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Military Officers Association of America -- One Powerful Voice --
For every officer at every stage of life and career
************
Heartland of America Chapter ***** July 2015 *****
"From Bunker Hill, Concord, and Valley Forge, … to Cornwallis’ defeat at Yorktown;
A new nation was born whose star-spangled banner forever shall wave o'er the land of the
free and the home of the brave!"
____________________Our Nation’s Birthday____________________ The 4th of July
(Dinner meeting at Anthony’s Steakhouse on 15 July)
(see inside back cover for details)
Check out our website at
www. HeartlandMOAA. us
2
or call (402)339-7888
The Bulletin Board Is the Newsletter of the Heartland of America Chapter
of the Military Officers Association of America. Content is from members, MOAA internet mail, MOAA’s Affiliate, and other military-oriented sources. Material used is
public domain or attributed as to source and copyright.
**********************
Lt Colonel Patrick L. Jones, USAF (Ret) Editor & Webmaster
Volume XXIX Number 7 July 2015
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
With our pending trip to the Omaha
Community Playhouse to see Spamalot on
June 27th
, there was no Chapter dinner
meeting at Anthony’s Steakhouse this
month. Our next meeting there will be
Wednesday, July 15th
, and our speaker will
be Brig Gen Richard Evans, Mobilization
Assistant to the Deputy Commander of US
STRATCOM. He will discuss the
increasing role of the National Guard and
the Reserves in our strategic mission.
I did submit our nomination for the MOAA
Level of Excellence Award by the due date of June 1, 2015. Calendar year 2014
was a very good year for our Chapter and I appreciate all who submitted
information on their involvement with our veteran, military, and local
communities. We, collectively, possess a remarkable commitment to these
communities and definitely contribute to the “good life” in our communities. I
had the opportunity to see such a contribution on Memorial Day at the Bellevue
Cemetery. Led by VFW Post 10785, this ceremony is always solemn, somber, and
very professional. Two of our Board members, Lt Col Pat Jones with the Sarpy
Serenaders and Marty Didamo who represented the Gold Star Wives, participated.
Several other Chapter members and Gold Star Wives were also in attendance.
I received an email from the Deputy Director of Chapters, Col Brian Anderson,
USAF (Ret) with some information about MOAA’s partner, PenFed (Pentagon
Federal Credit Union). PenFed is hosting Omaha’s “Monday Night at the Movies”
on a 26-foot inflatable screen in Turner Park Blankets/chairs are welcome and the
first 3 hours of garage parking is free. Turner Park is at Midtown Crossing, 31st
Ave. and Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68131. This link has the movie schedule and
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other details: http://www.omaha.com/calendar/community_events/monday-night-
at-the-movies/event_ae13b772-e976-11e4-bf77-9feb08d82eaf.html. The PenFed
point of contact for Omaha is Derrick Gonzalez. He can be reached at 402-951-
5809 or at [email protected]. PenFed is hosting 40 VIP seats for
military personnel, veterans. retired, etc. I spoke with Derrick and he
emphasized to me that any veteran or retiree who would like to request VIP seats
should contact him directly by email ([email protected]) or by
telephone (402-951-5809).
I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th
of July and I hope to see many of you on July
15th
to hear General Evans. Also, please circle Thursday, August 27th
on your
calendar as that evening we will have our picnic buffet and watch Storm Chasers
baseball at Werner Park. Details will be coming soon.
Col Dan Donovan --- [email protected] -- 402-339-7888
The Legislative Situation (by Paul Cohen, B/Gen USAF (Ret))
We recently heard from Nebraska State Senator Sue
Crawford, detailing the passage and signing of bills
related to military members, veterans and their
families in the just concluded session. The list of the
nine new laws includes the five that the Chapter
championed.
Senator Crawford’s report also listed eleven
proposals of interest to the Chapter that will be
carried over to the next session, beginning in January
2016. That list includes the four proposals related to income tax exemption of
part or all of military retired pay. Those bills are still in the Revenue Committee.
We are formulating our strategy for passage of improved income tax legislation
for military retirees. We have been in discussion with several influential members
of the Nebraska corporate community and have been encouraged by their interest
in working with us. We have also been in conversation with an educational
institution for a project that would quantify the economic impact of several
military retired pay exemption plans. It has always been our contention that this
issue is economic and we are seeking information and corporate support to
continue the quest for a competitive statute.
The Chapter will also coordinate with the Department of Defense Liaison office to
identify issues of greatest concern to all military members and their families. Our
partnership with DOD has led to the passage of many bills and administrative
changes, all leading to making Nebraska a more military-friendly state.
Paul Cohen, B/Gen USAF (Ret)
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Very recently, the U. S. Senate passed its version of the FY 16 Defense bill,
defying a veto threat from the administration. The bill passed the senate with a
veto-proof majority, 71-25. The veto threat is about the legislation exceeding the
sequestration caps. The Senate bill by-passes those caps by funding some base
operations from special war accounts that are not subject to sequestration.
However, the Senate version caps
increases in military pay, again, below
the growth in the civilian market by
nearly half, cuts the housing allowance
by 5%, cuts subsidies to commissaries
and calls for increases in TriCare
prescription fees in excess of the COLA
percentage as in current law and in
addition to a 20% increase in most co-
pays enacted last year. It, like the
House proposal, calls for change in the
military retirement system to a mixed
defined benefit/defined contribution plan as reported on in these pages
previously.
The House and Senate lawmakers will
now meet in conference to work out the
differences between the two pieces of
legislation. They have announced that
they hope to have their work completed
before the August recess.
As the latest MOAA mailing indicated,
everyone’s help will be needed on very
short notice to contact our Congressional
Delegation in support of the House
version of the defense bill. Please watch
for calls to action from MOAA and respond
using the CAPWIZ system (except Senator
Fischer who is not enrolled in that communication system), direct phone and fax.
Detailed information about the two bills is available on the MOAA website.
As a recruiter told me just recently, “It’s becoming harder to attract good people
to uniformed service as the nation’s leadership seems to be asking more of them
and offering them less.” The budget driven message in the Senate bill reinforces
Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith and Heartland Chapter President Dan Donovan
Nebraska Senator Sasse and
Chapter President Dan Donovan
5
that perception. Your voice will be needed in the coming weeks to help reverse
the trend.
Programs for remainder of 2015
(from Ken McClure, Maj USA (Ret))
15 July, Brigadier General Richard J. Evans III,
Mobilization Assistant to the Deputy Commander, U.S.
Strategic Command, will be our guest. Expect to learn
more about active and reserve component integration
in support of strategic mission requirements.
On August 27th (a Thursday) we'll see the Omaha Storm
Chasers, the Kansas City Royals' Triple-A affiliate, as
they face off against Pacific Coast League rivals, the Fresno Grizzlies, at Werner
Park. This is the Storm Chasers' fifth season at Werner. We'll have a table set up
near the ball park entrance where we'll check-in much the same as we did last
year and gather at the Lincoln tent for a pre-game picnic. The game starts at
1905, so give yourself some extra time.
September's program is currently "under construction." But it should be well
worth the wait.
Looking back at JUNE 2015 .... So soon? While Spam has been around for about
78 years, thanks to Hormel Foods' introduction of a cooked spiced ham product in
1937, Spamalot was a relatively recent development. Eric Idle wrote the book
and lyrics, based on the popular 1975 movie called "Monty Python and the Holy
Grail." He joined John Du Prez in writing the music, which includes the song
"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" (erroneously referred to as "Always Look
at the Bright Side of Life" in last month's newsletter).
There's at least one Internet website that includes a Director's Script for
"Spamalot." It features both dialogue and stage direction. Follow this link (if it
works for you) to see what cleverness you may have missed:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0vTpr25OYn2UndRaE15RkYwSTA/edit
Our thanks to the Omaha Community Playhouse staff for offering not only an
amazing musical comedy but also an informative backstage tour. And to Catering
Creations goes our appreciation for staging a dinner before the show.
We needed at least a dozen Heartland of America Chapter members and their
guests to purchase tickets in order to qualify for a 25 percent discount. We were
Ken McClure, Program Chair
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thrilled to learn that nearly twice that number made the commitment. Total
headcount: 23. Thanks to all!
Your suggestions for future programs are appreciated. Please contact me, Ken
McClure, at (402) 215-3944 or send email to [email protected]
MOAA’s New Membership Model
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization
working to support military officers and their families at every stage of life. MOAA plays an active
role with Congress on behalf of the military community on issues affecting the career force, the
retired community, and veterans of the uniformed services. In addition to representing your
interests before Congress, MOAA offers a wide range of personal and financial services exclusive
to MOAA member. Whatever the stage of a career, MOAA membership delivers benefits geared
specifically to you – and your family. From active-duty service through retirement, MOAA can help
you make the most of your career as an officer. When you join MOAA, you become part of the
strongest advocate for our military’s personnel and their families. The stronger our membership
is, the stronger our voice becomes. Consider joining today because every voice counts
Three Membership Levels
To Meet the Needs Of All
Officers BASIC
PREMIUM
LIFE
Features of each
Membership Level
No-cost electronic
membership
designed for today’s
junior officers.
Full access to MOAA’s career resources,
countless discounts on products and travel,
and access to all of MOAA-exclusive
publications and news updates. Full access
to a wide variety of member benefits for
today’s career officer.
Receive all the benefits
that PREMIUM
membership has plus
exclusive privileges and
benefits.
Membership Dues Free
1 year - $40
2 years - $75
3 years - $98
Dues are based on your
current age
Support of critical advocacy efforts
to protect the benefits of the entire
military community
Electronic access to several of
MOAA’s news updates
Discounts on products and travel
Career transition resources
1. MOAA helps by hosting career
fairs, résumé critiques, training
sessions, and much more.
Expert advice on your military pay
and benefits
1. MOAA's team of highly trained
professionals can help you receive
the military benefits you've earned
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through one-on-one counseling.
Financial planning and investment
advice
Military Officer magazine
Access to all MOAA-exclusive
publications
Scholarships, interest-free loans,
and grants
1. For children of MOAA members
seeking undergraduate degrees.
MOAA Chapters
1. Take advantage of the opportunity
to get involved and meet fellow
officers in your community. A
PREMIUM or LIFE Membership
makes it easy.
Dues vary by
chapter.
New chapter members receive a voucher
good for one year of chapter dues.
New chapter members
receive a voucher good
for two years of chapter
dues
Bonus travel rewards and
discounts
Initiation fee waived at Army and
Navy Club of Washington, D. C.
Protection for your spouse
1. membership benefits transfer to
your spouse should anything
happen to you
[ ] LIFE MEMBERSHIP ENROLLMENT
Method of Payment
[ ] Check (please make payable to MOAA)
[ ] Visa [ ] Discover [ ] MasterCard [ ] AMEX
Charge my card $ ____________________
Car d number _____________________________
Expiration date (mm/dd/year_____________
LIFE Membership Dues: based on your current age
50 & under $693 Age 66-70 $501 Age 86-
90
$191
Age 51-55 $654 Age 71-75 $431 Age 91-
95
$118
Age 56-60 $616 Age 76-80 $354 Age 95-
100
$72
Age 61-65 $564 Age 81-85 $270 Age101+ Free
Signature _______________________________________
EZ Pay with 10 convenient, interest free installments
You will receive monthly invoices and your balance will reflect credit of any unused dues paid on your current annual membership. [ ] Enclosed is my check (payable to MOAA) in the amount of $_______ (1/10
th of my dues)
[ ] Charge my card in the amount of $ ___________ (1/10 th of my dues) [ ] Visa [ ] Discover [ ] MasterCard [ ] AMEX Car d number ______________________________Expiration date (mm/dd/year_____________
[ ] Check here to have your credit card automatically charged monthly for the remaining installment payments
Signature _______________________________________
8
Heartland of America Chapter
Military Officers Association of America P.O. Box 1756
Bellevue, NE 68005-1756
LOCAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (Heartland Chapter members must also be a National MOAA Member)
Membership: _____Initial or _____Renewal
Annual local dues ___$20.00 ___$10.00(new ones after 1 July) ___Aux $5.00
___Benefactor Donor: $50, $100 or more___________________
Last Name ____________________ First Name _______________ MI_____
Nickname ___________________ e-mail _______________________________
Street Address ________________________City _________State___ Zip_______
Phone(H)__________________W________________Cell____________________
Rank ____________ Service __________ Retired___ NOAA___ USPHS___
___Active Duty ___Regular ___Reserve ___Nat'l Guard ___Former Officer
Spouse's Name___________________________
National MOAA Membership # ________________ Life Member? ___Yes ___No
Brief Bio: (entered service: branch: assignment summary: Interesting career anecdotes:
____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Signature ____________________ Date______________________
9
CHAPTER SPONSORS
Your Ad Could be here!
Call Dick Doolittle at
(402)557-6780
SELECT YOUR MEMBERSHIP After filling out some basic information below, select your membership level by checking one of the boxes and providing
your payment information
Name ________________________________
Branch of Service ____________ Rank _____
[ ] Retired [ ] Active [ ] Former
[ ] Reserve [ ] National Guard [ ] Surviving spouse
[ ] Graduation Year (Cadet/Midshipmen)_____
Email Address __ __________________
Address ______________________________
City ________________ State Zip _______
Phone Number ______________________________
To ensure deliverability of MOAA communications, please provide
a personal email without a ". mil" domain if available.
We value your privacy. MOAA does not rent or sell its members'
emails to third parties. If you include your email address, you will
receive e-communications from MOAA as a member benefit Visit
www. moaa. org/email for details.
Spouse Name _____________________________
Spouse email _____________________________
Your spouse has access to all of your MOAA member benefits.
Chapter Name __________________________
Dues to MOAA are not deductible as a charitable contribution for
federal tax purposes. Annual Membership dues include a $12
subscription to Military Officer Magazine.
[ ] PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP ENROLLMENT
Method of Payment
[ ] Check (please make payable to MOAA) [ ] Visa
[ ] Discover [ ] MasterCard [ ] AMEX
Charge my card $ _________________________
Card number _____________________________
Expiration date ____________________________
Signature ________________________________
[ ] For my convenience, please charge each year's dues, at the then-prevailing amount, to the credit card listed above.
[ ] One-Year Premium Membership
$40 – Surviving Spouse- $37)
[ ] Two-Year Premium Membership
$75 - Surviving Spouse - $68)
[ ] Three-Year Premium Membership
$98 - Surviving Spouse - $88)
*****************************************
[ ] BASIC MEMBERSHIP ENROLLMENT *email address required for Basic
Membership. Do not use “. mil” email
Send to:
MOAA, PO Box 1488
Merrifield,VA 22116-9820
For faster service, call (800) 234-MOAA (6622) or visit www. moaa. org/join.
11
In Memory of
Ben F. Comstock
POW WWII 8 Dec 1941 ( taken prisoner at Wake Island )
Past National Director
AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR
2806 Nottingham Drive
Bellevue NE 68123
BEARDMORE
More and More…. It’s Beardmore
Brian Kucks Chevrolet Sales Manager Phone 402-734-2525 Toll Free 800-734-0271 Fax 402-738-7615 Email bkucks@beardmorechevy. com
418 Fort Crook Road North, Bellevue NE 68005 www. beardmorechevy. com�
Cell Phone: 402-598-7916
Email: [email protected]
Office: 402-778-1212
1405 California St. Omaha NE 68154
Protecting Your Future With Jay DiBacco
12
Your Ad
Could be here! Call Dick Doolittle at
(402)557-6780
Reserved Parking NOW Available !!
(no one thought it would ever happen…). Though many of us need to park closer to the door because
of medical limitations, handicapped parking is very limited at Anthony’s. (and there is no assurance
that those limited number of spaces are really being used by authorized drivers; This editor has
personally twice seen young apparently healthy drivers park in those slots with no handicap display)
BUT, our erstwhile dinner planners have done it!!! WE NOW HAVE TWO SPACES !!!
Read & heed the info below – pj
We have two "reserved parking" signs we'll be using at Anthony's from now on. The reserved parking
spaces are for our mobility- limited members, on a first come, first served basis. Use of these spaces will
be on the honor system to help our members who need to park as close to the entrance as possible due to
medically-related conditions. The MOAA reserved parking space locations will vary from month to
month due to the other events hosted by Anthony's. We will attempt to find spaces as close to the
Anthony's main entrance as possible but members will need to look for our reserved spaces. The signs
are mounted on orange cones and will be placed at the entrance of the parking space. The driver or
passenger must move the sign to the far end to allow the car entry. Please bring the reserved sign in
with you and give to Ron & Sharon. That reduces the risk of thievery and misuse by
“others” . – Three cheers for Ron & Sharon Russell
14
2015 Donations for Scholarships Donald J.Bacon, Robert Bailey, Mary E. Bezy, Larry R. Bradley, Wayne W.
Brunz, Edward L. Burchfield, Richard C. Carver, Paul G. Cohen, Trudy
Conley, Richard P.Connell, Michael J. Cook, Charles W. Davis, Thomas E.
deShazo, Jr., Martha M. Didamo, Daniel J. Donovan, Richard N. Doolittle,
James P. Drake, Rene’ F. Dreiling, Mark Dreiling, Norris N. Erickson,
William H. Ernst, Douglas A. Frost, John S.Graham, Gloria A.Harvey, David
L. Heer, John L. Hinton, James E. Holland, Shirley A. Hoover, Benjamin C.
Hull, Terrance J.Hummel, Cynthia L. Keyes, Terri A.Lehigh, Roger P.Lempke,
Warren D.Lynn, Paula R.Muth, Sandra Wees Nieto, Owen L. O’Saunders,
E.Gordon Pahre, Dick L. Parcher, Sheree L. Patterson, Doran G. Post,
Clifford L. Pratt, Earl D. Rogers, Lamont E.Rousseau, Betty A. Salistean,
Rita J. Salucci, Francis Sewell, Mary M.Shaw, David Sidwell, Beverly A.
Snowden, Mark A. Spadaro, Ann Carolyn Standerwick, Lyle H. Walker, Lewis
M. Weigand, Everett A. Wrage, 1 Anonymous ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
May They Not Be Forgotten
The men and women who have answered the call and paid the ultimate price so that we and future generations could have the freedoms so cherished by human beings. We must ever be vigilant and prepared to defend our way of life against those who would deny it. Callous politicians, power hungry egoists, corrupt individuals, adversarial religions, and even our latest self-oriented generations pose grave threat to the preservation of what many take for granted. Every citizen should take a few moments from time to time and reflect on the benefits we have in our country. They should give thanks to those who have served and preserved our way of life.
Hopefully, they will also pledge to do their part to keep it so. – pj
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wandering Mind of An Old Retired Guy
Did you know, the Federal Government did not print paper money until 1861?
With the Civil War on, people hoarded their coins. Soon there was virtually no money in circulation. Congress was forced to direct the Treasury to print
paper currency so the economy could function.
They were called “Greenbacks” due to the color of ink on one side.
Lincoln ,being President at the time, was pictured on one side
By law, each bill had to be signed by the Treasurer or his rep. So, beginning in 1862, two men and four women worked every day signing each $1 & $2
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE, SO ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.
15
Heartland of America Chapter
Military Officers Association of America, MOAA
Dinner Meeting – Wednesday, July 15th, 2015
Anthony's Restaurant (72nd and F Streets) Registration and Social Hour Begins at 6 pm - Dinner at 7 pm
Reservations are for meal selections only, and should be e-mailed to our central e-mail address or phoned to Ron and Sharon Russell. Please specify names of attendees, meal choices and include a phone number in case we need to contact you. Reservations should be in by Monday night
before the dinner! If you must cancel your reservation, please call Ron or Sharon at 402-297-4244 prior to 4:00 pm on the day of the event; otherwise the chapter will be charged if you are a NO-SHOW and we will send you a bill for the cost.
E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 402-297-4244
Meal selections are as follows:
8 oz Sirloin w/Baked Potato & Roasted Vegetables $27.60
With Chocolate Ice Cream $30.50
Baked Salmon w/Pasta Alfredo & Roasted Vegetables $27.60
With Chocolate Ice Cream $30.50
Strawberry Pecan Spring Salad $17.05
With Chocolate Ice Cream $20.00
Payment will be collected in the party room. A pre-made-out check to Anthony's is preferred. Cash will be accepted but it slows down entry and causes lines. Thank you for your support of this procedure. Note: Prices include tax and gratuity.
Program Our guest is Brigadier General Richard J. Evans, III,
Mobilization Assistant to the Deputy Commander,
USSTRATCOM. While mobilization issues occupy much of
his time, General Evans maintains an active interest in all
Reserve Component missions, the Nebraska Air National
Guard and Nebraska Military Aviation History.
Remember the expression, “The more the merrier”? We ask
you to help make our monthly meetings even merrier with
your presence. We strive to provide three things,
camaraderie, a good meal and a stimulating program. We’ll
do our best to provide the last two, but only you can
increase the camaraderie we share. Please attend!