february 2021 volume 2, number 2
TRANSCRIPT
Cape Coral Communicator
FEBRUARY 2021 Volume 2, Number 2
In This Issue
President’s Message
Meeting Minutes
Financial Report
Upcoming Events
Membership Application/Renewal
and Directory Update Form
Budget for 2021-2022
Legislative Report
Surviving Spouse Corner
Link to CCMOAA Web page
http://www.capecoralmoaa.org
Link to ‘Why MOAA”
http://www.moaa.org/WhyMOAA
Link to Legislative Action Center
http://takeaction.moaa.org/home
Four Star Excellence Award
2005, 2007, 2013, 2016, 2017 & 2019
Five Star Excellence Award
2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,
2018 & 2019
Newsletter Communications Award
Five Stars
2003, 2018 & 2019
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Col Gary Nolan, USAF (Ret)
This month’s breakfast meeting will be held
on February 13th
at 1000, Cape Royal Golf
Club, 11460 Royal Tee Circle, Cape Coral.
Our guest speaker will be Mr. Brian Rist,
Executive Chairman and founder of The Smart Companies,
of which Storm Smart is the largest subsidiary. Mr. Rist
will speak about Honor Flight, the Program to transport
WWII Veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the WWII
Memorial.
Please RSVP for breakfast to Dixie Buick at
[email protected] or call 239-945-5030.
The Florida Council of Chapters will hold its Annual
Convention at the Westin Sarasota Hotel from May 14-16,
2021. Register online at the FCOC website:
http://www.moaafl.org
Our 4th Annual Armed Forces Golf Tournament benefiting
the Lee County JROTC Student Scholarships will be
March 6, 2021, 0830, Cape Royal Golf Club. Please
volunteer to help, donate, have lunch or play golf and
consider donating a theme basket for the raffle that will
be held.
The last request is for a donation of a bottle of booze for
the Booze Basket to be raffled off. Bring all donated items
to the February meeting. This is our ONLY fundraiser and
we need everyone’s help. See the attached flyer in this
newsletter.
“Never Stop Serving”
OFFICERS
President: Col Gary Nolan, USAF (Ret)
Vice President: Lt Col Gary Peppers, USAF (Ret)
Secretary: Jean Van House
Treasurer: Marilyn Stout
Board Member at Large: COL Bill Deile, USA(Ret)
Chaplain: Cindy Nolan
WAYS & MEANS: Lt Col Gary Peppers
SPEAKERS PROGRAM: Marilyn Stout
WEBMASTER
COL Tom Wagner, USAR (Ret)
HISTORIAN: Lt Col Gary Peppers & Carol Peppers
Legislative Affairs: Col Robert Van House,
USAF(Ret)
PERSONAL AFFAIRS: Carol Turiello
VETERANS AFFAIRS:
COL Nick Hubbell, USAR (Ret)
MEMBERSHIP: Col Gary Nolan, USAF (Ret)
PUBLIC AFFAIRS: Jody Van Cooney
SUNSHINE: Carol Turiello
PARLIAMENTARIAN: Marilyn Stout
Newsletter Editor: Carol Peppers
TOPS: VACANT
Finance: Lt Col Gary Peppers, USAF (Ret)
Surviving Spouses: Carol Peppers
All inquiries can be made at:
CCMOAA GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 16, 2021
Jean Van House, Secretary
The CCMOAA January Meeting was called to order
at 10:06 AM. Chaplain Cindy Nolan gave the
invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. We had 20
members in attendance along with two guest speakers, and one new
member sponsored by Tony Stout.
Following breakfast, Marilyn Stout, Speaker Program Chair,
introduced our guest speakers Ms. Kelly Palmer, the Regional
Director for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Suncoast, and Ms.
Jennifer Bice, “Beyond School Walls” coordinator, were introduced
and talked about their programs.
BUSINESS MEETING:
December 2020 meeting minutes were accepted as published
in the newsletter
December 2020 treasurer’s report was accepted after
discussion at the January 2021 meeting.
Gary Peppers, Finance Committee Chair, talked about our
investments and how well they were doing. As of 1/14/2021,
our account is $44,667.38 even after $1,115.00 was moved
into the bank checking account. He then introduced Bryan
Blackwell to discuss our current and future investment
strategies.
Bryan Blackwell with Raymond James, who handles the
chapter investments, pointed out the following:
Since the markets don’t like an imbalance of power in
the government nor a large debt, the chapter should be
investing more conservatively in the next 6-9
months. In the meantime, our more lucrative but also
more risky current investment strategy should work to
our advantage.
The FCOC 2021 virtual leadership training meeting was on
January 9 and 10. Attended from our Chapter, President
Nolan, VP Gary Peppers, Tom Wagner, and Carol Peppers for
Surviving Spouses.
The Communication Award submission deadline is February
1, 2021. Vice President Peppers will submit information
online.
President Nolan applied for a grant through USAA/MOAA for
March 6. It will be our 4th Annual Golf Tournament at Cape
Royal Golf Course.
CCMOAA MONTHLY
BREAKFAST MEETING
(SATURDAY)
1000
Cape Royal Golf
Caloosa Club
11460 Royal Tee Circle
Cape Coral
Cost $12
(Prefer exact cash please)
Breakfast Reservations
PLEASE RSVP to:
Dixie Buick
239-945-5030
PLEASE WEAR YOUR
NAMETAG
If you need a nametag, contact Dixie Buick
Would you like to support your Chapter
through amazon smile? We now have a
charity link that will deposit donations
directly into our account.
Just click the link below.
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/90-0169184
President Nolan will update our membership list. The chapter
needs to inform MOAA of the number of lifetime MOAA
members enrolled as well as the surviving spouse.
President Nolan and his wife Cindy spoke about the March 6 th
Golf Tournament fundraiser and the need for chapter members
to donate baskets and bring in a bottle of liquor to the next
meeting for a liquor basket. A basket/donation sign-up sheet
was passed around for members to contribute. Also, members
can help by making monetary donations to sponsor a tee box
for $100.
MOAA Insurance ad will be submitted again in 2021. By
inserting this ad in the newsletter, the Chapter will receive
$100.
Marilyn Stout as Speakers Chair announced that the February
meeting speaker will be Brian Rist of Storm Smart telling us
about the Honor Flight Program.
Cindy Nolan was voted in as Treasurer in December to fill the
seat it was thought Marilyn Stout wanted to vacate. Mrs. Stout
clarified that she had not intended to resign as Treasurer but
that she merely left the seat open to anyone who desired it, but
she could not attend the December meeting to clarify that
position. Given the clarification of the circumstances, Mrs.
Nolan withdrew her name from consideration as Treasurer,
and Mrs. Stout was voted unanimously to continue in that
position.
Col Tom Wagner swore in the chapter officers for 2021
Gary Nolan – President
Gary Peppers – Vice President
Marilyn Stout – Treasurer
Jean Van House – Secretary
Bill Deile remains Member at Large
The Budget for 2021 was mentioned to the membership and
will be published in the February newsletter.
President Nolan announced that the FCOC convention will be
held in person at the Westin in Sarasota on May 14-16
The Meeting adjourned at 11:15 A.M.
Finance Committee Report
Lt Col Gary Peppers, USAF (Ret)
At the end of January, our invested funds
total just over $41,000, including $641
held in cash with Raymond James. This
reflects the $3,000 of mutual funds we
sold to cover immediate expenses near
the end of January, including scholarship
redemption. The month closed,
unfortunately, on the worst market
trading day since last October, reducing
our investments by nearly a thousand
dollars.
Bloomberg's analyst Martin Cohen
reported the markets reacted across the
board to the new Administration's
emphasis on "climate change" and
minimum wage policies.
Treasurer Report
Marilyn Stout
IBERIABANK
Opening Balance on 1/1/2021 - $347.55
Deposits $
Expenses $
Dues collected $645.00
Ending Balance as of 1/31/2021 $902.55
Florida Council of Chapters (FCoC)
MOAA RESOLUTIONS 2020-2022 (Download a PDF Version)
Upcoming Events
Board Meeting @ 1000 Thursday, February 11th
Cape Royal Golf Caloosa Club All members are welcome to attend
Membership Breakfast Meeting @ 1000
Saturday, February 13th
Cape Royal Golf Caloosa Club
Our Guest Speaker for February
Brian Rist of Storm Smart
Brian Rist is the President & founder of Storm
Smart Industries and the inventor of the
innovative Storm Catcher Wind Abatement
Screens as well as the electronic wind pressure
calculator program. Since founding Storm
Smart in 1996, Brian has dedicated his energies
to customer service, product development, and
company growth as well as community
relations. Rist is also the founder of Storm
Smart’s “We Care” program and most recently
Go Energy Smart.
Throughout the years Brian’s efforts have led
to many personal awards such as; The CEO of
the month News-Press (10/2008), Governors’
Award, Corporate Leadership (2008 & 2010)
and Small Business Man of the Year, South
Florida District 2010.
Brian’s leadership and encouragement has
afforded Storm Smart Industries to win many
accolades including; INC 500/5000 fastest
growing privately held companies 2006-2009,
BEST OF Award from the News-Press 2005-
2013 in two categories, and the Horizon
Council Special Growth award (2008).
Mr. Rist holds a Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration and Operations
Management, University of Lowell, Lowell,
Ma. He is also the author of the “Profiting by
Disaster Preparation” program and a featured
lecturer on Disaster Preparation and Hurricane
Mitigation.
Mr. Rist is also involved with Honor Flight, a
program that transports WWII Veterans
to Washington D.C., to visit the WWII
Memorial.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Our December guest speaker was Mr. Michael Giallombardo, Florida State Representative, District 77, representing Cape Coral. President Nolan
presented Mr. Giallombardo with one of our speakers’ gift.
Our guest speakers for January were Ms. Kelly Palmer, Regional Director for Big Brothers and Big Sisters,
representing the Suncoast area, and Ms. Jennifer Bice, coordinator for “Beyond School Walls.”
Officers for 2021-2022 Marilyn Stout, Treasurer, Jean Van House, Secretary,
Lt Col Gary Peppers, USAF (Ret) Vice President, Col Gary Nolan, USAF (Ret)
MEMBERSHIP
CORNER
Let’s help build our
membership and our
mission of “Storming
the Hill.”
If you have any questions please
contact our membership chair
Col Gary Nolan, USAF (Ret)
Email: [email protected]
(618) 407-6945
The Legacy of a Veteran is
the memory of a Grateful
Nation.
Their faithful service,
honorable character, bravery,
and sacrifice will never be
forgotten.
THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (CCMOAA)
P.O. BOX 100508, Cape Coral, FL 33910-0508 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/DIRECTORY UPDATE
New Chapter Annual Renewal Membership
Name ____________________________________________________________
Please Print
Spouse’s Name ___________________________________________________
Please Print
(Spouses, Widows, Widowers, are welcomed as chapter members
Street Address: ___________________________________________________________
City: ________________________ State ___________________ Zip ______________
Telephone ________________________ Email _____________________________
Rank ________________ Service ______________
Check appropriate boxes: Retired Active Duty Widow(er) Associate *Associate members have the same privileges as other members except that they are
ineligible to vote.
Regular Reserve National Guard
Former Officer Senior NCO
MOAA National Membership No.____________ MOAA Life Member _________
A lifetime MOAA membership does not mean your chapter membership is lifetime.
Signature__________________________________ Date______________________
Dues Amount $________ Scholarship Program $________
Amount Enclosed $_________
Please include a check for $30.00 (New member’s 1st year dues are free.) The check should be made payable to CCMOAA and mailed to: CCMOAA, P.O. Box 100508, Cape Coral, FL 33910-0508 Attn: Treasurer Special Notes: Dues are late after March 31st. Please pay your dues early!
-------------To Be Completed By Treasurer ------------- Date Received ___/___/______ Mail In Person
Check # ____________ Amount $_________ Cash Amount $ _________
CCMOAA 2021-2022 Proposed Budget
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Col Robert Van House, USAF (Ret)
House and Senate lawmakers passed the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act. The
$731.6 billion defense bill authorizes pay and benefits for service members and their
families. The pay raise is 3%, effective January 1. Hazardous Duty Pay increased from $250 to
$275/month. MOAA’s extensive efforts to halt medical downsizing paid off with two provisions
addressing these concerns. Medical Billet cuts prohibit DoD from reducing medical strength authorizations for
180 days following enactment of the bill. It also requires an MTF (Medical Treatment Facility) to have access to
healthcare services through the TRICARE program.
Congress included a provision to make benefits available under the TRICARE Extended Care Health Option
which covers families with individuals who are diagnosed with intellectual liabilities.
Vietnam Veterans have received coverage for illnesses linked to Agent Orange exposure. These are bladder
cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinson’s disease.
Hazardous duty incentive pay for National Guard and Reserve troops was adopted in the final bill. Reserve
personnel who maintain proficiency will receive monthly pay like their active-duty counterparts.
The Bill will allow direct hire of certain retired military members to fill in voids in logistic positions that are
experiencing shortages.
Military families will see improvements in the Exceptional Family Member Program including community
continuity of education for families with special needs members. Military spouse employment issues were also
addressed, including continuing education and national testing.
This year’s CCMOAA ad submission for the FCoC Convention
May 13 – 15, 2021
Improvements to military housing were set forth, including the repeal of DoD authority to lease out substandard
housing and a requirement for the department to implement recommendations outlined in the DoD Inspector
General’s Report.
SURVIVING SPOUSE/LIAISON CORNER
Carol Peppers
No-Cost, Short-Term Caregiver Respite Program Expanding Nationwide
From the MOAA National Website By: Amanda Dolasinski - JANUARY 06, 2021
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the VA are working together to expand a respite care
program for military families, with plans to use it as a proving ground for future programs.
The Respite Relief for Military and Veteran Caregivers program is expanding nationwide to give
veteran family caregivers a break by providing no-cost, short-term aid in their homes during the
COVID-19 pandemic. The VA will review the program to launch a new partnership model for
how the public and private sectors can work together during times of crisis to support military
and veteran families.
“We care about the well-being of military and veteran caregivers and want to provide these
hidden heroes with trusted support so they can take time to focus on themselves,” according to a
statement on the foundation’s website.
MOAA has been an advocate for caregivers, working alongside and in partnership with the
foundation. The groups partnered to create Tips for Lifelong Caregiving, a collection of
resources for caregivers, and last year, MOAA attended the foundation’s launch of the Academy
for Inclusive Care initiative that pairs caregivers with medical teams from the first appointment.
The Respite Relief for Military and Veteran Caregivers program launched in August in select
regions of California, Florida, and Texas. Under the program, caregivers of veterans can apply to
receive 24 hours of respite care from a CareLinx professional to help with companionship,
cooking, exercising, grooming, light housekeeping, medical and medication reminders, mobility
assistance, transportation, and other activities. The services are at no cost to the veteran or the
caregiver.
[RELATED: Fraud Alert: Army CID Reports Rise in Impersonator Scams]
Since the program’s limited launch, more than 3,132 hours of respite care have been delivered to
veteran and military caregivers, according to the VA. Respite care allows families opportunities
to take a break from their work and use the time for themselves.
Qualified caregivers can apply for the program online. Questions about the application process,
eligibility, or other issues with the program can be emailed
Cape Coral Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America P.O. Box 100508 Cape Coral, FL 33910-0508
Serving All Military, Veterans, & their families in the
Cape Coral area … and beyond!
Members of the Cape Coral Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, P.O. Box 100508, Cape Coral, FL 33910-0508, publish
the Cape Coral Communicator monthly, except June, July and August. The Chapter is a non-profit, non-partisan, and tax-exempt
organization, affiliated with National MOAA and the Florida Chapter of Councils, MOAA, not associated with the Department of Defense.
The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of MOAA, the Florida Council of Chapters, The Chapter, of DOD.