1

January – February 2017

From the President:

This is my first

column as your

new president.

Though I have

been a member

of MOAA Chapters in New York

and Tennessee for 15 years, I am

relatively new to the Myrtle

Beach area and the Grand Strand

Chapter. My wife, Gale, and I

arrived here two years ago and

have enjoyed the weather, beach

activities, tennis and golf. I want

to thank past-president Greg

Youngman and his team for

making the transition of the

newly elected as smooth as

possible.

So what can you expect of us?

First, in recognition of the many

accomplishments and

obligations taken on by the

chapter, we don’t want to drop

the ball. Most of the new officers

are recent members of the

chapter, and we can use your

guidance and continued

involvement in what we do. In

my acceptance comments at the

swearing in at the January

meeting, I highlighted what I

consider to be success factors for

our chapter. They are 1) to

continue to grow membership, 2)

to retain members, 3) to

encourage as many members to

be involved as possible, 4) to

schedule interesting speakers, 5)

to adequately fund our chapter,

6) to support MOAA national,

and 7) to continue to do good

works.

If you want to be more active in

our chapter, look at the list of

directors listed on the next page.

If there is some activity that

interests you, contact the name

next to it. If there is some other

area you feel we should be

involved in, let us know that, too.

I encourage you to step up.

Besides doing something that

will benefit others, it is a good

way to meet and work with

members of our chapter. You

will find your membership more

rewarding and worthy.

I look forward to serving as your

president in 2017!

COASTAL TIDE Military Officers Association of America

Grand Strand Chapter Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

www.grandstrandmoaa.com

January-February 2017

OFFICERS/ DIRECTORS

President Dave Townsend

1VP/Programs Randy Dymond

2VP/Membership Jerry Eubank

Past President Greg Youngman

Treasurer Tony Prince

Secretary Kelly Sharbel

Chief of Staff Bob Hawkins

JROTC Dean Brown

ROTC Dave Townsend

Surviving

Spouses Melody Wages

SC State Guard Jerry

Terwilliger

Scholarship Hans Duerr

Legislative

Affairs Jimmy Jacobs

Transition

Officer Bill Stewart

Social

Director Jerry

Terwilliger

Historian Bill Warner

Newsletter Kelly Sharbel

Fund Raising Greg Youngman

Webmaster Bob Hawkins

Personal Affairs Greg Hill

Veterans

Outreach Rufus Manning

Hospitality

Committee Melody Wages

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Chaplain’s Corner

By Greg Hill

Back in December, Janice Dean, the senior

meteorologist for Fox News, said that it had been the

coldest December on record so far in New York City.

We have also experienced some cold days this winter

on the Grand Strand. There was also a story in the

same newscast, about a young man who came to work

at Chick-Fil-A with his arm in a cast. When asked

why he was at work, he said that he wanted to make

money for Christmas to help feed the homeless and

buy Christmas presents.

Thank you so much for your generous gifts of food

and gently used coats and sweatshirts at our

November and December meetings. All the clothing

went to the Low Country Veterans Group to

distribute to homeless and poor Veterans. The

food was taken to a local food pantry. I have provided

a picture of the food pantry shelves.

During the holidays, I noticed a banner at the Myrtle

Beach VA Clinic which says “Merry Christmas,

Happy Hanukkah, Celebrate Kwanzaa, Observe

Ramadan. However YOU celebrated, I hope your

holiday season was filled with joy, generosity, and

gratefulness! I guess we are all two months into the

annual post-holidays diet!!

Importantly, please pray for our new national leaders

and our new MOAA Grand Strand Chapter

leadership as they guide us forward in service in

2017.

Board of Directors

President: Dave Townsend Social Director: Jerry Terwilliger Newsletter Editor: Kelly Sharbel

supplymedical@aol.com gerald.terwilliger@gmail.com ksharbel1948@gmail.com

1stVP/Programs; Randy Dymond JROTC: Dean Brown Surviving Spouse Liaison: Melody

randymond@aol.com carradeanbrown@aol.com Wages, melodywages@gmail.com

2ndVP/Membership: Jerry Eubank Fundraising/golf: Greg Youngman Webmaster: Bob Hawkins

jerchar1@gmail.com gyoungman@sc.rr.com rhawkins21@sc.rr.com

Treasurer: Tony Prince Legislative Affairs: Jimmy Jacobs Past President: Greg Youngman

stephen.a.prince@gmail.com jjacob26@sccoast.net gyoungman@sc.rr.com

703.304.7398

Public Relations: Roger Pilcher Historian: Bill Warner

Secretary: Kelly Sharbel rogerpilcher35@aol.com BillWarner@sccoast.net

Ksharbel1948@gmail.com

TOPS: Bill Stewart Chaplain: Greg Hill Scholarship: Hans Duerr

hwilliamstewart@gmail.com ghill@54808@aol.com hduerr@sc.rr.com

Veterans Outreach: Rufus Manning,

2saltlife4me@gmail.com

Editorial Policy: The Coastal Tide is published by the Grand Strand Chapter, an affiliate of the Military Officers

Association of America (MOAA). MOAA and its affiliated chapters and councils are non-partisan.

Advertisements that may appear in this publication or website do not represent an endorsement by MOAA or its Grand

Strand chapter.

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Chapter Membership Report

By Bob Hawkins

2016 was another outstanding year. We added a total

of 20 new members, ending the year with 159

members (who renewed their chapter membership by

the end of the year).

Several of our new members are already participating

in essential Chapter Officer and committee positions

which will ensure the future growth of our Chapter.

There are two known 2017 challenges:

(1) We need to retain all of our 2016 members; and,

the Chapter’s 2017 dues are now due. Please

complete the application/renewal form on the back

page of this newsletter, include your $20 annual dues

payment, and mail it to: MOAA Grand Strand

Chapter, P.O. Box 15842, Surfside Beach, 29587.

(Alternatively, you can bring your form and payment

to the March dinner meeting at the Pine Lakes

Country Club.)

(2) Most Chapter members are National members;

however, an increasing number are not yet. Our

Chapter needs to maintain at least 95% National

membership to compete for the coveted Levels of

Excellence (5-star) recognition. If you are not a

national member, please contact our President, or

Membership Chairman, for additional information or

assistance.

In closing, I wish to thank all of our Officers, Board

Members, and other active Chapter members who

have facilitated our very successful membership

programs during the past 5 years. And, I am pleased

to inform you that our new Chapter 2nd VP, Jerry

Eubank, COL, USA (retired), has graciously

volunteered to replace me as the Chapter’s

Membership Chairman. Jerry has previously served

as a Chapter president.

I/we are confident that he will lead our chapter to

even higher levels of growth and resulting

prominence in our coastal communities.

Welcome New Members

Jerry Crews, COL (retired), US Army

Gale Fellowes, LCDR (former), US Navy

Richard Townsend, LCDR (former),

US Public Health Svc.

Paul Cunningham, CPT (former), US Army

Garrison Cabe, LT (retired), US Navy

Larry Camp, CW03 (retired), US Coast Guard

Kevin Boyle, CAPT (retired), US Navy

LTG Fred Vollrath Passes It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we

report the death of Lieutenant General Frederick E.

Vollrath, an active, loyal member of our Chapter.

LTG Vollrath, former Assistant Secretary of Defense

(Personnel and Force Management), corporate

Human Relations Executive for Computer Sciences

Corporation, and retired US Army general officer,

passed away on January 1, 2017.

His interment will be conducted at the Arlington

National Cemetery on May 23 at 11 a.m.

Personal Affairs

To be placed on our prayer list and/or

arrange for visitation, transportation, or

assistance, contact our Chaplain, Greg

Hill: ghill54808@aol.com or by phone

at 843.231.4507

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Golf Tournament

Update

By Greg Youngman

Planning for the 2017 Grand

Strand MOAA Golf Tournament

has begun and is picking up

steam. The Golf Committee is

meeting regularly and making

progress in working out all the

details of this important event.

As we go forward, I and the

committee would like all of our

members to consider three

important points.

First, this is our chapter’s most

important fund raiser. Its

success is critical to our being

able to carry out our charitable

programs for this year.

Secondly, we are trying a new

strategy this year by seeking out

a major sponsor for the

tournament. We are looking for

a business or organization that

wants to support veterans and the

work we do as a chapter and is

willing to financially support the

tournament to do so. We will

obviously continue to seek out

smaller donors and sponsors but

being able to identify and recruit

a major sponsor will ensure the

continued success of our effort.

Finally, we need YOU to make

this tournament the success it has

been in the past. Previous Golf

Committee members have left us

a solid legacy of achievement to

build on. We continue to need

additional committee members.

We need anyone who may know

of potential businesses or

sponsors to let us know who they

are and be willing to contact

them. We need volunteers for

the day of the tournament to

ensure it runs smoothly and is

enjoyable so that entrants want to

come back.

If you are reading this and are

looking for a short-term

volunteer assignment, we are

looking for you. Come join us.

You will have a good time and

will experience the great

satisfaction of knowing you have

made a tremendous contribution

to our chapter and all those

veterans and chapter members

we serve.

2017 Dues Are Due Annual Dues are still $20. If you have not paid already, please do so as soon as possible. Our membership Chairman Jerry Eubank will be happy to hear from you.

2017 Budget Approved

By Tony Prince

The Grand Strand Chapter

Board of Directors approved the

chapter budget for 2017 at its

January 5 meeting.

The Board anticipates 2017

revenue to total $44,636.80.

With a carryover of $17,069

from 2016, it is estimated that

there will be a total of

$61,706.68 available for 2017

programs. The major sources of

chapter revenues are dues,

dinner receipts, donations, and

most importantly, the annual

golf tournament.

The Board approved estimated

expenditures of $44,830.00 for

2017. Major expenditures

include dinner expenses, ROTC

scholarships, golf tournament

expenses, and veterans outreach

programs.

By comparison revenue in 2016

totaled $46,742.55 with an

additional 4,010.34 carried over

from 2015. Expenses for 2016

expenses were $35,759.18. The

new budget allows the chapter

to continue its annual programs

at previous levels and maintain

member dues at 2016 levels.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

May 25, 2017

Heritage Golf Club

For More Information

Contact

Greg Youngman

843.314.0079

John Short

843.251.4051

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Chapter Updates

Captain Jerry Rovner, US Navy (Retired), provided the chapter September

dinner meeting with an insightful and often inspiring perspective of the

events of the September 11 attacks. Captain Rovner served as a senior

member of the post-attack response team and helped direct rescue efforts

at the site of the World Trade Center in New York. Captain Rovner is a

member of the Grand Strand Chapter.

Veterans Outreach Chairman Rufus Manning (left) led a

MOAA team including Jimmy Jacobs (right) from the Grand

Strand Chapter who participated in and supported the annual

Veterans Stand Down in September. The event is held

annually by a coalition of veterans’ interest groups to assist

Grand Strand homeless veterans and veterans in need.

Grand Strand Chapter member Harry D Bu ois mans the MOAA table at the Stand

Down in September. Twenty-two Grand Strand Chapter volunteers participated

in the event with commitment and compassion. The Chapter provided $1600 in

financial support for the event. Those funds went to purchase blankets with the

MOAA logo, outdoor boots, and administrative supplies.

Rufus Manning and Doris Gleason of AARP at Stand Down. The official

attendance number for the 2016 Stand Down was 185 homeless, near

homeless, or special assistance needed veterans. The success of Stand

Down is only made possible because of all the Chapter’s support and

especially the hours given to its execution by all of our volunteers. The

thanks expressed by the veterans who attended was generous and

heartwarming.

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Treasurer Tony Prince and Past Secretary Jerry Terwilliger take

part in the Officers’ Call held at Gordon Biersch in Market

Common. The September event was a community outreach,

recruiting, and social event for Chapter members. Similar events

are expected to be planned in 2017.

Following the November dinner meeting, Chapter members

enjoyed a very informative panel discussion on the health

and related issues impacting veterans’ in our communities.

Facilitated by Greg Hill and Rufus Manning, the expert

panel members included (left to right): Mr. David Murphy,

Georgetown County Veterans Affairs Officer, Mr. Scott

Isaacks, Director/CEO, Ralph H. Johnson, VA Medical

Center (Charleston); and Mr. Ronald Elvis, Director, Horry

County Veterans Affairs.

Mrs. Joan Wobbleton, Quilts of Valor Foundation Myrtle Beach area

manager, presented Jimmy Jacobs (left) and Frank Esposito (right)

with coveted Quilts of Valor, at the November dinner meeting.

Started in 2003, Quilts of Valor is a national effort to recognize

veterans and ensure they are thanked for their service. More than

150,000 have been awarded nationwide. Joan and her husband Jim

are truly inspiring in their local efforts having presented more than

700 Grand Strand veterans with Quilts of Valor. There are more to

come.

Past President Greg Youngman and Treasurer Tony Prince presented Paul

Cunningham with a $1000 check from Grand Strand MOAA for the Fisher

House being built in Charleston. Fisher House is a facility for the families

of patients at the Ralph E. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center

in Charleston. The 31 VA Fisher Houses in the US assist veterans’ families

by providing them room and board while their loved one undergoes medical

treatment. There are 71 Fisher Houses at US medical facilities around the

world. Paul is a member of the Grand Strand Chapter.

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Chapter Updates

Chapter members and guests enjoyed a festive evening during our December dinner meeting

on Tuesday, December 13 at Pine Lakes Country Club. The Low Country Barbershop Chorus

began the evening with a spirited rendition of The National Anthem and continued to serenade

the attendees during dinner with Christmas songs.

The Grand Strand Chapter was very generous in donating toys,

food, and gently used clothing in our annual toy and gently used

clothing drives. Past President Roger Pilcher, who serves as our

Toys for Tots representative thanked our Chapter for another

banner year of donations. Chaplain Greg Hill thanked the

attendees for our continued generosity in supporting local shelters and food kitchens

throughout Horry and Georgetown Counties.

We were honored by the attendance of MOAA State Council President, Col David Lobb,

USA (Retired), who provided a brief update of MOAA initiatives at the state and federal

level. After his remarks, he presented President Greg Youngman with the Grand Strand

Chapter’s 5th consecutive 5 Star Levels of Excellence Streamer and the 5 Star

Communications Award for 2015.

Following dinner, 1st Vice President Tony Prince presided over a recognition ceremony for

our outgoing President, Greg Youngman. Greg was honored by National MOAA with the National MOAA Leadership

Award which is awarded to deserving chapter or council officers whose exceptional performance merits special recognition.

The citation cites Greg’s “vision and commitment” as driving factors in the continued growth of the chapter. In addition, the

Award citation praised his personal involvement and leadership acumen as having resonated with members of the Grand

Strand Chapter and the local community.” 2nd Vice President Bob Hawkins presented Greg with a plaque from our Grand

Strand Chapter which reads in part, “from the men and women who were proud to serve with you.”

During the awards ceremony, Greg also presented Bob Hawkins the MOAA National President’s Award for his exceptional

service to our chapter and national MOAA. Since joining the Chapter in 2008, Bob Hawkins has been an exceptional member

of our Chapter Officers and Board of Directors. He has made significant and far reaching

contributions since assuming the duties of the 2nd Vice President in 2010. Throughout the

intervening years, he has played a critical role in building a viable governing organization now

comprised of 16 Directors, an increased operating budget that has grown to close to $50,000, a

new not-for-profit status, and a membership base of more than 160 involved members. Bob's

collaborative efforts, leadership, and ingenuity also resulted in a significant contribution to the

Chapter receiving 5 Five Star LOE awards during his tenure as our 2nd VP.

Chapter Elections

A new slate of officers were elected during the November monthly dinner meeting at

Pine Lakes Country Club. Officers elected were President Dave Townsend, First

Vice-President/Programs Randy Dymond, Second Vice-President/Membership Jerry

Eubank, Treasurer Tony Prince, and Secretary Kelly Sharbel. Outgoing President

GregYoungman presented incoming President Dave Townsend with the Chapter’s

gavel. Dave then presented Greg with a Past President’s pin.

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Legislative Update By Jimmy Jacobs

Source: MOAA National

http://www.moaa.org/takeaction/

HR 846 Needs Your Support

Contact your Congressional representatives urging

them to support HR 846 to phase out the deduction of

VA disability compensation from service-earned

retired pay for all disabled retired service members.

VA Will Be Not Privatized Says New Secretary

(Item from MOAA newsletter)

Dr. David Shulkin, the President’s pick to run the

VA, has significant plans to reform the department

but those reforms won't include a move toward

privatized care.

“There will be far greater accountability,

dramatically improved access, responsiveness, and

expanded care options,” Shulkin told members of the

Senate Veterans Affairs Committee at his

confirmation hearing. “If confirmed, I intend to build

a system that puts veterans first and allows them to

get the best possible health care wherever it may be -

in VA or with community care.”

While Trump has hinted at plans to privatize the

massive department that serves millions of veterans

each year, Shulkin said that won't happen “under my

watch.” He also said he made no promises to Trump

about how he'd lead the VA.

Commissary Benefits Redefined Over the years, the Defense Commissary Agency

(DeCA) oft repeated claim that commissary shoppers

saved an average of at least 30 percent on brand-name

groceries over prices in commercial stores and

supermarkets has lost creditbility.

The rise of big box discounters and retail

supercenters, prices at discounters like Wal-Mart, and

the popularity and high profitability of grocery chain

private label brands have eroded DeCA’s claim.

Also, in a recent response to a congressional mandate,

DeCA released a new set of “baseline” estimates of

commissary savings that reflect these factors and

more.

Without reducing the value of the shopping benefit,

DeCA says, it has redefined how it measures savings.

Global savings across all 238 commissaries are

calculated now at 23.7 percent and savings stateside

at 20.2 percent. At 61 overseas commissaries,

average savings are 44.2 percent against local food

prices.

“This enhanced way of calculating savings doesn't

change the actual dollars that patrons save, but it will

give patrons a better understanding of price

comparisons in their local area,” said DeCA Director

Joseph H. Jeu in a press release Monday unveiling

revised savings estimates.

Arlington National Cemetery Options

The Arlington National Cemetery Advisory

Committee suggests eligibility restrictions as a

solution to the cemetery's capacity problems. The

National Cemetery will reach full capacity if nothing

changes. Potential courses of action being considered

include a provision to adopt the 24 months’ active

duty requirement. changing eligibility criteria to

include only those service members killed in action

and/or recipients of the Medal of Honor. Already

underway are two expansion projects to add 27 acres,

to be completed next year and another 40 acres by

2022.

A GI ENCOUNTER

By Hans Duerr

Toward the end of World War II my family was

harvesting potatoes on an Austrian farm, when a jeep

with American soldiers appeared and came to a

screeching halt. The driver jumped out, and, using

his hands to communicate, indicated he wanted

something round. However, he shook his head when

my mother offered him a potato, and proceeded to

gesture. Then a Sergeant got out, and, cupping his

mouth with both hands, let out a "cock-o-doodle-

doo." Now my mother understood! When she

returned with a basket of eggs from the near-by barn,

the soldiers waved a thankful good-bye, and we

breathed a sigh of relief. True story!

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January Luncheon Featured One of

Our Own as its Speaker

At our January luncheon, the Grand Strand Chapter

was privileged to hear remarks from one of its own

distinguished members, the Honorable James

Lockemy, Chief Judge of the South Carolina Court of

Appeals. Judge Lockemy shared an inspirational

account of his rise as a son

of general store keepers to

his present position as well

as numerous distinguished

stops along the way. He

served four years of active

duty as a Judge Advocate

General officer and 26 years

in the South Carolina

National Guard, attaining

the rank of Colonel and is

currently a Major General of the South Carolina

Guard.

New Officers Sworn In.

Judge Lockemy also

swore in the new officers

of the Chapter. Taking

the oath of office were

President Dave

Townsend, 1st Vice-

President/Programs

Randy Dymond, 2nd

Vice-President/Membership Jerry Eubank, Secretary

Kelly Sharbel, and Treasurer Tony Prince.

Ramp Built for Vet. Thanks to the hard work of our

Veterans Outreach Chairman

Rufus Manning, the chapter

partnered with the War Vets

Motorcycle Club to build an access

ramp for a Myrtle Beach veteran

who was having difficulty

negotiating stairs into his house.

The chapter paid for the materials

and the motorcycle club did the

construction which was completed

in January.

New Recognition for Grand Strand

Chapter and Roses in February

At the Chapter’s February dinner meeting at Pine

Lakes Country Club, Past President Roger Pilcher

presented 1st Vice-President Randy Dymond with a

certificate of appreciation

for the Chapter’s generous

donations to Toys 4 Tots

program in 2016. Toys for

Tots is a nation-wide

program sponsored by the

U.S. Marine Corps

Reserves and provides gifts for children who might

otherwise not receive Christmas gifts.

The February dinner speaker was Mrs. Cindi Dodson

who serves as the Group Sales Representative for

Patriots’ Point in

Charleston. Mrs. Dodson

described the numerous

military attractions

contained at this

Charleston harbor facility.

Included are the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, the

USS Laffey Destroyer, the USS Clamagore

submarine, the Medal of Honor Museum, and a

Vietnam Experience Exhibit. The exhibit is a project

of the State of South Carolina and is governed by a

nine member Board of Directors appointed by the

Governor. The Chapter includes in its budget a

donation to the Medal of Honor Museum.

As the finale of the evening, the chapter honored the

ladies of the Grand Strand Chapter with the

presentation of a rose to each of those in attendance.

Thanks for all your love and support.

Next Chapter Meeting March 14, 2017

5:30 PM

Pine Lakes Country Club

Speaker: LTC Amy Johnston, USA (Ret.)

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ONE POWERFUL VOICE

Application/ANNUAL RENEWAL FORM

Grand Strand Chapter MOAA: (Check one.) __Membership Application __Renewal __ Change of address

Chapter dues: $20.00 a year for regular membership. Auxiliary: $20 per year. Multiple year dues are encouraged to reduce

costs. Make check payable to: “Grand Strand MOAA”. Mail to: MOAA Grand Strand Chapter, P.O. Box 15842, Surfside Beach,

SC 29587.

Last name ___________________________________ First name __________________________ MI ______

DOB ________________ Rank _______ Service __________ Spouse’s name ___________________________

Address ____________________________________ City ____________________ State _____ Zip _________

Home phone ___________________________ Cell phone ______________________________________

Email address __________________________________________________________________________

Are you a member of National MOAA? ________ If yes, please provide membership number:

_____________________

Status: __ Retired __ Active __ Reserve __National Guard __ Former Officer __ Surviving Spouse ___ROTC

__JROTC {My signature verifies that the above information is accurate and that I am eligible for MOAA Chapter membership.}

Dues for year(s) ____________ Amount: $ __________Signature __________________________________

Additional amount (donation) for this year’s scholarship awards: $ _____________________

Current employment (optional):

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Professional skills (optional): _________________________________________________________________

• ROTC cadet membership is available at no cost for students.

MOAA Mission/Purpose: To foster fraternal relations (and mutual support) among retired, active duty, and former

officers of the uniformed services and their National Guard and Reserve counterparts, ROTC cadets, their families and survivors; Assist

community organizations that support service members and veterans and their families; to provide funds for college scholarships for

area high school seniors (normally JROTC students); conduct fund-raising to support other service member and veterans’ programs

(e.g. Wounded Warrior visits); provide annual MOAA leadership awards to graduating cadets in all area high school approved/active

JROTC programs; participate, collaboratively, in coastal community events and activities, as priorities and resources permit; Maintain a

proactive chapter affairs program that supports members during health and other family emergencies; promote the aims and objectives

of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); and, the aims and objectives of the SC MOAA Council of Chapters.