Navy - Fleet Reserve Association

d e f e n s e a u t h o r i z at i o n m o v e s f o r w a r d
8
The Journey to
Navy
Page 16
chief
12 Junior ROTC Programs
25 FRA Scholarship Winners
October 2009
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October
Number 10
16
October 2009
16 The Journey to Navy Chief
The transition from Navy First Class Petty
Officer to Chief is more than just a promotion
from E-6 to E-7 — it’s a transformation.
Departments
2 Communications
The Power of 61 Characters
5Ned perspective
Focusing on the Future
12
7SHIPMATE FORUM
8ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL
FY2010 Defense Authorization Moves Forward
12MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Youth Activities: Junior ROTC
25fra scholarship recipients
25
26News from the Branches
30taps
33reunions and looking for...
36 LA FRA NEWS
Message from Southwest Regional President
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.
1
FRA Today
Featured
Volume 88
2009
On the cover
The United States Naval Academy Chapel is a focal
point of the Academy as well as Annapolis, Md., where
its high dome is visible throughout the city. Constructed
in the early 1900s (1904 – 1908), the chapel also contains the final resting place of John Paul Jones, whose
remains were posthumously brought from France in
1906, and interred in the chapel crypt in 1913.
Communications
2
FRA Today
October 2009
National Officers/Board Of Directors
The power of 61 characters.
Eileen Murphy
I never would have guessed that so many of our readers pay attention
to the small message ink-jetted on the mailing label of FRA Today.
We send notes about recruiting members, congratulating people for
outstanding achievements, and even reminding members when to pay
dues. We have never had feedback on the messages and, honestly, we
wondered if they were noticed. Until now.
The printer made an error in September and included a 61-character message on the vast majority of magazines notifying members
that their membership would soon expire unless dues were paid. Over
the past several weeks, NHQ has received literally thousands of phone
calls, e-mails and letters about this error from shipmates and subscribers concerned about losing the benefit of FRA Today. We have enjoyed
having the opportunity to interact with so many shipmates, but regret
the circumstances under which this happened.
A good friend of mine pointed out that this event provided some
valuable market research. We now know the power of 61 characters.
We also know how valuable so many of you believe this publication is
—and how concerned you were at the thought of not receiving another
issue.
In our attempt to avoid confusion, we sent an e-mail blast to all
members for whom we had e-mail addresses. Unfortunately, that is
only approximately a quarter of our membership. Many readers have
since provided us with e-mail addresses so that if we do need to provide
urgent information in the future, we can send an e-mail. Many also decided to sign up for NewsBytes, FRA’s weekly legislative e-mail update.
It is free and a great way to keep up on the “On & Off Capitol Hill” news
between issues of FRA Today.
If you have an e-mail address but haven’t shared it with FRA, please
do. We do not ever sell or share your e-mail addresses with anyone, and
our use of it is limited to important FRA news.
If you are interested in taking advantage of our free subscription
offer for NewsBytes, please call Member Services at 1-800-FRA-1924
or e-mail newsbytes@fra.org and include your name, member number
from the back of the magazine and your e-mail address. If you do not
have e-mail and would like to listen to NewsBytes by phone, call 1-800FRA-1924, ext. 112. It is updated each Friday afternoon.
Thank you for your understanding about the error, and for providing us with outstanding feedback. Your membership and input are
greatly appreciated.
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.
National President
National Vice President
National Executive
Finance Officer
Junior PNP
Donald Mucheck, L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50
Gary C. Blackburn, Vallejo Branch 8
Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Department Branch 181
Paul Rigby
Lawrence J. Boudreaux, Hangtown Branch 275
Regional Presidents
New England
Northeast
East Coast
Southeast
North Central
South Central
Southwest
West Coast
Northwest
Nat’l. Parliamentarian
Nat’l Chaplain
Paul F. Loveless, Jr., Pinetree Branch 156
James E. Brown, Staten Island Branch 226
Ray E. Santee, Virginia Beach Branch 166
John E. Sutton, Mayport Branch 290
Robert A. Melson, USS Indianapolis Memorial Branch 130
Donald Larson, Corpus Christi Branch 94
Charles F. Tompkins, James Hunter Branch 47
Nathan “Joe” Nash, Silver Dollar Branch 192
Donald L. Bordwell, Dungeness Branch 174
PNP Robert G. Beese, Orange County Branch 175
Tom Whitaker, B. Duke Woody Branch 147
Active Duty Advisory Council
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West
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 Ronney A. Wright
USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major Kim E. Davis
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 rg
Volume 88 Number 10
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We were there when you landed on the northern coast of France.
We were there when you returned to the Philippine shore.
We were there when you fought in Korea and Vietnam.
We were there when you rolled across the deserts of Iraq.
We were there then.
We will always be there.
Proudly serving those who serve.
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NED Perspective
5
FRA Today
As plans are finalized for the
82nd National Convention later this
month, it is important to note that
in addition to essential business sessions, the schedule reflects key aspects of National President (NP) Don
Mucheck’s Strategic Action Plan for
the future. The convention also marks
the beginning of FRA’s 85th anniversary year and includes training and
orientation sessions for Branch and
Regional leaders plus workshops on
key issues and benefits important to
all segments of our membership.
The Action Plan was announced in
the NP’s From the Bridge column in the
June, 2009 issue of FRA Today, and has
been referenced in my previous NED
Perspective columns and briefed at all
regional conventions. The plan includes
identifying FRA’s unique value proposition for our target audiences; improving
the Association’s image and maximizing opportunities to promote FRA programs. The plan also includes specific
action items focused on addressing challenges facing the Association.
Of utmost importance is identifying
future leaders at the Branch, Regional
and National levels and key to this is
mentoring and training Shipmates to
serve in various leadership positions.
To address this, a special FRA leadership training session is scheduled the
morning of Tuesday, October 20th
and includes presentations on Branch
admin basics, endorsed membership
benefit programs, revitalizing Branch
meetings, various legal and tax issues,
iMIS system basics and the Bring ‘em
Back calls program which is especially
important in addressing membership
retention.
It is also important to expand and/
or reinstitute training at mid-year regional meetings and these sessions
will hopefully help regional officers
do so in 2010 and beyond. And, in
Joe Barnes
conjunction with another related action item, a workshop on organizing new Branches will be presented
by DMD Penny Collins on Tuesday,
October 20 at 1630.
FRA’s legislative advocacy program is the reason the Association
was established in 1924 and expanding awareness of this work is especially
important to educating potential and
non-renewing members about the
value of membership. The list of the
Association’s legislative victories of the
past 85 years reflects FRA’s strong com-
FRA’s legislative advocacy
program is the reason
the Association was
established in 1924
mitment to guarding the pay, benefits
and quality-of-life for our shipmates
and our legislative successes continue
as we anticipate enhancements that will
be addressed in the FY 2010 Defense
Authorization Act. These will include
adequate funding for TRICARE and VA
health care programs and a prohibition
of retiree health care fee increases next
year; further expansion of concurrent
receipt, a higher active duty pay raise;
implementation of education improvements for reserve/active and VEAP-era
personnel; and more wounded warrior
assistance and support along with other
benefits. These and other issues will be
addressed in a special legislative update session following the meeting by
the National Committee on Legislative
Service on Wednesday, October 21 at
1630, and a separate workshop on using FRA’s Action Center is scheduled
later in the week.
Other workshops include an orientation session for new convention
attendees and sessions on VA programs, diabetes management and
wellness. A senior enlisted leadership
panel is scheduled on Friday, October
22 following by several active duty/
Reserve workshops on the Post 9/11
GI Bill, transitioning from active duty
and the Redux retirement program
decision for career service members.
In addition, the second Forum on
the Future of FRA is scheduled on the
morning of Saturday, October 23. The
topic of conversation will be where
we are today and how we can achieve
the goals of tomorrow. Two panels
are planned to include active duty,
Reserve and retired Shipmates who
will share their perspectives with all in
attendance.
And finally, to expand recognition and promote additional outreach
initiatives at the Branch and Regional
levels, Navy and Marine Corps JROTC
instructors from Tidewater area high
schools are invited to attend the banquet as guests of the FRA on Saturday
evening and will be recognized for
their work in support of these important programs.
I look forward to seeing many FRA
Shipmates at the convention and urge
those attending to not only attend
business sessions, but to also participate in various workshops and the sessions referenced above. With strong
teamwork and commitment from
shipmates, branches and the National
Headquarters Team, we can effectively
address our challenges and implement
the NP’s Strategic Action Plan. Please
support this effort and be involved in
this process.
Joe Barnes is FRA’s National Executive Director and
Chairman of the National Committee on Legislative
Service. A member of Navy Department Branch 181,
he is also an advisor to the National Committees on
Budget and Finance and Membership and Retention.
October 2009
Focusing on the Future
FOUND! AMERICA’S ELUSIVE SILVER DOLLAR!
“Teddy Roosevelt Silver Dollars”
Unearthed at Old Texas Ranch
After getting a call from a gentleman who had inherited a
historic Texas ranch, one of our coin buyers found himself in
a dusty storm cellar. The ranch was once owned by a veteran
of WWI, who as local legend had was said to have always held
true to a peculiar tradition: when he lost at pool (which was rare)
he paid only with silver dollars. Now, a successful man with
silver coins to spare must have had a stash of them right?
That’s precisely what his grandson was hoping when he found,
in a dark corner under a rotten floorboard, five heavy, unmarked
canvas bags.
As he opened them, one by one, he found 6,000 U.S. Territorial Silver
Dollars—the coins he’d heard stories of! These were “Teddy Roosevelt
Silver Dollars,” the only silver dollar created during TR’s presidency!
Hard to Hunt Down
This scarcely seen U.S. Territorial Silver Dollar was issued from 1907
to 1912, but is missing from virtually every U.S. silver-dollar collection.
In fact, many collectors don’t even know it exists! It was struck at the
renowned San Francisco Mint for use only in the Philippines, a U.S.
Territory at the time. Sadly, millions of the coins were lost over the
years or melted down for their silver content, and very few made their
way back to the United States. It’s estimated that less than 10 percent
of these coins remain!
Silver Legacy of Teddy Roosevelt
In the White House from 1901 to 1909, Roosevelt believed in America’s
destiny as a world power. His efforts led to building the Panama Canal,
eliminating the dreadful yellow fever in the Philippines, Cuba, and
Puerto Rico and helping end a war between Russia and Japan, for which
he was the first American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
A Big, Beautiful Silver Dollar
The U.S. Territorial Silver Dollar is as rugged as the old Rough Rider
himself. It weighs a hefty 20 grams and has a 1.37-inch diameter. The
coin has a fineness of .800 silver.
Lady Liberty is featured on the front of the coin, symbolizing the
forging of a new territory. The back depicts an eagle standing proudly
atop a U.S. shield.
Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Note: GovMint.com is a private distributor of worldwide government
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Shipmate Forum
7
Retiring Synthetic Flags
FRA’s grassroots advocacy is based on its members’ active
involvement in the legislative process. The Association offers
two important tools to facilitate communication between
citizens and their elected officials.
FRA’s Action Center (www.fra.org) allows shipmates to
send pre-written letters to their senators and representatives
on issues that impact the military and veteran communities.
The Web site also allows visitors to draft their own messages
to their elected officials.
The Association also offers a free “Communicate with your
Elected Officials” booklet that includes a congressional directory for the 111th Congress and includes helpful hints for
sending messages to your senators and representative.
To order your free copy go to the FRA Web site (www.fra.org).
Be sure to include your name, service, rate and address.
USFSPA
Losing Your Retirement Benefits
To A Former Spouse in Divorce?
Protect Your Benefits
www.ULSG.org
James Solberg 847-587-0924 solly@att.net
This is in response to “COLA Proposal”
by Anthony Just in the September 2009
edition of FRA Today.
Apparently Mr. Just has not heard of
the proposed increase in real estate taxes and electric rates for south Florida. I
have no problem foregoing any increase
in my military and civil service retirement pay as long as I don’t have to pay
any increase in my bills. If these increases happen, none
of us, including Mr. Just, will see any economic recovery.
We will all be “a day late and a dollar short.”
G. E. Mangold
Navy Federal Credit Union Excludes
USCG Personnel
I recently found out that the Navy Federal Credit Union will
not accept Coast Guard personnel as members. I assume
that the board governing the credit union finds it easier to
accept only DoD personnel, but generally in the past most
military organizations have accepted the Coast Guard into
their midst because it is one of the five armed forces. I hope
this is an isolated occurrence.
N. V. Swanson
FRA Response: According to the Navy Federal Credit Union
(NFCU) Web site, only DoD-affiliated personnel are eligible
for membership. Two exceptions exist: Coast Guard personnel
assigned to DoD installations are eligible, as are cadets at the
U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Other than these two specific
instances, USCG personnel are not eligible to become members
of the NFCU.
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.
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October 2009
FRA Offers Free Communication Tools
COLAs
FRA Today
Thank you to Bob Huscher for proposing that national cemeteries assume a
role in the disposal of soiled and torn
flags (FRA Today, July 2009). I urge FRA
members to join with the other military
associations to lobby Congress in directing the VA to assist communities facing
this challenge.
In Beaufort County, S.C., our area
Veterans Association holds an annual event honoring the
U.S. flag. The event was started by WWII Bombardier and
Prisoner of War Jack Young and his wife, Claire. This year
we retired about 700 tattered flags, many of them synthetic.
With a community of 12,000 households, we expect that the
number will continue to grow since we have a program that
focuses on replacing old flags. For more information, visit
our Web site at www.suncityhhvets.com .
USA Today carried a story this year of an Illinois man
who rescues flags that were improperly thrown in the trash.
He retrieves them and gives the cotton ones to the local
American Legion and the synthetic ones retired at a crematorium. While researching this issue, I found a group of
volunteers in Kannapolis, N.C., that runs a program where
you can ship a tattered flag. Visit www.flagkeepers.org for
more information.
Wouldn’t it be nice if our citizens could bring the flags
to the National Cemetery and, while they are there, attend a
burial ceremony for a fallen warrior?
Jim Quirk
On & off capitol hill
FRA Today
October 2009
8
Defense Authorization Moves Forward
As this issue of FRA Today goes to print, a conference
com­mittee has been appointed to resolve the differences between the House- and Senate-approved versions of the
FY2010 Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The two bills
(H.R. 2647 and S. 1390) contain a number of FRAsupported provisions associated with the Association’s
2009 legislative agenda.
Both the Senate and the House versions provide for
a larger-than-requested active duty pay increase of 3.4
percent, authorize TRICARE Standard coverage at full
cost for retired Reservists under age 60, provide supplemental Impact Aid funding ($30 million in the Senate
and $50 million in the House), extend dental coverage for
surviving children of service members killed in combat
and reimburse travel expenses for designated individuals visiting wounded warriors during rehabilitation. The
Association also acknowledges that neither version of
the legislation authorizes higher TRICARE fees or
increased pharmacy co-pays. However, both proposals
allow the prohibition of TRICARE fee increases to expire
on September 30, 2009.
FRA is disappointed that Senate Majority Leader Harry
Reid’s (Nev.) floor amendment addressing the concurrent
receipt of military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation was not considered due to limited debate time.
FRA continues to support the immediate and full payment
of military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation, without offset, for all disabled retirees. FRA is also
disappointed the amendment that would have authorized a Pentagon dislocation allowance study, sponsored
at FRA’s request by Senator Roland Burris (Ill.), was not
called for a vote.
FRA also supports provisions of the House-approved
version (H.R. 2647) of the NDAA that:
• Expand concurrent receipt for medically retired personnel with less than 20 years of service (Chapter 61)
and who are at least 90 percent disabled;
• Eliminate a scheduled 2013 cut in the annual retired
Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA);
• Expand TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) coverage for
Reservists from 90 to 180 days before mobilization;
• Require DoD to review housing standards used to calculate monthly Basic Allowance for Housing;
• Reduce service members’ pay deductions from 20 percent to 10 percent for erroneous over-payments by DoD;
John Davis
• Allow service members (with at least one driving family member) to ship two vehicles on PCS moves to
Alaska, Hawaii and US territories;
• Prohibit child custody changes while a parent is deployed;
• Extend leave without pay to active duty family members;
• Expand schools that are eligible for Impact Aid support
payments;
• Authorize changing the name of the Department
of the Navy to the Department of the Navy and the
Marine Corps.
The Senate-passed version (S. 1390) includes several
FRA-supported legislative provisions that:
• Expand Reserve retirement eligibility to include duty
performed after September 11, 2001;
• End Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) penalties for survivors who also receive Dependency and Indemnity
Compensation (DIC);
• Provide for person-to-person mental health screenings for personnel exposed to operational risk factors
during deployment;
• Section 707 of the Senate bill exempts TRICARE beneficiaries under age 65 who become disabled and were
unable to enroll in Medicare part B for the retroactive
months of entitlement to Medicare part A in order to
maintain TRICARE coverage;
• Exempt disabled TRICARE beneficiaries under age 65
from paying back premiums for retroactive eligibility
in Medicare Part B if they are retroactively approved
for Medicare Part A coverage;
• Increase assistance for low-income service members
with children;
• Increase PCS weight allowances for E-5 through E-9
personnel;
• Substantially reform and streamline the military overseas voting process.
Many of these provisions are directly related to
FRA’s advocacy on behalf of our members, and are referenced in congressional testimony and interaction
with members of Congress and Hill staff. In anticipation of the upcoming conference committee deliberations, FRA shared its legislative recommendations with
the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and
Senate Armed Services Committees, who will lead conference committee/deliberations.
On & off capitol hill
VETERANS AFFAIRS
FRA Questions Controversial VA Publication
FRA’s National President Don Mucheck wrote to Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Eric
Shinseki, urging the Secretary to pull a controversial 52-page workbook from the VA
Web site and not distribute it at VA medical centers until an on-going re-evaluation is
complete. Many veterans have expressed concerns about the “Your Life, Your Choice”
publication that discusses advanced health care directives and encourages readers to
make their end-of-life wishes known and designate someone to make these decisions for
them if they are no longer able.
An August 18th, 2009, Wall Street Journal article by Jim Towey highlighted concerns
about the VA publication. Towey was interviewed on Fox News Sunday shortly after the
article appeared and was joined by VA Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth, who said
the publication is being re-evaluated. FRA recommends distribution of the publication be
halted until a decision is made about its suitability for use. A copy of the letter is on the
FRA Web site (www.fra.org).
VA Apologizes for ALS Letter
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is apologizing to veterans who erroneously
received letters saying they had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). The letters were intended to inform sufferers of ALS about
the benefits available to them, their surviving spouses and children, but VA estimates that
10 percent of the 1,800 letters were sent to beneficiaries who have not been diagnosed
with the disease. The mistake may have resulted from a coding error in which veterans
with undiagnosed neurological disorders were inadvertently assigned the code for ALS.
The VA uses more than 8,000 codes for various diseases and illnesses.
New Initiatives for Female Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced new initiatives to support
women veterans. The plans include comprehensive primary care and specialized medical
care at every VA medical center; enhanced mental health care specifically for female vets;
staffing every VA medical center with a women veterans’ program manager; improving
communication and outreach to women vets; and continuing the operation of organizations such as VA’s Center for Women Veterans and the Women Veterans Health Strategic
Healthcare Group.
Earlier this year Penny Collins, FRA’s director of membership development and Coast
Guard veteran, participated in a House VA Committee discussion on the special needs of
women veterans. The forum highlighted the need for increased training for VA staff, some of
whom have misconceptions about the needs and contributions of women vets or fail to acknowledge that some issues impact female veterans differently than their male counterparts.
The Congressional Budget Office
(CBO) released the second volume
of its budgetary options for the 111th
Congress, which includes 188 possible
spending alternatives related to military end strengths, pay and benefits
for service members, VA disability
benefits, Social Security, and cost-ofliving adjustments (COLAs). It is important to understand these are only
options and not likely to generate legislative action for FY2010. However,
they could be introduced as future
legislative proposals.
Some of the CBO options include:
• Capping military pay raises at
0.5-percent below the Employment
Cost Index (ECI) for the next five
years and offering targeted bonuses to manage force requirements
for critical skills.
• Consolidating all service commissaries and exchanges into a single
retail entity and providing a taxfree grocery stipend of $600 for
active duty personnel to replace
government subsidies for commissaries. The grocery allowance is
not offered as an option for retirees
or Reservists.
• Changing the formula by which
COLAs are calculated for military and federal retired pay, Social
Security and VA disability compensation, which CBO estimates will
allow the government to reduce
COLA increases by 0.3 percent.
CBO publishes its spending options
for each new Congress and, although
they often generate a great deal of
discussion on Capitol Hill, few are
implemented. FRA is evaluating these
options and their potential impact on
our members. Similar to the health care
report CBO released in January, these
are only options for possible consideration by lawmakers. As always, FRA
will alert its membership accordingly
as legislative threats warrant.
October 2009
President Obama and Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki discussed a broad
range of veterans’ issues, including the Administration’s commitment to tackling the
causes behind Post Traumatice Stress Disorder (PTSD) and providing resources to help
those experiencing it. “There is a direct connection between the problems of PTSD and
the pace of military operations,” Obama told military reporters, adding that PTSD may be
curbed by reducing “the amount of time [service members spend] in theater without a
break.” Steps taken to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps, the services most
heavily stressed with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and plans to end policies that
keep some service members in uniform beyond the terms of their enlistment contracts
(stop-loss) are aimed at reducing stress and the incidence of PTSD.
CBO Releases Additional
Budget Options
FRA Today
President, VA Secretary Cite PTSD as Priority
9
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On & off capitol hill
11
Military Looking for $60 Billion in Savings in Budget
In response to an increasing need to protect the identity information of service
members, retirees, and their family members, the Department of Defense is
removing Social Security numbers (SSN) from its identification cards.
The removal is being done in phases as computer software is modified. Phase
One is underway and involves removing the family members’ number and
replacing it with “XXX-XX-XXXX” on the card. The sponsor’s SSN will remain
visible for now. Phase Two will begin later this year and involve removing all
printed Social Security numbers from the ID cards. Phase Three, scheduled to
begin in 2012, will involve removing Social Security numbers that are currently
embedded in barcodes.
In January 2010, retirees with an indefinite expiration date on their card can
begin requesting a new card without a printed SSN. Family member ID cards will
change when the cardholders renew expired cards.
To find the nearest ID card center go to www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home.
People must present two forms of identification and one must be an unexpired
federal- or state-issued photo ID.
DoD Creates Suicide Prevention Panel
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs recently
announced the 14-member Department of Defense (DoD) Task Force on the
Prevention of Suicide by Members of the Armed Forces. The Task Force will
operate as a subcommittee of the Defense Health Board and consist of military
and civilian experts, including at least one representative from each of the armed
services and one family member with a background in working with other military families.
Military suicide rates have increased in recent years and the Task Force will
address trends and causal factors, methods to update prevention and education
programs, suicide assessment by occupation, suicide incident investigations and
protective measures for confidential information derived from investigations
by DoD. The Task Force will present its findings and recommendations to the
Secretary of Defense within 12 months. After review, the report and recommendations will be sent to Congress.
The senior enlisted community is well represented by Marine SgtMaj Ronald
Green and MGySgt Peter J. Proietto. FRA has asked the Task Force to research
the impact the Uniform Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA) may
have on suicide rates.
The FRA Legislative team is Joe Barnes, National Executive Director; John Davis, Director of Legislative Programs
and Branch 181 President; Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Outreach Manager; Chris Slawinski,
National Veterans Service Officer and Ed Dockery, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs.
Representatives from FRA and other
Military Coalition organizations recently
met with Navy RADM Christine S. Hunter,
the newly-appointed deputy director of
TRICARE Management Activity (TMA).
Hunter discussed her goals of improved
readiness, quality outcomes, providing
a positive patient experience, and managing health care costs responsibly. Her
near-term focus will include implementing new domestic and overseas TRICARE
contracts; supporting wounded warriors
and their families; improving access for
all beneficiaries; enhancing information
systems; ensuring cost-effectiveness; and
co-locating medical headquarters under
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)
directives.
Enforcing TRICARE Prime
Access Policies
Nearly 200,000 TRICARE Prime beneficiaries enrolled at Military Treatment Facilities
(MTFs) have received notices about stricter
enforcement of a rule requiring a waiver to
continue receiving care at that facility after October 1, 2009, if they live more than
40 miles (or 30 minutes) from the MTF. If
waivers are not granted, many beneficiaries will be forced into the more expensive
TRICARE Standard fee-for-service option
for care provided by civilian providers.
Additional information and an example
of the policy’s impact is detailed in Tom
Philpott’s syndicated Military Update column (8-20-09) available at www.fra.org.
Federal Hiring Preference for
Military Spouses
Spouses who are relocating because
of their service member’s new assignment, some physically disabled military spouses, and unmarried survivors
of service members killed in action
are now able to bypass some of the red
tape involved in applying for federal
jobs. Under new guidelines, an estimated 250,000 spouses per year will
be eligible for streamlined application
processes when applying to work at
federal agencies that elect to use the
new hiring authority.
continued on page 33
October 2009
Number Removal from ID Cards Continues
FRA Meets with TMA Officials
FRA Today
The Department of Defense (DoD) will need to come up with $60 billion in savings over the next five years to pay for new priorities set by Defense Secretary
Robert Gates. The order is based on an assumption that defense budgets will
largely be static in fiscal years 2011 through fiscal 2015 — a radical departure
for a department whose budgets have increased more than 80 percent since
2001. Pentagon officials say new spending priorities will be driven by the 2010
Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), an ongoing review and analysis of the nation’s military structure meant to guide planning and program decisions. The
Pentagon has already begun the QDR process and expects to present its final
report to Congress in early 2010.
TRICARE ISSUES
Membership matters
FRA Today
October 2009
12
Youth Activities: Junior Reserve Officers’
Training Corps (JROTC) Program
Among the many youth activities pro-
moted by the FRA is their involvement
in the Naval Junior Reserve Officer’s
Training Corps (NJROTC) program.
Many FRA branches support these
local youth programs in their area
high schools. Let’s take a look at the
JROTC program.
The overall Junior Reserve Officers’
Training Corps (JROTC) is a federal
program sponsored by the U.S. armed
forces in high schools across the country. The purpose of JROTC is to instill
in students the values of citizenship,
service to the nation, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.
The programs are structured to develop patriotism, self reliance, leadership and responsiveness to authority.
The curriculum also seeks to improve
the students’ ability to communicate
well — both orally and in writing,
help them appreciate physical fitness,
respect the role of the armed forces
in support of national objectives, as
well as learn and develop team building skills. NJROTC enrollees must be
U.S. citizens or resident aliens, enrolled
in the school sponsoring the unit, be
physically fit enough to participate in
the school’s regular physical education
program and agree to comply with uniform and grooming standards.
All of these values are nurtured
and developed through courses taught
in the high schools as well as with
interaction with military and veterans’
organizations like the FRA. This is an
excellent opportunity for shipmates and
branches to participate in outreach activities and share their military knowledge and experience with the cadets.
JROTC programs are sponsored
by the Army (AJROTC), Air Force
(AFJROTC), Navy (NJROTC), Marine
Corps (MCJROTC) and there’s one
Coast Guard JROTC unit located at
MAST Academy in Miami, Fla. FRA
members will have a logical affinity for
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard
units, but shipmates and branches can
lend their efforts and expertise to any
service’s JROTC program.
FRA Branch 281 is very active with
the local NJROTC Program at Enterprise
High School in Redding, Calif., which
is led by student cadets and guided by
CDR Dean Whetstine and STC (and
Shipmate) Jeff Van Ausdall, both retired
from the Navy. Approximately 60 students in grades nine through 12 participate in the program, with an average of
about half going on to pursue a military
career after graduation. The cadets decide what they want to accomplish during the school year and then plan and
schedule the events.
During last school year, the cadets
participated in and made significant
accom­plishments in several areas. They
supported the annual Veterans StandDown at Anderson Fairgrounds, where
Cadets from Enterprise High School’s NJROTC unit contribute to their community in many ways.
Penny Collins
they helped with facility preparation
and food service and also met Con­
gressman Wally Herger. They also
par­ti­cipated in more than 80 color
guard performances at Enterprise HS;
improved their performance in the
NJROTC National Academic Exam;
formed a flag-folding team to support funerals and other events for local military and veteran’s organizations
(see photos below); participated in the
Redding Rodeo Parade and won First
Place for Armed Drill Team and Third
Place for Color Guard performances;
contributed 100 sandwiches to the
Lighthouse Mission in Eureka, Calif., as
part of the Staff Planning Retreat; and
participated in the Vietnam Memorial
Wall Pushup Challenge. The Pushup
Chal­lenge was a significant fundraiser
for the unit, thanks to the support of
Branch 281 and others. Shipmates contributed one cent for each of the 60,000
pushups the cadets collectively completed in a three-month period. The
cadets also participated in trips and
travels to conduct community outreach
activities to foster leadership skills, gain
insight into U.S. history and learn about
a number of college campuses.
In addition to its financial assistance
and support, Branch 281 members help
develop these cadets into future military personnel by providing moral support for their efforts and volunteering
their time to provide past military experience to enrich their lives.
Supporting a NJROTC unit is a great
way for shipmates or branches to advance FRA’s principles, goals and objectives. Let’s keep the spirit of camaraderie
alive by mentoring today’s youth, who
will undoubtedly become the leaders
for tomorrow.
Penny Collins is a member of FRA Branch 24 in
Annapolis, Md. and can be reached at penny@fra.org.
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FRA Today
October 2009
Chapel at United States
Naval Academy in
Annapolis, Maryland.
Navy
The Journey to
From the time the Chief of Naval Operations
announces the list of those selected for advancement
to the pinning ceremony on September 16th, members of
the Chiefs’ Mess train, counsel and mentor those who
will join their ranks. The transition from Navy First
Class Petty Officer to Chief is more than just
a promotion from E-6 to E-7 — it’s a transformation.
c
17
FRA Today
By Lauren Armstrong
chief
October 2009
E
ducating the Navy’s newest chiefs is a
time-honored tradition that’s evolved over the past
century. Today’s chief petty officer (CPO) induction
season is the 45- to 60-day period leading up to the pinning
ceremony where new chiefs don their khakis and anchors.
Other than a formal induction class that’s required of all
CPO-selects, there’s no prescribed curriculum for other
induction activities. Each Chiefs’ Mess is tasked with creating an induction process that prepares future chiefs to lead
deckplate Sailors. During this process, CPO-selectees will
hone their leadership skills, gain institutional and tech­nical
expertise, and develop their knowledge of the Navy’s rich
heritage. They will grow personally and professionally as they shape and strengthen
their personal concept of honor,
courage and commitment — the
Navy’s core values.
T
The Chiefs’ Mess at the United States
Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis,
Md., used the occasion of its command
master chief ’s reenlistment to teach
several CPO-selects about the strong
legacy and proud traditions associated
with becoming a chief. In a day-long
series of hands-on teaching experiences, Command Master Chief Evelyn
Banks recommitted herself to Navy
service and dedicated her progressive
reenlistment ceremony to training future
chiefs. Throughout the day’s events,
MMC(Sel) Robert Inigo, FTC(Sel)
Christopher Walker, ITC(Sel) Troy
Dahlin, and ENC(Sel) Pedro Marin
saw many of the varied roles and res­
ponsibilities of today’s chiefs. (OSC(Sel)
Jason Rebholz and QMC(Sel) Aldo
D’Ottavio are also involved in the
USNA chiefs’ induction season, but
were not part of the reenlistment acti­
vities.) Although the day’s lessons were
only part of the induction process, they
served as tangible examples of what it
means to be a Navy chief.
“Our CPO-selects will also work with
nearly 200 members of the Washington,
D.C., and Norfolk, Va., Chiefs’ Mess to
plan and execute a Sailor-of-the-Quarter
ceremony and a retirement ceremony at
the Navy-versus-Louisiana Tech football
game,” explained Banks. “The induction process is just that — a process. It’s
important for these future chiefs to learn,
in a training environment, what will be
expected of them and ways for them to
execute what they’ve learned. When they
pin on those anchors, it will be assumed
they’ve met the qualifications and are
prepared to be chiefs. And that learning
process doesn’t stop on September 16th.”
Chief Junior Ashwood, who sponsors
one of the selectees and coordinates
physical training for the induction season,
is proud of the role he plays in training
the prospective members of the Mess.
“I wish the training was even longer to
help the selectees get a better grip on the
trials and glories of being a chief petty
officer. I love that we’re giving them
training in real-life situations. Members
of the Mess are the first line of defense
for a future chief before he or she puts on
the uniform and is seen by junior Sailors
as a chief petty officer. It means that our
years of training and experience can be
passed on to make this a better Navy.
It’s so important that the Navy runs
efficiently with competent chiefs looking
out for their junior Sailors.”
The reenlistment day included a
Learning Family Style
T
he importance of family was highlighted during the
portion of Master Chief Banks’ reenlistment that took
place at King Hall, the Academy’s dining facility. King
Hall is the one place where the USNA family gathers daily with
more than 4,300 midshipmen dining together. Meals are fittingly served family style.
Before each meal, announcements are made from the Anchor,
a central podium that is viewable by all midshipmen via video
camera and dozens of television monitors placed throughout
the dining hall. The entire brigade witnessed Commandant of
Midshipmen Captain Matthew Klunder and Midshipman First
Class Ryan Steenberge, Brigade Commander, administer their
respective portions of Banks’ oath of service and highlight the
importance of family support in a service members’ career.
“Family has a great impact on each of us and we all play a
role within our families — not just our personal families, not
just our Academy family, but the entire Navy and Marine Corps
family,” explained Klunder.
Several midshipmen and senior enlisted staff members shared
their perspectives on the impact each has on the other.
“My job is to bring my naval experience and knowledge to the
front door of 150 midshipmen,” said Senior Chief Jason Brown,
senior enlisted leader for 21st Company. “It’s my job to reinforce military customs, traditions and standards. My secondary
purpose is to demonstrate the officer/senior enlisted relationship in order to build trust early in their careers.”
Above: Courtesy Governor O’Malley’s Press Office; Right: Dennis Herring
FRA Today
October 2009
18
tutorial in rendering honors to the United
States flag, marching in formation, a
man-overboard drill and a practice burialat-sea ceremony, introductions to the
Academy’s senior leaders and a variety of
less traditional opportunities for training.
“We wanted to make this reenlistment a teaching opportunity,” explained
CMDCM(AW/SW) Banks. “One of
the lessons we hope to convey is that
we can learn — and teach — in every
situation. Sometimes chiefs are put in
situations they didn’t expect or aren’t
Know Your People and
Take Care of Them
One of the first stops on Banks’ journey
to reenlistment was at the U.S. Naval
Academy Band Room. MUCM James
Rodak led the band in performing songs
that were of personal significance to
And from several midshipmen’s accounts, Brown and his colleagues are doing just that. “We get valuable insights from the
senior chiefs and gunnys,” explained Midshipman First Class
Misty Webster. “They guide us on fleet regulations and professional matters, and teach us that we must earn respect.”
Some midshipmen have already served as enlisted personnel,
offering a unique perspective on the importance of the enlisted
staff at the Academy.
“The enlisted staff supplements the officer instructor corps
and brings a different perspective,” echoes Midshipman 4th
Class Aaron Lawrence, a Marine corporal who served a tour
in Iraq before coming to Annapolis. “Hearing a senior enlisted
person describe what makes a good officer is very different
Midshipman First Class
Misty Webster shares
her appreciation and
respect for senior enlisted leaders on the U.S.
Navel Academy staff.
from an officer telling us what he or she did to be a good officer.
As an instructor and leadership facilitator, Brown has learned
from the midshipmen as well. “I’ve learned that the spirit of service is still alive and well in America,” he said. “They come to a
place they know will be morally, mentally and physically challenging. They are stretched to the limit, which is fitting given
the fast-paced, demanding requirements of military service and
the trend of asking more of our Sailors and Marines and giving
them less to accomplish it with.”
October 2009
Admiral Jeffrey Fowler, superintendent of the U.S.
Naval Academy, administers the full oath of service
to CMC Evelyn Banks, restoring her to active duty.
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley looks on.
Banks and explained why each song was
meaningful to her. As a member of the
USNA Chiefs’ Mess, he also made sure
to emphasize the songs’ relevance to the
future chiefs.
For example, Rodak introduced the
Navy Hymn by explaining that Banks,
as a young Sailor, “found herself overseas
when she got word that her grandfather
had passed away. She knew she should
go home, but did not have the means
to get there. A master chief stepped up
and made sure she had everything she
needed to get back to her family, including a cassette tape of the Navy Hymn.”
Rodak emphasized the impact that
master chief ’s concern and kindness had
on a young Sailor, not only in her time
of need, but throughout her Navy career.
It’s a lesson Banks reminds herself
of each day. “I keep a miniature bale
of cotton to remind me of the long,
hot days I picked cotton as a young
girl and the opportunities the Navy’s
given me — opportunities to celebrate
every day that I’m not picking cotton
anymore. It also reminds me that every
Sailor joined the Navy for a reason.
Whether they joined to escape the
cotton fields or an abusive home, get an
education, or see the world…in some
way they were seeking to create a better
life for themselves. I try to learn what
FRA Today
‘‘
I do solemnly swear that
I will support and defend the
Constitution of the United States
against all enemies, foreign and
domestic; that I will bear true faith
and allegiance to the same; and
that I will obey the orders of the
President of the United States and
the orders of the officers appointed
over me, according to regulations
and the Uniform Code of Military
Justice. So help me God.”
19
entirely comfortable with. Today will give
our selectees a chance to experience some
of that first hand.”
Before Sailors can reenlist, they must
be discharged from active duty. Banks’
discharge took the selectees to the office
of Admiral Jeffrey Fowler, superintendent of the Naval Academy. In addition
to witnessing Banks’ discharge, they
also received a worn and soiled national
ensign — a symbol they would carry
throughout their induction period and
eventually retire in the appropriate manner. Meeting Fowler, as well as the other
senior leaders they would encounter
throughout the day, helped the selectees
understand the leadership structure of
the Academy and offered the opportunity for them to develop confidence
while interacting with senior officers.
Each portion of the reenlistment
ceremony took place at a different
location across the Naval Academy
campus. A different person administered
a portion of the oath of office at each site
and offered insights into the important
attributes required of a chief.
motivates Sailors and keep that in mind
as I mentor and teach them.”
Leaders and Followers:
Everyone Plays a Part
Another portion of Banks’ reenlistment
took place at Dahlgren Hall, where
retired officers Bob Parsons and Lou
Giannotti spoke of lessons they’ve
learned from chiefs.
Parsons recognized the many civilians
who were in the audience for this portion of the reenlistment, many of whom
pro­vide myriad services at the Academy.
“A number of the civilians here today
work behind the scenes to make sure
things run smoothly. They are often
unrecognized and under-appreciated,”
said Parsons, thanking them for the
role they play in accomplishing the
Academy’s mission.
Parsons also recalled how a chief
taught him “how the real Navy works”
when he was a young ensign aboard
USS William H. Standley. “I may have
been senior in pay grade, but I was not
senior in know­ledge. That relationship
hasn’t changed.”
Giannotti echoed the importance
of Navy chiefs. “There were no enlisted
staff members at the Naval Academy
when I was a midshipman. My first
exposure to a chief was aboard my first
ship, and he taught me things they didn’t
teach me here at Annapolis. He taught
me that you have to be a good follower
before you can be a good leader. Chiefs
have a foot in both leader and follower
camps,” explained Giannotti. “He also
taught me the difference between leadership and management: Managers do it
by the book. Leaders do the right thing,
and the right thing is never in the book.”
After this portion of the reenlistment
was over, CPO-Select Marin reflected
its message. “I learned how important it
is to be engaged and pay attention to all
parts of the team; not just Sailors, not
just officers, but civilians, too. Everyone
plays a part in getting the job done.”
“Each member of the [expulsion]
board initially could only see a part
of the story,” explained Williams. He
explained that leaders are obliged to
inquire and understand the totality of
issues that confront those they lead, by
examining the whole story and getting
to the root of the individual’s challenges.
“We ask and expect midshipmen to
pledge allegiance to a group of ideals.
We must hold ourselves to the same or
higher standards.”
The story emphasized the need to rely
on one’s own moral compass when facing a challenge, but also drove home the
point that the experience and expertise
The Sum is Greater than the Parts
of others can be helpful. “As we’re
becoming resources for others, it’s nice
to know that we have lots of resources
available to us as we become chiefs,”
said Chief-Select Inigo.
“It’s sort of like a giant pizza,”
added Chief-Select Dahlin. “You can’t
eat it all by yourself, but if everyone
takes a bite, we can get it done. It’s all
about teamwork.”
Master Chief Banks selected the
Academy’s Vice Admiral James B.
Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership
as another stop on her reenlistment
journey. Like Stockdale, Banks believes
that a moral and ethical foundation is
required to create strong leaders…and
also necessary in order to be one.
Before LCDR Chris Williams
administered a portion of Banks’
reenlistment oath, he shared his views
on ethics, fairness and the need for
perspective. By way of example, the
USNA Physics instructor recalled his
experience working with Banks and
others to determine whether a mid­
shipman should be expelled.
Ceremony and Circumstance
Like many military ceremonies, portions
of Master Chief Banks’ reenlistment
included time-honored customs and
rituals. When members of the Mess and
chief-selects boarded a Naval Academy
Yard Patrol (YP) craft to conduct a
USNA photos by MCC Dennis Herring
FRA Today
October 2009
20
W
man-overboard drill and simulate a burial-at-sea,
many of the lessons related to Navy heritage and
CPO pride.
With only a day to prepare, the chief-selects
participated in a simulated burial-at-sea ceremony.
The ceremony was dedicated to Marine Corps
Captain Matthew Freeman, a 2002 USNA graduate who was recently killed in Afghanistan. The
ceremony, according to Banks, helped all attendees
remember that no matter how busy we are in our
daily lives, we sometimes need to “stop engines, drop
anchor and focus on the realities of military service.”
CPO-Select Walker reverently led the service,
following protocol and adding his own prepared
remarks as appropriate. “This ceremonial stuff
is all new to me,” Walker
confessed afterwards. “I
consider myself spiritual,
but I’m probably the least
religious member of our
group.” He also noted that,
as a chief, he will be expected
to support Sailors in ways he
hasn’t before. “I understand
this [ceremony] wasn’t about
me,” he added.
Mistakes often lead to
the most unforgettable
lessons. Earlier in the week,
the selectees’ dropped their
guard and allowed their class
guidon to be confiscated by
members of the Chiefs’ Mess.
Although this is common
Left: Tom Gentile
congratulates CPOSelectee Christopher
Walker following cere­­mo­
nies in Dahlgren Hall.
Center: The chief-selectees
pose with Marine Colonel
Athens (Ret.), director
of the USNA Vice Admiral
James B. Stockdale Center
for Ethical Leadership, and
AECS(AW) Tom Keller and
BMC(SW) Junior Ashwood.
Right: The chief-selectees
assess the conditions
of “Oscar,” the dummy
retrieved during the manoverboard drill.
continued on page 24
A CPO/Gunny Mess
A
nother unique aspect of the Chiefs’ Mess at the Naval
Academy is the inclusion of Marine Corps’ gunnery sergeants. The senior enlisted personnel from the Navy
and Marine Corps work together teaching midshipmen and support one another as they pursue personal and professional goals.
“We’re really a CPO/Gunny Mess,” says Command Master
Chief Banks. “We obviously work as a team in the Department
of the Navy and as we fulfill our responsibilities as members of
the USNA staff, so it’s only logical we would work together in
the Mess, too. Our gunnys add a dimension to the Mess that
we wouldn’t otherwise have.”
Gunnery Sergeant Patricia Wilson is one of several gunnys
affiliated with the CPO/Gunny Mess at USNA. As a senior enlisted leader, she works to train and mentor the midshipmen by
enforcing rules and regulations and holding them to the highest standards. She’s been the Marine training representative
in the Chief/Gunny Mess for the past two years, coordinating
training opportunities and Marine guest speakers for the Mess
and was recently named USNA Gunnery Sergeant of the Year.
“There’s one gunnery sergeant per battalion, and the gunnery
sergeants and chiefs work together to give the midshipmen as
much knowledge as possible about both the Marine Corps and
Navy,” said Wilson. “As a Marine, I bring Marine Corps fleet
experience and knowledge, and together we introduce midshipmen to the way Marines operate and train. Marine senior
enlisted leaders are also available as a resource on the Marine
Corps — whether it’s on uniforms, history or traditions. I strive to
set the example in everything I do.”
Wilson says she’s continually learning from her students.
“Every midshipman is different and has different concerns,”
she observes. “By working with them, I’m enhancing my skills in
problem-solving and relating to peoBelow: Gunnery Sergeant
ple. The better I get at this, the more Patricia Wilson poses with
midshipmen and future Marines I will the CPO-Selectees and
be able to effectively guide or mentor.” fellow Mess members.
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*All values were accurate at time of printing
continued from page 21
sport during induction season, it teaches
lessons in vigilance. When the guidon
was returned to them while aboard
the YP, members of the Mess stressed
the importance of being “on watch” as
chiefs — not only in protecting gear, but
by paying attention to the Sailors under
their charge. And when the selectees
weren’t present for the shipboard portion
of Banks’ reenlistment, members of the
Mess took the opportunity to remind
them about the significance of “being
there for one another.”
Teach and Learn Anywhere
and Everywhere
The final installment of Banks’ progressive reenlistment ceremony took place
at Navy Marine Corps Memorial
Stadium. As the USNA football team
took the field for their afternoon practice,
Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo gathered his players around Banks and the
CPO-selectees.
Coach Niumatalolo and Ricky
Dobbs, quarterback for the Midshipmen,
administered the final lines of the
reenlistment oath. Afterwards, Banks
thanked the players for teaching her
about teamwork and leadership.
She also shared some lessons from
her copy of “Football for Dummies,”
which she carried with her for the
occasion. “It says in here that the quarterback is the leader of the team; the
guy who pulls everyone together. He
has to care more about the team and its
mission than about himself,” she said,
drawing parallels to military service and
thanking Dobbs for his team leadership.
She also used football to emphasize
the value of each member of the team,
reminding the Midshipmen and future
chiefs that second- and third-string
players are only tested when their firststring teammates aren’t able to be in the
game. “If there’s no challenge, there’s no
growth. This applies to the people you
lead in the Navy and Marine Corps, too.”
Banks put her oath in perspective for
the Midshipmen. “You’ll be my boss
one day; you’ll be ‘the officers appointed
over me’ that were just referenced in my
USNA photos by MCC Dennis Herring
FRA Today
October 2009
24
Top: Members of the Naval Academy Chiefs’ Mess observe the simulated burial-at-sea ceremony aboard
the Naval Academy Yard Patrol boat. Bottom: The U.S. Naval Academy football team.
oath,” she said. “And it will be a joy to
see you in the fleet.”
Admiral Fowler was the formal reenlisting officer and concluded the day’s
activities by administering the full oath.
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley
witnessed the ceremony that restored
Master Chief Banks to active duty.
The Measure of Success
The senior enlisted members of the
Naval Academy staff are indeed training
the officers who will command the
Navy and Marine Corps in the future.
And they are also training the future
enlisted leaders.
“Induction season is all about training
our replacements — the future chiefs
who will lead tomorrow’s deckplate
Sailors and, in turn, train the chiefs that
will follow after them. It’s all part of the
military life cycle,” said Banks. “But here
at the Naval Academy, we’re also training
those who will command ships and combat units in tomorrow’s Navy and Marine
Corps. If we’re successful in our mission,
both officer and senior enlisted communities ­­will be stronger and better prepared
to face the challenges of the future.”
Lauren Armstrong is the
Contributing Editor and an LA
FRA Member at Large. She can
be reached at lauren@fra.org.
Member benefits
25
FRA Awards 2009 Scholarships to Deserving Students
Further information about the Association’s scholarship program and downloadable
applications are available at www.fra.org/scholarship.
The recipients of FRA’s 2009 scholarship awards are listed below.
Glenn F. Glezen Scholarship ($5,000)
Shannon M. Hazelwood
Spouse of
Joshua R. Hazelwood
Branch 5
Robert W. Nolan Scholarship ($5,000)
Linda J. Andreoli
Branch 27
Fleet Reserve Association Award
($5,000)
Alicca R. Rice
Granddaughter of the late
Robert L. Haislup
Branch 272
Douglas R. Wilbur
Dependent Of
Douglas R. Wilbur
Branch 110
Marcellina T. Teixeira
Joseph R. Baranski Scholarship
($5,000)
Bridget N. Ebeling
Daughter of
Daniel P. Ebeling
Branch 89
Robert M. Treadwell Annual
Scholarship ($5,000)
Kayle E. Noble
Granddaughter of
Russell W. Noble
Member-at-Large
Stanley A. Doran Memorial Scholarship
($5,000)
Ian J. Michel
Son of
Richard A. Michel
Branch 276
Granddaughter of the late
James J. Eles
Member-at-Large
Lindsey K. Peterson
Granddaughter of
Charles Lawley, Jr.
Member-at-Large
Ashley N. Koenn
Granddaughter of
Joseph J. Zigovits
Branch 348
Henry Krigbaum
Member-at-Large
Kelley A. Davis
Granddaughter of
Billy C. Davis
Branch 339
Christina R. Breitenbuecher
Lillian A. Moon Scholarship ($5,000)
Megan K. Flanary
Daughter of
Ellen P. Flanary
Branch 244
Granddaughter of
Louis A. Barella
Branch 48
The Donald Bruce Pringle Family
Scholarship ($2,500 each)
Megan E. Kam-Johnson
Granddaughter of
Kwock G. Kam
Branch 22
Christine A. Jaqueth
Daughter of
Dennis S. Jaqueth
Member-at-Large
The Donald Bruce Pringle Family
Scholarship/Quielisch Scholarship
Fund ($2,000)
Jason P. Williams
Grandson of
Robert L. Turman
Branch 41
MCPO Ken E. Blair Scholarship
($4,000)
Crystal J. Bialas
Daughter of
Brian Bialas
Branch 99
GEICO Scholarship ($1,500)
Jeffrey A. Dudukovich
Branch 51
Colonel Hazel Benn Scholarship
($2,000 each)
Elena R. Alcedo,
Deanna L. Matthew
Daughter of
Joseph Alcedo Jr.,
Branch 10
Katelyn Matthew
Daughter of
Arthur W. Dornfeld
Member-at-Large
Granddaughter of
Randolph Matthew
Member-at-Large ($2,500)
Granddaughter of
Randolph Matthew
Member-at-Large ($2,500)
Sarah M. Dornfeld
October 2009
This year’s 23 awards are funded through private donations, established trusts and corporate
sponsorships. In conjunction with its scholarship program, FRA is establishing a new education
foundation that will officially be announced at the Association’s 82nd National Convention in
October 2009.
FRA Today
In its ongoing effort to support America’s future leaders, FRA awarded nearly $100,000 in
scholarships to its members, their spouses, children and grandchildren who are pursuing
higher education in the 2009–2010 academic year. More than 200 students applied for
the annual scholarship program, in which recipients are selected based on financial need,
academic standing, character and leadership qualities.
News from the branches
FRA Today
October 2009
26
BRANCH 104 Tacoma, Wash.
Americanism Essay Contest winners (l to r)
Jacy Torres, Shellie Schultz, Madeline
Marsh, Anna McCracken, Sarah Chaffee,
Ana Flassmyer, James Romnes, Jasmine
Chatters, Chris Schenk, Sarah Allen,
Austin Lucas and Levi Marquez are flanked
by Chairman Walk DeRosia (left) and
Branch President Tom Bulger.
BRANCH 8 Vallejo, Calif.
Past Branch President and West Coast
Regional Treasurer Bob Smith (left)
congratulates Robert Hauge on his 60
years of continuous FRA membership.
BRANCH 112 Birmingham, Ala.
Branch President Bobby Findley and
Secretary Juan Bowden present a
certificate and $100 Savings Bond to
Amy Wu, who placed second for the
Southeast Region in the AmericanismPatriotism Essay Contest.
BRANCH 84 San Diego, Calif.
Branch President Ernie Edriasa
presents a check to Timothy
Empeno McHugh, a 12th grad
student at Loyola High School,
for his winning essay.
BRANCH 32 Sedalia, Mo.
Youth Activities Chairman Francis Rieber poses
with the branch-sponsored basketball team.
News from the branches
27
FRA Today
Shipmate Elroy
Wilson (left) is
welcomed as the
branch’s newest
member by
Branch President
Bobby Smith.
BRANCH 229 New Windsor, N.Y.
Shipmates Nick Stagliano (left) and
Branch President Tom Hoey prepare
to toss eco-friendly pasta wreaths
into the Hudson River on Memorial
Day. The wreaths, which contain no
plastic or wires that are harmful to
wildlife, were donated by Marlboro
(N.Y.) High School’s Family Career
Leaders of America.
BRANCH 174 Sequim, Wash.
Branch President Larry Witt (left) recognizes
Walter Zergman for his 40 years of continuous
FRA membership. Zergman also received a certificate as a survivor of the Bataan Death March.
BRANCH 261
Lemoore, Calif.
Past Branch
President Nate
Smith (left) congratulates Shipmate
Robert “Mick”
Mace, Sr. on his 40
years of continuous
FRA membership.
BRANCH 253 Pittsburgh, Pa.
Shipmates worked with area Girl Scouts
and Brownies to ensure deployed service
members received Girl Scout cookies in
care packages assembled by students at
Connellsville Area High School. Shown are
RVPNE James Smith and Samuel Togle,
a Connellsville student.
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.
October 2009
BRANCH 194
Knoxville,
Tenn.
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In Memoriam
30
FRA Today
October 2009
NAME
BRANCH
Allen, David M., SC USN
Allen, Richard E., MMC
Anderson, George K., CS2
Anderson, William J., BTCM
Atkisson, Branch T., Jr., HMC
Austin, Philip N., MUCM
Avino, Pasquale, BM2
208
MAL
043
290
110
MAL
MAL
Baker, Raymond E., ETC
Barabash, Wasil, CTI2
Barrett, Lawrence, COL USMC
Baumann, Ronald G., HTC
Beaton, John E., RMC
Belcher, C. E., CPO USN
Bell, David D., BM1
Bell, Raymond G., BMCS
Bichner, Harry G., Jr., FTCS
Bickett, William W., MSGT
Blair, Leroy, HTCS
Blake, Thompson G., DM1
Blevins, Monroe A., Jr., EMC
Bolt, James E., BT2
Bonnette, Gordon J., ADR1
Bosserman, Jackie L., MSGT
Bowles, Jerald M., RM1
Brantley, H. K., ENC
Bryan, John R., HMC
Bukowski, Adolph, EAC
Buyno, Joseph V., SHC
MAL
027
024
MAL
MAL
269
024
MAL
099
324
117
MAL
009
219
092
106
MAL
043
027
MAL
290
Cabanatan, Valeriano T., MSCS 004
Carra, James S., USN RET
MAL
Cheak, Haskel O., AECS
MAL
Chesley, Edwin F., CPO USN
MAL
Clayter, Frank D., OSCS
MAL
Coffelt, Paul R., SKCS
009
Colberg, Harold W., ATC
126
Colina, Julian O., EMC
MAL
Cowan, Roger B., HMCS
091
Crossgrove, Bertram L., POC USNMAL
Daniel, Woodrow B., GMC
Deloach, William, SKC
Dew, Thomas R., EMC
Dickerson, Jack G., YNC
Doyle, Francis J., Sr., ENC
Duckett, James A., BMCM
Dunnam, R. L., AECS
Dusoe, Albert, RM1
099
MAL
136
276
001
290
105
MAL
Eldridge, Albert, AMMH1
Ellingsworth, R. L., NCCS
MAL
316
Fields, James E., GMC/R
Fleming, John, AG1
Forsha, Phillip A., HMC
Foster, Earl S., GYSGT
Francisco, Billy D., PO1 USN
Frey, Hunter, CPO USN
Fries, William, CAPT USN
HON MEM
175
274
MAL
MAL
MAL
115
Garris, William E., HT1
Gibbons, Guy H., POCM USN
204
070
181
NAME
BRANCH
Gifford, Jack L., EMC
Gingell, Kenneth L., ABHC
Golding, Alan, RMCM
Goss, George M., AFCM
Gremminger, John M., Jr., ADJ1
Grencavage, John, GMGC
263
120
091
MAL
MAL
288
Handley, Wayne S., BTC
Happy, Richard, OS1
Hardy, Phillip E., CTI1
Hatch, Edward I., ATCS
Haynes, Marshall G., MMC
Heeney, Joseph A., Jr., ADJ1
Heikes, Robert J., PNCS
Hendrickson, John, MS2
Herman, E. J., MGYSGT
Hildebrand, Robbin D., MR1
Holder, Richard L., BM3
Holm, Robert S., ADRC
Hunnicutt, William, YNC
070
089
MAL
312
282
146
MAL
029
313
108
MAL
MAL
136
Ivie, Francis M., LCDR USN
178
Jessup, Nathan M., POC USN
299
Kamping, Harold E., ACCS
King, Denver L., BMC
MAL
261
Lann, Wilford, MT2
Lansing, William, EN1
Larson, Ralph, BMC
Link, Orman D., SMC
Logan, William J., Sr., AMHC
Lucht, Raymond E., CDR USN
Luczycki, Francis R., AOCM
MAL
269
170
371
024
012
126
Mangindin, Cipriano D., DKC
Manown, Rawlston R., BM1
Maxwell, Claude H., GMMC
McBroom, William M., AOCS
McCabe, Leonard M., HMC
McDowell, Lester V., Jr., SF1
McIntyre, Douglas, CSGC
Meek, Frank W., BMC
Melchiorre, Ralph, HMC
Menti, Robert P., MSCM
Monroe, William I., Jr., MSGT
Moser, John W., Jr., ST1
Murphy, William H., HMC
084
MAL
008
MAL
057
219
126
008
MAL
MAL
MAL
292
050
Newell, William J., TDC
Nilsen, Magnus T., GMMC
Noe, Raymond W., RMCS
MAL
MAL
022
Olsen, William C., BTC
Osgood, Lauren, CTO1
Otte, Everett F., POCM USN
Ouzts, Lehn T., BMC
MAL
MAL
269
175
Palmatory, T. R., GMMC
Palmero, Andres, PO2 USN
Parker, Richard A., EQCM
Phillips, Thomas V., OS1
Pickett, Jim, EMCM
Piede, Louis A., 1STSGT
MAL
MAL
042
272
363
023
NAME
BRANCH
Poyner, Frederick F., LCDR USN MAL
104
Prater, Avis G., HTC
Quinn, John D., EO1
234
Rawlins, Elmer P., GYSGT
Reed, Jack S., AOC
Reier, Charles F., LTJG USN
Rowan, Joseph M., YNC
371
061
183
MAL
Sanderson, William B., Jr., MMCS MAL
067
Schnug, Edward, MGYSGT
175
Schrimsher, T. L., AOC
163
Schroeder, Herman A., AQC
027
Sharpe, Walter E., PCC
105
Shemwell, Dorris E., SK1
Shoemaker, William H., SGTMAJ 008
MAL
Sims, Edward R., ENCS
009
Singer, Rudolph A., MGYSGT
Sokolowski, William A., CPO USN 311
052
Sperling, Calvin W., DPCM
264
Sterling, Lowell D., SHCM
MAL
Stevens, Robert L., MMCS
MAL
Steward, Ernest L., CSC
Tattersall, Gerald D., BU1
Taylor, John W., HMC
Todd, Richard W., ADR1
Townsend, Frederick, RMC
Trammell, Frank E., BTCM
120
130
022
MAL
089
Vaillencourt, Raymond, ADC
Vasquez, Diego, ABH1
Veach, Samuel, Jr., BUC
027
375
192
Waid, Richard H., ETC(SS)
Wartchow, Lawrence L., EN1
Watts, Robert W., EN2
Whitehead, William E., FTC
Williams, Bobbie, MM1
Williams, Griffin L., AMCS
Williams, Merton K., AOC
Woods, Michael W., DPCS
Wright, Charles O., RMC
163
315
MAL
377
361
MAL
009
162
282
Zadera, Jerome S., Sr., MU1
024
Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members.
J indicate a Past National Officer.
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Looking For...
33
Marine Detachment — Mexico
(1974–1976)
April 23–27, 2010, Jacksonville, N.C.
Contact George G. Cleveland, 224
Campbell Pl., Jacksonville, NC 28546,
(910) 346-3866, gnclev@earthlink.net.
National Association of Fleet Tug
Sailors
November 16–20, 2009, Las Vegas,
Nev. Contact Bob Campbell, (866) 6522038, Chaplain@Nafts.com.
Navy & Marine Corps Explosive
Ordnance Disposal Association
May 19–23, 2010, Williamsburg Va..
Contact Steve Neill, 8279 Little England
Road, Hayes, VA 23072, (804) 6420202, steve.neill@att.net.
MMCS “Barney” WILSON
Stationed at Guam Commissary Store in
the late 1960s. Contact MRCS Richard
“Dick” Watson, USN (Ret.) at sadiedog6@juno.com or 941-276-0476.
Anyone who knew Robert L. Tuggle
He was my cousin and died while serving aboard USS Foss (DE-59). I have
a crew’s book from July 1953 – July
USS Castor (AKS-1)
April 22–25, 2010, Norfolk, Va. Contact
Ray Kelley, 305 Occidental Dr., Holly
Springs, NC 27540, (919) 557-7071,
castor_reunion@yahoo.com.
USS Claude V. Ricketts/ex Biddle
(DDG-5)
May 29–April 2, 2010, Norfolk, Va.
Contact Carl Slack, PO Box 83,
Jackson, NH 03846, (603) 986-4661,
RickettsDDG5@yahoo.com.
1945 that shows him as part of the 1st
Division. He served with CO Lt. Douglas
Lambeth, XO Lt. James Moore, Lt. J.H.
Webb, Ens. J.B. Parden, CBM J.T.
Mousell, BM1 B.R. Shockley. Contact
Carl Stonecypher, 829 Drexel Dr.,
Corpus Christi, TX 78412-3165.
Crewmembers of USS Gen. W. A.
Mann (T)AP-112)
Crew and passengers from November
1943 to December 1965. Contact Joe
Anthony at 610-873-6304 or mjanth@
webtv.net.
Reunions
USS New Orleans (CA-32)
April 14–17, 2010, Austin, Texas.
Contact Henry (Hank) Wristen, 15
Wason Rd., Hudson, NH 03051-5036,
(603) 882-3951, hwdive32@aol.com.
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. Notices for
Looking For... 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
A Treasured Symbol of
Your U.S. Navy Service
On & Off continued from page 11
SBP Widows Lawsuit
Sustained
Three widows recently won a federal
appeal that could potentially impact
400 other Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
annuitants who remarried after the age
of 57. The women successfully claimed
their full SBP payments were unlawfully withheld from them, despite a 2003
law that restored eligibility for them to
receive both SBP and VA Dependency
and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
concurrently.
Additional details are available in
Tom Philpott’s syndicated Military
Update column (8-27-09) that is available on the FRA Web site (www.fra.org).
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October 2009
AMS Bud Taylor and AMH Murphy
Stationed at VA-85 Oceana, Va., 19651968, or anybody else that remembers
me. Contact AMS1 Richard “ Chick”
Hanson at Chickgator3@yahoo.com.
Recruits or descendants from Company
47-162 NTC, San Diego.
Contact Franklin C. Elledge at
elledge126@aol.com or 770-972 4108.
FRA Today
Anyone who served on the USS Reeves
(DLG-24), 1966-1968
To confirm that we were sent ashore
in Vietnam. Please contact Robert
Neuhaus, P.O. Box 88, Genoa City, WI 53128, neuhaus@genevaonline.com or
262-279-5604.
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LA FRA news
36
FRA Today
October 2009
Message from the Southwest Regional President
It is hard to believe almost my term as President of the Southwest Region has
almost passed. Much to my surprise, it has been a rewarding and uplifting experience. The members have all been so supportive and are so dedicated to all the
good work the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association is known for
doing. It has been a wonderful year meeting with members I know and getting
acquainted with many new members and shipmates. I am certainly proud to be
a member of this organization and thank the members for allowing me to represent them as President of the Southwest Region.
Between October 2008 and April 2009 we visited the following Units; Unit
302 Carson, Unit 62 San Diego, Unit 70 Poway, Unit 47 El Cajon, Unit 85 San
Gabriel, Unit 289 Imperial Beach, Unit 84 San Diego, Unit 175 Orange County,
Unit 61 Chula Vista, Unit 313 Camp Pendleton, Unit 120 Oxnard and Unit 90
Bonanza, Las Vegas.
In May we attended the joint installation of officers for Branch and Unit 61,
Branch and Unit 47 and attended a Council Meeting at Unit 120 Oxnard. In June
and July we attended the joint installation of officers for Branch and Unit 70
Poway, Branch and Unit 175, Branch and Unit 302 Carson (I was the installing officer), Branch and Unit 289 Imperial Beach and Branch and Unit 313 Oceanside.
August 14th and 15th, we attended the Southwest Regional Convention in
Tucson, Arizona. We hope to see you all at the National Convention, October
21st – 25th in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
How rewarding it is to see the units doing so much to help their members, as
well as helping battered women, needy children and other great organizations.
At the same time they are working hard to keep the members they have and
searching to find new members to add to their membership numbers. Keep up
the good work and continue to enjoy the wonderful camaraderie of belonging to
this great organization!
Hiroko Lewless
Southwest Regional President
USS Arizona Memorial Ceremony held in
Tucson, Arizona on the University of Arizona
Campus. Left to Right: Hiroko Lewless,
RPSW (Unit 175); Val Larson, PNP (Unit 313);
and Gail Doloway, JrPNP (Unit 90)
Fran Hoadley is the editor of LA FRA News and the FRA Today Liaison.
USS Arizona Memorial Service
Left to Right: Cindy Rodham-Tuck, LAFRA
National Vice President; Gary Blackburn,
FRA National Vice President; and Hiroko
Lewless, RPSW
Veterans Day, November 11, 2008 at
Riverside (Calif.) National Cemetery
Left to right: Brigadier General James Melin
Commander 452nd Air Mobility Wing,
Marchair Reserve Base; Hiroko Lewless,
RPSW; and Michael Fontz FRA RVPSW.
Second row: Representatives from the U.S.
Naval Sea Cadet Corps Point Divide Division
Memorial Day Service, Forest Lawn Memorial
Park, Cypress, Calif.
Attended by Fleet Reserve Association
Branch and Unit 175 Orange County, Garden
Grove, Calif. Left to Right: Pam Schouweiler,
Unit 175 President, Sue Tallmon, Joan Wise,
Rechel Hines and Joan Miller members of
Unit 175.
Memorial Day Service, Forest Lawn Memorial
Park, Cypress, Calif. Pam Schouweller, Unit
175 President, and Andrew Benjock, Branch
175, presenting the wreath.
Asbestos
Cancer Hits
Former
Sailors
Many sailors who served their country proudly aboard
ships in the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War eras,
are now being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers.
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Postmaster: Send address changes to:
Member services
FRA
125 N. West Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2754
PERIODICAL