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September-October 2019 Issue 154

The Council Communiqué Florida Council of Chapters Military Officers Association of America

President’s Message Col Leonard Friedlander, USAF, Ret

President’s Message 1 Donald Courtney Induction into FL Vet Hall of Fame 2 Federal Legislative Affairs 3 Vice President’s Message 5 Surviving Spouse Corner 6 Chaplain’s Message 9 Florida DVA News 10 2019 Convention 12 FL Chapter’s News

13-22 FL Chapter Links 25 FCOC Board & Committee Chairs 27 Submit Input to:

Polly Parks, Editor [email protected]

With the fall season, elections are upon us. No, I’m not talking about the quadrennial national elections – although the constant battering in the news and on TV would have you think otherwise – I’m talking about the election of MOAA chapter officers and directors that occur throughout the state at this time of year. I not telling you anything you don’t already know when I say that the success of every chapter depends on its membership taking an active role in the workings of the chapter. But as we have all experienced during our stint in the military -- whether short or long -- every group needs a guiding hand to identify a goal and keep the group focused on successfully achieving it. The nomination and election of chapter leadership is critical to each chapter’s stability, continuity, and ability to fulfill its identified missions – community involvement, veterans’ support or legislative advocacy.

In my travels visiting chapters around the state I have encountered a specific issue of concern as related to the Leadership Succession. Chapters usually have a hierarchy of leadership positions – (Membership, Recruiting, Programs, VP) with the subsequent nomination/election of a leader as the Chapter President (and Immediate Past President when completing the term). Chapter by-laws differ, and some chapters elect officers/directors for one-year terms while others elect them for two-year terms, and re-election rules may vary. However, the need for the leadership continuum does not change – it just adjusts to the ‘by-law mandated’ time lines. An effective Leadership Succession model is critical to ensuring the continuing operation and success of a Chapter.

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mailto:[email protected]

September-October 2019

The Council Communiqué

…continued from previous page

The availability of members who are willing to volunteer to fill a chapter leadership position is impacted by many factors to include among others; time constraints, work, family, travel, geography. I ask you all to seriously consider stepping up to a chapter leadership position, to take an active role in achieving your chapter’s mission, ensure the continued success of your chapter by staying the course --- and Never Stop Serving. The Council will once again be conducting a Leadership Forum in Orlando January 10 & 11, 2020 with seminars on Chapter Management, Legislative Advocacy, Surviving Spouse Issues; speakers from National MOAA; and meetings between AVPs and Chapter representatives. The seminars are geared toward current and/or future chapter officers, membership & recruiting chairpersons, surviving spouse liaisons, and chapter members who wish to take a more active role in their chapter’s mission. Registration materials will be available on the website in about two weeks. Christa and I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and we look forward to seeing you at the Forum in January. Len

Don Courtney to be inducted into 2019 Florida Veterans Hall of Fame

On November 11, 2019, CWO4 Donald Courtney, USA (Ret), of Bradenton will be inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame during a Veterans Day ceremony in Tallahassee. Mr. Courtney’s commitment to the Army began in June 1961, as a 17-year old high school graduate. After two months at Fort Bliss, TX, Don married Donna, his high school girlfriend, and then left for Korea. During Don’s 30-year career, he was assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Fort Monmouth NJ, Fort Dix NJ, Fort Gordon GA, Fort Bliss TX, Korea, Fort Huachuca, AZ, Vietnam, University of Wisconsin (ROTC Duty) Madison, Heidelberg Germany, Oberammergau Germany, Fort Meade MD, Darmstadt Germany, Fort Monroe VA, Stuttgart Germany, and the Armed Forces Radiobiological Research Institute in Bethesda, MD.

After his retirement, Don (above) and Donna retired to Bradenton. Since then, in addition to his immeasurable efforts for MOAA, the Florida Council of Chapters (FCoC) Board of Directors, the South West Region, and the Bradenton Chapter, Chief Courtney was named Manatee County Veteran of the Year for 2004 and served as the Chairman of the

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Despite passage of the NDAAs and The Bi-Partisan Budget Bill for FY 2020 & 2012 in both houses of Congress prior to the August recess, the Congress has been unable to get a vote on a fully funded appropriations Bill In fact, in the two weeks between the 6 week August recess and the 2 week recess they are on now, about all that was accomplished was a Continuing Resolution to keep the government open until Nov 21. On September 19th, the House easily passed a stopgap spending measure. This Continuing Resolution (HR 4378) is the first for FY 2020 in what has become a repetitive cycle of last-minute actions to avert shutdowns on the self-imposed deadlines. The vote on this House bill was 301-123. See the chart following this article for how your congressperson voted on the bill. On September 26th the Senate voted on the House Bill in its original format and it passed 81-16. Senator Scott was among the those who voted against it. The president signed it into law on September 27th, so now Congressional leaders will have until just before Thanksgiving to reach an accord for full-year funding, or, as many lawmakers expect, another funding patch through Christmas. That sets up Congress for an eerily similar scenario to last fall when deal making broke down and Trump shuttered the government for 35 days!

Stand by for more Calls to Action from MOAA after Congress returns and this CR deadline approaches

Legislative Affairs, Continued

MOAA Legislative Update: http://www1.moaa.org/legislative/

Legislative Affairs Lt Col Bob Bienvenue, USAF, Ret., Legislative Chairman, [email protected]

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Legislative Update October 2019

Authorizations, Appropriations, and Spending

http://www1.moaa.org/legislative/

http://www1.moaa.org/legislative/





FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Lawmakers did not finalize a conference report for the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) before leaving on recess on September 27th. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman James Inhofe acknowledged the delay to the mandatory defense policy legislation, saying the earliest lawmakers will finalize the bill would be mid-October. A recent report from CQ didn’t specify the issues holding up the bill, but did quote Inhofe saying, “it’s slow.” And a Senate GOP aide said that progressive provisions in the House bill are prolonging negotiations. A House Armed Services Committee aide, however, said that it is not House provisions that are delaying negotiations, but an unspecified procedural error at the start of the discussions that delayed the talks by eight days. MOAA urges you to support language in the House-passed defense bill to end the Widows Tax on military survivors, and halt DoD’s reduction of 18,000 military medical billets. http://takeaction.moaa.org/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=502302

Arlington Cemetery burial

guidelines impact military retirees

MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, expressed appreciation for the Army’s efforts to preserve the cemetery’s future use, but also stressed the importance of the upcoming public comment period as part of the federal rule-making process.

Direct link to the document: http://www.moaafl.org/Documents/LA/VotingRecords/2019/2019%20VotingRecord_ndaa_bbb_cr.pdf

http://takeaction.moaa.org/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=502302

http://takeaction.moaa.org/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=502302

http://www.moaafl.org/Documents/LA/VotingRecords/2019/2019%20VotingRecord_ndaa_bbb_cr.pdf

http://www.moaafl.org/Documents/LA/VotingRecords/2019/2019%20VotingRecord_ndaa_bbb_cr.pdf



In the last couple of months, I have visited a few chapters around the state. The chapters at Broward County, Sun City Center, and Nassau County are doing some great stuff. It is interesting to see how different chapters do some of the same things, do some completely different things, and do some of the same things differently. As chapter president of the South Central Florida Chapter (FL-40), I take particular interest in this. I also like to talk to Area Vice Presidents and see how they do things/fulfill those responsibilities. My bottom line is that our chapters and our leaders are doing a good job and are providing great leadership in their communities. It is clear to me that local community leaders go to the MOAA chapter leadership when they want the right answer to a question. MOAA chapter leaders and chapter members are leaders in their communities. Many are also leaders of American Legion, VFW, Purple Heart, VVA, and the rest of the alphabet soup of veteran organizations. This makes our MOAA leaders and members “force multipliers” and allows us to do even more. Congratulations to you all for what you do and what you bring to the table. When we were in uniform, we were servant leaders; we still are. On a visit to a chapter that will go unnamed, one of the chapter members told me that the chapter was only a “social” club. I did a bit of research on the chapter, and found out that it is

Vice President’s Message COL Mike Borders, USA., Ret.



“The Army’s decision to restrict retirees from in-ground interment may be a concern for those whose end-of-life plans included this traditional burial at Arlington ….While the changes do accommodate above-ground inurnment, we will need to assess the impact to all previously eligible servicemembers and take advantage of the public comment period under the Federal Registry to share the results of that assessment.” According to Arlington officials, a federal rule can take up to nine months before being enacted and will include a public comment period, in which any concerns and questions would be addressed. Once the final rule, with any potential changes, is published in the Federal Registry, there will be an “as of” effective date. This will not affect any planned burials which are in the queue at that time. Read more about this here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2019-news-articles/advocacy/army-recommends-changes-to-arlington-cemetery-burial-eligibility/

https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2019-news-articles/advocacy/army-recommends-changes-to-arlington-cemetery-burial-eligibility/

https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2019-news-articles/advocacy/army-recommends-changes-to-arlington-cemetery-burial-eligibility/



Surviving Spouse Corner Patricia Green, Surviving Spouse Liaison/Personal Affairs

At the last Chapter luncheon, members were discussing the SBP/DIC offset. This topic comes up regularly...often referred to as the Widow's Tax. I became aware of this unintended consequence when I was widowed 14 years ago. In short time, I found that MOAA was working to correct this over sight. They still are, and progress and votes are increasing to finance the changes required by Congress. This is why MOAA includes postcards on the magazine wrapper. Encouragement from voters secure votes. If you feel moved, contact your congressional representative and advocate. Participate in town halls or telephone meetings your Congressional Representatives are offering and make your voice heard. In the FEB/MAY 2019 issue of ARMY ECHOES, there was an explanation addressing many aspects of the issue. Bill Hursh, Army Survivor Benefit Plan Program Manager, and the ARMY ECHOES Editor have kindly granted permission to publish the article in our newsletter and it follows my article.

involved in a range of activities in the local community. It is clear that the chapter member was not aware of all his chapter was doing. This doesn’t come as a surprise. It is crucial that chapter leaders keep their membership informed about all the programs and activities that they support in the local community. Chapter members need to feel that they are not just going to a luncheon or dinner. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but the old mantra of “Camaraderie with a Purpose” is more than a throw-away. Chapter leaders should ask themselves: why (not what) are we doing what we do? Are we doing enough? Are we doing anything besides getting together for chow? Again, if the chapter leaders and chapter members just want to be a social club, that is their decision to make. But I personally don’t need help getting to a restaurant. I do that all the time without MOAA’s help, or anyone else’s for that matter. Per the previous reference to being servant leaders, our chapters should be “giving back” in the local community. Think about it. Do some soul searching at your next board meeting. Answer the questions. Special kudos to Lorraine Holland and her team at the Central Florida Chapter in Orlando. This is a chapter that has turned things around and is prospering. If you want to see a human dynamo, just look for the cloud of dust in Orlando. Lorraine is stirring it up and you’ll find her at the center of it. Great job Lorraine!!





You may contact your Retirement Services Officer (RSO) with any SBP Or DIC questions you have. In central and west Florida the contact is MacDill AFB (813) 828-0163, [email protected]. For the rest of Florida, contact Ft. Stewart, GA (912) 767-5013/3326, [email protected]. Also I urge you to go to the National MOAA WEBSITE, and look at the Surviving Spouse Publications. They are excellent. Don't forget the Virtual Chapter Meeting via teleconference is scheduled for October 22 at 1 pm. If you haven't signed up look at last month's Communique for instructions.

What if you took SBP and receive disability compensation?

By Bill Hursh, Army Survivor Benefit Plan Program Manager Reprinted with permission from ARMY ECHOES If you retired medically or receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments, there are important aspects of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) you need to understand. There is a connection, by law, between the SBP your spouse receives and the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) he or she would receive if your death is determined by the VA to be service connected. If there is an offset in your surviving spouse's SBP by DIC, your surviving spouse will receive a refund of all the SBP premiums you paid for the portion of SBP that is offset. Your surviving spouse will also receive any SBP that exceeds the DIC and the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA). Let's compare four scenarios for a deceased retired sergeant first class who received an 80% disability rating from the VA. SCENARIO 1. The Soldier did not elect SBP but the retired Soldier's death was determined service connected by the VA. The surviving spouse will receive DIC which currently is a monthly non taxable payment of $1,319.04 which is adjusted for cost of living adjustments (COLA) increases. SCENARIO 2. The Soldier elected SBP and the death was not determined by the VA to be service connected. The spouse will receive a monthly taxable SBP payment of $1720 which is adjusted for cost of living adjustments (COLA) increases.

Continued on next page SCENARIO 3. The Soldier elected SBP and the VA determined the Retired Soldier's death was service connected. Therefore , the surviving spouse's $1720 monthly SBP annuity is offset dollar for dollar by the spouse's $1319.04 monthly DIC payment. The surviving spouse will receive $400.96 SBP that exceeds the DIC and refund of the premiums paid for the SBP

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coverage offset by the DIC. Because there is an offset of SBP by DIC, the surviving spouse will also receive SSIA of $318. This scenario provides the surviving spouse the most compensation, $2038, while ensuring the surviving spouse would have SBP coverage if the Retired Soldier's death is not determined service connected by the VA. SCENARIO 4. The Soldier did not elect SBP and the VA determined the Retired Soldier's death was not service connected. The surviving spouse does not have SBP coverage and DIC is not payable by the VA. The surviving spouse will receive no compensation based on the Retired Soldier 's military service. Electing SBP - even when you will have a VA disability rating - ensures survivor benefits for your spouse. Remember, when you retired, there was no guarantee that your death will be determined by the VA to be service connected. If your death is service connected, your spouse will receive a refund of any SBP premiums you paid for the portion of the SBP offset by DIC. As well as any SBP that exceeds the DIC and SSIA. Your electing SBP eliminated the risk of your spouse not receiving survivor benefits for your military service while ensuring he or she receives the maximum benefits.

Don Courtney to be inducted into 2019 Florida Veterans Hall of Fame …continued from page 2

Manatee County Veterans Council for a total of 10 years. While Don recently stepped down after eight years as FCoC Treasurer, he continues to wear dual hats as President of the Bradenton Chapter and FCoC SW Area Vice President. Don has also been active in the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), serving as Commander for six years and Region VI Commander for two years. He is also a member of the Korean War Veteran’s Honor Guard. Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Council, member of Legion Post 24, DAV 18, VFW Post 10141 and others. He has also served Hillsborough and Manatee counties for over 13 years as chairman of the Dept. of Elder Affairs District 8 Ombudsman program.

Among Don’s military awards are the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 2 bronze oak clusters, Good Conduct Medal 4th award, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, and the Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral two. A well-deserved honor.



Terry’s Treasure By LCDR Terry Robertson, USN, Ret. [email protected]

This poem was written by a 13-year-old girl for a homework assignment. I think it’s very profound and gives us all something to think about. Amy Irving writes:

“Zero” Everyone wants everything to be nothing.

Zero calories, Zero fat,

Zero mistakes, Zero worries,

Zero homework, Zero pain, Zero loss,

Zero trouble. But if everything is nothing,

Then we don’t have anything. If there was zero fat or calories,

We’d all be dead. If there were zero mistakes,

We’d have nothing to learn from. If there were zero worries,

There wouldn’t be as much care. If there was zero homework,

We wouldn’t be able to practice what we learned that day. If there was zero pain,

There wouldn’t be as much help. If there was zero loss,

There wouldn’t be comfort. If there was zero trouble,

There wouldn’t be a reason for risks. If everything was nothing,

There wouldn’t be anything. Maybe it’s time for us to take a look at life and faith in a whole new way.




Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Update LTC R. Steven Murray, USAF (Ret.) Communications Director, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs

Fall Legislative Committee

Schedule Set

Governor Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation designating September 11, 2019 as Florida a Patriot Day.

While the regular 2019 session of the Florida Legislature is over, Committee work is continuing. The House and Senate 2019 fall interim committee meeting schedule: September 16-20, 2019 October 14-18, 2019 October 21-25, 2019 November 4-8, 2019 November 12-15, 2019 December 9-13, 2019 http://floridavets.org/news/veteran-legislation/ provides the following link to current veteran related legislation making its way through the system, though it makes no endorsement. http://floridavets.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Vet-Bills-Sept-13.pdf

GI LAW established Governor DeSantis, in collaboration with the Department of Military Affairs, FDVA, and Enterprise Florida, Inc., has launched the Governor’s Initiative on Lawyers Assisting Warriors (GI LAW) to provide pro bono services for Florida military members. Through this initiative, men and women in uniform will receive local counsel in a variety of civil matters, including actions in local courts. To request assistance: GI LAW Legal Assistance Request Forms must be submitted through the appropriate Judge Advocate General or civilian

military attorney’s office. Request forms are not accepted directly from service members. Request Form for Legal Assistance * Due to a backlog of family law legal service requests, GI LAW is temporarily suspending accepting family law legal services requests. GI LAW may resume accepting requests for family law legal services after the backlog has been cleared.

http://floridavets.org/news/veteran-legislation/

http://floridavets.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Vet-Bills-Sept-13.pdf

http://floridavets.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Vet-Bills-Sept-13.pdf

https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/GILAW-Request-Assistance.pdf



Cape Canaveral Chapter By Marilyn Sanford, MOAACC Public Relations

A highly successful fundraising campaign allowed the MOACC Scholarship Corporation to present 10 scholarships to deserving young The Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) ROTC Panther Battalion commissioned a new US Army Second Lieutenant, Alexia N. Pearah, in ceremonies at the FIT All Faiths Center on September 7. 2LT Pearah took the oath of office with FIT Panther Battalion Cadets, cadre, family and friends in attendance. 2LT Pearah was commissioned in the Army Medical Corp, and will train to become a Medical Evacuation (MEDIVAC) pilot. Pearah graduated from FIT with a degree in Biomedical Science, and has applied to Medical School at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. The guest speaker at the ceremony was former FIT Professor of Military Science, LTC TJ O’Conner, USA (Ret). COL Steve Bond, USA (Ret) and 2nd Vice President of MOAACC, presented the 2LT with her rank insignia “Gold Bars” and welcomed her to the Officers Corps on behalf of the Cape Canaveral Chapter and the 350,000 members of MOAA. 2LT Pearah learned of the FIT ROTC program while attending FIT and received a 3½ year ROTC

FIT ROTC Panther Battalion Commissions Army 2LT

Left: COL Steve Bond, USA (Ret) and MOAACC 2nd VP presents 2LT Alexia Pearah with a Commissioning Set of “Gold Bars” and membership in the Cape Canaveral Chapter (MOAACC).

Above: LTC Jimmy Crook, USA (Ret), Professor of Military Science at FIT; 2LT Alexia Pearah; and COL Steve Bond, USA (Ret) after the Commissioning Ceremony.


scholarship. She used the ROTC support as an opportunity to fulfill her dream of becoming a medical doctor and flight surgeon. As part of her cadet training at FIT, she interned at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii and, this summer, she returned to Hawaii to fly with Army MEDIVAC pilots stationed there. Good Deeds

Foundation News SPACE COAST HONOR FLIGHT In the early morning hours of August 24, MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation (GDF) President, Donn Weaver, and Chapter President Dan Smith, presented a check to Space Coast


The Council Communiqué …continued from previous page

GDF President Donn Weaver (L) and MOAACC 2nd VP Steve Bond (R) present a new Tiger Battalion sign to Cocoa High School JROTC Commander, LTC Joe Pavone, USA (Ret), and his leadership team.

50 YEARS OF FIT ARMY ROTC

Honor Flight (SCHF) Director Rear Admiral Jim Hart, USN retired, to support their mission. Hundreds attended the pre-flight ceremony with 25 WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans headed to Washington, DC to see their monuments. Many other MOAACC members were in attendance, including Jerry Gill, Colonel USA Ret., who served as an escort for a Korean War Veteran. It was one of eight ceremonies and flights held every year by SCHF.

L-R SCHF Director Jim

Hart; GDF President Donn

Weaver; and MOAACC

President Dan Smith.

COCOA HIGH SCHOOL GETS NEW TIGER BATTALION SIGN The Good Deeds Foundation (GDF) of the Cape Canaveral Chapter (MOAACC) continues its outreach to JROTC and other youth programs. On September 24, The Cocoa High School JROTC program was endowed with a new Tiger Battalion sign along with a check for $600. The sign replaced one built in 1970 which had worn out. Cocoa was among the first high schools in Brevard County to set up a JROTC program in August of 1969. At a special faculty meeting, a MOAACC Vets Back to Class/Joe Foss Institute (VBC/JFI) program was presented to all 120 teachers at the high school. They received handouts and other information about the VBC/VFI outreach program, which sends 17 VBC/JFI veterans into classrooms to cover many topics during the school year. The Cocoa High briefing opportunity was a first for an entire school, and it is hoped to increase requests for veterans to talk to students during the school year.

Reaching local youth, along with veterans in need and active duty units, are the pillars of MOAACC's GDF programs. Enabled by generous donations, MOAACC is making a big difference in our community.

Steve Bond, MOAACC 2nd Vice President presents a check to Ms. Dana Washington, Administrator of the Florida Institute of Technology ROTC General Fund, on behalf of the Good Deeds Foundation (GDF). The GDF funding is to support the ROTC cadets in commemorating 50 years of Army ROTC at the Florida Institute of Technology.




MOAACC at Coast Guard Family Day

MOAACC members L-R Col Gary Eppler, USAF (Ret); Capt Donn Weaver USAF (Ret); COL Steve Bond, USA (Ret); Lt Col Brian Whalen, USAF (Ret); and CAPT Scott Hartley, USCG (Ret) at the Coast Guard Family Day to celebrate the Coast Guard’s 229 years of service to the nation, along with the local Coast Guard contingent and their families. The event was held at the USCG Station, Port Canaveral on August 3. The MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation (GDF) was a sponsor of the event.

$9,000 to Brevard County JROTC’s CPT Donn Weaver USA (Ret), President of the MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation (at center) along with other MOAACC members, presents a $9,000 check for to Brevard County JROTC instructors to enhance their programs over the coming school year.

USAF Brig Gen Mirth speaks at MOAACC lunch

MOAACC VP Tim Pishdad (R) presents MOAACC Umbrella to Brig Gen Don Mirth (L). Brig Gen Joseph (Don) Mirth, USAF (Ret), headlined the MOAACC August luncheon with stories of his participation in the Air Force’s early satellite program and a subsequent career that, in 2018, earned him induction as an innovator into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame. Mirth began his space career in 1959 working on this nation’s first military satellite systems. Prior to his retirement in 1982, General Mirth served as the Air Force Space Shuttle Program director in the 1970s, and oversaw the development of Space Launch Complex Six and ancillary facilities throughout the nation.



Citrus County Chapter By COL Mark Bodenheim USAR (Ret), President, Citrus County Chapter

Citrus County Chapter president (right) COL Mark Bodenheim, USA (Ret), speaks with Christa Pearson (left), the district director for Congressman Daniel Webster, FL-11 Congressional District, during a September 19th meeting,

Concerns raised over US Army Dental Command cuts The Citrus County Chapter is expressing concern to its congressional delegation members over the current FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is now in a House and Senate conference committee. The current bill would eliminate 18,000 military medical positions or approximately 20% of the force. The House version of the bill asks the Department of Defense (DoD) for a review of its plan to replace those positions. Chapter President, COL Bodenheim was the mobilization operations chief for the U.S Army Dental Command between 2003 and 2012. He stated his concerns not only on future military retiree care at military medical treatment facilities, but the greater effect on medical combat support. Counting on a smaller force of military health professionals to deploy more frequently will make the recruitment of these professionals more difficult and lead to professionals staying in the service for shorter periods of time. The national MOAA organization as well as previous military Surgeon Generals have stated their concerns to Congress asking for a review of the plan.

Sept meeting focuses on VA burial benefits and honor On Sept. 12, over 110 attendees listened to Mr. David Varnum, Florida National Cemetery Administration, speak on “The VA National Cemetery Administration-Burial Benefits and Honoring Our Nations Veterans.” The MOAA Citrus County Chapter, in conjunction with Grand Living of Citrus Hills, sponsors speakers or events open to Citrus County veterans and the general public. The next event is on Nov 14, 2019 at 11AM, featuring the “Oldies But Goodies” choir singing patriotic songs. The event will take place at Grand Living located at 850 W Norvell Bryant Highway, Hernando, FL 34442.

Above: attendees listen. Right: Chapter president COL Mark Bodenheim, USA (Ret), presents a certificate of appreciation to Mr. David Varnum, Florida National Cemetery



Historic Mayport Chapter By Pat Kluever, President Historic Mayport Chapter

Right, LCDR Suzanne Bolden,

USN (Ret), the Senior Military

Instructor, First Coast NJROTC Unit.

Chief Mack, USN (Ret) addresses the audience at Fleet Landing. All photos by CDR Ed Hollender, USN (Ret).

On Wednesday 25 September, instructors, two current cadets, and one former cadet from the First Coast High School Navy JROTC Unit visited Fleet Landing to convey the precepts and goals of the JROTC program to residents and members of the Historic Mayport Chapter. LCDR Suzanne Border, USN (Ret) is the Senior Military Instructor at First Coast JROTC and is the only female who holds this position in Florida. First Coast High School NJROTC unit has 180 cadets and is growing at the 2,200 student school. LCDR Borders introduced Chief Mack, USN (Ret) who works with freshmen. Chief Mack’s role is to work with the freshman to introduce them to military customs, courtesies, uniforms, military drill, health and physical fitness, first aide, orienteering, and survival. As cadets progress through their remaining years in High School the cadets transition

from learning the basics to teaching the basics, learning and practicing leadership, preparing for life and a job after high school and focusing on lifetime goals and how to achieve their goals. Not new to JROTC programs, but at the forefront now in the military, the JROTC program includes suicide prevention and intervention training.

Continued on the next page

First Coast Navy JROTC Training Program visits Fleet Landing



From left to right: Mary Kluever, Chief Mack, LCDR Bolden, Cierra Vickers, Pat Kluever


LCDR Bolden’s focus is on the cadets in their later years in High School to make sure they are prepared to succeed at whatever career choice they make, and to leave high school with a life goal and a plan to succeed. The JROTC goal is to “build better citizens”, not necessarily through military recruitment, but with military service as an option. Cadet LCDR Perdue shared that he had some rough spots when he first joined the unit but had risen to leadership positions within the unit. He also shared that he had recently enlisted in the Navy with an objective as an air controller, which brought a round of applause. Cadet LCDR Ussery said he very much enjoyed athletic sports at First Coast High School and wanted to be a pilot in the military. The cadet was asked about his impressive height of well over 6 feet and restrictions for pilot training. A resident commented that the US Air Force would be glad to have the cadet as a candidate for pilot training. Cierra Vickers graduated from First Coast High School five years ago as the NJROTC Unit’s Commanding Officer. She has since graduated from University of South Florida, Tampa, with a Bachelor’s Degree and is focused on a career as a physician’s assistant, possibly connected with military service in either the US Air Force or the US Navy.

The audience had some spirited dialogue with the cadets, and appreciated their candid dialogue about their high school experiences with the First Coast NJROTC unit. Attendees congratulated First Coast NJROTC military instructors LCDR Suzanne Bolden and Navy Chief Mack on their service and dedication to the unit and their cadets. Following the presentations the cadets took orders for holiday pecans and candy as part of their annual fund raising to help support the unit’s activities and community service through the coming year. First Coast NJROTC Unit provided the color guard for Fleet Landing’s 2019 Memorial Day event and each year provides the color guard for the veteran’s pinning ceremony around Veteran’s Day in Fleet Landing’s healthcare units in partnership with Community Hospice.

Cadets Perdue and Ussery take orders for Holiday pecans and candy



Kingdom of the Sun Chapter By Arlo Janssen, LTC, USA (Ret), Editor of the Sunbeams, KOS/MOAA

Sept luncheon features writer & chapter awards

The "KOS September Luncheon" featuring Dr. Peter Messmore was held on September 5, at the Ocala Elks Club. Peter was a Morse Code Intercept Operator while serving in the United States Air Force Security Service in the late 1950's. He gave an excellent PowerPoint briefing on his novel, Alexander the King. The "KOS October Luncheon" included an informational talk by COL Craig Ham, USA (Ret) was held on October 3 at the Ocala Elks Club. COL Ham discussed his military career starting at West Point and his early Army life as a Military Policeman at several locations. His last job after retiring from the Army was with the Marion County Public Schools as the Deputy Superintendent for Operations. The Kingdom of the Sun (KOS) Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has received three Five Star Awards for the year 2018. These Five Star Awards were noted at the conclusion of our KOS Chapter luncheon meeting on October 3, 2019. This makes our KOS Chapter a Triple Crown winning Chapter for the year 2018. COL Robert Schlegel, President of the KOS Chapter of MOAA in Ocala, FL, has received notice that our KOS Chapter has earned a Five Star Levels of Excellence award for 2018.

(Left) Dr. Peter Messmore speaking at the September 5, 2019, KOS luncheon. Photo by Dennis Rose, Photo Editor, KOS Sunbeams

(Top) COL Robert Schlegel, President of the KOS Chapter, awarding a Five Star Award to Steven McNeil, KOS Webmaster. Photo by Dennis Rose. (Middle) COL Schlegel awarding a Five Star Award to Arlo Janssen, Editor KOS Sunbeams. Photo by Arlo Janssen. (Bottom) COL Schlegel, President of the KOS Chapter, attaching 2018 Five Star Levels of Excellence Awards to the KOS banner. Photo by Arlo Janssen. The second Five Star award was presented for the Chapter's Website (Steven McNeil, KOS Webmaster.) The third Five Star award was presented for the Print Newsletter (Arlo Janssen, editor of the KOS Chapter Sunbeams newsletter.)



Sun City Center Chapter By CAPT B. Frank Kepley, USN (Ret), Legislative Liaison Sept meeting hears CAPT Stoehs recall Vietnam War river assaults

CAPT William F. Stoehs, USN (Ret) was the featured speaker at the Military Officers of America Association (MOAA) monthly meeting, held in the Florida Room at the Sun City Center, North Side Atrium Building on September 4th, 2019. Capt. Stoehs discussed his harrowing experiences as Senior Patrol Officer and Commanding Officer with a River Assault Division in Vietnam. After receiving his BBA degree in Business Management from Lamar University, he attended Navy OCS in Newport, RI. Upon commissioning, he served 2½ years as a deck officer and OOD on fleet Oiler, USS Kaskaskia (AO-27) in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean Sea. When his ship was decommissioned, Bill received river boat training and was sent to the Mekong Delta area of Vietnam. He served with River Assault Division 153 as Senior Patrol Officer and later as Commanding Officer. Bill also served as Senior Advisor to a Vietnamese Navy unit, River Interdiction Division 48. Capt. Stoehs continued in the Naval Reserve for the next 20 years. Assignments included work with the Military Sealift Command and the Joint Chiefs at the Pentagon. He also completed the Strategy & Policy program at the US Naval War College. He retired as a Navy Captain in 1992.

CAPT William Stoehs, USN (Ret) with chapter president Benny Blackshire, LTC USA (Ret), after CAPT Stoehs informative presentation.

L to R: Jan Bassett, Regent of the Colonel George Mercer Brooke Chapter DAR presented 2 Surviving Spouse certificates and pins to surviving spouses of Vietnam veterans. The Chapter is a partner of the Department of Defense commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.




RADM Wallace Guthrie headlines Oct meeting Wallace N. Guthrie, RADM USN (Ret) was the featured speaker at the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) monthly meeting, held in the Florida Room at the Sun City Center, North Side Atrium Building on October 2nd, 2019. Admiral Guthrie served in the Navy for more than 38- years both on full-time active duty and in the Navy Reserve. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and earned advanced degrees in Management and Education at Rollins College, Winter Park, FL. His Navy career specialty was Submarine Warfare. He served on both conventional and nuclear-powered submarines at duty stations in San Diego, CA and Holy Loch, Scotland. His last at-sea assignment was on the nuclear-powered, Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine USS Fort Meade, MD... retiring again in 1997. ADM Guthrie provided a non-technical overview of our submarine force. His presentation traced submarine development since the Civil War and described the types and capabilities of a modern nuclear submarine. A generous use of visuals provided an insight into the role of the submarine in our national defense. He noted that the first submarines were actually surface ships capable of submerging. In 1944 the invention of radar, the periscope and the snorkel allowed the submarine to submerge. Nuclear powered submarines came on the scene in 1955 and completely changed their ability to wage war.

Prior to the admiral’s presentation, Jane Keegan, the Executive Director of the Military Family Support Trust (MFST) was presented a certificate designating her an Honorary Member of MOAA.

Top: RADM Wallace Guthrie speaks at the October 2 Sun City Chapter meeting on the historical development of the US submarine force. Above, from left: Jane Keegan, Executive Director of MFST with certificate of Honorary Membership of MOAA, presented by Benny Blackshire president of SCC MOAA.


The Council Communiqué Effective Chapter Email Communication By Col Paul Loschiavo USMC (Ret), South East Area Vice President

Sending effective emails to chapter members can be confusing. Our experience is that sending blast emails (emails to the entire chapter) and emails to new and potential members, are more effective if they come from a chapter address, rather than an individual’s email address. In Palm Beach-Martin, we have an email address [email protected]. When people see that, they know exactly who it’s from. If you don’t have a Gmail account, just Google “Gmail” and set it up. It’s simple. If it takes you more than two minutes, you’re doing something wrong. Most importantly choose an address that is patently obvious. “[email protected]” works. I recommend you do not use a password that you use on personal stuff but pick one that you can share with others. This is also good when it comes time for you to pass on the reins to somebody else. Something like “MOAAFL47” or whatever your chapter number works. You can then simply give the logon id and password to anyone else in the chapter, such as the membership chair or your successor! It’s simple, it works great and... it’s totally free. Blind Addresses I think at this point, most people prefer to not see their email address in a long list of email addresses. Here’s a simple way to send blast emails to a bunch of people with nobody’s email address actually appearing in the header. This works on Apple devices. I don’t know about android, and haven’t figured out how to do it on a PC, but if you have an iPhone or iPad, it works great. On an Apple device, go to Contacts and open a new contact. In the company line, type “email MOAA chapter.” Then scroll down to “notes” (not “email address”) and start typing in the email addresses of folks you want to include in the group. Put a comma after each address. When you have them all in there, click on “done.” Then, when you want to send a blast email, in the “to” line, insert the same address as in the “from” line. Go back to Contacts, open the email group file, and highlight all of the addresses in the notes section. Click on “copy.” Return to the outgoing email, click in the BCC field (blind copy) and the word “paste” should pop up. Click on “paste” and all of the email addresses will be inserted into the BCC field. Now, when you send the blast email, it will look like it came from the chapter, to the chapter, and no one’s actual individual email address will be visible. If you have any questions, send me an email at [email protected].




MILITARY OFFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (MOAA)

FLORIDA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS (FCOC)

The MOAA Florida Council of Chapters (FCOC) is comprised of 44 Chapters with nearly 8,000 members and their families. FCOC is one of MOAA’s largest Councils. MOAA has a membership of over 380,000 members in all 50 States. The FCOC’s primary communication vehicles are our bi-monthly publication, The COUNCIL COMMUNIQUÉ and our Website www.MOAAFL.org Ads run for one year. The COMMUNIQUÉ is distributed electronically to all our chapters, MOAA Headquarters in Virginia, and our influential contacts across the state of Florida. The COMMUNIQUÉ provides a unique forum for businesses to reach a select segment of the population. The membership is patriotic and professional. We encourage your business to reach out to our members by advertising in The COUNCIL COMMUNIQUÉ. In appreciation of Businesses that also support the FCOC Annual Convention with Ads in the Convention Souvenir Program Book within the last year the FCOC offers a discount for the same size Ad shown on the following Order Form. Thank you! FCOC

Advertise with Us!

Submitting Articles and Pictures for The Communiqué Articles can be attached to an email. Microsoft Word works best. You can also type your information into the body of an email where it can be copied and pasted into the newsletter. PDF files can also be used. Pictures should have a .jpg extension. If you are sending pictures from your chapter, please include the chapter name and the names of those in the picture. A few words on what the event is about will help interest the readers. If you have questions about your submission, contact Polly Parks [email protected] 703-338-6881

http://www.moaafl.org/



Per Issue Placement Annual (6 issues)

Quarter Page (4” H x 3.5” W) $ 75 $ 300 / SAVE $150 Half Page (8” H x 3.5” W) $150 $ 600 / SAVE $300 or (4” H x 7.5 W) Full Page (9.625” x 7.5” W) $300 $1,200 / SAVE $600 Size of Ad: ___________________ # of Placements: OR Annual: _________ Notes: Annual is from Jan-Dec; six (6) issues published electronically on the 10th of the even month. Mid-year placement for a recurring annual placement can be at pro-rated annual rate for remaining issues. Remaining copy due dates for 2018 are: October 1 and December 1. Ad placement in printed Annual Convention Program (June) is handled separately by Convention Committee; POC’s listed under Committee Chairs on last page of Communiqué Amount: $____________ (make check out to: Florida Council of Chapters and mail, with this ad form, to: Polly Parks, Communiqué Editor, c/o SCFC of MOAA, PO Box 7841, Sebring, FL 33870. Business Name: ____________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________________ State: ________ Zip: _________

Business Contact: ___________________________ Email: _________________________

Tel/Cell #:________________________ Fax #: ___________________________

• Submit PDF or jpeg file to: [email protected]

• Ad copy must be submitted by the first of the month of the month of publication; i.e. Feb 1 for the January-February edition. Please notify the editor in advance if you plan to change the ad copy.

Any further questions, please contact: Polly Parks, [email protected] or 703-338-6881.

The Council Communiqué ADVERTISING ORDER

FORM





Florida Chapters & Web Sites (if available)

Ancient City Chapter St. Augustine

Area: Northeast View Website

Bay County Chapter PANAMA CITY Area: Northwest

Bradenton Chapter Bradenton

Area: South West View Website

Broward County Chapter

Deerfield Beach Area: Southeast View Website

Calusa Chapter Cape Coral


Cape Canaveral Chapter Patrick AFB

Area: East Central View Website

Central Florida Chapter

Orlando Area: East Central

View Website

Charlotte Harbor Chapter Punta Gorda


Clearwater Chapter CLEARWATER

Area: West Central View Website

Flagler County Chapter

Palm Coast Area: Northeast View Website

Florida Gold Coast Chapter Coral Gables

Area: Southeast

Florida Keys Islamorada

Area: Southeast View Website

Gainesville Chapter Gainesville

Area: Mid Central View Website

Halifax Area Chapter Daytona Beach


Imperial Polk County Chapter Lakeland


Indian River Chapter Vero Beach


KINGDOM OF THE SUN CHAPTER Ocala


Lake & Sumter Counties Chapter Lady Lake


LeeCoast Chapter, MOAA

Sanibel Island Area: South West

View Website

Mayport Chapter Jacksonville


Mid-Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

Palm Harbor Area: West Central

View Website Military Officers Association of

Sarasota, Inc. Sarasota


Military Officers Association of South West Florida

Naples Area: South West

View Website

Military Officers Club of Volusia County

Orange City Area: East Central

View Website

MOAA of Citrus County Lecanto


Nassau County Fernandina Beach


Northeast Florida Chapter Jacksonville


http://moaa-acc.org/

http://www.orgsites.com/fl/moaa-bc/

http://www.browardmoaa.com/

http://www.calusamoaa.org/

http://moaacc.org/

http://moaacfc.com/

http://www.moaafl.org/Chapters/CHCMOAA

http://www.moaafl.org/Chapters/MOAAFLCWC/

http://www.moaafl.org/Chapters/Flagler/

http://moaafl.org/Chapters/FloridaKeys/

http://gainesvillemoaa.org/

http://www.moaafl.org/Chapters/Halifax/

http://moaa-polk.org/

http://kosmoaa.org/

http://www.lakesumtermoaa.org/

http://moaafl.org/chapters/leecoast/

http://moaafl.org/chapters/leecoast/

http://www.moaafl.org/Chapters/MfGCC/

http://www.sarasotamoaa.com/

http://moaswfl.echapters.com/

http://www.moaafl.org/Chapters/VolusiaMOAA/

http://moaafl.org/Chapters/CitrusCounty

http://www.ncflmoaa.org/

http://moaafl.org/Chapters/NEFLMOAA/

July-August 2019


Northwest Florida Military Officers Association

Fort Walton Beach Area: Northwest View Website

Palm Beach Area Chapter Boynton Beach Area: Southeast View Website

Palm Beach-Martin Counties Chapter Jupiter

Area: Southeast View Website

Pensacola Chapter

Pensacola Area: Northwest View Website

Santa Rosa Chapter Milton

Area: Northwest

St. John’s River Valley Chapter Palatka

Area: Mid Central

St. Petersburg Area Chapter St. Petersburg


South Central Florida Chapter Sebring


South Dade Chapter Princeton

Area: South East

Sun City Center Chapter Sun City Center


Suncoast Chapter, MOAA Port Richey


Suwannee River Valley Chapter Lake City

Area: Northeast

Tallahassee Chapter Tallahassee

Area: Northwest View Website

Tampa Chapter MacDill AFB


Treasure Coast Chapter Fort Pierce


West Central Chapter, Inc

Spring Hill Area: West Central

View Website

Florida Chapters, Continued

http://nwfmoa.org/

http://www.moaa.org/chapter/palmbeacharea

http://www.moaafl.org/Chapters/PBMCC/

http://www.pmoaa.org/

http://www.moaastpetearea.com/

http://scfcmoaa.org/

http://www.moaafl.org/Chapters/SunCity/

http://www.suncoastmoaa.org/

http://www.moaafl.org/Chapters/Tallahassee/

http://moaatampa.org/

http://moaafl.org/Chapters/TCMOAA/

http://www.moaafl.org/Chapters/MOAAFLWCC/

27

The Council Communiqué is the newsletter of the Florida Council of Chapters (FCOC), Military Officers Association of America, and is published bimonthly: February, April, June, August, October, and December. MOAA, it’s Councils and Chapters are non-partisan organizations. The Communiqué is intended for wide distribution within the FCOC including Chapter Leaders and all Chapter Members in Florida. A current issue of The Council Communiqué can be found at the Florida Council of Chapters Web Site: http://www.moaafl.org/, drop down menu Events/News. Opinions expressed by writers are their own, and may not express the positions of FCOC or the MOAA.

OFFICERS President: Col Len Friedlander, USAF, Ret, 941-927-0996, [email protected], Christa Vice President: COL Mike Borders, USA, Ret. 863-402-8292, [email protected], Diana NE Area Vice President: CDR Patrick R (Pat) Kluever, USN, Ret, 540-775-4955, [email protected], Mary NW Area Vice President: Maj Gen Mike Snodgrass, USAF, Ret, 703-283-9627, [email protected] EC Area Vice President: MAJ Raul Gonzalez, NG, Ret, 386-216-9255, [email protected] MC Area Vice President: Lt Col Wayne Brown, USAF, Ret. 336-601-1317, [email protected], Marty WC Area Vice President: Carol Burgess, USAF, Ret. 352-686-2817 [email protected] SE Area Vice President: Col Paul Loschiavo, USMC, Ret. 561-745-1434, [email protected] SW Area Vice President: CWO4 Don Courtney, USA, Ret, 941-745-9564, [email protected] Secretary: COL Jon Gordon, USA, Ret, 941-923-2302, [email protected], Mary Treasurer: Marilyn Leehan 440-812-0100, [email protected], Terry Immediate Past President: LTC Marc Oliveri, USAR, Ret, 561-753-7565, [email protected], Jenine

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Budget & Finance: Marilyn Leehan 440-812-0100, [email protected], Terry Bylaws Proposals, Resolutions: MAJ Edward Lillich, USA, Ret, 727-546-2246, [email protected], Chris Communiqué Editor: Polly Parks, 703-338-6881, [email protected], George Cajigal Legislative Affairs: Lt Col Robert Bienvenue, USAF, Ret. 352-775-2183,[email protected], Barbara Florida Veterans Council: MAJ Lorraine Holland, USA, Ret, 407-221-1388, [email protected] Florida Legislative Affairs: Lt Col Steve Murray, USAF, Ret, 850-668-1645, [email protected], Beth Personal Affairs: Patricia Green, 407-774-7933, [email protected] LOE Review Coordinator: Col. Tony Pimentel, USAF, Ret, 941-979-8656, [email protected] Religious Activities: LCDR Terry Robertson, USN, Ret, 352-638-5838, [email protected], Marilyn Web Site & FMMC/IMMC Ed: LCDR John Snyder, USN, Ret, 904-859-6099, [email protected], Donna Membership, Northern FL: Maj Carol Burgess, USAF, Ret. 352-686-2817 [email protected] Membership, Southern FL: COL Jeff Rogers, USA, Ret. 321-917-3082, [email protected] Facebook Coordinator/Publicity: Maj Gen Mike Snodgrass, USAF, Ret, 703-283-9627, [email protected] FCOC Convention Coordinator: LTC Marc Oliveri, USAR, Ret, 561-753-7565, [email protected], Jenine Convention Chair 2020: Col Paul Loschiavo, USMC, Ret. 561-745-1434, [email protected] Surviving Spouse Liaison: Patricia Green, 407-774-7933, [email protected]

The Communiqué

is on the web: http://moaafl.org/

http://www.moaafl.org/
















mailto:352-775-2183%[email protected]













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