MAY 2020

THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA

INSIDE: 8 On & Off the Hill 24 Museum of the American Sailor 33 Portland, Oregon “To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” — J. Fitzgerald, VA

NEW Footrest extension for better support head to toe

You can’t always lie down in bed and sleep. helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes Heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back back pressure relief, to prevent back and muscle aches – and dozens of other ailments and pain. The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back worries. Those are the nights you’d give anything and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. for a comfortable chair to sleep in: one that Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced reclines to exactly the right degree, raises your feet arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has and legs just where you want them, supports your a battery backup in case of a power outage. head and shoulders properly, and operates at the White glove delivery included in shipping touch of a button. charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and the exact spot in your home where you want it, more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred carry the packaging away! You get your choice of heat and massage settings, for hours of stain and water repellent custom-manufactured soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Duralux with the classic leather look or plush Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause microfiber in a variety of colors to fit any decor. the chair in an infinite number of settings. And Call now! best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy The Perfect Sleep Chair® to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It 1-888-277-1098 Please mention code 112868 when ordering.

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Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a custom-made bedding product, we can only accept returns on chairs that are damaged or defective. © 2020 fi rstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. 46528 “To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. Contents To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” May 2020 Volume 99 Number 5 — J. Fitzgerald, VA

NEW Cover: The USS YORKTOWN’s (CV-5) Bombing Squadron 5 with their Footrest extension SBD-5 aircraft, pictured forward on the flight deck during operations in the Coral Sea, April 1942. VB-5 painted individual plane numbers on for better support the engine cowlings, as seen here. Scouting Squadron 5’s (VS-5) planes head to toe had the numbers on the wings’ leading edge. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Naval Institute. Above: Battle map. Photo courtesy of U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command. You can’t always lie down in bed and sleep. helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes Features Heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back back pressure relief, to prevent back and muscle aches – and dozens of other ailments and pain. The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back The Battle of the Coral Sea: Changing the Tide worries. Those are the nights you’d give anything and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. In May of 1942, the U.S. Navy won the first major naval engagement in for a comfortable chair to sleep in: one that Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced history fought without surface ships exchanging a shot. The might of U.S. naval 16 aviation shattered and turned back the spearhead of a Japanese battle force reclines to exactly the right degree, raises your feet arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has at the Battle of the Coral Sea. and legs just where you want them, supports your a battery backup in case of a power outage. head and shoulders properly, and operates at the White glove delivery included in shipping The National Museum of the American Sailor touch of a button. charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to In 2008, the Great Lakes Naval Museum moved into Hostess House, and began Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and the exact spot in your home where you want it, transforming the building into a different kind of gathering place serving the more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even 24 nation’s enlisted sailors. to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred carry the packaging away! You get your choice of heat and massage settings, for hours of stain and water repellent custom-manufactured Portland, Oregon: Bridges, Parks & Bicycle Paths soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Duralux with the classic leather look or plush There are a lot of interesting places to see and things to do in Portland. If spending Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause microfiber in a variety of colors to fit any decor. time outdoors is your cup of tea, Portland has several unique options that will be 31 hard to choose from. the chair in an infinite number of settings. And Call now! best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy ® The Perfect Sleep Chair LOYALTY, Departments to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It PROTECTION AND SERVICE 2 Communications 40 Shipmate News 1-888-277-1098 4 From the Bridge 43 TAPS Please mention code 112868 when ordering. The FRA is a congressionally 6 Shipmate Forum 45 Looking For/Reunions chartered, nonprofit REMOTE-CONTROLLED Long Lasting DuraLux organization 8 On & Off Capitol Hill 47 Auxiliary of the FRA News EASILY SHIFTS FROM FLAT TO advocating on Tan Chocolate Burgundy Blue Message from LA FRA National A STAND-ASSIST POSITION Capitol Hill for Legislative Updates current and former 23 Convention Calendar Chaplain Lyn Transfiguracion enlisted members 48 Finance Matters DuraLux II Microfi ber of the U.S. Navy, 36 New Life Members Burgundy Cashmere Chocolate Indigo Marine Corps and Social Security and Retirement: Coast Guard. 39 Membership Matters Claim Benefits Sooner or Later?

Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a custom-made bedding product, we can only accept returns on chairs that are damaged or defective. FRAtoday /// May 2020 1 © 2020 fi rstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. 46528 COMMUNICATIONS

National Officers/Board Of Directors National President Donna M. Jansky, North Shore Branch 31 National Vice President Michael “Mick” Fulton, Imperial Beach Branch 289 Navy Nurse Corps Established National Executive Dir. Christopher J. Slawinski, Navy Department Branch 181 Junior PNP Robert Washington, Navy Department Branch 181 National Parliamentarian PNP George P. Hyland, Groton Branch 20 n this month in 1908, Public Law No. 115 was passed, National Chaplain Paul R. Gunther, Triangle Branch 182 which created an appropriation for the Navy Nurse Corps. The following is an extract from the section on the Bureau Regional Presidents of Medicine and Surgery, providing the full text of the portion Northeast/New England Abe Zino, Buffalo Branch 23 I East Coast Sha'ron D. Martin, Virginia Beach Branch 166 relating to women: Southeast Laurie A. Bailey, Low Country Branch 269 “The nurse corps (female) of the United States Navy is hereby North Central Donald A. Watkins Jr., Omaha-Council Bluffs Branch 276 established, and shall consist of one superintendent, to be South Central Emmett H. Smith Jr., Shreveport Bossier Branch 98 Southwest John F. Quesnel Jr., Imperial Beach Branch 289 appointed by the Secretary of the Navy, who shall be a graduate West Coast William S. Matthews, Modesto Branch 197 of a hospital training school having a course of instruction of Northwest William H. Hall, Gem State Branch 382 not less than two years, whose term of office may be terminated at his discretion, and of as many chief nurses, nurses, and reserve Active Duty Advisory Council nurses as may be needed: Provided, That all nurses in the nurse Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith corps shall be appointed or removed by the Surgeon-General, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy E. Black Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason M. Vanderhaden with the approval of the Secretary of the Navy, and that they shall be graduates of hospital training schools having a course Reserve Advisory Council of instruction not less than two years. The appointment of Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve Christopher D. Kotz superintendent, chief nurses, nurses, and reserve nurses shall be Sergeant Major of Marine Forces Reserve Patrick Kimble subject to an examination as to their professional, moral, mental, Force Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve George M. Williamson and physical fitness, and that they shall be eligible for duty at naval hospitals and on board of hospital and ambulance ships and for such special duty as may be deemed necessary by the FRAtoday Magazine Surgeon-General of the Navy. Reserve nurses may be assigned The monthly membership publication of the Fleet Reserve Association Publisher Fleet Reserve Association to active duty when the necessities of the service demand, National Executive Director Christopher J. Slawinski and when on such duty shall receive the pay and allowances Editor-in-Chief William D. Stevenson of nurses: Provided, That they shall receive no compensation Editor Elise M. Howard except when on active duty. The superintendent, chief nurses, Contributing Writer Ann Norvell Gray Design and Art Direction FRA Staff and nurses shall respectively receive the same pay, allowances, Advertising Sales: GLM Communications 212-929-1300 emoluments, and privileges as are now or may hereafter be [email protected]

provided by or in pursuance of law for the nurse corps (female) FRAtoday (ISSN 1935-7192) is published monthly by the FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA. of the Army. ” 22314-2754. A member’s subscription is covered by the member’s annual dues. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and additional offices. Publication of nonsponsored Most of you probably do not know my wife, but she has been advertising in FRAtoday does not constitute an endorsement by the FRA or its representatives. Postmaster: Send address changes to Member Services, FRA, 125 a pediatric nurse at Children’s National Medical Center for the N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754. FRAtoday is published in the interests of all past 30 years. In addition to her ability to care for patients in current and former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Eligible nonmembers are entitled to subscription rates of $45. Established Nov. 1, 1923. the emergency department, she has also been a great life partner Title registered with the U.S. Patent Office. for me and a role model for our four children. It is an honorable FRA Administrative Headquarters career path with so many options and such flexibility. In light 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754 of the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the fear it has induced, Telephone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 we really must acknowledge our medical professionals and Fax: 703-549-6610 • email: [email protected] • www.fra.org respect them for what they give back to society, including those Volume 99 Number 5 serving in our Navy Nurse Corps. FRA In Loyalty, Protection and Service, Find us on Facebook: www.fra.org/fb William D. Stevenson, Editor-in-Chief Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/FRAHQ

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FRA Reaches 100, But Have We Changed?

hat do you want from a veterans service Foundation, which was voted into existence in 2016. organization? The FRA is coming It could take the lead on developing an FRA VSO up on our 100th anniversary and program. Veteran Service Officers, or VSOs have a unfortunately,W we are still operating the organization unique and important mission to help veterans in the same way as it was run during the seventies and their local communities. These veterans need help eighties. You are probably thinking that is not so accessing the complex and often frustrating network long ago, but it really is — 1990 was 30 years ago. of Veteran Affairs services. Navigating the many That is an entire military career ago. The needs of veteran’s benefits programs can be very difficult. This today’s and tomorrow’s military veterans are not is where experienced and connected VSOs can help Donna Jansky National President the same as the needs of veterans 30 years ago. It is a veteran with their needs. The FRA has several time to seriously review our red-book policies and dedicated and certified VSOs in our fold, but we take the first steps toward making a cultural shift. need more! Did you know that the association will, Today’s circumstances will force innovation to subject to review before starting the training, cover “how it’s always been done.” Just think about the the cost of VSO training? COVID-19 situation and how many folks were told to One area that could benefit from the growth and work to from home. I myself am one of those people. development of the Veterans Service Foundation Every so often, there is talk about the FRA going is how we manage the Health, Welfare and “virtual.” Well, right now, we could all benefit from Rehabilitation, and Disaster Relief requests. For going virtual. All the branches’ and regional midyear example, last year during a very long process, the meetings were cancelled, but how many branches or FRA was trying to help fellow Shipmates in the regions are able to conduct a virtual meeting? Do you United States Coast Guard. In order to release any think your Shipmates would or could participate? funds from the Health, Welfare and Rehabilitation We should all think about how things could be done or Disaster Relief funds, our Constitution and differently and better, thus creating a new opportunity ByLaws required us to submit a National Board to reach and engage Shipmates much more. Resolution, or NBR. The process goes like this: Now, it is almost time for the branch leadership someone, usually a branch president or secretary elections. Who will lead your branch? Will it be the who knows someone in dire need of financial aid, Shipmate who has served for the last umpteen years? must write to the regional HWR chairman, who We all have heard Shipmates say, “No one else wants then submits the request to headquarters. Then the job, and no one else would be very good.” To be national writes up the NBR that is sent out to honest, I am not sure I understand the statement the board of directors. The board then reviews the “No one else would be very good.” Anyway, there NBR and returns its vote of “yes” or “no” to national goes your leadership pipeline! I know we all want headquarters. This process takes far too much time. to play the “institutional memory” card, but what If this was something the VSF could manage and will the FRA be if no innovation or improvement expedite, while procuring future contributions from happens? We will become stagnant. If we wait too corporations or organizations that already fund long, before you know it, National Headquarters will relief efforts, we would be taking the first steps to receive the resolutions to turn in your charters. becoming an organization with a mission to truly help veterans. FRA Putting our Veterans Service In Loyalty, Protection and Service, Foundation to Work Donna M. Jansky The FRA, in my opinion, should make more Donna is national president of the Fleet Reserve Association and may be reached by email at: [email protected] of an attempt to build up our Veterans Service

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and KA6D), the Skywarrior began to fade into the sunset. In 1976 only two fleet squadrons, VQ -1 and VQ-2 continued to operate the ECM versions while the remainder ended their useful life with reserve squadrons VAQ-208 and VAQ-308. As retirement approached the Skywarrior remained the heaviest and longest lasting attack aircraft ever to operate from an aircraft carrier. Sincerely, John P. Goheen III, AQC, USN (Ret.)

A Douglas A-3 Skywarrior deploys its parachute during a landing at FRA TODAY! Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The non-profit A-3 Skywarrior Whidbey My special thanks for posting a photo of me, (March Memorial Foundation has been instrumental in locating a jet for static display. The foundation was formed to obtain, refurbish and display a issue on Page 4) with newly elected FRA President static A-3 Skywarrior aircraft at NAS Whidbey Island as a memorial to Donna Jansky. It was my privilege to host Donna and the men and women who served in support of Navy Skywarrior missions John Pelosi Sr. for a trip to Andersonville. I enjoyed worldwide. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio. our conversations and time together. One more item, I was just awarded the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal, by the Mayor and The Skywarrior Tankers City Council of Byron, Georgia on Feb. 10 for my I am writing in response to your story about the Korean service 1952-55. I am indeed grateful, but MQ-25 Stingray in-flight refueling drone in many other Korean War Veterans are also eligible the March 2020 issue of FRAtoday. It was a very for this medal. interesting story regarding the advances of carrier Yours in Loyalty, Protection, and Service, inflight refueling. Since the 1960’s inflight refueling Daniel W. Gatlyn, USN (Ret.) has been a very important part of carrier operations. To my recollection, inflight refueling did not FRAtoday: Thanks for bringing this to our readers’ occur until the conversion in September 1962 of attention, Dan! To be eligible, veterans must have the Douglas A3D Skywarrior basic bomber to the served in Korea between June 25, 1950, and July 27, tanker and defensive electronic countermeasures 1953. U.S. Navy veterans are eligible if their vessel (DECM) role as the primary airborne refueling was assigned to Korean waters during this time frame. aircraft. However, your story fails to mention this U.N. peacekeeping forces assigned to Korea through Dec. important fact. 31, 1955 are also eligible. In 1964 detachments of KA3B or EKA3B The Ambassador for Peace Medal was created by the aircraft were regularly embarked aboard the carriers government of South Korea. operating in the Gulf of Tonkin (Yankee Station). Eligible veterans must complete an application and The primary role of these aircraft was to provide provide a copy of their DD214 for verification purposes fuel support and DECM to the strike aircraft by the Korean Consulate. The information can be found during in country bombing missions. The EKA3Bs many places; here is one website: https://www.mass. provided jamming of enemy radar missile and gun gov/how-to/republic-of-korea-veterans-ambassador- directors as well as communications. The KA3Bs for-peace-medal. saved nearly 700 aircraft by providing necessary refueling. The Skywarrior tankers were always first Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views of individual FRA members. They do not reflect the posi- off and last on the carrier. tion of the FRA. The FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of Following the end of the South Asia War and letter content. Submit letters to FRAtoday, 125 N. West St., the development of ECM and tanker (external) Alexandria, VA 22314 or to [email protected] versions of the Grumman Intruder (EA6A, EA6B

6 FRAtoday /// May 2020 “I haven’t been this excited since I got my first bicycle!” Introducing ZOOMER! The portable, folding, battery-powered chair that o ers easy one-handed operation

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Zoomer, and it’s changed my life. Powerful Battery/ If you are one of the countless Americans who need a Dual Motors little help getting around, there is a safe, simple and easy- to-use solution… the Zoomer. It is propelled by small yet powerful dual motors for speeds of 3.7 miles per hour over a variety of terrains, on up to a 10 degree incline. Its innovative airline-safe Lithium Ion battery enables Swivel Away 10” Non-Marking Tires you to go 8 miles on a single charge, and the automatic Footrest 8” Non-Marking Tires electromagnetic brakes let you stop on a dime. Folds to 12” 12” Who can drive a Zoomer? – everyone! in seconds The secret to the Zoomer is its simple steering What’s more, it folds up easily so it can fit in a trunk or system. You operate it with a simple-to-use a back seat. Why spend another day watching life pass joystick, giving you precision maneuverability and you by, when instead you could be Zooming around! the ability to navigate tight spaces easily with a 25” Call now and a knowledgeable, friendly Zoomer expert turning radius. It is designed to let you pull right up will tell you all about it. You’ll be glad you did. to a table or desk. You no longer have to move to another chair to work or eat at your table.

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Contacting Your Legislators is the Cornerstone of Democracy! Throughout this session of Congress (116th), Many of these legislative proposals could John Davis FRA members used the Action Center to contact have a significant impact on Shipmates’ Director Legislative Programs their legislators about issues that are important pocketbooks. Members are also urged to to them. This user-friendly website generated subscribe to NewsBytes, the weekly electronic almost 60,000 messages to Capitol Hill this legislative newsletter, and check out the FRA past year. Shipmates will need to be aware Action Center located on the website (www.fra. of important legislative activity as the FY2021 org) for important issues. Letting your elected Defense Authorization Act and other key bills officials know you are watching their votes impacting member benefits, move through the on critical legislation is the cornerstone of a legislative process. functioning democracy.

New Concurrent Receipt Bill Introduced Director of Legislative Programs John Davis retired pay is an earned benefit for vested attended a press conference with Rep. Gus years of service. Service-connected disability Bilirakis (Fla.) to announce that the legislator compensation is for injury. To deny retired pay introduced the Major Richard Star Act because of a disability is an injustice. (H.R.5995), which would expand concurrent Sens. Jon Tester (Mont.) and Thom Tillis receipt eligibility for certain medically retired (N.C.) introduced similar legislation (S.3393) in veterans seeking combat-related special the Senate. compensation. The FRA has long argued that Members are urged to go to the FRA Action retired pay and VA service-connected disability Center (www.fra.org) to weigh in on these compensation are fundamentally different newly introduced bills as well as other pending benefits, granted for different reasons. Military concurrent receipt proposals.

NewsBytes is the FRA’s weekly legislative update. If you would like to subscribe, please email: [email protected]. Include your name and contact information in the body of the email. If you are a member of the FRA or LA FRA, please include your member number.

8 FRAtoday /// May 2020 ON OFF & capitolYour Mission, hill Your Voice

How TRICARE and VA Beneficiaries Trump Administration’s COVID-19 Measures Can Get Tested for COVID-19 President Donald Trump declared a national emergency The Defense Health Agency claims it has enough due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. The president asked coronavirus test kits. DHA and Department of Americans to stop eating inside restaurants, bars and food Veterans Affairs beneficiaries must meet certain courts, and to avoid groups of 10 or more people for 30 criteria to be tested. The VA and DHA have days to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Hospitals in the instituted similar rules around who qualifies for U.S. are adding more beds, limiting visitors and canceling testing: elective surgeries in preparation for an influx of coronavirus • Patients who have COVID-19 symptoms, such as cases. President Trump directed Americans to work at home, a fever, a cough and shortness of breath. if possible, to disrupt chains of transmission. The Centers for • Patients who have traveled to one of the Disease Control and Prevention is the leading federal public affected areas, like China or Italy. health agency responding to COVID-19, and is working with • Patients who have been in close contact with the DOD, the VA and other government agencies. someone infected with COVID-19. The Military Health System has established a microsite at: The VA also requires that the patient live in an https://tricare.mil/coronavirus to be the primary information area where there has been a community spread of resource for TRICARE beneficiaries. COVID-19. The administration has authorized the Centers for The DHA has indicated that testing will be free Medicare & Medicaid Services to broaden access to whether it is prescribed by an in-network or out- telehealth so that Medicare beneficiaries can receive a of-network provider, but the usual co-pay or cost wider range of services from their doctors without having share for the doctor visit will apply. to travel to a health care facility. For more information on The VA is offering free testing to enrolled Medicare telehealth, go on line to: https://www.cms.gov/ veterans, and this extends to Civilian Health and newsroom/press-releases/cms-news-alert-april-6-2020. Medical Program (CHAMPVA) beneficiaries. The The answers to frequently asked questions about the DHA and the VA both are asking patients NOT to impact of DOD travel restrictions on service members and go directly to a medical center without first calling. their families can be found at: https://media.defense. The DHA wants beneficiaries to call into the gov/2020/Mar/19/2002266939/-1/-1/1/COVID-19-TRAVEL- Military Health System Nurse Advice Line (https:// RESTRICTIONS-FAQ.PDF. www.tricare.mil/ContactUs/CallUs/NAL) and chat Some of the staff at the FRA National Headquarters will with a registered nurse who will assess their be working from home. There will be a limited number of symptoms. The VA is urging veterans to receive staff available at NHQ during regular business hours. The care virtually by downloading its VA Telehealth FRA urges Shipmates to stay healthy, calm and safe during App. at: https://telehealth.va.gov/type/home. this national pandemic.

FRA Urges SecDef to Reconsider Changes to DOD Child Care Centers for USCG Families The FRA has dispatched a letter to the secretary of defense urging him to re-consider his decision to restrict attendance at child development centers for kids from U.S. Coast Guard families. Press reports indicate that one of the unintended consequences of this policy change is that as many as 1,000 children of active duty Coast Guard families could lose their spots at base child development centers. The association believes it is important to provide adequate child care at all military installations. The FRA advocates for the DOD increasing funding for child development centers rather than restrict usage. The association also wants to ensure funding parity with DOD personnel on pay, benefits and housing for Coast Guardsmen. At a recent House Appropriations Committee hearing, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz expressed serious concerns about the changed child development center policy.

FRAtoday /// May 2020 9 ON OFF & capitolYour Mission, hill Your Voice

NP Jansky Testifies Before House and Senate SASC has Hearing on Personnel Issues Veterans Affairs Committees The Senate Armed Services Committee’s, Personnel FRA National President Donna Jansky testified before a joint Subcommittee held a hearing on personnel issues and had hearing of the House and Pentagon officials testify. The FRA submitted a written statement Senate Veterans Affairs for the record regarding issues of concern to Shipmates. The FRA committee, expressing FRA statement included the association’s opposition to scheduled member’s concerns about annual pharmacy and treatment copay increases, restrictions on veteran’s issues. Jansky retiree and military dependent access to select military treatment thanked House Chairman facilities, and proposed drastic cuts to military medical staff. In Mark Takano (Calif.) and addition, the FRA statement urged the subcommittee to expand Ranking Member Phil Roe concurrent receipt and increase congressional oversight of the (Tenn.) for sponsoring the DOD’s suicide prevention program. Blue Water Navy Vietnam Among the many topics discussed, Pentagon officials Veterans Act (H.R.299) last spoke of “rightsizing” the Military Health System with a year. Jansky expressed concern about the Department of focus on readiness. The DOD officials assured members of Veterans Affairs sending a report to these committees asking the subcommittee that the agency would continue to closely to delay recognizing new presumptive conditions linked to monitor MTFs and make any necessary adjustments. Members exposure to the Agent Orange herbicide. Jansky informed can go to the FRA Action Center located online (www.fra. the committees that the FRA is supporting the Fair Care for org) to weigh in on expanding concurrent receipt and express Vietnam Veterans Act (H.R.5610), which would add these opposition to restricting retirees and military dependents from presumptive conditions linked to exposure to Agent Orange. obtaining health care services at select MTFs. Jansky voiced concern about the high rate of suicide in the veteran community and urged Congress to pass the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health VA Suspends Five Colleges from Receiving Care Improvement Act (S.785), sponsored by Sens. Jerry Post-9/11 GI Bill Payments Moran (Kans.) and Jon Tester (Mont.), SVAC chairman and The Department of Veterans Affairs suspended future GI Bill use at ranking member respectively. The bill is a comprehensive and five colleges due to deceptive marketing and recruitment practices. aggressive approach to connecting more veterans with the The five colleges are: the University of Phoenix, Colorado Technical mental health care they need and have earned. Jansky also University, American InterContinental University, Bellevue applauded the VA for launching the Solid Start program, which University, and Temple University. The VA decision will apply only informs new veterans about the benefits and support services to new enrollments, both in residence and online. The suspension available through the VA. will not affect students currently enrolled in classes. Jansky expressed support for the Deborah Sampson Act While the VA’s action will not impact current students who (H.R.3224) sponsored by Rep. Julia Brownley (Calif.), which maintain continuous enrollment, the state agencies responsible passed the House and is awaiting further consideration in the for approving courses may also take independent actions based Senate. This legislation addresses barriers that female veterans on the VA’s decision. If such actions occur, a decision by the face when trying to obtain VA benefits. Jansky also urged relevant state approving agency to withdraw program approval adequate congressional oversight of the implementation of VA would remove the VA’s authority to issue benefit payments to technology upgrades. The FRA wants to ensure there is funding both currently enrolled students and new students. However, the for the VA health care and the Department of Defense resource VA will take appropriate actions to keep beneficiaries informed sharing that will deliver seamless, cost-effective, quality about things that will impact them. The VA is encouraging services to personnel wounded in combat and other veterans. students attending or considering attending the schools to Shipmates are urged to go to the FRA Action Center (www. contact the Education Call Center at 888-442-4551 between 7 fra.org) and weigh in on the legislation mentioned above a.m. and 6 p.m. Central Time Monday-Friday, or go to https:// (H.R.5610, S.785 and H.R.3224). gibill.custhelp.va.gov/ to submit any questions.

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ON OFF & capitolYour Mission, hill Your Voice VA Proposes Improvements to the Caregivers Programs VA Notice on Novel Coronavirus The VA met with several veteran service organizations, including the The VA has issued a statement that the Veterans FRA, to discuss the recent rollout of a draft regulation to completely Health Administration is working closely with the overhaul the VA caregiver programs to match the expansion required Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the by the FRA-supported MISSION Act, which was enacted into law in Department of Health and Human Services, and 2018. This expansion was part of the FRA’s 2018 Legislative Agenda. other federal agencies to monitor and respond to the The program would provide a monthly stipend and health care current outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the United benefits for caregivers. The new law would also provide training for States. The VHA is operating in accordance with CDC caregivers, and up to 30 days of respite care. The regulations would guidance and is actively participating in response expand eligibility for the caregiver program for eligible veterans from efforts in local communities to address the outbreak. all eras, beginning with those who incurred or aggravated a serious The VHA has a comprehensive plan in place to injury in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975. Two years after the protect the health of everyone who visits or works first phase of program expansion, the program will include eligible at a VA facility. The Emergency Management veterans who were seriously injured in the line of duty between May Coordination Cell has been activated and is 7, 1975, and Sept. 11, 2001. Prior to expanding the program, the VA responding to this rapidly changing situation. Supply must fully implement an information technology system required by chain measures are in place, negative airflow beds the MISSION Act. are available across VHA facilities, and COVID-19 The regulation would call for the development of clear eligibility testing kits are available. The VHA is reinforcing tools to promote consistency within the program. One of the adherence to the standard contact and airborne improvements in eligibility standardization would expand the definition precautions, which include the use of personal of a “serious injury.” The draft also proposes the inclusion of illnesses protective equipment. Health care personnel such as diabetes, ALS, MSM, dementia and cancer. Staffing would evaluating or treating a patient suspected or increase from approximately 200 to nearly 700, with more added as the confirmed to have a COVID-19 infection have been program expands. directed to use these precautions. At the end of the meeting, the VA invited feedback on the draft In addition, the VHA is heavily encouraging regulation. The VA will consult the VSOs before finalizing the policies veterans to call their local medical centers before and regulation to avoid complaints from the participants of the program. they visit them and asking to consider using VA To learn more about support services available for disabled veterans, telehealth services. The VA’s telehealth providers go to: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/ or call the Caregiver Support Line can evaluate a patient’s symptoms to make a at 1-855-260-3274. diagnosis and provide comprehensive care through video chat and other virtual care options. For more FRA Supports Increased Hazardous Duty Pay information on telehealth, go to: https://telehealth. for Reserve Component va.gov/type/home. The FRA supports the Guard and Reserve Hazard Pay Equity Act (S.3308 As FRAtoday goes to press, all VA cemeteries and H.R.5887), which would provide the Reserve Component with continue to remain open for public burials and the same hazardous-duty incentive, or HDIP, as active duty members visitations. To schedule a burial, please call 800- receive. As part of their service, qualified active duty, National Guard, 535-1117, and choose option 1. In light of concerns and Reserve service members are entitled to HDIP while performing regarding the community spreading of COVID-19, hazardous duties such as flying, parachute jumping and working with the National Cemetery Administration is strongly explosives. However, reservists are only awarded one thirtieth of the urging that all committal services adhere to the HDIP given to their active duty counterparts, despite being required CDC guidelines https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp- to perform the same tasks and being subject to the same risks. This content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus- legislation would allow Reserve Component members to be awarded guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf, to avoid groups of HDIP at the same rate as their active duty counterparts for complete more than 10 people. Additionally, volunteer and hazardous duty. Members can go to the FRA Action Center located military honor guard availability may be limited, online (www.fra.org) and weigh in on this issue. based on local health conditions.

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14 FRAtoday /// May 2020 ADVERTISEMENT New Pill Could Put Joint Pain Injection Companies Out Of Business Studies show new $2 pill relieves joint pain in 7 days without costly injections. Approved by top doctors nationwide. Relieves joint stiffness. Increases joint mobility and freedom. By J.K. Roberts Interactive News Media INM — More than 40 million Americans suffering With so much positive feedback, it’s easy to see why sales for this newly approved joint pain pill continue to climbIMPRESSIVE every day. BENEFITS FOR JOINT PAIN patented breakthrough called FlexJointPlus. SUFFERERS crippling joint pain are set to benefit from a newly

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Damage in the port forward 5-inch gun gallery on the USS LEXINGTON (CV-2) from a Japanese bomb that struck near the gallery’s after end during the Battle of the Coral Sea, May 8, 1942. The view looks aft, with the ship’s number two 5-inch/25-caliber gun in the foreground, still manned and in operation. The number four 5-inch/25-caliber gun is immediately beyond, trained out to port and aft. Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

16 FRAtoday /// May 2020 FEATURE

The Battle of Image courtesy of Naval by Robert Benney circa 1942. Oil Painting History and Heritage Command. the Coral Sea: Changing the Tide

By W.D. Stevenson

ff the northeast coast of Australia in the capture Tulagi and Port Moresby, New Guinea. South Pacific, encircled by numerous The secondary objectives were to occupy the central islands and the Great Barrier Reef, is the Pacific islands of Banaba, in the Gilbert Island CoralO Sea. This was the place of the conflict known chain, and Nauru. Both of these points northeast of as the Battle of the Coral Sea, which unfolded in the Solomon Islands were rich in phosphate, which May of 1942. It consisted of preliminary operations was essential for Japan’s agriculture. from May 3 to 6 and two days of active carrier Even though the Japanese plan was successful at combat May 7 and 8. Tulagi, many warships had been surprised and sunk, During the time leading up to the actual battle, or damaged by U.S. aircraft launched from the USS Japanese forces had successfully attacked, invaded YORKTOWN (CV-5). But now Japan was aware of and occupied Tulagi in the Solomon Islands as part the U.S. carriers, and a Japanese carrier strike force of their overall plan to separate Australia from the set course for the Coral Sea to find the Australian other Allied forces and establish their dominance and U.S. naval forces. in Asia. The Japanese military strategy for the offensive called Operation MO had been devised Critical Cryptologic Intelligence Arrives early in 1942. The plan had forces advance south As Japanese forces proceeded with plans to attack and southeastward from the Bismarck and Solomon Port Moresby, their plan was intercepted by Allied Islands. The primary objective was to quickly forces. Communications Intelligence, or COMINT,

FRAtoday /// May 2020 17 FEATURE

A heavy explosion on board the USS LEXINGTON (CV-2) blows an aircraft over its side, May 8, 1942. This is probably the great explosion from the detonation of torpedo warheads stowed in the starboard side of the hangar, aft, that took place just after the ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Frederick C. Sherman, left LEXINGTON. At left is the bow (not visible in this photo) of the USS HAMMANN (DD-412), which was backing away with a load of the carrier's survivors on board. Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

had been able to make rapid advances in naval Practically every type of ship was reported, including cryptanalysis because all the intel centers had been three aircraft carriers. The Japanese task force connected immediately after the war began, making appeared scattered with no common direction. the sharing of cryptographic information possible. COMINT provided Adm. Chester W. Nimitz May Sixth with advance warning of Japan’s intent, so he By May 6, it became obvious the Japanese target was sent Task Force Fox under the command of Rear Port Moresby, to be reached through the Jomard Adm. Frank J. Fletcher, which included the USS Passage in the Louisiade Archipelago. U.S. Naval LEXINGTON (CV-2) and the USS YORKTOWN Command also believed the Japanese would try to (CV-5), to face the Japanese force, which included establish a base in the Deboyne Islands. The enemy the carriers SHOKAKU and ZUIKAKU as well as advance was projected for May 7 or 8. Task Force Fox the light carrier SHOHO. Nimitz also committed the was fueling on a southeasterly course because of sea USS ENTERPRISE (CV-6) and the USS HORNET and wind conditions. When Fletcher was informed (CV-8), but they did not reach the area in time due of Japanese movement, he ordered the fueling to their participation in the Doolittle Raid against discontinued and took his force northwestward to be Japan. in position to strike at daylight on May 7. The USS On May 5, 1942, intelligence reports from NEOSHO (AO-23) and its escort, the USS SIMS Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CINCPAC) (DD-409), were detached southward in accordance indicated a large number of enemy ships near New with fueling rendezvous provisions. Both were sunk Guinea, New Britain and the Solomon Islands. as a result of enemy bombing attacks on the seventh.

18 FRAtoday /// May 2020 FEATURE

Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat fighters of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3) in flight near Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay in Oahu, Hawaii, April 10, 1942. The planes are Bureau # 3976 (marked F-1), flown by VF-3 Commanding Officer Lt. Cmdr. John S. Thach, and Bureau # 3986, flown by Lt. Edward H. O’Hare. Both of these aircraft were lost while assigned to Fighting Squadron Two (VF-2) with theUSS LEXINGTON (CV-2), during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May. Photographed by Photographer’s Mate Second Class H.S. Fawcett. Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

May Seventh attack group had a total of 92 planes. By 6 a.m. on May 7, Task Force Fox was in position. U.S. forces struck first, sinking Japan’s light Fletcher sent the support group including the USS aircraft carrier, SHOHO, and a small cruiser. FARRAGUT (DD-348) ahead to attack the enemy SHOHO was on its first combat mission when it transports and light cruisers that were reported to was hit with three bombs and was unable to launch be heading for Port Moresby. The support group or recover its aircraft. The ship was the first Japanese reached a position about 110 miles southeast of carrier to be sunk during World War II. South Cape, New Guinea, where it successfully fended off an attack by enemy bombers and torpedo May Eighth planes. The Battle of the Coral Sea reached its climax Fletcher decided to launch a combined attack on May 8, with U.S. air attack groups engaging group to engage the three Japanese carriers reported Japanese forces. The fighting time was extremely by a YORKTOWN scout at 8:45 a.m. north of brief, but highly lethal. Fletcher turned over tactical Misima Island. The LEXINGTON planes were command of the task force to air commander Rear launched at 9:25 a.m. There were 10 fighters, 28 Adm. Aubrey Fitch at 9:07 a.m. and the attack scout bombers and 12 torpedo planes. Eight scout groups were launched with all scouts and bombers bombers were retained over the ship as an anti- being equipped with 1,000-pound bombs. torpedo-plane patrol. Beginning at 10:14 a.m., the TheYORKTOWN attack group was first and YORKTOWN launched eight fighters, 24 scout consisted of six fighters, seven scouts, 17 dive bombers and 10 torpedo planes. The combined bombers and nine torpedo planes. The scouts and

FRAtoday /// May 2020 19 FEATURE

Right: A mushroom cloud rises after a heavy explosion on board the USS LEXINGTON (CV-2), May 8, 1942. This is probably the great explosion from the detonation of torpedo warheads stowed in the starboard side of the hangar, aft, that followed an explosion amidships at 5:27 p.m. Note the USS YORKTOWN (CV-5) on the horizon in the left center, and the destroyer USS HAMMANN (DD-412) at the extreme left. Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Left: View of the underside of the USS YORKTOWN’s flight deck structure, showing the impact hole made by the Japanese bomb that struck amidships during the Battle of the Coral Sea, May 8, 1942. This bomb penetrated several decks before exploding, killing or seriously injuring 66 crewmen. This view looks upward, with a patch over the flight deck visible within the hole. Note the structural beam in the lower part of the photo, distorted by the bomb’s passage. Copied from the YORKTOWN war damage report of May 20, 1942. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph.

bombers proceeded at 17,000 feet, accompanied by comprised a section led by the LEXINGTON group two fighters. The dive bombers sighted the enemy commander, Cmdr. William Ault. After flying to first at about 10:32 a.m. They reported two carriers the end of their navigational leg without sighting about six or eight miles apart, and a combined escort the enemy, these planes, with their combined escort consisting of a battleship or very large cruiser, three of six fighters, began flying a square-shaped course. heavy cruisers and four destroyers. Within a few minutes, they entered a clear area and The LEXINGTON attack group originally was spotted the enemy ships on the far side of the clearing composed of 12 torpedo planes, 18 dive bombers, 20 miles away. At this point, Ault tried to pick up four scouts, and nine fighters. The dive bombers the lost dive bombers by radio without success. Soon were accompanied by three fighters, the torpedo enemy fighters, Zeros and Me-109s, appeared and planes by four fighters, and the scouts by two were engaged by the U.S. fighters. fighters. The entire force did not attack because the Both carrier forces located each other and launched fighters escorting the dive bombers lost contact maximum-effort raids. They passed each other in the with their charges and returned to the carrier. air, hidden by a rain squall. The accuracy of the air The 18 bombers went on but failed to locate the strikes, for both sides, was more often a miss than enemy and returned without striking a blow. The a strike on several attempts. The SHOKAKU and pilots’ navigational data was not very accurate, and ZUIKAKU escaped detection, but their severe losses visibility was extremely poor. in aircraft and aircrew required them to return to The remaining 11 torpedo planes, under Cmdr. Japan so they were unable to take part in the Battle James Brett, joined up with the four scouts, which of Midway in June 1942. In return, Japanese torpedo

20 FRAtoday /// May 2020 FEATURE

Left: View of the USS YORKTOWN damage on the third and fourth decks amidships caused by a 250-kilogram bomb hit received during the Battle of the Coral Sea, May 8, 1942. This view looks forward and to starboard from the ship’s centerline at frame 110. The photographer is in compartment C-301-L, shooting down through the third deck into compartment C-402-A. The large hole in the deck was made by the bomb’s explosion. Many men were killed or badly injured in C-301-L, a crew’s messing space that was the assembly area for the ship’s engineering repair party. Copied from the YORKTOWN war damage report of May 20, 1942. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph.

Property of Air Force Historical Division Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Catalog #: NH 118595 Courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command Original Creator: K. Nakamura Original Medium: BW Photo

FRAtoday /// May 2020 21 FEATURE

A wave breaks over USS NEOSHO’s (AO-23) main deck, engulfing the hose crew, as it refuels theUSS YORKTOWN (CV-5) in May 1942, shortly before the Battle of the Coral Sea. NEOSHO was lost in that battle. Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

and dive bombers from both ships hit LEXINGTON, relentless advance into the Pacific was stopped. It was which was later scuttled by torpedoes from an escorting also the first major U.S. naval action against Japan. Over Japanese destroyer. the course of the battle, the U.S. lost three ships and 66 The U.S. lost the carrier USS LEXINGTON (CV-2) aircraft, and Japan lost nine ships and 104 aircraft. Even and its second carrier, USS YORKTOWN (CV-5), though the air groups on both sides were significantly was heavily damaged by a large bomb. The smaller, reduced and the battle seemed to be a draw, the Battle more nimble YORKTOWN evaded several enemy of the Coral Sea not only stopped the Japanese war torpedoes, but the ship was dented and punctured by machine from isolating Australia and establishing dive bombers’ near misses off her port side amidships dominance in the region, but also gave U.S. forces and off the starboard bow. More seriously, a third the momentum they needed to go into the Battle of bomb hit the flight deck near the after end of the Midway with confidence and fresh tactical experience command center island, penetrating five decks down in air-to-sea combat. into the ship and exploding above the fourth deck. Its The Battle of the Coral Sea was also the first air- blast and the resulting fires killed and injured dozens to-sea battle that utilized aircraft as the lead role in of crewmen. an offensive strike force. This was a new tactic, using The extensive loss of aircraft and the sinking of just aircraft. During this battle, no ship spotted the the LEXINGTON and the SHOHO made both opposing forces’ ships or even exchanged a salvo of any commanders, Fletcher and Vice Adm. Takeo Takagi, weaponry. Some of the things learned from this new decide to withdraw. Their decisions received years of type of tactic were to screen the carriers with a 1,500- criticism from their respective countries. to 2,500-yard circle to provide protection against torpedo planes. The Navy also learned to provide Turning the Tide carriers with two long-range radars, better train pilots The Battle of the Coral Sea was the first time since and gunners, and coordinate torpedo plane and dive- Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor that the enemy’s bombing attacks for maximum effectiveness. FRA

22 FRAtoday /// May 2020 CALENDAR 2020 Regional Conventions Schedule

July 16-18, 2020 August 7-8, 2020 August 27-29, 2020 East Coast Regional Convention Northeast/NE Regional Convention Northwest Regional Convention DoubleTree Hotel Annapolis SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham 210 Holiday Court Albany Airport Tacoma - Seattle Annapolis, MD 21401 200 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12205 1425 E. 27th St., Tacoma, WA 98421 Telephone: 410-224-3150 Telephone: 518-458-1000 Telephone: 253-383-0146 www.doubletreeannapolis.com Room rate: $99 plus tax Room rate: $119 plus tax (breakfast Hosted by FRA Branch 24 and (breakfast included) included, non-smoking hotel) LA FRA Unit 24 Contact: Floyd Hunt Code: Fleet Reserve Association Contact: Lew Bearden Email: [email protected] Contact: PNP John Johnson Email: [email protected] Telephone: 253-381-8498 Contact: Virginia Jorden August 16-20, 2020 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Southwest Regional Convention Plaza Hotel & Casino September 10-13, 2020 August 2-4, 2020 1 N. Main St. Southeast Regional Convention North Central Regional Convention Las Vegas, NV 89101 Sea Mist Oceanfront The Inn at Grand Glaize Telephone: 702-386-2110 Conference Center 5142 Osage Beach Parkway Room rate: $29 plus resort fee 1200 S. Ocean Blvd. Osage Beach, MO 65065 and taxes Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29577 Telephone: 800-348-4731 Telephone: 800-732-6478 Room rate: $69 plus tax August 21-22, 2020 Code: Fleet Reserve Association 1675342 Contact: Norm Combs West Coast Regional Convention Room rate: $107.35 (breakfast included) Telephone: 816-847-6562 Gold Dust West Hotel and RV Park Contact: PNP George Kaye Email: [email protected] Carson City, Nev. Telephone: 843-504-9120

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FRAtoday /// May 2020 23 FEATURE

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN SAILOR

Teaching the Heritage of Honor, Courage and Commitment By Ann Norvell Gray

ust outside the main gate into Naval Station and given new life. The “house” was a perfect choice Great Lakes, there is a long, low, modern building for the 17-year-old Great Lakes Naval Museum, as that looks from its entry side rather like a school it was originally known, which was difficult to visit orJ a precisely designed light industrial structure. This in its previous spot inside the base gates. In 2008, iconic mid-century building houses the National the museum moved into Hostess House, and began Museum of the American Sailor, but it started life in transforming the building into a different kind of 1942 as the Hostess House, a commodious welcome gathering place serving the nation’s enlisted sailors. The center just outside the base’s main gate capable of following year, it became an official Department of the accommodating 3,000 servicemen and their loved Navy museum under the aegis of the Naval History and ones at a time. The building was designed by Gordon Heritage Command. In 2014, its name was changed Bunshaft, an influential modernist architect and a by order of the Secretary of the Navy, and it became partner in the Chicago firm of Skidmore, Owings the National Museum of the American Sailor. The & Merrill. During World War II, 970,000 sailors new name reflects the broadening of its scope from came through its doors to enter boot camp. Its rising the regional to the national history of what it means slanted roof and open interior also made it the ideal to serve as an American sailor, as well as its mission place for those who served to be welcomed home and to honor the sailors who are the backbone of the U.S. processed out after the war. Navy. Because of its own history, its role in providing heritage training and its architectural pedigree, the Historic Hostess House building itself is recognized on the museum’s website as Hostess House had fallen into disrepair over the its “largest historic artifact.” years, and for a while, was considered for demolition. The National Museum of the American Sailor is Instead, the iconic building has been saved, renovated the newest of the 10 museums operated by the Naval

24 FRAtoday /// May 2020 FEATURE

USS ALASKA (CB-1) signalmen taking a visual message on the signal bridge, circa February 1945. Signalman 3rd Class Teddy Chalupski is writing the message while Signalman 3rd Class Floyd H. Scharp reads it while at the telescope. Note Scharp’s Equator crossing tattoo. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

FRAtoday /// May 2020 25 FEATURE

“Billie’s Morning Bath” sailors washing a goat mascot on board a U.S. Navy battleship, circa 1907-1908. Note Marines looking on in the left-center background, one armed with a Krag-Jorgensen rifle. This photo may have been taken during the Great White Fleet World Cruise from the collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph.

History and Heritage Command. Its mission, as stated Navy life. The newest permanent exhibit is called on its website, is “to collect, preserve, and interpret the “Sails Unfurled” and illustrates daily life aboard the history of the United States Navy’s Enlisted Sailor Navy’s sailing ships from the American Revolution for the benefit of the U.S. Navy and the people of the through the end of the Civil War. The gallery is built United States.” Its heritage training program gives to resemble the interior of the USS CONSTITUTION, young recruits a deep understanding of the meaning with nautical lanterns along the sides. According to of who they are about to become. The renovated Tricia Menke, the museum’s curator of education, the South End of the building facilitates the educational decking boards and whitewashed shiplap walls were programs offered by the museum, as well as private meticulously laid by the exhibit designer himself. Its events such as military retirement ceremonies and interactive experiences include a knot-tying station trainings. Every week, another group graduates from and a barrel you can open to see what a supply of salt basic training, and once again the building is a point of pork was like before refrigeration, complete with the reunion and celebration. odd insect stowaway. One of the temporary exhibits called “Navy Tails” Variety of Exhibits reveals all the ways that animals — including sea The North End houses the galleries, dividing its lions, dolphins, pigeons, goats and of course, dogs — flexible interior between permanent installations and have been employed as mission specialists or mascots temporary exhibits that use the museum’s collections in Navy service. The affection these creatures have and the curatorial skills of the staff to cast spotlights inspired is evident, and the exhibit is both educational on specific and sometimes unexpected aspects of and heartwarming. Shipmates certainly know that

26 FRAtoday /// May 2020 FEATURE

(L to R) Capt. James Hawkins, commanding officer of Naval Station Great Lakes; Rear Adm. Stephen C. Evans, commander of Naval Service Training Command; Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens, Samuel Cox, director of the Naval History and Heritage Command; David Torma, a board member of the National Museum of the American Sailor Foundation; North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Robert Bied, president of the Great Lakes Naval Museum Foundation; and Jennifer Searcy, Ph.D., director of the National Museum of the American Sailor, unveil the new sign in front of the National Museum of the American Sailor at Great Lakes, Illinois, July 4, 2016. The Great Lakes Naval Museum was renamed the National Museum of the American Sailor in order to honor the diverse history of sailors who have served in the U.S. Navy. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Lockwood. goats were kept on early sailing ships to supply milk, described the origin of Navy tattoos in an interview making the goat the obvious choice for the Navy with Smithsonian Magazine: mascot. It is worth noting that a sure-footed little goat “The elaborate tattoos of the Polynesian cultures are was a much safer choice for a stormy sea voyage than thought to have developed over millennia, featuring a thousand-pound cow. Sailor’s Attic, the museum’s highly elaborate geometric designs, which in many blog, shares the wonderful story of a homing pigeon cases can cover the whole body. Following James wounded on a critical mission to stop a mistaken Cook’s British expedition to Tahiti in 1769, the barrage of lethal friendly fire during WWI. Her name islanders’ term “tatatau” or “tattau,” meaning to hit was Cher Ami, and for her determination, she was or strike, gave the west our modern term “tattoo.” The fitted with a handmade wooden leg to replace the one marks then became fashionable among Europeans, she had lost during her mission. particularly so in the case of men such as sailors and In keeping with the museum’s mission to describe coal-miners, with both professions which (sic) carried the sailor’s life, a recently mounted exhibit called serious risks and presumably explaining the almost “Marked by the Sea” explores the art of tattoos amulet-like use of anchors or miner’s lamp tattoos on in Navy tradition, showcasing classic designs and the men’s forearms.” explaining their significance. Along with scrimshaw Now that tattooing has become a widely practiced and needlecraft, this pastime began making creative art, it is possible to see almost anything in ink on use of practical maintenance materials at hand during a person’s skin. Exceptional artistry is now often long stretches of inactivity aboard the sailing ships. displayed in modern representations of such well- University of York Research Fellow Joann Fletcher known traditional images as the anchor, the swallow,

FRAtoday /// May 2020 27 FEATURE

Right: The new permanent exhibit ”Sails Unfurled” explores how enlisted sailors used hard work, teamwork, and innovation to establish the foundation of today’s Navy. The exhibit showcases the life of enlisted sailors from the American Revolution through the American Civil War. “Sails Unfurled” is an immersive exhibit that includes several interactive elements, including a knot tying station and music from the era.

Below: A view of “Navy Tails.” Bottom right: This salted pork was a staple during the Age of Sail. Photos courtesy of the National Museum of the American Sailor Facebook page.

the rope and the nautical star. Images continue to service of “preserving the physical legacy and historical arise throughout this history, such as the ferocious experiences of the Navy’s Enlisted Sailor,” the museum yellow and black insect that might appear on veterans website notes. Both the museum’s collections and its of service aboard the USS HORNET (CV-12), the staff ’s expertise are put to use throughout the year Essex-class carrier built for WWII and the eighth ship with programs for schoolchildren, history and heritage since the 18th century to bear the name. None of this walking tours for military personnel, internships for is surprising to Shipmates, many of whom are surely college students, and an active speakers bureau offering bearers of these permanent symbols of their honorable programs tailored to specific groups. Their materials are service at sea. not yet available for online research, but Menke says they are hopeful that this opportunity will be offered Collections and Connections in future. For now, there is a link on their website that Thanks to the generosity of individual donors, the accesses the Research Inquiry Form, with which you museum continues to grow its collection of uniforms, can request information from their archive. flags, photographs, tools, scrapbooks, reference materials The museum maintains an active Facebook page. and the ordinary things carried by sailors going about Their frequent posts honor individual accomplishments their duties and enjoying their leisure — all in the with “Sailor Spotlight,” challenge your knowledge

28 FRAtoday /// May 2020 FEATURE

Above: The National Museum of the American Sailor introduces visitors to Navy life, including the coffin rack, a combination sleeping and storage unit sailors use on ships. Left: The museum has a rich and historic collection of artifacts and archives featuring Naval uniforms, boot camp company photographs, books, letters, diaries and other materials which document the historical experiences of the Navy’s enlisted sailors. Photos courtesy of the National Museum of the American Sailor.

of details with “Trivia Tuesday,” or connect you to a collection of stories about Navy history with the Sailor’s Attic blog. They also make the livestream viewing of Recruit Training Command graduations available. Armchair travelers can use the list of links below to explore the museum’s digital resources. Special Note — COVID-19 Closing At press time, the nation’s shutdown due to COVID-19 has shuttered the museum, and what that means for the immediate future cannot be predicted. Nevertheless, it is worth exploring the wealth of information available in the public record about this National Museum interesting place, getting familiar with its programs, and enjoying of the American Sailor the creative ways its staff finds to honor the commitments and Naval Station Great Lakes — Main Gate accomplishments of American sailors across the generations and 2531 Sheridan Road, Building 42, throughout the world. FRA Great Lakes, IL 60088 847-688-3154 Resources 1. www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmas.html Hours: 2. www.facebook.com/pg/nationalmuseumoftheamericansailor/ 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. photos/?ref=page_internal Closed on all federal holidays. 3. https://sailorsattic.wordpress.com/ 4. http://greatlakesnavalmuseum.org/en/the_museum/architectural_significance/ Admission: 5. www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tattoos-144038580/ Free — Base access or visitor passes not needed. 6. www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmas/explore/collections- and-research/research.html 7. www.uss-hornet.org/history#1556058577871-a777c3ec-b1f6

FRAtoday /// May 2020 29 B:8.5” T:8.25” S:7.75” B:10.75” T:10.5” S:10” I SERVED FOR Honor

At USAA, the same values that guide our military inspire us to go above and beyond for our members. When you join USAA, you’ll be part of an organization where we have everything you need to make your membership a lifelong bond.

JOIN USAA TODAY. CALL 877-FRA-USAA (372-8722) OR VISIT USAA.COM/FRA

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its a liates. Use of the term “member” or “membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change. To join USAA, separated military personnel must have received a discharge type of “Honorable.” Eligible former dependents of USAA members may join USAA. No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement. Fleet Reserve Association receives fi nancial support from USAA for this sponsorship. © 2020 USAA. 257612-0120-FRA

This advertisement prepared by Publication Note: Guideline for general identification only. Do not use as insertion order. REVIEW FOR CONTENT ONLY, NOT COLOR. Client: USAA Color: 4CP Bleed: 8.5” x 10.75” Created: 12-26-2019 2:02 PM Spot Colors: Job#: 257612-0120-FRA Pubs: Join + MIssion Trim: 8.25” x 10.5” Modified: 12-26-2019 2:05 PM Campaign: I Served For Issue: 2020 Safety: 7.75” x 10” Scale: 1” : 1”w Location/Event: -- Layout DPI: DPI Product/Item: MCA&F Effective DPI: DPI

File Name/ ...A:[USAA]:AFFINITY - 007389:PRINT:ADS:[Join + Mission]:257612-0120-FRA_AFM BRAND FRA Join + Mission 2020.02 Location: AD:FULFILLMENT:COLLECTED JOBS:257612-0120-FRA_AFM BRAND FRA Join + Mission 2020:257612-0120-FRA_AFM BRAND FRA Join + Mission 2020.02 AD_01.indd DO NOT PRINT Studio #: B1122-011789-06 ENT Print Adaptation Studio: Ruben Mejia Round #: 01 B:8.5” T:8.25” S:7.75”

FEATURE

PORTLAND OREGON: BRIDGES B:10.75” T:10.5” S:10” PARKS & I SERVED BICYCLE FOR Honor PATHS

Portland stock photo, courtesy of DepositPhoto. By Leonard E. Churilla

ortland, Oregon, was founded by William Overton, a pioneer of the 19th century. If you have never been to Portland, you are in At USAA, the same values that guide our military inspire us to go above and beyond for our members. When you join USAA, you’ll be part of an organization where we have everything you for a surprise. The city got its name from a flip of a coin back in need to make your membership a lifelong bond. 1845. It could have been named “Boston” if Asa Lovejoy from Massachusetts had had his way, but the coin toss was won by JOIN USAA TODAY. Francis Pettygrove, a native of Maine. When I was in Portland a few years ago, I thought the streets were confusing, but quaint and attractive. The CALL 877-FRA-USAA (372-8722) OR VISIT USAA.COM/FRA Pcity is divided into five major sections: SW, SE, N, NW, and NE, with the Willamette River dividing east from west, and Burnside Street separating USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its a liates. Use of the term “member” or “membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change. To join USAA, separated north from south. military personnel must have received a discharge type of “Honorable.” Eligible former dependents of USAA members may join USAA. No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement. Fleet Reserve Association receives fi nancial support from USAA for this sponsorship. FRAtoday /// May 2020 31 © 2020 USAA. 257612-0120-FRA

This advertisement prepared by Publication Note: Guideline for general identification only. Do not use as insertion order. REVIEW FOR CONTENT ONLY, NOT COLOR. Client: USAA Color: 4CP Bleed: 8.5” x 10.75” Created: 12-26-2019 2:02 PM Spot Colors: Job#: 257612-0120-FRA Pubs: Join + MIssion Trim: 8.25” x 10.5” Modified: 12-26-2019 2:05 PM Campaign: I Served For Issue: 2020 Safety: 7.75” x 10” Scale: 1” : 1”w Location/Event: -- Layout DPI: DPI Product/Item: MCA&F Effective DPI: DPI

File Name/ ...A:[USAA]:AFFINITY - 007389:PRINT:ADS:[Join + Mission]:257612-0120-FRA_AFM BRAND FRA Join + Mission 2020.02 Location: AD:FULFILLMENT:COLLECTED JOBS:257612-0120-FRA_AFM BRAND FRA Join + Mission 2020:257612-0120-FRA_AFM BRAND FRA Join + Mission 2020.02 AD_01.indd DO NOT PRINT Studio #: B1122-011789-06 ENT Print Adaptation Studio: Ruben Mejia Round #: 01 Dog walking in the Peninsula Park Rose Garden. Peninsula Park is located in the Piedmont neighborhood in north FEATURE Portland and is well-known for the park’s beautiful rose gardens. Photo by Justin Katigbak, Travel Portland.

Hikers enjoy Portland’s urban playground at Forest Park. Located in the city’s northwest corner, this 8-mile-long conservancy covers 5,156 acres and provides Portlanders a respite from urban life while supporting more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species. Photo by Justin Katigbak, Travel Portland. 32 FRAtoday /// May 2020 FEATURE

Dining on NW 23rd Street. In northwest Portland, century-old Victorian and Craftsman-style storefronts house unique boutiques, national retailers, bars and restaurants. Photo by Justin Katigbak, Travel Portland.

Find the Great Outdoors in a Big City Discover World-Class Museums There are a lot of interesting places to see and things to do If museums are more your pace, head to Park Avenue. The in Portland. If spending time outdoors is your cup of tea, Portland Art Museum, located at 1219 SW Park Ave., has Portland has several unique options that will be hard to fine exhibits on American, European, Asian and Native choose from. I was amazed by the myriad varieties of roses American art. At the Oregon Historical Society’s museum, at the International Rose Test Garden located at 400 SW located at 1200 SW Park Ave., you can learn how Thomas Kingston Ave. Immediately afterwards, a walk through the Jefferson commissioned Lewis and Clark to go west to nearby Japanese gardens at 611 SW Kingston Ave. made explore the Oregon Territory. me feel like I was back in Japan. The pebble-stone walkways, If you are into antique furniture, go to the Pittock Mansion manicured shrubs, miniature trees called “bonsai” and walk to at 3229 NW Pittock Drive. It features a variety of antique a teahouse over the red, arched bridge across a pond with koi items, including furniture from Renaissance France and 18th fish, provided a serene setting and great photo opportunities. and 19th century Europe and America. Located 1,000 feet Hikers may enjoy Forest Park, which is a park within the above Portland, it also renders a panoramic view of the city city that has 70 miles of densely wooded trails to follow. and distant mountains. Nature lovers will enjoy the Hoyt Arboretum in Washington If you are a train enthusiast like me, you will find the Park at 4000 SW Fairview Blvd., off U.S. Highway 26. It has Oregon Rail Heritage Center at 2250 SE Water Ave. to be 189 acres with 6,000 specimens of coniferous and flowering of interest. You can see the locomotive that rolled across the trees and shrubs. If you feel like strolling down the river, U.S. in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial of our country’s Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park is for you. There you founding. Visitors are allowed to peek inside a train cab and can cross the Willametter River on two different bridges, the have their picture taken in front of one of the giant wheels. Hawthorne Bridge and the Steel Bridge, and markers along Although I was not able to visit the Museum of Science the way tell the history of the area. and Industry, located at 1945 SE Water Ave., it is definitely

FRAtoday /// May 2020 33 FEATURE

The International Rose Test Garden — the oldest continuously operated rose test garden in the United States. Photo by Justin Katigbak, Travel Portland.

on my bucket list for my next visit. The giant Empirical Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man — like totem poles Theater boasts a screen four stories high with 3D capability. along a pathway, which ends at a small wooden chapel. Presentations are given on science, geography and the If you prefer to just relax and watch other people pass by, solar system. And docked right behind the museum is the go to Pioneer Courthouse Square, located at SW Sixth Street submarine USS BLUEBACK. For retired Navy personnel and Broadway. You can sit on the brick steps of “Portland’s who have never been on a submarine, this is a great living room” and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching people opportunity. While stationed in Japan years ago, I visited the pass by bronze chessboards. In the Hawthorne District, on first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS SEA DRAGON, Hawthorne Boulevard between 17th and 43rd streets, you can on its maiden voyage. The USS BLUEBACK, however, is the also have fresh pastry with your coffee from one of the many last diesel-electric submarine. Decommissioned in 1990, it bakeries there. The uniquely decorated Bagdad Theater & Pub, was used in filming the movie “The Hunt for Red October.” part of downtown Portland since 1927, is located there, too. You can take a general tour for $7.50, or embark on a small- From Pioneer Courthouse Square, you can also take group, 3-hour technical tour led by an actual submarine Gray Line of Portland tours, which depart from 780 SW veteran for $15. Broadway. The pink trolley takes visitors on a narrated sightseeing tour with 14 stops at points of interest. Passengers Indulge in Some Peace and Quiet may board, depart and reboard at any point. There are also For a peaceful place to pray and contemplate, go to The half-day and full-day bus tours to Multnomah Falls and the Grotto, the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother. Columbia River Gorge. These tours are a great option for Surrounded by lofty fir trees, it has a 600-seat chapel known those who are unable to drive or who want to avoid the stress for its outstanding acoustics. The site also has a petting zoo of driving and parking in Portland. You can buy tickets at the and hand-puppet shows. I witnessed an outdoor wedding ticket booth in Pioneer Courthouse Square, or you can call in the courtyard in front of a cave that resembled Lourdes, 503-241-7373. France, with hundreds of lit candles and a small stream. An outdoor elevator will take you to a higher level in a different, Looking for Good Food? park-like setting. There you will see figures for each station of Portland has some diverse places to satisfy any palate. For the cross — a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates traditional American food and casual dining, go to Firehouse

34 FRAtoday /// May 2020 FEATURE

Portland, Oregon downtown skyline as seen from Washington Park. Photo courtesy of DepositPhoto. at 711 NE Dekum St., or for a more elegant experience of dish or try a little bit of everything at their lunch buffet. classic American cuisine, try Mother’s Bistro & Bar at 121 Lebanese food can be had at Ya Hala at 8005 SE Stark St. SW Third Ave. In the mood for steak? Sayler’s Old Country If you fancy some Eastern European cuisine, try Kachka at Kitchen has a broad selection. Located at 10519 SE Stark 960 SE 11th Ave. For Thai food, try Lemongrass at 1705 NE St., they also have a senior’s menu and happy hour. And for Couch St. For authentic Japanese cuisine, try Yakuza at 5411 excellent seafood, try Seasons and Regions Seafood Grill, NE 30th Ave. or Mio Sushi at 2271 NW Johnson St. Bon located at 6660 SW Capitol Highway. appetite! A Portland classic that has spread to 12 other states, The Old Spaghetti Factory is located at 0715 SW Bancroft Everyone is Invited Street. The family-owned restaurant features an antique I hope to see you at the upcoming annual convention being Portland trolley car that the founders refurbished to offer held in Portland. The Northwest Region of the FRA is guests a unique dining location. Across the river in East hosting the event. All FRA members and their families Portland, Renata also offers casual Italian food at 626 SE are invited to the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon. The Main St. For more upscale Italian cuisine, try Nostrana at convention hotel is the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel 1401 SE Morrison, which features regional dishes made with located at 8235 NE Airport Way. The hotel’s telephone locally sourced ingredients. If you just want a good pizza, go number is 503-281-2500; be sure to mention the Fleet to the Old Town Brewing at 5201 NE. Martin Luther King Reserve Association to get the special room rate of $112 Jr. Blvd. As its name implies, you can also get one of their per night. There is a 15.3 percent hotel tax and the FRA award-winning beers, which will travel only feet from its rate applies for up to three days before and three days after serving tank to your server’s hand. the convention dates. The cutoff date for the special rate Have other international cravings? For Mexican food, try is Tuesday, Sept. 1. There is on-site complimentary self- Nuestra Cocina at 2135 SE Division St., and for Chinese parking and a complimentary airport shuttle to the hotel. The food, try Dragonwell Bistro at 735 SW First Ave. Le Pigeon shuttle also operates within a five-mile radius of the hotel. is where you can enjoy some French cuisine. For German I hope as many members as possible are able to experience fare, Gustav’s Pub & Grill is the place to go. Indian cuisine the engaging 2020 FRA Annual Convention, as well as the is available at India House, where you can order your favorite exciting city it is being held in! FRA

FRAtoday /// May 2020 35 LIFE MEMBERS

HE FRA CONGRATULATES THE FOLLOWING Shipmates who became Life Members during the first quarter of 2020. The listing, which is arranged alphabetically and by the month joined, includes each member’s branch number or Member-At-Large (MAL) designation. Call 1-800-FRA-1924 to learn how you can become a LifeT Member of the Fleet Reserve Association. JANUARY Edwin C. Leach 22 Al H. Wagner 316 Larry Halsey 230 Leon C. Abrams MAL Louis P. Llorca MAL Lawrence E. Weber MAL Jack Hanson 382 Barry Adkins MAL Floyd E. Loomis 170 Larry Wickizer MAL Merel Hayen MAL David R. Arndt 53 Richard A. Love 194 William T. Wilding 126 Floyd L. Hoopes 289 Alan Baskin 70 Roger E. Martin 53 Thomas E. Windsor 230 Robert P. Jenkins 289 Donald Becker MAL Thomas M. Mattingly 90 David F. Woida Sr. 147 Daniel A. Johnson 51 Lloyd W. Bice 281 Richard J. McClellan 136 Jimmy M. Wong 163 Roger Keown 99 James R. Boersma MAL Ted O. McDaniel MAL David M. Woodcock MAL Edgar F. Kinlaw MAL Jonathan M. Browder 15 Arthur J. McLean MAL John R. Woynicz 01 David Lamirande MAL Thomas E. Brydebell 146 Robert T. McNally, Jr. MAL John P. Young 08 Nina Langford 22 Alfred D. Campbell 61 Steven K. Meyer 136 Paul A. Lawson Jr. MAL Roderick Carrier 94 George H. Miller H. 60 FEBRUARY Michael Lebeduik III 24 Rufus E. Carter 289 Ronnie Minton 269 Clarence G. Albright 163 Ernest L. Lewis 197 Jimmy E. Conn 112 Ronald S. Montgomery S. 46 Roy L. Armour 55 Kenneth J. Liedy 24 Robert E. Conrad 91 Howard H. Nakamura H. MAL Adolph F. Bailey Jr. MAL Robert L. Lingenfelter MAL Maria Daloia MAL Norris L. Nathan L. 269 Ralph S. Bates 269 Bert R. Logan III 55 Diana Lynn Sojka Dopp 307 William J. O’Donnell J. 31 Dennis Blocker 293 Eufrocino A. Monte 162 William R. Eddins 289 Chris P. Ognilla P. MAL Lennard A. Bloom 53 Willie M. Neely MAL William B. Ekis 290 Gary O’Neal 217 Louis M. Borno Jr. MAL David Overstreet 84 Will E. Emeny 103 Patrick L. O’Sullivan L. 197 Walter S. Bourland MAL Gary Pehling 136 Wayne N. Endsley 261 Robert J. Palisay J. MAL Joel D. Bridenstine MAL Joseph E. Plessner MAL Jerry A. Engelke MAL James E. Patton E. MAL Clarito A. Calimbas 84 David J. Poholsky MAL Patrick Fedorowicz 24 Mary E. Peffer E. 99 Richard W. Camara MAL John W. Powers Jr. MAL Robin Felix 70 Roger Pena 94 Richard N. Carl 01 Daniel N. Riingen MAL Gregory P. Flaherty 24 J. D. Porter D. 269 Byron F. Craig 67 Jim B. Sammons MAL Stephen E. Forster 289 James Rauch E. 273 Alan R. Curtis MAL Bill Seigfried 115 Micheal Gammans 214 James P. Richmond P. 22 John M. Dalla 166 John Shaak 269 Kenneth N. Garr 217 Russell Roberts 24 Robert E. Davis 382 James C. Shearl 60 Robert L. Geary 106 Neil S. Rubin 24 Robert A. Dews 24 Robert Stapleton 94 Wilfred A. Grant 99 Timothy Scanlon MAL Anthony Dooan MAL Carl Stonecypher 94 John F. Habina MAL William Schieber MAL James Dunworth MAL George R. Stromberg 24 Arthur R. Hapenney MAL Michael A. Scott 94 Donald E. Duty 172 Richard J. Thomas 293 Joyce M. Harris 20 Bruce D. Seltzer Jr. 269 Gene L. Dyer 146 Dale L. Town 63 Allen Hayes 44 Roger K. Shoemaker MAL David L. Eaton 185 Terry L. Trump 269 Mark A. Heck 269 David C. Skillings 29 Patrick Espinar 94 Robert Walstad 20 Harry C. Hennequin II 161 Jason A. Snellings 46 Darell E. Floyd 89 Charles R. Williams 44 Fred Holland MAL James M. Solberg MAL Larry G. Free 70 David B. Winnie 24 Roger L. Holmes 91 John M. Stigen MAL Troy A. Freund 24 Gary A. Wittmuss 274 Michael A. Hreha 24 Jerry K. Stout 269 John W. Gardner 24 Charles E. Wright MAL John H. Hubert MAL James E. Sutton 112 Donald J. Goard 230 Charlie Zent 289 Bruce Jamieson 61 Arthur C. Tate MAL Chris Golden 289 Alfredo M. Javillonar 302 Robert L. Tribbey 219 Alexander Gooding 62 MARCH James Jean-Baptiste 24 Ted Trousdale 263 Armon G. Grantham 201 Steven S. Annon 289 Thomas G. Johnston 93 Donald T. Vecoli 118 Rita F. Gullord 216 James A. Baker MAL William W. Kelly Jr. 93 William E. Vollmar MAL Anthony Hafer 290 Harry L. Batzel Jr. MAL David L. Krobe 23 Theodore L. Vorce 60 Michael A.Haight 04 Thomas Bohner III 115

36 FRAtoday /// May 2020 LIFE MEMBERS

Robert S. Boles 261 James M. Dunn 371 Elizabeth D. Mauldin 60 Louis Russell 29 Richard D. Brandstetter MAL William T. Durkin 93 Robert J. Mayo 18 Frederick J. Schindler 166 Denise C. Brown MAL Lewis F. Fish 292 Fred G. Monson 292 Glenn Schumann 136 Arthur R. Brown 269 James E. Fitzgibbons 40 Patrick E. Montgomery 57 Jack L. Shaddy MAL Jerrald M. Butler MAL Kenneth Fountain MAL Walter J. Moore Jr. 94 Raymond C. Simpson Jr. 08 Walter B. Carillion 22 James A. Fowler Jr. MAL Brythe Nuckols 60 Ralph H. Slider 115 James P. Chambers MAL Allen D. Franklin 261 Collis Parham 162 Jerrald D. Steichen 91 Carl H. Chinn 269 Abraham Grayton MAL Arthur P. Parker 70 Robert Styles 53 Leonard E. Churilla 197 Gary R. Grover 97 Denison A. Parker Jr. 46 John Sullivan MAL Jeffrey F. Clark MAL Michael Hall 24 Richard Parklan 289 Jimmy R. Thomas MAL Wayne R. Colburn, Jr. 24 Charles B. Hanlon MAL Gerard Pastori 124 Rosemary Toy 31 Angelo Coppola 282 Michael N. Hardy MAL Noe Perea Jr. MAL Joseph Tremble Jr. MAL Kenneth W. Corsey 18 Alfred H. Haxton, Jr. MAL Dalton D. Perryman 11 John R. Vernotzy MAL Windel M. Crawley 282 Steven Haynes MAL Charles D. Polston 126 Richard H. Westray MAL Joseph Danscuk MAL Dana Johnson 269 Danny G. Poole 223 Clinton A. White MAL Charles E. Day 269 Coleman Knox III 67 Bryan G. Rader MAL Richard Wilson 104 Dennis W. Desjarlais 261 Alvin L. Lakin Jr. 29 Terry E. Rand Sr. MAL Jack L. Wirick 269 Herman A. Diener MAL Myron L. Leanna 20 Timothy P. Richardt 166 David A. Zeman MAL Dennis G. Dunn 292 Larry Marshall 87 Terry J. Rosene MAL FRA

“We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of pro‹ ting by dearly bought experience.” — George Washington

CHECK RIDE is the raw, true story of one Army Aviator’s time in Vietnam from 1969-1970. While Tom McGurn was only one young pilot, thousands shared his experiences in the Army. In Check Ride, he recounts previously undisclosed de- tails of ƒ ight missions, giving the reader a taste of the every- day ƒ avor of life during those times. From ranger insertions/ extractions to shipborne operations, combat assaults, SEALS, and the usual WTF! missions, this era created a new genera- tion of mobile warfare warriors who were ‹ ne-tuned by the needs of the United States Army.

Some had it better. Some had it worse.

Tom will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

FRAtoday /// May 2020 37 Calling All Hands Loyalty-Protection-Service

We need your help to strengthen your organization. Are you proud of your service? Are you proud of your affiliation with FRA? Step up and become an FRA Ambassador and earn recruiting awards!

Membership Recruiting Awards – Any member of the FRA or Auxiliary who sponsors or recruits: • 1 active duty enlisted member of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard will receive a Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard pin respectively. • 1 new active duty shipmate from each branch of services will qualify for The National President’s Membership Club. • 3 new or reinstated shipmates will receive the Recruiting and Retention 2020-2021 pin award. • 5 new or reinstated shipmates in one membership year will receive the Recruit Five Moving Forward pin and a one-year extension of his/her existing membership (valued at $40). If the sponsor is a Life Member, a $40 membership gift certificate can be given to any current or new shipmate the recipient desires. • 10 new or reinstated shipmates shall be presented with a Gold Lapel Button emblem of the Association, a Gold Membership Card, and a Letter of Commendation signed by the National President. • 32 new or reinstated members during the membership year will receive Life Membership or $100 cash. For each subsequent 32 members recruited, a Shipmate will receive an addition $100. • 50 new or reinstated members will receive a Silver Anchor Squadron Award Pin, a Silver Anchor Squadron Certificate and a Letter of Commendation signed by the National President. Awards are issued quarterly and will be shipped to your affiliated branch, directly to the Shipmate or a Member-At-Large.

Join FRA: Membership Application SPONSORED BY: Membership is open to all current or former enlisted members of the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Name: ______Guard. I certify that I fulfill the eligibility requirements and want to join the FRA. Annual dues include a subscription to FRAtoday, NewsBytes and OnWatch. Member No.: ______Branch No.: ______

Name: ______Rate/Rank: ______

Address: ______Street Lot/Space City State Zip Code 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA Date of Birth: ______SS No. (Optional): ______Phone: ( ) ______22314-2754 703-683-1400 Service: ______Status: ______Membership Pref.: Branch No.______Nearest to home Member-at-large 800-FRA-1924 www.fra.org Previous FRA member: No Yes If yes, previous Member No.: ______

Email Address: ______Spouse’s Name: ______

SPECIAL Applicant’s Signature: ______Date: ______OFFER FOR FIRST TIME DUES OPTIONS: PAYMENT OPTIONS: MEMBERS! 1 Year $40.00 Master Card Visa Discover American Express Check/Money Order Enclosed 2 Years for 2 Years $64.00 FIRST TIME MEMBERS Amount: ______Credit Card No.: ______$64.00 2 Years $75.00 (for renewing or reinstating) 5 Years $180.00 Exp. Date: ______Signature: ______May 2020 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Serving Shipmates Amid Coronavirus Changes

eemingly overnight, our world has excess of 3,000 pieces of mail. In addition to those, dramatically changed. The challenges we we receive another 1,500-2,000 pieces of other face certainly aren’t news to anyone, but mail. Every one of those needs to be touched in weS feel it’s important to share details about how some way; we address outgoing mail in batches we are confronting these new obstacles while depending on the type of notice, but incoming continuing to pursue our mission. Ultimately, the mail must be opened and routed individually. FRA is all about its members and no pandemic, Sometimes there are checks for the payment of outbreak or other global crisis will prevent us dues or other obligations, in which case they must Christina from doing everything we can to be here for be routed to finance for handling. Other times the Hitchcock Shipmates and family members alike. mail is a reunion notice, or a question about the National Headquarters has made significant bylaws, or something else entirely. The mail room changes in almost every aspect of daily operations staff have to look at each item individually and in order to keep things moving. We have reviewed then circulate it to the relevant department for a all the staffing schedules and the various functions response and follow-up. that require people to be on-site, and we have Physical orders for real items must be processed made adjustments throughout normal operations at headquarters, so staff need to review the order to keep processing all our mail, which is central forms and payments, confirm everything is correct, to membership activities. Renewal notices, and then retrieve the items from our inventory, payments, membership cards and other paper package them for individual shipment, and send communications will continue to be processed them out the door. As quantities diminish based on and handled as normal — even if there are minor ongoing orders, we must also replenish inventory changes to timing and priorities. to ensure Shipmates have access to products Similarly, the membership department has whenever they need them. three staff members in addition to myself, plus Staying on top of telephone activity is the other two people in the mail room. I have set up weekly major task. Even as more Shipmates adjust to schedules for the whole team to ensure that online communications, we receive a lot of phone we have a physical presence in the office when calls about every manner of question. My voicemail necessary while minimizing the opportunity is a battleground of dueling priorities, but what for close contact between individuals in case the member services team enjoys most is when a there is any chance of virus propagation. We Shipmate calls and we are available to assist you. want to process incoming and outgoing mail, This is just a brief insight into only one part whether it’s renewals, membership reminders, of normal activities at National Headquarters. or other communications. We want to maintain We know that everyone must make adjustments. the continuity of service you’re used to from We hope every Shipmate is safe and remains in headquarters, even if we have to go about it in a good health, and we stand ready to respond to any more fragmented way. requests you have for us on the member services If you receive a renewal notice, please consider team, at the FRA National Headquarters. FRA renewing online or over the phone. While you are Yours in Loyalty, Protection and Service, doing that, please verify that we have your current Christina Hitchcock phone number and email address, even if you think we already have it. Christina is the FRA’s director of membership. She can be reached at [email protected] or 703-683-1400, ext. 123. On a monthly basis, we send something in

FRAtoday /// May 2020 39 SHIPMATE NEWS

2 1 1. BRANCH 226, STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (L to R) Branch President Jim Brown presents a plaque to Shipmate Andrew Butcher who was selected Enlisted Person of the Quarter by Capt. Jason Tama, New York Sector commandant. The caption in the April issue was incorrect.

2. BRANCH 208, JACKSONVILLE, N.C. Camp Lejeune Branch presented awards to the local Americanism Essay Contest winners Feb. 11. (L to R, front) Shipmate Luis Alers, 3 Maddy Templeton, Rebecca McLean, Caleb Mendiola and Charlie Skala Infant, all from Prague Catholic School; Haley Moore from Swansboro Middle School; and Elizabeth Schwend, Nathaniel Presson and Karl Benson, all from Lejeune High School. (L to R, back) Branch President Raymond Applewhite, Erik Williams from Prague Catholic School, Shipmate Gerald Gray Jr., Branch Chaplain Alexander Nevgloski Sr. and Branc Secretary Paul Miethker.

3. BRANCH 146, JOHNSVILLE, PA. 2020 Americanism Essay Contest winners were honored at St. Isidore Catholic School in Quakertown, PA. (L to R) Fr. Kenneth 7 8 Brabazon; Branch Secretary Joe Millman, Ashlyn Soltysiak, seventh grade, first place 6 winner, Elisabeth Stout, eighth grade, second place winner; Kiele Magalengo, eighth grade, first place winner; and Branch Essay Committee Chair Tom Concannon.

4. BRANCH 146, JOHNSVILLE, PA. Branch President Otto Blavier (L) presents Shipmate Gene Dyer (R) his Life Member pin during a recent branch meeting.

5. BRANCH 94, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (L to R) Branch Vice President Marie May presents a certificate to Hailey Wilson, a senior at Flour Bluff High School. Wilson won third place in the recent Americanism Essay 11 Contest.

6. LA FRA NATIONAL PRESIDENT On Feb. 19, NP Bea Parco had the opportunity to attend a local event in 10 Phoenix, Arizona, with Ervin Julian and his grandson Jason. Julian is a 100-year-old WWII Navy veteran who separated as an E-3.

Submit a photo for Shipmate News by email as a high-quality attachment in jpeg format to [email protected]. Please include a brief description and include the names of those pictured.

40 FRAtoday /// May 2020 SHIPMATE NEWS

7. BRANCH 89, ATLANTA, GA. East Coast Regional President Laurie Bailey presents banners to Shipmate Barron, branch chair of the Americanism Essay Contest. The banners represent finishing first in the region and second at the national level in the Americanism/ Patriotism Committee.

8. BRANCH 226, STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Branch President Jim Brown (L) and 4 Americanism Essay Contest Chair Bernard 5 Eldredge (R) commemorate the last Iwo Jima survivor, Nicholas Troianiello on the anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Troianiello is from Marine Corp. League (renamed in honor of Sgt. Mendez) Detachment 246, Staten Island, N.Y.

9. BRANCH 294, CROSSVILLE, TENN. Americanism Essay Contest winners (L to R, back) Chair Stuart Litman; Larry Ryan, seventh grade, Pineview Elementary; Kaleb Lowshorn, junior Clarkrange High school, third place SE Region; and Branch President Peter Dellarco. (L to R, seated) Allie Stover, eighth grade North Cumberland Elementary, first place SE 9 Region; Candace Shelton, freshman, Clarkrange High School, third place SE Region; Linda Kinney, unit chaplain representing Kaylea Fields, sophomore, Clarkrange High School (unable to attend); and Holly Shaw, senior, Cumberland High School, second place SE Region.

10. BRANCH 316, SPRINGFIELD, MO. Ozark Empire recognizes its essay contest winners. (L to R) Joseph Beranek, seventh grade; Patrick Beranek, 11th grade; Luke Hall, eighth grade; Alyssa Conner, ninth grade; and Branch President Tom Newsom.

11. BRANCH 23, BUFFALO, N.Y. Twenty five attended the Branch Christmas Party at the Longhorn Steak House in Cheektowaga, New York. (L to R) Branch Pres. Wayne and Dianne Sorrentino, Tom Richards, George Degener, Tammy Richards, Carol Reingold, Janice Ross, Alice LaGraves, NE/NEng RVP Neil Ross, Barbara Langheier, Branch Sec. Dave LaGraves, Bill Langheier, Mike Kingswell, Eileen Cassidy, Dave Krobe, Diane Kingswell, Branch Vice Pres. Ruth Ann Coppola, Penny Rohs, Bernie Kras, NE/NEng RP Abe Zino and Branch Chap. Andy Rotola. Pat Baron, Theresa Zino, Joe Coppola, Pat Kras and Tony Mistretta also attended but were not in the photo.

FRAtoday /// May 2020 41 2020 CONVENTION

PORTLAND

93rd FRA 88th LA FRA 2020 NATIONAL CONVENTIONS Portland, Oregon September 28 – October 3, 2020

The Northwest Region of the FRA is hosting the 2020 National Conventions. All FRA Members and family are invited and welcome to join us in the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon.

Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel 8235 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97220 503-281-2500 Be sure to mention “Fleet Reserve Association.” Online reservations will be available at a later date. Room rates are $112 per night plus a 15.3% hotel tax and apply for up to three days prior and three days following the convention dates but you are advised to book early to ensure availability. The cut-off date for the block of rooms will be held until Tuesday, September 1, 2020. There is on-site complimentary self-parking. There is a complimentary airport transportation to and from the hotel and within a five-mile radius of the hotel. 2020 CONVENTION In Memoriam TAPS Name Rating Branch Katona, Paul J. SKC, USN MAL Perkins, Lawrence J. RMC, USN 14 Adams, Paul S. RDCS, USN 08 Kear, Kenneth L. CWO3, USN 275 Platten, Edward J. PH2, USN 268 Adler, William PH1(AW), USN 70 Kerr, Robert B. EM1, USN 91 Raymer, William T. AO1, USN MAL Anderson, Marvin SSGT, USMC MAL Kile, Donald H. CPO, USN MAL PRPSC, Roark, Rex C. EQCM, USN 282 Beaver, Kermit A. MKCM, USCGR 346 Konemann, William T. EOC, USN 105 Rogers, Alton T. RMCM(SS), USN 20 Bedell, Lawrence L. LT, USN 126 Larkin, Hector H. GMCS, USN MAL Salamone, Joseph A. CSC, USN 226 Beningo, J. CPO, USMC MAL Lewis, Richard L. STCM, USN 46 Schultz, Carl R. TMCM, USN MAL Bond, Raymond E. AL3, USCG MAL Libao, Edgardo M. SH1, USN MAL Sebastian, Billie A. CTAC, USN MAL Bozeman, Jerry C. PNCS, USN 166 Long, David W. ADR1, USN 93 Seger, Richard M. BMC, USN MAL Braswell, John A. HTCM(SW),USN MAL Lozada, Isaac A. MS1, USNR 84 Soli, Lowell J. ISCS, USN 238 Burba, Lowell L. MMCM, USN MAL Lucas, Kenneth E. PNC, USN 61 Sorensen, John SKC, USN MAL Caudill, Ronald W. CWO4, USN MAL Lunsford, Homer G. CTCM, USN MAL Sprague, William R. AT2, USN 24 Clark, Earl H. AOC, USN 230 Lutz, Garry CWO4, USN 97 Stafford, Harry W. PN1, USN 245 Clift, Clyde CPO, USN 11 Marrujo, Martin L. HM1, USN MAL Sterling, Roberts W. SKCM, USN MAL Conrad, Bill ADR1, USN 166 Mathew, Jack M. QMC, USN 61 Stewart, James H. TMC(SS), USN 14 PORTLAND Cox, Glenn H. FTCS(SS),USN MAL McCarley, Bobby C. BMC, USNR MAL Stout, Robert R. SK1, USN MAL Criscola, G. D. BMCS, USN 264 McCrea, Douglas R. AE1, USN MAL Thulander, Philip M. MGYSGT, USMC 275 Currie, George D. BT1, USN 61 Melvin, John H. MM1, USN 061 Trawick, William H. ETN2, USN 162 Dailey, Timothy P. CTACM, USN 141 Meunier, Joseph R. PRC, USN 126 Walter, August D. LCPL, USMC 162 Davidson, Robert H. PHCM, USN 22 Miller, Melvin FTCM, USN MAL Watkins, Jackie B. RMCS, USN MAL Davis, Charles R. QMCS(SS), USN 251 Mitchell, Edward J. PO1, USN MAL Weseli, Robert P. RMD3, USN 130 93rd FRA Deangelis, Phillip W. ADR1, USN 124 Moore, Bobby R. MMC, USN MAL Widmer, Roy E. AFCM, USN 261 Dipietro, Sebastian HTC, USN 166 Morris, Larry E. AMS1, USN MAL Whitehouse, Stewart M. CTTC, USN MAL Duben, Robert F. HMC, USN 216 Ormsby, William A. SKC, USN 24 Williams, Thomas E. ADJC, USN MAL 88th LA FRA Eberle, Richard R. CWO4, USN MAL Palmer, Bernard ADJ3, USN 212 Wooten, Travis CPO, USN MAL Eng, Richard J. ET1 (SS), USN 20

Felice, Henry C. ETR2, USN 136 2020 NATIONAL CONVENTIONS Fisher, Raymond A. ETCM, USN MAL Never lose electricity again! Floberg, Herman ICC, USN 60 Portland, Oregon Fulgueras, Ulpiano M. PO1, USN 127 Gaddy, Thomas PO1, USN MAL Hagerman, Jerry F. PO3, USN 105 September 28 – October 3, 2020 Hamlin, William D. EMCS(SS), USN MAL Hamn, Kayd MS1(SW), USN 91 Heffner, George W. CPO, USN MAL

The Northwest Region of the FRA is hosting the 2020 National Conventions. All FRA Members and Hinson, John E. MMC, USN MAL ENGINEERED Hipolito, Ruben M. SKC, USN 302 USA and BUILT family are invited and welcome to join us in the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon. Own the #1 brand in Built in the USA using Holland, Terry D. Hon. Member 162 home standby power. domestic and foreign parts. Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel 8235 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97220 503-281-2500 Jakubowski, Daniel E. EM1, USN 14 Jameson, Donald D. MCPO, USN 93 8 out of 10 buyers choose Generac CALL for FREE Generator Be sure to mention “Fleet Reserve Association.” Online reservations will be available at a later date. Home Standby Generators to Buyer’s Guide and… Room rates are $112 per night plus a 15.3% hotel tax and apply for up to three days prior and three Jernigan, Jerry R. RMC, USN MAL automatically provide electricity days following the convention dates but you are advised to book early to ensure availability. The Johnson, David L. CWO3, USCG 112 to their homes during power Limited Time Johnson, Robert A. PRC, USN 124 outages. GENERAC Home Standby cut-off date for the block of rooms will be held until Tuesday, September 1, 2020. There is on-site * Karnstedt, Charles AC1, USN MAL Generators start at just $1,999. BONUS OFFER! complimentary self-parking. There is a complimentary airport transportation to and from the hotel and TOLL within a five-mile radius of the hotel. Names in red indicate 50-year continuous members. FREE 800-795-0639 Any names in bold indicate past national officers. To report a Shipmate death, email: [email protected] FreeGeneratorGuide.com 1AE98X © 2020 or telephone at 703-683-1400, ext. 1. *Price does not include installation.

FRAtoday /// May 2020 43 SOMETHING WORTH PROTECTING . . .

GET THE FACTS — NOW! You helped secure our nation’s future. Let us do the same for your family. FACT #1 TRICARE provides generous The FRA-endorsed MilicarePLUS TRICARE benefits—which are often better than civilian health care plans. Supplement Insurance Plan can help reduce your But… out-of-pocket health care expenses! The health care industry continues to change—even for TRICARE this FACT #2 year. That’s why it’s important to take a fresh look at your options. Is You could still have out-of- your current coverage still the best for you? Will you need to switch pocket health care expenses. plans or supplement your coverage?

When you team TRICARE with MilicarePLUS, you could save thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket medical expenses. Other advantages include:

• Guaranteed acceptance* for you and your family. • KNOW YOUR OPTIONS! Affordable group-negotiated rates. Learn more today: Call toll-free • Pays cost-shares and co-pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, 1-800-424-1120 surgeries and more. Visit www.frainsure.com • See any TRICARE-authorized doctors you want—No referrals needed. • Provides your family with continued coverage at no-cost if something happens to you. Policies are underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, Home Office Hartford, CT, Program Administered by and Talcott Resolution Life Insurance Company, Home Office Windsor, CT, (formerly known as Hartford Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC Life Insurance Company). Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company acts as the administrator for Talcott Resolution Life Insurance Company. The Hartford® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. AR Insurance License #100102691 and its subsidiaries, including Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company. CA Insurance License #0G39709 *This policy is guaranteed acceptance but it does contain a Pre-Existing Conditions Limitations. Please refer to the website for more information on exclusions and limitations, such as Pre-Existing Conditions. In CA d/b/a Mercer Health & All benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. The policy details exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. Benefits Insurance Services LLC Visit www.frainsure.com to learn more and enroll online. Or call 1-800-424-1120. 90467 (1/20), 90468 (5/20), 90470 (10/20) Copyright 2020 Mercer LLC. All rights reserved. TRICARE Form Series includes SRP-1269, or state equivalent.

90467 90468 90470 FRA Tricare ad 2019.indd 1 11/25/19 1:33 PM 90467, 90468, 90470 FRA TRICARE Ad (1/20) Full Size: 8.25" x 10.5" Bleed Size: 8.5" x 10.75" (Full Bleed) Live Area: 7.75" x 10" Colors: 4-color process SOMETHING WORTH LOOKING FOR/REUNIONS PROTECTING . . .

Be sure to check with the reunion organizers to verify any changes in reunion schedules of events.

REUNIONS MCB 11 Seabees USS MARS (AFS-1) USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) 9/10/2020-9/14/2020 9/16/2020-9/20/2020 Association Nashville, Tenn. Norfolk, Va. 8/30/2020-9/3/2020 Contact: Larry Hagler Contact: Marilou (Stith) Briglin Las Vegas, Nev. Telephone: 512-796-2834 Telephone: 757-286-3149 Contact: John Wilder Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] You helped secure our nation’s future. Email: [email protected] GET THE FACTS — NOW! USS EVERETT F. LARSON (DD-830) USS HORNET Let us do the same for your family. USS WALKE (DD-723) 9/16/2020-9/20/2020 (CV-8, CV/CVA/CVS-12) FACT #1 Association Indianapolis, Ind. 72nd Reunion 9/9/2020-9/13/2020 Contact: Art Jacobson 9/16/2020-9/20/2020 TRICARE provides generous The FRA-endorsed MilicarePLUS TRICARE Grapevine, Texas Telephone: 480-857-0986 Buffalo, N.Y. benefits—which are often better Contact: Carole Violette Email: [email protected] Contact: Sandy Burke than civilian health care plans. Supplement Insurance Plan can help reduce your out-of-pocket health care expenses! Telephone: 509-307-4958 Telephone: 814-224-5063 But… Email: [email protected] USS RASHER Email: [email protected] The health care industry continues to change—even for TRICARE this www.USSWalke.org (SS/SSR/AGSS-269) FACT #2 year. That’s why it’s important to take a fresh look at your options. Is 9/16/2020-9/20/2020 LOOKING FOR... You could still have out-of- your current coverage still the best for you? Will you need to switch USS SAM HOUSTON La Porte, Texas Looking for shipmates from USS Tattnall pocket health care expenses. plans or supplement your coverage? (SSBN/SSN-609) Contact: Richard Moore DDG-19 From Apr 1963 Till Jan 1991 9/10/2020-9/12/2020 Telephone: 804-815-0730 Contact Richard Harmon Dharmonlpga1@ When you team TRICARE with MilicarePLUS, you could save thousands Omaha, Neb. Email: [email protected] aol.com or 386-235-8723. of dollars in out-of-pocket medical expenses. Other advantages include: Contact: Howard Dobson A list of reunions is at: www.fra.org/Reunions. All LookingFor/Reunions… must be submitted Telephone: 302-764-1197 online, via email to [email protected], or in writing to FRA LookingFor/Reunions…at 125 N. • Guaranteed acceptance* for you and your family. Email: [email protected] West St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Include your member ID and a daytime telephone number. For • KNOW YOUR OPTIONS! Affordable group-negotiated rates. help, contact FRA Member Services at 800-FRA-1924. Learn more today: Call toll-free • Pays cost-shares and co-pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, SHIP AND AIRCRAFT PHOTOS FOR SALE Thousands of photos available pre-WWII to present. 1-800-424-1120 surgeries and more. B &W 8 x 10 - $15.00 11 x 14 - $25.00 Visit www.frainsure.com • See any TRICARE-authorized doctors you want—No referrals needed. Color 8 x 10 - $25.00 11 x 14 - $40.00 Some ships not available in color. • Provides your family with continued coverage at no-cost if Ask about our Wooden Mounted “Plakits” Send payment with order.... Check or Money Order. Credit card orders accepted. something happens to you. Policies are underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, Home Office Hartford, CT, 863-289-0596* Shipping & Handling Program Administered by and Talcott Resolution Life Insurance Company, Home Office Windsor, CT, (formerly known as Hartford included in price. Life Insurance Company). Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company acts as the administrator for Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC ® ELSILRAC ENTERPRISES *Please order by mail or email as a Talcott Resolution Life Insurance Company. The Hartford is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. hearing deficiency has impacted our AR Insurance License #100102691 and its subsidiaries, including Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company. PO Box 7109 ability to handle phone requests. CA Insurance License #0G39709 *This policy is guaranteed acceptance but it does contain a Pre-Existing Conditions Limitations. Please Winter Haven, Florida 33883 refer to the website for more information on exclusions and limitations, such as Pre-Existing Conditions. In CA d/b/a Mercer Health & All benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. The policy details exclusions, [email protected] limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. Benefits Insurance Services LLC Visit www.frainsure.com to learn more and enroll online. Or call 1-800-424-1120. FRAtoday /// May 2020 45 90467 (1/20), 90468 (5/20), 90470 (10/20) Copyright 2020 Mercer LLC. All rights reserved. TRICARE Form Series includes SRP-1269, or state equivalent.

90467 90468 90470 FRA Tricare ad 2019.indd 1 11/25/19 1:33 PM 90467, 90468, 90470 FRA TRICARE Ad (1/20) Full Size: 8.25" x 10.5" Bleed Size: 8.5" x 10.75" (Full Bleed) Live Area: 7.75" x 10" Colors: 4-color process LA FRA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION: Founded in 1930, the LA FRA is a federally chartered organization. LA FRA Units are located throughout the United States and the Philippines. Eligible persons may also become Members-at-Large ( MAL ) who do not have access to, nor desire to join a Unit. The LA FRA has a proud standing tradition and heritage that supports this great nation and recognizes the sacrifices, past and present, of those who kept us strong and free.

WHAT WE DO: The LA FRA plays an active role in our communities. Local units sponsor youth programs, welfare projects, social and patriotic activities to benefit the communities at large, veteran programs and the active duty commu- nity. The organization provides annual scholarships to outstanding students each year.

WHO CAN JOIN? All applicants must be at least sixteen (16) years of age. Membership in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association is limited to spouses, parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, children, stepchildren and grandchildren not less than 16 years of age of members of the Fleet Reserve Asso- ciation and widows, widowers, parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, children, stepchildren and grandchildren not less than 16 years of age of persons who were members at the time of death or eligible to be members of the Fleet Reserve Association at the time of death.

HOW CAN I JOIN? Members fall into two categories. Members who belong to an LA FRA Unit or Members who do not but join as “Members-at-Large.”

Join the Ladies Auxiliary of the FRA (DBA Auxiliary of the FRA)

Name in Full: ______(First) (Middle) (Last)

Address: ______(Street) (City) (State) (Zip + 4)

Telephone: ______Date of Birth: ______

Email: ______

The following service member information validates this application:

______(Serviceman’s Full Name) (Rate/Rank) (USN/ USMC/ USCG) c Certify that the information is true and accurate and that my sponsor is a member of FRA Branch ______or is MAL c Certify that the information is true and accurate and that my sponsor was eligible for membership at the time of death.

Unit Preference ______Applicant’s Signature ______Date ______

Recruiter ______Member # ______Unit/Branch #______

Verified by ______Title ______Unit\Branch ______Date______Wife Mother Annual Memberhsip Dues: Sister Father I am the: $20.00 for 1 Year Daughter Widow $40.00 for 2 Year Stepdaughter Widower $60.00 for 3 Years Husband Granddaughter $80.00 for 4 Years Brother Grandson $100.00 for 5 Years Son Grandmother Stepson Grandfather MayJanuary 2020 2020 AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

A Message from the LA FRA National Chaplain

A FRA chaplains hold an important position within the organization and are appointed by unit presidents, Lregional presidents and our national president. The chaplains’ duties, as described in the Unit Instructions and Rituals, are: The chaplain arranges the altar, invokes the opening prayer, Lyn Transfiguracion National Chaplain closes and opens the Bible before and after meeting recess, and recites the closing prayer for each meeting. During initiations of new members, the unit chaplain reads the Third Principle of the Auxiliary and explains the meaning of the Symbolic LA FRA Triangle. The chaplain records unit member deaths and reports them to the regional chaplains, the national chaplain and the national financial secretary. The chaplain provides spiritual comfort and aid to those in distress and also performs other duties as may be required. The national chaplain performs nonsectarian devotional services during the national convention and other duties as the national president During the 78th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony on National requests. The national chaplain has charge of the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in 2019, LA FRA National President altar arrangements and the memorial service that Beatrice “Bea” Parco and FRA National President Donna Jansky is held during the national convention. The duties participated with a wreath in the ceremony at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. include, but are not limited to, the opening and closing prayers as well as the preparations for the As the 2019–2020 appointed national chaplain of the memorial service. auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association, I am both The memorial service is the most important but humbled and honored. I would like to thank Ladies somber part of the national chaplain’s duty. This is when Auxiliary National President Beatrice “Bea” Parco for flowers are offered in honor of our dearly departed bestowing her confidence upon me, and I look forward members to commemorate and remember their loyalty, to meeting all the challenges of this coming year. As protection and service to the auxiliary. Therefore, it is a spouse of a career U.S. Navy sailor and the secretary important to immediately notify the unit, regional and of Unit 302, I know only too well the importance of national chaplains and the national financial secretary the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association’s of the names of deceased unit members along with mission. the names and addresses of their next of kin. The To FRA and Auxiliary of the FRA members and notification form can be found online at: https://www. officers, I wish you all a great year ahead and I am la-fra.org/forms/formslist.html. looking forward to working with you. FRA If the national chaplain is present during the Annual Yours in Loyalty, Protection and Service Pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Lyn Transfiguracion chaplain delivers a prayer during the Mast of the USS MAINE Ceremony. Lyn is the LA FRA national chaplain.

FRAtoday /// May 2020 47 FINANCE MATTERS

Social Security and Retirement: Claim Benefits Sooner or Later?

hen it comes to Social Security and Do you have enough income? Another key factor retirement, you may have conflicting is having other sources of income to live comfortably viewpoints: On the one side, you hope in retirement without needing Social Security benefits. Wto start collecting your benefits as soon as you’re He says you should consider the guaranteed rate of eligible — after all, it’s your hard-earned money. return Social Security offers: 6.25% (plus a cost-of- On the other side, you know that, if you wait, your living increase). That’s better than the guaranteed rate monthly benefit amount will increase. of return available in today’s market. While it does make sense to wait as long as you can, Considerations for married couples. Arthur Carl M. Trevisan, CFP® Rob Arthur, first vice president/manager of the federal advises married clients to look at multiple factors benefits consulting group at Wells Fargo Advisors, when determining the timing for each spouse to claim recommends you re-evaluate your situation every Social Security benefits. For example, if your spouse year in retirement before deciding whether or not to is working full time and you’re working part time or continue delaying getting benefits. One item you need seasonally, his or her Social Security benefits may be for that annual retirement review: a current copy of dramatically higher than yours. It’s still wise for both of your Social Security benefit estimate from ssa.gov. you to wait, if possible. Stephen M. Bearce This provides personalized estimates of future benefits “Not only does it increase the size of the benefit that based on your real earnings and lets you see your latest the [higher-earning] individual personally receives, statement and your earnings history. but it also increases the size of what’s known as the Here, Arthur outlines a comparison of claiming now survivor’s benefit that the [lower-earning] spouse could vs. later, and offers key considerations as you review draw if the individual passes away,” Arthur says. Keep your strategy each year. in mind that the current average life expectancy of a Comparison: Claiming sooner vs. later. Let’s start 65-year-old man is 84 years, while a woman that age with a hypothetical example: John Doe was born in 1960 can expect to live until age 86, according to the Social and was earning $200,000 a year when he retired. He Security Administration1. decided to start receiving Social Security benefits as soon What about taxes? When it comes to when to claim as he became eligible at 62, or five years before he would Social Security benefits, Arthur advises his clients not receive full retirement benefits. His monthly benefit to focus primarily on the tax ramifications. “The vast in today’s dollars is $2,106. If he had delayed receiving majority of people that I counsel, their marginal tax benefits until he was 70, he’d receive $1,700 more a rate in retirement will be fairly constant,” Arthur says. month, or $3,806. He would make up for the eight-year “If retirees were to take their Social Security benefit delay in not taking any benefits in about 10 years. (Since at 62, what I typically see is their marginal tax rate is one out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past age exactly the same or approximately the same as it would 90, according to the Social Security Administration1, the be if they claimed the benefit at age 70. I want [them] long-term benefit could be substantial.) to focus instead on maximizing the net cash flow over Make wellness a deciding factor. Your health can the remainder of their lifetime.” FRA play a big role in helping determine when you should 1 https://www.ssa.gov/planners/lifeexpectancy.html

start taking benefits. Do your loved ones live long lives, Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide tax advice. You should discuss specific or has everyone succumbed to illness before age 65? Social Security claiming strategies with your own financial professional prior to making any final investment or planning decisions. “It’s not the most accurate indicator of what’s going This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of to transpire in the future, but it can have some bearing,” Carl M. Trevisan, Managing Director-Investments and Stephen M. Bearce, First Arthur says. “If you’re in reasonably good health, that Vice President- Investments in Alexandria, VA at 800-247-8602. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT counsels in favor of waiting,” he continues. “If you’re in BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE poor or guarded health, that counsels toward drawing Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. benefits sooner rather than later.” © 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

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