Silicon Valley Chapter Military Ofcers Association of America

Volume X Issue 4 April 2018 APRIL LUNCHEONThe SPEAKER Bulletin t was a pleasant early spring Sunday Imorning and time for the customary after-church visit to aging parents, a nice Luncheon home-cooked lunch, and an afternoon of 19 April 2018 playing cards, something the folks really liked to do. But the reception was different this time. Both were seated in their comfortable Barcalounger chairs, quiet and serious; they said they had something important to tell us. Dad announced, “We can’t take care of ourselves any longer.” Ms Wanda Hale, MPH, And so it was that the family entered a new Program Manager, Long Term era--the challenges, hard work, and expense of long-term care. Ombudsman Program

When I am old The chapter’s April luncheon speaker will be Ms Wanda Hale, MPH, Program Social Hour: 11:00 AM Manager, Long Term Ombudsman Luncheon: 11:45 AM Program, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, who will make a fact-filled Luncheon is $26.00 presentation on the principles and practices See Back Page for Reservations of long-term care. The work of a Long Form and Directions Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) is to vigorously promote a system of long-term care services responsive to the needs and CALENDAR OF EVENTS choices of consumers through systemic change, complaint resolution, and provision 5 Apr Board Meeting 10:30 AM of information about alternatives in long- 19 Apr Luncheon 11:00 AM term care. 3 May Board Meeting 10:30 AM Cont'd pg 3 17 May Luncheon 11:00 AM PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Hi All, I want to thank everyone for holding the fort together in March while I went back East to visit family and friends in Georgia. The 1st V.P., LDCR J.C. Burns, stood in for me at the Board of Directors meeting and at the luncheon. Thank you, J.C. My hometown, Americus, Georgia, is sixty miles from Fort Benning. It’s been the Infantry School since 1909 and the Jump School just before the start of World War II. Fort Benning is now OFFICERS, BOARD, AND CHAIRS called the Maneuver Center of Excellence as a result of the 2005 Base PRESIDENT:Cpt Charles McDougald USA 415-722-1009 Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission’s decision to 1st VP: LDCR J.C. Burns USN consolidate a number of installations. 650-637-7742 2nd VP: CDR Clyde Bingham USN I’ve visited the base on several occasions. Before this visit, the 408-360-8816 Secretary: COL Warren Enos AUS last time was in 1981, to watch my nephew graduate from Ranger 408-245-2217 Treasurer: CAPT Keith Ott USN School. He made a combat jump into Grenada in 1983. Now, this 530-219-2404 Past President: CAPT Gil Borgardt USN time was to visit the Infantry Museum to confirm something. One of 650-342-1270 my best friends in Special Forces – I was best man at his wedding – DIRECTORS & COMMITTEE CHAIRS CALMOAA was awarded a Silver Star in Vietnam. A week later he was in CAPT Gil Borgardt USN 650-342-1270 Chaplain another action that awarded him another Silver Star. This earned Col Don Bradley USAF 650-592-0915 him a spot in the Infantry Hall of Fame. I won’t mention his name. Chapter Outreach CWO5 Robert Landgraf USMC 408-323-8838 He is a very private individual, cantankerous as can be, and hates Commissary/Exchange Advisory CDR Ralph Hunt USN 650-967-8467 publicity. I wanted to tell him I visited the Museum and saw his Friends-in-Need (FIN) Program CDR Al Mouns USN 408-257-5629 name. Navy League Liaison LCDR Tom Winant USN 650-678-7120 None of us are getting any younger. Memories of our military Membership/Recruitment CDR Clyde Bingham USMC 408-360-8816 exploits are getting dimmer by the day. Recollections change. And Personal Affairs CAPT Robert French USN 650-549-8896 that is okay. The main thing is, when our country called, we Programs answered. We served then and are serving now through the MOAA CDR Ralph Hunt USN 650-967-8467 ROTC and other Veterans Service Organizations. I salute all of you. CWO4 Patrick Clark USA 831-402-8548 Surviving Spouse Liason LtCol Charlene Lee USA 510-427-7145 Scholarship NEVER STOP SERVING LtCol Charles Curran USAF 415-706-2353 CHUCK Capt Gio Picazo USAF 669-258-5057 CAPT Paul Barrish USN 408-356-7531 Travel (Space-A Advisory) We plan to order name badges in April we will have order vacant Veteran Affairs blanks available at our luncheon. If you cannot attend please LtCol Neil Miles USAF 408-929-1142 Web Master contact our treasurer Keith Ott 530-219-2404 LtCol Mike Sampognaro USAF 408-779-7389 Sergeant at Arms Capt Chris Kachulis USAF 408-395-2853 Strategic Planning Capt David Down ARNG 408-202-9360 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Legislation LtCol Neil Miles USAF 408-929-1142 Lt Col Earl Goetze - USAF The Chapter Board meets at the Moffett Air Traffic CPT Robert Semple - USA Control Tower, Moffett Federal Airfield

DIRECTORS EMERITUS LtCol. Jesse Craddock USAF 650-968-0446 In Memorium CAPT Lloyd McBeth USN 408-241-3514 Beatrice M. Aikman RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE (RAO) Bldg 587 on Wescoat Court, 650-603-8047 January 11, 1913 - February 23, 2018 See page 11 Bulletin Editor LtCol. Mike Sampognaro, USAF [email protected] 408-779-7389 Sunday April 15th, Burdick Military History Symposium, Culture and World War One, 1:00 to 4:00; James Reese Europe Concert 5:00.

- 2 - APRIL LUNCHEON cont'd entering an age when they may need care. Long-term care (LTC) is a variety of services Meanwhile, birth rates are generally falling. which help meet both the medical and non-medical Globally, 70 percent of all older people now live in needs of people with a chronic illness or disability low or middle-income countries. Countries and who cannot care for themselves for long periods. health care systems need to find innovative and Long-term care is focused on individualized and sustainable ways to cope with the demographic coordinated services that promote independence, shift. As reported by John Beard, director of the maximize patients’ quality of life, and meet patients’ World Health Organization's Department of Aging needs over a period of time. and Life Course, "With the rapid aging of It is common for long-term care to provide populations, finding the right model for long-term custodial and non-skilled care, such as assisting with care becomes more and more urgent." normal daily tasks like dressing, feeding, using the bathroom. Increasingly, long-term care involves providing a level of medical care that requires the expertise of skilled practitioners to address the multiple chronic conditions associated with older populations. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living facilities or in nursing homes. Long-term care may be needed by people of any age, although it is a more common Wanda Hale will provide an overview… need for senior citizens. ______SOURCE: Catholic Charities/Santa Clara County

There is so much to know and to do… Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County serves and advocates for families and individuals in need, especially those living in poverty. Rooted in gospel values, the staff works to create a more just and compassionate community in which people of all cultures and beliefs can participate. Long-term care ombudsmen are advocates for people living in nursing and residential care homes. They speak up for frail, elderly, chronically ill, isolated, disabled, or otherwise at-risk long-term care residents. The program promotes the rights and well-being of residents in long-term care facilities in Santa Clara County and provides residents with a means by which their concerns can be heard and resolved. Life expectancy is going up in most countries, meaning more people are living longer and

- 3 - MARCH SPEAKER REPORT see it every day—and the radar tower is an s of September 18, 2017, after decades of unmistakable structure. He showed historical photos Ainaccessibility, Mount Umunhum has of the facilities as they existed over the years—an finally become open to the public, and the former aerial view of the site, the giant radar with a 250 1950s-era Air Force radar station in the hills south mile range, the operations building, and a computer of San Jose today has seen a booming number of building. Some of the photos gave evidence of a visitors—roughly five times as many as planners light to moderate snowfall. originally expected. The story about the physical rehabilitation of the site is fascinating but perhaps the real story has to do with the passion of one man who helped make it happen.

Almaden AF Station circa 1960s… Life on the hill was self-contained; however, if a car was available, visits off station were authorized. Many historical photos were available, including the radar scope room, airmen marching in formation, a swimming pool, a gymnasium with basketball court, and a bowling alley. There were no schools available One man’s passion comes to life… for families. Water was pumped from a lower The chapter’s March speaker was Basim Jaber, location into a tower and made available for general a Bay Area native, historian, and freelance use. There were seven airmen deaths; a memorial photographer who has researched the history and was co-located with the flagpole. The main radar geography of Mt. Umunhum and the Almaden Air was a AN/FPS-24 General Electric long range/250 Force Station since 2006. He is a co-founder of the mile search radar of 5 million watts; the tower was Umunhum Conservancy, a non-profit organization 58 feet tall and supported an 85 ton reflector. The with a mission to save and preserve the radar station was closed March 29, 1980 with an tower. He has hosted several veterans' reunions for impressive closure ceremony. the USAF 682nd Radar Squadron which manned the radar station between 1957 and 1980. He provided an illustrated update about the site and how it was cleaned and restored; his enthusiasm for the project was remarkable. His initial comments covered the “five Ws” including, what—the Almaden Air Force Station; when—during the period 1958 to 1980; where— Mt. Umunhum, “resting place of the hummingbird; why—the nation’s effort to provide for national defense; and, who—those who served with the 682nd Radar Squadron. In the late 1960s about AN/FPS long range radar circa 1959-1960… 125 Air Force families were residents of the area Perhaps a major part of this story is a passion for and over time there were never more than 250. place on the part of Basim Jaber, a feeling of intense Mr. Jaber said Mt. Umunhum is omnipresent—you enthusiasm towards Mt Umunhum and cont'd pg 5

- 4 - Almaden Air Force Station. His passion for many years has ranged from eager interest in or admiration for an idea, proposal, and major cause to enthusiastic enjoyment of a process to reclaim the facility and over time make it available to the general public. It is an intense, driving, or overmastering feeling New Medicare cards are on the way (https: on his part which motivated him to create a //www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/05/new- vision, approach government agencies and medicare-cards-are-way) officials with a plan to save the radar tower and Scammers may call about your new much more. To manage the politics and public Medicare card to trick you into sharing your information efforts, and see the project through personal information - like your current to completion. He would be inclined to say, Medicare Number. Remember, Medicare will “There is no better way for me to pursue this passion never call you uninvited or ask for your personal than to help lead the Umunhum Conservancy, an or private information to get your new Medicare organization that ensures that site development, Number and card. There are very limited preservation, and maintenance is conducted with situations in which Medicare can call you. rigor, professionalism and integrity.” Medicare, or someone representing Medicare, Today the facility is almost all new with a 55 will only call and ask for personal information car parking lot, a turn-around circle at the radar in these situations: tower, and a beautiful overlook platform/shelter with a. A Medicare health or drug plan can call a great view. A glass-enclosed display case provides you if you’re already a member of the plan. The general information and holds historical artifacts. agent who helped you join can also call you. An extensive hiking and equestrian trail system with b. A customer service representative from 1 benches adds up to a great park, one which will be -800-MEDICARE can call you if you’ve called very attractive once new landscape plants reach and left a message or a representative said that maturity. The site today is protected from future someone would call you back. demolition; Santa Clara County provides a Retain c. Only give personal information like your and Seal Option; and the Mid-Peninsula Open Space Medicare Number to doctors, insurers acting on Trust granted a Saved but Not Preserved status. your behalf, or trusted people in the community who work with Medicare like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Here are 2 tips to avoid Medicare scams: . 1. Guard your Medicare Number and card. Only give your Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. 2. Hang up on fraudsters. If someone asks for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don't share your personal information, hang up Overlook platform and shelter… and call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800 Mr. Jaber recommends everyone take time to visit -633-4227). Mt. Umunhum; it’s a great opportunity to discover Visit https://Medicare.gov for more tips first-hand what passion and creativity can unleash. on preventing Medicare fraud, and what to do if ______you think you shared your personal information SOURCE: Mr. Basim Jaber with someone you shouldn't have. cont'd pg 6

- 5 - iMore Medicare Related Information: LEGISLATION Everything You Need To Know About SB 1175 – Purple Heart Recipient Parking Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov Senator Tom Berryhill Identity Theft: Protect Yourself - https://www. IN BRIEF medicare.gov/forms-help-and- The Purple Heart is a combat decoration that is resources/identity-theft/identity-theft.html awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who are Help Fight Medicare Fraud - https://www. “wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the medicare.gov/forms-help-and-resources/report- enemy,” and can also be posthumously awarded to the fraud-and-abuse/fraud-and-abuse.html next of kin in the name of those who are killed in SOURCE: MyMedicare Mailing List action or die of wounds sustained in action. Message, 19 Mar 18, and info obtained from Existing law authorizes a Purple Heart Medicare.gov website recipient to apply for special license plates inscribed Links to archived copies of this and with the Purple Heart insignia to be issued for a other mailing list messages, along with mailing vehicle that is owned or co-owned by the Purple Heart list subscribe\unsubscribe instructions, recipient. The law authorizes an applicant for the retiree\veterans-related events schedule and Purple Heart license plate who qualifies as a disabled links to other useful information for active duty, veteran to apply also for a distinguishing placard to be guard\reserves, retirees and veterans, and their used in conjunction with the Purple Heart license families, are available on the LINKS FOR plate for specified special parking privileges. MIL\RET\VETS website at www.hostmtb.org THE ISSUE NOTE: A list of scheduled retiree Veterans who serve their country and are appreciation days, veterans town hall meetings, injured during their military service cannot prepare and other retiree\veteran related events is for the potential injuries they might sustain during available at http://www.hostmtb. their service, which could include living life with a org/RADs_and_Other_Retiree- permanent disability. Veterans_Events.html In cases where a veteran has been awarded the If you prefer not to receive future TFL Purple Heart, the least the state can do is to take steps mailing list messages, please go to www. to make aspects of civilian life easier for those hostmtb.org and unsubscribe manually (see veterans who have served honorably and faithfully. below) or contact the Mailing List Mgr at THE SOLUTION [email protected]. This bill would require any state agency that has HEALTH.MIL Subscribe\Unsubscribe - http: under its jurisdiction or control any parking facility //www.hostmtb.org/hmil.html that is available to private persons, who desire to RETVET-INFO Subscribe\Unsubscribe - conduct business with the state agency, shall reserve a http://www.hostmtb.org/retvet.html parking space free of charge for the exclusive use of TFL Subscribe\Unsubscribe - http://www. any vehicle that displays a Purple Heart license plate. hostmtb.org/tfl.html Assembly Bill 2394 Thank you for your support of Assembly Bill 2394, which would exempt military retirement pay from state income tax. This bill will likely face an uphill battle in Legislature and we can use you help in gathering support from members of the Legislature. This support helps us open the conversation to reach across the aisle to other members of the Legislature; you can: Email to the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs urging the support of AB 2394 cont'd pg 7

- 6 - Sample Email Air Force in Crisis, Part III: Dear Boss, Send to "[email protected]. It’s All About the Culture gov" and we will hand it to the committee. Mike Benitez Dear Chairwoman Burke and Members of the March 15, 2018 Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation, Commentary he methodology a fighter pilot uses to I write in support of AB 2394 introduced Tdebrief after a mission is simple yet by Assemblymember Brough. California is home effective: What happened, why did it happen, and to 1.8 million military veterans, representing 8% how do you fix it? Every good fighter pilot knows of the total population of American veterans. By that the most important part is identifying why the exempting military retirement pay from state problem happened in the first place. The second income tax, California will join 16 other states installment of this series detailed the events like Hawaii, New York, and Massachusetts that leading up to Air Force’s pilot retention crisis. provide these benefits. According to a report and These certainly affected workload, morale, and recommendations from the Governor’s Military quality of life — but are not the root causes of Council, State leaders should explore appropriate retention woes. ways to incentivize veterans to keep their Consider the “Dear Boss” letter, a unique excellent skills, such as, leadership, teamwork, part of Air Force folklore. Written in the 1970s, and a high aptitude for technology here in the emotionally charged letter summarized a California. fighter pilot’s discontent with how his service had lost its sense of purpose. It detailed how strategic Sincerely, leadership at the top became disconnected from NAME the tactical leadership at the bottom — the ones City, State, Zip code carrying out the mission. In the era of fax machines, the letter quickly spread across the Air AB 2325 Force. A similar letter was written in 1997. Assemblywoman Irwin (Chair of the Assembly Thanks to the Internet, another letter went viral in Committee on Veterans Affairs) has introduced 2009. Two more followed in 2012 and 2017. SB 1312 which will require that a veteran will not These were all written during periods of poor be denied county mental or behavioral health retention, and all have the same message. services while the veteran is waiting for a People wrongly assume that pilots who determination of eligibility for mental or want to fly have achieved the pinnacle of their behavioral health services provided by the VA. desires — flying high performance aircraft — and AB 2510 should be happy. But happiness is not about jets, Assemblyman Muratsuchi has introduced AB rank, or money. It’s about the culture of service. 2510. Today’s Air Force lacks a foundation to anchor its Existing law recently provided that a diverse forces, which were once united by a deployed member of the United States Armed shared mission. For the past several years, the Services, who is the owner and operator of a small service has been taking on an infinite number of business, is not required to pay the minimum missions, but without any effort to build a team or franchise tax of $800. However, that provision teams to support them. In the process, the Air expired on January 1, 2018 (program sunset). Force severely devalued flying and the fighter AB 2510 seeks to extend the existing tax pilots who do it. A previously command-driven relief for serving members of our military by military organization started to act like a repealing the sunset date of the program. corporation, with management replacing ∞ leadership and the culture losing sight of the cont'd pg 8

- 7 - service’s true raison d’être: its warfighting forces. your efforts to execute the service’s raison d’être — The erosion of the Air Force’s combat culture is to fly, fight, and win. It shakes conviction and causes the real reason fighter pilots are leaving. people to question their motivation to serve. A Culture of Conviction This is why retention has been declining. I’ve lived in the fighter pilot community Thousands of comments from pilots in a 2015 for the past 11 years. Fighter pilots work in retention survey reveal that the underlying issue is a strong-link teams underpinned by two critical lack of value, real or perceived. This has pushed elements: capability and conviction. Capabilities fighter pilots away, right into the arms of the airlines can be measured, but conviction cannot. — and no amount of money can compete. In a recent Conviction is in a fighter pilot’s DNA. internal poll of 2,620 aviators across all Fighter squadrons operate with the communities, 66 percent of respondents said if they competitiveness and camaraderie of an elite could change one thing in squadrons right now to special operations team. They compete with keep them from leaving, it would be to prioritize the tenacious honesty — not against each other, but mission. One pilot explained the service’s failure to against themselves. Fighter pilot culture is eliminate obstacles that detract from his primary underpinned by a genuine belief that no problem duty: “The Air Force expects me to work two is unsolvable and no solution is good enough. fulltime jobs. I have a fulltime office job, and I have Prepare for what’s possible, train to the probable, a fulltime job as a pilot.” and debrief to perfection. Despite the Air Force’s efforts to address The mission is demanding, dangerous, and quality of life and quality of service issues, the uncompromising. Today’s fighter pilot has to be cultural decay continues. In another internal poll of well-versed in upwards of 4,000 pages of aircraft 200 fighter pilots in flying assignments, a whopping technical details, threat information, tactics and 93 percent said they work more than 50 hours a procedures. And they must be able to recall it all week but don’t spend enough time focusing on their at a moment’s notice. The cognitive demands to primary mission. Sixty-two percent said they exceed operate at this level are high, compounded by an 60 hours a week and still lack the mission-centric ever-changing threat environment. Fighter pilots time to train. Mission-focused leadership instills a are proud of a winning streak that dates to April mission-focused culture, but both are lacking 15, 1953, the last time a U.S. ground troop was because they are not valued in a mediocracy. killed by an enemy aerial attack. This culture of Given the organization’s misplaced priorities, conviction is what drives them. would you stay, ceding control of where you live, Mission-Focused Leadership how you live, and when you move for the next nine Whether through purpose or neglect, years? What if you could fly the F-22, the cultural shifts are driving the Air Force towards a preeminent fifth-generation air superiority fighter in mediocracy. As the service shrank and assumed the world? According to internal data from the increasingly diverse missions, it neglected culture Aircrew Crisis Task Force, last year even that and went adrift. Without the capability or the community retained just 30 percent of pilots eligible willpower to effectively prioritize, everything is to leave. important. This means nothing is important. As More Misgivings Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein With culture adrift and priorities awry, even says, “Air superiority is not an American the greatest of institutions will devolve into a birthright. It’s actually something you have to mediocracy. One attribute of a mediocracy is that fight for and maintain.” Well, it’s not an Air Force equal opportunity mutates into equal outcomes. birthright, either. It’s one thing to be driven to be Even while the service has lamented the best, and commendable to try to do it without retention woes in recent years, highly qualified proper resources. However, it’s entirely different instructor and evaluator pilots continued to be passed to strive to be the best, lack the resources, and over for promotion. Local leaders were left to draw have an organization that doesn’t seem to value . their own conclusions: Aviators were not being cont'd pg 9

- 8 - judged by the performance of their primary world’s most powerful air force. In particular, two duties. Since I’ve been in the Air Force, incidents in 2012 brought things to a boiling point. aviators have been told to highlight relatable First, Nellis Air Force Base — the soul of and translatable experience — that is, the tactical Air Force — removed “Home of the experiences other than flying. Promotion Fighter Pilot” from its sign at the front gate to boards don’t understand aviation because they promote a more holistic approach to warfighting. are mostly not comprised of aviators or This would be equivalent of the Army removing warfighters. Highly skilled professionals like “Home of the Airborne and Special Operations doctors and lawyers generally do not have to Forces” from the sign at Fort Bragg to emphasize morph their record or discount their profession combat arms writ large. I knew hundreds of fighter to become promotable — but aviators do. pilots who were furious about this, and so was I. Trying to take care of their people, We saw the removal as another move towards commanders pushed aviators to take on more mediocrity and the continuance of the service’s ground-related ancillary work so their cultural decay. The Army never would have performance reports would be competitive. allowed it. The Air Force celebrated it. This created a disconnect between the front A few months later, a senior enlisted airman line and the organization. Year after year, the at Shaw Air Force Base came forward with charges actions of the Air Force told aviators their of sexual harassment and assault that she endured primary job was not a priority. Decisions while assigned to fighter squadrons. Eight officers reflect values, values shape culture, and culture were eventually reprimanded, but the incident ultimately reflects an organization’s identity. evoked bad memories from the Navy’s Tailhook Somewhere along the way, being able to lead a scandal. Leadership at the top rightfully responded strike package in combat and make life and swiftly to the charges, but leadership at the bottom death decisions became secondary to things was caught at the tail end of the whip. It was a like planning a Christmas party. difficult situation, but local commanders instituted Last year, the Air Force put in place a measures that largely over-corrected. Collectively, promotion policy change that allowed pilots to this fostered a widely held perception that the Air achieve the rank of major, but this was a Band- Force (albeit unintentionally) blamed all fighter Aid solution. Despite the change, promotions squadrons for a culture of sexual assault and above that rank still lag. According to the misogyny. internal Aircrew Crisis Task Force, non-flying Average Retention officers have out-promoted aviators to The trend toward mediocrity helps explain lieutenant colonel for five years in a row. As today’s poor retention numbers. Of the pilots it the Navy learned last year, this is not how to produces, the Air Force’s institutional requirements incentivize retention for a group of people who require 65 percent of them to remain for a full 20- have received enormous financial investment year career. Right now, internal data reveals that — the millions of dollars to train them and fighter pilot retention was 34 percent last year and America’s reliance on them to fight its wars. trending downward. The disparity between this investment and how Compare this with overall Air Force officer the organization values said investment has led retention. On average, only 49 percent of active to a growing cynicism in the flying squadrons. duty officers reach 20 years of service. Removing As the sense of purpose slowly evaporates, it officers who left active duty for continued service makes it far easier to take off the uniform and in the reserves from this figure, the percentage of walk away. officers who remain on active duty for 20 years Meanwhile, seemingly small actions falls to just 41 percent (service variances are quietly ate away at the morale, esprit de corps, minimal). and tribal culture inherent to being a fighter In summary, 41 percent of Air Force pilot in the officers serve a 20-year career, yet the service cont'd pg 10

- 9- needs 65 percent of pilots to do the same. And fighter and 18 bomber squadrons. Today there are only 34 percent of fighter pilots are staying. 332 flying squadrons, but just 55 fighter and nine While it may seem obvious, you can’t expect bomber squadrons. That doesn’t include the above-average retention of a subgroup unless additions of ground, space, cyber, and support you target those members with a compelling squadrons to support mission growth over the same reason to stay — and cash isn’t it. period. This shift in composition inevitably Recall that 66 percent of aviators stated influences culture of the organization. that if the Air Force properly prioritized their To rebuild culture, start with principles — mission, they would continue to serve. The not policies and processes. Culturally, the Air Force solution is obvious, so why hasn’t it happened? should think of fighter squadrons how the Army Intense cultural malaise and institutional inertia and Navy think about their special operations are byproducts of a mediocracy. forces. The parallels are uncanny. The Navy has ‘Dear Boss…’ 319,000 sailors, but only 8,200 personnel in SEAL Leadership drives culture. Right now, teams. The Army has 476,000 soldiers, but only there is nothing to anchor either. 3,500 soldiers assigned to the 75th Ranger Unlike the Army, Navy, and Marine Regiment. The Air Force has 318,000 airmen — Corps, the Air Force has never saw fit to define and only 2,800 fighter pilots. or codify leadership traits, leadership principles, Thinking of fighter pilots in this light is or even an overarching leadership philosophy. nothing new, it’s just not embraced by the Air It took the time to author an entire doctrine Force. Note that while the tribal culture of these volume on leadership and a little blue book on small units doesn’t scale across their respective expectations, but neither document contains services, the ethos of these elite teams does trickle- these principles. They should be developed down to those who desire to emulate their esprit de immediately — not by doctrine writers or corps. This is how you build a powerful team of Pentagon staffers, but by warfighters at the Air teams without sacrificing culture or identity. Force Weapons School. The final step is to act. Make the bold but The Weapons School sits at the unpopular decisions that need to be made. Give crossroads of tactical leadership and the teams of pilots in fighter squadrons the same level warfighting Air Force. It comprises ground, air, of resources and fanatical support that teams of space, and cyber warfighters who represent the Army and Navy special operators have. Fence off best of their communities. The Weapons distractions that counter their purpose. In short, School’s mission is to develop tactical leaders lead. who will build, teach, and lead warfighters in Conclusion their units. Who better to determine what the Retention is the result of a collective Air Force should value in its leaders? To satisfaction with the challenge in front of you, capture the heritage and ethos of the Air Force doing it with the people around you, enabled by the brand of leadership, this ethos should be called leadership above you, and minimizing the impact flight leadership. on the family behind you. Next, fix the culture and everything else Today, Nellis Air Force Base once again will fall in place. One of Gen. Goldfein’s top declares itself “home of the fighter pilot” to visitors priorities is revitalizing the squadron. As he approaching the gate. Nametags with call signs explains, “It is at the squadron level where we were reinstituted and annual Air Force-level fighter succeed or fail as an Air Force. It’s where our pilot awards were also reinstated. While these are culture resides.” Fixing the culture and positive steps, they are small ones. squadrons sounds easy, but both are continually The Air Force has a pilot retention crisis moving targets, since the Air Force has because it has an identity crisis. The vanguard of physically changed over time. the service has become a small nucleus of At the end of the Cold War, the Air warfighters who have been devalued. Without Force had 362 flying squadrons, including 134 vigilant effort to sustain the warfighting culture and cont'd pg 11 - 10 - ethos that founded the Air Force, it will quietly die. If this happens, the mutation to mediocracy Beatrice M. Aikman will be complete. Restart the foundry, relight the fire, and reforge the culture. Lead and the people will follow. Mike Benitez is an F-15E Strike Eagle Weapons Systems Officer in the U.S. Air Force. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. government.

January 11, 1913 - February 23, 2018 Resident of San Jose

Born in Spokane, Wash. Loving and loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Pre-deceased by her first husband, Norman Townsend, second husband, Vernon Aikman and her son, Danny Townsend. Survived by her daughter, Marylin Stuart, daughter-in-law, Victoria Townsend, 21 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 21 (and counting) great-great grandchildren. Always there for her children and grandchildren, her family would always check in with her for news and to share news. She managed to keep track of us all, somehow. She also had many friends who would regularly drop in to visit or call to check in.

She spent the last 14 months under the care of the kind folk at Pruneridge Residential care center, receiving many visits from family and friends, often smuggling in some of her favorite foods.

Her ashes will be interred with her son at Los Gatos Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity.

I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

- 11 - SURVIVING SPOUSE CORNER • having a DNR (do not resuscitate) form visibly After Death The First Days -- Contact: posted in the kitchen • Social Security (the mortuary will do this for • who should be the financial and/or family advisor you) (nearby adult children ?) Social Security stops further payments, don’t forget to apply for Social Security death benefits ... takes awhile to receive but a Surviving Spouses' Love Stories! Chapter member received over $1,000 from Our Military Officer Magazine team is Social Security for this working on an ongoing feature about military love • physicians and pharmacies stories from surviving spouses. If you check out • Medicare next week’s MOAA newsletter in “Recommended • DoD (Retiree's Death) by following the steps Reads”, you’ll see a few stories that have been below to report the death as soon as possible. received so far. See http://www.dfas. Since this is going to be an ongoing project, mil/retiredmilitary/survivors/Retiree-death.html they asked that I forward the information to you to for additional assistance call 888-332-7411, spread the word among surviving spouses and option 4, then option 1, invite you to also participate by sending in stories if You Need: you wish. You may include photos as well. Retiree’s name, social security number and There is no deadline for this project. date of death Manner of death: natural, suicide, accident, See the request below: homicide Retiree's marital status upon death If you are a surviving spouse, share your military Names, address of retiree's designated love story with us! Tell us how you met your beneficiaries or next of kin living and servicemember, what made you fall in love with deceased them, and what was hardest about losing them. · VA 800-827-1000 Email your responses to [email protected]. We will • family and friends (Christmas card list) share excerpts on MOAA's social media channels • family attorney in future issues of Military Officer magazinel • life insurance and other benefits claims organizations • other financial institutions (banking accts, mortgages, loans, etc) • updating of deeds and titles Consider: • obituary (pre-written) and where to place • establishing a cash reserve (up to 12 months of expenses in some cases) • hospice & palliative care choices (VA hospital at Palo Alto is an amazing hospice location) • the order in which assets should be accessed and/or consolidated in the short, intermediate and long term

- 12 - NAVY LEAGUE introduces cadets to naval life through instruction MARCH SPEAKER REPORT in basic seamanship and leadership; U.S. Naval pproximately 70% of the 34 million 17-to Sea Cadet Corps is a program for young men and -24 year-olds in the U.S. would not women ages 13-17 designed to develop skills in qualifyA for military service because of reasons leadership, basic seamanship, courage, self- related to health, physical appearance and reliance, and military discipline. Meetings are educational background, according to the held monthly at the Naval Operations Support Pentagon. The ineligible in part typically include Center (NOSC), San Jose, with special activities those who are obese, those who lack a high taking place at military installations such as Camp school diploma or a GED, and those with certain Parks /Reserve Forces Training Base, the U.S. tattoos and ear gauges. The Sea Cadet Program Coast Guard, and elsewhere throughout helps America’s youth learn about military California. service and gain certain basic qualifications, such Training consists of BMR-Basic Military as learning the value of hard work, discipline, Requirements, a combination of book work and and social interaction, needed to serve their practical exercises such as drill and ceremony, country. memory work, and instruction by subject matter experts. A Navy League syllabus, which introduces cadets to Navy customs and life, is a sound foundation.

The council’s March speaker was LTjg William H. Winter, IV, Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Enterprise Division 12-1ENT, Training Ship Ellexson 12-1 TSE, who provided an illustrated presentation about the Sea Cadet Corps and some achievements. He described the organization, local meetings and A comprehensive program is offered starting activities, including the scope of training with basic training, a boot camp held for new provided young people, as well as future cadets, followed by advanced training which opportunities and challenges. He noted that, involves diving, aviation, public affairs/multi- within the context of a changing world, country, media, SEAL training, and culinary arts. There and particularly the culture, the local are special trips and outings such as attending the organization is growing, having doubled in size USS America commissioning, a Coast Guard of the last two years. appreciation ceremony, or a visit to the rifle range This Navy League of the United States where cadets and others can learn to shoot at no Santa Clara Valley Council speaker report is part cost. Promotion ceremonies are very important of a series to be presented in a spirit of and recently the first officer promotion was cooperation and collaboration between local conducted along with a Chief Petty Officer armed forces and related professional association promotion, the first in nine years for the unit. members. Annual inspections and awards presentations are a U.S. Navy League Cadets is a junior cadet part of the proceedings. All of this makes possible program for boys and girls ages 11-14 which from time to time entrance into the U.S. Naval Academy. cont'd pg 14

- 13 - Under the region 12-1 command of LCDR Curing the Department of Veterans Affairs Tony Saucedo the organization is growing. It’s by not a large group but Enterprise division now CDR William Andersen USNR Retired has 23 U. S. Naval Sea Cadets. Training ship he experiences of Sargent Veteran, a Ellexson has nine Navy League Cadets, having T fictional character, shows some of the increased by two since January. One Q & A abuses veterans suffer seeking medical help at period question asked was, “How do you get many VA Hospitals: Homeless, Sargent Veteran the word out about these opportunities for waited three months living on the streets to see a young people?” For the most part, it’s a matter Doctor at a VA Hospital, a constant pain in his of word-of-mouth, although there is a recruiting abdomen. Finally seen by a doctor, who pretended committee which makes special efforts from to still have a medical license, a guarded secret, time to time yet posting constantly on social Veteran was told he suffered from acid indigestion media outlets. The basic message is, “The and told to use anti-acids and drink lots of water Naval Sea Cadet Corps changes lives, offering and come back in three months. Sargent Veteran opportunity and hope for the future.” never made it back to the VA; he died a month later There are both opportunities and challenges of intestinal cancer. Though this incident is fiction as Enterprise Division goes into the future: outrageous abuses like this happen regularly in efforts are constantly made to keep up with the many VA Hospitals. technology; the computers are out of date, using There are good VA hospitals with good Windows Vista. There is a real facilities need reputations like Palo Alto Veterans Hospital in for folding tables and classroom-type tables. California and Bay Pines Veterans Hospital in There has been a change in uniforms recently Florida. And there are VA Hospitals with bad and the organization is trying to provide new reputations like Hyden Veterans Hospital in ones at no cost to cadets. Access to certain Arizona and Jackson Veterans Medical Center in military installations has become tighter Mississippi. The latter hospitals are where veterans because of security concerns and new civilian are suffering and dying. venues are needed, such as use of local swimming pools. The Sea Cadet Colors… It’s important to take advantage of special opportunities including outfitting the color guard and making it possible to participate in more activities. And, there is a real need to teach and promote networking, finding folks with vision who know how to help. When it’s said that 70% of young people can’t qualify for military service the Sea Cadet Corps and its members are working hard to make a difference. May 2014 photo shows sign in front of Veterans Affairs The Navy League has grown into the building in Washington, DC. Karen Bleier/afp/Getty Images foremost citizens’ organization to serve, support and stand with all the sea services – the U.S. At the Phoenix VA medical center veterans Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard dying while waiting months for appointments and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. Those produced the biggest scandal causing the interested in participation with the Santa Clara government to investigate bringing attention to Valley Council should contact LCDR Tom other misconducts: A top manager at a Wisconsin Winant, USN (RET) in Los Altos, telephone facility, who widely distributed (650) 678-7120. cont'd pg 15 ______SOURCE: LTjg William H. Winter IV - 14 - narcotics, received a bonus, even after a patient MILITARY RETIREMENT PAY EXEMPTION died of an overdose. Records of patient visits alifornia Assemblyman William P. Brough, a were falsified. A patient was tied to a bed CRepublican representing California’s 73rd because of her uncooperative attitude. A VA District encompassing southern Orange County, has worker was caught watching porn while with a introduced AB 2394, a bill designed to exempt patient. Employees with poor performance or military retirement from state income tax. COL misconduct were nearly impossible to discharge; Lorna Griess, USA (RET), an Army nurse and they were not only retained but paid bonuses. In currently CALMOAA VP for Legislative Affairs, addition to the abuses there is reprisal towards indicated in late February 2018 that the MOAA whistleblowers. Good employees leave in California Council of Chapters would provide full frustration. Phyllis A.M. Hollenbeck MD, Fellow support. Similar efforts have been launched of the American Academy of Family Physicians unsuccessfully at least twice in the past with (AAFP) at Congressional Hearing in Pittsburgh legislators apparently unwilling to forego a summed up the VA situation: "Essentially significant amount of tax income. everything that happens in primary care at the According to Kawika Nunenkamp, the Jackson VA can be included under the umbrella Assemblyman’s Legislative Director, “the of being unethical, illegal, heartbreaking, and life Governor’s Military Council is currently researching threatening for the veterans…” the impacts of exempting military retirement pay The war in the Middle East seeming from state income tax. I also know that there are endless, the number of injured soldiers growing, members of the Governor’s Military Council that are the number of veterans needing medical care members of MOAA as well. There are currently 16 overloading VA Hospital’s capacities, the public other states that provide these benefits for veterans and government could no longer ignore the abuse and we believe California should join that group. We of veterans and be satisfied with wishing the believe this bill will help create an incentive for whole situation would just go away. Disgraceful more veterans to stay in California.” medical treatment of veterans, or the lack of According to a report and recommendations from medical treatment, and public complaints caused the Governor’s Military Council, over the next few the government to investigate and make years more military service members are expected to improvements including the comprehensive H.R. retire in California than any other state. However, 1259, VA Accountability First Act of 2017. This many veterans and discharging service members will act Authorizes the Secretary of the VA to swiftly choose to move to other states. While some portion fire, suspend, or demote any VA employee, of these individuals are simply returning to their including Senior Executive Service (SES) home state, others leave California based on employees, for poor performance or misconduct. concerns about our state’s cost of living or because Whistleblowers are protected. Bonuses paid to they are attracted to incentives provided by other miscreants, may be recouped their pensions states for veterans. State leaders should explore reduced. The VA Secretary may directly appoint appropriate ways to incentivize veterans to stay in qualified individuals to the positions of Medical California. Center Director and Director of Veterans Integrated Service Network.VA will recruit more and better qualified personnel, which will be difficult particularly with psychiatrists, but as the hospitals improve, recruiting, retention, and patient care will improve.

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. Will they stay in California?.. cont'd pg 16

- 15 - According to Mr. Nunenkamp, “California is home’s assessed value for lower income home to 1.8 million military veterans, disabled vets and $100,000 for all other incomes. representing 8% of the total population of These amounts have been adjusted for inflation American veterans. To incentivize more so that disabled veterans with household income veterans to keep their excellent skills here in below $57,258 are eligible for an exemption California, such as, leadership, teamwork, and a amount of $191,266. All other disabled veterans high aptitude or technology, this bill would qualify for an exemption amount of $127,510 for exempt military retirement pay from state fiscal year 2016-17. Eligibility is based on a income tax for veterans who are residents in disability rating from the United States California. By exempting military retirement Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). To pay from state income tax, California will join qualify for the exemption, the USDVA must rate 16 other states like Hawaii, New York, and the veteran’s disability at 100 percent or rate Massachusetts that provide these benefits. their disability compensation at 100 percent Veterans are a vital part of our workforce. because they are unable to find and keep gainful California should do its part to not only give employment. Property owners must apply each back to our veterans, but to attract future year for the exemption. veterans to keep their skills here in the Golden ______State. SOURCE: Kawilka Nunenkamp In order for a military service member to receive full military retirement benefits they must serve a minimum 20 years. Once an What is epicpass individual retires from active duty at 20 years, Our Commitment to skiers they receive 40% of the average of their highest Today, we pay homage to men and 36 months of basic pay, a 2% increase for any women of the U.S. Armed Forces, and service additional years, and the benefits has an annual members of the Canadian and Australian military cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Nationwide and their families, with special new military less than 20% of veterans serve 20 years to season pass products. receive military retirement benefits. But if a These passes are a reflection of our service member joins in their 20s, this veteran founders’ service to others, from fighting retirement system allows them to retire around for our freedom to sharing their love of the the age of 40. The graph below from the U.S. mountains with others. Department of Defense shows the age at It’s because of their bravery, ambition retirement for military members who received a and passion that many of the world’s most retirement in 2015, with most members being in celebrated ski resorts, including Vail, exist today. their mid-40s. We will also donate $1 to Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) for every season pass sold for the 2018-19 season, which could exceed $750,000 based on last year’s pass sales, to carry on the legacy of our founders and give back to those who fight for our freedom.

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California’s Constitution contains provisions Since light travels faster than offering a partial exemption from property tax sound, some people appear bright for disabled veterans worth $150,000 of their until you hear them speak.

- 16 - Women leaders needed… keeps national MOAA informed of financial BOARD SEEKING GENDER DIVERSITY issues as appropriate. osie the Riveter is a cultural icon of RWorld War II, representing the women who worked in factories and shipyards during the war years, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies. These women sometimes took entirely new jobs replacing the male workers who joined the military. Rosie the Riveter is used as a symbol of American feminism and women's economic power.

LTC Charlene Lee, USN, USAR (RET), an Armed Forces nurse, has been serving as the SVC Surviving Spouse (SS) liaison to national MOAA. She constantly demonstrates creativity and innovation in her efforts to meet the interests and needs of the chapter’s Surviving Spouses, particularly for internal communications and special services. Charlene Rosie the Riveter is an icon out of the past. retired in May, 2011 with more than 24 years of Today, talented and highly motivated women service; she worked at the St. Louis, Palo Alto, with extraordinary skills, abilities and and San Francisco Veteran Affairs medical efficiencies have experience in the professions centers for more than 20 years in various and leadership positions in business, industry and clinical and administrative specialty areas. She government. The chapter’s Board of Directors is constantly identifying new initiatives for extends an open invitation to spouses and consideration by board members. Charlene Surviving Spouses (SS) to accept leadership or replaced 1stLt June Coffey, USMC, who served administrative roles in accordance with interests Surviving Spouses faithfully for many years. and capabilities. Rosie the Riveter is not needed Because world wars were total wars which today, but highly motivated women with an required governments to utilize their entire interest in leading/managing a committee or populations for the purpose of defeating their becoming a member of a committee are needed enemies, millions of women were encouraged now. Assignments can be interesting and self- to work in industry and take over jobs satisfying and a good fit is almost guaranteed. previously done by men. Today Silicon Valley Mrs. Mary Kalinyak is a Monterey County Chapter needs and wants interested spouses to Chapter Surviving Spouse (SS) who has accept potentially interesting and self-satisfying significant education, training and experience in assignments to help leaders move the chapter the financial services industry, and she has been forward. serving as the chapter’s treasurer for more than a Interested chapter officer members, spouses, decade. Some years ago she took on the and Surviving Spouses (SS) can get full additional assignment as the California Council information about current opportunities by of Chapters (CALMOAA) liaison to the state’s contacting any board member-see page 2 of The Surviving Spouses. She can be seen at the Bulletin. Serving the chapter could be the monthly luncheon meetings welcoming members beginning of an interesting and profitable new and guests, validating reservations, and later experience. making payments; she provides detailed financial ______statements at the chapter’s board meetings and SOURCE: Board of Directors

- 17 - Captivating personal account from a into war someday so I decided to join the Army Doolittle Raider Air Corps in November of 1940. This way I could My name is Edgar McElroy. My finally follow my dream. friends call me "Mac". I was born and raised in I reported for primary training in Ennis , Texas the youngest of five children, son California . The training was rigorous and of Harry and Jennie McElroy. Folks say that I frustrating at times. We trained at airfields all over was the quiet one. We lived at 609 North Dallas California . It was tough going and many of the Street and attended the Presbyterian Church. guys washed out. When I finally saw that I was My dad had an auto mechanic's shop going to make it, I wrote to my girl back in downtown close to the main fire station. My Longview , Texas. Her name is Agnes Gill. I asked family was a hard working bunch, and I was her to come out to California for my graduation. expected to work at dad's garage after school And ,oh yeah, also to marry me. and on Saturdays, so I grew up in an I graduated on July 11, 1941. I was now a atmosphere of machinery, oil and grease. real, honest-to-goodness Army Air Corps pilot. Occasionally I would hear a lone plane fly over, Two days later, I married "Aggie" in Reno, and would run out in the street and strain my Nevada . We were starting a new life together and eyes against the sun to watch it. Someday, that were very happy. I received my orders to report to would be me up there! Pendleton, Oregon and join the 17th Bomb Group. I really like cars and I was always Neither of us had traveled much before, and the busy on some project. It wasn't long before I drive north through the Cascade Range of the decided to build my very own Model-T out of Sierra Nevada was interesting and beautiful. spare parts. I got an engine from over here, a It was an exciting time for us. My unit frame from over there, and wheels from was the first to receive the new B-25 medium someplace else, using only the good parts from bomber. When I saw it for the first time I was in old cars that were otherwise shot. It wasn't very awe. It looked so huge. It was so sleek and pretty but it was all mine. I enjoyed driving on powerful. The guys started calling it the "rocket the dirt roads around town and the feeling of plane" and I could hardly wait to get my hands on freedom and speed. That car of mine could it. I told Aggie that it was really something! really go fast, 40 miles per hour! Reminded me of a big old scorpion just ready to In high school I played football and sting! Man, I could barely wait! tennis and was good enough at football to receive We were transferred to another airfield in an athletic scholarship from Trinity University in Washington State where we spent a lot a time Waxahachie. I have to admit that sometimes I flying practice missions and attacking imaginary daydreamed in class and, oftentimes, I thought targets. Then, there were other assignments in about flying my very own airplane and being up Mississippi and Georgia for more maneuvers and there in the clouds. That is when I even decided more practice. to take a correspondence course in aircraft We were on our way back to California engines. on December 7th when we got word of a Japanese Whenever I got the chance, I would attack on Pearl Harbor . We listened with mixed take my girl on a date up to Love Field in emotions to the announcements on the radio and the Dallas . We would watch the airplanes and listen next day to the declaration of war. What the to those mighty piston engines roar. I just loved president said just rang over and over in my head, it and if she didn't, well that was just too bad. "With confidence in our armed forces, with the After my schooling, I operated a filling unbounding determination of our people, we will station with my brother, then drove a bus, and gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God." By later had a job as a machinist in Longview but I gosh, I felt as though he was talking straight to me! never lost my love of airplanes and my dream of I didn't know what would happen to us, but we all flying. With what was going on in Europe and in knew that we would be going somewhere now. Asia , I figured that our country would be drawn cont'd pg 19 - 18 - The first weeks of the war, we were back talk about it, not even to our wives. in Oregon flying patrols at sea looking for possible In early March, we were all called in for Japanese submarines. We had to be up at 0330 a briefing and gathered together in a big building hours to warm up the engines of our planes. There there on the base. Somebody said that the fellow was 18 inches of snow on the ground and it was so who's the head of this thing is coming to talk to us cold that our engine oil congealed overnight. We and in walks Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle. placed big tarps over the engines that reached down He was already an aviation legend and there he to the ground. Inside this tent we used plumbers stood right in front of us. I was truly amazed just blow torches to thaw out the engines. I figured that to meet him. my dad would be proud of me if he could see me Colonel Doolittle explained that this inside this tent with all this machinery, oil, and mission would be extremely dangerous and that grease. After about an hour of this, the engines only volunteers could take part. He said that he were warm enough to start. could not tell us where we were going but he We flew patrols over the coasts of could say that some of us would not be coming Oregon and Washington from dawn until dusk. back. Once, I thought I spotted a sub and started my There was a silent pause; you could have bomb run, even had my bomb doors open, but I heard a pin drop. Then Doolittle said that anyone pulled out of it when I realized that it was just a big of us could withdraw now, and that no one would whale. criticize us for this decision. No one backed out! Lucky for me, I would have never heard From the outset, all volunteers worked from the the end of that! early morning hours until well after sunset. All Actually, it was lucky for us that the excess weight was stripped from the planes and Japanese didn't attack the West Coast because we extra gas tanks were added. The lower gun turret just didn't have a strong enough force to beat them was removed, the heavy liaison radio was off. Our country was in a real fix now and, overall, removed, and then the tail guns were taken out things looked pretty bleak to most folks. In early and more gas tanks were put aboard. We extended February, we were ordered to report to Columbus, the range of that plane from 1000 miles out to South Carolina. Man, this Air Corps sure moves a 2500 miles. fellow around a lot! Little did I know what was Then I was assigned my crew. There coming next! was Richard Knobloch the co-pilot, Clayton After we got settled in Columbus, my Campbell the navigator, Robert Bourgeous the squadron commander called us all together. He told bombardier, Adam Williams the flight engineer us that an awfully hazardous mission was being and gunner, and me, Mac McElroy the pilot. Over planned and then he asked for volunteers. There the coming days, I came to respect them a lot. were some of the guys who did not step forward but They were a swell bunch of guys, just regular All- I was one of the ones who did. My co-pilot was American boys. shocked. He said "You can't volunteer, Mac! We got a few ideas from the training as You're married and you and Aggie are expecting a to what type of mission that we had signed on for. baby soon. Don't do it!" I told him that, "I got into A Navy pilot had joined our group to coach us at the Air Force to do what I can, and Aggie short takeoffs and also in shipboard etiquette. We understands how I feel. The war won't be easy for began our short takeoff practice. Taking off with any of us." first a light load, then a normal load, and finally We who volunteered were transferred to overloaded up to 31,000 lbs. The shortest possible Eglin Field near Valparaiso, Florida in late take-off was obtained with flaps full down, February. When we all got together, there were stabilizer set three-fourths, tail heavy, full power about 140 of us volunteers. We were told that we against the brakes and releasing the brakes were now part of the "Special B-25 Project". simultaneously as the engine revved up to max We set about our training but none of us power. knew what it was all about. We were ordered not to This article will continue in the May issue

- 19 - The Confederate Pirate in San Francisco In 1860 ties were weak between California Bay and the Government in Washington, which ruled By CDR William Andersen USNR Retired from thousands of miles away. The Federal government drained an enormous fortune in gold tribute, but returned very little to California. The organization would found a country called the "Republic of the Pacific;” which would be well received by Californians, they reasoned. Then they would make California a Confederate state dedicating its gold and support to the South. Everything was in readiness by the middle of January 1861. It only remained to strike the blow. But then obstructions arose. Asbury Harpending at 16 General Albert Sidney Johnston was in Just before he migrated to California command of the military department of the Pacific. He was also a southerner. When the secret n 1860 when Abraham Lincoln was society learned that General Johnston had been Ielected President of the United States, informed of their plot, they chose Asbury Asbury Harpending, a passionate secessionist, Harpending and two others to be a committee to arrived in San Francisco. Californian’s sympathies meet with the general socially to discover his at the time were about evenly divided between the feelings towards the matter. At the meeting North and South: At least 30 per cent, of the General Johnston informed the committee bluntly population was from the South and a large portion that he was aware of their plot, and that he was of the foreigner immigrants were either neutral or prepared for any emergency and would defend leaned toward the South. United States property at all cost. Then he Harpending was a very outspoken young instructed them to, “Tell that to all our Southern man wealthy from success in mining. He moved friends.” With any possible surprise attack gone among other Southerners in San Francisco boasting and Johnston’s hard stand, the secret organization wildly about spending all his money, and giving his of Southern sympathizers began crumbling. In life to save the South from Northern tyranny. He synchrony a rich, silver find was discovered at the was soon invited to and joined the Knights of the Comstock Lode. The organization collapsed. Golden Circle, a secret group of 30 Southern Asbury Harpending, however, was not sympathizers, whose ambition was to take finished; he would strike a blow for the California for the South. Confederacy by cutting off on the high seas the Each member was to organize a fighting gold being shipped east to the Union. A number of force of a hundred Southern sympathizers, men prominent men were interested. Harpending eager for fighting and money, from the local agreed to lead the venture, but insisted it would veterans of the Mexican war and Indian fighting. not be piracy. He would first obtain a commission They planned to eliminate organized resistance: in the Confederate Navy. With Financial backing The Federal army amounted to only about 250 from his supporters and his own money he ran the soldiers collectively at Fort Point, Alcatraz, Mare Union blockade and made his way to President Island, and the arsenals of Benicia and the militia at Jefferson Davis in Richmond, Virginia. With San Francisco. The organization with its 30,000 some reservations about risk, feasibility, and seasoned volunteers would overwhelm the Federals legality, Davis approved the plan. Harpending was at night. With 30,000 weapons and military commissioned a captain in the Confederate Navy, equipment captured, they would organize an army though he had never been on a warship, and issued of Southern sympathizers large enough to crush any blank letters of marque, the names to be filled in unarmed resistance. when the vessel reached a foreign port. Richmond cont'd pg 21 - 20 - was high in confidence and enthusiasm as a letters of marque to remain waiting for the first result of the South’s military successes. Pacific Mail liner to arrive and capture her either When Harpending, who was eager to see peacefully or forcibly. Next they would convert what war was like, heard a decisive battle would that captured liner to a privateer and intercept be fought, he obtained letters from the Secretary more eastbound steamers transporting gold before of War and hurried westward, to Corinth, news of their attacks became known. They would Mississippi. On April 4, 1862 nine miles from plan further as events developed. They knew their Corinth he observed the bloody Battle of Shiloh. daring venture was wild and risky, but they were Curiosity satisfied, Harpending, risking capture, young and fearless. headed back to California with the dangerous On the night of March 14, 1863 mail for leading Southerners entrusted to him. Harpending and Rubery stationed themselves in a Harpending arrived in San Francisco late in the dark alley behind San Francisco’s old American month of July, 1862 and returned to his Exchange Hotel and assembled their crewmen enterprise. silently as prearranged. Greathouse and Law were Only one of Harpender’s coconspirators to be on board at ten o'clock. The night dark, the from the Knights of the Golden Circle remained: sky overcast, the crew, divided into three squads, Ridgley Greathouse. They decided to go ahead slipped through the dimly lighted waterfront alone, but a new friend, a young Englishman, unnoticed to where the Chapman was docked. All Alfred Rubery joined them when he learned of was going well. Harpending and Rubery were Harpending’s plan to outfit a privateer to destroy exultant. They would sail without delay, pass Fort the commerce of the Pacific Coast. The three Point in the dark, and sail beyond the horizon plotters negotiated to buy a steamer in Oregon, before the morning broke. but she was too slow for fighting or running. Aboard the Chapman Greathouse paced After some waiting the small, fast, ocean going the deck; Law, the trustworthy navigator, had not schooner "Chapman" came into port after a arrived. Shock! Treachery? The Chapman could record-breaking voyage from New York. not sail without a navigator, so they castoff from Harpending bought her at an offseason price. the wharf and anchored in the Bay to wait. Having their ship, they loaded two 12-pounder At two a.m. the conspirators secured for cannons, rifles, revolvers, and cutlasses, all needed rest to be awakened at five if nothing purchased, boxed, and labeled Machinery. To happened; they hoped Law would appear. Shaken conceal the armament they loaded sellable and startled by shouts from the lookout, goods, and provisions. The South lacked an Harpending awoke in broad daylight. He raced to abundance of marine officers, so finding a the deck. The night lookout had fallen asleep and navigator who was a trustworthy Southern now two hundred yards away the U. S. warship sympathizer proved more difficult than recruiting Cyane trained its guns on the Chapman. Boatloads the 20 ordinary seamen. Harpending finally hired of officers and marines from the Cyane along with William Law, a villainous looking experienced a tugboat full of San Francisco policemen were all navigator of the Mexican coast, a Southern headed toward the Chapman. To resist would have sympathizer, and the only one his friends could gotten them killed. find. Everything was now ready: Clearance Harpending rushed below. Rubery and papers were on board; Chapman was ready to Greathouse and Harpending burned as many sail for Manzanillo. incriminating documents as possible. The naval Asbury Harpending and his fellow officers and policemen swarmed aboard, smoke conspirators planned to sail the Chapman to pouring up from below. Someone yelled that the islands off the coast of Mexico, where they magazine was burning, delaying the police, giving would convert her to a warship. They would then the conspirators a little more time. Finding that the sail to Manzanillo, and use Harpending’s smoke was coming from a small fire on the cabin captain's commission in the Confederate navy sole, not the magazine, the police entered the and his cont'd pg 22 - 21 - cabin and gathered what evidence remained. SVC WEBSITES Harpending, Greathouse, Rubery, and Libby surrendered and were arrested. They admitted only Our Chapter website is www.siliconvalleymoaa. that they alone were responsible for the ship and org, a shorter link is www.svcmoaa.org. You can everything on board. They told the police that their also get to it from the national MOAA site: Put crew of 20 fighting men, in a forward compartment, the cursor over Chapters and select Chapter were innocent, employed only for service in Mexico. Locator, CA, then Silicon Valley Chapter. From The police showed not the least surprise finding arms there you may link over to our primary website as they searched the ship; they had a copy of the above. Our home page has links for The Bulletin and Chapman’s manifest that William Law had given eBulletin. B them when he betrayed his fellow Southerners reporting Harpending’s intentions to the police. TRICARE FOR LIFE Later in jail Harpending asked what he was SERVICE charged with, the answer: “Piracy, of course.” Harpending and his associates were each actually For assistance, contact the convicted of high treason and sentenced 10 years Wisconsin Physicians Service imprisonment and a fine of $10,000. The 20 crewman www.tricare4u.com were discharged with a warning. 866-773-0404 The Confederate Pirate of San Francisco Bay Members can report the death of a retiree locally came and went from the West Coast in a flash taking through the Retire Activity Office (RAO). The with him the Confederate Navy. California remained phone number is out of the Civil War. Had the ambition of the 30 650-603-8047 Southern sympathizers to take California for the You can also notify a MOAA member’s death to: South, or even Asbury Harpending’s ambition to MOAA, Attn: MSC, divert California gold from the North to the South 201 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314 succeeded, ending the War may have been more -2539. difficult. Or: Call 1-800-234-6622 Or: E-mail: [email protected]. Notify SVC-MOAA by phoning the Membership Chair–see listing on page 2 of The Bulletin. B

FREE Membership Members who have achieved 90 years are not required to pay membership dues donations gratefully accepted

- 22 - Membership Application and Renewal Form ( Revised 10/17 ) Please complete form fully

Silicon Valley Chapter Military Officers Association of America Mail to: SVC-MOAA P.O. Box 2 Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035

Date______Annual Dues: $30.00 (Surviving Spouse - Emeritus - New member - Dues are not charged, donations gratefully accepted) Enroll Me As: New Member____Renewing Member____Emeritus( over 90yrs)__Surv Spouse___ Donations to SVC Fund $______Donations to Scholarship Fund $______Donations to PAWS $______Donation to USO $______(All Donations are Tax Deductible) Total: $______Make checks payable to SVC-MOAA and mail to above address.

Status: Active___Reserve____ Guard___Retired____Former Officer___ If you are a new chapter member, please advise us how you learned about this chapter. ______

Name:______/______/___/______/______Last First MI Rank Service

Your Date of Birth______Spouse’s Name______

Address:______/______Number Street (P.O. Box, etc.) Apt/Suite

City______State______Zip______/______5 Digit 4 Digit

Phone(____)______E-mail______

SVC Dues are due 1 January and are separate from National MOAA Dues. SVC Dues support the Bulletin and Administrative functions. Luncheons are self-supporting.

- 23 - Silicon Valley Chapter of the NONPROFIT ORG Military Officers Association of America US POSTAGE P.O. Box 2 PAID Moffett Field, CA 94035 SAN JOSE CA PERMIT NO. 1223

April 2018

LOCATION – BILTMORE HOTEL -- 2151 LAURELWOOD RD, SANTA CLARA, CA DIRECTIONS: Going North on Hwy 101: Exit at Montague/San Tomas, then Montague; then Right on Laurelwood. Going South on Hwy 101: Exit at Montague/San Tomas, then Montague, then Right on Laurelwood. ------Cut Here------Cut Here------****LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM**** Deadline to reach SVC no later than 13 Apr. If you have not sent in your reservation form by the above date and still wish to attend, please call Keith Ott 530-219-2404

LUNCHEON PRICE - $26.00 Times: Social Hour 11:00 AM, Luncheon 11:45 AM

Please reserve ______places for the 19 April Luncheon A TOTAL of $______including a donation of $______for (circle one) Scholarship, PAWS, USO, or undesignated donation

Make checks payable to: SVC MOAA

Mail to: SVC MOAA, PO Box 2 Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035-0002

RESERVE IN THE NAME OF: ______Telephone: ______MENU: Buffet - Two hot entrees with vegetables. Assorted breads and rolls. Desserts. Coffee and tea. NAMES OF PERSONS WHO ARE INCLUDED IN YOUR PAYMENT: