AAFES Retired Employees Association

Home , Dead Tooth, Raising Hope, Raising Hope (season 1), Raising Hope (season 2), Raising Hope (season 3), Raising Hope (season 4)

AAFES Retired Employees Association Newsletter April 2014 Supporting the Interests of AAFES, Its Retirees and the People it Serves Alamo celebrates 100th birthday of Violet Stricker There are “special birthdays” (say ages 50, 60, 75, 80, etc), but then there’s the “Very Special Birthday” that comes around once every 100 years. The Alamo Chapter of AREA celebrated that type of Very Special Birthday on March 12 as long-time member Violet Stricker turned 100. Violet was beaming (as you can see in the photograph) as she viewed her cake with three candles in the form of “100”. Violet Stricker was all smiles A bouquet of yellow roses brought even at her 100th birthday party given by the Alamo Chapter more smiles. Read the story of Violet’s Centennial Birthday Celebration and view the photos on page 7. Exchange Post will end printing for retirees in August You can read each issue on mobile device or sign up for delivery by email

EDITOR’S NOTE: Barbara Kirsch, Exchange Post Editor, The good news is the Exchange Post will be available to you explains the rationale for ending distribution of the monthly three ways, and it’s only a click away: employee newspaper by mail to retirees in the following story: (1) To read the Exchange Post on the internet, click http:// If you are keeping up with the headlines, you are aware the theexchangepost.imirus.com/Mpowered/book/vexp14/i3/p1. U.S. military is being reduced to pre-World War II levels. As the Exchange faces a reduced customer base and increasing (2) You can also read the Exchange Post budget costs, we must reduce expenses to keep the Exchange on your mobile phone or tablet by clicking relevant for years to come. on the QR reader code on the right. You will need to upload a QR reader app on We can help save more than $100,000 each year by not print- your smartphone or tablet to scan the QR ing and mailing Exchange Posts to retirees. Currently, we mail code and read the Exchange Post. You can more than 12,000 issues each month. Our plan is to stop mail- easily scan the code on a screen or in print. ing the Exchange Post in August. (3) To receive the Exchange Post in your email inbox. Please We value our Exchange retirees, and we realize the Exchange send an email to [email protected]. We’ll let you know Post is an important link to the Exchange, keeping you in- when each new issue is available. formed with highlights and news from associates and Exchang- —Barbara Kirsch es around the world. Exchange Post Editor Page 2 April 2014 AREA NEW SLETTER

Chuck Poffenbarger, President

Welcome to the April, 2014 edition of AREA’s Newsletter, the first month of Spring.

About Children... A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five. Groucho Marx (1890-1977) There was a time when we expected nothing of our children but obedience, as opposed to the present, when we expect everything of them but obedience. Anatole Broyard Human beings are the only creatures that allow their children to come back home. Bill Cosby (1937 - ) People who get nostalgic about childhood were obviously never children. Bill Watterson (1958 - ), Calvin and Hobbes To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC), Orator, chapter 34, Section 120 If your parents never had children, chances are you won't, either. Dick Cavett (1936 - ) The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant--and let the air out of the tires. Dorothy Parker (1893 - 1967) Ask your child what he wants for dinner only if he's buying. Fran Lebowitz (1950 - ) Never have children, only grandchildren. Gore Vidal (1925 - ) My mother loved children -- she would have given anything if I had been one. Groucho Marx (1890-1977) I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it. Harry S Truman (1884 - 1972) You know that children are growing up when they start asking questions that have answers. John J. Plomp Allowing children to fight their own battles is one of the hardest parenting skills to learn. Julie A., M.A. Ross and Judy Corcoran, That's the funny thing about havin' a kid. They come with their own set of problems; make everything else you were worried about seem kinda silly. Greg Garcia, Raising Hope, Dead Tooth If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm. Bruce Barton The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children. Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 - 1945)

AREA...JUST FOR YOU AREA NEWSLETTER April 2014 Page 3

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS… Are you keeping your blood pressure under control? High blood pressure can cause damage to many organs, including the brain, eyes, heart and kidneys, as well as to arteries throughout the body. If you have high blood pressure that has not been diagnosed, or that is not being treated ad- equately, you are at greater risk of having a heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

You can begin to manage your blood pressure by following a few basic steps:

Keep a healthy weight Exercise regularly Learn how to lower stress Quit smoking

Now that you’ve made a good start, here are ways to get even healthier:

Checkups: See your doctor for regular checkups. This way, your doctor can make sure your blood pressure stays at a healthy level.

Food choices: Think carefully about the food you eat. You can get healthier by eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You should also try to eat AAFES Retired foods that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt. Employees Association

If you choose to drink alcohol, it’s best to do so in small amounts: For men, The AREA Newsletter is published in this means no more than two 12-ounce beers, two 5-ounce glasses of wine or January, April, July and October two 1.5-ounce drinks of hard liquor a day. Women should have no more than Mailing Address: one of any of these drinks each day. AREA P. O Box 380614 Take medicine as directed: Be sure Duncanville, TX 75138-0614 you know the right way to take your President: medicine. That includes whether a Chuck Poffenbarger medicine should be taken with or [email protected] without food. You will also want to Tel: (972) 296-0388 know when, and how often, to take FAX: (972) 692-5176 your medicine. And make sure it is Membership & Address Changes: safe to take with any other medicine Send your NEWSLETTER ADDRESS you might need. Your doctor can and MEMBERSHIP changes and your help you know the right things to do. MEMBERSHIP DUES to the AREA Membership Director Pat Weaver. Tell your doctor about: [email protected] Tel: (972) 780-9810 Newsletter input: Side effects you experience from any medicine Submit articles for the newsletter to the Over-the-counter medicine you take for colds or allergies editor by e-mail to Newsletter Editor: Larry E. Phillips Herbal or home remedies you are using. Taking too many different kinds [email protected] of medicine may cause problems. But your doctor can help you stay safe. [email protected]

AREA Web address: Learn more about healthy blood pressure. Check the Aetna InteliHealth® website at www.intelihealth.com. www.shopmyexchange.com/community/area Page 4 April 2014 AREA NEW SLETTER

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS… When there’s a fall...Aetna offers “auto alert option”

Falling — and not being able to get help —is a common worry as you get older... It’s also a worry if you have aging parents struggling to remain on their own. But now there’s help from Aetna and Philips Lifeline, the medical alert products company. It is offering Aetna Life Insurance members Lifeline Medical Alert Services and systems. You get free activation, shipping and handling. Your parents, grandparents and in-laws also qualify.

Help when you need it You — or your loved one — can call for help by just pushing a button, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Easy to use, easy to wear, and even waterproof. And the Lifeline with Auto Alert Option calls for help if it detects a fall — even if you — or your loved one — can’t push the button. You can choose from 2 options:

Lifeline Standard Medical Alert Service which includes home communicator and pendant or wristband option Lifeline with Auto Alert Option includes home communicator and pendant with fall-detection technology

Schedule your colon cancer screening

If you are age 50 or older, it’s important to have a colon cancer screening. This cancer is the third most common found in both men and women in the United States and most colon cancer occurs in people age 50 and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer - cancer of the colon or rectum - is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

What’s in it for you?

Screening tests are beneficial. These tests can find growths before they turn to cancer. Plus, if you get checked and do have colon cancer, it’s curable if found and treated early.

Talk with your doctor first...

Here are a few questions you might ask:

Which cancer screening test is best for me? What's involved in the test? Will it be uncomfortable or painful? Do I need someone with me? Is there any risk involved?

The great news is that our DoD NAF Health Benefits Program pays 100% of the cost for a colonoscopy if you are age 50 or older. This is one of the valuable preventive care exams that our plan offers!

For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Or visit their website at www.cancer.org. Visit www.aetna.com for more information about coverage under our medical plan.

Get more health screening tips...

Check the Aetna InteliHealth® website at www.intelihealth.com. AREA NEWSLETTER April 2014 Page 5

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS… Don’t Forget About Everest Funeral Planning and Concierge Services The Exchange offers a unique program to you through Aetna Life In- surance: funeral planning and concierge services. Typically, families have to make funeral arrangements within 48 hours of the death of a loved one. This often involves making costly decisions during an emotional, stress-filled time.

Everest set out to simplify and streamline this process by enabling consumers to plan and document their last wishes in advance, thus sparing families from having to make difficult, costly decisions while they are grieving.

Through this program, you and your family have access to both funeral pre-planning and at-need services with Everest Advisors, which include:

Around-the-clock advisory assistance to discuss funeral planning issues and help make funeral arrangements Local funeral home pricing reports for comparison purposes At-need family support and assistance with special requests and price negotiations Online planning tools

Getting Started:

Visit www.everestfuneral.com/aetna Enter your e-mail address and the Enrollment Identification Code: AETNA0055 If you do not have access to a computer, advisors are available by phone

In the United States: 1-800-913-8318 Overseas: 011-1-905-754-1922

Take precautions to protect your identity! It seems that every day we hear about online security breaches, cybercrimes and identity theft. While stores, banks and other institutions we do business with have an obliga- tion to keep our personal and financial information safe, we have a role to play as well.

Create complicated passwords and keep them secure. Physically remove and destroy the hard drive from an old computer before donating or recycling it. Check credit reports annually and bank and credit card accounts at least monthly. Make copies of everything in your wallet so you’ll know what’s missing if your pocket or purse gets picked.

Don’t

Carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Leave your wireless account unlocked. Ignore prompts to update your computer’s operating and security systems.

If you are covered under any Exchange life insurance plan, Aetna is here to help. With Aetna Life Essentials, you have access, at no charge, to information to help protect you from identity theft and a victim action kit if you need to have your identity restored.To learn more, call 1-866-222-8008

Page 6 April 2014 AREA NEW SLETTER CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Alamo Chapter—The Ladies' Christmas Luncheon was held on December 12 at the home of Brenda Bor- land. The ladies had a good time sharing a meal and exchanging Christmas gifts. were taken to supply small Christmas trees to an area nursing home where many residents never have visitors. Freitas and Brenda Borland received thanks from all the staff for the great donations from the ladies of the Alamo Chapter of the AREA.

Also, on the 12th of December some men of the Ala- mo Chapter met and enjoyed lunch together. They laughed, recalled old times, laughed, talked sports and no one took notes about what they discussed.

Attending the Alamo Ladies Christmas Luncheon were, seated in front, 99- year old Violet Stricker; standing, from left, Ella Trevino, Doris Morris, Brenda Borland, Kathy Stovall, Marilyn Cerna, Janice Dobbs, Virginia Askew, Ann Pauleuc, Ahn Kaufmann, Rhoda Freitas, Ann Brogan and Jane Mason

Alamo men who enjoyed a Christmas lunch together were Song Choe, Len Freitas, Roy Hines, Javier Cerna, Tony Trevino and Bob Askew Alamo in February: Valentine’s dinner, an night at the theater and dinner at a Mexican Restaurant The Alamo Chapter of the AREA held their Valentine's Dinner at the Pompeii Grill on February 12. The 34 people attending not only enjoyed the great Italian food, but also the beautiful harp music.

Ten days later on February 22, a group of 16 people from the Alamo Chapter attended a performance of "Company" at the San Pedro Theater. After the performance they enjoyed dinner at La Fonda Mexican Restaurant. Those A attending were Dan Forsch, Jackie Robinson, Kit Mathews, Jerry Mathews, Tim Brogan, Ann Brogan, Janice Dobbs, Bill Dobbs, Len Freitas, Rhoda Freitas, Brenda Borland, Song Choe, Claire Guillemette, Armand Guillemette and their Son and daughter-in-law.

Photos from Valentine’s Dinner…

Photo A—Lee Rux, Ken Kline, Bill Morris, Doris Morris, Ruth Lown,Ruth Lown(not shown), Rhoda Freitas, Len Freitas(not shown), B Kline, Judy Rux B Photo B--Mike Rhorer, Judy Rhorer, Ann Pauleuc, Tim Bro- gan, Brenda Borland, Song Choe(not shown), Dan Forsch, Jackie Robinson, Ann Brogan, Diane Gross, Tom Gross

Photo C--Steve Evans, Gail Evans, Marilyn Cerna, Javier Cerna, Bob Askew, Kathy Stovall, Violet Stricker, Ingred Villyard, Virginia Askew, Mark Porter, Kathy Jackson, Janice Dobbs (not shown), Bill Dobbs( not shown)

Photo D--Valentine’s entertainment with harp music C D AREA NEWSLETTER April 2014 Page 7 Alamo Chapter throws a big 100th birthday party for Violet Stricker Violet Stricker has just reached the magic held for many years. Violet has been a age of 100, and Alamo Chapter celebrated member of the Alamo Chapter of the AREA Violet’s 100th birthday with a since she retired in 1983. beautiful birthday dinner at Los Patios Garden Restau- Born in West Virginia, Violet rant on March 12. Marilyn came to San Antonio as a Cerna and Virginia Askew young lady and has spent her were hostesses for the entire adult life in San Anto- special day. nio where she and her husband, Albert, raised two Violet spent her entire 23- children, a son Roy Wilson year AAFES career working and daughter Kathy in the accounting office at Stovall. Violet still attends the Fort Sam Houston Main all the chapter’s ladies' lunch- Store in San Antonio. eons and many nighttime din- Upon her retirement in 1983 ners. Happy Birthday, Vi! she was the accounting su- pervisor, a position she had —Brenda Borland Violet and daughter Kathy Stovall

Wallie Bechtold (98 years young), Kathy Stovall, Len Freitas, Rhoda Freitas, Song Choe, Carmen Garza and Violet Stricker Brenda Borland

Bill Dobbs sings a special birthday song to Violet followed by Happy Birthday sung by the group.

Tim Brogan, Becky Moore, Reine Guillemette, Armando Guil- Kitty DeLeo, Ann Brogan lemette, Claire Guillemette

Marilyn Cerna, Javier Cerna, Tony Trevino, Ann Pauleuc, Virginia Askew, Jane Mason, Bill Dobbs, Lois Lown, Ruth Lown, Ella Trevino Bob Askew Janice Dobbs Page 8 April 2014 AREA NEW SLETTER

NORTH TEXAS CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

North Texas Chapter rides into the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Don and Jeanne Streeter Linda and Roy Dean

Helen and Carmen Conti Karen and Dalton Murayama Kay Dunbar and Bill Eddings Pat and Jim Bockelman

Update of AREA in the Great Northwest membership moves to a warmer climate during the winter months (Washington State to Arizona). With respect to percent- Columbia River Chapter—All is well in the great Pacific ages, we almost always have a 100% turn out for the get- Northwest. Ours, the Columbia River Chapter, AREA has the togethers. (I'll not disclose the number of members in our chapter to all.) lowest number of members for an active chapter in AREA, but

we are doing out best to maintain several of the AAFES tradi- But, if you would like to know the answer, visit us at out next tions that were instilled into us (moving and travel). lunch. If you're interested in joining us, email me for the partic- ulars Twenty-five percent of the members moved to new locations in

the past year. If that period of time were expanded somewhat, —Ron Clement the number would be seventy-five percent. Fifty percent of our AREA NEWSLETTER April 2014 Page 9

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Luu Kim Barton, Luan Fields and Ruby White Bill and Marilyn Darmody, Mary Beth and Gary Eckhardt Southeastern members raise chapter record amount for Scholarship Fund donations

Southeastern Chapter—We celebrated Our annual business meeting was at the Christmas party raffle ticket purchase and our Christmas party at Red Lobster in Golden Corral in Joneboro, GA on Janu- auction of their own brought–in gifts. In Morrow, GA, with 25 members and ary 16. We voted to keep our yearly chap- addition, several members—Hetty Cox guests attending. ter dues the same for 2014 at $7.50 per (twice) Wade and Fredda Raczynski, person with $2.50 of it going as an auto- Cynthia O’Neal, Lee Body, Dave and Lee Stanchfield couldn’t make it due to matic donation as part of our Scholarship Deanna Nelson, Harold and Jo Ray- illness, but she sent a beautiful floral table Fund donation. Our get-togethers will born, Dave and Carole Painter and centerpiece for all of us to enjoy. It turned remain on the third Thursday of the month Kathy Gailey—made mail-in or extra out to be the grand prize in our raffle tick- at 1 p.m., and we’ll have nine meetings donations. et drawing, won by Carole Painter. again during the year. We voted to make Mary Taylor won the top cash prize of our annual Scholarship Fund donation Our oldest member is Oscar Heyman at $30 and Georgie Heyman won the $20 $900 for this year, which is a new record 98 years young, and Leo Hesson is not cash prize, which she donated back to the for our chapter. too far behind at 93. Scholarship Fund. Several other non- monetary prizes were also given away. Our new record Scholarship Fund dona- Mel Taylor kindly volunteered to take Everyone brought in beautifully wrapped tion was made possible by our automatic over our vacant secretary/treasurer posi- gifts, which we auctioned off. Our raffle donation from each member’s yearly tion, just in time for our once-yearly busi- ticket sale and our gift auction generated dues, our yearly white elephant auction ness meeting. $468 for our Scholarship Fund donation. and our members’ generous support of our --James Mahoney

Mary and Mel Taylor, Georgie and Mel Taylor, Larry Slaughter, Dave and Tammy Sanchez, Kathy Gailey, Lee Boyd, Oscar Heyman Carol Painter and Shirley Johnson Leslie Miller and Jackie (last name unknown) Georgie and Oscar Heyman, Dave and Carol Painter

Liz Green, Mary Taylor and Larry Slaughter (since deceased) Page 10 April 2014 AREA NEW SLETTER

AREA Community Service Awards – Spring, 2014 The Retired Employees Association recognizes Exchange Retirees and Associates who volunteer their time and devote other resources, such as personal knowledge and expertise, to help improve the economic, civic and social health of the communities where they live and work. The Community Service Review Committee, Richard Fregoe, Chairman, and members Chuck Poffenbarger, Jerry Cloud and Don Streeter reviewed the nominations and, along with the entire AREA membership, are pleased to recognize these Exchange Retirees and Associates for their commitment to their communities’ well-being.

All recipients were provided with a Certificate of Appreciation and a recognition letter signed by the program director and president, AREA. We wish to thank Watt/Spohn Universal, a leading worldwide Exchange Broker, for supporting the Re- tired Employees Association through their active involvement in the Dallas/ Fort Worth and Hampton Roads ALA chapters. Watt/Spohn Universal special- izes in representing brand name manufacturers in the Power Zone, Automo- tive, Hardware, Housewares, Sporting Goods, Stationary and Consumables categories. They have a long history of supporting retiree programs. We invite you to visit them at www.wattspohn.com.

COMMUNITY AWARD RECIPIENTS, Spring, 2014

Carl Ericsson, AAFES Retiree, Pearland, Texas

Carl has been presented the President’s Volunteer Ser- vice Award. He received a letter (right) from President Barack Obama for his many years of service to the Pear- land Police Department, specifically for handicap park- ing service and numerous other activities. He was one of only three so honored. The Volunteer Service Award was also accompanied by a certificate (below) from the Corporation for National and Community Service rec- ognizing his “commitment to strengthening our nation and for making a difference through volunteer service.” AREA NEWSLETTER April 2014 Page 11 Nicole Martin, Exchange Associate, Vandenberg AFB, California

Nicole is an avid volunteer throughout the year. As a mother of two and an Exchange employee she finds time to coach soccer and basketball for the base Youth Center, and continues to be a Girl Scout Leader for a local Brownie Troop. There she leads, coordinates meetings and special community events, and volunteer work the Girl Scouts are involved in. She loves helping in her daughter's classroom once a week and is the Vice President of the Cabrillo High School Marching Band Booster Club where her son attends. Nicole and her family spent this Christmas time preparing, coordi- nating, and handing out over 200 meals for all base personnel working during Christmas Eve. Also within this last year Nicole and her husband introduced and helped implement a program called Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) at the elementary school on base. The national program is meant to provide a male presence at schools and give them an extra hand in security. They got this program up and running in October of 2013 and continue to lead the program as they did at their last base.

Kimiko Smith, Camp Foster MCS, Okinawa, Japan

Kimiko organized an opportunity for Camp Lester Middle School students to volunteer their time to draw posters/signs for the Marines in celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday while Marines are away from home. She also volunteered to go to Camp Lester Middle School to reach out to the children and talk about the importance of volunteering all throughout their lives and that one person can make a difference. Kimiko is a team player in all aspect of the word; regularly stopping to help any other facility that can benefit from her experience and expertise while maintaining the highest of standards in her own facility, yet still finding time to engage the community and our future generations with projects such as this.

William A. Stewart, Exchange Associates’ son (William (Eric) and Amy Stewart), HQ, Exchange, Dallas, Texas

During the 2013 Fall Semester, Will Stewart generously shared his time and talents with the communities surrounding him. As a senior team member of the award winning Future Farmers of America (FFA) at Midlothian High School, Will dedicated weeks of training before and after school to prepare the junior Chapter Conducting team for competi- tion. The junior Chapter Conducting team scored high enough at District and Area meets to compete at State, the largest in FFA. (The junior team exceeded expectations by placing 2nd, 1st and 5th respectively.)

Will performed hours of service projects above and beyond that required of Life rank in Boy Scouts. Whenever fellow Scouts needed assistance on merit badges, ceremonies or projects, he worked side by side until completion. As a Scout volunteer and perennial favorite for the annual First United Methodist Church (Midlothian) fall fundraiser, he worked from set up to break down as a an independent working jack-of-all-trades. Additionally, Will supported other Scouting organizations, like Explorers and Girls Scouts, with their fundraising events giving his tasty cooking and driving time.

Reaching past his school and city, Will also volunteered his service at his church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wax- ahachie. He performed altar duties as regularly scheduled and could be counted on to substitute on a moment’s notice to cover an unexpected schedule conflict. Will routinely supplied the much needed boost to special event teams such as Vacation Bible School, Elementary Sunday School and other seasonal activities.

As a high school sophomore, Will is dedicated to making his community a better place to live.

David Sinkewicz, Exchange Associate, Hq, Exchange, Dallas, Texas

David is being nominated for mentoring Charles Jones, a 16 year old young man of a single parent. Charles has won placement in the Obama Male Leadership Academy, located in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. David has been assisting Charles’ mother by attending parent/teacher conferences and meeting with Charles to encourage him to use his God given talents. For example at the Academy the failure level is set at 70%. Charles has been struggling with algebra. Da- vid graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and has been able to better prepare him for tests which make Charles very nervous. Charles has a lot to be proud of and his mother does not want to see him get sidetracked. His mother is a church friend of David’s wife. Charles has the prospect of an excellent future and his mother and David are dedicated to his long term success. I truly admire David for taking the time to mentor and encourage this young man. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 Page 12 April 2014 AREA NEW SLETTER

Samica James, Exchange Associate, Hq Exchange, Dallas, Texas

Samica James is the founder of A Single Hand Foundation, a local community outreach program within the metroplex which lends a helping hand to single parent and also gives back to senior citizens. The foundation’s most recent engage- ment involved the ASHF Blessings Bag Drive which called on people within the community to assemble a quart sized ziplock bag filled with hygiene items and drop off at pick up points around the area. The total amount collected was 123 bags and $125 donation (which made 52 bags). These items were all donated to the Genesis Women Shelter.

Ismael (Rod) Rodriquez, Exchange Associate, HQ, Exchange, Dallas, Texas

Rod spends his vacation time to riding his motorcycle with the Patriot Guard Riders. The Patriot Guard Riders is a 100% Volunteer, Federally registered non-profit organization which ensures dignity and respect at memorial services honoring Fallen Military Heroes, First Responders and Honorably Discharged Veterans.

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. Their main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guest of the family. Each mission they undertake has two basic ob- jectives.

1. Show their sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families and their communities. 2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors. He also rides in as many toys runs every year as the weather permits. He is a silent hero.

AREA ...JUST FOR YOU MORE AREA Community Service Awards COMING IN OCTOBER 2014 If you know someone (perhaps yourself) who should be recog- nized for a volunteer activity or community service all you have to do is submit the information to the Richard Fregoe, chairman of the Community Service Committee, at:

AAFES Retired Employees Association P.O. Box 380614 Duncanville, TX 75138-0614 AREA NEWSLETTER April 2014 Page 13

How I get my 'retail fix' Exchange and military vets stage in retirement... successful church thrift store

When I retired from The Exchange in 2010 after 26 years with the company, I wondered how I would spend my days in a fulfilling way. Shortly thereafter I was asked to take over my church's thrift store which was actually little more than a weekly garage sale held in the building that once housed the church.

The few volunteers at that time were more than willing to accept change and so the organizing and changes began. Clothing was hung on racks and sized, unused space was converted into 'departments' and we began to advertise and spread the word that our prices are low and ALL pro- ceeds go to missions! Our group of faith- ful volunteers grew steadily. All pictured are retired from the Military or served in the military: Diane Carkhuff (USAF RET), Lettie Gass (USAF RET), Wanda King (USAF veteran), Tina Jones (USAF Veteran), Three years later the store has been named Ed Reimler (USA RET) best thrift store in Eastern Oklahoma County 3 years running, plus we received spouses of military retirees or former neighborhood, we provide information on an award from the United Methodist Okla- AAFES employees!! No wonder we are what resources are available from state homa Conference for all of the missions successful, all of that experience, disci- agencies, and we partner with the local that we support as well as an award from pline, and energy concentrated in one mis- courts to allow non-violent offenders com- Professional Recyclers for keeping over sion! Serving others is an attribute that is plete their community service with us. 30 tons of waste out of landfills through learned both through military service and our recycling program. And our sales have working with the Exchange. During our Retirement is both fulfilling and exciting increased 800% ($5,000 in 2010 vs. over careers we concentrated on serving the now that I can get my 'retail fix' while $40,000 in 2013). military and that translates well into serv- serve others! ing others in the civilian community. As I was reflecting on the success of this —Catherine Jones endeavor, I realized that the majority of Our thrift store now has a coffee shop that AAFES Retiree! our volunteers are either military retirees, has become a gathering place for the

All pictured are former AAFES employees as well as being military spous- Annette Chisholm, Louise Cowden, Carrol es: Angie Cunko (former AAFES employee and vendor). Mitzi Gamble (former McGhee - all military spouses AAFES employee) and Catherine Jones (AAFES retiree) Page 14 April 2014 AREA NEWSLETTER LIFE IN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA… Two tales about a winter storm and retiring with goats told by Cynthia Grzybowski This is the time of year that the good people of Augusta, GA, are thinking about spring, azaleas and the Master’s Golf Tournament. That was not the case six weeks ago when one of this year’s “Polar Vortex” of storms plunged deep into the South. Cynthia Grzybowski, president of the Augusta Chapter, recorded that significant event to share the experience in word and photo with AREA retirees. Then a few days later, she was at the computer again. In sending the second story she wrote, “ My hubby is a little perplexed where this sudden burst of words is coming from, as am I!! His concern is that this isn't really AREA news…” And Tom is right, it’s not news, but it fits into another form of journalism, called “human interest stories”. This time Cindy is telling what life is like in retirement with a growing family of goats— read all about it on page 15.

These photos show the ice and snow on the barn and driveway of the Grzybowski’s prop- erty. Below, the after- math of the storm at Yong and Ron Rozier’s home.

Photos by Tom Grzybowski, Homer Armitage A downed tree at the and Ron Rozier Armitage home.

Dorothy, are you sure we aren't in Kansas? The next day, bundled up, we went to survey the damage. Tall pine trees had lost their tops. Trees that looked so stable the night That was the question everyone was asking, as Georgia experi- before, now lay across the driveway and the sound of chain saws enced a Kansas type of ice storm starting February 11, 2014. was suddenly heard in urban areas. Each needle on the pine trees What started out as a cold rain quickly turned into freezing sleet, was coated with 1/4 inch of ice, as was everything else. Sudden- followed by 3 inches of snow. Needless to say, everything shut ly neighbors that we hadn't seen in ages, had time to come out down- including the power grid! Many AAFES AREA Retirees and talk. Life slowed down and we all survived. The blessing were without power between 4 to 7 days. And I mean no elec- was that none of us had any real damage occur. So other than tricity to run water pumps, refrigerators/freezers, house heating taking time to thaw out, it wasn't what we would call a real disas- systems, much less TV's and good ole lights! ter. Rather it was one of life’s unexpected adventures.

But we didn't get to this age because we are cute—we are the The funny thing is, by the next Monday we were wondering survivor generation and survive and thrive we did! Fireplaces where our shorts and t-shirts were as the temps got up to 75 de- became places to heat water for coffee, Barbeque grills were grees F! Now that is Georgia! So unlike Dorothy, we didn't used to cook hot meals, forgotten generators were dusted off have to have any ruby slippers to make it back home, all we had and hooked up. Lots of us ate very well, as the freezers started to do was wait a few days for the sun to come out and make the softening up food. Candles came out at night, and there is noth- snow and ice melt away. ing like listening to news through a transistor radio to bring back memories of a simpler time. The hardest part of the So if you are planning to come visit us in Georgia, you may not entire event was having to go to bed at 1930 hours because want to come in February. Unless you bring a parka, a generator old eyes don't seem to read well by candlelight. and a pair of shorts—just in case. AREA NEWSLETTER April 2014 Page 15 How does one top successfully running the largest store in AAFES Land? Get Goats! By Cindy Grzybowski

Upon retirement from the Fort Lewis Main Store, I was presented end (see below). And now Tom can say with conviction, "I told a retirement card showing me on a tractor with chickens and veg- you the barn wasn't big enough!!" Smile! gies all swirling around. Little did I realize how that picture would come to fruition in every aspect! When I was Store Man- We have never worked harder in our lives, nor done so with such ager at Fort Gordon (before Fort Lewis/McChord Stores), we joy and peace in our hearts. So if you would like to see what a found a little acreage with a double-wide trailer on it, and this retired Store Manager does, do stop by to say HI. Just know you was going to be our retirement home. will have to go to the coop to get breakfast, to the garden for your salad and to the barn to get your very own fresh glass of milk. Little did we realize three years after leaving Fort Gordon, we were going to be retired and heading back to Georgia. After re- We have had a heck of a weekend! placing the mobile home with a more permanent structure, I start- Friday at 10 a.m. Pinkie showed signs of going into labor, she ed thinking chickens and garden. The garden was easy—well had a boy and girl (10.6 and 10 pounds respectively) at 11:15 except for the Georgia clay that is. It was pick axe and sweat and 11:30. Then Luna, not to be outdone, had triplets starting outlining and then "farming" our first garden plot. Chickens around 11:45 to 12:30—two boys and a girl (7, 6.5, 6.89 weren't any easier, I decided I wanted to smile every time I pounds). Well, Blue Belle got so inspired that she went into opened the egg carton and nothing would make me smile bigger labor at 1-ish and produced two boys at 2:15 and 2:30 p.m. (8 than seeing blue and green eggs alongside brown ones. Thomas and 9 pounds). A day of rest on Saturday—just enough time was astounded and didn't think such a thing was possible. But I for Thomas to finish cleaning up all the towels—when Gertie, had done my homework and our egg cartons have been filled for who I didn't think would have babies until the end of March, the past seven years with blue, green, light brown, milk chocolate went into labor at 1:45 Sunday and produced a bouncing brown and white eggs from black chickens! How is that for a 9.78-pound baby boy. He is the only true spotted one. Every- smile. one else has a spot here or there or is pretty much one color. In goats, white is actually the dominant color! Since we also decided to become "mini-preppers", we needed something that could provide the nicer things in life like butter, Anyway thought you would like to see minutes old pic and milk and cheese. Cows were too big, sheep didn't produce then ones I took today. So Pinkies, Belles and Lunas babies enough milk, but goats were just right. I had planned on two are three days old and Gertie is working on 24 hours come 5:30 girls, but came home with three. We built a barn for three but this evening. now have five permanent residents (four girls and a boy). We bred everyone and were expecting four babies. We ended up with If Chili, the Dad, gives birth—cause he keeps pawing the eight—so suddenly, the herd has gone from 5 to 13 over a week- ground—Tom is giving up....

OFF TO COLLEGE? PS We are thinking of starting a college fund in case anyone is interested in contributing.. They will probably go to Texas A&M, Kansas State Uni- versity or Goat U.. Haven't decided yet...Tee Hee. —Cindy Grzybowski

Meet the Family! A B A— Pinkie and her kids (28 Feb) B— Luna and her triplets(28 Feb) C— Blue Belle and her boys(28 Feb) D, E— Gertrude and her boy (2 Mar)

C D E Page 16 April 2014 AREA NEW SLETTER

SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS DONORS IN MEMORY OF Keith Young Butch Freed $100.00 Gary Deatherage Rick Pfeiffer $100.00

DONOR AS A GENERAL DONATION William Allgire $200.00 James Sawyer $100.00 Southeastern Chapter $900.00 Anonymous $1,000.00

IN REMEMBRANCE

YOSHIO AOTAKI, 88, died Oct. 8 in Davis, Calif. The Exchange Associate retired in 1982. GLORIA BAISDEN, 90, died Dec. 20 in Pensacola, Fla. The Eglin AFB Supervisory Cashier retired in 1992. JACK CAGAN, 89, died Dec. 17 in Universal City, Texas. The Exchange Associate retired in 1975. RICHARD CALLAHAN, 83, died Dec. 16 in Duncanville, Texas. The HQ Computer Systems Analyst retired in 1990. GEORGE FINCH, 92, died Dec. 26 in Memphis, Tenn. The HQ Associate retired in 1973. JOHN GRAVES, 83, died Nov. 2 in Fayetteville, N.C. The Fort Bragg Carpenter retired in 1993. EDWARD GUTHRIE, 94, died Jan. 7 in Ayer, Mass. The Fort Devens Associate retired in 1973. MAX JALUFKA, 91, died Nov. 19 in Shawnee, Okla. The HQ Associate retired in 1980. GERLINDE JAUREGUI, 73, died Jan. 13 in Augusta, Ga. The Fort Gordon Senior Accounting Assistant retired in 1997. PETER MEINDERTSMA, 94, died Oct. 11 in San Antonio, Texas. The HQ Advertising Branch Associate retired in 1977. WILLIAM MELVIN, 94, died Nov. 29 in Mount Holly, N.J. The Maintenance and Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic retired in 1986. DOROTHY OISHI, 88, died Nov. 27 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Exchange Facility Management Assistant retired in 1987. LEA REYNOLDS, 75, died Oct. 31 in Martinez, Ga. The Fort Gordon Food Activity Manager retired in 1993. EARL ROSENBERGER, 89, died Oct.13 in Forest Hill, Md. The JB Eustis-Langley Associate retired in 1973. BETTY WILLIAMS, 76, died Dec. 13 in Duncanville, Texas. The HQ Associate retired in 1987. AREA NEWSLETTER April 2014 Page 17

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

The following telephone numbers are provided as a convenience to members wishing to contact certain HQ AAFES offices and the AAFES Federal Credit Union.

HQ SWITCHBOARD (214) 312-2011

FOR RETIREMENT and GROUP INSURANCE BENEFITS: HQ. AAFES BENEFIT BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES (800) 519-3381

GENERAL COUNSEL: COLONEL ERIC E. WEISS, USAF (214) 312-3126

EXCHANGE POST: BARBARA KIRSCH (214) 312 3831

SALES TABLOIDS: DEBBIE BYERLY (800) 733-5142

ID CARD, PRIVILEGES HR-L/H Servicing Personnel Office (214) 312-3330 ID Cards issued Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:30-10 a.m.

DOD VEHICLE STICKERS: DOD stickers are issued in AD from 7:30-11 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

AAFES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION: TOLL FREE SERVICE NORTH AMERICA (800) 452-7333 UNITED KINGDOM 0800-89-7490 GERMANY 0130-81-1187

FOR OTHERS NOT LISTED: PAT WEAVER (972) 780-9810

For other information, check out the AAFES website at: http://www.shopmyexchange.com and the AREA website http://www.shopmyexchange.com/community/area Page 18 April 2014 AREA NEW SLETTER AREA SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONATION FORM

To: AREA From: P.O. Box 380614 Duncanville, TX 7531875138-0614-0614

Telephone This donation is (check one box below) *IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE PERSON TO LIST, USE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW * In Honor of (Name) * * In Memory Of (Name) * An Annual Pledge* Other

Send Card to: NAME ADDRESS ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE TELEPHONE

Amount of donation (check enclosed) $

* I wish to pledge $______each year to the AREA Scholarship Fund. My donation for the current year is enclosed.

Your donation will be acknowledged to both the donor and to the recipient or the survivor. All donations are income tax deductible.

DONOR NAME (Printed) SIGNATURE

COMMENTS:

* * In memory of: ______In honor of: ______In memory of: ______In honor of: ______

In memory of: ______In honor of: ______

AREA NEWSLETTER April 2014 Page 19 AREA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATES

New Members Address Changes Email Changes

BOCKELMAN, JAMES ASKEW, ROBERT LORD, LUIS 904 SILVERTHORNE TR 1330 A;PINE POND 975 FOXENWOOD, DR HIGHLAND VILLAGE, TX 75077 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78260 SANTA MARIA, CA 93455 972-317-5593 830-438-8825 805-354-0101 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

GARDNER–PEYTON, ARLENE BAKER, CHERYL MILLER, EUGENE PO BOX 734 1462 BART LN 18 HUNTINGTON MORRISVILLE, NC 27560 LEWISVILLE, TX 75067 EASTBOROUGH, KS 67206 402-321-4176 817-741-7007 316-681-3815 [email protected] [email protected] ELLIS, DOROTHY HINSHAW, DARYL 3847 WALNUT AVE ROUTZONG, MONA 12333 BAND BOX PL CARMICHAEL, CA 95068 750 LINCOLN, RD # 33 DALLAS, TX 75244 YUBA CITY, CA 95991 972-488-8505 ESPINOLA, ROSEMARIE 916-673-7464 [email protected] 82541 BELFORT CT [email protected] INDIO, CA 92203 SCHUBERT, GLEN 602-895-1172 WHEELER, EUGENE 4827 BOSTON COMMON GLEN 2177 MERRYMOUNT DR LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL 34211 DENSFORD, PAULA SUWANEE, GA 30024 808-772-0675 PO BOX 49 770-822-6316 [email protected] SELLERSBURG, IN 47172 [email protected] 812-748-5056 THOMPSON, MITCHELL [email protected] PO BOX 388 Telephone and RUTLEDGE, GA 30663 HILL, LINDA Email Changes 402-321-4176 146 BELMONT PL MADISON, AL 35756 WADE, DAN 256-772-1584 COONS, JEFFREY 217 CIMARRON MEADOWS DR [email protected] 62728 IRONWOOD LN WAXAHACHIE, TX 75167 TUCSON, AZ 85739 972-937-3060 JONES, C. MILENE 520-825-2347 [email protected] 335 SOUTH FM 548 [email protected] APT. 104 Telephone Changes FORNEY, TX 75126 EVANS, LEONARD 972-223-8867 17 EASTHAM LN POINT PLEASANT, NJ 08742 BURNEY, IKUE KUCERA, WILLIE 2730 ORTEGA ST. 732-899-2864 116 FOUR SIX RANCH RD [email protected] SAN FRANCISCO, CA 79412 TRINIDAD, TX 75163 415-731-1723 915-565-3521 SAWYER, JAMES

GOVOSTIE, MARY 2486 NADELL RD LEVESQUE, ROGER NORTH PORT, FL TATOIOU 60KIFISSIA 14561 2000 AUSTIN AVE ATHENS, GREECE 972-296-7676 BROWNWOOD, TX 76801 [email protected] 210-8954-881 915-643-5006 [email protected] [email protected] TRENT, MICHAEL

MENO, ROSA 1541 BAMBURGH TREVINO, ANTHONY PLANO, TX 75075 2302 DAVIS DR 12226 JACKSON CREEK RD KILLEEN, TX 76543 214-769-0308 DALLAS, TX 75243 [email protected] 254-213-4885 210-239-5116

[email protected] WILSON, JEAN NEARY, JACK 4629 SHADY VIEW DR. 1340ALROSE LN SPC 37 REDDING, CA 96002 FLOYD KNOBS, IN 47119 812-923-8475 904-229-7338 [email protected] [email protected]

WALLACE, TOMIKO 116 OLDE TOWNE DR. IRVING, TX 75061 972-313-3675

Save this page with your copy of the 2013 AREA Directory DUES ALERT! Please keep your dues up to date by sending your $15 dues PAYABLE to AREA at:

AAFES Retired Employees Association P.O. Box 380614

Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

If you have any questions about your dues, please contact Pat Weaver, Membership Director at:

[email protected] Tel: (972) 780-9810

AAFES Retired Employees Association

Help Us Save Money!

Get the Newsletter online rather than through the mail.

The difference in cost is significant*, and you’ll enjoy these advantages:

Get the Newsletter first—E-mail is faster than snail-mail. The Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format is in color and you can transfer/save the file as you desire.

*Per copy print cost at $1.42 + mailing at $0.57 = $1.99 cost per copy. Do yourself and AREA a favor—try the Newsletter via e-mail attachment. Here’s what one member said: “The e mail edition is superb. Easy to read, brilliant colors, etc. I can't say enough about it, and would recommend that anyone with a computer should give it a try. Especially since they can always convert back to hard copy. I doubt if any would do that.” Send an e-mail to Pat Weaver, Membership Director, at [email protected] and state that you would like to get the Newsletter on line and we’ll do the rest. Give it a try. If you don’t like it, we can always add you back to the snail-mail list.