Volume XXlI No. 11 November, 2007

A Message from your President

Commander John Whitsell

Greetings to all, and Forest Lucy, your Presidential and Personal Affairs nominees for next year’s board attended their respective

I hope this newsletter finds everyone doing well. We have a lot of good information to pass in this month’s letter, so please read all the articles. forums. Good ideas for chapter administration and

recruiting were presented by the MOAA national representatives as well as the local chapter members. I attended the Texas Council of Chapters meeting and was able to meet next year’s incoming state board members. The wives attended events on Saturday, as well as the evening formal dining. This was a great information and training event and will pay dividends for our next year’s board.

October’s dinner was the last to be held at the Green Oaks Hotel. That facility is being demolished, to be replaced by a high rise office building. Thanks again to the Wait staff at the Green Oaks. As a result, the board is in the process of securing a new meeting venue. We have contracted the Rolling Hills Country Club for the November dinner and for the Christmas party in December. The dinner details can be found on page 11 and directions to the club will be listed on the last page of the newsletter. The Rolling Hills is not our final choice for a dinner site. We have contacted a number of catering companies, country clubs and hotels in the East Fort Worth area concerning their availability and prices. One site that is under consideration is the Ridglea Country Club. They are a members’ only facility. If any of you are members of this or any other country club in the area and would not mind sponsoring us as a group to meet there, please contact any board member by phone. We will add those venues to the list and continue our negotiations. Without an active sponsor, we cannot afford the site service charges.

We have nominees for all board member positions except Secretary. This position has been vacant for most of 2007. Jim Boyd has graciously doubled up on his treasurer responsibilities and assumed these duties. It would be unfair to request he continue. If two of you would like to split the duties of secretary, one of you coming every other month, that would be fine. Please contact any of the board members, Gene Posey or Grady Fairbairn to add your name to the ballot for voting at the November dinner. To be a viable chapter we need to fill all our board positions. I hope you all have a super month and I look forward to seeing you at the Rolling Hills Country Club in November. A number of the board members attended the MOAA

President’s and Personal Affairs Symposium two weeks ago in Grapevine. It was a wonderful event. Bill Catterton

Warm regards,

John

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Col. Kit Carson

2ND Samuel 6:5 - David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the Lord with all their might. Remember when you were little and you would show off for the family? It didn’t matter if you had any kind of talent or not. They all thought you were wonderful, just because you were being you. Where did we get the idea that growing up meant forgetting how to celebrate? David wasn’t wondering what people would think about him. He was simply celebrating before God and with God. As children of God, shouldn’t we be doing that?

VETERANS DAY

In 1921, an American soldier—his name “known but to God”—was buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, DC. The burial site of this unknown World War I soldier in Arlington National Cemetery symbolized dignity and reverence for America’s veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an “Unknown Soldier” of the Great War was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action. If World War I had indeed been “the war to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But in 1939, World War II broke out in Europe and shattered that dream. Of the 16 million Americans who served in the Armed Forces during World War II, more than 400,000 died. In 1954, after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans". November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars and rededicate Americans to the cause of peace.. The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. At 11 a.m., a color guard, made up of members from each of the military services, renders honors to America's war dead during a tradition-rich ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Many ceremonies are held nationally each year to commemorate Veterans Day. Local ceremonies are normally listed in local media. We encourage all members to participate in observance of these ceremonies to honor our fallen comrades…past and present.

Volume XXII No.11 PARADE Page 3

LEGISLATION – Col. C.

In past weeks our Congress continued to live up to their 11% Approval Rating. Preoccupation with partisan politics continued, as did errant efforts to poke one of our most important Middle Eastern allies, Turkey, and potential adversary, China, in the eye. Armed Services Committee leaders say their target is to reach agreement on a compromise bill by early November; however, the history of contentious negotiations in previous years casts some doubt on whether that goal may be achievable. Meanwhile, as Congressional leaders prepared to start negotiations to resolve the thousands of differences between the separate House and Senate versions of the FY2008 Defense Authorization Bill, MOAA and 32 other military and veterans associations weighed in on what fixes should take priority. In a joint letter, The Military Coalition highlighted nine priorities, from wounded warrior and service manpower problems to disability and survivor benefits upgrades. I have attached a matrix containing specific issues which are of interest to us, Congressional positions, and Coalition/MOAA recommendations to resolve a large number of specific differences between the House and Senate-passed versions of the defense bill. Health Care Issues Issue Senate House MOAA Position TRICARE fee increases

Bar Prime, Standard or pharmacy fee increases before 9/30/08. Establish principle that military pay large "in kind" premiums of arduous service.

Similar prohibition of FY08 fee increases, but no language on principles.

Strongly support Senate provision. Guiding principles are key to ensuring proper perspective on cash vs in-kind premium payments.

TRICARE pharmacy Federal pricing discounts apply to drugs in retail system as well as military pharmacies and mail-order system.

Authorize DoD to exclude drugs from the pharmacy benefit if drug companies don't offer sufficient discount.

Support Senate provision. Beneficiaries shouldn't be held hostage to drug company decisions.

Mental health care improvements

Implement pilot for pre-deployment cognitive tests. Implement all recommendations of the Mental Health Care Task Force

Require computer-based cognitive assessment for members of the armed forces pre and post deployment.

Support both provisions.

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HEALTH CARE ISSUES CONTINUED

Health Care Issues Issue Senate House MOAA Position

Civilianization of military medical positions

No similar provision. Bar any further conversions.

Support House provision.

Transition health care for wounded warriors

Authorize at least 3 years of active duty-level care for disability retirees. Allow combat vets 5 years (vs 2) of VA health care.

No similar provision Support Senate provision. Provisions are essential to prevent coverage gaps for combat vets.

Seamless transition DoD/VA to implement standard transition policy, require electronic DD-214, establish DoD/VA electronic health record.

Require written transition plan for each member, with single DoD/VA separation physical and electronic health record.

Support both provisions

Family support programs for returning wounded

Allow emergency care and counseling for caregivers of seriously injured

Study needs of families. Survey family satisfaction.

Support both provisions.

Non-Health Care Issues

Issue Senate House MOAA Position SBP Annuities for survivors of members who die of service-connected causes

End deduction of VA survivor benefits from SBP annuities if service caused death, effective 10/1/07.

Provide a special survivor payment of up to $40 to survivors denied full SBP due to receipt of DIC.

Support Senate provision.

Paid-Up SBP Coverage

Implement paid-up SBP coverage as of 10/1/07 (vs. 10/1/08 in current law).

No similar provision Support Senate provision.

Concurrent Receipt for Unemployables

Implement full concurrent receipt retroactive to Jan. 1, 2005. (vs current date of Oct. 1, 2009.)

No similar provision Support Senate provision.

Volume XXll No. 11 PARADE Page 5

NON-HEALTH CARE ISSUES CONTINUED

Non-Health Care Issues

Issue Senate House MOAA Position Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC)

Expand eligibility to all medically retired for combat disabilities before 20 years of service.

Cover medical retirees with 15+ years of service and at least 60% combat related disability.

Support Senate provision.

Military pay raise 3.5% for active duty, Guard, and Reserve members on 1/1/07.

3.5% raise on 1/1/07. Add extra .5% each year FY09-FY12

Support House provision.

Military manpower levels

Increase USA by 13,000 and USMC by 9,000. Reduce USN by 12,300 and USAF by 5,600.

Similar USA and USMC numbers. Reduce USN strength by 11,602 and USAF by 4,367.

Support House. MOAA is concerned about budget-driven Navy and AF cuts.

Guard/Reserve Retirement

Reduce retirement age proportional to active duty since 10-7-01. Allow 130 (vs. 90) maximum points earnable in one year.

No provision Support Senate version.

Guard/Reserve GI Bill Authorize 10 years use after leaving service.

Consolidate all GI Bill under one law.

Support both provisions.

Disability retirement system reform

DoD must use VA ratings and count all unfitting injuries.

Require case managers for members in disability process.

Support both provisions.

Dependent education Similar provision except authorize $45M, plus $5M for schools serving disabled dependents.

Authorize $65M aid to schools serving military population, including those affected by BRAC.

Support $65M House provision and Senate aid to schools with severely disabled dependents.

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LONE STAR CHAPTER BOARD MEMBERS

ELECTED OFFICERS APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS

President: CDR John Whitsell, 817-788-0643 Chaplain: Col. “Kit” Carson, 817-732-3533

1st VP: Col. Kim Olson, 1-817-598-1403 Educ/Schol: Vickie Keehr, 817-275-6912

2nd VP: Position Open Personal Affairs: Lt. Col. Bill Catterton, 817-496-5200

Secretary: Position Open Legis. Affairs: Col. Jim Costin, 817-427-5393

Treasurer: Lt. Col. Jim Boyd, 817-249-0284 Advertising: Col. Bob Cooper, 817-292-4886

Past Pres. LCDR Wes Charles, 817-637-7392 Publicity: Position Open

Cncl. Chap. Del: Col. Jim Costin, 817-427-5393

Photographer: Capt. Jim Lucas, 817-277-0578

Parade Editors: Lt. Col. Roger & Monica Herman

817-292-4436

THE SID RICHARDSON MUSEUM

309 Main Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102

(817) 332 - 6554 http://www.sidrmuseum.org

One of the brightest spots in the downtown Sundance Square area is the Sid Richardson Museum. Filled with the wonderful art of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, it will delight you for hours with a view of the West of yesteryear. The newly renovated building is spacious and colorful. Our Museum Store, filled with exciting merchandise, offers prints, framed prints on canvas, books and gifts including wonderful holiday items for Christmas. Open seven days a week. Monday-Thursday – 9 am to 5 pm. Friday and Saturday – 9 am to 8 pm. Sunday – 12 noon to 5 pm. Admission is free, come and see us!

Volume XXII, No. 11 PARADE Page 7

PERSONAL AFFAIRS

Lt. Col. Bill Catterton Protection of Military Benefits- At our October 17 meeting, postcards were available for members to sign and mail to our members’ United States Senators regarding the protection of military benefits. We urged our Senators to end inequities in the military Survivor Benefit Plan, to protect military beneficiaries against disproportional TRICARE fee increases, and bar reduction of VA survivor benefits from SBP annuities. Ninety-eight (98) cards were mailed to our Senators at LSOC’s expense. Thanks to all the members who bring (or will bring) return address labels with their home addresses – it really speeds up the process! Coordination of the mailing of postcards will continue to be done at future chapter meetings in our efforts to protect military benefits. Presidential Memorial Certificate- About ninety percent of deceased veterans are buried in private cemeteries. Accordingly, their families may not have been notified that they are entitled to presidential recognition of their loved ones’ service if they were honorably discharged. While families of vets buried in national cemeteries are routinely given this information, some private cemeteries do not do so. Information on obtaining Presidential Memorial Certificates - -more than one can be provided next of kin and loved one- -can call the closest national cemetery, use an online locator (http://www1.va.gov/directory), or download a request from online at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/pdf/VA40-0247.pdf. Funeral homes can contact the agency at pmc@va.gov. PA Tip 1: Q: Do I really need a Will? ANS: A Will is an important tool by which you can make sure that your assets are distributed the way that you want, you can designate who is to handle the administration of your estate, and you can arrange for the care of loved ones. If you do not have a Will, the State of Texas has effectively written one for you. One of the problems with letting the State write your Will is that the persons who receive your assets under the law may not be those you want to receive your assets. Additionally, probate proceedings without a properly written and executed Will usually requires additional time and costs. PA Tip 2: Q: What is probate? ANS: Probate is the Court process by which a Will is proved: (a) to be valid or invalid, (b) to be the Last Will of the deceased person, and (c) to have revoked all previous Wills. Most probate proceedings are started by filing an Application for Probate of Will and require a hearing in Court. If a Will is properly drafted, an Independent Administration may be set up which means the estate can be administered without Court supervision. With a properly drafted Will (and assuming no Anna Nicole Smith type situation or other complicating factors), Texas probate can be completed relatively inexpensively and in short order.

SBP PREMIUMS PAID UP FOR SOME Effective 1 October 2008, SBP participants in the Survivors Benefit Plan (SBP) who are 70 years and have made 360 payments will no longer be required to pay premiums. No action is required of SBP participants in order to be placed in Paid-up SBP status once eligibility criteria are met. The law governing Paid-up SBP sets 1 October 2008 as cutoff date for payments and although participants may have satisfied criteria prior to that date, no premium refunds will be made. DFAS is currently developing a system that monitors age and payment history. They expect to implement the system May 2008. At that time participants meeting eligibility will be notified by mail of paid-up status. Retirees meeting criteria after October 2008 will be notified regarding their SBP paid-up status on subsequent December Retiree Account Statements (RAS). Per previous PARADE Legislation columns, there are congressional initiatives to shorten the paid-up period. However, future spending restraints may preclude passage of any relief. Stay tuned!

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CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Mae Kunz celebrated her 80th birthday in October. Happy birthday, Mae! Our thanks to COL Forest Lucy for accepting the office of Personal Affairs Officer for 2008. Congratulations to Jim & Doris Lucas who celebrated their 54th anniversary on October 1. John Whitsell’s grandson #2 turned 1 on October 13 – another one on the way next June. Roger Herman is still recovering from a second surgery on his leg. He is at Trail Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and hopes to be home soon.

OCTOBER SPEAKER

Murl began his career in 1946 with Rector Well Equipment Company and within months became Engineering Designer. He formed his own company, Richardson Machine and Engineering Company in 1949, selling his interest in it in 1957. From there, he designed plants and equipment for many companies including Lockheed and LTV. He started his own consulting company in 1990 and his work resulted in many U. S. and foreign patents for these companies.

Murl Richardson is one of those rare individuals who can speak authoritatively on subjects ranging from underwater oil exploration, bridge construction and the design of nuclear submarines. Currently Murl serves as General Manager, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Ringo Drilling Company. He attended Texas Christian University from 1946-1950 and has studied at several other major universities. He has published many papers and reports on a variety of subjects connected to his work.

In 1998 Murl co-founded Texas Space and Aeronautical Research, Inc. and was the designer of a new system for the Air Force to bring satellites back to earth. In addition to his duties with Ringo Drilling Company, Murl also serves as Director of Research and Development for Energy from Texas, an oil operations production company specializing in advanced technologies. He has published many papers and manuals on his work.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND COLLECTION

Our October Scholarship Fund Collection netted $1270 in donations and pledges. Remember donations to this worthy project are accepted year round and can be made directly to Board member Vickie Keehr or by sending your check to our LSOC Post Office Box. This fund provides scholarships to both high school and college ROTC students.

Page 9 Volume XXIl No.11 PARADE

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CLUB CALENDAR

Nov. Dinner Meeting Nov. 21, Rolling Hills Country Club, see map on back page for directions Nov. Board Meeting Nov. 28, NAS Bowling Alley 12 p.m. Dec. Dinner Dance Dec. 19, Rolling Hills Country Club. More details in Dec. Parade. Dec. Board Meeting No board meeting to be held. Remember, dinner price is now $20 per person. If you find at the last minute that you can attend and have not made reservations, come and join us. Send your reservation to our Post Office Box or call Roger or Monica Herman at 817-292-4436 or e-mail rogermonica@charter.net or info@lsoc-inc.com

ROBERT L. DONAHUE

DDS, MS, PC

GENERAL

DENTISTRY

3915 Benbrook Hwy 377 S. Suite C

Fort Worth, TX 76116

Office Hours: By Appointment

Telephone

817-735-0040

Financial & Tax Associates has been serving Southwest Fort Worth, Everman

Burleson, Benbrook and Crowley since 1994.

Experienced in: Accounting and Bookkeeping Services Income Tax Preparation and Planning

Life and Health Insurance Long Term Care Insurance

564 Hoover Road

Burleson, Texas 76028-4331

Phone: 817-346-6095 FAX: 817-426-0733

Come visit us for all your financial needs!

There’s A Place For You At:

Genesis

United Methodist Church

“A Church of New Beginnings”

7635 South Hulen Street Fort Worth, Texas 76133

Phone: 817-292-4551

Join Us for Worship

Sunday – 8:30 and 10:30 A.M.

Sunday School – 9:20 A. M.

Volume XXIl No.11 PARADE Page 11

NOVEMBER MEETING AND RESERVATION INFORMATION

Member’s Name _________________________________________

Make _______ reservations for member, spouse or guest @ $20. each

My check is enclosed for $________ Signed _____________________ ------------------------------------------------------PLEASE CUT HERE----------------------------------------------------

Chapter Meeting 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at Rolling Hills Country Club

Social Hour: 6:00 p.m. – Dinner: 7:00 p.m. Dress: Coat and Tie

Program: Bill Lawrence – V22 Test Pilot

Menu: Champagne Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Dessert – Carrot Cake

Reservations: Deadline for placing or canceling reservations will be end of day, Sunday, November 18. We cannot accept last minute cancellations. All meals ordered must be paid for. By mail: send above reservation form with check to Club P. O. Box to arrive no later than deadline. If mailing, please allow sufficient time for slow delivery. By phone: Roger/Monica Herman 817-292-4436. By e-mail: rogermonica@charter.net or info@lsoc-inc.com

LONE STAR OFFICERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP/DUES

Name:__________________________________ Rank: ___________ Service:____________ Nat’l MOAA #____________ Life Member Y N Active Duty____Retired:____ Former Officer:_____ Widow (er):_____ Spouse’s name: ____________ Nickname(s):___________________ Mailing Address: Street:__________________________________________ City_____________________ State______ ZIP_____________ Telephone: _______________________ E-Mail_____________________ Name of LSOC member recruiting you ______________________ Your birth date (month and day) _________________ Spouse’s birth date: _____________ Anniversary date:______________

Please mail this form with a check for Dues $20.00 (widows: $8.00) $________________________

Voluntary contribution to Scholarship Fund ________________________ Total enclosed $________________________ Make check payable to: Treasurer

Lone Star Officers Club Inc. P. O. Box 1642, Fort Worth, Texas 76101-1642

Postmaster:

Time sensitive

material.

Please deliver no later than

11/9/07

TO:

See page 11 for November meeting and reservation information

NOVEMBER DINNER MEETING TO BE HELD AT ROLLING HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

EAST BOUND on Interstate-30, exit at Cooper Street Exit. Remain in the center lane on the exit ramp and turn north on Cooper Street. Immediately after crossing I-30, turn right on Lamar Blvd. and use the first left turn bay (almost immediate) into the Country Club. WEST BOUND on Interstate-30, exit at Lamar Blvd exit which is immediately WEST of Cooper Street. Loop back to the right on Lamar Blvd. (East Bound). Cross Cooper Street and use the first left turn bay (almost immediate) into the Country Club. FROM NORTH OF DFW AIRPORT proceed south on SH-360 TO Interstate-30. On I-30 follow WEST BOUND instructions above.