Military Officers Association of America -- One Powerful Voice --

-For every officer at every stage of life and career

************

Heartland of America Chapter ***** June 2014 *****

Our 18 June dinner is back at Anthony’s and on the normal Wednesday!

Our Speaker: NFL Referee Clete Blakeman

-See inside of back cover for details-

Check out our website at

www.HeartlandMOAA.us or call (402)339-7888

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The Bulletin Board Is the Newsletter of the Heartland of America Chapter

of the Military Officers Association of America. Content is from members, MOAA internet mail, MOAA’s Affiliate, and other military-oriented sources. Material used is

public domain or attributed as to source and copyright.

**********************

Lt Colonel Patrick Jones, USAF (Ret) Editor & Webmaster

Volume XXVIII Number 6 June 2014

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The name of our speaker for our May chapter meeting remained a mystery until the start of the presentation

about a true local military hero. Lt Col Pat Jones (our

newsletter editor and webmaster) had heard a 1998 presentation by CMSgt. Wayne Crumley, USAF (Ret).

When Chief Crumley was unable to attend our meeting, Pat told his remarkable life story. In 1943, this six foot

tall and 200 pound 15 year old enlisted in the Army and became part of the 101st Airborne. Just prior to the D-

Day landings, Wayne was among the paratroopers who were dropped behind the German lines. He subsequently

participated in the fierce fighting of Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and Bastogne, earning a battlefield

promotion to Lieutenant. His final action in World War II included freeing a Nazi Concentration Camp where he saw the many dying and emaciated

prisoners. When Korea began, he volunteered to be a B-29 gunner. When his aircraft was attacked by MiGs and crash landed, he was captured and taken to

a North Korean prison camp. Wayne attempted several escapes and managed

to survive until his weight was down to 100 pounds when he was released as part of the Korean prisoner exchange in 1953. Wayne remained in the Air

Force, rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, and was on the first airplane taking our Vietnam POWs from Hanoi to freedom. This was a remarkable

biography and Pat did a superb job in telling the story and describing the PowerPoint pictures that accompanied the presentation. We all appreciated

this amazing life story. Pat, well done!

When Admiral Ryan visited us in March, he presented certificates to members of our Chapter Board. Lt Cmdr. Brook Stafford and Ms. Terri Lehigh were

unable to attend the March dinner meeting. Since both were at this May meeting, I asked Gen Cohen to present the certificates to Brook and Terri.

When I attended the April “Storming”, I saw the new Auxiliary Pins and got them for our auxiliary board members: Paula Muth, Marty Didamo, and Terri

Lehigh. Their contributions continue to be a key factors in the success of our

Chapter and I was honored to present them their new pins. Instead of our regular meeting at Anthony’s Steakhouse, our April chapter

meeting, April 26th, was our annual visit to the Omaha Community Playhouse.

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The evening consisted of an optional backstage tour, an excellent buffet dinner,

and excellent seats for the very funny play, “Boeing, Boeing.” Jana Roberts of the Playhouse staff led us on the backstage tour, oversaw our buffet dinner,

and introduced the play. We thanked Jana for her wonderful efforts and presented her a Chapter coin.

Several chapter members supported the May 3rd Salute our Military Community

and First Responders at the Creighton—Seton Hall baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park. Pat Jones, our newsletter editor and webmaster performed at

the dinner with the Sarpy Serenaders for the “Families of the Fallen and again when the Families entered the ball park.

We lost a longtime chapter member, Major Larry Erickson, who, with his wife

Setsuko, frequently attended Chapter activities. We extend our condolences to his family and, our appreciation, as his obituary stated: “In lieu of flowers,

contributions can be made to the Military Officers Association Heartland of

America Chapter.”

Brig Gen Cohen, Dick Doolittle, Rene Dreiling, and I attended the Nebraska National Guard Association Conference in Lincoln on May 26th. We had our

recruiting booth and discussed the advantages of MOAA membership with several potential members. We also heard some excellent presentations from

Congressman Adrian Smith who has 16 National Guard sites in his district and from State Senators Sue Crawford and Tommy Garrett who discussed the

results of the recently concluded legislative session. -- Col Dan Donovan d.donovan1@cox.net 402-339-7888

Legislative Update (B/Gen Paul Cohen USAF(Ret))

With the Nebraska Legislative year now over, our attention is at the national level.

The House rejected the Administration’s plan to

substantially reduce the compensation of military service members. The bill approved on the House

floor would set the pay raise for FY 2015 at 1.8% as

prescribed by current law, as opposed to the 1% pay freeze recommended in the President’s Budget. The

House also did not adopt the effort to significantly increase TriCare costs, nor did it adopt efforts to

reduce Commissary or Housing benefits.

The Senate Armed Services Committee, however, did mark-up the Defense bill to include all of the Administration’s efforts to meet its budget objectives

through the pockets of the currently serving and retirees. In an odd twist, the Senate bill provides for “grandfathering” 2015 retirees from the 1% COLA

discount salvaged from last December’s debacle on the subject of retirement

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pay. The SASC may have recognized that the Commission appointed by

Congress to study military compensation is scheduled to report in February 2015. A postponement of the COLA reduction until after that report is

reasonable, though repeal of that provision would have been far better. Meanwhile, the battle over pay and benefits will now move to the Senate floor.

MOAA urges every member to make contact with our Senators and ask them to

amend the bill to comply with the law on pay, and to remove the negative recruiting and retention provisions regarding TriCare, Commissary and

Housing. The MOAA website has a direct link to send messages directly to Senators Johanns and Fischer. Each individual voice does matter.

Both Congressmen Lee Terry and Jeff Fortenbery are seeking to replace the

existing Omaha VA Hospital. Since Congressman Fortenberry serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans

Affairs, he added into this year’s bill, language that instructs the VA to explore

the possibility of new funding mechanisms for hospital facilities, including public-private partnerships similar to those which help build military housing

and smaller medical clinics. Such a financing model that would help get new facilities built quickly without giving the federal government long-term

budgetary exposure.

Reminder TRICARE for Life Changes (MOAA Legislative Update – 23 May)

If you received a letter notifying you that one or more of your maintenance medications are on the list for the new TRICARE For Life (TFL) mail-order

pharmacy pilot – make sure you’re signed up to receive your medications by mail to avoid paying a penalty.

The newly implemented mail-order pharmacy pilot program requires TFL beneficiaries living in the U.S. to fill select maintenance medications through

the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or a MTF pharmacy.

TRICARE officials noted that many TFL beneficiaries have not yet transitioned

over to the mail-order system, and could soon pay the full price of their medication if they continue to use the retail pharmacy system for maintenance

medications.

Maintenance medications are those that you take regularly for a chronic

condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

If one of your medications is on the list, the easiest option for you is to transfer

your medication from a retail pharmacy to mail-order Home Delivery system.

Find out which maintenance medications are covered under the pilot program

and to switch your medications from retail to mail order, you can call Express Scripts Member Choice Center at 1-877-882-3335. You can also make the

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switch online by logging in to your account. (Once you log in, look for the

“Prescriptions” sections on your home page. Then, click “Transfer to Home Delivery.”) You can also have your doctor fax your prescription to 1-877-895-

1900.

Remember, if one of your medications is covered by the pilot and you haven’t switched to Home Delivery or a military pharmacy after two refills, you’ll be

responsible for 100 percent of the cost if you continue to receive your prescription from a retail pharmacy.

Programs for June through October 2014 (from Larry Bradley Maj USA (Ret))

June 18th, I am happy to announce our June speaker will

be Clete Blakeman. Don’t know who that is? Think back to January’s AFC Playoff game between the Denver Broncos

and Sand Diego Chargers. This is the game where Peyton Manning got all the attention for his “Omaha” audible

calls. Blakeman was the referee for that game. Blakeman will talk to us about what it’s like to be an NFL referee.

Clete played football at Norfolk and quarterback at UNL in

1984.

For July 16th, COL Mark Williamson, the Vice Commander of

the 55th Wing at Offutt will be our speaker in July to tell us about the Wing’s most recent activities.

Mark down August 28th for attending an Omaha Storm Chasers game. I’ll have the details of purchasing your tickets in the July newsletter. As usual, you will

have to send us a check before August 14 to reserve your tickets and meals, but we won’t cash the checks until Aug 25.

On September 17th, LtCol Mike DeBolt and a cadet from the Benson High School Army ROTC will report to us on their trip to Normandy. This year will be the

70th Anniversary of D-Day and the Benson High Cadets will represent the State of Nebraska in the parade for the Normandy Veterans. We are helping the

cadets go to Normandy for the commemoration. If anyone has any particular memorabilia or special expertise about D-Day or other battles (Operation

Market Garden, Battle of the Bulge, Battle of Saipan, for example) to share,

please contact me. It doesn’t have to be a complete program to be of interest.

For example, I have a print of a battle scene in the battle for Arnhem during

Operation Market Garden (purchased during a trip to Holland) I’m thinking of bringing to our September meeting.

Our October 15th program is a presentation by the President of the local Alfonza W. Davis chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Robert D. Rose. CPT

Rose is a retired AF officer with 28 years of service. His program will include

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audiovisual presentations on the Tuskegee Airmen and discuss the many

beneficial programs the group is involved in.

The majority of the programs for 2013 came from your excellent suggestions.

Please keep them coming for 2014. Call or email Larry Bradley at 402.321.4851 or email Bradlar1@aol.com.

As always, I want to encourage you to send me your leads and suggestions for

programs. Thank you for all the suggestions I have received. Please keep them coming. Call or email me, Larry Bradley at 402.321.4851 or

email Bradlar1@aol.com, if you have suggestions.

Recruiting for MOAA In Lincoln (From Rene Dreiling, LtCol USAF (Ret))

The Nebraska National Guard Association

hosted a conference in Lincoln this past

May. Our chapter had a booth and had the

opportunity to explain what MOAA is doing

for active duty personnel, Guard and

reserve personnel, and retirees. Our

members, Dan Donovan, Paul Cohen, Dick

Doolittle, and Rene Dreiling manned the

booth and had positive feedback from those

the talked with. The more members that

join MOAA, the more impact MOAA has on

Congressmen and Senators.

Under Fire: The Untold Story of the Attack in Benghazi

(Recommended by Program Chair, Larry Bradley)

The attack on the diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012 has, of course, become a political football.

I have come to respect the no nonsense and common sense analysis of the STRATFOR organization out of Austin, Texas for both national and international

happenings. When I found out they were behind Under Fire: The Untold Story of the Attack in Benghazi, by Fred Burton and Samuel M. Katz, I knew I had to

read it.

As officers, we often had to sort out competing versions of the source of a conflict. We knew then as we know now that the first step towards making a

judgment regarding a matter is to ascertain the facts. I found this book largely

helped me accomplish this and think it will for you, as well.

Dan Donovan, Dick Doolittle, Paul Cohen (Rene Dreiling took the picture.)

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The book’s description of the people, places, circumstances and sequence of

events is outstanding. The book is on a par with Blackhawk Down about the events in Somalia in 1993 and The Raid about the attempted POW rescue from

the North Vietnamese Son Tay prison in 1970.

For those of us who are older warriors, this book also provides significant insights into the modern order of battle and its weaponry brought on by the

War on Terror. You’ll come away with a new found respect for our diplomatic and intelligence brethren and the threats they face in hostile places across the

globe.

New Membership Model

Effective Jan. 1, 2013, MOAA launched a new three-tier model of

membership. The new membership model provides a new connection with currently serving officers; a better bundled package of services for those

nearing military retirement and those in their second careers; and a renewed emphasis to be all we can be to LIFE members.

BASIC Membership

This model expands MOAA's reach to younger officers currently in uniform by offering a relevant and compelling electronic experience (at no fee), and

emphasizes that no one advocates more strongly for them than MOAA.

Features include: Promoting a strong national defense. MOAA will continue to advocate for

a strong, top quality career force with compensation and benefits for military members, retirees, veterans, and their families and survivors

that is commensurate with the extraordinary demands and sacrifices imposed upon them.

BASIC members will receive tailored communications about the legislative issues that impact them and their families.

BASIC members will have access to limited product, transition, and financial information services. MOAA will offer BASIC members

additional value to move them to PREMIUM Memberships. Includes information on the importance of chapter membership and

how to locate the nearest chapter. Anyone can join as a BASIC member, but members over age 35 are

limited to three years. BASIC members either lapse to a Prospect or

upgrade to a PREMIUM or LIFE membership. PREMIUM Membership

As BASIC members decide to remain in the career force or think about transition, our message to them will be to upgrade their membership to

PREMIUM We will offer a better package of transition and other services to help these members navigate a significant decision point in their lives by:

Providing life coaching with their second career search. Providing valuable advice on financial and insurance needs.

Becoming their new unit of assignment in retirement. We wore their same uniforms and now work to protect what they've earned through a career of

service and sacrifice.

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Building trust and confidence for further advice on life's transitions.

Building on the idea of chapter membership as part of their MOAA membership experience. Premium members joining after Feb. 1, 2013,

receive a voucher good for a one-year membership in their local chapter. Note: PREMIUM members must choose a one-, two-, or three-year

membership term. Starting January 2013, one year is $37, two years is $72, and three years is $95. The only other PREMIUM category is for

Auxiliary members. One year is $34, two years is $65, and three years is $85. Any age member can be a PREMIUM member as long as their dues

are paid. Lapsed PREMIUM members downgrade to a BASIC Membership, which has age/time limitations.

LIFE Membership LIFE members are the regular commissioned component of the MOA. MOAA

will capitalize on the activism of LIFE members by encouraging them to continue to serve in their communities by:

Further connecting them to our council and chapter network by

offering them opportunities to make a difference. LIFE members joining after Feb. 1, 2013, receive a voucher for a two-year local membership.

Offers LIFE Membership benefits & privileges transferable to spouse. Note: Anyone can be a Life member at any time. You can access the LIFE

rate schedule through MOAA's Member Service Center by calling (800)

A Tribute to Military Moms

(by Catie Warren, Military E-News Update, 10 May)

“I was raised in a military household. The daughter of a

soldier, my story is a carbon copy of many who came before me and many more who will come long after. I was raised

all over — different cities, different time zones, different countries. My address changed with nearly every passing

year. Different street names, different phone numbers,

different schools. New faces, new places, new memories. I had gone to nine different schools before I reached high

school and had lived in just as many states. I’m what you might call a stereotypical military brat. I’m outgoing, I’m

energetic, I’m adaptable. I love Tabasco sauce and mess hall food. I first learned of Nutella while living abroad and say

Capri Sun with an emphasis on the “cap.” I’m completely bilingual and can count to ten in Farsi, French, Spanish,

German, Dutch, and Italian. The moving around and the new friends and the rich experiences and the different cultures — it all amounted to

an amazing childhood filled with beautiful memories. And that, undoubtedly, hands down, without question, is thanks to my mother.

It’s bizarre to claim that I was raised in a single parent home, given that my parents are not only still married, but very much in love — but I was.

Christmases, birthdays, and Tuesday night soccer games, Girl Scout meetings,

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and science fair projects, my mother did them all alone. Four kids, two dogs,

and a husband on the other side of the globe, and she somehow did them with a smile on her face.

Looking back now, I don’t really know how she did it. Or how my sister — who also married a military officer — does it right now. The nights spent alone, the

days spent alone, the holidays spent alone, I don’t know how she didn’t crack. At times, my dad would leave without warning, having been called to some

foreign land my tiny self was unable to pronounce. We’d go to sleep with our daddy home and we’d wake up with him gone yet again. Midnight calls were

frequent. A black phone — off limits to our little hands — sat in my parents’ bedroom. My mother would go to sleep one night with a partner, someone to

help her with dishes and homework and crying babies — and the next day she would wake up, reach over, and find that she was once again a single parent.

Maybe she wouldn’t be reaching forever, but she’d be reaching for days, months, maybe even a year, maybe even longer.

My mother didn’t ask for this life of uncertainty and solitude. She didn’t ask for

a life of sleepless nights and restless days. She didn’t ask for a life of juggling the schedule of a high schooler, a middle schooler, a 3rd grader, and a toddler

— all on her own. She didn’t ask to play the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, and the Easter Bunny or to wonder if this would finally be the Christmas that he’d be

home for. She didn’t ask for my father to miss my birth or for him to deploy to Kuwait in October of 2002, then to Iraq, and return in August of 2004. She

didn’t ask for yellow ribbons, countless deployments, or a marriage spent mostly alone. She didn’t ask for it — but she did it regardless.

My father sacrificed a lot for this country — but so did my mom. I think we too often forget that the sacrifices made my military spouses are just as great, if

not greater, than the men and women in uniform. They’re the soldiers on the home front. The ones who stay up until 2 am helping with book reports and

then wake up at 6 for carpool, go to work, come home, make dinner, and do it all over again.

It wasn’t until I got older that I realized everything my mother did for me. And

even still, I’ve never really properly thanked her. How do you thank someone who quite literally gave you everything? My father is my hero, but my mother is

my whole life. She gave me courage, she gave me hope, and she gave me strength. I am where I am because of my father, but I am who I am because of

my mother. Thanks, mom.”

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"2014 FAC “HOMECOMING REUNION

Ramada Plaza Beach Resort, Ft Walton Beach, FL Oct 21- 26, 2014 The following link has a detailed schedule for the 2014 reunion in

FWB as well as some more information on hotel reservations. http://www.fac-assoc.org/newsletter/January_2014.pdf

If you have any questions, contact Claude Newland

1‐850‐654‐2955

or rustic19@cox.net. (ask our own Ron Russell about it)

Unemployment Compensation for Trailing Military Spouses?

(MOAA Spouse E-News 20 May)

PCS season will soon be here.

According to the DoD ,”-working [military] spouses lose approximately 6-9

months of salary per relocation.”

Generally, unemployment benefits are not available when an employee leaves a

job voluntarily. However, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “recognizing that spouses of military service personnel who quit

their jobs due to a military transfer may not be quitting so “voluntarily,” state legislators have amended unemployment compensation laws to help military

families who are relocating between states.”

Forty-four States and the District of Columbia provide military spouses

eligibility for unemployment compensation.

Will you leave a job to accompany your spouse as part of a PCS move? See where your state stands on this important issue.

http://www.dol.gov/dol/location.htm

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Add your own voice to the fight!

BASIC MEMBERSHIP ENROLLMENT

[ ] Yes, Sign me up as a FREE BASIC MOAA Member

Name ________________________________

Branch of Service ____________ Rank _____

[ ] Retired [ ] Active [ ] Former

[ ] Reserve [ ] National Guard [ ] Auxil iary*

[ ] Graduation Year (Cadet/Midshipmen)_____

Email Address ____________________

Address ______________________________

City _________________ State Zip _______

Phone Number ______________________________

To ensure deliverability of MOAA communications, please provide

a personal email without a ".mil" domain if available.

We value your privacy. MOAA does not rent or sell its members'

ernails to third parties. If you include your email address, you will

receive e-communications from MOAA as a member benefit Visit

www.moaa.org/email for details.

Date of Birth ______________________________

Spouse Name _____________________________

Your spouse has access to all of your MOAA member

benefits. *Surviving spouse of eligible officer

"Email address required for BASIC Membership

Chapter Name

PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP ENROLLMENT [ ] YES! Sign me up as a PREMIUM MOAA

Member

Name ________________________________

Branch of Service ____________ Rank _____

[ ] Retired [ ] Active [ ] Former [ ] Reserve [ ] National Guard [ ] Auxi l iary*

Address ______________________________

City ________________ State _ Zip _______

Email Address _______________________

Phone Number _____________________

To ensure deliverability of MOAA communications, please provide a persona/ email without a ".mil" domain if available. We value your privacy. MOAA does not rent or sell its members' emails to third parties. If you include your email address, you will receive e-communications from MOAA as a member benefit. Visit www.moaa.orglemail for details.

Date of Birth ______________________________

Spouse Name _____________________________

Your spouse has access to all of your MOAA member benefits.

[ ]One-Year Premium Membership $37 (Auxiliary*-

$34)

[ ]Two-Year Premium Membership $72 (Auxiliary* -

$65)

[ ] Three-Year Premium Membership$95 (Auxiliary* - $85)

"Surviving spouse of eligible officer

Chapter Name ____________________________

Method of Payment

[ ] Check (please make payable to MOAA) [ ] Visa [ ] Discover [ ] MasterCard [ ] AMEX

Charge my card $ _____________________

Car d number _________________________________________________________________________________________ Expiration date ___________________

Signature ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[ ] For my convenience, please charge each year's dues, at the then-prevailing amount, to the credit card

listed above. Dues to MOAA are not deductible as a charitable contribution for federal tax purposes. Annual Membership dues

include a $12 subscription to Military Officer Magazine.

Send to:

MOAA, PO Box 1488

Merrifield,VA 22116-9820

For faster service, call (800) 234-MOAA (6622) or visit www.moaa.org/join.

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Heartland of America Chapter Military Officers Association of America

P.O. Box 1756

Bellevue, NE 68005-1756

LOCAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Membership: _____Initial or _____Renewal

Annual local dues ___$20.00 ___$10.00(new ones after 1 July) ___Aux. $5.00

___ Optional Scholarship Donation: $50, $100 or more______

Last Name ____________________ First Name _______________ MI_____

Nickname ___________________ e-mail _______________________________

Street Address ________________________City _________State___ Zip_______

Phone(H)__________________W________________Cell____________________

Rank ____________ Service __________ Retired___ NOAA___ USPHS___

___Active Duty ___Regular ___Reserve ___Nat'l Guard ___Former Officer

Spouse's Name___________________________

MOAA Membership # ________________ Life Member? ___Yes ___No

Brief Bio: (entered service: branch: assignment summary: Interesting career anecdotes:

____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Signature ____________________ Date______________________

LIFE Membership has a separate Dual Military Spouse rate.

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CHAPTER SPONSORS

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In Memory of

Ben F. Comstock POW WWII 8 Dec 1941

Past National Director

AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR

2806 Nottingham Drive

Bellevue NE 68123

BEARDMORE

More and More…. It’s Beardmore

Brian Kucks Chevrolet Sales Manager Phone 402-734-2525 Toll Free 800-734-0271 Fax 402-738-7615 Email bkucks@beardmorechevy.com

418 Fort Crook Road North, Bellevue NE 68005 www.beardmorechevy.com

Cell Phone: 402-598-7916

Email: ascohen51@gmail.com

Office: 402-778-1212

1405 California St. Omaha NE 68154

Protecting Your Future With Jay DiBacco

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Your Ad

Could be here!

Call Dick Doolittle at

(402)557-6780

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This event primarily raises funds for Project Harmony. In the past 7 years the Hops event has raised over $217,000 to support the center. Project Harmony is a child protection center whose mission is “to protect and support children, collaborate with professionals and engage the community to end child abuse and neglect.” I encourage you to visit their website (www.projectharmony.com) to learn more about their work. Tickets are $35 when purchased prior to the event.

Rene Dreiling, 402-592-3902, remi3@sprintmail.com

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2013 Donations for Scholarships Donald J. Bacon, Richard E. Bertrand, Mary E. Bezy, Larry R. Bradley,

Wayne W. Brunz, Edward L. Burchfield, Richard C. Carver, Paul G. Cohen,

Mary Ellen Collins, Richard P. Connell, Thomas E. deShazo, Jr., Martha M.

Didamo, Daniel J. Donovan, Richard N. Doolittle, Rene’ F. Dreiling, Norris

N. Erickson, Helen L. Farmer, Bill Fitzpatrick, Douglas A. Frost, John K.

Hakola, Gloria A. Harvey, James E. Holland, Shirley A. Hoover, Benjamin C.

Hull, Terrance J. Hummel, Roy B. Johnston, Gregory A. Kadrlik, Walter L.

Kazor, Cynthia L. Keyes, William V. Kinch, Kenneth B. Knox, Edwin A. Koch,

Joseph F. Konopik, Frederick G. Lagergren, Marilyn D. Lee, Terri A.

Lehigh, Roger P. Lempke, James P. Lightfoot, Paula R. Muth, E. Gordon

Pahre, Dick L. Parcher, Sheree L. Patterson, Doran G. Post, Clifford

Pratt, Thomas J. Reynolds, Earl D. Rogers, Lamont E. Rousseau, Ronald R.

Russell, Frances Sewell, Mary M. Shaw, David A. Sidwell, Quinn G. Smith,

Beverly A. Snowden, Mark A. Spadaro, Ann Carolyn Standerwick, Brian

Stephan, Regis F. A. Urschler, Richard A. Veach, Lyle H. Walker, Lewis M.

Weigand, Henry E. Wojdyla,Jr., Everett A. Wrage,

3 Anonymous

The men and women who have answered the call and paid the ultimate price so that we and future generations could have the freedoms so cherished by human beings. We must ever be vigilant and prepared to defend our way of life against those who would deny it. Callous politicians, power hungry egoists, corrupt individuals, adversarial religions, and even our latest self-oriented generations pose grave threat to the preservation of what many take for granted. Every citizen should take a few moments from time to time and reflect on the benefits we have in our country. They should give thanks to those who have served and preserved our way of life.

Hopefully, they will also pledge to do their part to keep it so. -- pj

I got an email today that I have not been able to verify yet but which sounds full of promise for

us worried frequent travelers. Supposedly the Israelis are developing an airport security

device that eliminates the privacy concerns that come with full-body scanners. It's an

armored booth you step into that will not X-ray you, but will detonate any explosive device

you may have on your person. Israel sees this as a win-win situation with no worries of racial

profiling or claims of prejudice. It will also eliminate the costs of long and expensive trials.

TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE, SO

ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.

May they not be forgotten:

Wondering Mind of an Old Retired Guy

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Heartland of America Chapter

Military Officers Association of America, MOAA

Dinner Meeting – 1800 Hours (6 pm for those retired a long time)

Wednesday, 18th , 2014 Anthony's Restaurant (72nd and F Streets)

Registration and Social Hour Begins at 6 pm - Dinner at 7 pm Reservations are for meal selections only, and should be e-mailed to our central e-mail address or phoned to Ron and Sharon Russell. Please specify names of attendees, meal choices and include a phone number in case we need to contact you. Reservations should be in by Monday night before the dinner! If you must cancel your reservation, please call Ron or Sharon at 402-297-4244 prior to 4:00 pm on the day of the event; otherwise the chapter will be charged if you are a NO-SHOW and we will send you a bill for the cost.

E-mail: heartlandmoaa@hotmail.com Phone: 402-297-4244

Meal selections are as follows:

8oz Top Sirloin w/Baked Potato and Green Beans Almondine - $26.25

Chicken Picatta w/Pasta Alfredo and Green Beans Almondine - $22.35

Beef Taco Salad - $13.25

Payment will be collected in the party room. A pre-made-out check to Anthony's is preferred. Cash will be accepted but it slows down entry and causes lines. Thank you for your support of this procedure. Note:

Prices include tax and gratuity.

Program

Clete Blakeman. Don’t know who that is? Think back to January’s AFC Playoff game between the Denver Broncos and Sand Diego Chargers. This is the game

where Peyton Manning got all the attention for his “Omaha” audible calls. Blakeman was the referee for that game. Blakeman will talk to us about what

it’s like to be an NFL referee. Clete played high school football at Norfolk Nebraska and quarterback at University of Nebraska Lincoln in 1984.

Remember the expression, “The more the merrier?” We encourage you to help

make our monthly meetings even merrier throughout the coming year with your presence.

Nonprofit Org Nonprofit Org

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Heartland of America Chapter, MOAA

P.O. Box 1756 Bellevue NE 68005

US Postage Paid

Omaha NE Permit No. 1448