Fleet Reserve Association Branch 208
CAMP LEJEUNE - NC

 

 

 

 

Happenings - News & Events for FRA 208

Updated 17 February 2012

 

Upcoming Events

CAMP LEJEUNE BRANCH 208 meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1900.

We will be meeting on 13 March 2012. We are now meeting at the Moose Lodge located at Moose Haven Drive Jacksonville, NC.

FRA BRANCH 208 FEBRUARY MINUTES 2012 MEETING

Branch 208 meeting was opened with usual ceremonies by V/P Boggs.

V/P Boggs recognized; PECRP Bob Allison, PNT Bill Hemmingway, ECRP Darryl McKinney, and guest speaker Ms. Penny Davila representing Sea Cadets.

Temporarily dispensed with normal procedure to let the guest speaker make a presentation on the current status of the Sea Cadets.   She discussed their recent fund raisers, training, activities, leadership support, anticipated functions.  She also pledged support for the FRA by the Sea Cadet unit.  She requested some financial support for the unit from FRA 208 to purchase a parade banner and unit flag.  S/M Cleveland proposed we donate $300, seconded by S/M Reichler, voted and passed.

Resumed regular meeting protocol.

Secretary read January meeting minutes.  Minutes were approved as read.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Public Affairs – S/M  Applewhite reminded the Branch of the medical Town Hall Meetings for March and possibly June’s may be changed to May instead due to the CO. 

Legislative – S/M Cleveland said the NC   Senate committees were still meeting on the budget and other items of interest.

TREASURER REPORT:

S/M Hemmingway stated no change since last report.  Report accepted as given.

COORESPONDENCE: 

Secretary read “Thank You” letters for donations made to: Onslow County Ministries, Salvation Army, City of Jacksonville, Freedom Fountain Foundation.  We also received a beautiful plaque and thank you from NCOA for contributing to the Mac McKinney Award night.

OLD BUSINESS:  None

NEW BUSINESS:

  V/P Boggs introduced ECRP McKinney who spoke on recruitment, loss of FRA members nationwide, the need for legislative representation by a strong FRA to protect veteran benefits, changes on bond issues, suggestions on membership’s incentives.  He suggested attending the FRA Regional Meeting in Fayetteville in March.  He was very positive and offered to assist his FRA Region in any way possible.  He lives in Elizabeth City, NC.

S/M Hemmingway proposed a motion that the Scholarship Committee for 2012 be composed of volunteers; S/M Hoffman, S/M Applewhite, S/M Rogers, S/M Cleveland, S/M Hemmingway,

S/M Reichler, and FRA AUX members Arlene Hemmingway and Margret Boggs.  Motion was seconded by S/M Reichler, voted on and passed.

S/M Allison read a motion; (paraphrasing his motion as remembered) “ Branch 208 has over $253 thousand dollars in funds, in January we donated $1500 to charitable organizations.”  He made a motion that we donate $25 per month to the Moose Club, where the meeting was held and another undetermined donation to the Moose Club at Christmas.  S/M Siverson seconded the motion for the sake of discussion.  Discussion concluded that we had discussed this donation to the Moose last meeting, voted and decided to give an undetermined amount at an undetermined date to the Moose.  A vote on the motion defeated the current motion. 

S/M Allison made a motion that we provide financial support to the FRA 208 Auxiliary of $1000.  The motion was seconded by S/M Hemmingway for sake of discussion.  Since no specifics or notice for assistance was received from the Auxiliary itself was received, a motion to table this motion was made by S/M Cleveland and seconded by S/M Reichler.  A vote was taken and the motion was tabled until we get more information from the Auxiliary itself.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Military Retiree Breakfast at 0700, 25 February, located at the Ball Center aboard Camp Lejeune.

Retiree, Family Member, Widow Town Hall Meeting at 1000, 25 February, at DAV Hall, 300 Sherwood Rd.  Guest speakers; Col. Lecce, CAPT. Zinder, Col. O’Toole, USMC Ret..  There will also be a VA Heath Affair on-site.

Meeting adjourned with usual closing ceremonies.

Next meeting is 13 March at 1900, Moose Lodge, Moose Haven Rd., Jacksonville.  FRA members are encouraged to attend.        

 

VA Health Care Facility Visitation Policy

 

The Fayetteville VA Medical Center respects the patient's right to make decisions about his or her care, treatment and services, and to involve  the patient's family in care, treatment, and services decisions to the extent permitted by the patient or surrogate decision-maker.  ‘Family’ is defined as a group of two or more persons united by blood, or adoptive, marital, domestic partnership, or other legal ties.  The family may also be a person or persons not legally related to the individual (such as significant other, friend or caregiver) whom the individual considers to be family.  A family member may be the surrogate decision-maker, as defined in VHA Handbook 1004.02, if authorized to make care decisions for the individual, should he or she lose decision-making capacity or choose to delegate decision making to another.  The medical center allows a family member, friend or other individual to be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of stay.  The medical center allows for the presence of a support individual of the patient's choice, unless the individual's presence infringes on others' rights or safety, or is medically or therapeutically contraindicated.  The individual may or may not be the patient's surrogate decision-maker or legally authorized representative.  The hospital prohibits discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.

 

HAVE YOU HEARD?

All 152 VA medical centers are now actively represented on Facebook, the world’s largest social networking site. “This event marks an important milestone in the overall effort to transform how VA communicates with Veterans and provide them the health care and benefits they have earned,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.  “Veterans and their families told us from the beginning that they want to engage and they want relevant information delivered at the local level.  By leveraging Facebook, the Department continues to expand access to VA, and embrace transparency and two-way conversation.” The process that began with a single Veterans Health Administration Facebook page in 2008 has now produced over 150 Facebook pages, 64 Twitter feeds, a YouTube channel, a Flickr page, and the VAntage Point blog.  The overarching strategy is designed to help break down long-perceived barriers between the Department and its stakeholders. VA currently has over 345,000 combined Facebook followers. The Department plans to continue expanding its Facebook presence while also focusing on bringing Twitter to every VA medical center as well.  A directory of VA Social Media sites is located at: www.va.gov/opa/SocialMedia.asp. (Thanks Shipmate Paul)

 

 

New Form and Legislation for Reporting Retiree Deaths
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) launched a new online form to make it easier for grieving family members to report the deaths of military retirees. The form and additional information are available at:
http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/newsevents/newsletter/newform.html

This new form will help eliminate the problem of overpayment, which can result in financial and emotional hardship for the family when repayment is required without warning. The problem most often occurs when a military retiree dies late in the month. If the death report and other administrative details are not handled before the next retirement payment is processed, an overpayment occurs for the period between the retiree's death and the end of the month. DFAS is required to recoup this overpayment directly from the survivor's bank account and can do so with little or no warning.  

FRA supports a legislative remedy. At the Association's request Representative Walter Jones (N.C.) introduced legislation (H.R. 493) authorizing surviving spouses (or other designated survivors) to retain the full month's retired pay for the month in which a military retiree passes away. "The Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act" seeks to ensure survivors are not unfairly burdened when overpayments occur.

Jones' proposal would allow survivors to retain the full month's retired pay for any month in which the retiree was alive for at least 24 hours. To offset the cost associated with this proposal, a provision of the bill would delay the first Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity payment until the month after the retiree dies. Congress passed a similar law in 1996 allowing surviving spouses to retain veterans' disability and VA pension payments issued for the month of the veteran's death. FRA believes military retired pay should be no different. Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org to express their support for H.R. 493.

FRA BRANCH 208 MINUTES JANUARY 2012 MEETING

Branch 208 meeting was opened with usual ceremonies by President Healy.

President Healy recognized; PECRP Bob Allison, PNT Bill Hemmingway and guest Paul Minenske

Dispensed with December minutes as they were published on the web site.

Committee Reports:

Legislative – S/M Cleveland stated that the senate is meeting periodically, nine special committees are meeting weekly and a focus on health care and education are major concerns.

Public Affairs – S/M Applewhite has addressed several fraternal associations at the Hospital and is schedule to see the First Class Petty Officers Association on the 11^th to expound on the benefits provided and protected by the FRA.  S/M Applewhite complimented the newspaper ad.

Treasury Report provided by S/M Treasurer Hemmingway.   Motion to accept report by S/M Reichler, seconded by S/M Boggs.  Voted to accept.

Correspondence:  Received FRA notice of the East Coast Regional Convention to be held in Fayetteville 21-25 March.  Hotel designated is the Holiday Inn on Highway 95.  Info will be provided at next meeting.

Deferred Business:  None

New Business:  S/M Allison made a motion that we continue the Daily News add that advertised the Branch Meeting monthly, one week prior to the meeting night.  The motion was seconded with the amendment that the cost be held to only $125 for the entire 4 monthly ads by S/M Boggs.

Good of the Order: 

Retiree Town Hall Meeting to be held at DAV Hall, 300 Sherwood Rd., on 25 February, at 1000.  Speakers are the Base CO, Hospital CO, Col. Paul O’Toole-USMC Ret..  There will also be a VA Health Fair onsite.

The annual NCOA Mac McKinney Award presentation will be 10 February at Swynax’s, at 1800.

S/M Hoffman’s special medical room at home is 90% completed and will provide better mobility.

The meeting was closed with usual ceremonies.  Next Branch 208 meeting is at 1800, 13 February.      

 

FRA BRANCH 208 DECEMBER 2011 MEETING

Branch 208 meeting was opened with usual ceremonies by vice-president S/M Boggs.

S/M Boggs recognized; PECRP Bob Allison, PNT Bill Hemmingway

Dispensed with last meeting minutes as they were published in Web Newsletter.

Treasury report provided by S/M Hemmingway, Motion to accept-S/M Reichler, Seconded by S/M Cleveland, voted-approved.

Correspondence read by S/M Reichler; Elder Cheer, Salvation Army, NCOA, Thank You Card from Carol Hoffman for visit to Terry.  Organizations were requesting donations.  Donation of $125 made to support “Mac McKinney” Award by NCOA, $250 to Salvation Army, $250 donation to be made to Kellum Bapt. Church Men’s Ramp Builders with a motion by S/M Reichler, seconded by S/M Hemmingway, voted to be approved.

Committees:  No report by all committees

Old Business:  Discussion on moving to a new meeting site.  Refer to New Business 

                           

New Business:  Motion made by S/M Allison to move to the Moose Club, with a $100/month payment, seconded by S/M Hemmingway.  Discussion ensued, with S/M Cleveland asking for a vote on amending the motion, seconded by S/M Boggs to not pay a month amount but consider giving an unspecified amount to the Moose around Christmas time.  The amended motion was voted and approved.  The Branch will commence meeting at the Moose located at 135 Moose Haven Rd. down the street from Texas Roadhouse , at 1900, second Tuesday in January and donate a sum of money to the Moose next December.

Good of the Order:  Retiree Breakfast held at the Ball Center aboard Base, at 0700, 17 December.  PX Pharmacy will be close for a brief time in January for renovations-use the Main Pharmacy at the Naval Hospital.  Retiree and Retiree Widow Town Hall Meeting to be held at DAV, three blocks behind Mongolian BBQ on Hwy 17, Saturday, 25 February at 1000.  The speakers will be Col. Lecce, CAPT. Zinder, Col. Paul O’tool, USMC Ret..  Encourage members to attend the Town Hall Meeting and gain good information from the experts.

We still need more of our Branch 208 members to attend your branch meeting.  Please come to the Moose at 135 Moose Haven Rd. at 1900 on the 10^th of January and share in the camadrie.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAVAL HOSPITAL PHARMACY HOLIDAY HOURS

 

The Naval Hospital pharmacy is pleased to provide service to our beneficiaries.  The hours of operation for the hospital pharmacy and the MCX pharmacy are listed below. The MCX pharmacy will be closed for renovations January 1-12, 2012.

 

 

Naval Hospital Pharmacy                                                                             MCX Pharmacy

 

 

Dec. 23              8 a.m.-8 p.m.                                                                          Dec. 23              9 a.m.-8 p.m.

                                                                     

 

Dec. 24              Closed                                                                                       Dec. 24              9 a.m.-5 p.m.                                             

Dec. 25              Closed                                                                                       Dec. 25              Closed

Dec. 26              Closed                                                                                       Dec. 26              Closed

 

Dec. 27              8 a.m.-8 p.m.                                                                          Dec. 27              9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Dec. 28              8 a.m.-8 p.m.                                                                          Dec. 28              9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Dec. 29              8 a.m.-8 p.m.                                                                          Dec. 29              9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Dec. 30              8 a.m.-8 p.m.                                                                          Dec. 30              9 a.m.-8 p.m.

 

Dec. 31              Closed                                                                                       Dec. 31              9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Jan. 01              Closed                                                                                                    

Jan. 02              Closed                                                                                       Jan 01-12 (CLOSED for

                                                                                                                              RENOVATIONS)      

Jan. 03              8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Jan. 04              8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Jan. 05              8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Jan. 06              8 a.m.-8 p.m.

 

Jan. 07              9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Jan. 08              noon-4 p.m.

 

Jan. 09              8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Jan. 10              8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Jan. 11              8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Jan. 12              8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Jan. 13              8 a.m.-8 p.m.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY U.S. MARINES!

Commandant's Message:

 

 

 

Indomitable Spirit: The 236th Marine Corps Birthday Message

http://youtu.be/s0XpK1QHP2s

 

Marine Corps Birthday Joint Daytime Ceremony

All service members, families and civilians are

cordially invited to attend the Joint Daytime

Ceremony, November 9th at 10 a.m. at Liversedge

Field aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to

Observe Marine Corps tradition.  The ceremony

will include a historical pageant presented by

Marines donning the many uniforms since 1775,

and a cake cutting ceremony.  All service Members

not in the ceremony are required to be in the

uniform of the day.  Civilians are requested to

wear appropriate civilian attire.  In the case

of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.

(From the GLOBE; dated Thursday 27 October 2011)

 

    Military Retiree Health Care Town Hall Meeting

 Navy Capt. Daniel Zinder, commanding officer Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, will host the quarterly Military Retiree Health Care Town Hall meeting, Dec. 1, at 2 and 6 p.m. in room 217 at Building 65 located on Molly Pitcher Drive.  This will also be a chance for military members, military retirees and their family members to get updates, ask questions and express concerns about health care issues. Lt. Anthony Dambro will give a presentation on stress.  For more information, call Raymond Applewhite at 450-4463.

 

 

 

Military retirees’ COLA to rise by 3.6 percent

 

Effective 1 January 2012.

 

Happy Birthday United States Navy!

 

In 1972 Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized the United States Navy's birthday to be recognized as October 13, 1775. Since that time, this has been a day to celebrate and appreciate the heritage of the United States Navy.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

11 OCTOBER 2011

1900 VP  S/M Boggs called the meeting to order.  Usual opening ceremonies performed.

S/M Hemminway made a motion to accept the minutes from previous meeting as published, Second by S/M Reichler, vote to accept.

S/M Boggs recognized PNT Hemmingway and PECRP Allison.

Treasurer Report provided by S/M Hemmingway

Correspondence:  Ltr. from City of Jacksonville announcing Bobby Simpson Award Banquet on 20^th October .    Ltr. from City of Jacksonville requesting $150 to sponsor a youth basketball team, motion made not to approve by S/M Hemminway, seconded by S/M Reichler , discussion, voted not to approve.  Ltr. from Salvation Army to contribute $250 for Thanksgiving meal, motion made not to support, by S/M Reichler, seconded by S/M Hemmingway, discussion was to donate (3) military families at Thanksgiving like last year, vote taken to decline Salvation Army request, declined.  Motion made by S/M Cleveland to provide $75  (each) food coupon for Thanksgiving Dinners to 3 families, seconded by S/M Boggs, discussion, voted to accept.  Ltr. from Rolling Thunder inviting FRA to participate in the upcoming Veteran Day Parade on November 5^th, at 1000 on Western Blvd.

Committee Reports: 

Publicity – Chairman S/M Applewhite is recovering well in Naval Hospital.  No report.

Legislative – S/M Cleveland discussed several state legislative issues and challenges coming before the NC Senate.  S/M Reichler discussed TRICARE hikes which occurred Oct. 1^st and pending.

Old Business – None

New Business – None

Good of the Order:

S/M Hemmingway proposed that the Branch be at S/M Hoffman’s home at 1300, on Oct. 22^nd to hold a board meeting and present an award.  Meeting discussed, voted to approve meeting.

Regiment of Retired Marines breakfast on 29 Oct., at the Ball Center, at 0700.

Regiment of Retired Marines Retiree Ball at Gottege Field House, at 1800, 12 Nov.  Tickets at the USO-$30/person. 

Veteran’s Day Ceremonies at DAV, 1100, 11 Nov.

S/M Boggs adjourned the meeting with the customary ceremony.

 

 

 

General Assembly Meeting

9 August 2011

Meeting convened at 1900 with usual opening ceremonies.

 

Reading of the minutes by the secretary.

 

President Healy recognized PECRP Earl Harper, PNT Bill Hemmingway, ECP Slewinski

 

Col. Dave Brown gave a Power Point presentation on the Jacksonville Freedom Fountain.

 

S/M Hemmingway made a motion that FRA 208 contribute $2000 to the fountain fund, seconded by S/M Reichler, voted and passed.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT: provided by S/M Hemmingway, Motion to accept, seconded by S/M Reichler, treasury report accepted.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:  No correspondence

 

COMMITTEES:  No committee reports

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  No unfinished bussiness

 

NEW BUSINESS:  East Coast Regional President Slewinski provide  a detailed report on FRA’s objectives and recruiting drive.  He discussed legislative issues important to FRA members.  He suggested we tap into the local applicant pool aboard base.  President Healy thanked him for coming and for his dedication and efforts as Regional President.

 

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

S/M Applewhite discussed the upcoming Medical Townhall Meeting at Bldg. 65

 

Retiree Appreciation Day will be held at Marston Pavilion, 18 September, starting at 0900.  Encourage all retirees, family members, and widows to attend.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2020.         .

 

 

 

 

 

MILITARY RETIREE HEALTHCARE TOWN HALL MEETING

 

Navy Capt. Daniel Zinder,  commanding officer Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, will host the quarterly Military Retiree Healthcare Town Hall Meeting, Thursday, August 18, at 2 and 6 p.m. in room 217 at Building 65 located on Molly Pitcher Drive.  This will also be a chance for military members, military retirees and their family members to get updates, ask questions and express concerns about healthcare issues. LCDR Dana Onifer will give a presentation on Chronic Pain. For more information, call Raymond Applewhite, at 450-4463 or Anna Hancock, at 450-3501.

Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Bill Tied to Cuts in Commissaries
FRA supported the original version of the "Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act" (S. 277) Sponsored by Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.), ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.  The bill authorizes VA health care for military family members and veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987, when the water at the base was acknowledged to have been contaminated with carcinogens. However, to comply with House "pay cut" rules, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee voted to change the bill, without notice or hearing, to fund the care by eliminating the federal subsidy for military commissaries and directing consolidation of all Department of Defense (DoD) commissaries and exchanges.

The Veterans Affairs Committee has no jurisdiction over the Department of Defense (DoD) resale system, which is under the jurisdiction of the Senate Armed Services Committee. If approved, the plan would virtually dismantle the commissary system which is a core military benefit. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees have rejected similar proposals - usually based on Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost saving options - for the last four decades. The Association continues to advocate for benefits for those impacted by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, but opposes the method of funding which would negatively impact the military resale system and associated benefits which include access to commissaries and support for other important MWR programs.

New Condolence Policy for Certain Suicides
The Administration is now sending presidential condolence letters to families of service members who committed suicide in the combat zone. Previously White House condolence letters were only sent to families of those service members who die in combat or as a result of accidental incident in a combat zone. In the notice of the change of policy, President Obama stated that; " This issue is emotional, painful, and complicated, but these Americans served our nation bravely. They didn't die because they were weak. And the fact that they didn't get the help they needed must change. Our men and women in uniform have borne the incredible burden of our wars, and we need to do everything in our power to honor their service, and to help them stay strong for themselves, for their families and for our nation." [Source: FRA Newsbytes]

Walgreens Drug Store to Leave TRICARE Pharmacy Network
Walgreens drug stores have announced that, as of January 1, 2012, the chain will no longer be part of the network used by the TRICARE Pharmacy plan known as Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI). ESI is a Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) company that processes TRICARE pharmacy claims and manages TRICARE's Mail Order Pharmacy Program (TMOP).  

Walgreens and TRICARE had a similar contractual disagreement in 2008, but the impasse was resolved before the expiration date of the contract. FRA is closely monitoring negotiations and will report any further developments.  If the dispute is not resolved TRICARE beneficiaries filling a prescription at Walgreens after December 31, 2011, will pay 100 percent of the cost up front and than file a paper claim for non-network benefit reimbursement.

[Source:  FRA Newsbytes]  

FRA BRANCH 208 GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

12 July 2011

Meeting convened at 1900, usual opening ceremonies dispensed with.

President S/M Healy recognized PECRP Harper, PNT Hemmingway.

Minutes from previous meeting were not read.  Last meeting consisted of Dinner and Swearing-in ceremony.

Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer Hemmingway presented report.  Motion to accept by S/M Boggs, Seconded S/M Reichler.  Voted to accept report.

Committees:  No committee reports.

Correspondence:  Received request from Salvation Army for $250 – voted – declined.  Received a request from the City of Jacksonville to sponsor softball team for $150 – voted – approved. 

Unfinished Business:  Motion by S/M Boggs to provide $150 to surviving Marine who lost family in fire, seconded by S/M Hemmingway, voted – approved.  S/M Hemmingway briefed the Branch on the Freedom Fountain to be constructed.  The County, City, and businesses are solid behind the project.  Request support from veterans and veteran organizations for at least 10% of cost.  S/M Hemmingway provided limited information on S/M Hoffman and his battle with ALS.  Motion made by S/M Hemmingway to donate $150 to the Kellum Bapt. Church Handyman Fund to assist with building ramps, seconded by S/M Reichler – Vote -  approved.  Motion by S/M Harper to provide Ladies Auxillary East Coast Convention attendees (4) with $100 each for expenses, seconded by S/M Boggs, voted – approved.

Branch 208 Meeting was adjourned dispensing with usual ceremonies.  Next meeting is 1900  on August 9^th. 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICE:  LA FRA minutes are now being published on the "Auxiliary" 

page.

Branch 208 Officers for Association Year 2011-2012

On 21 June 2011, the following Shipmates were installed to their current office by Past National Treasurer Bill Hemmingway:

Jerry Healy - President

Bill Boggs - 1st Vice President

George Cleveland - 2nd Vice President

Randy Reichler - Secretary

Bill Hemmingway - Treasurer

NC Corpsman Memorial

See here: About_Memorial

General Assembly Meeting

10 May 2011

Meeting convened at 1900 with usual ceremonies.

President S/M Healy recognized PECRP Harper, PNT Hemmingway, PECRP Allison.

There was no meeting in April so no previous minutes were read.

Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer Hemmingway presented report.  Motion to accept by S/M Boggs, Seconded by S/M Reichler.  Voted to accept report.

Committees:  No committee chairman present for report.

Correspondence:  Received support request from Salvation Army for sending a child to camp.  Discussion was made and decision to not support this request.

Unfinished Business:  S/M Hemmingway brought in numerous copies of the new Branch 208 Bylaws and Standing Rules, Revised 2011.

(Deviated from normal business to hold nominations/election of officers/board)

New Officers of Branch 208 that were nominated, accepted, voted in were:

 President- S/M Jerry Healy

1stVice Pres.- S/M Bill Boggs

^2ndVice Pres. - S/M George Cleveland

Treasurer – S/M Hemmingway

Secretary – S/M Reichler

Board of Directors – S/M Harper, S/M Siverson, S/M Allison, S/M Potter, S/M PP Broussard

New Business:   Scholarship Committee will meet later in the month with S/M Terry Hoffman as Chairman.

Good of the Order:

S/M Harper told assembly about the “Freedom Flight” to Washington, DC to visit WWII monument.

Installation for newly elected officers will occur at June 14 at 1900, 1800 for the meal.  S/M Hemmingway will be the Installation Officer.

S/M Reichler provided information on the Secretary of the Navy Retiree Council for 2011.  He discussed submissions made to the SecNav; Reestablish “SHIFT COLORS”  magazine, Hire 4 Navy Retired Activities Coordinators, Have DFAS only recoup days of death for a retiree’s death month pay, instead of recouping the whole month’s pay, limit malpractice suits on TRICARE/Medicare patients to reduce cost, encourage mail-order pharmacy use by retirees, automatically enroll combat-veterans in VA.  The issue of not raising TRICARE was well emphasized by the council.

Branch 208 Meeting was adjourned with usual formalities.  Next meeting is 1900 June 14^th.

 

Branch Member Guest Speaker At Relay For Life

Raymond Applewhite was the keynote speaker at the American Cancer Society's

Relay for Life held April 8, 2011 at the Northside High School track in

Jacksonville, N.C.

Applewhite told the crowd of approximately 3,500 people: "To all of the

cancer survivors in this huge crowd within the sound of my voice or within

the beat of my heart, I want you to know that I am absolutely amazed by you

and your fighting spirit. You are some of the most courageous people on this

planet.

I can only imagine that it takes a lot of courage on your part to keep on

keeping on, to not give up from the very moment that you first learned that

you had cancer. While it is true that many of you take powerful medications

and various treatments all designed to make you feel better, the reality is

the treatments sometimes make you feel poorly.

On those days, when you may feel like giving up, I want you to hang in

there. Instead of feeling helpless, I want you to be as helpful as you can

to others who find themselves in a similar situation. Instead of being

hopeless, please be hopeful and hope for brighter days ahead. Cancer

survivors, I want all of you to be Blessed, God I want you to be Blessed,

and at the same time I want you to be a Blessing to others. Lastly,

throughout this ordeal, you may...you may lose your faith, but I want you to

always be faithful.

Because you choose to fight and not give up, I want you to know that you are

not in this fight alone.

I promise you, I promise you, that we won't give up until we find a cure and

that we will always stand by you."

Later that evening at 11 p.m. as he promised during his speech, Applewhite

very quietly returned to the Relay and walked on the track until one minute

past midnight, which was April 9, to celebrate his 60th birthday.

 

 

Disaster Relief

If you have been affected by the recent storm and require assistance, please contact us.  In addition, see the information below:

 

The Disabled American Veterans mobile service office will be at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center Monday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and at the Jacksonville CBOC Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  They will be accepting applications for financial aid through their Disaster Relief Fund.

Disaster relief grant amounts may vary based on applicant needs, available DAV resources and DAV membership status. Disaster relief grants may be issued for the purpose of providing: food, clothing, and temporary shelter or to obtain relief from injury, illness, or personal loss resulting from natural/national disasters that are not covered by insurance or other disaster relief agencies.

To be eligible for a DAV disaster relief grant, the following criteria must be met:

 

• The applicant must be a service-connected disabled veteran or the spouse thereof (same household).
• The applicant must be the victim of a natural/national disaster.
• The applicant’s claimed loss must not be covered by insurance.

The applicant’s claimed loss must not be covered by other emergency relief agencies.

The mobile service office will be parked in front of the hospital Monday and in the Jacksonville CBOC parking lot Tuesday.  If you know somebody who might benefit from this opportunity, please pass the word along to them.

 

Military Retiree Health Care Town Hall Meeting

 

Navy Capt. Daniel Zinder, commanding officer of Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital, will host the quarterly Military retiree Health Care town hall meeting on Thursday,

May 19, at 2 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. in room 217 at Building 65 located on Molly Pitcher Drive.   This will also be a chance for military members and family members to get updates ask questions and express concerns about health care issues.

 

Dr. Anthony Dambro will give a presentation on hypertension.

 

For more information, call Raymond Applewhite at 450-4463.

Happy 118th Birthday, Chiefs!

The Navy rate of chief petty officer was established on April 1, 1893, and the Coast Guard followed suit on May 18, 1920. Chiefs from both services are recognized as the hands-on leaders among enlisted personnel.  FRA proudly salutes all chiefs for their professionalism and leadership.

To read Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West's birthday message to CPOs, visit http://www.fra.org/AM/template.cfm?template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=11961&section=news.

FRA Urges Reintroduction of TRICARE Legislation

In response to DoD's proposal to increase healthcare fees for military retirees and adjust these annually (beginning in 2013) based on healthcare inflation, FRA National Executive Director Joe Barnes wrote to Senator Frank Lautenberg (N.J.) this week, asking him to reintroduce legislation that would limit TRICARE Fee increases for working-age military retirees.  FRA urged the senator to sponsor legislation similar to the "Military Health Care Protection Act" (S. 604) he introduced in the 110th Congress (2007-2008) - a bill that would limit TRICARE fee increases to no more than cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that are determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Similar proposals have already been introduced in the House. At FRA's request, Reps. Walter Jones (N.C.) and Dan Boren (Okla.) introduced legislation (H.R.1092) that would require congressional approval before the Department of Defense (DoD) could increase TRICARE enrollment fees. Rep. Don Young (Alaska) also introduced a bill (HR 652) that seeks to limit TRICARE premium increases for retirees to no more than half the COLA percentage increase for the same year and limit any active duty increase to no more than their annual pay increase.

Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center (www.fra.org) to contact their U.S. representative to urge their support for H.R. 1092 and H.R. 652. If a Senate proposal is introduced it will also be listed on the FRA Action Center.

Retiree Health Care Protection Act Introduced

Reps. Walter Jones (N.C.) and Dan Boren (Okla.) introduced legislation this week that would prohibit the Department of Defense (DoD) from increasing TRICARE enrollment fees without congressional approval. The "Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act" (H.R.1092) is similar to a bill introduced in the 111th Congress (2009-2010) that garnered 202 cosponsors and was strongly supported by FRA. The bipartisan bill is related to Pentagon proposals to increase TRICARE enrollment fees for working-age military retirees in FY 2012 by $30 per individual (from $230 to $260) and $60 per family (from $460 to $520).  Starting in 2013, the annual enrollment fees would increase based on a yet-to-be-determined index.

FRA opposes the indexing plan and agrees with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that management efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives can significantly offset higher health care costs - issues addressed in FRA's testimony this week before the House Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee.

Shipmates are strongly urged to use FRA's Action Center to contact their U.S. Representative and ask them to co-sponsor this important legislation.

General Assembly Meeting

8 March 2011

Meeting convened at 1900 with usual ceremonies.

President S/M Healy recognized PECRP Harper, PNT Hemmingway, PECRP Allison.

(Deviated from normal business for brief remarks from 1st Class Petty Officers Assc.)

Minutes from the February Meeting were read by the Secretary.   President S/M Healy accepted the minutes as read.

Treasurer Report: Treasurer S/M Hemmingway presented the report.  Motion to accept by S/M Hemmingway, Seconded by S/M Reichler.  The vote was made to accept report.

Committees:  Legislative – None

Public Relations – None

Budget – None

Chaplain – S/M Broussard’s wife is still in rehabilitation for recovery.  S/M Hoffman is still recovering from neck surgery.

Correspondence:  Received letter from National Headquarters, requesting vote on whether to pay a settlement in employee benefits case for headquarters paid staff pension fund.  Explanation of case given by S/M Hemmingway, Motion to vote yes on settlement by S/M Hemmingway, Seconded by S/M Boggs, discussion, and vote was to accept making a settlement.

Unfinished Business:  None

New Business:  S/M Shaffer provided a brief on the Naval Hospital’s Sea Cadet Program. 

Good of the Order:  S/M Siverson discussed the new VA Vet Center, which will be located on Gum Branch Road. 

S/M Siverson announced the presentation of the Mack McKinney Award to Congressman Walter Jones on 26 April, at 1900, American Legion Hall, at the Onslow County Veteran’s Council Meeting.  He encourages all veterans to attend. 

S/M Hemmingway requested we spend $285 to have 100 copies of the new Constitution and Bylaws printed.  S/M Reichler made the motion, Seconded by S/M Boggs.  Voted was made to pay for the printing.   

S/M Applewhite announced the next Medical Town hall meeting for Retirees is 19 May at Bldg. 65, aboard Camp Lejeune, at 1400 and 1800.   S/M Applewhite also discussed the upcoming Drug Take-Back Program being held 19&20 March, held at the Marine Corps Exchange.

 

   

 

Scholarship Time!

From Branch 208 By laws & Standing Rules:

Section 1701. The Branch may award a scholarship to any child or grandchild of any active or deceased member of Branch 208. The award shall be in the amount of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1500.00) taken from the Shipmate Memorial Scholarship Fund on an annual basis.

Section 1702. The member whose child or grandchild is applying, must have been a member of Branch 208 one year prior to the start of the applicants school year.

 

Section 1703. The applicant must be a high school senior who has already been accepted by a college, trade school, nursing school or other institution of higher education. Persons already attending an institution of higher learning may apply but priority will be given to high school seniors.

Section 1704. Qualification for selection will be based on scholarship, leadership, character and initiative.

Section 1705. The award received by the winner may be used in any way the student deems necessary in helping further their education. However, the award will be made payable, jointly, to the Registrar of the Institution and the recipient of the award, unless doing so would reduce other scholarships/awards already earned.

Section 1706. Application for this scholarship will be in the form of a letter from the student and addressed to the Secretary, Branch 208, FRA PO Box 1079, Jacksonville, NC 28541-1079. Applications must be received by 15 April and should include transcripts, class standing, SAT scores and/or other pertinent information such as community service, extracurricular activities etc.

Section 1707. The scholarship will be presented by the Branch President or his designated representative at the recipients graduation or other appropriate ceremony.

Section 1708. The Branch Scholarship Committee shall be comprised of not less than four (4) members including the Chairman and a rep­resentative from Unit 208.

Section 1709. The Branch will acknowledge eligible applicants for the Branch Scholarship with a token gift of twenty five dollars ($25.00) from the Scholarship Fund for their interest in the scholarship.

In addition, national awards are available at The FRA Education Foundation

 

 

Salute During the Pledge of Allegiance
Rep. Lee Terry (Neb.) re-introduced legislation (H.R. 648) that would authorize service members not in uniform and veterans to render a military salute during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Previous legislation authorized veterans to salute during hoisting, lowering, or passing of the flag and during the National Anthem, but the laws did not reference saluting during the Pledge. Members can use the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org to urge their Representative to support this bill.

[FRA Newsbytes 25 Feb 2011]

DoD TRICARE Increase Proposals

As you know, President Obama’s fiscal 2012 defense budget contains a plan to raise TRICARE fees on certain military retirees and their families.  The plan targets what the Pentagon calls “working age” retirees, defined as those between the ages of 38 and 64 who are enrolled in TRICARE Prime. 

 

In sum, DoD intends to collect $450 million over the next five years from the pockets of “working age” retirees by raising TRICARE Prime enrollment fees in the first year by 13 percent and in following years by the rate of medical inflation, which is projected by economists to run several points higher than general inflation at a minimum annual pace of 6.2 percent and as high as 9 percent over the next five-years. 

 

In addition, the defense budget proposes to boost the copay for prescription drugs to $5 for generics, $12 dollars for brand name, and $25 for non-formulary medications at retail pharmacies.  The current charge for such prescriptions is $3 for generics, $9 for brand name and $22 for non-formulary medications.

 

The plan is to drive more retirees to use the TRICARE Home Delivery program by posting a “zero” charge for generic medications received by mail.   Non-formulary medications obtained through Home Delivery, however, would also increase to $25 from $22.  These increases for pharmaceuticals would apply to all beneficiary groups under the Pentagon plan.   

 

The proposed fee increases are part of broad offensive by Defense Secretary Gates to come up with $178 billion in savings over the next five years.  The Secretary proposes that $7 billion of that figure would come through increased TRICARE premiums and other changes within the military health system. 

 [NAUS 25 Feb 2011]

Concurrent Receipt Update
Unlike the previous two years, the Obama Administration did not seek funding for concurrent receipt improvements in its FY 2012 budget request, but several lawmakers are working to expand eligibility for the concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation, without offset.

Rep. Joe Wilson (S.C.), chairman of the House Military Personnel Subcommittee, introduced legislation (H.R. 186) that expands concurrent receipt for service members who were medically retired with less than 20 years of service. The measure is similar to the Administration's proposal from last year and seeks to phase in the benefit enhancements for these so-called Chapter 61 retirees over a five-year period.  In 2008, Congress voted to expand eligibility for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) coverage to Chapter 61 retirees and this new initiative would, in effect, extend eligibility for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) to all Chapter 61 retirees over five years.

Rep. Sanford Bishop (Ga.), ranking member of the House Military Construction and Veteran's Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee and co-chair of the Military Families Caucus, also introduced a bill (H.R. 333) that will eliminate the restrictions that currently prevent many disabled retirees from concurrently receiving their full military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation. "The Disabled Veteran Tax Termination Act"  seeks to provide concurrent receipt of both earned benefits for retirees who are rated less than 50-percent disabled; eliminate the existing phase-in period for concurrent receipt; and extend concurrent receipt eligibility to Chapter 61 (medically retired) retirees with less than 20 years of service who are receiving CRDP.  

Additionally Rep. Gus Bilikaris (Fla.) introduced the "Retired Pay Restoration Act" (H.R. 303) that provides current receipt for retirees with a disability rating of 50 percent or less and receiving CRDP.  

FRA encourages shipmates to contact their elected officials to ask their support for all three bills through the Action Center at www.fra.org. ; 

General Assembly Meeting

8 February 2011

Meeting convened at 1900 with usual ceremonies.

President S/M Healy introduced PECRP Harper

Minutes from the December Meeting were read by the Secretary.  President Healy accepted the minutes as read.

Treasurer Report:  Treasurer Hemmingway presented report, motion to accept by S/M Boggs, seconded by S/M Reichler, voted to accept.

Committees:  Legislative-None

                         

Public Relations-None

                        

Budget-S/M Hemmingway recommended we go with the same budget for the coming year.  

Motion by S/M Boggs, seconded by S/M Broussard, voted and accepted.

                         

Chaplain-S/M Broussard’s wife is in Britthaven for recovery.   S/M Balm recently returned from New Hanover Medical Center from recovering from a Heart Attack, Kidney Failure.  S/M Hoffman is recovering from Neck Surgery.

Correspondence:    Thank you letters from Onslow Ministries, Salvation Army, Coastal Community College, USO, Onslow Community Outreach were received for the $250 donation to each of them.  East Coast Regional Conference information package was received.   Email from Maj. Gray of MAG-29 was read requesting the FRA provide Plaques for the Marine of the Quarter.  Discussion, vote taken.   The request must be declined at this time.

Unfinished Business:   None

New Business:     S/M Harper commented on the Mid-Year Conference held in Greenville.  Stated Walter Jones is still leading fight for veterans and is pushing for the renaming of the Department of the Navy and the Marine Corps.  S/M Harper also stated S/M Cleveland gave an excellent President’s Report at the conference.

Good of the Order:  President Healy discussed the pending down-sizing of the Marine Corps.  S/M Applewhite discussed the upcoming Retiree Medical Town Hall Meeting; 17 February at Bldg 65, at 1400 and at 1800.  Scholarship Committee formed: S/Ms Healy, Hemmingway, Hoffman, Reichler and 2 FRA Auxiliary members.  

 ---

--------------------------------------------------------l

FRA's Full Month's Retired Pay Bill in House
Representative Walter Jones (N.C.) recently introduced legislation (H.R. 493) authorizing surviving spouses (or other designated survivors) to retain the full month's retired pay for the month in which a military retiree passes away. "The Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act" was introduced at FRA's request and seeks ensure survivors' are not unfairly burdened when overpayments occur.

The problem most often occurs when a military retiree dies late in the month. As survivors mourn and work to sort out the details of their loved one's passing, there is sometimes a delay in reporting the death to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). If the death report and other administrative details aren't handled before the next retirement payment is processed, an overpayment occurs for the period between the retiree's death and the end of the month. DFAS has the authority to recoup this overpayment directly from the survivor's bank account with little or no warning, often creating financial and emotional hardship for the family.

Jones' proposal would allow survivors to retain the full month's retired pay for any month in which the retiree was alive for at least 24 hours. To offset the cost associated with this proposal, a provision of the bill would delay the first Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity payment until the month after the retiree dies.

Congress passed a similar law in 1996 allowing surviving spouses to retain veterans' disability and VA pension payments issued for the month of the veteran's death. FRA believes military retired pay should be no different. Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org to express their support for H.R. 493.

Comprehensive Concurrent Receipt Reform

Rep. Sanford Bishop (Ga.) introduced comprehensive legislative (H.R. 333) this week that will eliminate the restrictions that currently prevent many disabled retirees from concurrently receiving their full military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation. "The Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act" seeks to provide concurrent receipt of both earned benefits for retirees who are rated less than 50-percent disabled; eliminate the existing phase-in period for concurrent receipt; and extend concurrent receipt eligibility to Chapter 61 (medically retired) retirees with less than 20 years of service.

This measure, if enacted, would fulfill FRA's goal of providing immediate concurrent receipt of both benefits, without offset, for all disabled retirees. Shipmates are urged to use the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org to ask their representatives to support this important bill.

Fewer Lawmakers with Military Experience

The number of members in the 112th Congress with military experience has dropped again. Of the House's 435 members, only 87 (20 percent) have served in the military. This is less than the 23 percent of members who served in the last Congress. Only 25 of the 100 U.S. senators served in the military, which is the same as the 111th Congress, but less than the session before (110th Congress, 2007-2008) when 29 percent of the Senate had first-hand military experience.

 

 

General Assembly Meeting

14 December 2010

Meeting convened at 1900 with usual ceremonies.

Treasurer’s Report was presented.

Correspondence:  None 

Committees:  Legislative- No report

 There being no other Committee Chairmen, no further reports were called at this meeting.                     

Unfinished Business:  None

New Business:  S/M Hemmingway made a motion to donate $200 each to the Onslow County Ministries, Salvation Army, and Christmas Cheer.  S/M Allison asked the motion be amended to read $250 donation to each charity named.  S/M Boggs seconded amended motion.  Motion voted on and passed.     

Good of the Order:   There will be a Town Hall Meeting held at DAV Hall, 22 January 2011, at 1000.  Guest speakers are: Base Commanding Officer and the Commanding Officer, Naval Hospital.  S/M Reichler will start a Survivor and Care Giver support Group, with the first meeting being 9 Dec 2010, at 1800, DAV Hall.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1915.  Next meeting to be held at 1900, 11 January at the Shriner’s Bldg.

Of Legislative Interest....    

Defense and Spending Bills Await Action
Legislators are reportedly near agreement on a simplified FY 2011 Defense Authorization bill.  All controversial provisions will be removed and the bill is expected to be less detailed than past defense bills. According to House staff, the bill being considered prohibits any TRICARE fee increases for FY 2011, extends TRICARE dependent coverage to age 26, and provides a pay raise for active duty military. The final bill is also expected to include more than 400 provisions addressing end strength, procurement rules and other Defense-related authorizations. The agreement requires the House to pass the bill first and with a two-thirds majority.  

The federal government is currently operating under a Continuing Resolution (CR, H.R. 3082) that expires tomorrow, December 18, 2010.  The House passed another CR that would continue government operations through September 30, 2011, at FY 2010 spending levels, extend a variety of military bonus and incentive programs scheduled to end on January 1, 2011; and provide a 1.4-percent, active-duty pay increase. Senate Democrats have offered an omnibus spending measure (legislation that includes all 12 FY 2011 appropriations bills) as a substitute amendment to H.R. 3082. Among other enhancements, the omnibus bill includes an additional $100 million for research on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and $85 million for family-based care for catastrophically injured Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

[Source: FRA Newsbytes 12/17/10]

CRDP/CRSC Open Season Begins in January
Retired service members who are eligible for both Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) can select which payment they prefer to receive during the CRDP/CRSC open season that runs for the entire month of January, 2011. According to federal law, retirees can receive either CRDP or CRSC, but not both.
All eligible retirees should have received a CRDP/CRSC Open Season Election Form in the mail, which includes a comparison of the CRDP and CRSC entitlement amounts and information about tax implications. Retirees should return the form only if they wish to make a change from CRDP to CRSC or vice versa. If a retiree prefers to keep things the way they are, no action is needed and the current payment will continue uninterrupted. Forms must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2011, for the changes to be implemented.
Typical processing time is 30 days and most changes will take effect on the first business day of February 2011. All elections remain in effect unless changed in a subsequent annual open season. For additional information, visit www.dfas.mil .  [Source: FRA Newsbytes 12/17/10]

WARNING TO VETERANS

An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans.  This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way.
http://www.vaservices.org/us/index.html

VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal.  Our Legal Counsel has requested that we coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by VA to provide any services.

In addition, GC requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, please pass any additional information to Mr.Daugherty at the address below.

Michael G. Daugherty
Staff Attorney
Department of Veterans Affairs

 

9 November 2010

Meeting convened at 1900 with usual ceremonies.

 

Motion made by S/M Hemmingway to dispense with reading of the minutes.  Seconded by S/M Reichler, voted-passed.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  See S/M Hemmingway’s report

 

Correspondence:  Certificate of Commendation from Corpsman’s Memorial Foundation

                             Endorsement request from Branch 60 ICO S/M Ed Maring for ECRVP.

                             Pearl Harbor Day Program, American Legion, 1100, 7 Dec 2010

                             Mac McKinney Award Program 1800, 11 Feb 2011, Swanxy’s 

 

Committees:  Legislative- S/M Cleveland stated the Republicans gained the House and Senate in NC.  There is a tax deficient that will be compensated by reduction in spending.

 There being no other Committee Chairmen, no further reports were called at this meeting.                     

 

Unfinished Business:  Motion by S/M Boggs to accepts the up-dated bylaws/constitution.  Second made by S/M Hemmingway.  Vote-Passed.

 

New Business:  S/M Hemmingway report the progress on  proposal Br. 208 provide support to a Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard family for, both, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  He reported the smart thing to do is we purchase the dinner for at most $75, rather than give money to recipients.  S/M Siverson suggested we purchase whole dinners from Piggly Wiggly under recipients name.  S/M Boggs made the motion we purchase dinners from Piggly Wiggly, motion was seconded by S/M Reichler, motion voted on and passed.    

 

Good of the Order:   S/M Hemmingway received the endorsement and nomination as the FRA, Branch 208’s Veteran of The Year for the City of Jacksonville.   There will be a Town Hall Meeting held at DAV Hall, 8 January 2011, at 1000.  Guest speakers are: Base Commanding Officer and the Commanding Officer, Naval Hospital.  S/M Reichler will start a Survivor and Care Giver support Group, with the first meeting being 9 Dec 2010, at 1800, DAV Hall.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2010.  Next meeting to be held at 1900, 14 December at the Shriner’s Bldg.     

 

General Assembly Meeting

12 October 2010

Meeting convened at 1900 with usual ceremonies.

Master at Arms, S/M Allison introduced visitors; S/M Blackburn, S/M Foreman, from Br. 217.   

Minutes from last meeting read by Secretary.  President Healy accepted the minutes as read.

Treasurer’s Report:  Gen. Fund Bal-MM Fund $3051.50 Sav-$19,449.12, Ck.-$4.59, CD’s-$193,156.95, Scholarship-$34,910.45.  Assets Little Bank CD’s - $76556.33 Ck.-$59.83

Correspondence:  Mr. Thomas Bolden thank you letter for Scholarship assistance in 2005.

                             Department of Social Services requesting assistance with Elder Cheer.

Committees:  Publicity – S/M Applewhite contacted Daily News for article on $500 donation to Petty Officer Schaffer, Sea Cadets.  No word back on time/place.

                       Legislative- S/M Cleveland stressed Voting!  Early voting available at the Commons on the 14 of October.

                       Health and Welfare- No report.

Unfinished Business:  This is the second meeting with new bylaw changes.  No objections noted.

New Business:  S/M Allison proposed donation for Toys for Tots, S/m Hemmingway seconded, discussion made, S/M Allison withdrew proposal.  S/M Cleveland proposed Br. 208 provide support to a Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard family for, both, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Proposal seconded by S/M Siverson.  Vote-Proposal carried.  S/M Applewhite  and S/M Reichler will actively located deserving  recipients and report back to President Healy and Treasurer Hemmingway.  S/M Broussard will represent Br. 208 in the Veteran Day parade, anyone desiring to ride along, contact him prior to the parade. 

Good of the Order:  Visitors S/M’s Blackburn and Foreman expressed gratitude to Br. 208 and especially S/M Hemmingway for support the forming of their Br. 217.  They also discussed a very successful “Mud Run” held where, they grossed $20,000.  They are in the process of donating $5,000 to the Wounded Warrior Battalion-East for sports participation.  S/M Siverson announced the Mack McKinney Award program scheduled for Feb. 11, 2011 at Swan  .   S/M Iverson also announced the Beirut Remembrance on Oct. 23, 2010. 

Two Bell Ceremony held for S/M Richard A. Osborn, who passed away in Michigan.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2010.  Next meeting to be held at 1900, 9 November at the Shriner’s Bldg.     

 Legislative

Veterans' Benefits -  Hope or Hoax?
An erroneous e-mail is circulating that claims "The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Act of 2010" (H.R. 4667, Public Law No: 111-247) will more than double veteran's disability compensation on December 1, 2010. The legislation is real; the increased benefits are not.  The recently enacted legislation provides the same cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for VA beneficiaries as that paid to Social Security annuitants. These adjustments are expected to be minimal, if not zero, again for this year. The final data used to calculate COLAs will soon be released by the Department of Labor.

No COLA in 2011
For the second consecutive year, there will be no cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for Americans who receive Social Security benefits, military and railroad retirement or veterans' disability benefits. The Department of Labor released data today indicating that consumer prices for the third quarter of 2010 rose by 1.5 percent over last year, but dropped by 0.6 percent when compared to the same period in 2008. Although there has been a slight increase in prices over the past year, the government formula for COLAs requires that prices must have risen higher than when the last increase was awarded.

This is the first time in 35 years that there has been no adjustment in back-to-back years. Congress approved a one-time payment of $250 for Social Security annuitants last year and the White House proposed a similar payment in its 2011 budget, but Congress has not yet approved such a payment.  

  

 

 

General Assembly Meeting

9 August 2010

Meeting convened at 1930 with usual opening ceremonies.

S/M Cleveland read the minutes of July’s meeting.   Motion by S/M Potter, seconded by S/M Reichler.

Committee Reports:  

       Finance Committee – no report

       Youth Activity Comm. – no report

       Legislative Committee – no report

CHAPLAIN REPORT – S/M William Winstead passed away in Kentucky in April.  A card was sent to NOK and a Two-Bell-Ceremony will occur at September meeting.

COORESPONDENCE:  None received or sent.

TREASURER REPORT:  Income – $1079.75, Interest - $43.25, Expeditures -  $1,400.00

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  Discussion on up-coming Convention.  S/M Cleveland and S/M Harper were voted to represent Branch 208.

   Secretary will call all S/M in Renewal Status this month.

  Maximum effort to convert newsletter mail-out to email.

Request all members contact Branch 208 by calling 451-0278 or email:  randy.reichler@usmc.mil to

  provide email to receive newsletter.  No reply-no newsletter!

NEW BUSINESS:  Board of Directors Meeting at S/M Cleveland house 1000, 11 Sept.

  S/M Brossard will represent Branch 208 in Veteran Day Parade.

  Bylaws Committee will review Bylaw changes 11 Sept prior to presenting to Branch 208.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:  S/M Hoffman will receive operation 13 August.

 

   A card was signed by all present and presented to S/M Boggs on his post-op recovery.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2040.

TO THE MEMBERSHIP : The Branch needs your attendance and active participation at our meetings.  We have over 400 members and normally have between 9-16 members in attendance.  This your branch and we need your input and miss you being her!  Our next meeting is September 13^th, 1930, at 6E Thompson Street (across from KFC on Hwy 17).

Unit 208

Meeting on the THIRD Monday, 20 September 2010 at 6:30PM (Change of date for September ONLY)

*********************************************************************************************************

2010-2011 Officers:

President...Bridget Hendges..340-0446        Treasurer......Joyce Bowen...455-1498

V Pres....Margaret Williams....346-8033         JrPP......... Margaret Boggs...347-3123

ExecSec...Nancy Cleveland.. 346-3866          Chaplain....Annette Cherry...346-8436

FinSec..,,,,.Bertha Erickson...455-5426           Editor.......A. Hemmingway...346-9425

Board of Directors:  Karen Allison, Annette Cherry, Annie Rosser, Brenda Good, Rosa Lee Sporbert and Arlene Hemmingway

**********************************************************************************************************

President's Message:

   The Unit meeting will begin promptly at 6:30pm.  We will no longer have a dinner prior to the meeting.  Also our September meeting has been changed to the third Monday 6:30pm on 20 September due to Labor Day Holiday.  Hope all are healthy and hope to start seeing more members at our meetings.  Have a safe Labor Day weekend.  Thank you for all the help that our small group provides.  We could not have a unit without the ladies that stick with us each month.  Hope all are feeling better if you are "under the weather".  Please feel free to call me with any questions you might have at any time, 910-340-0446.   Bring your school supplies and small stuffed animals to the next meeting,  See you there!

       Bridget Hendges     

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 ---Excerpt from the June 2010 Branch and Unit 208 Newsletter in the Branch section on the second page:

       "In order to save money, paper, and time of our hard working Shipmates and Ladies that produce our newsletter each month, if you have internet access, please send an e-mail with "Online Flyer" in the subject line to 

                                                                            shealy@ec.rr.com

   We will stop sending "The Flyer" via US Postal Service and allow you to enjoy the easy access of the internet to keep up on the goings-on of Branch and Unit 208." 

    If you decide to do this, please e-mail a copy of your response to your Unit Editor at  arlehemm@ec.rr.com.

   The Branch and Unit 208 website, www.fra208.org.  

*********************************************************************************************************************************************

   Members that assisted Branch President Jerry Healy, Bill Hemmingway, Bob Allison, Earl Harper and Don Broussard in placing address labels and stickers on the August 2010 Newsletters on 5 August were Annette Cherry, Bertha Erickson, Rosa Lee Sporbert and Arlene Hemmingway.

*********************************************************************************************************************************************

UNIT MEETING

   2 August Unit Meeting -  There were thirteen members in attendance.  We voted that members purchase school supplies and bring them to the September meeting.  There was good participation for the White Elephant Sale.  The Unit received a thank you note from the Naval Hospital for the toys that were donated to them.  Bridget Hendges won free dues and Mary Rafferty won the door prize.

   During the July Unit meeting, the Charter was draped for Dorothy M. Ehrisman.

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   The e-Postcard, Form 990-N was submitted and accepted by the IRS for the Year 2009 on August 6, 2010. The Unit is up-to-date now with the IRS.  Next submission date will be after July 1, 2011.  Thanks to Branch President Jerry Healy for doing this for the Unit. 

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DID YOU KNOW:

 ---The August 2010 issue of the FRAtoday magazine, page 36,  has a photo of Unit 208 members when the school supplies were delivered to Morton Elementary School at the beginning of last school year.

 ---The Potters, George and Irma, spent the last week of June camping at the Old Southeastern Threshers Reunion at Denton NC.  Lots of tractors and old farm equipment and memories of bygone days.

 ---From Bertha Erickson:  Curtis and I visited with our granddaughter and family in Elm City NC on 23 July.  We  spent the night with them.  It was nice seeing the great grandchildren.  My daughter and her family came over Saturday and Sunday afternoon and we all had dinner together. 

 ---Rossie Ritter enjoyed having a visit from her daughter, Molly and her three daughters the first week of August. 

 ---Rosa Lee Sporbert visited with her daughter and family in Georgia for a week in mid-August.

 ---Joyce Bowen will be in New York on Labor Day.

 ---Aida Littlejohn, Rossie Ritter and Rosa Lee Sporbert plan to attend the LA FRA National Convention in September at Spartansburg SC.

*************************************************************************************************************

   UPCOMING EVENTS:

         6 September - Labor Day

       11 September - Patriot Day - 9/11 Observance at 8:15am at 9/11 Memorial 

        11 September - Senior Expo

       12 September - Grandparents Day

       17 September - Constitution Day                    

        Week of 12-19 September 2010 - FRA/LA FRA National Convention, Spartanburg, South Carolina

        18 September - Camp Lejeune Retiree Appreciation Day at Marston Pavilion

         18 September - Women's Expo, benefiting Onslow Women's Center, at American Legion Building 10am-4pm

        20 September - Unit Meeting at 6:30pm

        23 September - First Day of Autumn

         27-29 January 2011 - FRA/LA FRA East Coast Regional Midyear Meeting at City Hotel and Bistro in

                                   Greenville, North Carolina

***********************************************************************************************************       

           SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS:

        3 September - Ernestine M. Obee       19 September - Sharon E. Meeham

      10 September - Arline C. Kuhn              19 September - Maxine N. Webb

      12 September - Mary A. Nogast             29 September - Mary J. Rafferty 

      13 September - Sandra J. Mihalcik   

            OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS:

         2 October - Lillian Miller                     15 October - Julia Houck

         7 October - Ruth Nourse                    22 October - Mary Beverage

         9 October - Brenda Good                    30 October - Annette Cherry

       12 October - Irma Potter                        30 October - Marilyn Gray

 *************************************************************************************************************

QUOTES:

 ---Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product.    ---Eleanor Roosevelt

 ---Character is the ability to carry out a decision after the emotion of making the decision has passed.  ---Anonymous 

**************************************************************************************************************

 

Legislative Interest

North Carolina Veterans Council

 

In the even years, the General Assembly holds a “short session,” which convenes in May and focuses on changes to the state budget and mostly non-controversial legislation.

 

Veterans’ Budget Interests:

            The Veterans’ Affairs Department budget was cut by $51,453.

• Military Morale and Welfare Fund received $500,000-half what was appropriated in recent years.
• Funded NC Institute of Medicine study on mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services for active duty, reserve and veteran members of the military and National Guard.
• Adjusted road naming policy to require DOT to remove the existing prohibition on naming State roads after specific military veterans and adopt a policy for naming highways after specific veterans.

 

Other Legislation of Interest:

• House Bill 76: Allows a member of the military to designate the type, place and method of disposition of the individual’s remains by completing the US Dept. of Defense DD FORM 93.
• House Bill 1143:  Allows DOT to authorize special vehicle registration plates to any wartime veteran for all current and future wars.
• House Resolution 1940:  Honoring resolution on Memorial Day
• Senate Bill 1400:  Adopts state law companion to federal laws that prohibit foreclosure on a loan held by a soldier on active duty

Federal Rules Published for TRICARE Retired Reserve
The interim final rule for the new TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) program has been published, completing a critical step in making the benefit accessible to retired members of the Reserve who are not yet age 60. The ruling would allow these so-called "gray-area" retirees to purchase TRICARE Standard through a program that is expected to launch as early as September 2010 and be effective as of October 1, 2010. Once launched, instructions will be made available about how to qualify for and purchase TRR coverage.

TRR requires qualified participants to pay premiums equivalent to the full cost of coverage. According to the recent ruling, monthly premium rates for 2010 will be $388.31 for member-only coverage and $976.41 for member-and-family coverage, and will be adjusted annually.  

These premiums are higher than expected, even though the Pentagon based them on the actual 2007-2008 costs for providing TRICARE benefits to people in the same age categories as the retired Reserve population. In 2007, premiums for the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) program were determined to be higher than actual costs and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended a reduction in premiums, and subsequent legislation was required to lower the TRS premiums.  

The entire interim ruling is available online at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-19313.pdf. A 60-day comment period will allow for public input before the final rule is issued. Those interested may submit comments through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal (www.regulations.gov) or by mail to the Federal Docket Management System Office, 1160 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1160.

Retirees who may want to purchase TRR coverage should make sure their eligibility information is correct in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).  Visit www.tricare.mil/subscriptions and sign up for "Benefit Changes" for "Retired National Guard and Reserve Members" to be notified as more TRR information becomes available. [Source: FRA Newsbytes 8 Aug 10]

Agent Orange Update
A federal court has ordered the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) to issue a final regulation authorizing the payment of claims for Vietnam veterans who have ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's disease, or B-cell leukemia. The court's decision, made in response to a lawsuit brought by a coalition of veterans' service organizations, requires the VA to publish a ruling by September 1, 2010, that will impact an estimated 200,000 Vietnam vets with these Agent Orange-related diseases or their survivors.

Congress and the President have approved additional funding to pay for these claims, but VA will have to wait 60 days after the final regulation is published before it begins paying claims. Additional information is available in Tom Philpot's syndicated Military Update column (8-05-10) at www.fra.org.

The VA regulation will only apply to veterans who had "boots on the ground" in Vietnam. Members are urged to use the Action Center (www.fra.org) to support Agent Orange legislation (H.R. 2254 and S. 1939) that provides a presumption for similar claims for those who served off the coast of Vietnam, so-called "blue-water" veterans.

Hot Topic:  Does this Agent Orange ruling impact you or someone you know?  Share your views on blue water veterans at www.fra.org/hottopics. [Source: FRA Newsbytes 8 Aug 10]

Tricare User Fee Update 51

On 9 AUG, Defense Secretary Robert Gates held a press conference to announce a series of initiatives to cut defense spending and state his intent to increase Tricare fees. Asked by a reporter when it would be time to control rising health care costs, either through Tricare premium increases or reducing plan coverage, Secretary Gates said, "Yesterday." Gates went on to say, "There are no sacred cows, and health care cannot be excepted." With billions of dollars being spent on tens-of-thousands of federal pork projects and numerous supplemental funding bills, the Secretary focused on reducing earned benefits to offset the costs of national security. For the past several months Gates has been working on a plan to cut $100 billion in defense spending over the next five years. While there are many aspects of his plan that deserve close review, it is clear that shifting the cost of earned healthcare benefits from DoD to the retiree is a key component of the Secretary's plan. [NAUS Weekly Update 13 Aug 2010]

 

General Assembly Meeting

12 July 2010

Meeting convened at 1930 with usual opening ceremonies.

Motion by S/M Hemmingway , 2^nd by S/M/ Reichler to dispense with the reading of the minutes as the last meeting consisted of officer/installalation.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Letter of support for the Veteran Day Parade, November 6 from S/M Applewhite

Received Membership Roster from National Headquarters

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Motion by S/M Cleveland, 2^nd by S/M Reichler to have S/M Healy continue to maintain website.

Established FRA Chapter 208 Bylaw committee to update bylaws.  S/Ms Cleveland, Hemmingway, Reichler

NEW BUSINESS:

Shrine Club is having an Italian Dinner, July 16^th; Call 358-1466 for details and RSVP.

FRA National Essay Contest needs a Chapter Chairman to imitate program.  Chairman will be named next meeting.

Priority/Focus for this year is membership as stated by President Healy.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

40 Year Pin/Commendation Letters were presented to S/M George Potter and S/M John Cooney.  Congratulations shipmates!

Change of command at Naval Hospital on July 30^th

Naval Hospital Townhall Meeting 1400&1830 at classroom A, Naval Hospital 15 July. Topic-Thrombosis.

Korea War Veteran Recognition Dinner at Hilda’s, on 20 August, at 1800.  Korea Veterans are free, other attendees pay $10.  Hosted by Disabled American Veterans.  RSVP only by calling 455-3400.

Change of command occurred with the Camp Lejeune Commanding Officer.

President Healy received surgery July 4.  Status-good

Retiree Appreciation Day will be held at Marston Pavilion, 18 September, starting at 0900.  Encourage all retirees, family members, and widows to attend.

There being no further business,  the meeting was adjourned at 2018.

Legislative Interest

Concurrent Receipt Pulled from Jobless Benefit Bill
To ensure passage of extended unemployment benefits, all other provisions were pulled from the so-called Tax Extenders bill (H.R. 4213) this week, including FRA-supported language that allows the concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans' disability benefits for some retirees. The stripped-down version of the bill passed the House and Senate, and goes to the White House for President Obama's signature.  

FRA will be pressing for opportunities to include the concurrent receipt provisions onto another bill.  A likely target is the Senate Defense Authorization bill (S. 3454) that has cleared the Senate Armed Services Committee and is awaiting Senate floor action.

Amos Nominated as 35th USMC Commandant
On the recommendation of Defense Secretary Robert Gates, President Obama nominated General Jim Amos to succeed General James Conway as the next Commandant of the Marine Corps. Amos, a career pilot who is currently the assistant commandant, will undergo Senate confirmation hearings, which have not yet been scheduled.

Lawmakers Address Lapses in VA Patient Safety
The House Veterans Affairs (VA) Committee held an oversight hearing in St. Louis, Mo., to review recent lapses in patient safety at VA facilities. The department's National Infectious Diseases Program Office revealed several incidents in which VA employees at the John Cochran VA Medical Center failed to follow proper procedures for sterilizing dental equipment. Such errors potentially exposed numerous veterans to Hepatitis B, C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The Clinical Risk Assessment Advisory Board made a determination that the risk of infection was extremely low and the VA sent disclosure letters and offered serology testing to 1,812 veterans who may have been affected by the error. Dental services at the St. Louis Medical Center were temporarily suspended and all veterans with appointments were given the option to reschedule or to receive care at a private community clinic at VA expense.

Unit 208

 Dinner Meeting on Monday 2 August 2010 at 6:00PM

*********************************************************************************************************

2010-2011 Officers:

President...Bridget Hendges..353-0798         Treasurer......Joyce Bowen...455-1498

V Pres....Margaret Williams....346-8033         JrPP......... Margaret Boggs...347-3123

ExecSec...Nancy Cleveland.. 346-3866                        Chaplain....Annette Cherry...346-8436

FinSec..,,,,.Bertha Erickson...455-5426           Editor.......A. Hemmingway...346-9425

Board of Directors:  Karen Allison, Annette Cherry, Annie Rosser, Brenda Good, Rosa Lee Sporbert and Arlene Hemmingway

**********************************************************************************************************

President's Message:

 We will have the white elephant sale next month, so bring items for this event. I send get well wishes to those who are ill, and to those celebrating happy occasions, enjoy!

       Bridget Hendges     

*******************************************************************************************************************************************

  The July 2010 Newsletter was not mailed.  It was published on the Branch 208 website, www.fra208.org.  

**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

UNIT MEETING

   5 July meeting - Members in attendance enjoyed the fellowship on the holiday.  The Unit will have the White Elephant Sale in August.   

*************************************************************************************************************

DID YOU KNOW:

---Terry LaFave enjoyed the Barber Shop Quartet performance at Northside High School, Ted and Annette Cherry's 50th Wedding Anniversary's gathering of dear friends and relatives and her great-grandson's birthday party - he is seven years old.

---(Late news) In May, President Margaret Boggs and Arlene Hemmingway assisted the Branch Scholarship Chairman Terry Hoffman, Randy Reichler and Bill Hemmingway in selecting the Branch Scholarship Recipient.

---Arlene Hemmingway attended a family reunion in Warsaw recently.

---Arlene Dargan's husband was in the hospital for serious surgery.  He is home now and doing good.

---Annette Cherry flew to Buffalo, New York to attend the Catholic Daughters National Convention for eight days in July.

---Bertha and Curtis Erickson's son, Tony, a LtColonel in the Marine Corps Reserve, went aboard ship for two months reserve duty in Peru.

---Margaret Boggs' husband, Bill, was in the hospital for serious surgery. He is home now and doing well.

---Annette and Ted Cherry have been to Maryland and Washington, DC to visit friends and family.

"---From Rossie Ritter:  My grandson, Jeremy, and I took a trip to New Jersey to visit my son, Jim.  We went up on Rt I-95 through Washington DC and Baltimore and I said there was no way we would return that way.  We had a great time with the family and came home by way of Rt US-13.  Yes, we saw a lot of small towns and of course the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.  Jeremy was driving and when we got to the bridge, I asked him if he wanted me to drive and he said I'll be OK as long as I can see land.  He did good.  We stopped by Suffolk VA and visited with my daughter and her family for a rest stop.  My youngest granddaughter, who is now nine months old, is growing so fast.  We had a great trip.

 ---During the July 4th holiday, Brenda and Chuck Good took Spencer, Krystal and grandson, Bodey, to Disney World and had a great time.  On July 10th, Chuck and Brenda celebrated their 45th Anniversary at Myrtle Beach.  Also they celebrated Chuck's birthday July 23rd at Myrtle Beach.  They are proud to say that their grandson, Alex, was chosen to play hockey in the Junior Hurricanes.

---Members that attended the Regional Convention in Richmond VA 22-24 July were JrRPEC Aida Littlejohn, PRPEC Rossie Ritter, PRPEC Rosa Lee Sporbert, PRPEC Isabel Brock, PRPEC Lauretta Barnes, Nancy Cleveland, Lillian Miller, Margaret Williams, and PNP Arlene Hemmingway. 

*************************************************************************************************************

   UPCOMING EVENTS:

             2 August - Unit Meeting -bring items for the White Elephant Sale

       3 August - National Night Out in Jacksonville

         6 September - Labor Day

       11 September - Patriot Day

       12 September - Grandparents Day

       17 September - Citizenship Day                    

        Week of 12-19 September 2010 - FRA/LA FRA National Convention, Spartanburg, South Carolina

        18 September - Camp Lejeune Retiree Appreciation Day at Marston Pavilion

         27-29 January 2011 - FRA/LA FRA East Coast Regional Midyear Meeting at City Hotel and Bistro in

                                   Greenville, North Carolina

*********************************************************************************************************** 

          AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

       3 August - Ruth A. Holmes              21 August - Dorothy M. Johnson

       4 August - Margaret G. Williams      22 August - Doris J. Donaldson

     11 August - Dorothy M. Moore           23 August - Courtney D. Gray

     16 August - Karen L. Allison              25 August - Miriam L. Moore

     18 August - Betty V. Ennis                28 August - Margaret S. Boggs

     18 August - Betty C. Herrmann         28 August  - Muriel B. Myhrum

     19 August - Annette K. Menshew      30 August - Karherine J. Forsyth

     20 August - Flo E. Vendeville            31 August - Yvonne M. Poulin  

 

           SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS (through 13 September)

       3 September - Ernestine M. Obee    12 September - Mary A. Nogast

      10 September - Arline C. Kuhn          13 September - Sandra J. Mihalcik            

 *************************************************************************************************************

QUOTE:

 ---Pain nourishes courage.  You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you.  

                                                                                                              ---Mary Tyler Moore

 

Joint Installation of Officers

The installation took place on 7 June.  Shipmate Bill Hemmingway was

the Installing Officer.  The following Shipmates were installed for association year 2010 - 2011:

President................Jerry Healy

1st Vice President....Bill Boggs

2nd Vice President...George Cleveland

Secretary................Randy Reichler

Treasurer................Bill Hemmingway

Board of Directors...Ray Applewhite, George Potter

Meeting Minutes

Joint Installation of Officers

7 June 2010

After dinner, at 1900, the meeting opened with normal ceremonies.

 

The gaval was turned over to Unit 208 for their installation.

Upon recovering the gaval, the Installing Officer, S/M Bill Hemmingway, was escorted to the podium.

The following Shipmates where inducted to their respective office:

President................Jerry Healy

1st Vice President....Bill Boggs

2nd Vice President...George Cleveland

Secretary................Randy Reichler

Treasurer................Bill Hemmingway

Board of Directors...Ray Applewhite, George Potter, and Bb Allison.

Several comments were made by both the installing officer and the new president.

A Two Bell Ceremony was held in honor of all the Shipmates and Ladies that joined the Staff of the Supreme Commander this past year.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

Unit 208

Dinner Meeting on Monday 5 July 2010 at 6:00PM

*****************************************************************************************

2010-2011 Officers:

President...Bridget Hendges..353-0798         Treasurer......Joyce Bowen...455-1498

V Pres....Margaret Williams....346-8033         JrPP......... Margaret Boggs...347-3123

ExecSec...Nancy Cleveland.. 346-3866                        Chaplain....Annette Cherry...346-8436

FinSec..,,,,.Bertha Erickson...455-5426           Editor.......A. Hemmingway...346-9425

Board of Directors:  Karen Allison, Annette Cherry, Annie Rosser, Brenda Good, Rosa Lee Sporbert and Arlene Hemmingway

*****************************************************************************************

President's Message:

   I am honored to be your President for the new year 2010-2011.  Thanks to the members  for continuing with your Committees.  We are a small group but we can be a powerful one with all of us sticking together.  Please try to get out and recruit some members - we need them.  If anyone would like to call me, my cell phone number is 910-340-0446.

   I wish everyone a happy 4th of July. 

       Bridget Hendges     

*****************************************************************************************

   Members that assisted Branch Secretary Jerry Healy, Branch President Don Broussard, Bill Hemmingway and Bob Allison in placing address labels and stickers on the June 2010 Newsletters on 9 June were President Margaret Boggs, Rosa Lee Sporbert and Arlene Hemmingway.

*****************************************************************************************

UNIT MEETING

   June meeting - dinner was served at 6:00pm followed by the  joint Installation of Branch and Unit Officers.  Bill and Arlene Hemmingway were the installing officers.  No other business was conducted.   

    Information passed to all in attendance from Sandra Housel who prepared and served dinner to everyone:  The Shrine Club will have a monthly Senior Dinner and Entertainment on the third Friday evening of each month.  Cost is $5.00.  For reservations, call Sandra at 910-358-1466.   

*****************************************************************************************

DID YOU KNOW:

 ---Annette and Ted Cherry celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Friday, 11 June at the Hadnot Point Officers' Club at Camp Lejeune.  Their family members and many friends shared in this wonderful celebration.  What a wonderful couple they are.

 ---Branch President Jerry and Susan Healy's son, Patrick, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees of Bachelor of Science in Public Health in Biostatistics and Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Mathematics on 9 May, Mothers Day.  Many family members attended the ceremony.  Congratulations!

 ---JrPRPEC Aida Littlejohn attended the Institution of the new Branch 301 in Greenville on 3 May.  She also attended our Installation of Officers.  (Aida is a Unit member, however,  it is an hour's drive for her to come to the meeting.)

 ---Arlene and Bill Hemmingway were in Pinehurst NC 13-17 June for him to attend a conference.

 ---From Bertha Erickson - Curtis and I attended the Lions State Convention in Asheville NC May 28-30, 2010.  Friday Fun Night was such a good time and then we went over to the Casino on Saturday.  We enjoyed the banquet on Saturday night.  Sunday we attended the Remembrance Services which is very sad to see so many NC Lions had passed away this past year.  There were a total of 142 names read.  Then we headed home after saying our good-bys to all.  Asheville is such a lovely city.

 ---Also from Bertha Erickson - On June 5, 2010 we went to Elm City to visit with our granddaughter.  Our great grandson, Logan, had his 5th birthday on June 1 and we had missed the party the previous weekend because we had been in Asheville.  So we went up to celebrate late.  He is such a character and Tabetha says she never knows what to expect of him.  We spent the night and then Sunday we all went to lunch at the Mayflower in Rocky Mount.  Our daughter and family joined us. 

 ---Margaret Boggs and her sister went to Gaston, South Carolina to visit their brother.  He and his wife renewed their wedding vows on their 50th wedding anniversary.

 ---Rosa Lee Sporbert went to Flagler Beach, Florida on July 4th weekend for a family reunion.

 ---In May, Elizabeth and Doug Foster attended their son's graduation from the University of Kentucky in Ashland, KY.  He was Valedictorian and President of Phi Beta Kappa and received his Bachelor's

Degree for Associate in Business.  Congratulations!  Now he will continue and work toward his Master's Degree.

 ---Katarina-Chantiles was married recently to Mr. Eaton, who is serving in the U.S. Navy.  They will soon be moving to the Norfolk, Virginia area due to his transfer to the Naval Air Station there.  Congratulations to the newlyweds!

 ---Aida Littlejohn will attend the wedding of RVPEC Karen Snee's daughter, Janet, in Burke, Virginia on 9 July.

 ---Lillian Ragan flew to California to attend the graduation of her grandchildren, David Ragan and Lisa Ragan, from the College of Engineering and College of Sciences at San Diego State University during spring 2010 commencements.  David graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in statistics actuarial science.  Lisa graduated magn cum laude with a degree in business administration. Their parents are Eileen and Richard Ragan.  Richard grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1971.  Congratulation to the graduates!

 ---Bridget Hendges will be out of town from the 20th of July til the 26th of July.  She is going to California to visit her grandson, Conrad, and her son.

 ---Irma and George Potter will attend the old Southeastern Thresher's Reunion 28 June through 4 July.  They are also enjoying a hobby - geo-caching - very interesting activity.

 --- Brenda and Chuck Good were in Raleigh for the ballet performance of granddaugher, Cameron.  Then the next week on Thursday, they were in Raleigh to attend Grandson, Bodey's, pre-school graduation.

 ---Martha "Marcille" Lucille Basnight Johnson, a Life member of LA FRA, passed away 24 June.  She was a former member of Unit 141 Cherry Point then transferred to Member-at-Large.  This information was received from Aida Littlejohn.

*****************************************************************************************

   UPCOMING EVENTS:

           4 July - Independence Day

           5 July - Unit meeting - bring new small stuffed animals to be donated for use at the Pediatrics Unit of the

                            Naval Hospital      

        22-24 July 2010 - FRA/LA FRA East Coast Regional Convention, Richmond, Virginia 

        Week of 12-19 September 2010 - FRA/LA FRA National Convention, Spartanburg, South Carolina

         27-29 January 2011 - FRA/LA FRA East Coast Regional Midyear Meeting at City Hotel and Bistro in Greenville,          North Carolina

           

*****************************************************************************************

            JULY BIRTHDAYS:

         5 July - Constance A. Cowan              18 July - Ida Vierow

       14 July - Donna S. Hay                         30 July - Grace M. Cummings

   16 July - Marian T. Lawhorn         30 July - Sylvia I. Witchella

          AUGUST BIRTHDAYS (through  11 August)

       3 August - Ruth A. Holmes           11 August - Dorothy M. Moore

       4 August - Margaret G. Williams

 ****************************************************************************************

QUOTES:

 ---A little help is better than a lot of pity.      ---Celtic Proverb

 ---Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.   ---Ella Wheeler Wilcox

 ---You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction.   ---George Lorimer

 ---A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances but, rather, a person with a certain set of attitudes.

                                             ---Hugh Downs

 

 

 

Legislative Information

Congressional Recess Draws to a Close - War Funding First in the Queue?

The 10-day Fourth of July recess is about to come to a close.  The Senate reconvenes at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 12.  The House returns at 2 p.m. the following day, Tuesday, July 13. 

 

Reaching consensus on supplemental funding legislation should top lawmakers "to do" list when they return.  This critical wartime funding remains ensnared in a political tug-of-war between fiscally conscious lawmakers, those seeking to end funding for combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those willing to use these needed resources as leverage to help secure funds for domestic agenda items.

 

When first adopted by the Senate in May, H.R. 4899, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010, contained a total of $45.5 billion in discretionary funding for FY 2010.  This included $37.12 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and $13 billion for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.  But the House add-ons approved prior to the Independence Day recess tacked on another $23 billion in spending, mostly for domestic issues, all of which must now be agreed to by the Senate.  Reaching harmony on that much extra spending will be difficult. 

 

Complicating matters further, the House-approved version reduced funding for one of the President's key education initiatives by $500 million, an action that drew immediate criticism from the White House and a veto threat if it is included in the final bill.  If the President ends up rejecting the measure, money DoD said it needed last week could be further delayed. 

 

Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned Congress in June that the Pentagon would have to do "stupid things" if it didn't approve the supplemental spending request by the 4th of July.  These steps included diverting funds from day-to-day programs, furloughing civilian employees and eventually withholding pay and allowances from the troops.  We don't know if the department initiated such drastic action yet, but one thing is certain, only timely action by Congress will prevent it from occurring.        

   

It is difficult to understand how some lawmakers would even think of using defense funds as leverage for other programs while our troops face the threat of death overseas.  The funds desperately needed by our men and women in combat should never, repeat, never be delayed or diverted to other domestic concerns.  That is why NAUS supports a freestanding bill, absent of funding for issues other than national defense.  

 

Congress needs to make this issue its first priority when members return from recess next week, and they need to hear from you.  [Source NAUS 9 July 2010]

CENTCOM Replacement Named

Defense Secretary Robert Gates told reporters at a Thursday morning press conference he is recommending the President nominate Marine General James Mattis, Commander, US Joint Forces Command, as the next commander of Central Command (CENTCOM). 

 

General Mattis, if confirmed, would fill the position vacated by General David Petraeus, who assumed the role of top U.S. commander in Afghanistan July 4. [Source: NAUS 9 July2010]

New PTS Rule to be Announced by VA

Congressman John Hall (N.Y.), chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance, announced that the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) will adopt a rule that presumes a service connection for any veteran who served in a combat zone and has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Currently, veterans who apply for disability benefits related to PTS must demonstrate their illness is service related. Thousands of veterans are denied benefits because they are unable to document their claims decades after their discharge from service. The new rule will make it easier for all veterans suffering from PTS to receive VA health care and disability compensation, including some who may have been denied benefits in the past. [Source: FRA Newsbytes 9 July 2010]

DFAS to Stop Savings Bond Allotment

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) will stop all current U.S. Savings Bond allotments processed for active duty military and military retirees effective July 31, 2010.  This action is a result of the Treasury Department's decision to convert to electronic transactions. DFAS customers wishing to start or continue purchasing bonds through payroll deduction will need to establish an online account at www.Treasurydirect.gov/tdhome.htm. To learn more, visit the Treasury Department's online Frequently Asked Questions  page at http://www.treasurydirect.gov/news/news_elimination_paperpayrollqa.htm. [Source: FRA Newsbytes 9 July 2010]

Temporary Doc Fix

President Obama signed "The Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act" (H.R. 3962) into law, authorizing a six-month delay (until November 30, 2010) to the 21-percent reimbursement rate cuts for doctors who accept Medicare and TRICARE patients.  

This is the third time this year that Congress has approved short-term delays in the effective dates of the rate cuts and lawmakers previously considered this so-called "doc fix" as part of the broader and yet-to-be-enacted "Tax Extenders" bill (H.R. 4213), which also addresses concurrent receipt reform, unemployment benefits and the extension of various tax incentives. Although the measure's fate remains unclear, the bill would authorize service members who are medically retired with less than 20 years of service (Chapter 61 retirees) and have a disability rating of 90 to 100 percent to concurrently receive both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation, without offset, starting on October 1, 2010 (FY 2011). The following year concurrent receipt would be expanded to those medically retired with 70- to 80-percent disability ratings. These provisions are similar to President Obama's proposal last year to phase-in concurrent receipt by FY 2015 for all medically retired service members. [Source: FRA Newsbtyes 2 Jul 10]

TRICARE Officials Launch New Formulary Search Tool

Beneficiaries and providers can use the new TRICARE formulary search tool to find the most up-to-date information about prescription medications.  Located here, the new formulary search tool allows beneficiaries to easily find which medicines are in the uniform formulary.  These are available at all full-service military treatment facilities and covered by TRICARE.

Once a user has identified if a drug is available, they can use the search tool to get information on a drug, such as restriction on use.  The tool also shows if the medication is Tier One (with a $3 copay,) Tier Two (with a $9 copay) or non-formulary (requiring a $22 copay.)  It also shows when a generic equivalent is required.

As an added benefit, the new TRICARE formulary search tool has integrated the prior authorization and medical necessity forms and criteria into a search engine while still maintaining a page with a complete list of all criteria and forms.  Any restrictions such as quantity or age limits are displayed in one location.

"This should make it easier to find all relevant information about a specific drug instead of trying to click on different links to other Web pages and sort through vast amounts of information," said Jeremy Briggs, a pharmacy operations center official and search tool designer.  "The idea is to have all that information available with one search, but still link back to pages for in-depth information."

The search tool's functionalities will increase and become more refined, based on feedback provided by patients and providers.

"The new TRICARE formulary search tool is adaptable to meet the ever changing needs of our beneficiaries and we are planning to meet those needs," Mr. Briggs said. [Source: NAUS Weekly 2 July 2010]

 

 

 

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