New River Current, February 2014 Page

Feb. 2014 Vol. 5, Issue 1

New River Chapter Newsletter

President:

Doug Ehrhardt, CAPT., USN-Ret.

1st Vice President:

Charles Knapp, COL., USA-Ret.

Secretary/Treasurer:

Ken Lynn, Col., USAF-Ret.

Programs/Membership Committee Chair:

Charles Knapp, COL., USA-Ret.

Personal Affairs Committee Chair:

Barbara Sears

Scholarship Committee Chair:

Linda Marsh

Legislative Committee Chair:

Ron Wilsbach, CDR., USN-Ret.

Past President:

Not Yet Applicable

At-Large Director:

Ron Schuette, LTC., USA-Ret.

At-Large Director:

Louis Burge, Maj., USAF-Ret.

Auxiliary/Spouse Liaison:

Betty Schuette

Newsletter Editor:

Ken Lynn, Col., USAF-Ret.

Webmaster:

Doug Ehrhardt, CAPT., USN-Ret.

Inside this issue:

March Program….....…………….1

President’s Message………………1

Chapter Happenings & News..2 & 3

Committee Updates…………..4 & 5

Legislative Update…..………5 & 6

Auxiliary Update…………………...7

Navy & Marine News………………8

Army & Air Force News………….9

Calendar & Contact Info……….10

Copyright © 2014, The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), all rights reserved. Part or all of this message may be retransmitted for information purposes, but may not be used for any commercial purpose or in any commercial product, posted on a website, or used in any non-MOAA publication (other than that of a MOAA affiliate, or a member of The Military Coalition) without the written permission of MOAA and the New River Chapter. All retransmissions, postings, and publications of this message must include this notice.

From the President… Welcome, 2014! Up ‘til now, one word to describe the beginning of the year is BRRRR! Such is not the case with MOAA – Chapter, Council and National. My first duty was to attend a Quarterly Council Meeting in Pinehurst, NC. At least the weekend weather was a more reasonable 50-60°. A warm welcome was extended by attendees to new Council President, COL-Ret. Jeri Graham, NC, USA. Jeri brings a wealth of organizational zeal and efficiency to the Council as she also serves as Convention Chair, Army Nurse Corps Association. Added to this, she served as the New Hanover County Veterans Council Chair and NC Council Membership Chair. The next two years will be quite productive under COL Graham’s leadership. Our New River Chapter is also pleased to welcome current 1st Vice President, COL-Ret. Charles Knapp, MC, USA to another role as our Membership and Programs Chair. Many will remember the fine

production that Charles coordinated for our May, 2013 meeting with the viewing of the Desmond Doss documentary. Dr. Knapp has put together an exciting and informative list of speakers for meetings this year and YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS A SINGLE ONE! You can learn about dates, speakers and topics elsewhere in this edition, and you’ll soon receive an eNewsletter with links to all the particulars. Not to be left out, MOAA action on many HOT issues has been critical to the continuing protection of earned benefits for all military members. As of this writing, voting in Congress on Senate bill, S.1950, which will bring a full repeal of the military retired pay COLA cuts established in the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) of 2013, is still a week away. MOAA has worked tirelessly to bring about this action, driven principally by many 1000s of e-mails sent in response to the Associations Legislative Alerts…are you a recipient? If not, you’ll certainly want to hear Col-Ret.

Mike Hayden, USAF, National MOAA Legislative Liaison speak in July. Please come out and get involved with your New River Chapter in 2014. Very respectfully, Doug (MOAA Life Member)

March Program: Weather folklorist Joe Mullis will give a

presentation on predicting weather the old timey way. With a Native American and Melungeon ethnic heritage, Joe knows the secrets his ancestors used.

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

New River Current

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New River Chapter Happenings Dues Are Due For 2014: Annual dues in the amount of $20 were due by the end of January. If you haven’t

paid your dues, please mail your check to: New River Chapter, MOAA, P.O. Box 102, Jefferson, NC 28640.

Holiday Party a Huge Success: Thanks to Lee & Mannon Eldreth for a great holiday party in December!

New River Chapter Joins the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce: After discussing the

positive aspects of joining the Chamber throughout 2013, a decision was made in December to join the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce. In January the Chapter’s officers met with the Chamber’s executive Director, Cabot Hamilton, and officially joined the Chamber. The photo below left shows Hamilton and George Hayworth, who briefed the leadership on the Chamber’s business mentorship program. The Chamber is seeking volunteer mentors.

Welcome New Members: The NRC is pleased to welcome

the following new members: Army Reserve LTC-Ret. Bob Worley and his wife Bobbie, and Army active duty MG Ken Dowd and his wife Jennie. The Worley’s have attended one meeting and look forward to being more active this year. MG Dowd and Jennie plan to retire in Ashe County and are looking forward to becoming active members of the organization in the future. In addition, the NRC Board of Directors conferred honorary membership status on long-time Chapter supporters Les and Mary Jacobs. Welcome new members!

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Planned Programs for 2014

March 18: Predicting Mountain Weather, Old Time Way: This is a NOT TO BE MISSED program for

the kick-off of our New River Chapter regular programming schedule. Mr. Joe Mullis, Old Time Weather Predictor, whose heritage as a Native American and of Melungeon ethnicity, as well as growing up deep in the Appalachians, will share his pre-scientific methods of predicting weather and will be our guest. April 15: The New River, An Ashe County Treasure: Mr. George Santuci, Executive Director and Ms. Carol Coulter, Director of Operations, National Committee of the New River, will attend our regular meeting to educate our members and guests about the New River...our "namesake.” May 20: Veteran Issues and Building a Network of Support in Ashe County: SSgt-Ret. Darryl

Vaughn, NCANG Ret, is the new Ashe County Veterans Service Officer and will give a presentation on veterans issues in the county and ways that our chapter may become more involved in helping to support the VSO and all military personnel in Ashe County. June 17: West Jefferson Centennial Celebration: Did you know that West Jefferson will soon be holding a grand celebration? Mr. Phillip McMillian of the Centennial Board will share information on the many exciting things that are being planned for the Centennial Celebration. Hopefully we can learn of some ways our New River Chapter can get involved and make our presence better known here in Ashe County. July 15: Sequestration, Defense and Pay Issues: NOBODY IS GOING TO WANT TO MISS our July

program! Col-Ret. Mike Hayden, USAF, National MOAA Legislative Liaison, will be our guest speaker. If you're a regular recipient of the MOAA Legislative Alert e-mail, then you should be familiar with the many great things Mike has been involved with at the national level in working to help protect, preserve and maintain our many veteran benefits. Mike is also a regular contributor to MOAA's Military Officer magazine. August 9: Annual Membership Picnic : Once a year we vary our regular meeting date to host

members, and guests, to our annual picnic. As in prior years, we'll be looking to gather at the picnic pavilion at the Jefferson Landing Resort. Everyone is invited to bring their favorite side dish, dessert or other delectable treat to share with fellow New River Chapter folks. Burgers, franks, drinks and necessary plates, cups and cutlery will be provided. September 16: Town Hall Meeting...Rep. J. Jordan and Challenger Ms. Sue Counts: The New River Chapter

plans to revive the highly successful interest in Ashe County politics by holding a Town Hall in September, akin to the debate we sponsored in 2010. Incumbent State Representative Jonathan Jordan, Republican, and challenger Ms. Sue Counts, Democrat, will be available to respond to members and guests about their respective campaigns leading up to the November elections. More information on the location and format of this Town Hall meeting will be forthcoming as details are finalized. October 21: Annual New River Chapter Meeting: Per our New River Chapter By-laws, the annual membership meeting will be held to discuss procedural changes, if any, and consider officer nominations leading into our continued Chapter operations and management for 2015. Please plan to attend this most important meeting. December 13: New River Annual Holiday Celebration: As with last year, the holiday social is planned

one week earlier than our regularly scheduled meeting day in order to get a head start on winter weather. Everyone is invited to share their favorite dishes at the party; entrees as well as some desserts! As in prior years, MOAA-Claus will likely attend.

Thanks to our new Programs and Membership Chair, Charles Knapp, for coordinating a fabulous year of programs in advance. Now we can all plan our travel and personal activities around this schedule. See page 4 to learn more.

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Programs & Membership Committee Report Charles Knapp, COL., USA-Ret. & MOAA Life Member

In the last issue, I noted that I’d given considerable thought to outlining our 2014 programs with the goals of making them supportive of our Chapter mission and in helping to attract new members. Over the past several weeks, I’ve been able to put together a program that I think you’ll all find rewarding and indicative of those stated goals. I’ve also reached out and asked a couple of our chapter member to join the committee and help me in achieving these goals. Jim Gee has agreed to serve as the committee liaison, working to develop relationship with the other veteran services organizations in the county. Mac Hunt has stepped up to focus on the recruitment of new members and the retention of lapsed members. Ideally I’d like to have one

more member on this committee. As you can see, we have a full slate of programs planned and the committee could use some additional help. If you’d like to volunteer, please let me know. Tuesday, March 18, will launch our chapter's first program to highlight the Chapter's Program Theme of who WE ARE . . .with a presentation titled, Predicting Mountain Weather - The Old Timey Way, by Ashe County's respected weather folklorist, Joe Mullis. Joe will tell us how the early settlers and resident Native Americans predicted weather in these mountain passes and valleys. He is well equipped to speak about his craft. Joe has a rich ethnic heritage of Native American and Melungeon ancestors who knew the "secrets and methods." The "ways" of his ancestors were passed on and not lost. While modern Ashe residents often discard traditional ways as ineffective or superstitious, thousands of locals plant, fish, hunt, plan winter travel and live life using weather predictions based on "Old Ways." As a native born Ashe resident, living on the highest mountain peak in the county, Joe has practiced and honed the almost lost art of predicting mountain weather without satellites, weather balloons, computer models or the statistics derived from volumes of historical records. You will not want to miss his presentation. He will have demonstrations. I have heard Joe speak and at the end of the last question, you will shake your head and ask, ". . .how?" Our April meeting will be a presentation about our Chapter's namesake, the New River by George Santoucci, President and Carol Coulter, Director of Operations, of the National Committee for the New River. They will highlight their presentation with multimedia materials. Please check out the year's schedule of events for all of our Chapter's Programs for 2014 on page 3. The themes range from weather in March, nature in April, veterans in May, historical in June, legislative in July, hamburgers in August, politics in September, business meeting in October and our holiday social in December. There is something for everyone. The topics and presenter’s addresses will help us to be more engaged with the issues, our community and our organization. Next month, we will start to learn who WE ARE . . . as individual members. Rich in diversity, skills, training, service to our country and community.

“We Are” the New River Chapter...

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Personal Affairs Committee Report Barbara Sears, Auxiliary Member

(Barbara is currently out of town. For this edition, the comments below are provided by the New River Current editor, Ken Lynn.) You don’t need me to remind you that it’s been one cold winter…even for us “mountain folks.” Recently I was talking to a neighbor who has lived here for more than 65 years and he said it’s been one of the coldest winters he can recall. Having said that, I thought I’d use this space to recap some common sense tips about surviving winter weather as it’s always good to reinforce what you may know…or forgot that you once knew!

First, a review of the common weather terms is in order: Winter Storm Outlook - Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days. Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause

significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening. Winter Storm Watch - Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48

hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions. Winter Storm Warning - Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or

will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately. The National Weather Service calls winter storms “deceptive killers” as most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. For example, people often die in traffic accidents on icy roads or of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold after the storm passes. As we already understand, it’s important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes. Here are some basic steps you should consider when a storm or extremely cold weather is approaching:

Make sure you have the following: Rock salt or other environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways and driveways. Sand to improve traction. Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment. Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut

off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm. Flashlights with plenty of spare batteries. Have enough non-perishable food in the house to last a few days.

Make a family communications plan. Your family may not be together when the storm hits, so it’s important to know how you’ll contact one another, how you’ll get back together and what you’ll do in case of an emergency.

Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service. Stay alert for changing weather conditions.

Minimize travel. If it’s necessary, keep an emergency supplies kit in your vehicle. Bring pets inside during winter weather and move other animals or livestock to

sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water. Snow is in the forecast this week. To read more winter weather tips, visit the following link where many of these came from: http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

MOAA Legislative Update Ron Wilsbach, CDR., USN-Ret. & MOAA Life Member

There’s a good possibility that the next few months may see significant legislative efforts being made to pass bills that have been languishing or held hostage, depending upon your persuasions, by the current Congress. Whether to improve their chances of staying in office or improving their dismal political ratings, our national politicians, hopefully, will be getting down to business and get the legislative ball rolling. You can view a very good synopsis of FY 2014 Defense Authorization Act pertaining to health issues on pages 36 and 37 of the January 2014 Military Officer Magazine. I'd like to address

two national topics, COLA Cut, TRICARE and at the state level, Bailey/Patton.

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COLA Cuts Recall in December the Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA), which among other things, reduced working age retirees annual COLA by 1% until they reach age 62. In addition, the legislation did not grandfather

existing retirees or currently serving members intending to serve 20-plus years. Analysis by MOAA revealed the 1% reduction would result in significant amounts of lost pay for all retired and retiring members, into the five and six figure amounts. The second paragraph of MOAA's Military Officer article on BBA, starting on page 35, I found especially instructive. "Because of the fast-track nature of the bill, many members of Congress were caught off-guard by the overall financial impact retirees would face." Now perhaps I am being too critical, however, I read that paragraph to mean that most of our legislators did not read the bill before it was passed. That same process got us into a lot of trouble with the Affordable Care Act. I would have thought the Congress had learned their lesson. Apparently not! Fortunately, our MOAA officers at the national level have been working to set the record straight and hopefully by the time you read this the COLA issue will have

been corrected. As of January 24th, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) indicated that he planned to bring a bill to the Senate floor as soon as possible that includes a full repeal of the military retired pay COLA cuts established in the BBA of 2013.

Developments in TRICARE as of 31 January, 2014 TRICARE For Life (TFL): As of 14 February, if enrolled in TFL, beneficiaries must use the mail-order pharmacy to refill maintenance medications. Most everyone should have been notified by letter, however, what is very important is that if you do not enroll you will be permitted to get two refills at the normal fee. However, after that you will pay 100% of the retail cost! Visit MOAA.org for Frequently Asked Questions on the mail-order pharmacy pilot program.

Compound Prescriptions: TRICARE does not cover drugs that are not approved by the FDA and cannot reimburse for non-FDA approved bulk chemical ingredients in compound prescriptions. Nurse Advice Line: is coming in spring 2014. Beneficiaries will have toll-free access to registered nurses 24 hours a day, every day. This service will be available to all TRICARE beneficiaries.

Bailey/Patton I am taking the liberty of reprinting a slightly edited Point Paper regarding the status of the Bailey/Patton Act that appeared in the Charlotte Metrolina MOAA Chapter Newsletter, February 2014. BACKGROUND: In 1989, NC was sued for illegally taxing government pensions; in 1998, the NC Supreme Court ruled (5-2) the state, in fact, illegally taxed government pensions and ordered return with interest. By 1989, through a negotiated settlement, the NC Legislature agreed to provide $799 million to those meeting the five year requirement. CURRENT STATUS: Military retirees with 20 years of service as of 12 August 1984 are covered for life. Those retiring after 12 August 2004 are NOT covered under current law. Other federal, state and local government retirees, needing 30 years to be retirement eligible, are NOT covered under current law. Two classes of retirees are created by the NC Legislature under Bailey/Patton; those covered by the law, and those not covered by the law. ISSUE: Eliminate the 5-year "vesting" requirement for all military and government employees, thereby providing an equitable tax relief for all. ORGANIZATIONS SEEKING TAX EQUITY: 4th Branch: represents all military and federal/state/local government

retirees; hires outside lobbyist to press for passage of Bailey/Patton tax equity. An active organization that meets quarterly and conducted a successful study which shows NC gains $2.50 for every tax dollar lost by eliminating the "vesting" requirement. Federal Retiree Task Force: initial organization to fight for passage of Bailey/Patton. As

the name implies it was eminently successful in raising funds to win the fight at NC Supreme Court. NEXT STEPS: a.) Brief the Speaker of the House and Lt Governor of provisions of current bill which increments tax exclusions over 5 year period; b.) brief respective House/Senate Committee Chairs as stated above; c.) brief Governor McCrory before the "short" legislative session begins. Keeping with my optimistic theme that I hoped would propel our legislators into action, I am providing a contact telephone number—if you would like to hear a real voice, or you don't trust the internet. This number will take you to the Congressional Switchboard and you can then ask for your Senator or Representative: 202-224-3121.

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TidBits

Officially established in February 1929 with 62 retired officers, MOAA celebrates its 85 birthday this month.

Funny Bone

How to Contact Your State and Federal Representatives

Rep. Jonathan Jordan: NC House of Representatives, 300 North Salisbury St., Room 418C, Raleigh, NC 27603-5925; Tel.: 919-733-7727; E-mail: jonathan.jordan@ncleg.net Sen. Dan Soucek NC Senate, 300 North Salisbury St., Room 310, Raleigh, NC 27603-5925; Tel.: 919 733-5742; E-

mail: dan.soucek@ncleg.net Rep. Virginia Foxx: 1230 Longworth House Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515; Tel.: 202-225-2071 nc05reply@mail.house.gov

Auxiliary & Spouse Update Betty Schuette, Auxiliary & Spouse Liaison

(Betty is currently experiencing some health issues. Until she’s able to resume her role, Cathy

Ehrhardt is going to assume her duties. For this edition, the comments below are provided by the New River Current editor, Ken Lynn.)

We’ve got a lot of spouses in our Chapter who regularly attend our meetings and events. Did you know that national MOAA has several military spouse programs? There are a variety of opportunities for spouses to stay informed and engaged on matters important to you and your

family. For example, did you realize you could create your own MOAA spouse account? Simply click on the following link and get access to all the benefits MOAA has to offer: http://www.moaa.org/welcomespouse/. Like to use Facebook, Twitter or to blog? Those options are all available and links are provided below. Want to get the spouse e-Newsletter? You can sign up for that too. MOAA is also committed to making sure spouse employment issues and initiatives are a top priority. Every year the association plans a Military Spouse Symposia that provide knowledge, tools and events to help spouses connect, learn more, and be inspired. In addition, members and spouses enjoy a career center that can provide professional resume reviews, interview preparation, or connect you with employers at one of MOAA’s corporate career fairs for those of you still interested in employment. Through MOAA’s legislative action alerts and annual Storming the Hill event, you can always know what Congress is doing for military families – and when to take action. Plus, MOAA has a spouse Advisory Council to work on your behalf. MOAA’s experts are available to help you navigate the many benefits you’ve earned during your family’s service. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moaaspouse; Twitter: https://twitter.com/moaa_millife; Blog: http://moaablogs.org/spouse/; e-Newsletter: http://www.highroadsolution.com/moaa_preference_page/EmailSearch.aspx; Spouse Advisory Council: http://www.moaa.org/spousecouncil/; Legislative updates: http://www.moaa.org/spousecouncil/. If you have questions or feedback on how MOAA can better serve you, please contact Christine

Gallagher, Deputy Director of Spouse Programs at moaaspouse@moaa.org.

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

The fourth littoral combat ship was christened Coronado during a ceremony at Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, AL 14 Jan. Designated LCS 4, Coronado is an innovative surface combatant designed to operate in littoral seas and shallow water to counter mines, submarines and fast surface craft threats in coastal regions. The ship is capable of speeds in excess of 40

knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. Coronado will address a critical capabilities gap in the littorals and conduct the Navy’s mission to enhance maritime security by deterring hostility, maintaining a forward presence, projecting power and maintaining sea control. The ship’s name recognizes the city of Coronado, CA, and honors the city’s

deep ties to the U.S. Navy.

U.S. Navy joint, high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), arrived in Rota, Spain 27 Jan., the first port visit in its maiden deployment. The first ship in the Navy's planned class of 10 joint, high-speed vessels, each will provide a forward-presence for emergent intra-theater transport needs and serve to enhance interoperability among Africa partners as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS). Started in 2007, APS is a spectrum of activities that develops skill sets and interoperability among regional partners. Africa Partnership Station is important because it emphasizes and strengthens the Navy's already existing global partnerships. Spearhead's mission is collaborative and the planning and execution of this deployment will pay dividends toward future operational missions. While on deployment, Spearhead is scheduled to interact with more than 20 nations and sail more than 15,000

miles, highlighting U.S. Naval Forces commitment and emphasis to partnerships.

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

At a recent ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Mark Milley handed over

International Security Assistance Force Joint Command to Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson. This was the last such handover as the mandate for the U.S.-led International Security Assistance Force expires at the end of 2014. Anderson is the number two American commander in Afghanistan after Gen. Joseph Dunford. At the change of command ceremony, Dunford noted “the difficult political challenges,” saying the coalition’s commitment to Afghanistan’s success is “unwavering.” The military has been pushing to keep up to 10,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan after 2014, but the White House says President Obama won’t leave any American forces in Afghanistan unless Karzai signs.

Assigned to the 1st Reindeer Division, Marine Corps Base North Pole, Gunny Claus visited local service members and their families to spread holiday cheer at the USO of North Carolina Jacksonville Center in mid December. More than 300 service members and their families shared their wish list with Gunny Claus who was decked out in his Dress Reds. Since 2002, Gunny Claus has visited many Marine Corps installations, giving back to the Marine Corps during the holidays by comforting children with deployed parents. Gunny Claus proudly wears his scarlet and white uniform, honoring the colors of his counterpart, Santa Claus. His chest is adorned with medals signifying the wars Marines have fought in during Christmas since 1918. His service stripes represent the number of years Marines have been away from their families over the holidays. Some children who visited Gunny Claus even declared him cooler than Santa, promising to visit him every year. Gunny Claus and the 1st Reindeer Division’s goal is to support the many children of service members serving in harm’s way.

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

After more than a year of modifications, the newly created AC-130J Ghostrider took to the sky for the first time as a gunship at Eglin AFB last month. The USAF Special Operations Command MC-130J Commando II arrived a year ago to undergo a modification process to create a "best of both worlds" aircraft. The results: A hybrid C-130 model with MC-130J flying proficiencies

and AC-130 combat capabilities. Converting a mobility aircraft into a strike aircraft meant adding the Precision Strike Package which includes dual electro-optical infrared sensors, a 30-mm cannon, AGM-176A Griffin missiles, all-weather synthetic aperture radar and GBU-39 small diameter bomb capabilities. The new aircraft can deliver devastating surgical firepower in support of ground and special operations forces. Colonel Paul Tibbets IV, grandson of the Enola Gay pilot who dropped the first atomic bomb, has been nominated for

his first star. One of the few officers who has flown all three USAF bomber types, Tibbets is deputy director of operations at Global Strike Command. Typically in the USAF, bomber pilots stay with one bomber platform. His grandfather, Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets, Jr., named his famous aircraft after his mother. In a bit of irony, the atomic bomb Tibbets dropped was named “Little Boy.” Brig. Gen.-select Tibbets, then a captain, and his grandfather flew together in the last flyable B-29 back in 1998. When he qualified in the B-52 bomber in January 2013, Tibbets’ aircraft had the same nose art his grandfather’s B-17 had when it flew over Nazi Germany. During World War II, Brig. Gen. Tibbets also flew 25 combat missions in the B-17, to include the first American Flying Fortress raid against occupied Europe. His B-17 Flying Fortress was decorated with the nose art "Red Gremlin." Tibbets is a command pilot with more than 3,800 flying hours.

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

In the sequestration-era Army, the service is looking at becoming leaner and more agile by shrinking its combat brigade teams from about 4,000 Soldiers to around 3,000. How is the Army looking to do this? By replacing the Soldiers with robots and other unmanned platforms. For example, unmanned ground vehicles might be used to follow a manned vehicle. Already on-track to shrink from 540,000 to about 490,000 in force strength by 2015, by 2019 that number is expected to drop to approximately 420,000. The Army is taking its cues from the Navy as the service has, in recent years, used technology to reduce the number of personnel onboard its ships.

Sixty four Army specialists soon depart for the Mediterranean on the ship MV Cape Ray to destroy chemical weapons from Syria. The ship will take on about 700 metric tons of mustard gas and "DF compound," a component of sarin gas. Onboard the ship, a sealed tent contains two Field Deployable Hydrolysis System which will operate 24 hours a day to neutralize the agents. The U.S. has never disposed of chemical weapons aboard a ship before. Army Captain Chris Fogt is an American bobsledder and a member of “Team Night Train” who’s participating the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi. As part of the defending champion in the Four-Man Bobsled event, he joined Team Night Train after a record win in the Men's Bobsled U.S. National Push Championship title in 2013. He has pushed for drivers on the America's Cup and World Cup bobsled circuits, and competed in the 2010 Vancouver Games. Fogt, a member of the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, is the record holder in the U.S. Push Challenge, and finished third in the World Push Challenge. Team Night Train opened the 2013-2014 World Cup season with seven straight gold medals for the first time in history.

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

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

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

E-mail the Chapter: info@newrivermoaa.org

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

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

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

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

Calendar of Events Regular membership meetings are held at the West Jefferson Coffee House on the Backstreet in West Jefferson starting at 1830 hours on the third Tuesday of the following months unless otherwise noted: March, April, May, June, July, August (picnic social), September, October (annual meeting) and December (holiday social). Board of Director meetings are generally held immediately prior to general membership meetings beginning at 1800 hours. Upcoming: Mr. Joe Mullis, Old Time Weather Predictor whose heritage as a Native American and of Melungeon

ethnicity, as well as growing up deep in the Appalachians, will share his pre-scientific methods of predicting weather and will be our guest speaker.

Want to Comment on Something You Read in the New River Current?: Mail your response to: Editor, New River Current, P.O. Box 1202, Jefferson, NC 28640. Please keep your comments to no more than 150 words. All

responses must include your name, retired/former rank, and/or affiliation.

NRC Thanks These Local Businesses for Outstanding Chapter Support

http://www.facebook.com/newrivermoaa

George Rembert, Jr.