FRA Testifies Before House and Senate Veterans Committees 8 MAY 2008

BransonSite of the 2008 FRA /LA FRA Conventions

5 FRA Requests Base Access Policy From CNO 24 Convention 101 MESOTHELIOMA

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with, or died from, asbestos-related lung cancer or mesothelioma, we may be able to help you get monetary compensation from the asbestos manufacturers.

Please contact the law firm of: Bergman & Frockt 614 First Avenue, Fourth Floor Seattle, WA 98104 Toll Free: (888) 647-6007 www.bergmanlegal.com

No charge for initial consultation. Please ask for Emily Murray. May 2008

Volume 87 Number 5 1

MESOTHELIOMA FRA Tod a Featured 16 y MAy 2008 16 Branson It’s the site of FRA and LA FRA 2008 If you or a loved one has been National Conventions — and with so much to see and do, you will want to diagnosed with, or died from, go early and stay late! asbestos-related lung cancer Departments or mesothelioma, we may be 2 Communications Reach out and touch someone

5 nED Perspective able to help you get monetary FRA Requests Base Access Policy From CNO compensation from the 6 sHIPMATE FORUM 8 on & OFF CAPITOL HILL FRA Testifies Before House and Senate 8 asbestos manufacturers. Veterans Committees

14 mEMBERSHIP MATTERS Recruiting and outreach

24 Convention 101 A handy primer on attending FRA’s National Convention Please contact the law firm of: 6 Bergman & Frockt 28 nEws from the Branches 614 First Avenue, Fourth Floor 32 Reunions

Seattle, WA 98104 33 Taps

Toll Free: (888) 647-6007 35 Looking for… www.bergmanlegal.com 36 LA FRA NEWS 24 No charge for initial consultation. Please ask for Emily Murray. Loyalty, Protection and service On the cover FRA is a congressionally chartered, non-profit organization When you think of Branson, you may think of the advocating for current and former enlisted members of the amazing variety of shows – but don’t forget the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on Capitol Hill. For absolute beauty of the area! This beautiful view of more information on the benefits of membership, please visit Table Rock Lake is but a sample of the breathtak- www.fra.org or call 800-FRA-1924. ing vistas of the region. '$5B[T[G303DJH

Communications “The color and clarity of

2 DiamondAura rivals that of a flawless D-colored diamond”. National Officers/Board Of Directors —Steven Rozensky Nat’l President Lawrence J. Boudreaux, Hangtown Branch 275 Noted jewelry expert Nat’l Vice President Donald Mucheck, Charleston Branch 50 Nat’l Executive Dir. Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Dept. Branch 181

MAy 2008 y MAy Reach Out and finance Officer Paul Rigby Touch Someone Eileen Murphy Junior PNP Jerry L. Sweeney, Navy Dept. Branch 181 FRA Tod a AT&T used the slogan “Reach out and touch someone” in the early Regional Presidents 1980s to encourage people to make long distance phone calls to keep New England William J. Waite, Pinetree Branch 156 in touch with friends and family. Maintaining communication is very Northeast James E. Brown, Staten Island Branch 226 important for membership organizations as well. FRA HQ believes the east Coast Claire Haynes Purdy, Annapolis Branch 24 more engaged members are, the more they will appreciate the value of southeast Roger E. Mitchell, Gasparilla Branch 188 membership and will continue to renew. In an effort to help members North Central Marty J. Posekany, Wolverine Branch 298 keep in touch, FRA provides many free communications services. south Central Melvin R. Harper, Mountain Home Branch 251 southwest Harry N. Lyons, Green Valley Branch 77 It’s Your Call West Coast Lee M. Hollowell, Jr., Lake Shasta Branch 281 Each month, FRA HQ staff host a free teleconference as a member Northwest Robert E. Gilmore, Whidbey Island Branch 97 Receive these scintillating service. Please mark your calendar for the second Wednesday of each Nat’l. Parliamentarian PNP J.C. Jim Eblen, San Diego Branch 9 DiamondAura Classique Patrick H. LeClaire, Silver Dollar Branch 192 month at 1200 (EDT), and dial 1-877-746-9514. Enter code 1924 to Nat’l Chaplain sterling silver stud participate in the call, 1400 to listen only. Topics vary month-to-month, earrings FREE! Active Duty Advisory Council and often relate to the feature article in FRA Today. Read details below. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe Campa These calls are a great way for members to get information, commu- Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent nicate with each other and share ideas. As an example, on 9 April Force Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles Bowen Master Chief of the Naval Reserve Dave Pennington, USMC Reserve Affairs Sergeant Major Joseph Davenport, and Master Chief Petty Reserve Advisory Council The Fifth C? Officer of the USCG Reserve Jeff Smith were the guest speakers. They Force Master Chief of the Naval Reserve David Pennington Cut, Color, Carat, Clarity…Chemistry? discussed the Role of Reserve Forces as an adjunct to the FRA Today USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major Jimmy D. Cummings feature article. Topics addressed during the call included the transition Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force from a strategic to an operational Reserve, the need for travel reim- Jeffrey Smith s it possible that the mind of a scientist diamonds—D Flawless, and both are so COMPARE FOR YOURSELF AT 2.5 CARATS bursements for Reservists (many of whom pay more for travel expenses hard they will cut glass. The brilliant cut can create more beauty and romance Mined Flawless DiamondAura than they earn during active duty assignments), the cost of participat- than Mother Nature? The laboratories maximizes the fire and radiance of the stone FRA TODAY Magazine I Diamond Compares to: so that the light disperses into an exquisite ing in the TRICARE Reserve Select program, the future of the Navy at DiamondAura were created with one Hardness Cuts Glass Cuts Glass Publisher FRA mission in mind: Create brilliant cut jewelry rainbow of colors. and Coast Guard’s PS ratings, and the need to raise awareness of FRA’s Cut (58 facets) Brilliant Brilliant advocacy efforts among active duty and Reserve personnel. Callers also Managing Editor Eileen Murphy that allows everyone to experience more Rock solid guarantee. This .925 sterling Contributing Editor Lauren Armstrong Color “D” Colorless “D” Colorless had an opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives. clarity, more scintillation and larger carat silver ring is prong-set with a 1.5 carat Design and Art Direction Clarity “IF” “F” Faultless Mark your calendar for the upcoming “Your Voice” Teleconferences: weights than they have ever experienced. So, DiamondAura round brilliant in the center, FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com Dispersion/Fire 0.044 0.066 showcased between two DiamondAura 14 May 2008: An Overview of Branson, Mo. we’ve taken 2.5 carats of our scientifically- Design Director Scott Rodgerson grown DiamondAuras and set them in the 2.5 c.t.w. ring $60,000+ $145 round brilliants of .48 carats each. 11 June 2008: FRA Marketing Initiatives Production Manager Sandy Jones most classic setting—the result is our most the outrageous cost.” We will not bore you Adding to your 4 C’s, we will include the 9 July 2008: Preserving Oral Histories/Veterans History Project stunning, fiery, faceted design yet! In purely with the incredible details of the scientific DiamondAura stud earrings for FREE! Try A Quick Update scientific measurement terms, the refractory process, but will only say that it involves the DiamondAura 3-Stone Classique Ring fra today (ISSN 0028-1409) is published monthly by FRA, 125 N. West St., index of the DiamondAura is very high, and the use of rare minerals heated to an for 30 days. If for any reason you are not Another great (and free!) way to keep informed is NewsBytes, FRA’s Alexandria, Va 22314-2754. A member’s subscription is covered by the member’s annual dues. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA and additional the color dispersion is actually superior to incredibly high temperature of over 5000˚F. satisfied with your purchase, simply return free weekly legislative and Association news e-mail update. If you have offices. Publication of non-sponsored advertising in fra today does not mined diamonds. it to us for a full refund of the purchase constitute an endorsement by the FRA or its representatives. Postmaster: This can only be accomplished inside some access to e-mail and are not receiving NewsBytes, please send an e-mail Send address changes to: Member Services, FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, Perfection from the laboratory. very modern and expensive laboratory price and keep the stud earrings as our gift. VA 22314-2754. fra today is published in the interests of all current and We named our brilliant cut stones with your name, membership number or address (so we can be sure to former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. equipment. After several additional steps, Not Available in Stores mark the correct record) to [email protected] with “Subscribe” in the Eligible non-members are not entitled to subscription rates. Established DiamondAura, because, “they dazzle scientists finally created a clear faultless 1 November 1923. Title registered with U.S. Patent Office. DiamondAura 3-Stone Classique Ring subject line. just like natural diamonds but without marvel that looks even better than the vast (2.5 c.t.w) • $145 + S&H FRA Administrative Headquarters: 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754 If you do not have access to e-mail but would like to hear NewsBytes Place one of your own rings on top of majority of mined diamonds. According to Phone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 • Fax: 703-549-6610 • E-Mail: [email protected] FREE stud earrings with purchase of by phone, please call 1-800-FRA-1924 and dial extension 112. www.fra.org one of the circle diagrams. Your ring the book Jewelry and Gems–the Buying Classique Ring—a $59.95 value! size is the circle that matches the inside Guide, the technique used in DiamondAura Available in ring sizes 5-9 NewsBytes by phone is updated each Friday afternoon. Volume 87 Number 5 diameter of your ring. If your ring falls offers, “The best diamond simulation to date, Call to order toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. between sizes, order the next larger size. and even some jewelers have mistaken these stones for mined diamonds.” 1-888-201-7095 The 4 C’s. Our DiamondAura 3-Stone Promotional Code DAR241-01 Please mention this code when you call. Eileen Murphy is the Director of Marketing and Communications and serves as the Managing Classique Ring retains every jeweler’s 14101 Southcross Drive W., Editor of FRA Today. Please contact her at [email protected]. specification: color, clarity, cut, and carat Dept. DAR241-01, weight. The transparent color and clarity Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 of DiamondAura emulate the most perfect www.stauer.com '$5B[T[G303DJH

“The color and clarity of DiamondAura rivals that of a flawless D-colored diamond”. —Steven Rozensky Noted jewelry expert

Receive these scintillating DiamondAura Classique sterling silver stud earrings FREE! Read details below. The Fifth C? Cut, Color, Carat, Clarity…Chemistry?

s it possible that the mind of a scientist diamonds—D Flawless, and both are so COMPARE FOR YOURSELF AT 2.5 CARATS hard they will cut glass. The brilliant cut can create more beauty and romance Mined Flawless DiamondAura I than Mother Nature? The laboratories Diamond Compares to: maximizes the fire and radiance of the stone so that the light disperses into an exquisite at DiamondAura were created with one Hardness Cuts Glass Cuts Glass mission in mind: Create brilliant cut jewelry rainbow of colors. Cut (58 facets) Brilliant Brilliant that allows everyone to experience more Rock solid guarantee. This .925 sterling Color “D” Colorless “D” Colorless clarity, more scintillation and larger carat silver ring is prong-set with a 1.5 carat Clarity “IF” “F” Faultless weights than they have ever experienced. So, DiamondAura round brilliant in the center, we’ve taken 2.5 carats of our scientifically- Dispersion/Fire 0.044 0.066 showcased between two DiamondAura grown DiamondAuras and set them in the 2.5 c.t.w. ring $60,000+ $145 round brilliants of .48 carats each. most classic setting—the result is our most the outrageous cost.” We will not bore you Adding to your 4 C’s, we will include the stunning, fiery, faceted design yet! In purely with the incredible details of the scientific DiamondAura stud earrings for FREE! Try scientific measurement terms, the refractory process, but will only say that it involves the DiamondAura 3-Stone Classique Ring index of the DiamondAura is very high, and the use of rare minerals heated to an for 30 days. If for any reason you are not the color dispersion is actually superior to incredibly high temperature of over 5000˚F. satisfied with your purchase, simply return mined diamonds. This can only be accomplished inside some it to us for a full refund of the purchase Perfection from the laboratory. very modern and expensive laboratory price and keep the stud earrings as our gift. We named our brilliant cut stones equipment. After several additional steps, Not Available in Stores DiamondAura, because, “they dazzle scientists finally created a clear faultless DiamondAura 3-Stone Classique Ring just like natural diamonds but without marvel that looks even better than the vast (2.5 c.t.w) • $145 + S&H Place one of your own rings on top of majority of mined diamonds. According to FREE stud earrings with purchase of one of the circle diagrams. Your ring the book Jewelry and Gems–the Buying Classique Ring—a $59.95 value! size is the circle that matches the inside Guide, the technique used in DiamondAura Available in ring sizes 5-9 diameter of your ring. If your ring falls offers, “The best diamond simulation to date, Call to order toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. between sizes, order the next larger size. and even some jewelers have mistaken these stones for mined diamonds.” 1-888-201-7095 The 4 C’s. Our DiamondAura 3-Stone Promotional Code DAR241-01 Please mention this code when you call. Classique Ring retains every jeweler’s 14101 Southcross Drive W., specification: color, clarity, cut, and carat Dept. DAR241-01, weight. The transparent color and clarity Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 of DiamondAura emulate the most perfect www.stauer.com 5/(B[T[G303DJH

/XFN\ILVKHUPDQ´FDWFKHVµ WUHDVXUHORVWIRU \HDUVXQGHUWKHVHD

$ FORVHXSYLHZRID6LOYHU'ROODUUHFRYHUHGLQWKH*XOIRI0H[LFRE\DFRPPHUFLDOILVKHUPDQ7KHVHORQJ ORVWFRLQVZHUHSDUWRIWKHFDUJRRID6SDQLVKZDUVKLSWKDWVHWVDLOIRU1HZ2UOHDQVLQ([SHUWVYDOXHWKHWUHDV XUHLQH[FHVVRI

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² $VWKHQHWKRYHUHGVORZO\RYHUWKHGHFNWKH DORQJZLWKDWUHDVXUHYDOXHGQHDULQ FRQWHQWVSRXUHGRXWIROORZHGE\H[FLWHGFULHVRI WRGD\·VGROODUV²ZDVVHQWWRDZDWHU\JUDYHVRPH ´&RLQV&RLQVµ7KHFDSWDLQTXLFNO\UHDOL]HGWKH\ IHHWEHORZWKHRFHDQ·VVXUIDFH KDGVQDJJHGDILVKHUPDQ·VGUHDPVXQNHQWUHDVXUH $PHULFD·VILUVW VLOYHU GROODU 7KH IDYRULWH $QG QRWMXVW DQ\ WUHDVXUH EXW HDUO\$PHULFDQ FRLQ RI FRORQLDO $PHULFDQVWKH\ ZHUH FDOOHG 6RPH VD\ SRZHUIXOVWRUPV WRRN GRZQ WKH VLOYHUGROODUVWKDWKDGJRQHGRZQ\HDUVHDUOLHU ´6SDQLVK0LOOHG'ROODUVµ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³D GUDPDWLFUHGXFWLRQ IURPWKH PDUNHWSULFHRIWKLVFRLQDQ\ZKHUHHOVHZRUOGZLGH (YHUZRQGHUZKHUHRXU´µVLJQRULJLQDWHG" RQHWKDWPDGHWKHWULS 1XPLVPDWLFH[SHUWV EHOLHYH WKDW WKH 8QIRUWXQDWHO\HYHQWKRXJKWKH\ZHUHVWUXFN (DFKFRLQKDVEHHQLQGLYLGXDOO\KDQGVHOHFWHG $PHULFDQFRORQLVWVDEEUHYLDWHGWUDQVDFWLRQV LQ ODUJH TXDQWLWLHV QRW PDQ\ 6SDQLVK 0LOOHG IRUTXDOLW\IURPWKLVVSHFWDFXODUILQGLVDFFRPSDQLHG LQ6SDQLVKPLOOHGGROODUVE\GUDZLQJDSLOODU 'ROODUVVXUYLYHWRGD\7KH\ZHUHZLGHO\ XVHGLQWKH E\DVLJQHG&HUWLILFDWHRI$XWKHQWLFLW\DQGSURWHFWHG ZUDSSHGZLWKDVFUROO/RRNFDUHIXOO\DWWKH 8QLWHG6WDWHVWKURXJK WKH &LYLO :DU7KHQ WKH LQDIXOOFRORUGLVSOD\KROGHU6XSSOLHVRI$PHULFD·V UHYHUVH RI$PHULFD·V ILUVW VLOYHU GROODUDQG JRYHUQPHQW ZLWKGUHZ WKHP IURP FLUFXODWLRQ DQG ILUVWVLOYHU GROODUIURPWKLVKLVWRULFDOWUHDVXUHVKLS \RXZLOOQRWLFHDSLOODURQHDFKVLGHRIWKH WKH\ZHUHPHOWHGGRZQ DUHOLPLWHGVREHVXUHWRUHVHUYH\RXUFRLQWRGD\ FURZQHGFRDWRIDUPV7KHSLOODULVZUDSSHG +LVWRU\0DNLQJ FRLQV DW D EDUJDLQ SULFH 7ROO)UHH+RXUVD'D\ ZLWKDVFUROODSSUR[LPDWLQJWKHV\PEROZH 'XH WRWKHKLVWRULF GLVFRYHU\ RI WKLVWUHDVXUH  XVHWRGD\IRURXUQDWLRQDOFXUUHQF\,QGHHG *RY0LQWFRP LVUHOHDVLQJ $PHULFD·VILUVWVLOYHU 5HTXHVWVSHFLDORIIHUFRGH5/( HDUO\$PHULFDQV DOVR FDOOHGWKHVHFRLQV GROODUVWRWKHSXEOLFIRUDQDPD]LQJO\ORZSULFH,W·V 3ULFHVXEMHFWWRFKDQJHZLWKRXWQRWLFH ´SLOODUGROODUVµ D OHJHQGDU\ VLOYHU GROODU WKDW EHORQJVLQ HYHU\ ‹*RY0LQWFRP 5/(B[T[G303DJH

NED Perspective /XFN\ILVKHUPDQ´FDWFKHVµ 5 WUHDVXUHORVWIRU \HDUVXQGHUWKHVHD FRA Tod a y MAy 2008

Base Access Joe Barnes FRA shipmates who wish to partici- a base commander is presented with a This was reported to the Navy, pate in Navy or Marine Corps events PMA’s request to participate in Navy but no response has been received. or staff information tables during and/or Marine Corps events. As a re- Undeterred, Branch 226 plans to again base celebrations or observances of- sult, requests to participate in service- request permission to participate in ten hit a brick wall when they try to specific celebrations, to set up and staff Fleet Week events this summer. gain access to a military installation. information tables, or to interact with Both FRA and MOAA are non- This is not only frustrating; it also re- service personnel on other occasions profit, tax-exempt (under §501(c) stricts awareness of the Association are sometimes denied by local judge (19) of the Internal Revenue Code) and limits opportunities to dissemi- advocates who are unfamiliar with the military/veterans organizations that nate information about our advocacy, requesting organization’s purpose.” effectively represent the concerns of scholarships and other programs asso- their members on Capitol Hill and ciated with our mission. In a nutshell, Nothing is simple and as before the Executive Branch, sponsor it negatively impacts shipmates’ ability essay contests, provide scholarships, to interact with active, Reserve or re- fund assistance programs, offer coun- tired personnel. with most government/ seling, and provide other important $ FORVHXSYLHZRID6LOYHU'ROODUUHFRYHUHGLQWKH*XOIRI0H[LFRE\DFRPPHUFLDOILVKHUPDQ7KHVHORQJ ORVWFRLQVZHUHSDUWRIWKHFDUJRRID6SDQLVKZDUVKLSWKDWVHWVDLOIRU1HZ2UOHDQVLQ([SHUWVYDOXHWKHWUHDV Nothing is simple and as with most non-commercial member services to XUHLQH[FHVVRI government/military issues, there are military issues, there are active-duty, active-status, Reserve, broad ethics and public affairs policies and retired members of the Navy and 9DVW VKLSZUHFNWUHDVXUH VHHV OLJKW RI GD\ ZHUHZHOO NQRZQ E\ 7KRPDV-HIIHUVRQ %HQ that are referenced when base access Marine Corps. ,WZDVVXQULVH RQ DQ$XJXVW PRUQLQJ ZKHQD )UDQNOLQDQGRWKHUIRXQGLQJIDWKHUVRIRXUQDWLRQ or event participation requests are re- broad ethics and public The U.S. Air Force has a policy in ILVKHUPDQDQG KLV FUHZFDVW WKHLUQHWV IURPKLV +XQGUHGV RI WKRXVDQGV RI WKHP ZHUHORDGHG IRU ceived. It is important to note that place clarifying appropriate PMA sup- WUDZOLQJYHVVHOVRPHPLOHVVRXWKRI/RXLVLDQD WKH WULSWR 1HZ 2UOHDQV\HW QRWDVLQJOH these are subject to interpretation by port and both FRA and MOAA believe LQWKH*XOIRI0H[LFR:KLOHWUROOLQJWKHGHSWKV RQHDUULYHG affairs policies that are WKHQHWVXGGHQO\JRWFDXJKWDQGWKHFDSWDLQFRXOG :LWK QR VXUYLYRUV IURPWKH LOOIDWHG local authorities and the scope of these the establishment of a similar Navy RQO\ GUHDGWKHORVW WLPH DQG PRQH\ WKDW WKH YR\DJH KLVWRULDQV FDQ RQO\ JXHVV DW ZKDW regulations extends well beyond activ- referenced when base policy is warranted. Such a policy GDPDJHZRXOGEULQJ$VWKHWDWWHUHGQHWHPHUJHG KDSSHQHG 6RPHVD\ SRZHUIXOVWRUPV WRRN KHU ities by tax-exempt military and veter- would clarify what a base commander IURPWKHRFHDQGHSWKVKHVSLHGZKDWDSSHDUHGWR GRZQ ZKLOH RWKHUVVSHFXODWH LW ZDV WUHDVXUH ans organizations like FRA. They also or other leader is permitted to do, while EHFOXPSVRIURFNVZHLJKLQJLWGRZQ KXQJU\ SLUDWHV :KDWHYHUKDSSHQHG WKH VHFUHW² impact requests by commercial, con- access or event participa- also appropriately addressing impor- $VWKHQHWKRYHUHGVORZO\RYHUWKHGHFNWKH DORQJZLWKDWUHDVXUHYDOXHGQHDULQ tract firms and the extensive defense tant ethical and security concerns. FRQWHQWVSRXUHGRXWIROORZHGE\H[FLWHGFULHVRI WRGD\·VGROODUV²ZDVVHQWWRDZDWHU\JUDYHVRPH industry. And it’s easy for JAG per- tion requests are received. I had the privilege of delivering the ´&RLQV&RLQVµ7KHFDSWDLQTXLFNO\UHDOL]HGWKH\ IHHWEHORZWKHRFHDQ·VVXUIDFH sonnel to simply say “no” to requests jointly signed letter to Adm. Roughead KDGVQDJJHGDILVKHUPDQ·VGUHDPVXQNHQWUHDVXUH $PHULFD·VILUVW VLOYHU GROODU 7KH IDYRULWH without the benefit of service-specific during a recent meeting with him, and 6RPH VD\ SRZHUIXOVWRUPV WRRN GRZQ WKH $QG QRWMXVW DQ\ WUHDVXUH EXW HDUO\$PHULFDQ FRLQ RI FRORQLDO $PHULFDQVWKH\ ZHUH FDOOHG guidance clarifying what is or is not Citing a recent example, the letter he assured me that he would look into VLOYHUGROODUVWKDWKDGJRQHGRZQ\HDUVHDUOLHU ´6SDQLVK0LOOHG'ROODUVµ:LGHO\XVHGDQGDFFHSWHG 6SDQLVK VKLSLQ  RWKHUVVSHFXODWH LW ZDV EORRG WKLUVW\ SLUDWHV :KDWHYHUUHDOO\KDSSHQHG UHPDLQV D ,Q  DW WKH HQG RI WKH $PHULFDQ DVSD\PHQW LQWKHWKLUWHHQFRORQLHV WKH 8QLWHG acceptable for professional military referenced FRA’s request to participate this important issue. P\VWHU\. 5HYROXWLRQDU\ :DUDKHDYLO\DUPHGVKLS ZDV 6WDWHVJRYHUQPHQWDFFRUGHGWKHPVWDWXVRIRIILFLDO associations (PMAs). in the 2007 Fleet Week celebration in Look for updates on this in fu- ERXQGIRUWKHSRUWRI1HZ2UOHDQV2QERDUGZDV OHJDOWHQGHU FROOHFWLRQ )RU D OLPLWHG WLPH WKHVH DXWKHQWLF To address this, FRA invited New York City by then-RVPNE James ture NED Perspective columns. And DIRUWXQHLQ6SDQLVK6LOYHU'ROODUV7KHVHGROODUV ,IWKHVWRU\RI*HRUJH:DVKLQJWRQWKURZLQJD VLOYHU GROODUV PLQWHG GXULQJ WKH $PHULFDQ the Military Officers Association of Brown and Shipmates from Staten finally, I would like to publicly ac- VLOYHU GROODUDFURVV WKH 3RWRPDF 5LYHU LVLQGHHG 5HYROXWLRQDU\:DUDUHSULFHGDWSOXVVKLSSLQJ America (MOAA) to co-sign a let- Island Branch 226. These shipmate knowledge the great support on this 7KH2ULJLQRIWKH'ROODU6LJQ WUXHWKHQGRXEWOHVVLWZDVDVLOYHUGROODUOLNHWKLV DQG KDQGOLQJ ³D GUDPDWLFUHGXFWLRQ IURPWKH ter to Admiral Gary Roughead, USN, sought permission to set up an infor- initiative from MOAA President PDUNHWSULFHRIWKLVFRLQDQ\ZKHUHHOVHZRUOGZLGH (YHUZRQGHUZKHUHRXU´µVLJQRULJLQDWHG" RQHWKDWPDGHWKHWULS Chief of Naval Operations, asking the mation table at the Staten Island Pier to VADM Norbert Ryan, USN (Ret.) and 1XPLVPDWLFH[SHUWV EHOLHYH WKDW WKH 8QIRUWXQDWHO\HYHQWKRXJKWKH\ZHUHVWUXFN (DFKFRLQKDVEHHQLQGLYLGXDOO\KDQGVHOHFWHG Navy to establish a policy for dealing support the Fleet Week program and members of his staff. $PHULFDQFRORQLVWVDEEUHYLDWHGWUDQVDFWLRQV LQ ODUJH TXDQWLWLHV QRW PDQ\ 6SDQLVK 0LOOHG IRUTXDOLW\IURPWKLVVSHFWDFXODUILQGLVDFFRPSDQLHG with PMAs. Citing both organizations’ increase awareness of the FRA. Despite 'ROODUVVXUYLYHWRGD\7KH\ZHUHZLGHO\ XVHGLQWKH E\DVLJQHG&HUWLILFDWHRI$XWKHQWLFLW\DQGSURWHFWHG LQ6SDQLVKPLOOHGGROODUVE\GUDZLQJDSLOODU concerns, the letter stated, the fact that three of our fellow mili- ZUDSSHGZLWKDVFUROO/RRNFDUHIXOO\DWWKH 8QLWHG6WDWHVWKURXJK WKH &LYLO :DU7KHQ WKH LQDIXOOFRORUGLVSOD\KROGHU6XSSOLHVRI$PHULFD·V UHYHUVH RI$PHULFD·V ILUVW VLOYHU GROODUDQG JRYHUQPHQW ZLWKGUHZ WKHP IURP FLUFXODWLRQ DQG ILUVWVLOYHU GROODUIURPWKLVKLVWRULFDOWUHDVXUHVKLS “It is our experience that uncertainty, tary and veterans organizations were Joe Barnes is FRA’s National Executive Director and \RXZLOOQRWLFHDSLOODURQHDFKVLGHRIWKH WKH\ZHUHPHOWHGGRZQ DUHOLPLWHGVREHVXUHWRUHVHUYH\RXUFRLQWRGD\ usually at the base-commander level, authorized to participate, FRA was in- Chairman of the National Committee on Legislative FURZQHGFRDWRIDUPV7KHSLOODULVZUDSSHG +LVWRU\0DNLQJ FRLQV DW D EDUJDLQ SULFH 7ROO)UHH+RXUVD'D\ about the missions and programs of accurately characterized as a “private Service. A member of Navy Department Branch 181, ZLWKDVFUROODSSUR[LPDWLQJWKHV\PEROZH 'XH WRWKHKLVWRULF GLVFRYHU\ RI WKLVWUHDVXUH  national military and veterans’ organi- organization” and permission was de- he is also an advisor to the National Committees on XVHWRGD\IRURXUQDWLRQDOFXUUHQF\,QGHHG *RY0LQWFRP LVUHOHDVLQJ $PHULFD·VILUVWVLOYHU 5HTXHVWVSHFLDORIIHUFRGH5/( zations often results in confusion when nied without discussion or debate. Budget and Finance and Membership and Retention. HDUO\$PHULFDQV DOVR FDOOHGWKHVHFRLQV GROODUVWRWKHSXEOLFIRUDQDPD]LQJO\ORZSULFH,W·V 3ULFHVXEMHFWWRFKDQJHZLWKRXWQRWLFH ´SLOODUGROODUVµ D OHJHQGDU\ VLOYHU GROODU WKDW EHORQJVLQ HYHU\ ‹*RY0LQWFRP BRSWAT_NA0308:MILWAT 1/28/08 4:05 PM Page 1

TO HONOR YOUR SERVICE TO COUNTRY EXCLUSIVE UNITED STATES MILITARY BIRTHSTONE WATCHES Personalized with Your Birthstones, Monogram, Initials and Service Years e proudly present our exclusive Military As a final touch of exclusivity, your WBirthstone watches, to honor those who watch back will be engraved with have served our Country in the United States your initials and years of service along Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast with a monogram of your choice on Guard and Merchant Marines. the band, below the dial. The watch is delivered to you in a handsome gift box - perfect The special dial is minted like a fine coin and for Father’s Day, Birthdays and Holidays. captures every fine detail of your Service Branch Emblem. A genuine diamond is set Thank You priced at just $125*, an at 12 O'clock. affordable payment plan is available with no interest. This fine watch is designed by and The unique dress bracelet is customized created exclusively for Veterans with four brilliant birthstones and your Commemoratives™. It is not sold personal monogram. The golden in stores. Your satisfaction is watch bezel, with etched roman guaranteed 100% or return within 30 numerals frames the dial, and touches days for a refund or replacement. of genuine 24 karat gold complete So, order today with confidence. this fine watch. You have earned the right to The precision quartz watch wear this unique watch as a movement keeps accurate time permanent reminder of your within seconds per month, and special place in history. provides years of dependable service.

ARMY AIR FORCE NAVY MARINE CORPS COAST GUARD

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

GARNET AMETHYST AQUAMARINE ZIRCON EMERALD PEARL RUBY PERIDOT SAPPHIRE ROSE ZIRCON GOLDEN SAPPHIRE BLUE ZIRCON BIRTHSTONE ARE SIMULATED FOR CONSISTENT SIZE AND CLARITY. NAMES REFER TO COLOR. FOR FASTEST SERVICE CALL TOLL FREE TO ORDER: FREE FLAG PIN WITH EACH ORDER 1-800-255-3048 Mon - Fri from 9am - 5pm EST Have Credit Card ready when ordering.

™ MAIL TO: Veterans Commemoratives Watch Order Center CREDIT CARD: Tw o Radnor Corp. Ctr., Suite 120, Radnor, PA 19087-4599 VISA MASTER CARD AMEX DISCOVER YES. I wish to order a Diamond Service Branch Watch featuring my Birthstone and Monogram, as follows: CC#:______exp.____/______Army Navy Air Force Marine Corps SIGNATURE: ______Coast Guard Merchant Marine (not shown) SHIPPING ADDRESS (We CANNOT ship to P.O. Boxes)Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. BIRTHSTONE MONTH (1):______MONOGRAM (1): ______INITIALS DESIRED (3): ______YRS. SERVED: _____ to _____ Name: ______I WISH TO PAY AS FOLLOWS: Enclosed is my check or money order for $125* per watch payable Address:______to “Veterans Commemoratives” as payment in full, OR Charge my credit card $125* per watch as payment in full, OR City:______State:______Zip: ______Charge my credit card in four monthly installments of $31.25* each. Daytime Phone # (______) ______* Plus $9.95 per watch for engraving, shipping & handling. PA residents add 6% sales tax. ©2008 ICM BRSWAT-NA-0508 FOR OTHER FINE MILITARY WATCHES & RINGS VISIT VETERANS COMMEMORATIVES™ ONLINE AT VETCOM.COM Shipmate forum

7 PTSD Treatment Preventing Identity Theft FRA Tod a The title [of your March 2008 feature When I open my wallet, one of the first things revealed article, “Mend Shattered Souls”] im- through the plastic cardholders is my government-issued plied spiritual significance, which at- Navy Retired identification card, which has my Social y MAy 2008 tracted my coworkers and me. I don’t Security number on its face. Opposite to that is my govern- know to what extent the therapies rec- ment-issue Medicare card with my Social Security number ommended achieve that. even more prominently emblazoned on its face. Both are I realize you are only reporting on what revealed to any would-be ID thief. has been done, but how does the military I have, over the past five years, requested those numbers select which treatments for whom? Why be placed on the back of both cards for obvious reasons. are better, less expensive techniques not being put in place? The issuers either don’t know how to make the change, For instance, the surgeon general for the National Guard can’t or won’t. is an acupuncture detoxification specialist. Acupuncture in Ronald Baptista the ear has the highest, quickest researched rate for trau- ma. Why is FRA not asking veterans’ families to lobby for From FRA: The Pentagon recently announced plans to re- prompt (combat zone) treatment, as well as [asking] the VA place full Social Security numbers on military ID cards with to have this as standard treatment worldwide? the last four digits, which is a common practice in the civilian Lois Lewandowski, CC, CADS, QTP, CPRP sector. New cards for service members and their family mem- bers will be issued as old cards expire. Military retirees will be From FRA: Your proposals certainly have merit, but are able to replace their ID cards in 2009 or 2010. beyond the scope of FRA’s expertise and legislative agenda. Your letter has been forwarded to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Military Salute When Not in Uniform [I am curious about] the status of the legislative action, H.R. 3380, concerning the amendment to Title 4, United States Free Medical Care for Life Code, to prescribe that a member of the Armed Forces and Duane Buck (February 2008, Shipmate veterans out of uniform may render the military salute dur- Forum) asked why, despite a federal ing hoisting, lowering or passing of the flag. lawsuit ruling that those who entered This proposed legislation is important. We are not civil- the military prior to 7 December 1956 ians. In my opinion, civilians should hold their hand over were entitled to free medical care, he is their hearts during the hoisting, lowering or passing of the still paying Medicare Part B premiums. flag. Veterans have earned the right to render a proper mili- Is Shipmate Buck missing some- tary hand salute when out of uniform. thing or is this another SNAFU by our I would like for you to assure me that action [will be] government? Will those affected be taken to get this legislation out of committee and into the given their rightful rebate on Medicare Part B premiums law books. If we allow this legislation to founder it will previously paid? And when? be a disgrace. This legislation should also be a part of the David Chigos “Legislative Action Center” of the FRA website. ETCS/SS Bobby Broderick From FRA: In 2002, a federal appeals court asked Congress to use its legal authority to eliminate Medicare Part B pay- From FRA: The National Defense Authorization Act for FY ments for military retirees who entered service prior to 1956. 2008 (Public Law 110-181) was signed by the President on However, Congress has yet to enact legislation rectifying the 28 January 2008 and included a section (Section 594) ad- problem. FRA strongly supports legislation introduced by Rep. dressing this issue. According to the law, “all persons pres- Chris Van Hollen (Md.), the “Keep Our Promise to Americas ent in uniform should render the military salute. Members Military Retirees Act” (H.R. 1222) and the “Keeping Faith with of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not the Greatest Generation Military Retirees Act” (H.R. 1223), in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons that would provide the lifetime healthcare benefits promised present should face the flag and stand at attention with their to these career service members. Visit The Action Center at right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their head- www.fra.org to express your support for these measures. dress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.” On & off capitol hill

8

MAy 2008 y MAy FRA Testifies Before House and

Senate Veterans Committees John Davis FRA Tod a FRA’s National Executive Director (NED) Joe Barnes Representative Tim Walberg (Mich.). While FRA sup- testified before a joint hearing of the Senate and House ports the opportunity for family members to use a long- Veterans Affairs Committees in early April, voicing FRA’s serving career service member’s MGIB benefits, there are concerns about the Administration’s proposed FY 2009 thousands of senior enlisted personnel who entered mili- budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). tary service during the VEAP era who do not qualify for Barnes cited FRA’s belief that proposed funding levels are MGIB benefits. FRA also recommends additional funding not adequate to meet increasing demands on VA programs. to increase MGIB benefits so they more realistically reflect Ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and an aging the cost of a four-year college education. veteran population threaten to overwhelm VA medical fa- FRA also expressed its support for the “Post-9/11 cilities, and despite an unprecedented increase in the FY Veterans Educational Assistance Act” (S.22), sponsored by 2008 VA budget, the backlog of pending claims for disabil- Senator James Webb (Va.), and its House companion bill ity benefits has not been reduced. While the White House (H.R. 2702), introduced by Rep. Bobby Scott (Va.). Both proposes an increase over FY 2008 funding, its FY 2009 bills propose offering service members who’ve served since VA budget falls $3.2 billion short of Independent Budget 11 September 2001 improved educational benefits similar recommendations made by a group of veterans’ service or- to those provided to World War II-era veterans. FRA be- ganizations and endorsed by FRA. lieves this bill is a step in the right direction, but suggests FRA urged the committees to expand oversight to en- reforming and simplifying the current MGIB program sure the wounded warrior reforms included in the FY 2008 rather than adding an entirely new MGIB program to an Defense Authorization are effectively implemented. “These already-confusing system of education benefits. reforms are still a work in progress,” said Barnes, “and con- FRA also continues its advocacy for full concurrent re- gressional oversight is critical to ensure success.” These ceipt for all disabled veterans; disability benefits for veterans reforms include a joint DoD/VA office to ensure implemen- who were exposed to Agent Orange as they patrolled the tation of the electronic health care record; developing com- waters off Viet Nam; authorizing Medicare reimbursements prehensive policies regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI), to the VA for covered beneficiaries’ care in VA facilities; and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other mental health reform of the Uniform Services Former Spouse Protection conditions plus military eye injuries; and creating centers of Act (USFSPA). The Association also asked committee excellence focused on these conditions. Additionally FRA members to be mindful of difficulties facing wounded war- advocates a standard disability rating system (for both DoD riors as they prepare to vote in the Presidential election.

and VA) that accounts for all medical conditions. NED Joe Barnes testi- Barnes also expressed the Association’s strong opposi- fies before the joint tion to proposals for tiered health care enrollment fees for hearing of the Senate and House Veterans veterans in Priority Groups 7 and 8, and recommendations Affairs Committees to nearly double prescription drug co-payments from $8 to $15 for a 30-day supply. These increases are identical to those proposed last year, and similar to proposals by the Administration for the past several years. Additionally, FRA voiced its support for the “Total Force Montgomery GI Bill,” a measure that would inte- grate active and Reserve Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) pro- grams under VA (Title 38) authority. As the nation’s active From L to R Rep. duty, Guard and Reserve components are effectively being John Boozman (Ark.), integrated under the Total Force concept, FRA believes Rep. Vern Buchanan educational benefits should be re-structured accordingly. (Fla.), House Ranking Member Rep. Steve In response to the President’s proposal to expand Buyer (Ind.), Senate MGIB eligibility to military family members, FRA high- ranking Member Senator Richard Burr lighted the importance of providing Veterans Education (N.C.), Senate Chairman Assistance Program (VEAP) era, senior enlisted person- Senator Daniel Akaka nel an additional opportunity to enroll in the more gener- (Hawaii), House Chairman Rep. Bob ous MGIB program, as is proposed in “The Montgomery Filner (Calif.), and Rep. GI Bill Enhancement Act” (H.R. 4130), sponsored by Tim Walz (Minn.) On & off capitol hill

9 First Volume of Tenth QRMC Released Housing Foreclosure Bill Includes SCRA FRA Tod a The Department of Defense (DoD) recently released the first report from the Tenth Improvements

Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation (QRMC) which assesses the effectiveness y MAy 2008 of military pay and benefits in recruiting and retaining a high-quality military force. Every Legislation (H.R. 3221) sponsored by four years, DoD conducts a complete review of compensation for service members. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi The report contends there is no remaining pay gap between military and civilian (Calif.) includes improvements to the salaries, proposes some overdue reform of BAH, and urges the replacement of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). A Senate-approved amendment to the Regular Military Compensation (RMC) formula—currently based on base pay, BAH, measure, sponsored by Senate Banking, the subsistence allowance and federal tax advantage from non-taxable allowances. Housing and Urban Affairs Committee A new, more expansive formula would be known as Military Annual Compensation Chairman Senator Christopher Dodd (MAC) and would include RMC items plus state tax advantages and the value of health (Conn.) and Ranking Member Senator care and retirement benefits to define service members’ compensation package. Richard Shelby (Ala.), will extend the Reacting to the report, NED Barnes said, “There are some good recommendations time a lender must wait before starting in the study, particularly with regard to BAH reform and recruiting and retention special the foreclosure process (from 90 days and incentive pays. However, the strong emphasis on replacing the Regular Military to 9 months after active duty or when Compensation (RMC) formula with a broader Military Annual Compensation (MAC) Reservists return from deployment over- measurement to include more tax advantages and comparable costs of health care and seas) and provides returning service retirement benefits will likely have minimal impact on retention decisions. Money talks members one-year relief from increases and compensation must be commensurate with the unique requirements demanded in mortgage interest rates. The bill re- of those in uniform who serve our Nation. I don’t ever recall hearing anyone consider quires DoD to create a counseling pro- reenlistment based on the potential tax advantage of their continued service.” gram to ensure veterans, Reservists, and FRA also believes there is a remaining 3.4-percent pay gap between military and active duty personnel can access assis- civilian pay levels, and has been working to close that pay gap by securing additional an- tance if facing financial difficulties. The nual active duty pay increases that are at least 0.5 percent above the Employment Cost bill also changes the formula that will in- Index (ECI) along with targeted increases for mid-career and senior enlisted personnel. crease the VA loan guarantee amount, so The QRMC also recommends reducing the gap between “with” and “without de- that veterans have additional homeown- pendent” BAH rates. Language addressing this disparity is included in the FY 2008 ership opportunities. These amendment National Defense Authorization Act, setting “without dependents” BAH to a minimum provisions sunset in January of 2011. The final report of the Commission on of 75 percent of the “with dependent” rate. the National Guard and Reserve, released This is the first volume of the study dealing with cash compensation. in February 2008, found that the transi- The second volume, which addresses non-cash and deferred compensa- tion from military to civilian life extends tion, will be published later in 2008. The Tenth QRMC report is available at: well beyond the current timeline provided www.defenselink.mil/prhome/docs/Tenth_QRMC_Feb2008_Vol%20I.pdf . in the SCRA (90 days) and forces many service members to focus their attention Bringing Your Voice to Capitol Hill on imminent foreclosure instead of any FRA’s Board of Directors and Regional Vice Presidents “stormed Capitol Hill” in late mental or physical health concerns they April, meeting with their elected officials and key staff to promote the Association’s may have. legislative agenda. Details will be available in the June issue of FRA Today. The SCRA, enacted in 2003, provides protections to service members who Streamlining Military Voting have difficulty meeting their personal fi- nancial and legal obligations because of Members of FRA’s Legislative Team (DLP John Davis and ADLP Ed Dockery) met with their military service. Service members representatives from the Pew Charitable Trusts at FRA NHQ to discuss streamlining vot- on long-term deployments, or Reservists ing procedures for active duty military, especially those serving overseas. The Association called to extended active duty, should supports the introduction of legislation that will improve military voter participation in not have to worry about their families federal elections and expedite the military mail processing of overseas ballots. being evicted from their homes without FRA’s concerns were included in the congressional testimony submitted to the sufficient legal protections, paying on a House Armed Services’ Personal Subcommittee and presented before a joint hearing leased car or apartment that they can’t of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees. The statements also addressed use, or civil legal proceedings they can’t FRA’s other 2008 legislative priorities. attend because of their deployment. On & off capitol hill

10 TRICare Issues

Savings from TRICARE Fee Increase Exaggerated FRA, TMC Oppose Cuts

MAy 2008 y MAy Witnesses at a recent House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee hearing clarified that the savings expected to result from raising TRICARE fees to Medicare and pharmacy co-pays are based on the assumption that many current and future Reimbursement Rates FRA Tod a TRICARE beneficiaries will drop the military benefit and switch to alternative health FRA and other Military Coalition insurance offered by second-career employers. DoD analysts believe many military (TMC) organizations signed a letter to retirees will choose to retain TRICARE coverage, even if the proposed increases are all members of Congress, asking for a implemented. Members of the subcommittee again expressed opposition to the halt of the 10.6-percent reduction in proposed fee hikes and pledged to find money in the DoD budget to replace the the Medicare and military TRICARE reimbursement rates set to occur on 1 alleged savings built into the FY 2009 budget. The recently-passed House Budget July 2008 and opposing the addition- resolution also opposes the TRICARE fee increases, but does not add funding to al 5.4-percent cut planned for January replace the assumed savings. 2009. The letter, which was included FRA believes military retirees have earned TRICARE benefits through their service, in packets distributed on Capitol Hill including many years of arduous and dangerous duty, low wages, and long periods by members of the American Medical Association (which also supports the of separation from home and family. FRA continues to oppose drastic TRICARE fee halt in reimbursement cuts), is avail- increases and supports the “Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act” (H.R. able at FRA’s website (www.fra.org). 579) and “The Military Care Protection Act” (S. 604). Members are urged to visit TRICARE reimbursements are tied to the Action Center to encourage their elected officials to be co-sponsors of these those set for Medicare and many pro- legislative proposals. viders do not accept new Medicare and TRICARE patients because of reduced reimbursements. Although Recipients Nearing Age 65 Must Take Steps to Remain a recent TRICARE survey shows that Eligible for TRICARE more civilian providers are participat- TRICARE beneficiaries who are turning 65 and are eligible for premium-free Medicare ing, physicians’ hesitancy to accept new TRICARE patients remains a seri- Part A must enroll in Medicare Part B to remain eligible for TRICARE benefits. ous healthcare concern for Medicare- Exceptions include when the sponsor is on active duty, the beneficiary is enrolled eligible and military beneficiaries in in the U.S. Family Health Plan, or the beneficiary is enrolled in TRICARE Reserve certain areas of the country. Along Select. Visit www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Eligibility/WhoIsEligible/ with other TMC organizations, FRA is MedicareBeneficiaries to learn more. working to ensure there are enough doctors willing to see TRICARE and To avoid a delay in receiving Medicare benefits and to ensure timely reporting of TRICARE-for-Life patients. that information to the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), Due in part to strong pressure from beneficiaries should apply for Medicare benefits three to four months before turn- constituents and beneficiary organiza- ing 65. Prompt enrollment allows beneficiaries to avoid the Medicare Part B sur- tions, Congress has halted scheduled charge for late enrollment (10 percent for each 12-month period they are eligible cuts in Medicare reimbursements, in- but not enrolled in Part B). cluding enactment of FRA-supported legislation (H.R. 3162) in late 2007 To sign up for Medicare Part B, call the Social Security Administration at that provided a temporary fix, which (800) 772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. expires on 1 July 2008.

Ask the Future President FRA Today is preparing a feature article about the plat- Please send your questions to [email protected] and forms of the contending presidential candidates and we include “Presidential Questions” in the subject line. Or want your input. mail your questions to FRA National Headquarters, Among the varying concerns facing our nation, which 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Attn: Lauren is the most important to you? What question would YOU Armstrong. ask the candidates?

On & OFF Capitol Hill continued on page 12 1<0B8QLRQB)5$7PRQWK$03DJH

Imagine examining artifacts in the Smithsonian Institution and finding a never-before-seen sketch for the largest and highest denomination American coin ever proposed? That’s just what happened as one

Discovered…Historic Coin Design! America’s Lost Masterpiece THE $100 UNION™ coin expert recently explored the collection at this Original sketches found at the Smithsonian celebrated public institution. But as this numismatist discovered, it has more to share than he could ever imagine. To his own surprise, he had found the original design concept for a hundred dollar denomina- tion created by George T. Morgan, arguably the greatest American coin designer. These sketches, hidden within an original sketchbook for nearly a century, represent perhaps

the grandest American coin ever proposed— Call now to secure your reservation for this the $100 Union. exceptional collector’s treasure! George T. Morgan will always be remembered $100 Union™ Silver Proof Only $99 for his most famous coin—the Morgan silver dollar. This is not a reproduction…this is the first time ever Morgan’s Until recently, the world knew nothing of Morgan’s $100 Union™ design has been struck as a silver proof. larger sized and higher denomination $100 Union concept design. Smithsonian Institution® A portion of the sales proceeds from your purchase of this licensed product supports the chartered The secret’s out! For a limited time, you can educational purposes of the National Numismatic Collection, housed in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. secure the world’s first and only $100 Union Proof struck in pure .999 Silver at our special price of only 1-800-585-9240ext. 4350 New York Mint, 5577 West 78th Street, Edina, MN $99 (plus S&H). CALL TODAY! ©2008 New York Mint, Ltd. New York Mint is a private company and is not affiliated with the United States Mint. This Silver Proof is not legal tender and the U.S. Mint has not endorsed it nor the New York Mint.

5 25 50 75 95 100 5 25 50 75 95 100 5 25 50 75 95 100 5 25 50 75 95 100 On & off capitol hill

12 Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs VA Mobile Pharmacies Wounded Warriors Polled on Care They Receive for Disasters Zogby International polled 435 service members wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan who are

MAy 2008 y MAy members of Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) and receiving care in military treatment facili- To support veterans and their families dur- ties or through TRICARE. In their responses, 77 percent said they believe the military is do- ing major emergencies, especially natural

FRA Tod a ing all it can to meet their health care needs. Fifty-eight percent said that since they began disasters, the Department of Veterans receiving medical treatment their trust and confidence in the system has increased, and a majority of them said their expectations for recovery have increased since they returned Affairs (VA) has begun to deploy mobile from their deployment. pharmacies that will provide vital medi- The telephone poll of these severely wounded personnel was conducted on 27 February cine when patients are unable to fill their 2008, and details are available at http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1463.

prescriptions. VA will also open up the fa- TBI Legislation Moves Forward cilities to help communities during major The Senate has approved “The Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act” (S. 793), spon- disasters and other emergencies. Each VA sored by Senator Orin Hatch (Utah). The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the House companion bill (HR 1418), sponsored by Rep. Bill Pascrell (N.J.), which authorizes mobile pharmacy is housed in a 40-foot- the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide state grants for patients with long solid steel trailer built to withstand traumatic brain injury (TBI) to enter treatment and rehabilitation programs. The law expired in winds in a Category 3 storm. The units 2005, but appropriators have continued to fund the program. The measure would also require the CDC to monitor brain injury incidents and create a reporting system to track the condition. include a satellite connection with VA’s The CDC also would study treatment techniques, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy would be directed to conduct basic research to improve treatment. Furthermore, the bill would authorize a study on improving access to care for veterans with TBI. system, a computerized, automated state- An overriding FRA priority is ensuring that wounded troops, particularly those with TBI, are of-the-art mail-out pharmacy that can pro- cared for by a grateful nation. cess more than 1,000 prescriptions hourly. Patrick Dunne Designated VA’s Acting Benefits Chief

VA recognized the need for mobile phar- Patrick W. Dunne, a retired Navy rear admiral and a senior official within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), was recently designated by President Bush to serve as the Department’s macies in 2005 after hurricanes Katrina Acting Under Secretary for Benefits. In this capacity, he will be responsible for a $52 billion and Rita severely damaged VA medical budget that provides compensation and pensions to nearly 4 million veterans and survivors, along with administering the Montgomery GI Bill educational program, VA’s home loan centers along the Gulf Coast. To ensure guaranties, and other veterans’ benefits. rapid response to a wide range of emer- A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Dunne spent 33 years on active duty. Since August gencies, VA’s mobile pharmacies will be 2006, he has served as VA’s Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning. Dunne replaces retired Navy Vice Admiral Daniel L. Cooper, who left VA on 1 April after six years managing strategically placed across the nation. the Department’s benefits programs. A search commission is in the process of identifying candidates for Cooper’s permanent replacement.

Your Mission n Your Voice

Sea Stories: Reminiscences of a Navy Radioman 1952-1977 http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ ItemDetail-bookid-47286.aspx 425 pp. Also available from Amazon.com and the usual outlets On & off capitol hill

13 education FRA Tod a FRA and PVE Focus on Education Benefits More Education Benefits

Coming for Multiple-Tour y MAy 2008 FRA is working in conjunction with the Partnership for Veterans Reservists Education (PVE) to improve education benefits for active duty personnel Some Reservists serving on active and family members, Reservists, and veterans. The organizations are also working to duty will see a significant increase in improve education benefits for survivors of disabled veterans, personnel who died of a their education benefits due to a provi- service-connected disability or service members killed on active duty. The group also sion in the FY 2008 National Defense supports establishing an open enrollment period for active duty personnel who did not Authorization Act (NDAA). Reservists enroll in the Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP) or the Montgomery GI who accumulate three years of active Bill (MGIB) program. duty service, regardless of breaks, FRA’s Director of Legislative Programs (DLP) John Davis participated in a PVE may be eligible for the maximum pay- strategy meeting recently to discuss proposed improvements to the current MGIB, ment under the Reserve Education including support for the “Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act” (S. 22, Assistance Program (REAP). H.R. 2702, see page 8) which would eliminate the $1,200 enrollment fee and provide Previously, Reservists had to serve benefits to cover the cost of a four-year, full-time college education for military person- two continuous years on active duty to receive the highest payment. The nel who serve 36 months or more on active duty. The program would pay the equiva- new eligibility rules are retroactive to 1 lent of tuition at an in-state university, provide a monthly stipend averaging $1,000 a October 2007. The top payment under month that would be linked to military housing allowances (BAH), provide a stipend REAP is currently $880.80 per month. for books, and could be accessed up to 15 years after service. This provision also expands the period The Pentagon and the VA have expressed concern about the bill’s estimated $2.5 of eligibility for certain Reservists who billion cost in the first year alone, the potential negative impact of improved benefits complete their service obligation be- on retention, and implementation difficulties. fore separating from the Reserves. Reservists meeting these criteria are now eligible to use education ben- FRA Supports Improvements to Impact Aid efits for a period of ten years follow- ing discharge. Beginning on 1 October FRA supports “The Fair Funding for Schools Act” (H.R. 4540), recently introduced by 2008, REAP and MGIB-Selected Hawaii Representative Mazie K. Hirono, that would enhance the formula for determin- Reserve participants who pursue non- ing the amount of Impact Aid schools receive. The proposal would authorize the use of degree programs lasting less than two more current data rather than calculating Impact Aid payments based on the previous years may also be eligible to receive year’s military student population. accelerated payments. The Association wants to ensure that the Department of Education has adequate For more information on changes funding for local school districts educating military children and that the DoD budget to VA’s GI Bill benefits, go to www. includes sufficient supplemental funds to provide support for highly impacted school GIBILL.va.gov or contact VA directly at districts. 1-888-GIBILL1 (or 1-888-442-4551).

New Deployment Support and Reintegration Office The DoD announced the creation of the Deployment Support and Reintegration Office within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. Mandated by the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, it is intended to provide support and outreach services to Reserve Component service members, their families and com- munities throughout the deployment cycle. This program places particular emphasis on preparing service members and their families for the stresses associated with separation and deployment, and highlighting resources available to assist them. The focus shifts to The FRA Legislative team is Joe Barnes, National reconnecting service members with families and communities for successful reintegration Executive Director, John Davis, Director of Legislative following deployment. Programs, Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Reintegration program capabilities are already being tested in 15 states. DoD plans Outreach Manager, Chris Slawinski, National Veterans to expand this program beyond the pilot phase to all 54 states and territories. The Service Officer and Ed Dockery, Assistant Director of Deployment Support and Reintegration Office can be reached at 1-866-504-7092. Legislative Programs. Membership Matters

14 MAy 2008 y MAy

Recruiting and Outreach Penny Collins FRA Tod a Recruiting and outreach are a per- 103 (Yokosuka, Japan) and Branch 269 a basket. Ten winners were chosen fect pair when it comes to membership (Goose Creek, S.C.) successfully added at random from participants in the development. Conducting outreach 50 or more new or reinstated members Operation FRA ’07–’08 recruitment means participating in events that are to their rosters. Branch 24 (Annapolis, program. Walter C. Dillard of Branch significant to the military and civil- Md.), Branch 29 (Bremerton, Wash.), 101, Joseph W. Moran of Branch 94 ian communities. Events such as Navy Branch 40 (Chesapeake, Va.), Branch and Robert L. French of Branch 126 Fleet Week, Coast Guard Day, Marine 60 (Norfolk, Va.), Branch 61 (Chula won cash prizes for their recruiting Corp Marathons, as well as ceremo- Vista, Calif.), Branch 70 (Poway, Calif.); efforts. William E. Craig of Branch nies to honor past and present mili- Branch 91 (Jacksonville, Fla.), Branch 60, Michael P. Norman of Branch 46, tary personnel, such as Memorial and 94 (Corpus Christi, Texas), Branch James W. Scarbro of Branch 40, James Veterans Day, are great opportunities 276 (Omaha, Neb.) and Branch 290 W. Gillis of Branch 367, Charles J. for FRA members and branches to get (Mayport, Fla.) recruited or reinstated Starratt of Branch 20, James T. Duffy involved. During these events, FRA 20 or more members. of Branch 24, and Paul A. Thompson members can participate in organiz- These branches shared their se- of Branch 99 were each awarded a ing events, provide assistance to other crets for successful recruiting, which complementary five-year extension on organizers or simply set up informa- included involvement in a variety of their FRA membership. tion tables. Any type of involvement local outreach events. They participat- The new recruiting year began on allows shipmates to showcase their ed in retiree seminars or Transitional 1 April 2008 and continues through commitment to our core principle of Assistance Programs (TAP); sent let- 31 March 2009. The #1 FRA Recruiter Service, and provides an opening to ters, called or visited current members program is your opportunity to earn discuss our programs, goals and ob- to discuss their membership status; award pins and win prizes for recruit- jectives. These are wonderful ways to participated in senior leadership ing new or reinstating former mem- raise awareness of the FRA and the meetings; and sponsored Sailor of the bers. A new pin (see opposite page) many benefits of being a member, and Quarter/Year awards programs. Some will be awarded to shipmates who re- can often lead to recruiting or reinstat- branches instituted a 2-for-1 program, cruit or reinstate three (3) members. ing fellow shipmates. where the branch and member shared Outreach and recruiting go hand in 26 May is Memorial Day, which will to cost of annual dues. Other branches hand. Make it work for your branch. be observed in communities around sponsored activities and social func- the country with numerous activities tions for current, former and prospec- to honor our fallen heroes, wounded tive members and their families such warriors and veterans. There will be as picnics, bowling leagues and golf wreaths presented at Arlington National tournaments. Some developed youth Cemetery and the Navy Memorial in programs to include sponsorship of Washington, D.C., as well as parades, ball teams and derby racing. Individual speeches, and social functions around branch members volunteered at mili- the nation. Check your local community tary Retiree Activity Offices (RAO), calendar and consider ways your branch hospitals or other facilities and were can participate to make these events able to distribute FRA literature and even more meaningful. talk about their experiences as an FRA Many branches have found enor- member. These are just a few ways that mous success using outreach activities recruiting efforts are enhanced through Rod Kennedy, Member Services Representative, and Penny Collins, to recruit new members. During the outreach programs and activities. Director of Membership Development, last recruiting year (which began on The 2007-2008 recruiting year select winners in the Operation FRA 1 April 2007 and ended on 31 March ended on 31 March 2008, and on 1 membership program. 2008), Branch 46 in Honolulu, Hawaii, April the names of all shipmates who recruited more than 100 members. recruited or reinstated an FRA mem- Penny Collins is a member of FRA Branch 24 in Branch 99 (Virginia Beach, Va.), Branch ber during the year were tossed into Annapolis, Md. and can be reached at [email protected]. Being number 1 has its rewards.

Become FRA’s #1 Recruiter by recruiting three new members and receive a pin. Qualify for valuable prizes with each Shipmate you recruit.

To qualify for FRA’s ‘08–‘09 Membership Award Program:

1. Recruit three new or reinstated members and receive the “#1 FRA 2. Submit the completed applications to: FRA, 125 N. West Street, Recruiter ‘08–‘09” lapel pin along with one entry in the FRA ‘08–‘09 prize Alexandria, Virginia 22314-2754. Remember to include payment with drawing for each Shipmate you recruit. (Note: You receive an entry in the drawing for application and your full name and membership number. each new or reinstated member, i.e., sign up 15, you get 15 entries in the drawing and one pin.)

Join FRA: Membership Application Recruited by: Name:______Membership is open to all Former, Retired and Active Sea Service USN, USMC, USCG enlisted personnel. I certify that I fulfill the eligibility requirements and want to join FRA. Annual dues Member No:______Branch No.:______125 N. West Street include a subscription to FRA Today magazine. Alexandria, VA 22314-2754

Phone: 703-683-1400 Name:______rate/Rank:______Toll-Free: 1-800-FRA-1924 www.fra.org Address:______Street Lot/Space City State Zip Code

Date of Birth:______social Security No.:______Phone: ( )______Special Offer for Service:______Status:______Membership Preference: Branch No.______Nearest to Home Member-at-Large New Members $40 for 2 years Previous FRA Member: No Yes (If yes, previous ­Member No.:______) Spouses Name:______Your E-mail Address:______

Applicant’s Signature:______Date:______

Dues: Payment Options: MC Visa Discover ae Check-enclosed 1 Yr $25.00 2 Yrs $40.00 Credit Card No.______3 Yrs $71.25 5 Yrs $112.50 exp. Date:______ranson 17 FRA Tod a y MAy 2008 ranson 18 FRA Today MAy 2008 S one thatsuitsyourtaste! find to tab “Shows” the click and www.branson.com Visit and starperformersfromthe1950s1960s. tributes, Elvis gospel, bluegrass, – taste every for style and boat cruises. Country music dominates, but there’s a rhythm musical variety shows, magicians, impressionists and show- comedy,stand-up including a entertainment, live of array vast boasts city The Branson. in entertainment non-stop It’s how-stoppingShows www.dixiestampede.com. For moreinformation,visit to guestswithspecialneeds. ferred seating). The arena is fully accessible pre - (for $54.12 or $48.54 for available are Saturdays.onTicketsshow pm tional8:00 addi- an with nightly, 5:30 at begin Shows before theshow. stables open-air the tour to welcome also are Visitors horses. quarter and Palomino magnificent Stampede’s shows—the the of stars real the showcase to performers and riders stunt for stage the set effects pyrotechnics and other spectacular special lighting, and sound Dramatic show. main thrilling the course, of and dinner, four- course a 50 event), main begins the before (which minutes Act Opening Room Carriage the includes performance ning eve- The Show. and Dinner Stampede visit entertainment, of action-packed evening fun-filled a For Horsing Around ol Pro’ Dixie Parton’s Dolly

or bycalling1-888-462-7267. bransonvarietytheater.com/spiritdance.asp Tickets areavailableonlineatwww. Sunday, 28Septemberat3:00pm Saturday, 27Septemberat8:00pm Friday, 26Septemberat10:00am Wednesday, 24Septemberat8:00pm Sunday, 21Septemberat3:00pm following times anddatesduringConventionWeek: the for scheduled are Shows plause fromtheaudience. choreography, also receive thunderous ap- breathtaking and costumes dazzling with coupled and, cadence precision skillful their thunderous with create Company Dance International Irish the of dancers champion world The strength. and ergy en- raw of demonstrations amazing and rhythms, passionate dance, Irish stopping thrilling stage performance features show- this Production,” International “Best and Choreography” “Best Global including nine Awards, of smash Winner Ireland. international from the hit is Dance the Branson, in season ninth its In Stir Your Spirit Tap Your Toes, prt of Spirit 19 FRA Today MAy 2008 - - delivers huge laughs huge delivers Smirnoff Yakov in his fast-paced show that celebrates the spirit of life. The Russian-born comedian jour self-proclaimed his from humor draws ney from “Red to Redneck” and his show reflects his unique insights on love, family, and life in the U.S. His patriotic show fea- outrageous an as well as Liberty, Lady tures band of pirates and an authentic Russian dance troupe. Internationally known for his hilarious television, film and stage appear also writes the “Happily Ever ances, Yakov Laughter” column for AARP’s magazine, highlighting the importance of compassion and laughter in relationships. sched- are Week Convention during Shows uled at 3:00 pm on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday with September) 28 and 27 26, 25, 24, (21, and Sunday an additional 9:30 am show on Thursday, 25 September. Ticket prices are $35 preferred seating for (Rows 1 – 7, center sec- tion) for all ages. All other seats are for $32 adults, $9.95 for children ages 6 – 12, and free for children 5 Advance and under. ticket purchase is recommended. information more for www.yakov.com Visit or to purchase tickets online. Twice-named Twice-named Branson’s Comedian of the Year, Laugh your “Yak-off” Laugh RESTAID™ HEALTHNEWS Exhausted, But Just Can’t Fall Asleep?

New breakthrough will “I used to lie in bed for hours help you fall asleep and...toss and turn...I would faster, sleep deeper and only get 4-5 hours of sleep per night...which just wasn’t enough awake more refreshed. for me. RestAid™ has seriously helped me. I can sleep without OHHSLVWKHRQO\ZD\ZHFDQUHFKDUJH RXUEUDLQDQGUHVWRUHLPSRUWDQW a problem and sleep soundly all QHXURWUDQVPLWWHUV6OHHSLVDOVRWKHWLPH night long. It has improved my ZKH6QWKHERG\GRHVPRVWRILWVUHSDLUZRUN LQFOXGLQJUHEXLOGLQJDQGUHVWRULQJPXVFOH life in so many ways.” WLVVXH7KLVLVEHFDXVHJURZWKKRUPRQHVDUH VHFUHWHGGXULQJVOHHSZKLFKLVHVVHQWLDOWR —Maggie R. UHEXLOGLQJWLVVXHV 5HVXOWVQRWW\SLFDO

Consequences Of Too Little Sleep Lack Of Sleep Impacts 1 In 6 Adults 5HVW$LGŒXWLOL]HVD3DWHQWHG&\VWHLQH0LON 3HSWLGHŠWKDWLVFOLQLFDOO\SURYHQWREUHDN 7KHUHLVDJURZLQJERG\RIHYLGHQFH 7KH1DWLRQDO6OHHS)RXQGDWLRQ·V6OHHSLQ GRZQQDWXUDOVWLPXODQWVWR[LFVXEVWDQFHV LQGLFDWLQJWKDWFKURQLFVOHHSGHSULYDWLRQ $PHULFDSROOVUHYHDOWKDWRYHUDVL[\HDU DOFRKRODQGFDIIHLQH²DOONQRZQWRLQWHUUXSW LQFUHDVHVULVNRIHDUO\GHDWK,QDGGLWLRQRQH SHULRGRQO\DERXWKDOIRIDGXOWVJHWDJRRG \RXUVOHHSF\FOHV,WVGHOLYHU\V\VWHPJHWVWKH RIWKHIDVWHVWJURZLQJDUHDVRIUHVHDUFKLVWKH QLJKW·VVOHHSHYHU\QLJKW6OHHSGHÀFLWLV QXWULHQWVLQWRWKHEORRGVWUHDPPXFKTXLFNHU OLQNEHWZHHQFKURQLFVOHHSGHSULYDWLRQDQG IUHTXHQWO\UHODWHGWRWRRPXFKFDIIHLQH WKDQRWKHUVXSSOHPHQWV WKHULVNRIEHFRPLQJRYHUZHLJKWDQGREHVLW\ QLFRWLQHDQGDOFRKRO,WLVDOVRUHODWHGWR 6OHHSGHSULYDWLRQFDQOHDGWR VWUHVVORQJKRXUVDWZRUNQLJKWVKLIWV Do You Need RestAid™? ‡*UHDWHUULVNRI DQGZRUNLQJRQKRPH FRPSXWHUVEHIRUHJRLQJ Hard time falling asleep? KHDUWGLVHDVH “I had problems sleeping for several WRVOHHS ‡,QFUHDVHGULVNRILOOQHVV years but never wanted to take Can’t sleep through the night? prescription meds because of possible New Non-Prescription Concerned about the side effects ‡7KLQNLQJLPSDLUPHQWV ™ Breakthrough of sleeping pills? OLNHVORZHUUHDFWLRQ side effects. I have taken RestAid WLPHPHPRU\ORVV every night for over two weeks, and Consistently wake up tired & foggy?  FRQIXVLRQ I’ve never slept better. I fall asleep %HIRUHUHVRUWLQJWR H[SHQVLYHSUHVFULSWLRQ Feel fatigued in the daytime? within a half hour of taking it, and I ‡3RRUZRUNSHUIRUPDQFH VOHHSLQJSLOOVZLWK stay asleep longer. ” —Scott M. SRWHQWLDOQHJDWLYHVLGH ‡0RRGSUREOHPVOLNH HIIHFWVWU\5HVW$LGŒ Having Trouble Finding RestAid™? GHSUHVVLRQDQJHU 5HVXOWVQRWW\SLFDO 5HVW$LGŒLVDQDOOQDWXUDO  LUULWDELOLW\  VOHHSLQJVXSSOHPHQWWKDWZLOOKHOS\RX )RU\HDUVFRQVXPHUVKDYHRQO\KDGWKH ‡5LVNRIXQKHDOWK\ IDOODVOHHSIDVWHUVOHHSGHHSHUDQGDZDNH RSWLRQRISUHVFULSWLRQSLOOVRULQHIIHFWLYH ZHLJKWJDLQ ORVV PRUHUHIUHVKHG VXSSOHPHQWVWREHDEOHWRJHWDJRRG  QLJKW·VVOHHS7KHPDQXIDFWXUHUVRI HOW RESTAID TM WORKS 5HVW$LGŒDUHVRFRQÀGHQWLQWKHUHVXOWV RI5HVW$LGŒWKDWWKH\DUHRIIHULQJD RestAid ™ contains the perfect combination of Cysteine Milk Peptide ® and Melatonin. 'D\5LVN)UHH7ULDOVR\RXFDQ Cysteine Milk Peptide ® counteracts toxins, stimulants and alcohol which disrupt sleep H[SHULHQFHWKHUHVXOWVÀUVWKDQG patterns and Melatonin works naturally to synchronize your body’s sleep rhythm.  &DOOWRGD\WRJHW\RXU VXSSO\RI5HVW$LGŒ Cysteine Milk Peptide® – Shown in clinical studies to immediately 5LVN)UHHIRUMXVWD boost levels of Glutathione, which is a substance produced by the VPDOO6 +IHH7U\ body that is needed to break down toxins such as caffeine and WKLVQHZDOOQDWXUDO alcohol that disrupt our natural sleep patterns. EUHDNWKURXJKWKDWZLOOKHOS\RXIDOO DVOHHSIDVWHUDQGDZDNHPRUHUHIUHVKHG Melatonin – is a hormone produced by the body that naturally increases sleep efficiency. Call to get your RestAid™

Vitamin B12 – is proven to cause an earlier release of Melatonin 30-Day Risk Free Trial Offer! at night, which resets the sleep-wake cycle. 888-898-4187 Lemon Balm Extract – is a natural sedative that soothes and relaxes your mind and body. Mention Code for FREE Upgrade! 2RFR11C Hops Extract – is used as a natural treatment for tenseness & restless sleep. www.RestAidDirect.com 21 FRA Today MAy 2008 Shepherd of the Hills EagleRiders Motorcycle Rental, Rental, Motorcycle EagleRiders Angler’s Paradise Angler’s If you like fishing, thisyou. is Located the place just for six of Branson, miles the southwest Fish Hatchery is an angler’s dream. The hatchery produces more than catchable trout a each year, many of million which are released into nearby Lake Taneycomo, which allows year-round fishing. Visitors can tour the 211-acre hatchery, watch a brief video on trout production, observe hundreds of thousands of trout, network of nature hike trails and see a a variety of wildlife. Other than fishing permits and stamps, all other activities at the facility are free. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/ areas/hatchery/shepherd or call the Visitor Center at 417-334-4865. of an the Saddle From Steed Iron Freedom, independence and await adventure you on the open roads through the that Ozarks. wind Enjoy it all from the avail- motorcycle, Harley-Davidson a of seat from able day per $115-$135 approximately For USA. (rates vary based session, on orientation length an receive and riders type rental), of safety equipment (including helmets), and unlimited mileage on a late-model Harley. for fuel are must Riders costs, responsible be at least 21 years old and possess a valid license. driver’s class motorcycle For more information, visit 1-888-900-9901. call or www.eaglerider.com

The Hollister Grape and Hollister Grape The Festival Fall forefathers Founded in 1904, Hollister’s sought to create an English village that would attract visitors from around the world. That dream is reality now as each year the Hollister Grape and Fall Festival provides activities, entertainment and crafts for a full day of family fun. Live musicians, costumed mascots and street entertainers amuse visitors as they celebrate their Ozark heritage and the takes festival harvest season. This year’s just a 27 September, place on Saturday, couple miles south of Branson.

Branson is the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Ozarks, Ozarks, the of beauty the experience to place perfect the is Branson renowned for it wealth of caves Lake and and State natural Park springs. are only Table a Rock few miles from boat Branson, and offering personal watercraft rentals, parasailing experiences, and excursions on a 48-foot catamaran. Henning State Forest,a short located distance west of Branson, is a hiker’s paradise with many self-guided trails and an observation tower that offers unparalleled views of the Ozarks. Spend some quality you’re in Branson. time with Nature while ocal Color ocal L

22 All Aboard! lasts from the Past Billed as Branson’s most classic attrac- Founded in 1903, Branson’s history is rich with Ozark tion, the Branson Scenic Railway offers Mountain culture. The town was settled by farmers who came a 40-mile excursion through the Ozark from the mountains of the Carolinas, Tennessee and Kentucky. MAy 2008 y MAy foothills. You’ll begin your journey at They were descendents of farmers from Scotland, England the Branson Depot, a classic piece of Band Ireland, and brought their ancient heritage with them. The Americana that’s nearly 100 years old and FRA Tod a area began to find economic success as a vacation destination features railroad memorabilia of all sorts. in the early 1900s, initially drawing visitors who were attracted Travelers can relax in either a domed car by the local lake and scenic countryside. The addition of a with expansive windows or coach seating lighted Adoration Scene in December of 1949 drew thousands aboard vintage train cars from the 1940s of additional guests and put Branson on its way to being the and 1950s as they hear stories about the city it is today. Branson has worked hard to successfully blend history of the railroad and the surrounding industry and tourism, and now welcomes more than 100,000 communities. The train departs at 9:00 am, visitors a day to their small town in the Ozarks. 11:30 am and 2:00 pm, Mondays through Saturdays. The cost is $22.50 for adults and $13.50 for children 12 and under. Gigantic Titanic For an extra special treat, guests can ex- Relive the last hours of Titanic’s fateful perience a four-course candlelight dinner maiden voyage at the Titanic Museum, and enjoy the luxurious traveling style of the world’s largest museum attraction. The long ago. The Dinner Train is available on two-story museum is a half-scale replica Saturdays only at 5:00 pm, and the cost is of the original ship and features 90-min- $50.50 per person. ute, self-guided tours that give guests the sense of being a passenger on the 1912 Visit www.bransontrain.com or call luxury liner. Interactive exhibits and more 417-334-6110 for more information. than 400 personal and private artifacts al- low visitors to touch the frozen surface of an “iceberg,” explore first class state- rooms and third class cabins, send SOS Honoring Veterans signals from the ship’s wireless room, and The captivating stories of the men and come to know some of Titanic’s passen- women who defended our liberties gers and crew in a very personal way. during the 20th century are immortal- The museum is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 ized in Branson’s Veterans Memorial pm, with tours beginning every 15 min- Museum. The museum’s ten great halls utes. Admission is $18.82 for adults, $9.99 house sculptures, murals, historical arti- for children (ages 5-12). Family packages facts, memorabilia honoring all branches (two adults and up to four children under of service, and the museum’s hallmark – age 18) are available for $49.28. the world’s largest war memorial bronze sculpture. Weighing 15 tons and stretch- Advance ticket purchase and other details ing 70 feet in length, the sculpture depicts are available at www.titanicbranson.com. 50 life-size men, each modeled after a combat soldier from each of the 50 states, storming a beach. This incredible collec- tion of wartime exhibits covers the heights and depths of human experience.

Open 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, the museum’s ad- mission costs are $13.50 for adults, $12.50 for veterans, $10 for teens (ages 13-17), and $5 for children (ages 5-10). A discount is available for groups of 15 or more.

For more information, visit www. veteransmemorialbranson.com or call 417-336-2300.

23 FRA Tod a y MAy 2008

ome Hungry When visitors are ready to take a break and re-energize, they’ll find plenty of options in Branson. Offering every- thing from buffets and fast food to fine dining with Cgourmet fare, Branson has a restaurant experience for every palate. Rumor has it that Branson has more buffet restaurants per visitor than any other U.S. city. Many local restaurants offer discount coupons online at www.sunny dayguide.com/branson/br_coupons.php, and the site also features discounts at many of the area’s attractions, so check it out before you head to convention.

Visit www.fra81st.org to learn more about the conven- tion hotel, schedule, and special events. 24 MAy 2008 y MAy FRA Tod a Whether you’re a convention newcomer or a seasoned delegate, there are some traditions and protocols about the FRA National Conventions that are unique to our organization. To the uninitiated, our conventions might seem…well…a little unconventional. If you’re new to the whole convention scene, don’t hesitate to find a more experienced shipmate to assist you. As a starter, here are some tips for navigating Convention Week...

Pre-Convention Board Meeting the convention progresses, and are only available at the registration tables. (sometimes referred to as the “Pre-Board”) Although the convention officially begins with the joint Delegates will also receive a convention program (which opening ceremonies (see below), the National Board of outlines the schedule of events for the week), a con- Directors (NBOD) meets the day prior to discuss old busi- vention journal (that includes welcoming wishes and ness, perhaps hear special presentations, and prepare messages of support from shipmates, ladies, branches for upcoming Convention business sessions. Although and units, as well as advertisers who support the con- all shipmates are welcome to observe the meeting, only vention), a nametag, and usually some discount coupons NBOD members are permitted to speak during the gath- and other goodies when they register. ering. When all business has been conducted, the floor is opened for all shipmates who wish to make comments under “the good of the order.” Joint Opening Ceremonies The official kickoff of convention is the joint FRA and LA FRA Opening Ceremonies. The convention is called to Registration order and honored guests are escorted into the hall to While every member of the FRA is welcome at con- the sound of syncopated clapping, a long-standing FRA vention, only accredited delegates have the privilege of tradition that originated with shipmates clapping on the speaking from the floor or voting on Association resolu- off-beat to a specific melody played to herald guests’ ar- tions. To be a convention delegate, shipmates must be rival. Following the introduction of the guests, the colors a member of an FRA branch and register at convention. are presented, and the National Chaplain offers an open- (FRA Members-at-Large are not eligible to be delegates.) ing prayer, during which shipmates remove their caps Shipmates who are planning to attend convention should and place them on their left shoulder. (Caps are removed contact their branch secretary and ask to be included in in this manner as a sign of reverence during all prayers the branch’s list of prospective delegates. and also when the Bible is opened and closed at the be- ginning and end of each business session.) The National Registration is a simple process, made even easier and Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance are followed by re- faster if shipmates have their membership cards with marks from our keynote speaker. A Two-Bell Ceremony them. The registration tables are usually open early in is also a part of the ceremonies, during which departed the week and an hour prior to the first business ses- shipmates are honored. The Two-Bell ritual is unique to sion of each day and again for two or three hours in FRA and is outlined in the Association’s Rituals and By- the early afternoon. (Specific hours will be posted at Laws. Opening Ceremonies conclude with greetings and convention.) When you register, you will receive a del- announcements from FRA’s National Executive Director egate kit, which is a book containing all officers’ and and the FRA and LA FRA National Presidents. committee reports, resolutions to be considered by committees and delegates during the convention, and Attendees usually dress as they might for church or din- a section where delegates can track the voting strength ner at a nice restaurant, wearing coat and tie/business of each branch. Voting strength is very important if the attire for this event. PNPs often wear red jackets and LA need arises for a roll-call vote (see “Business Sessions” FRA members traditionally wear white to the Opening below). Delegate kits are useful reference materials as Ceremonies. 25 A Note for Active Duty/Reserve Committee Meetings FRA Tod a Personnel Over the course of Convention Week, members of Service dress, service khaki or tropical blues are appropri- convention standing and special committees will meet ate for all FRA Convention events, with the exception of to discuss the resolutions that have been referred to y MAy 2008 the Installation and Banquet/Ball. Dinner or dress uniforms them. The Americanism-Patriotism; Budget and Finance; are suggested for the Installation, Banquet and Ball. Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions; Employees’ Pension; FRA Building; Honorary Membership and Certificate of Merit; Hospitals, Welfare and Rehabilitation; Welcome Aboard Party Membership and Retention; Public Relations; and Youth As its name implies, this is a social event to welcome all Activities Committees (as well as special committees ap- the shipmates and ladies to convention, and it’s a great pointed by the National President) will hold meetings in opportunity to renew old friendships and make new smaller rooms throughout the convention hotel. (Specific ones. Beverages are available and light snacks are also locations will be noted in the convention program.) These usually served. Music and dancing are also featured high- meetings are open to all shipmates. Guests are asked to lights of the evening. sign in, but do not traditionally participate in the discus- sion. They are observers only; however the committee chairman may recognize a visitor’s question or ask for an Business Sessions opinion from a guest. FRA is one of the most democratic organizations of its kind, with convention delegates determining the future of the Association. Prior to convention, branches, standing Special Luncheons national committees and the National Board of Directors During the course of Convention Week, there are a num- may submit proposals, called resolutions, for new ini- ber of luncheons for specific groups. For example, there tiatives and changes to the Association’s governing is usually an FRA and separate LA FRA luncheon for Past documents which determine policy. These resolutions National Presidents, Past Regional Presidents, and sitting are referred to the appropriate national committees for Regional Presidents and Vice-Presidents. These events consideration. At convention, committees meet to dis- are for those particular groups only and will be designated cuss these resolutions (see “Committee Meetings” as “closed” in the Convention Program. Other luncheons, below) and the chairmen report their committees’ rec- like the LA FRA National President’s Luncheon, are open ommendations and rationale to the delegates during a to convention delegates. Reservations and payment for subsequent business session. The delegates then vote these events are required in advance. Click the “Meals” to approve or reject recommendations on resolutions. tab at www.fra81st.org to make your reservations for Committee chairmen also present their annual reports to these events, as well as the Banquet and Ball. (You will delegates during the business sessions. be asked to print a form and submit payment by mail.)

Robert’s Rules of Order are used as the parliamentary guideline for the business sessions, with motions being Workshops presented and seconded, followed by discussion and a Throughout Convention Week, there will be a series of vote. Registered delegates may make motions and sec- workshops available to convention attendees. These onds from the floor, and all delegates are authorized to seminars are usually held in the early morning (and of- cast a “yea” or “nay” in voice votes. If a clear major- ten include a continental breakfast), at midday (including ity cannot be determined by a voice vote, the National a light lunch), or later in the afternoon. The workshops President may request a roll-call vote. cover a variety of topics including presentations by TRICARE contractors, nutritionists, financial advisors, In the event of a roll-call vote, a representative from each representatives from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs branch will stand at the floor microphone and cast his/her (VA), and members of the NHQ staff. branch’s vote on the issue at hand. The size of the branch determines the number of votes that may be cast. This voting strength is determined by the number of branch Installation of Officers shipmates in good standing at the time of the vote. On the last evening of convention, the newly elected FRA and LA FRA national officers are installed and take their Many shipmates choose business clothes (suits or coat respective oaths of office. The event is rich in tradition and tie) for these sessions, while others elect to wear and includes a “capping” ceremony, during which a new business casual attire, such as FRA polo shirts, a sweater officer receives his/her cap. Regional Presidents receive or collared shirt. gray caps, while the National President receives a red cap. (Past National Presidents are often referred to as “the Red Hats.”) All shipmates and ladies are invited to attend the formal ceremony and no reservations are required. ICC.StatLibH$.4890:ICC.StatLibH$.4890 3

26 Banquet and Ball Immediately following the installation ceremony, shipmates, ladies and guests You’d pay over are invited to attend the annual banquet and ball. Reservations and payment are 60% more required in advance for this event, which is a formal dinner and dance.

MAy 2008 y MAy elsewhere! The attire for the installation and banquet and ball is formal/semi-formal. National officers traditionally wear tuxedos, but suit and tie is appropriate for FRA Tod a other shipmates. Ladies often wear cocktail dresses or gowns.

Post-Convention Board Meeting (sometimes referred to as the “Post-Board”): The last event of Convention Week is the post-convention meeting of the NBOD. Although not officially part of convention, this meeting is the first opportunity for the newly-installed national officers to meet and conduct business. As with the pre-convention meeting, all shipmates are welcome to attend, and will be given an opportu- nity to speak under the good of the order at the end of the meeting.

Other Helpful Hints:

Veterans History Project At this year’s convention, representatives from the Veterans History Project (VHP) will be available to record oral statements from some of our shipmates about their military experiences. The VHP is conducted under the auspices U.S. 1986 of the Library of Congress in an effort to preserve first-hand histories from American war veterans. Shipmates interested in telling their stories should “Statue of contact Convention Vice Chairman PRPNC Dave Combs upon arrival at convention. Liberty” Half Dollar Proof Hospitality Room Branches and Units 364, 316, and 161 are hosting this year’s convention and $ .95 Hospitality Room – a casual environment to share food, fellowship and fun. Only 9 Beer, wine and liquor are available. The Hospitality Room is often the site of Elsewhere $16.50 fund-raising raffles and is open to all shipmates and ladies. Lady Liberty graces the most popular commemorative half Reserve Early dollar in American history. This finest-quality proof was issued in This year’s convention is being held in Branson, Missouri, a well-established 1986, the year of the tremendous tourist destination that welcomes more than 100,000 visitors per day. FRA celebration for the Statue of Liberty's and LA FRA members are eligible for a discounted rate of $79 per night (dou- centennial. The obverse shows Lady ble occupancy) at the Radisson hotel, but availability is limited. Shipmates Liberty greeting an immigrant ship and ladies are encouraged to make their reservations early by calling entering New York harbor with the 417-335-5767 or 888-566-5290. Be sure to let the reservation desk know you skyline in the background. The re- are with the FRA or LA FRA. verse depicts an immigrant family and their few belongings on a dock, In addition to hotel reservations, convention delegates are also encouraged awed by the skyline of the promised to reserve early for the banquet or any special luncheons. Meal reservations land. Finest proof minting with deep- may be made online by clicking the “Meals” tab at www.fra81st.org. (You struck engravings and mirror fields. will be asked to print the form and submit payment by mail.) Shipmates and Copper-Nickel. Our reg. $12; $16.50 ladies without Internet access may contact Convention Secretary PRPNC elsewhere. $9.95 (#13295). Add total of $2 postage. Price subject Norm Combs at 816-847-6562. to availability. 30-Day No-Risk Home Examination: Money-Back Guarantee. Don’t miss a thing International Coins & Currency Convention newsletters and other convention details are available at 62 Ridge St., Dept. 4890 www.fra81st.org. Montpelier, VT 05602 Order at 1-800-451-4463 www.iccoin.net (many more great deals) 4890 -%8*BBB[-%8*B[$03DJH Beyond Call a program sales have y not F Se • • • • • • • • • • • The convenience Questions ou. or Jitterbug toll-free A Se Fa He Se S P An No Comes Large, rv oft ush ccess 1-800-704-1211 only people r parate miliar ice people, Like become new aring vice

I

operator NEW It contract ntroducing ear TM “Y Contr as bright, help easy and as pre-programmed at es phone To me, cushion J about aid dial V lo No itterbug ” like lo olume ll-Fr www doesn’ or of w pr other hundr See to smaller har to wherever w compatible is required yo tone oducts as complicated a call easy ee as use, me, d always J act call u’ itterbug? cell er . $10 and first $10 ll Hotline Up eds innovative directly confirms the ® to to soon it away who and phone, cell /D ’s louder STREET you a a see use. for

available of or easy for world month* o month smaller . wn be want phone

display and 1-866-427-1479 Boomers Tr go from Bu a br plans. to ser but telling y v button Fr ought t olume ready our ’s online.com tr vice the t a ee to giv your

and with y. never It simplest, cell and makes Affor

help pr ’s Catalog. to No Ji The (no y

pla to on e-r and tterbug our the for a yo personal phone buttons so

cr use wanted friendly u you, dable ecor other co better many ow e by Ji friends cell calling ver tterbug right ded ded ® cell and y that and cell of cell phone phone yo sound complicated the malls, out phone 30-day will about phone ’s phone phone convenient simple! games,

fancy ® easy of call list quality developed u that no the Ji has to r tterbug has you e features etur waiting xperience bo ’s use. the features.They this)

simplified x changing by cell n policy**. ® name Over . phone and with in Call IMPOR ever calling of Gr simulated. minutes up America, eatCall a fee. ywhere line, Ji tterbug – the minutes **A plans, T and ever no

w I ANT are nc Samsung with Co pplies ser in all phone tak and no years, trademarks phone. verage are Jitterbug w. If the Please and vice ything, CONSUMER to its U.S. yo the eather is confusing phone 1- credit har related Call and In in ser where u’ y

www like-new phone 3-button and 12-button Av choice, number to addition, is cell ser of ou ve mention d rules. and appr entities. vice Gr the ailable 866-540-0297 vice only er cellular no eatCall, ® an e so ever monthly don ov not phones . condition. oper for to INFORMA there .jitterbugdir al. and w even ® *N it of available ser O as O in easy I ’s ’t ator ot for Cell nc. vice Dial your is ther wanted neT ser 911.

pictur including promotional a a need… simpler Sa vice Us is one lo , access simple msung ever ouch charges TION: available our the age phone charges w time ywhere. charges Phone go is as set vernment lo and a from S the only ubject registered up Ji w Copyright may ect.com $10 r , most fee tterbug estrictions est pro apply security tax of code vided to of trademark $35. es, . price the © C �All Item# a assessment ustomer call Gr �� major may 35558. plans month* eatCall, ® Ji time es, tterbug of BU-4722 is apply . carriers. and require Sa usage Agreement, surcharges, for msung I . nc. will Screen is Ji the work less tterbug El purchase ectronics than and images almost select and set- 30

47299 All rights reserved. © 2007 TechnoBrands ®, Inc. News from the branches

28 MAy 2008 y MAy FRA Tod a

BRANCH 6 Baltimore, Md. BRANCH 8 Vallejo, Calif. Front Row: Shipmates Albert Dilworth, Past Regional President West Coast Gary William Johnson; Back row: President Blackburn along with Branch 8 Secretary Joe Shrader, Horace Smith, William Bob Mattson and Branch 8 President Wienhold, Spencer Errickson, Clarence Art Corbett present 50 Year pin, 50 year Logan and Nancy Maksin. certificate and life membership card to Not shown are S/Ms Frederick Conti and Shipmate Charles F. Royer. L-R: Branch James Haskins. 8 Secretary Bob Mattson, PRPWC Gary Blackburn, Shipmate Charles Royer and Branch 8 President Art Corbett.

BRANCH 59 Cheyenne, Wy. Branch 59 presented two Essay Contest winners with 1st place checks and certificates. L-R: Casey McKee (7th gr.), his mother Jody, Americanism Chairman Mike Archer, Unit 59 BOD Member Luane Hastings (grand- mother of Noel Udell), Noell Udell (8th gr.), her mother Susan, and grandfather Shipmate Larry Hastings.

BRANCH 1 Philadelphia, Pa. Cutting the cake for his 91st birthday is Shipmate George H. Smith (center) with Branch 1 President Bill Reese (left) and Shipmate USCG Captain Ted Harrup (right) at USCG Sector Delaware Bay, Philadelphia PA, 4 February 2008.

BRANCH 115 Allentown, Pa. L-R: Co-Chairman of the Americanism Patriotism Committee SM Charles Fry, Gabriele Augustine [Honorable Mention 12th grade], Chairman Americanism Patriotism Committee SM Paul E. Geissinger Jr., Stephanie Augustine [2nd place winner 7th grade]. News from the branches

29 FRA Tod a

BRANCH 146 Johnsonville, Penn. y MAy 2008 L-R: Branch VP Ray Leary, Pres. Dick Leary, RPNE Jim Brown, Secretary Dave Carver, during the RPs recent visit to a branch meeting.

BRANCH 371 Baton Rouge, La. Branch President Jay Johnson introduces Branch officers and members to the Fund Raising facility that has generated much needed funds to the Branch and Unit and BRANCH 136 Minneapolis, Minn. an added benefit of recruiting new mem- Branch President Thomas Dooley bers. L-R: are Rob Cobb, James Window, presents Shipmate David Kain with his Leon Perkins, President Jay Johnson, Mike 40-year membership certificate and pin. Galik, Martin Dalton, Tommy Bourgeois and PRPSC Jerry Pugh.

BRANCH 281 New Orleans, La. Mike Braden, George Thomas, and Russ Bennetts in the Veteran’s Day Parade passing in review.

To submit a photo for News From the Branches, BRANCH 117 Orlando, Fla. please e-mail a photo as an attachment in jpeg The branch installed a flag pole format to [email protected] or mail a high-quality at the newly commissioned photograph to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, Veteran’s Park in Orlando, Fla. Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted.

%/)7BBB[%/)7B[303DJH

Innovative Safety Te chnology Are you missing the luxury

of warm, relaxing baths? NEW Well, grab your towel! By John Fleming or many of us, nothing 25 pounds assem- is more relaxing than a bled), and easily Flong, luxurious bath. portable. It features Unfortunately, because of a wide seat and safety concerns, many people, high backrest for particularly older people, maximum comfort have to forego this simple and support. pleasure. Sure, you can spend big bucks to remodel Rediscover the your bathroom to provide a simple pleasure of bathtub you can use, but who a warm, relaxing wants to do that? Now there's bath with our a better way, and it lets you exclusive home trial. use the bath that's in your Try the Archimedes home today. Bath Lift for up to Questions about the 90 days, and if you Archimedes Bath Lift? are not completely Tr y our pre-recorded satisfied, simply Bath Lift To ll-Free Hotline return it for a 1-866-254-4716 refund of the product purchase If you or a loved one has price.Call today. given up bathing because of age, mobility or safety concerns, the Archimedes Bath Lift by Mangar Enjoy your bath again without Archimedes Bath Lift International is the answer. the risk of slipping Item # ZR-4880 It is so simple, you’ll wonder • Charges overnight Call now for our lowest price! why no one thought of it • Fully waterproof remote 29"- 43"H x 23"L x 16"W. earlier. The battery-operated 330 lb weight capacity. “chair” safely and steadily low- • Battery operated Please mention promotional code ers you to the bottom of the • Portable 35559. tub, and when you're done • High backrest, and wide seat bathing, it gently raises you • Chair raises up to 17” For fastest service, call toll-free 24 hours a day back to the top of the tub and lowers to 3”– 1-800-289-0063 assuring a comfortable and or anywhere We accept all major credit cards, or if you safe exit from the tub. The in between choose, you can pay by check over the phone. To order by mail, please call for details. remote is fully waterproof, • Transfer flaps so your bath won’t be a for added www.bathliftdirect.com “shocking” experience. stability

This innovative chair recharges overnight (don't worry, if operate), features an easy-to-use hand there's not enough power stored for control, and is designed for comfort

® a full lower/raise cycle, it will not and support. It's lightweight (less than All rights reserved. © 2007 TechnoBrands , Inc. 48821 Reunions

32 USS James Miller (DD 535) USS Black (DD-666) 7–11 October 2008, Baltimore, MD. 23–26 September 2008, St. Louis, MO. Contact Roy Klock, 842 Beach St., Contact Gerald “Jerry” Johnston, 1010 Reading, PA 19605, 610-929-8343. Market St., Suite 1740, St. Louis, MO

MAy 2008 y MAy 63101-2052, 314-259-7848, CASU-12 [email protected]. 29–1 October 2008, Charleston,

FRA Tod a SC. Contact Ms. Mary Behrick, 120 USS Braine (DD-630) Willowbend Ln., Summerville, SC 29485. 14–19 November 2008, Pensacola, FL. Contact Jim Rountree, P.O. Box Diesel Fast Attack Submarines 457, Stockton Springs, ME 04981, Association 207-470-7438, [email protected]. 2–5 September 2008, Fort Worth, TX. Contact Dan Craw, 8607 46th Ave. Cir. USS Caliente (AO-53) W., Bradenton, FL 34210, 941-761-2234, 9–12 October 2008, San Antonio, TX. [email protected]. Contact Bob Howard, 2674 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek, CA 94597, USS Kretchmer (DE/DER-329) Headquarters Marine Corps 925-939-3662, [email protected]. 24–28 September 2008, Orlando, FL. Association Contact Bob Doyle, 6330 W. Patterson, 21–24 October 2008, Quantico, VA. USS Consolation (AH-15) Chicago, IL 60634, 773-736-0955. Contact John Wheeler, 770-961-8356. 1–5 October 2008, Colorado Sprngs, CO. Contact Lou Johnson, 3705 USS L.Y. Spear (AS-36) NAS Twin Cities Hayes Manor Lane, Olney, MD 20832, 16–19 October 2008, Herndon, VA. 23–23 August 2008, Minneapolis, MN. 301-774-6746, [email protected]. Contact Bill Barnard, 9638 Fox Hunt Contact Jack Iverson, 4928 142nd Cir. N., Douglasville, GA 30135, Path, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USS Davis (DD-937) 404-374-5687, [email protected]. [email protected]. 16–19 October 2008, No. Myrtle Beach, SC. Contact Peter Lennon, USS MAHAN ASSOCIATION (DD-364/ NAVFAC Eleuthera 5 Skyline Drive, Plainville, CT DLG-11/DDG-42/DDG-72) 7–8 November 2008, Pigeon Forge, 06062-2612, 860-747-8761, 24–28 September 2008, Corpus Christi, TN. Contact Charles Sitzlar, 194 [email protected]. TX. Contact Jim Storey, 7108 FM 305, CR 369, Water Valley, MS 38965, Grandview, TX 76050, 817-517-5776, USS Diablo (SS-479) 662-234-7843. [email protected]. 1–5 October 2008, Gatlinburg, TN. Newport Dealeys Contact Robert V. “Johnny” Johnson, USS Piedmont (AD-17) 25–28 September 2008, Nashville, 321-255-3181, [email protected]. 1–5 October 2008, Oklahoma City, Tenn. Contact Marc Arsenault, 98 OK. Contact C. Ken Werth, P.O. Box USS Enoree (AO/TAO-69) Oxbow Rd, Charlton, MA 01507-1544, 398, Markesan, WI 53946-0398, 508-248-5072, [email protected]. 2–6 October 2008, Kansas City, MO. Contact Floyd A. Carriker, 920-398-2510. Old Antarctic Explorers Association 714-534-3025. USS Plymouth Rock (LSD-29) 5–7 November 2008, Pensacola 18–21 September 2008, St. Louis. Beach, FL. Contact Les Liptak, 5220 USS Fletcher (DD/DDE-445, DD-992) 24–27 September 2008, Cincinnati, OH. Contact David Dortch, 870-236-3725, Choctaw Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32507, [email protected]. 850-492-1666, [email protected]. Contact Norb Bender, 419-628-2974, [email protected]. USS POLLUX (AKS-2 & AKS-4) PB4Y-2 PRIVATEERS of PATRON 8–12 October 2008, Covington, KY. VP-28, VPHL-8 & VPB-108, 1945 USS Greenwich Bay (AVP-41) 2–5 October 2008, Virginia Beach, VA. Contact Glen Broxson, 4518 Peaden thru 1952 Rd., Pace, FL 32571, 850-994-0416, 23–25 September 2008, Las Vegas, NV. Contact Martin Brown, 910-582-3791, [email protected]. Contact Jim Miller, 11411 Sunnyslope [email protected]. Dr., Kansas City, MO 64134, USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7) USS Prarie (AD-15) 816-761-8724, [email protected]. 17–19 October 2008, Virginia Beach, 28–1 October 2008, Saratoga Springs, VA. Contact Lois Jencks, Ocoee, FL, NY. Contact Mary Pelton, 613 Little PBY, All Sqdn’s and Tenders 407-654-1125, [email protected]. Canada Rd., Central Square, NY 13036, 1–5 October 2008, Denver, CO. 315-676-3280, [email protected]. Contact Al Skinner, 8391 Globe Run USS Hamul (AK-30/AD-20) Rd., Petersburg, PA 16669-3644, 16–20 September 2008, Baton Rouge, USS Pursuit (AM-108/AGS-17) 814-667-2380, [email protected]. LA. Contact Garry Grimes, 763-537-7592, 9–12 November 2008, Branson, MO. [email protected]. Contact John Schulz, 951-682-1743, USS Becuna (SS-319) [email protected]. 10–12 October 2008, Philadelphia, USS Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) PA. Contact Kenn “Ski” Szablewski, 18–21 September 2008, Tucson, AZ. P.O. Box 361, Voluntown, CT 06384, Contact Mike Flood, 520-586-0256, 860-376-5238, [email protected]. [email protected]. Reunions continued on page 35 In Memoriam TAPS 33 NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH

Grau, Walter S., LTJG USN 006 Phelan, William J., EMP 124 FRA Tod a Green, Frank L., MSGT 380 Phelps, James C., CAPT USN 162 Piro, Michael R., UT1 MAL

Haas, Charlie, SGTMAJ 022 Pokas, Chris, QMC 060 y MAy 2008 Hames, James W., PO1 USN 136 Powers, Richard A., AOC 096 Hart, Keith, LCDR USN 182 Preston, John L., LT USN MAL Hartoon, Robert L., GMM1 060 Pungello, Joseph, GYSGT MAL Hatcher, Robert E., CWO2 USN MAL Purdy, James W., FTC 296 Hayden, Henry C., AO1 055 Hesting, Paul A., HTC 161 Radford, Charles H., BM1 361 Higgins, Brian J., ICC MAL Randall, Jerome W., ATC 163 Hoffman, Charles W., ADCS 022 Reed, Thadus M., HMC 021 Horgan, James, AMHC 334 Reeser, Harold, ADRC MAL Howard, Haskel E., USN RET 110 Reid, James J., CPO USN 027 Howard, Herbert Duane, HM1 136 Reynolds, Wayne, AE3 172 Howell, Roy, BM1 022 Rider, Fred W., Jr., HT1 047 NAME BRANCH Huckins, William J., ABHC 057 Rodgers, Donald J., QM1 147 Abbott, James Issac, HMC MAL Rodriguez, Pablo, CPO USN 091 Adams, James R., MSGT 089 Jackson, Billy F., ADC 096 Rose, Charles F., SCPO USNR 310 Addis, John T., SPCM 105 Rowback, John E., AECS 091 Allard, Jake, BM1 260 Kaapana, George L., Jr., SKC 046 Rubeis, Enzo, BTCS 108 Anderson, Ronald R., ADCS 068 Kaufman, Arnold, YNC 024 Kerr, Robert H., CPO USN 008 Sabettini, Anthony, HMC 099 Banks, Robert E., AOC 049 Kesler, James T., BMC 105 Samuels, Thomas H., ADRC MAL Kirkland, Clarence K., ADC MAL Bernard, Joseph A., ET1(SS) 163 Saunders, Sheldon, MSCM 289 Betis, Ben, MSC 004 Klabe, Chester William, EM2 MAL Schattle, Herbert P., POCS USN 049 Blankenship, Carlton, MS1 186 Koons, Donald C., PTC 101 Schock, Harold H., AMSC 042 Bohus, Arthur G., RMCS 057 Koyle, Myron, CDR USN 324 Schultz, Robert U., CPO USN MAL Borrajo, Richard, AEC 146 Kraiker, Fred W., PO1 USN 001 Scrapchansky, M. G., Jr., TM1 020 Bowden, James B., BMCM MAL Sequin, Albert J., DC1 099 Bowen, Edwin E., Jr., POC USN MAL Lawter, Zeb V., SK1 MAL Smith, Patrick, RMC MAL Brigham, Arthur L., ATC 022 Lay, Clarence W., GMCS 015 Smith, Roland E., Sr., GMC MAL Broussard, Grady J., TMC 291 Lewis, Milton F., TMC 219 Smith, Tedd R., AEC 234 Bryant, William J., PO1 USN 057 Lowery, William H., STC 050 Spivey, Hubert M., BMC 046 Buche, Ernest A., AEC MAL Lunde, Henry M., YNCM 070 Stanton, James F., QMC MAL Stefanko, Andy, PO1 USN MAL Cafolla, Rocco E., SSGT 175 Mackey, Robert L., YNC 085 Sterry, Jabez W., ENCS(SS) MAL Calhoun, Henry E., Sr., HMC MAL Maninga, Frederick W., HTC 138 Stevens, Charles G., POCM USN 358 Cassidy, James R., HMC 201 Mannion, William, SK2 017 Stewart, Tommy A., GMGC 163 Caton, Edwin C., HMC 003 Maramba, Bernardino, SD3 247 Stiles, Harry D., BM1 MAL Caylor, Aaron M., Jr., EOH2 071 Marks, William, HM1 120 Swartout, William J., CTOC 027 Clement, Jerry E., ETC 089 Matheson, Floyd W., FTC 120 Comparetta, John M., AZC 346 Matthews, Billie J., CWO4 USN 094 Taylor, William F., MMC MAL Conaway, Paul R., AG1 091 Matthews, William W., ADRC 091 Thomas, Kenneth E., SKC MAL Cornett, Billy D., YNCM 050 McConnell, Charles A., ENC 012 Thompson, Donald R., CAPT USN 162 Couch, Charles W., CM1 052 McCroskey, Allen G., AEC MAL Tinney, Patrick, AME1 MAL Cranford, Leon B., LT USN MAL McCullough, Edward W., ETRC 307 Trieber, Louis, AME1 MAL Crews, H., ADRC MAL McDill, Kellis D., RM1 MAL Trojan, Lawrence E., CPO USN 163 McDonald, William R., MAJ USMC 200 Darnold, Wendell G., RMC 020 McGinty, William B., LCDR USN 024 Vann, Purser I., EMC MAL Davis, Glenn A., ADRC 010 McKenzie, Charles, DCC MAL Vavra, Adam L., ADC MAL Dealy, Albert W., SMC 313 McKillip, David, AE1 MAL Viegelmann, Oscar, ICC 091 De Clairville, Henry W., OMC MAL McNeal, James L., ENC MAL Vincent, Theodore, ADR2 022 De Shong, Paul W., MM1 020 McRae, Elbert W., SH1 280 Desjardins, Edmund J., CSC 099 Medcalf, Gene G., HM1 057 Wade, John E., ADCS 099 Dewhirst, George R., SKC MAL Meredith, Lynden R., CPO USN 274 Wahlberg, Robert M., EMCM(SS) 317 Dixon, Harold U., SC2 MAL Miller, Forrest W., RMC MAL Waites, Ronald E., BMC 070 Dorsett, Roy J., Jr., MSGT 091 Miller, James C., MAJ USMC 061 Waldron, Clifford T., CSC 126 Doughty, Roy L., ABHC MAL Moloney, Martin T., GMC 018 Walker, Theodore J., Sr., SGTMAJ 208 Duncan, Eugene, CPO USN MAL Moore, William, PO1 USN MAL Wall, Larry, PO2 USN MAL Dunn, Frank W., HMC MAL Moore, William K., AWCM 091 Wamsley, Eugene A., MS1 028 Mortenson, Lawrence E., SCPO USN 136 Webb, Charles R., CPO USN 102 Eno, Joseph E., GYSGT 043 Mulligan, George H., HTCS MAL Wenner, William H., BM1 317 Everoski, Wallace F., SKC 126 Williams, Delmar, MLC MAL Napier, Lionel, BM1 MAL Wise, George W., DKCS 099 Ferrero, Steven J., HTC 221 Nelson, Malcolm A., CSC MAL Wolf, Raymond J., ADCS 156 Neunsinger, John N., SGTMAJ 050 Fisher, Jackson, DT1 327 Woodard, James A., GYSGT 029 Flatbush, Walter F., YNC 267 Nicholls, Stanley K., LCDR USN 046 Foster, Roy E., BMCM 094 Yoder, Robert M., PNC 142 Freeland, Charles L., Jr., YN2 234 Oldfield, Orville R., ENC 256 Olsen, Arthur R., EN1 MAL Zabielski, Alexander J., ENC 366 Gable, Charles H., ADRC MAL Olson, Joseph H., ADRC 326 Zarate, Rafael, SD3 247 Gellerson, James D., POCS USN MAL Osborne, Claude A., SKC MAL Zummo, Cosmo G., TDCS MAL Glass, William W., LT USN 182 Otto, Roger E., CSC 008 Goldsberry, Rollin L., Sr., HMCS 136 Gordon, Lawrence R., AOC 358 Patrie, Frank N., QMC(SS) 022 Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. Peak, James E., SK1 327 Graf, Charles F., AD1 124 J indicate a Past National Officer. 

Looking for …

35 Any medical personnel working Anyone with information about the NSA Danang Hospital on Thomas Anthony DeCroti (wife FRA Tod a 6 August 1969 Florence Curtis DeCroti)

Please contact [email protected]. He was my grandfather and I am hop- y MAy 2008 ing to learn more about his life. I have Members of Company 445 at a photo of him wearing a khaki uniform Great Lakes (1958) on the deck of the USNS H.F. Hodges. I lost my yearbook right after leaving If you know of him or other crewmem- boot camp. Would like to hear from bers from this ship, please contact others in that company and possibly borrow year book for a short period Ramona DeCroti, 11 Moonlight Terrace, to reminisce and share with grandchil- Montpelier, Vermont 05602, ramona. dren. Please contact Phil Landry (for- [email protected]. mer ET1(SS) and CWO4), USNR (Ret.), Anyone from Company 56-418, Anyone who served at NAS Kenitra at [email protected]. NTC San Diego, 1956 (1960-1962) Anyone knowing the whereabouts Our company commander was GMC Contact James Jacobs, jacobs55@ Klinefelter. Contact ABF1 Charles J. sbcglobal.net or 760-745-1853. of MSG Larry Zenn Last known to be serving with 4th Flenniken (Ret.) at 865-691-7614 or PCC Roger D. Salmons (Ret.) Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, [email protected]. (wife Utae) CA. Contact Roger E. La Pointe, Sr., AK1 Raymond Medley Last known address working as a 2126 Trenton Rd., Clarksville, TN Last known address was Barbers Point civilian at Ship Repair Facility; Box 8; 37040-6631, [email protected]. in the 1980s. Contact AKC Harold FPO Seattle 98762 (Yokosuka, Japan) Miller at [email protected] in 1978-1981. I was stationed at AEC Dale Manners Fleet Mail Center, FPO Seattle 98760 Last known station was NARTWO, (Yokohama, Japan) during this period. Glenview, IL. Please contact PC1 Patrick F. Huston AK2 Bobby Hess AK2 These notices are published on a space available Last known station was Naples, Italy. (Ret.), 455 Wimpole Lane SW; Palm basis. Notices must be submitted in writing. Please contact Roy Fore at Bay, FL 32908-3374, 321-984-2293, E-mail [email protected] or mail your request to: FRA, [email protected]. [email protected]. Looking for…, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA, 22314.

Reunions continued from page 32 USS Richard E. Kraus USS Takelma (ATF-113) USS Westchester County (LST-1167) 4–8 May 2008, Philadelphia, PA. 11–15 September 2008, Branson, MO. 9–12 October 2008, Sacramento, CA. Contact Bob Simon, 856-933-9483, Contact Jimmy Ballard, 24 South 3rd Contact Nick Brumley, 916-381-2658. [email protected]. St., Paris, AR 72855, 479-438-0262, USS White Plains (AFS-4) [email protected]. USS Robinson (DD-562) 18–21 June 2008, San Diego, CA. 11–14 September 2008, Boston, USS Terrell County (LST-1157) Contact Steve Edmison, PO Box 233, MA. Contact Arthur W. Bowne, P.O. 2–4 October 2008, Branson, MO. Roy, UT 84067, 801-985-3665, afs-4@ Box 3682, Galveston, TX 77552, Contact George O’Connell, 7138 Little comcast.net. 409-935-2253, [email protected]. River Tpke., #1000, Annandale, VA USS Wilkes-Barre (CL-103) 22003, 571-247-6962, USS Sierra (AD-18) 9–12 October 2008, Washington, DC. [email protected]. 2–5 October 2008, Portsmouth, VA. Contact Bob Didonno, 283 Spruce Contact Dan Romando, 8 Tisdale Road, USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN-600) Brook Road, Berlin, CT 06037, Whiting, NJ 08759, 732-849-4657, 5–8 June 2008, Jacksonville, FL. 860-690-9215, [email protected]. [email protected]. Contact Norman Hebert, 352-669-4444, VP Association (VP-92, 911, 912, [email protected]. USS Silverstein (DE-534) 913, 914, 915, all years) 20–23 October 2008, Mt. Pleasant, USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14, CVA, 20 September 2008, Bedford, MA. SC. Contact C. E. Johnson, 1304 Bald CG-47, CV) Contact William Hanigan, 781-585- Mt. Cove, Hiawassee, GA 30456, 14–18 May 2008, Atlantic City, NJ. 4950, [email protected]. 706-896-4901. Contact Vic Godfrey, 609-294-0955, [email protected]. USS Taconic (AGC-17) 2–6 October 2008, Washington, DC. USS Wasp (CV/CVA/CVS-18) Contact Chuck Tiemeyer, 14238 28–3 October 2008, Branson, MO. Spanish Wells Dr., Hudson, FL 34667, Contact Richard G. Vanover, 6584 Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, 727-869-1977, [email protected]. Bunting Road, Orchard Park, NY submit to [email protected] or mail to: FRA Reunions, 14127-3635, 716-649-9053. 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314. LA FRA news

36 Message from the National President

The Auxiliary year is half over and we have been actively engaged in our work, even though we had some very wicked months of bad weather. Our members are MAy 2008 y MAy continuing to take that extra step in all their volunteer activities. The Veteran’s Affair and military hospitals and their patients are being well served. Various

FRA Tod a youth organizations benefit from our caring and experience. The elderly, home- bound and those in assisted living have visitations, home baked goodies, also care packages. The members are informing and encouraging fellow members and others to get involved in the issues before our Congress and to be an informed Gail Doloway voter on Election Day. If this sounds like a recruiting advertisement, unasham- National President edly, it is. If you are not a member, please join; if you are a member, who has become inactive, please come back. We need your help. For all of you who are out there working in our “trenches,” we appreciate you and keep up the good work. All of the above leads to: It is once again time for nominations and elections. We cannot have an Auxiliary without some of you stepping forward as volunteers in the capacity of Unit officers. The paperwork has to get done. If we all do our part, the job is easy. Just say “Yes!” Pilgrimage to the Mast of the Maine and Tomb of the Unknowns is a very memorable event each year. A glorious sight: Our members lined up in white, with flags (Ensigns and Unit banners), unfurled, to pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. A big thank you to all who attended and helped make this service unforgettable. As most of you are aware, I chose our Welfare and Rehabilitation program as the National President’s Project for 2007–2008. We have been fortunate this year, thus far, we have not had a national disaster, but there are life-changing disasters in individual lives that we need to address. That is what this fund is all about: members helping members in their time of greatest need. Please find it in your heart to be generous, so this fund can grow and help meet the needs of today as well as tomorrow.

Fran Hoadley is the editor of LA FRA News and the FRA Today Liaison.

National President’s Tour of the Southeast

NP Gail Doloway presenting 35-year pin to PNP Betty Pounds at Unit 147’s February Meeting.

Southeast Regional Midyear Initiation of Members of (L to R): Lucy Freeman, Mary Kullawinski, Unit 89 Atlanta, Ga. Nancy Hunter, PRPSE Jean Burke, pre- Members in the above picture had led or senting check to NP Gail Doloway for the participated in initiation services but had National Welfare/Rehabilitation Fund never been officially initiated them- from Unit 290, Mayport, Fla. selves. (L to R): Elvira McClain, Helen Chambers, Mary Daube, Unit President Unit 126 Meeting Reta Fitton, National President Gail (L to R): PNP Pat Garwood Unit 91, Doloway, Sandra Sims, Unit Secretary PNP Virginia Wilson Unit 126, Unit 91 Judy Garrison, and Ercel Blair. President Helen Blair, JrPNP Sandra Robbins Unit 91, PNP Kay Lancaster Unit 91. C4-Davidlaw a d n5297.qxd-AP 12/8/04 7:57 A M Page 1

Asbestos Cancer Hits Former Sailors

Many sailors who served their country proudly aboard ships in the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War eras, are now being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers.

FOR COMPENSATION INFORMATION: FOR MEDICAL INFORMATION: FREE PACKET for mesothelioma FREE PACKET for mesothelioma or lung cancer, diagnosis/death, patients, please contact: please contact:

The David Law Firm Mesothelioma Web “Defeating Today’s Goliaths” Hope * Support * Help

Toll Free 1-800-998-9729 Toll Free 1-877-367-6376 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.asbestos-attorney.com/n5297 www.mesotheliomaweb.org/n5297

The David Law Firm, P.C. Jonathan David* 10655 Six Pines Drive, #260 The Woodlands, TX 77380 The most comprehensive (Greater Houston Area) resource for Mesothelioma Handling cases nationwide with patients and their families. local co-counsel in state of filing.

* Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas. Not Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. MESOTHELIOMA LUNG CANCER Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that is only caused by exposure to asbestos. It can take twenty years or longer for the Mesothelioma to develop after the asbestos exposure. The dangers of asbestos were known to the manufacturers and concealed by them for years. As a result people were exposed to asbestos and developed Mesothelioma. We help achieve justice for the victims of Mesothelioma and their family members. LEGAL, MEDICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with MESOTHELIOMA LUNG CANCER, please call us immediately for information about your legal rights, medical and financial assistance. Victims of Mesothelioma and their families are put under enormous emotional and financial stress. We are experienced in counseling and assisting our clients and their families with the difficult issues they face once a diagnosis of Mesothelioma has been confirmed. We want to help you and your family find the answers to your questions and achieve the financial security needed to deal with the hardships that result from Mesothelioma. Call today to discuss your claim with a lawyer. MONETARYCOMPENSATION Monetary compensation may be available to persons who have been diagnosed with MESOTHELIOMA LUNG CANCER. Jury trials for MESOTHELIOMA have resulted in verdicts compensating victims of MESOTHELIOMA for over a million dollars*. Our clients only pay legal fees, court costs and other expenses out of any judgment or settlement in the case.

YOUR RIGHTS ARE SUBJECTTOSTRICT TIME LIMITATIONS Your legal claims must be filed within the time period allowed by law or you and your family members will lose all of your rights to recover against the corporations that are responsible for your injuries. DO NOT DELAY! The Johnson Law Firm ...providing access to justice for the injured, nationwide

CALLNOW! TOLL FREE 1-866-374-0338 Principal offices: Johnson Law Firm - Fort Worth, TX. *Past successes cannot be an assurance of future successes since each case must be decided on its own merits. Steven Johnson is the lawyer responsible for this advertisement.

PERIODICAL Postmaster: Send address changes to:

Member services FRA 125 N. West Street Alexandria, VA 22314-2754