FRAtoday October  2019
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM THE BRIDGE
SHIPMATE FORUM	5
On & Off captol hill	6
FEATURE  STORies
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS18
SHIPMATE NEWS20
TAPS22
REUNIONS/lOOKINGFOR…25
AUXILIARY OF THE FRA26
FINANCE MATTERS27

COMMUNICATIONS

Happy Birthday Navy Memorial

The United States Navy Memorial is the triumph of a centuries-old dream for America’s Sea Services. When architect Pierre L’Enfant designed Washington, D.C., he envisioned a memorial that would celebrate the rich heritage of the United States Navy, dating back to 1775 when a force of eight small wooden ships fought and won its first battle at sea. 

L’Enfant’s vision would be realized more than two hundred years later. Navy legend and former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Arleigh Burke decided there was enough “talk” about a Navy Memorial and that it was time to act. Burke and his Navy colleagues, including former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Tom Moore and former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Elmo “Bud” Zumwalt worked together to form a non-profit organization called the United States Navy Memorial Foundation in the spring of 1977.  
Under the leadership of Rear Admiral William Thompson, USN (Ret.), the United States Navy Memorial sought and received the blessing of Congress to construct a memorial on public land in the District of Columbia. A bill was introduced in the Senate and House in 1978 and was signed into law by President Carter – who happens to also be a U.S. Naval Academy graduate – in 1980. It would be built on the recently redeveloped Pennsylvania Avenue, also known as America’s Main Street for its prime location between the White House and Capitol Building.

Immediately a call went out to the millions of Navy veterans and active duty to support the building of this memorial. 

Twenty-eight million dollars later, the Lone Sailor was dedicated on the Navy Memorial on October 13th, 1987, the Navy’s 212th birthday. It has served as a living tribute to the men and women of the Sea Services – past, present and future – for more than thirty years.   FRA

In Loyalty, Protection & Service,
William Stevenson, Editor-in-Chief

Source: https://www.navymemorial.org/about-usnm

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FROM THE BRIDGE

Final “Homecoming”
Happy October and Fall to all Shipmates. During the fall season, as some are raking (or cursing) the leaves, the colors come from the many trees like us. It yields after a winter to a fresh new look of life. We see nature settling and telling us, that we have to ‘move on to cultivate new ideals and ideas’, in another direction. As I write my final article, FROM THE FANTAIL, I reflect on the past six years. Some, more challenging than others, but always towards a progressive appreciation, not to CHANGE, but to meet with enthusiasm, greater opportunities.

A Shipmate once asked me, “Tom, what is your attitude towards Life?” As some know I have authored two books, but my response was even more surprising even to me from those books and to this shipmate. I told him, “Speak from the heart, and act from the Mind.” In a more deliberate manner, I echoed, “Whenever I find myself doubting how far I can go, I will always remember how far I have come, and remember everything, I have faced, all the battles that I’ve won and all the fears I’ve overcome.”

This brings me to my final days on the FRA Staff. In my writing style, I have always tried to put ‘pen to paper’ to project ‘in a positive and aggressive way an agenda that leads to success of its readership’. Why the FANTAIL? In the picture above, please note the wake, FROM THE FANTAIL. This scene could be from a combatant, the ‘well-deck’ of an AMPHIB, sponson of a carrier or even the sail from a submarine; in all, the energy of the wake is developed from the driven bow wave that it produced. 

I have had some great experiences serving as your Executive Director. I have met many great leaders outside of the FRA. I have ‘lost’ one dear family member in my personal life, some settlements in Congress and even Shipmates. Many bills in Congress are still listed on the Bill Tracker; however, the capstone that I am most proud of was the recent passage of the Agent Orange/Blue Water Navy Bill. Not a pivotal or perfect completion, but at least, a ‘wake’ of some success. Maybe we have to wait for the ‘next watch’ to measure where the entire measure of devotion continues. Together, we still need to create more ‘bow action’ to ensure all Vietnam Blue Water Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard personnel are covered.

So, as I depart, I can say I have tried to be a faithful servant to the staff and this 95-year-old Sea Service Association. Funny times, especially the wreath transfer at Arlington for the LA FRA, and as I turn and face the next wake and take notice of the calmness of the seas ahead I know I have sincerely tried. Did I do everything right, perhaps not, but then again, I am only human. I will remain active within my Branch and to those Shipmates of 181. I will continue to recruit in the manner of what this Association is all about and for all Sea Service members and their families. This old Chief now has to move on. The coffee cup is ready; the fantail is tied up to my pier, as I move on to a different cause of influence. Best to all, and always remember, that to live in the sincerest profiles of Loyalty, Protection, & Service, it’s not about change or in governances, but in the dignity of those to whom we serve. PRESS ON, In Loyalty, Protection and Service, Thomas J. Snee, PNED and Shipmate!    FRA

In Loyalty, Protection & Service, 
NED Thomas J. Snee

Tom is the FRA’s National Executive Director at NEDFRA@fra.org

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sHIPMATE FORUM

Vietnam Veterans Memorial 
Your May 2019, article in FRAtoday, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, was well written and informative. I would like to let all of my Vietnam era veterans know that they don’t have to travel to Washington, D.C., to see and feel the emotion of this memorial wall. In my hometown of Perryville, Missouri, through the donations of veterans like yourselves, an exact replica of the Vietnam Wall has been permanently built. The Missouri National Veterans Memorial was formally dedicated on May 18, 2019. Since the Memorial is located in the middle of the country with easy access from all of the surrounding states, I would like to encourage all veterans to plan a visit and enjoy this sacred memorial to our fallen men and women who died in Vietnam War. 
I encourage you to check out the web site for more information at www.mnvmfund.org.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert P. Guth, PN1, E6 USNR (Ret.)

FRA Editorial Staff
Thank you for continuing to provide an excellent magazine to keep our members up to date on the organization and the legislative actions we can assist with. I would especially like to thank you for the two recent issues that included feature articles detailing the future of Next Generation Submarines and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. It is always wonderful to see how today’s sailors’ and marines’ lives are changing and how our sea services are implementing new ships, subs and aircraft. Both of these articles made this retiree long for the days of diving beneath the waves and patrolling behind the carriers doing flight operations. My time at sea was limited, but forever memorable!
BZ and keep up the great work!
Edo Forsythe CTICS(SS) (Ret.) MAL

“Peter” Boat 
I greatly enjoyed your article Higgins Boats. BZ for continuing such a great organization and publication.
During my first hitch in the Navy, I spent about four years (1956-1959) in the Pacific Gator Navy, serving in two APDs and one LST, so I am familiar with both LCVPs and LCPs (I believe that is the correct nomenclature designation for what we called a “Peter” Boat (old phonetic alphabet for “P”). 

I was not an Assault Boat Coxswain; however, one small but important, albeit unrecognized, fact regarding all the WW-II combat amphibious landings of LCVPs, Peter Boats and Mike Boats, is that the boat crews potentially had to make repeated landings under murderous enemy fire. Quite a few did not make it. Talk about “looking death in the eye” over and over again.
MCPO(SS)/CWO Robert A. Gerle, Sr. USN (Ret.) Branch # 049 since 1984

FRAtoday: Thank you both for the positive feedback and I wish HQ staff could take all the credit for developing these great articles you mentioned. We actually develop story ideas as much as one year in advance, but they are largely based upon Shipmate feedback, suggestions and comments. Please send in your ideas!

Hit the Military Again?
Someone put an article in the Shipmate Forum in the August 2019 edition of the FRAtoday that I have an issue with and would like to make a reply to his article. The article is entitled Hit The Military Again. I agree about the cuts [in benefits] and broken promises we get handed [from congress]. My issue with his letter is he is suggesting all federal employees get a 10 to 15 percent reduction in salary and benefits. I am a federal employee working at an USMC Officer Recruiting Station and I have no input on [how cuts are determined]. It is not the federal employees who are making the cuts and breaking the promises, it is the politicians. The politicians are the ones who need the reduction in pay. I retired from the Navy after 20 years, and also get those cuts and broken promises. 
Very Respectfully,
Don Phillips (AZ1) Retired Branch 177
 
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

Good Bye Sequestration
Sequestration mandated by the Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011 was eliminated as part of the budget deal negotiated between the House, Senate and White House earlier this year. This Act created more complexity to the legislative process, and was enacted as part of a bigger agreement to raise the debt limit.  The BCA was supposed to be implemented over 10 years. Each year the automatic sequestration cuts would get bigger and 50 percent of the cuts would come from the Defense Department (DoD) despite the fact that DoD makes up only 17 percent of the budget. While eliminating or reducing the federal government’s annual spending deficit is a noble cause, it should not be accomplished by mindless across the board budget cuts. FRA argued that Defense cuts were too large and it would ultimately create a “hollow force” threatening the viability of the All-Volunteer Total Force and endangering our national security.  

Retiree Issues
Senators Push for Elimination of Widows Tax
Senators Doug Jones (Ala.) and Susan Collins (Me.) recently sent a bipartisan letter—co-signed by 64 of their Senate colleagues—to the chairmen and ranking members of both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees calling on them to ensure the House-passed provisions to repeal the SBP/DIC offset (Military Widow’s Tax) remains in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA-HR 2500-S. 1790). Senators Jones and Collins were unsuccessful in their efforts in June to amend the Senate NDAA. However, the House NDAA includes this FRA-supported provision. The final bill is currently being negotiated between the House and the Senate. The final bill will be voted on by both chambers and if approved will go to the President to be signed into law or vetoed. 

 If signed into law, this legislation will repeal the unfair law that prevents as many as 67,000 surviving military spouses nationwide from receiving their full Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs survivor benefits. Currently, military widows and widowers who qualify for the VA’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are forced to take a dollar-for-dollar offset from the Survivors Benefits Plan (SBP) benefit, even though retirees elected to pay into the program.

Legislation to repeal the Military Widow’s Tax has been repeatedly introduced in the Senate and House over the past 18 years, but this is the first time this provision has been included a bill that has passed either chamber of Congress. The text of the letter can be found here:

Members can weigh in on this issue through the FRA Action Center located on the FRA website (www.fra.org). This issue is listed in the campaign at the top of the page entitled: “Ask Senators to Support House NDAA Provisions.”   

DHA will Manage DoD Healthcare
Effective October 1, 2019 the Department of Defense will begin consolidating military hospitals and clinics under a single agency. The Army, Navy and Air Force will begin a two-year transition to shift administration and management of their medical facilities to the Defense Health Agency (DHA) by October 2021. 

"For the first time in our modern military's history, a single agency, the DHA, will be responsible for all the health care the Department of Defense delivers to our 9.5 million beneficiaries," Bono said. "Whether you receive your care at an on-base facility or through our TRICARE civilian networks, DHA will oversee your care.  This consolidation will drive higher levels of readiness for operational and medical forces and integrate health care services to standardize practices across the entire Department, which means patients will have a consistent, high-quality health care experience, no matter where they receive their care."

This change was mandated in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2017 that included sweeping changes to military healthcare. Congress, among other changes, wanted a single agency to be responsible for the administration and management of all military hospitals and clinics. DHA will be responsible for health care delivery and business operations across the Military Health System including budgets, information technology, health care administration and management, administrative policies and procedures, and military medical construction.

FRA will monitor the consolidation process to ensure that access and quality of care will not be reduced for beneficiaries. 

FRA Supports Arthritis Research at DoD
Due to the rigorous and physically demanding requirements of military service, veterans are more likely to develop arthritis than civilians. That is why FRA recently signed onto a letter with other VSO/MSO organizations urging Congress to designate an arthritis research program at the Department of Defense (DoD) within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) and appropriate $20 million for FY2020. The current budget for CDMRP does not specifically identify arthritis as an area of concern.

Arthritis encompasses more than 100 diseases, including mechanical (or degenerative) and inflammatory ones. This research will focus on prevention in order to head off years of therapy, medication, and potential surgeries and to lower cost within the VA. Arthritis is a major cause of medical discharge from the military and severely impacts military readiness and retention. Enlisted service members have the highest rates of arthritis. A dedicated budget for arthritis research for would help establish a sustainable focus on arthritis, since it is such a high-impact disease in the military population. 

Moving? Update DEERS for Uninterrupted TRICARE Coverage 
The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) wants to remind beneficiaries that if they change their location, be sure to update their information in the DEERS. Being able to use TRICARE depends on keeping DEERS up to date. DEERS is a database of active duty and retired service members, their family members and others who are eligible for TRICARE. TRICARE eligibility shows up in DEERS based on the sponsor’s status. Keeping your DEERS record up to date is the key to getting timely and effective TRICARE benefits.

FRA members should make sure that DEERS has correct, address, duty status, telephone numbers and email addresses. This is especially true after permanent change of station, or PCS, moves and anytime you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). A QLE can include getting married or divorced, giving birth or retiring. Also, check out what you need to do if you are moving. Remember, DEERS needs the beneficiaries Social Security number (SSN) and the SSN of each covered family members must be included in DEERS for TRICARE coverage to be accurate.

Changing beneficiaries contact information in DEERS is easy and there are several options. Beneficiaries can make changes online, by telephone, fax, mail or in person at the nearest ID card office. You can find an office near you using the RAPID Sites Locator.

To add or remove family members, you must visit a local ID card office. To update contact information, choose one of these options:
1. Online: Log into MilConnect    
2. Telephone: 1-800-538-9552 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883) or fax updates to 1-800-336-4416
3. Mail: Send updates to:
Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office
Attention: COA 
400 Gigling Road
Seaside, CA 93955-6771

Only sponsors can add a family member in DEERS. Family members age 18 and older may update their own contact information.

Find more information on how to update DEERS information on the TRICARE website.

Active Duty/Reserve Issues
Professional Medical Organizations Express Concern about Cuts to Military Medical Staff
Recently, a group of 17 professional medical organizations have dispatched a joint letter to key legislators that expresses their concern regarding the Administration’s proposed cuts (18,000) to military medical staff that is provided in the Senate version of the Defense Authorization bill (S.1790). The letter cautions that these cuts will reduce military medical readiness and will be detrimental to the more than 9 million TRICARE beneficiaries, including 2 million children, who receive care through the Military Health System (MHS). Proposals to reduce the number of uniformed military health care provider billets threaten access to primary and specialty health care services for service members and their families. Reductions in billets will also reduce the number of military-trained uniformed providers that are needed to deliver essential health services to active duty members, their families and retirees who live near the impacted installations. 

The letter notes that Section 716 from the House version of the FY2020 NDAA bill prohibits the Defense Departments from realigning or reducing military medical end strength until analyses are conducted on potential manpower realignments and the availability of health care services in the local area. The letter urges legislators to include this language in the final conference report. A copy of the letter is available on the website.

The FRA is also concerned that such drastic cuts could impact access and quality of care for retirees, active duty members and their families. In addition, these proposed cuts could impact combat casualty care capabilities. Members are encouraged to use the Action Center to weigh in on this and two other issues by using the campaign located at top of the list, “Ask Senators to support House NDAA Provisions.” 

Military Overseas Voting Increased in 2018 Election 
In 2018, 53 percent of the ballots sent to military and overseas voters were successfully counted — compared to only 33 percent in 2006. This is according to the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s examining post-election research from the 2018 General Election. 

Military members stationed away from their voting residence face more difficulties compared to local voters because the ability to receive and submit absentee ballots on time remains a problem. 

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) of 1986 requires states to allow active-duty military members, their eligible family members and overseas citizens to vote absentee in federal elections. The FRA-supported Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act (MOVE) amended and improved UOCAVA in 2009 by providing greater protections, such as requiring states to send absentee ballots to UOCAVA voters at least 45 days before federal elections. They also must provide an electronic option for sending ballots to voters. 

“FVAP data from elections in the years 2000 to 2005 show that 30 percent of military members didn’t vote because their absentee ballot didn’t arrive or arrived late,” FVAP Director David Beirne said. “A decade after the MOVE Act, that figure has been reduced by nearly half.” 

Use of electronic options for sending and receiving materials between voters and election offices has rapidly increased in recent elections. In 2018, election offices reported transmitting 57 percent of military and overseas ballots by email. In contrast, in 2014, only 36 percent of these ballots were transmitted via email. 

The FVAP State of the Military Voter data will be released, after each federal election year. The findings are based upon post-election surveys and studies of voter file data. 

For additional information, visit FVAP.gov , e-mail vote@fvap.gov or call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683). 

Pentagon Taskforce to Examine Toxic Exposure on Bases
The newly confirmed Secretary of Defense has set up a special task force to review the military's obligation in cleaning up contamination from cancer-linked “forever chemicals.” “The Department is committed to taking a strong and proactive stance to address the effects arising out of any releases of these substances from all defense activities including the National Guard and Reserves. We must approach the problem in an aggressive and holistic way, ensuring a coordinated DoD-wide approach to the issue,” Esper wrote in a memo establishing the taskforce. A class of chemicals abbreviated as PFAS are used in non-stick products ranging from Teflon pans to raincoats, but the heavy use of PFAS-laden firefighting foam by the military has contributed to water contamination across the country. PFAS’s persistence in the environment has earned it the “forever chemical” nickname.

“We must approach the problem in an aggressive and holistic way, ensuring a coordinated DOD-wide approach to the issue,” Esper stated.

There are at least 400 military sites with PFAS contamination, and the chemical has often spread to the water supply of nearby communities. The cost for cleanup is estimated at $2 billion.

The PFAS task force would be responsible for devising cleanup standards, finding alternative firefighting foam without PFAS, and addressing Public/Congress perceptions of DoD’s efforts. Esper gave the task force six months to report back.

Senate Confirms Gilday as CNO
The Senate recently confirmed Vice Adm. Michael Gilday as the next Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) by a unanimous vote. Gilday, the current director of the joint staff, was also promoted to a four-star admiral with the confirmation. His confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee was completed approximately 24 hours before the final vote in the Senate and less than a month after his nomination to the post.

Gilday, who has previously served as the head of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and 10th Fleet commander, was nominated for the top Navy job after the sudden retirement of Adm. Bill Moran.

Veterans Issues
Disabled Veterans May Get Refund
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Inspector General recently issued a report claiming that more than 53,000 disabled veterans may be owed refunds totaling approximately $189 million in home loan fees they were incorrectly charged by the VA. Auditors found it “troubling” that senior Veterans Benefits Administration officials were aware in October, 2014 that thousands of exempt veterans were owed refunds, but didn’t take adequate action to issue refunds. The auditors estimated that nearly 73,000 exempt veterans were incorrectly charged an estimated $286 million in funding fees for their VA home loans from 2012 through 2017.  During that period, the VA issued about $97 million in refunds to 19,700 of the veterans -- leaving an estimated 53,200 who may be eligible for refunds. Based on a sample of 200 home loans made from 2012-2017, auditors found overcharges that averaged $4,483.  

Generally, veterans and service members are required to pay a VA funding fee when they apply for a VA home loan, to defray the VA’s cost for administering the loan. However, veterans are exempt from paying a funding fee if they’re entitled to receive VA disability compensation. VA funding fees range from 0.5 percent to 3.3 percent of the loan amount. The VA guarantees the loans, which are made through lenders such as banks and credit unions.

The VA Loan Guaranty Service has developed a plan to identify these exempt veterans and to issue the refunds. One issue identified by the Inspector General, and being reviewed by the VA, is how to credit borrowers who, after their loan has closed, were awarded disability compensation with retroactive effective dates, which would have made them eligible for the waiver at the time the loan was given.

In their response to the VA IG, Loan Guaranty Service officials cited other competing priorities: unprecedented growth in the VA home loan program from 2012 through 2017, with parallel increases in phone call volume, requests for VA certificates of eligibility, and appraisals. In 2014, the VA estimated it would take 12 employees devoted full time for one year to complete the refunds. More recent data indicates it would take at least 30 full-time employees more than a year to complete the process, according to the VA.

Veterans who think they may be eligible for a refund should go online or call (877) 827-3702 to request a refund.

President Orders Loan Forgiveness for some Disabled Veterans
President Donald Trump recently issued a presidential memorandum requiring the Department of Education to eliminate the federal student loan debt of 100 percent permanently disabled veterans. “The debt of these disabled veterans will be entirely erased. It will be gone. They will sleep well tonight,” said President Trump. Veterans who are 100 percent disabled are currently eligible to have their federal student loan debt entirely expunged, but government officials have struggled to get all eligible veterans to take advantage of the program. Essentially the memorandum is an effort to make loan forgiveness automatic, putting the impetus of clearing the debt on federal agencies instead of veterans.

SVAC Chairman Announces He will Resign from Senate
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman, Senator Johnny Isakson has announced that he will step down from serving as Georgia’s senior Senator on December 31, 2019. He served in the Georgia National Guard (1966-1972). He was re-elected to the Senate in 2016. He announced in June 2015 he had Parkinson’s disease and insisted it would not impact his ability to serve as Senator that included serving as Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.  

He was elected state representative in 1976 after losing two years earlier. He ran unsuccessfully for Governor of Georgia in 1990, and was elected to state senate in 1992. In 1996 he lost a Republican primary race for U.S. Senate. He was elected to Congress in a special election when Newt Gingrich resigned from Congress in 1998.  In 2004 he was elected to the U.S. Senate when the incumbent Senator retired.   

Unemployment for Veterans Increases
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate for veterans increased for a second consecutive month in July, but still remained below the overall national unemployment rate. 

The veteran unemployment rate increased from 3.3 percent to 3.4 percent in July. That rate had been below three percent for four consecutive months before the June estimates. Among veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan war era, the unemployment rate in July was 3.6 percent, down slightly from 3.7 percent in June. The national unemployment rate remained unchanged from June at 3.7 percent.
 
The 3.4 percent jobless rate for veterans amounts to about 316,000 former military members looking for work last month. That number was as high as 500,000 just three years ago and topped the one million mark in 2011. 

VA Updating Schedule of Rating Disabilities (VASRD)
The Department of Veterans (VA) is updating its Schedule of Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to align with current medical knowledge. The most recent portion of the disability schedule to be updated is the section covering infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies.

The federal regulation for the disability rating criteria is being rewritten to update medical terms and to more accurately reflect the changes that medicine and treatment have undergone since the original code was written in 1945.
 
This most recent update pertains to the VA’s rating schedule that covers different diseases and sections of the human body. The new rating schedule for infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies joins updates for dental and oral conditions; conditions related to the endocrine system; gynecological conditions and disorders of the breast; diseases of the eye; skin conditions; and the hematologic and lymphatic systems. Any claims in these three areas that were pending on Aug. 11, 2019, will be considered under both the new and old rating schedules with the more favorable rating result going to the veteran. All claims that were filed on or after Aug. 11, 2019 will be rated on the new standards.

The VA uses the collection of federal regulations to determine exactly what is considered a disability related to military service and to compute any disability compensation payments. 
FEATURE  STORY

Concurrent Receipt Reform

By John R. Davis, FRA Director of Legislative Policy

The Fleet Reserve Association supports legislation authorizing the immediate payment of concurrent receipt of full military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation for all disabled retirees. Concurrent receipt refers to the simultaneous receipt of two types of monetary benefits: military retired pay and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation. Full and comprehensive concurrent receipt has been a long sought after goal for the Association. Before concurrent receipt, all retired military personnel were required to waive a portion of their retired pay equal to the amount of their VA compensation.

Opponents of concurrent receipt have often claimed it was a form of “double-dipping” of government benefits. 
In this current year, the FRA was able to get legislation introduced in both the House and the Senate and at FRA’s request, floor amendments were submitted in the House and Senate but were not called for a vote. 
There are two types of concurrent receipt: Combat Related Special Compensation; and Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay. 

CRSC (Combat Related Special Compensation) is paid to military retirees who have a combat-related disability and do not have their military retired pay reduced in order to receive VA disability compensation. The FY2003 National Defense Authorization Act provided concurrent receipt for CRSC beneficiaries with a disability rating of 50 percent or more. In 2008, Congress expanded CRSC eligibility for Chapter 61 (Medically retired with less than 20 years of service) retirees. The FY2013 NDAA (H.R. 4310 – P.L. 112-239) eliminated the so-called CRSC glitch, that resulted in certain beneficiaries receiving reduced benefits when their disability rating increased, was eliminated. The beneficiary must apply for CRSC through their branch of service. 

CRDP (Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay) military retirees with 20 or more years of service and a 50 percent or higher service-connected disability rating have concurrent receipt effective Jan. 1, 2014. This CRDP provision was enacted in 2004 and phased in over 10 years (2004-2014). Beneficiaries rated as unemployable by the Department of Veterans Affairs were not subject to the phase-in. CRDP beneficiaries with less than 50 percent disability rating and all those medically retired with less 20 years of service (Chapter 61) are not eligible for concurrent receipt. Enrollment in CRDP is automatic.

The FRA was very optimistic about opportunities for expanding concurrent receipt when the Obama Administration included a concurrent receipt proposal in their budget request in 2009 and 2010. The Administration’s proposal would have expanded concurrent receipt phased-in over five years for CRDP beneficiaries who were forced to retire before 20 years of service due to a disability, injury or illness that was service-connected (Chapter 61 retirees). Despite support of the Administration’s proposal, no expansion of concurrent receipt occurred in 2009 or 2010. 
 
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) estimated in 2017 that one-third of military retirees receive either CRSC or CRDP at a cost of $12.4 billion. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that to extend benefits to all veterans who are eligible for both disability benefits and military retired pay would cost $30 billion over 10 years. Current legislation to expand and reform concurrent receipt includes: 

House: H.R.303 (Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Fla.): Extends Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP) eligibility to retirees rated less than 50 percent disabled. 

H.R.333 (Rep. Bishop Sanford, Ga.):  The Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act is comprehensive concurrent receipt legislation that includes the elements of H.R. 303 and would also give concurrent receipt to CRDP retirees whose disability ratings are below 50 percent and CRDP chapter 61 retirees with less than 20 years of service.

Senate: S. 208 (Sen. Jon Tester, Mont.): The Retired Pay Restoration Act is different language from H.R. 303 but essentially achieves the same result of extending Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP) eligibility to retirees rated less than 50 percent disabled.  

Sen. Jon Testor (Mont.) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (Fla.) filed floor amendments for the Senate and House NDAA, respectively. The amendments were filed at FRA's request and the provisions were similar to the legislation they proposed. Neither amendment was called for a vote.

Disability Rating
“The DOD and VA disability rating systems have much in common, but there are significant differences. DOD makes a determination of eligibility for disability retirement only once, at the time the individual is separating from the service. Although DOD uses the VA rating schedule to determine the percentage of disability, DOD measures disability, or lack thereof, against the extent to which the individual can or cannot perform military duties. Military disability retired pay, but not VA disability compensation, is usually taxable, unless related to a combat disability.” 1  

In 2007, Congress wanted to make one disability rating that the DOD and VA would both use. So the FY2008 NDAA required the DOD and the VA to do a joint report on the feasibility of consolidating the two disability evaluation systems. This eliminates duplication and reduces costs by having one medical examination and a single source disability rating. 

As a result, the DOD and VA initiated a one-year pilot program known as the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). The program was expanded in 2009 and then again in 2010. In September 2011, the program applied to all new disability retirement cases. Most experts agree that the IDES has streamlined the disability evaluation process. With the two agencies using the same system, it would allow them to work on an integrated electronic health record. In September 2018, both agencies committed toward work for a seamless electronic health record.
   
Guard and Reserve Concurrent Receipt
National Guard and Reserve retirees cannot receive retired pay until age 60. So, even if these veterans are receiving VA compensation before age 60, they will not be eligible for CRDP or CRSC until they turn 60 and start receiving retired pay and VA compensation simultaneously.

For Guard and Reserve members who are medically retired before reaching age 60, however, eligibility for CRDP in particular, can be confusing. Even though medical retirees do receive retired pay before age 60, certain medical retirees will still not be eligible for CRDP before age 60. The reason comes down to the difference in how “years of service” are calculated for Guard and Reserve retirement and for medical retirement.

To be eligible for CRDP, veterans must have 20 or more years of service. For Guard and Reserve retirement, your total “years of service” are calculated by adding your “active years” (on active duty) with your “drilling years.” For medical retirement, your “years of service” are calculated based only on your active duty years.

So, for medical retirees who have less than 20 years of active service, but 20 or more years of combined drilling and active service, eligibility can seem complicated. Unfortunately, the medical retirees in this “gray area” are not yet eligible for CRDP, but will become eligible when they turn 60. This is because, under medical retirement, the veteran is considered to have less than 20 years of service, so DFAS and the VA make the same assumption for CRDP purposes. At 60, the veteran can include the total time for their Guard and Reserve retirement (active years and drilling years), and would be considered to have 20 or more years of service, thus meeting the eligibility criteria for CRDP. 2

Taxes on Concurrent Receipt
CRDP is taxed and CRSC is not. When a veteran switches from CRDP to CRSC it can have a substantial impact on their income tax liability. When the VA or the DFAS approve these changes, the changes are often implemented retroactively. When a disabled veteran is receiving CRDP and is then awarded CRSC, CRSC benefits are often retroactively applied. But the retroactive implementation of CRSC also means a retroactive removal of CRDP. Because the CRDP benefits were taxed but CRSC is not. Veterans may be able to claim a federal tax refund for the year in which CRSC was awarded and for the years it was retroactively applied. (This paragraph is not intended be provide tax advice.) 

Conclusion
The Association has chipped away at this issue since 2002. While there have been small step successes, total victory has remained elusive primarily because of the cost. The FRA strongly believes in the principle that career military members earned their retired pay by service alone, and that those unfortunate enough to suffer a service-caused disability in the process should have any disability compensation from the VA added to, not subtracted from, their service-earned military retired pay. This remains a key goal for the Fleet Reserve Association.    FRA

RESOURCES
1. CRS Report R40589, page 4
2. CRDP and CRSC: Concurrent Receipt Explained, Chisholm, Chisholm and Kilpatrick blog, January 19, 2018

FEATURE

THE IOWA-CLASS BATTLESHIP USS WISCONSIN: 
Icon of America’s 20th Century Mastery of the Seas
By Ann Norvell Gray

On December 7, 1943, the second anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Iowa-class battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) was launched in Philadelphia. In 1944, after a shakedown cruise out of Trinidad, it made its way from Norfolk through the Panama Canal, to Hawaii for training exercises and on to serve in the Pacific as part of Admiral William Halsey’s 3rd Fleet.

 “Wisky” was big, fast and formidable, designed and armed to protect aircraft carriers, dispatch enemy fighter planes and kamikaze attackers and destroy fortifications on shore. It served again in Korea and the Gulf War. Now the massive ship is moored in the Elizabeth River on Norfolk, Virginia’s downtown waterfront as part of a maritime museum and science center called Nauticus. Wisky’s fast days may be over, but the ship is still big and formidable.

The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, founded in 1776 in a different part of the city, was the first shipyard in the new nation and became an official U.S. Navy Shipyard 25 years later. It no longer exists as a Navy yard, but WW II was its most productive era.  Both the USS WISCONSIN and its sister ship the USS NEW JERSEY, two of the four newly developed Iowa-class battleships instrumental in waging the war in the Pacific, were built there. They were the longest battleships ever built. They were designed for speed as well as might and capable of transiting the Panama Canal, which their predecessors were too beamy to do. They fought in four wars before being decommissioned in the 1990s.  The speed of technological change during the first half of the 20th century had made these powerhouses possible. Increasingly rapid technological advances rendered them obsolete by the end of the century. All four now serve as privately owned museum ships.

The USS WISCONSIN is reached from the second floor of Nauticus, along a curving corridor lined with history. A 1943 photograph of the cavernous empty dry dock and the newly launched ship afloat in the distance is on the wall. It appears to have been taken from the rafters, high in the building’s forward end, that overlooks a huge crowd of shipbuilders, sailors, and the dignitaries assembled for the launch. They all look no larger than ants. The picture inspired a visitor to remark, “Somewhere in that crowd there was a construction manager who was a genius!” The seven thousand ship builders who made Wisky may have had the same feeling about that day.

A gripping short film runs on a continuous loop in a theatre off that corridor. It tells the story of the great ship, with archival footage from the years of her service in the Pacific all the way forward to her arrival at the berth in Norfolk. Shipmates who served aboard her across the years express their wonder upon first arriving on board and tell stories of their service with both pride and humility. During film clips of the firing of massive 2,700 pound shells from her main battery of 16-inch guns and the fire and noise they produced, a voice in the darkened theater said, “Boy - you really don’t want to see that thing coming!” An understatement indeed.

The corridor opens to a gangway leading to the main deck at the base of the forward turret carrying three of the big guns. The 880 feet of WISCONSIN’S length is the equivalent of almost three typical city blocks. To people standing on the quarterdeck near the bow, the stern seems almost to disappear into the distance. Those 16-inch guns, which were capable of destroying shore fortifications as far as twenty miles away, are a sobering sight up close. Ten turrets on the upper levels are armed with 5-inch 38-caliber guns with a ten-mile range. An array of anti-aircraft guns handled fighter planes that plagued the fleet, particularly the carriers that the battleships were built to protect. 

Physically fit visitors can climb through the upper levels on their own, or spring for a guided tour which includes the captain’s and admiral’s cabins, the combat engagement center, the flag and navigation bridges and the quartermaster’s space. Below the main deck, the second deck grants access to the functions that are like the main street of a small town inhabited by the crew. 

Everywhere you look aboard this massive piece of machinery there is evidence of meticulous planning for reliable performance, scrupulous maintenance and top-notch efficiency. If you have the soul of an engineer, you can almost hear her original designers asking, “That part works, but now we need this, so what if we did it this way?” You may marvel that, when the computer technology that supports all the aspects of modern life was still a mystery for the future, devising and coordinating all the parts that fit together into this enormous ship were essentially accomplished with slide rules, calculators and hand-drawn blueprints.

Retired U.S. Senator John Warner of Virginia was instrumental in bringing WISCONSIN to Norfolk. Senator Warner was an 18-year-old petty officer third class in the U.S. Navy at the end of WW II. Five years later, he joined the Marines and served in Korea, after which he resumed his path to a long career in law and politics. He served as Secretary of the Navy in the 1970s and then represented Virginia in the Senate for thirty years. He was also Elizabeth Taylor’s sixth husband for six years, but that tidbit is not germane to our story. Out of respect for his contribution, an exhibit describing his career and his relationship to the process of acquiring and transferring ownership of the ship to the City of Norfolk is mounted in the wardroom on the main deck. Here is what it says about his attachment to this battleship:
John Warner had never forgotten his first sight of the USS WISCONSIN in 1951, firing her powerful 16-inch guns off the coast of Korea. “I was sitting in the back seat of an observation plane and there she was – the USS WISCONSIN; the magnificent silhouette of that ship firing inland. And we could see the flash of her guns in support of the U.S. troops.” 

Last year, in a joint project with a security specialist firm, a video surveillance software company and a global technology product provider, the Nauticus Foundation opened the Ship Experience Access Room (SEAR) in what was the WISCONSIN’S administrative office. The room was set up for visitors who won’t be exploring the whole ship because of time constraints or physical limitations. It is designed after a control center. The compact space has four stations, each with a high-resolution monitor and a mouse, to navigate through the ship’s open areas with an easy-to-use interactive system. On a recent Monday afternoon, one station was being used by a Shipmate who had served on the “Big Wisky” to walk his family through his experience on board.

Decommissioned after her service in Korea, WISCONSIN was retired until the 1980s when President Ronald Reagan instituted the “600 ship Navy” initiative. During the overhaul preparing for reactivation, the ship was armed with missiles. In 1991, WISCONSIN used those missiles and her 5-inch guns against Iraqi targets during Operation Desert Storm, decimating and demoralizing Saddam Hussein’s forces and paving the way for troops on the ground.  

Big Wisky’s combat actions represent only one of the roles played by the USS WISCONSIN throughout her active service. She has deployed helicopters and intelligence-gathering unmanned aircraft, delivered fuel to destroyers, carried supplies, provided medical and dental support, operated a machine shop to handle repairs for U.S. and coalition forces, transported personnel, served as a logistics center and conducted training exercises and cruises all over the world. To learn more about the life of this venerable ship, the website of the Naval History and Heritage Command (see footnote 4) describes the ship’s active years in great detail. Undoubtedly, there are volumes that Shipmates who served aboard could add to this story. 

Next month, we’ll talk about Nauticus itself, which includes exhibits illuminating life aboard USS WISCONSIN, offers up-close examination of evolving equipment instrumental in the huge ship’s operations throughout the years. Nauticus includes engaging and interactive exhibits revealing the complex science of the earth’s waters and marine life.    FRA

SOURCES
1. https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Naval_Shipyard
2. https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Iowa-class_battleship
3. Placard, “WARNER & THE WISCONSIN,” wardroom exhibit, USS WISCONSIN, Nauticus, Norfolk, VA.
4. https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/w/wisconsin-ii.html

Return to Table of Contents

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

The Origin of the Two Bell Ceremony

I recently witnessed one of the most unique and honored traditions of the FRA, the “Two Bell Ceremony” and it led me to wonder how many Shipmates were aware of this beautiful ritual and its history. 

FRA honors our Shipmates when they report to the staff of the Supreme Commander.   The full ceremony is outlined in Section 303 of the FRA Rituals which is available on the FRA.org website or through your Branch Officers. Hard copies of the bylaws or rituals can also be purchased from FRA HQ, but please note that they are updated annually at the convention and the website will always have the latest version.

We are all saddened when we learn of a Shipmate’s passing and even more so when their family members didn’t let us know. To ensure that no shipmate is omitted from this well-earned honor, we have put in place a document to be completed now and filed with your important papers. Please ask your branch secretary for the form or if you are not affiliated with a branch, visit FRA.org under the Membership menu.

Origin of the Two Bell Ceremony
The origin of the Two Bell Ceremony remains unknown to this day.  In researching naval history back to the days of Lord Nelson, we can find no record of a memorial ceremony that uses the ship’s bell.  Two things may be said of this solemn ritual:  first, it is unique to the FRA, and second, it is ours alone. The sounding of two bells signifies a time to pause and reflect on our shipmates who are now serving on the “staff of the Supreme Commander.”
In days past, two bells marked the end of the routine day aboard ship. It was a time for Tattoo and soon Taps would sound throughout the ship.  Certainly, this is the most appropriate time to honor our departed Shipmates.
Those familiar with one of the greatest stories of the sea, Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, will remember that he found safe passage in the narrow waters by listening to the bell on the marker buoy.  That bobbing marker buoy sounds much like the tolling of a bell for a funeral dirge: solemn, reverent and mournful. 

Since the beginning of recorded time, men of the sea have been guided and impressed by the sounding of the ship’s bell.  In our Two Bell Ceremony, the tolling of the bell and the spoken word are combined in a ritual that strengthens the existing bond among all Shipmates of the Fleet Reserve Association.	

The ceremony is typically conducted as part of a branch meeting, or it can be performed at a Shipmate’s memorial service. There is also an option to perform a Burial Service, Section 311 of the FRA Rituals document.
A Shipmate leads the proceedings, and both the Chaplain and the Master-at-Arms are positioned for their official roles.  The syncopated combination of the official text, the striking of a gavel and the ringing of the bells, with appropriate pauses for reflection, reinforce the importance of remembering the Shipmate’s contributions to our country and the association.  FRA caps are to be placed on the attendees’ left shoulders and heads are bowed throughout the readings.  

At the conclusion, the bell is struck twice sharply to signify the end of the Shipmates’ service, just as was the case at the end of each day aboard a ship.

The ceremony is moving and important and, because it is protected in our bylaws, it is honored and performed at every level of FRA’s national leadership.  

I encourage every Shipmate to attend the ceremony, both to remember and honor those who have passed and to develop an appreciation for this unique and defining feature of the FRA. We will continue to do all we can at National Headquarters to ensure that every Shipmate receives recognition when their service has come to an end.    FRA
Yours in Loyalty, Protection, and Service,
Christina Hitchcock

Christina is the FRA’s Director of Membership. She can be reached at ChristinaH@fra.org or 703-683-1400 (Ext. 123)
Shipmate News

1. Branch 146, Johnsville, Pa.
Several Shipmates from Branch 146 drove in the Memorial Day Parade in Warminster, Pennsylvania. (L to R) Guy Hurrell, Tom Svenningsen, Dick Murphy and Carroll Hamilton.

2. Branch 57, South Jersey, N.J.
PNP William Starkey installed the branch officers. (L to R) Branch Secretary Michael Filinuk, Branch Treasurer Spencer Link, Branch VP Mary Rauch, Branch President Anthony McDonald and PNP Starkey.

3. Branch 15, Walhalla, S.C.
The installation of branch officers and board of directors took place on June 15th. (L to R) BOD Member Jim Jones, Branch Secretary/Treasurer Marti Selby, BOD Member Bill Griffiths, Branch President Clyde Albertson, BOD Member Tom Jurkovich, Branch Vice President Tom Smith, BOD Member Jack Simpson and BOD Member Larry Jones.

4. Branch 162, New Orleans, La.
(L) MCJROTC cadet 1st Lt. Zachary Neagle with (R) PRPSC Dave Field received a JROTC medal along with a certificate and gift cards sponsored by Branch 162 and Navy Federal Credit Union in New Orleans.

5. Branch 156, Brunswick, Maine
(L) Branch President Paul Loveless presented a 40-year membership certificate and lapel pin to Branch Chaplain Armand Larochelle during the June 12 meeting.

6. Branch 89, Atlanta, Ga.
(L to R) Branch President Rose presented Shipmate Darell Floyd with a pin in appreciation for his 30 years of continuous FRA membership.

7. Branch 57, South Jersey, N.J.
(L to R) Branch President Anthony McDonald presented PNP William Starkey with a 25-years continuous membership certificate during the June meeting.

8. Branch 136, Minneapolis, Minn.
Past Branch President Thomas Dooley, Jr. attended the USS Minneapolis-St. Paul christening on June 15, 2019 at the Menominee River in Wisconsin. 

9. Branch 61, Chula Vista, Calif.
(R) Chair of the Branch Scholarship and Essay Contest Judith Pickell presented the thousand-dollar Peterson Scholarship Award to Nicholas Alcalay who is the grandson of Branch President Stan Jasek. Alcalay will be attending California State University Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California.

10. Branch 294, Crossville, Tenn.
A “hearty congratulations” to the newly installed (L to R) Branch President Peter Dellarco, Branch Secretary Sarah Tinch, Branch 1st Vice President Bruce Ferris, Branch 2nd Vice President Alexander Alenitsch and Public Relations Chair and Branch Treasurer Steve Holcomb.

11. Branch 207, Dale City, Va.
Branch 207 congratulates YNC(SS) John Overman with his 40-year pin. (L to R) PNP Gilmartin, CWO Clark, Branch President John Milliken, Branch Treasure John Tyler, PNP Sweeney and Shipmate Lohmeyer in the back row.

12. Branch 268, Oklahoma City, Okla.
(L to R) Shipmates Jessie Whitney, Hereditary Chief of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Roger Wano, Roy Wano (in Popeye costume), Susan Frederici and Benton Wilkison pose at the Red Earth Festival parade in Oklahoma City, June 8, 2019. The FRA sponsors and maintains the float called USS Sooner (CV-89), a replica of a US Navy aircraft carrier.

TAPS
 
Adams, Willie C.	HT1, USN	105
Allen, Burnell E.	SPCM, USN	47
Alley, James W.	CPO, USN	MAL

Baldwin, Homer R.	EMC(SS), USN	276
Benson, Max C.	AMCM, USN	MAL
Biggs, Terrell L.	RM1, USN	194
Bigley, Edward H.	PO2, USN	MAL
Bolduc, Albert E.	MMCS, USN	72
Brown, John R.	MMGC, USN	194
Brown, Sydney	MMCM(SS), USN	MAL
Burnham, Roger E.	DK1, USN	166

Caracappa, Michael C.	GYSGT, USMC	MAL
Castro, Henry	ACCS, USN	MAL
Chesser, Ralph D.	ACC, USN	91
Cochrane, Theodore	MGYSGT, USMC	MAL
Cockerham, Paul M.	SCPO, USN	223
Cook, James F.	SMCS, USN	60
Cosgrove, Robert A.	DKCS, USN	162
Cressey, Wesley O.	BTC, USN	MAL

Davis, William J.	AMS1, USN	216
Doherty, Marlene F.	HM1, USN	47

Eckelberry, Joseph R.	GMG1, USN	105

Flick, Charles J.	SCPO, USN	47
Freeman, Edward V.	HTCM, USN	20
Fry, Jackie K.	CMSG, USNR	61

Goodrow, John E.	1STSGT, USMC	208
Gordon, Harvey J.	RMC, USN	186
Griffin, Albert L.	RMC, USN	06

Haskins, Charles	LT, USN	166
Hisey, Howard A.	LT, USN	MAL
Holleman, Charles E.	GMG1, USN	70
Holmes, George R.	DKC, USN	105
Hoover, Lloyd A.	DMC, USN	316
Humphrey, Roy E.	BTCS, USN	MAL

Issel, Kenneth M.	ACCS, USN	118

Jones, Lamar R.	AC1, USN	61
Juette, Helen L.	USN	197

Keffer, Richard A.	SKCS, USNR	MAL
Kelly, Walter	MSGT, USMC	MAL
Kester, Raymond D.	CWO4, USN	181
Kluth, William J.	DTC, USN	49

Lacher, Fred M.	GYSGT, USMC	145
Lachtara, Edward J.	USN	147
Leiner, William	USN	186
Liset, George A.	1stSgt, USMC	208

MacCarrol, David J.	AECS, USN	11
PNP, Maez, Joseph L.	LNCM, USN	274
Mahaney, Henry J.	BTCM, USN	172
Majchrowicz, Edward J.	LCDR, USN	24
Marsh, Howard L.	AT1,USN	298
McCauley, Vince P.	DP1, USN	162
McGinness, James H.	PHCS, USN	MAL
McIntosh, Leroy J.	PNC, USN	24
Meadors, Jimmy	EOC, USN	MAL
Mendoza, Pablo J.	YNCM, USN	MAL
Messick, Ralph R.	SHCS, USN	208
Miller, Clarke F.	BM1, USN	216
Money, Robert L.	MSCS, USN	MAL
Morrill, Edward L.	GYSGT, USMC	49
Morrissy, Daniel F.	ATC, USN	124
Morton, David W.	SK1, USN	307

Nonneman, John J.	YNCS, USN	181

Parker, Joe James	CEC, USN	MAL
Pfaff, David James	DPCM, USN	238
Philbrook, Robert J.	FTMC(SW), USN	197
Poucher, Kenneth P.	SKC, USN	282
Reynolds, William I.	AECS, USN	126

Rider, Larry D.	BTCS(SW), USN	MAL
Rowe, Charles A.	ENC, USN	41

Schmoock, Carl J.	AMCS, USN	89
Scroggins, Johnny A.	SKCS, USN	MAL
Shaffer, Harry F.	BRC, USN	MAL
Shipley, Paul E.	BMC, USN	53
Skonberg, Albert T.	SK1, USN	178
Steward, Edgar T.	CAPT, USN	208
Strom, Donald H.	MRCS, USN	136
Suomi, Harry M.	TMC(SS), USN	MAL

Tamburrino, Vincent L.	MUC, USN	269
Taylor, Donald A.	CSC, USN	186
Testerman, Edward L.	CTRC, USN	MAL
Thrasher, Richard C.	ADRC, USN	307
Todd, Eugene D.	FTMC, USN	MAL
Turner, Don E.	ATC, USN	MAL

Umphenour, Jesse H.	SKC, USN	175
Ursitti, Gerald F.	LCDR, USN	24
Warren, Clifton G.	AFCM, USN	MAL
Washington, Lawrence A. 	AVCM, USN	261
Welborn, Judge E.	MMC, USN	70
Wieda, Thomas E.	TMC(SS), USN	269
Wiggins, Roy E.	ABHC, USN	MAL
Williams, Roland L.	MM1, USN	298
Wolf, Paul D.	SCPO, USN	MAL
Wolfgram, Clifford E.	GMCS, USN	61
Wood, Lawrence R.	MCPO, USN	42
Woods, Eugene H.	PRCS, USN	MAL

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. 

Return to Table of Contents

REUNIONS/lOOKINGFOR…

USS C. F. Adams (DDG-2) & USS Tattnall (DDG-19)
3/3/2019-3/8/2019
Jacksonville, Fla.
Contact: Richard Harmon
Phone: 386-235-8723
Email: Dharmonlpga1@aol.com

A list of Reunions is at: www.fra.org/Reunions. All Reunions/lookingFor… must be submitted online, via email to reunions@fra.org or in writing to FRA Reunions/LookingFor…at 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Include your Member ID and a daytime telephone number. For help, contact FRA Member Services at: 1-800-FRA-1924.

AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

Message from LA FRA South Central Regional President

It is an honor to have been elected as the President of the South Central Region. The Units of the South Central Region are predominantly small, but are very hard working. One example is Unit 227 of Ozark, Arkansas, which has one member who has accumulated 636 hours of volunteer service at the VA Hospital for the 2018-2019 year. She was appointed as the representative and deputy between the VA Hospital and the LA FRA, in accordance with the VAVS. Another good example is Unit 371 of Baton Rouge, Louisiana who has a member that donated more than 500 hours of volunteer work at the VA for the 2018-2019 year. 

The Units participate with the Patriot Guard Riders in flag lines at military funerals and veteran’s ceremonies. They knit or crochet caps and baby blankets for the neonatal unit at the Driscoll Children’s Hospital. They make lap blankets for the veteran’s nursing homes and donate toiletries for veterans’ homes. Also, the Units have donated flags to schools and to individuals who were flying tattered flags.

Unit 201 of Austin, Texas works hard every year with the branch in judging submitted Americanism essays from local schools. This year they received more than 700 essays.

We have Units that participate with the FRA during the NJROTC Award Ceremonies, by presenting awards, medals and scholarships.

Branch and Unit 94 of Corpus Christi, Texas regularly hosts advancement exams for Navy E4, E5 and E6 exams semi-annually, for Coast Guard E5, E6 exams semi-annually, the Navy Chief and Coast Guard Chiefs exams annually. We provide breakfast tacos, fruit, pastries, energy bars, water and coffee. We are also invited by leadership to speak to all who are taking the exams.

The Branch and Unit also had food drives and BBQ plate sales this year with all the proceeds going to the Coast Guard Sector when they were furloughed without pay. These events were attended by members of the FRA and Auxiliary who were able to talk about the benefits of our organizations. We also answered questions and provided information to the guests about when and where we meet. Many of our Coast Guard members and their spouses joined because they appreciate what we are doing to help the military families. 

Volunteers from Branches and Units periodically man information tables at job fairs and veteran health care stand-downs. Units participate with the Toys for Tots program by having toy drives and putting out collection boxes for donations. They also host annual Toys for Tots dances and advertise in local newspapers. 
I want to close with a great big “thanks” to all of the Units for their Southern hospitality during my visits.    FRA
Yours in Loyalty, Protection & Service,
Gini C. Larson, PNP
   
Gini is the LA FRA Regional President of South Central.
FINANCE MATTERS

Do You Plan to Downsize in Retirement?
You might have a dream of what your retirement will look like — more time to travel, some well-earned relaxation, maybe increased time for some of your main hobbies. And you may even know where you want to spend your retirement years — a small beachfront town, perhaps, or within the heart of your favorite city.
But one thing that tends to escape some soon-to-be retirees’ minds is what that living space will look like. Do you still need a 3,000-square-foot home with five bedrooms, or would an upscale townhome better suit your retirement lifestyle? Here are some important considerations for all empty nesters and retirees when determining whether to downsize in retirement.
Compare different scenarios — and set your priorities. You may feel ready to move into your retirement space tomorrow, but in reality, you’ll need to give yourself time to consider the logistics of downsizing before you actually do it. Start by comparing the scenarios that deliver on your downsizing goals. Evaluate the pros and cons of different home options, such as single-family, townhome, and condominium, based on your objectives for scaling back.
Here’s how it works. Pick out a smaller home in a location that you’d realistically consider buying as a way to estimate actual home ownership costs, such as property taxes, heating bills, maintenance, and any upgrades you may need to do later to accommodate you as you age. Then do the same research on other types of residences, such as condos or townhomes. Also consider what your life will be like in the future and how that will impact how you want to live. You may have no problem taking a flight of stairs every time you want to get something from your bedroom now, but will a single-level home be more suited to your physical abilities in the future?
Ultimately, the comparison will help you identify the downsizing option that delivers on your priorities. It may turn out that you value the maintenance-free amenities that a condo affords. Conversely, you might find that a smaller single-family home where you aren't in quite as close proximity to the neighbors is more your style.
Purge — and bring in help if you need it.  Downsizing can bring new possibilities for the future, but it also quite likely requires parting ways with items you’ve accrued over the years. When those possessions are attached to important memories, purging can be difficult. But keep the process in perspective.
If you struggle to downsize, a professional concierge moving service can help. Niña Weireter-Liehr of My Divine Concierge* helps clients with the entire downsizing process from start to finish, including guiding them on what items they should throw out, donate, sell (and how to determine whether an item has monetary value), or bring to the new smaller space. Her company also helps facilitate charitable donations and manage similar moving needs.
To keep yourself on task, Weireter-Liehr suggest that you consider your downsized home to be very expensive square footage. “What things are so valuable that they have earned a spot within your high-demand space? Surround yourself with the items that bring you the most joy and that you want to see every day.”     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.  

*http://mydivineconcierge.com/