journal

JOURNAL
H O N ORIN G
WO UN DED WARRIORS
Ride 2 Recovery
Page 9
Tribute to the Troops
from Steve Amerson Page 11
Vol 1 2011
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Contents
NCOA Journal Volume 1, 2011
Legislative Briefs.............................................................................................. 2
Wounded Warriors: Fishing for Freedom VII
• Volunteers join to show appreciation to our nation’s
wounded veterans...................................................................................... 4
Tribute to the Troops in Las Vegas ...................................................................6
My Life Has Changed
• Reflections on four days spent with heroes .............................................12
Air Force versus Navy: NCOA Air Academy Chapter plays a
supporting role each year .........................................................................13
NCOA Korea Hosts English Camp ................................................................17
An Artist’s New Release Helps Support Fisher House Foundation ............... 18
Chapter Gallery: Magnum Force Chapter 357..............................................20
“Best Places for Military Retirement” Fact Sheet
• USAA and Military.com offer recommendations...................................... 24
Helpful Telephone Numbers and Websites.................................................... 27
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps H. Gene Overstreet (Ret); Chairman of the Board: SgtMaj Paul W. Siverson,
USMC (Ret); Executive Vice President/Chairman, Finance & Audit Committee: CSM Tony R. Franklin, USA (Ret); Treasurer:SGM
Nick Lapajenko, USA (Ret); Secretary: MSgt Robert L. Barnett,
USAF.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MCPO Terry M. Haines, USNR (Ret); MSgt Vincent T. Johnson,
Sr., USAF (Ret); SGM Joe Terry, USA (Ret).
International Chaplain MSG Kent M. Tucker, USA (Ret)
SENIOR ADVISORS TO THE BOARD
SMA Kenneth O. Preston, USA; Sergeant Major of the Marine
Corps Carlton W. Kent, USMC; MCPON Rick D. West, USN;
CMSAF James A. Roy, USAF; MCPOCG Michael P. Leavitt,
USCG.
SPECIAL ADVISORS FOR RESERVE AND NATIONAL
GUARD AFFAIRS
CSM John Gipe, USARNG, Chairman; CSM Michael Shults,
USAR; SgtMaj Kim Davis, USMCR; FORCM (FMF) Ronney
Wright, USNR; CMSgt Dwight Badgett, USAFR; CSM Richard
Burch, ARNG; CMSgt Christopher E. Muncy, ANG; and MCPO
Jeffrey D. Smith, USCGR.
INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
The Non Commissioned Officers Association of the United States
of America is a fraternal, nonprofit organization with International Headquarters at 9330 Corporate Drive, Suite 701, Selma, TX
78154; (210) 653-6161.The NCOA Journal is published for the
information and enjoyment of Association members. Views and
opinions expressed are those of author or source of material and
do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views or endorsements of
NCOA or the Board of Directors. All materials in the NCOA Journal are protected by copyright. Editorial materials my be reproduced if the source is credited. National Capital Office: P.O. Box
427, Alexandria, VA 22313; (703) 549-0311.
International Auxiliary Executive Committee: Rose Lapajenko,
President, Ronda Smith, Vice President; Dianne Carnahan, Secretary; Alda Ashford, Treasurer. Board Members: Vivian Bruno,
Vicki Cope and Patricia Weaver.
Knights of the Square Table: Grand Knight, Sir Curt Schummacher, OE; Grand Knight Elect, Sir Marv Weaver, Sr., OE; Exchequer, Sir Ted Pilihos, OE; Scribe, Lady Vicky Hensley, OE.
EDITORIAL: The NCOA Journal Managing Editor: Clifford
Davis. Editorial contributions of articles and photos are welcome.
Send them via email to: Scoop@ ncoausa.org.
ADVERTISING: Advertisers: Contact J&S Publications at 8220
Hilton Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20882, E-mail - cathy.john@jspublications.com. Phone - (301) 482-0720, Fax - (310) 482-0726.
Unless clearly indicated as NCOA-sponsored, paid advertising in
the NCOA Journal is not endorsed by the NCOA. (01/11)
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 1
Legislative Briefs
Government Funded To
March 4, 2011
The 111th Congress, in lieu of any passed
Appropriations Bills, passed another
Continuing Resolution (CR) in December to fund the Federal Government to
March 4, 2011. The new CR constrains
most agencies at their 2010 budget levels
but did contain some additional budget
authorities and restrictions:
• Implement a 1.4% military pay raise
in 2011.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs
received $460M to maintain claim processors and facilitate timely processing of claims.
• Implement a two year pay freeze for
Federal Civilian Employees.
New Agent Orange Presumptive
Claims Processed
VA has approved over 28,000 claims in
the first six weeks of processing disability compensation applications from Vietnam Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam for the newly established
presumptive Agent Orange Conditions
– Parkinson’s disease, Ischemic heart
disease, and B cell leukemia (including
hairy cell leukemia).
VA also developed a new VA Web Portal at www.fasttrack.va.gov for Vietnam
Veterans covered by the new policy to
file their compensation applications.
Vietnam Veterans are the first users of
this new automated claims processing
system. The portal also has the capability for the veteran’s private physicians to
provide clinical findings needed to approve the claim through the web portal.
VA is hopeful that that the web portal
designed for the new Agent Orange presumptive findings is the first of many new
applications that will ultimately expedite
a variety of claim processes. NCOA is
watching this “fast track” process, confident that its success will eventually benefit veterans and their beneficiaries.
Medicare Beneficiaries
Good news for Medicare beneficiaries
with incomes under $85,000 ($170,000
for couples) who have their Part B premiums deducted from their Social Se2 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
curity benefit will have their premium
remain at $96.40 or $110.50 per month
depending when they signed up. The law
prohibits an increase in premiums for
most beneficiaries in years when there is
no increase in Social Security monthly
benefit because of the low inflation and
a COLA is not authorized.
Beneficiaries with income over $85,000
($170,000 couples) will be required to
pay an increased Part B Premium.
Additional premium information is available at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10536.
html#premium.
Stimulus Payment
A lot of expectations were raised when
the legislative proposal of a one time
$250.00 Stimulus Payment to Social
Security beneficiaries and Disabled Veterans was raised. The $250.00 proposal
would have been awarded to over 58 million eligible people.
Unfortunately,
the Senate’s required 60 vote majority
fell short by 7 votes to stop a Republican filibuster and kill the legislative
proposal. It is going to be interesting to
watch Capitol Hill as the 112th Congress
assumes its responsibilities! The 111th
Congress went out with a flurry of activity that included approved earmarks
and tax benefits that will cost this Nation
many years to reduce the budget deficit.
It would have been appropriate to see the
Nation’s seniors and Disabled Veterans
receive the proposed stimulus payment,
and Chapter 31 Retired Disabled Veterans receive Concurrent Receipt as was
promised by the Administration, and also
the elimination of the “Widow’s Tax”
allowing eligible DIC recipients to retain their Survivor Benefit Plan annuity
among other needs for those who have
served this Nation.
Federal “Paper Checks” to End:
The Department of Treasury has announced a new rule to phase out paper
checks issued for any federal benefits by
March 1, 2013. Treasury’s shift to electronic payments to millions of Americans can extend safety and financial convenience at a significant cost savings.
VA encourages all veterans who still
receive paper checks to sign up for electronic payments now. VA will officially
stop issuing paper checks on March 1,
2013. Current beneficiaries who do not
establish direct deposits before that date
will receive their federal benefit funds
by a pre-paid debit card issued by Commerce Bank as the financial agent of the
U.S. Treasury. Any veteran receiving
their first VA benefit payment from VA
after May 1, 2011 will automatically receive their benefits electronically.
Helping Veterans and their Families
Avoid Homelessness
VA has announced a new veteran homeless program called Supportive Services
for Veterans Families (SSVF) to be rolled
out in 2011 which for the first time will
extend funding for intervention services
for veterans’ spouses and children at risk
of becoming homeless. VA Secretary
Shinseki noted that the problems which
lead to homelessness begin long before
veterans and their families are on the
streets.
VA is reaching out to private non-profit
organizations and consumer cooperatives
interested in providing needed counseling, training, and services to at-risk veterans and their families.
VA began sponsoring free grant writing workshops earlier this month, for
organizations interested in applying for
funds under this program. Information
about the SSVF program is available at
http://www1.va.gov/HOMELESS/docs/
Prevention_Fact_Sheet_11-22-10.pdf.
Once funds are available, VA will publish
a Notice of Fund Availability (NOFA) in
the Federal Register and information on
the application process will be posted on
the SSVF website.
Medicare/Tricare Cut Averted
(at least for one year?)
The 25% cut in Medicare/TRICARE
payments to physicians was been stopped
for 2011. That’s great news! The proposed cut had many doctors questioning whether or not they would treat their
Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries.
(Continued page 4)
And, many beneficiaries were more
concerned with the loss of their “family” doctors that had indicated an unwillingness to continue providing their
healthcare.
NCOA appreciates that Congress
again acted at a late date to stop the cut
which would also have impacted physical, speech and occupational therapy.
NCOA is also most aware that the battle
begins anew to cut Medicare/TRICARE
costs in 2012.
National Veteran Golden Age Games
Hawaii in 2011
VA expects more than 700 “Golden
Age” Veterans to participate in the
25th National Veterans Golden Age
Games scheduled for May 26-31, 2011
in Honolulu. The Games combine the
competitive spirit of competition with
VA health care and stimulates an individual veteran wellness program.
Competitive events including swimming, cycling, horseshoes, bowling,
croquet and air rifles are open to all
U.S. veterans age 55 or older who are
currently receiving care at VA medical facilities. Further information on
the Golden Age Games is available at
www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov.
Wounded Soldiers Fish for Freedom VII
By Mike Kinchen
Choke Canyon, Texas – Thanks in part
to the support of the Non Commissioned Officers Association’s National
Defense Foundation, wounded warriors
from Brooke Army Medical Center in
San Antonio joined up with volunteer
Bass Anglers from around the state of
Texas and beyond to participate in Fishing for Freedom VII.
Fishing for Freedom affords injured
military service members the opportunity to team up with a semi-profession-
al bass fisherman and enjoy a day on the
lake fishing, followed by old fashioned
Texas Barbecue.
Some of the wounded warriors were
joined by family members who shared
the day on the water and caught their
share of bass. Forty-four military
members and their families were bused
in for the event that is held annually and
is a way for the Quality Bass Club, the
host and founder of the event to show
appreciation for the warriors’ service to
the nation.
A Wounded Warrior shows off his big catch at the end of the day.
4 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
According to club president, Robert
Dunlap, this year’s success would have
not been possible without the annual
sponsorship of the event by the Non
Commissioned Officers Association
National Defense Foundation and the
Texas Parks and Wildlife. And, he recognized the continued support of the
Army Bass Anglers with boaters and
tournament prizes; also, he said it was
the many behind-the-scenes volunteers
who made it all come together.
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Wounded Warriors and guests are honored during four day
Tribute to the Troops
Las Vegas Style
Editor’s Note: The Non Commissioned Officers Association’s Executive Director, Cliff “Scoop”
Davis spent four days with 75 Wounded Warriors, their families and friends.
By Cliff “Scoop” Davis
NCOA Executive Director
In Washington DC and then again in
New York City a special American Airlines Yellow Ribbon Express Charter
Flight picked up Wounded Warriors on
Veterans Day to fly them to Las Vegas,
NV, for a special Tribute to the Troops.
The Warriors, joined by family and
friends, landed in Las Vegas to a hero’s
welcome as fire trucks fired their water cannons over the plane and the tarmac was filled with welcome signs and
ground crews waving American Flags.
And their four days of being treated like
VIPs in Vegas had just begun.
After a quick visit to view the brand
new USO facility at the McCarren
International Airport the buses were
police-escorted to the Venetian Hotel.
Stepping off the bus onto a special red
carpet the Wounded Warriors and their
guests walked through the hotel and
casino being cheered by thousands of
employees and guests, many holding
signs like, “You Are Truly America’s
Heroes”.
The Warriors walked tall with their
heads held high, though many had tears
streaming down their cheeks as they
passed through the crowd chanting
“U.S.A – U.S.A!”
“This is so overwhelming,” said SGT
Theodore Jones one of the Wounded
Warriors. “I have no words to express
how great this feeling is and only wish
that every man and woman who has ever
served this great country could also experience this outpouring of gratitude.”
The Tribute to the Troops began in
6 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
The yellow ribbon on American Airline’s Flagship Independence glowed in the
morning sunlight as it arrived at the gate to board the wounded warriors. (Photo by
Mike Snyder, Wolf Group)
2008 by international philanthropists
Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson. Mr.
Adelson, the CEO of the Sands Corporation, when asked why he began the
special Tribute to the Troops, gave a
simple answer, “Because it is the right
thing to do. We have our freedoms
today thanks to these brave men and
women who have given so much for
their country.”
“Because it is the right thing to do!”
Thousands of people filled every main hall of the Venetian to welcome the wounded warriors on their walk of fame. (Photo by
Mike Snyder, Wolf Group)
That same statement, “Because it is
the right thing to do!” was echoed by
corporate leaders, entertainment stars
and leaders of military associations
that were also supporters for this year’s
Tribute to the Troops.
According to Jim Palmersheim, Director for American Airlines Veterans
Initiatives, this is the second year that
American Airlines has flown Wounded
Warriors to Las Vegas for the Tribute to
the Troops and that American Airlines
came on board because, “It was the
right thing to do!”
“I am proud to work for American
Airlines, a corporation that gives so
much back to our troops, and having
this opportunity to work closely with
our Wounded Warriors is so rewarding,” Palmersheim added.
Following the Walk of Fame the War-
riors were all escorted to their rooms to
freshen up. Later that evening a special
Dining Out was held at the Venetian’s
Ballroom and everyone was treated to a
special performance by world renowned
impersonator Rich Little. According to
Little, whenever he meets someone in
uniform he is so thankful and grateful
for their service. “I would rather meet
a service member on a plane or in an
airport than a movie star,” Little added.
“They are truly the men and women I
look up to!”
Before the weary warriors could call
it a night, they were escorted to a special theater in the Venetian that was
closed to the public. The stage curtains
opened and out came Clint Black and
his band who had flown to Vegas specifically to perform on Veterans Day for
the Wounded Warriors.
Rich Little entertained the troops just like
he has done so many times for the USO.
(Photo by Mike Snyder, Wolf Group)
(Left): The owner of the Venetian,
Sheldon Adelson meets Wounded Warrior
Gary Lindfoot. Gary continues doing his
job at Fort Campbell, KY despite losing
the use of his legs. (Photo by Mike Snyder,
Wolf Group)
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 7
Tribute to the Troops in Las Vegas
A Blue Man kiss! This wounded warrior said she will not wash her face until the blue
paint wears off. (Photo by Mike Snyder, Wolf Group)
“Wow, Clint Black flew in to perform
just for us,” said LCpl Eli Tice, USMC.
“I am in awe of how we have been
treated and just wish every troop who
is serving our country could realize
that there are such grateful people in
America.”
The following day the Wounded Warriors enjoyed a special picnic at Red
Rock State Park and witnessed Dana
Bowman, a former Army Golden Knight
who lost both legs in a training jump
while on the team, parachute into the
picnic area and then walk around and
talk with all the warriors. Throughout
the afternoon the warriors were treated
to a variety of excursions. Some got to
go to Wayne Newton’s ranch, others enjoyed complimentary helicopter rides
donated by Sundance Helicopters and
others went on sight-seeing trips.
Later that evening back at the Venetian, the Blue Man Group saluted the
Wounded Warriors with a special show
complete with a private meet and greet
with the Blue Men themselves afterwards.
On Saturday, the troops and their
guests had a variety of activities to
choose from. Some went to Nellis AFB
as special guests of the base and the
USAF Thunderbirds, others enjoyed
spa treatments and still others took a
Hoover Dam trip.
All the special events were under the
guidance of Alison Edwards, the Tribute to Troops event coordinator for the
Sands Corporation. This was Edwards’
second year as the coordinator and she
was the hub of activity everywhere she
went. Asked why she worked so hard to
make sure every Wounded Warrior was
given the VIP treatment, she replied
“ I am proud that the Adelsons and the
Sands Corporation have put their faith
in me for such a worthwhile project,”
she said. But that wasn’t all, so the
question was asked again – why do you,
Alison, give so much extra at this event?
With tears forming in her eyes she said,
“last year I met a 22 year old young
man who told me all he ever wanted to
be in his life was a Marine and now that
had been taken from him. He hugged
me and told me that the weekend he had
opened his eyes to the fact that there is
more he can be and that I changed his
life – me – I changed his life!” With
tears now flowing, she emphasized how
blessed she was to be part of a company
that cares so much!
Having a “can-do” attitude...
Dana Bowman, left, a
former U.S. Army Golden
Knight who lost both of his
legs in a skydiving accident
while practicing with the
Aerial Show Team, asked
Todd and Crystal Nicely to
come forward during his
motivational speech to the
Wounded Warriors. Todd lost
both of his legs and arms
as a result of an Improvised
Explosive Device (IED).
Bowman made a point of
how Todd and his wife are
moving forward with their
lives and overcoming the
many challenges they face by
having a “can-do” attitude.
8 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
Dana Bowman, a former Army Golden Knight who
lost both his legs in a skydiving accident while
practicing with the Aerial Show Team, jumps into the
picnic being held for the Wounded Warriors at Red
Rock National Park.
Cpl Todd Nicely, USMC, takes the opportunity at the Gary
Sinise concert to slow dance with his wife Crystal.
Gary Sinise left the stage many times throughout the evening’s
performance to visit one-on-one with the Wounded Warriors.
To see a video homage to the
Wounded Warrior Tribute To The Troops event in
Las Vegas, please click here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGh99rPBj8Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player
SGT Joel Tavera dances up a storm at the Gary Sinise and the Lt Dan Band
concert with USO staff members from Washington, DC.
That evening the Wounded Warriors
loaded onto the buses and were taken to
the New Orleans Hotel and Casino for
a special dinner hosted by the Veterans
of Foreign Wars and a concert by Gary
Sinise and the Lt Dan Band. Throughout the performance Sinise and other
members of the band ventured into the
audience to perform special songs for
the Wounded Warriors. During one
such special song, Cpl Todd Nicely,
USMC, who lost both legs and arms
as a result of an IED, rose up, took his
wife Crystal’s hand and slow danced in
front of the stage to a standing ovation.
Sunday morning after breakfast, the
Wounded Warriors were again cheered
by the Venetian employees as they
walked the Red Carpet back to the buses that had dropped them off just three
short days ago, but the Vegas experience still had one more stop – across
Las Vegas Blvd at the Mirage.
As the buses pulled up to the Mirage
Conference Center, more than 500 employees were there to greet them waving
miniature American Flags and passing
out special hand-made cards from the
employees’ children for the Warriors.
Once inside, the Wounded Warriors had
a special meet and greet with the Mirage Headliner Terry Fator and his wife
Taylor. The Fators made sure that they
visited every Wounded Warrior and
took time for every photo request.
Sgt Nathan Hunt, a member of Ride
2 Recovery cruises into the Wounded
Warrior ceremony in front of the
Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Many
of the members of Ride 2 Recovery
were part of the special tribute over
Veteran’s Day weekend in Las Vegas.
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 9
A special welcome home tribute from
a young child! (Photo Courtesy: Tom
Donoghue/www.DonoghuePhotography.
com)
Then, it was on to a special Terry Fator Ventriloquism in Concert show.
The Wounded Warriors and guests were
hosted by Terry Fator and the Mirage
at the sold out event with all proceeds
benefitting the new USO Center at McCarren Airport.
“I think we as Americans cannot do
enough to show these heroes how much
David Haddad, center, president of
Fumar Cigars, is flanked by Wounded
Warrior Sgt Andrew Peden, right, and
Peden’s friend left. Haddad was on hand
to pass out signature cigars at the picnic.
His company has sent more than 40,000
cigars to deployed troops in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
10 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
A Mirage employee kisses a Wounded Warrior as they arrive. (Photo Courtesy:
Tom Donoghue/www.DonoghuePhotography.com)
we appreciate their sacrifice. I surely
appreciate what they have done for us
and for the cause of freedom,” Terry Fator said. “I will always be here to do
whatever I can to make them feel like
the heroes that they are!”
During the show Fator made a point,
like he does with every performance,
to stop and pay tribute to all the veter-
ans at the show. However, this time the
star left the stage to join the Wounded
Warriors in the front row for a special
photo.
“I am not sure if everyone felt I came
down so they could have a photo taken
with me, but the fact was I wanted my
photo taken with these Heroes for my
wall!,” Fator said.
A Wounded Warrior stops on his way into the Mirage for a photo with a young boy. (Photo
Courtesy: Tom Donoghue/www.DonoghuePhotography.com)
“A true gift
on my path
to recovery”
Following the show, the Wounded Warriors all headed to the
buses and back to McCarren to board the special American
Airlines Yellow Ribbon Express Charter back home.
“I want to thank everyone who was involved with this event,”
said Army LTC Samantha Nerove, a Wounded Warrior attached to the Walter Reed recovery program and who also
suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. “This opportunity has been amazing! A true gift on my path to recovery.”
Steve Amerson, front, is joined on stage by a Wounded Warrior and
member of Ride 2 Recovery. Amerson, America’s Tenor, flew to
Las Vegas to sing the National Anthem for the Wounded Warriors.
Terry Fator and his pal Winston show their patriotism during the
special Wounded Warrior Tribute Show at the Mirage. (Photo Courtesy:
Tom Donoghue/www.DonoghuePhotography.com)
Las Vegas Star Terry Fator takes a break during his tribute
show for the Wounded Warriors at the Mirage Hotel to join
them in the audience for a photo. (Photo Courtesy: Tom
Donoghue/www.DonoghuePhotography.com)
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 11
My Life Has Been Changed
Some thoughts on four rewarding days with our heroes
By Cliff “Scoop” Davis
NCOA Executive Director
I want to thank the Wounded Warriors, their family members and guests;
every corporate entity, every entertainer, every employee and every volunteer
for four of the most rewarding days of
my life.
The courage of our heroes to stand
so tall and proud and accept the outpouring of affection and gifts with
such professionalism and humility was
amazing.
Thank you LCpl Eli Tice for sharing with me your wish that every man
and woman who serves in harms’ way
should share in this recognition.
Thank you LTC Samantha Nervoe for
sharing such personal accounts of your
service and life and the internal battles
you fight on a daily basis and to share
your tears with mine.
Thank you Cpl Todd Nicely for showing me the true spirit of a man comes
from inside and thank you Crystal for
renewing my faith that true love is unconditional and not just skin deep.
Thank you SGT Joel Tavera for showing me the spirit of a warrior and showing me that I must live my life to the
fullest no matter what cards are dealt
to me.
I give a special thank you to all of
the volunteers who were able to look
past our Wounded Warriors’ scars.
Your compassion and friendship was
unparalleled to anything I have ever
witnessed. Please know that I feel you
are the gems of this world!
To Jim Palmersheim, Tony Russell
and all my new found friends at American Airlines, thank you for inviting me
on this mission.
To Mike Snyder and Bob Vincent,
thank you for your work in making
sure this story is told and know that I
will be there to answer the call whenever you need me.
Finally, to all the entertainers and corporations who provided their resources,
talent and time for our Wounded Warriors- I salute you!
NCOA Executive Director Cliff “Scoop” Davis addresses the Wounded Warriors, and their families and friends prior to the Gary
Sinise Concert at the New Orleans Hotel and Casino Showroom. Davis received a standing ovation when he announced that
each Wounded Warrior would be receiving a complimentary Lifetime NCOA Membership.
12 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
AIR FORCE
versus
NAVY
NCOA Plays a
Supporting Role
Every Year
It is an event that happens every year.
There is also a version known as Air Force
versus Army. And, the Air Academy Chapter of NCOA gets involved with one or the
other of the two battles every year.
And no, it is not the annual budget battle that takes
place on Capitol Hill as the Department of Defense and
Congress debate how much money is to be allocated
to each of the services. It is the football battle for the
Commander in Chief ’s Trophy.
The Commander in Chief ’s Trophy is awarded to the
Service Academy whose football team has the best win
– loss record against the other two service academies.
For the past seven years, the Naval Academy Football
team has dominated by winning the trophy outright
with victories over both the Air Force Academy and the
Military Academy at West Point.
2010 was a different story. In October, during a beautiful early fall afternoon in Colorado, the Air Force Falcons broke the Navy’s string of seven victories over Air
Force. In a hard fought game at the Air Force Academy,
the final score was Air Force 14 - Navy 6. A later 42
– 22 win over the Cadets at West Point gave the Commander in Chief ’s Trophy to the Air Force Academy for
the first time in seven years. Following the game at
Army in early November, the Air Force picked up the
trophy from Annapolis and returned it to the Air Force
Academy. President Obama will formally present the
trophy to the Air Force Falcons in February of 2011.
So why does a sports story end up in the NCOA
Journal? As mentioned in the first paragraph, the Air
Academy Chapter of NCOA plays a supporting role at
all Air Force Falcons home Football games. Volunteers
from the chapter and surrounding chapters and NCOA
members in the Colorado Springs area work at each
home game, selling game programs and renting stadium-use seatback cushions. Proceeds from the program
sales and seatback rentals support the Air Force Academy Athletic Department. By NCAA rules, The United States Government and the Department of Defense
are not allowed to fund sports activities at the military
academies. As a result, all of the service academies
must function as any other college when it comes to financially supporting team activities. They must depend
on donors and fund raising activities.
Air Force Cadets and Navy Midshipmen march into the
Football stadium during pre-game ceremonies.
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 13
AIR FORCE
versus
NAVY
Air Academy Chapter Trustees Joe Beasley,
right, and Doug Skzlarski sell game
programs at the stadium.
By supporting the Air Force Athletic
Department for the six home games
at Falcon Stadium each year, the Air
Academy Chapter is fulfilling two missions. The first is by making a monetary contribution to Air Force Academy
Athletics. A percentage of the income
from both program sales and seatback
rentals is passed to Academy Athletics.
The second is fund raising to support
NCOA activities and missions.
The dollars that the Air Academy
Chapter donates to the NCOA’s Disaster Relief Fund, the Medical Fund, and
the Scholarship Fund, all come from
support of the Air Force Academy
football program. The funds also help
A couple of NCO Academy
volunteers from Peterson AFB do
their part in selling game programs.
The Academy students come out in
force to support NCOA’s efforts at
the Air Academy sporting events.
14 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
support the chapter’s support of annual
and quarterly awards programs at the
Air Force Academy, Peterson AFB,
Schriever AFB, and the Headquarters, U. S. Space Command. Even the
WWII Legacy Award program benefits
from the chapter’s support of the football program.
Chapter members spend many hours
preparing for the football season. Prior
to the first game, chapter personnel are
given key support roles. Persons to
support volunteer sign-in are selected.
Parking passes must be arranged. Vendor passes must be acquired. Tickets
for children of volunteers must be arranged. Tables must be moved from
the clubhouse to the volunteer staging
area. The trailer that is used to store
supplies and the awning erected to
provide shade to volunteers must be
moved from its storage area adjacent
to the clubhouse to its football season
location adjacent to the stadium.
The budget to support the fund raising efforts must be worked out. Let’s
face it. Raising money costs money.
Soft drinks and water for volunteers
are purchased and staged. Food for the
meal served to volunteers following
the completion of their duties must be
purchased, cooked and made available
to the volunteers.
There are eight public access gates
to Falcon Stadium. Each of the gates
must be manned with volunteers. Seat
backs must be counted and staged at
each of the gates. Past sales history
dictates the number of seatbacks to be
staged at each of the gates. Thus, the
stage is set for game day.
On October 2 this year, Navy came to
town to play Air Force in the first of the
service academy games leading to the
awarding of the Commander in Chief ’s
Trophy. It was a typical game day
for the members of the Air Academy
Chapter of NCOA, with a slight variation. The normal kickoff for games at
Falcon Stadium is 12:05 p.m. The Air
Force - Navy game was scheduled for
national television, so the kickoff was
moved back to 2:05 p.m.
Preparation begins early with the first
cadre of volunteers arriving about 3 ½
to 4 hours before kickoff. The awning
is put together. Ice chests are filled and
strategically placed. Coffee and donuts are made ready for the arrival of
the main force of volunteers. The volunteer sign-in table is set up, radios are
taken off the chargers and checked and
key persons head to the money room
to collect the change fund necessary to
fund the gates.
Three hours before kickoff and one
hour before gates open, selected Chapter Trustees meet with representatives
from Air Force Academy Athletics.
The trustees pair off with the Academy
representatives and head to the gates to
verify the seatback count at each gate.
While the count is taking place, other
chapter volunteers who have accepted
the responsibility of managing the individual gates, the gate chiefs, check in,
pick up their money belts, their radios,
and then head to the counting room to
pick up their change fund. Once they
have signed for the money and the radio, it is off to the gate that they have
been assigned to manage. Each gate
chief has his or her own style of managing the operation. As the chairman
has noted, “It does not matter how the
gate chiefs manage their operation, the
key is keeping accurate track of the
money handled, as well as ensuring
that all volunteers know what they are
doing, and that they have a good time
while doing it.”
While there is a core group of volunteers who work all or most games,
often there are others who are working
their first Air Force Football game as
a volunteer. Many of these first timers are students at the NCO Academy
on nearby Peterson AFB. As a part of
their six weeks of training, students
Pictured is the Air Academy Chapter volunteer cooking
and support team for the Air Force – Navy game. Back
row, left to right are: Marvin Weaver, Patricia Weaver,
Pepper Beasley, and Sue Ytzen. Kneeling is Leon Dunn.
are required to perform several hours
of community service. Working as a
volunteer selling game programs and
renting seatbacks is one means of satisfying the community service requirement.
As the tailgate parties wind down,
the stream of patrons coming through
the gates begins to pick up. Sales that
have been slow, but steady, begin to
get a bit hectic. About a half hour before kickoff, there is a long line of fans
working their way through gate security. Suddenly, the loudspeaker system
announces the beginning of the pageantry of a Service Academy football
game. Fans hustle past as they make
their way to the concourse where they
can watch the 4,000 cadets march onto
the football field.
As the National Anthem is announced,
the 40,000 plus fans in the stands and
on the concourses stand and face the
American Flag at the north end of
the field. The Cadet Drum and Bugle
Corps plays the National Anthem.
When the final notes ring out, a roar
escapes from the crowd and all in attendance prepare for the next stage of
the pre-game spectacle. The cadets are
dismissed and rush from the field to
take their seats in their respective seating areas.
Carolyn VanBarneveld, left, and Jack Artman, pause for a quick
photo opportunity during selling of game programs at the
Stadium. Both are long time NCOA and Air Academy members
who volunteer at almost every Football game every year.
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 15
By contract with Air Force Academy Athletics, sales of programs and
seatbacks must be continued until the
product is sold out, or the end of the
first quarter of the game, whichever
comes first. However, once the game
has begun, sales really slow down. It is
at this point that gate chiefs can begin
to release their volunteers to either find
a place to sit and watch the game, or to
return to the sign-in table and partake
of the meal prepared by the cooking
staff of the Air Academy Chapter.
As sales end and the monies are
turned in to the counting room, volunteers congregate around the sign-in
tables awaiting word that the food is
ready. The cook staff has been working
since the gates opened to get the food
ready for the volunteers. This tradition
of feeding the volunteers is ingrained
in the leadership of the Air Academy
Chapter. Plentiful food, water, and soft
drinks make for a pleasant end to a day
of volunteering for many, but the same
food and beverages marks the beginning of the work day for another group
of volunteers – those who have come
to pick up and put away the seatbacks
that were rented before the game.
It was a great day all around -- the Air
Force Falcons beat the Midshipmen of
the Naval Academy 14 – 6; students
from the NCO Academy at Peterson
AFB got to experience the pageantry
and pure fun of a service academy
football game; nearly 100 volunteers
helped the Air Academy Chapter earn
monies to support the benevolent funds
of the NCOA.
Left: Mel Peet, an 80-year-old retired
Army Veteran and his wife Barbara, longtime active volunteers for the Air Academy
Chapter, display game programs and seat
backs prior to the Air Force - Navy game.
Left: Retired Air Force member Lyle
Hageburg mans one of the seat cushion
locations at the stadium.
16 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
Dragon Hill Chapter
Hosts English Camp
NCOA’s Dragon Hill Chapter in Korea sponsored
another one of their signature English Camps in
November. This time the students invited to the English Camp were juniors from the Bosung Middle and High
School located just minutes from the Yongsan Garrison.
The camp was hosted by NCOA members and members of
the CFC ROK HQ Company. The camp’s theme was Fall
Holidays and served as a vehicle to allow the students to
have fun learning English and American culture while interacting with Americans. For many students, this was the first
time to be close to an American. Some of the highlights in
the camp included team skits in English, pumpkin carving,
and a Thanksgiving dinner sampling.
This was the 6th English Camp for NCOA-Korea and by
far the best. According to NCOA Chapter Chairman and
International Board Member Joe Terry, the main reason the
chapter co-hosts these camps is for the partnership between
the American and ROK volunteers. “These English camps
are not only beneficial to the children, but also serve to satisfy three distinct goals for the volunteers: Improve the relationship between the host nation and U.S. Service Members;
allow an opportunity for US and ROK Service Members to
volunteer in the community; and strengthen the ROK/US
alliance through partnership activities,” Terry said.
Dragon Hill Chapter Chairman Joe Terry presents a
student with a certificate of completion following the
English Camp.
Dragon Hill Chapter Chairman Joe Terry presents Mr.
Kwon with an Appreciation Award.
Students from the Bosung Middle and High School
gather for a group photo.
Students from Bosung Middle and High School fill their plates with a
Thanksgiving dinner sampling.
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 17
NCOA Chapter Chairman meets President Obama
Right, Terry shakes hands with the President. Above, Terry joins other
veteran and civilian organization representatives for a group photo with
the President.
NCOA Chapter Chairman and member of the International Board
of Directors Joe Terry had the opportunity to personally meet U.S.
President Barack Obama during his visit to Korea during the Veterans
Day holiday.
President Barack Obama visited Korea to attend the G20 Summit
and he also made time in his busy schedule to visit the Yongsan Garrison on Veterans Day. While at the Garrison, President Obama held
a Town Hall Rally at the Coller Field House Gym for a crowd of more
than 1,500. Following the Town Hall Rally, he visited the 8th Army
Korean War Memorial and greeted representatives of the Associations
participating in the annual Veterans Day Ceremony.
Artist’s New Release Helps Support Fisher House Foundation
Indie Rock musician, Michelle Penn’s new single, “Welcome Me
Home” was recorded specifically to give back to our nation’s soldiers,
said Sarah Hayden of Reese Publicity. The song was written from the
perspective of a soldier about to return home after a lengthy separation.
Available for download on iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby for ninetynine cents, twenty five cents from every song download will go directly to the Fisher House Foundation, an organization committed to
helping military families.
Please click the below link to hear the song and view the music video
- it features real-life footage of soldiers being welcomed home by
their families: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ0-hrHzS8Y
“Michelle is truly hoping to bring some awareness to an important
organization and to give something back to those who have given up
so much,” said Hayden.
For more about the “Welcome Me Home story,” and Michelle Penn,
check out http://www.welcomemehome.com/
Musician Michelle Penn.
18 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
H istory takes center stage in C olorado
W orld W ar II veterans receive M edallions
By Matt Steiner
The Gazette
Colorado Springs, CO
Barbara Saks proudly stood next to
her display of World War II memorabilia Saturday night in Cheyenne Mountain Resort’s Colorado Ballroom.
The 93-year-old pointed to maps,
newspaper articles and photographs
while painting verbal pictures of helping codebreakers at Betchley Park foil
the Germans’ plans of taking over Europe.
Saks, a former member of Britain’s
Royal Air Force, was one of two women
among 58 World War II veterans receiving Legacy Medallions on Saturday. The
honor is given out by the Non Commissioned Officers Association.
“I’ve never been made so much fuss
over anywhere else,” said Saks, a fouryear resident of Colorado Springs. She
spent many years in California after
moving to the U.S. in August 1946.
She joined Sonya Evans, a U.S. Navy
veteran, as the only women receiving
the Medallions on Saturday.
Many other veterans shared stories
while scanning memorabilia brought
by the veterans and a handful of World
War II re-enactors at the ceremony.
Originals and reproductions covered
tables and easels on three sides of the
ballroom.
Veterans told their tales to guests amid
a museum of canteens, guns, gas masks,
uniforms, magazines and other World
War II era items.
“The great thing about these events
is the stories within families that are
brought out,” said Jerry Zoebisch, secretary of the Air Academy chapter of
the NCOA. “They’re stories the families may not have even been aware of.”
Zoebisch said the NCOA, which also
has a Mountain Post chapter at Fort
Carson, has held between 25 and 30 of
the Legacy Medallion ceremonies.
Saturday’s event featured a dinner, a
flag-folding ceremony conducted by
the Navy Junior ROTC from Widefield
High School, and the Medallion presentation. Biographical accounts were
read as each of the recipients received
their prizes. Among the honorees were
members of each branch of service, including former prisoners of war.
Many of the veterans had friends or
family presenting Medallions. Others
were honored by uniformed personnel
from the military, including Admiral
James Winnefeld of the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
Jane Rodgers, organizer for events related to World War II, helped Zoebisch
organize the event. Zoebisch said many
former Medallion recipients were at the
event as well, some even wearing their
Legacy Medallions.
“They like to come and celebrate with
their buddies,” Zoebisch said with a
smile.
NCOA: Supporting Active Duty and Retirees
Brenda Baker, NCOA’s 63d RSC Chapter 1530 Vice Chairman
shares some insights on NCOA’s Legislation/Resolutions with
soldiers following an NCOA briefing at Camp Pendleton recently.
NCOA Board of Director’s Executive Vice President Tony Franklin
made the presentation to the group.
Air Force Enlisted Village President James C. “Jim”
Binnicker, CMSAF (Ret) thanks NCOA Executive Director
Cliff “Scoop” Davis for the purchase of a much needed
golf cart for the Teresa Village. Davis made the donation
on behalf of NCOA and Military.com, NCOA’s partner in
hosting Career Expos around the country.
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 19
Chapter Gallery: Bridgeport, Michigan’s
Magnum Force
Chapter 357
Major General Thomas Cutler making dedication
comments on 20 May 2010. Hundreds were in
attendance from around the community as the
chapter paid tribute to 22 fallen comrades dating
back to the Civil War through current conflicts.
Seated is L-R 1LT Kelly Buckner 101st Airborne
Division, Chris Cutler, the Generals Spouse, Diane
McCarty, President of Historical Society, Patrick
Gilles, Bridgeport Township Supervisor, Pastor
Ronald Sinclair, Bridgeport Community Church and
Michigan State CSM Delbert Husband.
Major General Thomas Cutler, State of Michigan TAG, & CSM Delbert
Husband, State of Michigan CSM, accept Awards of Recognition for their
support of Bridgeport Historic Society Memorial dedication. Sponsored by
Magnum Force Chapter. Presented by Chapter Chairman Donald Gerken
assisted by Robert Bauman, Vice Chair, and presented on 2 December 2010 at
1500 hrs in the general’s office.
Saginaw
Bridgeport
Grand
Rapids
Flint
Detroit
Lansing
20 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
Chapter Gallery: Bridgeport, Michigan’s
Magnum Force Chapter 357
Annual Meeting and Awards
2010 Annual Meeting and awards ceremony at Abe & Shirley Judd’s
residence on 23 October 2010.
Dinner following the annual meeting. BG Glen Chapen,
Former ADC of the 38th Infantry Division Army National
Guard was an honored guest and Keynote speaker for the
dinner.
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 21
Air Force Enlisted Village:
An Option for Military Members
Caring for Aging Parents
By Scarlett Bauman
AFEV Marketing Director
Shalimar, FL – The Air Force Enlisted
Village has apartments available for
retired military widows and couples
who would enjoy a worry-free and
active life in sunny Florida. Guest
apartments at Teresa Village and Bob
Hope Village are available for limited
stay while touring the villages and surrounding area while experiencing the
Air Force Enlisted Village lifestyle.
Bob Hope Village, in Shalimar, and
Teresa Village, in Fort Walton Beach,
are both located close to shopping,
beaches, fishing, golf, and military
installations. Potential residents staying in the guest apartments can use
the swimming pool and recreation areas and are encouraged to participate
in the many and varied activities: ice
cream socials, potlucks, parties, picnics and special outings.
Apartments at Bob Hope Village
The Air Force Enlisted Village
was founded in 1967 to
provide a safe, secure
and dignified home for
surviving spouses
of retired
Air Force personnel.
and Teresa Village are very affordable and offer a worry-free lifestyle.
The following amenities are included:
transportation, basic cable television,
security, free laundry service, gardening plots, activities and trips, volunteer opportunities, maintenance,
library, community room, chapel,
22 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
grounds-keeping, water, sewer, trash
collection, basic kitchen appliances,
carpeting, and central air and heat.
If you or someone you know is interested in the active, independent
lifestyle at Bob Hope Village or Teresa Village, please contact the Air
Force Enlisted Village admissions office at 850-651-9422 today to discuss
eligibility and make a reservation for a
guest apartment.
The Air Force Enlisted Village was
founded in 1967 to provide a safe, se-
cure and dignified home for surviving
spouses of retired Air Force personnel.
AFEV offers active, worry-free living
with continuing care at Teresa Village, Bob Hope Village and Hawthorn
House. AFEV’s primary goal and focus is to “Provide a Home.”
For more information about the Air
Force Enlisted Village, please see our
website at www.afev.us.
“Best
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approximately
two
million
military
retirees
as
of
2009,
of
whom
28
percent
are
their
own
business.
This
means
that
many
retired
service
members
also
must
plan
for
a
“military
and
officers
retire
at
the
average
age
of
46
years,
many
military
men
and
women
embark
on
an
What
places
The
following
metro
areas
are
the
top
10
“Best
Places
for
Military
Retirement”:
mean
by
officers
and
72
percent
are
enlisted.
Since
enlisted
members
retire
at
the
average
age
of
42
“second
retirement”
from
a
civilian
job.
retirement?”
entirely
new
stage
of
life
after
serving
their
country.
They
continue
to
raise
families
while
also
ranked
the
“military
and
officers
retire
at
the
average
age
of
46
years,
many
military
men
and
women
embark
on
an
pursuing
a
second
career
in
the
civilian
world,
either
by
working
for
a
corporation
or
starting
highest?
What
places
The
following
metro
areas
are
the
top
10
“Best
Places
for
Military
Retirement”:
entirely
new
stage
of
life
after
serving
their
country.
They
continue
to
raise
families
while
also
retirement?”
their
own
business.
This
means
that
many
retired
service
members
also
must
plan
for
a
ranked
the
• Waco,
Texas
• San
Angelo,
Texas
pursuing
a
second
career
in
the
civilian
world,
either
by
working
for
a
corporation
or
starting
What
places
The
following
metro
areas
are
the
top
10
“Best
Places
for
Military
Retirement”:
“second
retirement”
from
a
civilian
job.
•
Oklahoma
City,
Okla.
• Madison,
Wis.
highest?
their
own
business.
This
means
that
many
retired
service
members
also
must
plan
for
a
ranked
the
• Austin,
Texas
• Pittsburgh,
Pa.
“second
retirement”
from
a
civilian
job.
•• Waco,
Texas
•• San
Angelo,
Texas
College
Station,
Texas
New
Orleans,
La.
highest?
•• Oklahoma
City,
Okla.
•
Madison,
Wis.
Harrisburg,
Pa.
• Syracuse,
N.Y.
What
places
The
following
metro
areas
are
the
top
10
“Best
Places
for
Military
Retirement”:
• Waco,
Texas
• San
Angelo,
Texas
Austin,
Texas
Pittsburgh,
Pa.
Oklahoma
City,
Okla.
Madison,
Wis.
• College
Station,
Texas
• New
Orleans,
La.
ranked
the
• Waco, TX
• San Angelo, TX
What
places
The
following
metro
areas
are
the
top
10
“Best
Places
for
Military
Retirement”:
Austin,
Texas
Pittsburgh,
Pa.
•
Harrisburg,
Pa.
•
Syracuse,
N.Y.
highest?
USAA
and
Military.com
also
developed
four
other
lists
that
provide
service
members
with
the
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Madison, WI
ranked
the
• College
Station,
Texas
• New
Orleans,
La.
•
Austin,
TX
• Pittsburgh, PA
top
10
places
to
retire
in
large,
medium,
small
and
“military”
metro
areas.
To
see
all
lists,
visit
Waco,
Texas
San
Angelo,
Texas
•• Harrisburg,
Pa.
•• Syracuse,
N.Y.
highest?
• College Station, TX • Madison,
Wis.
• New Orleans, LA
• Oklahoma
City,
Okla.
www.usaa.com/bestplaces
and
www.military.com/Finance/usaa‐best‐places‐to‐retire/2010.
USAA
and
Military.com
also
developed
four
other
lists
that
provide
service
members
with
the
•
Waco,
Texas
•
San
Angelo,
Texas
• Harrisburg, PA
• Syracuse, NY
• Austin,
Texas
• Pittsburgh,
Pa.
top
10
places
to
retire
in
large,
medium,
small
and
“military”
metro
areas.
To
see
all
lists,
visit
Oklahoma
City,
Okla.
Madison,
Wis.
USAA
and
Military.com
also
developed
four
other
lists
that
provide
service
members
with
the
•• College
Station,
Texas
•• New
Orleans,
La.
www.usaa.com/bestplaces
and
www.military.com/Finance/usaa‐best‐places‐to‐retire/2010.
Austin,
Texas
Pittsburgh,
Pa.
•• Harrisburg,
Pa.
•• Syracuse,
N.Y.
top
10
places
to
retire
in
large,
medium,
small
and
“military”
metro
areas.
To
see
all
lists,
visit
How
was
the
USAA
and
Military.com
worked
with
Sperling’s
BestPlaces
to
determine
the
variables
for
379
•
College
Station,
Texas
•
New
Orleans,
La.
www.usaa.com/bestplaces
and
www.military.com/Finance/usaa‐best‐places‐to‐retire/2010.
• Harrisburg,
Pa.
• Syracuse,
N.Y.
list
created?
major
U.S.
metropolitan
areas,
which
are
defined
as
one
or
more
central
cities
including
the
USAA
and
Military.com
also
developed
four
other
lists
that
provide
service
members
with
the
surrounding
county
or
counties.
The
areas
were
evaluated
against
Sperling’s
BestPlaces
How
was
the
USAA
and
Military.com
worked
with
Sperling’s
BestPlaces
to
determine
the
variables
for
379
top
10
places
to
retire
in
large,
medium,
small
and
“military”
metro
areas.
To
see
all
lists,
visit
general
quality
of
life
issues
along
with
variables
that
correspond
directly
to
military
retirees.
list
created?
major
U.S.
metropolitan
areas,
which
are
defined
as
one
or
more
central
cities
including
the
USAA
and
Military.com
also
developed
four
other
lists
that
provide
service
members
with
the
www.usaa.com/bestplaces
and
www.military.com/Finance/usaa‐best‐places‐to‐retire/2010.
How
was
the
USAA
and
Military.com
worked
with
Sperling’s
BestPlaces
to
determine
the
variables
for
379
The
variables
included:
surrounding
county
or
counties.
The
areas
were
evaluated
against
Sperling’s
BestPlaces
top
10
places
to
retire
in
large,
medium,
small
and
“military”
metro
areas.
To
see
all
lists,
visit
major
U.S.
metropolitan
areas,
which
are
defined
as
one
or
more
central
cities
including
the
list
created?
general
quality
of
life
issues
along
with
variables
that
correspond
directly
to
military
retirees.
www.usaa.com/bestplaces
and
www.military.com/Finance/usaa‐best‐places‐to‐retire/2010.
surrounding
county
or
counties.
The
areas
were
evaluated
against
Sperling’s
BestPlaces
The
variables
included:
general
quality
of
life
issues
along
with
variables
that
correspond
directly
to
military
retirees.
How
was
the
USAA
and
Military.com
worked
with
Sperling’s
BestPlaces
to
determine
the
variables
for
379
• Military
installation
proximity
• Climate
The
variables
included:
• Military
installation
amenities
• Health
resources
list
created?
major
U.S.
metropolitan
areas,
which
are
defined
as
one
or
more
central
cities
including
the
How
was
the
USAA
and
Military.com
worked
with
Sperling’s
BestPlaces
to
determine
the
variables
for
379
• VA
hospital
proximity
• Health
indicators
surrounding
county
or
counties.
The
areas
were
evaluated
against
Sperling’s
BestPlaces
major
U.S.
metropolitan
areas,
which
are
defined
as
one
or
more
central
cities
including
the
• Military
installation
proximity
• Climate
list
created?
•
Military
pension
taxation
• Level
of
Crime
general
quality
of
life
issues
along
with
variables
that
correspond
directly
to
military
retirees.
• Military
installation
amenities
• Health
resources
surrounding
county
or
counties.
The
areas
were
evaluated
against
Sperling’s
BestPlaces
•
Unemployment
rate
• Local
schools
The
variables
included:
Military
installation
proximity
Climate
• VA
hospital
proximity
• Health
indicators
general
quality
of
life
issues
along
with
variables
that
correspond
directly
to
military
retirees.
• Recreation
Presence
of
colleges
and
universities
••• Military
installation
amenities
•
Military
pension
taxation
• Health
resources
Level
of
Crime
Affordability
Arts
and
culture
The
variables
included:
••• VA
hospital
proximity
••• Health
indicators
Unemployment
rate
Local
schools
• Housing
costs
• Major
airport
proximity
Military
pension
taxation
Level
of
Crime
• Recreation
••• Presence
of
colleges
and
universities
Each
of
the
variables
was
weighted
based
on
importance
to
military
retirees
and
each
metro
area
was
given
Housing
appreciation
(2007‐2010)
• Access
to
mass
transit
Military
installation
proximity
Climate
•• Unemployment
rate
•
Affordability
•• Local
schools
Arts
and
culture
a
score
based
on
its
total
points
for
each
variable.
The
metro
areas
were
ranked
based
on
these
scores.
Natural
disaster‐prone
area
• Economic
stability
Military
installation
amenities
Health
resources
•• Recreation
Presence
of
colleges
and
universities
•• Housing
costs
Major
airport
proximity
Military
installation
proximity
•
Climate
Metro
areas
where
the
median
housing
cost
was
40
percent
above
the
national
median
were
excluded
from
• Affordability
VA
hospital
proximity
• Arts
and
culture
Health
indicators
•• Housing
appreciation
(2007‐2010)
•• Access
to
mass
transit
Military
installation
amenities
Health
resources
the
list.
Military
pension
taxation
• Natural
disaster‐prone
area
Level
of
Crime
••• Housing
costs
Major
airport
proximity
•
Economic
stability
• Unemployment
rate
VA
hospital
proximity
• Local
schools
Health
indicators
•• Housing
appreciation
(2007‐2010)
•• Access
to
mass
transit
•
Military
pension
taxation
•
Level
of
Crime
Recreation
Presence
of
colleges
and
universities
24 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
•• Natural
disaster‐prone
area
•• Economic
stability
•
Unemployment
rate
•
Local
schools
• Affordability
• Arts
and
culture
Presence
of
colleges
and
universities
Recreation
•• Housing
costs
•• Major
airport
proximity
USAA and Military.com Present the
“Best Places for Military Retirement” Fact Sheet
Retiring from the Military? It May Be Time to Buy Your Own Home
Buying a home can be an exciting
part of retiring from the military. Think
of it as your permanent PCS: a place
where you can spend time with your
family, find a community, and enjoy the
next phase of your life. While buying
a house can be thrilling, it is daunting.
There will be many important decisions,
starting with asking yourself “where do
I want to live?”
Picking Your Own PCS
When house hunting, most people
start with location: city versus country,
small town versus downtown. Retiring
service members need to consider additional factors when looking at a home’s
location. For example, you may want
to live in a state where there is no tax
on military pensions. Being close to
the amenities a military installation can
offer, as well as having a VA hospital
nearby, can help you make the most of
your military benefits. Resources such
as the new “Best Places for Military
Retirement” list commissioned by
USAA and Military.com can help you
find a location that offers these benefits
along with a high quality of life.
While a “best places” list is a great
reference, you also may consider simplifying your search process with easyto-use tools and services tailored for
the military community. One example
is USAA’s Home Circle™, which offers free access to local Multiple Listing Services that lets you search by
military base, as well as city, zip code,
or neighborhood, in addition to finding
important information about schools. It
consolidates listings from many trusted
sources, putting all the information
members need in one convenient place.
The service also provides access to a
MoversAdvantage® real estate agent.
These agents understand the needs of
military families, and in most states,
members who use MoversAdvantage
can save up to $3100 when buying and
selling a home.
Financing Your Future
Once you’ve found the right spot, be
sure you know much house you can
afford, especially now that you’re providing your Basic Housing Allowance
from your own pocket. Carefully consider your income, debts, expenses, and
how much you have for a down payment. The next step is to determine how
you’ll pay for that dream home, which
many times includes applying for a
mortgage. First, check your credit reports; make sure nothing is wrong and
fix anything that you can.
Most lenders suggest you put down
20 percent of the mortgage. If you
can’t, you may still qualify for a loan,
especially a Veteran Affairs (VA) Loan.
With a VA Loan you may not have to
make a down payment or pay mortgage
insurance premiums. It’s a good idea
to talk to a lender who has experience
with VA Loans, as well as other standard mortgage offerings, to help you
find the best option for your needs. For
example, Home Circle helps you compare mortgage terms and loan rates, finance a mortgage, and apply for a home
loan.
USAA Certified Financial Planner™
June Walbert says, “Every military retiree will be eligible for the Veterans
Affairs Home Loan. It can be a wonderful opportunity as they will be able to
fully finance a mortgage.”
Now is a great time for military retirees
to buy a home: the U.S. Government
extended the homebuyer tax credit
for military members to early 2011.
Housing-related expenses
MoversAdvantage® offered by USAA Relocation Services,
Inc., a licensed real estate broker and subsidiary of USAA
Federal Savings Bank. Not available for employer-sponsored
relocations, or for transactions in Iowa or outside the U.S.
This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a
real estate broker. Cash bonus limited in some states. Bonus
ranges from $350-$1,550 based on sale price of home sold/
purchased. You must enroll in program before contacting
participating real estate firm and be represented by that firm
at closing to qualify for bonus. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Housing expenses often depend on
where you are buying your home, which
makes choosing the right place even
more important to your budget. Some
typical home expenses include:
• Property tax
• Mortgage insurance (if applicable)
• Flood insurance or other property insurance
• Maintenance costs
• Utility costs
• Home association or condo fees
If you buy or sign a contract for your
first home by April 30, 2011, you will
be eligible for an $8,000 (or 10 percent
of purchase price) credit. This offer accompanies the VA Loan.
Insuring your investment
For most homeowners, buying insurance isn’t a choice since; mortgage
lenders typically require you to obtain
a homeowner’s insurance policy as part
of the loan agreement.
In deciding how much coverage is
needed, you should carefully weigh
the relative risks associated with their
home and its location. Keep in mind
that being underinsured can be financially devastating in the event that your
home is damaged or destroyed. Regardless of your home’s market value, it is
important to consider the replacement
value of your home and its belongings
in choosing the amount of coverage you
need.
First, find the cost of construction per
square foot in your area and apply that
cost to the area of your home. Next,
look at risk factors in your area, particularly the potential for tornadoes, floods,
earthquakes or hurricanes. It is important that you understand what your policy covers and what is excluded, so don’t
be afraid to ask questions.
Conclusion
When you retire from the military
choosing where to live may be one of
the bigger decisions you have to face.
Weigh each of your options carefully,
take your time and enlist the help of an
expert. When it comes time for your
permanent PCS, you’ll be ready to
walk through the front door of a place
you’ll be proud to call home.
for its own products. The trademarks, logos and names of
other companies, products and services are the property of
their respective owners.
Financial planning services and financial advice provided by
USAA Financial Planning Services Insurance Agency, Inc.
USAA Financial Planning Services Insurance Agency, Inc.
(known as USAA Financial Insurance Company in California, Lic. #0E36312), a registered investment adviser and
insurance agency and its wholly owned subsidiary, USAA
Financial Advisors, Inc., a registered broker dealer.
Home Circle™ is a program provided by United Services
Automobile Association. Availability, eligibility restrictions
and fees may apply to certain banking, insurance or ancillary
products. Bank products provided by USAA Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC. Some products provided through
Home Circle are provided, directly or indirectly, by third
party providers. Each company or provider has sole liability
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 25
Your Final PCS:
Choosing the Right Place to Start Your Second Act
By Cara Newman
For the first time, soon-to-be military
retirees have a guide that can help them
make the most of that final PCS with
the “Best Places for Military Retirement” list. Commissioned by USAA
and Military.com to help military retirees with this major life transition,
the list analyzes factors that should
be taken into account when deciding
where to live.
The military provides its members
and their families many benefits from
food, clothing and shelter to top notch
medical care. When you retire you’ll
suddenly find yourself responsible for
covering these costs. Choosing the
right place can have an enormous impact on these expenses. For example,
you may choose to live where housing
is more affordable and/or close to a
military installation. When it comes to
healthcare, you will want to be aware
if your doctor of choice accepts TRICARE and consider the proximity of
VA hospitals or clinics.
Some areas may have all of the things
you’re looking for while others may
only have one or two. In this case, it’s
important to make a list and prioritize.
Hopefully, you can find a locale with
at least a few of the items important to
you. June Walbert, a Certified Financial
Planner™ at USAA says, “One reason
Texas metro areas dominated the ‘best
places’ list is Texas has no state income
tax and therefore military pensions are
state tax free. Texas also has a significant military presence. That translates
to availability of Veterans’ Affairs facilities as well as military installations
where retirees may enjoy amenities,
such as the lower prices at exchanges
and commissaries.”Finding a job may
be important to some military retirees.
The “Best Places for Military Retirement” list looks at unemployment
numbers to help you pick a final PCS
with better second career prospects.
While you will begin receiving your
military pension right after you retire,
26 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
finding another job will allow you to
save this money for your “true” retirement, get out of debt, or do the things
that you love. Additionally, a job may
offer benefits such as health, disability and life insurance at lower group
rates.
Some areas may have
all of the things
you’re looking for
while others may
only have one or two.
“A military member should approach
retirement methodically. Just like the
many operations you planned or participated in, every “i” should be dotted
and “t” crossed as you plan your retirement. You get that one last government
provided relocation and you need to
make the most of it,” concludes Walbert.
Below are some of the factors you
may want to consider when you are deciding where to retire. You can use the
“Best Places for Military Retirement”
list to match what each place offers
with your own list of needs.
• Military Pension. A military pension is likely not be enough to support
you and your family, but it does give
you options other people may not have,
such as taking a lower paying job you
truly love. If you live somewhere with
a lower cost of living your retirement
check will go farther. Additionally,
look for a tax break when it comes to
your pension.
• Employment. You may need, or want,
to get a job. Look for an area that offers
economic stability and the promise of
long-term growth. Check out the “Best
Places for Military Retirement” list for
unemployment rates.
• Housing. USAA’s free Home Cir-
cle™ online program can help you find
an affordable area with the amenities
you need. It lets you search by military
installation, as well as city, zip code, or
neighborhood. Additionally, it offers
important information about schools
and crime rates.
• Health Insurance. Military retirees
automatically receive health benefits
through TRICARE. If you need special healthcare needs, make sure it is
available in your area.
• Higher Education. The Post 9/11 GI
Bill may pay college tuition based upon
the highest in-state tuition charged by
a public school where you attend. The
bill may also offer service members
the opportunity to transfer these benefits to their kids. There are some strict
rules governing this particular benefit,
so review well in advance of retirement. This can save you thousands of
dollars.
• Additional military benefits. Retired
members and spouses keep all commissary, exchange, theater, arts, and
recreation privileges. Living near an
installation can stretch your budget.
Now, remember retirement is not all
business. It’s supposed to be fun and
filled with adventure for you and your
family. You deserve it!
Home Circle™ is a program provided by United
Services Automobile Association. Availability,
eligibility restrictions and fees may apply to certain
banking, insurance or ancillary products. Property
and casualty insurance provided by United Services
Automobile Association, and its affiliate property
and casualty insurance companies is available only
to persons eligible for P&C group membership.
Loans subject to credit and property approval.
Bank products provided by USAA Federal Savings
Bank, Member FDIC. Purchase of a bank product
does not establish eligibility for or membership in
USAA property and casualty insurance companies.
Equal Housing Lender. Some products provided
through Home Circle are provided, directly or indirectly, by third party providers. Each company or
provider has sole liability for its own products.
The trademarks, logos and names of other companies, products and services are the property of their
respective owners.
HelpfulDefense
Telephone
and Service
Web Sites
FinanceNumbers
and Accounting
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
By Sunny Wirth
Journal Editorial Committee
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Military Pay
www.dfas.mil/militarypay.html
Defense
Finance
and
Accounting
Service
Military
Pay
www.dfas.mil/militarypay.html
Civilian
Pay
-www.dfas.mil/civilianpay.html
Military
Pay
www.dfas.mil/militarypay.html
Civilian
PayAnnuitant Pay -www.dfas.mil/civilianpay.html
Retired and
www.dfas.mil/rapay.html
Military
Pay
www.dfas.mil/militarypay.html
Civilian
Pay
www.dfas.mil/civilianpay.html
Retired and Annuitant Pay www.dfas.mil/rapay.html
Retired
www.dfas.mil/rapay.html
Civilianand
PayAnnuitant Pay www.dfas.mil/civilianpay.html
Combat
Related
SpecialPay Retired and
Annuitant
www.dfas.mil/rapay.html
Combat
Related
Special
Compensation
and
Combat
Related
Special
Compensation
and
Concurrent
Retirement
www.dfas.mil/rapay/disability/crscandcrdp.html
Combat
Related
SpecialPay
Compensation
and
Concurrent Retirement
Pay www.dfas.mil/rapay/disability/crscandcrdp.html
Compensation
and
Concurrent
Retirement
Pay www.dfas.mil/rapay/disability/crscandcrdp.html
Establish a Personal
Concurrent
Retirement Pay www.dfas.mil/rapay/disability/crscandcrdp.html
Establish
a Personal
MYPAY
Account
https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx
Establish
a
Personal
MYPAY Account
https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx
Establish Account
a Personal
MYPAY
https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx
United
States Coast Guard
MYPAY Account
https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx
United States Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
Pay
and Personnel
www.uscg.mil/ppc/
United
StatesCenter
Coast Guard
Pay and Personnel Center
www.uscg.mil/ppc/
More
PayPersonnel
and
Pay and
www.uscg.mil/ppc/
More
Pay andLinks Center
Personnel
www.uscg.mil/ppc/hrlinks.asp
Military
Records
–
The
National Archives
Pay
and
www.uscg.mil/ppc/
More
PayPersonnel
and
Personnel
Links Center
-- National
www.uscg.mil/ppc/hrlinks.asp
Military
Records
–
The
Archives
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/get-service-records.html
More
Pay
and
Military
Records
–
The
National
Archives
Personnel
Links
www.uscg.mil/ppc/hrlinks.asp
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/get-service-records.html
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/get-service-records.html
Personnel Links
www.uscg.mil/ppc/hrlinks.asp
Military Service Records, Proof of Military Service as well as
Military Service Records, Proof of Military Service as well as
Military Service Records, Proof of Military Service as well as
Location of Military Service Records
Location of
Military
Medical
andService
HealthRecords
Records
Location of
Military
Service
Records
Medical and
Health
Records
Correcting
Service Records and Discharges
Medical and
Health Records
CorrectingReplacement
Service Records
andand
Discharges
Medals
Awards
Correcting Service Records
and Discharges
Replacement
Medals
and
Awards
Military
Service
Records at the National Personnel Records Centers
Replacement
Medals
and at
Awards
Military
Service
Records
the National
Records Centers
Archival
Research
Room Personnel
Military Service Records at the National
Personnel Records Centers
Archival Research Room
Archival Research
Department
of Room
Veterans Affairs
Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.va.gov
Department
Telephone
VA Benefits:
1-800-827-1000
• Burial
• Death Pension
• Dependency Indemnity Compensation
• Direct Deposit
• Directions to VA Benefits Regional
Offices
• Disability Compensation
• Disability Pension
• Education
• Home Loan Guaranty
• Medical Care
• Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment
Booklet: Federal Benefits for
Veterans, Dependents and
Survivors, 2010 Edition
http://www1.va.gov/OPA/publications/benefits_book.asp
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 27
Helpful Telephone Numbers and Web Sites (Continued)
Department
Beneficiaries in receipt of Pension
Benefits
Children of Women Vietnam
Veterans (CWVV)
Foreign Medical Program (FMP)
Spina Bifida Health Care Program
Civilian Health and Medical Program
of the Department of Veterans
Affairs (CHAMPVA)
CHAMPVA In-House Treatment
Initiative (CITI)
Education (GI Bill)
Health Care Benefits
Income Verification and Means
Testing
Life Insurance:
Service members and/or Veterans
Group Life Insurance Program
All other VA Life Insurance
Programs
Mammography Helpline
Special Issues - Gulf War/Agent
Orange/Project Shad/Mustard Agents
and
Lewisite/Ionizing Radiation
Status of Headstones and Markers
Telecommunications Device for the
Deaf (TDD)
Locate all VA Facilities
Telephone
1-877-294-6380
1-877-345-8179 (or)
1-888-820-1756
1-800-733-8387
1-888-442-4551
1-877-222-8387
1-800-929-8387
1-800-419-1473
1-800-669-8477
1-888-492-7844
1-800-749-8387
1-800-697-6947
1-800-829-4833
http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isflash=1
Donations
Scholarship Fund
Harold Bryza, Heidi Felthous, Michael Gavlak, Clarence Harris, Anthony Jackson and Harley Noel
Medical Fund
Clarence Harris and Edna Gillespie
Disaster Relief Fund
Edna Gillespie, Clarence Harris, Marc Molands, Timothy Stapp and Mary Walkowski
NCOA
Paul Cartter, Harley Noel, Melvin Powe, Robert Ryals, Timothy Stapp, Darrell Stokke and James Williams
NCOA Welcomes New Life Members
James Davidson, Gary Deason, Christine Jelsone, David Keller, Leo Manley, Philip Menard, Ronald
Sanchez, Juan Santiago, John Triplett, Vello Vilgats, Howard Washington, James Wright, Brenda Watkins,
Melvin Wright
New Auxiliary Life Members
Linda Chellew, Yvonne Murray, Emma Richardson and Scott Rodowick
28 • NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL
Endless Vacation Rentals Launches
Armed Forces Vacation Club in Australia
Parsippany, NJ - Endless Vacation Rentals (EVR), one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN),
has announced the launch of the Armed
Forces Vacation Club in Australia, allowing active and retired defense personnel
to easily search for and book discount vacation rentals at resorts worldwide.
Available at www.AFVClub.com.au no
registration is needed and only proof of
DOD affiliation or military ID is required
to access available rentals.
“By launching the Armed Forces Vacation Club in Australia with the Royal
Australian Navy Central Canteens Fund,
we’re expanding our reach and offering Australian defense personnel and
their families the opportunity to take
advantage of some great vacation rental
options,” said Sean Lowe, managing director, Endless Vacation Rentals. “We
have offered highly-demanded weekly
vacation rental rates to military families
in the United States and now military in
Australia will be able to take advantage
of the unique properties we offer worldwide at great prices, starting at just $369
USD per week.”
“We’re thrilled that defense personnel
and their families in Australia will now
be able to experience great, affordable
vacations through the Armed Forces Vacation Club,” said Barnie Van Wyk, CEO,
Royal Australian Navy Central Canteens
Fund. “This program is a fantastic complement to our ongoing goal of offering
recreational and lifestyle benefits to Navy
members.”
AFVClub.com.au offers advanced
booking functionality that allows visitors
to view all rental options available, including high-demand accommodations,
along with quality resort photos and descriptions. At www.AFVClub.com.au,
visitors can search available dates for
selected destinations and book securely
online. For additional information on the
Armed Forces Vacation Club, visit AFVClub.com.au.
Endless Vacation Rentals® by Wyndham Worldwide, available online at www.
evrentals.com, offers one of the largest
global selections of more than 200,000
vacation rental accommodations including homes, villas and resort condos in
desirable destinations in more than 100
countries.
EVRentals.com is not a rental listing
company; it is a true hospitality provider
allowing consumers to search and book
a wide variety of vacation rentals around
the world as easily as reserving a hotel
room online. Unlike rental listing companies, EVRentals.com allows customers
to search in real time and pay by credit
card in U.S. currency. With few exceptions, reservations are backed by a Best
Price Guarantee and are 100 percent refundable if cancelled at least three days
before check-in.
Additionally, members of the free Wyndham Rewards® program earn 5,000
Wyndham Rewards® points per qualified
stay.
For more information about Endless
Vacation Rentals® or to book your next
vacation, go to http://www.EVRentals.
com.
A Psychiatric
Residential Treatment
Facility for
Adolescent Males
www.cbryouthconnect.org
1-800
800--790
790--4993
Fully Accredited and
TRICARE Approved
Over 50 Years
Providing Professional
Treatment and Education to
Troubled Youth and Their
Families
NCOA ONLINE JOURNAL • 29
usaa is proud to be the
eXcLusive provider
of financiaL services for the
non commissioned officers association
ncoa members: usaa
auto insurance rates
1
beat the competition.
We know what it means to serve. USAA offers insurance
exclusively to military personnel, veterans who have
honorably served and their eligible family members.
After 89 years, our unity of purpose and the strength
in our numbers allow us to maintain very competitive
insurance rates.
• switch and save with lower rates backed by
save aLL year,
every year, with significantLy
Lower rates.
usaa
$672
State Farm
GEICO
award-winning customer service
• get a safe driver discount2 and instant accident
forgiveness (both available in most states)
3
• save even more on auto insurance when you
$900
$952
$958
Allstate
$996
Nationwide
Compare these average auto premiums (six-month policy).
1
also have other products, like a homeowners
policy, with USAA (in most states)4
switch to usaa insurance today.
usaa.com/ncoa | 877-908-ncoa (6262)
i n s u r a n c e | ba n k i n g | i n v e s t m e n t s | r e ti r e m e n t | a dvi c e
Averageautopremiumsbasedoncountrywidesurveyofnewcustomersfrom10/1/09through9/30/10,whoreportedtheirpriorinsurers’premiumswhentheyswitchedtoUSAA.SavingsdonotapplyinMA.
Useofcompetitors’namesdoesnotimplyaffiliation,endorsementorapproval.2USAA’s discount for safe drivers is the Premier Driver Discount and is not available in HI and MA.3 Immediate Accident Forgiveness, which
requires an additional premium, is not available in CT, DE, HI, NC, CA, MA and NY. Purchase of the Accident Forgiveness endorsement is not a promise to continue coverage; the policy is subject to our underwriting guidelines.
(Not applicable to past accidents.) 4Multiple Products savings not available in CA, HI, MA, NC, NY and PA.
Property and casualty insurance products are available to military members and their former dependents who meet certain membership eligibility criteria. To find out if you are eligible, contact USAA. Underwriting
restrictions apply. Automobile insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property Insurance Company, USAA County
Mutual Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products. NCOA receives financial support from USAA for this sponsorship. © 2010 USAA. 123048-01111
1