FEBRUARY MEETING

THURSDAY, February 26, 2015 @ 12:00 pm

All current and past officers in our nation'smilitary, or the wife, husband, widow/

widower of an officer, are cordially invited to

attend the luncheon presentation at theHoliday Isle Oceanfront Resort, 860 A1A

(Beach Boulevard), St. Augustine, Florida.

Please arrive by 11:45 am. Reservations areavailable at $17.00 per person. Call Charles

Stratmann at (904) 471-0077.

BE UP TO YOUR NECK INALLIGATORS!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

There will be a Board of Directors meeting

on Thursday, 26FEB15 at the Holiday Isle

Ocean Front Resort at 10:00

Gen Anderson, the General Curator of the St.

Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park,

will be this month’s guest speaker. The

Alligator Farm is an accredited zoo by theAssociation of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

since 1989. The zoo, though world-

renowned for its crocodilians, also maintainsa n i m p r e s s i v e b i r d a n d m a m m a l

collection. Gen is responsible for the daily

care of 1200 zoo animals, a team of

professional zoologists, and the educational

programs and camps offered to children. She

will be discussing the history of the AlligatorFarm and how it developed into the

conservational facility it is today.

THE GALLEONFebruary 2015 Newsletter

Military Officers Association of AmericaAncient City ChapterSt. Augustine, Florida

Editor: George Linardos, CAPT. (USA-Former)P.O. Box 168, St. Augustine, FL 32085Email: george@snowdogs.us

Chapter Officers:

President: Rik Erkelens, COL. (USA-Ret.)Past President: Ron Birchall, LTC. (USA-Ret.)1st Vice President: Ron Radford, COL. (USAF-Ret)2nd Vice President: Charles Stratmann, CAPT. (USN-Ret)Treasurer: Robert Finney, CDR. (USN-Ret)Secretary: Earl A. “Hap” Thompson, Lt. COL. (USA-Ret)

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Dear Friends and Comrades At Arms;

Several members have raised the question

where should the chapter head in theyears after the 450th celebrations and

FCOC Convention?

It is our duty to continue to serve

comrades, our community, our state,

nation. We can do this by volunteeringcommunity activities. Being involved

includes can influencing local, state,

federal legislation through individualproactive efforts such as contacting

elected and appointed politicians letting

voice be heard.

The “Ancient City Chapter” must continue

long standing relationship with and continuebe involved with the JROTC, Sea Cadets

other youth oriented military organizations.

should support worth while veterans groupsK-9 For Warriors and other organizations

help our returning service men and woman.

Each activity should be mindful of

manpower and available funds. Our

salutes those members who have unselfishlygiven their support, both financial and

to assure our goals do not fall short.

Our charge is to maintain lasting friendships

among our comrades from all branches of

services while we reach out to extendsupport to needy endeavors.

May God impart his Grace on youGod Bless the United States of America.

Rik Erkelens, COL. (USA-Ret)President, Ancient City Chapter

CORNER

Arms;

Several members have raised the question -

ensuingyears after the 450th celebrations and the

It is our duty to continue to serve our

comrades, our community, our state, and

can do this by volunteering incommunity activities. Being involved also

includes can influencing local, state, and

individualproactive efforts such as contacting your

elected and appointed politicians letting your

The “Ancient City Chapter” must continue its

long standing relationship with and continue tobe involved with the JROTC, Sea Cadets and

other youth oriented military organizations. We

upport worth while veterans groups likeand other organizations that

woman.

Each activity should be mindful of our

chapter

unselfishlyen their support, both financial and time,

friendships

among our comrades from all branches of the

services while we reach out to extend our

all, andAmerica.

MILITARY BALL

FORWARD

On Saturday evening, January 17, 2015 at

Mark W. Lance Armory, St.

Florida Forward March had its FirstBlack Tie/Military Dress Military

Proceeds from the Ball supported the

Legacy Project for the renovation ofhistoric Hamblen House, American

Post #37. Forward March dedicated the

and saluted Major General EmmettTitshaw upon his retirement as

General of the Florida National

If you were not able to

event, be sure to not miss next year’s

Annual Military Ball on January 16,Below are a few photographs reflecting

great time that was had by all who

MILITARY BALL

FORWARD MARCH

On Saturday evening, January 17, 2015 at the

Lance Armory, St. Augustine,

Forward March had its First AnnualDress Military Ball.

Proceeds from the Ball supported the Legion

Legacy Project for the renovation of thehistoric Hamblen House, American Legion

Post #37. Forward March dedicated the event

Major General Emmett R.Titshaw upon his retirement as Adjutant

General of the Florida National Guard.

to attend this year’ gala

event, be sure to not miss next year’s Second

Annual Military Ball on January 16, 2016.few photographs reflecting the

great time that was had by all who attended:

2015 FCOCCONVENTION

COMMEMORATIVE MAGAZINE

The Magazine Committee is still

forward to your articles/stories.following is a list of subjects about

history of St. Augustine that have not

assigned. Please select a subject that youresearch and write about, not to exceed

words if possible, for inclusion in

Commemorative Magazine.Subjects to write about:

French Influence

Second Spanish PeriodDon Girvan looks forward to hearing

you with ideas and suggestions. Let

k n o w y o u r c h o i c e b y e -(girvan@comcast.net) as soon as possible

we will not have two people writing

same subject. You may also contact me904-522-1383.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE

acmoaa.org

Our website is up and running. You willour Chapter’s up-to-date calendar, newsletter,

events and other pertinent information.

continually growing and more informationbeing posted to it daily. Members can sign

going to the “Members” tab and clicking

in”. The initial login ID is the first letterfirst name followed by your last name.

password is “welcome_1”. After logging

members are encouraged to update theirand also change their password to a more

one you can remember. If you have any

feel free to contact Bob Finneyfinneyb1@me.com

2015 FCOCCONVENTION

MAGAZINE

looking

articles/stories. Thefollowing is a list of subjects about the

history of St. Augustine that have not been

assigned. Please select a subject that you canresearch and write about, not to exceed 500

words if possible, for inclusion in our

Don Girvan looks forward to hearing from

you with ideas and suggestions. Let Don

- m a i l) as soon as possible so

writing on the

may also contact me at

WEBSITE

will findnewsletter,

information. It is

information issign in by

clicking “sign

letter of youryour last name. The

“welcome_1”. After logging in,

their profilemore secure

anyquestions

Finney at

ORDER NEW ORNAMEPLATES

New or replacement nameplates cost

Contact Robert Finney,Treasurer, to order your

at (904) 540-0652

finneyb1@mac.com

Chapter dues were due on or before

Annual dues are $20. Checks should be

payable to MOAA

Bring your payment to the nextmeeting or mail to MOAA

Chapter, PO Box 4571, St Augustine,

32085-4571. Those who have not sentthere annual dues by

dropped from the membership roles and

received the Galleon until dues areup-to-date.

$$$ DUES AR

ORDER NEW OR REPLACEMENTNAMEPLATES

New or replacement nameplates cost $10.00.

Finney, Cdr. (USN-Ret), ourTreasurer, to order your nameplate. Call Bob

0652 or email Bob at

finneyb1@mac.com.

Chapter dues were due on or before 31DEC14.

Annual dues are $20. Checks should be made

payable to MOAA - Ancient City Chapter.

Bring your payment to the next chaptermeeting or mail to MOAA- Ancient City

Chapter, PO Box 4571, St Augustine, Florida

4571. Those who have not sent inthere annual dues by 1MAR15 will be

dropped from the membership roles and not

received the Galleon until dues are brought

ARE DUE $$$

In Thehospital

Pat Metz, wife of Harry Metz, LCOL (Air ForceRet) is now in Brooks Bartram Rehab recoveringfrom knee surgery and is ready for phone calls.Please do not visit her without coordinating withher first. Pat has physical therapy 3 times a day atvarying times. If you call she may not be in theroom so call again.

Pat’s room phone is (904)-528-3104. If you sendher a card the address is: Brooks Rehab, 6209Brooks Bartram Drive, Building 100 - Room104, Jacksonville, FL 32258. Her surgery tookover four hours but all went well. Pat’s leg is inan immobilizing brace and will be for the nextseveral weeks. Her spirits are good. Thanks forall your good thoughts and prayers, Harry.

ANCIENT CITY CHAPTER MUGS

Our Ancient City Chapter Mugs are in. They make

great Holiday Gifts, are microwaveable anddishwasher safe. They are available for the very low

price of only$5.00 each.

PRESIDENT WHO SERVEDAND WERE VETERANS

By Hans Petersen, VA Staff Writer

George Washington set an importantprecedent by entering the Presidency asa civilian. A majority of America’spresidents came to office as Veterans.Twenty-six of our 44 Presidents served inthe military. Presidential Veterans oftencoincided with America’s mili taryengagements. Until World War II, amajority of our presidents had served inthe Army. Since then, most have servedin the Navy. Our ninth President, WilliamHenry Harrison, embarked on his militarycareer at age 18, enlisting 80 men off thestreets of Philadelphia to serve in theNorthwest Territory. Civil War VeteranUlysses S. Grant also gained nationalacclaim for his military service. Grantwas a West Point graduate who fought inthe Mexican War, but it was his calm,steely command of Union troops duringthe Civil War that earned Lincoln’sconfidence. The Civil War producedseven Veteran presidents in the postwarperiod, all of them having served in theUnion Army. The First and Second WorldWars ushered in another series ofVeteran Presidents, starting with Trumanand West Point graduate General DwightEisenhower. Both men exemplified thestrengths of military training by proving tobe diplomatic while demonstrating thecore qualities of decision-making andinspiring leadership

Presidents Who Were VeteransHighest rank held by Presidents in uniformed service.

George WashingtonGeneral and Commander in ChiefContinental Army 1775-1783Thomas JeffersonColonelVirginia Militia 1770-1779James MadisonColonelVirginia Militia 1775-1781James MonroeMajorContinental Army 1775-1778Andrew JacksonMajor GeneralU.S. Army 1814-1821William Henry HarrisonMajor GeneralKentucky Militia 1812-1814John TylerCaptainVirginia Militia 1812James K. PolkColonelTennessee Militia 1821Zachary TaylorMajor GeneralU.S. Army 1805-1815, 1816-1849Millard FillmoreMajorUnion Continentals (home guard) 1861Franklin PierceBrigadier GeneralNew Hampshire Militia 1846-1848James BuchananPrivatePennsylvania Militia 1814Abraham LincolnCaptainIllinois Militia 1832Andrew JohnsonBrigadier GeneralU.S. Army (Volunteers) 1862-1865Ulysses S. GrantGeneralU.S. Army 1866-1869

Rutherford B. HayesMajor GeneralU.S. Army (Volunteers) 1861-1865James A. GarfieldMajor GeneralU.S. Army (Volunteers) 1861-1863Chester A. ArthurBrigadier GeneralNew York Militia 1858-1863Benjamin HarrisonBrevet Brigadier GeneralU.S. Army (Volunteers) 1862-1865William McKinleyBrevet MajorU.S. Army (Volunteers) 1861-1865Theodore RooseveltColonelU.S. Army (Volunteers) 1898Harry S. TrumanColonelArmy Officer Reserve Corps 1919-1945Dwight D. EisenhowerGeneral of the ArmyU.S. Army 1915-1948, 1951-1952John F. KennedyLieutenantU.S. Naval Reserve 1941-1945Lyndon B. JohnsonCommanderU.S. Naval Reserve 1940-1964Richard M. NixonCommanderU.S. Naval Reserve 1942-1966Gerald R. Ford, Jr.Lieutenant CommanderU.S. Naval Reserve 1942-1946Jimmy CarterLieutenantU.S. Navy 1946-1953Ronald ReaganCaptainU.S. Army 1942-1945George BushLieutenant (junior grade)U.S. Navy 1942-1945George W. BushFirst LieutenantTexas Air National Guard 1968-1973

LEGISLATIVE

WATCHBy: George Linardos, Former Captain USA, Legislative LiaisonCondensed from “MOAA Legislative Update” and other sources

NATIONAL

Panel Proposes OverhaulingMilitary Retirement and

Tricareby Brendan McGarry and Amy Bushatz of

Military.com

Proposals include offering troops 401(k)-like

retirement plans before they reach 20 years of

service and replacing the existing Tricareprogram with a choice of commercial health

insurance options. Panel members said the

efforts, if adopted by Congress, will giveservice members, retirees and their families

more choice while saving $12 billion a year

in personnel costs by around 2040. Even so,they acknowledged that lawmakers may not

embrace all, if any, of the ideas.

Retirement

Future service members could still opt toreceive a version of the existing retirement

plan, known as a defined-benefit, after two

decades of service. However, the retirementpay -- a staple for more than a half-century --

would be reduced. The formula would be

equal to 2 percent, rather than 2.5 percent, ofthe average basic pay for each year served.

With slightly lower annuities for careerists,

the Defense Department could for the firsttime offer a 401(k)-like defined-contribution

plan to the vast majority of troops, more than

eight in 10, who leave before the 20-yearmark and don't receive any retirement pay. To

do so, the Pentagon would automatically

enroll troops into a Thrift Savings Plan,

similar to other federal agencies, and providematching contributions of up to 5 percent.

Troops would be vested after just two years

and could roll over the savings to a private-sector plan when they leave the military.

They could elect out of the benefit, but would

have to do so annually, officials said. After12years, service members would be eligible for

a lump-sum "continuation" payment equal to

2.5 months of basic pay for active-dutymembers, provided they agree to stay in the

military for another four years. The payment

is designed as a force-shaping tool toencourage service members to stay in the

military, officials said. Retiring troops could

elect to receive their retirement pay in one ofthree ways: the standard monthly annuity, a

lump-sum payment with a smaller monthly

annuity, or a large cash payout with nomonthly annuity. When eligible for Social

Security benefits, those who chose the latter

two options would receive the same monthlyannuity as their peers who picked the

standard option. None of the proposals would

affect the retirement pay of existing retireesor that slated for currently serving troops,

though they would have the option to switch

into the new retirement system.

Health care

The commission proposed doing away with

the three Tricare plans for military families,

reservists and working-age retirees, though

none of its recommendations would affect

Tricare for Life for elderly retirees. The new

health care program, similar to the one forfederal civilian employees, would allow

recipients to choose from a list of commercial

health care plans. Participating insurerswould be required to include military

treatment facilities as in their provider

networks, with reduced co-pays anddeductibles at military hospitals and clinics.

Even so, military families would have to pay

co-pays at base facilities. Military families

and working-age retirees "would have to pay

five percent of health plan premiums," a

share that would gradually increase to 20percent of health care costs – until they're

eligible for Medicare and Tricare for Life. To

cover the cost of most, if not all, out-of-pocket health care expenses, the panel would

create a new Basic Allowance for Health

Care, or BAHC. The benefit would be paid inpart to the carrier and the family. It would be

based on the costs of average medical, dental

and vision plans available in a given location;and set at a level designed to cover health

care costs or even afford a surplus, like with

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Itcould also be used to purchase health care

through a spouse's employer. In addition, the

commission proposed expanding a currenthealthcare benefit for special needs family

members known as ECHO to cover more

services and mirror those covered by stateMedicaid programs. Services would still be

capped at $36,000 a year, but more types of

care would be covered.

Commissaries

The commission also recommended

combining the exchange and commissary

systems under one "umbrella." As it standsnow, the exchange, which receives some tax

payer funding, mostly spent on shipping

goods to rural and overseas locations, isoperated by a trio of private companies

across the services. The companies sell goods

at a profit and turn it back to base Morale,

Welfare and Recreation (MWR) services. The

Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)

receives a large amount of tax payer funding,sells groceries at cost plus a 5 percent

surcharge, and is limited by law in what it

can carry. Under the MCRMC proposal, bothagencies would combine. The new agency

would sell food and essential groceries items

at cost and other items now carried by theexchanges at a profit. And while it would

continue to receive some tax payer money to

operate and would continue to give some

profit to MWR, it would also be more self-

sufficient than the current DeCA model.

Childcare

Expanding childcare service to militaryfamilies is also highlighted as a priority in the

report. Right now on base childcare is

difficult to access, has long waiting lists,outdated employee requirements and not

enough workers thanks to hiring freezes. The

commission recommends establishing amandatory waitlist tracking system to

evaluate how quickly care is provided. They

also suggested no longer subjecting childcarefacilities to hiring freezes while also building

more care centers to increase availability.

Other Recommendations

The commission recommends canceling theFamily Subsistence Supplemental Allowance

(FSSA) for stateside military families. That

benefit, meant to be a cash replacement forfood stamps, known as SNAP, was used by

under 300 service members in 2013. Families

can receive a large payout under the SNAPp r o g r a m . O t h e r f a m i l y r e l a t e d

recommendations included expanding Space-

A travel to be available to families of servicemembers deployed more than 30 days instead

of 120, and establishing a national military

child student identifier to track theeducational progress of those students.

Meanwhile

The administration unveiled its FY 2016

budget proposal. The record $4 trillionproposal includes a significant boost to the

Pentagon’s baseline budget. The proposed

budget calls for the largest increase inacquisition spending in more than a decade

and far exceeds sequestration’s budget cap of

$499 billion. Despite these increases, theadministration continues to call for cuts to

military people programs to “slow the

growth” of military personnel. The defense

budget did not include any recommendations

from the recent Military Compensation and

Retirement Modernization Commission.

Rx Fee Hike Begins

Due to last year’s defense authorization bill,

TRICARE will be raising most pharmacy

copays beginning this week. TRICARE

beneficiaries who fill their prescriptions at

retail pharmacies or by mail will see mostcopays increase by $3. The new fee structure

which went into effect February 1 and will

result in 30 day prescriptions at TRICAREnetwork pharmacies for generic medications

will rise to $8 from $5, for brand names, to

$20 from $17, and for prescriptions not inTRICARE’s formulary, to $47 from $44.

Many prescriptions available through

TRICARE's home delivery program also willsee increases. According to Tricare, a 90-day

supply of brand-name medications delivered

by mail will rise to $16, from $13, andnonformulary items will cost $46, up from

$43. What remains unchanged is that mail-

order generic drugs will still be available atno cost as well as all prescriptions filled at

the military pharmacies. In addition,

beneficiaries with chronic diseases onmaintenance medications will be able to fill

medications at either a military pharmacy or

obtain them through TRICARE homedelivery program. This is the same program

for maintenance medications as was

instituted last year for TRICARE for Lifebeneficiaries and was expanded to include all

non-active duty beneficiaries. Beneficiaries

will still be able to fill prescriptions forname-brand drugs for acute illnesses, such as

ear aches and sore throats, at TRICARE

network pharmacies as well as prescriptionsfor generic brands which will cost $8 for a

30-day prescription. MOAA is waiting for

TRICARE to release the details of the newprogram which is set to start October 1.

MOAA Selected Legislative Goals for 2015

Active / Reserve Force/Family Issues

* Ensure active duty, Guard and Reserveforce sizes meet mission requirements;* Sustain military pay comparability withprivate sector pay as required by law;* Protect currently serving and retireeb e n e f i t s f r o m s e v e r e , a r b i t r a r ysequestration cuts;* Credit all Post-9/11 active duty servicetoward Guard and Reserve earlyretirement;* Create new incentives for employers tohire and retain drilling Guard andReserve members;* Restore tax deductions for reservists’out-of-pocket expenses for travel of 50miles or more;*Create new incentives for employers/government/contractors to hire militaryspouses;* Protect funding for commissaries,exchanges, dependent schools andfamily support programs;* Ensure service sexual assault andsuicide prevention measures providepositive outcomes;* Improve professional l icensuretransferability for service members andspouses* Require better education on thefinancial disadvantages of the REDUXretirement option.

Health Care Issues

* Avert a 24% Medicare/TRICAREpayment cut and fix the statutory formulato improve care access;* Oppose means testing of TRICAREPrime and TRICARE for Life enrollmentfees* Block the consolidation of TRICAREhealth plans into a single plan providingless choice;* Improve seamless transition andprotect Defense and VA health budgets/programs and benefits;

* Authorize the option to retainoperational reservists’ civilian familyhealth insurance upon call-up;* Increase orthodontia payment capunder active duty plan;* Authorize TRICARE coverage forApplied Behavioral Analysis for activeand retired members.

Retirement/Survivor Issues

* Evaluate Military Compensation &Retirement Modernization Commissionrecommendations; February 2015;* Oppose military benefit changes thatare inconsistent with service careersacrifices;* Preserve full-inflation cost of livingadjustments (COLAs);* End the deduction of VA disabilitycompensation from military retired pay;* End deduction of VA Dependency &Indemnification Compensation fromSurvivor Benefit Plan annuities;* Implement a more equitable militarydisability retirement system;* R e s t o r e V A D e p e n d e n c y &Indemnification Compensation forspouses who remarry after age 55;* Reform the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)calculation for reservists who dieperforming Inactive Duty Training;* Authorize survivors to retain adeceased retiree’s full final month retiredpay;* Reform the Uniform Services FormerSpouse Protection Act (USFSPA).

Veterans / Other Issues

* Eliminate VA claims backlog andi m p r o v e q u a l i t y, e f f i c i e n c y a n dtransparency of claims processing;* Improve VA healthcare services andaccess for women veterans;* Extend caregiver services and supportto qualifying disabled veterans of allconflicts;* Authorize pre-tax payment of health,dental, and long-term health carepremiums;

* Prevent disproportional Social Securityand Medicare penal t ies for anypopulation segment.

LOCAL

From Veterans Council Chairman Bill Dudley

Fellow Veterans,

The arrogance and incompetence of theleadership of the VA just continues as can bewitnessed by the attached letter from CountyAdministrator Michael Wanchick. In a meetingthis past week with the VA, it became knownthat the VA will not be prepared to move intonew interim quarters until the latter part of thesummer. This really should not be a majorsurprise to us as they have had 4 years toprepare for the relocation to new quarters buthave done absolutely nothing in the way ofpreparation.

Even with all the press releases two weeks agoabout their new site location, their contractnegotiations with local contractors negotiatingthe best position for the VA and our veterans,they have done nothing in the way ofpreparation for the move from the currentfacility. The first steps of pulling permits to beginbuilding the interim facility have not even beeninitiated.

As you see from Mr. Wanchick's letter, the VAstill refuses to openly communicate with theCounty leaving the question of who will maintainthe current facility. Services such as utilities,insurance, security, and such is a big openquestion not to mention the $53,000 per monthpenalty to Lowe's for not vacating the buildingby the 31 March deadline.

As always, this will fall back on the tax payers topick up the tap for our Federal bureaucracyincompetence and the veterans will continue tobe left in limbo as to the future of their healthcare service.

Please encourage your veterans in yourrespectful organizations to write their electedofficials including Congressman DeSantis,Senators Rubio and Nelson and express yourconcern and dissat is fact ion with theincompetent way the VA has handled thisCBOC relocation.

Also mention the exposure to the taxpayers ofSt. Johns County in the way of loss tax revenueand the delay of job opportunities for St. JohnsCounty.

Thank you for your service to our country.

On Jan 7th 2015, Governor Scott announced that Brigadier General Michael A. Calhoun willbecome the Adjutant General of Florida on March 29. Major General Emmett Titshaw will retire atthe end of March.

Governor Scott said, “As a Navy veteran, I am incredibly thankful for the sacrifices of our military,and I am grateful to Major General Emmett Titshaw for his years of service to our state and ourcountry. Brigadier General Calhoun has selflessly served our country for more than 30 years andhas proven his commitment to his fellow military men, women and families here in Florida. I amconfident he will continue to serve our National Guard well and be an effective leader during anyemergency event that may affect our state as the next Adjutant General of Florida.”

Brigadier General Michael A. Calhoun said, “I’m honored to be appointed Adjutant General ofFlorida by Governor Scott and to have the opportunity to continue serving my state, nation andfellow men and women of the Florida National Guard. Our state is stronger because of the serviceof the Florida National Guard, and we will remain dedicated to supporting and safeguardingFlorida’s families and communities.”

Major General Emmett Titshaw said, “Brigadier General Calhoun is an exemplary leader with manyyears of experience who will guide the Florida National Guard to future successes throughchallenging times. Mike and Sophia care deeply about our Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and familiesand Gretchen and I offer our best wishes to them as they lead the Florida National Guard into thefuture.”

Brigadier General Calhoun has served as Assistant Adjutant General – Army, and Director of JointStaff since July 2011. He also currently serves as Joint Task Force Commander and Dual StatusCommander Designee. Brigadier General Calhoun has served in a variety of leadership roles forthe Florida Army National Guard, including five commanding roles since 2006. Brigadier GeneralCalhoun is a recipient of the Legion of Merit Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, Humanitarian ServiceMedal, Florida Distinguished Service Medal, Alabama Commendation Medal, and the MississippiState Emergency Medal, as well as the Department of Defense African American History MonthRecognition Award for his contributions to the Global War on Terrorism. He received his bachelor’sdegree from Florida A&M University and his master’s degree from the U.S. Army War College.