FRA Leaders Storm Capitol Hill 10 JULY 2007
FRA Provides a New Home 11 Port for USS Arizona Model 14 FRA Celebrates USCG 13 MESOTHELIOMA
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6110 FRA Today 1_07 v2.indd C2 12/11/06 2:00:46 PM Communications
1 National Officers/Board Of Directors FRA proudly fights for the FRA Tod a Nat’l President Jerry L. Sweeney, Navy Dept. Branch 181 pay and benefits of current and Nat’l Vice President Lawrence J. Boudreaux, Hangtown Branch 275 former enlisted Navy, Marine Nat’l Executive Sec. Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Dept. Branch 181 Corps and Coast Guard per- y july 2007 finance Officer Paul Rigby sonnel. One common ques- Junior PNP Edgar M. Zerr, Poway Valley Branch 70 tion from shipmates is “why Regional Presidents doesn’t every new recruit join FRA?” New England Paul F. Loveless, Jr., Pine Tree Branch 156 Northeast Francis D. Tyson, Anthracite Branch 288 This month’s OnWatch east Coast Delbert L. Herrmann, Wilmington Branch 299 includes an article by Sgt. southeast Tony Cassata, The Delbert D. Black Branch 117 Maj. USMC Estrada, written North Central Leon J. Zalewski, Milwaukee Branch 14 shortly before his retirement. south Central Leo V. Vance, Space City Branch 159 In this article, Estrada shares Eileen Murphy Southwest Charles F. Smedley, Poway Valley Branch 70 his rationale for joining an Director of Marketing and West Coast Charles R. McIntyre, San Jose Branch 140 association. “Marines have a Communications Northwest John Ippert, Pearl Harbor-Honolulu Branch 46 duty to make our voices heard in Nat’l. Parliamentarian PNP J.C. Jim Eblen, San Diego Branch 9 government,” he writes. “FRA can say the things to Congress that Nat’l Chaplain Vincent W. Patton, III, Navy Dept. Branch 181 you cannot. I’ve seen FRA in action and they have taken impor- tant messages to Capitol Hill. The more people that join a military Active Duty Advisory Council association, the more support and credibility that particular or- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe Campa ganization will have when delivering our concerns.” This point is Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent also valid for Reservists, retirees and veterans. As with fighting any Master Chief Petty Officer of theC oast Guard Charles Bowen battle, there is strength in numbers. Reserve Advisory Council Perhaps it goes without saying that it takes a great team to earn the reputation FRA has. It takes dedication to the job at hand and Force Master Chief of the Naval Reserve David Pennington USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major Jimmy D. Cummings respect for the shipmates. It can not go without saying, however, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force that Vince Cuthie has been an integral part of this team for a quar- Jeffrey Smith ter of a century. This month, Vince will retire from full-time em- ployment at FRA headquarters. There really isn’t any way to put into words what working with FRA TODAY Magazine Vince is like. When I walked into my first meeting with Vince, Publisher FRA he was wearing a Napoleon hat and funny nose and glasses, (ala Managing Editor Eileen Murphy Groucho Marx). He remained stoic for the conversation but I Contributing Editor Lauren Armstrong couldn’t stop smiling – he set the stage for what he expected from Design and Art Direction himself and coworkers: keep a sense of humor, but take the job FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com seriously. Although Vince will continue to be an important part of Design Director Scott Rodgerson FRA, he will not be a daily presence in the building. Personally, I Production Manager Sandy Jones will miss the banter, the laughter and the incredibly strong opin- ions. His loyalty and dedication to FRA is inspiring.
fra today (ISSN 0028-1409) is published monthly by FRA, 125 N. West St., Eileen Murphy is the Director of Marketing and Alexandria, Va 22314-2754. A member’s subscription is covered by the member’s annual dues. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA and additional Communications and serves as the Managing Editor offices. Publication of non-sponsored advertising in fra today does not of FRA Today. Please contact her at [email protected]. constitute an endorsement by the FRA or its representatives. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Member Services, FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754. fra today is published in the interests of all current and former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Eligible non-members are not entitled to subscription rates. Established ’07-’08 Member Drive 1 November 1923. Title registered with U.S. Patent Office.
FRA Administrative Headquarters: 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754 Operation FRA (Former, Retired and Active) Phone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 • Fax: 703-549-6610 • E-Mail: [email protected] www . fra . o r g As the recruiting drive “Operation FRA: Former, Retired and Active” continues, please consider a way you can show your dedication to FRA. If you know someone in boot camp, give them a gift of an FRA membership to show how proud you are of their commitment to serve. 1+5B[T[G 303DJH
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Volume 86 Number 7 3 Featured FRA Tod a y july 2007 1 8 Forging Heroes A look at recruit training — the transformation that made you Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard personnel in the first place. Departments 2 COMMUNICATIONS
4 SHIPMATE FORUM
6 on & OFF CAPITOL HILL Movement on FY2008 National Defense Authorization 18 12 nes PERSPECTIVE New Home Port for USS Arizona Model
13 FRA Celebrates USCG
15 ONWATCH Message from Sgt. Maj. USMC Estrada prior to retirement 12 16 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS What does FRA do for you?
26 NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES
28 Reunions
30 Taps
31 Looking for… 13
36 LA FRA NEWS
On the cover Loyalty, Protection and service Although recruit training is different for each service, there are unifying stories and images. FRA is a congressionally chartered, non-profit organization advocating for current and former enlisted members of the Coast Guard photo by: PAC Tom Sperduto U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on Capitol Hill. For Navy photo by: Journalist 1st Class Preston Keres more information on the benefits of membership, please visit USMC photo by: Lance Cpl. Robert W. Beaver www.fra.org or call 800-FRA-1924. Shipmate forum
4 A Formal Farewell DFAS Changes I was shocked to read an associated press news story written Please let FRA members know that the DFAS newsletters by Bill Poovey in our local newspaper headlined “A Formal have recently been reformatted to a text version so they are Farewell for Fallen Troops”. The article told about the father compatible for all users. Many customers are unable to view uly 2007 y J uly of Spc. Matthew Holley who was killed by a roadside bomb the previous version of the newsletter because new security in Iraq efforts to change the way his son’s body would be restrictions do not allow it to be displayed correctly in some FRA Tod a brought home. John Holley a Army veteran from San Diego mailboxes. These newsletters have useful information help- said his son’s body would not be” unloaded like so much ful tips to receive your retiree benefits. Go to www.dfas.mil luggage”. His efforts along with Duncan Hunter R-California to look for other new information. and Barbara Boxer D-California helped change the U.S. Abel Quinones, USN (Ret.) government’s use of ordinary commercial flights to de- liver the fallen to their loved ones. Organizations like FRA From FRA: DFAS has recently made several upgrades to al- should honor those who help make this change happen. low people to access pay information more conveniently. Some MMCM William DeCamp, USN (Ret.) of these changes have affected phone numbers and websites. We will do our best to keep you updated. There are new phone SBP numbers for paying FRA membership dues by allotment (only Mr. Albert Dell Angelo wrote in the $2 a month!) Please make note of these: February, 2007 issue about the short- comings of the Survivor Benefit Plan. He made a huge point for those of us Make it easy on yourself! in the same boat. 2008 may be too late Active, Reserve and Retired FRA Members can pay for those enrollees over 70 with 30 years your membership dues by allotment for $24.00 per pay in. Being more aware of the small year at a deduction of $2.00 per month. print in the SBP contract should alert new pre-enrollees of the plans inequi- DFAS numbers have changed. To pay membership ties. A roll FRA might champion that the revisions should dues by allotment, please call the appropriate phone take effect as proposed in 2005. number: CPO Arnold Buckroth, USN (Ret.) Nav y and Marine Corps Coast Guard Active Duty and Reserves 1-866-772-8724 From FRA: Moving the effective date for paid-up coverage 1-888-332-7411 continues to be an FRA priority and was a topic discussed during the National Board of Directors Storming the Hill Retirees event. Please see page 10 for more information. 1-800-321-1080
USFSPA Unconstitutional I want to express my sincere gratitude for the Amicus brief your organization sub- mitted to the Supreme Court in support of the petitioners for writ of certiorari in the case of Tammy Adkins v. Robert Gates. (Referenced on page 9 of May FRA Today as FRA Supports USFSPA Lawsuit.) It was an outstanding brief!! Capt. John Strassberger, USNR (Ret.)
From FRA: Thank you for your support. FRA signed on to a Submissions Send Shipmate Forum letters to: Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. “Friend of the Court” letter filed in support of a petition to the Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to [email protected]. Please US Supreme Court to declare the Uniform Services Former include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA) unconstitutional. There is edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions still no decision from the Court as to whether or not they will and views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of hear the case. FRA Today will keep you informed. FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content. 01_02969_001BIS.qxd 3/12/07 3:05 PM 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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6
House Passes and Senate Committee Approves FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill
Lawmakers in the House and Senate are advancing their • Prohibiting additional military to civilian conversation uly 2007 y J uly respective versions of the FY 2008 National Defense for Navy medical service restoring 700 personnel to Authorization Act (NDAA). The House passed its ver- Navy end strength;
FRA Tod a sion (H.R. 1585) on 17 May 2007. The Senate version • Establishing an initiative that will ensure timely diag- (S. 567) is still a work in progress nosis, appropriate treatment and heal- that has been approved by the Senate ing of Traumatic Brain Injury; Armed Services Committee but awaits • Transferring Reserve MGIB from floor amendments and final action by DoD to VA oversight, thus putting the full Senate. The House version in- active and reserve MGIB under one cludes many initiatives that benefit ac- department; tive duty, Reserve, retired shipmates • Consolidating over 60 special pays and their families, that are reflected in and bonuses into eight categories; FRA’s Legislative Agenda. • Allowing active duty personnel FRA is encouraged by provisions to transport two privately-owned in the House version of the legislation vehicles to Alaska, Hawaii, and US that include: territories; • Prohibiting TRICARE fee increases • Providing vouchers for free par- and restoring $1.9 billion for the John Davis cel (less than 10 lbs.) or letter mailing Defense Health Program; FRA’s Director of to service members serving in Iraq or • Prohibiting pharmacy fee increases Legislative Programs Afghanistan or currently hospitalized for one year; under the care of the Armed Forces. • Eliminating $212 million require- • Authorizing $50 million in ment for military health care efficiency savings; Supplemental Impact Aid to schools with large military • Providing a 3.5 percent military pay raise, which is 0.5 populations, with an additional $15 million for schools percent above the Administration’s request; affected by base closures; • Requiring FY 2009-FY 2012 active duty pay increases to be • Providing an additional $50 million for the mainte- at least 0.5 above the annual Employment Compensation nance and improvement of medical facilities, including Index (ECI). Walter Reed Army Medical Center; and • Expanding Combat-Related Special Compensation • Including provisions of “The Wounded Warrior (CRSC) for personnel with fewer than 20 but more Assistance Act” (H.R. 1538) that is intended to improve than 15 years of service with 60% or greater disability the management of medical care for wounded service rating beginning 1 October 2008; members. • Authorizing indemnity allowance up to $40 per month Many of these issues are addressed in FRA’s 2007 to spouses that have DIC offset to be phased in begin- Congressional testimony and referenced in letters of sup- ning 1 October 2008; port to the House Armed Services Committee Chairman • Increasing FY 2008 end strength for the Marines to Ike Skelton (Mo.) and ranking member Rep. Duncan Hunter 9,000 above the Administration’s request (189,000); (Calif.) following full committee markup for H.R. 1585.
OMB Letter Opposes House NDAA Provisions
After the House passed its own disapproval with some of the FRA by military service that have their version of the FY 2008 National supported enhancements in the bill. VA DIC deducted from their SBP Defense Authorization Act (NDAA, Specifically, the extra one-half per- payments, and upgrading Combat- bill number H.R. 1585), the White cent pay raise each year from 2008– Related Special Compensation for House Office of Management and 2012, no TRICARE fee increases, the those with more than 15 years but Budget (OMB) responded by send- $40 monthly payment to survivors of less than 20 years of service that are ing a letter to Congress expressing members whose deaths were caused rated 60% disabled or more. On & off capitol hill
7
Health Care FRA Tod a
The Association is disappointed that the House Task Force to Support TRICARE Fee Increases y july 2007 version of the NDAA does not include a provision re- The Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care recom- garding paid-up status for Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) mends in its interim report, released 31 May 2007, increasing but will work to get a floor amendment offered to the TRICARE fees and pharmacy co-pays for retirees under age Senate version of the NDAA to make the paid up effec- 65. Further, the Task Force recommends that co-pays and fees tive 1 October 2007. be indexed to keep pace with health care inflation costs and The Senate Armed Services Committee completed its will endorse a tiered schedule of fee increases based on rank markup of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization at time of retirement. The Task Force recommended that DoD’s share of the cost should be equal or lower to its share of the Act (S. 567) in closed session and at press time the leg- cost when the program began in 1996, referencing claims that islation awaits floor debate, amendments and final ac- beneficiaries under age 65 paid 11 percent of cost in 1996 as tion by the full Senate. Key provisions of the committee compared to 4 percent today. markup include: FRA strongly opposes drastic health care fee increases, un- • Prohibiting TRICARE fee increases and restoring $1.9 til other cost saving alternatives are implemented. Imposing billion funding for the Defense Health Program; higher health care costs on military retirees sends a powerful • Providing 3.5 percent pay raise, which is 0.5 percent negative message not only to retirees, but to those currently above the Administration’s request; serving about the value of their service to the Nation. The • Expanding Combat-Related Special Compensation promise of access to health care benefits is an integral and (CRSC) to include medical retirees with less than 20 long recognized part of the government’s commitment to those years of service. Currently CRSC is provided only for who have served our country in the past — and also those now service members with 20 or more years of service; serving our Nation in time of war. • Modifying the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to allow FRA presented its views to the Task Force this year. NES guardians and caretakers of dependent children to Joe Barnes, who also serves as co-chair of The Military Coalition receive SBP benefits; (TMC), stated that, “The drastic fee increase plan is a major is- • Reducing when Reservists may draw retirement pay sue in the retiree communities – and also a morale issue within below age 60 by 3 months for every aggregate 90 days the senior enlisted ranks. Active duty personnel view the plan of active duty mobilization; and as an erosion of their promised benefits.” Barnes led off pre- • Increasing Army and Marine Corps end strengths; sentations by a team of five TMC organization witnesses. • Allowing service members to carry up to 90 days of Readers are encouraged to use FRA’s Action Center to let unused leave. their voices be heard. Please go to www.fra.org and ask your The final version of the FY 2008 NDAA will be elected officials to support “Military Health Care Protection written later this summer by a conference committee Act” (S. 604) introduced by Sens. Frank Lautenberg (N.J.) and Chuck Hagel (Neb.). The bill is almost indistinguishable to the comprised of members of the House and Senate Armed one (S. 2617) they introduced last year, that helped prevent Services Committees after the Senate passes its version imposition of Pentagon-proposed TRICARE fee increases. The of the legislation. bill would limit DoD from increasing TRICARE fees more than the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI).
John Davis is a member of Navy Department Branch 181. Prescription Pilot Program without Co-pays Rep. Gus Bilirakis (Fla.) introduced “The TRICARE Mail-Order Pharmacy Pilot Program Act” (H.R. 2319) that would require Supplemental War Funding Passes after Long the DoD to test a mail-order pharmacy program that provides Dispute the incentive of no co-pays for prescriptions. The bill would es- Congressional supporters of an Iraq withdrawal timeline yielded and tablish a two-year pilot program, starting by March 2008, un- Congress passed an emergency war funding appropriations bill (H.R. der which at least 2,000 beneficiaries who currently use only 2206) that includes benchmarks on progress for Iraq’s government. The retail pharmacies would be offered free access to the mail- President signed the bill on 25 May 2007. order system to refill prescriptions for their maintenance medi- The bill was amended on the House floor to add $17 billion in spend- cations. Participating beneficiaries would be shown how much ing which is slightly less than the $21 billion which Congress added to that would have saved them over the previous year, and would the first bill that was vetoed by the President. The floor amendment be provided information on how to enroll in the mail-order pro- includes needed funding for BRAC ($3.1 billion), military construction gram to have the medications delivered to their home with no ($1.7 billion), the Defense Health Program ($3 billion) and VA health co-pays. Members are urged to contact their Representative care ($1.8 billion). The war funding legislation will provide resources for urging support for the bill through the FRA Action Center lo- the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan until 30 September 2007. cated on www.fra.org. On & off capitol hill
8 FRA Testifies Before Senate Reserve Retirement Age Change Proposed Defense Appropriations Rep. Tom Latham (Iowa) introduced, “The National Guard and Reserve Retirement Subcommittee Modernization Act” (H.R. 1428) which is identical to Senate legislation (S. 648) FRA staff outlined the Association’s sponsored by Senator Saxby Chambliss (Ga.) to reduce the minimum Reserve uly 2007 y J uly recommendations for the FY 2008 retirement age by three months for every 90 days of mobilization in support of Department of Defense (DoD) Budget a contingency operation or in response to a national emergency since Sept. 11,
FRA Tod a in testimony to the Senate Defense 2001. The Senate bill was adopted by the Senate Armed Services Committee as Appropriations Subcommittee on 16 part of its markup of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Bill (S. 567). May 2007. DLP John Davis cited the Depending on service commitments, Reservists could draw benefits as early as age safety of Sailors, Marines and Coast 50. The current minimum age for the Reserve Component to collect retirement Guardsmen serving in Afghanistan pay is age 60. and Iraq as a top priority and that The fundamental assumption for the Reserve retirement system established in funds should be allocated to ensure 1947 is that a Reservist has a primary career in the civilian sector. However, FRA they receive the best protective equip- believes it’s past time to recognize that greatly increased military service demands ment available. Davis also urged the over the last dozen years have significantly cost tens of thousands of Reservists subcommittee to provide full funding their civilian retirement accrual, civilian 401(k) contributions, and civilian job for the Defense Health Program; ac- promotions. This legislation is opposed by the Pentagon and FRA shipmates are tive duty pay increases at least 0.5% urged to use the Action Center on www.fra.org to express support for this important above the Employment Cost Index legislation. (ECI); provide adequate end strength for the Sea Services; readiness and Change the Dept. of the Navy to the Dept. of the Navy and support structures to enhance family the Marine Corps readiness; adequate child and youth Rep. Walter Jones (N.C.) is again sponsoring FRA-supported legislation (H.R. 346) programs; supplemental Impact Aid that proposes a name change of the Department of the Navy to the Department funds; adequate funding for the MGIB; of the Navy and Marine Corps. This change would enhance the role of the Marine and resources to support retention of Corps as an equal member of the Armed Services in the eyes of our citizens, who military treatment and other facilities have always admired Marines for their dedication and service to the Nation. at BRAC sites. In addition, he urged The previous appointment of the Commandant of the Marine Corps as a perma- funding for expanding concurrent nent member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was sufficient justification to recognize receipt and paid-up Survivor Benefit the Corps as an Armed Service equal to the task of providing its opinion and Plan (SBP) if approved by the Senate recommendations on joint and combined operations with the Army, Navy, and Air Armed Services Committee. Force. Subsequently, the assignment of a distinguished Marine as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the appointments of the immediate past Sergeant FRA Briefs USCG Retiree Major and Commandant as the Senior Noncommissioned Officer and Commander Council of NATO, respectively, only adds to the justification. The aforementioned appoint- FRA staff recently provided a legis- ments have placed the Corps on a parallel with other services that have had senior lative update to the National Coast officials at the highest levels of command. Guard Retiree Council. Along with a The Corps has filled a unique niche in the Nation’s history not duplicated by any member of MOAA’s staff, the briefing of the other Armed Services. It provides exceptional and exclusive capabilities in was on behalf of The Military Coalition concert with its sister services, in war and in peace. (TMC) and included TRICARE fees, paid-up SBP, final retired paycheck, House and Senate Agree on FY 2008 Budget Resolution USFSPA reform, concurrent receipt Both chambers of Congress agreed on a joint budget resolution that will serve as improvements and military retiree a spending blueprint to assist Appropriations Committees in drafting FY 2008 benefit changes. The Council meets spending bills. FRA appreciates the allocation of an additional $3.6 billion for annually to ensure that members of VA health care, wounded warriors and their families, plus restoring hundreds of the Coast Guard retired community millions of Administration-proposed funding cuts for military health care, and are kept informed on legislative issues allocations of extra funding for military manpower increases to ease stresses on that can impact their benefits. The troops and families. The budget resolution would allow additional concurrent re- panel is co-chaired by FRA National ceipt and SBP improvements. FRA thanks shipmates who used the Action Center Chaplain and former MCPOCG to ask their elected officials to include more funding for important military bene- Vince Patton (Ret.) and RADM Fred fits in the budget resolution. Congress has passed its appropriations bills without L. Ames, USCG (Ret.). finalized budget resolutions three of the last five years.
On & off capitol hill
9 Veterans’ AFFAIRS Veterans’ AFFAIRS Veterans’ AFFAIRS Veterans’ AFFAIRS Veterans’ AFFAIRS Veterans’ AFFAIRS Veterans’ Affairs FRA Tod a House Votes to Extend Healthcare for All Veterans Proposed
Veterans Health Coverage Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.) and Rep. Steve Rothman (N.J.) are sponsoring “The y july 2007 The House approved an FRA supported Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act” (S. 1147 and H.R. 463 respectively), measure “The Returning Service Member which would allow new Priority Group 8 veterans to enroll in the Department VA Healthcare Insurance Act” (H.R. 612) of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. Priority Group 8 veterans are those sponsored by House Veterans Affairs Com- with non-service-connected disabilities whose income is above a modest level mittee Chairman Rep. Bob Filner (Calf.). that varies by location. These FRA supported proposals would reverse the It would extend the term of free health decision more than four years ago to cut off all Priority 8 veterans’ access to care for returning service members from the VA health care system. two years to five years, a change intended to help veterans who may have health House Mil. Con VA Appropriations Subcommittee Approves problems, specifically Post Traumatic Stress its Budget Disorder (PTSD), that often has delayed on- The House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs’ Appropriations Sub- set of noticeable symptoms well after their committee approved an FY 2008 appropriations bill for the VA and military military discharge. The bill would apply only construction that would provide $4 billion more than the Administration’s to veterans who had combat service during $105.2 billion request and $18 billion more than fiscal 2007 spending. or after the 1991 Gulf War. This legislation Most of the additional dollars would go to the VA, which would provide is especially important given the growing enough funding to hire 1,000 new claims processors to tackle the large realization that PTSD and other combat backlog of pending disability claims. In addition, there is new money for induced mental problems may take years repair and maintenance at VA medical facilities to supposedly prevent another for symptoms to appear. Walter Reed-type scandal from occurring. The Appropriations Committee will begin full committee markups soon. FRA testified before the panel on 21 Improvements to Disabled March 2007. Veterans Life Insurance Proposed Speaker Discusses VA Issues Congressman Walter B. Jones (N.C.) intro- Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) hosted a press conference with FRA duced “The Disabled Veterans Insurance and other Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) in attendance to report on the ac- Improvement Act” (H. R. 2026) that would complishments of the 110th Congress including increase the amount of supplemental life • Adding money for Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC); insurance available for totally disabled • Increasing one-half of a percent above the Administration’s requested veterans. The bill would increase the increase for active duty pay; coverage available by $20,000, making a • Passage of “The Returning Service Member VA Healthcare Insurance Act” total of $50,000 of life insurance available (H.R. 612); to veterans rated 100% disabled. Senator • Passage of “The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act” (H.R. 1538) to improve Daniel Akaka (Hawaii), Chairman of the outpatient care Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, has • Rejecting TRICARE fees for Retirees and health care fees for VA Priority also introduced similar legislation in the U.S. Groups 7 & 8; Senate. “The Disabled Veterans Insurance • Increasing the VA budget by $6.7 billion over FY 2007 (the largest increase Act” (S. 643) would increase life insurance in the department’s history) and $3.8 billion above the Administration’s available to veterans rated 100% disabled request. to $40,000. Other House leaders in attendance included Majority Leader Stenny Hoyer; House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairmen Bob Filner; House Armed Ser- Pay Veterans First Introduced vices Committee Chairman Ike Skelton; Appropriations Chairman David Obey; Rep. John Hall (N.Y.) is sponsoring “The Pay Mil. Con /VA Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Chet Edwards; House Veterans First Act” (H.R. 2292) which will Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt; and House Oversight and Govern- freeze 2007 bonuses for VA employees until ment Reform Chairman Henry Waxman. the department reduces its backlog of more During the meeting, FRA’s National Veterans Service Officer Chris Slawinski than 400,000 pending disability claims to thanked them for their leadership on advancing the budget without TRICARE 100,000 or fewer. Rep. Hall chairs the House fee increases, and stressed the need for SBP paid up this year and the need Veterans Affairs Disability Assistance and for full concurrent receipt. Memorial Affairs Subcommittee. On & off capitol hill
10 FRA Leaders Storm the Hill FRA national officers, accompanied by Headquarters’ staff (Survivor Benefit Plan). Making TRICARE more cost- members, stormed Capitol Hill on 17 May to discuss the efficient was discussed, as well as adequately funding the uly 2007 y J uly Association’s priorities with the 110th Congress. FRA’s leg- Defense Health Program. FRA representatives also discussed islative team organized approximately 40 meetings between reform of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and strongly sup-
FRA Tod a 26 Board Members, Ladies Auxiliary (LA FRA) Board porting shifting the effective date from 2008 to 2007 for re- Members and Regional Vice Presidents and the offices of tirees participating in the program who’ve reached age 70 their respective Representative or Senators. and paid premiums for 30 years. FRA annually arranges the visits in conjunction with the The day concluded with a special FRA sponsored recep- Association’s mid-year Board of Director’s meetings at FRA tion honoring Rep. C.W. “Bill” Young (Fla.), ranking mem- National Headquarters in Alexandria, Va. “These Hill vis- ber of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, its are essential for FRA to establish and reinforce personal who received the Association’s Pinnacle Award. The award contact with the member of Congress and their staff,” said recognizes distinguished members of Congress who have FRA’s National President Jerry L. Sweeney, who met with championed improved benefits for men and women in uni- his own elected officials, Rep. Jo Ann Davis (Va.) and Sens. form. Young was chosen in recognition of his strong leader- James Webb (Va.) and John Warner (Va.) ship and continued support for improving health care, pay The Association focused primarily on two legislative and other benefits for active duty, Reserve, and retired mili- topics, adequately funding health care and paid-up SBP tary personnel.
Storming the Hill
RPNC Leon Zalewski with John Larson, Legislative Correspondent for Senator Herb Kohl (Wisc.). Director Legislative Programs (DLP) John Davis RPNENG Paul Loveless, Jr. (left) (left) and RPSC Leo Vance (right) met with and RVPNENG William Waite (right) Rep. Gene Greene (Texas). with Sam Horton, Military Legislative Assistant to Senator Olympia Snow (Maine).
NVP Larry Boudreaux (left) and NP Jerry Sweeney (right) with Andrew Hicks, Military Legislative Assistant to Rep. Jo Ann Davis.
(left to right) NVP Larry Boudreaux, RPWC Charles NP Jerry Sweeney (left) with McIntyre, Sen. Barbara Boxer’s (Calif.) Military Legislative Scott A. Suozzi, Legislative Assistant Ann Morris, RPSW Charles Smedley and Fellow from the office of Asst. Dir. Legislative Programs Jr. PNP Ed Zerr. Sen. John Warner (Va.) and Ed Dockery (left) and RPNW John NES Joe Barnes (right). Ippert (right) with Rep. Neil Abercrombie (Hawaii). On & off capitol hill
11 Pinnacle Award Reception for Representative Bill Young FRA Tod a y july 2007
Rep. David Hobson (Ohio) and Rep. Bill Young (Fla.) was presented the (left to right) NES Barnes, Rep. Duncan NES Joe Barnes. Pinnacle Award by NP Sweeney (left) and Hunter (Calif.) and NP Sweeney. LA FRA NP Robbins (right).
Vice Admiral Bob Papp and FRA’s Rear Admiral Stan Bozin congratu- Rep. Walter Jones (N.C.), MCPOCG Skip Bowen and Director of Membership Develop- lates Pinnacle Award recipient Rep. Howard Coble. (N.C.) ment Bob Washington (right). Rep. Young (Fla.).
NP Sweeney and LA FRA NP Robbins with Rep. Howard Rep. Jack Kingston (Ga.) with PNP Ralph Schmidt. Coble (N.C.).
On & Off Capitol Hill is written by Joe Barnes, National Executive Secretary and John Davis, Director of Legislative Programs with input from Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Director of Membership Development, Chris Slawinski, National Veterans Service Officer and Ed Dockery, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs. Sgt. Maj. USMC Carlton Kent and DLP John Davis speaks with Rep. Walter All reception photos by: Vince Cuthie RPNE Francis Tyson. Jones (N.C.). NES Perspective FRA HQ is New Home for Original USS Arizona Model 12 Springtime is busier than usual at FRA National and the remainder of the money was donated to the Navy Headquarters due to the National Board of Directors mid- Relief Society. The original unveiling was at the Memorial year meeting and associated events including our annual on 7 December 1967, attended by the first Master Chief Capitol Hill visits, and new this year was the inclusion of our Petty Officer of the Navy, Delbert Black, the fourth Sergeant uly 2007 y J uly annual Pinnacle Reception as part of this program. In addi- Major of the Marine Corps Herbert J. Sweet and members tion, we hosted a meeting of the Employee of FRA branch 46.
FRA Tod a Pension Committee, coordinated a visit to After the Arizona Memorial Museum the new National Museum of the Marine was built in 1980, the model moved there Corps at MCB Quantico, and provided and remained on display until this past support for the LA FRA Pilgrimage. December. Over the past several years, In conjunction with the Board meeting, divers studied the ship and identified we also coordinated a rework of the lobby differences between the sunken ship and of our building to include fresh paint, new model details, which led to the creation carpeting and the addition of the original of a new, more enhanced model now on model of the famed USS Arizona in a beau- display in the Museum. One of these is tiful new display case. The model and the the color of the ship, which was changed cast of the Homecoming statue by Stanley to a sea blue with a light gray top. Bleifield which is prominently displayed at FRA Branch 46 member and Pearl the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, Harbor survivor Ansil “Sandy” Saunders DC., greet all visitors and reflect two ma- Joe Barnes was adamant about FRA getting the orig- FRA’s National Executive Secretary jor Branch and FRA-led initiatives and the inal model, and championed its move to Association’s strong and generous com- Headquarters. His passion led the mu- mitment to both projects. seum to decline another group’s offer to purchase the model National President Jerry Sweeney unveiled the model for $30,000. Unfortunately, Sandy Saunders passed away of the USS Arizona during a special ceremony on 18 May. before a decision on what to do with the model was made Many of you may remember the Association’s involvement and PRPNW Noel Bragg helped carry out Sandy’s vision with this project back in 1966. Shipmates from FRA’s Pearl and was in Alexandria for the unveiling. Harbor Branch 46 realized that the majority of the quarter- As NP Sweeney said during the unveiling, “The dedicated million visitors each year to the USS Arizona Memorial had shipmates from Branch 46 made this model a reality forty never actually seen the battleship afloat. They only saw part years ago, and now we’re humbled to now have it here.” of the ship’s superstructure and what remained of the ship underwater. The Navy had strict regulations governing the memo- Joe Barnes is FRA’s National Executive Secretary and Chairman of the National rial, and at FRA’s request, the Navy agreed to accept and Committee on Legislative Service. A member of Navy Department Branch 181, display a model of the USS Arizona. FRA initiated a fund- he is also an advisor to the National Committees on Budget and Finance and raiser and the generous contributions went beyond the goal Membership and Retention.
(left to right) Paul Rigby, Finance Officer; Leo V. Vance, Regional President (RP) South Central; J.C. “Jim” Eblen, National Parliamentarian; Jerry L. Sweeney, National President; Vincent W. Patton, III, National Chaplain; Joseph L. Barnes, National Executive Secretary; Edgar M. Zerr, Jr. Past National President; John Ippert, RP Northwest; Paul F. Loveless, Jr., RP New England; Lawrence J. Boudreaux, National Vice President; Francis D. Tyson, RP Northeast; Charles F. Smedley, RP Southwest; Leon J. Zalewski, RP North Central; Charles R. McIntyre, RP West Coast; and Delbert L. Herrmann, RP East Coast. FRA Celebrates the Coast Guard recognition 13 The United States Coast Guard is diverse, proud and a necessary force for safety FRA Tod a of boaters, protection of the environment, and, of course, to the security of the Formation of a country as they guard our borders. Wherever the United States has an economic Diverse Service or security concern related to water, the Coast Guard is there. y july 2007 When the Revenue Cutter FRA’s pride in United States Coast Guard is second to none. The Association Service was founded in 1790, has a rich history celebrating and protecting this great service starting during nobody anticipated what great- World War II when the Coast Guard was part of the Department of the Navy. In ness was in its future. The Life- 1970, FRA delegates voted at Convention to invite Coast Guard personnel into saving Service merged with the the Association in recognition of the importance of the service. Revenue Cutter Service in 1915 The past two months brought opportunities for FRA to show its dedication to form the United States Coast to the Coast Guard — honoring the tremendous dedication of the Coast Guard’s Guard. The Lighthouse Service Enlisted Persons of the Year (EPOYs) and as hosts of the Congressional Coast became part of the Coast Guard Guard Caucus Breakfast. in 1939, and the Bureau of On 22 May, NES Joe Barnes joined Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant of Marine Inspection became part the Coast Guard, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles “Skip” of the USCG in 1942. In 2003, Bowen, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force Jeff the Coast Guard became part of Smith at a ceremony recognizing the EPOY awardees. the Department of Homeland The Association also hosted the EPOYs at its headquarters for a legislative Security and took on added process brief on 24 May and arranged a Capitol Hill tour for the honorees through responsibilities of defending Rep. Gene Taylor’s (Miss.) office. Taylor is co-chair of the Coast Guard Caucus, US borders. and one of only three members of Congress who has served in the USCG. On 6 June, FRA hosted the Coast Guard leaders again at the ninth-annual United States Coast Guard Caucus Breakfast. FRA sponsors this event in con- junction with the Coast Guard’s House Liaison Office and its Governmental Affairs staff. It is an opportunity to spotlight the Coast Guard’s tremendous ser- vice to our Nation and promote dialogue between members of Congress, staff personnel, key Coast Guard leaders and FRA. The Caucus is co-chaired by three members of Congress who served in the Coast Guard — Representatives Howard Coble (N.C.), Gene Taylor (Miss.), and William Delahunt (Mass.) — all who were in attendance. Other members of the Caucus, including Reps Carolyn Kilpatrick (Mich.), Frank LoBiondo (N.J.), and Wayne Gilchrest (Md.) were also present. FRA works closely with this bi-partisan group in support of compensation, health care and various benefit programs that affect USCG personnel and are essential to maintaining military readiness and ensuring our national security. During the Coast Guard Caucus FRA is also committed to educating members of Congress, their staff and the Breakfast, Adm. Thad Allen surprised public about the Coast Guard’s critical missions and the role the service plays as Rep. Gene Taylor with a copy of his part of the Department of Homeland Security. certificate from basic training. The Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen thanked FRA and others for original was prominently displayed in his home, which was destroyed by their unwavering support of the Coast Guard. “Maintaining funding parity with Hurricane Katrina. DoD benefit programs is a continuing concern and FRA does an extraordinary job on Capitol Hill. We’re grateful for their continued work,” he said.
EPOY awardees left to right: Mr. Marvin E. Butcher, Auxiliarist of the Year, Mrs. Donna Dowling, CG Non-Appropriated Fund Civilian Employee of the Year, Mrs. Ramona L. Vazquez, Civilian Employee of the Year, OS2 Thomas C. Zeiner, Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year, AMT1 Mario M. Vittone, Enlisted Person of the Year and NES Joe Barnes. 60& B[T[G 303DJH
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The online learning guide and “Com- on the mission at hand. They work hard and on the mission at hand. but they also need to be excel at their jobs – more aware of the world outside and take the time to understand the political process there. and the implications of what happens Officials,” Elected municating With Your our booklet that FRA has created can help Marines not only vote, but help keep our will elected representatives accountable. It and help them in understanding the process by doing that it will help them make better, “I’m more informed decisions. Marines say, afraid to contact my congressman, or I’m afraid to contact my congressman, or
worried about making a donation to a politi- worried about making a donation to a make certain donations can You cal party.” their and I encourage all Marines to contact an elected officials if they feel strongly about of issue. Everyone needs to be acutely aware example, his or her role in the process. For I there was one point in my career when re- wanted to support a Congressman who ally cared about the troops. He was having you an event and I just wanted to say “thank do for what you do.” I was advised not to so because with elections coming up, it may appear that I was endorsing this candidate.
Capitol Photo by: USMC Cpl Michael S. Cifuentes S. Michael Cpl USMC by: Photo to
For thoseFor times when you cannot thespeak freely, It’s critical to stay within the guidelines of DoD Directive 1334.10, which clearly defines the policy for members of to engage in certain political activities. the Armed Forces Don’t let these rules intimidate you, let them guide you. It is important that your voice be heard loud and clear. important role of military associations comes A into play. non-profit, non-partisan professional organization such as FRA can say the things to Congress that you cannot. I have seen FRA in action and they have taken important messages military association, the more support and credibility that particular organization will have when delivering our con- cerns. I hope all Marines step up and show their support for this great country in which we serve. farewell and a job well done. ing ovation to Sgt. Maj. John L. U.S. Marines and Sailors serving Marine Regiment, in western Al of the Marine Corps, visited U.S. Marine Corps, American support of the Marine Corps. Estrada and Estrada, the 15th Sergeant Major with Task Force 3rd Battalion, 4th Force 3rd with Task talk about upcoming plans for the Anbar Province, Iraq, give a stand- for the war in Iraq and to bid them Marines and Sailors 6 April 2007, to Gen. James T. Conway, commandant Conway, T. James Gen. A Marine’s Duty to be Heard A Marine’s ohn L. Estrada John SMC U Sgt. Maj. with Interview All things begin with voting. Our Sometimes Marines will ask me why it is taking so long As Marines, I believe we have a As Marines, I believe heard in duty to make our voices government. After all, we serve to defend this process we have called Our brave men and a democracy. women are willing to fight and die in other places to give people the right to try to govern themselves What a tragedy it democratically. would be if we risked our lives for them, but do not take the time to learn how our own legislative process works. As both Marines and we citizens of our great country, should be participating in the system to our fullest abilities. men and women in uniform are fighting to give someone in another country the right to vote. If they are not voting in their own country, then there’s something wrong with the saw how in Iraq that picture. We people risked their lives just for the chance to have a say in their own voting is more than future. However, just showing up at the polls. It is important to be educated about the issues and about how and why military legislation is enacted so you can partici- pate wisely. can be talking about the same to get something done. We issue for years before we see any results. It’s important for them to understand why it takes so long. They need to understand that it is the way it was intended for it to be by the Constitution. The House may pass one version of a and it’s not going forward bill, the Senate passes another, need to find more ways until there’s a compromise. We to educate our young servicemembers about how a bill goes into a committee and how it unfolds with the votes I don’t think too many personnel are familiar on the floor. with that – it’s basic “how a bill becomes a law 101.” Our Marines are working tirelessly and are extremely focused Sgt. Maj. USMC John L. Estrada retired on 25 April. He was interviewed by FRA Public Relations Manager Jessica Andrews interviewed by FRA Public Relations Manager L. Estrada retired on 25 April. He was Sgt. Maj. USMC John service as Sgt. Maj. USMC FRA appreciates his four years of (www.fra.org/onwatch). online OnWatch as part of the current future. his in well him wishes and Membership Matters What Does FRA Do?
16 When someone asks “Why should I join?” What do you say? Disaster Relief Founded on the principles of loyalty, protection and service, • FRA facilitates relief to fellow Shipmates and others in FRA is the leading voice on Capitol Hill for current and for- their time of need mer enlisted Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel. • All money goes directly to Shipmates and their families uly 2007 y J uly who suffer loss, damage or hardships.No administrative For $25 a year, FRA will: fee is deducted.
FRA Tod a • Advocate for your pay and benefits on Capitol Hill. Expert staff • Provide legislative briefings to educate • FRA’s HQ staff gives you straight an- decision makers and voters. swers on a broad range of issues such as • Send out a monthly magazine, FRA legislation, health care, education ben- Today to keep our members informed. efits, veterans’ service benefits, survivor • Distribute NewsBytes a weekly e-mail benefits, and finding former shipmates. legislative update MEMBERS MAKE A • Publish Communicate With Your DIFFERENCE Elected Officials guide • FRA is highly effective because of its • Hold events to honor the outstanding membership base — each voice matters personnel who serve our Nation. as we work to maintain your benefits! • Support branches with reports, market- Bob Washington ing materials and staff assistance. FRA’s Director of Membership Development • Promote reunions, help find former Bob Washington serves as the Chairman of the National shipmates and offer online communities. Membership and Retention Committee. • Support veteran members with a National Veterans Service Officer. • Answer countless e-mails, phone calls and letters, assist- FRA NHQ Staff ing members in need. FRA HELPS SHIPMATES AND THEIR FAMILIES PROFILE: Vince Cuthie FRA Scholarships Shipmate Cuthie has held the posi- • FRA awards nearly $100,000 in scholarships annually to tions of Photographer; Editor, Naval Affairs; Membership Assistant; members and their families. Communications Assistant; Web- • Visit www.fra.org or call 800-FRA-1924 for more infor- master; and most recently Manager, mation. Information Technologies with ma- jor responsibility for the oversight Essay Contest of the FRA computer network. He • FRA’s annual national essay contest for students in grades is also the administrator of the FRA Scholarship Program. 7 to 12 promotes patriotism and awareness of civic issues. • Contest winners receive more than $75,000 in US Savings It isn’t possible to be with Vince for more than a few Bonds annually, including a $15,000 award to Grand moments without realizing two things. The first, he loves National Prize winner. FRA. New employees learn this when he lectures about the importance of “being good stewards of the ship- mates’ money.” The second, is that his sense of humor Administrative costs are kept to a minimum. is, well, a little unusual. Vince once held a funeral for a “Gumby” doll kidnapped from a co-worker’s desk, for instance, and he’s not against pulling a practical joke or two on people at Convention (“No, these aren’t film Services for our canisters, they’re filled with liquor!”). If you work with members – 85% Vince for any period of time, you will learn the third thing: he is dedicated to getting things done right.
Administrative It is appropriate that a man with Vince Cuthie’s sense of Costs – 15% humor would choose Independence Day to retire after 25 years at FRA. Vince, from us to you …. Thank you for your service, your laughter and your friendship 0900448001CSI.qxp 1/8/07 4:30 PM Page 1 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 5 3 1 1 3 5 7 -CXX (7x10-Master temp) 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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Last month FRA Today offered tips It’s virtually unanimous. With few exceptions, every military recruit has felt it. At some point on transitioning from military life during their basic training experience, regardless of service or gender, each new recruit to the civilian world. This month, has looked in the mirror and said, “What the hell am I doing here?” Most have uttered it to we take a look at recruit training themselves more than once. — the transformation that made But somewhere during the transformation from civilian to Sailor, Marine, or Coast Guard you Sailors, Marines and Coast member, each recruit learns some valuable lessons about life in the military and life in gen- Guard personnel in the first place. eral. More importantly, each successful recruit learns something about themselves.
FRA interviewed 12 members of the Sea Services and asked them to share their perspectives on boot camp. And while the train- ing curricula may vary from service to service and decade to decade, the mission of boot camp has remained constant: Prepare America’s finest young men and women for military service – physically, mentally and emotionally.
They all say they looked and felt “different” when they complete boot camp, and it wasn’t just the new haircut. The confidence and camaraderie changed them. The basics of basic training really are quite basic – instill a sense of pride and accomplishment in young men and women, help develop confidence, and most importantly make them part of something larger than themselves.
Staff Sergeant Will Price summarized it best: “Although training methods have changed over the years, the results that are instilled and developed – discipline, camaraderie, love of country and devotion to duty – will never change.” forging HEROES Navy Recruit Training 20 The United States Navy transforms civilians into Sailors at the Naval Training Center in Mundis was very athletic in high school, so Great Lakes, Ill. Current recruits undergo an eight-week training program that includes the physical training (PT) back then was “a marching and drill, weapons instruction and a confidence course. While smoking, cursing piece of cake” for her, except the swimming and physical mistreatment are forbidden now, things weren’t always that way. requirement, which she barely met. “Back
1947 1966 then, the WAVES’ purpose was to free up uly 2007 y J uly Bruce Lanning was 17 when Women who joined the Navy in the Sailors for war-fighting. It wasn’t all that he arrived at Great Lakes in mid-1960s trained at a facility in important for women to know how to swim, FRA Tod a September of 1947. He calls boot Bainbridge, Md. Jeanetta “Jane” because we weren’t ever going to be as- camp “a great introduction to the Mundis, a member of FRA Branch signed to a ship. Today’s female Sailors are American Navy” and a place where 237 in Groton, Conn., was one of serving side-by-side with men, and they he learned “to be a Navy man and 50 young women in a company need to know their stuff.” respect my seniors; I learned to that attended recruit training there 1989 Bill Houlihan, currently a Senior tend to business.” He recalls a boot in 1966. “The facility has been Chief on MCPON Campa’s staff, camp experience that forever ingrained the closed for years,” says Mundis. “In fact, the was 20 years old and had com- importance of following orders. barracks were considered condemned when pleted two years of college when I was a recruit more than 40 years ago.” “I was assigned the front door watch at he attended Navy basic training in the barracks. My buddy had the back door Mundis was inspired to join the Navy when she 1989. His most profound memo- watch and he convinced me to come back saw a WAVE (Women Accepted for Voluntary ries of boot camp are of his and have a cigarette with him. I knew I Emergency Service) walking down the side- Company Commander, Chief shouldn’t, but figured it would only be for walk. “Her uniform and her posture impressed James Campbell. a minute, so I went,” explains Lanning, a me. She told me about her life in the Navy and “I was terrified of him,” says Houlihan. “He mustang who retired in 1970 and is an FRA it got me thinking that I could get free training had this gravelly voice and, I swear, I never Member-at-Large. “I hadn’t been gone five and see the world. I went to the Post Office to saw him smile. He was very strict. Discipline seconds when the Chief came in and found see a recruiter shortly after that.” She went on was a big deal and Chief Campbell’s methods the front door unattended. to become a Navy photographer and “had a taught us a lot in a short period of time.” lot of experiences I certainly never would have “After a lot of yelling about dereliction of had in the civilian world.” Among the many lessons he learned, duties, he told me to go get a bucket, fill Houlihan says he appreciates the impor- it with water and bring it to the front entry, Military training and service for women has tance placed on teaching Navy traditions which, of course, I did post haste. The Chief changed along with society, and Mundis is and heritage. “I learned about Navy customs grabbed me by the throat and lifted me up glad she served when she did. “When I was and why they are important during boot so I was standing on the rim of the bucket. in boot camp, they stressed that we were la- camp. And those traditions have become Although my watch was almost due to end, dies first and WAVES second. Some Sailors more valuable to me as I’ve progressed my relief was told to stay in bed and that I even saluted us out of respect, even though through my career.” would be standing his watch as well as my we were enlisted just like they were. As own. I stood on the rim of that bucket for women fought for equal rights, the military Houlihan also chuckles about the resource- nearly eight hours. began to train and treat women more like fulness of his classmates. “One of my com- the men,” she says. “I think it was easier for pany shipmates asked to borrow five dollars “My feet hurt like hell by the time my watch women to serve then than it is today. I think from me at graduation, which I gladly gave was over, but I’ll tell you what…for the next 23 it must be hard for women to maintain their to help a shipmate. After the ceremony, I was years in the Navy, I NEVER left my post again!” feminine side in today’s Navy.” talking with some of my other classmates forging HEROES Navy Recruit Training Marine Corps Recruit Training 21 and learned that he’d asked every Sailor in The Marine Corps proudly claims to have the most rigorous boot camp curriculum, and our group the same favor. There were about few would argue. Longer than the other services’ basic training programs with more FRA Tod a 90 guys in our company,” laughs Houlihan, stringent physical requirements, Marine boot camp lasts 13 weeks and includes “The
“so it was a pretty profitable day for him!” Crucible,” a final endurance test of teamwork and personal strength that every recruit y july 2007 2005 must pass in order to wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. The entire program is designed Trevor Andersen found boot camp “a to separate those who are capable of being Marines from those who are not, and Marine lot funnier in the movies. I’d seen literature promises boot camp will be “the most physically and mentally challenging ex- films like Major Payne, but found the perience” of a young person’s life. real deal was a lot different.” While sleeping in your rack at attention The Corps has two training facilities; one at Parris Island, S.C., for those who enlist east might seem entertaining on the big of the Mississippi River, and one in San Diego, Calif., for those who join up west of the screen, it was no picnic for the 21- Mississippi. All female recruits are trained at Parris Island. year old recruit. Being yelled at for 1951 things he didn’t know made him uncomfort- Bob Knott became a Marine in was told and made it through. I qualified as able, but he “learned quick and learned well.” 1951, during a period of rapid expert on the rifle range, which got me out of mess duty,” laughs Knott. “I wasn’t the “Boot camp was a tough experience, but build-up for the Corps. Because of most outstanding recruit, but I wasn’t an once I got the hang of it, it wasn’t so bad,” the manpower surge, prospective eight-ball either.” says Andersen, who is currently a Second Marines were trained wherever Class Petty Officer working in the Public there was an available slot, and as There were missteps along the way, howev- Affairs Office at Navy Recruiting Command a result, Knott, a fresh high school er. “We were allowed to receive letters from (Millington, Tenn.) “And there’s good reason graduate from Illinois, went to boot home, but not packages,” explains Knott. for it to be tough. The Navy isn’t a regular camp at Recruit Training Center San Diego. “One day I was called out of ranks to accept job; lives are on the line.” “When I got to the induction center in Chicago, a package from my sister, and was told to open it in front of the whole platoon so they Prior to basic training, Andersen remembers all the young men who’d volunteered for the could see what I got. My sister had sent me being told that the Navy would “make me a military were separated by their respective a big batch of chocolate chip cookies. man of me. I’d gone to college, earned my services, and the draftees were told to line Associates degree, and I thought I was pretty up in the middle of this big room,” explains “The DI made me eat every crumb in that mature. I wasn’t sure exactly how they were Knott. “A Marine staff sergeant went up and box, and then, when we went to the chow going to ‘make me a man,’” he recalls. down the line and picked the draftees he hall for lunch, he walked behind me and wanted and said, ‘Congratulations! You’re said, ‘This recruit needs extra servings of “But during training, we were told that the in the Marine Corps.’ Those guys left home everything.’ I wrote my sister a letter that Navy wasn’t going to make us men; they thinking they were going in the Army, and night and told her I’d kill her if she ever sent were going to make us Sailors. Becoming now they were in the Corps!” me another package!” an adult is more about experiences and do- ing the right thing; and boot camp gave me After a three-day train trip to California Knott’s boot camp experience taught him to the opportunity to do that.” and a long bus ride to the Recruit Depot, take orders without question and he says Knott and his fellow recruits were met by he’s still a “neatnik” today thanks to the Andersen was also advised to avoid stand- Drill Instructors (DIs) who taunted, “You’ll training he received as a recruit. “I joined ing out at boot camp. He’d offer different be sorry!” as they disembarked. “I was 18 the Corps as an 18-year-old kid, and three advice to young people joining the Navy to- years old and it was hell to grow up in such years later, I left as a Marine and as a man. I day. “It frustrates me to hear people suggest a hurry, but I knew it would be tough before loved every minute of it.” blending in. I think that’s useless advice and I got there. I kept my mouth shut, did as I teaches you nothing. My mantra was ‘What Continued on page 22 would William Wallace [title character in the 1995 film Braveheart] do?’ “I’d encourage new recruits to swallow their fear, take chances and step up. Take the opportunity to lead. The Navy’s a grand adventure and I encourage new recruits to play an active role in that adventure right from the start.”
Page 20 (left to right) Bruce Lanning (front left) at Great Lakes in 1947; Students at Fleet Training Center extinguish a Class Bravo fire. U.S. Navy Photo by: Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Johansen Laurel; Navy Recruits from recruit division 195 in an “abandon ship” drill is a portion of “Battle Stations.” U.S. Navy Photo by: Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Michael Worner. Page 21 The recruits and drill instructors of Platoon 359 in 1962. Photo by: Special to The Boot forging HEROES
22 1995 2006 Will Price had talked with a Navy ing to Price. “The discipline, intestinal forti- Jacob Harrer, now a 19-year-old recruiter, but decided to join the tude and camaraderie that the DI’s instill in re- lance corporal at Marine Corps Corps because the Marine recruit- cruits will never change, says Price. “Instilling Barracks, vividly remembers the er looked so sharp and had a “cer- a love for the Corps; our core values of Honor, defining moment of his boot camp Courage and Commitment; the willingness to uly 2007 y J uly tain something” about him that experience. “It was a cool crisp exuded confidence and capability. lay your life down for your fellow Marines… morning, about 6:00 am, and my As a staff sergeant at Marine Corps those things will never change.” unit was climbing The Reaper, a big 2003 FRA Tod a Barracks in Washington, D.C., Price Aaron Clark celebrated his 21st hill at the end of the Crucible course now radiates those same qualities. birthday during his first week of re- in San Diego. The Reaper is really steep, probably the steepest hill I’d ever climbed, “I was 23 years old and I was really struck by cruit training. “It was a pretty dark and it was an amazing feeling to attack that the respect my recruiter commanded. When day for me,” remembers Clark, who hill as a unit, encouraging and pulling one I arrived at boot camp, the DI that greeted is now a corporal at Marine Corps another along as we went,” recalls Harrer. us had the same presence. He had to tell us Barracks. Although he didn’t appre- about five times to relax, before our platoon ciate it at the time, he now under- He learned a great deal from his Drill would move a muscle,” recalls Price, who stands and appreciates the Corps’ Instructor, who was “extremely perfect” in kept a diary of his boot camp experiences and tough boot camp standards. “We have a rep- Harrer’s eyes. “My DI was a great role model. hopes to have it published in the near future. utation for having the toughest boot camp He led by example and never asked anything and being the toughest service. We don’t su- of the recruits that he wasn’t doing himself.” Like others, Price questioned his decision to garcoat things; we’re a no-nonsense service, 2007 join the Corps, but he had an epiphany about and probably a little less politically correct Unlike the other services, the half-way through his boot camp experience. than the other services. And that’s how it Marine Corps trains its female re- “I was doing crunches during PT and it hit should be for war-fighters.” cruits separately from their male me that I was a changed person. I felt free of counterparts, with female DIs. all my limits – both real and imagined – and Another thing that attracted Clark to the Marine boot camp wasn’t as tough I could tell that my mind and body were dif- Corps was the service’s culture of fitness. “I as Stephanie Sellers expected, but ferent. I was stronger, sharper and more ca- weighed about 255 pounds when I decided it wasn’t easy. “Our PT require- pable. I felt like there was nothing I couldn’t to join the military. I’d visited the Navy and ments aren’t as rigid, but it was accomplish.” Air Force recruiting offices, and was told to still tough,” she explains. She encourages come back when I’d dropped some weight. other young women who want to join the Price’s hard work paid off and he recalls The Marine recruiter told me that if I wanted Corps to give 110 percent. “You can tell the with pride the day before his boot camp to join the Corps, I should show up at 5:30 girls who really gave it their all.” graduation, when his parents and brother the next morning to run with him and the came to Parris Island. “My mom didn’t even other recruiters. He took an interest in me Like many recruits, Sellers’ life changed dra- recognize me at first. But I’ll never forget the and helped me reach my goal.” matically during her recruit training. “I was look on her face. She was so proud of me. getting into a lot of trouble, so the military As I was giving my family a tour of the base, Clark is proud of the life lessons he learned was a good choice for me,” she explains. “I I felt like a general. I heard this command- as a recruit and carries those values with now have more knowledge to make better ing voice coming from my mouth. I felt like I him today. “I learned to be personally ac- choices.” owned that island.” countable and make no excuses,” he says. “I learned that I need to rely on myself, so Sellers’ toughest challenge during boot camp While the methods of training Marines might that others can also rely on me.” came about two weeks into training, when change, the outcome will never vary, accord- she learned that her brother had been killed in an auto accident. “Josh was two years old- er than me and my best friend. He was very proud of my decision to join the Marines.” She was granted five days of leave to be with her family during this difficult time and it was tough going back to boot camp. “It was hard to go back, but I knew that’s what Josh would have wanted me to do,” remembers Sellers. “It meant a lot to me when my Senior DI told me that she respected me for returning.” After completing MOS training, Sellers is bound for a special assignment as an Ammunition Technician at Indian Head, Md., which is the Marine facility closest to her family. “I don’t know of anyone who got an assignment like this one,” she said with a smile. “I think this is Josh’s way of looking out for me.”
Continued on page 24 Help FRA salute and support The Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard!
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Your made in the USA hat is FREE with a donation of $35 or more. Donations of any size are accepted with gratitude. forging HEROES Coast Guard Recruit Training 24 Coast Guard recruits undergo an eight-week training program at the Coast Guard Training Duty have inspired many of the recruits Center in Cape May, N.J. The course prepares future Coast Guard personnel for the ser- with whom she’s worked. It also influ- vice’s diverse missions, including search and rescue, drug interdiction, law enforcement, enced her son to follow in her footsteps. aids to navigation, and environmental safety. Strong emphasis is placed on teamwork, “I’m proud to have touched so many Coast attention to detail, hard work and a positive attitude as the Coast Guard prepares recruits
uly 2007 y J uly Guard lives,” she says, “but I’ll tell you, I’ve to be responsible and responsive members of the USCG team. probably gained more from the recruits than I’ve given.” 1977 2007 FRA Tod a Because there are no billets in the Coast Chief Warrant Officer Bill Carson Cadet Bryan Kidzus was a day Guard that a woman cannot fill, the service began his life in the Coast Guard at from graduation when he spoke trains both genders side-by-side – a situa- Cape May and, when he retires in with FRA about his boot camp ex- tion that reflects how male and female per- November, he will have spent his perience. He joined the Coast sonnel will work in the active fleet. With the entire 30-year career there. He’s Guard after attending Texas A&M, exception of the different physical require- worn a lot of different hats since where, by his own admission, he ments for men and women, Sparks believes he was a 20-year-old recruit in wasn’t a great student. “I wasn’t a the Coast Guard does a great job of treat- 1977, including his current posi- bad student, but I was having too ing all recruits equally. “I worried whether tion on the Training Center staff. “On my first much fun,” he said. At 21 years of age, he’s I’d be strong enough or capable enough to night as a recruit, I asked myself what I was now headed to an assignment aboard be equal to the male recruits, but I knew I doing here,” says Carson, “and now I’m USCGC Midget, and his goal is to eventually was expected to hold my own, right from talking to recruits’ family members and re- become a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. assuring them.” the start. I didn’t want to be spotlighted as a female; I wanted to be recognized as a con- “Boot camp has been pretty much what I Carson’s also seen some change in how tributing member of the team.” expected,” said Kidzus, “but the first couple the Coast Guard prepares its recruits for weeks were particularly difficult. You can’t Chief Sparks, a yeoman now serving on active duty. “We’ve changed as society has prepare yourself mentally, because this is a MCPOCG Bowen’s staff, spent approximate- changed. Hazing and personal humiliation whole new experience. At first I was getting ly three years as an instructor at the Coast are no longer accepted, and there are more in trouble for everything, but things start to Guard Training Center. During her stint as a restrictions on the staff – we don’t curse at become habit and it seems more normal. I DI, she shared her philosophy with recruits recruits and we don’t touch them. In general, got more confidence with each day and I’ve and other instructors. “I advised recruits our training has become more professional,” become more goal- and task-oriented. I’m to focus on being a Coastie, not a male or he says, “but the goals and outcomes are surprised at how much I’ve grown and how female Coast Guard member. Don’t give the same as they’ve always been – to help much more responsible I am. Returning to yourself a gender or race excuse; just be the recruits adapt and make them successful college will be a breeze after this.” members of the Coast Guard.” best Coastie you can be.” 1987 Kidzus credits his instructors for much of She also sought to instill USCG pride in her Crystal Sparks was a 23-year-old his transformation. “When the company recruits and reminded them that boot camp single mother determined to commander first got on the bus and started is not the Coast Guard. “Many recruits are change her life when she entered yelling at us, it was a wake-up call for me, looking for excitement that they don’t find at Cape May in 1987. “I was ending a but the instructors are more than yellers. boot camp. I told them that the excitement bad marriage, had a two-year old They’re more like father figures. They are grows as they go through the ranks.” son and I told my recruiter that I strict, but they are also inspiring mentors.” wanted to join as soon as possible,” Sparks’ commitment to her service’s core recalls Sparks. “He put me on a values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to stand-by list and within a week, he called me and told me I could go in two days.” Although she hadn’t told her parents of her decision until she actually got the call, her family was extremely supportive and took care of her son while she was at boot camp.
Page 22 (left) Will Price at the start of boot camp in 1995. (right) A drill instructor from Platoon 2018, Echo Co., 2nd RTBn., conducts a quick inspection. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Justin J. Shemanski Page 23 (left) Drill Instructor Crystal Sparks (right) Recruits formup in all-weather gear on their first full day of “boot camp”. USCG photo by PAC Tom Gillespie. $PNNFNPSBUJOHUIFUI"OOJWFSTBSZPGUIF"UUBDLPO 01&"3-)"3#030 64"3.:5085 36$,"/%+&&1¥ /&8 £{£Ê7Þà *ÀiVà ÀÞÊii« iV>ÃÌÊ,i«V>Ã
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47*! INDD !- News from the branches
26
BRANCH 9 San Diego, Calif. Branch Secretary Walt De Felice
uly 2007 y J uly congratulated SSgt. Standifird, recipient of the Leadership
FRA Tod a Award, during the Drill Instructor School graduation ceremony.
BRANCH 14 Milwaukee, Wisc. (left to right) RPNC Leon Zalewski and George Cavros presented Mustang Awards to Peter Brown, USN and Carolyn Davis, USMC, at Marquette University’s Combined Service Award Day. The Mustang Award is presented annually to outstanding class mem- bers. Both midshipmen are members of Branch 14.
BRANCH 42 Quonset Point, R.I. Shipmate PRPNENG Phil Justin presented Shipmate Bill Pavey with his 50 year BRANCH 276 Omaha, Neb. pin, Certificate and Membership Card as Branch Secretary Charlie Shipmate President, Branch 42 Dick Parker Goodman presented Ariel Lee looked on. Shipmate Pavey has been a Watt two awards for winning dedicated member of Branch 42 for the full the local Essay Contest and for fifty years. taking 3rd Place in the North Central Region for the 11th grade. Her parents, Keith and Lynette Watt (left) were in at- tendance. News from the branches
27 FRA Tod a BRANCH 316 Springfield, Mo.
Americanism Committee Chairman y july 2007 Bobbie Combs presented essay contest winner Olivia Solari a sav- ings bond, certificate and plaque. Branch Secretary Chuck Ewy (left) and Branch President Donnie Brunk (right) look on.
BRANCH 29 Bremerton, Wash. Shipmate Vice President Bob Hulet presented Shipmate Roger Ives his 40-year continuous membership award.
BRANCH 264 Meridian, Miss. Shipmate Leon Tucker (center) received his 50 year membership pin from RPSC Leo Vance (right) and Branch President Joseph Lemoine (left).
BRANCH 181 Arlington, Va. To submit a photo for News From the Branches, Shipmate Chris Moyer, provided or- please e-mail a photo as an attachment in jpeg gan music in the form of marches, format to [email protected] or mail a high-quality military tunes, and hymns for residents photograph to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, and guests at Palm Lake Estates in Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief Bradenton, FL as part of their Memorial description of the photograph and include the Day Services. names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted. Reunions
28 15th Biennial 384th Air Refueling USS Charles Berry DE 1035 Squadron 24–27 August 2007, Virginia Beach, 4–7 October 2007, Moncks Corner, VA. Contact Tony Sievers, 7505 River SC. Contact Kenneth Godstrey, 12018 Rd., Unit 4-A Newport News, VA Maycheck Lane, Bowie, MD 20715- 23607-1768 or (757) 247-5769. uly 2007 y J uly 1551, (301) 464-1150 or kengodstrey@ comcast.net. USS Charr (SS-328)
FRA Tod a 25–29 October 2007, Galveston, TX. AE Sailors Association Contact Carl Klein, (410) 528-4337 or 4–8 October 2007, Washington, D.C. [email protected]. Contact Jerry King, 1018 Calle Ortega St., San Dimas, CA 91773-4323, (626) USS Coolbaugh (DE-217) 339-9793 or [email protected]. 2–7 September 2007, Albany, NY. Contact Harvey Weiss 241 Rothell Escort Carrier (CVE’s) Sailors and Rd., Toccoa, GA 30577-3723 or USS Nantahala (AO-60) Airmen Association (706) 886-2709. 23–26 August 2007, Baton Rouge, LA. 1–6 September 2007, Oak Park / Contact Hank O’connell, (912) 256-1213 Chicago, IL. Contact George Manik, 50 USS Davis DD-937 Association or [email protected]. N. Island Rd., Bayville, NJ 08721-3578 18–21 October 2007, Herndon, VA. USS New Orleans (LPH-11) or (732) 269-6767. Contact Pete Lennon 5 Skyline Drive, Plainville, CT 06062, (860) 747-8761 10–14 October 2007, Chicago, IL. Guantanamo Bay, Cuba or [email protected]. Contact Robert Mcanally, 152 Frissell 4–7 October 2007, Fort Mitchell, KY. St., Hampton, VA 23663, (866) 237- Contact Shelia Evans RT 3 Box 147 USS Hassayampa (AO-145) (TAO- 3137 or [email protected]. Ellisnore, MO. 63937, (573) 322-5396 145) USS Prairie (AD-15) or [email protected]. 20–22 September 2007, Las Vegas, NV. Contact Norman Barron 4987 Pond Dr. 23–26 September 2007, Waukegan, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Harrah, OK 73045, (405) 590-3717 or IL. Contact Robert Adams, (315) 676- Sixteen (NMCB 16) [email protected]. 3280. 6–6 October 2007, Fountain Valley, CA. USS Thetis Bay (CVE-90/CVHA-1/ Contact Al Hegney, (909) 627-3461. USS Henderson (DD-785) 20–23 September 2007, San Francisco, LPH-6) Navy Recruiting District New York CA. Contact Richard Sierra, 505 Park 5–9 September 2007, Newport, RI. 7–9 March 2008, Orlando, FL. Contact Way So., San Francisco, CA 94080, Contact Dennis Moss, P.O. Box 65, Isle, Steve Miglionico, (407) 348-8466 or (650) 952-7440 or [email protected]. MN 56342-0065, (320) 676-8940 or [email protected]. [email protected]. USS Iowa (BB-61) Parachute Riggers Reunion (USN, 4–8 September 2007, Buffalo, NY. USS Thomaston (LSD-28) USMC, USCG) Contact Paul Ogg, 7233 Stanford Ct. 12–15 September 2007, Seattle, WA. 20–23 September 2007, San Antonio, NW Bremerton, WA 98311, (360) 692- Contact Dave Hammock, (319) 396- TX. Contact Ray Weismann 1406 Julip 6032 or [email protected]. 5065 or [email protected]. Dr., Orlando, FL 32825, (407) 281- USS Tripoli (LPH-10/CVE-64) 4888 or [email protected]. USS JOHN A. BOLE (DD755) 14–17 October 2007, Jacksonville, 10–14 October 2007, Chicago, IL. US Submarine Veterans World War II FL. Contact Ron Shipley, 921 Illinois Contact Robert Mcanally, 152 Frissell Convention (USS Greenling (SS-213/ Avenue Ottawa, IL 61350, (815) 434- St., Hampton, VA 23663, (866) 237- SSN-614) Reunion) 7483 or [email protected]. 3137 or [email protected]. 5–8 September 2007, Billings, MT. Veteran Communicators Reunion Contact George Hinda, Jr. 172 West USS Lynde McCormick (DDG-8) 13–16 September 2007, Las Vegas, NV. Middlesex Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013- 4–6 October 2007, San Diego, CA. Contact Joe Garza, 9789 Paseo Montril 8495 or (717) 243-3855. Contact Bob Wefald, (701) 223-8975 or [email protected]. San Diego, CA 92129, (858) 484-0469 USS Benjamin Stoddert (DDG-22) or [email protected]. 19–23 September 2007, Concord, CA. USS Middlesex County (LST-983) Contact Herm Chambers, ddg22etcm@ 20–23 September 2007, Portsmouth, hotmail.com. VA. Contact John Noonan, 925 North St., Weatherly, PA 18255, (570) 427- 4652 or [email protected]. Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, submit to [email protected] or mail to: FRA Reunions, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314. FRA_today_9CF 5/14/07 2:20 PM Page 1
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uly 2007 y J uly Ansell, Dale E., AMSC 166 Giacomini, James F., E-6 USN 091 Ashworth, Maston V., HT1 MAL Gill, Otis, HT1 311
FRA Tod a Gilman, Chester F., SWC 091 Baetzel, George R., PR1 042 Ginther, Edward E., SFC 070 Barker, Lonnie O., DC1 040 Goldman, Monroe O., E-7 USN 043 Bauer, Joseph A., AD1 MAL Gormley, Jack, CM1 MAL Bauguess, William Patrick, Graff, Hugh F., ADC 267 CWO4 USN 326 Green, Dawson C., CPO USN 055 Becker, Alvin L., ETCS 099 Griner, James M., MSC 234 NAME BRANCH Bellacero, Anthony D., SH1 053 Gulath, Edwin R., MSGT MAL Benton, Harry C., SKCM 060 Martin, Robert L., II, PO1 USN 091 Bilotti, Joseph, Jr., SGTMAJ 091 Hall, Alonza J., QM1 126 Matteson, James, SKCS 040 Bishop, Frederick, CS1 156 Hamrick, Alva R., GYSGT 200 Mayfield, Howard E., CDR USN 091 Blackwell, Robert L., Jr., ACC 161 Hargrove, Fay D., ATC 049 McAlister, Robert M., PHC MAL Blecha, Richard H., ABF2 022 Harmon, Floyd, Jr., QMC MAL McCloud, Charles A., PO1 USN MAL Boggs, Clifford W., CAPT/MSC 024 Harrell, Woodrow W., BMC 261 McGonigle, Thomas E., MGYSGT 141 Bottorff, Harley I., PHC(AC) 046 Haverty, James N., AG1 019 McGraw, Donald W., CTAC 050 Bower, Terry A., YN1 038 Headtke, Alva E., HM1 009 McGuckin, Thomas F., ADR1 091 Brooks, Harry E., SGTMAJ 175 Hill, Fred W., RDC 061 McIntosh, Richard L., RMC 055 Brynteson, Val R., AWC 147 Hiltz, Albert E., PO2 USN 010 McIntyre, Robert B., QMCM 099 Burris, Wilbur A., TMC 377 Horner, William A., HMCM 047 McKenna, James J., Jr., CPO USN 042 Busby, Marshall I., HTCM 162 Hruska, Elmer J., YNC 144 McLaughlin, Bob, O-4 USN 024 Butler, James H., HM1 089 Hughlett, Charles W., EMSC 347 McMenimen, William R., HM1 003 Hutton, James, Jr., ADCS MAL Mincey, Wymer L., MMC MAL Cail, Larry G., SN USN 052 Mitchell, Ray M., YNC 166 Callaghan, George Richard, S 1/c 249 Jackson, Charles A., STC 043 Mohan, James P., CTRC 024 Carr, Lamar, USN RET MAL Jones, Harold, ABCM 289 Monskie, Arthur A., EMC MAL Caswell, Francis, FTM1 MAL Juby, John R., HTC 061 Mullen, John H., HMC MAL Chavis, McKinley, PRC 099 Murray, James W., DC1 014 Clark, Charles F., CS7 022 Kaufman, Gale A., FTGC 241 Myers, Earl E., RMCM 009 Combs, Ken, COL USMC 311 Kersey, Benjamin G., Jr., MMCM 126 Corbett, Charles H., USN RET 110 King, James, EO2 MAL Nichols, George W., MSGT 208 Coventon, Raymond E., RMCS 280 King, John H., 1STSGT 226 Nischik, Marc, YNCM(SW) 091 Creamer, James C., BM1 MAL Kirk, Thomas J., PNC(SW) 053 Nobles, Arthur, AME1 126 Kornegay, John F., ASCM 091 Noe, Pierce M., BT1 MAL Daniels, George F., HTC 099 Koziolek, Leonard T., ENCS 298 DeGuenther, James E., MSGT 188 Kuser, John D., CAPT USN 289 Ouellet, Bernard H., AMSC 029 Delacruz, Ernesto B., SK1 111 Dipasqua, Alphonso S., ENC MAL Labrecque, Robert I., ENC 022 Palmer, Troy W., Jr., GYSGT MAL Dowd, Robert E., LCDR USN 008 Lamb, Roy C., E-7 USMC MAL Payton, Charles A., II, MSC MAL Drake, Leo K., Jr., YNC MAL Lappart, Edward J., Jr., 1STSGT 049 Pensyl, Jacob H., PNC 001 Duff, Martin, HTC MAL Leach, Floyd N., SGTMAJ 108 Perdue, Lewis W., Sr., BTC 347 Dumlao, Vicente F., CPO(SS) USN 140 LeBlanc, Delmar J., GYSGT 042 Perkins, Robert L., AEC 126 Lee, Robert, AZCS MAL Perrott, Charles H., ADRC 055 Egan, Bernard A., PO2 USN 012 Lynch, Joseph W., HMC 057 Politiski, Robert C., PHC 175 Poniatoski, Francis R., RMCS MAL Famiglietti, Dominick, ADJ1 071 Mace, Charles W., ENCS 024 Poore, Kenneth E., CSC MAL Fisher, Donald E., USMC RET 070 Mahar, Carl L., SPCM(MMC) 086 Pownder, Thomas G., ENCM 070 Fox, Harry F., YNC 161 Martin, Gary D., PO1 USN MAL Powell, Richard A., FTGC 161
French, James B., Sr., 1STSGT 099 Martin, Joseph W., HMC 108 TAPS continued on page 31 looking for…
31 Any SK’s that served on USS Essex John F. Hoy, Machinist Mate served on CVA9 S-1 Div. from 1956 through USS Murray DD576 FRA Tod a 1959 Contact Billy D. Houston, (740) 382-
Please contact Jose Delagarza, Jr. 526 1474 or [email protected]. y july 2007 Idlywood Lane, Laredo, TX 78045- 2426. Fel Pasqua, AK-2 Last known duty station USS Intrepid Larry Hansen, EM2, served on the (CV-11) in 1973 at Quonset Pt. Rhode USS Lucid in the late 1950s Island. Contact PRC Lee Gold or Beverly at (732) 657-5773 or prclee- John D. Murray, DC2, Last known [email protected] living in the LA area David Smith, EN3, Joined in 1956, PNCM T.L. Shrader, USN (Ret.) served on the USS Bayfield (APA-33) Served with him from 1959–1962. Shrader was in charge of overseas de- Anyone from Co. 233, NTC, 1956, tailing. Contact PNC William A. Graham, San Diego USN (Ret.), 4230 Sunset Dr., Conway, Please contact EM1 Earl Jones, (Ret.), S.C. 29526 or (843) 365-0811. 7905 Lake Street, Omaha, NE 68134 or (402) 926-2648 These notices are published on a space available basis. Notices must be submitted in writing. PUBLISH YOUR BOOK E-mail [email protected] or mail your request to: FRA, 80-year tradition of quality. Subsidy book Looking for…, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA, 22314. publisher offers publishing services for books of all types. For free Author’s Guide, write: Dorrance - NA TAPS continued from page 30 701 Smithfield St., Third Floor, Pgh, PA 15222 Or Call 1-800-695-6599 NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH 7KH%HVW%RRN$ERXWWKH1DY\ Tabery, John W., BTCS 136 Names in blue indicate 50 year continuous members. Teeters, Marvin E., PNC 005 Names in bold indicate a Past National Officer. JBUG_47265_33393_7x9.25 5/17/07 12:16 PM Page 1 Introducing the world’s simplest, most easy-to-use cell phone – with service as low as $10 a month* It doesn’t play games, take pictures, or give you the weather. NEW The Jitterbug™ developed with Samsung®. It’s the cell phone that’s changing all the rules. For people like me, who want a phone that’s easy to see, easy to hear, and easy to use. 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FRA membership Benefits 33 Dental Plan Learn more—call toll-free 1-866-438- As a member, you and your family are 6262. TTY users, call 1-800-833-6262. FRA Tod a eligible for dental insurance coverage. Please refer to priority code FAAMXN For information regarding the FRA when speaking with a representative y july 2007 Dental Plan, call 1-800-522-1857. to apply. Lens Crafters Military Checks Show your FRA membership card and Members of FRA can show associa- mention Lens Crafters Plan #9134727 tion pride with high quality, custom to receive a 20% discount on frames, designed bank checks, personalized with lenses, coating and tints, optical accesso- your name, address, and FRA emblem. ries, safety frames and lenses, and non- Call 1-800-VET-CHEX to order. www.fra.org prescription sunglasses at Lens Crafters. Some locations also offer discounts Avis Car Rentals Please login to www.fra.org to access When making reservations through members-only information and par- on eye exams and contact lenses. Call 1-800-522-LENS for information. Avis, be sure to use your FRA ticipate in online discussion groups membership benefit discount: with staff and other Shipmates. Navy Times AWD#T867500. Through the Web site, you can also FRA members qualify for a special communicate with your elected offi- subscription rate of 52 weeks for Hertz Car Rentals cials using FRA’s online Action Center, $39.00 or 35 weeks for $26.50. Call When making reservations through update your personal information, 1-800-368-5718 to start or renew your Hertz, be sure to use your FRA member- subscribe to NewsBytes, FRA’s weekly subscription. Use FRA priority mem- ship benefit discount: CDP#332104. e-mail update, read FRA’s OnWatch, ber code number 1516N3. 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Our region may be shrinking in numbers, but what awes me the most is the dedication of our members to the three cardinal principles of our organization. Our members are busy doing volunteer work at local hospitals, VA Hospitals, Sue Hershberger and AARP Seminaries. Members continue to drive veterans, widows, and elderly Regional President Northeast to Doctors appointments, hospitals, pick up medication, grocery shopping, and assist with other errands as needed. Members also find the time to knit lap robes, pockets for over walkers, and other items for nursing home patients. They donate bingo prizes several times a year to a local nursing home where several members volunteer to play bingo with the clients. Not only are Units sending packages filled with much needed items and greet- ing cards to our troops in the combat zone for the holidays, they do it through out the year. Members collect store coupons for use at military commissaries overseas. Some Units even give fruit baskets to shut-in-FRA and LA FRA mem- bers at the holidays. Units donate baskets to the needy at Thanksgiving and members work with lo- cal churches at the food pantries for the needy. Christmas was brighter for many Unit 124 Veterans Day Services in Lakehurst, NJ (left to right) Sara Piacen- children with the gifts donated by unit members. One unit sponsors trophies for tino, RVPNE; Cecilia McConnell, Mary a car show and members work booths at the July 4th activities in town. Another Jane Tilton, Sue Hershberger, RPNE; unit sponsors a Girl Scout Troop and takes part in their activities. Members help Aurora Semple, Unit Chaplain; Beverly with Sunday school, chaperon class trips and take part in “Read Across America Anthony, Elizabeth Church, Unit Vice Day” at local schools. A unit donated book bags filled with school supplies to a President. local police project “Book Bags for Needy Children.” As you can see our mem- bers work with youth as well as the elderly. It is heart warming to see our Branches and Units working together on many projects to serve their communities. One of our Branches along with the Unit has adopted a family and help with their medical expense and food. Another Branch and Unit sponsor a “Community Youth Olympic Games” for the com- munity while another Branch and Unit volunteer to sell refreshments and assist with tours at Homeport Fleet Week. The FRA and LAFRA really do make a dif- ference in many lives. I want to thank everyone for their hospitality. Remember, pay your dues on Unit 124 members attending Luncheon time, try to recruit a new member, reinstate a suspended one, and call a member for Volunteer Appreciation Day at you seldom see. Crystal Lake Rehabilitation (center) In Loyalty, Protection and & Service. Also Santina (Sally) O’Niell, receiving her 50 year pin. (left to right) RPNE Sue Hershberger, presenting pin to Sally, Fran Hoadley is the editor of LA FRA News and the FRA Today Liaison. Loretta Reina, Sally O’Neill, Aurora Semple, RVPNE Sara Piacentino. Unit 226 Staten Island Unit 124 present- (seated) Dorothy Dolan, ing Book Bags for (standing left to right) Needy Children Teresa Moschella, Emma to Police Project. Taylor, Vice President (left to right) Marie Stiegler, President Sue Hershberger, Mary Ann Newton, Alice Unit Secretary, Europa, (standing in front) Manchester Police Rose Fote who is receiving Officer Danny her 25 year pin. McCallum, Sara Piacentino, Unit President. 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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