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Volume XXVI No. 10 October, 2011
A Message from your President
COL FOREST LUCY
Fellow members: Your club Secretary, Lt Col Phil Newsom, USAF- Retired, his wife Patsy and my wife, Shirlene and I attended MOAA’s Chapter Leaders’ Symposium in Kansas City, MO from Thursday, September 8th through the noon on Saturday the 10th. This was the second time I have attended this type symposium hosted by national MOAA, and it was certainly worthwhile. I encourage you to take part in leading your chapter as a club officer or committee member I attended all the general sessions as well as participating in the workshops on Chapter Management and Membership Challenges. It was really eye opener to see and hear chapter delegates from the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. We all share certain common problems, but as normal, solutions really vary between chapters. There were representatives from one of MOAA’s Mega-Chapters, the Shreveport, LA chapter that has 2,300 members. They awarded $360,000 in scholarship funds this year. Some short bullets jumped out at me from presentations by national MOAA staff members and chapter members which sparked my imagination. On the average, only 15-20% of chapter members attend chapter meetings. Nationally, 16.6% of MOAA’s membership of 377,000 are Auxiliary members.
An unforgettable quote was, “Military Service is unpredictable. Your retirement should not be.” This was used in the context of members being involved in legislative matters to protect benefits. Of over 400 chapters, MOAA has only 174 Auxiliary liaisons. LSOC is one of the chapters without an Auxiliary liaison. We need one. Spouses of members are an untapped source of talent that chapters should use wherever possible in leadership positions and as committee members. Recently separated military suffer an unemployment rate of 15.5%. Best estimates are that the votes of 75% registered military voters are not counted. Failing chapters are characterized by being only social in nature without having succession in chapter leadership established. Thriving chapters appeal to different segments of club membership and are characterized as being service oriented, involved in their communities, and involved in their state’s Council of Chapters. Two chapters in Texas, Tyler and Huntsville, are trial chapters using what is called the “Community Blueprint” which gets chapters involved in community service activities. You will hear more about “Community Blueprint” in later editions of Parade. Forest
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IN MEMORIAM
Dear LSOC “Family.” Thank you for all the kind words and expressions of sympathy for the passing of our son, Chuck. Your prayers are very much appreciated at this very difficult time! Sincerely, Betty and Barry Morrison & Family
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
COL KIT CARSON
Bob Dylan blessed my generation with the sounds of “Blowing in the Wind” and “The Times They are a-Changing.” In the late 70’s this musical genius came on hard times. He and his wife were divorced, and he became enslaved to alcohol. Dylan titles one of songs “Gotta Serve Somebody.” It has many verses and all make the same point: Everyone’s a servant of someone or something – booze, sex, money, food – something. What or whom do we really serve?
Time to “shake the money tree”!
October marks our Fall Donation Drive For the Lone Star Officers
Club Scholarship Program.
Please give generously!
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PERSONAL AFFAIRS Col Forest Lucy, USMC (Ret)
I still have a few of the brochures from the Fleet & Family Support Center, NAS, JRB, Fort Worth, left over from the presentation in August. I will continue to bring remaining copies to our monthly meetings until they run out. The OFFduty section of the Military Times publication dated October 3rd, 2011 had an interesting article in it on the subject of Consumer Watch. Since current and retired members of the military have normally lived in several locations throughout the United States, many of us have left property behind when we moved. Examples are uncashed checks, customer overpayments, utility security deposits, travelers checks, stocks, mutual funds, forgotten bank accounts, etc. Some companies seek your business claiming to be able to help you search for your property, but you have lots of resources available through the internet to check for these things on your own. Here are a few. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) says that about $33 billion is currently being held by state treasurers and other agencies for 117 million accounts. You can check to see if you have anything coming to you at the free web site, www.unclaimed.org. It permits you to search every state where you have lived. NAUPA also recommends you check www.missingmoney.com. Other places to search are as follows. Just follow the instructions at their web sites. The National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits. Get free information about retirement benefits from a previous job. With the frequent moves of military families, it is a must for spouses to check this one out. www.unclaimedretirementbenefits.com. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp (PBGC). If you are owed pension benefits from a plan that no longer exists because it was closed or taken over by the PBGC, you can check at www.pbgc.gov. Forgotten savings bonds. The U. S. Treasury’s search tool is: www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/tools/tools_treasuryhunt.htm. Old bank funds. You may search Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. for information about forgotten funds in bank accounts or other property in failed banks at: www2.fdic.gov/funds Good luck and good hunting. Contact Information for LSOC Personal Affairs Committee Chairman Colonel Forest Lucy, USMC (Retired) Email: [email protected], Home Phone: 972-416-2615, Cell Phone: 214-695-9981
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
RON PARAMORE, MAJ, USA RANGER, RET.
ACTION BY TEXAS VETERANS IS REQUIRED IN THE 8 NOV 2011 STATE ELECTIONS
1. During the Texas Legislature earlier this year … a Congressional Amendment was passed by the Legislature. The amendment will allow surviving spouses to maintain exemption of property taxes on Homestead Property of disabled veterans rated 100% who were declared to be permanently and totally disabled by the VA.
2. However, in order for that to become law, it must get enough votes on 8 November 2011!
3. We need to vote for the passage of this “Proposition Number 1”. You are encouraged to share this information
with your friends and family members. The election will occur before the next newsletter is published. So….this is your final reminder.
NEW MEMBER INFORMATION
We welcome new member: CDR Greg Engel, USN (Ret.) 1604 Teller Bell Lane Granbury TX 76049 Wife Donna, 817-917-9716 [email protected]
REMEMBER YOU CAN RECEIVE YOUR PARADE NEWSLETTER ON-LINE AT
WWW.LSOC-INC.COM
If you would prefer this, E-mail [email protected] or call Monica Herman at 817-292-4436 and we can remove you from the hard copy mailing list. This also cuts down on expenses.
NOTE: Articles published in the Parade do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Military Officers Association of America, or the Lone Star Officers Club, its officers or the Board of Directors. Publication of such articles or statements are not to be deemed an endorsement of the views expressed therein.
Volume XXVI No. 10 PARADE Page 5
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Mo Simmons
Jim and Nelda Boyd celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary recently.
Jim and Doris Lucas celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.
Violet Lew of Santa Monica, CA, mother of Charles Lew, visited Charles and Arlene so she could see him perform in “The Sound of Music.
Alden and Dorothy Bailey attended the September dinner with Phil and Patsy Newsom. Alden is a retired Marine Colonel.
Phil and Patsy Newsom visited son Jason and family in Houston.
Greg and Donna Engel are new members and attended the meeting with Daniel and Shirley Kile.
Tom and Beverly Crouch traveled to Jamestown, NY to attend the wedding of their Marine grandson.
Wes and Cheryl Charles drove to Alameda, CA to visit their grandson, Maxwell Magnus Mueller. The visit was great, but Wes got a little weary of the long drive.
Jimmy and Jeanette Holland’s grandson, Jason, is serving in Iraq and would appreciate your prayers for his safe return.
Jim and Jan Costin visited Great Falls and Butte MT for a family reunion. They spent time with their granddaughters in Tuscaloosa, AL and Tampa, FL. Grandson Greg McElroy is on the New York Jets team but recently broke his hand. We hope he heals soon.
Bob Cooper attended reunions in Washington, DC, Charleston, SC and Dallas.
Birthdays:
Beverly Crouch, Kayren Harter, Margie Myers, Mo Simmons
Raffle winners:
Margie Myers, Mal Birdwell, Brian Birdwell, Wanda Allen, Jeannette Holland.
RANDOM THOUGHTS
When a friend is in trouble, don’t annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. (Edgar Watson Howe) Learn from the mistakes of others-you can’t live long enough to make them all yourself. (Martin Vanbee) If you do what you have always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. (Anon.) Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and their politicians as a joke. (Will Rogers)
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Volume XXVI No. 10 PARADE Page 7
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PICTURES FROM OUR SEPTEMBER MEETING
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LONE STAR CHAPTER BOARD MEMBERS
ELECTED OFFICERS APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS
President COL Forest Lucy 972-416-2615 Photographer CAPT Jim Lucas 817-277-0578
1st VP CWO4 Angelo Spelios 817-596-3090 Educ/Scholarship Vickie Keehr 817-275-6912
2nd VP LTC Jack Harter 817-346-8787 Personal Affairs COL Forest Lucy 972-416-2615
Secretary LTC Philip Newsom 832-289-0224 Council Chapter Delegate
COL C. W. (Barry) Morrison
972-771-5118
Treasurer LTC Jim Boyd 817-249-0284 Advertising COL Bob Cooper 817-292-4886
Past Pres LCDR Wes Charles 817-427-2060 Membership LTC Philip Newsom 832-289-0224
Chaplain COL “Kit” Carson 817-732-3533 Parade Editor Monica Herman 817-292-4436
Legislative Public Relations LCDR Wes Charles 817-427-2060 Affairs MAJ Ron Paramore 817-944-4413
THE SID RICHARDSON MUSEUM
309 Main Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 332 - 6554 http://www.sidrmuseum.org
One of the brightest spots in the downtown Sundance Square area is the Sid Richardson Museum. Filled with the wonderful art of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, it will delight you for hours with a view of the West of yesteryear. The newly renovated building is spacious and colorful. Our Museum Store, filled with exciting merchandise, offers prints, framed prints on canvas, books and gifts including Mata Ortiz Pottery from Mexico. Open seven days a week. Monday-Thursday – 9 am to 5 pm. Friday and Saturday – 9 am to 8 pm. Sunday – 12 noon to 5 pm. Admission is free, come and see us!
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CLUB CALENDAR
Oct. 19: Chapter Meeting Ridglea Country Club 6:00 social hour 6.30 dinner Oct. 26: Board Meeting 11:00 a.m. Tarleton State University 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd. Room 420 In the Hickman Company Building Nov. 16: Chapter Meeting Ridglea Country Club 6:00 social hour 6:45 dinner Nov. 22: Board Meeting 11:00 a.m. Tarleton State University 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd. Room 420 In the Hickman Company Building
OCTOBER PROGRAM
Our speaker will be Vickie Bryant from the Arlington Baptist College. She will tell us a story of the college site which was once a nightclub, a high class place for the rich and famous to gamble and be entertained. Howard Hughes gambled there, Tommy Dorsey played there and Ginger Rogers danced there. It was known as “Vegas before Vegas” in the 1930’s and the early 1940’s. ***Note on dinner reservations. They must be in this month by October 16 which is a Sunday. When mailing in your monthly reservation, be sure to do so about a week ahead of time. We often receive some on the Monday after the deadline due to the weekend mail. This creates a problem with planning dinners.
Financial & Tax Associates
has been serving Southwest Fort Worth, Everman Burleson, Benbrook and Crowley since 1994.
Experienced in:
Accounting and Bookkeeping Services Income Tax Preparation and Planning
Robert M. Russell, Capt., USAF (Ret.)
564-B Hoover Road Burleson, Texas 76028-4331
Phone: 817-426-0100 FAX: 817-426-0733
There’s A Place For You At:
Genesis
United Methodist Church
“A Church of New Beginnings”
7635 South Hulen Street Fort Worth, Texas 76133
Phone: 817-292-4551
Join Us for Worship
Sunday – 8:30 and 10:30 A.M.
Sunday School – 9:20 A. M.
Volume XXVI No. 10 PARADE Page 11
LONE STAR OFFICER CLUB MEMBERSHIP/DUES
Name:__________________________________ Rank: ___________ Service:____________ Nat’l MOAA #____________ Life Member Y N Active Duty____Retired:____ Former Officer:_____ Widow (er):_____ Spouse’s name: ____________ Nickname(s):___________________ Mailing Address: Street:__________________________________________ City_____________________ State______ ZIP_____________ Telephone: _______________________ E-Mail_____________________ Name of LSOC member recruiting you ______________________ Your birth date (month and day) _________________ Spouse’s birth date: _____________ Anniversary date:______________
Please mail this form with a check for Dues $20.00 (widows: $8.00) $________________________
Voluntary contribution to Scholarship Fund ________________________ Total enclosed $________________________ Make check payable to: Treasurer, Lone Star Officers Club Inc.
P. O. Box 1642, Fort Worth, Texas 76101-1642
OCTOBER 2011 MEETING AND RESERVATION INFORMATION
Member’s Name _________________________________________
Make _______ reservations for member, spouse or guest @ $25 each
I would like ______ Chicken Saltimbocca ______ Balsamic Salmon Filet
My check is enclosed for $________ Signed _____________________
------------------------------------------------------PLEASE CUT HERE--------------------------------------------------- Chapter Meeting. Wednesday, October 19th at Ridglea Country Club
Social Hour: 6:00 p.m. – Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Dress: Coat and Tie
Program: Mrs. Vickie Bryant, Arlington Baptist College A fascinating story of the Night Club that was on their property in the 1930’s and 1940’s (see page 10)
Menu: Chicken Saltimbocca or Salmon Filet, Lemon Napoleon
Reservations: Deadline for placing or canceling reservations will be end of day, Sunday, October 16. Any cancellations after this date must be paid for. By mail: send above reservation form with check MADE OUT TO LONE STAR OFFICERS CLUB OR LSOC. MAIL AT LEAST A WEEK AHEAD TO ASSURE DELIVERY. No reservations will be accepted after OCTOBER 16. Anyone attending without a reservation will not be able to have dinner. By phone: Mrs. Kayren Harter 817-346-8787. E-mail: [email protected]
POSTMASTER TIME SENSATIVE MATERIALS PLEASE DELIVER NO LATER THAN OCT. 12, 2011
TO:
POSTMASTER TIME SENSATIVE MATERIALS PLEASE DELIVER NO LATER THAN OCT. 12, 2011
SEE PAGE 11 FOR OCTOBER MEETING AND RESERVATION INFORMATION
THE LSOC STILL NEEDS CANDIDATES
As the Lone Star Officer Club moves into the month of October 2011, members still seem reluctant to step up and offer their services by becoming candidates for leadership positions in 2012. The immediate need is to fill the Chapter offices of President and Second Vice President. As stated in the past, being an officer or appointed board member can be a rewarding experience for you personally. Many former LSOC officers and board members are always available to assist new leadership when requested. New members should also get involved in LSOC by becoming candidates. Don't be shy! Members, it is not in our military character to "let the other guy do it" but that appears to be what's occurring among our membership. The "other guys (and gals)" now serving as our leaders have made contributions year after year and several will continue to serve through 2012, but this still isn't enough. Support the LSOC by becoming a candidate and coming to meetings. Let's do what has to be done to help lead our Chapter. Volunteer now! Should you have any questions, contact Search/Nominating Committee members and we will endeavor to answer any questions you have: MAJ Norman Knofs USA at 817.236.7294, e-mail: [email protected], CWO Gene Posey USA at 817.465.3805, e-mail: [email protected]