FRA Today – September 2018
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM THE FANTAIL
sHIPMATE FORUM
ON AND OFF CAPITOL HILL
FEATURE  STORY
FEATURE 2
2018 FRA Candidates & Resolutions
SHIPMATE NEWS
TAPS
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
AUXILIARY OF THE FRA
FINANCE MATTERS

COMMUNICATIONS

“Ah, the Navy Ain’t”
From Navy Day publication, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, October 27, 1940, Author Unknown.

The Old Salt spat at a passing rat, and borrowed a match from me:
Then scratched a match where his pants were tight, and spake quite fervently; “I’ll swear by gum, that it strikes me dumb-this kind of dang navee.
With not a sail, nor even a brail, and dog watches drinking tea.
‘Twas some years back that I took a crack at serving Uncle Sam; An’ ‘taint the same-except maybe the name-as ‘twere in them days, by damn!
We went aloft if the Old Man coughed, or if it began to blow; And got a root from a gov-ment boot if maybe we went too slow.
A trick at the wheel took an arm o’ steel, and lots of plain beef y’see, But now it’s did by a high school kid, and patent ‘lectricitee.
We got our rum an’ slap o’ slum almost every day or so, An’ mouldy bits of ship’s biskits if stores were running low.
Today I seed how these youngsters feed-the mess what they get each day, An’ strike me pink, if I don’t think I’d bin in a swell cafay.
It used to be that a man at sea was a sailor.  It makes me bile 
To see the way they cruise today with radiums, gas an’ ile. 
An’ not content to remain where meant-on top-where a ship should sail.
They go and man a sheet-iron can an’ dive like a blasted whale.”
The Old Salt spat, donned his hat, gave a hitch to those pants of his.
He’d had his say-so he creaked away, all itches and rheumatiz.
For sailor-man, since the flood began, and Noah put to sea, 
Has raised his plaint “AH - THE NAVY AIN’T, WHAT THE NAVY USED TO BE!”   

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FROM THE FANTAIL

“From the Fantail” is giving back

This month’s feature story on page 16 about veterans giving back is one of my favorites and says it all. During my life, this has come back to me, as I am sure it has come back to many of you in your careers, lives and your day-to-day experiences. There was great movie in 2000, that unbeknownst to us, blossomed into a profound national phenomenon. That movie, Pay It Forward, was a story of social studies teacher who was anxious for the last day of school, so he could jump in his car and start his summer vacation. It all changed when the principal stopped the teacher (Kevin Spacey) and said, “you are teaching summer school.” Little did he know how the portrayal of that young boy or how the mood of this country would grasp that “tipping point.”  The movies futuristic fortune became “a wave of kindness’ that not only affected the personal lives of the stars in the movie but also how it inspired many folks to pay it forward.
Giving back always has a “pay back” in one’s life.  For me, those moments of just sitting on the fantails of my former ships with my shipmates, brought us closer as I am sure for most of you. Those simplistic times of sharing, renewing adventures, pointing out directions and most important, the giving of time to each other—they can never be retraced.  
We all have a knack at giving back. Perhaps some of the following ideas can be the “head-start” and provide you the inspiration to begin that new adventure. 
•	Coaching Little League baseball, Pop-Warner football, basketball, soccer, etc.
•	Be a mentor and advocate at your local schools such as student/ teacher assistance or PTO Advisors.  Schools are always looking for adults to help.
•	Stop by your local Military Career Centers or Recruiting Offices to lend them a hand in the future development of their DEPpers, (delayed entry persons). Go help out at your local Reserve Centers on weekends.
•	Volunteer at local Youth and Veteran Centers in your communities.
•	USO’s, Wounded Warrior offices or even airports are always looking for veterans to volunteer. Who knows, you just may give that active duty person some advice and help them on their way. Maybe even sign up a new FRA member.
These are only the tip of the iceberg of life that we all can help in the paying it forward. Recently while on one of my trips to Newport, R.I., I met a 93-year-old FRA Shipmate at my favorite hang-out, DUNKIN’ DONUTs. He was so happy to meet someone from the national headquarters and we just started to talk.  Later, I realized that Andre and I were stationed together in Newport in the early 1970’s.  What a great experience that made both of our day. It is that first hand-shake introduction, and then who knows?
In short, “the fantail moments” in our lives can only springboard us anywhere. We must always strive for progress, not perfection! Pay it Forward, anywhere—shopping, schools or even athletic fields. Always look for those avenues to increase our true criterion of worth in the character of giving as FRA Shipmates.
In summary, please allow me share a quote by a famous basketball coach and philosopher, John Wooden, who said, “Make each day your masterpiece and, be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”   PAY IT FORWARD!  PRESS ON!  FRA

In loyalty, protection & service 
NED Tom Snee
Tom is FRA’s National Executive Director and can be reached at NEDFRA@fra.org

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sHIPMATE FORUM

Return Address Labels
Thank you for the Return Address Labels. I am 85 years old and will be 86 in August. I do not write many letters anymore, but I can put them on the Christmas Cards I send out. The Return Address Labels are a very nice emblem.
Thanks, and Sincerely yours, Ed Luton 

FRAtoday: Hello Shipmate Luton and thank you for making the time to write a letter and sending a donation. It seems so many folks like to email or call, so it is refreshing to get a hand-written letter!

Thank You Terry Halbardier 
On January 11th 2018 Electronics Technician Terry Halbardier, a USS LIBERTY survivor who is now deceased, was inducted into the Surface Navy Association Hall of Fame. Terry, without regard for his own life and under fire, managed to patch together an antenna aboard the ship to get out a distress call.
    Without his heroic efforts, there is no doubt the LIBERTY was well on its way to the bottom. I am writing this as a Shipmate to Terry, simply because I want this nation to know about what this man has done. The attack on June 8, 1967 by the Israeli Defense Force was overwhelming to say the least.  We had really nothing to defend ourselves and as we sat there, dead in the water, there seemed to be no help because all our antenna were down. Terry’s thinking under fire and his quick effort to repair was, in my mind, above and beyond the call. I would not be here to write this had he not performed this extraordinary effort to save the ship.
During the evening of the induction, Terry’s own Shipmates Terry McFarland, Moe Shafer and Larry Bowen were on hand to witness this event. My hat off to all three of them for never forgetting a Shipmate and buddy.   
Ronald G. Kukal CT1,  Liberty Veterans Association Chaplain and Secretary

TRICARE Changes
I think your articles about TRICARE are correct for “long term care.” Everything stated is accurate and informative. In addition, I would like to add that veterans in this situation should contact an accredited VSO. There are many avenues of approach to get financial help for long-term care. There are presumptive diseases and injuries that would qualify for financing from the programs. I have facilitated 6 cases and got fantastic results. There are many in-home programs, e.g., Home Instead, which will work with the VA to provide many services, including hospice, for veterans—free of charge in their home. There is a local hospital that works directly with the VA and will provide nursing care in the home for up to 6 months.

 The DMVA in Pa. will outfit any vehicle for handicapped assistance for free with the proper financial reports, DD 214 and medical records. There is a bit of work to attain such assets; however, an accredited VSO can “run the gauntlet” much easier than anyone else. I have established a working relationship with Pa. Senator Toomey’s office and this bit of “horsepower” has made many things occur to aide our local Veterans.
My ultimate point [to make] is to engage the VSO Community and not try to only depend on TRICARE.
Another supplemental program is Geisinger Gold. If you are on TRICARE for Life, this is free. So now you have TRICARE for life free, Geisinger Gold free and probably pay $135.00/month for Medicare. Do research yes, engage VSOs and find out what your state’s DMVA has to offer. Better to make connections now, find an avenue of approach and act ASAP or your loved ones will have to find their way under distress.
BUC(SCW) David Sharp, Branch 115, Lehigh Valley

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

NDAA Blocks TRICARE Fee Increase

As FRAtoday goes to press, the Senate has just approved the final version of the FY2019 NDAA, and sent it onto President Trump to sign into law. In last month’s On and Off the Hill I asked: Will retirees take another hike? Well, I’m glad to tell you retirees responded to the threat and many Shipmates contacted their legislators and it helped stop another TRICARE fee hike. It was also nice to see nearly 6,500 Shipmates from all over the country use the Action Center to weigh in on the Armed Forces Retirement Home catastrophic fee increase and it had an impact (see NDAA story below for more details). The FRA Action Center is intended to maximize the impact of member participation in the legislative process. Members are encouraged to go to the FRA Action Center on the website (www.fra.org) to locate the list of current issues important to veterans and the ability to respond. 

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Big Changes to TRICARE Dental Coming Soon

Military retirees will be receiving a postcard in the mail pertaining to the upcoming changes to TRICARE dental and vision programs. This new insurance option for certain beneficiaries is set to be implemented on January 1, 2019.  The existing TRICARE Retiree Dental Plan currently provided through Delta Dental, will expire December 31, 2018. The newly designed option was included in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. It delayed the start date to allow time for better preparation and communication of the new plan. It will be administered through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). Under this new program beneficiaries must choose a plan during TRICARE's open season (November 12, 2018-December 10, 2018). Beneficiaries need to know there is no automatic transition for those currently enrolled in the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program. Changes can only occur during open season or life changing events.
All TRICARE retirees and their families are eligible for both the dental insurance and vision coverage. Active duty military families are only eligible for the vision coverage.
The FEDVIP dental program of offerings will replace the existing TRICARE Retiree Dental Plan, which is currently provided through Delta Dental. 
The retiree dental plan and the new addition of a vision plan will allow for beneficiaries to make a selection from among several dental and vision carriers with a variety of benefit options. The FEDVIP program lists 10 dental carriers and four vision carriers (Delta Dental is included) with comprehensive dental and vision insurance at competitive group rates. 
Beneficiaries are encouraged to start getting information and pre-enrollment communications through the website that was set up specifically for this program. 
Go to: www.tricare.mil/openseason

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Final NDAA has No TRICARE Fee Increase

The House approved (354-94) the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA-H.R. 5515) and the following week the Senate approved it (87-10). The final bill eliminates a huge TRICARE fee increase that was in the Senate–passed version of the bill. Section 701 of the Senate bill would have doubled TRICARE annual fees for retirees under age 65. FRA lobbied successfully to have the onerous provision removed from the final bill.
The bill also provides an FRA-supported cap on rent increases for the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) and prohibits AFRH from removing a resident solely because they cannot afford to pay the increases in rent. AFRH residents were scheduled to see huge increases in their rent payments and the NDAA requires that the increase be spread over three years. The Association wants to thank members who used the FRA Action Center to express their views to legislators on these and other issues. Your efforts paid off. 
Other provisions in the final bill include:

• Increasing active duty pay (2.6 percent) keeping pace with civilian pay increases;
• Repealing a scheduled one percent cut in Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for active duty; 
• Increasing end strength for all branches of the armed services;
• Requiring the Secretary of the Army to take steps to extend the life of Arlington National Cemetery; 
• Improving the Transition Assistance Program (TAP); 
• Expanding availability of Military One Source for retired and discharged members of the Armed Forces;
• Allowing Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, former POW, and service-connected disability veterans, and caregivers for disabled veterans to use commissaries and MWR facilities; 
• Permitting veterans, who have a 100 percent service connected disability, to utilize a travel benefit currently extended to active duty and retired military members and their families to travel on military aircraft when there is extra space onboard.
• Mandating maximum life insurance coverage for service members deployed in a combat zone; and
• Eliminating a proposed Medicare Advantage voluntary pilot program for TRICARE-for-Life (TFL) beneficiaries.

This final bill provides an overall increase in topline funding to support our troops and readiness recovery. FRA wants to thank our Shipmates for using the FRA Action Center on issues pertaining to the NDAA. Your efforts complement the FRA Legislative Team’s efforts to protect and expand your earned benefits. 

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FRA Contributes in MSO/VSO Round Table Discussion with House Democrats

Director of Legislative Programs, John Davis participated in a roundtable discussion with several VSO/MSO members and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (California), Reps. Mark Takano (California), Conor Lamb (Pennsylvania), Julia Brownley (California) and members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC). Also Rep. Eric Swalwell (California), and Rep. Seth Moulton (Massachusetts), both members of the House Democratic Caucus, were also in attendance.
The focus of the meeting was implementation and funding of the VA Mission Act. The FRA-supported bill was recently signed into law and will do the following: 
•	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 House Minority leader expressed serious concerns that the current appropriations bills (MilCon/VA-H.R. 5895/S.3024) do not provide sufficient funding for the Act and that spending caps created by the Budget Control Act limit additional funding. FRA staff have discussed this concern with House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee staff. Both bills have passed their chamber of origin and a conference committee has been appointed to resolve the differences between the two bills. FRA staff will continue to monitor the appropriations process to ensure adequate funding for all VA programs.

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NED Tom Snee Testifies Before SVAC on AOBWN

National Executive Director Thomas Snee testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) urging the Committee to approve the “Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act” (H.R.299) without amendment and send it to the Senate floor for final passage, and then send it on to the President to sign it into law. Tom Snee’s dramatic testimony can be seen at:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ubwi3047xchm4rf/Mr.%20Snee%20Testimony%20%20Copy.mp4?dl=0
The bill recently passed the House without any “No” votes (382-0). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also testified at the Senate hearing on the bill and is actively opposing the legislation. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), the sponsor of the Senate bill (S.422) and Senator Steve Daines (Mont.) the first original co-sponsor of S.422 also provided emotional testimony in support of the House bill and urged the Committee to approve the bill and send it to the Senate floor for final passage.  
The original FRA-supported proposal 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. During the committee markup in the House, the legislation was amended to extend the presumption of herbicide exposure for veterans who served on or near the Korean DMZ between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971. As amended, the legislation will now also extend health care, vocational training & rehabilitation and monetary allowance to a child who was born with spina bifida if at least one of the child’s parents served in Thailand between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 and the VA determines that at least one of the parents had been exposed to a herbicide agent during that period. The bill also now includes changes to VA’s home loan program.
Attached is a Military Times article on this issue that includes a quote from NED Tom Snee.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/08/01/va-science-doesnt-support-agent-orange-claims-blue-water-vets.html
FRA believes Congress should recognize that these veterans were exposed to the Agent Orange herbicide and authorize presumptive status for VA disability claims associated with this exposure. The committee did not indicate when the bill will be up for a Committee vote.  Members are strongly urged to use the FRA Action Center located on the website (www.fra.org) to ask their Senators to support this bill.  

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Wilkie Confirmed as VA Secretary

The Senate confirmed Robert Wilkie to be the next Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs with a final vote of (86-9). Wilkie replaces Dr. David Shulkin, who was fired in March of this year. Wilkie is a former Pentagon official and faces a host of difficult issues. Some of the  most pressing issues include filling senior vacancies, managing a $10 billion digital health record contract and coordinating care for the 9 million veterans served by the nation’s largest health care system. In March 2018, Trump announced Robert Wilkie would serve as the acting secretary, before nominating him to serve as VA Secretary. Previously, Wilkie served at the Department of Defense as Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. FRA looks forward to working with the new VA Secretary on issues of mutual concern

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HVAC Reviews Enacted VA Disability Claims Appeal Reform
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee recently held an oversight hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implementation of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act (H.R.2288 – Public Law 115-55) that was enacted in August of 2017 and first reported in May 12, 2017 NewsBytes. The enacted law sponsored by Rep. Mike Bost (Il.), will create three “lanes“ for veterans’ appeals: 
• Local Higher Level Review Lane where an adjudicator reviews the same evidence considered by the original claims processor;
• New Evidence Lane where the veteran could submit new evidence for review and have a hearing; and
• Board Lane where jurisdiction for the appeal would transfer immediately to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
The lanes are supposed to be established by November 1, 2018. Under the new law, the Secretary has authority to test the new system prior to full implementation. It would also allow some veterans, already going through the appeals process, to opt into the new system. FRA welcomes the oversight hearing that will keep pressure on the VA bureaucracy to implement the law in a timely manner.

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Acting MCPON Statement

The Navy’s acting Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON), Fleet Master Chief SW/IW/AW Russell Smith, is calling on chief petty officers to ”visibly lead” through the transition to the next MCPON and beyond. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson appointed Smith to temporarily take over the MCPON’s office after former MCPON (SG/IW) Steven Giordano’s resignation first reported in June 29, 2018 NewsBytes. The position of MCPON was created by legislation in 1966 and 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 the spokesperson to the highest positions in the Navy on issues impacting enlisted personnel.
Giordano was appointed the 14th MCPON in September 2016 and 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.  
Acting MCPON’s statement says: ”It’s vital we maintain the integrity of the office and what it stands for—advocating on behalf of our Sailors and their families. Our Navy is a learning organization that is constantly growing and evolving. As an institution we are strong enough to absorb this challenge, but we must visibly lead through it if we are to come out stronger on the other side. With that I say thank you for your faith, support and well wishes as we keep charging to make this happen. This is the beginning of the next chapter for this historic office. Our goal is to provide authentic, transparent communications and a seamless transition.”
A copy of the full statement is available at: http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/06/28/a-message-from-fleet-master-chief-russell-smith/.

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VA Accountability & Whistleblower Protection Act Hearing
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee recently held an oversight hearing on the implementation of the “VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act“ that was enacted into law in 2017 (S.1094/H.R.1259-P.L. 115-41).
This FRA-supported law is intended to bring accountability to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Tge bill streamlines the process to remove, demote or suspend any VA employee for poor performance or misconduct. The bill also expanded protections for whistleblowers at the VA. Additionally, the bill authorizes VA to reduce an employee’s federal pension if they are convicted of a felony that influenced their job at VA. The hearing was held on one-year anniversary of the enactment of the bill. FRA welcomes this oversight hearing to ensure that the legislation is promptly and effectively implemented.

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Some Disabled Veterans are Owed IRS Refund

As a result of the enactment of FRA-supported legislation (Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act passed in 2016-H.R.5015; P.L. 14-292)  the Internal Revenue Service recently issued notice (IR-2018-148) advising certain veterans who receive disability payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs after January 17, 1991 and reported the payment as income should file an Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (Form 1040X) to claim a credit or refund of overpayment of taxes due to VA disability payments. IRS asks beneficiaries submitting Form 1040X to write “Veteran Disability Severance” on the top of the front page of the form. Forms must be submitted by regular mail with a copy of DoD letter informing beneficiary of eligibility of refund to:

Internal Revenue Service
333 W. Perishing Street, Stop 6503, P5
Kansas City, MO 64108

This issue was reported in March 2018 issue of On & Off the Hill and is estimated to impact more than 14,000 veterans.  

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Appeals Court Limits Lawsuits on Burn Pits

A three-judge panel of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals recently concurred with a lower court opinion that Iraq and Afghanistan disabled veterans because of exposure to burn pits cannot move forward with dozens of lawsuits against a military contractor (KBR, a former subsidiary of Halliburton). The prevailing opinion of the lower court found for the contractor since the military had unrestricted control over KBR so that KBR’s decisions on waste management and water services were “de facto military decisions” not appropriate for judicial review. The plaintiff’s attorney representing more than 800 current and previous service members stated that they were disappointed with the decision and did not indicate if they would appeal to U.S. Supreme Court. KBR successfully argued that the decision to use burn pits was made by the military, which also made decisions on where the pits would be located, what hours they would operate and what would be burned.

FRA is supporting the “Burn Pits Accountability Act“ (H.R.5671). The bill directs the Defense Department to provide service members in Iraq and Afghanistan to have periodic health assessments during deployment and during military separations; an evaluation of whether or not a service member has been exposed to open burn pits or toxic airborne chemicals. If they report being exposed, they will be enrolled in the Burn Pit Registry unless they opt out. The bill is sponsored by Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) and Brian Mast (Florida), Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, respectively. This bill is listed on the FRA Action Center on the website (www.fra.org) and members are encouraged weigh in on this issue. 

FEATURE  STORY

Veterans Seek to Connect with Their Community

By: Jim Lorraine, President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership

C
ontrary to public perception, the most sought-after resources by military veterans, their families and caregivers are not focused on critical needs such as housing and healthcare. Instead, they are centered on opportunities to connect with the local community through recreation, networking and volunteerism. The aforementioned critical needs are still important and should certainly remain a priority for veteran-serving organizations, but there is an opportunity for communities to more holistically support local veterans by taking this insight into consideration. 
This finding was a key takeaway of the 2018 Community Integration Annual Survey Report, which our team at America’s Warrior Partnership conducts every year to gauge the effectiveness of veteran support programs across the nation. America’s Warrior Partnership is dedicated to empowering communities to empower veterans and the first step towards achieving that goal is connecting community organizations with local veterans to understand their unique needs and situations. Our annual survey helps guide local veteran-serving organizations towards a better understanding of what resources veterans are seeking today so they can identify the appropriate services and organizations that are best positioned to fulfill those needs. 
We believe cooperation is the key to success for both veterans and the communities serving them, so in the spirit of collaboration, here is an overview of this year’s survey and how veteran-serving organizations can leverage the report’s conclusions.
Evaluating Veterans’ Overall Outlooks
More than 1,600 veterans, active-duty service members, military family members, caregivers and community members participated in the 2018 survey. The survey was administered anonymously and open to communities across the nation. In addition to examining topics such as the resources participants are seeking, the survey is the only one of its kind to incorporate the Adult Hope Scale1, which is a proven method of evaluating hope through both objective and subjective measurements. The Adult Hope Scale enables us to more accurately determine how a veteran’s overall outlook on life is impacted when specific needs, such as employment, education or housing, are fulfilled by a service provider. 
America’s Warrior Partnership separates life outlook into three categories: “thriving,” “in transition” and “stuck.” Thriving represents the highest level of hope while stuck represents the lowest level of hope. Overall, we found that the majority of veterans (55 percent of all survey participants) land in the thriving category of the scale, which is a two percent increase compared to the 2017 survey. In addition, we found that as the Adult Hope Scale score for veterans in a community increases, their feeling of being able to adapt to changes and bounce back from hardships also increases.
This finding indicates that most veterans are in fact doing quite well, which is in large part due to the dedication of community organizations and local service providers that have prioritized connecting veterans with the resources they need to ensure a smooth transition to civilian life. 

Sought-After Resources Center on Community Engagement
As was previously mentioned, resources to assist veterans with critical needs such as housing and healthcare remain essential, but they are not the most sought-after resources according to this year’s survey. The top six resources sought by veterans are as follows:
Recreation: 56 percent of survey participants seek greater opportunities for recreational or other physical activities
Networking: 48 percent seek greater opportunities to connect with others
Volunteerism: 40 percent seek volunteer opportunities
Health Benefits: 39 percent seek access to health benefits (e.g. assistance with enrollment in VA and non-VA benefit programs)
Better Employment: 38 percent seek access to better employment conditions (e.g. better pay, benefits, etc.)
Finding a Job: 33 percent seek assistance in obtaining employment

The top three resources in this list are each centered around opportunities to connect with and give back to the community. Moreover, there is a significant number of veterans who are only seeking assistance in these areas. In fact, 20 percent of the population of veterans surveyed are only looking for either a connection to other service members, recreational activities or ways to continue serving in a civilian capacity through volunteerism. These veterans are not seeking access to any other resources.
This is the second year in a row that our survey results have identified these resources as the most sought-after by veterans. After receiving similar feedback last year, we encouraged the affiliate communities that we partner with to emphasize opportunities in these areas for the local veterans that they serve. To determine the impact of these efforts, we expanded this year’s survey to include a year-over-year comparison of veterans’ perceptions within these communities. We found that in communities that prioritized supporting veterans in these three areas, 81 percent of veterans felt that they have the resources they need within their community, as opposed to only 75 percent in the previous year’s survey. Additionally, veterans’ perception that they can thrive in their community increased by eight percent year over year. 
These findings show that there is a tremendous opportunity for veteran-serving organizations to give local veterans a sense of belonging by focusing on these areas. Organizing community events that provide veterans and their families with the opportunity to volunteer and connect with fellow veterans is one approach that groups can take to fulfill this need. To complement the efforts of local community organizations, our team at America’s Warrior Partnership is working to increase access to recreation for veterans on a national level through programs such as the Four Star Alliance. This collective helps connect veterans and community groups with organizations that provide adaptive sports and recreation-based health and wellness programs specifically designed for veterans and their families.

The Importance of Proactive Outreach and Frequent Interactions
In addition to determining the specific resources that veterans seek, our annual survey also assessed the most effective ways that veteran-serving organizations can deliver support to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families and caregivers. In short, service providers need to prioritize:
•	Conducting proactive outreach: on average, twice as many veterans were engaged by service providers through proactive outreach as opposed to those who sought assistance as a walk-in
•	Establishing long-term relationships: on average, only 25 percent of veterans feel a sense of wellbeing within the three months of engagement with a community organization, but that number increased to 75 percent after engaging with a community organization for more than three months
•	Engaging in frequent interactions: on average, veterans who were engaged once a week or a few times a week are 25 percent more likely 
to feel empowered by their community compared to those who were engaged just a 
few times a year

These findings reinforce the fact that it is important for communities to not only consider the type of resources they provide to local veterans, but also how they interact with them. This is an area where information technology (IT) tools and systems can empower organizations to spend less on time-consuming administrative tasks, such as data entry and record keeping and focus more on engaging veterans. There are many IT platforms designed specifically with veteran organizations in mind, such as our own WarriorServe® system. The right IT solution can help organizations streamline case coordination, improve impact reporting and enhance the management of veteran outreach.

Empowering Communities to 
Empower Veterans
The year-over-year increase in veterans’ outlooks as measured by the Adult Hope Scale is an encouraging trend, and we hope to help continue that increase by sharing the results of our annual survey with veteran-serving organizations and communities nationwide. The complete results of this year’s survey and additional commentary on key findings is available free of charge on our website at: AmericasWarriorPartnership.org/all-news. 
Our annual Warrior Community Integration Symposium will also provide veteran-centered professionals with the opportunity to attend presentations, breakout sessions and workshops designed to help communities better understand and act on the latest research related to our nation’s veterans. More information about this year’s event is available at: AmericasWarriorPartnership.org/2018-Symposium. 
With a proper understanding of the resources veterans seek, along with a clear grasp of the manner in which to deliver these services, we can together create communities where veterans and their families are empowered to achieve the higher quality of life they deserve.  FRA

Cited Resources
1. Snyder, C.R., Harris, C., Anderson, J.R., Holleran, S.A., Irving, L.M., Sigmon, S.T., etl al. (1991) The will and the ways: Development and validation of an individual- differences measure of hope. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60, 570-585. The Adult Hope Scale Score is a scale between 64 and 0. Thriving is defined as those who received a score of more than 51. In transition is defined as those who received a score between 39 and 51. Stuck is defined as those who received a score of less than 39.

About the Author
Jim Lorraine is President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership, a national non-profit that helps veteran service organizations connect with veterans, military members and families in need. Learn more about the organization at AmericasWarriorPartnership.org. 

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FEATURE 2

Training Around Injuries
By: Denny Marshall

P
lain and simple, injuries are never fun. They can occur on the job, at home and especially in the gym. Regardless of where and how they occur, injuries have an effect on every aspect of life. When it comes to parts of your body that are most susceptible to injury, nothing is more prone than the back. This is because the back is used in pretty much every movement and motion at work, home and in the gym. Anyone who has suffered a back injury, minor or severe, can attest that it truly limits one’s ability in many ways. So, does a bad back mean no more working out? It can, but not in all cases. First off, if you have a back injury of any sort, make sure you are not putting yourself in more danger by going to the gym and trying to “muscle through it.” If you have a significant injury to your spine or even neck, I suggest you not worry about the gym for a short time. In the case where the injury is minor, muscles are sore or even slightly strained, or you have some spinal disc issues that require precaution in the gym but not avoidance, there are some ways to stay in the gym and train around, not through, the issues.

When Does It Hurt? 
This is a question everyone having a bad back should ask themselves. Is the pain constant, even when you are not moving? If so, do not work out. Does your back only hurt when you bend over, twist or arch? Avoid any movements that require your back to be put in these positions. Look for movements that help keep your back stable and neutral. This is accomplished and aided through the use of benches or the floor, especially with press movements. When training your upper body, avoid any overhead presses that put pressure on the spine and neck. Also, limit the weight you are moving to avoid any rocking motion or using momentum to move the weight. The name of the game, when training with an injured or sore back, is to keep the back out of your workout as much as possible.

Be Proactive
An injured back could mean many things but one way to avoid future injury is to focus on building a stronger core. Many back injuries that take place in the gym are not due to improper form so much as due to the individual having a weak core. Some methods to target those trunk and core muscles are oblique work, planks (do an assisted variation if needed to protect your bad back), light lower back work (hyperextension machine, Superman crunches-regular or kneeling) or anything that does not hurt your back. A bad back does not always mean no gym time or workouts but you do have to be smart and listen to your body. A sore back is no joke and if it hurts, there may be an issue. You have to be safe and smart if you plan to workout with an ailing back. Remember to work around the injury and not through it.

Get Real 
This is where I get real with my clients and where you need to get real with yourself. If you tell me your shoulder hurts so bad you cannot lift it and you just hurt it yesterday, I am going to send you home. I understand you are ready to workout but we need to think beyond today. We are not professional athletes and tomorrow is not the Olympics. When you are injured, your priority is dealing with your injury or at the very least, not worsening it. If you are questioning whether you should be at the gym–go home.

Focus On Recovery
Use your time at home to work on your recovery. Recovery does not mean sitting still. It could mean; using a foam roller and a lacrosse ball to work out muscle spasms or adhesions, icing for ten minutes at the top of every hour or visiting your chiropractor, massage therapist or yoga instructor. Maybe even visiting your doctor and having diagnostic tests run. Without a doubt, you need to listen to your body and nurture it.

Be Reasonable
If you choose to stay at the gym and work around your injury, then really work around it. Make sure your trainer is aware of your situation. Do not do things that only “hurt a little.” If it hurts, stop doing it. If you are hurting it, you are not healing it. Yes, it might feel better once you get going into the workout but that has more to do with endorphins and adrenalin than it does with whether or not you are causing damage and preventing healing. This does not mean you cannot move around at all but do not do things that cause pain.

Do Not Create Other Injuries
If you are dealing with an injury that requires a long healing period, such as a shoulder injury, be careful you do not cause other injuries or imbalances in your training. If your left shoulder is hurt and you spend three months only working your right arm and right shoulder, you are setting yourself up for future problems. It is not just your arms, but your back, hips and legs that will be affected by this constant unbalanced unilateral movement. In this scenario, you are better off focusing on lower body and core exercises. Engage your coach in helping you choose appropriate exercises.

There Is No Quick Fix
As with most things in life, we are in a hurry to get to the next step and injury recovery is no different. Beware of the quick fix. I have had clients come to me saying their doctor wanted to give them a cortisone shot. Unless you are playing the Super Bowl tomorrow, there is no reason for you to get a cortisone shot. In my experience it only allows you to train through the pain and worsen the injury. Likewise, beware of painkillers in general. If you want to take something, double or triple your fish oil and deal with the inflammation aspect of your injury. Pain is not a voice we should carelessly stifle. 

If It Hurts, Stop, It Is Just Not Worth It. 
This one is worth repeating! The majority of us work out for fun or because we are committed to a certain level of health. We are not professional athletes, nor for the most part even competitive amateur athletes. Our priorities in our lives are different from a pro-athlete and therefore our priorities in the gym should also be different.
Your mission in the gym is to get stronger, fitter and healthier for the long haul. As a coach, I want to see you getting out of bed on your own at the age of 80. Training through pain and skipping recovery will not get you to that place. You can do it in the short-term, but it will come back to haunt you in the form of continued injuries, arthritis, chronic pain and more.
Think about the people in the gym who have the best form and put up the best numbers. They are the people who put in the work day in and day out, not the people who try to muscle through things. Treat your injury recovery the same way. Take the necessary time to heal properly; it will serve you in both your performance and your quality of life for years to come.  FRA

Denny Marshall operates 360 Fit Performance with his business partner Myron Flowers. They believe everyone is an athlete and strive to bring that athletic aspect out of every client. Fitness 360 takes a grassroots approach in training student athletes from youth sports to high school, college and even at the professional level. Fitness 360 has some notable clients such as the National Football League’s Vernon Davis, Vontae Davis, Steffon Diggs, Ronald Darby, Tahir Whitehead, Muhammad Wilkerson and Blake Countess.

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2018 FRA Candidates & Resolutions

D
elegates at FRA’s upcoming national convention in San Antonio, Texas, will be voting on a variety of resolutions, each of which is summarized below.  These resolutions have been promulgated to FRA branches and the full content is available on the FRA website. If you mouse over the MEMBERSHIP tab and select the Officer Resources page, the Nominating Resolutions 2018 link is located at the top left column under the heading of Officer Resources. Shipmates are encouraged to read the justification and enactment details of each resolution and be prepared to vote on them in September.  
Nominating Resolutions 

Candidate for National President: Shipmates from South Jersey Branch 57 have within their membership a Shipmate who possesses these most important attributes and will provide the highest standard of service to the office of National President and the Shipmates of the FRA. William E. Starkey has been a member of the FRA since 1994 and a Life Member since 2003 and has served Branch 57 in the following positions: member of the Board of Directors for twenty-three years, Branch Treasurer for thirteen years, Branch Secretary for eight years, Branch Vice President for a one-year  term, Branch President for a one-year term, Branch Parliamentarian for fourteen years, Chairman of the Special Audit Committee for one year, and Chairman of the Bylaws revision committee for fourteen years. Bill has served the former Northeast Region in the following positions: Chairman of the 75th FRA National Convention Committee (1997-1999), held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Treasurer for three years, Vice President for two years (1999-2000) and (2001-2002), President for two years (2000-2001) and (2002-2003), and as Regional Parliamentarian for eight years. Starkey has served on the Northeast/New England Region in the following positions: Chairman of the Bylaws Committee, Northeast/New England Regional Treasurer for two years, and Northeast/New England Regional Parliamentarian for four years. Shipmate Starkey also served on the National C&BL Committee several times, as the Chairman of the C&BL Committee (2015-2016), on the National Board of Directors as the Regional President Northeast (2000-2001) and (2002-2003), National Parliamentarian (2011-2012), and as National Vice President (2016-2017), and as National President (2017-2018).
Candidate for National President: Shipmates from Navy Department Branch 181 have within their membership a Shipmate who possesses these traits and qualities and who has consistently dedicated himself to serving in the best interests and welfare of the Fleet Reserve Association and the prerequisites of Loyalty, Protection and Service.  Robert Washington has been a member in good standing of the FRA since 1988 and has been a Life Member since 2004. He was duly elected by the delegates at the 90th FRA National Convention in Hunt Valley, Maryland to the office of FRA National Vice President for the Association Year 2017-2018. Washington served at the Branch level in the elected positions on the Board of Directors; Treasurer six years; Secretary eight years; Vice President; and as President 12 years; also elected to serve as FRA North Capital Region Central Liaison Committee as Chairman.  Washington also served the FRA East Coast Region as Regional Vice President (2002-2003); President (2003-2004); and as Regional Chairman of the Membership and Retention Committee; Active Duty membership Advisor; member of the Youth Activities; and Americanism Committees; and, Chaired the Regional Bylaws Committee. Washington retired from the Navy in 1998 while serving as the Navy’s Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Defense Information Systems Agency; hired by FRA National Headquarters to serve in Member Services, and after a short training period this highly motivated Shipmate displayed a high degree of initiative, innovation, resourcefulness, and was promoted to Director of Member Services; served as Director Legislative Program; also served as Director of Membership Development, and currently serves as Director of Outreach Coordination and retired this position on December 1, 2017. He also worked on health care issues for the FRA within The Military Coalition (TMC), Co-Chairing the Health Care Committee, advocating to Congress, Department of Defense Health Care, Tricare, involving issues related to the military community; he was appointed as a member of the DOD Initiative Review Panel; also appointed as Chairman DOD Uniform Formulary Beneficiary Advisory Panel. Navy Department Branch 181 endorses Washington’s dedication and extensive experience to our beloved Association eminently qualifies him to serve in the office of National President.
Candidate for National Vice President: First Coast Branch 91 has within its membership a member, James E. “Robbie” Robbins, who has demonstrated all the required qualifications as well as shown dedication and willingness to serve the Fleet Reserve Association by practicing the three cardinal principles. Robbins joined First Coast Branch 91 in 1987 (Life Member since 2005) and has served 16 terms as President (1996-1999, 2004-2017), seven terms as Vice President (1992-1996, 2000-2002) and two terms as a Director (1994-1996). He served as the chairman for Americanism Essay Contest for three years and served as Chairman of three Florida Coordinated Council of Branches and Units: and has served as a member on various committees at the regional level such as Welfare/Rehabilitation, Activities, Americanism/Patriotism, Time and Place. He has attended 18 Regional Conventions and served as Regional Chaplain for one year, Master at Arms for seven years, Regional Vice President SE 2011-2012, and Regional President SE 2012-2013. He served a second time as Regional President Southeast 2016-2017 and is currently serving the Southeast Region as JRPRP SE 2017-2018. He was a member on the SE Regional Committee which hosted the 2002 National Conventions held in Orlando, Florida and served as Chairman of the 2016 National Conventions held in Jacksonville, Florida and  Robbins has attended 17 National Conventions where he has served as a member on various committees (Welfare and Rehabilitation, Americanism, Time and Place, Youth) Chairman of Time and Place 2014, Chairman of the 2008 National Youth Committee and has served as Master-at-Arms for four National Presidents. He has worked on membership and retention receiving numerous pins representing his recruitment of members and has represented FRA to groups (Active Duty and/or retirees) on behalf of FRA membership and its benefits and is currently serving on the FRA National Membership Committee. Robbins retired in 1994 after serving 22 years in the Navy as an aviation structural mechanic. After retiring from the Navy, he worked two years as an auto mechanic and 12 years as a mobile forklift mechanic. The members of Branch 91, First Coast, Jacksonville, Florida believe James E. “Robbie” Robbins is knowledgeable, dedicated and qualified to serve the membership of the FRA as National Vice President.

Candidate for National Vice President: Imperial Beach Branch 289 has within its membership a Shipmate, PRPSW Michael “Mick” Fulton, who possesses these traits, who is qualified and who has consistently dedicated himself as member of the FRA for the past 39 years at various 
branches and continuous for the past 26 years at Branch 289. During Fulton’s tenure at Branch 289, he has served multiple terms as a member of the Board of Directors, Secretary, First Vice President and three terms as President. In addition, he has served as a member and chaired numerous committees at both the Branch level and Regional level and he served as the Convention Committee Chairman for the 55th and 56th Southwest Regional Convention in 2011 and 2012. He is currently serving as Treasurer for the 2018 National Convention Committee. Shipmate Fulton served the FRA Southwest Region as Regional Vice President 2012, Regional President 2012-2013 and 2013-2014; Regional Parliamentarian 2014-2016 and has been a member of the National Committee on Budget & Finance 2014 to present. Mick faithfully served in the United States Navy for 30 years, retiring in 2006 as Command Master Chief of Naval Base Coronado, Calif. The Shipmates of FRA Branch 289 know that this dedicated Shipmate’s extensive experience and devotion to the Association, his fellow members and their families eminently qualifies him to serve in the office of National Vice President for the Fleet Reserve Association.

Candidate for National Vice President: Northshore Branch 31 has within its membership a Shipmate, Donna M. Jansky, who has demonstrated all the required qualifications as well as shown dedication and willingness to serve the FRA by practicing the three cardinal principles. Jansky has been a member in good standing since joining in 1992 and recently became a Life Member. At the Branch level, this Shipmate has served in the various positions starting with secretary, treasurer, vice-president, and president and has served on or as the chairman for all five standing committees that are submitted to the regional level. During her time at the Regional level, Jansky has served in various positions in the former New England Region and the Northeast/New England Region including master-at-arms, secretary, vice-president and president. She has served on or as the chairman for all five standing committees that are submitted to National. During Donna’s time at the National level, she has served as the former New England Regional President in 2004-2005 and the Northeast/New England Regional President in 2014-2015 and has served on or as the chairman for the following national committees: Budget and Finance; Hospitals, Welfare and Rehabilitation; Public Relations and Honorary Membership. The Shipmates at Northshore Branch 31, FRA know that Jansky’s dedicated experience and devotion to our association qualifies her to continue to serve her Shipmates in the capacity of National Vice President.

Honorary Membership Resolution 
HMR 1 (by Birmingham Branch 112) seeks to grant an   Honorary Membership to Lt. Col. Joe R. Johnson. Whereas, the individual here consistently and without reservation assisted the membership of Branch 112 and strongly support the men and women of our Sea Service giving of his time and resources to aid Branch 112 achievd their goals. Joe unselfishly offers his service whenever the need arises and steps up to help Branch 112 with his time and effort raising funds for military organizations and the branch Wreaths Across America Ceremony each year. When an old brass bell was given to Branch 112, Joe stepped up and turned the bell into the Branch 112 Ship Bell. Through his action and deeds, Joe always exemplifies these three cardinal principals of the Fleet Reserve Association: Loyalty, Protection and Service, Joe is a true Shipmate. Branch 112 Birmingham certifies that this nominee for Honorary Membership Lt. Col. Joe R. Johnson USAF Retired is not otherwise eligible for membership in the FRA in compliance with Article 3, Section 306 (2) C bylaws of the FRA. 

Constitution and Bylaws (C&BL) Resolutions
C&BL Resolution 1 (by Poway Valley Branch 70) 
Addresses Article 3, Section 301, where eligibility for membership shall be restricted to personnel who have served or are now serving in an enlisted status in the United States Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, regardless of length of service, including reserve components. During the past ten years, membership has declined from 97,776 to 45,268 with an average member age of 73. With the objective of growing membership and to maintain the integrity of the Association, the resolutions seeks to amended Section 301 to now read: Eligibility for membership in the FRA shall be open to all personnel who have served or are now serving in an enlisted or in an officer status in the United States Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, qualified U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen, U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadets, U.S. Merchant Marine Midshipmen regardless of length of service, including reserve components. This amendment become effective January 1, 2019.

C&BL Resolution 2 (by Low County Branch 269) seeks to lenghten the National President and National Vice President positions to two-year terms. Changing the term to two years would allow the positions to be more effective, bring stability to the National Board of Directors and cut approximately 20 to 25 percent in expenses over a two-year period. It is proposed that during the Annual Convention, on alternating years, shall elect for a two-year term the National Vice President and National President, and for a three-year term, the National Executive Director in a year the number is divisible by three.

C&BL Resolution 3 (by Low Country Branch 269)  seeks to elect the Regional President and Regional Vice President positions to two-year terms. Lengthening the terms would allow them to better concentrate in areas and Branches that need additional attention. Longer terms would also allow more time for the officers to visit each Branch in their regions. The change would bring more stability to the National Board of Directors and cut approximately 20 to 25 percent in expenses over a two-year period. 

C&BL Resolution 4 (by the National Board of Directors) proposes to change the make up of the National Committee on Membership and Retention and to clarify some responsibilities of the Director of Membership and Development. The resolution states that the committee shall consist of a chair and eight members, one from each region. A member’s term shall be three years, with three members being replaced or reappointed each year by the incoming National President. The primary duty of this committee, in conjunction with the Director of Membership Development is to increase membership, improve retention and promote the FRA among potential members. The Director of Membership Development shall maintain a record of all members, branches and former members from the previous five years. A record shall contain a member’s full name, mailing address and branch number, conforming to current postal regulations. The Director shall send a report to the National Board of Directors and the National Convention reporting the status of membership, programs, retention and any pertinent recommendations. The Director shall provide FRAtoday with a mailing list each month.

C&BL Resolution 5 (by the Membership & Retention Committee) proposes that routine membership administration tasks are performed by the Member Services department, thereby making Sections 813(b), 813(c), and 813(d) more appropriate to an Employees’ Handbook rather than the Constitution, Bylaws, Standing Rules, and Rituals. The resolution seeks to amend Article 8, Section 813 to read; The National Committee on Membership and Retention shall consist of a Chair and the Vice President from each Region. The Director of Membership Development shall act as an advisor. The primary duty of this committee is to increase membership, improve retention and promote the FRA to potential members. The chair shall report during the National Convention reporting on the status of membership, programs, retention and any pertinent recommendations in accordance with Section 612.

Standing Rules (SR) Resolutions
SR 1 (by Veterans Service Committee) is seeking to establish within the pages of the C&BL, standing rules regarding the purpose, function and identity of the Veterans Service Foundation (VSF). The five proposed rules identify the veteran community for which it was formed to serve, its 501(c)3 tax exempt status and the board structure. There will be seven elected members in good standing on the BOD, but the VSF will be still fall under the oversight of the FRA National BOD. The Foundation leadership, once in place, will report to the FRA National BOD no less than once each year.

SR 2 (by the Membership & Retention Committee) proposes to change the current National Awards categories ith the goal of making  the groups more competitive and help focus resources toward those that need support. The new groupings are: 
Group I: 500 members or more. Group II: 300-499 members. Group III: 100-299 members. Group IV: 50-99 members. Group V: 10-49 members. FRA

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SHIPMATE NEWS

1. Branch 208, Jacksonville, North carolilna 
Raymond Applewhite recognizes Ms. Ena Sellers (pictured with daughter Nicole and son Dylan), Managing Editor for the Camp Lejeune military newspaper, GLOBE, for her media support of Branch 208. 

2. Branch 166, Virginia Beach, Virginia
ECRP Paul A. Phelps presents PRPEC Philip V. Hanna (R) with his 50-year continuous membership pin.

3. Branch 146, Johnsville, Pennsylvania
FRA Medals were presented to Boyertown Area HS cadets selected by their Naval Science Instructor. (L to R) PO3 Grayden Kramer, PO2 Oleksiv Filipov, PO2 Nicole Jones, Branch Secretary Joe Millman and Branch MAA Otto Blavier. 

4. Branch 72, Fall River, Massachusetts
Bravo Zulu to Branch National essay winners: Marnie Fitzgerald (11th grade 3rd place winner), student on far left, and Elizabeth Powers (12th grade 1st place winner), student on far right.

5. Branch 101, Santa Clara, California
Unit Members Amelia Ruiz, Sheryl Olave, Pres. Karen Webster, Kate Blanton,  Branch Pres. Richard Ruiz and Chaplain Paul Gedling.

6. Branch 162, New Orleans, La. 
(L) PRPSC Dave Field with shipmate Jerry DuPre (R) presenting a JROTC medal, certificate and gift card to Marine Corps JROTC cadet 1st Lt. John Howell during his Change of Command ceremony at Jesuit High School in New Orleans, La.

7. Branch 371, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge Branch invited branch founder and organizer, retired Navy Chief Petty Officer James Johnson, to install new officers. (L to R) Jim Broussard, Mike Gailk, Chief Johnson, C.W. “Chick” Streat and Leon Perkins. 

8. Branch 97, Whidbey Island, Washington
Memorial Day services were held at the Maple Leaf Cemetery in Oak Harbor, Wash. and Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville, Wash. on 28 May 2018. 

9. Branch 222, Slidell, Louisiana
Keyana Rogers of Creekside Jr. High School, Pearl River, Louisiana, was presented with a 1st Place Winner’s Certificate and check for the branch essay contest. (L) Branch Secretary Mark Dernovsek and (R) Branch President Larry Cole.

10. Branch 287, Livermore, California
The Branch presents a $1000 check and certificate to Americanism Essay National 3rd Place winner Cassidy Tshimbalanga, grade 12 category. (L to R) Bill Lindke, George Mancuso, Roy Warner and Floyd Richards.

11. Branch 1, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Branch newsletter editor Patrick LaRose, accompanied by Branch Secretary Randy Brown, presents Shipmate John E. Wright his 30-year continuous membership certificate and pin at his home. Wright is unable to attend branch meetings.

12. Branch 89, Atlanta, Georgia
Shipmate Rose (L) recognizes Shipmate Hudson Carson (R) for his 25 years of continuous membership.

13. Branch 171, Southern Luzon, Philippines
The installation of Branch officers. (L to R) Installing Officer Arturo Mendoza, President Edmondo Reyes, Vice President Romeo Oruga and Secretary/Treasurer Oscar Avenido.

14. Branch 1, Philadelphia, Pennylvania
Essay Committee Chairman Thomas Groeber presents the 8th grade winner Maryam Bouatlaoui with her certificate and check.

15. Branch 181, Arlington, Virginia
NED Tom Snee with Rep. Valadao (R-California) who introduced H.R.299, just after the House unanimously voted (382-0) in favor of the Bluewater Navy Agent Orange Support Bill.

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TAPS
 
Name 			Rating		Branch
Abney, Donald H.	SKCS, USN 	MAL
Adams, Dale D.	CWO4, USN 	MAL
Aquisap, Avelino R.	PO1, USCG 	154

Bagwell, Robert B.	EOC, USN 	18
Bartlett, Donald L.	EMC SS, USN 	17
Blackwood, Jon B.	RMCM, USN 	60
Bradshaw, Leroy A.	UTC, USN 	MAL
Bunn, John R.	MCPO, USN 	MAL
Buzzard, Edward R.	ASC	MAL

Candello, George E.	PO1, USN 	MAL
Caver, Kenneth D.	AK1(TAR), USNR 	89
Celano, Andrew	MSGT, USMCR 	163
Choates, Jimmy M.	BMC, USN 	89
Conner, Walter E.	CDR, USN 	254
Cramer, Paul H.	SGTMAJ, USMC 	324
Cross, Warren E.	AMCS, USN 	161

Dailey, George H.	UTW3, USN 	MAL
Dehart, Donald K.	CPO, USN 	166
Delling, Leonard V.	CAPT, USN 	MAL
Dollar, William G.	HTC, USN 	MAL
Donovan, Timothy E.	RMC, USN 	186
Ducayag, Saturnino B.	PO1, USN 	154

Faxon, Francis G.	YNC, USN 	254
Fulkerson, Allen	HTC, USN 	60

Galbreath, Jerry D.	CDR, USN 	MAL
Gaudreau, Donald	CE1, USN 	MAL
Gauger, Dean E.	SFC, USN 	MAL
Gisse, John A.	ATCS, USN 	358
Grubb, Charles L.	BM3, USN 	MAL

Hackett, Thomas F.	1STSGT, USMC 	17
Hall, Gregory R.	ST1, USN 	70
Harrison, Alfred S.	PO2, USN 	MAL
Hartzel, Carl S.	YNCM(SW), USN 163
Hayden, Vaughn G.	ADJC 	MAL
Heavilon, Fred F.	GM1, USN 	MAL
Heist, William Lee	PNCS(SS), USN 	382
Hempel, Royce C.	HMC, USN 	371
  
Isidro, Ernesto	USN 	MAL

Jones, William	SK1, USNR 	MAL
Jones, Herman Wayne	AK1, USN 	MAL
Jones, Leonard L.	ADJ1, USN 	261
Jordan, Milan	AMS1, USN 	MAL

Kelley, Robin	OSC, USN 	MAL
Kelly, Robert W.	PO1, USN 	MAL
Kessling, Robert P.	PRC, USN 	34
King, Harold L.	MMC, USN 	MAL
Kirkland, Earl H.	SKC, USN 	194
Kopchak, William J.	S2C, USN 	229
Kotula, Mitchel	HMCM, USN 	61

Lapid, Jose Z.	SD2, USN 	84
Leonard, Charles G.	EN1, USN 	8
Linn, Daniel	CAPT, USN 	MAL
Luettinger, Vernon L.	LCDR, USN 	136

Mariano, Angel C.	MCPO, USN 	84
Martin, Thomas	EN1, USNR 	71
McLeroy, David R.	CPO, USN 	MAL
McMillan, Frank M.	EMCS(SS), USN 	MAL
McPhaden, David A.	EMC, USN 	104
Miller, Steven A.	CWO4, USN 	289
Montoya, Gilbert J.	BRCM, USN 	289
Morini, Ronald D.	PO1, USNR 	MAL
Morton, Chester	BM1, USN 	276
Myers, Martin B.	SK1, USN 	214

Nelson, Stanton	HTC, USN 	MAL
Neubauer, Robert C.	USN 	115
Nirdlinger, Clinton G.	CS2, USN 	40
Noddin, Joseph T.	DT1, USN 	MAL
Nolin, Gerald L.	SKCSS, USN 	61

O’Connell, Paul E.	AVCM, USN 	MAL
O’Dell, Gerald H.	SHCM, USN 	166
Oldfather, James L.	 SGT, USMC 	163

Paltz, Kenneth M.	EOC, USN 	276
Parsons, Paul	USMC 	31
Piccininni, Pasquale	HM3, USN 	71
  
Rabbitt, Edward D.	RMC(SS), USN 	MAL
Radwan, Robert J.	CWO3, USN 	172
Reznitsky, Esther	TD2, USN 	159
Rhodewalt, Howard F.	QMC, USN 	281
Riehle, Linus G.	YNC, USN 	MAL
Roberts, Gilbert C.	MMC, USN 	MAL

Sadowski, Donald E.	CWO4, USN 	290
Scheunemann, Howard C. GMM1, USN 	14
Schreiber, Michael J.	STCS, USN 	MAL
Seid, William P.	IC1(SS), USN 	MAL
Semones, Ronald R.	SKC, USN 	290
Smith, Clifford H.	PO1, USN 	161
Stockner, Arthur A.	PO1, USN 	MAL

Tiburzi, James A.	BM2, USN 	93
Tisdale, Olin D.	HMCM, USN 	MAL

Vorse, Charles	HTC, USN 	59

Wagner, Jack	ETC, USN 	61
Wagner, David F.	PO1, USN 	254
Wheedleton, Elijah L.	PO1, USN 	MAL
Wheeler, Samuel W.	AVCM, USN 	97
Winter, Frederick	YNC, USN 	298
Wolford, Gerald M.	PR, USN 	170

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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EDUCATION FOUNDATION

FRA Education Foundation Announces 2018 Scholarship Recipients

THE FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2018. Funded through private donations, corporate sponsorships and established trusts, the Foundation will present $90,300 in scholarships to 21 deserving students who are pursuing their dreams of a college degree in the 2018-2019 academic year.
Scholarship recipients are selected based on need, academic proficiency and character. Established in 2009, the FRA Education Foundation works to advance FRA’s longstanding tradition of helping students reach their educational and professional goals.
“Our scholarship program continues to be a great source of pride for the Foundation and we’re especially proud of this year’s award recipients,” says Joe Barnes, President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and FRA National Executive Director Emeritus. “Students from 16 states will benefit from these scholarships. Since 2000, we’ve disbursed nearly $1.8 million in awards and we’re grateful for the great support from FRA, many FRA branches and shipmates, and other contributors who make these awards possible.”
All current and former members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, their spouses and dependent children are eligible to apply for Foundation scholarships. Members of the FRA, their spouses, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren qualify for a broader range of awards, several of which are funded through member legacy donations.
Although applicants don’t have to have a connection to FRA to apply for Foundation awards, it is important to note that 14 of the 21 recipients are, or are related to, FRA Shipmates. “Our scholarship program is a high interest issue to prospective members. Shipmates should mention these scholarship opportunities when interacting with Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel,” suggests Barnes. 

Applications for FRA’s 2019-2020 scholarships will be available at www.fra.org/foundation after September 1, 2018.

THE RECIPIENTS OF FRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS FOR 2018

Glenn F. Glezen Scholarship ($5,000)
(1) Grayland W. Godfrey, II, Chesapeake, Va.; grandson of Shipmate Freeman M. Godfrey (FRA Member, Branch 166)
Robert W. Nolan Scholarship ($5,000)
(2) Lloyd J. Smith, National City, Calif.; grandson of Shipmate Lloyd L. Schrier (FRA Member-at-Large)
Joseph R. Baranski Scholarship ($5,000)
(3) Shipmate James C. McCracken, Jr., New York, N.Y. (FRA Member, Branch 226)
FRA Education Foundation Awards ($5,000 each)
(4) Adam B. Reingold, Boise, Idaho; grandson of Shipmate Harold E. Pinson (FRA Member, Branch 382)
(5) Noah S. Ford, Statesville, N.C.; son of Shipmate Randall L. Ford (FRA Member-at-Large) 
(6) Malee M. Bourgeois, Barataria, La.; granddaughter of Shipmate Kenneth J. Savoie (FRA Member-at-Large)
GEICO Scholarship ($5,000 each)
(7) Samantha A. Carter, East Boothbay, Maine; daughter of Mark E. Carter (Non-FRA Member)
(8) Thomas D. Melvin, North Charleston, S.C. (Non-FRA Member)
Robert M. Treadwell Annual Scholarship ($5,000)
(9) Timothy B. Jones, Corpus Christi, Texas; grandson of Shipmate Donald Larson (FRA Member, Branch 94)
Stanley A. Doran Memorial Scholarship ($5,000)
(10) Rachel M. Cartwright, Marshall, Ark.; daughter of Shipmate Robert C. Cartwright (FRA Member, Branch 251)

Colonel Hazel Benn Scholarship ($2,000)
(11) Erin E. Sulfaro, Ladera Ranch, Calif.; daughter of Shipmate Eric G. Sulfaro (FRA Member, Branch 181)
The Donald Bruce Pringle Family Scholarship ($5,000)
(12) Ryan P. Duncan, Berlin, Md.; grandson of Shipmate Donald G. Duncan (FRA Member, Branch 184)
MCPO Ken E. Blair Scholarship ($5,000)
(13) Emily C. Hazard, Eastman, Ga.; daughter of Shipmate Keener B. Hazard (FRA Member-at-Large)
Express Scripts Scholarship ($4,000 each)
(14) Nicholas C. Worthington, Jacksonville, Fla.; grandson of Barbara A. Collado (FRA Member-at-Large)
(15) Keilon D. Strong, Hawthorne, Calif.; (Non-FRA Member)
US Family Health Scholarship ($5,000)
(16) Isabelle N. Pope, Anchorage, Alaska; granddaughter of Roberto Hernandez, Jr. (Non-FRA Member)
Angelo and Mildred Nunez Scholarship ($5,000 each)
(17) Mandy I. Abernathy, Norfolk, Neb.; daughter of Shipmate Kent S. Abernathy (FRA Member, Branch 276)
(18) Madison R. Garver, Lima, Ohio; daughter of Shipmate Grant W. Garver (FRA Member-at-Large)
Tom and Karen Snee Scholarship ($3,300)
(19) Richard A. Garcia, Alhambra, Calif.; (Non-FRA Member)
Rosemary Posekany Memorial Scholarship ($1,000 each)
(20) Celina M. Quinones, Kissimmee, Fla.; granddaughter of John A. Deckard (Non-FRA Member)
(21) Brendan S. Schultz, Claremont, Calif.; son of Karen A. Daly (Non-FRA Member)

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REUNIONS/lOOKINGFOR…

USS Rushmore Association
09/17/2018-09/21/2018, Las Vegas, Nevada 
Contact: Richard C. Phillips 
3481 Celestial Way
North Fort Myers, Florida 33903
Telephone: 239-997-0777 
Email: ri081539@yahoo.com 

VAH-21
10/10/2018-10/13/2018, Tuczon, Arizona 
Contact: Gerald L. Tripp, 495 Casper Drive
Hemet, California 92545
Telephone: 951-926-6047
Email: trippg748@verizon.net 

National Association of Naval Photography Reunion
10/10/2018-10/12/2018, Jacksonville, Florida.
Contact: William Solt, Jr.
Telephone: 321-362-5806
Email: nanpvpres@gmail.com
www.navyphoto.net 

USS Leary (DD/DDR-879)
10/13/2018-10/18/2018, Portland, Maine 
Contact: Alfred Redden, 1910 East 2nd Street 
North Platte, Nebraska 69101
Telephone: 308-530-1284
Email: alshr@allophone.com

USS Proteus (AS-19)
05/06/2019-05/09/2019, Pensacola, Florida
Contact: Paul Castle, 
24-1 Cabaniss Crescent Drive
Pensacola, Florida 32508
Telephone: 619-240-5055
Email: subdiver5311@earthlink.net

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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AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

A Message from West Coast Regional President
T
he West Coast consists of 11 Units that have many different veteran events, and organizations that they help every month. Volunteering to help with monthly bingo games for the veteran’s hospital by providing them with snacks and refreshments. Helping veterans and their caregivers at the monthly breakfast. Unit 197 is helping to furnish houses as they are built for our veterans, providing furniture as well as shower curtains, dishes, silverware, pots and pans, everything they will need to have in their new home.
I visited nine out of the eleven Units and I had the pleasure of installing Units 275, 230, 274, 261 and 287. As Regional President, I was honored to present Unit Officers with their pins at Unit 261 and Unit 137. 
I presented Unit 274 with their Unit Officer pins at their annual Memorial Day picnic which included a wreath laying ceremony and the BBQ was great. Unit 137 holds an annual picnic and the BBQ was delicious and members were recognized for their years with the Auxiliary and pins were awarded.
The West Coast Region is very happy that we did not lose any Units, but we did have Unit 101 become a smaller unit. Our organization is losing members due to death, and recruitment is down.  Feedback tells us that potential new members have various reasons to not join.  Digital technology consumes a large portion of their day as well as other activities with which they are involved.  
However, we must strive to inform, educate, and recruit new members to include males as well as females.  When you do obtain that new member, make it your priority to invite them to attend your meetings and activities and introduce them to fellow members. We love our LA FRA and are trying our best to do what we can to obtain those new members, but we must try a little harder. Work with your Branch when they are out at recruiting activities.
As this goes to print we will have completed our West Coast Convention at the Sparks Nugget Hotel. We participated with the challenge from the East Coast Region in regards to the Lip-Synch Challenge.  Please view our challenge on the Facebook LAFRA East Coast Region page.
The ability to interact with our members is one of the many reasons we love to attend the Convention. Sharing our ideas and resolving some of the challenges we had during the year. It is important to continue to educate ourselves on our Auxiliary and what we can do to improve ourselves and inspire growth within the Auxiliary. New Regional officers are voted into office. Celebrating and socializing with our members is a lot of fun.  Please remember to attend your conventions. Volunteer to help in any way you can. 
I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the FRA/LA FRA National Convention in San Antonio, Texas.   FRA
Yours in Loyalty, Protection & Service,
Linda Telly, RPWC
Pauline Wampler is the LA FRA Regional President for South Central

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FINANCE MATTERS

Gather All your Assets

I
nvestment planning is like doing a jigsaw puzzle except the pieces do not always come in one box—often you have to gather them from a variety of sources. When putting an investment plan together, you have to combine information on assets, debt, insurance and more to form the full picture of your financial life.
However, people often forget about or lose some of their investment planning puzzle pieces, and then the picture is never really complete. It is one reason why many people do not have a complete picture of their financial life, says Elizabeth “Liz” Bartley, Sales Advisory Consultant at Wells Fargo Advisors.

Why the Full Picture Really Matters
“From an investment standpoint, you do not really have a good gauge of how much risk you could potentially be taking,” if you are not looking at all of your holdings in conjunction with each other, Bartley says. It is not just investments. Loans, including any student loans, business loans, or mortgages, may impact your overall plan, too.
Without this full picture, individuals and their financial advisors end up doing their investment planning based on what amounts to faulty information. And that can result in a risk profile or asset mix that does not represent your desires or needs.
This is especially common among people who have assets spread across numerous financial institutions—you may have several 401(k) accounts from different jobs maintained at a variety of institutions, some online investments in another place, and your primary portfolio you maintain with your financial advisor.
“Understanding how much debt you have versus assets is a starting point for making improvements and creating more wealth over time,” Bartley adds.

Putting the Pieces Together
So how do you collect everything you need? Financial advisors often start with a checklist of important information, Bartley says. Even when 

most of your assets are with a single company, there is still information to gather from other sources.
Ask your financial advisor to keep copies of this information, which can function as a backup for your records. That is especially valuable, Bartley says, in case anything happens to you.

Your Complete Financial Picture May Include:
•	Investment accounts with other institutions. This could include qualified employer-sponsored retirement plans (QRPs), such as a 401(k), 403(b), or governmental 457(b), still at previous employers, and IRAs
•	Checking and savings accounts
•	Assets you own, such as your primary residence, a second home, rental property, and valuables—antiques, jewelry, or an art collection
•	Debts, including your mortgage, credit card balances, and other loans and lines of credit
•	Other investment vehicles, such as long-term care insurance, annuities, and life insurance policies
•	Trust funds
•	Rental income or other earnings beyond your primary source of income
•	Social Security statements
  FRA

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.© 2018 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

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