Maraprusj14 by Tommy Campbell

March/April 2014

ALSO INSIDE: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Budget Agreement for Current Fiscal Year ACTIVE DUTY DOWNLOAD: Lowest Pay Raise Since 1963...

Journal Uniformed Services

The Service Member’s Voice in Government

WHAT’S IN THE BUDGET AGREEMENT? CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

National Association for Uniformed Services® 5535 Hempstead Way Springfield, VA 22151-4094

March/April 2014

ALSO INSIDE:

Journal Uniformed Services

The Service Member’s Voice in Government

WHAT ARE THE PIECES OF THE BUDGET PUZZLE?

National Association for Uniformed Services® 5535 Hempstead Way Springfield, VA 22151-4094

ACTIVE DUTY DOWNLOAD: Lowest Pay Raise Since 1963...

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Budget Agreement for Current Fiscal Year

March/April 2014

ALSO INSIDE:

Journal Uniformed Services

The Service Member’s Voice in Government

WHAT’S IN THE BUDGET AGREEMENT?

National Association for Uniformed Services® 5535 Hempstead Way Springfield, VA 22151-4094

ACTIVE DUTY DOWNLOAD: Lowest Pay Raise Since 1963

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Budget Agreement for Current Fiscal Year

ebenefit.com/naus or 6-694-NAUS (6287) for uable member benefits.

Administrated and marketed by:

Endorsed by National Association for Uniformed Services

al Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids, IA. icy. Policies underwritten by Monumental Life Insurance Company (Cedar Rapids, IA) a Transamerica Company, under which the policies may be continued in force or discontinued. Coverage may not be available in all states. NAUS 2013

You Ser Served ved with with the Best, Best, tour w with ith the Best Best!! 2014 battlefield tours 20 14 b attlefield t ours

0+7 %DWWOHILHOG 7RXUV-9HWHUDQ 2ZQHG 2SHUDWHG VLQFH 0+7 %DWWOHILHOG 7RXUV-9HWHUDQ 2ZQHG 2SHUDWHG VLQFH Â± 0D\ :RUOG :DU , 8 6 %DWWOHILHOGV )UDQFH Â± 0D\ :RUOG :DU , 8 6 %DWWOHILHOGV )UDQFH 0D\ Â± -XQ WK $QQLYHUVDU\ %DWWOH RI WKH %XOJH 0D\ Â± -XQ WK $QQLYHUVDU\ %DWWOH RI WKH %XOJH 0D\ - -XQ ::,, WK $QQLY /LEHUDWLRQ RI 5RPH 0D\ - -XQ ::,, WK $QQLY /LEHUDWLRQ RI 5RPH Â± -XQ Â± -XQ WWKK $QQLYHUVDU\ RI '-'D\ 1RUPDQG\ $QQLYHUVDU\ RI '-'D\ 1RUPDQG\ Â± -XQ 91 , &RUSV Â³&KX /DL WR WKH '0 =Â´ Â± -XQ 91 , &RUSV Â³&KX /DL WR WKH '0=Â´ Â± -XQ ::,, WK /LEHUDWLRQ 6DLSDQ 7LQLDQ Â± -XQ ::,, WK /LEHUDWLRQ 6DLSDQ 7LQLDQ Â± -XO 5XVVLD Â³::,, (DVWHUQ )URQWÂ´ Â± -XO 5XVVLD Â³::,, (DVWHUQ )URQWÂ´ 6WDOLQJUDG 3RVW 7RXU 6W 3HWHUVEXUJ .XUVN 0RVFRZ .XUVN 0RVFRZ 6WDOLQJUDG 3RVW 7RXU 6W 3HWHUVEXUJ Â± -XO ::,, WK *XDP /LEHUDWLRQ 6DLSDQ 7LQLDQ Â± -XO ::,, WK *XDP /LEHUDWLRQ 6DLSDQ 7LQLDQ Â± $XJ %DWWOH IRU *XDGDOFDQDO Â³7XUQLQJ WKH 7LGH Â± $XJ %DWWOH IRU *XDGDOFDQDO Â³7XUQLQJ WKH 7LGH LQ WKH 3DFLILFÂ´ 3RVW 7RXU 0XQGD Â³8S WKH 6ORWÂ´ LQ WKH 3DFLILFÂ´ 3RVW 7RXU 0XQGD Â³8S WKH 6ORWÂ´ $XJ Â± 6HS 91 , &RUSV Â³&KX /DL WR WKH $XJ Â± 6HS 91 , &RUSV Â³&KX /DL '0=Â´ 0 =Â´ WR WKH ' $XJ Â± 6HS 91 Â³'HOWD WR WKH '0=Â´ $XJ Â± 6HS 91 Â³'HOWD WR WKH '0=Â´ WK Â² 6HS $QQLYHUVDU\ RI ::, Â³7KH *UHDW :DUÂ² Â´ $QQLYHUVDU\ RI ::, Â³7KH *UHDW :DU Â² Â´ Â² 6HS WK Â² 6HS 91 7DQNV 2QWRV 7UDFV LQ , &RUSV Â² 6HS 91 7DQNV 2QWRV 7UDFV LQ , &RUSV WK Â² 6HS ::,, WK Â² 6HS ::,, $QQLYHUVDU\ ,QYDVLRQ RI 3HOHOLX $QQLYHUVDU\ ,QYDVLRQ RI 3HOHOLX Â± 2FW 8 6 0LOLWDU\ ,QYROYHPHQW Â± 2FW 8 6 0LOLWDU\ ,QYROYHPHQW &HQWHUSRLQWH :D\ &HQWHUSRLQWH :D\ LQ &KLQD - LQ &KLQD - 6WH :RRGEULGJH 9$ - 6 WH :RRGEULGJH 9$ - Â± 1RY ::,, LQ %XUPD Â± 1RY ::,, LQ %XUPD - - ZZZ PLOWRXUV FRP - - ZZZ PLOWRXUV FRP -DQ Â± )HE Âµ ::,, LQ WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV -DQ Â± )HE Âµ ::,, LQ WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV PKWRXUV#PLOWRXUV FRP PKWRXUV#PLOWRXUV FRP

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR UNIFORMED SERVICES MISSION: Promote a strong national defense and protect the benefits earned through service and sacrifice in the uniformed services.

INSIDE 2 NAUS Mailbox

3 President’s Message:

Round 2, Some Sequester Relief...

March/April 2014 • Vol. 38 No. 2

6 Legislative Update

12 Key Bills In Congress

15 NAUS Briefs: Healthcare News 17 NAUS Briefs: Veterans News

18 NAUS Briefs: NAUS News

20 Active Duty Download 24 NAUS 2014 Scholarship 25 Excelsior College 26 NAUS Book Review:

Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption Jones Caption

2014 March/April

ALSO INSIDE:ATE: Budget Agreement ar

iscal Ye for Current F aise Lowest Pay R DOWNLOAD: Since 1963...

UPD LEGISLATIVE ACTIVE DUTY

l Journa es ed Servic Uniform

The Service

WHAT’S IN THE

28 NAUS USDR Chapter #1981 29 Health Today: From Pigeon to Tweets

Member’s Voice

in Governme

BUDGET AGREE

MENT?

30 NAUS in the Field 34 Merchant Marine

Color Blindness

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

RADM Donald P. Loren, USN (Ret), Co-Chair MCPO David Rudd, USN (Ret), Co-Chair Col Michael F. Harris, USAF (Ret), 1st Vice Chair Treasurer & Chair – Finance Committee Karl P. Karl, USMC (Vet), 2nd Vice Chair - NAUS Secretary COL Janet Fraser Hale, USAR (Ret), 3rd Vice Chair Chair-Bylaws & Governance LTC Joe Sheehan, USA (Ret), EXCOM Member Chair-Legislative Affairs Col Thomas Warren Parker, USMC (Ret), EXCOM MemberChair-Membership & Development

DIRECTORS LCDR Francis Bertulfo, USPHS CSM Donna A. Brock, USA Mrs. Etta Brown - President, SMW COL Dan Dennison, USA (Ret) Col James F. Diehl, USAF (Ret) MCPO Paul Dillon, USN (Ret) LCDR Sarah L. Dunsford, NOAA MajGen Timothy F. Ghormley, USMC (Ret) CMDCM (SS) Riccardo Giberti, USN MCPO James E. Greer, USN (Ret) Sgt Brian J. Griffin, USAF (Ret) BGen John A. Hurley, USAFR (Ret) CMDCM (SS) Glen Kline, USN MajGen James Livingston, USMC (Ret) CAPT Robert C. Lloyd, Jr., USPHS LCDR Nicole M. Manning, NOAA SgtMajMarCorps Alford L. McMichael, USMC (Ret) CCMSgt Christopher E. Muncy, USAF Andy Plonski, USMC (Veteran) SgtMaj Frank E. Pulley, USMC (Ret) CSM Brett Rankert, USA (Ret) LtCol Nanci L. Visser, USMCR (Ret)

BOARD ADVISORS MajGen William P. Bowden, USAF (Ret) SGM Russell Cain, USA (Ret) - Historian, USDR LTG Carmen J. Cavezza, USA (Ret) MSG Howard J. Day, III, USA CSM Donald Devaney, USA (Ret) CAPT Thomas L. Doss, USPHS Col David A. Ellis, USAF (Ret) COL Otto Grummt, USA (Ret) - Co-Chair – Membership & Development Committee Morris Harvey, USNG (Vet) - President, AMMV BG George Landis, USA (Ret) LT Wendy Lewis, NOAA RADM Robert Merrilees, USCGR (Ret) SGM Anthony Nathe, USA (Ret) - President, USDR COL Charles Partridge, USA (Ret) CSM Sylvester L. Smith, USA (Ret) SMA Jack L. Tilley, USA (Ret) CWO-4 Gerald Walters, USA (Ret)

35 Homes for Heroes 36 SMW News 39 Seniors’ Corner

40 Contributors 43 Taps

FRONT COVER: We discuss the Budget Agreement for Fiscal Year 2014 and the parts of the bill that affect our members.

Uniformed Services Journal is published bimonthly by the National Association for Uniformed Services , 5535 Hempstead Way, Springfield, VA 22151-4094; Tel. (703)750-1342, 1(800)842-3451; Fax (703)354-4380; email: naus@naus.org; website: www.NAUS.org. Postmaster: send address changes to Uniformed Services Journal • 5535 Hempstead Way Springfield, VA 22151-4094. ®

Subscription rates: Membership in NAUS includes a subscription to the USJ. For persons and organizations not eligible for membership: $25 per year in USA and its possessions; $30 per year to a foreign address. Single copy is $2.50.

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS CSM Ron Buatte, USA (Ret) – Region 1 - Northwest Col Al Stewart, USAF (Ret) – Region 2 - West MSgt Thomas Paolillo, USAF (Ret) – Region 3 - Central SMSgt Chuck Murphy, USAF (Ret) – Region 4 - Southwest LtCol Dick I. Brubaker, USAF (Ret) – Region 5 - North Central LTC Dennis Freytes, USA (Ret) – Region 6 - Southeast MCPO Paul Dillon, USN (Ret) – Region 7 - Northeast Col David A. Ellis, USAF (Ret) – Region 8 - Mid-Atlantic

How can DoD even think of cutting basic benefits for veterans? They fought for this country, now our government is treating them just awful. They also want to shut down commissaries… How dare they! Our young military service members really depend on them. E. Becker PSG, USA (Ret) I want to thank you for the letter Disabled World War II/Korean War veteran you wrote to President Obama Marysville, WA asking/urging him to reconsider his position [about the military retiree COLA cut]. The letter was ardent, articulate, expressive, fervent, forceful, impassioned, moving, outspoken, NAUS Note: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passionate, persuasive, poignant, powerful, revealing, Army General Martin Dempsey, announced in stirring, touching, vivid, and vocal all in one fell swoop. January that there is no plan to close down all Personally, I thank heaven above that someone took State-side commissaries. However, NAUS remains concerned that the subsidy the Defense Commissary the initiative to act on their motivations and in doing so, Agency receives will be reduced, resulting in possible also acted on behalf of retired veterans everywhere such as me who will benefit as a result. price increases or other services reductions, and some closures of stores in certain areas. K. Garcia Bethesda, MD

MAILBOX

Keep working for all the veterans and the active duty members of our armed services. We appreciate your constant work on our behalf. R. Humphrey Via NAUS Facebook page I would like NAUS to support a list of bills that really achieve a balanced budget. Let’s support a draft for young men and women to serve a 6 year term – no married personnel, no kids, no housing, only training as necessary. This is not a new concept (go back to the 40s/50s). J. Coy MSgt, USAF (Ret) San Antonio, TX Thanks for all that you and our organization have done, are doing, and will do for our veterans, their families, and our Country. N. Vamvakias COL, USA (Ret) Fairfax, VA

Editor’s Note:

The NAUS Staff is proud to bring you this edition of your 2014 March/April Uniformed Services Journal. This issue brings you information on the Budget Agreement and all the parts and pieces that affect YOU, our members. This year, as we always, we see a long hard fight to keep your promised benefits in place and we of course need YOUR help! Keep those letters, emails and calls coming to NAUS, but also to your representative to let them know your opinion. Send your feedback and opinions to NAUS at: NAUS Mailbox, 5535 Hempstead Way, Springfield, VA 22151 or to tcampbell@naus.org.* We hope you enjoy this edition of your 2014 March/April Uniformed Services Journal. – Tommy Campbell, Managing Editor, USJ

*(Include your hometown and daytime phone number. Due to space restrictions, not every entry can be published and those that are may be edited to fit.)

NAUS STAFF

President and CEO – LtGen Jack Klimp, USMC (Ret) Director of Administration – Mrs. Vicki C. Sumner

CFO/Director of Membership Services – Ms. Windora Bradburn, CPA Legislative Director/PAC – Rick Jones H

Deputy Legislative Director/Veterans Affairs – CTI1 Mike Plumer, USN (Ret) H Marketing Director – LCDR Steve Hein, USCG (Ret), CME Managing Editor, USJ – Tommy Campbell

Development & Marketing Associate – Mrs. Maggie Nayyar Director of Mail Operations – Mrs. Nadine Vranizan Membership Manager – Mrs. Toni Cimini

Accounting Associate – Mrs. Marina Pflieger H Registered Federal Lobbyists

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

President’s Message From e Desk Of:

LtGen Jack Klimp, USMC (Ret)

f But... Round 2, Some Sequester Relie Steve Providing new President’s Message

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

This agreement passed by Congress hits military retirees under age 62 with lower COLAs beginning in 2016; so much for grandfathering current retirees.

Membership Application/ Renewal Form USJND13

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________________________ State: _____________ Zip: __________________ Phone #: ______________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________ Branch of Service: _____________________ Rank/Grade: ___________________ Date of Birth: _______/_______/_______ mm

Dates of Service:

___________ to ___________

Status: o Retired o Active o Veteran o Reserve o National Guard

As a benefit of membership you receive a subscription to the NAUS Weekly Update E-newsletter. If you do not wish to subscribe please check here: o

Please Check: o New Member o Former Member o Membership renewal o Recruited By: ____________________________________________________ Member Name

Member Number

PAYMENT INFORMATION

o Enclosed is my check for $ _____________ made payable to: NAUS OR

o Charge my dues of $ _____________ to my credit card:

o Visa o Master Card o Discover o American Express

DUES

Member Only

One Year Three Years Five Years

$25 o

$65 o $95 o

Life Membership

Acct. #: ________________________________________________________

50 and under 51-55

Expiration Date:

56-60

________________________________________________________

61-65

Name on Credit Card:

66-69 70 and above

________________________________________________________

$400 o $370 o $335 o

Please Check Box Next To Your Membership Term

$315 o $300 o

$230 o

Signature (Required):

Dues Total:

$________

________________________________________________________

NAUS Contribution:

$________

NAUS Scholarship Fund:

$________

Total:

$________

Remit Application and Payment to: NAUS 5535 Hempstead Way Springfield, VA 22151

Contributions or membership dues are not refundable or transferable and are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes.

Or Join Online At: www.NAUS.org

Budget Agreement for Current Fiscal Year

s readers know, the road to completion of a fiscal year 2014 has been rough. e standoﬀ between the House, Senate and Administration brought stalemate, widespread furloughs and disruptions that threatened necessary spending on veterans and national security. However, in early December, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) announced agreement on a budget resolution (H.J.Res. 59) to raise discretionary spending caps for FY 2014 and FY 2015, partially rolling back a portion of the discretionary sequester scheduled for each of those years and replacing the sequester cuts with other savings.

e budget agreement quickly became the accepted course and in mid-December Congress enacted the Ryan-Murray plan, called the Bipartisan Budget Act. e President signed the agreement, as Public Law 113-67, the day aer Christmas, setting in place a pathway to avert a possible government shutdown in January. Under that new law, discretionary caps for FY 2014 are increased by $45 billion to a total of $1.012 trillion (a $22.4 billion increase each for defense and non-defense, rolling back about half the scheduled FY 2014 discretionary sequester), while caps for FY 2015 are increased by $18 billion to a total of $1.014 trillion. Without the budget agreement, there would have been extreme cuts in defense under the next round of sequestration, threatening our national security and military readiness.

Appropriations Agreement For Current Fiscal Year With the bipartisan budget agreement on discretionary caps for FY 2014, House and Senate appropriators pulled together an omnibus spending measure (H.R. 3547) to fund the government for the remaining eight months of FY 2014. Congress approved the Consolidated Appropriations Act, and the President signed the spending bill on January 17 as Public Law 113-76.

Summary Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 3547): Veterans and Defense Sections

Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones 6

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, the Department of Veterans Aﬀairs receives $148 billion, $14 billion (10 percent) more than fiscal 2013, and includes numerous provisions aimed at addressing the backlog of veterans compensation claims for service-related disabilities. Veterans healthcare spending represents about half of total VA spending. For Defense, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (the agreement) provides $572 billion, down from the $605 billion in the fiscal 2013 level. e total includes $487 billion in the regular base spending and $85 billion for overseas contingency operations associated with the war in Afghanistan and other counterterrorism operations. Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

–

a 1 percentage point reduction in inflation year. e total is equal to the request. Defense Health Program - Under the adjustments for military retirees under It also provides $45 million in unreConsolidated Appropriations Act, the quested funds for impact aid. e Education age 62. e penalty is expected to reduce agreement appropriates $33.6 billion for Department's Impact Aid program provides retirement pay $6.3 billion over 10 years. defense health care programs, roughly Appropriately, the Consolidated supplementary funds to school districts equal to the president's request. e total nationwide in order to support the education Appropriations Act prevents the cost-ofincludes $899 million in the overseas of nearly 600,000 children of servicemembers. living adjustment reduction from applying contingency section of the measure. to disabled veterans or the survivors of Like the FY 2014 Defense Authorization, Sexual Harassment - Under the veterans. But it le in place the adverse the agreement rejects administration pro- Consolidated Appropriations Act, the affect on those currently retired or in posals to increase TRICARE fees. It also agreement fully funds the president's provides $218 million in additional funding request of $157 million for the department's uniform. e exemption from the RyanMurray compensation penalty is expected to ensure that servicemembers are not Sexual Assault Prevention and Response to reduce 10-year savings by $600 million. paying higher out-of-pocket costs for Office (SAPRO) and adds $25 million To some in Congress, the COLA-cut their health care. above the request to implement a Sexual in monthly payments for most retirees Military Personnel - Under the ConsoliAssault Special Victims Program. may seem like only a minor deal, a slowing dated Appropriations Act, the agreement e measure also directs the service of the annual payment. e reduction, appropriates $136.8 billion for military secretaries to fully fund programs to train however, is significant over a personnel, including costs of pay, lifetime. A service member allowances, bonuses, survivor who enlists at 18 becomes benefits and permanent changeeligible for retirement at 38. of-station moves. e total A noncommissioned officer in includes $8 billion in the overgrade E7 would see a cumulative seas contingency operations loss of $83,000 by age 62, which section of the bill. amounts to more than three e measure provides funds years of his original retirement for a slight decrease in overall pay of $23,000 a year annually. troop levels; provides a 1% pay e pension penalty inraise for all personnel, including flamed NAUS and brought civilians; denies the administraimmediate opposition from tion's request to increase certain a host of military associations TRICARE co-payments; and and veterans organizations. rolls back part of the recently e purpose of the retirement enacted decrease in military program is to offset the pension payments for disabled extraordinary demands and veterans and survivors. sacrifices a career servicee total supports the presimember faces. It is a powerful dent's request for 1,361,400 Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions inducement for retention of active duty troops and 833,700 Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions the skills needed in armed reserves — 48,340 fewer than Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions service. To break faith with the FY 2013 level. Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions those who serve will adversely Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Military Pay Raise - Under the affect needed retention and Consolidated Appropriations readiness will suffer. investigators on how to properly investigate Act, the measure provides funding for e COLA cut was a total surprise, sexual-assault-related offenses as directed an across-the-board 1% pay increase for particularly when the prior year National by the Defense Department Inspector military personnel in FY 2014, equal to Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2013 the president's request. e House-passed General's July 2013 report. e explanatory established a commission to undertake statement notes concern regarding reports bill provided for a 1.8% increase, at an a comprehensive review of military comin which mental-health diagnoses were additional cost of $580 million. e pensation and retirement system and misused to administratively discharge or measure also provides funding for a 1% propose reforms to Congress in early 2015. retaliate against victims of sexual assault. increase in pay for civilian Defense Of course, when the Military Come agreement, therefore, directs the Defense Department employees, the first increase pensation and Retirement Modernization secretary to review separation records of in four years. servicemembers who made an unrestricted Commission was created, Congress made Defense Department Dependent a promise in law to retirees and those report of sexual assault and to correct Schools - Under the Consolidated currently serving that they’d be grandfaAppropriations Act, the measure provides records of service in those cases in which thered from any changes to the benefits the victims were improperly discharged. $2.8 billion for Defense Department that they were promised when they Military Pensions - e Ryan-Murray dependent schools, which now educate volunteered service to our country. Bipartisan Budget Act (PL 113-67) included more than 100,000 military children each e promise to protect those currently

Keeping Our Promise to Our Military Heroes Act (S. 1869)—that repeals the COLA penalty by stopping a corrupt scheme that currently allows illegal immigrants to claim unwarranted additional child tax credits, which currently cost taxpayers multiple billions of dollars. Sen. Ayotte has also led a series of press conferences Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones with Sen. Graham and Sen. captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones capWicker to press immediate tions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions action to repeal this onerous Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones reduction in COLA for captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones capmilitary retired pay. NAUS tions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones proudly participated in these pressers, standing captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones capwith a host of our fellow retired or in service was again made when service organizations, calling for full the President submitted presidential prin- repeal of the cut. ciples to guide the commission. Chief among At press time, a myriad of other prothese, according to the President’s three-page posals to repeal this COLA penalty have document, is that the commission does been introduced, including proposals with nothing to alter the current retirement different offsets and some with no offset. system for those already serving, retired or in the process of retiring. Email Message to Reiterating the NAUS position, Senator Congress Work James Inhofe (R-Ok) said in a recent Senate hearing, “… people make a career decision NAUS is also pleased that so many … predicated on what they are told at that of our members took advantage of our time would be the situation. And to change CapWiz legislative alert on this issue to that I think becomes a moral issue.” notify their elected House and Senate members e Senator is certainly not alone in of their opposition to the COLA-cut. his assessment of this callous change. In a recent congressional hearing, Senator Chairman of the Senate Committee on Lindsay Graham (R-SC) praised military Armed Services Carl Levin (D-MI) called and veterans service associations for their the COLA reduction “wrong because it pressure on Congress to repeal the COLAtargets a single group—military retirees— cut, stating that emails work. Graham said, to help address the budget problems of the “I think we are firmly committed to fixing federal government as a whole.” e chair- this problem. And without those e-mails, man added, “I believe we must find a way I'm not so sure we would be as firmly to repeal it … and I predict that we will.” committed as we are.” NAUS couldn’t agree more with Senator Ayotte (R-NH), a member of the NAUS Endorses Fiscal Armed Services Committee, who said, 2015 Independent Budget “e cost of living adjustment cuts unfairly shortchange military retirees to pay for As Congress begins to piece together its more Washington spending. ose who fiscal 2015 budget, NAUS endorses the 28th have kept us safe and taken bullets for us edition of e Independent Budget (IB), shouldn’t be singled out to sacrifice even a comprehensive budget and policy documore, and these cuts should never have ment written by veterans for veterans been put in the budget agreement or that details funding requirements for the passed by Congress.” Department of Veterans Affairs. e New Hampshire Republican Recommendations for FY 2015 were introduced legislation in December—the developed by NAUS partner organizations 8

the VFW, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America and include: • $61.1 billion total for healthcare— $2.3 billion more than what the Administration recommended ($58.8 billion) in the FY 2015 advance appropriation last year. • $62.4 billion total advance appropriation for healthcare for FY 2016. • $2.5 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration, which is approximately $44 million more than FY 2014 appropriated levels. • $3.9 billion for all construction programs, which is approximately $2.7 billion more than FY 2014 appropriated levels. • $611 million for medical and prosthetics research, which is approximately $25 million more than the FY 2014 appropriated level.

“Doc Fix” Status As readers know, physicians will see a nearly 30 percent decrease in Medicare and TRICARE payments if Congress fails to provide a “doc fix” in the new year. Should this occur, seniors and TRICARE beneficiaries may find that fewer physicians in their area can aﬀord to accept their appointment. e “doc fix” problem occurs as a result of legislation enacted years ago that established a fatally flawed payment formula that requires payment cuts to doctors who treat Medicare and TRICARE patients. e payment cut was passed in prior Medicare law, and is called the Sustainable Growth Rate, or SGR. For the past several years, Congress has consistently passed temporary fixes to the pending physician cut kicking the matter down the road to avoid payment cuts. Without appropriate changes in the current policy that determines a physician’s payment rate for Medicare/TRICARE treatment, the Medicare payment cut to physicians will damage access to care for military retirees, their families and America’s seniors. As we go to press, NAUS is informed that ground is being gained on legislation that may find a permanent fix to the problem. Aides to lawmakers working on the “doc fix” say that talks between congressional members of the House and Senate continue to explore opportunities for finding common ground on a final bill. According to reports, the basis for agreement may be found on merging bills Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

approved last year by the Senate Finance Committee (S 1871), the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee (H.R. 2810). e current “doc fix” patch (PL 113-67) expires March 31 and if a new package, temporary or permanent, is not ready physicians would face the possibility of Medicare payment cuts. e biggest obstacle to finding an agreement, of course, is the high cost of replacing the payment formula known as the sustainable growth rate. e Congressional Budget Oﬃce (CBO) reports the Ways and Means bill would cost $121.1 billion over 10 years, the Senate Finance legislation would cost $150.4 billion over that time period, and the Energy and Commerce bill would cost $153.2 billion. All of the bills would repeal Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula, currently used to calculate physicians’ reimbursement rates. ey would all include a period of stable payments for providers while setting up new systems in attempts to better link payments with quality of care, rather than volume of services.

Dempsey Says No Plans to Close Military Commissaries, but … As we await the President’s budget submission, scheduled March 4, rumors have begun to fly on various proposals aimed to achieve Pentagon savings. One of those rumored proposals, despite reports to the contrary, is the consolidation of the military resale system and elimination of the federal subsidy for the Defense Commissary Agency. NAUS is very concerned that enactment of this proposal would curtail much needed and critical quality of life programs for military families. While the Department spent $1.5 billion to support the commissaries ($1.3 billion) and exchanges ($200 million) last year, the purpose of the commissaries and exchanges needs to be understood. ese operations ensure that military families are cared for and have access to aﬀordable food and quality basic goods, especially overseas. For a family of four, shopping at the commissary means a market basket savings of $4,400 per year. And the cost-eﬃciency of the exchange returned $300 million last year to help support morale, welfare and recreation programs for the services. Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

NAUS also notes that exchange consolidation was studied between 2003 and 2006 and $17 million was spent on that effort and related studies. Consistently, these studies have shown that consolidation is the wrong path. It is too costly and increases the costs of basic goods for service members and their families. Cooperation between the Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones systems offers efficiencies captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones capand savings without the tions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions risks and enormous costs. Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones NAUS believes efficiencies captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones capcan be achieved in a military tions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions resale system that mainJones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones tains the high-quality of the captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones captions Jones capbenefit military families danger pay will go into effect June 1. currently enjoy. Steep cuts are not e DOD news release noted the the answer. following areas would no longer be However, according to a January statedesignated as imminent danger areas for ment from Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, IDP purposes: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, • e nine land areas of East Timor, the Pentagon holds no plan to close Haiti, Liberia, Oman, Rwanda, military commissaries. Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, To add to the General’s assertion, senior Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. military officials indicated that the Joint Staff • e six land areas and airspace above did not ask the Defense Commissary Agency Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi to come up with a contingency plan to save Arabia, Serbia and Montenegro. $1.5 billion by closing 100 percent of • e four water areas of the Arabian U.S. commissaries. Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, ere are, however, reports that officials and the Red Sea. have asked the Defense Commissary Agency • e water area and air space above for a range of options, including how the the Persian Gulf. system would operate with reduced or no Imminent danger pay will remain in taxpayer subsidies. effect for the following: Iraq, Afghanistan, Dempsey clouded the issue when he noted Lebanon, Jordan, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen that military exchanges work on reduced or and Egypt. no taxpayer subsidies and that the same According to a Pentagon spokesman, potential exists with commissaries. Don’t the policy change results from a routine know how to interpret the General’s remarks recertification that included an “in-depth other than to say it’s an early warning about threat assessment” and "happens every dramatic change ahead for U.S. commissaries. couple of years. ” e last recertification NAUS will press against any proposal was completed in 2007. that would end the appropriation for the e decision will, however, have commissary and exchange system or that significant budget implications. Once mandates consolidation. in place, it will result in a reduction of approximately $100 million based on the Pentagon Announces Department’s expenditure of approximately $500 million on imminent danger June 1 Change to pay in 2012.

Imminent Danger Pay

At the start of the new year, the Defense Department announced changes in imminent 13

Will Health Care Inflation Remain Low? Last November, the White House issued a 29-page report that says, among other things, the once out-of-control health spending trends in the U.S. have been tamed to the point where medical inflation is just over 1 percent. Health spending growth is the lowest on record, the report contends, up an average annual rate of 1.3 percent over the past three years. at’s less than one-third the historical average dating back to 1965. Price inflation in the health-care industry is running at 1 percent, its lowest level since January 1962. And future Medicare and Medicaid spending projections for 2020 have been cut by $147 billion since August 2010, roughly a 10 percent drop. A private sector report from the consultancy Mercer, a division of Marsh & McLennan Cos., which said costs to employer health plans are expected to more than double next year. Mercer says the average total health benefit cost per employee rose 2.1 percent in 2013, down by nearly half from the 4.1 percent reported in 2012. at appears to be a one-time downward spike, however, as costs are forecast to go up 5.2 percent this year, much of it due to Obamacare’s first year of being fully implemented.

With Cuts Aimed At Our Military, Government Blatantly Wastes $30 Billion a Year As NAUS works to overcome various assaults on cuts in quality of life benefits provided our military personnel—including commissaries, basic housing, salary, health care and other earned benefits for those who serve and their families—hundreds of lower priority or no priority federally funded programs and projects continue to receive government funding. Days before passage of the so-called bipartisan budget deal brokered by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) – the deal that singled out military personnel for a cost-of-living-minus-one-percentagepoint reduction -- Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) released Wastebook 2013, his most recent document on government waste. 10

“Collectively (the examples cited in the Wastebook) cost nearly $30 billion,” said Sen. Coburn. When public tours of the White House were cancelled, these programs and projects were spared. “When it comes to spending your money,” Coburn concludes, “those in Washington tend to see no waste, speak no waste, and cut no waste.” Let’s take a look at a few of the federallysubsidized programs and projects that could have been eliminated or better managed to spare real national priorities that should have been protected. e Oklahoma Senator says, for example, a Treasury Department audit showed the IRS paid $13.6 billion in false claims in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). ese erroneous, improper payments -- intended as a refund to the working poor in order to offset automatic Social Security withdrawals from their paychecks -- represent the entire budgets of the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, and the Department of Labor. e report isn’t just about big ticket items. Among other projects cited is a federally funded grant of nearly $400,000 awarded to Yale University to study the “oddity of the duck penis.” Another example is a $200,000 grant from the International Trade Administration that was awarded to a group of indie rock execs to travel the world and discover new music. Here is a selection of other items mentioned in the report: Beachfront Property for Millionaires — $500 million: A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) home loan program, created to help people with low and moderate incomes afford a home in “rural areas” has been used by many millionaires in “resort communities” in tropical paradises like Hawaii. According to the report, more than 100 individuals or families received loan guarantees for $500,000 or more from the USDA to purchase a home in Hawaii. And here’s the kicker: “If these new homeowners later cannot afford their new homes it’s no problem, the federal government will protect the banks from losses by repaying 90 percent of the loans,” the report says. Last year, it paid nearly $500 million in lost claims. NASA’s “Pillownauts” — $360,000: During the shutdown, 97 percent of NASA’s staff was laid off. Still, the agency was paying 20 people $18,000 each to literally lie around and do nothing for 70 days, their bodies “slightly tilted forward” as part of a study to help scientists learn how astronauts' bodies

will change in space flight. NASA, however, isn’t planning any missions any time in the foreseeable future, since it no longer has a manned space program. Half a Million to Spruce Up Block in Kansas Town — $500,000: e Department of Transportation awarded Rossville, Kansas—a tiny town with a population of 1,150—a grant of $532,000 to make one block in the downtown area “more decorative and colorful.” According to the report, the “decorative and colorful improvements to one street block in Rossville, Kansas, cost U.S. taxpayers $462 per resident of Rossville, or $38,000 for each of the 14 businesses located on this block of Main Street.”

Government Blows Taxpayer Dollars in Improper Payments According to the Oﬃce of Management and Budget (OMB), the federal government is annually paying out more than $100 billion dollars in improper payments. OMB’s Comptroller recently testified that little of the improper payments are recaptured. Over the last two years, the Comptroller said, the government had recaptured only $2 billion in improper payments. An “improper payment” covers not only fraudulent payments but also payments made in error, either through the fault of the agency itself or the person claiming the payment. Regardless what they represent is tax dollars that leave the Federal Treasury and don’t return. e worst oﬀender is the Department of Health and Human Service. Last year, 10.1 percent of the payments made under Medicare’s Fee for Service program, which is administered by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, were determined to be either errors or the result of fraud. e result was a net improper payout of $33.2 billion. Payments made through Medicare Part C, a supplementary insurance program, were improper 9.5 percent of the time in 2013, for a net loss of $6.9 billion, while payments through Part D, for prescription drugs, were wrong in 3.7 percent of cases, costing the agency another $1.4 billion. CMS also manages payments for Medicaid, which had an improper payment rate of 5.8 percent for a total loss of $13.5 billion in 2013. Other HHS programs did not post the same eye-popping dollar figures, but still had alarmingly high error rates. e Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

DHA regarding a change in policy on TRICARE use of urgent care clinics to handle health concerns rather than emergency department care. Current regulations require TRICARE Prime beneficiaries seeking care from a provider other than their primary care manager to first obtain a referral to avoid additional costs. Urgent care requires a referral, however, you do not need authorization for emergency care before receiving treatment.

Children’s Health Insurance Program had an improper payments rate of 7.1 percent, costing $624 million, the Foster Care and Child Care programs had error rates of 5.3 and 5.9 percent, respectively, costing $56 million and $260 million each.

TRICARE Emergency Department Utilization At a recent TRICARE briefing NAUS asked Defense Health Agency Director Lt. Gen. Douglas Robb (USA) about the potential for significant cost savings available to

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

NAUS Note: If you’re enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan you must contact your primary care manager or regional health care contractor within 24 hours or the next business day aer you receive emergency care.

e average cost of a private sector emergency department visit under TRICARE is $541 per visit, while the average cost for a visit at a private sector urgent care clinic is only $88 per visit. Lt. Gen. Douglas Robb informed NAUS that the DHA is currently discussing this issue internally and exploring ways to make the decision for health care more flexible. NAUS is further informed that the Department of Defense (DOD) is currently conducting a demonstration program that allows TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Prime Remote U.S. Coast Guard beneficiaries in the southern region four unmanaged

urgent care visits per fiscal year without point-of-service charges, and that thus far, the demonstration has shown promising results in reducing emergency room utilization. NAUS commends DOD for conducting this demonstration and will follow TRICARE changes in policy as they affect beneficiaries and their families. e decision on how to treat an illness or injury as an emergency is yours to make, but it shouldn’t have unnecessary obstacles that bias the decision. According to DHA, emergency conditions are those that threaten life, limb or eyesight. An emergency may also include the need for immediate help to treat severe pain or relieve suﬀering. Urgent care is when an illness or injury is serious enough to seek health care right away, but does not threaten life, limb or eyesight. Some examples include earache, general body ache, joint sprain, muscle pull or urinary tract infection. If you or a family member experience any of the following symptoms, go to the ER immediately: • Chest pain or pressure • Uncontrolled bleeding • Sudden or severe pain • Coughing or vomiting blood • Diﬃculty breathing or shortness of breath • Sudden dizziness, weakness, or changes in vision • Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea • Changes in mental status, such as confusion

KEY BILLS IN CONGRESS 113th Congress

Defense H.R. 32 – (190 Cosponsors), Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), 01/03/13 – Referred to House Subcommittee on Military Personnel. e Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act. Repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan for military surviving spouses to oﬀset the receipt of veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. Companion Bill S. 734 – (32 Cosponsors), Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), 4/16/13 – Referred to Senate Armed Services Committee. H.R. 42 – (No Cosponsors), Rep. Michelle Bachman (R-MN), 1/3/13 – Referred to House Subcommittee on Military Personnel. e Military Health Care Aﬀordability Act. Prohibit certain increases in fees for military health care before fiscal year 2016. H.R. 124 – (33 Cosponsors), Rep. Walter B. Jones (R-NC), 01/03/13 – Referred to House Committee on Armed Services. Redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps. H.R. 833 – (130 Cosponsors), Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), 2/26/13 – Referred to House Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Require that the Purple Heart Medal occupy a position of precedence above the new Distinguished Warfare Medal. Companion Bill: S. 470 – (32 Cosponsors), Sen. Jon Tester, (D-MT), 3/6/12 – Referred to Senate Committee on Armed Services. H.R. 975 – (48 Cosponsors), Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN), 3/5/13 – Referred to House 12

roughout the 113th Congress, NAUS will identify and track certain bills that address issues important to our members. e Library of Congress provides online information concerning Congress and the legislative process through a website named THOMAS, located at thomas.loc.gov. is is an easy to use tool to help you track bills in which you are interested but we do not list due to space limitations. THOMAS also provides access to other congressional committees for you to do independent research. e dates in each summary generally denote when the bill was introduced.

Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Extend the duration of the Physical Disability Board of Review and to expand the authority of such Board to review the separation of members of the Armed Forces on the basis of a mental condition not amounting to disability, including separation on the basis of a personality or adjustment disorder. Companion Bill S. 628 – (5 Cosponsors), Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), 3/20/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Armed Services. H.R.1971 – (39 Cosponsors), Rep. John Kline (R-MN), 5/14/13 – Referred to House Committee on Armed Services. Direct the Secretary of Defense to provide certain TRICARE beneficiaries with the opportunity to retain access to TRICARE Prime. Companion Bill S. 1078 – (5 Cosponsors), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), 5/23/13. Referred to Senate Committee on Armed Services. H.R. 671 – (39 Cosponsors), Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), 2/13/13 – Referred to House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Ruth Moore Act of 2013. Direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress an annual report on claims for disabilities incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma, and for other purposes. Companion Bill: S. 294 – (28 Cosponsors), Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), 2/13/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. 6/6/13 Senate received House version of bill. H.R.1996 – (5 Cosponsors), Rep. Peter King (R-NY), 5/15/13 – Referred to House Committee on Armed Services. Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2013. Provide for free mailing privileges for personal correspondence and parcels sent to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. S. 735 – (No Cosponsors), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), 4/16/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2013. Change the remarriage age for reinstatement of benefits to 55 from 57 to conform with other federal programs and other issues.

S.871 – (38 Cosponsors), Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), 5/7/13 – Referred to Senate Armed Services Committee. Combating Military Sexual Assault Act of 2013. Companion Bill: H.R. 2002 – (31 Cosponsors), Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH), 5/15/13 – Referred to House Armed Services Committee. S.6 – (25 Cosponsors), Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), 1/22/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Veteran’s Aﬀairs. Putting Our Veterans Back to Work Act of 2013. Reauthorize the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, to provide assistance to small businesses owned by veterans, to improve enforcement of employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services.

NDAA

H.R. 3304 - (83 Cosponsors), Rep. Deutch, eodore (D-FL),10/22/2013), National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. 12/26/2013 Became Public Law No: 113-66. H.R. 3547 – (3 Cosponsors), Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX), 11/20/2013). Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014. 01/17/2014 Became Public Law No: 113-76.

Guard & Reserve

S. 240 - (15 Cosponsors), Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), 2/7/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Armed Services. Reserve Retirement Deployment Credit Correction Act. Modify the per-fiscal year calculation of days of certain active duty or active service used to reduce the minimum age at which a member of a reserve component of the uniformed services may retire for non-regular service. Companion Bill: H.R. 690 - (35 Cosponsors), Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA), 2/14/13 – Referred to House Subcommittee on Military personnel. H.R. 679 – (59 Cosponsors), Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN), 2/13/13 – Referred to House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Aﬀairs. Honor America’s

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Guard-Reserve Retirees Act. Recognize the service in the reserve components of certain persons by honoring them with status as veterans under law. Companion Bill: S. 629 – (25 Cosponsors), Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR), 3/20/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Veterans’ Aﬀairs.

MGIB & Educational Benefits

H.R. 357 – (50 Cosponsors), Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), 1/23/13 – Referred to House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Require courses of education provided by public institutions of higher education that are approved for purposes of the educational assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge veterans tuition and fees at the in-State tuition rate. Companion Bill: S. 257 – (3 Cosponsors), Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), 2/7/13. Referred to Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Social Security & Medicare

S. 110 – (No Cosponsors), Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), 1/23/13 - Referred to Senate Committee on the Budget. Establish a procedure to safeguard the Social Security Trust Funds. (Social Security Lockbox) H.R.1030 – (20 Cosponsors), Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), 3/7/13, Referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and the Workforce. Consumer Price Index for Elderly (CPI-E) Consumers Act of 2013.

Veterans

H.R. 241 – (24 Cosponsor), Rep Dennis Ross (R-FL), 1/14/13 – Referred to House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish standards of access to care for veterans seeking health care from Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities. H.R. 288 – (15 Cosponsors), Rep. Mike Michaud (D-ME), 1/15/13 – Referred to House Subcommittee on Health. CHAMPVA Children’s Protection Act of 2013. Increase the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program. Companion Bill: S. 325 – (12 Cosponsors), Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), 2/14/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

H.R. 369 – (No Cosponsors), Rep. Dan Benishek (R-MI), 1/23/13 – Referred to House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Establish a presumption of service connection for certain veterans with tinnitus or hearing loss. H.R. 1726 – (253 Cosponsors), Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), 4/25/13 - Referred to House Committees on Financial Services and House administration. Award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers. Companion Bill S. 1174 - (30 Cosponsors, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), 6/18/23 Referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. H.R.1770 – (9 Cosponsors), Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), 4/26/13 – Referred to House Military Personnel Subcommittee. Eliminate the different treatment under the Survivor Benefit Plan accorded members of the reserve components who die from an injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during inactive-duty training compared to members of the Armed Forces who die in the line of duty while on active duty. H.R.1936 – (2 Cosponsor), Rep. Janice Hahn (D-CA), 5/9/13 – Referred to House Subcommittee on Disability, Assistance and Memorial Affairs. Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2013. H.R.1987 – (2 Cosponsors), Rep. Kirsten Sinema (D-AZ), 5/15/13 – Referred to House subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. Veterans’ Dignity and Honor Act. Increase the amount of benefits payable for the burial and funeral expenses of certain veterans. S.131 – (4 Cosponsors), Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), 1/24/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2013. Companion Bill: H.R. 958 – (51 Cosponsors), Rep Rick Larsen (D-WA), 3/5/13 Referred to House Subcommittee on Military Personnel. S.140 – (3 Cosponsors), Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), 1/24/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Finance. Amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the work opportunity credit to certain recently discharged veterans, to improve the coordination of veteran job training services between the Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Defense, to require transparency for Executive depart-

ments in meeting the Government-wide goals for contracting with small business concerns owned and controlled by servicedisabled veterans.Companion Bill: H.R. 2056 – (74 Cosponsors), Rep. Allyson Schwarz (D-PA), 5/31/13, Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.* S.346 – (18 Cosponsors), Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), 2/14/13 - Referred to Senate Committee on Armed Services. Permit veterans who have a service-connected, permanent disability rated as total to travel on military aircra in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces entitled to such travel. Companion Bill: H.R. 164 (199 Cosponsors), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), 1/4/13 – Referred to House Subcommittee on Readiness. S. 529 – (3 Cosponsors), Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), 3/12/13 – referred to Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Modify the commencement date of the period of service at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to August 1, 1953, for eligibility for hospital care and medical services in connection with exposure to contaminated water. S.1039 – (6 Cosponsors), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), 5/23/13 - Referred to Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

H.R. 543 – (172 Cosponsors), Rep. Christopher Gibson (R-NY), 2/15/13 – Referred to House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Aﬀairs. Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2013. Clarify presumptions relating to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam. Spouses of Heroes Education Act. Expand the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry scholarship to include spouses of members of the Armed Forces who die in the line of duty. S. 1982 – (16 Cosponsors), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), 2/4/13 - Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. e Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014.

KEY BILLS IN CONGRESS 113th Congress

NOAA

S.1068 – (8 Cosponsors), Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK), 5/23/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Oﬃcer Corps Amendments Act of 2013. To reauthorize and amend the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Oﬃcer Corps Act of 2002.

Pay & Compensation

H.R. 303 – (81 Cosponsors), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), 1/15/13 – Referred to House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel and House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. Retired Pay Restoration Act. Permit additional retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service or Combat-Related Special Compensation and to eliminate the phase-in period under current law with respect to such concurrent receipt. Companion Bill: S. 234 – (20 Cosponsors), Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), 2/7/13 – Referred to Senate Armed Forces Committee.

H.R. 333 – (114 Cosponsors), Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), 1/22/13 – Referred to House Veterans’ Aﬀairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Aﬀairs. Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act. Permit retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rated less than 50 percent to receive concurrent payment of both retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation, to eliminate the phase-in period for concurrent receipt, to extend eligibility for concurrent receipt to chapter 61 disability retirees with less than 20 years of service. 14

H.R. 342 – (36 Cosponsors), Rep. Duncan Hunter (D-CA), 1/22/13 – Referred to House Committees on Way and Means and Appropriations. Guarantee Paychecks for America’s Military Families Act. To prioritize certain Government obligations for continued payment in the event that the statutory debt limit is reached, to appropriate funds for the pay and allowances of all members of the Armed Forces, and for those civilian employees of the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard serving in a combat zone. H.R.569 - (51 Cosponsors), Rep. Jon Runyan (R-NJ), 2/6/13 – Referred to House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013. To increase, effective as of December 1, 2013, the rates of compensation for veterans with serviceconnected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes. Companion Bill: S.893 - Signed by President and became Public Law 113-52 on 11/21/2013. H.R.570 – (39 Cosponsors), Rep. Jon Runyan (R-NJ), 2/6/13 – Referred to House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. American Heroes COLA Act. Provide for annual cost-ofliving adjustments to be made automatically by law each year in the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service connected disabled veterans. H.R.1360 – (1 Cosponsor), Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC), 3/21/13 – Referred to House Committee on Armed Services. Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act. Provide for forgiveness of certain overpayments of retired pay paid to deceased retired members of the Armed Forces following their death. S. 171 – (3 Cosponsors), Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO), 1/29/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Appropriations. A bill to appropriate such funds as may be necessary to ensure that members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components thereof, and supporting civilian and contractor personnel continue to receive pay and allowances

for active service performed when a Government-wide shutdown occurs.

Flag Amendment

H.J. RES.47 – (25 Cosponsors), Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL), 5/22/13 – Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States. Companion Bill: S.J.RES 19 – (22 Cosponsors), Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), 6/13/13 – Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee.

Miscellaneous

H.R. 258 – Rep. Joseph Heck (R-NV) – Companion Bill: S. 210 – Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) Amend title 18, US Code, with respect to fraudulent representations about having received military declarations or medals. Signed by the President on 6/3/13 and became Public Law 113-12. H.R.2168 – (No Cosponsors), Rep. Joseph Heck (R-NV), 5/23/13 – Referred to House Committee on House Administration. Helping Heroes Vote Act of 2013. Amend the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to promote the eﬃcient delivery and receipt of absentee ballots and other voting materials to absent uniformed services voters. S.1500 – (13 Cosponsors), Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), 9/23/13 – Referred to Senate Committee on Armed Services. Honoring the Fort Hood Heroes Act. To declare the November 5, 2009, attack at Fort Hood, Texas, a terrorist attack, and to ensure that the victims of the attack and their families receive the same honors and benefits as those Americans who have been killed or wounded in a combat zone overseas and their families. Companion Bill: H.R. 3111 – (222 Cosponsors), Rep. John Carter (R-TX). Referred to House Committees on Armed Services and Oversight & Government Reform.

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

News Briefs

Healthcare News TFL Mail Prescriptions to Start Military Times newspaper reports that military retirees and family members who use TRICARE for Life (TFL) will be required to start filling long-term prescriptions by mail starting February 14, 2014. Under an interim rule published by the government December 18, retirees and family members age 65 and older must begin filling maintenance medication prescriptions by mail when they come up for renewal on or aer Valentine’s Day next year. e requirement applies to maintenance medications only, not those needed for acute illnesses. It also will not apply to prescriptions covered by other health insurance. e Defense Department has determined that nearly half the 70 million prescriptions filled for TRICARE beneficiaries at retail pharmacies in fiscal 2012 were for TFL beneficiaries, at a cost of $2.2 billion to the government. Since DoD pays 17 percent less for maintenance medications filled by mail compared with those filled at retail stores, Pentagon analysts concluded that costs could be trimmed significantly — by at least $120 million a year — if TFL beneficiaries were required to use mail order. e requirement also will save beneficiaries money: a 90-day refill of a generic medication costs nothing by mail, but require a $5 copayment for a 30-day prescription at retail stores. Brand name drugs cost $13 for a 90-day prescription by mail but $17 for a 30-day prescription at a store. Beneficiaries will be able to opt out of the five-year initiative aer one year. eir obligation starts when they first fill a prescription through mail order, according to the rule published in the Federal Register. To make up for any delays between ordering refills and receiving them, the new rule will allow beneficiaries to receive up to two 30-day refills at a retail store during the transition.

TRICARE Launches Calculator TRICARE has launched a new online tool to help beneficiaries calculate how much they can save by switching their prescriptions from a retail pharmacy to TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery. e Pharmacy Calculator lets beneficiaries enter the number of brand name and generic medications they are currently filling at a retail pharmacy and see right away how much money they can save moving those medications to Home Delivery. A 30-day supply of medication at a retail pharmacy has a copayment of $17. Prescriptions through Home Delivery can be filled for up to 90-days at a Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

cost of $13. In many cases, beneficiaries can save themselves hundreds of dollars every year on their prescription copays. Home Delivery works for “maintenance” medications, which are those taken regularly for a chronic condition over a long period of time. Many beneficiaries have to take several diﬀerent maintenance medications to treat their health conditions, multiplying their savings from making the switch. Switching to the convenience of Home Delivery is easy, and beneficiaries can sign up through e-prescribing from their doctor, or by calling, mailing or having their doctor fax their prescription to Express Scripts, the TRICARE pharmacy contractor. Call 877-363-1303 or visit the home delivery website http://www.tricare.mil/homedelivery to get started today. Go to the TRICARE Pharmacy website http://www.tricare. mil/pharmacy to use the calculator and see the savings.

New App Available in TRICARE West Region to Find Providers DocGPS, a mobile application that helps consumer find providers in their health care network, is now available to people enrolled in United Healthcare's TRICARE West Region health benefit plans. DocGPS will allow beneficiaries traveling within or outside the 21-state TRICARE West Region to locate the nearest in-network, TRICARE civilian health care providers and facilities (including urgent care clinics) within a 100-mile radius of their current location, providing flexibility and convenience in locating care while on-the-go. e app uses mobile devices' GPS functionality to help people locate nearby hospitals and health care facilities in their health plan's care provider network. With DocGPS, beneficiaries can quickly and easily search by facility or care provider name, provider specialty, city, state or ZIP code. With a single tap, they can also find the care provider or facility oﬃce locations on a map, get detailed directions, and call the facility to schedule an appointment. DocGPS is now compatible with select Android smart phones and iPhones. DocGPS now covers the majority of smart phones currently on the market. TRICARE West Region beneficiaries can visit the Apple AppStore or Google Play Store to download these apps for free from their Android smart phone or iPhone.

TRICARE to End Walk-in Administrative Services on April 1 On Monday, the Defense Health Agency announced plans to close all CONUS TRICARE walk-in administrative services at TRICARE military health plan service centers 15

News Briefs (cont.) on April 1. TRICARE service centers overseas are not affected. While the 189 facilities in the United States will stop taking walk-ins, beneficiaries can accomplish any administrative task online or by phone, according to DHA officials. “e change will not – let me repeat that – will not affect any TRICARE medical benefit or health care service,” said a Pentagon spokesman. “What it will do is allow the department to save $250 million over the next five years, allowing TRICARE to invest in more important services.” Defense Department officials say DoD spends roughly $50 million a year on these services, and this type of customer service can be handled more efficiently by phone or online. TRICARE gets about 38,000 hits per day on its website. Officials have run tests to ensure the website and call center can handle the expected increase in volume. e TRICARE service centers have been around since the 1990s, and contractors staff them. Once the change occurs, customers who need the type of assistance previously provided in the walk-in service center can receive help online or by phone.

Army Restructures WTU’s e United States Army announced a restructuring of its warrior transition units (WTUs) as the service prepares for a scheduled withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and a continued decline in the number of combat wounded. According to Brig. Gen. David Bishop, commander, Warrior Transition Command and Assistant Surgeon General for Warrior Care and Transition, “ese changes will improve the care and transition of soldiers through increased standardization, increased cadre to soldier ratios, improved access to resources on installations, and reduced delays in care. ey are not related to budget cuts, sequestration or furloughs.” As part of the restructuring, the Army will inactivate five WTUs and establish more than a dozen community care units (CCUs) across 11 installations by Sept. 30, 2014. e transition to CCUs will result in the inactivation of nine community-based warrior transition units (CBWTUs), which currently provide outpatient care and services for Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers who do not require day-to-day care, allowing soldiers to continue their recovery closer to home.

TRICARE Beneficiaries to Pay for Some Diagnostic Tests Initially reported by military reporter Tom Philpott in his Military Update column, TRICARE beneficiaries soon will have to pay out of pocket for certain diagnostic genetic tests that their civilian physicians may order, but that the Defense Health Agency (DHA) doesn’t view as appropriate or medically necessary. e non-payment policy started in January 2013, without prior notice to beneficiaries or to healthcare providers, when 16

TRICARE stopped reimbursing clinical laboratories for more than 100 diﬀerent genetic or “molecular pathology” tests, including a cystic fibrosis (CF) that marks the possibility of the baby having the disease. To date, labs have provided about $10 million worth of these tests to TRICARE users. e DHA disagrees that the tests are significant, including the prenatal CF testing. In response to Philpott questions, DHA oﬃcials wrote, “Awareness that a fetus (baby) is at increased risk of having CF, in and of itself, does not usually change the management of labor, delivery and the neonatal period,” DHA. DHA also noted that infants at birth are tested for a host of health conditions, including CF, and those tests continue to be covered by TRICARE.

DHA Reconsidering Some Diagnostic Tests As we reported last week the Defense Health Agency (DHA) will be charging TRICARE beneficiaries for certain laboratory tests they determine are unnecessary. is week we learned that the DHA is taking a second look at what tests they will cover and those they won’t. Reported by both Federal Health Care News and military reporter Tom Philpott, Army Maj. Gen. Richard W. omas, chief medical oﬃcer and director of healthcare operations for the DHA, acknowledged there is a disparity where Laboratory Developed Tests (LDT) are being conducted in some of the Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and aren’t covered in the purchased care network. VHA has begun a process to gather information on each LDT not covered by TRICARE including frequency of use, how much TRICARE previously paid for it and military physicians ordered it. at will allow DHA to identify the most commonly ordered tests and gain an improved understanding on which of these tests have become the standard of practice. is will allow DHA to ask the FDA to expedite approval of those tests so they can be paid for by TRICARE.

Moving With TRICARE e Defense Health Agency announced a new automated enrollment program to help TRICARE beneficiaries change primary care managers. Active duty service members and their families using TRICARE Prime can transfer their enrollment by phone through “Moving Made Easy.” Beneficiaries moving within a TRICARE region can call their regional contractor to switch to a new primary care manager. If they’re switching regions or moving overseas, or moving from overseas back to the United States, Prime beneficiaries can call their regional or overseas contractor to start the transfer process. eir information Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

is sent to the new contractor, which will follow up within five days of the beneficiary’s arrival at their new location to complete the transfer. e new regional contractor will work with the beneficiary to assign them a primary care manager best suited to their needs and location. TRICARE’s regional contractors are: North – Health Net Federal Services: 1-877-TRICARE (1-877-874-2273) South – Humana Military: 1-800-444-5445 West – United Healthcare Military & Veterans: 1-877-988-WEST (1-877-988-9378) Overseas – http://www.tricare-overseas.com/default.htm It’s important that beneficiaries do not disenroll from their plan before moving to make sure they’re covered while en route to their new location. Equally important, aer arriving beneficiaries need to update their Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System record with their new address, phone number and other necessary information. Moving does not aﬀect TRICARE eligibility. However, it may change a beneficiary’s available health plan options, so make sure to follow all the steps. For more information on moving with TRICARE go to this website (http://www.tricare.mil/Moving).

Veterans News US to Take Over Care of Cemetery Recently U.S. and Philippine oﬃcials signed an agreement for Washington to restore a cemetery north of Manila where the graves of thousands of American service members and dependents have been covered in ash since Mount Pinatubo's 1991 eruption. e accord calls for the American Battle Monuments Commission to repair and maintain the Clark Veterans Cemetery for at least 10 years. President Barack Obama had earlier signed a law to finance the Philippine-owned cemetery's upkeep. e U.S. Air Force hastily abandoned Clark Air Base, where the cemetery is located, aer Mount Pinatubo's eruption. In 1994, American veterans were shocked to find the 7-hectare (17-acre) cemetery covered in ash and weeds with half of its old steel fence looted. ey cleaned up the graves but have since struggled to maintain the cemetery through volunteer work and donations. Although the cemetery looks tidier today, it is still covered by about a foot (30 centimeters) of ash, partially obscuring names, dates and epitaphs. e cemetery holds the remains of 8,600 people, including 2,200 Americans and nearly 700 allied Philippine Scouts

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

News Briefs (cont.)

who took part in conflicts from the early 1900s to the resistance against brutal Japanese occupation in World War II. Clark's dead also include military dependents and civilians who worked for the U.S. wartime government and at least 2,139 mostly unidentified soldiers whose marble tombstones are labeled "Unknown." NAUS Note: NAUS worked very closely with members of e Military Coalition and the National Military and Veterans Alliance to encourage the signing of this agreement. We salute those involved and especially the veterans still in the Philippines who took on the duty of caring for, to the best of their abilities, those warriors and their families entombed there. Well Done!!

New VA Rule Could Aid Access to Health Care for Traumatic Injuries e VA has approved new regulations to make it easier for veterans to receive health care and compensation for certain illnesses, including Parkinsonism, dementia and depression, which have been linked to traumatic brain injury. e final rules also add to the list unprovoked seizures and hormone deficiency diseases related to the hypothalamus, pituitary or adrenal glands. e new policy, which takes eﬀect on Jan. 16, could pave the way for thousands of veterans to file claims. Since 2000, more than 287,000 activeduty service members and veterans have been found to have traumatic brain injuries. About 62,000 of those injuries have occurred since the start of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, said the Department of Veterans Aﬀairs. Under current rules, veterans with one of the five illnesses must provide medical evidence that their condition is the result of their military service to receive veterans’ benefits. e policy change could expedite the claims process for those who can prove a service-connected traumatic brain injury. Once that is established, the department will accept without further evidence that any of those five diseases was caused by the traumatic brain injury, making the veterans eligible for additional compensation and health care for that particular disease. Veterans of prior wars will also be eligible for the benefits.

VA Still Working to End Veteran Homelessness e VA continues to try to end veteran homelessness. If a veteran you or someone you know is homeless or about to become homeless, you can utilize VA resources and call 1-877-4AID-VET.

VA Wants a Standard Form e VA is proposing use of a standard form for all veterans when they file for disability compensation or appeal a decision. Currently, there is no standard form 17

News Briefs (cont.) used to apply for benefits at the VA said it slows down the process. e VA currently has a backlog of more than 400,000 cases waiting an average of 125 days for a decision. e change, it said, would speed up that process while placing only a "minimal burden on claimants." e plan is being opposed by many veterans groups. In the past, the first communication from the veteran started the claim and supporting paperwork could follow. Under the new proposal, processing won't begin until the standard form is completely filled out and the paperwork submitted. is could be especially diﬃcult for the most vulnerable veterans, including the homeless or those with traumatic brain injury, veterans’ advocates said. e VA has not made a final decision on the change. If the VA moves ahead with the plan, it would take eﬀect 30 days aer its publication in the Federal Register

New IT Job Site Assists Veterans Monster Worldwide, the Consumer Electronics Association, and several technology business groups have launched a job site that focuses on moving veterans to civilian careers within the technology industry. Announced last week at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show, USTechVets.org oﬀers free tools and resources for former military personnel and for employers interested in attracting veterans.

Limited Number of In-Ground Burial Gravesites Available at the Punchbowl e National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is informing veterans and their family members that gravesites currently exist for in-ground burials at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also referred to as the “Punchbowl,” in Honolulu, Hawaii. NCA is not “reopening” the cemetery to in-ground interments of casketed and cremated remains, as the current availability of in-ground gravesites is anticipated to be temporary. Many of these gravesites have become available due to eﬀorts of the Department of Defense to identify the remains of previously “unknown” service members who were buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), and the decision of the next of kin to reinter the remains at other cemeteries. Upon request at the time of need, NCA will assign these gravesites as long as the newly available space remains. Funeral homes or families can contact the cemetery direct at (808) 532-3720 or inquire with the National Cemetery Scheduling Oﬃce at 1-800-535-1117 to inquire about availability at the time of scheduling the burial. NMCP remains open to all first inurnment requests of cremated remains for niches in the columbarium. Veterans and their loved ones, or funeral directors acting on their behalf, can always ask if there is availability of a burial option at any “closed” national cemetery or at any national cemetery which is not open to all burial options. 18

In-ground burial space or columbarium niche space may become available periodically due to disinterment from an existing gravesite or niche for other reasons. If burial space is available at the time of request, the cemetery will assign such gravesites or columbarium niches to other eligible veterans or family members. Since there is no way to know in advance when a gravesite may become available, please contact the cemetery or the National Cemetery Scheduling Oﬃce at 1-800-535-1117 at the time of need to inquire whether space is available.

Be Aware of Pension Poaching Scams e VA pension program exists solely to help financially disadvantaged wartime veterans and their survivors. Be cautious if someone oﬀers to move your assets around for you to qualify for VA pension. is type of scam is oen directed toward veterans and family members who do not actually qualify for VA pension. You could be required to repay these benefits to the government. Examples of possible pension poaching scams: • Organizations that cold call veterans, charge money for assisting with a VA pension claim, and take credit card information from veterans over the telephone. • People who charge as much as $6,000 upfront to represent claimants before VA, with a percentage of any eventual back payment from VA as a portion of the ultimate fee.

NAUS News FVAP Launches Redesigned Website e Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) has released its newly redesigned website in an effort to provide the best voting assistance possible for absent Service members, their families and overseas citizens, and those that support them. Based on feedback from usability studies, the new site provides information tailored to the user, with improved navigation for clarity. Frequent visitors should go to FVAP.gov and update bookmarks accordingly. Key changes include: - “Voters Start Here” and State drop-down menus to the online assistants for completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) - Tab drop-down menus that include contact information for FVAP, election officials and Voting Assistance Officers - A search feature to help navigation to any information previously utilized FVAP recognizes that uniformed service members, overseas citizens, Voting Assistance Officers and election officials rely on reference information found at FVAP.gov. FVAP hopes the changes prove helpful to those voting absentee or assisting others. Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Get legislative alerts and contact Congress directly with the NAUS Legislative Action Center:

Tips on Writing to a Member of Congress

CAPWIZ http://capwiz.com/naus

Letters and emails are the most popular choices of communication with a congressional office. NAUS’ online CapWiz feature, http://capwiz.com/naus, makes sending an email easy. You may also call or send a fax. Regardless of how you contact elected officials, these tips will help make sure your representative knows where you stand. (When using email, include your name and address in your message.) • State the purpose of your letter or email in the first paragraph. If it pertains to a specific bill identify it by the bill’s name or bill number such as House bill (H.R. ____) or Senate bill (S. ____). • Be courteous, to the point, and include key information using personal examples to support your position. • Address only one issue in each letter or email; and if possible, keep the letter to one page. • Ask for the congressional member to support your position, to provide his/her position on the issue and if he/she disagrees, to state the reason for disagreement.

Addressing Correspondence: To a Senator The Honorable (full name) United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator (Last Name):

To a Representative The Honorable (full name) US House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representative (Last Name):

The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear e g e n Mr. rated President: ta e B R Q ioucs. om

http://capwiz.com/naus

Not sure what these boxes are? They are QR codes. Here’s what to do with them: 1. Download the app - Search “QR code” on your smartphone to find a free QR reader app 2. Scan the Code - Hold your smartphone over the box. The app will use your camera to read the code. 3. Enjoy - These codes direct your phone to an email address, website, video, etc. This one takes you to CapWiz directly, right there on your phone! How easy is that!

ACTIVE DUTY

DOWNLOAD Pay Raise Lowest Since Before the Vietnam War

Areas Removed from Imminent Danger Pay List

The Defense Department removed about 20 locations from its imminent danger pay list. About 50,000 fewer troops The one percent pay raise, which went into will receive IDP under the changes, saving about $108 million a effect at the beginning of the year as Congress year, according to the Pentagon. The review that resulted in took no action to change the President’s decision, the changes began in July 2011, and included input from the Services, Joint Staff, and combatant commands. The last review is the lowest active duty pay raise since 1963, of such areas had been conducted in 2007. The removal will when there was no raise. This raise is below the national inflation rate of 1.8% for 2013, effectively go into effect on June 1, 2014 - as of that date, service members deployed to these areas no longer will qualify for the $225 resulting in a pay cut for service members. As monthly pay. The locations that no longer will be designated combat operations continue to wind down in as imminent danger areas are: Afghanistan, NAUS sees • The four water areas of the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, even more such benefits Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea. cuts on the horizon • The water area and air space above the Persian Gulf. as support and • The six land areas and air space above Bahrain, Kuwait, concern for Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, and Montenegro. our uniformed • The nine land areas of East Timor, Liberia, Haiti, Oman, Rwanda, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, service members and Uzbekistan. wanes in Congress • Any area in Malaysia other than the state of Sabah, which and among the was recertified. general public. • Any area in Indonesia other than the recertified areas of the city of Jakarta, the four provinces of Central Java, East Kalimantan, central Sulawesi and Papua, and the region of Aceh. At the same time, Hardship Duty Pay – Location (HDPL) will be increased to $150 per month (from $100), and 10 new areas now qualify for this pay stipend, some of which previously qualified for IDP: East Timor, Haiti, Liberia, Montenegro (Podgorica), Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Get Rid of BAH?

Defense officials are considering doing away with the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) in favor of a new 'locality allowance.' The new allowance would combine housing and subsistence (BAS) allowances and do away with the higher “with dependents” rates, instead using a simpler, flat-rate tax free stipend on top of basic pay that makes no distinction between single service members and those with families. Unlike BAH, which is linked to average rental housing costs in various areas, the new allowance would be linked to the overall cost of living in the areas where service members are assigned. An early assessment from Rand Corporation suggests that such a change in these allowances would benefit officers, in part because their BAS is comparatively lower under the current program, so eliminating that would harm them less. As a result, such an allowance could impact retention, if only slightly, Rand concluded. "We found that for enlisted, there would be some small negative retention effect, and for officers there may be some positive effect," the study states.

Navy to Increase Sea Pay

The Navy plans to raise the pay of sailors serving aboard ships in the coming months, one of a handful of changes aimed at filling sea-going billets. While new sea pay amounts have yet to be finalized, it probably will be raised at least 20

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

USA

USN

USAF

USMC

USCG

USPHS

NOAA

25 percent - enough to match inflation since sea pay was last increased more than ten years ago, according to Navy officials. Enlisted sailors will get the raise before summer, and the Navy also expects to raise sea pay for officers. About 75,000 sailors are eligible for sea pay - roughly a quarter of the Navy. The move is intended to help fill about 7,500 open sea billets – a problem that has been building for many years due to longer deployments (often 9 to 10 months now). In addition to the sea pay increase, deployment schedules are to be adjusted as well with the goal for carrier groups to deploy every 36 months for 8 months.

Army Opening Up 30,000+ Combat Jobs to Women

The Army will open about 33,000 positions to female soldiers in April as part of the Defense Department’s ongoing effort to open all military jobs to women. The move, announced in January, comes a year after DoD eliminated its direct ground combat exclusion policy. In 2012, the Army launched a pilot program and began assigning women to maneuver battalion headquarters in nine active-duty brigade combat teams (BCTs). A year later, the Army expanded that effort to 17 more BCTs – eight in the active Army and nine in the Army National Guard – and placed women in maneuver battalions in MOSs that were already open to women. The new move will open jobs in already-open-to-women MOSs in maneuver battalions Army-wide - except in special operations units. Since 2012, the Army has been conducting surveys to get feedback from soldiers in these units before moving forward with the decision to open the rest of the Army’s combat units, and officials note the feedback has been positive and was a factor in opening more units to women soldiers.

Air Force Drawdown Plans

The Air Force is moving forward with a sweeping list of voluntary and involuntary force management programs it hopes will reduce the ranks by more than 20,000 over the next few years. The force reduction measures — which will be the Air Force’s broadest since the drawdown of the early 1990s — are being put into place to help the Service adjust to steep budget cuts. The 18 programs will include reductions in force beginning in June, two rounds of date-ofseparation rollbacks, and 15-year retirements for both officers and enlisted. A new authority called the enhanced selective early retirement board, or E-SERB, will consider even more officers than under the regular SERB process. The E-SERB, the authority for which was granted in the fiscal 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, will meet in June and consider colonels with between two and four years time in grade, lieutenant colonels who have been passed over for promotion once, and retirement-eligible active-duty officers between the rank of captain and colonel. The regular SERB applies to colonels with at least four years time-in-grade and lieutenant colonels who have been passed over at least twice. And under the regular SERB, officers can only be considered once during any five-year period, but the E-SERB has no such restriction. Air Force Times reported in January that a reduction- in- force board will also consider separating some captains and majors in over manned career field. The report states the RIF Board will consider captains in year groups 2005 through 2008 and majors in year groups 1997 through 1999 and 2001 through 2003 in unspecified Air Force Specialty Codes and in the Line of the Air Force, Biomedical Sciences Corps, Dental Corps, Medical Corps, Medical Service Corps and Nurse Corps categories. The Air Force also is, for the first time, planning retention boards for chief master sergeants, tech sergeants, staff sergeants, senior airmen, and senior noncommissioned officers. The enlisted retention board will review airmen’s enlisted performance reports, decorations and a retention recommendation form to decide who should be retained and who should be separated. Another new force management program, called a quality force review board, will meet in May. This board will consider separating airmen who have gone absent without leave, who have received a referral on their enlisted performance report, or otherwise had disciplinary issues. Airmen who have between 18 and 20 years of service will be excluded from the quality force review board. Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

ACTIVE DUTY

DOWNLOAD

USA

USN

USAF

USMC

USCG

USPHS

NOAA

Air Force May Drop Numerical Performance Ratings

The Air Force is considering dropping numerical performance ratings as part of a major upcoming overhaul of enlisted airmen’s evaluations. And supervisors could ask their airmen personal questions about their finances and relationships under the new system. In a video posted online Jan. 17, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody acknowledged widespread criticisms that the current Enlisted Performance Report ratings are often inflated. Roughly 80 percent of enlisted airmen receive the top score of 5, Cody said, which renders the rating system effectively useless. He told an audience of enlisted airmen that they instead might be evaluated based on written summaries — or “word pictures” — of their performance under the new EPR system. Cody also said that a new feedback form, or Airman Comprehensive Assessment, will be the first piece of the enlisted evaluation system to be implemented. In preparing that form, supervisors will ask their airmen about some personal matters that could affect their careers in the Air Force, he said. The new evaluation system will likely have some level of forced distribution of performance highs and lows, because it is unrealistic to have the bulk of airmen rated at the top, but details – including whether to scrap numerical ratings altogether – have yet to be finalized.

Coast Guard to Take Control of Last USAF C-27Js

The Coast Guard will take control of the last of the Air Force’s C-27J cargo planes, putting an end to a years-long saga deciding a long-term home for the planes the Air Force no longer wants. The planes will be transferred to the Coast Guard within six to 12 months, with the goal of filling medium range surveillance missions such as maritime patrol, drug and migrant interdiction, disaster response,and search and rescue. The Air Force initially planned on fielding 38 planes before deciding they were too expensive to operate and maintain after purchasing 21 planes. That decision set off a controversy in Congress, where members were eager to make sure local Air National Guard units received the platforms. In November, the Air Force transferred seven C-27Js to the US Special Operations Command.The US Forest Service had also submitted a request for the planes, and under the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act passed at the end of the year, the transfer of the C-27Js to the Coast Guard is dependent upon the completion of the Coast Guard transferring seven C-130s to the Air Force, which will then be required to modify them into firefighting aircraft for the Forest Service.

Were You A Juvenile Delinquent?

Being a juvenile delinquent usually doesn't help your career prospects. But it may make you more likely to join the military. A new National Institute of Child Health and Human Development study found that delinquent youngsters were more likely than their rule-abiding peers to join the military. And that's basically a good thing, the authors argue, as enlisting helps them make the transition to adulthood. In particular, for delinquents, enlistment may be seen as an indicator of desistance from criminal activities and the assumption of adult roles. Even though other markers of the transition to adulthood are available, such as marriage or employment in the civilian labor force, military service may be more attractive to delinquents.The military is an environment in which aggression and violence often associated with delinquency can be channeled into legitimate forms. The researchers measured delinquency with data from a national survey, the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. Those who scored higher on the "Delinquency Index" were often involved in stealing property, selling drugs, running away from home and/or getting arrested. Interestingly, the link held true for men and women (the latter who now make up 20 percent of the military). In fact, female delinquents appear to be even more likely to join. According to the study: “The odds of enlistment for some male delinquents are more than 40 percent greater than for comparable respondents who have not engaged in delinquent behavior. For women, that figure is even greater at 80 percent." Beyond a certain point, however, higher delinquency scores were linked with a decreasing likelihood of enlisting. The study suggests that "some individuals may be too engaged in an alternative lifestyle to see military service as beneficial to them. It may also be the case that individuals with high scores on the Delinquency Index do not meet the moral standards used by the various branches of the military."

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

USA

USN

USAF

USMC

USCG

USPHS

NOAA

Large-Scale Mobile Rollout

The Pentagon has begun rolling out capabilities for centrally managing its growing inventory of smartphones and tablet computers. That’s good news for mobile users anxiously awaiting approval to connect Android and Apple devices to Pentagon networks on a wider scale. Back in May of 2013, the Defense Department approved government-issued Apple devices using the iOS 6 operating system to connect to its networks, so long as they are operated within the confines of mobility pilots or a mobile device management (MDM) solution, once that is in place. Likewise, the Samsung Knox version of Android was approved for use on DoD networks, pending the rollout of an MDM solution. The MDM and mobile application store (MAS) capabilities are being offered through the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) as an enterprise service to DoD users. DISA expects its MDM capability will support up to 100,000 users this year with the potential to scale up to 300,000 devices over the next three years. DISA will also support BlackBerry devices with the existing Blackberry Enterprise Server.

Are you socially networked? Become a NAUS Facebook fan and follow NAUS on Twitter!

NAUS uses Facebook and Twitter to keep interested members and others up-to-speed on what we’re doing, the latest news and an interactive way to converse with our members. You can find our Facebook and Twitter feeds and links on the NAUS website. If you haven’t checked us out online yet, here’s how:

www.NAUS.org Search for National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS)

twitter.com/NAUSHQ Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Veteran Education Partnership Provides NAUS Members a Courtesy Review

As a member of NAUS, you and your spouse are eligible for reduced tuition and fees for associate and bachelor degrees as well as a 15% discount on master’s degrees at Excelsior College. Excelsior College will provide NAUS members and their spouses a free courtesy unofficial review of your civilian and military transcripts toward an associate or bachelor’s degree. Provide your unofficial college and military transcripts to be evaluated toward the degree you are closest to completing based on your credits or for a particular degree you have in mind to: veterans@excelsior.edu or all in one fax to 518-608-8142 with a cover sheet mention: Courtesy Review/NAUS. Information provided via email or fax should contain: your name, contact information, and the degree program you would like to apply your credits toward. Excelsior College will provide you an unofficial evaluation toward an associate or bachelor’s degree within three to four weeks. Why Excelsior College? • Excelsior College has been recognized as a “Best for Vets” college by Military Times Edge magazine. Excelsior is an accredited, nonprofit distance learning college based in Albany, N.Y. Military Advanced Education has named Excelsior among the top military-friendly colleges or universities nationwide for the past five years. • Excelsior's course, "Success Strategies for Military and Veterans" earned the 2010-2011 Innovation Award from the Center for Transforming Student Services (CENTSS). e course provides college and career orientation to veterans and military members and teaches transition strategies for those entering the civilian workforce aer a military career. • Excelsior is a recipient of the Council of College and Military Educators' (CCME) Institutional Award. • Excelsior's military academic advising team includes veterans who are uniquely attuned to the unique needs of military students, veterans and their spouses. • CME Executive Director Susan Dewan is the recipient of the 2011 William E. Kennedy Award from the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME), which recognizes leadership in providing higher education programs to personnel at U.S. military installations. • Excelsior President Ebersole is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served in Vietnam and recently received the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award in 2010 for his leadership in contributing to the Army's educational mission.

The National Association for Uniformed Services

maintains an education partnership with

Excelsior College, which provides

special pricing for

higher education to

veteran members and

their spouses.

For more information about this member benefit go to:

http://www.excelsior.edu/

national-association-

for-uniformed-services

Excelsior College, a private, non-profit, regionally accredited online institution of higher learning and the National Association for Uniformed Services have an education partnership to support the educational needs of NAUS members and their spouses or domestic partners. For information to go: http://www.excelsior.edu/national-association-for-uniformed-services or email: jreed@excelsior.edu

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Book Review “From Pigeons to Tweets” by LtGen Jack W. Klimp, USMC (Ret) - NAUS President

by Lieutenant General Clarence E. McKnight, Jr. (U.S. Army-Ret)

Lieutenant General Clarence McKnight, a NAUS member, is an Army Signal Corps legend. His book is both a history and a biography. Honored as an Army War College Outstanding Alum in 2012, General McKnight began his career as a young Signal Corps officer in Korea during the war. The Army teaches its soldiers that the ability to move, shoot and communicate determines combat power and that the ability to effectively communicate facilitates the other two. General McKnight’s book captures the Army’s efforts, often a struggle, to effectively address the five (5) operational principles of military communications -- continuity, homogeneity, versatility, security and simplicity at all levels, tactical, operational and strategic. General McKnight makes a potentially dry subject interesting and appealing by telling the story within the framework of his own experiences as he progressed through a long and illustrious career from West Point graduate second lieutenant to lieutenant general and Director of Command and Communications Systems for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Along the way he served in the Korean war, commanded two Signal Battalions in the war Scan this in the Vietnam War, and three battalions in Europe, including commander, 5th Signal code to visit Command/Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications –Electronics, U.S. Army Europe. Amazon.com to purchase He served as Commandant of the U.S. Army Signal Center and School and U.S. Army this book. Communications Command. His story is a true –life adventure. From the trenches of the Korean War where pigeons were still used for communicating, to the unique challenges of jungles, mountains and rice paddies and non-existent infrastructure of Vietnam, to the struggles to rebuild the U.S. Military after that war, he was uniquely placed to observe, report, participate and contribute. A soldier’s soldier, in a speech at a meeting of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), he said, “We as a nation, have focused on the flash and glitter of machinery and technology and we have sometimes relegated our people to a category along the same plane- if it breaks, get it fixed or, better yet, a new one. But people are not disposable. They are not commodities. They don’t have shelf lives or expiration dates. They have emotions, aspirations, and a never-quenched thirst for pride, esteem and a sense of belonging.” This is a lesson the military and political leaders of today must understand as our nation withdraws from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, rebuild the U.S. Military after 13 years of war, and care for those who have fought those wars and the wars that preceded them. In the words of Lieutenant General Peter A. Kind (USA-Ret), Former Chief of Signal, “Young readers will find this interesting journey a fun read with a bonus of lessons in adventure, persistence and turning challenges into success. Older readers will identify with and relive the excitement that comes with new assignments, accomplishments and insights gained.” General McKnight offered his book for sale to NAUS members at the 2013 NAUS Annual Meeting. He provided the proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project. 26

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Member Benefits

w w w. N A U S . o r g a n d c l i c k o n M e m b e r B e n e f i t s

AUTO/HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

USAA – 1-855-865-6287 • www.usaa.com/naus

HEALTH/LIFE INSURANCE

1-866-694-6287 • www.nebenefit.com/naus

TRICARE/CHAMPVA Supplement Plans • Long Term Care Insurance • Cancer Protection Plan Dental Insurance • Term & Senior Term Life Insurance Medicare Supplement Plans – 1-800-247-1771

Life Line Screening – 1-800-778-6009 • www.LifeLineScreening.com/NAUS

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

Military Historical Tours, Inc. – 1-800-722-9501 • www.miltours.com NAUS Members receive a discount on tours.

WYNDHAM Hotel Discounts – 1-877-670-7088

AmeriHost Inn • Baymont Inns • Days Inn • Hawthorn Suites • Howard Johnson • Knights Inn Microtel Inns • Ramada • Super 8 • Travelodge • Wingate Inn

Mention Corporate ID #1000007736 when calling or make reservations online from the Member Benefits section of the NAUS website. Plus, sign up for the FREE Wyndham Rewards program.

BUDGET Car Rental Discount – 1-800-455-2848 (Mention Code R198117) AVIS Car Rental Discount – 1-800-331-1212 (Mention Code B291017) HERTZ Car Rental Discount – 1-800-654-6511 (Mention Code

50163)

TNT – 1-800-282-0276 • www.funjet.com/naus - powered by

Funjet Vacations now has over 900 destinations including the Caribbean, Hawaii, Bermuda, Mexico, Las Vegas and even Europe. NAUS Members receive a 5% discount off of already reasonable prices.You can book flights, hotels, activities and more in just one stop. (Mention Code NAUS)

FINANCIAL SERVICES

USAA – 1-855-865-6287 • www.usaa.com/naus Credit Card

NEW BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS! Go to www.NAUS.org and Click On the Member Benefits Tab to see all the exciting benefits available to NAUS Members only!

LET US SEND THE “BEST AND BRIGHTEST”

It’s been somewhat confusing to hear all the attention being given to the mistreatment of our nation’s war heroes and then see legislation passed to reduce projected COLA increases. At the same time another newly appointed commission (Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission) is supposedly going to help “modernize” future military hero entitlements. I can remember another commission appointed in 2007 to improve veteran healthcare that was co-chaired by Ms. Donna Shalala, a former Head of Health and Human Services. Needless to say, I was not encouraged then or now. During my 27 years of military service to the United States, I have watched as government leaders do the same thing over and over – appoint commissions made up of individuals who have little first-hand knowledge or experience of the real problems they are appointed to solve. Even though it has been over 22 years, I still have a vivid memory of fellow Vietnam Veteran, Brian Burke. Just a few days before his suicide in his one bedroom apartment where he lived alone, he was released from the local VA Medical Center. He had been transferred there after he was taken into custody by police officers for interrupting a speech by Ms. Shalala. Brian wanted her to accept the medals of his identical twin brother who was killed in Vietnam while serving his country and to tell her, “The best and brightest of my brothers are dead!” He was referring to her 1995 remarks "we didn't send our best and brightest to Vietnam." Brian was obsessed with bringing to public attention the issues of MIA/POW as well as the political and media suppression of the number of Vietnam veteran suicides. Congressional Article Submission from research reports 20,000 and independent researchers report in excess of 200,000. I always Anthony R. (Tony) Nathe, assumed Ms. Shalala was referring to the majority that did not go to Vietnam, the “ruling class.” Anyway, this has got me thinking. Maybe it’s a perfect time for NAUS members to help SGM, USA (Ret) organize the massive potential voting blocs consisting of military families, disabled military Chapter President retiree families, and all veteran families to join together and begin repeating the same words she said so many years ago, only in the form of a question. Why are we not appointing “the best and brightest of this country” to serve on this modernization commission? Better yet, why are we are not electing “the best and brightest of this country” to serve in the US Congress? Furthermore, why are we are not hiring “the best and brightest of this country” to work in our government bureaucracies? We are the BEST, we are the BRIGHTEST and together, we must stay the course in fighting to protect our promised entitlements. We owe it to the future of our families, friends, and the brothers and sisters in arms who follow us. We must take up our pens, pencils, typewriters, PC’s, PDA’s and cell phones and get involved in actively seeking out those who still believe in the freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution, including freedom, faith, family, friends, and the United States of America. We must join together with all of our fellow military and veteran organizations and begin speaking as ONE VOICE NOW. If not now, we will not only lose every one of our promised and earned entitlements through “modernization”…we will lose our Constitution as well as our great and wonderful Untied States of America!

Uniformed Services Disabled Retirees Chapter – USDR 1981

Brian “Bulldog” Burke - He Walked 1300 Miles for U.S.

(Reprinted with permission By Jim Hesselgrave, Editor “Gopher Oversea’r”, July/August 1997) A good friend took his own life on July 21, 1997. A casualty of the Vietnam War some thirty years later, Brian showed up in the late 1970’s carrying the burden of his identical twin brother’s death on his shoulders. His brother Roger was killed in Vietnam on February 2, 1967. He entered most of our lives as a tall wild-eyed man wearing a three-cornered hat…an American Patriot if you will. He wanted answers about Vietnam and the injustices served upon its Veterans by the American Society and Government. Answers he never found. He walked the Halls of the Legislature, the Veterans Organizations, and talked to anyone who would listen. From his home in Connecticut he came here to Minnesota. Like a Baptist Minister, he preached of need to service-connect health problems related to Agent Orange, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and to get an accurate accounting for our Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA). As the years progressed, the answers became fewer and the frustration greater. His eyes got wilder…his mind weaker. Like the battles he fought in Vietnam, fatigue was taking its toll. You could see it in his eyes…the body was there before you…the mind was somewhere else…a distant place that only the Combat hardened will ever know. In 1982, he tried to find peace with himself, the loss of his brother and to bring some closure to the frustration he felt about the injustices served upon his fellow Comrades. He walked to Washington, D.C. carrying the POW/MIA Flag. It didn’t help…his fellow Veterans were with him…but the answers never there. Yes, Brian “Bulldog” Burke was a RADICAL! He could never find answers in the NORMAL way-through NORMAL channels. But, you know what; he was a true AMERICAN nonetheless! The War in Vietnam never ended for Brian…It just took longer for him to die there. As Combat Veterans, a piece of Bulldog lives in each of us. I do not only write of Brian’s death, but more of his frustrations. As most of us work to find solutions to cutbacks to Veterans Benefits and the preservation of the memories and sacrifices made by our Veterans…Don’t we all feel a little like Brian did…a little lost…A LOT FRUSTRATED!!! 28

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Health Today Q&A

Written by

Dr. Joyce M. Johnson,

RADM, USPHS (Ret), DO, MA

& James A. Calderwood, Jr, BSN, RN

What is Color Blindness? Color blindness is the inability to perceive colors like other people do. It is really a “color vision problem” since the person can see, and is not “blind”. Most people with color vision problems can see some color; the inability to see any colors is very rare. What types of color vision problems are there? e retina in the back of the eye receives light waves, and transmits them to other parts of the brain for processing so we can “see”. e retina has three types of cones that are each sensitive to different wavelengths, or color, spectrums - blues, greens, and reds. e type of cone affected determines the color perception problem; red and green differentiation is most common. Problems distinguishing between blue and yellow, or the inability to see color at all, are both very rare. How are color vision problems transmitted? Nearly all color vision problems are genetically transmitted on the X chromosome, and thus primarily males are affected. A male has one X and one Y chromosome. If the trait is on the man’s X chromosome, he will have a color vision problem. A female has two X chromosomes, so if she has one X chromosome with the trait, and the other X chromosome without it, the chromosome without it will dominate, and she won’t have the disease. She would need to have two X chromosomes with the trait to have the disease. However, a woman with one affected X chromosome “carries” the trait. If she has a son and transmits that X chromosome to him, he will have the disease. If she has a daughter and transmits the trait, the daughter will then be a carrier. Interestingly, a male with a color vision problem cannot transmit it to his sons, since he transmits his Y chromosome to them. His daughters, however, would be carriers, since he transmits his X chromosome to them. If both parents transmit an affected X chromosome to their daughter, she would have the disease. How do I know if I have a color vision problem? How is it diagnosed? Many people aren’t aware they have a color vision problem. It is usually recognized during an eye exam. ere are various screening tests that are frequently part of a routine eye exam – most involve a pattern of spots of different colors, with letters or numbers made from the colored spots. If the person being tested can’t recognize the letter or number “drawn” with the colored spots, a color vision problem is suggested. How is a color vision problem treated? ere is no cure, but some people find wearing colored lenses that filter some wavelengths of light helpful. In general, the treatment is an awareness of the situation, and being hyper-vigilant with traffic lights and other color sensitive situations. What problems does a color vision problem cause? A color vision problem generally has relatively little impact on a person’s life. However, a severe color vision problem can keep someone from getting a driver’s license because of their inability to distinguish the colors of stoplights and other signals. Some jobs, such as airline pilots and designers, that require color perception, are also problematic. Some people ask a family member to help them coordinate their clothes. What is most important to remember about a Color Vision Problem? About 8% of all men, and very few women, have some degree of color vision recognition problems, but it usually has little impact on their lives. ere is no cure, but being aware of the situation and learning other visual “cues” is very helpful.

Color Blindness

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

IN THE FIELD We want your input! Let us know what you’re doing, what other NAUS members you know are doing, or what your chapter is involved with “In the Field” so we can publish it in your Journal. Please submit any articles and photos for consideration in accordance with the following editorial schedule: Last week of January - for March/April 2014 USJ Last week of March - for May/June 2014 USJ Last week of May - for July/August 2014 USJ Last week of July - for September/October 2014 USJ Last week of September - for November/December 2014 USJ (Email submissions to vsumner@naus.org are encouraged. Please do not send photocopies, and if you are taking photos of your events or activities, be sure to take several shots and send along a few of the best quality ones. Captions identifying the photos and people in them are greatly appreciated.)

REGION 1 – NORTHWEST (AK, WA, OR, ID, WY, MT): Ron Buatte, CSM, USA (Ret), Boise, ID rbuatte@cableone.net REGION 2 – WEST (HI, CA, NV, GUAM): Al Stewart, Col, USAF (Ret), Los Gatos, CA agstewart@earthlink.net REGION 3 – CENTRAL (UT, CO, KS, NE): Tom Paolillo, MSgt, USAF (Ret), Aurora, CO mileview@yahoo.com REGION 4 – SOUTHWEST (AZ, NM, TX, OK): Chuck Murphy, SMSgt, USAF (Ret), Oklahoma City, OK cmurphy40@cox.net REGION 5 – NORTH CENTRAL (ND, SD, MN, IA, MO, IL,IN, OH, MI, WI): Dick Brubaker, LtCol, USAF (Ret), Dayton, OH dickbrub@aol.com REGION 6 – SOUTHEAST (AR, LA, MS, AL, FL, GA, SC, PR): Dennis O. Freytes, LTC, USA (Ret), Windermere, FL dennisfreytes@hotmail.com REGION 7 – NORTHEAST (ME, NH, VT, MA, NY, PA, CT, RI): Paul Dillon, MCPO, USN (Ret), Gales Ferry, CT nausct@aol.com REGION 8 – MID ATLANTIC (KY, TN, NC, VA, WV, MD, DE, NJ, DC): David Ellis, Col, USAF (Ret), Fredericksburg, VA david_sally@verizon.net

NOTICE TO MEMBERS NAUS & SMW CHAPTERS & STAFF NEED YOUR HELP Recently NAUS Headquarters in Virginia has received calls and emails from Chapter officers requesting that we remind all members to go online, mail, email, call or fax any changes to their member profiles into NAUS Headquarters as soon as possible aer their changes take effect. It is imperative that we maintain correct contact information for each member of NAUS and SMW. USJs might go undelivered due to old mailing addresses and Chapter officers cannot distribute important local information to Chapter members without current telephone and email information. Member Profile Contact Information – to Update: ➢ Online changes to: http://www.naus.org/ Click on Blue ‘Log-In’ button Follow Log-In process ➢ Mail changes to: Attn: Membership Services 5535 Hempstead Way Springfield, VA 22151 ➢ Email changes to: naus@naus.org – Attn: Membership Services ➢ Call changes into: (703) 750-1342 or (800) 842-3451 ➢ Fax changes to: (703) 354-4380 or (703) 642-1076 CALL NOW WITH ANY MEMBER INFORMATION CHANGES & UPDATES!

H. Wayne Hein Chapter, Merced, CA – 18 e first monthly chapter meeting of 2014 was held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, 18 January at the Atwater Veterans Memorial Building with guest speaker Ms. Isabel Nuńo from the Merced County Area Agency on Aging. She gave a wonderful briefing that outlined the many programs available in the Merced County area. e guest speaker at the chapter’s February meeting was Captain Bill Dacus, Publicity Oﬃcer for the Civil Air Patrol. Captain Dacus spoke on the many operations of the Civil Air Patrol.

Groton/New London Chapter, CT – 1 e NAUS Connecticut Chapter One (CT-1) recently held a luncheon to recognize Navy Corpsmen that have served with distinction and valor in either Iraq or Afghanistan. NAUS member LtCol Mike Zacchea, USMC (Ret) was the featured speaker. He was wounded in the 2nd battle of Fallujah in 2004. When invited to speak his quick response was "I would be delighted, these guys saved my life". Each Corpsman was presented with a Congressional Certificate from Rep Joe Courtney (D-CT). Ryan McKenna, Veterans Advisor to Representative Courtney, presented the certificates. Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Pacific Gateway Chapter, Travis AFB, CA – 4

CT-1 hosted luncheon to recognize Navy Corpsmen that have served with distinction and valor in either Iraq or Afghanistan.

e Travis AFB Retiree Appreciation Day held 13 October 2013 was quite an aﬀair. Representatives from the chapter were on hand to inform those attending about the works of NAUS and the contributions toward National Defense that our organization attempts to achieve. e organizers at David Grant Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base went all out to insure each retiree was included in the activities. There was a lot of information of interest provided to those attending. Col (Ret) Al Stewart, NAUS Region 2 Vice President, was on hand to participate and the chapter is truly grateful for his support. e Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fairfield held on Monday the 11th of November 2013 was outstanding this year with continued support by many chapter members. What a wonderful feeling to be able to celebrate the one day each year that has been set aside to recognize the many contributions made by our nation’s military veterans. Chapter members were proud to be able to finish the parade - marching to the end. Several members (to include the driver) could have made it marching, but they were needed on the truck/trailer for balance. One of the true heroes of the day, a chapter member who at 89 years old, helped with the balance of the truck. At the end of the parade he was still able to get back to his car on his own.

NAUS CT-1 Chapter Chief Petty Officers who recently attended a CPO ‘Dining In’. The ‘Dining In’ raised funds to support the Groton Submarine Base ‘Sailor of the Year’ program.

Kings/Tulare Chapter, California – NEWEST NAUS CHAPTER Planned monthly meetings for this new chapter will take place at the Marie Callender's on 350 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93291. Meeting dates for remainder of 2014 are as follows: Mar 15; Apr 19; May 17; Jun 20; Sep 20; Oct 18; Nov 8 and Dec 6, all beginning at 9:00 am. Post card reminders will be sent to those who do not have e-mail. New Chapter President Mike Lamb is looking forward to area NAUS member participation in this exciting new chapter and would like to thank all those who volunteered to be oﬃcers this first year. e inaugural meeting of the Kings Tulare chapter of NAUS was held on January 18th at the Marie Callender’s restaurant in Visalia. ere were (10) members and prospective members in attendance. ere was a solicitation for volunteers to serve as chapter oﬃcers. Irene Switajewski volunteered to be the temporary treasurer. Her husband, PO1 Tom Switajewski, will take on the duties of Chapter Vice President. Joe Alcoster will be in charge of the 50/50 drawing. A membership roster was passed around and (for those without e-mail) a phone tree was formed. Several legislative issues were discussed and information regarding congressional contact regarding those issues was provided. Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Kings/Tulare Chapter of NAUS met for the first time near Visalia, CA

Fairfield Veterans Day Parade & Commemoration with the Pacific Gateway Chapter, CA-4 participants riding and marching in the parade on Monday, Nov 11, 2013 31

IN THE FIELD

members throughout the event, General Klimp spoke about the all-out “assault on military benefits” that is happening. Of particular concern to attendees was the retiree COLA cut enacted in the budget deal at the end of the year, and concerns that with this precedent of “no grandfathering,” other, more significant, changes to military retirement may be coming down the pike soon. e Legislative update presented by General Klimp contained new information for many of the attendees.

Army National Guard RAD – 22 February 2014 Pacific Gateway Chapter members man the NAUS table at the Travis AFB on 13 October at the Davis Grant USAF Medical Center. We see RVP Al Stewart helping out the CA-4 members.

DoD Pharmacy Uniform formulary Beneficiary Advisory Panel (BAP) – January 2014 NAUS Marketing Director LCDR Steve Hein, USCG (Ret), CME, is the current National Military & Veterans Alliance appointee to the BAP. He attended the most recent panel meeting held 9 January at the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC to provide panel input on several formulary recommendations from the Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity). e next BAP meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2014.

NAUS member CW4 Douglas Gray, USA (Ret), represented NAUS at the Army National Guard RAD held Saturday, the 22nd of February at the American Military Retirees Association (AMRA) Headquarters in Phoenix, AZ. NAUS would like to thank De'Anne St. Yves, AMRA Membership Coordinator for the invitation and the opportunity to introduce many more military retirees to NAUS. CW4 Gray handed out approximately 100 Jan/Feb 2014 USJs so those attending would see the award winning publication and learn about our Association from this outstanding 20+ year NAUS member. Many thanks CW4 Gray for your extra eﬀort for NAUS.

Davis-Monthan AFB Retiree Apprecitaion Day – February 2014 Our own LtGen Jack Klimp, NAUS President & CEO attended and spoke at the Davis-Monthan RAD held on the 5th of February at the Mirage Club on the base (near Tucson, AZ). e General met with the local Retiree Oﬃce personnel and several of the local SMW ladies at a dinner on Wednesday the 4th and then attended the RAD on the 5th. Aided by several local retirees who staﬀed the NAUS table and recruited new

Upcoming Events - 2014 Marine South Expo

Veterans Resource Fair

Watervliet Arsenal RAD

West Point RAD

Fort Wainwright RAD

USMC Historic Half

Installation of 2014 TX-16 Officers (L to R) MAJ Lyerly, Assistant Secretary; COL Maureen Lofberg, Chaplain; LTC Schulte, Past President & Treasurer; CPT Thackston, Secretary; MSG Lucy, 3 Vice President; CAPT Cazares, 2nd Vice President; CSM Smith, 1st Vice President; MWO Ney, President.

Please send any and all information on upcoming 2014 Veteran events that you would like to see in the USJ to NAUS HQ. Please have all details of the event to include any speaker requests. Please send this information & these requests in writing to Vicki Sumner, Director of Administration via her email: vsumner@naus.org or via snail mail: NAUS HQ, 5535 Hempstead Way, Springfield, VA 22151 9 thru 10 Apr 2014

10 Apr 2014

3 May 2014

17 May 2014

16 thru 17 May 2014

West Hills College

New York Police Academy USMA

Camp Lejeune, NC Lemoore, CA Albany, NY

West Point, New York Fort Wainwright, AK Fredericksburg, VA

PLEASE NOTE: For 2014 NAUS will sponsor a drawing at any RAD where a senior staffer from NAUS will be speaking. NAUS no longer sponsors a drawing at every RAD. 32

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Marine West Expo – January 2014

Marketing Director Steve Hein, LCDR, USCG (Ret), CME, recruited new NAUS members and talked to hundreds of attendees at the Marine West Expo held the last week of January at Camp Pendleton, CA. Steve was pleased to represent NAUS as an exhibitor at this event for the first time, and many Marines expressed concerns about changes to retirement benefits, this year’s low pay raise, and tuition assistance cutbacks. He also appreciated the break from the unusually cold weather around the nation’s capital for a few days.

Members Dates of Service

You may have already received or will be receiving a letter from NAUS asking for your dates of service if we do not have them already. In order to enable future contributions to NAUS to be tax deductible, several membership eligibility changes were recently approved by a vote of the NAUS membership. In addition, long-standing IRS regulations for such veterans organizations require that NAUS also maintain a record of your dates of service (in years, e.g., 1990 to 1996) along with your other uniformed service and contact information that we already have in your member profile. A review of our records shows that we do not have all of the dates of service for all of our members, and we are asking you to please provide NAUS with your dates of service to complete your profile. There are a couple of easy ways to do this: (1) Complete the form below and return to NAUS today in the envelope provided. (2) Log in to the NAUS website, and add your dates of service (found under the My Account menu). If you have not logged in before, the default logon and password are both set as your membership number followed by your first and last initial in caps (e.g., 352952MS). (3) Call NAUS at 1-800-842-3451, ext. 1013. If after hours or our membership department staff is unable to answer please leave a message – just be sure to leave your first and last names, and membership number or city and State, along with your dates of service (e.g., 1978 to 2003). That’s it. It will only take a couple moments of your time, and will help you and other members by helping your Association meet the requirements for tax deductibility of contributions faster. Thank you for your membership and continued support. Please complete this Dates of Service form.

NAUS DATES OF SERVICE FORM

February 2014

Member #: ______________________________ (Located just above your name on your Journal mailing label.) First Name: _________________________________

Last Name: _________________________________

City: ______________________________________________ Dates of Service (in years):

State: _________

Zip Code: ___________

From __________ to ___________ From __________ to ___________ From __________ to ___________

Return to: NAUS, 5535 Hempstead Way, Springfield, VA 22151 or call 1-800-842-3451, ext. 1013 with this information. Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

1 EEOO + +LL

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Â¶V JRYHUQLQJ ERG\ KDG RXWODZH EXW ZDV QRW VWURQJ HQRXJK WR VWRS WKLV L DIWHU GHFDGHV RI RXWVLGHUV WDNLQJ DGYDQW JRYHUQPHQW D JURXS RI \RXQJ &KLQHVH %R[HUVÂ´ GHFLGHG WR Â¿JKW EDFN DQG NLFN RI &KLQD 7KLV HIIRUW HVFDODWHG LQWR ZK %R[HU 5HEHOOLRQ :HDOWK\ EXVLQHVVPHQ VHOOLQJ WKH RS RI WKDW VR WKH\ XVHG WKHLU LQÃ&#x20AC;XHQFH ZL JRYHUUQQPHQWV DQG UHTXHVWHG WURRS SURW JRYHUUQQPHQWV RI (QJODQG 5XVVLD -DS )UDQFH *HUPDQ\ ,WDO\ $XVWULD DQG WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV VHQW DUPHG WURRSV WR &KLQD WR TXHOO WKH UHEHOOLRQ 7KH %R[HU 5HEHOOLRQ ZDV RYHUWKURZQ ZLWK WKH ORVV RI WHQV RI WKRXVDQGV RI FLYLOLDQ OLYHV 7KLV SXW WKH RIIHQGHG EXVLQHVV LQWHUHVWV EDFN LQ RSHUDWLRQ Â± VHOOLQ WKRVH FRXQWULHV ZKLFK VHQW WURRSV W )UHQFK 2SLXP 'HQ PLON DQG RW

PDQ\ $PHULFDQ EXVL GH IRUWXQHV WUDGLQJ LQ RI WKLV GLUW\ PRQH\ DQG PD\ KDYH IHOW WKH\ \ GRQDWLQJ KXJH VXPV WR DQG RWKHU LQVWLWXWLRQV QGHU PRQH\ :LWK WKHLU U KHLUV VSDZQHG PDQ\ FDO FRPSDQLHV FRDO PLQHV LRQ WKH\ SURGXFHG PDQ\ HV 3UHVLGHQWV LQJ WKH V ZDV DQ HGLFLQHV FRXJK V\UXSV ROD 7KHVH YDULRXV SRWLRQV DFKHV RU SDUHQWV ZLWK LUUUUL RRSLQJ FRXJK SDOVLHG OLPEV HGLFDO SUREOHP WKH DGGLWLRQ GLVH PD\ YHU\ ZHOO KDYH KDG DELV JURZLQJ LQ D FRUUQQHU SORW HIHUHQFH WR Â¿QGLQJ HYLGHQFH RI WKH ERQHV RI DQFLHQW KXPDQV 6 RI FHQWXULHV SDVW DQG SURYLGHG VVHG WKURXJK ,W IROORZV RWKHU H VXSSOLHG E\ VDLOLQJ VKLSV YLW\ DV LQGLFDWHG E\ WKH DWWDFKHG KH ZRUOG LV EHLQJ VXSSOLHG WRGD\ GUXJV ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR EH FDUJR DSV WR RXWHU VSDFH ,W KDV EHHQ UH I SODQHWV :K\ QRW" $ IHZ PRQWKV UWHG WR WKH VSDFH VWDWLRQ :KHQ I WKH RWKHU SODQHWV FDUJR RI WKH IXWXUH PD\ LQFOXGH LFH FUHDP DQG GUXJV (YHQWXDOO\ DQ HQWUHSUHQHXU SUREDEO\ IURP WKH VSRUWV ZRUOG ZLOO VHW DVLGH D Â³*RGÂ¶V /LWWOH $FUHÂ´ RQ RQH RI WKH SODQHWV IRU NLQJ SOHDVXUH Â«7KH VKLSSLQJ EXVL K XV

$ - :LFKLWD /7 861 9HW

0HUFKDQW 0DULQH &KLHI (QJU QJU 1DWLRQDO 3UHVLGHQW (PHULWXV WXV $PHULFDQ 0HUFKDQW 0DULQH 9HWHUDQV QH 9HWHUDQV

The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) was founded to serve the interests of Merchant Marine veterans and affiliated with NAUS in July 2008. 34

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Super Bowl Media Week and the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team

An invitation to Super Bowl Media week is the business equivalent of being in the Super Bowl! The event is literally seen and heard around the world with 30 sec commercials during the game costing as much as 1.5 million dollars to air. So how did Reality Realty Professionals, get a ticket? One word, SERVICE! By serving our communities heroes with a goal of educating, empowering and protecting the men and women who protect and serve us. Reality Realty Virginia Heroes supported the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team earlier in the year, at an event held in Alexandria VA between the WWAFT and the Washington Redskins and other NFL Alumni, to raise awareness, money and help spread the teams message of, “Perseverance isn’t a goal; it’s a way of life". This led to the co-founder of the WWFAT team, Carl Ey, to ask Reality Realty Professionals if they wanted to go to the Super Bowl and support the Warrior Amputee’s during media week. It was amazing to be part of the event in Alexandria, but this invitation was hard to believe! This trip included going to New Jersey in support of the team, be part of Radio Row to spread the word about Reality Realty Virginia Heroes, the #1 Homes For Heroes aﬃliate in the region and support the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football team in a game against 9/11 First Responders and NFL greats. The Reality Realty team moved mountains to participate! There is no parent on the planet that does not feel for his or her child for life and to see their babies come home wounded, it’s something they never get used to. They do all they can to help them achieve a sense of normalcy. Along the way they realize that becoming physically whole through prosthetics and the like will never really make them “whole”. Its not about the limb its about the heart and coming to terms with questions like, “Why was I spared? Why were my brothers not? What is my purpose?” These haunting questions and dealing with the physical limitations is a roller coaster ride that few can imagine and less could endure. “Whole”, in this sense has to do with self worth, self-respect, self-confidence, independence, mobility, acceptance from society, and doing what they were born to do on the level they could before. You see “whole” is achieved in the soul not the limb. It’s the spiritual not the physical that gets our Warriors back on their feet. It’s their heart, their determination and their tenacity that enables them to go on and inspires all to new heights as their actions help a world deal with diﬃcult life questions! This Wounded Warrior Amputee Football game is about the sacrifice made for a nation, the price paid by the individual, and the dedication to supporting those who served. Its through these that parents, communities and a nation get to see these service members "Whole" again. When our Warriors take the field with the Super Bowl as the back drop it will not only help to raise money and awareness, it will raise the spirits of all those who sacrificed, and bring a nation one step closer to being "whole". We cannot comment enough on the respect, grace, and genuine gratitude shown by; McConkey, Klecko and Bleier; will be NFL Hall-of-Famers Jack Youngblood and Anthony Munoz; Green Bay Packer legend Jerry Kramer; former NY Giant Jim Burt and Bill Ard; Philadelphia Eagle’s Special Teams Captain Vince Papale, who inspired the story for the movie Invincible; ESPN’s Tim Hasselbeck; former Dolphin’s kicker Garo Yepremian; USNA and former Navy Seal Clint Bruce; COL Greg Gadson, who helped inspire the NY Giants to two Super Bowl victories; more than 30 other former Giants, Jets and NFL stars; ESPN broadcaster Kenny Mayne; retired baseball star Darryl Strawberry and WWE Hall-of-Famer Mick Foley. All of these greats shared the opinion that these Wounded Warriors and First Responders were the “Real” American Heroes. The next day after the game, was our day in the Super Bowl Media Center for Radio Row. Sam Cachola and former NFL Linebacker Chad Brown (Seahawks, Steelers, and Patriots), whose father is a Marine and mother an Educator, went from radio station to radio station helping spread the word about Reality Realty, Homes For Heroes and our Warriors. Chad and Sam again stressed the point that the real heroes are our Military, Firefighters, Law Enforcement, Educators, Medical Professionals, and Clergy who invest their lives in our communities. The Super Bowl Media week event was truly amazing, but not for the football, but to see our warriors and 9/11 responders honored by these NFL Legends and others and to see these Wounded Warriors take another step, on a very large stage, in becoming “Whole” again.

Visit www.HomesForHeroes.com or call 1-866-974-4376 to learn more. Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Etta Brown National SMW President ettabrown47@yahoo.com www.militarywidows.org Established 1968 • Aﬃliated 1984

sincerely hope you had a wonderful, enjoyable Christmas and are now ready for the New Year. Wow, how time flies. I never dreamed to see the year 2014, back in 1950, as a high school senior writing an assay about my future plans. Never did I image using the computer , fax machines, cell phone and now actually being able to see each other as you talk while miles away. But here we are blessed in so many, many ways. Well now, we have another year to do a better job at whatever we have to do. Even with all the uncertainties of the circumstances around us we can still be hopeful. Most of us widows, are always ready for the next adventure of life and manage to change directions as necessary. “Resilience” is our middle name. As we go into this new year I hope chapters will create an activity of some kind to invite you NAUS transferred widows to visit their meeting. Most women join a group if invited personally, however the “reason” is equally important to her.

I believe the reason you became NAUS members is because of their supportive goals towards military issues and the fact that NAUS incorporated all branches of services. SMW does the same, we are all military widows, we accept and respect all branches, all ranks , and all nationalities. We get our legislative advice from NAUS and follow the directions found in the NAUS Journal. I encourage you to accept the invitation to become more engaged by attending a Chapter near you. Don’t quit now, we need each other more than ever. Our benefits, entitlements and privileges are at risk. If there is no chapter, let us help you start one where you are. For a better tomorrow we must work on today, I hope to meet some of you at the convention during October, 18-21 on our Hawaiian cruise. Plan your trip now. Check out the available payment plan.

Aloha Chapter, SMW – 25 - On the 2nd of November

the beautiful Sunset Lanai at Camp Smith on 15 December 2013. is wonderful location features one of the most remarkable views on the island. Music was furnished by a local group called BNF & Company. A short business meeting plus the dispensing of the door prizes completed the festivities. e Hale Koa Hotel was the site for the chapter’s January 18 General Membership meeting. Mr. Nick Nishimoto was the guest speaker at the meeting and addressed the attendees on “e Forgotten War.” Mr. Nishimoto is a Hawaiian US Army veteran and ex-POW of the Korean conflict. Southern Nevada Chapter, SMW – 34 - e 15 participants from all over the country who went on the SMW Interfaith Tour of Israel from January 13 - 24, (hosted by Society of Military Widows of Southern Nevada Chapter #34) returned recently. Along with the other travelers were four SMW members… one from Chapter 25 in Honolulu, HA (Mary Gabrielson) and three from Chapter 34 in Las Vegas, NV (Janet Snyder, Alberta

SMW 25 members attended the Annual Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam Retiree Seminar. Several of the ladies helped to answer questions and recruit members at the SMW table during this event. Alongside the SMW table was the NAUS table manned by CSM Donald Devaney (Ret), Army Hawaii Retiree Council Co-Chair. SMW Chapter 25 was again very active in the Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on 11 November. General Vincent Brooks, Commanding General USA, Pacific was the distinguished speaker and the Honorable Tulsi Gabbard was the keynote speaker for the Ceremony. At the Memorial Plaza, Hawaii Veteran’s Cemetery other SMW chapter ladies participated in the 2013 Governor’s Veterans Day Ceremony also on the 11th of November. e Aloha Chapter and friends enjoyed their December General Membership Meeting & Christmas Party Luncheon at

(L to R) Mary Gabrielson, SMW Chapter 25 in Honolulu, Hawaii along with Janet Snyder, Alberta Elliott, & Kay Milzer, SMW Chapter 34 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo was taken in Caesarea, Israel. 36

Etta Brown, SMW National President

Society of Military Widows of Southern Nevada Chapter #34 hosted the ‘Interfaith Tour of Israel’ (Jan 13 – 24, 2014). Group photo of all fifteen tour goers overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Elliott and Kay Milzer). e additional eleven family and friends of the SMW members accompanied them on this ‘one of a kind’ adventure. e group explored Jaﬀa (one of the oldest cities in the world), the Jordan River and learned about ancient life in Israel to name just a few of the experiences the group enjoyed.

SMW 30 ‘Desert Sun Chapter’ ladies helping cut the celebration cake at the installation of TX-16 2014 officers…(L to R) Bertha Baker, Melitta Pisarcik, Dagmar Becker

Society of Military Widows 2014 Conference Cruise HEADS UP ALL SMW LADIES – e ALOHA CHAPTER IS HELPING TO SPONSOR the 2014 ANNUAL SMW CONVENTION CRUISE – An invitation has been extended to all local members, families and friends as well as all other chapter members to experience Hawaii aboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines’ PRIDE OF AMERICA during the convention October 18th to 25th 2014. It is true! e eight day seven night sailing will include private group activities, a banquet as well as time to relax, explore and reflect. is amazing cruise will enable participants to experience the islands at their own pace amongst friends while being pampered by the excellent service that the Norwegian Cruise Lines are known for. If you are interested and would like more information about the itinerary, cabin availability, pricing, etc., please contact Seawind Tours & Travel, Inc. at (808) 949-4144 or at info@seawindtours.com. CAUTION: Cruise and activities are ONLY available for bookings made through Seawind Tours & Travel. Cabin type selections & handicap access rooms are limited – please book early. ere are installment plans available. e Aloha Chapter hopes to SEE YOU THERE!

my heart was uplifted by a phone call from a NAUS member SMW Legislative Report fromThisTexas.morning He wanted to know about the status of the SBP/DIC offset elimination legislation. I was sorry to tell him that it wasn't even considered for the NDAA 2014. My recommendation was to start in early 2014, contacting the Military Legislative Assistants of his U.S. Representatives and Senators, to get the legislation introduced in Congress, and then to get co-sponsors for these bills. He said that oftentimes when he calls, the staff don't understand what he is talking about, as they are unfamiliar with the SBP/DIC offset that affects approximately 60,000 un-remarried military surviving spouses. I explained that this is our job: to educate the staff about this issue, to tell our stories about how it affects us personally, and what it means to us. We need to call every week, and send e-mails to them. Each office keeps track of how many constituents call and about which issue(s) Please call me - or send me e-mails they are interested in. At the end of each day the staff adds the number of I love to hear from allof you. You all inspire me. calls and e-mails about each particular legislative issue. If you don't call or Janet Snyder - SMW Legislative Chair write, you are making a statement too -- that you don't care. Apathy is what (702) 227-6566 • groundhog71@gmail.com is killing us. We must be passionate and proactive as American citizens.

S OCIETY

M ILITARY W IDOWS ®

w w w. M i li tar yWi dows.o rg

SMWUSJ14

Recruited by

Name

Date of Birth

Address Email Address

DUES: o 1 Yr

City

$19

o 3 Yrs

$49

o 5 Yrs

Phone Number

$69

Society of Military Widows 5535 Hempstead Way, Springfield, VA 22151 www.MilitaryWidows.org • 1-800-842-3451

As a benefit of membership, you receive a subscription to the NAUS Weekly Update e-newsletter. If you do not wish to subscribe, please check here: o Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

State Spouse’s Service Affiliation

Zip

Are you an un-remarried widow? o Yes o No

Charge my dues of $ _______ to my credit card: o VISA o MC o AmEx o Discover Credit Card Acct. No

Credit Card Expiration Date

Name (as shown on Credit Card) Signature (required)

Or make your check payable to: SMW/NAUS 37

Mark Your Calendar!

Annual Meeting Week October 16-19, 2013

More Information Coming Soon!

GETthe

www.NAUS.org

MOST from your

NAUS has partnered with

GovX.com to bring you a

national discount program!

membership!

FREE

SHOP NOW!

www.GovX.com/NAUS Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Seniors’ Corner Omega-3 Intake Linked To Oﬀset Of Dementia A recent study finds older women with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood had slightly less brain shrinkage than women with low fatty acid levels in a new study. e results, researchers say, may suggest that fish oil or other forms of omega-3 fatty acids protect the brain from the loss of volume that happens with normal aging and is seen more severely in people with dementia. "e brain gets smaller during the normal aging process about 0.5 percent per year aer age 70, but dementia is associated with an accelerated and localized process of brain shrinkage," said James Pottala, who led the study. Pottala is an assistant professor at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine in Sioux Falls and chief statistician for the Health Diagnostic Laboratory in Richmond, Virginia. Higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids can be achieved by dietary changes, such as eating fish twice a week or taking fish oil supplements. Researchers caution that more research is needed to know whether raising omega-3 levels would truly make a diﬀerence to brain health as suggested in this particular study.

Mega Data Breach At Target ... Retailer Oﬀers Free Monitoring According to CNNMoney, approximately 70 million people recently received a Target email about the cyber-the of customer credit and debit card data and records of personal information like names, phone numbers and email addresses. If you are one of these people, Target is telling you that your information is part of the stolen database. Target is oﬀering one year of free credit monitoring to all Target guests who shopped in U.S. stores, through Experian’s® ProtectMyID® product which includes identity the insurance where available. To receive your unique activation code for this service, please go to creditmonitoring.target.com and register before April 23, 2014. Activation codes must be redeemed by April 30, 2014.

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

by Rick Jones

You can find additional information and FAQs about this incident at the Target.com/databreach website. If you have further questions, you may call Target at 866-852-8680.

Heart Disease Is A Lifelong Condition: Once You Have It, You’ll Always Have It. ere are an assortment of risk factors that contribute to heart disease including many of your personal characteristics, your health condition, and your lifestyle habits. ese risk factors can also increase your chances that existing heart disease will worsen. Certain risk factors, such as getting older, can’t be changed. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, starting at age 45, a man’s risk of heart disease begins to rise, while a woman’s risk begins to increase at age 55. Family history of early heart disease is another risk factor that can’t be changed. If your father or brother had a heart attack before age 55, or if your mother or sister had one before age 65, you are more likely to develop heart disease yourself. It’s important to realize, however, that you do have control over a number of other risk factors. Regardless of your age or family history, or how serious your heart disease is, you can take steps to reduce your risk of a first or repeat heart attack. You can also manage other problems associated with heart disease, such as angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias. It may be tempting to believe that doing just one healthy thing will be enough to control heart disease. For example, you may hope that if you walk or swim regularly, you can still eat a lot of fatty foods and stay safe. Not so. To reduce your risk of a heart attack and other complications, it is vital to make changes that address each risk factor you have. You can make the changes gradually, one at a time. But making them is very important. Please consult with your doctor about addressing your risks and moving your health in the right direction.

Contributors

THANK YOU to all our contributors and each and every one of you for your faithful and generous support. While we don’t have space to list

every contributor, every gift is appreciated. If you would like to contribute, please use the coupon on page 42 or go online to www.NAUS.org or

call 1-800-842-3451.

Chairman’s Club (More than $500) 2LT Dallas G. Lehn, USA (RET) • Col Susan B. Neugebauer, USAF (RET) Mrs. Jessica Vertman

President’s Club ($200 to $499) LTG Carmen J. Cavezza, Ph.D., USA (RET) • MajGen Lewis G. Curtis, USAF (RET) • Mrs. Laura L. Hilland LTC Donald B. Doggett, USA (RET) • COL John D. Howard, USA (RET) • CW4 Manuel Martinez, USA (RET) RADM Jeremy D. Taylor, USN (RET) • SFC Joe Wesley, USA (RET) • SSG Lloyd I. Bradford, USA (RET) COL Joseph Reeves, USA (RET) • Joseph Tisdale • LtCol Adolf P. Sgambelluri, USMC (RET)

Century Club ($100 to $199) MSgt Stanley R. Alsing, USAF (RET) LtCol Lucile A. Bianchi, USAF (RET) LtCol Harold O. Bohn, USAF (RET) MSgt Tony Bowden, USAF (RET) CSM Ronald W. Buatte, USA (RET) LTC William R. Campbell, USA (RET) SMSgt James D. Carroll, USAF (RET) SSgt Anthony Coleman, USMC (RET) SFC Harold Collins, Jr., USA (RET) SGM Billy J. Cooper, USA (RET) MSgt Phillip R. Dalton, Sr., AUS (RET) LtCol Enoch Daniell, Jr., USAF (RET) GEN John R. Deane, Jr., USA (RET) LCDR Sarah L. Dunsford, NOAA COL Allan R. Durning, Jr., AUS (RET) COL Joseph D. Dye, USA (RET) LTC Osborn N. Foster, USA (RET) CPT Allan J. Goldbaum, USA (RET) LtCol Merle R. Green, Jr., USAF (RET) COL Robert N. Grove, USA (RET) CMSgt Richard R. Hall, Jr., USAF (RET) SGM Walter Y. Harimoto, USA (RET) SGM David F. Harwood, USA (RET) LTC Frank J. Hill, USA (RET) CSM James L. Hurtt, USA (RET) SSG omas N. Johnson, USA (RET) SKC Billy J. Knight, USN (RET) CSM Young H. Ko, USA (RET) SgtMaj Morton S. Landy, USMC (RET) LTC George C. Lawton, USA (RET) Mr. Stephen Leisge Mr. Lincoln Linscott LtCol Norma M. Loeser, USAF (RET) LCDR John A. Mancini, USNR (RET) Maj Roger L. Martin, USAF (RET) Ms. omasina Miller Mrs. Patricia A. Murphy MajGen Richard D. Murray, USAF (RET) MSG Alvin Parker, USA (RET) SMSgt George H. Peary, Jr., USAF (RET) 40

Mrs. Beverly J. Ramsey COL Gene B. Reniker, USA (RET) CAPT Larry J. Rousseau, USNR (RET) MAJ Melvin N. Russell, Jr., USA (RET) Capt Martin W. Sebe, USAF (RET) LtCol Robert J. Shippee, USAF (RET) Mrs. Madeleine H. Tapp 1SG Johnnie M. Tate, USA (RET) Ms. Marjorie Terry CMSgt Robert L. rower, Sr., USAF (RET) MAJ James Vaughn AOC(AW) Clark P. Warren, USN (RET) TSgt Donald O. Weaver, USAF (RET) LTC omas B. Whalen, USA (RET)

Booster Club ($35 to $99) SFC Deborah S. Abel, AUS (RET) Mrs. Regina B. Acosta SSG Donald R. Adams, USA (RET) MAJ David P. Adamson, USA (RET) MSG Patrick K. Akuna, USA (RET) COL Robert Allen, USAR (RET) LtCol John W. Amidon, USAF (RET) COL William E. Amsberry, USA (RET) CPO Bob R. Apple, USN (RET) LtCol Marlin L. Arford, USAF (RET) SFC omas L. Armstrong, USA (RET) CW3 Charles W. Arnold, USA (RET) YNCM Dennis G. Arnold, USN (RET) Col George Atteberry, USMCR (RET) CAPT Jose Ayala, II, USNR SFC Nobuyoshi Azebu, USA (RET) MAJ John H. Babbitt, USA (RET) CDR William A. Bair, USN (RET) SMSgt Paul D. Baker, USAF (RET) Mrs. Vickie S. Baker LtCol Robert E. Baldauf, USAF (RET) MSgt Maxie L. Ballenger, USAF (RET) Maj Ronald Bane, USMC (RET) Mr. Raymond Bantz LTJG John M. Barkus, MM (RET) Col Adolph F. Basse, USAF (RET)

MSgt Carrol R. Batt, USAF (RET) Mrs. Dona K. Baucom MSgt Bud G. Beard, USAF (RET) CW4 Honora D. Bechard, USA (RET) CW3 Bernard H. Belvin, USA (RET) Mrs. Yvonne D. Benedict Ms. Ilse Bent TSgt Peter P. Berna, USAF (RET) GMCM Alvin Bernard, USN (RET) Mrs. Barbara Best SGM Ronald D. Birrell, USA (RET) Col Joseph C. Biscone, Jr., USAF (RET) SMSgt William T. Bishop, Jr., USAF (RET) Ms. Julie A. Bizzell Mrs. Donna Blaisdell SFC Loren F. Blass, USA (RET) LtCol Jerry F. Bonin, USAF (RET) LTC Richard L. Boos, USA (RET) CAPT Alejo Borrero, Ph.D., USPHS (RET) YNC Charles E. Boyd, USN (RET) 1SG Allen R. Boynton, USA (RET) SFC Ray E. Bracken, USA (RET) CPO Daniel W. Braman, USN (RET) 1SG Donald R. Braun, USA (RET) Mrs. Mildred A. Brenner CMSgt Donald E. Brewer, USAF (RET) SSG Otis J. Brooks, USA (RET) CMSgt Claude D. Brown, USAF (RET) MSgt Edward F. Brown, USAF (RET) Col Charles W. Brown, USAF (RET) LtCol Edward G. Brown, Jr., USAF (RET) COL Charles A. Brox, Jr., USA (RET) SFC John P. Buchanan, USA (RET) CAPT Roger L. Buck, USN (RET) LtCol Edward P. Bucko, USAF (RET) SFC Patrick Buday, USAR (RET) LTC Charles T. Buggs, USA (RET) Ms. Dorothy A. Burbank COL Robert L. Burke, USA (RET) 1SG Edward E. Burkett, USA (RET)

LTC Robert G. C. Burns, USA (RET) LtCol Ray F. Butts, USAF (RET) ADRC Donald E. Campbell, USN (RET) MSgt Cliﬀord H. Campbell, USAF (RET) Mr. Edward B. Campen COL Pearl F. Caponera, USA SFC Donald R. Carey, USA (RET) MSG Ronald W. Carey, USA (RET) COL Mark C. Carrigan, USA (RET) CSM Harley M. Carriger, USA (RET) SFC Isaac Carter, USA (RET) COL Richard L. Cary, Sr., USA (RET) CSM John E. Casprowitz, USA (RET) Col Michael S. Cassidy, USAF (RET) Maj Peter Ceballos, USAF (RET) SFC Alvan C. Chamberlain, USA (RET) MSgt Jerry O. Chase, USAF (RET) SFC Charles E. Chester, Jr., USA (RET) Mrs. Mirren A. Clabaugh Maj William T. Clagett, III, USAF (RET) Mrs. Sylvia W. Clark Col Allen B. Clark, USMC (RET) MSgt John J. Clayton, USAF (RET) Mrs. Ellen C. Clemmons Col Michael L. Cluﬀ, USMC (RET) MSgt Antone R. Coelho, USAF (RET) CMSgt William Comer, USAF (RET) CW4 Robert L. Connors, USA (RET) Mr. James Constantine CPO Ralph A. Cook, USN (RET) TMC Ronald L. Cook, USN (RET) MSgt omas W. Cookston, USAF (RET) Col William Cooper, Jr., USAF (RET) VADM Daniel L. Cooper, USN (RET) MSgt Ray C. Cordell, USAF (RET) LTC James P. Coughlin, USA (RET) COL Robert S. Coutchie, USA (RET) LtCol Alice L. Cox-Mosher, USAF (RET) MSgt John D. Coy, USAF (RET) Mrs. Opal R. Craig Ms. Ida Crawley

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

1SG Jose D. Crespo, USA (RET) SSgt Roy L. Crittendon, USAF (RET) SGT Jerald M. Crum, USA (VET) LtCol Edward R. Cullen, USAF (RET) MAJ Cecil W. Culpepper, Jr., USA (RET) BGen James F. Culver, M.D., USAF (RET) Mrs. Dorothy G. Cummings TSgt William Cunningham, USAF (RET) MSgt Francis D. Cunningham, USAF (RET) CW4 Harvey L. Curry, USA (RET) SSG Raymond R. Czerkie, USA (RET) Dr. Robert B. Daroff, M.D. MSgt Walter L. Daschofsky, USAF (RET) Maj Donald L. Davis, USMC (RET) CW3 William A. Dawson, USA (RET) Col Raymond E. Dax, USAF (RET) Mrs. Sylvia B. Decker Ms. Charlotte A. Depoy MSgt Albert A. DeRubbio, Jr., USAF (RET) AVCM Ellery D. DeSanto, Jr., USN (RET) CPT David E. DeWalt, USA (RET) LtCol Richard D. Dickover, USAF (RET) SFC Dianna D. Dimick, USA CSM Richard L. Divine, USA (RET) COL Harvey J. Dockal, USA (RET) Col Jesse P. Dominguez, USAF (RET) VADM William A. Dougherty, Jr., USN (RET) LTC Henry A. Douglas, USA (RET) MAJ James B. Dowds, USA (RET) COL Earl D. Downing, USA (RET) MG James L. Dozier, USA (RET) LtCol Robert A. Dreyling, USAF (RET) CAPT Don J. Duhrkopf, USN (RET) CMSgt Carl A. Dumke, USAF (VET) Mrs. Dorothea J. Duncan SP6 Jesse C. Dyson, USA (RET) SMSgt Everett M. Edds, USAF (RET) COL Robert B. Edwards, USA (RET) MSgt David Effler, USAF (RET) LTC John T. Elliott, USA (RET) SFC Clifford E. Ellis, USA (RET) Mrs. Roberta Erbacher-Zerda LtCol Myron M. Everton, USAF (RET) CPL Frederick A. Farley, USA (VET) CMSgt Walter H. Farris, Jr., USAF (RET) 1SG Raymond A. Faulkner, ARNG (RET) MSgt Edward E. Fegley, USAF (RET) CPO (SS) William T. Finney, Sr., USN (RET) Col Donald A. Flood, USAF (RET) LtCol Myron D. Forbes, USAF (RET) LTC Martin M. Ford, USA (RET) MSgt Armand L. Fortin, USAF (RET) SFC Maurice L. Fox, USA (RET) MSG Norris L. Frazier, USA (RET) LtCol Elmer F. Frick, Jr., USAFR (RET) CPT Francis M. Garcia, USA (RET) 1SG Charles F. Gates, USA (RET) CW4 James L. Gatewood, USA (RET) CW2 James E. Gay, Jr., USA (RET) Mr. Milton L. Geller COL Frank E. Gemma, M.D., USA (RET) Mrs. Richard Gillen

PSG Richard H. Glass, USA (RET) CDR Edward M. Goodwin, USCG (RET) SFC John W. Gossman, USA (RET) MSgt Alverna K. Gow, USAF (RET) Mrs. Gillian M. Greene SMSgt David C. Griﬃn, USAF (RET) GEN Ronald H. Griﬃth, USA (RET) SMSgt Hugh B. Haddock, USAF (RET) LtCol Mark H. Haesecke, USAF (RET) Mrs. Nadine I. Halstead Col George F. Hammett, Jr., USAF (RET) LtCol Frederic A. Hannah, Jr., USAF (RET) LTC Morris F. Hanson, Jr., USA (RET) Mrs. Lorraine J. Hanson SFC Charles P. Hardee, Sr., USA (RET) MSgt Donald R. Harrill, USAF (RET) COL Loston Harris, USA (RET) TSgt Gordon D. Hart, USAF (RET) SrA Kurt W. Hatfield, USAF (RET) SFC Cedric C. Hawkins, USA (RET) LTC George R. Haymond, USA (RET) Mr. Donald M. Heasley SGM omas A. Hedgecoke, USA (RET) CAPT Lynn N. Hein, USCG (RET) SFC Charles R. Henderson, Jr., USA (RET) Col Neal R. Hickle, USAF (RET) Maj Robert L. Hickok, USAF (RET) COL Jimmy C. Hill, USA (RET) CMSgt James C. Hinson, Jr., USAF (RET) SFC James Hoag, USA (RET) 1SG Kenneth W. Hobbs, USA (RET) MAJ John S. Hodson, USA (RET) CAPT Helen A. Holbrook, USN (RET) SFC Francis E. Hollobaugh, USA (RET) Mrs. Carol E. Holton LtCol Ramon A. Horinek, USAF (RET) CW4 Roland E. Horn, USA (RET) LtCol Karl F. Horner, USAF (RET) Ms. Sylvia E. Hosegood MSG Joe Howard, USA (RET) Mrs. Helen F. Hughes CAPT Carl W. Huntley, USPHS 1SG Lonnie T. Hutto, USA (RET) Col Floyd W. Isley, USAF (RET) MSgt Romey L. Jackson, USAF (RET) Rev. John James PO1 Edward Janek, Sr., USN (RET) COL Tom J. Jaworsky, USA (RET) BG Morgan Jellett, USA (RET) 1SG Charlie L. Jobe, USA (RET) MSgt Harvey L. Johns, USAF (RET) LTC Tony Byron Johnson, USA (RET) CSM Wyatt Johnson, USA (RET) COL Jackie F. Johnson, USA (RET) LTC Linda D. Johnson, Ph.D., USA (RET) LTC Curtis J. Johnson, USA (RET) COL William V. Johnson, USA (RET) Mrs. Opal L. Johnstone CWO-4 Charles W. Joiner, USN (RET) Mrs. Creola C. Jones LTC Carl L. Jones, USA (RET)

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

LTC Robert E. Jones, USA (RET) SH2 Joseph D. Jordan, USN (RET) Sgt Anthony Joyce, USMC (VET) PN1 Phyllis J. Jurges, USN (VET) MSgt Arthur C. Kallagis, USAF (RET) LTC Kenneth A. Kallbreier, USA (RET) MSG Tokuo Kanda, USAR (RET) CDR John L. Karrer, USN (RET) LtCol Edward T. Kast, USAF (RET) Col Richard B. Kehl, USAF (RET) Mrs. May Kershaw TSgt Leslie D. Kimble, USAF (RET) CSM Lloyd H. Kindred, USA (RET) MAJ Raymond D. King, USA (RET) MMC Harold L. King, USN (RET) Mrs. Naomi H. Kirchman LTC Leonard M. Kirk, USA (RET) Maj William R. Knapp, USAF (RET) CPL Donald E. Knight, USA (RET) LtCol Henry J. Kogge, USAF (RET) MSgt David L. Kosik, USAF (RET) Mrs. Marianne Krieger MCPO John O. Kunkel, USN (RET) Mrs. Ann Marie Kuntz Sgt Roy T. Kurosawa, USAF (RET) Mrs. Virginia M. Kurrich Col omas Laﬀerty, USAF (RET) 1SG Jose S. Laguana, USA (RET) MCPO Gaylord T. Larson, USN (RET) CPO Vincent G. Lawrence, USCG (RET) LtCol Harry E. Lee, USAF (RET) Mrs. Rose E. Lee HTC Richard G. Leland, USN (RET) PO1 William D. Like, USN (RET) LtCol Weymer E. Liljedahl, USAF (RET) SGM Elpidio Lin-Justiniano, USA (RET) CSM Arthur F. Liska, USA (RET) TSgt Horace Little, USAF (RET) CAPT Robert C. Lloyd, Jr., USPHS COL Miller L. Love, P.E., USA (RET) Mrs. Lee M. Lowe LTC James W. Lowe, USA (RET) Col John N. Luebbermann, USAF (RET) LTC Kenderton S. Lynch, II, USA (RET) SMSgt Richard E. MacIver, USAF (RET) MSG Peter W. Maiker, USA (RET) CMSgt Michael J. Malast, USAF (RET) LTC Louis A. Mallia, USA (RET) MSgt Allen L. Mann, USAF (RET) Maj omas D. Marick, USAF (RET) MSgt George Marrs, USAF (RET) COL James D. Marshall, USA (RET) SSG James M. Marshman, USA (RET) LTC Roberts R. Martin, USA (RET) SGT Pili M. Masaniai, USA (RET) LTC Robert A. Massey, USA (RET) LtCol Joseph C. Matechik, USAF (RET) MG William M. Matz, Jr., USA (RET) LtCol Edward W. Maxwell, USAF (RET) CAPT Stephen B. Mazer, USNR (RET) SFC Alvin K. Mazonna, USA (RET) SFC Edward F. Mazur, USA (RET) SCPO Joseph McCarthy, Jr., USN (RET) MSgt Donald E. McClain, USAF (RET)

Mrs. Olga A. McCord Ms. Nancy W. McCoy BGen William L. McCulloch, USMC (RET) Mrs. Carolyn H. McDaniel PO1 William A. McGowan, Jr., USN (RET) Ms. Ellen McGuire MAJ Hubert F. McKenney, Jr., USA (RET) LtCol George W. McMichael, Jr., USAF (RET) COL William V. McMullen, USAR (RET) CTA1 Robert Van McQueen, USNR (RET) LtCol James S. McReynolds, USAF (RET) MSG Larry K. Mead, USA (RET) LtCol Richard Mead, USAF (RET) MSgt Winfred T. Medlin, USAF (RET) MAJ Arthur J. L. Meether, USA (RET) CW4 Robert R. Meier, USA (RET) SSG Charles Menz Mr. Randy W. Miles SGM Laurence B. Miller, USA (RET) Maj Peter B. Mills, USAF (RET) MSG Lonnie M. Moon, USA (RET) MAJ Roger A. Moore, USA (RET) SFC Gary L. Moore, USA (RET) SMSgt Fay F. Moore, USAF (RET) LTC Peter W. Moore, USA (RET) CMSgt Billy J. Morford, USAF (RET) MSgt George W. Morgan, USAF (RET) CPO Stanley T. Morgan, Jr., USN (RET) SMA Glen E. Morrell, USA (RET) Mrs. Vera L. Morris LCDR Marc Moser, NOAA Mrs. Frances W. Mount COL Brian J. Mulherin, USA (RET) Col Edward A. Munns, USAF (RET) MAJ Mark E. Murray, USA (RET) Col Charles W. Myers, USAF (RET) Ms. Janice C. Myers PFC William P. Nation, USA (VET) SMSgt Wayne S. Nelson, USAF (RET) MAJ Edward L. Nettles, Jr., USA (RET) TSgt Stephen K. Newman, USAF (RET) PO1 John R. Newmaster, USN (RET) SFC Charlie Nichols, USA (RET) CWO-3 Arthur G. Nolan, USN (RET) Mrs. Roslyn Norman GMG1 William H. Northamer, USN (RET) Mrs. Correne A. Northrup CWO-2 James J. O'Brien, USCG (RET) Col Robert E. O'Neil, USAF (RET) LtCol Harry B. Ocker, Jr., USAF (RET) SFC John H. Ogle, USA (RET) Mrs. Neva Ogle Cpl Bruce M. Oliver, USMC (RET) Mrs. Dixie Pace CDR Bruce R. Panas, USN (RET) PO1 James Parker, USN (RET) COL Charles C. Partridge, USA (RET) Mrs. Faye Patin TSgt Camellia Patrick, USAF (RET) Col George A. Patterson, USAF (RET) Mrs. Barbara A. Patterson Maj F. D. Patterson, USMC (RET) 41

Mr. David S. Pearson LtCol George F. Penfield, USAF (RET) Mrs. Lillian Pepple PO2 Paul C. Perez, USN (VET) SSG James C. Perkins, USA (RET) Mrs. Christina L. Petteruti Mr. Howard W. Pfeifer Mrs. Margie F. Phelps CPL Dennis J. Piehl, USA (VET) LtCol Fred T. Pillsbury, USAF (RET) Mrs. Agnes M. Popovich LTC Donald C. Porter, USA (RET) Mrs. Beatrice Powell SFC Melvin J. Powell, USA (RET) Ms. Ruth G. Power 1SG Timothy L. Pratt, USA (RET) MSgt Ronald S. Preston, USAF (RET) LtCol Curtis A. Preston, USAF (RET) COL Richard M. Prior, USA PSG Earnest O. Proﬃtt, USA (RET) COL James H. Pugmire, USA (RET) LTC Elwray Pujol, USA (RET) COL Paul M. Pusey, USA (RET) Col Ronnie R. Radford, USAF (RET) LtCol Ronald C. Ramlow, USAF (RET) LtCol Carroll C. Rands, USAF (RET) CSM Wallace W. Rapp, USA (RET) CMSgt Anthony J. Rappa, USNG (RET) LtCol Arthur Ratcliﬀe, III, USAF (RET) SFC Arthur C. Rathburn, USA (RET) SMSgt Merle F. Reams, USAF (RET) CAPT Bill H. Reid, USPHS (RET) LTC Charles D. Revie, USA (RET) LtCol Alfred J. Reyer, USMC (RET) Mr. Philip A. Reyes SFC Angelo Rhea, USA (RET) Mrs. Sandra M. Rhea Ms. Jean E. Richins Mrs. Ruth Richmond SFC William R. Riddle, USA (RET) TSgt Neil A. Ridgeway, USAF (RET) CMSgt Norbert H. Riehm, USAF (RET) 42

Col Rodney A. Rivard, USAF (RET) LTC John G. Roberts, Jr., USA (RET) CMSgt James S. Roberts, USAF (RET) Mr. John G. Roberts CMSgt Kenneth E. Roberts, USAF (RET) MG George R. Robertson, USA (RET) CWO-2 Maxie L. Robinson, USAF (RET) MSG Charles E. Robinson, USA (RET) LtCol James W. Roby, USAF (RET) CW2 Edward Rochel, USA (RET) Mrs. Rose A. Rodriguez PO1 Dana O. Rodriguez, USCG (VET) Ms. Beatrice Rogers Col Richard F. Rom, USAF (RET) SFC Jesus T. Rosario, USA (RET) LTC omas L. Rose, USA (RET) LtCol Jack C. Rosenau, USAF (RET) Ms. Marlene Crocker Rosin FTCS James M. Ross, USN (RET) CMSgt Wallace J. Routsong, USAF (RET) CAPT Arthur E. Rowe, Jr., USN (RET) SSG William H. Rowswell, USA (RET) Mr. William A. Roy Mr. Stephen Russell SCPO Matthew Rutschky, USN (RET) CMSgt Daniel E. Ryan, USAF (RET) Mrs. Gloria R. Ryder LTC Bobbye J. Sanders, USA (RET) CSM William H. Sanders, USAR (RET) LTC Robert H. Sandstrom, USA (RET) Mrs. Gerda Sano Ms. Dorothy L. Scariano MAJ William R. Schneider, USA (RET) In Memory of COL John J. Lexemburger, USA (Ret) from LtCol G. Ray Schoch, USAF (Ret) LCDR Milton D. Schroeder, USN (RET) TSgt William M. Schroer, Jr., USAF (RET) SMSgt Christina S. Schroer, USAF (RET)

Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Mrs. G. Sue Schuneman SP4 Ronald R. Schwartz, USA (RET) COL James G. Scott, USA (RET) Col Hugh L. Scott, USAF (RET) SGM Ray H. Screws, USA (RET) SFC omas J. Scrodin, USA (RET) Col Bonnie Scudder, USAF (RET) COL Donald H. See, USA (RET) Mrs. Gladys Sessoms SGM Robert T. Shakour, USA (RET) LCDR Robert A. Shaver, USN (RET) Mrs. Carole L. Sheldon Mr. Dale K. Shelton LtCol Carl Shidell, USAF (RET) CWO-4 Gerald T. Shields, USN (RET) CWO2 Austin E. Shirley, USMC (RET) SSG George C. Shuﬀ, USA (RET) LCpl Carl Sibiga, USMC (VET) Mrs. Shelley Sibley COL Irwin Silberman SFC Joseph F. Silva, USA (RET) MG Stephen Silvasy, Jr., USA (RET) LtCol Charles Simpson, USA (RET) Col William R. Sims, USAF (RET) AOC Lawrence A. Singley, USN (RET) CAPT Ben L. Sloan, USN (RET) MSG Doyle D. Smith, USA (RET) SgtMaj Charles F. Smith, USMC (RET) BM1 Robert Dale Smith, USN (RET) CWO4 Donald R Smith, USN (RET) Mrs. Hazel W. Smith LTC Robert A. Smith, USA (RET) Maj Katherine C. Snuggs, USAF (RET) CDR Donald L. Sodrel, USN (RET) LtCol Harry Solomon, USAF (RET) Mrs. Alreda W. Southall

TAPS

MSgt Stanley Speigle, USAF (RET) Mrs. Mary E. Sproles SFC Cecil R. Staley, USA (RET) CSM Daniel H. P. Stanley, USA (RET) 1SG John P. Stannard, Jr., USA (RET) LTC Donald L. State, USA (RET) Mrs. Margaret J. Stephens MSgt Louis W. Stini, USAF (RET) LtCol Elwood D. Storrs, Jr., USAF (RET) Maj James H. Stott, USAF (RET) SSG Norval J. Stovall, USA (RET) CPT Frank R. Strebel, USA (RET) MSgt Ronald K. Strum, USAF (RET) TSgt Glenn K. Suiter, USAF (RET) HM1 Michael P. Sulima, USN (RET) Mrs. Anne D. Swain Col Richard C. Swan, USAF (RET) SSG Lawrence G. Tabor, USA (RET) 1SG Ken Taggart, USAR (RET) LtCol John F. Takeuchi, USAF (RET) SMSgt Earl A. Tarkington, USAF (RET) COL Clyde J. Tate, USA (RET) TSgt Tommy C. Taylor, USAF (RET) Col Daniel D. Taylor, USAF (RET) LtCol Arthur V. Tennyson, USAF (RET) TSgt Jack Terry, USAF (RET) CPO Orville L. ein, USN (RET) LT Kenneth M. olan, USN (VET) CSM Claud J. omas, USNG (RET) HMC Roger L. omas, USN (RET) SFC Raymond G. ompson, USA (RET) Ms. Jean ompson MSgt Walter C. weatt, USAF (RET) SSG Emil C. Toedtli, USA (RET) SMSgt Charles T. Torpey, USAF (RET) CMSgt Guy L. Townsley, Jr., USAF (RET)

TSgt Louis Triguero, Jr., USAF (RET) MSG Anthony E. Trujillo, USA (RET) LTC Elizabeth G. Tullis, USA (RET) CSM Nicholas A. Tulve, USA (RET) CDR R. L. Tupper, USNR (RET) MSG Victor C. Underwood, USA (RET) CAPT Doris R. Vail, USN (RET) COL Nicholas P. Vamvakias, USA (RET) Col omas R. Van Meter, USAF (RET) SSG Michael D. Vance, USA (RET) CW4 Joseph A. Vandervest, Jr., USA (RET) CMSgt Ramon G. Vega, USAF (RET) MSG Philip Velez, USA (RET) MSgt Manuel M. Villegas, USAF (RET) STSCS (SS) Roger R. Volk, USN (RET) Mrs. Delores A. Vsetecka TSgt Billy L. Wadford, USAF (RET) Mrs. Adell R. Walin LtCol Donald C. Walker, USAF (RET) 1SG Willie L. Walker, Jr., USA (RET) MSgt Rollan W. Walker, USAF (RET) Sgt Ronald D. Walker, USAF (RET) SKCS Robert J. Walsh, USN (RET) Mrs. Mary G. Walton CDR Eugene Wanglie, USN (RET) CDR eodore W. Ward, USN (RET) MSgt Paul Weathers, USAF (RET) 1SG L. David Webb, USA (RET) Col Melvin Bud Weber, USAF (RET) Mrs. Gail F. Wehmeyer COL Albert N. Weidhas, Jr., USA (RET) LTC George B. Werthan, USA (RET) COL eron D. Whidden, Jr., USA (RET) 1SG Caesar White, USA (RET) Mr. James J. White SFC Bobby L. Whitson, USA (RET)

CDR Manfred W. Widman, USN (RET) LtCol William R. Wiemers, USAF (RET) CMSgt Ronald D. Willard, USAF (RET) Mrs. Tempie H. Williams LtCol Vincent C. Willis, USAF (RET) Ms. Mildred L. Willis Maj Robert L. Wilson, USAF (RET) CMSgt Elmo Wilson, USAF (RET) MSgt Robert Wilson, Jr., USAF (RET) Maj Bill B. Wilson, USAF (RET) Maj Paul D. Winkler, USAF (RET) LtCol John E. Woerly, Jr., USAF (RET) MSgt Harold E. Wohlenberg, USMC (RET) MSgt Marvin F. Wohletz, USAF (RET) Col Harry F. Wood, Jr., USAF (RET) LtCol Dale B. Woodburn, USAFR (RET) Maj Gordon E. Woods, Dr., USAF (RET) SFC James H. World, USA (RET) Mrs. Sadie F. Wright CAPT Daniel A. Wright, USN (RET) CAPT Donald T. Wruble, USPHS (RET) CDR Patricia M. Wurgler, USN (RET) Col William S. Yancey, USAF (RET) BG Gino S. Zangara, ARNG (RET) COL Carl M. Zilian, USA (RET)

In Lieu of Flowers: NAUS wishes to thank those who have asked that “In lieu of flowers” a donation be made to the NAUS. is is a thoughtful and lasting salute to the memory of those dedicated veterans of the uniformed services. ank you for thinking of those who will follow. Donations should be sent to: NAUS, 5535 Hempstead Way, Springfield, VA 22151

BM1 Jose Alvarez, USN (RET) LtCol Robert B. Artz, USAF (RET) LtCol Robert E. Augur, USAF (RET) CW3 Michael W. Bishop, USA (RET) BrigGen Vicente T. Blaz, USMC (RET) SSG Lloyd I. Bradford, USA (RET) CSM Hite E. Bright, USA (RET) SSgt Gilbert E. Callow, Jr., USAF (RET) CW4 George Carlstrom, USA (RET) MAJ John Cevaal, USA (RET) CMSgt William C. Chaney, USAF (RET) MRC Donald H. Dorfer, USN (RET) Mrs. Waltraud H. Drouin MSG Edward J. Fahey, Jr., USA (RET) 1SG Vincent J. Farrell, USA (RET) MSgt William H. Fortin, USAF (RET) SGT Royal Marcel Fournier, Sr., USA (RET) Mrs. Betty R. Fraley CSM William T. Gill, USA (RET) CPL Ralph M. Haney, USA (VET) Mrs. Maria T. Hansen ADCS William G. Langlitz, USN (RET) Uniformed Services Journal March/April 2014

Mrs. Vivian B. Larrere Mrs. Marietta B. Marr SGM Robert J. McIntyre, USA (RET) LtCol Eugene A. Miller, USAF (RET) Mrs. Gisela M. Miyamoto CPO Albert F. Ogden, USN (RET) Mrs. Josephine C. Parsons SFC Dixie L. Porter, USA (RET) CWO-2 Edward Schertzer, USCG (RET) MSgt Roger L. Schmidtke, USAF (RET) RMCM Clyde D. Southern, Jr., USN (RET) MSG Russell W. Sunbury, USA (RET) LTC Fred M. Tannery, USA (RET) Mrs. Rita M. Teal Mrs. Vedette Telford MSgt Daniel R. Waldo, USAF (RET) SSG James L. Walker, USA (RET) CAPT Alan F. Wilson, USN (RET) Mrs. Gwendolyn D. Winters Maj Ralph J. Wittrock, USAF (RET) HM1 William N. Wood, USN (RET) 1LT Norman J. Yonan, USA (RET) 43

he National Association for Uniformed Services is the only military service organization that has an active Political Action Committee (PAC). The NAUS PAC allows our organization to stand out from other associations and through your contributions allows us important one-on-one access to members of Congress. NAUS PAC is a non-partisan, voluntary, non-profit organization that allows NAUS members to participate in the political process by supporting federal candidates seeking re-election, who by virtue of their voting records, have supported military and veterans issues. Candidates seeking PAC support are assessed on their past support and current positions and their willingness to work with the NAUS legislative team. We also entertain requests from our chapters who wish to support a candidate in their local areas. NAUS PAC has traditionally asked our members for support every other year during the major election cycles. The next major fund drive for NAUS-PAC will be in this year, so you will be seeing the NAUS-PAC Fundraising packet in your mailbox in the coming months.You can also contribute now by returning this form with your donation. If you are NOT a NAUS member we ! cannot accept your PAC donation and it will be returned to you. Detach here and return with your contribution. WHY SUPPORT NAUS-PAC? - Financial Remember, ONLY NAUS MEMBERS can make donations to support of the PAC allows your NAUS Legislative the PAC. Federal Election Law requires that we ask you for the Team the access to meet with Representatives and following information: Senators face to face in order to present our positions on various issues or to thank them for their previous Name: and current support of our legislative goals. It allows NAUS Membership # (optional): Occupation: all NAUS members the opportunity to participate in the political process. Along with the many emails, Place of Employment: letters and phone calls your voluntary contributions Make your check payable to NAUS PAC and mail to make a difference and we appreciate your help. NAUS PAC, 5535 Hempstead Way, Springfield, VA 22151 Together we are doing very good things and Contributions to the NAUS PAC are not tax-deductible. supporting your PAC helps tremendously.