JANUARY 2019
BECAUSE TOGETHER WE STAND
INSIDE: 8 On & Off the Hill 22 Midway Museum 29 Shipmate Profile Discover life-changing freedom and fun
10” “With my Zinger Chair, I can The Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches. go anywhere and everywhere I want!” More and more Americans are reaching the age where great mobility, the ability to turn on a dime and to pull right mobility is an everyday concern. Whether from an injury up to tables or desks. The controls are right on the steering or from the aches and pains that come from getting older– lever so it’s simple to operate and its exclusive footrest getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. You may have swings out of the way when you stand up or sit down. With tried a power chair or a scooter. The Zinger is NOT a power its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Zinger is chair or a scooter! The Zinger is quick and nimble, yet it is sturdy and durable yet convenient and comfortable! What’s not prone to tipping like many scooters. Best of all, it weighs more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat or trunk– you only 47.2 pounds and folds and unfolds with ease. You can take can even gate-check it at the airport like a stroller. Think it almost anywhere, providing you with independence and about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you freedom. don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life. It folds in I can now go places and do things that I wasn’t seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. It holds up to able to go or do before. It has given me a new 265 pounds, and it goes up to 6 mph and operates for up to 8 lease on life and I am so happy I found it! hours on a single charge. Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your –Dana S., Texas independence and quality of life? Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a mobility device that’s truly unique. They created a battery Zinger Chair® that provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of Call now and receive a utility basket most batteries. The Zinger features two steering levers, one absolutely FREE with your order. NEW on either side of the seat. The user pushes both levers down to go forward, pulls them both up to brake, and pushes one 1-888-537-3376 while pulling the other to turn to either side. This enables Please mention code 110362 when ordering.
Just think of the places you can go: • Shopping • Air Travel • Bus Tours • Restaurants– ride right up to the table! • Around town or just around your house Not intended for use by individuals restricted to a sitting position and not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Zinger is not a medical device. © 2018 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. 83937 contents January 2019 volume 98 number 1
COVER: Shari Duval, Founder with her son and President Brett Marine Raiders from Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) K-9 Unit conduct Simon of K9s for over-the-beach-bag (OTB) training in Naval Air Station Key West’s Truman Harbor during the Special Warriors. Operations Command’s multi-purpose canine handler training. Navy photo by Danette Baso Silvers. features
K9s for Warriors: Because Together We Stand 16 K9s For Warriors is an accredited charity organization located in Ponte Vedra, Florida, that has been pairing rescue dogs with traumatized soldiers since 2011.
USS Midway Museum The formidable aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY, the lead ship of the three Midway-Class 22 carriers, is now berthed alongside the Navy Pier in San Diego, where the city’s downtown meets the bay. Shipmate Joe Prusacik: A Lifetime of Service That ice cream shop job did not fulfill him, so he made the decision to go and serve his 29 country. This member of the Greatest Generation knew that serving his country meant a better future for him and his family.
departments 2 Communications 41 TAPS LOYALTY, PROTECTION 4 From the Bridge 43 Reunions/Looking For… AND SERVICE 6 Shipmate Forum 44 Auxiliary of the FRA News
FRA is a 8 On & Off Capitol Hill Message from NVP Bea Parco congressionally- 45 Meeting/Convention Calendar chartered, nonprofit Legislative updates organization 34 FRA Education Foundation 46 FRA Profile advocating on Capitol Hill for The CFC giving year Earl Clark (Branch 230) current and former 36 Membership Matters 48 Finance Matters enlisted members of the U.S. Navy, 38 Shipmate News Are you prepared for a financial crisis? Marine Corps and Coast Guard. FRAtoday /// January 2019 1 COMMUNICATIONS
National Officers/Board Of Directors National President Robert Washington Sr., Navy Department Branch 181 National Vice President Donna M. Jansky, North Shore Branch 31 Happy, Healthy New Year! National Executive Dir. Thomas J. Snee, Navy Department Branch 181 Finance Officer Bryan M. Proctor, Headquarters Junior PNP William E. Starkey, South Jersey Branch 57 National Parliamentarian PNP George P. Hyland, Groton Branch 20 opefully you all were informed of the new health care National Chaplain Valerie Toulotte, Annapolis Branch 24
changes that were just implemented. The Fleet Reserve Regional Presidents Association has just on boarded Kerry Van Horn- Northeast/New England Joyce M. Harris, Groton Branch 20 Sprouffske as our new Legislative Program Health Care Advisor. East Coast Randy L. Phillipp, Triangle Branch 182 H Southeast James P. Richmond, Pensacola Branch 22 She will be assuming some of the functions that Bob Washington provided while he was on the staff at HQ. North Central Barry White, Mo-Kan Branch 161 South Central Emmett H. Smith Jr., Shreveport Bossier Branch 98 During a breakout session Southwest John F. Quesnel Jr., Imperial Beach Branch 289 at a recent conference held West Coast Rick Athenour, Sierra Tahoe Branch 137 in Washington DC, the Northwest William H. Hall, Gem State Branch 382
topic of a new Department Active Duty Advisory Council of Veterans Affairs service Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith called Video Connect was Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald Green discussed. VA Video Connect Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason M. Vanderhaden (https://mobile.va.gov/app/ Reserve Advisory Council va-video-connect) connects veterans with their health Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve Christopher D. Kotz Sergeant Major of Marine Forces Reserve Patrick Kimble care service providers from Force Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard anywhere. You can use a computer, tablet or smartphone to connect Reserve George M. Williamson through a secure, live video session. The service makes VA health FRAtoday Magazine care more convenient and reduces travel times for veterans in rural areas with limited access to VA facilities. It also allows quick and The monthly membership publication of the Fleet Reserve Association Publisher Fleet Reserve Association easy health care access from any mobile or web-based device. National Executive Director Thomas J. Snee, M.Ed. As Van Horn-Sprouffske becomes settled into her new role at the Editor-in-Chief William D. Stevenson FRA, she plans to regularly provide valuable information regarding Assistant Editor Victoria Duran Contributing Editor Elise M. Howard health care topics. “I want to educate and inform our Shipmates Contributing Editor Ann Norvell Gray about how to navigate through the health care systems available to Proofreader Desnee Stevens them. I would like for them to feel like they can ask me questions so Design and Art Direction FRA Staff Advertising Sales: GLM Communications (212) 929-1300 I can easily and quickly provide answers,” says Van Horn-Sprouffske. [email protected] Kerry is particularly eager to provide answers to questions about FRAtoday (ISSN 1935-7192) is published monthly by FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, the VA Choice Program. Shipmates who live more than 40 miles VA 22314-2754. A member’s subscription is covered by the member’s annual dues. from a VA Center or Hospital may not be aware that they can Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Va. and additional offices. Publication of nonsponsored advertising in FRAtoday does not constitute an endorsement by the FRA receive care from a community provider and have the visit paid for or its representatives. Postmaster: Send address changes to Member Services, FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754. FRAtoday is published in the by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To use the Veterans Choice interests of all current and former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Program, veterans must receive prior authorization from the VA to Coast Guard. Eligible nonmembers are not entitled to subscription rates. Established November 1, 1923. Title registered with U.S. Patent Office. receive care from a health care provider that is part of VA’s VCP network of community providers. FRA Administrative Headquarters Van Horn-Sprouffske will be a point of contact for Shipmates 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754 Telephone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 who have questions regarding health care. If you have any questions, Fax: 703-549-6610 • email: [email protected] • www.fra.org please contact Kerry at (703) 683-1400, ext. 124 or send her an Volume 98 Number 1 FRA email at: [email protected]. Find us on Facebook: www.fra.org/fb In Loyalty, Protection & Service, Follow us on Twitter: William Stevenson, Communications & Marketing Director www.twitter.com/FRAHQ
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How to Attract Younger Members
ne of the things that I feel strongly Social Media about, is changing how we recruit new We are living in the cyber age where learning and Shipmates, but more importantly, younger communication has changed. Pictures and Google members.O I have spent some time talking with searches are becoming “the” source of learning. several people from the younger generation. I You all know about social media and many of you wanted to know where are we missing the boat on probably have a Facebook page. Many branches attracting young folks and what they are looking have a Facebook page, just like headquarters. The for in an organization such as the FRA. You should FRA Facebook page has nearly 40,000 followers. Robert Washington consider using the following ideas to demonstrate If you have an online presence, try to use it in National President how the association can help them. We can’t just ways that would appeal to the younger generation. tell them about the association’s value; we need to Imagery and short to-the-point messaging are show them. effective. Your branch events can be announced and then followed up with pictures or even a short Workshops video. Be sure to share your posts with FRA HQ. Try offering an annual event such as an all-day Some other trending social media tools are Twitter workshop and activity festival for your Shipmates and Instagram. and guests. You do not have to make it a big, expensive extravaganza; keep it simple and on The FRA Toolbox point. Network and ask your older Shipmates There are a few things young folks care about that what activities and workshops would work in your the FRA already helps provide such as scholarships, branch’s community. Food is always an element that getting better benefits faster and explaining how brings people together so roll out that grill. to navigate within the folds of the VA system. Reach out and ask your young shipmates to lead Millennials are starting to retire and a fresh new their own workshop. Mention to them that this is flock of young retirees are looking for their next the kind of volunteer work that looks good on a engagement. Most are family-oriented and would résumé. Young people tend to appreciate new ways be interested in our scholarships and essay contest to improve their credentials while doing something for their kids. that is valued in their community. If the FRA can We have some of the finest materials with which help them accomplish some of their personal goals, to work. The newly updated Membership Manual you will capture their attention. has many great scenarios and suggestions about how to attract new members. Mentorship Programs In order to attract younger members to the Once younger members start joining your branch, association, we must think outside of the box. We be sure to keep speaking to, engaging with, reaching must find a way to have conversations with young out to, and learning from them. In turn, you will folks in the military to listen and learn what they enable them to learn from you. If you initiate care about. Then we will know how the FRA a consistent dialogue, you will learn how the can provide those services (if we don’t already) to association can appeal to these members. As these convince them of the value of joining this nearly younger Shipmates encounter new professional century-old association. FRA challenges, you can offer to direct them to resources In Loyalty, Protection & Service or other Shipmates who have successfully grappled NP Robert Washington, Sr. with similar problems—help build their network. Bob is the National President of the Fleet Reserve Association.
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© 2018 first STREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. 84101 SHIPMATE FORUM
October Advertising, He received the magazine this morning and I have Make No Mistake About It. heard that seeing this article just made his day! The Jerome Corsi October advertisement was not Papa turned 95 on October 15th and has a mistake—it was a good business decision. We unfortunately been ill for the past several weeks. approved, so we had no need to complain. How Reading this article definitely lifted his spirits and many did complain compared to the membership? I have no doubt that he is already sharing it with What is the percentage versus the membership? all the attendees and nurses! Thank you so much Yes, Jerome Corsi can be controversial to some, for highlighting Papa’s military career. This article but if we moved out of our silos and read what means a lot to him, as the Navy has been and the other side is thinking we would be a better continues to be his second family. country. With much appreciation, After all, our military academies study the Jan Evans enemy. Isn’t diversity a good thing? Thank you for your good work and information. UTCS Edwin R. Sparks USN (RET) San Marcos, CA
FRAtoday: I appreciate your support of the decision to accept an advertisement that rather shook up a fair amount of our Shipmates. Our current membership count is just shy of 42,000 Shipmates. We received about 65 calls, letters and emails about the advertisement. That would be 0.155 of one percent, which is not much, but nonetheless we now have some checks and balances in place regarding politically fueled Are We Shrinking? advertising. I am sorry to say one Shipmate even sent I made a trip to the Norwood Branch of the U.S. in his life membership card and resignation because of Post Office this morning and got my copy of the the advertisement. November FRAtoday. I saw a ship on page six- thank you! On October 1, 2018 a small group (13) Lowe's Home Improvement store gathered in Kissimmee, Florida for our annual I recently made a purchase at a Memphis, reunion of USS HISSEM (DER-400). About Tennessee area Lowe’s store and ask the supervisor 25 years or so ago we had more than 200 sailors if a person could make a purchase at the store and together. We are going away. I took a scrapbook obtain the discount merely by showing a military that had several pages cut out of FRAtoday. The I.D. if they did not have a My Lowe’s card. She scrap book was passed around, read and then re- said certainly, all that is needed to obtain the read by all the Shipmates and their families. Great discount is to present the military I.D. card. memories indeed. I wish to express my appreciation to Lowe’s for Sincerely, the discount they continue to offer to veterans. Brice “Old Catfish” Umstead CTRC (Ret.) Franklin Schroer, TDCM USN (Ret.) Submit Shipmate Forum letters to FRAtoday, 125 N. West St. The Navy, My Second Family Alexandria, VA 22314. Submissions may be sent to fratoday@ fra.org. Please include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. I am writing to you to thank you for writing such FRA reserves the right to select and edit letters for publica- a nice article about our father, Herman Evans. Our tion. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions father, or Papa as we call him, is currently living and views of individual FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of the FRA as a whole. The FRA is in Ventura, California in an assisted living facility. not responsible for the accuracy of letter content.
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TM US Company FDA Owned And REGISTERED Aff ordable Quality Since 1996! Operated Visit and Save: www.AdvancedHearing.com/FR91 ON OFF & Newscapitol & Notes from the Fleet Reserve Association’s hill Legislative Team New Year Offers Opportunities and Challenges The 116th Congress will be convening about the time you get this issue of FRAtoday. Your FRA Legislative Team is working to advance the FRA’s Legislative priorities for 2019. These have been selected from FRA’s legislative agenda (available at www.fra.org and in the November, 2018 issue of FRAtoday) based on the concerns of its members, the number of personnel affected and the potential for legislative action during the session. In addition to these priorities, the Association continues to work to advance other legislative proposals that will benefit active duty, reserves, retired and veteran shipmates and their families. As we start the new year we will be working with a new Congress. As we look back John Davis DLP the FRA Legislative Team is energized by our successes in 2018, which included: • Blocking a huge TRICARE fee increase that would have doubled annual fees for TRICARE beneficiaries under age 65; • Passing the Agent Orange Blue Water Navy Bill (H.R.299) out of the House (at press time pending in Senate Veterans Affairs Committee); • Expanding the VA caregiver program to include all severely disabled veterans. Original program applied to badly disabled veterans who were injured after September 11, 2001; • Limiting rent increases for residents at Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) in 2018 and phasing in next year’s scheduled huge fee increase over three years; • Prohibiting AFRH from removing residents only because they are unable to pay rent; • Increasing Navy and Marine Corps reserve and active duty end strength for FY2019; • Consolidating seven VA community care programs into one to improve efficiency and access to care; • Increasing annual active duty pay (2.6%) to keep pace with civilian pay increases (largest pay increase in 9 years); • Repealing a scheduled 1 percent cut in Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for active duty service members; • Expanding the availability of Military One Source for retired and discharged members of the Armed Forces; • Allowing Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients, former POWs, veterans with a service-connected disability, and caregivers of disabled veterans to use commissaries and MWR facilities; • Filing a Senate floor amendment, at the FRA’s request, to expand concurrent receipt. Amendment was not called for a vote;
8 FRAtoday /// January 2019 ON OFF & capitolRetiree / Veterans'hill Issues
• Permitting veterans, who have a 100 percent service- connected disability, to utilize a travel benefit currently extended to active duty and retired military members and their families, which allows them to travel on military aircraft when there is extra space onboard; • Mandating that service members deployed in a combat zone are provided with maximum life insurance coverage; and • Increasing VA funding (6.1%) for FY2019. Shipmates using the FRA Action Center to generate significant grassroots participation will be an important factor in determining success or failure in 2019. Shipmate participation with the Action Center complements the work of the FRA’s Legislative Team. The Association is working with a new vendor to establish a new and improved FRA Action Center so Shipmates can effectively engage in timely and critical communication with their elected officials. The new system should be available in early January.
Veterans’ Day 11-11-2018 In accordance with a long-standing tradition, FRA shipmates participated in Veterans Day ceremonies around the country on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, which also marked FRA’s 94th anniversary. FRA National President Bob Washington attended a Veterans Day breakfast at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., before ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. NP Robert Washington was joined by FRA National Vice President Donna Jansky and others at a special wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following VA Secretary Robert Wilkie’s address to veterans and their family members who had assembled for the occasion. Veterans Day (also known as Armistice Day) was originally created to recognize the end of World War I. This Veterans Day marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the warring nations, which ended World War I that went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
FRAtoday /// January 2019 9 ON OFF & capitolRetiree / Veterans'hill Issues
FEDVIP Enrollment and TRICARE Open Season Combined TRICARE beneficiaries recently had the opportunity to (DHA) TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) expired. change benefits during TRICARE Open Season The FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (November 12, 2018 through December 10, 2018) or allowed military retirees and their families, who were because of a Qualifying Life Event. Beneficiaries could eligible for the expiring TRDP, the opportunity to enroll switch from individual to family plans, from Select to in FEDVIP. The first opportunity to enroll in FEDVIP Prime, or vice versa. was during the Federal Benefits Open Season, which On the same dates there was also open enrollment ran from November 12 through December 10, 2018, in the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance with coverage becoming effective on January 1, 2019. Program (FEDVIP) dental and/or vision plans through the Those who were enrolled in a TRDP plan, did not get BENEFEDS (www.benefeds.com) enrollment portal. automatically enrolled in a FEDVIP plan for 2019 and had On December 31, 2018, the Defense Health Agency’s to enroll during the open season.
April 15th Deadline for Education HUD Report: Veterans Homeless Shrinks in 2018 Foundation Scholarships The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) The deadline to apply for FRA Education recently released its annual report on homelessness. HUD’s Foundation scholarships is April 15, Annual Homeless Assessment Report found that the total 2019. The Foundation’s board of directors number of reported veterans experiencing homelessness in 2018 encourages all eligible candidates to apply decreased 5.4 percent compared to the previous year, falling to now for academic awards of up to $5,000. nearly half of the number of homeless veterans reported in 2010. You can submit applications, donate, or Each year, thousands of local communities around the country obtain more information online at: www.fra. conduct one-night "Point-in-Time" estimates of the number of org/Foundation. persons experiencing homelessness in emergency shelters, Applicants must be affiliated with transitional housing programs and in unsheltered locations. This the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, year’s estimate finds 37,878 veterans experienced homelessness either through their own service or that in January 2018, compared to 40,020 reported in January 2017. of a spouse, parent or grandparent. In announcing the latest annual estimate, HUD Secretary Ben FRA Education Foundation scholarships Carson and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Secretary are funded through private donations, Robert Wilkie noted that all local communities are reporting established trusts and corporate reductions in the number of veterans in their shelter systems sponsorships, and recipients are selected and on their streets. based on financial need, academic standing, “We owe it to our veterans to make certain they have a place character and leadership qualities. The to call home,” said HUD Secretary Carson. “We’ve made great Foundation awarded more than $90,000 in strides in our efforts to end veteran homelessness, but we still scholarships last year and donations in any have a lot of work to do to ensure those who wore our nation’s amount are welcome at any time. uniform have access to stable housing.” Some scholarships have very specific “The reduction in homelessness among veterans announced award criteria. The Hazel E. Benn today shows that the strategies we are using to help the most Scholarship, for example, is available to vulnerable veterans become stably housed are working,” children of Navy enlisted personnel who are said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This is good news for all serving or have served in a medical rating veterans.” In 2010, the VA established a goal of eliminating with the U.S. Marine Corps. Additional veteran homelessness by 2015. That goal was never obtained, information is available at: www.fra.org/ but the VA, HUD and other agencies have continued to work on Foundation. the problem.
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A Tale of Two Elections As election results were announced, it appeared there were two different elections occurring at the same time. Republicans gained seats in the Senate and Democrats gained seats in the House. The House shifted majority control to the Democrats after 8 years of Republican control. In the Senate, Republicans increased their majority, defeating many Democratic incumbents in so-called “Red States” (states that voted for President Trump in 2016). The election was also marked for its heavy turnout of voters in a midterm election. The FRA has worked to improve active duty voter participation in Federal elections and to expedite the military mail processing of overseas ballots.
HVAC Subcommittee Reviews Partial Government VA EHR Implementation Shutdown Possible The House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Congress is facing the possibility of partial on Technology Modernization held an government shutdown as legislators oversight hearing on the Electronic Health return to Washington, D.C. after their Record Modernization (EHRM) program’s Thanksgiving Day recess. Before the accomplishments throughout its first 180 days. November elections, Congress passed a They also reviewed the activities planned for the Continuing Resolution to keep certain parts upcoming year. The subcommittee experienced of the government open (Departments of “sticker shock” regarding estimated cost Justice, Commerce, Housing and Urban overruns. Mr. John Windom, Executive Director, Development, State and Homeland Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization Security) until December 7, 2018. at the Department of Veterans Affairs assured The Department of Defense Authorization the subcommittee that the VA would continue and the Defense and Veterans Affairs to look for efficiencies and savings as EHRM is Appropriations bills have passed and have implemented. Mr. Windom stated that the VA been signed into law. Since Defense and was meeting its implementation goals and is Veterans spending legislation has already working with the Department of Defense (DoD) been enacted, FRA members should not be with the implementation of their new HER. It impacted by a shutdown. The one exception will be interoperable with the VA program. It would be the Department of Homeland is still early in the process, but he assured the Security (DHS), which includes the U.S. committee that best practices were going to Coast Guard. Coast Guard retirees will be used at every available step in the process. continue to receive benefits. Active duty The VA was using the analysis report from the might have their pay delayed, but it would Defense Health Agency’s Military Health System be paid after the shutdown ends. (Genesis System) as a baseline for the EHRM.
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George H. W. Bush: Former President, Navy Pilot and Much More FRA members were saddened to hear that George H. W. serve as America’s first diplomatic liaison to communist Bush, 41st President of the United States, recently passed China, be selected as Chairman of the Republican National away at age 94. Committee, appointed Director of the Central Intelligence George Bush Agency and be elected twice as vice president. Bush hearing the possibly had one of most extensive resumes before news of the becoming president. He was elected president in 1988 Japanese attack and saw the collapse of the Soviet Union and championed on Pearl Harbor the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Perhaps his greatest immediately achievement, Bush led the U.S. and allies to victory in signed to join the the Persian Gulf war (Operation Desert Storm) to liberate Navy. He became Kuwait after it was invaded and occupied by Iraq. a Naval aviator He was defeated for re-election in 1992 by Bill Clinton. and was assigned Bush and Clinton became close friends while working to fly torpedo bombers off Navy aircraft carriers in the together after the Asian tsunami disaster in 2004 and after Pacific. In September 1944, his plane was shot down by Hurricane Katrina the following year. enemy ground fire. His crew perished but he survived to “It was an amazing experience. This man who I had be rescued at sea by a Navy submarine. He received the always liked and respected and ran against ... I literally Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism under fire. came to love,” said Clinton in 2011. After the war, he went on to get elected to congress, President Barack Obama awarded Bush the Presidential be appointed U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Medal of Freedom that same year.
FRA Prepares 2019 Navy and Marine Corps Legislative Fellows CFC Contributions Fund Education Foundation Scholarships This week at FRA HQ, staff gave separate The FRA Education Foundation is approved to participate in the 2018 legislation process briefs to the 2019 Navy and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which is administered by the Federal Marine Corps Legislative Fellows. Both the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Marine Corps and Navy offer Congressional Pledges by federal civilian, postal and military donors support the Fellowship Programs, in which participants get Foundation and other eligible non-profit organizations. Federal and military the opportunity to work in the legislative branch retirees are also authorized to participate in the CFC. of the federal government for one year. FRA has Tax-exempt contributions can be made online. Military retirees can also provided several legislative process briefs to contribute using allotment by completing a DD Form 2558 on their DFAS active duty Marine and Navy Legislative Fellows MyPay account. Contributions of any amount support annual Education in recent years. Foundation scholarships that are awarded to deserving applicants. The FRA Education Foundation is also a member of CFC-related Military Support Groups of America, and was recently awarded its designation as being one of America’s Best Charities. More information is available online at: www.militarysupportgroups.org by entering “Fleet Reserve Association Education Foundation” in the search box. Be sure to also check out the Best of the CFC website, www.bestcfc.org and spell out “Fleet Reserve Association Education Foundation” in the search line. The Foundation’s participation code is #80236. The solicitation period is currently underway and concludes on January 11, 2019. Scholarship applications are available online at: www.fra.org/foundation.
14 FRAtoday /// January 2019 IF YOU’RE A VETERAN WEARING ADULT DIAPERS WITH DAILY BLADDER LEAKAGE, YOU ARE NOT ALONE
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www.MensLibertyLifestyle.com FEATURE K9s for Warriors Because Together We Stand
By Scott Smith
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Anthony Rouillard is a military working dog handler stationed on Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. As a military working dog handler Rouillard’s mission is to maintain, train and utilize Ring daily. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob G. Sisco
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Soldier, take me from this shelter’s cage. Give me back my life. In return, I’ll cover your back. I’ll be your canine warrior, your sixth sense. I’ll stand guard into the night and chase the demons away, the uninvited, cloaked in night sweats and darkness. I will help you open your cage of solitude then walk tall by your side into the light of day. Together, our faith will rise as tall as your soldier’s pride. We are now family in this post-911 world. Because together, we stand. -Bridget Cassidy
Meet James and Dunkin James Rutland is a 12-year Army veteran who served a tour of duty in Iraq in 2004, followed by two more tours in South Korea. He left the military in 2014, suffering from multiple medical conditions related to his service, including mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), sleep apnea and hearing loss, to name a few. Most importantly, he suffered from depression and often thought about suicide. Thinking he could do it alone, Rutland tried healing from the trauma on his own. “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you always got,” says Rutland. “What Life Without Dunkin?” - James Rutland of K9s For Warriors
In 2016, Rutland finally rounded the bend of recovery when he was paired with his service dog, Dunkin. “I started focusing on ‘we’ instead of ‘me’,” says Rutland. He has a semi-colon tattoo on his right wrist, a known symbol of taking a pause when thinking about suicide. Unlike a period, which ends a sentence, the semicolon creates a pause, for the reader, then continues the story. Rutland wears it proudly. “It’s a great conversation starter,” he says. The Program: K9s for Warriors K9s For Warriors (www.k9sforwarriors.org ) is a BBB-accredited charity organization (www.give.org/ charity-reviews/national/veterans-and-military/k9s-for- warriors-in-ponte-vedra-fl-39883 ) located in Ponte Vedra, Florida, that has been pairing rescue dogs with traumatized soldiers since 2011.
FRAtoday /// January 2019 17 FEATURE
K9s For Warriors partnered with Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine on a pilot study testing the effectiveness of service dogs as a complementary treatment for military members and veterans who suffer from PTSD. Dr. Maggie O’Haire (shown in photo), assistant professor of human-animal interaction, along with Kerri E. Rodriguez, research assistant, conducted the study that found PTSD symptoms were significantly lower in veterans with service dogs. “The initial findings showed lower depression, lower PTSD symptoms, lower levels of anxiety, and lower absenteeism from work due to health issues,” says Dr. O’Haire.
“The skill sets our dogs learn help Duval began looking for answers success rate. these warriors with anxiety, isolation, elsewhere. depression and nightmares,” says “On average, soldiers take 14 meds a They Rescued Each Other Shari Duval, the founder of K9s For day to treat PTSD, TBI, or MST,” says Her senses were always up, in a constant Warriors. “So, the warriors can function Duval. “I even knew one soldier who state of fight or flight, ever since that day again in public.” was taking 44 meds per day.” in May of 2012. Tiffany Baker, an Army Specifically, the dogs are trained to After two years of researching National Guard soldier, was traveling deal with symptoms of post-traumatic alternative PTSD treatments, Duval in a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain came upon a program that paired (MRAP) vehicle while stationed in injury (TBI), or military sexual trauma service dogs with veterans to alleviate Afghanistan when it hit a 250-pound (MST), as a result of military service on PTSD symptoms in veterans. IED. The bomb was so powerful, it or after 9/11. According to Simon, “Mom was the rolled the heavily-enforced vehicle. one that suggested I use a service dog to Baker sustained major physical “K9s For Warriors sees it as two deal with my PTSD when nothing else injuries, requiring four hip surgeries the battles: fighting the past of the worked.” Duval saw her son’s symptoms next year. She also suffered a traumatic dog and fighting the past of the begin to improve. She then wanted to brain injury because of the attack. warrior. We’re saving two lives help other veterans do the same. “I was taking 17 medications between here.” Thus, the K9s For Warriors program being overseas and then coming back,” was born. With her son’s background says Baker. She was frequently going -Brett Simon in training dogs, including 13 years as a to the VA and seeing a counselor, canine police officer, Duval convinced psychiatrists and psychologists. Duval’s own son, Brett Simon, was Simon to start the nonprofit with her. “They were constantly giving me diagnosed with PTSD after returning To date, the program has rescued medications,” Baker recalls. She was home from Iraq. After watching more than 850 dogs and paired them feeling more and more isolated. Simon’s symptoms fail to improve with with 440 military service members, In February 2015, Baker medically standard talk therapy and medication, with an astounding 99 percent program retired, saying goodbye to her unit, the
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Tiffany Baker and service dog Buddy. Photo by Patrick Johnson NextMoveMedia.com
1157 Transportation Company. That veterans. The bill directs the VA to carry around 225,000 Army soldiers having same year, she met Buddy through K9s out a five-year pilot program, providing been deployed at least three times or For Warriors. grant funding to qualifying nonprofits more. Buddy had been badly abused and that provide service dogs to military The DoD reported that between neglected by his owner. Before being members or veterans who suffer 2000 and September 2017, about rescued, he was found tied to a tree from PTSD after they finalize other 173,000 active duty service members without any food or water. traditional treatments. were diagnosed with PTSD in the “K9s For Warriors is great at pairing But Buddy has helped Baker to military health system, with about the dog with veterans,” says Baker. She get back out into the community. 139,000 of those being diagnosed explains that Buddy always covers her Tiffany graduated this past May from following a deployment of 30 days or back. He’s “got her six” and he creates Waukesha County Technical College more. a safe barrier between her and other with a degree in business management According to the DoD, PTSD is people, allowing her to function in and an emphasis in social media treatable, and many service members public. marketing. As Baker puts it, she is like will recover with appropriate treatment. every other broken person whose service However, many do not. “Just as Buddy is my service dog, dog keeps them going. I am Buddy’s service human.” She says, “I need to get out of bed to “It is invisible and causes panic -Tiffany Baker, K9s For Warriors take care of him.” attacks, survivor guilt, anger, etc.” graduate and advocate The two rescued each other. -Brett Simon
War Trauma: The Monster Dr. Andrea Roberts (www.hsph. Baker was so taken with Buddy and in the Room harvard.edu/andrea-roberts) Research the K9s For Warriors program that she According to a recent Rand Scientist with the T.H. Chan School got involved in supporting the PAWS Corporation report, 2.77 million service of Public Health at Harvard University (Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members) Act of 2017 that got the members have been deployed on 5.4 (www.hsph.harvard.edu) says PTSD is VA on board with service dogs helping million deployments since 9/11, with common in civilian life.
FRAtoday /// January 2019 19 FEATURE
Honorary Lt. Finley Lewis, Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi facility dog, gives Capt. Marnie S. Buchanan, executive officer, a kiss of encouragement before the beginning of the clinic’s change of command ceremony. Photo by William Love
well, so the “brace” command prepares the dog to assist the warrior with standing, sitting or kneeling. “Most PTSD goes untreated,” says Roberts. The “cover” command is used to cover the warrior’s “Individuals suffering from PTSD have higher back. tendencies for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and autoimmune disease.” Dogs and Warriors Together: Roberts went on to explain there are effective Let the Healing Begin treatments for PTSD, including talk therapy or The three-week program is open to veterans or exposure therapy (in which a patient is led through military members who became disabled while the trauma to understand that the event is part of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces on or after 9/11. the past and not in the present). Another treatment The program costs $27,000 per participant, but is is prescription medication on its own or in provided at no cost to the warrior. If one cannot combination with talk therapy. cover travel costs, K9s pays for travel to and from the facility. How K9s for Warriors Is Saving Lives: “We bring the warrior home to heal, to a place to I Got Your Six regroup, to hit the reset button,” says Duval. The K9s For Warriors program trains shelter dogs To qualify, a warrior must submit an application to perform four specific tasks: averting panic attacks, and have a verified clinical diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, waking warriors from nightmares, creating personal or MST. All applications go through a full vetting space comfort zones in public situations by standing process that takes 2-4 weeks to complete. During in front of the veteran and reminding warriors to that time, a trained service dog is identified that take their medications. matches the applicant’s specific situation and needs. Dogs also learn two other commands: “brace” and The organization stays in constant contact with “cover.” Many warriors suffer physical disabilities as applicants throughout the entire application process,
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James Rutland shown with his service dog Duncan. including after approval or while a warrior is put Standing Together for on the waiting list. The waiting period is currently a Better Tomorrow one year. Dr. O’Haire (on page 18 photo inset) is partnering again with K9s For Warriors on “The dog doesn’t know or care a more extensive study funded by NIH. The about their diagnoses—they love the findings will be published in 2019. handler unconditionally.” The VA is also running a Congressionally- -Moira Smith of the ASPCA mandated PTSD service dog study that will be completed in 2019. A total of 180 veterans have If accepted into the program, the warrior must received either a service dog or an emotional reside at Camp K9, the organization’s Florida support dog as part of the study. According to facility, for three weeks. There is one program per a VA spokesperson, after peer reviews, the VA month, with 12 warriors in attendance. Warriors will submit the study and results to the National arrive on a Sunday and are introduced to their Academy of Sciences for review, as required by the canine warriors within 24 hours. authorizing legislation (Section 1077 of the 2010 “After that, you go nowhere without your dog,” National Defense Authorization Act). says Simon. On the legislative side, Simon is working to In addition to matching warriors with service secure public access identification from Service dogs and providing training, certifications, Dog Credentials (www.servicedogcertifications. seminars, legal instruction and housing, they also org), so K9s For Warriors’s service dogs will be offer what Duval calls “wrap-around services.” recognized by airlines, hotels, and restaurants, These include lifelong health care and food for bypassing the need for the warriors to provide the service dogs and ongoing unconditional love paperwork or visit the disability office. and support of the warrior pair. Because together, they stand. For more “They go to places in a high-stress environment information on PTSD treatment options, visit to force them to use their dogs,” says Simon. At the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD: the end of the program, warriors and their dogs National Center for PTSD or the DoD, which go to a local park and practice all the commands. encourages service members to ask for help by Before graduating, the pairs take a Public Access affirming that seeking help is actually a sign of test regulated by Assistance Dogs International strength. FRA www.assistancedogsinternational.org. Co-Author Bridget Cassidy, Associated Editor
FRAtoday /// January 2019 21 FEATURE
22 FRAtoday /// January 2019 FEATURE
Photo credit: USS Midway Museum USS Midway Photo credit: The USS Midway Museum The 20th Century’s Longest Serving Aircraft Carrier By Ann Norvell Gray
an Diego, California, is considered the Cold War and pivotal roles in Vietnam by many to lie in the heart of the and the Persian Gulf, its final mission was most perfect climate on the planet. the evacuation of the Clark Air Force Base SinceS the earliest days of the 20th Century, following the massive 1991 eruption of an expanding military presence in and Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines. The around San Diego Bay has been a major ship was decommissioned in 1992 and contributor to the growth and development sent to storage in the Pacific Northwest. of this southern end of the state. Now, the Eleven years later, she was donated to world’s largest military complex is woven the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum into every aspect of life in the city. There, the organization and opened as a museum the formidable aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY, following year. the lead ship of the three Midway-class If you look the aerial photograph on page carriers, is berthed alongside the Navy Pier, 25 of the upper San Diego Bay, you can where the city’s downtown meets the San begin to see how big the 1,001-foot carrier Diego Bay, serves as a central symbol of that really is. You might use your imagination presence and its history. to tip it up on its stern, and then compare The carrier was commissioned in the length to the height of the skyscrapers September of 1945, one week after the end along the adjacent downtown streets. But of WWII. After an Arctic tour, ten years it is impossible to get a true sense of its of service with the Atlantic Fleet during massive presence until you approach along
FRAtoday /// January 2019 23 FEATURE All photos courtesy of the USS Midway Museum All photos courtesy of the USS Midway
the Embarcadero on Harbor Drive. Unless you surprise you. This museum is interactive, have served aboard such a vessel, you might find educational and highly entertaining. Spending it difficult to fully comprehend the scope of this time aboard gives the visitor a direct, intimate floating city until you get aboard. understanding of the operations and daily life on A museum visitor who was raised in midwestern this specialized floating city. Wherever possible, Canada recalls walking along the corridors past the curators have set the exhibits up to be walked miles and miles of pipes and conduits, marveling on, sat in and handled, putting visitors into direct at the precision and intricacy of their engineering. contact with what it was like to be part of the He realized that he was moving through the ships crew and the aircraft divisions it carried. interior of an unimaginably complex machine. The online introduction describes the overall In contrast to the modern world of hidden experience like this: components manipulated by electronic screens, “With more than 30 restored aircraft, and a sizeable portion of the mechanics underlying nearly 10 acres of exhibits and displays, the this enormous military marvel are visible and Midway brings you the most complete cross- understandable. section of carrier aviation in the world. From Recalling his wonder at standing on the flight high up on the bridge down to the main engine deck amid rows and rows of airplanes, he says, room, we take you on a unique warship journey “For a boy who had been captivated by ‘Victory at that engages the sights, sounds and aromas of this Sea,’ it was a transcendent experience. As I stood symbol of American freedom.” there, the history just took me over.” Up on the Flight Deck, you can see the delight If you think of a museum as a place to simply in the eyes of children when they find out that look at collections of things with your hands touching its meticulously maintained fighters, behind your back, the USS MIDWAY will bombers and helicopters is not forbidden, but
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USS MIDWAY MUSEUM Address: 910 N. Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Last admission at 4 p.m. actually encouraged. The wonderfully named Also, on the Hangar Meatball Exhibit includes a Fresnel Lens Optical Deck, you see a Bird Onsite Admission: Landing System and explains in an interactive Dog, the military $8 to $23 per person presentation what that system does to guide a version of a Cessna pilot to touch down safely on a landing strip that 170, which ordinarily Online Ticket Prices: is moving both forward and up and down. You are flew with only two Adult (ages 18+) = $21 welcomed into the Island to see where the captain crew members. It is Senior (ages 62+) = $18 oversees the flight operations. Then you can go the centerpiece of an Retired military (w/ID) = $8 into the admiral’s quarters below to see where and exhibit describing Student (ages 13-17 or w/college ID) = $15 how dignitaries were entertained, and stand in the Operation Frequent Children (ages 6-12) = $8 command center where Operation Desert Storm Wind, the effort that was formulated. evacuated Saigon in City of San Diego Website: One highlight of the Hangar Deck Exhibits is April of 1975. Included https://www.sandiego.gov/ the Battle of Midway theatre, where a 15-minute in that evacuation were holographic film engulfs you in the decisive action South Vietnamese GoCard Information: that turned the tide of WWII. The presentation officers and their https://www.sandiego.com/go-san-diego-card uses archival film and the voices of the real battle, families, who were in honoring the memory of the men who fought so the crosshairs of the bravely in the battle for which the carrier is named. advancing North Vietnamese Army. A young On the soundtrack, you hear, “in the course of less Vietnamese Air Force officer, knowing that he than 48 hours, the future of two world powers and his family were marked for death, loaded his would be changed forever ... that day at Midway, wife and five children into a little Bird Dog like six minutes changed the world.” this one and headed for the rescuing vessels out
FRAtoday /// January 2019 25 FEATURE All photos courtesy of the USS Midway Museum All photos courtesy of the USS Midway
to sea. When he approached the USS MIDWAY, of coffee at a time, providing sufficient sleeping the surprised officers on the bridge could see quarters, maintaining the necessary facilities for that there were children packed into the little 43,000 pounds of laundry every week, supporting plane. The desperate Vietnamese pilot, unable to personal hygiene (including an average of 80,000 establish radio contact, tied a hastily scribbled haircuts each year), and supplying housekeeping. note describing his situation around his service Chaplains offered spiritual and emotional support, revolver, made a pass over the carrier, and dropped and medical needs were met with a sick bay and the bundle onto the flight deck. A complicated, dental service. concerted effort by the Midway’s officers and crew A quarter of a million hours are contributed to cleared the way and enabled the courageous pilot the museum by about 800 volunteers every year. to make a safe landing. In the months following Among them are the knowledgeable and always this remarkable event, every one of the Midway’s accessible docents, who are there to describe crew donated money to give the refugee family a exhibits, conduct group tours, and answer any start toward a successful new life in the United questions that come up. Many of these docents, States. recognizable by their bright yellow hats, have Below Deck exhibits let you walk through the served on this carrier. Their deep familiarity with daily operations that met the basic needs of the this floating city brings irreplaceable vibrancy to population of thousands necessary to staff a carrier the presentations they give. According to reports, in the middle of the ocean. Those basics included they are warmly remembered as an integral part producing 13,000 meals every day and 10,500 cups of the day by inquisitive visitors and particularly
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by parents and grandparents who bring their children aboard. It is not uncommon for people who plan to spend an hour or so on board to find themselves so absorbed in the fascinating stories illustrated by the exhibits and the variety of things to see and do that three or four hours have gone by before they are ready to leave. It would take a small book to describe all the things you could investigate aboard the USS MIDWAY, but their website does a fine job of that. You can go online (www.midway.org/) and spend some time as an armchair visitor. As many of you already know, the rest of San Diego Bay and the metropolitan area is rich with interesting things to see and do. If you are planning a trip to the area, look into the city’s website at for ideas. You might like to consider the GoCard, which allows you to put together a customized ticket to the attractions that hold your interest. You can get a discounted package online. The city’s website explains how the process works, and allows you to set up your card or cards (see the inset on page 25). Whether or not you come to the area and the museum, there is much to be learned from a wealth of internet and published sources about the Midway, its history and the commitment it represents to honor the perseverance and courage of the sailors who served throughout its long career. FRA FRAtoday /// January 2019 27 ADVERTISEMENT BREAKING NEWS... CoQ10’s Failure Leaves Millions Wanting Use this pill to supercharge your brain and think better than ever.
BREAKING NEWS: Millions of Americans But because of changes in cells, stress and NASA-discovered nutrient is stunning the take the supplement CoQ10. It’s the “jet fuel” that poor diet, most people’s power generators begin medical world by activating more youthful supercharges your cells’ power generators, known as to malfunction and die off as they age. In fact, the mitochondria. Mitochondria Research Society reports 50 million energy, vitality and health than CoQ10. As you age, your mitochondria begin to die. In U.S. adults are suffering from health problems Jerry M. from Wellington, Florida, used Ultra Accel fact, by age 67, you lose 80% of the mitochondria because of mitochondrial dysfunction. II and was amazed at the effect. you had at age 25. But if you’re taking CoQ10, Common ailments often associated with aging — there’s something important you should know. such as memory problems, heart issues, blood sugar “I noticed a difference within a few days,” says As powerful as CoQ10 is, there is a critical thing concerns and vision and hearing difficulties — can Jerry. “My endurance almost doubled. But it’s not it fails to do. It can’t create new mitochondria in your all be connected to a decrease in mitochondria. just in your body. You can feel it mentally, too,” says cells. Birth of new mitochondria Jerry. “Not only do I feel a difference, but the way it protects my cells is great insurance against a health Taking CoQ10 is not enough Dr. Sears and his researchers combined the most disaster as I get older.” powerful form of CoQ10 available — called ubiquinol “There’s a little-known NASA nutrient that Increase your health span today multiplies the number of new power generators in — with a unique, newly discovered natural compound your cells by up to 55%,” says Dr. Al Sears, owner of called PQQ that has the remarkable ability to grow The demand for this supplement is so high, Dr. the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine in Royal new mitochondria. Together, the two powerhouses are Sears is having trouble keeping it in stock. “My Palm Beach, Florida. “Science once thought this was now available in a supplement called Ultra Accel II. patients tell me they feel better than they have in impossible. But now you can make your heart, brain Discovered by a NASA probe in space dust, PQQ years. This is ideal for people who are feeling or and body young again.” (Pyrroloquinoline quinone) stimulates something looking older than their age… or for those who are tired or growing more forgetful.” “I tell my patients the most important thing I can called “mitochondrial biogenesis” — a unique process that actually boosts the number of healthy “My favorite part of practicing anti-aging do is increase their ‘health span.’ This is the length mitochondria in your cells. medicine is watching my patients get the joy back of time you can live free of disease and with all your in their lives. Ultra Accel II sends a wake-up call youthful abilities and faculties intact.” In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, mice fed PQQ grew a staggering number of new to every cell in their bodies… and they actually feel Medical first: Multiply the “power generators” mitochondria, showing an increase of more than young again.” in your cells 55% in just eight weeks. Where to find Ultra Accel Il Al Sears, M.D., recently released an energy- The mice with the strongest mitochondria showed Right now, the only way to get this potent boosting supplement based on this NASA nutrient no signs of aging — even when they were the combination of PQQ and super-powered CoQ10 is that has become so popular, he’s having trouble equivalent of 80 years old. with Dr. Sears’ breakthrough Ultra Accel II formula. keeping it in stock. Science stands behind To secure bottles of this hot, new supplement, Dr. Sears is the author of over 500 scientific papers the power of PQQ buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at on anti-aging and recently spoke at the WPBF 25 1-877-353-0632 within the next 48 hours. “It takes Health & Wellness Festival featuring Dr. Oz and special Biochemical Pharmacology reports that PQQ is time to get bottles shipped out to drug stores,” said guest Suzanne Somers. Thousands of people listened to up to 5,000 times more efficient in sustaining energy Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship the product Dr. Sears speak on his anti-aging breakthroughs and production than common antioxidants. directly to the customer.” attended his book signing at the event. “Imagine 5,000 times more efficient energy,” says Dr. Sears. “PQQ has been a game changer for my Dr. Sears feels so strongly about this product, Now, Dr. Sears has come up with what his peers patients.” he offers a 100%, money-back guarantee on every consider his greatest contribution to anti-aging order. “Just send me back the bottle and any unused medicine yet — a newly discovered nutrient that “With the PQQ in Ultra Accel II, I have energy I multiplies the number of tiny, energy-producing never thought possible,” says Colleen R., one of Dr. product within 90 days, and I’ll send you your money “engines” located inside the body’s cells, shattering Sears’ patients. “I am in my 70s but feel 40 again. I back,” said Dr. Sears. the limitations of traditional CoQ10 supplements. think clearer, move with real energy and sleep like The Hotline will be taking orders for the next Why mitochondria matter a baby.” 48 hours. After that, the phone number will be shut It works right away down to allow them to restock. A single cell in your body can contain between 200 to 2,000 mitochondria, with the largest number Along with an abundance of newfound energy, Call 1-877-353-0632 to secure your limited supply found in the most metabolically active cells, like users also report a sharper, more focused mind and of Ultra Accel II. You don’t need a prescription, and those in your brain, heart and skeletal muscles. memory, and even younger-looking skin and hair. those who call in the first 24 hours qualify for a significant discount. To take advantage of this great THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED offer use Promo Code FRAT1218UA when you call TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY FROM PERSON TO PERSON. NO INDIVIDUAL RESULT SHOULD BE SEEN AS TYPICAL. OFFER NOT AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS OF IOWA in. ADVERTISEMENT BREAKING NEWS... FEATURE CoQ10’s Failure Leaves Millions Wanting Use this pill to supercharge your brain and think better than ever.
BREAKING NEWS: Millions of Americans But because of changes in cells, stress and NASA-discovered nutrient is stunning the take the supplement CoQ10. It’s the “jet fuel” that poor diet, most people’s power generators begin medical world by activating more youthful supercharges your cells’ power generators, known as to malfunction and die off as they age. In fact, the mitochondria. Mitochondria Research Society reports 50 million energy, vitality and health than CoQ10. As you age, your mitochondria begin to die. In U.S. adults are suffering from health problems Jerry M. from Wellington, Florida, used Ultra Accel fact, by age 67, you lose 80% of the mitochondria because of mitochondrial dysfunction. II and was amazed at the effect. you had at age 25. But if you’re taking CoQ10, Common ailments often associated with aging — there’s something important you should know. such as memory problems, heart issues, blood sugar “I noticed a difference within a few days,” says As powerful as CoQ10 is, there is a critical thing concerns and vision and hearing difficulties — can Jerry. “My endurance almost doubled. But it’s not it fails to do. It can’t create new mitochondria in your all be connected to a decrease in mitochondria. just in your body. You can feel it mentally, too,” says cells. Birth of new mitochondria Jerry. “Not only do I feel a difference, but the way it protects my cells is great insurance against a health Taking CoQ10 is not enough Dr. Sears and his researchers combined the most disaster as I get older.” powerful form of CoQ10 available — called ubiquinol “There’s a little-known NASA nutrient that Increase your health span today multiplies the number of new power generators in — with a unique, newly discovered natural compound your cells by up to 55%,” says Dr. Al Sears, owner of called PQQ that has the remarkable ability to grow The demand for this supplement is so high, Dr. the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine in Royal new mitochondria. Together, the two powerhouses are Sears is having trouble keeping it in stock. “My Palm Beach, Florida. “Science once thought this was now available in a supplement called Ultra Accel II. patients tell me they feel better than they have in impossible. But now you can make your heart, brain Discovered by a NASA probe in space dust, PQQ years. This is ideal for people who are feeling or and body young again.” (Pyrroloquinoline quinone) stimulates something looking older than their age… or for those who are tired or growing more forgetful.” “I tell my patients the most important thing I can called “mitochondrial biogenesis” — a unique process that actually boosts the number of healthy “My favorite part of practicing anti-aging do is increase their ‘health span.’ This is the length mitochondria in your cells. medicine is watching my patients get the joy back of time you can live free of disease and with all your in their lives. Ultra Accel II sends a wake-up call youthful abilities and faculties intact.” In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, mice fed PQQ grew a staggering number of new to every cell in their bodies… and they actually feel Medical first: Multiply the “power generators” mitochondria, showing an increase of more than young again.” in your cells 55% in just eight weeks. Shipmate Joe Prusacik Where to find Ultra Accel Il Al Sears, M.D., recently released an energy- The mice with the strongest mitochondria showed Right now, the only way to get this potent boosting supplement based on this NASA nutrient no signs of aging — even when they were the combination of PQQ and super-powered CoQ10 is that has become so popular, he’s having trouble A Lifetime of Service equivalent of 80 years old. with Dr. Sears’ breakthrough Ultra Accel II formula. keeping it in stock. Science stands behind To secure bottles of this hot, new supplement, Dr. Sears is the author of over 500 scientific papers the power of PQQ buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at on anti-aging and recently spoke at the WPBF 25 1-877-353-0632 within the next 48 hours. “It takes Story and Photos By Chris Cugini Health & Wellness Festival featuring Dr. Oz and special Biochemical Pharmacology reports that PQQ is time to get bottles shipped out to drug stores,” said guest Suzanne Somers. Thousands of people listened to up to 5,000 times more efficient in sustaining energy Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship the product Dr. Sears speak on his anti-aging breakthroughs and production than common antioxidants. have known Joe Prusacik for the past four years. service to our country, and despite some health directly to the customer.” attended his book signing at the event. “Imagine 5,000 times more efficient energy,” says He lives across the street from my parents and difficulties over the past year, he never stops making Dr. Sears. “PQQ has been a game changer for my Dr. Sears feels so strongly about this product, Now, Dr. Sears has come up with what his peers me. There is about a five-decade age separation people smile. patients.” he offers a 100%, money-back guarantee on every consider his greatest contribution to anti-aging order. “Just send me back the bottle and any unused between us, but somehow we hit it off from the medicine yet — a newly discovered nutrient that “With the PQQ in Ultra Accel II, I have energy I product within 90 days, and I’ll send you your money I His Early Service multiplies the number of tiny, energy-producing never thought possible,” says Colleen R., one of Dr. start. I would never have known that I lived across “engines” located inside the body’s cells, shattering Sears’ patients. “I am in my 70s but feel 40 again. I back,” said Dr. Sears. from a chief petty officer who served in the Navy I spoke with Joe Prusacik over the course of a year the limitations of traditional CoQ10 supplements. think clearer, move with real energy and sleep like The Hotline will be taking orders for the next for four decades of his life, but I am a media student and asked him about his career in the Navy, his a baby.” 48 hours. After that, the phone number will be shut Why mitochondria matter so I ask a lot of questions. leadership of the Akron/Canton Branch of the It works right away down to allow them to restock. A single cell in your body can contain between Joe’s garage and office are filled with pictures Fleet Reserve Association and his thoughts on the Along with an abundance of newfound energy, Call 1-877-353-0632 to secure your limited supply 200 to 2,000 mitochondria, with the largest number of ships and planes, certificates, plaques and other current state of America. found in the most metabolically active cells, like users also report a sharper, more focused mind and of Ultra Accel II. You don’t need a prescription, and those in your brain, heart and skeletal muscles. memory, and even younger-looking skin and hair. those who call in the first 24 hours qualify for a mementos of Americana. He is humble about his “I always liked the Navy and aviation,” Prusacik significant discount. To take advantage of this great THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED offer use Promo Code FRAT1218UA when you call TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY FROM PERSON TO PERSON. NO INDIVIDUAL RESULT FRAtoday /// January 2019 29 SHOULD BE SEEN AS TYPICAL. OFFER NOT AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS OF IOWA in. FEATURE
told me. “I thought I home to have birthday parties. We did not fight would go there and about it, him being gone.” try it. I was just out of Many servicemen and women rely on the support high school but had of their spouses while serving. We owe these been working two spouses just as much gratitude as we owe the service years at an ice cream members themselves for sharing their loved ones stand. I got bored of and making many sacrifices. that and just decided Joe began his career in the Navy on general to do it...My father fleet assignment in Norfolk, Virginia, and was was mad about it and transferred from there to Brunswick, Maryland. didn’t talk to me for “I had to take a train from Norfolk to some time...He had a Brunswick,” Prusacik recalled. “I transferred in different outlook on Boston and fell asleep that night in a sleeper car. things.” They never checked the car for passengers and put Prusacik joined the Navy in 1957, and married the sleeper back on the yard. I awoke to find there his wife, Donna, on July 4, 1959. They met at high was no train, so I picked up my stuff and walked school in Canton, Ohio, and 60 years later, you can along the track to the terminal. I flew from there to tell that the love between them is real. No matter Brunswick, where I spent two years.” what, they are there for each other. I often see them Joe laid his eyes on an A-3 Skywarrior and knew going out to dinner, reading the paper together or that he wanted to be around them, so he signed up just chatting. They have two daughters and Donna for the squadron. Prusacik was then assigned to a assured me that Joe has been a great father. squadron in Sanford, Florida, where he boarded a Donna lights up with pride when she talks about ship for the first time. Joe’s service and all that he has done. I asked her “It was tough. I was an airman and that is lower if his Navy career ever caused a strain on their than low,” Prusacik recounted. “They probably still marriage and how she handled it. treat them rough and we did the hard work. I was “Joe loved the Navy,” Donna said. “I told him that the second neck and another guy was training me he had better sign up now if he wanted to. ...[When on the A-3. He was a jerk, but he did show me he was gone, we] just waited until he would be things that were beyond what I was supposed to
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know. I got to know the internal workings.” which I think is a special club. I flew everything When Joe returned to Florida, he met a chief and took any assignment. I did not realize how who said asked him if he was from Canton, Ohio. much knowledge I was gaining while I sat in the The chief mentioned that he was born there as bombardier seat.” well, and it turned out that the chief had lived a Joe was also awarded Sailor of the Year, and in few blocks from where Joe was raised. They hit it 1988 he received his greatest honor: the rank of off, and a week or two later Joe got a call; the chief chief petty officer. wanted to see him. “That means you now are respected, and being a “The chief said, ‘Joe, I’ll tell you what; we got too CPO carries a lot of weight,” said Prusacik. “Once many guys in the squadron,” Prusacik said. “‘What you make that level, things change because you are if I transferred you to the shore base here and you’ll the expert. The rank says that you are, and I was have shore duty?’...I was pleased that they sent me one of the only ones in my squadron to become to the training unit and at that time I had two years that in that year. It was a tough test and it was my of sea duty [remaining]. This was in reverse from last hurrah to make it. I was in charge of a group of the normal route.” AW’s, which would have been about 100 enlisted.” Challenges and Honors Commitment to the FRA One of the biggest challenges in Joe’s career was Prusacik retired from the Navy in 1995. He has passing the test to become a plane captain. This spent his retirement as a member of Akron/Canton would help propel his career, no pun intended, in Branch 324 of the Fleet Reserve Association the Navy. Joe was nervous, but he loved to be in the and currently serves as the branch president. Joe air and knew that this test would help him achieve mentioned that his 15 years of service to the his dream of flying. FRA has meant a lot to him. He feels he has “I passed the test and became a plane captain,” truly impacted the lives of many veterans in our Prusacik recalled. “I was with all the E-6’s, community. The branch has also raised thousands
32 FRAtoday /// January 2019 FEATURE
of dollars for the local Toys for Tots campaign and I asked Joe what made him proud of this country. the Canton Ex-Newsboys, an organization that “We come together in tragedy and show how provides clothes to needy children in our county. great this country is,” he replied. “The one thing “My biggest accomplishment was placing a I love most is the freedom of speech. You may be monument in the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park wrong, but you can be open about your beliefs. I in Clinton, Ohio,” Prusacik said. “It was dedicated fought for that and that happens in no other place. to all of the men and women that have served this We still honor that and our Constitution.” great country. It will be there for all eternity to Joe and I have had many conversations about the show that the Akron/Canton Branch of the FRA news of the day, from Clinton and Trump to North is grateful. We have a great membership that truly Korea and Russia. Joe is a man who never loses cares about helping our fellow veterans.” faith in our country. He knows how great America is because of how far we have come. Joe and I have Joe’s Commitment Continues been able to bond over our mutual appreciation for As I finish this story, Joe is still involved with the our freedom and for the men and women who have Fleet Reserve Association and still advocates for the given their all to this nation. organization locally. Though his health has recently Thank you for your service and your friendship, slowed him down physically, it has not stopped his Joe. I ask all veterans to offer a salute to this selfless commitment to his fellow veterans, his family, his man from Canton, Ohio. FRA community and his country. EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Foundation Contributions Fund Scholarships, but Beware of Veterans Charities Scams
hen charities solicit for contributions, “Operation Donate with Honor” offers guidance especially during the “giving season,” to donors on identifying reputable military it’s important to make sure the charity and veterans charities such as our Education isW credible and know what your donation supports. Foundation. Go to www.ftc.gov and search Reputable groups make sure administrative costs are for “Operation Donate with Honor” for more low (usually around 15 percent) with most of the information. donations going to fund charitable or educational You can evaluate veterans’ charities by checking programs. if they are CFC-approved and determining if they The FRA Education Foundation is once again (particularly larger organizations) are evaluated approved to participate in the 2018 Combined by watchdog groups such as Charity Navigator or Joe Barnes Federal Campaign (CFC) that is administered Guide Star. Please note the charities monitored by by the Federal Office of Personnel Management Charity Navigator must have annual income of $1 (OPM). The Education Foundation’s million or more. This is well above the Education participation code is #80236. The solicitation Foundation’s income. Charity Navigator provides a period is underway, but ends January 11, 2019. guide entitled, “Evaluating Charities Not Currently As a CFC-authorized organization, the Rated by Charity Navigator” online at: www. Education Foundation has passed a screening charitynavigator.org. process that includes a review of the Foundation’s The Education Foundation is also a member IRS Form 990 (a key, publicly accessible document), of The Military Support Groups of America—a recent audit, and scholarship recipients. CFC-related federation—and we are proud This process attests to the credibility of the to be designated as one of America’s Best Foundation and its work, including our strong Charities. More information is available at www. commitment to militarysupportgroups.org by searching for “Fleet maintaining low Reserve Association Education Foundation.” administrative Also check out the Best of the CFC website expenses (www.bestcfc.org) and search for “Fleet Reserve and ensuring Association Education Foundation.” Tax-exempt scholarships are awarded to deserving recipients. contributions can be made online. Military retirees Unfortunately, there are deceptive groups can also contribute using allotment, by completing a claiming to be veterans charities which are in fact DD Form 2558 on their DFAS MyPay account. bogus operations that do not benefit our veterans. Contributions to the Education Foundation Very little of the contributed money actually goes and other reputable veterans’ groups are essential to our veterans, going instead to greedy individuals to sustaining their programs. All donations are running scam charities. important, regardless of the amount. Contributions To help identify and shut down bogus veterans’ are also tax-exempt and help provide annual charities, the Federal Trade Commission is scholarships to deserving applicants. Education partnering with the National Association of State Foundation information and scholarship Charity Officials in a program titled “Operation applications (also LA FRA applications) are Donate with Honor.” The program targets at: www.fra.org/foundation. fraudulent and deceptive fundraising for military Thanks for your continuing support. I wish you and veterans causes. The program also includes all the best in 2019! FRA tips for businesses, and resources to help ensure corporate and individual contributions truly benefit By NEDE Joe Barnes service members and veterans. 34 FRAtoday /// January 2019 Visit www.fra.org/foundation for the 2019 scholarship applications and rules or make donations.
Who needs money for college?
FRA’s Education Foundation awards approximately $90,000 in scholarship funds each year to recipients based on financial need, academic standing, character and leadership qualities. Our scholarship program is open to anyone who has an affiliation with the USN, USMC or USCG, through their own service or that of a spouse, parent or grandparent.
To learn more about the FRA Education Foundation and our scholarships, visit www.fra.org/foundation where you will find descriptions of each scholarship program, lists of past winners and, starting in September of each year, applications for the current year’s programs. We encourage all eligible recipients to apply for our scholarships and to share information about them with others.
Questions? E-mail us at [email protected] or call 703-683-1400.
125 N. West Street Educating our service members, Alexandria, VA 22314 veterans and their families. EDUCATION FOUNDATION 800-FRA-1924 • 703-683-1400 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Happy New Year, Shipmates!
y main goal this year for the sure your telephone number, email and mailing Membership Department is to increase address are correct. the level of engagement between I recognize that I may never be done with Mmembers as well as with FRA staff. I have been my engagement goal. There will always be new reaching out, seeking your feedback, and want to Shipmates and new legislative issues, all of which thank the many Shipmates who have contacted me. will never be “finished.” As we all embark on a If you have not yet shared your input, please reach new year, I hope you will think about what you can out; I want to hear from you. There is never a wrong do to engage with the FRA. Maybe you can try Christina time to share. I read all your emails and letters, and welcoming a new attendee at a branch meeting, Hitchcock enjoy the informative conversations by telephone writing a letter or sending a photo to FRAtoday and in person. magazine, or calling me and sharing your thoughts. There were three common topics when Remember, without your voice, H.Q. cannot Shipmates were asked why they joined FRA and promote your interests. what is the most, valuable member benefit. First FRA was formed: To uphold the traditions of and foremost they value the association’s updates the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast about activities on Capitol Hill that pertain Guard; to aid in maintaining adequate defense of to the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. our country; and to assist in obtaining the best type Shipmates want to stay informed about important of personnel for our Sea Services, to uphold the news through the FRAtoday magazine, NewsBytes traditions of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, newsletter and online services. They want to know and Coast Guard; to aid in maintaining adequate the critical issues. defense of our country; and to assist in obtaining The second benefit valued by members is the the best type of personnel for our Sea Services. variety of insurance plans offered. Insurance is not The FRA pursues these goals by: Keeping just about planning for catastrophic events; it is members informed on Navy, Marine Corps, and also about reducing uncertainty for your family Coast Guard issues; honoring the memory of and ensuring your life is not at risk of disruption. departed Shipmates; and maintaining an interest in Members who signed up with our insurance those who have served and are now serving. partners, find tremendous value in having the right The FRA’s Constitution and By Laws remind mix of insurance for their circumstances. I have us of who we are and what we are working toward. heard Shipmates thank the FRA for educating It is based on three cardinal principles: loyalty, them and providing them with a custom plan. protection and service. The third benefit important to Shipmates is LOYALT Y: The loyalty one owes to God the ability to stay connected with their peers. country, to Sea Services, and to fellow Shipmates. Whether it is through in-person branch meetings PROTECTION: Protection of one’s country by and activities or staying connected to the Sea advocating an adequate defense to insure peace; and Services community, members value the collegiality the protection of Shipmates by sponsoring measures that comes with their FRA membership. In fact, beneficial to all. frequently they ask for more opportunities to stay SERVICE: The rendering of service to our connected with other members. Shipmates and their dependents in good fortune or Since transportation seems to be a common distress, in every possible way. FRA challenge, try to utilize the FRA website. The best I look forward to hearing from all of you! way to be part of your community is by making sure Christina Hitchcock. your online profile is current AND correct. Please Christina Hitchcock is FRA’s Director of Membership. She can make sure you can log into your FRA profile. Make be reached at [email protected] or 703-683-1400 (Ext. 123)
36 FRAtoday /// January 2019 Continuing Programs Continuing Recruiting Initiatives (2018) Recruit 3 Program Recruit 5 Initiative Any FRA or Auxiliary member who recruits/sponsors Any FRA member who recruits/sponsors five (5) new or three (3) new or reinstated FRA members will be eligible reinstated members will receive a “Recruit 5” collectible to receive the red/white/blue collectible pin. pin and a one-year extension of his/her existing membership, valued at $40. If the recruiter is already a Recruit 32 Program Life Member, a special gift valued at $40 will be awarded Any FRA member who recruits sponsors 32 new or in lieu of paying for one year of membership dues. The reinstated members during the recruiting year will recruiter is eligible to recruit only one set of five new or be eligible to receive a life membership or $100 cash reinstated members during the recruiting year and receive award if already a Life Member. For each subsequent 32 the special incentive awards. members recruited, a Shipmate will be eligible to receive an additional award of $100. Retain 5 Initiative To strengthen retention, we will randomly draw a total of Submit completed applications to: 20 names of new or rejoined FRA members with one or FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314 -2754. two years of membership who are eligible for renewal. This Remember to include payment and your full name and drawing will be held quarterly to select five names each in membership number in the “Sponsored by” section of July, October, December and April. Winners’ memberships the application. will be extended for one year, valued at $40.
Artist’s rendering of the Moving Forward Pins. Actual pin design may vary and is smaller than shown.
Join FRA: Membership Application SPONSORED BY: Membership is open to all current or former enlisted members of the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Name: ______Guard. I certify that I fulfill the eligibility requirements and want to join the FRA. Annual dues include a subscription to FRAtoday, NewsBytes and OnWatch. Member No.: ______Branch No.: ______
Name: ______Rate/Rank: ______
Address: ______125 N. West Street, Street Lot/Space City State Zip Code Alexandria, VA 22314-2754 Date of Birth: ______SS No. (Optional): ______Phone: ( ) ______703-683-1400 800-FRA-1924 Service: ______Status: ______Membership Pref.: Branch No.______Nearest to home Member-at-large www.fra.org Previous FRA member: No Yes If yes, previous Member No.: ______
Email Address: ______Spouse’s Name: ______SPECIAL OFFER Applicant’s Signature: ______Date: ______FOR FIRST TIME DUES OPTIONS: PAYMENT OPTIONS: MEMBERS! 1 Year $40.00 Master Card Visa Discover American Express Check/Money Order Enclosed 2 Years for 2 Years $64.00 FIRST TIME MEMBERS Amount: ______Credit Card No.: ______$64.00 2 Years $75.00 (for renewing or reinstating) 5 Years $180.00 Exp. Date: ______Signature: ______SHIPMATE NEWS
2
1. BRANCH 59, CHEYENNE, WYO. Rear Admiral A. Swap from Navy Outreach joined the branch for breakfast. Three from NOSC Cheyenne attended (L to R) Wickham, Ostringer, McHenry, Marshall, C. Marshall, Rear Admiral Swap, Master Chief Michael Hinkle (was COB on USS Cheyenne), Devaughn, Young, Jones and LT Brown.
2. BRANCH 1, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 1 Branch newsletter Editor Patrick La Rose delivers ten FRAtoday magazines to USCG Station Tate in Philadelphia, Pa. Photo by Frank Dillon. 4 3. UNIT 269, GOOSE CREEK, S.C. Unit 269 member Benita Kinlaw, wrote 5,000 Christmas cards that will be sent to soldiers, sailors and marines serving in overseas locations. The unit, as a whole, sent almost 6,000 cards. This is the fourth year the unit has participated in the Friends of Our Troops program. 4. BRANCH 226, STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. 5 Shipmate James Brown (L) congratulates his grandson Ryan Tyson (R) upon his graduation at Paris Island. Tyson joined Branch 226.
5. BRANCH 309, NEWARK, DEL. Shipmate Barry Connolly (L) from the 9 Diamond State Branch was presented a certificate for 50 years of continuous membership. The presentation was made by Branch President Philip L. Puschel (R) on October 11.
6. BRANCH 324, AKRON, OHIO The Military Family Center in Louisville received $1000 from the branch to help 8 pay for the care of the horses, maintenance, instructors and all the things that it takes to keep Pegasus Farm operating. (L to R) Joe Prusacik, Carl Baker and a veteran.
7. BRANCH 89, ATLANTA, GA. 11 Shipmate Don Lansing, with his wife Karen, 12 was presented a certificate and pin in recognition of his 40 years of continuous membership. Lansing lives 200 miles from the branch, so membership chairman Barron, while on business, drove to Augusta and made the presentation.
8. BRANCH 222, SLIDELL, LA. FRA Branch 222 and Legion Post 374 conducted a Flag Retirement Ceremony on October 15 with the help of the Coast Guard CPO Selectees, Coast Guard Honor
38 FRAtoday /// January 2019 SHIPMATE NEWS
Guard and Slidell Fire Department.
9. BRANCH 101, SANTA CLARA, CALIF. (L to R) Unit President Karen Webster, Branch President and National Convention Master-at-Arms Richard Ruiz along with Board Member Kate Blanton attended a 9/11 Memorial Service.
10. BRANCH 37, PORTSMOUTH, VA. 3 Branch President William “Dan” Hansen presents Shipmate Clyde Toler with the East Coast Regional Public Relations and Hospital, Welfare and Rehabilitation Shipmate of the Year Awards. (L to R) 7 Shipmate Allen Reed, President Dan Hansen, Shipmate Clyde Toler and Ed Kracker.
11. BRANCH 208, JACKSONVILLE, N.C. Camp Lejeune President Raymond Applewhite was the guest speaker at the Minority Male Success Initiative meeting held at Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville, 6 N.C. on October 17.
12. BRANCH 210, MILTON, FLA. RPSE Jim Richmond presents a 50-year continuous membership pin to Junior Past Branch President Marlan Truelsen. (L to R) Branch Secretary and Treasurer Rob Hayes, Richmond, Branch President Tony Young, Truelsen and Branch Vice President D. J.
13. BRANCH 161, KANSAS CITY, KANS. (L to R) Shipmates Ray Schilly, Tony Quintero and Norman Combs make a $5,000 donation to the Veterans Community Project in Kansas City, 10 Missouri on October 15.
14. BRANCH 207, DALE CITY, VA. Branch members receive their Vietnam Appreciation pin. (L to R) 14 Branch President John Milliken, PNP 13 Jerry Sweeney and Branch Treasurer John Tyler.
Submit a photo for Shipmate News by email as an attachment in jpeg format to [email protected] or mail a high-quality photograph to FRAtoday, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief description and include the names of those pictured.
FRAtoday /// January 2019 39 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Membership is open to all current and former enlisted sea service (USN, USMC, USCG) personnel.
Member benefits include: • A legislative team fighting for your pay and Your dues include a subscription to the benefits on Capitol Hill association magazine. FRAtoday is your most • Use of the Action Center at www.fra.org to reliable source of association information. Topics share your opinions directly with Congress covered are: military pay, health care, and benefits. Some great association information and items of • Eligibility for you and your family to apply interest to you and your family are included. for the FRA education scholarships • Access to expert staff to answer your In addition to the magazine, please choose to legislative questions receive any or all of the following member benefits: • Representation on disability or other VA claims • Discounts on products and services NewsBytes: the weekly email newsletter update of legislative and association activities • Camaraderie with other service members
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Member benefits include: • A legislative team fighting for your pay and Your dues include a subscription to the In Memoriam benefits on Capitol Hill association magazine. FRAtoday is your most Name Rating Branch Jones, John P. AT1, USN 275 • Use of the Action Center at www.fra.org to reliable source of association information. Topics Almazan, Pio AD1, USN 127 Keith, Charles E. YNC, USN 89 covered are: military pay, health care, and benefits. share your opinions directly with Congress Ancho, Narciso L. SDC, USN 84 Kirk, James L. USN 145 Some great association information and items of • Eligibility for you and your family to apply interest to you and your family are included. Baer, Stephen G. PO1, USN MAL Kirt, Rodney O. AFCM, USN 18 for the FRA education scholarships Beane, Stanton D. TMCS, USN MAL Kittridge, Henry E. EO1, USN 51 • Access to expert staff to answer your In addition to the magazine, please choose to Bone, William P. MS1, USN 334 Landry, Donna J. YN2, USN 163 legislative questions receive any or all of the following member benefits: Broady, Jerry W. CMC, USN MAL Ludes, Jr., John AVCM, USN MAL • Representation on disability or other VA claims Butler, John T. CMC, USN 259 Lyon, Joseph F. TMC, USN MAL NewsBytes: the weekly email newsletter update • Discounts on products and services Cady, Wilfred L. MUCM, USN MAL Markham, Carl R. TMCS(SS), USN MAL of legislative and association activities • Camaraderie with other service members Campbell, Robert A. YNC(SS), USN 42 Maynord, Joe P. AD1, USN 230 Carl, Elizabeth YN1, USN 162 Mehl, Joseph M. POC, USNR 316 I certify I meet the FRA eligibility requirements of being a current or former enlisted member of the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard. Case, Chester W. SN, USNR 91 Messersmith, Eugene K. CWO4, USN MAL Service: USN USMC USCG Status: Active Reserve Retired Veteran Chandler, Herbert CAPT, USMC 162 Miller, Lewis A. GMGC, USN 112 Cobb, Burton A. RMC, USN MAL Moore, William R. USN MAL NAME PHONE Colbert, Frank J. MCPO, USN 124 Mosher, Robert W. DPC, USN MAL De Mattia, Edmond E. MU, USN 24 Musser, George E. PC1, USN 87 RATE / RANK DATE OF BIRTH (MM/DD/YY) SSN (optional) Denton, W. C. 1STSG, USMC MAL Myers, Roland A. HMC, USN MAL Dickerson, Harvey S. SKCS, USN MAL Nepomuceno, Agaton P. MSC, USN 171 STREET ADDRESS SPOUSE’S NAME Dukes, Gerald T. YNC, USN 346 Olesen, Duane H. ARM3C, USN 59 East, George W. BTC, USN 166 Parañal, Pedro B. UTC, USN 127
SUITE / SPACE / LOT Branch #______Closest Branch Member-at-Large Emerson, Robert AMS3, USN 109 Phillips, Mark PO1, USN MAL Emrock, Edward ADC, USN 68 Pila, Reynaldo PO2 MAL CITY Franks, John W. AFCM, USN MAL Redifer, Ryan G. AME1(AW), USN 244 Are you a previous FRA member? Freeman, Earl M. CPO, USN 99 Regele, Dennis PN1, USN 238 STATE ZIP CODE No Yes, previous member # ______Grohowski, John J. HMC(SS), USN 182 Reichard, Carol Lee Hon Mbr, USMC 182 Hammond, Carolyn A. YN3, USN 28 Rummel, Harold L. LT, USN MAL EMAIL ADDRESS Herold, Leonard A. PRC, USN MAL Salazar, Ernesto F. PO2, USN 84 Hoffman, Charles R. BMCS, USN 117 Schille, Samuel A. GM3, USN 170 MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS PAYMENT OPTIONS Hooker, Olivia YNC, USCGR 226 Sirigos, Harris A. SKC, USN MAL All memberships includes a subscription to Master Card Visa Discover Jenista, Robert C. AFCM, USN 18 Smith, Leroy R. AMe2, USN 162 FRAtoday magazine, a $40 value. American Express Check-enclosed Jewell, Preston A. AE1, USN 223 Steinebach, William A. BTCS, USN 310 1 Year / $40.00 Johnson, Melvin W. ICC(SS)(SSGN), USN MAL Stephens, Gordon L. EMCS, USN 14 Jones, Thomas E. CAPT, USN 182 Strack, Francis A. USN 130 2 Years / $64.00 SPECIAL OFFER FIRST TIME MEMBERS! CREDIT CARD NO. EXP. DATE Jones, Marvin H. BTCM, USN MAL Sykes, Harley A. YN1, USN 91 2 Years / $75.00 (for renewing or reinstating FRA members) Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. Names in bold indicate past national officers. SIGNATURE DATE 5 Years / $180.00 To report a Shipmate death, please email: [email protected] or telephone at 703-683-1400 ext 1. LIFE MEMBERSHIP RATES Active Duty ...... $400 SPONSORED BY Age 40 &younger ... $450 Ages 41 to 50 ...... $425 Ages 51 to 60 ...... $390 NAME Ages 61 to 70 ...... $340 Ages 71 to 80 ...... $260 Ages 81 to 99 ...... $200 MEMBER NO. BRANCH NO. FRAtoday /// January 2019 41 Ages 100 and older FREE B:8.5” T:8.25” S:7.75” B:10.75” T:10.5” S:10” I SERVED FOR Honor
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FRAtoday /// January 2019 43 AUXILIARY OF THE FRA
Message from National Vice President
t is that time of the year, when many of us are Membership retention and membership growth reflecting on our journeys of accomplishments are vital to being able to continue our tradition of and experiences and wondering what the new “being of service.” Membership growth could come Iyear will bring. Personally, I am grateful to have the from enrolling qualifying family members, as well honor of being elected the Ladies Auxiliary of the as from recruiting new members. The eligibility Fleet Reserve Association National Vice President. requirements are listed on our website at: www. Bea Parco My key responsibility while in this position is la-fra.org. Click on “The By Laws” located on the National Vice President membership, so my project for membership is called left side of the page, then go to: LA FRA C&BL F.O.C.U.S.: Family, Organization, Community, Article 3, Section 301(a). Unconditional Love, Service. One of the beautiful things about membership Being a nonprofit, veterans-service-oriented is the network of people from all walks of life organization, we as volunteers do focus and chose who have the common thread of being related to make a difference to a veteran of the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast by honoring the Fleet Guard. In this network, you are part of a team that Reserve Association protects and strengthens Americanism through Shipmates and their F.O.C.U.S. Even though we are organized as the Thank you to families. As members Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association, all the senior of the Auxiliary, we we do have active male members who take pride in members of our reach out to our local their work as members of the Auxiliary. I am very organization. You community to be proud of these men who see past the title to be part make a difference of service through of the Veterans Service Movement in strengthening and You make a scholarships, youth the arms that hold up the Torch of Americanism. difference; may programs, music, food We need more members like these gentlemen who and clothing drives. have hearts of gold and step up to help us make a you continue to We also serve the difference for our community. teach us how elderly, make hospital Thank you to all the senior members of our to build and visits to our veterans organization who created and retain this network strengthen the and support other of givers to our veteran community. You make a love of America for veterans’ groups in their difference and may you continue to teach us how to future generations. endeavors. We have build and strengthen the love of America for future unit members in the generations. LA FRA is a special organization Philippines who serve that has a special place in all of our hearts. May food, clothing and school supplies to children living the coming new year bring light to the needs of in remote villages. We have members who support our veterans as we are provided with the tools churches that care for homeless people and support and members to achieve our F.O.C.U.S.: Family, environmental disaster relief programs. Organization, Community, Unconditional Love, As members of the Auxiliary we are F.O.C.U.S. Service. FRA We are one of many organizations that are torch In Loyalty, Protection and Service bearers for the American spirit. Our organization Bea Parco has been paying it forward to our veterans’ communities since 1930. The members of the LA Beatrice Parco is the LA FRA National Vice President 2018-19. FRA are exceptional as individuals and as a unit.
44 FRAtoday /// January 2019 CALENDAR
FRA 2019 Regional Meetings & Conventions Calendar
February 8-10 707-674-2100 August 15-18 Southeast Mid-Year Meeting Rooms rates: $110 + tax for Single South Central Regional Convention Milton, FL King/Double Queens. Specify “FRA” Wyndham Garden Hosted by Branch 210 when making your reservation. 1419 E. 70th Street Cut-off date is February 22, 2019. Contact: Jim Richmond Shreveport, LA 71105 email: [email protected] Contact: Gary Blackburn 318-797-9900 707-373-1810 or Contact: Emmett Smith February 15-16 Natalie Gibson 318-617-1018, or East Coast Mid-Year Meeting 707- 642-4378 Cathleen Gruetzner Holiday Inn Richmond South-City email: [email protected] 512-694-9801 Gateway, 4303 Commerce Road, email: [email protected] Richmond, VA 23234 March 29-30 804-592-2900 Northeast/New England August 18-20 Mid-Year Meeting Contact: Randy Phillipp North Central Regional Convention Lakehurst, NJ 301-977-2827 The Seasons Lodge Hosted by Branch 124 email: [email protected] 560 State Rd. 46 East Contact: Sharon Munday Nashville, IN 47448 March 21-24 732-350-6403 800-365-7327 South Central Mid-Year Meeting email: [email protected] Room rate: $69 plus tax Clarion Inn and Suites Hosted by Branch 130 Northwest Mid-Year Meeting 4000 Industrial Drive Contact: Barry White Building A Contact: Bill Hall 816-205-5191 Bossier City, LA 71112 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] 318-747-0711 Southwest Mid-Year Meeting Contact: Emmett Smith August 21-25 318-617-1018, or Contact: John Quesnel Southeast Regional Convention Cathleen Gruetzner email: [email protected] Jacksonville, Fla. 512-694-9801 email: [email protected] July 18-21 August 23-24 East Coast Regional Convention West Coast Regional Convention March 24-26 Holiday Inn Conference Center Gold Dust West Hotel North Central Mid-Year Meeting 203 Greenville Blvd. 2171 E. William Street Inn at Grand Glaize Greenville, NC 27834 Carson City, NV 89701 5142 Osage Beach Parkway 252-355-8300 775-885-9000 Osage Beach, MO 65065 Contact: Randy Phillipp Hosted by Branch 137 573-384-4731 301-977-2827 Contact: Verne Horton Room rate: $65 plus tax, hosted by [email protected] 775-741-0681, or Gray Hats of North Central Region Rick Athenour August 9-10 Contact: Barry White 775-901-2684 Northeast/New England 816-205-5191 Regional Convention email: [email protected] September 6-7 Groton, CT Northwest Regional Convention March 24-26 Hosted by Branch 20 Everett, WA West Coast Mid-Year Meeting Contact: Joyce Harris Double Tree Hotel and Spa Napa 860-303-1718 Valley—American Canyon email: [email protected] 3600 Broadway Avenue American Canyon, CA 94503
FRAtoday /// January 2019 45 FRA PROFILE
Earl Clark (Branch 230) Receives His Quilt of Valor
arl Clark joined the Navy on December 12, 1939 and joined Torpedo Squadron 6 onE the USS ENTERPRISE (CV-6). Clark fought in the Battle of Midway, a decisive naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II that occurred between June 4 and 7, 1942, only six months after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea. While in the torpedo squadron, Clark recalls colliding with another plane mid-air and damaging the vertical stabilizer on his aircraft. That was when he was told to bail out, which of course he did. Later, he and the two other seamen who had bailed from the other plane involved in the collision were picked up. Luckily, Clark’s pilot managed to navigate to the beach and safely land his aircraft. After serving on the USS ENTERPRISE, the end of the war. The USS MIDWAY saw action Clark returned to Hawaii and went on the USS from 1945 to 1992, making it the longest-serving HORNET (CV-8). While on the carrier near aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Clark was one Hawaii, Clark participated in the air attack known of the approximately 200,000 sailors who served as The Doolittle Raid (also known as the Tokyo aboard the carrier over its 47 years of operation. Raid), and landed at Ford Island after the attack. Following WWII, Clark was assigned to Marine Clark also fought in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Corps Air Station Miramar for shore duty during Islands, from October 25 to 27, 1942. The battle was the Korean War. He then went on to be a seaplane sometimes referred to as the Battle of Santa Cruz or tender on the USS SALISBURY SOUND (AV-13) in Japan as the Battle of the South Pacific. The USS for three years. The Currituck-class ship, known as HORNET was sank during the battle, but Clark the “Sally Sound” to its crew, was originally named survived and continued to serve. the USS Puget Sound before being renamed two Upon returning to San Diego in 1943, Clark weeks prior to its launch on June 18, 1944. was stationed at Naval Air Station North Island Shipmate Clark was then assigned to VF-112 at as a Construction Electrician (CE) in a transfer MCAS Miramar, where he flew F9F-5 Panthers. squadron. NAS North Island is located at the north He deployed three times over a four-year period and end of the Coronado peninsula on San Diego Bay flew in the F-6, F-8 and F-9 models, finally ending and is the home port of several United States Navy up in the F3H Demon. aircraft carriers. His final station was Naval Air Weapons Station Shipmate Clark then returned to the Pacific China Lake, where he retired as an AOC7 Chief Theater on the USS MIDWAY (CVB-41) until Petty Officer in February 1960. FRA
46 FRAtoday /// January 2019 SOMETHING WORTH PROTECTING . . .
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Program Administered by The Hartford® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries, including issuing Mercer Health & Benefi ts Administration LLC company Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company and Hartford Life Insurance Company. AR Insurance License #100102691 Underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, Hartford, CT 06155. CA Insurance License #0G39709 *This policy is guaranteed acceptance but it does contain a Pre-Existing Conditions Limitations. All benefi ts are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. The policy details exclusions, limitations, In CA d/b/a Mercer Health & and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. Benefi ts Insurance Services LLC Visit www.frainsure.com to learn more and enroll online. Or call 1-800-424-1120. FRAtoday /// January 2019 47 87423 (1/19), 87424 (5/19), 87426 (10/19) Copyright 2019 Mercer LLC. All rights reserved. TRICARE Form Series includes SRP-1269, or state equivalent.
87423 87424 87426 FRA Tricare ad 2019.indd 1 11/28/18 10:25 AM 87423, 87424, 87426 FRA TRICARE Ad (1/19) Full Size: 8.25" x 10.5" Bleed Size: 8.5" x 10.75" (Full Bleed) Live Area: 7.75" x 10" Colors: 4-color process FINANCE MATTERS
Are You Prepared to Handle a Personal Financial Crisis?
ndividuals who are married or in a committed Debt management relationship face the possibility they’ll end up • Do I know my credit score? managing finances alone at some point in their • Could I get a loan if I applied? lives. Unfortunately, the first time many experience I Insurance handling complicated financial matters alone is during a personal crisis following the divorce or • Do I have enough insurance coverage: death of a spouse or partner. • To cover medical expenses? We’ve prepared a list of thought-provoking • To provide for disability/long-term care? questions pertaining to financial fitness and crisis • To provide for family members’ security? preparedness. You can use these as a starting point • To fund estate-tax liability? ® Carl M. Trevisan, CFP to check how prepared you are to handle a personal financial crisis in your life. Begin by reviewing the In addition … questions, and then determine what you’ve already • Have I coordinated my advisors’ (financial, done and check those items off the list. For the attorney, CPA, banker) activities? questions you need to address or take action on, • What changes in my life are likely to occur seek the advice of your professional advisors and within the next three years? trusted family members. • Do I know the status of my parents’ and children’s financial situations and the Stephen M. Bearce Asset management implications for my financial well-being? • Do I have a clear picture of where my assets are • Would I be prepared for a family emergency located? if it happened tomorrow? • Will my retirement assets provide a comfortable Learn how to handle debt and find the retirement for my life expectancy? balance between debt and investing at: www. • Do I have a well-diversified portfolio? wellsfargoadvisors.com/planning/goals/getting- • Are my investments appropriate in today’s started.htm. FRA economy? • Are my assets titled properly? Wells Fargo Advisors and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax and/or legal advi- • Do I have an emergency fund? sors before taking any action that may have tax and/or legal • Am I taking advantage of techniques to reduce consequences. my taxes? This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provid- Estate planning ed courtesy of Carl M. Trevisan, Managing Director-Investments and Stephen M. Bearce, First Vice President- Investments in • Do I have a will? Alexandria, Va. at 800-247-8602. • Is my will current? Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT • Have I determined what my family may owe in FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE estate taxes? Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo • Have I funded my estate-tax liability? Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer • Have I explored and taken advantage of wealth- and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. transfer techniques? © 2018 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. • Do I wish to provide for charitable giving? • Are my power of attorney and my living will up to date?
48 FRAtoday /// January 2019 Why pay $2,300 or more? FOR $ HEAR BETTER ONLY 299 EACH!
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