Marine Corps

EOD TechsMarine Corps

EOD Techs

!

page 18

N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 3S ta l e m at e , C o m m i S S i o N m ay t h r e at e N b e N e f i t S 8

5 FRA Welcomes FO Steve Cox

16 Welcome Branch 232

28 FRA’s Newest Life Members

You don’t have to �ght

this alone.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with, or died from asbestos related lung cancer or mesothelioma, we may be able to help you get monetary compensation from the asbestos companies.

With over 65 years of collective experience in asbestos litigation, the professionals at Bergman Draper Ladenburg welcome the chance to provide you with the highest quality representation and the individual attention you deserve.

MESOTHELIOMA

The Northwest’s Leading Asbestos Litigation Firm

614 First Avenue4th FloorSeattle, WA 98104

206.957.9510888.647.6007 Toll Freewww.bergmanlegal.com

We accept cases throughout the

United States and Canada

Call for information and a free consultation.

1

FRA

Tod

Ay N

ovem

ber

2013

Volume 92 Number 11

Featured18 KA-BOOm!

Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians are uniquely qualified to identify bombs and other hazardous materials, and disarm, detonate or otherwise render them safe. It’s dangerous and challenging work, but these specially-trained Marines wouldn’t want it any other way.

Departments 2 COmmuniCAtiOns

5 WelCOme ABOArd FRA Introduces New Finance Officer Steve Cox

6 sHiPmAte FOrum

8 On & OFF CAPitOl HillStalemate, Commission May Threaten Benefits

16 memBersHiP mAttersWelcome Branch 232

28 neW FrA liFe memBers

30 lOOKing FOr… / reuniOns

32 tAPs

34 neWs FrOm tHe BrAnCHes

36 FrA AuXiliArY neWsMessage from Past National President Cindy Rodham Tuck

On tHe COverMarine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal techni-cians know all about big bangs! Whether preventing them or making them happen in a controlled man-ner, they use their skills and expertise to keep their fellow warfighters safe.

FrA is A COngressiOnAllY CHArtered, nOn-PrOFit OrgAnizAtiOn AdvOCAting FOr Current And FOrmer enlisted memBers OF tHe u.s. nAvY, mArine COrPs And COAst guArd On CAPitOl Hill. FOr mOre inFOrmAtiOn On tHe BeneFits OF memBersHiP, PleAse visit WWW.FrA.Org Or CAll 800-FrA-1924.

lOYAltY, PrOteCtiOn And serviCe

Marine Corps

EOD TechsMarine Corps

EOD Techs

!

November 2013

18

8

16

You don’t have to �ght

this alone.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with, or died from asbestos related lung cancer or mesothelioma, we may be able to help you get monetary compensation from the asbestos companies.

With over 65 years of collective experience in asbestos litigation, the professionals at Bergman Draper Ladenburg welcome the chance to provide you with the highest quality representation and the individual attention you deserve.

MESOTHELIOMA

The Northwest’s Leading Asbestos Litigation Firm

614 First Avenue4th FloorSeattle, WA 98104

206.957.9510888.647.6007 Toll Freewww.bergmanlegal.com

We accept cases throughout the

United States and Canada

Call for information and a free consultation.

2

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

CommuniCATions

NatioNal officers/Board of directors

National President Mark A. Kilgore, Pensacola Branch 22

National Vice President Virgil P. Courneya, High Sierra Branch 274

National executive dir. Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Department Branch 181

finance officer Paul Rigby, Honorary Member

Junior PNP Jeffrey A. Gilmartin, Potomac Branch 207

National Parliamentarian PNP Bob Beese, Volusia County Branch 335

National chaplain Earnest Reed, Tallahassee Branch 34

regioNal PresideNts

New england Paul F. Loveless Jr., Pinetree Branch 156

Northeast David Munday III, Lakehurst Branch 124

east coast Donald A. Hoover, Annapolis Branch 24

southeast James E. Robbins Jr., First Coast Branch 91

North central John W. Partin II, Greater St. Louis Branch 267

south central Robert A. Holcomb, Capital Area Branch 201

southwest Michael F. Fulton, Imperial Beach Branch 289

West coast Shane S. Dunstan, Salt Lake City Branch 185

Northwest Margret A. Burke, Inland Empire Branch 38

actiVe duty adVisory couNcil

Master chief Petty officer of the Navy Michael Stevens

sergeant Major of the Marine corps Micheal Barrett

Master chief Petty officer of the coast guard Michael Leavitt

reserVe adVisory couNcil

force Master chief of the Navy reserve Clarence “CJ” Mitchell

usMc reserve force sergeant Major James Booker

Master chief Petty officer of the coast guard reserve force

Mark Allen

fra today MagaziNe

Publisher FRA

National executive director Joseph L. Barnes

communications director/Managing editor Lauren Armstrong

independent consultant for FRA Today Eileen Murphy

contributing Photographer Paul Gunther

design and art direction

FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com

design director Scott Rodgerson

Production Manager Sandy Jones

FRA TodAy (ISSN 0028-1409) IS PuBLISHED MoNtHLy By FRA, 125 N. WESt St., ALExANDRIA, VA 22314-2754. A MEMBER’S SuBSCRIPtIoN IS CoVERED By tHE MEMBER’S ANNuAL DuES. PERIoDICALS PoStAGE PAID At ALExANDRIA, VA AND ADDItIoNAL oFFICES. PuBLICAtIoN oF NoN-SPoNSoRED ADVERtISING IN FrA ToDAy DoES Not CoNStItutE AN ENDoRSEMENt By tHE FRA oR ItS REPRESENtAtIVES. PostMaster: seNd address chaNges to: MeMBer serVices, fra, 125 N. West st., alexaNdria, Va 22314-2754. FrA ToDAy IS PuBLISHED IN tHE INtEREStS oF ALL CuRRENt AND FoRMER ENLIStED PERSoNNEL oF tHE u.S. NAVy, MARINE CoRPS, AND CoASt GuARD. ELIGIBLE NoN-MEMBERS ARE Not ENtItLED to SuBSCRIPtIoN RAtES. EStABLISHED 1 NoVEMBER 1923. tItLE REGIStERED WItH u.S. PAtENt oFFICE.

FRA ADMINIStRAtIVE HEADquARtERS: 125 N. WESt St., ALExANDRIA, VA 22314-2754 PHoNE: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 • FAx: 703-549-6610 • E-MAIL: FRAtoDAy@FRA.oRG

W W W . F R A . o R G

VoLuME 92 NuMBER 11

Lauren Armstrong is FRA’s Director of Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of FrA Today. Please contact her at lauren@fra.org.

Lauren ArmstrongTransitionThere are a loT of changes on the horizon for our country, our military and our Association.

As this issue of FRA Today goes to print, Congress is considering the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization (see page 8), provisions of which will determine the future of pay and benefits for our nation’s service members and retirees. October 1st marked the beginning of the new fiscal year and the implementation of TRICARE Prime Service Areas (PSA) restrictions (see page 9). And by the time you read this edition, our Association will consist of eight regions (instead of the previous nine) and FRA will have a new National President, National Vice President and National Executive Director (NED).

In addition to our new NED, we are happy to welcome two new members of the National Headquarters (NHQ) Team. Jayne Pritchett joined our Accounting Department in August as a temp-to-hire em-ployee, and Will Kohudic became our new Assistant Communications Manager in early September. Both are already making significant con-tributions to the important and ongoing operations of our NHQ. Steve Cox, who officially became FRA’s Finance Officer in August, is profiled on page 5 of this issue and is already a familiar face to those who at-tended National Convention in Chattanooga.

Sadly, FRA is also seeking a new director for our National Headquarters (NHQ) administrative department. Alicia Landis, who has been an integral part of our NHQ Team for more than 26 years, announced her retirement, effective October 31, 2013. Alicia’s untir-ing efforts and detailed knowledge of FRA operations have ably guided the Association through decades of national conventions, five execu-tive secretaries/directors, more than 200 national officers, countless staff changes and the innumerable twists and turns that are inherent in an organization of this size. Her corporate knowledge of FRA pro-cedures and traditions will be difficult to replace, as will her cheerful willingness to do whatever’s required to get the job done. Her presence at NHQ will be greatly missed by all.

While change can be unsettling, it also presents a unique opportu-nity to gain fresh perspectives on our important work. Strategic plans

are in place to facilitate a smooth transition and Alicia, former NED Joe Barnes and former Finance Officer Paul Rigby have agreed to make themselves available to train and mentor their successors in an effort to make the changeover process as easy as possible for leadership, members of the Association and NHQ staff. We are grateful for their continued commitment to the FRA and their support of all shipmates and Auxiliary members.

FRA’s Administrative Director Alicia Landis will be missed, as will Cricket, who has been a regular guest at NHQ.

1013⁄16

101⁄2

103⁄4107⁄8

1013⁄16

101⁄2

103⁄4107⁄8

81⁄4

88

1⁄8

77⁄8

73⁄4

75⁄8

83⁄8

81⁄4

88

1⁄8

77⁄8

73⁄4

75⁄8

83⁄8

81⁄4 8

81⁄8

77⁄8

73⁄4

75⁄8

83⁄8

81⁄48

81⁄8

77⁄8

73⁄4

75⁄8

83⁄8

107⁄8

101⁄2

1013⁄16103⁄4

107⁄8

101⁄2

1013⁄16103⁄4

01_B_I_V = Live Area: 7 x 10, 7x10 Magazine Master, 1 Page, Installment, Vertical

YES. Please reserve the Bel Air™ Cuckoo Clock for me as

described in this announcement.

Limit: one per order. Please Respond Promptly

*Plus $27.99 shipping and service. Limited-edition presentation restricted to 10,000 clocks. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.

Mrs. Mr. Ms. Name (Please Print Clearly)

Address

City

State Zip

01-12886-001-E27941

Price

�

Logo &

Address

�

JobCode

�

TrackingCode

�

YellowSnipe

�

ShippingService

�

9345 Mi lwaukee Avenue · Ni les, IL 60714-1393

RESERVATION APPLICATION SEND NO MONEY NOW

Own the fi rst-ever

Chevy Bel Air™

Cuckoo Clock

Hand-crafted wooden

cuckoo features the

'55, '56 and '57 Bel Air and a

speedometer-inspired

clock face

•

Hand-painted, high-gloss

fi nish with gleaming

accents and sculpted

“tail fi ns”

•

Accurate quartz

movement powers the

swinging metal pendulum

bearing the Chevrolet logo

www.bradfordexchange.com/belair

rvette

The

car.

dom-

ston”

rned

o the

At the top of every hour, the “garage”

light turns on to reveal a sculptural

1957 Chevy Bel Air accompanied by

the sound of an engine revving

General Motors Trademarks used under license to The Bradford Exchange ©2013

25

-63

02

-51

70

1 Cuckoo

Clock is a

GM Offi cial

Licensed

Product

Shown much smaller than actual size of 24 inches tall, including hanging pendulum

and weights.

Requires 2 “D” batteries and 1 “AA” battery, not included.

Act now to acquire your offi cially licensed

clock for fi ve convenient installments of

only $49.99, for a total of $249.95*. Your

purchase is backed by our unconditional

365-day money-back guarantee. Send

no money now. Just mail the Reservation

Application today, or you could miss out!

©2013 BGE 01-12886-001-BIS

A Timeless

American

Classic

2

FEET

HIGH

Hurry!

Limited to

only

10,000!

01_12886_001_BIS.indd 1 4/29/13 5:57 PM

http://www.usaa.com/fraamex

5

FRA

Tod

Ay N

ovem

ber

2013

WelCOme ABOArd

FRA Introduces New Finance Officer Steve CoxFra proudly welcomed Stephen R. Cox to the National Headquarters (NHQ) Team in late August as the Association’s new Finance Officer. In his capacity as a national officer, he will serve as an advisor to FRA’s National Board of Directors and the Association’s Budget and Finance Committee.

Steve brings a wealth of associa-tion experience to his new post, hav-ing worked for the past 22 years in the non-profit arena, overseeing finance, human resources, administration and operations in positions of increas-ing responsibility. Most recently, he served as the director of account-ing, contracts, and human resources at the National Guard Association of United States (NGAUS). Prior to that, he held financial officer posi-tions at several other associations, including the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). While there, he visited agri-cultural operations in all 50 states dur-ing a three-year period, during which he learned about everything “from potatoes to pineapples.” Throughout his career, Cox has worked hands-on to improve processes and to promote good stewardship of membership dues and other (often scarce) association resources.

“I prefer non-profit work to the private industry,” says Cox. “There’s a stronger sense of mission and values, and the opportunity to serve is unique in non-profit work, especially in the case of military associations. Making a difference and making members’ lives easier, is what it’s all about.”

Cox’s immediate goal at FRA is to produce the most accurate financial picture possible to help FRA’s Board of Directors continue its work advanc-ing the association’s mission. He’ll also

be focused on increasing fundraising and recruitment efforts, and bringing more value to FRA members, as well as all past, present, and future mem-bers of the Sea Services. In the lon-ger term, he wants to strengthen the FRA Education Foundation to provide more and larger scholarships and oth-er educational resources.

“It’s important that the Board and the Budget and Finance Committee make decisions based on current and accurate financial data and it’s my job to make sure they have that informa-tion available. I’m looking forward to working with the shipmates and taking an active role in helping FRA continue its success story,” says Cox. “Working the numbers is a primary part of my work, but I’m also inter-ested in helping FRA leadership and NHQ staff members understand how those numbers impact the overall op-eration of the Association. I’m excited about being involved with our mem-bership and marketing efforts.”

Working with his predecessor Paul Rigby, Cox has spent his first few weeks on the job studying the budget, finan-cial records and other aspects of the Association’s operating and manage-ment systems. Cox appreciates the op-portunity to learn firsthand from the officer he is replacing, saying, “Having Paul here for the transition and being able to tap into his years of experience and expertise have been an immeasur-able help as I learn the ropes here at FRA. Paul’s done an outstanding job of establishing sound financial processes and procedures. FRA is a well-respect-ed organization that’s been around for nearly 90 years, and we’re well-posi-tioned to move forward.”

Cox, a native of Alexandria, Va., earned his bachelor’s degree of busi-ness administration in finance and

accounting at Marymount University in Arlington, Va. He’s lived in north-ern Virginia his entire life and is a life-long fan of the Washington Redskins. “I cheer for them even when they’re struggling,” smiles Steve. “They’re my team in good times and bad.”

Steve’s the proud father of “three great kids, Nick, Ben and Ashley” and enjoys spending time with them whenever possible. He also plays lacrosse and enjoys cooking and woodworking.

“I really like taking a project from concept to finished product,” he ex-plains. “It requires a lot of focus. For me woodworking is relaxing and, in the end, there’s a finished piece that I can be proud of. I recently made a rocking chair for my mother that’s held together without any nails or glue. It took me nine months to com-plete, but I’m really proud of the way it turned out and how much my mom enjoys it.”

FRA offers a hearty “Welcome Aboard!” to Finance Officer Steve Cox!

6

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

sHiPmAte FOrum

Submissions Send Shipmate Forum letters to Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to fratoday@fra.org. Please include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content.

dFaS password hassle Your short article [in the September is-sue of FRA Today] regarding changes to [the Defense Finance and Accounting Service] DFAS’s password requirements does not tell the entire story. They are making it so hard to access one’s pay ac-count that I wish there were some way that I could take care of my pay require-ments in some other manner. It took me three days to finally get my log-on name and password cor-rected. Sending an e-mail to the so-called Help Page resulted in absolutely no response. Calling took three days, with nu-merous hang-ups and time spent going through the automat-ed answering system. I had problems and I fear for my wife should I pre-decease her. She has no computer skills and has no desire to learn. Someone should care for the older veterans who are not as computer savvy as the younger generations.

James E. Howe

FRA Response: We shared your concern with representatives at DFAS and you’re not the only one who’s frustrated. They’re receiving quite a few complaints of this nature and there are “whispers” of possibly easing the password requirements. We’ll keep you posted.

armed Forces retirement home I received my FRA Today magazine yesterday and just read your article on the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH). As a 90-year old retired chief it seemed that you were describing Fiddler’s Green.

I live in Metairie, La., and recall when they built the original facility in Mississippi sometime in the 70s. It looks like a wonderful facility now. I now live alone with my 10-year old dog, Harry. If I could take Harry with me I would apply for admission, but I would never leave him.

Billy B. Buckley

Great work on the subject [of the AFRH]. I found every-thing I needed to know, with one exception: How would I get into one of them?

Dan Daniel

FRA Response: You make an excellent point!!! Thanks for pointing out this important omission!

The AFRH website (www.afrh.gov) has a wealth of infor-mation about the Homes, including application forms (under the Forms tab), which can be completed online. You can also call the AFRH directly for application and eligibility informa-tion. The number for both campuses is 1-800-422-9988.

I just finished reading your article about the Armed Forces Retirement Home. I have signed up and been accepted for residence in the Washington home. The only thing wrong

with all of this is the length of the waiting list. It is currently two-and-a-half years! I could be too ill or infirm to check in by the time I am called.

I have written to several people, including FRA, but no one seems interested enough to respond. There needs to be at least one more home and two would be better. There are many de-commissioned bases and empty government properties around the country that could be put to good use. I recommend NTC San Diego as a staring point. How about following up on this?

J. Maier

FRA Response: Thanks for sharing your news and concerns with us. The AFRH is a great benefit of military service, but it is, as you mentioned, in high demand.

It would be great to have another facility, particularly one on the west coast. However, the cost of opening a new Home will likely be prohibitive. Even renovation of a decom-missioned base would cost millions of dollars and, with the current budget climate, it’s doubtful such funds would be appropriated.

But that doesn’t mean the idea isn’t worthy. Your sugges-tion has been forwarded to AFRH management.

Sequestration hitting hard In almost every issue of FRA Today, it seems every article deals with sequestration and budget cuts, and they all deal with cuts to military pay raises, increased TRICARE copays, subsidies to commissary stores and other issues that affect military men and women, retired or active duty. Nowhere do I read about recommended cuts to military hardware: Ships, aircraft or sophisticated weaponry. Budget cuts in this area affect the military industrial complex that has amassed tril-lions of taxpayer dollars. Budget cuts should affect the small guy and the big guy equally. Instead budget cuts are placed on the shoulders of those who are most direly affected.

James F. Page

FRA Response: Because FRA’s advocacy work is focused on personnel programs (pay, healthcare and other benefits), that is the focus of our editorial content related to sequestration bud-get cuts. But the effects of the sequester are being felt through-out the Department of Defense, including hardware and other acquisition accounts. For example, the Pentagon is talking about eliminating two or three carrier strike groups, bringing the Navy to its lowest number since WWII. Significant reduc-tions in manpower are also being forecast, which will dramati-cally impact our military’s ability to maintain combat-ready forces, particularly in deployed capacities.

SPEC

IALGOV

ERNMENT SILVER OFFER�

SPECIALGOVERN

MENTSILVEROFFER�SPECIA

LGOVE

RNMEN

TSILV

EROF

FER�

MARKUP-FREE PRICE

ONLY:

$2500EACH

Take advantage of the lowest silver price in years.Experts predict silver to skyrocket to $200/oz!

If you have been waiting to enter the silver market, now is your chance to own physical U.S. government-issued silver coins at the lowest price in years—completely free of dealer markup. For a limited time, U.S. citizens will have the opportunity to purchase these government-issued Silver Dollars for the incredible at-cost price of only $25 each —one of the best silver deals available. Backed by the U.S. government for silver content, weight and purity, American Eagle Silver Dollars contain a full troy ounce of 99.9% silver. A complete vault sellout is expected.

Economic turmoil makes many fi nancial institutions an uncertainty these days. The U.S. dollar, the stock market and savings accounts in banks are all dicey prospects. Owning silver offers an excellent hedge against these domestic issues and any geopolitical concerns, which affect the global economy. Moving a portion of one’s portfolio into silver is moving into position for wealth growth potential and protecting against infl ation, devaluation of the dollar and market manipulations. Experts predict silver will leave behind its current price of around $21/oz., shatter its price record and eventually hit $200/oz. Now is the time to move your money into American Eagle Silver Dollars.

PLEASE NOTE: Our American Eagle Silver Dollars will only be priced at $25 each while supplies last or for up to 30 days. Call today!

THE MARKETS FOR COINS ARE UNREGULATED. PRICES CAN RISE OR FALL AND CARRY SOME RISKS. THE COMPANY IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND THE U.S. MINT. PAST PERFORMANCE OF THE COIN OR THE MARKET CANNOT PREDICT FUTURE PERFORMANCE. MINI-MUM PURCHASE OF 5 AT-COST COINS. SPECIAL AT-COST OFFER IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO ONLYONE LIFETIME PURCHASE OF 20 AT-COST COINS (REGARDLESS OF PRICE PAID) PER HOUSEHOLD,PLUS SHIPPING AND INSURANCE ($8-$15). PRICE NOT VALID FOR PRECIOUS METALS DEALERS.

TOLL-FREE, 24 HOURS A DAY:

1-855-837-5868

Vault Code: FRA11-25

PERSONALCHECK

BANKWIRE ACH

5 – 2013 Gov’t-Issued Silver Dollars......$125.00

10 – 2013 Gov’t-Issued Silver Dollars.....$250.00

20 – 2013 Gov’t-Issued Silver Dollars.....$500.00

Prices may be more or less based on current market conditions.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR PURCHASES OVER $50,000

FULL REFUND IF NOT 100% SATISFIED**RETURNS ON ADVERTISED COINS MUST BE MADE WITHIN 30 DAYS

© 2013 U.S. Money Reserve

1 Full Ounce of U.S. Government-Issued Silver

8

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

on & oFF cApiTol hill

Bigger sequestration Cuts Another round of automatic budget (sequestration) cuts will take effect no later than January 15, 2014, half of which will come from Defense Department (DoD) coffers. (It’s im-portant to note that DoD makes up only 17 percent of the total budget.) Defense cuts for FY 2013 amounted to $37 billion and, unless alterna-tive steps are taken, those reductions will increase to $52 billion for FY 2014. Neither the Administration’s 2014 budget request nor the House or Senate versions of the Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1960, S. 1197, see above) account for the effects of sequestration.

Shipmates are reminded that FY 2013 was only the beginning of the sequestration spending cuts mandat-ed by the Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011, provisions of which will be

implemented over 10 years. FRA and 32 other Military Coalition organiza-tions signed a letter to all members of Congress express-ing concerns about continued DoD cuts and asking lawmak-ers to work together to “eliminate the harmful effects of sequestration.” The letter warns that such broad-based cuts will compro-mise our nation’s defenses and “the very viability of the All-Volunteer Total Force.” 

Members are strongly urged to use the FRA Action Center (www.fra.org,

under the “Advocacy” tab) to ask their elected officials to eliminate Defense spending from sequestration.

John Davis

aS ThiS iSSue oF FRA Today goes to press, the FY 2014 budget impasse shows no sign of ending. The budget stalemate and the need to increase the debt ceiling are overshadowing other concerns relevant to FRA ship-mates. These include funding problems created by the Budget Control Act of 2011 (see related story below), which requires mandatory budget cuts (sequestration) for the Department of Defense; the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, and efforts to address pending cuts of nearly 30 percent to reimbursement rates for doctors see-ing Medicare and TRICARE patients. The so-called “Doc Fix” delays these cuts until January 1, 2014, unless alterna-tive action is taken to prevent physician reimbursement rate cuts. FRA is closely monitoring these and other is-sues and encouraging lawmakers to resolve the partisan gridlock.

The recently appointed Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission poses a different type of potential threat to military benefits. Provisions of the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) called for establishment of this nine-member panel to re-view all aspects of military pay, benefits and retirement compensation, to look for ways to reduce spending. FRA continues to express serious concerns about efforts to “reform” pay and benefits that are solely cost-driven, and contends that the current military pay and benefit pack-age is essential to adequate recruiting, retention and sus-taining military readiness. The Commission is expected to have several public hearings early next year and FRA is seeking opportunities to provide input. The commis-sion’s final report is expected to be delivered to Congress in August of 2014.

Stalemate, Commission May Threaten Benefits

9

FRA

Tod

Ay N

ovem

ber

2013

On & OFF CAPitOl Hill

triCAre Prime Coverage ends for some BeneficiariesOn October 1, 2013, TRICARE Prime coverage ended for most retirees, their family members and military survivors who reside more than 40 miles from a military treatment facility (MTF) or from a base closure site. Some beneficiaries in these regions may be able to enroll in exist-ing TRICARE Prime networks if they reside less than 100 miles from that network and waive the 30-minute driving-distance standard imposed by TRICARE for patient safety. This change affects more than 150,000 TRICARE Prime enrollees.

Those affected should have already received specific details from TRICARE about the change and how it impacts them. For more information, please contact the local TRICARE Service Center or visit http://www.tricare.mil/psa.

FRA views the TRICARE geographic restrictions as a reduction in earned benefits and strongly supports efforts that would allow beneficiaries the opportunity to maintain their current cover-age. The Association is endorsing a provision in the House version of the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA, H.R. 1960) that requires TRICARE to make a one-time con-tinuation offer to current Prime beneficiaries, and is working to have a similar floor amendment filed to the Senate version (S. 1197) when it is considered on the Senate floor. (At press time, the House has passed its NDAA and the Senate version was awaiting consideration by the full Senate.)

tmC Honors lawmakers, Congressional staffThe Military Coalition (TMC) presented its annual Awards of Merit to Senators Jack Reed (R.I.), Marco Rubio (Fla.), and Claire McCaskill (Mo.) in a Capitol Hill ceremony honoring their respec-tive efforts on behalf of the uniformed services community. The three senators were recognized for their leadership in co-sponsoring a bipartisan amendment to protect military beneficia-ries against large increases in healthcare and pharmacy fees proposed by the Department of Defense in the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act.

NED Joe Barnes, TMC co-chair, said, “We’re extremely gratified and proud to honor Senators Reed, McCaskill and Rubio for their tremendous leadership in supporting the entire uniformed service community. They went above and beyond to preserve a strong TRICARE benefit for service members, retirees, their family members and survivors.”

The Coalition also presented its 2013 Freedom Award to Bob Simmons, staff director of the House Armed Services Committee and top advisor to Representative Howard “Buck” McKeon (Calif.), who chairs the committee. Simmons has consistently worked with Coalition representa-tives to brainstorm solutions to contested personnel issues and identify an offset to TRICARE fee increases in 2012, as well as to reject increases proposed by the Pentagon for 2013.

FRA is a leading member of TMC, which is currently comprised of 33 military and veterans groups working together to advance legislation beneficial to military personnel, veterans, fami-lies and survivors. In addition to Barnes’ leadership, FRA staff members also serve in other TMC leadership positions.

dHA reminds Beneficiaries to get a Flu shot The Defense Health Agency (DHA) reminds TRICARE beneficiaries that the flu affects millions of men, women and children each year. Now is a great time to protect yourself and your fam-ily by getting a flu shot. TRICARE covers both the flu shot and flu mist. Beneficiaries may be able to get their flu vaccine, at no cost, from a military treatment facility, hospital, or from a pharmacist at one of the 45,000 network pharmacies that administer vaccines to TRICARE beneficiaries. Find a participating pharmacy at www.express-scripts.com/tricare/pharmacy or by calling Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303.

retiree issues

Prescription Home delivery saves moneyThe TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery pro-gram has proven to be a cost-efficient way for beneficiaries to get their prescription medica-tions. TRICARE Management Activity officials reported the results of a year-long study con-ducted by the DoD inspector general.

The study compared what the government spent on prescription drugs through the Home Delivery mail-order program and what the cost would have been at retail pharma-cies. The Home Delivery program saved the government 16.7 percent — nearly $67 million — in the third quarter of FY 2012. Additionally, Express Scripts, the TRICARE pharmacy contractor, reported that Home Delivery offers a 99.99-percent prescription fill accuracy rate, high beneficiary satisfaction and improved patient outcomes.

“Although not surprised, we are certainly pleased at the results of the report,” said U.S. Public Health Service Rear Adm. Thomas J. McGinnis, chief of TRICARE pharmaceutical operations. “Home Delivery saves beneficia-ries and the Department of Defense millions of dollars every year, and gives beneficiaries a safe and secure way to receive their prescrip-tion medications.”

In June 2013, the 1.64 million prescriptions filled through Home Delivery represented a 17 percent increase in volume compared to the previous year, while retail prescription volume fell 10 percent, officials said.

When TRICARE beneficiaries use the Home Delivery pharmacy to fill maintenance medi-cation prescriptions, they receive a 90-day supply through the mail and have no copay-ment for generic formulary medications and a $13 copay for brand-name medications. At retail network pharmacies, beneficiaries pay $5 for a 30-day supply of generic medica-tions and $17 for brand name medications.

FRA strongly supports the mail-order pro-gram and other cost-saving initiatives as alternatives to drastic increases in TRICARE fees and pharmacy co-pays. TRICARE benefi-ciaries can learn more and enroll in the Home Delivery program online at www.express-scripts.com/Tricare/homedelivery or by phone at 877-363-1296.

10

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

On & OFF CAPitOl Hill

Warrior-Family symposium

FRA’s Health Care Advisor Bob Washington recently attended the seventh Warrior-Family Symposium, co-sponsored by the Military Officers

Association of America and the National Defense Industries Association. The forum focused on opportunities for government and non-government organizations to collectively improve the physical, psychological and overall well-being of our wounded warriors. This year’s event emphasized treatment for mental health concerns and the challenges facing wounded warriors and their families.

Improvements in mental health care and treatment were discussed, including the use of peer support for individuals seeking treatment. Participants on several panels expressed the need for more coordinated efforts between public and private sectors, and between DoD and the VA.

Also discussed were the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) efforts to inform and educate the public on mental health issues.

PdBr review of disability Claims Continues

The Physical Disability Review Board (PDBR) was created by the FY2008 Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to reassess the accu-racy and fairness of combined disability ratings of 20 percent or less for service members who were separated from service, rather than medi-cally retired because of medical conditions. In order to be eligible for a PDBR review, service members must have been medically separated between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2009, with a combined disability rating of 20 percent or less, and found ineligible for re-tirement. The Physical Disability Review Board (PDBR) says that more than half of reviewed claims have been upgraded to a disability rating of 30 percent or more.

This review panel is authorized to recommend an increase in a disability rating, uphold the previous finding, or issue a disability rating when the previous board did not assign one. The board, however, is not able to recommend a lower rating. Eligible veterans can request a board review by submitting a Department of Defense Form 294, Application for Review of Physical Disability Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States, which is available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/

Veterans requesting a review must mail their completed and signed DD Form 294 to SAF/MRBR, 550 C St. W., Suite 41, Randolph Air Force Base, TX 78150-4743. Applicants may sub-mit statements, briefs, medical records or affidavits supporting their application.

For more information about the PDBR go to: http://health.mil/About_MHS/Organizations/MHS_Offices_and_Programs/PDBR.aspx

veterAns issues

House Panel reviews Fully developed Claims

The House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs recently held a hearing to review the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) program. The pro-gram focuses on veterans and veteran ser-vice officers (VSOs) submitting claims that do not require further development of non-gov-ernmental evidence in an effort to provide a timelier claims decision for disabled veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says that FDCs take an average of 123 days to fully adjudicate.

The VA announced in August that veterans filing original FDCs for service-connected dis-ability compensation may be entitled to up to one-year of retroactive disability benefits. The retroactive benefit will be considered for FDCs filed between August 6, 2013, and August 5, 2015, and is associated with an FRA-supported comprehensive legislative package (H.R. 1627 – P.L. 112-154) signed into law last year. Only veterans submitting their first compensation claim as an FDC are potentially eligible for the retroactive dis-ability benefits under the newly implemented law.

1013⁄16

101⁄2

103⁄4107⁄8

1013⁄16

101⁄2

103⁄4107⁄8

81⁄4

881⁄8

77⁄8

73⁄475⁄8

83⁄8

81⁄4

881⁄8

77⁄8

73⁄475⁄8

83⁄8

81⁄4 8

81⁄8

77⁄8

73⁄4

75⁄8

83⁄8

81⁄48

81⁄8

77⁄873⁄4

75⁄8

83⁄8

107⁄8

101⁄2

1013⁄16103⁄4

107⁄8

101⁄2

1013⁄16103⁄4

B_I_V = Live Area: 7 x 10, 7x10 Magazine Master, 1 Page, Installment, Vertical updated 7/2013

Price

�

Logo &

Address

�

JobCode

�

TrackingCode

�

YellowSnipe

�

ShippingService

�

Personalized Birthstone Mirror Box

Daughter, I Love You Today, Tomorrow, Always

Personalize It!Box can be

personalized withthe name of your choice!

Shown at actual size of about 4"

square

“February”Customized with your choice of 12 sparkling faux crystal birthstones, just for your daughter.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY

JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV

JUN

DEC

Personalize the touching sentiment onthe lid with your daughter’s name!

Plays “You Are

So Beautiful”

Bir

A Personalized Treasure for a DaughterHand-crafted of mirrored beveled glass, this exquisite music box features the meaningful etched sentiment, “My Daughter, I Love You Today, Tomorrow, Always.” It can be personalized with the name of your choice—FREE of charge. You can even customize the four genuine, square-cut faux crystals to match your daughter’s birthstone. The “Daughter, I Love You” Personalized Birthstone Mirror Box plays the melody of “You Are So Beautiful” and also

makes a perfect gift.

Great value; limited time only!Order now at only $59.99*, payable in three installments of $19.99, the fi rst due before shipment. Our 365-day money-back guarantee assures your 100% satisfaction. Send no money now. Just return the Reservation Application today, indicating the name to be personalized on the box.

www.bradfordexchange.com/jewelbox©2013 BGE Printed in U.S.A. 01-17943-001-BIUP8

Fully mirrored music box, hand-

crafted of beveled glass

Elegantly etched sentiment on the

lid personalized for FREE with your

daughter’s name

Four square-cut faux crystals

customized with your daughter’s

birthstone are hand-set on the lid

96 clear faux gems dazzle on

mirror box lid

�

�

�

�

1-800-323-5577 • www.bradfordexchange.com/jewelbox

*Plusing dis sh

Customize the

sentiment with

her name

YES. Please reserve the “Daughter, I Love You” Personalized Birthstone Mirror Box(es) as described in

this announcement. More than one daughter? Print the name for each box reserved (up to 10 letters each).

Mrs. Mr. Ms. Name (Please Print Clearly)

Address

City State Zip

01-17943-001-E27941

P.O. Box 806 , Mor ton Grove , IL 60053-0806

RESERVATION APPLICATION SEND NO MONEY NOW

Name (Print in block letters. Limit of 10 letters per name.) Month

1. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

2. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

3. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

4. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

*Plus a total of $9.99 shipping and service per box. A limited-edition presentation restricted to 95 � ring days. Subject to product availability and order acceptance.

We must receive your initial payment by 12/12/13 for Christmas delivery.

Call 1-800-323-5577 or visit www.bradfordexchange.com/jewelbox

01_17943_001_BIUP8.indd 1 8/20/13 1:01 PM

12

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

On & OFF CAPitOl Hill

White House Joining Forces/military Family summit

FRA staff recently attended the Joining Forces/Military Family Summit at the White House. Joining Forces is a comprehensive national effort to mobilize all sectors of so-ciety to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. The initiative is spearheaded by First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who was on hand to

welcome summit participants. Holly Petraeus, assistant director for the Office of Servicemember Affairs Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), addressed the attendees to explain the agency’s efforts to educate active duty military personnel on the pitfalls of personal finance and enforcement of the Military Lending Act (MLA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). (See story below.) Also speaking at the summit were Rosemary Williams, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, who is responsible for oversight of all community support to service members and their families, and Dr. Jan Kemp, associate director at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), who explained VA mental health efforts to help veterans.

CFPB examiners seek to identify military Predatory lending

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently released guide-lines to its examiners on how to identify consumer harm and risks related to vio-lations of the Military Lending Act (MLA) when supervising payday lenders. The CFPB is committed to ensuring that pay-day lenders comply with the act, which provides greater protections for military families, including capping annual inter-est rates at 36 percent. The new guide-lines are addressed in an updated exam manual that the CFPB released for the short-term, small-dollar lending industry. “Protecting service members is a priority for the CFPB,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “We will use the authority Congress gave us to enforce the Military Lending Act (MLA) and to safeguard our men and women in uniform from illegal payday loans.” FRA was in the forefront in enacting the MLA in 2007 and wel-comes the CFPB efforts to protect service members from predatory lenders.

Payday loans are typically designed for small amounts, as a way to bridge a cash shortage between pay or benefit checks, and must be repaid quickly. Through its enforcement and su-pervisory work, the CFPB will continue to scrutinize lenders to make sure they are following the MLA requirements. Specifically, payday lenders must follow the requirements of the law for all closed-end loans of $2,000 or less and with terms of 91 days or less.

ACtive dutY/reserve issuesnew Options for Communicating with mtFThe Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity or TMA) is rolling out an online appli-cation that allows patients to securely communicate with the medical staff at military treatment facilities (MTF). To ensure confidentiality, only the patient and his/her health care team have ac-cess to messages. Patients can use the online application to request appoint-ments, receive test and lab results, communicate online with the health care team about non-urgent symp-toms, request immunization records, and access patient education materials.

The online system will allow pa-tients to obtain written advice that might otherwise be forgotten or mis-understood if communicated verbally. It will help patients avoid the annoy-ance of phone trees and/or playing “phone tag.” The new system will also allow patients to follow up on health care issues without the inconveniences of traffic, parking or lost days of work. 

This new online communication tool is being rolled out by the Army, Navy and Air Force medical services.

Photo by Naypong/Shutterstock

Have you ever said to yourself “I’d love to get a computer, if only I could figure out how to use it.” Well, you’re not alone. Computers were supposed to make our lives simpler, but they’ve gotten so complicated that they are not worth the trouble. With all of the “pointing and clicking” and “dragging and dropping” you’re lucky if you can figure out where you are. Plus, you are constantly worrying about viruses, spam and freeze-ups. If this sounds familiar, we have great news for you. There is finally a computer that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you in mind. This computer is easy-to-use, worry-free and literally puts the world at your

fingertips. From the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how different the WOW Computer is. The components are all connected; all you do is plug it into an outlet and your high-speed Internet connection. Then you’ll see the screen. This is a completely new touch screen system, without the cluttered look of the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games– you name it… and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have to ask your children or grandchildren for help. Until now the very people who could benefit most from E-mail and the Internet are the ones that have had the hardest time accessing it. Now, thanks to the WOW Computer, countless older Americans are discovering the wonderful world of the Internet every day. Isn’t it time

you took part? Call now, and a patient, knowledgeable product expert will tell you how you can try it in your home for 30 days. If you are not totally satisfied, simply return it within 30 days for a refund of the product purchase price. Call today.

Call now and find out how you can get your own WOW! Computer.

Mention promotional code 47234 for special introductory pricing.

1-877-767-5563

8075

6

© 2013 by first STREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

TECHNOLOGY SIMPLIFIED – BIGGER AND BETTER

Wow! The Computer Designed for You, Not Your Grandchildren!

Easy to read. Easy to see. Easy to use. Just plug it in!

Send & Receive Emails Have video chats with family and friends Surf the Internet:

Get current weather and news Play games on line:

Hundreds to choose from!

“I love this computer! It is easy to read and to use! I get photo updates from my children and grandchildren all the time.”– Janet F.

FREEAutomatic

Software Updates

NEWNow comes with...

Larger 22-inch hi-resolution screen – easier to see

16% more viewing areaSimple navigation – so you

never get lostIntel® processor – lightning fast

Computer is in the monitor – No bulky tower

Advanced audio, Better speaker configuration – easier to hearText to Speech translation –

it can even read your emails to you!

U.S. Based Customer Service

14

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

Bill Provides military death BenefitsPresident Obama signed a targeted stopgap measure into law that funds military death benefits during the govern-ment shutdown. Funds allocated under the joint resolution (H. J. Res 91), sponsored by Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (N.J.), will be available until December 15 or until an ap-propriations law is enacted, whichever comes first.

Obama previously signed legislation (H.R. 3210 – P.L. 113-39) into law that funds pay for the military until January 1, 2015, and legislators assumed the law included death gratuity benefits. The Department of Defense (DoD) interpretation of “pay and allowances” in the legislation did not include death benefits paid to family members of ser-vice members killed in action while the government is shut down. The Pentagon says 17 service members have been killed in Afghanistan since the shutdown began. The Fisher

House Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps military families in need, provided families of fallen service members advance grants to cover travel and other expenses until the Pentagon is able to pay out death and burial ben-efits that were suspended during the government shutdown. “After losing a loved one in service to our nation, these fami-lies should not have to endure more pain as the result of po-litical squabbling,” said Fisher House CEO Ken Fisher.

In response to the narrow interpretation by DoD, Congress put H. J. Res. 91 on the legislative fast-track to mandate that death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased military service members will be paid during the government shutdown. FRA thanks the nearly 2,000 Shipmates who responded to our associated “Making Waves” alert in less than 48 hours.

On & OFF CAPitOl Hill

The FRA Legislative team is Joe Barnes, National Executive Director; John Davis, Director of Legislative Programs; Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Outreach Manager; and Chris Slawinski, National Veterans Service Officer.

700 BROADWAY | NEW YORK, NY 10003B R A N C H O F F I C E S I N N E W J E R S E Y & C A L I F O R N I A

ASBESTOS | DRUGS/MEDICAL DEVICES | ENVIRONMENTAL | NEGLIGENCE

Yesterday’s heroes.Today’s asbestos victims.

1-888-411-LAWS

The heroes who built and protected America 40 and50 years ago are today’s most likely victims of serious asbestos-related diseases such asMesothelioma and Lung Cancer.

Our team of 400 lawyersand support staff has won over $7 billion in verdictsand settlements.

1-888-411-LAWS (5297)WWW.WEITZLUX.COM

16

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

Welcome Branch 232we are glad To welcome Branch 232 (Cape May, N.J.) back on the FRA rolls. Jersey Cape Branch 232 was originally formed on January 25, 1977, and after many years of active participation, the branch membership and involvement began to dwindle. On September 23, 2008, the branch voluntarily and sadly surrendered its charter and the re-maining members became Members at Large. After a five-year hiatus, we’re thrilled to report that Branch 232 is re-born and reinstituted!

Cape May is the home of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Training Center and its population includes many active duty, Reserve, retired and veteran enlisted members of the Sea Services. Cape May is also the future home of the USCG Enlisted Memorial, which will be built on the grounds of the Training Center as a fitting memo-rial to honor the immense sacrifice of the more than 1,500 enlisted men and women who lost their lives in perfor-mance of Coast Guard duties.

Shipmate Bob Campbell, presi-dent of Branch 13 (Atlantic City, N.J.), was asked to serve on the Board of Directors for USCG Enlisted Memorial Foundation. Because of Bob’s high level of enthusiasm for the FRA and willingness to help with this project, he contacted FRA National Headquarters about the possibility and requirements to start a branch.

It seemed only logical to Bob that, if he were going to assist with the Coast Guard Memorial, it would be a great opportunity to reopen an FRA branch in Cape May.

Shipmate Bob went to work on finding qualified shipmates in the Cape May area. He received a listing of current and former FRA members in the Cape May area and contacted them about reinstituting the branch. After several months of communicat-ing with these members, Shipmate Bob was able to send an application for re-instatement to FRA headquarters and it was approved by the National Board of Directors.

Shipmate Campbell served as mas-ter of ceremonies on September 11, 2013, when Branch 232’s charter was instituted and the branch officers were installed by FRA National President Mark Kilgore and Northeast Regional President David Munday. Many other dignitaries attended the ceremony at the Cape May Chief Petty Officers Club, including New Jersey State Senator Jeff Van Drew and Cape May Mayor Dr. Edward J. Mahaney, Jr. USCG Training Center Commander CAPT G. Todd Prestidge, Executive Officer CDR Owen Gibbon and Command Master Chief AMTCM Terry Cowart were also on hand for the festivities, as were Northeast/New England Regional President-Elect James Brown and I.

PRPNE John Di Filippo, a 50-year member of the FRA and the first presi-dent of Branch 232 in 1977, traveled from Washington, D.C., for the occa-sion and Shipmate William B. Leyes, Jr., the last branch president before the charter was surrendered, was also there to witness this great event.

Branch officers installed were: Branch President HSCM Cathy S. Seybold (USCG), First Vice-President BMC Thomas Dougherty (USCG, Ret.), Second Vice-President YN1 Michael A. McLaughlin (USN, Ret.) and Secretary/Treasurer CWO3 Steve Harrell (USCG, Ret.).

Together we provide one voice for enlisted personnel in the Sea Services and act as a major force for advocating improved pay, benefits and quality-of-life programs for active duty, Reserve, retired and veteran members and their families. We are thrilled to have added these new voices to our important leg-islative work!

Are you interested in starting a new branch? A minimum of 20 mem-bers is needed to start a branch, which can be a combination of new and cur-rent members. Once the application to start a new branch is approved by the Board, the institution and installation ceremonies must be completed within three months. There are several FRA resources to help, including refer-ence material and, of course, support from the Membership Team at FRA National Headquarters. If you would like more information on forming a new FRA Branch in your community, please contact me at Penny@fra.org or 1-800-FRA-1924 x123.

memBersHiP mAtters

penny collins is FRA’s Director of Membership Development and a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Md. She can be reached at penny@fra.org.

Penny Collins

Members of Branch 232 pose for a group photo as the branch is reinstituted.

We owe you an apology. �is exclusive deal isguaranteed to ruin every jewelry purchaseyou make from now on. Once you realize

that it’s possible to own a genuine cultured pearl necklacefor FREE, other luxury brands are bound to disappoint.�ey can’t handle FREE jewelry. �ey can’t even a�ordto try. But you can. And that’s all that matters to us.

We're offering our Mitsuko Organic Cultured Pearl Neck-lace online for $299. But if you'd like it for near NOTHING(you pay only the $19.95 shipping & processing–see detailsbelow) all you need to do is call 1-800-859-1542.

It's okay to be skeptical. You have every right to be.Why would any company give away a pearl necklace?Good question. We believe that once you try us, you’llbe back for more. But maybe a better question is whyother luxury jewelers don't think twice about offering culturedpearls for hundreds—even thousands—more. I'm sure they havetheir reasons. But you don't have to fall for them. Not anymore.Call today for your FREE Mitsuko Organic Cultured Pearl Necklaceand you'll realize that luxury doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Mitsuko Organic Cultured Pearls—Exclusively fromStauer. Every necklace is the product of generations ofexpertise. From natural genesis to final selection, imported Mitsuko organic cultured pearls are held tothe highest standard. This continous, 26" strand show-cases a collection of 6½-7mm white cultured pearls.Each necklace is hand-strung and double-knotted tokeep every precious pearl secure.

This exclusive FREE offer can’t last forever. Unfortunately, we are only able to make a limitednumber of these necklaces available to the public forfree. Don’t let this incredible opportunity pass you by!To ensure that you receive your FREE Mitsuko Organic Cultured Pearl Necklace, please call today.Your idea of luxury will never be the same!

YOUR FREE PEARLS ARE HEREexperience the luxury of mitsuko organic cultured

pearls regularly $299, get them today for FREE*

Call now while our supplies last...

1-800-859-1542Promotional Code MFP158-01Please mention this code when you call.

14101 Southcross Drive W., Dept. MFP158-01Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Stauer®

Mitsuko Cultured Pearl NecklaceRegularly $299†

Yours FREE**Pay only $19.95 shipping & processing

* This offer is valid in the United States (and PuertoRico) except in TX, FL, CO, OK, RI, NH, WV andID. These state residents will be charged one cent($.01) + shipping & processing for the item. Void

where prohibited or restricted by law. Offer subjectto state and local regulations. Not valid with any

other offers and only while supplies last. This offer is limited to one item per shipping address.

By implanting a nucleus inside the oyster, farmers

stimulate the natural creation of a pearl. Each Mitsuko cultured pearl isharvested, polished and

strung by hand.

Rating of A+

Smart Luxuries—Surprising Prices™

† Free is for Call-In Customers only versus theoriginal Stauer.com price.

MFP158-01_7.75x10_Layout 1 10/8/13 8:58 AM Page 1

Marine Corps

EOD TechsMarine Corps

EOD Techs

!!BY LAUREN ARMSTRONG

19

FRA

Tod

Ay N

ovem

ber

2013

Marine Corps

EOD TechsMarine Corps

EOD Techs

!!Searching for mines, disarming explosives and detonating enemy ordnance isn’t for everyone. Some people might say folks who do it for a living are just plain crazy or, at a minimum, just a little unsta-ble. But Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians volunteer to do this hazardous work on a daily basis, providing crucial protection for their fellow Marines, other service members and local civilians from these explosive threats.

“Sometimes our job is to blow something up and other times it’s our job to make sure they don’t blow up,” explains Gunnery Sergeant Rafael Hernandez, an EOD technician who’s a 12-year veteran of the Marine Corps. “Either way, it’s important to be educated and stay safe.”

Safety First in All MissionsThere are numerous ways that EOD techs support the Marine Corps’ various missions, but they all require an in-depth knowledge of explosive and other hazardous materials. And safety is always the primary concern.

The combat support element of EOD work is probably the most commonly known, particularly after 10 years of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but these Marines’ skills are employed wherever ordnance and other explosives are present.

“Our primary mission is ordnance,” explains Hernandez. “It’s our job to understand what type of ord-nance or explosive it is, get in the publications and figure out how it works and then take the proper steps to make it safe or make it go away.”

“In addition to the combat support element, we also do range sweeps and support flight operations. We sweep the ranges for unexploded ordnance used in training missions. We do ordnance inerting to remove the propellant or explosives from these munitions to ensure those who use the range in the future aren’t at unnecessary risk,” adds Staff Sergeant Mark Zambon, who joined the Corps right out of high school with the express intent to become an EOD tech. “We also support the Corps’ flying operations by handling hung missiles or faulty rockets that may still be attached to the airframe and we also train other personnel about unexploded ordnance and the procedures for reporting these incidents to us.”

Over the years, digital

electronic technology

has made the way

we live easier, safer and more

convenient. In many cases, it’s

even made many products more

affordable… (remember how

much the first VCRs used to

cost?). Unfortunately, the cost of

many digital products, including

the hearing aid never seemed to

come down. Now, a new option

has been invented… it’s called

Perfect Choice HD™.

Perfect Choice HD is NOT a

hearing aid. It is a Personal

Sound Amplification Product

(PSAP). Hearing aids can only

be sold by an audiologist.

Once the audiologist had

you tested and fitted, you would

have to pay as much as $5000 for

the product.

Now, thanks to the efforts of the

doctor who leads a renowned

hearing institute, there is Perfect

Choice HD. It’s designed to

accurately amplify sounds and

deliver them to your ear. Because

we’ve developed an efficient

production process, we can make

a great product at an affordable

price. The unit has been designed

to have an easily accessible

battery, but it is small and

lightweight enough to hide behind

your ear… only you’ll know you

have it on. It’s comfortable and

won’t make you feel like you have

something stuck in your ear. It

provides high quality audio so

sounds and conversations will be

easier to hear and understand.

Try it for yourself with our

exclusive home trial. Some people

need hearing aids but many just

need the extra boost in volume

that a PSAP gives them. We want

you to be happy with Perfect

Choice HD, so we are offering to

let you try it for yourself. If you

are not totally satisfied with this

product, simply return it within

60 days for a refund of the full

product purchase price. Don’t

wait… don’t miss out on another

conversation… call now!

Are you or a loved one frustrated in these situations?

Perfect Choice HD is not a hearing aid. If you believe you need a hearing aid,

please consult a physician.

Please mention promotional code 47235.

1-888-623-1988

8078

7

NEWNow with more

power and clarity!

Affordable, Simple to use,

Virtually impossible

to see

“Reading glasses for your ears”

Why Perfect Choice HD is the best choice !

Less than 1 ounce

Excellent – Optimized for speech

No

Yes, ask for details

Free

60 Days

Lightweight / Inconspicuous

Sound Quality

Test and Fitting Required

Free Batteries for Life

One-on-One Personal Set Up

Friendly Return Policy

Perfect Choice HD™ is easy to use, hard to see and costs far less… it’s like reading glasses for your ears™!

The invention of the year is great news for your ears.

An Affordable Option

21

FRA

Tod

Ay N

ovem

ber

2013

EOD technicians also support the Secret Service mission to protect the President, Vice-President, Secretary of State and other VIPs. “It’s our job to proof areas where these dignitaries will be, such as runways, speaking venues and hotels, and make sure these locations are safe for their arrival,” says Staff Sergeant Michael Andela, who enjoys VIP assignments. “VIP details are assigned as needed and are not a permanent assignment. We may not find anything, but it’s an important and necessary part of protecting the VIPs or dignitaries who are going to be at a particular place. I feel good knowing the environment has been cleared and is safe.”

EOD techs also provide their services when local authorities or citizens discover what they believe to be an explosive threat. When asked if Marine EOD techs sup-port local police bomb squads, Andela chuckled, “We are the local bomb squad for the counties that surround our duty stations. We get the call if there’s a suspicious pack-age at the airport or if someone finds one of grandpa’s old WWII grenades in the attic.”

The Joint POW Accounting Command (JPAC) is also sup-ported by Marine Corps EOD techs. “JPAC’s mission is to go to the site of old aircraft crashes and work to recover the remains of the pilot and crew. EOD techs assist in assessing and safely disarming any explosive hazards that may still be a danger to the recovery team,” adds Zambon.

“This MOS [Military Occupational Specialty] provides the opportunity to do a lot of different things, with different people, from different services and different countries,” says Hernandez. “We train with infantry troops, work with specialized gear and other aspects of the Marine Corps that I probably wouldn’t have had the oppor-tunity to do in other MOSs. I’m excited about the chance to do missions that we weren’t able to do in recent years because of our responsibilities in Iraq and Afghanistan. With the drawdown in these regions, we’re now supporting mis-sions in Africa and Southeast Asia. There’s no problem keeping us busy.”

Andela estimates there are fewer than 700 EOD techs in the Corps and, even though the need for their skills changes with the operational

demands of the service and nation, there’s plenty of work to go around.

Specialized TrainingZambon knew he wanted to be an EOD tech when he decided to join the Corps. “Our family reloaded our own ammunition and I grew up having black powder around all the time. As a kid, I loved explosions and demolition-type stuff, so when I went to the recruiter and was flipping through the catalog of the jobs available in the Corps, I was pretty excited when I saw a picture of a big fireball and a description of the EOD tech specialty,” recalls Zambon. “I was thrilled. ‘You mean I can get paid to do that? Awesome!’”

But he learned quickly that you can’t volunteer to become an EOD tech until you’ve met certain requirements. A Marine must have attained the rank of sergeant or be promotable to sergeant before he/she graduates from the EOD course. Waivers are sometimes given to corporals and Zambon is one of only two EOD techs he knows who were admitted as lance corporals. “We were accepted to EOD School in 2005, at a time when there was a particu-larly high demand for these skills due to our operations in Iraq,” he recalls.

Other requirements include meeting Marine Corps height and weight standards, attaining a passing Physical Fitness Test score and achieving a General Technical (GT) score of 110 or higher. There can be no history of drug use in a

Staff Sgt. Daniel Pare, team leader for 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 2nd Marine Logistics

Group (Forward), and his team member, Sgt. Tyler Broome, carefully set charges of C-4 to remove the

wings of a downed French F-2000 Mirage aircraft.U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Theresa E. Seng

22

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

Marine’s military record and they cannot be colorblind. They also can’t be claustrophobic, because the protective gear required can be very restrictive.

Marines who meet the basic criteria are then interviewed and screened at an EOD unit to determine if they have the appropriate personality and temperament for this type of work. The EOD community is small, so the Marine Corps can be very selective, choosing Marines who are highly motivated and demonstrate high levels of integrity and character. Once accepted into the EOD program, the process varies based on available slots at EOD School at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and the needs of the Marine Corps. Those accepted may go directly to school, but most work as a trainee in an operational EOD unit for on-the-job training (OJT) before going to Eglin.

EOD School is the training ground for all U.S. military services, as well as trainees from other countries. “It’s a joint and international environment and we’re all there to learn and master a very specific set of skills,” says Zambon, who currently teaches at Eglin. “Our commu-nity has experienced a lot of loss, so we know just how dangerous it can be and, because of the danger involved in our work, everyone at school takes it with a serious and somber attitude.”

“I miss deploying, but it’s gratifying to be sharing my experience and expertise with others here at the School,” adds Andela, who is nearing his two-year anniversary as an instructor. “It’s an opportunity to pass on good habits and make a difference for the Corps.”

During the eight-month course, students must success-fully complete all of the eight curriculum components to become a surface-qualified EOD Tech. Zambon teaches in the Core Division, where trainees learn the requisite basics needed to work in the field. “They become familiar with the different types of ordnance and our publications system,” which outlines the construction of explosive devices and how to render them safe. “They also learn to perform reconnaissance on unexploded ordnance and observe safety precautions. They must know how to get the pertinent information from the ordnance, research the publications and determine how to disarm or dispose of it.”

Other divisions of the program include Demolition, where students become familiar with explosive principles and the applied physics associated with detonating charges; and Tools & Methods, where students learn to use the tools of their trade to perform “render safe” procedures that will reduce or eliminate the ordnance’s hazardous capability. Ground Ordnance training covers land mines, grenades, rockets and projectile ordnance, while Air Ordnance includes work with aircraft hazards such as chaff, flares, missiles and bombs that might be aboard an aircraft. The course also includes specialized instruction in Biological/Chemical Weapons, Nuclear Ordnance and there is a specific course devoted to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Improvised Explosive Devices“By their nature, IEDs are not conventional,” explains Zambon. “They are truly improvised, constructed of vari-able materials and there are 1,001 ways to build them.”

“I enjoy being an instructor and helping students and fel-low instructors find better ways to get the job done,” adds Hernandez. “We teach to the curriculum, but particularly with regard to IEDs, you have to think outside the box. There are 100 ways to skin a cat and if you ask 10 guys

to diffuse a device, they’ll come up with 10 different ways to make it happen. A lot of people think our

work is strictly related to IEDs because of their prevalent use in Iraq and Afghanistan over the

past 10 years, but IEDs are really a very small part of our curriculum here at EOD School.”

Sgt. Cliff Lucker (left), an explosive ordnance disposal technician with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (forward) instructs Marines from 1st Battalion, 7th Marines on counter improvised explosive

device tactics on the EOD Co. compound at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. John Jackson

23

FRA

Tod

Ay N

ovem

ber

2013

“In addition to understanding IED construction principles, we also factor in simple patterns of human behavior,” continues Zambon. “For example, if there’s an opening in the wall that our troops are going to have to walk through, it’s not surprising that the enemy often chooses that opening to place an IED. We’re good at our jobs, we know our enemy well and are able to predict some of their patterns.”

“It’s relatively easy to predict where the enemy is going to place IEDs,” Hernandez echoes. “They observe us and it becomes a game. We’re encouraged to vary up our routines and avoid repeating patterns. By knowing our enemy and their patterns, we are better able to counter their efforts. For example, there are certain things they have to do to plant an IED and some things inevitably get left behind. They leave tells for us that help us do our job.”

Developing Trust in the FieldAccording to Hernandez, it used to be a virtual guaran-tee that EOD School graduates would deploy within six months of completing the course. “There were so few of us and there was so much work to be done, it wasn’t unheard of to have guys who were only two months out of school deploying as a combat replacement. We like guys to have at least six months of pre-deployment train-ing and, although that used to be a luxury, it’s now more of the norm.

“We now have some graduates who may not deploy at all, depending on the unit to which they’re assigned. Because of the drawdown in Iraq and Afghanistan, they may deploy, but not to a combat theater,” Hernandez continues. “They might deploy with a MEU [Marine Expeditionary Unit] or crosstrain with troops from other nations. It’s exciting that we have the opportunity to do other things, but now it’s often a matter of funding that keeps us from doing those things.”

EOD training is continuous, regardless of rank or years of experience. There’s always something new to learn, which is why you rarely hear of a Marine EOD tech being bored, says Zambon.

“EOD School is just the beginning. There are some things that just make more sense when you see them in action. You may understand the concept in the classroom, but when you can work through the procedures and have the experience, there’s more fertile ground for those concepts to really take hold. Experience teaches you when to do what and, even after years in the field, you can’t know everything. We really are jacks of all trades, masters of none.”

Experience is also a factor in developing EOD team lead-ers, adds Zambon. “Before a Marine can even be admitted to EOD School, he’s already served three or four years. The course is eight months long and he will usually spend a deployment or two as a junior member of the EOD team before being qualified as a team leader. The path to be an EOD team leader is longer than, for example, infantry team leader.”

Skill, experience and trust are closely intertwined in an EOD unit and are crucial to accomplishing the mission safely. “If the skill level is low, that creates a hazard not only for that individual EOD tech, but for the whole team,” explains Hernandez. “In school we teach the basics and in the field, it’s the team’s responsibility to provide more advanced training to help that tech be success-ful and safe. If you don’t trust someone to do their job, there’s no point in him being on the team.”

Andela agrees. “In the field, it’s important to do every-thing possible to keep yourself and your team safe. You can’t overlook things or it will get you killed or take body parts from you. This job requires a lot of trust in your fel-low team members. You literally trust them with your life, and they trust you with theirs. You count on them to see things you might have missed and vice versa. Team trust is really a sort of checks-and-balances system.”

Unfortunately, that system isn’t foolproof and mistakes happen. During his two EOD deployments to Afghanistan, Andela has learned some powerful lessons the hard way. “When you see people being hurt or killed, it is a pain-ful experience, but it’s even more painful when it’s your own flesh and blood — fellow Americans. I feel personal remorse when that happens. I can’t help but feel that I could have done a better job or something to prevent the catastrophic results. I go over the events, trying to see if there was something I missed or how I can learn from any mistakes that might have been made. It helps me do a better job to keep everyone safe.”

Real DangersDespite extensive training, knowledge of enemy tactics and years of experience, EOD duty is still a very dangerous business. Staff Sergeant Zambon knows that all too well. He’s a veteran of three deployments to Iraq and another three to Afghanistan and has been “blown up” five times. He lost his fingertips while trying to recover evidence from an IED detonator and he lost both his legs in an IED explosion while stationed with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines in Sangin, Afghanistan, in January 2011.

24

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

“An IED had been discovered and was cordoned off. We were walking Ranger style [single file] and I stepped on a pressure-activated IED in the rubble that the sweeper hadn’t picked up on. The team leader and corpsman applied a tourniquet and got me to a medical facility.”

After two-and-a-half years of rehabilitation, Zambon is the first Marine EOD tech to have lost both legs above the knee and return to active duty. “Although I qualify as 100-percent disabled in the eyes of the [Department of Veterans Affairs], the Commandant [of the Marine Corps] has made it a priority to allow wounded Marines to return to duty if they so desire. I’m currently assigned as an instructor at EOD School on Expanded Permanent Limited Duty (EPLD), which means that either the Corps or I can say, ‘This isn’t working.’ So far, it’s working well and I’m proud to be able to continue to serve.”

He’s also returned to an active lifestyle. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak and one of the famed Seven Summits, in 2012 with a group of wounded warriors as part of The Heroes Project. (For photos of Mark’s climb, visit http://theheroesproject.org/2012/06/mark-zambon.) He was also one of two Marines who participated in the off-road Dakar Rally in South America this year. “In 2011, I met Marta, an amazing woman who is now my wife, and we celebrated our first anniversary in August of this year. Life is good!”

Tools of the Trade The IED portion of the EOD School curriculum includes training technicians to become proficient in the use

of robotic platforms. “Robots are a phenomenal tool,” says Zambon, “as their use means putting distance between the technician and the explosive. Robots often allow EOD personnel to reduce their exposure to risk. They can often be used to diffuse a situation or prevent a detonation altogether. If I’d been 12 meters away from the IED when it went off, I might have a headache for several weeks. And even if I’d been 10 feet away, I might not have experienced any physical damage.”

Andela is also a big proponent of robots. “They are a key piece of gear and should be the number one, go-to tool if at all possible.”

“We like to stay as remote as possible from the threat,” adds Hernandez. “We really emphasize that to our stu-dents: Remote, remote, remote! But sometimes that’s a luxury we simply don’t have. During my two EOD deploy-ments to Iraq, we often worked out of a vehicle and it made more sense to use a robot, which is obviously a lot safer. We didn’t use them as much in Afghanistan, but it wasn’t by choice. It’s dependent on the location and ter-rain. In Afghanistan, we did more work on foot. You can’t very well walk two miles carrying a 100-pound robot. If you don’t have a vehicle, you don’t have a robot.”

Like robots, bomb suits aren’t always practical to use in the field, either. “It’s too heavy to carry on patrol, but I encourage everyone to use one if they can,” says Andela. “It’s not always suitable for every situation, but it’s a requirement when we do bomb squad work in town.”

Bonds and TraditionsBecause the Corps’ EOD community is small, everyone is familiar with everyone else. “If I don’t know another EOD tech personally, I know his name and probably know people who know him,” Andela says. “You might work with them on a regular basis or you might just pass as you rotate in or out of a deployment. But we all know one another to some degree. When we have the oppor-

tunity to work closely as a team, we get to know one another’s work habits, strengths and weaknesses. We

become a family and genuinely care and worry about one another. My last teammate is about to leave

Afghanistan and I’m on pins and needles to have him home. But his return is a mixed blessing,

Sergeant James Smith, a combat engineer with Alpha Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, operates a Foster-Miller

TALON robot while it handles a dummy round at Camp Pendleton, Calif..U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez

Model: Colt® Government Model® Pistol • Caliber: .45 ACP • Edition Limit: 500 Per Service Branch

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Daytime Telephone No. ( )

Please enter my reservation for the “Saluting America’s Armed Forces Tribute Pistol,” selectedbelow. Each is a working Colt .45 pistol, at the introductory price of $1,995.* My deposit of $195per Tribute is enclosed. I wish to pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, no interest orcarrying charges. Certificate of Authenticity included. Thirty-day return privilege.

Edition Requested: � Sailor � Soldier � Airmen

� Check enclosed for $______________ .

� Charge payment of $ ______________ to: � VISA � MasterCard � AMEX � Discover

No. Exp.

Display Case

� I wish to reserve the optional, luxuriously lined, custom-made display case with locking glasslid. My payment of $149* is enclosed or add to credit card.

America Remembers®

10226 Timber Ridge Drive, Ashland, Virginia 23005www.americaremembers.com

To place your reservation toll-free call 1-800-682-2291

�

*All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verificationprior to shipment. Shipping and handling will be added toeach order. Virginia residents please add 5% sales tax.

Honoring America’s Defenders of Freedom

saluting America’s Sailors, soldiers, & Airmen

� The left side of the Saluting America’s Sailors Tribute Pistol features a group of sailors surrounded by an oval rope frame beneath a banner that reads, “Saluting America’s Sailors.” Highlighted scenes from historyalso featured include a quartet of Korean War-era jet fighters, and a WWII-era aircraft carrier. Each Armed Forces Tribute also features artworkunique to the branch honored (Sailors, Soldiers, or Airmen) depicting scenesrelated to the branch. (Sailor Edition shown above and below.)

� The right side of the Sailors version features a sailor in uniform. Beside him is an American destroyer cutting through the open water. Also featured is a logo featuring a globe framed with a sailor cap, an anchor and a compass.Surrounding the logo, banners read, “Defending Freedom Around the World.” The right side also features banners reading, “American Freedom Tribute” and, “Freedom is Never Free”, a reminder that Americans need to be ever vigilant in protecting our freedoms and there is always a price to pay to protect our cherished freedoms.

©AHL, Inc.

� On the left side of each Tribute, prominentlydisplayed as the focal point, there is an image of asailor, soldier, or airmen framed with a patrioticbanner. Additional artwork features a banner reading,“Saluting America’s Armed Forces” and “Lest WeForget ®”. Also featured is an outline of the USAframing “Freedom Forever”, a reminder that ourArmed Forces are always on duty protecting ourcherished freedoms. Another banner reads,“CountryBefore Self”, a reminder of the daily sacrifices oursailors, soldiers, and airmen make on behalf of all Americans.

Since the beginning, the United States of America has stood for freedom and liberty for all our citizens. Nothing is more cherished thanthe freedoms we share as a nation. To uphold these freedoms, our great country relies on a strong military. Generations of Americans haveproudly served in our Armed Forces to ensure our freedoms.

Millions of Americans have proudly served America when duty called, during times of peace and during times of war. And many – fromthe earliest days to World War II, Korea, Vietnam and to current day battles in the Gulf Region and Afghanistan – have paid the ultimatesacrifice for the principles that America stands for – freedom, liberty, and justice for all.

To pay Tribute to the brave warriors who have served our country, America Remembers is proud to offer handsome Tributes in honorof those who have served and sacrificed to ensure our freedom: the Saluting America’s Armed Forces Tribute Pistols. For these Tributes, wehave selected the Colt® Government Model® .45 caliber pistol, a firearm that stood the test of time and was the official military sidearm forour country’s Armed Forces for almost 75 years. No firearm in history can boast a more impressive record of American military service thanthe classic Colt .45 military service pistol. Craftsmen commissioned specifically for these Tributes by America Remembers decorate eachTribute with handsome artwork in stunning 24-karat gold and nickel artwork over a blued steel canvas. There are three separate editionshonoring America’s sailors, soldiers, and airmen – each separate edition is issued in a strictly limited edition of 500 pistols per branch of th eArmed Forces.

For the veterans of America’s Armed Forces who carried the Colt .45 Pistol, the classic military sidearm has special significance. It wasa constant companion that offered superior stopping power against all enemies. To put it simply, the Colt .45 pistol was a lifesaver. The Colt was utterly reliable, and virtually indestructible. In the hands of courageous American warriors, it would become a militaryand firearms legend. For decades, wherever Americans fought for freedom the Colt .45 was present.

honor america’s Sailors, Soldiers, and airmen with this exclusive offer – RESERVE NOWReservations will be accepted in the order they are received. You can mail us your order, or to prioritize your order and confirm

availability, call us toll-free at 1-800-682-2291. We will arrange delivery of your working Tribute Pistol through the licensed firearmsdealer of your choice. As always, if you are not completely satisfied, you may return your Tribute to us in original, unfired conditionwithin 30 days for a complete and courteous refund.

These exclusive Tributes stand as monumental salutes to those who have served our country and carried the iconic pistol indefense of freedom as well as all those who continue to serve. As a nation, we must never forget the courage and sacrifice of thosewho served and continue to serve today. Secure your Saluting America’s Armed Forces Tribute pistol today and keep it forever as ahandsome symbol of fine firearms craftsmanship, American military history and service in defense of freedom. Display Case Available

An optional luxuriously lined, custom-built, woodendisplay case is available for purchase.

26

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

because it also means there’s another guy who’s just starting his rotation there.”

“EOD techs work closely with the units they support, but in some assignments you get to know the guys more per-sonally. For example, in Iraq, we’d go out with a security detail made up of guys we’d never met before. We get a call and we go,” describes Hernandez. “In Afghanistan, we were all living in the same compound; eating and sleeping together with the security detail personnel and working with the same EOD team personnel, too. That allows stronger bonds to develop.”

Like all military communities, there are special rites and traditions enjoyed by EOD technicians. “When students graduate from EOD School, they earn their basic EOD badge, affectionately known as a ‘crab.’ There’s a ceremony like from any military training program and students’ parents and family are invited to attend,” Hernandez elaborates. “But only another EOD badge holder can pin your crab. It’s a right that’s reserved only for other EOD techs. There are three levels of mastery and after you have a certain number of years in the job and have met certain other requirements, you can earn advanced Senior and Master badges. This tradition holds whether you’re receiv-ing your Basic, Senior or Master badge.”

Why Do You Do It?When asked why they do what they do, it was obvious that the EOD techs interviewed for this story have a deep and abiding respect and love for their chosen career path. They aren’t in it for the fame or glory, and it’s certainly not for the money. Unlike the other services, Marine Corps EOD techs do not receive hazardous duty pay for their specialized skills.

“We get $75 in demolition pay per pay period,” says Andela, “but we don’t get hazardous duty pay like EOD folks in the other services. There are sometimes bonuses to encourage folks to laterally move into the EOD field and sometimes they offer retention incentives, but those are less common.”

Their motivation is much less tangible than financial gain. True to his original interest in the field, Zambon still gets excited about “blowing things up” and he also enjoys a deeper satisfaction in the challenges he experiences in his work. “I enjoy jobs that are challenging and this job is like playing chess with other human beings. I get a lot of sat-isfaction and a real sense of accomplishment being able to best an opponent and being the subject matter expert in the field. The level of responsibility is awesome and being in this exciting field is a dream come true for me.”

Andela also likes the challenge. “I like being one of the most needed guys in the Marine Corps and doing a job that a lot of other Marines can’t do. It’s addicting and I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s different for each individual, but I don’t think it’s the recognition that moti-vates most EOD techs. For me, it just feels good knowing I’m ‘that guy’ and it provides a lot of personal gratification for me.”

“It’s a dangerous job, to be sure, but I like the sense of accomplishment,” echoes Hernandez. “I like knowing I’ve removed an IED or diffused a device and saved lives. I like taking care of the young guys who find the devices. Those infantry guys do the hard part by locating the devices; they’re the ones driving the roads and actually identifying the problem. We come in to get rid of the hazard so we can all go home to our families.”

There’s no denying the adrenaline rush that accompanies this kind of work, and Zambon and Hernandez agree there’s a rush when things go boom! But they all also agree that the really important part of their job is mak-ing sure things don’t explode. “I’m not so much about blowing stuff up,” Andela smiles. “My job is to keep things from blowing up! It’s my job to keep others safe. I get my rush of adrenaline after I’m finished, thanking God that I’m walking home safely. That’s when the rush hits me.

“Being an EOD tech is one of the most selfless jobs I’ve ever seen in the Marine Corps,” Andela continues. “You don’t do this job for yourself; you do it for others … sometimes for people you don’t even know, like the local population in war-torn parts of the world. If we get a call, we take care of it to protect our own troops, to protect the local citizens, whoever might be at risk. We put our lives on the line without even thinking about it.”

The bonds formed in life-and-death situations are strong, as is the respect EOD techs have for one another. “I love this work and this community,” summarizes Zambon. “My colleagues are the best people I’ve ever worked with and I feel it’s my duty to do this work as a tribute to those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice. This work provides relevance to their purpose and my purpose as a human being. It’s my privilege to have a chance to be a part of it.”

lauren armstrong is the Contributing Editor and Member of the FRA Auxiliary. She can be reached at lauren@fra.org.

Cell phone savings calculation based on industry leaders’ lowest monthly published fees (minutes may vary). Medical alert savings calculation based on PERS providers’ average monthly fees. All rate plans, services and applications require the purchase of a GreatCall phone and a one-time set-up fee of $35. Coverage and service are not available everywhere. Rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. No roaming or long distance charges for domestic calls within the U.S. There are no additional fees to call GreatCall’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. 5Star service may not be available in remote or enclosed areas. You will not be able to make 5Star or 9-1-1 calls when cellular service is not available. 5Star service will be able to track an approximate location when your device is turned on, but we cannot guarantee an exact location. Jitterbug, 5Star, 5Star Urgent Response and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. ©2013 Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC. ©2013 GreatCall, Inc. ©2013 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

A cell phone and medical alert service

all in one.

SAVE

$35 p

er m

onth

N

oContract

The only all-in-one cell phone and medical alert device. Available in Silver and Red.

4760

3

28

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

Congratulations to all the following shipmates who have chosen to become Life Members during the third quarter of 2013. If you’d like to become a Life Member, call 1-800-FRA-1924 and speak with one of our Member Services representatives.

July Paul R Bohn 093Wayne H Mellendorf MALJames P Rivera 046Robert H Boydstun 281Harry E Ettinger MALJohn C Hazzard 060George F. Walters 093Kenneth Glen Hall 047Lanny N Humiston 011Bruce A Pitner MALStephen M Jarrett, Sr. MALPalmer Black MALDavid C Linja 060Melvin Warren MALNoel Greenwalt MALLinda L Nelson MALGail F Marcotte MALDavid N. Levin MALChristopher McGowen 024Christine McGowen 024Michael D. Nail 024James B Jump 043Raymond E Burnell, Jr. MAL

Daniel L Quinn 024Ted W Odle MALGary L Watson 029Durwood A Durst MALRichard L Sutherland MALCarl P Bush MALWilliam M Beckner 024Frederick M Yarborough 309John Brauer 061Wayne E Hatch 246William T Maloney 018Arthur R Northrup MALJoel H Nissen 207Jeff Harbeson 024Edward W. Poole 089Carl A Hodge MALJohn T Coulehan MALRobert J Kautz MALWilliam J Ryan MALGerald L Bayless 175Glenn W Schenck, Jr. MALDaniel J Olejnik 146Kristen D. Evers 005

Gerald C Hickman 172Drew C Nolke MALNicole L. Talbot 159Joseph Revolinsky 287Bernard Kruger 040Terrance Lee 115Charles C Gale 043Walter M. Blackburn MALBonnie Hoard 290Robert D Foley 060Lawrence L Nalls 309Rudy S Ancheta 154Andrew P Melcher, Jr. 358George D Davis, III MALP H Gilkey, Jr. MALTony L Cruz MALJames A. Williamson 234Harold I. Singer 316Terry R Hightower 208Jean-Paul E Poisson 163Bobbie Dale Graves MALPhilip A Zeman 024James E McGrattan MAL

Stephen Wayne Johnson MALTodd C. Shutler MALTodd Steele 261William W Odell 089Phillip G Durbin MALKay L Bauers 029Michael Lopeman 020Charles Veith MALStephen F Llewellyn 097Glenn A Winters 295Richard L Van Opynen 298Robert Houser 044Daniel O Wright, Jr. 339Robert J Dunn 172Cherie Bradley 070Jack Majors MALJames W Bryant MALWalter E Stevenson 126Gordon Dierks MALFerrell R Mower MALJudson H Springer MAL

August Marjil Dee Stokes 061Roger D Iles 086Steven J Darmstadt MALRussell W Noble 005Patricia A. Assan-Sousa 024Sheldon J. Goodman MALPercival V Pilapil 008William C Minner 161Jared W Jenkins MALLinda S. Barselow 012Jesse Eugine Cranford MALLouis Brown 046Stanley J. Martinez 185Carla Jean Martinez 185Wilson J MacFarlane MALLeslie Nicholson 219

Eileen Blakely 068William A Hefty 091Russell John Borchert 248Othan N Mondy 085Raymond A. Bisch 063Robert N Emmons 289Adriano A Deleon 061David L Miller 365Joseph A Patton MALFlorence E. McCann 186Wendell H Barber 086Farlin W Arrington 261Cecil W Howell MALLinda A Penberthy 117Walter Kelly, Jr. 313Harmon B Browning 099

Kenneth D Freese 097Daniel P Duff 156Peter B Munsell 099George W Walls MALEd L Williams 089Cornelius J Morris 309Richard L Aarhus 334Joseph C Hamilton 061Marvin A Thomas MALJames A Raftery MALRobert W Archdale MALRodolfo B Ines 004James A Conlon 210Israel M Sauler 036Paul R Ferrebee 067Carl E Allen 099

Jose L. Cortez 229George E Machingo 040James S Turner, Jr. 115Robert Fisher 115Douglas A Pohl 276C Elliott Abram 029Richard H Flick 223Peter R Reva 185John Kane 334Tony Gonzales 091Carlisle A Bateman 299George W. Newman MALDavid J Mallett MAL

september Richard N Lester 053Christopher N Hunt 103Jimmie E Brooks 163Robert V Berg, Jr. MALJames Reaser MALJames K Shumate 050James F Bradley 298Donald E Sadowski 290Jerry W Broady 120Isaac C Brown 346Gerald L Doerr 061John Hillyer 188

Louis C. Dixon 101Gilbert S Carnighan 175Douglass R Hansen 293Horace D Gillikin MALRichard Norman Buck 141Richard Kozachenko 061Carlo Mondragon 062David Curzon MALRoland Gavin 136Robert T Harbs 203Timothy M Cleven 273Ernest J La Chapelle 104

Dennis P Arkebauer 091Ronald E Griffin 093Samuel L Thompson MALPatrick J Sammon 120Thomas S Duncan MALMichael Scarborough 094Dennis M. Herring 263Douglas E Douget 263Larry E Bostic MALLawrence J Perkins MALRichard W Nicholson MALJohn P Kriedler 009

King D Collins, Jr. 010Donald J Hall MALThomas W Brooks MALSteven O’Connor 061William R Turner MALMichael T Oleary MALRichard A Gelinas 022David L LeVan MALGary W Riddle MAL

neW FrA liFe memBers

Walk-In Hot Tub

Remember the feeling you had the first time you got into a hot tub? The warm water, the energizing

bubbles and the gentle hydrotherapy of the jets left you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Aches and pains seemed to fade away, and the bubbling sound of the water helped put you in a carefree and contented mood. The first time I ever got in a hot tub at a resort, I said to myself “One of these days I’m going to have one of these in my home– so I can experience this whenever I want.” Now that I’m older, I’d still like to have the pain relief and relaxation, but I have to be careful about slipping and falling in the bathroom. That’s why I was thrilled to find out that Jacuzzi, Inc. had combined the safety of a walk-in bath with the benefits of a hot tub. Now that I have one in my home I can have that luxurious resort experience… whenever I want.

The moment you step into your New Jacuzzi® Walk-In Hot Tub you’ll see the superior design and the quality of the craftsmanship. The new entry step is low, so it is easy and safe to get in and out. The new double-sealing door is 100% guaranteed not to leak. The high 17” seat enables you to sit comfortably while you

bathe and to access the easy-to-reach controls. Best of all, your tub comes with the patented Jacuzzi® PointPro® jet system with a new jet pattern– which gives you a perfectly balanced water-to-air ratio to massage you thoroughly but gently. These high-volume, low-pressure pumps are arranged in a pattern that creates swirls and spirals that provide both a total body massage and targeted treatment of specific pressure points. There is even

an in-line heater to maintain the water temperature. The tub features a high gloss acrylic coating which is more durable, scratch resistant and easier to clean than traditional gel-coat surfaces. It’s American made with full metal frame construction

and comes with a limited lifetime warranty on both the tub and the operating system. Isn’t it time you rediscovered the comfort and luxury of a soothing therapeutic hot tub experience again? Call now and knowledgeable product experts will answer any questions and you can have one in your home next week. Don’t wait, call now.

8079

5

Now New & Improved

The Jacuzzi® Walk-In Hot Tub… your own personal fountain of youth.

The world’s leader in hydrotherapy and relaxation makes bathing safe, comfortable and affordable.

Why Jacuzzi is the Best 3 Maximum Pain Relief - Therapeutic water AND air jets to help you feel your best.3 Personalized Massage - New adjustable jet placement for pinpoint control. This tub is the first to offer a specialized foot massage experience. Its unique spinning motion provides optimal therapy to feet and legs. Best of all, you get it at no additional charge.3 Easy and Safe Entry - Low entry, double-sealing leak-proof door that is easy to open and close.3 Comfortable Seating - Convenient 17 inch raised seat.3 Durable and Easy to Clean - State of the art acrylic surface.3 Worry Free Enjoyment - Thanks to Jacuzzi Inc.’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.3 No Hassle Installation - Designed to fit in your existing tub space.

30

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

lOOKing FOr…

Crew members on uss tattnall (ddg-19)Looking for anyone who served aboard the USS Tattnall (DDG-19) from April 1963 through January 1999. Contact Richard Harmon at Dharmonlpga1@aol.com or 386-235-8723.

lee ellisHe was a gunner’s mate aboard USS Blair (DD-147) between 1943 and 1945. He was washed overboard, subsequently rescued and later trans-ferred to teach at gunnery school in Washington, D.C. Anyone with informa-tion, please contact Jack Waddell at 1289 Wekiva Ln, West Melbourne, FL or jwad313141@aol.com

Jeff “Buck” mathewsStationed in GITMO 1970s–1980s. SeaBee Builder 1st Class or Chief. Was a member of FRA Branch 40. I played softball against him and would like to reconnect. Please contact Jon “Bubba” Corriveau at 757-714-5757.

reuniOns

Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, submit to reunions@fra.org or mail to: FRA Reunions, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

u.s. navy Postal ClerksApril 27–May 1, 2014, Charleston, S.C. Contact Russ Nichols, 843-552-9629, PegNicho@aol.com

uss doyle (FFg-39)May 16 –18, 2014, Jacksonville, Fla. Contact J. W. Bowles, Jr., 904-642-0725, jwbowlesjr@yahoo.com

uss taylor (dd/dde-468)September 21–25, 2014, Charleston, S.C. Contact James G. O’Neill, 14200 Hollows Drive, Montpelier, VA 23192, 804-212-8911, oneillfalm@aol.com

These notices are published on a space available basis. Notices must be submitted in writing. E-mail fratoday@fra.org or mail your request to: FRA, Looking for…, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA, 22314.

looking for lost shipmates? FrA can help!

Fra Today’S “looking For …” column is published on a space available basis and has been successful in reuniting many shipmates. Notices must be sub-mitted in writing to fratoday@fra.org or you can mail your request to FRA, Looking for, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

FRA’s Facebook page is also a great place to find old friends, both military and civilian. Like FRA at www.fra.org/fb and post your request there.

OtHer resOurCes:TogetherWeServed (TWS): FRA has an ongoing partnership with TWS, a website where military veterans can reconnect. Visit navy.togetherweserved.com,marines.togetherweserved.com or coastguard.togetherweserved.com to look for old buddies. (Some TWS services are available free of charge; others require an annual paid membership.)

Military.com: Visit www.military.com/buddy-finder to search for former shipmates.

National Archives: Another great resource is www.archives.gov/veterans/locate-service-members.html

WOW! That's what they said last year when the 12-carat "Pink Martian" diamond sold for $17.4

million. They said it again this year when the 34-caratpink “Princie Diamond” fetched an amazing $39 million atauction. "WOW!" has become the official exclamation ofstunning pink stones.

You probably said it when you saw this ring. You definitelysaid it when you saw the price. Get used to it. Becausewhen you wear the Palos Pink DiamondAura® Ring,you're going to hear "WOW!" all the time.

Pink stones make headlines for a reason. As oneof the rarest colored stones on Earth, pink diamonds stirthe passions of serious (and seriously wealthy) gem collectors. The ownership of such spectacular pinksparkle has been reserved for the privileged few. Buttoday you can bring home the “pink” for ONLY $59!

Science conquers snobbery. While the idle rich blowmillions bidding on massive rocks, scientists have beenhard at work reinventing the idea of luxury. The resultsare simply stunning. Every brilliant facet is proof thatour exclusive, lab-created DiamondAura is more than adiamond alternative, it’s a diamond superlative.

Our blush-colored rounds are bolder, brighter and shinewith more clarity than diamonds. The “fire” insideDiamondAura actually surpasses what you see in flawlessmined stones... for 99.999% less! Looking at them in.925 sterling silver, only one word comes to mind...

We guarantee you'll love this ring. Wear the Palosfor 30 days. If you're not impressed, simply send it backfor a full refund of your purchase price. It’s that simple.But it’s also more likely that once you see it up close, thering and the radiance will be impossible to resist.

Smart Luxur ies—Surpr i s ing Pr ices ™

“WOW!”

14101 Southcross Drive W., Dept. PPK172-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Stauer®

This offer is limited to the first 2500 orders to this ad only, so call NOW!

1-888-306-7185Promotional Code PPK172-01Please mention this code when you call.

You are cordially invited to RETHINK PINK with the $59 Palos Ring!

Palos Pink DiamondAura® Ring (2 2/5 ctw)— Appraised at $250*—Only $59 +S&P

* For more information concerning the appraisal, visit http://www.stauer.com/appraisedvalues.asp.

PPK172-01_7.75x10_Layout 1 10/8/13 9:02 AM Page 1

32

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH

NAME BRANCH

tAPs In Memoriam

Barba, Thomas S, CWO4, USN MALBeltz, Russell C, CDR, USN MALBisner, Edward S, POC, USN MALBoehm, Charles J, AOC, USN 126Bowers, Edward E, BMC, USN 230Boyd, Robert N, CWO2, USMC 126Brewer, Eugene, SMC, USN 060Brown, David, AK1, USN 162Bullock, Robert, HMCS, USN 106Buxton, William, ICC(SS), USN 269

Carlson, Ken L, CW02, USN 004Cook, Clifton E, PO1, USN MAL

Dentici, Robert J, OSC, USNR 110Dillon, George G, AKC, USN MAL

Etheridge, Billy E, CPO, USN MALEubank, Guy C, AECM, USN 022

Fahrney, Robert J, MSCS, USN 009Farmer, Billy H, BMC, USN 175Farmer, Roger E, SK1, USN 348Ferris, Alonzo E, TD1, USN 070Flores, Johnny C, SDCM, USN 067Foster, Everett P, FTCS, USN 316Funderburk, Carson, CPO, USN 029

Gamber, Leslie L, MR1, USN 053Gannaway, John D, ADCS, USN 110Gerczak, Peter J, CM1, USN 024

Hadley, Richard K, RM1, USN 023Hale, Charles W, SKCS, USNR 047Harris, Jack M, HMC, USN MALHeaphy, John D, PACM, USCG 335Heffernan, Michael, FCC, USNR MALHerron, Temple S, ADRC, USN 175Hoppe, Robert H, ADJ1, USN 238Horngren, Earl W, CDR(SC), USN 018

Isaac, James E, CPO, USN 367

Jacobsen, Ronald D, LT, USN 038Johns, Bobby L, SN1, USN 294Johnson, John W, HTCS, USN MALJones, Winston G, HTC, USN 009Jorgensen, Gene, AMEC, USN 276

Judd, Gerald E, ATC, USN 009Jutkiewicz, Thaddeus S, AXC, USN 132

Kaselnak, John R, YNC, USN 136Kelso, Frank, ADM, USN MALKiger, Edward E, AFCM, USN 099Kirkland, Benjamin T, HMC, USN MAL

Levy, Arthur H, AGC, USN 071Littke, Milton H, ADC, USN 097Lofstrand, Neil I., AMHC, USNR 136

Marsh, Robert J, ADCS, USN 011McDermott, Thomas W, CTTC,

USN 246McDonald, Clovis K, LCDR, USN 060McEvers, James R, AFCM, USN 091Moreno, Feliciano, RMC(SS), USN 276Murray, Vincent T, AD1, USN 022

Nichols, Elmer R, ADJ1, USN 124

O’Brien, Michael R, ABF1, USN 126

Parker, Donald E, USN 147Phillips, Robert, BMC, USN 261Price, Willard D, GMC, USN MAL

Ray, James W., TM2 (SW), USN 059Rhamy, Thomas L, LCDR, USN 061Rhodes, Carl, AD2, USN MALRichards, William V, GM1, USN 032Robbins, Ralph L, GMGC, USN 022Rubel, Benard J, LCDR, USN 022

Saddler, Robert L, AO2, USN 162Sala, Anthony N, BMC, USN 175Sanders, Billy T, GYSGT, USMC MALSavell, Carleton K, AEC, USN 026Scott, Ernest B., BM1, USN MALSharp, Robert H, CT3, USN 194Sheehy, Lawrence T, CEC, USN 117Sillmon, Ronnie L., SF3, USN 054Simmons, Thomas G, AMSC, USN MALSimmons, Howard L, HMCM, USN 146Skeith, George G, CWO, USN MALSmith, Jimmie L, SK1, USN MALSnyder, Marion G, CSC, USN 382

Sobolosky, John, PO1, USN 099Stark, Tommy L, ENCS, USN 009Steelman, Darwin L, CSC, USN 057Stevenson, Lawrence D, CPO, USN 038Steward, Dallas, SD1, USN 084Stiles, Louis D, TMCS(SS), USN 217Sturm, Junior C, LCDR, USN 147Swinford, David G, COL, USMC 174

Taylor, Glenn T, AMCS, USN 126Thompson, Arthur S, SKCS, USN 005Troller, George R, ABC, USN 290

Vinson, Raymond R, CSC, USN 110

Wait, Albert J, HMC, USN 048Weidinger, Richard A, ETC, USN 089Wilson, John V, MMC, USN 170Wise, Robert, MMC(SW), USN MALWood, Virgil M, SCPO, USN 175

Yacchari, Donald L, CPO, USN MAL

Zinser, Richard A, ADRC, USN 294

Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members.

Do you get discouraged when you hear your telephone ring? Do you avoid using your phone because hearing difficulties make it hardto understand the person on the other end of the line? For many Americans the telephone conversation – once an important part of everyday life – has become a thing of the past. Because they can’t understand what is said to them on the phone, they’re often cut off from friends, family, doctors and caregivers. Now, thanks to innovative technology there is finally a better way.

A simple idea… made possible with sophisticated technology. If you have trouble understanding a call, the Captioning Telephone can change your life. During a phone call the words spoken to you appear on the phone’s screen – similar to closed captioning on TV. So when you make or receive a call, the words spoken to you are not only amplified by the phone, but scroll across the phone so you can listen while reading everything that’s said to you. The captioning function can be turned on as needed. Each call is routed through a call center, where computer technology – aided by a live representative – generates immediate voice-to-text translations. The captioning is real-time, accurate and readable. Your conversation is private and the captioning service doesn’t cost you a penny – all you need is a high-speed Internet connection from any Internet provider and a standard phone line. Callers do not need special equipment or a captioning phone in order to speak with you.

Finally… a phone you can use again. The Captioning Telephone is also packed with features to help make phone calls easier. The keypad has large, easy

to use buttons. You get adjustable volume amplification along with the ability to save captions for review later. It even has an answering machine that provides you with the captions of each message.

See for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Try the Captioning Telephone in your own home and if you are not completely amazed, simply return it within 30-days for a refund of the product purchase price. It even comes with a 5-year warranty.

Hello mrs fleming this is dr martin how are you today? I just wanted to give you an update on your new prescription

“For years I avoided phone calls because I couldn’t understand the caller…

now I don’t miss a thing!”

SEE what you’ve been missing!

Captioning TelephoneCall now for our special introductory price!

1-888-734-5235

The Captioning Telephone is intended for use by people with hearing loss. In purchasing a Captioning Telephone, you acknowledge that it will be used by someone who cannot hear well over a traditional phone.

Breakthrough technology converts phone calls to captions.

New amplified phone lets you hear AND see the conversation.The Captioning Telephone converts phone conversations to easy-to-read captions for individuals with hearing loss.

8067

6

34

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

News FRom The bRANches

BrAnCH 89 AtlAntA, gA.

Shipmate Jim Holcombe had the honor of administering the oath to his granddaughter, Haley D. Holcombe, during commissioning ceremonies following her graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

BrAnCH 294 CrOssville, tenn.

The branch honored four shipmates in May with Certificates of Appreciation for their service and devotion during WWII. Shown left to right: Shipmate Bobby L. Johns, who passed away at the age of 87 shortly after this presentation, served as a First Class Storekeeper onboard a Navy amphibious ship anchored off Iwo Jima. He vividly recalled the raising of the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi and what it meant to American forces. Turk Therkelston, 88, participated in the Iwo Jima invasion and also witnessed the historic flag-raising. He was a Third Class Signalman during the Okinawa invasion and his vessel sailed into Tokyo Bay with the USS Missouri and he witnessed the Japanese surrender ceremony. Mario Gambaccini, 89, served as a Navy Third Class Water Tender aboard USS Todd in the Pacific Theater and participated in campaigns from New Caledonia up the chain of Pacific Islands. He also witnessed the Japanese surrender, and vividly recalled how “the sky turned black with aircraft [during the surrender] as we didn’t know what the enemy had in mind.” Henry Dellarco, 88, retired from the Navy after 20 years as a Chief Aviation Machinist Mate. His WWII service included duty on Douglas Dive Bombers, tasked to hunt and drop 500-pound bombs on surfaced German submarines patrolling the North Atlantic and rescue downed aircrews. Charles L. Burrus, 85, was a Third Class Electricians Mate onboard LST-494 and served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater as part of the campaign to liberate the Philippines from occupying Japanese forces. These shipmates are, indeed, members of the Greatest Generation.

BrAnCH 126 JACKsOnville, FlA.

Shipmates and Auxiliary members, along with two grandchildren, participated in the Independence Day Parade in Middleburg, Fla.

BrAnCH 137 minden, nev.

The branch’s Independence Day Picnic featured Elk burgers provided by Shipmate Joe Fowles and included the presentation of longevity and service pins to shipmates by Nevada Rep. Mark Amodei. Pictured (l to r) are Norbert Monohan, Jim Laird, Bob Stevenson, Bud Harris, Congressman Amodei, Chuck Rankin, Rick Rineax and Bob Ford.

35

FRA

Tod

Ay N

ovem

ber

2013

News FRom The bRANches

To submit a photo for News From the Branches, please e-mail a photo as an attachment in jpeg format to FRAToday@fra.org or mail a high-quality photograph to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted.

BrAnCH 105 OWensBOrO, KY.

Shipmates and Auxiliary members gath-ered to honor Shipmate Jim Lee, who marked 40 years of continuous FRA membership. Shown (l to r) are Unit President Linda Drawdy, Branch President Harold Phillips, Shipmate Lee and PRPNC Robert Melson.

BrAnCH 154 BAguiO CitY, PHiliPPines

Branch and Unit members celebrated American-Philippines Friendship Day on July 4th and the event was attended by members of VFW Post 124, the American Legion, Mayor M. Domogan and City Councilor L. Tabanda.

BrAnCH 162 neW OrleAns, lA.

Shown (l to r) are Shipmate Jerry Dupre and PRPSC Dave Field with Marine Cadet Major Thomas Keller and Shipmate Bob Kinghorn. Keller, who attends Jesuit High School in New Orleans, was honored with a $25 gift card and a JrROTC medal from the branch. The branch presented a similar award to Navy Cadet Bryant Riles (not shown) at Brother Martin High School.

BrAnCH 298 grAnd rAPids, miCH.

Shipmate Dan Allen (center) recruited and assisted in the initiation of Shipmates Alex Decess (left) and Don Crater (right). Both signed up for two years ($48) and each received a $24 check back from the branch for participating in the branch’s two-for-one deal.

BrAnCH 106 HArrisBurg, PA.

Several FRA leaders from the Northeast Region attended a tribute to late Shipmate Sam Hayman. Shown (l to r) are PRPNE James Clay, PRPNE Carl Stepp, Branch 106 President Albert Engle, Maddie Bushman (Sam’s daugh-ter), PRPNE William Starkey, PRPNE J. Earl Norman and RVPNE James Brown, who were on hand to witness the unveiling of Hayman’s headstone.

36

FRA

To

dAy

N

ove

mb

er 2

013

FrA AuXiliArY neWs

A message from Past national President Cindy rodham tuck

There have been Some exciting new “happenings” for the Auxiliary this year. The structure of the FRA and Auxiliary will change from nine regions to eight

after the merge of the Northeast and New England regions. Over the last year, rep-resentatives from both regions worked to compose new bylaws and standing rules, making diligent efforts to integrate policies that satisfied both regions. The proposed bylaws were carefully reviewed and approved by both regions. After the National Convention in Chattanooga, the two regions will combine to include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. There will be seven units — Unit 156 (Brunswick, Maine), Unit 66 (Rockland, Mass.), Unit 42 (Quonset/Davisville, R.I.) Unit 20 (Groton, Conn.), Unit 229 (Mid-Hudson, N.Y.), Unit 226 (Staten Island, N.Y.) and Unit 124 (Lakehurst, N.J.) — in the new Northeast/New England Region. I have the privilege of serving as the new region’s first president and PRPNE Sara Piacention (Unit 124) will serve as regional vice president. PRPNE Jim Brown will be the new region’s FRA president and Shipmate Roland E. Miller will be the FRA regional vice-president. Members of the NE/New England Region are very excited about the merger and are looking forward to working together to create a strong and healthy region.

We’re also excited to have added two new units: Unit 294 in Crossville, Tenn., and Unit 299 in Wilmington, N.C. NP Diane Hoover was able to reinstate Daugapan Unit 247 in the Philippines, thanks to the efforts of MSA PNP Pat Boudreaux and NES Doris Fri. And there’s the possibility of adding another on the West Coast, so it’s exciting to see our organization grow.

NP Diane Hoover, NVP Carolyn Whitaker, NChap Sylvia Wainio, PNP Sandy Robbins, PRPSE Mildred Brice and many other national and regional officers were in attendance at the institution and installation of new officers of Unit 294 Crossville on May 4, 2013. RPSE Babe Kilgore presented Unit President Julie Fogel with the gavel and PRPSE Jean Smith conducted the initiation of the 22 members, which included those members who had transferred from other units. The members were inspired as they were instructed in the Principles of the Auxiliary — Loyalty, Protection and Service.

RPEC-elect Christina Murray, Theresa Smith, PRPEC Aida Littlejohn, Mary Hall and FRA PNP George and Mary Kay assisted with the institution, installation and initiation of Unit 299 in Wilmington, N.C. on September 21, 2013. The new officers are President Christine Hicks and Secretary Louise Williams. PRPEC Jackie Scarbro worked hard for the last two years to get this unit up and running.

The entire membership of the Auxiliary extends a warm welcome to the two new units and wishes them the best of luck.

Cindy Rodham TuCkPast National President

Auxiliary members of the Northeast Region gathered for the last time in July.

Members of the newly instituted Unit 294 in Crossville, Tenn.

The final convention for New England Region was held on September 6, 2013, hosted by Branch and Unit 20 in Groton, Conn. Many national officers were in attendance, including Auxiliary NP Diane Hoover and FRA NP Mark Kilgore, shown at the National Submarine Memorial with FRA RPNEng Regional President Paul Loveless and Auxiliary PRNEng and PNP Cindy Rodham Tuck.

PERIODICALPostmaster: send address changes to:

member servicesFra

125 n. West streetalexandria, va 22314-2754