FRA Encourages All Shipmates to Get Involved 8 March 2011
ESGR Page 18 Supporting Reservists and Their Employers
12 VA Expands List of Ships Exposed to Agent Orange 14 FRA Honors Outstanding USN, USMC Personnel 17 The Value of FRA Membership MESOTHELIOMA
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Volume 90 Number 3 1 Featured 18 FRA Tod a y March 2011 18 ESGR: Supporting Reservists and Their Employers As our country requires more of Reserve Component personnel, more is also being asked of their employers. This month, FRA Today highlights how Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is making a difference for members of the uniformed services and the companies that employ them. Departments 2 Communications 12
4 mEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
5 nED Perspective Due Diligence
6 SHIPMATE FORUM
8 on & OFF CAPITOL HILL FRA Encourages All Shipmates to Get Involved 26
17 mEMBERSHIP MATTERS Value of FRA Membership
26 history & Heritage Battle of the Ironclads
28 nEws from the Branches
30 Taps
32 Reunions
34 looking for…
36 lA FRA NEWS Message from West Coast Regional President Kathy Goheen
Loyalty, Protection and service FRA is a congressionally chartered, non-profit organization On the cover advocating for current and former enlisted members of the Reserve Component personnel are an integral part U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on Capitol Hill. For of our nation’s military might. Their civilian employ- more information on the benefits of membership, please visit ers are stepping up to support them and their www.fra.org or call 800-FRA-1924. families. Communications
2 National Officers/Board Of Directors National President James Scarbro, Chesapeake Branch 40 National Vice President Jeffrey Gilmartin, Potomac Region Branch 207 National Executive Dir. Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Department Branch 181 finance Officer Paul Rigby, Honorary Member y March 2011 Eileen Murphy Junior PNP Gary Blackburn, Vallejo Branch 8 Sharing information National Parliamentarian PNP Robert G. Beese, Volusia County Branch 335
FRA Tod a Putting together this magazine is a tremendous team effort. Great National Chaplain James Campbell, Chesapeake Branch 4 thought goes to what news items will be of interest to our active duty, Reserve, veteran and/or retired shipmates. Topics for feature articles are decided far in advance based on reader input, suggestions from Regional Presidents military leadership and an awareness of gaps in coverage by other orga- New England Philip Justin, Quonset Davisville, Branch 42 nizations or news outlets. FRA was approached last year, for instance, Northeast David Munday, Lakehurst Branch 124 by Adam Bashaw, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Marine East Coast Chris Slawinski, Navy Department Branch 181 Southeast Bobby Smith, Knoxville Branch 194 Forces Reserve, for assistance in getting the word out about the tre- North Central Leon Zalewski, Milwaukee Branch 14 mendous work the Guard and Reserve do, and the need for greater south Central Russell Miller, Capital Area Branch 201 employer support. The Department of Defense started the Employer Southwest Glenn Holz, Imperial Beach Branch 290 Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in 1972 and is working dili- West Coast Pat LeClaire, Silver Dollar Branch 192 gently to make sure those who would benefit from their work are aware Northwest Hazel Bettencourt, Gem State Branch 382 of its existence. To assist in that effort, Lauren Armstrong, our Feature Editor, and Cpl. Jad Slieman, an active duty combat correspondent at Active Duty Advisory Council the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office combined efforts to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West bring you this month’s feature story. We hope our readers will not only Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent enjoy reading this article, but also consider Reserve service members Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michael Leavitt or employers who may benefit from the information within. FRA’s mission is to be the voice for all current and former enlisted Reserve Advisory Council Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel on Capitol Hill. Much like the challenges ESGR is facing, there are still personnel who would Force Master Chief of the Naval Reserve Ronney A. Wright USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major Kim E. Davis benefit from FRA membership but are not aware of the Association or Master Chief Petty Officer of theC oast Guard Reserve Force that they can quickly join at www.fra.org/join or by phone at 1-800- Mark Allen FRA-1924. Please give thought to those you know who are eligible for FRA membership but are not yet members. Give them a call, send an e-mail, share your magazine or even invite them to a branch meeting. FRA TODAY Magazine Sharing information about why FRA is important to you may help Publisher FRA them see why membership would be a great investment for their future National Executive Director Joseph L. Barnes as well. Managing Editor Eileen Murphy Contributing Editor Lauren Armstrong Design and Art Direction VA Enrollment FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com Design Director Scott Rodgerson Many thanks to Shipmate Joe Snyder, who let us know about some missing Production Manager Sandy Jones information in last month’s “Shipmate Forum.” The web addresses regarding enrollment in the VA’s healthcare system did not appear in the final copy of the fra today (ISSN 0028-1409) is published monthly by FRA, 125 N. West St., magazine. We apologize for the oversight and want shipmates to know they Alexandria, Va 22314-2754. A member’s subscription is covered by the member’s annual dues. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA and additional can apply for VA enrollment online at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/ offices. Publication of non-sponsored advertising in fra today does not constitute an endorsement by the FRA or its representatives. Postmaster: vha/1010ez/, by calling the VA at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or with the help of Send address changes to: Member Services, FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754. fra today is published in the interests of all current and a VA health care eligibility specialist at any VA medical center. Go to http:// former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Eligible non-members are not entitled to subscription rates. Established www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isflash=1 for locations. For more 1 November 1923. Title registered with U.S. Patent Office.
information regarding eligibility, visit http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/. FRA Administrative Headquarters: 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754 Phone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 • Fax: 703-549-6610 • E-Mail: [email protected] www.fra.org
Volume 90 Number 3 Eileen Murphy is the Director of Marketing and Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of FRA Today. Please contact her at [email protected]. CARRIN_NA0311_Layout 1 1/25/11 12:15 PM Page 1
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4 Take Action! FRA provides the Action Center Like FRA! Capella University on www.fra.org and a pocket guide Visit www.fra.org/fb to view FRA’s FRA members and spouses are eli- called Communicate With Your Elected Facebook page and join our growing gible for tuition discounts at Capella
y March 2011 Officials to make communicating with list of fans who “like” us. It’s a great University, an accredited, military- members of Congress easy and conve- place to post photos, videos, have dis- friendly, online university that has nient. On the Action Center, you can cussions and find old friends. If you’re built its reputation by providing high FRA Tod a access a list of hot issues and send pre- already on Facebook, you can invite quality online degree programs for written messages (or write your own) to others to check out FRA and use the working adults. Visit www.capella. your legislators to weigh in. You can also page as a great recruiting tool! Our fans edu/FRA for more information. look up your senators and representa- also are the first to hear of breaking tive to see how they’ve voted on issues news, get links to items of importance Columbia Southern University of importance to FRA shipmates. Both and shortcuts to other pages of interest. In an education alliance with FRA, the Action Center and the Communicate Columbia Southern University offers With Your Elected Officials guide are Take control! competitive tuition rates, waives appli- free benefits brought to you by FRA. If When you login to www.fra.org, not cation fees for service members and of- you would like a copy of Communicate only can you access members-only in- fers discounts to FRA shipmates. Visit With Your Elected Officials, please e- formation, you can also control your www.columbiasouthern.edu/Partners/ mail [email protected] and include your membership record. Would you like to LearningPartners/fleet for further details. name and mailing address. subscribe to NewsBytes? Simply click a box. Are you needing a replacement FRA Endorsed Insurance Communicate! membership card or invoice? Click a Programs FRA offers Communities on www.fra. box and we’ll send you one within 24 As an FRA member you can choose org to help shipmates keep in touch business hours. You can also donate from high quality, competitively with their branch, communicate with directly to FRA online and even print priced insurance plans to help protect HQ, and get information. Use the out a copy of your donation history for you and your family. Each quality plan Communities and be involved! Login your records. has been designed for FRA members to www.fra.org and click Communities. like you. You can select insurance You will see the communities to which FRA Affinity Partners protection to meet your family’s in- you belong — each branch and MALs FRA also has partnerships with sev- surance needs at economical group have individual communities. There eral companies for the benefit of FRA rates. Request information regarding are also communities for FRA Today members. When you use these com- the plans of your choice through this and OnWatch readers, people con- panies, not only do you get a discount, website: www.FRAinsure.com or call cerned about health care, and more. but FRA receives a royalty as well. It’s toll-free 1-800-424-1120. a win-win situation — and a fantastic This is a place to ask the experts or Navy Times share your opinions or frustrations. way for you to help FRA while you are helping yourself! FRA members qualify for a special NewsBytes subscription rate of 52 weeks for $39.95. Call 1-800-368-5718 to start NewsBytes is a free weekly legislative COMING SOON! e-mail update designed to keep recipi- or renew your subscription. Use FRA ents up-to-date between issues of FRA FRA MasterCard from USAA priority member code: 1516N3. Today. To subscribe, e-mail newsby- FRA is finalizing the details of a part- Avis Car Rentals [email protected] and include your member nership with USAA to administer a When making reservations through number (found above your name on new FRA MasterCard program. This Avis at 1-800-331-1212 or www.avis. the cover of this magazine). To listen award-winning financial services com, be sure to use your FRA member- to NewsBytes by phone, call 1-800- company is committed to providing ship benefit discount: AWD#T867500. FRA-1924, ext. 112. great products and outstanding cus- HERTZ Car Rentals Provide Input! tomer service to our shipmates. When making reservations through FRA is very interested in hearing from GEICO Car Insurance Hertz at 1-800-654-3131 or www. you. There’s always a survey available Call 1-800-MILITARY (1-800-645- hertz.com, be sure to use your at www.fra.org/survey. The surveys are 4827) and ask for the FRA member FRA membership benefit discount: quick, easy and help us share your con- benefit discount. CDP#332104. cerns with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. NED Perspective
5 FRA Tod a y March 2011
Due Diligence Joe Barnes Key management functions at NHQ and reviewing responses from a re- and associated benefits to support im- include working with affinity partners quest for proposal (RFP) in conjunc- portant Association programs. This and other businesses with which we in- tion with FRA’s endorsed insurance new program complements other teract regarding NBOD-approved and products brokerage and administra- long-standing FRA agreements such Association endorsed member benefit tion agreement. Following work by and as GEICO for automobile insurance programs. This includes interaction recommendations from the Special products and March for insurance with principals and/or reps of these RFP Review Committee, approval by products needed by our membership. entities, thorough analysis of the terms the National Board of Directors and We’re excited about this new rela- of their contracts and legal counsel rec- ratification by delegates to FRA’s 83rd tionship with USAA and the benefits ommendations, and reconciling these National Convention, a new multi- it brings to FRA Shipmates and we’re with FRA requirements. Throughout, year agreement is being finalized with hoping to include a presentation on the Association’s interest is foremost. Marsh Global Consumer. This involves other USAA programs as part of the During the negotiation and fi- the process described above along with upcoming National Board of Directors nalization phases, a major concern dialog and meetings with Marsh rep- meeting agenda next month. for Paul Rigby as FRA’s Finance (and resentatives, and reworking the agree- Watch for detailed information on Contracting) Officer, and me is ensur- ment into an acceptable format that this new program and also check out ing that we’re consistently exercising will be signed by both Marsh and Paul other valuate member benefit pro- appropriate (due) diligence in fulfill- Rigby on behalf of FRA. grams available to members of the ing our responsibilities in support of Another important agreement is FRA. Hopefully this offers some insight the Association and its mission. And with USAA in conjunction with a new into some of our work at NHQ, and it’s important to recognize that the FRA endorsed Mastercard program as always thanks for your continuing Association is a business — requiring that will be formally announced next support of the FRA and its mission of not only effective leadership, but ap- month. We’re pleased to establish a serving as the premier watchdog orga- propriate management practices and new relationship with USAA to replace nization in maintaining and improving staff at NHQ skilled in performing the FRA Bank of America Visa Card quality of life programs for Sea Services business functions and mindful of le- program (previously with MBNA) personnel, their families and survivors. gal and ethical requirements for non- which ended on December 31, 2010. profit organizations. USAA is one of America’s top- For those unfamiliar with the fiduciary According to Webster’s Dictionary, rated, award winning financial services responsibilities associated with serving diligence means exercising “the degree providers — and is well known for its as a Branch, Regional or National of- of attention or care expected of a person great products and customer service. ficer, please see the “NBOD Fiduciary in a given situation” — or from a fidu- Since 1922, USAA has earned an envi- Obligations” document posted on www. ciary duty perspective — always doing able reputation for excellence in pro- fra.org. This contains both the “Board of Directors Fiduciary Obligation” paper what’s best for the organization. This is viding insurance and financial services by David P. Goch, Esq, FRA’s legal coun- an ongoing process and it’s important tailored for military members and their sel, and “Legal and Tax Issues for Fleet to note more stringent laws have been families. USAA shares our culture and Reserve Association Branches” by Goch enacted regarding issues and activities values, and is routinely recognized as and Charles M. Watkins, Esq., and is addressed in these documents, along one of the nation’s best corporate work- found under Member Resources on the with significantly increased scrutiny places. USAA has a long-standing rep- Member News page. To get to follow link of non-profit organization by IRS and utation not only for taking care of its to the right when you login to the site. other local and state oversight authori- employees, but also for providing the ties in recent years. same superior support to its members. Joe Barnes is FRA’s National Executive Director and These issues are also especially Current and former enlisted mem- Chairman of the National Committee on Legislative important in conjunction with con- ber of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Service and a member of the Special Committee tracting agreements between the Coast Guard, are now eligible for the on Future Strategic Planning. A member of Navy Association and affinity partners and/ various products and services offered Department Branch 181, he is also an advisor to the or other businesses. A timely example by USAA — including the new FRA National Committees on Budget and Finance and is the work associated with developing endorsed USAA Mastercard program Membership and Retention. Shipmate Forum
6 Agent Orange Exposure If your father is a Vietnam veteran, the aforementioned I know about the list of ships and boats that operated in list of ships (see above) may help expedite the claims process inland waterways in Vietnam, but I recently received an for him. If his service aboard one of these ships during the e-mail that said the USS Repose (AH-16) and the USS time frames specified can be confirmed through his military Sanctuary (AH-17), the two hospital ships that served along records, exposure to herbicides can be presumed. If your fa- y March 2011 the coast of Vietnam from Da Nang north to the DMZ, were ther’s ship isn’t noted, but he believes his ship sailed in qualify- added to the list. I’ve been unable to find any documenta- ing areas, he should still submit a claim for benefits. It will be FRA Tod a tion of this. Do you know if this is true? helpful for him to be as specific as possible about the name of Besides a professional interest I have a personal one. I the ship and the time period (within 90 days) it sailed in the served on the Sanctuary, mainly on the helo deck, for about inland waterways of Vietnam. The VA has a duty to assist you a year over there and now have type-2 diabetes, which is in finding evidence (deck logs) that would verify the service. presumptive for Agent Orange exposure. Mike Hughes I read FRA Today cover to cover, all NewsBytes and faithful- ly respond to all FRA requests for action, and I do not recall FRA Response: The VA has provided a recent update to any mention of changes to tax law, tax tables and expiration their list of ships that they have conceded had sailed in in- of other legislation causing a change in Federal Income Tax land waterways of Vietnam. The list, available at www.fra. withholding. org/agentorange, now includes a listing of ships that “oper- I am dismayed that military retiree’s have been subjected ated on Vietnam’s close coastal waters for extended periods to a significant reduction of net pay. with evidence that crew members went ashore or that smaller There is no succinct way for me to describe my anger vessels went to shore regularly with supplies and personnel.” and frustration with our elected representatives at both the The USS Repose and USS Sanctuary are in this expanded state and federal levels. At the risk of my primary concern category, and the VA has conceded that Sailors, Marines and (Net Pay) not being read, I deleted several paragraphs of other service members who were assigned to these ships are gripes and concerns I have with all three branches of federal now assumed to have been exposed to herbicides. government - I suspect we shipmates are in tune with the If you have not done so, I urge you to apply to the VA for problems facing the military active duty and retired com- benefits associated with your service-connected disabilities munity by a Congress totally out of touch with their con- based on the information provided. stituents! My primary concern, though personal, extends to preserving the quality of life for future military retirees’ My father served in the Navy for 20 years and currently re- and their families! sides in a nursing home after living with Parkinson’s disease On a positive note, I applaud and support FRA for their for the last 25 years. What should we do to start a claim? diligence on our behalf ! Lisa Griggs-Stapleton Jerry Crabill
FRA Response: Parkinson’s disease has been added to the VA’s FRA Response: Thank you for your kind words. Changes in list of presumptive health problems associated with exposure to Social Security withholdings and other tax changes were ref- herbicides (Agent Orange) for certain military members who erenced in the February 4, 2011, edition of NewsBytes, which served on the inland waterways of Vietnam and along some is available under the News tab at www.fra.org and includes areas of the Korean DMZ between April 1, 1968, and August a link to the IRS website. 31, 1971. (See page 12 for more information.) If you think Although the reduction in Social Security withholding your father’s service places him into the presumptive group, will actually increase net pay, FRA shares your concern he should absolutely start the claims process for VA benefits. about the looming threats to military and veterans’ benefits. You can go to website http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/ We’ll continue to keep shipmates informed as legislative claimherbicide.htm to get a more complete understanding of proposals are introduced and initiatives advance through how to file a claim for presumptive conditions related to her- Congress. We sincerely appreciate your use of the Action bicide exposure, as well as what evidence is needed by the VA Center at www.fra.org to share your views and concerns to make a decision about disability compensation benefits. with your elected officials. USFSPA Losing Your Retirement Benefits Submissions: Send Shipmate Forum letters to: Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail To A Former Spouse in Divorce? submissions may be sent to [email protected]. Please include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the Protect Your Benefits right to select and edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views of www.ULSG.org FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the James Solberg 847-587-0924 [email protected] accuracy of letter content. 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 5 1 1 3 3 5 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 1 1 3 3 8 8 8 8 7 7
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8 y March 2011 FRA Encourages All Shipmates to Get Involved! John Davis
FRA Tod a As this issue of FRA Today goes to press, the Pentagon nearly 53,000 messages to Capitol Hill during the 111th is preparing to release its budget proposals for FY2012, Congress, which is an eight-percent increase from the which are expected to include broad cuts to Department 110th Congress. An even stronger voice from our mem- of Defense (DoD) spending. DoD officials are already bership will be needed if we hope to defeat efforts to talking about a “modest” increase to TRICARE fees for increase health care costs for TRICARE beneficiaries. military retirees under the age of 65 in order to help re- Although it won’t be the only battle FRA will wage on our duce spending. FRA successfully opposed proposals to members’ behalf, preventing drastic healthcare fee hikes is increase TRICARE fees in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and was our top priority for the coming months. heartened when increases weren’t even suggested in 2009 Other proposals to reduce the federal deficit may in- and 2010. But the growing pressure to cut spending and clude implementing a new formula for determining re- reduce the deficit is strong this year and getting stronger. tired pay that uses an average of the five highest years One way for shipmates to join the fight against these of pay instead of the current high-three calculation. and other benefit-related proposals is to share your con- Another proposal suggests changing how the Consumer cerns with your elected officials through FRA’s online Price Index (CPI) is calculated, which would have a di- Action Center (www.fra.org). This easy-to-use website al- rect impact on all retirees’ Cost-of-Living-Adjustments lows members to view a list of current legislative issues on (COLA). Additional challenges include a call for which FRA is working and provides a prewritten message Congress to be more fiscally responsible and implement to lawmakers. Users can also draft their own message if “cut as you go” budgeting, which requires any new ex- they prefer. penditures be offset by commensurate reductions else- Our shipmates’ grassroots involvement is a highly where in the budget. effective weapon in combating this and other legisla- Remember, what Congress gives, Congress can take tive initiatives that impact FRA members, their families away. Now more than ever FRA members need to have and survivors. FRA congratulates shipmates for sending their voices heard on Capitol Hill.
Be Heard! FRA offers several ways to make it easy for shipmates to communicate with their elected officials!
Legislative Priorities Survey As part of its mission to bring the enlisted voice to Capitol Hill, FRA is conducting an online survey to determine which military and veterans benefits are most impor- tant to its members and their families. The brief survey asks participants to rate the benefits and quality-of-life programs they’ve earned through service to our nation.
Communicate With Your Elected Officials This useful, free guide includes a directory of the 112th Congress and includes helpful tips on effectively expressing concerns to lawmakers. The guides won’t be available until sometime in March, but you can reserve your copy now by sending an e-mail request to [email protected] with your name, mailing address, rank and branch of service or call 1-800-FRA-1924.
FRA’s Action Center This free online service allows visitors to send prewritten messages (or visitors can draft their own) to their members of Congress, urging their support or opposition to legislative proposals that impact current and former service personnel. On & off capitol hill
9 Retirees Issues FRA Tod a Comprehensive Concurrent Receipt Reform FRA’s Full Month’s Retired Pay y March 2011 Rep. Sanford Bishop (Ga.) introduced comprehensive legislation (H.R. 333) that will eliminate Bill in House the restrictions that prevent many disabled retirees from concurrently receiving their full mili- Rep. Walter Jones (N.C.) recently introduced tary retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation. “The Disabled Veterans Tax Termination legislation (H.R. 493) authorizing surviv- Act” seeks to provide concurrent receipt of both earned benefits for retirees who are rated less ing spouses (or other designated survivors) than 50-percent disabled; eliminate the existing phase-in period for concurrent receipt; and to retain the full month’s retired pay for the extend concurrent receipt eligibility to Chapter 61 (medically retired) retirees with less than month in which a military retiree passes 20 years of service. away. “The Military Retiree Survivor Comfort This measure, if enacted, would fulfill FRA’s goal of providing immediate concurrent receipt of Act” was introduced at FRA’s request and both benefits, without offset, for all disabled retirees. seeks to ensure that survivors are not un- fairly burdened when overpayments occur. Shipmates are urged to use the FRA Action Center (www.fra.org) to ask their representatives Jones has also championed this legislation in to support this important bill. previous Congresses. When a military retiree dies, particularly late in the month, and survivors mourn and Tax Changes for 2011 work to sort out the details of their loved Recent changes to the tax law, tax tables and other legislation will one’s passing, there is sometimes a delay in affect FRA members. The net financial impact will depend on indi- reporting the death to the Defense Finance viduals’ income level and W-4 elections. and Accounting Service (DFAS). If the death Some of the changes include: report and other administrative details aren’t handled before the next retirement payment • Reduction in Social Security tax withholding from 6.2% to 4.2% for 2011 is processed, an overpayment occurs for the • Expiration of the Making Work Pay credit, which may increase the amount of wages subject period between the retiree’s death and the to income tax withholding end of the month. DFAS has the authority • 1.4% pay increase for military service members to recoup this overpayment directly from Reservists were the first to see the changes, which were reflected in their January 5 paychecks. the survivor’s bank account with little or no Active duty military personnel saw their pay change in their January 14 paychecks and this was warning, often creating financial and emo- reflected in January Leave and Earnings Statements (LES). tional hardship for the family. Retirees and annuitants will see the changes reflected in their March 1 payment and will be Jones’ proposal would allow survivors to able to view the changes online by accessing their myPay accounts at https://mypay.dfas.mil. retain the full month’s retired pay for any Changes to retiree accounts are available now and annuitants can view the changes in myPay month in which the retiree was alive for at on February 18. DFAS will be mailing account statements with the new net pay amounts to all least 24 hours. To offset the cost associated retirees and annuitants affected by the change in February. with this proposal, a provision of the bill would delay the first Survivor Benefit Plan Additional tax information can be found at the IRS website www.irs.gov (SBP) annuity payment until the month after the retiree dies. DFAS Clarifies RC-SBP Premium Notice Congress passed a similar law in 1996 al- The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) issued a statement further clarifying pre- lowing surviving spouses to retain veterans’ vious correspondence regarding Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Program (RC-SBP) pre- disability and VA pension payments issued miums. In May 2010, DFAS implemented changes that decreased the RC-SBP cost for retired for the month of the veteran’s death. FRA Reservists. Later in the year, DoD declared the decrease did not apply to Reservists who retired believes military retired pay should be no before April 2010. different. To rectify the error, DFAS restored these customers’ premiums to their previous (higher) level, effective December 2010, which is reflected on recent account statements. Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org to express their For further information, please visit http://www.dfas.mil/rapay/newsletter/rcsbp-cost.html support for H.R. 493. On & off capitol hill
10 TRICARE Issues
House Panel Reviews DoD Budget Cuts and TRICARE Fees TRICARE Young Adult Program During its first hearing in 2011, the House Armed Services Committee heard testimony from
y March 2011 Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III regarding recommended cuts as part of the FY2012 budget. Proposed cost-saving measures include increases to TRICARE enrollment fees for mili-
FRA Tod a tary retirees under age 65 and higher pharmacy co-payments. It was reported that Lynn stated that DoD believes future fee increases should be tied to a rise in the cost of living and, without fee increases for the last 15 years, costs for retirees have actually decreased as a percentage of cost. At press time, details on these proposals are not yet available since the Administration’s FY2012 budget request had not been released.
TRICARE Retired Reserve Sign-up Options Gray-area Reserve Component retirees who want TRICARE coverage now have a new way to qualify for and purchase TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) health coverage. Retired Reservists may qualify to purchase TRR coverage if they are under the age of 60 and are not eligible for, or enrolled in, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) program. The Department of Defense (DoD) an- To make purchasing TRR easier, Reserve retirees under age 60 can get a DoD Self-service nounced the premium-based TRICARE Young Logon (DS Logon) by contacting the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System/Defense Adult Program (TYAP) that will extend medi- Manpower Data Center Support Office (DSO) and remotely verify their identity. This DS Logon cal coverage to eligible military family mem- is required to access the Web-based Reserve Component Purchased TRICARE Application bers to the age of 26. The premium-based (RCPTA) online. coverage is expected to be in place later this If a gray-area retiree doesn’t have a DS Logon, but has a retired military ID card, he or she can spring and is authorized by provisions of the call DSO at 1-800-538-9552 (1-866-363-2883 for the hearing impaired) to request remote recently enacted FY2011 National Defense proofing documentation. DSO will provide step-by-step instructions and the appropriate docu- Authorization Act (NDAA). mentation required. DSO’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. until 5 p.m. TYAP coverage mirrors provisions in the na- (Pacific Time). tional health care legislation passed last year, Gray-area retirees who don’t have a retired ID card can complete an in-person proofing pro- except that civilian insurance companies can cess at a RAPIDS ID card issuing site, where they can also get a DS Logon. To locate the nearest spread the cost of the coverage for these Rapids site go to: http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home They may also go to designated additional dependents across a large group Veterans’ Administration (VA) regional offices to complete in-person-proofing and secure a DS Logon. To locate nearest VA regional offices, visit www.vba.va.gov/vba/benefits/offices.asp of policy holders. The NDAA requires DoD to charge a premium to families that elect this additional coverage and the rates must Military Health System Conference cover the full cost of the program. No specific NED Joe Barnes and ORM Bob Washington represented FRA at the 2011 Military Health System prices have been set, but experts are predict- (MHS) Conference where keynote speakers included Dr. Clifford Stanley, Under Secretary of ing premiums will be from $1,400 to $2,400 Defense for Personnel and Readiness; Dr. Jonathan Woodson, who was recently confirmed as per dependent, per year. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs; former Senator Tom Daschle; Deborah Mullen, wife of Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen; Navy Surgeon General VADM Adam Robinson For more information, read Tom Philpott’s and his sister-service equivalents. Conference presentations focused on MHS’s quadruple aim Military Update column (1-13-11) available consisting of military readiness, population (beneficiary) health, experience of care and per on the FRA website (www.fra.org). capita cost. The conference also highlighted the establishment of Medical Home Managed Care Departments in a growing number of military treatment facilities. -B (7x10-Master) 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 5 3 1 1 3 5 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 1 1 3 3 8 8 8 8 7 7
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12 Veterans Issues
More Ships Added to VA’s Agent Orange Exposure List Enhanced VA Health Care FRA strongly encourages all U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Vietnam veterans to review the ex- Opportunity Ends
y March 2011 panded list of vessels exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. The updated list, released by the Certain combat veterans who were discharged Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in January 2011 and available online at www.fra.org/ from active duty before January 28, 2003, agentorange, is continuously revised to include vessels that operated primarily or exclusively had until January 27, 2011, to take advan- FRA Tod a on Vietnam’s inland waterways; ships that temporarily operated in these inland waterways or tage of their enhanced health care enroll- docked to the shore; and ships that operated in Vietnam’s close coastal waters for extended ment opportunity through the Department of periods with evidence that crewmembers went ashore. If a veteran’s service aboard one of Veterans Affairs (VA). Although the deadline these ships can be confirmed through his military records during the time frames specified, has passed, these veterans may still apply for exposure to herbicides can be presumed, thus expediting claims for VA benefits. Veterans should health benefits, but some may face income or understand that the list is not complete and presumption of exposure will not be denied solely asset-based restrictions, as well as delays in es- tablishing their VA health care eligibility. Since because a veteran’s ship is not on it. the inception of the enhanced enrollment op- “Thousands of Navy and Coast Guard veterans who served aboard ships during the Vietnam portunity, the VA has sent more than 750,000 conflict experience health problems related to herbicide exposure, but their illnesses and disabil- personal letters to eligible veterans and hosted ities are not automatically considered service-connected in the eyes of the VA,” explains Chris thousands of outreach efforts, but to date only Slawinski, FRA’s national veterans’ service officer. “The VA restricts this type of presumptive 13,000 have enrolled. Combat vets who were service connection to vets who had ‘boots on the ground’ or can prove their ship operated on discharged or released from active service on inland waterways. Each addition to the VA’s list of exposed vessels will make it easier for these or after January 28, 2003, had a five-year en- veterans to prove exposure and will hopefully facilitate more timely determination of benefits.” rollment period that began on their discharge FRA is working to reverse the VA’s policy that prevents “blue water” military retirees and vet- or separation date from active duty military ser- vice. In the case of multiple call-ups, the most erans – those who served off shore in Vietnam – from claiming disability benefits for diseases recent discharge date will apply. related to exposure to Agent Orange. The April edition of FRA Today will highlight service members’ exposure to Agent Orange and other toxic substances. Veterans can apply for enrollment online at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov or by con- If you or someone you know served aboard any of these vessels during the times indicated, tacting the VA at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or a VA claim for exposure to an herbicide agent should be filed as soon as possible. To start a with the help of a VA health care eligibility claim, contact your nearest VA Regional Office or contact Chris Slawinski at [email protected] or specialist at any VA medical center. To find 1-800-FRA-1924 (ext. 115). nearest VA location, visit www2.va.gov/ directory/guide/home.asp. Agent Orange Presumption Expanded for Korea Vets For more information regarding enrollment, Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving along visit http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility. the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Korea will also have easier access to health care and other benefits under a Flag Amendment Introduced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) final regulation. The Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (Mo.) introduced legisla- regulation recently published in the Federal Register and tion (H.J. Res. 13) proposing a constitutional available online will expand the dates when illnesses amendment that would prohibit the physical caused by herbicide exposure can be presumed to be desecration of the United States flag. A com- related to Agent Orange. panion resolution is expected to be introduced in the Senate by Sen. Orrin Hatch (Utah). The VA will now presume herbicide exposure for any veteran who served between April 1, 1968, and August In previous Congresses, the House over- 31, 1971, in a unit determined to have operated in an area in or near the Korean DMZ in whelmingly adopted similar flag-protection which herbicides were applied. Previously, the VA presumed service-connection for veterans amendments, but the necessary two-thirds majority vote could not be achieved in the who served in certain units along the Korean DMZ between April 1968 and July 1969. Eligible Senate. The amendment cannot be sent to veterans who meet this service criterion and have specific herbicide-related illnesses do not the states for ratification until the initiative is have to prove an association between their illness and their military service. This “presump- approved by both chambers. tion” simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits. Shipmates are encouraged to visit the FRA FRA encourages all veterans to register with the VA and urges those with covered service in Korea Action Center (www.fra.org) to contact their who have Agent Orange-related medical conditions to submit their applications for VA health U.S. representatives and urge them to sign care and compensation as soon as possible, so the agency can begin processing their claims. on as co-sponsors of this measure. 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 5 1 1 3 3 5 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 1 1 3 3 8 8 8 8 7 7
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On & off capitol hill
14 Active Duty Issues
FRA Honors Outstanding USN, USMC Personnel Fewer Lawmakers with Military FRA continued its longstanding tradition of honoring outstanding Sailors and Marines by par- Experience
y March 2011 ticipating in recognition events around the Washington, D.C. area during the last week in The number of members in the 112th January. Congress with military experience has
FRA Tod a Selected from thousands of Navy recruiters and recruiting stations, FRA honored the Navy’s dropped again. Of the House’s 435 mem- 2010 Recruiters of the Year (ROY) for their outstanding performance in their particular area of bers, only 87 (20 percent, compared to 23 recruiting expertise. During this year’s annual ROY Week, FRA participated in a ceremony at percent in the last Congress) have served in the Navy Memorial, where Admiral Jonathan Greenart, Vice Chief of Naval Operations; Rear the military. Only 25 of the 100 U.S. Senators Admiral Craig Faller, commander of Navy Recruiting Command; and Force Master Chief for served in the military, which is the same as Navy Recruiting Command Chris Penton recognized the ROYs and their families. FRA also the 111th Congress, but less than the session hosted the group for luncheon and coordinated a tour of the U.S. Capitol for the honorees and before (110th Congress, 2007-2008) when their accompanying family members. 29 percent of the Senate had first-hand mili- For the 13th consecutive year, FRA also recognized top Marine Corps enlisted personnel by tary experience. participating in two awards ceremonies at MCB Quantico, Va. FRA staff members presented awards to the Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s 2010 Staff Non-Commissioned Officers in Charge, Prior Service Recruiters, and Staff Non-Commissioned Officers in Charge in recogni- Military Liaison Reminds Banks tion of their outstanding service. Marine Corps leadership was represented by Major General of SCRA Ronald L. Bailey, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command and Sgt. Major Holly Petraeus, the Consumer Financial Michael Logan, Sergeant Major of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. Protection Bureau’s newly-appointed military Similar awards were presented to additional Marine Corps’ top performers during the 2010 liaison, asked the nation’s largest banks to Combined Awards Program. This annual ceremony recognizes the Marine Corps’ top Recruiters, comply with a federal law meant to protect Drill Instructors (DI), Marine Corps Embassy Security Guards (MSG), Career Retention Specialists active-duty military members from high inter- and Combat Instructors (CI). Bailey and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent pre- est rates and foreclosures. Petraeus reminded sided at this ceremony. banks that the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides a wide range of pro- tections for individuals entering the service, called to active duty or deployed on military orders. The law postpones or suspends cer- They stole only the best tain civil obligations so that service members can devote their full attention to their mili- Silver Dollars from the 1920s are Order Risk-Free! tary duties and relieve stress on the family on America’s Most Wanted List. Best of all, you own your Gangster Silver Dollars members. FRA supported the establishment Own one today for 50% off! risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee. Don’t wait! Call toll-free to get yours today! of the military liaison position to provide pro- In the 1920s, real-life gangsters used these big Silver Dollar coins fresh from the U.S. Mint to finance every- tections for military personnel. thing from rum-running to speakeasies. When they Buy more and you save more! Petraeus’ statement was issued after an an- ran low, they just stepped into a bank and made an You get dates of our choice from the 1920s. Each Silver Dollar is guaranteed to be in Brilliant Uncirculated nouncement that J.P. Morgan Chase Bank unauthorized “withdrawal.” In the movies, a mobster flipping one of these big Silver Dollars meant: “Hold condition, with blazing orignal mint luster. may have overcharged more than 4,000 on to your seats. The Tommy guns are about to blast!” military family members and foreclosed on • One 1920s Gangster Silver Dollar for $39.95 + s/h 14 military homes. At press time Rep. Jeff The U.S. Mint stopped making these 90% Silver Dollars • Five for only $34.00 each + s/h Save $29.75 Miller (Fla.), chairman of the House Veterans’ 75 years ago. Today, Gangster Silver Dollars can be hard • Half Roll (10) for only $31.50 each + s/h Save $84.50 to find. So when we located a supply dating between Photo by Lance Cpl David Flynn, USMC • Gangster Roll (20) for only $29.50 each + s/h Save $209 Affairs Committee, announced that the com- 1922 and 1926 we snapped them up. Now you can General Ronald Bailey, commander of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, congratulates mittee will be holding a hearing to examine get your share. Toll-Free 24 hours a day outstanding Marines during an awards ceremony at Quantico, Va., as Sgt Major of USMC these allegations. 1-800-859-1565 Recruiting Command Michael Logan looks on. Own a historic gangster Silver Dollar for as Offer Code TGS107 little as $29.50 each (plus s&h). That’s 50% off Please mention this code when you call. what similar coins sell for elsewhere.
The FRA Legislative team is Joe Barnes, National Executive Director; John Davis, Director of Legislative Programs 14101 Southcross Drive W., Dept. TGS107 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 and Branch 181 President; Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Outreach Manager; Chris Slawinski, National Veterans Service Officer and Ed Dockery, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs. www.GovMint.com Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Actual size of coin is 38.1 mm Note: GovMint.com is a private distributor of worldwide government coin issues and is not affiliated with the United States government.
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Facts and figures were deemed accurate as of November 2010. ©GovMint.com, 2011 ® It stays forever in your heart
Unfortunately, it also stays forever in your lungs
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Value of FRA Membership Penny Collins People join organizations because Facebook page (www.fra.org/fb) and FRA’s Education Foundation (www. they believe they’ll derive some ben- Twitter account (www.twitter.com/ fra.org/foundation) distributes nu- efit or value from their affiliation with frahq) make it easy for shipmates to merous scholarships each year, total- the group. The benefits can take many stay up-to-date on news they can use. ing $118,000 in 2010. While all active, forms and the perceived value may The Association also strives to make Reserve and retired members of the vary from member to member. FRA these products more accessible to our Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard shipmates are no exception. Let’s ex- members. Those who don’t have access are eligible to apply for the scholar- plore the many ways members extract to e-mail can hear a recorded version of ships, FRA members, their spouses, value from their involvement with NewsBytes by dialing 1-800-FRA-1924, children and grandchildren qualify FRA. ext. 112, on Friday afternoons. Those for a broader range of scholarships, Legislative Advocacy: Recent re- with visual impairment can access FRA several of which are funded through search shows that more than 40 per- Today in a format that’s compatible member legacy donations. cent of current FRA shipmates joined with audio reading equipment. FRA members also qualify for Unfortunately, it also stays forever in your lungs the association to support its broad FRA also sponsors monthly tele- valuable discounts on services pro- legislative agenda. Whether you’re conferences that provide unique op- vided by our affinity partners. When Are you or a loved one a Navy, Merchant Marine or Coast Guard concerned about the rising cost of portunities for shipmates to connect shipmates use these companies, they health care, the growing backlog of with knowledgeable guests on topics not only receive reduced prices or en- veteran who suffers or has died from asbestos-related unresolved veterans’ disability claims, of interest. For instance, the March hanced service, FRA receives a royalty education benefits or military pay, FRA call is on the topic of Reserve em- as well. It’s a win-win situation — and Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer? is working to ensure the value of your ployment — call 1-800-391-1709 at a fantastic way for shipmates to help earned military and veterans’ benefits noon EST on the second Tuesday of FRA while helping themselves! Know your rights, and know what you’re entitled to from the is not eroded. The Association’s leg- the month to participate. Enter bridge Fellowship and Service: FRA asbestos companies. islative successes in recent years have number 444143 when prompted. We members have a unique opportunity to netted significant financial improve- also offer Communicate with Your network and collaborate with their fel- ments and savings for our members Elected Officials, a guide to effectively low shipmates for service projects and Few firms have the track record of Weitz & Luxenberg and are a direct result of shipmates’ sharing your views with Washington social activities. In addition to branch active involvement in the legislative lawmakers, and Your Personal Affairs, meetings, shipmates often partici- in securing over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements process. More than 50,000 messages a booklet that helps shipmates keep pate in patriotic holiday observances, for asbestos victims and their families. were sent by shipmates to their elected track of their important documents events that honor veterans, commu- officials in 2010 through FRA’s Action and account information. All are de- nity service projects and gatherings to Center (at www.fra.org), strengthen- signed to keep members informed welcome service members home from For a free consultation with the law firm ing FRA’s voice on Capitol Hill. This is and engaged. deployments. FRA promotes these to which other lawyers refer their asbestos cases, a great example of shipmates not only FRA considers our members opportunities to connect through the benefiting from the Association’s work sources of valuable information, too. “Reunions” listing in FRA Today and call the Weitz & Luxenberg client relations department at on their behalf; they also play a prima- Communication is a two-way process on our website, and through the on- 1-888-411-LAWS (5297) today. ry role in making their FRA member- and we’re always anxious to hear ship- line “Looking for …” community and ship more valuable. mates’ concerns and suggestions. In the associated section of the magazine. Source of Valuable Information: addition to seeking feedback through As you can see, shipmates derive FRA provides factual and timely infor- our online Communities, Facebook great benefit from their FRA member- mation to its members about legislative and Twitter, we also conduct regu- ship. It’s also important to note that initiatives and other events that affect lar surveys (www.fra.org/survey) to our members contribute significantly WEITZ LUXENBERG P.C. LAW OFFICES our members. Communications ve- gauge our members’ position on vari- to FRA’s value proposition. & ASBESTOS • DRUGS/MEDICAL DEVICES • ENVIRONMENTAL • NEGLIGENCE hicles like FRA Today; NewsBytes, our ous topics. free weekly e-mail update; OnWatch, Financial Value: In addition to 700 Broadway • New York, NY 10003 Prior results do not guarantee a similar our quarterly online publication that preserving and enhancing military Penny Collins is FRA’s Director of Membership BRANCH OFFICES IN NEW JERSEY, CALIFORNIA & COLORADO outcome. We may associate with local highlights active duty and Reserve and veterans’ benefits, FRA offers di- Development and a member of FRA Branch 24 in firms in states wherein we do not issues; our website (www.fra.org), rect financial value to its members. Annapolis, Md. She can be reached at [email protected]. 1.888.411.LAWS • www.weitzlux.com maintain an office. 18 y March 2011 FRA Tod a
ESGRSupporting Reservists and Their Employers When Reserve Component personnel are called up for annual training or deployments abroad, they often leave behind civilian jobs — jobs they hope to return to when their military service ends. Thanks to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), service members’ right to return to their employment is guaranteed, but it’s not always a smooth process. And that’s where Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) comes in. 19 FRA Tod a y March 2011
ESGRSupporting Reservists and Their Employers
By Cpl. Jad Slieman and Lauren Armstrong 20
Founded in 1972, ESGR is a Department of Defense the Reserve component for five of them. His experi-
y March 2011 organization that aims to strengthen the ties between ence and understanding of the Marine mentality and Guard and Reserve service members and their civilian language is what made him the man for this job. Like
FRA Tod a employers. In essence, ESGR makes sure forward- his fellow component liaisons with the Navy, Air Force, deployed service members aren’t worried about job Army and Coast Guard, Tobin speaks the language he security back home. learned in the service. “ESGR is an incredible program for our returning “I already know — we have 183 sites; 339,600 Reserve heroes,” says Army Reserve LtCol. Cynthia Norwood, Marines; the make-up of the MSC’s (major subordinate the director of ESGR ombudsmen for the Common commands). I’m their conduit. I truly am,” he said. wealth of Virginia. “ The last thing a service member After only three months in his office at Marine needs to worry about is being treated unfairly because Forces Reserve headquarters in New Orleans, Tobin of his or her military service.” has made strides to create a functional information “Without employer support, there’s no way Guard exchange program that not only spreads the word or Reserve members could serve with the peace of about Reserve Marines’ rights and obligations under mind that they can return to their jobs,” adds Air Force USERRA, but is also a sounding board from the field. Reserve Maj. Melissa Phillips, ESGR’s strategic commu- The value of ESGR is apparent across the services, nication chief, who commends employers, like FRA, that explains Coast Guard Cmdr. Kirby Sniffen, who is sign a statement of support for the Guard and Reserve. involved with the Coast Guard’s ESGR public affairs efforts. Like the Marine Corps and other services in the Department of Defense (DoD), “we’re working
Educating Employers to broaden our communications efforts throughout courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps. All photos provided and Employees
One of the primary purposes of ESGR, explains Phillips, is to educate employees and their employers about “Without employer support, there’s no USERRA provisions. ESGR’s 54 State Committees, way Guard or Reserve members which include Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and D.C., conduct employer and military outreach could serve with the peace of mind that programs to help both segments better understand the they can return to their jobs.” law and encourage employers and service members to contact their local ESGR office if they have questions. Guard and Reserve personnel can find more information or find a local ESGR representative at www.esgr.mil or by calling 1-800-336-4590. “There’s been a big push in the last few years to make sure that members of the Guard and Reserve know that ESGR exists,” said Phillips. “Over this past year, we sent out more than 800,000 brochures to service members.” “It’s become very prominent that we become engaged with ESGR,” said R. J. Tobin, the Marine Corps ESGR Reserve Component Liaison, “because it’s not only a Guard program. It’s a Reserve program, as well. We facilitate all, but my focus is Marine-specific.” Tobin was a Marine for 30 years and affiliated with 21 FRA Tod a The 2010 Secretary of Defense y March 2011 the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard only comprises Employer Support Freedom about one percent of the total Reserve Force and we’re Award Recipients fortunate to have a good relationship with DoD, as our folks sometimes deploy with DoD services.” “ESGR is a great resource for our members, but it’s not helpful if they don’t take advantage of it,” adds Sniffen. “We try to educate Coast Guard personnel about the USERRA law and the resources available to them and often request national ESGR staff to brief our units as they deploy. Port Security Units, for example, are primarily made up of Reservists, with a Reserve commanding officer and active duty support staff. We also work hard to ensure Individual Augmentees also get the information they need.” Part of the information ESGR is working to get out is the fact that communication is key between Guard and Reserve service members and their civilian employers. It’s a two-way street, says Phillips, because Intuit, Inc. nominator Tim Graczewski, Intuit, Inc. President and CEO both the Reservist and his or her employer play a Brad Smith and ESGR National Chairman James G. Rebholz at the 2010 part in making sure deployments and training don’t Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award ceremony. derail civilian work. A good employer, she said, knows Bill Bragg Plumbing, San Francisco, Calif.
City of Irvine Police Department, Irvine, Calif.
Dollar General Corp., Goodlettsville, Tenn.
East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C.
Food Lion, Salisbury, N.C.
Franklin’s Printing, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Hawaii State Government, Honolulu, Hawaii
Intuit, Mountain View, Calif.
Legacy Sports International, Reno, Nev.
Logistics Health Inc., La Crosse, Wis.
Merck, Whitehouse Station, N.J.
Michigan State Police, Lansing, Mich.
Newmont Mining Corp., Denver, Colo.
Southern Co., Atlanta, Ga.
Yerecic Label, New Kensington, Pa. 22
about USERRA and understands it well, while a good For example, when Navy Reserve Lt. Tim Graczewski
y March 2011 employee knows how to communicate with his or her told his boss at California-based Intuit of his upcoming boss about upcoming military duties. deployment, he knew they were behind him right from
FRA Tod a “We work to make sure that employers follow the law, the start. The company’s top executives stopped by his but we also remind members of the Guard and Reserve office to wish him well. His fellow employees arranged to be the best employees they can be,” echoes Norwood. for him to read stories to his seven-year-old son in the company’s professional sound studio and gave the Graczewski family a professionally produced CD of Recognizing Outstanding the readings as a going-away gift. The 7,700-employee Employers company paid him the difference between his Intuit salary and his Reserve pay, and also continued his Employer recognition is another important facet of the insurance benefits in his absence. ESGR effort. Sponsored by the National Committee Although there are varying levels of recognition, of ESGR, the program honors employers whose poli- all awards originate with a nomination by the Reserve cies and practices are supportive of their employees’ Component employee. Nominations can be submitted involvement with the Guard or Reserve. online at www.esgr.mil, or forms are available at local Many employers go above and beyond the require- ESGR Committee offices (visit http://esgr.org/site/ ments of USERRA, explains Sniffen. “Several of last Contact/StateLocalContacts.aspx for locations) or by year’s top winners provided full pay and benefits for calling ESGR Headquarters at 1-800-336-4590. their Guard or Reserve employee while he or she was “Of the 30 finalists for the 2010 Freedom Awards, we deployed. Others made up the difference between the were proud to have a Coast Guard employer among salary they were earning in their civilian job and their them,” says Sniffen. “ That’s a big deal to us. Having a Guard or Reserve pay, and some had programs that winner who employs a Coastie helps us to encourage kept full benefits in place [while they were deployed]. others to nominate their employer for the recogni- If I were looking for a great place to work, I’d take a tion they deserve. We encourage our members to look at the top ESGR award winners. But there are a lot understand it’s not about them; it’s about recognizing of non-winners who also do a lot of great things.” employers and encouraging other employers to do the Each year, ESGR presents “Patriot Awards” (a right thing for their Guard and Reserve employees.” certificate and lapel pin) to all employers who are nominated by a Reserve Component employee or spouse. These nominees are subsequently considered to receive higher level awards. For example, “Above and Beyond Awards” are presented at the state or territory level to employers who exceed the legal requirements for granting leave and supporting the military duty of their employees. The “Pro Patria Award” recognizes the top employer from large business, small business and the public sector in the state or territory. The “Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Awards,” DoD’s most prestigious recognition, are presented by the Secretary of Defense annually for outstanding support to National Guard and Reserve employees. The 2010 Freedom Award recipients ranged from small mom-and- pop companies to the State of Hawaii, and all provided exceptional support to their military employees. 23 FRA Tod a USERRA Overview y March 2011
he Uniformed Services Employ and are not discriminated against in the military, taking into account travel ment and Reemployment employment based on past, present, time and an eight-hour rest period. RightsT Act (USERRA) protects or future military service. Those who’ve served more than 30 civilian job rights and benefits for days and less than 181 days must veterans and members of the Reserve The law also protects employers. request reemployment within 14 days Components. The law, enacted on Employees are required to provide of release from service. Employees October 13, 1994 (PL 103-353), applies advance notice of their military service, have 90 days following their release to virtually all employers, regardless unless military necessity prevents it or from service to apply for reemploy of size, and provides reemployment it’s unreasonable to do so. And employ ment if their military duty lasted rights to individuals who have been ers aren’t expected to keep positions more than 180 days. absent from the job because of open indefinitely, either. Guard and voluntary or involuntary duty in the Reserve members may be absent for a In return, the employee can expect uniformed services (i.e. Army, Navy, cumulative period of five years, or up to go back to the position and status Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, to seven years if the employee is re he would have held had he remained and their respective Reserve compo covering from injuries received during continuously employed, with full nents, the Army National Guard, Air their military service or training. “After seniority. If the employee would have National Guard, Commissioned Corps five years, it’s implied that the service been promoted with reasonable of Public Health Service and any other member has changed jobs,” explains certainty had he not been absent, category designated by the President Coast Guard Commander Kirby Sniffen, he’s entitled to that promotion upon in time of war or emergency). “and USERRA no longer applies.” his reinstatement. It’s important to remember that this “escalator prin The general premise of the law is Additionally, USERRA rights don’t ciple” can work against an employee, to ensure service members are not apply when an employee is separated as it also applies to positions that disadvantaged in their civilian careers from military service with a dishon have been eliminated or experienced because of their military service; are orable or bad conduct discharge, salary reductions during the service promptly reemployed in their civilian or is separated under other-than- member’s absence. jobs upon their return from duty; honorable conditions. Individuals who are dropped from the military rolls USERRA also provides healthcare for being absent without authority coverage for service members, but the for more than three months or are rules vary depending on the length imprisoned by a civilian court are of their military duty. For military also ineligible to assert their USERRA service of less than 31 days, health rights, as are commissioned officers care coverage continues as if the dismissed from duty in situations service member remained employed. involving a court martial. Those serving for more than 30 days may elect to continue employer- Service members are required to sponsored healthcare coverage for up apply for reemployment or report to to 24 months; however, they may be work within a reasonable time follow required to pay up to 102 percent of ing his/her military duty. For shorter the full premium. USERRA also clarifies periods of service — less than 31 days that all pension plans are protected. — the service member is required to return to work at the beginning of the next work period after release from 24
When Conflicts Arise service, their former military status or because they
y March 2011 might be deployed in the future.” Nearly half of our nation’s military manpower strength “(USERRA) prohibits discrimination and harass-
FRA Tod a is made up of Guard and Reserve personnel, who act ment due to military duties,” clarifies Army Lt. Col. Ron as full partners in our military’s integrated Total Force. J. Schwickerath, ESGR deputy director, Ombudsman As a result, these men and women will spend more Services. “Military service cannot be a factor in discrim- time away from their civilian workplace more than any inating, hiring, or reemploying. It’s discrimination even other time in history, defending the nation, supporting if it is not the motivating factor or the primary factor; a demanding operations tempo and training to main- it only has to be a factor.” tain their mission readiness. It’s easy to understand Norwood is quick to point out that ombudsmen are why ESGR’s role is expanding. not advocates for the military member. “It’s our job to While most employers strive to follow the law get the facts. We work with all branches of service and and treat their Reserve Component employees we understand that the service member is in the wrong fairly, problems sometimes occur. According to a sometimes, too. We’re neutral; we’re on the side of the December 12, 2010, USA Today article (“Veterans Get USERRA law.” Boost in Designing New Careers,” by Gregg Zoroya), the Pentagon’s ESGR office reported a more than 80-percent increase in requests for information and A Productive Partnership a 30-percent increase in cases between 2009 and 2010. The article goes on to cite Department of Labor The frequency and duration of service for members statistics that reflect a steady, though smaller, increase of the Guard and Reserve have grown considerably in case loads since 2005. in recent years. As each military service works to If Guardsmen and Reservists have issues with their effectively manage its workforce, civilian employers employers, or vice versa, they have the option of con- are implementing human resources policies that meet, tacting more than 4,700 ESGR volunteers spread across and often exceed, legal requirements to support the the nation. ESGR relies on approximately 650 trained men and women who serve. ombudsmen to conduct free and neutral mediation During the presentation of the 2010 Freedom Awards, when conflicts arrive.T hese USERRA experts can then Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs advise the employer and employee of their respective Dennis McCarthy summed it up best, highlighting the responsibilities and suggest possible resolutions. key defense role played by the civilian employers of our “The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is respon- nation’s nearly 1.1 million citizen-servicemembers. sible for enforcing USERRA,” explains Norwood. “One thing that we need to constantly keep in mind “Ombudsmen work to resolve problems before they is that the great young men and women cannot do escalate and we try to ensure DOL doesn’t have to what they do in service of the National Guard and get involved. Fortunately, about 80 to 90 percent of Reserve without the support of their employers.” conflicts are resolved with mediation and don’t require legal action.” “About 99 times out of 100, employers violate USERRA out of ignorance,” continues Norwood, Lauren Armstrong is the Contributing Editor “but the law is very clear. It’s illegal for employers to and an LA FRA Member at Large. She can be reached at [email protected]. discriminate against someone because of their military
For more information or to find Corporal Jad Sleiman is an active duty combat a local ESGR representative, visit correspondent at the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs www.esgr.mil or call 1-800-336-4590. Office in New Orleans, La. +&&#+!!"+#*$)+))+%+&%++)) " ) )) *()+
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26 y March 2011 FRA Tod a
Engagement between USS Monitor and CSS Virginia, March 9, 1862. Contemporary print by C. Parsons, New York, after a drawing by J. Davies.
Battle of the Ironclads
2011 marks the 150th anniversary of our nation’s Civil War. The Battle at Hampton Roads was the most notable naval battle of the war, pitting the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack and often mis-identified in accounts of the battle) against one another in a new age of naval warfare. The two-day battle demonstrated the strength and warfighting capability of ironclad warships and, although the foray would end in a stalemate, it set the stage for a revolution in naval warfare and changes in ship design and construction that would endure for the remainder of the 19th century. South Carolina was the first of several states to secede from the Union in January of 1861. Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana soon followed suit. By July, Union and Confederate forces joined battle at Manassas, Va., and the war was on. In an effort to pre- vent the passage of supplies and arms to the Confederate states along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the Union Navy established a blockade in the early days of the war. Union forces had scuttled the Merrimack when they were forced to abandon the Norfolk Navy Yard at Portsmouth, Va. The Confederates later raised her, converted the steam frigate into an ironclad and re- named her Virginia. She proved her worth on March 8, 1862, when she sailed from Hampton Roads, Va., to mount an attack on the Union blockade ships. She rammed and sank the USS Cumberland, and forced the USS Congress to run aground before destroying her and killing more than 240 Union personnel. The remaining ships in the Union fleet scat- tered, with the exception of the USS Minnesota, which had run aground. TheVirginia was poised to attack the helpless ship, but the tide and dark- ness were falling, so she withdrew to repair her minor damages and tend her few wounded crewmembers. History & Heritage
27 FRA Tod a y March 2011
Painting by Raymond Bayless, depicting the battle Colored lithograph by LeBreton depicts the battle between CSS between CSS Virginia (foreground) and USS Monitor Virginia (called “Merrimac” on the print) and USS Monitor. (at right). USS Minnesota is also shown, in the left middle distance.
Virginia was ready to rejoin the attack on Minnesota on the morn- ing of March 9, but the situation had changed literally overnight. The Union’s own ironclad Monitor had positioned herself to defend the im- mobile Minnesota. The two warships’ heavy cannons hammered away at one another for three hours, but neither ship was able to inflict vital damage on the other. By noon, both ships had retreated, ending the con- flict in a stalemate. The Virginia’s strength over wooden warships was evident from the first day of the Battle at Hampton Roads, and the defensive capability of ironclads was vividly demonstrated as the evenly-matched Monitor and Virginia fought on the second day. While this first battle between ironclads had no victor, the outcome became “a symbol for the triumph of industrial age warfare,” according to the Naval History and Heritage Command.
All Images courtesy of Naval History & Heritage Command. CSS Virginia (1862–1862). Wash drawing by Clary Ray, 1898. USS Monitor (1862–1862). Engraving published in Harper’s Weekly, March 22, 1862. News from the branches
28
BRANCH 299 Wilmington, N.C.
y March 2011 In partnership with local chapters of the Vietnam Veterans Association and VFW, the branch hosted a
FRA Tod a luncheon for the crew of the newly-commissioned USS Gravely (DDG-107). This outreach event provided a great opportunity to highlight FRA’s legislative and community service efforts.
BRANCH 72 Fall River, Mass. Shipmates (l to r) RPNE Philip Justin, Secretary/Treasurer Allen Given, President Roger Gagnon and Chaplain Edward Bailey participated in a Two Bell Ceremony to reverently honor the memory of their departed shipmates.
BRANCH 249 Fresno, Calif. Shipmate Fred Von Rueden (right) celebrated his 93rd birthday and his 50 years of continuous FRA membership at a recent branch meeting. He’s shown here being congratulated by Branch President Milton Gilbert. BRANCH 22 Pensacola, Fla. President Bob Hall (c) congratulates Shipmate Joseph L. Walsh (l) for his 50 years of continuous FRA membership and Shipmate James A. Hunnicutt (r) for his 30 continuous years of involve- ment with the FRA.
BRANCH 126 Jacksonville, Fla. Shipmate C. B. Stilwell (left) joined the FRA on December 1, 1950 in Key West, Fla. A retired Navy salvage diver, Stilwell is an active member of the branch and was honored for his 60 years of continu- ous membership during a recent branch meeting. News from the branches
29 FRA Tod a BRANCH 245 Bellingham, Wash. Shipmates (l to r) Gene Schmidtz, Vern y March 2011 Puckett, PRPNW Marion Dent, PRPNW Don Bordwell, Secretary Barney Barrick, PRPNW Tom Flanik and President Bob Baisden pose at the branch’s annual picnic.
BRANCH 281 Redding, Calif. Then-National President Gary Blackburn pre- BRANCH 24 Annapolis, Md. sented the Lofgren Bell to Branch Vice-President President Don Hoover (left) presents Mike Braden at the National convention in a 40-Year Continuous Membership Spartanburg, S.C., in recognition of the branch’s certificate and pin to Shipmate Robert L. 21.88 percent membership growth. McKitrick, who joined FRA in 1970.
BRANCH 268 Oklahoma City, Okla. Branch President Jesse Whitney (right) congratulates Shipmate Donavan Schaefer BRANCH 94 Corpus Christi, Texas on his 50 years of continuous FRA member- Branch and Unit members participated in a ship. Schaefer is a charter member of number of outreach activities at Naval Air Branch 268. Station Corpus Christi during the month of October 2010. In addition to Transition To submit a photo for News From the Branches, please e-mail a photo as an Assistance Programs (TAP) briefings, information attachment in jpeg format to [email protected] or mail a high-quality photograph tables were set up at a gathering of the Texas to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief Veterans Land Board. Branch Vice-President description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser Robert Middleton (r) is shown sharing a copy of prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted. FRA Today with a prospective member. TAPS In Memoriam 30 NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH
Aaron, Wilbur, F, AEC, USN 091 Farmer, Robert, G, ATCS, USN 022 Ackles, Clarence, P, ENCS, USN 011 Finkhaus, Lawayne, J, ADRC, USN 094 Acuff, William, M, TM1, USN 194 Fitzpatrick, Joseph, E, AMCS, USN MAL
y March 2011 Ambersley, Charles, E, ADJC, USN 126 Fletcher, William, RM1, USN 023 Anderson, Horace, S, HMCM, USN MAL Forehand, Fred, W, EMC, USN 091 Anderson, William, R, MMC, USN 221 Foster, Jesse, C, MSGT, USMC MAL
FRA Tod a Anderson, Clyde, D, ADJC, USN MAL Furst, William, J, SKC, USN 043 Anderson, Waldo, P, CWO4, USCG 276 Gamble, Gordon, C, CWO2, USN MAL Armbruster, Charles, J, AOCM, USN 249 Ganley, Robert, W, TMCS, USN 022 Atkinson, Robbie, C, CWO4, USN MAL Garner, Richard, E, CDR, USNR MAL Ballard, Larry, T., MM3, USN 201 Garrett, Marshall, R, PO1, USN 101 Barrett, Basil, N, HT1, USN 094 Griffin, John, M, ADRC, USN 101 Bartlett, Floyd, W., YNCS, USN MAL NAME BRANCH Hampton, James, AKC, USN 091 Bauer, James, V, TM1, USN 003 Harper, Francis, M, LCDR, USN MAL Pease, Billy, B, BMC, USN MAL Bauzon, Julian, PO3, USN 247 Hedge, Raymond, EMC(SS), USN MAL Pendergrass, Ralph, R, PR1, USN 136 Bazer, Arnold, PO1, USN 005 Hesson, Albert, EM1, USN MAL Perkins, James, H, QMCS, USN 060 Beintema, Milo, B, AVCM, USN MAL Hicks, Earl, GMMC, USN 047 Piette, Joseph, MMC, USN MAL Bliss, Kenneth, D, ETC, USN 358 Hogan, William, H, CAPT, USN 181 Powless, Donald, L, SKC, USN MAL Boess, William, J, GMCS, USN 175 Hunter, Robert, E, FTCS, USN MAL Purifoy, Leonard, L, BTC, USN 091 Bomar, Marshall, W, ADRC, USN 022 Hunter, Ted, PO1, USN 006 Boughton, Clarence, E, MMCM, USN 268 Rain, Andrew, J, SGT, USMC 260 Bowles, Thomas, M, WO1, USN 011 Jacobs, Loren, W, ADCS, USN 335 Reeves, Calvin, C, RMC, USN 168 Bradshaw, James, E, MSC, USN 011 Jakaboski, Theodore, P, CAPT, USN MAL Roark, Richard, E, AOC, USN MAL Bragg, Randy, C, CWO3, USN 367 Jewell, Harvey, E, LCDR, USN 060 Ross, Jerry, R, ACC, USN 091 Brennan, Robert, P, HTC, USN MAL Job, Walter, A, MMCS, USN 269 Ruckle, Philip, S, CS1, USN 293 Bryant, Elwood, AWCS, USN 289 Johnson, Earl, F, UTCS, USN 091 Runge, Herbert, L, TM1(SS), USN MAL Bundy, Nathan, S, ET1, USN 290 Jones, George, T, ENC, USN 061 Ryans, Hermas, CTO1, USN 136 Burns, Almous, E, YN1, USN MAL Kaczanowski, Joseph, J, CS3, USN 219 Salera, Narciso, M, SHC, USN 043 Burns, Billy, C, CTRCM, USN MAL Keesey, Donald, W, IC1, USN 132 Sawyer, William, F, CUCM, USN MAL Carpenter, Kenneth, C, ICC, USN 094 Keltch, Lewis, ADCS, USN MAL Seeloff, Elwin, B, ENC, USN 060 Castro, Hector, M, TM1, USN 186 Kemp, Robert, J., SCPO, USN 163 Semple, William, AECS, USN 124 Chappell, Donald, L, PO1, USN 099 Kent, Burdett, HMC, USN MAL Sheppard, James, W, MMCM, USN 184 Clark, Richard, PNC, USN 379 Kilian, Leonard, M, ENC, USNR 005 Shurick, George, A, CWO4/SC, USN 091 Clark, Charles, M, RMC, USN MAL Koski, Carlos, I, LCDR, USN 091 Smith, Howard, L, EMC, USN MAL Clements, Charles, FTGC, USN MAL Krehel, Joseph, R, GYSGT, USMC 208 Smith, Vincent, E, ENC, USN 020 Clifton, James, D, GMTCS, USN 044 Kresty, Edward, J, CAPT, USMC 208 Smith, James, Coy, AO1, USN 278 Coates, Joseph, W, BMC, USN 219 Sooter, Jack, L, CE1, USN MAL Lake, Eugene, R, CWO, USN 004 Coon, Edward, G, POC, USN 101 Stapleton, Denny, P, AGCS, USN 241 Lanham, William, T, USN 009 Craft, Edward, E, DCCS, USN MAL Stewart, James, D, ADJ1, USN 371 Lavin, Thomas, M, AO1, USN 013 Crean, Frederick, P, HM2, USN 146 Stewart, John, R, MGYSGT, USMC 126 Layne, Aaron, B, BMC, USN MAL Crockett, William, B, BMC, USN 136 Stratton, Bobby, G, AMEC, USN MAL Lee, Ernestine, CTC, USN 299 Croxton, Jesse, QMC, USN MAL Stutz, William, J, CPO, USN 022 Lemieux, Adrien, SF1, USN 146 Culp, Ronald, G, AL1, USN 024 Liller, Edward, R, HT1, USN 219 Taylor, J, V, BTCS, USN MAL Curry, Patrick, R, PO1, USN 091 Lohr, Clair, W, ADRC, USN 091 Tornabene, James, R, MACM, USN 091 Dahlstrom, Kenneth, P, ADJ1, USN MAL Trujillo, Macario, R, CTIC, USN MAL MacRae, George, CPL, USMC 099 Davis, Edward, L, LCDR, USN MAL Tulao, Felicito, S, RM1, USN 175 Maguire, Francis, E, ENCS, USN 020 Deaton, Harold, E., YNC, USN 070 Turner, Roger, C, SFC, USN MAL Maimone, Anthony, P, STC, USN 047 Deleon, Apolinar, PO1, USN 175 Mattson, Ronald, USN 055 Verzinskie, Allan, G, HM1, USN 099 Denney, Jesse, AMS3, USN 093 McCreery, James, C, DT1, USN MAL Dennis, Richard, E, AGCS, USN 210 Wieder, Kenneth, R, PNCS, USN 146 Melim, George, A, CS1, USN 117 Dickey, Howard, BM1, USN 001 Williams, William, R, QMC, USN 217 Midgette, John, G, HM1, USN 347 Dietz, Richard, J, BUC, USN 311 Williams, Alvin, F, RMCS(SS), USN MAL Miller, Orlan, S, AZC, USN 126 Doyle, Thomas, R, CWO4, USN 093 Williams, Lowell, CWO4, USN MAL Moersch, Floyd, E, MMCS, USN 253 Drury, David, J, SCPO, USN 248 Winfree, George, W, ETCS, USN 347 Monaghan, Peter, J, MLC, USN MAL Durst, John, C, RMC, USN 098 Wright, James, E, LT, USN 136 Moore, Gordon, L, HMC, USN MAL Ebbert, Meredith, E, ETC/RT, USN 047 Motsch, Albert, B, ADC, USN 028 Young, David, G, RPC, USN 290 English, Joseph, E, BTC, USN MAL Yuetten, Henry, W, HM1, USN 267 Novak, Eleanore, T, PNC, USN 136 Ervin, Donald, E, QMC, USN 061 Espinosa, Joseph, J, BM2, USN 049 Ogle, Francis, V, ADRC, USN 060 Evans, William, E, CS1, USN 282 Ott, Ronald, USN MAL Owens, Marvin, W, FTG1, USN 136 Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. 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32 NAS Sanford and all squadrons USS Cony (DD/DDE-508) 1942–1968 June 8 –12, 2011, Norfolk, Va. Contact June 23 –26, 2011, Sanford, Fla. Ken Cox, 863-307-3187, Contact Jerry Bohm, 450 River Dr, [email protected]. Debary, FL 32713-9711, 386-668- USS Coontz y March 2011 4851, [email protected]. August 17–19, 2011, Bremerton, Patrol Squadron Eight (VP8) Wash. Contact Red Bennett, 3177 E.
FRA Tod a October 20 –25, 2011, Jacksonville, Fla. Telegraph Rd., Fillmore, CA 93015, Contact Don Rickel, 33 Bridge Street, 805-320-3318, [email protected]. Topsham, ME 04086, 207-725-8494. USS Currier (DE-700) USS Abraham Lincoln SSB(N) 602 September 20–22, 2011, Birch Run, August 18 –21, 2011, Groton, Conn. Mich. Contact Randa Colby, 9295 Contact W.T. “Doc” McCance, 16 Dodge, Otisville, MI 48463, (989) 274- Chapman Lane, Gales Ferry, CT 06335, 6755, [email protected]. 860-464-6758, [email protected]. USS Dayton (CL-105) Reunion USS King (DLG-10/DDG-41) All USS Agerholm (DD-826) Association Hands October 20 –23, 2011, San Antonio, October 5 –9, 2011, San Antonio, Texas. June 23–26, 2011, San Antonio, Texas. Texas. Contact Arthur Hroncich, 23 Contact Bob MacDonald, 69 Ferndale Contact Randy Gillette, 757-588-3009, Greenlea Dr., Clifton, NY 12065, 518- Lane, Palm Coast, FL 32137-9193, [email protected]. 373-8363, [email protected]. 386-246-3224, [email protected]. USS LSM/LSMR Wisconsin-Midwest USS Annapolis (AGMR-1) USS English (DD-696) May 23 –24, 2011, Wisconsin Dells, October 12–16, 2011, Norfolk, Va. September 22–25, 2011, Savannah, Wis. Contact Allen Westerberg, 12575 Contact Lee A. Hallman, 201 15th St. Ga. Contact Charles H. Corbett, 412- Pleasant Ave So, Apt 315, Burnsville, E., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, 205-345- 831-5327, [email protected]. MN 55337, 952-894-1116, 7766, [email protected]. [email protected]. USS Goldsborough (DDG-20) USS Archerfish (SSN 678) September 11–16, 2011. Cincinnati, USS Mansfield (DD-728) October 6 – 8, 2011, Groton, Conn. Ohio. Contact Pat Taylor 120 East Main August 3 – 6, 2011, Charlottesville, Va. Contact David H. Padgett, Jr., 265 St., Eaton, OH 45320, 1-800-433-6061/ Contact Randy Smith, 434-978-2189, Indigo St., Mystic, CT 06355, 860-536- 937-533-0897, [email protected] [email protected]. 6797, [email protected]. visit www.ussgoldsborough.com for USS Meredith (DD-434/726/890) details. USS Bausell (DD-845)/U.S. Navy October 11–16, 2011, Jacksonville, Fla. June 14 –18, 2011, Charleston, S.C. USS Hanson (DD/DDR-832) Contact Les Zavadil, 224 Foxhall Dr., Contact Eugene D’Arezzo, PO Box October 13 –16, 2011, Mobile, Ala. Rocky Mount, NC 27804, 252-446- 1765, Lake Havasu, AZ 86405, 928- Contact Roy Ridderbusch, 3910 Maple 7816, [email protected]. 854-2205, [email protected]. Rd., Lynnwood, WA 98037, 425-742- USS Midway (CV-41) (G Division) 6591, [email protected]. USS Begor (APD-127) April 28–30, 2011, San Diego, Calif. October 2–9, 2011, Long Beach, Calif. USS Hornet (CV-8/CV-12/CVA-12/CVS- Contact Jim Edmunson, 602-971-5414. Contact Rich Pardy, 315 W. Evans 12) / U.S. Navy-Marines USS New Jersey (BB-62)/USS New Creek Rd., Unit 50, Rogue River, OR September 14–18, 2011, Washington, Jersey Veterans Organization 97537, 541-582-1761, [email protected]. D.C. Contact Carl & Sandy Burket, PO September 7–11, 2011, Hilton Head Box 108, Roaring Spring, PA 16673, USS Bexar (APA/LPA 237) Island, S.C. Contact Ernest J. Dalton, 814-224-5063, [email protected]. September 22–25, 2011, Boston, 7143 Rolling Hills Lane, San Antonio, Mass. Contact Steve Malloy, 1542 10th USS Iowa (BB-61) TX 78227, 210-275-7886, St., Bremerton, WA, 360-373-1093, July 18–22, 2011, Charleston, S.C. [email protected]. [email protected]. Contact Paul Ogg, 2916 NW Bucklin USS Roanoke (CL 145) Hill Rd., #169, Silverdale, WA 98383, USS Canopus Association April 28–May 1, 2011, Savannah, Ga. 360-692-6032. September 8 –11, 2011, Buffalo, Contact Roger Thomas, 1048 Sabattus N.Y. Contact Richard Retin, 2245 USS John F. Kennedy (CVA/CV-67) St. #13, Lewiston, ME 04240, 207-783- Wintercreek Way SE, Salem, OR 97306, September 8 –11, 2011, Norfolk, Va. 0703, [email protected]. 503-689-1712, [email protected]. Contact Bob Haner, 312 S. Wymore Rd, USS Sargo (SSN-583) & (SS-188) Apt.103, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, USS Cascade (AD-16) September 7–11, 2011, Providence, 407-682-2613, [email protected]. September 25 – 30, 2011, Branson, Mo. R.I. Contact Mike Hacking, 637 Little Contact Larry Countryman, 417-581- Rock Drive, Santaquin, UT 84655, 801- 2926, [email protected]. 754-1183, [email protected]. continued on page 34 ! /%%#/++ /#!- $./../'/,'//.. ,+.)&..)-*./
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34 YN1 Jon Blue, YNCM Donald Lassiter Shipmates of MCPO George T. EPDOPAC San Diego, Calif. Contact McGlynn Roy V. Williams, 233 Bayo-Boy Ln., Served aboard USS Kitty Hawk, Roseboro, NC 28383-7116, 91990- 1967–1968, as a fire controlman. If you 9236. served with him, please contact Nancy
y March 2011 Parker McGlynn at 405-533-2679. Company Commander E. A. Elter or anyone from Company 94 Crewmembers of USS Ponce
FRA Tod a Great Lakes 1957. Contact Roy V. (LPD-15), all eras Williams, 233 Bayo-Boy Ln., Roseboro, You have many shipmates waiting NC 28383-7116, 91990-9236. to hear from you! We would like to include all those who participated in J. T. “Tony” Gray creating our legacy in the ship’s 2012 Trying to locate anyone who knew Decommissioning Ceremony. Please Tony, who was from Alabama, and his help us reach out to our past! Please wife Kathleen, who was from England. send contact information to CMC at Served 1955 to 1975. Stationed: [email protected]. Badoeng Strait; El Centro, Calif.; HS7 Norfolk; Brunswick, Ga., VAZZ Lemore, MRCS Jackson Calif., and Yuma, Ariz. Please contact Served at Pearl Harbor sub base, Kathleen Gray, PO Box 3531, Camp 1972–1975. If you know how to reach Verde, AZ 86322. him, please contact Charles Fryer, 525 Scarborough Dr., Chesapeake, VA Shipmates from Company 208, San 23322, 757- 482- 0082. Diego NTC March 1962 to June 1962. Contact Navy Buddies stationed in Brunswick, Joseph L. Dixon (Pete), 20415 Gum Maine, 1958 -1960 Rd, Joplin, MO 64801, 417-673-4088, I flew in Patrol Squadron 7, on LB2 and [email protected]. LB12. Contact James “Ben” Benjamin at [email protected]. Advisers from RAID70/RID43 Also, looking for Advisers from RPD62 Members of Boot Camp Company 257 These notices are published on a space available who were at Ca Mau or Song Ong Doc, Newport, R.I., May to August 1951. basis. Notices must be submitted in writing. 1970–1971. Please contact Bob Lucas Contact Robert Hill at E-mail [email protected] or mail your request to: FRA, at [email protected]. [email protected] Looking for…, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA, 22314.
REUNIONS continued from page 32
USS Simon Lake (AS-33) USS Walke (DD-723) & (DD-416) VR-21 Pineapple Airlines September 18 –22, 2011, Branson, Mo. October 16 –21, 2011, Branson, Mo. July 10 –July 13, 2011, Albuquerque, Contact Wayne Suckow, 505-831-3849, Contact Alan Fear, 240 St. Hwy. 215, N.M. Contact Hugh Ellenberger, 9805 [email protected]. Buffalo, MO 65622, 417-234-3580, Tapatio Drive, N.W., Albuquerque, [email protected]. NM 87114-3609, 505-792-1048, USS Solace (AH-5) – WWII [email protected]. October 6–8, 2011, Vancouver, Wash. USS Walton (DE 361) Contact Ralph Laedtke, 1352 - 43rd October 5–9, 2011, Harrisburg, Pa. Court, Washougal, WA 98671, 847- Contact Jerry Hudson, 4750 CO. RD. 287-6619. 480, Tebbetts, MO 65080, 573-291- 1922, [email protected]. USS Sphinx (ARL-24) All Crews September 12–15, 2011, Branson, Mo. USS Whitehurst (DE-634) Contact Frank Ironi, 954 Lilac Dr., Sauk June 22–24, 2011, Knoxville, Centre, MN 56378, 320-352-3271, Tenn. Contact Gordon Leslie at [email protected]. 803-276-2232. USS Thomas C. Hart (FF/DE 1092) VP-68/NARDET/NARCEN July 28 –31, 2011, Norfolk, Va. Contact April 30, 2011, Patuxent River, Md. Steve Garcia, 11030 Drayton Road, Contact George “Doc” Durity, 108 Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, Chester, VA 23831, 804-748-2951, Reeves Street, Walterboro, SC 29488, submit to [email protected] or mail to: FRA Reunions, [email protected]. 843-538-1122, [email protected]. 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
FRA Auxiliary news
36 Message from the West Coast Regional President
Thank you for electing me to be West Coast Regional President of the LA FRA. My parents Fred (Blackie) Mann, PRPSW and Alice Mann, PRPSW, would be happy to know I have made this decision. Some of you may remember that FRA y March 2011 and LA FRA were a big part of my parents’ life. Although they are now serving with the Supreme Commander, I hope I can make them and you the members FRA Tod a happy you elected me West Coast Regional President and will do my best to fulfill this position. All the Units are working very hard with the different food drives, Toys for Kathy Goheen Tots, saving old glasses, box top and soup labels. Some have been helping special Regional President, West Coast needs children in their schools and some have given baby layettes to needy fami- lies. Many of you have volunteered at the Veterans Hospitals all year long. Units are sending boxes of goodies to the service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. We appreciate and say thank you for all the hard work. As most of you know our membership in the organization is shrinking, so membership is a big concern to all of us; let us try to do what we can to recruit and retain members. In order to retain inactive members we can call them to see how they are doing and ask if there is anything we can do, let them know we care and are thinking of them. Invite them back to a meeting, ask if they are in need of a ride, and if so offer to give them one. Let’s all do this together — we are an amazing organization — so let’s keep it going and growing. We would like to extend an invitation to all Auxiliary and FRA Members to attend the LA FRA Pilgrimage, which is being held Saturday, April 16, 2011 in conjunction with the FRA’s National Board Meeting. The Westin Hotel, 7801 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 22043 will be the Pilgrimage Headquarters. You may make reservations by calling 1-800-937-8461 or 703-893-1340. Be sure to mention you are with LA FRA/FRA to receive the rate of $99 plus 9% tax. The deadline for reservations at this rate is March 10, 2011. The National President’s Tea is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon on Saturday at the hotel. At 2:00 p.m. bus service will be available from the hotel to Arlington National Cemetery. At 3:15 p.m. the wreath will be placed by National President, Helen Courneya, at The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington the Mast of the USS Maine. This will be followed by a procession and 4:15 p.m. National Cemetery wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The bus will then return In Arlington, Va., is also known as the Tomb to the hotel. We hope to see you there. of the Unknown Soldier, and has never been officially named. NP Helen Courneya will place a wreath here at 4:15 p.m. Picture Fran Hoadley is the editor of Auxiliary of FRA News and the provided by Fran Hoadley taken at 2003 FRA Today Liaison. Pilgrimage.
FRA’s 2010 Scholarship The Donald Bruce Pringle Family Scholarship in the amount of $5,000 was awarded to John D. Abernathy of Columbus, Ga. In the picture above are proud grandparents with John. Wreath will be placed at The Mast of Left to Right: Bonnie The USS Maine Wirfs, LA FRA PRPSE, John April 16th, 2011 at 3:15 p.m. by National Abernathy and Lewis Wirfs of Arlington National Cemetery President Helen Courneya. The above Branch and Unit 89 Atlanta, Taps are about to be played. picture is of a previous Pilgrimage at The GA. Picture submitted by Picture provided by Fran Mast of The USS Maine. Picture provided by Bonnie Wirfs. Hoadley taken in 2003. Fran Hoadley taken in 2003. C4-Davidlaw ad n5297.qxd-AP 12/8/04 7:57 AM Page 1
Asbestos Cancer Hits Former Sailors
Many sailors who served their country proudly aboard ships in the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War eras, are now being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers.
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