18 Family Readiness Issues for Active and Reserve Marines

Happy Birthday USMC

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 7N D A A A D D R E S S E S M A N Y F R A P R I O R I T I E S 6

Bergman & Frockt

M E S O T H E L I O M A

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed

with, or died from, mesothelioma, we may

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No charge for initial consultation.Please ask for Emily Murray.

6110 FRA Today 1_07 v2.indd C2 12/11/06 2:00:46 PM

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NatioNal officers/Board of directors

Nat’l President Jerry L. Sweeney, Navy Dept. Branch 181

Nat’l Vice President Lawrence J. Boudreaux, Hangtown Branch 275

Nat’l executive sec. Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Dept. Branch 181

finance officer Paul Rigby

Junior PNP Edgar M. Zerr, Omaha Council Bluffs

Branch 276

regioNal PresideNts

New england Paul F. Loveless, Jr., Pine Tree Branch 156

Northeast Francis D. Tyson, Anthracite Branch 288

east coast Delbert L. Herrmann, Wilmington Branch 299

southeast Tony Cassata, The Delbert D. Black Branch 117

North central Leon J. Zalewski, Milwaukee Branch 14

south central Leo V. Vance, Space City Branch 159

southwest Charles F. Smedley, Poway Valley Branch 70

West coast Charles R. McIntyre, San Jose Branch 140

Northwest John Ippert, Pearl Harbor-Honolulu Branch 46

Nat’l. Parliamentarian PNP J.C. Jim Eblen, San Diego Branch 9

Nat’l chaplain Vincent W. Patton, III, Navy Dept. Branch 181

actiVe duty adVisory couNcil

Master chief Petty officer of the Navy Joe Campa

sergeant Major of the Marine corps Carlton Kent

Master chief Petty officer of the coast guard Charles Bowen

reserVe adVisory couNcil

force Master chief of the Naval reserve David Pennington

usMc reserve force sergeant Major Jimmy D. Cummings

Master chief Petty officer of the coast guard reserve force

Jeffrey Smith

fra today MagaziNe

Publisher FRA

Managing editor Eileen Murphy

contributing editor Lauren Armstrong

design and art direction

FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com

design director Scott Rodgerson

Production Manager Sandy Jones

fra today (ISSN 0028-1409) IS PuBLISHED MoNTHLy By FRA, 125 N. WEST ST., ALExANDRIA, VA 22314-2754. A MEMBER’S SuBSCRIPTIoN IS CoVERED By THE MEMBER’S ANNuAL DuES. PERIoDICALS PoSTAgE PAID AT ALExANDRIA, VA AND ADDITIoNAL oFFICES. PuBLICATIoN oF NoN-SPoNSoRED ADVERTISINg IN frA TODAy DoES NoT CoNSTITuTE AN ENDoRSEMENT By THE FRA oR ITS REPRESENTATIVES. PoSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANgES To: MEMBER SERVICES, FRA, 125 N. WEST ST., ALExANDRIA, VA 22314-2754. frA TODAy IS PuBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS oF ALL CuRRENT AND FoRMER ENLISTED PERSoNNEL oF THE u.S. NAVy, MARINE CoRPS, AND CoAST guARD. ELIgIBLE NoN-MEMBERS ARE NoT ENTITLED To SuBSCRIPTIoN RATES. ESTABLISHED 1 NoVEMBER 1923. TITLE REgISTERED WITH u.S. PATENT oFFICE.

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W W W . F R A . o R g

Family CommuniCATions

In lIfe, there Is one obvious constant — the power of the love of fam-ily. In this month’s feature article, SgtMaj of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent writes, “I think you’d be hard-pressed to find me a Marine that doesn’t have a great family supporting with pride and prayer.” Family support is the number one asset of any individual — and it is what gets us through the toughest of times.

During WWII, one would wait weeks (even months) for a letter from home. Today opportunities exist for phone, e-mail and video conferences (see top page 21). The desired outcome — connecting with those who are so very important — stays the same.

It also has remained important for those on the home front to give support in some way to those serving, including volunteering time, energy and talents. The 24 November 1941 issue of the magazine Life encouraged knitting as a way to help the British in their war effort. A few weeks later, on 7 December, with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the focus of many of these avid knitters changed to supporting U.S. troops. An article in The New York Times (22 January 1942) said knitted gar-ments helped “American soldiers and sailors assigned to posts where General Winter is an added enemy.” The Red Cross and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (as well as others) promoted knitting to not only keep the troops warm, but also remind those fortunate enough to receive a hand-knit sweater or vest of the support back home.

Today, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society continues their 50-year tradition with volunteer knitters — although now they are knitting for the babies of Sailors and Marines. The Society offers a fi-nance class called “Budget for Baby” as a part of their way to support family readiness. Attendees receive training on how to manage their fi-nances, recognize debt concerns and save money, and receive a “Baby’s First Seabag” which includes, among other things, knitted gifts, made by a group of volunteers called the “Layette Ladies.”

My Mother, Kathleen Norton Kinney, was one of those who knit for victory during WWII. She was also the Chairman of the Manhattanville College War Committee, and served on the Defense Stamp Committee and the Defense Council. She, like many women, wanted to show sup-port for the man she loved who was serving in harm’s way, and found many avenues to do what she could to help end the War. My Father often said that her love and support was what brought him home safely. After the war, her knitting for charity never stopped, including baby blankets, hats and booties for those in need.

On 20 September, my Mother passed away with all seven of her chil-dren at her side. This incredibly sad experience was eased, however, by the overwhelming support we received. “Family” is a word much larger than the ties of biology. A card from PRPNCs Paul and Jane Holtman perhaps said it best: “You shall see how much we care…at FRA, we are all family.” I certainly have seen it! The phone calls, e-mails, visits and the countless cards and prayers of-fered have reminded me even more how lucky I am to play a part of this Association. Thank you to all.

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

Bergman & Frockt

M E S O T H E L I O M A

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed

with, or died from, mesothelioma, we may

be able to help get monetary compensation

from the asbestos manufacturers.

Please contact the law firm of:Bergman & Frockt614 First Avenue, Fourth FloorSeattle, WA 98104Toll Free: (888) 647-6007www.bergmanlegal.com

No charge for initial consultation.Please ask for Emily Murray.

6110 FRA Today 1_07 v2.indd C2 12/11/06 2:00:46 PM

• LCS(L)(3) & LSMR, 50 min.• LSD and LCI(L), 45 min.• Landing Vehicle Track (LVT), 30min.• LST Training In World War II, 80min.• LSTs In The Pacific: WWII, 65 min.• LSTs In World War II: EuropeanTheater, 72 min.

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New Releases For Marines!•Con Thien Base Camp & The Battle For ConThien: “Please Note: Portions of this video are ex-tremely graphic.” This video contains excellent scenesof the Marine Corps outpost at Con Thien shot bycombat cameramen. Includes scenes of the Battle forCon Thien (including Operation Buffalo) from Maythrough October of 1967. Also includes excellentscenes of Gio Linh Fire Support Base located nearCon Thien, 90 min.•GITMO 1960s-1970s: Video is for Marines whowere stationed there! Excellent scenes (canteen, hous-ing, airfield, docks, etc.) shot around Guantanamo.Great aerial views. Marines training and providing basesecurity, 1962 evacuation, water crisis and much more.60 min.

• USS Wasp (CVA-18) 1944-1972, 60 min.• USS Hancock (CV-19) 1940-50s, 60 min.•USS Essex (CV-9) 1940-1960s, 70 min• USS America (CVA-66) 1965-68, 60 min.• USS Midway (CVA-41) 1945-70, 60 min.• USS Hornet (CV-8, CV-12) WWII, 60 min.• USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) 1965-70, 50 min.• USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) 1961-79, 75 min.• USS Boxer (CV-21) 1950s, 70 min.• USS Ranger (CVA-61) 1956-1983, 70 min.• USS Roosevelt (CVB-42) 1940s-50s, 45 min.• USS Roosevelt (CVB-42) 1960s, 90 min• USS Philippine Sea, (CV-47) 1940s-50s, 50 min.• USS Randolph (CV-15) 1945-1967, 45 min.• USS Valley Forge (CV-45) 1949-1966, 60 min.• USS Shangri-La (CV-38) 1944-1968, 45 min.• USS Constellation (CVA-64) 1964-1970, 45 min.• USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) 1960-1970, 90 min.• USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) in Vietnam, 30 min.• USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) 1950s-60s, 45 min.• USS Franklin (CV-13) in WWII, 90 min.• USS Oriskany (CV-34) in Vietnam, 40 min.• USS JF Kennedy (CVA-67) 1970s-’80s, 70 min.• USS Independence (CVA-62) in Vietnam, 60 min.• USS Forrestal (CV-59) 1950s-60s, 90 min.•USS Enterprise 1969 Fire, 45 minutes•USS Forrestal 1967 Fire, 72 minutes•USS Oriskany 1966 Fire, 60 minutes• Carrier History: Langley To Enterprise and Hook Down,Wheels Down, 90 min.• Carrier Pilot Training Pensacola 1970s, 60 min.• Essex Class Carriers WWII (“Fighting Lady”), 60 min.• Carrier Action Off Korea, 75 min.• Escort Carrier 1940s-50s, 75 min.• Light Carriers: Heavy Hitters 1940s & 1950s, 70 min.•Carrier Crashes & Landings 1940s-1960s, 60 min.

Aircraft Carrier Action:

Seabees:•Seabees 1940s, Cold Weather Seabee 1950s, 50 minutes•Seabees & USMC Combat Ops In Pacific WWII, 70 min.•Seabees At Normandy And In Europe WWII, 90 minutes•Seabees & Marine Engineers in Vietnam, 45 minutes

•Coast Guard Action WWII, 45 minutes•Coast Guard Role in the Normandy Invasion, 70 min.•Ice Patrol: USS Burton Island & USS Mendota, 40 min.•Coast Guard in Vietnam, 60 minutes

Coast Guard:

Submarines:• Submarine Training 1960s, 60 min.• Submarine Service 1940s-50s, 104 min.• Submarine Warfare: WWII, 110 min.• Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines & Sailors, 85 min.• Submarine & Missile Programs 1970s, 60 min.• Tench Class Submarines, 75 min.• USS Robert E. Lee and USS Lewis and Clark, 60 min.• USS Triton Undersea Voyage, 30 min.• USS Nautilus Below the North Pole, 30 min.

•Trainers: T-28, T-34 & T-2J, 55 min.•A-4 Skyhawk: Bomber, 55 min.•A-6 Intruder/Prowler & A-7 & A-7E Corsair, 75 min•F6F Hellcat Goes To War, 60 min.•PBY WWII, 120 min.•F8U Crusader, 60 min.•P2V Neptune 1940s-50s, 75 minutes•PBM (Mariner) Patrol Plane, 36 minutes•F-14 Tomcat and Navy Fighter Weapons School “TopGun” at Miramar NAS 1970s, 100 minutes

Navy Aircraft:

Amphibious Craft:

•Naval Training Center Great Lakes: 1940s, 45 min.•Naval Training Center San Diego: 1940s, 50 min.•Naval Training Center San Diego: 1950s, 75 min.•N.T.C. San Diego: 1960s & Advanced Training, 60 min.•N.T.C. San Diego: 1970s & Advanced Training, 50 min.•MCRD San Diego Boot Camp 1969 and 1973, 45 minutes•MCRD San Diego 75-Year History, 60 minutes.•MCRD San Diego Boot Camp 1980s, 55 minutes•This is Parris Island & First 80 Days: Boot Camp 1960s-70s, 45 min.•MCRD Parris Island in the 1950s, 60 minutes•MCRD San Diego in the 1950s, 30 minutes

Historic Boot Camp for Sailors & Marines:

• Armed Guard & Merchant Marine WWII, 80 min.• Navy Frogmen, UDT, SEALs, 105 min.• King Neptune Ceremony 1930s-70s, 60 min.• Small Boat Warfare Vietnam, 90 min.•December 7th: The Attack On Pearl Harbor, 85 minutes•Navy Deep Sea Diving In The 1940s, 55 minutes•Navy Diving In The 1960s: Medical Aspects, 60 minutes•Navy Guns 1950s, 90 minutes•Naval Gun At Iwo Jima & Okinawa, 40 minutes

More Navy Titles:

Ships Of The Fleet:• Iowa Class Battleships, BB-61-64,1940-50s, 120 min.• Heavy Cruisers: 1930s-1960s, 90 min.• Light Cruisers Go To War: 1930s-1950s, 70 min.• Naval Gun On Iwo Jima & Okinawa,40 min.

• Underway Replenishment 1940s-1960s, 100 min.• Destroyer Escorts of the 1940s and1950s, 50 min.• Destroyers & Their Sailors, WWI-Vietnam, 100 min.• Shipboard Living 1940s-50s: De-stroyers, 65 min.

• Suicide Attack In The Pacific In WWII, 93 min.• Navy Gun 1950s, Firing the Big Guns, 90 min.• Fleet Ocean Tugboats 1960s, 40 min.• Hospital Ship: USS Repose & Corpsmen, 50 min.• Operation Highjump 1946 (Antarctic), 70 min.•Guided Missile Cruisers & Sailors 1960s & ‘70s, 110 min.•Guided Missile Frigates & Destroyers in 1960s, 85 min.•PT Boats Of World War II, 45 minutes

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November 2007

Volume 86 Number 11

Featured 18 FAmily ReAdiness

Issues for active and reserve Marines

Departments 1 CommuniCATions

5 sHiPmATe FoRum

6 on & oFF CAPiTol HillNDAA addresses many FRA priorities

15 nes PeRsPeCTiVeAnnual report

17 memBeRsHiP mATTeRsBravo Zulu Cynthia J. Norcross

26 neWs FRom THe BRAnCHes

28 Reunions

30 TAPs

31 looking FoR…

36 lA FRA neWsA year in photos

on THe CoVeRCHICOPEE, Mass. – High-operational tempo has made the balancing act that Reserve Marines keep with their military and civilian lives much more complicated. Cpl. Kevin Roscoe and his wife Portia are just one military family that is keeping up with the times. Photo Credit: Sgt. Leo A. Salinas.

FRA is A CongRessionAlly CHARTeRed, non-PRoFiT oRgAnizATion AdVoCATing FoR CuRRenT And FoRmeR enlisTed memBeRs oF THe u.s. nAVy, mARine CoRPs And CoAsT guARd on CAPiTol Hill. FoR moRe inFoRmATion on THe BeneFiTs oF memBeRsHiP, PleAse VisiT WWW.FRA.oRg oR CAll 800-FRA-1924.

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The Fifth C?

Is it possible that the mind of a scientistcan create more beauty and romancethan Mother Nature? The laboratories

at DiamondAura were created with onemission in mind: Create brilliant cut jewelrythat allows everyone to experience more clarity, more scintillation and larger caratweights than they have ever experienced. So,we’ve taken 2.5 carats of our scientifically-grown DiamondAuras and set them in themost classic setting—the result is our moststunning, fiery, faceted design yet! In purelyscientific measurement terms, the refractoryindex of the DiamondAura is very high, andthe color dispersion is actually superior tomined diamonds.

Perfection from the laboratory.We named our brilliant cut stonesDiamondAura, because, “they dazzle just like natural diamonds but without

the outrageous cost.” We will not bore youwith the incredible details of the scientificprocess, but will only say that it involves the use of rare minerals heated to an incredibly high temperature of over 5000˚F.This can only be accomplished inside somevery modern and expensive laboratoryequipment. After several additional steps,scientists finally created a clear faultless marvel that looks even better than the vastmajority of mined diamonds. According tothe book Jewelry and Gems–the BuyingGuide, the technique used in DiamondAuraoffers, “The best diamond simulation to date,and even some jewelers have mistaken thesestones for mined diamonds.”

The 4 C’s. Our DiamondAura 3-StoneClassique Ring retains every jeweler’s specification: color, clarity, cut, and caratweight. The transparent color and clarity of DiamondAura emulate the most perfect

diamonds—D Flawless, and both are so hard they will cut glass. The brilliant cutmaximizes the fire and radiance of the stoneso that the light disperses into an exquisiterainbow of colors.

Rock solid guarantee. This .925 sterlingsliver ring is prong-set with a 1.5 caratDiamondAura round brilliant in the center,showcased between two DiamondAuraround brilliants of .48 carats each. Addingto your 4 C’s, we will include theDiamondAura stud earrings for FREE! Trythe DiamondAura 3-Stone Classique Ringfor 30 days. If for any reason you are notsatisfied with your purchase, simply returnit to us for a full refund of the purchaseprice and keep the stud earrings as our gift.

“The color and clarity of

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—Steven Rozensky

Noted jewelry expert

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Place one of your own rings on top ofone of the circle diagrams. Your ringsize is the circle that matches the insidediameter of your ring. If your ring fallsbetween sizes, order the next larger size.

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Mined Flawless DiamondAuraDiamond Compares to:

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Color “D” Colorless “D” Colorless

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The Fifth C?

Is it possible that the mind of a scientistcan create more beauty and romancethan Mother Nature? The laboratories

at DiamondAura were created with onemission in mind: Create brilliant cut jewelrythat allows everyone to experience more clarity, more scintillation and larger caratweights than they have ever experienced. So,we’ve taken 2.5 carats of our scientifically-grown DiamondAuras and set them in themost classic setting—the result is our moststunning, fiery, faceted design yet! In purelyscientific measurement terms, the refractoryindex of the DiamondAura is very high, andthe color dispersion is actually superior tomined diamonds.

Perfection from the laboratory.We named our brilliant cut stonesDiamondAura, because, “they dazzle just like natural diamonds but without

the outrageous cost.” We will not bore youwith the incredible details of the scientificprocess, but will only say that it involves the use of rare minerals heated to an incredibly high temperature of over 5000˚F.This can only be accomplished inside somevery modern and expensive laboratoryequipment. After several additional steps,scientists finally created a clear faultless marvel that looks even better than the vastmajority of mined diamonds. According tothe book Jewelry and Gems–the BuyingGuide, the technique used in DiamondAuraoffers, “The best diamond simulation to date,and even some jewelers have mistaken thesestones for mined diamonds.”

The 4 C’s. Our DiamondAura 3-StoneClassique Ring retains every jeweler’s specification: color, clarity, cut, and caratweight. The transparent color and clarity of DiamondAura emulate the most perfect

diamonds—D Flawless, and both are so hard they will cut glass. The brilliant cutmaximizes the fire and radiance of the stoneso that the light disperses into an exquisiterainbow of colors.

Rock solid guarantee. This .925 sterlingsliver ring is prong-set with a 1.5 caratDiamondAura round brilliant in the center,showcased between two DiamondAuraround brilliants of .48 carats each. Addingto your 4 C’s, we will include theDiamondAura stud earrings for FREE! Trythe DiamondAura 3-Stone Classique Ringfor 30 days. If for any reason you are notsatisfied with your purchase, simply returnit to us for a full refund of the purchaseprice and keep the stud earrings as our gift.

“The color and clarity of

DiamondAura rivals that of a

flawless D-colored diamond”.

—Steven Rozensky

Noted jewelry expert

14101 Southcross Drive W.,Dept. DAR127-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Not Available in StoresDiamondAura 3-Stone Classique Ring(2.5 c.t.w) • $145 + S&H

FREE stud earrings with purchase ofClassique Ring—a $59.95 value!Available in ring sizes 5-9

Place one of your own rings on top ofone of the circle diagrams. Your ringsize is the circle that matches the insidediameter of your ring. If your ring fallsbetween sizes, order the next larger size.

COMPARE FOR YOURSELF AT 2 CARATS

Mined Flawless DiamondAuraDiamond Compares to:

Hardness Cuts Glass Cuts Glass

Cut (58 facets) Brilliant Brilliant

Color “D” Colorless “D” Colorless

Clarity “IF” “F” Faultless

Dispersion/Fire 0.044 0.066

2.5 c.t.w. ring $60,000+ $145

Cut, Color, Carat, Clarity…Chemistry?

Receive these scintillating

DiamondAura Classique

sterling silver stud

earrings FREE!Read details below.

Call to order toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1-888-201-7095Promotional Code DAR127-01Please mention this code when you call.

DAR127-01_7.75x10.qxd 9/18/07 3:34 PM Page 1

keeping History Alive I volunteer at our local Military History Museum in Boise, Idaho, Gowen Field. At the museum we see a lot of younger people and also veterans. I have also discovered our young-er generation, 35 years and younger, have very little knowl-edge of WWII events or those men and women who were involved. I always encourage the younger people to talk to the veterans they encounter and for the veterans themselves to document their experiences so their relatives and friends can always know what they went through.

What I have been doing is acquiring a quality copy of a period photograph of WWII veterans and as much infor-mation as I can gather on the experiences encountered, and use it to educate the younger people. If any of your readers would like to share their information with me, please have them contact me at TheChief07@msn.com.

Jim Davisson ATC (retired)

From FRA: Peter Bartis, Senior Program Officer of the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress is also looking for people who are interested in sharing their stories. The project was launched in 2000 to collect oral histories and original wartime diaries, letters and photographs from U.S. veterans of all wars. To share information with them, please contact:

Veterans History ProjectAmerican Folklife CenterLibrary of Congress101 Independence Ave. SEWashington, DC 20540-4615www.loc.gov/vetse-mail: vohp@loc.gov1-888-371-5848

* Important note: if sending materials, please use a commer-cial delivery service. The US Postal Service irradiates all in-coming mail to the Library of Congress and that can damage paper and plastic.

survivor Benefit PlanI appreciate the FRA working so hard for my benefits by try-ing to move the date I no longer have to pay into SBP to 2007 vs 2008. However, this still brings up a huge inadequacy for any one who retired between 1972 and 1977 or 1978. Those retiring in 1977/8 will no loner have to pay in to it but those who retired in 1972–1976/7 will have paid in thousands of dollars more then those who retired earlier.

SCPO R. J. Kruger USN (Ret.)

Chapter 61I have just finished reading the September 2007 issue of FRA Today and have a very basic question. Just what is a Chapter 61 veteran? Thanks for any and all assistance in this matter.

Ralph R. Krummel, Jr., FRA Life Member

From FRA: A Chapter 61 veteran is one that is medically retired with less than 20 years of service.

sHiPmATe FoRum

submissions Send Shipmate forum letters to: Editor, frA Today, 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to fratoday@fra.org. Please include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate forum reflect the opinions and views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content.

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the senate passed Its version (H.R. 1585) of the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). A Conference Committee will resolve the differences between the legislation and the House ver-sion which passed in May. While there are many improvements in the two bills, not all will survive confer-ence deliberations due to funding limitations. However, FRA again held the line on drastically higher retiree health care fees, helped en-

sure a larger active duty pay hike and other enhancements addressed in both bills which ensures they will be enacted into law.

A comparison highlighting major provi-sions of the House and Senate versions on issues of importance to FRA is provided below. A more extensive comparison of the House passed bill and the Senate Armed Services Committee markup is published in the August issue of FRA Today.

John DavisFRA’s Director of

Legislative Programs

John davis is a member of Navy Department Branch 181.

ndAA Addresses many FRA Priorities

ComPARison oF THe TWo ndAA Bills

issue senATe House CommenTs

sBp paid-up The Senate bill accelerates from 1 oct. 2008 to 1 oct. 2007, the SBP paid up effective date for those over age 70 who have paid premiums for 30 years or more and also eliminates the DIC offset for SBP beneficiaries.

The House authorizes an indemnity allowance up to $40 per month to spouses that have DIC offset that would be begin on 1 oct. 2008 and does not address the paid-up issue.

frA supports the Senate provision.

pay Increase The Senate and House proposals provide a 3.5 percent pay raise, which is 0.5 percent above the Employment Cost Index (ECI).

The House legislation also re-quires pay increases for active duty in Fy2009–Fy2012 to be at least 0.5 above the ECI.

frA strongly supports pay increases at least 0.5 percent above the ECI to close the gap between military and civilian pay.

Concurrent receipt

The Senate bill expands Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) to include medical retirees with less than 20 years of service and also expands concurrent receipt for Individual unemploy-ables (Ius) retroactively to 1 Jan. 2005.

The House version expands CRSC for personnel with fewer than 20 but more than 15 years of service with 60% or greater disability rating be-ginning 1 oct. 2008.

frA prefers the broader Senate version.

MGIB Improvements

The Senate bill authorizes Reserv-ists to use their mobilization gI Bill benefits up to 10 years after separating from the selected reserve.

The House version transfers Reserve MgIB from DoD to VA oversight, thus putting active and reserve MgIB under one department.

frA supports the House and Senate provisions. Extending the 10-year portability of benefits for reservists, which is currently available for active duty service members, will enhance the value of this benefit for reservists especially since the De-partment of Defense has increased its reliance on the reserves. frA also believes that the integration of active and reserve force MGIB programs under the VA (Title 38) will improve administration for the program and is a major step toward a “total force MGIB.”

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issue senATe House CommenTs

Wounded Warriors relief

The Senate bill includes “The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act” (S. 1606) written by the Senate Armed Services Com-mittee (SASC), that establishes a comprehensive policy on the care and management of wounded warriors in order to facilitate and enhance their care, rehabilitation, physical evaluation, transition from care by the Department of Defense (DoD) to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and transition from military service to civilian life,

The House version contains provisions of the “Wounded Warriors Act” (H.R. 1538), written by the House Armed Services Committee and approved by the full House, to improve the management of medical care for wounded service members.

frA supports both the House and Senate provisions intended to improve the management of medi-cal care for wounded service members to get the accelerated superior medical care and respect they deserve. Both provisions provide extensive improve-ments for the treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). further the White House proposed language to the conference committee addressing recommenda-tions from the President’s Commission on Care of America’s returning Wounded Warriors, co-chaired by former Senator Bob Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala. These include servicing members found unfit for duty as a result of combat or combat-training injuries, regardless of the number of years served, and them qualifying for an immediate lifetime annuity from DoD to include TrICArE benefits. However, the por-tion of VA compensation now provided, and intended only to cover reduced earnings capacity, would stop when social security benefits begin.

reserve retirement

The Senate bill reduces below age 60 Reservist retirement pay by three months for every aggregate 90 days of active duty mobiliza-tion retroactively to 11 September 2001, and increases the limit of yearly points creditable for Reserve component retirement to 130 points (vs. 90) for 2007 and following years.

The House does not have a similar provision.

frA supports the Senate improvements to reserve retirement that reflect the increased DoD reliance on the capabilities of the reserve forces from homeland security to overseas deployments and ground combat.

Increase the number of e-9s

The Senate bill increases the number of E-9s from 1 percent to 1.25 percent of total active duty enlisted personnel.

The House does not have a similar provision.

frA supports the Senate provision that will help with retention and reduce promotion stagnation in the senior enlisted ranks.

Pending Fy 2008 ndAA makes Corrections to last year’s ndAA The FY 2007 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prohibits civilian employers from providing incentives to employed military retirees who use health care plans other than the employer’s effective 1 January 2008. Despite con-cerns expressed by FRA, that enactment would inadvertent-ly punish some TRICARE beneficiaries, this was included in the final version of the legislation last year.

This year FRA is supporting a House provision in the pending FY 2008 NDAA urging the Secretary of Defense to clarify that certain cafeteria plans and employer health care programs that do not provide enticements exclusively for TRICARE beneficiaries are exempt from penalties.

FRA Briefs naval Reserve Policy BoardFRA briefed the Secretary of the Navy’s National Naval Reserve Policy Board (NNRPB). The legislative brief by DLP John Davis focused on Reserve issues pending on Capitol Hill including recent health care improvements, pay increases, early retire-ment for Reservists that have experienced extensive deploy-ments, impact of inadequate end strength on the Reserves, MGIB reform, and travel reimbursement for Reserve drill.

The NNRPB consists of 22 members appointed annually by the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), following a national selection process. Board members not only perform their reg-ularly assigned duties but also help improve the Navy’s Total Force through their participation on this important SECNAV advisory body.

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TRiCARe Reserve select issuesThe recent restructuring of the TRICARE Reserve Select

(TRS) that took effect 1 Oct. allows premium increases in later years to equal the increases of Blue Cross/ Blue Shield premi-

ums. FRA believes that Reservists and their families are already giving in terms of their sacrifice for the Nation, and that any annual percentage increase in premiums should not exceed the percentage increase in military basic pay. FRA co-signed a letter from the Military Coalition (TMC) opposing that provi-sion of the regulation. FRA is also supporting legislation sponsored by Senators Frank Lautenberg (N.J.) and Chuck Hagel (Neb.) entitled “The Military Health Care Protection Act” (S. 604) that would limit DoD from increasing TRICARE fees more than the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Under the restructured TRS that started 1 October, there are only two qualifi-cations. First, the member must be a Selected Reserve member of the Ready Reserve. Second, the member must not be eligible for the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under that program (either under their eligibility or through a family member). They must confirm to this on the new TRS request form.

Reserve members can find out more about the restructured TRS through the “My Benefits” portal at www.tricare.mil. Monthly premiums are $81 for the service member and $253 for member-and-family coverage. TRS offers cover-age comparable to TRICARE Standard and Extra.

Reserve members can contact their Reserve Component points of contact to be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/ra/html/tricare.html if they have ad-ditional questions about their eligibility for TRS.

service members urged To set up Family member Accounts before deploymentTRICARE Management Activity (TMA), the DoD agency that administers the health care plan for the uniformed services, retirees and their families asks that deployable and TRICARE Remote service members consider setting up Family Member Accounts enabling their family to access medical, pay and human resource web sites in their absence.

To get a Family Member Account, the active duty sponsor can log on to https://sso.dmdc.osd.mil/famAcctMgr using his or her CAC or DFAS PIN. Eligibility for an account is based on the family’s benefit status in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility.

TRiCARe steps up drug management to encourage use of generic drugsFirst-time users of four of the most commonly prescribed brand name sleep medications have been the first to usher in a new drug management feature called “Step Therapy.” The first step to treating a condition in Step Therapy involves beginning treatment with a preferred medication that is often the generic equivalent of a brand name drug. Accordingly Ambien CR, Lunesta, Rozerem and Sonata will only be ap-proved for first time users after they have tried Zolpidem, the preferred generic sleep medication on the Department of Defense Uniform Formulary list.

Generic medications, such as Zolpidem, are $3 for a 30-day supply using retail network pharmacies or 90-day supply using the mail order pharmacy. (By using the mail-order pharmacy, beneficiaries may save up to 66 percent on prescrip-tion co-pays.) Visit www.tricare.mil/phar-macy/SED-1_criteria.cfm to learn more about Step Therapy and cost shares.

For more information about TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy (TMOP), eligible beneficiaries may call (866) 363-8667. For more information on TRRx, call (866) 363-8779 within the continental United States or 866-275-4732 outside of the continental United States. Benefi-ciaries can visit www.tricare.mil/myben-efit/home/Prescriptions for information on their pharmacy benefit.

HeAlTH CARe issues

Predatory lending Protections implementedDoD has published the final regulation implementing Section 670 of the FY 2007 Defense Authorization Act that authorizes a 36 percent interest rate cap on pay day loans for service members and their dependents which became effective on 1 October 2007. FRA was a leading proponent of the predatory lending protection legislation and provided comments to DoD on the initial draft regulation.

The Association has for many years advocated that unregulated predatory lenders represent a serious danger to national security and is a major concern in the Sea Services senior enlisted communities because service members ex-periencing debt related stresses may be less focused on the mission and com-promise not only his or her safety, but also that of the entire unit.

On & Off Capitol Hill continued on page 11

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Veterans’ affairs Veterans’ affairs Veterans’ affairs Veterans’ affairs Veterans’ affairs Veterans’ affairs Veterans’ affairs

FRA a Co-sponsor of defense Forum FRA was one of several sponsors of a one-day De-fense Forum on 18 September 2007 at the Hyatt Re-gency, Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill. The theme of the event was “Keeping Faith with Those Who Serve: How Can We Provide the Health Care Our Military and Veterans Need and Deserve?” Traumatic brain injury (TBI), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and amputees serving on active duty are all concerns not only for those in service, but their leaders and care providers. The forum included several distinguished speakers, including Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Ranking Member of the Senate Personnel Subcommittee, and Rep. Steve Buyer, Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. There were also panel discussions on TBI, PTSD, and parameters for retention of military amputees on active duty.

VdBC issues Final ReportThe Veterans Disability Benefits Commission (VDBC) issued its final report. The Commission began its work in 2005 and provided a detailed report with 113 recommendations. The Commissioners highlighted 14 recommendations as priority items, including improving the disability claims process, establishing new ways of compensating and treating veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), streamlining the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating process, and adjusting the amount of compensation veterans and survivors receive when disability and death impact families.

The Commission adopted FRA’s recommendations on concurrent receipt and other issues. NVSO Chris Slawinski testified before the Commission in May to discuss division of VA benefits in divorce proceedings and DLP John Davis testified on concurrent receipt in February. FRA submitted a statement on the issue and was also represented in a statement on behalf of the Military Coalition (TMC). The full report is posted on http://www.vetscommission.org/

Veterans saluting the Flag in ndAASenator James Inhofe (Okla.) successfully amended the Senate Defense Authorization bill (S. 1585), to allow service members and veterans out of uniform the option of saluting the flag during hoisting, lower-ing, passing, or during the playing of our national anthem. The amendment is identical to S. 1877, as reported in October FRA Today.

VA deputy Appointed Acting secretaryDeputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield has been named the Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs following the resignation of Secretary James Nicholson. Secretary Nicholson tendered his resignation to President Bush on July 17, 2007, to be effective no later than October 1, 2007. Mansfield was appointed to his current posi-tion by President Bush in November 2003, and will serve as Acting Secretary until the next nominee of the President is confirmed by the United States Senate.

Bill introduced to limit Agent orange Claims FRA opposes “The Agent Orange Equitable Compensation Act” (S. 2026) introduced by Senator Daniel Akaka (Hawaii) to reverse a broader ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Hass v Nicholson) regarding veterans who patrolled the waters off Viet-nam to file for disability benefits for exposure to Agent Orange. Previously the VA limited claims to those from service members who had only served in country. The court decision stated that it did not make sense for veterans who patrolled Vietnam’s inland waterways and those simply passing through the country to receive medical coverage while those serving at sea do not. The ruling was issued in a case of a former sailor who served on an ammunition ship during the Vietnam War but never stepped foot on land.

Congress Passes short-term spending as Appropriations Bills stallThe House and Senate passed and the president signed a Continuing Resolution (H.J.Res. 52) that funds the federal government from 1 October, the start of the new fiscal year, through 16 November, keeping funds flowing to all federal agencies at FY 2007 levels. None of the FY2008 appropriations bills have yet been sent to the President. The last time Congress failed to send a single appropriations bill to the President by the start of the new fiscal year was 2002. Three of the 12 spending bills are especially important to FRA. The Senate recently approved its version of the FY2008 Defense Appropriations bill that is virtually identical to the earlier passed House version (H.R. 3222). The spending bills fund a 3.5 percent pay increase for active duty in FY2008, provide additional funding for TRICARE ($1.9 billion) in lieu of retiree health care fee increases and higher pharmacy co-pays, and will pay for increased end strengths for the Marine Corps and Army. The House and Senate versions of the bill also add money for improving DoD electronic health records. Differences between the two versions of the legislation will be resolved in conference committee deliberations.

The Military Construction and VA Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2642) and the US Coast Guard appropriations (part of the Department of Homeland Security, H.R. 2638) have passed both chambers and are awaiting the appointment of conference committees to write the final version of the legislation.

The Military Construction and VA (Mil-Con/VA) Appropriations bills include many similar provisions. Both provide the largest annual funding increase in the Department of Veterans Affair’s 77-year history and include additional health care funding with emphasis on research and treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and provide money for more VA case workers to reduce the major backlog of claims, provisions FRA has supported in testimony before the House subcommittee earlier this year. One substantial difference between the House and Sen-ate bills is that the Senate eliminates the VA compensation and pension round down for FY2008 that requires monthly benefits to be rounded down to the nearest dollar amount. Despite the increase of $4 billion above the administration’s request the White House has indicated that the President will sign the bill into law.

On & Off Capitol Hill continued on page 24

continued from page 9

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Annual Reports nes PeRsPeCTiVe

When you reCeIve thIs issue of FRA Today, FRA’s 80th National Convention will have convened (or soon will) in Corpus Christi, TX and delegates will be reviewing a num-ber of important reports mandated by our governing docu-ments. These include two reports for which I’m responsible — my 2007 National Executive Secretary (NES) report (per Sec. 808(i), FRA’s C&BL), and my report as Chairman of the National Committee on Legislative Service — and I’d like to share some key aspects of these in this space.

My highest priority continues to be serv-ing as the chief assistant to the National President and National Board of Directors, while efficiently managing the Association’s National Headquarters (NHQ) and our out-standing staff, and maintaining FRA’s pres-ence and effectiveness on Capitol Hill.

Staffing your NHQ with adequately trained and professional personnel is also a top priority. This is challenging in the high-cost and competitive market in which we operate. Turnover continues and it’s important to note the significant and time consuming human resources processes associated with interviewing, hiring and orienting new staff members.

I believe we’ve reached the optimum staff level with the Finance Officer, 17 full-time personnel and three part-time staffers. Complementing these employees as needed are temps that are brought in to assist with special projects or during staff leave periods. The number of employees is steady — and especially noteworthy given the significant additional work being performed at NHQ associated with membership administration functions previously per-formed by Marsh, the transfer of all formerly contracted fund-raising functions in-house and the membership ad-ministration work in support of the LA FRA per a Mutual Services Agreement that became effective on 1 February 2007. In short, we’re doing much more with fewer people because we’re collectively working smart, effectively using new technology and hiring better trained and professional individuals to join the staff‚ who in turn are more highly motivated and productive. Teamwork is essential and there

is more overlap between department functions due to iMIS and other new capabilities.

Overseeing in-house data base management and secu-rity is a major responsibility and even more so since mem-bership administration functions were brought in-house.

All data base functions are closely monitored and security enhance-ments include a recently installed se-curity access system and significantly improved air conditioning in the data server room in the Member Service Center. The work includes routine data backup and servers can be moni-tored remotely thanks to new systems and capabilities. We’ve also been very effective in identifying major prob-lems and developing solutions via specially written computer programs to identify and correct data base er-rors and improve financial and mem-bership reports. As a result, we now have a much more accurate member-

ship count than in the past. In addition, the completion of a complex de-duping process has enhanced our data base integrity and resulted in the elimination of unnecessary mailings and associate postage costs.

Regarding legislative service, as Chairman of the National Committee on Legislative Service, I’m responsible for overseeing FRA’s important advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. As you know the focus of this work is on pay, health care, 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.

Legislatively, we’ve again halted the imposition of dras-tically higher retiree health care fees in 2008. These were proposed by DoD last year and opposing this plan is FRA’s top legislative agenda issue for the year. We’ve also helped ensure a higher than ECI 2008 active duty pay hike of 3.5% and promoted the introduction and approval of amend-ments to the Senate’s 2008 Defense Authorization Bill to shift the SBP paid date to 1 October 2007, eliminate the SBP/DIC offset, lower the Reserve retirement date and oth-er program enhancements.

The complete reports provide much additional informa-tion and I invite you to read both which are included in the 80th National Convention Delegate Kit and will be posted on the web site after the convention and included as part of the FRA’s 2007 Resource CD which will be available in early 2008.

Joe Barnes is FRA’s National Executive Secretary and Chairman of the National Committee on Legislative Service. A member of Navy Department Branch 181, he is also an advisor to the National Committees on Budget and Finance and Membership and Retention.

Joe BarnesFRA’s National Executive Secretary

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Membership Recruitment and Retention memBeRsHiP mATTeRs

thIs Is the seCond in a series of articles about member-ship recruitment and retention. Our membership rolls in the branches and member-at-large are the life blood of the FRA. Recruiting is an important tool to use in order to keep our organization alive and well. I cannot stress the impor-tance of establishing goals for bringing in new members, especially in the branches. During monthly meetings at the branches you may discuss your membership recruiting process. Think about establishing goals for recruiting new members monthly or quarterly. There are several recruiting events that branches could participate in through community outreach. For example, Veteran’s Day will be held on November 11, and observed by fed-eral, state, and local government agencies on November 12. This will be a golden opportu-nity for the branches to set up tables or booths for recruiting new members or handing out information about the FRA during Veteran’s Day events. Check your local newspapers for upcoming activities or go out on the internet and search: “Veterans Day Events”. You will be surprised how much information will be listed on scheduled events all over the country. Consider using this opportunity to make the public aware of the FRA’s missions, goals and objectives. Our organization advocates improved pay and benefits for enlisted personnel (active duty, reserve, retiree, and veteran) in the Sea Services. There are perspective members out there and we can recruit using a little bit of creativity and ingenu-ity. There is a survey out on our website, which is www.fra.org/onwatch. The purpose is to obtain information on fam-ily readiness from active duty personnel in the Sea Services. The FRA will use these survey results in our legislative pri-orities before Congress. Please encourage your active duty members in the branches to complete the survey.

Recently, the FRA headquarters had a visit by National Vice President Lawrence “Larry” Boudreaux. He is also

the National President (elect). Larry spent time with Bob Washington, Director-Outreach Programs and myself dis-cussing activities associated with outreach and member-ship. In our discussions, I asked Larry about his Branch (275 — “Hangtown”) activities for recruiting and/or retention.

Larry referred to his branch as “the biggest little branch/unit on the West Coast.” This FRA location has so many activities to include social functions for President’s Day (Past President’s Dinner); Anniversary Dinner, Potluck every month, Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, American Dinner and it goes on and on. Their commitment for holding activities to peak the member’s interest for both re-cruiting and retention is phenomenal.

Retaining members is always a challenge. There are many reasons why people join and then depart any given organization. Does your branch have an active member telephone/call

program? If so, this is an excellent opportunity to keep in touch with members and encourage them to renew their membership and attend meetings. If your branch does not have a call program, consider establishing one. Retaining members is important just like recruiting. If each active member recruits one new member per year the increase would be huge. Our membership numbers would soar like an eagle.

I will be attending the 80th National FRA Convention in Corpus Christi, TX from October 31 – November 3. I will be conducting a workshop on Public Speaking Tools. In ad-dition, Bob Washington and I will present a workshop in Outreach/Membership. Hope you can attend. See you there.

penny Collins is a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Md. and can be reached at penny@fra.org.

BRAVo zuluCynthia J. Norcross is one of the ultimate examples of people who find that joining FRA is an opportunity to continue to serve and to support other veterans.

A charter member of Lone Star Branch 11, this is Cynthia’s fifth year as the Branch Vice President, and she has also held the position of Director for two years. Shipmate Norcross is a doer. Possess-ing unmatched organizational skills, and a genuine concern for her fellow veterans, she is involved in, or chairs every project Branch 11 undertakes, as well as numerous other veterans’ projects.

In 2006, Cindy was rec-ognized as South Central Regions Americanism-Patrio-tism “Shipmate of the Year”. This was culminated in her being awarded the presti-gious Leonard D. “Swede” Nelson “Shipmate of the Year” Award for American-ism-Patriotism at the Na-tional Convention. Shipmate Norcross is good for this Branch, the South Central Region, and the entire Fleet Reserve Association. She is one of a kind.

Penny CollinsDirector of Membership

Development

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What do you hear about readiness priorities during your travel and interaction With the reserve en-listed force and their families?

SgtMaj Cummings: The #1 thing I hear from Reservists during my travel is the need for strong medical and dental support. There are difficulties in dealing with insurance. When a Marine is deployed, a couple of things can happen with his insurance. Either it stops while he is deployed and then it is slow to start back up when he re-turns, or he is still paying into it while he is deployed, which isn’t fair.

are there family readiness pro-grams that require more resources for marketing and aWareness?

SgtMaj Cummings: It seems the only Marines that are unfamiliar with fam-ily readiness programs are the brand new ones. The ones who have been around awhile know right where to go. The command structure is very good. They push all the info they get down the chain of command. But the awareness needs to continue, so mar-keting is good.

are reservists familiar With their health care benefit options?

SgtMaj Cummings: It is funny because many times my Marines are educating

me on health care benefit options. I hear about it when I talk to them face-to-face. There is benefit information that’s being passed through command websites, and in standing formations. The benefit option awareness is being attacked from all angles.

Where can reservists go to get in-formation on health care, benefits and quality of life programs?

SgtMaj Cummings: Family service centers are where they can get their information. A big one that’s being pushed is Military One Source. If you have a question, they can point you in the right direction. The commands are also given briefs on this informa-tion. Finally, the Chaplains are a great source. They are not just religious specialists, they are involved in every aspect of life — they know quality of life programs.

What is your financial advice for reservists? What about financial advice prior to and during deploy-ment? is there education offered during basic training and folloW-ing schools?

SgtMaj Cummings: The best financial advice out there is the 20-plus year Reserve retirement. When you look at the fact that you are committing a portion of your time every month of every year staying in the Reserves, and the compensation you’re getting when retiring from it, it’s one of the best financial plans out there. There are pre deployment briefs and they try to include financial counselors in those briefs. If they are not avail-able, we get the smartest person in that unit to provide financial advice

in pre and post deployment briefings. Our number one concern is with our young Marines. They could come back and sink all of the income they earned into a motorcycle, for exam-ple. Not only are they wasting money, they could possibly be killed. We fear they will just blow the money on vari-ous things, and we want them to use it on something good. In boot camp there is very little financial planning, and it is not extensive because that would take away from other training that they need to accomplish.

What concerns us with Reservists is the question of, who talks to them from the time they check into their new unit until their next drill? Unlike active duty, there is an entire month that they are away from everyone they work with. Now the young leaders are talking to their leaders in between drills because of this ongoing war — the communication is much better than in previous years.

What do spouses of reservists need to knoW in conjunction With his/her service members’ deployment?

SgtMaj Cummings: They need to know where to find assistance. They need to ask, “Who is my Key Volunteer?” (KV). They need to know whom to contact, even if they are not deploy-ing they may need assistance. Where do they turn to? A Marine may not know these questions. As soon as we gain that family member, we must bring them into the loop immediately. Family Readiness

SgtMaj USMC Reserve Force Jimmy Cummings on Reserve Readiness

family readiness

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1-800-835-0008A. 1991 USOCommemorative Dollar MintState-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$29.95Struck to honor the 50th anniversary ofthe United Service organization.

B. 1993 World War II Commemorative DollarProof-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59.9550th anniversary issue depicts American GI’sstorming the beach at Normandy.

C. 1994 Women In Military Service MemorialDollar Mint State-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$59.95

This silver dollar commemorative honors all thewomen who have served this country. Only 57,317coins minted -very rare and undervalued.

D. 1994 Vietnam Veterans Memorial DollarProof-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99.95Proceeds from this coin helped finance the buildingof the “Wall” in D.C.

E. 1994 U.S. Prison of War Memorial DollarMint State-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$99.95

Sales of this coin helped to finance theNational POW Museum.

F. 2002 West Point BicentennialDollar Mint State-69. . . . . . . . $39.95Honors the Bicentennial of the MilitaryAcademy.

G. 2005 Marine Corps 230th

Anniversary DollarMint State-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69.95

Depicts the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima.Very low mintage.

Free Deluxe presentation case with every coinpurchased.

Order the complete seven coin Veterans SilverDollar Commemorative Collection (7 Coins) foronly $425 (SAVE $50) and receive your FREEpresentation holder.

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You just set them up for huge failure if you do not give them information. We have peacetime and wartime sup-port teams, which means there are 3-4 full time drilling reservists for conti-nuity. When you are deployed, you are a danger to yourself and others if you are worried about your family. You should be free of that stress so you can focus on the task at hand.

are reservists briefed on the pos-sible consequences of using high-interest, short-term “pay day” loans?

SgtMaj Cummings: Marines are only partially briefed. It tends to be em-phasized more in areas where the payday loan businesses are empha-sized in the area, places like Norfolk, where they are prevalent. Marines are aware of the high interest rate estab-lishments, but there are some brief-ings before and after boot camp. I am thankful for FRA for pushing hard on the payday loan issue.

is there data on personnel nega-tively affected by payday loans and/or other excessive debt?

SgtMaj Cummings: We do not track it, that I am aware of. I have been a SgtMaj for ten years and I have dealt with this issue many times over. Many are E-4s and E-5s and have a child or two. For whatever reasons, I have had fewer problems with Reservists

affected by payday loans. It may be for a number of reasons, including most living a further distance from the bases.

hoW important are spouses’ input on family readiness? is it taken into consideration?

SgtMaj Cummings: No Commanding Officer (CO) and no SgtMaj would survive without input from spouses. Family readiness officers are a key link between the CO and spouse. Spouses need to be able to vent their concerns, issues and suggestions. At family days COs listen to input. A unit cannot survive without it. You do not know what is good and bad until you have heard it. We have our family readiness officers to talk to, and the KV news-letters. Every unit publishes those. KV’s are spouses of members of the unit. The number of KV coordina-tor’s in the unit is unlimited. They are a means of getting info out and keep-ing the unit together.

What legal assistance is available for reservists?

SgtMaj Cummings: We need to im-prove upon our legal assistance. If a Reservist is not active duty for 30 days or more, they can only see the legal department for emergencies. Anytime anyone is preparing for a mobilization, they can get help drafting wills, pow-ers of attorney, medical paperwork,

counseling on the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, (USERRA), family care plans, trusts, estate planning and adoption.

hoW is brac affecting reservists and family readiness?

SgtMaj Cummings: BRAC is signifi-cant! When you close down an instil-lation and the services go away, that hurts families. We closed a base down in Pennsylvania and moved Marines to McGuire AFB in New Jersey. Now they have to commute on their dime and it is an expensive issue. It’s now hurt recruiting. When you take a unit out of a small town, that small town just lost visibility. Due to the com-mute, the family has also just now lost time, money, and family service bene-fits. Naval Air Station (NAS) Atlanta, GA is closing down; the Marines are finding a new home in Macon, Ga. I’m not a fan of closing down our Reserve and National Guard bases because it hurts our citizen soldiers.

anything fra can do to assist you?

SgtMaj Cummings: FRA can contin-ue to listen to and promote the needs of sea service members, retirees and their families. FRA is doing a fantas-tic job for us. This war has caused us to come together and depend on one another. We just need to execute the plans to the best of our ability. 30 Days Money Back

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Many of the U.S. Mint’s most desirable silvercommemorative coins honor the men andwomen of our Armed Forces. These low

mintage, out of issue, silver dollarcommemoratives will only becomemore valuable with time – start yourcollection today. All coins have beencertified by either NGC or PCGS inorder to guarantee that you receiveonly the highest quality collectibles.Quantities are very limited,please order today

1-800-835-0008A. 1991 USOCommemorative Dollar MintState-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$29.95Struck to honor the 50th anniversary ofthe United Service organization.

B. 1993 World War II Commemorative DollarProof-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59.9550th anniversary issue depicts American GI’sstorming the beach at Normandy.

C. 1994 Women In Military Service MemorialDollar Mint State-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$59.95

This silver dollar commemorative honors all thewomen who have served this country. Only 57,317coins minted -very rare and undervalued.

D. 1994 Vietnam Veterans Memorial DollarProof-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99.95Proceeds from this coin helped finance the buildingof the “Wall” in D.C.

E. 1994 U.S. Prison of War Memorial DollarMint State-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$99.95

Sales of this coin helped to finance theNational POW Museum.

F. 2002 West Point BicentennialDollar Mint State-69. . . . . . . . $39.95Honors the Bicentennial of the MilitaryAcademy.

G. 2005 Marine Corps 230th

Anniversary DollarMint State-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69.95

Depicts the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima.Very low mintage.

Free Deluxe presentation case with every coinpurchased.

Order the complete seven coin Veterans SilverDollar Commemorative Collection (7 Coins) foronly $425 (SAVE $50) and receive your FREEpresentation holder.

Mail orders will be accepted in a timely basis whilesupplys last. Send check or money order payable toENI. Please enclose $7.50 for postage and handling.Prices are subject to change. NY residents pleaseadd sales tax.

Independent Third PartyCertification -Your Guarantee of

Quality and Value!Your silver dollar coins are inspected and

graded by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation,and sealed in a clear plastic holder with a cer-tificate of authenticity and unique identifica-

tion number.

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CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (June 19, 2007) – Lance Cpl. Michael E. Denbow speaks with his wife of six months during a video teleconference session June 19. The Chapel of Hope here offers servicemembers the op-portunity to speak with and see their families using their VTC program. Denbow is a motor transportation operator and Harford County, Md., native with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6.

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family readiness

lite—Enchanting—Elegant—Emeralds. The queen of all precious gemstones. Radiant,

deep-green emeralds have been one ofthe three most precious gemstones eversince they were found in Cleopatra’smines and adorned the Egyptianpharaohs 3,000 years ago. But intoday’s high fashion houses, designershave embraced a polished, uncut look. For the first time, you can wear theexclusive 320 carat Nature’s RawEmerald Necklace for less than youmay believe. And that staggering caratweight is so important in fine jewelry.Now you can wear genuine emeraldsand feel great about knowing that youwere able to treat yourself to precious gems without paying a precious price.Cleopatra prized her emeralds morethan any other gem. She may havedropped her pearls in her wine forMark Anthony, but she kept her emeralds for herself!

What is the source of our emeralds’ timeless appeal? Theenchanting color of the Stauer RawEmerald Necklace comes from nature’schemistry. Even raw, our polished,well-formed natural emeralds areimmediately recognized as somethingspecial. Indeed, when we evaluatedthese emeralds, color was the mostimportant quality factor. Today, scientists tell us that the human eye is more sensitive to the color greenthan to any other. Perhaps that is why green is so soothing to the eye,and why the color green complementsevery other color.

Emeralds are, byweight, the mostvaluable gemstone in the world.Colombia, SouthAmerica, is the source of our finest raw emer-alds. Long ago, they werecoveted by ancient Incakings for their mysteriouscolor. Today, our richgreen emerald necklaceholds within it the same mystery. Wearand enjoy the gem of ancient royalty

that’s concealed within theteeming rain forest to theAndes peaks—a land barelytouched by time. Wear andadmire this exquisite naturalemerald necklace for 30days. If for any reason youare not satisfied with youremerald necklace purchase,or if you experience anyunusual defects in thesemysterious and magnificentgreen gems of nature, simply

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lite—Enchanting—Elegant—Emeralds. The queen of all precious gemstones. Radiant,

deep-green emeralds have been one ofthe three most precious gemstones eversince they were found in Cleopatra’smines and adorned the Egyptianpharaohs 3,000 years ago. But intoday’s high fashion houses, designershave embraced a polished, uncut look. For the first time, you can wear theexclusive 320 carat Nature’s RawEmerald Necklace for less than youmay believe. And that staggering caratweight is so important in fine jewelry.Now you can wear genuine emeraldsand feel great about knowing that youwere able to treat yourself to precious gems without paying a precious price.Cleopatra prized her emeralds morethan any other gem. She may havedropped her pearls in her wine forMark Anthony, but she kept her emeralds for herself!

What is the source of our emeralds’ timeless appeal? Theenchanting color of the Stauer RawEmerald Necklace comes from nature’schemistry. Even raw, our polished,well-formed natural emeralds areimmediately recognized as somethingspecial. Indeed, when we evaluatedthese emeralds, color was the mostimportant quality factor. Today, scientists tell us that the human eye is more sensitive to the color greenthan to any other. Perhaps that is why green is so soothing to the eye,and why the color green complementsevery other color.

Emeralds are, byweight, the mostvaluable gemstone in the world.Colombia, SouthAmerica, is the source of our finest raw emer-alds. Long ago, they werecoveted by ancient Incakings for their mysteriouscolor. Today, our richgreen emerald necklaceholds within it the same mystery. Wearand enjoy the gem of ancient royalty

that’s concealed within theteeming rain forest to theAndes peaks—a land barelytouched by time. Wear andadmire this exquisite naturalemerald necklace for 30days. If for any reason youare not satisfied with youremerald necklace purchase,or if you experience anyunusual defects in thesemysterious and magnificentgreen gems of nature, simply

return them to us for a full refund ofthe purchase price.

Go Green With Envy

14101 Southcross Drive W.Dept. ELN196-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Not Available in StoresCall now to take advantage of this rare offer.

The Raw Emerald Collection (320 ctw)

Raw Emerald Necklace—$99.95

Raw Emerald Bracelet—$79.95

Raw Emerald Earrings—$59.95

Special Offer—Buy the Raw EmeraldNecklace and Bracelet and receive theEarrings absolutely FREE—a $59.95 value!

888-201-7084Promotional Code ELN196-01 Please mention this code when you call.

A “garden” can be seen inthe network of inclusionsin the depth of our RawEmerald Necklace.

EFlaunt 320 Carats of Genuine Polished Colombian Emeralds in an Exclusive Style…When It Comesto Precious Gems, Size Does Matter.

Receive the Raw Emerald Earrings

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Receive the Raw Emerald Earrings

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Individual stones may vary.

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There are many ingredients you must have in the mix to create a strong and willing Marine. Honor, duty, and brav-ery come to mind for the average ci-vilian. But those who experience and live those ideals every day know the importance of clarity and focus. An effective Marine is not distracted from the importance of his mission. An ef-fective Marine does not hesitate in the moment of crisis because he is sure. An effective Marine will not second-guess his finely-honed instincts by worrying about what is happening at home.

You cannot have a strong Marine without a successful family readiness program, that forms the backbone of the Corps. Marine families are com-mitted to contributing to victory by winning on the home front when the Marines are forward deployed. It’s the families that have a big influence over the Marine staying in or getting out. We cannot turn a blind eye to them -- because they sacrifice just as much. I think you’d be hard-pressed to find me a Marine that doesn’t have a great fam-ily supporting with pride and prayer. For the sake of our Marines, we must work to keep those families strong.

One of our top family readiness pro-grams is our Key Volunteer Network (KVN). The KVN is a group of vol-unteers, women or men, who keep valuable information flowing to the

family of the Marine who is forward deployed. They serve a great function, keeping family members apprised of everything we can share about the mission and the deployment. It’s a vi-tal position, and it is important they have the right tools for the job.

We also have the L.I.N.K.S. program (which stands for Lifestyles, Insight, Networking, Knowledge, Skills.) This outstanding group of Marine spouses provide a valuable network of experi-ence and support to new spouses who have just married into the “Marine Family.” The lifestyle can be alien, with jargon and acronyms that beg for explanation. Such “simple” ac-tivities like navigating the commissary can be intimidating to the uninitiated. L.I.N.K.S teaches them the basics of what Marines do every day and what to anticipate along the way. We can always look for improvements, and the better a job we can do in reach-ing out to these new family members, the sooner they can feel properly wel-comed into the Marine Corps.

You can see a common theme here — communication. Without it, noth-ing can succeed. You can prepare a family in many ways, but the best thing Marines can do in advance is to talk about roughly where they will be, an idea of what they will do, and about how long they expect to be de-

ployed. Notice the “roughly,” “idea,” and “about.” There are ways we can inform and reassure our loved ones without compromising classified in-formation. I also can’t stress enough the importance of making the most of the days and weeks prior to de-ployment. “Quality time” is almost overused as a phrase, but I am con-vinced that time well-spent with fam-ily before a tour of duty improves the quality of communication during the deployment. The calls and e-mails become more frequent — the Marine feels more secure about the life back at home — and the Corps benefits.

FRA has always been an advocate for the Marine Corps and they con-tinue to push for the programs we need for families. Family readiness is a wide spectrum with many compo-nents (L.I.N.K.S., KVN). Our fami-lies ought to be involved in as many as applicable. FRA will continue to lobby for increased involvement in these programs for our families, but we also have a vital role to play in education and encouragement to en-gage. As Marines, we have a stake in family preparedness.

SgtMaj of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent on Family Readiness

(From left to right) Shelley O’Selmo, Sherry Reimer, Julie Reineck, Alexander Reineck, Maria Savage and Ornuma Vest shout out responses during a quiz on Marine Corps customs and courtesies at a Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills course on Camp Foster Feb. 18. LINKS courses work through a partner-ship of volunteer spouses, Marine Corps Family Team Building staff, Marine Corps Career Retention Specialists and Chaplains. Participants receive real life tips, information on Marine Corps culture, and available resources to enable them to help themselves.

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on & oFF CAPiTol Hill

The FRA Legislative team is Joe Barnes, National Executive Secretary, John Davis, Director of Legislative Programs, Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and outreach Manager, Chris Slawinski, National Veterans Service officer and Ed Dockery, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs.

usFsPA discussed at Pentagon meetingFRA staff attended a recent briefing on the Uniform Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA) at the Pentagon sponsored by DoD Legal Assistance Policy Division. The briefing included an overview of the current law and Pentagon efforts to reform it. DLP John Davis attended and stressed the fact that FRA has worked to advance a floor amendment to the Senate FY2008 defense authorization bill to make improvements to the act. The U.S. Supreme Court also recently denied an FRA supported petition for a writ of certiorari to review the constitutionality of the law.

exchange Resale Commanders meet with TmCFRA hosted a briefing from four Exchange military commanders. In atten-dance were RADM Robert Bianchi, USN, (Navy Exchange Service Command), MajGen (Ret.) Timothy Larsen, USMC, (Marine Corps Exchange System), Jim Sether, CFO, (Coast Guard Exchange System) and BG Keith Thurgood, USA, (Army Air Force Exchange Service). The leaders discussed their respec-tive responsibilities and stressed the fact that the exchange benefit is a key element of the total compensation package for active duty, their dependents, and retirees. In addition to providing average savings of more than 20 percent over local retailers, more than 25 percent of NEXCOM exchange employees are military dependents. Further 70 percent of exchange net revenue funds Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program costs.

TmC ReceptionSenators Frank Lautenberg (N.J.) and Chuck Hagel (Neb.) and Representatives Vic Snyder (Ark.) and Tom Davis (Va.) received The Military Coalition’s (TMC’s) 2007 Award of Merit. Lautenberg and Hagel were recognized especially for their lead-ership in protecting military health benefits. Snyder was honored for his support of the military community as former Chairman of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee, and Davis for cham-pioning legislation to improve the National Guard and improve military health benefits.

NES Joe Barnes, a TMC Co-Chairman praised Snyder and Davis for exerting leadership in their respec-tive congressional committees to im-prove conditions for servicemembers and their families.

“They’ve set great examples in building bipartisan support for a range of important initiatives,” said Barnes. “Their efforts have helped Congress maintain perspective on what needs to be done to ensure our all-volunteer force can continue to meet national defense needs in this high-deployment environment.”

TMC also presented its annual Freedom Award to Ms. Debra Wada, senior staffer for Chairman Snyder on the House Armed Service Military Personnel Subcommittee, and Ms. Grace Washbourne, senior staffer for Rep. Thomas on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, for their work in promoting support for military issues behind the scenes.

continued from page 11

senior enlisted Panel2 november at 0830 est

MCPOCG skip Bowen, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard; fLtCM (sW/aW/ss/PJ) Michael J. McCalip, rep-resenting the Master Chief Petty Officer of the navy; and sgtMaj ronald D. Him-sworth, representing the sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, will be discussing current and future service issues at fra’s national Convention. this presentation will be available to hear via phone.

Dial 1-877-746-9514 and enter code 2007. (note: this code is a change from a previously published code.)

scholarship teleconference 22 november at 1200 est

Vince Cuthie will host an informational teleconference on fra’s scholarship Program. interested students and family members are encouraged to call in!

Dial 1-877-746-9514 and enter the code 2008 to participate or 100 to listen only.

upcoming FRA Teleconferences

ne small arm in the history of the U.S. Navy—past, present and, likely, future — served longerthan any other in history — from 1911 to 1985

(and even later in some commands). As such, it bestsymbolizes those who served our country and ourU.S. Navy during this era. It is the M1911A1 .45. Itwas known as the “Colt .45,” because Colt was thefirst and the leading supplier of this sidearm to theNavy. Its passing, due to NATO’s standardization ofless-powerful 9mm ammunition, was bemoaned.

Now, to salute the U.S. Navy and this passing“Golden Age”, Colt and The American HistoricalFoundation are proud to issue the Colt GoldenTribute and Colt Silver Tribute to the U.S. Navy—in24-Karat Gold plating or Hard Nickel plating,respectively, each issued in its own firing limitededition.

“Firsts” in Collecting!This announcement presents two important

“Firsts”: (1) This is the first commemorative Colt .45to specifically honor the U.S. Navy. And (2) this isthe first commemorative Colt .45 with coverage ofinscriptions extending all the way to the lower frontside of the slide. Each fires .45 ACP, as it could beused to defend your home, family or nation.

The “Golden Tribute”The 24-Karat Gold Plated Golden Tribute is a

firing Museum Piece. Each is completely mirrorpolished and gleams like a valuable Gold nugget,with full coverage of rich 24-Karat Gold plating. Asyour guarantee of lasting-beauty and value, theplating is to Jewelers Grade-Heavy thickness. Thecustom checkered Rosewood grips add a finishingtouch to the museum-quality masterpiece. This edition is strictly limited to only 500, numbered pistols, worldwide.

“Silver Tribute”—Hard Nickel PlatingFor veterans and collectors who prefer a Show-

Quality, but rugged finish, the Colt Silver Tribute isavailable. Each pistol is completely mirror polishedand plated with beautiful, yet heavy-duty, HardNickel plating. The Rosewood grips are finishedwith multiple coats of hand-rubbed oil. The ColtSilver Tribute edition is strictly limited to, only1,000 numbered pistols, worldwide

Considering the millions of Americans whoserved in the U. S. Navy during this “Golden Age”these edition limits are highly restricted.

In each category, your pistol will meet your closest scrutiny because it is custom finished tomuseum quality with these special features:• Experienced gun polishers carefully burnish and

polish the steel until it shines like a mirror.• Elaborate, yet traditional, bas relief panoplies

of classical laurel leaves, naval pennants, andhistorical inscriptions are deeply and indeliblyetched along the slide.

• The symbol of the Navy forms the focal point,flanked by its name, its proud motto and the fourstars of the CNO. The Navy’s founding date,etched in a foliate banner, embellishes the lowerfront side of the slide.

• Custom designed, fired-enamel cloisonnésinlays enhance both right and left grips, displaying the intertwined initials, USN.

• Verification of the origin of each as an official Coltcollectible appears with the maker’s name on thereverse side of the frame, deeply etched on thepresentation side of the slide and imprinted onthe Certificate of Authenticity. This documentalso verifies the edition limit; the purity of theplating; and the Registry Number, which is proceeded with the initials USN (e.g. USN 001),as engraved on the pistol.

How to ReserveThe Colt Golden Tribute and Silver Tribute to

the U.S. Navy are available exclusively through TheAmerican Historical Foundation. To reserve or forquestions, simply call our Member Relations stafftoll free, at 1-800-368-8080, or return the ReservationForm in the mail.

We will arrange delivery of your working pistolthrough a licensed firearms dealer of your choice.

Satisfaction GuaranteedYour satisfaction is guaranteed or you may return

your U.S. Navy Colt within 30 days for a fullrefund.

Each of these special Colts is a tangible link toyour American past immortalized in steel to help U.S.Navy veterans, Navy families, patriotic Americansand future generations remember service in the U.S.Navy in this “Golden Age” of the Twentieth Century.It is your past, your presence — immortalized in steel.

Continue the mission . . . lest we forget.

© AHF

Four generations ofservice in the U.S.Navyare represented bythe Colt .45.

RESERVATIONSatisfaction guaranteed or return within 30 days for a full refund.Yes, please enter my reservation for the U.S. Navy Colt Tribute(s)selected below. I understand each is accompanied by a Certificateof Authenticity.

My deposit (or credit card authorization) of $195 per Colt pistolis enclosed. Please charge or invoice the balance dueprior to delivery...

Golden Tribute : in ten monthly payments of $200, or in full, and/or

Silver Tribute: in ten monthly payments of $180, or in full.My full payment of $2195 per Golden Tribute and/or

$1995 per Silver Tribute is enclosed.Please include the wall-mounting, American Display Case, withlocking glass lid, adding one final payment of $149.Check or money order enclosed. Virginia residents please add 5% sales tax.

If I cancel my reservation prior to delivery I will receive a full refund, less a commissioning fee of $195.

Please charge: Visa, MC, Am. Ex. or Discover

Card No._______________________________________Exp. ________

Name________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________

City/State/Zip _______________________________________________

Daytime Telephone (______) ____________________________________

The American Historical Foundation10195 MAPLE LEAF COURT, ASHLAND, VA 23005

WEBSITE: AHFRICHMOND.COM 1-800-368-8080AR026

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neWs FRom THe BRAnCHes

BRAnCH 115 AllenToWn, PA.

Northeast Regional President Frank Tyson informs shipmates and families at the Branch 115, Allentown, Pa. picnic.

BRAnCH 51 miAmi, FlA.

(left to right) Branch Secretary Bill O’Boyle, Branch President Sam Owens, Branch VP Chris Downey pose with PRPSE Ron Hoadley.

BRAnCH 42 QuonseT PoinT, R.i.

Branch 42 sponsored the creation of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps Battalion of the Sea Cadets at Davisville in 1986, and have continued to support them since. This photo is from our annual picnic and award ceremony. NCBC Cadets provided invaluable talent and skill as they worked the grills and serving line, and the more than 120 attendees at the picnic were very impressed with these young men and women.

BRAnCH 89 doTHAn, AlA.

Shipmate Roy Gallinger receiving his 40 year membership award. Shipmate Gallinger has been one of the most com-mitted members of the branch and in addition to his great recruiting efforts, he has served most every office. On the right is past Branch President Charles Blair.

BRAnCH 174 seQuim, WAsH.

Frank Adamish (left) receives his 60 Year Certificate and Diamond Pin from Dungeness Branch 174 President Lee Baldwin. Frank joined the Navy before WWII and joined the FRA in 1947 while stationed in China.

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to submit a photo for News From the Branches, please e-mail a photo as an attachment in jpeg format to FRAToday@fra.org or mail a high-quality photograph to frA Today, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted.

BRAnCH 91 JACksonVille, FlA.

Felix Radleigh of Orange Park, Fla. Donated a model submarine deck gun he got from his Uncle, John Radleigh, who was a submarine sailor from 1922-46. Shipmate Felix (USNR 42-46) served in VS-23 aboard the Princeton and Ticonderoga during WWII. In Jan 1945 while on the Ticonderoga, Felix was seriously wounded during a Kamikazi attack. L-R; Felix Radleigh; Gale Downs, coordi-nator; Jim Robbins, Branch President.

BRAnCH 168 BAinBRidge, md.

The East Coast Regional President (elect) Claire Purdy presented the 60-year continuous membership pin to Clifton Brubaker who joined the FRA in 1947.

BRAnCH 298 gRAnd RAPids, miCH.

NP Jerry Sweeney presented continu-ous membership pins to four Shipmates. Pictured from left to right are: Mick Putney – 25 Yrs.; Jan Roy – 20 Yrs.; NP Sweeney; Rose Posekany – 20 Yrs.; PRPNC Duane Burgert – 25 Yrs.

BRAnCH 200 AlBuQueRQue, n.m.

PNP Val Larsen and PNC Tom Thomason presented a check in the amount of $10,000.00 to the Fischer House in behalf of the branch.

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Reunions

navy Postal Clerk Association 4–8 June 2008, Virginia Beach, VA. Contact PCCM Mike Bertalan, USN (RET) 2063 W. 103 St., Cleveland, OH 44102, 216-299-6732, Navy-Postal-Clerk-Association@roadrunner.com.

Patrol squadron nine (VP9) 17–21 May 2008, Tucson, AZ. Contact James Jackson, 3936 W. North Aire Ave., Tucson, AZ 85741, 520-744-4955, vpchief@qwest.net.

Public Works department (PWd) seabees, RAF edzell, scotland 22–24 February 2008, Hampton, VA. Contact Norman Hahn, Jr., 1805 Oaklawn Dr., Eau Claire, WI 54703, 715-834-4780, nhahnjr@sbcglobal.net.

uss Bluefish (ss-222 & ssn-675) 1–3 May 2008, St. Louis, MO. Contact Gary Tinney, 304-983-8103, blueassn675@comcast.net.

uss Caiman (ss-323) 19–22 May 2008, Branson, MO. Contact Doug Smith, 3835B Maple Ave., Bremerton, WA 98310, 360-377-4763, dbfrider@comcast.net.

uss mauna kea (Ae-22) 17–20 April 2008, Branson, MO. Contact Dick States, 6075C Thoroughbred Court, Waldorf, MD 20603, 240-412-0559, randsunited@comcast.net.

uss nelson (dd-623) 17–19 April 2008, Memphis, TN. Contact George Treibel, Jr. 4430 Morris Drive, Pearland, TX 77584-4924, 281-485-3538.

uss Regolus (AF-57) 15–18 May 2008, Ft. Mitchell, KY Contact David L. Cunningham, 916 Timberlake Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464-3232, 757-467-6682, DCunnin884@aol.com.

uss sea Poacher (ss406) 22–24 May 2008, Jacksonville, FL. Contact Bill Brinkman, 4500 Tiffany Nicole St., Round Rock, TX 78665, 512-255-0285, seapoacher@austin.rr.com.

uss soley (dd-707) 13–17 May 2008, Plymouth, MA. Contact Eugene Blum, 6749 San Benito Way, Buena Park, CA 90620-3741, 714-527-4925, eblum3@juno.com.

uss steinaker (ddR/dd-863) 17–20 April 2008, Virginia Beach, VA. Contact Bill Combs, 3856 LaSalle Drive, Condo #103, Virginia Beach, VA 23453, 757-416-1983, combs27@cox.net.

Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, submit to reunions@fra.org or mail to: FRA Reunions, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

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FRA 13 Today #988128 9/13/07 5:07 PM Page 1

Ever since the first humans built a fire in their dark cave, people have realized the importance of

proper indoor lighting. But ever sinceEdison invented the light bulb, lightingtechnology has, unfortunately, remainedrelatively prehistoric.

Modern light fixtures do little to overcome problems associated withimproper lighting, such as eyestrain,dryness, and burning. As more and moreof us spend longer and longer hours infront of our computer monitor, theseproblems are compounded. And the effects of improper indoor lighting are not necessarily limited to a physical problem: the quantity and quality oflight can also play a part in both our mood and work performance.

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BALCN_41469_34132_7x9.25 9/24/07 8:30 AM Page 1

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TAPs In Memoriam

nAme BRAnCH nAme BRAnCH

nAme BRAnCH

Adcock, Claude C., PH1(AC) 022Alexander, Thomas E., AK1 MALAnderson, Carl O., BMC 163Andrews, Bruce, ADC 024Anson, Fred H., ADRC 290Arko, Robert, MMCM 289Austria, Mar P., SKC MAL

Babcock, Ned F., ADR2 097Baldwin, Burtan S., BUC 089Baller, Kenneth N., MMC MALBarber, Erwin C., ENC 099Bauer, Arvel, MMCS MALBayne, Paul H., CWO4 USN 094Beasley, Ted, BMC 040Bedard, Albert, LCDR USN MALBell, William R., AE1 028Benson, Edward L., POCM USN 068Bergman, Charles M., AOC 097Binkley, Norman M., BM2 MALBishop, Charles C., ATC 046Blakely, Curtis W., SCPO USN MALBlakley, Ralph F., AOC 061Blan, Robert E., BTC MALBond, William B., AEC 091Brown, Owen P., AOC 061Buckler, Wilbur H., ADJC 380Bullard, Lacy R., ABE1 061Bungato, Monico, CPO USN 004Burke, Jack K., JO1 MALBurris, Ross C., CPO USN 062Byerly, Earl T., II, AMSC 217

Campbell, Donald E., ADR1 227Carpenter, Richard, RMC 366Carroll, Thomas J., SKCM 269Carter, Harold C., AVCM 010Cejka, John D., ADC 145Church, James, CPO USN MALCitrano, Joseph, BMC MALClines, Charles C., ENC MALCochran, James, BM2 MALCody, Harold L., CPO USN 175Coleman, Troy N., HTC 303Collins, Robert M., RADM USN MALColson, George W., HT1 MALConrad, Wilford L., PNC 120Courtney, Leslie C., PNCM MAL

Danner, Haver C., GYSGT 161Daum, William A., MSGT MALDeisley, William B., SKCS 003Delcolle, John A., CTRC 057Demarco, Patrick R., FTGC 246Dennard, Charles H., MMC 034Dittman, Melvin, PO1 USN MALDorry, Donald M., CPO USN 091Doss, Preston W., ADR2 MALDouglas, George T., AFCM 022Douglas, Glen, ETCM MALDuprey, William J., PO1 USN 099Dyal, Ellis M., YN1 MAL

Early, Frank, CPO USN MALEdwards, Willard, HM2 MALEngland, Kenneth W., BMC 106

Epling, Robert C., SKCM 055Evans, Richard K., AT2 094

Fails, Ronald L., Jr., AWCM 046Finch, Jack, EN1 MALFischer, Paul D., EMC 004Flanagan, Thomas C., BM1 096Fleet, Frederick S., GYSGT 317Fleischmann, Leroy E., AMCS 091Flynn, William J., LT USN 057Fockler, Herbert A., E-6 USN MALForbes, Donald E., LCDR USN MALForbes, Elton M., ASC MALFowler, Boyd C., LCDR USN 289Freeman, Marshall J., LT USN MALFuller, George L., AMS2 210Fuquay, William A., DTCS 061Furry, Richard F., Sr., YNCS MAL

Gall, Arthur, AEC 063Garrison, Charles S., ENC 057Goodman, Jack K., QMCS(SS) 147Gork, William J., CWO4 USN 091Gracey, John G., ETCS MALGray, Frank A., AOC MALGriffin, Henry G., Jr., ENC MALGroo, John D., HTCS 008Gross, Robert B., Jr., LCDR USN 182Grumbles, James M., FTM1 MALGuidry, Joseph L., SHC 162Gulyban, John R., POC USN 272

Haapala, Theodore A., ETC 024Hale, John E., Jr., RMCS MALHarkless, Joseph T., SDC 020Harmon, Delmar, PO1 USN 115Harper, Doyle R., BTCS 282Harrington, Andrew, CSC MALHarvey, William R., GYSGT 175Hazel, Lawrence E., DTC MALHealy, James M., CGM 275Hedrick, Alvin R., Jr., PNC 091Hein, Harvey, CS1 MALHelms, Charles P., LT USN 022Hentz, Jerry F., PO1 USN 070Hillis, Shelby Ross, VET MALHinayhinay, Ernest J., PO3 USN MALHolley, Paul R., EMC MALHolliday, Charles K., YNC 181Hostler, Jasper A., Jr., MGYSGT 326Howard, Carl R., ADJ1 010Hoy, William D., YN1 251Hubbard, Harlan G., DPC 022Hubbs, Hallie A., ETC 230Huston, Glenn L., Jr., MMC 175Januszewski, Symphorian W., TMCM 014Jones, Raymond A., BTCM 334Judge, Gerald J., FTCS 061Jurgens, Raymond E., AMSC 197

Keeton, David R., SN USN 071Kenney, Thomas F., TMC1 146King, Ronald L., ADJC MALKitts, Sherrill, MMC MALKlingaman, William E., MSGT MAL

Kloker, Richard A., RMC 290Klueckman, Eldor E., HTC 091Koller, Walter, MMC 047Koontz, Mel, EN1 197Korporaal, Arie, CWO2 USN 009

Lake, Wayne R., AMC 126Lanksbury, Robert C., HMC(SS) 313Lauretta, Biagio, TDCS 117Lee, Billy G., FTC 105Lovejoy, Edward M., ETCM MALLudwig, Arthur A., DTC 269Lysinger, Harold, BT2 MAL

Macabuhay, Cipriano G., SDC 043MacMurchy, David R., AD1 094Madigan, Leonard R., USN RET 057Magee, Morgan D., PNC 126Marconi, Louis, ADRC MALMarkey, Emmet P., Jr., ETCM 166Marlow, Clarence J., DC2 MALMatczak, Charles J., ADRC 338Mayer, Richard T., LT USN 147Mayer, Robert S., CAPT USMC 223McCartney, Allen J., ADRC MALMcColgan, Dennis W., MSGT MALMcCree, Dorothy N., LCDR USN MALMcEvoy, Patrick, SKC 099McFall, Donald R., ETCS 052McGill, Gerald, PO2 USN MALMcGonigle, Chester Lee, PO1 USN 077McGrew, Bill J., DCC MALMcGuire, Wilbur V., EMCS 267Metzger, Ross, AMC 022Miller, Earl L., TMC MALMiller, Johnnie B., HMC 009Milwicz, Adam J., CTRCM 212Morrison, James P., RMC 009Mueller, Herman C., ADRC 267

Nakamoto, Walter, BMC MALNarciso, Victor, EM1 MALNason, Darrell, RMCS 099Neal, William T., ADSC 091Nelson, George A., ADJC MALNobles, Cranford H., PHCS 022Nybeck, Carl R., EMCM 053

Oaks, James O., CWO4 USN MALO’Leary, Wayne G., ENCM 060Orras, George, SH1 117

TAPS continued on page 32

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

Corpsman on the u.s.s. Conway dd507During the Cuban Missile Blockade. Contact BRCS Kyle R. McMillan (RET) at mcmillan5848@bellsouth.net or 1405 Pine Acres Dr., Cordele, GA 31015 or 229-273-6284.

CPo melvin CraigContact Marvin Fraley, 7429 SW 115th Place, Ocala, FL 34476 or suntea7429@aol.com.

CPo Whitey Harden, from missouriI am trying to help my father locate a Navy buddy from repair Unit 134, Brisbayne, Australia. Last contact with him was 1943-1944. Contact Jessica Sharp (daughter of Edsel F. Gilreath); 9828 Gilreath Rd., Chatham, IL 62629.

donald e. Baker RmC, larry l. Crawford RmCServed aboard USS Hamner (DD-718) 1960. Contact Bill Walsh at bwalsh27@cox.net.

eo1 James ThomasAttached to Seabee Team 1007 in Tay Ninh Province RVN in 1965-66. He adopted a Vietnamese girl (Susie) while on deployment. Contact Donald Morrison EQCM, USN, (RET), dmorrtx@sbcglobal.net.

John Westcott or Wescott, Rodger PettisMy name is Jessica Southard (Ramsay). I am writing for my grandfather Mr. John Milton Ramsay retired MMCS E-8. He is currently trying to locate the following: John Westcott or Wescott, last know info W-2 San Diego, CA. Rodger

Pettis, W-2 with Nuclear Regulatory Commission Bremington, WA. From 1961-1967 they were on the USS Bainbridge DLGN 25 & USS Truxtun DLGN 35. Mr. Ramsay’s contact info is 192 Shawn Place, Russellville, AR. 72802, 479-641-5181.

lT Richard BauerA pilot with VAH-7, det 36 on board USS Randolph (CV15) in late 1957. Contact Bill Sowell, a B/N in that detachment, gsowell@cfl.rr.com.

Roster of sailors at nAVComsTAI was stationed there during Christmas time in 1948. There were approximately 12–15 sailors on the island as station keepers at that time. Contact James L. Benson, RM3, jbenson@netutah.com.

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nAme BRAnCH nAme BRAnCH Last Chance:

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Parker, Nicholas R., MMC 382Paul, Elmer, BM1 315Penta, Augustine E., BMCM MALPeterson, Robert L., HMC 018Phillips, Jimmy, MSC MALPinkston, Neil C., ENC 022Pittenger, Charles A., ADJC 178Preiss, Irene U., CWO4 USN MALPrine, Charles O., MSGT 208Prokupek, Clair E., MSC(SS) 251Pruitt, Bertie C., CDR USN MAL

Rainey, George, ATC 315Reed, Cleon, CTC 182Reid, Donald M., AFCM 261Renzi, Alfred, DC1 047Richards, Lester R., PHC 380Ritter, William S., CSC 061Ritzwoller, Herman H., WO1 USN 053Rocek, George, ENC(SS) 053Rosa, Batista, LTJG USN 067Rosales, Al A., ATC MALRoss, Caldwell, SHC 208Rudy, Wayne E., AMCS 010Rygh, John H., EA1 MAL

Saldivar, Edmund S., RMCS 008Sanchez, Ernest E., CWO4 USN 009Sanclimenti, S. L., BM2(DV) MALSanowskis, Anthony, HMCS 091Sarisky, George E., PO1 USN 046Schmidt, William C., ABHC 006Schmitz, Robert A., MMC MALSchneider, Nicholas J., HMC 263Schulze, Curtis P., LTJG USN 267Seegers, David A., AC1 099Shafer, Donald P., AOC 028Shehee, Linton M., Jr., AG1 022Shepard, Robert F., YNC 004Sherwood, Neal C., MMCM 009Siezega, Henry E., CPO USN 132Simmons, Nicholas, ADRC 094Singer, Donald R., PCC 004Slanzik, Edward J., ADCS 312Smith, Leo E., YN1 298Sordahl, Wayne, CPO USN MALStafford, Thomas, EN1 MALStarks, Leonard P., MS1 101States, Don N., E-7 USN 068Stewart, Charles R., ADC 094Stockman, Samuel, GYSGT 256Stone, Teddy M., DC1 MALStover, John, CPO USN MALSummers, Arthur L., SGTMAJ 175Swift, Harvey, USN RET HON MEM 261Swofford, Roy C., MSGT 323

Tapley, Ellie, HT2 MALThompson, Amos L., HM2 MALThompson, Ivy B., BMCM 316Thompson, James D., SMC 053Thompson, Richard C., ETCS 029Thurman, Raymond A., E-7 USN MALTull, George W., DKC 018Tuttle, Tilmon T., MCPO USN 041Tuyay, Jorge, SDC 127

Vanduzer, James A., E-8 USN 005Van Gerpen, Donald, YNC MALVillalba, Richard, CSC 261

Warnke, Edward H., PRCM 115Watson, David, CDR USN MALWelt, Lewis W., ETC 018White, Jack A., ENDC 161Williams, Earl B., PFC 317Williams, Marvin P., RMC 151Wilson, William T., MMC 055Winters, William G., CPO USN 163Wright, George L., RMCM 022Wright, Herbert F., Jr., E-7 USN MAL

Zanavich, Frank J., BM1 037Zimmerman, Joseph G., CDR USN 170Zobel, Herbert F., CSC 029

Names in blue indicate 50 year continuous members. Names in bold indicate a Past National officer.

TAPS continued from page 30

The toll of the ship’s bellreminds us of the reverence

we owe to our departed Shipmatesand to those who guard the honor

of our countryupon the sea,under the sea,

in the airand upon foreign soil.Let it be a reminder

of the faith theyconfide in us.

Let us who gather herenot forget our obligations

and in silencebreathe a prayer

for our absent Shipmates.

4728

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For people like me, who want a cell phone that’s easy to use. Over the years, cell phones havebecome smaller and smaller with so many complicated features. They are hard to program andharder to use. But the Jitterbug® cell phone has simplified everything, so it’s not only easy to use,it’s easy to try. No crowded malls, no waiting in line, no confusing sales people, or complicatedplans. Affordable and convenient cell phone service is only a toll-free phone call away.

The new Jitterbug® cell phone makes calling simple!• Available in OneTouch or Full Dial model• Comes pre-programmed and ready to use right out of the box• Large, bright, easy to see display and buttons • Push “Yes” to call directly from your personal phone list • An operator is always available to help you, and will call you by name• Soft ear cushion and louder volume for better sound quality • Separate Volume Up/Down button and Speaker phone button on cover of phone• Hearing aid compatible • Familiar dial tone confirms service (no other cell phone has this) • Service as low as $10 a month* • Access help wherever you go

Service as low as $10 a month and a friendly 30-day return policy**. If you’ve everwanted the security and convenience of a cell phone, but never wanted the fancy featuresand minutes you don’t need… Jitterbug® is for you. Like me, you’ll soon be telling your friends about Jitterbug®. Call now.

Introducing the world’s simplest, cell phone experience – with service as low as $10 a month*

It doesn’t play games, take pictures,or give you the weather

The Jitterbug® developed with Samsung®. It’s the cell phone that’s changing all the rules.

NEW

brought to you by

Available in a simple 12-button Dial phoneand an even simpler 3-button OneTouchphone for easy access to the operator, thenumber of your choice, and 911.

IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Customer Agreement, select calling plans, and credit approval. Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screen images simulated. Coverage and service not available everywhere. Copyright © GreatCall, Inc. Jitterbug and GreatCall are trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics America, Inc and its related entities. *Not including government taxes, assessment surcharges, and set-up fee. **Applies to phone and monthly service charges only, provided call time usage is less than 30 minutes and phone is in like-new condition. Usage charges may apply. �All plans require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set-up fee ($35). ��Jitterbug will work almost everywhere in the U.S. where cellular service is available from most of the major carriers.

Jitterbug® Cell Phone Item# BU-4722

Call now for our lowest price.Please mention promotional code 34125.

1-866-540-0297www.jitterbugdirect.com

Questions about Jitterbug? Try our pre-recorded

Jitterbug Toll-Free Hotline 1-800-230-9045

JBUG_47286_34125_7x9.25 9/24/07 2:17 PM Page 1

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Your Classic U.S. Navy Ring will be

an enduring symbol of Navy tradition

and your service to our Country.

Their eye-catching design and

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National Collector’s Mint announces aspecial limited release of 3,657 MorganSilver Dollars 86-129 years old at $19.90each. Several prominent national dealerscharge from $10 to $30 MORE for acomparable Morgan Silver Dollar. TheseMorgans are among the last survivingoriginals still in existence, and each coin isguaranteed to be in mostly BrilliantUncirculated to Fine condition. Due tovolatile fluctuations in the precious metalsmarket, price can be guaranteed @ $19.90each for one week only!

You may order one Morgan for $19.90 plus$4 s, h & ins., 3 for $66.70 ppd., 5 for $109ppd., 10 for $212 ppd., 20 for $417 ppd., 50for $1025 ppd., 100 for $2025 ppd. 30-DayMoney Back Guarantee. CALL NOW!

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10 December 2006 What an Awesome Ending

Ford Island in Front of NAVSUBTRACENPAC

Teddy Roosevelt 29 October 2006 Sandra Robbins, NP at Teddy Roosevelt

USS Arizona Dedication

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View across harbor to USS Arizona

7 December 2006 Pearl Harbor Services

Jerry Sweeney, NP and Sandra Robbins, NP

Pilgrimage Proceeding to the Tomb

Dedication of USS Arizona at FRA Headquarters

19 May 2007 National Board at National President’s Tea

Sandra Robbins, NP and Jerry Sweeney, NP touring Pearl Harbor Historical Sights

Laying of the Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Sandra Robbins at Mast of The Maine

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