Document 6594552

Volume: Twenty Seven Number Eleven The MILITARY OFFICER’s ASSOCIATION
of AMERICA—Greater Dallas Chapter
November 2014
MOAA REPORTER
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
DAVE SCHAFER moaaschafer@att.net
MOAA 2014 Annual Meeting
– A Capital Event
I’m writing this month’s article from my hotel
room at the MOAA Annual meeting in
Arlington, VA.
The meeting kicked off
Monday evening, Oct 27th with the Levels of
Excellence dinner.
The Greater Dallas
Chapter was one of five Texas chapters to receive a Level of
Excellence Award for 2013. This award is given to chapters
that have demonstrated significant support for MOAA’s
initiatives in Legislative, Membership, Personal Affairs, and
Community Outreach programs. Congratulations to all of our
members who have made this award possible. Maj Gen KC
McClain, USAF (RET); CAPT Bruce Hamilton, USN (RET);
CAPT Bill Lavallee, USN (RET) and Betty Lavallee; and Lt Col
Dave Schafer, USAF (RET) and Jackee Schafer were on hand
to accept this award for the chapter.
We received exciting news this morning when ADM Ryan
announced that the MOAA National Board of directors has
approved the charter for the North Texas Chapter.
Congratulations to Col Sam Wilder, USA (REET), his officers,
board of directors, and 54 founding members for making this
happen in record time. Look for an announcement in the near
future for the visit from ADM Ryan to officially charter the
chapter. We are looking to schedule this meeting in the
January/February 2015 timeframe.
Key themes in this year’s annual meeting were service,
membership, and legislative. ADM Ryan emphasized that
service is one of the keys to maintaining and growing MOAA
membership. He cited a Washington Post news article earlier
this year that stated the VFW and American Legion
organizations were losing members concluding that they were
no longer relevant in the 21st century. ADM Ryan stated that,
although this perception is not accurate, MOAA must work
hard to not fall into the category. Although MOAA membership
is currently growing – it currently has about 385,000 members
nationally – we must continue to work to upgrade Basic
memberships into Premium and Life memberships. MOAA
has several new initiatives to help make this happen. It has
upgraded and expanded its publications for member services,
refocused its message to provide services to members at all
stages of their life, and enhanced the value proposition for
Premium and Life memberships.
.
President’s article continues on page 5.
MOAA’s topnotch council and
chapters compete annually to receive
a four- or five-star Levels of
Excellence Award. The very best
councils and chapters receive fivestar awards. Our Chapter has been
selected as a 5 Star Chapter for 2013.
Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization
Commission continues to solicit input. MOAA members
need to add comments also. This is shaping up to be the next
big battle and we need to provide that One Powerful Voice to
fight for our current and future service members. To send in
your comments go to www.mcrmc.gov and click on Comments.
See our January newsletter available at our website for more
information.
VETERANS’ DAY DISCOUNTS from
MOAA National’s website:
http://moaablogs.org/message/2014/10/
veterans-day-2014-discounts-and-offers/
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Veterans’ Day Parade November 11.
MOAA-GDC will be manning a “deuce and a half” and
needs some members to take a ride in the parade. Contact
LtCol Paul Pfrommer 214-358-1110 or CAPT Ben Cole 972669-0619 to reserve a seat on the float. See page 8.
December 10—Holiday Dinner Dance Gala
MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION of AMERICA (MOAA)
North DFW Chapter and
Greater Dallas Chapter
BROOK HOLLOW GOLF CLUB 8301
Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
See Page 5
Volume: Twenty Seven
Number Eleven
November 2014
Page 2
Volume: Twenty Seven
Number Eleven
November 2014
MEMBERSHIP B
Y
Page 3
DAVE SCHAFER moaaschafer@att.net
We continue to add members to the chapter! We added 4 new members in October bringing our new adds to
95 for the year. The 2015 membership renewal letters were mailed on October 20th. Please return your 2015
membership dues promptly to help save us mailing costs for a second notice.
This year we are again asking members to donate to the JROTC Scholarship Fund. The recommended
donation is $5 and members donating $100 or more will be recognized on our website as members of the
President’s Club. We have given four $1,000 scholarships to JROTC cadets for the past three years. Help us
continue this great tradition. Remember your donations are tax deductible.
Please welcome the following new members for October.
LTC Scott and Mrs. Franziska Moberly, USAR (RET) Plano
Mrs. Diana Radspinner, Auxiliary of Azle
CAPT Raymond and Mrs. Kathy Pottkotter, USNR (RET) of Forney
Lt Col Ernest Rose, USAF (RET) of Dallas
V.W.I.N
By Nancy Ruthford Sodeman
Terrorist gangs are on the loose. Ebola reports keep surfacing. Whenever turmoil reigns, abuse of elders increases. Let’s
keep on the watch so that our senior citizens are not suffering abuse. Texas law demands that we report any such
misconduct. Call Texas Department of Aging and Disability at 1 800 458 9858 or Adult Protective Services at 1 800 252
5400. If the problem involves financial abuse, contact Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This bureau gives
information and tools for senior citizens. Their website is www.consumerfinance.gov/olderamericans.
Join Veterans’ Widows/ers
International Network, Inc.
Send $18 to VWIN and send to
P.O. Box 441043
Aurora, CO 80044-1043
Volume: Twenty Seven
Number Eleven
November 2014
Page 4
LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY NOVEMBER 2014 UPDATE
BY LLOYD LIETZ
As of 28 OCT, of the 5,680 House and 2,912 Senate bills introduced in the 113th Congress, the ones listed below are some of
those of interest to the non-active duty veteran community. (Retiree Assistance Office bulletin http://www.nhc-ul.com/rao.html )
H.R.32: Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act.
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor
Benefit Plan for military surviving spouses to offset the receipt of veterans dependency and indemnity compensation.
Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] (introduced 1/3/2013)
Related Bills: S.734
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 1/31/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
H.R.153: Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2013.
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for
other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] (introduced 1/4/2013)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/22/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity
H.R.154 - VA Public Service Vet Medal.
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a Department of Veterans Affairs Medal for Distinguished Public
Service to honor veterans who make remarkable and distinguished contributions to their communities.
Sponsor: Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] (introduced 1/4/2013)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/11/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs.
H.R.164 - Disabled Vet Space A Travel.
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit veterans who have a service - connected, permanent disability rated as
total to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces entitled to
such travel.
Sponsor:
Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-12] (introduced 1/4/2013)
Related Bills: S.346
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 1/31/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness.
H.R.241: Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act.
A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish standards of access to care for veterans seeking health care from
Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Ross, Dennis A. [FL-15] (introduced 1/14/2013)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2013 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=62348696
H.R.257: Veterans Health Equity Act of 2013.
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that veterans in each of the 48 contiguous States are able to receive
services in at least one full - service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration in the State or receive comparable services
provided by contract in the State.
Sponsor: Rep Shea - Porter, Carol [NH - 1] (introduced 1/15/2013)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/22/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
H.R.293: Army Combat Action Badge Eligibility Expansion.
A bill to expand retroactive eligibility of the Army Combat Action Badge to include members of the Army who participated in
combat during which they personally engaged, or were personally engaged by, the enemy at any time on or after December 7,
1941.
Sponsor: Rep Nugent, Richard B. [FL-11] (introduced 1/15/2013)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 1/31/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
Legislative article continues on page 6.
Volume: Twenty Seven
Number Eleven
November 2014
Page 5
PROGRAMS BY BEVERLY THOMPSON
2014 ANNUAL HOLIDAY MILITARY DINNER GALA
Wednesday Evening December 10, 2014
Presented by the MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION of AMERICA (MOAA)
North DFW Chapter and Greater Dallas Chapter at the
BROOK HOLLOW GOLF CLUB 8301 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75235
Club phone 214-678-0988 (Gate House Guard will direct you to parking)
Social Hour: Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres 6:00 PM (Cash bar) Seated Dinner 7:00 PM
Entertainment: Andrew Guarino with DJ music for listening and dancing.
$45.00 per person.
DRESS: Dress Uniform, Service Uniform, Tux, Business Suit and equivalent for ladies
When making your reservation please choose from two entrée options:
#1 Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon, a Sweet Potato Soufflé, and French Green Beans with Red Bell Peppers
#2 Stuffed Chicken Roulades – Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spinach, Wrapped in Applewood
Smoked Bacon, Served with Fingerling Potatoes and Oven Roasted Tomatoes.
Send your reservation and payment by December 4. Mail the reservation coupon to MOAA-GDC Programs, PO Box 7692,
Dallas, TX 75209-0692 with your check; or reserve online at www.moaagreaterdallas.org/onlinersvp.html and pay by PayPal.
If you have any questions call Dave at (214)577-4107.
MOAA-GDC now accepts PayPal for paying for your luncheon at our website which allows you to pay
by credit card. We would appreciate you also filling out the RSVP form and checking your type of payment at the website.
Link to map. Directions below.
From North: Take I-35E south to the Regal Row exit. Turn left (East) on Regal Row to the Harry Hines Boulevard intersection. Turn right and the Club is on the right side.
South: Take I-35E north to the Regal Row exit. Turn right (East) on Regal Row to the Harry Hines Boulevard intersection. Turn right and the Club is on the right side.
From East: Take I-635W to I-35E south to the Regal Row exit. Turn left (East) on Regal Row to the Harry Hines Boulevard
intersection. Turn right and the Club is on the right side.
From West: Take Hwy 114 or Hwy 183 to Regal Row exit. Turn left on Regal Row to the Harry Hines Boulevard
intersection. Turn right on Harry Hines and the Club is on the right side.
President’s Article (Continued)
It is also adapting its communications to members take advantage of electronic communications and will upgrade its website
in1Q 2015. Examples include virtual career fairs, text messages to keep members informed, and webinars for in depth
information on important topics.
On the Legislative front, MOAA continues its leadership in lobbying for a strong national defense and for maintaining earned
benefits for active, retired, and former military members and their families. MOAA is preparing to address sequestration relief,
the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission report, and the President’s budget in the upcoming
months. They are looking for chapter members to provide support for their efforts with letters and emails to their congressional
representatives. Look for email reminders from our Legislative Committee.
MOAA National is also getting more active with other veterans service organizations to help increase its visibility and relevancy
with younger veterans. Again, our chapter, with help from the Veterans Center of North Texas, plans to support this effort by
reaching out to IAVA, SVA, Project Rubicon, and Team RWB. If you don’t know about the organizations represented by these
abbreviations, you need to look them up. They are some of the next generation of military service organizations.
All in all, it was a great meeting, a great place to network, and a great place to learn about what MOAA is doing to address the
many issues facing MOAA members and the general military community. The meeting culminated with a moving tribute to
caregivers – America’s hidden heroes.
Email is sent to the membership to include, meeting information, legislative alerts. and other information related to
MOAA-GDC and its members If you are not receiving these messages please email MOAAGDC@yahoo.com
Volume: Twenty Seven
Number Eleven
November 2014
Page 6
PERSONAL AFFAIRS BY
BEN COLE
Military Records Accessible Online
Did you know that you can access your military records online? Active duty members and veterans who separated or retired on
or after Oct. 1, 2004, can access their records online by registering for a premium account on www.eBenefits.va.gov. eBenefits is
a central location for service members, veterans and their families to research, find, access and manage their benefits and
personal information. Service members and veterans can apply for benefits, view benefits status, download their DD 214 and
other personnel documents, and browse a catalog of other resources that provide information about military and veteran
benefits. Information for veterans who separated or retired before 2004 will be available in the future. We will keep you posted
on their availability.
Annual Golf Outing
It was a great day of golfing and camaraderie.
Winning Team: Bill Lavallee, Dan Weaver, Howard Bachrach, Don Hay (7 Under). Longest Drive: Ben Cole. Closest to the Pin:
Clare Brown
A total of Eight Teams Participated:
Bill Lavallee, Dan Weaver, Howard Bachrach, Don Hay (64) Clare Brown, Joe Dorfmeister, Bob Zeigler, Jeremy Black (65) John
Jarchow, John Jarchow, Kent Shields, Robert Weber (69) Warren Norris, Rick Brandenberg, Dave Blakeley, Mike Crupi (70)
Paul Pfommer, Todd Tayloe, Brian Woolery (71) Brian Michel, Carey Michel, Kurt Kaufman, Donna Kaufman (71) Rick Helus,
Ken Kuykendall, Rod Carmack, Jerry Berryman (72) Charlie Gibbs, Sarah Hale, Paul Edwards, Ben Cole (72)
October Meeting Photos
Paul Hendricks, III LtCol USAF,
Speaker Alan Lowe and
Beverly Thompson, Vice President—Programs
Speaker Alan C. Lowe,
Director George W. Bush
Presidential Library and Museum
LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY NOVEMBER 2014 UPDATE (CONTINUED)
BY LLOYD LIETZ
H.R.303: Retired Pay Restoration Act.
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit additional retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either
retired pay by reason of their years of military service or Combat - Related Special Compensation and to eliminate the phase in period under current law with respect to such concurrent receipt.
Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-12] (introduced 1/15/2013)
Related Bills: S.234
Committees: House Armed Services; House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/4/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs.
Volume: Twenty Seven
Number Eleven
November 2014
Page 7
2014 Meetings
December 10
Reservation for the December 10, 2014 Holiday Dinner and Dancing Gala
BROOK HOLLOW GOLF CLUB 8301 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75235
Social 6:00 PM Seated Dinner at 7:00 PM
Please choose your entrée:
#1 Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon, a Sweet Potato Soufflé, and French Green Beans with Red Bell Peppers
#2 Stuffed Chicken Roulades – Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spinach, Wrapped in Applewood
Smoked Bacon, Served with Fingerling Potatoes and Oven Roasted Tomatoes.
____ Person's at $45.00 each
Check enclosed $________
payable to “MOAA - Greater Dallas Chapter”
MAIL YOUR RESERVATION AND CHECK
BY
DECEMBER 4 TO:
MOAA-GDC Programs, PO Box 7692, Dallas, TX 75209-0692
Please print name's below exactly as you wish you name badge's to read:
(Spouse/Guest)
Need a ride? _________
Give a ride? _________
If yes, your ZIP code _________
If yes, your ZIP code _________
CHAPTER OFFICERS—EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT David J. Schafer, LtCol USAF (Ret)
PRESIDENT—ELECT William F. Lavallee, CAPT USN (Ret)
VICE PRESIDENT — MEMBERSHIP David J. Schafer, LtCol USAF (Ret)
VICE PRESIDENT—LEGISLATIVE James R. Brown Lt Col USAFR (Ret)
VICE PRESIDENT—PROGRAMS Beverly Thompson, Auxiliary
EDITOR The Reporter William Hill, LCDR, USN, (Ret)
SECRETARY Kent Shields LtCol USAF, (Ret)
TREASURER David C. Briggs, Col. USA, (Ret)
CHAPLAIN
LEGAL COUNSEL David C. Briggs, Col. USA, (Ret)
MILITARY COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE
Phone
(214) 577-4107
(972) 291-8776
(214) 577-4107
(972) 407-1092
(972) 617-0858
(214) 321-8241
(214) 343-8157
(214) 343-9424
Open
(214) 343-9424
OPEN
Email
moaaschafer@att.net
valleeone@sbcglobal.net
moaaschafer@att.net
jimbrown510@sbcglobal.net
bevarttalk@aol.com
bill@hillengineeringservices.com
kentlshields@sbcglobal.net
moaabriggs@gmail.com
moaabriggs@gmail.com
APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Kay C. (KC) McClain, Maj Gen, USAF Retired
Charles Gibbs, Col USAF, Retired
Sam Wilder, COL USA Retired
Terri Jones, Lt Col USAF Retired
kcmcclain@me.com
cndgibbs@tx.rr.com
sdwilder1@comcast.net
tsjones67@gmail.com
Lloyd Lietz, LTC USA Retired
(972) 473-4716
(972) 840-1348
(804) 840.3024
817.980.4437
910.850.7663
Paul Pfrommer, LtCol USAF Retired
214.358.1110
ltcolpfrommer@sbcglobal.net
EMAIL DISTRIBUTION Sharon Hill
(214)321-8241 moaagdc@yahoo.com
WEBMASTER Sharon Hill
(214)321-8241 webmaster@moaagreaterdallas.org
lietztalk@aol.com
See the website www.moaagreaterdallas.org/officers.html for the complete listing of committee chairs and external
organization representatives.
MOAA—GDC THE REPORTER is published monthly by the MOAA-Greater Dallas Chapter for the information and
benefit of its members. Members are encouraged to submit letters and articles for publication to:
Bill Hill ♦ 8358 San Leandro Drive ♦ Dallas, TX 75218-4317
The MOAA-Greater Dallas Chapter is a nonprofit organization chartered on November 28, 1967.
Annual dues are $20.00 for members and $10.00 for auxiliary members.
Volume: Twenty Seven
Number Eleven
November 2014
Page 8
VETERANS DAY PARADE NOVEMBER 11, 2014
DOWNTOWN DALLAS
MOAA-GDC will be manning a “deuce and a half” and needs some members to take a ride in the parade. Contact LtCol
Paul Pfrommer 214-358-1110 or CAPT Ben Cole 972-669-0619 to reserve a seat on the float.
The Veterans Day Story... At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns of WWI fell silent and
"Armistice Day" was born. Eight years later a Presidential Proclamation invited people to observe the day with appropriate
ceremonies. With the passage of time it was changed to "Veterans Day". The national focal point for the official Veterans Day
observance is at the Tomb of the Unknowns where the Presidential wreath is placed.
The National Veterans Day Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs, in Washington, has again, this year, selected
Dallas as a Regional Site for the observance of Veterans Day.
The Veterans Day parade will be in downtown Dallas. It will be on TUESDAY, November 11th, with massing of the
colors and the 11th hour (11:00 AM) ceremony in front of City Hall. The parade will commence following the official ceremony
(approximately 1 hour). The route will start at Reunion Arena, will proceed north on Houston Street, east on Main Street, south
on Ervay Street, west on Young Street, south on Akard Street and pass in review in front of City Hall.
The parade route is similar to prior years. After passing in review, parade units will turn south on Ervay and disperse south of
City Hall.
Military vehicles and equipment, veterans organizations, civic and corporate displays will be available for viewing at 9:30 AM in
front of City Hall and will be dismantled after the parade.