cape fear infogram
TRANSCRIPT
Cape Fear Infogram 1
Inside:
President’s Report - - p. 2
Auxiliary News - - - - - p. 3
Editorial - - - - - - - - - p. 5
Kudos - - - - - - - - - - p. 5
First Person
Account - - - - - - - - p. 6
Ladies Club - - - - - - - p. 8
“Spotlight” - - - - - - - p. 9
Golf Flyer - - - - - - - - p. 10
Legislative Update - p. 14
Membership
Application - - - - - p. 15
Calendar - - - - - - - - - p. 16
Cape Fear Infogram August 2014
Publisher COL Juan I. Chavez, USA, Ret. Editor LTC Don Gersh, USA, Ret.
Published for the members of the Cape Fear Chapter Military Officers Association of America
LTC John Hazlett receives award,
Rep. Rick Glazier updates members By LTC Don Gersh, USA, Ret.
It may have been a surprise to LTC John Hazlett,
USA, Ret., to receive recognition from MOAA for his many
contributions to the Cape Fear Chapter over the past two
decades, but not to President Juan Chavez who
recommended him.
“I nominated John to receive MOAA’s new
Leadership Award for his many years of dedicated service to
our chapter,” said Chapter President Chavez.
(continued on page 4)
John Hazlett (right) receives MOAA Leadership Award
from Chapter President Juan Chavez. Ann Hazlett received a
bouquet. (CFC MOAA Photo Service)
Cape Fear Infogram 2
President’s Report
COL Juan I. Chavez, USA, Ret President’s Notes
I am totally relieved that our July 25
general membership meeting and luncheon went
as well as it did. Up until show time I had my
doubts. First of all the reservations list was
way below our normal average, perhaps due to
people leaving town to get relief from the hot,
humid weather we’ve been experiencing lately.
Secondly, we could not get a
confirmation if our guest speaker, Rick Glazier,
was going to show up. We were scrambling at
the last
minute trying
to put
together a
Plan B in case
he didn’t.
Finally, not
one of our
eleven or so
chaplains
could attend
to deliver the
invocation
and
benediction,
so Bob
Garman and I
had to improvise at the nth hour. And there
were other pesky tidbits that I won’t go into.
Sensing a disaster in the making, since
“Murphy” was all over it, my fears turned out to
be unfounded; everything fell in place at “kick
off” time and we had a great meeting and
luncheon. The attendance, though smaller than
usual, was not undermining in the least , Rick
Glazier walked in at the last minute and gave us
a great update, and Bob and I, got through our
respective prayers as best as laymen can. All
the other nagging miscellany just dissipated.
Most satisfying was the socializing and
camaraderie that was evident. Everyone seemed
to be in a great mood, and our first-time
attendees and guests were most impressed, all
telling me they would be attending future
meetings. Their enthusiasm and desire to get
more actively involved in the chapter was most
reassuring. The feedback I received from
everyone was very positive indeed and that’s all
that matters. I thank the great team I’ve got
behind me (they know who they are) for coming
through like champs again.
Inasmuch as our bi-monthly event in
September is a golf tournament and knowing
well that not all of you are golfers, I am
extending an invitation to all of you to come out
to the golf course and join us for dinner anyway.
We normally serve a great buffet dinner at the
conclusion of the tournament in the outdoor
pavilion at Baywood Golf Course somewhere
around 5:30 to 6:00 PM. Come out and mingle
with the players, have a cool refreshment or
two, and enjoy dinner and the camaraderie that
is so common at these events. It will be an
enjoyable outing for you as well. (more p. 3)
(President’s Report continued from page 2)
I look forward to seeing many of you at
Baywood Golf Course on Saturday the 20th of
September. In the meantime, let’s support
Cape Fear Chapter Military Officers
Association of America
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President COL Juan Chavez, USA Retired 1st Vice President COL Art Rodriquez, USA Retired 2nd Vice President COL George Blanc, USA Retired 3rd Vice President LTC Bill Dadek, USA Retired Treasurer LTC Ed Thomas, USA Retired Secretary LTC Don Gersh, USA Retired Personal Affairs Officer 1LT Andrea Candlish, USA Auxiliary Liaison Officer Carol Ivey Chaplain Chap (MAJ) Ron Webb, USA
Cape Fear Infogram 3
Tammy Beshlin, our Tournament Director, as
best as we can. She’ll be working diligently to
make this fund raising effort as successful as she
can, but she’ll need our help in terms of our
time, talents and treasure. Let’s all pledge to get
actively engaged in this worthwhile endeavor.
MEMBERSHIP - RECRUITING AND RETENTION RECRUITING The month of July 2014 was a wee better recruiting month than last, yielding four new members; our total recruited this year to date is 35. We picked up a little steam, but not enough to really get rolling. Once again, the eligibility criteria for membership are: any commissioned or warrant officer – active duty, retired, former, Reserve or National Guard, in any of the seven uniformed services. Let’s go get them! We welcome our newest members: LTC (Ret) Bill Bell, USA LTC (Ret) David Booth, USA CPT Robert J. Phillips, USA CPT Eddie Pellotcruz, USA RETENTION For the very few who did not respond to renewal notices, your membership can still be reinstated if you reapply. If you are one of the delinquents, please mail in your requests using the form on the back page of the Infogram. You can also renew online and pay by credit card by going to http://www.moaa.org/OnlineChapterDuesPayment/.
If you have any questions please call Secretary
Don Gersh at (910) 484-4545.
Auxiliary News
By Carol Ivey
It’s Saturday evening or Sunday
morning and you have a health problem.
Did you know that there is a new
TRICARE Nurse Advice Line that gives
you access to a trusted medical
professional at a moment’s notice?
When the NAL is called, a
representative checks eligibility in
(DEERS) and then a registered nurse
asks a series of standard questions to
determine the next step. It may be self-
help or an appointment to see a health
care provider. They state that there is
always a live person on the line to
answer questions. The NAL number is
800-TRICARE (874-2273).
(Continued from page 1)
MOAA instituted the award less than two years
ago to recognize chapter and council officers
Cape Fear Infogram 4
who made exceptional contributions. The award
is distinguished by a special gold lapel pin and a
letter of congratulations by MOAA President
Vice Admiral Norb Ryan, Jr., USN-Ret.
John joined the Cape Fear Chapter in the
70’s after he retired from the Army and served
in a variety of
positions. He
was editor of the
Infogram
newsletter for 13
years.
John and
Ann Hazlett
received
congratulations
from more than
50 attendees at
the luncheon.
Past President Arlie Smith said “John
has done an outstanding job, not only for me,
but for all the members of the Cape Fear
Chapter. And he has done it for many years.”
Arlie said John has been active for a
long time and still does so by volunteering for
the USO at the Fayetteville airport. “He has
accumulated many hours toward volunteering
for the Airport USO by assisting Renee Lane in
her latest endeavor to increase the services to
our active Military members. John is a true
veteran!”
Presenting the meeting’s key address
was State Rep. Rick Glazier from Fayetteville.
Rep. Glazier has been in the State House for six
terms and is the Minority House Whip. He
represents District 44, most of Cumberland
County.
Rick gave the members and guests the
latest information from budget negotiations in
Raleigh. He said he expects one next week.
Known for his strong support of public
education, Rick talked about some of the recent
initiatives that impact North Carolina’s students,
kindergarten through college. He also discussed
some of the bills he
sponsored in support of
military families.
In other Chapter
business, President Chavez
asked the attendees to
support the annual golf
tournament which solely
benefits ROTC programs
within our catchment area.
“There are several
ways to support the
tournament,” said
President Chavez. He invited all members to
the buffet dinner that will follow the
tournament.
Other business conducted included
welcoming new members and first time
attendees. They are John Dunigan, Matt Barker
and Marty Williams. Guests were potential
members Bill and Sue Bell and David Booth.
Hope Mills former mayor Ed Deaver also
attended. Kaye Williams, who has worked with
every Infogram editor for 16 years, was also a
guest.
The 50/50 Scholarship Fund Raising
Event was won by Ed Thomas.
Editorial
District 44 Rep. Rick Glazier addressed the membership
on military-related initiatives and current issues at the
July 25 general membership luncheon. (CFC Photo Service)
Cape Fear Infogram 5
Volunteerism is
necessary for success
By Don Gersh
As far as I know, I am the
author of the above quote, but
it could have been said by almost everybody
who has ever worked for a non-profit
association or organization.
2014 is the “Year of the Volunteer” for
the Cape Fear Chapter MOAA.
President Juan Chavez stated that six
months ago as he began his second year as our
volunteer leader. As the Board of Directors
discussed this subject at the February meeting,
Personal Affairs Officer Andrea Candlish
volunteered to put together a list of all of the
vacant positions.
Juan took this list one step further and
included positions that already are filled just in
case someone would like to volunteer for it
when the incumbent gives up the slot.
That list has appeared in the Infogram
and on the website, and so far, not one inquiry
let alone a volunteer. That’s right, not one
response by a member or spouse.
I called my friend who joined last fall
before he deployed to Afghanistan and left a
message asking him to serve on the nominating
committee when he returns. He emailed me that
he will return in the spring, retire, and would be
glad to serve on the committee.
OK, we got one! Technically not a
volunteer, but a member willing to serve.
We need more members and spouses willing to
serve without being asked. I know I’m a
hypocrite because I was a member of the
Chapter for ten years before I said agreed to
serve as COL Meinhardt’s replacement as
secretary. And if I didn’t serve in USASOC
with COL Chavez, he would not know me and
would not have called me.
So, here we are. I recruited my only
friend in Fayetteville who meets the criteria for
MOAA membership, and then I asked him to
serve on a committee.
I don’t have any more friends in
Fayetteville eligible for membership. But I’m
still asking strangers to join.
And I certainly do not know 271 other
Chapter members and their spouses, but if
necessary, I’ll start calling the membership
roster asking for “volunteers” to fill our many
vacancies. Bottom line, we need
volunteers to be successful. Please consider
this a “one on one” call. . . f me.
KUDOS to COL Willie
Wright, USA, Ret., who was
recently awarded the North
Carolina Order of the Long
Leaf Pine. COL Wright was
recognized for more than 30
years of volunteer service to
Cumberland County in a
variety of positions.
First Person Account
By COL Art Rodriguez, USA, Ret.
Cape Fear Infogram 6
My Vietnam Experience with the 1st
Cavalry Division (Airmobile) In July of 1963, I entered the US Army as a 2LT (Regular
Army) in the field artillery. I obtained my officer
commission through the Reserve Officers Training Corps
at the University of Puerto Rico. I also graduated with a
BS in Mathematics.
After attending the basic officer artillery course at Fort Sill, Ok. I was assigned to Fort Benning, Ga. to the 1/15 Field Artillery Battalion
(an 18 gun, M101A1-105mm howitzers towed unit), 2nd Infantry Division. This was my first assignment in the Army in October 1963. I was assigned as a fire observer in C Battery and later as its fire direction officer. In 1964, the 1/15th FA was designated to serve as part of the 11th Air Assault Division (Test) to provide direct artillery fire to the 2nd Cavalry Brigade. The concept of delivering men and equipment to the Battlefield via Air Assault Techniques was being tested, this time using helicopters instead of fixed wing aircraft and large trucks as prime movers for the artillery howitzers and equipment. In January 1965, I was promoted to 1LT.
The 1st Cav Div was recalled from Korea late
June 1965, minus men and equipment to subsequently
be reorganized and be prepared for a new mission. On 1
July 1965, the 1st Cav Div (Airmobile) was officially
activated with men and equipment of the 11th Air
Assault Div (Test) making up the assets of the new
Division. Concurrently, the colors and subordinate unit
designations of the 2nd Infantry Division were
transferred to Korea to reflag what had been the 1st
Cavalry Division. As part of this event, the 1/15th FA was
re-designated as the 1/77th FA.
Vietnam Preparedness
The tactics employed in WWII and Korea were set aside
in favor of mobility and striking power in order to deal
with the counterinsurgency and guerrilla warfare. After
training in new weapons, new tactics and new methods
of supply, the Division departed by ships and aircraft
carriers from Savanna, Ga. in August '65.
Deployment
On 16 Aug 65 the Advance Party of 8th Engineer arrived
by C130 to Nha Trang. It joined a liaison group in
country and the 1,000 man advance force deployed to An
Khe , Central Highlands of SW Binh Dinh Province, 36
miles inland from the coastal city of Qui Nhon. Their
mission: to build a base camp and helicopter and fixed
wing aircraft runway for the new Airmobile Division. The
main focus of the facilities of the new camp was to build
a helipad to accommodate the over 400 helicopters and
six fixed wing aircrafts of the Div. It would become the
biggest helipad in the world and soon would become the
hub of activity of the 1st Cavalry Div. Surrounded by flat
terrain except for Hon Cong Mountain on the western
perimeter, the Div engineer units built an airstrip capable
of landing C130 aircraft. This so called "the golf
course" was re-designated as Camp Radcliff on 21 Feb
66 in honor of the first casualty of the Div, Major
Donald G. Radcliff, XO, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, a
Huey pilot.
A total of six transport ships, four aircraft carriers and seven cargo vessels were employed on the sea lift of the 1st Cav Div from Savannah to Viet Nam.
It took about four weeks to arrive in VN traversing through the Panama Canal. Those 28 days provided little idle or recreational time, besides I was seasick 27 of the 28 days. Weapon testing and familiarization continued from the aft decks of the cargo ships with home-made targets towed behind the ships. Two weeks before arriving in Viet Nam weekly doses of malaria suppression tablets began.
On 9 Sep 65 aircraft carrier USNS Boxer arrived with the CH 47 Chinooks of the 228th Helicopter Battalion which would be used to airlift most of the later arriving troops and cargo from the port of Qhi Nhon to An Khe. It took 1 1/2 weeks to airlift the Div from the port to the base camp in An Khe completing the airlift by 22 Sep 1965.
- Over -
Cape Fear Infogram 7
Counterinsurgency Activities
Now the whole Division was on hand (16,000 men
and over 400 helicopters) to establish the
perimeter, to complete the clearing of the helipad
and to erect tents, storage facilities and field
fortifications in an oppressive climate, adverse
jungle conditions and a hostile environment.
The Airmobile
soldiers of the First
Team had returned to
war, were prepared
and ready to enter its
third war and the longest tour of duty in combat
history for any Army unit. By 28 Sep 65 the 1st Cav
Div officially assumed complete control and
responsibility for the defense of the base camp in
An Khe and the surrounding Tactical Area of
Responsibility. Before that the 101st Airborne Div
was providing security around the camp.
1/77th FA mission was to provide direct
support for the 2nd Bde , 1st Cav Div at all times.
We provided field artillery fire support to the 2nd
Brigade and its assigned sector of the Division's 360
degrees defense perimeter of the Base Camp. This
360 degrees defense perimeter became the norm
not only for defense but for offense purposes since
for the first time in modern warfare there were no
front lines where the enemy is in front or to the
side, but this was a new war where the enemy
could attack you from any direction.
For that reason, we emplaced our howitzers
in a star position to facilitate firing in all directions
in direct support of the 2nd Maneuver Brigade. By
this time, I was a 1LT and served as the Executive
Officer of C Battery, 1/77 FA. I was the second in
command responsible for the firing of six 105mm
towed howitzer of the battery, all the unit training
and also was the unit air mobility officer. That
required the unit to operate safely in extremely
small landing zones. Our mission was to conduct Air
Assault Operations with a minimum of equipment
and immediately upon arrival in the Landing Zone,
place timely and accurate fire upon the enemy.
Operation/Campaign Pleiku (Nov 65) was the first
major Operation of the Division which conducted 35
days of continuous airmobile operations in the
Pleiku Province.
After preliminary skirmishes with Viet Cong
forces, we participated in the Pleiku Operation for
which the 1st Cav Division received the Presidential
Unit Citation. This large operation took place
around Plei Me, Duc Co, and the Ia Drang Valley.
Even though the First Team killed more than 3,500
NVA enemy soldiers and captured 157, the Div paid
a heavy price for its success, having lost some 300
troopers killed in action.
In December 1965 we also participated in
the clearing of Highway 19 to the west of An Khe.
In Jan 1966, the 2nd Bde and 1/77 FA support were
airlifted west of Pleiku and Konton Province to
begin a search and destroy mission up to the
Cambodian border. During this operation the First
Team troops saw for the first time the enemy
escaping by crossing the border into Cambodia,
confirming they had well-developed sanctuaries and
base camps inside Cambodia.
End of Part I
Cape Fear Infogram 8
Ladies Club
By Janet Shipp, President
July’s “Chatty Cathy” was ended-I seem
to recall-just like the LAST TIME-with a FIRE
ALARM…I guess we were a little too “chatty”
and the staff wanted to go home, HA!
Our group had a
wonderful
time!—Along
with a
“SURPRIZE”
Raffle of several
very nice prizes
and donations
(thanks Donna, Mary, Elda and her guest),
Sarah Volkmann won a very large 50/50.
Looking forward to this month’s
“Chico’s Fashion Show”.
Quite a few models will be getting their
selections and having a dress rehearsal the
Sunday before our luncheon. What will the Fall
colors/styles/prints bring???
OUR FUN FUNDRAISER this year
occurs in September. I hope you have already
heard about our $$$$$$ FRIENDS AND
FAMILY FUN BINGO FUNDRAISER.
Here are some VERY IMPORTANT
POINTS [SOME CHANGES] you need to
know:
-ALL cards are $5 each.
-Diagrams for the card games will be on the
tables: “M” “O” “A” &coverall.
-$400 pot for 4 games: $75, $75, $100, $150;
pot split between multiple winners.
-EARLY LUNCHEON TIME at 11 a.m. due to
Fundraiser.
-RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE!
-FRIENDS AND FAMILY are encouraged;
HOWEVER, MEMBERS are reminded of their
RESPONSIBILITY for paying for that guest’s
luncheon.
-Bring extra money for the 50/50 and Raffle
items!!!
Cape Fear Infogram Ads
Beginning with the August edition of the
Cape Fear Infogram, sponsorship ads will run in
the newsletter.
Sponsors may buy full-page, half-page,
quarter-page and business card-sized ads. Cost
is:
Full-page 6 issues $850; 12 issues $1,693
Half-page 6 issues $419; 12 issues $753
Quarter-page 6 issues $204; 12 issues $389
Business-card 6 issues $95; 12 issues $188
For more information or to reserve your
sponsorship, contact Don Gersh at
910.624.4597 or [email protected] or
Checks are payable to Cape Fear
Chapter MOAA and may be mailed to Post
Office Box 53621, Fayetteville, NC 28305.
Cape Fear Infogram 9
Spotlight on:
July 2014
Dear Friend and Supporter:
The men and women of our Armed Forces continue to make us proud with their courage and selfless
dedication to mission accomplishment. There is no question that their training, equipment and technology are
second to none. However, the cornerstone to their success is imbedded in the exercise of sound leadership
principles by our young troop leaders.
The main source of officer procurement for all of our services is our college Reserve Officer Training
Corps (ROTC) programs. The Cape Fear Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America remains
committed to insuring that our services continue to have the best talent our college ROTC programs can
produce. We do this by sponsoring an ROTC scholarship awards program in 25 area high schools and four
area universities.
Since 1998 we have awarded academic scholarships to the most outstanding junior ROTC cadets who
are accepted for admission to four-year college programs. So far this year we have awarded four $1,000
scholarships to qualified applicants, bringing our total to $89,000 in awards made since the program’s
inception.
The major fund raiser to support the ROTC scholarship awards program is our annual golf
tournament which will be held this year on September 20, 2014 at Baywood Golf Course. In addition to
encouraging individual participation in the golf tournament we are asking patriots, businesses and civic
organizations to consider sponsoring a golf hole with a donation of $125. We are also soliciting our supporters
to treat a Fort Bragg soldier or Wounded Warrior to play by paying his/her $70 entry fee. These
contributions will help one of our nation’s best to complete a college degree program, earn a commission in
one of our Armed Services, and serve in the military for a minimum of four years active duty to perhaps as
long as a 30 year career; a tremendous investment in our country.
The Cape Fear Chapter of MOAA is proud of its ROTC scholarship awards program as I know you
will be of supporting it. We hope that you will join us as a player and/or sponsor in making this year’s fund
raiser the best ever.
Sincerely,
Juan I. Chavez
JUAN I CHAVEZ
THE CAPE FEAR CHAPTER
MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION of AMERICA
P.O. Box 53621, Fayetteville, NC 28305
Cape Fear Infogram 10
Colonel, US Army, Retired
President
CAPE FEAR CHAPTER, MOAA
2014 ROTC SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM
FUND RAISING GOLF TOURNAMENT
Baywood Golf Course
Fayetteville, NC
(910) 483-4330
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Check in 11:00 AM – Shotgun start 1:00 PM
Four Person Scramble (Captain’s Choice)
Individual entrants will be formed into teams by the Committee based on handicap. Every effort will be
made to include at least one active duty soldier or spouse in each team.
Entry Fee
$70 per player
Includes green/cart fees, range balls, box lunch, on course beverages, and dinner. Prizes include top two
place teams (gross & net) and other proximities prizes.
(You can sponsor an active duty soldier to play by paying his/her entry fee; call for details.)
Individual/Corporate Hole Sponsorships
$125 per hole
Cape Fear Infogram 11
Deadline for Entry
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Tournament Director
Tammy Beshlin • 910-213-2065/[email protected]
You may drop off entry form and check at Baywood GC Pro Shop, or mail to: CFC, MOAA, ATTN:
Tournament Director, P.O. Box 53621, Fayetteville, NC 28305 (make checks payable to: “CFC,
MOAA”)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Player Entry Form
2014 MOAA ROTC SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM GOLF TOURNAMENT
Name: ________________________________Telephone number:_________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________
Email Address:________________________________________________________
Handicap index or average 18 holes score:________
NET PROCEEDS GO TO ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS. All entry fees are considered donations and will not be refunded to last minute
cancellations or no-shows.
Cape Fear Infogram 12
Cape Fear Infogram 13
2014 ROTC Scholarship Awards Program Fund
Raising Golf Tournament
Hole Sponsorships. A donation of $125 will sponsor a hole (checks payable to Cape Fear Chapter,
MOAA). If you know of any business, civic or church group, or friend that would be willing to support a
noble program they can do so by sponsoring a hole. Sponsorship entitles the sponsor to a professionally
fabricated sign with the inscription, “This Hole Sponsored by”, followed by the sponsor’s name and/or
other desired designation, prominently displayed on one of the tee boxes during the tournament.
Additionally, a list of all sponsors is included in the information brochure provided to all participants on
tournament day. If each Chapter member can secure one hole sponsorship, we can raise a substantial
amount of money for a very important and worthwhile cause. If you want to sponsor a hole, fill out the
slip below and mail it to me together with your check. Tammy Beshlin, Tournament Director, (910)
213-2065.
Volunteers needed for the Golf
Committee.
Contact Tammy Beshlin ASAP!
(910) 213-2065 or [email protected]
To: Tournament Director
I would like to sponsor a hole in support of our 2014 ROTC Scholarship Awards
Program Fund Raising Golf Tournament, enclosed is a check for $125 payable to
“CFC, MOAA”. Please include the following name or inscription on my sign:
___________________________________________________________________
Cape Fear Infogram 14
Active Duty Soldiers Sponsorships: Our program to sponsor our active duty soldiers and
wounded warriors to play in our golf tournament has proven very successful in the past. Our soldiers
have a great time and our sponsors get a great sense of satisfaction in treating them. Our goal this year
is to sponsor at least 50 active duty soldiers; the cost will be $70 per soldier (the player entry fee). The
benefits of this program are: it presents a means of expressing our gratitude to our active duty soldiers
for their service by treating them to a great golf outing; it exposes our young military men and women to
MOAA by providing them an opportunity to socialize with their retired counterparts; and, it increases
the number of players, ergo, more funds for ROTC scholarships. So open up your hearts and your
checkbooks and treat a soldier or two to a great day of golf and camaraderie; just fill out the slip below
and mail it to me together with your check. Tammy Beshlin, Tournament Director, (910) 213-2065.
To: Tournament Director
From: _____________________________________________________________
I want to sponsor_____ soldiers/airmen @ $70 each = $__________to play in
our 2014 ROTC Scholarship Awards Program Fund Raising Golf Tournament.
Enclosed is a check payable to “CFC, MOAA.”
__________________________
Name
Mail to: CFC, MOAA, ATTN: Tournament Director, P.O. Box 53621 Fayetteville, NC 28305
Cape Fear Infogram 15
Legislative Update
By Don Gersh, Legislative Affairs
From Staff and MOAA Legislative Affairs Web Site
Congress must make some big decisions
in the second half of this year. The full House
and the Senate Armed Services Committee
(SASC) completed their respective drafts of the
FY 2015 defense authorization bill. The SASC-
passed version of the defense bill would make a
number of cuts to pay and benefits proposed by
the administration, including:
Capping the FY 2015 military pay raise at 1
percent, 0.8 percent below the increase dictated
by current law to keep pace with private sector
pay growth;
Increasing Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
out-of-pocket costs for servicemembers by five
percent over the next three years;
Dramatically increasing TRICARE pharmacy
copayments over next ten years and require all
beneficiaries to refill maintenance medications
via the mail-order pharmacy.
The House-passed version of the defense
bill rejects all of these cuts. These issues will
be debated this fall. It’s imperative that we let
our legislators know how we feel about them.
During the month of August, most elected
officials will return to their home states/districts
to meet with constituents. This is a great
opportunity for you as MOAA members to visit
our legislators’ local offices and advise them of
our concerns on these matters. One of the
reasons MOAA has been successful on Capitol
Hill is that we have members who are willing to
contact their legislators and express their views
on issues that are important to them. Leaders
who can say “We represent about 16,000
MOAA members in North Carolina” and help
convey that we are speaking for a substantial
group of constituents.
And the grassroots support of our Council and
Chapter leaders has never been as important as
it is now.
Add to your Rolodex or Smart Phone:
Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) 2nd term Republican from North Carolina
Washington, D.C. Office:
217 Russell Senate Office Building,
District of Columbia 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3154
Fax: (202) 228-2981
Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) 1st term Democrat from North Carolina.
Washington, D.C. Office:
521 Dirksen Senate Office Building,
District of Columbia 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6342
Fax: (202) 228-2563
Do you have a First Person Account you would like to share with other
MOAA readers? If so, send to [email protected]. There is no guarantee
it will be used. Accompanying digital pictures are encouraged.
Cape Fear Infogram 16
____________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE ENROLL ME AS A MEMBER OF THE CAPE FEAR CHAPTER, MOAA
Initial Enrollment _____; or Annual Renewal _____ Date: ______________
Category: Regular Member _____ ($20) Auxiliary Member _____ ($10)
NAME: __________________________________________ SPOUSE’S NAME:_____________________
RANK: _____ SERVICE: _________________ Active Duty ____; Retired ____; Former Officer ____
ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________ ZIP: __________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________
TELEPHONE: _______________________________________________________
NATIONAL MOAA MEMBER? Yes _____, Membership # __________________; No _____
I would like to receive my Infogram by: Regular Mail _____ or E-mail _____
Please mail with any payment due to:
Cape Fear Chapter, MOAA PO Box 53621 Fayetteville, NC 28305
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Cape Fear Infogram 17
Cape Fear Chapter MOAA
Post Office Box 53621
Fayetteville, NC 28305
Calendar of Events: 2 Sep – CFC Board of Directors Meeting, Fort Bragg Club, 1100 hours
18 Sep – US Air Force birthday
20 Sep – Golf Tournament, Baywood Golf Course, 1100 hours
7 Oct – CFC Board of Directors Meeting, Fort Bragg Club, 1100 hours
13 Oct – US Navy birthday
4 Nov – CFC Board of Directors Meeting, Fort Bragg Club, 1100 hours
4 Nov – Election Day
11 Nov – Veterans’ Day
21 Nov – CFC Annual General Membership Meeting and Dinner, Fort Bragg
Club, 1800 hours
We are a powerful force
speaking for a strong
national defense and
representing interests
of military officers and
their families at every
stage of their career.