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April 2015

Volume 40, Issue 8

In This Issue:

Presidents Message 1

Auxiliary Report 2

Pictures 2-3

Birthdays/Anniversaries 3

April Dinner Information 3

Auxiliary Lunch Information 3

Chair Reports 4-5

Auxiliary Programs 5

For Your Information 6-8

Membership Application 10

Dinner Reservations 11

This newsletter is published monthly September - May.

The Superstition Mountain Chapter, Military Officers

Association of America Inc., is a non-profit organization, IRS tax

ID# 23-7430856

http://www.smcmoaa.org/

Please remember to share the newsletter with your spouse!

Presidents Comments

Our spring picnic at the Tempe Kiwanis Park on Saturday March 21st was interesting and different. For the first time in many years, the parking lot was full and several of our members had to park several blocks away. Even with that problem, we still had a good crowd. Our chef, Tom Ralph, was assisted by John Scott; and the brats and burgers were great. The baked beans and potato salad and all of the other food and dessert hit the spot. Greg and Meredith worked tirelessly to pull this off. During the picnic we talked about

catering this event. These picnics are very time consuming and hard work for a few people. What about having a picnic at the Rustlers Roost near South Mountain??? Very little work, no left over food and just pay the bill. They have a nice picnic area over-looking the valley. Just a thought..

My biggest challenge is to increase our membership. All of us need to continue to keep looking for new members for MOAA SMC. Perspective members can be found at other military organizations, social clubs, or even at church. You should always have a few extra copies of our SMC tri-fold brochure. The main thing is to INVITE them to one of our functions.

Please keep in mind our 2nd annual MOAA-DBACKS game will be on Sept 13th vs the LA

Dodgers. Our color guard will present the colors again along with the flags of all nine AZ MOAA

chapters. We will be seated in section 217. The second level seating is a restricted area. If

you dont have a ticket for the second level you cant get in. ALL of our tickets will only be

$20.00. So plan on bringing your family and friends. Even though we dont need the money

until August 15, please let us know if you want to attend and how many people will be in your

party. SAVE THE DATE.

Ed Mangan, Capt USAF (fmr); emangan3@aol.com, President, Superstition Mountain Chapter, MOAA 4537 E. Shomi St, Phoenix, AZ 85044; (602) 501-0128

2015 OFFICERS

President, Cpt Ed Mangan 602-501-0128 emangan3@aol.com

1st VP, Lt Gregory Moore 480-814-0580 glmoore24@yahoo.com

2nd VP, Ms. Ann Schminke 480 893-8263 daannz@aol.com

VP Auxiliary, Mrs. Ann Ferguson

Secretary, Mrs. Peggy Allen

Treasurer, Maj Austin Foote

Past President, CW4 Arlan Allen

2015 COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Programs Lt Gregory Moore

Membership Ms. Ann Schminke

Personal Affairs CW4 Arlan Allen

Legislative Lt Col Ed Fox

JROTC/Scholarship Col Karl Pfitzer

Newsletter Mrs. Marlene Fox

Website Mrs. Ann Ferguson

Transition Coordinator LtC James Austin

Director Col Thomas Ralph

Director Maj Gen Dave Rataczak Director Mrs. Jackie Oddo

Director Capt George Meegan

Director CW4 Bob Delker

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AUXILIARY NEWS: from Ann Ferguson

The next meeting of the Auxiliary will be Friday,

April 10, 2015 at Dobson's Restaurant, 2155 S.

Dobson Rd, Mesa. We will meet at 11am to

pack boxes for Packages from Home and have lunch off the

menu at 11:30am. All Auxiliary members, spouses and their

guests are encouraged to attend.

We have packed and sent 43 boxes to Packages from Home

so far this year and hope to exceed our total of 135 boxes

sent last year. We continue to need donations of hygiene and

snack items to fill these boxes. You can bring your donations

to any of our meetings. In fact if each of you would bring just

one can of food or hygiene item such as a bar of soap to each

meeting you attend it would really help. Thank you for all your

past donations to this very worthy endeavor. I am sure the

troops who received them Thank You as well.

We are continuing to ship books to deployed troops and those

serving stateside as well as VA hospitals thru Operation

Paperback. So far this year we have mailed out 5 boxes

containing 101 paperback books plus donated hardback

books received to the Phoenix VAMC. So yes, we still need

and want your book donations as well. I will be happy to

come and pick up your book donations if you are unable to

bring them to a meeting.

If you have questions about the Auxiliary, donations for our Packages from Home/Operation Paperback projects, or need to schedule a donation pickup - please call me at 480-961-9634 or email me at vfergusonfnp@netscape.net

March Picnic at Kawanis Park

Our turn out was good, the weather was good and the food was great!

Greg and Meredith Moore did a great job setting this up.

Our Cooks, Tom Ralph and John Scott did a great job!

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Thank you Ann Schminke for hosting our 50/50 raffle. The $42.00 pot was won by Marlene Fox and donated back to Packages from Home.

We need volunteers to host our monthly raffles. If you would like to host one of the months or donate an item for the raffle,

please contact Greg Moore 480-814-0580 glmoore24@yahoo.com. We need 5 or 6 items, each worth at least $20.00. If you are

willing to host, we will try and help you get the items.

April Congratulations

MEMBER BIRTHDAY SPOUSE BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARIES

Barbara Austin 11 Melba Shafer 3 John & Sharon Follet 7

Shirley Bohn 16 Mary Woods 21 George & Jo Meegan 22

Mead Long 27 Roddyy & Rebecca Schmidt-Charton 30

Larry Pucci 1 Joseph & Lori Sottile 27 Tom Ralph 15 Eugene Shafer 30 Richard Spickerman 8

Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA

Auxiliary Luncheon at Dobson's Restaurant

Friday, April 10, 2015

Pack books and Packages from Home boxes at

11:00am -- Lunch at 11:30am

Order lunch off the menu

Reservations to Ann Ferguson

480-961-9634 or email vfergusonfnp@cox.net

Please come join us for lunch!

Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA

Dinner Meeting

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Dobsons Restaurant 2155 S Dobson Rd, Mesa

4:00 Social Hour 5:00 Dinner

Menu Choices Top Sirloin, Chicken Fettuccini or Fish and Chips,

Dinner Salad, and Rolls Vegetable, and Chefs Dessert

$25.00 per person

Reservations to Greg Moore

480-814-0580 glmoore24@yahoo.com

1581 W. Corona Dr. Chandler, AZ 85224-8558

Reservations by Thursday, April 16th

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A message from

1st Vice President Greg Moore

On behalf of the SMC Board of Directors, we hope that those of you who attended the picnic had an enjoying and "fulfilling" time. Thanks to (chef) Col Tom Ralph (assisted by Gen John Scott) for their grill mastery.

Tom has been our picnic chef for several years. Thanks Tom and John we really appreciate your doing this for us.

For our April 19th dinner meeting Social will be at 1600 (4pm) with dinner served at 1700 (5pm). The cost is $25.00. We will have a choice of Top Sirloin, Chicken Fettuccini or Fish and Chips. Reservations to me not later than Thursday, April 16th.

Our dinner speaker is scheduled to be a representative from the Arizona Corporation Commission to discuss their regulatory role and tips on how to avoid being scammed out of your hard earned money. Some of you may even have your own stories to tell.

CHAIRMAN REPORTS

2st Vice President Ann Schminke Membership

How many of us have life memberships?

All of us do, in a human way. We are here

to celebrate the good life, the United

States of America way. Lets not forget

that our human membership takes many routes and

guess where it might passthe MOAA Superstition

Mountain Chapter route. A route filled with flowing

histories, experiencing world-wide adventures. Lets

enjoy the route which will probably encourage more to join

our chapter

Legislative Ed Fox

MOAA News Release March 27, 2015

(As edited by Ed Fox)

MOAA testified beside several other military advocacy

groups concerning recent recommendations by

the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization

Commission (MCRMC). Panelists split over proposals

that would dramatically alter retirement benefits We

are very concerned that the new system lacks the drawing

power to sustain service members to 20 years of service,

Hayden stated. Under the MCRMCs retirement proposal,

service members will receive a 20 percent reduction in

military retired pay, in addition to matching government

contributions in the federal Thrift Savings Plan.

The proposal also stops government contributions for

those who serve more than 20 years of service. For troops

who choose to stay on past the 20-year mark, the lifetime

loss in retirement value could be dramatic.

Treasurer

Austin Foote Our chapter dues are for January through December. Dues reminder letters will be going out in April to those who are not current. If you

dont get a reminder letter from our chapter secretary your dues are paid through December 2015.

Personal Affairs Arlan Allen

I find it difficult to write an article for the

Personal Affairs section of the

Newsletter. The services that I may assist with become most

valuable during a traumatic time in ones life, so we tend to

avoid these issues. But, its very important to review certain

documents on an annual basis. These may include, but not

be limited to; your trust, will or beneficiary deed. In addition

to these type of items, make sure your survivors have the

location of life insurance and policy numbers, your MyPay

login and password and any items you may have password

protected. As well as, the location of your DD Form 214, and

your C Number from the VA, if applicable. This review only

takes a few minutes once a year to verify everything is current

and correct.

Sadly, I have experience assisting survivors through the DoD,

Social Security and VA process. If you find yourself in need

of assistance, Im available at your convenience to assist.

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Transition Coordinator James Austin

Need A Job? Job Fairs in the greater Phoenix Metroplex and surrounding areas are announced

monthly on Wednesdays and Sundays in the Arizona Republic newspaper and on line in their Economic/Business Section. For example, the Prescott Job Fair was held from 1000-1400 hours March 27th at the Yavapai College Gym, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott, AZ. Coord@moaatopsaz.org routinely posts listings of jobs focusing on career interest to veterans and their dependents. Dont overlook such valuable resources.

Thought for the day: A part time job can often lead to full time

employment..check it out!

.

Auxiliary Sponsored ProgramsAuxiliary Sponsored ProgramsAuxiliary Sponsored ProgramsAuxiliary Sponsored Programs

Cell Phones for Soldiers /Cell Phones for Soldiers /Cell Phones for Soldiers /Cell Phones for Soldiers / Helping Heroes HomeHelping Heroes HomeHelping Heroes HomeHelping Heroes Home

Ann SchminkeAnn SchminkeAnn SchminkeAnn Schminke

When you upgrade your phone, dont throw those old phones away. Bring them to us. Well send them in to get phone time for our troops overseas. The phones dont need to work. Monetary donations are great too! $5.00 is equal to 2.5 hours of family talk-time for one deployed.

For more information contact: Ann Schminke 480-893-8263 - daannz@aol.com

Since 2011 over 345 phones have been sent! Thanks for your donations!

Operation Paperback BooksOperation Paperback BooksOperation Paperback BooksOperation Paperback Books

Ann FergusonAnn FergusonAnn FergusonAnn Ferguson

We send paperbacks to the troops and hard

cover books are taken to the VA Hospital.

Requested books: action (includes westerns), bestsellers,

biographies and memoirs, fantasy, history, horror, mysteries,

science-fiction and true crime. We are also sending books to

the families of deployed troops. You can now include

children's books in your donations as well as more women's

literature. For more information contact Ann Ferguson 480-961-9634 or email vfergusonfnp@cox.net

5 Boxes mailed in 2015 (over 108 books)

Since 2012, Over 880 books taken to the VA Hospital!

Packages from HomePackages from HomePackages from HomePackages from Home

Ann FergusonAnn FergusonAnn FergusonAnn Ferguson

Bring your donations to any chapter function.

Requested items: hygiene items (baby wipes,

cotton swabs, tissues, tooth paste, deodorant, shampoo,

etc.), snack items (such as beef jerky, hard candy, and

gum), canned goods, peanut butter, Top Ramen, Cup of

Noodles, etc. We also need Sunday newspaper comics,

magazines about sports, world events, nature, etc. We

cannot send aerosol cans, chocolate, alcohol or sexually

oriented material. Monetary donations are always

appreciated. For more information contact: Ann Ferguson 480-961-9634 or email vfergusonfnp@cox.net

100 120 140 160 200 250650

8801300

26502765

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1000

2000

3000

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2014 - 2015 ROTC Award

Donations YTD

12 28 43

0

200

Jan Feb Mar AprMay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2015 Packages From Home

Mailed

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FOR YOUR INFORMATIONFOR YOUR INFORMATIONFOR YOUR INFORMATIONFOR YOUR INFORMATION Newly Declassified: Incredible WWII Normandy Beach Landing Photographs

Below are some of the pictures just released. Due to space constraints not all pictures are shown. You can view more pictures and a

slide show at: http://theolivebranchreport.com/newly-declassified-incredible-wwii-normandy-beach-landing-photographs/ .

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NEWSLETTER EDITORNEWSLETTER EDITORNEWSLETTER EDITORNEWSLETTER EDITOR

Marlene Fox

As the Newsletter Editor, I strive to minimize errors. There will be times that mistakes occur. If you notice any errors please let me know. I would appreciate any input on articles you might think would be appropriate for the newsletter. It would also be helpful if all address changes, corrections, or email changes were sent to me

so I can insure you receive the newsletter without delay. marlenekfox@cox.net - 1151 N Joshua Tree Lane, Gilbert, AZ 85234

HappyHappyHappyHappy EasterEasterEasterEaster

Remember to sign up for the State wide MOAA Group Arizona Diamondbacks game September13th. Call or email Ed Mangan with your reservation ASAP! Tickets are only $20.00. (602) 501-0128 - emangan3@aol.com

Heres a suggestion

How about bringing an item (maybe a can of food or hygiene item such as a bar of soap) to the next dinner meeting for Packages from Home. If everyone brings something it will help the Auxiliary ladies keep the program going.

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MOAAs Mission: The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is a non-profit veterans association dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and to preserving the earned entitlements of members of the uniformed services and their families and survivors.

MOAA National & Superstition Mountain Chapter Membership Application

Date __________________Member Name & Initial ___________________________________________________

Branch of Service__________________________ Rank__________________________________

Spouse First Name ____________________________ National MOAA Number ________________________

Street Address ___________________________________ __City _____________ State _____ZIP______-_________

Home Phone #__________________________Work or Cell#________________________________

Please Circle: ARMY--AIR FORCE-NAVY--MARINE CORPS- COAST GUARD--NOAA--PUBLIC HEALTH SVC

Circle All That Apply: REGULAR-RESERVE-NATIONAL GUARD-FORMER OFFICER-ACTIVE-RETIRED-

MALE___ FEMALE___ WIDOW-___ WIDOWER___

Member Date of Birth MM____/DD____/YYYY______ Spouse Date of Birth MM____/DD____/YYYY______

Anniversary Date ______________________E-mail Address _______________________________________

MOAA National membership for 2015 has 3 types to pick from. 1. Basicfree-electronic only. 2. Premium- $37.00 a year. 3. Life membership-fee is age dependent. As a BASIC Member you will receive electronic newsletters and have opportunities to participate in grassroots activism effort. You get Military Officer Magazine via our mobile app. Youll also have the opportunity to attend our career fairs, networking events, and classes and to take advantage of valuable discounts on products and services. As a PREMIUM Member you get full access to everything MOAA has to offer, including our full spectrum of our career resources (one-on-one career counseling, rsum reviews, and interviewing advice and critiques), countless discounts on products and travel, and access to all MOAA exclusive publications and news updates. Youll be able to tap into MOAAs staff of experts for financial and investment advice, college scholarships for dependents, and much more. Thats on top of all the benefits you receive at the BASIC Membership level.

Superstition Mountain Chapter membership fee is $25 per year. Spouses of current members may participate in Chapter Auxiliary

luncheons and activities with no fee. Chapter bylaws require Chapter members and Chapter Auxiliary members to be members of

MOAA National.

Enclose check for: MOAA National $_________$25.00 For Chapter $_________$12.50 For Auxiliary________

Makes checks payable to: Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA

Mail Application and Check to: Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA, Austin Foote, Treasurer 3554 E. Camino Circle, Mesa, AZ 85213-7033 - Phone 480- 329-4806

For More Information Contact, Membership Committee Chairman Ann Schminke: 480-893-8263 - daannz@aol.com

Name tags are available for $10.00 each. Name tags are durable hard plastic, white background with MOAA logo and your name engraved in black. To place your order, please fill out the form below and send your check made out to Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA to the above address.

Print first and last name Select nametag type pin on or magnetic

1. ______________________________________________________ _____ _____

2. ______________________________________________________ _____ _____

3. ______________________________________________________ _____ _____

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CLIP AND MAIL

Chapter Community Grant Donation

Enclosed is our donation of $ _____________ for this program

The Chapter MAY___MAY NOT __ publish our names in the newsletter

Signed __________________________________________________

Please make check payable to Superstition Mountain Chapter, MOAA

Please check one ROTC____ Packages From Home____ Other________________________ Mail to: Austin L. Foote, Treasurer, 3554 E. Camino Circle, Mesa, AZ 85213-7033

Family Assistance Fund Donation

Enclosed is our tax-deductible donation of $ _____________

Signed __________________________________________________

Please make check payable to AZ National Guard Family Assistance Fund

Mail to: Austin L. Foote, Treasurer, 3554 E. Camino Circle, Mesa, AZ 85213-7033

2015 Chapter Dues Renewal Form

Annual Dues: $25 Regular Members $12.50 Auxiliary Members

Please make check payable to Superstition Mountain Chapter, MOAA - - - Write MOAA Chapter Dues on Memo line of the check

Mail to: Austin L. Foote, Treasurer 3554 E. Camino Circle Mesa, AZ 85213-7033

Check enclosed; renew my membership for 2015

Signed _____________________________ My national MOAA number_________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________________

Phone number_____________________ Email ___________________________________________________ ____

April Dinner Meeting Reservation Sunday, April 19, 2015 - Dobsons Restaurant

Social Hour 4:00pm Dinner 5:00pm

Meal Choices: Top Sirloin_____ Chicken Fettuccini _____Fish and Chips_____ $25.00 per meal Name(s) _________________________________________________

Reservations must be in by Thursday, April 16th Make checks payable to: Superstition Mountain Chapter, MOAA

CLIP AND MAIL TO: GREG MOORE 1581 W. Corona Dr. Chandler, AZ 85224-8558

Or call 480-814-0580- email glmoore24@yahoo.com

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Superstition Mountain Chapter Military Officers Association of America 1151 N Joshua Tree Lane Gilbert, AZ 85234

2015 Chapter Activity schedule - (Dates and times are subject to change)

Chapter Board Meetings Chapter Auxiliary Luncheons Chapter Dinner/Picnic Meetings

April 13th 9:00am April 10th 11:30am April 19th - 4:00pm social 5:00pm dinner

May 11th 9:00am May 8th 11:30am May 17th - 4:00pm social 5:00pm dinner

Summer Break Chapter Auxiliary Luncheons Chapter Summer Luncheons

No board meeting June 12th 11:30am June 21st 12noon social 1:00pm lunch

No board meeting July 10th 11:30am July 19th - 12noon social 1:00pm lunch

No board meeting August 14th 11:30am August 16th - 12noon social 1:00pm lunch

September 14th - 9:00am September 11th 11:30am September 20th - 4:00pm social 5:00pm dinner

October 12th - 9:00am October 9th - 11:30am October 17th Saturday Picnic 11:00am

November 9th -9:00am November 13th - 11:30am November 15th - 4:00pm social 5:00pm dinner

December 14th - 9:00am December 11th - 11:30am December 13th - 4:00pm social 5:00pm dinner