File - Sierra-Tahoe Branch 137 Fleet Reserve

May, 2016
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Newsletter of the Fleet Reserve Association, Sierra - Tahoe Branch 137
Branch 137 Hosts BBQ for MWTC Marines
(See Page 4)
The entirety of 137 has no idea how much they will miss
your efforts. What can I say about Brenda? "More
Please" comes to mind! You are more than a chef
though, and now will be your chance to really shine.
Shipmate Bud Harris. You brought me into this
organization. You have supported me in all endeavors
from the very beginning, providing encouragement
when needed, and the occasional email advising me
when you felt I was performing below expectations. Joe
Fowles . The conversations during our ride home after
the meetings were instrumental in keeping me focused.
You have been a steady hand on the rudder my friend.
Carol. My wife. Without your love and support I would
not have been able to be the branch president that I
became. I gave the job 100% to honor you, and our
fathers, both Navy veterans. The entire 137 family.....
What a ride! We had our ups, our downs. We grew and
evolved into the most dynamic group in the entire FRA.
I will miss being up there at the podium every meeting.
Damn we've had some fun! L.P.& S.
FROM THE BRIDGE
Rick Athenour, President FRA Branch 137
This being my last President's message I feel I must
thank those who have helped make my three year term
such a success. I have been blessed with a strong core of
leaders around me. John Nosek, Verne Horton... You
have been indespensible. John has been the keel of this
organization since he took over as branch secretary. He
has ensured I never overstepped my authority and
provided sound advise even when I thought I didn't need
it! Shipmate Horton has been my sounding board for all
the wild ideas that I come up with. Thank you for all the
laughs Verne, and the occasional doses of reality! Unit
137, what can I say? The best damn Unit in the FRA!
Jan, PJ, Brenda.... Together you were an incredible trio.
I will never know why Jan didn't smack me upside the
head at every monthly meeting, Lord knows I gave you
plenty of reason. PJ, your work with the children was
inspiring. Your assistance on the newsletter was stellar.
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BRANCH & UNIT
VISITATION
2016-2017
OFFICERS ELECTED
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At the May Branch and Unit meetings, elections of
Officers and Directors were held for the 2016-2017
term. The Officers will be formally Installed at the TriBranch Installation to be held at the NAS Fallon Silver
State Club on June 4, 2016.
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Branch Officers
Verne Horton, President
Jim Jackson, First Vice President
Rick Athenour, Second Vice President
(John Nosek will fulfill the balance of his
2 year term as Branch Secretary/Treasurer)
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On Sunday, April 17th, representatives from our
Branch and Unit were invited to Auburn, California to
attend joint meetings of the Motherlode-Auburn and
Roseville Branches and Units .
Board of Directors
(Elected Officers, plus:)
Don Bailey, Director
Bud Harris, Director (JPP)
Kelly Kollar, Director
Larry Knack, Director
Max Ravenscroft, Director
Kip Rodecker, Director
Attending from Unit 137 were Carol Athenour, Kathy
Goheen, President Jan Solberg, Brenda Horton and
Joyce Jackson. President Rick Athenour and Verne
Horton attended representing the Branch.
BRANCH DONATES
$4,000 TO HONOR FLIGHT
-Appointed PositionsBob Higgins, Master-at-Arms
Ray Hoyt, Parliamentarian
Ted Henson, Chaplain
Unit Officers
Brenda Horton, President
Trilja Laird, Vice President
Joyce Jackson, Secretary
Sue Higgins, Treasurer
Directors
(Elected Officers, plus:)
Pictured (L to R) Tom Spencer - President of the Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter 388,Jack Delaney*, Bob Stevenson*, Bud Harris*, Branch President Rick
Athenour,Frank Reynolds - Representing Honor Flight, Unit President Jan Solberg
and Don Bailey*
*Branch Members who have been on an Honor Flight
Carol Athenour, Director
Sharon Bailey, Director
Susan Hamarlund, Director
Kathy Goheen, Director
Jan Solberg, Director (JPP)
At the May Branch Meeting, President Rick Athenour
presented two checks to Frank Reynolds who
represented Honor Flight Nevada. One $2000 check
for the Honor Flight Nevada’s Vietnam Tour Project
and another $2000 to Honor Flight Nevada’s main
program which serves veterans of WWII and Korea.
-Appointed PositionsKathy Goheen, Sergeant-at-Arms
Judy Dunn-Smith, Chaplain
(Cont’d on page76)
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“BLUE WATER” AGENT
ORANGE BILLS TO SENATE
CARSON CITY DIVISION
NAVAL SEA CADETS
With the House voting to expand benefits for Vietnam
'Blue Water Navy' vets, attention turns to the Senate.
Senator Kristin Gillibrand (N.Y.) and Representative
Chris Gibson (N.Y.) are sponsors of two Agent Orange
Blue Water Navy bills (S. 681 and H.R. 969,
respectively) and also sponsored an event that was
attended by other congressional supporters of cause.
As many members are aware, Branch 137 has chosen to
be a co-sponsor* for the local Sea Cadet Unit. Member
Bob Higgins has volunteered to be our liaison with them
and will attempt to keep the Branch apprised of the
cadets activities and needs.
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, or USNSCC, is a
federally chartered non-profit youth development
program for ages 11 through high school graduation.
The VA currently presumes any service member who
had “boots on the ground” or served on Vietnam’s
inland waterways was exposed to Agent Orange. If
these veterans experience health problems related to
that exposure, they are eligible for VA disability
benefits. The policy, however, denies this presumption
to veterans who served off the Vietnamese coast, even
though many of these so-called “Blue Water Navy”
veterans are experiencing the same health problems as
those who served inland. This change would allow
Blue Water veterans to be compensated for serviceconnected disabilities related to their exposure to Agent
Orange herbicide.
At the request of the Department of the Navy, the Sea
Cadet Corps established in 1962 to "create a favorable
image of the Navy on the part of American youth".
Today's U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps continues to
further the image of our maritime services by adhering
to a standardized training program designed to:
Develop an interest and ability in seamanship and
seagoing skills,
Instill virtues of good citizenship and strong moral
principles in each cadet,
Demonstrate the value of an alcohol-free, drug-free
and gang-free lifestyle,
Expose cadets to the prestige of public service and a
variety of career paths through hands-on training with
our nation's armed services.
Australian crews who served off the coast of Vietnam
are receiving benefits and treatment for Agent Orangerelated illnesses, while U.S. Blue Water Navy veterans
are not.
When if was first discussed that the Branch consider cosponsoring the Cadets, it was pointed out how doing so
would fit perfectly with the mandate in the Preamble to
our FRA Constitution which states, “. . . our desire to
assist in obtaining the best type of personnel for our Sea
Services . . .” and be an avenue through which we might
further promote patriotism and support youth activities
in our community.
BRANCH
& UNIT
“4TH OF JULY”
PICNIC
As is our tradition, we will again
be holding our 4th of July Picnic
in James Lee Park in Indian
Hills. We are making one
deviation from “picnics past"
and that being that this years
picnic will be held on Saturday,
July 2nd.
We have asked the Cadets to participate with us in
several Branch activities and stand ready to support
their’s when needed. They will be joining us at the upcoming Carson Airport Open House and have been
asked to Post Colors at the 60th FRA West Coast
Regional Convention which the Branch is hosting this
August at the Gold Dust Hotel/Casino in Carson City.
The Branch will be providing the
meat and drinks while the
members of our Unit will again
be providing all the side dishes.
This has always been a great 4th
of July event in the past and so
mark your calendars and plan to
join us!
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Branch 137
Hosts BBQ
for MWTC
Marines
Sierra-Tahoe Branch and Unit 137 once again hosted a Ribs and
Chicken BBQ for the Marines stationed at the USMC Mountain
Warfare Training Center in Pickel Meadows, CA. It was
estimated that we served in excess of 200 Marines, Sailors, a
token Soldier and several civilian base workers! Jeff Wayne’s’
group provided music to enhance the atmosphere of this great
event!.
42 racks of ribs were pre-cooked by Branch and Unit members:
Jan Solberg, Jim & Joyce Jackson, John Trammell, Max
Ravenscroft, Bud & Anita Harris, Bob & Sue Higgins, and Rick
& Carol Athenour. Our resident BBQ chef - Joe Fowles and his
“helper” - Kip Roedecker grilled the ribs and the 371 pieces of
chicken which were pre-cooked by Brenda & Verne Horton.
Providing the side dishes and working the “line” were Unit
members: Jay Wenks, Jan Solberg, Maggie Smith, Susan
Hamarlund and Brenda Horton. Branch members, Paul Blum,
Richard Smith and Raymond Hamarlund provided “line”
support.
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Photographers for the event were Incoming Vice President - Jim
Jackson and P.J. Nosek.
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11 new FRA members were recruited by a team consisting of Max
Ravenscroft, Secretary/Treasurer John Nosek, Incoming
President Verne Horton and spearheaded by current Branch
President Rick Athenour.
Our sincere thanks to the USMC Mountain Training Center’s
Base Command and the Marine Corps Community Services’
Single Marine Program for allowing us to again host this event . . .
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UNIT 137 VISITS HOME
FOR ARMED FORCES DAY
SAILOR MISSING
SINCE D-DAY AT OMAHA
BEACH FINALLY FOUND
Members of our Auxiliary Unit 137 collected items and
filled gift bags which they distributed to Carson Valley
Senior Living on Kimmerling Rd. in Gardnerville. The
bags were filled with both fun and utility items and each
contained an American flag and stand in honor of
Armed Forces Day.
Navy Motor Machinist’s
Mate 1st Class John E.
Anderson, 24, of Willmar,
Minnesota, will be buried
May 28 in his hometown.
On June 6, 1944,
Anderson was in Landing
Craft Tank (LCT), Mark 5,
Hull Number 30, which
landed on Omaha Beach,
France during the invasion
o f N o r m a n d y. U p o n
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anding, men and
MoMM1c John E. Anderson
equipment left the tank, while Anderson went to the
engine room to check the sand traps. The tank was
subsequently destroyed by either enemy fire or an
enemy mine. Anderson was killed in the attack.
Distributing the gifts
were Jan Solberg,
Sue Higgins, Joyce
Jackson, Susan
Hamarlund, Jay
On July 1, 1944, a set of remains were recovered from
the boiler room of the LCT, and were interred by the
Army at the temporary American cemetery near Omaha
Beach, St. Laurent-sur-Mer #1 and designated X-91 St.
Laurent.
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At the time, Army Graves Registration did not have
access to the Navy’s records, and were unable to
identify the remains as Anderson’s. The remains were
later reinterred at the Normandy American Cemetery at
Colleville-sur-Mer, France.
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In January 2015, following a request by the family of
MoMM1c Anderson, a new historical investigation by
DPAA showed a strong association between the
unidentified remains and Anderson.
Wenks, Brenda Horton and they were joined by Branch
members Bob Higgins and Norbert Monohan,
Under its new disinterment process, in August 2015,
DPAA successfully recommended the remains
designated X-91 St. Laurent be disinterred for analysis
by the DPAA laboratory.
The “packing” crew consisting of Jan Solberg, Sue
Higgins, Joyce Jackson and Brenda Horton filled 80
colorful gift bags with items they had collected in
anticipation of the event. They packed bags for both the
male and female residents - the bags for the ladies even
contained an hand made scarf/boa! The residents were
much appreciative of both the both the gifts and the
extra attention.
To identify Anderson’s remains, scientists from DPAA
and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory
used circumstantial evidence; mitochondrial DNA
analysis, which matched a sister and a nephew; as well
as anthropological analysis.
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The House and Senate approved bills that include
amendments forcing VA to lift restrictions that prohibit
doctors from talking about medical marijuana or
recommending it to their veteran patients.
LEGISLATIVE
AFFAIRS
Bud Harris, Chair
Legislative Affairs
The House approved the full legislation in a 295-129
vote. The Senate voted 89-8.
Legislative information is changing daily as the process
is ongoing in both the Senate and House. The house
budget proposals are getting tossed around in the senate
and I honestly don't think anyone knows what is
happening. One thing for sure is "health care" costs
are going to go UP. Stop for a moment and think about
it!! The VA is still under fire for the long delays in Vet
health care despite the extra funding they received.
They profess too, and appear to be working hard to
overcome some of the demands placed upon them. But,
the targets are allusive. Even pending legislative
programs can have dire effects within the medical
services. Locally we are blessed to have the Nevada
State Veterans Services Division in our corner. They
have vastly improved the services in our outlying areas
and do a great job of keeping veterans informed through
the Green Zone and other active programs. They and
the varied Veteran Service Organizations are also
expanding the Veterans Service Officer programs.
Don't hesitate to ask for their support. They are trained
and knowledgeable!! Now, Fast Forward: think about
those Veterans on the varied Tricare Programs for a
moment. How are they doing???? Most of the Doctors
in the United States have been virtually pressured to
perform under the auspices of their local hospitals.
Active duty personnel always have access to their Base
Medical Staff but how about their dependents????
Civilian Doctors in our local area who accept
TRICARE are accordingly subjected to the scheduling
practices controlled by the hospitals. In my real world,
our family Doctor allows only 15 minutes for the annual
visits and results of the annual blood tests. Want to ask
about a new symptom?? Too Late!!!!Doctor is on his
way out the door............... Not the Doctor's choice.
Not my choice. Who then??
YOU need to
communicate often with your legislative
representatives. FRA provides you with easy access
from their website. You are urged to use it often. It's
FREE and important for both You and Your Shipmates.
“The death rate from opioids among VA health care is
nearly double the national average," Blumenauer said in
debate over his amendment. "From what I hear from
veterans is that medical marijuana has helped them deal
with pain and PTSD, particularly as an alternative to
opioids."
While the measure allows VA doctors to discuss
marijuana andcomplete the needed paperwork for statesponsored medical marijuana programs, it does not
allow VA to provide medical marijuana for patients or
cover prescription cost.
Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have
legalized medical marijuana, and 17 states have laws
allowing physicians to prescribe oils derived from
marijuana plants.
In 14 states, post-traumatic stress disorder is an
approved condition for medical marijuana.
The VA recommends its physicians use "evidencebased" practices — therapies proved by scientific
research to be effective — to treat mental and physical
health conditions such as PTSD, depression and pain.
(Honor Flight cont’d from page 2)
The Branch donated the proceeds from the April
monthly Bingo Nite plus several donations which
allowed us to make this sizeable donation.
Several of our members have been selected to make
Honor Flight Nevada’s all expenses paid trip to our
Nation’s Capital. There they were taken to visit the
monuments America has erected to honor their service
and sacrifice. The Vietnam Tour Project of Honor
Flight Nevada provides similar opportunities for
veterans of the Vietnam War period.
In addition to the members shown in the photo, Branch
member Al Bergstrom, a Vietnam War Veteran, just
returned from Washington, DC after participating in a
flight furnished by Honor Flight Nevada’s Vietnam
Tour Project. Like our other flight recipients, Al
couldn’t say enough to express his gratitude for having
been selected for the trip. Al, like our other flight
recipients, strongly encourage any and all Vietnam War
and earlier veterans to complete an application which
can be downloaded from http://www.honorflightnv.org/applications/, or may be obtained by calling Honor
Flight Nevada at: (775) 323-9955.
VA DOCS TO BE ABLE TO
RECOMMEND MARIJUANA
IN SOME STATES
Congress on May 17th gave veterans the right to discuss
medical marijuana as a treatment option with their
Veterans Affairs doctors in states where it is legal.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
2016 CALENDAR
(Note: Some Dates May Be Tentative and Subject to Change)
Carson Airport Open House
2600 College Parkway, Carson City
Saturday, June 18, 800-1600
May 25
May 30
BBQ USMC MWTC-Pickel Meadows
Memorial Day events
NV Vets Cemetery, Fernley
Lone Mtn Cemetery, Carson City
June 4
Installation of Officers - Fallon NAS
June 8
Monthly Meeting -1830
June 11
Carson Valley Days Parade
June 18
Bingo - 1700
June 18
Carson Airport Open House
Recruiting Event
June 25-26 Oodles of Noodles - Dayton
Recruiting event
July 2
Independence Day Picnic - James Lee
Park
July 4
4th of July Parade - Virginia City
July 13
Monthly Meeting - 1830
July 16
Bingo - 1700
Aug 10
Monthly Meeting - 1830
Aug 12
Event USMC-MWTC Housing
Aug 20
NO BINGO
Aug 18-20 FRA West Coast Regional Convention
Sept 10
Suicide Prevention Walk
Sept 14
Monthly Meeting - 1830
Sept 16
POW/MIA Recognition Day
Sept 17
Bingo - 1700
Sept 17-18 Dayton Valley Days, Dayton
Recruiting event
Oct 12
Monthly Meeting - 1830
Oct 15
Bingo - 1700
Oct 29
Nevada Day Parade
Nov 9
Monthly Meeting - 1830
Nov 11
Veterans Day Parade - Virginia City
Nov 19
Bingo - 1700
Dec TBA Branch & Unit Christmas Party
Dec 14
NO MONTHLY MEETING
This is one of two new recruiting opportunities we are
trying this year. We will be having a booth and joining
us will be the Sea Cadets with an adjoining booth.
Needless to say, we will be looking for members to turn
out for this event, which should be fun for all. For more
information on the Open House, check out their website
at: http://flycarsoncity.com/airport-open-house/
Oodles of Noodles
Saturday June 25th and Sunday June 26th, 0800
Pike Street, Dayton, NV
The Branch will have a recruiting booth during this
event. This is the 15th year of this Annual event which
features a Oodles of Noodles Cook-off, live
entertainment and much more. Here again we will be
looking for members who will help to man our booth.
More specific information regarding our participation
in these two events will be forthcoming as the dates get
closer.
MEMORIAL DAY 2016
May 27, 2016
4:00 PM - Placement of American flags on veteran’s graves at Lone
Mountain Cemetery - 1044 Beverly Drive, Carson City
May 28, 2016
Placement of American flags on veteran’s graves at the Northern
Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley
Noon - Virginia City, Memorial Day Celebration of Heroes Parade.
The Comstock honors all the men and women of the military who
paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country the weekend of
Memorial Day.
60TH WEST COAST
REGIONAL CONVENTION
May 30, 2016
As you may be aware, our Branch will be hosting the
annual FRA/LAFRA West Coast Regional Convention
at the Gold Dust West Hotel/Casino on August 18th20th.
9:00 AM - The Dayton, Nevada VFW Post #8660 will host a
Memorial Day Ceremony. at the Dayton Cemetery. Cemetery
Road, Dayton
11:00 AM - The Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Memorial Day Ceremony in Fernley.
We will soon be asking for volunteers to help in many of
the tasks necessary to pull this off successfully. Also,
we will be, as usual, sending a formal delegation to the
Convention. If you’d like to be considered, please let
the Branch, or Unit Secretary know.
1:00 PM - Memorial Day Service at Lone Mountain Cemetery in
Carson City. The service will be conducted in the veteran's section.
The cemetery is located at 1044 Beverly Drive, Carson City. Call
(775) 887-2111 for more information.
Hosting this Convention can be a feather in our cap and
we definitely need everyone’s help!
11:00 AM - 143rd Annual Memorial Day Veteran's Ceremony at
Mountain View Cemetery in Reno. The cemetery is located at 435
Stoker Avenue in Reno. Call (775) 329-9231 for more information.
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