FRAtoday November 2021
comunicaitons
FROM THE BRIDGE	3
SHIPMATE FORUM	5
On & Off captol hill	6
FEATURE  STORies	
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS17
SHIPMATE NEWS19
TAPS20
AUXILIARY OF THE FRA23
FINANCE MATTERS24

COMMINICATIONS

Thank You for Your Service
My Great-Uncle Lou Elmore, the older brother to my grandmother, was a fireman who enjoyed taking me to the firehouse to hang out with his buddies. My favorite recollection is of the large, red trucks with all the fancy bells and other tools affixed all over the outsides, including the little bulldog logos made from chrome.
Just the idea of steering the ladder truck from the rear steering mechanism was enough for me to want to be a fireman. I also had visions of riding along on the back of the garbage truck.   
My Uncle Lou was a bachelor and he always wore the same type of long-sleeved shirts year-round. One time, I noticed he had rolled up his right sleeve and there were several odd-shaped marks up and down his arm. Then I, as a silly little boy, asked in the manner that only young children can get away with, “What are all those marks on your arm, Uncle Lou?”
This was when I first heard of the Korean War. I knew about the two world wars and Vietnam. They were the wars the movies glorified to us, the next generation. You see, my uncle was tagged by a sniper while he served in the war. He was very self-conscious about his war wounds and like most veterans, he did not want to talk about his experiences. Well, I was easily redirected by Lou, and soon was off on another discussion about fire trucks, garbage trucks and just about any other vehicle there was.
To this day, so many other veterans choose not to discuss the time they served, especially during a conflict or war. Our service members who stand in harm’s way so we can sleep at night without the fear of an enemy invading our peaceful and free lives in America, also deal with their various demons that come back with them.
I have a friend Joe, who served in Desert Storm with the Marines as a corpsman. His assignment in Kuwait was to accompany a team who were to make sure the buildings were clear. His description of going around every corner of each room in each house, to make sure it was clear, really drove home what some of our veterans have done for our freedom. I will never forget one of Joe’s comments: “All I had was my little .45; I sure wished I had the same weapons the Marines had.” That really put his perspective and experience into context.
I would like to say to all those who have served, thank you for your service! Because of the many veterans who have answered their country’s call to serve, all Americans have the chance to live in peace and happiness. 
In Loyalty, Protection and Service,
William D. Stevenson, Editor-in-Chief

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FROM THE BRIDGE

The LA FRA & FRA Convention Will Proceed
Shipmates,
As I write this column for FRAtoday, the FRA and LA FRA National Convention is just a few weeks away. I want to personally thank the Shipmates and auxiliary members who are devoting their time and effort as members of the planning committee. As a former member of two national convention committees, I know most of the specific details that are entailed in putting on a successful convention, and I have no doubts that this one will also be successful.
At the completion of the 2021 National Convention, my term as national president will be concluded, and I want to thank all the Shipmates and auxiliary members who hosted me and my wife, Nadine, throughout the year during our travels. It has been a truly rewarding experience to have served as your national president. Due to all of the travel restrictions during the past year and some overlapping schedules, I was not able to get to all the regions. I do apologize to those Shipmates who I did not get to interact with. As a result, I can report that I was able to save the association a large portion of my travel expenses in the process. As Nadine is a candidate for LA FRA NVP for 2021-2022, I am sure I will be getting around to all the regions in the coming years!

Special Recognition
Our country recently marked a very significant and poignant time in observing the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and ending the U.S. military participation in hostilities in Afghanistan. 
Unfortunately, we could not complete the withdrawal of U.S. forces without sustaining a significant loss of life due to an Islamic State suicide bombing of our troops assisting in the evacuation. Undertaking a thorough investigation into the details of the withdrawal and the intelligence shortfalls during the accomplishment of the mission will only serve to ensure that they do not get repeated; it will do nothing to bring back the people we lost. It also does little to console the families of the troops lost or alleviate the burden they bear. 
Ending the conflict in Afghanistan was popular with a majority of Americans, regardless of which end of the political spectrum they chose to associate with. It was also probably the right thing to do, but how it was accomplished was not. 
In remembering the final 13 brave souls that were lost in Afghanistan, the Shipmates of Branch 289 in Imperial Beach, California, set up a tribute table, shown in the photo above. It was just a small token of remembrance that was well received.
As I have stated in my column previously, show your support or non-support of the current administration at the ballot box! 
Stay safe and keep your Shipmates in your thoughts and prayers. 
I remain always in Loyalty, Protection and Service, 
Mick Fulton
Mick wrote this article as an extra assignment, so the staff wanted to recognize his extra effort and also to say thanks.

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sHIPMATE FORUM

Not a Royal Navy Officer on the Cover
On the cover of the August 2021 issue of FRAtoday, the officer on the left is identified on page 1 as Royal Navy Adm. Sir Bertram Ramsay. However, if you look at the cap badge on his dark cover, it appears it is from a U.S. Navy uniform and not Royal Navy. The same is true of the officer with the binoculars. Was the person on the left misidentified?
FRAtoday: You are correct, and we apologize for the mix-up. Here is the correct caption: Senior U.S. officers watching operations from the bridge of USS AUGUSTA (CA-31), off Normandy, on June 8,1944. They are (L to R): Rear Adm. Alan G. Kirk, of the U.S. Navy, commander of the Western Naval Task Force; Lt. Gen. Omar N. Bradley of the U.S. Army, commanding general, of the U.S. 1st Army; Rear Adm. Arthur D. Struble of the  U.S. Navy, (with binoculars), chief of staff for Kirk; and Maj. Gen. Ralph Royce of the U.S. Army. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

The July Issue of FRAtoday
I had a couple of thoughts.
Memorial Day: I understand your disappointment in not being able to host an event this year.  Here in our area and across South Carolina we too have seen activities postponed and cancelled. However, in Six Mile, South Carolina we proceeded, albeit cautiously, with our 2021 event.  Branch 15 has been the lead organization for this event for about 10 years.  You will note in the attachment that Six Mile has 4 Medal of Honor recipients who grew up within 5 to 6 miles of the town.  We have been told that this is the highest number of recipients per capita in the US.  At any rate, we had a good turnout and a lot of support from other community members.  It’s a special thing for us. 
Apolitical:  Certainly glad to see you address this.  As a member of the organization for about 25 years, I have been pleased that our branch has never been troubled by political issues since it was chartered.  Of course, we may have some banter while eating breakfast together, just like banter about sports. But, during official business time, it is a no-no.  Local elected officials are welcome to come to a meeting, but not in election years.  
Again, I appreciate your article. Perhaps during your travels, you could visit our area.  Would enjoy having you visit our town and perhaps take in a branch meeting. 
Thanks,
Tom Smith, Director, FRA Branch 15

The FRA is an Apolitical Organization
Shipmate Fulton,
Thank you for the comments you made regarding the apolitical nature of the FRA. All veteran organizations, at the national, state and local levels should adopt your stance instead of overtly advocating for one political party (or individual) or more often, being profanely critical of those who may disagree with their political views.  Indeed, I’ve quit attending meetings of a local veteran’s group (of which I’m a life member and also the Past Commander of the largest post in Virginia) simply because members spent less time discussing organizational and post issues and more time criticizing the (then) Commander-in-Chief and Virginia politicians with whom they were opposed. Politics should not even be mentioned in gatherings of veteran groups and I trust FRA branches will take your comments to heart.
Regards, Ivian C. Smith, Life Member

FRAtoday: Shipmate Smith, Thanks for the support, I’ve had comments from both ends of the spectrum. My intent was to express the ideals that you expressed. Again thanks for your FRA membership and support!
In L, P & S, Mick Fulton, National President
 
The USS NEW JERSEY
I read with interest your article titled “The USS New Jersey” on page 27 of the July 2021 FRAtoday magazine. My father was on the West Virginia on Dec. 7, 1941 in Oahu, so I have always had an interest in battleships. I even visited the New Jersey a few years ago. I have spent several nights myself as a Scout leader on the USS Massachusetts for Scout campouts.
I can tell you the caption on page 28 for the top photo should read “Webelo Scouts slept... .” These are older Cub Scouts, not old enough to be Boy Scouts. I can also tell by the uniforms, the neckerchiefs and rank patches.
I know minor detail — Cub vs. Boy Scout, but I suspect you want to have things reported correctly.
Thanks for your attention to this matter,
Richard J. Owen, 25-year Scouter, father of 2 Eagle Scouts

Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views of individual FRA members. They do not reflect the position of the FRA. The FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content. To Submit letters to FRAtoday for consideration, please send them to: 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314 or to fratoday@fra.org.

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ON AND OFF CAPITOL HILL

FRA National Convention Approves 2022 Legislative Agenda
As FRAtoday goes to press, Congress is working on passing the National Defense Authorization Act, approving a continuing resolution to keep the government operating after the start of the new fiscal year, agreeing on infrastructure improvements, and suspending the debt ceiling. Included in this issue is the FRA’s Legislative Agenda for next year. The agenda was approved by the delegates at the FRA National Convention in Spokane Valley, Washington, in October.  

House Approves NDAA
The House passed the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4350). FRA-supported floor amendments pertaining to concurrent receipt and survivor benefits were not called for a vote. Key provisions in the House NDAA include:
•	No new TRICARE fee increases.
•	Prohibiting any reduction or realignment of military medical staff at military treatment facilities until a review of medical manpower requirements can be conducted by the Government Accountability Office.
•	Providing an annual active-duty pay increase that keeps pace with civilian pay increases (2.7%).
•	Establishing the Naval Community College as a degree-granting institution for enlisted sailors.
•	Requiring the Defense Department to pay a basic needs allowance to qualified service members.
•	Expanding the pilot program providing financial assistance for in-home child care.
•	Requiring all Americans ages 18 to 26, regardless of gender, to register with the Selective Service System beginning one year after the enactment of the NDAA.
•	Directing the DOD to notify survivors of sexual assault about the outcomes of any administrative action taken against their perpetrator.
•	Removing commanders from decisions related to the prosecution of sexual assault and harassment crimes. 
•	Criminalizing sexual harassment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  

As FRAtoday goes to press, the Senate Armed Services Committee has approved its version of the FY2022 NDAA and the full Senate is expected to debate floor amendments and approve its version. Once both chambers approve their bills, a conference committee will be appointed to resolve the differences between the two bills and then submit a final bill to be voted on in the House and Senate. If the bill is approved, it will be sent to the president to be signed into law or vetoed.  

FRA Co-hosts Capitol Hill Forum on Gulf War Illness
The FRA co-hosted the Capitol Hill Forum on Gulf War Illness, organized by the Veterans for Common Sense and the Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. The forum explained new treatments and diagnostic assessments being tested for GWI. Much research has focused on neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including GWI. 

Veterans of the 1991 Gulf War continue to experience chronic symptoms including fatigue, memory loss, loss of focus, muscle and joint pain, respiratory problems, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems. When these symptoms cannot be explained by other established medical diagnoses or standard laboratory tests, they are known as Gulf War Illness. It is believed that GWI stems from exposure to nerve chemicals. GWI is chronic in nature with very low recovery rates. Scientists are close to developing objective testing that would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to quickly and efficiently process GWI claims.

The FRA signed onto a letter to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Appropriations committees’ subcommittees on Defense, urging them to provide funding for the treatment-focused Gulf War Illness Research Program. Peer-reviewed studies have consistently concluded that Gulf War Illness affects approximately 25-32% of the veterans of the Gulf War. Members can use the FRA Action Center to ask their legislators to support the inclusion of this provision in the FY2022 funding for the DOD.
VA Report: Veteran Suicide Declining 
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently released its 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. The report shows a 6% decrease from 2018 to 2019 in the total number of veteran suicide deaths, although veterans still died by suicide at a rate 52.3% higher than the non-veteran population. Specifically, the VA reported that there were 6,261 veteran suicide deaths in 2019 — 399 fewer than in 2018. Of the 17 veterans who died by suicide per day on average in 2019, approximately 10 of them had no recent interaction with the VA health care system. The data also revealed that the female veteran suicide rate decreased by almost 13%, which is the largest rate decrease for female veterans in 17 years.

The 2022 FRA Legislative Agenda has been reproduced here exactly as it appeared when approved by the delegates of the FRA National Convention. To preserve the integrity of the document, FRAtoday editors have not altered the agenda in any way
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2022 FRA LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
FRA will fight to preserve and enhance benefits and quality-of-life programs for active, reserve, retired, and veterans of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard plus their families and survivors. FRA’s 2022 legislative agenda is as follows:

EXPAND HEALTH CARE OPTIONS
Oppose Excessive TRICARE Fee Increases – The Defense Department must sufficiently investigate and implement other options to make TRICARE more cost-efficient as alternatives to shifting costs to TRICARE beneficiaries, and the Association opposes any indexing of future TRICARE Fee increases beyond CPI indexed to COLA increases. 

Repeal Scheduled Pharmacy and Therapy Co-pay Increases – The FY 2017 NDAA mandates pharmacy and therapy increases every year until 2027. FRA will work to repeal these arbitrary increases.

Support Adequate Funding for Defense Health Agency – Ensure adequate funding and staffing for the Defense Health Agency (DHA) in order to meet readiness needs, fully fund TRICARE, and improve access and awareness of benefits for all beneficiaries regardless of age, status or location, including Reservists participating in TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, and Individual Ready Reserve personnel.

DOD/VA Health Care Resource Sharing – Ensure adequate funding for Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) health care resource sharing and interoperability of both departments electronic health records (EHR) in delivering seamless, cost effective, quality services to personnel wounded in combat and other veterans and their families.

Pharmaceutical Drug Benefit – Monitor the pharmacy benefit and ensure that pharmacies maintain a broad uniform formulary. FRA supports efforts to reduce prescription costs through “federal pricing” and other discount programs and will encourage increased utilization of home delivery prescriptions to limit co-pays for beneficiaries and reduce costs as alternatives to higher fees, and co-payments.

Allow Military Retirees to Pay for Healthcare with Pretax Dollars – Secure authorization for military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and allow for a tax deduction for TRICARE supplemental insurance premiums.

PROTECT PERSONNEL PROGRAMS
Active Duty Pay – Secure annual active duty pay increases that are at least equal to the Employment Cost Index (ECI) to at least keep pace with the private sector pay. 
Keep 12 Years of Service Bonus – Oppose efforts to eliminate a major provision of the newly created Blended Retirement System (BRS) that provides a mandatory bonus at 12 years of service (minimum 3 months’ pay) if the service member signs up for 4 more years of service. 

Extend and Increase Government Match for TSP – Extend the government match for the Thrift Savings Plan beyond the current 26 years of service to until retirement and increase the maximum government matching contribution. 

Eliminate Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment – Work to eliminate sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military.

Ensure Early Retirement Benefits for Involuntarily Separated Personnel – Early retirement and other benefits must be authorized for service members involuntarily separated with less than 20 years of service – including the temporary early retirement authority (TERA) program to minimize the impact of end strength reductions on career personnel. 

Military Resale System – Ensure adequate funding for the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) and oppose privatization to preserve the value of the current benefit and access for all patrons and oppose consolidation or closure of military exchanges. 

End Strengths – Track active duty and Reserve end strengths to ensure there are adequate personnel available to meet operational requirements, and work to minimize expanding deployment periods and reduced dwell times. 
BAH – Oppose cuts to Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payments and restore BAH to 100 percent of housing costs. Reform enlisted housing standards by allowing E-7s and above to reside in separate homes, track BAH to ensure it is commensurate with actual housing costs, ensure adequate housing inventory and that housing privatization programs are beneficial to service members and their families.

Support Active-Duty Safe Housing Tenant Bill of Rights – Work to ensure service members and their families have safe, quality homes and communities. Increase the accountability of privatized housing companies by putting more oversight authority in the hands of local military leaders.

PCS Reform – Track the PCS process; ensure adequate funding of the Transition and Relocation Assistance Programs, and authorization of increased PCS mileage rates and higher household goods weight limits for senior enlisted personnel. Also advocate for shipment of a second POV for accompanied overseas assignments.

SCRA Enforcement / Predatory Lending Protections – Ensure that the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is enforced by regulatory agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Office of Military Affairs and work to ensure that active-duty personnel are protected from predatory lenders. Make mandatory arbitration agreements in financial contracts unenforceable.  

Restart Military Lending Act (MLA) Supervisory Compliance Exams - Monitoring compliance by the CFPB is necessary for the MLA to work effectively. Support legislation to restart the exams.  

USERRA Enforcement -Work to eliminate discrimination against uniformed service members in employment by ensuring enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Coast Guard Parity – Ensure funding parity with DoD on pay, benefits and housing for Coast Guard personnel plus adequate resources for same within the U.S. Coast Guard budget.

Impact Aid Program – Ensure that the Department of Education has adequate funding to reimburse local school districts for educating military children and that the DoD budget includes enough supplemental funds to provide support for highly impacted school districts.

School Choice for Military Families – Allow military families the option to use public funds to send their children to a private school or pay for other education services.

Reserve Component Readiness - Ensure Congress adequately funds and supports Reserve Component requirements for an operational reserve.

Reservists’ Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Allow full tax-deductibility of non-reimbursable expenses related to military training and weekend drill. 

Sea Services Recruiters – Work to ensure that recruiters have unrestricted access to secondary schools, colleges, and universities on the same basis as private sector employers.

Child Care Affordability and Accessibility – Work to ensure adequate resources for Child Development Centers on military installations.  

VETERANS’ ISSUES
Monitor Implementation of VA MISSION Act Program- Monitor implementation of the VA Caregiver Program (MISSION Act) and support improvements to ensure veterans have timely access to medical care.  

No VA Claim Pending over 125 days- Congress should pass legislation that requires VA be held accountable for achieving the VA Secretary’s stated goal that no claim is pending more than 125 days and all claims have an accuracy rate of 98 percent or higher. 

the 48-Hour Review Period - The VA’s decision to rescind the 48-hour review period will lead to more errors in claims, clog the appeals process, and ultimately harm veterans. Support legislation restoring the 48-hour review period. 

Care for Veterans with Toxic Exposure - Ensure that no veteran who had exposure to burn pits or other environmental toxins goes without access to VA healthcare benefits.

VA Dental Care - Support and expand the Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program to increase veteran access to dental care.

Improve Department of Veterans’ Affairs Funding – Support initiatives to help ensure adequate funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), with special attention for VA health care to ensure access and care for all beneficiaries.
Improve Department of Veterans’ Affairs Suicide Prevention Program – Support improvements and monitor implementation of VA and DOD suicide prevention programs to reduce the rate of suicide among veterans and active-duty service members. 

Oppose Access Fees – Oppose establishing a tiered enrollment fee structure for veterans in Priority Groups 7 and 8 within the VA Health Care System.

Education Enhancements – Monitor the Post 9/11 GI Bill program and work to improve other education benefit programs for veterans, and survivors of disabled or deceased veterans, and preserve the military Tuition Assistance (TA) program and oppose shifting a significant part of the cost to active-duty beneficiaries.

CHAMPVA – Extend coverage for eligible children of veterans’ families until age 26 under CHAMPVA.
Veterans Hiring Incentives- Re-enact employer tax incentives for hiring veterans and disabled veterans under the Vow to Hire Heroes Act.  

Strengthen Veterans’ Hiring Preference - Oppose legislation restricting veterans’ preference hiring currently in law.

Women Veterans Health Care – Work to increase access to gender-specific medical and mental health care to meet the unique needs of women service members and women veterans.

Veterans Homelessness- The VA and other government agencies should enhance and invest in efforts to ensure that veteran’s homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring.

POW/MIA Accountability – Work to ensure that the DoD make every effort for a complete accounting of all Prisoners of War and Missing in Action service members for past and current conflicts.

SAFEGUARD RETIREE BENEFITS
Protect Military Retired or Retainer Pay – Fight efforts to reduce military retired pay and ensure equitable cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for all military retirees commensurate with their service and sacrifices, and oppose efforts to civilianize the military retirement system. And advocate for rounding up to the next dollar for retired pay and other benefits.

Concurrent Receipt – Support legislation authorizing the immediate payment of concurrent receipt of full military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation for all disabled retirees.

Oppose Delay in Matching TSP Contribution - Oppose delay of the employer matching contribution for the “portable” Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) from after 3 years of service, to after 5 years of service. 

Reserve Retirement Age – Support extension of authority for early retirement (90 days active duty = three months reduction) for all Reservists who have served since 9/11/01.

Require Inspection of Armed Forces Retirement Home - Require periodic inspections of Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) facilities by a nationally recognized accrediting organization to ensure safe and healthy living conditions for AFRH residents.

Eliminate DFAS Backlog on Reserve Component Retirement Pay –Support additional oversight of the Armed Services Committees to ensure the services and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) do whatever is necessary to review and improve the process for a timelier completion of retirement pay for Reserve Component retirees.

USFSPA – Encourage the introduction and enactment of legislation to eliminate inequities in the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA).

Retention of Final Month’s Retired Pay – Support legislation authorizing the retention of the full final month’s retired pay by the surviving spouse (or other designated survivor) for the month in which the member was alive for at least 24 hours.

Repeal 180-day Delay for Retirees - Support repealing the 180-day delay for retirees applying for Defense Department civilian positions GS-13 and below.

Paid-up SBP at Age 67 – Work to change the minimum age for paid-up SBP from age 70 to age 67 which will allow those who joined the military at age 17, 18 or 19 and serve 20 years to only be required to pay SBP premiums for 30 years. 

Base Closures – Closely monitor the impact of base closures and realignments and support retention of military treatment and other facilities at BRAC sites that are patronized by sizeable retiree and Reserve populations. 

FRA Commemorative Coin – Work to get Congress to enact legislation authorizing an FRA Commemorative Coin in recognition of the 100-year anniversary of the Association.

FEATURE  STORY

John Fitzgerald Kennedy
The 35th President and Proud U. S. Navy Veteran
By Ann Norvell Gray

In 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy became the second youngest man to gain the U.S. presidency, less than a year older than Teddy Roosevelt, who had entered the White House 60 years before. Kennedy was the first Roman Catholic in the White House, and the first of six presidents who have been Navy veterans, all of whom saw service in WWII. In his election year, he participated in the first nationally televised presidential campaign debate. That performance turned out to be a significant factor in his defeat of Richard Nixon, who had none of the young Ivy Leaguer’s telegenic charm. To this day, Kennedy continues to capture Americans’ interest as the subject of more than 40,000 books, according to a 2013 New York Times estimate.

What is most surprising about all these statistics is that this venerated man spent only 34 months as president before his life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet in November of 1963.

An Eager Officer
Kennedy’s father, Joseph P. Kennedy, had a keen eye for any opportunity to gain political influence and to make money, and he accomplished both in spades throughout his working life. The eldest of his nine children, Joe Jr., was groomed to run for president. When Joe was killed during a risky air operation in WWII, his father’s laser focus turned to his second son, Jack. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Joseph ambassador to Great Britain in 1938, a choice that was controversial and ultimately ended badly. However, through connections formed in his father’s two years in Britain, Jack obtained a commission as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve, despite the severe spinal disorder which kept him in near-constant pain most of his adult life. In October of 1941, he was assigned to the Office of Naval Intelligence. In December, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and everything changed. 

Meanwhile, Jack Kennedy was to suffer the first round of a series of badly managed medical interventions that did little to alleviate his pain, and may have done more harm than good. Following a two-month medical leave, which was secured with the help of his father’s friend James Forrestal, then undersecretary of the Navy, he entered the Naval Reserve Officers Training School in Chicago. This assignment was followed by a posting to the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Training Center in Rhode Island, a promotion to lieutenant junior grade, and orders to report for duty as the commanding officer of the 78-foot Higgins boat PT-101, which was destined for Panama. But the young lieutenant j.g. was eager for combat duty, and managed reassignment to a group in the Solomon Islands. In April of 1943, he took command of PT-109, an 80-foot Elco patrol torpedo boat.

One Collision, Three Stories
What followed in August of that year was what has been called the most famous collision in the history of the Navy. At about 2:30 a.m. on a moonless night, a group of PT boats, including PT-109, was meant to be lying in wait to attack Japanese ships making a resupply run. A destroyer came out of nowhere and sliced PT-109 in half, killing two of the crew and setting the aft fuel tanks afire. Kennedy was thrown forward against the bulkheads, further injuring his already questionable back. During the night, the half of the boat that was not ablaze sank. 

Miraculously, the surviving crew members managed to swim the 3 miles to a small, uninhabited island nearby. But the operational details of the night’s misfortunes are contained in two very different versions.
The best-known version appeared in the big city newspapers at the time.  The political clout and media savvy of the senior Kennedy put the spin machine into high gear, and influenced The Boston Globe to call it “one of the great stories of heroism in this war.” A New York Times headline read, “Kennedy’s Son Is Hero In Pacific As Destroyer Splits His PT Boat.” And there is little doubt that the young officer did all he could to look after his surviving crew members. 

The second version, however, and the one that history seems to justify, calls the events of the engagement a series of embarrassing blunders — pretty much what these days might be called a goat rodeo. Only one of the crew had any real experience to guide them. The commanding officer of the boat leading the engagement made sequential errors in judgment. Communications failed. When the destroyer loomed up out of the darkness and Kennedy realized what was about to happen, he tried to maneuver out of the path of the destroyer, but his engines failed, and PT-109 sat helplessly adrift before it was sliced crosswise by the Japanese destroyer. After 15 hours in the water, several days on nearby islands and their rescue, the crewmen seemed ashamed of their parts in the whole business, and the publicly distributed version calling them heroes took them by surprise.

The following is an excerpt from the official report of the incident, held by the Modern Military Branch of the National Archives and Records Administration in Maryland.  The report was filed in January of 1944, and declassified in September of 1959:

“PTs 162 and 109 of Division B with PT 169 of Division A were in Blackett Strait off Vanga Vanga, as was PT 157. … PT 162 saw on a collision course, a warship headed Northward about 700 yards away. The PT 162 turned to fire its torpedoes, but they did not fire. …. PT 109 was seen to collide with the warship, followed by an explosion and a large flame which died down a little, but continued to burn for 10 or 15 minutes. … The PT 169 stopped just before the warship hit PT 109, turned toward it and fired two torpedoes when abeam at 150 yards range. The destroyer straddled the PT 169 with shell fire, … and then circled left toward Gizo Island at increased speed and disappeared. …

“… August 6, word was received from the Coastwatcher and by Native Messenger that eleven survivors of PT 109, sunk in a collision with an enemy destroyer on the morning of August 2, were alive. … Several trips from shore over the reef to the PT 157 were required to remove all the men, three of whom had been badly, but not critically burned. … The natives had fed and done everything to make the men comfortable during their stay on the island.”

The Crew’s Account
In July of 1944, The New Yorker magazine published a 5,500-word story by a young journalist named John Hersey who had met Jack Kennedy in New York and heard the story from him. He asked the ambassador’s son if he might write the story down, and Kennedy agreed, but only if Hersey would talk to some of his crew first. So Hersey went to the same torpedo boat training facility in Rhode Island at which Kennedy had been trained, and sat down with three members of the PT-109 crew. The result was a gripping, virtually hour-by-hour report of the days following the disastrous collision, when the 11 survivors, bewildered by their apparent abandonment, clung to life however they were able.

In fact, when their boat was struck and crews of the remaining PT boats saw the flash of exploding fuel tanks and a sheet of burning gasoline on the water, they assumed that everyone had been killed. Instead of searching for survivors, they returned to base. A couple of days later, they organized services for their fallen comrades, unaware that most of them were still alive and in need of rescue. 

The first small island the survivors were able to reach safely after the remaining half of the boat sank had nothing there to eat or drink. One crewman had suffered terrible burns in the explosion, and one had been badly bruised by being tumbled in the destroyer’s wake. Several of them were not strong swimmers, and clung to a timber from the wreckage to paddle between the islands. Kennedy, who had been on the swim team at Harvard, twice towed his burned crewman several miles, clenching the strap of the injured man’s life jacket in his teeth. Most of them sustained cuts from the coral reefs surrounding the islands on their feet, hands or arms, and in the first couple of days they were parched and hungry. 

There is no doubt, then, that the young officer had lived up to his responsibilities to his men, swimming repeatedly in search of friendly vessels, finding food, keeping a watchful eye out for Japanese ships or planes, never giving up hope, and finally contacting a nearby base by carving a message on a coconut and handing it to a local islander to deliver. At last, with the guidance of the helpful islanders, rescuers from the PT base arrived, to collect the happy, exhausted sailors, and returned them safely to base.

A Proud Veteran to the End
The tendency of this Navy veteran’s father, Joseph, toward hyperbole in the service of his own ambitions was certainly a factor in the run-up to his chosen son’s presidential election. But it was John Kennedy’s own character and grace, combined with his considerable rhetorical skill, that carried him into the White House. His inaugural address may be the most quoted of any of them, with the possible exception of Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, which is engraved inside the Lincoln Memorial. Kennedy’s speech was a product of the inspired collaborative relationship between the attractive young senator and the brilliant speechwriter Ted Sorensen, and contributed these ringing words to posterity: 

“Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans — born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage — and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. …
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.

“My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”

Three months before the dreadful day of his assassination in Dallas, John Kennedy wrote, “Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction, ‘I served in the United States Navy.’”1

Footnote
1. https://www.nps.gov/articles/kennedyww2.htm

References
1. www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/people/presidents.html
2. You can access the digital archives of The New Yorker to read the full story of PT-109 here: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1944/06/17/survival

FEATURE STORY

Accident on Board the USS NORFOLK (DL-1)
By James W. “Bill” McMahon, MMC 

I joined the Navy in April of 1952, during the Korean War. My career in the Navy spanned 20 years and I retired in 1973 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. 
In 1955, an explosion occurred aboard the USS NORFOLK (DL-1). We were conducting a full power trial and we had just left port from the Boston Navy Yard. We were conducting maneuver checks for all the equipment aboard ship, which was the custom when leaving the Yard. This full power run lasted about four hours and was conducted off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. 
I was on throttle watch in the engine room from four to eight o’clock in the morning. I had just relieved a First-Class Machinist Mate by the name of Robert Riggs who had the midnight to 4 a.m. watch. Riggs and I were standing in the room talking; it was about 4:30 a.m. at this time. The bridge notified us via our headphones to say, “We have just completed our full power run for four hours.” We were doing about 33 knots at that instant. “We’ll be starting to slow down in five minutes,” and no sooner had those words echoed out of our headphones than we knew we had a problem on our hands.  
As the throttleman on watch, my job was to control the speed of the ship from orders from the bridge. The RPM indicator tells me the speed of the shaft, and therefore, the speed of the ship. At 4:35 a.m., the RPM indicator was telling us something was very wrong. The RPM indicator began speeding up, in fact, it took off. The RPM indicator was over-speeding due to the fact that the 19-ton manganese bronze port propeller had just become severed from the shaft and the port engine was over-speeding. In other words, the port propeller had broke off and sunk. Simultaneously, the low-pressure turbine and the reduction gear destroyed themselves. This chain reaction was caused due to the turbines ceasing to have any more resistance. As they over-sped the turbines shattered and disintegrated. 
In the engine room, the blast forced the turbine blades apart, shattering and shooting shrapnel all over. It was as if a bomb had gone off! Luckily, no one was hit with the shrapnel due to centrifugal force. The shrapnel flew away from us. We later came to learn one of the pieces of turbine blading had shot up through the deck and right through the first urinal. Thankfully, none of the men had any ill-timed early morning bathrooms runs (to the urinal at least).
When the turbine casing was ruptured by the loose turbine blading, steam immediately began escaping from it and in no time filled the engine room. First Class Riggs was standing just off the throttle board. With my positioning being in front of the throttle board, I was spared from the full blast of the steam. Riggs, standing about three feet away from me, was not shielded by the throttle board and was hit by the initial full blast of the steam and was knocked to the ground.  At the same time, condenser tubes were also ruptured by the loose blading and seawater began to flood the engine room.
We happened to have a First Class by the name of McCann, who was with us in the engine room. He was standing by the bulkhead at the time of the explosion. Seeing what was happening, he immediately called for me to “close the throttle!” I started to close the main throttle as fast as I could in an effort to secure the steam supply, but the valve was so long and so far open that I could never get it closed. The explosion occurred in the same moment that McCann jumped to close the air-operated emergency stop valve. McCann, able to close it just in time, saved all of our lives in the process.
The situation in the fire room, just on the other side of the bulkhead, was just as chaotic. They had no idea what was happening. With the explosion, the boilers in the fire room continued to put out maximum steam as they are meant to do, continually injecting the engine room full of steam throughout this time. The boilers all of a sudden started blowing safeties and the men in the fire room began to shut down their boilers as fast as they could.
As if the difficulty of breathing from the unrelenting heat and steam wasn’t enough, all the lights went out. In the darkness, I could see faint lights on the opposite end of the engine room. Making my way over there, I looked down and was able to see through the deck grates that lights remained lit on the lower level. I made my way down there where I was able to breathe and see again.
I was able to get in a couple good breaths of air when I noticed that men were still on the upper level. I ran and hollered at them that the air down where I was at the lower level was breathable. From there, they followed my voice down to where I was. We stayed down in that lower level for about ten minutes, breathing in new life.
After about ten minutes, the blowers were able to power on and the lights came up. After some time, the compartment began to clear of heat and steam. The Norfolk stopped after this explosion and in the immediate confusion everyone aboard tried to figure out what had happened in the early hours of that morning. The men in the engine and fire rooms, however, had a pretty good idea. 
We were able to operate under one propeller and we made our way back to the Boston Navy Shipyard and tied up. The actions of MM1 McCann, having closed the emergency stop valve, stopping any more steam from coming into the engine room, saved our lives. He was a hero. Ferguson, a native of North Carolina and an MM1 onboard, was another sailor involved. He was most likely around because he was on the preceding watch, and stuck around just to talk to us. He aided us in securing the engine room. For their heroic actions they both made Chief. 
The date of that event was April 16, 1955. I was just about 20 years old. These are my recollections to the best of my memory.     
This article was submitted by James W. “Bill” McMahon, retired Navy chief machinist’s mate.

Return to Table of Contents

 

MEMBERHSIP MATTERS

We Just Had to Stand Up an FRA Branch

Recently elected North Central Regional President Maria Behm, along with her husband and FRA Life Member Robert Behm, recently moved to Gravois Mills, Missouri. It was then that they knew they had to stand up a local FRA branch, even after transferring to the Springfield, Missouri, Branch 316. 

“We love Branch 316 and its Shipmates! The only problem was that it was a four-hour round trip, plus meeting time,” said Behm.  

Maria Behm agreed to share the details of how she and her husband established the FRA’s newest branch — and their lessons learned along the way — with readers in the letter that follows: My husband Bob, did marketing research of the area’s (population, veteran population, nearby military installations, etc.).  By doing simple online searches, we discovered that 16% of the population living in our local area were veterans, supported by only four major veterans organizations.  

After considering whether or not there were veterans in the area who would like to join our organization, we asked what impact a new branch would have on the local area, and considered meeting locations. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5178 in Gravois Mills said they would be honored to have us meet at their post. 

We decided to attend a Veterans Resource Fair hosted by VFW Post 5178 and were able to talk with local veterans. During the event, we received one life membership application paid in full, as well as eight very interested contacts. We knew this was a sign that we were going to make this new branch happen.  

We chose the zip code areas that we needed to attract, compiled them and then contacted FRA Director of Membership Christina Hitchcock, who sent us a Member-at-Large and “termed” listing. After searching the database and removing deceased members from the list, we sent the final list back to Christina to update the FRA’s records. We sent out 220 postcards and letters, then followed up with a telephone effort to reach out to potential members. We learned that it was more effective to send notifications by USPS mail because these methods are more personal than email and social media. We also sent letters to our Navy ship’s reunion group along with information packets, which resulted in three life membership applications, several two-year memberships and some transfers.

Our first information and recruiting meeting was promoted by using postcards, flyers and social media. The plan was to test the level of interest from the attendees — potential members. Current RPNC Jerry Lickteig, PRPNC Norm Combs and Shipmate Tony Quintero, all from Mo-Kan Branch 161 (located 3 1/2 hrs. away), came to assist and meet and greet our new Shipmates. We had 14 show up, as well as many others who had signed up earlier. We also gained another three two-year memberships. We had reached our count of 20! We then asked for potential officers and they were selected — even our regional president was excited. Monies and applications were all sent to NHQ Membership. We were given the number 32 for our new home branch.  

We were chartered Lake of the Ozarks Branch 32 by National President Mick Fulton, National Executive Director Chris Slawinski and North Central Regional President Jerome Lickteig on Aug. 10, during the North Central Regional Convention. 

We are proud to say that “We did it!”  The assistance we received from our FRA membership department was a must-have! Whether you are considering adding to your branch or standing up a new one, you will need to compile your list of zip codes to get started. 

Sometimes there may be no potential members in your area from those lists, but the main thing is to have the drive to get out there and talk to people, hold meet-and-greets and set a table up at fairs or other events.  
The FRA can thrive if we stay diligent and resourceful with our growth efforts.  It really is up to us, the members, as it is our organization to grow, to protect and to nurture.

Taking the First Step
Remember an organization cannot grow in a stagnant environment. There’s often room for growth and development if one is willing to put in the effort to make it happen. The idea of starting a new branch is not as simple as it sounds, but we hope our story will inspire you and some of your Shipmates.
Other considerations after getting your first 20 members, comprised of new, transferred or reinstated members:
•	 Apply for an Employer Identification Number.
•	 Gain home state nonprofit status.
•	 Gain federal nonprofit status.
•	 Open a business bank account.
•	 Open a post office box.
•	 Create a social media presence.
•	 Create a website.
•	 Obtain a copy of Robert’s Rules of Order.
•	 Elect branch officers.
•	 Have a copy of the FRA C&BL.
•	 Create branch bylaws and standing rules.
•	 Advertise in local newspapers.
•	 Distribute posters.
•	 Obtain branch flags and poles.
•	 Obtain branch bell.

Bob and I are here to assist if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Maria Behm, RPNC-elect

Maria is the FRA president-elect, North Central Region.
Shipmate News

1.  Branch 57, South Jersey, N.J.
Branch Shipmates participated in the Memorial Day ceremony that was held at Red Bank Battlefield Park in National Park, New Jersey. (L to R) Bob Baltozer, Tony McDonald, Rich Edwards, Mary Rauch (seated), Don Burkhard, Mike Filinuk, Doug Heiler, Terry Williamson, Ron Hoffman and Robin Cooker.

2. Branch 115, Lehigh Valley, Pa.
Shipmate Andy Smerek paid tribute to Master Chief Folk on Saturday, June 19, during the Americanism Night celebration. Folk passed away in November 2020 during the pandemic. He served 26 years active duty in the U.S. Navy and 48 years as a member of the FRA. Folk was 94. 

3. Unit 294, Crossville, Tenn.
LA FRA Unit 294 held its annual officer and staff installation ceremony. Southeast Regional Vice President Jack Fogel officiated the swearing-in ceremony.  (L to R) Julie Fogel, who is serving her fifth term as Branch president; Branch Treasurer Linda Kinney; Lynn Dellarco; Branch Secretary Estilene Hunter; and Lucy Martin.   

4. Branch 115, Lehigh Valley, Pa.
Shipmate Tim Gilbert (R) presented Pastor Jake Susek of Fellowship Community senior care facility (L) with certificates of appreciation for his support of Branch 115. Fellowship Community’s president and CEO, Mary Kay McMahon, also received a certificate for providing access to their community rooms for our events and meetings at no charge.

5. Branch 316, Springfield, Mo.
The branch officer installation ceremony was held June 24. RVPNC Maria A. Behm was the installing officer (L to R)  President Robert Turner, Vice President Bernie Daum, Secretary Chuck Ewy, RPNC-elect Maria Behm, Tom Newsom, Don Brunk, Bill Turpin, Wayne Jacobson, Norma Wright and Nolan Moody.

6. Branch 89, Atlanta, Ga.
Shipmate Howard Hayes is all smiles while being presented his 40-year Continuous Membership Certificate and pin by Shipmate Ted Rambo. Photo by Tracy Poole.

7. Branch 197, Modesto, Calif.
PRPWC Steve Matthews and Branch Vice President Leonard Churilla recruit new members to the Fleet Reserve Association while helping out at the fund raising events for the new Northern California Veterans Museum & Heritage Center in Anderson, California, from July 29 to Aug. 1.

8. Branch 261, Lemoore, CA.
During the 130th anniversary celebration of Hanford, California, local veterans organizations were honored by the local Rotary Club for their commitment, sacrifice and service. Representing Branch 261 is Branch President Doug McCann (second from right). (L to R) Rick Landis, VFW; John Kuykendall, American Legion; Mike Spicer, Marine Corps League; Doug McCann, FRA; and Bruce Mackey, Rotary Club of Hanford.

9. Branch 15, Walhalla, S.C.
Branch 15 conducted a Two-Bell Ceremony on July 17 in remembrance of three departed Shipmates. (L to R) Branch President Clyde Albertson, Branch Vice President Larry Jones and BOD member Harvey Spencer.

10. Branch 89, Atlanta, Ga.
Branch officers were sworn in for the 2021-22 year during a recent branch meeting. Shipmate Bill Chambers served as installing officer.

11. Branch 261, Lemoore, CA. 
Shipmate John Plourde (L) was presented his 50-year Continuous Member Certificate and pin. The presentation was conducted by Branch President Doug McCann (R) during the August meeting.

12. Branch 87, Bedford, PA.
Shipmates Polly (L) and Greg Simmons (R) presented Chanith Jayasooriya from Westmont Hilltop Middle School his first place certificate and prize for the Americanism Essay Contest. Photo by Gary Simmons, branch secretary.

TAPS

Name	Rating	Branch
Altenburg, Paul C.	YN1, USN	MAL
Anagnostou, Gerald A.	MAC, USN	MAL
Anfinson, Ervin K.	ENC, USN	136
Angell, Charles E.	BMC, USNR	42

Barker, Gene A.	HMCS, USN	17
Barnes, Allon F.	SH1, USN	63
Barrett, Leonard T.	OSCM, USN	104
Barringer, Raymond C.	CSC, USN	172
Bechtold, James J.	AOC, USN	261
Bentham, Cindy L.	YN1, USN	MAL
Bianco, John W.	CAPT, USN	24
Brantley, Harry W.	YNCM, USN	MAL
Brewer, Harvey D.	CTRCS, USN	49
Brosseau, Joseph G.	MSGT, USMC	MAL
Brown, Billy B.	ADC, USN	91
Brown, Doris R.	CSCS, USN	MAL
Browning, Kenneth M.	FTCS, USN	MAL
Brunnhoelzl, William J.	BTC, USN	70

Calton, William C.	PH1, USN	183
Carbonell, Daniel I.	DKC, USN	MAL
Casper, Harold R.	LT, USN	MAL
Castro, Michael	BMC, USN	103
Chambers, James B.	PN(I)2, USNR	230
Ciccone, John	ABFC, USN	MAL
Conlon, James A.	CWO4, USN	210
Cox, James F.	HMC, USN	70

Demmers, William	HMCS, USN	MAL
Derouin, Noel E.	ASCS, USN	261
Divins, Thomas E.	AMHC, USN	MAL

Fauteux, Joseph L.	ADR1, USN	MAL
Feeley, Keith E.	CMC, USN	MAL
Ferguson, William H.	CTOCM, USNR	MAL
Fitzgerald, Robert A.	BMC, USN	248
Fontenot, Ronald	QMC, USN	162
Freed, Cory	IC, USN	29
Fullbright, Paul F.	FCC, USN	201
Furlong, Sheldon D.	SK1, USN	MAL

Garner, William E.	EM1, USNR	MAL
Garvey, Edward P.	EOH1, USN	MAL
Gentile, Ralph J.	ENC, USN	MAL
Green, Walter D.	YNC/TAR, USNR	89
Griebau, Guenther	 SGTMAJ, USMC	24

Hansen, Sherman	AQ1, USN	70
Harper, Jack H.	ADR1, USN	MAL
Hawkins, Richard S.	MCPO, USN	MAL
Haynie, Robert C.	ENCS, USN	57
Hensley, Doyle W.	LCDR, USN	MAL
Hinds, Eddie	RD1, USN	MAL
Hirner, Collin J.	ICC, USN	MAL
Hixenbaugh, Claude F.	DKC, USN	MAL
Holmes, Charles E.	IMC, USN	MAL
Hoy, Ronald	ICC(SS), USN	MAL
Hubbard, Bryan E.	BUC, USN	MAL

Jacobsen, Vernon G.	AG3, USN	67
Jagger, Everett P.	ATC, USN	MAL
Jeffrey, Bobby Z.	GMG1, USN	MAL
Johnson, Lorenzo D.	DK1, USN	34
Johnson, Merle R.	QMCS, USN	14

Kelly, Cecil H.	RMCS, USN	MAL
Kline, Ronald	AMEC, USN	MAL

Landry, Gene R.	MMCM, USN	210
Lavoie, James	SKSC, USN	MAL
Leinenweber, Robert L.	ET1, USN	40
Leipfert, Richard H.	YNCM, USN	126
Little, Charles E.	CDR, USN	91
Long, Elizabeth A.	USN	MAL
Long, Robert E.	RMC(SW), USN	99
Love, Eugene B.	EN1, USN	106
Lutz, Robert C.	MLC, USN	MAL

Mahoney, Harry L.	LCDR, USN	MAL
McClurg, James	MGYSGT, USMC	94
McCullough, Jack J.	PCC, USN	MAL
McFadden, Archie	MMC, USN	08
McIntosh, Gordon J.	FTCM, USN	MAL
Meacham, Donald A.	ETCM, USN	MAL
Melton, Frank G.	USN	339
Merz, Charles W.	ADJ1, USN	93
Miller, Kenneth R.	BTC, USN	269
Mitchell, Robert J.	HMCS, USN	MAL
Morgan, George A.	EMCS, USN	161
Munger, Dennis N.	USN	63

Neal, Jack P.	SCPO, USN	MAL
Nevel, Kenneth M.	DMC, USN	MAL
Nicklin, Howard E.	USN	70
Norman, Charles E.	GMCS, USN	MAL

O’Brien, Joseph A.	CEC, USN	42
Ogle, Leo D.	DPCS, USN	MAL
Onken, Lester E.	GYSGT, USMC	216
Owen, William E.	CDR, USN	MAL
Pac, Alfred	RDCM, USN	MAL
Paine, Raymond D.	SCPO, USN	290
Pandes, Cecilio	MMC, USN	127
Patridge, Danny M.	STGC(SW), USN	295
Perno, Alfred	BMC, USN	126
Pommerening, Howard	YNC(SS), USN	MAL

Ramsdell, Daniel R.	ATCS, USN	91
Rice, Richard	AGC, USN	MAL
Roberts, Holly J.	ADJ1, USN	MAL

Schuessler, Robert L.	ET1(SS), USN	269
Schwaab, Joseph A.	SMC, USN	136
Sellers, Gurley N.	EMCM(SS), USN	MAL
Senesky, Paul	YNC(AW), USN	22
Shonkwiler, Gene M.	YNC, USN	117
Shultz, Harry L.	USN	08
Sloan, Eldon D.	AMC, USN	MAL
Smith, Arthur J.	1STSGT, USMC	289
Snodgrass, James D.	HTC, USN	310
Steele, John B.	CMSGT, USAF	269
Stewart, Richard B.	PHC, USN	11
Styles, Robert R.	BTC, USN	53
Swafford, Darrell K.	FTCM (SS), USN	MAL
Symonds, Victor V.	AVCM, USN	261

Thomas, Richard A.	CWO4(SW), USN	MAL
Thomas, Samuel A.	CPL, USMC	264
Throm, Robert B.	MAJ, USMC	01
Todd, Richard F.	PO1, USN	MAL
Troszak, Paul	ETCM, USN	91
Turner, Kenneth	USN	269

Vane, Floyd B.	HMC, USN	MAL
Vollmer, Daniel H.	AZC, USN	93

Walczak, Richard H.	RMCM, USN	60
Walker, Tommy D.	MMCM, USN	47
Walter, Lonnie E.	ADJC, USN	70
Walters, Richard E.	HMC, USN	MAL
Ward, Chester A.	ETC	99
Weise, Robert W.	CDR, USNR	MAL
Wild, Duane E.	ATC, USN	91
Winston, Henry W.	BMCS, USN	40
Wofford, Raymond M.	OSC, USN	201
Woodard, Dan	EMC, USN	101
Wynn, Julian G.	LCPL, USMC	40

Zatarain, Henry	ADC, USN	MAL

Return to Table of Contents

LA FRA Auxiliary

A Message from the National President

As the incoming national president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the FRA for the 2021-2022 term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members for electing me and placing your trust and confidence in my ability to lead the organization. This past year has certainly been a unique one for us, but we managed to continue with business by working together. The LA FRA is strong and that is due to the support it receives from its members. We will strive to ensure that we move forward with the help and support of the past national president, national board and you, the members.

I will work closely with the national board of directors, past national presidents and members of the auxiliary. I am also looking forward to working with National President Jim Campbell and the FRA national board to carry out all future goals of the Auxiliary of the FRA.   

If anyone asks what we do, tell them we provide friendship, help others during their times of need, assist Shipmates, other veterans and their families. That is what the auxiliary is all about. We play an active role in the local community by promoting youth activities, Americanism and charitable causes. It is important to continue these programs, especially Americanism, which promotes patriotic activities and events for the public and our youth. A good way to spread the word about what we do is to wear your unit attire when you’re out. We need to make a statement as to who the LA FRA is and what we represent.

President’s Project
The National President’s Project for 2021-2022 is K9s for Warriors. K9s for Warriors is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides the highest quality PTSD service dogs, at no cost to those in the program, to help restore veterans’ physical and emotional independence. The focus is on helping the veteran who is paired with a service dog build a bond that facilitates healing and recovery. As the healing takes place, the veteran’s reintegration into society begins. Some service members who come back from a military conflict are unable to leave behind the memories of traumatic events they have experienced. We now understand that these intrusive memories and the emotional symptoms that come with them are a treatable condition called post-traumatic stress disorder. Some veterans are ready to seek treatment through the VA or other providers, but others are unwilling to walk through the clinic doors. 

K9s for Warriors provides an alternative solution. Service dogs are such magical and special creatures. Programs like K9s for Warriors may even demonstrate to the VA that matching trained dogs with veterans can provide a solution to a very real need among their veterans. It is so unacceptable that 17 veterans a day commit suicide. That has got to stop. K9s may be the right answer for this problem. Warriors can return to their communities with a new “leash” on life. After completing the three-week training program, veterans gain the emotional means to repair their relationships with themselves, their families and their friends. 

With each graduate pair, K9s for Warriors saves two lives: the dog, who has been rescued from a high-kill shelter, and the veteran.

Please support K9s for Warriors with donations for the National President’s Project 2021-2022. 
Contributions can be made by making a check payable to the LA FRA. Be sure to write in the “MEMO” section “NP Project 2021-2022” and mail it to: Brenda Horton NFS LA FRA, P.O. Box 3037 Carson City, NV 89702.     
Yours, In Loyalty, Protection and Service,
Pat Suckow

Pat is the LA FRA national president.
FINANCE MATTERS

Build Your Portfolio on a Solid Foundation
Asset allocation can be to investment planning what the foundation is to a house or the chassis is to a car. It’s what everything else is built upon. And just as important as constructing a house on a firm foundation, having the right asset allocation can be vital to helping you work toward your financial goals.
Although the name may sound intimidating, asset allocation is just a technical term for a rather simple concept. It’s merely how your portfolio is divided up among different types of investments, such as stocks, bonds, and what are called “cash alternatives.” 

How It Works
Using asset allocation to build a portfolio designed to help you reach your long-term goals requires taking three primary factors into consideration:
Goals. These are simply what you’re investing to achieve. For many of us, a major goal is to enjoy a financially secure retirement. If you have younger children or grandchildren, helping them afford higher education without building a mountain of debt is likely another goal. Or maybe you’d also like to make a luxury purchase — such as buying a vacation home or dream car, or taking an exotic vacation — down the road.
Time horizon. One reason why it’s important to know your goals is that they determine your time horizon (how long you have until you need to tap into your investments). If you’re 28, for example, and want to retire at 68, your time horizon is 40 years. It is as simple as that.
Risk tolerance. Your risk tolerance is the amount of volatility in your portfolio’s value you’re comfortable with. If you find you can’t sleep because you’re worried about your investments — especially when there’s market volatility — you probably need to adjust your asset allocation to suit your risk tolerance.

Putting the Pieces Together
With those factors in hand, you can begin to piece your asset allocation together. The primary building blocks, at least to begin with, are likely to include:
Stocks. Historically, stocks have offered attractive returns, but along with those returns, there’s also been periods of volatility. If you’re young, you generally have a long time horizon — especially when it comes to retirement. That may allow you to have a larger allocation in stocks because you have longer to ride out any short-term market volatility that occurs.
Bonds. One reason investors like bonds in a portfolio is because their prices have historically been relatively stable. By owning bonds, an investor’s aim may be to help manage his or her portfolio’s overall value when there’s volatility in the stock market. The larger the proportion of bonds, the more steady the portfolio’s overall value should remain. Keep in mind, however, that bonds’ returns have been significantly less than stocks.
Cash alternatives. These are relatively lower-risk, lower-return investments. On the upside, they can be easily converted into cash when it’s needed. On the downside, their returns may not even keep up with inflation.
Of course, there are many other investments to consider, many with varying degrees of historical risk versus return. Just remember that you should intend for each type of investment to play a particular role — such as providing the potential for growth, income or stability — in, your overall allocation, and you need to understand the risks involved.
Once you’ve decided on the types of investments to include, you need to determine how much of each is appropriate. If you’re looking to grow your investments’ value, you’ll likely have a larger stock allocation and a smaller one for bonds. The result would be a portfolio with more potential volatility than one with a larger proportion of bonds. You should ask yourself if that’s a trade-off you’re comfortable with.
 
Get Help If You Need It
Although asset allocation is a relatively simple concept, you can see it has lots of “moving parts.” That’s one reason why many investors opt to work with a professional financial advisor. If you decide to seek help, look for an advisor who will first get to know you and then help create an investment plan that’s built around (what else?) an appropriate asset allocation.  
      
Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns.
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.
©2020-2021 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. All rights reserved.