Bullets and benefits 8 March 2009

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5 Personnel Costs Jump 45% since 1998 27 Saluting Chiefs MESOTHELIOMA

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Volume 88 Number 3 1 Featured FRA Tod a y March 2009 18 Meds in Your Mailbox, Cash in Your Pocket TRICARE’s Mail Order Pharmacy makes prescription meds easier to swallow. Departments 2 Communications

5 ned Perspective 12 Personnel costs jump 45% since 1998

6 shiPMATE FORUM

8 on & OFF CAPITOL HILL Bullets and benefits

15 onwatch Healthcare tops QOL concerns 8 17 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS 27 FRA: A professional association

27 history & Heritage Saluting Chiefs

28 news from the Branches

30 Reunions

32 Taps

33 looking For…

36 lA FRA NEWS Message from ECRP Aida Littlejohn

Loyalty, Protection and service FRA is a congressionally chartered, non-profit organization advocating for current and former enlisted members of the On the cover U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on Capitol Hill. For Military personnel and their family members are more information on the benefits of membership, please visit eligible for a rich pharmacy benefit that can save www.fra.org or call 800-FRA-1924. them a bundle compared to their civilian neighbors. Communications

2 National Officers/Board Of Directors National President Donald Mucheck, L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50 National Vice President Gary C. Blackburn, Vallejo Branch 8 National Executive Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Department Branch 181 It’s all about saving money finance Officer Paul Rigby y March 2009 and protecting your benefits. Eileen Murphy Junior PNP Lawrence J. Boudreaux, Hangtown Branch 275

FRA Tod a This month’s feature article (page 18) provides an in-depth look Regional Presidents at saving money by using TRICARE’s mail order pharmacy. The fea- New England Paul F. Loveless, Jr., Pinetree Branch 156 ture is timely; FRA just conducted an online survey on quality-of-life Northeast James E. Brown, Staten Island Branch 226 priorities and healthcare was the top issue for respondents (see page east Coast Ray E. Santee, Virginia Beach Branch 166 15). Healthcare is important to us all, and with money being as tight southeast John E. Sutton, Mayport Branch 290 as it is, finding ways to preserve benefits and save money becomes an North Central Robert A. Melson, USS Indianapolis Memorial even higher priority. NED Barnes (page 5) underscores “the significant Branch 130 and quantifiable value of FRA membership and our legislative advo- south Central Donald Larson, Corpus Christi Branch 94 southwest Charles F. Tompkins, James Hunter Branch 47 cacy work on Capitol Hill to preserve and/or enhance (medical) benefit West Coast Nathan “Joe” Nash, Silver Dollar Branch 192 programs.” Northwest Donald L. Bordwell, Dungeness Branch 174 Nat’l. Parliamentarian PNP Robert G. Beese, Orange County Branch 175 Nat’l Chaplain Tom Whitaker, B. Duke Woody Branch 147 What is FRA doing to protect your healthcare benefits? Join Bob Washington on 11 March to be brought up-to-speed. Active Duty Advisory Council Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West Your Mission – Your Voice Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent FRA’s Free Teleconference Series Master Chief Petty Officer of theC oast Guard Charles Bowen 11 March 2009 Noon (EST) FRA’s Healthcare Initiatives Reserve Advisory Council Force Master Chief of the Naval Reserve Ronney A. Wright To participate call: USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major Kim E. Davis 1-800-391-1709 Master Chief Petty Officer of theC oast Guard Reserve Force Jeffrey Smith Enter bridge number 444313

FRA’s Healthcare Advisor Bob Washington will discuss what FRA is doing FRA TODAY Magazine about protecting your healthcare benefits — and how you can help FRA Publisher FRA be heard on Capitol Hill! Managing Editor Eileen Murphy Contributing Editor Lauren Armstrong Can’t be on the call? Design and Art Direction Check the home page of www.fra.org after the call to listen to a FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com recording of the call. Design Director Scott Rodgerson Production Manager Sandy Jones This conference call is free and the information is priceless.

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 annual dues. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA and additional This is an important issue at a critically important time — so don’t offices. Publication of non-sponsored advertising in fra today does not just call in, but invite friends to do the same. Think about those people constitute an endorsement by the FRA or its representatives. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Member Services, FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, you know who are eligible for FRA membership but haven’t seen the VA 22314-2754. fra today is published in the interests of all current and former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. need to join. Ask them to invest an hour to hear what the Association is Eligible non-members are not entitled to subscription rates. Established doing and why we need them to join. Tell your friends who are in FRA 1 November 1923. Title registered with U.S. Patent Office.

already to call, too. They will hear about the need to use the Action FRA Administrative Headquarters: 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754 Phone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 • Fax: 703-549-6610 • E-Mail: [email protected] Center on www.fra.org or write to their Members of Congress on key www.fra.org legislative issues. Also have them call 1-800-FRA-1924 today and ask Volume 88 Number 3 for the FREE “Communicate With Your Elected Officials” guide.

Eileen Murphy is the Director of Marketing and Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of FRA Today. Please contact her at [email protected]. 01_04492_001_BI.qxd 7/23/08 8:18 AM Page 1 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 5 3 1 1 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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5 FRA Tod a y March 2009

Personnel Costs Jump 45% Since 1998 Joe Barnes Amid the clamor and distraction on inflation. And that figure doesn’t in- CBO Director Peter Orzag is now the Capitol Hill to advance and enact an clude medical care, veterans’ benefits director of the White House’s Office of enormous economic stimulus bill, it’s and family benefits, which are also ris- Management. In his new post, Orzag is important to put some key legisla- ing quickly.” This statistic represents positioned to exert significantly more tive issues and challenges in perspec- the significant and quantifiable value influence on various budget “options” tive during the early part of the First of FRA membership and our legisla- included in the new Administration’s Session of the 111th Congress. tive advocacy work on Capitol Hill to budget requests for FY2010 and As referenced in various commu- preserve and/or enhance these benefit beyond. nications and in this space last month, programs. Both the CRS and CBO testimony adequate funding for TRICARE and reference major legislative achieve- the Department Veterans’ Affairs (VA) ments for our shipmates and also cite healthcare programs is again FRA’s the growing costs related to these im- top legislative priority the year. A key “... adequate funding for portant programs. The testimony also and essential aspect of delivering the highlights the challenges associated benefit is the pharmacy benefit high- TRICARE and the Depart- with ensuring adequate funding for lighted in this month’s feature article healthcare and other key programs to that starts on page 18. ment Veterans’ Affairs (VA) ensure access to hard-earned benefits As in the past, experts testify- by all beneficiaries. ing during a recent House Budget Your FRA Legislative Team will Committee hearing referenced the healthcare programs is be addressing these and other impor- cost implications of sustaining current tant benefits in upcoming congres- funding levels for TRICARE and other again FRA’s top legislative sional testimony and interaction with DoD benefit programs in 2010 and be- Members of Congress and their staff. yond. Speaking for the Congressional priority the year.” If you’re justifiably concerned about Research Service (CRS), Stephen sustaining these important benefits, Daggett cited reasons why DoD per- you should share these concerns with sonnel costs have risen so significantly your U.S. Representative and Senators. since 1999. Specifically he cited six At the same hearing, CQ Today re- It’s easy to communicate your views years of ECI + ½ % active pay hikes, ports that J. Michael Gilmore from the using FRA’s online Action Center at four rounds of targeted pay-table re- Congressional Budget Office (CBO) www.fra.org. form, increased housing allowances, “testified that by increasing fees for It is critical that elected officials, TRICARE for Life, concurrent receipt military healthcare and restructuring many of whom have no military ex- for severely disabled retirees, repeal of pay raises, the Pentagon could save perience or background, understand both the Redux retirement program about $111 billion between fiscal 2010 the importance of adequately funding and the Social Security offset to SBP. and fiscal 2026.” these programs in the future to ensure These issues should be familiar to The CBO is familiar to many as the delivery of hard-earned and promised our members since FRA worked hard source of a recently published report benefits to military personnel, retirees to advance legislation authorizing which included 115 federal healthcare and their families, as well as our na- each of these benefit enhancements in budget “options,” which was also ref- tion’s veterans. recent years – particularly Redux re- erenced last month. Some of these op- form, TRICARE for Life, concurrent tions are generating significant e-mail receipt and targeted senior enlisted messages expressing alarm about the pay hikes. prospective implications if these op- Joe Barnes is FRA’s National Executive Director and According to CQ Today, Daggett tions are enacted and requesting more Chairman of the National Committee on Legislative stated, “The basic cost for an average information from NHQ. Service. A member of Navy Department Branch 181, military service member has risen 45 A notable aspect of the discussion he is also an advisor to the National Committees on percent since 1998, after adjusting for regarding the CBO is that former- Budget and Finance and Membership and Retention. Shipmate forum

6 Tax Question for what my pay would be after cost-of-living adjustments, I was divorced in 1974 and my wife was to receive 25 per- so I could extrapolate my wife’s income in the event of my cent of my Navy retired pay. Since then I had been sending untimely demise. her 25 percent of my gross pay before deducting any taxes. Robert J. Patt Two years ago I started deducting taxes first. According to y March 2009 a pamphlet distributed by Hill AFB, Quote: In calculating FRA Response: Because you are receiving a Civil Service an- disposable retired pay orders entered into prior to February nuity, your circumstances are a bit different from those who FRA Tod a 3, 1991, and referred to as, “Old Law Cases”, provide for receive military retired pay. While military retirees receive an subtraction of Federal Income Taxes PRIOR to the divi- RAS annually, you will have to make a request for the annual sion of any retirement pay. This only includes orders prior document by calling the Defense Finance and Accounting to 3 Feb’91. This does NOT apply to orders issued after 3 Service (DFAS) at 1-800-321-1080 or visiting the DFAS “my February 1991. pay” web site: https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx. Is there any known reference that you are aware of that According to DFAS, you have reached the required 360 state taxes are also included in calculating disposable pay premium payments for coverage in the Survivor Benefit Plan for divorces prior to 3 Sep’91? and have met the paid-up provisions of the plan, but you Thank you for any assistance you can give me on this matter. won’t be receiving any notification of your paid-up status. John T. Peters, PCCM, USN (ret) Those zeros in the “amount due” column of your statements are your only indicator. FRA Response: A DFAS representative stated that State em- ployment taxes and income taxes are included. The regulation also stipulates that the taxes withheld are “to the extent that Submissions: Send Shipmate Forum letters to: Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. the amount is consistent with member’s tax liability.” Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to [email protected]. Please Visit the DFAS web site which addresses garnishments include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and and USFSPA information: http://www.dfas.mil/garnishment/ edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions retiredmilitary.html 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.

Paid-Up SBP I have two questions regarding paid-up SBP. 1. I am receiving a Civil Service annuity in lieu of mili- tary retired pay and have been billed monthly for my SBP payments. I did not receive a letter stating I would be paid up in full, however, I did receive a bill for October which showed zeros in the blanks where the monthly payment was displayed previously. This is all I have received to denote that I am fully paid up. I [have met] the prerequisite re- quirement of paying for 360 months and am 84 years old. Is this all I’m going to receive? 2. Why do I no longer receive a Retiree Activity Statement (RAS) annually? I realize I do not receive mili- tary retired pay, but I did receive them for a few years after beginning the Civil Service annuity, and then they stopped. It was conducive to future planning to have the information

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8 y March 2009 Bullets and Benefits John Davis

FRA Tod a The 111th Congress is underway and, with the eco- the 111th Congress begins. Of the 52 new members in the nomic downturn, some in Congress are calling for cut- House of Representatives, only 12 have prior military ex- backs in the Defense budget. FRA believes cutting the perience. The percentage of House members with military Defense Department’s (DoD) budget during the War on experience remains at 23 percent, as it was last session. Terror would be short-sighted and advocates a budget None of the Senate’s new members have military experi- that will provide adequate spending levels for both bullets ence, reducing the percentage of military veterans in the and benefits. FRA is also concerned about the Office of chamber from 29 to 25 percent. Management and Budget (OMB) possibly reducing DoD’s This gradual decline in congressional military experi- budget request for FY2010, which could dramatically im- ence highlights the need for current and former service pact funding for pay, healthcare, and other quality-of-life members to share their perspectives with their elected of- programs. ficials. Being a member of FRA helps ensure the military FRA continues to work with Congress and DoD to en- voice is heard, but each member can strengthen FRA’s mes- sure adequate funding to preserve and enhance the qual- sage by participating in the legislative process. Grassroots ity of life for active, Reserve, retired, and veterans of the advocacy has a direct influence on the Association’s ability Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, their families and to effectively represent the concerns of our members be- survivors. Healthcare is extremely important to all FRA fore Congress and appropriate federal agencies. shipmates regardless of their status, and it is FRA’s top FRA congratulates and thanks shipmates who made legislative priority for 2009. As in the civilian sector, the their voices heard in 2008. By using FRA’s online Action cost of military healthcare has continued to increase faster Center, they sent nearly 24,000 advocacy messages to than the Consumer Price Index, making it an easy target members of Congress. FRA’s Action Center (located at for those wanting to trim the DoD budget. www.fra.org) provides pre-written messages that can be The number of senators and representatives with mili- edited and sent to your representative and senators. tary experience continues to shrink as the First Session of

Economic Stimulus Package Includes Military Spending FRA’s Legislative Team At press time the economic stimulus package is awaiting final vote by the House and Senate before being sent to the President for signature. There are reports that the package includes $6.5 billion for various DoD projects including construction and modernization of healthcare facilities, housing proj- ects and child care centers, plus $240 million for the Coast Guard. The legislation also authorizes a $300 one-time payment to disabled veterans, and aid to those who suffer a significant loss on the sale of their homes due to a PCS move. A complete report will be included in the April issue of FRA Today. For up-to-date information on a weekly basis, please subscribe to NewsBytes, FRA’s free weekly leg- islative e-mail. To subscribe, call 1-800-FRA-1924 or (left to right) Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Outreach Manager, John e-mail [email protected] with “subscribe” in the Davis, Director of Legislative Programs, Joe Barnes, National Executive Director, subject line. Please include your membership num- Chris Slawinski, National Veterans Service Officer and Ed Dockery, Assistant ber or name and address. Director of Legislative Programs. 01_04019_001_BI.qxd 2/21/08 10:25 AM Page 1 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 5 3 1 1 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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10 MCPON and SgtMaj USMC What’s in a name? Testify and Meet President This is the time of year when budgets are being discussed at the committee and Newly-appointed Master Chief Petty subcommittee level and testimony preparation is a major focus of FRA’s legisla- Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick tive staff. Oversight is certainly a complicated issue, especially for an association y March 2009 like ours representing military personnel whose budgets fall under different con- West, Sergeant Major of the Marine gressional jurisdictions. Throughout the spring FRA will report on our testimony Corps Carlton Kent, and their Army

FRA Tod a to various committees and subcommittees, the article in this month’s issue about and Air Force counterparts sum- the four Armed Services testifying before the House Military Construction, VA marized prepared testimony and and Related Agencies Subcommittee (left) is an example of this. To alleviate con- ranked their respective quality-of-life cern that the Coast Guard had been inadvertently omitted from the testimony, concerns before the House Military we offer the following explanation: Construction (MilCon), VA and Armed Services Related Agencies Appropriations The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps make up the four Armed Services. Subcommittee in early February. Rep. These military services are all part of the Department of Defense (DoD) and Chet Edwards (Texas), who chairs are under the congressional jurisdiction of the Armed Services Committees (for the panel, thanked the senior enlisted program authorization) and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittees and the leaders for their efforts to add more Military Construction, VA and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittees (for funding measures). appropriation dollars for child devel- opment centers the last two years. The Armed Forces chairman also invited Navy Reserve The four Armed Services and the Coast Guard make up the five Armed Forces. Force Master Chief (FMC) Ronnie A. The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Wright to provide input on Reserve its programs are authorized by the Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard (in the issues and the Returning Warrior Senate) and the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Program that has helped more than Guard and Maritime Transportation (in the House). USCG programs are funded 2,200 service members adjust after re- through the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittees. Coast Guard turning from combat. benefit funding parity continues to be a legislative priority for FRA. The Navy’s top concerns include Uniformed Services availability and affordability of child- The seven Uniformed Services include the five Armed Forces, the United States care for Navy families; suitable, safe Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and and affordable family housing; con- Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps. This category is relevant to tinued funding for the “Safe Harbor” the Department of Homeland Security health programs, which are significant to program to help injured Sailors with the Coast Guard. reintegration to active duty or civil- ian life; recruiting challenges; and im- provements to Navy Reserve forces. The Marines’ top concerns include adequate end strength for the conflicts of today and tomorrow; increased em- phasis on family readiness; helping Marines and their families deal with the stress of the operational deploy- ment cycles; and improved quality of life for Marines and their families. All five Armed Forces were rep- resented when Senior Enlisted Leaders met with President Obama in SgtMaj USMC Carlton Kent (second from left) and MCPON Rick West (second from right) testify before the House Military Construction (MilCon), VA and Related Agencies February to discuss various quality- Appropriations Subcommittee. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class of-life programs. Jennifer A. Villalovos) On & Off capitol hill

11 HEALTH CARE ISSUES FRA Tod a Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act Introduced Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center Opens Reps. Chet Edwards (Texas) and Walter Jones (N.C.) reintroduced their FRA-supported y March 2009 “Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act” (H.R. 816) in early February. The new bi- The Department of Defense (DoD) recently partisan bill is similar to the one they sponsored in the 110th Congress in response to announced the opening of a 24-hour out- Pentagon proposals to drastically increase TRICARE enrollment fees for military retirees. reach center to provide information and referrals to military service members, The Edwards-Jones bill would prohibit DoD from increasing TRICARE fees without con- veterans, their families and others with gressional approval. questions about psychological health FRA believes the Defense Department must explore and implement cost-saving alter- and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The new natives rather than shift costs to retired beneficiaries. Imposing these higher healthcare center, which is operated by the Defense fees sends a powerfully negative message not only to retirees, many of whom were prom- Centers of Excellence (DCoE), can be con- ised free healthcare for life, but also to those currently serving about the value of their tacted around the clock, 365 days a year, service to the nation. at 866-966-1020 or resources@dcoeout- Shipmates are urged to use the Action Center (www.fra.org) to contact their U.S. reach.org. Representative to ask them to co-sponsor this important legislation. The center can address everything from routine requests for information, to ques- tions about symptoms a caller is having, TRICARE Requires Electronic Payments in 2010 to helping callers find appropriate health Starting in 2010 TRICARE Prime beneficiaries who pay enrollment fees will need to pay care resources. DCoE promotes resilience, their premiums by electronic means. Electronic payments will be required of retired ser- recovery and reintegration of service mem- bers facing psychological health and TBI vice members, family members of retirees, survivors and eligible former spouses who are issues, and works to advance research, ed- TRICARE Prime beneficiaries. These changes mean that enrollees must pay by allotment ucation, diagnosis and treatment of these from the sponsor’s military retired pay, electronic funds transfer from their financial insti- conditions. More information is available tution, or recurring credit card payment. Beneficiaries can register for electronic payments at www.dcoe.health.mil. at www.triwest.com/beneficiary/epay.aspx.

TRICARE Extends Deadline for Overseas Claims TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) has extended its “timely filing waiver” to allow pro- viders, beneficiaries, and others living overseas additional time to submit overdue claims for reimbursement. The original deadline was 31 December 2008 for services received prior to 31 December 2007, but the extension shifts the deadline to 31 March 2009. The late filings from overseas occurred because some countries give hostna- tion healthcare professionals as long as three years to file claims for reimbursement. TRICARE required beneficiaries to file claims within one-year from the date of service or inpatient discharge. To file an overdue claim, beneficiaries must mail a completed DD Form 2642 with a copy of the itemized bill and receipts to the Wisconsin Physician Service (WPS). To find the correct address, beneficiaries may check the TRICARE Overseas Program Handbook; enter a profile on the TRICARE website, visit http://tricare4 u.com, or contact the appropriate overseas area office (listed at http://tricare.mil/contactus) for assistance. )5/B[T[G/D\RXW303DJH

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13 VETERANS’ AFFAIRS Commissary Saves FRA Tod a Senate Approves VA Secretary Customers Even More Money

Only hours after President Obama was sworn in, the Senate approved retired Army Chief Commissary shoppers save thou- y March 2009 of Staff General Eric K. Shinseki for Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA). Shinseki plans to sands of dollars each year, according develop a FY2010 budget within his first 90 days that reflects the new Administration’s to comparisons of U.S. Department vision to renovate the VA. Key issues on his agenda include smooth activation of the of Agriculture (USDA) and Defense Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit that takes effect on 1 August 2009, streamlining the disability claims system, leveraging information technology to accelerate and modernize Commissary Agency (DeCA) data. services, opening VA’s healthcare system to veterans previously unable to enroll in it (see Each month, the USDA Center for story below), and facilitating access for returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Shinseki Nutrition Policy and Promotion calcu- takes the reins of a 284,000-employee organization delivering healthcare and financial lates household purchases of grocery, benefits to millions of veterans and survivors with a $98 billion annual budget. meat and produce items. Once a year FRA strongly supports enrolling all lower priority group veterans, eliminating bureau- in October, the DeCA’s sales director- cratic delays in adjudicating claims, and efforts to help ensure full and timely funding for VA healthcare programs to ensure access and quality care for all beneficiaries. ate examines the USDA’s figures to determine savings for its customers in VA Health Enrollment to Rise various family-sized units — a single military member, a couple, a family of The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to re-open enrollment in its health care system by 1 July 2009 to about 265,000 veterans whose incomes exceed the current VA three or four: income thresholds by 10 percent or less. Congress provided funds in the VA’s FY2009 • A family of four saves nearly $3,400 budget to support the new enrollment. VA’s computer systems are being modified to accommodate the changes, and the Department is preparing communication and educa- ($3,353) annually based on spend- tion materials to ensure that Congress, veterans service organizations, and the public are ing an average of $898 per month or aware of the coming changes. The new rule will take effect by 30 June 2009, if the regula- $10,783 annually. Previous savings tory process proceeds smoothly. FRA has urged Congress to authorize and appropriate calculated in October 2007 were sufficient funding to resume the enrollment process for all veterans in its testimony before about $3,100. the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees. • A family of three saves more than Expedited Disability Process Implemented $2,600 ($2,625) annually based on The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently spending an average of $703 per announced a new, faster means for handling troops with “catastrophic” injuries (100 per- month or $8,442 annually. Previous cent disabled) who seek access to VA medical and other entitlements. In the past, injured savings in October 2007 were more troops were subject to lengthy reviews under the standard Disability Evaluation System than $2,400. (DES) before being transferred from DoD to the VA. This new process waives this require- ment for those with catastrophic injuries and reduces their processing time. • A couple saves more than $2,100 Troops who participate in this optional, expedited process will be given a DoD dis- ($2,128) annually based on spend- ability rating of 100 percent, and the VA then will identify the applicable range of benefits, compensation and specialty care. The policy allows service members who retire under the ing an average of $570 per month expedited DES process to re-enter the service with a waiver if they are capable following or $6,844 annually. Previous savings their rehabilitation. in October 2007 were more than The expedited policy differs from the DES pilot program, a new process designed to re- $1,900. duce the amount of time required by the current DoD and VA disability processes, which are administered to troops without catastrophic injury. More than 1,000 troops over the past 14 • A single service member saves near- months have participated in the pilot, which requires one medical examination that yields ly $1,200 ($1,161) annually based a single-sourced disability rating. The pilot program began at three facilities in November on spending an average of $311 per 2007 and is slated to expand to 19 additional installations through 1 June 2009. month or $3,733 annually. Previous FRA supported the legislative effort to create the pilot program and continues to advocate the sharing of DoD and VA resources to deliver seamless, cost-effective, qual- savings in October 2007 were about ity healthcare services to personnel wounded while participating in Operation Enduring $1,600. Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, other veterans, service members, reservists, mili- tary retirees and their families. On & Off capitol hill

14 Two Concurrent Receipt Bills Introduced Congressman Gus Bilirakis (Fla.) reintroduced “The Retired Pay Restoration Act” (H.R. 303) in late January that would further expand the eligibility of cer- tain retirees to receive service-connected disability from VA and their full re-

y March 2009 tirement pay or Concurrent Retirement and Disability payments (CRDP). FRA strongly supports the measure, which is identical to the bill introduced in the

FRA Tod a 110th Congress that would allow the receipt of both military retired pay and vet- erans’ disability compensation for any service-connected disability. Concurrent receipt benefits are now only available to those with disability ratings of 50 per- cent or more. The bill also eliminates the remaining phase-in period of CRDP through 31 December 2013. CPO Birthday Bash In related news, Congressman Jim Marshall (Ga.) introduced the “Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act” (H.R. 333) that allows for the full and immediate April 1st marks the 116th birth- concurrent receipt of both veterans’ disability compensation and either military re- day of the Chief Petty Officer tired pay or Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC). [Note that CRSC is rank, and FRA is throwing a vir- different from CRDP benefits affected by H.R. 303.] tual birthday party to honor the The Marshall bill also eliminates the phase-in period and additionally cor- occasion! The April FRA Today rects a glitch in the formula by which CRSC claims are determined for those who will include a special tribute to were medically retired with less than 20 years of service (Chapter 61 retirees). CPOs and www.fra.org will have Many of these retirees benefited from a CRSC expansion that was approved by a page dedicated to celebrating Congress last year, but some with combat-related disabilities currently lose their Chiefs for the month of April! entire retired pay to the disability offset. This glitch impacts predominantly en- Would you like to have your listed members with fewer than 14 years of service who have a high VA disability percentage but a significantly lower percentage of CRSC. wish included in this special trib- Shipmates are urged to use the Action Center at www.fra.org to contact their ute? Perhaps you have a greeting representative and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 303 and H.R. 333. to a Chief special to you or want to honor all who have made Chief. Whatever your preference, e-mail Legislation Introduced to Preserve Final Month’s Retired Pay your message to fratoday@fra. Rep. Walter Jones (N.C.) reintroduced legislation (H.R. 613) that would allow org — selected e-mails will be in- surviving spouses (or other designated survivors) to retain the full final month’s cluded in the April issue and all retired pay for the month in which the member was alive for at least 24 hours. messages will be posted online. The measure is virtually identical to legislation introduced by Jones in 2007. If you prefer to record your “The Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act” was drafted at FRA’s request message, please schedule a re- in response to complaints from surviving spouses who were unaware that the cording through FRA’s special Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) would immediately recoup CPO Birthday Hotline. The payments after being notified of the retiree’s death. The entire month’s retired pay hotline will be open is recouped and then a prorated payment is made to the surviving spouse based on the number of days the retiree lived during his/her final month, often causing Tuesday, 24 March from great financial stress for the grieving survivor. Noon to 2:00 pm (EST) The measure is related to a similar pay policy enacted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Congress passed a law in 1996 that allows a surviving Wednesday, 25 March from spouse to retain the veteran’s disability and VA pension payments issued for the 9:00 am to 11:00 am (EST) month of the veteran’s death. FRA believes military retired pay should be no Thursday, 26 March from different. 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (EST) Shipmates are urged to use FRA’s Action Center (www.fra.org) to ask their member of Congress to co-sponsor this important legislation. Please e-mail [email protected] or call 1-800-FRA-1924 ext. 127 to schedule your “recording ses- sion” and get access numbers and The FRA Legislative team is Joe Barnes, National Executive Director, John Davis, Director of Legislative Programs, instructions. Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Outreach Manager, Chris Slawinski, National Veterans Service Officer and Ed Dockery, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs. 15 FRA Today March 2009 h atc onw

QOL Concerns QOL its calls for improved pay and benefits, its calls for improved broad legislative agenda includes FRA’s the absentee vot- efforts to streamline voters, restrict ing process for military unscrupulous lenders from preying on military personnel, and reform the Spouses Uniformed Services Former to make it more Protection Act (USFSPA) equitable for service members. All of these concerns are addressed in FRA’s ambitious legislative agenda, which is ambitious legislative agenda, which OnWatch is FRA’s online connection to active duty is FRA’s OnWatch receive an electronic notification when a new To FRA uses the results of this and other surveys to FRA uses the results of this and other con- listen to our members and make sure their “We pay raises and “Many service members believe their and Reserve personnel. Visit www.fra.org/onwatch www.fra.org/onwatch and Reserve personnel. Visit Coast and Corps Marine Navy, about more learn to programs. Quality-of-Life Guard edition is posted, e-mail your full name and member number (if applicable) to [email protected]. available at www.fra.org. Marine Navy, strengthen its advocacy efforts on behalf ensure the en- Corps and Coast Guard personnel and Hill. listed perspective is considered on Capitol lawmakers,” says cerns are brought to the attention of be- reference our surveys in our testimony Barnes. “We and fore congressional committees, in correspondence of Congress in face-to-face interaction with members and their staff. benefit enhancements are automatic, or that Congress is obligated to fund these improvements,” adds Barnes. is there is no law to protect your “The truth, however, pay and benefits. In the current economic climate, Con- gress is feeling a lot of pressure to reduce costs across programs are military people the board. Unfortunately, often the first target of opportunity when it comes to cutting the budget.” - - Healthcare Tops Military QoL Concerns Military QoL Tops Healthcare Based on this need and past promises to career en- Based on this need and past promises of the military “Since health care affects every facet Base pay was also cited as a major QoL factor for In the survey, active duty personnel also identified active duty personnel also In the survey, Access to quality healthcare is a top Access to quality healthcare of the priority for all components to according military community, recent online survey of Navy, FRA’s - enlist Guard Coast and Corps Marine ed personnel. More than 91 percent of all active duty respondents and 71 percent of Reserve participants cited healthcare as a critically important - (QoL) benefit associ quality-of-life ated with their military service. adequate listed personnel, FRA will focus on ensuring (DoD) and De- funding for the Department of Defense healthcare programs Affairs (VA) partment of Veterans as its top legislative priority for 2009. ensuring current and former service mem- community, a robust health- bers and their families have access to number one care benefit remains the Association’s national executive explains Joe Barnes, FRA’s priority,” “This is an ongoing challenge as healthcare director. military and VA costs are rising, the population needing medical care is growing, and there is continuing pres- sure to shift costs to beneficiaries.” active duty and Reserve respondents. As a result, the Association continues its fight for annual military pay increases that are higher than the Employment Cost Index (ECI), calling on Congress to close the gap that currently exists between military and civilian pay scales. Thanks in part to advocacy efforts by FRA, military per sonnel realized a higher-than-ECI pay hike of 3.9-per sonnel realized a higher-than-ECI cent for 2009. housing allowances, education benefits, and access to quality schools for their children as important priorities. Retirement benefits, including pay and healthcare, also ranked high among Reserve participants. In addition to 3'1B[T[G/D\RXW303DJH

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FRA: A Professional Association Penny Collins Have you ever thought about why among enlisted Sea Service personnel members, their spouses, children and people join professional associations? through its presentation of awards at grandchildren are eligible to apply It is usually to unite or network for a the Recruiter of the Year, Navy Sailor for our scholarship program. Also, all common goal or purpose. Membership of the Year, and Marine Corps and members can apply for Disaster Relief in the FRA reflects a commitment to Coast Guard Honors Programs. assistance when they are affected by professional development and support Retired and veterans members get natural or other catastrophes. for the Association’s programs that their share of assistance from the FRA FRA offers two types of member- benefit your fellow shipmates. FRA as well. We fight continuing threats to ship affiliations. A member can join can also serve as an excellent resource retiree and survivor benefits, and work one of the 262 branches in the United for networking and gathering infor- to protect DoD and VA healthcare ben- States, the Philippines, Japan, and mation about your pay, healthcare and efits for retirees of all ages. FRA is also Guam or be a member-at-large. Those other benefits. a founding member of The Military who join a local branch can get in- FRA is a congressionally chartered, Coalition (TMC), an organization volved in public speaking, recruiting non-profit organization that repre- comprised of 34 military and veterans members, mentoring other members, sents the interests of the Sea Service associations representing more than community outreach, youth activi- community before the U. S. Congress. 5.5 million members of the uniformed ties, developing the branch website The Association’s membership is com- services to include active, Reserve, or newsletter, hosting online discus- prised of current and former enlisted retired, survivors, veterans and their sions through communities, as well members of the U.S. Navy, Marine families. Our active involvement with as running for leadership positions Corps, and Coast Guard. Members of TMC also strengthens our voice on within the branch. All members re- the Association are either active duty, Capitol Hill to make sure members ceive FRA Today and may subscribe Reserve, retired, or veteran service of Congress understand the unique to NewsBytes, our weekly e-mail up- members. A member can also be an challenges of military service. Keeping date, to keep abreast of current issues officer with prior enlisted service. Our fellow and former enlisted sea service affecting military personnel. FRA’s goals and objectives consist of preserv- personnel connected through ship annual membership fee of $30 is a ing and enhancing benefits and quali- reunions and other events is another small amount to pay for a multitude ty-of-life programs for our members. effective way of networking, which is of benefits and services offered by this Here is a snapshot of the benefits that one of the many benefits of joining a professional association. We also offer the FRA actively addresses for active/ professional association. multiple-year discounts for two, three, Reserve and retired/veteran members: All FRA members get the benefit or five years, as well as life member- For active duty/Reserve members, of our professional staff’s knowledge ships, which provides an even larger FRA effectively works to enhance mili- and expertise for information and professional bang for the buck. tary pay and benefits. Military base pay personal assistance with service-relat- Being an FRA shipmate makes you increased by 3.9 percent on 1 January ed concerns. We help members solve a member of a unique professional as- 2009, thanks in part to FRA’s efforts to individual career and entitlement sociation, which includes a variety of secure an ECI + 0.5-percent pay hike. problems, by working with TRICARE, benefits and services. Invite others to An enhanced GI Bill benefit that cov- Defense Finance and Accounting learn more about the FRA and encour- ers tuition costs, provides a housing Service (DFAS), the Department of age them to enjoy an affiliation with stipend and is transferable to depen- Veterans Affairs (VA) and other gov- FRA. New members can join online dents is another example of FRA’s leg- ernment agencies to cut through red at www.fra.org or by calling Member islative advocacy work to strengthen tape and find solutions. FRA is accred- Services at 1-800-372-1924. benefits for the active duty and Reserve ited with the Board of Correction for communities. (Refer to our pages 12 Naval Records, the Physical Evaluation and 13 of the December 2008 issue Board, the Physical Review Council, of FRA Today for a comprehensive the Defense Finance and Accounting listing of our 2008 achievements.) In Service (DFAS) and the Department Penny Collins is a member of FRA Branch 24 in addition, FRA recognizes excellence of Veterans Affairs (VA). In addition, Annapolis, Md. and can be reached at [email protected]. 18 y March 2009 FRA Tod a

Meds Cash 19 FRA Tod a y March 2009

Mailbox Pocket

For those who take prescription medications on a regular basis, the TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy (TMOP) offers a great combination of cost-savings, convenience and safety… 20 aughter may be the best Fortunately, military personnel and convenience and safety. Administered medicine, but the rising cost their family members are eligible for by Express Scripts, Inc., TMOP allows of prescription drugs is no a rich pharmacy benefit that can save registered beneficiaries to fill and refill L laughing matter. The cost them a bundle compared to their civil- prescriptions for most medications and of prescription medications ian neighbors. Offered as part of the receive up to a 90-day supply by mail. y March 2009 has risen steadily over the past decade TRICARE health plan, 9.2 million mili- and currently accounts for 10 percent tary beneficiaries are eligible to receive “TRICARE’s Mail Order Pharmacy is a

FRA Tod a of all U.S. healthcare costs. It’s also prescription medications at low or no great option for beneficiaries who need the fastest-rising component of health- cost through a variety of pharmacy ven- maintenance medications,” explains care spending. Americans filled 3.8 ues. (See chart on page 24.) Tracy Egler, senior director of strategic billion prescriptions in 2007 (most initiatives for the TRICARE Pharmacy recent data available) and spent an For those who take prescription medi- Division at Express Scripts. “Different estimated $286 billion in the process, cations on a regular basis, the TRICARE segments of our beneficiary popula- with an average copay of $25 for “pre- Mail Order Pharmacy (TMOP) offers tion appreciate different facets of the ferred” medications. a great combination of cost-savings, program. People who live in rural ar- eas, for example, like the convenience of getting their medications by mail. Folks on fixed incomes are particularly grateful for the cost savings. We’re very proud to serve the military popu- lation and are committed to providing the very best service and safety to our beneficiaries.”

Cost Savings are Substantial Beneficiaries who fill their prescriptions at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) pharmacy realize the greatest value, since there is no cost share required. For those who can’t get to a military pharmacy or need a maintenance medication that’s not available at their local MTF, TMOP provides the next best option, offering lower cost-shares than retail pharmacies.

According to Egler, TMOP home delivery is the most cost-effective option when not using a military pharmacy. “You can receive up to a 90-day supply of your maintenance medications for the same

21

Who’s Eligible? FRA Tod a

All TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries are eligible for the pharmacy benefit, which including use of the TMOP. This includes Reservists on active duty for more than 30 days, and y March 2009 their family members during the Reservist’s period of active service. TRICARE-for-Life (TFL) beneficiaries entitled to Medicare Part A and B are also eligible, but thereare specific requirements depending on the beneficiary’s age. (TFL beneficiaries who turned age 65 on or after 1 April 2001 must be enrolled in Medicare Part B to participate in the TRICARE pharmacy program. Those who turned 65 before 1 April 2001 are not required to be enrolled in Part B for the pharmacy benefit, but must be enrolled to take advan- tage of other TFL benefits.) There are other specialized categories of eligibility, outlined at www.tricare.mil/factsheets/viewfactsheet.cfm?id=174.

If beneficiaries use TRICARE in addition to other health insurance, the other insurance must be the first payer. Those with other health insurance (OHI) are eligible to use TMOP, but it’s usually not the best option for them. TMOP makes sense if they have no phar- macy coverage, have exhausted their pharmacy benefit, or the medication they need is not covered by their OHI policy. Beneficiaries must show that one of these conditions has been met, most usually demonstrated by submitting a copy of their explanation of benefits from the OHI company along with their prescription to the TMOP.

copayment as a 30-day supply from the prescription medication should be avail- TRICARE maintains a mandatory retail pharmacy. In other words, you get able at the generic or brand-name cost generic drug policy that requires pre- three times the medications for your share, or recommends it be considered scriptions be filled with a generic money, saving as much as 66 percent a non-formulary drug with higher cost product if one is available. All generic compared to retail costs. There are no shares. The recommendations are for- drugs sold in the United States must shipping costs, you save the cost of warded to the Beneficiary Advisory Panel, undergo rigorous testing and approval gas and wear-and-tear on your vehicle a group that represents the interests of by the Food and Drug Administration going to the retail pharmacy, plus you TRICARE beneficiaries and provides its (FDA). Generic medications are safe save tremendous amounts of time.” comments on the recommendations to alternatives to brand-name drugs and the Director of TRICARE. provide significant cost savings to ben- The cost for filling a prescription through eficiaries. A 90-day supply of a generic TMOP ranges from $3 to $22 per pre- FRA’s Legislative Healthcare Advisor medication is available through TMOP scription, depending on whether the Bob Washington is a member of the for only $3. medication is part of the Department Beneficiary Advisory Panel (BAP) of Defense’s Uniform Formulary. To and is pleased that TRICARE takes “Most beneficiaries are very comfort- understand the price structure, it’s im- the stakeholders’ perspective into able using generic medications,” says portant to understand how medications account when making formulary deci- Egler. “Generics have a long track are classified within the formulary. sions. “Beneficiaries have never been record of clinical safety, and are chemi- involved in a DoD program of this cally and clinically equivalent to their The Department of Defense (DoD) has es- magnitude. BAP members review the name-brand counterpart. And of course, tablished a Pharmacy and Therapeutics clinical and cost analysis, examine how they are significantly less expensive.” (P&T) committee, comprised of physi- many TRICARE beneficiaries are using cians, pharmacists and representatives the medication and what impact its Generic equivalents aren’t available from the military services and the formulary status will have on them. We for every brand-name drug, however. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). discuss the P&T’s rationale for its rec- Pharmaceutical companies have pat- The P&T committee systematically ommendations and although we usually ents on their name-brand medications, reviews and evaluates FDA-approved agree with their general recommenda- and generics cannot be produced until medications to determine their relative tions, we sometimes disagree on the the patent expires. If no generic ex- clinical and cost effectiveness. implementation period. It’s important ists, brand-name medications are also that beneficiaries have time to under- available through TMOP, but the ben- After careful review, committee members stand changes that will impact the cost eficiary cost-share increases to $9 for make recommendations as to whether a or availability of a medication.” a 90-day supply. 22 If a prescription drug is only marginally explained Egler. “The price structure “One of the key indicators of customer effective or substantially more expen- is based on ‘up to a 90-day supply, as satisfaction is how quickly they get sive, it may be placed in a non-formulary determined by pharmacy regulation or their medications,” says Egler. “For status. Medications placed in the non- benefit design.’” prescriptions that don’t require clarifi- formulary category are still available cation, more than 99 percent of them y March 2009 though TMOP, but the cost jumps to Beneficiaries can find out more about are shipped in less than two days. $22 for a 90-day supply – still a rela- the formulary status of their medica- We tell beneficiaries to allow 14 days,

FRA Tod a tive bargain for some medications. If tion, along with any quantity level limits particularly for new prescriptions, but a physician feels a patient requires a by visiting TRICARE’s formulary search assuming there’s no need to speak non-formulary medication instead of a tool at: http://www.tricareformulary with the patient or doctor for further in- formulary drug, the physician should search.org/dod/medicationcenter/ formation, we’re turning them around in complete an “evidence of medical default.aspx two days or less. For prescriptions that necessity” form and fax it to Express do require some sort of intervention or Scripts toll-free at 877-283-8075 (over- clarification, 100 percent of those are seas doctors use 602-586-3915) to Easy to Use in the mail within seven days.” establish medical necessity before the Another major advantage of TRICARE’s prescription is filled. If medical neces- Mail Order Pharmacy is convenience. And customers seem to be satisfied in- sity is established, beneficiaries pay With TMOP, picking up your prescrip- deed. In an independent survey of the the brand-name rate of $9 for a 90-day tions is as easy as picking up your mail. TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy, Express supply of the non-formulary drugs. The Maintenance medications are delivered Scripts received a better-than-97-percent evidence of medical necessity forms directly to your mailing address, usually approval rating — the highest of any can be downloaded at the following within 10 to 14 days after making your TRICARE contractor. A big factor in that link: http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/ request. There are no shipping fees or success is the implementation of the home/Prescriptions/Medications/ additional costs for home delivery. Member Choice Center (MCC), where pa- Non-FormularyMedications/ trons can receive enrollment assistance MedicalNecessity? “There’s no need for repeated trips or help in transferring their prescriptions to the pharmacy, looking for a parking from a retail pharmacy to TMOP. Although TMOP’s pricing structure is place, or waiting in line at the prescrip- based on a 90-day supply, some medi- tion counter,” says Egler. “Refills can be “The Member Choice Center has been cations cannot be dispensed in such requested when it’s most convenient for a huge success story,” adds Egler. “Not a large quantity. “Some controlled the beneficiary because they can make only do the beneficiaries receive great substances, for instance, are only the request by mail, phone or online, 24 customer-oriented assistance, the pro- available for shorter supply, and some hours a day, seven days a week. Their gram has paid big financial dividends medications have quantity level limits healthcare provider can also fax in pre- as well. In its first year, more than established by the P&T Committee,” scriptions right from his or her office.” 112,000 prescriptions were converted

CHAMPVA “Meds by Mail”

CHAMPVA beneficiaries also have a mail-order option for obtaining maintenance medi- cations. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers “Meds by Mail,” a safe, easy and cost-free way to receive non-urgent, CHAMPVA-covered prescription drugs. Veterans may not use the Meds by Mail program if they have other health insurance.

Prescriptions must be written for a 30- to 90-day supply, plus refills not to exceed one year. The original prescription and a completed Meds by Mail order form (available on- line or by mail) should be sent to the appropriate regional Meds by Mail service center.

For more information on the VA’s Meds by Mail program, visit www.va.gov/hac/forbenefi- ciaries/meds/meds.asp or call 1-866-229-7389 (Eastern region) or 1-888-385-0235 (Western region). 23

Pharmacy Options FRA Tod a

The cost of prescription medications varies based on where the beneficiary chooses to fill their prescription, but all TRICARE op- tions offer substantial savings. In addition to TMOP, eligible beneficiaries can fill their prescriptions at military treatment facility y March 2009 (MTF) pharmacies or retail pharmacies. There are special guidelines for beneficiaries living overseas. (See chart on page 24.)

Military Treatment TRICARE Retail Non-Network Facility (MTF) Pharmacy Program Pharmacies Pharmacies (TRRx) Filling prescriptions at pharmacies There is no charge for prescriptions filled TRICARE offers a nationwide network of outside the TRRx network is the most at an MTF pharmacy, so this is obviously more than 54,000 retail pharmacies that expensive option for TRICARE beneficia- the most cost-effective option for the will honor the TRICARE Retail Pharmacy ries. TRICARE Prime beneficiaries pay beneficiary. But it’s not always the best (TRRx) program’s copayment schedule. 50 percent of the cost share after the option. For beneficiaries who live a long When filling prescriptions at a TRRx net- deductible has been met for generic, distance from an MTF, the inconvenience work pharmacy, generic medications brand-name and non-formulary medi- and transportation costs may outstrip cost $3 for a 30-day supply and $9 for cations. Those not enrolled in TRICARE prescription savings. Additionally, MTF a 30-day supply of a brand-name drug. Prime pay $9 or 20 percent of the cost pharmacies can only fill prescriptions Non-formulary medications cost $22, for generic and brand-name medications for medications that are on the MTF also for a 30-day supply. after the deductible is met. Non-Prime formulary (a list of medications that are enrollees pay $22 or 20 percent of the available at that facility). Beneficiaries cost share (whichever is greater) for can contact their nearest MTF to find out non-formulary drugs after the deductible what drugs are on the formulary, or they has been met. To learn if a pharmacy is can use TRICARE’s Formulary Search Tool part of the TRICARE network, visit www. (available at http://tricare.mil/myben- express-scripts.com/TRICARE and click efit/home/Prescriptions) to learn what the TRRx link or call 866-363-8779. medications are required at all MTFs (called the Basic Core Formulary).

from retail pharmacies to TMOP. That TMOP uses a highly automated sys- exceeded our first-year goal of 60,000 tem that accurately dispenses the conversions and saved beneficiaries medications, and patients’ medical and $1.7 million. It also saved DoD $20.2 medication histories are tracked to iden- million.” tify potentially harmful interactions and assist with transferring prescriptions ensure safety. Beneficiaries also are Convenience also equates to easy-to- that were previously being filled at a notified in a variety of ways when their use for TMOP users. Beneficiaries can retail pharmacy to TMOP. prescriptions need to be refilled or are register by visiting the “My Benefit” about to expire. TMOP uses phone calls, portal at www.tricare.mil or www. For more information about regis- e-mails and posts notices on patrons’ on- express-scripts.com/TRICARE to com- tering and using TMOP, visit www. line accounts to remind them of needed plete the online registration form. If express-scripts/TRICARE or contact action. As a result, TMOP patrons have computer access is not available, TMOP member services toll-free at a higher compliance rate than benefi- beneficiaries can call TMOP’s Member 866-363-8667 (within the U.S.) or 866- ciaries who use the retail pharmacies, Choice Center (MCC) at 877-363-1433 275-4732 (outside the U.S.). which is especially important for those for enrollment assistance. taking maintenance medications.

Once enrolled, beneficiaries can mail Safety and Privacy Privacy is also important to TMOP their doctor’s written prescription and “Anytime you’re dealing with people’s patrons. Because beneficiaries have the appropriate cost share to Express health, safety has to be a primary con- access to a pharmacist 24 hours a Scripts. New prescriptions can also be cern,” says Egler, “And Express Scripts day, any day of the week, they can ask faxed or phoned in by the healthcare takes our responsibilities to our mem- questions about their personal drug provider. MCC representatives can also bers very seriously.” treatment in complete privacy over 24 TRICARE Pharmacy Copayments In the U.S. (Including Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands) y March 2009

Formulary Place of Service Generic Non-formulary 1 FRA Tod a (brand name) Military Treatment Facility (MTF) $0 $0 Not Applicable 2 Pharmacy TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy (TMOP) $3 $9 $22 3 (up to a 90-day supply) Retail network pharmacy $3 $9 $22 3 (up to a 30-day supply) For those who are Not enrolled in TRICARE Prime: For those who are Not enrolled in TRICARE Prime: $9 or 20 percent of total cost, whichever is $22 or 20 percent of total cost, whichever is greater, after deductible is met (E1-E4: $50/ greater, after deductible is met (E1-E4: $50/ per- person; $100/family; All others, including retirees, son; $100/family; All others, including retirees, Non-network $150/person, $300/family) $150/person, $300/family) Retail Pharmacy TRICARE Prime: TRICARE Prime: (up to a 30-day 50 percent cost-share after point-of-service (POS) 50 percent cost-share after point-of-service supply) deductibles ($300 per person/$600 per family (POS) deductibles ($300 per person/$600 per deductible) family deductible; 50 percent cost-share) Note: Beneficiaries using non-network pharmacies may have to pay the total amount of their prescription first and file a claim (DD Form 2642) to receive partial reimbursement.

Beneficiary Cost Share at all other overseas locations. (May vary by location – see Note 1) Active Duty family members 4 Active Duty Retirees and family Servicemembers members Global Remote Prime Overseas Standard Overseas Overseas No copay 0% 50% 25% 25%

1 For more information on non-formulary medications, beneficiaries can use the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool. 2 MTFs are prohibited by law under the Code of Federal Regulations from carrying non-formulary medications. 3 If medical necessity is established for a non-formulary drug, patients may qualify for the $9 cost share for up to a 30-day supply in the TRRx or a 90-day supply in the TMOP program. 4 After applicable deductibles have been met.

Note 1: Contact the TRICARE contractor for your overseas location for reimbursement rates and assistance in filing your claim. Go to www.tricare.osd.mil/overseas/index.cfm and click on your particular region

Source: Military.com (Reprinted with permission) 25 FRA Today March 2009

rmstrong is the auren A L Contributing Editor and an LA FRA Member at Large. to reduce costs,” says General Elder Granger, deputy Army director Major of TRICARE Management Activity. “The military treatment facility is the most cost-effective option, but mail order is the next best thing. Having tions prescrip - filled by mail lowers the cost for the entire military health system.” ex- an pharmacy is the benefit all, in All ceptionally valuable component of the TRICARE health plan. The cost-savings and convenience of the TRICARE Mail- Order Pharmacy make it even easier to take advantage of this important ben- efit – and makes taking your medicine a lot easier to swallow. the government. Like other employers, DoD is facing steadily rising healthcare ways for looking constantly is and costs healthcarebudget. overall its reduceto Using TMOP helps DoD contain phar- maceutical costs, which in turn, helps DoD sustain a strong, affordable, high- quality healthcare benefit. “There is tremendous reduce pressure the cost to of programs. For DoD the past healthcare several years FRA has successfully fought proposals - to shift more and more costs of these to the beneficiaries,”Joe explains Barnes, FRA’s national executive director. “Recurring proposals to crease in- TRICARE enrollment fees and copayments prescription higher impose are prime examples. Keeping costs to a minimum really helps preserve this valuable benefit for current and future generations of military personnel.” “As with all health entitlements, there are things our beneficiaries can do Another Important Advantage Using TMOP not only saves money for beneficiaries, it also saves money for “We’re “We’re keenly aware of our responsi- bility to protect our members’ private information,” explains Egler. protection is a top priority. We “Data have a vigilant process to prevent, detect and respond to any sort of data problems. We have multiple safeguards in place, and we audit larly.” She our noted that Express processes Scripts regu- is annually audited through the Information DoD Assurance and Accreditation Process (DIACAP) Certification to ensure that Express Scripts conforms to DIACAP security requirements the protection of member information. for the phone, rather than in public at the pharmacy counter. For protection and privacy, medications are delivered in a plain, secure, weather-resistant pouch. 1<0B9'%FHQWB)5$7/D\RXW$03DJH

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Issued to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, the 1909 Lincoln Cent would VDB Cents have been coveted enough as a first-year-issue coin. But when designer Victor David Brenner conspicuously included his initials “V.D.B.” on the coin’s reverse, it caused a nationwide scandal.

Struck by the U.S. Mint, only a few 1909-dated Lincoln cents were minted before public outcry and protest got the initials removed from this spot forever. This was also the first cent to feature a portrait of a president, and it was the first to bear the motto “In God We Trust.” 2009 represents the 100th anniversary of this beloved coin—a “must-have” coin for any collector!

We secured a small hoard of these coins in time for the centennial, but they won’t last long! Plus, each 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln Cent comes in an exclusive PCGS encapsulated holder that features the scandalous initials. Orders will be accepted on a strict first-come, first-served basis. Call today New York Mint to order yours—only $39.95 for one or $34.95/each for five!

©2009 Not affiliated with the U. S. Mint 800-585-9240 ext. 6701

5 25 50 75 95 100 5 25 50 75 95 100 5 25 50 75 95 100 5 25 50 75 95 100 History & Heritage

27 FRA Tod a

Saluting Chiefs y March 2009

Although there’s some debate about when it all started, historians agree that the first use of the title “Chief” aboard ship described the cook who had the most authority. Everyone in the galley understood the “chief cook” was the se- nior leader and they deferred to his direction. Although the title has expanded to include other military duties, Chiefs still stand as the hands-on leaders among Navy and Coast Guard enlisted personnel. President Benjamin Harrison established an enlisted pay scale for Chief Petty Officers on 25 February 1983 and on 1 April of that year, the Navy officially created the equivalent pay grade. On 18 May 1920, the 66th Congress mandated When Brock Corcoran made Chief, he asked his uncle TMC Herman that grades and ratings for Coast Guard person- Ouellette, USN (Ret.), to attend the ceremony and “cap” him. Ouellette, a nel should mirror those in the Navy, creating Life Member affiliated with Branch 263 in Cocoa, Fla., flew to Oklahoma City for the September 2008 event. Chief Corcoran, who is currently assigned to the the CPO grade for Coast Guard enlisted leaders. Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron SEVEN, was one of 22 Sailors from Both services chose anchors, symbols of stabil- Strategic Communications Wind ONE to join the CPO ranks during the ity and security, to identify those who rise to the ceremony. rank of Chief. Chiefs are considered technical experts in their specialty fields and resident experts on a variety of military subjects, including the history and heritage of their service. Among the many duties Chiefs assume, one of the most impor- tant is training and educating their fellow ship- mates. In addition to mentoring and developing Sailors, Chiefs also train junior officers, helping both communities understand their respective role in accomplishing the mission at hand. Chiefs are also expected to accept expanded leadership roles as they progress through the CPO ranks. FRA proudly salutes all Navy and Coast Guard Chiefs for their leadership and professionalism.

See page 14 for CPO Birthday bash information.

Advancement to Chief is considered by many to be the most significant promotion within the enlisted ranks. How did you feel when you made Chief? How did it change your views on leader- ship? Share your thoughts and perspec- tives at www.fra.org/history. News from the branches

28

BRANCH 208 Jacksonville, N.C.

y March 2009 Members of the branch and unit at a Veterans’ Day ceremony in Jacksonville. (Front L to R) Rosa Lee Sporbert, Aida FRA Tod a Littlejohn, Earl Harper, Bill Hemmingway, Robert Baum, Cathy Baum. (Second row L to R) Sadie Liset, George Liset, Rossie Ritter and Arlene Hemmingway.

BRANCH 29 Bremerton, Wash. Shipmates Gene Hanson (left) and BRANCH 59 Cheyenne, Wyo. Jerry Irvine deliver gifts and good Branch and unit members coordinated cheer during the holiday season at and participated in the 2008 Toys for Tots Bremerton Naval Hospital. campaign, donating more than 2,200 toys and $18,000 in funds to the cause.

BRANCH 402 Rocky Mount, N.C.

Branch President Garry Phelps accepts the BRANCH 117 Orlando, Fla Presidential Award for Volunteer Service from Col. Kelly, wing commander of Seymour YNC Dean Want received his FRA 60th Johnson AFB in Goldsboro, N.C. Retired year continuous service certificate. He Activities Office Director Elmer Bryan looks on. continues to be an inspiration to us all. News from the branches

29 FRA Tod a

BRANCH 5 Norfolk, Va y March 2009 FRA was recognized during a minor league baseball game at Harbor Park in Norfolk. Many branch members attended the Tides game and also a group picnic held earlier at the ballpark.

BRANCH 235 Rutland, Vt. America Cain (center) was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for her creative efforts to support the branch’s Wounded Heroes Project. America, 12-year old daugh- ter of Shipmate Tom Cain (pictured at her right) hosted a sleepover and asked each of her friends to bring an item needed by wounded BRANCH 346 warriors recovering Panama City Beach, Fla. in military hospitals. Dennis Slocumb, USN (Ret.), won a shotgun at BRANCH 281 Redding, Calif. (Hug) the annual branch turkey shoot fundraiser. Pictured is Shipmate Leroy Hug receiving his 15-year Marcia Koeppe, USNR (Ret.) longevity pin, flanked by Branch President awarding the gun to Dennis. Mike Braden (left) and RPWC Lee Hollowell.

BRANCH 94 Corpus Christi, Texas Orville “Glenn” Glendenning receiving his 50-year mem- bership award. From left to right: Molly Glendenning, Branch President Jay Nutick, and Shipmate Glenn.

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

30 ACU/LCU/LSU/LCT/LCM National USS Diodon (SS-349) Assault Craft Veterans 10–12 September 2009, San Diego, 21–24 May 2009, San Diego, Calif. CA. Contact Jay Everitt, 25677 S. 608 Contact Don Brown, 6795 Branch Rd., Rd., Grove, OK 74344-0345, 918-786- Olive Branch, MS 38654, 662-893- 8851, [email protected].

y March 2009 4684, [email protected]. USS Edisto(AGB-89/AGB-2) MCB11 & 11th NCB 14–18 May 2009, Baton Rouge, La. Contact Glenn Smith, P.O. Box 747, FRA Tod a 15–18 October 2009, Corpus Christi, Texas. Contact Larry Hagler, P.O. Box Mims, FL 32754, 321-269-5637, 4647, Lago Vista, TX 78645, 512-267- [email protected]. 8873, MCB11 [email protected]. USS English (DD-696) NAS Sanford and all squadrons 24–27 September 2009, Washington, 1942–1968 DC. Contact Roger E. Mitchell 1902 USS Rushmore (LSD-14 & 47) 25–28 June 2009, Fla. Contact Jerry N. Gordon St., Plant City, FL 33563, 23–27 September 2009, Allentown, Pa. Bohm 450 River Drive, De Bary, FL [email protected]. Contact John P. Bonner, 12232C Paseo 32713, 386-668-4851, USS Haddo (SSN-604/SS-255) Lucido, San Diego, CA 92128, 858- [email protected]. 24–26 September 2009, St. Louis, Mo. 485-7072, [email protected]. Site 1 Holy Loch, Scotland Contact Ralph Stroede, 41517 Alderlick USS Sargo (SS-188/SSN-583) 6–9 May 2009, Dunoon, Scotland. Road, Wellsville, OH 43968, 330-532- 1–4 October 2009, San Antonio, Texas. Contact Doug Ebert, 375 Jefferson 1133, [email protected]. Contact Mike Hacking, 5728 Tortuga Rd., Washington, ME 04574, 207-845- USS Hank (DD-702) Road, San Diego, CA 92124-1214, 3188, [email protected]. 23–27 September 2009, Washington, 858-495-0562, [email protected]. D.C. Contact Jim Duffy, Swift Boat Sailors Association [email protected]. USS Talladega (APA-208) 24–28 June 2009, Jacksonville, Fla. 12–16 October 2009, Atlanta, Ga. Contact Gene Hart, 3941 Laurelwood USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2/LHD-7) Contact Stan Ljosdal, 760-747-0796, Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32257, 904-880- 16–20 September 2009, Tucson, [email protected]. 6412, [email protected]. Ariz. Contact Robert G. Mcanally, 152 Frissell Street, Hampton, VA 23663, USS Trumpetfish (SS-425) USS Agerholm (DD-826) 757-723-0317, [email protected]. 8–12 October 2009, Fairfax, VA. 24–26 September 2009, Myrtle Beach, Contact Terry Trump, 404 Pinehurst S.C. Contact Arthur Hroncich, 23 USS Knudson (APD-101) Ave., Summerville, SC 29483, Greenlea Dr., Clifton Park, NY 12065, 5–7 May 2009, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact 843-873-9563, [email protected]. 518-373-8363. Tom Nestler, 488 Lake Havasu Lane, Boulder, City, NV, 702-293-4695, USS Waldron (DD-699) Alumni USS Aylwin (FF-1081) [email protected]. Association 2–4 October 2009, Virginia Beach, Va. 9–13 September 2009, Baltimore, Md. Contact Glenn Hunsberger, 715-287- USS Montague (AKA-98) Contact Richard Decourcey, 5429, [email protected] 24–27 September 2009, Indianapolis, 410-692-6105. or visit the website www.ussaylwin.com Ind. Contact F. C. “Fred” Machado, 5445 S. Blythe Ave., Fresno, CA 93706, USS Warrick (AKA-89) USS Antietam (CV/CVA/CVS & CG-54) 559-266-2978. 20–22 September 2009, Branson, Mo. 13–18 September 2009, Reno, Nev. Contact Loy W. Smith, 562-425-0236, Contact Bill Hiebert, 7901 Candlewood USS Nantahala (AO-60) 25–30 August 2009, Plymouth Meeting, [email protected]. Drive, Alexandria, VA 22306, 703-768- Pa. Contact Henry G. O’connell, Jr., 6419, [email protected]. VA-144 Roadrunners 912-427-4080, [email protected]. 12–16 May 2009, Branson, MO. USS Bainbridge (DLG(N)-25/CG(N)-25) USS New Orleans (LPH-11) Contact Jack Thomas, P.O. Box 103, 29 April –3 May 2009, Savanna, Ga. 16–20 September 2009, Tucson, Rollins, MT 59931, 406-844-2355, Contact Dan Robertson, 334-749-3886, Ariz. Contact Robert G. Mcanally, 152 [email protected]. [email protected]. Frissell Street, Hampton, VA 23663, VA-215 USS Boston (CA-69, CAG-1, SSN-703) 757-723-0317, [email protected]. 20–22 October 2009, Annapolis, Md. 9–12 July 2009, Cleveland, Ohio. USS Northampton (CA-26 & CLC/CC-1) Contact N. Endo, 2005 Woodland Road, Contact Art Hebert, P.O. Box 816, 17–21 September 2009, Norfolk, Va. Annapolis, MD 21409, 410-757-4305, Amherst, NH 03031-0816, 603-672- Contact Len Shults, 334-273-9804, [email protected]. 8772, [email protected]. [email protected]. USS Canberra (CA-70/CAG-2) USS Pickaway (APA-222) 7–11 October 2009, Baltimore, Md. 30 September –2 October 2009, Contact Ken Minick, P.O. Box 130, Jacksonville, Fla. Contact Jim Crawford Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, Belpre, OH 45714, 740-423-8976, 527 Childers LN., Ringgold, GA 30736, submit to [email protected] or mail to: FRA Reunions, [email protected]. 706-965 6371, [email protected]. 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314. -%8*BBB[-%8*B[$03DJH

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IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Customer Agreement, select calling plans, and credit approval. Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screen images simulated. Coverage and service not available everywhere. Copyright © 2009 GreatCall, Inc. Jitterbug is a registered trademark of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics America, Inc and its related entities. *Not including government taxes, assessment surcharges, and set-up fee. **Applies to phone and monthly service charges only, provided call time usage is less than 30 minutes and phone is in like-new condition. Usage charges may apply. †All plans require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone. In addition, there is a one time set up fee of $35. ††Jitterbug will work almost everywhere in the U.S. where cellular service is available from most of the major carriers. All rights reserved. © 2007 TechnoBrands®, Inc. TAPS In Memoriam 32 NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH

Alder, Don E., AMCS 091 Allen, James R., Jr., ETCS MAL Gaylor, Charles O., MCPO USN 070 Amato, Amedeo, CWO4 USNR MAL Gibbs, Charles M., AD1 012

y March 2009 Ashcraft, Russel G., CWO4 USN 005 Gillespie, Owen L., LT USN 050 Ashton, Max R., MTCS(SS) MAL Golingan, Fernando, MSCS MAL Gordon, Harold R., ETCM 089 FRA Tod a Bales, James J., CT1 067 Grass, Jake, EM2 382 Barkhurst, Frederick H., AE1 324 Greene, Russell S., SHC 099 Barnes, Jack R., HMC 089 Greenup, Clem, DM1 342 Barton, Donald, PO1 USN MAL Griffin, Jerry E., MCPO USN MAL Baum, John E., YNC 071 Groh, Gerald E., AEC 261 Baylis, Ronald E., LT USN MAL Grohs, Earl O., SKCM 046 Becicka, Joseph W., BTC 216 NAME BRANCH Beck, Barry W., EN1 MAL Hall, William, SKCM 264 Martin, Larry L., AMSC 022 Bellomy, Denver, BMCS MAL Hamen, Joseph, RD1 230 Martin, Robert J., FTC 024 Benner, William E., Jr., YN1 087 Harden, William B., PNCM 091 Mayer, Raymond J., EOCS 120 Berkley, George M., RMC 087 Harper, Terry, SKC MAL McCalla, Carl E., MMCS 324 Bettis, Dawson R., MSGT 085 Harring, Milan C., QMCS(SS) 269 McComb, Richard, BMC 060 Blevins, Harold Dean, MMC 159 Hawkins, Raymond D., GMTCM 256 McCumbers, Vernon E., RM1 MAL Boudreaux, Mark W., ET3 028 Heaney, John J., ENCS(SS) MAL McCutcheon, Harold, YNC MAL Brasher, James O., EQCM 311 Hepsoe, Henry L., SMCM 060 McGough, Thurman T., ADC MAL Bray, Paul D., MGYSGT 132 Herbert, Walter W., Jr., MGYSGT 050 McKnight, Cecil, QMCM 166 Brown, Emmerson, Jr., PO USN MAL Hill, Horace C., Jr., CSC 099 McNally, John F., MRC MAL Broyles, Clifford J., BMC 160 Hoff, Raymond L., PN1 099 McNally, John F., LCDR USN MAL Bryant, James, FTC(SS) MAL Howes, Charles C., PN1 MAL Meade, Herbert J., CECS 120 Burlage, George E., MSGT 096 Howland, Llwyn L., TMC 050 Meagher, Gerald C., EMCS 042 Byer, Charles, YN1 MAL Huber, Charles S., OSCM 192 Mealer, George T., AD1 089 Byers, Malcolm, LCDR USN MAL Hudson, James E., BTC 030 Michaels, Herbert E., Jr., ENCS 142 Huffstedtler, Lee D., ADRC 160 Miller, Clyde A., SHC 018 Callahan, Arthur L., AVCM MAL Hutchcraft, William P., AK1 267 Miller, James, SH2 060 Carlson, Robert O., LCDR USN 136 Moger, Frank W., FTCS MAL Chadwell, Charles C., POC USN 120 Johnson, Walter G., CTCM 093 Moreau, Andrew R., SH2 132 Chiarello, Raffella, GYSGT 146 Johnston, Clarence A., LCDR USN 126 Motley, Thomas L., EWCS MAL Claude, Marvin L., LT USN 216 Mulderrig, Martin J., Jr., CDR USN 005 Clooney, William J., Jr., MMCS MAL Kealaiki, Abraham K., GYSGT 313 Mullick, John S., Jr., AMC 230 Colbert, Lawrence M., Jr., ABH1 001 Kincaid, Kenneth A., AQC(AW) 123 Mullin, James F., ADJC 101 Cole, Robert W., ATC 060 King, James R., EN1 099 Murphy, Frank Michael, CDR USN 024 Columber, Warren B., HMC 182 King, James W., PO2 USN MAL Murphy, Thomas J., GMGC MAL Correll, Dennis E., CWO4 USN 091 Knutz, James E., LCDR USN MAL Murray, Edwin, GMG1 MAL Cote, Laurent F., Sr., MMCS 338 Koeck, George J., CWO2 USCG 067 Crest, Charles E., AMS1 101 Kofmehl, Frederick W., EMCS 043 Naylor, Merlin E., USN 089 Cullinan, David M., ADR1 018 Neely, Billy, OS1 MAL Curtis, Bobby G., USMC 067 Lachica, Oscar C., ADCS MAL Neumann, John W., YN1 MAL Lackey, Joseph M., OSCS(SW) MAL Newman, Frank, MMC MAL Davis, Francis E., BMC MAL Lane, William R., UT2 MAL Nichols, Altah M., Jr., CTCS 024 Dew, Harold W., LT USN 091 Lange, Louis E., MCPO USN 060 Nichols, Rudolph P., MMCS 358 Doersam, Eugene R., GMCS 110 Livingston, William C., TMC 020 Novak, Anton, Jr., BUC 230 Duggan, Robert E., MGYSGT 141 Livingstone, W. L., CPO MAL Nowak, Ernest J., CPO USN MAL Dunlop, Billy R., PN1 316 Love, Grady E., YNCS(SS) 112 Loyola, Ernest, DP1 181 Osborne, Charles W., CPO USN 050 Easley, Jack R., POC USN 160 Lyon, David, III, FTCM(SS) MAL Oswalt, Truman H., CMC 110 Eldridge, Hosea, USN RET MAL Lyons, Robert C., CPO USN 061 Overton, James W., Jr., HTC 061 Etheridge, Henry C., WT2 170 Owen, Grady E., EOH2 MAL Macky, Gerald, CAPT USMC 204 Oxford, Russell D., LTSC MAL Fischer, Herman V., CDR USN 022 Maniere, Edmund L., BMC MAL Fisher, Harold, MCPO USN 120 Manly, Billy J., LT USN 091 Pacheco, Leo, BM1 MAL Fonseca, Rudolph, HTCM 067 Mans, David J., EN1 365 Parkin, Paul M., PC1 MAL Foster, George K., CT1 181 Marcoux, Philemon J., MM1/C 256 Pearson, William T., SKC(SW) 046 Foster, James H., AMS2 MAL Marsh, James T., BTC MAL Pew, John K., MMR1 102 Frenzel, Arthur W., LCDR USCG 068 Marshall, Ted R., AOC 123 TAPS continued on page 33 Looking For…

33 USS Bagley (DD-386) Robert D. Walsh USN (Ret) or family I am seeking eyewitness accounts Possibly served aboard USS Iowa. FRA Tod a from people who saw the USS Bagley Found property that may be his.

(DD-386) OPEN FIRE on the first two Contact ADC Woods [email protected] y March 2009 Japanese torpedo bombers, from her Retired Radiomen based with me at forward port 50 cal gun mount, as they NAVSTA Midway Island in the early came across the submarine piers to- 1960’S and radiomen who were with ward battleship row. Please help a vet- me at NAVCOMMSTA Puerto Rico at eran relive history with honor. Contact Receiver Site Sabana Seca 1965 TO Dennis Boyd, [email protected] 1968. Shipmates who remember Frank L. Contact Charley Mann, 812-752-5590, Cummings, RDM2, who served aboard 812-595-2649 or [email protected]. the USS Pensacola (CA-24) from Anyone who served aboard USS Fulton January 1941 thru July 1943 and (AS-11) from Sept 1941 thru May Pilot CDR W.F. Culley, Co-Pilot Lt. J.K. onboard USS Pinkney (APH-2) August 1991. Johnson, Crew SO-3 G.A. Decamp, 1943 thru November 1944 in the Please contact Bill Weisensee, 47 AT-2 M.R. Dronz Pacific Theater of operations. Camelot Way, Woodbine, GA 31569 or We are trying to locate those who ac- Contact Carolynne C. Forster (daughter) at [email protected]. complished the landing on the sub PO Box 101, Florissant, CO 80816 or USS Corporal (SS-346) back in 1956, email [email protected] 100 miles off Key West. Helo VX-1 Side Number 51. CMR Dave Fry and Mr. LT Charles or Barbara Morris Phil Poisson would like to locate the Mayport Florida area. Contact Carl & These notices are published on a space available above in order to complete this story. Bev Thompson, 479-967-7603, basis. Notices must be submitted in writing. Contact: F.D. Piccone at [email protected] E-mail [email protected] or mail your request to: FRA, [email protected] Looking for…, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA, 22314.

TAPS continued from page 32

NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH Pitts, Elden Lee, ENC MAL Sharp, R. L., SKC 043 Plante, John P., Jr., BU1 MAL Shaw, John C., Jr., DCCM 184 Wabnitz, Edwin W., Jr., CTC 182 Porter, James E., CWO2 USN 216 Short, Leonard V., MM1 MAL Waldron, Robert, AOCS MAL Powers, James F., ATC 261 Siebertz, Hans J., AMSC 289 Weiss, Ray A., BTCM 061 Powers, William P., ADCS MAL Simpson, Earnest W., GMGC MAL West, Cecil, Jr., SGTMAJ 044 Prewitt, Lloyd, SDC 062 Smith, Norrell C., CTRCS 280 White, Melvin B., TD1 091 Prockup, Donald J., BM2 MAL Smith, Robert B., PO1 USN 096 Wibert, Blaine R., AME1 MAL Proctor, James R., PNC 047 Smith, Robert M., POC USN 099 Wiegman, Eugene R., ENC 027 Smith, Rudolph L., Sr., PO1 USN 050 Wig, Louis C., PC1 060 Ranquist, Herbert A., PRC 070 Snyder, Walter W., STGC MAL Williams, Gregory, CPO USN 269 Rebich, Ralph, AD1 175 Stacy, John L., ENS USN 334 Williams, Jerry A., AOC 010 Reed, Preston A., ATC 296 Stamps, John D., BMC MAL Wiltraut, James C., YN1 115 Reibel, James A., SHC MAL Storey, Lawson W., Jr., AMS1 022 Wood, Lancelot G., SKGC MAL Reyes, Horacio F., MSCM MAL Strong, Arthur J., UTCS 042 Richardson, George, PO1 USN MAL Sullivan, Homer W., Jr., HTC 043 Zarnik, Daniel A., QMCS(SS) 014 Ristaino, Richard C., GMMCS 075 Zuber, Erick M., TMC 159 Roberts, Glen M., YN1 300 Terry, James D., MSGT MAL Roberts, Rhys H., HM3 053 Thomas, George F., AMHC 281 Robinson, Aloysius V., TTC 174 Thumpston, James D., MUCM 117 Roggenkamp, Gary L., AMSC 027 Tilley, Alfred R., DPC MAL Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. Rongey, Kenneth C., BMC 090 Tirpak, Andrew J., CS1 094 J indicate a Past National Officer. Row, Arthur M., GMGC 338 Traughber, Bobby, GMC MAL Rust, William E., GYSGT 208 Treadwell, Louis S., AOCS 369 Rutan, Dwight C., CS2 289 Trevino, Alfred M., DM MAL 6+,3 $,5&5$)7 Rykowski, Witold T., TMC MAL Tucker, Herbert L., Jr., CPO USNR 104 Turner, J. W., Jr., ADJ2 022 3+272*5$3+6 7KRXVDQGVRI 6KLS3KRWRVLQ6WRFN Salas, Eustorgio S., ADJC 091 Twitchell, Richard M., PNC 315 [% :3ULQWV)UHH3RVWDJH Santos, Emilio, SDC 247 (/6,/5$&(17(535,6(6 Schultz, Chester J., CAPT USN MAL Vanek, Raymond J., RM1 089 SSSJ=RUODELLDKPKO?KI Scowden, Gene A., ADCS MAL Vanpamel, Louis F., BMC 263 3(56BBB[3(56B[$03DJH

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36 Message from the East Coast Regional President

Wow, it will be springtime by the time you read this article. I would like to thank the members of the East Coast Region for the honor of serving as your Regional President. My first official visit was to Unit 208, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. y March 2009 Unit 208 was excited to hear they placed 3rd at the National Convention for Hospital and Rehabilitation. It was with great pleasure that I presented the award FRA Tod a certificate to Annette Cherry, Unit Chairman. Congratulations! The Units worked hard with Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to be given to those who are in need for the holidays. They also collected toys for “Toys for Aida Littlejohn Tots.” What a great project, that means so much to the children. During my visit East Coast Regional President to Ocean View Unit 60, I was able to present the toys to the Marine Reserve Recruiters. Many Units and Shipmates had the opportunity to remember and honor those who served at Pearl Harbor, at the Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Services. Members and friends attending the service December 7, 2008 presented by Branch 182, Bethesda, were fortunate to meet with a Pearl Harbor survivor who was in attendance at that ceremony. Preparations are under way for the East Coast Regional Convention in July 30–August 2, 2009 to be held in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia. I am looking forward to seeing many unit delegates and friends at the convention. Remember, to give “Thanks” to all our Military, who have and are fighting for our freedom. I am looking forward to visiting as many units as I can during my term. Wishing everyone great health and happiness. May God bless you all this year.

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

Marine Reserve Recruiter receiving toys from Unit 60 Ocean View, Norfolk, VA, presented by Aida Littlejohn ECRP.

Pearl Harbor Survivor CDR Tony Rudzinski Left to right: Paul Gunther PRPEC, CDR Tony Rudzinski, FRA Branch 182 member, (Pearl Harbor Survivor) and Aida Littlejohn RPEC. Picture taken at Branch 182 Bethesda, MD, Pearl Harbor Ceremony, December 7, 2008

Unit 208 Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Left to right: Annette Cherry Hospital Chairman Margaret Boggs, Unit President Receiving Third Place Hospital and Rehabilitation Certificate Award From Aida Littlejohn Regional President East Coast. C4-Davidlaw a d n5297.qxd-AP 12/8/04 7:57 A M Page 1

Asbestos Cancer Hits Former Sailors

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

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