2018 February

EL PASO CHAPTER OF MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Nationally Ranked Five-Star Chapter • MOAA Affiliate from January 23, 1956 • Our 62nd Year Chapter Staff Emeritus Inside this issue: COL Margaret H. Baskfield 584-6826 INPUT LTC Rafael G. Garcia 593-1469 3 deadline for CW3 Emiliano Gorgas 594-0444 President’s Message Major E. Dexter Lyerly 585-9619 5 April 2018 Mrs. Blanche J “Maggie” Maguire 584-7682 Border Bulletin LTC James L. McLaughlin 566-4976 Luncheon Menu LTC Daniel J. Schulte 755-3387 Program 3 March 2018 Mrs. Kathleen Schulte 755-3387 Guest Speaker MAJ Edwin S. Stone, III 598-6058 Captain Jeanne B. Thompson 598-0981 6 The Border Bulletin COL Martin C. Wehmhoner 585-9106 Events Schedule NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE COL Robert Pitt 533-5111 Editor: LTC William L. Moore 842-9650 COL Lennie Enzel 755-2325 7 EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Doc’s Corner MG Edward Greer, USA 755-2244 Mrs. Judy Stone 598-6058 MG William H. Riley, Jr. 584-8798 COL Forrest Smith 449-8944 Advertising Manager: LTC William L. Moore 9 [email protected] Mrs. Julie Pitt 533-5111 Auxiliary Liaison Printer: Northeast Printing,755-6089 Mrs. Elma Smith 355-1849 February 2018 • Vol 62 No 1 LTC William Moore 842-9650 The Border Bulletin is the Official publication of the 10 El Paso Chapter of COL Steve Barrett 222-8307 Army Nurse Corps History ... The Military Officers Association of America Mrs. Janet Rasmussen 598-3835 P.O. Box 6144, Fort Bliss, TX 79906-0144. This bulletin is published Bi-monthly. Mrs. Connie Sullivan 778-0948 11 Subscription is included in the annual Personal Affairs dues of $20.00. 12-13 Statement of Publication The Border Bulletin is the newsletter of the EP MOAA Images El Paso Chapter, Military Officers Association of America. It is published bi-monthly, even months, to inform the membership of issues and activities 15 of interest to all. elpasomoaa.org is a non-profit Membership entity within the State of Texas organized to represent the membership and to support the activities of the Texas Council of Chapters and WM. DAVITT, EYE M.D. 18 MOAA National. Advertising contained on the Chaplain Corner website and in the newsletter and directory are not Eye Diseases • Lid Surgery • Research • BOTOX endorsed by the Chapter and does not represent any recommendation to the membership. William F. Davitt III, M.D. 19 Opinions expressed in articles contained herein Legislative are not necessarily those of the membership as 8815 Dyer, Suite 130 a whole or the Chapter. Questions should be 915-757-3937 directed to the Editor, at the Chapter office. [email protected] The advertisements that appear in this publication/website do not reflect an endorsment by MOAA or the El Paso Chapter.

Levels of Excellence Runner-up 2000 and 2001 Five-Star Chapter 2001 thru 2017 Communications Award Print Newsletter Five Star 2015 and 2016 Winner 2004, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Runner-up 2008 thru 2011 Communications Award Print Legislative Coverage Winner 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 9728-A Dyer St Communications Award Website Five-Star 2015 and 2016 El Paso, TX 79924 Winner 2010 thru 2013 PH 915.755.6089 Runner-up 2009 and 2014 FAX 915.757.2452 Special Communications Award 2007 [email protected] 2 EL PASO MOAA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE COL Forrest Smith, USA, Retired

1. MOAA National News. In January, MOAA National published the Top 10 Legislative Goals for 2018 in the newly formatted Military Officer magazine. There is an excellent detailed explanation of the background and remedy for each of these goals in the magazine. After 16 years of war, and with unpredictable political transitions in the coming year, the time has never been more important to “circle the wagons” and link arms in the fight to preserve your benefits and entitlements. We will discuss opportunities to collaborate on these goals throughout the year. I encourage you to join MOAA efforts at the local and National level, in our collective efforts to pursue the top 10 legislative goals for 2018.

A. Top 10 Legislative Goals for 2018. (1) Ensure TRICARE reform sustains access to top quality care. (2) Prevent disproportional TRICARE fee increases. (3) Sustain military pay comparability with the private sector. (4) Block erosion of compensation and non-pay and quality of life benefits. (5) Protect military retirement and COLAs. (6) Sustain wounded warrior programs and expand caregiver support. (7) End financial penalties to survivors and the disabled. (8) Ensure the Guard and Reserve system adequately supports the requirements for an operational reserve. (9) Ensure spouse and family support programs are aligned with current and emerging needs of an all-volunteer force. (10) Ensure timely access to VA health care and preserve earned veterans benefits. Note: Visit www.moaa.org/email, or call (800) 234-MOAA to subscribe to The MOAA Newsletter on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, and select topic areas of interest – and get periodic updates on goals and key actions.

B. New Military Officer magazine format. Editor Molly Wyman and the Rachel Barth, the Creative Director for Military Officer magazine, have combined efforts to execute an excellent revision of the magazine’s format, emphasizing “relevance and value across MOAA’s diverse membership.” In addition to the new format there are numerous informative articles to include an excellent presentation of the 2018 Transition Guide, and an excellent review of the 2018 NDAA in the Mission Critical Legislative news section, entitled “Final Text of FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act Released.” Well done ladies.

2. Supporting the El Paso Community. So what can you do to contribute to your El Paso military community and MOAA’s efforts to protect you benefits? A. Get Informed. Understand MOAA’s Top Ten Goals for the year, and track MOAA’s progress in fighting for your compensation and benefits. B. Get involved. (1) Communicate directly with your political representatives. You can send elected officials your own message of support utilizing MOAA National’s website, Legislative Action Center. You can also choose a MOAA-suggested message telling your elected leaders to stop defense bill personnel and compensation cuts. Your message will be pushed automatically to your House and Senate leaders. Communicate directly to your elected officials and be heard. It’s easy. Go to www. moaa.org, and use their simple tools. Its easy…and effective.

(2) Become a MOAA Member and speak with one voice. Your membership entitles you to access to, and use of valu- able planning tools, and continuous lobbying efforts to preserve your earned military benefits. Join now by visiting www. elpasomoaa.org.

“Professional Leaders belong to Professional Organizations.” Become part of the solution. Join MOAA.

“Never Stop Serving”. Forrest Smith COL, USA, Retired President

THE BORDER BULLETIN 3 El Paso MOAA Outreach Foundation NAME The name of this organization shall be El Paso Chapter Outreach Founda- tion of the Military Officers Association of America, herein after referred to as the MOAA Outreach Foundation. Short Title: elpasomoaaoutreach.org.

The El Paso Chapter Outreach Foun- DFAS Changes dation is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All Mailing Address, donations are 100% tax deductible. the Defense Finance and Accounting Service an- FOUNDATION UPDATE nounced it was changing The Foundation received $550 monetary donations plus a variety of Board of Directors: mailing addresses for re- canned food items at our December tirees and annuitants. Re- MOAA meeting. A “Tip of the Hat” to President everyone who made monetary and/or Brigadier General Jack Kotter tired Pay correspondence canned food donations for the Junior Vice-President should be addressed to Enlisted Family Center, YMCA Food Pantry. We know the recipients are Colonel Lennie Enzel DFAS, U.S. Military Re- grateful for all of our charitable ac- Secretary tired Pay, 8899 E 56th St., tions. As the value of the Foundation Lieutenant Colonel Bill Moore grows we will be able to provide more Indianapolis, IN, 46249- and larger donations to support our Treasurer 1200. Annuitant corre- Ms. Elma Smith soldiers who are currently serving and spondence should be those who have served in the past. It Programs is our intent to provide the support that Colonel Maureen Lofberg addressed to DFAS, U.S. is deserved to organizations and fel- Military Annuitant Pay at low veterans where it is most needed.. Advisory Director The actions of the Foundation Board Colonel Forrest Smith the same address. have acted as intended in past few months. In the New Year it is our goal to provide the needed financial support to even more organizations and veterans who require our support to improve their quality of life. You may 2017 Foundation Contributors be proud of the actions of the Founda- tion as we participate together. Mrs. Rachel Bustos Mrs. Ann P Niethammer We are in the process of creating Brigadier General & Mrs. Jack Mrs. Kathern La Bounty a closer relationship with the Junior Major General & Mrs Edward ROTC programs In El Paso and the Kotter ROTC programs commissioning new Lieutenant Colonel Bill Moore & Greer junior officers. The first action will be Colonel C.J. Moore Mrs. Ellen Pipken establishing a $500 scholarship for a Colonel & Mrs. Forrest Smith Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs. Sher- ROTC cadet. Another imitative will be Colonel Lennie Enzel man Rollins to provide the 2LT epaulets for UTEP Lieutenant Colonel B. J. Jackson Colonel and Mrs. Joseph Betasso cadets at their commissioning. Lieutenant Colonel Daniel & Mrs. Mrs. Gaetana Broillet The Outreach Foundation continues Mrs. Judith Colletti to evolve and grow. Schulte Lieutenant Colonel Terrence & Lieutenant Colonel Martha Caldwell Service by Serving Others Mrs. Powers Captain Stephen & Mrs. Mendoza

4 Jack Kotter BG, USA, Retired EL PASO MOAA February Guest Speaker by the Texas Veterans Commission Lunch Menu with the Patriotism Award for the Vet- erans Treatment Court. She received February Congressional Recognition by Con- gressman O'Rourke for her work with the Treatment Court and her contribution in the Veteran Community. In Baked Italian Beef Lasagna 2014, Judge Barill received from the Green Bean Almandine Paso Del Norte Civil Rights Project the Outstanding Achievement in Legal Tossed Green Salad w/dressing, Services Award for her Contribution with the Veterans Treatment Court. In Roll w/Butter, 2013, she was selected as the Out- Coffee, Iced Tea, and Water standing Jurist and received the award from the American Board of Trial MOAA Cake Advocates. In 2012, Judge Barill also SEPTEMBER GUEST SPEAKER received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the 1ST Armored Division/ Old Ironside Association. And in 2006, Angie Barrill Judge Barill was appointed by Chief Judge Angie Juarez Barill, 346TH Justice Wallace B. Jefferson, Supreme State District Court Judge, was elected Court of Texas to service to the 8th Meeting Program Court of Appeals. in 2004 and is presently serving her Saturday, 10 February 4TH term. Judge Barill started the She has also contributes annually to El Paso Veterans Treatment Court the International Military-Sergeant Underwood Golf Course in 2012, a program that serves to Major’s Academy-Fort Bliss regard- treat our active military and veterans ing our Judicial System. She is Sequence of Events who suffer from PTSD, TBI and other presently a current member for the mental illnesses. She also handles a Juvenile Board, Current Law Library 11:00 — 11:45 Social Hour criminal and a civil docket. Board Committee Member, Founding 11:45 — 1200 Opening Ceremony Judge Barill previously was elected as Member of the LSPI advisory Board a Municipal Court Judge from 1993- at UTEP and she has served for the 12:00 — 12:45 Meal Service 2003. Prior to being elected, she last 10 years as the Presiding Chair of 12:45 — 13:30 Program worked as a Sole Practitioner, was the El Paso County Bail Bond Board – an Assistant City Prosecutor and an which recently initiated E-Bond – the 13:30 — 13:45 Door Prize Drawing Adjunct Professor at UTEP. 1ST in the State of Texas. 13:45 — 14:00 Closing Ceremony In 2015 Judge Barill was recognized

Please submit your Lunch Reservations no later than Monday, 5 February, 2018 Treasurer: MOAA PO Box 6144 El Paso, TX 79906-0144 All dinner reservations with payment to our postal mail box

$ 20 Per Person Brigadier General Jack Kotter, President, El Paso MOAA Outreach Foundation and Colonel Forrest Smith, President, El Paso Chapter, MOAA greet each other at the 2 December 2017 Luncheon. REMITTANCE ENVELOPE ENCLOSED THE BORDER BULLETIN 5 Report a Retiree February 10, 2018 February Membership Meeting Luncheon

Death 2018 March 25, 2018 Bataan Memorial Death March

Monday - Friday: EL PASO April 14, 2018 April Membership and Luncheon

0730 - 1700 CHAPTER May 28, 2018 Memorial Day 915-568-5207 MOAA June 9, 2018 June Membership Meeting and Luncheon After Hours (Installation) EVENTS 915-569-6950/6951 SCHEDULE June 14, 2018 Flag Day June 17, 2018 Father’s Day

Retiree and Annuitant Pay Dates for 2017

Entitlement Month Retiree Payment Dates Annuitant Payment Dates FORT BLISS VISITOR POLICY January Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 February Thursday, Mar. 1, 2018 Thursday, Mar. 1, 2018 As part of Fort Bliss’ continued efforts to improve installation access, five Visitor Control Centers (VCCs) will March Friday, Mar. 30, 2018 Monday, Apr. 2, 2018 begin operating on the 9th of August. April Tuesday, May. 1, 2018 Tuesday, May 1, 2018 All visitors to Fort Bliss will need to obtain a Visitors May Friday, June 1, 2018 Friday, June 1, 2018 Pass at one of the following VCCs before entering the installation: Buffalo Soldier, Chaffee, Old Ironsides (Global June Friday, June 29, 2018 Monday, July 2, 2018 Reach), Sheridan, or Biggs Airfield Main (Sergeant Major July Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 Blvd). Visitor passes are good for a maximum of 30 days. August Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018 Fort Bliss Visitor Control Centers September Monday, Oct. 1, 2018 Monday, Oct. 1, 2018 The Buffalo Soldier VCC will operate from 5 a.m.-9 p.m. every day of the week, including holidays. October Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 The Master Sgt. Peña VCC will be closed to the November Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 public indefinitely for visitor passes, but will be open for un-cleared contractor processing only. December Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019 The Sheridan VCC will be closed to the public indefinitely for visitor passes and will process foreign WBAMC Pharmacy Services visitors and special access only. Main Hospital Pharmacy However, the Peña and Sheridan VCCs will be Monday through Wednesday and Friday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM 915-742-2793 the primary automated installation entry registration Last Thursday of every month 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM points, operating between 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for AIE Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM registration (Mondays-Fridays only). The specific start Closed Sundays and Federal Holidays date for AIE registration will be published in the near Freedom Crossing PX Pharmacy future. Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM 915-742-9017 The following hours still apply for Fort Bliss VCCs: Saturday & Training Holidays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM the Chaffee VCC will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a Closed Sundays and Federal Holidays week (including holidays), and the Old Ironsides VCC Soldier and Family Medical Clinic (SFMC) Pharmacy will operate from 5 a.m.-9 p.m. every day of the week, Monday – Friday 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM 915-742-1802 incluiding holidays. Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays Soldier Family Care Clinic (SFCC) Pharmacy Visitors to William Beaumont Army Medical Center Monday – Friday 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM 915-742-1400 are required to use the Fred Wilson Access Control Point Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays and visitors to the McGregor Range Complex are required Pharmacy Refill Services 915-742-1400 to use the McGregor Front Access Control Point. Hours of operation: 24 hours, 7 days a week, for both of these El Paso VA Health Care System Pharmacy ACPs. There are four convenient options for refilling prescriptions which can then be mailed directly to your home. Choose any process that is easy for you to use: As a reminder, all drivers requiring entry to the • Call the automated phone system at (915) 564-6100 ext. 6110 or 1-800-672-3782 ext. 6110. installation must possess a valid state issued driver’s license, vehicle registration document, and proof of • Follow the directions to process your refill. insurance for a pass to be issued. All vehicles are subject • Mail in your refill slips. to random security inspections. • Drop the refill slip in the mail-out box located in the pharmacy. All DOD ID card holders (military, dependent, retiree, • Use the MyHealtheVet Website: www.myhealth.va.gov and DOD/DA civilians) are authorized to escort those that Please note, window service at the Pharmacy will be limited to new prescriptions only. So, for all refills, please use one of do not possess a DOD ID card. Individuals being escorted the 4 options listed above. must possess a valid form of government issued ID card Thank you in advance for using these new steps which should improve the speed and efficiency of getting your (state driver’s license or ID card) and present it when prescriptions from the El Paso VAHCS Pharmacy. entering at the Access Control Point. If an individual does not possess a valid form of government issued ID, they Extended Hours cannot be escorted and must obtain a pass at a VCC. Monday and Friday: 8:00 am to 4:45 pm. Pharmacy intake window will be closed at 4:30 pm. DOD ID card holders escorting visitors assume Tuesdays: 9:00 am to 5:45 pm. Pharmacy intake will be closed at 5:30 pm. responsibility for the escorted visitors. The authorized Wednesdays and Thursdays: 7:00 am to 5:45 pm. Pharmacy intake will be closed at 5:30 pm. escort must remain with their guests at all times while they Saturday: 8:30 am to 10:30 am for patients with primary care appointment only. Location are on the installation. Contact Numbers El Paso VAHCS 915-564-7942 2nd Floor, West Hallway 800-672-3782 6 EL PASO MOAA WHAT ABOUT LASIK? less astigmatism]. Tissue is removed So why does LASIK not make sense so what’s left is always thinner. If for seniors? First, you’re well into the someone is very nearsighted, more tis- zone where you need two or even three sue must be sanded. If what’s there to prescriptions: reading or driving; or start with is already thin, AND the pa- reading, computer, and driving. Again tient is very near-sighted, LASIK might LASIK only provides ONE, so you’ll not be possible. Or the amount of cor- need glasses to focus precisely at the rection may have to be less = thinner other two distances. Since most folks DOC’S CORNER glasses but still glasses. Otherwise, think LASIK will allow them to go with- Dr. William Davitt what’s left after the sanding may not be out glasses, this obviously won’t work. strong enough to allow the eye to func- Unless you can sacrifice your depth I hear this question often, surprisingly, tion normally. perception. You might find some hob- from seniors! You’ll know why this in- LASIK gives you only ONE prescrip- bies challenging, for example. terest doesn’t make sense as you read tion in each eye. Passing age 41, What else? Well, you’re in the age on. you’ll soon need TWO. One for driving group where a cloudy lens, inside your LASIK changes the shape of the and a different one for reading. LASIK eye, may begin to handicap your vi- front curve of the eye. It does so by can’t do that. Remember, you get ONE sion. You’ve heard the word cataract? sanding the center of the curved clear prescription per eye. So if you’re able, Removal of the cloudy lens, and re- window [cornea]. This makes the cen- after factoring in your high near-sight- placing it with a man-made clear one, ter of the cornea less curved. If the edness AND your thin corneas, to get allows you a clear view again. It allows cornea happens to have a bit of egg a full correction for driving, you’ll need your surgeon to fine tune your focusing shape, LASIK can make this shape reading glasses. Or you’d have one distance. Here again, you can select closer to a ping pong ball. So the front eye for distance, and the other for clo- the distance. The difference is, your curve is ‘flatter’ and more of a sphere seup. For some, though, this throws off [similar curves going in all directions; depth perception, permanently. Con’td on page 17 BETTER GET BETTER WATER!

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Sun-TechServices.com 915-861-5543 Authorized, Independent Kinetico Dealer *On approved credit. THE BORDER BULLETIN 7 the Department of Homeland Security, Texas-based coasties were some of the first carrying out search-and-rescue missions in Harvey's wake.

Hahn's sector prepares for hurri- THE MILITARY’S canes regularly. With the storm ap- proaching Texas, coasties pre-staged boats and aircraft in areas where they STORM SURGE wouldn't get damaged. Coast Guard family members also were ordered to evacuate so servicemembers wouldn't worry about their safety while on duty.

Harvey still was wreaking havoc over When millions of American citizens Flying into hurricanes feels a lot like a the area when multiple mariners re- were left without drinking water or roller coaster, says Price, a former na- ported they were in distress. Hahn had electricity after Hurricane Maria demol- val aviator who flies the WP-3D Orion to carefully assess conditions before ished much of Puerto Rico, thousands for NOAA. “It is not uncommon in these sending coasties into the fray. of U.S. servicemembers descended on storms to go up or down 1,000 or 2,000 the island to assist. feet, and it can happen pretty quickly.” “For me, that was the biggest chal- lenge,” Hahn says. “The stress of … Within weeks, upward of 10,000 NOAA's National Hurricane Center knowing they were in a tough spot troops were in Puerto Rico or just off- was tracking Harvey and Irma long while the wind conditions were not con- shore providing much-needed humani- before they became the storms ev- ducive to sending aircraft out.” tarian relief. Sailors aboard a Navy eryone was talking about, Price says. hospital ship assisted patients after 58 More than a week before Harvey's late- By daybreak, the winds had sub- of the island's 69 hospitals were left August landfall, which brought historic sided, and Hahn's team rescued 19 without fuel or power. Other troops con- flooding to heavily populated areas like people. That launched the start of a ducted medical evacuations and deliv- Houston, Price deployed to the Virgin massive rescue mission for the Coast ered relief supplies to hard-hit areas. Islands to fly into the storm. Days later, Guard. Within two weeks, the service Assisting Puerto Ricans in the wake he and his crew took off from Barbados saved 11,022 people and 1,384 pets, of such a devastating storm proved to fly into Irma - one of the Atlantic's according to Coast Guard data. challenging. The Trump administration strongest storms on record. faced backlash for what some called a Coasties from as far away as Alas- slow response. Reaching the stranded Back on the ground, servicemem- ka, Guam, and Hawaii would join their and delivering supplies was difficult, bers like Coast Guard Capt. Tony Hahn efforts. Members of the Air National though. Roads and other infrastructure closely monitored data collected on Guard from Alaska, California, Con- were washed away following the Sept. those risky flights. “NOAA and the Na- necticut, and Oregon also assisted. 20 Category 4 storm, and many first- tional Weather Service did a fantastic Marine Corps Capt. Paul Clarke, a responders were themselves storm job forecasting the path and the stag- combat engineer officer with Marine victims. nation over Houston,” says Hahn, com- Wing Support Squadron 473, was mander of Coast Guard Sector Corpus about 250 miles north of Houston in By early October, an Army three-star Christi and a MOAA member. Fort Worth when Harvey made landfall. general was on the ground to lead re- Tapping active duty and reserve units lief efforts. The number of U.S. troops Based on those forecasts, the Coast for domestic missions is rare, and they there more than doubled to about Guard braced for the worst-case sce- only are allowed to assist if a request 11,000 after the scope of the devasta- nario. When Harvey made landfall, comes from a governor or the Federal tion became clear. dumping more than 50 inches of rain Emergency Management Agency. in some areas, members of the Army, Maria's wrath also came on the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and It took about four days for Clarke's heels of two other destructive hurri- Public Health Service flocked to the re- unit to get the call for help, but they'd canes: Harvey and Irma. Those storms gion, joining Coast Guard members in been preparing long before that. prompted their own massive military a massive humanitarian mission. responses in places like Florida, Loui- “We were very proactive,” he says. siana, and Texas. Before their work was complete, Twenty-one members of his unit some were told to brace for Irma, Jose, headed to southeast Texas, where they Here's how tens of thousands of ser- and Maria as they careened toward the teamed with 14th Marine Regiment vicemembers stepped up to help in the U.S. and its territories. to form a special-purpose Marine air- wake of back-to-back disasters. ground task force. “Everyone came with a spirit of ser- A vital recon mission vice,” Hahn says. “They showed up and Clarke says: “Being a Texan myself, Before Harvey and Irma hit, NOAA asked, 'How can I get the job done?' seeing the human suffering and devas- Cmdr. Scott Price and his crew were There was some incredible bravery.” tation was disheartening. It was a great flying high above the Caribbean - and honor to participate in this humanitar- straight into the deadly storms. Reaching the stranded Since the Coast Guard falls under Con’td on page 20 8 EL PASO MOAA Dear Members, hope that everyone had an enjoyable Christmas and happy holidays. We are starting a New Year, and it’s like a new beginning to set goals: plans for projects or travels, some for taking on routines for physical fitness. Whatever our ambitions, it would be wise to think of our desires with good strategies. For example, planning projects, researching what we want to ac- complish. For traveling, seeking information about the places we want to visit. For people that will begin a diet, it is important to consult with your physi- cian as to what kind of foods would benefit your program. Most importantly to prepare for our needs and wants is of vital significance becauseconsequences of not planning in advance can not only be disap- AUXILIARY pointing but could perhaps be disastrous. So, let’s start the New Year with a positive outlook toward our future, with LIAISON God’s help,even if we have had a difficult year. If last year was not as happy as we wished it had been, let’s make this one a more promising one. Mrs. Connie Sullivan Leaving negative attitudes and thoughts behind and looking toward what is ahead, can be a tremendous great remedy for our well-being, for the best is yet to come.

HOW TO ENJOY A DIFFERENT KIND OF CRUISING EXPERIENCE

If you're considering a cruise vaca- an ocean cruise, you'd have to board a ry fewer than 200 passengers, versus tion, you're not alone; the Cruise Lines bus at La Havre (the nearest port) and the thousands of travelers you'll find International Association (CLIA) pre- spend two-and-a-half hours traveling to on an ocean cruise liner. “It's a very lei- dicts that more than 25 million of us will visit Paris. If you don't want to spend surely, comfortable way to travel,” says board a ship this year. As the popular- half your day en route to see the sites, Grammerstorf. ity of ocean cruises continues to grow, Brown notes, “There is a new luxury so does the size of the ships. The cur- river cruise ship that literally docks in Unique voyages rent world champion, Royal Caribbe- the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.” And Of course, smaller ships mean fewer an's Harmony of the Seas, stretches a unlike the major oceangoing cruises, built-in activities. “You won't find a 12- whopping 1,188 feet and holds 6,780 the price of shore excursions is usually deck waterslide, casinos, or 35 res- passengers and 2,300 crew. That's im- included in the price of a river cruise. taurants to choose from,” Brown says. pressive, but it turns out not everyone Think of a river ship as a well-appointed wants to cruise on a ship the size of Ready access to inland destinations boutique hotel that, while it might not a small city. For those travelers, river is a major selling point for long-time have a gym, does take you to new and cruises fit the bill. cruise aficionados looking for some- exotic destinations each day. thing new, says Helge Grammerstorf, “Many of the oldest cities in Europe managing director of IG RiverCruise, For those who'd like additional ex- sprang up beside rivers," notes Carolyn the European river cruise association. periences away from the ship, they're Spencer Brown, editor in chief of Cruise “Today it's possible to sail through Eu- available in most ports, according to Critic. "Budapest, Vienna, Basel, Stras- rope from the North Sea to the Black Brown: “If you want a more elaborate bourg, Amsterdam - so many beautiful Sea,” she says. “Every day, you're in a spa or dining experience, you can have cities are located on rivers. But cruise different destination, without changing it off the ship. Because the ship liter- ships, even small ones, can't go there. accommodations.” ally pulls up into town and you can walk So river cruising is a great way to see right off, it's not necessary to have ev- the interior parts of Europe.” The smaller size of river cruise ships erything on board.” Brown notes that, encourages a more intimate experi- unlike an ocean cruise, you often can Convenience is key ence and makes it easier to get to know To reach Paris while vacationing on your shipmates. European vessels car- Con’td on page 18 THE BORDER BULLETIN 9 CRITICAL CARE NURSING IN VIETNAM AT THE 67TH EVACUATION HOSPITAL BY COL. CONSTANCE J. MOORE, USA (RET.), ARMY NURSE CORPS ASSOCIATION HISTORIAN Lieutenant (later Colonel) Mary Jo Moreover, Rice remembered, “You assisted me from my bed into an old, Rice-Mahoney was confronted with a worked when they needed you and rickety wheelchair. There were several highly stressful, intellectually demand- rested when you found the time. If you Vietnamese war orphans in the hos- ing role of a critical care nurse when were asked to work seven days a week, pital, and you placed one of the tod- she was assigned to the 67th Evacua- you didn’t question your commanders. dlers, an amputee, on my lap. It was tion Hospital in Qui Nhon on the coast You just responded to the needs of then I realized that if this child could of South Vietnam, in 1969. your team.” Working and living under smile, laugh, and live life to the fullest,

austere and often life-threatening con- I could do the same.”3 Rice-Mahoney Critical care nurses dealt with pa- ditions could understandably be chal- explained their remarkable actions, tients who were wounded with numer- lenging. "When you live through a situation like ous projectiles requiring the attention that, it's so intense that it marks you for of a variety of specialists. The multi- Despite these stresses nurses like life. When you come across people in plicity of their wounds were cared for to Rice-Mahoney made lasting differ- that experience who have shared any provide patients with the best chances ences in the lives of their patients. Two kind of significant moment or event, for survival and recuperation. The most highly traumatized patients contacted you do wonder what happened to them common type of injuries were mul- her after many years because they in the rest of their life." 4 tiple fractures, traumatic amputations, were touched by her caring compe- crushing chest injuries, and severe ab- tence. One remembered the simple Giving hope to wounded soldiers was dominal injuries. Correction of sucking gesture of replacing a NG tube that he the essence of critical care nursing in chest wounds, control of hemorrhage, had inadvertently pulled out. 2 Vietnam and continues to be a hall- and immobilization of fractures was mark of Army nursing today. paramount and challenging. The other told her eloquently, ““You

Rice focused on developing her nursing skills, and this was easy to do when she worked in the emergency area and in the intensive care unit. The task of handling mass casualty situations - not just once but time and time again - sharpened her ability to organize the available resources and to improve her triage skills. With experience came the knack of differentiating between the routine cases and the urgent ones.

Basic principles of pre- and postop- erative care also became second na- ture to her -a patent airway, control of hemorrhage, prevention or treatment of shock, maintenance of proper fluid and electrolyte balance, proper hy- giene, and prevention of infections. She became a life saver for medical patients who suffered asthma attacks, Picture Caption: LT Rice is the 2nd from the right or developed the insidious symptoms of cerebral malaria and hepatitis.

1 Terry Ratner, "Reflections on nursing in Vietnam," American Nurse Today, accessed December 116, 2017, https://www.americannursetoday.com/reflections-on-nursing-in-vietnam/cduche 2Brian Albrecht, “39 years Later, Vietnam Vet Reaches Out To Compassionate Nurse,” The Plains Dealer, November 10, 2008, accessed December 16, 2017, http://blog. cleveland.com/metro/2008/11/39_years_later_vietnam_vet_rea.html 3Terry Ratner, "Reflections on nursing in Vietnam," American Nurse Today, accessed December 116, 2017, https://www.americannursetoday.com/reflections-on-nursing- in-vietnam/ 4Brian Albrecht, “39 years Later, Vietnam Vet Reaches Out To Compassionate Nurse,” The Plains Dealer, November 10, 2008, accessed December 16, 2017, http://blog. cleveland.com/metro/2008/11/39_years_later_vietnam_vet_rea.html 10 EL PASO MOAA Employees • Federal employees in positions that convey eligibility for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program (whether or not they are actually enrolled) • U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employees in positions that convey eligibility for the FEHB Program (whether or not they are actually enrolled) • Active members of the uniformed services who are on active duty or full-time National Guard duty for more than 30 days, including: o Active members of the Selected Reserve (members of the Individual Ready Reserve are not eligible to apply) • Other eligible employees: o Tennessee Valley Authority employees (even though they may not be eligible for FEHB coverage) PERSONAL AFFAIRS o D.C. Government employees who were first employed by the D.C. Government Jose Luis Hernandez before October 1, 1987 o D.C. Courts employees o Navy Personnel Command (BUPERS) employees FEDERAL LONG o Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) employees Annuitants TERM CARE • Federal or USPS annuitants • Retired members of the uniformed services who are entitled to retired or retainer (FLTCIP) pay, including: o Retired grey reservists, even if they are not yet receiving their retired pay • Other eligible annuitants: o Deferred annuitants o Separated employees with title to a deferred annuity, even if they are not yet receiving that annuity o Tennessee Valley Authority annuitants o Compensationers receiving compensation from the U.S. Department of Labor o D.C. Government annuitants who were first employed by the D.C. Government Long term care is care that you need before if you can no longer perform everyday October 1, 1987 tasks (eating, dressing, bathing, etc.) o D.C. Courts annuitants by yourself due to a chronic illness, in- o BUPERS annuitants jury, disability or the aging process. o NAF annuitants Long term care isn't intended to cure o Surviving spouses receiving a survivor annuity* you. It is chronic care that you might *If you are a surviving spouse receiving a survivor annuity, your current spouse need for the rest of your life. This care and adult children are considered qualified relatives and eligible to apply. can span years and can be expensive depending on the type of care you Qualified Relatives need and location where that care is • Current spouses of eligible employees received. Long term care insurance is • Current spouses of eligible annuitants (but not former spouses, even if they are one way of helping to pay for these ex- receiving an apportionment of annuity) penses. • Parents, parents-in-law, and stepparents of living eligible employees (parents, parents-in-law, and stepparents of annuitants are not eligible) Visit the FLTCIP Web site for more in- • Adult children (at least 18 years old, including adopted and stepchildren) of living formation on the basics to long term eligible employees and annuitants care. • Same-sex domestic partners** of Federal or USPS employees and annuitants (but not of active or retired members of the uniformed services) Eligibility **A Declaration of Domestic Partnership form must be submitted to the employ- Many members of the Federal family ee's agency or annuitant's retirement system before you apply. Visit the Domestic are eligible to apply for coverage under Partners section of our website for more information. the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) including Federal Potential Costs and U.S. Postal Service employees and For plans and potential costs please visit the FLTCIP Web site. annuitants, active and retired members of the uniformed services, and qualified Additional Information relatives. Check the lists below to see Visit the Federal Long Term Care Web site for more information. if you are eligible to apply for coverage: (800) LTC-FEDS (582-3337) THE BORDER BULLETIN 11 DECEMBER 2, 2017 DECEMBER 2, 2017

THE BORDER BULLETIN The El Paso Chapter MOAA needs you! You Need MOAA! See Membership!

FREE BASIC MEMBERSHIP (in MOAA National) to active warrant and commissioned officers dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and to preserving the earned entitlements of members of the uniformed services, their families and survivors. Contact the El Paso MOAA Membership Director ([email protected]) for additional information.

Get yours today at MOAA.ORG; your family will Thank You! 14 EL PASO MOAA Retired Active Former Reserve National Guard Auxiliary Friend of Chapter

THE BORDER BULLETIN 15 THE INSIDE STORY OF MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT CAPTAIN GARY MICHAEL ROSE

Retired Army Capt. Gary “Mike” Rose Medal of Honor. In 2016, Congress fi- broke out, the medic again rushed for- received the nation's highest valor nally passed a measure that made it a ward to treat the increasing number award in October, nearly five decades reality. of wounded. Crawling from position to after his actions during a top-secret It was a hazardous operation, says position, Rose offered words of encour- mission saved his wounded comrades. Maj. John Plaster, USA (Ret), a former agement while still directing fire. It was President Donald Trump present- Green Beret who led a reconnaissance his job, he said, to keep the men alive ed Rose, a MOAA Life Member and mission northeast of Rose's team. and out of shock. Huntsville, Al. chapter member, with “It was like whacking a hornet's nest to First, “you want to make sure they're the Medal of Honor during an Oct. 23 see how many flew out,” Plaster says. breathing,” Rose says. “Then you want ceremony at the White House. Rose, “They were dependent entirely upon air to make sure that you stop the flow of a prior-enlisted soldier who served as support - and if the weather turned bad, blood. … Shock is your biggest con- a Special Forces medic, risked his life they would have no support at all. cern [after] you stabilize the first two, several times during an intense four- “Yet not one Green Beret hesitated to because they may think their injury is a day battle to treat the injured, despite go on the operation,” he adds. “That's lot worse than it is. And even if it is, you being wounded himself. a level of dedication few people would don't want them to know that.” Then-Sgt. Rose was deployed to Viet- understand.” The next day, a company of North nam with the 5th Special Forces Group Rose was the second Vietnam veter- Vietnamese soldiers ambushed Rose's (Airborne) when on Sept. 11, 1970, his an to stand in the White House's East team. A Montagnard fighter was hit team was sent west across the border Room this year to receive the Medal of about 40 yards from the company's into Laos, according to an Army news Honor. position. Rose ran, crawled, and ma- release. The company-sized force, neuvered his way to the man, shielding which included American troops and Behind enemy lines him with his own body as he rendered indigenous Montagnard fighters from Once on the ground in Laos, Rose lifesaving medical treatment, the news Vietnam, was on a covert mission and his team soon faced off against an release states. called Operation Tailwind. enemy squad. Rose then dragged the wounded man They flew about 40 miles into enemy- “We started taking ground fire from back to their defensive position with con-trolled territory near Chavane in the moment we hit the ground, and it one hand while firing his weapon at the southeast Laos and began taking fire didn't let up until we were extracted on enemy with the other. Then a rocket- almost immediately. the fourth day,” Rose told Military Of- propelled grenade landed nearby, Rose and his team spent four days ficer. Two Americans and two Montag- spraying Rose with shrapnel that hit his fighting off a growing number of North nards were hit, and one of them was back and leg and blew a hole through Vietnamese soldiers. In 1971, he re- trapped outside the company's defen- his foot. It didn't stop him. ceived the Distinguished Service sive perimeter. Rose rushed into the Rose picked up a stick, which he used Cross, the Army's second-highest valor fray, disregarding his own safety to as a crutch for the remainder of the fire- award, for his actions during the mis- treat the man. fight. He ignored his own wounds while sion. Supporters spent years fighting The enemy withdrew as Rose's team tending to others. to have that award upgraded to the forged ahead. When more gunfire 16 EL PASO MOAA Pinned down and surrounded Rose was sitting on the tailgate when When future generations read Rose's As the fight dragged on, Rose's com- the rotors stopped. The helicopter got citation, he hopes they understand pany requested medical evacuations quiet. something vital: “You can succeed at for the wounded. The first helicopter ap- “And when it goes quiet, you know what you need to do without being ... a proached but was unable to land, due you're in trouble,” Rose says. superhero. Regular guys can do a lot of to incoming fire. Rose stood, despite As the aircraft hung in the air, the crew great things.” the danger, and attempted to pass the noticed a Marine gunner near the door Rose says his award is a “collective wounded up to the hovering aircraft's had been shot through the neck. Rose medal,” dedicated to the others with crew. The pilot had to abort the mission rushed to his aid, rendering lifesaving whom he served. Though Rose is too as gunfire ripped through the aircraft. medical treatment as the helicopter humble to accept the Medal of Honor The severely damaged helicopter took plummeted back toward the ground. for his own courage, Plaster says his off, only to crash a few miles away. The Marine pulled through that day. fellow soldiers recognize Rose went Plaster was flying in a Cessna L- Undoubtedly, Rose's efforts to ensure above and beyond the call of duty. 19/O-1 Bird Dog to “get the lay of the the wounded man didn't go into shock “He consistently put his comrades land” when he saw a downed helicop- helped. His tactic? first; he thought nothing of the danger ter. It was clear that the enemy had “If you can get someone angry at you he exposed himself to when helping anti-aircraft weapons, which wasn't a ... they will come out of shock,” Rose wounded men,” Plaster says. “He was good sign. says. “So I reached down, and - par- always one of the best.” “My pilot and I thought Mike and his don the language - I spoke into his ear company were in great danger,” Plaster and said, 'Listen, you son of a bitch. If By Senior Staff Writer Gina Harkins said. “They might not get out of there.” you were going to die, you'd already be and Senior Editor Laural Hobbes Rose's company eventually was able dead.' ” to break out of their defensive posi- The bird hit several miles from the Con’td from page 7 tion. With more than half the compa- team's original extraction point. Rose ny wounded at that point, Rose dug was thrown from the aircraft before the trenches where he could treat the men point of impact, according to the re- WHAT ABOUT LASIK? - while still ignoring his own injuries. lease. Several troops were injured and medical insurance pays the bill, rather “Rose never took time to eat, rest, or knocked out in the crash. The helicop- than you. And with an option called a care for his own wounds,” the release ter was leaking fuel and smoking. premium lens implant, you may enjoy states. “Still dazed and wounded from the good closeup and good reading vision On the final night of the mission, North crash, Rose crawled back into the in each eye. Speaking from personal Vietnamese soldiers surrounded the downed helicopter to pull his wounded knowledge of an elder colleague, he team. Rose braved rockets, grenades, and unconscious teammates from the went through this over a year ago, and and mortars in order to continue treat- wreckage, knowing it could explode at picked one eye for driving, the other for ing the wounded. any moment,” the release states. “Rose computer work. Both were standard By the next day, the team got word continued to … [treat] the injured per- lens implants. That colleague was ac- more than 500 North Vietnamese sol- sonnel until another helicopter arrived tually born like that, so his brain was diers were headed toward their posi- on the scene.” very happy with the outcome. Most tion. Finally, the company was told to Wounded and covered in blood, Rose days, my colleague can see patients all head to an extraction point as the Air refused treatment until the others were day, and do procedures, only having to Force provided close-air support. They tended to. The medic is credited with slip glasses on for very small print or reached the landing zone but still were treating between 60 and 70 people dur- detailed surgery. All without paying for surrounded. The enemy fire intensi- ing the relentless four-day battle; three LASIK. fied, and more of Rose's men were hit. men died. LASIK, although a serious eye surgery Rose braved the assault to reach the Today Rose, 69, lives in Huntsville, with a host of possible risks, sadly, is wounded and bring back the bodies of Ala., with his wife, Margaret. The often presented as ‘you’re missing out the fallen. couple married in 1971 and have two on life if you don’t have this done.’ The “In great pain, Rose continued to re- daughters, Sarah and Claire, and one issues I outlined are glossed over like trieve and medically treat soldier after son, Michael. They also have two the guy who reads off all the side ef- soldier, under the withering enemy fire grandchildren. fects during those TV ads for a new with no regard to his own safety,” the Rose went on to become an artillery medicine. It’s not unlikely the young release states. officer, after he was selected to attend girl across the desk from you gets a Rose hobbled toward the final extrac- Officer Candidate School in 1973, and pay check bump for signing you up. A tion helicopter, with enemy soldiers he later served in Germany and Korea. lot to consider... closing in just 50 feet from the aircraft. He completed his bachelor's degree in Daniel S. Washburn, Chief, Ophthal- Just after liftoff, the helicopter was hit general education and military science mology, WBAMC, and former founder with an anti-aircraft round. At 4,500 feet from Cameron University, Lawton, and Director, Warfighter Refractive up, Rose heard the engine stop. Okla., and his master's in communica- Eye Surgery Center and primary sur- 'If you were going to die, you'd already tion from the University of Oklahoma. geon on at least 2000 LASIK proce- be dead.' dures. THE BORDER BULLETIN 17 Happy New Year to everyone!

It is amazing how fast the year has gone by. Here we are in February now starting a new year, full of hope and feeling the joy of what the future has in store for us. The experiences that we went through last year, whether happy or sad, are stepping stones toward what lies ahead. Some of the things that we heard or experienced will stay with us and perhaps help us be more compassionate and sensitive. I recall a story I heard at the Post Office, while waiting in line, of a young man (a soldier) that was standing right behind me. We started a conversation about the military and he mentioned that he had been deployed to Afghanistan. I told him that my son had gone not only to Afghanistan but to Iraq as well, as a CHAPLAIN CORNER Sniper. During our oral exchange of the subject, he related an incident that hap- Mrs. Connie Sullivan pened because of what he and the other soldiers did while in the war zone. I didn’t have the opportunity of getting all the details of his experience but he told me enough that left an impression on me because it seemed that it had been a miracle that he and the other soldiers had gone through. Like I expressed before, that it was at the Post Office and the line was moving rapidly. He said that at the area where they were stationed, at one point they were receiving a great amount of gunfire and bombing. One of the bombs reached almost where they were gathered, and that when the firing ceased for a little while, he and his buddies ran to the front of the hole and with the shrapnel and shell fragments, made a cross and set it right in front of the pit. After that the miracle happened, according to him. He said that the gunfire and bombs were going over head and not even coming close to where they were at.

God is everywhere, for believers, and so are His angels.

Con’td from page 9 Something for everyone As with any method of travel, there There's increasing interest in spe- are a few caveats. Cruise lines can't cialty theme cruises, says Grammer- control the weather, and spring flood- HOW TO ENJOY A storf, the most popular being holiday ing can make navigation hazardous, DIFFERENT KIND OF cruises that explore Europe's signature causing delays and detours. The op- Christmas markets. Additional themes posite problem - droughts - can make CRUISING EXPERIENCE include gourmet food, wine, music, some rivers impassable, depending art, architecture, and military history, on a ship's draft. Doing some research visit more than one port in a single day. among others. “The Paris to Normandy before you go and booking through a But if your main goal is to unwind, do- World War II cruise is incredibly power- travel agent is highly recommended. As ing too much can defeat that purpose. ful, and there are historians on board to Brown puts it, “It's the most fun home- “It's certainly possible to do a tour in lead you through it,” says Brown. work you'll ever do.” every town,” says Brown, “but some- times you have to give yourself a day You don't have to travel to Europe off - maybe sleep in and then just stroll River Cruise Resources to experience a river cruise, of course. Cruise Critic: www.cruisecritic.com around and relax.” The mighty Mississippi, with its rich riv- Cruiseline.com: www.cruiseline.com erboat tradition, is one of the main - but River Cruise Advisor: A dizzying variety of European river by no means only - rivers to cruise on www.rivercruiseadvisor.com cruises is available, lasting from just a here in the U.S. Gliding along the river Sign Up for Hot Vacation Deals few days to three weeks, with before- on a paddlewheeler can take you back and-after land-based tour options as to the days of Mark Twain, a steamboat By Mark Cantrell, MOAA, http://www. well. For first-timers, Brown recom- pilot himself. Today, the ships ply the moaa.org/rivercruises/?list=42949679 mends sailing the Danube or Rhine upper and lower Mississippi in style, of- 17&cat=4294967326aa,com rivers, which flow through Austria, Ger- fering passengers a luxurious vacation many, and Hungary, among other coun- with some added American history for tries. Brown observes the best time to good measure. cruise is in April and May, as well as the fall season. 18 EL PASO MOAA Happy New Year! We ended the calendar year with yet another continuing resolution until 22 January as Congress narrowly passed a temporary spending bill to avert a government shutdown. That will merely delay action on immigra- tion, border security, health care, national security, funding national disasters, and the budget to next year. Also at risk is the VA Choice Program which provides funding for Veteran’s to seek care in the community.

Although President Trump signed the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in December, the lack of a comprehensive budget (i.e. the continuing resolution) does not allow the government to fully fund the items in the LEGISLATIVE NDAA. COL. Lennie Enzel The key policy decisions in the FY 2018 NDAA that won't happen without a budget are:

• A 2.4-percent active duty pay raise which would be equal to the Employment Cost Index (ECI) which helps keep troops' pay competitive with private-sector wages. However, President Trump issued executive orders for a 2.4% pay raise for the military and a 1.9% pay raise for federal workers effective 1 January 2018. The White House Office of Management and Budget initially proposed only a 2.1 percent pay raise for the military.

• Unchanged Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) calculation: The Senate tried for the second year in a row to tweak the calculation for BAH in a way that would have negatively impacted servicemembers, particularly dual military families.

• TRICARE: the final NDAA included progressive year-over-year increases in pharmacy copayments. Most of the increases will be through the retail pharmacy sector, but beneficiaries still can obtain medications at military pharmacies for free.

o Other Tricare changes include changing both region borders and contractors. Rather than the three-region system used today, TRICARE will divide into two regions -- TRICARE East and West, TRICARE East will be managed by Humana Military and TRICARE West will be managed by Health Net Federal Service

o Starting on 1 January, Guard and Reserve TRICARE users will see a change in their out-of-pocket costs:

- TRICARE Reserve Select and TRICARE Retired Reserve users will see point-of-service fee changes. Thanks to a change in how point-of-service charges are calculated, some users may see higher out-of-pocket fees in the new year, while others will see fees lowered. - TRICARE Reserve Select and TRICARE Retired Reserve users will see monthly premium changes - TRICARE Retired Reserve users' annual out-of-pocket cap will increase from $3,000 to $3,500 - Starting in January, TRICARE Reserve Select users will pay $15 per visit for in-network primary care and $25 per visit for in-network specialty care until they hit their cap. In-network emergency room visits will run $40, and in-network urgent care use will cost $20 - Retired Reserve users will pay $25 per visit for in-network primary care; $40 for in-network specialty care; $80 for in- network emergency room use; and $40 for in-network urgent care

• More troops authorized: The FY 2018 NDAA authorizes an additional 20,000 troops - much needed by the services. The Army will increase by 7,500, the Navy by 4,000, the Marine Corps by 1,000, and the Air Force by approximately 4,100. Reserve forces across-the-board will grow by about 3,400..

• Lessens the “widows tax”: Congress included a provision in the FY 2018 NDAA that provides a permanent extension to the SSIA. Without congressional action, 67,000 military survivors would lose $2,100 in 2018 if the allowance expired in May, as it was set to, and over $3,700 a year after that.

Lastly, unless current law is changed, sequestration will return next year and automatically trigger deep cuts to the De- fense Department.

THE BORDER BULLETIN 19 through the channels. With most of the providers are there to help those ... Con’td from page 8 fixed aids marking the intercostal wa- dealing with having to rebuild their lives terways destroyed, they put up tempo- after losing their homes, possessions, rary markers until they can replace the and more.” THE MILITARY’S telephone pole-like permanent struc- tures, which must be drilled back into Thousands of servicemembers at STORM SURGE the seafloor. sea also assisted patients after the hur- ian operation where I got to help fellow ricanes. Marines and sailors aboard the Texans directly.” They then were able to open the Navy's amphibious assault ships USS ports back up during daylight hours to Wasp (LHD-1) and USS Kearsarge Equipped with amphibious assault one-way traffic. Additional repairs were (LHD-3) and dock landing ship USS vehicles and 7-ton trucks, the Marines needed to resume normal operations, Oak Hill (LSD-51) transferred noncriti- - along with members of the Army Na- but getting some traffic moving, even cal care patients in the Virgin Islands af- tional Guard - pushed east of Houston with restrictions, was vital to the na- ter Hurricane Irma struck there. And as into severely flooded areas like Orange tional economy. of late September, the Kearsarge Am- and Beaumont. The troops reached phibious Ready Group, which includes those trapped by rising waters and de- “About $4.5 trillion in commerce flows sailors and Marines, had conducted at livered food, water, and toiletries. through the marine highways and all least eight medical evacuations and “A lot of the people … said the Ma- through the maritime infrastructure in 123 airlifts, Pentagon spokesman Army rines were the very first military re- the United States, and the Coast Guard Col. Rob Manning says. The troops de- sponders they saw since Hurricane just has a huge role in that,” Hahn says. livered 22,000 pounds of relief supplies Harvey hit,” Clarke says. “Our motor- and other cargo to Puerto Rico and the transport truck tires are about 55 inch- Providing emergency care Virgin Islands. es high, so they could traverse these Other vital infrastructure damaged in [flooded] roadways.” the storms included medical facilities. Preparing for the worst At one point during Harvey, 45 hospi- Hahn credits the military's ability to Opening commerce routes tals, dialysis facilities, and other care respond to these natural disasters to Within days of Harvey hitting, Clarke centers were closed due to flooding. realistic training scenarios that helped and Hahn had to allocate resources in That's when members of the Public them brace for the worst. Requiring preparation for Irma's wrath. Marines, Health Service's Commissioned Corps troops to train as they fight is crucial to coasties, and other troops were again swooped in to help. More than 550 getting the response right. assisting Americans, this time primarily of the Commissioned Corps' officers “We prepared our team, we prepared in Florida. were deployed or placed on alert sta- our families, and that allowed us to ex- tus for rapid response to Harvey, while ecute this mission,” Hahn says. Saving lives in the wake of the storms another 150 were on call to deal with Clarke agrees. His Marines were was the No. 1 priority, Hahn says. But Irma, says Tara Broido, a Public Health ready to head into some of the hardest- the Coast Guard and Army Corps of Service spokeswoman. The officers not hit areas because of their training. Re- Engineers also were tapped with an- only provided direct care to patients sponding to a domestic disaster means other crucial mission: reopening vital but also moved them from locations teaming with partners Marines don't commerce routes in and around Texas. impacted by the storm and served as always work with, like the Red Cross. liaisons to local partners. But they learned to speak each other's “Corpus Christi, Houston, and Beau- language to get the job done. mont are [some] of the largest petro- “Since Harvey, health care profes- Hahn also credits strong leadership chemical ports in the whole nation,” sionals … are the most in-demand re- from his superiors. They were given Hahn says. “That has impacts on our source,” Broido says, with the most in- good guidance and feedback, but economy, as our refineries rely on ma- demand supplies being food and water. weren't micromanaged. terials coming in by ship to keep them “The [operational tempo] is fast-paced. Having the services' responses play going. We were doing everything we Most Corps officers are on two-week out in such a high-profile way, with could to get the waterway open with- deployments and are working 12-hour rescues being televised live on nightly out rushing and making a mistake that shifts.” newscasts, also helps remind the pub- could cause more problems down the lic of what their military is capable of in line.” The Public Health Service stood up times of crises. four 250-bed federal medical stations “When the U.S. at large gets to see Reopening industrial ports is a team after Harvey. The young, elderly, and how nimble and effective we can be, effort, Hahn adds. The Army Corps of those with compromised immune sys- they understand our value proposition,” Engineers first had to survey for ob- tems or physical disabilities are at the Hahn says. “The capabilities we bring structions, in case vessels sank during most risk of medical emergencies after to bear are fantastic. I'm proud to be in the storm or shipping containers had any disaster, Broido says. Top con- the Coast Guard, and I'm proud when washed out to sea. They also checked cerns include managing conditions like the public gets to see that.” the depth of the channel, in case the diabetes as well as the psychological force of the hurricane changed the sea- consequences of surviving a natural By Gina Hawkins, MOAA floor. disaster. http://www.moaa.org/Content/Publi- cations-and-Media/Features-and-Col- Once that work was complete, the “The most common ailments seen by umns/MOAA-Features/The-Military-s- Coast Guard had to get ship-channel Corps officers are related to the trauma Storm-Surge.aspx?list=4294967917&c buoys and markers back in place so of having survived the hurricane,” she at=4294967326 pilots and mariners could find their way says. “The Corps' behavioral health 20 EL PASO MOAA Think Tank Nation Can Violent Extremists Be Rehabilitated?

The United States Institute of Peace creasing research, “questions remain … Ensuring basic dignity, safety, and (USIP) discusses how to keep for- about why individuals join such groups humane treatment is critical to building mer Islamist radicals from becoming and why recidivism remains common a basic sense of trust and rapport with suicide bombers or lethal insurgents among those who have undergone those entering the deradicalization in Deradicalizing, Rehabilitating, and deradicalization and reintegration process,” Khan and Peracha argue. Reintegrating Violent Extremists. programs.” They also recommend promoting USIP is well known to military and According to Khan's and Peracha's skill-building before reintegration. other government officials because it research, when someone joins a “Throughout the rehabilitation process, educates them for work in dangerous violent extremist organization, they focus should be on creating an indi- areas overseas (Iraq, Afghanistan, are stripped of their previous identity vidualized plan . . . promoting building etcetera). Although its roots go back and given a new persona to serve skills for inductees to help individuals centuries, when Congress considered the group's agenda. Social Welfare, sustain themselves as they reinte- creating a “Peace Academy” to match Academics and Training for Pakistan grate. … Other skills such as basic the yet to be born (but earnestly dis- (SWAaT), a nonprofit organization that literacy … as well as basic mathemat- cussed) military academy, it was not develops and implements programs to ics, history, and cultural-social studies until the late 20th century when Presi- prevent and count violent extremism should also be compulsory. In some dent Ronald Reagan brought USIP in northwestern Pakistan, refers to this instances, corrective religious instruc- into existence, in 1984. USIP has a as “metaphoric murder” - a person's tion, including moderate religious bipartisan board of directors including traits and personality are shaped en- understanding through verification of the secretaries of state and defense. tirely against a backdrop of militancy. Quranic text and discussion on critical Both Jim Mattis and Rex Tillerson aspects of jihad, should be encour- believe in USIP and insist it continue The brief's authors make recom- aged, as should instruction on citizen- to exist and thrive. mendations based on the model from ship values that emphasize tolerance. Pakistan's Sabawoon Center for … Opportunities for continuing edu- Authors of the brief, Raafia Raees Rehabilitation, which supports former cational pursuits and skills acquisi- Khan and Feriha Peracha, assert that violent extremists in rebuilding their tion should also be available.” The “effective deradicalization program- identities and helping them replace authors believe programs also should ming focuses on psychosocial sup- the meaning and purpose they sought connect individual with guarantors in port, familial involvement, pro-social when joining violent extremist groups the community, such as neighbors, activities, reestablishing ties with local with more socially appropriate and peer groups, or employers, who can communities, and interacting with and acceptable goals. “A program needs to help keep the individual on track after monitoring reintegrated individuals provide a 'safe space' for individuals to reintegration. by both community and law enforce- validate and express their motivations ment.” They also argue that despite in- for joining a violent extremist group. By Dr. Alan Gropman, MOAA THE BORDER BULLETIN 21

February 2018 Membership Meeting & Lunch General George Underwood Golf Complex 3200 Coe Ave., El Paso, TX 79916

Date: Saturday, 10 February 2018 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Guest Speaker Judge Angie Juarez Barill 346TH State District Court Judge

Menu Baked Italian Beef Lasagna Green Bean Almandine Tossed Green Salad w/Dressing Roll w/Butter, Coffee, Iced tea and Water Mimosa

Dress: Casual / Christmas attire Cost: $20.00 per person

Lunch Treasurer: [email protected] Membership or email queries: [email protected] Mail To: El Paso Chapter MOAA, Attn.: Treasurer, PO Box 6144, Fort Bliss, TX 79906‐0144

Please fill in this acceptance slip, and return to the Treasurer by Monday, 5 February 2018 with a check for $20 per person, the cost of the luncheon. Late Reservations, call Bob Pitt, 915‐533‐5111 or Bill Moore, 915‐842‐9650, by Noon, Wednesday, February 7, and pay at the door.

Lunch will be on Saturday 10 February 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Please print guest names clearly to ensure the correct spelling on the registration listing.

I will / will not attend the lunch and there will be ______attendees in my party.

My check for $ _____ ($20.00 per person) made payable to the “El Paso Chapter” is enclosed.

Name of Member: ______

Telephone Number: ______

Name(s) of Guests: ______

______

22 EL PASO MOAA New Members EL PASO CHAPTER MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA SFC David H. Snider (FOC) 1LT David Davis 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CSM Velton Locklear Jr. OFFICERS PRESIDENT Renewals COL Forrest Smith 449-8944 SECRETARY COL Lennie Enzel CAPT James Hardin COL Steve Barrett 222-8307 MG Charles Rodriguez LTC Terry Powers TREASURER CW5 Erasmo Chacon CW3 Wayne Moorhead Mrs Elma Smith LTC C. S. Rhodes LTC Dave Powell CHAPLAIN Ms. Connie Sullivan 778-0948 LTC Benjamin Frias Mrs. Kitoko Martinez LTC Martin Keipp COL Miller Rhodes DIRECTORS WO1 J. J. Schreiner LTC CB Mapes IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT MAJ Maginia Morales CW4 Marshal Pyland COL Lennie Enzel 755-2325 Col B. J. Speights Mrs. Ellen Pipken LEGISLATIVE LIAISON COL Lennie Enzel 755-2325 LTC Everett Bills CW4 Harold Morgan MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN COL Jorge Martinez LTC Richard Cobbs CPT Steve Mendoza 755-6726 LtCol Clinton Rutherford MAJ Betty Ritchley PROGRAMS Mrs. Wiebke Long CDR Roger Springstead COL Bob Pitt 533-5111 CW4 Robert St. Almond LTC Alan Richard PUBLIC RELATIONS LTC Martha Caldwell 785-375-9404 PUBLICATIONS/NEWSLETTER EDITOR JUNIOR ENLISTED FAMILY CENTER, LTC William L. Moore 842-9650 SURVIVING SPOUSE LIAISON YMCA FOOD PANTRY Ms. Connie Sullivan 778-0948 The Junior Enlisted Family Center’s must provide the form and their military Food Pantry serves Fort Bliss needy ID. The Pantry is dedicated to helping COMMITTEES families E-6 and under with non- the truly needy families. DATABASE MANAGER/CHAPTER POC perishable food. Presently, 1200 What can you do to help? You may LTC William L Moore 842-9650 WEBMASTER/MASS EMAIL families are being assisted. The Food take donations of non-perishable food LTC William L Moore 842-9650 Pantry is open Tuesday, Wednesday, to the Pantry during the hours they are PERSONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTE CHAIR and Friday from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. open. Please don’t leave donations Mr. Joe Hernandez Phone #: 915-562-6074 Approximately on the docks as those items are often TOPS 150 people are helped each day. “lost.” Those food items that are in COL Chuck Wehmhoner 585-9106 Located in the Trading Post (old great demand are boxed macaroni ROTC/ JROTC / YOUTH ACTIVITIES Commissary), 1717 Marshall Road, and cheese, Ramen noodles, cereal, LTC Dave Powell the entrance is located behind the oatmeal, pasta and pasta sauce. If DOOR PRIZES building on the loading docks that face you have gently used furniture that LTC Martha Caldwell 785-375-9404 the Post Office. There are steps up to you no longer want or other items such MARKETING a door. Once you enter the doorway, as baby strollers, a call to Kimberly or LTC William L Moore 842-9650 POST LIAISON immediately turn left and go down a Wendy will get those unwanted items VACANT hallway. The Family Center is straight to families on Fort Bliss who need ahead. them. Furthermore, the Commissary If a soldier is in need, the soldier will place a large carton near the exit Mail: must get a form from a chaplain or for donations of non-perishable food El Paso Chapter, MOAA someone in his unit who is authorized from time to time during the year. Also, PO Box 6144 Fort Bliss, Texas 79906-0144 to provide the form. Upon entering the several times a year, there are brown Family Center, the soldier or spouse paper sacks pre-packaged with food Telephone: in the commissary which you may Secretary -- 915-222-8307 or 915-842-9650 purchase and place in a carton near EMail: the exit. President -- [email protected] Any help that you might provide Secretary -- [email protected] will be greatly appreciated. Please Treasurer -- [email protected] contact Kimberly or Wendy if you have Membership -- [email protected] Historian -- [email protected] questions. Thank you. Publications -- [email protected] General Info -- [email protected] Webmaster -- [email protected] The Officer Placement Service -- [email protected] THE BORDER BULLETIN 23 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED