits pharmacy co- Shipmates are urged to use the Action Center (www. pay increases to no more than the percentage increase in fra.org) to contact their legislators on the issues listed retired pay. It also authorizes a multi-year demonstration above and other pending legislative issues. project requiring TFL bene"ciaries to use home-delivery for maintenance prescriptions for at least one year.

OMB: No Cuts to Military Personnel Accounts Stopgap Spending CR

#e White House’s O$ce of Management and Budget (OMB) has announced that Speaker of the House John Boehner military personnel programs, including pay and bene"ts, will be exempt from au- (Ohio) and Senate Majority Leader tomatic budget cuts (sequestration) that may take e!ect January 2, 2013. Je!rey Zients, OMB acting director, and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter tes- Harry Reid (Nev.) recently agreed to ti"ed before the House Armed Services Committee on the impact sequestration dra% a continuing resolution (CR) that would have on the Department of Defense if Congress does not identify alternative will keep the government operating at spending cuts. current spending level for six months Carter said bluntly that “sequestration would be a disaster for Defense.” a%er the current "scal year ends on Eliminating the cuts to personnel programs is good news for service members, but will require deeper cuts in other programs. Zients said that the speci"c list of September 30, 2012. #is longer-than- programs to be cut has not been determined, but that planning will be required usual CR is expected to be passed in soon to determine what other programs might be exempt and to what degree September and will extend govern- sequestration would a!ect non-exempt programs. ment operations well into 2013 to al- Related to these threats, members are strongly urged to use the FRA Action low lawmakers to focus on pressing Center to contact their elected o$cials and ask them to support legislation (H.R. 3662 and S. 2065) to exclude DoD from sequestration. legislative priorities through the lame duck session following the November To contact your members of Congress, please visit www.fra.org/sequestration 6, 2012 elections. ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL

9 HEALTHCARE ISSUES FRA TOD Walgreens and ESI Settle Dispute Fee Increase for TRICARE

Prime Enrollees A

The Walgreens drug store chain and Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), administrator for TRICARE’s Y SEPTEMBER 2012 pharmacy benefit, have reached an agreement that will again allow TRICARE beneficiaries The TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) to fill their prescriptions at Walgreens stores. The new multi-year contract will take effect on announced that annual enrollment fees for September 15, 2012. military retirees participating in TRICARE Prime will increase effective Oct. 1, 2012. The previous contract between the two companies expired last January and forced many Last year’s fee increases varied based on en- Express Scripts patrons to use other retail pharmacies for their prescription needs. As a result, rollment date, but the new annual fees will Walgreens prescription sales dropped during the early months of the year. rise to $269.28 for all individual enrollees and to $538.56 for families, aligning the New Health Care Benefits Bill fee structure for all beneficiaries. Medically retired uniformed service members and their Rep. Jon Runyan (N.J.) introduced the “Military Health Care Protection Act” (H.R. 6266) that dependents, as well as survivors of active would protect TRICARE beneficiaries from excessive and unfair enrollment fee increases and duty deceased sponsors, are exempt from significant hikes in pharmacy co-pays included in the administration’s FY 2013 budget re- these increases. quest. The bill is companion legislation to Senate legislation (S. 3203) introduced by Senators The fee hikes are the result of 2011 legisla- Frank Lautenberg (N.J.) and Marco Rubio (Fla.), and emphasizes that military service is unlike tion that limited TRICARE Prime fee increases other civilian occupations and associated health care benefits are earned through 20 or more to retirees’ 2012 cost-of-living adjust- years of arduous service and sacrifice. ment (COLA) as determined by the Labor The bills prohibit any TRICARE fees and pharmacy co-pays from exceeding that year’s percent- Department’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). age increase in retired pay. Further, the proposals prohibit dependents of members who died while on active duty or from an injury, illness, or disease incurred while on active duty, from GAO Upholds UnitedHealth’s being charged an enrollment fee for TRICARE coverage. TRICARE Contract FRA appreciates the leadership demonstrated by the sponsors championing this legislation The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and shipmates are urged to use the Action Center to contact their elected officials requesting upheld a Department of Defense (DoD) de- support at: www.capwiz.com/fra/issues/alert/?alertid=61647406. cision to award the TRICARE’s West region contract to UnitedHealth Group. The origi- TRICARE Pharmacy Options nal decision was made in March following a lengthy battle between UnitedHealth and The TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) issued a statement to remind TRICARE beneficiaries TriWest Healthcare Alliance, the company that they have several pharmacy options, including military pharmacies, TRICARE Pharmacy that’s had the contract since 1996. Home Delivery and 56,000 retail network pharmacies. TriWest was awarded its current contract in Military treatment facility (MTF) pharmacies fill prescriptions free of charge, up to a 90-day 2009, resulting in a protest by UnitedHealth. supply for most medications. Not all medications are available at MTF pharmacies, but ben- DoD then identified errors in the original eficiaries can use the TRICARE formulary search tool, (http://pec.ha.osd.mil/formulary_search. award process and granted the contract php) to determine if a medication is available. Registered users may also use TRICARE Online to UnitedHealth, effective in April 2013. to request prescription refills at www.tricareonline.com. TriWest, in turn, protested that award and TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery is another option with low or no co-pays for beneficiaries. GAO’s recent decision is a result of that action. TriWest plans no further action to ad- It’s safe, convenient and easy to use from home, when traveling on a temporary assignment dress the decision. or moving to another TRICARE region. Prescriptions are mailed to any address in the United States and its territories. Beneficiaries can get up to a 90-day supply for most medications with TRICARE’s West region includes approximately minimal out-of-pocket costs. Once registered, beneficiaries can sign up for automatic refills or 2.9 million beneficiaries in 21 states, including request them by mail, phone or online. TRICARE recommends home delivery option for pre- Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, scriptions needed on a regular basis. Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Beneficiaries who choose to fill or refill prescriptions at a retail network pharmacy can get up North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, to a 30-day supply. Certain vaccines are covered for zero co-payment at participating network western Texas, Washington and Wyoming. pharmacies. Call 1-877-363-1303 or visit www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/ to find a partici- TRICARE beneficiaries should not experience pating pharmacy. any changes to their benefits or services due to this change in the contractor. ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL

10 VETERANS ISSUES Post-9/11 GI Bill 3 Years Later Legislators Respond to “Stolen Valor” Decision The Post-9/11 GI Bill celebrated its third an- Several legislative initiatives are moving forward in response to the niversary in August. Since being implemented recent U.S. Supreme Court decision (United States v. Alvarez), which in August of 2009, the education beneﬁt has

SEPTEMBER 2012 struck down the original “Stolen Valor Act of 2005.”

Y been extended to more than 773,000 veter- A ans and their family members. The Post-9/11 Sen. James Webb (Va.) introduced the “Military Service Integrity Act” GI bill pays tuition and fees directly to the

FRA TOD (S. 3372) and will offer the legislation as a floor amendment to the school for eligible enrolled participants. They also receive a monthly housing allowance Senate version of the FY 2013 Defense Authorization Act (S. 3254). based on Base Housing Allowance (BAH) and The bill/ amendment would bring criminal penalties to any individual up to $1,000 annually for books and supplies. making a false claim about military service, medals or decorations Benefits may also be transferred to a spouse, in order to secure a tangible benefit or personal gain. The amend- and service members must have served in ment was drafted to comply with the Supreme Court decision and the military for at least six years and agree to a majority of Senators (52) have signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. serve four additional years from the date of election in order to do so. To transfer benefits Rep. Joe Heck (Nev.) is also working to expand support for his legislation, “The Stolen Valor to dependent children, service members must Act,” (H.R. 1775) which would make it illegal for individuals to benefit from lying about their have served at least 10 years. military service, record, or awards. It is believed that this more narrowly focused bill would The FRA-supported benefit was sponsored by pass constitutional review on the grounds that its impact is limited to individuals that benefit Senator James Webb (Va.), a Marine Corps from fictional accounts of military service. The measure was introduced last year and has 52 Vietnam veteran and former Secretary of the Navy, who wanted an enhanced education bipartisan co-sponsors. Companion legislation (S. 1728) in the Senate, introduced by Senator benefit for veterans of the War on Terror. The Scott Brown (Mass.), has 33 co-sponsors. program is the most extensive educational assistance program since the original GI Bill was enacted after World War II. SecDef and VA Secretary Testify on DoD/VA Collaboration

For more information on this program go to: Both the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) testiﬁed before a rare joint http://www.gibill.va.gov/ hearing of the House Veterans Affairs and Armed Services Committees to discuss Department For information on transferability, go to: of Defense (DoD) and VA collaboration. SecDef Leon Panetta expressed frustration that both http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/ departments “resist change. They resist coordination. They resist trying to work together.” 2009/0409_gibill/. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki noted that both departments have separate programs to care for wounded warriors that “don’t quite harmonize.” Veterans Legislation Advances Committee members expressed serious concern about the growing backlog of VA disabil- to Full House ity claims and delays in implementing the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) and the The House Veterans Affairs Committee Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) to replace the antiquated disability rating sys- (HVAC) advanced three bills to the full House for consideration. The Improving tem. Panetta warned the committees that the system could be overwhelmed as the drawdown Transparency of Education Opportunities for in Afghanistan begins to increase the number of military personnel returning to civilian life. Veterans Act (H.R. 4057), the Military Family The situation would be further compounded by additional sequestration cuts, although VA Home Protection Act (H.R. 5747) and the healthcare programs have reportedly been exempted from the automatic budget cuts. Shinseki Veterans Fiduciary Reform Act (H.R. 5948) revealed that VA administrative functions may be subject to sequestration and that he’s unable passed the full committee unanimously. to specify how large the cuts will be for his agency. “These bills contain provisions from 17 different legislative proposals (including legis- Additional information on the hearing is detailed in Tom Philpott’s syndicated Military Update lation addressing homeless veterans, open article (7-22-12) available on the FRA website at: www.fra.org. burn pit registry for personnel who served in Iraq and Afghanistan), and represent a A truly seamless transition from DoD to VA is a top priority for FRA, which has repeatedly stressed considerable amount of the work done by the need for a smooth transition in its testimony before both committees and in meetings with the Committee this session,” said HVAC legislators and their staff. FRA strongly supports continuing oversight hearings to ensure that the Chairman Rep. Jeff Miller (Fla.). bureaucracies of both agencies are held accountable for further progress on this issue. ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL

11 VETERANS ISSUES Camp Lejeune Water Victims Bill Signed into Law House Panel, IG Reviewing VA FRA TOD Conferences in Florida A

President Obama recently signed the FRA-supported “Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring Y for Camp Lejeune Families Act” (H.R. 1627) into law (P.L. 112–154). The bill was sponsored The House Veterans Affairs Committee SEPTEMBER 2012 by House Veterans Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller (FL) and, among other issues, authorizes the (HVAC) announced that the Department Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide hospital care and medical services for certain of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector illnesses and conditions affecting veterans and family members that were stationed at Camp General (IG) has launched an investigation Lejeune, NC, during the 30-year period of contamination. The bill received overwhelming bipar- into the approximately $9 million spent to tisan support — receiving no opposition in either chamber. hold a series of conferences last year in Florida. The expenditures were authorized The legislation: by the department’s Human Resources s Authorizes hospital care and medical services for certain illnesses and conditions for vet- Division and included multiple planning erans and family members that were stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. for three decades trips to various destinations at taxpayers’ beginning in 1957; expense and the cost of promotional items for attendees. Preliminary findings also re- s Authorizes hospital care and medical services for certain illnesses and conditions for vet- veal that VA employees are reported to have erans and family members that were stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., for three decades received inappropriate gifts at these events. beginning in 1957 when the water at the base is acknowledged to have been contami- In response, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki nated with carcinogens; has rescinded the purchasing authority for s Authorizes VA to waive copayments for telehealth and telemedicine, expands beneficiary Human Resources Division employees under travel reimbursement for veterans living in highly rural areas, and improves reimburse- investigation. The full IG report is due to be ment rates for state veteran’s homes; released next month. s Expands the eligibility for VA’s specially adapted housing assistance grants to certain The recently enacted “Honoring America’s veterans with disabilities; and Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune s Reauthorizes several VA programs to help homeless veterans and requires VA to report to Families Act” (H.R. 1627 – Public Law 112- 154) includes a provision that requires the Congress on progress on eliminating homelessness among veterans. VA to report any conferences that cost more than $20,000 to Congress. VA opposed the FRA thanks shipmates who used the FRA Action Center to contact their elected officials on provision, claiming it would “impose burden- this important legislation. Those efforts were successful! some notification and reporting requirements on the Department.” A statement from HVAC Update of PDBR Review of Disability Claims Chairman Jeff Miller (Fla.) says, “If the results of the IG investigation are upheld, this repre- The Physical Disability Review Board (PDBR) announced that more than half of reviewed claims sents an egregious misuse of funds meant to have been upgraded to a disability rating of 30 percent or more. The PDBR was mandated provide for the care of America’s veterans.” by the FY2008 Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to reassess the accuracy and fairness of combined disability ratings of 20 percent or less for service members who were separated from service, rather than medically retired because of medical conditions. In order to be eligible for Veterans Jobs to Skills Act a PDBR review, service members must have been medically separated between September 11, Signed into Law 2001, and December 31, 2009, with a combined disability rating of 20 percent or less, and The Veterans Jobs to Skills Act (H.R. 4155) found ineligible for retirement. was signed into law by President Obama, This review panel is authorized to recommend an increase in a disability rating, uphold the making it easier for veterans to find jobs us- previous finding, or issue a disability rating when the previous board did not assign one. ing skills acquired through military training. Co-sponsored by Rep. Jeff Denham (Calif.) The board, however, is not able to recommend a lower rating. Eligible veterans can request and Rep. Tim Walz (Minn.), the legislation a board review by submitting a Department of Defense Form 294, Application for Review of attempts to address the unacceptably high Physical Disability Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States, which is available rate of veteran unemployment by streamlin- at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/. ing the federal certification process, cutting Veterans requesting a review must mail their completed and signed DD Form 294 to SAF/ through the bureaucratic red tape and mak- MRBR, 550 C St. W., Suite 41, Randolph Air Force Base, TX 78150-4743. Applicants may sub- ing it easier for veterans to utilize the skills mit statements, briefs, medical records or affidavits supporting their application. they acquired in the military to find work in the civilian sector. ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL

12 ACTIVE DUTY/RESERVE ISSUES Roth TSP Delayed 11th QRMC Report Released Although the Defense Finance and The Department of Defense (DoD) recently Accounting Service (DFAS) announced the released its report on the 11th Quadrennial

SEPTEMBER 2012 availability of the Roth Thrift Savings Plan Review of Military Compensation (QRMC), Y A (TSP) on May 7, 2012 (as previously re- which concluded that military compensation for enlisted personnel and ofﬁcers

FRA TOD ported in FRA Today), implementation is being phased in. Marines have been able to compares favorably with civilian pay for contribute to the Roth TSP since June and those with comparable education, skills the option will be available to other service and experience. branches through October 1, 2012. The report focuses on the following four areas of the military compensation system: According to DFAS officials, the phased implementation will ensure each customer’s s 3PECIAL)NCENTIVE 0AYS FOR #RITICAL taxable wages and TSP contributions are #AREER &IELDS The QRMC cited the ad- computed accurately and the schedule will vantages of offering special and incen- provide time to complete and thoroughly test tive pays for career fields that are in high the complex changes that must be made to demand within DoD and suggested the Pentagon be given the authority to offer the various civilian, active duty and Reserve such incentives. component payroll systems. s #OMBAT #OMPENSATION The QRMC determined that the service members exposed to the greatest danger are currently receiving the smallest benefit and suggests combat compensation be restructured to ensure a more balanced relationship between risk and combat compensation, regardless of grade. The report recommends replacing the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion with a refundable Combat Tax Credit and refundable Direct Support Tax Credit. s #OMPENSATION FOR 7OUNDED 7ARRIORS #AREGIVERS AND 3URVIVORS According to THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN YOUR PLAN YOUR FUTURE the report, disability payments are, on average, adequate to cover the loss of income for wounded warriors, but continued examination of their earnings and disability payments is recommended. The QRMC acknowledged DoD and VA programs that support caregivers, FRA Supports Navy ERB but suggested the two departments work more closely together. And the report suggests Hearing Request partial elimination of the offset that currently penalizes surviving spouses who are eligible National Executive Director (NED) Joe for Survivor Benefit Plan payments and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and ad- Barnes recently sent a letter to the chairman justing SBP benefits when Guard and Reserve members die while performing inactive duty and ranking member of the House Armed training. Services’ Military Personnel Subcommittee in s 2ESERVE.ATIONAL 'UARD #OMPENSATION AND "ENElTS Since Guard and Reserve support of a hearing request by Rep. Scott personnel are now shouldering a heavier operational load than prior to 2001, the QRMC Rigell (Va.), who wants the subcommittee to suggests providing reserve component personnel a total force pay structure, altering the examine the Navy’s use of Enlisted Retention Reserve retirement system to more closely align with the active duty system and providing Boards (ERB) to involuntarily separate nearly retired pay to those who have completed 20 qualifying years when they reach the 30th year 3,000 Sailors from the service. While the of military service. Navy is implementing these involuntary FRA is reviewing the 290-page report and 900+ page addendum, which is the result of two separations, it is also providing incentive years of work, and will track DoD’s responses to various recommendations and possible as- pay for Sailors in the affected ERB ratings to sociated legislative proposals. extend sea tours and/or return to sea duty Read Tom Philpott’s syndicated Military Update column (6-28-2012) on www.fra.org and NED early. Rigell is a member of the House Armed Perspective in August 2012 FRA Today for more details. Services Committee. 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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14 ACTIVE DUTY/RESERVE ISSUES Absentee Voting Cases Voting Issues FRA, along with 17 other military or- FRA successfully supported provisions in the FY 2010 Defense Authorization bill that stream- ganizations, is supporting a Motion lined the absentee voting process for service members (the Military and Overseas Voter to Intervene in conjunction with a Empowerment Act, or MOVE) and continues to seek support for improved voter participation lawsuit that challenges the three ad- SEPTEMBER 2012 Y

A in federal elections and expedited mail processing of military overseas ballots. ditional days service members have The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) recently announced the approved use of the to participate in early voting for elec-

FRA TOD 2011 version of the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA is the voter registration/ tions in Ohio. Collectively, these orga- ballot request form used by service members stationed abroad to begin the absentee voting nizations believe members of military process for U.S. citizens living overseas. personnel deserve special accommo- dations, &exibility and additional time Although the 2005 version of the FPCA served its purpose without controversy, the Pentagon to facilitate their participation in elec- modified the text of the newer card, requiring voters to indicate whether they “intend” or “do tions in recognition of the demands not intend” to return to the U.S. Many argued that the vague and confusing language could associated with their service to our be a deterrent to voting, particularly for service members who might be subject to extended Nation. deployments. In related news, the U.S. Justice Current and former service members and their family members are invited to par- Department is suing the state of ticipate in FRA’s online survey on military voting at https://www.surveymonkey.com/ Michigan for its failure to send ballots s/KFPBZ7V to overseas voters in time to participate In related news, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation issued a report recom- in the state’s August federal primary. mending better use of technology and support services that could make voting more accessible #e suit claims that Michigan violated for the more than 49,000 Americans injured in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these the 2009 Military and Overseas Voter individuals are in recovery and rehabilitative centers away from their homes and face barriers Empowerment Act (MOVE), which that prevent them from voting privately and independently, according to Making Voting More requires states to ensure absentee bal- Accessible for Veterans with Disabilities. The report details the barriers wounded warriors en- lots are sent 45 days or more before a counter when trying to vote and explores the opportunities for federal, state and local govern- federal election. ment agencies to improve participation in the election process for seriously wounded warriors. The report suggests providing an accessible absentee voting system for use within treatment The FRA Legislative team is Joe Barnes, National facilities, better use of technology for voter registration and requesting an absentee ballot, Executive Director; John Davis, Director of Legislative and better coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies to Programs; Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and provide voter assistance for wounded warriors. It also presents specific recommendations on Outreach Manager; Chris Slawinski, National Veterans the design of ballots, equipment, and innovative technologies that could be used to improve Service Officer and Ed Dockery, Assistant Director of access to voting. Legislative Programs.

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SEPTEMBER 2012 Penny Collins

Y Communicating With Shipmates A KEEPING FELLOW SHIPMATES INFORMED Auxiliary members, as well as to some Shipmate Sharon A. Munday, sec-

FRA TOD and engaged is critical to retaining area politicians and other veterans’ or- retary of Branch 124, Lakehurst, N.J., them as FRA members. #e ways in ganizations in the Texas Coalition of says that a welcome e-mail is sent to which we can share information and Veterans Organizations. new members at the one-month mark communicate with one another are PRPEC Paul Gunther, Triangle in their membership and letters and changing rapidly, and can be the key Branch 182 in Bethesda, Md., spon- renewal forms are sent (via e-mail or to successful retention and recruiting sors a monthly information display snail mail) when a shipmate’s member- e!orts. at Walter Reed National Military ship is within two months of expiring. FRA National Headquarters pro- Medical Center. Shipmate Gunther Activities and events are promoted vides information and encourages proudly wears an FRA shirt dur- through the branch’s quarterly news- discussion through this magazine, our ing these events aimed at informing letter, on Facebook, in an online lo- website (www.fra.org), via e-mail and Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard cal community blog (Manchester Patch) “snail mail” communication channels, personnel about the FRA, its mission and through e-mail messages. Larger and through social media outlets, such and history. Copies of FRA Today events are also announced in the local as Facebook (www.fra.org/(), Twitter magazine are also available in loca- newspaper. When the town of Lakehurst (@FRAHQ) and TogetherWeServed tions throughout the medical center has a community event (i.e., Family (www.togetherweserved.com). We asked so military personnel can read articles Night Out, FRA Branch 124’s Annual FRA branches what they are doing to of interest and learn more about our Cancer Walk, Memorial Day BBQ, 4th keep in touch with fellow shipmates to great organization. of July BBQ and Labor Day BBQ), the promote retention, recruit new mem- Communicating FRA’s relevance to branch sets up a table to highlight the bers and strengthen the Association. active duty personnel is a great way to Association and its mission. Here are the answers from several expand FRA awareness. Del Hermann Branch 9 in San Diego, Calif., is branch leaders: Branch 299 in Wilmington, N.C., also working to strengthen its reten- Shipmate Charley Randall, secre- hosted an excellent outreach event for tion statistics by sending letters and tary of Branch 201 in Austin, Texas, the crew of the USS Gravely (DDG- phoning shipmates with reminders to uses e-mail to remind shipmates 107) prior to the ship’s commissioning pay their dues. According to Branch about upcoming meetings and events ceremony. #e ship’s crew was treated Secretary Walter De Felice, they are in and provide reminders about keep- to a hot lunch bu!et, which was coor- the process of developing an e-news- ing their membership current. #is dinated by Shipmates Frank Roberts letter that will help to disseminate is a cost-e!ective way to communi- and Joy Walker. Other active duty per- information to members in a more cate with members who’ve indicated sonnel (not assigned to the ship) also timely and cost-e!ective manner. e-mail is the best way to reach them, stopped by to mix and mingle with the About 30 percent of FRA branches but hard-copy reminders or phone crew, explore FRA literature and ask are maintaining their membership calls are used to reach shipmates who questions about the FRA. Not only did base, making them eligible for the don’t have access to e-mail. All mem- the branch gain a few new members, FRA 100% Award. Making phone bers with e-mail addresses are also Shipmates Roberts and Walker contin- calls, mailing letters, sending infor- subscribed to NewsBytes, FRA’s weekly ue to interact with active duty person- mation electronically, engaging in electronic update that highlights leg- nel at the Naval Operational Support social media, visiting shipmates in islative news that impacts shipmates’ Center (NOSC) in Wilmington, who their homes and conducting outreach military and veterans bene"ts. Branch have invited the branch to set up an events are all valuable ways to recruit 201’s monthly newsletters are also sent information table at an upcoming and sustain members. electronically to both shipmates and NOSC Family Day. Keep up the good work!

Penny Collins is FRA’s Director of Membership Development and a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Md. She can be reached at [email protected]. SEM213-03_7.75x10_Layout 1 8/9/12 11:24 AM Page 1

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It wasn’t more than ten years ago that we met with former U.S. Mint and encapsulated by NGC, one of the Director Donna Pope. She spoke with pride about what she considered top two firms for grading coins. to be her greatest achievement as Director under President Reagan: But better yet, because these Creation of the American Eagle silver and gold bullion coin programs, coins were among the very the first of their kind in our nation’s history. first released, they all have the value- The purpose of these coins was to give people the opportunity to own enhancing “First physical silver and gold in a form certified for weight and purity by Releases” the U.S. Mint. While the bullion coin program was a signal success, designation. nobody took into account the profound effect it would have on the collector market. What Does “First Releases” Mean? Silver Eagles = Today’s Morgan Dollars NGC designates In the 1800s and early 1900s, the U.S. Morgan Silver Dollar was struck only those coins it year upon year at various mints and circulated at face value. Their core certifies as having value was in their precious metal content. However, in top grades, been released during Morgan Silver Dollars can sell today for tens and even hundreds of the first 30 days of thousands of dollars each! issue as First Releases. Collectors place a For the same reason, many collectors today see the Silver Eagle series premium on these coins as a literal “ground floor” opportunity to acquire the top-grade coins as because they are struck from Actual size they are released. They started submitting Silver Eagles to the leading is 40.6 mm freshly made dies, which is thought independent coin grading services, such as Numismatic Guaranty to impart superior quality. Only a miniscule Corporation (NGC), praying that the coins would come back with the number of the mintage gets the First Releases pedigree - so it can turbo highest possible grade: MS70 (all Uncirculated coins are graded on a charge the value of an already valuable MS70 coin. point system from a low of 60 to a high of 70, with 70 representing flawless perfection). Of all the Silver Eagles produced by the U.S. Mint BUY RISK FREE—AND SAVE $30 OVER LAST YEAR’S COIN in 2011, less than one out of every 788 earned the NGC MS70 grade! No one can predict the future value of any coin, of course. Markets and MS70 = $$$$$! prices go up and down. But because of our industry-leading status, you In the rarified atmosphere of MS70, Silver Eagles have soared to can take advantage of our “bolt of lightning” deal on these Perfect Gem market prices that I can only characterize as surreal. Consider this: MS70 2012 Silver Eagles at an incredible price $30 lower than the MS70 Silver Eagles have been selling for truly stratospheric prices. 2011s: just $99 each (plus s/h) Here are just a few eye-popping examples: To avoid disappointment I urge you to call immediately. 1996 MS70 Silver Eagle $5,190 (NGC population:128) Hurry! This is a first-come-first-served offer. Call 1-888-201-7057 1988 MS70 Silver Eagle $2,560 (NGC population:193) to find our how to qualify for free shipping. Mention offer code: 1991 MS70 Silver Eagle $4,060 (NGC population:118) SEM213-03 1994 MS70 Silver Eagle $1,660 (NGC population:175) Call First Federal Toll-FREE today Of course, the population of these MS70 coins is smaller because they are examples of the finest coins. 1-888-201-7057 It Just Keeps Getting Better to Reserve Your 2012 Silver Eagle MS70 First Release! I was thrilled to lock up a guaranteed supply of Perfect Gem MS70 2012 Offer Code SEM213-03 Silver Eagles from a primary distributor. Moreover, every coin is certified Please mention this code when you call.

Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. Prices subject to change without notice. Note: First Federal Coin is a private distributor of worldwide government coin and currency issues and privately licensed collectibles and is not affiliated with the United States government. Facts and figures were deemed accurate as of July 2012. ©2012 New York Mint, LLC.

American Numismatic Association Nicholas Bruyer 1-888-201-7057

® Life Member 4489 14101 Southcross Drive W., Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 FEATURE

18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Y A FRA TOD Sit. Stay. Heal.

More than 200,000 combat veterans su!er from PTSD and that number is expected to rise as approximately one million current service members will become veterans by 2017. The Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) are exploring virtual-reality exposure treatments, hyperbaric oxygen chambers and a variety of other high-tech treatments for PTSD, but a wealth of anecdotal data suggests a simpler solution: the calming inﬂuence and support of a dog. FEATURE

19 FRA TOD A Y SEPTEMBER 2012

uring his 20-year Navy ca- “I walk with a limp and my left arm reer, MA1 (SCW/AW) Orlando shakes like crazy…to the point where DRivera deployed nearly a I can’t hold anything in my hand,” ex- dozen times, including two combat plains Rivera. “My fingers cramp shut tours to Kuwait and another to Iraq. In and my wife has to open them. My an IED attack that took the lives of sev- learning capabilities are slower and I eral comrades, he su!ered a traumatic stutter at times. I also have short term brain injury (TBI), lost the hearing in memory loss.” his right ear and his left knee was so badly damaged that he had to have sur- His symptoms were so severe that he gery to replace the joint. And as if his couldn’t go out in public. “If I went out physical injuries weren’t enough, he to a large store or crowded restaurant, also su!ers from severe post-traumatic I would shake and tear up. I would stress disorder (PTSD). freak out,” says Rivera. “We couldn’t go out as a family, which was hurting all of us.” 20 FRA TODAY SEPTEMBER 2012 e. h mks t air o m to me for easier it makes She her. pet to me wanting just her or hug a with her to attention my divert to sure made she freak, to going was I if as feel to start I’d when and side grins. he joyful,” my at was she beginning, the “From so is life my in “The di!erence Sweet Pea has made life forthebetter. his changed has Fla., Palmetto, in (www.guidedogs.org) Dogs Guide Southeastern at program Patriots for Paws the through received retriever) he golden a and a Labrador between (cross goldador Sweet a needs.Pea, he evidence the all Hehas studies. scientific for wait to need doesn’t Rivera but formation), in more for Shirley+Groer&rank=1 gov/ct2/show/NCT01329341?term= http://clinicaltrials. (visit problems ing from mental and physical health su!er veterans for dogs of benefits the exploring currently is VA The Di!erence How Make Dogs a - - ev vtrn lvn wt PTSD,” with living veterans serve to program the extended we ence, influ by calming constant a life providing civilian to them back helped transition also but pendence, inde and mobility for catalysts as acted only not had dogs their that graduates our from hearing “After visual with impairment. individuals for dogs guide top-notch provide to jective ob primary organization’s the of for out grew program assistance erans’ vet specialist the Dogs, Guide Southeastern relations Bement, Jennifer public to According who su!er from PTSD. vets to dogs service veteran provides and heal they as warriors wounded encourage to centers ical therapy dogs at major military med facility places also program the but veterans, impaired visually to guide dogs pair to is primary work its of The thrust warriors. and wounded disabled assist Patriots to for program Paws the by trained dogs 70 about of one is Pea Sweet we are inpublicnow.” comfortable how that’s – speaking Weoutdoors. public evenlikedoing being enjoy now I and public in be Photo provided courtesyofGabby Jack Ranch. Jack Ranch. Jason and Harley are benefittingfrom theprograms at Gabby humans experience stress) duringinteractions with canines. pressure andcortisollevels (ahormonethatiselevated when art andmusic.Further studies show reduced heartrate, blood minutes withadogthanitdidfollowing therapeutic exposure to with dogsandanxietydropped twice asmuchafterspending30 reported asignificantreduction infearafterspending15minutes Studies have shown thatpsychiatric patientsawaiting therapy suited perfectly not dogs, ‘Career changed’ dog. guide a be to out cut is dog every “Not Bement. explains - - - - - o e oksld n empathetic, and rock-solid be to itself shown has dog the “If areas. noisy as enclosed and spots crowded places, such handler, the to ful stresswouldbe circumstancesthat in collected and cool calm, remain must purpose this for selected Dogs of theirenvironment.” control better veteran the give will that commands specific very learn to trainers Southeastern certified of team dedicated a with work dogs chor in their tumultuous world. The an an as act and calm, influence steady a PTSD with veterans vide pro to trained be can guiding, for space forhimorher. comfortable a create to there and stay handler the of front in will move dog the command, the given when and, boundaries main personal tain can’t they if ill-at-ease feel su!erers PTSD Many them. with interacting or approaching be may who anyone from space his personal protect and define to handler arethe allows which “block,” dogs is taught the command first The Comfort on Command of their environment.” control in and secure safe, feel to handler their allow that mands com of variety a learn dogs service “Veteran ear Bement. in explains nest,” begins training the then ------

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Keep up with family and friends. hundreds to choose from! 22 FRA TODAY SEPTEMBER 2012 move the dog into the block position.” approaching and is whoever face to comfortable,he/she canturnaround personisthreat.a If the handler thatisn’t if and behind from proaching ap anyone is there if knows handler the posture, body dog’s the sessing as “By Bement. cover,”says provide fellowlikeyou’djustsoldierato ask back,’ my ‘watch or 6’ my ‘check is command this speak, military “In heel positionatthehandler’s side. reverse a in themselves positioning are trained to “watch” on command, dogs Service unprotected. back his/ her leave to vet the requires that task any or cashier a paying hotel, a into checking ATM, an from cash getting as do such activities everyday to experience uncomfortable an it makes which harm, behind inflict to from come will someone of fear a symptom and hyper-vigilance is PTSD common Another - - dler withPTSD. han a to help great a be can which commands, these to respond also dogs service Veteran etc. elevator,” chair,”the “find stairs,”the “find the of series“find the…” commands, such as “find a taught are dogs Guide unknown.” the of fear the eliminates This ing. approach is anyone alerts if handler and the ways both looks aisle, the of end the past out moves dog the and leash the lengthens handler the command, ‘out’ the given When PTSD. from su!ering someone anxiety for of feelings raise side. can either This from approaching is someone if tell can’t and store a in you are coming to the end of an aisle PTSD,”with vets “Imagine says. she com ‘out’ mand is proving very helpful for our “The command. new relatively a learning also are dogs According to Bement, Southeastern’s - - - ection froma!ection getting enjoy us of all They’re While command. on ‘hug’ point. to taught the exactly that’s but feely, “touchy bit little a sound may program Patriots for Paws the in learn dogs service veteran mand Bement says the other primary com take themtoaplacerest.” to dogdirect thewill chair’ the‘find and find a quiet place to regroup, the situation a of out move to need the feels handler the if Similarly, exit. the dog will lead them to the nearest dog the ‘find the door’ command and ablesituation,ina they may give the uncomfort feeling is veteran the “If Orlando Rivera. Photo provided courtesyof retired from theNavy. when MA1OrlandoRivera Sweet Pea was by hisside a into him threw leg his of loss the and situations high-stress in career 20-year His damage. nerve and lar vascu in resulted also that accident training a in leg right his lost Mello A ForcesSpecial soldier,Army former balance. his maintain him help to harness, balance specialty a with fitted and Southeastern at trained example,Harpo,for goldador uses a Mello, Shawn functions. additional serve also can dogs symptoms, service veteran PTSD handlers their with helping deal to addition In position that until theanxietyhaspassed.” hold will and ders shoul their on up or legs handler’s seated the over paws its put either gently will dog the command, hug ety-ridden reaction. When given the anxi an of out handler the bringing the for haveveterancan e!ect, grounding a dog the of support tactile mere the friends, four-legged our - - - - - 23 FRA TODAY SEPTEMBER 2012 - - - - For a list of more than 50 organizations and programs that provide dogs dogs provide that programs and organizations 50 than more of list a For www.operationwearehere.com/MilitaryServiceDogs. visit veterans, to html certainly fully vet any organization I was looking at before commit ting to using their services. Experience and proven results would be for a service dog. important in searching consider very things I’d “Another factor a veteran should consider is the past history of the dog,” Bement recommends. “There are a number that of are taking shelter dogs and matching them with While veterans. organizations this is a wonderful way to serve dual purposes, for the dog and veteran, the not knowing the dog’s history could lead to trouble. For ex ample, the dog may experienced have something as a pup that didn’t reappear during training, but repercussions could with the veteran.” matched once they are road arise down the erent program,” explains Terry Terry explains program,” di!erent a in served better be might veteran ! Sandho of Homefront Dogs. “If that’s the case, we will give them a in the area.” available of other programs list The programs referenced in this article do not charge for their dogs or services and rely on donations and grants to fund programs. But their it’s training important to understand that even organizations that require some form of payment from good programs. the veteran can provide “Even some guide dog schools many charge cases for it’s just their a dogs, Southeastern Guide Dogs. nominal of “Regardless their fee I structure, though would fee,” in explains Jennifer Bement of Finding the Right Dog Finding There are numerous programs throughout the country that provide service or therapy dogs. Some are very specialized programs that of fer highly trained animals, while others are more akin to pet rescue programs. And while all their have benefits, how’s a veteran to know kind of service dog they need? the provide which programs Most programs have some type of screening process to determine if and how they can be of assistance to the vet. ! and the veteran. sta to both the program niques can be revealing Such screening tech will determine that we the during the interview process, “Sometimes ------Veteran service dogs in the Paws for Paws theserviceindogs Veteran Patriots program are animals that fer from PTSD, all seek to help vets gain confidence and independence. veterans veterans and, while each program has a slightly di!erent approach to suf who those of needs the meeting Paws for Patriots is one of many pro many of one is Patriots for Paws grams that provide service dogs for erent Paths Paths erent Di! Healing to confidence from a loving, beautifully beautifully loving, a from confidence companion.” four-legged trained, ting ting a job; look forward to leaving and walls four same the of safety the confront new situations by drawing now now able to reenter the world; go out to dinner again; consider get overjoyed to regain some of the in the dependence of horrors war took says Bement. “They are from them,” Guide Dogs, but we’re already see ing an increase have a in number of veterans who are requests. We “The “The Veteran Service Dog program is relatively new at Southeastern and also praises Harpo’s presence calming that helps him situations.” stressful cope in to use the dog as to it a brace ensure doesn’t cause harm or pain. Shawn refers to Harpo as his ‘moving cane’ vide a third point of contact until he is once again solidly on his feet. way correct the taught are Handlers they can give mand,” the explains ‘steady’ Bement. com “Harpo will brace Shawn’s body and pro compensation compensation for Shawn. When a handler has ambulatory issues, ver tigo or dizziness from medications, fects of PTSD. fects of PTSD. “Harpo is trained to act as balance new battlefield — fighting the ef 24 FRA TODAY SEPTEMBER 2012 in downtown Tampa and Sarasota. Sarasota. public and Tampa downtown in in out place took training the of much course but campus, on began hands-on partners. weeklong, and The owners new us, to their trainers professional their was from dogs “It the transition to geared recalls. he but wonderful,” at hard, was was It impressive. Dogs] received very Guide [I Southeastern training “The ing toRivera. accord park, the in walk no it’s and equation the of part critical a also is dog service their handle to how veterans Teaching training. re ceive that dogs the just not it’s And praise.” much with coupled tion, repeti the of lot a entails that training complete to career-changed been they’ve after months three four least or at takes usually it but dog, each for varies period training The brave. and empathetic highly unflappable, and sound extremely be we to themselves shown have dogs place The purpose. a without bored are They serve. to want and breeds working are dogs our of all “But Bement. explains for,” care to person impaired visually a for di# cult be would that something — infections ear chronic as simple as something be could “It another. or reason one for program dog guide the from career-changed been have Rancho, N.M. He credits his Jim Stanek, anIraq veteran and TBI,foundedthePaws and Stripes program inRio dog, Sarge, withimproving who su!ersfrom PTSD Photo provided courtesy his qualityoflife. of Paws andStripes. - - - -

rts n omn a ery bond early between thedogandhandler. an forming on trates concen it that in di!erent is HomefrontDogs electronically. signed have as is homework also as access, Internet must They throughout course. the sessions attend to counseling agree and training the in participate to doctor their from release a disability, documented a have must who veterans, to charge program, Patriots no at provided are Dogs Homefront for Like Paws approach. the di!erent a takes Calif., Oaks, Fair (www.gabby in jackranch.org) Ranch Jack Gabby at program Dogs Homefront The job properly.” her doing was she meant that cause be comfortable, felt I when happy was Pea Sweet return, in And felt safe. and was I ensured Pea Sweet proven. was trust that little by little but home, my of outside life a ing hav from me kept trust PTSD My to her. myself trusting was part hardest the but commands, the all obey to well-trained was Pea Sweet - - - - - s hi srie o, rvdd the provided dog, service their as training for dog own their in bring to veterans allow also We weekly. classes attend can they so the program of duration the for locally liv ing be to have train and dog to own their enough mobile be must “Participants continues. Sandho! everyone,” for isn’t program “Our relationship. their for foundation strong a build and bond to dog the and veteran the for time critical a is this believe We become. will she or life he dog dog’s of kind a what determine of months The four watch. first to experience joyful truly bonding a it’s and The immediately begins raisers. puppy the become they and old weeks eight our vets receive a dogs dog when it’s only the but vet, a with train them pairing before and raise grams pro other “Some explains. Ranch, Jack Gabby for training of !, director Sandho Terry program,” our veteran in a with puppy a pair then and dogs service be to bred cifically spe are that puppies receive “We - - - 25 FRA TODAY SEPTEMBER 2012 - - - - - the Department of Veterans A!airs and Congress. (VA) The Army released the use regarding of January service a memo dogs in and who is to one eligible have on Army posts. Concerns service include dogs that have become gressive ag and a belief that some with regard to cluding service provisions that dogs, specifically in a person include with “calming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) a duty a as attack” anxiety an during service dog might provide. The law also states that “the work or a task dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the per disability.” son’s All the programs discussed in this article train dogs to perform spe cific tasks that their handlers unable are to do on their own because of a disability, which qualifies the animals as service dogs under the allowed are dogs these ADA.law, By to accompany their handlers to any facility open to the public. there But has been recent debate about type the of training the animals receive must in order to qualify them as service dogs in eyes of the Army, Lindsey. Lindsey. Stanek knows first-hand dog can be. helpful a service how Sarge spike, to begins anxiety my “If will react in a certain manner. He locks down and refuses to move or follow commands as a way of say get yourself under ing, control ‘Hey, or I’m not moving.’ It forces me to divert my focus toward getting him calm myself.” at ease and, thus, ServiceDe"ning The Americans with Act (ADA) Disabilities was amended in to 2010 include very explicit guidance ------is headed by Jim Stanek, a tour three- Iraq from veteran TBI and PTSD, and his who wife, su!ers as much as the dog, and a together bond is forged and strengthened between man and dog.” Like other programs the referenced in this article, there is no charge veteran for the dog, training, to equip the ment or initial veterinary care. An additional upside of the program is reducing the population of home less animals. Paws and Stripes was founded and Paws and Stripes, a ganization non-profit in or Rio employs Rancho, yet N.M., another strategy pairing service for dogs with veterans. According to the Paws and Stripes website(www.pawsandstripes.org), veterans choose a dog — from a lo cal shelter or their own family pet — with which they feel a connec tionandthen begin training thedog with the guidance of experienced trainers. “The veteran learns just have have some type of physical injury or problem,” ! Sandho “It’s very common for the explains. younger vets we see from [service and in Afghanistan] Iraq to have back knee problems that inhibit or mobility. Many of our Vietnam-era veterans have hearing impairment, so also train we our dogs to alerts. do We train hearing the dog to suit the specific needs.” veteran’s Homefront Homefront Dogs are also to trained turn on lights, so doesn’t have that to enter the a dark vet room, and are also trained room,” which to is “clear often a done the handler. with “Many of these com mands also are used our by veterans who have hearing impairment mobility or culties, di# and in our ex perience, about 90 percent of the vets we see who have PTSD also ------they have an exit strategy ifneed it.” they setting, he can without tion. This allows veterans explanato go out and try new experiences, knowing dog needs to go out, without mak ing a scene or being embarrassed. If he wants to return to the group gesture that commands the dog to put its paw on the vet’s lap. The vet can then excuse himself, saying his comfortable or senses an oncoming panic attack, he can put his hand at his side and give a very minor hand mand that has proven very useful for vets in continues. “If group the vet is feeling un settings,” she the dog. “We also teach a very subtle com and focus the handler’s away attention from the stress and toward when they observe such behavior by nudging or putting their paw on the lapveteran’s to provide comfort or dart their eyes around the room when they are The feeling dogs are stressed. trained to respond a repetitive motion,” says Sandho. ! who su “Many !erfromPTSD begin to tap their toes, clench their fists “One of the things we dogs is teach to alert our when they observe dog concepts and commands, simi lar to those taught at Southeastern Guide Dogs. and takes about three months. The next six months are spent training the dogs and veterans basic service where where dogs are taught basic behav ior The phase skills. next of training is basic obedience for service dogs Puppies and owners begin the pro socialization gram with a four-week class, or “Puppy Kindergarten,” health, training and other service standards.” dog related animal meets specific temperament, temperament, specific meets animal -%8*BBB[-%3B[303DJH

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IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. All rate plans and services require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screen images simulated. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will apply for each minute over 30 minutes. The activation fee and shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug is a registered trademark of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and/or its related entities. Copyright © 2012 GreatCall, Inc. Copyright © 2012 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved. 27 FRA TODAY SEPTEMBER 2012 - - - - - is the the is aurenArmstrong L Member and Editor Contributing be can She Auxiliary. FRA the of [email protected]. at reached people do.’ Her dog gives her that sense of How can normalcy. that be a bad thing?” creditation creditation or certiﬁcation. In environment an where seeking mental health treatment still carries a neg ative stigma, military suicides have become an epidemic and the inci dence of PTSD is increasing, why not let current and former military personnel try the calming and support of a service dog? e!ects “Many of our clients treat high-tech and/or medications have tried ments for PTSD, but they don’t simply want to live that way. Either those treatments weren’t e!ective for them or they simply didn’t the ﬁt veteran’s lifestyle. Dogs don’t judge and, in my experience, they are making a tremendous ence di!er for many men who’ve given and so much. women We have a young woman who summed it up best: ‘I just want to be normal and go places and do things that normal a di!erence, regardless of ac - - -

Guide Dogs. and serenity. and serenity. of Southeastern of Southeastern Rivera relies on relies Rivera a sense of security a sense of security Sweet Pea to provide to provide Pea Sweet Photo provided courtesy Photo provided Navy retiree Orlando retiree Navy , ! Sandho who has dog-training 35 years lieves of well-trained experience, dogs can make be needs. needs. If a dog isn’t behaving in a public arena, the law says the dog can be expelled. And though some people don’t their out-and-out pets are claim service dogs they take them when in stores or restau rants, they are implying it. When that dog acts all service dogs look bad.” makes inappropriately, it Seeking Balance by by the veterans themselves — with professional oversight, of course — we don’t meet the ADI standards. I will.” ever doubt we But that doesn’t mean these dogs aren’t helping or shouldn’t be lowed al in VA facilities. “The guidelines ADA are continues. very “Our clients clear,” leave she program our with dogs that specifically are very trained to meet their , ! Sandho programs like these don’t meet the new for up set are forms accrediting “the standard because programs that train dogs and then give them to the veterans. Because we don’t provide fully trained dogs and because our dogs are trained ------ited, but that doesn’t aren’t good programs. According mean to they Programs Programs like Homefront Dogs and Paws and Stripes are not accred an appropriate accrediting body,” such as ADI or the for Guide Dogs. Federation International dogs in all its facilities, but limits ac limits but facilities, its all in dogs provided been have that dogs to cess through a program “accredited by to a recently enacted omnibus vet erans bill (H.R. 1627). The new law requires the VA to allow service Congress Congress also weighed into the dis cussion by adding similar language Therapy Therapy Dogs at several VA facili ties, so Southeastern Guide Dogs is a qualified program.” has approved. We work closely with closely work We approved. has the VA and have placed Facility facilities. facilities. “In order for a dog to en ter a VA facility, it must have been trained by an organization the VA according according to Bement, the is VA also to tighten working its guidelines re garding service dogs’ access to VA veterans veterans su!ering from PTSD on the VA website (www.prostehtics. va.gov/ServiceDogFAQ.asp) and, loss … or physical impairment that There substantially limits mobility.” is no mention of dogs that assist The VA defines service those “trained dogs to as help with [veterans] severe to profound hearing ganization ganization accredited by Assistance (ADI). International Dogs soldier’s permanent medical soldier’s record. In order to qualify as a service dog, or an by trained be also must dog the tion of service dogs to those that have have that those to dogs service of tion been prescribed by a primary care provider and are referenced in the excuse excuse to avoid the physical In response, deployment. and/or training Army’s new policy limits its defini soldiers soldiers are using their dogs as an REUNIONS

28 Cargo Handling Battalion Six USNTC Bainbridge September 7–9, 2012, Pocono September 27–30, 2012, Aberdeen, Manor, Pennsylvania. Contact CMCS MD. Contact HMC Arline Caliger, PO Vito Motisi, 197 Rampo Road Apt D Box 147 Harrison, TN 37341, 423-326- Garnerville, NY 10923, 845-786-7086. 3654, [email protected]. Corpsmen United, USN USS Arnold J. Isbell (DD-869) SEPTEMBER 2012 Y

A September 10 –13, 2012, Rapid City, September 26–29, 2012, Norfolk, VA. S.D. Contact Ken Buster, 501-691- Contact Barry Dahlberg, 708-203- 0373, [email protected]. 1445, [email protected]. FRA TOD IUWGRUTWO/MIUW210 USS Ault (DD-698) October 27, 2012, Elkridge, MD. April 25–29, 2013, Erlanger, Ky. Contact Bill Ganz, 3436 Nanmark Court Contact Pam at Gatherings Plus, PO Ellicott City, MD 21042, 410-418-5597, Box 1023, Branson West, MO 65737, [email protected]. 417-338-4048. USS Mountrail (APA-213) Escort Carrier (CVE’s) Sailors & Airmen USS Carpenter (DD-825) October 4–7, 2012, Branson, MO. Association April 25–29, 2013, Cincinnati, OH. Contact Don Dicoio, 17 Frances Rd., October 27–31, 2012, Tucson, AZ. Contact Coy Ritchie, 303-690-5118, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035-1208, 973- Contact George Manik, 50 North Island [email protected]. 696-3725, [email protected]. Road, Bayville, NJ 08721-3578, 732- USS Renville (APA-227) 269-0866, [email protected]. USS Coolbaugh DE-217 September 23–27, 2012, Norfolk, VA. April 3–7, 2013, Portland, Ore. Contact Marine Corps Air Transport Association Contact Harvey Weiss, 217 Rothell Rd Lynda Rumple, 187 Lakeshore Dr., September 19–22, 2012, San Antonio, Toccoa, Ga 30577, 706-886-2709, Mooresville, NC 28117, 704-906-7622, TX. Contact Mgysgt Humberto Reyes, [email protected]. [email protected]. USMC (Ret.), 210-734-5967, hr- USS Robert E. Peary [email protected]. USS Cowell (DD-547) October 6–8, 2012, Branson, MO. September 6–9, 2012, New Orleans, NAS Chase Field 3rd “All Hands” Contact Larry Salley, 19 Auburn Street, LA. Contact Military Reunion Reunion Greenville, SC 29609-4043, 864-268- Planners, 817-251-3551 or April 11–13, 2013, Beeville, TX. 3365, [email protected]. [email protected]. Contact Mark Webb, 562-338-5088, USS Sellers (DDG-11) mwebb@naschaseﬁeld.com. USS Davis (DD-937) October 11–14, 2012, Herndon, VA. October 11–14, 2012, Jacksonville, FL. Naval Hospital - Philadelphia Contact Pete Lennon, 5 Skyline Dr., Contact Delta Hinson, 2901 Bamberg November 10, 2012, Essington, PA. Plainville, CT 06062-2612, 860-747- Place Virginia Beach, VA 23453, 757- Contact Terry Puskar, 610-337-1560, 8761, [email protected]. 615-7089, [email protected] [email protected]. USS Fulton (AS-11) USS Steinaker (DD/DDR-863) Navy Nuclear Weapons Association September 12–16, 2012. Fort Worth, April 25–April 28, 2013, Warwick, R.I. September 17–23, 2012, Rapid City, Texas. For more information, visit Contact Russ Noble, 4608 Buckhorn SD. Contact Dave Cobb, 352-454-2660, www.ussfulton.org or contact Ron Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684, 231-944- [email protected]. Schwartzkopf at 20515 Highland Lake 2148, [email protected]. OAEA Association Drive, Lago Vista, TX 78645, 512-267- USS Virgo (AKA-20/AE-30) November 28–30, 2012, San Diego, 3183 or [email protected]. September 26–30, 2012, Charleston, CA. Contact Bob Gaboury, 159 Via USS Hassayampa (AO-145/TAO-145) SC. Contact Ron Fosdick, 1529 Viper Rosal, Camarillo, CA 93012, 805-322- September 6–8, 2012, Lexington, Rd, Pineville, SC 29468, 843-830- 3955, [email protected]. KY. Contact Norman Barron, 2271, [email protected]. Personnel who served at Holy Loch, 405-590-3717. USS William Seiverling (DE-441) Scotland USS Laffey (DD-724) September 26–30, 2012, Memphis, August 27–September 4, 2013. Open to September 23–26, 2012, Charleston, Tenn. Contact T.W.McCuen, P.O. Box all who served at U.S. Navy Submarine SC. Contact Jill Michel, (856) 423- 242, Franklinville NJ, 856-697-4314, Base or Naval Support Activity. Contact 4263, [email protected]. [email protected]. Roland Kitridge, 508-877-2960, [email protected]. USS Monrovia (APA 31) October 10–14, 2012, Dearborn, MI. Salute to the Armed Services/Veterans Contact Tom Crowe, 13670 Terra Santa Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, Football Game St. Sterling Heights, MI 48312-4169, submit to [email protected] or mail to: FRA Reunions, October 27, 2012, Murfreesboro, 586-979-4958, [email protected]. 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Tenn. Contact Jim Clifton, [email protected]. THE VALUE OF FRA LIFE MEMBERSHIP

29 FRA TOD A Y

Become a Life Member of FRA SEPTEMBER 2012

BECOME A LIFE MEMBER of FRA and you’ll never have to worry about annual dues Beneﬁts of Lifetime Membership: again. As a life member, you’ll receive the same bene!ts as annual members, plus the satisfaction of knowing that you’re supporting FRA for a lifetime — and s Eliminate the need to pay an- beyond. Surviving spouses of life members continue to receive FRA Today at no nual membership dues to FRA. charge for as long as they like. s Secure your future membership Substantial savings versus the cost of renewing your membership annually — for at today’s rates — rate increases example, purchasing a life membership when you’re 50 is like prepaying for 13 will never affect you. years of membership with the rest of your life FREE!! s Receive any new services and beneﬁts provided by FRA in the Questions about life membership can be directed to FRA’s Director of Membership future. Development, Penny Collins, at [email protected] or 1-800-FRA-1924 ext 123. s Receive a special Membership ID card.

s Assure your surviving spouse can receive FRA Today at no charge.

s Current members can convert to a Life Membership online at www.fra.org at time of renewal

s New members can join as Life Members online at any time!

Life Membership Application “I wish to apply for Life Membership in the Fleet Reserve Association. I hereby certify that I am eligible. I fully understand the provisions of the Life Membership Program.” Name: ______Rate/Rank: ______Current FRA Membership No.: ______

Address: ______Street Lot/Space City State Zip Code

Phone: ( ) ______Date of Birth: ______Social Security No.: ______FRA Branch No.: ______Optional

Service: USN USMC USCG Status: Active Reserve Retired Veteran Spouse’s Name: ______

Your E-mail Address: ______

Recruited By: ______Member No.: ______Branch No.: ______

Applicant’s Signature: ______Date: ______

FRA dues are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes, however, they may be tax deductible under other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

Lifetime Membership Allotment Payment Options: MasterCard Visa Discover American Express Check or Money Order Enclosed 1 Year 2 Years Amount: ______Credit Card No.: ______Eff. Date: ______Exp. Date: ______Signature: ______Month Year

FRA 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2754 Phone: 703-683-1400, Toll-Free: 1-800-FRA-1924 www.fra.org THE VALUE OF FRA LIFE MEMBERSHIP

UP FOR RENEWAL? Convert now to life membership. New to FRA? You can become a Life #is is a great way (and most cost-e!ective!) way to join! Member by:

When you purchase an FRA Life Membership, you are showing your s Using the application below SEPTEMBER 2012

Y commitment to the #1 association working to protect the pay, bene- A s By phone at 1-800-FRA- "ts and quality-of-life for all current and former enlisted Navy, Marine 1924 (speak with member FRA TOD Corps and Coast Guard personnel. Become a Life Member today! services)

Questions about life membership can be directed to FRA’s Director s Online at www.fra.org. of Membership Development, Penny Collins at [email protected] or Current members can login 1-800-FRA-1924 ext 123. to their account at time of renewal and choose the Life Membership option

It’s that simple!

Representing the interests of the enlisted members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Life Membership Fees Effective May 1 2009 $392 $388 $384 $379 $374 $369 $364 $359 $352 $346 $340 $333 $327 $319 $311 $303 $296 $288 $280 $271 $262 $254 $244 $235 $225 $217 $207 $199 $190 $181 $171 $163 $155 $147 $138 Amount 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 Age $452 $451 $451 $450 $450 $449 $448 $448 $447 $446 $445 $444 $443 $442 $441 $440 $439 $437 $436 $434 $433 $431 $429 $427 $425 $423 $421 $418 $415 $413 $410 $407 $403 $400 $396 Amount 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 Age In Memoriam TAPS

31 NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH FRA TOD

Dufrene, Paul, IS1, USN 181 Meyer, Charles J, HTCM, USN 060 A

Dye, Jessie D, LT, USN 009 Minteer, Glenn L, LT, USN 267 Y SEPTEMBER 2012 Mitchell, York, SDC, USN 062 Ely, Leo, SFC, USN 194 Mixson, Robert A, QMC, USN 090 Eskridge, Norman L, BMC, USN 043 Modglin, Vernon A, ABFC, USN 267 Mosher, Robert G, HMC, USN MAL Field, Philip, CDR, USN MAL Mosso, James B, CWO3, USN 106 Fisher, Charles M., LCPL, USMC 061 Fretwell, C J, OM1, USN 024 Nicholson, Walker D, LCDR, USN MAL Fritz, Alvin W, YNCS, USN 022 Nuce, Clarence J, MMC, USN 040 Funk, Rex R, TDC, USN 192 Olson, Oliver, PHCM, USN 022 NAME BRANCH Gagliardi, Carl M, ET1, USN MAL Getha, John, ADJ1, USN 126 Parrish, Fred A, BMCS, USCG 299 Acosta, Henry T., USN 061 Goodwin, Dexter F, ABE1, USN 159 Pearce, Willard H, ADJC, USN 060 Adams, Warren J, EM1, USN MAL Graham, James N, MS1, USN 257 Pendell, Kenneth L, PR1, USN 170 Araracap, Marcial A, SK1, USN 084 Grossman, Joseph, ADJC, USN 268 Phillips, James M, EN1, USN MAL Arndt, Richard B, CWO3, USN MAL Pizzi, Joseph A, YNC, USN 001 Hagan, Jerry J, MMCM, USN 047 Baltz, Charles A, RMCS(SS), USN 374 Poland, William C, EMC, USN 024 Hains, George D, SKC, USN MAL Barﬁeld, Auburn, MNC, USN MAL Pommerenke, Edward S, AEC, USN 097 Hamby, Roy A, AMHC, USN 105 Barnes, Francis W, EMC, USN 020 Potts, Nick T, LCDR, USN 093 Harrell, Herbert C, CSCS, USN 094 Barrie, Ronald W, FTGC, USN 358 Prokop, Michael R, BM1, USN MAL Hartlove, David G, CWO4, USN 093 Beacham, John F., CAPT, USCGR 124 Hawk, Richard S., NCC, USN MAL Ray, Edward F, TMC, USN 290 Beatty, Jack, AMH1, USN 106 Heinig, Charles A, CTCS, USN MAL Reed, Darwin M, CAPT, USNR 020 Beck, Allen A, AT1, USN 085 Herchenroder, James, BMCM, USN MAL Reitsma, Hubert J, FTMC, USN 136 Beckley, Lawrence R., AFCM, USN MAL Herrington, Frank L, CWO3, USN MAL Reynolds, Ralph N, BTCS, USN 034 Bennett, Raymond L, DT1, USN MAL Hiebert, William W, SKCM, USN 181 Rivera, Leonard P, PO1, USN MAL Bews, Richard E, BMC, USN 024 Holden, Howard W, SKC, USN 110 Rosete, Romeo F., MSC, USN 083 Black, Donald L, POCS, USN 038 Hosick, Terry Franklin, AMS1, USN 060 Rotchford, Marilyn V, SKC, USN 022 Blackburn, Lewis B, CDR, USNR 162 Hostetler, Melvin G, LCDR, USN 208 Ruemmler, Donald A, EWC, USN 074 Borgnine, Ernest, GMG2, USN MAL Humiston, Norman L, LT, USN 070 Ryan, Robert G, LCDR, USN MAL Boyd, Richard L, ATC, USN 061 Brieske, William C, WO4, USN 060 Isaac, Edward J, YNCM, USN 050 Sauter, Charles U, EMCS, USN 254 Brown, Robert L, AMEC, USN 358 Schimmel, Henry W, ABFC, USN 099 Brown, John A, ENCM, USN 099 Jacobs, Claude, CWO2, USN 298 Schneck, Eugene, LTC, USN 253 Bruder, Robert M., PO3, USN 061 Jacobsen, Richard A, RMCM, USN 136 Schwarzenbach, H J, CDR, USN 261 Bryson, John D, PN1, USN MAL Jagoditsch, Harold L, LCDR, USN 038 Shivak, Frank J, POCS, USN 313 Byrd, Albert E., USN 346 Siniard, Marvin L, ATCS, USN 047 Katich, Joseph, RM2, USN MAL Sloan, Oscar, ADR1, USN 042 Caldwell, James T, ADR1, USN 261 Kell, Robert D., AGCS, USN 210 Smelser, Clarence E, AO2, USN MAL Carlberg, Francis L, SKC, USN MAL King, John A, GMC, USN 043 Smith, Jess J, LCDR, USNR 024 Chance, Neil H, FTCM, USN 009 Kohanski, A C, SGTMAJ, USMC 181 PRPNW, Snider, Richard A, YN1, USN 029 Cherrey, Darrell W, HMC, USN 376 Krowel, David A, PNCM, USN 024 Snyder, Wayne, MMC, USN MAL Cook, John A., ADR2, USN 156 Sokurenko, William A, HTC, USN 001 Cote, Raymond J, NCC, USN MAL Lafferty, George T, QMC, USN 013 Soliday, James E, CDR, USN 024 Crowder, Hubert L, DKCM, USN 089 Lahey, Thomas E, DCCM, USN MAL Lanning, Bruce, LT, USN MAL Soudier, Robert J, CWO2, USN 053 Dacapias, Robert, SD3, USN MAL Lash, Homer R.K., ETC, USNR 049 Sparks, Gerald L, ADC, USN MAL Daddario, William, MOMM1/C, USN 275 Lee, Arthur R, BTC, USN 040 Stagnaro, Ernest R, YNC, USN MAL Davenport, Jack A, MMCM, USN 106 Lesher, Charles R, SHC, USN 066 Steele, Joe E, ATCS, USN 289 Davidson, Carroll W, CSC(SS), USN 094 Locher, William W, LCDR, USN 126 PRPSW, Stephenson, Elizabeth A, Davis, Gerald D, ATCS, USN MAL Looney, Jimmie R, PO1, USN MAL HMC, USN 313 Docekal, Tony, CMC, USN 276 Stickles, Norval C, PNC, USN 181 Dockery, Thomas J, 1STSGT, USMC 024 Machon, Max M, MS1, USN MAL Strand, Sylvester E, MSGT, USMC 047 Dodge, Ronald L, CWO4, USMC MAL Martin, George S, SDC, USN 084 Swart, Russell C, ENCM(SS), USN MAL Dogan, William H, MMC, USN 132 Mathis, Allen K, ABFC, USN MAL Sweet, Charles P, MMC, USN MAL Donahoo, Ervon G, ENC, USN 060 McConnell, George, ATCS, USN MAL Szczytko, Harry L, SGT, USMC 298 McKay, Harry, LT, USN 126 Dotsey, George, DKC, USN 146 continued on page 33 FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

32 FRA Education Foundation Announces 2012 Scholarship Recipients

THE FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION proudly announces its schol- Director and a member of the Foundation’s Board of arship recipients for 2012. Funded through private dona- Directors. “Students in 19 states, ranging from young col- tions, corporate sponsorships, established trusts and the lege students to active duty personnel and spouses, will

SEPTEMBER 2012 FRA itself, the Foundation will give $128,000 in scholarships bene"t from these scholarships and we’re sincerely grateful Y A to 28 deserving students who are pursuing their dreams of for the substantial gi%s that make it possible.” a college degree in the 2012–2013 academic year. Applications for FRA’s 2013–2014 scholarships will be FRA TOD “We’re extremely proud to have increased our award available at www.fra.org/foundation a%er September 1, total this year,” says Joe Barnes, FRA’s National Executive 2012.

RECIPIENTS OF THE FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION 2012 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS ARE:

Fleet Reserve Association Awards ($5,000 each) Glenn F. Glezen Scholarship ($5,000)

Shannon Kerley, Steffen W. Stroup, Sheila M. Davis, Wantagh, N.Y. Bremerton, Wash. Bossier City, La.

Kali A. Murphy, James A. Manning, Gilbertsville, N.Y. Wamego, Kans. Robert W. Nolan Scholarship ($5,000) Johanna Lee Poon, Los Gatos, Calif.

Sara A. E. Mattingly, Madison K. Hoffman, Prattville, Ala. Catawba, S.C.

Joseph R. Baranski Scholarship ($5,000) Travis M. Wells, Jonathan Yong Kim, Jill Gaitens, Annapolis, Md. Imperial Beach, Calif. Virginia Beach, Va.

Christina R. Breitenbuecher, Mill Valley, Calif.

THE FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION #e FRA Education Foundation provides academic scholarships to deserving students based on "nancial need, academic standing, and demonstrated leadership qualities. #e Foundation is a 2012 Combined Federal Campaign-authorized charity (Charity Code #80236) and partners with military and education profes- EDUCATION FOUNDATION sionals to promote life-long learning opportunities that help scholars reach their educational, professional and personal goals. To learn more, visit www.fra.org/foundation or call 703-683-1400. FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

33 Robert M. Treadwell Annual Colonel Hazel Benn Scholarship Express Scripts Scholarship Scholarship ($5,000) ($2,000 each) ($3,000) FRA TOD Alexander C. M. Menke, Brian Bracht, Leanza C. Tupfer,

A Y Bettendorf, Iowa Rensselaer, Ind. Benicia, Calif. SEPTEMBER 2012

Isaias J. Suarez, Stanley A. Doran Memorial Scholarship Jacksonville, Fla. PhrMA Scholarship ($5,000) ($5,000) Luca F. Valle, Deborah G. Jodrey, Spokane, Wash. Graham, N.C.

The Donald Bruce Pringle Family Scholarship ($5,000)

Kristen Zwicky, HealthNet ($5,000 each) GEICO Scholarship ($5,000 each) Pekin, Ill. Laura J. Martin, Brittany Sanders, Manheim, Pa. Spring"eld, Mo.

MCPO Ken E. Blair Scholarship ($5,000) Katharine I. Christovich, Samantha E. James, Woodbridge, Va. Mobile, Ala. Kristopher R. L. Jackson, East Hartford, Conn.

Destinee Ann Vigil, Individual Contributions Scholarship San Angelo, Texas ($2,000) Express Scripts Scholarship ($5,000) Shelby T. Murphy, Fulton, Md. Jay M. Turner, Ashby, Minn. GEICO Scholarship ($4,000)

Sarah D. Wennersten, Marysville, Wash.

TAPS continued from page 31

NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH Thompson, Ralph F, SSGT, USMC 166 Varn, Lee R, TMCS, USN MAL Welch, Cleveland L, ASC, USN 249 Thompson, Gary Dean, USN 364 Vassale, Nicholas J, AMH1, USN MAL Williams, John P, PO3, USN MAL Thompson, Alvin B, UTC, USN 001 Wondercheck, Alvin D, BMC, USN 175 Tolokan, Frank J, ENC, USN MAL Walker, Nellie M, RMC, USN 194 Trotter, Bobby E, EO1, USN 194 Waters, Gordon E, EMCS(SS), USN MAL Young, August C, ATC, USN MAL Tucker, Milton W, HMC, USN MAL Weber, Gustavus C, HMC, USN MAL Weintraub, Ira, CMCS, USN MAL Usiak, Paul, ENC, USCG 126 Welch, Norman E, AMHC, USN 091 Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES

34 SEPTEMBER 2012 Y A FRA TOD

BRANCH 171 SOUTHERN LUZON, P.I. (Left): Branch Treasurer Enrico Ortega (left) prepares to present a Certiﬁcate of Merit to BRANCH 105 Shipmate Apolinario Martinez (second from left) OWENSBORO, KY. for his distinguished service to his branch, Branch President shipmates and FRA, while Shipmates (l to r) Harold Phillips Ricardo Ferrer, Paul Cabasug and Alejo Holaso (right) presents a look on. (Center): During the same event, 40-year member- Branch President Viviano Cruz (left) presented a ship certiﬁcate and Continuous Membership pin to Shipmate Arturo pin to Shipmate Mendoza, who has been an FRA shipmate for Ronald Peyton more than 25 years, as Branch Master-at-Arms (left). Ricardo Ferrer looks on. (Right): Ferrer, Cruz and Martinez were also on hand to acknowledge Shipmate Apolinario Mercado’s (far right) 20 years of continuous FRA membership.

BRANCH 136 MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. BRANCH 230 ROSEVILLE, CALIF. Branch President Tom Dooley (left) and Shipmate Bob Castle (center) accepts his Vice President Gene Jarnagin (right) ﬂank 50-year membership pin from Branch Artis Parker, director of Fort Snelling President Bob Lightﬁeld (left) and PRPWC Red National Cemetery, as they place a monu- Maurath (right) of Branch 296 (Auburn, Calif.) ment in memory of all departed shipmates Castle is a Pearl Harbor Survivor who joined and Auxiliary members. FRA in 1957. NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES

35 FRA TOD

BRANCH 229 NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. A Y SEPTEMBER 2012 Shipmate William Cathcart was recently recog- nized for his 50 years of continuous FRA membership. Shown (l to r) are Branch President Bob Ibe, Barbara and William Cathcart and Secretary Norm Sivertsen.

BRANCH 59 CHEYENNE, WYO. Pearl Harbor Survivor Roland Thomas (90 years old) receives his 35-year FRA continuous membership certiﬁcate and BRANCH 1 pin from Branch President Mike Archer. PHILADELPHIA, PA. Shipmate Thomas is a charter member Branch President of the branch (10 years). Charles E. Rainey presents a Branch Challenge Coin to Captain Kathy Moore at USCG Sector Delaware Bay Change of Command Ceremony.

BRANCH 244 GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. Branch Essay Contest Chairman Bud Johnson congratulates Brent Metzler, BRANCH 9 FRA’s national 3rd place SAN DIEGO, CALIF. winner. PRPSW Vic Miranda presents a Marine coin set to the Drill To submit a photo for News From the Branches, please e-mail a photo as an attachment in jpeg format to FRAToday@fra. Instructor honor org or mail a high-quality photograph to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief graduate. description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted. NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

36 A Message from the West Coast Regional President

THANK YOU FOR YOUR hospitality and the opportunity to be the West Coast Regional President representing this "ne region. It has been my honor to serve as the West Coast Regional President the past two years. Having been a member for

SEPTEMBER 2012 twenty years, it makes me very proud to say I am an American and a member of Y A the Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association. #e annual Pilgrimage set the spirit of honoring our dead at the Mast of the FRA TOD Maine and the Tomb of the Unknown. #e second time I attended this ceremony, I was so very proud to carry our &ag and be part of the program. I thought of KATHY GOHEEN my parents and their example of respect for our country and our &ag. It also Regional President West Coast made me thankful to our military, who fought for the freedoms that we all cher- ish in the United States today. We are taught to thank the men and women who currently serve around this world with devotion, sacri"ce and patriotism. Even more, we should honor those who have served in the past. #ank You! #e Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association’s memorial services that we conduct at our national and regional conventions symbolize our patriotic respect for our members. It is important to preserve the traditions and principles of our Preamble to the Constitution. Please continue working on membership to encourage our growth. Keep in contact with all your members to make them feel proud they are a part of this great organization. We in the West Coast Region were excited that the National President was at our convention this year. Please remember to support her project for the Susan Komen for the Cure and Prostate Cancer Foundation. #ese are most worthy causes, and I think it would be hard to "nd anyone who has not been touched by these diseases in some way. Let us help STOP them! #e members of the West Coast Region hope to see all of you at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada, October 15-21, 2012 for the 85th FRA and 80th LA FRA National Convention. Please call (800) 687-8733 and give group code FLEET12 for reservations.

All pictures were submitted by Bud Harris, Branch 137 President

Some of the Headstart students shown in front of a large tanker truck.

A Medical Unit of the Nevada National Judy Schmidt with some of her students Guard in the Headstart Program, at the Washoe Returning troops from the Nevada National Indian Colony, Carson City, NV. In the front Guard often stop at the Washoe Indian row is Captain Laura Boldry, Nevada National Colony, Carson City, NV., and interact with Judy Schmidt proudly displays a badge Guard; she interacts with the students. The the students. They display items from Iraq and cashmere scarf received from Captain students help to pack the care packages and Afghanistan for the students to see and Bouldry’s Nevada National Guard Unit and write letters to the troops in Iraq and hear of another country’s culture. deployed in Afghanistan. Afghanistan. $77(17,21 861$9<9(7(5$16 0(627+(/,20$ &203(16$7,21&/$,06 ),/,1*'($'/,1(

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