FRA Today –December 2012
COMMUNICATIONS:  POSTAL Changes
FROM THE BRIDGE
shipmate forum
On & OFF Capitol HILL
Member Benefits
Feature: Convention Highlights
Convention Workshops
Convention Awards
FRA National Officers
Membership Matters
Convention Sponsors
Taps
Reunions
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COMMUNICATIONS:  POSTAL Changes 

As of January 28, 2013, the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) will be required by the United States Post Office for all automation letters and flats, including Business Reply Mail letters that qualify for Qualified Business Reply Mail prices and Permit Reply letters. The new barcode format provides greater information to the Post Office and allows closer tracking of the mail. For small branches that don’t use bulk rate, this will not change anything. They will just put a first class stamp on the letters since they are paying full price on their postage. They will not need the IMb.
Larger branches that have been getting the automation discount will need to begin to use IMb. To use this, the branch must register with the Post Office and get a Customer Registration Identification number (CRID) and a Mailer Identification number (MID).
NHQ will not have the CRID or MID for each branch and can not provide the IMb on mailing labels for the branch (as it has the MID embedded in it). The branches can not use the MID for NHQ as each mailer has a separate identification and it is restricted by mailer.
https://gateway.usps.com/bcg/login.htm is the first stop to getting a MID and CRID.
The branch must either download the IMb software and create their own labels using their MID, or work with a local letter shop to imbed their MID into their IMb on their mail. The letter shop should be able to design and print the IMb on their letters after the branch provides the list in an Excel format. NHQ will provide the Excel format to replace current labels, or branches can download their own from the Area For Branch and Regional Officers under Advanced Search. (Directions on how to do this are on the site).
If a branch uses business reply mail (BRM) pieces, they can work with a Mailpiece Design Analyst to design the new BRM with your new IMb. They can be reached at mda@usps.gov and the service is free.

CFC Ends on December 15th
Federal employees still have time to make a contribution to the FRA Education Foundation through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Tax-deductible donations can be made using Charity Code #80236 though December 15, 2012. 

Eileen Murphy is the Director of Marketing and Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of FRA Today. Please contact her at eileen@fra.org.

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FROM THE BRIDGE

First, I wish to thank all the Shipmates and Auxiliary members throughout the Association that sent cards, letters and e-mails to me this past summer during my illness. Your wishes for a full and speedy recovery worked and I hit the deck running albeit a little slow in Reno ready, willing and able to step up to the plate as your National President.
In that vein, I also want to thank you Shipmates for giving me the honor and privilege of serving as your National President for this coming Association Year. Together with a National Board of Directors that has new blood and fresh ideas we hope to stem the tide of our declining membership.
During my “campaign” year for National Vice President and my early travels this past year, I stressed the importance of personalization in all our membership matters. This is especially critical in our communications with our renewing and/or past due members. Although we may be recruiting well, we are not focusing nearly as much energy towards retaining our members which is the primary reason for our decline in membership. To me, personalization is not what is said but rather that you cared to say anything at all. Over the past year our dedicated Headquarters Staff, or “Team FRA” as I call them, have worked and prepared to bring the renewal process in-house, which will provide the control and flexibility to personalize our renewal notices while creating greater cost savings for the Association. A huge BRAVO ZULU to Team FRA for working so hard behind the scenes in addition to their regular work to make this happen over the past year.
Strategic Planning needs to continue and more importantly, the proposals researched and made need to be presented to the Delegates at the National Convention. To this end, the Delegates at this past National Convention passed the resolution to re-establish the Standing National Committee on Future Planning. This committee is chaired by Past National President Joseph Maez and solicits ideas and suggestions from all of the Shipmates around the Association. A letter with contact information has already been distributed via our weekly mail to branch secretaries; however, let me provide Shipmate Maez’ contact information again: Chairman, FPC, P. O. Box 13152, Reno, NV 89507-3152, e-mail: jmaez@sbcglobal.net. I truly hope that our Shipmates will fully utilize this conduit to present new and innovative ideas.
Last month I had the honor to have breakfast at the White House in commemoration of Veterans Day prior to the formal ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. It was my distinct privilege to “show the flag” and represent the Fleet Reserve Association at both of these events, and I am pleased that the LAFRA National President Diane Hoover was available to join me and participate in our wreath presentation at Arlington.
I look forward to meeting and talking with you, the Shipmates of our great Association, during my travels in the coming year. Although the title of this article is “From the Bridge” I have always viewed myself as more of a “deck plate” type of individual; so please feel free to contact me with either your ideas or concerns — after all this is YOUR Association.

Mark Kilgore is FRA’s National President for the 2012–2013 Association year. He is a member of FRA Branch 22 in Pensacola, Fla.

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shipmate forum
Kudos for Navy Divers  
BRAVO ZULU on your recent (October 2012 FRA Today) article on the “Brotherhood of the Deep.” It described the pride and camaraderie of U.S. Navy Divers and the work they do. Keep up the good work with more articles like this. 
Chris Moyer

Thank you for the excellent article about Navy Divers in your October 2012 edition. It was great to see, as there never seems to be enough good articles about Navy Divers. 
I was a Navy Diver from 1976 until my retirement in 2003 and I was assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit ONE in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. We were the infamous Detachment 419, based in San Diego, Calif. We had great pride in our unit, our mission and in being United States Navy Divers. I still take great pride in the elite group of people I have been associated with through Navy Diving and believe your article was just the tip of the iceberg for really representing what Navy Divers are all about, but very well done! Thanks again for a great article! 
Murray D. Warren

Benefits of Pharmacy Home Delivery  
Express Scripts not only e-mails acknowledgement of receipt of prescriptions, it also e-mails when the prescriptions are to be mailed. Other benefits not mentioned are the automatic refill function, again with appropriate e-mails, plus an e-mail reminder that a prescription is about to run out and must be refilled. 
Regarding returned mail-in prescriptions: they will also be returned if the doctor has not actually signed the prescription; computer-generated signatures are not acceptable. I learned of this the hard way and even confirmed the signature requirement by phone to Express Scripts.
Tricare for Life is the greatest—and one of the few—benefits Congress has ever given us old guys.
Stanley W. Sokolove

High Praise for VRAP
I would like to share my experiences in utilizing the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). I recently began attending Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, through this program and feel it is very worthwhile to those of us who have been separated from the workplace for a long period of time. VRAP is designed for veterans, with or without jobs, ages 35 to 60 to attend a school training program. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Department of Labor as a means for veterans to retrain and obtain a job. 
VRAP will pay you for 12 months to attend school and receive a certification in numerous training programs. Del Mar College offers the majority of the programs listed in the VRAP brochure, and I’ve chosen to retrain to obtain a security job (with the Department of Homeland Security) in one of our nation’s airports. 
This program has not been easy for me, as I have not been in a classroom for 40 years. But I feel confident that I will finish the program as I am receiving lots of help through tutors. (I had to go back and take remedial classes in English and Math.) I should mention that VRAP is paying me a stipend to help with expenses which, for me, is a real life saver.
Shipmate Donald Larson, Branch 94’s secretary, is always on the lookout for programs to benefit veterans. When he approached my wife about this program, I was hesitant at first and afraid I couldn’t complete the program. But after much discussion I became determined to utilize this program and I am grateful to Shipmate Don for bringing it to our attention. 
It is my hope that every Veterans’ Resource Center has copies of the VRAP brochure and I further hope that if your branch doesn’t have a copy, that you will contact the VA to get one. If you, or anyone you know, could use this program I highly recommend it.
Robert D. Middleton

Correction
Shipmate Ernie Plantz, who was featured in the News From the Branches section of last month’s magazine as he accepted his FRA Life Membership certificate, was a POW for three-and-a-half years during World War II — not during the Vietnam War as indicated.  We regret the confusion the error may have caused. 
Submissions: Send Shipmate Forum letters to: Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail 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 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 & OFF Capitol HILL

Busy Last Weeks of 112th Congress
As the post-election, “lame duck” session of the 112th Congress draws to a close, lawmakers will be pressing hard to finalize a variety of bills that affect FRA shipmates. Many issues need to be addressed before January 1, 2013, when automatic budget cuts (sequestration) take effect. This so-called “fiscal cliff,” which involves drastic cuts that will take effect unless Congress takes action, includes additional Defense budget reductions and a 27-percent reduction to reimbursement rates for providers who see Medicare and TRICARE patients. As a result, spending and authorization measures and legislative proposals to meet or delay the sequestration deadline will move very quickly. 
Members are urged to subscribe to FRA NewsBytes, our free e-mail update on legislative changes that affect military and veterans benefits, to ensure they can respond promptly to critical, fast-moving legislation. To subscribe, please e-mail newsbytes@fra.org with “Subscribe” in the subject line and your name and address in the body. If you are a member of FRA or the Auxiliary, please include your member number as well.
The FRA Legislative Team is also preparing for the 113th Congress, which convenes in early January. As a result of the November elections, the Democrats retain control of the White House and increased their majority in the Senate, while Republicans retained their majority status in the House. As pressure grows to reduce the deficit, Congress will be forced to make tough choices about pay and benefits for active duty military personnel, Reservists, retirees and veterans. Consistent with its mission, FRA continues its work to preserve and enhance the quality of life of current and former enlisted personnel, their families and survivors. 
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ACTIVE DUTY/RESERVE ISSUES
Electronic TRS and TRR Payments
TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) beneficiaries who currently pay monthly premiums by check must begin making payments electronically before Jan. 1, 2013. TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) will only accept monthly premium payments by recurring automatic credit or debit card transactions, or by recurring electronic funds transfer (EFT) from a linked bank account. 
Current TRS and TRR beneficiaries should have also received notice from the Defense Manpower Data Center. Failure to pay premiums electronically by the due date can result in termination of coverage.
For more information on this issue, go to www.tricare.mil
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Recovering Warrior Task Force 2012 Report Released
The 2012 Department of Defense (DoD) Recovering Warrior Task Force (RWTF) Report was recently released, providing extensive analysis of the numerous congressionally-mandated programs to help wounded warriors and their families. The report assesses the effectiveness of these programs and recommends structural improvements. The report provides 35 recommendations, segregated into the following four categories that reflect a holistic and patient-centered approach for the recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration process:
•  Enabling a better future; 	
•  Optimizing ability; 
•  Restoring into society; and 	
•  Restoring wellness and function. 
To get a copy of the report go to www.icfi.com/insights/reports/2012/recovering-warrior-task-
force-2012-annual-report
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Get Involved
It’s important for shipmates to remember there is no law protecting their military or veterans benefits. What Congress gives, Congress can take away. FRA was established in 1924 to protect military pay and benefits, and our mission hasn’t changed. Today’s FRA gives current and former Sea Service enlisted members a voice on Capitol Hill and, now more than ever, shipmates’ voices need to be heard. Through our combined efforts, FRA and its members have spoken out to halt health care fee increases, increase pay, significantly improve health care and other benefits, and enhance a variety of quality-of-life programs
The legislative process is complex and heavily influenced by grassroots pressure from advocacy groups like FRA and individuals communicating with their respective members of Congress. There is strength in numbers and this combined approach is more likely to persuade members of Congress to see, and act on, our point of view. 
FRA encourages all members to be as informed as possible about legislative initiatives that impact them. In addition to the “On & Off the Hill” section of FRA Today, the Association offers several ways shipmates can stay up to date on new bills being introduced and their progress toward enactment. 
NewsBytes: NewsBytes is FRA’s weekly e-mail update that provides a snapshot of what’s happening on Capitol Hill. It’s distributed each Friday afternoon to subscribers, or shipmates can listen to a recorded version by calling 1-800-FRA-1924, ext. 112. To subscribe, please e-mail newsbytes@fra.org with “Subscribe” in the subject line and your name and address in the body. If you are a member of FRA, please include your member number as well. 
FRA’s Action Center: It’s easy to share your views with your elected officials using FRA’s Action Center at www.fra.org. The website offers pre-written e-mail messages (or users can draft their own) that address specific legislative issues that can be sent to members of Congress or local media outlets with the click of a button. The Action Center also allows users to see which bills their legislators are supporting. 
Making Waves: When you use the Action Center to weigh in on a particular issue, FRA works hard to keep you posted on the progress of that initiative. When legislative proposals threaten existing benefits, FRA sends Making Waves to those shipmates via e-mail, inviting them to reiterate their concerns to their elected officials. 
It’s vitally important for FRA shipmates to be informed about legislative proposals that affect them and share their opinions on these proposals with their elected officials. Communicating concerns to your representative and senators is at the heart of FRA’s grassroots lobbying efforts and has a direct influence on the Association’s ability to effectively represent shipmates and their families on Capitol Hill. 
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Retiree Issues

Concurrent Receipt Update
As FRA Today goes to press, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) has indicated that he will offer a Senate floor amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA, S. 3254) that seeks to authorize comprehensive concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans disability compensation for all disabled retirees, including Chapter 61 retirees — those medically retired with less than 20 years of service. The amendment is similar to Reid’s “The Retired Pay Restoration Act” (S. 344). 
Other concurrent receipt legislation includes:
•	H.R. 303 (Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Fla.) has 103 co-sponsors and proposes to eliminate the 10-year phase-in period for retirees with a disability rating of 50 to 90 percent and extends concurrent retirement and disability payment (CRDP) eligibility to retirees rated less than 50 percent. 
•	H.R. 333 (Rep. Bishop Sanford, Ga.) has 166 co-sponsors and includes elements of H.R. 303 and would also open CRDP to medically retired personnel with less than 20 years of service (Chapter 61 retirees). 
•	H.R. 186 (Rep. Joe Wilson, S.C.) has 35 co-sponsors and would benefit all Chapter 61 retirees who would become eligible for CRDP over a five-year period. 
These legislative proposals are listed on the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org
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TRICARE Prime Service Areas to be Reduced
According to press reports, the Department of Defense (DoD) is apparently planning to eliminate TRICARE Prime availability in several states and cities in the TRICARE West region, beginning on April 1, 2013. With some exceptions, most Prime beneficiaries in these areas will be moved to TRICARE Standard coverage, a more costly fee-for-service TRICARE option. Affected beneficiaries include retirees, Active Guard and Reserve troops, and family members in Iowa, Minnesota and Oregon, as well as in Reno, Nev., and Springfield, Mo.
DoD is not commenting on the plan, however, under new TRICARE contracts, TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) is only required to provide Prime coverage to beneficiaries who live within 40 miles of Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and in areas affected by the 2005 base realignment and closure (BRAC) process. Contracts awarded in 2010 specified this restriction, but numerous appeals of the contract awards delayed implementation. 
Exceptions to the new policy may be authorized for some beneficiaries if there is a network of providers beyond the 40-mile limit and within 100 miles of the beneficiary. FRA is closely monitoring this and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
For more information, read Tom Philpott’s Military Update column (11-8-2012) at 
www.fra.org. 
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Retirees Beware of Auto Sales from the “Exchange”
A military retiree publication is warning retirees of misleading advertisements in Auto Trader magazine and major metropolitan newspapers offering automobile sales through a company calling itself “Exchange Inc.” Military exchanges do not have the authority to sell vehicles in the continental United States and these advertisements have left consumers from Texas to Colorado with the impression they are doing business with the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Exchanges.
Military Exchange facilities are located solely on military installations. While military exchanges have mail order and Internet offerings, they do not advertise in civilian outlets such as metropolitan newspapers or automobile sales magazines. All advertisements for legitimate Exchange offerings are published in outlets whose audiences are mostly comprised of military members.
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FRA Worked on Capitol Hill During Recess
During the seven-week, pre-election congressional recess, members of FRA’s Legislative Team and representatives from other organizations in The Military Coalition (TMC) visited the offices of senators who are likely to be conferees for the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA, S. 3254). The meetings focused on potential floor amendments and strategies for advancing provisions that relate to FRA’s priority issues, which include dropping the Senate provision that would dramatically increase TRICARE pharmacy co-pays as compared to the House-passed legislation that links future adjustments to the same inflation index as retired pay and requires home delivery of prescription medications for TRICARE-for-Life (TFL) beneficiaries. The Senate plan to create a one-year BRAC-like commission to “reform” military retirement benefits and military pay was also addressed. 
The House passed its version of the NDAA back in May and, once the Senate passes its version, a conference committee will reconcile differences, resulting in a conference report to be voted on by both chambers and approved or vetoed by the President. 
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Diet COLA for 2013
The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the official Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for 2013 is 1.7 percent. This increase, which takes effect on December 1, 2012, is less than last year’s 3.6 percent COLA and will be reflected in military retired pay, VA benefits for disabled veterans, survivor annuities, and Social Security benefits paid on December 31, 2012. 
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) tracks the inflation rate and is used to calculate the annual COLA. The index is based on the cost of a “basket of goods” for the average American during the period from October 1 to September 30 each year. 
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Service Members’ Growing Student Loan Debt
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta; Holly Petraeus, assistant director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Office of Service Members Affairs, and Chuck Milan, acting deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, participated in a press conference recently to discuss the unique obstacles reported by service members seeking to pay off student loan debt. According to a new CFPB report, 41 percent of active duty service members are paying off education-related loans. Panetta stated that financial health of military personnel is important and that financial difficulties are the number one reason service members lose their security clearance.
For more information about how the CFPB can help service members and student borrowers, visit www.consumerfinance.gov/servicemembers and www.consumerfinance.gov/students
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Veteran Issues
VRAP Helps Unemployed Vets
Rep. Jeff Miller (Fla.), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, recently issued a status report on the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), indicating that more than 45,000 unemployed veterans have started, or will soon start, classes to learn a new trade through VRAP. They will be enrolled for one year, with the costs covered by the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). (To read a first-hand endorsement of VRAP, read Shipmate Middleton’s letter to “Shipmate Forum” on page 6.)
VRAP was established by the VOW to Hire Heroes Act that was signed into law November 21, 2011 (H.R. 674 – P.L. 112-056). Miller was the original sponsor of the legislation and predicts that 99,000 veterans will participate in the program in FY 2013.
For more information go to: http://benefits.va.gov/vow/index.htm
President Signs Military Commercial Drivers License Act
President Obama recently signed the “Military Commercial Drivers License Act” (S. 3624) into law. Sponsored by Senator Olympia Snowe (Maine), the bill requires the U.S. Department of Transportation to accelerate licensing procedures to assist veterans acquiring commercial driver’s licenses. The bill eliminates a previous restriction that only allowed veterans to obtain a commercial license in their home state of record. Service personnel can now apply their military training and earn a commercial license where they are stationed, which will help their future employment prospects. 
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VA Releases Fact Sheet
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a current fact sheet on VA pension programs that includes important information for veterans, survivors and their families. The fact sheet explains who is eligible to receive pension benefits and who is eligible for “aid and attendance.” The document also provides a website list of accredited representatives that are available to assist claimants with preparation, presentation and prosecution of a claim for VA benefits. 
The information is accessible at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/docs/PensionProgramInfo_final.pdf

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_______________________________________________
The FRA Legislative team is Joe Barnes, National Executive Director; John Davis, Director of Legislative Programs and Branch 181 President; Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Outreach Manager; Chris Slawinski, National Veterans Service Officer and Ed Dockery, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs.
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FRA’s 2013 Legislative Agenda 
FRA will fight to preserve and enhance benefits and quality-of-life programs for active, Reserve, retired, and veterans of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard plus their families and survivors. The Association will continue its opposition to sequestration (automatic budget cuts) as mandated by the 2011 Budget Control Act due to the adverse impact of implementation on Department of Defense and Department of Veterans’ Affairs health care programs and other benefits. FRA’s proposed legislative agenda for 2013 is as follows:
EXPAND HEALTH CARE OPTIONS
Health Care Reform: Monitor health care reform and ensure that TRICARE and VA Health Care programs are not adversely impacted by unanticipated consequences during implementation.
Oppose Excessive TRICARE Enrollment Fee Increases: The Defense Department must sufficiently investigate and implement other options to make TRICARE more cost-efficient as alternatives to shifting costs to TRICARE beneficiaries and oppose any indexing of future TRICARE Fee increases beyond COLA increases. 
Support Adequate Funding for Military Health Service: Ensure adequate funding for the Military Health Service (MHS) in order to meet readiness needs, fully fund TRICARE, and improve access and awareness of benefits for all beneficiaries regardless of age, status or location, including Reservists participating in TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, and Individual Ready Reserve personnel.
DOD/VA Health Care Resource Sharing: Ensure adequate funding for Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) health care resource sharing in delivering seamless, cost effective, quality services to personnel wounded while participating in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and other veterans, and their families.
Pharmaceutical Drug Benefit: Monitor the pharmacy benefit and ensure that pharmacies maintain a broad uniform formulary. FRA supports efforts to reduce prescription costs through “federal pricing” and other discount programs, and will encourage increased utilization of home delivery prescriptions to limit co-pays for beneficiaries and reduce costs as alternatives to higher fees, and co-payments.
Allow Military Retirees to Pay for Healthcare with Pretax Dollars: Secure authorization for military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and allow for a tax deduction for TRICARE supplemental insurance premiums.
PROTECT PERSONNEL PROGRAMS
Active Duty Pay: Secure annual active duty pay increases that are at least equal to the Employment Cost Index (ECI).
Ensure Early Retirement Benefits for Involuntarily Separated Personnel: Early retirement and other benefits must be authorized for service members involuntarily separated with less than 20 years of service: including the temporary early retirement authority (TERA) program to minimize the impact of end strength reductions on career personnel. 
Defense Budget: Advocate for a Defense (DoD) Budget that is at least five (5) percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to ensure adequate funding for both personnel and weapons programs. 
Military Resale System: Oppose privatization and ensure adequate funding for the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) to preserve the value of the current benefit and access for all patrons, and oppose consolidation of military exchanges based on results of costly recent studies on this concept and opposition from the services.
End Strengths: Track Reserve and active duty end strengths to ensure there are adequate personnel available to meet the demands of Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom, and other operational requirements, and to minimize expanding deployment periods and reduced dwell times. 
BAH: Reform enlisted housing standards by allowing E-7s and above to reside in separate homes, track the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to ensure it is commensurate with actual housing costs, ensure adequate housing inventory and that housing privatization programs are beneficial to service members and their families.
PCS Reform: Track the PCS process; ensure adequate funding of the Transition and Relocation Assistance Programs, and authorization of increased PCS mileage rates and higher household goods weight limits for senior enlisted personnel. Also advocate for shipment of a second POV for accompanied overseas assignments.
SCRA Enforcement: Ensure that the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is enforced by regulatory agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Office of Military Affairs. 
Coast Guard Parity: Ensure funding parity with DoD of pay, benefits and housing for Coast Guard personnel plus adequate resources for same within the U.S. Coast Guard budget.
Impact Aid Program: Ensure that the Department of Education has adequate funding to reimburse local school districts for educating military children and that the DoD budget includes sufficient supplemental funds to provide support for highly impacted school districts.
Reservists Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Allow full tax-deductibility of non-reimbursable expenses related to military training and weekend drill. 
Sea Services Recruiters: Work to ensure that recruiters have unrestricted access to secondary schools, colleges and universities on the same basis as private sector employers. 
VETERANS’ ISSUES
Improve Department of Veterans’ Affairs Funding: Support initiatives to help ensure adequate funding for the VA, with special attention for VA health care to ensure access and care for all beneficiaries.
Support Blue Water Navy Agent Orange Disability Claims: Seek to reverse the VA’s policy that prevents “blue water” military retirees and veterans from claiming disability benefits for diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.
Improve VA Fiduciary Program: Ensure adequate oversight of the VA fiduciary program that cares for the most vulnerable veterans; and streamline regulatory oversight for those who are both caregivers and fiduciaries and regulated by separate VA programs. 
Oppose Access Fees: Oppose establishing a tiered enrollment fee structure for veterans in Priority Groups 7 and 8 within the VA Health Care System.
Improve VA Claim Processing: Work to eliminate the backlog of claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs and support reform of the antiquated Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) paper claims system.
Education Enhancements: Ensure full and timely implementation of improvements to the Post 9/11 GI Bill and work to improve other education benefit programs for veterans, and survivors of disabled or deceased veterans who died of a service-connected disability, were killed on active duty or while on drill status.
Reserve Retirees Veterans’ Status: Seek full veteran status for Reservists with 20 years or more of service, who do not otherwise qualify for full veterans’ benefits under current law.
SAFEGUARD RETIREE BENEFITS
Protect Military Retired or Retainer Pay: Fight efforts to reduce military retired or retainer pay and ensure equitable cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for all military retirees commensurate with their service and sacrifices, and oppose efforts to civilianize the military retirement system. And advocate for rounding up to the next dollar for retired pay and other benefits.
Concurrent Receipt: Support legislation authorizing the immediate payment of concurrent receipt of full military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation for all disabled retirees.
Reserve Retirement Age: Support extension of authority for early retirement (90 days active duty = three months reduction) for all Reservists who have served since 9/11/01, and the elimination of fiscal year specific rule associated with same.
USFSPA: Encourage the introduction and enactment of legislation to eliminate inequities in the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA).
Retention of Final Month’s Retired Pay: Support legislation authorizing the retention of the full final month’s retired pay by the surviving spouse (or other designated survivor) for the month in which the member was alive for at least 24 hours.
SBP/DIC Offset: Support legislation to repeal the SBP/DIC offset for surviving spouses of personnel who die of service-connected causes.
Paid-up SBP at Age 67: Work to change the minimum age for paid-up SBP from age 70 to age 67 which will allow those who joined the military at age 17, 18 or 19 and serve 20 years to only be required to pay SBP premiums for 30 years. 
Base Closures: Support retention of military treatment and other facilities at BRAC sites that are patronized by sizeable retiree and Reserve populations and closely monitor the impact of closures and realignments.
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Member Benefits

TAKE ACTION! 
FRA provides the Action Center on www.fra.org and a pocket guide called Communicate With Your Elected Officials to make communicating with members of Congress easy and convenient. On the Action Center, you can access a list of hot issues and send pre-written messages (or write your own) to your legislators to weigh in. You can also look up your senators and representative to see how they’ve voted on issues of importance to FRA shipmates. Both the Action Center and the Communicate With Your Elected Officials guide are free benefits brought to you by FRA. If you would like a copy of Communicate With Your Elected Officials, please e-mail Eileen@fra.org and include your name and mailing address.
Communicate!
FRA offers Communities on www.fra.org to help shipmates keep in touch with their branch, communicate with HQ, and get information. Use the Communities and be involved! Login to www.fra.org and click Communities. You will see the communities to which you belong — each branch and MALs have individual communities. There are also communities for FRA Today and OnWatch readers, people concerned about health care, and more. This is a place to ask the experts or share your opinions or frustrations. 
NewsBytes
NewsBytes is a free weekly legislative e-mail update designed to keep recipients up-to-date between issues of FRA Today. To subscribe, e-mail newsbytes@fra.org and include your member number (found above your name on the cover of this magazine). To listen to NewsBytes by phone, call 1-800-FRA-1924, ext. 112. 
Provide Input!
FRA is very interested in hearing from you. There’s always a survey available at www.fra.org/survey. The surveys are quick, easy and help us share your concerns with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Like FRA!
Visit www.fra.org/fb to view FRA’s Facebook page and join our growing list of fans who “like” us. It’s a great place to post photos, videos, have discussions and find old friends. If you’re already on Facebook, you can invite others to check out FRA and use the page as a great recruiting tool! Our fans also are the first to hear of breaking news, get links to items of importance and shortcuts to other pages of interest.
Take control!
When you login to www.fra.org, not only can you access members-only information, you can also control your membership record. Would you like to subscribe to NewsBytes? Simply click a box. Are you needing a replacement membership card or invoice? Click a box and we’ll send you one within 24 business hours. You can also donate directly to FRA online and even print out a copy of your donation history for your records.
FRA Affinity Partners
FRA also has partnerships with several companies for the benefit of FRA members. When you use these companies, not only do you get a discount, but FRA receives a royalty as well. It’s a win-win situation — and a fantastic way for you to help FRA while you are helping yourself!
FRA MasterCard from USAA
FRA is partnering with USAA to administer a new FRA MasterCard program. This award-winning financial services company is committed to providing outstanding customer service to our shipmates. 
GEICO Car Insurance
Call 1-800-MILITARY (1-800-645-4827) and ask for the FRA member benefit discount. 
Capella University 
FRA members and spouses are eligible for tuition discounts at Capella University, an accredited, military-friendly, online university that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults. Visit www.capella.edu/FRA for more information. 
Columbia Southern University 
In an education alliance with FRA, Columbia Southern University offers competitive tuition rates, waives application fees for service members and offers discounts to FRA shipmates. Visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/Partners/LearningPartners/fleet for further details.
FRA Endorsed Insurance Programs
As an FRA member you can choose from high quality, competitively priced insurance plans to help protect you and your family. Each quality plan has been designed for FRA members like you. You can select insurance protection to meet your family’s insurance needs at economical group rates. Request information regarding the plans of your choice through this website: www.FRAinsure.com or call toll-free 1-800-424-1120.
Navy Times/MARINE CORPS TIMES
FRA members qualify for a special subscription rate of 52 weeks for $39.95. Call 1-800-368-5718 to start or renew your subscription. Use FRA priority member code: 1516N3.
Avis Car Rentals
When making reservations through Avis at 1-800-331-1212 or www.avis.com, be sure to use your FRA membership benefit discount: AWD#T867500.
HERTZ Car Rentals
When making reservations through Hertz at 1-800-654-3131 or www.hertz.com, be sure to use your FRA membership benefit discount: CDP#332104.
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Feature: Convention Highlights 
FRA, Auxiliary Elect National Officers
FRA Convention delegates elected NVP and PRPSE Mark Kilgore of Branch 22 (Pensacola, Fla.) as the Association’s National President for the 2012-2013 Association Year. PRPWC Virgil Courneya of Branch 274 (Reno, Nev.) was elected National Vice President for the same period. 
LA FRA delegates elected NVP Diane Hoover of Unit 24 (Annapolis, Md.) to serve as the Auxiliary’s National President and NFS Karen Smith of Unit 11 (Fort Worth, Texas) as National Vice President. 
Constitution and ByLaws/Standing Rules Changes
Convention delegates voted to:
•	Consolidate the New England and Northeast Regions of the Association, effective at the close of the 86th National Convention (in 2013).
•	Reduce the number of members required to establish a new FRA branch from 25 to 20. 
•	Dissolve the FRA Building Committee and transfer the responsibility for maintaining the FRA National Headquarters (NHQ) building to the NHQ staff. 
•	Allow LA FRA units to conduct Auxiliary business when their sponsoring branch’s charter has been suspended, revoked or voluntarily surrendered. 
•	Clarify the process for removing elected officers from their post if they fail to perform their duties. 
•	Terminate the FRA Defined Employee Pension Fund. 
•	Make the Special Committee on Future Strategic Planning a standing national committee, which will now be the National Committee on Future Planning, chaired by PNP Joe Maez. 
•	Eliminate requirement that Americanism Essay Contest entrants provide Social Security numbers.
Resolutions to establish an Associate membership category and limit FRA national conventions to three days were not approved. Delegates also rejected a resolution to make the chairman of the Membership and Retention Committee an appointed position. 
Honorary Members
Convention delegates granted honorary FRA membership to: Terry D. Holland (sponsored by Branch 162, New Orleans, La.), The Honorable Gus Bilirakis (sponsored by Branch 188, Tampa, Fla.), Robert Walton Perrizo (sponsored by Branch 367, San Miguel, P.I.) and William E. Baker (sponsored by Branch 11, Fort Worth, Texas). 
A Certificate of Merit was awarded to Paul S. Cabasug (sponsored by Branch 171, Southern Luzon, P.I.).
2014 National Conventions
Delegates accepted the proposal of Corpus Christi Branch and Unit 94 to host the 2014 FRA and Auxiliary National Conventions in Corpus Christi, Texas. The event will be held October 12 through 18, 2014, at the Omni Bayfront Hotel, where rooms will cost $109/night, plus tax for single/double occupancy rooms. 
Convention Speakers
Opening Ceremonies — Wednesday, October 17th
FRA and LA FRA delegates took part in the Convention’s joint opening ceremonies, which included remarks from keynote speaker Mark Clookie, director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and Kevin Secor, the Veterans Service Officer Liaison for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 
Clookie opened his remarks with a brief video about NCIS and its diverse mission and international scope. The agency that used to require its agents to be undercover all the time is now very public in its efforts to investigate and thwart terrorist, foreign intelligence and criminal threats to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. NCIS works in partnership with other law enforcement agencies and employs both civilian and active duty/Reserve personnel to achieve its missions. NCIS’ mission is similar to FRA’s, according to Clookie. “We’re both here to protect Sailors, Marines and their families. 
“Diversity is critical, particularly since we are spread so thin,” Clookie said of the force that works to address high-tech threats, investigate damage to U.S. assets, conduct counter-terrorism task forces, provide proactive efforts to curb adult sexual assault and physical exploitation of children, address a significant upturn in the use of synthetic drugs and counter “threats from within,” such as service members who sell military secrets. 
Clookie also praised the actors and producers of the NCIS television series, thanking them for their extraordinary support for the real-life work of NCIS. Thanks to the exposure created by the TV show, Clookie says the agency can choose the very best candidates for its special agent corps. “We receive approximately 4,500 applications for the 24 training slots we have in each class and we can afford to be very choosy. Our candidates have zero drug abuse in their backgrounds and many have foreign language capabilities.” 
Secor thanked shipmates and Auxiliary members for their continued service and support of our nation’s veterans, calling them the “faces of American exceptionalism” and drawing parallels between our organizations’ and the VA’s work to take care of those who trained and fought for our country. He spoke of the VA’s efforts to increase access to healthcare and other services, reduce the backlog of unresolved disability claims and reduce homelessness among America’s vets, as well as the 40-percent increase in funding since 2009 that will help achieve these goals. 
He also discussed the decision to add three new Agent Orange-associated conditions to the list of those presumed related to military service, which is associated with one of FRA’s top priorities. New clinics and poly-trauma centers, additional women’s veteran coordinators, and the online E-benefits programs also make it easier for veterans to get the help they need. (Read Tom Philpott’s syndicated Military Update column of 10-25-2012 at www.fra.org to learn more about E-benefits.) The Department is also working to automate the claims process to accelerate the claims adjudication process and new programs are already making an impact in reducing homelessness among veterans. Secor also spoke of technologies that will improve services to veterans and the implementation of a joint VA/Department of Defense suicide hotline that is saving lives. 
Secor said these efforts could not be accomplished without the support of the FRA, and asked convention delegates to continue their advocacy on Capitol Hill for veterans and volunteer endeavors in their communities. 
First Business Session — Wednesday, October 17th
Johnie Webb, deputy to the Commander for External Relations and Legislative Affairs for Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), addressed delegates during FRA’s first business session, explaining the important work being done to account for missing U.S. military personnel. JPAC efforts have identified the remains of two World War I veterans in the past year and work continues to identify the more than 80,000 unaccounted for personnel who served from World War II to present. 
“We’ve been finding, recovering and identifying between 70 and 80 service members a year, but Congress wants us to do more. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2010 tasks us with developing our capacity and capabilities to identify 200 per year by 2015. That means we must recover approximately 250 per year, since some we recover can’t be identified,” explained Webb, adding that it takes between 18 and 24 months to identify human remains. 
He went on to elaborate on challenges associated with recovering remains in countries where diplomatic relations break down, or identifying remains for service members who have no DNA on file. “We have good DNA samples for about 80 percent of Korea and Vietnam personnel and we’re working to obtain samples for the remaining 20 percent. By comparison, we only have DNA on file for about one percent of World War II service members.” He encouraged shipmates to visit and refer others to JPAC’s website (www.jpac.pacom.mil) if they know anyone who has a missing relative from any U.S. military conflict. By donating a DNA sample, you may be able to help JPAC in its identification efforts.
To meet its goal to recover and identify more missing service members, JPAC plans to conduct 90 missions in 16 different countries during 2013, including efforts to identify Tarawa Marines and Pearl Harbor casualties from the USS California and USS Oklahoma buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, a.k.a. the “Punch Bowl.” JPAC is one the few federal agencies with increasing manpower and budget to accomplish its mission. “We aren’t proposing wholesale excavation,” Webb said of the proposal, “and we have to believe we have enough information to identify the remains before we disinter these men.” 
“JPAC’s motto is ‘Until they are home,’ and we are committed to meeting our goal,” said Webb. “It’s a huge undertaking, but we are up to the challenge.”
Second Business Session — Thursday, October 18th
Dave Pennington, coordinator for the Navy’s Safe Harbor Anchor and Adaptive Sports programs and former Force Master Chief for the Navy Reserve, spoke during the Second Business Session, thanking shipmates for partnering with Safe Harbor to help wounded warriors transition from military service to the civilian world. 
“You just don’t know how much it means when somebody who’s had a really bad day in the Navy … whether they be wounded in battle or hurt on the ship, maybe at a liberty incident, maybe somebody that just got the news that they have some type of illness … knows they can come to FRA and ask for somebody who’s familiar with that area to be a shipmate and friend, to be an advocate, to be there, day or night,” explained Shipmate Pennington. “Many of our FRA members have done that with our wounded warriors, and we want to continue that partnership.”
He went on to thank FRA member Dennis Egge, who was Safe Harbor’s first mentor, and other FRA shipmates, including PNP Ralph Schmidt,  who’ve helped transitioning Sailors and shared some of their stories. The program has grown substantially in the past three years, going from five enrolled Sailors to 85. “Navy Safe Harbor is alive and well,” said Pennington, “and I thank you so much.” 
FORCM (SW/AW) Earl Gray Jr., of Navy Recruiting Command, also addressed delegates during the Second Business Session, thanking FRA for all they’ve done and continue to do for Navy personnel. He referenced that some Sailors regard the word “shipmate” as a derogatory term and spoke of his efforts to redefine what it really means and how it relates to the FRA and the Association’s advocacy for deckplate Sailors. 
Shipmate Gray went on to share the six words Admiral Jonathan Greenert, the Navy’s chief of Naval Operations, believes all Sailors should know: Warfighting first, operating forward, be ready. RADM Earl L. Gay, commander of Naval Recruiting Command, has a similarly summarized philosophy for the command: Recruit readiness, articulate expectations, and always transparency. He went on to emphasize that everyone is a recruiter in one way or another, particularly those who’ve served in the military. 
He also described Recruiting Command’s structure, which is divided into 26 districts in two regions and includes 1,400 recruiting stations around the country. With the exception of Reserve medical personnel, Recruiting Command is exceeding its recruiting goals and Gray praised the more than 6,500 military and civilian personnel who comprise the command. “Our young folks are doing a phenomenal job at Recruiting Command,” said Gray.
Senior Enlisted Leadership Panel — Friday, October 19th 
Enlisted leaders from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard provided insights into their respective services during the Senior Enlisted Panel discussion, facilitated by NED Joe Barnes. 
FORCM Earl Gray added to his earlier brief on Navy recruiting by outlining the weekly e-mail update he provides to recruiters in his command. The one-page, 60-second snapshot highlights a single topic that is relevant to enlisted Navy leaders, and Shipmate Gray invited convention delegates to help him draft an update about what FRA is doing to support deckplate Sailors. 
During the Q&A session that followed the presentation, Gray was asked how the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell has impacted Navy recruiting. He said it has had no impact and the other panelists said the same holds true for their respective services. “Some people believed the repeal was going to be a big deal, but quite simply, it’s not,” said Gray. “The bottom line is Sailors are doing their jobs.”
Sergeant Major Cevet Adams, sergeant major for Marine Corps’ Manpower and Reserve Affairs, thanked shipmates for “allowing me to be where I am today” and spoke about the Corps’ challenges to prepare for war and, at the same time, face domestic issues such as suicide, sexual assault and alcohol abuse. 
“We’ve had 41 Marines die by suicide since January 1, compared to a total of 32 suicides for all of last year,” Adams explained. “We’re going kneecap-to-kneecap with our Marines, looking them in the eye and getting everyone involved” in the fight against this disturbing trend. 
Shipmate Adams spoke about the dramatic improvements to housing for Marines and their families, stating that substandard stateside housing is a thing of the past. He also referenced the cuts in funding and manpower that are on the horizon for the Marine Corps, saying the service will work to ensure their pay and benefits remain on par with the other services. As Marine Corps manpower declines from 200,000 to 182,100, Commandant James Amos has pledged to keep faith with those who are being separated from service. “We’re going to use a phased approach and honor the contracts we made with our Marines,” said Adams. 
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force Mark Allen brought greetings from Coast Guard Commandant Bob Papp and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Mike Leavitt, and spoke about the value of FRA and The Military Coalition, and the quality-of-life benefits Coast Guard personnel enjoy because of their work. Shipmate Allen referenced FRA’s involvement in helping the Coast Guard address suicide rates, housing improvements and childcare concerns, and thanked the Association for its support of the USCG’s Enlisted Person of the Year and other recognition programs.
Allen also outlined Commandant Papp’s four lessons for navigating the fiscally “uncertain and stormy seas” that lie ahead for the Coast Guard, citing the need to have a well-trained crew, standing orders and a strong communications system, a well-equipped crew, and the importance of taking care of the crew and their families. As part of this fourth segment, he outlined the service’s Family Campaign that will include retreats for couples (provided by the chaplains’ corps) and service-wide physical fitness requirements.
Command Master Chief (CMC) Evelyn Banks, the CMC for Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), addressed delegates about the importance of time and explained how today’s Sailors are being asked to prioritize their responsibilities in terms of things that absolutely must be done; things that need to be done, but perhaps can occur less frequently; and what they simply do not have time to accomplish. 
“Sailors are being asked to do more with less, it’s causing stress on the fleet. We are ready to take on additional challenges if required, but stress is the enemy and we’re taking a close look at how to best invest our time and resources,” explained Shipmate Banks. 
She went on to thank FRA for its support of the Navy’s Sailor of the Year and Recruiter of the Year programs, as well as other efforts to improve the quality of life for Sailors and their families. She asked shipmates to share photos of their good work with her for a cruise book honoring the FRA. (Photos can be sent to evelyn.banks@navy.mil) 
______________________________________________________
Lauren Armstrong is the Contributing Editor and an Auxiliary Member at Large. She can be reached at lauren@fra.org.
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Convention Workshops 
New Convention Attendees
PRPSC Don Larson and Eileen Murphy, FRA’s Director of Marketing and Communications, helped convention first-timers understand some of the Association’s convention procedures and traditions. They provided an overview of the voting process and delegate designations, a recap of the schedule for the upcoming week and some insights into the time-honored traditions that make national conventions so special for shipmates and Auxiliary members. First-time convention attendees were recognized during the joint opening ceremonies and encouraged to ask questions of those with more convention experience. 
Promoting Membership 
FRA staff members presented a workshop on strengthening FRA’s membership base through internal and external channels. Penny Collins, FRA’s Director of Membership Development, talked about the importance of retaining current FRA members through communications, recognition programs and mentoring efforts. FRA’s Outreach Manager Bob Washington spoke about reaching new and prospective shipmates through volunteer efforts at community events, at area military bases and recruiting offices, and the various recruiting tools available through FRA Headquarters. Lauren Armstrong, Communications Manager, highlighted the effective use of FRA’s website, weekly e-mail update NewsBytes, FRA Today magazine, and other communications vehicles as recruiting and retention tools. 
Managing Personal Finance
LtCol. Bob Wiedower, USMC (Ret.), a certified financial planner for USAA, presented a workshop on developing and assessing individual fiscal fitness plans. He outlined the four steps to financial fitness: 
Plan: Develop a roadmap to your financial goals
Protect: With insurance and estate planning tools
Invest: Understand your cash-flow and prepare for retirement
Manage: With periodic reviews of your financial goals and progress. 
He also discussed the importance of identifying “needs” and “wants,” developing a saving and spending plan (budget), and the need for emergency savings that will cover three to six months of expenses. Wiedower also talked about credit scores and the need to individualize your retirement plan while also considering tax implications. He also invited shipmates to visit www.usaa.com to use their online calculator to assess their retirement plans. 
VA Programs
Veterans’ Administration (VA) Special Liaison Kevin Secor, members from the Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA) Chief Business Office and FRA National Veterans Service Officer (NVSO) Chris Slawinski provided an overview of VA programs and policies. VA leaders spoke about the transformation efforts being undertaken throughout the Department, particularly the emphasis on ending veteran homelessness by 2015. Discussion included improvements to services provided at VA Medical Centers, new processes for claims processing and ways to assist veterans with their experience at VA facilities. Shipmates in attendance were afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the experts and provide feedback on their experiences with the VA. NVSO invited shipmates to get involved with their local VA facilities through the VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) program.
NVSO Program/Claims Processing 
NVSO Slawinski and Assistant Director of Legislative Programs (ADLP) Ed Dockery, who is also a veterans’ service officer (VSO), presented a workshop on FRA’s VSO program and the VA claims process. Since FRA’s establishment in 1924, shipmates have been aiding veterans with their claims for benefits. Although FRA didn’t become a congressionally chartered Veteran Service Organization until 1996, the Association has been representing veterans at the VA since 1927 and is actively engaged in its advocacy for those who serve or have served. Annually, FRA presents testimony to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs and other key congressional committees. Slawinski discussed how to apply for the FRA VSO Program, which includes submitting an FRA application, successful completion of a VA-approved course and submitting a completed VA Form 21 (Application for Accreditation as Service Organization Representative). ADLP Dockery presented a comprehensive overview on the VA claims process, how to file a claim, the required evidence for a successful claim, the time-line for claim consideration, what VA decisions mean, and what to do if you are not satisfied with the decision, which includes understanding the appeal process, requesting an increase and special considerations for service-connected exposures to Agent Orange or radiation. 
For more information on VA programs, please contact NVSO Chris Slawinski at 1-800-FRA-1924 (ext. 115) or by e-mail at vafra@fra.org.

In addition to the workshops, educational training sessions were included as part of convention business sessions.  NED Joe Barnes, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs Ed Dockery and NVSO Chris Slawinski provided an update on the legislative work of the Association. Eileen Murphy, Director of Marketing and Communications, provided an educational session on FRA’s membership database and showed delegates a variety of online tools that can help them recruit and retain members.

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Convention Awards 
FRA National Committees announced the following awards during the Association’s 85th National Convention:

Americanism-Patriotism Committee
The Committee on Americanism-Patriotism announced the following awardees: 
First Place
Group I - Branch 46 (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Group II - Branch 11 (Fort Worth, Texas)
Group III - Branch 162 (New Orleans, La.)
Group IV - Branch 316 (Springfield, Mo.)
Group V - Branch 15 (Walhalla, S.C.)
Second Place
Group I - Branch 91 (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Group II - Branch 126 (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Group III - Branch 170 (Everett, Wash.)
Group IV - Branch 201 (Austin, Texas)
Group V - Branch 223 (Benton, Ky.)
Third Place
Group I - Branch 99 (Virginia Beach, Va.)
Group II - Branch 136 (Minneapolis, Minn.)
Group III - Branch 182 (Bethesda, Md.)
Group IV - Branch 186 (Hernando, Fla.)
Group V - Branch 132 (Pawtucket, R.I.)

The Walter “Step” Rowell Award for the 1st place overall report goes to Branch 46 (Honolulu, Hawaii).

The Leonard “Swede” Nelson Award for Shipmate of the Year goes to Paul Gunther, Branch 182 (Bethesda, Md.).

The Robert Doherty Award for Shipmate for special recognition goes to Shipmate Terrence M. Louis, Branch 251 (Mt. Home, Ark.).

Hospitality, Welfare and Recreation Committee
The Committee on Hospitality, Welfare and Recreation selected the following winners in Groups I through V:
First Place
Group I - Branch 269 (Goose Creek, S.C.)
Group II - Branch 126 (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Group III - Branch 5 (Norfolk, Va.) 
Group IV - Branch 299 (Wilmington, N.C.)
Group V - Branch 217 (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
Second Place
Group I - Branch 46 (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Group II - Branch 40 (Chesapeake, Va.)
Group III - Branch 161 (Kansas City, Kans.)
Group IV - Branch 298 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
Group V - Branch 145 (Lincoln, Neb.)
Third Place
Group I - Branch 24 (Annapolis, Md.) 
Group II - Branch 11 (Fort Worth, Texas)
Group III - Branch 162 (New Orleans, La.)
Group IV - Branch 186 (Hernando, Fla.)
Group V - Branch 112 (Birmingham, Ala.)

The committee has selected the following shipmate to be the National Shipmate of the Year: Howard Dellert, Branch 5 (Norfolk, Va.).

Public Relations Committee
The Committee on Public Relations evaluated the branch committee reports and selected the following awardees:
First Place
Group I - Branch 269 (Goose Creek, S.C.)
Group II - Branch 175 (Orange County, Calif.)
Group III - Branch 5 (Norfolk, Va.)
Group IV - Branch 186 (Hernando, Fla.)
Group V - Branch 15 (Walhalla, S.C.)
Second Place
Group I - Branch 46 (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Group II - Branch 20 (Groton, Conn.)
Group III - Branch 170 (Everett, Wash.)
Group IV - Branch 77 (Green Valley, Ariz.)
Group V - Branch 258 (Erie, Pa.)
Third Place
Group I - Branch 61 (Chula Vista, Calif.)
Group II - Branch 136 (Minneapolis, Minn.)
Group III - Branch 162 (New Orleans, La.)
Group IV - Branch 316 (Springfield, Mo.)
Group V - Branch 98 (Shreveport, La.)

Shipmate of the Year – Shipmate Charles F. Fry, Branch 115 (Allentown, Pa.).

Youth Activities
The committee reviewed the reports submitted from each region of each Group to receive national recognition and have recommended the following:
First Place
Group I - Branch 289 (Imperial Beach, Calif.)
Group II - Branch 126 (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Group III - Branch 163 (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Group IV - Branch 316 (Springfield, Mo.)
Group V - Branch 37 (Portsmouth, Va.)
Second Place
Group I - Branch 24 (Annapolis, Md.)
Group II - Branch 175 (Orange County, Calif.)
Group III - Branch 42 (Quonset Point, R.I.)
Group IV - Branch 201 (Austin, Texas)
Group V - Branch 34 (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Third Place
Group I - Branch 46 (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Group II - Branch 20 (Groton, Conn.)
Group III - Branch 162 (New Orleans, La.)
Group IV - Branch 110 (Nashville, Tenn.)
Group V - Branch 72 (Fall River, Mass.)

Shipmate of the Year: Robert Kerwood, Branch 42 (Quonset Point, R.I.).

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FRA National Officers 
National President
Mark A. Kilgore
Pensacola Branch 22
National Vice President
Virgil P. Courneya
High Sierra Branch 274
National Executive Director
Joseph L. Barnes
Navy Department Branch 181
Jr. Past National President
Jeffrey A. Gilmartin
Potomac Branch 207
New England
Paul F. Loveless Jr.
Pinetree Branch 156
Northeast 
David Munday III 
Lakehurst Branch 124
East Coast 
Donald A. Hoover 
Annapolis Branch 24
Southeast 
James E. Robbins Jr.
First Coast Branch 91
North Central 
John W. Partin II
Greater St. Louis Branch 267
South Central 
Robert A. Holcomb 
Capital Area Branch 201
Southwest 
Charles Baker 
Fabulous Vegas Branch 90
West Coast 
Shane S. Dunstan 
Salt Lake City Branch 185
Northwest 
Margret A. Burke 
Inland Empire Branch 38
Finance Officer
Paul Rigby
Honorary Member
National Parliamentarian
PNP Bob Beese 
Volusia County Branch 335
National Chaplain 
Earnest Reed 
Tallahassee Branch 34
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 Membership Matters 

Membership and Retention Awards
The National Committee on Membership and Retention met during FRA’s 85th National Convention and discussed a variety of issues related to increasing the Association’s membership. As noted on page 14, convention delegates considered and voted on several resolutions related to FRA membership, including reducing the number of members required to establish a new branch from 25 to 20. This will hopefully make it even easier to start a new branch in your area. Additionally, a resolution to create an Associate membership category was defeated, and the Director of Membership Development will continue to serve as chairman of the Membership and Retention Committee.  The consolidation of the New England and Northeast Regions at the end of next year’s convention in Chattanooga will also impact how membership statistics are tracked at National Headquarters. 
Overall, 3,460 new and/or reinstated members joined the FRA during the 2011–12 recruiting period. Shipmates are encouraged to continue their recruiting and retention efforts to stabilize our membership base and grow the Association. 
FRA 100% AWARD
Of the Association’s 246 branches, 31 branches (12.6%) had qualifying recruiting gains or no losses and are listed below:  
GROUP I
(1 of 9 Branches – 11.1%)
Mayport Branch 290 – 1.43% Southeast Region
GROUP II
(2 of 22 Branches – 9.0%)
Groton Branch 020 – 11.85%
New England Region
Yokosuka Branch 103 – 11.82%
Northwest Region
GROUP III
(2 of 30 Branches – 6.66%)
Elizabeth City Branch 293 – 85.59%
East Coast Region
The Delbert D. Black Branch 117 – 5.04%
Southeast Region
GROUP IV
(9 of 70 Branches – 12.85%)
Dungeness Branch 174 – 15.00% Northwest Region
Del Herrmann Branch 299 – 6.11% East Coast Region
Carson Branch 302 – 6.06% Southwest Region
Cheyenne Branch 059 – 2.40% Northwest Region
Bicol Region Branch 127 – 2.27% Northwest Region
Baton Rouge Branch 371 – 2.11% South Central Region
Washington, DC Branch 004 – 1.89% East Coast Region
Mt. Rainer Branch 104 – 1.34% Northwest Region
San Miguel Branch 367 – 0.61% Northwest Region
GROUP V
(17 of 119 Branches 14.28%)
Old Navy Home Branch 307 – 70.21% South Central Region
Cape Fear Region Branch 259 – 62.75% 
East Coast Region
The Leland Alexander Memorial Golden Corner Branch 015 – 28.30%
Southeast Region
Southern Luzon Branch 171 – 11.11% Northwest Region
Chattanooga Choo Choo Branch 187 – 8.11%
Southeast Region
Crossville Tennessee Branch 294 – 8.00%
Southeast Region
Tennessee Valley Branch 044 – 6.25% Southeast Region
Latte Stone Branch 073 – 4.35% Northwest Region
Miagao Branch 064 – 3.03% Northwest Region
Commodore Perry Branch 258 – 2.86%
Northeast Region
Sierra Tahoe Branch 137 – 2.56% West Coast Region
Asheville Branch 361 – 2.50%
East Coast Region
Volusia County Branch 335 – 2.17% Southeast Region
Stockton California Branch 113 – 0.00%
West Coast Region
Tallahassee Branch 034 – 0.00% Southeast Region
Bluegrass Branch 284 – 0.00%
North Central Region
Shreveport Bossier Branch 098 – 0.00%
South Central Region
THE CHARLES E. LOFGREN AWARD FOR BRANCHES 
The Charles E. Lofgren Award for branches is awarded in recognition of excellence in membership promotion in competition with the branches within the same group. Each winning branch received a captain’s desk bell. 
GROUP I
Mayport Branch 290, Mayport, Fla.
(1.43% recruiting gain)
GROUP II
Groton Branch 20, Groton, Conn.
(11.85% recruiting gain)
GROUP III
Elizabeth City Branch 293, Elizabeth City, N.C. (85.59% recruiting gain)
GROUP IV
Sequim Branch 174, Sequim, Wash.
(15.00% recruiting gain)
GROUP V
Gulfport  Branch 307, Gulfport, Miss.
(70.21% recruiting gain)

THE CHARLES E. LOFGREN AWARD FOR INDIVIDUALS 
The Charles E. Lofgren Award for Individuals is awarded to the FRA member in each group who has recruited the greatest number during the preceding April 1 – March 31 period. Each awardee received an engraved desk clock.
GROUP I
Don Hoover, Annapolis (Md.) Branch 24 (34 Members)
GROUP II
Michael T. Mayo, Yokosuka (Japan) Branch 103 (39 Members)
GROUP III
Franklin Gates, Elizabeth City (N.C.) Branch 293 (80 Members)
GROUP IV
James J. Johnson, Baton Rouge (La.) Branch 371 (26 Members)
GROUP V
Robert Rutherford, Gulfport (Miss.) Branch 307 (13 Members)
THE ABRAHAM M. ROSENBERG MEMBERSHIP AWARD
The Abraham M. Rosenberg Membership Award winner is selected from one of the branches awarded the The Charles E. Lofgren Award for branches in recognition of outstanding membership promotion. This year the Rosenberg Award is presented to Elizabeth City Branch 293, Elizabeth City, N.C., with a recruiting gain of 85.59%.  

FRANK J. MCPHERSON MEMORIAL AWARD
Four nominations were received for the Frank J. McPherson Memorial Award, which is presented to one shipmate who exemplifies FRA’s three cardinal principles of Loyalty, Protection and Service, particularly in membership endeavors. 
Nominations for this award were submitted by regions on behalf of the following shipmates:

Franklin Gates, Elizabeth City Branch 293, East Coast Region
David A. Field, NOLA Branch 162, South Central Region
Stephen J. Miglionico, Delbert. D. Black Branch 117, Southeast Region
John D. Ippert, Pearl Harbor-Honolulu Branch 46, Northwest Region

The award recipient of the Frank J. McPherson Memorial Award is Shipmate PRPNW John D. Ippert, Branch 46.
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Penny Collins is FRA’s Director of Membership Development and a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Md. She can be reached at penny@fra.org.

Convention Sponsors 
FRA thanks our Convention Sponsors!

Platinum Level
Marsh
USAA
United Healthcare

Gold Level
Express Scripts
Geico
US Family Health Plan

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Taps 
Anderson, Donald S, ADJ1, USN	179
Astleford, Nathan L, CDR, USN	047
Atkins, Robert F, SKCM, USN	MAL

Bach, Leland W, YNC, USN	MAL
Badeaux, Henry, ETCS, USN	046
Baker, William F, LCDR, USN	182
Barber, Clyde, CPO, USN	091
Batts, James A, BMC, USN	MAL
Bennett, Otto R, GYSGT, USMC	047
Blomdal, Alfred, YNC, USN	MAL
Bolding, Robert B, ADRC, USN	289
Borden, Curtis R, BMCS, USN	210
Boyd, James R, HM1, USN	017
Bramley, Wayne M, PO1, USN	099
Briggs, Larry E, ETCM(SS), USN	MAL
Brown, George J, SHCS, USN	242
Brundell, Dennis L, POC, USN	MAL
Burdick, Harvey, YN1, USN	MAL
Burns, Freddy C, CTAC, USN	126
Byrd, Robert S, CPO, USN	251
Byrne, William J., MEG2, USN	251

Caparas, Solomon V, EM1, USN	084
Castro, Albert A, AOC, USN	093
Claywood, Ernest J, CPO, USN	MAL
Clewes, Owen P, ICC (SS), USN	181
Collins, Robert L, POCS, USN	120
Conoley, Ralph M, FTCS, USN	MAL
Costen, Robert, CPL, USMC	178
Covey, Charles D, DKC, USN	179
Craw, Fredrick R, EM1, USN	001

Davis, Robert H, ETCM(SS), USN	005
Delap, Harold L, CS1, USN	136
Delk, James F, CPO, USN	001
Disch, Joseph J, EN1, USN	136
Dixson, Robert, RM1, USN	060
Dodson, William E, ICC, USN	130
Drozd, Michael, DC1, USN	071

Ernst, Emil, BMC, USN	291

Fairbanks, Owen A, BMCM, USN	338
Fenno, Charles J, CTRC, USN	269
Fernandez, Louis J, ADRC, USN	118
Fischer, Henry A, LT, USN	057
Forbes, James C, QMC, USN	141
Forcier, Laurent J, PO1, USN	022
Foss, Harold R, DCCS, USN	047
Fox, James H, CWO3, USN	124
Franklin, Curtis L, GYSGT, USMC	123
Freach, Stephen G, RMC(SS), USN	241
Fulton, Raymond, LCDR, USN	024

Galvin, Richard J, ADRC, USN	001
Gandy, J L, YN1, USN	201
Gembitsky, Jake, POCS, USN	099
George, Charles R, YNC, USN	186
Gibson, Robert W, EN2(SS), USN	MAL
Gilbert, Gary L, MT1(SS), USN	MAL
Gimble, Julius J, SKC, USN	216
Goedel, Herbert C, HTC, USN	MAL
Gomez, Benjamin, GYSGT, USMC	091
Goosens, Peter T, QMCS, USN	014
Gray, Dennis L, GMT1, USN	MAL
Guthrie, Henry, BMC, USN	060

Haddick, Charles E, MMC, USN	163
Hardenbergh, Thomas E, AFCM, 
USN	MAL
Harmon, Wallace J, ATC, USN	091
Hart, Bernard M, ETCS, USN	MAL
Helvie, Howard E, MM1, USN	348
Hickman, Johnnie E, AECS, USN	264
Himebaugh, Walter M, MSGT, USMC	066
Hixson, Jerry C, CSC, USN	160
Howard, Edward E., BM1, 210
Howard, Lawrence A, HM2, USN	371
Hurt, Alfred, CAPT, USN	MAL
Hutchinson, Jack B, HMCM, USN	MAL

Jenkins, Keith C., SGT, USMC	060
Johnson, James W, BTCM, USN	053
Jones, Marshall C, AFCM, USN	025
Jones, Billy F, HMCM, USN	MAL

Kennedy, Lester, CPO, USN	037
Kerrigan, Vincent J., AQCS, USN	MAL
Keys, Talbert, CTAC, USN	MAL
Knight, Alfred, TMCM, USN	MAL
Kubisiak, Eugene F, AOC, USN	091

Levy, William F, GMCS, USN	201
Leyden, John J, LCDR, USN	057
Lyttle, Dennis G, CTMC, USN	MAL

Maddron, Ernest, MSGT, USMC	MAL
Mahaley, Francis S, AOC, USN	091
Marshall, Edward C, CWO, USN	008
Mc Canna, James R, GMM1, USN	072
McCarthy, John J, LCDR, USN	MAL
McCullough, Larry R, AFCM, USN	086
McElroy, James M, ADJC, USN	034
McGrath, John L, AE1, USN	005
McKinnon, Winfred R, AFCM, USN	282
McMahon, Edward G, MAC, USN	246
Melahn, John C., AMHC, USN	MAL
Miller, Donald B, PO1, USN	MAL
Miller, Ralph L, MRCS, USN	106
Millikin, John, ETC, USN	MAL
Mix, Arthur R, CTC, USN	027
Moran, Florant O, CM1, USN	093

Needham, Herbert C, CS1, USN	050
Neilson, Robert J, BTC, USN	MAL
Nix, Harold D, 03, USN	040
Nobles, Joseph R, MMCS, USN	MAL

Oshell, Elwood K, SKC, USN	292

Patawaran, Conrado, SD2, USN	046
Pearce, William R, PO1, USN	011
Petros, Jesus S, POC, USN	070
Phillips, George R, MMCM, USN	219
Pierce, James M, SH1, USN	MAL
Pontenberg, Forrest R, AEC, USN	101
Pruitt, William E, EMC(SS), USN	269
Pulford, James R, PNC, USN	136

Ragadio, Amado A, PO2, USN	074
Ramsey, Quillie A, CWO3, USN	091
Ricks, Calvin, SDC, USN	062
Riddell, Frank A, AOC, USN	101
Ritchey, Norman A, ADJC, USN	091
Robbins, Ross, HT1, USNR	334
Rossow, Harold, GMGC, USN	MAL

Santiago, Cecilio P, MSCS, USN	101
Seymour, Thomas J, CTMC, USN	269
Shoemaker, Stuart L, RMC, USN	101
Smith, Larry L, AFCM, USN	MAL
Sorrell, Donald M, AC1, USN	091
Stence, Robert E, CPO, USN	MAL
Stites, Robert C, AEC, USN	091
Stout, John E, ATCS, USN	060
Stover, Jack D, SH1, USN	MAL

Thall, Donald J, FTC(SS), USN	057
Thoma, Edward S, ADJC, USN	047
Tomsey, Joseph F, HMC, USN	MAL
Tremethick, Raymond D, HTC, USN	099
Tuomala, John C, HMCM, USN	274
Tuthill, Johne R, ADC, USN	034

Vitale, Anthony, SK2, USCG	249

Wade, Francis J., SN, USN	029
Ward, Wayne E, MMC, USN	MAL
Warren, James D, TMC, USN	022
Wassberg, Frederick H, GMGC, USN	047
Watters, Thomas J, 1STSGT, USMC	MAL
Welker, Alfred, ADI 	MAL
Wendt, Harold J, MUC, USN	067
West, Marvin L, MS1, USN	MAL
Westlake, John R, BMC, USN	024
White, Charles, EQCM, USN	MAL
Williams, Henry B, HMC, USN	182
Williams, Harold L, BM1, USN	MAL
Willis, Clarence R, AT1, USN	091

Names in bold indicate 50 year continuous members. 
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Reunions
NNPU/PM-3A (Antarctica)
May 6–May 11, 2013, Port Hueneme, CA. Contact Charlie Del Hierro, 805-483-4060, cbsrchief@verizon.net.
NRRA Naval Reserve Recruiter Association
April 18–21, 2013, Valley Forge, PA. Contact John Sperling, 215-368-7135, john_sperling@comcast.net.
PBR Forces Veterans Association, Inc.
September 12–15, 2013, New Orleans, LA. Contact Rich Fichtelman, 1766 Kirkwood Dr. Corono, CA 92882-3754, 951-734-5871, 
RFichtelman@sbcglobal.net.
USS Cony (DD/DDE-508)
May 15–19, 2013, Mobile, AL. Contact Ken Cox, 863-307-3187, kcox@tampabay.rr.com.
USS Copeland (FFG-25)
September 12–15, 2013, San Diego, CA. Contact Jim Humphrey, 530 Wedgewood Circle Belford, NJ 07718, 732-769-2179, mollieone2000@gmail.com.
USS Donner (LSD-20)
May 2–5, 2013, Providence, RI. Contact Dennis Heimbach, 610-775-7539, dheimb@1usa.com.
USS Lawrence Association (DDG-4 & DD-250)
June 19–23, 2013, San Diego, CA. Contact Craig Bernat, 135 Zurenda Lane, Mineral Point, PA 15942-4505, 814-322-4150, dguts@usslawrence.com.
USS Sam Rayburn (SSBN 635)
October 13–17, 2013, Nashville, TN. Contact Larry Oiler, 19 Regency Court Rochester, NH 03867, 207-651-5875, loiler@metrocast.net.
USS Ticonderoga Vets Association (CV/CVA/CVA-14/CG-47)
May 16–20, 2013, Colorado Sprgs, CO. Contact George Passantino, 720-929-1844, georgepsr@aol.com.
USS Waller (DD-466)
September 18–21, 2013, Lexington, KY. Contact Keith Lemons, 1100 N. OK-Schuler Rd., Waynesburg, KY 40489, 606-365-2902, hawkeyefarm1@searnet.com.
USS Yellowstone (AD-27) Assoc. Reunion #11
June 2–5, 2013, Chattanooga, TN. Contact Paul W. Bowen, 9394 SW 101 Lane, Ocala, FL 34481, 352-208-5400, bowp@att.net.
Going to a reunion?
Reunions are a great place to promote FRA membership! Contact Outreach Manager Bob Washington at 1-800-FRA-1924 ext. 113 or bobw@fra.org to request a guest speaker or materials to distribute at the reunion. FRA can also provide you with talking points to speak on at the reunion about legislative issues that affect you and your shipmates.
 Help your shipmates be informed and involved with what is happening on Capitol Hill by inviting them to visit the Action Center on www.fra.org and contact their elected officials. You can also offer a free subscription to NewsBytes, FRA’s weekly legislative email update. Anyone interested need only send their contact information to newsbytes@fra.org with “subscribe” in the subject line.

Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, submit to reunions@fra.org or mail to: FRA Reunions, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
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Looking for…
STC Jim Phillips
Served at NAVFAC Pacific Beach in 1969. Contact Neil R. G. Young at nrgyoung@comcast.net or at 410-321-6840.
Thomas Curry, stationed with NIS DaNang 1967
Tim Brady, stationed on PHIBRON 2 Staff. 
Contact YNC Bob Martin (Ret.) at oldsalt5783@gmail.com.
Anyone stationed at NPF El Centro, Calif., 1962–1963
Looking for anyone stationed with me, working in A/C maintenance.  I was an AMH3 and I’m looking for help proving a claim with the VA.  Please contact Darwin Wogan at darshibe@earthlink.net or 360-840-9347 or 360-853-6425.
Anyone stationed in VAH-4, Det. Bravo on USS Ticonderoga, 1965-1966
I was an AMH3 in Line Division and am trying to prove “boots on the ground.” Please contact Darwin Wogan at darshibe@earthlink.net or 360-840-9347 or 360-853-6425.
Freddie Waters
We served together aboard USS Tingey (DD-539) in 1962-1963, which was homeported in San Diego. He was a Torpedoman Third Class, originally from San Antonio, Texas.  Please contact Bob Udd at 360-942-3370. 
Finding Friends and Shipmates
In addition to the monthly “Looking For …” column in FRA Today, shipmates can use FRA’s online networks to find friends from the past. 

FRA’s Online “Looking For” Community: www.fra.org/communities
By clicking the “FRA Readers” link and then the “Looking For” link, shipmates can post a notice with information about the person they’re seeking. Be as specific as possible about names, nicknames, ships or duty stations, and when you were affiliated with them. Shipmates must log in to the site in order to participate in the communities. Log-in directions are available on the sign-in page.

FRA on Facebook:  www.fra.org/fb
By posting an “I’m trying to locate” message on FRA’s Facebook page, you can reach the growing number of folks who “like” us online. It’s also easy to post photos of the person you’re trying to find, as well as other identifying information about them. 

These notices are published on a space available basis. Notices must be submitted in writing. E-mail fratoday@fra.org or mail your request to: FRA,  125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA, 22314.

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Auxiliary of the FRA NEWS

A Message from National President Diane Hoover
2012–2013 National President’s Project: “America’s VetDogs”

America’s VetDogs-the Veteran’s K-9 Corps began as a program of the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc., to enhance and expand its outreach to disabled veterans. Created in 2003, the program became a separate 501(c) (3) notfor-profit in 2006. They are based in Smithtown, New York.
The VetDogs trains and provides guide dogs for the blind or visually impaired veterans and service dogs for veterans with disabilities other than blindness — at no cost to the veteran. From birth to training to placement and lifetime aftercare, the cost of training and placing one assistance dog is over $50,000! By working with the military, the VA, and other partners, America’s VetDogs increases the options and services for disabled veterans, ensuring that they get all the assistance they require to once again be self-reliant.
America’s VetDogs acquires most of its dogs from its sister organization, the GuideDog Foundation for the Blind. It has, through a pilot shelter dog program, also obtained rescue dogs to train as service dogs. 
More than 46,000 veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have returned home with life-altering injuries such as amputated limbs, blindness, paralysis, serious burns, traumatic brain injuries, and severe emotional trauma. What does it mean to veterans to have a service dog? It means changing their lives. It helps them regain their independence and mobility and improves their quality of life. It provides their families with a peace of mind, and it allows the dog to do the job that it was trained for and bred for.
When wounded service members are recovering from their injuries, they are surrounded by the men and women who have shared their experiences in battle. But when they return home, they leave this support system behind; the transition back to civilian life presents new challenges. Not only does a VetDog provide assistance with daily activities, it serves as a bridge; people focus on the dog, not the veteran’s disability. For some, the dog gives them the motivation to continue to conquer the additional demands they face in their daily lives.
I invite you to visit the VetDogs website (www.VetDogs.org) or their Facebook page to learn more about their programs. VetDogs has also placed dogs at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.; Eisenhower Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Ga.; and other VA medical centers. They work with physical and occupational therapists and mental health professionals.
It is with your support that America’s VetDogs can offer disabled veterans “a new beginning.” I reach out not only to the Branches and Units but also to each individual to support my National President’s Project and make a donation. You can go to LAFRA. VetDogs.org and make a donation by credit card; text VETDOGS LAFRA to 20222 on your cell phone to make a $10 donation (don’t forget to confirm the donation); or write a check to the LAFRA and mail it to the National Financial Secretary. 
My goal is to raise $50,000 to provide an assistance dog for one disabled veteran. Please help me make this goal. It is a huge goal but our veterans deserve it; they have sacrificed so much for us.
I am blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. I plan on calling on you throughout this year. Thank you all for your warm welcome, support and positive spirit as we navigate this period in our declining membership. I continue to be humbled by your dedication, passion and drive. Through these uncertain times, I am fully confident that we have the capacity and resilience to survive and thrive. I look forward to working alongside of NP Mark Kilgore FRA and I know together we will work on our membership.

Karen Snee is the editor of LA FRA News and the FRA Today Liaison
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