May - MOAA Alamo

M ILITARY
OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
A LAMO C HAPTER
T HE
Volume 34, Number 5
L ARIAT
“ Five Star  Chapter”
May 2014
President’s Message
The Storming of the Hill has just taken place in Washington. This is when
the Texas Council of Chapters President,
board members and MOAA Staff meet
with all of our Texas Representatives
and Senators to advocate for issues related to the Military, from Active to Veteran to retiree to family members.
reemphasis them. I am going to present
two of them to you now and the remaining two next month.
own initiative to eliminate out-ofpocket housing cost completed in
2005
1) Don’t let budget cuts undo Con Reducing commissary savings for unigress’s decade of work to rebalance
formed service families
military compensation with the exThe Pentagon is suggesting these cuts,
traordinary demands and sacrifices of
stating
spending on pay and benefits for
a military career.
service
members has “risen about 40
This is an essential activity given that
The FY 2015 budget submission propos- percent more than growth in the private
most of our Congressmen have never
es several significant pay and benefit
sector” since 2001.
worn the uniform and have no real concuts which are inconsistent with the except of the sacrifices made (and continue
treme sacrifices exemplified by the last
Congress worked over the past decade
to make) over the years. Many think of
12 years of war.
to fix the 13.5% pay gap, eliminate the
the military as a large corporation that
18% out-of-pocket housing costs milican be manipulated as a business and the  Capping pay below the Employment
tary members faced, and reverse the remembers of the military as people who
Cost Index (ECI) for a second straight
sulting retention problems caused by
can be treated as a normal civilian workyear (and potentially four more)
repeatedly capping military raises below
er. This is a dangerous concept and we
(Continued on Page 7)

Reducing
Basic
Allowance
for
Housneed to continue to educate our repreing
(BAH)
by
5%,
reversing
DoD’s
sentatives as to the uniqueness of our
President’s Message
military and the service that they and
their families give to this country to protect its very survival.
We went to the Congress with four
very concise and coherent fact sheets to
use with our Congressmen. These are
on the MOAA.org Website. You should
all look at these and then make a concerted effort to meet personally with
your Representative or his staff to
Inside This Edition:
Pg 2
Pg 3
Pg 4
Pg 5
Pg 10
Pg 14
Pg 14
Chapter News & Notices
Volunteer of the Year
New & Renewing Members
June Dinner Dance Details
Chapter Activites
TVC Annual Summit
Chapter Events Calendar
Senator Leticia Van de Putte presenting a state proclamation to chapter
members in honor of Women’s Veterans Month in Texas.
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Chapter News & Notices
TAPS
Cookie Angels
Grateful thanks to those who either
baked and or took items to the wounded
soldiers at Ft Sam Houston’s Warrior
and Family Support Center.
If you were able to give this month on
behalf of the Alamo Chapter please call
Susie at (210) 654-0351, so we may add
your name to our list. Thank you.
Maryada Artiglia
Irene Collier
Nita Felder
Susan Filipini
Joe & Adele Genualdi
John Gibbs
Rochelle Koltz
Sue McCarthy
Mac and Lori McDonald
Goldie Monroe
JC & Marilyn Newell
Lolly Orlowski
Phyllis Smith
Lou Strong
Brenda Tobey
Susie Tolman
Dot Wise
Tom & Evelyn Woods
Thank You!!
Each of our members listed below
have donated a little (or a lot) to either
the Scholarship Fund, Chapter Operations, or both!
Col Clair Book USA (Ret)
Col Upendra Kharod USAF (Ret)
LTC Randolph Meade USA (Ret)
Vilma Rega
Joan Weart
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We have received information that
the following members have passed
away.
We wish to convey our sincere condolences and best wishes to their
family and loved ones:
Ingeborg Smith
2/15/14
Marilyn Engelking
Spouse of Col Donald Engelking
USA (Ret)
3/19/14
Col Ted Reinsch USA (Ret)
4/3/14
LTC Edward LeFebvre USAF
(Ret)
4/4/14
LTC Michael Yndo USAF (Ret)
4/16/14
WANTED!
All Active Duty or Retired
Job Seekers
Vision &
Mission Statement
Vision:
To be the primary advocate for the military community
Mission:
To be a major source of
information, support and
social engagement for
the membership;
To provide programs and
services for the common
good of our military
community;
To be a powerful voice
If you would like to be added to the regular email blast that lists job opportunities in San Antonio and the surrounding
area, please email our
Alamo Chapter Transition Liaison Officer David Patrick at
dwpatrick01@gmail.com
supporting MOAA at the
local, state and national
levels.
To help us fulfill our mission come
join us at our monthly leadership
If you are an area employer who is intermeetings - the 1st Thursday each
ested in hiring career transitioning officers month at 10am, at the Chapter Ofor their spouses . . or if you are a MOAA
fices.
member who is interested in helping a caCall
(210)
228-9955
for more info.
reer transitioning officer or spouse as a
San Antonio Networker . . or if you are
a MOAA member Job Seeker, please contact me – David Patrick, Chapter Transition Liaison Officer & MOAA Texas Networking Coordinator at 210-259-9867 or
by email at dwpatrick01@gmail.com.
2
Note: June’s meeting has been
moved to Thurs June 12.
Chapter Volunteer Of The Year - LTC James Taylor
The Alamo Chapter of MOAA  Home visitations 140/ 790 hours/ 1236 miles
proudly nominates our Chaplain,
the Reverend Doctor James Taylor Reverend Doctor James Taylor LTC USA (Ret) has
served our veterans, retired and families in extraordinary
for the United Way Volunteer of
ways during ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans
the Year.
Day as a member of MOAA, Sons of the American RevoThis exemplary volunteer conlution and American Legion. As a retired US Army
tinues his lifelong ministry to the
Chaplain, he served 34 years with the Active and Reserve
military community while serving forces and continues to dedicate much of his time to veterwith the Alamo Chapter helping to ans praying for their spiritual and physical healing, espereach its goals.
cially those suffering from the wounds of current wars. In
his military service, Chaplain Taylor trained over 350
He his recognized for his good and faithful work with
chaplains and chaplain assistants in combat ministry to
the military community, both veteran and active duty.
troops and provided ministry to countless military personWhat follows is a synopsis of the work he performed durnel and their families. He had four assignments to Ft.
ing 2013.
Sam Houston, three at BAMC, his last being that of the
Ft. Sam Houston Chaplain.
Volunteer impact on the Organization:
 Performed huge amount of volunteer service on behalf of
Alamo Chapter of MOAA.
 Represented the Chapter spiritually with Chapter members and the military community.
 Paricipated in visitations with veteans, conducted funerals, etc.while representing the Chapter.
In retirement, Chaplain Taylor continues his history of
providing spiritual guidance for his fellow members in the
Alamo Chapter and also the military community as a
whole.
Maj Jim Cunningham (Ret)
Volunteer impact on JBSA-FSH Community:
 In the past year, he has made over 629 visits, logging
over 11,000 miles to visit and serve veterans in VA Hospitals, nursing homes and in their homes.
 He has visited wounded warriors at SAAMC.
 He has conducted over 71 veteran funerals over the year.
Volunteer Contributions:
 Visitations with troops, veterans and family members in
spiritual need
 Working with Wounded Warriors and their families
 Worship services
 Visiting military members in VA and military hospital.
 Funerals
 Tool Box Programs
Volunteer Time and Initiative:
 2013 volunteer hours with Alamo MOAA
 426 hours in funeral/memorial services
 204 visits to nursing homes/assisted living facilities for
veterans 372 hours and 3062 miles.
 Veteran visits 120 visits/ 144 hours/ 1452 miles
 Wounded Warrior/families 38 visits/120 hours/972 miles
 Worship services 36 services/ 220 veterans served/ 180
hours/ 1226 miles
 Veteran and Military hospital visits 84 times/ 140 patients/ 144 hours 1586 miles
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THANK YOU!
Renewing Members:
Alamo Chapter Membership
As of: April 25, 2014
1700
Active
Aux
Former
Retired
Total
1650
1600
342
201
19
802
1364
MG Charles Honore USA (Ret)
Goal
MG Charles Rodriguez USA (Ret)
1550
2014
1500
BG James Doty, Jr USA (Ret)
1450
1400
Col Clair Book USA (Ret)
2013
1350
CAPT Vincent DeInnocentiis USN
(Ret)
1300
1250
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Col Alexander Gozur USAF (Ret)
Months
Col Ron Hannan USAF (Ret)
WELCOME New Members:
Col David Anderson USAF (Ret)
COL Scott Bleichwehl USA
Col George Chronis USAF (Ret)
Col William Clarke USAF (Ret)
COL Mustapha Debboun USA
Col James Fisher USAF (Ret)
Col John Hinds USAF (Ret)
Col Joseph Hope USAF (Ret)
Col Rufus Johnston USAF (Ret)
Col Rondel Minter USAF (Ret)
Col Herbert Peck USAF (Ret)
Col Allan Perry USAF (Ret)
COL Christopher Powers ANG
Col Paul Renfro USAF (Ret)
Col Fred Ryder USAF (Ret)
CAPT Samuel Schick USN (Ret)
Col Peter Seebeck USAF
Col Daniel Sowada USAF (Ret)
LTC William Butkovich USA (Ret)
LTC Michael DeCesare USA
LtCol David Leas USAF (Ret)
LTC Jeffery Moton USA
Col Ed Herrera USAF (Ret)
CPT Gary Wilson USA
Col Mark List USAF (Ret)
Maj Ellen Cahalan USAF (Ret)
Col “Boots” Miller USAF (Ret)
Maj Sylvia Cruz USAF
CAPT James Rice USN (Ret)
Maj George Greenly USAF (Ret)
Col Jack Salmon USAF (Ret)
Maj Clara Johnson USAF (Ret)
Col Rex Tallent USAF (Ret)
Maj Arthur Nanos USAF (Ret)
LtCol Thomas Atkinson USAF
(Ret)
MAJ Emilio Rodriguez USA
Maj James Smith USAF (Ret)
MAJ Patrick Tracy USA (Ret)
LtCol Warren Camarano USAF
(Ret)
1Lt Mary Hall USAF (Frmr)
LTC (Chaplain) Lawrence Haworth
USA (Ret)
1Lt Ofelia Viesca USA (Frmr)
LTC John Kepler USA (Ret)
2LT Betty Bundy USA (Frmr)
LtCol Carl Leonard USAF (Ret)
CWO4 Henry Karpf USAF (Ret)
LTC Randolph Meade USA (Ret)
Joel Gage USA
LTC Bob Moher USA (Ret)
Thomas Marks (Ret)
MAJ Robert Corbo USA (Ret)
JoAnn Richardson
MAJ Thurayya Gillis USA
Nestor Soto USA
Maj James Rosskopf USAF (Ret)
Miriam Dykes
Sandra Hicks
Lyn Henderson
Annabelle Jenkins
LtCol Robert Hess ANG (Ret)
Diane Pittenger
Dorothy Rogers
Capt Jodi Maley USAF
LaVonne Spears
Vilma Rega
Lt Eugene Robbins USNR (Ret)
Eva Stein
Joan Weart
CPT Joey Vigil USA
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4
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE ALAMO CHAPTER’S
3rd ANNUAL “CRUISING INTO THE SUMMER” PARTY
You don’t have to be a MOAA or Alamo Chapter member to attend!!
When:
Friday, June 27, 2014
Where:
Petroleum Club of San Antonio
8620 N New Braunfels, Suite 700
San Antonio, TX 78217-6363
Phone: 210-824-9014
Time:
6:30 – 7:30p Cocktails (Cash Bar)
7:30p Dinner & Dancing
Dinner:
The Petroleum Club’s wonderful, renowned and scrumptious “cruise style” buffet:
Carved Steamship of Beef, Chicken Gratinee, Oven Roast Potatoes, Green
Beans Almondine, Rolls/Butter, Dessert Selection of New York Cheesecake with
Fresh Berries, Italian Cream Cake and Chocolate Raspberry Cake, Coffee & Tea
Dancing:
Music by “Two for the Road”
Dress:
Ladies: Cruise casual, i.e. dresses, skirts and tops, or pants outfits
Gentlemen: Cruise casual, i.e. Hawaiian shirt/slacks or business casual
(No shorts or hats please)
Cost:
$36/person
Reservations: Must be made by noon, Tuesday June 24.
(Reservations not cancelled by noon, June 24th will be billed)
- - - - - - - - - - -  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cut & Return - - - - - - - - - - - - -  - - - - - - - - - - - Cost per person: $36
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Guest(s): _____________________________________________________________
TOTAL ENCLOSED $_______
Please send this reservation slip & check made payable to “MOAA-AC” to:
MOAA-AC, P.O. Box 340497, Ft. Sam Houston, TX 78234
Call 210-228-9955 with questions
or
Pay by credit card on our secure website at http://www.alamomoaa.org/
5
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6
(Continued from Page 1)
private sector pay growth in the 1980s
and ‘90s. Cost growth since 2000-2001
was essential to keep the previous compensation cutbacks from breaking the
career force. Since 2011, personnel cost
growth has already slowed to less than
2% per year.
Solitaires
Soccer
San Antonio is a sports minded
city. We have basketball (Spurs),
football (college and high school) and
a new sport rising in popularity, SocSustaining pay raises comparable to
cer. Support by some of our political
the average American is a fundamental
leaders including mayors, Garza and
tenet of the AVF. In the late 1970s ConCastro, has stimulated local interest.
gress had to enact two double-digit pay
Gordon Hartman, philanthropist, and
raises to correct retention in the wake of
home builder built Toyota Stadium, a
multiple pay raise caps. In 2003, Consoccer field. He spent 40 million dolgress explicitly linked annual military
lars of his own money to build a
raises to private sector pay growth via
the ECI. The FY 2015 budget proposes a field adjacent to Morgan's Wonder1% pay raise cap (vs. the 1.8% indicated land. Profits from games played by
the Scorpions (local team) are used to
by the ECI) for a second straight year.
support a theme park for handicapped
By the late 1990s, the Defense Deindividuals. It was built to honor his
partment persuaded Congress to make
handicapped daughter and other handimilitary housing allowances meaningful
capped persons.
by setting BAH at 100% of median local
housing costs. This standard was codiHow did the game of soccer
fied after years of budget cuts reducing
evolve?
There are several different
BAH rates below actual housing costs.
version of how it started. (1) In LonBetween the FY 2014 and FY 2015
don's famous Newgate Prison in
pay caps, the proposed BAH reductions, the early 1800's, prisoners who had
the reductions in commissary savings,
their hands cut off came up with a
and the new TRICARE fee structure, an sport that used only their feet. (2)
E-5’s family of four would experience a Some of the earliest records came
loss of nearly $5,000 in purchasing powfrom a Chinese military manual comer annually; and an O-3’s family of four
piled between the 1st and 3rd centuwould experience a loss of nearly
ries. (3) Two of the earliest types of
$6,000.
games in Europe came from ancient
MOAA understands the difficult pre- Greece (EPISKY ROS) and Roman
dicament the Pentagon now faces and
(HARPASTAM). (4) Many similar
we agree that balancing the force and
games were played in China, Japan
ending the harmful effects of sequestra- and Australia with a round ball.
tion must be accomplished. Not doing
so, the risks become unacceptable.
The term "futball" was established
But past experience of capping military raises below private sector pay
growth has proven that once pay raise
caps begin, they continue until they undermine retention and readiness – and
this proposal includes caps for six
straight years.
The troops’ last three raises averaged
less than 1.4%, with the FY 2014 pay
raise being the lowest in 50 years. And
this proposal is not limited to pay. This
(Continued on Page 11)
money. They got 35 cents for every
goal. England created the term soccer
to distinguish it from rugby. The object of the game is to score using any
part of your body besides your arms
and hands to get the ball into the opposing goal.
The goal keepers are the only players allowed to touch the ball with their
hands while it is in play, and only in
the penalty phase. Outfield players
must use their feet to strike or pass the
ball However, they may use their
heads instead to strike or toss the
ball. The laws of the game were codified in England in 1863 by the International Federation of Futball.
In most of the world soccer was
known as futball. It evokes a great
passion and plays an important part in
lives, laws, communities and nations.
It has been said that even the polite,
modest and humble in Europe fall into
rage when playing or watching soccer.
Even today when England plays you
know fans will riot, vandalize, turn
over and burn cars after the game regardless of who wins.
Why is group violence so prevalent? In 1896 a Frenchman, Gustave
LeBon developed the "Contagion theory", to describe collective behavior. It
proposes that crowds evoke a hypnotic
influence on their members, and an
anonymity of belonging to a large
group of people. This results in irrain the rules book in 1876 to distinguish
tional and emotionally changed behavit from soccer and rugby. Some differior. The frenzy of the crowd feeds
ences were in running, passing, kickupon itself growing more contagious
ing and goal posts. Colleges and uniwith time often instigated and guided
versities were the first to change existby individuals.
ing rules. By 1888 soccer rules had
been changed and revised. Soccer reA recent example of mob violence
mained a violent sport until 1905 when
occurred in a soccer game in Brazil on
Theodore Roosevelt threatened to
4 July 2013. A referee called a foul
abolish the game after 19 fatalities ocand instigated a harsh penalty. The
curred. Rules were changed every
player shunned it and a fist fight
four years for safety of the players,
(Continued on Page 8)
and prohibiting players being paid
7
The Lariat May 2014
stomach tissue of executed Irish
prisoners.

Brazil's Pele got the nick name
ensued. The referee pulled a knife and
"Pele" meaning six feet--because he
plunged it into the player’s chest.
was born with six toes on each foot
The player was rushed to the hospital
 The fate of Soccer in San Antonio
but died in route. This enraged the
depends upon politics and economfamily and fans. They mobbed the
ics.
referee, tied him up and tortured him.
When they learned that the player had
In May there will a pot luck lunchdied, they dragged the referee out on
to the field, stoned him to death, then eon instead of the usual 1st Tuesday of
the month meeting. It is planned for
cut up and dismembered his body.
Fortunately American fans only resort Saturday 17 May at the home of Linda
to screaming and throwing plastic bot- Gayer .
tles.
Solitaires
(Continued from Page 7)
Did you know?
 Soccer players often run six miles
during a game.
 India withdrew from the World Cup
in 1950 because they weren't allowed to play barefoot.
 The original World Cup was made
of papier-mâché but had to be replaced in 1950 after a heavy rain
storm.
 In 3rd World countries the soccer
balls are often made of rags and diapers.
 As a young girl, Queen Elizabeth
played soccer at Buckingham Palace.
 In England until 1908 the first soccer balls were made of inflated
Source: San Antonio Express News
Internet
Col Irene Collier (Ret)
If you are a single man or lady and
like to eat, chat, make new friends, experience or provide sometimes brief impromptu or scheduled interesting
demonstrations, talks, or discussions,
whether you are: visiting the area; active duty or retired; widowed or divorced; the SOLITAIRES is the group
for you.
This is a wonderful opportunity to
enjoy camaraderie with other single men
and ladies whose backgrounds and experiences are with the military. So make
that resolution to get out and about and
come have some fun!! Call the office
(210) 228-9955 for more details.
Corporate Partners
Abby Consulting
Air Force
Federal Credit Union
Air Force Villages
Army Residence
Community
Beldon Roofing Company
Housing 1 Source
Medical Services
International, Inc
Navy Federal Credit Union
Randolph Brooks Federal
Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union
Silverbridge Realty
Spectrum Technologies, Inc
Marketing Yourself for a Second Career
Joint Base San Antonio
A professional development lecture for officers and senior enlisted in transition.
Civilians, spouses and retirees cordially invited.
Learn about:
Your competition for finding a job
Perceptions civilian employers have of military personnel
A plan for your job search
Resumes, Cover letters, broadcast letters, etc.
How employers read your resume.
Networking and penetrating the hidden job market.
Preparing for and conducting a successful interview.
Salary negotiations and benefit packages.
We encourage each of you to remember our Corporate Partners in
your business and daily activities
because we truly appreciate their
support.
If your business or organization
would like to join us as a Corporate
Partner, please contact us at (210)
228-9955.
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Time: 0900-1130
Location: Base Theatre Randolph AFB
Project Officer: Mr. Ray Ramos
Phone: (210) 652-5321
The Lariat May 2014
See links to these companies on our
website www.alamomoaa.org
8
Thank you for your consideration
9
The Lariat May 2014
Chapter Activities
Storming The Hill
JROTC Award Presentations
MOAA-AC Chapter members and MOAA
national Board Members LtCol Ed Marvin
& Col Barbara Ramsey, together with
spouse advocate Cynthia Hill, met with 10
of the Texas representatives during the
MOAA sponsored Storming The Hill on
April 9 to discuss issues affecting the military.
Pete Gallego
Ruben Hinojosa
Vela Filemon
LCDR Gil Rodriguez (not pictured) & Maj
Jim Cunningham traveled to the Valley to
present the MOAA medal to JROTC Cadet
CSM Cheyenne Underwood of Weslaco
East High School on April 5, 2014.
Joaquin Castro
The Alamo chapter covers
most of south Texas in its annual JROTC Awards presentations covering over 120
JROTC Units. If you would
like to be a presenter at a local High School please email
LTC Jim Webb at
beaubien43@gmail.com or
call the office at (210) 2289955.
Lamar Smith
The Lariat May 2014
10
leaders need to better manage costs instead of shifting costs onto beneficiaries.
But the current proposal goes well be“quadruple whammy” of capping pay,
yond just fee increases and shifting costs
increasing out-of-pocket expenses for
– it is an irrational attempt to rehousing, slashing commissary savings,
structure the program and reduce the
and increasing TRICARE costs for milivalue of the benefit.
tary families would be huge steps back“Cost Growth since 2000” claims are
ward on the road towards repeating the
insidious measures which led to retenmisleading – not “exploding”
tion and readiness problems in the past.
 2000 is inappropriate baseline; that era
This piecemeal reduction of compenreflected spending and retention low
sation and benefits is doubly inappropripoints
ate since the Military Compensation and
Retirement Reform Commission will be  Health cost growth spiked in 2002-03
after TRICARE for Life (TFL) enactoffering more comprehensive reform
ment, but has been declining ever
proposals next year.
since
Recommendation: Sustain pay and
benefits for military members and their  Congress enacted selected current and
future increases in 2011 and 2012 that
families. Don’t repeat the past and let
will further “slow the growth”
budget cuts undo Congress’ decade of
work on fixing pay and benefits.
 Combined personnel and health costs
are approximately 1/3 of DoD budget
2) Reject Disproportional TRICARE
– same as they’ve been for 30 years
Fee Hikes and Health Plan Changes
service as their premium – this was not
intended to be an “insurance product.”
Proposed increases are out of line
 Consolidating the TRICARE Health
with
the changes already authorized by
Plans into one – results in higher
costs, less choice, and no access stand- Congress. Both the FY 2012 and FY
2013 Defense Authorization Acts inards
creased fees by 16% including large Rx
 Increasing costs and creating new
copays, instituted the mandatory Home
costs for active duty families who
Delivery Pilot program, indexed future
have limited or no access to MTFs
fee increases to military retired pay
 Re-labeling TRICARE Prime enroll- growth and launched the Defense Health
Agency (DHA), all of which will even
ment fee to “participation” fee for
further “slow the growth” of health care
working age retirees without guarancosts.
teeing access
meal changes are inappropriate since the
Military Compensation and Retirement
Reform Commission will be offering
more comprehensive reform recommendations to all pay and benefits next year
– these proposals are simply budgetdriven and shifts cost onto beneficiaries
while reducing access and benefit value.
President’s Message
(Continued from Page 7)
Proposed health fee schedules discriminate against military retirees. No
other federal employee or retiree pays
income based fees for service-earned
health coverage, and it is rare in the private sector.
Comparison with civilian/corporate
cash fees is inappropriate. Military retirement and medical benefits are the
primary offsets for enduring decades of
extraordinarily arduous service conditions. Military retirees pre-pay huge “up
front” health premiums through 20-30
years of service and sacrifice.
DoD leaders should be held accountable to fix program inefficiencies. Studies
show consolidation of budget oversight
would save billions vs. having three separate service programs and multiple contractors vie for budget share. Much more
can be done to save money through
chronic disease management and inThe FY 2015 DoD budget will shift over  At 10% of DoD budget, its health care creased use of pharmacy home delivery.
$9 billion in costs to military beneficiaris a bargain when health care comprisThese changes fly in the face of Comies over 10 years by:
es 23% of the federal budget
mission’s ongoing work. These piece-
Recommendation: Reject disproportional TRICARE fee hikes and plan
changes. Changes in 2011 and 2012
have already “slowed the growth” and
will generate sufficient savings from the
The
“consolidation”
will
result
in
pay Forcing working age retirees for the
beneficiary contribution towards cost
ing
more
and
receiving
less
value
and
first time ever to pay to be seen at
containment.
access.
The
streamlining
of
health
care
MTFs
plan options in the new proposal reduces
I will be attending the Army Chief of
 Dramatically increasing pharmacy
choices for beneficiaries by eliminating
Staff’s Retiree Council this month,
copays to surpass the median of civil- Prime – just as it also completely takes
where we discuss issues that really affect
ian plans
away any guarantee access to care.
retirees of all services. I will report on
Combine this with a new, drastic fee
 Imposing a means-tested, enrollment payment structure, you pay more and get this and the remaining two issues from
the Storming of the Hill in the next issue
fee for new TRICARE for Life benefi- less.
of the Lariat. Have a great month!
ciaries – which no other federal retirTFL Enrollment fee is out of line with
ees has.
original law. The 2001 law specified that
DoD proposed similar fee increases
no enrollment fee beyond Medicare Part
last year and fortunately Congress reB costs should be required for benefijected them on the basis that Pentagon
ciaries over 65, recognizing their lengthy
Maj Jim Cunningham (Ret)
11
The Lariat May 2014
Benefits of Membership
of MOAA and the local
chapter
Referred by: _____________________________________________________
Check preferred Membership:
______ Renewal
_____ Initial Application
_____ $25 Membership with hardcopy of newsletter
_____ $15 Membership with electronic copy of newsletter, or Surviving Spouse (auxiliary) membership
 Our monthly newsletter, The
Lariat, which includes a calendar
of events, is sent to each member
(or made available on-line), and
includes both MOAA and Alamo
Chapter news. Stay informed!
 Monthly luncheons, which
rotate between the Randolph Parr
Club, Fort Sam Houston Golf Club,
and Lackland service clubs, feature
informative speakers and are also
open to guests.
 Benefit information of all
kinds is provided through the
Alamo Chapter. We have an
experienced Vice President of
Personal Affairs who can give
quick answers to your and family
members’ questions, or who can
research the more complex issues.
 The opportunity to enjoy the
camaraderie of meeting fellow
chapter members and their guests.
We also plan for various social
events, open to families and guests.
In addition, our chapter features a
singles group called the Solitaires,
some of who are surviving spouses.
The Solitaires have a busy social
calendar.
 Make your voice heard on
proposed state and national military
legislation which may affect you
and your family. Both the Alamo
Chapter and MOAA national
welcome your views!
 Enjoy many benefits,
discounts, and services, to include
career planning through our
Transition Liaison Officer.
Membership Application
(Annual Membership)
Are you a member of MOAA National? __________
Military Officers Association of America
Alamo Chapter
Circle Status: Commissioned & Warrant Officers of all services - Active, Reserves,
Former, Retired, National Guard, NOAA, PHS, Surviving Spouse.
*Name_________________________________________________________________
(Print) Last
First
MI
Spouse
______________________________________________________________________
Residence Address
City
State
Zip
______________________________________________________________________
Rank/Grade
Service
Date of Birth
Home phone_______________________Email________________________________
* May we have your permission to publish this information in the Chapter Membership
Directory? ________ (date of birth is not published).
(*This directory and your e-mail address are exclusively for the use of the chapter and will not be
sold or used for any other purpose than chapter communications and/or board approved activity.)
Would you like to access our monthly newsletter (The Lariat) at our website versus having
a hard copy mailed to you? _______ (Dues reduce to $15 per year).
Would you like to assist in shaping and moving the chapter forward? Come join us at our
leadership meetings the first Thursday of the month from 10-12am at the Chapter office on
or if you would like a member of the Executive Staff to call and discuss how you can help
indicate below:
Yes – please call me: ( _____) ______________
Circle Interest: JROTC, Members
Programs, Recruiting, Public Relations, Duty Officer, Personal Affairs, Legislativ
Affairs, Other/wherever the need is greatest.
________________________________________
Signature
____________________
Date
Payment by Credit Card
Card Number:___________________________________ Exp Date: __________
Billing Zipcode: ______________ Amount: ________________ CVV:________
CHARITABLE OUTREACH PROGRAM
 The Alamo Chapter also
provides college scholarships to
those who qualify.
Please accept my tax-deductible donation of: $____________ to (check one)
Outreach Fund* _______ Operations ________
*a fund for annual college scholarships and other charitable programs and services.
Send applications to:
MOAA-AC, P.O. Box 340497, Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234
For questions please call (210) 228-9955 or e-mail: moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net
Also visit our chapter’s website at www.alamomoaa.org
Please feel free to copy and provide this form to prospective members.
04-01-14
The Lariat May 2014
12
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The Lariat May 2014
Chapter Events Calendar
16th Annual Veterans Summit
Events pertaining to general membership are bolded and
italicized for the volunteer leadership team, though Members are always welcome!
Please call the office for details (210) 228-9955.
MAY
1 Volunteer Hours Due
1 Staff Meeting 10am MOAA-AC Office
9 Victory Day in Europe
11 Mother’s Day
10 TCC 2nd Qtr Teleconference
17 Armed Forces Day
17 Solitaire’s Pot Luck
25 Solitaire’s Sunday Brunch 11 am Randolph Parr
Club
26 Memorial Day Ceremony Ft Sam Houston Natl
Cemetery 10am
29 Scholarship Awards Luncheon Ft Sam Golf Club
JUNE
The Texas Veterans Commission will host the 16th Annual Veterans Summit on Thursday, May 15, 2014, at the
Wyndham Riverwalk Hotel at lll East Pecan Street, San
Antonio, Texas.
The theme of the Veterans Summit this year is "Circles
of Service" and will highlight how Veterans organizations,
non-profit organizations. schools, companies, and local,
state, and federal government agencies work together to
overlap their "Circles of Service" to provide resources for
Veterans and their families.
The Veterans Summit will begin at 8:00 a.m. with opening remarks from the Honorable Joe Strauss, Speaker of
the Texas House of Representatives, followed by an opening panel of elected officials to provide their insights on
issues related to Texas Veterans and their families.
The Veterans Summit will then feature a series of panels of subject matter experts exam1 Submission Deadline for Levels of Excellence Award ining critical issues facing the Veteran community from
both a programmatic and policy perspective, including:
3 Solitaire’s Luncheon 11am Ft Sam Golf Club
1 Volunteer Hours Due
12 Staff Meeting 10am MOAA-AC Office
14 Flag Day & US Army Birthday
15 Father’s Day
22 Solitaire’s Sunday Brunch 11 am Randolph Parr
Club
27 Summer Celebration Dinner Dance Petroleum
Club
JULY
(No Staff/Board Meeting or Chapter Luncheon)
1 Volunteer Hours Due
4 Independence Day Ceremony Ft Sam Houston
29 Extravaganza Sam Houston Club (Ft Sam Newcomers Welcome)
Ongoing Events: Cookie Angels deliver cookies, snacks and
personal care items to the Warrior & Family Support Center. Call Susie Tolman for details (210) 654-0351.
The Lariat May 2014
A Texas-Sized Challenge: Joining Forces to Deliver Veterans Mental Health Resources
Virtually Connected: Using Technology and Social Media to Reach Veterans
All In a Day's Work: Strategies for Getting Veterans
Employment
Investing in the Future: the Value of Educational Opportunities for Veterans
Other breakouts will discuss women Veterans. Veteran
entrepreneurship, housing and homelessness, disability
benefits and family services.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to expand their
"circles of service" during a networking lunch and a closing session at the end of the day.
Registration for the Veterans Summit is $10, which includes lunch. You can register at the following webpage:
www.tvc.texas.gov/summit.aspx. All registrations are requested no later than May 2, 2014.
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DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THIS LARIAT FASTER AND IN
FULL COLOR ON-LINE?
Just send your email address to moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net with the subject line “OLLO”. We’ll gladly remove you from this printed version
mailing list and notify you each month by email when the new issue is
available for viewing. Saves the chapter paper and postage and you get
to see it sooner!
Alamo Chapter
VOLUNTEER STAFF:
PRESIDENT
MAJ James R. Cunningham
jimbob48@sbcglobal.net
EXEC VP Operations LTC Bill Goforth
bagoforth@yahoo.com
VP ADMINISTRATION LtCol Jim Webb
beaubien43@gmail.com
VP PROGRAMS
(Open)
VP MEMBERSHIP LTC Randy Hoff
randyhoff106@hotmail.com
SECRETARY
Col David Patrick
dwpatrick01@gmail.com
TREASURER
Col Vaughn Caudill
vaughn.caudill@us.army.mil
SCHOLARSHIP
LTC Dan Cummings/COL Art
Jackson
VP PERSONAL AFFAIRS Col Stuart Myers
DEPUTY PA
LtCol Craig Erickson
VP LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Col Al Cote
DEP LEG AFFAIRS (Open)
VP PUBLIC RELATIONS (Open)
VP LOGISTICS
LtCol Fred Koechley
LEGAL COUNSEL Jacobson Law Firm
SOLITAIRES
Pat Shecter
CONSULTANT
Maj Len Mull
CONSULTANT
Lt George Frecsko
EDITOR
Col Kerry Green
ASST EDITOR
Col James Payne
CHAPLAIN
LTC James Taylor
PX/VAV/VAC Rep Susie Tolman
ASST JROTC Coord. Col Peter Hunt
TRANSITION LIAISON Col David Patrick
WEB MASTER
Col Bill Hudson
HISTORIAN
Col Janice Edgerson
VOLUNTEER COORD. (Open)
ADVERTISING COORD. (Open)
AFV SATELLITE COORD. CAPT Bill Knehans
ARC SATELLITE COORD. MG Charles Honore
DUTY OFFICERS:
LtCol Bill Polasek, Col Irene Collier (Coordinator)
LtCol Jim Cuskey, LtCol Ed Waggoner, Col Stuart
Myers, CDR Brenda Tobey, LtCol Jim Webb
CONTRACTOR:
Admin Support
Trish Meserve
DIRECTORS:
Chairman: MAJ Jim Cunningham
LTC John Gibbs
LTC Jim Finch
Col Lisa Skopal
Mrs. Susie Tolman
Col Mac McDonald
LtCol Ed Marvin
Col Frank Rohrbough BG James Doty
DIRECTORS EMERITUS HONORARY DIRECTORS
BG George Woodard
Gen William McBride
BG Robert Herring
Statement of Publication
The Lariat is the newsletter of the Military Officers Association of America—Alamo Chapter. It is published once each
month to inform the membership of issues and activities of
interest to all.
MOAA-AC is a non-profit organization 501c 3 within the
state of Texas organized to represent the membership and to
support the activities of the Texas Council of Chapters and
MOAA National.
Advertising contained in the newsletter is not endorsed by
the Chapter and does not represent any recommendation to
the membership. Opinions expressed in articles contained
herein are not necessarily those of the membership as a
whole or the Chapter. Questions should be directed to the
Editor, at the Chapter office.
MOAA-AC P.O. Box 340497 San Antonio, TX 78234
(210) 228-9955 moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net
www.alamomoaa.org
15
The Lariat May 2014
THE LARIAT
U.S. Postage Paid
San Antonio, Texas
National Award Winning Newsletter
M ILITARY
Permit No. 1553
OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
A LAMO C HAPTER
F OR INFORMATION REGARDING
OUR BY- LAWS, S TRATEGIC P LAN,
EVENTS CALENDAR AND PAST
I S S U E S O F T H E LA RIAT P L E A S E
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
WWW. ALAMOMOAA. ORG
P.O. Box 340497
Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234-0497
Phone: 210-228-9955
Email: moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net
www.alamomoaa.org
Postmaster — please deliver by May 1st
Time Sensitive Material
Thursday May 29, 2014
Friday June 27, 2014
Scholarship Awards Luncheon
Cruising Into The Summer
Dinner Dance
Spkr: Col Marc Stratton
The Petroleum Club
8620 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio TX 78217
Inter American Air Force Academy
Cocktails 6:30pm - Dinner served approx 7:30pm
Ft Sam Golf Club
Dancing to Two For The Road
Meet & Greet begins 11am - Lunch served approx 11:45am
Dress code: Cruise Casual (no shorts or hats)
Menu
Buffet Menu
A) London Broil
B) Chicken Mornay
Tossed Green Salad, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Prince William Vegetables, Dinner Rolls with butter
Mousse
Coffee, tea or water, Honor wine bar
Cost per person $20
Carved Steamship of Beef, Chicken Gratinee, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, Dinner Rolls, New
York Cheesecake with fresh berries, Italian Cream Cake,
Chocolate Raspberry Cake.
Cost per person $36
Enclosed: $______
RSVP by noon Tuesday June 24
RSVP by noon Monday May 26
Reservations not cancelled by noon 24th Tuesday will be billed
Non member Officers & guests are welcome!
Reservations not cancelled by noon 27th Tuesday will be billed
Non member Officers & guests are welcome with paid reservations
Name__________________________________
Name__________________________________
Guest:__________________________________
Send check made payable to MOAA-AC to P.O. Box 340497, Ft
Sam Houston, TX 78234. Or contact us by email moaaac@sbcglobal.net or call the office (210) 228-9955 to hold a reser-
The Lariat May 2014
Enclosed: $______
Guest:__________________________________
Send check made payable to MOAA-AC to P.O. Box 340497, Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234. Or contact us by email moaa-ac@sbcglobal.net or call the
office (210) 228-9955 to hold a reservation and pay over the phone. Or visit
www.alamomoaa.org to reserve and pay on-line.
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