FRA Today – August 2018
COMMUNICATIONS
storming the hill
sHIPMATE FORUM
ON AND OFF CAPITOL HILL
feature  story
FEATURE 2
FRA 2018 REGIONAL CONVENTION CALENDAR
SHIPMATE NEWS
AUXILIARY OF THE FRA
TAPS
FINANCE MATTERS
FRA PROFILE

COMMUNICATIONS

Hamilton Started the Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the Armed Forces and one of the country’s seven uniformed services. It is a maritime, military, multi-mission service with jurisdiction in domestic and international waters. It operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime but can be transferred to the Department of the Navy by our president at any time or by Congress at times of war. This happened during World War I and II.
The branch was created by Congress August 4, 1790 at the request of Alexander Hamilton. It was called the Revenue Marine and is the oldest continuous seagoing service. As Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton headed the Revenue Marine, whose original purpose was collecting customs duties in the nation’s seaports. By the 1860s, the service was known as the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service. The term Revenue Marine name was eventually dropped.
The American Revolution drove us millions in debt with no income tax to create revenue. The nation had to rely upon tariffs on luxury items for revenue. However, colonists avoided paying those fees by stopping just outside port where its crew would hand off cargo to small boats that paddled out to meet them. It was considered patriotic to smuggle since it prevented funds from getting back to the British.
As part of his plan to reduce the nation’s debt, Hamilton federalized the nation’s lighthouses and called for ten ships known as “revenue cutters” to check cargo ships heading to U.S. ports to make sure the declared goods matched up with what was on board. The government hired ex-smugglers, who could spot the small boats used for the practice, and established a military-inspired system of ranks. Customs agents at the ports would report to the federal government how much money they collected periodically (though they could easily be bribed).
The cutter’s first major test came at the end of the 18th century when the French got annoyed we weren’t paying off our debt as fast as they wanted.  French privateers were sent to capture American merchant ships to recoup their losses. The only agency around to fight them was the Revenue Cutter Service. We did not go to war with France, but the expanded role of the seafaring service was now in place.
Today’s Coast Guard combined the Revenue Cutter Service and the U.S. Life-Saving Service on January 28, 1915, under the scope of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Coast Guard, one of the country’s five armed services, has been involved in every U.S. war from 1790 to Afghanistan.
In August of 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard community celebrated Hamilton’s role as the “father of the U.S. Coast Guard.” I wonder how they are going to top that this year?  FRA

In Loyalty, Protection and Service,
William Stevenson, Director of Marketing & Communications

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storming the hill

Armed Forces Retirement Home, Gulfport, Miss.

The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH), located in Gulfport, Mississippi is the home of FRA Branch 307. I visited my Branch 307 Shipmates on June 14, 2018, which was Flag Day. The residents of the AFRH celebrated and honored our flag and the birthday of the United States Army with a ceremony. I attended the monthly branch meeting and had the honor of installing the branch officers for the 2018 - 2019 term. I would like to thank each of my Shipmates in Branch 307 for their hospitality.

A “Promise” for All Your Sacrifices
Back in 1811, our young nation made a promise to care for its older and disabled veterans.  This would be repayment for all their sacrifices made in defending liberty. To fulfill that promise, two homes were built; the U.S. Naval Asylum located in Philadelphia was built in 1834 and the U.S. Military Asylum located in DC was built in 1851.  Since then, both homes have housed thousands of eligible aging military veterans.
Both asylums were self-sufficient in the 1800s.  All “inmates” were expected to work and contribute to the daily operation of farms that supplied all their needs.  Uniforms were issued, reveille was called at 0500 and inmates marched to supper. Through the 1900s and following World War II, the two homes evolved with the times by placing an emphasis on leisure and recreation.  In 1991, both homes joined forces and became known as the AFRH.
Today the AFRH is a modern, thriving retirement home that focuses upon health and wellness.  They offer premier services that parallel those services offered in the private sector. Yet, one constant remains: all residents have served in the U.S. military and share the common bond of defending our liberty at home and abroad.  Each of the AFRH communities has a Hall of Honor to celebrate our military heritage and recognize all who served.
The AFRH staff at Gulfport are driven to nurture the residents while also giving them the respect they deserve. The staff continually enhance the great programs and services to deliver highly personal care. The overall objective is for the residents to stay happy, healthy and get the most out of retirement. “After all, this is your time to thrive.” If you are considering moving to one of the AFRH, go to the following website for additional information (www.afrh.gov).  FRA

In loyalty, protection & service 
NP William E. Starkey

William Starkey is the National President of the Fleet Reserve Association for the 2017-2018 term.

Reduce Huge Rent Increase for Military Retirees
Armed Forces Retirement Home military retiree residents in Gulfport, Mississippi and Washington, DC are scheduled to see a huge increase in rent effective October 1, 2018. Fees for those in the independent living program (75 percent of residents) are based largely on income. Beginning October 1, 2018, these fees will increase from 40 percent of income to 60 percent of income. The current maximum rent is $1,458 per month. After October 1, the maximum rent will be $3,054 per month. Many of the residents who live there are elderly and on a fixed and limited income. This extraordinary raise in rent will put a financial burden on those who have served our Nation.
At the request of FRA, the Senate NDAA, recently passed by the Senate provides a cap on rent increases and prohibits removal of a resident solely on their inability to pay.  Please contact your Representative to urge them to support this provision in the final bill.

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sHIPMATE FORUM

CPO Standards
Excellent article! I was welcomed and initiated into The Chiefs Mess some 46 years ago and still remember the greatest day in my Navy career. In my Navy “The Chiefs ran the Navy” was real. Unfortunately, the “politically correct” movement has deteriorated and hampered true leadership in teaching sailors AND officers in the greatest Navy in the world.
Hopefully, the term “Ask the Chief” is still the norm. More hopefully, today’s Chief knows the answers and is not restricted by any new protocol.
Go Navy!
Jim Worthington, Proud Navy Chief (Ret.)

“Change”
Thank you for the article entitled, “Change, A  Motive Toward Future Success!” in this month’s (May) magazine. As in all your writings, I found this to be most appropriate at the present time.
Shipmate, Phil Hannah, PRPEC

My CHANGE is accepting new ideas to complete a job and move forward.  It is not always about how much money is saved as long as it fits the customers’ desire.  I believe there are still too many folks stuck in the past in our military today.  You sent and seeded a great message and I hope folks read it and take heed.
 LCDR/LDO

“Why A Marine Cover”
In the June 2018 FRAtoday issue (Page 6) under the title CPO Standards written by Chief Petty Officer Downs, there is a huge error!  I am sure many Shipmates will be shocked to see the photograph of a Marine cover instead of the CPO cover. My response is probably one of many you will receive regarding this photo. 
In Loyalty, Protection and Service,
James L. Adams, PNCM, USN (Ret.)

I enjoyed the Forum on page 6 of the June 2018 magazine. My dad was a TMC back in the day of the old Gato Class of subs. He was COB on the USS Quillback (SS-424) and helped recommission the old USS BATFISH (SS-310). In any case, I remember visiting the boats on weekends to watch movies on board, eating great food and lots of ice cream. I also remember dad instructing young officers on the finer things about the boats and the proper way to do things especially concerning the interaction with the crew. Commander Bradley had on several occasions offered stern advice to the young officers about listening and learning from the CPO’s especially the COB. Having said all of this about a great institution within the Navy, my main question would be, if the article was about the CPO’s, why was the enlisted Marine cover pictured on the same page as the article?  I was in the Corps from ‘64 to ‘68 and proudly wore it as my dad wore his CPO cover. 
Ralph R. Krummel, Jr
SGT USMC (Ret.)

FRAtoday: Greetings Shipmate Adams and Krummel, and yes you are correct in pointing out the picture of the cover used to fill out that editorial page was not Navy, but rather USMC. You are also correct, we did receive and are still receiving letters, emails and calls about the artwork not “belonging” to that story. Thanks for reading and the communications staff appreciates everyone’s efforts to remind us of what we publish and for whom. We shall try to do a better job when choosing artwork. FRA
Submit Shipmate Forum letters to FRAtoday, 125 N. West Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Submissions may be sent to fratoday@fra.org. Please include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views of individual FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content. 
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ON AND OFF CAPITOL HILL

Will Retirees Take Another Hike?

As FRAtoday goes to press, the House and the Senate have passed their version of the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). After each chamber approves its bill, a conference committee is appointed to resolve the difference between the two bills. The House bill does not provide a TRICRE fee increase and the Senate bill does. The Senate provision will increase TRICARE fees on retirees under age 65 who retired before January 1, 2018. This provision would increase TRICARE Prime annual fees (currently $282 for individuals/$565 for families) to $350 for individual/$700 for family. TRICARE Select annual fee (currently $150 for individual/$300 for family) would increase to $450 for individual and $900 for family. These increases are achieved by repealing the “grandfather clause” created with the 2017 NDAA.
Many retirees have already experienced unexpected increases in their TRICARE fees. Many of these increases result from DoDs decision to change its fee schedule from a percent-of-cost model to flat-rate fees. These structural fee changes disregard the intention of the FY2017 NDAA, which mandated that current beneficiaries would be “grandfathered” from health care cost-share increases. Some copayments have doubled and tripled. FRA also opposed these regulatory TRICARE fee increases, arguing that military health care benefit should reflect the sacrifices of military service as a partial prepaid premium for their earned benefits. Further, FRA contends that the Defense Department should do more to sufficiently investigate and implement other options to make TRICARE more cost-efficient as alternatives to shifting costs to TRICARE beneficiaries.
Members are strongly urged to use the FRA Action Center on the FRA website (www.fra.org) to ask their Representative to oppose this Senate provision in the final Defense Authorization bill (H.R.5515). 
Also included in this issue on page 14, is a side-by-side chart of key provisions in each version of the FY 2019 NDAA.

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Veterans Homelessness Increasing
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson recently speaking at the National Coalition for Veterans Homelessness annual convention noted that there is a nationwide rise in veteran’s homelessness. This is the first time in seven years that advocates for homeless veterans are faced with a back slide in progress on the issue. Federal estimates on the number of homeless veterans nationwide declined from 74,000 in 2010 to about 40,000 in 2016, but saw a small rise last year.
In 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established a goal of eliminating veteran homelessness by 2015. That goal was not achieved. HUD, the Department of Labor and the VA have a wide range of programs that try to prevent homelessness among veterans, including health care, housing solutions, job training and education. 

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Expanded Agent Orange Reform Bill Passes House

NED Snee was in the House gallery chamber when the House passed the “Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act” (H.R.299). This bill would clarify that service members serving off the coast of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam conflict have a presumption for filing disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for ailments associated with exposure to the Agent Orange herbicide. The presumption of exposure was afforded by the Agent Orange Act of 1991, but was eliminated by regulation in 2001 for those who had served offshore by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Studies have shown that Agent Orange dioxin made its way into the rivers and harbors, and was enriched by the ships’ evaporation distillation system, causing significant exposure to those serving aboard ships.
The bill has been amended in committee to include certain veterans that served in Korea near the demilitarized zone and in Thailand. FRA believes Congress should recognize these veterans were exposed to Agent Orange herbicide and authorize presumptive status for VA disability claims associated with this exposure.
The bill goes to the Senate for further consideration. Members are strongly urged to use the FRA Action Center on the website (www.fra.org) to ask their Senators to support this FRA-supported legislation.

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NDAA Passes Senate Without Any Floor Amendments & with TRICARE Fee Increase

The Senate approved its version of the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) without debating or approving any floor amendments. No amendments could be considered since three senators objected (Bob Corker-Tenn., Rand Paul-Ky. and Mike Lee-Utah ) to every proposed amendment, including FRA-supported amendments for concurrent receipt expansion and SBP/DIC offset repeal. 
The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) version of the NDAA (S.2987) that was approved earlier will increase TRICARE fees on retirees younger than age 65 who retired before January 1, 2018. The provision in the SASC bill (S.2987) would increase TRICARE Prime annual fees (currently $282 for individuals/$565 for families) to $350 for individuals/$700 for families. TRICARE Select annual (currently $150 for individuals/$300 for families) would increase to $450 for individuals and $900 for families. These increases are achieved by repealing the “grandfather clause” created with the 2017 NDAA.
 The Senate NDAA also has provisions, provided at FRA’s request, to cap rent increases at the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) and to prohibit removing residents solely on the basis of inability to pay. The House passed its NDAA in May. Now that both bills have passed their chamber of origin, a conference committee will be appointed to resolve the differences between the two bills. Members are strongly urged to use the FRA Action Center to ask their Representatives to oppose the Senate TRICARE fee increase provision and to support the cap on rent increases at the AFRH in the final NDAA (H.R.5515).  This issue of FRA Today provides a chart of key provisions in each version (House & Senate) of the FY 2019 NDAA.

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VA Opens Another Veterans Crisis Line
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has opened its third Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) call center in Topeka, Kansas. The Topeka-based center was opened to support increased demand. VA has two other call centers located in Canandaigua, New York and Atlanta, Georgia. Since VA launched the VCL in 2007, the crisis line responders have answered more than 3.5 million calls. If you are in crisis, or know a veteran who is, call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 800-273-8255 and press 1, or chat online . You can also text to 838255.

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FRA Hosts 20th Annual Coast Guard Caucus Breakfast
The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) hosted the 20th Coast Guard Caucus Breakfast. The annual event is held to expand awareness of the Coast Guard’s varied missions, recognize their remarkable service to our nation and promote dialogue between members of Congress and key Coast Guard leaders. FRA’s National President William Starkey, National Executive Director (NED) Tom Snee, recently confirmed Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) Jason Vanderhaden and a number of Coast Guard officers and senior enlisted leaders participated in discussions about the needs of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) personnel.
The Coast Guard Caucus is a bipartisan group of 27 lawmakers who share a common interest in the Coast Guard. Caucus co-chairmen in attendance included Representatives Frank LoBiondo (NJ) John Garamendi (CA) and Duncan Hunter (CA.).
NED Snee thanked the assembled Coast Guard personnel and caucus members in his opening remarks and then introduced Commandant Schultz. The Commandant thanked FRA for hosting the event and for actively supporting the U.S. Coast Guard. The newly confirmed Commandant took questions from attendees. Other legislators in attendance include Reps Joe Courtney (Conn.), Walter Jones (N.C.), David Rouzer (N.C.), and Ralph Abraham (La). 

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MCPON Resigns Amid Investigation
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Steven Giordano resigned recently. His resignation comes during an ongoing inquiry by the Navy Inspector General’s office into claims he created a “toxic work environment” in his office. According to press accounts, a complaint was filed by a member of his own staff. MCPON Giordano’s resignation leaves the MCPON position open for the first time since the position was created.  MCPON’s announcement was posted on the Navy’s Facebook page and did not provide a specific date when his resignation takes effect.  Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral John Richardson acknowledged Giordano’s resignation on his Facebook page.  “I have accepted Master Chief Giordano's offer to step aside as the MCPON effective immediately. I appreciate his recognition that the situation had become untenable,” CNO said. 
Giordano was appointed the 14th MCPON in September 2016. The position of MCPON was created by legislation in 1966 that was strongly supported by FRA.  The holder of this rank and post is the senior enlisted member of the Navy. MCPON is appointed by the CNO to serve as a spokesperson to the highest positions in the Navy on issues impacting enlisted personnel. Fleet Master Chief Russell Smith will temporarily assume the role of MCPON until a successor is appointed. 

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VA MISSION Act Signed into Law

National Executive Director Tom Snee and DLP John Davis attended a White House signing ceremony to watch President Trump sign the VA MISSION Act (S.2372) into law. The FRA-supported bill will:
• Expand the VA Caregiver program to include all disabled veterans;
• Consolidate seven VA community care programs into one to improve access to care;
• Fund for the VA Choice program; and
• Audit VA infrastructure,
The expansion of the VA Caregiver program to include all disabled veterans is a major victory for FRA. The current program is available to only veterans who were seriously disabled on or after September 11, 2001. The program will allow seriously disabled veterans to receive care at home. The Association wants to thank all of the Shipmates who used the FRA Action Center on the website (www.fra.org) to weigh in on this important legislation.

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DOJ Settles on USERRA Case

The Department of Justice recently reached an out-of-court settlement with Syncom Space Services, LLC (S3) that resolves allegations that S3 violated the employment rights of Louisiana Air National Guardsman, Jason Cooper, under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). USERRA safeguards the rights of uniformed service members, including Reservists and National Guardsmen, to all benefits of employment following periods of absence due to military service obligations. The benefits of employment protected by USERRA include promotional opportunities. 
Cooper worked as a Predictive Testing and Inspection (PT&I) Specialist for S3 at Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi. On June 13, 2016, he was deployed on active duty with the Air National Guard. During his deployment, Cooper applied for a vacant PT&I Shop Lead position. Although Cooper had the most PT&I experience of all applicants, S3 failed to promote him to the position upon his return from deployment. As a result of the employer’s failure to promote him to a position for which he was qualified, because of his military service, Cooper lost promotional income and benefits. 
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, S3 has agreed to pay Cooper for lost wages and to make his promotion effective as of the date on which he returned to work from active duty. The settlement agreement did not determine liability. Cooper initially filed a complaint with the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, which investigated this matter and then referred it to the Justice Department after resolution attempts failed. 
FRA supports the enforcement of USERRA and urges continued attention to veteran’s employment issues to ensure that veterans returning home are not penalized for their military service.

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USCG Has New Commandant
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft retired during a recent ceremony attended by President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. He was replaced by Karl Schultz, who is now the 26th Coast Guard Commandant. He has been with the Coast Guard for more than 30 years and most recently headed operations in the Atlantic area.
Schultz is a native of East Hartford, Connecticut. He graduated from the U.S. Coast Academy in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He received a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Connecticut in 1992 and in 2006 he completed a one year National Security Fellowship at the Kennedy School of Government. Schultz is no stranger to Capitol Hill since his staff assignments include Chief of the Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs, and Congressional Liaison Officer to the House of Representatives.
During his remarks, The President thanked Zukunft for working “tirelessly to protect America’s interest in the Arctic” and pushing for greater funding for polar icebreaker construction, among other priorities. He said he felt certain that Schultz would continue to push the service forward.
“I have complete confidence that Karl will carry out his new mission with the same talent, strength and devotion that have characterized his entire career,” Trump said at the change of command ceremony. Schultz has signaled that, like his predecessor, he plans to stump for the Coast Guard to get a boost in shipbuilding funding. The new Commandant is scheduled to attend the annual Coast Guard Caucus breakfast next week. The event is sponsored by FRA.

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Senate Cancels August Recess
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) recently announced that he will cancel the Senate’s August recess, citing “historic obstruction” by Democrats. “Due to the historic obstruction by Senate Democrats of the president’s nominees, and the goal of passing appropriations bills prior to the end of the fiscal year, the August recess has been canceled,” McConnell said in a statement.
He added that senators would stay in session “to pass legislation, including appropriations bills, and to make additional progress on the president’s nominees.” In addition to appropriations and nominees, a spokesperson for the Majority Leader noted that the Senate still needs to approve the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The Senate is expected to leave town on August 3 for a four-week break and return to Washington early September, after Labor Day.

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feature  story

2018 Marks A Year of Transformation for TRICARE

By: Vice Admiral Raquel Bono, USN Director, Defense Health Agency

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) has overseen significant changes to TRICARE during 2018 and is making more plans to serve you better! Since January 1, regions have consolidated, contractors have transitioned and other changes mandated by Congress have been implemented. But additional changes, including how you sign up for health plans and the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program, are right around the corner. Here is what you need to know:
 
What Has Changed About Enrollment?
For starters, we have introduced the TRICARE Open Season. We want to make sure you have the right health plan that works for you and your family, so the following information will be helpful for making your selection. 
First the good news: If you want to stay in your current TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select plan, you do not need to do anything during Open Season. You will remain enrolled for the next calendar year or as long as you remain eligible for TRICARE. Open Season does not apply to TRICARE premium-based plans, which are TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve or TRICARE Young Adult. 
Now the new news: In order to sign up for a TRICARE plan, beneficiaries will be asked to select a plan during the Open Season (if it is different from the one they are currently on) or may change to a more appropriate plan after a qualifying life event (QLE). The Open Season occurs over a four week period in the fall and you will have up to 90 days after a QLE to change plans.  

Open Season
Open Season, a common concept in civilian plans, is likely to be a new concept for many TRICARE beneficiaries. Open Season is an annual period when you can enroll in or change a health insurance plan for the following year. TRICARE’s Open Season will occur every fall, from the Monday of the second full week in November to the Monday of the second full week in December. 
During this year’s Open Season, which takes place November 12 to December 10, you will be able to change enrollment to TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select. Your coverage will begin on January 1, 2019. If you do not elect to enroll in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select during Open Season, you will have to wait until the next open season to enroll although you may get care at military hospitals and clinics on a space-available basis.
If you are not sure which plan is best for you and your family, check out the TRICARE health plan comparison tool at www.tricare.mil/compareplans. For more information about Open Season, visit www.tricare.mil/openseason.

Qualifying Life Events 
If you wish to enroll in or change a TRICARE plan during any other time of the year, you can only do so within 90 days of experiencing a QLE. 
A QLE is a certain life event, like getting married, having a baby, becoming Medicare eligible or losing health coverage. When you and your family experience a life-changing event, your health needs may also change and TRICARE gives you the flexibility to change your plan to meet your needs. If one beneficiary in a sponsor’s family experiences a QLE, any member of the family may change their enrollment status during the QLE period. 
What Is Happening to the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program?
One of the several changes going on this year includes the discontinuation of the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program. This program, which ends on December 31, 2018, is a voluntary dental insurance plan for retired service members and their families. This includes retired National Guard and Reserve members and their families, Medal of Honor recipients and their families and survivors.
If you were enrolled in TRDP this year or would have been eligible for the plan, you will be able to enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, also known as FEDVIP. This program, offered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, offers eligible participants a choice between 10 dental and four vision carriers, with some plans offering both high and standard options. Key features of the dental plans include no waiting period for dental services, except orthodontia on some plans and no annual maximum benefit for some dental plans.
For the first time ever, active duty family members and retirees will have access to vision plans through FEDVIP! We are excited about this because it offers our beneficiaries something they have never had—vision coverage. Key features of the vision plans include no copays for some vision plans, except for lens options, an allowance for frames, with no limit on brand for frames or contacts with most vision plans and some plans offer discounts on LASIK.  To enroll in this program, you must be enrolled in a TRICARE health plan. TRICARE Young Adult enrollees are not eligible to enroll in FEDVIP vision. 
The 2018 Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs from November 12 to December 10, 2018, will be your opportunity to enroll in, change or cancel a FEDVIP dental or vision plan. Coverage will begin January 1, 2019. You may only enroll in a FEDVIP plan outside of Open Season if you experience a FEDVIP QLE. Any election in a FEDVIP plan remains in effect for the entire calendar year.
If you are currently enrolled in the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program plan, you will NOT be automatically enrolled in a Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program plan for 2019. You must take action and enroll.
For more information, visit the FEDVIP website at http://tricare.benefeds.com and sign up for email notifications. You will get an email when new information is available and key dates approach. To use a plan comparison tool for 2018 rates, visit http://tricare.benefeds.com. Rates for 2019 will be available in October, but you can begin reviewing program options now at www.opm.gov/fedvip. 

What Has Already Changed in 2018?
As of January 1, 2018, these changes went into effect:
•	Easier Urgent Care Access. Urgent care is now easier to access. There is no limit to the number of urgent care visits most TRICARE Prime enrollees can make without a referral. 
•	Updated Health Plans. TRICARE Select replaced TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra. 
•	Costs. Many cost-shares were replaced with fixed copayments, making it easier to understand your portion of the payment before you get care. 
•	New Stateside Regions and Contractors. There are now two regions stateside—East and West. Health Net Federal Services, LLC manages the contract for the West Region, while Humana Military manages the contract for the East Region. 
•	Required Enrollment. You must now be enrolled in a TRICARE plans to get or change coverage. Otherwise, you may only seek space-available care at a military hospital or clinic as long as you are TRICARE eligible.

Expanded Coverage. TRICARE Select beneficiaries now have access to additional preventive care services without a copayment when received from network providers. Coverage also increased for medically necessary foods and vitamins. 
 Learn more about TRICARE and its changes at www.tricare.mil. Stay informed this fall and take command of your health care! FRA

Take Action: TRICARE Open Season
Learn about and compare TRICARE plans and decide if you want to enroll in or change your TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select plan during Open Season, Nov. 12 to Dec. 10. You can view plans at www.tricare.mil/compareplans.  
Check-in with www.tricare.mil/openseason for more information and to sign up for email alerts.

Take Action: FEDVIP
Learn about and compare FEDVIP dental and vision plans. You can view plans at http://tricare.benefeds.com. The website will also give you information on how to register for an online account and enroll in a FEDVIP plan during Open Season, Nov. 12 to Dec. 10.
You must be enrolled in a TRICARE plan to enroll in a FEDVIP vision plan. If you are eligible for TRICARE but aren’t enrolled in a plan, enroll now.
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FEATURE 2

Atlantic Lighthouses America’s First Sentinels

By: Ann Norvell Gray

T
he story of lighthouses on our Atlantic coast is the story of the building of the nation. Before we were a country, before there were roads or vehicles to navigate them, before there were bustling towns and hubs of communication and commerce, there were ports, harbors, navigable rivers and the ships that brought the earliest European settlers everything they needed, and carried away everything they had to sell. Most of America’s oldest cities are port cities or towns at the headwaters of navigable streams. Many of its first thriving plantations lie along the banks of water deep enough to accommodate the vessels that carried everything in and out.
The beacons that guided those vessels safely to their coastal and inland destinations were fundamental to our history. Success or failure in the transport of goods and people between the continents and among the expanding rural and urban hearts of the new nation both created and destroyed fortunes and the dreams that inspired them. Today, mariners still depend on those signals in both light and sound from many of the remaining structures to move safely through the complicated waterways of our topographically intricate coastlines. 
The U.S. Coast Guard cares for functioning lighthouses as part of its responsibility along the Long Blue Line. As part of its duty to oversee aids to safe navigation, the Coast Guard works to keep technology current. According to the online publication Coast Guard News, “The Coast Guard continues to operate many historic lighthouses as active aids to navigation, a responsibility the service inherited from the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1939. Since then the Coast Guard has helped mariners navigate U.S. waters by modernizing these navigational aids when possible, as technological improvements become available.” 
In addition, a thriving sort of partnership exists between the Coast Guard and groups of private citizens. A passion to preserve, honor and share these treasures of the American maritime story infuses vibrant national and local organizations up and down the coasts and along the great inland rivers and lakes. Some of the unmanned and discontinued lighthouses have been turned over to local jurisdictions for preservation. Some serve as tourist attractions, museums or bed-and-breakfasts. The history and the visitors’ information found in websites and Facebook pages for individual structures provide a fine guide to these beloved landmarks, so Shipmates thinking to explore the subject or the places themselves are encouraged to dive into the internet. 
Space prevents us from talking here about all the fascinating aspects of the lighthouse story. There is variety in the engineering and placement of structures, from masonry towers to iron screwpiles to caisson-mounted lights in open water. There are the stories of lighthouse keepers—loners or family men or women, sometimes in successive generations—who have gone and still go to great lengths to keep the safety of mariners protected by the signals that are their sworn responsibilities. There is the science of triangulation in determining location, made possible by the specific light patterns and foghorn sounds of each lighthouse, recorded on navigational charts. As every Shipmate knows, even if electronics fail, basic triangulation skills allow experienced navigators to employ a chart and a simple set of tools to determine exactly where they are. 
Here are three examples of classic lighthouses, one each from New England, the mid-Atlantic barrier islands and the Gulf Coast of the Florida panhandle. Many of you probably know them well already, but there is always much more to discover. 

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
On a rocky outcropping at the northeastern edge of New Castle Island, New Hampshire, where the Piscataqua River empties into the sea, stands the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. Beginning in 1721, the citizens of Portsmouth petitioned the Provincial Assembly for a beacon to protect incoming sailors who risked life and limb, not to mention cargo, to get to them. Despite repeated entreaties, no light was provided until 1771, when a wooden lighthouse built for the British military became the first such structure north of Boston. Its location made it critical to the port city’s success in international trade, lumber, shipbuilding and the importation of African slaves.
The current structure is a white-painted cast iron tower, a material rare for such purposes when it was built in 1878. Despite its handsome proportions, durability and relative low maintenance, it was not universally appreciated. One critic called it “hideous,” and a “corpulent length of stove pipe.” It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Coast Guard owns this lighthouse, keeps offices in the 1872 keeper’s house and maintains its navigation equipment. Since 2001, the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse organization has been licensed through the American Lighthouse Foundation to care for the tower, the oil house and the wooden walkway. Ghostly presences are locally rumored to have appeared here. You may judge for yourself what to think of these reports.
http://www.portsmouthharborlighthouse.org

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
One of the most instantly recognizable lighthouse towers belongs to the boldly striped Cape Hatteras lighthouse on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Here, where the waters conceal the dangerous Diamond Shoals and the air is prone to fog, the warm Gulf Stream and the cold Labrador Current collide, creating ideal conditions for oceanic violence. The treacherous Hatteras waters have been the death of more than 5,000 ships since the sixteenth century. This lighthouse marks the shoals and guides ships along the worst stretch of this otherwise amiable course along the eastern seaboard. 
At 210 feet, the Hatteras lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse structure in the United States, but this was not always the case. Since its first incarnation, it has been raised, ruined, replaced, renovated, encroached upon by a relentless sea, and finally, in a feat of engineering no one was certain could succeed, moved almost 3,000 feet inland to where it stands now, the tallest masonry structure ever moved.
When Hurricane Sandy tore up the east coast in 2012, the three-masted replica ship Bounty sailed into the path of the storm and was caught in this deadly stretch. Despite the heroic efforts of Coast Guard crews in heavy seas through the night, she was sunk, and the captain and a crew member who shared the surname of Christian with the original HMS Bounty’s Fletcher Christian perished. In those conditions, even the latest technology was no match for the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”
http://lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=356
https://www.facebook.com/Cape-Hatteras-Lighthouse-145904912098685

St. Marks Lighthouse
At first glance, the lightkeeper’s house for Florida’s old St. Marks Lighthouse looks rather like a typical southern low country cottage, with a long columned porch shading its first floor, a half-story above the flood-prone ground. But that is where the similarity ends. The lighthouse’s Facebook page fills us in thus: “The structure consists of the light Keeper’s house attached to the 80-foot tower, both resting on a 12-foot-thick limestone base. According to local legend the limestone blocks are from the ruins of old Fort San Marcos de Apalachee.”   That Spanish fort at the junction of the Wakulls and St. Marks rivers protected Spain’s 16th century claim to Florida until the future state was ceded to the United States in 1819. Since 1842, the lighthouse has guided merchant, military and recreational vessels to the mouth of that same St. Marks River.
Like so many of its counterparts, this old lighthouse has a checkered past. Despite the critical importance of the port to transport of the agricultural products of South Georgia and Central Florida, it took long efforts in the early to mid-19th century to get it built. It has been threatened by erosion and by violent conflicts from the Seminole Indian Wars through the Civil War and battered repeatedly by the violent storms common to the Florida Gulf Coast. Between the Civil War and the assumption of responsibility by the Coast Guard in 1939, the lighthouse was incorporated into the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
The St. Marks Light Station was officially transferred from the U. S. Coast Guard to the U.S. Department of Interior, U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service in October 2013. In 2016, the Coast Guard removed its beacon, and the St. Marks Lighthouse went dark for the first time since the Civil War. It remains a beloved and often visited landmark in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. FRA

http://stmarkslighthouse.net
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/st_marks

SOME LIGHTHOUSE INFORMATION 
The United States Lighthouse Society is a great resource. They are a nonprofit historical and educational organization dedicated to saving and sharing the rich legacy of American lighthouses.
http://uslhs.org

New England:

http://www.discovernewengland.org/things-do/new-englands-iconic-lighthouses

Mid-Atlantic:

https://cheslights.org/chesapeake-bay-and-coastal-lighthouseslightships-lifesaving-station-information
http://lighthousefriends.com/va.html

https://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/lighthouse/nc.htm

Low Country/Florida:

https://www.pinterest.com/SCLowcountry/lowcountry-lighthouses/?lp=true

http://www.pensacolalighthouse.org/lighthouses

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FRA 2018 REGIONAL CONVENTION CALENDAR 

August 3-4, 2018	
Southwest Regional Convention
Riverside Resort, 
1650 S Casino Drive 
Laughlin, Nevada 89029
800-227-3849 
Use code: Fleet Reserve Assoc. (Wed.-Thur. $39) 
(Fri.-Sat. $62) + 10% tax. 
RV parking available.
Contact: Alice Smith, 619-300-2384 or 
Aaron Jensen, 858-668-8715
email: blueitigger@yahoo.com	

August 9-12, 2018
North Central Regional Convention
Double Tree by Hilton 
Grand Rapids Airport 
4747 28th St SE, 
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512   
616-957-0100
Contact: Marty Posekany, 
816-847-6562
email: posekany@chartermi.net

August 16-19, 2018
South Central Regional Convention
Wyndham Garden Shreveport, 
1419 E. 70th Street, 
Shreveport, Louisiana 71105   
318-797-9900
Contact: Bruce Talbot, 
808-781-6542 or 
281-489-9322
email: brucetalbotfra@outlook.com	

August 17-18, 2018
Northwest Regional Convention
Riverside Hotel, 
2900 Chinden Boulevard
Boise, Idaho 83714 
208-343-1871 
ask for FLEET RESERVE 
rate $102.00 + tax 
(4 days prior - 2 days after)
Contact: Tom Flanik, 
208-455-8100 or 
Bill Hall, 208-695-1664	
email: gunny@sos.net	

August 23-26, 2018 
Southeast Regional Convention
Quality Inn & Suites, 
51 Gulf Breeze Parkway, 
Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561
850-932-2214
Contact: JJ Thomas, 850-932-2214
email: aquaspaceventure@aol.com

September 5-7, 2018
Northeast/New England 
Regional Convention
Days Hotel Egg Harbor, 
6708 Tilton Road 
Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey 08234    
609-641-4500
Contact: Al Davenport, 
609-415-5440
email: adavenport2@comcast.net
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LIFE MEMBERS

F
RA CONGRATULATES THE FOLLOWING Shipmates who have become Life Members during the second quarter of 2018. The listing, which is arranged alphabetical and by join month, also includes their branch number or designation as a Member-At-Large (MAL). Call 1-800-FRA-1924 to learn how you can become a Life Member of the FRA. 

APRIL
Name 	Branch
Robert J. Agnor	166
Ardell  P.  Allen-Harr	MAL
Donald  Edward App	24
Kenneth G. App	24
Robert Bellamy III	51
Donald Beltz	MAL
Reinaldo Benitez	24
Russell J. Blanchard, Jr.	91
Rich Brune	181
Reece Campbell	MAL
Gary R. Case	53
Harry D. Collis	22
Brian Craig	MAL
Frank L. Davis	MAL
Frank P. Duenas	61
Steven Bruce Edmund, Sr.  	269
Vernon Howard Ela	147
John S. English	MAL
Russell A. Eseltine	61
Reynald F. Fernandez	302
Michael A. Fitzgerald	94
James H. Flatley	MAL
David  A. Freeman	MAL
Robert Fugate	MAL
Philip J. Germain	210
Crisogono P. Gurion	8
Matthew  R. Hamel	40
Charles Henderson	MAL
Mark D. Hodgin, Jr.  	99
Phillip R. Hoop	290
Clarence Hunter	162
Charles D. Ivey	269
Ronald  A. Jakcsy	289
David  W. Jennings	141
Owen  Z. Johnston	289
Christopher  T. Kaiser	MAL
Garnett Keeys	MAL
Dennis  R. Kinard	67
Karolyn  K. Kyser	91
John  D. Light	97
Edward Lynd	24
Richard  A. Madison	70
Oscar  D.  Madison	MAL
Edward  L. Mangel	70
Michael  A. Mattson	MAL
Melvin  T. Matze	207
Dale  W.  McMillen	162
Charles  W. Mueller	261
Stephen  J. Paddack	24
David  R. Pelto	53
Morton  H. Savell	166
Daniel  E. Shaughnessy	166
Murt  Bubba  Sperry	67
Charles  H. Stock	91
Jerry  M. Taylor	170
Eric  A. Trent	MAL
Joel  L. Turnham	161
James  L. Vines	MAL
David  E. Wagner	11
John  T. Wahking	177
Preston  D. Weller	MAL
Meade Withrow	MAL
Danny  J. Wolven	166
Donna  Kay Wood	89

MAY
Henry B. Adams	89
Raymond E. Alsbury	MAL
Norman C. Alsobrook	77
John E. Anderson	MAL
Rodolfo F. Aure	175
Carl L. Ayers	163
John Barbour	276
John L. Bayne	91
Peter Botte	MAL
Michael S. Bowin	311
Bryan M. Brown, Jr.	289
Russell W. Brunk	93
David M. Carter	24
John A. Chartier	229
Frank Cirincioni	281
Ronald Clapsaddle	70
Shawn C. Conley	290
Michael A. Cooper	208
James D. Daniel	339
Carl A. Davis	89
Edward M. Diederich	276
Willard E. Dixon	MAL
Vernon J. Dorrell	97
Jerome V. DuPre	162
Edgar Ednacot	101
Edward W. Finan	46
Fernando F. Flores	175
David  W. Fowler	57
Steven Gearhart	269
Philip Graham	93
Woodrow  P. Greene	115
Robert  T. Hebert	MAL
Robert  D. Hill	63
Marshall  E. Hurst	MAL
L. C. Johnson	61
Edward  L. Kelsey	161
Kimberly Kesselman	24
Robert  P. King,  Sr.  	MAL
Adrian  A. Knight	99
Joseph J. Lisko	24
Alfonso S. Marcelo	MAL
Charles A. Mayberry	346
Jerome  J. McAvoy  Jr.  	106
Kevin McGlory	24
Daniel  Joseph  McGrath	24
Ruth Melchior	136
Walter R. Michajlyszyn	MAL
Duane P. Mosier	91
Charles Nause	MAL
Charles L Nelson	161
Robert Niehoff	MAL
Edmund Paszkiewicz	161
Forrest R. Peters	276
Alberto V. Poblete	84
Donald A. Prickett	49
Walter E. Reynolds	MAL
George Riley	24
Larry J. Roth	115
J. Stephen Rumpf	126
Richard E. Schneider	222
Roscoe Slade Jr.  	MAL
John W. Smith Jr.  	24
Albert N. Sotto	6
Linda J. Southard	46
Craig  A. Sufficool	273
Raymond Trautman, Jr.  	163
Benjamin Truitt	177
Chester  A. Ward	99
David Williamson	24
Douglas  T.  Wittwer	MAL
Stephanie Wood	289

JUNE
Tammy A. Adams	MAL
Bob Anderson	170
Robert J. Angelotti, Jr.  	154
Gary Beckwith	MAL
James M. Boggs	MAL
James M. Booth, Jr.  	307
Mel L. Bray	MAL
Clyde Bryant	MAL
Philip B. Buma	89
John B. Camp	382
Gordon Canter	MAL
Nathaniel C. Chaney	MAL
Gregory J. Ciaccio	166
Carroll N. Creamer	MAL
Charles S. Crooks	382
George E. Danshaw	94
Jimmy A. Dodd	MAL
Ben A. Dorsett  Jr.  	197
John  S. Douglas	162
Ronald  D. Dressen	MAL
David  A. Dux	269
Harry  R. Errington	93
James J. Figo	99
Danny R. Fischio	212
Dennis Graybush	290
John D. Grindinger	29
Patrick E. Hagerty	MAL
Roger A. Hanthorn	MAL
Charles E. Harris  Jr.  	MAL
John R. Hartley	20
Donald K. Hehman	18
Dan Heitzer	115
William H. Heyser	55
Edward A. Hoiler, Jr.  	24
Blaine A. Jarrett	166
Donald E. Jones	40
Norbert J. Jordan	MAL
ThomasKendle	MAL
David R. Kerwood	42
James W. Kint	254
Jed Levine	90
Timothy Ligons	24
Thomas James Lindberg	269
Robert  L. Long II  	MAL
Donald  S. Luczak	61
Stephen  G. Maroulis	MAL
Diane  M.  McFarland	93
H. R.  McKinney	MAL
Karan Ann  Medlen	49
Jewell  Lee  Meyer	161
Domingo Monzon, Jr.  	29
Kenneth  J. Morgan	MAL
Ronald  C. Moskal	24
George Mullins	MAL
Rolando  C. Navarro	302
Kevin  L. Neamon	20
Walter Newton	103
Kenneth  T.  Norbeck	MAL
Charles M. Norman	97
Richard  T. Oberlander, Jr.  	MAL
Clifford  Dale  Oliver	MAL
Paul  A. Patricio	289
RudyTejano Pena	94
Kent  A. Petrousek	MAL
Steve Postolka	53
Robert D. Raugust	MAL
Keith E. Ray	130
Kenneth  W. Reninger	97
Gerald Rhoades	105
Robert J. Robson	MAL
Hank Rogers	162
Curtis R. Rogers	MAL
Ronald D. Ruffe	298
John P. Sage	97
Clifford D. Sarrault	47
Paul  B. Searles	MAL
Charles F. Shock	MAL
Russell C. Stamper	MAL
John T. Stanfield	60
Wiley T. Stapleton	99
Philip Darrell Steinert	201
Michael Struve	269
Joseph E. Taney	MAL
Rogelio E. Tercenio	MAL
Olin  E. Thomas	269
Charles Thorpe	MAL
George  C. White	269
Patrick  E. Winston	367
Steven  G. Zaremba	              97
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Why Did You Join FRA?

FRA membership is a personal choice and there are no right or wrong answers.  Some Shipmates joined while on active duty, others when they transitioned to reserve, veteran or retired status.  Some joined because a friend recruited them while others sought out FRA and other veteran groups to stay connected with a like-minded community.  Many went off and had another career, focused on family or otherwise, got on with things and only later did they start thinking about reconnecting. Some saw an opportunity to take advantage of group insurance benefits or Branch facilities and others wanted to support the legislative agenda and our work on Capitol Hill.  
We know about these reasons but what we want to know is what drew YOU to the organization. More importantly, is that the same reason that you stayed a member throughout the years?  People’s needs and desires grow and change, their circumstances may go in a direction they never imagined.  
FRA is a community of advocates, first and foremost, and our goal is to provide tools and opportunities for Shipmates all over the world to stay involved and connected.  The world around us has changed a great deal, particularly with the rise of technology tools such as Facebook and other social media, and one of the mainstays—of the Branch as a social club—is less popular now than it was when FRA membership was at its peak.
If nothing else, we see the youth finding their own ways to participate in communities and it sure is different from how we did it back in the day!  FRA may never be as trendy as Snapchat but our vision is more long-term, anyway.  So ask the kids how they feel when they are part of a community.  Now think about how you get that same feeling through your membership in FRA.  
Clearly we want to stay involved and on top of changing attitudes and needs of those who served, those who are serving and those considering careers in the Sea Services. One of my initiatives is to expand membership benefits we offer Shipmates without huge costs and complexity.  Electronic communications may be one solution but we need to ensure this has the support of our membership before committing to any particular path.  
My “ask” to you is, to give this some thought and share your ideas.  It is OK if your feedback is critical because it is important to get an unvarnished story from Shipmates who care.  We would like to hear the positives as well because we don’t want to deprive anyone of something they find useful.  If it’s easier to call me, I will be happy to take notes while we chat.  If you send an email, I will share it with the leadership team and we will make sure it gets all the attention it deserves.  
Membership-driven organizations have to maintain a tricky balance of providing leadership towards a higher purpose, while being responsive to the ever changing needs of the members.  FRA’s mission is clear and unyielding; we must continue to advocate for the needs of the Sea Services in their current and post-service lives.  But how exactly we do that is a work in progress because it touches on not only how we take a message to elected officials, but also how we communicate with our Shipmates and other interested people.
I hope you’ll take this opportunity to have a conversation with your friends and family and gather up your thoughts.  We’d love to hear from you and work with you on FRA’s next steps.  FRA
Christina Hitchcock is FRA’s Director of Membership. She can be reached at ChristinaH@fra.org or 703-683-1400 (Ext. 123)

Return to Table of Contents

SHIPMATE NEWS

1. Branch 93, Patuxent River, Maryland
Branch Treasurer Otis Deloach (L) and LA FRA Regional President East Coast Shirley Vatter (R) present Americanism Essay Branch winner Merrilea Cherry with a flag flown over the US Capitol.

2. Branch 13, Atlantic City, New Jersey
New Jersey Sailor of the year (2017) Coast Guard S K2 Kyle Botts was presented an award by Robert (Bob) Campbell (regional membership chairman) on behalf of the FRA Regional President Al Davenport.

3. Branch /Unit 163, Phoenix, Arizona
Shipmate Cartland said, “It was great to spend the weekend with shipmates and branch members at the airshow.”

4. Branch 201, Austin, Texas
PRPSC Michael Snyder from Branch 11 presents the Americanism Essay Contest Branch 201 winner, 12th Grade Brooke Rennie her $100 check.

5. Branch 208, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Shipmates joined together to pay their respects during the Vietnam Remembrance Ceremony held at the Camp Lejeune Memorial Gardens April 28. Paul Siverson was the Master of Ceremony.

6. Branch 182, Bethesda, Maryland
Triangle Branch PRPEC Paul Gunther presents NJROTC Cadets medals during an Awards Night at Seneca Valley High School in Germantown, Md. Mirha Akakpo (L) awarded for Academics and Raegan Buzzard (R) awarded for Leadership.

7. Branch 49, Denver, Colorado
Mile High Branch President Bill Hanzel presents a scholarship fund check to the Arapahoe Little League fund that helps youngsters participate in the program.

8. Branch 178, Monterey, California
Branch President Larry Scheierman receives the Cub Scout Pack 84 charter that the branch sponsors from the youngest and the oldest members of the pack.

9. Branch/Unit 90, Clark County, Nevada
The Branch and Unit Installation includes RPSW Bruce Davis and RVPSW John Quesnel. 

10. Branch 41, Roanoke, Virginia
Shipmate Barry Cox lays a wreath at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery on behalf of the Roanoke Valley Branch.

11. Branch 166, Virginia Beach, Virginia
(L to R) Shipmates John Taylor Jr., Kenny Golden and President “Marty” Martin stand behind the wreath used in the Virginia Beach Memorial Day Ceremony. 

12. Branch 103, Yokosuka, Japan
Bob Isham, Jesus Mendez, William Manley and Mike Huffman attend the British War Cemetery Ceremony held in Yokohama, Japan recognizing service members who died in P.O.W. camps 

13. Branch 89, Atlanta, Georgia
Americanism Contest branch winners were presented certificates by Shipmate Barron (L to R) Alivia Saemisch, Jaden Stutzman, Nathan Ward, Omar Dixon Jr. Not pictured, Asa Weil and Sebastian Lugo.

14. Branch 181, Arlington, Virginia
Navy Department’s Bob Pierpont was asked to be the guest speaker at the Rochester Memorial Day Parade as well as other memorial services held in several towns in that area. 

Return to Table of Contents

AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

A Message From South Central Regional President

It is an honor to serve as the Regional President for another year! I am available by phone or email at any time and I am looking forward to visiting all of the South Central Units. At this time I have visited ten of the Units in our Region. The Units in the South Central may be small, but they work hard assisting the Veterans and the active duty personnel and families in their community. 
Recruit, Recruit, Recruit! It behooves all to make a consolidated effort to bring new members to the Units. Our forerunners are leaving a legacy to carry on. During my recent visits, I noticed a decrease in member attendance from previous numbers. 
South Central Branch and Unit have been working together helping a young couple with a Rockport Warriors United Retreat Center. Donations of furniture and décor for the home have been donated, as well as monetary contributions. Food was prepared by Auxiliary members for one of the retreat weekends. 
We are looking forward to our upcoming South Central Regional Convention held August 16 to 19 at the Wyndham Garden, 1419 E. 70th Street, Shreveport, LA. (1-800-843-6654). The room rate is $94.00 plus tax and is available for up to two days before and after, breakfast is included. Please say you are with the FRA South Central Region. The welcome aboard party will be Friday, August 17 with a 70’s theme so bring your best disco moves! 
Please notify the MSA, National Chaplain and Regional Chaplain when a member passes. This will enable them to recognize the deceased member at the National & Regional conventions. FRA

The Rockport Warriors United is a Non-profit organization determined to provide relaxing and social opportunities for the betterment of our military veterans. Rockport Warriors United will be providing one extended weekend a month for up to 26 deserving veterans of fun activities such as fishing trips, hunting trips, skeet shooting, kayaking and much more. To fulfill their mission, they depend on the community to assist. The retreat will be at no cost to the veteran, so sponsorships are vital to the success of the mission. They are so fortunate to be able to give thanks to our veterans by offering a truly relaxing and serene atmosphere. They want our veterans to have this as their safe place, where they always belong receive respect, honor and love. For more information contact the Rockport Warriors United, 1130 E. Linden Street, Rockport, Texas 78382 (361) 737-2682, rockportwarriorsunited@gmail.com or www.rockportwarriorsunited.com 

Yours in Loyalty, Protection & Service, 
Pauline Wampler, RPSC

Pauline Wampler is the LA FRA Regional President for South Central

TAPS
 
Name 	Rating	Branch
Adams, Charles 	BM1C, USN 	24
Allison, Leo D. 	GMCS, USN 3	34
Avery, Frederick A. 	MGYSGT, USMC 	208
Avery, George A. 	PH1, USN 	24
Avigian, John 	SKC, USN 	31

Ball, Thomas D. 	RMCS, USN 	31
Bergstresser, C. H. 	GMG1	MAL
Branch, Marion D. 	MGYSGT, USMC 	175
Brooke, Robert A. 	USN 	290
Brooks, John N. 	ENC, USCG 	115
Bryant, Bradley 	EM1, USN 	274
Bullard, Alfred H. 	PNC, USN 	186

Calhoun, Samuel E. 	HMC, USN 	MAL
Childers, Ralph C. 	HMC, USN 	141
Christian, Rafael H. 	AMC, USN 	210
Constantino, Genevieve 	PO1, USNR 	MAL
Cooper, Henry H. 	BTC, USN 	MAL
Crespo, Daniel 	BMCS, USN 	113

Deitzler, Edward A. 	ENC, USN 	008
Dike, Roland M. 	SR V-1, USN 	147
Dolan, Peter A. 	AMH1, USN 	226
Dudley, Thomas F. 	AMHC, USN 	MAL

Eldridge, Frank O. 	STGCS, USN 	269

Finney, Kenneth E. 	SKC, USN 	MAL
Foelber, Robert E. 	CAPT, USN 	175
Forcier, Robert L. 	SKCM, USN 	MAL
Forgette, Wilfred J. 	YNC, USN 	183
Forlenza, Daniel D. 	ADR1, USN 	51
Freeman, Cl.              Hon Mbr, CAPT, USN 	24

Gaspar, Lorenzo G. 	DPC, USN 	84
Giles, Henry G. 	CW04, USNR 	MAL
Gordon, William C. 	BMC, USN 	98
Hafen, Merlyn J. 	PO1, USN 	MAL
Hale, Gerald L. 	RMC, USN 	147
Helsper, Joseph M. 	AOC, USN 	163
Hewitt, Richard D. 	TD1, USN 	MAL
Honeycutt, Richard M. 	EMC, USN 	MAL

Joyner, Robert H. 	SKCS, USN 	22
Jurjans, Ojars 	MSGT, USMC 	MAL

Kinard, James E. 	RMC, USN 	MAL
Kirkendoll, Norman N. 	AMHC, USN 	MAL
Kofron, Stephen J. 	QMCM/, USN 	MAL

Landreville, Alfred C. 	MSGT, USMC 	334
Lange, Ralph 	HT1(SW), USN 	269
Leavitt, Franklin C. 	CWO4, USMCR 	156
Lefevre, Roy J. 	MT1, USN 	MAL
Long, Merle M. 	ETCM, USN 	94
Lossie, John 	SGTMAJ, USMC 	208
Lucero, Paul 	PO1, USN 	MAL

Maddox, Bobby 	CS1(SS), USN 	259
McAllister, Ed J. 	MCPO, USN 	22
McPeak, Jerry 	BMC 	94
McVey, James 	BMC, USN 	229
Mitropoulos, Richard J. 	HM1, USN 	31
Monroe, Kenneth E. 	FN, USN 	MAL
Moore, Jimmy E. 	AG1, USN 	MAL
Moreno, Serafin N. 	AMH1, USN 	64
Morris, William T. 	SKC, USN 	40
Murphy, George C. 	USN 	MAL

Neff, Chess Wayne 	TM-3, USN 	244
Nichols, Peter 	ADC, USN 	175
Noble, Dominadore E. 	CPO, USN 	99

O’Reilly, Martin J. 	USN 	226
Oakley, John E. 	TEM2, USN 	334
Oswald, Carl P. 	DT2, USN 	29
Owens, Clarence R. 	PH1, USN 	99

Packer, Clyde 	QMCM, USN 	175
Pelland, Joseph 	MGYSGT, USMC 	14
Pergolizzi, Anthony F. 	HMC, USN 	285
Price, Ellis F. 	LCDR, USN 	184

Rafferty, James W. 	SH1, USN 	61
Rentko, John A. 	ENCM, USN 	161
Riddle, Howard P. 	AO1, USN 	MAL
Roe, Herman F. 	GMCM, USN 	MAL
Runyan, Harry A. 	HTCM, USN 	216

Salamon, Robert M. 	AMH1, USN	1
Salveti, Domenico 	BMC, USN, 	MAL
Schimmel, George W. 	HM1, USN 	99
Sharp, Sidney N. 	CWO3, USN 	47
Shimek, John A. 	SM1, USN 	163
Smith, Shannon L. 	HM2, USN 	MAL
Smith, Edward 	LCDR/SM1, USN MAL
Stanley, Coye D. 	RMC, USN 	MAL
PRPSE, Sutton, John E. 	CWO, USN 	290

Tenpenny, Joseph F. 	RMCS, USN 	163
Toland, Edward M. 	HMCS, USN 	31
Trabold, Richard K. 	USN	MAL
Triolo, Joseph J. 	BMC, USN 53

Vance, John B. 	BMC, USN 298
Vaughn, Raymond C. 	PRC, USN	4

Wagner, Howard G. 	MCPO, USN 	46
Waller, Charles W. 	HTC, USN 	91
Wessol, James A. 	YNC, USN 	MAL
Wingo, Robert P. 	POCS, USN 	MAL
Word, Ross A. 	CAPT, USN 	254

Any names in red indicate 50 year continuous members.
Any names in bold indicate past national officers.

To report the death of a Shipmate, please contact us via email at mserfra@fra.org or by telephone at 703-683-1400 ext 1. 
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REUNIONS/lOOKINGFOR…

Reunions

VMFA 115 Reunion Association
09/07/2018-09/09/2018, Cleveland, Ohio 
Contact: Patti Kaas
Telephone: 717-422-6796
Email: kaasfamily4@gmail.com
www.115marinereunion.com

USS America CV-66 Carrier Veterans Association
09/11/2018-09/15/2018, Mobile, Alabama
Contact: Tom Tramatano, P.O. BOX 1239 
Hopewell Junction, New York 12533-1239
Telephone: 718-863-8331
Email: tomato46@aol.com
https://bit.ly/2KhvcuQ

USS MAHAN DD-364/DLG-11/DDG-42/DDG-72
09/19/2018-09/23/2018, Long Beach, California
Contact: Gary White
0534 Rippling Fields Drive
Houston, TX 77064-4298
Telephone: 713-501-7823
Email: gankintx@comcast.com
www.queenmary.com, www.USSMahan.org

USS Bryce Canyon Association (AD-36)
10/07/2018-10/10/2018, Charleston, South Carolina 
Contact: Bruce A. Campbell
3162 Isadora Drive
San Jose, CA 95132-1920 
Telephone: 408-729-6088 
Email: ad36bc@gmail.com
www.ussbrycecanyonpremierlocatorinfo.shutterfly.com

VP6 Blue Sharks Association
10/10/2018-10/13/2018, Cincinnati, Ohio 
Contact: Jim Lamers
Telephone: 703-724-7944
Email: Jimlvp6@comcast.net

USN/USCG CPO’s Fall Fling
10/10/2018-10/14/2018, Cocoa, Florida 
Contact: Carl Barrett, 1700 Glen Abby Lane
Winter Haven, Florida 33881
Telephone: 863-299-9009
Email: cbarret4@yahoo.com 

USS Sturgeon (SSN-637)
10/12-10/14/2018, North Charleston, South Carolina 
Contact: Marty Tarbox
North Charleston Marriott
4770 Goer Drive North 
Charleston, SC 29406

Chiefs Association (NCPOA)
10/17/201-10/20/2018, New Orleans, Louisiana 
Contact: Bob Mccauley
Telephone: 702-338-4383
Email: bobmccauley2@cox.net
www.ncpoa.club

USS McMorris (DE-1036)
10/18/2018-10/21/2018, San Diego, California
Contact: Scott Vliek, P.O. Box 827
Beverly Shores, Indiana
Telephone: 219-789-4326
Email: greywarrior@hotmail.com
www.ussmcmorris.org

USS Joseph Strauss (DDG-16)
10/24/2018-10/28/2018, Annapolis, Maryland 
Contact: Jim Hansen
Telephone: 719-488-4443
Email: jazhansen@msn.com

Patron Four Five Association (VP-45) 
10/24/2018-10/28/2018, Pensacola, Fla.
Contact: Doug “pooh Bear” Mitchell, 529 Majestic Wood Druve
Fleming Island, Florida 32003 
Telephone: 678-650-7500 
poohbearmit@aol.com
www.vp45association.org

USS C. F. Adams (DDG-2) & USS Tattnall (DDG-19)
03/03/2019-03/08/2019, Jacksonville, Florida 
Contact: Richard Harmon
Telephone: 386-235-8723
Email: Dharmonlpga1@aol.com

LOOKING FOR....
Looking for survivors and/or family members of any Sailor that served on the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) prior to its destruction during the attack on Pearl Harbor. USS Oklahoma Sailors will be honored at an event in Oklahoma City in 2019. Contact Susan Frederici, s.hammond@sbcglobal.net or by telephone: 405-210-1405. 

Looking for Larry Grimes and Arnie Stearns, both former PN’s, stationed at COMNAVACTS UK London in the mid 60’s. Contact Bob Holmes (PNCM (Ret)) at bobcholmes@yahoo.com or by telephone: 830-372-2132.

All Reunions/LookingFor… must be submitted in writing to FRA Reunions/LookingFor…125 N. West Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 or at victoriad@fra.org.  Please include your FRA member ID and a daytime phone number. Reunions can also be submitted online at http://www.fra.org. For questions regarding submissions contact Victoria at 1-800-FRA-1924, ext. 124.

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FINANCE MATTERS

Financial Lessons You Can Learn From Retirees

Does this scenario sound familiar?
•	When the market is up, an investor 
feels good and buys stocks.
•	When the market is down, that 
same investor gets scared and sells.
Although reacting like this may feel right at the time, the problem is this scenario is unlikely to result in a profit. In fact, the goal should be just the opposite: buy low and sell high.
Why do investors make this mistake? The reason may have a lot to do with us making investment choices the same way we do many important decisions: using both our heads and our hearts (i.e., logic and emotion). When there is market volatility – including both market highs and market lows – our emotions tend to take over and we may make illogical choices going against our best interests.
To avoid having your emotions control your investment decisions, you may decide to get into the market when it is down and out of the market when prices are up. This is known as “market timing.” 
While this approach may sound rational, the problem is this strategy is extremely difficult, even for experienced investors, to employ consistently. There is an old saying: “No one rings a bell” when the market reaches the top of a peak or the bottom of a trough. Translated: Investors attempting to time the market usually find it tough to determine exactly when to make their move.

Give Dollar Cost Averaging a Look 
Rather than using either of these approaches, consider a strategy called “dollar cost averaging.”
Dollar cost averaging is the practice of putting a set amount into a particular investment on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.) no matter what is going on in the market. For example, you could invest $500 each month. In a fluctuating market, this practice lets you purchase additional shares when prices are low and fewer shares when prices increase. 
While you are mulling dollar cost averaging’s potential merits, consider this: You may well be using the strategy already. If you participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b) and contribute the same amount each payday, you are using dollar cost averaging.

Get Help for When the Going Gets Tough 
One of dollar cost averaging’s greatest challenges is you have to stick with the strategy even when the market declines and that can be difficult (see our previous discussion about letting emotions control your decision-making). However, during times like these, dollar cost averaging can be most useful by letting you purchase shares at lower prices. 
Because dollar cost averaging can be simultaneously more difficult and advantageous when the going gets toughest, consider turning to a professional financial advisor for help. He or she should offer a voice a reason during these periods as you grapple with whether to adhere to the strategy.   FRA
 
Like any investment strategy, dollar cost averaging doesn’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Because dollar cost averaging requires continuous investment regardless of fluctuating prices, you should consider your financial and emotional ability to continue the program through both rising and declining markets.
This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Carl M. Trevisan, Managing Director-Investments and Stephen M. Bearce, First Vice President- Investments in Alexandria, VA at 800-247-8602.
Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE
Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
© 2018 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.
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FRA PROFILE

USS SLATER Receives National Maritime Heritage Grant

The Destroyer Escort Historical Museum received a $200,000 grant from the Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS) through the National Maritime Heritage (NMH) grant program, for the repair of USS SLATER’s mast and hull. Thirty-four of these grants, totaling $2.6 million, were awarded in collaboration with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs). With these funds, organizations and agencies conduct education and preservation projects designed to preserve historic maritime resources and to increase public awareness and appreciation for the maritime heritage of the United States. 
During World War II, 563 Destroyer Escorts battled Nazi U-boats on the North Atlantic protecting convoys of men and material. In the Pacific, they stood in line to defend naval task forces from Japanese submarines and Kamikaze air attacks. The destroyer escorts were a vital component of the Allied strategy for victory in the Atlantic and served in some of the most dangerous areas of the Pacific Theater.
Today, only one of these ships remains afloat in the United States, the USS SLATER. The ship is named for Frank O. Slater of Alabama, a sailor killed aboard the USS SAN FRANCISCO during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942.
The USS SLATER is currently moored on the Hudson River in Albany, New York and has undergone an extensive restoration that has returned the ship to her former glory. The Destroyer Escort Historical Museum offers hour-long guided tours, youth group overnight camping and an historic location to hold naval reunions.
Museum Executive Director Timothy Rizzuto said, “We are thrilled to receive this award, especially since our application was funded to the highest amount any institution may receive in the Maritime Heritage Program. This is the first Federal grant the project has received since USS SLATER arrived in New York from Greece in 1993. The award is a tribute to all the volunteers and members who have worked so hard to restore and maintain this ship.”    FRA

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