Flying the new “F-14”

2 www.bupers.navy.mil/periodicals/shiftcolors Oct. - Dec. 2003

Shift ColorsVADM Gerald L. HoewingChief of Naval Personnel

RADM John W. Townes, IIICommander, Navy PersonnelCommand

CAPT Kathlene ContresStrategic Communications Director

CDR Randall LescaultPublic Affairs Officer

Lindsay ConnerManaging Editor

JO2 Jeffrey NicholsEditor Shift Colors

Shi f t Colors , t h e News l e t t e r f o rNavy Ret i rees (NAVPERS 15886) , ispubl i shed quar te r ly i n acco rdancewit h Department of the Navy Publica-t i on and P r in t ing Regu la t ions . TheSecre tary of the Navy has determinedtha t th i s pub l ica t ion i s necessa ry int h e t r a n s a c t i o n o f business requiredby law of the Department of the Navy.Send correspondence to:NAVY PERSONNEL COMMANDSHIFT COLORS (PERS-05)5720 INTEGRITY DRIVEMILLINGTON, TN 38055-0500

E-mail address:[email protected]

Phone number:(901) 874-4012

Mail all reunion notices to:NAVY PERSONNEL COMMANDSHIFT COLORS (PERS-05)ATTN: REUNION NOTICES5720 INTEGRITY DRIVEMILLINGTON, TN 38055-0500

E-mail all reunion notices to:[email protected]

To submit reunion notices pleaseuse the following format:USS Ships Name (USS 123)Date of reunionContact phone number

Need to change your address?If you are receiving pay and

benefits, the only way that you can up-date your information is by contactingDFAS at (800) 321-1080.Only “Gray Area” Retirees andsurviving spouses of Retirees that arenot receiving benefits should contactShift Colors to change their address.

When corresponding with ShiftColors, please include a phone numberso that we can contact you in case wehave any questions.

October - December 2003Volume 48, Issue #3

Contents *Look for our survey insert*

3 CNP Message4 Straight from the Source5 - 12 Retired Activities Branch13 Centenarian Sailors14 Defense Finance and Accounting

Service15 - 16 TRICARE Management Activity17 - 19 VETeran NETwork20 Reunions21 Retiree Seminars22 Contact InformationInsert Shift Colors Survey

Retired IC1 Jerry Hughs (center) stands next to the Navy sponsored BuschSeries number 14 show car with Jason Young (left) and Glen Taylor (right)during a visit to the Navy Exchange at Naval Support Activity, Millington, Tenn.Photo by JO2 Jeffrey Nichols.

Flying the new “F-14”

Oct. - Dec. 2003 www.bupers.navy.mil/periodicals/shiftcolors 3

A message from the Chief of Naval PersonnelShipmates,Now that the bulk of

our Fleet has returnedhome, I thought I wouldtake this opportunity tobring you up to date onour plans for the future.

As our CNO, AdmiralVern Clark, says: now isthe time to prepare for thenext fight. We don’t knowwhere or certainly whenit may come, but we mustassume that our Navy willbe called upon again to

answer the president’s call for persistent and credible navalpower. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to ensure we canconstitute our forces quickly and effectively ... and keep themready.

That is our collective charge and our shared responsibility.The means through which we intend to accomplish this

aggressive goal is something called the Fleet Response Plan(FRP). In essence, the FRP calls for sweeping changes in theway we train, maintain and deploy our carrier and amphibiousstrike groups. It creates a naval surge capability to respond tocrises anywhere around the world. Six surge ready carrierstrike groups would be available anytime, with two strikegroups ready shortly thereafter.

The FRP relies upon improvements in how we scheduleand conduct both maintenance and training. Given theseefficiencies, carrier strike groups could be employable in aslittle as nine months after returning from extended at-seaperiods. It’s all about minimizing predictability while sustainingour ability to provide the nation and our allies persistent, crediblecombat power in the four corners of the earth ... without apermission slip.

Our challenge in the manpower and personnel business, ofcourse, is to keep those strike groups fully manned throughoutthe surge cycle, rather than allow their manning to fall andthen rise right before deployment. Since we may never knowexactly when the call comes, we want each and every unitmaintained at full manning levels — ready to deploy with allthe talent and skills they need to get the job done. There’s lotsof work to do, of course, but we believe the innovative use ofnew technologies and the terrific energy of our Sailors willhelp us get there sooner rather than later.

I had the great pleasure to make three trips to fleetconcentration areas in September and early October, first tothe Pacific Northwest, then to the San Diego area and finally

to Japan — visiting 10 bases in all and talking to thousands ofSailors. Naturally, the FRP is of great interest to them. Somefear that having our ships and squadrons more surge capablefor longer periods of time could translate to extendeddeployments on a routine basis. But I was quick to remindthem that nothing could be farther from the truth. It may, infact, mean shorter ones.

The CNO has been very clear: we will no longer deployforces for deployment’s sake. We are going to deploy themwhen and for however long it takes to accomplish the mission.He calls it “presence with a purpose,” and he is very seriousabout it.

I know that many of you have memories of routine,rotational deployments where not much happenedoperationally, as well as those during which real-world,operational requirements were heavy. You’ll no doubt agreethat the latter is almost always more exciting, and indeed, weare seeing the same sort of reaction from Sailors today. Theylike being engaged; they like honing their warfighting skills,and they like the sense of mission with which they operateon a daily basis. They know that each and every time theydeploy, they are doing so for a reason.

I wanted you to be aware of the FRP, because you areprobably going to be hearing a lot more about it in the nearfuture. It is a radically different way of thinking about navalpower, and it meshes very well with the types of threats andchallenges we face in this new century. We simply have tobe ready — all the time. The FRP is the way to get there.

Before I close, let me just add that I couldn’t have beenmore impressed with those fleet Sailors. Their tone wasoverwhelmingly positive; their attitudes upbeat. They areproud to serve and prouder still of their contribution tofreedom. But they are also proud of the history they are writingand the heritage from which they come.

You are that heritage, and, as we celebrate our Navy’s228th birthday, let me thank you again — on their behalf —for the work you did in helping make this incredible Navywhat it is today. However we organize it, however we goabout making it ready for the next fight, we do so by standingon your shoulders.

All the best,


Straight from the sourceRetired Activities Branch

In Your Service,

Dennis Mills Head, Navy Retired Operations Section

Dennis Mills

Well, the summer of 2003 is a memory. School is back in session for the kidsand many of us put those summer experiences behind and prepare for the fastapproaching winter events.

Briefly, I would like to share with you some of my early 2003 activities. LastApril, I had the opportunity to visit the Army Chief of Staff Retiree Council andthe Secretary of the Navy’s Retiree Council in Washington, DC. Therepresentatives of both councils spent five solid days preparing recommendationsfor their respective Service leaders. In May, I had the opportunity to participatein the Air Force Retiree Council meeting in San Antonio, TX. Therecommendations to the Service leaders from the Retiree Councils (RC) for themost part were not new, but were issues that continue to be on the high prioritylist of most retirees and survivors.

The top issues were:-The elimination of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Offset after age 62-Full Concurrent Receipt (no offset of retired pay for VA disability compensation)-Equity of retired reservist benefits-Furthering the viability of TRICARE for LifeAll of the RCs are on the same course. But, remember, the recommendations and concerns that go to our Service leaders

from the RCs are just that, recommendations. The RCs do their best to articulate the issues to garner support from the Serviceleaders with enough rationale to present to various legislative committees for action. At the risk of being redundant, let yourrepresentatives know how you feel on the above issues, as well as any other concerns you feel strongly about.

Now back to the home front. The staff of the Retired Activities Section receives routine calls from widows regardingspouse’s (retirees) not providing for them when they die. Why do we do this? First, we tell our spouses the Navy will take careof them when we die. Then we fail to have any estate in place or provisions for the welfare, so that our loved ones can have acomfortable lifestyle.

This is the saddest part of my job. I find myself apologizing for a retiree’s lack of support to their spouse. As I haverepeatedly written... while we are able, let’s do the right thing and make provisions for those who have stood by usthrough thick and thin.

This edition of the newsletter includes a check list for retirees to review with their spouses or beneficiaries on importantactions to take to lessen trauma should we predecease him/her. This list is a supplement to any Last Will and Testamentyou may already have in place. By the way, as a retiree, you and your spouse may have a Will drawn up for free at anymilitary installation. So, please take advantage of this benefit.

Our last edition of “Shift Colors” provided much information on the “Combat Related Special Compensation.” Ihope that all qualified retirees with 20 years of active service or equivalent Reservists have taken the appropriate action.For those of you with disabilities that do not qualify for this program, make your views heard to your legislative officialsregarding full concurrent receipt. Finally, how about the article in the “Centenarian Sailors” section? What an impressivecareer Vice Admiral Wallace B. Short has had. He gives us all something to strive for.

Until the next time... I wish you Happy Holidays in advance.


To improve the administration of theUniformed Services’ health care pro-grams and in order to identify third partypayees, all foreign national spouses and/or dependents must provide their SSNfor DEERS enrollment in order to be-come/remain eligible for medical careat Military Treatment Facilities (MTF).

If they do not have a SSN or planto obtain one, let us know and we willassign a Foreign Identification Num-ber (FIN) to their DEERS record. Ifyou file U. S. Federal Income Taxeswith the Internal Revenue Service(IRS) and claim dependents withouta SSN, IRS will assign them an In-come Tax Identification Number(ITIN), which we can also use in lieu

DEERS enrollment for foreign national spouses/dependents

Retired Activities Branch

Navy News Service reports thatthe new TRICARE Handbook, ex-panded to provide information aboutTRICARE’s newest services, is nowavailable and can be ordered onlineat www.fhinc.net/tricare/. Once at theSmart Site, go to “All MarketingProducts” and scroll down to the newTRICARE Handbook. Enter the num-ber of handbooks you want and checkout. Other information materials arealso available at the Smart Site. Whileindividual orders will be honored,commands are encouraged to orderenough of the new handbooks for alltheir beneficiaries and for healthcareproviders, as well. For more generalinformation on TRICARE, go towww.tricare.osd.mil.

TRICARE HandbookAvailable Online

of a SSN.If this information is not provided

to DEERS, a Temporary Identifica-tion Number (TIN) will be assignedand your eligibility for medical careat a MTF will terminate 90 days fromthe update of their DEERS record.This applies whether you use a MTFor are enrolled in TRICARE.

If your dependents are currentlyeligible for ID card benefits and youneed to update DEERS with the aboveinformation, please take a copy of thesocial security card or proof of anITIN to the nearest ID card issuingfacility in your area or forward thedocumentation to the Department ofthe Navy, Navy Personnel Command

(PERS-332B), 5720 Integrity Drive,Millington, TN 38055-3320. Ensurethat your request contains thesponsor’s name and SSN.

If you are establishing enrollmentfor new dependents, or updating yourcurrent dependents’ eligibility forbenefits, please take a copy of the so-cial security card or proof of an ITINalong with other required documen-tation to the nearest ID card issuingfacility in your area or forward thedocumentation with the initial ID Cardapplication to Naval Reserve Person-nel Center, 4400 Dauphine Street,New Orleans, LA 70149-7800, Attn:Code N332. Ensure that your requestcontains the sponsor’s name and SSN.

Prior to transferring to theRetired List or to the Fleet Reserve,members were given a copy of theGuide for Retired Personnel and TheirFamilies. This publication has notbeen available for over five years. TheRetired Military Almanac has beenissued to retiring members at theirTransition Assistance Program (TAP)classes since 1998. The almanaccontains an enormous amount ofinformation that is beneficial toretirees and spouses alike.

The 2003 Retired MilitaryAlmanac is now available! Now in its26th year, the Retired Military Alma-nac is a 256-page guide designed tokeep you current and up to date onmany subjects of vital interest tomilitary veterans. The almanac con-tains detailed information on recentlypassed legislation, including CombatRelated Special Compensation (for-merly known as Concurrent Receipt),

The Retired Military Almanac replaces theguide for Navy personnel and their families

lengthy sections on military healthcare, including TRICARE andTRICARE for life, as well as informa-tion on veterans benefits (including acurrent list of VA facilities), spaceavailable lodging and travel, and manyother topics directly affecting retireesand their families.

Order directly from the publisherfor $10.95 (includes postage) bysending a check or money order toUniformed Services Almanac, Inc.,PO Box 4144-SC, Falls Church, VA22044, or if ordering by credit card,call toll-free (888) 872-9698. You canalso order secure online at:www.militaryalmanac.com. The 2003Uniformed Services, Reserve Forcesand National Guard Almanacs are alsoavailable.

*** The almanac is also avail-able in military exchanges.



This question has been asked of “Shift Colors” and the Retired Activities Branch hundreds of times. Unfortunately, thequestion usually comes after the death of a loved one has already occurred. While it may be impossible to truly prepare forthe overwhelming emotions and dilemmas that arise with the loss of a loved one, it does help when most of the issues havealready been settled. This checklist is designed to equip you and your loved ones with both knowledge and information thatmay prove helpful as you prepare one another for the task of handling the affairs of a deceased loved one.

How do I make sure my spouse knows what to do inthe event of my death?

__ Create a military file that includes your retirement or-ders, separation papers, medical records, etc. Make sure yourspouse knows the location and telephone number of the near-est military installation.

__ Create a military retired pay file that includes the per-tinent information for DFAS and Navy Personnel Command:

Defense Finance and Accounting ServiceU S Military Retirement PayPost Office Box 7130London, KY 40742 7130(800) 321-1080 or (216) 522-5955/(800) 269-5170 (fordeceased members)

Department of NavyNPC PERS-664Retired Activities Section5720 Integrity DriveMillington, TN 38055-6640

(This file should also include the number of any VA claimstill pending and the address of the VA office being used; alist of deductions currently being made from benefits; andthe name, relationship and address of the person you havemade the beneficiary of any unpaid retired pay at the time ofdeath.)

__ Create an annuities file. This file should include in-formation about the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), ReserveComponent Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) or the RetiredServiceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP), Civil Ser-vice annuity, etc. Additional information regarding SBP an-nuity claims can be obtained from the DFAS-Cleveland(DFAS-CL) office at 800-321-1080.

__ Create a personal document file that has copies of mar-riage certificates, divorce decrees, adoptions and naturaliza-tion papers.

__ Create an income tax file. Include copies of both ofyour state and federal income tax returns.

__ Create a property tax file. Include copies of tax bills,deeds and any other related information.

__ Create an insurance policy file. Include life, property,accident, liability and hospitalization policies.

__ In a secure location, maintain a list of all bank ac-counts (joint or individual). Include the location of all de-posit boxes, savings bonds, stocks, bonds and any securitiesowned.

__ In a secure location, maintain a list of all charge ac-counts and credit cards. Include account numbers and mail-ing addresses.

__ Maintain a list of all associations and organizationsof which you are a member. Some of them could be helpfulto your spouse.

__ Maintain a list of all friends and business associateswho may be helpful. Include name, address and phone num-ber.

__ Spend time with your spouse discussing your planswith respect to the type and place of your funeral service.You should decide which cemetery, whether ground burial,or cremation, etc. If your spouse knows your desires, it willresolve some of the questions that might arise at a later date.

__ Visit a local funeral home and pre-arrange your ser-vices. Many states will allow you to pre-pay for services.

__ Investigate the decisions that you and your familyhave agreed upon. Many states have specific laws and guide-lines regulating cremation and burials at sea. Some statesrequire a letter of authority signed by the deceased in orderto authorize a cremation. Know the laws in your specificarea and how they may affect your decisions. Informationregarding Burials at Sea can be obtained by phoning theOffice of Medical and Dental Affairs-Mortuary Affairs Di-vision at 1-800-876-1131.

__ Once your decisions have been made and you’re com-fortable with them, have a will drawn up outlining all yourwishes.

Checklist continued on next page


__ Insure that your will and all other official docu-ments are maintained in a secure location known byyour loved ones.

__ When all the decision-making and documentingis completed, sit back and continue to enjoy life.

Rest assured that you have done everything pos-sible to help prepare your loved ones for a day whenyou may no longer be there to help.

If you have other suggestions that might prove help-ful and would like to share them with your fellow re-tirees, send them to the Retired Activities Branch forpublication in a future issue.

Department of the NavyNPC PERS-664Retired Activities Branch5720 Integrity DriveMillington, TN 38055-6640

Where can I find the Retired ActivitiesBranch’s web site?

The Retired Activities Branch’s web site is located atwww.persnet.navy.mil, click on Retired Activities (in theyellow HOME box). The site has loads of information...check it out.

American Legion offers Scholarshipsource book

Need information about college scholarships? The Ameri-can Legion’s Need a Lift scholarship publication is an ex-cellent source of information regarding grants and scholar-ships for dependents of retirees. Call (888) 453-4466 foradditional information.

Social Security InformationYou can get both Social Security benefits and military

retirement. Generally, there is no offset to Social Securitybenefits because of your military retirement. You’ll get yourfull Social Security benefit based on your earnings. How-ever, your Social Security benefit may be reduced if you also

receive a government pension based on a job in which youdid not pay Social Security taxes. If you have questions, askthe Social Security Administration for a copy of the factsheet, The Windfall Elimination Provision (Publication No.05-10045).

Amplifications and CorrectionsThe “Shift Colors” October - December 2002, Retiree

network keeps the torch alive (Page 16), Websites for Retir-ees and Veterans. The originator of the article failed to rec-ognize one of the Navy’s foremost advocates for active andretired issues, The Fleet Reserve Association - www.fra.org.Please include their web site on this important list.

Thanks for your helpThe “Shift Colors” has routinely indicated that the pro-

curement of the DD214 (Report of Separation from ActiveDuty or Certificate for Release or Discharge from ActiveDuty) could be requested from the National PersonnelRecords Center, 9700 Page Ave, St. Louis, MO 63132, At-tention: Navy. Thanks to an alert reader we have been re-minded that DD214s were not issued until after January 1950.Retirees separated or retired prior to that date were issued aNAVPERS 553, which could be used for applying for anyveteran benefits. If you require documentation of serviceprior to January 1950 please request the NAVPERS 553 in-stead of the DD214. Thank you, reader, for your input!

Cold War Certificates Still AvailableArmy News Service reports that servicemembers, veter-

ans and federal employees who served between Sept. 2,1945 and Dec. 26, 1991 are still eligible for a Cold WarRecognition Certificate. In 1998, the secretary of Defenseapproved awarding the certificate to personnel who servedduring the Cold War. Thus far, about one million peoplehave responded out of the 22 million entitled to receive thecertificate, officials said. An application for the Cold WarRecognition Certificate can be found on the Internet at https://coldwar.army.mil. The Website informs applicants aboutthe correct procedures and the required documentation toreceive a certificate. Applications will only be accepted byfax or mail, officials said. More information on the certifi-cate can be found on PERSCOM’s Cold War Website or bycalling customer service at (703) 325-5864. For more onmedals, awards, and decorations, see www.military.com/Re-sources/ResourcesContent/0,13964,31460,00.html .


Checklist continued from page 6



Under a new five-year dental contract between the Depart-ment of Defense and the Delta Dental Plan of California, den-tal benefits for uniformed services retirees and family mem-bers enrolled in the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP)have been enhanced. Beginning May 1, 2003, the mandatoryenrollment period is reduced from 24 to 12 months. The an-nual maximum benefit per enrollee and lifetime maximumbenefit for orthodontic care was increased from $1000 to $1200.

After the mandatory enrollment period ends, eligible en-rollees which include uniformed services retirees and their fam-ily members; Medal of Honor recipients and their family mem-bers; and survivors and family members of deceased retireesor active duty sponsors who served on active duty for morethan 30 consecutive days, may continue their enrollment in theTRDP on a month-to-month basis. During the mandatory 12-month enrollment period, TRDP enrollees are covered for ba-sic restorative services, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgeryand dental emergencies. After 12 months of continuous enroll-ment, TRDP enrollees are covered for cast crowns, cast resto-rations, full and partial dentures and orthodontics for adultsand children.

As an incentive, sponsors and family members who enrollwithin 120 days of the sponsor’s retirement from active dutyreceive an extra benefit. They and their family members arecovered by the enhanced dental services starting the day theyenroll. Sponsors and family members who wait and enroll af-ter the 120-day period are not eligible for the enhanced dentalservices until they complete the mandatory 12 months of con-

TRICARE enhances dental benefits for uniformed services Retireestinuous TRDP enrollment.

The TRDP is a voluntary dental program with enrollee-paidpremiums deducted automatically each month from the sponsor’sretired military pay. If retired military pay is not available, spon-sors and family members can arrange with Delta Dental to paythe monthly premiums either by mail or an electronic fundstransfer.

Under the TRDP, there is a $50 deductible per enrollee, witha $150 yearly deductible per family. Premiums vary dependingon where enrollees live and the number of family members theychoose to enroll. During the enrollment period May 1, 2003, toApril 30, 2004, enrollees pay approximately $22 to $37 a monthfor single coverage, $42 to $71 for two or $71 to $120 for afamily of three or more.

Dental coverage is available throughout the United States,Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U. S. Virgin Islands, AmericanSamoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.Enrollees may seek dental care from any licensed dentist or spe-cialist within the TRDP coverage area. To minimize out-of-pocket expenses, enrollees are encouraged to seek dental carefrom more than 67,000 participating dental providers. A direc-tory of participating Delta Dental providers is available onlineat www.ddpdelta.org. Retirees and family members may alsorequest a provider directory by calling the Delta Dental Cus-tomer Service number at (888) 838-8737. Additional informa-tion on the TRDP is available on the TRICARE Web site at:www.tricare.osd.mil/dental.

If you’re approaching your 62nd birthday and pre-paring to apply for your Social Security benefits, youshould know this:

You may apply for benefits 3 months before your62nd birthday.

It is advised that you call the Social Security Ad-ministration Office for an appointment and list ofdocuments and information for your application ofbenefits.

Your application for benefits will not be pro-

Are you preparing to apply for social security?cessed without all of your DD214s or verification ofmilitary service. If you do not have that informationyou may request copies from:

NATIONAL PERSONNEL RECORDS CENTER9700 PAGE AVEST LOUIS MO 63132ATTN: NAVY

This is an important event in your life. Please beproactive and have all of the documentation requiredby the Social Security Administration prior to apply-ing for benefits.



SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN(SBP) PREMIUM SUSPENSIONS

Reproduced with permission from Military.com.An individual’s complete service record is available to

the former service member or, if deceased, to his/her nextof kin (parents, spouse, or children). Limited information(such as dates of service, awards, and training) is availableto anyone. Not available to the general public is informa-tion which would invade an individual’s privacy; for ex-ample, medical records, Social Security number, or presentaddress.

The St. Louis Center receives many requests for servicerecords each week, so a request will be processed withgreater speed and accuracy if the requester uses a StandardForm 180, “Request Pertaining to Military Records.” If re-questing the records of a relative, a requester should men-

(800)321-1080(888)363-5433(800)874-2273(303) 676-3526(888) 838-8737(800)443-9297(800)582-3337(866)827-5672(800)772-1213(800)827-1000(800)269-5170(901)874-4012

Cut out the quick reference phone list belowand put in a safe place for you and your fam-ily to use in case of an emergency.

How to get your service recordtion the relationship to the former member (brother, uncle,or other). There is no charge for this service to former ser-vice members or their next of kin. For others, a nominal feeis charged for research and reproduction costs.

You may submit more than one request per envelope orfax, but submit a separate request (either SF 180 or letter) foreach individual whose records are being requested.

* Send by Mail:National Personnel Records CenterMilitary Personnel Records9700 Page AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63132-5100* Send by Fax: 314-801-9195.The Center will respond in writing by U.S. Mail.Order Processing Time:Response times for records requested from the National

Personnel Records Center (NPRC) vary greatly dependingon the nature of the request. For example, the NPRC MilitaryRecords Facility currently has a backlog of 180,000 requestsand receives approximately 5,000 requests per day. Routinerequests for separation documents currently require only 2-4weeks for servicing. However, requests that involve recon-struction efforts due to the 1973 fire or older records whichrequire extensive search efforts may take much longer. Theaverage turnaround time on all requests is currently runningat approximately 12 weeks.

The Retired Activities Section often receives callsfrom retired Sailors participating in the SurvivorBenefit Plan (SBP) who are suffering through the lossof their spouse. Understandably, this is a difficulttime for a retiree. This change in their lives is onewhere things will never be the same. Others phonerequesting identification card (ID) assistance, or arejust looking for someone to talk to and wonderingwhat to do next.

As a first step, we recommend that they contactthe Defense Finance and Accounting Service-Cleveland Center (DFAS-CL) at 800-269-5170 tomake a telephonic report. Those this is not required;however it does alert the DFAS-CL of the situation.We also recommend that they write a brief letter orcomplete a DD Form 2656-6, Survivor Benefit PlanElection Change Certificate, attach a copy of the deathcertificate and mail it to the DFAS-CL in order tohave their SBP premiums suspended.

We recognize that our advice provides little solaceat this most difficult time; however, following thesesteps will at least return the SBP premiums to theirretired pay. And should the retiree remarry, they canelect, within their first year of remarriage to, resume,increase, or decline previous coverage provided bythe SBP.

Name____________ Social Security # _ _ _ - _ _ - _ _ _Retiree and Annuitant Pay.......................TRICARE for Life....................................TRICARE Information............................TRICARE Headquarters.........................Delta Dental...............................................I.D. Cards Benefits and Eligibility...........Federal Long-term Health Insurance......NPC Customer Service Center.................Social Security Administration................VA Burial Benefits....................................Reporting a Retiree’s Death to DFAS.....Shift Colors................................................DEERS..........................................................(800)538-9552



Authorization For Release of InformationName: Lt Gen Matthew T. Cooper, USMC (Ret)Address:715 Broadway St., Quantico, VA 22134Telephone No:Work: (703) 640-9433E-Mail Address:Work: [email protected]

Name: MCPON William H. Plackett, USN (Ret)Address:3188 Gallahad Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456Telephone No:Home: (757) 426-0738Fax: (757) 426-0758E-Mail Address:[email protected]

Name: CTMCM James H. Burns, USN (Ret)Address:5840 N.W. Sewell Road, Hillsboro, OR 97124Telephone No:Home: (503) 640-6783

Name: FCCM (SW/AW) Paul Cevolani, USN (Ret)Address:3344 Cuesta Place, La Costa, CA 92009E-Mail Address:Work: [email protected]

Name: PNC(SW) David F. Ellison, USN (Ret)Address:969 West Main Road #4404, Middletown, RI 02842-6364Telephone No:Work: 401-841-2661Home: 401-849-1747E-Mail Address:Work: [email protected]: [email protected]

Name: CAPT D. Vertrees Hollingsworth, MC, USN (Ret)Address:P. O. Box 5058, Pinehurst, NC 28374-5058E-Mail Address:(Home) [email protected]

Name: CAPT Joan M. Huber, NC, USN (Ret)Address:P.O. Box 1502, Grantham, NH 03753-1502E-Mail Address:Home: [email protected]

Name: CAPT Loren R. Leslie, MC, USNR (Ret)Address:4746 Cascade Beach Road, Lutsen, MN 55612-9704Telephone No:(218) 663-7622

Name: CAPT John J. McDonald, Jr., USN (Ret)Address:PSC 517 Box RS/AC, FPO AP 96517-1000Telephone No:Home: 011-63-45-892-1675Work: 011-63-45-323-5844Fax: (707) 982-0929E-Mail Address:Home: [email protected]

Name: CAPT Michael L. McHugh, USN (Ret)., CLU,ChFCAddress:Navy Mutual Aid AssociationHenderson Hall, 29 Carpenter Road, Arlington VA 22212E-Mail Address:Work: [email protected]

Name: ABHCS Richard G. Morell, USNR (Ret)Address:2900 Veterans Way, Viera, FL 32940Telephone No:Work: (321) 637-3693

Name: YNCM Larry D. Rhea, USN (Ret)Address:11401 Meadow Wood Ave., Fredericksburg, VA 22407-7484Telephone No:Home: (540) 786-8264Work: (202) 543-5778E-Mail Address:Home: [email protected]

SECNAV Retiree Council contact list


Retired Activities BranchName: NCCM Ronald L. Shroyer, USN (Ret)Address:114 Beech Street, Connellsville, PA 15425E-Mail Address:Work: [email protected]: [email protected]

Name: CAPT James F. Spagnole, USNR (Ret)Address:2619 Shenstone Way, Sacramento, CA 95833Telephone No:Work: (916) 324-1327Home: (916) 922-7778Fax: (916) 322-4121E-Mail Address:Work: [email protected]: [email protected]

Name: CWO4 Manuel P. Supnet, USN (Ret)Address:8818 Keremeos Way, San Diego, CA 92126-1420

Name: GMGC Frank Tratnyek, Jr., USN (Ret)Address:1581 Avalon Blvd., Casselberry, FL 32707Telephone No:Home: (407) 696-0412RAO: (407) 646-4204E-Mail Address:Home: [email protected]

Name: RMC(SW) Joseph E. Wafford, USN(Ret)Address:1712 Coffman Street, Barboursville, WV. 25504Telephone No:Work: (304) 529-5465Home: (304) 736-2368E-Mail Address:Work: [email protected]: [email protected]

Name: CAPT John T. Williams, USN (Ret)Address:3730 Glen Verde Court, Bonita, CA 91902Telephone No:Home: (619) 479-4928E-Mail Address:Home: [email protected]

Name: Colonel Victor E. Bianchini, USMC (Ret)Address:402 West Broadway, Suite 880, San Diego, CA 92101-8506Telephone No:Home: (619) 544-1800Fax: (619) 544-1801E-Mail Address:[email protected]

Name: Colonel Kenneth C. Carlon, USMC (Ret)Address:Naval Support ActivityGaeta, ItalyPSC 811, Box 443,FPO AE O9609Telephone No:Home: 011 39 0771 461 671Mobile: (340) 765-5349E-Mail Address:Home: [email protected]

Name: Colonel Roxanne W. Cheney, USMC (Ret)Address:6108 Vaux Road, Beaufort, SC 29906-8607Telephone No:Home: (843) 322-0504E-Mail Address:[email protected]

Name: 1stSgt William C. Grissinger, Jr., USMC (Ret)Address:1944 Oak TrailCallahan, FL 32011Telephone No:Home: (904) 879-9524Home: (904) 879-7371Work: (904) 353-2455E-Mail Address:Home: [email protected]

Council continued on page 23


COMBAT RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION (CRSC) Q & A


Q: Why can’t I call the CRSC Branch?A: The high volume of applications combined with our

small staff, force us to choose between answering tele-phone inquiries or processing applications. Processing ap-plications is our priority. We appreciate your patience inthis matter as it allows us to more efficiently process ap-plications for both you and your fellow retirees.

Q: My application was approved but I disagree with aportion of my approval letter. What should I do?

A: Send us a letter asking us to reconsider the deci-sion. Ensure you enclose documentation that clearly veri-fies what you want corrected. Please review the docu-mentation portion of Section 5 of our web page.

Q: Why does it take so long to hear that my applica-tion has been received?

A: You don’t hear from us until we complete initialprocessing of your application. This allows an automati-cally created letter to be prepared for you as a result ofsteps we must take to process your application. To ac-knowledge receipt of applications manually upon receiptwould, given our current volume, require the dedicatedefforts of 25% of our staff with significant negative im-pact on our ability to process applications. Please reviewSection 6 of our web page below for more details on ini-tial processing and how to track when you should hearfrom us that your application has been received. This de-lay is beginning to shorten, as our speed has picked upand the volume of applications appears to be decreasing.

Q: When can I expect to hear from the CRSC Branch?A: We send letters to you under the following circum-

stances: Completion of initial processing, notification ifyour case will be delayed for retrieval of additionalrecords, approval of CRSC, denial of CRSC. These let-ters will advise you when and if you should contact us orif a response from you is required.

Q: I retired with combat-related disabilities on PDRLor TDRL, but I don’t have 20 years of service (or 7,200reserve points). Am I eligible for CRSC?

A: No, 20 years of service (or 7,200 reserve points)are among the criteria for CRSC.

Q: I have an older docket number. I understand appli-cations are worked in the order received. Why hasn’t adecision been made yet on my application?

A: Although each case is unique, the answer is gener-ally that your case has been delayed in order to retrieve

additional records. This delay can take months, so we pro-cess other cases until the additional records necessary foryour case arrive.

Q: Is documentation that establishes service connec-tion for my disability enough for the CRSC Branch to makea determination?

A: No. “Service connected” is not the same as “com-bat-related.” A disability that is service-connected onlyestablishes that a particular injury/illness was incurred co-incident with service in the Navy or Marine Corps. TheCRSC Branch bases its determinations on combat-relatedcriteria which are defined on the Application for CRSC(DD Form 2860).

Q: How does Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)or Individual Unemployability (IU) factor into CRSC?

A: See Section 2 of the following web page text.Q: Can I apply for CRSC if I am not currently rated by

the VA?A: If you are not currently rated by the VA, then you

may still apply for CRSC if you received a rating fromthe Navy Physical Evaluation Board at the time of yourretirement.

Q: If approved for CRSC, can I receive payments if Iam not currently receiving disability compensation fromthe VA?

A: No. CRSC can only be paid based upon VA disabil-ity ratings for which you have waived retired pay.

Q: Are CRSC payments taxable?A: No. CRSC is a separate compensation paid to ap-

proved retirees as a monthly entitlement. It is NOT mili-tary retired pay. Therefore, pending final review by TheArmed Forces Tax Council, CRSC is exempt from Fed-eral income tax.

Q: What are the rates for CRSC payments?A: The CRSC Branch defers these questions to the

DFAS Retired and Annuity Pay Contact Center, which canbe contacted at 1-800-321-1080. The CRSC Branch doesNOT calculate final CRSC payment amounts but focusesonly on determining whether disabilities are combat-re-lated. These determinations are provided to DFAS whothen calculates CRSC payments.

Go to the below website for CRSC updates:www.hq.navy.mil/ncpb/CRSCB/combatrelated.htm.


100Centenarian Sailors

George W. Clark wasborn in Avalon, Georgia, onJul 18, 1903. He enlisted inthe U.S. Navy on Feb. 20,1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, asan apprentice seaman. Af-ter basic training at Hamp-ton Roads, Norfolk, VA, hereported aboard USS NewMexico (BB 40) as a sea-man second class. Afterserving seven years (1922

- 1929) he was promoted to seaman first class, gunners matethird class and gunners mate second class. Clark assumedthat he was slated for battleship duty throughout his navalcareer because his next ship was the battleship USS NewYork (BB 34), in which he served for the next 12 years. Hereceived promotions to turret captain first class and chief tur-ret captain. After 19 years of sea duty, shore duty came andhe was assigned recruiting duty in San Bernardino, CA. Un-fortunately, shore duty didn’t last very long. When the Japa-nese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Clark re-turned to sea aboard the heavy cruiser USS Portland (CA 33)in early 1942 as a Warrant Officer (WO1).

Clark served aboard the Portland for a total of 25months on station in the South Pacific Theater. Portlandserved in Admiral Kinkaid’s group May 4 - 8, 1942, whena Japanese invasion force was turned back from PortMoresby, New Guinea during the two-day battle of CoralSea. When USS Lexington (CV 2) was lost, Portland tookon 722 survivors. She was in TF-17 carrier screen groupduring the Battle of Midway when the Japanese lost fourcarriers.

In August 1942, Portland provided cover and supportfor the Marine landings at Tulagi and Guadalcanal.Throughout the entire war, Portland was in the thick of thefight and took a torpedo hit on Nov. 13, 1942, on the star-board quarter that blew off both inboard propellers, jammedthe rudder five degrees right and jammed the number threeturret in train and elevation. CWO (gunnery) George Clarkand his shipmates kept the guns and turrets firing and hitan enemy destroyer at a range of six miles, which ex-ploded, rolled over and sank. A heavily damaged Portland

Chief Warrant Officer George W. Clarkarrived at Mare Island Navy Yard on March 3, 1943.

Repairs and operational training complete, Portlandsteamed to the Aleutian Islands. From November 1943until February 1944, she participated in the Gilbert andMarshall Islands campaigns and screened carriers throughApril 1, 1944. CWO2 George Clark departed the ship inJune 1944 and was assigned to the U.S. Naval Shipyard,Charleston, SC. USS Portland (CA 33) received 16 battlestars for her World War II service.

In September 1946, CWO2 George W. Clark was trans-ferred from active duty to the Fleet Reserves of the UnitedStates Navy after 24 years of outstanding service.

Not one to sit around, Clark worked as a parking meterattendant for the city of San Bernardino, Ca. Later, hefound employment with Chrysler Motors Factory Parts“MOPAR” warehouse. He “Retired”in 1968 in San Ber-nardino, where he presently resides. He has been a con-tinuous member of the Fleet Reserve Association sinceMarch 1951, first with branch 129 (now defunct) andnow with 108, Riverside, CA., and recently received hisFleet Reserve Association “Centenarian Club Certificate.”

George and Ina (Baker) Clark had been married oneweek shy of 58 years when she passed away on April 5,2001. They have two sons, George T. and Kenneth, sixgrandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.


All retirees of the Armed Forces have the opportunity totake control and manage their retired pay accounts throughan electronic Internet program called myPay. The DefenseFinance and Accounting Service (DFAS) implemented thissecure and convenient program in March 2000. It was up-graded in October 2002 with updates, new features and in-creased security.

Today, as a retiree, you have total control and access toyour pay from anywhere and nearly anytime to make changesto pay preferences and to merely access your benefits infor-mation. Through this system, military members can changea mailing address, add, cancel or edit certain allotment infor-mation, update direct-deposit information, change the amountof federal/state tax withholding, view and print year-end taxstatements, manage U.S. savings bonds, view and print re-tiree pay statements and more.

“This program gives retirees and annuitants from allArmed Forces unprecedented control of their pay accounts,”says Jim Pitt, deputy director for DFAS Electronic Com-merce, Military and Civilian Pay Services. “myPay offersfaster enhanced services, security, accessibility and reliabil-ity to all customers, and the program saves money by reduc-ing the cost associated with offline paperwork and pay state-ments.”

The system is simple to access with a personal computer,Internet access, and a web browser with secure features. Anyretired service member or annuitant can access their accountby following a few easy steps. On the Internet, type the fol-lowing address: https://mypay.dfas.mil. The first screen willbe the myPay home page, which will ask for a social securitynumber and a personal identification (PIN) number. Beforeanyone can access the system for the first time, you must setup a PIN. To set up a PIN on the homepage go to the head-ing “Popular FAQ’s” under that section click on “How do Iget a PIN?” and follow the instructions. Retirees without acomputer may register and establish a PIN using a touch-tone phone by calling toll free 877-363-3677. Listen as aseries of messages guides you through the process and col-lects the required information. A unique random PIN num-ber is established by DFAS and mailed to the retiree. Onceyou receive your PIN, you can log on and access your per-sonal account.

“What is great about this system is that it is in the handsand control of the retiree,” says Pitt. “They are able to con-

trol their military finances and benefits without long waitsor mailing in forms.” Many retirees now receive by mailtheir retiree account statement (RAS), which takes severaldays. However, by registering and logging onto myPay theretiree can view his or her RAS days before the postal ser-vice delivers it to his/her doorstep.

Customer support is available by calling 800-390-2348Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Easternstandard time. Even those who do not have a personal com-puter or Internet access can make required changes to theirpay account by using the computer and Internet access of afamily member, friend or at public libraries and cyber cafes.

Thousands of active, retired and reserve military person-nel have taken advantage of this program and are very pleasedwith the security, accessibility and reliability of myPay.

DFAS continues to work hard and effectively to bringsuperior military pay services to service personnel, activeand retired.

About DFAS:The Defense Finance and Accounting Service is the

world’s largest finance and accounting operation. In fiscal2002, DFAS paid 5.7 million people, processed more than11.2 million contractor invoices, made 7.3 million travel pay-ments and disbursed more than $346.6 billion while reduc-ing overall costs to customers by $144 million. For moreinformation about the Defense Finance and Accounting Ser-vice, please visit http://www.dfas.mil.

Electronic tool to manage pay accounts

Defense Finance andAccounting Service

Carol A. García, Defense Finance and Accounting Service Corporate Communications

If you are receiving pay and benefits, the onlyway that you can update your information is bycontacting DFAS at (800) 321-1080.

Only “Gray Area” Retirees and survivingspouses of Retirees that are not receiving benefitsshould contact Shift Colors to change their address.

When corresponding with Shift Colors, pleaseinclude a phone number so that we can contact youin the event we have any questions.

Need to change your addressfor Shift Colors?


At birth, a newborn baby is often wrapped in a blanket foradded warmth and protection. The Department of Defensealso offers newborns a blanket of protection. As a benefi-ciary of the Military Health System, enrolling your newbornson or daughter in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Re-porting System (DEERS), provides you with the comfort ofknowing your baby is TRICARE eligible and will continuereceiving the essential well baby and pediatric health care heor she needs.

As a parent of a newborn, one of the first decisions youprobably made was deciding on a name for your new “bundleof joy.” As a TRICARE beneficiary, the second and mostimportant decision you should make is to enroll your new-born baby in DEERS as soon as possible after birth.

Uniformed Services sponsors are responsible for keepingtheir family members’ TRICARE eligibility in DEERS cur-rent and up-to-date. By enrolling your newborn in DEERS,you establish TRICARE eligibility for the baby and avoidpotential claim problems or other financial hardship in thefuture if your baby is not properly enrolled.

A newborn infant is covered as a TRICARE Prime ben-eficiary in DEERS for the first 120 days after birth—as long

Sponsors encouraged to wrap their newborn babies in DEERS

The Social Security number (SSN)used to verify TRICARE eligibility inthe Defense Enrollment EligibilityReporting System (DEERS) for unre-married former spouses is changing.Starting Oct. 1, 2003, DEERS will re-flect TRICARE eligibility for thesebeneficiaries using the unremarriedformer spouse’s own SSN and not theformer sponsor’s. Health care infor-mation will be filed under the unre-married former spouse’s own SSN andname. These beneficiaries will nowuse their own name and SSN to sched-ule medical appointments and to fileTRICARE claims.

The current Uniformed ServicesIdentification and Privilege Card, DDForm 1173, held by the unremarriedformer spouse is still valid until it ex-pires. Upon renewal, the unremarried

DEERS verification changes for unremarried former spouses

TRICARE Management Activity

former spouse will be issued a re-placement Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identificationand Privilege Card, DD Form 2765.

The Defense Manpower DataCenter Support Office is sending aletter to all beneficiaries affected bythis change. The letter explains thenew DEERS eligibility verificationprocedures and serves as official no-tification from DoD regarding thischange. The letter does not, however,provide proof of continued eligibil-ity for TRICARE health care ben-efits.

After Oct. 1, 2003, unremarriedformer spouses may contact or visitthe nearest identification card issu-ing facility (locations may be foundonline at www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl) forquestions or assistance.

as one additional family member is enrolled in TRICAREPrime or TRICARE Prime Remote. After the initial 120 days,any claim submitted for a newborn will process as TRICAREStandard until the infant is enrolled in DEERS and TRICAREPrime, or the infant’s TRICARE Standard eligibility ends.Eligibility for TRICARE Standard benefits ends 365 daysafter birth for any newborn infant who is not enrolled inDEERS.

To establish TRICARE eligibility in DEERS, parents orlegal guardians are required to submit a certificate of livebirth from a hospital or TRICARE approved birthing centerand a copy of a verified and approved DD Form 1172 “Ap-plication for Uniformed Services Identification and PrivilegeCard” signed by the sponsor.

For additional information on enrolling your newborn babyin DEERS, sponsors may contact or visit their unit personneloffice, their nearest identification card issuing facilitywww.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/, or contact the Defense ManpowerData Center Support Office Telephone Center at (800) 538-9552. Additional information on DEERS eligibility is avail-able on the TRICARE Website at www.tricare.osd.mil/deers/default.cfm.

Unremarried former spousesshould always keep their DEERS in-formation current and up-to-date. Forquestions regarding their medicalrecords, they should contact the Mili-tary Treatment Facility and medicalrecords department where their DoDmedical records are stored.


Under a new TRICARE global re-mote overseas contract with the De-partment of Defense, access to theTRICARE Prime health care benefithas improved for active duty Uni-formed Services sponsors and fam-ily members who are assigned to des-ignated duty stations in remote loca-tions where military treatment facili-ties are not available. Under the newcontract, International SOS Assis-tance Inc., will coordinate and pro-vide health care services and payclaims for active duty sponsors andfamily members assigned to overseaslocations designated as remote.

The coordination of health care ser-vices in the TRICARE Pacific Regionand designated sites in TRICARE Eu-rope began Sept. 1, 2003. Health careservices for active duty personnel andfamily members assigned to the LatinAmerica TRICARE Region and the re-maining sites in TRICARE Europe be-gins on Oct. 1, 2003. Specific desig-nated site locations and start dates areavailable on the TRICARE Web site atwww.tricare.osd.mil/overseas.

Under this new contract, Interna-tional SOS will arrange routine, urgentand emergency health care services forsponsors and family members withhealth care providers who are approvedand certified by TRICARE. Interna-tional SOS will also arrange urgent oremergency care for active duty person-nel who are temporarily assigned ordeployed in a remote location overseas,or traveling in an authorized leave sta-tus.

The new contract brings equity ofthe TRICARE Prime benefit to familymembers and sponsors in remote loca-tions overseas where military treatmentfacilities are not available. Enrolleeshave access to a network of creden-

New TRICARE global remote overseas contract begins

TRICARE Management Activity

tialed “English-speaking” providers,referrals for specialty care and accessto SOS call centers worldwide wherethey may obtain medical advice froma licensed provider or nurse 24-hoursa day, seven days a week.

“By using providers within the In-ternational SOS network, active dutysponsors and family members in re-mote locations overseas have access toa network of quality health care pro-viders and a benefit that is ‘cashless,’‘claimless’ and easy to use,” said AirForce Lt. Col. Patricia Graulty,TRICARE Overseas program manager,TRICARE Management Activity.

Dental care is available under thiscontract for active duty personnel only.Active duty family members, who areenrolled to a designated remote over-seas location, may use the SOS dentalnetwork providers. Family members,however, are responsible for any up-front payment and for filing claims forcovered care through the TRICAREDental Program (TDP). Sponsors mayenroll their family members in the TDPavailable through United ConcordiaCompanies, Inc. The TDP is a sepa-rate dental insurance program thatshares dental cost with enrolled familymembers. Premiums are paid throughpayroll deductions by the sponsor.Additional information for familymembers needing to enroll in the TDPthrough United Concordia is availableby calling (800)332-0366 or online atwww.ucci.com/was/ucciweb/tdp/tdp.jsp .

The new TRICARE global remoteoverseas health care contract eliminatesup-front payment and the need forsponsors or family members to fileclaims when seeking care.

Under TRICARE, beneficiaries al-ways have a choice. Active duty spon-

sors and family members who decidenot to use the services of InternationalSOS providers may be required to payfor any health care received out-of-pocket and file claims themselves withthe TRICARE overseas claims proces-sor for reimbursement. A list of tele-phone numbers and contacts for theTRICARE Europe, Pacific and LatinAmerica regions and International SOSare available on the TRICARE Website at www.tricare.osd.mil/overseas .

Military retirees living over-seas can now receive prescriptiondrug shipments larger than 16ounces.

Contracted suppliers for theTri-Care Mail Order Pharmacyprogram can mail a 90-day sup-ply of prescription drugs, due tothe exception to policy that wouldotherwise limit the weight of thepackages.

This military postal system ex-ception to policy, which wasimplemented on May 21, is lim-ited to prescription medicationshipments, and no other suppliersor programs are authorized underthis policy. Currently, Express-Scripts, Inc. is the only authorizedTMOP contracted supplier.

For more information, contactCapt. L.A. Gove, Military PostalService Agency, at (703)325-7851.

Receive overseasprescriptions


MWR’s three “R’s” of travel

Relaxation, recreation and recuperation are three of the“R’s” that pertain to Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s(MWR) Heritage Cottages. Another “R” is reservations, asin make yours now!

These 16 cottages, located on Naval Air Station (NAS)Jacksonville’s golf course, are the newest addition to the fam-ily of cottages available at Navy installations throughout theUnited States.

Relaxation“The cottages provide a low cost vacation option. They

allow a great opportunity to spend quality time with the familyand use the reasonably priced MWR activities on base,” saidCapt. Charlie King, executive officer, NAS Jacksonville. “Iwould recommend it as a stopping point for those returningfrom the highly stimulating Orlando parks as a means to de-compress, relax and have a good night’s sleep before gettingback on the highway to return home.”

RecreationNAS Jacksonville is a popular duty station with a vast

amount of tourist destinations in the surrounding area, in-cluding golf resorts, historic cities, family attractions, and alarge number of beaches. Visitors may also take advantageof the wonderful MWR facilities available on base. The Heri-tage Cottages were built to offset the higher prices of localhotels and resorts, while offering amenities and access notnormally found in Navy visitor’s quarters, lodges and inns.

Recuperation“I was totally impressed with the cottages. Even though I

was on temporary additional duty (TAD), I couldn’t wait to

get back to my cottage in the evenings to sit out on the screenedporch overlooking the golf course and enjoy the sounds ofnature,” said Tammy Olenski, MWR program analyst, Com-mander, U. S. Atlantic Fleet. “I have raved about the cabinsto my fellow co-workers who often travel to NAS Jackson-ville for TAD. I plan to use the cottages for all my futurevisits to the Jacksonville area,” she concluded.

Opened in February 2003, 16 fully furnished and equippedtwo-bedroom cottages are available; two are Americans withDisabilities Act compliant. Cooks will enjoy the kitchenamenities that include dishes, utensils, microwave, stove,oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, pots andpans. Couch potatoes will appreciate the two 27-inch colortelevisions and the DVD/VCR.

Year-round rates for the cottages are $60.00 per night.Each two-bedroom cottage can sleep up to six adults andoffers 800 square feet of living space with a 150 square footscreened patio.

A clothes washer and dryer are located in each cottage.Pets and smoking are not allowed in the cottages.

For more information about the cottages or to make res-ervations, call (904) 542-3138 or (904) 542-3139.

Eligible patrons may make reservations one year in ad-vance. The patron list includes active duty and family; re-tired and family; reservist and family; Department of De-fense personnel and family; and NAS Jacksonville govern-ment contractors. Since the cottages are located on base, theability to gain base access is required.

NAS Jacksonville’s MWR department also has an RV Parkwith 25 sites overlooking St. John’s River. New shower andrestroom facilities have been recently added to the park. Res-ervations are accepted 60 days in advance via the Auto HobbyShop on base. Auto Hobby can be reached by calling (904)542-3227.

For more information on other Navy MWR cottages andRV parks, visit www.mwr.navy.mil.

Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s (MWR) ShortStay Outdoor Recreation Area, located on a 60,300-acre lakein the Lowcountry of South Carolina, is the perfect spot for aweekend getaway or vacation.

Get Away to Short Stay

MWR continued on next page

Heritage Cottages: Spend quality time with the family at NASJacksonville’s two-bedroom Heritage Cottages.

By Robin Hillyer Miles, Navy MWR Communications Group.

VETeran NETwork


VETeran NETwork

“Our newest facilities are one and two-room log cabinsthat come equipped with heating, air conditioning, microwavesand refrigerators. They have become some of our mostpopular rentals and are $18 to $22 per night,” said Tom Boyd,Charleston Naval Weapons Station’s MWR site manager forthe resort. “The new central bath house in the camping areais surrounded by six of these cabins and two more cabins aredirectly on the water.”

Active duty military personnel may make reservations atShort Stay up to a year in advance. Military retirees andDepartment of Defense civilians may make reservations sixmonths in advance. The reservation office is open daily from7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern time zone.

“For those who prefer all the comforts of home, we offer44 villas and cabins. These two and three-bedroom and one-bath facilities are also located on the water and are perfectfor a family vacation. Rates for these facilities range from$37 to $73 per night,” said Boyd. “We also have conferencefacilities, pavilions and boats for rent.”

“Our villas, cabins, RV Park and campsites are open year-round. I’ve met vacationers from all over the United States.One of our regulars is an Air Force retiree who now lives inCanada,” recalled Beth Spinharney, campground host.“Campsites run from $3 to $15 per night. Folks like ShortStay because there is so much to do and see in theLowcountry. And, of course, some guests like to come andrelax and not do much at all.”

Jutting out on Lake Moultrie, Short Stay is ideally situatednext to Francis Marion National Forest, ensuring thetranquility and privacy of the recreation area will remain foryears to come.

The area is teeming with hiking, hunting, fishing, watersport, and golfing opportunities. Nature sightings arecommon, as alligators, deer, raccoons, rabbits, seagulls, hawksand other wildlife call Short Stay home.

Just minutes away are historical sights such as StrawberryChapel built in 1725, Mepkin Abbey where monks haveresided since 1942, and Old Santee Canal Park with naturetrails, picnic areas and an interpretive center.

Hikers and families will enjoy the Lake Moultrie Passageof the Palmetto Trail, whose gateway is located near ShortStay. The 425-mile non-motorized Palmetto Trail traversesSouth Carolina from the state’s sliver of Blue RidgeMountains to the Atlantic Ocean.

Historic Charleston and the coastal islands are less thanan hour’s drive from Short Stay. Visitors can take guidedtours of Charleston’s historic district and tour some of thefinest plantations and homes in the South. Isle of Palms,Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach and Kiawah Island offer publicbeach access.

“The Information, Ticket and Travel (ITT) Office islocated on the Weapons Station and we offer discount ticketsto local attractions and historic sights,” said Annette Sellers,ITT manager. “We have driving maps and other usefulbrochures. The base is a 30-minute drive from Short Stayand downtown Charleston is an additional 20 minutes or sofrom here.”

Guests don’t have to travel far to partake in fun activities.Short Stay offers a beach and swimming area, a boat ramp, anda large playground for children. The nearest town, MoncksCorner, has local and chain restaurants, gift shops, grocery storesand discount supermarkets.

Contact Short Stay toll free at 800-447-2178 or (843)743-2608 or visit their web site at www.shortstay.nwschs.navy.mil.For discount tickets to Charleston attractions, contact the ITTOffice at 843-761-2120.

MWR continued from page 16

Lakeside Villas: Short Stay’s two and three-bedroom villas sitdirectly on the lake, offering spectacular views and all thecomforts of home.

Short Stay Beach:Boating, swimming, andsunning on the beach arejust a few of the activitiesguests can enjoy at ShortStay on Lake Moultrie.Photo by MWR.


VETeran NETwork

“I couldn’t have carried thisthrough the jungle,” said a manwearing a Purple Heart Medal on hisshirt.

“Yea, it’s much heavier than theM1’s we had in Korea,” said anotherman wearing a Purple Heart Medal onhis hat.

That’s what the conversationsounded like July 16 when 25members of the Military Order of thePurple Heart Chapter 170 received aweapons demonstration from fivemembers of the base’s Weaponsdivision at the Navy ExchangePavilion here.

This group of Purple Heart Medalawardees hold a monthly meeting onstation and usually head home afterthe meeting. But this time, the grouphad a reason to stay around.

“I was anxious to get the meetingover, which is a no-no, but I was reallylooking forward to this,” said JohnAgnew, a veteran of World War II anda member of the group for 10 years.“It was very interesting to hear aboutthe advances in technology. It wasgreat. Not just to see the weapons,but to meet the guys who are doingthe job. They were wonderful.”

“I was excited about thisdemonstration,” said Petty Officer 2ndClass Joseph D. Noce, magazinesupervisor and one of the weaponsbriefers. “It’s really great to be ableto tell people what you do, show themtoday’s technology and say this is whatour military is using to accomplish ourmission.”

Each of the five presenters fromWeapons took turns describing adifferent weapon to the group ofveterans. In the brief, they explained

Vets get face-to-face meeting with today’s weapons

the capabilities of the weapon and thetype of platform they can be launchedfrom. The weapons on displayincluded: an M-14 rifle, an M-16 rifle,a 9 mm pistol, an AGM-84 Harpoonmissile, an AGM-65 Maverick guidedmissile, a SUU-25 rocket pod, aGeneral Purpose bomb and a ClusterUnit bomb.

After the brief was over, membersof the group were given a chance toget a closer look at the weapons andtalk to the briefers.

“The weapons are a lot different,”

said Rick Karpowich, who was one ofthe first members of the group toapproach the weapons. “The bombsare different, but the personnel are alot like we were, happy and highlytrained. They know their job well.”

“I really enjoyed talking to themabout the differences and similaritiesbetween what we do in today’s warand what they did in their war,” saidNoce. “It brought a lot of memoriesback of my grandfather telling me warstories. He was also a Purple Heartrecipient. It was a good time.”

NAS JRB WILLOW GROVE, Pa. - AOAN Ryan E. Wilson (right) shows John Agnew,a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 170, how to load theSUU-25 rocket pod during a weapons demonstration held at the Navy ExchangePavilion here July 16. Agnew and 24 other members of the local chapter of thePurple Heart received briefs from personnel of the base’s Weapons department onseveral different types of weapons used by today’s warfighters. Photo by JOCS(SW)Doug Hummel.

Weapons change, but Sailors stay the same

By Senior Chief Journalist (SW) Doug Hummel NAS JRB Willow Grove Public Affairs Office


ReunionsREUNION DATE PHONE NUMBER

CBMU 302CHARLES R. WARE (DD 865)DESLANT BOXING TEAM ( 1950 - 1956)ENTERPRISE OPERATION SEA ORBITFLYING MIDSHIPMEN ASSOC.LST 902 (KOREA)Mine Squadron Ten Assn.MSB & MSL of Atlantic FleetNAVCOMMSTA ICELANDNAVY CONVAIR ASSNNAVY POSTAL CLERKSNAVY PUBLIC AFFAIRS ALUMNI ASSOC.NMCB 22NMCB40TICONDEROGA VETERAN’S ASSOC.TRAINING SQUADRON 13 CHARLIEUS NAVY PUBLIC AFFAIRS ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONUSS ALAMO (LSD 33)USS ALBEMARLE/USNS CORPUS CHRISTI BAYUSS ALBUQUERQUE (PF7)USS ALTAIR (AKS 32)USS BATAAN (CVL 29/LHD 5)USS BETELGEUSE (AK 260)USS CATAMOUNT (LSD 17)USS CAVALLA (224/684)USS CHARLES R. WARE (DD 865)USS CONYNGHAM (DD 371/DDG 17)USS EDSON (DD 946)USS ENTERPRISEUSS ENTERPRISE (CVAN 65)USS HANCOCK (CVA 19)USS HOPEWELL (DD-681)USS JOHN C. CALHOUN (SSBN 630)USS KING (DLG 10/DDG 41)USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55)USS LST 902 (Korea)USS MCDERMUT (DD 677)USS POLARIS (AF 11)USS POMPON (SS/SSR 267)USS PYRO (AE 1/AE 24)USS RICHARD S. EDWARDS (DD 950)USS SCOTT (DD 995)USS TERREBONNE PARISH (LST 1156)USS VIRGINIA ASSOCIATIONUSS VON STEUBES (SSBN 632)USS WILLIAMSBURG (AGC 369)UTILITY SQUADRON ONE (VU-1/ VJ-1/ VU7A/ VC-1)VBF 82/VF 18A/VF 172 OFFICERSVP 16/741VPB 111/VP 21 ASSOCIATIONVR 21

May 20-23, 2004May 20-23, 2004Nov 7-9, 2003Jul. 30- Aug. 4, 2004Mar. 31 - Apr. 4, 2004Apr. 30-May 4, 2004May 21-23 , 2004Apr. 22 - 25, 2004Apr. 19-23, 2004Feb. 16-19, 2004Jan. 16 - 18, 2004Mar. 5-7, 2004Apr. 16-18, 2004May 5 - 9, 2004Apr. 15 - 18, 2004Jan. 16-18, 2004Jun. 13-15, 2004May 16-18, 2004Apr. 30-May 3, 2004May 13 - 15, 2004May 12 - 14, 2004Apr. 22-25, 2004Sept. 2004Apr. 21-25, 2004May 20-23, 2004Jun 9 - 13, 2004Jun. 1 - 4, 2004Jan. 13-15, 2004Jan. 14, 2004May 19-23, 2004Apr. 18-20, 2004Jun. 24-27, 2004Jun. 10-13, 2004Jun. 4 - 6, 2004Apr. 30 - May 4, 2004Apr. 22-24, 2004Apr. 13-15, 2004Apr. 29 - May 1, 2004Mar. 10-14, 2004Jul. 22-25, 2004May 8-9, 2004Apr. 21-25, 2004Jun. 25-27, 2004Mar. 18 - 21, 2004Oct. 3-6, 2003May 30 - Jun 6, 2004May 6-9, 2004Apr. 30-May 2Nov. 5-8, 2003Apr. 29 - May 1, 2004

(856) 234-2273(412) 561-7522(505) 524-9127(847) 360-9331(727) 447-2066(979) 532-1890(843)571-3214(304) 876-6628(405) 341-5796(620) 669-0218(703) 281-7963(409) 745-0116(856) 875-1300(816) 454-7846(352) 259-1374(703) 281-7963(702) 435-1351(860) 267-2825(225) 775-5809(903) 769-5325(937) 390-2713(843) 797-7727(775) 575-2610(831) 684-2313(412) 561-7522(651) 681-1927(925) 439-2111(775) 331-1918(334) 887-3440(925) 462-6877(607) 336-3225(812) 949-2475(269) 496-7993(904) 779-6262(979) 532-1890(727) 669-9684(559) 732-2300(580) 327-4557(225) 767-0590(540) 856-2575(757) 486-8491(614) 841-1223(757) 340-7855(843) 875-5559(713) 436-1935(724) 693-0578(703) 560-4119(904) 744-2648(850) 434-2128(361) 992-3950


Connecticut Tennessee

Retiree Seminars

Virginia

Washington

DahlgrenNov. 6, 2003GymBMC Paul Geike1-800-500-4947(540) [email protected]

PennsylvaniaWillow GroveOct. 11, 20039:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.NAS JRB Willow GroveCapt. Hal G. Loigman (USN, Ret.)(800)[email protected]

California

LeMooreOct. 18, 2003(559) 998-4042Darryl [email protected]

PhoenixNMCRC PhoenixSaturday Oct. 25, 2003@ Luke Air Force Base“Retiree Appreciation Day”POC: Eli Koss(602) 353-3033

Arizona

CaliforniaSan DiegoSaturday, Nov. 01, 2003Naval Station/MCRD San DiegoRetired Military Personnel Seminarand Resource FairMarine Corps Recruit Depot, BaseTheater Bldg 518:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.Open Ceremony 0900 inside theater

GrotonOct. 18, 20039:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.Naval Sub BaseDealey CenterPOC: CDR Barbara E. Miller(860) 694-3284

PensacolaSaturday Oct. 18, 20039:00a.m. -1:00p.m.NAS Pensacola, Bldg 633Retired Activities Office(850) 452-5990 Ext. [email protected]

Florida

AmityvilleSpring 2004Gym, Mitchel ComplexGarden City NY 11530POC: RAO (631) 842-6620

New York

MillingtonApr. 10, 2004NSA Mid-SouthConference Center 9:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m.POC: (901) 874-5075

Fort WorthSaturday, Nov. 15, 2003NAS, JRB F.W. Hangar 10498:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.POC: YNC (AW) R. A. Soto(817) 782-5288 DSN 739Angela Luckey (817) 782-5355

Texas

San AntonioOct. 25, 2003Bldg 2841Brooke Army Medical CenterPOC: (210) 221-0936/9004Retirement Services [email protected]

Texas

MarysvilleMay 15,2004, 8:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m.Navy Support Complex (SmokeyPoint)Carl Rankin HMCS USN Ret(425) 304-3775/ (888) 463-6697-option 5,then select option 2 andask for [email protected]


Ready Reference Contact Information

Navy Retired Activities Office (800) [email protected]

Navy Uniform Shop (800) 368-4088www.navy-nex.com

Navy Worldwide Locator (901) 874-3388www.bupers.navy.mil/services/locator.html

Reserve Component SBP (800) 535-2699Section (Code 416)

Servicemembers’ Group (800) 419-1473Life Insurance (SGLI)www.insurance.va.gov

Ships Historian (202) 433-3643Washington, D.C.

Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213www.ssa.gov

TRICARE for Life (888) 363-5433

TRICARE Headquarters (303) 676-3526www.tricare.osd.mil

TRICARE Information (800) 874-2273

TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program (877) 363-6337www.tricare.osd.mil/pharmacy

VA Burial Benefits (800) 827-1000www.va.gov

VA National Service Life Insurance (800) 669-8477www.va.gov

VA Regional Office (800) 827-1000(Benefits and Assistance)www.va.gov

Veteran’s Group Life Insurance (800) [email protected]

Air Force Retired Affairs (800) 531-7502

Arlington National Cemetery (703) 695-3250

Armed Forces Retirement Home (800) 332-3527(Gulfport, Misssissippi)www.afrh.com

Armed Forces Retirement Home (800) 422-9988(Washington, D.C.)www.afrh.com

Army Retired Affairs (703) 325-9155www.odcsper.army.mil

Awards Information (202) 685-1770

DEERS (800) 538-9552

Defense Finance and Accounting (800) 346-3374Service Cleveland Active Dutywww.dfas.mil

DFAS Retired/Annuitant (800) 321-1080(Outside US) (216) 522-5955www.dfas.mil

Federal Long-term Health Insurance (800) 582-3337www.opm.gov/insure/ltc/index.htm

I.D. Cards Benefits and Eligibility (800) [email protected]

Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040www.irs.gov

Marine Corps Retired Affairs (800) 336-4649http://osprey.manpower.usmc.mil

National Personnel Records Center (314) 801-0800www.archives.gov Fax (314) 801-9195

Naval Reserve Personnel Center (800) 535-2699www.nrpc.nola.navy.mil (866) 250-4778

Navy Lodge Reservation Service (800) 628-9466www.navy-nex.com - click on ‘Lodge’


authorities that includes special events, health and comforttrips to department stores, military exchanges, farmer’s/fleamarkets and trips to regional museums. One of the mostpopular is a “do as you like” trip to New Orleans, wherevisitors take advantage of the unique cultural experienceand numerous shops available in the Crescent City.

A recent donation from the Non-Commissioned OfficersAssociation helped pay for a deep-sea fishing trip and newstate-of-the art projector for the home’s community theater.

Recently, the 21st Annual Fall Sports Classic was heldon the grounds of the community. More than 100 entrantscompeted in 14 events divided into three categories: menages 75 and below, men ages 76 and above and women

“Home” continued from front page

Name: MGySgt Mitchell P. Paradis, USMC (Ret)Address:PO Box 107, 151 Riverport Road, Riverport, NS, B0J2W0 CanadaTelephone No:Home: (902) 764-2070E-Mail Address:[email protected]

Council continued from page 11

of all age brackets. The two-week event attracted manyother residents and staff, who watched and cheered theparticipants.

“This is my third season involved in events,” saidresident David R. Hartung, a retired Air Force technicalsergeant. “There’s a lot more competition this season - itmakes it fun with more people participating.”

The home is a resident-focused community with a fullcalendar of life-enriching activities. Keeping residentsinvolved and promoting recreational activities exemplifiesthe ideals of the retirement home. We’re here to promotea healthy and active environment for those who servedour country.

Name: SgtMaj Paul W. Siverson, USMC (Ret)Address:880 Pine Valley Road, Jacksonville, NC 28546Telephone No:Home: (910) 353-6513E-Mail Address:Home: [email protected]

In this issue, you will find a poll - one that focuses onprinting and distribution options, as well as magazinefeatures. We need your feedback, as we are streamliningthe process and content, and these changes will have adirect affect on you, our readers.

We value your input, so please answer this five-question poll and return the postage-paid postcard at yourearliest convenience. In the near future, you will seethe results of the poll by the changes made to themagazine.

Shift Colors pollBy Ms. Lindsay Conner, Managing Editor

As always, we, at Shift Colors, appreciate yourreadership and loyalty to our magazine and the UnitedStates Navy.


NAVY PERSONNEL COMMANDSHIFT COLORS (PERS-05)5720 INTEGRITY DRIVEMILLINGTON, TN 38055-0500

Retiree PayQuestions about retiree pay should bedirected to the Defense Finance andAccounting Service in Cleveland at(800) 321-1080.

ID Card EligibilityFor ID Card and DEERS information,contact the Navy Personnel CommandBenefits Branch at (901) 874-3362,Fax (901) 874-2766 or e-mail:[email protected]

Retiree Dental ProgramFor information and eligibility guide-lines, call the customer service numberat (415) 972-8300. You can also visittheir web page at: www.ddpdelta.org orwrite:

Delta DentalP.O. Box 7736San Francisco, CA 94120

Service RecordsRetirees desiring a copy of theirdischarge certificate (DD214),personnel records or medical and dentalrecords should write to:National Personnel Records Center9700 Page Ave.St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

All requests must be written, dated andsigned, and should include full name,rate/rank, Social Security Number, datesof service and date of birth. Requestsfor records are processed in four to sixmonths. You may want to visit theirweb site at www.archives.gov prior tomaking any request.

Annuitant PayQuestions regarding Annuitant Payshould be directed to Defense Financeand Accounting Service in Cleveland at(800) 321-1080.

Reporting a Retiree’s DeathTo report the death of a NavyRe t i r e e , c o n t a c t t h e D e f e n s eFinance and Accounting ServiceCasual ty Assis tance Branch at(800) 269-5170 or (216) 522-6680.(I f a Retired Activi t ies Off ice isn e a r b y , t h e y c a n p r o v i d evaluable assistance.)

New RAO address for MinnesotaRAO new address and phone number:Navy and Marine Corps RetiredActivities OfficeNaval and Marine Corps ReserveCenter6400 Bloomington Rd. Ft. SnellingSt. Paul, MN 55111-4051Phone: (612) 727-2854Hours: Tues&Thurs 10:00 a.m.- 2:00p.m.

Flying the new “F-14”

Documents

Transcript of Flying the new “F-14”