intercom

The
INTERCOM
®
Five-Star Chapter
Since 2003
Cape Canaveral Chapter, Inc.
Military Officers Association of America
Issue Editor: LTC Les Merritt, USA (Ret)
VOL. 35 NO. 6
Current Affairs Forum
By Col Susan Neugebauer, USAF (Ret)
Chris Kridler, writer and photographer,
knows what storm chasing is really like.
Drawing on her
experiences chasing
storms in the past 15
years, Chris shows
what storm chasing
happens
through
videos,
photos
and talks about
misconceptions and
facts
concerning
Florida’s
severe
Chris Kridler
weather,
lightning
and hurricanes. Chris is an award winning
journalist whose chase accounts can
be found at SkyDiary.com and whose
blog and other photographic work are
featured at ChrisKridler.com. As a journalist
she worked for the Baltimore Sun, the
Charlotte Observer and Florida Today.
She has covered a variety of topics from
space shuttle missions to publishing. Chris’
photographs have appeared in several
magazines and books, including the
covers of The Journal of Meteorology, the
book Winderful, and Wallace and Hobbs’
Atmospheric Science textbook. She was
recently featured in Popular Photography.
Her short film Chasing Reality won the best
documentary award at the Melbourne
Independent Filmmakers Festival in Florida
in 2011 and is an official selection of
the Bare Bones International Filmmakers
Festival in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She also
has been interviewed on several TV shows
and on American Variety Radio on public
radio. She recently published Funnel Vision,
a novel about storm chasers.
JUNE
EVENTS
CALENDAR
4 Rome, Italy liberated in 1944
7 TMBC - Golf Course
12 On-The-Go - Grills
14
14
14
17
19
Where did you celebrate your 70th
birthday? Chapter member Dick Amos,
MAJ, USA (Ret), celebrated the big 7-0 on
top of Mt Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain
in Africa at 19,300’ and the tallest “stand
alone” mountain in the world.
When word spread among the
guides, porters and rangers that Dick had
“summited,” on his 70th, they started calling
him “BABU” meaning Grandfather as a sign
of respect.
Dick was in good company. Along with
guides and porters, he was with his son, Dan
Amos, M.D. After Dick and Dan conquered
the “Kill,” the two mountaineers recuperated
by taking several days in the Tanzanian
Wildlife National Park and doing a Safari.
Upon graduation from the U.S. Merchant
Marine Academy, he sailed with an engineer’s
license for the Military Sea Transportation
Service. A change in career goals, took him
to the Marine Corps where he attended
Navy Flight School. After 20 years, he
obtained an inter-service transfer where he
served 15 years as a warrant officer pilot in
the Army Reserve. Using his flying skills and
common sense, he later served as a secret
service agent and DEA agent/pilot when he
retired - the first time. For the next 11 years,
he worked as a tour pilot in Hawaii and then
MOAA has awarded MOAACC a first
place communications award for the Best
Legislative Coverage - Print Newsletter for
2011. This award is for the Legislative Affairs column found in the Intercom each
month. This column is written by CAPT
Robert Watts, USN (Ret).
Thanks Robert.
Continental Army established in 1775
TMBC - Golf Course
Flag Day
Father’s Day
Board Mtg & Luncheon - Tides
20
20
21
21
28
Serving the Space Coast
JUNE 2012
as a medevac helicopter pilot across the
United States. Finally, in 2009, he really
retired. The cap stone of his career was that
he F.W.E. (finished with engines).
See you on June 21 at 0915 in the
19th hole at the At Ease Club, Indian River
Colony Club.
Above: View of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Below: Trekking to the Summit
MOAA has awarded MOAACC a first
place communications award for the Best
Unique Communications for 2011. This
award is for the 2011 FCOC Convention
Booklet that was designed, composed and
produced by Ros Bates, AUX in support of
the Convention At Sea sponsored by the
Cape Canaveral Chapter last year.
Thanks Ros.
First day of summer
Audie Murphy, 1924-1971, WW II’s most decorated soldier
TMBC - IRCC At Ease Club
Current Affairs - IRCC at 19th Hole
TMBC - Golf Course
Cape Canaveral Chapter Officers
The
Intercom
PRESIDENT
CAPT Ernest Joy II, USN 757-0193
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT (OPERATIONS)
CDR Courtney Yelle, USN 783-3992
®
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT (SUPPORT)
Col Frank Holder, USMC 433-0833
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
LTC Les Merritt, USA 452-7200
LT Bill Keeney, USN 779-2341
SECRETARY
CAPT Robert Cote, USN 622-4463
ASST SECRETARY
Mrs Roslyn Bates, AUX 773-4459
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Lt Col Robert Clark, USAF 723-4267
TREASURER
LTC Steve Turner, USA 266-6290
WEBSITE MAILING LIST
Col Larry G. Sills, USAF 757-8353
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Col Susan Neugebauer, USAF 253-9658
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Col John D. Beeson, USAF 783-2950
1st Lt Gloria Makowski, USAF 773-0151
Cozette Merritt 452-7200
EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
CAPT Alfred W. Schumann, USN 752-7275
Chapter Club Activities
THURSDAY MORNING BREAKFAST CLUB
Meets each Thursday at 0800 at PAFB Golf Club,
except the 3rd Thursday of each month at
Colony Hall, Indian River Colony CLub. OinC
CAPT Ernest Joy II, USN 757-0193
MONTHLY LUNCHEON - 12 Noon
Meets 3rd Tuesday for lunch at The Tides.
Reservation form, program and menu always
shown on page 16. Please arrive by 11:45 AM.
Maj Joe & Ruth Oblack, USAF 453-2947
CURRENT AFFAIRS FORUM
Meets 3rd Thursday after TMBC at IRCC.
Col Susan Neugebauer, USAF 253-9658
COMPUTER CLUB - 1:00 PM
Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday IRCC Colony Club
Call MG Huck Long, USA 752-1127
ON-THE-GO
Meets 2nd Tuesday for lunch at local restaurants.
LT Bob Ball
Call Cozette Merritt 452-7200
MOAACC INVESTMENT CLUB SATELLITE
Meets 3rd Tuesday after MOAACC luncheon
at The Tides. President:
COL Tom Blake, USAF 433-1944
Scholarship Corporation Board of Directors
Col Bob Kronebusch, USAF, Chmn 777-2492
BGen Wm Hall, USA, Vice Chmn 777-1782
Mrs. Roslyn Bates, AUX Secy 773-4459
MG Maury Kendall, USA Adv 752-0877
LTC Steve Turner, Treas. USA 266-6290
CAPT Alfred Schumann, USN 752-7275
CONTRIBUTIONS:
MOAACC Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 254708
PAFB, FL 32925-4708
ASST TREASURER
1LT Lee Boyland, USA 255-3995
MASTER-AT-ARMS
CPT Jack Kerns, USA 622-4828
DIRECTORS
(Term Expires 2013)
Col Susan Neugebauer, USAF 253-9658
LTC Frank Dunagan, USA 784-8934
CW4 Robert John, USAR 631-8843
1st Lt Gloria Makowski, USAF 773-0151
(Term Expires 2014)
LTC Bill Hampton, USA 254-0418
Lt Col Bob Hughes, USAF 635-8491
Maj Joe Oblack, USAF 453-2947
PARLIAMENTARIAN
1LT Lee Boyland, USA 255-3995
CO-CHAPLAINS
CH (Lt Col) Norman Desrosiers, USAF 777-0024
CH (Lt Col) Thomas Unrath, USAF 757-3637
Cape Canaveral Chapter Committees
PERSONAL AFFAIRS
AUX LIAISON
Mrs. Roslyn Bates, AUX 773-4459
COMMISSARY/BX REPRESENTATIVE
Cozette Merritt, 452-7200
AWARDS
Rosemary John, Sp Mbr 631-8843
LTC Les Merritt, USA 452-7200
LTC Roger Trout, USA 272-8980
BREVARD VETERANS COUNCIL
Lt Col Mel Mueller, USAF 453-1605
BUDGET AND FINANCE
LTC Steve Turner, USA Chmn 266-6290
Col William Brandon, USAF 255-0174
1LT Lee Boyland, USA 255-3995
ENTERTAINMENT & PUBLICITY
LTC Frank & Mary Dunagan, USA Chmn 784-8934
CAPT Bob & Nancy Cote, USN 622-4463
HISTORIAN
Capt Larry Jackson, USAF 757-3936
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
CAPT Robert Watts, USN 610-7602
MG John Cleland, USA 757-9327
MEDICAL AND VA CLINIC LIAISON
Col Duane Graveline, USAF, MD, MPH 453-7297
MEMBERSHIP
Col Frank Holder, USMC 433-0833
CDR Irma Morichelli, USNR 784-6912
Mrs. Roslyn Bates, AUX 773-4459
CW4 Mason Jones, USA 254-5458
PAFB CMDR’S RETIREE COUNCIL
LTC Bill Hampton, USA
Scholarship Finance Committee
LTC Steve Turner, USA Treas 266-6290
Mrs. Roslyn Bates, AUX, Asst. Treas 773-4459
Scholarship Selection Committee
Col Bob Kronebusch, USAF Chmn 777-2492
COL Erwin Hamm, USAR 254-3084
CDR Charles McRae, USN 777-8071
Maj Barry Lee, USAF, Secy 254-5686
1LT Chéri Hawes, USA RN 610-8658
2
HEALTH OF CHAPTER
Karyl Saulnier, AUX 253-2360
NAME TAGS
Lt Col Bob Hughes, USAF 635-8491
SHIRT FACTORY
Capt Jody Jessen, USAF 636-5678
SURVIVOR ASSISTANCE
Col Frank Holder, USMC 433-0833
LTC Bill Hampton, USA 254-0418
CH (Lt Col) Norman Desrosiers, USAF 777-0024
CW4 Mason Jones, USA 254-5458
Doris Smith, AUX 338-5917
Cozette Merritt, Sp Mbr 452-7200
PROGRAMS
CDR Courtney Yelle, USN 783-3992
SPEAKERS BUREAU
1st Lt Gloria Makowski, USAF 773-0151
STUDENT AFFAIRS (ROTC)
CW4 Robert John, USAR 631-8843
TOPS OFFICER
Capt Robert Hanrahan, USAF 600-4057
Col William Brandon, USAF 255-0174
VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR
Col Frank Holder, USMC 433-0833
WEBMASTER
Ruth Oblack 453-2947
WELCOME
CPT Jack Kerns, USA 622-4828
Rosemary John 631-8843
Ellie Joy 757-0193
Pat Kerns 622-4828
Ruth Oblack 453-2947
Nancy Cote, 622-4463
MOAACC paid up membership as
of 30 April was 1375 of whom 385
are Life members.
The Intercom is published 12 times annually by the Cape
Canaveral Chapter , Inc. an affiliate of the Military Officers
Association of America of Alexandria, VA. Its mailing
address is P.O. Box 254186, Patrick AFB, FL 32925.
CAPT Ernie Joy, USN (Ret)
I am very pleased to announce that the
chapter has won two major awards from
MOAA for outstanding communications
among large chapters for 2011. The
awards are Best Legislative Affairs - Print
- Newsletter for articles in The Intercom
by Duwayne Lundgren (former Legislative
Chairman) and current Chairman Robert
Watts; and the Unique Communications
Award for the 2011 Florida Council of
Chapters Convention Souvenir Book
produced by Roslyn Bates. Immediate
Past President Susan Neugebauer played
a key role in this achievement by selecting
the winning items and preparing the
award package. Thanks to each of these
individuals for making these awards
possible.
In this issue are letters of appreciation
from last year’s MOAACC Scholarship
winners explaining how our donations
helped them achieve their educational
goals. This year’s Scholarship Fund Drive
ends on 15 June. If you have not yet
contributed, please do so we can continue
to make a difference in educating bright
and talented descendants of members
of our armed forces. Make your check
payable to “MOAACC Scholarship Fund”
and mail it to the address in the lower left
corner on page 2 of this issue.
Your Chapter has been engaged in
several noteworthy events this spring.
Our 7th Annual Scholarship Cruise raised
$2,000 for this year’s fund drive! The
cruise, planned and coordinated by Larry
and Lynda Jackson, was the best ever
attended and great fun for all. At the April
Luncheon we recognized the 45th Space
Wing/Patrick Air Force Base Field Grade
and Company Grade Officer’s of the
Year, and welcomed them into MOAA
and the Chapter as new members. Under
the direction of Student Affairs Chairman
Bob John, cadets from Florida Tech and
area high schools, including two from
Sea Cadet units, were awarded MOAA
Medal certificates in recognition of their
individual achievements and leadership
potential. We also participated in opening
ceremonies at the Vietnam and All
Veterans Reunion at Wickham Park by
laying a wreath at the Vietnam Traveling
Wall. In early May, John Cleland and I
presented gold bars provided by MOAA
to 12 newly commissioned Army 2 LTs at
Florida Tech. As is our custom, each 2LT
was awarded a membership in MOAA
and the Chapter. We also sponsored three
fun filled day trips led by Frank and Mary
Dunagan. Destinations included the Winter
Park Arts Festival; the Navy SEAL/UDT
Museum and Smithsonian Institute Branch
Aquarium in Ft. Pierce; and a tour of the
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Nearly
100 members participated in these trips.
On June 17, may each of us reflect on
the role our father played in our formative
years, and to each of us who is a father,
Happy Father’s Day! Also, on June 14
our nation celebrates Flag Day. Let’s all
remember to fly the flag.
Space Coast Honor
Flight
By CAPT Robert Watts, USN (Ret)
Know A Medically Separated Vet?
If you know of any veterans who
were medically separated from military
service between September 11, 2001
and December 31, 2009, please let them
know they have some recourse if they feel
they unfairly received low disability rating
from the military.
Since the Physical Disability Board of
Review (PDBR) began reviewing its first
cases in June 2009, only 3,000 veterans
have applied of the roughly 75,000
eligible veterans.
The Physical Disability Board of
Review (PDBR) will reassess the accuracy
and fairness of the combined disability
ratings assigned to service members. All
service members discharged as unfit for
continued military service by the military
departments who have a combined
disability rating of 20 percent or less can
request this review.
Once a review is complete, the PDBR
forwards their recommendation to the
respective Service Secretary where it is up
to the individual service branch to make
the final determination on whether to
change the original disability determination.
The board’s outcomes of those who
have applied have been very favorable.
Nearly half of the applicants have received
upgrades to 30 percent or more, which
would make them eligible for a military
medical retirement, retiree pay, access to
military health care and other benefits.
To encourage greater applications,
the VA and the Pentagon plan to begin
sending letters to thousands of Post 9/11
eligible veterans.
Help us spread the word..most of these
wounded warriors won’t otherwise know
about this important option to correct a
possible wrong that they were exposed
to several years ago during their medical
evaluation process.
If you know someone who was
medically separated from service since
9/11, they can find out more information
on how to apply at: www.health.mil/pdbr.
3
We are focused on giving our WW
II Veterans the opportunity to visit their
memorial in Washington, D.C. If you are
or know a WW II Veteran that may be
interested in making the trip to see their
memorial, please contact us at P.O. Box
560975, Rockledge, FL 32956, 1-888750-2522, www.spacecoasthonorflight.
org, or email: info@spacecoasthonorflight.
org. Volunteer guardians can escort a WW
II vet by prepaying $400 to defray expenses.
“V For Veteran”
Submitted By LCDR Mike Piedmont,
USN (Ret)
Do you have a blue “V” in the
bottom portion of your Florida’s
driver’s license? That blue “V”
indicates to the world that you are
a military veteran. Next time you
renew, bring your DD 214 and
your new driver’s license will have
that “V”.
Army Wives
The Army Wives are on vacation for
the next three months. We hope you
have enjoyed this past season and look
forward to seeing you all again on Friday,
14 September 2012.
Stay well and have a great, safe
summer.
--Ros Bates (773-4459)
Navy Officers Wives
The next Navy Officers Wives Club
luncheon will be in September. 20122013 membership dues of $10 per
annum are payable as of June 1, 2012.
Dues include the NOWC Yearbook and
monthly Newsletter. Note: To be listed
in the membership Directory portion of
the Yearbook, dues must be received by
August 1, 2012.
Fourth Of July
River Cruise
Celebrate the 4th in style on the Indian
River aboard the River Queen paddle
boat. This fabulous trip features dinner,
a Dixieland band, dancing and the spectacular Cocoa Village fireworks. Board at 7
PM for the 7:30 to 10 PM cruise.
The cost is $50 per person plus tax.
Book on line at www.indianriverqueen.
com or call Debbie at 321-454-7414.
The dinner includes Chicken Marsala,
salad, green beans, cheese tortellini, desserts, coffee, tea and water. Cash bar.
The River Queen is docked on the Indian River in Cocoa Village just north of
highway 520. There is limited parking
dockside. There is also parking at the bank
and in the parking lots of Cocoa Village.
Cancellation accepted 24 hours prior
to sailing. Trip coordinated by Frank and
Mary Dunagan 321-784-8934.
Operation Home Front
Operation Home Front is a transitional
living program for Homeless Women Veterans. Cass Scopino, LCSW, is a Brevard
County Director for Center for Drug Free
Living who is the sponsor of this program.
Cass gave a talk to TMBC attendees in
late April. They now have a home which
can accommodate homeless women Veterans. If you know a female veteran who
may need a place to live, please contact
Evelyn Valenzuela at 3905 Grissom Parkway, Cocoa, FL, telephone: 321-6937652. Their motto is “You have served
us, now let us assist you!” They provide
case management, mental health and substance abuse counseling.
--Ellie Joy (757-0193)
Retired Officers Wives
Retired Officers Wives will meet
for lunch at the Tides on June 22. The
program will be announced later.
Social hour will be at 11:30 AM and
lunch will be served at noon. Luncheon
selections are Taco salad in the shell with
chips and salsa, chef salad or fruit plate.
For reservations please call Dean Pittman
(777-3044) or Renee Thomas (7245339) by noon Wednesday, June 20.
--Jean Dougherty (255-6440)
2012 Nominating
Committee
The following members are serving
on the 2012 Nominating Committee:
Col John Beeson (Chairman), Col Bill
Brandon, Col Bob Kronebusch, CAPT
Al Schumann and LTC Les Merritt. If
you have suggestions or questions please
contact the committee chairman, Col John
Beeson, 321-783-2950, bejobears@cfl.
rr.com.
River Queen Paddle Boat
Recent Board Actions
Donated $300 to support summer
camp for three deserving cadets from
local high schools.
Donated $200 to support the 2012
enlisted picnic at PAFB sponsored by the
Military Affairs Council.
Authorized $70 to send two
representatives of the Chapter to a fund
raising luncheon for the Tuskegee Airman
Scholarship Fund.
Authorized a change in mail service
providers to one that offers additional
services to meet current and foreseen
needs of the Chapter for mailing and
invoicing.
Appointed nine delegates to the
2012 Florida Council of Chapters state
convention.
Next Scholarship Cruise
The 8th Annual Scholarship Cruise is
scheduled for April 7-14, 1213. Mark
your calendar now. It will be $1,450 per
person double occupancy aboard the Celebrity Silhouette. Price includes bus, gratuities, insurance and a $50 donation to
the scholarship fund. Call Larry Jackson
for more details.
Honor Thy Father on Sunday, June 17
4
Celebrity Silhouette
On-The-Go
Date: 12 June
Event: Lunch
Time: 11:30 AM
Cost: Per Individual
Location: Grills
6075 N. US 1
Melbourne, FL
(321) 242-8999
North of Pineda Cswy on US 1
Handicapped Restroom (Yes)
Outstanding Cadets
By CWO Bob John, USAR (Ret)
In April, MOAACC was host for the outstanding cadets chosen from 13 JROTC high
schools, 1 ROTC cadet from FIT and 2 cadets from the USN Sea Cadet Corps. They
received the MOAA Medal of Merit at our monthly luncheon. The cadets are an impressive group of young leaders. Each of their military instructors was present to see the
cadets, who they have trained and worked with, represent their schools, their respective
units and their families with pride and confidence. MOAACC chapter members had the
opportunity to see and meet these outstanding young men and women with the knowledge that the cadets are the future leaders of our country. The chapter was honored to
present the cadets with the MOAA medal.
A new award, the Bugle Trophy, donated by MOAACC member MG John Cleland,
USA (Ret) was presented to the outstanding leader at FIT. This award will become part
of our annual awards ceremony.
For Reservations or additional
information: Please phone
Cozette Merritt at (321) 452-7200
Cut off for reservations,
cancellations 10 June
Chaplain Reassigned
Chaplain Major Susan Caswell,
USA, departs PAFB for training at
Lewis-McChord Joint Base. MOAACC
President CAPT Ernest Joy, USN (Ret),
presents her with our MOAACC Coin.
All MOAACC members thank her for
her service to us and wish her well.
L to R Row 1: Viera -Cody Herington, Courageous Sea Cadets -Devin Ager, Cocoa -Brianna
Bowling, Titusville -Jilanne King, McCampbell Sea Cadets - Kaitlin Baumann, Merritt Island
-Callie Manning
L to R Row 2 - Eau Gallie -Adam Philabaum, Cocoa Beach -Nicole Bevilacqua, Space Coast
-Britney Potts, Satellite -Rachel Goetz, Heritage -Taylor Apel
L to R Row 3 - FL Institute -Tristan Steinmann, FL Air -Cameron Haupt, FL Institute - Phillip
Bunker, Melbourne - Patrick Brush
(Offering a 25% Discount to Military Personnel)
5
MOAACC Says “Goodbye”
By 1LT Gloria Makowski, USAF (Fmr)
Yesterday was a memorable day. I arose early to see the final departure of the Discovery Shuttle. All week
the newspaper and TV kept telling the time, 7 AM, and flight pattern the transport plane would take. It was to
go down the beaches as far as Patrick AFB and turn at Pineda Causeway. I went to the Tides Club, on A1A
arriving at 6:30 fully dressed (except I hid the curlers in my hair under a cloth cap with visor) for my meeting
there at 9:30 AM and luncheon afterwards. On the way cars were already parked on the shoulder of the roads.
I arrived just before the parking lot was full. A crowd turned out almost like they did for regular launches.
I made my way through the crowd and went down to the beach five minutes before take-off. The tide was
out, so I walked in my loafers to firmer sand. A group of people were huddled in a circle with their cameras
looking down. They were getting close-ups of a cute little crab who sidled across a few inches, stopped and
looked up like it was just posing for them. I joined them with my back to the sun, camera focusing intently on the crab when people
yelled--suddenly we were standing in nearly calf-deep water. I never saw the large wave coming. It was not bad for the others in their
shorts and bare feet--but there I am standing in the surf with my slacks, (knee-hi stockings) and loafers full of sand and water. We all had
a good laugh, then the shuttle was spotted in the distance. It soon passed by, many cameras were clicking and people were feeling a bit
sad. As it headed south, I returned to the parking lot and watched it fly back north over the PAFB on its way to Virginia. I wondered if
my friends in Virginia saw it.
People departed and I was glad I was dressed because traffic was at a standstill--I’d have never made it home and back in time for
the meeting. An employee of the Tides Club allowed me to enter. I was very glad no one was in the Ladies room as I removed my
water soaked, sand filled shoes and stockings and wiped the sand off the bottom of my wet slacks. I used paper towels to stuff my shoes
and squeeze rinsed stockings--no air dryer available. It was no easy task taking turns rinsing much sand off each foot in the sink. (I think
those sinks are higher than mine). It was also difficult knocking and wiping wet sand out of the shoes. Of course, I cleaned up the sinks
and floor afterwards. With hair combed and dried as much as I could, I wanted breakfast.
Traffic heading south on A1A was still at a standstill. It seemed to move quickly going north. Being hungry, I decided to go north to
the Main Gate and have breakfast on the Base. Well, after a short distance, cars again were stopped in the left lane for Base entrance.
It took me 30 minutes to reach the gate that usually is just a couple of minutes away. Everyone seemed to want breakfast. By the time
I had an egg biscuit and coffee at the BX it was time for the Board meeting.
Late that afternoon, upon returning home, I had a very excited message from a friend--“I saw the shuttle go over my backyard at
7:07 AM!” She lives in Melbourne about 12 miles south of the Pineda Causeway. Yes, they went beyond their flight pattern. I could
have just stepped outside my door and watched--but then-- I would not have had -- another Gloria moment!
Brevard County Says “Goodbye” to Discovery
April 17, 2012
Discovery arrives in
Washington, D.C. and
will be displayed at the
Smithsonian’s National
Air and Space Museum
Enterprise arrives in New
York City and will be
displayed at the Intrepid
Sea, Air and Space
Museum
6
Scholarship Donations
Thank You For
Scholarship Donations
Last year, 2011, our chapter awarded 10 scholarships of $3,000 each and we are
very proud of this accomplishment. This would not have been possible without your
generosity.
Thanks to all of you who responded so magnificently this year by donating money
to help the MOAACC Scholarship Fund. It was truly amazing what our members do
each year to contribute to the educational pursuits of our future leaders. Your response
and generosity was very welcome and appreciated.
For 2012 we will be awarding 10 scholarships of $3,000 each during our luncheon
program on July 17. Please attend and congratulate our scholarship winners.
Testimonies From Past Scholarship Winners
Around the middle of June the
MOAACC Scholarship Selection Committee will meet and pick our 2012 scholarship winners. Our scholarship program is
most successful and very strong because
you, our members, support it very generously with your donations. MOAACC
thanks you for your past financial support and praise you in advance for your
continued financial support for the future
leaders of our country.
Below are several responses and
comments from some of our previous
winners to keep you posted on just how
much the students appreciated your
monetary support to their educational
needs.
Megan Duncan Weidner - 1999,
2001
I cannot begin to express how grateful
I am for the scholarship I received through
the TROA scholarship. As a student majoring in Speech Pathology, I knew that
graduate school was in my future. The
scholarship I received helped to pay for
my final years of college as I prepared
for my Master’s degree. Thank you to all
of the members of The Retired Officers
Association for helping me to obtain the
degrees necessary to become a Speech
Pathologist!
Sincerely,
Megan Weidner
Anne Alan Duncan Jemison 2005
As a 2003 recipient of the MOAACC
scholarship, I can attribute much of my
scholastic success to the commitment and
support of the scholarship committee.
With the ever increasing cost of tuition
and books, I was financially relieved by
the generous scholarship and used the
monies awarded towards the purchase
of books related to my major. With a
degree from Auburn University in Human
Development and Family Studies, I served
as the Program Director of a therapeutic
horseback riding center for six years. I now
provide much-needed therapy to children
with Autism in Montgomery, Alabama. Because of the selfless support of the members of MOAACC, I was able to minimize
the overwhelming cost of books so that I
could focus on my education. I know that
the scholarships provided will continue to
assist students reach their full potential so
that they can better serve their communities as educated adults.
Anne Alan Jemison
H William Nesti - 2007
Scholarship recipient graduated from
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Class
of 2008, “Summe cum Laude” in Aeronautical Engineering. He will receive his Masters
Degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia in May 2012.
While in college, during summer breaks,
he worked for Continental Airlines and Gulf
Stream Aviation in their Engineering Departments receiving excellent reviews.
He is presently employed by Boeing
Corporation, Morton, Pennsylvania, designing and engineering different aspects of
Boeing planes.
Bill presently resides in West Chester,
Pennsylvania.
Geoffery R. Reeg - 2007, 2008
He graduated at the top of his Navy
ROTC class at the University of Florida in
May, 2009 and his father had the privilege of commissioning him as an Ensign.
He reported to NAS Pensacola for Aviation
Preflight Indoctrination, then to NAS Corpus
Christi where he was assigned for Primary
Training. He was selected for Intermediate
Tailhook Training in Kingsville, Texas where
he flew the T-45C Goshawk and completed
carrier qualifications on the USS Eisenhower
7
in September, 2011. He will receive his
“Wings” in Corpus Christi, Texas on 9
March 2012, and has orders to Norfolk,
Virginia where he will be flying either the
E-2C “Hawkeye” or the C-2 “Greyhound”
as a carrier pilot.
Philip A. Witherspoon - 2010
Philip Witherspoon will graduate from
Florida State University on 28 April 2012
with a degree in Mechanical Engineering
(cum Laude). During his time at Florida
State, Philip was recognized for his academic achievement by being selected for
membership in Phi Eta Sigma (freshman
honor society), Tau Beta Pi (engineering
honor society), and Golden Key National
Honor Society. Philip also was a four year
member and officer of the Florida State
Swim Club where he competed against
other universities across the South. Upon
graduation, Philip will be attending Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport,
Rhode island followed by nuclear power
and submarine schools. Philip will fondly
remember his time at Florida State doing the tomahawk chop at football games,
but also looks forward to his future and a
rewarding career in the U.S. Navy.
Sarah G. Reeg - 2011
Sarah received a MOAACC scholarship in 2011. She graduated last May,
cum Laude, from the University of Florida
with a double major in Music Performance and Pre-Pharmacy. She began
pharmacy school at Palm Beach Atlantic
University Gregory School of Pharmacy
in West Palm Beach in August. She was
elected class Vice President and was accepted into Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical
Fraternity with a current GPA of 3.89.
Out of a class of 76, she was awarded
one of 10 academic scholarships along
with the privilege of working weekly with
research faculty. She received her “White
Coat” in January and just began her clinical rotations. Sarah actively participated in
pharmacy policy advocacy at Legislative
Days in Tallahassee, Florida at the end of
January which resulted in her writing an
article for the first PBA publication, “Intern
Informer.” This newsletter, meant to promote policy advocacy, was well received
at the state level and is being distributed
throughout the state. Fellow students
nominated her for President-Elect of the
American Pharmacy Association, Palm
Beach Atlantic Chapter. She volunteers
her musical abilities to play percussion for
the Pharmonics Chapel Worship Team
every week. Sarah has also submitted an
application package to be an Air Force
Pharmacist and is eagerly awaiting to
hear.
Statistics Off The
Vietnam Memorial Wall
By Sgt. Maj. McDonald
“Carved on these walls is the story
of America, of a continuing quest to
preserve both Democracy and decency,
and to protect a national treasure that
we call the American dream.” President
George Bush
Something to think about - Most of
the surviving parents are now deceased.
There are 58,267 names now listed
on that polished black wall, including those
added in 2010.
The names are arranged in the order
in which they were taken from us by
date and within each date the names are
alphabetized. It is hard to believe it is 36
years since the last casualties.
Beginning at the apex on panel 1E
and going out to the end of the East
wall, appearing to recede into the earth
(numbered 70E - May 25, 1968), then
resuming at the end of the West wall,
as the wall emerges from the earth
(numbered 70W - continuing May 25,
1968) and ending with a date in 1975.
Thus the war’s beginning and end meet.
The war is complete, coming full circle,
yet broken by the earth that bounds the
angle’s open side and contained within the
earth itself.
The first known casualty was Richard
B. Fitzgibbon, of North Weymouth,
Massachusetts. Listed by the U.S.
Department of Defense as having been
killed on June 8, 1956. His name is listed
on the Wall with that of his son, Marine
Corps Lance Cpl. Richard B. Fitzgibbon III,
who was killed on September 7, 1965.
There are three sets of fathers and
sons on the Wall.
39,996 on the Wall were just 22 or
younger. 8,283 were just 19 years old.
The largest age group, 33,103 were
18 years old.
12 soldiers on the Wall were 17 years
old.
5 soldiers on the Wall were 16 years
old.
One soldier, PFC Dan Bullock was 15
years old.
deaths.
The most casualty deaths for a
single month was May 1968 - 2,415
casualties were incurred.
For most Americans who read this
they will only see the numbers that
the Vietnam War created. To those of
us who survived the war, and to the
families of those who did not, we see
the faces, we feel the pain that these
numbers created. We are, until we
L to R: Bob Clark, Bill Hampton, Court Yelle, MOAACC too pass away, haunted with these
Pres. Ernie Joy, Bob Hanrahan, Bob John, Ellie Joy, numbers because they were our friends,
Susan Neugebauer & Gloria Makowski.
fathers, husbands, wives, sons and
daughters. There are no noble wars, just
997 soldiers were killed on their first
noble warriors.
day in Vietnam.
1,448 soldiers were killed on their last
day in Vietnam.
31 sets of brothers are on the Wall.
31 sets of parents lost two of their sons.
54 soldiers on the Wall attended
The Patrick Air Force Base Field
Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia.
Grade Officer of the Year and the ComI wonder why so many from one school?
pany Grade Officer of the year were hon 8 women on the Wall. Nursing the
ored at our April Luncheon. MOAACC
wounded.
members welcomed them warmly and
244 soldiers were awarded the Medal
congratulated them for their personal
of Honor during the Vietnam War; 153 of
achievement. Maj Catherine M. Callenthem are on the Wall.
der, USAF, BSC is a licensed Psychologist
Beallsville, Ohio with a population of
and a Mental Health Flight Commander.
475 lost six of her sons.
Capt David J. Bates, USAF is a Respon West Virginia had the highest casualty
sible Engineer, Delta IV of the 5th Space
rate per capita in the nation. There are 711
Launch Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air
West Virginians on the Wall.
Force Station.
The Marines of Morenci - They led
some of the scrappiest high school football
and basketball teams that the little Arizona
copper town of Morenci (pop. 5,058) had
ever known and cheered. They enjoyed
roaring beer busts. In quieter moments,
they rode horses along the Coronado
Trail, stalked deer in the Apache National
Forest. And in the patriotic camaraderie
typical of Morenci’s mining families, the nine
graduates of Morenci High enlisted as a
group in the Marine Corps. Their service
began on Independence Day, 1966. Only
three returned home,
Field Grade Officer of the Year, Maj
The Buddies of Midvale - LeRoy Tafoya,
Callender, Pres. Ernie Joy
Jimmy Martinez, and Tom Gonzaleswere boyhood friends and lived on three
consecutive streets in Midvale, Utah on
Fifth, Sixth and Seventh avenues. They lived
only a few yards apart. They played ball at
the adjacent sandlot ball field. They all went
to Vietnam. In a span of 16 dark days in
late 1967, all three would be killed. LeRoy
was killed on Wednesday, November 22,
the fourth anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s
assassination. Jimmy died less than 24
hours later on Thanksgiving Day. Tom
was shot dead assaulting the enemy on
December 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance
Day.
Company Grade Officer of the Year,
The most casualty deaths for a single
Capt Bates, Pres. Ernie Joy
day was on January 31, 1968 - 245
MOAACC Honors
PAFB Officers
8
The Air Force Wife
For any number of guests, eighty or
eight.
By Lt Col Don Rawson, USAF (Ret)
The first of the month, when there is
plenty of cash,
She serves turkey and ham, but the
last week it’s hash.
She juggles the budget for a new
tropical worsted,
Though the seams of her own best
outfit have bursted.
Then she just gets the uniform
payments arranged,
When the blouse is no good,
regulations have changed.
Note: I have been wanting to send this
to you for some time as I believe most of
the older MOAACC members, especially
the World War II ladies, could relate to
the poem. It was certainly the life I led
with my Air Force husband Lt Col. Donald
Howard Rawson. Don had brought this
poem home which was written in the Base
paper at Andrews AFB but it could apply
to any of the service wives.
After retirement, Don wrote “The Air
Force Wife.” I didn’t find this until long
after he died and since he was a man of
few words, I did not know he felt this way
about me and the other wives. I am sure
some of the younger girls are experiencing
some of the same conditions.
--Beverly Rawson-Dibble
I had just been presented to the King and
Queen of Thailand. It was a gala affair for
the purpose of introducing new Advisors
to the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal
Thai Air Forces. Present were the King
and Queen, ambassadors, attaches and
generals. I felt that this new assignment
was the peak of my career.
The Cinderella setting of oriental
palace, handsome royalty, resplendent
uniforms, and exotic Thai dancers left
me with the feeling that it must be the
most beautiful thing I had ever seen. But
I was mistaken. As I got over my first
nervous impression and looked around
the massive room, I discovered the most
beautiful thing in the setting. A lovely
lady, my wife, casually conversing with all
the dignitaries as if this were an everyday
occasion. Amid all this pomp and
circumstance, I immediately felt secure.
Three days before I had traveled
half way round the world with this very
same woman and our six children. One
hour before we had stood knee deep in
unpacked furniture in a new home in a
strange land with five new servants and
we had a command performance to
attend.
The dictionary defines the word
“unique” as “Having no equal; non or
unusual; standing alone in comparison
with others.” I realized then that the
word unique was synonymous with ‘Air
Force Wife’ and it brought to mind an
anonymous poem I had read years ago
and still carry with me. It completes this
character sketch of my wife.
Who said that “Variety is the spice of
Life?”
No doubt ‘twas first said by an Air
Force Wife!
For the poor girl never knows just
where she’s at,
Her home is where he parks His hat.
She moves every two years, into new
sets of quarters,
During which time, she births sons
and daughters,
She packs up to move to the plains
of Nebraska.
Then orders are changed: They go to
Alaska.
Her house may be a hut, with no
room for expansion,
It may be a tent, or perhaps it’s a
mansion,
Then she uncrates the furniture, in
snow and in rain,
And lays the linoleum between labor
pains.
She wrangles saw-horses, and builds
all the beds,
Makes curtains of target-cloth, she
last used for spreads
And during each move, now isn’t it
strange?
The fledglings invariably catch
mumps, measles or mange!
She no more than gets settled, when
she must dress up pretty,
And go to a party and be charming
and witty,
She must know contract rules, mah
jong and chess,
And whether a straight or a flush is
the best.
On every subject, she must know
how to discourse,
She must swim, ski, and golf and ride
any troop horse.
She must know songs and renditions
of all the Corps,
And she fast learns all details of how
he won the war.
She jitterbugs with juniors, who
always are glamorous,
Then waltzes with seniors, who are
usually amorous.
She must drink all concoctions; gin,
whiskey and beer;
But of course moderately or she’ll
wreck his career.
He insists in economy, questions
every check stub,
Yet her house must be run like a
hotel or club.
For she entertains at all hours, both
early and late.
9
One year she has servants and lives
like a lady,
The next, she does her own work and
has a new baby.
But even then, when all’s said and
done,
She still believes the AIR FORCE IS
FUN!
She has loved every minute, and
why, good grief
She would have been bored with a
doctor-merchant or chief,
But there is a fancy medal, and many
Air Force men wear it,
Yet it’s WIVES who should have it-that LEGION OF MERIT!
Flag Day Tidbits
My name is “Old Glory”!
Long may I wave
O’er the land of the free
And the home of the brave.
Unknown
“We take the stars from heaven,
the red from our Mother Country,
separating it by white stripes, thus
showing that we have separated
from her and the white stripes shall
go down to posterity, representing
our liberty.”
George Washington
Our flag means all that our fathers
meant in the Revolutionary War. It
means all that the Declaration of Independence meant. It means justice.
It means liberty. It means happiness.
Every color means liberty. Every
thread means liberty. Every star and
stripe means liberty.
Henry Ward Beecher
Citation For
Outstanding Citizen Award
To
LCDR Donald C. Winterich,
USNR (Ret)
LCDR Donald Winterich receives award
from CDR Court Yelle.
The Cape Canaveral Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America takes great pride and pleasure in presenting
its Outstanding Citizen Award to LCDR Donald C. Winterich, USNR (Ret). This award is based on exemplary service outside the
MOAACC area of operation.
Don enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve in 1953 and graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1958.
He sailed with the Military Sea Transportation Service as a Licensed Engineer and commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
He retired from the Navy Reserve in 1980. He then worked in the nuclear industry in operations, engineering and project
management with NASA and Babcock & Wilcox, retiring in 1999.
He has done volunteer work for the community as a driver for Daisy Pickers, taking people to medical appointments;
Daily Bread, Knights of Columbus; and Project Emeritus. For the past 10 years, he has volunteered his time and skills as a tax
preparer of federal and state tax returns. For the last five years, he has been head of operations of the PAFB Volunteer Tax
Assistance Program. He meets with the IRS and PAFB Legal Office staff and schedules training of tax preparers and office staff,
as well as all details for operations. Don is available year round to handle any income tax return problems that arise. During
his tenure, he and his staff have helped save veterans and active duty service members thousands of dollars in preparing free
income tax returns.
MOAACC is proud to recognize Don Winterich’s many exemplary contributions to his country and his community.
Signed by my hand this 26th day of April, 2012.
CAPT Ernest Joy, II, USN (Ret)
President
• Full Mouth Reconstruction
• Dentures and Partials
• Crowns and Bridges
• Implant Prosthesis
• Non-Surgical TMJ
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• General Dentistry
• Geriatric Dentistry
• Family Dentistry
• Bite Problems
Board Certified, American Board of Prosthodontics
Retired, United States Air Force
35 Years of Experience, General & Prosthodontic Dentistry
Former Chief of Prosthodontics • Pease, Osan & Patrick A.F.B.
MEMBER OF MOAACC
321-632-1700
1027 Pathfinder Way, Suite 100 • Rockledge, FL
(Just West of Murrell/Eyster Intersection)
Most Insurance Plans and Credit Cards Accepted
10
Current Affairs Review
By Col Susan Neugebauer, USAF (Ret)
By Chaplain Lt Col Norman Desrosiers, USAF (Ret)
The old saying is “June is for lovers.”
This may be the case when the weather
changes and summer temperatures begin.
I am reminded in the scripture that “no
greater love has anyone than to lay down
their life for a friend.” Love can be costly
and risky but the command is always to
love. Love your neighbor as much as you
love yourself. Love requires action on the
part of all of us.
When was the last time you reached
out to let others know how important they
are to you? We fall short of the glory of
God when we fail to take the time to share
with our family members, our neighbors,
our coworkers and others how important
they are in our lives. We fail one another
when we don’t take the time to share with
those around us how important they are
to us and to God when we don’t take the
time. It seems we are often far too busy to
pause and spend a moment or two with
others. I was reading a story of a clergyman whose friend was killed in a car ac-
cident. When the friend was taken from
the car and the priest could get near the
man, he held him in his arms and cried
for his friend not to die. He finally blurted
out “you can’t die; I haven’t told you that
I love you yet.”
Sometimes we find ourselves a day
late and a dollar short when it comes to
letting others know how we feel. When
that happens, we tend to carry guilt with
us that could have been avoided. Take
time today to make those telephone calls.
Stop by your neighbors and check with
them so they know how special they are
to you. Smile as you meet folks in your
travels to the BX or Commissary. Life can
be too short some times and opportunities can be missed.
This June, let’s make it one of our priorities to let those around us know they
are loved. It will not only be a great day
for them but it will do wonders for our
outlook on life as well.
11
Attendees at the April 19 Current Affairs forum were surprised when MOAACC
member MG “Huck” Long, USA (Ret) was
introduced as the guest speaker. The
scheduled speaker, Capt Cathleen Snow,
Chief Public Affairs, for the 920th Rescue
Wing, was unable to attend because of a
no-notice Unit Compliance Inspection.
“Huck,” a member of the Veterans in
Defense of American Liberties (VDAL),
presented a summary of the status of
“Florida Law for Florida Courts” and a
one-page information sheet on Sharia
Law. Other members of the VDAL group,
MG John Cleland, USA (Ret), MAJ George
Rosenfield, USA (Ret) and 1LT Lee Boyland, USA (former), participated in the discussion,
In summary, although, “Florida Law
for Florida Courts” didn’t pass this session,
“Huck” is optimistic that it will eventually
pass. This law would ban the use of foreign
law to be used in deciding American legal
cases. The one-page information paper
on Sharia Law is instructive and provides
guidance on what this law is all about.
If anyone would like more information
or a copy of the information sheet call
“Huck” Long, 752-1127.
Scholarship Donors
B.L. Abramowitz
Hubert K. Adkisson
Patricia Aiken
Charles K. Anderson
Lee Anspacher
John C. Baker
Edward W. Beauchamp
Deward E. Benton
William W. Brandon
Robert A. Brown
Dora B. Casey
John & Pat Caulfield
IMO Dr. Delmer Seiter
Raymond Chamberlain
James E. Choss
James E. Choss
Janis Clark
Robert H. Clark
Estate of Wayne R. Cobb
Fred E. Conrad
Anna Corcoran
Robert H. Crowston
Evelyn M. Delanoy
Jack & Beverly Dibble
Kenneth K. Dickinson
IHO LTC Les Merritt
Michael Dobrin
Jean A. Dougherty
Frank & Mary Dunagan
James S. Elmer
Carolyn J. Finch
Al & Doris Folensbee
John H. Geist
Richard S. Gilbert
Duane & Suzanne Graveline
Lawrence N. Guarino
Robert Hahn
Franklin & Beverly Hall
William E. Hall
Erwin C. Hamm
Don & Lorraine Harclerode
Elmer T. Helms
Robert Hughes
Dick & Betty Jeffrey
Werner & Jody Jessen
LJ Enterprises
Ernest Joy II
Bill & Eileen Keeney
Maxwell C. King
Lynn W. Kling
Jean L. Knight
Anthony C. Korvas
Michael M. Kovach
Betty F. Krieter
John E. Krimmel
George Kuttas
Jack B. Lang
Richard E. Leithiser
Patricia K. Lenhard
Bennett & Malvene Lewis
William E. Lewis
Homer S. Long
Richard & Diane Manahan
Gordon P. Masterson
Charles N. McAllister
Shirley McClellan
Roger M. McDaniels, Sr.
Lawrence J. McDonald
Carl H. McNair
IMO LTG Jack McMull
Charles R. McRae
Les Merritt
IMO LTC Ralph Merritt
Les & Cozette Merritt
IMO Billie Ann Tadich
Father Thomas Fleming
Robert P. Milich
Francis P. Mosher
Melvin D. Mueller
Susan B. Neugebauer
Joe & Ruth Oblack
Billy & Luanne Ogg
John P. Ollson
Doris M. Puckett
IMO Lt Col Roy G. Puckett
Elfie H. Quinn
John E. Rasberry
Bruce Reis-El Bara
Armand C. Riopelle
George H. Rosenfield
Anthony Saccaro
Alfred W. Schumann
Therese Steel Sisson
James R. Slay
J.M. Snyder
Marie Sosnicki
Mary W. Steakley
James H. Steinfeld
Bruce F. Stout
S.J. Terrano
Ernest E. Tabor
Stanley & Norma Villanis
Albert M. Worm
John P. Younger
In Memory Of Doris Masterson
Thomas F. Blake
Clara K. Cleland
Al & Ann Cupka
Vicki Kemp
Jack & Patricia Kerns
Mary P. Mace
James & Marilyn McKay
Les & Cozette Merritt
Susan Neugebauer
Norbert & Yvonne Oswald
Thomas Powers
Richard & Kate Rudnicki
Dorothy Rutan
Karyl Saulnier
Mary W. Steakley
Eugene R. Walsh
13
12
Lt Col Stephanie A. Shaw, USAFR
3250 Conservation Place, Apt 205
Melbourne, FL 32934-8770
321-427-0261
Stephanie.shaw@us.af.mil
Sponsor: Court Yelle
CWO3 James Dubea, USCG (Linda)
2250 Queen Ann St
Merritt Island, FL 32952-5568
321-266-9665, jdubea@gmail.com
Sponsor: Ernie Joy
CWO4 Frank A. Perocchi, USMC (Ret)
(Patricia)
1879 Independence Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32940-6849
321-543-6379, frperocc@aol.com
Sponsor: Bill Brandon
Mrs. Hazel Ellingwood (AUX)
114 Skyline Circle
Satellite Beach, FL 32937-3250
321-779-0411
hellingwood@yahoo.com
Mrs. Betty Gayle Pound (AUX)
3537 Indian River Dr.
Cocoa, FL 32926-8701
321-636-4992
Mrs. Jessie M. Westfall (AUX)
1035 Mayflower Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32940-6731
321-255-6923, Jhmccarty46@aol.com
Capt David J. Bates, USAF
3984 Grand Meadows Blvd
Melbourne, FL 32935-2945
631-943-9382, david.bates.2@us.af.mil
Maj Catherine M. Callender, USAF
4297 Woodhall Circle
Rockledge, FL 32955-6630
321-261-8132,
cmcrun4fun@yahoo.com
Lt Col Frank A. Tantillo, USAF (Ret)
(Mary Ann)
1079 Continental Ave.
Viera, FL 32940-6748
321-704-3330, docft711@aol.com
LTC Jack D. Newlove, Jr, USA (Ret)
1382 Walton Heath Ct.
Rockledge, FL 32955
518-488-4733, Itcjdn56@Yahoo.com
Sponsor: Frank Holder
LIFE MEMBER
Mrs. Caroline Loftin (AUX)
4891 Skipper Lane
Milton, FL 32571-2623
321-727-0359
“War Dog Memorial
Dedication”
By MAJ George H. Rosenfield, USA (Ret)
On Saturday, March 24, the War Dog
Memorial Monument at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, Merritt Island, was
dedicated. The Memorial is composed of
a full size bronze replica of a Belgian Malinois dog which is one of many breeds
used as War Dogs in all wars since ancient
times. The ceremony was called to order
and the Colors were presented by the
Color Guard of the Korean War Veterans
Association, Chapter 210.
The first guest speaker was Major
John Newton, USAF, 45th Security Forces Squadron, Commander, who talked
on use of War Dogs at Patrick Air Force
Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and then narrated a demonstration of
a Guard Dog with Handler addressing an
intruder. The next speaker was Ms Betty
Page, Treasurer of the Brevard Kennel
Club, which had completely funded the
$15,000 cost of the monument. She was
followed by Ms Barbara Snow, Executive
Director, Southern Chapter, U.S. War Dog
Association, who spoke about the dedication and exceptional service of War Dogs.
Exemplary service medals were presented to War Dog handlers of the 45th
War Dog Memorial
Space Wing: TSgt Justin V. Sonnier, TSgt
Jessica M. Sonnier, and SSgt Michael C.
Moret. Special guests were K9 Handlers
from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office,
Melbourne Police Department, and the
USAF 45th Security Forces
interested and inspired by all the displays
and movie presentations. It has on display
the 10,000 pound lifeboat on which the
Somalia pirates held the Captain of the
Maersk Alabama hostage for four days in
2009 as well as other interesting exhibits
to keep the interest of both young and
old.
The Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems
Exhibit had live displays of marine and
estuarine habitats of Florida. Their visitor
and scientific staff were friendly, informative and offered us many interesting tidbits
around sea plants and creatures that fascinated all of us.
A special thanks goes to LTC Frank Dunagan, USA (Ret) for arranging this trip.
Seal Trip Report
The MOAACC bus trip in late April to
Ft. Pierce to visit the National Navy UDTSeal Museum and the Smithsonian Marine
Ecosystems Exhibit was a very worthwhile
trip. Everyone had a great time. The lunch
at Mangrove Matties was a very good
choice indeed.
The Seal Museum had many new
exhibits and several upgrades so that a
first time or return trip visitor was both
13
L to R: Al Pappas, Gloria Makowski, &
MOAACC Pres. Ernie Joy.
P-51 Mustang
History By Unknown Source
The P51 was the most versatile fighter
plane of WW II. It excelled at both ground
level support of the troops and high
altitude long range fighter cover for the
heavy bombers. It was the equal of the
best fighter planes in dog fights. It was also
an accident of fate or timing rather than
planning that it existed.
In late 1940 or early ‘41 Britain was
desperately short of fighter planes of any
sort and had sent some RAF people
to the U.S. to see what they could buy.
Hoping for some P-40’s, they talked with
Curtis Wright and found them booked up
for the duration by the US government.
They got a tip from Curtis Wright that
North American Aviation had no contracts
yet and was looking for business and
that Curtis Wright would license North
American to build P-40’s if they worked
out an agreement.
When the RAF asked the North
American small management crew if they
would be interested, their answer was,
“Why do you want to buy an expensive
high priced obsolete plane that would take
well over a year to start any production
when we have a new design worked
out and can have a prototype ready for
RAF test flights in nine months if you can
get us an engine for it from Allison. They
were interested, they could get an engine,
and they did make a deal. They were
very happy with the performance of the
prototype and placed a production order.
When this news worked it’s way through to
the Army Air Force they decided to look
P-51
into the possibilities and eventually ordered
a production run that wound up as the
A-36 low level fighter. The Allison V-12
was the only non-radial combat aircraft
engine built in the USA and unlike the Rolls
Royce Merlin engine and the German ME
109 it did not have a supercharger which
was essential for combat above 15,000
ft altitude as well as top performance at
lower altitudes.
14
After the RAF had a few months
experience with the new plane the RAF
did the obvious thing and grafted a Rolls
Royce Merlin engine from a Spitfire onto
one of their “P-51’s”. At this time the RAF
got the North American (NA) crew on
board the update and they soon found
out that Packard Motor Company in the
US was building Rolls Royce engines for
the PT Boats of the Navy. Packard was
happy to add Merlin engines for NA to
their production runs and the P-51 was
officially launched.
One of the benefits of NA being small
and nearly broke was that the design
engineers had to do double duty as
production engineers so they designed
the plane for simple, fast, as well as
low cost production. At that time the
conventional practice was to build the
airframe and then have people crawl
inside to string all the wires and cables
and this more than doubled the assembly
time and cost. NA designed the fuselage
in two half shells and had the electrical,
hydraulic and control cables etc. installed
in each half prior to sewing the halves
together. The P-51 cost about one third
the cost of the P-38 and about half the
cost of the P-47 or F6F Navy planes.
Medicare & most other insurances accepted!
Do you have neck
or low back pain?
Easy effective office based
procedure available!
757-9711
6420 3rd Street, Suite #104, SUNTREE
(Off Suntree Blvd between RR tracks & US1)
15
The Military Officers Association of America, Cape Canaveral Chapter (MOAACC)
P.O. Box 254186, Patrick AFB, FL 32925-4186
Chapter Membership $20
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/DIRECTORY UPDATE
New Chapter Annual
Change of Information
New Chapter Life
Name
Active Duty: First 2 Years $20
Life Membership
Spouse’s Name
Street Address
City
Zip
State
Telephone
E-mail
Rank
Service
Check appropriate boxes:
Regular
Retired
Reserve
Member DOB
Active Duty
Widow(er)
Nat’l Gd.
Former Officer
Spouse of Member
Sponsor’s Name
LUNCHEON - June 19, 2012
The Tides - PAFB (11:45 AM)
11:30 Social
12:00 Call To Order
Program: Chris Kridler, Speaker
Storm Chaser
Menu: Regular: Garlic Shrimp w/basil served
over linguine w/grilled vegetables,
garden salad
Light: Grilled chicken Caesar salad, romaine
lettuce, tosed w/Caesar dressng
For reservations, complete the coupon.
To cancel reservation call Joe/Ruth Oblack
(453-2947) NLT five days prior.
Fees
40-49
$460
50-59
$400
60-69
$330
70-79
$235
80-89
$155
Life Membership payable over three
consecutive months.
Make Check payable to MOAACC.
Dues and Fees include subscription
to THE INTERCOM.
(See MOAA magazine label)
MOAA National Membership No.
Age
Luncheon Reservation Form (At The Tides) (11:45 AM)
Reservations must be made by completing the form below
and mailing it to MOAACC, P.O. Box 254186, Patrick AFB,
FL 32925. Please arrive by 11:45 AM.
I am a new member
How many?
Check Enclosed $
Regular
Light
Name
OC members $10.50 per person Non O’Club members
$12.50.
To receive reduced rate OC members must submit their 16
digit Club Card number with check or charge.
16 Digit
or Card No.
Singles Table
Exp. Date:
O’Club Member
Yes
No
(Print Please)
Reservations must be received no later than Thursday prior to date of Luncheon.
Cancellations will be accepted through Thursday prior to luncheon date by calling
Joe/ Ruth Oblack (453-2947)
16
19 JUNE 12