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TRANSCRIPT
Newsletter
AAFES Retired Employees Association
JULY 2018
Supporting the Interests of AAFES, Its Retirees and the People it Serves
The Votes for AREA Officers are In!
The slate of officers for the new 4-year term of 2018 through 2022 include:
President—Chuck Poffenbarger
Vice-President—Tom Gallagher
Secretary—Don Smith
Treasurer—Terry Corley
Thanks to some generous donations (see details on page 12), AREA has been able to increase
our 2018-2019 program to 12 scholarships for a total of $40,000. Last year AREA awarded
9 scholarships for $29,000. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients!
Abram Qui, the son of Haibo
Qui and Lihua Ju, received
the top AREA scholarship of
$5000 for outstanding
academic achievement and
community involvement. He
will enter Rice University this
fall seeking an Engineering
degree. While attending Marin
High School, Abram achieved
the “Student of the Month”
award, volunteered at a
Hospital and non-profit health care clinic and was a violinist
in the All Region Symphony Orchestra. Abram is a national
finalist in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program and
achieved a perfect ACT score.
Hannah Lei, the daughter of
I-Chen Chen and Michael Lei, received one of two $5,000 scholar-ships awarded. She plans to major
in computer science at one of the four prestigious universities where she has been accepted. Hannah
maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. She received the Presidential Volunteer Service
Award for three years, participated in city government through the Arlington Youth Council and played in the All Region Symphony
and All State Orchestra.
AREA scholarships award story continues on page 8.
Pag e 2 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
C h u c k P o f f e n b a r g e r , P r e s i d e n t
Bit O’ This
Bit O” That
Welcome to the July 2018 summer edition of AREA’s Newsletter.
Our Web Site: www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/
The Officers of the Association – Chuck Poffenbarger (P), Tom Gallagher (VP), Terry Corley (T) and Don Smith (S) were re-elected in the April election. The 4-year term began June 1, 2018 and ends May 31, 2022. Thanks for your support!
SCHOLARSHIP DONOR RECOGNITION PROGRAM:
AREA has a program to recognize the generous donations
from retirees and other sponsors when awarding scholarships.
For large donations of $1,000 or more, we’ll name one of our
ten $3,000 scholarships after the donor, or someone else if
designated, and provide the sponsor with the student’s name
and address should they want to send a congratulatory note.
Likewise, sponsor donations of $2,000 or more are available
for each of our two $5,000 scholarships. Send an email to
Chuck Poffenbarger, [email protected] for further details.
To make a donation of any amount, complete the donation
form in this Newsletter or go to our web site link
YouCaring Donations to use a credit card.
(Note: Scholarships were awarded in late March so donors
desiring to participate in our Donor Recognition Program
during the 12-month period beginning April 1 will be
recognized in our 2019 program.)
Mixed-Up Idioms*
• Don’t judge a book before it’s hatched!
• Every cloud has a silver spoon in its mouth
• It’s not rocket surgery!
• You can’t teach a leopard new spots
• That train has left the frying pan
• Until the cows come home to roost
• Until the pigs freeze over!
• We’ll burn that bridge when we come to it
• You’ve opened your can of worms – now lie in it!
Ten British animal idioms and expressions (and what they mean)*
1. Make a pig’s ear of something (means: If you make a pig’s ear of
something, you make a mess of it.)
2. Have kittens (means: If you’re having kittens, you’re panicking.)
3. All dressed up like a dog’s dinner (means: You’re wearing
ridiculously smart or ostentatious clothes.)
4. A cold fish (means: You’re unemotional, and perhaps even un-
friendly. To sound even more British, add a bit of)
5. Like a bear with a sore head (means: You’re in a very bad mood.
Interestingly, this phrase is more often used to describe men than
women.)
6. Not give a monkey’s (means: be completely indifferent or
unconcerned.)
7. Like a rat up a drainpipe (means: If you move like a rat up a
drainpipe, you move extremely fast.)
8. Be up with the lark (means: If you’re up with the lark, you’re
awake and up and about very early.)
9. The lion’s share (means: if you get the lion’s share of something,
you get most of it (rather than all of it.)
10. Stag night or party and hen night or party (means: If you’re
invited to a stag night or a hen night, be prepared for some pretty wild
partying.)
*Oxford Dictionaries: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/
AREA...JUST FOR YOU
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 3
AAFES Retired
Employees Association
The AREA Newsletter is published in January, April, July and October
Mailing Address: AREA P. O Box 380614 Duncanville, TX 75138-0614
President: Chuck Poffenbarger
[email protected] Tel: (972) 296-0388
Membership & Address Changes:
Send your newsletter address, membership changes, and mem-bership dues to the AREA Membership Director Pat Weaver. Note new e-mail address for Pat: [email protected]
Tel: (972) 780-9810
Newsletter input: Submit articles to the editor by
e-mail to: Marcia Kane at [email protected]
AREA Web address: https://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/
Q: Can you give us an update on the funding status of the Exchange Basic Retirement Plan and the Post-Retirement Medical (PRM) Plan?
YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…
Benefits Q&A—Questions you ask; answers from Exchange Benefits
A: Even though the stock markets have been somewhat volatile recently, 2017 was a year of strong investment returns.
B: The assets in the pension trusts increased from $5.8 billion to over $6.2 billion during 2017. These trust assets are used for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to our current and future retirees. The retirement plans remain well funded and the Exchange continues to take the necessary steps to ensure the plans’ assets provide strong returns while minimizing risk.
The Trustees, with the help of professional investment managers and investment advisors, have developed a well-diversified portfolio across a wide range of investment asset classes. In comparison to 557 other pension plans in Wilshire Consulting’s fund universe, the Exchange’s Basic Retirement Plan’s ranked number 17 over the last 10 years.
(*The goal for the Post-Retirement Medical Plan is to maintain funding at approximately 70 percent. Most companies do not pre-fund their retiree medical costs.) Note: The PRM plan is also used to pay post-retirement dental and life insurance claims for retirees who qualify for continued benefits—see your plan document for details.
Funding Status
2016 2017
Basic Plan 93.4% 98.2%
Post-Retirement Medical (PRM) Plan* 67.2% 75.8%
Your pension benefits are a promise the Exchange has made to you and intends to keep! Our Trustees know the importance of your financial future and are committed to ensuring a secure plan for your retirement.
PLAN TRUSTEES
PHILIP R. STEVENS - Chief Administrative Officer/CIO
JAMES A. JORDAN - Executive Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
LEIGH A. ROOP - Executive Vice President & Chief
Human Resources Officer
KAREN Y. STACK - Executive Vice President & Chief
Logistics Officer
TERRY CORLEY - AREA Representative (PRM Trust)
Pag e 4 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…
Benefits Q&A—Questions you ask; answers from Exchange Benefits
How many AAFES retirees used
MyPenPay in 2017?
A: IT’S EASY! You can make all these changes on the website called “MYPENPAY”. The name is an abbreviation for My Pension Payment:
MY PENsion PAYment
Your changes will go through much faster if you make them online on the “MyPenPay” website, as opposed to the older way of sending in a change form. Here’s the full internet address for MyPenPay: https://aafesretirement.mypenpay.com First Time using the MyPenPay Website
Go to https://aafesretirement.mypenpay.com.
• Select SSN as login preference. Enter SSN (no dashes).
• Enter temporary password provided.
• Select Login.
• Answer three security questions.
• Enter a personal password. Forgot Your Password?
Log onto the website.
• Select “Forgot Password?”
• Select SSN as login reference.
• Enter SSN (no dashes).
• Enter last name as it appears on Check/Advice. (Be sure to enter any extension, such as “Jr” with a space between that and your last name.)
• Select “Submit.” If you had previously logged in, the website will ask the security questions. If you don’t remember the answers, select
“My Password via US Mail,” and the password will be sent within two business days to your address on record.
Q: HOW DO I …change the bank account for my pension direct-deposit? Or my tax withholding on my pension? Or my mailing address for my pension check stub (and everything else related to my retiree benefits)?
Editor’s note: For some of us, even thinking about 2034 may seem impossible. But for active and newly retired associates, this date may come around sooner than they think. We share the following information not to alarm you, or to make you lose sleep at night, but to encourage everyone to tell lawmakers and those running for Congress your opinion on how best to solve this problem. *See AARP’s recommended questions for those running for office in the 2018 midterm election. It would be irresponsible to speculate how our retirement plan might change in response to potential Social Security (SS) rules, but changes would have to be made to our plan due to the interaction between pension benefits (prior to age 65—that is, the bridge payment) and the pension payment one would receive after becoming eligible for SS benefits.
AREA NEW SLETTER April 2018 Pag e 5
YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…
Year 2034—Not That Far Away
According to a 2018 report by the Trustees of the Social Security Trust, Social Security will be insolvent by 2034 if we don’t act now! The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget did an analysis of the June report and summarized their findings as follows:
The Trustee project that the Social Security program faces a large and growing funding imbalance that must be addressed promptly to prevent across-the-board benefit cuts or abrupt changes in tax or benefit levels. This year’s report shows:
• Social Security Will Run Permanent Deficits. For the first time since 1982, the program will spend more than it raises in revenue and collects in interest. The gap will total $900 billion over a decade. On a cash-flow basis, Social Security will run a deficit of $85 billion this year and $1.7 trillion over the next decade.
• Social Security Faces Large Long-Term Imbalances. The Trustees estimate Social Security faces a 75-year shortfall of 2.84 percent of payroll (1.0 percent of GDP), growing to 4.32 percent of payroll (1.5 percent of GDP) by 2092. That means payroll taxes will need to be increased by 22 percent or scheduled benefits cut by a sixth (or some combination) to ensure 75-year solvency; ultimately, taxes will need to be increased by a third or benefits reduced by 26 percent.
• Social Security Will Be Insolvent by 2034. The Trustees project depletion of the Disability Insurance trust fund by 2032 and the Old-Age & Survivors Insurance trust fund by 2034. On a theoretical combined basis, the trust funds will run out by 2034 – the same as last year’s projections. At the time of insolvency, all beneficiaries will face a 21 percent across-the-board benefit cut.
• The Problem Is Similar To Last Year, But Has Deteriorated This Decade . Social Security’s 75-year shortfall rose from 1.92 percent of payroll in 2010 to 2.83 percent last year and 2.84 percent this year. The 2034 insolvency date is the same as projected last year, but three years earlier than projected in 2010.
• Lawmakers Should Start Making Changes Now. Social Security insolvency is not that far away – when today’s 51-year-olds reach the normal retirement age and today’s youngest retirees turn 78. Waiting 16 years to act would mean any tax hikes or benefit cuts have to be 35 to 40 percent larger.
Protecting Social Security’s solvency is vitally important for the country’s overall fiscal outlook and the 86 million beneficiaries
who will be on the program when the trust funds are exhausted in 2034. Swift action is needed to prevent seniors, surviving dependents, and people with disabilities from facing abrupt cuts in just a few years.
AARP says there are 5 questions about Social Security you should ask your candidates during the midterm 2018 Election:
1. How would you improve service? Many people encounter long waits on the phone or in person because of staff cuts and closure of offices.
2. Are you committed to having annual cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments keep up with inflation? (Editor’s note … the current administration has proposed some COLA changes, but no change has been supported by most lawmakers in either party so far.) Unlike the former Civil Service Retirement Service (CSRS) plan and the various DoD NAF defined benefits retirement plans, most retirees don’t get a defined retirement benefit; and those who get a check from their employer, most don’t get a COLA.
3. Would you raise the age for full retirement benefits? Lawmakers have raised it before to help keep the trust fund solvent.
4. Would you raise the cap on payroll taxes? Workers pay into Social Security only for the first $128,400 earned in 2018. Raising the cap would boost funding.
5. Where do you stand on disability benefits? Some politicians want to increase funding to speed up the claims process. Others want to cut funding and encourage more people to start working again. (Editor’s Note: The Exchange has an external specialized vendor help our disabled associates with the application for Social Security Disability benefits, and appeals if the initial application is denied.) Contact [email protected] or call 1 -800-519-3381 if you have questions.
Source: AARP Bulletin/ Real Possibilities, June 2018. See the complete article in the June issue of the AARP Bulletin.
Pag e 6 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…
Updated “Helpful Information for AAFES Dependents on Pension and Insurance Benefits” Available
The updated June 2018 brochure is too big to include in the newsletter, but it will soon be available on the AREA web site: https://
www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/. Look under the “Miscellaneous” category, “Benefits” tab.
We strongly recommend printing off a copy and keeping it in a safe place along with your will and other important papers. Discuss
the document with your spouse and/or others that will be responsible for handling your affairs after you are gone. Make sure they
know what is uniquely applicable to your survivors. For example, if you don’t have Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), let your
survivors know that you don’t have that type of life insurance coverage.
Retiree Benefits Info (Important Ages and Contacts): Links and contacts are also available on the AREA
website shown above. Here is a copy of the handout:. If you want a full-size copy, contact [email protected].
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 7
“The Exchange is reaffirming its commitment to hiring 50,000 Veterans and military spouses by 2020. The
Exchange was recently named a 2018 Top 10 Military Friendly Employer® and Military Spouse Friendly
Employer® by Victory Media. Since 2010, the Exchange has hired more than 1,100 Wounded Warriors. The
announcement comes as the Exchange began serving honorably discharged Veterans through a lifelong online
military exchange shopping benefit. All who served honorably receive military-exclusive pricing and tax-free
shopping at ShopMyExchange.com. Eligibility to shop can be verified at ShopMyExchange.com/Veterans or
VetVerify.org. Veterans, military spouses and others seeking employment with the Exchange can visit Apply
MyExchange.com to view job opportunities worldwide.” See the complete June Director/CEO newsletter at:
https://www.aafes.com/Images/leadership/ceo-newsletter-june2018.pdf
From the Director/CEO June 2018 Newsletter—50,000 Veterans and Military Spouses by 2020
A Special Note From Your Editor: On June 1, 2015 I took
over the preparation of this quarterly AREA newsletter from
Larry Phillips. It is a great volunteer job and I am forever
grateful to Larry for his continuing advice and help to bring
you news that you want. One challenge I have had in recent
months is the flare-up of my cervical spinal stenosis and as I
finalize this newsletter, I find that I am “feeling” the
degenerative discs more and more.
As a result, I’ve asked Chuck Poffenbarger and the AREA
BOD to consider some ideas for the future of this newsletter
and I would very much like your thoughts. First, see the
below advertisement for this unpaid, but very fulfilling, job
as your AREA Newsletter Editor. I hope to continue in this
role for awhile unless I have to have surgery sooner, but we
need to know now if someone is willing to take on this job. I
will guide you through the process and help in any way I can
to teach you how to prepare the newsletter. Larry still serves
me well as my “proofer” and I am sure he will continue to
help any way he can.
The AREA BOD is also considering my proposal to eventu-
ally transition to a fully up-to-date internet-based publication
that will bring you news as it happens via your e-mail in-
box. The planned target date is 2020. This will follow
what’s happening with other newsletters, and fits in with
the new way The Exchange publishes “The Exchange
Post” (see article on page 13) .
Instead of hearing about Christmas parties in April, we could
give you this news in real time and get you information weekly
or monthly depending on the news traffic. Also, the benefits
branch would have a better way to communicate with retirees
on “time sensitive” benefits information, such as the recent
benefits fairs, free health screenings at AAFES facilities, etc.
Eliminating the “hard” copy of the newsletter would save
approximately $2,340 each quarter. (This was the billed amount
from our printer for the April 2018 edition of the newsletter.)
Even with newly eligible and current retirees now switching to
the “on-line” copy of the quarterly newsletter, the expense to
print and mail the newsletter is simply not sustainable. I have
proposed to the AREA BOD that we consider dropping or
eliminating the separate National Membership dues for those
who pay dues to a local Chapter. For those who want the
National AREA Membership only, we think a nominal fee
would be appropriate, less than the $17 charged now.
Your president Chuck Poffenbarger and I would like to
hear from you regarding these ideas. NO FINAL
DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME.
WE ARE SIMPLY CONSIDERING FUTURE CHANGES!
Please send your comments/suggestions to your AREA
President at [email protected] or to me at
Marcia Kane
AREA Information Officer and Newsletter Editor
AREA BOD Looks To the Future of the Quarterly Printed AREA Newsletter
Do You Want to Volunteer to be the future AFEA Newsletter Editor? Here is your chance to shine!
Please apply for the exciting volunteer AREA Editor job today by sending a message to Chuck
Poffenbarger. We’d like to know more about you and when you could fill this position. Some experience
in editing, writing, or developing a website newsletter is helpful but not required. (Most of us still have
some “brain cells” left to learn!) If you have specific questions on how the process works you can also
contact Marcia Kane the current editor at [email protected].
Apply Today and Make a Difference!
Tom Shull, Exchange Director/CEO
Pag e 8 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
Scholarships Awarded for 2018-2019 (story continued from page 1)
Rohan Vemu is the son of Srinivas Vemu.
He was awarded the top $3,000 scholarship.
He will attend the University of
Pennsylvania, majoring in Bioengineering.
Rohan is an Eagle Scout and was on the
Honor Roll for three years. He also served
as a Research Intern at the Universities of
Pennsylvania and Washington. In addition
to his scholastic achievements, Rohan
played the violin as an All State Texas
Musician.
Audrey Wall is the daughter of
Michael Wall and a $3,000 scholar-
ship awardee. A member of the Na-
tional English Honor Society, she
plans to major in General Sciences at
the University of North Georgia at
Dahlonega. She achieved a 4.1 GPA
as well as serving as Cadet Captain in
her Junior Reserve Officer Training
Corps (JROTC). Audrey’s goal is to
become a Pediatric Nurse
Practitioner in a military hospital.
Megan Brett, the daughter of Kevin Brett, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. She will be a Business/Pre-Dental
major at Texas A&M University. Megan is the Captain of the Varsity Golf Team, a member of Student Council and
the National Honor Society. To support her dream of becoming an Orthodontist, Megan maintained a 4.7 GPA. She
wants to practice in third world countries in order to bring much needed dentistry to those in need.
Jeremy Lee is the son of Andrew and Vicki Lee and recipient of a
$3,000 award. He is an Eagle Scout and member of the Mountain
View College Honor Society, and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor
Society. He has taken five college level courses while attending
High School. Jeremy plans to major in Pre-Law at one of the four
prestigious Universities where he has been accepted.
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 9
Scholarships Awarded for 2018-2019 (continued from page 8)
Elise Tyler, the daughter of
Christopher Tyler, is the recipient
of a $3,000 scholarship. She is a
member of National Honor Society,
International Thespian Society and
German Honor Society. She
managed the Boys Varsity and
Junior Varsity Soccer Teams,
tutored Middle School students and
played in the school band and
orchestra. Elise is Pharmacy major
who plans to attend Regis
University in the fall.
Ozias Wright is the son of Terri
Wright and a $3,000 scholarship
winner. He is a Mechanical Engi-
neering major and plans to attend
Sul Ross State University. Ozias
was on the Honor Roll throughout high school and volunteered at the
Central Texas Boys and Girls Club. He was named the 2017 Offensive
Most Valuable Player as a member of the football team as well as playing
on the Central Texas All Star team. Ozias is certified by the National
Institute for Automotive Service in Automotive Technology.
Brooke Christoffersen, the daughter of
Shawn Waldrop, was awarded a $3000
scholarship. She will attend Dallas
Baptist University studying Music
Education this fall. Brooke volunteered
for the National Honor Society, served
in student government and achieved an
Advance Placement Scholar Award.
For two consecutive years, she was
honored as an Outstanding Performer
in the solo and ensemble contests.
She aspires to be a music teacher.
Sebastiano Porter, the son of
Gregory Porter, was award-
ed at $3000 scholarship. He
will major in Biology at Point
Loma Nazarene University in
the fall. Sebastiano is a mem-
ber of the National Honor
Society and the National
Society of High School
Scholars. In addition to his
academic achievements, he
volunteers at the North Texas
Food Bank and the Duncan-
ville Recreation Center.
Sebastiano aspires to attend
Medical School.
Pag e 10 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
Scholarships Awarded for 2018-2019 (continued from page 9)
Tyrell Frederick, the son Bettina
Ciciriello-Frederick, was awarded a $3000
scholarship. He plans to major in History at
Sacramento State University. Tyrell served
in student government as well as participat-
ing in the Model United Nations.
He was awarded Certificates of Excellence
and Recognition from the San Bernadino
Superintendent of Schools and the
California Legislature Assembly. He hopes
to serve in the United States Air Force.
Leona Walton, the daughter of Kristen
Schmied, was awarded a $3000 scholarship.
She will attend Florida State University as a
Biology major. She graduates Summa Cum
Laude and is a member of the National Honors
Society. She is a volunteer and a member of
the Cross Country and Track and Field Team.
She attended medical classes at Florida State
University during the summer and aspires to
be a surgeon.
This year the AREA Scholarship Program Evaluation Committee was again
made up of volunteers taking time to apply exceptional judgement to the evalua-
tion process. I personally thank Don Smith, Robert Ellis, John Tokar, Richard
Sheff, and Mary Waldsmith. We also had Dr. Jim Skibo, an active executive
from HQ AAFES, as our Scholarship Liaison Member. We sincerely appreciate
the time and effort these committee members took to make the scholarship
program a success!
Don’t forget about next year. If you know a qualifying student entering his or her
first college semester in the Fall of 2017, make sure he/she reviews our Scholarship
Program requirements on the AREA web site (see next page for the link).
Note: Parents (or Grandparents) of the student being nominated must be a member of
the national AREA organization (and not just a local AREA chapter member).
Michelle Priester
AREA Scholarship Program Director
AREA Scholarship Program
This year AREA awarded ten $3,000 and two $5,000 scholarships to high school grad-
uating students for a total amount of $40,000. As I read the bios of our awardees on
pages 1 and 8 through 10, I was stuck by what smart and talented young people we
are helping. This year’s program beats last year’s award amount of $29,000 given to
nine students. I am also proud to tell you that with the 2018-2019 awards, AREA
members have given out a total of $784,795 in Scholarship Awards since 1985 to a
total of 358 students. In 1985 AREA gave a total of $2,000 to four recipients so the
program has grown significantly thanks to you.
So why the increase this year? We were blessed to receive generous donations by a number of people and Chapters.
So what are YOU waiting for? Make a difference in some student’s life and donate today! Here’s how:
Option #1: Complete the donation form (see pages 26-27) and mail it together with your check to the address at the top of the document.
You can also email the completed form to Pat Weaver, Membership Director, at [email protected].
Option#2: Donate any amount using a credit card at our web site link: https://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association
Under the Community Programs section (on the right side of the web page), go to the 2nd bullet item, “YouCaring Donations”. When you
click on the link, it will connect you to the ‘AREA-sponsored Internet Scholarship Donation Page’ where you can use a credit card.
We now recognize donors making large contributions to the AREA Scholarship program (see pages 26-27):
• For donations of $1,000 or more, we’ll name one of our ten $3,000 scholarships after the donor, or someone else if designated,
and provide the sponsor with the student’s name and address should they want to send a congratulatory note.
• Likewise, sponsor donations of $2,000 or more are available for each of our two $5,000 scholarships. Send an email to Chuck
Poffenbarger at [email protected] for further details. We award scholarships in late March so donors desiring to participate
in our Donor Recognition Program beginning April 1 will be recognized in our 2019 program.
So how does the program work? Here’s a short synopsis: The program is limited to graduating high school seniors. General, Personal and Student Academic criteria, as well as scholarship
applications, are listed on the AREA web site (see above link). The same site sets out the specific requirements for applying for a
scholarship, e.g., application period, minimum SAT and ACT scores, etc. Applications must be sent to the scholarship com-
mittee during the designated enrollment period – January 1 through March 31 of each year. AREA administers the
program through an appointed AREA Scholarship Program Director. Committee members lay out the parameters of the program
each year, which are ultimately approved by the AREA board of directors.
Michelle Priester
AREA Scholarship Program Director
PO Box 75138 Duncanville, TX. 75138
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 11
Notable Named Donations for the 2018-2019 Scholarship Year
• Charlene Kon on behalf of her father Charles Kon who retired from AAFES in 2001
after 33 years of service. His title was computer systems analyst.
• Marilyn Iverson, who worked for AAFES for 35 years and retired in 2006 as the Chief
Operating Officer (COO).
• Karen Forsyth, who worked for 30 years and retired in 2003 as VP Corporate Planning
& Communication.
• AREA’s North Texas Chapter in memory of Brenda Morgan, who retired from
AAFES in 2007 as a Supervisory Senior Business Program Specialist.
• Robert Pardue, Chief, Payroll and Benefits Branch, retired in 1996 after 27 years.
Donate $1,000 or more to the AREA Scholarship Program and we’ll name one
of our ten $3,000 scholarships after you, or someone you designate, and let the
student know, if you desire. Likewise, donate $2,000 for each of our two
$5,000 scholarships.
To make a donation of any amount, complete the donation form in this News-
letter on pages 26-27, or go to our web site link on the AREA web site. Use
the YouCaring Donations option (described on page 11) to use a credit card.
(Note: We award scholarships in late March so donations from April on will
be included in our next program.) For further details, contact Chuck Poffen-
barger, AREA President at [email protected].
AREA Scholarship Program
www.aafes-com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/
To Scholarship Donor
From: AAFES Dependent
Subject: AREA Scholarship
Thank You for your financial assistance and moral support. Your contribution
gave me confidence to realize that I could get through this successfully.
A Grateful Student
Pag e 12 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 13
Community Service Awards
PO Box 380614 Duncanville, TX. 75138-0614
AREA… contributing to the future
The Retired Employees Association recognizes Exchange retirees, associates (and their children) who volunteer their time and
devote other resources, such as personal knowledge and expertise, to help improve the economic, civic and social health of the
communities where they live and work. The Community Service Review Committee reviews the nominations and selects those
who will be recognized for their commitment to their communities’ well-being. Richard Fregoe chairs the committee and Jerry
Cloud and Chuck Poffenbarger are voting members. If you have a nomination, please submit to Chuck Poffenbarger by e-mail
to: [email protected], or mail to: AREA, PO Box 380614, Duncanville, TX 75138-0614
See page 25 for the updated Community Service nomination form. The form is also available on our web site:
https://www.aafes.com/Images/Community/AREA/nom_form_2018.pdf
Your Exchange Post Now Provides You With Real-Time News In 1955, the first Exchange Post rolled off the press. Back then, the
associate newspaper was a monthly broadsheet. In 1998, the Exchange
Post became a monthly magazine.
How times have changed!
Today, The Exchange Post is all digital and releases at least weekly to keep
you informed in real time about Exchange news right on your computer
screen, cellphone or tablet.
The Exchange Post updates you on Exchange initiatives and achievements
and spotlights exceptional stories among associates. One recent feature
focused on 12 AREA college scholarship awardees. Another story
highlighted the Exchange being named a best employer for Veterans.
You should have received an email that looked like the image at left that
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browse all our articles at TheExchangePost.com.
Exchange Corporate Communications Editor/Historian Steve Smith serves
as The Exchange Post’s editor. Contact him with questions or to have The
Exchange Post delivered to your inbox. His phone number is 214-312-3831
or contact him through his e-mail “[email protected]”.
Pag e 14 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
Vietnam-era Veterans received lasting mementoes to honor their sacrifice during pinning ceremonies at Army
& Air Force Exchange Service stores around the world on March 29—National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
The lapel pins, provided in partnership with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, are a token
of the Nation’s appreciation for these heroes, who, decades ago, did not receive the homecomings they deserved.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the Office of the Secre-
tary of Defense to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The U.S. began commemoration of the
Vietnam War’s 50th anniversary in 2012 and will continue through Veterans Day 2025. The Exchange is a 50th
Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize
Vietnam Veterans and their families for service, valor and sacrifice in conjunction with the Commemoration.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service Honors Sacrifices of Vietnam Veterans Worldwide
Tom Shull, Exchange Director/CEO
It was a beautiful day over North Vietnam on June 5, 1967 as Major Durward Priester and his back-seater Captain John Pankhurst escorted bombers on a combat air patrol in their McDonnell F-4C Phantom II fighter jet. As the aircraft approached their target, Priester spotted two North Vietnamese MiG-17 aircraft taking off from Phuc Yen airfield. These Soviet built single seat fighters were nimble and deadly to the American F-4C in the hands of an experienced pilot. The two MiGs flew toward the safety of the Chinese border but Priester knew that a typical “stack three” formation indicated a third MiG out there.
The third MiG was spotted at 8000 feet and Priester descended to engage him. Mid-air “dog fights” with the smaller MiG were risky because the F-4C Phantom, equipped with air to air missiles, had no automatic weapons for close range fighting. Due to losses earlier that year, Priester’s ground crew at DaNang Air Base had installed a 20mm cannon on the bottom of the aircraft.
The MiG executed a hard right turn and Priester fired the cannon, missing the shot. He remembers that he “relaxed and fired a second short burst and could see the rounds hitting behind the MiG’s canopy. A big ball of fire rolled out of the MiG’s tail and it crashed into a military barracks area.”
Priester’s kill was the fourth and last MiG shot down by an F-4C Phantom with a 20mm cannon in 1967. The introduction of gun pods played a major role in forcing the North Vietnamese to re-evaluate their tactics. Today, most fighter planes still carry internal guns to supplement their missile arsenals.
Colonel Durward Priester, USAF retired with 32 years of service, was awarded the Silver Star and is also a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross with oakleaf clusters. Michelle Priester, his daughter, retired from the Exchange in 2011 with 30 years of service.
Major Durward Priester
If you have a family member who served in Vietnam, and you’d
like to share their story/photos, please send them to me at:
Marcia Kane, AREA Newsletter Editor
In Washington, D.C., Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, a West Point
graduate who began his Army service during the Vietnam era, received
a pin on behalf of the Exchange during a ceremony at the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial.
Vietnam War Veterans Day stories
(continued on next page)
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 15
The Exchange Honors Sacrifices of Vietnam Veterans (stories continued from page 14)
Dalton K. Murayama (worked for AAFES from Aug 1971 - Aug 2001) As soon as I graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Architecture
Degree, I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the US Army Corps of
Engineers and honorably served two years on active duty. From May 1970-May 71,
I served as a 1LT Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer with the "A"
Company 7th Engineer Battalion (Mechanized) in I Corps in Quant Tri, Vietnam (near
the DMZ). Our company was attached to the 1st Brigade 5th Infantry Division
(Mechanized), identified by a "Red Diamond" patch. I received a Purple Heart Medal
(injured on March 17, 1971 on St. Patrick's Day in RPGs ambush near Khe Sanh) and
very luckily survived with ear drums and shrapnel injuries. Our unit went on operations
with the 5th Infantry all over I Corps and often lived in underground bunkers at Fire
Support Base (FSB) C-2 and A-4 near the DMZ. Overall, I also received two Bronze
Star Medals (second medal being a Bronze Oak Leaf); with one medal being for Opera-
tion Lam Son 719 (covered in Part 9 of 10 in the Vietnam Series by Ken Burns and Lynn
Novick). I was fortunate coming home from Vietnam in Hawaii as the airport customs
attendant greeted me, "Welcome home, Brah!" I still keep in touch with a few Vietnam
veterans from our unit in PA, TX, MD, and HI. We all served honorably, and quietly
did our duties when called upon. We are all humbled and appreciative to be here today.
Interestingly, in Fort Leonard Wood, I was assigned as a 2LT Assistant Exchange
Officer in the Equipment and Facilities Branch (I think the Exchange Officer was
MAJ Bloomfield).
My parents legally immigrated to Hawaii from Fukuoka, Japan; my Dad in 1912 and
my Mom in 1915 and they got married in 1915 in Hawaii. I was born and grew up in
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii and graduated from Lahainaluna High School, established in
1831 by missionaries.
Dalton At FSB C-2
Dalton at FSB A-4
Dalton at “Above and Beyond” display in Chicago of 58,300-plus dog tags of veterans
who died in Vietnam Conflict
Vietnam Pinning at NAS JRB Fort Worth Exchange in March 2018
Vietnam War Veterans Day stories
(stories continued on next page)
Dalton K. Murayam
today at the Romeo
Coffee Club (see pg. 22)
Pag e 16 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
March 29—National Vietnam War Veterans Day
HQ AAFES Store “Pinning Ceremony”
My husband Patrick C. Kane (front row standing on the right) was one
of the many Vietnam Vets honored that day across the country.
Patrick C. Kane an Army
MP in Vietnam (1971-1972)
Patrick Kane wearing his
Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin
and his American Flag Pin
Patrick C. Kane, served two tours in Vietnam. His service is a little unusual in that he served in the Navy and after a break, in the Army as well. His Navy in-country tour in Vietnam was during 1968-1969. The second in-country Vietnam tour was while he was in the Army during 1971-1972. He went to Vietnam as a Military Policeman in the Army and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant at the Presidio of San Francisco in April 1973. We were married after he returned from Viet Nam on January 27, 1973, at the chapel on the Presidio of San Francisco Army Base in CA. When Patrick got his discharge later that year, he worked for the Exchange at Presidio of SF as an Exchange Detective until he got a full time position at the Post Office. He got re-employed with AAFES in San Antonio at the Distribution Center as a Security Specialist in 1977. He terminated employment with AAFES again in the early 1980’s to go to work for “General Dynamics” in Ft. Worth, TX). He worked in different security positions until he retired from Lockheed Martin in 2002. (Lockheed Martin was the company that took over General Dynamics in Ft. Worth, TX) .
Patrick Kane’s wife Marcia Kane retired from The Exchange Benefits Branch in 2005 with 33 years service.
The Exchange Honors Sacrifices of Vietnam Veterans (stories continued from page 15)
Meaning of the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 17
Alamo Chapter—Brenda Borland
The Alamo Chapter of the AREA held their annual picnic in April at the home of Len and Rhoda Freitas. The potluck included fried chicken and drinks provided by the AREA. A loud friendly game of Left, Center, Right was played with Tom Gross taking away a gift certificate as the winner.
Brenda and Ron Nagle
Mike Bresnok, Kathy Jackson, Mark Porter, Dan Forsch, Jackie Robinson Around the table--Yolie Guardiana, Ella Trevino, Bette
Rhorer, Diane Gross, Mike Rhorer, Tom Gross, Janice Dobbs, Tony Trevino, Rick Forsyth
Standing--Brenda Borland, Shannon Soefje, Retha Freitas, Marilyn Cerna, Song Choe
The Alamo Chapter in San Antonio celebrated an early Mother's Day at Silo Elevated Cuisine. The 27 attendees were given a choice of 5 different entrees and enjoyed a 3 course meal. As always, great food and wonderful service.
Brenda says it was like “herding cats” to get this Mother’s Day luncheon photo. Too many to identify!
Augusta Chapter – Cynthia Grzbowski I am so very happy to announce the new Officers for the AREA Augusta Chapter: Jean Crittenden- President:
Joni Armitage- Vice President; June Caldwell- Secretary; Cindy Grzybowski- Treasurer
Thank you to Brenda Akridge, previous Vice-President and Secretary, Rita McLaughlin, previous Treasurer, and
Janet Adams, previous Treasurer, for their outstanding efforts, loyalty and support during the time I was President.
I couldn't have made it without you all! I know Jean Crittenden will do an outstanding job and bring new life to
our chapter as she looks at what exciting things we can do with her “new eyes”. Please mark your Calendars ...our
next meeting will be 27 August 2018 at the Jamestown Community Center.
Cynthia Grzybowski
AREA Augusta-President, outgoing!
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Ft Dox-McGuire Chapter—Betty O’Brien
Dear fellow AREA members: I have some awesome news! No ….I’m not getting married (smile). God has provided me with another opportunity to serve, one as a missionary again this summer! My church, First Baptist Church of Mt Holly, NJ is sending a short-term missionary team to Puerto Rico. If you remem-ber, PR was devastated last summer by two hurricanes’ and many of the people on this island are still without the basics needs. Our missionary team will be heading out from July 28 through August 4 2018, joining hundreds of other volunteers help rebuild and restore hurricane ravaged Puerto Rico. The total cost for each person is $750 for the week, including airfare. If you would like to contribute any funds to help us go, that would be a blessing! Send checks to the First Baptist Church of Mt. Holly, 1340 Woodlane Road, Eastampton, NJ 08060 or go online to: fbcmh.org/give. (Choose quick give or login and then choose Puerto Rico). Also note that any donation for this cause is tax deductible. I would ask that you pray for our group during this time frame. God is doing great things in my life providing strength and courage to continue to serve and help others. God Bless, Betty O’Brien
Northern California Chapter – Ken “Tom” Keim
We met at a new (to us) restaurant for our May meeting at the Waffle Shop in North Highlands. Our room, food and service all met with good
favor, so much so that we decided to return for our November meeting when we have our annual holiday auction. Members and guests in
attendance were: Doris Aplass, Margaret Belcher, Rosie Boyce, Yaeko Cooper and friend Maya, Lisa Denny and her friend Helga who is visiting
from Germany, Bob and Fran Desrochers, Maureen Dobert, Dianne Hobbs, Yukie Hoffman, Rosa LaBoeuf, Richard Mason, Gloria Masse,
Phoebe Murrell, Margie Scheatzle, Kristin Taylor, Jerri Thomas, Fatma and Jerry Thomason, Stella and Mike Winch and Lee Woodward and her
sister Marian Brock.
We enjoy getting together each month and the conversations never stop. Our main purpose is social, staying in touch with our AAFES family but
we do take pride in donating to the VA hospital and other organizations when we can. We voted for and are pleased to be returning to Casa Gar-
den Restaurant in October. The money raised from this nonprofit restaurant mainly goes to the Sacramento Children’s Home. (May Luncheon
photos shown next.)
Bake Sale workers taking a rest
Spring Bake Sale
Our annual spring bake, book and craft sale held on March 31 was a great success. Starting at 9:00 AM and lasting till
2:45 we made $636.00 which included the $132.00 that was donated at our last meeting. Thanks to each of you for all your
help and contributions.
Bake Sale workers waiting for customers
Pag e 18 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 19
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
North Texas Chapter—Richard Sheff and Chris Gehringer
April 22—Theater Coppell—Communicating Doors
JoAnn & Jack Leavitt, Lena Poffenbarger, Sue Sheff, Chuck
Poffenbarger
Roy & Linda Dean
Leon & & Marilyn Levin
Richard & Sue Sheff
Congratulations to our member, Barry Gordon!
From Barry Gordon, newly elected Mayor of Duncanville TX ...
"To all those who have sent me messages, I am deeply grateful for your friendship and best wishes. It is humbling and encouraging to know that folks from the various chapters in our lives remain lifelong friends.
It's still a bit overwhelming to see the level of voter support. Marlyse and I never took anything for granted, working hard to garner support and understanding from the citizens of Duncanville. For those wondering if the age of mira-cles has past, know for certain that it has not. This election is truly one of God's miracles.
Blessings to y'all."
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Pag e 20 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
North Texas Chapter—Richard Sheff and Chris Gehringer (continued)
May 9—Texas Rangers Game: Great Day at the Ballpark – with a Rangers Win!
Jerry & Sandy Johnston
Dale & Cheri Linebarger with daughter, April and
Granddaughter Genevieve
Roy & Linda Dean Keith & Sandy Boettiger Chris Gehringer with Grandson, Tristan
Congratulations to our North Texas
Chapter Member Jerry Cloud
The Mansfield, Texas High School (MHS) Key Club presented Jerry Cloud, North Texas Chapter-AREA, VP-Membership, with the Outstanding Kiwanis Advisor Award on April 19, 2018 in recognition of his dedicated leadership and service to the MHS Key Club, the Texas-Oklahoma District and Kiwanis Club of
Mansfield for 2017-2018. Jerry is a 20-year member of the Mans-field, Texas Kiwanis Club and substitute teacher for the Mansfield Independent School District. He was nominated for the award at the annual Key Club District Convention held recently at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dallas. He is pictured with the MHS Key Club Board. Key Clubs are high school student-led service organizations under the auspices of Kiwanis International. The Kiwanis organiza-tion serves the children of the world. Kids need Kiwanis and Kiwanis needs you!!
Jerry Cloud (center) with the MHS Key Club Board
CHAPTER HAPPENINGS
Buddy Harrington, Tom Minton,
Chuck Poffenbarger, Joe Krivis, and
Judy Hanson
NTC AREA BENEFITS LUNCHEON
We had a very successful speaker luncheon at Mercado Juarez in June. The food, service, space, handouts and speakers were great. We had a total of 77 people attend the luncheon.
North Texas Chapter—Richard Sheff and Chris Gehringer (continued)
Table of Friends! Judy Hanson & Jerry
Johnston Julie Emory & Amanda Dooley & SS Speakers
Back in 1993 several friends and Arlington neighbors retired after a wonderful career with AAFES. Having some time on their hands Roy Dean, Gary Conroy and Bruce Luedke decided to gather weekly for coffee at the local la Madeleine’s and to solve all the world problems. Yes, it has been that long ago, and 25 years later the group of AAFES retirees are still meeting every Friday morning at 9:00 at the la Madeleine French Bakery & Café located at 1201 N. Collins St. in Arlington.
It wasn’t long before more and more AAFES alumni joined the coffee group. They soon became known as the ROMEO Fri-day Coffee Club. Don’t let the “ROMEO” name fool you. It’s not a romantic innuendo. These Romeos are Retired Old Men Eating Out. Of course that was before some of the women retired and joined the group, but the women didn’t want to be included in the “old” part so the name was left it as it was.
It’s not an exclusive club. Everyone is invited. We all have other obligations and other interests that includes traveling, so on any given Friday we can have up to 15 people or as few as 6. You’re invited to come when you can. So, what keeps us coming back week after week since 1993?
ROMEO Friday Coffee Club—Story by Linda Dean
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 21
Richard Sheff, Tom Minton, John Rogers, Roy &
Linda Dean, Joe Krivis, Judy Hanson, and Jerry Johnson Dalton Murayama, Roy and Linda Dean,
Tom Minton, Chuck Poffenbarger,
Joe Krivis, and Judy Hanson
(Continued on next page.)
Pag e 22 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
Here’s an idea of what we do:
• We love to share old AAFES stories… again, and again and again!
• We share any old AAFES pictures or memorabilia, and Richard Sheff is great about posting these pictures and items on the North Texas
Chapter of AREA.
• Unfortunately, we have to share our aches and pains and doctor visits, but that makes us a good resource for medical recommendations.
• We also share new information, new gadgets, new electronics, good deals and savings and just about anything else that may be of interest.
• We even do a “Show & Tell” whenever someone gets a new phone, camera, laptop, car or other gadget that might be interesting for the
group to see… even a window washing vacuum gadget was recently demonstrated for “Show & Tell”.
• Sometimes we have a topic of the week that may be a current news event, and each person at the table gets to express their opinion on the
subject or how they would resolve the problem. It takes a group of retirees to solve all the world problems. Too bad no one else has ever
bothered to ask us for a solution.
• We also pass along magazines and books. Some of us already know who won the wars so we don’t get into the sharing of the war books,
but that’s okay because it gives the others a better chance to grab one of those riveting war books.
• We also like to try different restaurants for lunch. Every couple of months we choose a restaurant that someone has recommended and
instead of the Friday morning coffee at la Madeleine’s we have a luncheon. Spouses usually like to join in for the luncheons so we can get
a pretty good group together.
The main idea of the weekly coffee is to have some fun, enjoy some laughs, stay informed and most of all spend some time with good friends. Please come and join us when you have some time. You can contact Linda Dean at [email protected] or 817-846-0267 for details and to check on whether the group is meeting for their regular Friday coffee or off on a luncheon adventure.
ROMEO Friday Coffee Club—Story by Linda Dean (continued)
Nancy Minton, Dalton Murayama, Jack Leavitt,
Chuck Poffenbarger, Linda Dean
Tom Minton and Buddy
Harrington
Joe Krivis, John Rogers and Roy Dean Tom Gallagher, Judy Hanson
and Janene Terry
John Rogers, Roy Dean and Lina Poffenbarger
Judy Hanson, Janene Terry, Karen & Dalton Murayama
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 23
PO Box 75138 Duncanville, TX. 75138
New: Jean Crittenden is now President of the Augusta Chapter, effective April 23rd, replacing Cynthia Grzybowski.
I. ACTIVE CHAPTERS:
1. ALAMO CHAPTER
LEN FREITAS, PRESIDENT
19626 ENCINO KNOLL ST.
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78259
Hm 210-481-3672
Cell 210-687-8644
Apply for Membership contact:
2. ALOHA CHAPTER
BILL ALLGIRE, PRESIDENT
500 UNIVERSITY AVE., APT. 1137
HONOLULU, HI. 96826
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 808-941-0350
3. AUGUSTA CHAPTER
JEAN CRITTENDEN, PRESIDENT
4318 CREEKVIEW DRIVE
HEPHZIBAH, GA 30815
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 706-796-0883
Cell: 706-832-6969
4. CENTRAL TEXAS CHAPTER
SANDY MORGAN, PRESIDENT
2721 CHARLESWORTH DR.
AUSTIN, TX 78745
Phone 512-444-0029
VICE-PRESIDENT/Point of Contact (POC)
Harold Robbins
1220 Corona Dr.
Austin, TX 78723-2512
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 512-452-2692
5. COLUMBIA RIVER CHAPTER
RON CLEMENT, PRESIDENT
4023 SE 178th COURT
VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON 98683 Email: [email protected]
Phone: 360-574-4290
6. DIX-MCGUIRE CHAPTER
BETTY J. O’BRIEN, PRESIDENT
15 CARRIAGE DRIVE
EASTAMPTON, NJ 08060
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 609-288-6425
7. GOLDEN GATE CHAPTER
MARY LOU GEIMER, RECORDING SEC.
1306 ASPEN DRIVE PACIFICA, CA 94044-3719
Phone: 650-355-5213
Point of Contact:
Chick Kretz
4051 Vineyard Rd.
Novato Ca. 94947
Phone; 415-892-3913 Cell: 650-520-3112
8. GULF COAST CHAPTER
STEVE FRIEND, PRESIDENT
928 ROANOKE COURT
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 850-598-4481
9. KANSAS CHAPTER
WANITA HULETT, PRESIDENT
2505 MEADOWLARK ROAD
MILFORD, KS. 66514
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 785-238-8656
10. KENTUCKIANA CHAPTER
DANA JOHNSON, PRESIDENT
1120 Blueball Church Road
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Email: [email protected] Phone: 270-855-9805
11. METRO MONTGOMERY CHAPTER
HOUSTON “JOE” FULLER, PRESIDENT
103 WILLIANS ST.
PRATTVILLE, AL 36066
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 334-365-8930
Pag e 24 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
AREA Chapter Information (continued)
12. NORTH TEXAS CHAPTER
RICHARD SHEFF, PRESIDENT
2317 MISTY TRAIL LANE
FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS 75028
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 972-691-1959
Apply for Membership contact:
Jerry Cloud, [email protected]
13. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER
JERRI THOMAS, PRESIDENT
4812 ROCKLAND WAY
FAIR OAKS, CA. 95628
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 916-966-1429
14. SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER
FRANCES JENKINS
217 JADETREE DRIVE
HOPKINS, SC 29061
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 803-783-4044 Home 803-200-6349 Cell
15. SOUTHEASTERN CHAPTER
JAMES W. MAHONEY, PRESIDENT
975 E LAKEHAVEN WAY
MCDONOUGH, GA 30253-5573
Phone: 770-914-8494
POINT OF CONTACT(POC)
Cindy Cooper
Email: [email protected]
16. VIRGINIA LOVERS CHAPTER
BETTY THORNE, PRESIDENT 11316 WILLOW LANE DISPUTANTA, VA 23842
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 804-862-1762
17.WEST GEORGIA CHAPTER
KRISTINE GROENENBOOM-NEWBOLD, PRESIDENT
53 LAKEVIEW RD.
PITTSVIEW, AL 36871
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 706-566-8501
II. INFORMAL CHAPTERS: (Meet from time to time.)
1. PUGET SOUND CHAPTER
EDITH ODA, POC
11525 MADERA GARDENS DR SW
LAKEWOOD, WA 98499
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 253-588-2424
2. FT. HOOD AREA
BARBARA MIMS (POC)
Kempner, TX 76539
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 254-577-6278
466-3351 Cell
3. TINKER RETIREE GROUP
CATHERINE JONES (POC)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 405-259-8025
405-204-5019 Cell
4. SPACE COAST CHAPTER
GARY L SMITH, POC
DEBARY, FL 32713-2346
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 386-668-1757
5. NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER
RICHARD RAMOS, (POC)
FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28306
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 910-425-4189
AAFES Retired Employees Association
P.O. Box 380614, Duncanville, TX. 75138-0614
http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 25
Pag e 26 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 27
Pag e 28 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
PO Box 75138 Duncanville, TX. 75138
Note: * denotes non-AAFES retiree
**denotes Non member of AREA
SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS
DONORS IN MEMORY OF
EDMOND FITZGERALD EVA FITZGERALD $500.00
EDMOND FITZGERALD BILL BATES $50.00
EDMOND FITZGERALD MEL COHEN $150.00
EDMOND FITZGERALD JOYCE HANSEN $50.00
LARRY GEWELLE IYOKO PAO $50.00
LARRY GREWELLE KEITH YOUNG $50.00
FRANK DIMARTINO JACK HARGIS $50.00
FRANK DIMARTINO WILLARD CAMPBELL $50.00
GENERAL DONATION
ROBERT PARDUE $1,000.00
JAMES SAWYER $ 100.00
IN REMEMBRANCE—National AREA Members
CARMEN CONTI, 92, died Dec. 8, 2017 in Arlington, TX. The HQ Associate retired in 1987.
SANDRA MORGAN, 81, died Jan. 2, 2018 in Austin, TX. The NAS Fort Worth JRB Department Supervisor retired in 1993.
ROY OTA, 91, died Jan. 14, 2018 in Dallas, TX. The HQ Associate retired in 1983.
DOROTHY WITT, 82, died Jan. 6, 2018 in Dallas, TX. The HQ Executive Vice President for Store Operations retired in 1995.
PAUL KOZO HIROSHIMA April 20, 1927 – May 9, 2018
Paul passed away peacefully in the Methodist Hospital, San Antonio. He was 91 years old. He had the company of his niece June Hiroshima-Lentz and his best friend and neighbor Brenda Brown during that time. He continued to joke and tease until the end.
Paul Kozo Hiroshima was born as the third of four sons to Takashi Peter Hiroshima and Sakura Yamamoto Hiroshima in New York, New York. His father was the CEO of an import export company and they returned to Japan when Paul was very young. They lived in Shukugaya, Nishinomiya and he earned a Veternarian degree and was licensed to practice in Japan. He chose to go into the business sector and later with the American government and AAFES where he worked for 30 years retiring in 1982 as Chief, Finance and Accounting Alamo Exchange Region.
He was unassuming, kind, generous, humorous and talented. And he was dapper. He loved to play golf, listen to music and collect art. He won awards in photography, drew golf cartoons and carved beautifully detailed boxes finished in lacquer. He loved golf, and music especially classical guitars. Paul was survived by niece June Hiroshima-Lentz of Seattle and nephew Edward Hiroshima of New York; his brother Kosaku Frank Hiroshima and Momoko and their sons Suguru and Hajime in Japan. He was pre-deceased by Jo Lundsford, his longtime love, and his 2 brothers, John Koichi Hiroshima of Tokyo and Ed Koji Hiroshima of New York, and Ed’s wife Shigeko Peggy Hiroshima. He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed. There was a Celebration of Life in the latter part of June.
WILLS
“From time to time retired associates of AAFES leave bequests to the AREA in their will. If you desire to make such a bequest we recommend providing the person that prepares your formally written and executed will with the following sample clause. If you make such a bequest please notify AREA at the same address as in the clause." "I give (blank dollars/property) to the Army Air Force Exchange Service Retired Employee's Association (AREA), P.O. Box 380614, Duncanville, Texas 75138."
Other reported deaths (from Chapters and Individuals):
From Donna Young: My husband Keith Frederick Young passed away on Dec 29, 2017 at the age of 95. Keith worked for AAFES as a dairy plant manager in the Philippines from 1967-1985 and a plant specialist in Korea from 1985 to 1987. From Inga Brooks: “It is with great sadness that I have to tell the AAFES Family of the passing of David W. Brooks passed away on June 11, at the age of 80. Please inform the AREA members.” From Tanya L. Downing: Dorothy Jean Porter (known by many of us as Dorothy Downing), passed away on June 14, 2018 at the age of 76. She retired from AAFES Headquarters with 24 years of service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested you make a donation to The Downing Scholarship Fund/Concord Church. You can mail cards to the family at: 2728 Hood Street, Apt. 815, Dallas, TX 75219. From Marty Handel: On June 21, Else Horosco passed away, caused by a long battle with cancer. She was a dear friend, and will be missed. She no longer has any pain. No other details are available at this time.
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 29
AREA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATES
Save this page with your copy of the 2013 AREA Directory
NEW MEMBERS *MARY THERESA OZBUN
PSC 103 BOX 4967 APO AE 09603
*MARTHA SPEAKS
1227 S. EDGEFIELD AVE DALLAS, TX 75208 TEL: 972-345-2036 EMAIL: [email protected]
BEVERLY CURRY
361 MT. PLEASANT DR COLUMBUS, GA 31907
EDYE BROOKSHIRE
302 S. ALEXANDER AVE. DUNCANVILLE, TX 75116
TEL: 972-298-0757 EMAIL: [email protected]
LINDA MCVEY
406 LONE OAK CIRCLE
EULESS, TX 76039 TEL: 817-937-6755 EMAIL: [email protected]
KAREN GOLLOHER
3260 W. AVENDA, SOMBRA TUCSON, AZ 85746
EUGENE E. MARIETIA
CMR 469 BOX 2851 APO 09227
DELORIS NORRIS
2001 WALTON FARMS DR.
HEPHIZIBAH, GA 30815 DIANA ELLIOTT
796 GREENWOOD DR.
NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29841
EDWINA ROBINSON
2920 ARROWWOOD CIR. HEPHZIBAH, GA 30815
KRAIG DOBSEN
1716 VERSAILLES AVENUE ALLEN TX 75002 TEL: 972-824-1334 EMAIL: [email protected]
MARYLOU HARRIS
13459 FERRIS AVE. APPLE VALLEY, MN 55124
Pag e 30 July 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER
CHANGES: ADDRESS,
TELEPHONE, EMAIL
EMOGENE M. CUPP
5805 PIEDMONT DR
ALEXANDER, VA 22310 TEL: 540-869-9522
*PAULINE NIPPER
338 HOSANNAH RD
LOCUST GROVE, GA 30248
EMAIL: [email protected]
*ROBERT GASKILL
155 RIM ROCK CIRCLE
PO BOX 261
HUINT, TX 78024
TEL: 830-238-5116
EMAIL: [email protected]
LEONARD W. EVANS
17 EASTHAM LANE
POINT PLEASANT, NJ 08742
TEL: 732-948-3943
EMAIL: [email protected]
OLGA CLAASEN (ELBERT)
5213 N. STERLING SPRINGS DR
TUCSON, AZ 85749
EMAIL: [email protected]
WILLIAM NIEVES
250 TURNBRIDGE CIR
PEACHTREE CITY, GA 30269
TEL: 817-504-9430
EMAIL: [email protected]
EUGENE WHEELER
102 KADY LYNN WAY
WARNER ROBINS, GA 31088
TEL: 678-451-6221
EMAIL: [email protected]
STEPHEN BELL
1371 W VIA LA NORIA
SAHUARITA, AR 85629
TEL: 520-867-6303
EMAIL: [email protected]
DANA JOHNSON
1120 BLUEBALL CHURCH RD,
ELIZABETHTOWN, KY 42701
TEL: 270-862-4019
EMAIL: [email protected]
AUBREY STEMPLE
3717 LOCKWOOD LN
MONTGOMERY, AL 36111
TEL: 334-233-8596
DAVE LUZZATTO
5455 LA SIERRA DR, #703
DALLAS, TX 75231
TEL: 214-242-9966
GILBERT PANSZA
8103N. HOLLOW # 124
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78240
VALENE HOLMES
1556 A TOMMY’S RD GOLDSBORO, NC 27534
EMAIL: [email protected] RAQUEL KAPLAN
405 ESSEX XT
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78210 LELAND HUBBLE
20832 VILLAGE PKWY
CAL CITY, CA 93505
ODIS MITCHELL
3950 HORSE RUN GLEN NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23602
RICK DRAKE
308 CRESTVIEW DR ARLINGTON, TX 76018 TEL: 817-375-8649
EMAIL: [email protected]
CINDY M. ADAMS
510 CRESTVIEW DR CHAPMAN, KS 67431
GEORGE HARTMAN
3205 WINDING RIDGE
MANSFIELD, TX 76063 TEL: 817-729-0594 EMAIL: [email protected]
ARTHUR MICHAEL DILLON
WILLOW ST ARLINGTON, TX 76002
EMAIL: [email protected]
RENEE FIGGE
3108 SPRINGWOOD RD FLOWER MOUND, TX TEL: 972-539-8662
EMAIL: [email protected]
PAULA S. GUNDERSON
1530 SUN CITY, STE. 120 PMB 451 GEORGETOWN, TX 78633
EMAIL: [email protected]
CONNIE THOMAS
5 RIVERSIDE DR FORT MITCHELL, AL 36856
TEL: 706-442-7747 EMAIL: [email protected]
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
The following telephone numbers are provided as a convenience to members wishing to contact certain HQ AAFES offices and the Pentagon Federal Credit Union.
HQ SWITCHBOARD
(214) 312-2011
FOR RETIREMENT and GROUP INSURANCE BENEFITS:
HQ. AAFES BENEFIT BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES (800) 519-3381
GENERAL COUNSEL:
DALE HARBOUR (214) 312-3126
EXCHANGE POST:
STEVE SMITH, Corporate Communications Editor/Historian, (214) 312-3831 or e-mail [email protected]
SALES TABLOIDS:
TABLOID DEPARTMENT (800) 733-5142
ID CARD, PRIVILEGES
HR-S HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE
CAC/ ID cards are issued Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 07:30 am – 10:00 am (no appointment needed). Appointments for a time after 10:30 AM can be arranged by emailing [email protected]; or calling HR Techs as follows: Brenda Johnson, (214) 312-2612; Jill Cottle, (214) 312-6531; Sarah Brown, (214)312-6423; or Veneitra Colston-Mack, (214) 312-2531. Please ensure to bring your CAC/shopping privilege id card as well as a valid Federal or State ID to renew your CAC and/or shopping privilege ID card. If your CAC is expired, you will need to bring in two valid forms of Federal and/or State ID’s (such as a driver’s li-cense, US passport, birth certificate, original social security card). Submit questions to: Rhonda Moncrief, HQ Human Resources Man-ager at (214) 312-2006.
PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION: TOLL FREE SERVICE –MEMBER SERVICES
TOLL FREE U.S.: 800-247-5626
Monday - Friday: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time Saturday: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time
Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time OVERSEAS DIRECT DIAL: 541-225-6700
TTY (for the hearing impaired: TOLL FREE U.S.: 800 225-6378
FOR OTHERS NOT LISTED:
Pat Weaver, Membership Director, (972) 780-9810; e-mail: [email protected]
For other information, check out the Exchange website at: https://www.shopmyexchange.com/
And the AREA website: http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE FORM
Type of Change (Check All Boxes Below That Apply)
Address Telephone FAX
E-Mail Marital Status Other
Printed Name Signature Date
TO: AREA (ATTN: Membership Director)
PO BOX 380614
Duncanville, TX 75138-0614
CURRENT ADDRESS:
Enter New Address in “Current Address” block BELOW and List Other Changes Here:
Changes will be published in the next AREA newsletter unless you specifically tell us not to print this information.
AREA NEW SLETTER July 2018 Pag e 31
AAFES Retired Employees Association
P.O. Box 380614
Duncanville, TX 75138-0614
DUES ALERT! If the last time you renewed your dues was in June 2017 or earlier,
please send your $17 dues PAYABLE to AREA at the mailing address shown above.
AAFES Retired Employees Association Printing and mailing the Newsletter has become too expensive so the board discussed
and approved these changes at our Spring 2017 board meeting.
“New and reinstated members; and existing members with computers (or other e-mail reading devices) who renew their membership; will receive the newsletter via e-mail only.”
You’ll enjoy these advantages:
• Get the Newsletter the first of the month, rather than several days after the beginning of the month.
• The Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format is in color and you can transfer/save the file as you desire.
Here’s what one member said: “The e mail edition is superb. Easy to read, brilliant colors, etc. I can't say
enough about it, and would recommend that anyone with a computer get the newsletter this way.”
Send an e-mail to Pat Weaver, Membership Director, at [email protected] and state that you would
like to get the Newsletter on line now and we’ll do the rest. Or, as stated above, new and reinstated members;
and existing members with computers (or other e-mail reading devices) who renew their membership; will
receive the newsletter via e-mail only.
AREA—JUST FOR YOU
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE PAID
DALLAS, TX
PERMIT #1478