Newsletter

AAFES Retired Employees Association
Newsletter
APRIL 2015
Supporting the Interests of AAFES, Its Retirees and the People it Serves
AREA board election features four
candidates for first time in a long time
Cast your vote by May 15, 2015
Chuck Poffenbarger
Tom Gallagher
The AREA election booth is about to open! The Board of Directors is now able to
offer a full slate of four candidates for the four elected positions in AREA leadership. Until a change in the AREA Constitution two years ago, the position of Vice
President (then called President Elect) went unfilled through several electoral
cycles—no candidates would commit to run for the office and take the position of
President in the next election.
So the change was made, and today we have four candidates for these positions:
Chuck Poffenbarger, President; Tom Gallagher, Vice President; Terry Corley,
Treasurer.; and Don Smith, Secretary.
Terry Corley
Don Smith
All AREA members are eligible to vote by mail using the ballot on page 24. Just
cast your vote and mail it in—deadline is May 15, 2015.
YOUR AREA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
When the AREA Board of Directors met in February, changes were blowing in the wind or at least a few new faces were there.
So let’s meet (or re-meet) them all, beginning with the front row: Pat Weaver, Membership Director; Chuck Poffenbarger, President; Tom Gallagher, Vice President and Scholarship Program Director; and new to the board, effective June 1, Marcia Kane,
Information Director. In the second row: Bob Haver, Member-at-Large; Ken Weaver, VEBA Trustee; Daryl Hinshaw, Auditor;
Milt Bergman, Member-at-Large; and Ron Compton, Legal Advisor. Not shown are Dick Fregoe, Member-at-Large and Community Service Chair; and Don Smith, Secretary. Ken Weaver, Daryl Hinshaw and Ron Compton are recent Board newcomers.
Page 2
April 2015
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
Chuck Poffenbarger, President
AREA Update
We are pleased to announce that Marcia Kane has accepted the position of Information Director, which includes responsibility for the quarterly Newsletter, and was voted a board member at our February 26th board meeting. Marcia worked
with Larry Phillips on this Newsletter and Larry will oversee Marcia’s efforts with the July Newsletter. After that, Larry
will retire from his 15-year Newsletter editorship. Marcia’s appointment date is June 1st, the beginning of the new 2-year
term for elected Officers of the Association (President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.) Marcia’s position, as
well as several others, is not voted on by the members. Instead, it is voted on by the board and subsequently appointed by
the president for indefinite terms.
Most of us know Marcia from the many years she worked at AAFES and her final assignment as Director, Benefits
Branch. When we had conventions or other group meetings, Marcia would always come to the General Meeting and brief
retirees on policy and other changes and leave us all better informed. It was a pleasure working with her and we all look
forward to a close association again.
Welcome aboard, Marcia.
(Please see page 17—Marcia reintroduces herself and shares some inside stuff you may not know about her.)
February 27 Board Meeting
At our board meeting, we discussed the three items I outlined in the January Newsletter that require immediate attention
if our organization is to continue to function as it currently does.
Our General Fund needs more income. AREA dues for members are $15/year, a rather nominal amount. Spouses are included at no additional dues amount. See our web site for details: http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retiredemployees-association/
Reply: We’re looking at various alternatives to reducing expenses, thus potentially negating the need for an increase
in membership dues. We formed an ad hoc committee to research the alternatives and will be sending chapter presidents an email within the next few months to obtain their views.
We need a replacement for Larry as the AREA Information Director. It’s an interesting volunteer opportunity, allowing
full use of creativity. Of course, you won’t have to do all of the Newsletter work alone. There are three people, who
always help out, and chapters and others who submit articles for publication. Also, you don’t need to be in Dallas.
Newsletter details can be sent and received via email.
Reply: Done. Marcia Kane will be our new Information Director, effective June 1.
We need more people to sign up for receipt of the Newsletter via email attachment rather than receiving it in the mail. It
will save us a lot of money.
Reply: This is part of the ad hoc committee’s charter. We may have to insist that members with access to the internet
agree to receive their Newsletter electronically. Leaving the decision as a volunteer item, as it is now, is not generating the numbers needed to significantly reduce costs.
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
April 2015
Page 3
YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…
DoD NAF Health Benefits offers free health and wellness programs
Wellness is a lifelong journey, from staying healthy to managing conditions. Your medical plan includes no-cost programs and
services to help you enjoy better health.
Simple Steps To A Healthier Life® is an online wellness program that helps you with losing weight, eating healthier and managing stress. You start by completing the Health Assessment (an online questionnaire), then you receive a health report and recommendations on online wellness programs to complete. Remember, you earn a $50 Health Incentive Credit when you complete or
update the Health Assessment.
Aetna Health Connections Disease Management Program pairs you with trained nurses who can help you better manage one or
more chronic health conditions. Contact Aetna Member Services at 1-800-367-6276 to find out more information.
The Informed Health® Line (1-800-556-1555) is a toll-free phone line staffed by
registered nurses who can answer health-related questions and help you handle immediate non-emergency issues and concerns.
The Aetna Pharmacy Advisor Program (1-877-418-4128)lets you talk by phone,
toll-free, with pharmacists who can help with your medication-related questions and
concerns.
AAFES Retired
Employees Association
The AREA Newsletter is published in
January, April, July and October
Mailing Address:
AREA
P. O Box 380614
Duncanville, TX 75138-0614
President:
Chuck Poffenbarger
cpoffen@earthlink.net
Tel: (972) 296-0388
Membership & Address Changes:
Send your NEWSLETTER ADDRESS
and MEMBERSHIP changes and your
MEMBERSHIP DUES to the AREA
Membership Director Pat Weaver.
ken-pat@sbcglobal.net
Tel: (972) 780-9810
Newsletter input:
Submit articles to the editor by e-mail
to Newsletter Editor: Marcia Kane
AREA-Dallas@att.net
kanemarea@windstream.net
AREA Web address:
http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/
retired-employees-association/
As an Aetna member, you can use discounts to save on vision and hearing care, fitness
memberships, natural products and services, weight management programs and more.
You can access your discounts at www.aetnanavigator.com or contact Aetna Member
Services at 1-800-367-6276.
Quit smoking —get Immediate health benefits!
If you quit today …Your heart would start to recover the very next day...Your risk of
heart disease would drop sharply after two years...You'd be less at risk for many cancers. Plus, you can count on a brighter smile, bigger savings and more energy.
Why it's hard to quit: It's the nicotine. When you smoke, it spreads powerful, pleasing
feelings throughout your body. And you feel that pull to smoke in just about everything
you do — eating, drinking, celebrating and more.
Smoking less doesn't work: Studies show that even if you smoke less, you'll likely
inhale deeper. You'll get the same amount of nicotine, driving you to continue the habit.
The only way to quit smoking is to quit for good.
How our health plan helps you with your efforts to quit: Full coverage (no copayments) for a 180-day supply of the following FDA medications that can ease withdrawal symptoms and help you succeed in quitting:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Bupropion SR
Nicotine gum
Nicotine inhaler
Nicotine lozenge
Nicotine nasal spray
Nicotine patch
Varenicline
To take advantage of this benefit, you must get a prescription from your doctor.
Also, your preventive care benefits will continue to cover eight smoking cessation
counseling sessions every 12 months. Discuss the advantages of these counseling sessions with your doctor. For more information about the smoking cessation program, call
Aetna Member Services at 1-800-367-6276. For Aetna International, call 1-888-5062278. Visit Aetna InteliHealth® at www.intelihealth.com for more tips to quit smoking.
Page 4
April 2015
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…
Understanding the new pharmacy costs
It is an ongoing battle to hold down health plan increases, especially as prescription
drugs continue to steadily rise. New specialty drugs coming onto the market and
price increases for brand-name drugs are the main forces driving prescription drug cost trends.
Specialty drugs are typically less than one percent of all prescriptions, yet nationally these
drugs now account for more than 25% of total prescription drug costs. Nationwide the projected specialty drug/
biotech cost trend rate for 2015 is an exceptionally high 19.4%.
While medical costs were mostly unchanged for AAFES retirees from
2013 to 2014, prescriptions increased by $5.8 million, a little over 20%.
For AAFES overall, prescriptions increased by $10.4 million (23%) from
2013 to 2014. That is why changes were necessary in 2015.
The NAF Health Benefits Program pharmacy plan under Aetna moved from a Three Tier Formulary in 2014 to a Four Tier
Formulary for 2015. The added fourth tier is for specialty
pharmacy. It is also the first time since 2009 that pharmacy
copays and/or coinsurance have changed. How much you pay
for a prescription depends on the type of drug used.
For 2015, the pharmacy tiers are set as follows:
The Tier One copay is $10 for generic drugs.
$10 Copay
$35 Copay
35% Copay
40% Copay
The Tier Two copay went from $20 to $35 for brand-name drugs on the preferred drug list.
The Tier Three percentage is 35%. However, the per-prescription minimum went from $35 to $60, and the maximum
went from $100 to $125.
The Tier Four is for specialty pharmacy. The cost you pay is 40%, with a minimum of $60 and a maximum of $125. Specialty medications are generally injectable drugs requiring special shipping and handling (such as refrigeration). Aetna
Specialty Pharmacy® fills prescriptions for specialty drugs.
We realize that for many of you these changes mean an increase in costs. For the drugs that moved from Tier Two to Tier Three, the
copays went from normally $20 last year to a new copay based on the above description. Below are three of the most widely used
prescriptions along with some cheaper alternative choices.
Drug Name
Total #
of Rx's
Cost to
Plan
Avg. Rx
Cost
Alternatives
DIOVAN
1,914
$263,787
$138 eprosartanmesylate, irbesartan, losartan potassium,
valsartan, EXFORGE, EXFORGE HCT
LYRICA
1,579
$407,634
$258 gabapentin, lamotrigine, topiramate, venlafaxine
hcler, SAVELLA
ADVAIR DISKU
1,436
$442,319
$308 DULERA, SYMBICORT
Continued on page 5
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
April 2015
Page 5
YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…
‘Talk to your physician about prescription options...in order to minimize your cost’
For the drugs that moved from Tier Two to Tier Four, the copay amounts went from $20 to $125, but when you look at the total cost
of those drugs, it is still a bargain. Here are at the top three prescribed drugs that moved from Tier Two to Tier Four:
Drug Name
Total # of Rx's
Total Cost
Avg. Rx Cost
HUMIRA
433
$1,346,531
$3,110
ENBREL
295
$845,539
$2,866
77
$418,369
$5,433
COPAXONE
The most expensive drug in this group costs more than $10,000 per prescription.
It is very important to talk to your physician about the prescription options available to you, in order to minimize your cost. Always
use less expensive generic prescriptions, if possible.
Members can estimate the cost of their drugs by visiting www.aetna.comand logging into Aetna Navigator® and selecting ―Aetna
Pharmacy‖ and then choose ―Get Drug Prices‖.
To learn more about our Aetna Pharmacy Plan Drug List, or for the most up-to-date preferred drug, precertification or quantity limits information — which is subject to change during the year — go to www.aetna.com/formularyand then go to the drop down for
Aetna Commercial Formulary and select 2015 Aetna Commercial Four Tier Open Formulary (Self Insured).
—Brian Poss, Director of Benefits, AAFES
In time of need call...
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Page 6
April 2015
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…
Benefits Q&A— Questions you ask; answers from Exchange Benefits
Q. On our pension payment, State Street has finally made it possible to change the tax withholding amount on line. Is there any
way that they could give us the option of stopping the paper "Advice of Deposit" each month, and just make a copy of it available
online? That way, a retiree can choose to no longer receive the paper statement each month, and just view it online. Now online,
you have the option of seeing that a payment was made, and the total net amount, but no other information. If they could make an
exact copy available online of what we receive in the mail each month, that would be great. It just seems to me that for a company
that does nothing but retiree payments, State Street's website is not real helpful or user friendly.
A. You should have the option to turn the notices off in State Street’s MyPenPay site, https://aafesretirement.mypenpay.com . This
State Street web site for AAFES Retirees provides you access to your pension payment history, payment detail, payment status,
address of payment and tax elections. The web site also gives you the ability to process changes to your payments including payment method changes, address changes and tax withholding changes. You can suppress the mailing of your State Street monthly
notices by doing this: From the ―Payment Method Screen‖, click on ―Banking Information‖ and at the bottom of the page it gives
you the option to turn the notices off. You will go through a couple of confirmation steps and receive a letter in the mail confirming
the change. If you want to speak with a customer service representative from State Street, call 1-877-247-2769.
Q. During our recent AREA meeting, a question was asked about if our older members need to get revaccinated because of the recent measles outbreak in California. There was quite a bit of discussion about if you were born after 1956 you need to check your
shot records just to make sure, and then there were more questions about whether this strain of measles was different than the one
we were vaccinated for as kids. Hoping you will be able to shed some light on this.
A. Aetna advised that the CDC has not changed their guidance on the vaccinations for measles due to the California outbreak. The
simple answer is if you have already been vaccinated there is not a need to revaccinate. If not already vaccinated, then you should
get it. It used to be assumed that all those born before 1957 had been exposed or had measles. This is no longer considered a universal truth. Having the disease is not a reason to avoid vaccination. Aetna does cover Measles immunoglobulin for unvaccinated members who have documented exposure. As usual, members should talk to their healthcare provider about the decision to revaccinate.
Q. My uncle has told me that he has a free membership to his local Y, either through Medicare or his secondary, he isn't sure. Does
anyone know if a free gym membership is available to AAFES retirees either through Aetna or Medicare? I know about discounted
ones; I'm asking about free.
A. Unfortunately we don’t have any free memberships. You can get discounts to fitness centers through Aetna and GlobalFit. Medicare does not cover any type of gym membership, YMCA or otherwise. There are however some Medicare Advantage
Plans that offer "Silver Sneaker". Silver Sneakers will pay for your membership in the Y or some other facilities, depending on
your area. The AARP United Healthcare Medicare Supplement also offers Silver Sneakers in some areas. You can get discounts to
fitness centers through Aetna and GlobalFit—for more information, visit these websites:
Aetna Discounts: https://member.aetna.com/memberSecure/featureRouter/contentPage?page=discountPrograms
GlobalFit: https://www.globalfit.com/
Q. I retired from the Exchange May 31, 2014 with 30 years of service. (31.5 years with sick leave). I recently heard a "rumor" that
our "100% paid for" retiree health insurance (those of us that were grand-fathered since 1999 cut off) is being reviewed for a
change? I'm aware that they are looking at DoD funding and consolidation of the Exchange Services. Have you heard of any proposed changes to our retiree health care benefit? For example, making us pay a monthly premium other than the after 65 year old
medicare payment. Please let me know and maybe put some kind of update in the next AREA publication.
A. What you heard is a ―rumor‖. AAFES does not have any intention of making grandfathered retirees pay for their health insurance. As far as what may eventually happen with any consolidation, it is way too early to even speculate. Whatever the case may be,
we will continue to fight to keep the benefits you have.
Do you have a question?
AREA-Dallas@att.net
The answer will come quickly if you write...
kanemarea@windstream.net
or
cpoffen@earthlink.net
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
April 2015
Page 7
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Golden Gate Chapter—The first AREA-GG luncheon for 2015 was held at Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, CA on February 4, 2015. The second Golden Gate AREA luncheon for 2015 was held at Trader Vic's in Emeryville, CA on March 4, 2015.
Fourteen members and families (and Buddy) enjoyed the Aloha Spirit at this world famous restaurant.
Sandra Westfall, Neil Burns, Joan Turner, Carol Beatty, Noble Emery, Dennis Gilman, Gina Kretz & Chick Kretz
Dennis Gilman, Lou Vitalie, Arline Gilman, Gina
Kretz, Chick Kretz & Ikue Burney
Sandra Westfall & Neil Burns
Mary Lou Geimer & Lorraine Harris
Ernie Kodama, Buddy, Marion Grohoski & Val Grohoski
Noble Emery, Carol Beatty & Joan Turner
Val & Marion Grohoski
Marion Grohoski & Buddy
"Chick" Kretz, Gina Kretz & Ernie Kodama
Arlene Hadfield &Julie Lee
GG members enjoy lunch at Trader Vic’s.
Page 8
April 2015
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Alamo Chapter—The Alamo Chapter held their Valentine dinner at Pompeii Grill on February12. The group chose from a variety of tempting Italian entrees. Each member was
given a small cup of chocolates and there were heart shaped plates on each table holding
chocolate covered strawberries. A $1 per ticket raffle was held. B Klein won a lunch for two
to Pompeii Grill and Rhoda Freitas won the drawing for 1/2 the pot. Renee Davia
entertained with music on the harp.
—Brenda Borland
Song Choe, Lois Lown,
Ann Pauleu, Brenda Borland, Bill Dobbs, Janice
Dobbs, Lou Sheridan, Phuong Rury, Ruth Lown, Len
Freitas and Rhoda Freitas.
Tim Brogan, Bob Askew, Ann Brogan, Virgina Askew, Javier
Cerna, Marilyn Cerna, Kathy Jackson, Retha Stackleather, Mark
Porter, B Klein, Ken Klein, Jackie Robinson and Dan Forsch.
Renee Davia
played on a
native harp.
Tony Trevino, Ella Trevino, Eric Gunn, Stephani Solis, Mike Rohrer,
Bette Rohrer, Tom Gross, Diane Gross, Mike Bresnok and Shannon
Soefje
Northern California Chapter— February’s meeting at Woody’s Grill and Bar was well attended by 30 members and guests. Also
our membership increased by two this month with Margie Iwamoto and Yaeko Cooper joining us. Door prize winners were Arlene
Ferry, Ruth Hayes, Margaret Schaetzle, Eulie MacDougal, Yaeko Cooper and Renate Atkinson. We’re in for a busy time this spring,
with the bake and used book sale on april 4 at McClellan BX. In addition we will also be collecting and selling DVDs, CDs, puzzles
and craft items. Upcoming meetings will be at Mini’s Café in Sacramento, March 11; Country Waffles, Sacramento, April 8; Applebee’s, Rancho Cordova, May 13; and El Tapatio, Citrus Heights, June 10. After taking a summer vacation in July and August, there
will be three more luncheons and the Christmas luncheon to end the year.
If you wish to include AREA in your will...
―From time to time retired associates of AAFES leave bequests to the AREA in their will. If
you desire to make such a bequest we recommend providing the person that prepares your formally written and executed will with the following sample clause. If you make such a bequest
please notify AREA at the same address as in the clause."
"I give (blank dollars/property) to the Army Air Force Exchange Service Retired Employees
Association (AREA), P.O. Box 380614, Duncanville, Texas 75138."
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
April 2015
Page 9
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Fort Dix-McGuire—Our Spring Luncheon took place at Cracker Barrel and was
another great success...we had over 40
members attending. The wonderful weather, after all that snow, contributed to the
great participation. Everyone had a real
good time! Four members shown in the
photographs below were the door prizes
winners. The other photos show our happy
crowd enjoying a great meal.
Barbara Robinson
50/50 winner
Cynthia Gittens
Kay Pesini
Bernice Brown
--Fran Stanley
Gulf Coast Chapter —The February Luncheon was another fun-filled monthly AAFES Retiree luncheon . Amazing location, exceptional food and great camaraderie. I tried to get a group shot but they were in the restaurant chatting and catching up. Poor Steve
Mitchell (left above) tried getting them outside but to no such luck - they needed to catch up! Some members did gather outside so
their photos are shown above. A truly fun relaxed place to enjoy a superb lunch and talk AAFES stores (Hawaiian lingo) We also
celebrated the February birthdays.
Our March location was the Crab Trap! Another very enjoyable luncheon - 37 attendees - Great location, great food, great service
and most important - great camaraderie. (Enjoy the photos below.)
--Jan Comstock
Page 10
April 2015
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
NORTH TEXAS CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
NTC Holiday Celebration and Gift Exchange – 44 NTC-AREA members celebrated the season at Lefty’s Lobster & Chowder
House. Gifts were exchanged… some more than once and others may be seen again next year. The door prizes were plentiful and
in shades of red, white and blush. As always, the food was delicious, lobster and lamb were special treats and the service was superb! Celebrating the season with good friends, good food and a lot of laughs made the afternoon a very special occasion.
—Linda Dean
Roy Dean, John Liczbinski
and Jerry Johnston
Ruth Watson and
Chong-A Williams
Sandy Johnston, Helen Conti
and Sue Sheff
Linda Dean, Christine Justus and
Christa Liczbinski
Joe & Johanna Ferreyra
Paula Lockett and Hilde &
Rick Doyle
Hilde & Rick Doyle and Jack
Leavitt
Bill Eddings and Victor
Morgan
Sue Sheff watching the
server crack her lobster
Brenda Charron & Damon
Ladd
Patsy Waterreus, Kay Wright
and Chuck Poffenbarger
Michelle Priester and
Bill Eddings
Glenda Hume and
Brenda Charron
Hilde Schultz and
Bonnie Gauvin
Christine Justus and
Margaret Gibson
Beth Jones and Leon
& Marilyn Levin
Front: Ruth Watson and Kav
Kavanaugh; Back: Chuck &
Lina Poffenbarger
Phyllis McQueen, Barbara
Caisse and Nancy Chavies
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
April 2015
Page 11
NORTH TEXAS CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Opus Brunch & Dallas Symphony, 21 Dec – 42+ alumni, family and friends attended the spectacular Holiday Dallas Symphony
Concert at the Meyerson. First we enjoyed a scrumptious brunch at the Opus Restaurant making the concert even more special.
NTC attendees (not in order) in the group photo are : Barbara
Caisse, Nancy Chavies, Frank Clark, Jerry & Carlon Cloud, Helen
Conti & Family, Roger & Julie Cosby, Roy & Linda Dean, Richard &
Hilde Doyle, Joe & Johanna Ferreyra, Dick & Gisela Fregoe, Bonnie
Gauvin, Leonard & Joyce Jefferys, Mike Jones, Christine Justus,
Jack & JoAnn Leavitt, Bruce Luedke, Chuck & Lina Poffenbarger,
Hilde Schulz, Richard & Sue Sheff, Terry & Sandy Taylor, Ruth Watson, Chong-A Williams
Gisela & Dick Fregoe
Barbara Caisse, Nancy Chavies, Christine
Justice, Bonnie Gauvin and Hilde Schulz
Ruth Watson
Helen Conti & 5 family members
Chuck & Lina Poffenbarger
Richard & Hilde Doyle
Rodeo & Dinner - The North Texas Chapter of AREA members attended the Fort
Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on military day and then headed for Los Vaqueros, a
favorite Mexican restaurant in the Stock Yard District. Fun, food, friends and a
few margaritas made the cold day seem a lot warmer.
Corinne & Bill McQueen, Bill Eddings, Roy Dean,
Sandy & Jerry Johnston and Michelle Priester
Jerry Johnston, Dalton Murayama
and Carmen Conti
Tim & Birgit Lane
Richard & Sue Sheff
Pat Duggan and Chong-A
Williams
Bill Eddings
More Chapter Happenings on pages 14-15
Patsy Waterrues
Corinne & Bill McQueen
Page 12
April 2015
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
Tom Ige’s tips for a trip to Japan
(Editor’s Note: Tom Ige and his family returned to
Japan in 2014 and toured on their own. After returning
home, Tom decided he’s make up a list of travel tips
that could help anyone wishing to take a trip that’s not
in category of an escorted tour or cruise. With the able
assistance of his daughter, Natalie Muldaur, the family duo also sent in some pictures to help illustrate their
visit. While you may know him as Tom, his given name
in Japanase is Tsutomu, but Natalie says everyone in
the USA knows him at Tom...so we will refer to Tsutomu as Tom in this article and the captions.)
By Tom Ige
We had a fun and exciting visit to Japan last fall
and while many of you may have been there before, but not recently, or those having thoughts of
visiting Japan here are some planning ideas that
will be useful.
Our group of six at the Silver Pavilion in Kyoto. Ray and Natalie, Gary, Tom,
Pauline and Kyle. (Natalie is Tom’s daughter and Ray is her husband. Pauline
is Tom’s niece and Gary is her husband and Kyle is their son)
Tom’s Tips for Touring Japan on Your Own
1. Cell phone. Do not rent a cell phone there. It is very expensive. Instead, rent it here for a nominal fee . They are readily available.
It's fun to walk and shop on your own and still stay in touch. The streets, shops, everywhere are always crowded and you can easily
be separated.
2. JR Railroad Pass. If you're planning to travel on the Bullet Train buy a Japan RR Pass here. It is a very convenient way to travel. They are, however, only for use on Japan Railroad (JR) train and other JR operated transportation. The cost is very reasonable
compare to buying tickets there. They can only be purchased outside Japan.
3. Speak Japanese? If you do, speak first so that they can reply without having to wonder how to reply. If not, the conversation
can become confusing because most Japanese can now speak some English but the spoken Japanese includes English words and
many are abbreviated.
4. Take a coin purse. Hundred yen notes are no longer used. You can have a handful of coins in no time. Using a coin purse makes
it easier on your pocket/purse and to pay for your purchase.
5. Directions. For those of you who have not been there recently do not give direction to the taxi drive or anyone else on how to
get where you want to go. So much has changed that the road you took then may no longer be there or rerouted.
6. Group or private tours. We, 6 of us, found that hiring a tour van with a English speaking guide was more economical than a
bus tour. Check bus tours and prices on pamphlets available at hotels, train stations and in many other locations. Hotel staff can assist you in getting tour van info and fares..
7. Food when traveling. You do not have to buy food for meals to take with you. They're available everywhere and always, regional favorites too. If you need something to drink or a snack vending machines, too, are everywhere.
8. Tips. As you know, tipping is not the norm there. You may find your tip being declined. A ―thank you‖ will suffice.
9. Dining. Food is always said to be ―expensive‖ but you can enjoy ―Izakaya,‖ a Japanese Pub that serves good food and drinks,
and ―revolving sushi bars.‖ Many tourists are now enjoying small ―mom and pop‖ shops serving Ramen noodles and traditional Japanese and western dishes and enjoying the atmosphere, friendship, and food.
10. Distance. If you ask anyone how far is it to walk to your destination you will be told in number of minutes and not by blocks or
street name. Remember, the walking time mentioned is for people with strong legs in good health. Give yourself additional walking
time based on your age, health and how well you walk.
11. Go Native! And lastly, you will enjoy Japan if you have strong legs, good appetite and a budget you can manage. Go the way
―natives do‖ like so many tourists are now doing and you will enjoy the visit.
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
April 2015
Kyle and Gary in the door of an Izakaya we found in Kyoto. Very reasonable and great food!
Page 13
Natalie on the Shinkansen train with a Bento box purchased
at the train station!
Tom, Natalie and Ray at the family shrine, with small urn of Helen’s ashes (Tom’s
wife and Natalie’s mom.)
Chirashi-sushi to go!
If you get a chance to go stay in a ryokan, do it! This is our
dinner in our tatami room. What a great experience!
Page 14
April 2015
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Southeastern Chapter—We celebrated
our Christmas party at Red Lobster in
Morrow, GA, with 28 members and guests
attending. Lee Stanchfield and her guest,
Jim Knight, donated a beautiful floral
centerpiece for all of us to enjoy and to be
included as a raffle ticket drawing prize.
Luan Fields won the v centerpiece, Carol
Painter won the top cash prize of $30 and
Gary Eckhardt won the $20 cash prize.
Several other non-monetary prizes were
also raffled away. Everyone brought in
beautifully wrapped gifts, which we auctioned off. Our raffle ticket sale and our
gift auction generated $441 for our scholarship fund donation.
donation for yearly scholarship donation.
Our get-togethers will remain on the third
Thursday of the month at 1 p.m., and we’ll
have nine meetings again this year. James
Mahoney was re-elected as President;
Dave Painter, Vice President and Mel
Taylor, Secretary/Treasurer. They voluntarily took over vacant positions with the
past two years so they remained in their
offices.
We voted to make our annual scholarship
donation $1,000 for this year, which is a
new record for our chapter. Our new rec
ord donation was made possible by the
automatic donation from each member’s
yearly dues, our yearly white elephant aucOur annual business meeting was at the
tion and our members’ generous support of
Olive Garden in Morrow on January 15,
our Christmas party raffle ticket purchase
2015. We voted to keep our yearly chapter and auction of their own brought-in gifts.
dues the same for 2015 at $7.50 per perIn addition, several members—Hetty Cox,
son, with $2.50 of it going as an automatic Leo Hesson, Wade and Fredda Raczyn-
Carole Painter, Doug & Louise Laskey
David Reeves, Cindy Cooper, Dave Painter
ski, Mary and Rick McClendon, Dave
and Deanna Nelson, James Mahoney
and Dave and Carole Painter—made
mail-in or extra donations.
Our oldest member was Oscar Heyman at
98 years young, when he passed away last
year. Now Leo Hesson, 94, is our oldest
member.
—James Mahoney
Jim Knight, Lee Stanchfield, Mary
Beth & Gary Eckhardt
Debbie Jeffreys, Luan Fields, Kim
Barton
“General” Lee Kleckley, Liz Green &
son, William
Nettie Gleaton, Mary Taylor, “General” Lee
Kleckley, Liz Green
Lee Boyd, Kathy Gailey, Debbie
Jeffreys
Joe & Magali Haser, Joe Madding
Joe & Pat Madding, Mary Taylor
David Reeves, Dave Painter, James
Mahoney, Mel Taylor
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
April 2015
Page 15
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
West Georgia Chapter— In the month of November we celebrated the birthday of a young 90 -YEAR
-old, Mrs. Arlene Moore...she was presented a cake and flowers, and we all sang Happy Birthday. Next
we celebrated our annual Christmas dinner and gift exchange playing Dirty Santa,with 40 people taking
part..Thanks to all for coming. Lastly we are supported a young AAFES associate Tameka Archie a
single mom of four, with some additional food for the holidays..
—Elizabeth Baum
Arleen Moore...celebrating
her 90th birthday with cake
Chapter members attending the
Christmas dinner were Hattie Stewart,
Gloria Williams, Lydia Jones, Christine
and Donald Rembold, Norma and
Frank Jones and Peggy, Katrina Cunningham and Pat, Mr. and Mrs. Hillman
and Dot Few.
Friday coffee group enjoys Christmas breakfast
Tom Minton cooking tacos
A group of AAFES retirees who have been meeting every Friday morning
for the past 20 years in an Arlington restaurant to enjoy coffee and chit chat
gathered at Roy and Linda Dean's home for a Christmas breakfast. The
group enjoyed breakfast tacos, egg casserole, B-52s, mimosas, pumpkin
coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, fruit salad and other goodies then divided into
teams for a 30-question Christmas quiz.
Christa Liczbinski & Buddy Harrington
Judy Hanson, Mac Terry &
Nancy Minton
Bruce Leudke & John Liczbinski
Christa Liczbinski, Linda
Dean & John Liczbinski
Terry Hanson
Linda Dean
Mac Terry &Nancy Minton
Ken Terry & Mike Jones
Ken Terry &Judy Hanson
Page 16
April 2015
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
April 2015
P a g e 17
Meet Marcia Kane—your new AREA Information Director (editor)
Hi, my name is Marcia Kane, and I am
your new AREA Information Director.
The position sounds important, so I hope I
am up to the job that Larry Phillips has
done so well for so long. Larry will be
sorely missed as he has done such a great
job. He is going to handle the April issue
and ―shadow‖ my efforts with the July
newsletter to make sure I do this right.
was there that I finally finished my BBA
degree, Magna Cum Laude, through TCU
in 1988. I was promoted to the Benefits
Communications position, newly created
by Bob Pardue and Ken Weaver, in the
Insurance and Pension Administration
Branch in FA in 1989. I completed my
Certified Employee Benefits Specialist
(CEBS) certification through the Wharton
volunteer position because I considered
insurance and pension benefits as ―my
baby‖ for several years, and I still have a
vested interest! That’s especially true for
the DoD NAF Health Benefits Program,
which I helped develop and implement
along with the other NAF employers. I
can’t tell you the number of hours of lost
sleep I had over such things as continued
Many of you may remember me as the
former Benefits Manager (now called the
Director, Benefits) in the Treasury Department, Finance and Accounting Directorate
(FA).
I retired from AAFES in December 2005. I
know a lot of retirees as a result of working in that position, so it feels like I’m
talking with family as I write this article.
My days now are mostly filled with card
parties (bridge); Bunco; and volunteer
work for Providence Hospice (in Whitney), and at the White Bluff Chapel, an
Interdenominational Christian chapel. I’ve
worked a few temporary jobs to keep out
of trouble, and we love camping in our
motor coach whenever possible. We also
love to travel whenever possible.
Here is a snapshot of my background with
AAFES for those who do not know me. I
started with AAFES in October 1972 at
the Golden Gate Exchange Region in San
Francisco, CA. I was a newly married military spouse shortly after I started work for
AAFES. Patrick and I have been married
for 42 years in January 2015. Patrick also
worked for AAFES in security at the Presidio main store and the San Antonio and
Ft. Worth warehouses before going to
work for General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) in Ft. Worth, TX in 1980.
In 1976, I was accepted into the AAFES
personnel management trainee program
and was transferred to San Antonio, TX
(at Lackland AFB). At the time, I only had
one year of college, so it was a true honor
to be selected as ―management material‖
by my bosses and HQ AAFES career management.
Marcia and Patrick Kane—then and now—showing the couple in 1977 in San Francisco; the
more recent photo was taken in 2012.
School of Business in Pennsylvania and
became a CEBS fellow.
AAFES retiree health care coverage and
the pension plan aggregation proposal. The
DoD NAF Personnel Policies offices, and
I was eventually promoted to Benefits
certain congressional folks, were very
Manager, and I stayed in that position until much involved in these issues, and someretirement (in December 2005).
times my job was a real challenge.
My goal as your Information Director is to
make sure retirees can keep in touch with
old friends and colleagues and keep you
informed about your retiree benefits. Also,
I want to make sure we promote the AREA Scholarship program, chapter happenings, and other AAFES news of interest to
retirees.
I would like AREA chapter presidents to
continue sharing photos/articles about fellow retirees. You don’t know what a simple photo at a chapter luncheon can do for
people. For example, I recently saw a photo of Iyoko Pao who I worked with at
Golden Gate Exchange Region. Even
though we keep in touch through Christmas cards, it was a real joy just to see her
photo!
After a number of different HR jobs at the
South Texas Area Exchange, Carswell,
and HQ AAFES, I worked for about a year
in AD in the editorial/writing branch. It
I must admit that I am selfish in taking this
The fight to retain valuable benefits for
current associates and current/future retirees is a continuing concern of mine. Not
only is it important to each of you, but it’s
also important to AAFES as an organization. That’s because AAFES wants to be a
―desired‖ employer as defined by the
AAFES Associate Satisfaction Index goals
we read about in the Exchange Post.
I look forward to working with all of you.
Please be kind when I mess up, I’m a lot
older than I was nine years ago at retirement, and the brain is feeling the effects of
the years!
Marcia K. Kane
24008 Oak Shadow
Whitney, TX 76692
Home Phone: 254-694-9914
E-mail: kanemarea@windstream.net
Page 18
April 2015
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
AREA Community Service Awards – Spring, 2015
The Retired Employees Association recognizes Exchange Retirees and Associates who volunteer their time and devote
other resources, such as personal knowledge and expertise, to help improve the economic, civic and social health of the
communities where they live and work. The Community Service Review Committee, Richard Fregoe, Chairman, and
members Chuck Poffenbarger, Jerry Cloud and Don Streeter reviewed the nominations and, along with the entire AREA membership, are pleased to recognize these Exchange Retirees and Associates for their commitment to their communities’ well-being.
All recipients were provided with a Certificate of Appreciation and a recognition letter signed by the program director
and president, AREA. We wish to thank Watt/Spohn Universal, a leading worldwide Exchange Broker, for supporting
the Retired Employees Association through their active involvement in the
Dallas/Fort Worth and Hampton Roads ALA chapters. Watt/Spohn Universal specializes in representing brand name manufacturers in the Power
Zone, Automotive, Hardware, Housewares, Sporting Goods, Stationary and Consumables categories. They have a long
history of supporting retiree programs. We invite you to visit them at www.wattspohn.com.
COMMUNITY AWARD RECIPIENTS, Spring, 2015
Charles Eagen, AAFES Employee, APO 09123
Charles teaches Karate to young children 8 to 18 years old, and up, twice-a-week in the town of Badem where he resides.
He does this without receiving anything for it. His efforts keep children off the streets and occupied in a productive manner after school.
Pamela Miller, AAFES Employee, Scott AFB
Pam has volunteered for the Boy Scouts of America for over 10 year. She does fun raising, camping trips, and helps the
young receive their badges.
Cynthia Sparkman, AAFES Employee, Scott AFB
Cindi and her mother Julie have sent packages to deployed servicemen every month for over two years. They do this to
support our troops overseas.
Larry Phillips, AREA Information Director, Dallas
Larry has been awarded AREA’s President’s Award
for Exceptional Community Service (shown at right)
―for his 15-year contribution to our membership as
AREA Information Director. Volunteering time and
donating other resources, such as personal knowledge
and expertise, helped improve the economic, civic,
and social health of AREA and chapter members, and
the communities where they live and work.‖ He will
―retire‖ a second time on June 1st, having retired first
after an extensive and successful 31-year career at
AAFES. One of Larry’s major responsibilities has
been editor of this Newsletter, an important service
that AREA offers its members. This is Larry’s last
Newsletter. He will be sorely missed for his development and editing skills and dedication to the interests
of retirees of AREA.
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
April 2015
P a g e 19
SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS
DONORS
IN MEMORY OF
Edmond Fitzgerald
Eva Fitzgerald
Patricia Frank
Dale Frank
Gary Smith
James Stapleton
$100.00
Gary Smith
Lt. Colonel “Dick” Wilson
$100.00
Dorothy Hornus
Louis Hornus
$25.00
Dorothy Hornus
Richard O’Meara
$25.00
Dorothy Hornus
Rueben Bugge
$25.00
Dorothy Hornus
Eva Fitzgerald
$25.00
Southeastern Chapter
Larry Slaughter
Oscar Heyman
Earl Martin
$1,000.00
Barbara Martinez
Thomas Rambo
$100.00
Michael Griffin
James Stapleton
$50.00
$500.00
$25.00
After 15 years as newsletter editor, it’s time to say goodbye
By Larry Phillips
When Don Streeter was President of
AREA in 1999, he asked me if I’d
take over as editor/information director
of AREA. Of course, we never discussed length of service. Here it is
15 years and some 63 issues of the
newsletter later. Late last year
when AREA President Chuck
Poffenbarger accepted my ―resignation‖ and started a search for my successor, Marcia Kane, stepped forward to
become editor of the newsletter. It seems
to be a tradition that the topic of ―how
long‖ Marcia will be editor isn’t discussed, but we all wish her well for as
many years as she cares to hold that title.
For now, I’d like to leave with a few
words of thanks. To the membership.—
our readers—thanks for your membership
and faithful reading and support of the
newsletter. To the four AREA Presidents,
Don Streeter, Tom Harmon, Bill Barnes
and Chuck Poffenbarger, you made editing the newsletter easier. To the AREA
Board of Directors, your continued funding and support of the newsletter, raising
dues once when it was necessary, enabled
AREA to keep printing the newsletter
every quarter.
of his involvement in AREA conventions,
and he attacked it with the same diligence
For the past dozen years, Chuck and I
as he did in running all those conventions.
have worked closely on scheduling the
His article came out at the time of his
newsletter and every three
death and was a fitting tribute and wrap-up
months soliciting inforto his long service to AREA.
mation from the Exchange and AREA for
Every issue a call goes out from Chuck to
materials that because
the chapters to send in news about their
stories and photos in the meetings, and a dedicated corps of connewsletter. We have co- tributors always comes through with phoordinated throughout the
tos and stories, most now by email, one by
year through emails, phone
Flickr, one on Facebook, several in chapcalls, visits to the Exchange Headquarters ter newsletters and a few still by snail mail
and other interchange of information to
--with real photographs. Whichever methkeep each other in-the-loop.
od you use, thanks to all of you for makaward and very much appreciated.
From almost Day 1 on the job, I’ve also
worked on each issue with Pat Weaver,
our Membership Director. She’s come
through issue after issue with membership
updates, scholarship donations obituaries
and all the mailed in articles, photos and
chapter newsletters that she retrieves from
the AREA Post Office Box in Duncanville. We also sweated out getting names
compiled, sorted several times through
computer runs and published in the Exchange Directories.
ing Chapter Happenings a well-received
and informative section of the newsletter.
The clock has ticked down to the final
seconds of my last issue, and it’s time to
―put the paper to bed‖ — just journalistic
jargon that comes to mind from the 58
years I’ve been dabbling in newspaper
work. Some of you have asked ―what are
you going to do now?‖ Well, there’s a host
of activities—first, spoiling my one-year
old grandson, travel, photography, computer work, painting (watercolors and
oils—not house painting), stained glass,
The late John Ellis, was a frequent conpiano, cooking/grilling, church activities,
tributor to the newsletter in the last few
years he served as convention coordinator. Texas Rangers baseball and perhaps a
few, honey-do’s from my better half of 48
Many thanks to AREA, Chuck PoffenJohn was a valuable resource about conyears! Now you see why I need a little
barger and Dick Fregoe for the President’s vention history and producing countless
while off from my AREA responsibilities.
Award for Exceptional Community Serarticles in the early 2000’s. Sometime
vice (see page 18). It’s an unprecedented around 2009 I asked if he’d write a history After 15 years, it’s time to say goodbye.
Page 20
April 2015
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
IN REMEMBRANCE
LINDA ALLEN, 67, died Nov. 13 in
Windermere, Fla. The Operations Support
Center Supervisory Contract Specialist
retired in 2002.
BLANCHE STEVENS, 80, died Oct. 21
in Fairfield, Calif. The Travis AFB Military Clothing Sales Manager retired in
1989.
ELFRIEDE AUSTIN, 82, died Oct. 29 in RUTH WILLIAMS, 83, died Nov. 30 in
Killeen, Texas. The Fort Hood AccountAlexandria, La. The Exchange Sales Assoing Manager retired in 1994.
ciate retired in 1992.
LEO DAVIS, 63, died Jan. 5 in Char- ALLEN DEAN MILLEN, 79, died Feb.
lottesville, Va. The JB Langley-Eustis 20 in Overland Park. He was born in
Warehouse Worker retired in 2009.
Belleville, KS on Feb. 8, 1936 and his
MORRIS FISHER, 93, died Oct. 9 in parents, Howard Glen Millen and Velda
Cumberland, Maine. The Exchange Asso- Loraine (Banks) Millen, named him after
his great-grandfather who fought in the
ciate retired in 1974.
Civil War.
GLENN GROOM, 87, died Dec. 31 in
San Antonio, Texas. The Giessen DC As- He graduated from Republic High School
in 1954, received his BS degree in Agrisociate retired in 1985.
culture Dairy Science from Kansas State
IRENE HAIR, 92, died Oct. 29 in
University in 1958. He moved to AppleFayetteville, N.C. The Fort Bragg Person- ton, WI where he was employed by the
nel Clerk retired in 1981.
USDA in the Agriculture Marketing SerHELEN HASHIMOTO, 80, died Oct. 19 vice Dairy Division. In 1964 he met and
in Fulton, MD. The HQ business assistant married Patricia Korsan while attending
graduate school at the University of Wisretired in 2005.
consin. He served his country in the Air
CECIL HAWKS, 82, died Dec. 8 in
National Guard for 6 years.
Rosepine, La. The Travis AFB ServiceAllen’s career in food manufacturing with
Station Manager retired in 1987.
AAFES moved his young family to the
HELEN HENDERSON-VOSS, 91, died Philippines, Hawaii, Germany, Texas, and
Dec. 12 in Phenix City, Ala. The West
Washington. They then settled in ArlingGeorgia Area Associate retired in 1976.
ton, TX. Upon retiring from AAFES, Allen built a successful second career as a
CARL JOHNSON, 60, died Jan. 20 in
real estate broker.
Fayetteville, N.C. The Fort Bragg HR
Manager retired in 2009.
LYLA KENNEDY, 91, died Aug. 5 in
San Antonio, Texas. The HQ Accounting
Technician retired in 1984.
FRANK LAZAR, 90, died Nov. 30 in
San Antonio, Texas. The HQ Computer
Specialist retired in 1987.
ROBERT QUATES, 73, died Nov. 5 in
Riverview, Fla. The Fort Bliss Food Business Manager retired in 1992.
He is survived by wife Judy, daughter
Michelle (Farshid Mohammadi), daughter
Christine (Kurt) Hahn, grandsons Daniel
& Alex Mohammadi, and Andrew &
Bryce Hahn, his extended family Scott &
Kathleen Colebank, Daniel & Emily; Karen & Lynn Dishon & Preston; Julie &
Andy Scott, Sandon, Sophie & Clancy;
Ken Schmidt; and Kristin & Greg Van
Scoy, Ellison, Gavin & Jenna. He is also
survived by sister Janet (Wayne) Schrock,
brother Arlo (Sherry) Millen, nephews
Doug, Daryl & David Schrock, and Matt
& Jeff Millen and several cousins.
BRANTLEE PRICE SONTAG, 65, of
DeSoto, Texas, died January 30, 2015.
She was born January 4, 1950 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the daughter of Julian Price
and Delancy Snelgrove Price. She earned
her Bachelor’s Degree from the University
of South Carolina and then a Master’s
Degree from Purdue University. In 1969
was crowned Miss South Carolina and
competed in the Miss America pageant.
She went on to work as personnel manager for AAFES, but her life’s devotion was
to her family. She also played tennis and
loved to travel, having lived six years
abroad in Germany.
Brantlee loved music and was a member
of First United Methodist Church in Duncanville, where she sang in choir and
played hand bells. She was on staff at the
After the passing of Patricia in 2001, he
church for many years serving in the mubecame reacquainted with Judy (Mai)
sic ministry office. Brantlee was preceded
Colebank of Prairie Village, whom he first in death by her parents and a sister, Patsy
met in 1957 in Garden City, KS. They
Martin. Survivors include her husband of
were married in 2002 and moved to Over- 32 years, Joel Sontag; son, Julian Sontag
land Park. He was an active member of
and wife, Jessica; brother-in-law, Blair
United Methodist Church of the Resurrec- Martin; sister-in-law, Sheila Sontag; niection, its men’s group, and an avid sports
es, Robin Giles, Erin Perkinson & Wendy
fan, especially K-State. A firm believer in Bennett; nephews, Paul Rosenberg & Rushigher education and his alma mater, he
sell Martin.
established the Allen D. Millen Elite Agriculture Scholarship in 2006.
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
April 2014
P a g e 21
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
The following telephone numbers are provided as a convenience to members wishing to
contact certain HQ AAFES offices and the AAFES Federal Credit Union.
HQ SWITCHBOARD
(214) 312-2011
FOR RETIREMENT and GROUP INSURANCE BENEFITS:
HQ. AAFES BENEFIT BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES
(800) 519-3381
GENERAL COUNSEL:
DALE HARBOUR
(214) 312-3126
EXCHANGE POST:
BARBARA KIRSCH
(214) 312 3831
SALES TABLOIDS:
TABLOID DEPARTMENT
(800) 733-5142
ID CARD, PRIVILEGES
HR-S HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE
(214) 312-6531
ID Cards issued Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:30-10 a.m.
If you are not able to get to the office between those times, you can call and schedule an appointment.
DOD VEHICLE STICKERS:
DOD stickers are issued in Real Estate (RE) from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Monday-Friday
Retirees no longer need to put decals on their vehicles. When going to a military installation,
you now only need to show your identification.
AAFES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION: TOLL FREE SERVICE
NORTH AMERICA
(800) 452-7333
UNITED KINGDOM
0800-89-7490
GERMANY
0130-81-1187
FOR OTHERS NOT LISTED:
PAT WEAVER
(972) 780-9810
For other information, check out the Exchange website at: http://www.shopmyexchange.com and
the AREA website http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/
Page 22
April 2015
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
AREA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
DONATION FORM
To: AREA
P.O. Box 380614
75138-0614
Duncanville, TX 75318-0614
From:
Telephone
This donation is (check one box below) *IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE PERSON TO LIST, USE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW
*
(Name) *
In Honor of
*
In Memory Of
An Annual Pledge*
Other
(Name) *
Send Card to:
NAME
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE
TELEPHONE
Amount of donation (check enclosed)
$
* I wish to pledge $_________________ each year to the AREA Scholarship Fund. My donation for the
current year is enclosed.
Your donation will be acknowledged to both the donor and to the recipient or the survivor. All donations are
income tax deductible.
DONOR NAME (Printed)
SIGNATURE
COMMENTS:
*
In memory of: __________________________________
*
In honor of: ____________________________________
In memory of: __________________________________
In honor of: ____________________________________
In memory of: __________________________________
In honor of: ____________________________________
Enclosure # 6-1
A R E A NEW S L E T TE R
April 2015
P a g e 23
AREA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATES
New Members
JAMES BROWN
300 SABINAL ST
OCOEE, FL 34761
407-617-6837
brownja@embarqmail.com
J.R. CANNON
700 SARALVO RD
MIDLOTHIAN, TX 76065
972-938-3358
Jrcannon69@yahoo.com
CHRISTINE GEHRINGER
6214 PENNSYLVANIA AVE.
ARLINGTON, TX 76017
CgehrInger56@att.net
ROSARIO OLSON
2766 PECAN CREEK RD
KILLEEN, TX 76549
Rolson6@centurylink.net
STEW LINZ
44 WESTVIEW DR
OSPREY, FL 34229
941-918-8198
CATHERINE ORONA
1023 CR 3351
KEMPNER, TX 76539
512-932-2559
loronatx@hotmail.com
BARBARA J. MIMS
8243 FM 2657
KEMPNER, TX 76539
texasajfan@yahoo.com
RONNIE D. COMPTON
3720 DANBURY DR
ARLINGTON, TX 76016
817-429-9522
comptonr@tx.rr.com
GERALDINE MORELAND
4031 TRURO DR
ANCHORAGE, AK 99507
907-522-1720
geraldimrl@aol.com
KELVAN COX
2175 SPRING GROVE CT
MOBILE, AL 36695
251-634-9464
gusandlecox@bellsouth.net
KRISTINE NEWBOLD
53 LAKEVIEW DR
PITTSVIEW, AL 36871
706-566-8501
kigden@gmail.com
CHERYL DECK
707 JUDY LANE
COPPERAS COVE, TX 76522
254-547-8510
Cdeck3@hot.rr.com
TERESA STICHNOT
1632 S. TIMBER CT
BENBROOK, TX 76126
817-249-1876
tstichnot@sbcglobal.net
SANDRA WESLEY
6020 NORTON ST
COLUMBUS, GA 31907
706-718-6447
Sassyleo17@yahoo.com
Address Changes
ROBERT BUCKINGHAM
6470 POST RD, APT. 109
DUBLIN, OH 43016
AAFES Retired Employees Association
Help Us Save Money!
Get the Newsletter online rather than through the mail.
The difference in cost is significant*, and you’ll enjoy these advantages:
Get the Newsletter first—E-mail is faster than snail-mail.
The Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format is in color and you can
transfer/save the file as you desire.
*Per copy print cost at $1.42 + mailing at $0.57 = $1.99 cost per copy. Do yourself and AREA a favor—try
the Newsletter via e-mail attachment.
Here’s what one member said: ―The e-mail edition is superb. Easy to read, brilliant colors, etc. I can't say
enough about it, and would recommend that anyone with a computer should give it a try. Especially since
they can always convert back to hard copy. I doubt if any would do that.‖
Send an e-mail to Pat Weaver, Membership Director, at ken-pat@sbcglobal.net and state that you would
like to get the Newsletter on line and we’ll do the rest. Give it a try. If you don’t like it, we can always add
you back to the snail-mail list.
AAFES Retired Employees Association
P.O. Box 380614
Duncanville, TX 75138-0614
DUES ALERT!
If the last time you renewed your dues was in March 2014,
please send your $15 dues PAYABLE to AREA
at the mailing address shown above.
Vote for AREA Officers and
mail your ballot by May 15
President


Chuck Poffenbarger
Write in ______________________
Vice President
Mail ballot to:
 Tom Gallagher
 Write in ______________________
AAFES Retired Employees Association
Treasurer
P.O. Box 380614


Duncanville, TX 75138-0614
Terry Corley
Write in ______________________
Secretary


Don Smith
Write in ______________________