FRA Celebrates USCG - Fleet Reserve Association

F R A L e a d e r s S t o r m C a p i t o l H i ll
10
J U LY 2 0 0 7
14
FRA Provides a New Home Port for USS Arizona Model
11
FRA Celebrates USCG 13
M E S O T H E L I O M A
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be able to help get monetary compensation
from the asbestos manufacturers.
Please contact the law firm of:
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www.bergmanlegal.com
No charge for initial consultation.
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Communications
1
National Officers/Board Of Directors
Regional Presidents
New EnglandPaul F. Loveless, Jr., Pine Tree Branch 156
Northeast Francis D. Tyson, Anthracite Branch 288
East Coast Delbert L. Herrmann, Wilmington Branch 299
Southeast Tony Cassata, The Delbert D. Black Branch 117
North Central Leon J. Zalewski, Milwaukee Branch 14
South Central Leo V. Vance, Space City Branch 159
SouthwestCharles F. Smedley, Poway Valley Branch 70
West CoastCharles R. McIntyre, San Jose Branch 140
Northwest John Ippert, Pearl Harbor-Honolulu Branch 46
Nat’l. ParliamentarianPNP J.C. Jim Eblen, San Diego Branch 9
Nat’l Chaplain Vincent W. Patton, III, Navy Dept. Branch 181
Active Duty Advisory Council
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe Campa
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles Bowen
Reserve Advisory Council
Force Master Chief of the Naval Reserve David Pennington
USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major Jimmy D. Cummings
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force
Jeffrey Smith
FRA TODAY Magazine
Publisher FRA
Managing Editor Eileen Murphy
Contributing Editor Lauren Armstrong
Design and Art Direction
FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com
Design Director Scott Rodgerson
Production Manager Sandy Jones
fra today (ISSN 0028-1409) is published monthly by FRA, 125 N. West St.,
Alexandria, Va 22314-2754. A member’s subscription is covered by the member’s
annual dues. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA and additional
offices. Publication of non-sponsored advertising in fra today does not
constitute an endorsement by the FRA or its representatives. Postmaster:
Send address changes to: Member Services, FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria,
VA 22314-2754. fra today is published in the interests of all current and
former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Eligible non-members are not entitled to subscription rates. Established
1 November 1923. Title registered with U.S. Patent Office.
FRA Administrative Headquarters: 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754
Phone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 • Fax: 703-549-6610 • E-Mail: fraTODAY@fra.org
www . fra . o r g
FRA proudly fights for the
pay and benefits of current and
former enlisted Navy, Marine
Corps and Coast Guard personnel. One common question from shipmates is “why
doesn’t every new recruit join
FRA?”
This month’s OnWatch
includes an article by Sgt.
Maj. USMC Estrada, written
shortly before his retirement.
In this article, Estrada shares
Eileen Murphy
his rationale for joining an
Director of Marketing and
Communications
association. “Marines have a
duty to make our voices heard in
government,” he writes. “FRA can say the things to Congress that
you cannot. I’ve seen FRA in action and they have taken important messages to Capitol Hill. The more people that join a military
association, the more support and credibility that particular organization will have when delivering our concerns.” This point is
also valid for Reservists, retirees and veterans. As with fighting any
battle, there is strength in numbers.
Perhaps it goes without saying that it takes a great team to earn
the reputation FRA has. It takes dedication to the job at hand and
respect for the shipmates. It can not go without saying, however,
that Vince Cuthie has been an integral part of this team for a quarter of a century. This month, Vince will retire from full-time employment at FRA headquarters.
There really isn’t any way to put into words what working with
Vince is like. When I walked into my first meeting with Vince,
he was wearing a Napoleon hat and funny nose and glasses, (ala
Groucho Marx). He remained stoic for the conversation but I
couldn’t stop smiling – he set the stage for what he expected from
himself and coworkers: keep a sense of humor, but take the job
seriously. Although Vince will continue to be an important part of
FRA, he will not be a daily presence in the building. Personally, I
will miss the banter, the laughter and the incredibly strong opinions. His loyalty and dedication to FRA is inspiring.
Eileen Murphy is the Director of Marketing and
Communications and serves as the Managing Editor
of FRA Today. Please contact her at eileen@fra.org.
’07-’08 Member Drive
Operation FRA (Former, Retired and Active)
As the recruiting drive “Operation FRA: Former, Retired and
Active” continues, please consider a way you can show your
dedication to FRA. If you know someone in boot camp, give
them a gift of an FRA membership to show how proud you
are of their commitment to serve.
july 2007
Jerry L. Sweeney, Navy Dept. Branch 181
Lawrence J. Boudreaux, Hangtown Branch 275
Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Dept. Branch 181
Paul Rigby
Edgar M. Zerr, Poway Valley Branch 70
FRA Today
Nat’l President
Nat’l Vice President
Nat’l Executive Sec.
Finance Officer
Junior PNP
Authentic American
Coins Struck from
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Actual size is 19 mm
Vault Release: 50-Coin Banker’s Rolls
of Vintage Indian Head Cents
An amazing cache of historic Indian Head Cents
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Precious Pieces of History
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Few Indian Head Cents Remain
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www.FirstFederalCoinCorp.com
1-800-806-1641
July
Volume 86
Number 7
july 2007
1 8 Forging Heroes
A look at recruit training — the transformation
that made you Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard
personnel in the first place.
Departments
2COMMUNICATIONS
4 SHIPMATE FORUM
6ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL
Movement on FY2008 National
Defense Authorization
18
12NES PERSPECTIVE
New Home Port for USS Arizona Model
13 F RA Celebrates USCG
15 ONWATCH
Message from Sgt. Maj. USMC Estrada
prior to retirement
16 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
What does FRA do for you?
12
26 NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES
28 Reunions
30 Taps
13
31 Looking for…
36 LA FRA NEWS
On the cover
Loyalty, Protection and service
FRA is a congressionally chartered, non-profit organization
advocating for current and former enlisted members of the
U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on Capitol Hill. For
more information on the benefits of membership, please visit
www.fra.org or call 800-FRA-1924.
3
FRA Today
Featured
2007
Although recruit training is different for each service,
there are unifying stories and images.
Coast Guard photo by: PAC Tom Sperduto
Navy photo by: Journalist 1st Class Preston Keres
USMC photo by: Lance Cpl. Robert W. Beaver
Shipmate forum
4
FRA Today
July 2007
A Formal Farewell
I was shocked to read an associated press news story written
by Bill Poovey in our local newspaper headlined “A Formal
Farewell for Fallen Troops”. The article told about the father
of Spc. Matthew Holley who was killed by a roadside bomb
in Iraq efforts to change the way his son’s body would be
brought home. John Holley a Army veteran from San Diego
said his son’s body would not be” unloaded like so much
luggage”. His efforts along with Duncan Hunter R-California
and Barbara Boxer D-California helped change the U.S.
government’s use of ordinary commercial flights to deliver the fallen to their loved ones. Organizations like FRA
should honor those who help make this change happen.
MMCM William DeCamp, USN (Ret.)
SBP
Mr. Albert Dell Angelo wrote in the
February, 2007 issue about the shortcomings of the Survivor Benefit Plan.
He made a huge point for those of us
in the same boat. 2008 may be too late
for those enrollees over 70 with 30 years
pay in. Being more aware of the small
print in the SBP contract should alert
new pre-enrollees of the plans inequities. A roll FRA might champion that the revisions should
take effect as proposed in 2005.
CPO Arnold Buckroth, USN (Ret.)
From FRA: Moving the effective date for paid-up coverage
continues to be an FRA priority and was a topic discussed
during the National Board of Directors Storming the Hill
event. Please see page 10 for more information.
DFAS Changes
Please let FRA members know that the DFAS newsletters
have recently been reformatted to a text version so they are
compatible for all users. Many customers are unable to view
the previous version of the newsletter because new security
restrictions do not allow it to be displayed correctly in some
mailboxes. These newsletters have useful information helpful tips to receive your retiree benefits. Go to www.dfas.mil
to look for other new information.
Abel Quinones, USN (Ret.)
From FRA: DFAS has recently made several upgrades to allow people to access pay information more conveniently. Some
of these changes have affected phone numbers and websites.
We will do our best to keep you updated. There are new phone
numbers for paying FRA membership dues by allotment (only
$2 a month!) Please make note of these:
Make it easy on yourself!
Active, Reserve and Retired FRA Members can pay
your membership dues by allotment for $24.00 per
year at a deduction of $2.00 per month.
DFAS numbers have changed. To pay membership
dues by allotment, please call the appropriate phone
number:
Navy and Marine Corps
Active Duty and Reserves
1-888-332-7411
Coast Guard
1-866-772-8724
Retirees
1-800-321-1080
USFSPA Unconstitutional
I want to express my sincere gratitude for
the Amicus brief your organization submitted to the Supreme Court in support
of the petitioners for writ of certiorari
in the case of Tammy Adkins v. Robert
Gates. (Referenced on page 9 of May
FRA Today as FRA Supports USFSPA
Lawsuit.) It was an outstanding brief!!
Capt. John Strassberger, USNR (Ret.)
From FRA: Thank you for your support. FRA signed on to a
“Friend of the Court” letter filed in support of a petition to the
US Supreme Court to declare the Uniform Services Former
Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA) unconstitutional. There is
still no decision from the Court as to whether or not they will
hear the case. FRA Today will keep you informed.
Submissions Send Shipmate Forum letters to: Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St.
Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to fratoday@fra.org. Please
include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and
edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions
and views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of
FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content.
Proud to serve
First issue in an
inspiring new
collection!
When it’s time to show the strength with which
liberty will be defended, the U.S. Navy answers the
call. Once this floating armada takes control of the
seas and the skies, the tide has turned in the favor of
freedom!
a striking tribute
Now the U.S. Navy is celebrated in a unique
collection of replica knives that each measures 101⁄2
inches in length and features montage are by Dennis
Lyall on its porcelain blade. Illustrations of Navy
pride and hand-painted Navy swords, U.S. flag and
the Navy insignia adorn the handles. The word
“Honor” is hand-cast across a silver-toned banner of
Edition One, in tribute to the noble ideals of every
Naval hero.
limited edition,
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Handsomely
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Strong demand is expected , so act now to reserve
the complete collection, beginning with Edition
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Subsequent editions will billed at the same issue
price and shipped about one every other month.
Your purchase is backed by our 365-day moneyback guarantee and you may cancel at any
time. S e n d n o m o n e y n o w. Ju s t m a i l t h e
Reservation Application.
©2007 BGE 01-02969-001-BIS
RESERVATION APPLICATION
THE
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Shown smaller
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Please reserve the Spirit of Courage replica knife collection for me as
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Please Respond Promptly
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Neither the United States Navy
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*Plus $6.99 per edition shipping and service. Limited editions restricted to 295 casting days. Please
allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment of Edition One. Subject to product availability and
order acceptance.
On & off capitol hill
FRA Today
July 2007
6
House Passes and Senate Committee Approves FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill
Lawmakers in the House and Senate are advancing their
• Prohibiting additional military to civilian conversation
respective versions of the FY 2008 National Defense
for Navy medical service restoring 700 personnel to
Authorization Act (NDAA). The House passed its verNavy end strength;
sion (H.R. 1585) on 17 May 2007. The Senate version • Establishing an initiative that will ensure timely diag(S. 567) is still a work in progress
nosis, appropriate treatment and healthat has been approved by the Senate
ing of Traumatic Brain Injury;
Armed Services Committee but awaits
• Transferring Reserve MGIB from
floor amendments and final action by
DoD to VA oversight, thus putting
the full Senate. The House version inactive and reserve MGIB under one
cludes many initiatives that benefit acdepartment;
tive duty, Reserve, retired shipmates
• Consolidating over 60 special pays
and their families, that are reflected in
and bonuses into eight categories;
FRA’s Legislative Agenda.
• Allowing active duty personnel
FRA is encouraged by provisions
to transport two privately-owned
in the House version of the legislation
vehicles to Alaska, Hawaii, and US
that include:
territories;
• Prohibiting TRICARE fee increases
• Providing vouchers for free parand restoring $1.9 billion for the
cel (less than 10 lbs.) or letter mailing
John Davis
Defense Health Program;
to service members serving in Iraq or
FRA’s Director of
Legislative Programs
• Prohibiting pharmacy fee increases
Afghanistan or currently hospitalized
for one year;
under the care of the Armed Forces.
• Eliminating $212 million require• Authorizing
$50
million
in
ment for military health care efficiency savings;
Supplemental Impact Aid to schools with large military
• Providing a 3.5 percent military pay raise, which is 0.5
populations, with an additional $15 million for schools
percent above the Administration’s request;
affected by base closures;
• Requiring FY 2009-FY 2012 active duty pay increases to be • Providing an additional $50 million for the mainteat least 0.5 above the annual Employment Compensation
nance and improvement of medical facilities, including
Index (ECI). Walter Reed Army Medical Center; and
• Expanding Combat-Related Special Compensation • Including provisions of “The Wounded Warrior
(CRSC) for personnel with fewer than 20 but more
Assistance Act” (H.R. 1538) that is intended to improve
than 15 years of service with 60% or greater disability
the management of medical care for wounded service
rating beginning 1 October 2008;
members. • Authorizing indemnity allowance up to $40 per month
Many of these issues are addressed in FRA’s 2007
to spouses that have DIC offset to be phased in begin- Congressional testimony and referenced in letters of supning 1 October 2008;
port to the House Armed Services Committee Chairman
• Increasing FY 2008 end strength for the Marines to Ike Skelton (Mo.) and ranking member Rep. Duncan Hunter
9,000 above the Administration’s request (189,000);
(Calif.) following full committee markup for H.R. 1585.
OMB Letter Opposes House NDAA Provisions
After the House passed its own
version of the FY 2008 National
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA,
bill number H.R. 1585), the White
House Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) responded by sending a letter to Congress expressing
disapproval with some of the FRA
supported enhancements in the bill.
Specifically, the extra one-half percent pay raise each year from 2008–
2012, no TRICARE fee increases, the
$40 monthly payment to survivors of
members whose deaths were caused
by military service that have their
VA DIC deducted from their SBP
payments, and upgrading CombatRelated Special Compensation for
those with more than 15 years but
less than 20 years of service that are
rated 60% disabled or more.
On & off capitol hill
7
Task Force to Support TRICARE Fee Increases
The Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care recommends in its interim report, released 31 May 2007, increasing
TRICARE fees and pharmacy co-pays for retirees under age
65. Further, the Task Force recommends that co-pays and fees
be indexed to keep pace with health care inflation costs and
will endorse a tiered schedule of fee increases based on rank
at time of retirement. The Task Force recommended that DoD’s
share of the cost should be equal or lower to its share of the
cost when the program began in 1996, referencing claims that
beneficiaries under age 65 paid 11 percent of cost in 1996 as
compared to 4 percent today.
FRA strongly opposes drastic health care fee increases, until other cost saving alternatives are implemented. Imposing
higher health care costs on military retirees sends a powerful
negative message not only to retirees, but to those currently
serving about the value of their service to the Nation. The
promise of access to health care benefits is an integral and
long recognized part of the government’s commitment to those
who have served our country in the past — and also those now
serving our Nation in time of war.
FRA presented its views to the Task Force this year. NES
Joe Barnes, who also serves as co-chair of The Military Coalition
(TMC), stated that, “The drastic fee increase plan is a major issue in the retiree communities – and also a morale issue within
the senior enlisted ranks. Active duty personnel view the plan
as an erosion of their promised benefits.” Barnes led off presentations by a team of five TMC organization witnesses.
Readers are encouraged to use FRA’s Action Center to let
their voices be heard. Please go to www.fra.org and ask your
elected officials to support “Military Health Care Protection
Act” (S. 604) introduced by Sens. Frank Lautenberg (N.J.) and
Chuck Hagel (Neb.). The bill is almost indistinguishable to the
one (S. 2617) they introduced last year, that helped prevent
imposition of Pentagon-proposed TRICARE fee increases. The
bill would limit DoD from increasing TRICARE fees more than
the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI).
John Davis is a member of Navy Department Branch 181.
Prescription Pilot Program without Co-pays
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (Fla.) introduced “The TRICARE Mail-Order
Pharmacy Pilot Program Act” (H.R. 2319) that would require
the DoD to test a mail-order pharmacy program that provides
the incentive of no co-pays for prescriptions. The bill would establish a two-year pilot program, starting by March 2008, under which at least 2,000 beneficiaries who currently use only
retail pharmacies would be offered free access to the mailorder system to refill prescriptions for their maintenance medications. Participating beneficiaries would be shown how much
that would have saved them over the previous year, and would
be provided information on how to enroll in the mail-order program to have the medications delivered to their home with no
co-pays. Members are urged to contact their Representative
urging support for the bill through the FRA Action Center located on www.fra.org.
Supplemental War Funding Passes after Long
Dispute
Congressional supporters of an Iraq withdrawal timeline yielded and
Congress passed an emergency war funding appropriations bill (H.R.
2206) that includes benchmarks on progress for Iraq’s government. The
President signed the bill on 25 May 2007.
The bill was amended on the House floor to add $17 billion in spending which is slightly less than the $21 billion which Congress added to
the first bill that was vetoed by the President. The floor amendment
includes needed funding for BRAC ($3.1 billion), military construction
($1.7 billion), the Defense Health Program ($3 billion) and VA health
care ($1.8 billion). The war funding legislation will provide resources for
the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan until 30 September 2007.
july 2007
The Association is disappointed that the House
version of the NDAA does not include a provision regarding paid-up status for Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
but will work to get a floor amendment offered to the
Senate version of the NDAA to make the paid up effective 1 October 2007.
The Senate Armed Services Committee completed its
markup of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization
Act (S. 567) in closed session and at press time the legislation awaits floor debate, amendments and final action by the full Senate. Key provisions of the committee
markup include:
• Prohibiting TRICARE fee increases and restoring $1.9
billion funding for the Defense Health Program;
• Providing 3.5 percent pay raise, which is 0.5 percent
above the Administration’s request;
• Expanding Combat-Related Special Compensation
(CRSC) to include medical retirees with less than 20
years of service. Currently CRSC is provided only for
service members with 20 or more years of service;
• Modifying the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to allow
guardians and caretakers of dependent children to
receive SBP benefits;
• Reducing when Reservists may draw retirement pay
below age 60 by 3 months for every aggregate 90 days
of active duty mobilization; and
• Increasing Army and Marine Corps end strengths;
• Allowing service members to carry up to 90 days of
unused leave.
The final version of the FY 2008 NDAA will be
written later this summer by a conference committee
comprised of members of the House and Senate Armed
Services Committees after the Senate passes its version
of the legislation.
FRA Today
Health Care
On & off capitol hill
FRA Today
July 2007
8
FRA Testifies Before Senate
Defense Appropriations
Subcommittee
FRA staff outlined the Association’s
recommendations for the FY 2008
Department of Defense (DoD) Budget
in testimony to the Senate Defense
Appropriations Subcommittee on 16
May 2007. DLP John Davis cited the
safety of Sailors, Marines and Coast
Guardsmen serving in Afghanistan
and Iraq as a top priority and that
funds should be allocated to ensure
they receive the best protective equipment available. Davis also urged the
subcommittee to provide full funding
for the Defense Health Program; active duty pay increases at least 0.5%
above the Employment Cost Index
(ECI); provide adequate end strength
for the Sea Services; readiness and
support structures to enhance family
readiness; adequate child and youth
programs; supplemental Impact Aid
funds; adequate funding for the MGIB;
and resources to support retention of
military treatment and other facilities
at BRAC sites. In addition, he urged
funding for expanding concurrent
receipt and paid-up Survivor Benefit
Plan (SBP) if approved by the Senate
Armed Services Committee.
FRA Briefs USCG Retiree
Council
FRA staff recently provided a legislative update to the National Coast
Guard Retiree Council. Along with a
member of MOAA’s staff, the briefing
was on behalf of The Military Coalition
(TMC) and included TRICARE fees,
paid-up SBP, final retired paycheck,
USFSPA reform, concurrent receipt
improvements and military retiree
benefit changes. The Council meets
annually to ensure that members of
the Coast Guard retired community
are kept informed on legislative issues
that can impact their benefits. The
panel is co-chaired by FRA National
Chaplain and former MCPOCG
Vince Patton (Ret.) and RADM Fred
L. Ames, USCG (Ret.).
Reserve Retirement Age Change Proposed
Rep. Tom Latham (Iowa) introduced, “The National Guard and Reserve Retirement
Modernization Act” (H.R. 1428) which is identical to Senate legislation (S. 648)
sponsored by Senator Saxby Chambliss (Ga.) to reduce the minimum Reserve
retirement age by three months for every 90 days of mobilization in support of
a contingency operation or in response to a national emergency since Sept. 11,
2001. The Senate bill was adopted by the Senate Armed Services Committee as
part of its markup of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Bill (S. 567).
Depending on service commitments, Reservists could draw benefits as early as age
50. The current minimum age for the Reserve Component to collect retirement
pay is age 60.
The fundamental assumption for the Reserve retirement system established in
1947 is that a Reservist has a primary career in the civilian sector. However, FRA
believes it’s past time to recognize that greatly increased military service demands
over the last dozen years have significantly cost tens of thousands of Reservists
their civilian retirement accrual, civilian 401(k) contributions, and civilian job
promotions. This legislation is opposed by the Pentagon and FRA shipmates are
urged to use the Action Center on www.fra.org to express support for this important
legislation.
Change the Dept. of the Navy to the Dept. of the Navy and
the Marine Corps
Rep. Walter Jones (N.C.) is again sponsoring FRA-supported legislation (H.R. 346)
that proposes a name change of the Department of the Navy to the Department
of the Navy and Marine Corps. This change would enhance the role of the Marine
Corps as an equal member of the Armed Services in the eyes of our citizens, who
have always admired Marines for their dedication and service to the Nation.
The previous appointment of the Commandant of the Marine Corps as a permanent member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was sufficient justification to recognize
the Corps as an Armed Service equal to the task of providing its opinion and
recommendations on joint and combined operations with the Army, Navy, and Air
Force. Subsequently, the assignment of a distinguished Marine as Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the appointments of the immediate past Sergeant
Major and Commandant as the Senior Noncommissioned Officer and Commander
of NATO, respectively, only adds to the justification. The aforementioned appointments have placed the Corps on a parallel with other services that have had senior
officials at the highest levels of command.
The Corps has filled a unique niche in the Nation’s history not duplicated by any
of the other Armed Services. It provides exceptional and exclusive capabilities in
concert with its sister services, in war and in peace.
House and Senate Agree on FY 2008 Budget Resolution
Both chambers of Congress agreed on a joint budget resolution that will serve as
a spending blueprint to assist Appropriations Committees in drafting FY 2008
spending bills. FRA appreciates the allocation of an additional $3.6 billion for
VA health care, wounded warriors and their families, plus restoring hundreds of
millions of Administration-proposed funding cuts for military health care, and
allocations of extra funding for military manpower increases to ease stresses on
troops and families. The budget resolution would allow additional concurrent receipt and SBP improvements. FRA thanks shipmates who used the Action Center
to ask their elected officials to include more funding for important military benefits in the budget resolution. Congress has passed its appropriations bills without
finalized budget resolutions three of the last five years.
On & off capitol hill
9
Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs Improvements to Disabled
Veterans Life Insurance
Proposed
Congressman Walter B. Jones (N.C.) introduced “The Disabled Veterans Insurance
Improvement Act” (H. R. 2026) that would
increase the amount of supplemental life
insurance available for totally disabled
veterans. The bill would increase the
coverage available by $20,000, making a
total of $50,000 of life insurance available
to veterans rated 100% disabled. Senator
Daniel Akaka (Hawaii), Chairman of the
Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, has
also introduced similar legislation in the U.S.
Senate. “The Disabled Veterans Insurance
Act” (S. 643) would increase life insurance
available to veterans rated 100% disabled
to $40,000.
Pay Veterans First Introduced
Rep. John Hall (N.Y.) is sponsoring “The Pay
Veterans First Act” (H.R. 2292) which will
freeze 2007 bonuses for VA employees until
the department reduces its backlog of more
than 400,000 pending disability claims to
100,000 or fewer. Rep. Hall chairs the House
Veterans Affairs Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.
Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.) and Rep. Steve Rothman (N.J.) are sponsoring “The
Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act” (S. 1147 and H.R. 463 respectively),
which would allow new Priority Group 8 veterans to enroll in the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. Priority Group 8 veterans are those
with non-service-connected disabilities whose income is above a modest level
that varies by location. These FRA supported proposals would reverse the
decision more than four years ago to cut off all Priority 8 veterans’ access to
the VA health care system.
House Mil. Con VA Appropriations Subcommittee Approves
its Budget
The House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs’ Appropriations Subcommittee approved an FY 2008 appropriations bill for the VA and military
construction that would provide $4 billion more than the Administration’s
$105.2 billion request and $18 billion more than fiscal 2007 spending.
Most of the additional dollars would go to the VA, which would provide
enough funding to hire 1,000 new claims processors to tackle the large
backlog of pending disability claims. In addition, there is new money for
repair and maintenance at VA medical facilities to supposedly prevent another
Walter Reed-type scandal from occurring. The Appropriations Committee
will begin full committee markups soon. FRA testified before the panel on 21
March 2007.
Speaker Discusses VA Issues
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) hosted a press conference with FRA
and other Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) in attendance to report on the accomplishments of the 110th Congress including
• Adding money for Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC);
• Increasing one-half of a percent above the Administration’s requested
increase for active duty pay;
• Passage of “The Returning Service Member VA Healthcare Insurance Act”
(H.R. 612);
• Passage of “The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act” (H.R. 1538) to improve
outpatient care
• Rejecting TRICARE fees for Retirees and health care fees for VA Priority
Groups 7 & 8;
• Increasing the VA budget by $6.7 billion over FY 2007 (the largest increase
in the department’s history) and $3.8 billion above the Administration’s
request.
Other House leaders in attendance included Majority Leader Stenny Hoyer;
House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairmen Bob Filner; House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton; Appropriations Chairman David Obey;
Mil. Con /VA Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Chet Edwards; House
Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt; and House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Henry Waxman.
During the meeting, FRA’s National Veterans Service Officer Chris Slawinski
thanked them for their leadership on advancing the budget without TRICARE
fee increases, and stressed the need for SBP paid up this year and the need
for full concurrent receipt.
july 2007
The House approved an FRA supported
measure “The Returning Service Member
VA Healthcare Insurance Act” (H.R. 612)
sponsored by House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Filner (Calf.).
It would extend the term of free health
care for returning service members from
two years to five years, a change intended
to help veterans who may have health
problems, specifically Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD), that often has delayed onset of noticeable symptoms well after their
military discharge. The bill would apply only
to veterans who had combat service during
or after the 1991 Gulf War. This legislation
is especially important given the growing
realization that PTSD and other combat
induced mental problems may take years
for symptoms to appear.
Healthcare for All Veterans Proposed
FRA Today
House Votes to Extend
Veterans Health Coverage
On & off capitol hill
FRA Today
July 2007
10
FRA Leaders Storm the Hill
FRA national officers, accompanied by Headquarters’ staff
members, stormed Capitol Hill on 17 May to discuss the
Association’s priorities with the 110th Congress. FRA’s legislative team organized approximately 40 meetings between
26 Board Members, Ladies Auxiliary (LA FRA) Board
Members and Regional Vice Presidents and the offices of
their respective Representative or Senators.
FRA annually arranges the visits in conjunction with the
Association’s mid-year Board of Director’s meetings at FRA
National Headquarters in Alexandria, Va. “These Hill visits are essential for FRA to establish and reinforce personal
contact with the member of Congress and their staff,” said
FRA’s National President Jerry L. Sweeney, who met with
his own elected officials, Rep. Jo Ann Davis (Va.) and Sens.
James Webb (Va.) and John Warner (Va.)
The Association focused primarily on two legislative
topics, adequately funding health care and paid-up SBP
(Survivor Benefit Plan). Making TRICARE more costefficient was discussed, as well as adequately funding the
Defense Health Program. FRA representatives also discussed
reform of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and strongly supporting shifting the effective date from 2008 to 2007 for retirees participating in the program who’ve reached age 70
and paid premiums for 30 years.
The day concluded with a special FRA sponsored reception honoring Rep. C.W. “Bill” Young (Fla.), ranking member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee,
who received the Association’s Pinnacle Award. The award
recognizes distinguished members of Congress who have
championed improved benefits for men and women in uniform. Young was chosen in recognition of his strong leadership and continued support for improving health care, pay
and other benefits for active duty, Reserve, and retired military personnel.
Storming the Hill
RPNC Leon Zalewski with John
Larson, Legislative Correspondent
for Senator Herb Kohl (Wisc.).
Director Legislative Programs (DLP) John Davis
(left) and RPSC Leo Vance (right) met with
Rep. Gene Greene (Texas).
RPNENG Paul Loveless, Jr. (left)
and RVPNENG William Waite (right)
with Sam Horton, Military Legislative
Assistant to Senator Olympia
Snow (Maine).
NVP Larry Boudreaux (left) and NP
Jerry Sweeney (right) with Andrew
Hicks, Military Legislative Assistant
to Rep. Jo Ann Davis.
(left to right) NVP Larry Boudreaux, RPWC Charles
McIntyre, Sen. Barbara Boxer’s (Calif.) Military Legislative
Assistant Ann Morris, RPSW Charles Smedley and
Jr. PNP Ed Zerr.
NP Jerry Sweeney (left) with
Scott A. Suozzi, Legislative
Fellow from the office of
Sen. John Warner (Va.) and
NES Joe Barnes (right).
Asst. Dir. Legislative Programs
Ed Dockery (left) and RPNW John
Ippert (right) with Rep. Neil
Abercrombie (Hawaii).
On & off capitol hill
11
Pinnacle Award Reception for Representative Bill Young
FRA Today
july 2007
Rep. David Hobson (Ohio) and
NES Joe Barnes.
Rep. Bill Young (Fla.) was presented the
Pinnacle Award by NP Sweeney (left) and
LA FRA NP Robbins (right).
Vice Admiral Bob Papp and FRA’s
Director of Membership Development Bob Washington (right).
Rear Admiral Stan Bozin congratulates Pinnacle Award recipient
Rep. Young (Fla.).
NP Sweeney and LA FRA NP Robbins with Rep. Howard
Coble (N.C.).
(left to right) NES Barnes, Rep. Duncan
Hunter (Calif.) and NP Sweeney.
Rep. Walter Jones (N.C.), MCPOCG Skip Bowen and
Rep. Howard Coble. (N.C.)
Rep. Jack Kingston (Ga.) with PNP Ralph Schmidt.
On & Off Capitol Hill is written by Joe Barnes,
National Executive Secretary and John Davis,
Director of Legislative Programs with input from
Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Director
of Membership Development, Chris Slawinski,
National Veterans Service Officer and Ed Dockery,
Assistant Director of Legislative Programs.
Sgt. Maj. USMC Carlton Kent and
RPNE Francis Tyson.
DLP John Davis speaks with Rep. Walter
Jones (N.C.).
All reception photos by: Vince Cuthie
NES Perspective
FRA HQ is New Home for Original USS Arizona Model
12
and the remainder of the money was donated to the Navy
Headquarters due to the National Board of Directors mid- Relief Society. The original unveiling was at the Memorial
year meeting and associated events including our annual on 7 December 1967, attended by the first Master Chief
Capitol Hill visits, and new this year was the inclusion of our Petty Officer of the Navy, Delbert Black, the fourth Sergeant
annual Pinnacle Reception as part of this program. In addi- Major of the Marine Corps Herbert J. Sweet and members
of FRA branch 46.
tion, we hosted a meeting of the Employee
After the Arizona Memorial Museum
Pension Committee, coordinated a visit to
was
built in 1980, the model moved there
the new National Museum of the Marine
and
remained on display until this past
Corps at MCB Quantico, and provided
December.
Over the past several years,
support for the LA FRA Pilgrimage.
divers
studied
the ship and identified
In conjunction with the Board meeting,
differences
between
the sunken ship and
we also coordinated a rework of the lobby
model
details,
which
led to the creation
of our building to include fresh paint, new
of
a
new,
more
enhanced
model now on
carpeting and the addition of the original
display
in
the
Museum.
One
of these is
model of the famed USS Arizona in a beauthe
color
of
the
ship,
which
was
changed
tiful new display case. The model and the
to a sea blue with a light gray top.
cast of the Homecoming statue by Stanley
FRA Branch 46 member and Pearl
Bleifield which is prominently displayed at
Harbor survivor Ansil “Sandy” Saunders
the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington,
Joe Barnes
was adamant about FRA getting the origDC., greet all visitors and reflect two maFRA’s National Executive Secretary
inal model, and championed its move to
jor Branch and FRA-led initiatives and the
Headquarters. His passion led the muAssociation’s strong and generous comseum to decline another group’s offer to purchase the model
mitment to both projects.
National President Jerry Sweeney unveiled the model for $30,000. Unfortunately, Sandy Saunders passed away
of the USS Arizona during a special ceremony on 18 May. before a decision on what to do with the model was made
Many of you may remember the Association’s involvement and PRPNW Noel Bragg helped carry out Sandy’s vision
with this project back in 1966. Shipmates from FRA’s Pearl and was in Alexandria for the unveiling.
As NP Sweeney said during the unveiling, “The dedicated
Harbor Branch 46 realized that the majority of the quartermillion visitors each year to the USS Arizona Memorial had shipmates from Branch 46 made this model a reality forty
never actually seen the battleship afloat. They only saw part years ago, and now we’re humbled to now have it here.”
of the ship’s superstructure and what remained of the ship
underwater.
The Navy had strict regulations governing the memo- Joe Barnes is FRA’s National Executive Secretary and Chairman of the National
rial, and at FRA’s request, the Navy agreed to accept and Committee on Legislative Service. A member of Navy Department Branch 181,
display a model of the USS Arizona. FRA initiated a fund- he is also an advisor to the National Committees on Budget and Finance and
raiser and the generous contributions went beyond the goal Membership and Retention.
FRA Today
July 2007
Springtime is busier than usual at FRA National
(left to right) Paul Rigby,
Finance Officer; Leo V. Vance,
Regional President (RP) South
Central; J.C. “Jim” Eblen,
National Parliamentarian; Jerry
L. Sweeney, National President;
Vincent W. Patton, III, National
Chaplain; Joseph L. Barnes,
National Executive Secretary;
Edgar M. Zerr, Jr. Past National
President; John Ippert, RP
Northwest; Paul F. Loveless,
Jr., RP New England; Lawrence
J. Boudreaux, National Vice
President; Francis D. Tyson, RP
Northeast; Charles F. Smedley,
RP Southwest; Leon J. Zalewski,
RP North Central; Charles R.
McIntyre, RP West Coast; and
Delbert L. Herrmann, RP East
Coast.
FRA Celebrates the Coast Guard
recognition
13
Formation of a
Diverse Service
During the Coast Guard Caucus
Breakfast, Adm. Thad Allen surprised
Rep. Gene Taylor with a copy of his
certificate from basic training. The
original was prominently displayed in
his home, which was destroyed by
Hurricane Katrina.
EPOY awardees left to right: Mr. Marvin
E. Butcher, Auxiliarist of the Year, Mrs.
Donna Dowling, CG Non-Appropriated
Fund Civilian Employee of the Year, Mrs.
Ramona L. Vazquez, Civilian Employee of
the Year, OS2 Thomas C. Zeiner, Reserve
Enlisted Person of the Year, AMT1 Mario
M. Vittone, Enlisted Person of the Year
and NES Joe Barnes.
july 2007
When the Revenue Cutter
Service was founded in 1790,
nobody anticipated what greatness was in its future. The Lifesaving Service merged with the
Revenue Cutter Service in 1915
to form the United States Coast
Guard. The Lighthouse Service
became part of the Coast Guard
in 1939, and the Bureau of
Marine Inspection became part
of the USCG in 1942. In 2003,
the Coast Guard became part of
the Department of Homeland
Security and took on added
responsibilities of defending
US borders.
FRA Today
The United States Coast Guard is diverse, proud and a necessary force for safety
of boaters, protection of the environment, and, of course, to the security of the
country as they guard our borders. Wherever the United States has an economic
or security concern related to water, the Coast Guard is there.
FRA’s pride in United States Coast Guard is second to none. The Association
has a rich history celebrating and protecting this great service starting during
World War II when the Coast Guard was part of the Department of the Navy. In
1970, FRA delegates voted at Convention to invite Coast Guard personnel into
the Association in recognition of the importance of the service.
The past two months brought opportunities for FRA to show its dedication
to the Coast Guard — honoring the tremendous dedication of the Coast Guard’s
Enlisted Persons of the Year (EPOYs) and as hosts of the Congressional Coast
Guard Caucus Breakfast.
On 22 May, NES Joe Barnes joined Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant of
the Coast Guard, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles “Skip”
Bowen, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force Jeff
Smith at a ceremony recognizing the EPOY awardees.
The Association also hosted the EPOYs at its headquarters for a legislative
process brief on 24 May and arranged a Capitol Hill tour for the honorees through
Rep. Gene Taylor’s (Miss.) office. Taylor is co-chair of the Coast Guard Caucus,
and one of only three members of Congress who has served in the USCG.
On 6 June, FRA hosted the Coast Guard leaders again at the ninth-annual
United States Coast Guard Caucus Breakfast. FRA sponsors this event in conjunction with the Coast Guard’s House Liaison Office and its Governmental
Affairs staff. It is an opportunity to spotlight the Coast Guard’s tremendous service to our Nation and promote dialogue between members of Congress, staff
personnel, key Coast Guard leaders and FRA. The Caucus is co-chaired by three
members of Congress who served in the Coast Guard — Representatives Howard
Coble (N.C.), Gene Taylor (Miss.), and William Delahunt (Mass.) — all who were
in attendance. Other members of the Caucus, including Reps Carolyn Kilpatrick
(Mich.), Frank LoBiondo (N.J.), and Wayne Gilchrest (Md.) were also present.
FRA works closely with this bi-partisan group in support of compensation,
health care and various benefit programs that affect USCG personnel and are
essential to maintaining military readiness and ensuring our national security.
FRA is also committed to educating members of Congress, their staff and the
public about the Coast Guard’s critical missions and the role the service plays as
part of the Department of Homeland Security.
Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen thanked FRA and others for
their unwavering support of the Coast Guard. “Maintaining funding parity with
DoD benefit programs is a continuing concern and FRA does an extraordinary
job on Capitol Hill. We’re grateful for their continued work,” he said.
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Interview with Sgt. Maj. USMC John L. Estrada
onwatch
15
FRA Today
july 2007
A Marine’s Duty to be Heard
Sgt. Maj. USMC John L. Estrada retired on 25 April. He was interviewed by FRA Public Relations Manager Jessica Andrews
as part of the current online OnWatch (www.fra.org/onwatch). FRA appreciates his four years of service as Sgt. Maj. USMC
and wishes him well in his future.
Photo by: USMC Cpl Michael S. Cifuentes
on the mission at hand. They work hard and
As Marines, I believe we have a
excel at their jobs – but they also need to be
duty to make our voices heard in
more aware of the world outside and take
government. After all, we serve to
the time to understand the political process
defend this process we have called
and the implications of what happens there.
a democracy. Our brave men and
The online learning guide and “Comwomen are willing to fight and die
municating With Your Elected Officials,”
in other places to give people the
booklet that FRA has created can help our
right to try to govern themselves
Marines not only vote, but help keep our
democratically. What a tragedy it
elected representatives accountable. It will
would be if we risked our lives for
help them in understanding the process and
them, but do not take the time
by doing that it will help them make better,
to learn how our own legislative
more informed decisions. Marines say, “I’m
process works. As both Marines and
U.S. Marines and Sailors serving
afraid to contact my congressman, or I’m
citizens of our great country, we
with Task Force 3rd Battalion, 4th
worried about making a donation to a politishould be participating in the system
Marine Regiment, in western Al
cal party.” You can make certain donations
to our fullest abilities.
Anbar Province, Iraq, give a standand I encourage all Marines to contact their
All things begin with voting. Our
ing ovation to Sgt. Maj. John L.
elected officials if they feel strongly about an
men and women in uniform are
Estrada, the 15th Sergeant Major
of the Marine Corps. Estrada and
issue. Everyone needs to be acutely aware of
fighting to give someone in another
Gen. James T. Conway, commandant his or her role in the process. For example,
country the right to vote. If they
of the Marine Corps, visited U.S.
there was one point in my career when I
are not voting in their own country,
Marines and Sailors 6 April 2007, to
wanted to support a Congressman who rethen there’s something wrong with
talk about upcoming plans for the
ally cared about the troops. He was having
that picture. We saw how in Iraq the
Marine Corps, American support
people risked their lives just for the
for the war in Iraq and to bid them an event and I just wanted to say “thank you
for what you do.” I was advised not to do
chance to have a say in their own
farewell and a job well done.
so because with elections coming up, it may
future. However, voting is more than
appear that I was endorsing this candidate.
just showing up at the polls. It is
It’s critical to stay within the guidelines of DoD Directive
important to be educated about the issues and about how
1334.10, which clearly defines the policy for members of
and why military legislation is enacted so you can particithe Armed Forces to engage in certain political activities.
pate wisely.
Don’t let these rules intimidate you, let them guide you. It
Sometimes Marines will ask me why it is taking so long
is important that your voice be heard loud and clear.
to get something done. We can be talking about the same
For those times when you cannot speak freely, the
issue for years before we see any results. It’s important
important role of military associations comes into play. A
for them to understand why it takes so long. They need to
non-profit, non-partisan professional organization such
understand that it is the way it was intended for it to be
as FRA can say the things to Congress that you cannot. I
by the Constitution. The House may pass one version of a
have seen FRA in action and they have taken important
bill, the Senate passes another, and it’s not going forward
messages to Capitol Hill. The more people that join a
until there’s a compromise. We need to find more ways
military association, the more support and credibility that
to educate our young servicemembers about how a bill
particular organization will have when delivering our congoes into a committee and how it unfolds with the votes
cerns. I hope all Marines step up and show their support
on the floor. I don’t think too many personnel are familiar
for this great country in which we serve.
with that – it’s basic “how a bill becomes a law 101.” Our
Marines are working tirelessly and are extremely focused
Membership Matters
What Does FRA Do?
16
July 2007
Founded on the principles of loyalty, protection and service,
FRA is the leading voice on Capitol Hill for current and former enlisted Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel.
FRA Today
When someone asks “Why should I join?” What do you say?
For $25 a year, FRA will:
Disaster Relief
• FRA facilitates relief to fellow Shipmates and others in
their time of need
• All money goes directly to Shipmates and their families
who suffer loss, damage or hardships. No administrative
fee is deducted.
• Advocate for your pay and benefits on
Expert staff
Capitol Hill.
• FRA’s HQ staff gives you straight an• Provide legislative briefings to educate
swers on a broad range of issues such as
decision makers and voters.
legislation, health care, education ben• Send out a monthly magazine, FRA
efits, veterans’ service benefits, survivor
Today to keep our members informed.
benefits, and finding former shipmates.
• Distribute NewsBytes a weekly e-mail
legislative update
MEMBERS MAKE A
• Publish Communicate With Your
DIFFERENCE
Elected Officials guide
• FRA is highly effective because of its
• Hold events to honor the outstanding
membership base — each voice matters
personnel who serve our Nation.
as we work to maintain your benefits!
• Support branches with reports, marketBob Washington
FRA’s Director of Membership
ing materials and staff assistance.
Development
• Promote reunions, help find former
Bob Washington serves as the Chairman of the National
shipmates and offer online communities.
Membership and Retention Committee.
• Support veteran members with a National Veterans
Service Officer.
FRA NHQ Staff
• Answer countless e-mails, phone calls and letters, assisting members in need.
FRA HELPS SHIPMATES AND THEIR FAMILIES
FRA Scholarships
• FRA awards nearly $100,000 in scholarships annually to
members and their families.
• Visit www.fra.org or call 800-FRA-1924 for more information.
Essay Contest
• FRA’s annual national essay contest for students in grades
7 to 12 promotes patriotism and awareness of civic issues.
• Contest winners receive more than $75,000 in US Savings
Bonds annually, including a $15,000 award to Grand
National Prize winner.
Administrative costs are kept to a minimum.
Services for our
members – 85%
Administrative
Costs – 15%
PROFILE: Vince Cuthie
hipmate Cuthie has held the posiS
tions of Photographer; Editor, Naval
Affairs; Membership Assistant;
Communications Assistant; Webmaster; and most recently Manager,
Information Technologies with major responsibility for the oversight
of the FRA computer network. He
is also the administrator of the FRA
Scholarship Program.
It isn’t possible to be with Vince for more than a few
moments without realizing two things. The first, he loves
FRA. New employees learn this when he lectures about
the importance of “being good stewards of the shipmates’ money.” The second, is that his sense of humor
is, well, a little unusual. Vince once held a funeral for
a “Gumby” doll kidnapped from a co-worker’s desk, for
instance, and he’s not against pulling a practical joke
or two on people at Convention (“No, these aren’t film
canisters, they’re filled with liquor!”). If you work with
Vince for any period of time, you will learn the third
thing: he is dedicated to getting things done right.
It is appropriate that a man with Vince Cuthie’s sense of
humor would choose Independence Day to retire after
25 years at FRA. Vince, from us to you …. Thank you
for your service, your laughter and your friendship
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FRA Today
July 2007
18
19
FRA Today
july 2007
Last month FRA Today offered tips
on transitioning from military life
to the civilian world. This month,
we take a look at recruit training
— the transformation that made
you Sailors, Marines and Coast
Guard personnel in the first place.
It’s virtually unanimous. With few exceptions, every military recruit has felt it. At some point
during their basic training experience, regardless of service or gender, each new recruit
has looked in the mirror and said, “What the hell am I doing here?” Most have uttered it to
themselves more than once.
But somewhere during the transformation from civilian to Sailor, Marine, or Coast Guard
member, each recruit learns some valuable lessons about life in the military and life in general. More importantly, each successful recruit learns something about themselves.
FRA interviewed 12 members of the Sea Services and asked them to share their perspectives on boot camp. And while the training curricula may vary from service to service and decade to decade, the mission of boot camp has remained constant: Prepare
America’s finest young men and women for military service – physically, mentally and emotionally.
They all say they looked and felt “different” when they complete boot camp, and it wasn’t just the new haircut. The confidence and
camaraderie changed them. The basics of basic training really are quite basic – instill a sense of pride and accomplishment in
young men and women, help develop confidence, and most importantly make them part of something larger than themselves.
Staff Sergeant Will Price summarized it best: “Although training methods have changed over the years, the results that are instilled
and developed – discipline, camaraderie, love of country and devotion to duty – will never change.”
forging HEROES
Navy Recruit Training
The United States Navy transforms civilians into Sailors at the Naval Training Center in
Great Lakes, Ill. Current recruits undergo an eight-week training program that includes
marching and drill, weapons instruction and a confidence course. While smoking, cursing
and physical mistreatment are forbidden now, things weren’t always that way.
“I was assigned the front door watch at
the barracks. My buddy had the back door
watch and he convinced me to come back
and have a cigarette with him. I knew I
shouldn’t, but figured it would only be for
a minute, so I went,” explains Lanning, a
mustang who retired in 1970 and is an FRA
Member-at-Large. “I hadn’t been gone five
seconds when the Chief came in and found
the front door unattended.
“After a lot of yelling about dereliction of
duties, he told me to go get a bucket, fill
it with water and bring it to the front entry,
which, of course, I did post haste. The Chief
grabbed me by the throat and lifted me up
so I was standing on the rim of the bucket.
Although my watch was almost due to end,
my relief was told to stay in bed and that I
would be standing his watch as well as my
own. I stood on the rim of that bucket for
nearly eight hours.
“My feet hurt like hell by the time my watch
was over, but I’ll tell you what…for the next 23
years in the Navy, I NEVER left my post again!”
Women who joined the Navy in the
mid-1960s trained at a facility in
Bainbridge, Md. Jeanetta “Jane”
Mundis, a member of FRA Branch
237 in Groton, Conn., was one of
50 young women in a company
that attended recruit training there
in 1966. “The facility has been
closed for years,” says Mundis. “In fact, the
barracks were considered condemned when
I was a recruit more than 40 years ago.”
Mundis was inspired to join the Navy when she
saw a WAVE (Women Accepted for Voluntary
Emergency Service) walking down the sidewalk. “Her uniform and her posture impressed
me. She told me about her life in the Navy and
it got me thinking that I could get free training
and see the world. I went to the Post Office to
see a recruiter shortly after that.” She went on
to become a Navy photographer and “had a
lot of experiences I certainly never would have
had in the civilian world.”
Military training and service for women has
changed along with society, and Mundis is
glad she served when she did. “When I was
in boot camp, they stressed that we were ladies first and WAVES second. Some Sailors
even saluted us out of respect, even though
we were enlisted just like they were. As
women fought for equal rights, the military
began to train and treat women more like
the men,” she says. “I think it was easier for
women to serve then than it is today. I think
it must be hard for women to maintain their
feminine side in today’s Navy.”
Mundis was very athletic in high school, so
the physical training (PT) back then was “a
piece of cake” for her, except the swimming
requirement, which she barely met. “Back
then, the WAVES’ purpose was to free up
Sailors for war-fighting. It wasn’t all that
important for women to know how to swim,
because we weren’t ever going to be assigned to a ship. Today’s female Sailors are
serving side-by-side with men, and they
need to know their stuff.”
1989
Bruce Lanning was 17 when
he arrived at Great Lakes in
September of 1947. He calls boot
camp “a great introduction to the
American Navy” and a place where
he learned “to be a Navy man and
respect my seniors; I learned to
tend to business.” He recalls a boot
camp experience that forever ingrained the
importance of following orders.
1966
1947
FRA Today
July 2007
20
Bill Houlihan, currently a Senior
Chief on MCPON Campa’s staff,
was 20 years old and had completed two years of college when
he attended Navy basic training in
1989. His most profound memories of boot camp are of his
Company Commander, Chief
James Campbell.
“I was terrified of him,” says Houlihan. “He
had this gravelly voice and, I swear, I never
saw him smile. He was very strict. Discipline
was a big deal and Chief Campbell’s methods
taught us a lot in a short period of time.”
Among the many lessons he learned,
Houlihan says he appreciates the importance placed on teaching Navy traditions
and heritage. “I learned about Navy customs
and why they are important during boot
camp. And those traditions have become
more valuable to me as I’ve progressed
through my career.”
Houlihan also chuckles about the resourcefulness of his classmates. “One of my company shipmates asked to borrow five dollars
from me at graduation, which I gladly gave
to help a shipmate. After the ceremony, I was
talking with some of my other classmates
forging HEROES
Marine Corps Recruit Training
Prior to basic training, Andersen remembers
being told that the Navy would “make me a
man of me. I’d gone to college, earned my
Associates degree, and I thought I was pretty
mature. I wasn’t sure exactly how they were
going to ‘make me a man,’” he recalls.
“But during training, we were told that the
Navy wasn’t going to make us men; they
were going to make us Sailors. Becoming
an adult is more about experiences and doing the right thing; and boot camp gave me
the opportunity to do that.”
Andersen was also advised to avoid standing out at boot camp. He’d offer different
advice to young people joining the Navy today. “It frustrates me to hear people suggest
blending in. I think that’s useless advice and
teaches you nothing. My mantra was ‘What
would William Wallace [title character in the
1995 film Braveheart] do?’
“I’d encourage new recruits to swallow
their fear, take chances and step up. Take
the opportunity to lead. The Navy’s a grand
adventure and I encourage new recruits to
play an active role in that adventure right
from the start.”
Page 20 (left to right) Bruce Lanning (front left) at
Great Lakes in 1947; Students at Fleet Training Center
extinguish a Class Bravo fire. U.S. Navy Photo by:
Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Johansen Laurel; Navy
Recruits from recruit division 195 in an “abandon ship”
drill is a portion of “Battle Stations.” U.S. Navy Photo
by: Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Michael Worner.
Page 21 The recruits and drill instructors of Platoon
359 in 1962. Photo by: Special to The Boot
1951
“Boot camp was a tough experience, but
once I got the hang of it, it wasn’t so bad,”
says Andersen, who is currently a Second
Class Petty Officer working in the Public
Affairs Office at Navy Recruiting Command
(Millington, Tenn.) “And there’s good reason
for it to be tough. The Navy isn’t a regular
job; lives are on the line.”
The Corps has two training facilities; one at Parris Island, S.C., for those who enlist east
of the Mississippi River, and one in San Diego, Calif., for those who join up west of the
Mississippi. All female recruits are trained at Parris Island.
Bob Knott became a Marine in
1951, during a period of rapid
build-up for the Corps. Because of
the manpower surge, prospective
Marines were trained wherever
there was an available slot, and as
a result, Knott, a fresh high school
graduate from Illinois, went to boot
camp at Recruit Training Center San Diego.
“When I got to the induction center in Chicago,
all the young men who’d volunteered for the
military were separated by their respective
services, and the draftees were told to line
up in the middle of this big room,” explains
Knott. “A Marine staff sergeant went up and
down the line and picked the draftees he
wanted and said, ‘Congratulations! You’re
in the Marine Corps.’ Those guys left home
thinking they were going in the Army, and
now they were in the Corps!”
After a three-day train trip to California
and a long bus ride to the Recruit Depot,
Knott and his fellow recruits were met by
Drill Instructors (DIs) who taunted, “You’ll
be sorry!” as they disembarked. “I was 18
years old and it was hell to grow up in such
a hurry, but I knew it would be tough before
I got there. I kept my mouth shut, did as I
was told and made it through. I qualified as
expert on the rifle range, which got me out
of mess duty,” laughs Knott. “I wasn’t the
most outstanding recruit, but I wasn’t an
eight-ball either.”
There were missteps along the way, however. “We were allowed to receive letters from
home, but not packages,” explains Knott.
“One day I was called out of ranks to accept
a package from my sister, and was told to
open it in front of the whole platoon so they
could see what I got. My sister had sent me
a big batch of chocolate chip cookies.
“The DI made me eat every crumb in that
box, and then, when we went to the chow
hall for lunch, he walked behind me and
said, ‘This recruit needs extra servings of
everything.’ I wrote my sister a letter that
night and told her I’d kill her if she ever sent
me another package!”
Knott’s boot camp experience taught him to
take orders without question and he says
he’s still a “neatnik” today thanks to the
training he received as a recruit. “I joined
the Corps as an 18-year-old kid, and three
years later, I left as a Marine and as a man. I
loved every minute of it.”
Continued on page 22
21
july 2007
2005
Trevor Andersen found boot camp “a
lot funnier in the movies. I’d seen
films like Major Payne, but found the
real deal was a lot different.” While
sleeping in your rack at attention
might seem entertaining on the big
screen, it was no picnic for the 21year old recruit. Being yelled at for
things he didn’t know made him uncomfortable, but he “learned quick and learned well.”
The Marine Corps proudly claims to have the most rigorous boot camp curriculum, and
few would argue. Longer than the other services’ basic training programs with more
stringent physical requirements, Marine boot camp lasts 13 weeks and includes “The
Crucible,” a final endurance test of teamwork and personal strength that every recruit
must pass in order to wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. The entire program is designed
to separate those who are capable of being Marines from those who are not, and Marine
literature promises boot camp will be “the most physically and mentally challenging experience” of a young person’s life.
FRA Today
and learned that he’d asked every Sailor in
our group the same favor. There were about
90 guys in our company,” laughs Houlihan,
“so it was a pretty profitable day for him!”
forging HEROES
“I was 23 years old and I was really struck by
the respect my recruiter commanded. When
I arrived at boot camp, the DI that greeted
us had the same presence. He had to tell us
about five times to relax, before our platoon
would move a muscle,” recalls Price, who
kept a diary of his boot camp experiences and
hopes to have it published in the near future.
Price’s hard work paid off and he recalls
with pride the day before his boot camp
graduation, when his parents and brother
came to Parris Island. “My mom didn’t even
recognize me at first. But I’ll never forget the
look on her face. She was so proud of me.
As I was giving my family a tour of the base,
I felt like a general. I heard this commanding voice coming from my mouth. I felt like I
owned that island.”
While the methods of training Marines might
change, the outcome will never vary, accord-
FRA Today
Aaron Clark celebrated his 21st
birthday during his first week of recruit training. “It was a pretty dark
day for me,” remembers Clark, who
is now a corporal at Marine Corps
Barracks. Although he didn’t appreciate it at the time, he now understands and appreciates the Corps’
tough boot camp standards. “We have a reputation for having the toughest boot camp
and being the toughest service. We don’t sugarcoat things; we’re a no-nonsense service,
and probably a little less politically correct
than the other services. And that’s how it
should be for war-fighters.”
Another thing that attracted Clark to the
Corps was the service’s culture of fitness. “I
weighed about 255 pounds when I decided
to join the military. I’d visited the Navy and
Air Force recruiting offices, and was told to
come back when I’d dropped some weight.
The Marine recruiter told me that if I wanted
to join the Corps, I should show up at 5:30
the next morning to run with him and the
other recruiters. He took an interest in me
and helped me reach my goal.”
Clark is proud of the life lessons he learned
as a recruit and carries those values with
him today. “I learned to be personally accountable and make no excuses,” he says.
“I learned that I need to rely on myself, so
that others can also rely on me.”
Jacob Harrer, now a 19-year-old
lance corporal at Marine Corps
Barracks, vividly remembers the
defining moment of his boot camp
experience. “It was a cool crisp
morning, about 6:00 am, and my
unit was climbing The Reaper, a big
hill at the end of the Crucible course
in San Diego. The Reaper is really steep,
probably the steepest hill I’d ever climbed,
and it was an amazing feeling to attack that
hill as a unit, encouraging and pulling one
another along as we went,” recalls Harrer.
He learned a great deal from his Drill
Instructor, who was “extremely perfect” in
Harrer’s eyes. “My DI was a great role model.
He led by example and never asked anything
of the recruits that he wasn’t doing himself.”
2007
Like others, Price questioned his decision to
join the Corps, but he had an epiphany about
half-way through his boot camp experience.
“I was doing crunches during PT and it hit
me that I was a changed person. I felt free of
all my limits – both real and imagined – and
I could tell that my mind and body were different. I was stronger, sharper and more capable. I felt like there was nothing I couldn’t
accomplish.”
ing to Price. “The discipline, intestinal fortitude and camaraderie that the DI’s instill in recruits will never change, says Price. “Instilling
a love for the Corps; our core values of Honor,
Courage and Commitment; the willingness to
lay your life down for your fellow Marines…
those things will never change.”
2003
Will Price had talked with a Navy
recruiter, but decided to join the
Corps because the Marine recruiter looked so sharp and had a “certain something” about him that
exuded confidence and capability.
As a staff sergeant at Marine Corps
Barracks in Washington, D.C., Price
now radiates those same qualities.
2006
1995
July 2007
22
Unlike the other services, the
Marine Corps trains its female recruits separately from their male
counterparts, with female DIs.
Marine boot camp wasn’t as tough
as Stephanie Sellers expected, but
it wasn’t easy. “Our PT requirements aren’t as rigid, but it was
still tough,” she explains. She encourages
other young women who want to join the
Corps to give 110 percent. “You can tell the
girls who really gave it their all.”
Like many recruits, Sellers’ life changed dramatically during her recruit training. “I was
getting into a lot of trouble, so the military
was a good choice for me,” she explains. “I
now have more knowledge to make better
choices.”
Sellers’ toughest challenge during boot camp
came about two weeks into training, when
she learned that her brother had been killed
in an auto accident. “Josh was two years older than me and my best friend. He was very
proud of my decision to join the Marines.”
She was granted five days of leave to be with
her family during this difficult time and it was
tough going back to boot camp. “It was hard
to go back, but I knew that’s what Josh would
have wanted me to do,” remembers Sellers.
“It meant a lot to me when my Senior DI told
me that she respected me for returning.”
After completing MOS training, Sellers is bound
for a special assignment as an Ammunition
Technician at Indian Head, Md., which is the
Marine facility closest to her family. “I don’t
know of anyone who got an assignment like
this one,” she said with a smile. “I think this is
Josh’s way of looking out for me.”
Continued on page 24
Help FRA salute and support The Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard!
Show your pride in your service — and for all those who have served!
FRA is proud to serve current
and former Navy, Marine Corps
and Coast Guard personnel.
Through a very special arrangement, we have
made it possible for you to show your pride with
a high-quality hat — made in USA — showing
the service of your choice. This hat is yours FREE
when you donate $35 or more to FRA.
Your donation goes immediately to supporting
FRA’s efforts on Capitol Hill, fighting for
legislation that affects you, your family and all
those who serve and have served as enlisted
personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps and
Coast Guard!
You will receive a free hat with each donation
of $35 or more.* Wear the hat with pride or
consider giving as thoughtful gifts for friends
and family.
Your donation goes a long way for FRA!
85 cents out of every dollar of the FRA budget
supports services for our members such as:
• FRA Today & OnWatch
• phone support for concerns or legislative
updates
• e-mail news alerts
• use of the Action Center on www.fra.org
• scholarships for members and their families
• disaster relief grants for Shipmates
• and so much more!
Give today and help FRA on its mission to salute
and support current and former members of
the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard!
Logon to www.fra.org/support to make
your donation or call 800-FRA-1924
and tell Member Services which made in
the USA hat to send you!
*Donations of $70 or more
are eligible for two hats, etc.
Your made in the USA hat is FREE with a donation
of $35 or more. Donations of any size are accepted with gratitude.
forging HEROES
Coast Guard Recruit Training
Coast Guard recruits undergo an eight-week training program at the Coast Guard Training
Center in Cape May, N.J. The course prepares future Coast Guard personnel for the service’s diverse missions, including search and rescue, drug interdiction, law enforcement,
aids to navigation, and environmental safety. Strong emphasis is placed on teamwork,
attention to detail, hard work and a positive attitude as the Coast Guard prepares recruits
to be responsible and responsive members of the USCG team.
Chief Warrant Officer Bill Carson
began his life in the Coast Guard at
Cape May and, when he retires in
November, he will have spent his
entire 30-year career there. He’s
worn a lot of different hats since
he was a 20-year-old recruit in
1977, including his current position on the Training Center staff. “On my first
night as a recruit, I asked myself what I was
doing here,” says Carson, “and now I’m
talking to recruits’ family members and reassuring them.”
Carson’s also seen some change in how
the Coast Guard prepares its recruits for
active duty. “We’ve changed as society has
changed. Hazing and personal humiliation
are no longer accepted, and there are more
restrictions on the staff – we don’t curse at
recruits and we don’t touch them. In general,
our training has become more professional,”
he says, “but the goals and outcomes are
the same as they’ve always been – to help
recruits adapt and make them successful
members of the Coast Guard.”
1987
Crystal Sparks was a 23-year-old
single mother determined to
change her life when she entered
Cape May in 1987. “I was ending a
bad marriage, had a two-year old
son and I told my recruiter that I
wanted to join as soon as possible,”
recalls Sparks. “He put me on a
stand-by list and within a week, he called me
and told me I could go in two days.” Although
she hadn’t told her parents of her decision
until she actually got the call, her family was
extremely supportive and took care of her
son while she was at boot camp.
Page 22 (left) Will Price at the start of boot camp in
1995. (right) A drill instructor from Platoon 2018, Echo
Co., 2nd RTBn., conducts a quick inspection. Photo
by: Lance Cpl. Justin J. Shemanski
Page 23 (left) Drill Instructor Crystal Sparks (right)
Recruits formup in all-weather gear on their first
full day of “boot camp”. USCG photo by PAC Tom
Gillespie.
Because there are no billets in the Coast
Guard that a woman cannot fill, the service
trains both genders side-by-side – a situation that reflects how male and female personnel will work in the active fleet. With the
exception of the different physical requirements for men and women, Sparks believes
the Coast Guard does a great job of treating all recruits equally. “I worried whether
I’d be strong enough or capable enough to
be equal to the male recruits, but I knew I
was expected to hold my own, right from
the start. I didn’t want to be spotlighted as a
female; I wanted to be recognized as a contributing member of the team.”
Chief Sparks, a yeoman now serving on
MCPOCG Bowen’s staff, spent approximately three years as an instructor at the Coast
Guard Training Center. During her stint as a
DI, she shared her philosophy with recruits
and other instructors. “I advised recruits
to focus on being a Coastie, not a male or
female Coast Guard member. Don’t give
yourself a gender or race excuse; just be the
best Coastie you can be.”
She also sought to instill USCG pride in her
recruits and reminded them that boot camp
is not the Coast Guard. “Many recruits are
looking for excitement that they don’t find at
boot camp. I told them that the excitement
grows as they go through the ranks.”
Sparks’ commitment to her service’s core
values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to
Duty have inspired many of the recruits
with whom she’s worked. It also influenced her son to follow in her footsteps.
“I’m proud to have touched so many Coast
Guard lives,” she says, “but I’ll tell you, I’ve
probably gained more from the recruits
than I’ve given.”
2007
1977
FRA Today
July 2007
24
Cadet Bryan Kidzus was a day
from graduation when he spoke
with FRA about his boot camp experience. He joined the Coast
Guard after attending Texas A&M,
where, by his own admission, he
wasn’t a great student. “I wasn’t a
bad student, but I was having too
much fun,” he said. At 21 years of age, he’s
now headed to an assignment aboard
USCGC Midget, and his goal is to eventually
become a Coast Guard rescue swimmer.
“Boot camp has been pretty much what I
expected,” said Kidzus, “but the first couple
weeks were particularly difficult. You can’t
prepare yourself mentally, because this is a
whole new experience. At first I was getting
in trouble for everything, but things start to
become habit and it seems more normal. I
got more confidence with each day and I’ve
become more goal- and task-oriented. I’m
surprised at how much I’ve grown and how
much more responsible I am. Returning to
college will be a breeze after this.”
Kidzus credits his instructors for much of
his transformation. “When the company
commander first got on the bus and started
yelling at us, it was a wake-up call for me,
but the instructors are more than yellers.
They’re more like father figures. They are
strict, but they are also inspiring mentors.”
8
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News from the branches
July 2007
26
BRANCH 9 San Diego, Calif.
FRA Today
Branch Secretary Walt De Felice
congratulated SSgt. Standifird,
recipient of the Leadership
Award, during the Drill Instructor
School graduation ceremony.
BRANCH 14 Milwaukee, Wisc.
(left to right) RPNC Leon Zalewski
and George Cavros presented Mustang
Awards to Peter Brown, USN and
Carolyn Davis, USMC, at Marquette
University’s Combined Service Award
Day. The Mustang Award is presented
annually to outstanding class members. Both midshipmen are members
of Branch 14.
BRANCH 42 Quonset Point, R.I.
Shipmate PRPNENG Phil Justin presented
Shipmate Bill Pavey with his 50 year
pin, Certificate and Membership Card as
Shipmate President, Branch 42 Dick Parker
looked on. Shipmate Pavey has been a
dedicated member of Branch 42 for the full
fifty years.
BRANCH 276 Omaha, Neb.
Branch Secretary Charlie
Goodman presented Ariel Lee
Watt two awards for winning
the local Essay Contest and for
taking 3rd Place in the North
Central Region for the 11th
grade. Her parents, Keith and
Lynette Watt (left) were in attendance.
News from the branches
27
FRA Today
BRANCH 316 Springfield, Mo.
july 2007
Americanism Committee Chairman
Bobbie Combs presented essay
contest winner Olivia Solari a savings bond, certificate and plaque.
Branch Secretary Chuck Ewy (left)
and Branch President Donnie Brunk
(right) look on.
BRANCH 29 Bremerton, Wash.
Shipmate Vice President Bob Hulet
presented Shipmate Roger Ives his
40-year continuous membership
award.
BRANCH 264 Meridian, Miss.
Shipmate Leon Tucker (center) received
his 50 year membership pin from RPSC
Leo Vance (right) and Branch President
Joseph Lemoine (left).
BRANCH 181 Arlington, Va.
Shipmate Chris Moyer, provided organ music in the form of marches,
military tunes, and hymns for residents
and guests at Palm Lake Estates in
Bradenton, FL as part of their Memorial
Day Services.
To submit a photo for News From the Branches,
please e-mail a photo as an attachment in jpeg
format to FRAToday@fra.org or mail a high-quality
photograph to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street,
Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief
description of the photograph and include the
names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned
copies of photographs cannot be accepted.
Reunions
FRA Today
July 2007
28
15th Biennial 384th Air Refueling
Squadron
4–7 October 2007, Moncks Corner,
SC. Contact Kenneth Godstrey, 12018
Maycheck Lane, Bowie, MD 207151551, (301) 464-1150 or kengodstrey@
comcast.net.
AE Sailors Association
4–8 October 2007, Washington, D.C.
Contact Jerry King, 1018 Calle Ortega
St., San Dimas, CA 91773-4323, (626)
339-9793 or dd694@verizon.net.
Escort Carrier (CVE’s) Sailors and
Airmen Association
1–6 September 2007, Oak Park /
Chicago, IL. Contact George Manik, 50
N. Island Rd., Bayville, NJ 08721-3578
or (732) 269-6767.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
4–7 October 2007, Fort Mitchell, KY.
Contact Shelia Evans RT 3 Box 147
Ellisnore, MO. 63937, (573) 322-5396
or mike@gitmobay.org.
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion
Sixteen (NMCB 16)
6–6 October 2007, Fountain Valley, CA.
Contact Al Hegney, (909) 627-3461.
Navy Recruiting District New York
7–9 March 2008, Orlando, FL. Contact
Steve Miglionico, (407) 348-8466 or
YNCMIG@AOL.COM.
Parachute Riggers Reunion (USN,
USMC, USCG)
20–23 September 2007, San Antonio,
TX. Contact Ray Weismann 1406 Julip
Dr., Orlando, FL 32825, (407) 2814888 or riggersreunion07@juno.com.
US Submarine Veterans World War II
Convention (USS Greenling (SS-213/
SSN-614) Reunion)
5–8 September 2007, Billings, MT.
Contact George Hinda, Jr. 172 West
Middlesex Drive, Carlisle, PA 170138495 or (717) 243-3855.
USS Benjamin Stoddert (DDG-22)
19–23 September 2007, Concord, CA.
Contact Herm Chambers, ddg22etcm@
hotmail.com.
USS Charles Berry DE 1035
24–27 August 2007, Virginia Beach,
VA. Contact Tony Sievers, 7505 River
Rd., Unit 4-A Newport News, VA
23607-1768 or (757) 247-5769.
USS Charr (SS-328)
25–29 October 2007, Galveston, TX.
Contact Carl Klein, (410) 528-4337 or
CKlein@comcast.net.
USS Coolbaugh (DE-217)
2–7 September 2007, Albany, NY.
Contact Harvey Weiss 241 Rothell
Rd., Toccoa, GA 30577-3723 or
(706) 886-2709.
USS Davis DD-937 Association
18–21 October 2007, Herndon, VA.
Contact Pete Lennon 5 Skyline Drive,
Plainville, CT 06062, (860) 747-8761
or ptlii37@aol.com.
USS Hassayampa (AO-145) (TAO145)
20–22 September 2007, Las Vegas, NV.
Contact Norman Barron 4987 Pond Dr.
Harrah, OK 73045, (405) 590-3717 or
barronnp@aol.com.
USS Henderson (DD-785)
20–23 September 2007, San Francisco,
CA. Contact Richard Sierra, 505 Park
Way So., San Francisco, CA 94080,
(650) 952-7440 or dixera@yahoo.com.
USS Iowa (BB-61)
4–8 September 2007, Buffalo, NY.
Contact Paul Ogg, 7233 Stanford Ct.
NW Bremerton, WA 98311, (360) 6926032 or kjoggpr@aol.com.
USS Nantahala (AO-60)
23–26 August 2007, Baton Rouge, LA.
Contact Hank O’connell, (912) 256-1213
or hankoc@bellsouth.net.
USS New Orleans (LPH-11)
10–14 October 2007, Chicago, IL.
Contact Robert Mcanally, 152 Frissell
St., Hampton, VA 23663, (866) 2373137 or yujack@megalink.net.
USS Prairie (AD-15)
23–26 September 2007, Waukegan,
IL. Contact Robert Adams, (315) 6763280.
USS Thetis Bay (CVE-90/CVHA-1/
LPH-6)
5–9 September 2007, Newport, RI.
Contact Dennis Moss, P.O. Box 65, Isle,
MN 56342-0065, (320) 676-8940 or
drmoss@ecenet.com.
USS Thomaston (LSD-28)
12–15 September 2007, Seattle, WA.
Contact Dave Hammock, (319) 3965065 or MMCRET81@MCHSI.COM.
USS JOHN A. BOLE (DD755)
14–17 October 2007, Jacksonville,
FL. Contact Ron Shipley, 921 Illinois
Avenue Ottawa, IL 61350, (815) 4347483 or shipley4672@sbcglobal.net.
USS Tripoli (LPH-10/CVE-64)
10–14 October 2007, Chicago, IL.
Contact Robert Mcanally, 152 Frissell
St., Hampton, VA 23663, (866) 2373137 or yujack@megalink.net.
USS Lynde McCormick (DDG-8)
4–6 October 2007, San Diego, CA.
Contact Bob Wefald, (701) 223-8975 or
bobwefald@msn.com.
Veteran Communicators Reunion
13–16 September 2007, Las Vegas, NV.
Contact Joe Garza, 9789 Paseo Montril
San Diego, CA 92129, (858) 484-0469
or jgarza@san.rr.com.
USS Middlesex County (LST-983)
20–23 September 2007, Portsmouth,
VA. Contact John Noonan, 925 North
St., Weatherly, PA 18255, (570) 4274652 or countryy@verizon.net.
Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org,
submit to reunions@fra.org or mail to: FRA Reunions,
125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
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9CF
TAPS
In Memoriam
FRA Today
July 2007
30
NAMEBRANCH
NAMEBRANCH
Acuff, Andrew, AMCS
Allen, John H., ADCR
Anderson, Marvin E., SKCS
Ansell, Dale E., AMSC
Ashworth, Maston V., HT1
MAL
MAL
267
166
MAL
Baetzel, George R., PR1
Barker, Lonnie O., DC1
Bauer, Joseph A., AD1
Bauguess, William Patrick,
CWO4 USN
Becker, Alvin L., ETCS
Bellacero, Anthony D., SH1
Benton, Harry C., SKCM
Bilotti, Joseph, Jr., SGTMAJ
Bishop, Frederick, CS1
Blackwell, Robert L., Jr., ACC
Blecha, Richard H., ABF2
Boggs, Clifford W., CAPT/MSC
Bottorff, Harley I., PHC(AC)
Bower, Terry A., YN1
Brooks, Harry E., SGTMAJ
Brynteson, Val R., AWC
Burris, Wilbur A., TMC
Busby, Marshall I., HTCM
Butler, James H., HM1
042
040
MAL
Galla, Richard M., CTTC
Garvey, Lawrence A., CWO3 USN
Gaskill, Ray E., HMC
Giacomini, James F., E-6 USN
Gill, Otis, HT1
Gilman, Chester F., SWC
Ginther, Edward E., SFC
Goldman, Monroe O., E-7 USN
Gormley, Jack, CM1
Graff, Hugh F., ADC
Green, Dawson C., CPO USN
Griner, James M., MSC
Gulath, Edwin R., MSGT
212
MAL
MAL
091
311
091
070
043
MAL
267
055
234
MAL
Hall, Alonza J., QM1
Hamrick, Alva R., GYSGT
Hargrove, Fay D., ATC
Harmon, Floyd, Jr., QMC
Harrell, Woodrow W., BMC
Haverty, James N., AG1
Headtke, Alva E., HM1
Hill, Fred W., RDC
Hiltz, Albert E., PO2 USN
Horner, William A., HMCM
Hruska, Elmer J., YNC
Hughlett, Charles W., EMSC
Hutton, James, Jr., ADCS
126
200
049
MAL
261
019
009
061
010
047
144
347
MAL
Cail, Larry G., SN USN
Callaghan, George Richard, S 1/c
Carr, Lamar, USN RET
Caswell, Francis, FTM1
Chavis, McKinley, PRC
Clark, Charles F., CS7
Combs, Ken, COL USMC
Corbett, Charles H., USN RET
Coventon, Raymond E., RMCS
Creamer, James C., BM1
052
249
MAL
MAL
099
022
311
110
280
MAL
Jackson, Charles A., STC
Jones, Harold, ABCM
Juby, John R., HTC
043
289
061
Kaufman, Gale A., FTGC
Kersey, Benjamin G., Jr., MMCM
King, James, EO2
King, John H., 1STSGT
Kirk, Thomas J., PNC(SW)
Kornegay, John F., ASCM
Koziolek, Leonard T., ENCS
Kuser, John D., CAPT USN
241
126
MAL
226
053
091
298
289
022
MAL
049
108
042
MAL
057
024
086
MAL
108
326
099
053
060
091
156
161
022
024
046
038
175
147
377
162
089
Daniels, George F., HTC
099
DeGuenther, James E., MSGT
188
Delacruz, Ernesto B., SK1
111
Dipasqua, Alphonso S., ENC
MAL
Dowd, Robert E., LCDR USN
008
Drake, Leo K., Jr., YNC
MAL
Duff, Martin, HTC
MAL
Dumlao, Vicente F., CPO(SS) USN 140
Egan, Bernard A., PO2 USN
012
Labrecque, Robert I., ENC
Lamb, Roy C., E-7 USMC
Lappart, Edward J., Jr., 1STSGT
Leach, Floyd N., SGTMAJ
LeBlanc, Delmar J., GYSGT
Lee, Robert, AZCS
Lynch, Joseph W., HMC
Famiglietti, Dominick, ADJ1
Fisher, Donald E., USMC RET
Fox, Harry F., YNC
French, James B., Sr., 1STSGT
071
070
161
099
Mace, Charles W., ENCS
Mahar, Carl L., SPCM(MMC)
Martin, Gary D., PO1 USN
Martin, Joseph W., HMC
NAMEBRANCH
Martin, Robert L., II, PO1 USN
091
Matteson, James, SKCS
040
Mayfield, Howard E., CDR USN 091
McAlister, Robert M., PHC
MAL
McCloud, Charles A., PO1 USN MAL
McGonigle, Thomas E., MGYSGT 141
McGraw, Donald W., CTAC
050
McGuckin, Thomas F., ADR1
091
McIntosh, Richard L., RMC
055
McIntyre, Robert B., QMCM
099
McKenna, James J., Jr., CPO USN042
McLaughlin, Bob, O-4 USN
024
McMenimen, William R., HM1
003
Mincey, Wymer L., MMC
MAL
Mitchell, Ray M., YNC
166
Mohan, James P., CTRC
024
Monskie, Arthur A., EMC
MAL
Mullen, John H., HMC
MAL
Murray, James W., DC1
014
Myers, Earl E., RMCM
009
Nichols, George W., MSGT
Nischik, Marc, YNCM(SW)
Nobles, Arthur, AME1
Noe, Pierce M., BT1
208
091
126
MAL
Ouellet, Bernard H., AMSC
029
Palmer, Troy W., Jr., GYSGT
Payton, Charles A., II, MSC
Pensyl, Jacob H., PNC
Perdue, Lewis W., Sr., BTC
Perkins, Robert L., AEC
Perrott, Charles H., ADRC
Politiski, Robert C., PHC
Poniatoski, Francis R., RMCS
Poore, Kenneth E., CSC
Pownder, Thomas G., ENCM
Powell, Richard A., FTGC
MAL
MAL
001
347
126
055
175
MAL
MAL
070
161
TAPS continued on page 31
looking for…
31
John D. Murray, DC2, Last known
living in the LA area
David Smith, EN3, Joined in 1956,
served on the USS Bayfield (APA-33)
Anyone from Co. 233, NTC, 1956,
San Diego
Please contact EM1 Earl Jones, (Ret.),
7905 Lake Street, Omaha, NE 68134 or
(402) 926-2648 PUBLISH YOUR BOOK
Dorrance - NA
PNCM T.L. Shrader, USN (Ret.)
Served with him from 1959–1962.
Shrader was in charge of overseas detailing. Contact PNC William A. Graham,
USN (Ret.), 4230 Sunset Dr., Conway,
S.C. 29526 or (843) 365-0811.
These notices are published on a space available
basis. Notices must be submitted in writing.
E-mail fratoday@fra.org or mail your request to: FRA,
Looking for…, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA, 22314.
80-year tradition of quality. Subsidy book
publisher offers publishing services for books
of all types. For free Author’s Guide, write:
701 Smithfield St., Third Floor, Pgh, PA 15222
Or Call 1-800-695-6599
Fel Pasqua, AK-2
Last known duty station USS Intrepid
(CV-11) in 1973 at Quonset Pt. Rhode
Island. Contact PRC Lee Gold or
Beverly at (732) 657-5773 or prcleegold@verizon.net
TAPS continued from page 30
NAMEBRANCH
NAMEBRANCH
Pray, Roger M., CPO USN
Prescott, Richard W., PO1 USN
MAL
374
Rajaniemi, Charles H., O-4 USN
Rawlinson, James A., ADJC
Remolde, Charles B., Jr., AFCM
Rice, Joshua H., EM1
Riggs, Fred D., ATC
Roberts, John A., HMCS
Rowe, Billy E., HMC
057
010
091
043
MAL
287
313
Themes, Charles M., CMC
Treshman, Donald J., CPO USN
Turner, Melvin E., HT1
Tyzbir, Adolf A., ETC
031
006
MAL
009
Vaiden, Chester G., CWO4 USN
Van Wagner, Bruce L., EOC
Velasco, Clarito V., MSC
MAL
163
MAL
Schaff, William J., DC1
Schriefer, Harold O., HT1
Seippel, Earl, HTC
Setser, Rufus L., GMG1
Shelanskey, E. W., ADRC
Siddons, Wayne S., AOC
Skroch, James J., AMHC
Smith, Gerald W., OTC(SS)
Snee, John J., LCDR USN
Souza, John, Jr., YNC(SS)
Stepp, Claude, HMC
Sticker, Ronald G., ABH1
Suess, Harold W., CMC
Sullivan, Daniel R., HMC
115
159
MAL
361
101
MAL
289
051
042
MAL
091
106
MAL
MAL
Wall, Joseph M., EN1
Wardell, Walter W., AK1
Welch, William D., GMGC
Wells, James W., SKC
White, Henry D., ADC
PRPWC Will, Wheelock H., SKC
Willingham, Ellis H., ST1(SS)
Willis, James E., CSC
Womeldorf, Ralph H., YNC(SS)
Wood, Clifford O., MSGT
Woods, George, HMC
Woodside, Robert D., RMC
MAL
027
106
029
096
140
020
293
005
054
MAL
MAL
Young, Robert D., SGT
208
Zingrich, Donald R., RMC(SS)
MAL
Tabery, John W., BTCS
Teeters, Marvin E., PNC
136
005
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Names in blue indicate 50 year continuous members.
Names in bold indicate a Past National Officer.
july 2007
Larry Hansen, EM2, served on the
USS Lucid in the late 1950s
John F. Hoy, Machinist Mate served on
USS Murray DD576
Contact Billy D. Houston, (740) 3821474 or tincanman61@aol.com.
FRA Today
Any SK’s that served on USS Essex
CVA9 S-1 Div. from 1956 through
1959
Please contact Jose Delagarza, Jr. 526
Idlywood Lane, Laredo, TX 780452426.
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FRA membership Benefits
33
Military Checks
Show your FRA membership card and
mention Lens Crafters Plan #9134727
to receive a 20% discount on frames,
lenses, coating and tints, optical accessories, safety frames and lenses, and nonprescription sunglasses at Lens Crafters.
Some locations also offer discounts
on eye exams and contact lenses. Call
1-800-522-LENS for information.
Members of FRA can show association pride with high quality, custom
designed bank checks, personalized with
your name, address, and FRA emblem.
Call 1-800-VET-CHEX to order.
www.fra.org
Please login to www.fra.org to access
members-only information and participate in online discussion groups
with staff and other Shipmates.
Through the Web site, you can also
communicate with your elected officials using FRA’s online Action Center,
update your personal information,
subscribe to NewsBytes, FRA’s weekly
e-mail update, read FRA’s OnWatch,
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FRA’s monthly magazine provides
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FRA Scholarship Program
Over $100,000 in college and graduate school scholarships are awarded to
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GEICO Car Insurance
Auto premiums are discounted for FRA
members in many states. Call 1-800MILITARY (1-800-645-4827) and ask
for the FRA member benefit discount.
FRA Life and Health
Insurance Programs
As an FRA member, you are eligible for
excellent coverage at affordable group
rates by participating in FRA-endorsed
insurance programs. Request information by calling 1-800-424-1120, or by
following the link on the Membership
Benefits page under My FRA on www.
fra.org/benefits.
Navy Times
FRA members qualify for a special
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Card
™
The NO ANNUAL FEE card offers:
Rich Rewards. You’ll earn one point
for every net retail dollar you spend
with your card toward:
• Unlimited cash rewards
• Tickets on major U.S. airlines with
no blackout dates
• Car rentals and hotel stays in the U.S.
• Brand-name merchandise
• Plus, double, triple and quadruple
points can be earned at participating merchants, and redemption can
begin with as few as 2,500 points
MyConciergeSM service. A complimentary cardholder service, offers you
the advantage of a personal assistant
that can help you:
• Find tickets to sold-out shows and
sporting events
• Locate a special gift
• Even help plan a function for you
What’s more, the card that rewards
you supports our organization. Each
time you make a purchase with your
credit card, a contribution is made to
the Fleet Reserve Association at no additional cost to you.
Avis Car Rentals
When making reservations through
Avis, be sure to use your FRA
membership
benefit
discount:
AWD#T867500.
Hertz Car Rentals 
When making reservations through
Hertz, be sure to use your FRA membership benefit discount: CDP#332104. 
Online Travel Portal
The online travel portal provides FRA
members special government rates for
everything from airline tickets, hotels,
or cars to last minute travel deals on
cruises or golf packages.
FRA’s US Bonds 4U Network
Shop for everyday items, gifts, and
even hotel reservations, rental cars, and
flights online, and each network merchant gives you a percentage of your
purchase back as BondDollars™. Your
FRA US Bonds 4U savings account
grows with every purchase. Once your
account reaches 50 BondDollars™, you
can redeem for US Savings Bonds or
other valuable benefits.
Take a health care needs survey
FRA sponsored insurance plans are continually reviewed and evaluated based on input
from FRA members. If you would like to share
your needs and thoughts, please take a brief
online survey at:
www.personal-plans.com/promo/FRAsurvey
july 2007
Lens Crafters
FRA Today
As a member, you and your family are
eligible for dental insurance coverage.
For information regarding the FRA
Dental Plan, call 1-800-522-1857.
Learn more—call toll-free 1-866-4386262. TTY users, call 1-800-833-6262.
Please refer to priority code FAAMXN
when speaking with a representative
to apply.
Dental Plan 
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I
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LA FRA news
36
FRA Today
July 2007
A Message from the Northeast Regional President
I would like to thank the members of the Northeast Region for the opportunity
to serve as your President in this great organization. It is an honor to represent
the Northeast Region by participating at the Theodore Roosevelt Pilgrimage,
the Annual Pilgrimage at Arlington, Veterans and Memorial Day Services, and
Fourth of July Parades.
Our region may be shrinking in numbers, but what awes me the most is the
dedication of our members to the three cardinal principles of our organization.
Our members are busy doing volunteer work at local hospitals, VA Hospitals,
and AARP Seminaries. Members continue to drive veterans, widows, and elderly
to Doctors appointments, hospitals, pick up medication, grocery shopping, and
assist with other errands as needed. Members also find the time to knit lap robes,
pockets for over walkers, and other items for nursing home patients. They donate
bingo prizes several times a year to a local nursing home where several members
volunteer to play bingo with the clients.
Not only are Units sending packages filled with much needed items and greeting cards to our troops in the combat zone for the holidays, they do it through
out the year. Members collect store coupons for use at military commissaries
overseas. Some Units even give fruit baskets to shut-in-FRA and LA FRA members at the holidays.
Units donate baskets to the needy at Thanksgiving and members work with local churches at the food pantries for the needy. Christmas was brighter for many
children with the gifts donated by unit members. One unit sponsors trophies for
a car show and members work booths at the July 4th activities in town. Another
unit sponsors a Girl Scout Troop and takes part in their activities. Members help
with Sunday school, chaperon class trips and take part in “Read Across America
Day” at local schools. A unit donated book bags filled with school supplies to a
local police project “Book Bags for Needy Children.” As you can see our members work with youth as well as the elderly.
It is heart warming to see our Branches and Units working together on many
projects to serve their communities. One of our Branches along with the Unit
has adopted a family and help with their medical expense and food. Another
Branch and Unit sponsor a “Community Youth Olympic Games” for the community while another Branch and Unit volunteer to sell refreshments and assist
with tours at Homeport Fleet Week. The FRA and LAFRA really do make a difference in many lives.
I want to thank everyone for their hospitality. Remember, pay your dues on
time, try to recruit a new member, reinstate a suspended one, and call a member
you seldom see.
In Loyalty, Protection and & Service.
Fran Hoadley is the editor of LA FRA News and the FRA Today Liaison.
Unit 226 Staten Island
(seated) Dorothy Dolan,
(standing left to right)
Teresa Moschella, Emma
Taylor, Vice President
Marie Stiegler, President
Mary Ann Newton, Alice
Europa, (standing in front)
Rose Fote who is receiving
her 25 year pin.
Sue Hershberger
Regional President Northeast
Unit 124 Veterans Day Services in
Lakehurst, NJ (left to right) Sara Piacentino, RVPNE; Cecilia McConnell, Mary
Jane Tilton, Sue Hershberger, RPNE;
Aurora Semple, Unit Chaplain; Beverly
Anthony, Elizabeth Church, Unit Vice
President.
Unit 124 members attending Luncheon
for Volunteer Appreciation Day at
Crystal Lake Rehabilitation (center)
Also Santina (Sally) O’Niell, receiving
her 50 year pin. (left to right) RPNE Sue
Hershberger, presenting pin to Sally,
Loretta Reina, Sally O’Neill, Aurora
Semple, RVPNE Sara Piacentino.
Unit 124 presenting Book Bags for
Needy Children
to Police Project.
(left to right)
Sue Hershberger,
Unit Secretary,
Manchester Police
Officer Danny
McCallum, Sara
Piacentino, Unit
President.
Asbestos
Cancer Hits
Former
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Many sailors who served their country proudly aboard
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Postmaster: Send address changes to:
Member services
FRA
125 N. West Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2754
PERIODICAL