FRA Today – December 2017
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM THE BRIDGE
sHIPMATE FORUM
ON AND OFF CAPITOL HILL
feature  story
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
FEATURE STORY 2
SHIPMATE NEWS
auxiliary of the fra
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Reunions/Looking For…
2018 FRA Contact List
FINANCE MATTERS

COMMUNICATIONS

‘Tis the Season!

Every year at this time, I really enjoy life.  The transition from November to December is always a great time of the year at my home. The children like to hang out and not only make time to spend with each other but their dear old mom and dad as well. We have a couple of birthdays and some significant holidays beginning in November and through the end of the year, such as Veteran’s Day. Of course the Christmas season is, and will always be my favorite holiday. Ever since the children were tiny tots we enjoy Christmas together. They are all grown and almost independent now, but still carry on with the traditions. 

There were several years when a neighbor dressed up as Santa Clause and visited all the houses that had young children. Our local fire department also drove up and down the street with the volunteers and career guys all waving, sometimes throwing candy to the kids—depending upon the weather. I wonder if my neighbor being the president of the Volunteer Fireman’s Association in our town had much to do with those visits?  Well, as we get closer to one of my favorite times of year and having worked for the Fleet Reserve Association, I have come to appreciate what our active members are doing in their communities even more. Many branches submit photos of all the great work they do in their respective communities during this special time.  It is absolutely heart-warming and honorable what you Shipmates and Auxiliary members do. I have also come to find, that you folks do this because it is the right thing to do as human beings—help one another. There are always going to be those people in this world who are more fortunate than others, but our Shipmates focus upon those less fortunate veterans and give, give, give.

Thank you for the opportunity to write about all the great things our Shipmates do for veterans. I feel even more fortunate now than ever, PROCEED! FRA

In Loyalty, Protection and Service,

Bill Stevenson 
Communications Director 
Williams@FRA.org

Bill Stevenson is FRA’s Director of Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of FRA Today. Please contact him at williams@fra.org.

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FROM THE BRIDGE

 A Parliamentary Authority, History of RONR, FRA Bylaws and Meetings of a Deliberative Society

You may be puzzled by the term “Parliamentary Authority” and wondering what it means. A parliamentary authority is a comprehensive book of rules and procedures that will assist the officers and members of a deliberative assembly (FRA meeting) to conduct its business meetings. 

Robert’s Rules of Order was published by General Henry M. Robert. The editions were released in the following order:

First Edition the Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies (short title: Robert’s Rules of Order) in February 1876
Second Edition in July 1876
Third Edition in 1893
The title was changed on the fourth through sixth editions to Robert’s Rules of Order Revised
Fourth Edition in 1915
Fifth Edition in 1943
Sixth Edition in 1951

The title was changed again for the seventh through eleventh editions to:
Seventh Edition in 1970, the title was changed to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR)
Eight Edition in 1981
Ninth Edition in 1990
Tenth Edition in 2000 
Eleventh Edition in 2011

The Eleventh Edition of RONR is the most extensive general revision of the work, the 1970 edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. The Eleventh Edition supersedes all previous editions, if the bylaws specifically identify one of the ten previous editions of the work as parliamentary authority. The bylaws should be amended to prescribe “the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised” (see p. 588).
In accordance with RONR (11th ed.), p.588, 
“Article VIII Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the Society may adopt.”

The FRA has adopted the current edition of RONR as the Parliamentary Authority for the Association. In accordance with “FRA Standing Rule 3, SR-(a), all provisions of the C&BL shall govern, and are hereby incorporated by reference. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority in all cases not covered by the C&BL. In cases where neither the C&BL nor the said rules cover a given situation, the convention shall decide the same.”

Parliamentary Law and Procedure and Convention Rules FRA members and branch officers should avail themselves on the subject matter contained in the current edition of RONR. It contains twenty chapters and sixty-three separate sections on Parliamentary Law and Meeting Procedures.

A branch or region cannot adopt a different parliamentary authority. Branch and regional governing documents cannot supersede the governing documents of the FRA.

The next question you may have is what is a Deliberative Assembly? In a deliberative assembly or society, members have the right to propose motions, second motions, debate motions and vote. FRA members in attendance at a branch meeting, delegates at a regional convention and delegates in attendance at a national convention are members of a deliberative assembly. FRA

William Starkey is FRA's National President and can be reached at starkey39@msn.com

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sHIPMATE FORUM

Blue Water Veterans 
Dear Senator,
As a U.S. Navy veteran I greatly appreciate your support in favorably completing this important legislation. The “Blue Water Veterans”  are dying daily without resolution and most certainly deserve a quick responsible resolution. This situation has gone on far too long because of the irresponsible rhetoric in Congress. Our sailors and marines have immediately responded to their orders and performed their responsibilities without any hesitation and with great valor. Every Senator must do the same.
Very respectfully,
YNC C.E. McCall, USN (Ret.)

L.S.T.
Why don’t you put something in FRAtoday about L.S.T.s? I served seven years on them, very seldom are they mentioned. 
Thanks,
Louis G. Banks, Branch 166, Virginia Beach

FRAtoday: Hello Shipmate Banks. Landing Ship, Tank (LST), or tank landing ship, is the naval designation for ships built during World War II to support amphibious operations by carrying tanks, vehicles, cargo, and landing troops directly onto shore with no docks or piers. This provided amphibious assaults to almost any beach. The bow of the LST had a large door that would open with a ramp for unloading the vehicles. The LST had a special flat keel that allowed the ship to be beached and stay upright. The twin propellers and rudders had protection from grounding. The LSTs served across the globe during World War II including: Pacific War and European theatre. But you already know this!

Veteran Status for Reservist
The 2016 Congress amended Title 38 of the United States code, pertaining to Veterans benefits. Reservists with 20 years of service and retired were awarded “Veteran”  status, “with no added cost to the government”  - great news.  However we reservists will not receive “medical”  benefits or documentation of our new veteran status.  Without funding provisions what did we receive? Nothing. This update was secured in spite of the agency's reluctance to be of service.
Forest Case, USN (Ret.)

Withdraw Slip-I Don’t Think So!
Tricare overseas now wants know where you get the money to pay the copay. I pay in cash but they want a withdraw slip from the bank. This is just not possible since I withdraw from my account only once each month and pay every bill with cash. I think something needs to be done about this
Del Grommon, Branch 47, San Diego

Midway
It seems you have covered every important (Naval) date except one—The Battle of Midway. That date should never be forgotten. We defeated the Japanese Navy and turned the war around. Better make note of that for next year.

FRAtoday: Thanks for your hand-written note! We usually get emails, so it is refreshing to see cursive handwriting! The 2018 editorial topics are already published in our media kit online, on the FRAtoday landing page. Unfortunately Midway was not part of the topics, but the folowing  year I agree, this would be a great topic.

Shame On You Washington!
First you want to change the retirement system. Now it’s the health care—more fees, less benefits. Also, the BAH. Next time you are face to face with your troops, tell them what you are really doing to them. Remember these are the men and women you order to war. What a slap in the face to the troops.
PO1 Alexander Smith USAF, USN (Ret.)

Submit Shipmate Forum letters to FRAtoday, 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 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

2017 Legislative Session Not Over 

As you receive FRAtoday, Congress should be wrapping up its first session of the 115th Congress. Hopefully Congress passed and the President approved a spending plan to replace the Continuing Resolution (CR) before it expires December 8th. In addition there is uncertainty about passage of the FY2018 Defense Authorization bill and whether it will saddle retirees younger than 65 with TRICARE fee increases. 

The first Congressional session (January 2017-December 2017) provided a number of threats to Shipmate’s pay and benefits. FRA members responded with significant grassroots involvement via the FRA Action Center to weigh in on legislative issues that impact them, their fellow Shipmates and their families. Timely grassroots involvement can and will impact the content of legislation. The Action Center makes it easy to get involved in the legislative process. If we want to help stop huge health care costs shifting to beneficiaries we will need a strong grassroots effort from you. All members are strongly urged to use the Action Center and to subscribe to FRA Newsbytes, the weekly electronic newsletter providing critical information on legislation.

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DHA’s Interim Final Rule

The TRICARE article on page 16 explains the Interim Final Rule (IRF), which implements major changes to TRICARE, mandated by last year’s National Defense Authorization Act. There is a link to an 89-page PDF published in the story. FRA is adamantly opposed to cost sharing language that seeks to impose a fee increase on currently serving and retired service members and their families. FRA and other TMC members have requested in writing that Congress enforces its commitment it made last year, and prohibit the DHA from moving forward with the IFR cost increase plan.

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Modest COLA Increase

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently announced a two percent increase in the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for calendar year 2018 for military and federal civilian retirees, survivor benefit annuitants, disabled veterans and Social Security recipients. The new COLA rate is effective December 1, 2017. The adjustment will appear in the December 30, 2017 payment. By law, COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), a broad measure of consumer prices generated by the BLS from the third quarter of the previous year to the third quarter of the current year. It measures price changes for food, housing, clothing, transportation, energy, medical care, recreation and education. Since 2008, the annual COLA has been above two percent only once and has been zero three times.

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USMC General Dunford Approved for Second Term 

The Senate recently confirmed Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford to a second two-year term as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The general was the Commandant of the Marine Corps when President Obama nominated him to become chairman in May 2015. He officially took office October 1, 2015, upon the retirement of his predecessor, Army General Dempsey. President Trump nominated him for a second term in May. As chairman, he serves as the principal military advisor to the President.

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Oppose TRICARE Regulation That Increases Fees

The Department of Defense (DoD) continually tries to shift health care costs to beneficiaries. DoD wants to implement a regulation with higher cost shares and a new fee structure for retirees younger than 65. These increases were inserted into a draft regulation without any discussion or input from beneficiary groups. Last year’s Defense Authorization had a grandfather clause that excludes retirees who retired before January 1, 2018 from fee increases. This clause was meant to shield retirees from fee increases. With the changes made through the DoD’s draft regulation, current retirees will be charged more in co-pays. This recently proposed regulation actually allows lower co-pays for new retirees. Members are strongly urged to use the FRA Action Center (www.fra.org) to ask legislators to oppose this proposed regulation intended to only implement changes required by last year’s NDAA.

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FRA Shipmate Awarded for Community Service

Shipmate Jim Marshall of Wyoming Branch 59 received the Department of Defense, “The Spirit of Hope” Award given at the Pentagon by GEN Paul J. Selva, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on behalf of the Secretary of Defense. This award recognizes outstanding service to the USA. It is awarded to the men and women of the US Armed Forces, entertainers and other distinguished Americans or organizations whose patriotism and service reflect that of Mr. Bob Hope. Hope was designated as the first honorary veteran by the United States Armed Forces for his decades of entertaining the troops, both in peacetime and in combat zones.
 
Shipmate Marshall’s many accomplishments of service within his community gained him praise for his dedication to service members. FRA is extremely proud at such honorable accomplishment. Congratulations Shipmate Marshall!   

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Are You Ready for TRICARE Payment Changes?

Effective January 1, 2018, TRICARE will implement new regions and new contractors. Beneficiaries may need to update their payment options to guarantee continued payment of their TRICARE enrollment fees and monthly premiums. Also, beneficiaries will no longer be able to make payments by paper check. Acceptable methods of payment will continue to be allotment, electronic funds transfer and debit or credit cards. Another acceptable method is to sign into your regional contractor’s website to make online payments.

Beneficiaries who currently pay enrollment fees or premiums by allotment through a Defense Financing and Accounting Service (DFAS) or other Uniformed Services Pay Center, will NOT need to update their payment information. Payments will automatically transfer to the new contractor on January 1, 2018. Unless a beneficiary cancels their allotment, TRICARE will continue to deduct enrollment fees and premiums.

If beneficiaries reside in an area where a NEW regional contractor is delivering services, they need to update their payment information so it goes to the new contractor. This applies if a beneficiary currently pays enrollment fees or premiums by electronic funds transfer from their checking or savings account, debit card or credit card. The new contractor will contact beneficiaries with instructions on how to update their payment information.

TRICARE has notified beneficiaries they must proactively update their payment information to make sure payments start going to the new regional contactor, NOT to the old contractor. This action will help avoid TRICARE disenrollment. The best way to prepare is to update your information in DEERS, sign up for TRICARE benefit updates and visit, https://tricare.mil/changes.

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NDAA Update

The Chairmen and Ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, known as the “Big Four,” recently met to discuss moving forward on the FY2018 Defense Authorization bill (H.R.2810). The Senate passed its bill in September and the House approved its bill in July. 

FRA has dispatched a letter to the “Big Four” and Chairmen and Ranking members of each committees Personnel Subcommittees expressing opposition and support for provisions in the both bills. A copy of the letter is available on the FRA website (www.fra.org). A major priority for FRA is opposition to Senate provisions that mandate substantial TRICARE fee increases by repealing the so-called grandfather clause that excludes retirees who retired before January 1, 2018 from scheduled TRICARE fee increases. FRA also opposes provisions in the Senate bill that increases pharmacy co-pays, providing for a smaller active duty pay increase (2.1% vice 2.4%) and makes cuts to Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). 

In addition FRA is urging Congress to exclude Defense from sequestration. Cuts mandated by the Budget Control Act of 2011 pose a threat to national security and will substantially impact member’s pay and benefits. These automatic “Sequestration” cuts require 50 percent to come from Defense even though Defense spending makes up only 16 percent of the federal budget. Members are strongly urged to use the FRA Action Center (www.fra.org) to urge legislators to exclude Defense from sequestration and to oppose onerous Senate provisions before it’s too late!

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DoD Interim Rule for TRICARE Select 

The Department of Defense (DoD) released an interim rule implementing TRICARE Select, changes mandated by last year’s (FY2017) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA-S. 2943, Public Law 114-328). These changes impact 9.4 million beneficiaries. TRICARE Select, incorporates TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra. “The rule also sets up an automatic enrollment process, so on January 1 beneficiaries in Prime will automatically be enrolled in Prime or automatically be enrolled in Select if they are enrolled in Standard or Extra,” said Navy Vice Admiral Raquel Bono, Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA). 

DHA will establish an annual open-season enrollment period so beneficiaries can choose their health care plans each year. The open season will run much like the Federal Employee Health Benefit program held at the same time.
The interim rule also outlines guidelines for qualifying life events that would allow beneficiaries to make necessary changes outside the open season. Qualifying life events trigger a 90-day opportunity to enroll in or change TRICARE purchased coverage for the rest of the calendar year. These changes include marital status, births, adoptions, changes in service status and so on.

Bono said 2018 will be a transition year, “During that time, enrollment changes will be available throughout the year as beneficiaries adjust to the new process. We will also be broadening access for beneficiaries by setting out the requirements that at least 85 percent of our beneficiaries have access to network providers in TRICARE Select.”

The agency will switch administration of the program from fiscal to calendar year to streamline the combined changes. Included in the rule for TRICARE Prime beneficiaries are new requirements for timely appointments and new access to care. Bono said, “For Select beneficiaries seeking care within our broader network, it offers access to no cost preventive services now available to Prime enrollees. The rule also means a conversion from the current cost share from a percentage to a fixed dollar amount.”

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Agent Orange Bill Stalls in Committee 

The House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) scheduled a Committee vote on the “Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act” (H.R.299) this week. It did not occur when HVAC members could not agree if the bill should be paid for by rounding down veteran’s benefit checks to the nearest dollar. First reported in the July 28Newsbytes, HVAC Chairman Roe (Tennessee) offered to have a committee vote if the bill could be amended to round down veteran’s monthly benefits to pay for the bill.  Roe said, “We owe it to our brave veterans who served off the coast of Vietnam, to pass this bill. I have close friends who died in Vietnam. I can’t go to another Veteran’s Day ceremony without at least trying to get this bill approved.”  Roe continued “I have spoken to many veterans who said they would be willing to give up less than a dollar a month to do right by Blue Water Navy veterans, and I imagine many veterans around the country feel the same way.”  

HVAC Ranking Member Tim Walz (Minn.), one of the five original co-sponsors of the bill, argued that a round-down bill is bad policy. “Asking one group of veterans to pay for another group of veterans’ benefits is not only bad policy, it is the wrong answer for all veterans. That is why finding the funds to pay for this bill outside the VA budget in is absolutely critical. I will continue to call on Chairman Roe to make that happen.”  Walz claimed HVAC passed and the House approved veteran’s legislation without spending offsets. He claimed the 2014 VA Choice program and the 2008 Post 911 GI Bill passed without spending offsets. He further argued we should not cut veterans benefits while we enact tax cuts for the rich. Due to the partisan split the Chairman did not call the bill for a vote.  

The committee did approve the following bills:

•	H.R.1900 to designate a museum in Columbus, Ohio, as the National Veterans Memorial and Museum
•	H.R.2123 to improve treatment of veterans through telemedicine
•	H.R.1133 and H.R. 2601 to improve organ transplants at the VA
•	H.R.3634 to ensure veterans using the Post 911 GI Bill can access documentation verifying monthly housing 
stipend
•	H.R.3705 requires VA to use certified mail and plain language in debt collection activities
•	H.R.4173 requires VA to do a study of the Veterans Crisis Line 

FRA wants to thank Shipmates for calling committee members and using the Action Center to contact elected officials. FRA will continue to work for passage of “Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act.” 

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VSO’s Meet to Strategize on Agent Orange Blue Water Navy

The House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) scheduled a Committee vote on the “Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act” (H.R.299) this week. It did not occur when HVAC members could not agree if the bill should be paid for by rounding down veteran’s benefit checks to the nearest dollar. First reported in the July 28Newsbytes, HVAC Chairman Roe (Tenn.) offered to have a committee vote if the bill could be amended to round down veteran’s monthly benefits to pay for the bill.  Roe said, “We owe it to our brave veterans who served off the coast of Vietnam, to pass this bill. I have close friends who died in Vietnam. I can’t go to another Veteran’s Day ceremony without at least trying to get this bill approved.”  Roe continued “I have spoken to many veterans who said they would be willing to give up less than a dollar a month to do right by Blue Water Navy veterans, and I imagine many veterans around the country feel the same way.”  

HVAC Ranking Member Tim Walz (Minnesota), one of the five original co-sponsors of the bill, argued that a round-down bill is bad policy. “Asking one group of veterans to pay for another group of veterans’ benefits is not only bad policy, it is the wrong answer for all veterans. That is why finding the funds to pay for this bill outside the VA budget in is absolutely critical. I will continue to call on Chairman Roe to make that happen.”  Walz claimed HVAC passed and the House approved veteran’s legislation without spending offsets. He claimed the 2014 VA Choice program and the 2008 Post 911 GI Bill passed without spending offsets. He further argued we should not cut veterans benefits while we enact tax cuts for the rich. Due to the partisan split the Chairman did not call the bill for a vote.  

The committee did approve the following bills:

•	H.R.1900 to designate a museum in Columbus, Ohio, as the National Veterans Memorial and Museum
•	H.R.2123 to improve treatment of veterans through telemedicine
•	H.R.1133 and H.R. 2601 to improve organ transplants at the VA
•	H.R.3634 to ensure veterans using the Post 911 GI Bill can access documentation verifying monthly housing stipend
•	H.R.3705 requires VA to use certified mail and plain language in debt collection activities
•	H.R.4173 requires VA to do a study of the Veterans Crisis Line 

FRA wants to thank Shipmates for calling committee members and using the Action Center to contact elected officials. FRA will continue to work for passage of “Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act.” 
 
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HVAC Reviews Improvements to Choice Program

The House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) began reviewing, debating and approving a draft proposal that makes it easier for veterans who seek medical care outside the VA health system. The HVAC hearing provided a forum to review nine bills, including legislation related to the VA’s community care programs. The legislation included bills affecting how veterans access life-saving transplant and mental health care and ways the VA can use telemedicine in rural areas.
HVAC Chairman Phil Roe (Tennessee) thanked the FRA for providing feedback. A statement was provided by FRA for the record, on many of the issues. 

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SVAC Holds Hearing on Suicide Prevention
 
VA Secretary Dr. Robert Shulkin recently testified before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee about suicide prevention and the VA’s “#BeThere” campaign. The new campaign encourages veterans and their families to reach out and offer support to someone who may be struggling with mental health conditions. Shulkin declared the VA wants to hire 1,000 additional mental health professionals to ensure veterans have timely access to mental health care. Shulkin identified the VA’s long hiring process and bureaucratic human resources requirements as barriers to hiring more high-quality mental health care professionals.

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VA Will Oppose Individual Unemployabilty Cuts

The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Dr. J. Shulkin dispatched a letter to FRA and other Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) stating the VA does not support termination of Individual Unemployability (IU) benefits. The letter states the VA is committed to finding ways that empower disabled veterans through vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities, when available.

The Trump Administration’s proposed budget, released in May 2017, proposed eliminating the IU benefit payments to disabled veterans age 62 or older. Under current policies, the IU program allows the VA to award payouts at the 100-percent disabled rate to veterans who cannot find work due to service-connected injuries, even if they are not deemed 100-percent disabled. The Administration proposed stopping payouts once veterans are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. This cut would impact more than 225,000 veterans. 

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NED Talks to Student Veterans at Memphis University

NED Snee traveled to the University of Memphis for a Town Hall style forum. The dean of students, Director of Veteran Services Marcallinas James (a retired Navy veteran) and Snee met with more than 65 student veterans.

Some topics covered were the Post-9/11 GI Bill, CHOICE Card, VETs card, online shopping, VA Medical access and the TAPs Program. Snee explained what the FRA is and what services we provide. 

Some of the veteran concerns were about tuition, housing, book fees and other mandatory fees not always covered by the GI Bill. 

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Congress Votes to Tables Forced Arbitration Rule

The Senate recently voted to table the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) final rule on arbitration agreements and class-action lawsuits. The Vice President’s vote broke the tie (50-50). Senators Lindsey Graham (South Carolina) and John Kennedy (Louisiana) broke from their party to vote against the repeal. The House had voted in July to table the regulation. The motion to table the rule was supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Bankers Association and was opposed by consumer groups, FRA and other veteran/military associations. In July, FRA signed onto The Military Coalition (TMC) letter of support for CFPB’s final rule. This proposed rule addresses the harm of forced arbitration by preserving the ability of service members and other consumers to band together to seek relief through the civil justice system. 

Forced arbitration is a system where claims against a corporation are funneled into a rigged, secretive system where all the rules, including choosing the arbitrator, favor the corporation. Forced arbitration clauses also do NOT allow consumers to ban together in a class-action laws suit.

Our service members protect our nation and the sacrifices they and their families make are compelling reasons to ensure they are not only shielded from predatory financial practices and unscrupulous lenders, but are also able to use our civil justice system to its fullest. 

FRA will continue to ensure the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is enforced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of Military Affairs. FRA will work to make mandatory arbitration agreements unenforceable and will continue to protect active duty personnel from predatory lenders.

The FRA Legislative Team is National Executive Director Thomas J. Snee, Director of Legislative Programs John Davis, Assistant Director of Veterans Programs Brian Condon and National Veterans Service Officer Chris Slawinski.

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feature  story

Take Command of Your Health: Milestone Changes Coming To Tricare

By: Military Health System Communications Team

TRICARE beneficiaries will soon have increased access to health care through key changes that are set to take place in January 2018. With the benefit set to undergo some of the biggest improvements in more than two decades, beneficiaries will be able to take command of their health care through expanded choices. These improvements include wider access to network providers, updated enrollment to reduce disruptions in care and simplified co-payments. 

The Defense Health Agency recently met a key requirement for implementing these changes, with the publication of a formal document called an interim final rule (IFR). It establishes the legal “rules of the road” for putting in place changes mandated by Congress. [The complete IFR is available as a PDF: 
https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2017-20392.pdf]

“We are working hard to use the opportunity Congress gave us to continue building a health plan that does even better for our beneficiaries, the warfighter and the taxpayers who support us,” said Vice Admiral Raquel Bono, director of the Defense Health Agency.

The goal of this change is to keep beneficiaries healthy by providing better health care options. This includes allowing doctors to make the decisions on whether beneficiaries need a referral for specialty care instead of the regional contractors. Urgent care will be available without a referral through either the military hospital or clinic or at a civilian urgent care center in areas where the military health facility is not an option.

TRICARE Is Changing
Here is what you need to know: Some of the key changes that will become effective on January 1, 2018, will affect region consolidation, TRICARE plans, enrollment and costs. There are currently three TRICARE regions in the United States: TRICARE North, South and West. In 2018, these regions will become TRICARE East and West and will be administered by Humana Military and Health Net Federal Services, respectively. This change will allow for better coordination between the military hospitals and clinics as well as the civilian health care providers in each region.

Introducing TRICARE Select
Several changes will also occur in coverage plans on January 1, 2018. TRICARE Select will replace TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra. In the U.S., TRICARE Select will be a self-managed, preferred provider network option. Beneficiaries will not be required to have a primary care manager and can visit any TRICARE-authorized provider for covered services without a referral. Overseas, TRICARE Overseas Select will provide access to both network and non-network TRICARE authorized providers for medically necessary covered services. TRICARE Select, both stateside and overseas, includes additional preventive care services previously only offered to TRICARE Prime beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can review all available plans at www.tricare.mil/changes, under the plan finder.

New Enrollment Requirements
As of January 1, 2018, all current beneficiaries will also be automatically transitioned into their respective plan as long as they are eligible. TRICARE Prime enrollees will remain in this plan. TRICARE Standard and Extra beneficiaries will be converted to TRICARE Select. 

In 2018, enrollment will be required to receive coverage from a civilian provider. Beneficiaries will be able to choose to enroll in or change coverage plans, between TRICARE Prime or Select, throughout the year-long grace period in 2018. 

There will be special rules that will apply during the grace period. These include: 

If beneficiaries are not enrolled in a TRICARE plan, only the first episode of care from a civilian network provider will be covered by TRICARE.

Beneficiaries will have an opportunity to enroll or re-enroll. If beneficiaries do not enroll following their first episode of care with a civilian provider, they will only be able to receive care at a military hospital or clinic on a space-available basis and must use military pharmacies to fill prescriptions.

The grace-period rules will only apply to TRICARE Prime and Select plans, and will not include premium-based plans. Beneficiaries will also need to disenroll from their plan if they no longer wish to maintain coverage. Unlike TRICARE Standard, if beneficiaries do not wish use TRICARE Select, they need to actively disenroll.

As of January 1, 2018, children must be registered in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) in order to receive TRICARE coverage. Once in DEERS, children will automatically be enrolled in TRICARE Prime for those beneficiaries who reside in a stateside Prime Service Area (PSA). For those beneficiaries who reside outside a PSA, children will be automatically enrolled in TRICARE Select.

Starting in fall 2018, enrollment will move to a calendar year open-enrollment season similar to the federal employee plan, during which beneficiaries will be able to change plans for the following year. Those who are retiring will have to choose their plan and enroll to retain coverage. The open-enrollment season begins on the Monday of the second full week in November and runs through the Monday of the second full week in December of each calendar year, starting in 2018. All beneficiaries should make sure their information is current in DEERS now so they are converted to the plan of their choice in January. Outside of the open-enrollment period, beneficiaries will only be able to enroll in or change their TRICARE plan during a 90-day period following a qualifying life event (QLE), such as the birth of child, moving or marriage, starting on January 1, 2019. After this period, beneficiaries must wait for another QLE or until the open-enrollment period to make changes. Learn more about enrollment changes 

[https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/BenefitUpdates/Archives/09_19_17_Take_Command_Transition] at www.tricare.mil/changes].

Cost Changes
Beginning January 1, 2018, TRICARE Select enrollees whose sponsor joined the military before January 1, 2018, will shift from the current cost-share structure to a copayment structure for network providers. With fixed costs for specific services, beneficiaries will be able to better predict their health care costs. Out-of-network-provider visits will remain with a cost-share structure. Plans with enrollment fees, such as the premium-based plans, will be billed by calendar year instead of fiscal year, with the exception of the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. These and other updated out-of-pocket costs for 2018 are available at www.tricare.mil/changes.

While the upcoming changes are significant, the goal of the Military Health System is to continuously improve health care for all its beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can prepare for the upcoming changes by visiting the TRICARE Changes page [https://tricare.mil/changes], where they can sign up for email alerts, complete a beneficiary checklist and see available plans and updated costs for 2018.

“These new TRICARE changes mark a major milestone in our effort to modernize the Military Health System,” said Bono. “It highlights the opportunity for our beneficiaries to take command of their health plan, and our responsibility to ensure that these historic changes to TRICARE are a success for beneficiaries and the department.” FRA

Tricare
https://militaryadvantage.military.com/2017/05/new-tricare-contracts-shake-up-fees-for-some-startled-docs/
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/11/30/tricare-changes-coming-to-those-who-join-after-next-year.html

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EDUCATION FOUNDATION

ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST CHARITIES AND 2017 CFC UNDERWAY

By: NEDE Joe Barnes

Before I address the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Education Foundation’s most recent achievement, I want to thank all FRA Branches, Shipmates and Auxiliary members for their strong and continuing support of the Fleet Reserve Association Education Foundation. This includes the generous contributions presented to the foundation by delegates who attended the FRA 90th National Convention in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

A long-time goal of the foundation has been to become a member of the Military Support Groups of America (MSGA). I’m proud to say that earlier this year, it was accepted into this federation of non-profit organization. This is a significant accomplishment because member organizations must pass a comprehensive review of its operations, IRS Form 990 filings, administrative costs and awards history.

The “Best in America” seal signifies this achievement and we are now authorized to display it on the foundation letter head, web page and promotional material. This seal of excellence is awarded to charitable or educational organizations that meet the highest standards of public accountability, program efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Selection as a member of MSGA is significant to FRA’s stature among the country’s top military and veterans organizations. Additionally, it is highly important to the foundation’s participation in the 2017 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which launched in October and runs through mid-January 2018. 

The foundation has been authorized to participate in the CFC since 2012 and our CFC number is again 80236 for 2017. This number is important to reference while making contributions in support of the foundation to help fund future scholarship awards to deserving FRA Shipmates and other Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel and their families. 
This year’s CFC campaign has expanded from previous campaigns. Military, federal and postal service retirees are now authorized to participate in the program, along with current military personnel and civilian federal and postal employees. 
The CFC is administered by the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign. According to the CFC web site, just last year, military and civilian federal employees contributed more than $167 million to almost 20,000 charitable organizations. Military and Department of Defense civilian contribution were responsible for $67 million of that total. 

Contributions are tax deductible and can be made via individual pay allotments. Particularly significant to current and retired military personnel is that OPM has contracted with the Give Back Foundation to develop and deploy a new online national CFC donor pledging system. According to the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS), the new online system is replacing the electronic CFC module in myPay. 

A reminder that the 2018 FRA Education Foundation scholarship application cycle commenced on September 1, 2017 and continues until April 15, 2018. Scholarship applications with detailed application instructions and requirements are posted on the foundation section of FRA’s web site at fra.org/foundation.

Please help spread the word to Shipmates, their spouses, children and grandchildren about the foundation scholarships—particularly for anyone planning to attend college during the 2018-2019 academic year. 

Again, thanks for your strong and continuing support. FRA

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FEATURE STORY 2

Why Sleep Matters To Your Health: How To Get A Good Night’s Sleep

By: Christine Lehman, M.A., N.T.P.

Y
ou may have heard the expression: you can sleep when you die. Sleep scientists say that’s the worst advice you can give someone. Sleep deprivation can shorten your life span and increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and suicide. 
The recommended amount of nightly sleep is still between seven to eight hours. However, only 59 percent of Americans get that amount of sleep and 40 percent get less than seven hours. Although those figures have not changed since the 1990s, Americans slept more in the 1940s. The most recent Gallup poll on sleep showed people were sleeping 6.8 hours in 2013 when compared to 7.9 hours in the 1940s. 

Stages of Sleep and the Brain
There are three stages of sleep: wakefulness, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and non-REM sleep characterized by slow-wave or deep sleep. It’s common to cycle in and out of REM and non-REM sleep throughout the night. Dreaming occurs only during REM sleep, which is why people don’t recall their dreams if they wake up during non-REM sleep. 
While we sleep, our brain is busy consolidating and pruning information acquired throughout the day. “The brain is replaying the information that is stored in the hippocampus, which strengthens memories. Our brains are also making decisions about what’s important to keep or eliminate. Emotionally encoded memories are better remembered than neutral memories,” says Daniel Pardi. M.S. Pardi is currently a Ph.D. in neuroscience candidate at Leiden University. He studies the influence of sleep loss on cognition, decision-making and hormones. 

Different stages of sleep appear to play different roles in the learning and memory process. For example, the non-REM sleep cycle plays a significant role in helping people learn new information by processing and consolidating it. REM sleep, on the other hand, seems to play a critical role in consolidating procedural information such as remembering how to ride a bike or play a musical instrument. Visual learning seems to depend on the amount and timing of both REM and non-REM sleep. 

However, when you’re sleep deprived, your ability to learn and remember new information is impaired. You have trouble focusing, paying attention and lose your ability to access previously learned information.  

In addition, sleep deprivation may affect your interpretation of events. You may lose the ability to assess a situation accurately and make a sound decision. Research shows people will take frequent and larger risks when they are sleep deprived. “The ability to weigh the pros and cons of decisions is compromised. People are more likely to discount the negative consequences and less likely to follow their personal standards. This can lead to poor financial choices such as gambling or lifestyle choices such as eating doughnuts or not going to the gym,” says Pardi. The reward system (limbic) of the brain is over-stimulated compared to the amygdala that controls emotional impulses.

Disruptions to Circadian Rhythms 
Your circadian rhythm is basically a 24-hour internal clock that runs in the background of your brain. It cycles between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals. It’s also known as your sleep/wake cycle. A part of your brain called the hypothalamus controls your circadian rhythm. However, lightness and darkness can also affect the cycle. When the sun sets and it becomes dark, your eyes send a signal to the hypothalamus that it’s time to feel tired. Your brain, in turn, sends a signal to your body to release melatonin, which makes your body tired. As a result, your circadian rhythm tends to coincide with the cycle of daytime and nighttime. Additionally, individuals who work night shifts or change time zones tend to have trouble adjusting to new time schedule and are often sleep deprived. This can lead to long-term health consequences. 

Shift workers, including emergency responders, nurses and hotel workers, are particularly vulnerable. A long-term study of nurses performing night shifts showed they had a significantly higher risk of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease, according to Pardi. The World Health Organization even classified shift work as a “probable carcinogen.”

He pointed out that you don’t have to travel to a foreign country or do a night shift to have your circadian rhythm disrupted. “In our 24/7 digital environment, we are constantly exposed to artificial light from TV screens, computers, tablets and cell phones. The constant adjustment to artificial light results in impaired physiology, behavior and cognition,” says Pardi. 

Aging and Sleep 
Baby boomers need just as much, if not more, sleep as they age but their brains are incapable of generating the proper amount of sleep. According to sleep scientist Matthew Walker and author of Why We Sleep, people lose total sleep as well as the deepest stage of sleep—the non-REM sleep—as they age. “By the time you’re in your 50s, you’ve perhaps lost almost 40 to 50 percent of the deep sleep you had when you were younger. By age 70, you may have lost almost 90 percent of that deep sleep.” Walker directs the Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley, where he’s a professor of neuroscience and psychology. He recently discussed his new book on National Public Radio. 

The quality of sleep also suffers as people age. Sleep is more fragmented with more frequent awakenings. People wake up more often during the night for a variety of reasons ranging from pain to making a trip to the bathroom.

Older adults also experience a shift in circadian rhythms. They tend to wake up earlier and go to bed earlier.  They also tend to nap more during the day, which can be beneficial if they limit the nap to about 20 minutes—a power nap. Healthy older adults also tend to be better sleepers when compared with unhealthy adults. 

What to Avoid
Unfortunately, the sleeping pills currently available are a broad set of chemicals called sedative hypnotics that do not produce naturalistic sleep, according to Walker. “Sedation is not sleep. It’s very different. It doesn’t give you the restorative natural benefits of sleep.” Once you stop taking sleeping pills, your bad sleep habits tend to return. “But worse, you tend to have what’s called rebound insomnia, where your sleep is even worse,” says Walker. Another concern with sleeping pills is they have been linked to a higher risk of death and cancer. 

Walker also discourages consuming caffeine after 2pm and having a nightcap. Alcohol is a sedative and contributes to fragmented sleep and less dream (REM) sleep. He also advises against going to bed too full, too hungry or leaving the TV on at night. 

What to Do 
•	Go to bed and wake-up at the same time each day. 
•	Set digital devices to “night-time” to avoid 
blue light and limit screen time before bedtime. 
•	Set the thermostat between 65 and 67 degrees so the body can drop its temperature for a good night’s sleep. 
•	If you can’t get to sleep within an hour, leave the bedroom and read, meditate or take a warm bath.

Natural Sleep Treatments 
•	Both Walker and Pardi recommend cognitive behavioral treatment for insomnia (CBTI), which can take only a few weeks. It can be as effective as sleeping pills without the rebound insomnia effects.
•	Choose natural sleep aids from reputable supplement companies. Melatonin only helps with the timing of sleep. It can be useful when you’re traveling across time zones and need to adjust your sleep schedule.
•	See your doctor if you have sleep apnea, which can increase your risk of several health conditions. FRA

Resources:
http://news.gallup.com/poll/166553/less-recommended-amount-
sleep.aspx
http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/benefits-of-sleep/learning-memory
https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/pages/Factsheet_
CircadianRhythms.aspx
NPR Fresh Air interview with Matthew Walker: http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/10/16/558058812/sleep-scientist-
warns-against-walking-through-life-in-an-underslept-state
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21300732

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SHIPMATE NEWS

1. Branch 269, Goose Creek, South Carolina
During a Branch meeting this past summer, John Paul Pardo received his 50-year continuous membership pin, awarded by Branch President Laurie Bailey.

2. Branch 275, Placerville, California
(L to R) Branch Essay Co-Chairman T. Gary Saich, 3rd Place Eighth Grade National Winner Hannah Frost, 1st Place Tenth Grade National Winner Macey Deruelle and Branch Essay Chairman Charles "Bud" Sweet.

3. Branch 23, Buffalo, New York
(L to R) Jean and Bill Olson USMC (Retired) are joined by Branch President Wayne Sorrentino who presented Bill his 50-year continuous membership certificate. Photo by Abe Zino.

4. Branch 166, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Shipmate SD Martin presented a $5000 check from Branch 166 to National President Donald Larson during the 2017 Annual Convention in Hunt Valley Maryland on September 22. The donation was made toward the Fleet Reserve Association’s Disaster Relief Fund.

5. Branch 126, Jacksonville, Florida
Southeast Regional and Branch President James J. Thomas (L) presented a letter of Commendation to Shipmate Ralph E. Wilson for achieving 50 years of continuous FRA membership in August.

6. Branch 113, Stockton, California
Shipmate Maria Behm was sworn in as the first female West Coast Regional President, shown with (L to R) Branch 101 Rick Fetro and Richard Ruiz.

7. Branch 104, Puyallup, Washington
(L to R) Shipmates Rex Faubion, Russ Peters and John Johnson set up an FRA booth at the Washington State Fair for three days, allowing them to interact with veterans and spread the word about the Association.

8. Branch 1, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(L to R) Branch Treasurer Thomas Groeber, PRPNE Charles Rainey, Branch President Raymond Suarez and Branch Vice President Frank Dillon attended the Northeast/New England Regional Convention. Photo by Pat La Rose.

9. Branch 57, South New Jersey, New Jersey
(L to R) National President and past RVPNE/NENG William Starkey gathered with PRPNE Paul Puskar and Terry Puskar. Photo by Pat La Rose.

10. Branch 276, Omaha, Nebraska
(L) Branch Secretary/Treasurer Don Watkins and Branch President Francis Schrotberger (R) presented a check for $100 to Director of Communication & Voluntary Services, VA Nebraska-W. Iowa Health Care System Will Ackerman for the upcoming VA Veterans Stand Down event for homeless veterans.

11. Branch 175, Orange County, California
(L to R) Shipmate Jerry Stewart, LT. Richard Crowley and Shipmate Gordon Ole Olson attended the commissioning of the USS RAFAEL PERALTA (DDG115) in San Diego on July 29, 2017. 

12. Branch 89, Atlanta, Georgia
Shipmate Lewis Boyer (L) received his 40-years continuous membership pin and certificate, presented by Shipmate and Membership Chairman Wayne Barron during a recent branch meeting.

13. Branch 181, Alexandria, Virginia
Shipmates Ian Michael and Gino Greganti (Human Hug Project) laid a FRA wreath at The Wall That Heals to honor our fallen heroes at the Landing Zone Michigan event in Comstock Michigan. FRA was a strategic partner with the LZ Michigan event.

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auxiliary of the fra

Greetings From The National President

I expect this year to be productive as we work cohesively together for the betterment of the LA FRA and the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA). The LA FRA was founded on the preamble to band together to aid, assist and promote in all matters pertaining to welfare, social and patriotic work for the benefit of the FRA, its members, and their families. To achieve the goals set forth, we must come together collectively as an organization working together as one Unit. Bounded by love and honesty, we must find ways to accomplish this important work for the betterment of the Auxiliary and Association. 

 My President’s project this year is the Alzheimer’s Association. As some of you may already know, my sister has been affected with this horrible disease. An estimated 5.5 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s. It is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and fifth among those 65 years and older. It is debilitating and results in disability and poor health. Alzheimer’s disease is the only top-10 cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured or even decelerated. In 2016, 15.9 million family and friends provided 18.2 billion hours of unpaid assistance to those with the disease and other dementias—a contribution valued at $230.1 billion. Approximately one quarter of dementia caregivers are referred to as the “sandwich generation” referencing caregivers that care not only for an aging parent, but also for children younger than 18. The cost of health care and long-term care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other related diseases is substantial and one of the most expensive today, with total payments in 2017 estimated at $259 billion. Medicare and Medicaid are expected to cover $175 billion, or 67 percent, of the total health care and long-term care payments. Another aspect to consider is the out-of-pocket spending, which is projected to be $56 billion and expected to rise considerably in the future. I’m certain that at one time or another, our lives have been impacted by Alzheimer’s, from a family member, to possibly a dear friend, and I thank you in advance for supporting this worthy cause.

On a lighter note, I wanted to mention about the LA FRA’s monthly newsletter: The Triangle. It will include a new article each month for our readers. The title of the article is “Did You Know”. We hope to cover topics that are very helpful to all Unit Presidents and Secretaries. Possible future subjects are EIN #’s, report forms, and donation information just to name a few. I hope the articles in our newsletter are beneficial to all LA FRA members. 

I love my LA FRA family, and if I can help any of you in any way possible, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you all for being my extended family. FRA

In Loyalty, Protection, and Service,
Jean Smith

Jean Smith is the LA FRA National President

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MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Happy Birthday Chief Wester

T
he FRA Derby Branch 177 in Louisville, Kentucky, gathered with family and friends to celebrate Shipmate William Wester’s 101st birthday on March 11, 2017. Everyone met at his abode with cake, party hats and a joyous attitude to bring a smile to his face. Branch President Rayburn Jarred and Auxiliary member Mary Kay Chambers presented Chief Wester with his birthday cake.   

CPO William E. Wester was born on the 16th day of March 1916. Born and raised in the small town of Huntsville, Kentucky, were he attended school through the seventh grade. At that time however, the United States was experiencing a tough economic period, which resulted in Wester quitting school and entering the work force. He worked various jobs, and thought “this country boy couldn’t stay in the hills” and so in 1939, at the age of twenty-three, decided to join the Navy. After recruit training he was assigned to the USS SALT LAKE CITY (CA 25).  Aboard ship he was a self-starter and motivated. Regardless of the duties that needed to be done, he did not hesitate and would carry out the task at hand. This initiative and demeanor would prove to carry him far in his naval career.

Throughout the years, Shipmate Wester has enjoyed shin-dig’s (dancing) held on Saturday night’s in his home town—which he still enjoys today. As the young female sailors will attest when attending the Navy Ball, Wester is still a fancy stepper. Wester and his wife have belonged to many dance clubs in the Louisville area. He enjoys being the oldest sailor at this event, along with the privilege of cutting the cake and having the opportunity to partake in the first dance with the youngest female shipmate. 

 Last year, for Shipmate Wester’s 100th celebration, the Naval Operations Support Center (NOSC) of Louisville held his birthday party at the American Legion Post. Among the attendees were, the Governor of the Commonwealth, and the Commissioner of Veteran Affairs. While his 101st birthday celebration was in a much smaller scale, it was well attended and received. 

Wester joined the FRA in the mid 1990’s to be with his shipmates. He missed the camaraderie and as long as he was able, was one of the first at the monthly meetings. Bill currently resides at the newest Veterans Center in Radcliff, Kentucky, and is very pleased at the treatment he has received thus far. FRA 

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Reunions/Looking For…

USS Castor AKS-1 & 291st Engineer Combat Batallion
04/10/2018-04/13/2018, Memphis, Tennessee 
Contact: Ray & Susan Kelley, 2205 Deermouse Way
Hendersonville, North Carolina 28792
Telephone: 828-595-9711
Email: castorreunion@gmail.com

USS Sailfish (SS/SSR-572)
04/13/2018-04/15/2018, Branson, Missouri
Contact: Ron Bowlin
Telephone: 406-600-0953
Email: rsbowlin@3rivers.net

Navy Postal Clerks
04/29/2018-05/03/2018, San Antonio, Texas
Contact: Patrick Huston, 455 Wimpole LN, SW.,
Palm Bay, Florida 32908-3374
Telephone: 321-984-2293
Email: phuston001@cfl.rr.com

USS Kearsarge (CV/CVA/CVS-33/LHD-3)
04/30/2018-05/04/2018, Jacksonville, Florida
Contact: C.V. Lindley
Telephone: 850-712-4664
Email: cvjan78@gmail.com
www.kearsargeassociation.com

USS Rasher Reunion (SS/SSR/AGSS-269)
06/06/2018-06/10/2018, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Contact: Richard Moore, 9177 Davenport Road
Gloucester, Virginia 23061
Telephone: 804-815-0730
Email: drifterpilot@cox.net 

USS Jouett (DLG-CG 29)
10/03/2018-10/07/2018, Oakland, California
Contact: LCDR Chuck Scanlon, 1259 Hawthorn Street
Alameda, California 94501
Telephone: 510-325-5804 or 510-523-6456
Email: coachyell@aol.com

Looking for...

LookingFor…three cruise books: 1. U.S.S. KEARSARGE (CVA-33) 1955 cruise (VF-112 embarked) 2. U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9) 1956 cruise (VF-112) 3. U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12) 1957 cruise (VF-154 embarked). Cruises included time in Japan, Hong Kong and Philippines. Contact AMHC (Ret.) Roy LaBarrer at 406-726-4284 or by email: labarrer@blackfoot.net

All Reunions/LookingFor… must be submitted in writing to FRA Reunions/LookingFor… 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 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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TAPS

Name 			Rating	Branch
Abbott, Charles W. 		CS1, USN 	89
Anthony, Gordon W. 		USN 		245
Arthur, James E. 			USN 		183
Baust, Carroll E. 			WO1, USMC 	166
Belbin, Edward L.	 	AGC, USNR 	42
Berry, Paul J.			RMC, USN 	MAL
Beshears, Charles M.		SNS, USCG 	316
Blessing, Dick E.			HMC, USN 	328
Boucher, Ronald S.		CTI1, USN 	201
Briscoe, Jerrold C.		FTM1, USN 	MAL
Burghart, Karl L.			AOC, USN 	91
Camerino, Simon G.		PO1, USN 	MAL
Castro, Felipe			POCS, USN 	20
Chaudoin, Robert L.		YNC, USN 	109
Clenney, Thomas M.		BMC, USN 	70
Clites, Richard V.			GYSGT, USMC 369
Couch, Jack			EA1R, USNR 	MAL
Davis, Cecil			ENCM, USN 	MAL
Dodd, Raymond E.		HMC, USN 	60
Dorman, Grady M.		BMC, USCG 	46
Duball, Harold W.		AVCM, USN 	156
Foster, Duane			FTC, USNR 	MAL
Freeman, Gary L.			YNCM, USN 	276
Garcia, Joaquin 			DK1, USN 	120
Hamilton, Marcus C.		ADJ1, USN 	MAL
Haugen, Gerald O. 		MSCM, USN 	MAL
Hodge, James B.			BT1, USN 	MAL
Howard, Vaughn			LCDR, USN 	61
Jones, Calvin			AVCM, USN 	MAL
King, Rayford L.			NCC, USNR 	298
Koehler, Leslie W.		TMC, USN 	230
Konopka, Andrew S.		ATC, USN 	MAL
Kramer, Frank M.		RMCS(SS), USN 	MAL
Kuebler, Curtis M.		FCCM, USN 	MAL
McClure, Mason B.		LCDR, USN 	234
McClure, Jeff			MR2, USN 	28
Michener, Russell D.		CTC, USN 	24
Miller, Henry L.			SSGT, USMC 	217
Montgomery, Thomas T.		RMC, USN 	109
Morris, William W.		SHC, USN 	106
Nash, Robert E.			EMCS, USN 	161
Peeler, Willis L.			SHC, USN 	62
Peloza, Stanley J.			SGTMAJ, USMC 130
Phillips, George W. 		DPC, USN 	22
Pulse, Duane H.			GYSGT, USMC MAL
Rochester, Lionel Dee		GMTCS, USN	MAL
Rogers, Frederick L.		AS1, USN 	60
Rolli, Robert E.			YNI, USN 	70
Sablan, Benjamin			TDC, USN	MAL
Sandoval, Emiliano		MS1, USN 	70
Santiago, Jose M.			HMC, USN 	4
Scott, George G.			RMCS, USN 	263
Seefried, Kenneth J. 		AVCM, USN 	126
Sides, Elvin E.			ADRC, USN 	18
Sivits, Daniel W.			HTC, USN 	87
Steinman, Freddie R.		AO1, USN 	244
Thayer, Arthur R.			LCDR, USNR 	358
Tucker, Larry B.			POC, USN 	183
Turner, Virgil A.			AMSC, USN 	70
Van Druff, Robert H.		USN 	182
White, Roy			BTCS, USN	MAL 
Whitfield, James S.		QM2C, USN	161 
Whitlow, Donald E.		AVCM, USN 	261
Williams, Edward R.		CW03, USN 	MAL
Williams, John M.		EOC, USN	MAL 
Williams, Robert S.		BMCS, USN 	126
Wilson, James L.			CTTCS, USN	106
Winkler, Douglas S.		SK1, USN	MAL
Zingaro, Nicholas A.		SGTMAJ, USMC 285

Names in red indicated 50 year continuous members. Name 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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2018 FRA Contact List

Main Phone Number: 	703-683-1400 or 1-800-FRA-1924
General FRA E-mail: 	news-fra@fra.org

National Executive Director 
Thomas J. Snee	nedfra@fra.org	ext. 101

Finance
Bryan Proctor, Finance Officer	finance@fra.org	ext. 102
Misrak Zeleke, Senior Accountant	misrak@fra.org	ext. 114

Administration
Teresa Wiener, Director	adminfra@fra.org	ext. 103

Legislative Programs
John Davis, Director	john@fra.org	ext. 110
Brian Condon, Assistant Director	brianc@fra.org	ext. 113

Veterans’ Services
Chris Slawinski, Natl. Veterans Service Director	vafra@fra.org	ext. 115

Communications and Marketing
Bill Stevenson, Director	williams@fra.org	ext. 126
Victoria Duran, Manager	victoriad@fra.org	ext. 124

Membership
Christina Hitchcock, Director 	christinah@fra.org 	ext. 123 
Shirley Moore, Member Services Manager	shirley@fra.org	ext. 120

Information Technology
Sami Alsamawi, IT Operations Manager	samia@fra.org	ext. 119

NewsBytes (FRA’s weekly legislative e-mail update)
Subscribe by emailing your name and contact 
information to: newsbytes@fra.org
To listen by phone, call the main number and select 	ext. 112

Other important numbers
DFAS Retired Pay Customer Service (USN/USMC): 	1-800-321-1080
DFAS Active Duty/Reserve (USN/USMC): 		1-888-332-7411
Coast Guard (Personnel Service Center): 		1-866-772-8724
Department of Veterans Affairs: 			1-800-827-1000
TRICARE Regional Offices:			North:   1-866-307-9749 
						South:   1-800-554-2397
						West:    1-800-558-1746
TRICARE for Life (claims): 				1-866-773-0404

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FINANCE MATTERS

Our company is committed to helping you succeed across all areas of your financial life.  Here are five considerations to think about when it comes to tax planning.

Five areas to consider at year-end:

1. Analyze your investment portfolio.
Review your portfolio to help ensure your allocation still aligns with your goals.
Assess tax consequences if you have sold assets earlier in the year.
Review tax-loss selling strategies if you have capital gains but wish to keep exposure to a depreciated sector or security.

2. Manage your taxes.
Evaluate the pros and cons of deferring taxable income, if you expect to be in the same or a lower tax bracket next year.
Talk to your CPA about increasing your tax deductions.

3. Maximize your tax-saving 
opportunities.
Consider increasing your retirement savings for the year.
Find the right type of IRA for you.
If suitable for your circumstances, consider consolidating your assets.
Take advantage of an FSA or HSA for health care expenses.

4. Protect what matters.
Review your insurance coverage to help make sure it is adequate for your needs.
Review your beneficiary designations and make any necessary adjustments due to life changes (i.e., marriage, divorce, birth of child/grandchild, death, etc.).

5. Leave a legacy.
Review your estate plan to help ensure it is aligned with your wishes.
Think about creating or adding to a tax-advantaged college savings plan.
Consider developing a plan to complete charitable and family member gifts by year-end.
Taking the time to create, review, or update your investment plan can help you reach your short-term and long-term financial goals. Contact us to schedule a review of your financial situation.

Wells Fargo Advisors is not a legal or tax advisor. However, we will be glad to work with you, your accountant, tax advisor, and/or attorney to help you meet your financial goals. 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.
© 2017 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

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