New River Current, December 2015 Page

December, 2015 Vol. 6, Issue 6

New River Chapter Newsletter

President:

Doug Ehrhardt, CAPT., USN (Ret.)

1st Vice President:

Charles Knapp, COL., USA (Ret.)

Secretary/Treasurer:

Ken Lynn, Col., USAF (Ret.)

Programs Committee Chair:

Charles Knapp, COL., USA (Ret.)

Membership Committee Chair:

Currently Vacant

Personal Affairs Committee Chair:

Barbara Sears

Scholarship Committee Chair:

Linda Marsh

Legislative Committee Chair:

Currently Vacant

Past President:

Not Yet Applicable

At-Large Director:

Mik Mikulan, CDR., USPHS (Ret.)

At-Large Director & Veterans Outreach:

Louis Burge, Maj., USAF (Ret.)

Auxiliary/Spouse Liaison:

Currently Vacant

Newsletter Editor:

Ken Lynn, Col., USAF (Ret.)

Webmaster/E-newsletter Editor:

Doug Ehrhardt, CAPT., USN (Ret.)

Inside this issue:

CY 2016 Program……..…………..1

President’s Message………………1

Chapter Happenings & News…….2

Committee Updates……………3/4

Legislative Update…..……………..5

Auxiliary Update…………………...6

Navy & Marine News………………8

Army & Air Force News………….9

Contact Info……………………….10

Copyright © 2015, The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), all rights reserved. Part or all of this message may be retransmitted for information purposes, but may not be used for any commercial purpose or in any commercial product, posted on a website, or used in any non-MOAA publication (other than that of a MOAA affiliate, or a member of The Military Coalition) without the written permission of MOAA and the New River Chapter. All retransmissions, postings, and publications of this message must include this notice.

From the President… I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to make my feelings known in this – my last – column…it’s been a real privilege to be President of the New River Chapter, MOAA for the past six years. The time I’ve spent working with your other officers and Board members has been a remarkable journey. When we chartered in 2009, our planning was

directed by four of us asking one another, “Are you a member of MOAA?” and “Are you a member of a chapter?” The first was easy since we each knew the role MOAA plays in the lives of all military officers – serving, retired, former, Guard and Reserve and spouses of deceased members. The chapter question was more difficult since we also knew there was one called the High Country, but it was all the way over in Boone! Not that a few miles were an obstacle, unless you consider the weather and two mountains to cross in the dark! Anyway, we stood up the New River Chapter with a great deal of celebration…VADM Ryan came to install our team and a group of 36 members. That number has fluctuated since then – some new faces have joined, but regrettably nine members and spouses have passed on. In reflecting upon that, I’m often conflicted with wondering, “What more can we do, or should have done, for them?” It seems clear that as a support body, we want to help the larger military community, but also want to be here for one another in Ashe County. As I step aside, it’s my hope that our Chapter’s accomplishments – 5 star streamers, newsletter awards, scholarship support to local JROTC programs and kudos in MOAA publications for our efforts – aren’t seen as what our chapter really is…and if that’s the impression, then that’s “MY BAD!” It’s just that I know making application to national in these areas is a reflection of the hard work and support that I’ve received from each of you over the last six years. We’re more, and then some. From all of our outstanding meeting programs to the special times sharing camaraderie, the Chapter is a hard working, dedicated and friendly group of retired and former military officers with whom I’m proud to be affiliated. Let’s continue to keep strong and care for one another as we move in to 2016!

Very respectfully, Doug (MOAA Life Member)

2016 Program Schedule to be announced: In the

coming months, Program Committee Chair, Charles Knapp, will lay out a schedule of programs for 2016 based on the inputs and feedback collected from our annual meeting and survey.

5-Star Chapter Awarded For: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

New River Current

New River Current, December 2015 Page 2

New River Chapter Happenings October Annual Meeting Well Attended: At issue was making sure the needs of the membership is

being met. Several ideas were put forward and a survey has been distributed to all members. During the next few months, the Board of Directors will review the results and come back to the membership with recommendations. One change that was approved is that after our December holiday party, we’ll not resume meeting again until May.

New Members: The New River Chapter welcomes new members Chuck

and Lynne Hayes (photo, far right). Chuck, a retired USAF major and former

aircraft maintenance officer served two assignments with Ken Lynn and Ken

attended a school at Chuck’s base where their careers overlapped a third time.

Chuck and Lynne recently relocated from just outside Atlanta, GA to their new

log home located in the Stonebridge community of Todd. Chuck spends much

of his free time as a photographer these days and Lynne has many interests

which includes being a voracious reader and having a strong attachment to the

word game Scrabble. Welcome to the NC High Country and the NRC, MOAA!

Holiday Party Fun: Ivan Blizzard steals Santa’s presents and is denied MOAA membership!

New River Current, December 2015 Page 3

Personal Affairs Committee Report Barbara Sears, Auxiliary Member

On October 16th my life as a Navy wife came full circle. In San Diego the USS Albuquerque was deactivated 33 years after she had served the country proudly during the Cold War and most recently during the crises in the Middle East. In 1983 Scott had become the first post-commissioning commanding officer of this brand new Los Angeles class fast attack submarine, a thrill that never left him. Now I was en route to San Diego to honor him, his crew, and an old gal who had delivered surfaces equal to the number of dives and stealthily sailed millions of

nautical miles in her 33 year career. The day before the deactivation ceremony I had lunch with 4 crew members and their wives at a Mexican restaurant in Old Town San Diego. They were 19 and 20 year old kids when they served on Scott's crew and each told me that they were the men today because of the example he had set as their CO. They told stories about their time on Albuquerque, Scott's generosity of spirit, tactical abilities as their Commanding Officer, and his sense of humor. I share a couple here:

While in Fort Lauderdale Scott had rented a car to get around. He returned from dinner to find one of the guys sitting forlornly in the crew's mess. Scott asked him why he was still on board as most everyone else had liberty. The "kid" said he was without transportation and Scott tossed him the rental car keys and told him to just be careful.

A bunch of the sailors, wanting to get into the spirit of a white Christmas, sat in the freezer one evening and sang Christmas carols. The captain walked by and hearing the strains of a carol, opened the door. He stood there shaking his head, then said, "My life is in the hands of a bunch of crazy people;" after which he entered the freezer, sat down and joined them in song.

Friday, October 16, dawned gray and rainy. It never seemed to fail that '706' came home on overcast, cold, rainy, or snowy days. We called it "Albuquerque weather." As I was escorted to my seat I was greeted by many of the crew and officers whom I had not yet seen. I was seated next to Captain Dick Hartman and his wife. He had been the construction CO; Scott had relieved him. Senator Pete Domenici and his wife, Nancy, were seated nearby. She had been the ship's sponsor, smashing the champagne against the bow for the launching. The ceremony included the usual fanfares as officers were piped aboard and colors presented. Introductions of guests were made and Scott's crew burst into loud applause as my name was

mentioned. What an honor it was for me to represent him. The current CO and the Squadron Commander commented on the history of the boat, told some human interest stories, then the national ensign was lowered for the last time and the crew vacated the submarine. Senator Domenici, who at 83 walks with difficulty, abandoned his walker to walk across the

bridge onto the hull to see his wife recreate her champagne christening with the flowers given to her in gratitude by the crew. I was invited to tour the boat, but declined, wishing to keep my memories from 1983-1986. My last "duty" as a Navy wife was proudly completed. The circle was closed. The boat, its crews, and its officers deserve a Bravo Zulu for 33 years of service to the United States of America.

(To read about the history of the USS Albuquerque, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Albuquerque_(SSN-706).)

New River Current, December 2015 Page 4

Programs Committee Report Charles Knapp, COL., USA (Ret.) & MOAA Life Member

The Christmas holiday season is upon us. We are preparing to travel or receive guests and family. It is my sincerest wish that everyone enjoy the season and entertain and maintain good health in the new year. Thanks to your thoughtful responses to the survey of the Chapter’s activities and programs, changes and adaptations will occur in 2016. Several notable changes will include more socialization at a variety of venues, maybe more libation opportunities, fewer but more public service type programs, earlier meetings, less business conducted at the meetings and old fashion “hard” copy newsletters delivered by snail mail. There are more to be announced elsewhere. March and April will not see regular programs or meetings. Seasonal members can get settled back in the mountains before the 2016 Chapter year begins. As for programs, two major events will provide cornerstones. The first will be a Marathon Jam, a 12 hour music jam, involving anyone who plays any instrument from any locale or musical genre playing gospel, ole time mountain, blue grass, celtic, fusion and so on. Groups, solo instrumentalists and play along musicians will be invited. It will be a first for the High Country. The Jam will benefit The Fisher House network providing no cost housing for families of wounded and hospitalized active duty service personnel. It may also help support our Scholarship program. Many thanks are due Barbara Sears and Earl Inge for introducing the idea and John Santa, the North Carolina spark plug behind Carolina Jams. With the help of these folks, the Jam has already generated considerable interest and offers of support in our community. We are hoping to receive a USAA grant to defray expenses which will permit 100% of proceeds to go to the intended beneficiaries. The second will be organization and hosting of another Town Hall meeting where candidates for the NC House will face off. We have such success beginning with the Civic Center debates that the community believes hosting these public community events is part of our “stick.” No question of the interest and turnout this event will generate. And, it is within our Mission parameters. Several have asked for an update on the production of the motion picture, Hacksaw Ridge, produced by Bill Mechanic, directed by Mel Gibson and starring Andrew Garfield (Desmond Doss), Vince Vaughn (Sgt Howell), Luke Bracey (Pvt. Smitty Ryker) and Sam Worthington. The 52 million dollar true war epic is being filmed on location in New South Wales, Australia and in the studios of Australia’s FOX Films AU. I had the privilege of spending a full week, 12 hours a day, in October, watching the Oscar nominated or awarded cast and crew film some of the horrific battle scenes depicting the assault on Okinawa's Maeda Escarpment in early May, 1945 (photo below). The 77th

Infantry Division, 307 Battalion eventually prevailed at great cost after relieving a decimated (80% casualties) 96th Infantry Division. While the film is a WWII action movie of one, if not the, bloodiest but heretofore untold and unfilled battles of the South Pacific, it features the unparalleled personal bravery, heroics and miraculous accomplishments of one Army company medic, PFC Desmond Doss, who in a six hour solo stand in the face of withering enemy fire on the top of the escarpment, applied life saving first aid to nearly 100 wounded soldiers and then lowered 75 to safety over the 70 foot sheer rock face of the escarpment to relative safety using a single rope and bowline knot to secure them. Doss was the first Conscientious Objector to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. In subsequent years, he has been one of the most highly respected and well known MOH awardees in the MOH Society. Hopefully, I will be able to motivate Lions Gate/Summit, who will market and

distribute the film in North America, to permit a veterans’ invitational showing at the Parkway Theater in late 2016. Even as close as I have been to the Doss story since first meeting him in 1953 while at a summer boot camp and the last 13 years trying to get a feature film made as Chair of the Desmond Doss Council, it was a true thrill to be in the midst of nearly 400 film professionals as they told a true story. The Council is invested with the mandate to protect, preserve and manage Doss’s intellectual property and collections.

New River Current, December 2015 Page 5

MOAA Legislative Update Steve Strobridge, Col., USAF (Ret.), Director, MOAA Government Relations

If you think you’re “fully grandfathered,” think again. We’ve told you the FY 2016 Defense Authorization Act includes a dramatic overhaul of the military retirement system that reduces retired pay value by 20 percent and substitutes a lower-value savings match under a 401(k)-style system. We’ve also told you the new plan will be imposed only on new service entrants on or after Jan. 1, 2018. In other words, all currently in uniform and everyone already retired will be “grandfathered” under the current retirement system. But that’s definitely not the same thing as saying, “No currently serving or retired

servicemember will experience any financial penalty from this change.” Now that I have your attention, let’s look briefly at the new system. Reduced retired pay: Instead of providing 2.5 percent of the highest three years’ average basic pay for each year of service (50 percent at 20 years; 75 percent at 30), it provides 2 percent per year (40 percent at 20 years; 60 percent at 30). Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): To help offset the lost retired pay, servicemembers will be expected to contribute part of their pay to a 401(k)-like TSP. Government TSP contributions: DoD will put 1 percent of basic pay in each servicemember’s TSP account each year. Starting after two years of service, DoD also will match the servicemember’s contribution up to 4 percent of basic pay. Matching deposits will stop after 26 years of service. Vesting: Unlike the current system, servicemembers separating after one or more terms would be able to keep the government contributions to their TSP. Lump-sum retired-pay option: Retirement-eligible servicemembers will be able, if they choose, to receive a portion of their retired pay as a lump sum. The option is to take 25 percent or 50 percent of the total retired pay they would draw between initial receipt of retired pay and age 67. But the amount would be steeply discounted for every year before age 67. The new system will save DoD more than $13 billion in the first 10 years alone. In effect, it makes people who

serve 20-plus years substitute their own money for the government’s. It also makes career servicemembers foot the bill for new payouts to separatees. We’re also concerned the lump-sum payment will entice too many retiring servicemembers to forfeit a very large amount of retired pay for a small fraction of the value in a lump sum. DoD and Congress bash payday lenders for doing essentially the same thing. Some ask, “Why are you making a big deal about this, since it will be years and years before anyone retires under the new system, and it doesn’t affect anyone already serving or retired?” For one thing, wrong is wrong. If these changes were being

inflicted on today’s retirees, we’d say the reduced pay is not commensurate with their sacrifice. We don’t think future servicemembers’ sacrifices will be any less. MOAA has no problems with a vesting provision, but the fact that the changes save billions even after adding this big new cost tells you this is a drill to save money at the expense of those who serve longest and sacrifice most. All the talk about rising personnel costs is simply code for “We don’t think your service and sacrifice is worth what we’re paying you.” MOAA disagrees. But what’s particularly wrong about this drill is it’s not just future retirees being made to foot the bill. Because of the technicalities of congressional budgeting, the changes “scored” as having some relatively near-term costs. And to solve that problem, Congress turned to … you. The next time you pay more for your TRICARE-covered medications, you won’t have to wonder where the extra money went. It went to cover start-up costs for the new military retirement system that (mostly) grandfathered you.

New River Current, December 2015 Page 6

Auxiliary & Spouse Update Gail Joyce, Surviving Spouse Advisory Committee

(Editor’s Note: the New River Chapter Auxiliary and Spouse Liaison position is vacant. If interested in filling the position, contact President Doug Ehrhardt. Read the position description here: https://www.moaa.org/uploadedFiles/MOAA_Main/Main_Menu/AuxLiaisonPD.pdf.) In April 2015, the Auxiliary Member Advisory Committee (AMAC) changed its name to the Surviving Spouse Advisory Committee (SSAC). SSAC members like the name change a lot because we think it reflects who we are. Many people do not know what an “auxiliary” is, but everyone knows the meaning of “surviving spouse.” Based on early feedback, MOAA members

like the name change as well. SSAC members provide information about important issues facing surviving spouses and let you know what is happening at the national level. In turn, we ask our surviving spouse liaisons to let us know what is happening at the council and chapter levels. We communicate with our surviving spouse liaisons in all 50 states by sending emails and making personal telephone calls. MOAA has over 400 chapters and 34 councils. However, a little less than half of those affiliates have a surviving spouse liaison. During the SSAC teleconference in July, we decided to increase the number of council and chapter surviving spouse liaisons in each state. Our goal is to increase the number of surviving spouse liaisons by 20 percent by April 2016. We need your help to accomplish this goal. First, check with your chapter and council leaders and make sure you have a surviving spouse liaison. Then, make sure the surviving spouse liaison’s name and contact information were submitted to MOAA. Some chapters have a liaison, but the information never was given to MOAA. If your chapter or council does not have a liaison, we encourage you to appoint one as soon as possible and give MOAA that person’s name and contact information. We realize some chapters may not have many or any surviving spouses as members. If that’s the case, a chapter member or a chapter member’s spouse could fill the position temporarily until a surviving spouse is found and recruited into the chapter. Increasing the number of surviving spouse liaisons will provide better representation at the chapter and council levels and increase legislative influence and support for issues that affect surviving spouses and their families. Please contact your council president and chapter president and make sure they’ve added the name of your chapter’s surviving spouse liaison to the roster of officers. To update your officer roster online, visit the Council and Chapter Management section of MOAA’s website and link to the MOAA Council/Chapter Officer Form, which will require you to sign in using your password. If you have problems logging in, call MOAA’s Member Service Center at (800) 234-MOAA (6622). Personnel in the Council and Chapters Affairs Department also can add the name of your surviving spouse liaison to your council or chapter roster. Please email chapters@moaa.org and include the name of your council or chapter and the name of your surviving spouse liaison and his or her contact information, including an email address.

Help Local High School Graduates Realize Their Dreams Linda Marsh, Sears Scholarship Committee Chair

For the past several years, the New River Chapter of MOAA has awarded a scholarship to a deserving local JROTC cadet, underscoring our interest in supporting these young people who plan to join the armed forces after graduation from college. As 2015 comes to a close and you’re looking for a bit of tax relief, please consider a donation to the New River Chapter’s Sears Scholarship Fund, or list this scholarship as the recipient of a gift in your Last Will and Testament. You may mail your donation to New River Chapter, MOAA, P.O. Box 1202, Jefferson, NC 28640.

New River Current, December 2015 Page 7

TidBits

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Funny Bone

Soon to be applying for a job at Lee’s

Trees...

Vice Admiral Norbert R. Ryan Jr., USN (Ret.) Stepping Down as President Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, Jr. is stepping down as president of MOAA after 13 years at the helm. Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, USAF (Ret.), has been selected by the Board of Directors to succeed Ryan. Ryan is a 1967 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a graduate of George Washington University with a Master of Science Degree in Personnel Administration as well as the Senior Officials in National Security Program at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He has commanded aviation units at the squadron, wing, and fleet levels and has directed the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs. He served as the 52nd Chief of Naval Personnel before retiring and assuming his current position

in September 2002. Ryan is the recipient of the 2014 Military Hero Award from the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation (PenFed Foundation) honoring those who have demonstrated leadership in providing support and services to returning servicemembers and veterans and their families. He was named the 2010 Association Executive of the Year by Association TRENDS, a national trade publication. He is the first military officer to win this award in its 39-year history. In 2015, Ryan was recognized as one of HillVets 100 most influential and impactful veterans, service members and supporters from 2014. Additionally, under Ryan's leadership, MOAA has been named a “Top Lobbyist” by The Hill newspaper for the past eight years, and the only military service organization so listed for the last five years. Ryan credits MOAA’s wide influence on its membership—especially

council and chapter members. Under his leadership MOAA’s constant refrain has been “people not programs,” and Ryan’s nonpartisan approach has focused on “policy not politics.” Reflecting on his tenure, Ryan emphasizes the collective efforts underlying the association’s achievements during his 13 years which began in 2002. “Together, he stressed, “we’ve made a difference.” He takes particular pride in MOAA’s role as “relentless advocates,” not only for members but also for the entire military community. The New River Chapter thanks Vice Adm. Ryan for his 48 years of combined Navy and MOAA service and thanks him for the many accomplishments MOAA has achieved under his leadership. Most especially, we thank him for officiating at our 2009 Chartering Ceremony (above). Best of luck to you and your wife, Judy!

How to Contact Your State and Federal Representatives

Rep. Jonathan Jordan: NC House of Representatives, 300 North Salisbury St., Room 420, Raleigh, NC 27603-5925; Tel.: 919-733-7727; E-mail: jonathan.jordan@ncleg.net Sen. Dan Soucek NC Senate, 300 North Salisbury St., Room 310, Raleigh, NC 27603-5925; Tel.: 919 733-5742; E-mail: dan.soucek@ncleg.net Rep. Virginia Foxx: 1230 Longworth House Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515; Tel.: 202-225-2071 nc05re-ply@mail.house.gov Sen. Richard Burr: 217 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510; Tel.: 202- 224-3154 Sen. Thom Tillis: G55 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510; Tel: 202-224-6342

New River Current, December 2015 Page 8

Navy News Compiled by Jim Dunne, CAPT., USNR (Ret.) & MOAA Life Member

Under Armour, the sports apparel company known for its over-the-top college football uniforms, designed the Midshipmen’s uniforms seen in this year’s Army-Navy game. Different ship classes appeared on players' helmets based on their position group. For example, quarterbacks wore helmets featuring aircraft carriers and wide receivers submarines. The Academy explained the rationale. For example, linebackers wore helmets featuring the cruiser because the

vessel provides anti-air defense and packs the biggest punch of Naval surface ships representative of the football team’s linebackers. The uniforms also featured the historic battle cry "Damn the torpedoes!" on the pants, jerseys and the palms of the players' gloves in homage to Rear Adm. David G. Farragut's 1864 naval victory at the Battle of Mobile Bay. Players' cleats, base-layer sleeves and jersey shoulders were colored battleship gray while the pants and jerseys were blue and gold. The Marine Corps was also honored with the inclusion of the eagle, globe and anchor emblem on the jersey pants. It’s become tradition for Army and Navy to introduce special uniforms for their annual game...and for Navy to win. The Navy faces a crisis of too few ships, tired sailors and emerging global threats leaving the Pentagon with no easy choices, a new study concludes. The problem is "that demand for naval forces exceeds the supply they can

sustainably deliver," says a Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments report released 18 Nov. Recommended report options for DoD include: - Pull back. Cut its global presence, but that comes amid tensions in Syria, Ukraine and China. - Build more ships. The study says another $4—$7 billion per year is needed to build a fleet that could meet the current global presence while fulfilling training and maintenance needs. - Move another aircraft carrier to Japan to address the Asia-Pacific region. Or, Congress fund the current operating tempo and put more money into sailors' paychecks and maintenance budgets.

Marine Corps News Compiled by Ken Lynn, Col., USAF (Ret.) & MOAA Life Member

Marines celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Officer Candidate School on Brown Field during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA on 24 Nov. OCS has a long history of forging Marine officers to command and lead. OCS’ mission is to educate and train officer candidates in Marine Corps knowledge and skills within a

controlled, challenging and chaotic environment. Prior to WWI, Marine officers either came from the Naval Academy or from the enlisted ranks. In 1891, Marine Corps General Order Number 1 established the predecessor to OCS, which was the School of Application at Marine Barracks Washington. Throughout history, OCS has shifted from one place to another, finally finding its permanent home on Brown Field. The field was once an airfield developed to accommodate aircraft after WWI. It was later named after 2nd Lt. Walter V. Brown, the first pilot fatality from Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico.

Marine Transport Squadron 1 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point was recently recognized by the Naval Safety Center for surpassing 250,000 Class A mishap-free flight hours. After 51 years of flying, the “Roadrunners” celebrated as they achieved a safety milestone that few squadrons achieve. Class A mishaps are incidents with more than $2 million in damage, there is complete destruction of an aircraft, or a fatality or permanent total disability occurs. “It’s about the basics,” explained commanding officer, Lt. Col. Thomas Bedell. “We must remain focused on professionalism.” According to Bedell, his Marines get it right the first time and pass down achieved milestones through several generations of Marines to continue applying safety precautions so the success can endure.

New River Current, December 2015 Page 9

Air Force News Compiled by Ken Lynn, Col., USAF (Ret.) & MOAA Life Member

Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, the Air Force's new personnel chief, pinned on her third star during a ceremony at the Pentagon recently. Grosso, the first female personnel chief in Air Force history, said one of her first tasks would be to get updated on where the Air Force's personnel initiatives and requirements are, and to flesh out the human capital portion of the strategic master plan the service

released earlier this year. Grosso became the deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services in October, taking over for Lt. Gen. Samuel Cox. As the Air Force's A1, she oversees all plans and policies regarding military and civilian personnel management, including end strength management, education and training, compensation, resource allocation and Air Force services worldwide. Northrop Grumman has won the contract to build the US Air Force’s next-generation Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B). Northrop will be building a new fleet of aircraft to replace the Air Force’s aging B-52s and B-1s. As builder

of the B-2 stealth bomber, Northrop beat out a joint Lockheed Martin-Boeing team in a closely watched competition that has lasted months longer than anticipated. The service requested that two independent government cost estimators look at the program. The two groups projected that each bomber will cost $511 million in 2010 dollars on average if 100 planes are built, substantially less than the original $550 million target cost set by then Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. This translates to $564 million per plane in fiscal year 2016 dollars. LRS-B’s projected unit cost is higher compared to the B-1, but significantly lower relative to the $1.5 billion price tag of Northrop’s B-2, according to an Air Force handout. The expected development cost overall for LRS-B is also lower than for the B-2, at $23.5 billion.

Army News Compiled by Ken Lynn, Col., USAF (Ret.) & MOAA Life Member

As a tragedy played out on the other side of the nation, doctors and soldiers at Fort Bragg prepared for their own worst-case scenario last month. A mass casualty exercise at Womack Army Medical Center coincided with the deadly attack in San Bernardino, CA, by pure chance, but

hospital officials said the real world shooting helped put the training exercise on Fort Bragg into focus. Womack performs a mass casualty exercise every six months, practicing for those and other scenarios. This exercise was meant to help the hospital prepare for a situation needing a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive response. In the scenario, a truck carrying the hazardous chemical dimethylamine wrecked outside the Fort Bragg gates. The accident involved several vehicles, including some carrying large numbers of troops. The hospital staff had to treat traditional wreck injuries, as well as exposure injuries from the chemical, which could cause burning or respiratory problems.

Soldiers from the 3rd Special Forces Group received hands-on instruction at Duke University Medical Center earlier this month as they prepare for a new mission in Africa. About a dozen Green Berets, all medics with the Fort Bragg-based group, spent time honing their skills with ultrasound machines. The medics use the machines in lieu of X-rays when deployed in austere environments to help diagnose everything from internal bleeding to kidney stones to bone fractures. They can help medics observe potentially life-threatening problems well before they could travel to a hospital. Dr. Brianne Steele, an assistant professor of surgery and Duke's ultrasound director within its Division of Emergency Medicine, led the workshop.

New River Current, December 2015 Page 10

The New River Current is the Military Officers Association of America New River Chapter bi-monthly newsletter.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1202, Jefferson, NC 28640

Visit the Chapter website: http://www.newrivermoaa.org

E-mail the Chapter: info@newrivermoaa.org

Visit MOAA National’s website: http://www.moaa.org/

MOAA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit veterans' association dedicated to a strong national defense and the preservation of earned entitlements for

uniformed services members, their families and survivors. Membership is open to those who hold or have held a warrant or commission in any

component of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, or NOAA and their surviving spouses.

Regular membership meetings are held at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant in Jefferson starting at 1730

(social time and dinner) 1800 (official program start) on the third Tuesday of the following months unless otherwise noted: May, June, July, August (picnic social), September, October (Annual Meeting) and December (holiday social). Board of Director meetings are held immediately prior to the regular meetings at 1700 hours.

Want to comment? Mail your comments of no more than 150 words to: Editor, New River Current, P.O. Box

1202, Jefferson, NC 28640. All responses must include your name, retired/former rank, and/or affiliation.

NRC Thanks These Local Businesses for Outstanding Chapter Support

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Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jefferson, NC